Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 40: Adams Township and Village, 1911

Chapter 40: Adams Township and Village

The town of Adams embraces congressional town 101, north of range 16 Avest of the fifth principal meridian, and is bounded on the north by the town of INIarshall, east by Lodi, south by Mitchell county, Iowa, and west by Nevada township. The surface of the town is quite undulating, the soil being of a dark, rich loam, with a clay subsoil. The soil is very productive, and grows all kinds of grain, vegetables and grasses. The township is well Avatered and drained by the Little Cedar river and its tributaries. The main branch enters the town in section 12, running in a westerly course through sections 11, 10, to the center of section 9, where it bears south and passes through sections 16, 21, 28, and leaves the town in section 33. One of its branches enters the town from the town of ^larshall, in section 4, passes in a southerly direciiou. making a confluence with, the main ])raneh in section 9. Another branch also enters the town from ]Mar.shall in section 2, and forms a junction with the main branch in section 11.

Early Settlement

The first to settle' in Adams township was Thomas Kuudtsou. He came in June, 1855. He settled on his claim, which consisted of the south half of the northwest, and the north lialf of the southwest quarter of section 2. He there erected the first house in the town. It was built of logs, 18x18, and eight feet high, covei'ed with hay and prairie sod, with puncheon floor. The next year he put on a shingled roof. He lived in this house about seven years, when he built another log house 16x18, 12 feet high. He lived in that house about nine years, when he disposed of his farm and moved to section 35, in ^Marshall townsliip. In July, 1855, Keynold Olson, John D. Olson, J. H. Johnson. Stephen Olson, Ole Johnson and Stephen Christiansen, natives of XorAvay, came together from Dane countj^ Wisconsin. R. and J. D. Olson settled in section 12. J. H. Johnson settled in Clayton township, but later came to the township and settled in section 2. Ole Johnson settled in the nortlieast quarter of section 12. Christianson and S. Olson made their homes with R. and J. D. Olson. They w'ere frozen to death in December of that year.

Among the settlers of 1856 were John Leisenfelt, Peter Lei.-5cnfelt, Michael Bowland. John Q. Olson settled in section 12, where he lived until 1884, when he went to Dakota. Those that came later are John Heimer, Mathias Cary, John Webber. Patrick }L Rooney, William Madden, M. Krebsbach, C. Krebsbach, Michai-l Smith. John Heimer settled on the southeast of section 32. John AYebber settled in section 32, in 1857. Nels Rierson, from Norway, settled in section 16, where he lived until 1860, when he left his improvements and moved to LeRoy township, wliere he improved a farm upon which he lived until his death in 1883. Rasmus Rasmusson also came in 1857, and settled in section 4, where he Jived a few years, then moved elsewhei'o m the county.

Organization

Tile town of Adams was or^u'anized in IMay, 1858. The first tOAvn meeting was held in section ]6,, on the open prairie. At this meeting the folloAving officers were elected, viz.: For township board, iNIathias Rooney, chaii-man ; ]\Iathew Carey, Reynold Olson ; treasurer, P. F. Rooney ; clerk, AVm. IMadden ; justices of the peaee, William ^Madden and Stephen Heimer; constables, Ole T. Jacobson and John Sanders.

First Events

place in September, 1858. The first birth in the township was a daughter of Stephen Olson, born in December, 1855, a few days after the death of her father. She lived to be about two years of age, when she died, and was buried in section 11. Mathew Henner, son of Stephen Heimer, has the credit of being the first male child born in the township. He was born March 29, 1858. The first seeder, moving and threshing machines were brought to the township by M. Krebsbach. He also owned the first span of horses in the township. J. S. Irgens was the first postmaster in the town. The office was kept at his house, in section 8. The otifice was established in 1859.

