Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 6: Barly Settlement, 1912

Chapter 6: Barly Settlement

First Settler Arrives in Canton in 1851 - Pre-emption Laws- - Tide of Immigration Begins - Pioneer Conditions - Territorial Villages - Twenty-four Townsites Platted in Fillmore County Before State Was Admitted.

county were Albert Nichols and his two companions, Kineaid and - - - - - - - . Stephens, of Mound Prairie, Gdlonnbia county, Wisconsin, who on March 7, 1851, crossed the Iowa state line and marked claims, Nichols in what is now Canton, and the others in what is now Newburg. March 9, 1851, they left the county, having remained but two days. June 1, 1851, they returned, bringing Nichols' family.

Before they returned George Cannon and Joseph Lovesy had arrived from Illinois, with their families, and settled in Newburg, some time in May, 1851, the Cannons and the Lovesys thus be coming the first actual white settlers.

The vicinity in which all of these settlers located was a part of that tract which in 1830 had been relinquished to the United States by the Sioux Indians, assigned by the United States to the 'Winnebago Indians in 1832, and by them relinquished in 1846. Outside of this comparatively small tract of land in the southeast corner, the area of what is now Fillmore county remained at the time of the arrival of this first settler in the possession of the Sioux, although they were soon to sign the treaty which relinquished their rights.

The governmental policy which made it possible for white settlers to occupy lands relinquished by the Indians, dates back to the very beginning of American government.

In pursuance of the policy of individual ownership, and occupancy of the soil, which is at the foundation of all American liberties, laws were passed in the earliest days of the United States govermnent, for the sale of the public lands in small tracts, on favorable terms. It was soon found, however, that the object of the laws was being in part defeated by men of wealth securing large numbers of these tracts and holding them for speculation.

law, and the fostering of a landed aristocracy, the pre-emption laws of 1841 were enacted. Under these laws, any citizen, or any foreigner who in legal form declared his intention to become a citizen, and who was not already the owner of 320 acres of land, could pre-empt 160 acres or less, at $1.25 per acre, upon making the necessary improvements and occupancy.

For several years after passing the pre-emption laws the tide of immigration set most strongly toward the publie lands of Missouri, eastern Kansas and sonthern Iowa. A few years later the discovery of gold in California attracted most of the young men in that direetion and for a time cheeked the rush to western prairies,

The pre-emption laws of 1841 with some amendments were in foree When the lands in this section of Minnesota were opened to settlement by the extinguishment of the Indian title of 18538, for it must be remembered that notwithstanding the fact that the government purehased this country from Franee it has always recognized the primal rights or title claimed by the Indians and never opens any part of the territory to settlement until such title has been purchased from the chiefs, and their claim extinquished by treaty.

No sooner had the Indian title in Minnesota been extinguished than the government snrveyors commenced running the township and range lines, and dividing the townships thus formed into sections. Some few adventurous men, indeed, waited neither for the departure of the Indians nor the survey.

Never before had any people been offered such favorable opportunity for becoming land owners, and seeuring for themselves permanent and comfortable homes. Nor did they fail to appreciate their opportunities. Not only from the older states, especially the northern and eastern states, but from foreign countries, many thousands each year, stimulated by the hope and promise of a home and a brighter future, severed the tics that bound them to their native land with all its hallowed associations, bade adieu to friends and kindred, often in sadness and tears, set their faces toward the setting sun, crossed the great Father of Rivers, and for the first time stepped beyond the bounds of civilization. The varied emotions that filled the souls of the pioneers during the first few months or years of their new life, their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows were firmly locked in their own memories, but will never be told in histories. Doubtless the women felt most keenly their changed condition of hfe; but as a rule, they accepted the situation bravely, and performed their parts with commendable cheerfulness and fortitude.

from that time until 1857 there was scarcely an ebb in the tide; but a constant flow into and through this county to points further west. Nor did the emigrants ''stand upon the order of their vonsing,'' or the means of conveyance. The canvas covered wagon called the ''prairie schooner,'? drawn by horses or mules, was perhaps the most popular and usual conveyance for families, although many came with oxen. Occasionally oue would see a erate or slatted box fastened to the hind part of the wagon containing chickens or the family eat or kittens; and if one happened to have a surplus of either he found a ready sale, at good prices, to his neighbors who had been less provident in making up their ontfit or less fortunate in their means of transportation.

Of course many young men came without teams, and with very few personal effects, relying upon purchasing, at some trading point, such an outfit as was necessary for making required improvements on their claims.

Some foreigners came direct from their native countries with their native habits and customs, speaking ouly in their respective native tongues, but all in the pursuit of the same purposes - that is, the securing of a home. In some instances these forcigners came in companies and a Single nationality would take possession of a considerable district, but usually they came singly or in small groups and in selecting their lands intermingled with others so that in some localities they constituted a truly heterogeneous people.

Among the early settlers there has probably been abont the usual proportion of success and failure. The bright visions of prosperity and wealth with little effort, which many saw before them as they neared the country, ever continued mirage like to be in advance and just beyond their reach. Many others by industry, economy and good management accumulated a reasonable competence, lor their declining years. Upon a few, Dame Fortune seemed to bestow her smiles from the first and their coffers were constantly overflowing with bounty.

