Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 30: Leroy Township and Village, 1911

Chapter 30: Leroy Township and Village

Location and Area - First Events - Early Settlement - Organization - Old Village - LeRoy Village - Beginning the New Village - LeRoy in 1868 - Early Business - LeRoy in 1871 - LeRoy in 1884 - Religious - Cemeteries - Modern LeRoy - Disasters.

This is the southeast corner township of Mower county, and comprises congressional township 101 north, range 14 west. It is bounded on the north by Bennington township, on the east by Fillmore county, on the south by Howard county in Iowa, and on the west by Lodi township.

The general surface of the township is undulating prairie land, the soil of which is a dark rich loam, Avith sand enough in its composition to make it one of the most productive in the entire county. Along the streams for a considerable distance back there is a limestone base, with somewhat of a lighter soil, but none too much so for the production of abundant crops. The whole township is, by nature and formation, calculated for successful farming. All the grains and grasses grow in all their luxuriance.

The principal water courses of the township are the upper Iowa and its branches. The former enters the township on section 19, passing across the northeast quarter of section 30, on through sections 29, 28, 27, thence across the northeast portion of sections 31 and 35 to section 36, from which section it flows into Howard cormty, Iowa, and so on down to the Mississippi river. A branch of this stream drains the northern and central parts of the township and makes a confluence with the main stream on section 28.

Another everflowing stream courses through sections 30 and 31. This is known as Spring Creek, and enters the upper Iowa river from section 30. There are also numerous cold, pure springs gushing to the surface in various parts of the township. They make their appearance nearly on a level with the waters of the upper Iowa river and usually become covered by the river waters at its high stages. One peculiarly striking and valuable spring bubbles up from the earth on the northwest quarter of section 29. This is a strong mineral spring, partaking of iron. The township is amply supplied with the best of building stone. It is the best quality of limestone which is near the surface, in ledges ranging from four to eighteen inches in thickness, and extending nearly a mile back from the streams. From this stone the .best of lime is burned.

Settlement

The beginuing of settlement iii this township dates back to 1853, when Isaac Van Houghton, George Squires, J. S. Priest, Moses Niles and Isaac Armstrong came to a county all untried by white men, and here set about making homes for themselves. Van Houghton came with the state line surveyors in 1852. He Avas pleased with the county and its future prospects, concluded to claim lands, and also induced the other members of the party just mentioned to come and seek a home with him. They all came from the same neighborhood, near Lansing, Iowa. Van Houghton claimed the southeast quarter of section 36, and Squires the northwest quarter of the same section. This, however, was prior to the subdivision of land into sections, and when it came to be thiis surveyed it was found their lands were on the school section, and as they could not prove up on it. Van Houghton sold his claim improvements in June, 1851:, to Fayette Lincoln and at once returned to Iowa, remained a few years, and from there moved to Michigan, where he died. Squires sold his claim to Daniel Caswell in 1855, and soon after moved to Owatonna, where he remained till 1859, and then moved to California. Niles and Priest claimed the southeast half of section 35. They also disposed of their lands before the war broke out. Niles moved to Anoka eoiinty and Priest to Nebraska, where he w^as killed in a well. Armstrong claimed the west half of section 33. In 1851 he sold to William Gilson and went to Steele county. In 1858 he returned to this county, lived a year and then moved to Buchanan county, Iowa. He served in the LTnion army, and while in the service died. In June, 1851, Lafayette Lincoln, a native of Vermont, came from Dane county, Wisconsin, and bought Van Houghton's claim. He erected a frame house - the first in the township - broke forty acres and lived thereon till 1856, when he sold to James W. Prentice and moved over the line into Howard county, Iowa. Prentice was a native of Vermont, but came from Postville, Iowa, to this township. He died prior to 1882.

During the same year, 1854, George and John Britt, Samuel Bacon, Palmer H. Stevens, Moses Vargason and Wentworth Hayes came in to swell the already fair-sized colony of pioneers. The Britts were from Indiana. George claimed the northwest quarter of section 19, where he built a log cabin and broke about ten acres of land. In 1855 he sold to P. F. Iluntly and made a claim on section 20, which he sold the following autumn to A. D. Parks. He moved to Chain Lake, Iowa, at which point he had trouble with the Indians, and by whom he was shot and badly wounded. Later, he moved to his native state. Vargason was a native of Pennsylvania, coming from Waukon. Iowa, to this place. He preempted the west half of the southeast quarter of section 33. He lived there about ten years, then sold out and bought land on section 35, on which place he died in 1879. Hayes was from New Hampshire. He preempted the north half of the southeast quarter of section 29, and west half of the southwest quarter of section 28.

