Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter 22: Chatfield City and Township, 1912

Chapter 22: Chatfield City and Township

Location and Advantages - Early Days - Reminiscences of Hon. Milo White - Chatfield in 1858 - Land Office - Municipal History and Public Improvements - Commercial Club - Early Settlement of Chatfield Township - tland Office Records.

Chatfield, the metropolis of northern Fillmore county, and southern Olmsted county, has a population of 1,228, being exceeded in population by but one city in Fillmore county, and but one city in Obnsted county. It has been known for its progressiveness since the earliest days, having at one time wrested the county seat honors from Winona. Here were enacted many of the important incidents of of the early days of Fillmore county. The city is now prosperous, has a fine electric light and waterworks system, is well shaded, has many fine walks, and excellent streets, good schools, many churches, ample fire protection, a public library and rest room, extensive telephone service, two banks, a progressive newspaper, a hustling Commercial club, many handsome residences, and the usual amount of business and professional activities.

Chatfield is on the left bank of the Root river, fifty miles from its confluence with the Mississippi, and at the mouth of Chatfield creek. It is on a broad and picturesque plateau, forty feet or so above the river toward which it gently inclines. It commands an extensive prospect in all directions, except the northwest, where abrupt buffs interpose. Numerous springs gush out from the hillside. Looking north the valleys of three rivers challenge the admiration of the heholder; looking west the eye can feast on forest scenery, and southeasterly, as the valley expands, beautiful farms with woodland and prairie and bold headlands meet the admiring gaze, and eastward is seen a picturesque bluff with a high and fertile prairie beyond.

Early History

A former publication has said: 'The first man to arrive at the point where the city of Chatfield now stands was T. B. Twiford, who passed through here in 1853, on his way from below to Winona, and the situation so attracted his attention, that he induced a party of eleven persons to return with him, and the village was laid out, and slowly at first, buildings began to be erected. G. W. Willis and James McClellan, with Willham B. and E. B. Gere, T. J. Safford, S. A. Sturgis and others were of the party.

"The first building put up in the village was a log tavern on the corner of Main and First streets. G. W. Willis was the proprietor, who kept it for some time, and then 8. A. Sturgis and Jsaae Day managed it. Simeon Crittenden came from Ohio and arrived here on September 20, 1854. He preémpted a claim nexr town and went into the carpenter and real estate business. Dennis Jacobs came in August, 1854, located in the village, and remained here until 1880. J. C. Easton was an carly settler and went into the banking business. Henry Wilder bought a stock of goods in 1854, which he exposed for sale m a log building. Solomon Ashley got here in July, 1854, and put up a house and went into the boarding house business. Frank Whitney came here in 1854, and took some land about a mile and a half from the village, in the south, and in two years went to Pilot Mound. Jack Bolsinger eame here from Iowa in 1854, and opened a store, and continued the business two years. F. A. Coffin, in 1854, located north of the town. J. McClellan commenced the erection of a store and dwelling, and a stock of goods was put in. This was on the corner of Fillmore and First streets. Gere & Edwards started a real estate office in 1854, and this business seemed to flourish, for in 1858, there were thirteen real estate finns in town. The first sawmill was started in 1854, by T. B. Twiford, and before completion was purchased by Col. J. R. Jones who completed it. The mill was run by waterpower, and was equipped with a sash saw. T. J. Safford put up a store and placed a stock of goods in it, and also lived in the sane building. The postoffice was established in 1854."'

Reminiscences cf Hon. Milo White. Ilon. Milo White, the venerable former congressman now living in Chatfield, reached this place in 1855. Te has written the follewing article for this history regarding the early days:

May 10, 1855, I arrived in Chatfield and found a stopping place or hotel kept by Isaac Day in a log house built in 1854. This hotel was a comfortable place. T. J. Safford and Alexander Sturgis cach had a general store. G. M. Gere had a shoe shop. James McClellan had built a frame house in 1854, and in the winter of 1854-55 opened a little store in the front end of it. J. R. Jones had a sawmill on Mill creek, near the school section in what was afterward named Elmira township, Olnsted eounty, the townships then being unnamed. Mr. Jones was a lawyer, a prominent and honored citizen.

There was little clse here in the way of business. Everyone was talking land. Many of the few settlers had claims to sell, although their titles consisted only of their names, or the names of their friends, written in pencil on the stakes set by the government surveyors at the corner of each quarter section.

July 4, 1855, I started for Decorah, Iowa, with our horses to buy flour. I found my way to the state line at Elliota, although no work had as yet been done on the road. The inhorn spirit of patriotism broke out and a celebration was held. Thus, wherever a few American citizens are gathered together, in the cities, in the country, on the frontier or in foreign lands, the glorions Fourth is honored and reverenced, and I hope it ever will be.

