Rice County, Minnesota - Chapter 56: Genkkal Description Early Settlement -, 1882

Chapter 56: Genkkal Description Early Settlement -

In the southeast coriier of Bice county, with its tliirty-sis sections as designated by the government survey, lays the town with the above name that so well describes the character of its soil. Goodhue county is its neighbor on the east. Dodge county touches its southeast corner, Steele county is on the south, the town of Walcott on the west, and Wheeling on the north.

It is a prairie town, somewhat rolling, and remarkably well watered by small streams which coalesce in tlie interior of the town to form the north branch of the Zumjjro River. It seems (|uite unnecessary to describe the course of these rivulets, except, perhaps, to say that they are but two or three miles apart at the widest point, and this part of the toi)Ography leaves nothing to be desired.

Section twelve, tlirough whicli the river leaves the town, was rather of a timber section, having more than all the rest of the township, and early received tlie name of "Norwegian Grove," as the people of tliat nationality secured possession of it when first in the market. There were smaller groves on sections sixteen and thirty-one. The character of the soil is variable, being in places a

The year 1854 was the first to witness the advent of the westward bound emigrant. Four sturdy Norwegians who had stopjjed long enough in Wisconsin to learn the pioneering trade, so to speak, came here in the spring of this year with ox teams, which, at that time, was by all odds the most sensible way to come to this new country. Their names were Halver Halverson, Erik Gunderson, Ole Larson, and Osten Oleson.

Gunderson staked out the first claim on the southeast quarter of section twelve, near the Zumbro. He put up a hay shanty and made himself comfortable while getting up a log shelter, which he lost no time in doing, and he has still a home on the same spot.

Halverson claimed three forties in section eleven and one in section twelve. He started life in a tent which he improvised, using his wagon cover for the top, then cut and cured some hay and soon had a, fasliionable residence, and afterwards his regular timber abode like a high-toned frontiersman. He may now be found on sectich twelve.

Olson also secured his acies in section twelve, which he cultivated until 1863, when his mortal remains were dep.jsited beneath the sod. His

Ole Larson went into section ten and succeeded in getting up the first house in town, wliich he moved into in September, 1854. In 1856, he went to Winona on some business with the hind otBce, and never returned. What became of him is still a mystery most profound. The conjecture at the time was tliat he was murdered. His sou, Ever Olesou, still lives on the place.

In the fall of this year there was quite a little party came together and selected claims in section thirty and the vicinity. Among this number were F. W. Frink, J. Kinnison, Ozro Carter and Willard Carter, two brothers, whose claims fell in the township of Walcott. The.se peojile returned to bring their families the following spring.

Other comers were Edward and Sumner Beach, father and son; H. F. Smith; H. M. Beardsley; George M. Smitli; and Abner Beardsley; who located in that neighborhood.

In 1855, there was a party who came from Wisconsin, some of whom had stopped a while there to create homes for themselves.and others came directly from the eastern States. Arriving here they were so well pleased with the country that some of them at once proceeded to locate their claims in this town, and brief sketches of these men are here given.

J. M. Strunk was from Chautauqua county, New York; he selected a place in section seven and lived in his wagon for a while, then in a bark shanty until he could get up his log cabin.

William Close, a native of Ohio, came here from Indiana during the summer of 1855, and secured a foothold in section thirty-one, where he remained until 1875, when his place was exchanged for city property and he remove<l to Faribault where he has since resided.

F. Herrington, whose birthplace was Delaware, put in a personal appearance in the fall of this year and boarded with H. M. Beardsley through the winter, and in the spring he Ixmght a claim in section twenty-nine where he may still be found.

John Close, from the Buckeye State, came up here from Iowa, where he had remained for a year. He came across the country with an ox team, a distance of more than three hundred miles through a trackless, and of cour.se bridgeless country, and such a trip, it seems almost needless to add, required great good judgement as to the direction to take and as to how to compass the various difficulties being constantly met. He secured the northeast quarter of section twentynine.

During the tir.st two or three years of the early settlement of the township there were quite a number of the sons of the "Emerald Isle" who secured homes here, and some of the original comers still remain where they were first plauted.

John G. Miller, of Germany, came here in 1856, and worked a farm on the school section, thirtysix, for two years, and then traded some land he had acquired in Iowa before coming here for a farm in section twenty-nine, where he still resides.

