Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 18 of 20)

He was a lonely worker. and relied largely on his own unaided observation for his knowledge. Isolated by conditions of his life, he did net know the educating influences of society work. He was a busy man, with little leisure for the indulgence of lterary or other tastes. He possessed, however, what no books or laboratories ean furnish, and that is: a capacity for work, willingness to be helpful, broad sympathies, honesty, and @& great deal of common sense. His greatest fame was the feajty of a few friends; his recompense a final peace at life's twillght hour. He was a hardworking man, beloved and revered by aJl. He was discreet and Silent, and held his counse} when he entered the sick-room. In every famjiy he was indispensable, important, and oftentimes a dignified person. He was the adviser of the family in matters not always purely medica). As time passed, the circle of his friends enlarged, his brain exPanded. and his heart steadily grew mellower. Could all the Pleasant, touching, heroic incidents be told in connection with the old doctor it would be a revelation to the young physician of today; but he can never know the admiration and love in which the old doctor was held. "How like an angel light was his coming in the stormy midnight to the lonely cabin miies away from the nearest neighbor. Earnest, cheery, confident, nis presence lightened the burden, took away the responsibility, dispelled the gloom."

Dr. Oliver Wendell Hotmes has graphically described the old doctor's daily routine: 'Half a dollar a visit - drive, drive, drive, ali day; get up in the night and harness your own horse - drive again ten miles In a snowstorm; shake powders out of a vial - drive back again, if yee don't happen to be stuck in a drift; no home, no peace, no continuous meals, no unbroken sleep, no Sunday, no holiday, no social intercourse, but eternal jog, jog, jog in a sulky.''

He always responded to the call of the poor, and gave freely his services to those who could not pay without Heated Who can narrate the past events In the life of such a man? His deeds were "written upon the tablets of loving and grateful hearts, and the hearts are now dust. The Jong and exhausting rides through storm, or mud or snow; the exposure to contaBions; the Patient ils by the bedside of Pain; the kindly deeds of charity; the reassuring messages to the desPondent; the shielding of the innocent; the guarding of secrets; the numberless self-abnegations that cannot be tabulated, and are soon forgotten, like the roses of yesterday." Wealth did not flow into the oid practitioner's coffers; In fact. he needed no coffers. He was a Poor collector, and with all his effurts he obtained but little, and never what was his due. As an offset to the generally acknow]- edged abilities of the old doctor in every other line of his work, it must also be admitted that he was usually deficient in business tact. Often content with the sentiment of aPparent appreciation of services rendered to his patrons, of lives saved, of sufferings assuaged, and of health restored, he was too easily satisfled with the reflection that he had a very noble profession, but a very poor trade.

Though poor in Purse, he was rich in heart, im head, and in public esteem. He made at least a very measurable success of life, if success corsists in being of some smal! use to the community or country in which one lives; If it consists in having an intelligent, sympathetic outlook for human needs; if it is success to love one's work; if it is success to have friends and be a friend, then the old doctor has made @ success of life.

Fillmore County Medical Society. - This association was organized in the fall of 1862. The first meeting was at the office of L. Redmon, D., In Preston, and about ten members constituted the society at that time. The objects were for mutual benefit, particularly to increase the medical knowledge and skill of the members. The first officers of the society were: President, R. W. Twitchell; vice-president, Wilson; treasurer, A. H. Trow; corresponding secretary, G. M. Wills; secretary, T. BE. Loop. The other members were. Lafayette Redmon, Luke Miller, J. M. heat, M. Downelly, C. H. Robbing, R. L. Moore, A. Plummer, A. F. Whitman, H. Pickett, J. A. Graves, H. C. Grover, R.

W. Hoyt, and M. A. Trow. For several years the society was in an active condition. There was a reSular fee dil, and other accessories to such a society, and ft had a vigorous growth and life, but the interest finally declined, and in 1879, it passed out of existence. The last officers of the society were: President, R. L. Moore; vice- president, Cc. Grover; treasurer, L. Redmon; secretary, A. F. Whitman.

Fillmore Eclectle Medical Assoclatlon. - This society was organized July 31, 1869. at the office of Dr. O. A. Case, in Preston. The first_ officers of the society were: O. A. Case, President: John A. Ross, George A. Lone. J. J. Morrey.. The organization kept up until 1876, when it was dissolved.

The Houston-Fillmore County Medlcal Soclety was organized May 2, 1904, at Preston. The first officers were: President. W. E. Browning: vice- 'ig « dent, W. B. Grinnell; secretary. Drake; treasurer, L. K. Onsgarad. oe present officers are: President, J. T. Dunn; vice-president, W. B. Grinneil; secretary, O. F. Fischer; treasurer, L. K. Onsgard. The present members are: W. E&. Browning, J. D. Utiey. F. A. Gowdy, G. R. Reay, J. C. Hooslef, G. M. Helland. J. C. Laurin, C. W. eee, L. K. Onsgard, Cyrus B. Ebby, J. T. Duna, F. A. Drake, George

First District. Dr. C. K. Onsgard for Norway, Rushford village aap city, Peterson, and Arendahl. A. P. Lommen for Holt, Carrolton, *Whalan village, and Pilot Mound.

Second District. Dr. A. W. Powers for Fountain, south half of Chatfield, and south half of Jordan. Dr. C. W. Woodruff for north half of Chatfield, north half of Jordan and alt of Sumner.

Third District. Dr. W. N. Ken@rick for Spring Valley town and milage Bloomfield and Beaver. Dr. J. Dunn for Wykoff village, Fillmore and north half of Forestville. Dr. E. Simons for south half of doveatetiia and all of York.

Fourth District. Dr. F. A. Gowdy for Harmony and Bristol. Dr. Geo. R. Love for Preston town and village (including Fillmore county jail) and Curimona.

Fifth District. Dr. C. W. Cady for Newburg. Mabel village, and Preble. Dr. 0. A. Kibbie for Canton and Amherst (including poor farm) at a salary of $87.00 per annum.

Beginning of the Postal System - First Postal Service in America - First Postoffice in Fillmore County - Names of Early Offices - History of Present Offices - Establishment of the Rural Routes.

The postal seryice is a feature of government as old as the written history of man. The influence and accomplishments of the postal service have practically extended the progress of commercialism throughout the world. So far as history records, a system of communication was evideutly conceived by Cyrus shortly after his conquest of the Persian empire in the year §50 B. C. That systematic ruier sought to keep in touch with the affairs of his vast domain, and to that end required his governors to write to him Sronehty about their several distriects. In order to make these communications safe and expeditious he built post roads throughout the empire and established posthouses at distances along these rorads. The service, however, both in ancient and medieval periods was established for the government alone and not for the 8eneral public.

The first postoffice which was establighed for the general public was in 1516, between Berlin and Vienna. In 1523 England established 4 postal sys-~- tem, but it was only used for communications between members of the royal family.

The postal system in America dates from 1639, when the General Court of Massachusetts. by an ordinance. legal~- ized such a system and directed that all letters brought from across the sea or tO be sent to parts of the colonies, should be left at the house of Richard Fairbanks, in Boston, and by him sent te the proper destination. He was allowed a Penny compensation for the transmission of each letter and was accountable to the authorities for any dereliction of duty. The pe system, however, in the e¢éarly eolonial days, was somewhat of a go-as-youplease system.

Benjamin Franklin, the father of our postoifice system, was appointed postmaster at Philadelphia in 1737, and in 17538 he was appointed deputy postmaster Seneral for the Colonies.

In 1785 the Colonies decided to manage the postal business on their own responsibility, and appointed Benjamin Franklin postmaster general at a salary of $1,000 a year, authorizing him to establish postoffices from Maine to Georgia.

President George Washington, in 1789, appointed Samuel Osgood, of Massechusetts. the first postmaster gfeneral of the United States. At that time there were but seventy-five postoffices. yielding a revenue of less than

Today we have over 60,000 postoffices, yielding a revenue of over $200,000,000. About a thousand million letters and postal cards are now distributed in the United States every month. The service has grown and expanded to such & degree that twenty years ao would have been considered extravagant, and yet the service is Practically in its infancy. But it already forms an Intricate network over all our Jand and extends to the far-off island possessions, and yet its achievements are not nearly at an end.

The first rural route in the United States was established in the fali of 1896. Fifteen thousand dollars was exPended during that fiscal year.

The first postoffice jin sillmore county was established in 1854. Early in the spring of that year the settiers residing in the northeast part of township 101, range 9, (Canton) the south half of township 102, range 9, (Amherst) and the northwest part of township 101, range 8, (Newburg) made arrangements with Elijah Austin who resided on the west half of section 11, 101, 9, (Canton) to get their mail onee a week from Burr Oak Postoffice in Winneshiek county, Iowa, which was on the Brink & Walker stage route from_ Dubuque to St. Paul, until a posteffice could be established and_a postmaster appointed on Riehland Prairie, Minnesota. A postoffice was established Sept. 1, 1854, with Elijah Austin as postmaster. Feb. 26, 1856, B. F. Tillotson was appointed postmaster. June 30, 1856, Ole H. Valder was appointed mail carrier, April 25, 1858, Michaei H. Onstine was appointed postmaster. These commissions are still in the Possession of M. H. Onstine of Henrytown, and are interesting relics of the early history of the county.

Other hostoffices were established in 1854, and soon every little stopping place on the stage lines was designated a Posteffice, with its regularly appointed postmaster. after the railroads came through, the little villages still retained their offices. In 1882 there were no less than thirty-nine postoffices in the county as follows: Alba, Amherst, Arendahl, Boomer, Bratsberg, Bristol, Canfield, Carimona, Chatfleld, ig Grove, Clear Grit, Tlliota, Etna, ilimore, Forestville, Fountain, Granger, Greenleafton, Hamilton, Hurdal, Harmony, Highland, Isinours, Lanesboro, Lenora, Mabel, Newburg, Peterson, Pllot Mound, _ Preble, Preston, Prosper, Rushford. Scotland, Spring Valley, Washington, Whalan, Watson Creek and Wykoff. Other postoffices were established later as mentioned in the various township histories.

Since November 1, 1900, when the first ruraj routes were established in this County, there has been a gradual decrease in the number of offices there being at present fifteen as follows: Chatfield, Spring Valley, Ostrander, Wykoff, Fountain, Peterson, Whalan, Rushford, Lanesboro, Preston, Har-

Spring Valley Postoffice was established in June, 1855. John M. Smith, who was expecting the appointment as postmaster, went down to Decorah, Towa, with an ox team and brought home @ breaking plow, @ load of flour, and the documents from Washington. The office was opened in a building on what is now the Crawford Kellogg farm, east of the village. Thomas C. Watson, the owner of the land, expected that the village of Spring Vailey would be established there.

