Annandale City

Annandale City

Annandale is situated on the ''Soo"' line, fifty-one miles north. west of Minneapolis and fifteen miles northwest of Buffalo, the county seat. The topography of the surrounding country is such that, in addition to its location on the main line of the ''Soo,"' Annandale is easily aecessible to all outside points and is very centrally located for extended trade in all direetions. Many well kept highways radiate from the village proper in all direetions to accommodate the big business in all phases of agriculture and the patronage of the many large and well known summer resorts. To these facts may it be added that very few places can truly boast of the many beautiful lakes and other desirable features which go to make the town known as one exceptionally prosperous for it accommodates untold numbers of tourists and others seeking a pleasant and restful vacation through the summer months. Further thrift and prosperity is well exemplified, as one travels through the surrounding country and takes note of the many large and well kept farms. Such a trip plainly shows the true progressiveness of the splendid type of farms adjacent to the town. From her natural endowment Annandale has sixteen beautiful lakes within a radius of six miles. The shores are still largely wooded with original timber, among which stand many a pleasant and restful cottage in the quiet, the waters furnishing excellent fishing.

The inhabitants number about 800. The place is not one of great commercial enterprises, but maintains an industrious and prosperous people, which in the end ean only promote permanent and healthy growth to the town. The moral and social standing is splendidly represented by five large churches and numerous lodges and societies that are constantly on the lookout for community welfare. The place has a fine high school carrying all the late departments as found in the largest schools throughout the state.

There are two large and well established banks which draw business for miles around. This fact. alone is a good index toe the tone of business throughout the community. The village is lighted with electric lights furnished by its own plant. It has its own paper known as the Annandale Advocate, printed by one of the townsmen. A very pleasant amusement house, The Lyric, furnishes interesting programs through the week.

The general places of business are as follows: Four general stores, five confectionery stores, three hardware stores, a drug store, a meat market, harness shop, shoe shop, two grain elevators, two feed mills, two lumber yards, one creamery and two barber parlors.

The village is highly appreciated by its loyal citizens and makes a very desirable place to reside. Its beautiful park and other public improvements, as well as its nearness to the Twin Cities, makes it unequalled - (By Lyle A. Worden.)

The Minneapolis & Pacific Railway Co., now a part of the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie, was laid out through Corinna in 1886, and the present townsite of Annandale was located at Abbyville. But when it was time for the postoffice to be established it was found that there was another Abbyville in the state. Senator Washburn was asked to suggest a suitable designation. When the request came, his eye happened to rest upon a poster advertising a theatrical engagement of Lizzie Annandale, and thus the new village was named.

The land on which the greater part of the village is located was owned by James M. Pratt, who gave an undivided one-half of his land for a townsite, William D. Washburn owning the other half. Mr. Pratt had much faith in the village and took great pride in the improvements and settlements, that were made, but he did not live to see the present thriving municipality, as he was accidentally killed in September, 1891, by his own rifle, near where the cemetery is now located. He is laid at rest at Clearwater.

The townsite of Annandale was platted in October, 1886. Quite a number of lots were sold on Oak avenue, the same fall and winter. The first man who erected a building on his lots was John H. Buri, who opened up his hardware store January 1, 1887.

There had been a small building erected early in the fall, before the townsite was platted. It was located at a place a little south of the rear end of the old Matheu building. The store front was facing east. This was a small grocery store owned by Sam Wells. Early in the spring the Annandale postoffice was located in this building with W. H. Towle as postmaster.

The winter of 1886 and 1887 was one of the severest in the history of Annandale. The snow was about three feet deep on the level and the thermometer a good share of the time below zero, Building operations were about at a standstill during the greater part of the winter. So the two little buildings, the grocery store and hardware, almost hid from view by large trees and brush all about them and a lumberyard started by Henry Eggerglus was the beginning of the village of Annandale. For a street there was a narrow sleigh road through the deep snow passing the two stores and extending to the railroad track where Charles McDonald was the grain dealer man for Cofield & McDonald, the grain being delivered directly from the farmer's sled into the box ears.

As soon as the weather permitted building operations began in real earnest, the hammer, saw and ax could be heard from all sides. On the west side of Oak avenue, John Charles started his two-story hotel on the lots now occupied by Wirsing's photograph gallery and Thompson's barber shop. W. H. Towle began his residence and postoffice building on the lot where the postoffice now stands. A. A. Linder started his general store building on the corner now owned by J. A. Olson. A little later in the spring D. C. MeCory built his general store building which is owned by H. L. Guptil. On the east side Harrison MeDonald started a resident building on the corner where M. C. O'Loughlin's old hotel building now stands. This building and lot was purchased by L. Cofield. The partly completed building was moved farther back and a large store building erected in front. This store room was rented in the fall to Rennie & McLane who began their general store that year. Matheu & McGuire completed their hardware store and began business early in the spring.

