Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 51: Events of Interest, Chronoloaically Arranged, 1882

Chapter 51: Events of Interest, Chronoloaically Arranged

These items commence in 1857, at a time when the county was fast tilling up, and after the very earliest events, which have elsewhere been recorded, occurred. There is no pretense that everything wliich it may be valuable to rescue from oblivion has been caught iu this gathering seine, but enough to disclose the drift of affairs while this region was filling, and to give an idea of what the people were interested in, and of the vicissitudes to which they were subjected.

About the third number of the "Southern Minnesota Star," which was started iu .Tidy, contained the names of sixty-one subscribers who had paid in advance. The list began in this way:

The building iu Albert Lea, was so extensive this year, that all the lumber the saw-mill could turn out was used up, and the supply at St. Nicholas was exhausted.

The grand opening of the Webber House, which had been built by Mr. Webber, was on the 24th of November. A Ball, a Supper, and other festivities marked the occasion.

Late in November Elias Stanton, of Freeborn City, froze both feet by getting them wet in a slough ; his oxen also froze to death, and he subsequently died of his injuries.

In January the people of the shire town congratulated themselves that they were to have regular preaching every Sunday. Rev. Mr. Lowry and Rev. Mr. McReynolds officiating alternately.

In February the necessity of a bridge across the river at the foot of the lake became apparent, and measures were adopted to have one built.

On the 6th of April a public meeting was held at Albert Lea, to consider the bond question. David Blakely called the meeting to order; E. P, Skinner was called to the chair, and John Wood was appointed secretary. The meeting was addressed by A. H. Bartlett, Mr. Blakely, Dr. Tarbell, and others, and the .sentiment of the meeting was unanimous against the pro])ositioD. Mr. Bartlett atumiJed the county in opposition to the scheme, and the only town he did not visit gave seventeen of the twenty-seven votes in the county in its favor.

Albert Lea began to flourish as a sea-port in the spring of this year, when the brig Itasca. Captain Franklin, of Shell Rock, arrived, loaded with shingles. The people began to use nautical terms and to hitch their trousers as though they Iiad just come ashore.

The Tear 1859

On the Gtli of May the first and only deliberate murder ever committed in the county, was by Henry Kreigler, causing the death of Nelson Boughton in the town of Nuuda. It appears that Kreigler whipped his wife, and she fled to the house of Mr. Boughton with her child, and was protected by him; and Kreigler came over and made an assault, fatally stabbing him in the back with a long knife, penetrating the heart and producing instant death.

The murderer was arrested and sent to Faribault jail for safe keeping. The defence secured a change of venue to Steele county, and he was tried at Owatonna. The prosecution was con lucted by D. G. Parker, County Attorney, assisted by Gordon E. Cole, Attorney General; and he was ably defended by Hon. A. Armstrong and Hon. O. F. Perkins.

The trial lasted thirty days, a large number of witnesses were called, and the costs were piled up so that the county was well uigli bankrupt, its orders going for 20 cents on the dollar. The culprit was remanded back to the county for execution, which took place on the first day of March, 1861, at a point just east of Broadway, not far from the jilace where the railroad crosses the street. Here, in that amphitheatre formed by the surrounding hills, a gibbet had been erected in the form of a post with a projecting arm, from which a pendant rope was connected by pullies to a huge log, as the engine of death. The legal strangulation was witnessed by several thousand people, being conducted by the Sheriff, James Robson. Rev. Mr. Storey, who was then here, asked the condemn( d man if he desired prayer, to which he replied that he l.,id no money to pay for it; but the minister fervently prayed nevertheless. It seems that the criminal did not realize that he was after all to be actually hung, and when the fatal cord was applied to his neck, and the dismal black cap drawn over his head, he completely broke down, and as the newspapers at the time related, "bawled like a calf." All being ready, the stick of timber was dropped and the victim was jerked from his footing, and in a few minutes his earthly caretr was thus ingloriously ended. It is said that this was the only white man ever legally executed in Minnesota.

The remains were buried in -an old cemetery on the Austin road, but the belief existed rather extensively at the time, that two enterprising physicians who resided here had resurrected the remains for anatomical and physiological purposes. But no one took pains to verify the surmise, or to disprove it. A few years ago, however, the cemetery having been applied to other uses, the bones were disinterred, and fully identified by the manacles which were rusting around the bones of his Heshless wrists.