Northern Iowa had heen settled before southern Minnesota, and we were thus enabled to obtain flour in the summer and dressed pork in winter.

The fall rains of 1855 had made the trails very difficult for travel, and the journey was very hard on our horses. In those days horses did practically all the cartage for the people of Fillmore and Olmsted connties. I remember that once, on such a trip, coming from Decorah, we found that we could not get our wagon across the south branch of the Root river at Preston. So we erossed on our horses and helped build:a bridge across the mill race which John Kaercher had built to furnish power for his mill. The next day we found another barrier in

Watson's creek. The creck was very deep, but narrow, and fortunately 1 found a large tree which had blown down across the ereek. Consequently, using this tree as a bridge, I earried the flour across on my back in hundred pound sacks. Then we put the team through the creek, and arrived home just in time to find the people dividing up their last flour, giving a few pounds to each family.

In 1856 the population of Chatfield had inereased and schools and churches were organized. The Baptists built a chureh in 1856, and others later. A schoolhouse was built in 1856, and a school on the north side in Olmsted county became district one, in that county. H. E. Loomis, the first teacher in this distriet one, Olmsted county, is still] hving here, after more than five decades and a half. Mrs. ©. C. Onstine, reputed to be the first public sehool teacher in Fillmore county is also living here.

It was in 1856 that the land office was moved from Brownsville to Chatfield, and a large influx of population set in to the village and the surrounding country. Land became an article of trade. Eighty acres of good land eould be obtained for a pair of horses. Or a man could pay a little money down on a piece of land, and give a mortgage for the rest. Farms Were opened, uew houses were erected in the village, and it seemed that the wave of prosperity was well on its way.

But 1857 found many of the people out of money, and the trade slackened, causing the failure of many of the merchants. In 1857 the wheat was a complete failure, and then ensued the hard times. Then came the year 1858 with its good crops, and thereupon began the shipments of wheat, which was exchanged for the money which the farmers so badly needed. Then indeed the horse became man's best friend, carrying the productions of the fertile land to the Mississippi river, and bringing back snpplies and lumber.

Hauling wheat became a regular business when the great crop of 1859 was harvested. It required labor to take the wheat, clean it, sack it and load it to be hauled to Winona, and so I built a small warchouse, being the first to pay cash for grain in our town.

In the winter we had our goods shipped to La Crosse and hauled by team from there. I rememler that one of my wheat teams got in the river and was drowned. A box of hardware of mine and some of the other goods which the team was carting wre in the river yet for all I know.

The crop of 1860 was very good and was not all sold when our piping times of peace was broken im 1861 by the war. I never shall forget the day Fort Sumpter was fired upon. I was in Milwaukee at the time. The people were excited. A dry goods box was put on a street and patriotic speeches made. Regrets were expresed for the effect it would: have but no one expected four years of bloody conflict.

Chatfield did its duty and sent her quota of good soldiers when Abraham Lincoln called for men. Those who intending to get into the First Regiment bad to go as Company A of the Second Regiment. Captain Bishop returned a general. His company made an honorable record. Many men who enlisted left their wives and children poorly provided for, especially those that stayed four years. Yet those blessed women would suffer and toil in silence through the war.

We stay-at-homes did not long enjoy all peace, for in 1862 the Indian War came with all its horrors. Gov. Alexander Ramsay authorized proper agents to take supplies for the Indian fighters who were defending the frontier and they came and took from my store such as they pleased, which the state paid for later. Some who had gone from here and settled far west eame Hocking back to safety, saying the Indians were not far away and would soon he here unless effective work was done. That induced volunteers to go out and that cleared the sulkers off the prairies west of us, the battle of New Uhn helped stay the on-coming savages and the hanging of thirty-seven Sioux on one scaffold had a very quieting effect. The Indians had no doubt grievances and knew no other way to get redress than by murdering women and children, though we hope that they have learned of better ways.

Now, after fifty-seven years of life here and more than eighty in all, we lay down the work for others to carry on and we recall many incidents of the past in our life, and are happy in knowing that we helped make a prosperous state with more than two million people.

Reminiscences of G. H. Haven. G. H. Haven, who has been prominently identified with the growth of Chatfield for many years, has prepared for this work an article dealing with these early days when Chatfield was the metropolis of sonthern Minnesota. His article follows:

The land upon which the original town plat of Chatfield is situated was entered at the United States Land Office at Brownsville, Minn., as follows: The northwest quarter of seetion five, town 104, range eleven, by Grove W. Willis on August 10, 1854; the northeast quarter of section six, same town and: range, by Thomas B. Twiford on August 8, 1854. The plat of the village

The first boom for Chatfield came in the spring of 1856 when the United States Land Olfice was moved here from Brownsville, Minn. This brought a considerable influx of population, including, during the year 1856, a number of men who afterwards filled publie and other offices of importance in the state and territory. Among these were C. G. Ripley, afterwards chief justice of the state; Gordon: FE. Cole, who became attorney general; Charles McElrath, later auditor of the state; James M. Cavanaugh, one of the first members of congress from Minnesota; James B. Power, afterwards land commissioner of the Northern Pacific Railway, and William B. Gere, United States marshal of the state of Minnesota.

