Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 64, 1882

Chapter 64

This is the southeastern sub-division of Freeborn county, with Mower county bounding it on the east; the state of Iowa on the south; the township of Oakland on the north; and Shell Kock on (he west. It is a complete congressional township of 36 sections or s(iuare miles, and comprising the territory, technically speaking, of Township 101, Range 19.

The greater part of the township is prairie laud, and is well adapted to tillage and profitable agriculture. Toward the central and northern part there is considerable small timl)er; such as burr, red, and scrub oak, interspersed with natural meadows and small patches of prairie, and is known as "oak-opening land." The general inclination of the surface is rolling, although it may be said to be more level than any township in Freeborn county. In and about sections fifteen and sixteen is the most broken, although not enough so to be impractical for cultivation. The soil is a dark loam, rich and productive, and is underlain with a subsoil of clay. The best farming land in

There are few streams and only one lake to water the surface of London. This body of water lies near the center of the town, and is known as Elk Lake, covering the greater part of 160 acres in section twenty-one. Two streams flow across the northeastern part of the town, and one traverses he southwest corner.

Early Settlers

The early steps leading to the founding and subsequent development of this thriving township, began at about the same period as did most of the towns in Freeborn county, and in none of them has the growth been more substantial, or progress more marked than in London. The early jjioneers of this locatity were not of a class that were indolent; but they were thriving, energetic, and high spirited. They were good neighbors, and ao good neighborhoods were created, and this was one of the great comforts, and in fact, blessings, for which the pioneers had cause to be thankful; for without the few good companions to each, which formed neighborhoods, and the unanimity of good fellowship and purpose, pioneeer life on the then barren frontier must have been unendurable.

About the first settlement made in the township was by a party of various nationalities from Wisconsin, who settled in sections eight, nine, and ten, in what was termed the burr oak opening laud. This party was made up of Edward E. Budlong, who now lives in Shell Bock townwhip; John T. Asher from Wisconsin, who is now dead; Asa Bullock and family, and a Mr. Carpenter, the last two mentioned, after a year's residence in London, pulled up stakes and removed to Oakland township, where friends and relatives had preceded them. In the article upon that town they are treated' more at length. During the ensuing winter the young folks who were matrimonially inclined decided to have the conjugal knot tied in the everlasting and let-no -man -put- asunder way; so the ox teams were "covnded" and yoked, and away the parties hied themselves on a rapid ox walk for Osage, Iowa, 25 miles distant, where the ceremony was performed making the /ow;', two, and uniting Lemuel Bullock to Miss Carpenter, and Willard L. Carpenter to Miss Bullock.

they could, depending upon each other for entertainment and keeping off despondency. During the following year, however, the beauties of this region began to be heralded abroad, and many who had come to realize the inequality of the contest between labor and capital in the older and eastern States, thronged in to find a new home, where, for the first years, at least, equality would reign supreme and merit must be ranked side by with capital. Among those who arrived in 1856, as many of the most prominent ones as can be remembered, will be given.

William N. Goslee, a native of Connecticut,who had stopped for a time in Iowa, came from the latter place with an ox team, and in May, 1856, secured the place he now occupies in section thirteen. Timothy F. Goslee came about the same time; but located just over the line in Mower county.

Benjamin Stanton joined this party by securing a slice from Uncle Sam's domain in section twelve. In October, 1857, while engaged in building a log house his earthly career was abruptly terminated by a stroke of lightning.

Just north of Stanton, in section one, the same year, B. E. P. Gibson, a native of Connecticut, succeeded in making his anchor take firm hold and his moorings still remain intact. H. B. Riggs, late of Michigan, joined this party and made himself a home in section eleven, where he remained for a number of years, and then removed to Shell Rock, where he finally paid the debt of mortality.

These parties had scarcely got nicely settled when the tranquility of their reign was disturbed by the arrival of a native of Wisconsin in the person of D. B. German, who located in section twelve, where he remained until 1880, when he removed to Mower county, and now lives there.

Avery Strong, a native of New York State, was another of the arrivals in 1856, who secured a habitation in this settlement by installing himself in section thirteen. He soon left, however, and is now living in his native State.

In the spring of 1857 James H. Goslee left his home in Connecticut and pushed toward the setting sun, coming as far as Dubuque by rail, from there taking the stage route to St. Paul, where he was engaged for a couple of weeks, and then came on as far as West Union with a man who had horses for sale. The snow was very deep and he was delayed for several days; but finally found a man who was on a milling trip from Chickasaw county, Iowa, and with him rode to the latter place. Here he was detained for three days by a severe blizzard, and was finally carried on to Otronto, Iowa, from whence be walked to his brother's place in Lyle, Mower county, who is mentioned above as having settled there the year previous. Bring favorably impressed by the country, bought a place in sections twelve and thirteen in this township, of Sylvester West, which he still occupies.

In 1858 James H. Stewart, a native of the Empire State, made his appearance in London, and became an inhabitant by placing his sign manual upon papers for a claim in section twentyfour, where he now tills the soil.

Hatters Of Interest

The first death was that of Benjamin F. Stanton, who died by a stroke of lightning on October 6th, 1857. His remains were deposited in their last resting place near Otronto, Iowa.

For political purj)oses this township was originally merged with Oakland, and subseijuently for a time a part of Shell Rock; but finally it was set off from these and is now a separate organizaticin under the head of London.