Nathan S. Wheeler and his son George H. came here from Illinois, being natives of the Empire State; the father pre-empted a place in section one, and the son staked out some laud in section thirteen. In the fall they returned to speml the winter in Illinois. The young man came back in the spring and he now lives in section twenty-one. The old gentleman visited the town again in the summer of 1858, but returned to remain in Illinois.

The year 1857 saw fresh arrivals, among them John A. Mather, and his position was in section twenty-six. He improved that place for awhile, then sold out and bought in section twenty-seven, where he lived and wrought until his earthly sojourn was ended, in 1875.

Mr. Tarr took a claim in sectit)n three; Enoch Story took his slice from section two, and in the fall they both returned to the old Bay State.

Andrew Story bought the east half of the southeast quarter of section two, but at that time remained but a few weeks. In 1861, however, he returned and permanently located on the claim

Harvey Y. Scott, of New Jersey, came to Faribault in 1854, in the mouth of June, where he remained until 1860. In 18(53, he came to Richland, having secured a place in section four where he still abides.

Events Ok Interest

One of the earliest marriages was Henry M. Beardsley and Ariminta Newcomb, by Rev. B. FHaviland in 18.57. Knud Finset was married to Bess Berget Halverson about the same time.

Columbia Adams, a lady of sixteen years of age, was struck by lightning late in June, 1855, and instantly killed. Mrs. Tew was injured by the same bolt, and never recovered from the shock, but passed away a tew years afterwards. This misfortune made a wonderful impression on the settlement, and one that will never be forgotten. In the absence of anything more suitable, a dry goo Is box which had lieen used in bringing

F. W. Frink's furniture and goods, was split up and made into a coffin. One peculiar incident connected with the melancholy event was that the bolt of lightning entered the victim's head just back of the ear, and passing the entire length of the body made its exit through a nail hole in the toe of the shoe.

John Wesley, son of .John and Susan Close, was born on the -Ith of June, 1857. He now lives at Little Falls, Morrison county, where he is engaged in business as a druggist.

Richland cemetery was laid out in 1873, and the mortal remains of Herbert Stickney were the first to be deposited there, early in December of that year. It embraces one acre of land which was I)urchased of Alon/.o Stickney, and is in section thirty.

A store was opened by T. Larson in 1878, in 1881, he sold to S. G. Nolan, the present proprietor, who still does business there in section twenty-one.

A store had previously been started on section thirty-six in 1875, by Nils N. Kveruoden, which he sold to Hagan O. Naeseth in 1879, and be sold to Mr. Lund in 1881, who is the present proprietor.

A Post-office had been established here while Kveruoden was proprietor, and he handled the mails, but it was discontinued. In June, 1882, areestablishment of the office took place, with Peter Lund as Postmaster, under the name of Maylaud. The mail is delivered twice a week. It formerly came from Dodge City once a week.

Political

The first town meeting was on the 11th of May, 1858, at the house of R. W. Mathews. John A. Mather was the moderator and Samuel Gowen was clerk.

The officers to inaugurate the town government were: Supervisors, Lafayette Barlow, Chairman, John A. Mather, and E. S. Staiibrd; Town Clerk, F. Mathews; Assessor, George W. Fox; Collector, William Close; Justices of the Peace, J. M. Ktrunk and Josiah H. Gale; Constables, Charles Birge and James Stevens.

Present Town Officers. - At the town meeting convened at the schoolhouse in district No. 24, on the 14th of March, 1882, the following officers were designated lor the ensuing year: Supervisors, J. B. Johnson, Chairman, August Weshoe, and Charles Egenbrod; Clerk and Assessor, John Murphy; Collector, James Mather; Justices of the Peace, Albert Zigler and John Close; Constables, William Hildebrand and C. E. Engle.

NoRWEGi.^N LuTHBBAN Chubi^h. - As early as 1855, meetings were held in the house of Halvt r Halverson on section thirteen, Rev. Nils Brandt was the missionary. Meetings were continued in

Norwegian Evangelical Li'theuan Congke- OATioN. - Tbe first meetings were at tbe scboolhouse in district No. .51, in 187S. Kev. Mr. Muua was tbe minister. Tbe next year an organization was effected witb about two score members. Rev. M. O. Bockman was tbe pastor appointed by tbe synod, and is tbe present incumbent. Part of tbis congregation comes from Steele, Dodge, and Goodbue counties, and meetings are beUl cmce in four weeks.