When the first call for troops was made at the beginning of the Civil War in April, 1861, the Chatfield Guards, a militia company, which had been in training for some time, responded to this call, most of its members volunteering in defense of their country. They were ready to start for Fort Snelling in April, but as the first regiment of the Minnesota volunteers was filled from towns nearer St. Paul, they did not leave Chatfield until June 22, 1861, becoming Company A of the Second Regiment, J. W. Bishop being captain and Charles Haven first lieutenant. The latter died at Nashville during the early part of the war and Captain Bishop rose to the rank of brigadier general by brevet, which position he held at the close of the war. Companies for the Fifth, Eighth and Eleventh Regiments were largely recruited from Chatfield and its vicinity, and many enlisted in other regiments than those mentioned. The volunteers from Chatfield and the surrounding country had an honorable and many of them a brilliant record in the Civil War.

One of the most notable movements in Chatfield at an early day was the establishment of the Chatfield Academy in September, 1858, with J. W. Bishop, afterwards colonel of the Second Regiment, as principal and Sarah J. Knight as assistant principal. This really excellent school attraeted students from Winona and Rochester during its first year and continued for several years, when, after a system of graded schools had been provided for, its existence was no longer a necessity and it gave place to the public schools.

Root River Valley Railroad, a Jand grant road, was surveyed through the town in 1857, but no actual work was done on any road towards Chatfield until 1868. At that time $65,000 bonds were voted, payable upon the completion of a branch extending from a point on the Southern Minnesota, near Fountain, to Chatfield. Nearly one-half of the work in grading this branch was done in the years 1868-1869, when, on account of lack of funds, the project collapsed and was never revived. Various surveys were made and different projects considered from time to time, but it was not until 1878 that a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern was actually completed to Chatfield, the first train passing over the branch in November of ihat year. Chatfield contributed $35,000 to the cost, the adjoining town of Elmira $10,000 and Jordan $5,000.

Small stores were conducted in 1854 and 1855 hy James McLellan (said to be the first merchant in Chatfield), Bolsinger & Simons, T. J. Safford and possibly others, but it was not until 1856 that large and well assorted stocks of general merchandise were brought to Chatfield, the principal stores at that time being conducted by Bailey & White, S. A. Sturgis, Sebring & Sawyer, Augustus Haven, Forres & MeLarty, aud T. J. Safford. The business of Milo White, of the first named firm, succeeding to its business in 1857, was continued without interruption until he sold to his son, Charles H. White, in 1901, who still maintains the business. Augustus Haven, at his death in 1863, was succeeded by his son, George II. Haven, who operated the store until 1888 when he closed it out and bought the Root River Bank from J. C. Easton. Safford was succeeded at an early day by Charles M. Lovell, whose business was continued, from his death in 1892, by Frank W. Shimer. Levi Bemis was a prominent merchant in Chatfield for many years, being succeeded by Culver & Gould and Charles M. Culver. The first hardware store was established in 1856 by Badger & Ilarris, and the first drug store soon after by Eggleston & Barnard, succeeded by F. G. Barnard and ¥. G. Barnard & Son, by whom it is conducted at the present time.

'""Mhe Chatfield Democrat,'' the first newspaper, was established in 1856 and published continuously until 1902, when it was consolidated with the ''News,'' and is still published as the ''News-Demoerat.'' ''The Chatfield Republicau'' was established soon after the ''Democrat,'? but after beiug published a few years, was removed to Preston.

The original flouring mill was opened for business in 1857 by Samuel T. Dickson and was operated until it burned down. A large flouring mill was built two miles from the city in 1874 by Dickson, Easton & Johnson, at the cost of 450,000. Wheat raising having since been almost entirely abandoned, it became unprofit- able, and the huilding and power have for some years been used by the Chatfield Electric Light Company. Other flouring mills in Chatfield and its immediate vicinity have been operated by James M. Cussons and John J. Beitzan. The Chatfield Woolen Mill was established by Griswold & Crissey in 1867 and successfully condueted by this firm and its suecessors until July, 1896, when the ill was totally destroyed by fire.

