Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 27: Postal History, 1911

Chapter 27: Postal History

Growth and Development of the System - First Offices in Mower County - Stories of the Stage Coach Drivers - History of the Present and Discontinued Postoffices of Mower County - Edited by George E. Anderson.

The postal service has existed within the memory of every person living, and is therefore a matter of such every-day concern that probably few persons realize that it is a feature of government as old as the written history of man. The influence and accomplishments of the postal service have practically extended the progress of commercialism throughout the world. So far as history records, a system of communication was evidently conceived by Cyrus shortly after his conquest of the Persian empire in the year 550 B. C. That systematic ruler sought to keep in touch with the affairs of his vast domain, and to that end required his governors to write to him frequently about their several districts. In order to make these communications safe and expeditious he built post roads throughout the empire and established posthouses at distances along these roads. The service, however, both in ancient and medieval periods was established for the government alone and not for the general public.

The first postofifiee which was established for the general publie was in 1516, between Berlin and Vienna. In 1823 England established a postal system, but it was only used for communications between the royal family.

The postal system in America dates from 1639, when the General Court of Massachusetts, by an ordinance, legalized such a system and directed that all letters brought from across the sea or to be sent to parts of the colonies, should be left at the house of Richard Fairbanks, in Boston, and by him sent to the proper destination. He was allowed a peiuiy compensation for the transmission of each letter and was accountable to the authorities for any dereliction of duty. The postal system. lioAvever. in tlie early colonial days, was somewhat of a go-as-you-please system. In 1785 the colonies decided to manage the postal business on their own responsibility, and appointed Ben. Franklin postmaster, at $1,000 a year. lu 1776, the total number of postofftces in operation was only twenty-eight, fourteen of which were in Massachusetts. Real developments of the postal service in the United States began in 1789, and the marvelous progress which has been made since that time is a matter with which the public is more or less familiar. In that year there were seventy-five offices, yielding a revenue of less than $40,000. Today we have over 60,000 postoffices, yielding a revenue of over $200,000,000. The service has grown and expanded to such a degree that twenty years ago would have been considered extravagant, and yet the service is practically in its infancy. But it already forms an intricate network over all our land and extends to the far-off island possessions, and yet its achievements are not nearly at an end. It is in view of these facts that a short historical sketch of the postal service and its development in this covmty may be of interest in this work.

In the days of the earliest settlement there were no postoffices in the county, but letters were often brought by travelers to settlers from friends back east or in the old country. The first postoffice in Mower county was called Elkhorn, and was established in 1855 with Jacob ]\IcQuillan as postmaster. It was on the old stage route, and mail was received once a week.

Next came the offices at Frankford and Austin, established within a short time of each other, and the old Chandler postofflce, which was opened shortly afterward.

In those early days mail was brought to this county by stage, or sometimes by friendly disposed travelers coming in from Mississippi points. The roads were scarcely more than a trail, and often all passengers on board a stage had to get out and assist in prying the stage wheels from the mud with rails cut from roadside saplings. Sometimes, too, the mail pouches were carried on the shoulders of the stage driver, while the passengers with their baggage waded through swamps over which it was impossible for the stage to pass when weighted with any burdens. The stories of the old stage coach days would fill many volumes.

The stage driver was often an important personage. He was one who saw life in various forms in various places, and the opinions with which he favored the crowds gathered at the stopping points along the line were listened to with the deepest respect. Especially was this true during the Civil war, when the stage driver brought the latest war news and opinions from the larger centers. At that time the people of the villages of Minnesota had little sympathy with those who were lukewarm in the Union cause. Consequently the complaint was universal when N. 'SI. "Wilder, the stage driver, expressed the opinion tluit there might be some virtue in the Secession oanse. On June 18, 1862, the contract for carrying the mail from Owatonna to Osage A'ia Austin was annulled by reason of what was termed Mr. Wilder's too free expression of sympathy with the Confederate movement. For a time the contract thus taken from Wilder was restored to the previous carriers, Williamson & Cotter. Later, however, Mr. Wilder demonstrated his loyalty and the contract was again placed in his hands.