On the 12th of February Mr. Swineford having gone to LaCrescent to battle against LaCrosse, Mr. Isaac Botsford secured an interest in the "Star."

This was the season when the horse racing mania was upon the community, and one of the first recorded was between a horse owned by F. L. Cutler and one owned by F. Lamb, for $100 a side. Then came a race between Botsford's Ijlack gelding. Crazy Frank, and Dr. Wedge's horse Selam, in which Crazy Frank won and Botsford raked in iJ-lO.

The newspaper, which had become the "Eagle," screamed for the last time on the 17th of March, and the "Standard" was lifted up on the 26th of May by Ruble and Hooker, with the latter as editor.

Events Op Interest

In the early fall of this year, a laud sale had been ordered by the departmnnt, and the people, who were mostly living on government land, did not feel able to pay for it at that time, so a meeting was held at the cradle of Freeborn county liberty, the Weliber House. A. B. Webber was Chairman, and C. H. Bostwick, Secretary. Col. G. W. Skinner, who had been appointed to secure co-operation in procuring the postponement of the land sale, reported what had been accomplished. Stacy, Hoops, Rickard, Ash, Webber, with others, addressed the meeting, and Mr. Skinner was sent to Washington to use his intiuenoe in the matter, and a committee was appointed to secure funds to pay the expenses. A meeting had been previously held in Porter, at the house of F. W. Calkins, and .J. M. Drake prepared that safety value of American feeling, the resolutions. The county seat election was fixed for the day of the general election, on the 6th of November.

Col. Skinner returned, and on the 25th of October another meeting took place at the Webber House; S. G. Lowry in the chair, and E. C. Stacy as Secretary. The Colonel reported that although there was to be no postponement of the sale, he had obtained concessions which practically gave the settlers what they wanted, it as was provided that no speculators should bid or locate land warrants on lands actually occupied, and the following gentlemen were designated te see the idea carried out: A. B. Webber, of Albert Lea; H. Melder, Carlston; C. Fitzsimmons, Nunda; Eli Ash, Bancroft; J. C. Seeley, Hartland; J. W Burdiok, Geneva: E. Croy, Eiceland; A. M. Young, Shell Rock; George Callahan, London; C. Bullock, Oakland; and D. Gates, Moscow.

In December of this year, the trial of Kreigler for murder, in Sttele county, almost depopulated this region, so many were summoned as witnesses; even the mail carriers' duties were interrupted.

The Tear 1861 The Tear 1862

An auti cattle and horse thief society was organized early in 1862, with the following officers: President, Joshua Dunbar; Vice-President, J. M. Drake; Secretary, William Morin; Treasurer, A. Armstrong; Finance Committee, George S. Ruble, E. P. Skinner, and James F. Jones; Vigilance Committee, E. C. Stacy, A. B. Webber, John B. BrowDsill, and L. T. Scott.

In 1862, Hannibal Bickford, who was a soldier in the army, lay sick in a hospital in St. Louis, and his death daily expected. His wife started for that city intending to bring back his remains, but on reaching his hospital she found him actually recovering, and as soon as he was considered able to travel, the two started for home on the steamer Denmark, and while she was laying at the wharf their attention was called to a little girl who was in a pitiable condition. An investigation showed tkat the father of the little girl was a union soldier, and having taken sick his wife went to his relief with the little girl. She too sickened and both died, and an old tarmagant of an aunt had her in charge to carry home, and she had shamefully abused the little waif. The indignation of the Captain and all on board was aroused, and they resolved to rescue the motherless little one from her heartless relative. The woman was willing to be relieved of what she considered a burdensome charge, so she was turned over to Mr. and Mrs Bickford. the Captain bestowing the name of Denmark Bickford upon her. She was adopted and came home with them to this country, and grew up to be a fine young woman, and a few years ago was married to Henry White, now living at Jackson, Heron Lake. Since the marriage an advertisement appeared in the "Inter

Louis ami seeking to find the lost one. Of course there was back pay, pension, and perhaps other money due. Less romantic incidents than this have furnished the groundwork for raauy a thrilling story.

On the 1-ttli of February Mrs Charles -Anderson, living in the town of Bancroft, went out to the barn to milk in a blinding snow storm, and notwithstanding the house and barn were in an enclosure which she had to climb over, she lost her way and was found the next morning two miles away from home, stark and cold in the icy embrace of death.