The couniry in the vicinity of Chatfield, with its numerous ereeks and the two branches of Root river, is especially adapted to dairying. A cheese factory was conducted in the village for several years with moderate success. In the year 1881 the cheese factory property was purchased by the Chatfield Creamery Company and a creamery with a large patronage was successfully established under the superintendency of H. A. Holmes, of Iowa. At that tune there was only one other creamery in this part of Minnesota and cream was brought to Chatfield from a large territory. With the nultipliecation of ereameries the area contributing to this creamery has been materially reduced, but it still has a large patronage and turns out butter of the highest grade. About ten vears after it was started it was sold to the farmers who supported it, and since that date has been conducted on the co-operative plan.

Wheat was the principal erop of this section until 1878. The wheat crop of 1877 was perhaps as abundant as any produeed in this region, while that raised the next year was almost a failure, both as to quantity and quality. The wheat failure continued for twenty years, so that it was practically abandoned as a crop to be depended upon. The farmers were gradually driven to diversify their crops, so that at present there are few scetions more diversified, This change has been of great permanent advantage to the country, although many, who were in debt, lost their farms before the change was brought about. - Corn is now the most valuable grain crop, with barley and oats ranking next. Timothy and clover seeds, rye and flax vary in acreage and importance from year to year. Only small fields of wheat (five to ten acres to the 160-acre farm) are raised. Hay is a very valuable crop aud cattle, hogs and sheep bring a large income to the farmers. Silos are coming into quite general use and nearly all farmers are realizing the importance of seientilie methods in agriculture.

At the time of the early settlement of Chatfield a body of timber from three to five miles wide extended up and down Root river. A saw mill was plaeed in operation by Jud Crissey in 1856 and continued its work for ten or twelve years. This ''timber land'? has now, for the most part, given place to small farms, although a saw mill eondueted by Kaiserlik Bros. does considerable business.

Chatfield in 1857. In 1857 Chatfield was the most flourishing town in southern Minnesota. On January 1 of that year, a local directory reveals the following: Four dry goods and grocery stores, three grocery and provision stores, eleven dealers in real estate, five lawyers, three doctors, three civil engineers, two hotels, one watehmaker, one siove and tinware shop, one hoot and shoe shop, one livery stable, one Masonic lodge.

Chatfield in 1858. Following is a brief business directory of Chatfield published in 1858. Langworthy, O'Ferrall & Co. (I. F. O'Ferrall and 8. C. Langworthy}, bankers and real estate; Dexter & Ripley (Edward Dexter and C. G. Ripley), bankers and real estate; Niekolls & Co. (G. L. Nikolls and J. M. Cavanaugh), land agents; Osborn & Son, land agents; Morse & Bristol, lawyers and land agents; Wiliam kh. Gere, lawyer and Jand agent; Jason C. Easton, suecessor to Gilbert & Easton, land agent; Simeon Crittenden, real estate; C. MelIlrath & Co., land agents; Holley & Brown, real estate; J. R. Jones & Co., law and real estate; Edwards & Sharpe, land agents; Draper & Bro., land agents; A. Haven, genera] store; T. F. Goff, general store; C. M. Lovell, general store; Forres & McLarty, general store; C. ©. Abbott, hardware; George C. Sherwin, furniture; D. G. Bailey, general store; F. G. Barnard, jeweler; 8. Badger & Co., furniture and hardware; Joseph Schambault, boots and shoes; Datus Stevens, carpenter; Chatfield Flouring Mill (Jones & Dickson), William A. Spornitz, harness maker; R. W. Twitehell, M. D., physician and surgeon; O. P. Knox, master mason; Medary House (Cole & Glasgow); B. N. Ohlhues, liquors and cigars; John Manheim, billiard and oyster saloon; steam mill, J. Crissey ; Fillmore Nursery, Sauer & Brother; James M. Cavanaugh, attorney; Wilson House, Charles Wilson; billiard saloon, Heury Hackney; Simeon Smith, lawyer; G. W. Willis, attorney.

A deseription of Chatfield published in 1858, contains the following mformation which shows the progress whieh the vil- Jage had made even at that early date.