In 1867 the railroad was put through, touching at Lansing, Ramsey, Austin, Le Roy and other points. Some stage lines, however, continued to exist, and as late as 1870 the following list appears in the newspapers as the correct enumeration of the stage mail routes in Mower county:

From Austin to Albert Lea ; Rochester to Le Roy ; Kasson to Mower City; Mower Citj' to Spring Valley; Mower City to Austin ; Nevada to Austin ; Austin to Moscow ; Lansing to Neury ; Albert Lea to Austin ; ]\Iitchell to Adams ; West Mitchell to Lyle ; Riceville to Le Roy ; Northwood to Austin ; Minneapolis to Lansing, Austin, Rose Creek, Adams and Le Roy. All were stage routes except the one from Austin to Albert Lea and the one from Minneapolis to points in this eount3^

Austin Postoffice

Austin postoffice was established about 1856 with Alanson B. Vaughan, the first merchant at this point, as postmaster. His store in which he opened the office was situated near the present site of the Elk hotel at the corner of Chatham and Bridge streets. Mr. Vaughan Avas succeeded in 1857 by L. N. Griffith, who moved it to a small building on the site now occupied by the Hormel provision market. This small building Avas erected by ]\Ir. Griffith and the boxes were put in by Jonas Haney. The rental charges Avere ten cents a quarter for a box, and Mr. Griffith, AAdio is still a hale and hearty resident of Austin, informs us that the patrons considered that an exorbitantly high price to pay for such service. The appointment of Mr. Griffith was the result of an effort to keep the center of the village somcAvhere near the present court house square. Mr. Vaughan Avas a Republican, and he realized that President James Buchanan Avould soon appoint a Democrat to the office. The leading Democratic candidate for the appointment Avas Jerry B. Yates, whose aim Avas to move the postoffice, and consequently the center of the village, to the present site of the Catholic church, Avhere most of his property Avas located. In tliose days a postmaster who resigned had the priA'ilege of appointing his oAvn successor. Consequently ]\Ir. Vaughan resigned in favor of INIr. Griffith, Avho was a Democrat, thus plac- ing in office oue who was of the same political faith as Buchanan, and at the same time keeping the center of the village near where the majority of the citizens desired it. When Mr. Griffith first assumed the duties of the office, the cancellation and fees amounted to about one dollar and a half a day, the patrons coming from a radius of twenty miles or more. But as other offices were established the business decreased to about twelve dollars per month, and consequently Mr. Griffith resigned. He appointed as his successor A. S. Everest, who assumed office in 1858 and purchased the office building and fixtures. Mr. Griffith relates that in those days all the mail was carried in one pouch, for all the points along the stage line. When the pouch reached an officCj. the postmaster unlocked it, took therefrom the mail directed to the patrons of his office, placed therein the mail deposited at the office for other points, and then locked the pouch again. Mr. Everest, Avho succeeded Mr. Griffith, was an attorney, served as coiuity treasurer, and the county headquarters for a number of years were maintained at his office. He was an extensive land owner, and a part of his farm is now that part of Austin west of Kenwood avenue and south of Oakland avenue. Everest was succeeded by J. S. Lacy, who was an early hotel-keeper, having erected the Lacy House on the present site of the McCulloch Printing Company plant. He in turn was succeeded by C. J. Shortt, who was also an attorney, and for a number of years was a justice of the peace in Austin. Mr. Shortt resided in Austin until his death, after which his family moved back east. After Mr. Shortt came Lyman A. Sherwood. Mr. Sherwood was a lieutenant in the Civil war, and was clerk of the district court nine years before being appointed postmaster. George Baird was the next postmaster. Mr. Baird came to Mower county in 1856. He was a captain in the Civil war and served for many years as sheriff of the county. Charles Sawyer was appointed to succeed Mr. Baird. He was employed in Ackley's shoe store. After him came J. C. Smith. A. J. Phelps, who was a justice of the peace, was the next postmaster. He in turn was followed by C. H. Davidson. Mr. Davidson was born in Illinois, March 13, 1846. He came to Austin in 1857, with his father, Joshua L. Davidson, and was employed in the first newspaper office in Mower county, which was then the Mirror. In 1863, in company with his brother, he started the Mower County Register, a paper which is now succeeded by the j\Iower County Republican. Later he purchased the Transcript, which he conducted until 1886. Mr. Davidson was prominently identified with every movement which was for the betterment of the county and community. A. E. Meigs was the next postmaster. He conducted the office in connection with a news stand, east of what is now the First National Hank buildiiit,'.