From the records we learn that the first title to land was acquired by William Clatwortliy and W. A. Pierce, on the 15th of August, 1856, these parties taking their claims on sections eight and nine.

London Post-office. - This office was established in September, 1876, with Henry Lang as Postmaster, and shortly afterward Mrs. Meadowcroft was appointed as deputy, with the office in section fourteen. Mail arrives once each week from Austin, the mail carrier being John Connor. Tlie office remained in section ft)urteen until April, 1880, when Mr. James Lacy was commissioned Postmaster and Marion Connor deputy, and again, iu the spring of 1882 the Postmasters changed, this time John Manning took the mail pouch keys and still fills the position of Postmaster, the office being kept in section fifteen at his residence.

London Town 811 Ip

Population. - The census of 1870 gave London a population of 311. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 614 for this town; showing an increase of 303.

District No. 51. - Effected an organization in 1862, and the following year the first term of school was held at the residence of H. B. Riggs, in section eleven, by Miss Orpha Skinner, with an attendance of about twelve scholars. Then, in 1867, the schoolhouse was erected in the western part of section twelve, which has since been greatly improved. The last term of school was taught by Misn Belle Cheadle with an average attendance of twenty-five scholars.

District No. 59. - Embraces territory in the southwestern part of the town, and has a schoolhouse located in the northern part of section thirty-two.

Distbict No. 71. - This district came into existence by organization in 1865, the first school being held in Morgan Eckert's granary, in section eighteen, taught by Miss Dora Sabin with an attendance of about six pupils. After this school was continued in private houses and granaries until the summer of 1869, when a schoolhouse, 16x20, was completed in section eight at a cost of S220, and Carrie Harrison taught a school with an attendance of eighteen. The house has since been remodeled and improved to the extent of $500. The last teacher was John D. Murphy; attendance thirty-two.

District No. 94. - EfTected an organization in 1874, and the school building was erected the same year, in the southern part of section twentythree, size 20x20, with an ante-room 12x16 feet, and cost .|1,025. The first teacher was Mr. John Bewick with an attendance of fifteen scholars. Ella Meadowcroft was the last instructor of the young idea and had an average attendance of aljout twenty pupils.

Persons Bump was born in Wyoming county. New York, on the 29th of March, 1844. When he was seven years old his parents came west and settled in Wisconsin. Persons enlisted in 1862, in the Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company E, was in considerable active service in the South and spent four months in Libby prison, receiving an honorable discharge in 1865, having attained the rank of Frst Lieutenant. He returned to his home and the same year married Miss Marinette Oolson, a native of Ohio. In 1868 they came to London township, and bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres, in sections twentytwo and twenty-seven and have since made it their home. They have five children.

Thomas Bosnallie, one of the early settlers of this place, is a native of Scotland, born on the 5th of Apil, 1819, His parents came to America when he was an infant, and located in Canada. He remained with an uncle in Scotland until four years old, then joined his parents in Canada. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Philips and two years later they came to Wisconsin. Since 1856 Mr. Bonnallie has been a resident of this place. His first wife died, and in 1873, he married his present, Mrs. Janette Campbell, a native of Philadelphia, Penn. The issue of this union is seven children.

James H. Goslbe, one of the old and respected citizens of this section of the country, is a native of Connecticut, born in Hartford county, on the 31st of January, 1831. The early j^art of his life was spent in farming and learning the carpenter trade, and in 1857, he came to this township. His farm now contains over seven hundred acres and is well improved, he devoting his time principally to stock raising. In 1860 he was united in wedlock to Miss Zillah T. Beach, a native of New York. They have had two children; Henry A., born on the 2d of July. 1861; andDwight W., born on the 8th of April, 1866. The latter died on the 12th of January, 1882.

William N. Goslee, another pioneer of London township, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, on the 12th of May, 1826. He was married before leaving his native State, in 1850, to Miss Sarah E. Ellis. They came west in 1855 and located in Iowa, but the following year came to this place, staking out a farm in section thirteen where he has since made his home. Mrs. Goslee died in 1862. His present wife was formerly Mary A. Cheadle, a native of Indiana, and they have two children. Mr. Goslee owns a fine farm, and since his residence here has served the town and county in difl'erent capacities.

RoGBB P. Gibson was born in Connecticut on the 17th of August, 1817. He grew to manhood on a farm and in 1840, married Miss Colista Goslee, who died three years later. Some years after he was again married to a CoDnectiout lady, who came west with him to Iowa in 1855, and to this township the following year. Death again entered his home in 1861, and took away his partner in life, whose remains rest in the cemetery at this place. In 1863, he was wedded to Miss Emma M. Bolton, who was born in Ohio. This union has been blessed with six children. Mr. Gibson's farm has the appearance of a careful and experienced manager. He is one of the pioneers here and has filled offices of trust in the town.

Abtrdb E. Johnston, a New Yorker, was born on the 6th of .Tune, 1850. When he was sixteen years old he came with his parents to Butler county, Iowa. They resided there until 1879, then came to this place and located in section twentyfour, which is still their home. Mr. Johnston is at present Treasurer of the school board.

Henky Lang, a native of Scotland, was born on the 10th of January, 1842. He came with his parents to America when an infant, first settled in New York City and afterward lived in Missouri. After a residence of five years in the latter place the family came to Wisconsin and in 1862 to this township. Henry was joined in matrimony to Miss Jane Meadowcroft, also a n.itive of Scotland. They have a family of seven children. Mr. Lang owns a well improved farm of two hundred and forty acres.

