Goodhue County, Minnesota - Chapter 15: Townships and Villages, 1909

Chapter 15: Townships and Villages

Pine Island Township and Village - Progressive and Prosperous - Roscoe - Stanton - Vasa - Wacoota - Wanamingo - Wanamingo Village - Warsaw - Dennison Village - Welch.

far as the site of the present villain' of Pine Island in the early fifties, they found a beautiful spot called by the Indians "Wa-zuwee-ta," which translated into English means -"Island of Pines," and here, owing to its natural advantages of wood and running water, combined with deep and fertile soil, the early settlers, in search of homes, stopped and built their cabins; and the erstwhile wilderness rapidly assumed the proportions of a center of civilization for a large surrounding country.

The term "Wa-zu-wee-ta," or Island of Pines, referred to a strip of land on the south side of the river reaching from about where Main street now is well upon Newton's hill, which was heavily timbered with stalely white pines and was completely surrounded by a heavy growth of hardwood timber. This spot was a favorite resort of the Dakotah Indians, and here, in their skin tepees, they used to pass the cold months, sheltered from winter's storms by the surrounding hills and the heavy timber, through which roamed untold numbers of deer and elk.

The Indian name was so appropriate that it was retained, but ' Wa-zu-wee-ta, " or Island of Pines, was too large a mouthful for the taciturn pioneers and the name speedily became Pine Island. A pretty story is told of Chief Wacoota. then at the head of the Red Wing band of Dakotah Indians, that when he was asked by the United States commissioners to sign the treaty that would require his people to relinquish their homes on the Mississippi river, replied that he would willingly sign if he could have his future home at Pine Island.

The town is located on sections 31 and 32 of township 109, range 15, and is as above indicated, the early settlers found a eountry heavily wooded, for the most part with hardwood timber and watered by the middle branch of the Zumbro, which divides in what is now the eastern part of the village, the north branch

It is generally understood thai II. B. Powers was the first man who came and built his cabin in This town in the year 1854. A close second was Josiah Haggard, a youth of nineteen or twenty years, who came the same spring, located a claim and built his cabin about where the residence of Dr. Charles Hill now stands. This claim was jumped by a man named Howard, and Haggard crossed the Zumbro and made his second claim of land now covered by business blocks and residences. Hoses Jewell and his son, Solomon, came the next fall and the former pre-empted the Haggard claim, the owner ha vino- made but a half-hearted attempt to fulfil the conditions of the law. .Moses Jewell returned to Wisconsin for the wilder, leaving here his son. Solomon, who has been a resident of the community almost continuously since that time and still owns a large tract of the original Moses Jewell pre-emption. Nelson Denison, another pioneer, pre-empted a claim farther east the same season and a large number of settlers arrived in that and the following seasons. Among these Giles and George Hayward, W. S. Newton, J. A. Tarbox, Philip and Henry Tome. John Lee, John ('lance. Sylvester Dickey. C. R. White and others. Moses Jewell and family occupied a log house about where White street now crosses Main street, and there the first marriage took place between his daughter, Sarah, and A. B. Cron, July 13, 1856. although another marriage was solemnized at about the same time between II. B. Powers, the young settler, and Mary E. Miller. At about this time 'autumn of 1856) the first school was organized in a log building about where the Citizens State Bank now stands, with Annette Seek as teacher. Other schools were established in the vicinity shortly afterward, among which was one taught by Thomas McManus. The first school building was erected the following year near the Geo. Paige residence on the north side of the river. John Salmon was the first preacher and held services at the homes of the settlers. The first child born in the community was Martha Cron. now Mrs. S. P. Collins. The first death was that of Michael Horn in the winter of 1856. In 1856 Haggard & Hayward began the erection of a saw mill under the supervision of Rice Hamlin, a young Pennsylvania millwright, and the father of Charles and Henry Hamlin, who later became prominent in the affairs of the village. Tins mill was run in the early years by Dowry & Powers and about 200,- 000 feet of lumber was manufactured. In 1858, the mill was sold - to A. J. Tarbox, and later passed into the possession of AY. AY. Cutshall. who continued to operate it until about 1902. when it was dismantled on account of the scarcity of saw timber. In the late sixties a steam Hour mill was erected on the bank of the river below the saw mill by Tarbox & Jewell, but several years ago, after a checkered history, it was pulled down and the machinery and lumber was sold. Another flour mill was built on the water power just below the confluence of the two branches of the Zumbro by a man named Jacobs and for a number of years did a flourishing business, but in 1876 it was burned and was never rebuilt. The dam was shortly afterward carried out and the land formerly covered by the waters of the mill pond have since become valuable for pasturage.

Pine Island Village was surveyed and platted in the winter of 1856-57, on land owned by John (lance, Moses Jewell and J. A. Tarbox. For many years the principal business part of the village was on the north side of the river and grew rapidly to a flourishing business point. The business portion of the village, however, gradually moved southward, until at the present time nearly all the business houses of the village are on the south side of the river.

The first hotel was built by E. Denison in 1857 and old settlers still remember how the ladies of the village plied their needles for days to supply the new hotel with the necessary bed and table linen. John Lee had previously built a hotel on the old St. Paul- Dubuque road near where Poplar Grove church now stands and the landlord was also postmaster of the place, but the fact of the existence of the hotel or postoffice is now scarcely remembered. The early settlers received their scanty mail from Oronoco, where a settlement had existed for a number of years, but in 1856 a postoffice was established with John Clance as postmaster. J. A. Tarbox. las. McManus, S. S. Worthing, Fletcher Hagler, Chas. Parker, Henry Hamlin, Henry Tome and George II. Tome have since held this responsible position, the last named gentleman being the present incumbent.

The Avar history of the village and the country immediately surrounding it. could it be written in full, would make interesting reading. It has been said, probably with more or less justice, that Pine Island has furnished more soldiers to the government in proportion to the size of the place, than any town in the country. Be that as it may, it is a fact that of the Minnesota regiments which took part in the Civil war and the Sioux war of j 863-4. Pine Island was liberally represented in all. with the possible exception of the Ninth Infantry, while a number enlisted with Wisconsin regiments. Again in 1898 the young men of Pine Island responded to call to arms, and a few found soldiers' graves in distant lands.

Company built a branch line through the village, giving the people of the village and surrounding country much needed transportation facilities. In the early days the only means of transportation was by wagon over the rough country roads, and the nearest markets were Red Wing and Lake City on the river. In 1902 the Great Western Railroad Company, having purchased the Duluth, Red Wing and Southern railroad from Red Wing to Zumbrota, extended the line through this place to Rochester, connecting with their line at that place, so that at present the railroad service enjoyed by the people of this vicinity is nearly all that could be desired. In the spring of 1878 the village of Pine Island was incorporated and separated from the township. The first council to serve the village was composed of the following: President, Charles Hill; trustees, Messrs. Dickey, Thompson and Lowery; recorder, G. II. Glidden. In 1899 the people voted bonds in the sum of $6,000 and installed an excellent system of waterworks. Water is obtained from a well drilled in the solid rock and located beneath the mill power house and power for pumping is obtained from the mill power engine. The water mains have since been extended so as to afford city water and fire protection to nearly every portion of the village. An electric light plant was installed at the mill in 1899 by Loomis F. Irish and electricity is now being used in all parts of the village, both for public and private lighting. The year 1900 saw the beginning of the present excellent telephone system, when Thomas II. Bunn put in a small switchboard and built a few miles of line. The system has grown rapidly and now penetrates all parts of the village and many miles into the surrounding country in all directions. Pine Island is justly proud of its schools. From the log shack of 1857 the school moved to a brick school building erected in 1864, built on the site of the present school building, but this; building was outgrown and a commodious wooden building took its place, in 1883. This building served its purpose admirably for many years, but the school again outgrew its quarters and in 1904- an additional building of brick was erected at a cost of .$10,500. This building furnishes quarters for the high school and tinseventh, eighth and ninth grades, library, gymnasium, laboratories and several class rooms. Out from these schools a number of men and women have gone who have attained a high place in the work of the world. A few notable examples are a United States diplomatic representative now stationed in Spain, a representative in Congress, a professor at Harvard University, several men in the United States civil service, and teachers of both sexes in large numbers.. The village boasts of over forty business places, including two banks, two grain elevators.