The present generation has little conception of the hardships and privations of the early days. With most people on their claims, comforts and convenienees were indeed rare for ihe first year or two. Some lived for weeks and months on the prairie with no shelter from the scorching rays of the noonday sun, the night dews or oceasional storms, except the covered wagons, while waiting for lumber with which to build a rude shanty. Nor will it be forgotten that the shanty when built was usually far from comfortable and convenient, especially in winter. Some few resorted to dugouts, but they were a poor exeuse for a house. The art of building sod buildings such as were later found in western Kansas and Nebraska was then unknown here. Had it been known it could hardly have been a success, as the sod is lacking in that heavy fibre which there adapts it to that use. Fortunately very many in this county were able to procure logs with which to build, for in a good house was real comfort. There were of course different degrees of hardships among the earliest settlers. Some few came with sufficient means to enahle them to secure at an early date many comforts that to others were long deferred. The man with money had the advantage then, as he has now, and then, as now, the large majority had only moderate or small means, and then, as now, the heaviest burdens fell upon that elass. It rust not be supposed that all pre-emptors of land intended to cultivate it. Many young men pre-empted their land and soon disposed of it, or mortgaged it for money with which to go into business in town, and not a few returned to their former homes. Some came to engage in business regardless of their pre-emption rights. And another class came for speculation in anything that promised large profits. Some came as the representatives of eastern capitalists to loan money at exorbitant rates of interest. One of the earliest speculations was the laying out of town sites. That required but little capital and to a live man promised qnick returus and large profits. For a time therefore surveyors were kept busy in making plats and the register's office was nearly flooded with them. Upon some of those sites important towus have been built up and are now flourishing business centers. Upon others a starl was made with encouraging prospects, but from subsequent changes in the surrounding econditions, tlhe struggle for success was abandoned, and the result was gradual decay and final extinction. In other cases there were never any indications of a town except upon the records of the register's office and the highly colored plats from which the enterprising proprietors sold their corner lots to non-residents and strangers.

The first permanent settlements in the county were made in Canton and Newburg in 1851, and in the next three years all the townships had received settlers, and the development of the county was well on its way.

The First Settlement, In the month of February, 1851, Albert Nichols and two of his neighbors, - - - -- - Kineaid and Stephens, all of Fountain Prairie, Columbia county, Wisconsin, who were desirous to go further west and secure for themselves government land, decided to come to Minnesota on a prospecting tour. Thev prepared their outfit for the trip, consisting of a sack of provisions (bread and pork), axe, gun, blankets and all the necessary articles for camping out, at that season of the year, and started for Minnesota on foot. On the evening of the fourth day's traveling they arrived at La Crosse. Here they found a few small buildings and an Indian trading house, where they remained during the night. On the fifth day of their travel they crossed the Mississippi and Root rivers and spent their first night in Minnesota at a logger's shanty, where Hokah is now located.

On the morning of the sixth day of their travel they started on a southwest course, following an Indian trail, and camped at night on what has since been known as Norwegian Ridge, in Houston county. This was a bitter cold night, and fears were entertained by the party that they would freeze to death before the dawn of day. On the morning of the seventh day of their journey, after preparing their breakfast of pork and bread, they resumed their travels. Abont 4 o'clock that afternoon they arrived at the shanty of Benjamin Bear, who held a claim in Iowa, near where Hesper is now located. This little party made their headquarters with Mr. Bear for a number of days, while they were looking that country over. March 7, 1851, Albert NichoJs selected the southwest quarter of section 25, township 101, range 9, for the home of himself and family, and proceeded to blaze trees on whieh he wrote his name, to designate who had made a claim to that piece of land.

Mareh 9 this party started for their homes in Wisconsin, to prepare to move their families in early spring to Minnesota. On May 14, 1851, Albert Nichols, Mr. Kineaid and Mr. Stephens left Fountain Prairie, aceompanied by Mr. Nichols' family, with an outfit consisting of oxen. cows, wagons, breaking plows and provisions for a part of the summer, to settle on their claims in Minnesota. On their arrival at their claims, on June 1, 1851, Mr. Nichols found his claim unmolested, Mr. Kineaid found George Cannon and family oceupying the claim made hy him, the Cannons having come some time in May. Mr. Stephens found Joseph Lovesy and family occupying the claim that he had made, the Lovesys having arrived in May.

Thus it will be seen that though Messrs. Nichols, Kincaid and Stephens picked out claims in March, 1851, they did not really locate at that time, the first families to take up their homes here being the Cannons and the Lovesys, who came from Illinois to Newburg in May, 1851, and subsequently moved to Houston county.

About July 1, 1851, a Norwegian by the name of Evans settled near the state line in Newburg township, not far from where Mabel is now located.

Territorial Villages

No less than twenty-four villages were platted in Fillmore county prior to the admission of the state, May 11, 1858. Some of these villages are still in existence, others have long since been abandoned, and [arms now oceupy their sites. The following list gives the name of the village, the location, the date of survey, the name of the surveyor, and the name of the proprietors in consecutive order:

3 - Carimona. Section 4, 102-11; December 27, 1854; Robert K. Whitely; Edwin and William Piekett. Olmsted's Addition ; sections 3 and 4, 102-11; April 25, 1855; Robert K. Whitely ; David Olmsted. Gilbert & Buttler's Addition; sections 3 and 4, 102-11; April 28, 1857; Charles M. Colby; James I. Gilbert and Henry C. Buttler.

