Wright County, Minnesota - Chapter 8: County Government, 1915

Chapter 8: County Government

Alexander Ramsey, the first territorial governor of Minnesota, arrived at St. Paul with his family May 27, 1849. June 1, 1849, he issued a proclamation declaring the territory duly organized. June 11 a second proclamation was issued, dividing the territory into three temporary judicial districts. The first comprised the county of St. Croix. The county of La Pointe and the region north and west of the Mississippi and north of the Minnesota and of a line running due west from the headwaters of the Minnesota to the Missouri river, constituted the second. The country west of the IMississippi and south of the Minnesota, formed the third district. Judge Goodrich was assigned to the first. Judge Meeker to the second, and Judge Cooper to the third. A court was ordered to be held at Stillwater on the second Monday, at the Falls of St. Anthony on the third, and at Mendota

I'ntil June 126 Ciovcrnor Ramsey and family had been guests of lion. II. II. Sibley, at Mendota. On the afternoon of that day they arrived at St. Paul in a bii-eh-bai'k canoe and became i)ernianent residents at the capital. On Jidy 1 a land oilice was established at Stillwater, and A. \'an \'orhecs, after a few weeks, became the registrar.

On July 7 a pi-oclaination was issiu'd, dividing the territory into seven council districts, and oi-dering an election to be held on tile fii-st day of August, for one delegate to represent the people in the House of Representatives of the United States, for nine councillors and eighteen representatives, to constitute the Legislative Assembly of Minnesota. Wright county was included in the seventh disti'ict.

Original Counties. The first territorial legislature assembled September 3, 1849, and adjourned November 1. By an act approved October 27, 1849, the territory was divided into nine counties : Washington, Ramsey, Benton, Itasca, Wabashaw, Dakotah, Wahnahta, Mahkahto and Pend)ina. Oidy the counties of Washington, Ramsey and Benton were fully organized for all county purposes. The others were organized only for the purpose of the appointment of justices of the j)eaee, constables and such other judicial and ministerial offices as might be specially provided for. They were entitled to any number of justices of the peace and constables, not exceeding six, to be appointed by the governor, their term of office was to be two years iniless sooner removed by the governor, and they were made conservators of the peace. The county of Dakotah, among others, was attached to Ramsey county for judicial purposes. The county of Ramsey was constituted the first judicial district and Aaron Goodrich was assigned as judge thereof. St. Paul was made the seat of justice of Ramsey county and the terms of the district court were appointed to be held there every year on the second Monday of April and the second Monday of September.

Dakotah County. Dakotah county, as "erected" by the act of October 27, 1849, included what is now Wright county. Its eastern boundary was the Mississippi, its northern boundary was a line drawn due west from the mouth of the Clearwater river, its southern boundary was a line drawn due west from a point on the Mississippi opposite the mouth of the St. Croix, while the western boundary was the ilissouri river.

The legislature of 1851, by Chapter I of th(! Revised Statutes, passed January 1, divided the territory into Benton, Dakotah, Itasca, Cass, Pembina, Ramsey, Washington, Chisago and Wabashaw counties and defines their borders.

made to consist of all that part of the territory west of the Mississippi river aud lying west of the county of Wabashaw and south of a line beginning at the mouth of the Crow river and up that river and the north branch thereof to its source, and thence due west to the Missouri river. By this revision the part of what is now Wright county that lies south of the Crow river still remained in Dakota county.

Cass County. By the Revision of 1851 which left in Dakota county that part of the present Wright county that lies south of the north fork of the Crow river; that part of the present county which lies north of that stream was included in Cass county. The boundaries of Cass county are described in the act as follows: "Beginning at the mouth of the Crow river; thence up the Mississippi river to Itasca lake ; thence on a direct line to Otter Tail lake ; thence in a direct line to the source of the Long Prairie river ; thence south to the northern boundary line of Dakota (at the source of the north fork of the Crow river) ; thence along said line to the place of beginning. The northern boundary of Dakota county thus described was the north fork of the Crow river to its junction with the south fork, and thence to the Mississippi river. Cass county was attached to Benton county for judicial purposes. Court was to be held at or near Sauk Rapids. The northern part of what is now Wright county remained in Cass county until February 20, 1855, when Wright county was organized.

Sibley County. By act of March 5, 1853, various counties were created. Among them was Sibley county. The county was bounded as follows : Beginning at the northwest corner of Hennepin (where the forks of the Crow river join near Rockford), thence up the north fork of the Crow river to its second fork, thence in a direct line to the mouth of the Rush river (near the present site of Henderson, in the present Sibley county), thence down the Mississippi river to Hennepin county, and thence along tlie line of said comity to the place of beginning. This includes that part of Wright county lying south of the north fork of the C-row river. To the east of Sibley lay Nicollet county, created by the same act. It is possible that the southwestern part of what is now Wright county was included in Nicollet county. The exact location of the "second fork" described in the act is rather uncertain, and at this late date it is difficult to determine just where the lawmakers intended that the dividing line between Sibley and Nicollet counties should be located. Nicollet county was fully organized. Sibley county was attached to Hennepin county for judicial purposes and was not organized until March 2, 1854.

Wright County Created. By an act approved Fchi-iiary 1^0, 1855, the territorial legislature ei'eateii a number of counties. Among them was Wi'ight county. The boundaries were desci'ibed as follows: "Beginning at the northeast coriu'r of Davis county, running thence south on the east line of said county to the nortli line of Carver county; thence east on the north line of said county to the township line between ranges 24 and 25, west of the fifth meridian; thence north on said line to the Crow river; thence down the center of Crow rivei- to the ]\lississii)]n rivei-; thence up the nuiin channel of the said i\Iississij)pi river to the mouth of the Clearwater river ; thence up the middle of the said Clearwater river to the place of beginning." These lines are the present boundaries of Wright county, ami have remained unchanged since that tinu'. The description of the boundary, however, is now obsolete, as there is no longer a Davis county, and Carver county has been cm-tailed.