.several general stores, a creamery and a roller mill, the latter institution being built in 1895 by Bidwell & Doty, and now owned and operated by Loomis P. Irish.

In the spring of 1909 the electors of the village voted municipal bonds in the sum of $3,000 to be used toward the construction of a new city hall, and the building was finished in October of the same year at a cost of about $12,000. It is a fireproof structure 40x60 feet in size and contains a large hall, fire station, jail, council rooms, etc., and is withal a fine structure and admirably situated to the needs of the village. The fire department consists of about forty officers and men under Chief J. A. Kaiserlik, divided into three companies, and thoroughly equipped with fire fighting apparatus. - Ralph W. Holmes.

Pine Island is in the southeast corner of Goodhue county, comprises township 109. range 15, and is hounded on the north by Zumbrota, on the east by Wabasha county, on the south by Olmsted county and on the west by Roseoe. The valley of the Zumbro, in the southern part, is a mile wide. In the early days the northern and southwestern portions were heavily limbered, and much of this timber has been allowed to remain standing. The geologic formations of this township differ materially from the rest of the county, but like its neighboring Goodhue county townships, its soil is rich, and its farmers consequently prosperous. The superior advantages of wood and running water, combined with rich rolling prairie land, naturally attracted a large number of settlers in the early days, and even previous to this, the place had been a favorite resort of the Indians.

Following is a resume of the officers of the township of Pine Island during the first twenty years .of its existence: At the first animal election, held .May 11. 1858, soon after the township wras constituted, there were elected: Supervisors, C. R. White, J. C. .Miller, E. D. White; clerk. J. A. Tarbox; collector, G. F. Nye; assessor, John Harper: justice of the peace, J. S. Pierce; overseer of the poor, Closes Jewell; constables, G. F. Nye, S. Demming. There were elected at the second annual meeting, April 5, 1859: Supervisors, Oscar E. Smith. Edmond White, W. S. Newton; clerk, Harrison 31. Stanton; assessor. S. P. Hardy: overseer of the poor. Moses Jewell; collector, G. F. Nye. At the third annual meeting, held April 3, I860, there were elected: Supervisors, Sylvester Dickey, Nelson D. Marble, John Harper; clerk. II. M. Stanton; superintendent of schools, Dr. Charles Hill; assessor William Krapp ; treasurer, Peter Momany; justice of the peace, S. S. Worthing; constables. James Pratt, J. D. Ells. July 13, I860, 0. Morehouse was appointed assessor, vice William Krapp, resigned. At the fourth annual meeting, held April 2, 1861, there were elected: Supervisors, Otis S. Clark, WTilliam Mead, Oscar A. Dickey ; clerk, H. M. Stanton ; assessor, Calvin P. Clark ; treasurer, Peter Momany; justices of the peace, Thomas McManus, William S. Haskins ; constable, Jacob C. Cook ; pound master, Truman Parker. April 8, 1861, H. M. Stanton was appointed town superintendent of schools. April 15, 1861, J. C. Dickey was appointed assessor, vice 0. P. Clark, resigned. At the fifth annual meeting, held April 1. 1862. there were elected: Supervisors, Henry Ahneman, C. C. Robinson, P. S. Felton ; clerk, Thomas McManus ; assessor, Henry Harper ; treasurer, Jasper W. Dickey ; justices of the peace, Thomas McManus, Peter Momany ; constables, J. C. Cook, John Salmon ; pound master, Moses Jewell. At the sixth annual meeting, held April 7, 1863, there were elected: Supervisors, William P. Hall, J. C. Miller. L. W. Holman : clerk, S. S. Worthing; assessor, Henry Ahneman ; treasurer, Jeremiah Wheeler; constable, S. Demming. At the seventh annual meeting, held April 5. 1864. there were elected : Supervisors, Mar- clerk, (i. W. Paige. The official record for L873 is incomplete; no one living remembers the remainder of the officers that year. At the seventeenth annua] meeting, held March 10, 1874, there were elected : Supervisors, .lames Parker, John Mohr, Matthias P. Ringdahl; clerk. G. W. Paige; assessor, G. W. Paige; treasurer, S. S. Worthing; just ices of the peace. W. E. Sergeant and H. Ahneman; constables. F. I). Worthing and Henry Tome. John Mohr failing to qualify, an appointment hoard met .March 28, 1874, and Henry Hahneman was appointed supervisor in his place. At the eighteenth annual meeting, held March 10, 1875, there were elected: Supervisors, James Parker. Henry Ahneman, M. P. Ringdahl; clerk, G. W. Paige; assess.)]-. <;. \V. Paige; treasurer, S. S. Worthing; poundmaster, Henry Ahneman. At the nineteenth annuaJ meeting, held .March 14. 1876, there were elected: Supervisors, C. H. Lcavitt, Giles Hayward, Thomas Halloway; clerk. A. H. Kellogg; assessor. Ladd Robie; treasurer, H. T. Perkins; justices of the peace. Henry Ahneman. Fletcher Hagler; constables. Henry Tome. Charles Dickinson. May 1, 1876, Charles Edison was appointed assessor, vice Ladd Robie; who failed to qualify. At the twentieth annual meeting, held March 13, 1877, there Mere elected: Supervisors, Charles H. Leavitt ; Thomas Halloway, Knut Clementson; clerk, A. H. Kellogg; treasurer, H. T. Perkins; assessor. Charles Edison; poundmaster, J. C. Dickey. July 6, 1877. H. S. Perkins was appointed to the office of town treasurer, vice H. T. Perkins, deceased. At the twenty-first annual meeting, held March 12, 1778, there were elected: Supervisors, E. L. Swartout, George Newhouse, Geo. Reinhart ; clerk, A. H. Kellogg ; treasurer. A. B. Cron ; assessor, Charles Edison ; justices of the peace. Fletcher Hagler, Henry Ahneman ; constables. Henry Tome. H. A. Perkins.

