Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 29: Red Rock and Brownsdale, 1911

Chapter 29: Red Rock and Brownsdale

Red Rock Township - Early Settlement - First Events - Organization - Brownsdale Village - Organization - Early Business - Serious Water Spout - Brownsdale in 1871 - Brownsdale in 1885 - Modern Brownsdale - Fraternities, Churches and Industries - Edited by Hosmer A. Brown.

Red Rock township lies iu the second tier from the north and west. The township is well watered, three sufficient streams supplying an abundance of that needful element. Roberts creek enters the town from "Waltham, in section 3, runs in its tortuous course through sections 4, 5 and 6, from Avhere it leaves the township. The north branch of Dobbins creek tinds its way to the township in section 13, runs in its varied course through sections 24, 23, 22, 15, 16, 21, 28, 29. 30 and 31, from which section it enters Lansing township. The south branch of Dobbins creek rises in section 26, runs in a southwesterly course through sections 35, 27 and 34, and leaves the town at section 33, re-enters the township in the same section, running through section 32, and leaves the township at the southeast corner of section 31. The natural timber follows the course of the streams, but so many groves have sprung up, under the fostering care of the settler, that the general appearance is of a well wooded country. The general inclination of the land is rolling, and is usually good arable land. Whatever land there is that is low and wet furnishes such long succulent grasses, making fine pasturage for stock, that but little, if any, land can be called waste. The soil is generally a dark sandy loam with a clay subsoil, and contains all the elements of fertility to a very large extent.

Early Settlement

The first to settle in the town.ship of Red Rock were three families of Norwegians, Gunder Nereson, a man named Olson and one other, who came here in the spring of 1855. Nereson and Olson settled in section 3, and the other on section 10. They joined teams and broke across the three claims that season. Their cabins, about 10x12 feet, were built of small poles, covered with prairie sod. They remained here until the spring of 1856, when Hilliard Tilton purchased Nereson 's claim, together with forty acres of timber land, for which he paid $300, $100 for the claim and $200 for the forty acres of timber. Olson sold his claim to John L. Johnson, and the other Norwegian sold to Charles F. Hardy. Having thus disposed of all their land they left the township, going across the country to the Minnesota river. They were well to do for new settlers. They took with them when they left the township, seventy head of cattle. Gunder Nereson and a daughter of Olson, were the only ones among the Norwegians who could talk English. They are remembered as being very hospitable.

John L. Johnson came to the town of Lansing in company with A. B. Vaughan, in 1855, when he took a claim and did some breaking, after which he returned to Rock county, Wisconsin, for his family. On his return to Lansing he found his claim had been .jumped. He then came to Red Rock township and built a shanty in Red Rock grove in section 4. The name of the grove was suggested to Mr. Johnson by a large red rock in the grove, the only one of the kind to be found for miles around. His family moved into the shanty the last of November, and the fblloAving spring moved from the grove into a shanty on the land in section 10, purchased of a Norwegian. In this shanty in August, 1856, was born the first white child in the township, Minna, a daughter of John L. Johnson, her name being given in honor of the territory where her parents had so lately found a home. The family remained here until 1876, when they removed to AVashington. Martin B. Johnson came to Red Rock with his brother, John L., October 18, 1855. Mr. Johnson enlisted in the Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in 1862, serving until the close of the war. Hilliard Tilton, Elijah Sanborn and Hilliard S. Brown, came from Fremont, New Hampshire, to Decorah, Iowa, where the.v formed the acquaintance of Charles F. Hardy. He had lately returned from Minnesota, and being somewhat familiar with the country they induced him to accompany them here. When they reached Jordan, Fillmore county, they hired him to act as guide to the belt of timber in Red Rock township, where they arrived ^larch 7, 1856. Mr. Tilton purchased land in section 3. Elijah Sanborn preempted land in section 3, in the spring of 1856. The tirst death in the township was that of his daughter, Calista Sanborn, who died of fever early in December, 1856. His wife died of consumption in August, 1857. They were both buried on the farm near the house. In the siuumer of 1863 their remains were disinterred and buried in Greenwood cemetery. ]\Ir. Sanborn returned to New Hampshire. Rev. ]\Iilo Frary, a Baptist clergyman, came here from Nortli Stonningham, Connecticul, in the fall of 1856. The house he built and occupied on Main street,