Bethel Methodist Episcopal Chdrcui. - In 1868, tbis society was establisbed, and tbe meetings were bskl in tbe scboolbouse in section twenty-sis. Rev. Mr. Eicbardson was tbe first preacber, and wben tbe Grange Hall was built tbat became tbe meeting bouse. Tbe last minister was J. Milton Akers. In 1881, tbe meetings were discontinued.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - In tbe winter of 18.56, Rev. William McKiuley preacbed tbe first sermon bere in tbe residence of Jobn Close. In tbe spring of 1857, Rev. Aaron Matteson organized a society witb Mr. Close as class leader and seven members; Jobn Close and wife, William Close and wife, Mrs. Paul Williams, and Calvin Frink and wife. The membership increased quite rapidly until there were about one hundred. Meetings were afterwards held in F. W. Frink's log bouse, and also in tbe scboolbouse in district No. 21. Meetings were kept up here until 1873.

Soon after the formation of tbe society, a Sunday school was started, and it has since been kept up; T. B. Brown is tbe present superintendent.

Rev. J. Milton Akers is tbe "(>reseut pastor. This church is connected witb tbe Minnesota Conference, and is a part of the Faribault circuit.

The Evangelical Association - Ebenezer Church. - Tbe first meeting by tbis denomination was held in Mr. Jenkins' bouse on section three, in 1863, Rev. William Stegner officiating, and meetings continued to be held here tor four years, and a year or so in other bouses of tbe members. In 1870, the congregation succeeded in building a cburob, which is situated on section four, where H. Y. Scott donated two acres of land. There is a cemetery near the church, and tbe first burial was in 1870.

Catholic Church. - Mass was first said in Mr. Moore's bouse on section twenty-two, in December, 1858. Father G. Keller was the officiating priest, and services were held in various bouses until 1874, when a church was built on section sixteen. Father Genis is tbe jiresent pastor.

District No. 12. - This was first organized in 1856, and a school was opened and presided over l)y Mrs. Edwin Wheeler at tbe bouse of her husband. The scboolbouse was built the same year on section twelve, where it .still stands and is yet used for school purposes; when it was resolved to build, the farmers all turned out bringing logs and material and soon completed tbe structure. This was the first district organized in this part of the county.

District No. 16. - A part of tbis district is in the town of Wheeling, and it came iuto existence in 1856. The next year tbe shoolbouse was got up on section four. Miss Ella Evans bad the honor of teaching the first school bere.

District No. 80. - This was outlined iu 1859, and a school started at Roland Fairfield's bouse, his wife wielding the rod of authority. Tbis was in section twenty-three, and early in 1860, a log house was rolled together on .section twenty-four. Tbis was used up to the year 1877, when a new and better one was prtivided on section twentythree.

Di.strict No. 51. - In tbe house of Roland Fairfield, iu 1859, a school was opened, and in 1861, a division was made and No. 80 set oft'. The south part kept the old number and built a bouse tbat year on section thirty-five, and Miss Nellie White took charge of the school. In 1870, tbe bouse now existing was constructed ou section twenty -six.

District No. 88. - The year 1868 saw tbis district formed, and tbe scboolbouse was built that same year. Mrs. Jeft'ers was tbe first to attemi)t to teach the young idea how to shoot, iu William Sawyer's granary.

District No. 21. - The district with tbis number was created in 1857, and the earliest school was in F. W. Frink's log bouse in the summer and the following winter. In the spring of 1858, the district, witb commendal)Ie energy, got up a fraftie building for school purposes on section thirty, which served until the building of the present structure. Sarah Campbell was tbe first teacher in the new house, and William Bentley in tbe old. The first scboolbouse was put up at the exi:)ense of Calvin Frink, father of tbe present County Audi-

DiSTEiOT No. 24. - School was first taught in a private house on .section sixteen in 3859. The schoolhouse is on section twenty-one, and was built at an early day.