He was succeeded by A. A. Harwood, who was also an editor. Mr. Harwood came originally from Owatonna. After Mr. Harwood came R. I. Smith, a photographer, who afterwards conducted a gallery over Pooler's drug store. Subsequently C. H. Davidson was reappointed. After this came H. 0. Basford, who kept the office in the building where the Normal Restaurant is now located. Mr. Basford was then the editor and sole owner of the Mower County Register, and later started the first daily in Mower county, if not in southern Minnesota. He now spends his summers in Austin, and is a highly respected citizen. He was succeeded by Christ Johnson, who after his term of office was a merchant in partnership with the father of T. A. Revord, in the hardware business, the store being located in the building now occupied by K. O. Wold's drug store. After selling his interest there he formed a partnership with his son-in-law in the clothing business, the store occupying the present site of the Golden Eagle. He subsequently removed to Buffalo, Minn., where he now resides. After Mr. Johnson, George Baird served a second time, but died before the expiration of his term of office. President Grover Cleveland then appointed A. B. Hunkins for a term of four years. Mr. Hunkins was owner and editor of the weekly Democrat, which has been succeeded by the Herald. The first rural route in Mower county was inaugurated under Mr. Hunkins, as was also the city free delivery system, which was established ]\Iarch 1, 1898. After leaving the postmastership, Mr. Hunkins conducted the Austin Canning Factory for a number of years, and later was engaged for some time in perfecting an addressing and folding machine. He secured a patent, and later moved to Mason City, Iowa, where he became a manufacturer. Mr. Hunkins was succeeded as postmaster by S. Swenningsen, who was then a member of the upper house of the Minnesota legislature. Previous to his holding the postmastership he had been a merchant and for many .years clerk of court. He was associated in business with C. I. Johnson, who is now a shoe merchant in Austin, and F. E. Gleason, now an Austin jeweler. Mr. Swenningsen now lives in California. During Mr. Swenningsen 's term, the rural carrier roiites were increased to six, emanating from this office in all directions and forming a complete rural service, covering a radius of ten miles or more from the city. For some time previous to Mr. Swenningsen's administration, the postoflice was located on the present site of the Hormel provision market. This was seemingly a favorite location for the postoflfice, as the site was occupied for postal purposes at several different periods of Austin's history. After conducting the office at this point for four years, Mr. Swenningsen moved the ofifice to the present site, corner of Main street and Oakland avenue. After Mr. Swenningsen, came 0. J. Simmons, who assumed office April 1, 1907, and was reappointed by President AVilliam Taft, in 1911. ]\Ir. Simmons has proven an able and capable officer, and the efficiency of the service he has maintained demonstrates his fitness for his responsible and often trying position. ]\Ir. Simmons may well be proud of the fact that he will be the first postmaster in the handsome government building now in the process of construction.

Austin became a money order office in 1866. The first order was issued to James C. Ackley, remitter. Payee, F. W. Detome, Milwaukee, Wis. Amount, $13.80. Date, August 6, 1866. The first order paid was to Ormanzo Allen. Amount, $8.50. Date, August 13, 1866. It became a presidential office in 1867. The first postal note was purchased by Prof. A. W. Rankin, drawn in favor of parties in Wisconsin, for $4.99.