Roscoe comprises township 109, range 16, and is bounded on the east by Pine Island, on the south by Dodge county, on the, west by Cherry Grove and on the north by Minneola. The southeastern part is cut up into lots and is practically a suburb of Pine Island village. In natural features Roscoe very closely resembles the township of Pine Island. It has fine prairie lands, somewhat elevated in the north and descending in rolling undulations to the valley of one of the branches of the Zumbro in the south. The drainage is through the Zumbro and its branches in the south and a few creeks in the north. In the southern part of the township are tracts wooded with white and burr oak, sugar maple, elm and poplar. With running water, fine timber and

James Haggard and AY. Wilson came in 1854. Their claims were on section 5, where they erected cabins and prepared for permanent settlement. AVilson, however, after some time, returned to his old home in the East, and Haggard, discouraged by the burning of his cabin, went to Brown county, where he became a prominent citizen. Shortly after t he coming of Haggard and AVilson there arrived Simon Sackett, D. F. Stevens and H. D. Devoe. They were followed the next year by Fletcher Hagler, J. R. Good, David Coleman, J. Kutherford, William Farnam, Alexander Long, P. G. Wilson, William Fry, T. D. Hall and J. J. Hagler. Fletcher Hagler, above named, had his claim where the village of Roscoe now stands. He built the first frame dwelling in the township and served as postmaster, but afterward became one of the poineers of Pine Island. Oliver Webb, a lineal descendant of the Pilgrims, came in 1856. John

C. Hepner, for many years the village blacksmith, came the same year and built a blacksmith shop. Among others who came at about the same time were two brothers named Dickinson, B. W. Halliday, G. G. McCoy. H. B. Powers and Charles Dana. The latter named the town from the township of Roscoe, Illinois, where he had previously lived.

In 1856 Messrs. Hagler and Good built and stocked a store for general merchandise. This store was kept in operation about two years and then discontinued on account of the financial depression. In the spring of 1856 the same company had a village plat surveyed and the blocks and streets laid out. It never, however, reached the gigantic proportions of which the proprietors so fondly dreamed, although the proprietors helped all they could by getting a hotel built and a postoffice started. An early history says: "These pioneers experienced their full share of the hardships incident to the opening and settling of a new community. At once time Mrs. Stevens, the mother of

D. F. Stevens, having sent her son to Dubuque for household supplies, relates that for two months she did not look upon the face of a white person except that of her young daughter; and the only bread they had to eat was made from corn given her I>y the Indians and ground by herself in a coffee mill."

The first religious services in tfie town were held at the home of Mrs. Stevens in the fall of 1854, the Rev. John Salmon officiating. The first church organization took place in the schoolhouse at Roscoe in the spring of 1857. The first Sunday school was organized in 1858, and Loren Webb, son of Oliver Webb, was the first superintendent. In the spring of 1855 Mrs. Haskell Burch, while living in a covered wagon, awaiting the completion of a better habitation, gave birth to twins, being the first white children to sec the light of day in the township. II. ('. Emery and Mrs. Mahala Saeketl were the first couple united in matrimony, the ceremony being performed in July, 1856. The first deatli occurred the same year, that of William Fry. The first school, erected in 18-">7. was taught by Annette Leek the same year. J. T. Mitchell, who came in 1856, assisted in starting a pioneer school on the southeast corner of section 11, later known as McCoy's district. This school was first taught by Sophia Blancharcl, in the spring of 1858. Miss Blanchard afterward became Mrs. John Gove.

The township settled up rapidly. The predominating people in the town are now Americans of Norwegian descent or birth. There are also many residents of Swedish and German birth or descent, and there still remain a few of the descendants of the old eastern families, but these latter for the most part have moved away. The town is pre-eminently one of prosperity, rich land, beautiful homes, and a progressive, contented people. The second generation is for the most part well educated, and the third generation is making rapid strides in the public schools. Two calamities which occurred in the early days have fixed themselves firmly in the minds of the people. The first happened in 1860. Jeremiah Kay, one of the pioneers, had followed the rush of the gold seekers to Pike's Peak, leaving his wife and children. He prospered in his new location and was contemplating sending for his family, when ocurred the sad accident which robbed him of his recently-born twins. In the month of June the family residence was stwick by lightning, and at once burst into flames. Mary Jane Shields, a girl living in the household, succeeded in getting Mrs. Ray and the two older children out of the house. Mrs. Ray, however, although still ill, saw that her twins had not been saved and rushed back into the house. Blinded by smoke and weak as she was, she was unable to rescue the babies, and they perished in the flames. George Lantz, after escaping the murderous rain of shot and shell on the battlefields of the Civil War, perished in the following manner: In the winter of 1865-66 he went to Mantorville, Dodge county, about twelve miles from his home, on horseback, and returning in the * evening a blizzard met him. While passing through a grove of timber he was warned of his danger and told that it was practically impossible for him to reach home. He persevered, however, and was found frozen to death the next morning within a few rods of his own home. He had reached a fence. ;md in endeavoring to climb over made a misstep and fell back, to rise no more. The horse was found at a neighbor's barn. It is supposed that he let the horse go, hoping that by walking he

Roscoe Center was founded in 1858. At that time it was known as Sunapee, and Truman Parker was appointed postmaster. The name was changed to Roscoe Center in 1863. At this point is now a small settlement, and here also is the Norwegian Lutheran church, a. commodious structure capable of seating 500 people.

Roscoe village is also a hustling little settlement. The postoffice is now discontinued and mail is received by the Zumbrota , R. F. D. No. 4. The village is thirty-two miles southwest of Red "Wing and eight miles southAvest from Zumbrota.

STANTON TOWNSHIP. Stanton consists of that portion of township 112, range 18, lying in Goodhue county. It is divided into river terrace and upland, the greater portion of it being the former. There are two, and in some places three, distinct ten-aces, which are practically level, extending along both sides of Prairie creek and the Cannon river. The latter valley is frequently more than a mile wide, and embraces Large and valuable farms. The upland is undulating and has a soil similar to that of the terraces, although its sub-soil is usually clayey rather than gravelly. There is timber along some portions of the Little Cannon and sparsely along the hanks of Prairie creek. The section along this creek is broad and beautiful, bordered by the higher prairie lands, which venders il picturesque and charming to all who behold it. The township is bounded on the north by Cannon river, which separates it from Dakota county, on the east by Cannon Falls, on the south by Warsaw and on the west by Dakota county. Stanton Avas the original name applied to this township, but at its organization it was changed to Lillian, Stanton not having proved acceptable to the state authorities. It was later, however, changed back to Stanton, the name being given in honor of William Stanton, Sr., one of the earliest settlers. The township was originally a New England settlement, most of the pioneers being natives of Vermont and of Puritan ancestry. Some moved further west, but many of them remained, and their descendants still live on the original farms.

Late in the fall of 1854 John and George Seasons made claims on the Little Cannon in the eastern part of the township. Soon after, Jonathan and Alonzo Dibble and William Thomas settled near them. In 1855 came the real influx of immigration, when a party of New Englanders arrived from Wisconsin, where they had previously made a settlement. The party consisted of Norman Daniels, AYilliam Stanton. Sr., William Stanton, Jr., Robert Deakin, Samuel Daniels and George Gould. There were also a number of others in the party, as well as the families of those mentioned. In the fall of the same year Peter Fagen and Hugh Wooden, with the father and two sisters of the latter, settled here, but one by one the entire family of the AVoodens died, leaving no survivors.

