Houston County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 55 of those read), 1882

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 55 of those read)

This town was originally called Hamilton, but when the act was passed by the Legislature forbidding the use of the same name for more than one town or city in the State, this township, which had a duplicate antedating it as to the time of its organization, was required to take a new name. Some man having got his pocket-book and contents wet in the creek, and spreading out the bank notes on a bush to dry, a sudden gust of wind blew them into the water again, and some of it was never recovered, so this circumstance suggested the name of the stream, after which the town was named.

the south, Yucatan and Fillmore county on the west, and contains about thirty-five square miles. It is eight miles long in its greatest length from east to west, and five miles wide.

The Boot River meanders along its southern border which approximately follows the river. The creek from which it takes its name, comes into the town by several branches from the north, in the eastern part, and uniting, flow south into Root River. There is more valley than ridge land in the town, particularly in the eastern and southern parts. It is quite well settled and has many fine farms. The Southern Minnesota railroad passes through the southern part of the town at several points as it follows the Root River valley, and there is a flag station on section swenty-six.

First Settlers. - John Campbell and Nathan Vance, who had been living in Wisconsin, made several excursions through this region in search of an eligible mill site, and finally in the early spring of 1853, Mr. Campbell located 320 acres of land, which afterwards proved to be in section twelve, and included what is now the village of Money Creek, and the site of the flouring mill. Campbell was a native of Scotland, coming to America at the age of five years.

On arriving here, while prospecting, and after locating the claim, Vance and himself occupied an abandoned wigwam or "tepee" as the Winnebagoes called them. On one occasion, not long after their coming, they were quite badly frightened by a sudden eruption of Indians, who came yelling and whooping in a most blood-curdling and hair elevating way, but this proved to be an energetic freak on their part, as they made no further hostile demonstrations, and after receiving a few trilling presents, they peacefully withdrew. As the spring advanced Mr. Campbell broke about fifteen acres, put in corn and potatoes, and also pat up a shanty, remaining on the ground a part of the season, being at that time the only man in town and, "Monarch of all he surveyed." Late in the fall he returned to Wisconsin. The next winter, toward spring, in 1854, he returned here with his family bringing cows, oxen, hogs, etc., and re-occupied his shanty. He soon began the erection of a mill but did not push it very vigorously, or to completion at once, preferring to wait until the land should regularly be in the market, that he might be certain of a clear title to the premises. After it was finally completed it was not unlike, as to its primitive characteristics, most of the mills first erected in this regioo. It had do bolting arrangements, and but a single run of stones. But when the neigh borhood had begun to have settlers who had succeeded in raising grain, they resorted to this mill, and the circle kept widening until from far and near they came, crowding it to its utmost capacity, and some of them would have to wait one or two days for their grists, and after filling his log house, the overflow would sleep in the mill. After the land was opened up for sale the claim was purchased by Mr. Campbell. The mill was not completed until after that time, but it answered its purpose for a number of years and was most valuable to the whole community. It is a pleasure to record the fact that Mr. Campbell still resides in town.

with Mr. Campbell and located about the same time, taking a claim adjoining, and after opening up a farm and cultivating it a few years, built a store, which must have been in 1862 or '63. He afterwards engaged in milling, but finally failed in business, and about 1878, with his family, went to Dakota where he still lives.

Captain Bates, who had been in charge of a steamer on the Mississippi, came here from La Crosse in the early spring of 1854. His claim was in section eight, where John Campbell now resides. He remained about two years, returned to La Crosse, and afterwards removed to Arkansas, where it is understood he lost his life during the war.

Charles Williams came at the same time, in the spring of 1854, from New York, by the way of La Crosse. He settled on section five, where Mr. L. Woods now lives. He was a mill-wright and remained here ten or twelve years, then removed to Minneapolis where he now lives.

Russell Thurber came soon after Campbell, in the spring of 1854; he was also from La Crosse; his claim was adjoining the town site, where he lived for a number of years and then went to Winona, where he died nf 1866.