It is conceded that the growth of the postal receipts is an accurate barometer by which may be judged the growth of any community. It may be of interest to know that during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, there were 1,904 domestic money orders issued at the Austin postoffice, while thirty years later we find that there were issued during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1910, 10,286 domestic orders, amounting to $70,497.13, yielding fees of $592.71. During the same year there were 8,481 domestic orders paid, amounting to .$51,049.92. There were issued during the year 174 international orders, to the amount of $2,109.82, yielding fees of $24.28. Twenty-nine international orders were paid during the year, amounting to $733.55. During the same year there were registered at this office 3,388 pieces, enumerated as follows : 1,856 domestic letters, 1,171 domestic parcels, 110 foreign letters, 26 foreign parcels, 225 official free and registered matter. There were 3,261 pieces of registered pieces received for delivery. During the past ten years the receipts of the office have been as follows: 1900. ,$12,226.43 ; 1901, $13,044.54; 1902, $14,196.11 ; 1903, $14,419.57; 1904, $15,116.13; 1905, $15,491.77 ; 1906, $16,737.47 ;

Through the efforts of Congressmau J. A. Tawney, who was for a number of years chairman of the appropriations committee of the national House of Eepresentatives, Austin secured an appropriation of $58,000 for the purpose of buying a site and erecting a suitable government building. A tract of land fronting 102 feet on Bridge street and 125 feet on St. Paul street was purchased eight years ago by the secretary of the treasury, under whose supervision government buildings are erected, but it was not until August 22, 1910, that active building operations were begun on the two-story building which will serve as a permanent postoffice home in this city for many years at least.

The Northern Construction Company of Milwaukee was awarded the contract for constructing the building, and B. F. Judson, of Washington, D. C, represents the government as superintendent of construction. Cold weather interfered with the constroiction during 1910, and labor was not resumed officially until April 12, 1911, when the corner-stone was laid with great ceremony by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, A. F. & A. M. The Grand Master and other grand officers were in attendance to assist in the exercises, which were preceded by the biggest fraternal parade ever witnessed in Austin. Since this event rapid progress has been made and it no doubt will be ready for occupancy by January 1, 1912.

The building will be forty-nine feet on Bridge street and seventy-six feet on St. Paul street. At the north will be a fine lawn, while on the east will be a vitrified brick drive. There will be an entrance on each street. Its style of architecture will be Kenaissance and its beauty will be enhanced by a carefull^y selected combination of materials.

The foundation which is already completed is built of granite and extends to the first floor line, above which Bedford limestone and gray brick is used. It will be one of the most attractive buildings in the city, and certainly one of the finest government buildings in this part of the country.

In the basement will be found the city carriers' swing rooms, which will be used by the carriers when not on duty. There will also be a janitor's room, a postoffice storage room, fuel and boiler rooms, and lavatories. A steam heating plant will be installed, also a secondary hot-water system for Avarm seasons.

The entire first floor will be devoted exclusively to postal purposes. The postmaster's room will be located in the southeast corner, and will be finished in harmony with the prominent position it occupies with respect to the entire building. The money order and registry department will be located in a 14x20 room, in the northwest eorner. At the east end of this room will be a 7x8- I'oot vault, which will be used for the storage of surplus postal supplies, also the postal and money order records. Directly back of this room, on the east, will be the mailing vestibule and platform, which will be used by the mail messenger as storage place for incoming and outgoing pouches and sacks. In the east center will be located the workroom proper. It will be 32x40 feet, and will extend the entire two stories of the building, thi;s making a high, light, airy and comfortable workroom. This room will also be finished in harmony with the general plan of the building, and will also be equipped with a vault. The lobby, which will be situated on both the St. Paul and Bridge street sides of the building, Avill be an architectural feature. The floors will be terazzo, finished with marble borders. The screen work will be constructed of marble and oak. On the St. Paul street side will be found the general delivery, stamp window and drops. There will be 376 lock boxes of four different sizes, divided into three sections, in each of which will be a window for the delivery of such packages as are too large for the boxes. Two writing desks of handsome design Avill be provided for public use, as well as directory cases and bulletin board. The lobby walls above the marble and oak wainscoting will be of handsome design, the construction of which will be composed of plaster pilasters, molded caps and cornices. The design of the ceiling will be an elaborate one and in perfect harmony with the general plan of the lobby. The entrances will be furnished with revolving doors. The main floor will be of reinforced concrete instead of the usual wood construction. The main stairway starts at the southwest corner of the building and leads to the second story, which comprises five unassigned rooms, four of which are 14x15 feet, and one 14x42 feet. This floor will also be ecjuipped with all modern conveniences and will afford ideal office rooms for other government departments. A stairway from this floor leads to the attic, which may be used for surplus storage quarters.