Browusdale, has been lorn down. He preached quite reguhirly in the school liouse in the village. He remained here until aFtei' the death of his wife, when he returned to Connecticut. Freeman M. Brown was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, came to Mower county in October, 1856, and settled in section 27, in Red Eoek township. H. S. Brown also took a claim in section 3, adjoining that of IMr. Sanborn. On this he built a log house, wiiich he occupied until the summer of 1870, when he exchanged his land for a building in the village of Brownsdale, where he opened a hotel, in which business he continued until the spring of 1884, when he removed to Grand Meadow. John Setzer and family came from Shenandoah county, Virginia, to Red Rock township, in 1856, locating on section 3, where he resided until his death, July 17, 1863. His wife died February 22, 1875. Nehemiah Woodward came from Vermont in the spring of 1856, locating on the southwest quarter of section 3. He died in April, 1870. Eudolphus Heath came here in the summer of 1856, from ]\Iarquettc county, Wisconsin. He established the first nursery of fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs in the township. He also built a large house on Main street, used for a time for a hotel, called the Heatli House. He moved to LaPoi-te City, Iowa, iij 1865. John L. Lishen, a Free Will Baptist clergyman, came from Marquette county, Wisconsin, in 1856, preached here for a tew years, when he moved to Iowa. N. R. Hoadly came from near Binghampton, New York, in the summer of 1856, preempted land and remained here two or three years, when he returned to his former home. In the spring of 1871 he came back with his wife was here about two years when he returned to New York state. Leland B. Lewis came from New Hampshire, in the spring of 1856. He settled on section 27, remained here until 1880, wlien with his family he moved to Martin county. Abram E. Howard came from Iowa, in 1856, and located a claim in section 2. He was a surveyor, having been in the employ of the government. He remained here two or three years and then went to Colorado.

Among others who came in 1856 were : L. J. Ellsworth, Henry C. Eogcrs, H. A. Brown, George M. Cameron, J. Y. Gilmore, Wil- - liam 0. Palmer, from Nova Scotia ; Henry Shook, from Ohio : James Stewart, from Ohio ; E. J. Stimson, J. D. Rugg, from New York; J. B. Wright, George Colby, from New Hampshire, who located in section 5 for a short time, and J. D. Lean, from New Hampshire, who settled in section 28.

I. N. Hine came in 1857, and that same year came Harvey E. Anderson, Alden Petty, Orrin J. Hills, Zalmon Ames and others. Ebenezer E. Tanner and De Los Tanner came in 1857, and Samuel Dodge came at about the same time.

First Events

The first marriage in the township was that of Ililliard Tilton and I\Iiss Mary E. Setzer, at the residence of the bride's parents in Brownsdale, October 1, 1857, by Charles F. Hardy, a justice of the peace. Both came to Eed Rock in 1857. The first birth was tliat of Minna, dai;ghter of J. L. Johnson. The first death was that of Calista, daughter of Elijah Sanborn.

Organization

The first election within the present limits of Red Rock was held in the house of John Anson, in Brownsdale, in the fall of 1856, sixteen votes being cast. At that time Red Rock precinct extended over a considerable territory. The town was organized May 11, 1858, but no records have been preserved of the first town meetings. Various townships were attached to it for government purposes, as related elsewhere. The town owns a fine town hall in the center of the township.

The village of Brownsdale was laid out in sections 9 and 10, township 103, range 17, in the summer of 1856, by A. D. and H. A. Brown and John L. Johnson, who had M. K. Armstrong survey and plat about 160 acres. Brown Bros, soon purchased the interest of J. L. Johnson, and became sole proprietors. The village grew rapidly for a year or two, and then remained nearly stationary until the advent of the Southern Minnesota in 1871. It is now a flourishing village.

Incorporation

The village of Brownsdale was incorporated by an act of the legislature, in February, 1876. By this act 0. A. Sleeper, J. C. Sanborn and A. D. Brown were made judges. The first election was held at the store of A. L. Sleeper & Sons, on ^lareh 14, 1876. At this meeting C. S. Barbour was chosen moderator and AV. S. AVoodard clerk. The officers elected at this meeting were as follows: Couneilmen, H. H. Shook (president), H. J. Sprague, B. F. Bacon; recorder, O. A. Sleeper; treasurer, E. J. Stimson; justice of the peace, A. D. Brown; assessor, Stephen Ives; mai'- sluil, J. N. Priest.

