Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 58, 1882

Chapter 58

This is a township lying in the western tier of Freeborn county towns, and containing an area of thirty six sections or square miles, making 23,040 acres. Its immediate surrowndings are Freeborn on the north; Manchester on the east; Alden on the south; and the county of Faribault on the west. As will of course be imagined, this is a prairie town, the only places in which a show of timber is found being in the northern part, in the vicinity of the lake. The town is watered by a lake and several small streams which bisect the prairie.

Freeborn Lake, taking its name after the same gentleman in whose honor the county received its name, is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in the county, and lies mostly within the limits of this town, only extending into the town north a few rods. It is situated in the northeastern part, and covers about 2,240 to 2,400 acres, or three and a half sections, being about three miles long and, (o the utmost, about a mile and a half wide, while its depth will not exceed twelve feet. The water of the lake is soft and of rather a muddj hue. Originally it abounded with fish of all local species, but in the winter of 1868-9, which was very severe, the lake water froze very deep, and remained a solid mass of ice for six months. After the thaw came, thousands of dead fish wa.shed upon the shores, and so thinned the supply that to this day the spawning has failed to replenish the ranks of the finny tribe. The shores are covered with a small growth of timber, mostly burr oak, this constituting the timber land of the town, the balance being prairie of a rolling nature.

entering from the south in section thirty-three and taking a northwesterly direction leaves by way of section thirty, to enter Faribault county. There are uo villages in the town, except to the extent to which the village of Alden extends from the town bearing the same name into section thirty three of this town. This village is located wrong upon the map published by Warner & Foote, in 1878, it being one mile further west than shown on said map.

The town contains many valuable and well improved farms and is among the best agricultural towns of the county, but then this is unnecessary, as its agricultural resources are well shown by the article upon statistics, published in another place. The inhabitants are mostly Swedes and Danish.

The following is a sketch of the early matters in this town, published several years ago by the Old Settlers' Association, in the Albert Lea papers. It should be stated that the matter was all gathered by correspondence, and errors may, and probably have crept in.

"Cablston was first settled in 1855, by Robert Miller. Miller built of logs the first house, in 1855, and opened the first farm in the same year. John L. Melder, a blacksmith, was the first mechanic. H. B. Collins opened the practice of law in 1860. The first school was taught by Martha Taylor in 1860, and the first schoolhonse was built by District 61, in the fall of the same year. The first religious service was held by Rev. Mr. Marsh, United Brethren Minister, at the schoolhouse in District No. 15 in 1861. The Seventh Day Baptists effected the first church or ganization, in November, 1863. The first parties married, were David Horning and Mary Jane Elliott, who were united by H. Melder, Esq., on the 24th of December, 1861. In 1856 the first child was born to Mr. and Mrs Melder. The first death was that of Elias Btanton, who froze his feet, sufTered several araputatious. and finally died in the spring of 1858. The first title to land was accpiired by Robert H. Miller, on sections ten and eleven, on the 2l8t of A)>ril. 185fi."

But setting this aside wo will turn our attention to the earliest comers in the township. The first settler in the towiisliip was Kobort Killer, who came in the sjmng of 1855, and settled on a claim in section fifteen on the banks of Feeeborn Lake, where he erected the first house, and did the first breakiug He did not remain long, as he was discovered selling li(juor to the Indians and was obliged to leave to avoid trouble. The land he took is now owned by John Larson.

Shortly after the arrival of the first, the second settler put in an appearance in the person of Theodore L. Carlston, after whom the town was named. He erected a house in the same spring that he arrived, and "bachelor's hall" until the time of his death in 1858. He was drowned while crossing the lake in a boat in company with three others, one of whom, Mr. Johnson, also found a watery grave. Carlston's body remaioed in the lake until the following spring.

The next to arrive was Elias Stanton, who also located on the shore of Freeborn lake, in section fourteen; he likewise put up a log house and commenced keeping "bachelor's hall." In 185 T, during the winter, he was caught in one of the noted Minnesota snow storms, and frozen so badly thit after several amputaions he lost his life. His original place is now occupied by David Horning.

Thom;is Ford arrived in 1856, and was another of the first settlers in the town. He located in section fifteen; the laud as yet not being in market, and remained until 1851), when he left for parts unknown.

