Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 9 of those read), 1912

Societies Of Old Settlers

Old Folks' Association - Old Settlers' Association of the Southern Tier of Counties in Minnesota - Fillmore County Old Settlers' Association - The Old Settlers', Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Fillmore County - Names of Those Who Have Been Prominent in These Associations - Edited by F. E, Titus.

As the years passed by, and that valiant band of pioneers, who opened the way for civilization in Fillmore county, began to realize that they were no longer young, there hegan to be an inclination to meet together and to talk over the davs of yore. Consequently the various associations of old settlers that have been formed in this county have been a natural growth. Interest in historical matters has always been keen in Fillmore county, and the xnnual meetings of the old settlers are now matters of deep interest to the pioneers and of much instruetion to the younger generation.

Old Folks' Association. The records of this organization do not appear to have been preserved. The constitution of the-Old Settlers' Association, adopted in 1898, contains the following clause: ''That all who were members of the Old Folks' Association in said county, in 1875, shall be deemed members of this association.''

A former history of the county gives the following aecount of this Old Folks' Association, or Old Settlers' Club, as it was sometimes called: ''At a meeting of some of the early settlers of the county, held at the office of B. F. Tillotson, in Rushford, on December 13, 1874, to take into consideration the formation of an old settlers' club, a call was issued to meet February 22, 1875, to those who had been here eighteen years or more. This e¢all was signed by B. I'. Tillotson, S. S. Stebbins, G. J. Onstine, J. R.

February 22, 1875, a meeting was held and the plans for the organization were perfected. The president was B. F. Tillotson, of Riceford ; vice-presidents, Millard Allen, of Spring Valley, and J. P. Howe, of Granger; recording secretary, William Barton, of Amherst; corresponding seeretary, H. R. Wells, of Preston; treasurer, W. W. Fife, of Preston. A soliciting committee was appointed consisting of Niles Carpenter, W. W. Braden and William Barton.

Old Settlers' Association of the Southern Tier of Counties in Minnesota. This association was organized at Lanesboro, October 21, 1878. The committee of organization which was appointed at once upon the assembling of the old settlers consisted of J. D. Farmer, Thomas H. Armstrong, W. T. Wilkins, W. F. Dunbar and H. R. Wells. A committee on program consisted of Dr. Luke Miller, Edward Thompson and O. G. Wall. The constitution provided that any person living in the southern tier of Minnesota counties, who had arrived in Minnesota before the end of 1848, and had on the date of making their application, reached the age of twenty-one years, night become members upon the payment of certain dues.

Officers were elected as follows: President, Edward Thonipson; vice-presidents, D. L. Buell, Houston county; H. A. Billings, Filmore county; J. F. Cook, Mower county; Charles Kittleson, Freeborn county; J. B. Wakefield, Faribault county; A. L. Ward, Martin county; George C. Chamberlain, Jackson county; Stephen Miller, Nobles county; Lyman Haws, Rock county; secretary, O. G. Wall, Laneshoro; assistant secretary, C. H. Davidson, Austin; treasurer, B, F. Farmer, Spring Valley. The following committees were appointed: On poem and address, H. W. Holley, J. Q. Farmer, Dr. Thomas Everts; on obituary, M. 8. Wilkinson, H. R. Wells, W. F. Dunbar; on finanee, B. F. Farmer, Thomas Armstrong, W. W. Braden.

The association met at Spring Valley in October, 1880. Following is the program: At Allard's Opera House - Oration by the president, M. S. Wilkinson, and other speeches. Banquet at the Commercial Hotel. Speeches - Address of welcome, Hon. J. D. Farmer; response, Hon. M. 8. Wilkinson. ''Our Country,'' Hon. E. Rice; '' Minnesota,'' Dr. Leonard; ''Southern Minnesota,'' Col. C. W. Thompson; ''The Old Settlers,'' Col. J. R. Jones; ''Prospects of Southern Minnesota,' J. C. Easton; ''Early Trip to Southern Minnesota,'? Judge D. Smith; ''The Press,''? Senator Powers; ''The Ladies,'' N. P. Colburn; ''The Host and Hostess,'' A. L. Ward. Music.

The board then proeeeded to appoint the following committees: Finance committee, B. F. Farmer, chairman; Milo White and Vie Le Fevre. Committee on poetry and oration, J. D. Parmer, chairman; H. R. Wells and W. F. Dunbar. Committee on obituaries, H. W. Holley, chairman; C. W. Thompson and T. H. Armstrong. Committee on fuller organization, Major Foster, chairman; Capt. W. W. Braden, Ed Thompson, W. T. Wilkins and Frank Hall. The following are the names of the oldest settlers present: M. S. Wilkinson, B. F. Farmer, J. N. Graling, Senator Powers, John Bateman, D. C. Hendershott, Major Foster, John Kleckler, J. C. Halbkat, W. T. Wilkins, R. M. Foster, Vie Le Fevre, Milo White, G. J. Batty, N. B. Smith, William McNee, D. Smith, T. M. Chapman, J. B. Viall and J. D. Farmer.