The main entrances will each be lighted with two large lights suspended on ornamental brackets, and the lighting throughout will be furnished from combination gas and electric fixtures. The lavatories will be of marble floors and marble wainscoting throughout. Not to leave anything in the way of modern improvement undone, a complete telephone system will be installed.

Other Postoffices

a glimpse of the past maj' be had earlier than July 1, 1887, when C. P. Collins officially canceled postage behind closed doors. 0. G. Myhre succeeded Mr. Collins in the office. May 1, 1889, and for three years served the patrons of the office. Mr. Stanley, better known as Captain Stanley, was next in order, authorized by the government to administer the afl'Jiirs of the office, which he did creditably until October 17, 1894, when the Cleveland administration ushered in a change in the local office and Frank B. Losey stood at the helm. Losey 's term, however, was shorter than Cleveland's, his term closing January 1, 1896, when George Robertson assumed the roll of postmaster in the Lyle office. On February 1, 1903, Burton J. Robertson succeeded his father and has since had charge of the office. The office has had a steady growth from the beginning, luitil at present it serves mail to about one thousand people, with the following force in charge : B. J. Robertson, postmaster; Chris Johnson, assistant postmaster; Grace Sherman, assistant postmistress; John Carter, Chris Johnson and AVill Murphy, carriers. Instead of being annexed to some other business establishment as a side issue, it occupies a building by itself and receives and delivers mail from and to nine incoming and outgoing trains daily. Since 1908 the office has been in the third class. Routes 1 and 2 were established ]\Iay 2, 1904, and No. 3 was established October 1, 1908. The annual business done amounts to $3,300.

Grand Meadow Postoffice. The Grand Meadow postoffice was started in 1860 on the farm of B. F. Langworthy, northeast quarter of section 12, in Avhat is now the township of Grand Meadow. In 1870, when the railroad came through, the office was removed to the village. The office became a registry office in 1870. It was changed to the third class October 1, 1909. The office was made a money order office in 1879. The first order issued was by Rolland Dunbar, July 7, 1879, the amount being $1. The first order paid was to Peter Rose, July 23, 1879, the amount being $28.35. The postmasters have been B. F. Langworthy, Hicks and Vining, C. F. Greening, R. Dunbar, John Criswell, S. Y. Paddock, and the present incumbent, C. E. Hovda. The assistant is Addie B. Doherty. The carriers are W. F. Rice, Charles Nashold and Joseph Sorben, routes Nos. 1, 2 and 3 having been established June 4, 1900; May 15, 1901, and February 1, 1903, respectively. The office does a good annual business and Mr. Ilovda has proven a most capable official.

Adams Postoffice. The Adams postoffice was established in 1859, on section 8, in Adams township. Later it was moved to the village. The first money order was issued to Ole A. Bergens, July 27, 1892. The first order was paid to Erick Jenson, August 24, 1892. Johnsbnrg was discontinued into this office December 31,

1900. Rural Route No. 1 was established January 2, 1901, with O. H. Njos as carrier. Route No. 2 was established March 2, 1903, with Louis Slindes as carrier. The postmasters have been John S. Irgens, Harold Irgens, A. D. Harris, P. M. Rooney, Mathias Krebsbach, A. Torgerson, Anton Kinn, James Slindee, E. L. Slindee. Mr. Slindee is assisted by Mrs. Annie C. Slindee, assistant postmistress, and N. P. Gurvin, clerk.