The first death was that of Mrs. George Seasons. The marriage rites were performed for the first time for George Gould and Experience Daniels, in October, 1855. The first religious services in the town were held in the wrinter of 1855-56, at the house of William Stanton, Sr., Rev. J. W. Hancock, of Red Wing, officiating. William Cleveland taught the first school. Rev. Hancock says: "The log house built by William Stanton, Sr., near the road leading to Faribault from the nearest Mississippi towns, was for several years the only place for tin entertainment of travelers between Cannon Falls and the further West. Mr. Stanton's latch string was always hanging out. and every civil- appearing stranger was welcome to such accommodation as he had. He frequently entertained fifty persons the same night. Not many of those who came to settle at that time were able to have good sized log houses. Sod houses and board shanties were common. The years which have passed since then have brought great changes."

In the early days there were two flouring mills, one owned by Messrs. Bailey and Collins on the Big Cannon, and the other by Messrs. Wilcox and Archibald on the Little Cannon. The latter, known as the Oxford flouring mill, was burned several years ago. The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 187-1 on section 32. It is 28x44 and cost $2,000. The Oxford Methodist church was completed in June, 1873, size 26x40. These churches were the first in the township.

Stanton is a station on the Chicago & Great Western railroad, in Stanton township, twenty-five miles southwest of Red Wing. It has a hotel, postoffice, a church, schoolhouse and several places of business.

Oxford Mills is situated on the Little Cannon, and here were located the Oxford flouring mills. Here are now a Methodist church, residences and other buildings.

Vasa k the center of the Swedish settlement in Goodhue county. The township comprises all of township 112, range 16, and all of that part of township 113, range 16, that lies south of the Cannon river. It is bounded on the north by the Cannon river, which separates it from the town of Welch, on the easi by Featherstone, on the south by Belle Creek and on the west by Cannon Falls. Belle creek crosses the township from south to north and flows into the Cannon river. The surface is some-

To this rich land, in 1853, came S. J. Willard, Colonel Hans Mattson, Charles Roos, Gustaf Kemp and Peter Green. They all made claims and Roos and Kemp stayed through the winter, the other returning to Red Wing to find work until the spring of 1851, when they began in earnest to build homes and to break the soil. A few accessions were made to the colony that year, and one of them, whose name is now forgotten, died soon after his arrival. This was the first death, and his mortal remains were tenderly and reverently conveyed to their last resting place in the land he had crossed the ocean to look upon but which he did not live to enjoy.

The first marriage celebrated was that of Hans Mattson and Cherstie Peterson, November 21, 1855. A school was taught here in the fall of 1856 by a Mr. Button. Another was taught in the Swedish language by James Engberg. Meetings were held on the Sabbath and Lutheran church services read by Hans Mattson until the minister arrived.

Vasa is named from Gustavus Vasa, the Christian king of Sweden, who established the Lutheran religion in his kingdom. Since the first settlement, Vasa has been famed far and near, and its reputation is nationwide as the home of Dr. E. Norelius. the venerable patriarch of the Swedish Lutheran Evangelical church. The story of the early days of Vasa is told by Dr. Norelius. Colonel Hans Mattson and S. J. Willard in another chapter of this history.

Vasa township was organized in 1858, and its area has remained unchanged since that date. The first officers were : Supervisors, Charles Himmelman (chairman), Charles Charleson, Nils Peterson ; clerk, Swante J. Willard ; assessor, Nils Swanson ; collector, John Sundell ; overseer of the poor, Matts Mattson ; constables. Nils Johnson Erick Anderson; justices of the peace, T. Granvill Person, Franklin Morrison; overseers of roads. Swan P. Peterson, Gustus Carlson and William F. Fessenden.

According to the official list of the adjutant general, the following men who enlisted in the Civil War gave Vasa as their home: Olof Anderson, John A. Anderson. Nils Ahfahamson, Charles M.

Vasa village has a population of about 300. It is the only postoffice in the county that is not situated on a railroad, its shipping points being Red Wing, Welch and Cannon Falls. Swedish Lutheran and Methodist churches supply the religious demands of the people, and a creamery, feed mill and two stores add to its industrial importance. Here is also . located the Orphan's Home.

Wacoota township preserves the name of the chief whom the while men found in charge of the Indian band at Red Wing in the late forties and early fifties. His name, Wah-coo-tay, variously translated as Waueouta, Dacouta and Waccota, means the ''Shooter." or "Leaf Shooter," literally the "Shooter of the Leaves of the Indigenous Pines."

The township of Wacoota consists of a few sections lying along the Mississippi river at the head of Lake Pepin. It has many hills and bluffs, but in the valleys are many fine farms.

The first white settler, George W. Billiard, arrived about 1850, bringing Abner W. Post, who built for him the first house erected in the township. Bullard had a license from the United States government to trade with the Indians. This gave him some rights upon the Indian lands, which at that time were not opened to the whites ; but although he did enjoy some Indian trade, the larger part of his customers were lumbermen from across the river. In May, 1852, even before the signing of the treaty, the influx of immigration started. In 1853 Bullard and Post erected a sawmill, the first west of the Mississippi river, it is believed. A village was platted, and for a time it looked as though Wacoota, commanding, as it does, the head of the lake, was to become a great and important city. Up to 1854 travelers were entertained at the home of Mr. Bullard. The increasing travel and the number of lumbermen who arrived caused a demand for a hotel, and during that year one was erected by J. B. Smith. This hotel was afterward removed to Mt. Pleasant, in Wabasha county, and did service as a residence for the Rev. Mr. Williams. In 1855 Daniel Saunders built another hotel, which in 1864 was removed to the township of Featherstone, where it was converted into a dwelling house for the Rev. Ezra Tucker. These two hotels in 1857 were found to be insufficient for the demand. The village became a headquarters for lumbermen, and at this point were rafted the logs from the pineries further north. So prosperous were the people at this point that they contested" with Red AVing for the location of the county seat, and but for the cleverness of the Red Wing voters, might have got it. Bullard, wishing to get his full share of the money which was pouring into Wacoota, erected a third hotel in the village in 1857. This building was 40x60 feet and furnished in good style. After the tide had turned and the flood of business had gone to other places, Bullard sold this hotel to Messrs. Tibbetts & Hackett, of Lake City, who removed it to that place in the winter on the ice. With the advent of the Civil War more than one-half of the legal voters enlisted. After the war was over the glory of Wacoota had departed; and today it remains not the proud and populous county seat that had been fondly dreamed, but a quiet rural community, whose prosperous farmers do their trading in that city which Wacoota at one time hoped to rival.

Wacoota village is now a station on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. About three-quarters of a mile from the railroad station, after passing through a small grove, one arrives at Vivian Park, at the head of Lake Pepin. Here the waters of the great river expand into a wide and deep basin, which has all the attributes of a great lake, whose waters are still except when stirred by the wind. There, on the high ground overlooking the lake, have been built a number of cottages, where many families go to spend the hot summer months amid the refreshing scenery and bracing breezes.