5 - Carimona. Section 1, 102-11; March 15, 1855; Henry L. Edwards (county surveyor); William L. Tribue. The explanation of these two Cavimonas is found elsewhere. When on March 2, 1855, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature designated Carimona as the county seat of Fillmore county, persons who did not want the county seat there took advantage of the fact that though the Picketts had surveyed Carimona in section 4, they bad not yet recorded it. Accordingly interested parties had a village surveyed in section 1, which they claimed was the real Carimona. This was surveyed March 15, 1855, and recorded March 16, 1855. However, on March 27, 1855, the Picketts filed the plat of the real Carimona whieh they had platted Deeember 27, 1854, but which they had failed to record.

18 - Hamilton. Section 6, 103-18; July 4, 1856; surveyor not given; Daniel L. Booth. Morse's Addition: September 1, 1856; no surveyor given; O. B. Morse. Booth's Addition; July 29, 1857; no surveyor given: Daniel L. Booth.

Organization And Boundary Lines

Fillmore County Originally Included in Wabasha County - Fillmore County Created March 5, 1853 - -Winona and Houston Set Off February 23, 1854 - Olmsted Set Off February 20, 1835 - Old Election Precincts - Townships Created and Named. .

The territory now embraced in Fillmore county was included in the original limits of Wabasha (then spelled Wabashaw) county, which was one of the nine counties created by the first territorial legislature.

Gov. Alexander Ramsey, the first territorial governor, arrived in St. Paul May 27, 1849, and on June 1, 1849. issued his first proclamation. June 11 he issued a second proclamation, dividing the territory into three judicial districts. Fillmore county, then unpopulated, was included in the third judicial district, with Judge David Cooper on the bench. Court for this district was to be held at Mendota.

July 7, 1849, the governor issued a proclamation dividing the territory into seven council districts and ordering an election. Fillmore county was ineluded in the seventh district.

By an act approved October 27, 1849, the territory was divided into the counties of Washington, Ramsey, Benton, Itasea, Wahashaw, Dakota, Wahnahta, Mahkahto and Pembina. Only the counties of Washington, Ramsey and Benton were fully organized for all county purposes. The others were organized only for the purpose of appointment of jusiices of the peace, constables, and such other judicial and ministerial offices as might be specially provided for. They were entitled to ''any number of justices of the peace and constables, not exceeding six in number, to be appointed by the governor, and their term of oftice was made two years, unless sooner removed by the governor,'' and they were made conservators of the peace.

Wabashaw county, as ''erected'"'? by the act of October 27, 1849, comprised practically all of the southern part of the present State of Minnesota. Its northern boundary was the parallel running through the mouth of the St. Croix and the mouth of the

Yellow Medicine rivers; its southern boundary was the Iowa line; its eastern the Mississippi, and its western the Missouri, and it also ineluded the big peninsula between the Missouri and the Big Sioux rivers, and all of what is at present sontheastern South Dakota. Of this vast country the present Fillmore county was a part.

Chapter 1. Revised Statutes of Minnesota of 1851, divides the territory in Benton, Dakota, Itasca, Cass, Pembina, Ramsey, Washington, Chisago and Wabashaw counties and defines their boundaries. Under the revised statutes, all the territory west of the Mississippi river and east of a line running from Medieine Bottle's village at Pine Bend, due sonth to the Towa line, was erected into a separate county to be known as Wabashaw. This included in Wabashaw county a portion of what is now Dakota county as well as all the present counties of Goodhue, Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower, Fillmore and Houston. The line south from Pine Bend in the Mississippi strikes practically the eastern boundary of Freeborn eounty and the western boundary of Mower county, the exact line heing impossible of verification as the Medicine Bottle 1epees were differently located at various times, always, however, being within a few rods of the bend in the river.

The first justice of the peace appointed by Gov. Alexander Ramsey for Wabasha county was Thomas K. Allen, of Minnesota City. Mr. Allen, in order to quality, went to St. Paul. By an unauthorized vote of the people of Minnesota City, expressing their preferences, Mr. Allen was elected justice of the peacc; Josiah Keen, constable; James Wright, assessor, and August A. Gilbert, notary public. These men were duly recommended to Governor Ramsey, for the various offiees to which they had been elected, and were by him appointed. O. M, Lord, John Iams and Hiram Campbell were elected road commissioners for the colony or precinet, and thus was initiated the first movement toward the huilding of good wagon roads in the county.

Fillmore county was created by an act of the territorial legislature, approved March 5, 1853. Its sister counties which were ereated or had their boundaries altered at the same time were: Dakota, Goodhue, Wabasha, Fillmore, Scott, Le Sueur, Rice, Blue Earth, Sibley, Nicollet and Pierce. Section 4, Chapter 15, General Laws of Minnesota, 1833, gives the boundaries of Fillmore county as follows: ''Beginning at the southwest corner of Wabashaw connty; thence southeast to the Jowa state line; thence east on the Iowa state line to the Mississippi river; thence up the middle of said river to the mouth of the Minneska or White (Whitewater) river; thence up said river and on the sonth line of Wahasha connty to the place of beginning.''

The boundaries given in the act of 1853 are vague, and no township surveys had been made. It is therefore impossible to define the exact boundaries of Fillmore county as created at that time. In laying out Goodhue, Wabasha and Fillmore counties, the legislature started at a point at the ''southwest corner of Dakota county.'' From this point they drew a line due southeast to the Jowa line. Starting at the ''southwest corner of Dakota county'' the first twenty-five miles of this line was the western boundary of Dakota county, the next twenty-five miles was the western boundary of Wabasha county and the remainder of the line was the western boundary of Fillmore county.