Early Business

Tlie first store in Browiisd.-ih- was opened hy .John L. .jolinson in the summer of 1856, in a small frame building at the corner of ^lain and ^lill streets. He kejit a stock of groceries and such merchandise as is usually fouud at a country store. In the spring of 1857 he took H. E. Anderson as a partner, enlarging his stock and increasing his business. The partnership continued for u year or two, when the building was purchased by Barney Devclin, and by him converted into a residence, which he occupied only for a short time, Avhen it was removed to the town of Waltham for a farm house.

The first boot and shoe store was built for Thomas Aired, in 1857. He occupied it as a place of business for several years, when he removed with his familj'- to Winona, and the building was moved out into the country. Mr. Aired did not remain long in Winona. On his return he erected another store on Main street. He was in business here until the spring of 1871, when he moved to Nashua, Iowa. William F. Smith came from Dunkirk, New York, to Brownsdale, sometime in 1856, when he engaged in mercantile business. He served through the war in the Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. In the summer of 1857, L. J. Ellsworth had a frame building erected on the corner of Market and IMain streets, where he kept a stock of groceries and provisions. He continued in business but a short time, disposing of his stock to John Dunton, wlio was in business but a few months, when he sold out to W. F. Smith, who kept a general grocery store. He continued in business until 1861, when he was succeeded by C. H. Coates, who kept a general stock of merchandise, dry goods, groceries, etc. In the spring of 1866 he entered into partnership with H. E. Anderson. This continued until the spring of 1868, when they sold out to L. J. Ellsworth, who occupied the store until 1871, when it was purchased by V. Richards, of Austin, Mr. Ellsworth moving his goods into a larger and more commodious store he had erected in the same block. Mr. Richards used the store as a harness shop, also as a residence for his family. It was destroyed by fire on New Year's Eve, 1873, the family being absent at the time.

One of the first buildings erected in Brownsdale was a steam saw mill, built by A. D. and H. A. Brown, the necessary machinery being shipped to Homer, a small place just below Winona, on the ]\Iississippi river. From there it was brought by oxen, under as discouraging circumstances as one could well imagine - no roads, no bridges, the ground soft and streams swollen from frequent and heavy rains. The mill was soon in running order and furnished the people for miles around with lumber to commence building their homes. It was run for several years, until timber began to grow scarce, when it was sold and taken to some place in the Avestern part of the state. Nearly all the first buildings erected in tiic town were l)uilt of hard wood lumber sawed in that mill.

The first hotel in Brownsdale was ere(_-ted in the fall of 1S56, by H. A. Brown, th(> lumber being sawed at the mill of Brown Bros. It was mostly built of hard wood, oak, ash and walnut. The building was inclosed, and John L. Johnson opened it as a hotel about December the same year. He occupied it until the following spring, when he was succeeded by E. J. Stimson, who was followed by C. H. Coates, and later by Andrew D. Brown, and others. The present hotel proprietor in Brownsdale is C. D. Hollbrook.

Thomas Aired came to Brownsdale in 1856, and entered into the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes. He was justice of the peace for several years.

Benjamin F. Bacon commenced trade here in 1865, keeping a stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc. His store was located on the northeast corner of Main and Mill streets. He continued in business until December 2-1, 1872, when the building was destroyed by fire, a small portion only of the contents being saved. Mr. Bacon had a fine brick building erected on the site of the other, in which he carried on the mercantile business until 1880. His store was rented for a short time only to I. C. Thatcher. In the spring of 1870 Messrs. Bacon and L. J. Ellsworth were the only merchants in the village. The S. M. R. R. was built through the town that summer, and Herman Gunz, of Austin, rented the new and until then unoccupied store of L. J. Ellsworth, stocking it with general merchandise. Mr. Gunz remained in business only a few months, moving his goods to "Wells.

1871. He kept a large stock of hardware, and had an extensive business until failing health obliged him to relinquish it. He sold the store and contents to Ira J'-.nes, of Austin, in the summer of

1872. In 1873, about a year later, the stock was sold to Rufus Kimball, and the succeeding summer was sold to Stimson & Woodward. They were in business but a few months, when in 1875 they sold the stock at about .$1,800 to T. K. Dahle, of Rochester, who also purchased the building thej^ occupied of Ira Jones.