''The village now contains more than a thousaud actual inhabitants, and its buildings, for comfort and elegance, will not suffer by comparison with those of eastern towns of similar population. The development of the manufacturing interests of the town is as yet, but eommenced. The rapidly increasing demand for manufactured articles in a new and growing settlement, with the high prices for transportation, must soon add largely to the present investments in manufacturing here. The branches most needed at present are an iron foundry aud machine shop, a tannery, carriage shops, a mannfactory of agricultural implements and the like. A good paper mill could hardly fail to prove a profitable investment, there being none in the state, while the consumption of the article is very great. A fine flouring mill was completed last summer, by Jones & Dickson, at a cost of over $15,000. It is now making a first rate article of flour; and in capacity and perfection of arrangement is surpassed by none in the county. There are three sawmills; one a steam mill, with lath and shingle saws connected with it, is owned by Mr. Crissey; and one by H. L. Edwards, is a fine water-mill, with lath and shingle saws, turning lathe, and corn-mill, attached. Mr. Sherwin has erected a fine three story building, for the manufacture of furniture, cabinet and turned work; and Badger & Harris have on hand at their warerooms a large assortment of furniture and house trimmings. A brick yard, adjoining the town, is being successfully worked, and good building stone is quarried close at hand. Connected with the business of the land office, there has been, and is now, a large amount of capital employed in the business of exchange banking, loaning money, and land warrants, entering land on time for pre-emptors, and general dealing in real estate and securities. The firms employed in this braneh of business have proved themselves to be enterprising, liberal, public spirited and honorable men. They have invested largely in the town and vicinity, and are ever ready to encourage whatever tends to promote her interests. Of general dealers and dry goods, and the like, there are six firms - one hardware and stove dealer - several grocery and provision dealers - with the miscellaneous branches usually found in a place of its size, except, perhaps, a book store and a bakery. Of attorneys, physicians and surgeons there is a goodly nuiuber here, and for education, talent, and thorough knowledge of their respective professions, they rank deservedly high. There are here societies of Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists, all of which are well supported, and the two Jast named have provided commodious places of worship. Two excellent schools have been in successful operation during the past winter, and are to be continued, throughout the summer. Arrangements are being made for the opening of an Academical School here in the coming autumn; and the community is of that class who will liberally support such institutions. There are here two weekly newspapers, both established in 1856, and liberally sustained by the citizens of the town and vicinity. The ''Chatfield Demoerat'' is published every Saturday by C. C. Hemphill. It supports the present administration and advocated generally the principles of the Democratic party. The ''Chatfield Republican'' is published every Wednesday, by Holley & Brown. It upholds the name of William H. Seward, as candidate for the presidency in 1860, and is the organ of the Republican party in the county and vicinity. These newspapers are ably conducted and weilprinted, and furnish weekly information of Minnesota matters. Medary House, is a new, large, and commodious hotel, superbly furnished, and kept in first class order by the deservedly popular proprietors, Cole and Glasgow. It has ample aceecommodation for two hundred guests. The Wilson House is also a eomfortable hotel kept by the proprietor, Charles Wilson. This house has recently been refurnished and is now in complete order for the entertainment of the public. The Chatfield Iouse and City Hotel are good houses, though of bumbler pretentioes.''

Land Office. The Root river or Brownsville Land District comprised the five southern tier of townships, extending from the Mississippi westward to the territorial limits. The office was opened, at Brownsville, on the Mississippi, Aug. 1. 1854. It was moved to Chatfield, June 12, 1856. Major John R. Beunett was the register and Capt. John H. MeKenney, the receiver. In 1860 the office was removed to Winnebago City.

Municipal History. Chatfield was incorporated as a village in 1857. The first officers of the village were: Council, H. B. Morse (president), John R. Jones A. Haven and I. Cole.

An act to incorporate the city of Chatfield was approved by the legislature Febrnary 19, 1887. The boundaries were established as follows: The south half of section thirty-one, 105, eleven, Olmsted county ; the east half of section six, 104, eleven, the east half of the southwest quarter of section six, 104, eleven. the northwest quarter section of section five, 104, eleven, the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section five, 104, eleven, and the north half of the southwest quarter of section five, 104. eleven. The chartered officers were: Mayor, George Prey; aldermen, William Stratford, I. M. Higley, Hiram Fairbanks; recorder, Joseph Underleak; city justice, J. W. Russell; justice of the peace, R. W. Twitchell; constable, C. BE. Todkingson; treasurer, C. M. Culver.

1891 - Mayor, Milo White; aldermen, C. G. Bolles, Michael Burke, George Piny; recorder, George L. Gould; treasurer, <A. L. Ober; city justice, J. W. Russell; justice, John Chermack ; constable, Charles W. Payne. The voters declared in favor of lreense.

1892 - -Mavyor, Milo White; aldermen, F. W. Shimer, G. W., Perry, Michael Burke; recorder, George L. Gould; treasurer, George H. ITaven. The voters declared in favor of no license.

1898 - Mavyor, I'. W. Shimer; aldermen, George W. Perry, A. L. Ober, William Strafford; reeorder, W. H. Silsbee; treasurer, George II. Ifaven; city justice, J. W. Russell; justice, Duval MelKenny; constable, Charles W. Payne. The voters declared in favor of license.

1900 - Mayor, F. W. Shimer; aldermen, J. D. Jones, F. J. Halloran, Milo White, Jr.; recorder, Anthony Sharp; treasurer, A. L. Ober. The voters declared in favor of Heeuse.