Fillmore County Old Settlers' Association. This organization had its inception in the mind of William Willford. In a long letter to.O. G. Wall, of Laneshoro, he set forth the desirability of such an association, and urged Mr. Wall to institute one. Mr. Wall published the letter in the Lanesboro ''Journal,'' and-urged Mr. Willford to promote such an enterprise. As a result a num-

May 29, 1893, the executive committee met, and prepared a revision of the membership requirements to include all who bad resided in the county thirty-one years and who had reached the age of forty years.

The first annual meeting was held in Preston, June 20, 1893. II. R. Wells made the address of weleome on behalf of the citizens of Preston and N. A. Graves responded. The address of the day was delivered by A. D. Gray. The officers named in the eon: stitution served until the second annual meeting.

bitt's Opera Touse, Preston. N. P. Colburn was the orator of the day, followed by William Willford, Tf. R. Wells, P. Me- Craeken and others. The following officers were elected: President, William Willford; vice-president general, II]. R. Wells; secretary, M. UW. Onstine; treasurer, C. H. Conkey; historian; William Willford; exeeutive committee, N. A, Graves, Highland; Peter McCracken, York; Jerome Utley, Preston; F. E. Titus, Lenora; and John McLeod, Rushford.

The third annual meeting was held at the courthouse hall in Preston, June 18, 1895. H. C. Butler delivered the address, and historical facts were presented by William Willford. The following officers were elected: President, William Willford, Lenora ; vice-president general, N. P. Colburn, Rushford; secretary, M. H. Oustine, Ilenrytown ; treasurer, C. HL, Conkey, Preston; historian, Willan Willford, Lenora; executive committee, F. E. Titus, Lenora; Jerome Utley, Preston; John Iverson, Rushford; B. G. Millet, Racine; L. H. Prosser, Wykoff.

The fourth annual meeting was held in the courthouse yard at Preston, June 16, 1896. Addresses were delivered by N. P. Colburn, Tl. R. Wells and N. A. Graves. The following officers were elected: President, N. P. Colburn, Rushford ; vice-president general, N. A. Graves, Highland; secretary, M. IL. Onstine; treas. urer, C. IT. Conkey; historian, Peter McCracken, York; executive committee, F, E. Titus, Lenora; J. Utley, Preston; John McLeod, Rushtord; L. Il. Prosser, Wykoff; B. F. Farmer, Spring Valley.

The fifth annual meeting was held in Sylvan Park, Lanesboro, June 15, 1897. Burdett Thaver was the speaker of the occasion, followed by H. R. Wells. The officers were re-elected. Vicepresidents were appointed as follows: John MeLeod, Rushford; L. Thompson, Arendahl; D. MeConochie, Pilot Mound; G. H. Haven, Chatfield; P. A. MeLoughrey, Jordan; Uriah Williams, Sumner; B. F. Farmer, Spring Valley; L. M. Prosser, Fillmore; D. D. Farrell, Fountain; N. Connelly, Carrolton; M.S. Anderson, Holt; Charles Willford, Canton; L. L. Humble, Norway; Arne Anderson, Preble; H. Grinwolsen, Amherst; H. R. Wells, Preston; William Holton, Carimona; T. J. Meighen, Forestville; II. C. Gullickson, Bloomfield; Ole J. Hattlestad, Beaver; Ale Arneson. York; M. O'Connor, Bristol; Alonzo Daniels, Harmony; G. Gabrielson, Newburg.

The eighth annual meeting was held at Spring Valley, June 27, 1900, The Winona Old Settlers were to be entertained there, but were unable to be present on account of a washout on the W. & S. W. road the night before. After the address of weleome by Burdett Thayer and the response by N. P. Colburn, the following persons delivered addresses: F. E. Titus, $8. C. Lohdill, P. Me- Cracken and N. P. Colburn. The officers elected were: President, N. P. Colburn, Rushford; first vice-president, H. R. Wells, Preston; second vice-president, J. J. Vail; secretary, M. H. Onstine; treasurer, C. H. Conkey, Preston; historian, F. E. Titus, Lenora ; executive committee, W. L. Kellogg, Spring Valley ; Hans Gunvalson, Amherst; H. C. Gulliekson, Beaver; M. Scanlan, Lanesboro.