The winter of 1854 having come and gone and the spring of 1855 far advanced, there were others who made settlement. Among this number were A. J. Palmer, Nathan McNeil, Ziba B. Dailey, Lester Congdon, David Allen, LeGrand Johnson, J. C. Jones, "VY. B. Spencer, James Sample, P. F. Huntly, John Frank, A. D. Park, Henry Edmonds, Joseph Lytle, Sylvester McArthur, Ed. Whitcomb, Daniel Caswell, James Story, E. F. McKee, Reuben Allen. IMcNeil came from Illinois, but by nativity was a Canadian. He preempted the northwest quarter of section 34, which is the land upon which the village of LeRoy now stands. He was of a restless nature and hence never stopped long in one place. In 1857 he sold out and moved to Howard county, Iowa. Later, he moved to Dakota. Dailey was a native of Pennsylvania, coming from Boone county, Indiana, to this township, settling on section 34. Congdon came from Belvidere, Illinois, and located on the southeast cpiarter of section 28, where he lived some years, but later moved to Bradford, Bremer county, Iowa. Park came from New York. He settled on section 20, where he remained, in 1884. Lytle came from Pennsylvania, settling on the southeast of section 17. In 1864, he sold out and moved to Nebraska. Johnson was a native of Pennsylvania also. He preempted land on the southwest quarter of section 35. He died there the summer of 1861. Spencer, another Pennsylvanian, located on a claim bought from John Britt, on sections 20 and 29. Later he preempted another farm. James Sample, Sr., a native of Canada, came from Illinois to Mower county, and made a claim on section 6, which he sold a year or two later to Elihue Morse, after which he made another claim in Fillmore county, where he died. Frank was a native of Germany, born at Frankfort-on-the-Main. He came on in 1855, but did not make an actual settlement until 1856, when he bought the northwest quarter of section 30, where he still lives, having become one of the leading men of southern Minnesota. Hi;ntly was formerly from New York, coming from Iowa here, and buying a claim of George Britt on section 19. Palmer was also from New York. He came in the month of June and preempted the northeast quarter of section 34. For a time he lived in the old village of LeRoy, where he had an interest in the mill. John was a practicing physician - the first to settle in the township. He preempted 120 acres on the northeast quarter of section 29. It was nearly all timber land. He built a log hous(>. culti- vated a garden spot and remained till 1857, when he sold out and located on section 8, Avhere his mother had preempted land. In 1865 he sold to J. R. Mason and moved to Missouri. His wife was also a physician. Allen was another representatiA^e from New York ; he was a grandnephew of Ethan Allen. He had b'ien brought up on the frontier, being a pioneer in Canada, Michigan, and Illinois. He was a great hunter, and accounted an excellent shot. As the eountj'- was fast settling up he became restless, and in 1859 sold, and with his family Avent to California. Edmonds had settled in Fillmore county in 1854. He bought the Avater power and adjacent land of Henry Stevens, who preempted it and had erected a saw mill. He sold to Palmer, Caswell & Shook, and returned to his farm in Fillmore county, four miles east of the present village of LeRoy. EdAvard Whitcomb came from "Wisconsin and preempted 120 acres on section 21, and later moved to section 31, Avhere he died in 1883.

In 1856, F. Bevier, LcAvis MathcAVS, Horace Barber, Isaac Smith, J. M. Wyckofie, A. J. Porter, Elder Tabor, N. P. Todd, Elihue Morse, George Clapper, Samuel Hale, W. A. Gilson, Chas. Bell, Albert Estlie and many others came in for settlement. Morse was from Connecticut, coming here from Indiana, and settled on the northAvest quarter of section 6, and was the first settler in the northern part of the township. Charles Bell came from Indiana in the month of June, and claimed the northeast quarter of section 19. He sold this place in 1861, and moved to section 17. Bevier Avas from Ncav York. He preempted the east half of the southAvest quarter of section 27, and the Avest half of the southeast quarter of that section. MathcAvs Avas also a native of New York, but came here from Rock county, Wisconsin. He first settled at the old town of LeRoy, where he bought an interest in the mill property on section 26. He lived in the tOAAai about ten years, then sold and moved to Montour, Tama county, Iowa, where he engaged in banking and merchandising. Smith was a native of Maine. He preempted the south half of section 19. He was a man finely educated and a teacher. In 1870 he moA'ed to Dodge county, Minnesota, and still later to Mapleton, Blue Earth county. He represented that county in the legislature at one time. He was ordained a Free Will Baptist minister while there. He died in the fall of 1882. Barber Avas a native of Vermont, coming here from Illinois, settling on section 35. He was a single man at the time, but married in 1858. He died about 1878. Wyckoff and Todd Avere both natives of Ncav Jersey, and came directly to Minnesota. The former settled on the northeast quarter of section 30, where he lived until 1862. He is now living in tlw village, where he is a venerable and distinguished citizen. Todd settled on the soutlnvest quarter of section

30. In 1859 he returned to his native state. Gilson was a native of Albany, New York. He went hack to that state in a year or two and married. He preempted the east half of the southwest and east half of the northwest quarter of section 33. He lived there till 1857 and built a house and store in the old town of LeRoy, where he engaged in the mercantile business.

Elder John Tabor, of the IVIethodist denomination, was a native of England. He settled on section 10, where he lived two years. In 1883 he moved to New IMexico, to a point a])out forty miles from Trinadad.

Among others avIio came in 1857 were Justus Nason, FAms Gardner, George Emery, C. H. Cotton, AY. H. Graham, Robert Hedatint and Rudolph Miller; also Caleb Lewis and Charles Smith. Nason was a native of New Hampshire, coming from Boone county, Illinois, settling on section 13. Gardner came from Illinois, settling on section 26. In the time of the Civil war he sold and returned to that state. Emery, a native of ]\Iassachusetts, settled on the southeast quarter of section 13 and lived there about two years, when he returned to the east. C. H. and T. AY. Cotton, brothers, were formerly from New York, but came here from Illinois. The former preempted the north half of the south half of section 23. T. W., his brother, entered the northwest of section 24. A few years later he sold out and moved to Faribault county. Hale, an Englishman by birth, came from Illinois and settled on the northeast of section 9. Graham and Hedafint both came from Ireland. The first named settled on the northeast of section 23, and later moved to St. Louis. Hedatint settled on section 14, and in 1884 lived at Fort Dodge, Iowa. Alilier, a native of Switzerland, settled on the southeast quarter of section 12. Later he moved across the line into Beaver township, Fillmore county. Caleb Lewis also came that year, from Indiana, and bought Mr. Jennings out on section 7. He built the first brick farm house in LeRoy township.

During the year 1857 the first Norwegian settlements in the town were made by E. Burns and Soren Engelson. The former claimed the southwest quarter of section 10, and the latter the southeast of the same section. They built a shanty of poles, which they roofed w^ith sod and grass. The shanty was placed on the line, so as to cover both claims. After proving up on these claims they returned to Illinois. In 1858 Burns returned and settled on his land. He was a resident of the town until 1867, when he moved to "NYinona. In 1858 Aling Thompson and Andrew Larson came. Thompson settled in section 3; but later moved to section 10. where he now resides. Larson first settled on section 3. He afterward moved to section 22, where he died. Ole Knudson

First Events

John Van Houghton and J. S. Priest were the first to settle in the township. They came in 1853. The first log house was raised in the spring of 1853, on the north bank of the Iowa river, on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 36, by John S. Priest. The first child born in the township was Ottis T. Caswell, born early in 1856. The first marriage was that of Isaac Van Houghton and a Miss Armstrong, sister of Isaac Armstrong. This took place in the spring of 1853. As this was prior to the county being organized, there was no justice of the peace by whom the marriage ceremony eoiild be performed, consequently they went over the Iowa state line into Oakdale township, Howard county, and there under an oak tree, on the northwest quarter of section 11, township 100, range 14, the marriage rite was performed. The first death was a son of Fayette Lincoln, in the winter of 1856. He was frozen to death.

