Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 44: Marshall Township, 1911

Chapter 44: Marshall Township

Marshall township comprises congressional township 102 north, range 16 west. It is bounded on the north by Dexter, east by Clayton, south by Adams and west by the town of Windom. The surface is generally quite level and almost the entire township is composed of prairie. The only natural grasses were found in sections 3, 4, 34, 35 and 36. The town is truly rural, there being no village or hamlet within its borders. The town is drained by Rose creek and the Little Cedar river. One branch of Rose creek heads in section 11 of this town. One branch of the Little Cedar has its source in the northwest quarter of section 16 ; auoTiier branch in sections 26 and 27 ; anotiier branch comes from the town of Clayton, cuts across the corner of section 36. There are some small lakes in the township thut cover from one-eighth to one-half an acre of ground. Two of these lakes are to be found on section 16, another on section 21. The soil is a rich dark loam.

Early Settlement

The first settlement in the town was made in the spring of 1856, by Helge Erriekson, a native of Norway, who came here from Wisconsin, and settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 36. Here he built the first house in the town. It was of logs, covered with shacks, and had a puncheon fioor. He made his home here until 1871, Avhen he sold his farm and moved to Otter Tail county. In 1857 John Osmunsen, also a native of Norway, came from "Wisconsin and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 36. He also built a log house. It was in this humble abode that the first white child in the town w^as born. About 1860 Ole Tollefson and Gilbei-t Anderson came and settled on section 36. They w^ere both natives of Norway- and improved farms here. Tollefson made this his home until the time of his death. Stark Peterson came in 1865.

The first settlement in the north part of the town was made in 1857 by Mahlon Parritt and his son Dexter. They located on the northwest quarter of section 3. Dexter preempted 160 acres of land in that section. In the fall of that year they removed to section 33, town 103 north, range 15 west, now known as the town of Dexter. The father made his home there until the time of his death. The son. Dexter, in whose honor the town was named, lived there until 1882, when he returned to his original settlement in IMarshall. The second settler in the north part of the town was Michael Luney, a native of Ireland, who came here from Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1861. He had previously preempted the northwest quarter of section 5, and the north half of the southwest quarter of the same section. He remained here but two years, when he returned to Iowa. Amasa N. Converse, a native of Jefferson county, York State, came after the war and settled on the northeast quarter of section 3. He was an enterprising man and started a cheese factory here. He afterward bought grain at Dexter. While living here he was married to a daughter of D. G. Pearce. In 1875 he moved to Jackson county, where Jie died a short time later. William Godard came with Mr. Converse and settled on the northwest quarter of section 2, where he lived but a few years, then sold and moved to the lumber regions, and later to central Iowa. This Avas one of the townships of land that were thrown onto the market in an early day, and was bought by speculators, who held the land at a high figure, and thus retarded the settlement. Governor ]\rarshall purchased four large tracts of land in the township. In 1868 he commenced improvements on this land. He sold it a tew years later to W. H. Dean.

Organization

This was organized as a separate township in 1870. At a meeting held June 6 of that year, at the house of M. L. Corbitt, the following officers were elected : Supervisors, W. L. Godard (chairman), W. M. Corbitt and Gilbert Anderson; clerk, A. N. Converse ; treasurer, A. M. Converse ; assessor, G. W. Corbitt ; justices of the peace, G. AY. Corbitt and Stark Peterson; constables, Henry Stockwell and John 0. AYold.

At the annual election held in March, 1871, the following resolutions were presented and adopted: First, That we regard our town as in its infancy, being the youngest of her sisters in this county. Second, That we approve of the law changing the time of holding the annual meeting from April to March. Third, That we are in favor of and approve of changing the name from Beach to Marshall. Fourth, That the interest of education, churches, schoolhouses and public highways shall not be neglected or overlooked in our town. Fifth, That we favor moral, temperance men for office. Sixth, That we know of no organization that Avould do more, or as much, to advance the welfare of and prosperity of this county, as the organization of a monthly fair. Y'herefore, we would suggest, recommend and promise to aid in establishing a monthly fair, to be organized and held at Austin - once in each month. Eighth, That we do not approve of woman suffrage yet for a while. Resolved, in regard to state affairs : First, That we are sick and tired of so much state legislation on the bond question. Second, That while we look upon insolvency and poverty as misfortunes, Ave look upon repudiation as A\dcked and sharaefid. Third, That if the bonds of the state Avere intended to be good Avhen made, they should lie paid to the letter."