Elias Stanton, upon his arrival, was accompanied by a gentleman named Huyck (Houk, ) who also settled in section eleven and remained tor a number of years.

L. T. Walker; a native of Vermont, drifted into the township in the spring of 1858. and located in section tliirteen, where he opened and commenced cultivating a valuable farm. He remained here for a number of years and then moved to the village of Alden, where he is now running a store. He is Postmaster and a prominent man.

remained cultivating and improving the farm for about eleven years, when he removed to the village of Alden and engaged in the pursuit of his profession, that of law. He has recently opened a tine store, and is a most public spirited man.

David T. Calvin and family came in the spring of 1861, and settled upon one hundred and sixty acres in this town. He brought with him horses, wagon, and several head of cows, and purchased a corn crib of Mr. Howard, in which he and his family made their home for some time. He now lives on section thirty-six, well located and comfortable.

Charles Sweet was born in Allegany county, New York, in 1828, and in 1863, came to Minnesota, to the township of Carlston, locating in section thirty-two. He came to his death in 1880. He was i-eturuing home from the village of Alden with a neighbor, and while crossing the railroad track a train struck the wagon in which they were traveling, indicting injuries upon Mr. Sweet from which he died shortly after.

Hannah Melder, wife of John Melder, was taken from this plane of life on the 12th of January, 1879, at the age of 52. She came to Freeborn county with her husband in the year 1857, thus being one of the pioneers, who was well known and beloved by all as a kind-hearted woman, an affectionate wife, and careful mothar.

Mrs. J. M. Melander went to the great hereafter, on the 12th of January, 1879. Her maiden name was Christ?nson, and she was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on the 17th of July, 1825. Her father was city collector and died wheu she was nine years old, and her mother two years later. On the 9th of .May, 1850, she was married to John 8. Melander. She landed in Boston on the 18th of October, 1855, an 1 remained there alone until joined by her husbind the following spring, who had been sick in New Orleans. They left Massachusetts for Iowa in June of that year, and remained in the Hawkeye State until this section be^an to be opened up, whea she came here and remained up to the time of death.

Mrs. Mary C. Walkar. She was a Bruce, of Scotch descent, born in Towuse id, Vermont, on the 13th of October, 1818, and was married to Asa Walker in 1839. They rem ivel to Madison, Wisonsin, and to Minnesota in 1859. She was dways first at a sick-bed, and Was full of energy

Mrs. S. Twist, a daughter of Mr. Nathan and Mrs. Sally Pierce, was born in New York State on the 29th of July, 1833. At the age of eleven years her parents moved to Waushara county, in the same State. Her marriage to Mr, T wist was in 1859, when she came with him to Carlston. They lived in Albert Lea for three years before her death, which was on the 1st of January, 1881. Two children preceded her a month. A husband and seven children remained. Her remains were interred in Alden. She was an exemplary woman.

Statistical

From the report of the County Auditor to the commissioner of statistics of the State, and other sources, we have compiled a few items to show the value and agricultural resources of this township, for the benefit of those who are not liable to see this report as it comes from the State department. The items represent the acreage and yield of the various crops sown, together with other matters of interest.

For the Year 1882. - It being too early in the season, at this writing, to procure the returns of threshing, we can only give the acreage sown this year in Carlston.

Population. - The census of 1870 gave Carlston a population of 378. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 500 for this town, showing an increase of 122.

Tliere is not a church edifice in the township. There is one organization, and a number of denominations which occasionally and irregularly hold services in the various schoolhovises.

Danish Lutheran Church. - This society is presumed to have been organized about 1874, as one who has been living there for nearly twenty years says it was organized in 1864, and another who has been there almost as long, says 1874. There are now about fifty families in the society, and services are held in the schoolhouse of District No. 61, in the eastern part of section twenty-two. Rev. F. M. Kristensen is the officiating minister of this denomination.

Alden Union Association Cemetery. - This burial ground is located near the .'eutral part of section thirty-four. The association was organized on the 17th of January, 1877, with the following as their trustees: John A. Hazle, A. T. Briggs, J. E. N. Backus, W. A. Clark, and L. M. Hall. The first burial here was of the remains of Justin, a son of Henry Ernst, who died on the 27th of June, 1871. The grounds now contain the graves of many departed ones, and has been the scene of many sad and sorrowful events of parting and farewell. The cematery contains three acres.