Organization

The township of LeRoy was organized at a meeting liehl at Daniel Caswell's, May 11, 1858. John D. Cowles Avas cho>cii moderator and Enos A. Hall clerk of the meeting. The following were the first officers elected: N. P. Todd, clerk; Chailes Smith, assessor; A. J. Porter, collector; George AV. Bishop. ZiI)h B. Daily, William B. Spencer, supervisors ; B. Wakefield and P. C. Sheffield, justices of the peace; A. J. Porter and Winslow Kaymond, constables; Daniel Caswell, overseer of roads.

In November, the same year, B. Wakefield resigned as justice of the peace and John D. Cowles was appointed to succeed him. G. W. Bishop also resigned as chairman of the board, and Isaac Smith was appointed to fill the vacancy. At the first township meeting the following resolutions were passed : Resolved, That $125 be raised to defray the expenses of the township for the ensuing year; That swine be not allowed to run at large at any season of the year; That sheep be not allowed to run at large; That a lawful fence shall consist of not less than one four and one half-feet high, containing not less than three rails or boards to each panel; Tliat all liorses and cattle not known to ])e breechy are allowed to run at large.

Among others who held office at an early day Avere: J. M. Wyckoff, Elias Gardner, J. C. Jones, William A. Gibson, Lester Congdon, T. P. Ropes, James Grant, James M. IMason, C. H. Cotton, E. F. McKee, J. T. Williams, G. M. Alsdorff and C. A. Roy.

Old Village Of Leroy

The original, or, as it is usually styled, the "old towu of LeRoy, " is located on the Little Iowa river, on section 28, township 101, range 14. When the railroad was built through the township in 1867, a station was made at what is now LeRoy village. This absorbed all the commercial interests of the older place, and finally left it a defunct village, the remains of which, financially speaking, are only dear to the memory of a generation whose mortal race is nearly run. A mill and a beautiful park now occupy a part of the site of the old village.

The first actual settler in what was known as the "old village,"' Avas Henry Edmonds, who came from Wisconsin in 1854, and located first in Fillmore county, but a few months later came to this point. April 13, 1855, he raised a saw mill on the east bank of the Little Iowa river, at a point on the southeast cjuarter of the northeast quarter of section 28, township 101, range 14 west, within what was afterward the limits of the old village of LeRoy, the lands being bought by him of P. H. Stevens and wife, October 9, 1855.

In the spring of 1856, Mr. Edmonds sold the mill together with the east half of the northwest and the west half of the northeast quarter of said section, to Daniel Caswell, Martin L. Shook and Adoniran J. Palmer. In the summer of that year (1856), Mr. Shook sold his interest to Lewis Mathews, who came from Wisconsin. The company, as then composed, surveyed and platted the "old village" of LeRoy, April 24, 1857. In 1858 Daniel Caswell sold his interest in the saw mill and all that part of the "old village" lying on the east side of the river to Palmer and Mathews, and purchased of Palmer and Mathews their interest in all that portion of said village west of the river. In 1858-59 Palmer and ^Mathews changed the saw mill into a grist mill. Later on Mathews sold his interest to A. J. Palmer, Avho still later sold to I. H. Thompson, Avhose son, F. J. Thompson, now owns it.

In 1856, Henry Edmonds put up a frame building on the site of the "old village" and started the first store therein. He only continued a short time and sold to John D. Coles. He operated it until sometime during the Civil war, when he sold out and Avent to Missouri.

The same year (1856), E. F. McKee opened a blacksmith shop in the place, beginning work in the fall, in a building Avhich he erected for that purpose. He ran the shop till the ncAV village Avas started in 1867, Avhen he removed there.

AY. A. Gilson came from Albany, New York, in the spring of 1856, and bought some land a short distance from the old town. About one year later he sold out and moved to the village, where he erected a building and started a general merchandise store. When the railroad was built he moved to the new town and remained in trade until 1875, when he removed to Minneapolis. He was burned out in the big LeRoy fire in 1869, and was after- Avard in partnership with D. C. Corbitt. AVentworth Hayes started a general merchandise store in the old town. AVhen LeRoy station was platted he removed there. P. C. Sheffield came here from Illinois in 1857, and located upon a farm on section 22. For a number of years he taught singing school in this neighborhood and finally in 1865 he started a store in the town which he ran for a short time. Among other improvements made at the "old village," was the erection of a school house, which was built and occupied in 1858. In 1884 there were about a dozen houses remaining at the "old village," as landmarks of the past quarter of a century. At the present time there is quite a settlement there, but no business interests except the old mill

Leroy Village

LeRoy village is situated on the northwest quarter and north 30 rods of the southwest quarter of section 34, township 101, range 14 west, and on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 33. It was platted in 1867, during the mouth of August, by -J. H. McAlvin, P. M. Glathart, and Orlando McCraney, and was then called LeRoy Station. The first train of cars reached this point the first Sunday in August, 1867. It is situated in one of the finest farm and stock raising sections in the state. All lines of mercantile, mechanical and professional business are well represented. Ever since it was platted it has had a steady, healthy growth, and is one of the leading villages in southern [Minnesota.

Beginning The New Village

August 21, 1867, Frank M. Goodykoontz unloaded in LeRoy the first load of lumber for an office building. The village, however, was not really commenced, or lots surveyed and platted until about September 5. The construction train reached this point about the first of the month, but it was about the 15th before lumber could be readily obtained, and in sufficient quantities to supply tlie demand. Buildings were then erected in quick succession by F. M. Goodykoontz, J. W. Hill, E. F. IMcKee, Corbett & Allen, W. W. Gilson, Charles Smith and many others

From September 15 to the time in October when the rails were all laid between Austin and LeRoy, the regular passenger trains from McGregor ran to the station, connecting with M. 0. Walker's line of stages to Austin. The railroad station was commenced about September 1 and soon finished.