Elkton is an incorporated village of some one hundred inhabitants, and is located in JMarshall township. It has a creamery, a hotel, public school, stores and other industries. Tlie village was platted in section ], township 102, range 16, January 25, 1887, by W. E. Richardson and Frank A. Day.

Ciiaptee Xlv

Location and Area - Early Settlement - First Events - Religious - Accidental Deaths - Origin of Name - Cemetery - Madison Village - Red Oak Grove Settlement and Church.

Udolpho comprises township 104, range 18, and is bounded by Dodge county on the north, by Waltham on the east, Lansing and Freeborn county on the south and west, being the northwest corner township in the county. The Red Cedar river enters the town from Dodge county, in section 4, runs in a southerly and southeasterly direction through sections 8, 16, 2J, 22, 27, 26, and makes its exit from section 35. Tim1)er in an early day was quite plentiful on either side of the river, which was mostly cut by the early settlers for building purposes. There is, at the present time, some second growth timber in the township. East and west of the Cedar is a fine prairie, with a l)]ack loam, underncatli wiiicli is a clay subsoil.

AVilliain Tullis is said 1o tlie iirst settler in Udolplio township. He settled on the northeast quarter of section 21, in February, 1855. He built a log caliin 14x14, and covered it with sods. His family consisted of wife and four children. They remained on the claim during that summer, but retui'ned to Jowa, from whence th(>y came, to winter. They afterwards returned to tlie township, remaining a few years, when they returned to Indiana. The next to settle in the township were Thomas Richardson and Richard and William Green, lirotlicrs. Thomas Richardson settled in section 16. lie was from Si. Lawrence county, New York.

He is now dead. Richard Green settled in section 9, William Green in section 15. Richard lived in the town until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted, went south, and was killed at the battle of Nashville. William enlisted, went south, served three years, and returned to the township, remaining until about 1874, when he removed to Todd county, Minnesota.

In June, 1855, an addition was made to the little settlement, by several families of Norwegians. They were mostly well to do farmers from Rock and Dane counties, Wisconsin. They brought with them quite a stock. Knute Olson settled in section 31. Andrew Anderson settled in section 9. Tiie story of the Red Oak Grove settlement is told elsewhere. Solomon Wilcox settled in the township in the spring of 1855. Ole and Bennett Christianson and their parents also came in 1855.

Ole Christianson was born in Norway, September 8, 1835. He came to America with his parents in 1846, and settled in Wisconsin, where they remained until the spring of 1855, when they removed to Mower county and settled on section 19 in the town of Udolpho, where Ole Christianson still lives. Bennett Christianson was born in Norway November 11, 1843. His parents emigrated to America in 1846, and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, Avhere they remained until 1855, when they came to Mower county and settled on section 19, where the father died in 1874. Bennett is still living on the same place. Andrew Anderson, one of the pioneers of Mower county, settled in section 9 in 1855. He erected a small log cabin on his claim, which he covered with prairie sods. He lived in this house about two years, when he moved the cabin a short distance, which he rebuilt and covered with a shingle roof, making it more comfortable for a dwelling. They lived in this house until 1878, when the old house gave way to a commodious frame house. He is now dead. Guttorm Olson also settled in section 19 in 1855.

John Day settled in section 22, in August, 1856. He was from Iowa here. He lived in the township until 1877, when he sold out to B. E. Stimson and returned to Iowa. Orasmus D, Rhoades came in August, 1856, and settled in section 22, town of Udolpho, where he entered land and built a house. He enlisted in 1863 in Company C, Ninth Minnesota Infantry Volunteers. He went south with his regiment and was taken prisoner at the battle of Guntown, Tenn. He was first sent to Andersonville, and from there to Milan, where he died of starvation, Octol)er 20, 1864. O. J. Rhoades came to Mower county with his parents. IMilton McCall came to I\Iower county in 1856 and preempted a claim in section 34, in Udolpho township, on which lie commenced tiic erection of a log house, getting it up as high as tile windows. It, however, was burned by prairie fires that fall.