M. C. O'Loughlin built a general store building which was rented by O'Loughlin & Cannole as a general store. The building is now oecupied by the State Bank. Harrison MeDonald started another building and completed it the same spring on the now vacant lot adjacent and south of the Lorentz saloon.

The first millinery shop in this village was opened in the front room by Mrs. Harrison McDonald. The following buildings were erected on the next block north: G. O. Trow drugstore, Mr. Goodsell's blacksmith shop, on the lots where Powers' shop now stands. Also Murray Bros. erected a small building south of Trow's drug store, which was used as a confectionery, barber shop and photograph gallery.

In the spring each resident lot owner cleared away the trees and brush in front of his own buildings and so the south end of Oak avenue was nearly cleared of all trees early in the spring but many of the stumps remained for a long time after. The Corinna road overseer of this road district was appealed to, to apply the poll tax in the village in opening up the balanee of Oak avenue. Herman Buckman, overseer at the time, collected the poll tax and started his erew sometime in May, to chop down the remainder of the trees on Oak avenue. The avenue was cleared of trees that spring to Goodsell's blacksmith shop and from there the wagon road was somewhat winding until it intersected Pleasant lake road now Park street. During the summer and fall a few more business houses were erected on Oak avenue, also several residences on other streets.

So in the fall of 1887 the following business houses were located in Annandale: Rennie & MeLane's general store, Sam Wells' general store, Matheu & McGuire's hardware, O'Loughlin & Connole's general store, John Dally's butcher shop, Mrs. Harrison MeDonald's millinery, John Buri's hardware and farm implements, Mr. Goodsell, blacksmith, G. O. Trow, druggist, Murray Bros.' confectionery, A. A. Linder, general store, W. H. Towle, postoffice, D. C. MeCory, general store, John Charles' hotel, Cofield & McDonald, elevator and lumber, John McKenzie's livery.

Street work was begun early in the spring of 1888 and by the middle of the summer Oak avenue was nearly cleared of all trees, stumps and logs and the village began to have somewhat of an urban appearance. This year of 1888 was noted principally for its building operations and activity. Several fine residences were completed that year. W. D. McDonald finished his residence and moved his family from Howard Lake. J. J. Rennie built his residence where it now stands. S. H. McGuire finished his residence in the summer. The same building is now owned by Rober Thied. James M, Pratt completed his residence in the fall where the Lano residence now stands. Several other residences were completed on different streets, also some additions and improvements were made on Oak avenue. The Annandale school building, a new two-story structure, 30 by 40, was completed this fall.

Annandale's first Fourth of July celebration was held in 1889. The village council and citizens began to plan for a rousing celebration. Nearly all the citizens of the village were on some of the committees and worked together to make Annandale's first celebration the best in the county. It was proposed by some and generally agreed to, that the funds remaining after the celebration were to be equally divided between the Methodist Episcopal church and the Annandale school. Senator A Y, Eaton of Buffalo, and Hon. C. M. King of Fair Haven, were secured as orators of the day. The Kimball brass band was employed to furnish music during the day. There was a general representation from the surrounding country and neighboring villages. The Annandale celebration passed off as a decided-success in every respect, and was a splendid advertisement for the new growing village at tha' ime.

Skinner. When he moved to Kansas in the summer of 1890, he was followed by Dr. A. M. Ridgway, who still remains. At about the same time that Dr. Ridgway came, L. R. Williams settled here. He worked for a while for J. J. Rennie, who had bought out G. O. Trow, and then he in turn suceeded Mr. Rennie.

Annandale now has Methodist, German Lutheran, Swedish Evangelical, Advent Christian and Roman Catholic churches. There are two banks, a hotel, a publie library, four feed and planing mills, a brick yard, a creamery, and two grain elevators. A weekly newspaper, the ''Advocate'' is published,

Following is a description of the village limits at that time; 'Beginning at N. W. cor. sec. 30, twp. 121, r. 27, thence 8. on W. line of said sec. 1 mile to 5. W. cor. said sec. Thence E, along 8. line of said see. 1 mile to 8. E. cor. said see. Thence N. along KE. line of said sec. 34 mile to 8. W. cor. of N. W. 44 of N. W. Vy, of sec. 29. Thence E. along 8. line of N. W. 4 of N. W. of sec. 29, 80 rods to S. E. cor. of said N. W. %4 of N. W. 14 of said sec, 29, Thence N. in straight line 14 mile to most northerly point of lot 4, see. 19, Thence following meandered line of Pleasant Lake in southwesterly direction 83 rods to point of beginning, containing 85114 aeres.''