Danish Lutheran Cemetery. - This "village of the dead" occupies a few acres in the eastern part of section twenty-two, adjoining the schoolhouse of District No. 61, and it often goes by the name of tliis district. The association controlling it was organized in 1874, the trustees then being JohnKismusson, Christ. Johnson, and Peter Lirson, and they still hold their positions. The first burial here was the interment of the remains of Hans Paulson in 1874.

District No. 15. - Thifl ednoationsl subdivision came into existence by organization late in 1859. and tbe following summer, 1860. tbe first scbool was taugbt in a log bouse, by Martba Stane. witb nine sobolars in attendance, the teacber receiving as compensation tbe sum of ?18 per montb. Tbe present scboolbouse was erected in 1877, at a cost of S640, equipped with patent seats for forty scholars. The last term was taught by Lida L. Chester, who instructed tbe twenty scholars present, and receivetl tbe salary of S20 per month. The location of the scboolbouse is the western part of section ten, and it is a credit to the district.

DisTRiiT No. 16. - Effected an organization in the year 1860, and in the following year the first school in tbe district was held at tbe residence of James Cook, taught by Mary J. Trigg, witb ten scholars present; the teacher received for services the sum of $1.50 per week, and "boarded around." Tbe school was held here and in other residences until the fall of 1865, when a log bouse was erected at a cost of S800, size 22x30 feet, equipped with patent seats and the necessary apparatus. The last term of school was taught by Harte E. Jones, with twenty-three scholars present, and wages S20 per month. The scboolbouse is located in the center of section thirteen.

District No. 61. - The first school meeting was held at tbe residence of William W. Coon on tbe 27th of March. 1874, at which the organization of the district was effected, and on the 30tb of the same month again met and elected the following officers: Director, William W. Coon; Clerk, John L. Garlack; Treasurer, David Horning; and soon after tbe scboolbouse was erected in the eastern part of section twenty-two, at a cost of S600, the size of which is 20x30; suppUed with patent seats for forty pupils, and all the necessary apparatus. The first school consisted of eighteen scholars, and was instructed by Chandler Sweet, who received S30 per month for his services. The last term was taught by Miss Walker, with an average attendance of twenty-one.

District No. 67. - Effected an organization in 1865, by the election of the following officers: Director, David Clark; Treasurer, Charles Sweet, Clerk, D. T. Clinton. A little shanty was thrown together, with no floor and a board roof, in which the first school was taught by Adelia Bassett, to an attendance of nineteen or twenty, receiving for her services S18 per month. The following year, 1866 .the present school edifice was constructed, a short distance from the board shanty, in tbe eastern part of section thirty, at a cost of S500, size 20x26 feet, e<]uipped with patent seats and the necessary apparatus. The last term of school was taught by Miss Sadie Pratt, who received 820 per montb.

Advextists" Academy. - A select school under this caption was institute^l in tbe village of Alden, over the line in Carlttou townshqj, in the upper story or ball of Henry Ernsfs house, by the gentleman in whose house it was kept. Tbe school commenced on the 15th of December, 1875. with from forty to fifty students in attendance; the tuition being from So. 00 to $7.00 per term, in accordance with the studies pursued. The teachers were Mr. Henry Ernst and his sister, Miss Minnie Ernst. Tbe school was continued for several vears, but was finally discontinued, as this method of education was too advanced to find its entire support in tbe local neighlwrhood in which it was founded.

David T. C.alvis. one of the earliest settlers and the one who cast the first vote in this town, is a native of New 'i'ork, born on the 29th of April, 1831. The family moved to Ohio when David was three years old, and our subject remained in that State engaged in farming pursuits until 1846. He then removed with his parents to Wisconsin, settling on a farm near Southport, and after a residence of three years went to Chicago, and was employed in a butcher shop until the age of twenty-three years. He was married in 1853, to Miss Hulda Russell, and they have one daughter. Emma Amy, bom in Iowa. In 1858, Mr. Calvin came to Freeborn county and settled in the town of Pickerel Lake, but the following spring came to Carlston and selected land in section twentyfive. He enlisted in the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers in 1862, went west and fought tbe Imlians under Gen. Sibley, participating in two battles, in tbe last of which his horse stumbled and he received injuries which necessitated his discharge, after a service of fourteen months. He returned to his home, and ten years after taking bis first land here moved to his present farm in section thirty- six. He has converted this wild prairie into a well cultivated farm, having seven acres planted in timber, some of the trees being now two feet through. He takes great interest in fine stock, having recently sold two of the finest calves raised in this part of the country.