Mr. McCall returned to his home in New York, and April 20 started for his new home in ^Minnesota, with his eldest son, leaving his wife behind. Aiter leaving Chicago, his son, while asleep, as supposed, v/ali^ed oft' the cars and was killed. ;Mr. MeCall returned with the dead body of his son to his old home, which he had so recently left, so full ot hope for the future. After the burial of his son, Mr. McCall immediately returned with his family to Mo^er county, and lived sevei-al years on their old homestead, after which thej^ removed to Lansing village, where Mr. McCall died. Andrew Ingleson^ came in June, 1856, and settled in the nortlieast quartgr of section 4, in the town of Udolpho. He erected a small log house, in which he lived ten years, when he built a good log house on the southeast corner of the same section. He is now dead. A Mr. Ells located in section 35, wliere he lived about two years, when he left the country. A jMr. Bigley settled in section 26. He had a family, and lived in the township until 1863, when he removed to Lansing township, where he died the next year. His wife, with the family, returned to New York state. Benjamin Vaughan, a brother of Alanson A. Vaughan, came in August, 1856, and lived in the township until 1872. He moved away and is now dead.

During the fall of 1856 there arrived a party of nine men, some of them with their families. One family was from New York state, and the others from Iowa. C. N. Stimson was a native of Vermont, moved to New York, married, and with his Avife and son and daughter started for the west, bringing a span of horses and their family goods. They arrived in Chatfield, ]\Iinn., in the spring of 1856 and there spent the summer. In the fall they were joined by a party from Iowa, and all came to Udolplio. C. N. Stimson settled on section 25. Burt E. Stimson, his son, afterward a prominent citizen, was then a boy of twelve years. Albert Stimson, a brother of Charles N., also settled in section 25. He afterward sold out to E. J. Stimson, enlisted in the war, served his term, was taken ill, and was lost sight of in New York. It is believed that he died in a hospital. George Pierson, another of the party, lived here a short time and then went back to Iowa. Nathaniel Reed also settled in section twenty-five. H. C. Rogers, whose biography is found elsewhere, settled in section 24. Durand settled in section 25, and afterward Avent back to Iowa. Roe settled in section 11 and afterward went back to New York state.

Churchill settled in section 12 and later went l)ac'k to Iowa. Pratt settled in section 13, later started for Pike's Peak, and was never heard of afterward. During the same year, but not witli this party, Charles Day came in and took up a claim. Later Henry and E. J. Stimson came to this vicinity. C. N. Stimson and liis famiiy first lived in a sod liou&e. Three years later they erected a plank house and tliis stood as a residence . until 3886. Timothy B. Andrews also came in 1856.

The Nellers came in June, 1856, and consisted of Francis A., and son, Sebastian, Francis Neller, a nephew, Joseph Neller, another nephew. They are of German descent. They came here from Jeli'erson county, "Wisconsin. Francis A. Neller, Sr., preempted the southwest quarter of section 14, Sebastian the northwest quarter of the same section. Francis - Neller settled in section 15. Joseph Neller settled in section 23.

Seth S. Washburn came in 1857 and settled on the northwest quarter of section 17. Henry Dennis came about this time and settled in section 12. Edward Bassett came in 1857, went back after his family, and in 1858 located in section 21. Edson Bassett was brought here with his parents as an infant. John Tuckerson came in 1858 and settled in section 30.

Othei's prominent in the affairs of the town in the early days were : Sever Ingoalson, Ingval Ingoalson, Edwin Richards, Peter A. Peterson, Orlando C. LaBar, Peter Larson, N. N. Hagna, Buxx Maxwell, Robert Lee, Nels K. Goodwin, F. A. Carll and Knute Olson.

First Events

The first couple to be married in the township was Ed. Sperrj^ and Polly E. Andrews. They were married about 1857. They lived together but a short time. The first birth was that of Nancy, third daughter of Thomas R. Richardson. She was born June 10, 1855. She became the wife of Robert Lee. The lirst death was that of Mrs. Mark Green, who died in June, 1856, and was buried under a burr oak tree on the Green place. Another early death was that of the wife of Mr. Caton, an old settler of the township. She died in the winter of 1856. She was buried in section 23.

The next death in the township was a brother of Ed Sperry, who had traded guns with an immigrant. He had it laid away in the bottom of his wagon. While pulling it out to show his brother, it Avas accidentally discharged, the shot taking effect in his thigh, which cut an artery. Not being able to stop the flow of blood, he soon bled to death.