John W. Manning, the present Postmaster of Loudon, was born in New Jersey on the 31st of October, 1845. He remained in his native place until twenty years old, then came to Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1867, married Miss Sylvia Mosher, a Canadian lady. The issue of the union is five children. In 1872, Mr. Manning moved to Iowa and in 1879 came to this place. He has a good farm in section fifteen.

John Robertson was born neir Glasgow, Scotland, on the 15th of May, 1836. He came with his parents to America in 1844, and resided for some time in Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1858 he married Miss Margaret Campbell, also a native of Scotland. They came to Minnesota in 18(;6, and settled in section twelve of this township, which has since been their home, the farm containing three hundred and twenty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have a family of three children.

James H. Stewart, one of the early settlers of London township, is a native of New York, born on the 19th of August, 1832. In 1853 he came to Wisconsin, where he married, in 1856, Miss Clarissa H. Hubbard, a native of Vermont. The same year they moved to Illinois, and a year later came to this place, taking land in section twentyfour, which is now a well cultivated farm. Mr. Stewart has filled offices of trust since coming here. He is the father of three children.

Edward T. Thomas, a native of Wales, was born in March, 1835, and when very young came with his parents to America. They located in Utica, New York, and several years later moved to Ohio, finally coming west to Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1860 Edward married Anna Thompson, of Ohio. The following year he came to Minnesota and took a claim in London, section twenty-two. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a family of three children.

.Tames Van Winkle, deceased, was born in Illinois on the IHh of September, 1825. He was married in 1853 to Miss Nancy Sutherland, also a native of Illinois. They came to Minnesota in 1858, but only remained a year and a half, and returned to their native State. In 1861 they came again to this State and bought a farm in London, where Mr. Van Winkle died on the 4th of February, 1876. He left a widow and six children to mourn his loss.

SiLON Williams, one of the pioneers of this place, was born in Derby, Vermont, on the 23d of July, 1832. When twenty-two years old he moved to Osage, Iowa, and a year later came to this place, settling in section eleven. He was joined in wedlock in 1860 with Miss Mary A. Phelps, a Canadian lady. They have tea children. In 1862 Mr. Williams enlisted in the Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company C, spent one year on the frontier, and then went south and participated in considerable active service, receiving his discharge in 1865. He has since made his farm his home.

Location And Topogeaphy Eaelt Settlement

Whatever the population of this town, it is certain it bears an English name. It lies in the second tier from the north and also second from the western line of Freeborn county. Its contiguous surroundings are, Hartland on the north; Bancroft on the east; Pickerel Lake on the south; and Carlston on the west. It contains 11,689 acres less than a full congressional township, because of the "correction line" of the survey, and has thirty-six sections, comprising the territory of Town 103, Range 22, in all about 22,923 acres.

Originally the greater part of the town was covered with timber of small varieties, such as burr and black oak, maple, basswood, black walnut, butternut, ash, and elm, interspersed with natural meadows and prairie land. The southwestern part of the town was principally burr oak opening land, except in sections twenty -eight and twenty-nine, where is found the sugar maple which is still, to a considerable extent, intact. The greater part of what was originally timber land is now under a high state of cultivation. The principal parcel of timber now in the town is black and burr oak, the latter being the most plentiful. The entire northwest portion of the town is a rolling prairie, and is among the best of farming land.

The soil, as a rule, is a dark rich loam of from two to three feet iu depth, and underlaid with a subsoil of clay; but this is particularly apjjlicable to the timber land, as on the prairie a lighter tendency is apparent, while the subsoil is of clay and sand. All the land is very productive and well adapted to the mode of cultivation and crops of the latitude. The prairie land is made picturesque by groves of domestic poplar, which have been

The township is well watered and has its full complement of small lakes and water courses. A cluster of small lakes is found in the southwestern part of the town, and on the map appear the names of Lake Peterson, Sugar Lake, Silver Lake, and Lake Whitney, which are all near together on sections twenty, twenty-one, twenty-eight, twentynine, and thirty. The only one of these having an outlet is Lake Peterson, from which a small stream taking a southeasterly course finally leaves the town rin section thirty-six, and enters Bancroft township. South of this cluster of lakes, in section thirty-two, Spring Lake infringes upon and covers a few acres of land. A small body of water known as Gun Lake is located in the eastern part of section nine. School Section Like is located in the southeastern portion of the town, in section thirty -six.

There is but one village in the township, Manchester, located in section fifteen, on the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad, which crosses the township from north to south, bearing a little southeasterly.

The surface of the town is rolling, and although, in place.s, inclined to be rather abrupt in its modulations, is not hilly, or in any place broken sufficiently to be detrimental to agriculture. The town is well iidapted to agricultural jjurposes, and has a l^rge cultivated area yielding good crops of the cereals.

Eaely Settlement

The earliest attempt at settling this town commenced in 18.56, when, on the 6th day of June of that year, S. S. Skiff, a native of New York, came from Wisconsin and took a claim in section twenty-six, where he remained until 1858, and then returned to Wisconsin where he stayed until 1860. This year he again pushed his way back to his newly made habitation and settled down in earn- est. He made this his liome until 1880. and then removed to the town of Alden, where his light still "holds out to bum." He, it is claimed, was the very first settler, and there is a preponderance of teKtimony to uphold it. Ho had been here about one week, when, on the l.^th of "June, 18.56, there arrived a party from Iowa, which soon took the name of Winneshiek county settlement as they came from their Norwegian homes by way of Iowa and had stopped for a time in the county indicated.