The first work of the village council was to formulate and pass a certain number of ordinances to govern and regulate the affairs of the village. There were twenty-four ordinances passed by this first council and most of them are in force and effect to this day.

now the railroad crossing, near P. 8. Rudolph's place. In 1888 the southeast corner of the present building was erected. This original unit of the present building was the southeast corner. There were two rooms, two stories, but only one teacher on the first floor. The upper floor, which has since been fitted up into a recitation room and the laboratory, was unfinished at that time. The honor of being the first teacher in the new building, belonged to Bertha Bosworth.

The little community grew and it was necessary to employ two teachers, a principal and an assistant. The first was C. M. King later of Deer River who was nominated by the Democratic party in 1912 for lieutenant governor. [lis assistant was Grace Allen. She taught for three years after which she entered the employ of the State Bank.

The second principal was Ion. J. F. Lee. Miss Allen was also his assistant. He held his position for two years. It was during his second term that he was elected county superintendent, which position he held for six years. In 1910 and 1912 he was elected to the lower house of the state legislature. Mr. Lee was followed by Mrs. Burdick and her daughter. Mrs. Burdick moved to California, and died there.

The next principal was A, A. Zech, who did most efficient service, In 1901 he became county superintendent, a position he still retains. It was during his term that the second part of the present building was added on the southwest corner making it a four room building.

During the next four years, Messrs. Morse and Graves served. Both are still in school work in this state. Mr. Morse is the author of a small work on grammar. After them came B. S. Cosgrove, who is likewise still in edueational work. During his administration the last addition was begun on the north side. It was nearly finished the following summer.

Mr, Farmer was the next principal. The north addition begun was quickly finished and the steam heating plant installed. The schools which had been gradually climbing upward, now attained the rank of high school. The school had grown from one teacher to eight, and the seed was sown which has developed into the present industrial departments. At this time the district was enlarged by the addition of two rural districts known as the Lee district and Ransom district. During his regime Annandale attained its fame in athletics, Mr. Farmer is still a school superintendent in this state.

J. F. Sandstrom followed. The Home Economies department was added at this time, Mrs. Harry Kurz being the first instructor. The school farm, twelve acres, was purchased at this time. The department ocenpied quarters in the basement. The industrial departments were slowly forging ahead. Mr. Sandstrom returned

Under his administration two new teachers have been added making a total of ten teachers. A new industrial building was fitted up. One of the rural buildings was moved in and utilized for this purpose. A new lot adjoining the school property was purehased on which to put it so that the play grounds might not be too small.

Sanitary drinking fountains have been installed, electrie lights light the way when the days are short and cloudy. <A row of trees has been set up around the grounds. In 1912 the industrial departments, begun several years ago, were officially recognized by the state and the Annandale High School was named by the state as one of the Lee-Benson schools which were given special state aid of $1,000 for the industrial work, manual training having also been added. It was in recognition of the very good work that was being done. There were three times as many applications as could be taken care of. In 1913 this aid was increased to $1,800. In the spring of 1913 two of the rural schools voted to associate with the Annandale High School. This differs from consolidation, in that it allows the rural schools to continue their schools for the smaller ones, the larger ones coming to Annandale free of tuition fees which the state allows industrial schools to charge. Outsiders are paying $2.50 per month for each pupil and the home district pays this. There is a short course each year for rural boys and girls which lasts twelve weeks. There is practical work only, all other things are omitted. There are 250 pupils enrolled, about thirty of them are non-residents from eleven outlying districts. Among the early members of the school board who are still here are, W. D. McDonald, a member for the last twenty years; J. I. Buri, who was clerk of the first board; L. Cofield and W. II. Towle.

The Annandale Electric Light & Power Co. is a local stoek company formed by enterprising citizens who are willing to invest their money for the good of the town, The plant has been very successful, not only from a financial standpoint but also for the efficient service it has given its patrons. A twenty-four hour service is furnished by the company which enables many to operate motors for power. The officers and directors are: William Towle, president; W. S. Ives, vice pre dent; Dr. George H. Norris, secretary; Walter Ponsford, treasurer; G. G. Sawyer, manager; 8. R. Williams and Leroy Ritchie, directors; E. N. Brandon, superintendent.

