Cannon Falls City (part 2 of 2)

Central Point

This is a small fractional township in the eastern part of the county, lying along the shore of Lake Pepin. It contains only about two sections of land ; bounded . north and east by the lake ; south by Lake City, Wabasha county ; and west by Florence. The surface is broken. An isolated blulf rises in the eastern part, which, on account of its peculiar shape, is called the Sugar Loaf. The first claim was made here in 1853, by a Mr. Gridley. R. L. Phillips, H. L. Barrett and Hannibal Bonnell, came the same year. A point of land, extending some distance into the lake, about midway between the head and foot of the same, gives the town its name. More settlers came in 1854, and the village was surveyed and platted in 1855. Speculation in town lots became lively. Mr. Silas Cross built a store and stocked the same with merchandise. Mr. Feary built a hotel, which was opened for travelers by E. S. Harrison. A post-office was established and Perry D. Martin appointed post-master. Charles Moe built a steam saw mill and began the manufacture of lumber. But it was soon ascertained that a much better landing for steam- boats could be secured a little further down the lake ; and the town of Lake City began to be built up. The result was business was drawn away from Central Point. Another saw mill was built by Lewis & Scott, which was bought and run for a time by Frank Sterritt, and afterwards bought and run by S. S. and G. H. Grannis. The manufacture of sorghum syrup is now carried on here.

A very fine and commodious school building was erected by the citizens of Central Point, in 1873, showing much interest in the cause of education. We have been informed on good authority that all the early records of this town were destroyed by mice. There are some good reasons for supposing that the early records of some other towns in this county have shared a similar fate. The present town officers are : Charles Dempster, G. H. Grannis and Rhodes Merrill, supervisors ; Charles Gould, clerk ; and Edwin Wilson, treasurer.

An enterprise has been lately set on foot, which promises much for humanity, and will eventually make this little town known abroad. Several substantial buildings have been erected within the year past, and the success of the enterprise is beyond doubt. We quote from a Eed Wing paper, a full history of the origin and object of the institution, as it was when first inaugurated in 1891:

Down on Lake Pepin, that queen of western inland lakes, about sixteen miles from here, on one of the peninsulas jutting out into the broad expanse of the waters' glossy surface, almost directly opposite to where the far-famed Maiden Rock, immortal ized in song and poem, lifts its summit to the skies, there are being laid just now the foundations of a philanthropic institution which, if the scheme is successful, will in time arouse the attention of people all over the world and make for this now unknown place a fame as lasting as the rocks, as enduring as the sun. It is Rest I^5land, the scene of John G. Wooley's efforts to establish a home for contirmed inebriates and drunkards, where they may be treated so as to be again restored to the usefulness in life of which tht-y have been deprived by giving under to the mastery of drink.

Ten years ago Mr. Wooley was a leading attorney at Minneapolis. Brilliant, scholarly, eloqvient and ingenious, he rapidly made his way to the front rank of the bar of that city and in due time was elected county attorney. His rise to eminence continued and the future of no man ever looked more roseate than did his. But during all the time he had struggled to reach the top he had not retained the high moral position on which he first stood. Drink became his master and when he had reached eminence, down he fell, far more rapidly than he had ever risen, till he became a complete wreck, physically and mentally. He left Minneapolis and was lost sight of and nearly all, supposing that he would go the usual way of the habitvial drunkard, soon forgot him.

But Mr. Wooley was an exception to the general rule. Instead of giving up completely when he realized the wreck he had wrought to himself and to his family and to his friends, he set about atoning for his work. The struggle was a hard and bitter one, but through assistance, he finally overcame his master antl immediately set about to do what he could to save others who might have fallen into a state similar to that in which he had been. Out of this grew Rest Island, and here let Mr. Wooley tell the story of that place in his own words : "The story of Rest Island is a romance of faith. When I left Minneapolis in the summer of 1887, 1 was a lost man. Nobody doubted that. When I return 3d in the winter of 1888 and said I was saved, everybody doubted that, but it was true. From the first I felt called to be an apostle to the drunken, and at once took up the work, for the leading seemed imperative.

the ministry, but I felt peremptorily led to stick to my narrow and discouraging ministry to the most hopeless class of men. In all my work I have realized increasingly the comparative impossibility of saving drunken men without altering their condition.

