Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 57, 1882

Chapter 57

The township with this name is the center of the northern tier of towns in Freeborn county. Its contiguous surroundings are as follows: Waseca county on the north; Geneva township on the east; Bancroft township on the south; and Harthind township on the west. It contains thirty-six sections or square miles, comprising the territory of Town 104, Range 21.

In early days the most of the township was covered with a growth of burr oak, much of it large and heavy, enough so to have earned the name of "forest." This was interspersed with meadow or small patches of prairie land. There is a prairie of about 2,560 acres, located in the southwestern part of the township. The timber has now, to a great extent, been removed, and the rich land been converted into valuable farms. The surface is rolling, and in places the undulation is so abriipt as to be called ridges, which are not

The town is not so well watered as its neighbors, has no stream, and only one lake wholly within its borders. An arm of Geneva Lake extends from the town bearing its name into section twenty-five of Bath, and covers a few acres of land. Lake George is the only body of water wholly within the boundaries, lying in the southern part of section twenty-two. It was named in honor of George Skinner, Jr.

The town has a large portion of its area under a high state of cultivation, and its broad rich looking fields yield a substantial income to the thrifty inhabitants, which are, in majority, Danes, with a scattering of Norwegians, Irish, and Americans.

Early Settlement

The earliest infringement by settlers, upon the territory of this town, commenced in the spring of 1856. The first parties to arrive and secure permanent homes were the Brooks brothers. The party consisted of Edward D., Dwight E., and Henry L. Brooks, with their sister Augusta, and mother. They were oiigiually from Massachusetts, coming by way of Pennsylvania, and arriving in the spring of 1856, with teams, and all settled in and about section twenty-four, where the brothers joined interests and erected a log cabin 14x26 feet. Edward took a claim just over the line into Geneva township, and remained until 186<;, when he went to Faribault cotinty, where he yet lives. Dwight E. remained until 1808, when he followed bis brother, and they were subsequently joined by the other brother, Henry L.

These were about all that came and settled this year; of course, a few travelers passed through, and many of them staked out claims, but they were never improved or occupied.

In May of the following year, 1857, John Keily, a native of the old Emerald Isle who had stopped fpr a time in Iowa, came with his family, in an ox cart, and settled in section eleven or fourteen, where he yet remains. He, soon after his arrival, erected a 14x18 foot log house, which he covered with sod and slabs.

Soon afterward John Harty and Martin Sheehan, of the same nationabty, drifted in and secured places. Harty became satisfied with a farm in section four, where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred in the latter part of the sixties, and his family still occupy the old homestead. Sheehan secured a farm in the northeastern part of the town, where he remained until he died in 1875, and his family stiU remain on the place.

In the summer of 1857, a party of Norwegians, consisting of Hans Peterson, Ingebret Erickson, and Nels Nelson, came with teams, bringing their families, and settled upon claims. The first is still in the town. The second left in 1880 for the Red River country; and the third died during the war, in defense of his country.

About the same time Richard Fitzgerald, a native of Ireland, came and first located at St. Nicholas, where he put in a crop; but soon after made his way to Bath, and yet resides in the town.

George W. Skinner left Corning. New York, on the 24th of .\ugust, 1858, and arrived in Bath township on the 7th of September, having spent the preceding night in (ieneva, where he found quite an important little settlement. On the lOtli of the same month he selected the southeastern quarter of section twenty-two for his future home, and still occiipies it. Mr. Skinner has lieen prominent in all public movements, and has done much to prevent the robbery of the public purse by railroad corporations and political fiends, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

Shortly after Mr. Skinner's arrival, John and George Blessing, natives of Germany, made their appearance and selected claims in section twentythree, where they remained for several years. Joseph Blessing came with his family and located in section thirty-five, remaining four or five years.

Fred. W. Calkins, a native of New York State, who had for a time sojourned in Iowa, made his appearance in June, 1857, and located in section sixteen, where he remained until he died in 1863.

Jacob Bower, a German, came in the fall of 1858 and planted his stakes in section twenty-seven; but his stay was abruptly terminated by the government officers, as he was discovered selling whisky to the Indians, and he made himself "abundantly scarce."

Others came in rapidly and soon all the government land was taken. A few of the most prominent arrivals are treated under the head of "Biographical."

Events And Matters Of Interest

The first birth in the township took place on the Ist of June, 1859, and ushered John Shoalt (or Schad), a son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernhart Schad, living in section fourteen, into existence. The 'Second birth was a child of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Skinner, and occurred two weeks later than the above.