The Commercial Club of Annandale was organized in December, 1914, at a meeting of the citizens of Annandale. The officers elected were: President, C. M. Austin; vice president, T. E. Thompson; secretary, L. A. Worden; treasurer, B. H. Thayer; directors, G. W. Rackliff, G. G. Sawyer and A. C. Gruss. Regular monthly meetings are held in the village hall on the first Friday of each month. The club already has a membership of eighty, and it is expected that this number will be considerably increased by extending the membership into the country adjacent to the village.

The purposes of the organization are to promote the social interests and the financial welfare of the community, to destroy the imaginary line between town and country and establish a new boundary line to inelude the home of every man who belongs to the club. The club stands for better improvements, better roads, better citizenship and a greater work for the community.

The elub has not been organized long enough to show a big record, but some evidence of its efforts has been noted thus far. Tt has acted as a nucleus toward improving the highways and public places, and it purposes to keep Annandale on the map by the persistent advertising of its manifold natural attractions.

Note: For much of the information regarding Annandale in this article the publishers are indebted to the souvenir issue of the Annandale Advocate.

Frankfort is in the eastern part of Wright county, and embraces Congressional township 120, range 24, and fractional Congressional township 120, range 23, north of Crow river. The town is bounded on the south and east by Rockford and the Crow river, on the north by Otsego and Monticello, and on the west by Buffalo. Before the settlers came, oak, maple, basswood and elm timber covered nearly all of this township with the exception of a tract of about five hundred acres in sections 25 and 36, township 120, range 24, and fractional parts oi sections 30 and 31, township 120, range 23, west of the Crow river. This tract became known as Winnishiek (sometimes incorrectly rendered Winnoshiek) prairie, in honor of the Winnebago chief who spent several years in this vicinity. Among the timber, many natural meadows existed, The soil throughout the township is excellent, The largest body of water is Pelican lake, which lies partly in this township, in sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, and covers iu all an area of about 2,000 acres. There are also many smaller lakes. The town js well watered by the Crow river and tributary creeks.

The Winnebagoes, who had been removed from Iowa to Lony Prairie, Minnesota, began to settle in Wright county about 1850. One of the bands settled on Winnishiek prairie in Frankford township, and a trading point was established there. On section 13, near tle Crow river there was a burial ground. Near this was a circular stockade euclosing about a quarter of an acre, and made by setting split timber into the ground. Entrance was gained through an underground tunnel on the side next to the river. May 5, 1855 the Winnebagoes began to move to their reservation on the Blue Earth river, and in a short time nearly all had left. In 1856 the stockade was set on fire throngh the carelessness of some campers, and totally destroyed,

The first settler was Samuel Reems, who took a claim on seetion 1, township 120, range 23, August 7, 1854. In September, 1854, the Aydts selected claims, and in October, of the same year, Walter Butler settled on section 10, township 120, range 23.

John K. Aydt, with his son, Leonard, after arriving in the township, made a long journey up the north fork of the Crow river. Their provisions gave out, game was scarce, and for three whole days they lived on one duck. In September, 1854, looking over various localities they fixed upon section 24, township 120, range 24, where claims were taken for John K. Aydt, his sons, and his brother, Edward Aydt,

John K. Aydt also purchased a claim at the mouth of the Crow river, opposite the village of Dayton, for which he paid $1,000. He and others laid out a town Aydt's Town, built two or three houses, and established a ferry which was operated by Charles Aydt for several years. The town was to be a suburb of O. H. Kelly's Northwood, and both villages died together. The title to the land upon which Aydt's Town was located went into litigation and John T, Aydt lost his interests therein together with the $1,000 which he had paid.

In 1855 there was quite an influx of new settlers to Frankfort township. Among them were John Zachmann, John and Walter McAlpine, Henry Depue, Peter Scheyrich, Edward Aydt, Thomas and William Dean (who came from New Brunswick and settled in section 9, near the river), Jacob Bingenheimer, Philip Schneider, Adam Meyer, Jacob Vollbrecht, Martin and Andrew Schuler and the Marx family.

For the most part the claimants of land were actual settlers, a larger portion than in any other township, and there was little claim jumping, speculation or litigation.