Cyrus B. Sinclair, a native of Maine, also came here from La Crosse, in the spring of 1854. He entered a claim in section seven and lived here eight or ten years, then removed to Pleasant Hill, Winona county. He was an enterprising man, interested in the development of the town, was the first Postmaster and did the first blacksmithing. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature, and since removing to Winona, he has been in the State Legislature. His son, William, still resides in the town, and is one of the most prominent among its citizens. In 1857, he opened the first regular blacksmith shop here and still keeps its fires burning.

Stephen Robinson came on with Mr. Sinclair, and purchased a claim of Willis Thompson, who had made some improvements. Mr. Robinson was originally from Maine, and had previously visited the territory and selected a place in what is now Goodhue county, but coming with Mr. Sinclair he concluded to remain here on section nineteen, where he still lives. On selling his improvements to Mr. Robinson, Mr. Thompson secured another claim on section thirty, which had a water-power which was afterwards transferred to Mr. John

Stewart. Mr. Thompson, in the exuberance of his hopeful anticipations, platted a city and named it Christiania, in honor of the capital of his native Norway, but with an obstinacy, which must have been exceedingly refrigerating to his enthusiastic nature, this town refused to be transferred from the original parchment on which it was drawn. Mr. Stewart soon improved his property by building a saw mill, and subsequently a grist-mill, with a single run of stones, and finally another run of stones for feed.*

Besides those already mentioned who settled in that year, were Noah F. Berry, who secured a claim in section one, where his brother Cyrus now lives. His father Nathan, and his brothers came soon afterwards.

These were the first settlers in the eastern part of the township, and a more extended notice of most of them appears elsewhere. About the same time, colonists were arriving and taking lands in the Root River valley, in the southeast corner of the present township. Prominent among these were the following : Martin Christianson, coming from Norway and taking a claim in the spring of 1854, in section twenty -six, where he still remains. About the same time came Olc Omodt and bought out a squatter named Spaulding, on section twenty-six, where Mr. Omodt lives. Others came in soon after, principally Norwegians, and this portion of the valley in Mcney Creek is still occupied by them and their descendants, and is as flourishing and prosperous as any part of the county.

On the ridge towards the northwest corner of the town, immigrants began to appear about 1855. Among the first of these were Samuel Nichols and his son S. A. Nichols, Phil. Mohan, J. MoLeod, and several others.

The first mills erected in town have already been alluded to, and include the grist-mill of Mr. Campbell, put here in 1854, and the saw-mill the following year. This latter contained a single sash saw, and was kept in operation about fifteen years. In 1859, Mr. Campbell put up a flouring mill opposite the old one, with one run of stones, a smutter and bolter. In 1861, this mill was sold to Mr. Stacy, who introduced another run of stones and other improved machinery. A few years later it passed into the hands of Nathan Vance, who put up another mill on the site of the original one, of which he had come into possession, and the available machinery was transferred to the new structure. This mill, which is still standing and in active operation, is 34x50 feet, two and one-half stories high, with an addition which has been constructed since the mill was first built. This mill operates three run of four foot buhrs, cockle machine, two middlings purifiers, corn shellers, and other machinery to do first-class work. The capacity of the mill is eight bushels per hour, and does an average daily business of fifty bushels, and about the same amount of feed, buckwheat, and rye. This mill passed into the hands of John Phelps, in September, 1879, who in the spring of 1881 took J. G. Murphy as a partner, and he now has charge of the mill, while Mr. Phelps is engaged in the stock business. This mill is known as the Money Creek Flouring Mill.

Money Lake Mill

As before mentioned a saw-mill was built on section thirty by John Stewart, about 1857, and some two years later he built a grist mill with a single run of stones, and with bolting facilities.

Some time in 1877, or thereabouts, Mr. John Siman purchased the property and gave the mill a complete overhauling, adding quite an amount of new machinery. It now has four run of stones with smutters, purifiers, etc., and one set of rolls. It is propelled by two wheels rated at thirty horse power each.