This year a daily mail was ordered through from LaCroBse to Winnebago City. J. C. Burbauk k Co. "(vere contractors. The service commenced on the 1st of July.

On tho l.")th of December a cemetery association was formed in Albert Lea; Luther Parker was Chairman, and S. S. Luther, H. I). Brown, and 1). G. Parker, were trustees.

The Veak 18C7

At the cemetery meeting in .Vpril, E. C. Stacy was Chairman; H. D. Brown, Secretary; the Trnstees apjjointed were William Morin, S. S. Luther, and S. Eaton. It was resolved to ask the town to subscribe $500.

In May the .'Vlbert Lea Musical and Theatrical Association was organized. President and General Manager, F. B. Fobes; Vice-President, P_ W. Dickinson; Secretary, S. S. Edwards; Treasurer, A. W. St. John; Musical Director, D. G. Parker. On the 18th of June the Association gave its initial entertainment, " Box & Cox; married and settled."

The 4th of July was celebrated with more than usual display. A basket pic-nic with a barbecued ox as an auxiliary was thrown in. Thirteen guns were fired at sunrise and thirty-eight at noon. The procession made a grand display. Thirty-eight beautiful girls represented the States of the Uni<m, and the various societies marched with martial music to Thomas" Ptiint. Rev. S. G. Lowry was the President of the day. The declaration of independence was readliy H. D. Brown. The orator of the day was Hon. A. Armstrong. In the evening there was a grand ball at W. J. Martin's, and a performance at the Court House, which included "Slasher & Crasher," and several tableaux representing the " Gipsey Camp," and "Pocahontas saving the life of Ca])t. Smith.''

On the 8th of September, Hon. William F. Stearns, of Chicago, who was stopping at Albert Lea to transact some business, was seized with hallucinations that parties were on his track to torture him, and he committed suicide. He was an attorney, and a man highly respected.

The Year 1868 E Vents Of Interest

Some time in tlie month of January, James Buchanan, of Hhell Rock, shuffled otf this mortal coil through the medium of fifty cents worth of morphine. He was about forty-five years of age and had been in Arizona.

In August, Nathaniel Stacy, father of Judge Stacy, died. He liad been a Mason for more than sixty years, and was buried with funeral rites, in accordance with the land-marks of that aucient order.

In the fall of this year, Clark W. Thompson, of the Southern Minnesota railroad, proposed to have the towns issue bonds to assist in building the line.

In April the hopes of the people were carried up several degrees by the statement that the railroad engineers were between Austin and Albert Lea.

In the town of Bath on the 7th of May, a Dane by the name of Christen Rassmuson, disappointed in love, and climbing into the branches of a tree, tied a cord around his neck and the other end to a limb, with a razor cut his throat in a ghastly manner, and jumped from his perch, to leave his sanguinary looking corpse to horrify the first person who happened near.

The tide of emigration in May was at its flood. Prairie schooners by the score were floating along through town, and day after day their white canvass might be seen surrounded by herds of cattle, as they wended their way toward the setting sun, which presaged a rising orb to all their liopes.

The flag, which it will be remembered was presented to (Jompany F, of the Fourth Regiment, and carried through nine battles (which were inscribed on it at a cost of $25} was kept by Sergeant Enoch Croy for several years, and then placed in the hands of the County Treasurer.

In Septeaiber Col. Albert M. Lea suggested a grand trunk railroad from Galveston, Texas, to St. Paul, Minnesota, saying that the traffic between the North and South should be larger than between the East and West.

In November thene were two confidence men around through this section, who represented that they were engaged in an extensive manufacture of an article that required old feathers, and that they would escliange new ones for old, paying thirty cents a pound difference between the two; and as they had teams would take them away at once, paying the difference, and that the new ones would be sent in about two weeks. A great many thrifty housewives emptied their feather beds, and put up with the inconvenience of sleeping on straw for a week or two until the new feathers came. The result was, of course, they never saw the new feathers, but had sold their old ones for thirty cents a pound.

A hook and ladder company was organized on the 22d of November, at the Court House. Col. S. Eaton was called to the chair and Capt. A. W. White was appointed secretary. A committee was appointed to draft By-Laws.

A great niilroa<l excursion took place on the 17th of October to celebrate the completion of the through line to LaCrosse. The train was in holiday trim and had a refreshment car where the liquid samples predominated over the solid comforts. At Every station the number kept augmenting, until they crossed the river from LaCrescent to LaCrosse, and at Pomeroy's Hall they were welcomed in a speech by the Mayor, which was responded to by Hon. M. S. Wilkinson. The next day they were entertained at the Opera House, and the company returned after an enjoyable trip.