1903 - Mayor, F. J. Halloran; aldermen, H. H. Heydon, 8. E. Bibbins, J. D. Caw; recorder, C. V. Ferguson; treasurer, Sidney Burnap; city justice, T. B. Clawson; justice, Duval McKenny. The voters declared in favor of license.

1904 - Mayor, F. J. Halloran; aldermen, J. D. Caw, 8. E. Bibbins, H. H. Heydon; recorder, ©. V. Ferguson; treasurer, Sidney Burnap. The voters declared in favor of Jicense.

1907 - -Mayor, C. M. Cooper; aldermen, H. H. Heydon, William Strafford, W. J. Wright; recorder, D. E. Dunham; treasurer, Sidney Burnap; city justice, fT. B. Clawson; constable, Edward Howard. The voiers declared in favor of license.

1908 - Mayor, C. M. Cooper; aldermen, H. I. Heydon, George W. Perry, W. J. Wright; reeorder, D. E. Dunham; treasurer, Sidney Burnap; justice, S. T. MeGrew. This year the voters declared in favor of issuing $2,000 bonds for the building in company with the township, of a city and town hall on lot ten, block eleven, in the city of Chatfield.

1909 - Mayor, C. M. Cooper; aldermen, $8. E. Bibhins, F. L. Tesea, William Strafford; recorder, D. BE. Dunham; treasurer, Sidney Burnap; city justice, T. B. Clawson; constable, Edward Howard. The voters declared in favor of no license.

1911 - Mayor, Joseph Underleak; aldermen, S. EH. Bibbins, Sidney Burnap, C. H. Anderson; recorder, F. W. Shimer; treasurer, F. G. Stoudt; city justiec, Duval McKenny; constable, Edward Howard. 'The voters declared in favor of no license.

March 8, 1887, the council passed an ordinance locating ihe city prison in a brick building to he known as a city hall, in lot nine, block eleven. April 29, 1897, an ordinance was passed authorizing Joseph Underleak and his suecessors and assigns to erect, maintain and operate an electric hght plant and to supply cleetric lights and power to the eity. Under this act

Waterworks. August 6, 1889, the city purchased from R. WW. Twitchell for waterworks purposes an acre of land, located a half mile from the center of the city, in Olmsted county. A reservoir was constructed, twenty feet deep, sixty fect in diameter and with a capacity of 14,500 barrels. September 6, 1894, 45,000 was voted to extend the system, the work being finished that winter. dune 4, 1905, $3,000 in bonds was voted to complete the works. Only $2,500 of this was used. The system is now very efficient. The value complete is $20,000. There are three and a half miles of mains with thirty-four hydrants, and the hose equipment is sufficient so that any place in the platted portion ean be casily reached, thus affording ample fire protection.

Fire Department, The Fire, Ifose, Hook & Ladder Coinpany of Chatfield, was organized May 4, 1891, when a number of citizens met at the city hall. The meeting was presided over by F. L. Tesea and F. G. Shumway was the secretary. G. A. Chase was elected fire marshal. May 11, the meeting was called to order by G. A. Chase, and IF. G. Shumway was elected temporary secretary. The constitution and by-laws were adopted and signed by W. H. Brown, William MeLaughlin, Frank Hill, Frank Kadletr, J. W. Scott, John P. Gillin, James Batterson, A. d. Hardy, Fred Wilson, William Hickey, J. Jorgensen, A. C. Rosequist, G. A. Chase, F. G. Shumway, W. H. Elis, W. H. Elwood, F. W. Shimer, Milo White, dr., John A. Flindt, F. L. Barnard, S. TG. Peterson, John Chemark, J. L. Gould, A. L. Ober, Frank Waters, C. H. White, Daniel Marron, J. P. Williams, T. H. Sawyer, Lincoln Craine, Walter Jones, E. J. Lynch, J. D. Sanderson, James Underleak, Frank Hill, U. J. Wright. The following officers were elected: Foreman, F. W. Shimer; first assistant, W. H. Ellis, seeond assistant, Fred Williams; treasurer, William McLaughlin; seeretary, F. G. Shumway. July 7, 1891, the couneil elected the following officers of the department: Chief engineer, F. W. Shimer; first assistant, A. L. Ober; second assistant, C. H. White. The department at once started raising money by giving a ball. This event which is given annually is now the principal social gathering of each season. The fire equipment is housed in the city hall.

Public Library and Rest Room. In the fall of 1910, the rest room was established, ihe Commercial club paying for the light and heat and the W. C. T. U. furnishing the matron. Alter about six months it was suggested that a library could be established in connection with the rest room at no additional expense. The Commercial club appointed a committee of two, and a canvass was taken of the city, resulting in the donation of 1,000 volumes. Soon afterward the council took charge of the library under the state law. The institution now has about: 2,500 volumes and is in great popular favor.