In August, 1856, steps were taken toward establishing a church, Among those active in the project were Peter Schevrich, John Zachmann, Edward Aydt, John Dehmer, Felix Reyling and Xavier Demler. A log edifice was erected on twenty acres donated by Peter Scheyrich in the northeast quarter of section 18, township 120, range 23, In September, Rev. Father Weninger and an associate arrived, held services and established the church and congregation of St. Michael's. The neighborhood became known throughout the state as the Crow river settlement. Many German Catholics came in, teok claims, and became permanent residents, Among these may be mentioned the families of Zahler,

During the fall of 1856 and the winter of 1856-57 the land between Crow river and Pelican lake was nearly all taken. While the German settlement was growing about St. Michaels, Ameriean and Irish pioneers were loeating in the southwestern part of the town. Among those from the older states were: Thomas Steele, Joseph Balls, J. E. Beebe, Amos Denny and W. O. Eldred, all of whom eame to the county in June, 1856, with the Rockford Mill Co. Thomas Steele came from Illinois, and settled in seetion 28, near the lake that bears his name. Joseph Balls took a claim in section 32, and lived thereon for some twenty years. J. E. Beebe, a native of Vermont, took a claim in section 29, on the south shore of the lake that was afterward named for hin. He moved onto his claim December 2, 1856, and on September 12, 1857, he ent his foot and bled to death. In August, 1856, Amos Denny took a claim on the east shore of Lake Beebe. About the same time, W. O. Eldred took a claim near the Beebe preemption. Those from Ireland who came the same year were: John Elliott, Sr., Andrew and William Elliott, and James Dixon. The Elliotts settled on the north side of Lake Beebe. Dixon settled in section 32, on the shores of Lake Charlotte.

The first white child born in the town was Mary T. Zachmann, born August 26, 1856. She married Henry Berning, also a native of the town. The first marriage was that of Anton Schnitzler and Catherine Knoebel, who were married by the Rev. Father Weninger, when he made his first mission trip here in the fall of 1856. Henry Aydt and Mary Marx were married August 24, 1857.

One of the early deaths was that of Mathias Guffard, who died April 25 or 26, 1857. Guffard and Wendelin Hurd came here in the winter of 1856-57 and took claims in section 15. Hurd returned to his family at St. Anthony and left Gufford in charge of the claim. April 25, the neighbors found his dead body on the floor of the claim shanty, death having been caused by epilepsy.

The townsite of Frankfort-on-the-Crow was laid out on the northeast quarter of section 18, township 120, range 25, by Peter Scheyrich in January, 1857. At the time the township was laid out, Mr. Scheyrich was offered $2,500 for his claim. John K. Aydt bought it a few months later for $1,000. Not long after that it was sold to Anthony Berning for about $300. It is now excellent farm land.

The first township election was held May 11, 1858, and the following officers elected: Supervisors, William W. McAlpine (chairman), Jacob Binfenheimer and Anthony Berning; town clerk, John M. McAlpine; assessor, Gerhard Ebben; justices of the peace, William W. MeAlpine, Jacob Ringenheimer; constables, Albert Lewis, Leonard Aydt; overseers of highways, 1, John Zachman; 2, Jacob Vetsch; 3, Edward Aydt; 4, Conrad Meyer.

During this year several roads were cut; one, intersected with cross roads, being opened from the south line of the township along the Crow river to near its mouth.

The first store in the township was that of Peter Scheyrich, on the old townsite of Frankfort-on-the-Crow, in the spring of 1856. In April, 1857, he sold to Anthony Berning, who continued the business on a larger scale and in a better building until the spring of 1865, when he gave up the store and devoted his time exclusively to farming.

During the latter part of 1857, Jacob and Joseph Vetsch kept a small store on their claim in the southwest quarter of section 1, township 120, range 24, but gave up the business after about two years.

The first brewery in Wright county was erected in 1862, on section 13, Frankfort, near the bank of the Crow river, by Joseph Zahler. It was burned in 1867 and rebuilt by George BE. Weis and Joseph Zahler. Weis soon purchased Zahler's interests, and continued the business for a long time. In the seventies the building was burned for the second time. In 1877 it was burned for the third time and rebuilt on a still larger scale.

In 1881 the Osseo branch was built through the northeastern part of this town, crossing the Crow river in section 9, township 120, range 23. In 1882 it was put in operation from Minneapolis to Clearwater by way of Osseo and Monticello.