In the spring of 1871, John Aten, of Bellevue, Iowa, built a store on the lot adjoining H. J. Sprague. He occupied one half as a grocery store, renting one half to A. L. Sleeper & Sons, for the sale of drugs. Mr. Aten did a large and successful business. In the summer of 1876, he associated with himself John Muncey, of Bellevue, under the name of Aten & ^luncev. The new firm extended their business, building a warehouse for the purchase of grain, hides, etc., and opened a lumber yard near the railroad depot. In the summer of 1876 their warehouse was destroyed by fire. This they at once replaced by building a fine elevator. They continued their business until 1878, when Mr. Aten sold his store to A. H. Marsh, and in 1880 sold his elevator to Cargill Bros., of LaCrosse.

The first furniture store was built by Jas. N. Priest, of Preston, Minnesota, who occupied it until the winter of 1872, when, becoming dissatisfied, he disposed of his stock and rented his store to the firm of Warren Bros. They continued business but a few months, selling out in the spring of 1873 to A. L. Sleeper & Sons, who removed their drugs from the store of John Aten, thus adding groceries to their former business.

A. L. Sleeper came from Vermont to Brownsdale in 1862. His sons became associated with him in business in 1871. The story of the Sleeper enterprises is told in their biographies.

John C. Sanborn opened the first butcher shop in Brownsdale in 1871. He sold out to Billings & Robinson and then for some time engaged in the sale of agricultiu'al implements.

In the spring of 1872 Samuel Dundee, of Belfast, Ireland; Herman Gunz, of Austin, and Harvey E. Austin, of BroAvnsdale, entered into a partnership known as the Brownsdale Bagging Company, their object being the manufacture of coarse cloth from flax, suitable for encasing cotton bales. For this purpose a large stone building was erected, called the "Brownsdale Bagging Company," the stone being brought from Fountain for its construction. The machinery, which was quite intricate, was brought from Belfast, where Mr. Dundee had been engaged in similar business. For a time the enterprise promised success. Many of the farmers in the vicinity pledged themselves to raise flax, an amount being contracted to the company sufficient to supply all demands. But a poor crop of flax, together with the removal of the duty on jute, so disheartened the company that they abandoned operations after sustaining no small pecuniary loss. In the spring of 1875 the mill was sold to "jMarston Bros. & Lawrence," the firm consisting of Frank Lawrence, of Vermont, and his stepsons, George Marston, of Cincinnati, and Edwin Marston, of Austin, by whom new machinery was purchased, converting it into a flouring mill. This did not prove a financial success and the mill was sold by them a year later to H. E. Anderson and A. I. Brown, who manufactured flour for a year or two. It was used as a flouring mill by various persons with varied success until 1882. when tlie macliincry was sold to S. Alderson, of Austin, and removed to Tliniiijtnii. Iowa.

Serious Water Spout

A water spout occurred three and a half miles east of Brownsdale, June 20, 1874. About fifteen inches of water fell in a short time, washing away one of the abutments to a railroad bridge. A passenger train passed over the bridge safely, but a freight train was not so fortunate, and the engine and nine cars broke through. The engineer, J. D. Brown, was badly injured, and the fireman, ]\I. J. Cummings, was killed.

In 1871, Browiisdale had the following improvements : Twentyfive dwellings, including three boarding houses, and five portions of stores used as dwellings ; eleven buildings used for mercantile and manufacturing purposes, including one flax factory, one wagon shop, one hardware store, one grocery store, three of general merchandise, one harness shop, one boot and shoe and millinery shop, one butcher shop, one saloon, and a postoffice building; five buildings for the handling of grain, including one elevator, and four warehouses - two of these, however, having been destroyed by fire during the winter - a church and public school house; two lumber yards and a flax factory were also in operation.

In the fall of 1885, Brownsdale had two churches. Baptist and Christian, a well laid out cemetery, a postoffice and a school. The following were the business men of the village at that time: G. W. Gray, F. il. Johnson, physicians ; A. J. Hunt, attorney and real estate; E. J. Stimson, postmaster; A. L. Sleeper, B- F- Bacon, W. H. Lawrence, merchants ; T. K. Dahle, hardware dealer ; R. "SY. Stowe, dealer in farm machinery; Ole Hanson, Peter Stendel, blacksmith ; Jens Jepsen, wagon maker ; Chas. L. Knox, meat market ; P. L. Kramer, furniture dealer ; Paul Hinze, boot and shoe store; AY. D. ]\Iiner, hotel and livery; G. E. Rolph, J. AYinans. refreshments ; C. L. Colman, Hodges & Hyde, Cargill Bros., AYigins & Davis, grain dealers; Charles Gage, insurance agent; J. B. Graves, Steve Ires, J. N. Thatcher, A. Swift, contractors; Mrs. V. A. Lamb, dressmaker; Mi's. Susan L. Foward, IMrs. Jane Sanborn, milliners; Prof. AY. G. Elliott, Helen S. AA^ilder, teachers; Albert Swift, barber; A. D. AA'ilson, station agent; J. H. AVideman, hay dealer; ]M. B. Johnson, drayman; S. Peek, shooting gallery; Fred Hatch, restaurant; Caroline Cassedy, laundry; Sleeper & Sons, creanierv and stock vards.