Tn the spring of this year a special act was passed enlarging the powers of the officers of Albert Lea in relation to the village, giving authority as to ordinances and licenses.

At the celebration of the Independence of the United States at Albert Lea there were 5,000 people present. The oration was by Rev. R. B. Abbott.

A town meeting was held at Albert Lea on the 4th of January, and SI, 500 voted in aid of the St. Louis railroad. Shell Rock voted .SI, 500, and Hartland voted *10,000.

Andrew Larson, a Swede, hung himself in the town of Hayward on the 14th of March at the house of Andrew Sanderson. He was an erratic and insane individual.

vote of the people ; and this county was almost solid against it, the whole number of votes cast being 760; for the payment, 80 - against the payment G80. Hayward, Alden Riceland, Bancroft Manchester, and Hartland had no votes for the payment, while Carlston and Ne«ry had one each.

The Albert Lea cheese factory with its appointments cost S6,000, and it was completed in June. William Peck was the foreman of the establishment, which had a six horse-power engine.

In October an elk was seen near the residence of Dr. Blaokmer, and was shot at with a bird charge by the Doctor's son. He ran across the railroad track, going south ; quite a cavalcade was soon in pursuit, and he was followed as far as the Shell Kock and beyond that he was '-lost to sight but to memory deer," to the many weary pilgrims who sadly retraced their steps. It was probably a mournful satisfaction to aftenvard learn that the royal game was killed in Cresco, Iowa.

James Fitzgerald, a resident of the town of Bath, 50 years of age, was frozen to death on the Ist of February. He was away with a team, and it is supposed had an attack of asthma, and did not survive the cold, which was intense ; he was found a few miles from home.

On the second of November, Mr. L. G. Pierce, of Alden, with his wife and four children were struck liy the engine of a passing train, while on a wagon loaded with goods, and singularly enough none of them were seriously injured.

Here is a moilcl return on a writ issued in this county. "This cuss is a dead beat; after harvest he will have something; then hand me the writ and I will give him a clatter."

In October there was quite au extensive conspiracy to obtain money by selling land not their own, by parties from Cleveland, Ohio. They had obtained descriptions of land owned by Cleveland men, and then came out here with forged deeds, and having bad them recorded, proceeded to sell the lots ; but as they were on the point of leaving, they were detected and their plana frustrated. Considerable trouble was caused by the affair which will be related elsewhere.

Early in 187i there was quite a spirited controversy as to the name, Albert Lea. Varions suggestions were made pro and con. The objection to the name being because it was unusual and unlike the name of any other place in the wide world, which ought to strike the majority of people as being a most admirable reason why it should be retained.

In February a young man was frozen to death, near Albert Lea, when intoxicated, and a coroner's jury declared that the saloon-keeper who sold him the liquor was responsible.

The Albert Lea Temperance Alliance was organized in February. Fifty-eight persons joined the Society. The first officers were: President, Gilbert Gulbrandson; Vice President, Capt. A. W. White; Treasurer, H. O. Haukness; Secretary, August Peterson.

There was quite a gale swept aci-oss the county on the 2.5th of July; in Bath, Manchester, and Freeborn it was particularly tierce, unroofing houses, destroying crops, and doing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Grange Hall in Shell Rock was dedicated on the 6th of November. Among the concomitants of the occasion were a supper and a dance with 62 couples in attendance.

The Congregationalist church bell, weighing 616 pounds, was swung up about the 1st of November, and waked the slumbering echoes of the village with its joyous ringing.

Joseph Schorbeck, 14 years of age, was killed by a runaway accident early in January. His body was dragged three miles and mangled beyond all recognition.

In Freeman, Mr. Lea Hughes secured a through ticket to the land of the hereafter, by a shot through a vital part. This was in the \vinter of this year.

In the year 1874 and 1875 the opponents of license had carried the day at the polls, but in 1876 the order was reversed and the license party were triumphant.

John H. Smith, a venerable man of 86 years, and father-in-law of Mr. T. Walcott, on the 7th of June, while fishing at Albert Lea, near the railroad, became bewildered and stepped in front of an engine and was instantly killed. He was a pensioner of the war of 1812.