Brownsdale Postoffice. Brownsdale postoffice was established in the fall of 1856. with John L. Johnson as postmaster. The office was kept in his store. Mails were received once a week, brought from Austin on horseback. Mr. Johnson remained in charge of the office until 1858, when H. W. Shook received the appointment of postmaster. He was relieved in turn by A. D. Brown, R. C. Heath, E. J. Stimson, H. Tilton, A. Stevens, Stephen Ives, A. J. Hunt and W. S. Woodard. Mr. Woodard was succeeded by E. J. Stimson, who was followed by Albert Swift in 1891. He held the office till 1897, when he was succeeded by "Wm. H. Palmer, the present incumbent.

The office was created a money order office July 1, 1874. The first order was issued Julj^ 6, 1874, to Mons Erickson, of Brownsdale, in favor of Ole "Wilson, of Kasson, Dodge county, Minnesota ; amount, $5. The first order paid was issued at Dublin, Va., to George "W. "Weiser, in favor of James M. Weiser; amount, $50; was paid July 18, 1874.

Dexter Postoffice. This office was established in 1874. For a time it was kept at the railroad station by Amasa Converse, the first postmaster, who was succeeded by the following postmasters : John L. Gaskill, L. M. Gaskill, George W. Buck, 0. J. Dickens, P. Sheridan, B. S. Benner and E. W. Dorr, the last named being the present incumbent. He has served since June 17, 1901. The Manilla and Sutton offices have been discontinued into this office. Mr. Dorr has an assistant and a clerk. Two rural routes emanate from this office, and were established in 1900 and 1904. respectively. The carriers are the Messrs. Chase and Gilmore. The annual business is in the neighborhood of $2,000.

Racine Postoffice. Racine postoffice was originally established in 1878 with T. W. Stewart as postmaster. The present postoffice was established in 1890, when the railroad came through. Among the postmasters have been Robert Eiehhorn and 0. B. Morse. The present postmaster is Chris Schwarz. The first money order was issued May 23, 1899, to H. Mork. The first order was paid the same day to G. Preibl. Rural routes Nos. 1 and 2 were established respectively on May 15, 1901, and May 2, 1904. The annual business done is about $1,000.

residence in the Patrick Mealy house. After the first postmaster came C. R. Varco, George Sutton, F. G. Raj^ Thomas Cronan, and then again F. G. Ray. who is still serving. The office was made a money order office in 1878. The first order was drawn July 1. 1878, by John Hallin, for $10, in favor of Andrew Peet, Independence, Kan. The first order was to J. A. Priest, July 5, 1878. the amount being $5.

Lansing Postoffice. The Lansing postoffice was established in the summer of 1858, with P. D. Vaughan as postmaster. The office was kept at his house in section 3, where it remained until about 1864 or 1865, when it was removed to the store building, with A. B. Vaughan as postmaster. The office remained here until about 1868, when the office was moved across the street to the store building in section 11, Mr. Vaughan retaining the office. October 29, 1875, W. B. Vaughan received the appointment of postmaster. The office was created a money order office July 1. 1878. The first order drawn was for $2.90, by P. D. Vaughan, in favor of Walter H. Shupe, of New York, dated July 1, 1878. The first order paid was for $3.65, to Mrs. J. S. Greeley, from ]\Irs. Josephine Miller, of Beaver Falls, Minn. After W. B. Vaughan came George W. Bartlett, who was appointed April 25, 1886. His successor was H. M. Mclntyre, the present incumbent, who received his commission May 21, 1889. Coi'uing was discontinued into this office, October 1, 1906. One rural route was established March 2, 1903. The present force in the office consists of H. M. Mclntyre, postmaster; assistant, H. S. Mclntyre; clerk, A. E. Mapes ; rural carrier, E. W. Carll ; substitutet rural carrier, F. A. Carll. The annual business done is about $1,000. The money order business amounts to about $5,000.