Nearly two miles northeast of the station was situated the ' ' old town. ' ' It was confidently expected that the railroad would touch at this place, even up to within three weeks of the time when the location of the station became public. This was a fine place. There was a good hotel, a flour mill, two or three stores and a blacksmith shop, besides several dwelling places. Through the poor management of those owning lands upon which the railroad company wished to locate the station, a new town was started by the railroad company, and the old town left out in the cold. Daniel Caswell, who was a heavy owner of lots in the old town, and proprietor of the hotel, afterward had all the unsold lots vacated and sold his hotel, outbuildings, and eighty acres of land to Mower county for a poor farm. Mr. Caswell was one of the pioneers who came to the township in 185-i. All the merchants moved their stocks of goods and families to the new town, and in some instances the buildings were moved. The postoffice was also moved, and since then the old town has consisted mainly of a few dwellings, a park and a mill.

The present village of LeRoy was laid out by the railroad company, and Orlando McCraney of McGregor, appointed trustee, Avith F. M. Goodykoontz as agent. The price of lots was placed at a very low figure and those who desired were given easy terms of payment.

A business directory of LeRoy, published in August, 1868, less than a year after the new village was started, is as follows : Dry goods and groceries, W. A. Coleman & Co., W. A. Gilson, J. W. Hill, W. Hayes, P. Hopkins, 0. Iverson, W. Green; groceries, R. Rodell, E. Jordan & Co., Patrick McTigue, J. T. Williams; boots, shoes and groceries, Charles Smith ; boots and shoes, M. Pettengill ; driigs and books, J. J. Clemmer (F. W. Frisbie, agent) ; hardware, Corbitt & Allen, E. F. McKeen, Ingmundson & Roy ; furniture, Nasou & Edes ; meat markets, H. L. Wirard, A. Lewis ; wagon shop, W. B. Reid ; blacksmiths. Porter & Curry, Henry Brown ; jeweler, II. I. Hoppin ; harness shop, E. C. Kasson ; hotels, New Brick Hotel, D. Caswell, proprietor, LeRoy House, William Beeman, Opera House, B. B. Strong, Mendota House, John Farrell ; lumber dealers, W. A. Coleman & Co., Seeley & Shaw, N. B. Johnson & Co,, THayer & Ball ; agricultural implements, G. L. Henderson. J. T. Williams, J. 1). Allen, Pratt & Cusiek. E. F.

Early Business

It has already been seen that many of the branches of trade commenced -with men who came from the "old village'' in 1867 and 1868. The first to engage in the dry goods and grocery trade in LeKoy village was IMcCraney & Hill, from McGregor, Iowa, who continued five or six years and sold to John Avery & Bro. Some time later John Avery died and his brother Frank continued the business for some time. About the same time of Messrs. McCraney & Hill's starting came "VVentworth Hayes from the "old village" also, and started in the same line. He located on the south side of Main street. Reuben Odell came in 1868 and opened a general stock, ran about two years and sold to Gardner Howell and he to R. G. Young, avIio came from Indiana. Charles Harden succeeded him in trade. W. A. Coleman came in 1867 and put in a large and well assorted stock of general merchandise, where T. A. Killen was afterwards located. Another "old villager" was W. A. Gilson, who put in a full line of dry goods and groceries in the fall of 1867. He remained six years and removed to Mijineapolis.

The hardware trade was first represented in New Town by D. C. Corbitt and J. D. Allen, of "Wisconsin. They carried a full line of shelf and heavy hardware, together with such agricultural implements as were then demanded by the farmers. This stock was destroyed by fire in 1869. Another dealer in this line was E. F. McKee, who removed from the "old village" in 1867. He operated till the following spring and sold to J. D. Allen, retaining the store building, which he rented to Allen. This store was situated on the corner of ]\lain and Broachvay streets. C. A. Roy, who ran a tinshop in connection with Allen's hardware store, bought Allen out. Then Allen l)uilt opposite the Caswell House, on Main street.

The first to establish themselves in the drug trade at this place were Dr. Clemers and F. W. Frisbee, afterward Frisbee & Son. The next to embark in the drug business was J. M. LaiTabee.

Tlie pioneer boot and shoe dealers were Smith & Carson, who came in 1867 from the old village. They were burned out in the iire of 1869, and never rebuilt. He then embarked in a genei-al store ou the same street. The next to enter this line of trade was Hans Hauge. lie came in 1870. J. J. INIartz started in the furniture business in 1869.

The first blacksmiths who operated at the new village were John Curray and Henry Boweu, and A. J. Porter, who removed from the old village, and went in partnership with John Curray, in 186S. E. F. McKee, the pioneer blacksmith of the county, located in the new village July 1, 1875.

The first wagon shop started at this point was in 1867, by William Reid, who sold after a short time to George Swasey, and he to Warren AValker.

The fii'st to engage in the harness business was E. C. Kasson, who came in 1868, moving from the old village. Next came William Davis, then a man named Kent. After Kent left, the place Avas without a harness shop for some time, until in 1882, when W. B. IMitson came in and opened up a shop.

E. F. McKee furnished the village with its first public hall in 1868. It was over the hardware store which he built, on the corner of Main and Broadway streets. It was afterward made into a Masonic hall. The next public hall or opera house was fitted up from an old warehouse by James A. Henderson, on the south side of j\Iain street. This was consumed by the conflagration of 1880. J. D. Allen's hall, over his brick hardware store, was soon completed.

The first to sell farm machinery at LeRoy was Strothes & Conklin, from Cresco, Iowa. They were followed by John D. Allen. Then Trask engaged in the business wdth Mr. Beers. Nelson & Bro. ran a branch house here, the main store being at Austin. They moved some of their goods away and finally were closed out at Austin.

The first grain buyers of the village were John W. Larrabee, Heniy Gregory, W. S. Potter and Dell Rowen. Other early buyers were W. Hayes, J. M. Larrabee and William Henderson.