A point twenty-five miles due southeast of the ''southwest corner of Dakota county'' was designated as the southwest corner of Goodhue county, and the southern boundary of that county was a line drawn due east to Lake Pepin.

A point twenty-five miles due southeast of the southwest corner of Goodhue county, and fifty miles due southeast from the ''southwest corner of Dakota county'? was designated as the southwest corner of Wabasha county, and from this point a Jine was due east until it reached a point where the law-makers supposed it would intersect the source of the Whitewater river. Thence it followed that river to its mouth. This would supposedly be a description of the northern boundary of the eownty which was created under the name of Fillmore.

Jt will be seen that the location of all these boundary lines depends on the location at that time of the southwest corner of Dakota county.

The west and south lines of Dakota county are described in the act as follows: ''Beginning in the Minnesota (river) at the mouth of the Credit river; thence in a direct line to the upper branch of the Cannon river; thence down said river to its lowest fork.'' The upper branch of the Cannon river, properly speaking, is the Straight (Owatonna) river, and consequently this line which formed the eastern boundary of what were then Goodhue, Wabasha and Fillmore counties, and the east boundary of what was then Rice county, started at the present site of Faribault in Rice county and ran due southeast to the village of Granger, in township 101, range 11, Bristol township, Fillmore county. But if this was supposed to be the location of this important boundary line, the members of the legislature greatly overestimated the distanee from Faribault due southeast to the Iowa line, for a line drawn due east from a point fifty miles due southeast of Faribault would not toueh the source of the Whitewater river.

Dr. Warren Upham, of the Minnesota State Historical Society, is of the opinion that by ''upper branch of the Cannon river,'' the lawmakers meant a small stream which enters the Cannon from the west in the southern part of what is now Dakota county. If this be so, then the ''sonthwest corner of Dakota county'' was north of what is now Northfield; and a line drawn due southeast would cut through what are now Rochester and Chatfield and meet the Iowa line at the southeast corner of what is now the township of Newburg (101-8). If this be a correct drawing of the western boundary line of Goodhue, Wabasha and Fillmore counties, still greater difficulties are presented in defining what was then Fillmore county.

With the imperfeet knowledge of geography at the command of the law-makers, and with the lack of surveys at that time, the nearest definition of the original Fillmore county that can be made is to say that it embraced all of [louston county, all of Winona except that part west of the Whitewater river, and parts of Houston and Fillmore. It is absolutely impossible for the original Fillmore county to have embraced all of what are now Winona, Olmsted, Houston and Fillmore counties, although previous historians have often carelessly declared that the origmal county included all of these four counties.

That the counties of Dakota, Wabasha, Fillmore, Scott, Le Sueur, Blue Earth and Nicollet be and the same are hereby declared to be organized counties, and invested with all and singular the rights and privileges and immunities to which all organized eounties are in this territory entitled to by law: and it is hereby declared to be the duty of the governor at so soon a time as practicable, to appoint all county offices, jnstices of the peace and constables, as said counties may be entitled ta by law, who shall hold their offices until their successors shall be duly elected at the next general clection. That such officers so appointed in the organized and unorganized counties shall give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties m such sums as is now required by law.

"*It shall be the duty of the first board of county comimissioners which shal! be hereafter elected in any county laid off in pursuance of the provisions of this act, as soon as the said board shall have been elected and qualified as provided by law, and the said board or a majority thereof shall determine, to loeate the county seat of the county, and the location so made as aforesaid, shall be the county seat of the Ky to all intent and _purposes until otherwise provided by law.'

Under this act Governor Gordon appointed the inaring officers: Register of deeds, H. B. Stoll, of Minneowah; treasurer, Erwin H. Johnson, of Winona; judge of probate, Andrew Cole; sheriff, John Tams. The justices.of peace previously appointed for Wabasha county were continued. They were T. K. Allen, John Burns, George M. Gere and H. B. Waterman. The county commissioners appointed were Henry C. Gere, of Winona; Myron Toms, of Minneowah; and William T. Luark, of Minnesota City.

The first meeting of the county commissioners was held at the Winona House, in Winona, on May 28, 1853. H. C. Gere was ehairman and H. B. Stoll was register of deeds.

By an act approved February 238, 1854, the lecislature creaied the counties of Winona and Houston, and defined the' boundaries of Fillmore, Wabasha and Goodhue. [ouston county was created with its present boundaries. Winona county was created with its present boundaries.

Fillmore county as described February 23, 1854, embraced its present boundaries, with the addition of townships 105 and 106, ranges 11, 12 and 13, in what is now Olmsted county.

By section 23, chapter 23, of the General Laws of Minnesota, approved February 20, 1855, Fillmore county assumed its present boundaries, Olmsted county being established at that date. Olmsted county as then created had the same boundaries as at present, with the exception that sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, in 104-14 and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, in 104-15, were eut from Mower county in May 1857, and added to Olmsted.

Old Election Precincts

A study of the old eleetion precinets in Fillmore county is interesting in that these precincts were the predecessors of the present towns. The board of commissioners on July 9, 1853, divided the original Filhnore county into six election districts.

Root River Precinct. This precinet was created on petition of ten Jega) voters residing in Pleasant Valley. The election was ordered to be held at the home of John S. Looney and the judges were to be John 8. Looney, Joseph Brown and G. W. Gillfillan. The precinct was a strip running the whole width of the county, bounded on the north by a line due west from the home of Nathan Brown, opposite the mouth of the Black river, and bounded on the south by a line running due west from the mouth of the Root river.