"The man who leaves oflf drink at night and returns to his regular stint of labor or his irregular search for labor the next day, has scarcely a chance to be steadfast. His body is a chaos of dazed and twitching nerves, and aching bones and overwrought glands and crazy muscles; his mind is invariable, his moral nature gummy and untrustworthy; but temptation is as constant a pressure as the atmosphere, fifteen devils or so to the square inch of exposed character. Such a man needs, hrst of all, rest, then cleansing, inward and outward - then a friend who understands him.

" If he goes to an inebriate asylum the help is professional, perfunctory and nearly worthless, the moral tone either negative or bad - generally the latter, the rest irksome, reduced in some measure by games of chance, which, however innocent, supply neither food nor Vjallast to the jaded and unnoui'ished mind.

" What he needs now is a Christian home scaled to a high jdeal - strict in tone, but flexible in rules; with reasonable liberty 'on honor," and absolute outlawry of the terms 'inmate,' ' patient," ' ward,' ' keeper," ' institution," etc.

" When I was working at Lake City two years ago, J. M. Underwood took me for a drive to Frontenac, by the way of ' the Island.' Standing on that exquisite bluff opposite Maiden Rock, my whole soul asked God to give me that island for my fallen. I said this is enough for to-day - we'll not go to Frontenac. For two years I have waited and prayed. I could do nothing else, not knowing to what extent doubts of my steadfastness might have yielded. Nevertheless I kept on believing I was to have it. Then came - a year ago--an offered help ; a friend bought the land and said he would carry it a while. I tried to get more help and failed, but kept on believing.

" When I went to Minneapolis this spring the plan seemed about to fail. One morning I said to myself : Today I"ll have a token of the Lord's will about that island ; I'll ask some men

It includes what has long been known as " Bass point," off which there is excellent fishing, and is indented by two small bays, with a nice stretch of pebbly shores.

The land is about thirty feet above the water, with an abrupt declination to the shore. Gilbert Valley creek empties into the lake just below, and beyond that stretches Central Point with its lovely beach. Beside Rest Island proper, upwards of 150 acres of land, including Central Point, belong to the Wooley domain. A fine view can be had of the lake and the bluffs on the Wisconsin side from the Assembly grounds. Directly opposite, and in pretty plain sight, considering it is a mile and a half, is the pretty village of Stockholm, with its background of bluffs.

Fine drives have been laid out upon the island. The ground is shaded by large trees, and a pure bracing air is always in circulation there. A visitor derives strength from the natural influences of the place. The design is to equip a complete farm for the production of a great variety of small fruits, etc., the intention being to raise aill food supplies on the island. Cows and other live stock are to be kept. The work is to be done by those who came for help and a home. The cottages are to be modeled after those of the Soldier's home at Quincy, 111., with a capacity for from twenty to forty men each.

The formal opening of this institution was held in July. It was a popular assembly lasting a week, and prominent speakers were present from all ijarts of the country. The attendance at these meetings was very good, and every speaker expressed the greatest confidence in Mr. Wooley's great work and its ultimate success.

Thus has this grand work been inaugurated. How it will succeed remains yet to be demonstrated, but if perseverance, energy and unlimited faith will accomplish anything. Mr. Wooley will succeed. He will devote his whole time to the work, and use all his energy to further its ends.

" It is to be devoted first and last to hel^jing men, who, fallen by drink or hunted by appetite, desire, and seem to deserve ' another chance.'

" Buildings are to be prepared speedily and there will l)e a light in the window and an open door for any such man who will undertake faithfully to try for a clean life in the name of Jesus Christ.

"Rest Island is not to be a 'resort' nor an 'institution," but a sanctuary. There are no 'lots for sale" nor any private ends to gain nor any interest to promote save only His who offers rest to every weary, heavy-laden man with faith enough to come apart with Him and rest awhile. Any drinking man who seems sincerely to desire to be a clean man will be received. There are many such, and I have no mission to the incorrigible. Those who can't pay will work on the farm. As fast as they are able to return to business, we help them to positions. But no man will be received who is unwilling to go for cleansing, or who refuses to be shown the way to a life of faith in Jesus Christ."