In 1856 the office was moved to the present site of the villege, and opened with Willard Allen as postmaster. on the southwest corner of Broadway and Jefferson street. At first the maii came from Decorah at intervals of about two weeks. The arrival of the bare back rider dispatched for it was a great event. Afterwards it became a 'star route" so called. from Elliota, by way of Forestville. Later the mail came from Chatfield. Finally Spring Valiey was placed on the La Crosse, Rushford and Austin stage route, receiving mai] daily. In 1869 the railroad came through, and the office was designated as a money order office.

After Willard Allen had served as postmaster, John M. Smith agaln became postmaster, with George Wilder as deputy, and moved the office to the store he had opened at tne sontheast corner of Courtland street and Broadway. When B. F. Farmer became postmaster he moved the office to J. F. Stevens' store, on the present site of the First Nationai Bank. Later he moved it to the east side of Broadway, about midway between Courtland and Jefferson streets. D. A. Sullivan followed B. F. Farmer, and established the office in his harness shop, on the west side of Broadway, in the place he still occupies, just south of the present postoffice. . L. Kellogg moved the office to its former location on the east side of the street. midway between Courtland and Jefferson streets, and S. M. Wilder kept the office at the same place. [. W. Thayer moved the office to its present location on the west side of Broadway, a@ few doors north of Courtland street. He served as postmaster for nine years. Sidney_ J. Huntley became postmaster in January, 1911. Goldie Caswell is assistant and I, W. Thayer, clerk. The gross receipts for 1911 amounted_to $7,552.82.

Spring Valley has four routes, the postoffices at Washington and Hamilton having been discontinued in 1903. Routes 1 and 2 were established Nov. 1, 1900, the first carriers being F. H. Viall and J. H. J. Week. The present carriers are D. C. Hendershott, Jr., and George W. Plummer. Routes 3 and 4 were eStablished March 2, 1903. M. B. Rumsey the first carrler on route 3, resigned in 1911, and his place was taken by Edward E. Derby. A S. Baldwin, the first carrier on route 4, resigned in 1910 and his place was taken by Christopher J. Nesheim.

Preston Postoffice. - In the earliest days, the people of Preston went to Carimona for their maif. In 1855 the Preston postoffice was established, and mail was brought here by the stage line of Wheeler & Nichols. The first onor of whom the town was named. He was a millwright and a good mechanic, and a gentleman of honor and integrity, but during his administra- tion there were some postal Irregularities. Thefts of the maiis were traced to this office, and he was arrested and tried and sent to the state prison, although the belief is universal that he was not guilty. Taking all the facts and circumstances into consideration, it is certain that his remaining sijent and submitting to bear the punishment and obloquy of the crime, was an act of herolsm. As a slight measure of reparation he Was soon Pardoned.

Following Mr. Preston came T. J. Eames, D. B. Coleman and W. B. Conkey. Oct. 4, 1867, the office was authorized to do a money-order business. After W. B. Conkey came B. S. Loomis who served from Jan. 16, 1874, to Aug. 10, 1885. Thomas Hall served from Aug. 10, 1885, to Oct. 31, 1889; C.. Peterson from Oct. 31, 1889, to Jan. 1, 1894; M. C. Shook from Jan. 1, 1894, to Feb. 6, 1898. Laurence O'Brien, the present Songetent postmaster, took office Feb. 5, 1898, and has served continuously since that date, giving general satisfaction. He is assisted by Hulda Hahn, a genial and efficient officlal.

Luther Preston kept the poastoffice in his building on the south side of Main street, a short distance east of St. Anthony street. It was moved to the Conkey building on St. Paul street; from there to the present site of the Kerr restaurant, west of the courthouse square; from there to the old Tom Hall building on the southeast corer of Main and St. Paul streets. It was there about eight years. April 8, 1898, it was moved to the Odd Fellows' building, north of courthouse square. March 29, 1902, it was moved to its present location east of courthouse square.

Preston is the center of five rural routes. On July 1, 1902, the offices at Carlmona, Forestville, Prairie Queen, Healy and Bristol, were discontinued into this place, and on Oct. 14, 1905, the patrons of the offices at Greenleafton, Hutton and Isinours began receiving their mail by rural route from this office.

The office was _ originally fourth class. It was raised to the third class in the early day, reduced to the fourth class in 1887, and the following year raised to the third class. The gross pears for 1911 amounted to 35,-

Route 1 was established Nov. i, 1900, Frank Ashton being the first carrier. Routes 2, 3 and 4 were established July 1, 1902, the first carriers being Ezra P. Fifield, Archie V. Ashton and Frank M. Davis. Route 4 was established Oct. 16, 1905, with Dan W. Flynn as carrier. The present carriers are: 1, Elva L. Palmer; 2, Ezra P. Fifield; 3, H. ark; 4, George S. Kaump; 6, Carl M. Hanning; substitutes, Lelia Fifield, Mary Clark, Gust Knutson.

Harmony Postoffice was established in 1872. Previous to that time postoffices bearing the names of Peterson and Windom had flourished near the present site, but they became extinct at this date. The first postmaster, P. T. Larson, served until] 1887. Following him came J. A. Lund, 1887 to 1889; Tosten J. Johnson, 1889 to 1892; A, G. Gray, 1892 to 1895; M. McCarty, 1896 to 1899; S. Aaberg, 1899 to 1911. Lewis O. Haugen was appointed in 1911, and is now serving. The assistant Is 0. N. Thundate, and the clerk, Heima Erickson. Harmony postoffice became @ money order office In 1889; a third class office, Jan. 1, 1907; and a postal savings bank office, ov. 10. 1911. Three rural routes were established July 1. 19u2. R. O. Fosburgh, PF. J. Clark and F. C. Bastian, the first carriers of routes 1, 2 and 3, respectively, are still serving. The postoffice has been located at, or near, its present site for the Dast twenty-five years. The quarters were enlarged when the present postmaster took charge in 1931. and new fixtures and equipment Installed. It is now said to be the best furnished third class office in this part of the country.

Whaien Postoffice was established in the earliest days of the Village in_the store of Carr & Smith, with John Carr as postmaster. Other early post- Masters were Mr. Ward, J. Walker, Dr. Ring and A. Backman. The office is located in the center of the town, on the southwest corner of block 11, west of the Milwaukee station, which ig in the same block. The two story frame building in which it is housed. is owned and occupied by the postmistress and her family. he present postmistress, Mrs. Myrtle V. Haasarud, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Dunham, of ne Valley, recelved her appointment Oct. 2, 1911, succeeding her husband, L. H. Haasarud, who held the office for nearly fourteen years, and resigned to accept another position in the grain business. There are three rural] routes, the carriers being: 1, T. L. Helland; 2, John Bostrack; 2, H. M. Manson. These routes were established July 1, 2 The first carriers were: 1, O. A. Roningen; 2, K. J. Bostrack; 3, E. H. Thompson. The office is fourth class, with registry and money order depurtments. lara Hildested_ is chief clerk. The postoffices at Highland and Rud have been discontinued to this point.

Fountain Postofflce - The flrst postoffice which served the farmers of this vicinity before the village of Fountain was established, was called Farmers Grove, and was located about two or three miles northwest of the present site of Fountain and was presided over at different periods of thne by John Vaughn, Dexter Frink. James Scott and others whose names cannot be learned. Upon

'cuntain, about 1870, it was placed in charge of Aleck Kerr, who was postmaster until the appointment of Dr. A. . Powers, who held the office from 1873 to 1875 inclusive. _Dr. Powers was succeeded by John Halverson, who served from 1876 to 1879. R. C. Belius served from 1880 to 1884. T. A. Sorenson served from 1885 to 1889 except a part of the Year 1886. when O. D. Hicks held the office. Patrick Mangan was postmaster from 1890 to 1893, and Michael McDermott held the office from 1894 to Jan. 14, 1898, after which Patrick Mangan was again placed {n power. L. 8. Scatt, the present capable Pes srakers has served since July 1, 1907.

Rural route No. 1 was established Aug. 1, 1902, carrier, Martin L. Cummings. Rural] route, No. 2 was estab- Hshed Oct. 15, 1905, carrier, Neil Nilson. The same carriers are still serving. There is also a lock pouch service between Chatfield and this office.

Rushford Postoffice. - -The first postoffice was established in Rushford in the summer of 1857, with C. G. Hilbert as postmaster. Some time in the late sixties the office was moved from the private residence of the post-

With the election of Lincoln In 1866 a change of postmasters followed. Hiram Walker was the next named and was succeeded by G. W. Willis. he in turn by Geo. W. Graham and Samuel G. Iverson. Dennis Murphy served two months and was superceded by Peter C. Hill. Next came L. J. Amble, who served during 1889 and 1880; Geo. E. Kirkpatrick. 1891- 1882 and Edward Hallahan, 1893-1897. Geo. E. Kirkpatrick was reappointed in December, 1897, and with the expiration of his term on Aprli next will have served over elghteen years.

The office was made a money order station July 15, 1869, the first order issued being drawn on Stoughton, Wis. It was raised to the third class in 1898. The postal savings bank was opened Oct. 15, 1911.

r. Kirkpatrick started the innovation of having a lady clerk in the office, installing Ida Steeland in 1891. During his present term he has had Julia T. Olson five years, Olga Peterson seven years, artha Moe two years and his present clerk, Selma Laugen, two years.

_The following postoffices have been discontinued and consolidated with the Rushford office on account of the establishment of the rural service: Vogen, Arendahl, Hart and Bratsberg. Rural service was established July. 1802, with routes 1, 2 and 3. Oo. 4 in 1905, and No. 6 in 1909. The first carriers were: 1, Charles Murphy; 2, Benjamin Johnson; 3. Andreas Ness; 4, Ole K. Quarve; and 5, Mike Burke. The present carriers are: 1, William A. Parish; 2, Peter Alm; 3, Andreas Ness; 4, Ole K. Quarve; and 5, Mike Burke.