The first breaking was done by Thomas R. Richardson in 1855. On this breaking he raised about three hundred bushels of corn, and some potatoes. He sold A^hat corn ho had to spare, measuring it in a common tin boiler; for each measure, he received $1. He was not so fortunate with his potatoes. When lie supposed they were large enough to use, on going for a moss found that they had been dug by Indian squaws. "Mr.

Richardson complained to the chief, who said they (the squaws) had done wrong. Later in the fall ]\Ir. Richardson was sent for by the chief to visit his camp. On his arrival was shown fourteen elk, and was told to take his winter's meat, in payment for his potatoes, which offer J\lr. Rieliardson was glad to accept.

Religious

The first religious services held in the township were held on the east side of the Cedar river, at neighboring houses, and at the old log schoolhouse, until after the new schoolhouse was built, when Rev. George Stokes, an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, organized a class. He was a resident of the township, an Englishman by birth. He lived in the township until about 1877, when he went to Utah territory. Rev. Mr. Stokes was the first to hold services in a number of towns in the county. He was well liked by those who knew him. He died in the town of Udolpho, at the home of 0. C. La Bar, October 27, 1885.

1858, by Rev. Hiram Miller, from Chautauqua county. New York. He remained here a short time, when he went to Dodge county, and afterwards to Olmsted county. Meetings were held at the house of 0. D. Rhoades in section 22. The members of this organization Avere Benjamin Vaughan and wife, Charles Hunter and wife, John Dunton and wife, Mrs. 0. D. Rhoades. ]\Ieetings Avere held once in two weeks for about a year, when the organization was removed to Lansing.

Accidental Deaths

This accident was related by Joiin L. Neller: George Chapman came to Minnesota in the summer of 1856 and settled in the town of Udolpho, residing with his father-in-law on section 16 for about two years, when he purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of section 8, of that township. On April 14,

1859, he went up the Red Cedar river, which at that season was very higli. He went for the purpose of killing ducks. He crossed the river at or near Mr. Ivcrson's hou^e, on foot logs, there being no wagon bridges at tliat early day. While coming down the stream on the oast side, he was overtaken by a terrific siiow storm of a severity since unknown in this latitude. As he did not reach home that day a party of his neighbors went out in search of him. I was among the number. We found his dead body where least expected, about fifty or sixty rods from his father-in-law's house, the river being between the house and tlie spot Avhere he was found. His limbs were badly frozen, but his breast was still warm with his life's blood. He had eight ducks in his hunting pouch. We found where he had undertaken to build a fire by placing some dry weeds in the hollow of an old basswood stump and discharging both barrels of his shotgun. But it had failed to ignite and he then placed the gun on one side of the stump and sat against the opposite side of the stump himself, as if for shelter and rest. It was the opinion of those who were knowing to the facts that he was not fully dead when iirst found, and that had proper care been exercised he might have been restored. He left a wife and small children in destitute circumstances.

F. A. Carll and wife, living just above Lansing, were burned to death in their home on Saturday night, March 15, 1890. Mr. Carll settled on section 34 in Udolpho township in 1865 on a farm he purchased of Milton McCall, at which time there was a small log house on the farm, in which the family lived about five years, after which Mr. Carll built a commodious frame residence in which he was burned. Mr. Carll was a native of Maine, born in May, 1814.

Origin Of Name

Udolpho township was named at the first town meeting by Col. Henry C. Eogers, the circumstances of which were as follows : The voters of the township were composed of several nationalities, each expressing themselves in their own language, no two agreeing, until the question of name came up when they were as far apart on this as on other things. It was finally left to Colonel Rogers, who said call it "Udolpho," which was done. The name was suggested by reading a work entitled "The Mysteries of Udolpho."

Cemetery

Udolpho cemetery is located in the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 21. It was purchased in February, 1862, by Francis A. Neller at the time his wife died. Hers was the first burial. Later the people of the township took an interest in the cemetery, and each paid a proportionate share of the cost. The land was purchased by Mr. Neller from Soloman "VVileox, and Mrs. Wilcox, who signed the joint deed, was the second to be buried in the cemetery, her death taking place in March, 1862.