Mt. Vernon Precinct was created at the request of twelve legal voters. The judges of election were to be James Kirkman, Louis Krutzle and A. P. Hall. This precinct, speaking in general terms, took in a strip measuring some five miles north and south, and extending the whole width of the county, the northern boundary being a line due west from the mouth of the Whitewater river. The description of the northern boundary of this precinct gives an idea of where the commissioners believed the northern bound-

Minnesota City Precinct embraced the settlement known by that name, although the boundaries are not given in the records. The judges of election were to be H. B. Waterman, O. H. Houck and KE. B. Drew.

Minneowah Precinct embraced the loeality known by that name. The judges of election were to be James F. Toms, Willard B. Bunnell and William Hewitt.

Winona Precinct was to embrace '' Wabasha Prairie'' only. The judges of election were to be Harvey Hubbard, 0. 8. Holbrook: and Dr. George Childs.

Brownsville Precinct was created August 27, 1853, at the request of twelve voters. It embraced all that part of the county lying south of a line due west from the Root river. The election was to be held at the public house of David Brown in Brownsville, and the judges were to be Charles Brown, Samuel! McPhail and M. C. Young. This preeinet embraced practically all of the present Fillmore county except the northern tier of townships.

Langworthy District. This precinct was created March 14, 1854, out of the Root River Precinct. It consisted of Townships 105 and 106, ranges 9 and 10. The judges of election were to be Lewis H. Springer, J. W. Bentley and B. Langworthy.

April 7, 1854, the county having been curtailed to its present limits (with the exception of six townships in the present Olmsted county). the commissioners divided the then limits of the county into five election precincts. The names given these precincts were: Chatfield, Alzina, Warpeton, Tillotson and Elliota. Of these names, that of Chatficld only has been preserved in Fillmore county township nomenclature. The boundaries given, as is often the case in the early county records, are uncertain and vague but, generally speaking, the precinets were as follows:

Alzina Precinct took in what are now the townships of Spring Valley and Sumner. The election judges were D. D. Frazer, §. A. Stears and Jacob McQuillan.

Tillotson Precinct embraced the present townships of Amherst, Preble and Newburg and the eastern half of Canton. The election judges were Franklin Tillotson, James Kelley and Albert Nichols. Franklin Tillotson was also appointed justice of the peace for the precinet.

Elliota Precinct embraced the western half ef what is now Canton, and all of what is now Harmony. The election judges were J. W. Elliot, David Dickenson and After Hoag.

Chatfield and Warpeton Precincts occupied the remainder of what then constituted the county, Chatfield being to the north and Warpeton to the south, the boundary line between the two heing drawn along the south of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Fillmore township; sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Fountain township, and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Carrolton township, and along the east of sections 12, 13, 24, 25 and 26 in what is now Carrolton township. The judges of elections in the Chatfield Precinet were James Munday, James McClellan, Jr., and Philo Curtiss and those in Warpeton Precinct were James M. Sumner, Thomas Watson and Edwin Pickett.

Richland Precinct ineluced all of what are now the townships of Arendahl, Rushford, Holt, Norway, Amherst, Preble and Newburg. It also took in all of what is now Canton township, except a strip one and a half miles from east to west and six miles from north to south, along the west edge; that is, all of Canton except sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 80 and 31 and the eastern halves of sections 5, 8, 17, 20, 29 and 32.

Elliota Precinct. Previous to this date this word had appeared in the records spelled with one ''1.'' This precinct included all of the present townships of Bristol and Harmony, the east half of what is now York, sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36 in what is now Forestville, and sections 25 to 36 inelusively in each of what are now the townships of Carimona and Preston; that is, a strip two miles wide and twelve miles long across the southern third of these two townships. The precinct also included the strip six miles by a mile and a half, already mentioned, in what 3s now Canton.

Warpeton Precinct took in sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 18, M4, 1d, 22, 23 and 24 in what is now Forestville, the east half of what is now Filmore township, all of what is now Fountain, aud all of what is now Carrolton, except the south halves of sections 33, 34 and 25 in 101-10 and sections 6 and 7 in 103-9.

Elkhorn Precinct embraced all of what are now Sumner, Spring Valley, Bloomfield and Beaver and the west halves of Jordan, Fillmore, Forestville and York.

Chatfield Precinct embraced what are now Chatfield and Pilot Mound and the eastern half of what is now Jordan. It also took in all of 105-11, 106-11 and the eastern half of 105-12.

The judges of election were to be as follows: Richland, Andrew W. Gray, Albert Nichols and Eddy. Election to be held in the schoolhouse in Richland Prairie. LElliota, Barnes, J. W. Elliot and David Diekenson. Election to be 'held at the residence of Barnes. Warpeton, R. H. Foster, Thomas Watson and Martin Kingsbury. Election to be held at

Rushford Precinct was created January 1, 1855, and comprised townships 103 and 104 in ranges 8 and 9. E. H. Dyer, G. Edwards and Peter Peterson were appointed judges of election. E. H. Dver and Peter Peterson were appointed justices of the peace, and N. Webster constable.

Six election precincts were created April 3, 1855. All but two of these bore names that are still preserved as the names of Fillmore county townships.

Rushford Precinct embraced townships 103 and 104 in ranges 8 and 9; that is, the present townships of Rushford, Arendahl, Norway and Holt, and those two sections now included in Carrolton which properly belong in the government township which embraces Holt. The judges of election were to be E. K. Dyer, G. Edmonds and Peter Peterson, and the election was to he held at the home of E. K. Dyer in Rushford.