The first birth in Wacoota was in the family of G. W. Bullard. in 1852. The same child died in 1854, this being the first death in the township. The first marriage was that of Joseph F. Thompson and Melissa Pingrey, in 1855, James B. Smith, a justice of the peace, performing the ceremony. In the fall and winter of 1854 J. F. Pingrey taught a school in a ball over a store. Rev. J. AY. Hancock and Matthew Sorin held services as

Mrs. Julia B. Nelson, at a meeting of the old settlers of the Lake Pepin valley some years ago, related some of her early experiences, from which the following extract is taken: "Had I ever been scalped by a savage Sioux, or scared to death by harmless Chippewas ; had I ever lived in a seven-by-nine log house on three grains of corn a day; had I ever practiced driving four-in-hand with an ox team ; had I ever raised vegetables on territorial ground, or raised the chickens that crowed when Minnesota was admitted to the Union, it would not be inappropriate to call upon me in an old settlers' meeting, and I should be both proud and happy to respond. As the case stands, if 1 speak and confine myself wholly to the facts, I fear you will not he greatly entertained and will conclude that as an old settler I am a fraud and a failure. On a darkish night in June of 1857 the steamer Henry Clay landed at the town of Wacoota, and from that boat stepped my father, Edward Bullard, who had been down the river and brought back with him some horses, some cattle, and two awkward school girls, one of whom was myself. Although it was late at night, I saw a good many lights in the darkness and thought I had really come to a town. Passing to my new home T heard men sAvearing inside one of the three hotels in the place and thought I had come to a new country.

"I couldn't make a claim and develop the resources of the country, but I did what I could by attending the spelling schools and lyeeums, which were in full blast. About two years after I began to 'teach the young idea how-to shoot.' and have followed that business much of the time since. (Note - Mrs. Nelson has now retired and lives in Red Wing, where she is still prominent in religious, temperance, equal rights and philanthropic work. - Ed.) Speaking of Sabbath keeping in the early days, 'when there was no sound of the church-going bell.' an aunt of mine who came to the state before I did. who had no neighbors, and whose husband had gone on a journey of several days, kept the Sabbath, as she supposed, and the next day put out her washing. Her husband, returning, notified her to her horror that she had been washing on Sunday. Great changes have been wrought before our eyes, great improvements have been made in our time, but what pleases me most of all, more than the thought of railroad facilities and Avonderful immigration, more than telegraphic communication and. spacious and beautiful public buildings, is the prosperity of- those who came here to make homes, bringing with them only health and hope and honest hearts and willing hands. To see those who worked hard behind cxen riding with their own horses and carriages; to see those who lived in huts now occupying comfortable homes, enjoying themselves and educating their children, that is the best of all." The sixteen men who enlisted in the Civil War from Wacoota were: Morris Eldred, John Eldred, James Farenside, William Gordon. Lot C. Hilton, John Jordan, Nathaniel Jordan, Henry M. Reade, Henry S. Reed, Josiah Richardson, Ludwig Thiergart, Henry E. Van Dyke. John R. AY inched, Charles Axel, William Toms and R. D. Rich.

Wanamingto comprises township 110, range 17, and has remained unchanged in area since the township organization act of 1858. It is bounded on the north by Leon, on the east by Minneola, on the west by Holden and on the south by Cherry Grove. Wanamingo is crossed east and west by the north branch of the Zumbro in the southern part, but the valley is broad and has gentle slopes. In the northwestern part there is a bran eh of the Cannon. The surface is largely prairie, gently rolling, with very fertile soil, well watered by many springs and running streams. Where these are not at hand, water is found by digging a few feet below the surface. The natural groves of timber in various sections add variety to the landscape. No other township in the county . it is said affords superior advantages to the farmer.

The story of the early settlement of Wanamingo has been told as follows: "The first settlers came here in 1851, and were natives of Norway. Early in that year Henry Nelson (Talla) came to Dodgeville, Wis., from California, where he had been staying a few years and where he had accumulated a snug little sum of money. About the same time his older brother, Toge Nelson (Talla). then a widower, came back to the same place from Australia, where he also had earned some money. The two brothers then agreed to go to the Northwest together and search for a home. Purchasing a team, they started, and after being on the way as far as Root river, they heard that the territory of Minnesota contained good farming land, with wood and water. They then purchased a number of cattle and such implements as they would need for beginning farming operations. They were now joined by Thosten Anderson, another of their countrymen, who was also in the same pursuit. As both the Nelsons were determined to starl in farming for all there was in it. they each hired a man to help them. Henry hired William Williamson (Runningen) and Toge hired Nils Gulbrandson. Both these hired men were carpenters by trade. .Mr. Cnlhrand- son left his family in Wisconsin, expecting to return for them in the fall, providing he liked the new country. The prairie schooners were ready and the little company started for the unknown land May 21, the party consisting of those already mentioned and Henry Nelson and family, Thosten Anderson and family, and two sisters of the Nelsons, Mrs. Jens Ottun, whose husband had not yet arrived from the old country, and Mrs. Nels K. Fenne,' whose husband was then in California. After rambling over the new territory of Minnesota for three weeks they came, June 12, to the place now called Wanamingo. They had for many days seen no white persons but themselves. At about. 11 o'clock on the day named above they crossed the north fork of the Zumbro. Toge Nelson stopped his team and,, looking around, saw there was a fine park with beautiful land adjacent. He exclaimed: 'Here will I live and die.' His words were fulfilled, for he died in 1889, having lived in that place thirty-five years. The whole company found it to be desirable country for settlement, and so began their improvements. Knowing nothing as to how much land one man could hold as a claim, they marked off large portions, for they expected others of their countrymen to join them in making the town a Norse settlement. They began by making dugouts and sod shanties for living and sleeping apartments. They broke up the prairie for field culture and planted some corn, sowed buckwheat and rutabagas. They also planted a few potatoes that season.

"Four weeks after this party had made their stand, two young men. Hans Ovaldson and Andrias Hesjelden, came to the place, having followed their tracks. These young men belonged to a larger party of immigrants, whom they had left some thirtyfive or forty miles behind. They were so much pleased with the location that they started back immediately for their comrades. They found them and induced nearly all the party to come to Wanamingo. This last party consisted of Andres Baarnhus, John Stroemme, Guncler Hestemyr, Ole 0. Oakland, Haldor Johnson, and their families. About the first of August another train of Norwegian immigrants came on from Wisconsin, but finding the township of Wanamingo already claimed, they went further west into Holden and Kenyon, some even beyond the county line west, to make claims.

"In the latter part of July this town was visited by two men from Red Wing, this being the first intimation the new settlers had of the existence of such a place. These men informed them that Red Wing was on the Mississippi river, about thirty miles distant, in a northeasterly direction. This information was a great benefit, as they knew of no market town nearer than Decorah, Iowa. In August Nils Gulbrandson went to Wisconsin- for his family, and it was agreed that he should there meet -lens Ottun. who had arrived from Norway, and accompany him to Red Wing- on the steamboat. Three weeks later Toge and Henry Nelson set out from Red Wing to meet them. After wandering about for two days they found the place. In the meantime the party had arrived, but both men had taken the cholera while on the steamboat. Mr. Gulbrandson died in one hour after landing. Mr. Ottun survived. They were left on the shore by the boat hands. Mrs. Gulbrandson took charge of her dying husband and grown-up daughter. The latter also took the disease, and died shortly after the father. William Freeborn, seeing Mr. Ottun lying on the levee with none seemingly to care for him, offered five dollars to the man who would take him to some house and care for him over night. A few days after this the Nelsons arrived in Red Wing and found Ottun so far recovered as to be walking about, and he, in company wTith Mrs. Gulbrandson and her son, returned with the Nelsons to the new settlement. The next year, Toge Nelson (Talla) and Mrs. Gulbrandson were married. In October, 1854, the Nelsons went again to Red Wing, for winter supplies. Nils J. Ottun, son of Jens Ottun, related years afterward to a historian that his father was sent by the party for flour and some other necessities. Having only ten dollars, his wife sent a gold nugget worth ten dollars more. They bought two barrels of flour. Jens Ottun worked for Toge Nelson that winter, splitting rails, leading his son Nils and the mother to keep house alone. The mother used to measure off the slice of bread for each to be eaten at every meal, the same size, and this, with a little butter and something they called coffee for drink, constituted their everyday diet through the winter. In the latter part of March the people who had settled in the northern part of the town came to them for flour. They were entirely out, and the snow was so deep they could not get to Red Wing. Only one barrel was then left in the settlement. That was one of the two that Jens Ottun had bought, and it was equally divided among all and was made to last until the road to Red Wing became passable. The first death among the settlers was that of the youngest child of Thorsten Anderson, named Berith. Mrs. Jens Ottun was requested to select a suitable place for a burial ground, and a farm for a preacher. This she did at the time of the burial of this child, in July, 1854. The first white child born in this town was Knute N. Fenne, in September of the same year. The first marriage was a double wedding in June, 1855. Toge Nelson (Talla) and .Mrs. Gulbrandson, already mentioned, and John J. Marifjern and Soeneva Johnson were united in marriage at the same time, by Rev.