Modern Brownsdale

Brownsdale is a prosperous and busy village on the Southern Minnesota railroad, and contains some three hundred souls. It is well laid out, presents a busy appearance and has a number of prosperous business concerns. Here are found Baptist and Methodist churches, a hotel, an opera house, elevators, a creamery, fly paper factories, general stores, a school, a cornet band, a telephone exchange and a number of comfortable residences. One of the features of the landscape is the verdure which furnishes a refreshing shade in the summer months. These trees were planted from seed gathered by H. A. Brown on the banks of the Cedar river. These trees are of ash and elm, and many are now six feet in circumference. There is a fire water supply system and a pumping station also.

Prominent among the fraternal organizations of Brownsdale are La Fayette Lodge, No. 116, A. F. & A. M. ; Mizpah Chapter, No. 36, 0. E. S. ; and the Henry Rogers Post, G. A. R.

La Fayette Lodge, No. 116, A. F. & A. M., of Brownsdale, was organized under dispensation March 5, 1874. The first officers were Stephen Ives, W. M. ; 0. R. York, S. W. ; E. W. Connor, J. W. ; N. A. Sumner, secretary ; John Steen, treasurer ; H. Honsman, S. D.; A. McGoAvan, J. D. ; L. L. Lamb, tyler. The lodge worked under dispensation until January 13, 1876, when a charter was issued by the Grand Lodge, under which the lodge has since been working. The charter membei's are Stephen Ives, 0. R. York, John Hoy, A. McGowan, J. B. Graves, E. J. Stimson, A. Lonsbury and L. L. Lamb. All of these have joined the Grand Lodge above except J. B. Graves, A. Lonsbury and 0. R. York. The lodge, in its first days, held their meetings in the second story of a house belonging to E. J. Stimson. They now own their large two-story building, 30x74. The upper story is used for a lodge room and dining room and the lower room for opera house. The lodge room is well equipped with furniture, carpets and organ. The dining room is furnished with dishes and silverware, due to the management of the ladies of the Eastern Star. The present membership of the order is sixty-eight. The Past Ma.sters are Stephen Ives, N. A. Sumner, J. B. Graves, L. Kirkland, 0. A. Sleeper, Charles Gage, D. L. Tanner, C. Erickson, G. W. Gray, Geo. Foster, T. F. Bacon, A. B. Warren, J. N. Thatcher, F. 0. Tanner and M. J. McGowan, all of whom are alive but Stephen Ives. The lodge, since it was organized, has made 129 Ma.ster Masons. The present officers are : AV. B. Sleeper, W. M. ; Henry Stephenson, S. W. ; S. K. Dahle, J. W. ; N. K. Dahle, treasurer ; J. N. Thatcher, secretary ; A. B. Warren, S. D. ; 0. D. Lambert,

Mizpah Chapter, No. 36, 0. E. S., was organized May 22, 1888. The charter members were: H. A. Brown, J. B. Graves, E. J. Stimson, Chas. Gage, D. L. Tanner, J. N. Thatcher, John Hoy, A. B. Warren, W. B. Sleeper and the wives of each. The first officers were : Mrs. Mary L. Brown, W. M. ; E. J. Stimson, W. P. ; Mrs. Aurelia Thatcher, A. M. ; Chas. Gage, secretary; Mrs. E. G. Tompkins, treasurer; Mrs. Lydia Stimson, C. ; Mrs. Margaret Graves, A. C. ; Mrs. Emma Tanner, Ada ; Mrs. Percival Hoy, Ruth; ]\Irs. Emma Sleeper, Esther; Mrs. Anna Gage, Martha; Mrs. Emma Warren, Electa ; J. N. Thatcher, W. ; H. A. Brown, S. Of the charter members, E. G. Tompkins, Mr. and Mrs. Stimson, Mrs. Mary Brown, Mr. Hoy and Mrs. Tanner have been called to the "land where death comes not." The chapter has grown and prospered. There have been 109 initiated, with a present membership of seventy-four. Mizpah Chapter has always occupied the Masonic hall, and has worked in harmony with the brotherhood. The first piece of furniture the chapter bought was the organ, and it is still in use. When the Masons built and moved into their new hall it was the chapter that bought the carpet, curtains, stove and in a few years the new chairs and lamps. There is also a well equipped dining room and kitchen connected with the hall. The chapter has bought fully half the furnishings. The chapter is on a good financial basis, and socially it has been a success. There have been lasting friendships formed, and a true fraternal feeling exists between its members. Mrs. Emma Sleeper is the present W. M. ; W. H. Lawrence, W. P. ; Mrs. Leota Hoy, A. M.