Source changes here: from History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, by Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn, published 1909; 4,242 words in this source stream.

Cannon Falls City

First Settlement - Platting the Yillage - Village and City Incorporated - Water Power and Mills - Fraternities - Hotels - Newspaper - Modern Cannon Falls - Industries - Business Houses - Schools - Commercial Club - Banks - Cannon Falls Township - Early History - Veterans of the War 159

First Settlement - Platting the Village - Village and City Incorporated - Water Power and Mills - Fraternities - Hotels- Newspaper - Modern Cannon Falls - Industries - Business Houses - Schools - Commercial Club - Banks - Cannon Falls Township - Early History - Veterans of the War.

Cannon Falls, now a city, has a historic past and a promisingfuture, together with a prosperous present. Its early history is closely associated with that of Red Wing, the names of Sweney, Colvill, McGinnis and Freeborn being prominent in both places. The following article has been prepared with the assistance of John C. Applegate, editor of the Cannon Falls "Beacon," who has edited the early history and written the story of the modern growth and development of the city and its various interests.

In 1855 William Freeborn built a log cabin on the east bank of the Little Cannon river, near the falls, on mill block No. 3. This was the beginning of the present prosperous city of Cannon Falls. Richard Elton built the first store the same year, on block 36, and Eli Ellsworth, the first merchant, kept his goods in that building. The first physician was J. E. Tibbitts, the first lawyer was R. AY. Hamilton, and the first resident minister of the gospel was Rev. J. R. Barnes.

Where a portion of the city now stands, James McGinn-is preempted lots 1, 2, 5 and 6, section 18, in November, 1854. March, 1855, Warren Hunt took a claim, northeast quarter of section 18, adjoining McGinnis on the east. The same spring Richard Freeborn, Jr., pre-empted lots 3 and 4, section 18, west of the Mc- Ginnis claim. In May, 1855, William Colvill pre-empted lots 7, 8 and 9, section 18. south of the McGinnis claim. Benjamin St. Clair took lots 7, 8 and 12, section 7, north of the McGinnis claim, the same spring. June, 1855, William P. Scofield preempted lots 9, 10 and 11, section 7, northwest from the McGinnis claim. The same month, Hugh Montgomery took the southeast quarter of section 18, east of the McGinnis claim. June 1855, Frank Clark entered lots 10 and 11, section IS, south of the

The village proper was laid out August 27, 1855, by Richard and William Freeborn, on section 18, including a portion of the claims of McGinnis. Kichard Freeborn and William Colvill. It was surveyed and platted by S. A. Hart, county surveyor. About October 16, 1856, the Cannon Falls city addition was platted. This included all the Hunt and Barton claims. The Cannon Falls central addition was made December 13, 1856, including a part of the Richard Freeborn claim. Point Lookout addition was made in the fall of 1856 and included a part of the Montgomery claim. Cannon Falls Company's addition was made May 18, 1858, and included a part of the William P. Scofield claim. St. ( 'harles Terre Haute addition was made soon after, including a part of the St. (lair claim. Ellsworth and Tanner's addition followed immediately and included a part of the Scofield claim.

The village was incorporated March 10, 1857. The first election was held the first Wednesday in May, 1857. The first officers elected under the charter were: Charles Parks, president; William Tanner, recorder; J. E. Chapman, Thomas Baker and George MeKenzie, councilmen. Charles Parks built a log hotel, sixteen by twenty-four, in the fall of 1854. which was named the Falls House. This was sold in April, 1855, to Andrew Durand, who built an addition of the same dimensions and kept the house for 1 hree years.

The water power furnished in such abundant measure by the falls in the river at this point, naturally attracted those who had money to invest in mills in the early days. The water power is still abundant, and has never been utilized to its full capacity. The great falls are on the main river a little west of the village, having in the distance of a few rods a perpendicular descent of about twenty feet. The falls on the Little Cannon, where the stone mill stands, are twenty-five feet. Another fall, just below the junction, is fifteen feet.