Bbiok Yard

Many years ago Stephen Robinson commenced the manufacture of brick on his farm, which proved to be of a good quality. At first they were moulded by hand in the old fashioned way, bat about 1870, he procured a machine, and since that time the manufacture has been extensive.

The brick used in the construction of the county jail in Caledonia, were from this yard, and numerous other buildings in Caledonia and other towns in the county have thus been supplied. This is a most important industry.

Tannery

A tannery was established by Mr. J. Emery, near Money Creek, in 1866. Not being a practical tanner, he was compelled to employ skilled and other workmen, and the result was that while he gained experience he lost his capital, and in about two years the business closed out.

The first services among the early comers in Money Creek Valley were by Rev. Mr. Hard of La Crosse, at the house of Mr. C. B. Sinclair about the year 1854. Meetings were occasionally held by clergymen of various denominations for a number of years.

Methodist. - The first organization effected was by this denomination in June, 1857. The first class consisted of three members and James Greenfield was the leader. The minister under whose direction the society was brought into existence, was Rev. D. Kidder, who also had other charges, one of them, at Pine Greek. On the 4th of July the same year an addition of eight to the class was gathered in.

The first trustees were Nathan Perkins, Stephen Robinson, Peter Tuper and James Greenfield. Services before the church was built were in the school house.

On the 9th of May, 1859 Rev.Ezra Smith was sent here by the conference, and since that time it has been a regular station, with a stated service by a regular pastor.

The present minister is Rev. Jotham W. Stebbins, a native of Windom county, Vermont, who, after serving in the war of the Rebellion until its close in 1865, returned home and practiced dentistry. In 1867, he began to preach the gospel as a lay worker, and in 1869, joined the Minnesota conference, was ordained as a deacon in 1872, and as an elder in 1874. For two years he was stationed in Brownsville, three at La Crescent, two at Eyota, Olmsted county, two at Lanesboro, Fillmore county, and in the fall of 1881, came to Money Greek.

Baptist. - As early as 1857, a Free Will Baptist church was organized by Rev. Mr. Waldron, who remained a few months. The Deacons chosen then were Mr. Tolls and H. A. Carey. The next year a regular Baptist society was organized by Rev. D. L. Babcock, who remained about two years. C. B. Sinclair was the first deacon and E. D. Northrop was clerk.

Methodist place of worship, when, in the absence of the Methodist service, meetings would be held every second Sunday. About 1879, the two Baptist societies built a church together, which is neat, and in all respects a credit to the congregation and the town. At times there have been two ministers but usually a single pastor administers to the spiritual requirements of both. At present Rev. David D. Mitchell, who resides in Houston, is the pastor. He is the resident pastor of the Free Baptist church in Houston. The Free Baptist church, as it is now called, in Money Greek has about fifty members and the other a considerably smaller number.

Up to the year 1862 or '63, there was but one school in the whole township, and this was kept in a log building erected in 1856 ; it is still standing opposite Sinclair's blacksmith shop. The first teacher here was Charles Tiffany. This schoolhouse was a general utilitarian affair, serving as a meeting house and town hall, as well as schoolroom, until the Methodist church was constructed. This is now District No. 7.

A school house was put up just northeast of the village, a few years after the one above mentioned, which served until the fall of 1881, when a new schoolhouse, with modern improvements was erected. It is 28x48 feet with two vestibules, 10x16 feet, one on either side. In it is taught a graded school of two departments. G. P. Bourne is the principal, and Miss Butler is the assistant.

] hsnuoT No. 6. - Was placed in the northern part of the town ; it had a log schoolhouse built by subscription in 1863, and G. S. Fitch taught the first school. In the fall of 1876, a new house was built, at a cost of $500,

District No. 9. - This is in the southeast part of the township. The first school opened here was by Miss Ellen Robinson, in a log building on the Todd farm, opposite the residence of the young lady's father, Mr. S. Robinson. This house had been erected as a residence by Thomas Shimmings, and was one of the early dwellings; it now forms a part of Mr. Robinson's dwelling. In the summer of 1866 or '67, a frame school house was put up on section nineteen, near Mr. S. Robinson's

District No. 8. - This has a location in the southern part of the town. A schoolhouse had been partially completed in the early part of the war, but some of the people felt that if all the men had got to go to the front, there would be little use for schoolhouses, so the building remained incomplete, and no school was kept here until one or two years after the war was over. The first teacher was Miss Mary Pierce, who resided on the south side of the river in Houston township. After the war the house was completed.