The first lumber dealers in LeRoy were Haytt & Burdick, of ^McGregor, Iowa, who came in 1867. W. A. Coleman opened a yard in 1868. Other early dealers were S. Fifield & Son, Gregory & Son, and D. C. Corbitt. William Allen was the sole representative of this branch in 188-1.

In 1871, LeRoy had two churches, the Baptists having a stone building and the Presbyterians a frame edifice; a three department school; two hotels, the Caswell house and the LeRoy house; ten stores, one furniture wareroom. a wagon shop, a number of blacksmith shops and several saloons.

Incorporation

LeRoy was incorporated as a village in February, 1876, by an act of the state legislature regulating such matters. D. S. Fifield, AV. L. Henderson and C. A. Roy were designated as the men to carry out the act of the legislature.

The first officers were: President, AV. L. Henderson; trustees, E. F. McKee, A. J. Porter and AVilliam Allen ; recorder, C. A. Roy. The present officers are: President, F. E. Garner; clerk, A. D. Brown; Ray Becker, Howard S. Martz and Rudolph Meyers.

The LeRoy city hall, which houses the council chambers, the village hall, the fire department apparatus and the jail, was erected in 1895. The council at that time consisted of: President, G. AV. Palmer; recorder, A. R. AVilliams; IM. T. Dunn, F. E. Garner, H. 0. Cotton. Two years later, in 1897, the water works system with well, tower, pump and the like was installed. The system now covers the principal streets of the village. The council at the time of the inauguration of this system consisted of: President, M. T. Dunn; recorder, A. R. AVilliams; R. A. IMeyers, Lars Runnestrand, H. 0. Cotton. In 1899 the electric light plant was installed and a contract made for lighting the city streets. The LeRoy electric light plant, which is managed

LeRoy has an excellent fire department, well equipped with tire lighting apparatus. At all periods of her history ))ucket brigades have assisted in the extinguishing of fireS. The present department was organized as LeRoy Hose Cart Company, No 1, July 8, 1897. M. E. "Williams was appointed chairman and George Boyd secretary of the temporary organization. After adopting by-laws, the following oflficers were elected: Chiet, C. I. Roy : captain, A. S. Dehler ; secretary, George A. Boyd : treasurer, J. L. Deuell. The present officers are: Chief, C. I. Roy ; captain, C. J. Wells ; secretary. Otto Hansen ; treasure), Raymond Brov/n.

Religious

First Baptist Church. The people of LeRoy township have been a religious people from the earliest settlement, the first religious services being held at the house of Henry Edmonds, in 1856, by Elder C. H. Pearsons. He was a Baptist clergyman, A^-ho organized a society in September, 1857. The following signed the articles of faith, and thus became members of tiie cliurcli : George Bishop. Lester Congdon, A. J. Palmer, Emily Pearsons, Martha J. Bishop, Charles H. Pearsons and ]\Iary Congdon. A. J. Palmer and George Bishop were chosen deacons. Charles H. Pearsons was their pastor. For a time the society met for worship in the upper story of E. F. McKee's blacksmiti. shop, but as soon as the schoolhouse was completed they met there. In 1869 the building of a church edifice was commenced in the new village of LeRoy. This was a concrete or grout, building, costing $2,500. It was formally dedicated J\larch 21, 1875. The church was damaged by the storm and soon afterAvard the present comfortable edifice was erected. The present pastor is Rev. V. N. Robbins. Among the early pastors were: Chas. H. Pearsons, T. B. Ropes, AA^'alter Ross, Geo. AY. Arms, James Jeffries, Thomas Uer, AY. AA'. Ragen, G. AY. Buriiham and E. R. Pierce.

St. Patrick's Church, R. C. The first mass at LeRoy was lield by Father John McDemmit, in 1867. at the "old village. The first mass in the new village was held at Jolm Afeigs' house, and was conducted by Father IMcDeminit, and later it was held at Patrick Ryan's residence. In 1878 a frame church was erected, in wiiich Fatlier Bowen was the fir.st priest. This building was dedicated l)y him. Other early priests were Father Coyne, Father Tlurlcy and Father Smidtii. The church is luiw si'i-ved by the Rev. Father Gmeinder, of Spring A^alley.

log schoolhouse on section 29, in the winter of 1857-8. Elder Norton, from Frankford and Spring Valley circuit, officiated. The following were members of that pioneer band of worshippers : W. B. Spencer and wife, Joseph Lytle and wife, Dr. Jones and wife and their daughter Harriet, "William Graham and wife, jMrs. James Story. W. B. Spencer was chosen leader of the class. Thej met at the log schoolhouse until the following spring, and then met at the sehoolhoiise at the old village of LeRoy, where they held regular service for several years, but finally the class was suspended.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized i\Iarch 30, 1868. The following members were present at the meeting of the organization : J. M. Wyckoff and wife ; W. H. Graham, Benjamin Mitchell and wife, Joseph Maxfield and wife, Mrs. IMary Gilson, Mrs. Isabelle Monday, Miss Salina A. Mitchell, A. D. Park, iMrs. Hattie Potter, "Willian!. Craig and wife. The following were elected trustees: AV. PI. Graham, Christian Aleman, AV. B. Reed. F. M. Goodykoontz, J. M. Wyckoff. W. H. Graham Avas chosen chaii'man and J. M. "Wyckoff secretary and treasurer. In 1870 the society erected a commodious house of worship, which is located on lots 8 and 9 of block 2. It was formally dedicated February 15, 1871. The first elders were J. M. "VVyckoff and H. M. Prentice. The present elders are James McGillvray and AV. B. Spencer. Among the early pastors were: Rev. Adam Craig, Rev. "Wait, J. S. Chapman, J. A. Laurrie, B. T. DeAVitt, E. Thompson and E. N. Raymond.

