Kenyon Township

Kenyon City

As nearly all those who first settled in Kenyon township have disappeared, we have found it very difficult to obtain correct data of the early settlement, hence our sketch must necessarily be brief.

In the next few years the north and west portions of the township were rapidly settled, but the southeast portion was but sparsely settled till within the last few years.

The farming part of the township is settled almost exclusively by Norwegians, while the little village of Kenyon is occupied almost exclusively by Americans.

The first birth was in the family of W. B. Burnham, in the spring of 1857, when a son was born, who was named George. The first marriage was that of Freeman Collamore and Mary A. Bullis, which took place in January, 1858. The first school was taught in the Winter of 1857-'58 by W. S. Bill ; the first religious service was also held by the same gentleman in 1857.

There are two churches in the township: "Gol's" Church, in "Gol's district of the Holden Congregation." It is a stone building, erected on sec.' 5, in 1870, capable of seating 600 people. Rev. B. J. Muus, of Wanamingo, and his assistants, have charge of the district. The " Holden Congregation" has another district with a place of meeting in this township, named " Moland ;" many of the congregation, however, reside in Rice and Dodge counties.

"Kenyon Church," of " Hauges' Synod," is a stone building on section eight, capable of seating 400 people - was built in 1872. The pastor is Rev. O. Hanson, of Wanamingo.

Kenyon Village

In May, 1856, James H. Day and James M. LeDuc claimed the land on which the village now stands. Subsequently, two men, named Howe and Hilton, became part owners of the land, and by these four men the village was laid out and platted. James H. Day built the first residence in June, 1856, and the same summer the village company erected a building which was occupied by Crowley & Baker as a general store in the fall of the same year. Stephen Bullis built the first hotel in March, 1857, and the same year a steam saw mill was erected by the " Town Company."

Kenyon Mill

Located on the north branch of the Zumbro River, about one mile from Kenyon village, was built in 1871, by a man named Gallish, who operated it about three years. It has, since then, changed owners several times, passing through the hands of Crowell & Gallish, D. B. Marble, Mann & Lucas, and came into the possession of the present proprietor, J. A. McReynolds, in November, 1877, who has repaired and improved it and added one run of stone, so that it now has four run of stone.

Biographical Directory

The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Onestad, Sweden, December 23, 1832. His father was a well-to-do farmer, and now resides in the township of Vasa, in this county, and has attained the ripe age of seventy-four years, enjoying good health. Mr. Mattson received his primary education in a high classical school at Christianstad, Sweden. When nearly seventeen years old, he entered the military service as a cadet of artillery. Possessing an adventurous and restless spirit, the quiet garrison life of a solder became monotonous, and at the age of eighteen, he left the service, and was among the first of his countrymen in his native place to emigrate to the United States, arriving in June, 1851. His first two years' experience in obtaining a livelihood in this country were replete with hardships, trials and sufferings, such as few have ever experienced. Not used to toil, and suffering with ill-health, he was reduced to the most abject poverty. But with a determination to surmount all obstacles, he sought and obtained work as a cabin boy in a sailing vessel on our Eastern coast, then as a farm hand in New Hampshire, and afterwards with a shovel on a railroad in Illinois.

Through the kind assistance of friends his second winter in this country was spent in school, where he mastered the English language. In the meantime emigration from Sweden continued to increase, and his own parents and nearest relatives determined to make homes in the New World. He met them in Boston in the summer of 1853; conducting them, together with a large party of his countrymen, to Illinois, stopping at Moline. The object of this party was to find government land on which to settle, and Mr. Mattson, with others, was selected to go to Minnesota and secure a location. After looking about in several directions, they chose the. present township of Vasa, Goodhue county, and removed there in August, 1853. Being the only one of the party who could speak the English language, Mr. Mattson found himself, at the age of twenty, at the head of an important settlement. After struggling with the usual difficulties of a frontier life, he worked his way, by manual labor, to a comfortable position as a pioneer farmer. He married Cherstin Peterson, November 23, 1855. She was born in Ballingslof, Sweden, April 5, 1838, and was a daughter of parents which had lately come to the settlement. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. J. W. Hancock, at the residence of the bride's parents, in Vasa, and was the first marriage celebrated in the township, to which nearly all the old settlers were invited. At this time there was not a span of horses in the township, therefore the bridal pair were taken on a wood sledge, drawn by a yoke of cattle, from the home of the bride to that of the bridegroom. During his residence in Vasa, Mr. Mattson took an active part in the organization of the township; was judge of the first election ever held back of Red Wing; organized the first school district; laid out the first road, and officiated as lay reader at the first religious services under the blue sky, on the open prairie, near where Vasa church now stands.