Peterson Postoffice was established in the decade a ag the Civil War. Even {jetle was the first postmaster. Willlam Franklin, the next postmaster. kept the office at his house. He was followed by Lars Olson (Myre) and N, Helgeson. Other postmasters have been: . ©. Thompson, O. H. Moen, I. A. Boyun, ©. A. Ladahl, N. J. Amble and J. C. Dayton.

in December, 1868, with C. C. Abbott as postmaster. On July 1, 1876, Luke Miller was commissioned as _ postmaster. July 21, 1879, O. G. Wall was installed in the office. Following him came V. Rossig, John Muller, M. G. Fellows, C, Scanlan and H. E. Glasoe, the present official. _ Chatfield Postoffice was established in 1854 and was located on Winona street. Edward B. Gere was appointed postmaster. He was succeeded by Samuel McLarty, who resigned in 1861. raised a company and went to the war as its captain. He was succeeded by his brother, Malcolm McLarty, who held the office until February, 1885, with the exception of the year 1867, when the office was conducted by W. L. Briley. In February, 1885, John R. Jones was appointed postmaster. He resigned in 1887 and was succeeded by Harry L. Atchison, who heid the office for five years. He was followed by Major George Andrus. In 1896 came John R, Manahan, who died while in office in 1898, and was succeeded by the former postmaster, George Andrus, who he}d the office until October of that year, when John Chermak, the present incumbent, was aDPpointed. His assistant is Fannie Jansick, and his clerk, Flora Mundill.

Since the late fifties the postoffice has been conveniently iocated in various parts of the business portion of the city on Main street. In December, 1878, it burned, but mail were saved. In 1879, Mr. Mc- Larty, the postmaster, built the brick building now occupied by the Buzzell Drug Store and kept the office there until] he resigned in 1886, when it was Moved to a room in the rear of the First National Bank building. About 1887 it was again tnoved to the Hassett building now used as a public library. It remained there untll March. 1910, when it was moved to the Underleak Block opposite the Medary House, being fitted out with a completely new equipment. It was made a_ postal Savings bank in October. 1911.

There are six rural routes from this office. Rural route No. 1 was established in June, 1900, with James Purvis as carrier; route No, 2, established May 1, 1901, Eimer Clayton, carrier; route No. 3, May 1, 1901, Corwin M. Johnson; route No. 4, May 1, 1901, Urban Gotdsmith; route No. 5, May 1, 1905, George C. French: route No. 6, May 1, 19u5, Elbridge A. Balcom. The present carrlers are as follows: Route 1, Willias A. David; route 2, Otto A. Burbach; route 3, Jeptha Turner; route 4, Urban Goldsmith: route 5, Lawrence Cain; route 6, Jesse Goldsmith. In October, 1901, the postoffice at Pilot Mound was discontinued and mail supplied by Chatfield and Lanesboro routes.

Canton Pastoffice was established in the fall of 1879 and was called "Boomer." John Manuel was the first Postmaster until James Manuel, his deputy, assumed the dutles of the office in July, 1880. Following him came Willlam Willford, Carey Abbott, R. A. Sturgeon and the present pcstmistress, Georgiana, Sturgeon.

On January 1, 1880, Canton township had within its limits the following Postoffices: Elliota, Lenora. Presper and Canton. In April, 1882. the Eiliota post offices: Elliota, Lenora, Prosper first day of May, 1902, rural free delivery of mail was established with two mali routes from Canton of twenty-five miles each, which were numbered as route one and route two. The first mail carrier on route one was Irwin Harsh, followed by Homer Barnes, Roy Norton, and Willie Kimball, the present incumbent. The first mail carrier on route two was B. B. Hudson, who still is In the service. The Lenora postoffice was discontinued soon after route one was supplied with mail by the carrier. The Amherst postoffice was also discontinued to this point.

Prosper Postoffice was established and named by E. B. Clark, who was appointed postmaster and kept the office at his house, Since then the postmasters have been: Enoch Rollins, John LaPage, Joseph Ernst. F, R. Miles and Oscar Dahl. The latter is serving at present. Wis assistant is Ella Dahl, and his clerk, Glen Scott. A rural free delivery route was established April 1, 1903. with Roy W. Hazel as first carrler. The present carrier is John C. Rollins. The office was made a money order Office, April 1, 1903. and a posta! savings bank was established May I, 1912.

Wrykoftf Postoffice. - In 1858, a postoffice was Started in this town, in sectlon thirty-three, and was called 'Free Soil." Joseph Blanchard was the post- Master, afterward M. Felt was appointed. In 1872, it was removed to Wykoff and the name changed. i Egieston was appointed postmaster. Charles W. Crain succeeded him in 1879. Following him came L. G. Kilborn. Fred Wendorf, the present postmaster, assumed the duties of the office July 1, 1894, and has done excellent service. The offices of Fillmore and Watson Creek nave been discontinued to this point, the former on Oct. the latter on Nov. 10, . _ Rural route No. 1 was established July 1, 1902. The first carrier was W. E. Winslow and the present one, Edward Laugan. Emil J. Affeldt, the first carrier on route 2, fs still serving. A postal savings bank was established here May 1, 1912.

Ostrander Postoffice. - The postoffice at Ostrander was started in 1890, in the store of Hans Hanson and L. E. Lundby, with L. E. Lundby as postmaster. He was succeeded some two years later by H, O. Larson. Eugene Ostrander was the next postmaster, with H. O. Larson as assistant, the latter having charge of the office. Then came John Schonsby. He served s0me nine years. Emi] Duckstad was postmaster a year, and then L. E. Lundby assumed the duties of the office, a position he retains at the present time.

The postoffices at Etna, Cherry Grove and York have been discontinued to this point. Two rural! routes were established in 1899 with O. H. Gullickson and C. . Swenson ag earriers. Another was established some three years later. The present carriers are: Alfred Jameson, Herman Lundby and Ingeman Lundby.

Mabel Postoffice. - The Postoffice at Mabel was established in 1879, the postoffice for this locality previous to that time having heen at Betiviile. The first Postmaster was Fred Taylor. Since then the postmasters have been: 1881, W. C. Bacon; 1886, J. N. Hooper; 1888, E. R. Thompson; 1892, ie (Ge Hellickson; 1898, A. Jones; 1906, D. W. Jones to the present time. The office is located in the drug store of A. Jones & Son, and the service is giving general satisfaction to the patrons. The office was originally fourth class, and was changed to the third class, October, 1910.

The offices of Newburg, Riceford, Preble. Choice and Tawney have been discontinued into this office by reason of the rural delivery. Route 1 was established July 1, 1902, with A. A. Miner as the first and present carrier. Route 2 was established March 2. 1903, L. W. Waite being the first carrier and M. A. Carpenter the present one. Route 3 was established Oct. 1, 1904, A. H. Lageson being the first and present carrier,

Granger Postoffice is the only postoffice in Fillmore county which is not located at a railroad point. The office was established in 1857 In charge of Cc. Lewis and B. Granger. Thé

Representative Churches

Filimore county has been a church community from the days of ita earliest settlement. No sooner were the Pioneers housed, than they hegan to think about providing means for chureh services, and for the education of their children. It is this fact that has made Fillmore county the Jaw-abiding, prosperous locality which it is today.

In pianning the present work, the editors reserved a space for the hiatory of every church in the county. Many pastors and secretaries have failed to respond to requests for information, and some churches, therefore, have been omitted, although the publishers would gladly have printed the history of all.

The sketches herewith given are the stories of the representative churches, and thelr perusal will give the reader a genera! idea of the inculcation and growth of the religious sentiment of the county.

Methodist

The Methodist Eplscopal Church has seven charges and seventeen churches in Fillmore County. The Chatfieid Charge, presided over by Rev. EB. C. Teachout, has a chureh valued at $7,500 and @ parsonage valued at $1,- 600. The Fountain and Wykoft Charge (separated by the 1911 conference into the Fountain and Fillmore and the Central Prairie and Wykofr Charges) has four ciurches valued at $4,300 and one parsonage valued at $1,200. The Harmony, Granger and State Line Charge has three churches valued at $5,700 and a parsonage valued at $2,400. The pastor is Rev. R. J McKelvey. The Lanesboro, Canton and Lenora Charge has three churches valued at $7,000 and one parsonage valued at $900. The Pastor Is Rev. William Wooley. The Mabel and Prosper Charge has two churches valued at $4,500 and a parsonage valued at $2,200. The pastor is Rev. W. W. Smith. The Preston, Waukokee and Carimona Charge has three churches valued at $13,000 and & Parsonage valued at $1,200. The Pastor is Rev. H, I. Pharo. The Spring Valley Charge has a church valued at 310,000 and a parsonage valued at $2,500. Its pastor, Rev. T. A. Jones, is one of the ablest clergymen in the county.

Early Methodism. - Organized Methodism In Fillmore County had its beginning In 1854, when Rev, Benjamin Christ held services In the historic old first schoolhouse in Fillmore County. This schoolhouse was on Richland Prairie, near the present site of Lenora. Rev. Christ organized a class of about twenty members.

John C. Dyer was appointed to the Riehland Mission, embracing practically what Js new Fillmore County and a part of Olmsted, but containing only one Organized ciass, that at Richland Prairie. Hey. Dyer came here at once and visited the people of the organized class at the Lenora schoolhouse. He found two Methodist famijles at Preston and made an appointment there, after which he visited Martin Kingsbury, six miles south of Preston. in secuon 26, Carlmona. Thence he went to Carimona Vilage, and from there to Rochester, then a very smali village. Later he returned to the state line after visiting Spring Valiey and Elliota, and stepped a tiime with Garwood Bursell. On this trip he arranged for a regular two weeks' circuit with eight aypointments. In addition he visited Brown's Mills. now Riceford, once in a whiie. Every Sunday he preached two or three times and served the other appointments evenings. He also found time to take a claim in what is now sectlon 2, Canton township, cornering near the old Lenora schoolhouse, at that time taught by William Willford, the boy schoolmaster, who with his pupils joaned the parson considerable assistance in erecting his cabin.

The first Methodist quarterly conference in Fillmore county was held in the Lenora schoolhouse Dee. 1, 1855. The first Methodist communion In the county was also celebrated at that time. Those present were James M. Graham, C. B. Williford, T. J. Eames and LeRoy Streetor. This meeting was followed by a revival serles which continued for three weeks, meetings belng held every evening. Among those who joined the church at this time were C. C, Streetor and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Willford. Anthony WIlford became a travellng preacher. James Bursell was also recommended to the conference but never asked to be assigned to a Charge.