As late as 1855 there were only ninety-two men in Wright county who voted for delegates to Congress. Of these Rice received 11 votes, Marshall 6'i and Olmsted 18.

Naming the County. Early in 1855 a meeting was held by the citizens of Jlonticello to take steps to organize a new county. W. G. McCrory, S. T. Creighton and Samuel M. McManns were appointed a committee to go to St. Paul and present the matter to the territorial legislature. The committee started on their mission, and as there was no road on the west side of the river, they went to Big Lake, in Shei'burne county, and took the Burbank stage for St. Paul.

After getting aboard the stage, Mr. llcCrory said: "Well, gentlemen, our people failed to suggest a new name for the county last night ; now, I have in New York state a very particular political friend whom I would much like to see honored by naming our county after him ; it is true that he is a Whig and you are both Democrats, but I hope that at this time you will lay aside all political animosities and agree to name the proposed new county Seward, in honor of Hon. William H. Seward."

His companions, however, would not agree to that proposition, and ilr. McCrory proposed a second choice. He said : ' ' There is a man in Orange county, my native county in New York, a personal friend of mine ; you would probably have no objection to naming the county after him, and thus giving him lasting fame. He is a Democrat, not, it is true, my political friend, but a man whom I greatly respect. He is the Hon. Silas Wright." The other two gentlemen were willing, and thus the name of the county was chosen.

First OflBcers- Soon after the establishment of the county, Governor Willis A. Gorman named as county commissioners John McDonald, Sr., Archie Downie and J. D. Taylor. Monticello was designated as the county seat, and there the board of commissioners held their first meeting on April 9, 1855, the firstnamed commissioner being chosen as chairman. John 0. Haven was appointed clerk of the board and registrar of deeds ; Herbert W. McCrory, sheriff ; William Creighton, district attorney ; James C. Beekman, county treasurer; Israel Record, judge of probate; John 0. Haven, county surveyor; Row Brasie, coroner; Selah Markham, Joseph Brown and Dudley P. Chase, assessors.

As previously noted, the first meeting of county commissioners was held April 9, 1855, at Monticello. John McDonald, Sr., Archie Downie and J. D. Taylor constituted the board. Mr. McDonald was appointed chairman, and a full list of officers was chosen.

Three voting precincts were formed, with the following described boundaries : Big Bend precinct, bounded on the east by a line running due south from John O. Haven's northwest corner on the Mississippi river, to the south line of the covinty, south and west by the county lines, and north by the Mississippi river. Monticello precinct, bounded on the north by the Mississippi river, east by a line running due south from the northwest corner of L. Dimmiek's claim on the Mississippi river to the south line of the county, south by the south line of the county, and west by Big Bend precinct. Pleasant Grove precinct, bounded on the north by the Mississippi river, east and south by Crow river, and west by Monticello precinct. These somewhat imperfect descriptions were due to the yet undeveloped region included, the lauds remaining unsiirveyed until July and August of that year.

The dwelling house of Selah Markham was designated as the place for holding elections in Big Bend precinct, and Selah Markham, John C. Dow and John Oakes appointed judges of election. John C. Dow and Archie Downie were appointed justices of the peace, and Oscar Dow and John Lowell constables.

In Monticello precinct the place designated was the dwelling house of William Creighton. George Brown, William H. Van Ness and Samuel McManus were appointed judges of election, Samuel H. McManus and George M. Bertram justices of the peace, and Newell Houghton and J. B. Rich constables. A few months later, McManus removed from the county and Stephen J. Mason was appointed in his place as justice and James Phillips as judge of election. Phillips removed from the county and Van Ness refused to act, so James C. Beekman and D. B. Sutton were appointed in their places.

McPhersou), Charles Lainbtnt and Caleb Chase appointed judges of election; John McDonald, Sr., and Ezra Tubbs were appointed justices of the peace; and William Casley and Otis S. True constables. Archie Uownie, Jonah B. Locke and D. L. Ingersoll were appointed assessors for this district.

Each precinct constituteil a school district with officers and agents as follows: No. 1. Pleasant (irove precinct, Dudley P. Chase; No. 2, Monticello precinct, Nathan Fletcher; No. 8, Big Bend precinct. Selah ^larkhani. The boai-d of county coniinissioners gave the clerk permission to holii his ollice at his residence until an office could be secured and fitted up foi- him.

The next meeting of the county commissioners was held at Monticello July 12, 1855. McDonakl antl Taylor were present. A petition was received foi' a county road from Waterville at the mouth of the Crow river to ]\Ionticello. The petition was granted and Philip Boyden, D. L. Ingersoll and the county surveyor were appointed viewers to meet at the house of John JIcDouald on July 15, 1855, to lay out the road. A petition was also received for a county road from ^Monticello to El Dorado City at the mouth of the Clearwater river. The petition was granted, and Selah ]Markham, Frederick Emory and the county surveyor were appointed viewers, to meet at the house of James Chambers in Monticello on August 8, 1855, and lay out and survey the road. A petition was received from Davitl Ilanaford. Arthur B. Ilanaford and others for a school district bounded as follows : Beginning at the northwest corner of J. W. Hanaford's claim, running thence to the southwest corner of Ball's claim, thence running along his line one mile and a half to a point one-quarter of a mile from the residence of 0. W. Slafter, thence north to a point parallel to J. W. Hanaford's east line, and one mile and a half from his northwest corner, thence along his east line to the place of beginning.