In the early days, Crow river was used for transportation. The ''Governor Ramsey,'' the first steamboat built on the Mississippi river above the Falls of St. Anthony, made a trip up the Crow river iu the high water season of 1855, going as far as where the stage road between Minneapolis and Monticello erossed the Crow river. About two years later a small craft propelled by steam was made near Watertown and descended the Crow river and the Mississippi river to the Falls of St. Anthon,*, but did not return. For some years, while the roads were still in a crude state, steamers from above St. Anthony Falls landed provisions at Dayton, from whence they were taken to St. Michaels, Rockford and other places by row boat. During one or two seasons, a erew of men in a good sized boat maintained a regular freight schedule between Rockford and Dayton. Frankfort had more of the main shore line of the Crow river than any other town in the county.

The first move toward building a schoolhouse in Frankfort was made in the winter of 1858-59. A log house was completed for school purposes in the southwest quarter of section 1, town-

The first school was held in a claim shanty in section 11, township 120, range 24, and was taught by Mrs. Anna Fallihee, while her husband was serving as a volunteer in the First Minnesota Infantry. She also taught in the same school (district 20, St. Michael's) in the winter of 1863-64. The first officers were Mathias Maus, Jacob Vetsch and I. Gutzwiller, Jr. In 1869 the frame schoolhouse at St. Michael's was built.

In the summer of 1860 a log schoolhouse was started half a mile north of St. Michaels, on land donated by John Ingel. It was built by voluntary work and contributions and was considerably delayed. In September, 1864, I. Gutzwiller, Jr., opened a school in this schoolhouse in which both German and English were taught for from four to nine months each year for five years.

The first county road surveyed and legally laid out in Frankfort was the so-called Rockford and Dayton road along the Crow river from the south line of the town to near the mouth of the river, a distance of twelve miles.

The first attempt to bridge the Crow river made hy the people of this town, was in the winter of 1865-66, one bridge being on Winnishiek prairie at the Bingenheimer place and the other at the so-called Reyling ford or Hassen rapids. Both bridges, the first nearly completed and the other partly so, were swept away in the high water of the next year. After considerable wrangling, the Hassen bridge was rebuilt in the winter of 1867-68, and was maintained until the Vollbrecht brothers erected a bridge across the river on the Minneapolis and Monticello road. Later, the Vollbrechts assisted by the town and county, constructed a bridge at Hanover.

Frankfort took a prominent part in the Civil War. Among those who enlisted from this town were: Alois Aydt, Leonard Aydt, Henry Dean, August Wagner, John M. Frank, Christian Wolff, Samuel F. Fuller, Con, Neil, William Roloff, William Reems, John Elliott, Peter Schumacher, Laurence Vetsch, Emil Guizwiller, John Ingel, Eberhard Linnemann, Joseph Reyling, A. Cochran, John Buol, Conrad Lutz, William Ullman, Peter Middlestedt, John Becker, Michael Kinna, Sr., Michael Kinna, Jr., Franeis Chute, John Lindenfelser, W. E, Schumacher, James Reems, William Bliiott, Valentine Varlerius, Jacob Vetsch, Ferdinand Gutzwiller, Nicholas Haas, Frank Zahler, J. B. Marx, William Cochran, Andrew Schuler and John Klaes.

Among those who lost their lives in the war were: A. Cochran, Second Minn, Vol. Inf., mortally wounded and died in the Battle of Chickamauga. John Klaes, Third Minn. Vol. Inf., died at Helena, Arkansas. Michael Kenna, Sr., Fourth Minn, Vol.

Inf., killed in battle, Allatoona, Tenn. Laurence Vetsch, Fourth Minn. Vol. Inf., died in the camp hospital in eastern Tennessee. Christian Wolff, Fifth Minn. Vol. Inf., died in military hospital of wounds received in battle at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Francis Chute, Ninth Minn. Vol. Inf., died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn. Peter Middlestedt, Ninth Minn. Vol. Inf., died in a camp hospital in Tennessee or Kentucky. Michael Kenna, Jr., Ninth Minn. Vol. Inf., wounded in battle at Guntown, Tenn., taken prisoner and died in Andersonville, Georgia.

The Indian scare of 1862 was not felt so severely here as in some other towns but nevertheless had a marked affect. On the night of August 24, news was spread of the murders in Meeker county and the outbreak along the upper Minnesota, and on the morning of August 25, many homes were deserted. Some fled to St. Paul and Minneapolis, some took refuge in Rock. ford, and many in the north and central parts gathered around the old church at St. Michaels, where their goods were scattered in confusion and their live-stock wandered about bewildered. Scouts were sent out, no signs of Indians were discovered, and after a day and a night, the people returned to their homes. There were some who had not even left their claims, but had remained in their cabins, and skulked in the thickets.

