Cross of Christ Lutheran Church

This township, located in the extreme northern part of the county, was among the last to be secured by the early settlers. Although claims were made in 1855-6, they were soon abandoned for the deserted homesteads in the south part of the county. These opportunities were eagerly watched by the temporary pioneers of this township, and not until 1857 and '58 was a permanent settlement made. These changes were so common, that it is impossible to trace out the first claim that was secured. Many of them returned to their native State, while others sought new fields. Among those of the early pioneers of this township and county is William Boothroyd, a native of England, who settled in Red Wing in 1851, where he resided until 1858; settled in this township in 1866, and on his present estate, being the largest landholder in the town. Among those who have been most prominently identified with the interests of the town and county is Hon. N. C. Crandall, the only American resident of the township who settled in Dakota county in 1861. In the fall of 1869 he came to this county and settled on his present estate. Has been justice of the peace three years, and is township clerk at the present time. He represented this district in the last legislature, and has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of the town and county. Among others of the early settlers is E. W. Carver, Michael Henry, John Bloom, Gohcham Esta, D. O. Swanson and others, to whom much credit is due to their interest in the growth and development of the township.

Passage source: History of Goodhue County, Including a Sketch of the Territory and State of Minnesota; Together with an Account of the Early French Discoveries, Indian Massacres, the Part Borne by Minnesota's Patriots in the War of the Great Rebellion, and a Full and Complete History of the County from the Time of Its Occupancy by Swiss Missionaries in 1838. Pioneer Incidents, Biographical Sketches of Early and Prominent Settlers and Representative Men, and of Its Cities, Towns, Churches, Schools, Secret Societies, Etc, published 1878.

B00THR0YD, WILLIAM, farmer, sec. 10, P. 0. Eggleston. Born in Yorkshire, England, in 1833. Emigrated to this country in 1855, and settled in Red Wing, where he married Mary A. Revers in 1858. She was born in Morgan county, 111., in 1838. After marriage moved to Featherstone township, and purchased eighty acres of land where he settled and resided until 1866, when he came to this township and settled on his present estate, consisting of 410 acres, valued at $16,000. Is director of schools, and is well known throughout the town and county. Carrie J., Charles W., Benjamin B., Albert R. and Frank, and one adopted daughter, Nellie M., are their living children. Lost one child, Grant.

Passage source: History of Goodhue County, Including a Sketch of the Territory and State of Minnesota; Together with an Account of the Early French Discoveries, Indian Massacres, the Part Borne by Minnesota's Patriots in the War of the Great Rebellion, and a Full and Complete History of the County from the Time of Its Occupancy by Swiss Missionaries in 1838. Pioneer Incidents, Biographical Sketches of Early and Prominent Settlers and Representative Men, and of Its Cities, Towns, Churches, Schools, Secret Societies, Etc, published 1878.

Machine-read from a century-old scan, so expect the errors a machine makes: misspelled names, dropped words, stray characters.

Read the whole chapter on Welch Township - 1,726 words on its settlement, mills, schools and churches.