At this fall the first flouring mill in the township was built by R. C. Knox, in 1867, the exact location being block 51, in Cannon Falls city addition. It was a frame structure, forty-five by fifty, containing four run of stone. The entire building, when completed, cost $14,000, with a capacity of 100,000 bushels of wheat per annum. It was carried away by the flood of June. 1867, and during that same year was rebuilt by Mrs. Cornelia

Grosvener. The re-erected building was fifty by sixty, four stories, and contained eight run of stone, five for wheat and three for middlings.

The Little Cannon mill is a stone structure, two stories above the basement, fifty by seventy, built in 1857. It was not used until 1861. when machinery for the manufacture of woolen goods was put in. It was operated as a woolen mill until 1875, when it was converted into a grist mill, with four rim of stone for wheat and two for feed. This was known for years as the Thompson mill. It is now the New Cannon Plansifter mill.

The Goodhue Mills are situated on the Big Cannon, about a half a mile above its junction with the Little Cannon. The dam gives a fall of fifteen feet and with an abundant supply of water at all seasons of the year. It is one of the finest water powers in the locality. The machinery is propelled by five water wheels - one American of ninety horsepower, and four Eclipse wheels of forty horsepower each. It has all the latest improvements and appliances in the way of machinery and fixtures for producing the finest quality of flour. It is a frame structure forty-five by sixty, four stories high. The mill was erected in 1872 by Gardner & Moore, and cost $22,000. Its water power cost $8,000 extra. The brands manufactured are the Climax, Mona, Telephone and Paragon. The company took first premium at the Centennial of 1876. at Philadelphia. The river is spanned by a sleel arch bridge, the dam is twelve feet high, and a new one is L'9w proposed.

From the earliest days the fraternal spirit in the village has been strong, and the various societies have contributed in no small degree to the educational and charitable as well as social progress of the community.

Oriental Lodge No. 31, A. F. and A. M., was organized June 26, 1860, and worked under a dispensation until October 24, 1860, at which time a charter was received. In 1861 the lodge purchased two lots on the north side of the Little Cannon river and fitted up a lodge room. The charter members were Joseph E. Chapman, John L. Armington, Stephen N. Carey, William H. Mosier, Samuel Finney and Ralph Tanner. The first officers were : John L. Armington, M. W. ; Joseph E. Chapman, S. W. ; Stephen N. Carey, J. W. ; William H. Mosier. treasurer ; Samuel Finney, tyler.

Valley Encampment, No. 11, was organized April 3, 1873, by M. E. Henderson, Lyman K. Ayrault, AVarren Gilchrist, George Manning, G. W. Xeff, E. L. Clark and L. AYhite. At the first meeting there were five initiations. The first officers were : M. E. Henderson, C. P.; Lyman K. Ayrault, H. P.; George Manning, S. W.; Orrin Gilchrist, J. AY.; E. L. Clark, scribe; G. AY. Xeff. treasurer.

Mutual Lodge, No. 40, A. 0. U. W., was organized January 30, 1878. The charter members were S. Higman, G. A. Follet, G. H. Cross, H. Hanson, AYilliam Smith, H. H. Manning, Myron D. Gibbs, 0. T. Jones, AY. H. Seofield. ('. E. Daniels, J. L. Scofield, E. Holden and A. L. Cawley.

Prairie Flower Lodge, No. 169, I. 0. G. T., was organized in the interests of temperance, March 2. 1875, with fifteen charter members. The first officers were M. McKay, Ida Mallett, Adelia Stranahan and Hattie Copeland.

The Ben Socs Scandinavian Benevolent Society was organized August 9, ]>>!'!. witli seventeen charter members. The officers were G. AVestman. president; Haagen Thompson, vice president: L. Engbei'g. secretary; John Mattson. treasurer; John Danielson, ('. G. Rydell and P. Flygare, trustees.