Triple Marriage. - One of these rare events occurred in Bath on the 22d of December, 1864, at the residence of the Brooks brothers, the ceremony being performed by George W. Skinner, Esquire. The parties most interested were joined as follows: Edward D. Brooks to Miss Mary Bliss; Dwight E. Brooks to Mrs. Savanah Calkins, widow of Edward Calkins; Lieut. Loren Meeker, of Com-

Wab Record. - On the 6th of December, 1864, the sum of $1,000 was voted for the purpose of securing vohinteers to fill the quota assigned the town, and to prevent the necessity of a draft. Of this amount S600 was used. The town was somewhat embarrassed in this regard, as Capt. Mons Grinager had taken forty men from this locality, six of them being from this town, and enlisted them in Wisconsin, thus cheating the town and State out of able-bodied men who should have gone to the war under the banner of a Minnesota regiment. The names of the participants in the war from Bath are as foUows, fourteen in all: F. Drake, Dwight E. Brooks, Edward D. Brooks, O. Iverson, Ingebret Eriekson, Mr. Jaoobson, Michael Sheehan, E. Johnson, John Peterson, C Johnson, Capt. Grinager, Nels Nelson. Tim Keily, and Peter Nason. Of these, Nels Nelson, Ole Iverson, and Mr. Jacobson never returned, finding the graves of martyrs in southern soil.

Official Kecobd

When the county of Freeborn came into existence, the present area of the township of Bath was merged into territory taken from Geneva and Hartland, and was known as "Porter Township." What the name originated from, or what suggested it, we are unable to imagine; but we can simply state that all through its early settlement it was known under that caption. Therefore, the township of Bath proper did not come into existence as a separate organization until some time after a majority of Freeborn county's sub-divisions.

Porter township was organized for local government at a meeting held on the 15th of April, 1859, at the residence of Frederick W. Calkins. The meeting came to order and James M. Drake was chosen chairman; F. W. Calkins, moderator; and Harris Green, clerk pro tmn. The nest matter taken up was that of the town name, and finally, a short one being desired, some one suggested "Bath," after the name of the county seat of Steuben county, Ohio, and the name was adopted. It was next voted that the lake near the center of the township should be known as "Lake George," in honor of the oldest son of G. W. Skinner.

The matter of election next came up, and the judges of election were appointed as follows: George W. Skinner, Andrew Black, and B. Eenwgiler. The judges were duly sworn before F. W. Calkins, Escj., and the election of officers for the ensuing year began, resulting as follows : Supervisors, Harris Green, Chairman, Joseph Blessing, and E. Eriekson ; Clerk, Horace Green ; Assessor, Joseph Loreman ; Collector, E. Eriekson ; Justices of the Peace, George W. Skinner and Horace Green; Constable, Jack Bower. The elections were held in early days at the residence of John Munsen; and as time went by they were held at various places as the annual meeting directed.

The present condition of town affairs is above criticism; as public trusts have always been in honest and efficient hands, with nothing occurring out of the usual line of such business to disturb the tranquility. The present officers are as follows: Supervisors, A. Eriekson, Chairman, Patrick Farry, and J. P. Larson; Clerk, M. P. Peterson; Treasurer, Hans Basmusson; Assessor, Andrew Jensen; Constables, Mike Sheehan and E. C. Johnson; Justice of the Peace, George W. Skinner.

Statistical

Population - The census of 187(1 gave Bath a population of 404. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 919 for the town; showing an increase of 515.

Fakmers' MrTUAL FiKE Insurance As.socia- TioN of Bath.- - This was organized at a meeting held at the Danish Bai>tist Church on the first of .January, 1878. On the 14th of the same month it was incorporated under the State law, and seven directors were elected, as follows: H. P. Jensen, N. P. Peterson, John Henderson, Peter Johnson, J. P. Larson, C. F. Peterson, and C. Nelson. They met and elected officers of the association as follows: President, H. P. Jensen; Secretary, N. P. Peterson; Treasurer, C. T. Peterson.

In the past the corporation has been exceedingly fortunate, having had but two losses, which were small, one .'iffi.("i{! and the other ^69.15, both of which were promptly paid. According to the report of January 1st, 1882, there was $73,150 of insurance in force in the above towns. The same executive officers are yet in the same positions as mentioned above.

Gbange. - A society nnder this name was organized in Bath township in 1875, at a meeting called at the old log 15ai)tist church, and the following officers were elected ; Master, James Lawson; Treasurer, Peter Jensen; Lecturer, Lewis Jorgerson; Secretary, G. W. Skinner; Gatekeeper, E. Nelson; Pomona, Mrs. N. P. Nelson; Flora, Hattie E. Skinner; Ceres, Mrs. L. Jorgerson. Meetings were held once each month.