Among this party were Gunie Thykeson, who secured a place in sections nine and ten, upon the banks of the miniature lake which received its name after him, and he may still be found upon the place, evidently well satisfied with his venture.

Rollof, a brother to Gunie Thykeson, made himself at home in section fifteen, w'here he remained until 1879, when he took up his abode upon a place in sections nine and sixteen.

Stiner Mickelson also settled in section fifteen and remained until 1864, when he disposed of his farm and removed to Blue Earth City, where he still lives.

This comprised the original members of the Wineshiek county settlement. They were all natives of Norway, and they have since been joined by countrymen, who have thronged in until they constitute the greater part of the town's inhabitants.

In the latter part of the same month that the above settlement arrived, in June, 1856, a party known as the Kock county settlement, all natives of Norway, who had sojourned for a short time in Rock county, Wisconsin, came to the town, and their names and movemements are chronicled as follows; '

Halver Peterson anchored his bark of worldly possessions in section nine, and remained there until August, 1868, when, as matters, evidently, did not progress in a satisfactory manner, tired of the practical problem of world's life, solved the matter by hanging himself; his family still live upon the old place.

O. O. Fossum located on sections twenty-one and twenty-two, and remained there until the time of his death, which occurred in 1878, and his remains were sorrowfully deposited in their last resting place, in the Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery. His family still occupy the old home-stead.

Henry Schmidt came to this county when it was wild and desolate, but lived to see the town settled, filled with farms, and in a flourishing condition. He had been Town Treasurer, and was a thorough American German. The respect in which he was held was attested by the large funeral which took place a few days after his death, which was on the 6th of September, 1878, at the age of 67 years.

Ole Olson Fossdm came to Manchester in 1856, took a claim and opened a farm and continued to live on it until the 9th of June, 1878, when he went over the river at the age of 64. He is remembered as a fine old gentleman.

Mrs. Harriet L.Johnson was thirty-five years of age when her presence was required in the great beyond, on the 6th of April, 1873. She was a daughter of Dr. Solomon Douglass, of Oswego county, New York. With her husband she came west as far as Winnebago county, Wisconsin, where they remained six years, and then came to Freeborn county. Three children were left. She was a woman who won the esteem of all her acquaintances

Official Oeganization

The first town meeting, at wliich the organization was effected, was held at the house of Ole Peterson, on the 11th of May, 1858, pursuant to to notice of the Clerk of County Commissioners. After the usual preliminaries the meeting was called to order, and the polls opened for the election of town officers for the ensuing year. Upon counting the ballots the following candidates were found to have the number of votes set opposite their names, as follows: son received 25 votes; E. S. Smitb, 7. Supervisors, Ole Peterson and Tostin Knntson, unanimously elected, 32 votes each. Clerk, James E. Smith, 32. Assessor, Bennett Asleson, 25; Mattias Anderson, 7. Collector, Thomas Anderson, 32. Overseer of the Poor, .Tohn Ellingson, 32. Constables, Charles Oleson and David Ames, each 32 votes. Justices of the Peace, James E. Smith and Thomas Oleson, 32 votes each. Overseer of Koads, Charles Olson, 25; Ole Peterson, 7. There were in all thirty-two votes cast.

Town Name. - The original name of the township was " Olborg," in honor of the Post-office in in Norway from whence Ole Peterson came. After a short reign under this caption it was changed to Buckeye, in a joke upon Stanley and S. B. Smith, who were natives of Ohio, and a PostoHice by this name was established. In 1858, at the meeting above mentioned, the matter of the name again came up, and "Liberty" was proposed to take the jilace of the Ohio caption. The matter was put to a vote and resulted in a unanimous assent to the new name. The town then commenced its career as " Liberty " ; but in a short time notice was received from the State Auditor that as there were already two " Libertys" in the State, their name must be changed. In accordance with this, in 1859, the name was again changed, this time, finally, to " Manchester.'"

Thus the township of Manchester was started on its career as a municipality, and since that time the affairs of the public have been faithfully cared for. It being a farming community there has been but little expenditure of public funds, except for school and highway purposes, and the burdens of local taxation have never been excessive.

The present township officials are as follows: Supervisors, Claus Fandt, Chairman, Rolloff Thykeson, and Thor Anderson; Clerk, I. A. Rodsater; Assessor, D. H. Johnson; Treasurer, Bennett Asleson; Justice of the Peace, L. C. Larken; Constable, M. O. Whitney. The last town meeting was held in the spring of 1882, at the schoolhouse of District No. 18.

Statistics

This article is intended to convey to the reader an idea of the wealth and productiveness of the township, and to what extent the facilities and richness of soil which nature has endowed, have been utilized and improved.

PopuijAtion. - The census of 1870 gave Manchester a population of 701. The last census, taken in 1880, reports 784 for this town, showing an increase of 83.

Matters Of Interest

The first child born in the township was Michael Michaelson, in September, 1856. The boy grew to manhood, was married, and now lives in Blue Earth county.

It is claimed that the first marriage in the township occurred in December, 1858, the high contracting parties being Mads Madson and Miss Opengardeu. The ceremony was performed by Thomas Oleson at the residence of John Ellingson, in section sixteen. The groom died in 1880, and the widow now resides in Hartland.