Nils Brant, of Oconomowoc, Wis. The first public religious service was held the same mouth by the same clergyman. The laud selected for the preacher was for many years occupied by the Rev. B. J. Muus, who came in 1859 and for about forty-five years remained the pastor of several churches in that locality.

"A few American families came to this town in 1855 and made claims in the southern portion, on the Zumbro river. One of the settlers. James Brown, platted and laid into lots forty acres of land for village purposes and called the place Wanamingo, the name of a heroine of a novel popular in those days. A store was built by J. T. Wright in this village.

-"Tlie first settlers had some difficulty the first year in adjusting the boundaries of their several claims. Not knowing how many acres one person could hold and pre-empt, their farms were unusually Large. Everyone wanted timber, prairie land and running water. This was in the latter part of 1855, before they found that each could hold but 160 acres, in adjoining 40-acre lots. In some cases their first buildings would be a mile away from their breaking, as the late comers were obliged to claim a patch here and a patch there to satisfy all needs. So there were troubles to raeel and overcome when they went to the land office 1" purchase their lands from the United Slates government after it came into the market. Many had hard struggles to encounter in that settlement during the first two years. They had not the means to pay their passage over the sea and were obliged to devote t heir earnings to that outlay. But for the fact that a few had money and could furnish work for others who had none, there would have been much suffering. The people frmn Norway seemed to be well fitted for pioneers in a new country. As farmers they have proved themselves t.i be mere successful than any other nationality, perhaps, who have come into the county. With no other means than a willingness to work at any labor to be done, with stout arms and faith in God and their fellow men. many of them are now reckoned among the wealthiest of our citizens in every branch of business now carried on. The farms and farm buildings in the town of Wanamingo at the present day show a degree of thrift and industry equal to the best in this county. The first wheat crop was raised here in the year 1856. There being no flouring mills near, it was all kept and used for seed. This town has the honor of being the first to build up and sustain the Norwegian Lutheran church, which has become the most numerous of the Christian churches in the county."

Elans .M. Sande and Knui Sanden, in the spring of 1857. They - ocked ii with goods and carried it on for about a year, when Mr. Sanden was married and his attention turned in other directions. Mr. Sande also concluded thai he could make more money farming, so the mercantile business was abandoned. Both of these gentlemen soon became well-to-do farmers of the township. "Another early storekeeper was Paulus .Miller.

The Aspelund Society was organized in 1875, for the mutual benefit of the farmers. A store was creeled on section 16 and the society incorporated in 1876. The tirst officers were: President. ( ). .1. Wing; secretary, X. -I. Ottun; treasurer. E. E. Sevareid; directors. Henry Nelson Talla), Hans M. Sande and Ole Lewis. X. -I. Ottun was appointed the first manager.

At the organization of the township. May 11. 1858. the officers elected were: Supervisors, 0. Hansen (chairman), N. K. Fenne, J. G. Brown ; town clerk, J. T. Wright; justice of the peace, W. R. Brown; constable, WTarren Tllson ; assessor. X\ K. Fenne. Fol- lowing is the list of the early supervisors, the first named under each date being the chairman : 1859, George AY. Duffy, Saave Kniulson, Halvor Olson; 1860, T. J. Smith, Halvor Olson, Thor Einertson ; 1861, T. J. Smith, Saave Knudson, Colben Nelson;

Wanamingo Village

In 1855 a small building was erected by W. Wright between sections 25 and 26 of Wanamingo township and in this shack were sold some of the necessities of life to the pioneers of those days. This store was sold to P. .Miller, who again sold to Smith & Lamberg. Their successor was John Kempe and later A. Urness. Before the sixties another store had been erected by C. Dirstine, whose business was later bought by Hermund Serum. Failing in health Serum sold to Martin Halvorson, who continued the business until his death, nearly thirty years.

In those early days Wanamingo was the only trading point for the entire surrounding community. The marketing of grain and other business matters had to be done at Red Wing, Faribault or Hastings. About 1856 a postoffice was established and received the name of Wanamingo. Later a blacksmith shop was erected by Chrislock & Gunderson. This shop was later bought by J, J. Tiller. Another shop was erected by C. R. Chrislock, a cobbler shop by Hans Isackson and a harness and boot and shoe shop by Melchior Munson. A schoolhouse was built and a hotel erected by Wm. Miller. Every little while surveying crews were out in the neighborhood and rumors had it that one or more railroads were going to build through. Meanwhile a thriving little inland town sprung up and a townsite was platted by private parties.

In 1857 or 1858 one Clark built a small mill nearly one mile further east on the Zumbro river. This mill was bought by Nelson & Norby and a larger mill was erected on the south side of the Zumbro river on the town line between Minneola and Wanamingo townships. Later Norby assumed full ownership until one-half interest was bought by Fordahl Bros. At present A. J. Fordahl is the owner. In 1889 Ole Sletten erected a store just opposite the mill. Shortly afterwards a cheese factory was built and started in operation by the farmers. This was sold to R. 0. Lund, who again sold to Gutzler Bros, of Kenyon. The factory was remodeled for a creamery. The company failing, the patrons again assumed charge of the creamery in proportion to the amount due them for cream delivered.

September 9, 1893, the first steps were taken for the organization of the Diamond Co-operative Creamery Company, which name his since been changed to Minneola Creamery Company and has become one of the most successful co-operative creamery organizations in the state.

In 1904 the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company broadened the narrow gauge track from Wabasha to Zumbrota and extended the track to Faribault, at which time the present.

townsite of Wanamingo was platted by the Milwaukee Land Company. The village has experienced a steady growth since the townsite was first platted and at present has a population of about 200 or more inhabitants. That the place has become one of the busiest little villages in southern Minnesota is but a reflection on the farming community in which it is located. Wanamingo township was. according to the census of 1900, the richest agricultural township in the United States and there is very little if any difference in the adjoining townships surrounding the village. A genial spirit has existed between the business of the village and the farmers of the vicinity. Business enterprises are controlled by local capital, the farmers holding a good share.