A short time afterward a_ revival meeting was held fn the Bursell neighborhcad, some four or five miles south of Lenora, near the state line. The day after Christmas. 1855, a class was organized consisting of twenty-two members, four or five of whom presented letters from older churches, and the rest of whom were recelved on probation. In two years this class had grown to fifty members. -

A few days later, jn January, 1856, a@ class was orfanized at the home of Martin Kingsbury, south of Preston, in the Waukokee netghborhood. Ten Persons joined, but before the winter was over, this number had been inereased ta seventy.

In the spring of 1856 Rev. Dyer surveyed and platted forty acres of his farm as a Village which he named Lenora, and deeded it to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

They were to pay him $50,00, but in lieu of this he took two lots. The proceeds were to be devoted to the erecting of a church. A place was also cleared for a camp meeting &round in a grove on the Eastman piace, southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 11, township 101, range 9, a mile southeast of Lenora. In this grove, In 1856, was held the second camp meeting ever ussembled in the state of Minnesota, the first having been held in Red Wing. Rey. N. Hobart, presiding elder, and Rey. Benjamin Christ, as well as Rev. Date were present. At the annual conference of Minnesota held in Red Wing in 1856, Rev. Dyer was returned to the same service, but the name of Richland Mission had been changed to Preston Circuit. In 1860 the annual conference was held in Preston. Thus began the history of Methodism in Fillmore County.

Rey. John L, Dyer, rough, uncouth, eccentric, was one of the nobiest soldiers of the cross who ever set foot in Fillmore County. A miner in early life, he acquired some money, and then became converted. After preaching as a local preacher In Wisconsin some four years, he was ordained and_received elders' orders at Racine, Wis., and was assigned to Richland Mission in Fillmore County. He labored in this vicinity six years. Undaunted by hardships this valllant Christlan, wearing a dilapidated plug hat, presenting, with his gaunt, strong, rugged physique, a strange picture on his raw-boned horse, rode his circults, enduring untold hardships and deprivations, serving his people wherever he found them. In 1856, as before related, he platted Lenora. When he came here he had $1,600, hut in going security for notes for the upbuilding of the church and of Lenora village, he lost his all. fay 9, 1861, he left Lenora for the destroyed. His alleged creditors had taken his ai], even his personal effects, leaving him a horse with saddle and bridle, and a carpet sack In which was contained a Bible. a hymn book, a copy of his church discipline, a copy of Loraine's Sea Sermons, a change of linen and $14.75 in gold.

Certainly no prophet, Seeing this quaint figure disappearing into the westward, could have foretold_ his devotion to the miners of the West was to win him the title of Montana's Sreatest citizen, or that an heroic statue of his gaunt lineaments would some day become almost a Mecca In the capito)] building In Cheyenne.

First Methodist Eplscopa! Church of Spring Vailey. - The First Methodist Episcopa! church organization of which we have any knowledge in the northwestern part of the county was formed in the autumn of 1854, In a schoolhouse between John Fat's and Crawford Kelloge's, which was about one mije from the site of the present church in Spring Valley. The first preacher was Rev. Benjamin Christ, and the charter members of the class were John Bateman, Eliza J. Low, John Low and Elen Low. At this period Spring Valley was an appointment in a circuit known as the Elk Prairie Mission.

In 1856 the Minnesota Conference was Organized, and Spring Valley circuit formed one of its charges. Elijah Tate was the preacher in charge with C. Kellogg as assistant. The points of this circuit were Spring Valley,

Hamilton, High Forest, Frankford, Kedron, Jordan and Pleasant Grove. The principal members at this time were fEienry Low, Eliza Low, John Bateman, who organized the class out of which the Spring Valley church grew, and Boyd Phelps, Jesse Cartlich, Joseph Cartlich, Charies Cartlich, Jacob Oakey, E. Buckingham, G. Fesler, Henry Prosser and one Mastery.

Nothing of importance transpired, according to the record, until the autumn of 1864, when John Klepper was appointed to the hoon A new parsonage was purchased for six hundred dollars. The first record book was at this time purchased. The pastorate of W. H. Soule, which lasted three years, from 1867 to 1869, was eminently successful. At this time the first parsonage barn was built and added to the church property. The church was the upper story of a blacksmith shop which was finished up for the purpose. in 1872 the first Sabbath school was organized with L. C. White as superintendent. A bell was purchased and placed over the hall, and also a new Organ installed.

In the spring of 1876 lots en ag chased for a church building. E. Whitman, M. Lowes, A. W. Johnson, C. W. Wagner, C. M. Clark, W. W. Bonecon, J. A. Broadbent were appointed a building committee to bring about the erection of the new buiiding, which was begun in 1876 and dedicated by Dr. B. I. Ives of Auburn, N. Y., assisted by Dr. Chaffee, the presiding elder, in 1878. 'The pastor at this time was H. C. Jennings, who served a full term (three Years was the limit at that time) and did very effective work. He has had a successful career at the head of the publishing interests since the General Conference of 1906.

Any history of the Spring Valley Methodist Episcopal church would be incomplete without mention. of the pastorate of J. J. Christ. Owing to the great crop fallures of 1878 and 1879 many of the subscriptions to the new church could not be paid and a large debt was allowed to accumulate which hampered the work for many years. Rev. Christ formulated plans for the successful liquidation of the debt. John L. Halbeut, with other lay members, rendered invaluable assistance, The next pastorate of note was that of Thomas Hambly, which covered four Years from 1890 to 1894. The church was redecorated, and a new parsonage puilt - the one now occupied by the pastor's family - and material additions made to the church membership each year. In the pastorate of E. J. Durham, a preacher of exceptional ability, who transferred from the Rock River Conference to the Minnesota in 1902, William Strong presented the church with the present ellegant pipe organ in memory of his beloved wife, Phebe Strong, who had been a devoted member of the church, J. C. Evans, a young man, wae ap- Pointed to the charge in 1906 and served very acceptably until he was stricken with pneumonia and died in his_third year.

The minutes of the last Annual Conference, 1911, reports the number of members 211, the valuation placed upon the property holdings $12,500. The church raises about $1,800 anuually for its current expenses and benevolent work. The business is Managed by an official board comprised of the following: Louise Allard, George Beagle, Mrs. George Beagle, W. J. Berryman, get | Berryman, John Dunham, f. P. oodwin, J. C. Halbket, Marie Hoffman, W. J. Hughs, ©. F. Kumm, Emery Link, F. KE. Maxson, Mrs. Mary Olds, G. M. Plummer, Homer Percival, L. H. Prosser, C. H. Smith, Mrs. C. HL Smith, M. W. Thompson, H. H, Wallace, Mrs. Stella Wilder, Philip Zimmerman, Roy Shepherd, C. H. Farrington.

The Sabbath school has an enrollment of 175, with an average attendance of 125. Mrs. C. H. Smith is the efficient superintendent, and W. A. Berryman the assistant. Pearl Smith has charge of the primary department and Mrs. W. A. Berryman supervises the cradle-rol] and home department. The graded lessons are used aud monthly missionary programs given in the schoo}.

Mary Berryman is president of the Epworth League which has about fifty inembers who engage in work among the young people. The cabinet is formed out of the officials, the president. the first vice-president, Aurilla Smith; the secon vice-president, Velia Tobler; the third vice-president, Myrtle Lyman: the fourth vice-president, Helen Hawks: the secretary, Emilie Kaulbarsch, and the treasurer, Loyd Tobter.

The Ladies Ald Society has 4 membership of forty, which very materially assists in the lc expenses of the church, Mrs. Mary Olds {is president; Mrs. George Beagle first vice-president; Mrs. Homer Percival, second vice-President; Mrs. Eva Lesiie, third vice-president; Mrs. O. W. Kaulbarsch, fourth vice-president: Mrs. C. H. Smith, treasurer, and Mrs. Arthur Cook, secretary.

No record of the church ts available from 1854 to 1864, save the minutes of the quarterly conferences which unfortunately did not record the marviages or deaths. The first marriage tecorded is in 1864, on May_1§, Earl Goodwin to Eliza Boxholm. Both still live in Spring Valley. The first Infant dedicated to baptism waS Mary Minnesota Teter, March 11. 1865. The first record of a death is that of Alfred Curren in 1864, of whom it is recorded that he volunteered and afterward died. Owing to the fact that no record was kept of the marriages, deaths and baptisms for the first ten a much of the early history Is ost.

prominently in the church, several are here mentioned. John Bateman_organized the class. John L. Halbeut gave sometimes up to half of his income to help tide the church through those awful days of depression caused by the wheat failure of 1878 and 187», and for ten years served as Sunday school superintendent. He also served on the trustee board since 1878, and is still active. Mrs. Phebe Strong was one of those devoted souls that had much to do with shaping the course of the church's activitles until the time of her death. Her daughter. Mrs, Cc. H. Smith, is at present Sunday school superintendent, treasurer of the Ladies Society, and a member of the official board. At large expenditure of time and money she has jabored constantly for the welfare of the church. This elect lady Is one of God's noblest laborers in his vineyard. She is ably assisted in alt her efforts by her husband, C. H. Smith, who never wearies of doing good.

Methodist Episcopal Churches of Preston, Waukokee and Carimona. - It appears that the first Methodist minister to find his way into this part of the country, was Rey. Benjamin Christ, of the Wisconsin conference. He covered what are now the counties of Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha. It is said that he preached several times in the vielnity southwest of what is now Preston. It has also been said that Rev. Thomas Hackney preached at the home of Edwin Pickett, in Carimona, as early as 1854.

In the fall of 1855, Rev. John L. Dyer was appointed to the Richland Mission, which included a large territory in the southeastern part of what is now the state of Minnesota. That same fall he visited the Methodists at Preston, at Waukokee and at Carimonk. and a few months tater. In January, 1856, formed a class in the Kingsbury settlement. It has been said that this meeting was held at the schoolhouse, but Rev. Dyer himself ts authority for the statement that the meeting was at Martin Kingsbury's house. The original members were: Daniel Dayton and wite, Mrs. Joseph Weymouth, James Rolfe, Daniel Hurlburt and wife, Martin Kingsbury and wife, Andrew Organ and Mrs. Joseph Painton., i

In August, 1856. the Methodist Minnesota Conference was organized. at Red Wing. with Bishop Mathey Simpson as presiding bishop, and Rev. Dyer was sent to Preston Cireuit to continue his work. In 1857, Rev. D. O. Slyke was assigned to the Preston Circuit. In 1858 came Rev. Zara C. Norton, and the records show that he received a salary from the appolntments at Preston. Waukokee. Big Springs, Bristol, Elliota. Granger, Kingston's. Carpenter's, Bursell's. Lenora and Johnson's. Nathum Tainter came next. In addition to the appointments just mentioned, he was fiven charge of the work at Union, Harmony, Savage's, Henrytown, Edmonds' and Bellville. At the end of his pastorate there were 197 members and 90 probationers. He had two assistants, J. R. Allen and Join Vaughn. Aug. 8 1560. it was voted that the territory in the county. west of El- Hota and north of Kingston's. be made a separate circult.