Other societies which have been organized in the city are McKinley Post, No. 92, G. A. R. ; Cannon Camp, No. 1540, M. W. of A.; Zion Chapter, No. 6, 0. E. S.; Crescent Camp, No. 950, R. N. A. ; Cannon Falls Council, No. 82, Samaritans ; Beneficent Degree, Samaritans; George McKinley Corps, No. 80, W. R. C, and Harmony Camp, No. 48, W. 0. W.

The "taverns" of a village always have an important part in its progress, more especially in pioneer days. The two earliest hotels were the Falls House and the Exchange House.

The Falls House was built by Charles Parks in the fall of 1854. At that time it was a log house sixteen by twenty-four. The house was sold to Andras Durand in April, 1855, who at once built an addition as large as the original structure. In the fall of 1856 a building, thirty by forty, two stories, was erected. In the spring of 185*8 it was sold to Edward J. Turner, who rented it to Benjamin Aran Campen for ten years. Subsequent proprietors were Colonel Williams, Sole Slosson, John English and- others. September 18, 1871. D. L. Davis took charge of the property, lie having purchased it sometime previous, September 19. 1866. In the fall of 1873 Mr. Davis sold it to Peter Gravlin, who kept the house until 1875. when Mr. Davis again came into possession. Air. Davis refitted the building, and in the spring of 1872 made an addition, fourteen by twenty-two feet. In 1890

The Exchange House was built in the fall of 1866 by Peter Gravlin and Christopher Benway. Benway sold his share the following spring to Charles Brown, and the house was run by Gravlin and Brown as the "New England" house. They sold out to John Williams in JS74. and he in turn to Helstrum and Riddell. David Piatt bought it in June L875, and gave it the name of i'latt House.

The Cannon Falls "Beacon" is the outgrowth of the Cannon Falls "Gazette." The "Gazette" was started by R. M. Hamline in July, 1856. After fifteen months it was purchased by Mr. Hatch, who after a year sold it to the Hoag Bros. The Hoag Bros, changed the name to Cannon Falls "Bulletin." A year later the paper was removed to Northfield. Cannon Falls was without a paper until June, 1874, when .Ah'. Bromwick started the "Echo." This paper lived a year. August 4, 1876, John A. Leonard started the Cannon Falls "Beacon," and continued it until July 6, 1877, when he sold out to O. T. Jones and C. A. Cook. April 5, 1878. Mr. Jones purchased his partner's interests, and on May 27, 1878, sold a half interest to L. C. McKenney. In May, 1880, S. S. Lewis bought an interest with Jones, Mr. McKenney having retired. Mr. Lewis conducted the "Beacon" till the summer of 1901, when he sold it to Joe Brynildsen, who, in December, 1903, sold it to the present publisher, John C. Applegate. The "Beacon" is Republican in politics and occupies a prominent place in the state press.

Cannon Falls has probably never been more prosperous than at present. All of its industries are in operation and all labor employed at good wages, and the outlook for its continued prosperity is most nattering. Notwithstanding the many new houses built in the city of late years, there are no vacant houses, and one of the pressing needs is a number of dwelling houses at moderate rental. The city is replacing the old wood and iron bridge across the Big Cannon at Third street with a new steel and concrete structure at a cost of $10,000.

The extension of the water system to residence streets h asencouraged the home-making spirit, and a general tidying up and beautifying of home places has resulted. The si reels in resident portions have been narrowed and bordered by boulevards and grass plots. There are practically no wooden sidewalks in the city, they having been replaced by modern cement walks, while cement street crossings are replacing the old ilagstone.