In 1863, when the news came of the Dustin massacre no one left home, but all the men went armed ready for instant service. About this time, settlers reported one day that some naked savages had been seen on the shores of Pelican lake. Volunteers of all ages, armed with various kinds of weapons, and reinforced with a detachment from Co. E, Eight Minn. Vol. Inf., stationed at Monticello, started ont to give battle to the invaders. Upon arriving at the spot they discovered that the supposed Indians were some sun-burned boys, who tiring of gathering ginseng had undressed and gone in bathing, and then sported on the beach without resuming their clothing. The volunteers and the soldiers thereupon amused themselves with firing off a volley of shots, and everyone that was within hearing was sure that a bloody battle was in progress. Looked at from a modern standpoint, these stories have a humorous aspect, but in those days when settlers were being murdered by the hundred, and Indians were wreaking swift revenge in communities supposedly far from the seat of danger, the scares were so serious as to be almost

Hanover is a thriving village with walks, electric lights, water power, graded streets and an energetic progressive set of business men. The only thing lacking here of any kind is the steam cars, but without these Hanover is far in advance of hundreds of her sister cities more fortunate in this respect. Many lines of business are here represented, she has a water power which drives not only the wheels of her flouring mill but supplies the village with electrie lights. In the distribution of these lights she has been generous, for the streets of Hanover and her various places of business and homes are more brilliantly illuminated than are many such places in the large cities. Her business men are a unit in any enterprise tending to advance their city's interests and make of it a better place to live and do business. The stocks carried by her merchants are large and comprise all articles which they may be called upon te supply. Her population is considerably in excess of 350. They are busy, they have plenty to do and are doing it with a will and push that downs all obstacles. Hanover is located twelve miles east of Buffalo and seven miles south of Albertville, its shipping point. It has a daily mail and is connected by telephone with all sister cities of the county. The citizens of Hanover are prosperous, and contented because of their beautiful location. The farm lands adjacent thereto are as good as any in the great state of Minnesota and her farmers are as @ rule well-to-do and successful.

Hanover is located on the Crow river, seven miles from Albertville (St. Michael Station), its shipping point. It has Lutheran and Methodist churches, a bank, a creamery and a flour mil A daily stage operates between here and Albertville and Rockford. A brief directory follows: Mrs. Louise Haefer, postmistress and general store keeper; William L. Haefer, saloon; Hanover Cooperative Creamery Association, R. W. Stanger, secretary; Hanover Rural Telephone Co.; Hanover State Bank, C. A, Farel, president; H. E. Kirscht, cashier. John Hurley, blacksmith ; John Lockadell, general store; Richard W. Saenger, wagonmaker; Mrs. Augusta Strunk, saloon; Louis Strunk, meats; Vollbrecht Bros., flour mill; W, H. Vollbrecht, hardware.

Jacob Vollbrecht, a woodworker, came to Frankfort in October, 1855, and made a claim in section 35 on the Crow river. William Vollbrecht, an ironworker, brought his family in April, 1856. In May, 1856, they started to build a dam and a mill on Crow river, and had the mill in operation in December. February 8, 1857, the dam broke, and the mill and part of a dwelling were washed down the river. During the next two years the brothers devoted their time to farming, blacksmithing, and building houses for new settlers, spending the spare efforts in again building a dam and mill and putting in machinery. But again the dam broke, the mill was tipped into the river, and the water power was abandoned. In 1860, the Vollbrechts purchased a tract near St. Michaels, on a ereek which was the outlet of a series of lakes and marshes. The supply of water, however, was limited, and the mill could only be operated in wet seasons. The Vollbreehts sold the site to Peter Duerr who afterward abandoned the mill.

Not discouraged by these ventures, the Vollbrechts in 1867 concluded to try the Crow river once more, They erected a dam a short distance below their original millsite, constructed saw and fiouring mills, and built up a good business, In 1877 a postoffice was established there with L. W. Haefer as postmaster, a village grew up, and the brothers name it Hanover, in honor of their birthplace in Germany. The mill burned in 1882, but was later rebuilt.