At Freeborn, in the early summer of this year, "Dora" a little daughter of Mr. Shoen, six years of age, was lost, and after eleven hours search by the whole neighborhood, was found near midnight on the prairie near a grove, fast asleep, and restored to her distracted paients.

The Centennial Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by the United States of America was celebrated in Albert Lea in a way and manner befitting the occasion, which was one of rejoicing that the experiment of self government had been in every way so successful, that ten solid decades had passed away since the American people had declared "that they were and by right ought to be free and Independent," and that from a few millions, they were nearly half a hundred millions, occupying, instead of a small strip of country along the Atlantic coast, the wide expanse from ocean to ocean, from the Bay of Fundy to San Diego, and from Vancouver's Island to the Florida Reefs. The citizens of Albert Lea and the surrounding country, were fully alive to the spirit of the occasion, and the display was quite equal to that in Philadelphia, con-

Bidering the size of the two places. Nothing like it had ever happened here nor will ocenr again until some remarkable occasion shall call for a duplicatiiin of the pageant. There w Te .soldiers ou parade keeping time to martial musie. Beautiful young ladies representing the States; General- Washington and his family rejiresented in the long procession, enthusiasm everywhere, Hags, fire-crackers, fire arms, fire works, and in a few words an exaggerated fourth of July. The procession was made up as follows:

In September the grasshopper plague had proved so disastrous in other places that serious fears were entertained that thoy would actually depopulate the county, and on the 10th of this month, in accordance with suitable notice, a convention was held, and the speeches that were made reminded one of the dark days of the rebellion when reinforcements were wanted to fight the common enemies of the country. The meeting was at the Court House, all parts of the county being represented. Hon. J. L. Gibbs was called to the chair, and Isaac Botbford was named for Secretary. A committee on resolutions was appointed as follows: A. M. Johnson, Wm. Morin, J. T. Hall, Dr. Ballard, and E. C. Stacy. Mr. J. T. Hall addressed the meeting, and declared that he was not to be destroyed bv grasshoppers; that, although the ground was peppered with grasshopper eggs, he proposed next year to put in a full crop and use all the means that should come to his knowledge to exterminate these unwelcome pests. A. M. Burnham had two hundred acres under the plow,and as his soil was sandy, it was said to be the particular breeding ground for these lively insects. A part of his laud had been rented to a man who had had experience wieh the " hopper '" plague, and his opinion was that the eggs there were spoiled. Mr. S. Smith, of Manchester, had been through all hardships, the privation and toil of pioneer life, and he had faith to l)eli(?ve that providence would help those who helped themselves. William Morin said that he had 1,100 acres under cultivation; most of it was leased to other parties, but he proposed to break up 12.5 acres of it himself, just for fun, and to keep his hand in. David Calvin had a panacea for the grasshopper plague in the form of large doses of fowls; he had several scores of turkeys and hens, and they worked for nothing and found themselves, and kept his place clear. Mr. Fern, of Hayward, had experience with the pestiferous locusts in Kansas, and he had learned that a wet .season was bad for them and good for the farmer.^, for in such a case most of them would decay. Judge Stacy said that those who were residents of Freeborn county came here to stay, and they proposed to stay, for people who had lived on Johnuy-cake and suckers for several years were not to be driven otf by such a miserable, in.significant jerky insect as a grasshopper. J. H. Parker had thirty-five acres of new breaking, which he found was completely filled with eggs, and he proposed to cover the knolls and sandy places with hay, and as soon as they hatched out in the spring, make it hot for the little beasts by firing the whole business. Mr. Dominick came to Minnesota to follow the occupation t)f farming, and he proposed to go on, hoppers or no hoppers. Hannibal Bickford served notice that he would shoot every dog found on his premises, and titty others shouted " me too!" He preferred chickens to hoppers. Mr. Tilton had experienced a four years siege with the "varmints," but these were of a smaller variety. Among other things, burning prairie grass in the spring instead of the fall was recommended.

The resolutions were submitted, and they stated that it was a deplorable fact that there were grasshoppers in our midst, but not enough to discourage the farmers. That we came to stay and have a prior right to the soil. That a stop should be made to killing birds. The following committee was appointed to arrange concert of action: Dr. A. C. Wedge, Dr. 0. W. Ballard, E. C. Stacy, I. Botsford. The meeting was large and enthiisias- tic, with a predominating spirit of ^^carthnginum est iliileiida." Tbe meeting ailjourned to the last day of the county fair, which would be on the 12th of October.