The above, however, was not the first marriage of parties from this town; for on the 2d of October, 185S, a double wedding occurred in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wliich united the destinies of Miss Inglebert Peterson to Ole Knudson, and Miss Sarah Kittleson to Lewis Sebertson. The ceremony was performed by Rev. L. Clausen.

The first religions services in tlie town were held iu June, 1858, at the residence of Ole Peterson, in section tifteen, by the Rev. Mr. Brown, a Lutheran rainiater. The church organization was not effected until 1876.

The first house in the township was erected in June, 1856, by Gunia Thykeson, on section nine. It was a log building, 12x14 feet, and was afterward used as a stable.

Mickle Mickleson, in July, 1856, the following month, erected the second house of the same material, and this was subsequently used as a blacksmith shop.

At an early day a number of the jiioneers in a rude way manufactureil sorghum, by using three ,wouden home-made rollers, propelled by a yoke of oxen, for a press; but this crude machinery has long since been supplanted by the patent process and new machinery.

Originally town meetings were held in private houses, and anywhere that shelter could be found. At present they are held iu the schoolhouse of district No. 18, in section twenty-two.

The first blacksmith shop was erected and operated by a Mr. Mickleson, on the northwest quarter of section fifteen. In 1865 he sold out and went to Blue Earth county, where he now lives. This was erected in 1856.

In 1858, the next shop was erected in section thirteen, size 12x14 feet, and put in ojjeration by Lewis Oleson. It was of logs, with a log and sod roof, and was operated by him until about 1873, when it changed hands; finally, in 1879, becoming the property of Ole O. Olson who now owns it.

Suicide. - In August, 1868, Halver Peterson, an early Norwegian .settler living in section ten, disgusted and disheartened by the vicissitudes and uncertainties of this cruel world, departed from it, in spirit, by hanging himself to a tree. He had been sick for eighteen months, and the only excuse offered, was the old one in these cases, "tired of life."

and went into the service, nine never returned, finding graves in southern soil. Strengen Bcns<m was the only married man of the departed lieroes; he left a wife and two children to mourn his loss. The rest were all single men and most of their jjareuts resided in the town at the time. Manchester voted bonds to t!ie amoimt of .S4,() 10 for the purpose of securing volunteers to till the quota assigned the town, which amount was duly paid and recruits secured.

Buckeye Post-office. - This was the first office in the township, having been established in 1858, named after the pet cognomen of Ohio, with James E. Smith as Postmaster, and the office at his residence in section thirty, where it remained, there being but little business for it, until 1860, when S. B. Smith was appointed, with a mail route from Maukato to Otronto, Iowa, under the supervision of A. L. Davis, who carried the mail by team. After a time A. G. Hall was appointed, and the office was removed to his residence iu section one of Alden, where it was finally discontinued about 1870.

Manchester Post-office was established in the village of this name iu 1878, upon a petition gotten up by H. R. Fossum and E. H. Stensrud, and signed by a majority of the citizens. H. R. Fossum was first appointe<l as the Postmaster, and held the office until 1880, with a business in the meantime amounting to S6 per quarter, when E. H. Stensrud was commissioned and sfill holds the mail pouch key ; the business of the last quarter amounted to .S8.89. The office is kept in the store at the village.

Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester. - This corporation, instituted for the protection of the farmers from fire and lightning, is growing rapidly each year; afid, as there is not visible iu this, the hand of dishonesty and trickery that is so apparent in the procedures of a great many of the city corporations, it has been, and, with the same capable management iu the future that it has had in the past, will continue to be a true benefit and assistance to its patrons. The company was organized at the Central church of the Freeborn Norwegian Lutheran Conoreoation on the 7th of December, 1876, on which day the following officers were elected; President, O. Peterson; Secretary, I. A. Rodsater; Treasurer, O. Narvesou; and Directors, E. C. Johnson, K. Ingebrigtson, A. N. Teslow, I. Hammer, H. Stens- ruJ, and John Madson. It commenced biisiness on the 10th of February, 1877, and consisted at that time of 102 members, and the capital insured was $135,172. During the first year the company had a loss of only $10. Total losses during the first five years, $765. Last year's loss was $200. At the last annual meeting the company consisted of 338 members, with an amount of insurance of $375,000.

NoRWEGi.*,N Lutheran Church. --This society was organized about 1876, with Eev. V. Koran officiating, and had about nine members. In 1876, the church was erected in section four. Gust. Peterson donating two acres of land for a site. It cost about $5,700, and is 36x82 feet, with a tower, in which an 800 pound bell has been placed which cost 1300, and is one of the finest church buildings in the county. The society is very prosperous and strong, and now counts about 400 as its followers. Eev. Ina Woolfsburg is the present minister, and has been upon the circuit for fifteen years. Services are held every other Sunday.

There is also a neat burial ground adjoining the church," which was laid out in 1872. The first burial here was of the remains of an infant child of Andrew Madson and wife, in 1873. The first matured person whose remains were deposited here, was Cornelius Gilbertson, who died ut Freeborn at the age of twenty-four,

Village Of Manchester

It is located in section fifteen, on the Minneapolis it St. Louis railway, about seven miles from Albert Lea, the county seat, and surrounded by an excellent farming country.

In 1877 Cosgan & White erected an elevator which was moved to section twenty- three soon after its erection, and has since been moved back to the village.