William W. Beakd was born in Kennebec county, Maine, where he attended school and lived on a farm. When twenty years old he went to sea and was a sailor five years. He then engaged in tanning in bis native State, and in 1854 Miss Betsey W. Gowen became bis wife. They came toWaushara county, Wisconsin, in 1855, where he staked out a claim, improved it, and built a bouse and barn. In 1858, Mr. Beard came to Minnesota on a prospecting tour, and in 1862, sold his farm in Wisconsin and came to Richland, where he bought a farm on section twenty-six. He improved his place and has since purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining. They lived in a log house until 1868, then erected their present frame house. He is the father of seven children. Mr. Beard has been elected to ofiBces of trust in the town, and is a man that is well known in this section of the country.

John Close was bom in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 6th of October, 1825, and removed vrith his parents to Indiana when seven years of age; first settled in Cass county and then assisted his father in clearing a claim in Miami county. The latter died in September, 1845. On the 8th of .January, 1846, John married Miss Susan Fickle who bore him ten children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Close was born in Pennsylvania on the 15th of December, 1828, and died the 24th of March, 1870. The maiden name of bis present wife was Miss Martha .7. Ernsj^erger whom he married on the 4th of February, 1871. They have one child. He purchased a farm in Kosciusko county, Indiana, where he lived one year then sold out, in 1854, .md purchased land in Greene county, Iowa. He was sick the first summer there and the next year came to Faribault, but returned in about six weeks, then worked in a grist-mill. In the spring of 1856, he sold his land and came to this county, settling in Richland on a claim in section twentynine. He first built a log caliin and engaged in improving his land. He spent one winter in Walcott, and in 1866, built a barn, 32x42 feet, and two years later built their present frame house. Mr. Close has been a member of the Methodist church since sixteen years of age.

Leander Eastman, a native of Maine, was born on the 11th of March, 1836. He was reared on a farm, and when sixteen years old went to the pineries, where he was engaged in lumbering for twelve years. In 1854, he married Miss P. A. Brackett, and they have had six children, four of whom are living. Mr. Eastman came to Dakota county, Blinnesota, in 1861, and remained there until 1863, when he came to Richland and bought a farm in section twenty -six, improved it, setting out a grove, and in 1863, built a dwelling house. In 1865, he enlisted in the first Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company H, went south and joined Thomas in Alexandria, Virginia, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, on the 14tb of July, 1865. He then returned to this place, bought a farm in section twenty -seven and built a granary, in which they lived until 1869, then ' erected their present dwelling.

Erik G. Giinderson was born in Norway, on the 24th of March, 1828. His younger d.iys were spent at school, and in 1849, he came to America, landed at New York and proceeded directly to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. He was joined in matrimony in 1852, with Miss Helena Hanson, and two years later, in company witli a few others, came to Minnesota. He preempted land in Richland township, this county, and it was the first claim made in the town. He first built a hay shanty, then a log house, and in two years another one of logs, to which he has put an addition. On the 24th of July, 1860, his wife died, leaving five children. The maiden name of his present wife was Miss Astre Asle, whom he married in 1865. They have five children.

.Iames Greelv, one of the pioneers of Minnesota, was born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, on the 2:(d.of February, 1826, and removed with his parents when one year old to Maine, and located in Waldo county. When fifteen years old he went to sea and was a sailor eleven years on merchant vessels between the United States and the West Indies. He was married in 1619, to Miss Sarah .J. Rand. When twenty-sis yeais old Le retired from sea life and bought a farm in Waldo county, which he carried on till 1856, then sold and removed to Steele countv, Minnesota, took a claim and built a house. In February, 1805, he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalrj', went to Port Wadsworth, then returned to Fort Snclling where he hont)rably dischai'ged in November, 18(55, then returned to his farm. Tu 186(5, he sold hi.s farm in Steele county, and bought in Kiuhland in sections thirty-one and thirty-two, having since devoted his time to its cultivation, building a house, and in 1875, bought laud adjoining his first purchase. BJrs. Greeley died in October, 1868, leaving four children. The maiden name of his present wife was Miss Augusta Parshal, whom he married in 1869.