Ira Ellingwood came-in August, 1866, and preached at Freston, Waukokee, York, Harmony, Cranger, Big Springs and Savage's. He became pastor of the United Bretheren

Church. The next preacher was Alonzo Hitchcock. To the appointments left him by his predecessor he added Forestville in 1862 und Bristol Center In 1863. In September, 1864, James Dore arrived. He preached regularly at Preston. Waukokee, Big Spring, Bear Valley, Bristol Center and York. During the second year he added to his charges Granger, Stone schoolhouse and Carimona. This_pastor erected the old pursonage at Preston. James H. White came in_1866. His charge consisted of Preston, Waukokee. Granger and Carimona, but during the second year Granger was dropped and Forestville taken in its place. During the second year of his administration, the society at Preston which had been worshipping firet In a log house and then in the schoolhouse, purchased the brick schoolhouse and fitted it up for a church. W. C. Shaw came !n 1868 and served Preston, Carimona and Lanesboro. Nothing seems to have been done with the Waukokee work this year. In 1871 came M. D. Terwilligar. In 1873, Yanesboro became a separate charge and the Preston circuit was given to J. M. Rogers who preached at Carimona, for a time at ag and then at Waukokee.

A. B. poe, came in 1875 and Mintel" "i reston, Carimona and Waukokee. Near the end of his second year, Carimona was dropped and the Fountain and Scotland appointments added. Waukokee was made a part of the Granger work, thus leaving Preston, Fountain and Scotland in one charge. During this pastorate the parsonage was enlarged.

Up to this point no records had been made. In 1877 B. Blain became pastor, and with the assistance of Mr. and Mrs, Martin Kingsbury and Danie! Dayton, compiled an early history of the church and established 4 system of _records.

Weaukokee. while a part of the Granger work, was served by B. Randall, and the Messrs. Sheets and Terwilligar. In 1878 Waukokee was dropped from the Granger work.

in 1887, but does not appear to have preached at Waukokee. [In_1588 came J. W. Ravelil. Fret A. Hawke, to whom the church owes much for the preservation of its records, caine in October, 1893. During his pastorate the present Preston church was built in 1894. The Watnkokee church was formally organized Jan. 17, 1895, and a church edifice was soon thereafter constructed at that place. In 1897 came Carl A. Anderson. and the Carimona church was erected under his charge. Charles D. Lewis supplied a short time in 1899 and then came C. . Morse. T. A, Jones was here from 1991 to 1994. Then came A. Petrie followed by Lincoln Hughes. Methodist Episcopal Church = af Mabel. - -The beginning of this ehurch was at the old red schoolhouse of Bel'ville. The first services were held in the sixties or seventies. J. Lamberson was the first regular preacher and then the sermons were weeks apart. Leonard Bacon, Julla Bacon and a few others first started a Sunday school. In 1879 the village of Mabe! was platted and chureh or- Sanization met in the red schoolhouse for a year or so after. Then it was Moved to the new village and services were held in the depot, over the bank, in the village schoolhouse.

The present church edifice was built in 1882 under the pastorate of Thomas HI. Kinsman, and dedicated Sept, 10, 1882, by Rev. J. F. Chaffee. Some of the officers and members were Leonard Bacon and wife, C. W. Bacon and wife, Julia Bacon Justus Seelye and wife, J. G. Miner and wife, and Mrs. Wm, Loomis. The pastors lived first at Lenora, then at Canton until in 1902, when the pastor, being single, boarded three years {In Mabel. The next one parsonages were rented for a year, while the present one was being built. It was ready the latter part of 1906, and cost $2,200.

There are about cighty ent in the church. Among each J. Miner, A. A. Miner, R. J. Stroud, Mrs. Hellickson, Mrs. Halnes, Willis Bacon. Geo. White, John Manuel and Geo. Thomes. - By Mrs. ee C, Bacon.

Prosper Methodist Episcopa! Church. - In 1892 a Methodist Episcopal church thirty by sixty feet was erected on the east side of section 35 in Canton township and in the hamlet of Prosper on a lot donated to the soclety by David Donald, This edifice was built at a cost of about $1,200. which was obtained by subscription and from the Methodist Episcopal church extension fund, Church sessions are now_held in this church by the Methodist Episcous! and Norwegian Lutheran Societies.

Lenora Methodist Eplscopal Church. - The first preaching in the locality where Lenora is now situated was by Benjamin Christ, a Methodist missionary who traveled on foot In 1854 between Brownsville and Chatfield, Minnesota. When making these trips he held meetings in some settler's cabin on Richland Prairie. In 1865 Rev. John LL. Dyer appeared and staked off a claim which was the southwest quarter of section 2, township 101, range $, and in the fall commenced to build a log cabin near the southeast corner of bis domain. In April, 1856, he platted the town of Lenora, 'and the follow!lng winter began to boom the new village by circulating a subscription to obtain money to build a church. which tas to be a stone structure of large dimensions, two stories high, the upper story to be used for school purposes and the lower story for church servyice. The material for the walls was furnished gratuitous!y by the settlers in the surrounding country, and the walls were up ready for the roof in the late fall of 1857. This was the year of the Panic, money was scarce, and nothing had been paid on the subscription. The fall rains caused the walls of the church to settle and erack. tumble down, and two members of the church. who were emigrants from the Buckeye State, paid the expense that had been incurred.

In 1865 Rev. Mr. Maples was assigned to this charge. He being an industricus man soon commenced the erection of another stone church of less dimension, which was built within the walls of the building that had fallen down. A mason wus employed and Mr. Maples and James M. Graham mixed the mortar and conyeyed the material to the skilled workman that iaid up the wall. This stone church was completed and dedicated in 1866, Elder Daniel Cobb preslarns. Up to this time church meetings were held in the first house built in Fhimore county for school purposes, which was located near the southeast corner of the Lenora town plat. The stone ehurch built In Lenora in 1845 is still used for church sessions.

Canton Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first church service in this town was held in the blilllard hati of S. A. Capron In the fall of 1881. by Rev. T. H. Kinsman, of the Lenora charge. In 1883 a frame church with a spire was erected by C. . Morgan, the contractor, at a cost of about $1,700. The Canton church society absorbed the Ellista charge, thus forming 4 good and substantial church society.

Methodist Episcopai Church of Lanesboro. - The first service held by the Methodist Episcopal church society of Lanesboro was in the chapel, so Calied, a building crected by the soclety on East Third street. This was In 1868. Rev. De Voe was the first Pastor and the first families who attended the church at this time were those of Beardsley, Greer. Cook and Nash.

About 1875 the present commodious brick church was erected and dedicated. The builders of this church were Aaron G. Nash, James Greer, R. Greer, J. H. Gravis - as the heavy subscribers to the fund - and H. J. Cook aiso; these with Seneral assistance from the public. The church was not fully paid for untii 1888. when the chapei was sold. the funds applied upon the debt. and the church was cleared from indebted+ ness. About 1892 the present commodious Parsonage was erected and vuid for, largely through the efforts of A. G, Chapman and wite. The church property is entirely free from debt. The present church building and thea parsonage are beautifully Jocated in Brookiyn on Main street. 'The society and the Sunday school have always been of limited membership. but composed of many of our energetic, teading people. This society has dane much for temperance and tn mouid thls community and make this vil- Jage one cf the moral. pleasant places in this state. Many of the early members have passed away. The present pastor ts Rev. William Wooley. - Contributed.

Eniiota Methodist Eolscopal Church, - Service was first held in this town fn a Stone schoolhouse that was erected In the west part of Evllota In 1856, and was continued In this schoolhouse unth Jss$. when Jt was destrnved bv fire. Later the walls were purchased by the members of the church: repaired and used far religious meetings up to the time the citizens deserted the town, The Methodist church at Canton vitnge absorbed the Congregation {in 1883.

Chatfleld Methodist Eptscopal Church. - On May 28. 1859. the Methodist church at Chatfleld was dedleated to the worship of Ged. A large number of people were present. and all the mintsters from the neighborhood.

A collection was taken up which cleared the society from debt, except to the amount of about $100. This was among the very first churches in Fillmorecounty. Among the early preachers were: Revs. John D. Rich, BD. Tucker, John W. Stugdlll, Nahum Tainter, N. Lathrop, Andrew J. Nelson, B. Blain, J. R. Creighton, O. C. Gregg, A. M. Stevens, W. Carver, W. C. Shaw, J, L. Fasig, J. W. Yokom, H, C, Jennings, M. O. MeNiff, G. F. Wells, C. H. Horn,

Granger Methodist Episcopal Church. --A Methodist society was organized in 1859. Rev. Mr. Dyer was the eariiest preacher after the society was formed. In 1867, a church was built in Granger, It was quite a good frame building, costlng about $1,500, ang was afterwards converted Into a hail, but was burned In 1878. In 1877, this society purchased the Congregationallst church, which Is in Lowa. Among the early ea may be named, Rev. A. . Fuller, Rev. Nathan B. Randall, Rev. George A. Sheets, Rev. E. A, Terwilliger, Rev. A. D. Stanton, Rev. A. P. Bunce, Rev.

Methodist Episcopal Congregation of Pleasant HIil. - As early as 1854, the Rev. Benjamin Crist came to Spring Vailey from La Crosse where he made his headquarters, wading the brooks and swimming the rivers, working in the cause with true apostolic devation, Setting around here once in four weeks. On the completion of the schoolhouse for district No. 114, meetings were held In it by Elljah Fate, and a class was formed the same season. Rev. Moses Maples was the first regular supply after this, and there was a great revival that affected the whole neighborhood. In 1860, a2 Sunday school was started.

The Newburgé Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Congregation. - The organization of this soclety was on May 20, 1860, under the supervision of Rev. H. H. Haailand, in whose charge a church was built the same year. He was succeeded by Rev. N. Christopherson. Other carly pastors were: Rev. Halverson Knudson, Rey. Halverson A. Johnson. Rev. Mr. Lindquist, Rev. A. Olson, Rev. O. L. Hanson, Rev. Mr. Knudson and Rev. A. Olson, Religious services by adherents_to this faith were early held in Hans Valder's barn, and in his house.