In 1878, Anton Anderson erected a blacksmith shop, 24x28 feet, and commenced blowing the bellows. In the fall of 1881, an addition was erected, 12x28 feet, for a wagon shop, and an

In February, 1878, a building was erected by H. R. Fossum and E. H. Stensrud. and a good stock of dry goods, groceries, and general merchandise was placed upon the shelves to the amount of about $400. In May the Post-office was established.

Mediums Of Education

District No. 18. - This district effected an organization in the year 1861. The year previous a schoolhouse of logs was erected by subscription on section fifteen, in which a school of thirty scholars was taught by Emma Walker. After this district was organized they took charge of the school building, and scliool was continued under their management. The first school officers were: Thorson Knuteson, John Ellingson, and O. O. Fossum, Clerk, Director, and Treasurer. In 1867 the house was moved to the site it now occupies in section twenty-twi>. The present officers are; Director, Dennis Sipple; Treasurer, Clau8 Flindt; Clerk, Bennett Asleson. The last term of school was taught by H. B. Fossum, with forty pupils enrolled.

District No. 19. - A meeting was held on the 8th of May, 1862, at the residence of Christian Jacobson, at which the organization of this district was effected and made permanent by the election of officers, as follows: Director, Tosten Knatson; Clerk, Claries Olson; Treasurer, Charles Johnson. The same summer Mr. Henderson taught the first school, a term of three months, in Charles Oleson's house in section thirteen, with seven or eight pupils present. In 1864 Christian Jacobson donated a site, and the schoolhouse was erected in the center of section twelve, by contribution of labor, at a cost of about g50, size 16x20. The present officers are; Director, Ole Knutson; Treasurer, John Johnson; Clerk, P. J. Spilde. The last instructor was L. P. Jensen, and there were forty scholars upon the roll.

District No. 21 - Efl'ected an organization in 1864, the first meeting being held at the house of Erick Olson, in section nine, in the spring, at which the following officers were elected: Director, Carl Gustaveson; Treasurer, Halver Peterson; Clerk, August Peterson. The first school was taught by Miss Emma King in Erick Olson's house, in section nine, with twenty pupils present.

In 1867 a frame house, which is still in tise, was erected in the western part of section nine, size 16x22, at a cost of .S3()0. The present otKcers are Director, Ed. Mortensou; Treasurer, Hans Christopherson; Clerk, Nels N. Waugiu. The last term of school was taught by John C. Quammen, with thirty-five scholars enrolled.

District No. 55. - This educational sub-division embraces tlie territory in the southeastem part of the town. It wiis organized in the fall of 1864 in E. D. Hopkins' house, on section thirtyfour, and the following officers were elected: Director, O. Kemfield; Treasurer, J. Welcor; Clerk, E. D. Hopkins. The first school was taught by Maggie Colby in 1864, in a log house belonging to A. M. Johnson, ou the bank of Lake Albert Lea. The following year a log house, 18x16 feet, was procured, which has since been moved to its present site in the southeast corner of section thirty-four, having cost about SIOO. The present officers are as followt-: Director, A. M. Johnson; Treasurer, J. H. Converse: Clerk, O. J. Taylor. The last teacher, in the summer of 1882, was Miss Eva Gilsoii, and there were nineteen scholars enrolled.

Mathias Anderson, one of the first settlers aud organizers of this township, was born in Norway on the 15th of June, 1824. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1851, located in Broome county, Illinois, where his' mother and one sister still reside. Ou the 1st of October, 1854, Mathias was joined in matrimony with Mi.ss Betsey Helga. In 1857, they came to this township and staked out a claim in section two, which is still their home. Mr. Anderson was Chairman of the first board of Supervisors and the first Clerk of School District No. 18. He is the father of five children, three boys and twc girls.

Erik O. Aasen was born in Norway o:i the 15th of October, 1832, and learned the blacksmith trade in his native country. In 1857, he emigrated to America, came to Iowa and resided one year, then moved to this place and located in section nine which has since been his home. In 1860, he met with an accident, one of his cows hooking him, which resulted in the loss of his eyesight. He was married ou the 25th of December, 1870, to Miss Argatta Mark, who has borne liim five children, four of whom are living. Mr.

Lewis Beach was born in New York on the 2()th of December, 1830. He was married ou the 27th of Septembei-, 1857, to Miss Lessie T. Soumiss and the same fall moved to Michigan. In the spring of 1858, he came to this township and was among the first settlers, staked out a claim in section eighteen and has since made it his home. In 1863, he was elected Town Clerk and held the office five years. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have had nine children, six of whom are living.

Charles Bickford, a native of Vermont, was born in Richford, Franklin county, on the 29th of September, 1835. He enlisted in Company A, of the Sixth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, in September, 1864, and served till the close of the war, participating in seven battles, and while in the battle of Petersburg was wounded. After his discharge he returned to his home and remained until the spring of 1866, when he came to Minnesota and settled on his present place in this townsnip. He was married on the 25th of December, 1868, to Miss Almira J. Tucker. They have had six children, five of whom are living.

Jambs H. Chamberlain was born in Ashford, Cattaraugus county, New York, on the 1st of April, 1830, and was never outside of his native State until coming to this State in 1864. He was married on the 10th of March, 1850, to Miss Angeliue Margaret Hall. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Chamberlain was drafted in the late war but was not able to serve. He came to Freeborn county and resided in Bancroft until 1868, when he moved to this township and has since made his home in section thirty-four, engaged in the cultivation of his farm.