Richland Precinct. This precinct embraced townships 101 and 102 in ranges 8 and 9; that is, all of what are now the townships of Preble, Amherst, Canton and Newhurg. The judges of election were to be Albert Nichols, Andrew W. Gray and E. P. Eddy. The election was to he held at the Richland schoolhouse.

Chatfield Precinct embraced townships 103 and 104, ranges 10 and 11; that is, the present towns of Chatfield, Pilot Mound, Fountain and Carrolton, with the exception of those two eastern sections of Carrolton which properly belong in the government township which embraces Holt. The judges of election were to be A. W. Fargo, T. J. Safford and G. M. Gene. The election was to be held at Chatfield Hotel in Chatfield village. John Luark was appointed constable, July 13, 1833.

Carimona Precinct embraced townships 101 and 102 in ranges 10 and 11; that is, the present towns of Carimona, Preston, Bristol and Harmony. The judges of election were to be Edwin Pickett. Moses Barnes and Thomas Watson. The election was to be held at the home of Edwin Pickett.

Elkhorn Precinct embraced townships 103 and 104, ranges 12 and 13, the present towns of Sumner, Spring Valley, Jordan and Fillmore. The judges of election were to be Russel A. Steere, S. W. Kingsley and H. 8. H. Hayes, and the election was to be held at the home of G. P. Steere. January 9, 1856, Joseph W. Main was appointed constable.

12 and 13; that is, the present towns of Bloomfield, Forestville, Beaver and York. The judges of cleetion were to be John Bateman, O. B. Bryant and R. M. Foster. The election was to be held at the home of Abhot.

April 8, 1856, the following preeincts were established: Newburg, Elliota, Richland, Highland, Rushford, Trout Run, Preston, Harmony, Carimona, Chatfield, Elkhorn, Waterford, Spring Valley, Forestville and Etna.

Newburg Precinct embraced the present townships of Preble and Newburgh (101-8 and 102-8). The judges of eleetion were to he David Wisel, Willian. Wier and A. W. Gray. The election was to be held at the Newburg schoolhouse. A. W. Gray was appointed supervisor, and William McHenry, constable.

Elliota Precinct embraced the south half of the present township of Canton (101-9). The judges of election were to be John Cleghorn, J. W. Elliott and Charles Kimball. The election was to be held at the home of Daniel Cheney. Charles Kimball was appointed supervisor; John Cleghorn, justice, and Andrew Cheney and William Elliott, constables.

Richland Precinct. This precinct embraced the north half of the town of Canton (101-9) and all of the present township of Amherst (102-9). The judges of election were to be James M. Graham, E. P. Eddy and E. 8. Emmons. The election was held at the Richland schoolhonse. L. M. Smith was appointed road supervisor.

Highland Precinct embraced the present townships of Holt (103-9) and Norway (103-8), as well as the two most eastern sections of Carrolton which properly speaking are ineluded in the government township which embraces Holt. The judges of eleetion were to be G. J. Onstine, Simon Thompson and J. Griffith. The election was to be held at the house of Hans Olson. G. J. Onstine was appointed supervisor; Simon Thompson, constable, and J. Griffith, justice. February 23, 1857, G. J. Onstine was appointed justice of the peace, and N. A. Graves, road supervisor.

Rushford Precinct. This precinct embraced what is now Rushford (104-8) and the east half of what is now Arendahl (104-9). The judges of election were to be Stebbins, West and Hiram Walker. The election was to be held at the home of Peter Peterson. Hobbs was appointed supervisor, and J. L. Ely, constable.

Trout Run Precinct. This precinct embraced the west half of what is now Arendahl (104-9), all of Pilot Mount (104-10) and those three half sections which properly belong in the township which embraces Pilot Mound hut which are now included in Carrolton. The judges of election were to be Nelson Frost, H.

Preston Precinct embraced what is now Preston (102-10) and the main part of what is now Carrolton (103-10), exclusive of those sections by which Carrolton is augmented, but which properly belong in the government townships embraced by Holt and Pilot Mound. The jndges of election were to be Elias Hunt, Luther Preston and John Kaercher. The election was to be held at the home of Meno Eby. John Kaercher was appointed supervisor; Henry O. Billings, constable, and Elias Lint. justice of the peace. April 9, 1856, Nathan Austin was appointed a justice of the peace.

Harmony Precinct embraced the present townships of Bristol (101-11) and Harmony (101-10). The judges of election were to be After Hoag, William Walter and William Stork. The eleetion was to be held at the home of Knud Peterson. Zara Dayton was appointed supervisor; M. C. St. John and Daniel Dayton, justices, and L. G. St. John, constable. January 6, 1857, J. 8. Norton was appointed justice of the peace.

Carimona Precinct embraced the present townships of Carimona (102-11) and Fountain (103-11). The judges of election were to be Henry H. Winslow, Joseph Bisby and Orrin West. The election was to be held at the house of W, H. Strong. S. F. Stillson was appointed supervisor, and Benjamin Philbrick, eonstable. April 25, 1856, William B. Norman was appointed constable.

Chatfield Precinct embraced the present township of Chatfield (104-11) and a two-mile strip on the east side of the present township of Jordan (104-12). The judges of election were to be G. M. Gere, Charles Wilson and Samuel Foot. The election was to be held at the home of Isaae Day.