The Norwegian Danish Lutheran Conspregation of LeRoy iiad its l)cginning about 1868 in the old village of LeRoy when Re^'. T. Larson began preaching in the vicinity. The congregation purchased the old stone schoolhouse at that place and converted it into a house of worship. Among the pastors have been 0. A. Bu, Christ Thompson and M. K. Hartman. The congregation was incorporated in 1892, those interested in the incorporation being Ole Monson, Andrew Hawkins, John Rowe, D. L. Rowe, Jens Jenson, Mons Oleson, Ingvar 0. Share, Ole 0. Share, Jr., John Hauge, Jens Karson, Andrew Thompson, J. L. Muller and Rev. O. A. Bu. The trustees were T. L. Eowe, Jens Jensen and Ole 0. Share, Jr. On March 27, 1894, the congregation purchased its present property, and at once erected the present house of worship. The officers of the church are : Pastor, Rev. D. Swennungsen ; secretary, II. T. Hawkins ; treasurer, Andrew Hawkins ; trustees, Inger Share, Knute IMonsou and John Hauge. The present pastor is a newcomer. He is the first pastor of the church who has resided here, and in addition to this charge he serves several other congregations. The old stone building in the old village of LeRoy has been torn down, and the property

A cemetery association was formed in LeRoy as early as 18j7, when, on December 26, a number of citizens assembled at the home of Daniel Caswell. These men Avere : N. P. Todd, A. J. Palmer. 0. D. ^Valker, AVilliani Raymond, Daniel Caswell, Lewis i\Iatthews, AVilliam A. Gilson, Isaac Smith, John M. WyckotH', A. D. Park, AY. B. Spencer, James H. Story, J. C. Jones and A. Fisk. The corporate name of the association was Union Grove Cemetery of LeRoy. The trustees were: G. W. Bishop, Isaac Smith, N. P. Todd, Lewis ^Matthews, W. B. Spencer and J. C. Jones. The grounds selected by the above association were situated on the southeast of the southeast of section 28, and a few bodies were there buried. These grounds proved to be unfit for cemetery purposes, as the lime rock came so near the surface that graves could not be dug the proper depth.

March 18, 1861, another cemetery association was formed, also known as the L^^nion Grove Cemetery Association. At their tirst meeting J. D. Cowles Avas chosen chairman and P. C. Sheffield secretary. The following were present : William Gilson, T. J. Bishop, F. Bevier, Chas. Smith, Daniel Caswell, Lester Congdon, A. J. Palmer, V. B. Lincoln, J. D. Cowles, D. C. Sheffield, John S. Priest, J. M. AYyckoft" and Mr. Hedafint.

Previous efforts at perfecting a cemetery association not proving successful, the LeRoy Cemetery Association was formed April 8, 1863. The nine trustees elected at that time were: J. M. AYyckoff, Z. B. Daily, Daniel Caswell, Chas. Smith, William Graham, J. D. Cowles, S. P. Bacon, Rev. T. P. Ropes and Wm. A. Gilson. The association has been continued to the present time, the officers now being: President, H. G. McKee; secretary, J. j\I. Wyckoff ; treasurer, W. H. Brown ; C. I. Roy, Caleb Lewis, V. A. Nason, S. D. Martz, Ralph Hall and E. J. Diddams.

Tlie cemetery is a beautiful one, consisting of seven arid n lialf acres in section 28. The Catholic cemetery adjoins it on the east, and there is but a short distance to the Norwegian cemetery.

Modern Leroy

Lelioy is one of the most important villages in southern Minnesota. Its popiUation, including the persons living in tlu thickly settled portions of the townslii]) .Kljoiiiiiig tiie corporati- limits, is about eleven hundred. The village is well laid out, has excellent cement sidewalks and the streets are bordered with sightly shade trees. Four churches, an excellent state high school, several fraternities, an opera house, a good hotel, two fraternity halls, a city hall, a newspaper, a cornet band, two banks, water works, iire protection and electric lights all add to the desirability of life at this point.

LeRoy is pleasantly situated in an open prairie, on the Upper Iowa river. Divisions of the Chicago Great Western and the Chicago, ]\Iilwaukee & St. Paul have stations at this point.

Among the activities of LeRoy may be mentioned the following: Two elevators, one iime plant, one garage, one creamery, one hotel, four general stores, two hardware stores, two drug stores, one clothing store, two banks, two grocery stores, two barber shops, two restaurants, one livery, two blacksmith shops, one Avail paper and paint establishment, one lumber yard, one furniture store, two farm implement establishments, two physicians, one dentist, one photographer, one milliner, two harness shops, three land agents, one lawyer, one produce store, one heating and plumbing establishment, two dray lines and one meat market.

Le Roy High School. The village of Le Roy comprises independent school district No. 5. The first school in this district was held in a house belonging to Daniel Caswell in the summer of 1857. That fall a stone schoolhouse was built in the old village of LeRoy. This stone schoolhouse, which has been demolished, occupied the present site of the Lutheran cemetery, and its foundations are still standing. When the village was started at Le Roy station, the new schoolhouse was built. This, with various additions, served until 1899, when the present beautiful eightroom brick schoolhouse was built on the old site. The committee at that time consisted of: President, C. A. Roy; clerk, George Palmer ; treasurer, R. Hall ; W. M. Walker, F. T. Young and Mrs. G. M. Alsdorf. The present officers are: President. A. J. Hayes; treasurer, H. K. Hawkins ; clerk, L. M. Daily ; Dr. M. J. Hart, J. P. Blackmer, A. D. Brown. The school covers the usual graded studies and has a full high school course. Domestic science, agriculture and mainial training are soon to be installed.

LeRoy Cornet Band. The old original band, made up of fourteen members, each possessing an instrument, was organized in 1887, with J. P. Barnum as their leader.

Various other bands have flourished from time to time. The present band was organized in tlie spring of 1905, and Dr. J. L. Day has continued to be tiic leader. The organization is known as the LeRoy Cadet Band and has ditne some excellent work. An instructor has been engaged, and tlie band has recently been increased by several new members. The officers are : President, H. S. Martz ; vice-president, J. L. Day ; secretary, Alden Malcomson ; treasurer, Robert Malcomson ; assistant leader, Chester Lunder.

Hotels. The first hotel of the place was erected and operated by William Beemis in 1867. This was the LeRoy House, a twostory frame building on Main street. It was purchased by R. M. Slitor, in 1877, and two years later, when he bought the Caswell House, he closed the former and rented it for other purposes.