Religious

Little Cedar Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. The first settlers of Norwegian descent who located in this part of the county came originally from Dane county, Wisconsin, in the year 1855. Having been brought up in a Christian home in their native country and taught that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," the yearning for the sanctuary and the administration of the means of grace soon manifested itself. Before the organization of a congregation could be etfected services were originally held in the private homes of some of the settlers. The first services of which there is any record were conducted in the home of Stephen Olson and Stephen Christianson on section 12, in June, 1856. Rev. C. L. Clausen, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, the first pastor who visited this section, conducted these services. He was also present at the meeting on November 26, 1859, in the home of Halge E. Flocu, on which date the Little Cedar Lutheran Congregation was organized. The name "Little Cedar Lutheran Congregation" was adopted because of the river by that name running through the southern part of our county and because the Lutlierau banner of confession was to float over it. Among other pastors who also visited the pioneers before the organization oP the congregation were Rev. A. C. Preus, of Koshkonong, Dane county, AVisconsin. The original founders of this congregation were : Ragnald and John Ilolstad, Tidemand and Eric Asberg, John and Harold Irgens, John Osmundson, John O. Heyedahl, Simon Knutsou, John O. Quale, Hendrick Benson, Helge Floen, Ole Gulickson Tildem, Gulick and Tollef Tildem, Anders 0. Alreck, Ole J. Holstad, Rasmus "Wigness, Nils Finkelson, etc Among the first trustees only the following can be mentioned, because the records of the first meeting are very incoinph'te : Ragnald Olson and John Olson. Thr Hrst cliurcli - a \rvy jirinii- tive log cliureli - Avas built in 1863, on the southeast quarter ot; section 4. The site and cemetery grounds were bought of Rasmus Wigness. The size of the church was 30x40 and sixteen feet high. Each voting member donated a certain number of logs. Tideraand Aaberg and Torris Flaten had charge of its erection. During this period the Civil war broke out and several of the men enlisted. Rev. C. L. Clausen, the pastor in charge, also served as chaplain in this war. During his absence the following pastors served the congregation: Tobias Larson and Wiliielm Keren. On October 12, 1867, the following congregations united to form one charge, with Rev. Clausen as pastor: Little Cedar, St. Ansgar, Rock Creek, Six Miles Grove and Red Oak Gr-. ve. This organization existed till the spring of 1871. On April of this year Little Cedar, Austin, Red Oak Grove and Blooming Prairie united to form one charge. At this time Rev. P. G. Ostby, who for some time had been Rev. Clausen's assistant, was called as permanent pastor. During his service, which lasted about seven years, the old log church was abandoned and on November 1, 1875, it was decided to put up a new fr;ime building on the old site. The dimensions of this building were: 40x60x20, a vestry 16x24x16, tower 96 feet.

On October 5, 1877, Six ]Miles Grove, ]\Ioua and Lyle and Little Cedar congregations formed a new charge and extendeil a call to Prof. B. B. Heldaker. He served till 1881, when ill healtli obliged him to resign. A call was then extended to Rev. J. M. Eggers, of Rock Prairie, Rock county, Wisconsin. He was installed January 1, 1882, and served the congregation nineteen years. At the time of ins resignation the Little Cedar congregation united with the West LeRoy congregation and extended a call to Rev. W. A. Rasmussen, of Wind Lake, Wisconsin. He served the congregation five years and six months. During his time the parsonage was built. This is a very substantial and modern building. The size is : 28x32 - 15x26 - 6x8 - two and onehalf stories, with basement under the whole structure. In connection with this, five acres of land were bought within the corporation of Adams. At a regular meeting May 21, 1906, a call was extended to Rev. 0. C. Myhre, of Windom. Minnesota. He was installed as jiastor of the Little Cedar and West LeHoy congregations September 30, 1906. At this time the members of the congregation who reside in the village of Adams again petitioned the congregation to build a church in that place. At a regular meeting on February 13, 1907, it was decided to put up such a church and the necessary committees were elected. This building was completed in 1908. The Adams church is a very beautiful and sidistantial brick structure, size 74x54, witli l)asement under the wliole lniildiiin-. Tiic cornerstone was laid by

Rev. J. j\I. Eggen, assisted by Rev. M. E. Waldland, of Si. Ausgar, Iowa, and the pastor loci, September 1, 1907. At a district meeting of the St. Ansgar circuit, held in Adams, this church was dedicated by Rev. T. H. Dahl, D.D., October 25, 1908. At a business meeting June 21, 1909, it was also decided to repair the old country church. This reparation was completed before Nover^ber 26, 1909. on which date tlie fiftieth anniversary of the congregation was fittingly observed. This church Avas later destroyed by fire June 21, 1910.

Since the organization of this congregation several societies have been working in its midst: Three Ladies' Aid societies, the B\isy Bee Society, the Little Cedar Young People's Society and Little Cedar Total Abstinence Society. All these societies have worked faithfully and accomplished much good in the Lord's vineyard at home and abroad.