A petition was received from Henry Heap, Henry Bradley, Philip Boyden and others for a road from McDonald's landing across the county to Crow river near Bigelow's, later the location of the townsite of Hassan. The petition was granted, and Henry Heap, Henry Bradley and the county surveyor were appointed a committee to meet at McDonald's on Moiulay, Jul.v 16, 1855, and survey and lay out the road.

The following appointments were then made : J. S. Mason, judge of election in Monticello precinct, vice Samuel M. IMcManus. removed from the county; Joseph C. Walker, sheriff, vice Herbert McCrorj% resigned ; David McPherson, judge of election in Pleasant Grove precinct, vice Ezra Tubbs, who failed to qualify.

On July 23, 1855, James C. Beekman resigned the office of county treasurer and Row Brasie was appointed to fill the office. He gave bonds and was duly qualified. During this session the assessment roll was completed, and a tax of eleven mills to the dollar levied on all taxable property. The assessed valuation, as shown by the completed and corrected roll, was $33,863, on which a tax of $575.67 was levied, $84.66 of which was for school purposes. The rolls were placed in the hands of Sheriff Joseph C. Walker for collection. Grand and petit jurors were selected.

The board of county commissioners next met at Monticello, Sept. 3, 1855. A petition was received for a county road from Cedar street, Monticello, south through the prairie along the east shore of Voorhis and Bailey's lakes southwest to Big lake, now called Pelican lake. Row Brasie and E. W. Merrill were appointed viewers. Bills amounting to $126.52 were audited and allowed, $31.37 of which was for books and stationery, and the rest for viewing and surveying roads, assessing and taking the census. The taxes collected in 1855, for county and school purposes, amounted to $293.52.

The commissioners of 1856 were: Dudley P. Chase, H. W. McCrory, and Selah Markham, the iirst of whom was elected chairman. Their first meeting was held January 7, 1856. At a subsequent meeting in June, $1,053.84 was levied for couuty taxes, $126.71 for territorial, and $319.28 for school purposes. The assessment by precincts was as follows : Big Bend, $23,299 ; Pleasant Grove, $22,255; Monticello, -$82,180. The fact that about five-eigliths of this amount was assessed to Monticello will serve to show the relative advancement in the precincts at that date, a fact largely attributable to the fertile prairie extending back from the river, which first lured the early settlers to the selection and improvement of future homes.

Northwood precinct was created June 9, 1856. The boundaries were described as follows : Commencing at a point on the Mississippi river where the line ends between sections 23 and 26 ; then running west to the corners of sections 29 and 28, sections 20 and 21, thence south to a point where that line meets Crow river, thence down Crow river to its mouth, thence up the Mississippi to the place of beginning. Polls were established at the home of John Baxter. John Baxter, Walter Butler and A. Bartlett were appointed judges of election.

The commissioners for 1857 were Dudley P. Chase, H. W. MeCrory and Ambrose Bryant. The first meeting was held January 5. H. W. McCrory was elected chairman of the board. Various road petitions were received for roads running into almost every part of the county from Monticello, south, west and north. January 6 a petition was received from G. D. George and others asking to be set off into a separate precinct, consisting of townships 119 and 120, range 24. The petition was granted, and the new precinct given the name of Rockford. The following officers

appointed; Justice ol' the pt><u-e, Cyrus C. Jenks; coiistabli', "William 0. Eldred; road supervisor, Joel Floi'ida. The elcrlion was to be held at the house of Cyrus C. Jenks. A petition was also received from George A. J. Overton and others to establish the precinct of Butfalo, consisting of townshiji ]20, range 25, and townships 119 and 120, range 26. The jictition was granted and the following oflfieers appointeil : -Judges of election, Amasa Ackley, Moses S. Calkins and S. B. Culver; justice of the peace, George A. J. Overton; constable, Amasa Ackley; oversell- of roads, Moses S. Calkins. The election was to be held at tlie home of Amasa Ackley. Tlie whole number of scholars in the coinity as reported were as follows ; District .S, 22 ; district 4, 14 ; district 5, 51 ; district 6, 31 ; district 7, 73 ; district 8, 25 ; district 9, 22 ; district 10, 45.

The board of county commissioners met again at Montieello, April 6, 1857. Various road matters were acted upon. April 7, 185(5, a license was granted to G. W. and A. C. Riggs to operate a ferry from the foot of Washington street, town of lower ]\Ionticello, across the Mississippi river. The assessment rolls were received, examined and corrected. The total valuation of the property in the county was as follows; Big Bend precinct, $29,844; Montieello precinct, $135,675; Pleasant Grove precinct. $178,880; total, $344,399. Taxes assessed for the year 1857 were one and one-fourth per cent or twelve and a half mills on each dollar of valuation. The whole work of the county commissioners for the greater part of this year was the laying out of roads and the establishment of school districts.

The commissioners for 1858 were Dudley P. Chase, II. W. McCrory and Joel Florida. The first meeting was held January 4. Joel Florida was chosen chairman. At this meeting it was ordered that a map of the county be furnished by the county surveyor, showing the boundaries of the county, section and town lines, roads and school districts. A settlement was made with the sheriif. The whole amount placed in his hands for collection was $1,500.03. The amount collected was $1,441. The amount returned as delinquent was $59.03.