The citizens of Hanover presented a petition to the county commissioners on September 1, 1891, asking that the village be incorporated. Those signing the petition were: lL, Hildebrandt, Max A, Saenger, John Weinand, Henry Vollbrecht, James Wadick, A. Bush, Frank Kernom, George Strunk, William H. Vollbrecht. Herman Vollbrecht, Louis W. Haefer, Emil Strunk, Henry Invie, Louis Sthrundel, Henry Schrundel, Peter Thies, George E, Weiss, William Leffler, Nish A. Weier, Peter Bingenheimer, Jacob Vollbrecht, Fred Hartfiel, George Adelberger, Hdward Strunk, Nick Kauffman, W. Eude, August Vollbrecht, Hubert Zann, Ferd. Graf, August Hoffmorkel, Henry Faue, Fred Bongesser, Henry Wolff. According to the census taken May 16, 1891, Hanover at that time had 208 residents. The limits proposed for the village were as follows: ''Beginning at the N. W. cor. of the N. E. 4 of sec. 34, twp. 120, range 24, thence EB, 480 rods to the N. E. cor. of see, 35 of said twp. and range; thence N. 160 rods to the N. W. cor. of the 8. W. 14 of sec. 25, said twp. and range, thence E. on E. and W. 4 sec, line through said sec. 25 and 30 of twp. 120, range 23; W. 560 rods to the N. E. cor. of S. E. 14 of said sec. 30; thence S. 480 rods to S. E. cor. of the W. % of the S. E. 1% of sec. 31, twp. 120, range 23; thence W. on the S. line of said sec. 80 rods to N. H. cor, of N. W. 44 see. 6, twp. 119, range 23; thence S. on the N, and 8. 14 line of sec. 6, 160 rods to the 8. H, cor. of the N. W. 4 of sec. 6; thence W. on the E. and W. 4 line of sec. 6 and secs. 1 and 2, twp. 119, range 24, 640 rods to N. W. cor. of the S. E. 14 of sec. 2; thence N, on the N. and 5. Y% line of see. 2, 160 rods to N. W. cor of the N. E. 14 see. 2; thence W. on the N. twp. line, twp. 119, 320 rods to the N. W, cor, of the N. E. %4 of sec. 3, of said last deseribed tract, town and range; thence N. on the N. and §. 14 line through see. 34, twp. 120, range 24, 320 rods to place of beginning. 3,277 acres (government survey, 1913), which are in Wright county and 1,364 in Hennepin county and consists of part of land which has been platted into lots and blocks.''

The election was duly held, Oetober 9, 1891, in Haefer's Hall, in charge of Hubert Zann, Jacob Vollbrecht and William H. Vollbrecht. Twenty-eight ballots were cast in favor of incorporation and one against it.

ter of a century, was born in Dodge county, Wis., near Columbus, January 29, 1863, son of Joseph and Margaret (Phillips Ridgway. He spent his boyhood on the home farm, attended the district and high school, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1882 he went to Minneapolis, and was there employed in drug stores for five years. In 1887 he entered the medical department of the University of Minnesota, and was graduated in the class of 1890. In July of that year he came to Annandale and opened an office. Here he has since continued in practice. He keeps well abreast of the times by extensive reading, and by frequent post graduate courses in such cities as New York, Chicago and Baltimore. He is widely known and respected as a citizen, and the thousands of families in which he has ministered hold him in the highest regard. His standing among the men of his own profession is shown by the fact that he is now serving as president of the Wright County Medical Society, having been elected in 1908. He is also associated with the American Medical Association and the American Association of Railroad Surgeons. He is likewise a popular member of the A. F.& A. M, and of the I. 0. O. F. By nature a leader of men, he has taken great interest in matters pertaining to the village. He did good service as a member of the council, and worked hard during his term of office for the erection of the village hall and the establishment of the village park. For twenty years he has labored efficiently as village health officer. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the electrie light project and is one of the heavy stockholders of the Annandale Electric Light and Power Co. Dr. Ridgway has recently completed a splendid office of a nature seldom found outside of the larger cities. It is fire proof and has all the latest improvements in the way of furnace heat, hot and eold water and the like. The sanitary operating room is furnished throughout in white enamel, and is so arranged that the light is perfect. The equipment includes many of the latest electrical appliances. An especially restful and attractive feature is the reception room, 18 by 24 feet in size, and finished in fumed oak with furniture in full keeping with the woodwork. His splendid home erected in 1903 is also a model of comfort, convenience and simple elegance, and is one of the finest in the village. The drug store block and a number of village lots are also his, as well as a half mile of shore line property bordering on the townsite, on the south side of Pleasant lake. His four farms, all in this county, are equipped with good buildings, and are kept in good condition by the responsible persons to whom he rents them. Hight driving horses and two automobiles are necessary for conveyance in reaching the patients who constitute his large rural practice. Dr. Ridgway was married in 1902, te Viola L. Ponsford, daughter of William and Mary (Townsend) Ponsford. She at-

George H. Norris graduated from the Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1898, He was licensed to practice in this state in 1902.