The Chatfield Library Association was incorporated January 2, 1874. with the following named persons as its first officers: J. 5. Sawyer, president; G. L. Case, vice president; G. H. Taven, secretary, and R. A. Case, treasurer. It began with about 330 volumes, costing $600.00, and was maintained for some 20 years, when its library was presented to the publie schools.

Chatfield Cemetery Association. This association originated May 22, 1855, Charles G. Hawley being chairman and Grove W. Willis seeretary of the organization meeting. Charles G. Hawley and Nelson Allen were chosen trustees for the term of three years, William B. Gere and T. J. Safford for two years and Grove W. Willis and Riley L. Nickols for one year. These trustees met at Chatfield, May 23, 1856, and elected Nelson Allen president; Williain B. Gere, secretary, and T. J. Safford treasurer. May 24, 1856, the board decided to purchase land from George W. Rose, in the northeast corner of section eight, 104, eleven. The grounds were laid into lots, and when completed, offered for sale. The will of the late Levi Bemis gave the association #5,000 the fund to be permanent and the interest to be used for certain improvements and to build a sidewalk from the cemetery to the city limits. The present officers are: President, Hon. Milo White; secretary, F. W. Shimer; treasurer, G. H. Haven; trustees, Milo White, F. L. Tesea, Wilham Laird, G. Ti. Haven, H. H. Heydon, F. W. Shimer. In addition to the original tract, five aeres were purchased in 1884 and ten in 1909..

The People's Telephone Company. With 'headquarters at Chatfield, and exchanges at Spring Valley, Racine, Stewartville and St. Charles, was organized in 1898. The officers are: President, J. A. Melone; secretary, W. W. Boyer; treasurer, S. Maddock; directors, H. Brown, Hugh Currie, B. W. Huntley and A. L, Ober.

kato. The officers elected were: President, T. G. Bonnallie, Tracy; first vice-president, George R. Thompson, Chatfield; second vice-president, Alson Blodgett, Jr., Fairbault; secretary, Prof. C, E. Ball, North Mankato; treasurer, J. B. Ludlow, Rushmore. The counties eligible are: Rock, Pipestone, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Jackson, Cottonwood, Redwood, Martin, Watonwan, Brown, Faribault, Blue Earth, Nieollet, Waseca, Le Suer, Steele, Rice, Mower, Dodge, Goodhue, Fillmore, Olmsied, Wahasha, Houston, Winona, Sibley, Seott, Yellow Medicine. George R. Thompson, of Chatfield, is one of the leading movers in this organization.

The Chatfield Commercial Club. This club had its beginning February 24, 1910, when twelve business men gathered and a committee was appointed to solicit members for the new club. March 18, 1910, the committee reported and it was voted to organize. The final steps were taken March 25, 1910, when the organization was completed and the by-laws adopted. The following officers were elected: President, Dr. C. M. Cooper; vieepresident, Charles L. Thurber; secretary, P. H. Laivell; treasurer, O. L. Ober. Of the work of the club the first year, the Chatfield ''News Democrat?' of March 1911, says: The club has spent $150 on roads leading into town, in addition to the $700 given by the townships and individuals; efforts were made to interest the citizens in keeping the town looking better and cleaner; hitching posts were placed along the side streets; unjust freight rates were adjusted; an additional coach was obtained on the Chatfield branch; two Trade Extension days were given; a Fourth of July celebration was held; a Farmers' Institute was arranged; a rest room was established; a public library was started; the matter of establshing an agricultural course in the public schools was taken up, and presented to the voters by competent authorities.

The present officers are: President, Charles L. Thurber; vice-president, B. W. Buzzell; seeretary, George R. Thompson; treasurer, F. G. Stoudt. Among the results accomplished the past year may be mentioned: The club took action persuading the city council to take charge of the library and eontributed $50.00 toward its support; it worked for the establishment of associated school districts in this vicinity, and sueeeeded in having a department of agricultural training and domestic science opened in the public schools; urged the need of new hose for the fire department and contributed toward purchasing it; it gave its endorsement toward establishing a gasoline storage tank which materially lowered the cost of gasoline; it assisted in securing better roads; it took an interest in the Memorial Day exercises and also gave a Fourth of July celelration; it placed on the principal streets signs regulating the speed of vehicles; it repaired the hitehing posts; it continued ihe rest room; it arranged for band concerts; it took the imitiative in. securing the replacing of the walk between Chatfield and West Chatfield; it offered prizes at the short course of corn raising and dairying; it secured an improvement in passenger conditions on the railroad; it arranged for the State Anti-Tuberenlosis exhibit; it secured a state appropriation for roads, and accomplished much else for the good of the city.