This, the last board of commissioners elected under the territorial organization, again assembled April 5, 1858. Minnesota was soon to become a state, township elections had been ordered for May 11, 1858, and the board therefore performed its duty and established the following towns: Albion - Township 120, ranges 27 and 28. BuflPalo - South half of township 120, range 26, and township 120, range 25, and sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, in township 119, range 25. Clearwater - Townships 122 and 123, range 27, and township 121, ranges 27 and 28. Frankfort - To^vnship 120, ranges 23 and 24. Newport (changed September 14, 1858, to Franklin) - Township 118, range 25. Montieello - West half of township 121, range 24, and townships 121 and 122, range 25. Middleville - Township 118, ranges 27 and 28, and township 119, ranges 27 and 28. Maple Lake - South half of township 121, range 26, and north half of township 120, range 26. Otsego - Township 121, range 23, and east half of township 121, range 24. Rockford - Township 119, range 24, and all of township 119, range 25, except that portion included in Buffalo. Silver Creek - Township 122, range 26, and north half of township 121, range 26. Woodland - Townships 118, range 26. Marysville - Township 119, range 26.

Minnesota was admitted as a state May 11, 1858, and on that date the township elections were held. Under the new constitution the county was to be governed by a board of supervisors consisting of the chairmen of the organized towns. This board of supervisors, or the Wright County Court, as it is sometimes called, assembled in the hall of the Academy, Monticello, September 14, 1858, with the following representation: Albion, Robert S. Holmes; Buffalo, Jackson Taylor; Clearwater, Jared D. Wheelock ; Frankfort, John M. McAlpine ; Newport, C. A. Wright ; Monticello, Henry H. Helm ; Middleville, John L. King ; Otsego, Thomas Ham; Rockford, S. R. Workman; Silver Creek, John 0. Haven. The towns of Maple Lake and Woodland were not represented, having failed to elect officers at the required time. The board elected John 0. Haven, chairman, and C. B. Jordan, clerk. Later, W. V. B. Holway, having been appointed chairman of Maple Lake, took his seat as a member of the board. October 14,

1858, N. V. Streeter appeared as a member from W^oodland and was given a seat. Timothy Lowell applied for a seat as the member from Cokato, but his application was denied. January 3, at 2 o'clock on the afternoon of May 7, 1859. Those present were: J. N. Barbour, Monticello ; Thomas Ham, Otsego ; G. W. Brookins, Silver Creek; R. S. Holmes, Albion; 0. L. Dudley, Buffalo; M. Jellison, Maple Lake; C. A. Wright, Franklin; J. F. Standish, Rockford; J. M. McAlpine. Thomas Ham was elected chairman and John 0. Haven was elected auditor and clerk of the board. Dr. J. D. Wheelock, from Clearwater, took his seat July 12, 1859. On September 13, Michael Jordan, from Woodland, took his seat. A question arose as to the legality of the organization. All but one voted that they were of the opinion that the board was properly organized. Robert S. Holmes expressed the negative opinion. September 14 the town of Freedom was created from the towns of Buffalo and Rockford. September 15, M. V. Cochran took his seat as supervisor from Middleville. II. S. Brookens was admitted as a member from Silver Creek, February 27, 1860.

November 13, 1860, the boartl was notified that the State Board of Equalization had added one hundred per cent to the assessed valuation of real estate in the county, making it $484,319. March 5, 1861, a motion was passed by the board attaching a part of Silver Creek to Clearwater, subject to the vote of the respective townships. Sej)tember 3, 1861, a resolution was passed accusing H. L. Gordau of fraud in substituting in the files a different resolution from the one which was passed. At the same session A. P. Jlooers resigned as cliairman of the board and J. B; Blanchard was appointed.

The commissioners for 1861 were J. B. Blanchard, Montieello; H. L. Gordon, Delhi ; F. S. McDonald, Otsego ; A. P. Mooers, Middleville ; G. A. Ruckholdt, Rockford. They assembled January 1, 1861, and after nine ballots, named A. P. Mooers as chairman. January 2, 1861, a petition for and remonstrance against the proposition to set ofif a portion of the town of Silver Ci'eek and attach same to Clearwater were laid on the table. January 3 it was voted to allow school district 7 sj!? for holding the district court terms of October, 1859, and March and September, 1860, in the schoolhouse. The second floor of Chambers' store building at Montieello was rented for several of the county offices. On September 3, 1861, the boundaries of several townshijis were altered.

All of that part of townshi]) 119, range 25, lying uortii of the north fork of the Crow river was set ofif from Rockford and attached to Franklin.

All that part of township 119, range 26, lying on the south side of the north branch of the Crow river was set ofil' from Buffalo and attaclied to Woodlaiul.

Townships 118 and 119, range 28, were ranged as Mooers' Prairie. An election was ordered held at the home of David GrifiBth, witk David Griffith, Daniel Rose and Luman Putnam as judges of election.

January 9 it was voted to set oft" section and fractional sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17 and 18, townships 122, range 36, from Silver Creek and attach same to Clearwater.

The board for 1863 consisted of Samuel Bennett, A. E. Oaks and D. R. Farnham, the number of commissioners having been reduced from five to three. The board met January 6, 1863, and named Samuel Bennett as chairman.

In 1864 the board consisted of Samuel Bennett (chairman), A. E. Oaks and D. R. Farnham. March 2, 1864, this board authorized the chairman to grant liquor licenses at not less than $50. April 7, 1864, the act granting bounties to volunteers was repealed.

The board for 1865 consisted of W. W. Marvin (chairman), A. E. Oaks and D. R. Farnham. French Lake, consisting of township 120, range 28, was created from a part of what had previously been the town of Albion.

In 1866 the board consisted of W. W. Marvin (chairman), A. E. Oaks and D. R. Farnham. January 4, 1866, township 118, range 27, was set off from Middleville and created as Victor. Township 120, range 26, was set oft' from Maple Lake and Buft'alo, January 5, 1866, and created as Chatham. A further account of this will be found under the history of Chatham. This board held office until March, 1866, when a new board came in.