Preble South Fork Norweglan Methodist Episcopal Society. - Thig chureh was Organized in 1874 by Rev. A. Olsen, of Newburg. and under his supervision a neat little frame church was constructed. 24x34 feet, near the residence of Ole Richardson, the folflowing year. Revs. O. Hanson and A, Knudson were early Pastors.

PiHiot Mound Methodist Eplscopa! Soclety. - An earlv religious soclety orfanized in Pilnt Mound was _ the Methodist. on Sunday. May 23. 1858, by Rev. Ezra Tucker, the Preacher in charge of the Chatfield circult of the Methodist Enisenral church, with nine members. W. Wendel! was appointed class Jeader. The first Prayer meeting was held on Sunday, June 13, 1858. The first class meeting was held on July 4. 1858. The first Sunday school was started by Rev. Mr. Tucker on July 2h the same year. with Mr. Wendell as superintendent.

Spring Valley Westevan Methodist Soclety. - In the year 1879. Rev. Robert Hardy held services in Spring Vailey and organized a soclety in July, in Willard Allen's hall.

Fountain Protestant Methodist Soclety. - Rev. George J. Stephenson, in 1855, preached in the house of Hosmer H. Winslow, in section five. Fountain, and afterwards In Theodore Trumbull's residence, in the same section. In 1856, Rey. Stephen Jones, from Chatfield, preached at Mr. Trumbull's and the next Summer o:8anized a society. and meetings were heli in several places in the neighborhood, and afterwards in the schoolhouse No. 75. He continued preaching here until 1877, except one ycar when Rev. Caleb Austin officiated. Elder Stephen Jones and Rey. Alonzo Hitchcock preaciied in the schooihouse in district No. 80, soon after it was built. Elder Jones Was a man of whom more than a passing notice should be given. He was an apostolic kind of a preacher, who was always ready to minister to any flock, when there was @ prospect of aay ood. and this he did witnout haope of fee or reward. He was the faiher of the late John R. Jones, of Chatfield, and was highly respected over a wide range of territory.

Presbyterian

There are nine Presbyterian churches in Fillmore county. he Presbyterian chureh at Preston was untii recently in charge of Rey. J, BE. Darling. The Canton, Richland Prairle and Lanesboro Presbyterian churches are in charge of Rev, K, L. Jones. The Chatfield, Cummingsville and Washington Presbyterian churches are in charge of Rev. W. R. Reynolds. D. D. The Jordan Presbyterian church hag no pastor. The Rushford Presbyterian church is in charge of Rev. George Stanley.

Presbyterian Church of Chatfield. - The ee of this church is recorded in the books as follows: *'Chatfleld, June 21, 1857. Pursuant to notice given on two successive Sabbaths, the following persons remained after service In the Baptist chape! for the purpose of organizing a Congregational or Presbyterian church as the mafority Shall decide: viz.: Joel S. Sawyer, Isyae] McBiderry and Catherine, his wife; Chauncey _ G. B. Jones, Joel Ketcham, J. C. Easton, Martha Biodgett and Revs. E. D. Holt and G. K, Clark and several others. Rev. G. K. Clark was chosen moderator and GE. D. Holt, secretary. After some consideration it was resolved, 'That we proceed to organize a Presbyterian church.' The persons mentioned above were then constituted a church with prayer by the moderator. The Jetters not present to be presented at future meetings. The articles of faith and covenant adopted and published by the Synod of Peoria some years since were presented and adopted. Adjourned to meet two weeks from today.- - E. 2D, Holt. secretary."

The record does not state how the vote stood deciding to make the church Presbyterian, but it is reported that the vote was a tie and was decided by the casting vote of the moderator. On Juiy 21 a number of letters were presented and the organization completed by the election and@_ ordination of Israel Mc- Elderry. Joel Ketcham and C. G. b. Jones as elders. The new church became connected with what was known as the New School Presbyterian body which at that time stood for a strong anti-slavery sentiment and a more liberal theology than the Olid School church. he New School body was closely affiliated with the Congregational church in Home and Foreign Mission work, contributing to the American Board and to the American. Home Missionary Society. The Chatfield church received ald from the latter society for & number of years. Of those who took part in the original meeting on June 21 and the adjourned meeting of July 21, only Mrs. Mary Cariisie Fraser, of St. Charles, and Mrs. Julia Sawyer, of Brooklyn, N. Y., survive. Mrs. C. R. Holt, now of Sioux City, was probably Present but was not received @8 a member until January, 1858 Mrs. Margaret Mc- Culloch was received at the earilest date of any member now living in Chatfield, viz., April 10, 1858. Rev. Gardner K. Clark, father of Henry M. Clark, of this city, preached to the new chureh in connection with his church at Saratoga until May. 1859, when Rev. E. D. Holt became acting pastor. Rev. Mr. Ciark was a man whose amiable temper and lovable disposition endeared him to al! who knew him. He rendered efficient service In laying the foundations of the new church _ enterprise. Services were held in the stone building now ewned by Mr. Frank Bandie.

A movement for church edifice was begun in 1859, but the building was not_ erected untl] 1860 and was occupiled In the autumn of that year. It was located on the corner of the Present church grounds, cost about $2,000 and was occupled until January, 1898, or over thirty-seven years. Rev. E. D. Holt, who was active in the organization and work of the church from its beginning, continued acting pastor until his death, June ii, 1865, after an iliness of five weeks. Mr. Holt had done much hard work the previous winter when revival meetings were held for several weeks.. His death was felt to be a great loss to the church. The fruits of these revival services were gathered Into the church during the summer and autumn of 1865, fifteen persons being received on profession, the church bein still without a pastor. The membership in 1860 was 45; fn 1862, 52;.in 1866, 76. Mr. Holt's pastorate covered the entire period of the Civil War, when the attention of the people was constantly fixed upon the varying fortunes of our side in the conftict, and so large a share of those able to go were enlisted In the army, making @ very difficult period to conduct church work.

October, 1865, the New School Synod of Minnesota met with this church. Among those present were Rev. Dr, H. M. Kendal), of New York, Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, and Rev. Dr. F. A. Noble, of St. Paul. The church remained without a resident pastor until Octoher 1, 1866 when Rev. Rufus King. of Jamestown, N. Y.. became acting pastor, remaining until June 1, 1867. In the summer of 1867 the church building was repaired and improved at the cost of about $800.

In July, 1867, Rev. J. L. Howell, of Stillwater. was Invited to become pastor, accepted. and remained with the church until June, 1873. In the summer Of 1872 Mr. Howell received a vacation of several months, employinf Rev. W. S. Holt, who was present with us in April, to supp'v the pulpit in his absence. Mr. Howell was greatly affileted during his residence in Chatfield by the sudden death of his daughter as the result of an accident, and some years later by the death of Mrs. Howell. In 1869 the church had 71 members and 74 in 4870. Rev. Willis Lord, D. D., who had for many years made his summer home on a farm near Chatfield, acted as pastor for a year ending July, 1874. On October 26, 1874, Rev. Samue) Howell Murphy was invited to act as pastor. The invitation was accepted and Mr. Murphy remained until July, 1877. In January snd February, 1875, revival meetings, conducted by the pastor, were continued for six weeks or more. Ags the direct result of these services, twenty-elght pcrsons were received on Profession In March, 1875.

The church, up to this time, had received ald from the Home Mission Committee. This was discontinued in 1875, and the church, for the first time in its history, became self-supporting. May 26, 1875, J. S. Sawyer, who had been actively connected with the chureh at Chatfield from Its organization and had been superintendent of its Sabbath school for many years, died at his home In Chatfield.

In July, 1877, Rev. Murphy pecs to an urgent call from the Gaboon Mission in West Africa and returned to that fleld of labor soon after. A cai] extended to Rev. 3. P. Lewis, now of Macalester, on Sept. 10, 1877, was declined and Rev, G. W. Riggle supplled the pulpit for about two months ending in November, 1877. In February, 1878, Rev. F. P. Dalrymple accepted an invitation for One year and Mr. Dalrymple continued in charge until. June, 1884. The number of members in 1878 was 102; in 1881, 109; in 1882, 90, and In 1884, 95.

Rev. Samuel Howell Murphy. who had acted as pastor from 1871 to 1877, was formally called as pastor June 23, 1884, and having accepted commenced hls tabors July 27, 1884. Mr. Murphy was the first pastor of this chureh to be formally called and instaled In that office. The present manse was built in 1885, costing, with the lots, about $2,000. Rev. Mr. Murphy having gathered a considerable congregation at Cumminégsville in 1889 undertook the work of gathering funds for a chapel at that place, which was erected in the autumn of that year at a cost of about $700. The work was continued with the Cummingsville church aS a part or mission of the Chatfield church until 1902, when they became a _ separate Presbyterian church and the church property at Cummingsville was conveyed to it by this church. Rey. Mr. Murphy having heen pastor continuously for nine years and including his previous term of service for twelve years, resigned his pastorate in the early summer of 1893. On August 14, 1893, Rev. D. Hi. Rohrabaugh was engaged as stated supply and continued in chatge for two years.

On Sept. 16, 1895, Rev. George S. Hays was called a5 pastor and having accepted continued his labors until November, 1900. This pastorate was made especially memorable by the consummation of that which had been looked forward to for many Years but had for one cause and another been postponed; viz., the crection of a new house of worship. At the annual meeting. May 11, 1896, a committee of five was appointed to see what could he ralsed for a new church, but owing to the unsettled financial conditions prevailing that Year, no active steps were taken. In 1897, however, the committee having added two members, proceeded to cir- culate a subscription and at the annual meeting in May was instructed to build a church in that year. The Holt property having been purchased, contracts were made and the_building of the new church Droceeded with. Some. delayS occurred and ihe new church was not dedicated until January 19, 1898, the sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. A. B. Meldrum, of St. Paul. The church, including furnlshings and lot, cost nearly $7,000. This was ali paid or provided for, Including the amount pledged at the dedication, except $200 or $300, which was afterward paid.

On December 1. 1900, Rev. Mr. Hays was succeeded by Rev. Allan Bell, D. D., of Winona, who continued to act as pastor until May, 1904. Dr. Bell's labors are so recent a date and he is so well remembered by all, that it is not necessary to give any details. He was followed in September, 1904, by the present pastor, Rev. W. R. Reynolds, D. D.. who came to us from Cincinnatl, Ohio._-By G. H. Haven.