Carl Gust.avesen is a native of Norway, born ou the 8th of December, 1828. Having a talent for music he devoted consiilerable time to its study and for a time was leader of the '-Great Norway Military Band." He was married on the 26th of December, 1852, to Miss Annie Mortenson. In 1855, they came to America, resided in Iowa until 1863, and then moved to Manchester in section five where they still make their home. Of seven children born to the union, four are living. When first coming here Mr. Gustavesen taught instrumental music but since 1876 has devoted !iis time to farming.

Pi0S HuBEB was born iu Germany on the 5th of May, 1849. He emigrated to America in 1867, and first settled in Connecticut; in 1873, came to Houston county, and the following year to this township. In 1876, he purchased land in section twenty-one and has since devoted his time to its cultivation. He was married on the 25th of December, 1877, to Miss Mary Flaelmau. They have been blessed with three children.

John Johnson, one of the first settlers of Manchester, is a native of Norway, and dates his birth the 14th of February, 1831. He came to America in 1855, and first settled m Walworth county, Wisconsin. On the 7th of February, 1856, he married Miss Esther M. Olson. The following year they removed to this place and located in section one where they have since devoted their time to the cultivation of the farm. They have had six children, four of whom are living. Mr. Johnson is one of the Directors of school district No. 19.

John Olsbn Jord.\hl, deceased, was a native of Norway, born on the 14tL of February, 1820. In 1857, he emigrated to America, and first settled on Washington prairie, in Winneshiek county, Iowa. In the autumn of 1857, he came to this county and made a pre-emption in sections eleven, fourteen, and fifteen, and in 1858, moved his family on the same. He married in the spring of 1842, Miss Flora Nelson, and of thirteen children born to the union, nine are living. Mr. Jordahl died on the 8th of October, 1871, and his wife followed on the 27th of October, 1881.

Ole J. JoKD.\HL was born on the 19tb of July, 1842, in Norway. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1857, and resided on Washington prairie in Winneshiek county, Iowa, until 1858. He then came to this township with the family, and inl866 bought his present place, in section two. He was married on the 3d of December, 1865, to Miss Anna Johnson. They have a family of seven children. Mr. Jordahl has been Chairman of the board of Supervisors five successive years and clerk of his school district five years.

Charles M. Johnson was born in Norway on the 20th of August, 1829. He left his native country in 1841, and came to Amei'ica with his parents, settling in Boone county, Illinois. In 1852, he went to the gold mines of California, but four years later returned to Boone county, where, on the 20th of March, 1856, he married Miss

Adeline Olson. On the 2d of July, 1857, he started for this State, and located a claim in section twelve, Manchester township. He has been road Overseer two years, and Treasurer of his school district two terms. He is the father of six children, two boys and-four girls.

SivERT Johnson, one of the pioneers of this place, was born in Norway on the 12th of August, 1807. He was united in matrimony on the 13th of January, 1829, to Miss Anna Peterson, who bore him eight children, three of whom are still living. She died on the 4th of August, 1848, and the following year he came to America with five of his childran, two having died since coming here. He married his present wife, formerly Annie Paulson, on the 1st of January, 1849. This union has been blessed with four children, three of whom are living. When first coming to this country Mr. Johnson settled in McHenry county, Illinois; in 1855, moved to Butler county, Iowa, and two years later came to Manchester, taking a farm in section twelve, which has since been his home. His eldest son, Lewis Johnson, was bom on the 12th of March, 1838, in Norway, and resided with his father until 1861. He was married on the 8th of May in that year, and moved to his farm in section two. He has been a member of the board of Supervisors several terms. He is the father of six children.

Jens O. Jenson was born in Norway on the 16th of November, 1813. He was married on the 25th of December, 1832, to Miss Martha Olsdatter. In 1851, he came with his family to America, first located in Dodge county, Wisconsin, remaining in that State until coming here, in 1860. He immediately selected his present farm in section twenty-four, to which he has since devoted his time. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson have had ten children, three of whom are living, one girl and two boys; three of their sons were killed in the army.

Knut Knutson Moerttm, a native of Wisconsin, was born in Waukesha county, on the 1st of October, 1844. In 1855 he moved with his parents to Goodhue county where they remained one year, and in 1856, became pioneers of this township. Kuute was married on the 25th of December, 1873, to Miss Inglebert Oleson, who has borne him four children. His farm is located in section fourteen and is well cultivated.

1858. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Morrum's farm is in section thirteen, and he is one of the Directors of school district No. 19.

Lewis L. Olson, one of the pioneers of this place, was bom in Norway on the 15th of Octobers, 1824. He was drafted and served in the army in his native conutry for five years. On the 5th of December, 184G, he married Miss Annie Helguesdatter. In the spring of 1832 they came America, and on the 10th of September of the same year, Mrs. Olson died. Of three children, the result of the union, one is living. Mr. Olson first settled in Racine county, Wisconsin, and there married Miss Rangle Deisledatter on the 4th of July, 1854. In 1857 they removed to this township and located their present farm in section thirteen. While in Wisconsin Mr. Olson learned the blacksmith trade, at which he was engaged until quite recently, he has devoted his entire time to the cultivation of his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have been blessed with seven children.