of Madisou, -written by E. Bassett some years ago: "The village of ^ladisou was platted by Warren Brown, a former resident of Baraboo, "Wisconsin, in the fall of 1856 or spring of 1857. He built a fair-sized building and put in some $1,500 worth of goods. He did a fair business for nearly a year. In that time he built a house to live in, established a postoffice and was made postmaster. He sold several lots and blocks, but finally branched out too far and lost all, after which he went farther west. During this time four men, under the firm name of Moody & Co., built a large house, 28x40, with an addition fourteen feet wide the whole length of one side. They used the building for a hotel. They did a livery business for a short time. They had the postoffice reestablished, and boarded a large lot of railroad hands. They were finally left without pay, which left them in a hard spot. The company broke up. The town a failure. Moody took his family and went back to Massachusetts. Others left in various ways. My place lying alongside of the town plat, the postoffice was thrown into my hands. I kept it for twelve years and a half. Wlien the railway was built, the company would make no arrangements to stop. I became wearied with going to Lansing to supply the office, and threw it up. The vacated buildings went to rack and ruin, and were sold for any sum that was possible to get. The buildings were all taken away and the village plat converted into a wheat field." Madison was platted, according to the records, September 3, 1857, in section 21, township 104, range 18, the proprietors being "Warren A. Brown, Quiney A. Truesdell, David S. B. Mollison and Albert Galloway.

Samuel Hatley came to Madison in the spring of 1857, from Indiana. He built a log house for a residence, also a shop, in which he worked at blacksmithing. He worked at his trade here about three years, when he removed to Lansing, where he remained until about 1872, when he went to the nortliern part of the state, where he died.

Red Oak Grove

Red Oak Grove is a name which has been applied from the earliest days to the country in the southwest part of Udolpho township, the name originating from a fine grove of red oaks which was a conspicuous feature of the landscape in that locality. The earliest settlers in this vicinity were Norwegians who came in 1855. The list of these pioneers as gathered by L. 0. Aldal, is as follows : Cliristian Rukke, Knut Rukke, Nels Iverson Vonaass, Guttorm Hillson, Thore Bergo, Anders Melhovd and Guttorm Olson Engen. In 1856, according to the same authority, came

Tollef Sommerhaugen, Ole Somraerhaugen, Christian Jolinson Evikl>e, PKlge Dokken, Jens Bodalen, Knnt B. Bakkcn, Syvcr J>. Bakken, Bennet B. Benson, Ole Trondson, Erik E. Basness, Johannes T. Opstedal, Simon Olson and others. The following historj' of the Ked Oak Grrove ehureh is from the pen of L. 0. Aldal, Avho is secretary of tliat body.

Red Oak Grove Congregation. This congregation receives and adheres to the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the reA'ealed word of God, and the only rule of faith and life ; and to the confession of the Evangelical Lutheran church; the Old Symbol ; the Apostolical, Nieean and Athanasian creeds ; the unaltered Augsburg confession and Luther's small catechism as a correct and faithful exposition of the divine word of God. The congregation belongs to and is connected with the United Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of America. That denomination Avas organized in 1890, and it aims to include all Norwegian Evangelical Lutherans of America, as the name indicates.

The Norwegian settlements and church work in this vicinity, including Mower, Freeborn, Winnebago, Faribault and "Waseca coimties, are a direct result and extension of Glaus Lauritzen Clausen's colony of St. Ansgar, Iowa. The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church work and history in America start Avith Pastor C. L. Clausen. He came from the old country Avhen about twenty-three years old, to Muskego, Wisconsin, August 8, 1843. He was ordained to be a minister, October 18, 1843, by a German pastor, organized a congregation in Muskego, and held services in Even Heg's new barn, where he confirmed the first class, and married the first two couples. In 1844 he helped to build the first Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of America. This building, which was of logs, Avas the first Norwegian church in America. That church was later on moved to St. Anthony Park, St. Paul, Minnesota, to the campus of the United Church Seminary. The next year, 1845, a church Avas built on Rock Prairie, the next oldest NorAvegian church of America, and Clausen Avas called to be pastor. In the spring of 1849 Clausen made a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, on the first steamboat up the Mississippi river. That steamboat brought the first message to St. Paul, that Minnesota Avas organized as a territory.