The principal enterprises of Cannon Falls are as follows: Hardware - H. A. Van Campen is the oldest dealer in implements and vehicles in the city, having been agent for the McCormick harvesting machinery for a third of a century. 0. P. Peters is another old dealer in this class of goods, having purchased the hardware business from D. E. Yale nearly twenty-five years ago. Ritchie & Lee as a firm is comparatively new, though John Ritchie, of the firm, has been engaged in the implement and vehicle trade for a number of years. Blacksmithing - John J. Anderson, blacksmithing and machine shop ; W. A. Fans, blacksmithing and horse-shoeing and general repair work; Roy Daniels, in Ritchie's old stand on Fourth street, is an up-to-date mechanic, and does good work in horse shoeing and general blacksmithing. Barbers - Frank A. Barlow, John Lynn. Bazaar - - Five and ten cent store, Skog Bros., proprietors. Canning industry - The Cannon Valley Canning Company, canners of sweet corn; president, E. B. Seager; secretary, S. Kraft; superintendent. F. A. Agnew; organized in the spring of 190L Creamery - * Wastedo Creamery Company ; manager, F. S. Stone. This concern came to Cannon Falls from Wastedo two years ago and has built up a successful business. Cheese - Cannon Falls Co-operative cheese factory; George I. Valentine, president; does a flourishing business and its product ranks with the best in the state. Clothing - Regent Clothing House. John A. Ohnstad, proprietor, carries a full line of clothing and gentlemen's furnishings. Dry goods - The Cannon Falls Dry Goods Company; J. L. Erickson, president; F. C. Carlson, manager, is the largest store of its kind outside the county seat, handling a very large and complete line of dry goods, shoes and groceries. Meger & Johns have done business in Cannon Falls for nearly twenty years and carry a large and well selected line of dry goods and clothing. Harry Freeman, general dry goods and furnishings. Drug stores - Scofield Bros., James L. and F. AY. Scofield. This is the oldest drug house in the county and has done a successful business in drugs, wall paper and jewelry, for forty-one years. George V. Williams earries a full line of drugs, wall paper, jewelry and fancy articles, and is doing a good business. Dray line - City dray, Emil, proprietor. Dentists - Lewis L. Conley, D. D. S. ; 0. E. Doety, D. D. S. Elevators - Cannon Falls Farmers' Elevator Company; F. I. Holmson, president; Nels Mattson, secretary; F. R. Anderson, manager, is a vigorous institution of great value to the local market. Charles M. Most, grain elevators, Jonas W. Holmes, manager. Express - Wells Fargo Express Company, A. L. Clifford, agent. Electric service - Cannon Falls Electric Service Company, L. F. Blinco, superintendent, has a very complete and modern plant and gives first-class service. Furniture - C. Danielson Furniture Company, Charles Danielson, manager, is an upto-date concern carrying a large stock and doing a large business. Has branches at Goodhue and Zumbrota. Fur factory - C. 0. Bye, proprietor of the old reliable tannery and fur factory, situ- ated on the north side, is well equipped and does a prosperous business. Groceries - Cannon Falls dry goods and city grocery; Magnus Olson, proprietor; Frank A. Lundberg, manager. Falck Bros.. Ole E. Falck and John E. Falck; established 1894. Lundquist's grocery and feed store, Charles 0. Lundquist. proprietor. Westman's grocery, C. J. AYestman, proprietor. North Star grocery ; N. C. Olson, proprietor ; Carl Olson, manager ; established 1886. Hardware - O. F. Peters carries a full line of builders ' hardware, cutlery, stoves, household utensils, agricultural implements and vehicles, and does a large business. J. H. Carlson Hardware Company, John H. Carlson, manager. This firm carries a complete line of hardware and house furnishings and is building up a large and paying business. Harness - Hjalraar Olson succeeded to the business of J. A. Ekloff some years ago and has built up a prosperous business in this line. Frank Schurch is one of the oldest dealers in harness and horse supplies in the county and is doing a prosperous business. Hotels - The Falls House, a commercial hotel, William C. Carroll, proprietor; the Piatt House, Willis H. Piatt, proprietor. Ice - Tanner & Seager Ice ; also proprietors of the Cannon Falls Nursery. Jewelry - Scofield Bros.. Caspar AValfahot, manager; George V. Williams, John Seagren, manager; Albert Lagerstrom. Livery - Riverside livery, Frank B. Lucking, proprietor; City livery, Reisner & Sehickling. Lumber - Ballard Trimble Lumber Company, F. R. Hall, manager; North Star Lumber Company, E. E. Lee, manager. Lawyers - Peter S. Aslakson, Charles P. Hall, Thor R. Johnson, AVillis W. AVoodruff, George E\ Wilson. Lands - Emil J. Holmes, lands and city property. Monuments - Lars C. Lockrem. Aleat markets - Bremer Bros., George Bremer, Fred Bremer, established 1892: Dibble Bros., Richard Dibble and Dan S. Dibble, established 1889. Alillinery - Airs. Carrie Tanner, Airs. Gertrude Ohnstad. ALUs - Goodhue mill, operated by the Cannon Valley Milling Company, a Alinneapolis concern; .lames C. Boynton, local manager. Cannon Falls Milling Company, T. L. Beiseter, president. New Cannon Plansifter ALU, Paul AV. Rothe, manager. This is the old stone mill on the Little Cannon, for many years known as the Thompson mill. Air. Rothe is very successful in its management. Newspapers - The "Beacon," John C. Applegate, proprietor ; founded in 1876. The ' ' Beacon ' ' under its present management was the leader in the movement for railroad regulation in the state, and was recognized throughout the northwest as an authority on the railroad question. The result of this movement was radical reforms in transportation methods, and reductions in freight and passenger charges, sav ing millions every year to the business and farming interest of the state. The "Ledger," a weekly, published by S. S. Lewis.