The present officers of the Little Cedar Lutheran Church are : Pastor, 0. C. Myhre; trustees, B. P. Haugen, N. Gravdahl, A. Amble, Eric Weness ; deacons, John Matteson, H. J. Hanson, P. J. Satlire, S. K. Hegge ; organist, Ida Anderson ; secretary, H. J. Hanson. The congregation has a membership of about 500 and is connected with the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.

Frozen To Death

Stephen Olson and Stephen Christianson, spoken of as settlers of July, 1855, were frozen to death December 8, 1855. They started on the morning of that day, with ox teams, to go to the Norwegian settlement at Six Mile Grove, in Nevada township, to procure provisions, in which the settlers were in much need. They procured provisions and started home. A severe snow storm set in and they evidently got lost. The team found their way home that night. One of the men's hats was found attached to the yoke. The next morning a party started in search. Their dead bodies were found three days later, in Lodi township. Each left a wife and one child. They were buried in section 11.

Alice, second daughter of jMathew Rooney, was frozen to death in the winter of 1872, the circumstances of which are as follows : It seems that Frank, a son, and Alice had gone to tlio village of Adams to trade, as Alice was to commence school at Austin the next INIonday. The two left the village for home, witli sleigix and horses about dark. It was storming very hard from the northwest. As the team had to face the storm, it was impossible to drive them, and in turning around broke the sleigh tongue. They wandered around all night. They were found the next morning just over in Iowa. Alice died; Frank lost his feet.

flohnsburg, or Johansburg, as it was formerly called, is an old settleraont in section 32, containing a Catholic church, a general store and several i-esidences.

St. John's Church, R. C. The first religious services in Adciius towi^ship were lield at the house of John Fagans, in 1858. The next year (1859) the inliabitants erected a log church 16x20, ten feet high. In 1860 an addition ]2x]4 was built on to the old building. The building was used for church purposes until 1868. when it was replaced bj^ a substantial frame structure. The building was provided with steeple and bell, which cost -i^SOO. The building complete cost $4,000. This was the first Catholic church in the county. Rev. B. Bowman was the first permanent priest ; he came in 1875, remaining with the church six years. The church was commenced by Father Keller, collecting by subscription. The ten acres on which the church stands was given to the church by John Heinner. The church was incorporated in 1883.

Village Of Adams

The village of Adams originated in a cluster of buildings about the center stake of section 11. The first business building was erected by W. E. Davis & Bros, in the fall of 1867. They put in a general stock of goods. They remained in business here until 1871, when they sold out to M. Krebsbach. A. D. Harris engaged in the mercantile trade liere in 1882. The first saloon was oi^ened by one Beacher, who came here in the summer of 1867. The village was platted January 30, 1868, by Selah Chamberbiin.

As early as 1873 Adams was a fiourishiug trading point. Tliere was a good school and railroad station, with J. K. I\Iillinan as agent. Matliias Krebsbach Avas a grain buyer and a partner in the firm of Krebsbach & Corbitt, general merchants, in whose store the postoffice was kept. I. W. IMiuer dealt in produce and farm machinery, and had tliree warehouses filled with wheat. Barnhart & O'Brien did general blacksinitliing and repairing. John Carr kept the Shamrock House.

Modern Adams

Adams is one of tlie lai-j^'cr villages of tlie county and has a population of nearly six hundred people. It is progressive iu every respect, has Catholic and Lutheran churches, a bank, a creamery, a teleplione system, cement sidewalks, waterworks, gas plant, newspaper, public school, parochial school, fire department, telephone service and the like. Among its business activities rnay be mentioned: Two elevators, one creamery, two general stores, one hotel, two hardware stores, one drug store, one harness shop, one meat market, four saloons, one physician, one dentist, one garage, one livery, one brewery warehouse, one photographer, two blacksmith shops, one lumber yard. Among the leading citizens may be mentioned : Mathias Krebsbach, John H. Krebsbaeh, Michael Krebsbach, Wm. "VY. Dean, John Gilligan, H. Carey, J. H. Carey, P. H. Carr, J. W. Carr, J. W. Heimer, A. Torgerson, E. L. Slindee, ^Y. H. Cavanaugh, Rev. F. B. Reiehel, Rev. 0. C. Myhre, Paul C. Keith, N. M. Smith, E. V. Smith, C. E. Bennett.