Chatfield is the third town from the western boundary of the county on the northern line. Olmsted county joins it on the north, Pilot Mound on the east, Fountain on the south, and Jordan on the west. It contains thirty-six sections as originally run out by the government surveyors. The northeast part of the town is prairie, while the northwest was a solid body of heavy timber, and the south half of the town was oak openings, and is a rolling section of country.

The Root river, with its numerous tributaries, flows through ihe central part of the town. Sugar ereek flows northeast to mingle iis waters with the parent stream in section fourteen, Bear ereek comes from the west through section eighteen. The north braneh comes into town in the northwest corner, and finds the middle branch in seetion seventeen. Numerous other rivulets arise from springs and help swell the Root river. The Root river and Sugar ereek have bluffs on either side rising from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet or more, with projecting rocks and a variety of trees. The soil is generally a clay loam with a yellow clay subsoil, with the exeeption of the valley of the Root river, which is of a black sandy character to a depth of about ten inches, and this is superimposed on a whitish sand several feet, reposing on a bed of white clay. The larger part of the town is adinirably adapted to stock raising, and the balanee for tillage purposes, and in an early day the yield of wheat was enormous.

Early Settlement. The immigration to Chatfield commenced in 1853, along the Sugar ereek valley, and this went on increasing until all the land was taken, and of course, new comers could then only purchase of the pre-emptors. kh. H. Findley built the first house on section twenty-seven in the Sugar ereek valley i 1853, it was of logs, fourteen by sixteen fect. In 1853, Hugh Paisley pre-empted a claim in section ten, and he, it is elaimed, was the first settler in town 10 commence improvements on a claim, who came there with the intention of securmg a home. Ile put up a little log hut and spent the winter of 1853-54.

One of the first frame houses was put up in the spring of 1854, on seetion twenty-four, by J. S. Edwards, bringing the lumber from Winona, and his family came in the fall. In 1854, D. W. Breese eaine and was the first to settle on section thirtythree. On first coming here there was an Indian village or encampment near, which varied from twenty, at times, up to perbaps a hundred, and of course Mr. Breese and his family were the subjects of never tiring curiosity to the untutored children of the forest. They would come up in squads to the house, and sit and examine everything, and beg for food by pointing into their months. They were always amused to see Mrs. Breese wash and dress the children, the ablutions of course were considered a religious rite. Thomas Holmes, James Lynch, James Gardiner, Thomas Goldsmith, and Ole Christianson also came and seeured places in this year.

Fannie MeClellan was the first child, as it is supposed, born in the town, ontside of the village. She was a daughter of James and Mary McClellan, and arrived in the spring of 1854. The father, James McClellan, was one of the earliest to die, his demise occurring in the summer of 1854.

In 1855, William Bailey, H. Brown, Urbin Wright, Patrick Lyneh, Patrick MeGraw, George Follinsbee, Trulo Erickson, Ole Jacobson, and Nels Nelson came to procure homes here.

In 15856, there were several aceessions, among them, Martin Brannan, Michael King, M. Murphy, Patrick Williams, Thomas Larvin, John Conley, D, D. Frink, and Joseph Caw.

In 1858, James Power, Patriek Doyle. and Alfred Crosby put in an appearance. And after these the following persons setiled in various parts of the town: Patriek Brennan, Ole Olson, D. C. Cartlich, M. W. Rooney, H. Hanson, and others have been coming, one by one, to take the place of those who have 'moved on.

Land Office Records. The first titles to land in Chatfield township were issued by the government in 1854. Those who obtained land that year were as follows, the date of the issuanec of the warrant being given first, then the name of the owner and then the section im which the land was largely located. August 8, Thomas B. Twiford, six; August 16, Grove W. Willis, five; September 1, Alpheus W. Fargo, five; September 1, Harley B. Morse, five; September 5, Daniel W. Breese, twenty-eight ; September 5, William C. Hl. Gardinnier, twenty-seven; September 5, Luke MeMaster, thirty-three; September 7, William Sauer, nine; September 8, Edwin B. Gere, six; September 9, Columbia French, four; September 9, Richard Freeman, five; September %, Hugh Parsley, ten; September 9, Thomas Parsley, eleven; September 9, Henry C. Wheeler, six; September 9, Hirman K. Wilder, four: September 28, Simeon Crittenden, six; September 28, William Shimer, five-six; October 12, Joseph Gold, seven; November 1, George W. Ross, eight; November 1, William K. Tribew., eightnine; November 13, James Kinnely, twenty-eight; November 13, William Lyneh, eleven.