Elkhorn Precinct embraced all of the present township of Sumner (104-13), except that section and a half which are now included in Sumner but which properly belong in the government township which embraces Spring Valley, and the west twothirds of what is now Jordan township (104-12). The judges of election were to be Jolin E. King, Austin Demick and J. L. Green. The election was to be held at the house of John E. King. April 10, 1856, John If. Main was appointed justice.

Waterford Precinct embraced the present township of Fillmore (103-12). The judges of election were to be D. Y. Mosier, T. G. Pond and Robert Rea. The election was to be held at the home of Isaac Decow. D. Y. Mosier was appointed supervisor, and A. Hazlett, coustable.

Spring Valley Precinct. This precinct embraced ithe present limits of Spring Valley township (103-18) and also the seetion and a half which belong to this government township but whieh are vow included in Sumner. The judges of election were to be Otlin Root, T. W. Cory and S. W. Kingsley. The election was to be held at the Spring Valley schoolhouse. Simeon Phillips was appointed road supervisor; Charles Carihlege, justice of the peace, and J. K. Watson, constable. July 9, 1856, Simeon Phillips was appointed justice of the peace.

Forestville Precinct embraced the present township of Forestville (102-12) and Bloomfield (102-13). The judges of election were to be Gilbert Bassett, Martin B. Gaylord and John Bateman. The eleetion was to be held at the house of John Keehendall. R. E. MeCord was appointed supervisor, and R. E. McCord, constable.

Etna Precinct comprised the present townships of York (101- 12) and Beaver (101-13). The judges of election were to be Lathrop Abbot, B. S. Briggs and John Eulette. The election was to be held at the home of Lathrop Abbott. John Ellette was appointed supervisor; Lathrop Abbott, justice of the peace, and George Buckmister, constable.

April 7, 1857, the following precincts were established: Sumner, Spring Valley, Bloomfield, Etna, Elkhorn, Waterford, Forestville, Chatfield, Carimona, Union, Trout Run, Preston, Harmony, Rushford, Highland, Richland, Elhota and Newburg. July 7, 1857, Walnut Precinct was established.

Sumner Precinct (104-13) occupied the present limits of Sumner township, with the exception of the section and a half which belongs in the government township which embraces Spring Valley. The election judges were to be H. S. H. Hayes, Daniel L. Booth and B. Bandle and the eleetion was to be held at the home of Martin Ricker.

Spring Valley Precinct (103-13) oecupied the present limits of the towuship of that name and also that section and a half now included in Sumner but which properly belongs in the government township which embraces Spring Valley. The election judges were to be W. H. Dean, J. M. Strong and Orlin Rooy. The election was to be held at the Spring Valley sehoolhouse. July 7 1857, Willard Allen was appointed justice of the peace.

Bloomfield Precinct (102-13) embraced the present township of that name. The judges were to be O. B. Bryant, James Shaw and John Evans. The election was to be held at the home of W. 2B. Gaylord. 0. B. Bryant was appointed justice of the peate, and L. Littlefield constahle. .

Btna'' and ''Eatna.'* The precinct embraced the townships of Beaver and York, but on July 7, 1857, York was set off under the name of Walnut Preeinet. The election judges in Etna Precinct were to be L. Abbott, R. 8. Briggs and John Enlett. The election was to be held at the home of L. Abbott. Peter Me- Craecken was appointed justice and Ira Henderson constable.

Forestville Precinct (102-12) embraced the present limits of the township of that name. The election judges were to be IF. Henry, John Long and R. M. Foster. The election was to be held at the home of the latter.

Waterford Precinct (103-12). This precinct embraced the present limits of Fillmore township. The election judges were to be R. Rea, Isaac Decow and T. G. Pond and the election was to be held at the home of Isaac Decow.

Elkhorn Precinct (104-12) embraced the present limits of the township of Jordan. The election judges were to be T. C. Linton, A. &. Demick and James Tabor. The election was to be held at the home of J. M. Gillis. John Mawer was appointed road supervisor.

Chatfield Precinct (104-11) embraced the present township of Chatfield. The election judges were to be James EH. Sebring, Samuel Dickson and Charles Wilson. The election was to he held at the home of the latter. October 8, 1857, C. M. Foot was appointed constable.

Carimona Precinct (all of 102-1] and 103-11, except a mile strip on the east side) embraced all of the present townships of Carimona and Fountain, except a strip a mile wide along the east side. That strip was included in Preston, which also embraced practically all of what is now Carrolton. The judges of election in the Carimona Precinct were to be W. C. Pickett, John Fowels and Joseph Pickett, and the election was to he held at the home of W. H. Strong. April 8, 1857, B. B. Strong was appointed constable; July 8, 1857, Edward Pickett was appointed justice of the peace.

Union Precinct (101-11) embraced the present limits of Bristol township. I. Jones, William Adams and Daniel Crowell were appointed election judges and the election was to be held at the home of L. P. Howes. L. G. St. John was appointed road supervisor.

Harmony Precinct (101-10) embraced the present township of Harmony. The judges of election were to be After Floag, William Stork and William Walter, The election was to be held at the Greenfield Hotel.

of what is now Carrolton township (except those few sections which are now ineluded in Carrolton, but which properly helong in the government townships in which Holt and Pilot Mound are included) and a mile strip of the east of the present towns of Carimona and Fountain. The judges of election were to be F. Whiting, T. J. Hames and L. Presto. The election was to be held at the Preston Hotel.