Postoffice - Peter A. Peterson, postmaster; Ella M. Johnson, assistant postmaster ; Hader F. AValander, clerk. Rural carriers : John A. Anderson, August M. Johnston, Oscar E. Olson, Harry F. Hinc John A. Lundberg, John A. Johnson, Alfred G. Swanson and Edwin Larson. Shoes - Andrew J. Hagg has been selling boots and shoes to the people of Cannon Falls and vicinity for thirty-two years, and success has rewarded his industry and honorable business methods. Samuel Kraft, business established 1888; carries a very complete line of shoes and gentlemen's furnishing goods. Sorghum mill - Carlson & AVohlander, located on west side, a new and modern mill. Telephone exchange - Cannon Falls Telephone Company, established 1901. President, Charles L. Scofield; secretary. J. L. Scofield; treasurer, F. W. Scofield, who is also manage]-. Has northwestern long distance connection and a local and rural service of 1,200 subscribers. Tailors - Johnson & Swanson: John Johnson. .John Swanson. These two men have been in business together in this city for thirty-five years and enjoy a well earned reputation for good workmanship. Charles G. AVahlberg. a first class workman in Ids line. Veterinarian Albert .1. O'Hara, A'. S. Well drillers - Hartrey Bros., James Hartrey and Edward Hartrey. Martin Holland. Physicians - A. T. Conley, M. D. ; II. E. Conley, M. D. ; Peter H. Cromer, M. 1).: Martin L. Golberg, M. I).; A. P. Woodward. Photographers - The Clifford Studio. Paul Engstrom, artist and manager. Restaurants - Johnston & Lorenson, J. Sigfrid Johnson and J. Edwin Lorenson. Henry -I. Kulker. Railroads - Chicago, Milwaukee cA SI. Paul, Frank P. Murphy, agent; Chicago Great Western. Charles B. Tompkins, agent.

Public Schools. Board of education: C. AV. Cress, president: P. S. Aslakson. secretary since 1890; P. N. Allen, treasurer; Dr. A. T. Conley. F. R. Johnson. S. K. Kraft. Faculty: S. M. Pinney. superintendent: Emma Williamson, principal of high school; Thomas S. Armstrong, science and manual training; Lucre! ia L. Lewis, assistant principal of high school; Agnes Swanson. eighth grade: Lillian Lindstrom, seventh grade; Jennie Season, sixth grade; Hattie Helmbrecht, fifth grade; Ida Anderson, fourth grade; Alice Richardson, third grade; Anna Helmbrecht, primary; Stella A. Reely. music and assistant in high school. Enrollment: High school, 87; grades, 284; total. 371. The school building is a handsome stone structure of modern build, well arranged, steam heated, well ventilated and erpiipped with library, laboratory and manual training department.

The Cannon Falls Commercial Club has been a moving force in the city since its organization some eight years ago. Its offi- . cers are: President, F. B. Seager; secretary, C. P. Hall.