Henry Rogers Post, G. A. R., was organized February 4, 1882. Commander R. A. Burleson, of Post No. 3, of Spring Valley, Fillmore county, was detailed to muster the new Post. The first ofHcers were : Albert Swift, C. ; Alfred Launsbury, S. V. C. ; Burr ]\Iaxwell, I. v. C. ; Henry Harris, S. ; C. S. Beaulieu, chaplain; Charles Gage, 0. D. ; C. A. Warren, adjutant ; M. B. Johnson, Q. M. ; F. A. Carll, 0. G. ; N. N. Palmeter, sergeant mayor ; George R. Church, Q. M. Sergeant. These, with the following, constitute the charter members : B. M. Carll, A. J. Hunt, W. W. Lamb, John Hedigard, Samuel Church, Alonzo Rose. The Post was named "Henry Rogers" in honor of the gallant services rendered by Colonel Henry C. Rogers during the rebellion, and the noble traits of character exhibited by him in afte:>- life, both as a private citizen and a public officer. The story of the monument erected to him is told elsewhere.

JMemorial Day and Memorial Sunday are still fittingly observed, and as a rule the people generally lay aside their worldly cares on these occasions and mingle with the survivors of the Civil war in paying tribute to the memory of those who struggled and those who fell to continue the life of the grandest country and the best government on earth.

In the summer of 1899 a fire occurred on the corner of ilain and Mill streets, by which eight buildings were burned. In that fire the Post record book was burned. In the years following. Albert Swift served as commander until December 8, 1888, when C. A. Warren was elected and served two years. December 10, 1910, Albert Swift was again chosen to command.

Methodist Episcopal Church. The first Methodist Episcopal services in Brownsdale were held by the Rev. Moses Mapes, in the year 1856. A year later, the Rev. Mr. Dyer organized the work; Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Schimmerhorn, Mr. and Mrs. John Call and Mrs. F. M. Drown were among the charter members. Among the prominent preachers of early days, besides the two above mentioned, were the Rev. Trowbridge, Rev. David Tice and Rev. Mr. Satterlee. As yet they had no church building, services were not held regularly and the work was not very strong. In May, 1889, Rev. Robert Forbes, D. D., presiding elder at that time, reorganized the work, and Rev. H. L. St. Clair was appointed the first resident pastor. In the spring of 1890 work was begun on II new house of worship, and in the fall of 1891 the present church was finished and dedicated, during Rev. B. E. Sherwin's pastox*- ate. In the summer of 1895, while Rev. A. McCausland was pastor, a parsonage was built. The church has maintained its place and made steady progress since its organization, being now the head of a circuit of three churches. The Brownsdale church has a membership of eighty-two with a flourishing Sunday school of !143 memliers. Rev. Harry W. Bedford, the present pastor, was appointed to the cliurch in October, 1909.

First Baptist Church. In the spring of 1856, among the early settlers of the township was Rev. Milo Frary, a Baptist clergyman, from Connecticut. He seems to have been devoted to his calling, for asking little or no compensation, lie preached quite regularly at the schoolhouse in Brownsdale, for two or three years. After he left, other ministers of the same denomination preached here at irregular intervals. Prominent among tlu'm was

Rev. H. I. Parker, formerly of Beaver Dam, then a resident of Austin. Rev. Mr. Parker organized a Baptist church May 26, 1867, at the residence of A. H. Marsh, consisting of the following members: A. H. Marsh, Mrs. A. H. Marsh, L. W. Thompson, jMrs. L. Edwards. At the same time the following were accepted as candidates for baptism, that rite being administered the ensuing Sunday : Lucius Edwards, E. W. Conner, Mrs. E. W. Conner. Mr. Parker continued to preach to them and at the Baptist church at Austin on alternate Suntiays, until the following November, when he was succeeded by Rev. N. Whittemore, who preached to them until July, 1868, from Avhich time the church was witliout a pastor until January, 1869, when Mr. Parker resumed his pastoral relations with it, continuing to preach here as before, on alternate Sundays, until the spring of 1871.