In November the murder and attempted robbery at Northfleld excited considerable interest in the chase and capture of the bandits, and what assistance could be given was rendered.

Early in October two well dressed gentlemen stopped at Martin's Hotel, and while here, after some days, a lady claiming to be the wife of one of the men, and a boy fourteen years of age, came, and remaining a few days, they left. About this time Mr. D. W. Goodrich learned that his trunk had been broken and robbed of S13,000 in notes, bonds, and mortgages. Suspicion at once rested on this party, and they were followed, identified, and arrested at Wells, and lodged in jail here. The property being found, they gave their names as Frank Clifford, William E. Wilson, Mrs. Clifford, and a son by a former husband. lu December they were brought up for trial. Wilson was put on the defense as there was the least evidence against him, and he was acquitted. It was then proposed (o put him on the stand, where he proved that he was really the guilty man and that the others knew nothing about it. The others were also acquitted. The man Wilson was then re-arrested and afterwards the other, and the next July they were convicted and sent up for five years.

At the March meeting in Albert Lea the "No License" vote came out ahead with sixty-five majority. The contest was spirited and active, and settled a great question for twelve months.

A severe snow storm raged for several days near the last of April, and the prediction was universal that it was a distressing time for the infantile "hoppers" who were just warming into life, and who came to an untimely end by the million.

Much ingenuity was displayed in the invention of engines of death for the unwelcome insects. Large numbers of devices were arranged, ditches dug, and various measures adopted. In the town of Alden alone a careful estimate placed the number of bushels caught at one thousand.

A woman mysteriously disappeared in Carlston in .June; her name was Martha Sweet, and sometime afterwards her remains were found, she baving drowned in ten inches of water, leaving a note that she intended to take an aqueous route for that -other side."

In 1877, the tramps were so numerous that a military company was organized to look after them. The officers were: Captain, Theodore Tyrer; First Lieutenant, H. D. Brown; Second Lieutenant, Charles Kittleson.

The county Bar Association met on the 4th of September at the office of Stacy & Tyrer, to take action on the accusations that had been so pointedly made in the "Pioneer Press" against Sherman Page, the judge of the district court. The feeling was that if true they should be known, and if not true the judge was certainly entitled to a vindication. The following committee was appointed to confer with other members of the bar in the district, and to have the charges investigated: E. C. Stacy, J. A. Lovely, and D. E. P. Hibbs. At a subsequent meeting a district committee which had been appointed reported that the charges were groundless.

The Minneapolis & St. Louis railway reached this point on the 11th of November, and there was a regular opening excursion. The Mayor and counci of Minneapolis, with railroad magnates, invited guests, and citizens, came on a special train, ran down to the State line and returned to partake of a dinner at the Hall House. The welcome speech was made by Judge Stacy, who, it is needless to remark, did ample justice to the occasion, to which Mayor De Laittre responded. Hon. W. D. Washburn, in the course of his remarks, said that this was the happiest day of his life, that this was semi-centennial of their wedding day. Mr. Prescott appeared to be a well kept gentleman of tlie old school, still active and full of vivacity. Mrs. Prescott was a lady ofrare culture and refinement, and at the age of four score was remarkable for her mental vigor and sprightliness. There were present three children, twenty-three grand-children, and five great grand-cLildren. The presents covered a large center table with beautiful tokens of love and respect for the venerable pair. Two long tables were .spread and charmingly ornamented with fruits, liowers, and daiutie.s. and loaded with tempting viands, reflecting great credit upon those who prepared it with such taste.

Daniel Prescott and Miss Elizribeth Masservey were married on the 24th of February, 1828, at Appleton, Waldo county, Maine, from where they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1831, and from thence came to Bancroft in 18.i7. They raised seven children, three of whom were at thi.s time living near their aged p-irents.

The golden ceremony on this occasion was performed by E. K. Pickett, Esq. The groomsman and bridesmaid being Mr. and Mrs. .Jerry Ward. The following ritual for this rare event had been prepared by the magistrate:

''With this ring, Betsey, I thee wed. So fifty yoart* aj;o I said While standing at the holy shrine. I took your truth and plighted mine. Our love was like a laughing stream. Or as the morning's gentle beam. No clouds or shadows hid from view. The bliss in store for me and you.