The ninth annual meeting was held in Preston, June 18, 1901. Addresses were delivered by Rev. A. J. Stead, of Canton; P. Me- Cracken, F. E. Titus and H. R. Wells. The following officers were elected: President, M. H. Onstine; first vice-president, Peter MeCraeken; second vice-president, H. R. Wells; secretary and historian, F. E. Titus; treasurer, C. H. Conkey; executive committee, W. N. Gilmore, Newburg; Jerome Utley, Carimona; M. QO'Connor, Bristol; T. G. Moore, Harmony; W. W. Beers, Rushford.

The tenth annual meeting was held at Preston, June 19, 1902. The address was delivered by Hon. W. H. Eustice, and E. V. Farrington explained the object of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Association. Officers were elected as follows: President, M. HH. Onstine ; first vice-president, C. H. Conkey; second vice-president, E. V. Farrington ; secretary, F. E. Titus; treasurer, Jerome Utley.

The eleventh annual meeting was held at Lanesboro, June 17, 1903. The Soldiers' and Settlers' Association met at the same time. Addresses were delivered by N. P, Colburn and H. R. Wells. Officers were elected as follows: President, M. H. Onstine; first vice-president, C. H. Conkey; second vice-president, John McLeod; secretary, F. I, Titus; treasurer, Jerome Utley; liistorian, M. J. Fellows.

The fourteenth annual meeting was held at Harmony, June 27, 1906. Addresses were delivered by Rev. D. L. Kiehle, H. R. Wells, William Williford and others. Officers were elected as follows: President, C. H. Conkey; first vice-president, John Me- Leod; second vice-president, John MeNeely; secretary, F. E. Titus; treasurer, Jerome Utley; historian, William Willford.

The fifteenth annual meeting was held at Mabel, June 27, 1907. Addresses were delivered by Hon. W. H. Harris, William Willford, F. E. Titus, Mrs. Loomis and others. The officers were elected as follows: President, II. R. Wells; first viee-president, John MeLeod; second vice-president, John MeNeely; secretary, F. EB. Titus; treasurer, Jerome Utley; historian, William Willford.

The sixteenth annual meeting was held at Spring Valley, June 2, 1908. Various addresses were delivered, and the former officers were re-elected. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Association held a meeting at the same time, united their organization with the Old Settlers' Association, and delivered their books to the latter organization.

The Old Settlers', Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Fillmore County. <A special meeting of the old settlers was held at the courthouse, May 10, 1910, a merger having been perfected between the Old Settlers' Association and the Old Soldiers' and Sailors' Association, and appointed officers. Henry Nupson was chosen president and M. H. Onstine secretary. Those present at this meeting were: M. H. Onstine, John MeLeod, Jeroine Utley, H. S. Bassett, D. K. Miehener and Henry Nupson. It was decided to hold the next meeting at Rushford.

June 29, 1910, the meeting of the association was held at Rushford. Addresses were delivered by various members.. The officers were elected as follows: President, John MeLeod; first vice-president, Marvin Egeleston; second vice-president, James Donald; seeretary, M. H. Onstine; treasurer, Jerome Utley; historian, M..H. Onstine; assistants, Mrs. Mary I. West, L. H. Pros-

May 3, 1911, the executive committee met, and appointed H. C. Bassett, 8. A. Nelson and M. H. Onstine » committee to solicit funds for the ereetion of a monument to the oid sailors and soldiers of Fillmore county.

June 20, 1912, the reguiar meeting of the association was held at Preston. The address was delivered by Hon. L. C. Spooner, and the following officers were eleeted: President, John MleLeod ; vicepresidents, T. J. Meighen and L. H. Prosser; treasurer, Jerome Utley; secretary, M. H. Onstine; historian, Thomas Duxbury; executive committee, Henry Nupson and Alexander MeKay. An interesting paper was read by Thomas Duxbury (''Old Pedagoene'').

Members. The following is a list of the charter members of the Old Settlers' Association, the name and the place and date of settlement being given: William Willford, Canton, 1854; F. E. Titus, Lenora, 1857; C. If. Conkey, Preston, 1859; S. B. Murrel, 1854; R. G. Millet, Hamilton. 1856; Jerome Utley, Carimona, 1856; Hulda Burnham, Bristol, 1856; E. Burnham, Bristol, 1856; P. Me- Craeken, York, 1855; John Mulverhill, Carrolton, 1856; John McLeod, Rushford, 1854: James Taylor, Preston, 1857; C. C. Onstine, 1853; Henry R. Wells, 1857; John Kingsbury, 1852; MM. O. Conner, Bristol, 1856; R. M. Foster, 1853; Ole Arneson, York, 1856; N. A. Graves, Holt, 1856; Mrs. M. A. Graves, Holt, 1856.