The meetings had been held in the schoolhouse, but by previous notice the citizens of Red Rock gathered at the store of B. F. Bacon on June 25, 1869, to see about the erection of a Baptist church building. As A. D. and H. A. Brown donated tlie corner on Oak and Main streets for a site, the soliciting committee soon reported $1,795 subscribed, six citizens signing $100 each and the rest signing from $75 down to $10. The building was erected in 1870 by J. B. Graves.

In September, 1871, Rev. Thomas Weaver was called to the pulpit. He remained with the church until October 2. 187i. From this, time no regular preaching services were held in the church for several years, after which being somewhat in debt for their church building, they sold it to the Congregational society, receiving money enough to pay their indebtedness, and taking a mortgage to secure the payment of the balance. The Congregational society finding themselves unable to meet obligations, relinquished all claim on the church building, which thus came again into the possession of the Baptist society. The church has had no regular preaching until the fall of 1882, when Rev. C. D. Belden took charge of the same, holding service here once in two weeks. In January, 1884, a series of meetings was commenced by Mr. Belden and continued about six weeks, resulting in the addition of twenty-one, the membership then being thirty-four. j\Ir. Belden supplied the pulpit at intervals until August, 1887, when the church was supplied with new pews. From September, 1887, until May, 1888, Rev. T. S. Eigelberner supplied the pulpit. In October, 1889, W. J. Sanborn came from New Hampshire and supplied the pulpit for a year. In September, 1891, Rev. M. Stadtfelt of Byron, became pastor, remaining until April, 1893. In 1895 the residence of A. J. Hunt was purchased for a parsonage. The following have been pastors since in the order named : Rev. S. IMcMinis, June. 1898. to August. 1894; Rev. E. Williams,

Christian Chvirch, The first members of the Christian church in this place were Mr. and Mrs. John Setzer and their daughter, Mary, from Virginia, who came to this state in July, 1857. The first religious services of this denomination were held in the schoolhouse in Brownsdale, June, 1858, by Elder Grant, of Browuville, Minn. A few weeks later, in July, 1858, a church was organized by Elder Charles Le Van, consisting of the following members: John Setzer, Abegal Setzer, Hilliard Tilton, Mary Tilt on, Henry C. Rogers, Lydia A. Stimson, Philip Setzer, Emily Setzer, Thomas Aired, Sarah Aired, Harvey E. Anderson, Ann Anderson, Frank Wood, Barbary Rugg, Charles F. Hardy, Augusta Dunton and Amanda Setzer. During the summer of 1876 the church erected a small church edifice costing something over $1,000. After a time the congregation was scattered. The building was sold and the money gNen to the Christian church at Austin.

Free Will Baptist Church. This church was organized sometime in 1859, by Rev. ]\Ir. Reeves, of Pleasant Grove, who Avith Rev. Mr. Chamberlain, of Fillmore county, held a series of meetings in the schoolhouse in Brownsdale. Among the first members were: Mrs. Nehemiah AVoodard, Mrs. Almeda Johnson, J. L. Leshcr, Mrs. J. L. Lesher.

Rev. John L. Lesher, the first settled pastor, came from Wisconsin to this place in 1859. He preached here for several years, when he moved to Udolpho, and subsequently to Iowa. After he left, the church, never a strong one, became so reduced by removals and deaths that its organization Avas given up. This church was merged in the other Baptist church,

The Red Rock Creamery Association was incorporated in 1883 Avith a capital stock of $10,000, Avith the folloAving officers: President, L. Kirkland; secretary, Charles Gage; treasurer, J. B. Graves; directors, Peter Hanson, T. K. Dahl, and D. L. Tanner. CoAvs not being plenty, the creamery struggled along, manufacturing from 25,000 to 50,000 pounds of butter annually until 1903, Avhen the present management took hold of it, and built it up to the present mark of 190,000 pounds a year, a record which Avas

Cargill Elevator. Joe Starkey took charge of the elevator August 1, 1890, and remained in charge for three years. Earl Miner then took charge for five years, until 1898. Ralph Muney took charge for one year, until 1899. Then Mr. Schroeder took charge for three years until 1902. Then Martin Stephenson bought the Cargill elevator and operated it until 1905, selling it to the Pierce-Stephenson Elevator Company. In 1907 Mr. Stephenson bought back the elevator and has owned it ever since. The La Crosse Grain Company, of which ]\Ir. Stephenson is president, owns elevators at Dexter, Renova, Racine and Sargeant.