Trout Run Precinct (104-10 and the west half of 104-9) embraced what is now Pilot Mound, the three half sections which are now included in Carrolton but which properly belong in the township which embraces Pilot Mound, and the western half of what is now Arendahi. The judges of election were to be Isaac Diekerson, Nelson [Frost and Rouse. The election was to be held at the home of Isaae Dickerson.

Rushford Precinct (104-8 and the east half of 104-9) embraced all of the present townships of Rushford and the east half of what is now Arendahl. The judges of election were to be Stebbins, Stevens and John Iverson. The election was to be held at the home of Ifiram Walker. Miehael Mead and J. W. Crees were appointed road supervisors.

Highland Precinct (103-9 and 103-8) embraced the present townships of Nerway and Holt. also the two sections which are now ineluded in Carrolton township but which properly belong in the government township in which Holt is ineluded. The judges of election were to be G. J. Onstine, Simeon Thorp and J. Griffith. The election was to be held at the home of Hans Oleson.

Richland Precinct (102-9 and the north half of 101-9) embraced all the present township of Amherst and the north half of Canton. The judges of election were to be J. M. Graham, FE. R. Eddy and E.S. Emmons. The election was to be held at the Richland schoolhouse.

Eltiota Precinct (south half of 101-9) embraced the south half of what is now Canton. The judges of election were to be John Cleghorn, Charles Kimball and Benjamin Sellers. The election was to be held at the home of B. G. O. Bassett.

Newburg Precinct (101-8 and 102-8) embraced the present. townships of Newburg and Preble. The eleetion was to be held at the Newburg schoolhouse and the election judges were to he Tans Valder, A. W. Gray and David Wisel.

Walnut Precinct was created July 7, 1857, out of the cast half of what had been Etna. It embraced the present township of York. The election was to be held at the house of Ole Bacon, and the election judges were to be Andrew Weaver, H. Burgess and Ole Bacon.

Towns Established

April 5, 1858, the county commissioners established the first towns in Fillmore county, Beaver town having the honor of heading the list. Beaver, Bloomfield, Jordan, Fillmore, Forestville, York, Chatfield, Fountain, Carimona, Pilot Mound, Carrolton, Preston, Harmony, Amherst, Preble and Newburg were established with their present Dames and area. Union as then established embraced the present area of Bristol. Elyria as then established embraced the present area of Canton. Douglass as then established embraced the present townships of Holt and Norway. Rushford as then established embraced the present towns of Arendahl and Rushford. On April 10, 1858, Spring Valley and Sumner were established, the former occupying all of 103-13 except sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16 and 17, and the latter occupying all of 104-18, with the addition of the sections in 108-13 just mentioned.

Judges of election were appointed as follows: Beaver - Willjam Beaman, Andrew Peters and Dennis Morgan, the election to be held at the home of Andrew Peters. Bloomfield - O. B. Bryant, Joseph Campbell and Myron Conklin, the election to be held at the house of Martin Gaylord. York - -E. Henderson, Shields Adams and H. Burgess, the election to be held at the house of O. Bacon. Fillmore - T. J. Andrews, T. G. Pond and Isaac Decow, the election to he held at the home of Isaac Decow. Forestville - Forest Henry, N. Redman and R. M. Foster, the election to be held at the house of M. J. Foster. Jordan - Jacob Oakey, James Taber and Daniel McCollum, the election to be held at the home of J. M. Gillis. Union (Bristol) - J. P. Tlowe, J. J. Jones and William E. Adams, the election to be held at the home of J. P. Howe. Carimona - Samuel Ifull, Ezekiel Thomas and William T. Sitler, the election to be held at the Carimona House. Fountain - Thomas Watson, J. L. Bolles and Hiram Johnson, the election to be held at the home of Edward Cummings. Chatfield - Isaac §. Cole, George M. Gere and J. F. O'Farrell, the election to be held at the Medary House. Harmony - Thomas Erickson, Moses Barnes and John H. Addison, the election to be held at the Greenfield House. Preston - -F. Whitney, Luther Preston and Thomas Quinn, the election to be held at the Stanwix House. Carrolton - Michael Mulholland, Charles Butler and Charles MeQuire, the election to be held at the house of Michael Mulholland. Pilot Mound - 8. A. Wolcott, FE. C. DeBrush and H. R. Rouse, the election to be held at the schoolhouse of district 65. Elyria (Canton) - E. P. Eddy, James Graham and William §. Marsh, the election to be held at the schoolhouse in Lenora. Amherst - Caleb Austin, Francis Richardson and Andrew Thompson, the election to be held at ile home of Caleb Austin. Douglass (Holt and Norway) - George Onstine, Anders Byholt and John Russell, the election to be held in the schoolhouse in district 60. Newburg - G. Gabrielson, A. H. Butler and C. C. Seelye, the election to be held in the Newhurg schoolhouse. VPreble - Thomas G. Hall, David Weisel and Iver Thompson, the election to be held at the home of Thomas G. fall. Rushford (Rushford and Arendahl) - Peter Peterson, 8. S. Stebbins and Iliram Walker, the election to be held at the house of Peter Peterson. Spring Valley- - Cordillo Wilkins, J. M. Strong aud Simeon Phillips, the election to be held at the Spring Valley schoolhouse. Sumner - W. B. Melvin, I. M. Choate and W. H. Dean, the election to be held at the house of T. W. Corey.

Bristol later took the place of Union, and Canton that of Elyria, in the county records. Norway and Holt were created out of Douglass, and Arendahl was separated from Rushford. The legislature adjusted the boundary between Spring Valley and Sumner, leaving the line as at present.