The following is a list of others who have been connected with the Old Settlers' Association and the Old Settlers', Soldiers' and Sailors' Association, the place and date of their settlement being given when such appears on the association records: Chr. Helliekson, Newburg, 1854; George W. Ilard, Preston, 1865; Jeremiah Shook, Preston, 1856; F. W. Bartleti, Filbnore, 1856; Christian Peterson, Amhert, 1854; Tallak Brokken, Harmony, 1854; Halvor Erikson, Norway, 1854; 8. J. Overland, Norway, 1854; John Bateman, Bloomfield, 1853; A. J. Nagel, York, 1856; S. H. Bateman, Bloomfield, 1854; A. Daniels. Harmony, 1858; John Olson, Preston, 1855; John Catheart, Elliota, 1853; James Healy, Fountain, 1856; L. TI. Prosser, Fillmore, 1856; K. O. Wilson, York, 1856; Peder Sandersen, Amherst, 1854; Albert Weiser (Winneshiek county, Iowa, 1856), Preston, 1866; P. A. Loughrey, Jordan, 1855; Uenry Nupson, Iarmony, 1857; James McConville, Jordan, 1856; BE. V. Farrington, Jordan, 1858; T. G. Moore, Harmony, 1860; S. R. Ayer, Carimona, 1854; Mrs. Frank Day, Carimona, 1856; Mrs. T. H. Morgan, Newburg, 1855; Mrs. J. M. Kingsbury, Newburg, 1853; F. H. Day, Carimona, 1857; Mrs. J. Catheart, Preston, 1857; Mrs. C. R. Mack, Preston, 1857; Mrs. P. J. Hart, Harmony, 1856; Mis. E. V. Farrington, Jordan, 1858; E. M. Rolfe, Harmony, 1860; George Andrus and wife, Louise; L. L. Humble and wife, Sophia, Norway, 1856; N. Hanson and wife, Margaret, Preble, 1861; Hans Gunvalsen, Amherst, 1855; Tollef A. Harstad, Harmony, 1866; M. Seanlan, Carrolton, 1856; Ole O. Blagsvedt, Amherst, 1854; Andrew Thompson, Holt, 1859; Thomas Oleson, Preble, 1861; T. Tousley, Amherst, 1862; Charles A. Graves, born at Highland, 1856; his wife, Ada M., Rushford, 1857; C. E. Huntley and wife, Sarah A., Spring Valley, 1858; Ji. C. Gullickson and wife, Bloomfield, 1856; D. K. Michener and wile, Ida, Etua, 1857; L. W. Allen, Spring Valley, 1856; D. W. Rathburn, Spring Valley; his wife, Jane C., Spring Valley, both 1855; J. M. Thresher, Kedron, July, 1856; Charles Graling, Forestville, 1855 ; D. C. Hancock, Spring Valley, 1856; 8. C. and W. L. Kellogg, Spring Valley, 1856; George McNier and wife, Caroline, Spring Valley, 1853; B. F. Farmer. Spring Valley, 1857; William Degroot, Spring Valley, 1868; Mrs. Maggie Furgerson, Amherst, 1861; B. F. Langworthy and wife (Mower county, 1856), Spring Valley, 1881; W. W. Wall and Helen, Chatfield, May, 1855; John McCollum and wife, Barbary, Scotland, 1856; R. G. Smith and wife, Margaret, 1859; W. W. Beers and wife, Caroline. Rushford, 1855; J. S. Weed and Emeline, his wife, Highland, 1859; Ole Gilbronson, Carrolton, 1856; C. H. Robbins, Jordan, 1859; his wife, R. i. Robbins, Jordan, 1855; W. B. Hutchinson, Granger, 1854; his wife, A. Hutchinson, Granger, 1853; German Johnson, Harmony, 1856; his wife, Julia Johnson, Harmony, 1859; Osten Nelson, Harmony, 1854; his wife, Carrie Nelson, Harmony, 1855; Mrs. Susan Boice, Harmony, 1856; John Iverson, Rushford, 1856; his wife, Rushford, 1856; Kate Little, Preston, 1856; Mrs. O. FE. Wheeler, Preston, 1856; C. P. Fowler, Preston, 1855; N. P. Colburn, 1855; his wife, Ruth Colburn, 1855; V. Lefevre and wite, Sarah, 1855; D. A. Sullivan and wife; W. W. Parkinson and wife, Augusta M., Pleasant Grove (Olinsted county); Martin Blagsvedt, Amherst; Carl Blagsvedt, Amherst; Christian Blagsvedt, Amherst ; Gilbert Gullickson, Amherst; J. C. Mills, Preston; Willard Boice, Preston, 1856; his wife, Margaret E. Boice; H. J. Eddy, born Canton township, 1857; Emma, his wife; O. R. Strand and C. 8. Strand, his wife, 1855; John Manuel and Phoebe Manuel, his wife, 1855; D. W. Bacon and Hattie, his wife, 1866; D. P.