Ole PETEnsoN, one of the earliest settlers and a leading man of this township, is a native of Norway, born on the 16th of February, 1832. He emigrated to America in 1851, and settled in Illinois, first in Boone and afterward in Rock county. On the 20tli of December. 1852. he married Miss Eliza Gulbrandson, and they have had six children, five of whom are living. In 1856 Mr. Peterson came to this county and selected a home in section fifteen, Manchester. He was a member of the first board of Supervisors, and afterward elected Justice of the Peace, taking an interest in all local' matters. He is President of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of which he was also the organizer. In 1862 Mr. Peterson enlisted in tlie Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and served one year when his health failed, on account of which he was discharged and returned to his family, having since made this place his home.

IvER A. RoDSATEU wa8 bom in Norway on the 18th of September. 1845. He received a good education in his native place, and in 1856 emigrated to America, first settling in Wisconsin. In the spiing of 1857 he moved to Worth county,

Iowa, and the same sommer came to this place. He was married on the 27th of October, 1867, to Miss Ingeborg Anderson, and have since made their home in section ten. Mr. Rodsater was elected Town Treasurer in 1869, served till 1871, and was then elected Town Clerk, having since held the offices. He has been a member of the bi^ard of County Commissioners since 1877, and has held school offices; has also been Secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester since its organiaation. Mr. and Mr.s. Rodsater have had seven children, six of whom are living.

S. B. SsiiTH, more familiarly known as Uncle Sam. is one of the earliest settlers and organizers of Manchester. He was born in Renville, Licking county, Ohio, on the 16th of July, 1818, and moved with his parents to Portage county in the same State in 1832. When twenty-one years old he was united in marriage with Miss Sabra S. Dewey, the ceremony taking place on the 16th of June, 1839. She was born on the 16th of December, 1819, in Westfield, Hampden county, Massachusetts. In 1844 they moved from Ohio to Indiana, and remainad tintil 1850, then resided in Illinois for several years. In the summer of 1857 Mr. Smith came to Manchester, and has since been interested in the improvement of the town and of his own home. His wife died on the 27th of March, 1869. She bore him two children; William A., and Helen J., both of whom are now dead. The son enlisted on the 18th of August. 1862, in the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Company E, and served his country until 1865; and the daughter died on the 12th of November, 1876. On the 27th of August, 1870, Mr. Smith was joined in wedlock to his present wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Gray. This union has been blessed with two children, both girls.

Paul J. Spilde, youngest son of Sivert iiiid Annie .Johnson, was bom in Norway on tlie 24th of December, 1849. He came with his parents to America at the age of eight months, and has always lived with them, they now making their home on his farm in section twelve. He was joined in matrimony on the 29th of January, 1874, to Syneva Guttormson, who has borne him four children, three boys and one girl. Mr. Spilde is one of the Directors of his school district.

was married on the 26th of June, 1838, to Miss Margaret Wenzel. The result of the union was ten children, eight of whom are still living. Mr. Sippel brought his family to America in 1855, lived for three years in Wisconsin and in June, 1858, became one of the pioneers of this place, staking out a claim in section twenty-seven. He died on the 27th of May, 1871. His son Dennes Sippel was born in Germany on the 27th of July, 1845, and now resides on the old homestead. Hiwas joined in matrimony on the 4th of May, 1871, to Miss Ida Tida and they have had six children, four of whom are living.

Gtinne Thykeson, who built the first log house in this place, was born in Norway on the 22d of March, 1832. He was united in marriage on the 1st of May, 1853, with Miss Singa Olson, and the same year they came to America. They resided in Winneshiek county, Iowa, until coming to this place in 1856, taking a claim in section nine, which is still their home. They have had eight children, six of whom are living.

RoLLOP Thykeson, one of the pioneers of this place, was born in Norway on the 27th of February, 1837. In 1852, he came to America and directly to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1854, then moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1856, he came to Manchester and staked out a claim in section fifteen upon which he lived several years, then moved to his present home in section sixteen. On the 20th of January, 1862, he enlisted in the Fifteenth Wis consin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, and served till the close of the war, having participated in four battles. After his discharge he returned to bis farm in this place, and on the 25th of July, 1866, married Miss Annie ElUngson. Of nine children born to this union, eight are living. Mr. Thykeson has been a member of the board of Supervisors several times and has held school offices.

O. J. Taylor, a native of New York, was born in Hamburgh, Erie county, on the 2l8t of March, 1832. In 1845, he 'jioved with his parents to Milwaukee,Wi8consin, where he grew to manhood, and on the 15th of August, 1862, enlisted in the Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company C. He was in several important engagements and returned to his home at the close of the war, without a scratch, having received an honorable discharge. Before entering the army, on the 6th of February, 1860, he was married to Miss Emily A. Gibson and they have been blessed with one child, Ervin O. Mr. Taylor has been a resident of this place several years, his farm being located in section thirty-five.

Sevebt Thoreson, a native of Norway, was born on the 14th of November, 1849. He came with his parents to America when five years old and settled on Jefferson prairie in Boone county, Illinois. On the 12th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company M, of the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served till the close of the war, participating in a few small skirmishes. In 1866, he removed to Iowa, which State he made his home two years, then came to Manchester and selected a farm in section nine. He was married on the 30th of May, 1869, to Betsy, widow of Halver Peterson, and the mother of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Thoreson have had six children. He is at present Postmaster and has held other local offices.