John B. Johxson was born in M<-intgomery couuty, New York, on the 23d of June, 1834. and obtained an education at the district school, and later worked on a farm, (!)n the ith of January, 1856, Miss Anna E.Schuyler became his wife. In 1870, they removed to Minnesota and purchased a farm in Richland township, in section nineteen, where he may still be found. Mrs. Johnson was a native of Montgomery county. New York, l)orn in May, 1831, and died in 1875, leaving three children. In 1875, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mahala Swanger, who has borne him three children. He has held a number of local offices, and is at jsresent Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

John G. Millek, one of the pioneers of Eichland, was born in Germany in March, 1825. He attended school, and when fourteen years old learned the shoemaker's trade, .serving an apprenticeship of two -years, besides paying S42 for the privilege. In 1845, he emigrated to America, landed at New Y'ork, where he worked one month at his trade, then in Genesee county two moutlis. He found farming more profitable, engaged at it two years in the latter county, and removed to Rock county, Wisconsin, where, in 1850, he was married. Miss Susan Burtman becoming his wife. In 1851, he bought a farm in Fayette county, Iowa, where he remained until 1856, then located in Walcott, Rice county, Minnesota, and lived two yt ars on section thirty-six. At the expiration of that time he traded his laud in Iowa for a farm in section twenty-nine in Richland township, to which he moved the same year. He lived in a log house until 1868, then built a frame house in which he now lives, and in 1880, erectfd a liarn 24x30 feet. He is the father cif nine childreii, six of whom are living.

Moses C. Peasley, deceased, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was born in New Hampshire in 1831, and lioth of his parents died when he was but eight years old. When a ycnujg man he went to California where he sjjent five years in mining, then returned to New Hampshire and in a short time came to Minnesota. He pre-empted land in Richland, in sectiou twenty-six, then sold it and bought on section sixteen where he lived a few years; disposed of that and purchased three hundred and twenty acres in sections twenty-two and twenty-seven. On the 7th of September, 1859, he married Miss Martha C. Finlayson, a native of Canada. Mr. Peasley enlisted on the 13th of August, 1862, in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company A, served till the close of the war and was honorably discharged on the 7th of July, 1865, when he returned home and devoted his time to the improvement of his farm until his death in February, 1879. They had a family of six children, four of them now living. Mrs. Peasley lives on the homestead and carries on the farm.

Andrew Stoby was born in Hamilton, Essex county, Massachusetts, on the 16th of November, 1812. He acquired an education at the district school, and in May, 1829, engaged in the village of Essex to learn the trade of shipbuilding, serving three years. He worked as a journeyman for a time, then started in business for himself, and while in the business built as many as thirteen schooners in one year. In November, 1838, he married Miss Lucy A. Story. In 1857, he came west on a prospecting tour with two young men who were in his employ. During that summer Mr. Story purchased laud in Richland in section two, and the other two men made claims in sections two and three, which claims he afterwards jjurchased. He returned to Massachusetts and in May, 1861, launched his last vessel, then, with his family removed to a place on section three, this township, where he has a farm of four hundred acres. In 1869, he Iiuilt a barn and in 1878, another one, which is connected with the first by a shed. Mr. and BIrs. Story have had seven children, six of whom are living. Lucy Ellen, the eldest, died on the 7th of September, 1842.

J. M. Stkunk, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 21st of November, 1829. His younger days were spent at school and since that time be has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. lu 1854,

Lydia Williams became his wife. She was also a native of the latter county. In 1855, they started west; came to Wisconsin by rail and from thence to Rice eonnty with a few others, with ox teams. Mr. Strunk staked out a claim in Richland on section seven, and now has a farm of three hundred and forty acres of prairie land, besides forty acres of timber. He first built a bark shanty, then a log house, and in 1872, his present frame house, and in 1874, a barn 45x50 feet. He is the father of five children, three of whom are living.

George H. Wheeler, one of the pioneers of Richland, is a native of Orange county, New York, boru on the 18th of May, 18.35. He attended school at Amity, and when fifteen years old removed with his parents to Delaware, Ohio, where they lived three years, then moved to St. Charles, Illinois. In 1856, he and bis father, Nathan S. Wheeler, (?ame to Minnesota, Richland township, the father taking land in section twelve and the son in section thirteen. In the fall they returned to Illinois where, in 1857, Celia M. Howard became his wife. The following October they removed to Minnesota, coming on a boat as far as Red Wing tjien drove to their claim. He erected a house with the help of a carpenter who came with him, but in 1870, sold his farm and purchased in section twenty-one where he still resides. His father returned here in 1858, and spent the summer, then went back to Illinois where he lives at present. Mr. and BIrs. Wheeler have been blessed with nine children.