Bacon and Anna, his wife, 1860; Sam Duxbury and Ann, his wife, 1854; L. S. St. Jolin and A. M., his wife, 1853; David Hutton, Fountain, 1860, and Mary E., his wife; Peter McKay and wife, Margaret, Amherst, 1862; S. S. Dunn and wife, Preston, 1864; Andrew Gray, Newburg, 1854; his wife, Kate, Riceford, 1854; W. T. Stevens and wife, Lenora, 1859; W. N. Gilmore; John Milen; Car] Knudson; 8. A. Nelson; 0, E, Langum; Edwin A. Pickett, born in Carimona, 1860; Mrs. Joseph Piekett, Carimona, 1858; W. B. Hines; Mrs. Emily Finny, John MeNeelye, Carimona, 1854; Dunean McConochie, Arendahl, 1856; George J. Mc- Masters, born in Caton, 1862; John Sumer, Amherst, 1858 ; Garnet Workman, Carimona, 1858; Sarah Workman, his wife; Ienry 8. Bassett; Gullick Johnson, Rushford, 1854; Ole Knudson; Elling Knudson; H. Is. Glassoe; R. C. Sacket; Owen Mohan; L. A. King; John Reihl; Alex Long; Ole Tollefson; Gotleib Busse; Mrs. H. C. Vial; W. J. Stuart; Mrs. Terwilligar; S. F. Miner; Mrs. Rosalie Day; Mrs. Mary L. Barnes; I. M. Stork; 0. H. Case; Halvor Johnson; John Johnson; J. C. Russell and wife, Mary Russell; Mrs. Arnold Rose; Mrs. Alice Hunt; Mrs. Pat Conley; Robert Knox (born in county); R. Rush (Canton, 1856); George Milne and wife, Orilla; T. L. Hegland and wife; John N. Johnson and wife; Charles H. Brightman and wife, Sarah; W. D. Hurlbut; J. H. Roberts; Thomas Johnson; Gilbert Butler; Mrs. Etta Harkness; Mrs. Elmira Hyatt; Mahlan Newell; his wife, Julia Newell; J. O. Beach; his wife, Sarah Beach; Ella Adams; Mrs. Edna Fastman; J. C. Rice; his wife, Katherine; Mrs. C. S. Haines; Mrs. Sarah Miner; B. J. Tabor; Lottie C. Tabor; Mrs. L. C. Monroe; Mrs. L. Woodle; Mrs. Mary Boiee; Nels H. Nelson; Mrs. John Stahl; Peter Milne; J. G. Miner; James Donald, 1852; Alice J. Sprague, 1858; W. H. Abro, 1857; Mrs. W. H. Abyo, 1858; Willis Hall Farmer, 1858; James A. Sample, 1854; J. 8. Lee, 1868; Mrs. J. 8. Lee, 1868; L. N. Nash and wife, 1854; Jacob Gasper, 1856, and wife; John C. Halbkat, 1855; Anton Larson, 1870; Mrs. Anton Larson, 1866; C. W. Ackley and wife; 8. M. Wilder, 1855; B. G. Westgate, born in county, 1866; P. Mangan, 1866; W. W. Bontique, 1870; Martin Tnims, 1863; Morris T. Armstrong, 1858; Mrs. 8. A. Derby, 1856; Martin Carlson; John Miller; W. J. Emmons; Erick Nupson and wife, Oline; W. B. Patterson and wife, Maria S.; E. R. Willford and wife, Mary; George Johnson and wife, Elizabeth L.; John Milne and wife; Ole Hanson and wife; Mrs. Caroline Truman; J. T. Elliot; Mrs. Jessie A. Gestness; Mrs. C. C. Horton; Mrs. Anderson; Mrs. A. O. Afseth; Mrs. Thomas Wilson; Mrs. John Gilbrandson; T. J. Meighen; Mrs. Sarah A. Mills; Alex MeKay and wife; L. T. Tollefson; A. Nelson; Owen Mohan; T. A. Warstad; George Andrus; Nels H. Nelson; A. N. Huff; J. C. Miller; Charles Sehultz.