At that time Minnesota had about 4,000 inhabitants, and St. Paul consisted of about thirty houses, mostly occupied by French half-breeds. Clausen did not like the land there and Avent east to St. Croix and Pierce counties and made a Nor- Avegian colony there. On his search for land suitable to colonize he came to Cedar river, northern part of loAva, in 1852. He liked the laud, took a claim and then Avetit liome to Eoek Prairie. Tl;o next spring, 1853, he and some of the first settlers went to Cedar river and his claim is situated on what he later on called St. Ansgar (named after St. Ansgar, Norden's apostle). Clausen issued the first Norwegian church paper of America, "The Evangelical Lutheran Kirketidende, " which is still published at Decorah, Iowa. He was the first chairman both for the Synod and Conference. He was in one person, pastor, doctor, lawyer, justice, storekeeper, miller, publisher, colonizer, farmer, and a leader loved by all.

When and where the first meeting or sermon was held in this vicinity there is no record to show. But in 1859 Rev. C. L. Clausen, from St. Ansgar, Iowa, visited the settlement and organized Red Oak Grove congregation, which at that time also included what is now called Blooming Prairie Lutheran church. Rev. C. L. Clausen continued to visit the settlement and held sermons in the farmers' small log houses, but when the war broke out he enlisted in the army as chaplain. During the time of war the sermons were few and far between.

In those days the settlement was sometimes visited by A. S. Frederickson. His territory was from Fillmore county east to Brown county west. He preached, baptized and called himself minister, although he was not ordained. He is best known by the name "Skinbrokapresten" because for every-day use he made his clothes of sheep pelts and sometimes had to take pelts, wool and fur for his salary. It is said that he preferred to do so, and when he had gathered a good load he went to Winona and sold it and found the deal profitable.

Old folks can tell that the children sometimes were quite large before baptized, so they either were ready to run away or take the book out of the minister's hand during the act of baptism. October 12, 1867, a new and quite extensive pastorate was formed, consisting of St. Ansgar, Six Mill Grove, Little Cedar, Rock Creek and Red Oak Grove.

December 7, 1867, Red Oak Grove approved to this pastorate and elected and called Rev. C. L. Clausen to minister, and he accepted the call. Up to that time the congregation belonged to and was connected with the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod (called the Wisconsin Synod). But on account of some disagi-eement (for example, negro slavery, observance of Sunday, and of the conduct and maintenance of schools, and controversy concerning some religious doctrines; absolution, the justification of the world, the call, penitence, and selection of grace"), separated from that body July 26, 1868. It continued to be independent until May 25, 1871, when the congregation joined, the Norwegian Dane Evangelical Lutheran Conference and worked with that body until the United church was organized in 18!)0.

The couference was a part of that union. February 2, 1867, the first action was taken to erect a church buikling. The building committee was elected and the place for the building agreed on. Guttorni Olson Eugen donated the lot. The times were hard and the settlers were poor, but the will was good, and they struggled and saved and gathered means and materials and finally were able to erect the first church building, 40x30x18, in 1869. December 5, 1870, Rev. C. L. Clausen introduced Rev. P. G. Ostby to the congregation as his assistant for his growing and extensive work. A new pastorate was formed, consisting of Red Oak Grove, Little Cedar, Austin, and Blooming Prairie. May 19, 1871, Rev. Paul G. Ostby was elected to its pastorate and ho accepted the call. In 1875 it was decided to build an addition to the church, and February 26, 1876, the church building was finished and the members were rejoicing because they had a place in which to Avorship God. To crown the Avork, the congregation invited the Conference to hold its annual meeting in the church. The invitation was accepted. The annual meeting commenced June 14 and closed June 22. During that meeting, June 18, 1876, the church Avas dedicated by Professor Savcu Oftedal, assisted by the present ministers. Rev. P. G. Ostby resigned and held his farcAvell sermon Good Friday, April 19, 1878.

Then the congregation again called Rev. C. L. Clausen from Virginia, AAdiere he had attempted to start a NorAvegian Dane colony, an undertaking AA^hich had proved to be a financial failure. He responded to the call and resumed the Avork and held his first sermons again May 26, 1878. Rev. Clausen was then an old man and not very strong. His salary was increased so as to make it possible for him to call an assistant. January 15, 1879, Rev. Sven Strand Avas called to assist him. Rev. Clausen and Strand Avorked together until July 1, 1885. Clausen resigned, December 31, 1884, and the congregation Avas obliged to accept his resignation on account of his failing health.