Presbyterian Church of Rushford. - On the first of May, 1855, there came to Rushford William W. Snell, who Preached the first sermon on May 6, 1855. in a iog cabin owned by S. S. Stebbins. Services were kept up most of the time at that cabin until Mr. Snell completed a house of his own. This was used for a church on Sundays until the year 1860. Then the Congrefational church of Rushford was organized, May 19, consisting of William W. Snejl and Jane E, Snell, his wife, who received letters from the Congregational church of Lenora, Minn.; Mrs. Lucinda Newcomb, received by letter from the Reformed Protestant Dutch chureh of Prattsville, N. J.; Mrs. Emiline Ada Hitchcock, received by letter from the Third Prebyterian Church of Brooklyn, N. ¥., and William D, Stark, received by Profession,

The chape! was first built on the corner Of section 11, where the .road turns to go to Winona, some sixty rods north of the bridge. The first load of lumber was brought on the Sround February 4, 1860. The work Was undertaken by VWilllam WW. Snell without asking any assistance, but the privilege to help was offered to all. Help was most cheerfully) rendered by the community and $100 was sent to ald the work by E. ©. Imerson and friends in Boston, Mass. The Jadies of the Home Circle raised $20 towards getting a bell, and enough more was contributed by friends in the East to Kir. Snell while on a visit there to purchase one weighing 712 pounds. The bell was shipped toe La Crosse and brought from there by Ruben Wlittamore on January 1, 1862, and was rung on that day while susended by ropes. In the full of 1867 he church was moved down into town on lots 35 and 36 Gove street. and in the spring of 1868 was enlarged and about one hundred sittings added. On October 17. 31887. Wiliam W. Sneli, On account of Mrs. Snell's health, asked to he relieved from the obligation to minister ta this church and this request was Sranted. They moved to California, where Mrs. Snell died about a month after and Mr. Sneti ten years later.

The congregation then secured O. Pf. Champlin from fowa t@ preach for them. He commenced the first of January, 1888, and continued as pastor unth October 24, 1889. On January 12, 1890, the church extended a eall to

Rev. Richard A. Clark, of Lanesboro, to be pustor. He was a Presbyterian minister. In 1893 the Rev. Robert Tweed, of Fremont, Minn., was cailed to be pastor and he reorganized the ehureh into a Presbyterian body and the trustees of the Congregational church deeded al! the churen property to the trustees of the Presbyterian church. Robert Tweed served as pastor for one and one-half years. In the year 1894 Hev. Harry Kreemers, of Princeton Seminary, came on the field and was pastor for one year. Un or about May 16, 1895, 1. M. Swander, from McCormick Seminary, Chicago, came on the field and was Pastor for about a year and a half. On November 15, 1896, Rev. Harry Kreemers came back and was installed as pastor. The subject of building a new church was discussed and it was agreed to build one, as It was much needed. The chair appointed John McLeod, William Robertson. J. H. Moore, James A. McKay, E. G. Kingsford, J. G. Roberston and H. Kreemers to constitute the church building committee. This committee bought a lot in the center of tawn, raised the money, let the contract to Knutson Bros., of Rushford, and work was commenced as soon as the frost was out of the ground. Qn October 9, 1897, it was finished and was dedicated free of debt and with about $60 in the treasury. The cost was about $3,000. On October 10, 1898, the old church and lot were sold and steps taken to build a ''manse."" Work was conimenced in the spring of 1899 and finished in September. It cost about $1,800. On November 24, 1901, Rev. H. Kreemers tendered his resignation as pastor and there was no pastor until the next spring when Rev. F. A. Stead preached about four months. <A cali was then extended to the Rey. Jesse Marhoif, of Michigan, who served about a year and a half. Qn May 15, 1904, a cali was given to Rev. George Stanley. of Pratt, Minn., which was_ accepted. He was installed and served as pastor for etght years. May 14, 1912, a congregationa) meeting was called for the ag eee of giving a ca)} to Rev. John Cc. Bantley, Kasson, Minn. He com- Mmenced work on June 1, 1912. The membership now is about eighty, and the church is out of debt with a food prospect for the future. The elders of the church are: A. McDermid, J. C. St. John, D. H. Otis. B. H. Moore and John McLeod. The trustees are: Wil- Ham Robertsen, James G. Robertson. Otis, Henry D. McKay and H. Moore. The Sunday school superintendent is Alice G. Moore. The dresident of the Missionary Society is Mrs. Mary Otis.

The First baptism took place on August 11, 1861, at the church when Arthur Thorp Snell was baptized. The first member after the organization was Mrs. Margaret Reppy, admitted by letter on November 18, 1860. The second was on January 12, 1861, Angus Chisholm and wife, Ann, and John BE. Knapp and wife, E. Knapp. The first death occurred_on September 16, 1866. when Angus Chisholm died. He was the first that was buried in Qak Grove cemetery, which was started in 1869 on the southeast corner of northeast quarter of section 14. There is no record of births or Marriages in the church. The first Sunday school was started in the spring of 1857 with five scholars, consisting of Mary Beel Cameron, George Hitchcock, Gamalia Newcomb, Tom- mie Snell and John McLeod. The school has been kept up most of the time ever since. 'he Ladies' Aid and the Women's Missionary society are doing a good work for the church. They meet Once a month. - By John McLeod.

Richand Pratrie Presbyterian Church, commoniy known as the acot- Jand Chureh - At the house of John Gilfillan, on the southwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 18, 1v2, 9, now the property of H. G. and J. Danlelson, on the evening of February 3, 1860. Rev. Sheldon Jackson, the first Presbyterian minister to visit this region, preached a sermon to about forty persons. Some of those Present were: Mr. and Mrs. John Gilfillan and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Lider, James Elder, Mr. and Mrs.

Qn March 14 following he again pierce in the same place to about ifty persons. Qn June 29, 1860, Rev. Hugh L. Craven commenced to preach to these people every third Sabbath during the summer. On August 5, of the same year, Rev. Sheldon Jackson administered the. ''Lord's Supper" to the paces Gathered in the grove near the Henderson schoolhouse - in district No. 46, known as the Scotland school, which is stili standing. Eighteen persons communed and Ann Wiiza Milne and Janet. Patterson were baptized there. In September, 1860, Rev. James Frothingham commenced to preach to this community on alternate Sabbaths.

Qn Monday, November 13, 1860, was organized ''The Richiand Prairie Presbyterian church of Preston township, Fillmore county, Minn.," by a committee of the Presbytery of Chippewa, consisting of Rev. Sheldon Jackson and Rev. James Frethingham. The meeting was held in the Henderson schoolhouse. A sermon was Preached by Rev. Shetdon Jackson from the texts Matthew xvi, 24 and 25, and Luke xiv, 26 and 27. At the conclusion of the sermon a full explanation of the object of the meeting was made and those persons wishing to organize thetnselves into a distinct church of Jesus Christ in connection with the Presbyterian body were requested to present themselves. The following persons responded: James Elder, Willam Elder and wife, Henry Milne and wife, Robert McCallum and wife, Mary Salisbury. Mrs. Mathew Lang and Duncan Murray. <All of these had been members of the Presbyterian chureh of Seotland except Mrs. Salisbury, who was a member of the Episcopal church of Nova Scotia, and Dunean Murray. who was accepted on "profession of faith." At this meeting William Elder and Duncan Murray were elected elders by a unanimous vote and on November 25, 1860, Duncan Murray was ordained an ejder by the laying on of hands. William Elder was not ordained, he declining to serve. On March 30, 1861, Daniel Salisbury was admitted to church PrivileSes on profession of faith. He was the husband of Mary Salisbury. one of the charter members. Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury later removed to Big Stone county, Minn., where they died, he at the ripe old age of 103 and she at 102, having been married over eighty a and dying nearly at the same ime.

an elder on July 7, 1861, and - excepting for & short absence in the West - served untit the time of his death which occurred on January 26, 1875. Rev. James Frothing§gham resumed preaching to this congregation on January 1, 1863, and served them until October of same year when Rev. A. S. Kemper took up tne work which he continued unti] April 3, 1867, when he resigned. On March 8, 1867, at a meeting held for that purpose Wm. Hider, John Hutton and Daniel Salisbury were elected to the oflice of ruling elders.

On May 26, 1867, Rev. A. J. Stead became stated supply of this church and conducted a parochial school during the same summer. Sabbath school hud been organized and held during the summer of 1864 and has been maintained with some intermissions ever since. In the fall of 1867 the congregation decided tO build a church and during the winter of 1867 hauled most of the lumber from Rushford and on March 20, 1868, a contract was stgned by Henry Milne, James Elder and Robert Hutton, trustees of the church, and George Isenhour, contractor, for the erection of the church which was bulit during that summer and dedicated in the fall. The church is still in good repatr and services are held in it every Sabbath. It is known as the '"'Seotland echurch." The church was built by individual subscription whose names are as follows:

Rev. A. J. Stead continued to surety the church untit June 1, 1871. n July 23. 1871, Rev. H. L, Craven commenced to supply the church with services every two weeks and continued until the latter part ot the Year 1873. On Apri). 1874. Rev. J. H. Carpenter became the stated supply of the church and continued until Aug. 12, 1877. The church was without supply untll January 26, 1878, when Rev. Geo. Williams served until March 4, 1879. when he resigned. From this time till Oct. 24, 1893, there was no stated supply for the church. On that date Rev. J. R. Jones commenced his labors with the church and continued until May. 1894. In the first of the year 1895 Rev. P. August Schwarz Came and served the Ccharfe for about two and one half years. In the spring of 1898, Rev. A. J. Stead again became stated supply of the church and continued till the time of his death which occurred at his home in Canton. Minn., on August 3. 18907. On May 17, 1908, Rev. O. B. Peters became stated supply and served until March. 1910. On October 18. 1908, John Turner and John McCollum were elected ruling a John Turner died on April 3,

The church session at the present time is composed of Rev. R. IJ.. Jones. pastor; John McCollum, eider. The church officers are John Grant. Geo. H. Miine and Chas. Dunn, directors. - By John McCollum.