P. Carlson, who was appointed and held the ofiBce for about two years when a Dane named Lingby was commissioned to handle the mails. Tide I gentleman ))roved to be a defaulter, and after some trouble the matter was settled and the present I'ostmaster, A. H. Peterson, was appointed. Mail now arrives ft)ur times each week.

Danish B.aptist CnrRCH. - This society was organized in May, 1863, and until 1865, services were held in the houses of Nels Larson and Hans Christianson, with Lewis Jorgerson as pastor, which were the first religious services held in the township. In 1865 a log church was rolled together by subscription, 20x26 feet, and seated to accommodate 100 people, in section thirty-five, which was used until 1875, when it was abandoned and the present church edifice erected. A building committee was appointed, consisting of Peter Johnson and Nels Clauson, which raised funds to the amount of .S1.200, and the church was at once erected in the eastern part of section thirty- I five, one and a half stories high, size 28x40 feet, and seated to accommodate 200 people. The first jireaclier whs Rev. James Henderson, the elders at the time being H. P. Jenson and Peter Johnson. The present elders are, H. P. Jenson, Peter Johnson, John Anderson, Nels Otterson, and Lars Sorenson. The minister is Rev. J. S. Lunn, assisted by A. Carlson. The society raises annually about .S1,000, for all expenses, including missionary fund, minister's salary, etc.. - the pastor only gets from $200 to S300 of this. The first persons married in the church were J. Nelson and Miss Mary Christeuson, in 1877.

In connection with this society, and adjoining the church, is a burial ground, containing about one acre, which was laid out in 1875, under the su])ervi8ion of J. P. Larson and P. C. Christeuson. The first person buicd here was Nels Otterson, who yielded up the spirit in the spring of 1875. At present there are abovit sixty-five graves occupied by the last remains of the tle]jarted.

Norwegian Lutheran Church. - This society was organized years ago in the township of Bancroft, and the membership has continually increased, until the denomination emliraces a good share of this town. The church edifice wss erected in 1868, in the southwestern part of section twentyone, at a cost of S2,000. The pastor who first officiated here was the Rev. Mr. Koren.

Catholic Chdbch. - The catholic society first organized in Bath at the residence of Michael Sheehan, as early as 1865, and soon afterward a small frame bnikling was erected for worship, in ection eight, which was used for the purj;cEe until within the last few years, when they commenced the erection of a new and very fine edifice, which is at present iu process of construction. The society is in good financial condition, liud has a good membership.

Educational

DisTBicT No. 5. - Effected an organization in October, 1863, at a meeting held at the cabin of James M. Drake, in section twenty-five. Several terms of school had been held prior to this, and the whole town had been partially organized as a single district, ao that when this was organized it embraced the entire eastern half of the town. The first school within the limits of this district was held in the summer of 1860, and was taught by Miss Lucia Thomas. In 1864, an old log house was purchased of Torkel Ludwigson, in the northeastern part of section twenty-six, and in it school was held for five months of the same year, taught by the same teacher as is mentioned above. In 1871, the present schoolhouse was erected in the eastern part of section twenty-six, at a cost of between $1,000 and $1,200. Since its original organization the tlistrict has been divided, and now consists of about four and one-half sections. The last term of school was taught by Miss Julia Whalen.

DisTKioT No. 7. - This was organized on the 14th of May, 1864, at a meeting held at the residence of R. Fitzgerald, and the following were the first ofiScers: Director, James Fitzgerald; Treasurer, G. Oleson ; Clerk, R. Fitzgerald. During the summer a small log schoolhouse was rolled together in the eastern part of section thirty, at a cost of about .f 100, which did service until 1875, when the present house was completed on the same site, size 18x28 feet, at a cost of $600. The first teacher in the district was Mrs. Reynolds, who received .$20 per month. The last term was taught by Miss Anna Oieson to an attendance of forty-four scholars, for .$25 per month.

District No. 64. - This is the educational subdivision embracing the territory in the eastern part of the township, and is among the most useful in this locality. The first school held in this , neighborhood was at the residence of H. Green, in section fourteen, and was taught by Mrs. Mary Johnson, for $1.50 per week, to an attendance of fifteen pupils. This was in the .summer of 1863, and the same teacher instructed the school during another term, held in the fall of the same year. The location of the schoolhouse is near the center of section fourteen, and was erected in 1873, the district having been organized iu 1871.