The Farmers State Bank of Wanamingo, with a capital of $10,000. was organized in 1904 through the efforts of Henry M. and Martin Balvorson. The bank received its certificate of organization December 2. 1904, and commenced doing business February 1. 1905, in their banking house, which had been erected (luring the previous fall. Their banking house is a one-story brick building, handsomely erected and well equipped with modern furniture and fixtures. The stock was subscribed and is held by farmers and business men of the community. The bank's business has been guarded by a careful and conservative management and has had a marvelous increase until the deposits have reached $220,000 and loans $185,000. The bank has a permanent surplus fund of $3,500. The directors are: O. Follingstad, X. J. Olness, ('has. O. Roe. E. B. Lunde, T. Thompson. Hon. C. L. Brusletten, Hon. A. J. Bockne, Martin Halvorson and Henry M. Halvorson. The officers at present are: O. Follingstad, president; Henry M. Halvorson, vice president and secretary: X. J. Olness, vice president; Martin Halvorson, cashier.

The Minneola Creamery Company was organized December 26, 1893. The first set of officers were : President, J. B. Locke ; treasurer, O. T. Berg; secretary and manager, Edw. G. Hammer. The directors were : Henry Weiss, Henry James. XT. J. Olness and R. O. Lund. J. B. Locke, who probably did most to promote the organization of the company, served as president until his death. O. T. Berg has served as treasurer of the company since organization. R. 0. Lund served as secretary and manager from 1894 to 1900. Carl Fossum has served in the same capacity since 1900 The present officers are: President. L. H. Ofstie; secretary and manager, Carl Fossum ; treasurer, O. T. Berg. The directors are Sam 0. Aslackson, Oscar Steberg. 0. R. Reberg and 0. T. Teigen. The company manufactured last year over 550,000 pounds of butter, which sold for over $125,000. . Business has outgrown the present planl and a new building is under construction, which will be one of the most modem creamery buildings in the state. The building is being- erected from concrete blocks and tile blocks with eenient Hours and ceilings and the building is arranged so that the products shall be handled to the best advantage and labor brought down to the minimum cost. M. A. Swee is the present biitterinaker.

Wanamingo Flour Mills, fifty barrel capacity and feed mill in connection ; A. J. Fordahl, proprietor. Milwaukee Elevator Company, August Moses, agent. Wanamingo Lumber Company, dealing in all kinds of building material and coal; H. S. Swan, manager. Myron & Olson, hardware and machinery; A. 0. Berg7 manager. Syverson Bros., hardware and farming implements ; Martin Syverson and Adolf Syverson, individual partners. Romness Bros., general merchandise. Nels 0. and Halvor 0. Romness are the individual partners. J. A. Norstad & Co., general merchandise; J. A. Norstad. Wanamingo Restaurant, H. N. Setranr proprietor. Ree Restaurant, B. M. Ree, proprietor. Johnson Telephone Exchange ; L. J. Johnson proprietor. Harness, Shoe and Repair Shop; A. Brislance, proprietor. Dealer in Live Stock, A. A. Steberg. Meat Market, Paul Jacobson. Livery and dray, Richard Tiller. Blacksmith Shop, John Wolf. Photograph Gallery, C. E. Pearson, who is also postmaster. Weekly Newspaper, Wanamingo Progress, Edw. Oredalen, editor.

The village has a first grade school and a church is being erected by the Lutheran Evangelical denomination. The village furthermore has good railway, passenger and freight service and receives its mail tAvice daily. The citizens are enterprising and progressive. Good business blocks are being erected, beautiful homes are built and fitted with modern conveniences, and cement walks are being constructed. There is no reason why the village should not continue to be the common trading point of the surrounding community and grow as the farming community demands it. - By Henry Halvorson.

The Wanamingo, Cherry Grove and Minneola Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized May 27. 1876, in accordance with chapter 83 of the general laws of the state of Minnesota, approved March 9, 1875. The following named gentlemen signed the articles of agreement : Ole P. Floan, N. J. Ottum, Henry Nelson, 0. J. Wing, Ole R. Lund. Peder N. Xesseth, Ole J. Romfo, Ole T. Berg, Rognald Olson, John A. Borstad, Ellef Haugesag, Ole J. Kvittem, Haagen Nelson. Swen Olsen. Tost en Kleven, Ole Aufinson, G. II. Stuvrud, Ever Iverson, Gnnder Bremseth, Lars J. Romo, N. A. Stageberg, Peder X. Lerfald, John J. Lilleskov, Hans Isackson, Nils 0. Nordly, Thosten Thompson, Haagen Thoreson, R. H. Chrislock, Samuel A. Holland. John 0. Baar, Johanes J. Marejeren, Lasse N. Morken, Nils K. Fenne and A. J. Barsness. The first officers were: President. Ole P. Floan; secretary. N. J. Ottum; treasurer, Nils 0. Nordby. The board of directors consisted of these three gentlemen and Filing Albertson, Ole J. Romfo, Ole T. Berg, Ole R. Lund and Peder X. Xesseth.

During the year 1885, the company enlarged ils territory, admitting the following towns: Roscoe. Pine Island. Zumbrota, Belle Creek. Leon, Goodhue, Kenyon. Holden and Warsaw, so that it now comprises a territory of twelve townships. It has grown steadily until at the present time it has a total of 1,150 persons, holding over 1,200 policies, covering an insurance of $2,500,000. The company has. during the time of its existence, sustained and paid 563 losses amounting to $48,227.92. During the year 1906 a special meeting was held to prolong the company's existence for another term of thirty years. At this meeting all the then existing by-laws were repealed and a new set enacted, one more director being added. The present officers are : President, O. J. Wing, Wanamingo ; vice president, 0. T. Berg. Cherry Grove (Mr. Berg has been a director thirty- three years, since the organization of the company) ; treasurer, N. A. Stageberg. Wanamingo ; directors, P. 0. Finstuen, Roscoe ; 0. 0. Nordvold, Zumbrota ; 0. F. Kalass, Minneola ; Oliver Berg, Pine Island ; Edward Rowles, Belle Creek. The company has two special agents, H. 0. Oakland. Yv anamingo ; 0. I. Morkri, Cherry Grove. The headquarters are in the township of Wanamingo. and the annual meeting is held in the village of Wanamingo on the third Saturday of January. The company is now doing an immense business of over half a million dollars insurance annually. In 1908 it was $546,635, and has been as high as $576,825 in one year. The yearly expenses are very low compared with other companies of about the same size. During 1908 it amounted to only $596.21. This shows that the company has accomplished its object of being a money-saving institution. The insurance rate prior to 1906 in this company was three mills on the dollar for five-year terms, bu1 this rate proved to be inadequate to defray expenses to pay the losses, so the rates were raised to five mills, and as since January 11. 1906. no assessment has been made, it appears that the present rates are sufficient. The following report furnished through the kindness of A. H. Tongen, secretary of the company, shows the great amount of business done since .May 27, 1876. The policies issued have amounted to 5,513, and have covered an insurance of $9,272,364. The policies cancelled have amounted to 4,319 and have covered an insurance of $6,871,- 771. This leaves in force 1,194 policies, covering an insurance of $2,400,771.