District No. 89. - Is located on the ridge in the northern part of the town. The first school was taught in the summer of 1876. The school building is a frame, which cost probably $500. Thomas Lane was the first teacher. Thirty pupils are now enrolled here, with Miss Carrie Gosline, of Houston, as teacher.

District No. 57. - The school building for this district was put up about 1874, on section six, and Sarah Cameron gave the first instructions in mental archery.

District No. 96. - A school was first taught in this district in an old log house belonging to Ole R. Berland, in 1879. During the summer of 1881, the schoolhouse was erected; it is 16x24 feet. The first to wield the rod of authority in the old log house was Miss Jennie Winslow, whose sister now manages the school in the new house.

Organization

The first town meeting was on the 11th of May, 1858, at the house of Enoch Gould. E. D. Northrop was Chairman and C. B. Sinclair, Clerk. The following officers were unanimously elected, each having received thirty-seven votes:

Supervisors, O. P. Gates, Chairman, Charles Gyle and C. Anderson; Clerk, C. G. Berry; Assessor, N. Whittemore; Collector, H. Mills; Overseer of the Poor, Enoch Gould; Constables, H. Mills and Stephen Van Horn; Justices of the Peace, Charles Smith and E. D. Northrop.

The town was then called Hamilton. Present officers, Supervisors, Peter Tuper, Chairman, S. A. Nichols, and C. M. Christianson; Clerk, I. H. Goodwin; Assessor, W. H. Vance; Justice of the Peace, C. S. Fitch; Constable, Harvey Chapel.

Post-Opfice. - This was first established in 1856 with Mr. C. B. Sinclair as Postmaster, who kept it at his residence, a half mile from the mill. After

Money Creek Village

During the autumn of 1856, the village was platted by Mr. John Campbell, the first lot being sold to Mr. Stolls, who erected a tavern and kept it for several years; it is now occupied as a residence by Mr. J. G. Murphy. Soon after the village was surveyed, one-half of the plat was sold to Mr. Goodrich, of the firm of Draper & Goodrich, who at once built a store and occupied it with a stock of goods for about two years, when the business waa transferred to some other place.

Mr. G. Bissett succeeded to the business here, and with a partner kept up the store for perhaps two years, when it passed into the possession of Wood & Vance, who, after a certain time, dissolved the partnership, and Mr. Vance alone managed the concern for some time. In February, 1875, the firm of Corey & Emery took charge of the establishment, and a year later Mr. Emery became the sole proprietor of the business, which must be of a thorough character, judging from the exactness of the pedigree which has been preserved.

Another store was started by Mr. E. R Ward in 1868 or '69, and he afterwards sold to Nathan Vance, who removed the stock of goods he already had to his new purchase. After a time this store was discontinued, and Mr. Emery, having enlarged and otherwise improved it, now does business in the old store.

In 1870, Mr. Wood opened a grocery and kept it running for about a year, when it was sold to Mr. A. W. Wheeler, who kept a stock of goods till 1876, when it was discontinued. This village was at first called Clinton.

Masonic

Orient Lodge, No. 84, A. F.& A. M.,was chartered in 1871 with twelve members. I. H. Goodwin was the the first Master; Nathan Vance, S. W.; Harrison Wood, J. W.; G. N. Corey, S. D.; Moses Emery, J. D.; W. E. Barber, Sec.; C. S. Fitch, Treas.

Resume

The village now contains one store, in which is the Post-office, two churches, one graded school, two blacksmith shops, one carpenter shop, and one flouring milL There is also a Masonic lodge. The village is laid out to coincide with the four cardinal points of the compass, with Central, Summer, and Main Streets running east and west, and from First to Fifth at right angles with these.