The board which went into office in March, 1866, consisted of A. E. Oaks, T. C. Shapleigh and D. R. Farnliam. This board organized March 13, 1866, and elected T. C. Shapleigh chairman. March 14 township 119, range 26, was created as Marysville, the north half being taken from Buffalo and the south half from Woodland. October 5, 1865, the board granted the petition of Daniel Kreidler antl others asking that Rockford be allowed to vote on the subject of granting licenses in that township. October 9, 1866, township 101, range 26, was created as Maple Lake.

In 1S67 the board assembled. Jaiuiary 1 U. K. Farnham was present from the third district. A. E. Oakes appeared from the first district with a certificate of election for three years from January 1. 1867. T. C Shapleigh appeared from the second district with a certificate of election for one year from January 1, 1867. T. C. Shapleigh was appointed chairman. In the spring various measures were taken for the relief of the destitute in the western part of the county.

The board for 1868 consisted of the same gentlemen, T. C. Shapleigh having been reelected for three years. He was chosen chairman of the board. February 19 all that portion of township 121, range 28, south of Clearwater river was set oft" from Corinna and created as South Side township. This was the year when the railroad lands were taxed. II. L. Gordon was voted $400 to defend any suits which might be brought against the county by the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company in this connection. March 23, 1868, the board met foi' the first time in Buffalo and the offices were established in that village a few days later. July 17 townshij) 119, range 28, was created as Cokato. The county seat having been removed to Buffalo and the jail property having reverted to the original owners, the commissioners made a contract with Z. 'M. Brown for renting the jail for a year.

In 1869 the board consisted of A. E. Oakes from the first district, T. C. Shajileigh from the second district, and N. C. Rickerson from the third district. Mr. Shapleigh was elected chairman. March 11 the name of Mooers Prairie was changed to Union.

The board for 1870 consisted of Samuel Whiting, Jr., from the first district, T. C. Shapleigh from the second district, and N. C. Rickerson from the third district. Shapleigh was elected chairman. March 8 Thomas McLeod was appointed a member of the board from the second district in place of T. C. Shapleigh, resigned. Samuel Whiting, Jr., was elected chairman.

In 1871 the board consisted of Thomas McLeod from the second district, N. C. Rickerson from the third district, and Samuel Whiting, Jr., from the first district. Jlr. Whiting was elected chairman. Januai'y 6 the county was redistricted as follows :

1. Clearwater, Corinna, Southside (previous to this the name appears in the records as two word.s - South Side), Silver Creek, and Maple Lake.

A vacancy was declared to exist in each of the districts, and the appointing board issued the following certificates of appointment: District 1, Samuel Whiting, Jr.; 2, Thomas McLeod ; 3, James Sturges; 4, Horace J. Hill; 5, N. C. Rickerson. The new board assembled February 20, 1871, with Samuel Whiting, Jr., in the chair.

The board for 1872 was constituted as follows: District 1, W. H. Phillips; 2, William Tubbs ; 3, P. M. Wright; 4, M. C. O'Donohoe; 5, K. 0. Molsterteigen. William Tubbs was chosen chairman. It was this board which clearly stated that the county would not at its own expense establish any section corners. It was this board passed on the claims for damages by fire and storm during the summer and fall of 1871. The board on October 16 voted to bring action against A. F. Barker, former clerk of court, for failure to record marriage licenses while in office. It was this board that took up the matter of securing title to part of the present court house square and determined to go ahead with the building of a foundation for a court house.

In 1873 the board was constituted as follows : District 1, W. H. Phillips; 2, William Tubbs; 3, P. M. Wright; 4, M. C. O'Donohoe ; 5, K. 0. Molsterteigen. William Tubbs was elected chairman. This board took up the court house and secured deeds to the larger part of wliat is now the court house square.

The board for 1874 consisted of the following members : District 1, William H. Phillips; 2, William Tubbs; 3, Jonas Johnson; 4, M. C. O'Donohoe; 5, K. 0. Molsterteigen. Tubbs was chosen chairman.

In 1875 the board was the same with the exception that William Tubbs having been elected county auditor, Michael Jaeb, appointed by the auditor, judge of probate and registrar of deeds, served from the second district. Jonas Johnson was chairman. The state census having revealed a material difference in the population of the different commissioner's districts, a reapportionment was made as follows :

The board for 1876 was constituted as follows: District 1, Thomas C. Porter ; 2, F'rank Weigel ; 3, Jonas Johnson ; 4, Odilion Berthiaume ; 5, K. O. Molsterteigen. Thomas C. Porter was chosen chairman. This board, startled at the increasing expense of unnecessary litigation, notified the county attorney to correspond with the various justices of the peace in an eft'ort to prevent the bringing of trivial suits in the name of the state of Minnesota. Feb- ruary 15, 1876, the board asktul for bids on the construction of a court house according to the plans and specifications of ('. N. Daniels, of Rice county, which had been accepted by the previous board. Bonds were issued, the contract let, an additional piece of land purchased and the work started.

In 1877 the board was constituted as follows: District 1, T. C. Porter (chairman); 2, Odilioii Berthiaume ; 3, Abraham Ilstrup; 4, K. 0. Molsterteigen; 2, O. H. Buslinell. William Tubbs was employed to make an abstract of entries, for which he was to receive $100.

The board for 1878 was made up as follows: District 1, T. C. Porter (chairman); 2. 0. H. Bushnell ; 3, Abraham Ilstrup; 3, Charles W. Bonniwell ; 5, II. E. Jones. Porter and Bushnell served as a committee to beautify the court house grounds.

1879. - 1, Martin O'Laughlin; 2, O. II. Bushnell; 3, Abraham Ilstrup ; 4, Charles W. Bonniwell ; 5, H. E. Jones. H. E. Jones was named as chairman.