Elder M. G. Fellows of Lanesbro, and Elder Joseph Dawson of Henrytown, represented the Winona Pbresbytery. Rev. Abbout had charge of the meeting and received twelve as charter members: Daniel Shutt and wite, kiora Shutt, C. W. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. LaFayette Johnson, Lannie Johnson, Mrs. Alma Hurso, Mr. and Mra. John Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Beaeh. Cc. W. Graham and Daniel Shutt were elected elders of (he church and Rev. John Aijlison was continued as stated supply. He had gathered the congregation together at the beginning. For a time the congregation gathered in the schoolhouse. 'lhe church was built under the pastorate of Rev. John Allison and dedleated in 1885. Pastors and stated supplies have been as follows: Rev. Jonn Allison, stated supply June 1884 to 1887; Rev. R. A. Clark, stated supply 1888 to March 1846; Henry Moore, stated sup- Ply summer of 1890; - - - . Gillis, stated supply summer of 1891; Alfred es

. E. Crystal, student supply summer 1901, Rev. B. A. Fahl, stated supply November 24, 1902 to 1903; Rev. Brooks Hitchingés. stated supply for a time, Rev. O. B. Peters, pastor, June 1908 to March 1910; Rev. R. L. Jones. stated supply Noveniber 20, 1911, to the present time.

The Sunday schoo! is in a prosperous condition under the leadership of J. A. Fife. The Willing Workers society, a women's society, is wide awake and helps in the church work. Mrs. Robert Heales is president.

In 1912 the church made an effort and purchased a property itn the south Dart of town for a '''manse." Geo. Young and Thomas Rice are the present elders. The number of members at present is twenty-three. - By Rev. R. L. Jones.

Wises etn Presbyterian Church. - In 1870 this association was organized, and a lot purchased from M. §S. Harwood for $125. A Chureh edifice was started in 1871 and completed in 1875. Rev, George Ainsley held the first service In this church. April 22, 1877, Rev. H. Wilson became pastor. Various Other Pastors served at_ various times, untll 1907, when the Rev. W. R. Reynolds was placed in charge. The first elders were Willlam Foster and John Lilley. Other elders have been Joseph Brown. David Irving, R. Parkhill and A. Liebold. S. Anderson, who furnishes this Information, has been elder since 1893.

Henrytown Presbyterlan Church was organized February 14, 1881, the offi- CiatIng minister belng Rev. Mr. Dalrymple. assisted by Revs. Drew and Carpenter. Prior to the organization of the church, services had been regularly held in the schoolhouse by M. HW. Carpenter. Upen organization of the society the following officers were appointed: Elders, Joseph Dawson and Wm. Patterson; Treasurer. M. _H. Onstine; Secretary. J. Dawson. The last services were held about 1890 by Rey. John Allison.

Canfield Bethel Presbyterfan Church. - Meetings were first held in the schoolhouse on section twenty-nine, York. Rev. J. W. F. Roth. Jr., was one of the Preachers. In the fal! of 1879, an organization took place with ten members, and Mr. Roth hecame the pastor.

section seven, and near it a parsonage, both of which were erected in 1878, at a cost of $2.200. The persons who were Interested In this form of belief held a@ meeting on November 21, 1876, and a church was organized by Rev. R. B, Abbott from Albert Lea, assisted by Elder H. Frederick, of Austin. Severiteen members were admitted by letter at that tine. The first ordained minister was Rev. J. W. F. Roth, Sr., who was installed in July, 1877. On May 7, 1879, Rev. J. W. F. Roth, Jr., wag installed as pastor. Previous to the construction of the church the meetings were held in the various houses where it would be most convenient. The societY is no jonger in existence.

Canton Reformed Presbyterian Church. - The_ first minister was the Rev. M. Stevenson, a_ misi from Janesville, Wiscon- 1865. He held service In the schoolhouses and in the Methodlst church, and remained about two years when Rey. J. Buck was appointed by the Presbytcry. He was here for two years and during that time the church, 40x60 feet, was constructed.

The Elliota Reformed Presbyterian Church. - in 1865 Rev. M. Stevenson, a misslonary from Janesville, Wisconsin. commenced holding service in schoolhouses in the nelghborhood and remained In the place about two years. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Buck who was appointed to Elliota by the Presbytery. He remained about two years, and during that time a frame church, forty by sixty feet, was erected. The congregation was small and the society found it difficult to support a minister and sold the church and it was removed.

Holland Church And Settlement

AS a rule the Hollanders are not easily assimilated in other chureh denominations, Usually they colonize, and soon make efforts to form churel organizations, these organizations usually being of the Reformed or of the Presbyterian faith, two bodies which are sister churches in doctrine.

In 1856 the modern methods of spreading news Were unknown, but the message passed from mouth to mouth, from settlement to settiemnent ind from farm to farm, that fertile Jands less than a hundred miles west of the MisslssipPl were opened for setlement and could be obtained from the government or from claimants, at most reasonable terms and rates.

Among the thousands who heard this news were; D. Alink and wife, Allnk's brother-in-law, Wlhiilam Boland. and wife? and a young man. A. J. Nagel. They determined to brave the dangers of western life. and establish for themselves new homes in the west. Accordingly, May 1, they started in three covered waBbons, with four yoke of oxen. bringing with them their few earthly possessions.

They started with no special object in vlew, otherwise than lo find a good piece of governtnent land. At Me- Gregor, Iowa, they were directed to Decorah and there they heard of the Neighen hrothers who had located at Forestvitie, Minn.. and who were reputed as belng able and trustworthy men who would be able to locate the barty, acting in the capacity of guldes. agents and surveyors. So the party headed for Ferestvite, arriving there

They found the Neighens as_ reported, The next day, leaving their families under the protection of the Forestville shade trees, they, under the Buidance of Wm. Neighen, started out to tind land, Going due south about six miles they reached' the corner where York, Bristol, Carimona and Forestville joined. Mr. Neighen pointed at the firal sectlon in York and said "There is a quarter section for sale.' ''Well,"" said Boland. "that is good enough for me." Then Mr. Neishen said "The next quarter section is also for sale." "'Well,"' said Alink, "that looks good enough for me."' This seems rather a Nasty transaction but time has proven that their guide and looks did not decelve them for the land 1s as good as any in the state.

The next day they brought out their families. Now they were home! The covered wagons were put on the line between the claims as sleeping apartments and 'round about the wagons was considered home. Here was the nucleus of the Holland scttlement, here the starting point of a thriving church Organization, but they did not know it then. Neither did they know though they and their neighbors soon found out the hardships and privations that all new settlements must undergo. especially in those early days.

The young man, A. J. Nagel, mentioned heretofore was still a minor and not entitled to a government claim but land being go plentiful af! around, he filed on a Quarter section in 'Bristol township, hoplng to become of age before some one else claimed it. A few acres were broken and a hole dug which was to serve as a cellar for the intended housekeeper. But on a certain day a few horsemen came riding along who Broved ta be the Ogg peopie. some of whom. still reside in that locallty. They looked the sround over very carefully, drove from one corner to the other, held conversations intended to make that his home, He answered in the affirmative. ''Where is your wife?" they asked. He replied "T think she Is in Wisconsin.'"' But he did not teli them that in this case it had not gone beyond the stages of good hope. "Well, will you sell your claim?" they asked. "Yes sir,' he sajd. "What js your price?" they asked. He answered, "One hundred and fifty dollars in cash." '*All right." they said. "here is your money." And A. J. was the happiest man in the country for that was a big sum in those days, especially for a young man preted had hardly owned a dollar beore.

Then hearing good reports, other families began ta move in. B. Nagel and two sons: D. J. Ruisink; John and Henry Boland; M. Ruisink; three famllles by the name of Mensink; D. Wubbels, and Henry Schuvil, nearly ali from near Alton and Wauptn, Wls. As all had only a few years previous emigated direct from Holland. most of them were Poor, s0me @ven being in debt for thelr passage across the Ocean, nnd us may be expected, the English langnage was not spoken tivently. That was one reason why they could not enterminglea with other denoiinatlons In their rellgious services.

began to long for more regular devotional services. One of their number, Manes Mensink, being more scholariy and educated than the others. was chosen as leader. From that time (hey fathered more regularly. first at the homes, and later in the log schooihouse jin the "bottom," still jater in the Liberty schoolhouse.

_ Up to the year 1867 the colony had increased to some thirty or thirty-five famiNes and the majority had remained faithful under the leadership of Mr, Mensink. Through his efforts a petition was sent to the classes (Presbytery) of Wisconsin, asking to be organized into a church. The same suminer Rev. Pleters from Afton was sent out with instructions to organize if he found conditlons favorable,

Upon his arrival twenty-four heads of familles presented thernselves for organization: . J. Mensink, Manes Mensink, John Mensink, R. Roaiots, Er. J.. H. J. and G. R. Roelofs, Henry and John Boland, E. Gerritson, H and D Wubbels, D. J. Ruisink. J. Blom. Wm. Tammel, J. Koster. H. Wesselink, G. Demots, A. Van Beek. G. Kempers, HW. Wissink, Lyman _ Wensink. and John Wickering. The organization was to be ealled the Church of York. The elders were: Manes. Mensink and i. Gerritson and the deacons, H. Boland and D. Wubbels.

Now they were ready for work. They were in need of a minister; In need of a parsonage and church building, in need of Grounds to Place those buildings. and all were poor. The first step was to buy five acres from the first setter, Wm. Boland. for chureh property, and burying Sround. The next year they built a smali parsonage. Then they made a few unsuccessful efforts at calling a minister until the following year. 1869. when they were successful in securing the services of Reverend P. Sepeltak from Chicago. who proved to he just the man for those western poor pioneers.' He worked hard for and with them, being not only their spiritual advisor. hut in many wavs assisting them by instruction and adyice. He was also the means by which a Christian lady from PhiladePhia by the name of Mrs. Greenleaf voluntary offered to sive the sum of $3.5650 for the building of a echureh house. In honor and memory of her the church name was changed from York to Greenieafion and her portrait Is always to he fonnd in the parsonage of the residing minister.

From that day on the sittle church felt stronger and immediately bullt a larger parsonage and bought ten acres of ltieavy timber land at $75 per acre. Almost before they were aware of it they were deeply in debt and consequently like almost all communities the church had its ups and down. its favorable and unfavorable conditians to contend with. One thing in particular that interfered with the Browth numerically was the constant springing up of new settlements that at times drew heavily on the membership. But through a kind Pravidence and under the leadership of ahle mlnisters the church has now at the end of forty-five years grown to be 4 strong self-supporting congregation of eighty-five families. None rich but some are well to do and are nat be- Nind in benevolent work In compartson with other churches of Its size in numbers. The financial report of 3910 showed: Families, 85; communicants, 180; catechumens, 120; Sunday

The following ministers have served us in the order named: Peter Lepettak, nine years; Herman Vanderploeg, four years; Peter Deyoung, three years; Harm Borgers, nine years; Albert QOsterhof, six years; Abram Klerk, three years; William Beckering, three years. and Peter Grooters,