The Caswell House was a commodious two-story brick building, located on the corner of Main street and Broadway. The building was erected in 1868, by Daniel Caswell, at a cost of $12,000. Mr. Caswell managed the hotel several years, then sold to Jacob Lewis. It was purchased in 1879, by R. M. Slitor. It then passed through various hands and was destroyed by the cyclone. Sweet's Hotel is a well-kept hostelry very popular with the traveling public. It was erected in 1898 by William W. Sweet, and is now conducted by Peter T. Christiansen. It is well fur-' nished and equipped, and the cuisine is of the best.

Opera House. Soon after the great cyclone of 1894, an opera house was erected by the Masonic bodies and the Odd Fellows combined. The lower floor furnishes an excellent auditorium for amusement purposes, while the upper floor is divided into two suites of lodge rooms with a large dining room. C. I. Roy is manager of the opera house.

Lime Kiln. Since the earliest days the excellence of the limestone near LeRoy has been recognized. Fowler & Pay now operate kilns not far from the village, employ some twelve to twenty men, and have a daily output of some two hundred barrels.

The LeRoy Co-operative Creamery was organized early in 1911. and started business April 1. 1911, in the old Hardin creamery. The company has promising prospects and will erect a new well-equipped building this summer. The officers are : President, Fred Palmerton; vice-president, John F. Hale; secretary, Chas. A. Howe; treasurer, Ole Reierson; directors, Jacob Hopp, Adolph Rhend and Richard Nelson. John F. Scott is the buttermaker.

The LeRoy Fibre Company, operating under patents held by J. E. Lappen and G. W. W. Harden, maintained a large manufacturing business here and employed some sixty hands. Its product consisted of flax fibre felt for insulating and lining purposes. Charges were at one time made that thousands of fish in the stream were killed as the result of this factory's operations. The concern was purchased by the American Insulating Company, which, after operating the factory for a while, closed the plant. The material is now manufactured at St. Paul.

Henry F. Hermes and Fred Henslin installed a private system. The company was incorporated March 20, 1903, with the following officers: President, Otto C. Maercklein; vice-president, Fred Henslin ; secretary, Charles J. Maercklein ; treasurer, A. Edgar Henslin; manager, Henry F. Hermes. The system operates in Adams, LeRoy, Melntire and Riceville. At present some 900 instruments are in use. The officers are : President, M. J. Hart ; vice-president, N. C. Johnson ; secretary and manager, Frank E. Garner; treasurer. A. E. Henslin; director. J. G. Sehweder. The paid-in capital stock at the present time is $41,600.

James George Post, No. 23, of G. A. R., was named in honor of Col. James George, of the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. It was organized March 27, 1883, by J. V. V., Asa R. Burleson. The charter members were H. A. MeConnell, F. H. Avery, W. D. Harden, E. A. Whitcomb, E. M. Gillman, G. S. Brown, ^Y. W. Sweet, John Frank, Fred Mason, J. U. Darrow, G. W. Flick, Caleb Lewis, E. C. Kasson, S. E. Morse, ^Y. L. Henderson, George Remore, T. J. Bishop, E. Heddington, C. A. Roy, Charles Bell, Isaac Layman, S. A. Hill, A. Bettis, Andrew Malioney. The first officers elected were as follows: H. A. MeConnell, Commander ; Isaac Lane, S. V. C. ; John Frank, J. V. C. ; C. A. Roy, 0. S. ; G. L. Brown, Q. M. ; E. M. Gillman, A. G. ; W. D. Harden, Chaplain; E. C. Kasson, Adjt. ; E. A. Whitcomb, Surgeon Maj.; W. "W. Sweet, Q. M. S. The post is still in a flourishing condition.

James George Corps, No. 56, W. R. C, Avas organized December 11, 1888. The first officers were : President, Mrs. Ann Bo.stworth ; senior vice-president, Mrs. Layman ; junior vice-president, Mrs. A. W. Howe; secretary, Mrs. 0. Mason; treasurer, Mrs. Mary Chambo; conductor, ]\Irs. Maggie Whitcomb; assistant, Mrs. Maggie A. Williams ; chaplain, Mrs. Nancy Pierce. The present officers are : President, Mrs. Hattie Day ; senior vice-president, Mrs. Maggie B. Williams ; junior vice-president, Mrs. Hannah Bell ; chaplain, Mrs. Jennie Brown ; secretary, Mrs. Ann W. Howe; treasurer, Mrs. James Kingsbury; conductor, Mrs. Stella IMerriek ; assistant, Mrs. Emma Smith ; guard, ]\Irs. Sarah Anderson ; assistant guard, Mrs. Joseph S. Bevier; press committee, Mrs. Oella IMason ; patriotic instructor, Mrs. Maggie Whitcomb; color bearers, the Mesdames Edna Armstrong, Lizzie Knight, Jessie Despard and Katherine May. The work of the Relief Corps has been to aid the old soldiers in every way possible. The ladies have contributed largely towards soldiers' homes and have erected a monument in the cemetery in memory of the soldiers who repose there and of those who sleep in unknown graves.

Columbia Chapter, No. 58, 0. E. C, was granted a charter May 10, 1893. The charter officers were : Worthy matron, Mrs. Francis C. Roy ; W. P., Isaac Layman ; A. M., Mrs. Eula A. Porter. The present officers are: W. M., Frances AVells; AV. P., Ernest Body ; A. M., :\Irs. Freda Eckstein.

Acorn Camp, No. 1788, M. W. A., received its charter October .5, 1892, with the following charter members: Edwin S. Garvey, Luther A. Knapp, ]\[alcom Malcomson, Nelson R. Miller, George J. Alalcomson, George C. Pfremmer, Lars Runnestrand, Charles I. Roy. Loren S. AVilder and Hans B. Hansen.

Violet Rebekah Lodge, No. 90, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in 1893 and received its charter ^larch 3 of that year. The members named in the charter are : Ann E. S. Bostworth, Daniel Bost- Avorth, Addie Hale, Helma Jensen, Frederick Jensen, Christine Madsen, Viola Hermes, Henry F. Hermes, Carrie "Wells, Catherine Keeler, Frank B. Keeler, Orsey V. Wells, Mattie A. Mason, Vant A. Mason, Mary J. Reber, Kate A. Barber, C. S. Barber, Lunette White.