1881. - 1, Martin O'Laughlin (chairman); 2, Stephen Schumacher; 3, W. W. Crooks; 4, Joseph Bland; .5, A. P. Peterson. This board rearranged the commissioners' districts as follows:

1882. - 1, Martin O'Laughlin; 2, Stephen Schumacher; 3, W. W. Crooks (chairman) ; 4, Joseph Bland ; 5, A. P. Peterson. Under this administration E. B. McCord, county surveyor, established stone markers at the northwest corners of the various townships except those of townshij) 120, range 24, which lies in Pelican lake.

County Officers

In the early days, the records were not as perfectly kept as now, and the early election retuims have not been preserved. After long research, however, a list of officials of the county has been prepared, and with a few omissions of a few holders of minor offices for the first few years of tiie county's existence, the list is believed to be correct.

Auditor. Until January 1, 1859, the ofiSces of auditor, registrar of deeds and clerk of the board of county commissioners were combined. John 0. Haven took office April 9, 1855, followed January 1, 1857, by C. B. Jordan. Ed. P. Abbott took office as the first auditor under the new law, January 1, 1859. John O. Haven seems, however, to have performed the duties of the office after the first month, and on May 7, 1859, Mr. Haven became the regular auditor. Tlu'ii came James Chambers, .lamiary 1, ISGO; J. ^V. Miilvey, March 4, 18G1 ; H. Kreis, March 2, 1863, and J. R. Ames, ]\lareh 14, 1871. G. A. Kuckholdt, as deputy, had eharp;e of the otiice under ]Mr. Ames, and on .November 7, 187.'{, was duly appointed to tlie office of auditor. William Tubbs took office March 1, 1875. Durinjj his illuess, in 187'), his deputy, \V. H. Cady, had charge of tlu' ottice. Since ilr. Tubbs the auditoi's have been: J. N. Stacy, Manh 7, 1881; George E. Stacy, January 1, 1887; Arthur C. Heath, January 1, 1891 ; Frank B. Jjamson, January 1, ]89;{; II. S. Swanberg, January 1, 1897; Aaron Keinmutli (appointed), October 2, 1900; Henry C. Brasie (appointed), Marcli 1, 1904: John A. Berg, January 1, 1909.

Swanberg was deputy undei' Lamson and succeeded to the office. Reinmuth was depiit\- to Swaid)eig and succeeded lum. first by appointment and later by election. Brasie was deputy to Reinmuth and during Reinmuth 's illness was acting auditor for a while. Brasie was succeeded as deputy auditor by P. H. Fogarty, who was acting auditor during the latter part of Reinmuth's illness. Reinmuth died February 27, 1904, and Bra.sie and Fogarty were candidates for his position. Brasie won by a 8 to 2 vote, and was afterwards elected by the people. Berg was dei)uty to Brasie. Lamson served for some years as deputy under Berg, thus completing the circle.

Treasurer. James C. Beekman became treasurer April 9, 1855, but resigned soon afterwards, and was followed by Row Brasie, July 21, 1855. Since then the treasurers have been: Nathan Fletcher, March 1, 1856: G. D. George, March 1, 1862; Alexander Ambler, March 1, 1864 (J. J. Smith tilled out the term from March 10, 1865) ; Frank M. Parcher, March 1, 1866 ; Cyrus Redlon, March 1, 1870; John Young, March 1, 1874; Nathan Warner, March 1, 1880; Gustaf Bodin, January 1, 1884; Frank McKnight, January 1, 1891 ; Ole Mattson, January 1, 1895 ; Ai. Hanaford. January 1, 1897; Thomas Hudek, January 1, 1901; August Johnson. January 1, 1905; Orson C. Chamberlin, January 1, 1909.

Registrar of Deeds. Until January 1, 1859, the oflfices of auditor, registrar of deeds and clerk of the board of county commissioners were combined. John 0. Haven took office April 9, 1855, followed January 1, 1857, by C. B. Jordan. After the offices were separated, Jordan continued as registrar of deeds. A. P. Mooers was appointed September 8, 1861, and W. C. Williams was chosen at a special election held October 8, 1861. William II. Iloulton took office January 1, 1866. George W. Carpenter was appointed January 2, 1867. Since then the registrars have been : January 1, 1868: Joseph E. Warren; Ign. Gutzwiller, Jr., January 1, 1870; Frank W. Gorman, January 1, 1876: Fred Brandes, January 1, 1880; James H. Hoover, January 1, 1887; Isaac S. Podas, January 1, 1891 ; E. M. Nagel, January 1, 1895 ; August Hafften, January

County Attorney. In the early days, the office of county attorney was somewhat vague and uncertain. William Creighton took office April 9, 1855. He was followed January 1. 1857, by J. C. Parker. Charles King was appointed July 6, 1857. January 13, 1859, the minutes of the county commissioners contain the information that "Edward Hartley is discharged from further service." January 4, 1860, the board decided that there was no such office as coiinty attorney. But on February 28, 1860, the members relented, recognized B. I. Hinman and voted him an annual salary of $150. Edward Wait, of Monticello, was appointed March 5, 1861. Since then the attorneys have been: Edward Hartley, January 1, 1862; H. L. Gordon, January 1, 1864; Thomas R. Briggs, January 1, 1866; W. E. Hale, January 1, 1870; J. F. Dilley, January 1, 1872; J. IT. Wendell, January 1. 1876: A. Y. Eaton, January 1, 1882: W. E. Culkin, January 1, 1887; W. H. Cutting, January 1, 1891 ; W. E. Culkin, January 1, 1893 ; J. T. Alley, January 1, 1895; James C. Tarbox, January 1, 1897. Mr. Tarbox resigned in the spring of 1897 on being appointed district judge, and C. A. Pidgeon was appointed. Egbert S. Oakley took office January 1, 1901, and served until he resigned, in June, 1903, on being appointed receiver of the land office at Cass Lake. William H. Cutting was appointed his successor. J. J. Woolley took office January 1, 1907, and Stephen A. Johnson, January 1, 1913.