Faithful we've kept the marriage vow. Honest and true, and even now. Though fifty years we've walked together, We'll now renew our troth forever. I take thee. Betsey, for my wife. Another titty years of life., Renew the l)liss for yon and me. And Betsey says, so mote it be.

The company separated after a most joyous time, interspersed with reminiscences and good wishes expressed for the continued health and prosperity of the aged cotiple. This, the first golden wedding in Bancroft, which was such a success, it is hoped was but the beginning of a long list to follow as time rolls on.

Tlie Farmeis' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Bath was organized on the 1st of .January, and commenced business on the 1st of February. H. P. Jensen was president, and Nels I-". Peterson, secretary.

In March the question as to city or no city, charter or no charter, was the all absorbing one in Albert Lea. Petitions ///-" and run went to the Legislature; tlie number signing for were 132 tax payers; those a gainst, 77 tax payers. The arguments were mostly in relation to the relative cost and to the influence of a city charter upon the prospective growth of the city.

Mr. and Mrs. .J. W. Smith had a surprise Crystal wedding on the 23rd of April. The bride appeared in her original dross, worn fifteen years before. Eev. R. B. Abbott and Rev. J. T. Todd officiated to readjust the marital tie. The occasion was an enjoyable one, the presents being numerous and appropriate.

OleOleson iossom, who came to Manchester in 1856, and opened a farm which he cultivated till his death, passed on with the great majority on the 9th of .June. He was a fine old gentleman.

In the fall W. C. Lincoln, County Auditor, plead guilty to a charge of embezzlement of school funds belonging to District No. 38, and was sent to State Prison for one year and fined $1,273, or double the amount of the misappropriation. It seems that the amount had been returned, and it is regarded by many as a deplorable mistake of Mr. Lincoln to plead guilty under the circumstances.

In Harthiiid, on the 31st of January, Mr. Mads Madson, landlord of the Madson House, hung hims?lf in liis barn. The cause assigned for this act was temporary embarrassment.

Events Of Ixterest The Tear 1880

A terrible tragedy occurred on Sunday. October 2d. Kay McMilleu, with Henry Johnson and his brother, started on a hunt, going out to White's Lake, where they expected to find sport through the day. They had shot one duck when the trio separated, McMillen being at the foot of the lake and the Johnsons to the north, where a unmber of ducks were seen. The two were away an hour or so; on returning they found McMillen .sitting on a rail, a little benumbed with the cold, and on rising he stumbled and fell over the rail, discharging his gun, which took effect in the right side of the mouth, and entering the brain produced instant death. He was thirty years of age, a native of New York State, and had lived in Albert Lea two and one-half years. He left a wife and many friends.

A Board of Trade in the city of Albert Lea was organized on the 10th day of February, and the following officers were elected : President, H. D. Brown ; Vice President, W. P. Sergeant; Treasurer, 0. M, Hewett; Seeretar-y, 0. W. Ballard; Executive Committee, D. E. Dwyer, W. W. Johnson, William Morin, D. G. Parker, G. Gulbrandson, and G. A. Patrick.

In June some children in the town of Moscow, who were playing in some clay that had been thrown from a well at a depth of thirty feet, found several copper coins with square holes through the center of them, not unlike the copper coins of the Chinese. If these coins actually came from that depth of undisturbed deposite it is one of the most remarkable discoveries in this line ever made.

The Yeak 1882

In January there was some sporadic smallpox in the city, but it was so carefully looked after by the proper authorities that it did not become epidemic.

On the 13th of January, 1882, Mr. and Mrs. David Hurd had their Silver wedding, which was the most noticeable event of the kind yet taking place in the county, because this couple, with Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Colby, were the first couples married in the town of Albert Lea, aecording to the report. On this occasion the weather was cold, but there was a house full, and a bountiful repast with warmth and geniality. The center table was strewn with silver tokens of love and esteem, and really a day to be long remembered by those who were present.

In June there was a gang of robbers in town who went through the railway station and several residences, getting considerable booty; but they soon left for a healthier climate.

On the 11th of April one of the most extensive conflagrations that ever aiHicted Albert Lea occurred. Several buildings were consumed, and among the losses sustained were those of the '-Standard'" office, to the extent of about $3,000. Mr. L. Lace lost in personal property about .f 300. Other sufferers were W. Buel, Strauss & Schlesinger, Knatvold Brothers, D. E. Dwyer, Judge Town, Mrs. Pratton, J. P. Colby, W. M. Butler, C. F. Davis, T. J. Wauek and others.