Martin Stephenson came to the United States March 28, 1877, from Denmark, and located in Brownsdale, working on the railroad until 1879. He then worked in the elevator for Bonner, Wheeler & Hyde, being in their employ for two years. Bonner & "Wheeler withdrew from the company and the firm of Hodges & Hyde, was organized and Mr. Stephenson was employed by this firm for ten years. Mr. Hodges then withdrew from the company and the S. Y. Hyde Elevator Company was organized and ^Ir. Stephenson worked for this company for fourteen years, uutil the Pierce-Stephenson Elevator Company was organized. This firm continued for two years, until the La Crosse Grain Company Avas organized, and Mr. Stephenson is now the president and manager for tliis company. Mr. Stephenson was married in 1881 to Caroline Thompto, five children have been born to them, Henry, Marion, Stanley, Grace, and Knute, all living.

The Huntting Elevator. Stokes and Drown built an elevator about the year 1890, and operated it for four years, when they sold out to George AV. Hunt, who operated the elevator for ten years, selling out to the Huntting Elevator Company in 1904, who have operated the elevator ever since, C. M. Syek being their buyer.

Brownsdale Telephone Exchange. In 1899 Avhile engaged in the newspaper business, L. L. Quimby conceived the idea that it would be a fine thing to have a telephone in the depot. In tins the business men concurred, each purchasing their own teleplione instrument and Mr. Quimby, Avith the financial assistance of (i. M. Sliorlt, the depot agent, put up the line, Avith nine telephones on it, charging each subscriber 50 cents per month. Later I^lr. Shortt sold his interest to :Mr. Quimby. In the fall of 1900 the storekeeper at ]\rayville called for a phone and Avith a fcAV farmers on between, the line Avas put up, George "Wuertz being the first fanner to sign up. Alost of tlie farmei-s Avere ratlier skeptical at first, but it has proved to be such a good thing that nearly everyone began calling for phones. The exchange has grown so that it now embraces the villages of Lansing, Brownsdale, Waltham, Sargeant and Mayville and the farmers between, and the lines are continually being extended. Telephone rentals are $1 per month, with night and day service and long distance connection so that the farmer can talk to the nearest market or the remotest city.

Present Business. Among the present business houses of Brownsdale may be mentioned: A. E. Warren, general merchant ; State Bank of Brownsdale, N. K. Dahle, president ; George M. Shortt, cashier; N.- K. Dahle & Co., hardware, furniture, machinery and agricultural implements ; commercial hotel, De Witt Holbrook, proprietor; C. F. Coleman Lumber Co.; 'M. G. Braun, city meat market ; C. 0. Sleeper, patent medicines, notions and groceries ; Brownsdale Telephone Exchange Comi^any, L. L. Quimb.y, secretary and manager; Huntting Elevator Company, grain and seeds, established in 1860, J. H. Ellsworth, president ; C. E. Huntting, treasurer; D. S. Baird, secretary; C. A. Sleeper, dry goods and notions; James Fries, general blacksniithing and plow work ; J. W. Dishon, shoes, harnesses, blankets and whips ; La Crosse Grain Company, grain, seeds and coal, M. Stephenson, president ; N. K. Dahle, vice president ; George M. Shortt, secretary and treasurer ; Ole Hanson, blacksniithing ; J. N. Thatcher & Sons, contractors and builders ; Pace & Iverson, painters and paper hangers ; Mrs. Carlos Sleeper, millinery goods ; Hunt & Sleeper, real estate ; George Gammell, live stock and poultry ; J. P. Knoz, barber ; Charles Hoy, drayman ; H. C. Volkmann, stone mason; A. L. Sleeper & Sons, Sleeper's Lightning Fly Poison; George Gilleland, feed mill; Red Rock Creamery Association, W. B. Sleeper, president ; J. B. Graves, treasurer ; W. H. Lawrence, secretary and treasurer.

Disastrous Fires

Brownsdale was visited January 9, 1880, by a fire which destroyed Cargill & Van's elevator and ruined or burned 35,000 bushels of grain, entailing a loss in all of about $50,000.

In the summer of 1899, the village was swept by a fire which devastated the corner of Main and Mill streets and destroyed eight buildings, causing a heavy loss.