Dlstrict No. 82. - This is one of the younger districts in the town. It wag formerly a part of District No. 5, but in 1874 it was set off, and on the 16th of October legally organized at a meeting held at the Baptist church, at which officers were elected as follows: Nels Larson, Director; Nels Jensen, Clerk; and J. P. Larson, Treasurer. The first school was held in the log church during the summer of 1874, with Mias Susan Kinnear as teacher. In 1875 the present schoolhouse was built near the center of section twenty-five, but it has since been remodeled and greatly improved. There are now forty-five scholars enrolled.

District No. 90. - This embraces the territory just west of the center of the township, with a scoolhouse located on. the eastern line of section sixteen. The district, it is claimed, was organized in 1859, at a meeting held at the house of John Sheehan, at which the following officers were elected : Director, M. S. Sheehan ; Treasurer, Hans Rasmusson; Clerk, John J. Sheehan. The first school was taught in the old Catholic Church by Miss B. A. Ryan, aged twelve years. The schoolhouse was erected in 1860, size 14x16 feet.

District No. 103. - The organization of this district was effected a number of years ago, at a meeting held at the residence of Michael Sheehan in section eight, and their schoolhouse was erected shortly after in the northwestern corner of the same section. The school is in a flourishing condition and well attended.

Niels Peter Peterson, a native of Denmark, was born on the 28th of April, 1847. His father died when our subject was six years old, and in 1867, his mother sold out and came with her son to America, directly to Minnesota, and located iu Winona. In 1871, Niels came to this township and farmed with his brother for three years, then bought land in section twenty-four and has since made it his home. He has been a member of the board of Supervisors, and is serving liis second terra as Town Clerk. He has been Secretary of tlie Bath Mntiial Fire Inanrauce Company since its organization.

David .\. Peirce was born in Maine on tlie '2d of October, 1830. His father was a farmer and David lived at home until the age of twenty-one years. He was married in 185(5, to Miss Amanda M. Bailey, and the following vear moved to Mower county, Minnesota. Five years later thev removed to Spring Valley, and in March, 1862, Mr. Peirce enlisted in Company E, of the Seventh Minnesota Vohinleer Infantry, and served two years and ten months. After his discharge he returned to Spring Valley and removed his family to Bath, locating in section eighteen, where he has a good home with commodious buildings. His two oldest daughters are school teachers in this couutv and he has a son editing a Marshall county paper.

Mitchell Slater is a native of England, born on the 29th of April, 18.54. His parents emigrated to America when be was six weeks old, and settled in Smithville, Massachusetts. Four years I later they came to Minnesota, and Mitchell remained at home until twenty-one years old, then worked in different places until buving a farm in section twelve, Bath township, and has since made it his home. He was united in marriage on the 9th of January, 1880, with Miss Dora E. Heath, and they have two children.

George W. Skisxer, one of the early residents and prominent citizens of this county, was born in the city of Warren. Massachusetts, on the 9th of August, 181.'). His father was a scythe maker and he learned the same trade, after which he went to Kentucky as salesman for the firm of Blanchard & Co. ( for which his father also worked ), and traveled one year, then returned, but soon went to St. Louis. While there he met Gen. Marcy, with whom, in 1837, he went to Fort Snelling, thence to the Missouri and up the Yellowstone, and a short time after to Ohio, where he remained one and a half years. He then returned east and entered upon the practice of law until his health failed, when he gave up the profession and accepted a commission from Gov. Briggs, of Massachusetts, as Colonel for the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment; went to Mexico and served till the close of the war, having participated in the battle of the National Bridge, and others. In 1848, he again returned to his native State and entered the office of the Rhode Island it Massachusetts Telegraph Cr)., and operated the same for one year. In 1849, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth A. Brooks, of Oneida county. New York. The same year he went to Mexico and erected a telegraph line between the cities of Vera Cruz and Mexico, after which he returned to Massachusetts and was employed in an office at Narrasburg for the Erie Railroad Company. He subsequently built a line from Elmira, New Y'ork, to Philadelphia. Previous to 1857, he had accumulated railroad bonds to the amount of S100,000, all of which he lost in the Ohio Life and Trust Company. Then, after settling up business ,he came to Minnesota in September, 1858, and preempted land on section twenty-two, in this township. He came by water to Red Wing, where he hired a team to bring him here, and the same autumn got up a log house. In an early day he was sent to Washington by tne settlers of the county, for the purpose of importuning President Buchanan to withdraw the lands from market for the benefit of settlers, and gained an exteusion of one year for the settlers to raise money to pay back dues on their claims. Mr. Skinner has been a prominent official since the organization of the town, and served as .Justice of the Peace seventeen years. He has four children; Hattie, one of the teachers in this county; George W., Henry I)., and Maud L.