1878, as the First National Bank of Cannon Falls, the incorporators being L. S. Follett and Stephen Gardner, of Hastings. In 1881 the name was changed to Citizens' Bank of Cannon Falls, L. S. Follett, banker. In 1886 Mr. Follett sold the bank to Hiram A. Seriver. In 1893, C. "W. Gress, of Northfield, purchased an interest with Mr. Seriver; and the firm became the Citizens' Bank of Cannon Falls - Seriver & Gress, bankers. In 1905 the business was incorporated as the Citizens' State Bank of Cannon Falls, Hiram A. Seriver, president ; Cliff W. Gress, cashier. Present condition: Capital. $30,000; surplus, $30,000; deposits, $547,792; cash on hand $109,000.

The Farmers ' and Merchants ' National Bank, of Cannon Falls, was organized June, 1903. Its officers are: President, T. L. Baiseker ; vice president, J. L. Eriekson ; second vice president, Henry Thompson ; cashier, Edward Mattson ; assistant cashier, M. N. Gergen ; teller. F. O. Freeberg. Capital stock paid in, $25,000; surplus fund, $3,000; assets, $280,000.

Cannon Falls Township received its name from the Big Cannon river, and its branch, the Little Cannon, whose sudden change of level forms a falls in the western part of the township, at the point where the city of Cannon Falls is now located. The Big Cannon Hows through the northern part of the township, from west to east, and its valley is marked by many changes in topography. The outer bluffs of the river are frequently more than a mile apart and over two hundred feet above the water in the river. In this valley are broad terraces and beautiful farms, and in addition to this the township has considerable timber. Along some of the valleys there is a sandy lightness to the soil, which has the effect of making the roads rather poor at some seasons of the year. For agricultural purposes, however, the soil is excellent and large crops are raised, although dairying is an important industry. The river bottom, from one-half to a mile in width, has a gravelly soil.

It is probable that Dr. AY. W. Sweney and Richard and William Freeborn, who made the trip afoot from Peel Wing, were the first white men to behold the falls. The first settler was Edway Stoughton, who came early in 1854. Others were Charles Parks, who settled at the falls, and James H. Payton and James McGinnis. Mrs: Charles Parks was the first while woman at the Falls.

The first death in the township was in August. 1855, when an infant son of David McKune passed to the Greal Beyond. The first child was Ellen Hartry, now Mrs. Ellen French, of Dennison, born in October, 1855. The first marriage was that of Robert Fotherby and Sarah Strange, who were united before Charles Parks, justice of the peace. E. L. Clark taught the first school in 1856-57. the sessions being held in a building which he had erected for the purpose, principally of basswood logs; and which, for this reason, he named Basswood Seminary. This building was also used for a house of worship, on Sabbath days for some time thereafter.

Cannon Falls township is bounded on the north by Dakota county, on the west by Dakota county and Stanton, on the south by Leon, and on the east by Vasa. It comprises one entire government township, Xo. 112, range 17, and its area has remained unchanged since the township act of 1858.

Among the early supervisors of the township were: William Barton. W. P. Scofield, Lewis Engberg, J. D. Wheat, Abram Mallet, D. H. Knox, George West, J. D. Jennings. H. A. Tanner, D. L. Davis. F. Pentz, C. W. Gillet. James McGinnis, E. E. Chase, W. P. Tanner and G. Slocum. The first town clerks were : J. T. Moss, Eli Ellsworth. George L. Baker, W. H. Scofield, J. D. Jennings, A. J. Phelps, John Jennings, Frank Slocum. W. P. Tanner served as town treasurer for eleven years, and was then followed by Frank Slocum. The early justices of the peace were J. A. Wilson. Park Tucker, G. Westman. W. H. Scofield and W. P. Tanner. The first constables were James H. Peyton, E. H. Klock, George McKenzie, E. R. Steel and George Kinder.

The present officials of the township are: Elof Johnson, chairman; Edward Lano and Martin Chelson, supervisors; Emil Bloomberg, clerk; Olaf Haine, treasurer; Louis Rapp, assessor.