Judge of Probate. In the early days, the judges of probate had but little work to do, the people for the most part were young, and there were few estates to settle. Isreal Record took office April 9, 1855, followed by: Perez T. Record, January 1, 1856; James C. Beckman (appointed), Janxiary 7, 1856; S. J. Mason, January 1, 1857; and Franklin Wood (appointed), October 6, 1857. In December, 1857, Charles King was acting as judge of probate. In the early and middle parts of 1858, J. G. Smith acted. In the latter jiart ol' 18,18, Edward Hartley aeted. Following him eanie: J. N. Barber (appointed), January 4, 1859; T. (!. Mealcy (appointed ~), January 8, 18G3; David Brooks, January 1, 186C; George W. Carjienter, January 1, 18(JS; Thomas A. Perrine. January 1, 1870; H. Charles Jlorneau, January 1, 1874; Daniel Fish, January 1, 187C; John F. Dillev. January 1, 1878; Daniel Fish (appointed by Gov. John S. I'illsbiiiy 1o lill vacancy caused by death of Dilley), July 15, 187!); David Cochran, January 1, 18S0; John T. Alley, January 1, 1887; John J. WooUcy, Januai-y 1, 1895; William II. Cochrane, Jaiuiary 1, 1901. Mr. Cochrane died in i\Iarch, 1902, and J. J. Woollcy was appointed. Hcmi-y Spindler was elected January 1, 1907.

Coroner. Row Brasie took office April 9, 1855. It has been impossible to secure a complete list of those who served from that date until January 1, 1872, as the position seems to have been a haphazard one. J. M. Reilers seems to have been serving on August 1, 1867, and J. M. Keeler on July 15, 1871. Since the beguining of 1872 the coroners have been: R. 0. Cady, January 1, 1872; Elam S. Gibbs, January 1, 1878; S. E. Dean, January 1, 1880; E. Y. Chilton, January 1, 1884; John S. Shrader, January 1, 1887 ; Herbert Alfred Pinault. January 1, 1889 ; John S. Shrader (appointed). September 24, 1889; Henry E. Cassell, January 1, 1891 ; Sidney R. Wakefield, January 1, 1893; E. A. Shaiuion, January 1, 1897; C. B. Powell, January 1. 1899; A. G. Mottatt, January ], 1903.

Clerk of Court. E. W. IMerrill became clerk of court January 1, 1856. When the state was admitted Thomas Chambers was in office, though James Chambers acted as his deputy much of the time. II. B. Hill took office January 1, 1862, but during the remainder of that year Samuel E. Adams and James Chambers appear to have been in charge of the office as deputies. Mr. Hill himself assumed the duties of the office in 1863. Since then the court clerks have been: James Chambers, January 1, 1865; A. F. Barker, January 1, 1866; W. W. Brasie. January 1, 1870; George A. Hoffman, January 1, 1872; W. W. Brasie, January 1, 1880; Oliver J. Steward, January 1, 1884; John O'Leary, January 1, 1892; Charles H. Vorse, January 1, 1896; James J. Erickson. January 1, 1901; Edward C. Tuttle, January 1, 1909.

In 1884 and previously, there were annual elections. The county aiiditor was always elected in the even years, the otlier officers in the odd years. The clerk of the district court holds office four years under the constitution. Thus, all the officers that were elected in 1883, except the clerk of court, had thre(^ years to serve, the next election being in 1886. The auditor did not get an extra year as the others did because there was to be an election for auditor and court commissioner under the old law in 1884. The clerk of the court began his term in January.

1884, and there beiug no election in 1887 (for the term beginning in January, 1888), the election for clerk of court was held in the fall of 1886, fourteen months before the person elected could take office. Thus the successive terms began in January, 1884, 1888, 1892 and 1896. The legislature determined that there should be an election for the office of clerk of court in the fall of 1896, and every four years thereafter, the first successful candidate taking office in January, 1897. This left a year between the expiration of Mr. O 'Leary 's term, and the time when a new clerk could take office by election. The judges appointed Charles H. Vorse to fill the vacancy thus created. The feeling was running high, 0 'Leary beiug a Democrat and Vorse a Republican. The matter was taken to the courts and the Supreme Court (64 Minnesota, p. 207) held that Vorse was properly appointed, and gave him the office. In the fall of 1906 he was elected by vote for four years, thus holding the position five years in all.

Court Commissioner. Edward Hartley appears to have been court commissioner in 1862. Since 1870 the commissioners have been: Samuel Adams, January 1, 1870; Joseph II. Wendell, January 1, 1874; John F. Dilley (appointed), March 10, 1876; William Van Eman, January 1, 1877 ; Samuel Porter, November 28, 1877; David Cochran, Jan. 1, 1878; S. A. Putnam, June 2.5, 1881; C. H. Vorse, January 1, 1909. The court commissioner and the county auditor were elected in 1884, all the other in 1883.

Surveyor. The first county surveyor was John 0. Haven, who took office April 9, 1855. In the early days various people not professional surveyors were appointed as viewers and surveyors of proposed county roads, and thus many county surveyors appear on the early records. Mr. Haven was, however, the real county surveyor. May 4, 1857, A. W. Wood took office. E. T. Abbott became county surveyor April 6, 1858. E. B. McCord was appointed June 9, 1863. B. F. Miller took office March 13, 1866. Since then nearly all the surveyors have taken office in January. They are : 1870, James Jenks ; 1872, Josephus Alley ; 1878, James Jenks; 1880, W. W. Strong; 1882, E. B. McCord; 1884, Willis W. Strong; (March 17) 1885, E. B. McCord; 1889. Perry B. Fletcher; 1891, E. B. McCord ; 1893, Halvor T. Moland ; 1897, Guy A. Eaton ; 1899, Axel A. Bloom; 1905, E. J. Beedy : 1907, Edward Merz ; 1909, Halvor T. Moland. Mr. Moland became postmaster at Buffalo, and was followed as surveyor by D. C. Washburn, whose present term expires in 1919.