January 21, 1885, Rca'. S. Strand Avas chosen as Clausen's successor. The same day a mutual agreement Avas made to leave Austin out of the pastorate. December 14, 1892, it Avas decided that the pastorate hereafter consist of Red Oak GroA^e and Blooming Prairie. December 31, 1893, "Rev. Strand read his resignation, but the majority of the congregation did not like to receive it. Several able candidates Avere nominated and voted on January 10, 1894, but defeated, and Strand Avas reelected Avith an over- Avhelming majority. But all in vain. He resigned again January 25, 1894. and the congregation had to accept his resignation, but urged him to continue his service until his successor Avas elected and qualified. June 25, 1894, Rev. Iverson Avas elected and took clKirge of liis office in November. 1S94. June 25, 1895. a meeting was held of the members of said church for the purpose of tht incorporation under the laAvs of the state of Minnesota relating to religious corporations. The meeting proceeded to organize and chose JRev. Nels Iverson chairman and L. 0. Aldal clerk and elected three trustees: Helge Evenson, Christoffer Lunde, Simon Thompson. February 9, 1898, Rev. Nels Iverson found it necessary to resign from his dut.y in order to recover and restore his health. Neighboring pastors filled the pulpit until his successor was chosen. Our present estimable pastor, Osmond Johnson, was unanimously elected at a special meeting called for that purpose May 12, 1898. Rev. Osmond Johnson assumed the pastorate and held his first sermon October 2, 1898. In May, 1907, Blooming Prairie and Red Oak Grove congregations bought a parsonage situated in Blooming Prairie, which from that time was occupied by the pastor and his family. Present officers (1911) : Trustees, Henry Helliekson, L. 0. Hanson and Gullick Tollefson : deacons, Knut K. Lestrud, John Syvrud, 0. A. Ulland and Ben K. Benson ; treasurer, Helge Peterson ; secretary, L. O. Aldal ; parochial school teacher, Julia Boraas. Societies connected with the church: 1 - Ladies' Aid Society, of which the minister is the chief leader, althougli they yearly elect from the members a president, a treasurer and a clerk. The proceeds are divided between the home and the foreign missions. 2 - Temperance Society, Olaf Gr^nt, president. 3 - Young People's Society, leader, Julia Boraas.

The congregation at present (1911.) has about six hundred members, of which over three hundred are contirmed and admissible to the Lord's Supper. The growth is gradually increasing, although some, especially young people, are moving out every year, as the situation is in all rural districts. Last year twentysix children were baptized and a class of eighteen was confirmed in the holy covenant of baptism. Generally every other Sunday and Holy day in the year service is held in the church by the minister. To instruct the young in the Christian doctrine according to the tenets of the church, Sunday school and parochial school are taught. To prepare for confirmation it is customary in this congregation that the children at the age of thirteen or fourteen years, meet the minister in the church one day every other week, and continue for two years before confirmed.

The congregation aids to maintain, conduct and promote schools for instructing and training ministers, missionaries and teachers, and also to promote other religious and charitable work, such as orphans' homes, homes for old people, hospitals, and work for the missions, ])ntli home and foreign, as in ^Madagascar and China. Tli(> work is going on in good harmony and is fulfilling that Godlv aim for wliicb it was started.

Rev. Osiuoud Johnson, the present pastor (1911), assumed the pastorate of the congregation, October 1, 1898. Born on a farm in the neighborhood of Cambridge, Story county, Iowa, lie received his early training in the parochial and public school of that locality. On November 29, 1879, he was confirmed in the Lutheran church by Rev. J. H. Myhre. Shortly after he was confirmed, he was urgently solicited by Rev. H. C. Holm to enter Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This institution of learning he attended, with but little interruption, from January 1, 1881, to April 1, 188i. He spent the balance of 1884 and all of 1885 on the farm. In the spring of 1886 and the winter of 1887 lie taught English school in the immediate neighborhood of his home. In the fall of 1887 he entered the Iowa State Normal school at Cedar Falls, Iowa, at which institution he graduated in June, 1892. In the fall of this year and the winter of the following one he was a student of the Chicago Theological Seminary. Entering the United Church Seminary, September 10, 1893, he finished the theological course of this school, May 2, 1896. July 23 of the same year he was ordained to the Lutheran ministry by Bishop Hoyme at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He served the congregations at South Superior, Wisconsin, and Ij'Ou River, Wisconsin, from September 1, 1896, to August 1. 1898. October 1 of the same year he moved to Blooming Point, Minnesota, to take charge of the Lutheran church of that place, and of the congregation of. whose history this sketch forms a part.