Waltham Postoffice. Waltham postoffice was established in 1866, with Col. A. J. Burbank as postmaster. The office was kept at the Waltham House, of which he was landlord. The mail route from Brownsdale to Kasson, in Dodge county, passed by this office, from which route it was supplied. The office remained here until 1868, when Moses Boliou was appointed postmaster, and the office removed to his house in section 9, where it remained until 1872, when it Avas discontinued. The present office was established INIarch 9, 1886, with J. A. Stephan as postmaster,. IMr. Stephan is still serving in that capacity, and has the longest term of service of any postmaster in the county. The first money order was issued January 4, 1899, to Rev. F. C. Milius, and the first order was paid February 22, 1899. Rural service was established from this (iffice iMiircli 2, 1893, and covers a wide territory.

Taopi Postoffice. This postoffice was established in tlu> spring of 1875, will] William P.raiiicrd as llie first postmaster. It was first kc|)1 ill a coop"!- shop in block 3, and later moved into C.

Alleman's store, on Main street, block 2. In course of time C. Alleman was appointed postmaster, and held the office until Frank Lyons was appointed by President Grover Cleveland. It was then moved further down on ]\Iain street. J. JM. Lukens was next appointed, and was succeeded by M. H. Lyons, who kept the office in the old Corbitt building on Main street. G. I\I. Campbell was ajipointed postmaster December 1, 1897, and was followed by Jane Campbell, who was appointed December 18, 1902. The first money order was issued January 13, 1894, to Peter Kasel, and the first order paid was to Mrs. Anthony Loftus, January 19, 1894. The rural service was established May 1, 1904. John Johnson is now serving as rural carrier.

Other Offices. There are also postoffices at Sargeant, Renova, Elkton and Mayville. It is impossible to give a history of these offices owing to the fact that the postmasters have refused to furnish the information in spite of the fact that several letters of inquiry have been addressed to them.

Discontinued Postoffices

Among the discontinued postoffices in Mower county may be mentioned Coi'uing, Frankford, Johnsburg, Ramsey, Root River, Sutton, Udolpho, Chandler postoffice, Madison, Brooklyn, Bennington and others.

Chandler Postoffice, This office Avas established in 1856, with "\V. Means as postmaster. It was on the route between Osage and Owatonna, and mail was received once a week. The successor of Means was D. L. Chandler, who kept the office at his house, section 33. township of Austin.

Elkhorn. This was established in 1855 with Jacob jMcQuillan as postmaster. ]Mail was received from Chatfield once in two weeks. The office was discontinued when Hamilton was established.

Udolpho postoffice was established about 1874, with Samuel Duunell, brother of Hon. Mark H. Dunnell, as postmaster. The office was kept at his house in section 2. He was succeeded by Philip Setzer, as postmaster, and the office moved to his house in section 1. It remained here a short time, when Joseph Reynolds received the appointment of postmaster and the office removed to liis house in section 1. It Avas again removed and Gideon Stoddard appointed postmaster. The office Avas kept at his house on section 2. ]Mrs. ^lalina S. Carll kept the office at her house in section 2.

Brooklyn. The first postoffiee in AVindom township was established in 1858, nnder the name of Brooklyn. It was on the mail route from ^McGregor to Austin. The name was afterward changed to Canton. Horatio Marsh was the first postmaster. He was succeeded a few years later by Walter Fuller, who resigned shortly after the railroad was built, and the office was discontinued. ]\Ir. Fuller turned over the records of the office to George Sutton, then postmaster at Rose Creek.

Frankford Postoffiee. This office was established in 1856. Lewis Patehen was appointed postmaster. Early postmasters were T. M. Chapman, Charles Lamb and Lewis Patehen.

Madison. A i)ostoffice was established at this point about 1857 by AVarren Brown. Later the postoffiee was re-established in charge of Moody & Co. Later E. Bassett took the office and continued it about twelve years, but later gave it up.