Note. Arthur C. Heath, expert abstractor and former county auditor, who is jn-obably more familiar with the records of Wright county than any other man now living, has revised and amplified the above list of officers, assisted by .1. 'I'. Alley, and the list is, therefore, jirobahly as eorreet a one as eoidd be made. Tins is the first time that sueh a list of Wi'ii,'ht county otticers has ever been compiled, and its value is at once apiiai'eiit.

County Property

Jail. As early as October 15, IS.'iS, the commissioners took up the nuittt'r of building a court house and jail. The supervisors inherite(l the problem. July 15, 185!), the matter was definitely decided and the building of a jail placed in the hands of a committee. The cost of the jail was to be .$1,500 and county bonds were to be issued bearing: interest at 12 ]ier cent. During the discussion it was suggested that as "Wright county was on the frontier, surrounded by more sparsely settled counties, considerable money might be made by keeping prisoners for other counties. On September 15, 185!), the board voted to issue the bonds, placing them in the hands of the county auditor, (>xcept three hundred dollars advance payment to the contractor. The building was of hewed tamarack logs, clap-boarded outside' aiul lathed and i)lastered inside. It was furnished with six cells, situated on either side of a hall running through the c<>nter. The size of the jail was about 20 by 24, and was built on laud a few rods northwest of the Academy building, deeded for that purpose by Smith & Brown so long as used for county purposes. When the building was completed it had cost the county -t2,500, instead of the sum before named, and when, in later years, the county seat was removed to Buffalo, the land reverted to the original owners, and with it the old jail, in which few prisoners had ever been confined.

The county has now no jail. There are cells in the basement of the court house for temporary detention, but prisoners who are subject to imprisonment in a county jail are taken to Hennepin county and incarcerated there. This has proven a satisfactory arrangement, the cost being less than the expense of maintaining a jail.

Court House. In territorial days the county seat of Wright county was located at Monticello. W^hen the state was admitted in 1858, there were several candidates for countj' seat honors, but Monticello was still the metropolis of the county, and the people of that village won an easy victory.

As time passed and the county paid its outstanding debts, the propriety of building a court house was discussed. The county offices were kept in several places. The auditor and treasurer occupied a room together. The other officials had no offices, and the records were scattered throughout private homes. Before a court house was built, a permanent location of the seat of government must be fixed upon.

petition asking tliat the county seat be transferred to Buffalo. The vote came up in the fall, the ballots being marked "For Removal of County Seat to Buffalo," and "Against Removal of County Seat to Buffalo." The proposition was defeated.

With the now more general distril^ition of settlers throughout the county, the question of removing the county seat from Monticello to some more central point was more vigorously agitated, and in the legislature of 1867 a bill was passed submitting the matter to a vote of the people at the fall election of that year. As a result of this measure, the location was fixed at Buffalo. The last meeting of the county commissioner at Montieello was held March 12, 1868, and the first at Buffalo, iMarch 23, 1868. January 10, 1868, the legislature was asked to rescind an action which it had taken authorizing the people of Wright county to issue bonds for the court house, such an issue having been made unnecessary by the generosity of tlie citizens of Buff'alo.

In accordance with a previous agreement, the citizens of Buffalo erected a building for court room and offices, which was furnished the county free of rent for a term of five years. This building was 24 by 36 feet, and two stories high. It was later owned bj' C. E. Oakley, tlie upper room being known as Oakley's Hall, and used for society and public meetings. A brick vault was also built adjoining the old court house on the east, during the construction of which a partial collapse gave Mr. Gardner, the builder, a temporary burial, from which, however, he was resurrected with slight injuries.

In 1873 the five years' lease of the temporary court house expired and the building was purchased from Jackson Taylor, James Sturges and 0. L. Dudley for .^iOOO. But it was inadequate, and in tlie same year the legislature authorized the county to issue court house bonds. The proposition was submitted to the people at the township elections that spring, but the measure was defeated. In 187.'5 the legislature passed an act authorizing tlie board of county commissioners to issue the necessary bonds witliout submitting the matter to a vote of the people.

Accordingly a committee was appointed, who, after examining several public buildings in difl'erent parts of the state, reported that a suitable and convenient buikling, with heavy brick walls and stone foundations, could be erected at a maximum cost of .^1^35,000. Plans and specifications were furnished by C. N. Daniels, and bids solicited. The contract was awarded to Bisbee, Bardwell & Moses, of Minneapolis, for .'(;26,640. A portion of the stone used in the foinidation was obtained near Buff'alo lake, the remainder being brought from Minneapolis. The bricks were burned near by, thus lessening the otherwise heavy expense of building. The mason work was carried on under the supervision of Joseph Nelson, then nearly eighty years old.

After the legislature had authorized the board to issue the bonds without tiie vote of the pcoi)le, there was still nuieh opposition to the building of tile eotu't house. Wiien the matter came to a vote before the county commissioners, those who voteii for the project were Jonas dohnson, Odilion Hei-thianme and Iv. O. Jlolsterteigen, and to these men the county owes the fact that it has a court house today. Thomas C. Porter and Fraid< Weigel voted against it. The buiUling committee consisted of Frank W^eigel, Jonas Johnson and Odilion Berthiaume.