The History Club, whicli is limited to fourteen members, was organized January 14, 1901, and federated in 1907. The first officers were Mrs. W. M. Walker, president, and Mrs. M. J. Hart, secretary. The club has devoted its meetings to the study of art and travel. The present officers are : President, Mrs. C. E. Meyers; vice-president, Mrs. Ralph Prescott; secretary, Mrs. A. E. Henslin ; treasurer, Mrs. C. S. Palmer ; federation secretary, Mrs. M. J. Hart.

The LeRoy Library Association. Some years ago some of the ladies of LeRoy formed the Ladies' Book Club for the purpose of securing and exchanging books. This movement grew to such an extent that the people of the village began to realize the importance of having a public library. Accordingly the ladies formed the present association, first ofificers being : President, Mrs. M. J. Hart ; Mrs. Merrill Bowers ; secretary, Mrs. F. W. Sprung ; treasurer, Mrs. W. K. Porter. The association started with about three hundred volumes, a part of which were donated. The association laid aside about $300 as a building fund the first year and now has about $700. The original officers are still serving. The association now has about 680 borrowers, and the ladies are making an effort to have the village take the library in charge.

Early Fire. January 19, 1869, the village of LeRoy suffered a loss by fire of about $17,000. The insurance was very small. The following were the principal losses : Wentworth Hayes, dry goods and grocery store, stock, household furniture, books and papers burned; loss, $7,000; insurance, $2,000. W. A. Gilson, variety store, building, total loss; part of furniture and stock saved in a damaged condition; loss, .$4,000 ; insurance small. Charles Smith, boot, .shoe and grocery store; building, total loss, most of stock saved; loss, $3,000; insurance on building, $800. Corbitt & Allen, hardware; building, total loss; stock mostly saved ; loss, $3,500; small insurance.

ited by a sad oatastropho. In a iire, was caused by the stumbling of Mrs. B. V. Lincoln, who Avas nnrsing Mrs. J. T. Williams, in the family residence over the Williams store, Mrs. Lincoln met immediate death. ]\h'. Williams, in his heroic rescue of his wife and family, received burns which resulted in his death, and the building was totally destroyed. The postofftce was in the same building. The law office of J. M. Wyekoff was torn down to prevent the spread of the flames. Mr. AVilliams had served as postmaster, county superintendent of schools, and member of the state legislature.

The facts in detail are as follows: J. T. Williams, who was the postmaster, kept his office in the lower story of his building and lived on the second floor. In the rear was a shed in which supplies of various kinds were stored away. Twenty-four hours previous to the fire Mrs. Williams had given birth to a child. j\Irs. V. B. Lincoln, a friend of the family, was in attendance upon her wants. About half past one o'clock Wednesday morning Mrs. Lincoln, desiring something from the shed in the rear of the building, with a burning lamp in hand, started down the stairs. She stumbled and fell, setting her clothes on fire. Mr. Williams rushed to her assistance in his night garments, at the same time giving the alarm. Mrs. Lincoln was burned to death, and so, leaving her body in the flames, the citizens who had gathered made an effort to rescue the family. Boxes were piled on each other to the secondstory windows. Mr. Williams, Avhose face and hands, legs and feet, at this time were seriously burned, was the first man upon the boxes and into the window for his wife and children. With the aid of friends they all got out in safety. Mr. Williams then secured his coat, which had in one of the pockets $737 and valuable papers, some $300 being money order funds and the balance belonging to the tovra. Then he darted into the postofftce and seized a package of some $200 worth of postage stamps. Later he walked into the drug store of Mr. Frisbee, sat down in a chair, and remarked to Mr. Frisbee, "Why, Mrs. Lincoln is burned up !" And in the next moment he says, "FrLsbee, I am badly l)urned; can 't you do something for me ? ' ' He was assisted by ]Mr. Frisbee to the rooms over the store, and placed on a bed. He was so badly burned that when pumping water from the well to put out the fire lie actually left upon the frozen ice the bottoms of his feet - two pieces of tough skin, each the size and shape of his foot, and the thickness of calf skin. He left plainly marked footprints of l)lood at every step from the front of Frisbee 's drug store to the back, and on every step up the stairs to his very dying l)ed. The package of postage stamps had the distinct imprint of his l)loody hand upon tlie outside wrapper, where he cauglit hold of it. Efforts to save him were of no avail and lie died two days later.

Destructive Cyclone

The village of LeRoy was almost entirely wiped out by a cyclone at 10:30 on the evening of September 21, 1894. The wind, which followed a heavy rain, came from the southwest, striking the depot and elevators, passing on over the business section, wrecking many stores and ending in the northeast part of the town by leveling many residences, including the new Baptist parsonage. A group of merrymakers in the Union Opera House made their escape as that building was falling, Henry Findley, aged thirteen, and Chris Gilbertson, aged sixteen, being killed. Among those injured by the storm were: Joe Nelson, Mrs. Mort Dunton, Nels Weigen, Carl Carson, Arthur Maxfield, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Chamberlain, R. Myers, Charles Blair, a child, two small children, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cotton. The property loss was about 75,000. The cyclone demolished the general store of Weigan Brothers; C. A. Roy's hardware store; Porter & Young's general store; Gilbert's millinery store; E. Deddam's slaughter house; H. Bradley's lumber yard and office; Henry Cotton's home and blacksmith shop; Hall & White's meat market; the Baptist parsonage and the residences of the following persons : J. M. Wyckoff, W. W. Sweet, R. G. Young, Henry Meyers, Drs. AUsdorff, James Whiteman, Horace Chamberlain, E. E. Degroff, H. H. Bither, 0. J. Hattelstad, T. F. Trask, C. C. Mason, H. G. McKee, Mrs. Billingsworth, S. Harrison, John Cosgrove, E. Deddams, H. Bradley, L. A. Knapp, R. Meyers, J. M. Larrabee, E. C. Kasson, Mrs. Cotton, Mrs. J. Maxwell, the Misses Jacobson, Mrs. MaiT Miller.