Martin Halvorson, Sr., now deceased, was a pioneer merchant of "Wanamingo. Quiet in his manners and disposition, he never sought public life or office, but his many good qualities endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was born in Norway in 1842, and came to America in 1866, locating in AVanamingo township. Soon after arriving in this county he entered the employ of H. C. Serum, who kept a general store in Wanamingo village. In 1872, Mr. Halvorson purchased the establishment and one year later was appointed postmaster, a position he held until 1898. His store was a great success, and not only did the farmers for miles around seek his place to purchase goods, but also to ask advice and to secure Mr. Halvorson 's opinions, which were always sure to be sound and good. Mr. Halvorson was married in 1873 to Greatha Bjornethun, also a native of Norway, by whom he had seven children: Henry. Lena (deceased). Rev. Jens, now of Ashland, "Wis. ; Lena, now Mrs. (Rev.) M. Thomson, of New Folden, Minn. ; Martin, Frederick, who is on the old homestead, and Gustav, a student in the law department of the state university at Minneapolis. Mr. Halvorson died in 1899, and his widow still survives.

Warsaw lies on the eastern border of Goodhue county and comprises township 11, range 18. It is bounded on the north by Stanton, cast by Leon, south by Holden and west by Rice county. The Little Cannon river passes along the eastern border, and in the valley of this river appears some timber, particularly noticeable in the southeastern portion. The larger part of the surface, however, is rolling prairie, with deep soil, and consequently many fine farms.

"Happy is the land that has no history." says an ancient writer. This is true of Warsaw. Agriculture has been the important industry in the township, and from the earliest settlement the story of Warsaw has been one of increased cultivation, where the people live in peace and contentment, free from the disputes and stirring events which, while they made interesting reading, do not always tend to the real benefit or growth of a locality. In .June. IS.")."), the northern part of this township was sillied by a party of Americans consisting of the brothers. Musis. William and Edwin George, Robert McCorkle (sometimes given ;is McCoskel), I-]. II. Sumner, Washington King, R. B. Wilson, -I. E. Wrigb.1 ami Francis McKee. These men at once started farming, and while tiny endured the hardships always incident to pioneer life, their firsl crops were good, and from some of tin' worse privations they were spared. In 1856 a child was born to Washington King, a truly important event, and duly celebrated by the pioneers, who all wanted to take a peep at the little stranger. The following year, 1857, John Chambers died and tlie funeral was attended by the entire population of the settlement. In the summer of 1858 Rev. Isaac Waldron conducted the first religious services, in a room of a house owned by Alex McKee. In the same room Emma IJabcock kept the first school, in the summer of 1859. Mr. Johnson built the first blacksmith shop in 1864. and later others were added.

The settlement in the southern part of the township Avas started in 1856, by Anders Anderson, Nils Gunderson, Ole and Ha gen Knutson. Andrew Thompson and others. Soon a Norwegian eolony grew up around them.

Beautiful, well furnished and well appointed homes, commodious barns, sleek livestock, rich acres, an educated and cultured people, tells the story of Warsaw of the present day.

Dennison is a village of 170 souls situated on the. western boundary line of Warsaw township, being about one-third in Rice county. The name is derived from an early settler who originally owned considerable land where the village is now located. The population of the village is about three-fourths Scandinavian. The first men to start in business in the village were Karl A. and Gunder Bonhus, who conducted a general store. After eight years they were succeeded by A. K. Lockrem. The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1883, blown down in 1885 and rebuilt the same year. The railroad came through in 1884, and was operated by the Minnesota & Northwestern. The line was then sold to the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City, and subsequently passed into the hands of the Chicago Great Western. The first blacksmith was J. W. Downing. The first hardware and implement store was that of Bunday & Ferguson, established March 10, 1887. The school bouse is a comfortable building. 42x45 with four rooms, built of brick. It provides for the children living in the incorporate limits, the districts having originally been 34 and 155, respectively, in Rice and Goodhue counties. The village now has a bank (branch), one hardware store, one lumber yard, three general stores, a harness shop, a postoffice with two rural routes, a barber shop, two blacksmiths, one meat market, one farmers' elevator, a pastuerizing milk plant, a Methodist church and a public school.

The Dennison State bank is a thriving institution with a capital stock of $15,000. The officers are: President, J. C. Schmidt ; vice-president, W. T. Schmidt ; cashier, W. W. Wescott ; assistant cashier, O. R. Bolen.

Welch includes the east half of government township 114 north of range 16 west, and the whole of township 113 north of range 16 west, except that part which lies south of the Cannon river. It is bounded on the north by the Mississippi river, on the east by Burnside, on the south by Vasa and on the west by Dakota county. The surface is much broken, but rarely rocky except along the immediate bluffs. The valleys are generally rich alluvial, but in the northern part of the town the valley which is tributary to the Mississippi at Etter .is gravelly and sandy, with terraces scantily clothed with crooked oaks and bushes. A magnificent view is afforded from the high land near the church on the northwest corner of section 15. The mounds south of Hastings can be seen distinctly, also the smoke from Bastings and the high land above Hastings on each side of the St. Croix valley. The middle of the township is rolling prairie, the northern portion consists of a large part of Prairie Island, bordering the Mississippi and the Vermillion rivers.

Those interested in the story of Welch should read the early history of Burnside, the record of the early days being identical, owing to the fact that they were under one government. The Indian settlement on Prairie Island is also treated of under the head of Burnside in this history.

Settlers came into Welch, both from Dakota and Goodhuecounties, in 1855-56. but these settlers left for what to them seemed more desirable locations in more southerly and prairielike townships. These settlers left no record of their occupancy, and have now passed from memory. The permanent settlers did not come until 1857-58, Welch being the last township to be taken up by the homesteaders. Among these permanent settlers, were E. W. Carver. William Boothroyd, Michael Henry, John Bloom, Gohcham Esta. D. 0. Swanson, Benjamin Beavers and N. C. Crandall.

March 23. 1864, on petition, the board of commissioners divided Burnside by setting off the east fractional half of township 114, range 16, and all of township 113, range 16, lying north of the Cannon river and called it Grant. Another township in the state already bore that name, and the state auditor, under date of December 31. 1871, directed a change of name. January 3, 1872, the commissioners took up the matter and changed the name to Welch, in honor of the late Major Abram Edwards Welch, of Red Wing.

The first board of officers, while the town still bore the name of Grant, were: Supervisors, A. Coons (chairman), Joseph Eggleston, Benjamin Bevers; town clerk, J. B. Waugh ; treas-

On September 6, 1864, a special town meeting was called, for the purpose of voting a tax to raise money to pay volunteers to fill the quota required from the town, at which meeting it was voted to raise $600 as a bounty to volunteers for the Civil War. Another war meeting was held February 11, 1865, for the purpose of raising more bounty money. At this meeting it was voted to raise $700 to pay volunteers, if they could be obtained, and if not, to pay men who stood the draft. E. W. Carver was selected to look after the matter of obtaining men to fill the town's quota. Those who went to the war from this town were; Philo Brown, J. S. Nelson and S. S. Twitchell.

After the name Of the town was changed to Welch the first board consisted of: Supervisors, M. Henry (chairman), Thomas Brenner and Michael Hart; clerk, J. S. Nelson.

A Swedish Lutheran church was erected in 1878, at a cost of $4,600. In 1886 a store was built at Welch Mills at a cost of $500. In 1900 an elevator was erected at a cost of $1,500.

Welch Village, formerly called Welch Mills, now has a small flour mill with elevator, two stores, a boarding house, two blacksmith shops, a station on the branch line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and a station across the river on the Chicago Great Western.