Municipal History

The village of Adams was incorporated March 2, 1887. The first officers were: President, Mathias Krebsbach; recorder, H. Carey; J. W. Carr, E. A. Knutson and Michael Krebsbach. At present the officers are : President, N. M. Smith ; recorder, A. J. Krebsbach; John Steiehen, Anton Schneider, C. E. Bennett. In its municipal government the village of Adams has shown true progress. In the summer of 1897 a water works system was put in, with full equipment of well, tower, tank, pumping station, and sufficient mains to practically cover the village. In 1902 a complete sewerage system was installed. A year later came the gas plant, which keeps the streets well lighted, and also supplies illumination. for residences and business places. lu 1906 a new A'illage hall was erected to replace the old one built in 1889. This hall is the pride of the village. Its upper floor contains the council chambers, while the lower floor is given to the fire apparatus and the jail. The fire apparatus is manned by a competent volunteer fire department, and is admirably suited to the purpose for Avliich it was intended.

Religious And Educational

Church and School of the Sacred Heart. These institutions occiipy an important place in the life of the village. The present cliurch which is a beautifiil brick structure was erected in 1902. Rev. F. B. Reiehel is the pastor, and the trustees are Fred King and August Rooney. The school is a substantial frame building, the rear rooms being uaed as a convent for the five sisters of the order of St. Francis wiio teach the parochial school and perform the other Christian duties to which their vow calls them. A parsonage has also been erected.

School. Tlie Adams village school is district 8. The first sciiool erected in 1858. In 1873 another Iniildiug was put up. The present four-room structure was erected in the early nineties. The board is: A. Torgerson, secretary; 0. I. Then, treasurer; A. 0. Sjobakken, trustee.

The village of Adams has three fraternities. Tiie Commercial Club is also in a tlonrishing condition, and the Adams Co-operative Creamery Company has been an important factor in bringing the far)uers into the village.

Sacred Heart Court, No. 1196, Catholic Order of Foresters. This lodge was instituted ^larch 4, 1901. The chief ranger was J. 11. Krebsbach. The present officers are: Chief ranger, Joseph See ; past chief ranger, J. H. Krebsbach ; vice chief ranger, J. P. Krebsbach; recording secretary, Michael Schneider; financial secretary, A. J. Krebsbach; treasurer, Michael Krebsbach; trustees, M. P. Smith, John Loecher and Joseph Schaefer.

Adams' Lodge, No. 203, A. 0. U. W., was instituted December 12, 1895, the officers at that time being: Past master workman, G. W. Dahlquist ; master workman, J. W. Carr ; foreman, Charles Starksen; overseer, P. H. Carr; recorder, John Griffin; financier, Hubbard Carey; receiver, "William Noonan; guide, 0. N. AViste ; inside watchman, James Burkey; outside watchman, James Nelson; trustees, Thomas jNIadden, J. II. Carey and Fred Zwickey. The present officers are: Past master workman, ^Michael Rooney; master workman, August Rooney; foreman, Joseph Carey; financier, P. H. Carr; receiver, George Rooney; guide, W. J. Carr; inside watchman, Ed. Gurvin; outside watchman, J. ]\[. Keeper. J. W. Carr is delegate to the grand lodge and M. J. Rooney is his alternate.

Adams Court, No. 9313, ]\lodeiii 'Woodraen of America. This camp was organized something like a decade ago. The present officers are : Council, M. A. Neus ; assistant council, C. E. Bennett ; banker, D. V. Smith; clerk, Louie Klima ; sentry, M. Epland; watchman, Lar.s Peterson ; escort, E. E. Anderson.

The Commercial Club was organized in 1908 and the present officers arc;: President, John Gilligan ; secretary, W^illiam W. Dean; treasurer, J. "W. Ileimer. The club has a membership of some sixty business men, and has been an important feature in the progress of the village in both a business and a social way.

The Adams Co-operative Creamery Company was organized February 25, 1898, and at once erected a new building. It succeeded a private creamery whidi liad been established several years earlier. The first officers were : President, I. E. Tiegen ; vice president, John Gilligan ; secretary, A. R. Anderson ; treasurer, James Olson ; directors, Die K. Olson, Anton Kramer and T. Madden. Tlie present officers are: President, P. 0. Anderson; vice president, Anton Kramer ; secretary, Michael Krebsbach ; treasurer, Gus. Jacobson ; directors, Lewis Lewison, J. C. Mullenbach and Erick Hanson.