William Clakk was born in Indiana, on the the 18th of January, 1833, and bis father, who was a cabinet maker, died when William was nine years old. When his mother married again he left home, and at the age of eighteen years learned the carpenter trade. In 1851 he located in Iowa, erected the fir.st building in Postville, and in three years came to Minnesota He was united iu marriage in 1855, with Miss Eunice Lampher, a native of New York. They located at Rice Lake, built a house and worked at his trade until 1861, when he enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; went south and was under General Buell, but was discharged for disability after a year's service, and now receives a pension. In the latter part of 1862 he returned home, rented a farm for one season, then removed to Carlston, locating in section thirty-one, where he has a large farm, well improved, and a new residence. Mr. Clark has a family of ten children. He has been one of the Supervisors of the town for one term. About two years ago his son met with a very narrow escape while crossing the railroad track, the engine striking the wagon and killing one of the neighbors who was with him, and also one of the horses.

Miles W. Dodd was born in New York on the 10th of October, 1824. He remained at home until the age of fourteen years, then engaged with Frink and Walter in stage driving, and remained in the company's employ six years. In 1846 he removed to Wisconsin, settling near Oshkosh, and was engaged in the Wolf River pineries in the winter seasons and on the farm summers for fourteen years. He was married in 1851 to Miss Harriet Lse, daughter of Justin Lee, who was the brother of Gideon Lee, the Mayor of New York City at one time. In 1860 Mr. Dodd came to Minnesota and farmed in Fillmore county six years, then moved to the town of Chatfleld, and brought his family on the 15th of October, 1880, to his present farm iu section nineteen, Carlston township. He owns over one thousand acres of land, with a good brick house and out buildings, and has some very fine cattle.

this place, is a native of Vermont, born on the 20tli of July, 1819. When he was quite young he moved with his parents to New York, where he resided for twenty-five years and in 1846 married Miss Huldah Winters. They removed to Wisconsin in 1854, remained there on a farm for three years, and in June, 1857, came to this township, locating in section twelve and were the first settler on the east of Freeborn Lake. In 1862 Mr. Grauby enlisted in the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry where he served three years as Sergeant, then re -enlisted and served seven months as veteran. Since his return from the army he has devoted his entire time to the cultivation of his farm.

Nath.a^s Jackman was'born in New Hampshire in 1829. He left his home at the age of fifteen years and was employed by the month until twenty-five. In 1854, he married Miss Sarah Bumpua, and iu July of the following year they came West to Laayette county, Wisconsin. Early in 1861, they moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and the following May came to this township and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in section nine. Mr. Jackman drove from Wisconsin with a horse team and brought two yoke of oxen. Upon his arrival here he built a jjlank shanty 10x12, in which they lived thirteen years, then erected a good house and barn which were destroyed by fire in 1874. He owns some good stock and his farm is well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are members of the Advent Church. They have a family of fotir children.

Dennis H. Oday was born in Ireland on the 25th of March, 1821. He was iuarried in 1845, to Miss Catharine McGrath, and the next year came to America; landed in New York and removed thence to Fox Lake, Wisconsin. He remained there eighteen years, then went to Rochester, Minnesota, and in seven years came to Alden; thence, in 1880, to a homestead in this plaee in section nineteen. Mr. Oday has a family of ten children.

Asa Walker, one of the early settlers of Carlston and one of the first members of the board of Supervisors after the organization of the town, was born in Vermont on the 31st of May, 1813. He resided at home until his marriage with Miss Mary C. Bruce in 1840. For ten years they lived on a stock farm at Townsend in his native State, and in 1856, removed to Dane county, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1859, they came to this township and staked out a claim upon which they still reside in sections twenty -four and twenty-five. In 1862 and 'G3, Mr. Walker was in the Legislature, has also held local offices, and during the war was enrolling officer. His wife died on the 21st of January, 1878, leaving two children.

The daughter, S. Emegene, lives at home and keeps liouse for her father. She taught several of the first schools in difTerent towns in this countv, with which money she bought one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining her father's.