Not content with a quiet farm life, he began speculating in lands, town sites, corner lots and merchandising, until the crisis of 1857, which swept away all his possessions, leaving him several thousand dollars in debt.

At the instigation of Warren Bristol - now judge of New Mexico - then a prominent lawyer in Red Wing, he commenced the study of law with that gentleman, and after one year's close application, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice with very good success. During his professional studies he was elected city clerk of Red Wing, and on a salary of $150 per year supported himself and young wife. In 1858 he was elected county auditor, and re-elected in 1860, but resigned in 1861, enlisting in the Union Army as Captain of Company D, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; his company being composed of Swedes and Norwegians from Goodhue and Chisago counties. Was promoted to Major in 1862; Lieut. Colonel in 1863, and the following year Colonel of his regiment, which he brought home in October, 1865, after more than four years' honorable service. The following winter he formed a law partnership with C. C. Webster, but in August, 1866, he accepted the position of editor in chief of a prominent Swedish newspaper in Chicago, 111., but did not move his family to that city. In January, 1867, was recalled by Grov. Marshall, of Minnesota, and appointed Secretary of the State Board of Immigration, which position he held for several years, doing the State excellent service in settling the far West with his industrious countrymen. In 1869, was elected Secretary of State, but before his term expired he was appointed land agent of Northern Europe in the interests of the great railroad corporations of which Jay Cook, of Philadelphia, was the head. After remaining over four years in Europe, with his family, in the discharge of the duties assigned him, he returned to Minnesota, and was one of her Presidential electors in 1876, but in the meantime had become connected with large land interests in the northwest part of the State.

He is now a resident of Minneapolis, Minn. , and in addition to his private land affairs, is editor in chief of the " Stats Tidning, ** a prominent Swedish newspaper in that city; also a large owner and general manager of the " Swedish Tribune, " of Chicago, one of the most important foreign and home journals of the United States.

It can be truthfully said of the subject of this sketch, that he has always regarded toil as manly and ennobling; and after passing through an honorable yet checkered life, he is now enjoying the comforts of a happy home

BULLI8, T. R., of the firm of Smith & Bullis, hardware merchants, Kenyon village. Was born in Lower Canada, Sept. 10, 1829. Was brought up on a farm until 18 years of age, when he engaged as clerk in the store of Lewis & Scuyler, at Port Lewis, Canada. Went to Hartford, Conn. ; was engaged as clerk in a grocery store; thence to Helena, Ark., where he clerked for Baylies & Horner; thence to Chicago, Ills., where he was clerk of the City Hotel; thence to Beaver Dam, Wis., as clerk in the " Congress Hall Hotel;" then clerked in the drug store of John Robertson, at that place. 1856, came to Minnesota, stopping at Hastings, In 1857, came to Kenyon township; went to Reed's Landing; clerked in a hotel. 1862, enlisted as sergeant in the Minnesota Mounted Rangers, Co. I, for one year, and was detailed to defend the frontier in the Sioux outbreak ; crossed the plains the following summer; was honorably discharged Dec. , 1863 ; then returned to this town. Was steamboat owner, Chippewa River, awhile; returned to this town, went to farming for a time. In 1875, he became a merchant with E. R. Marshall, in this village; 1878, engaged in his present business. He married Phoebe 0. Sevey, in 1869. She is a native of Maine. Their children are - Stephen T., Kitty A. and Hattie E.

HEWITT, A. W.> farmer, sec. 4, P. 0. Kenyon. Was born in Seneca Co., N. Y.< in 1826; moved to Yates county, N. Y., with parents, when about 4 years old; studied medicine with Dr. Hammond in Pen Yan, N. Y., and later, studied with Dr. Morse in the same place; attended his first course of lectures in Geneva, N. Y., and second course in Castleton, Vermont, graduating at the latter place, 1850, subsequently attended another course at Albany, N. Y. He commenced the practice of his profession in Bradford, N. Y., but in 1854, moved to Ripon, Wis., where he practiced steadily till the date of his coming to this township, in 1867, since that time has been engaged in farming; he now owns, in this vicinity, abont 1,400 acres of land. He married in Wis , Clara E. Loud, who is a native of Virginia, Nov. 4., 1857.

HULEBAK, OLE P., farmer, sec. 6, P. 0. Kenyon. Was born in Norway, June 19, 1842. Came to America in 1861; remained a short time in Wis., but came to this township in the fall of the same year; owns, with his brother, 400 acres of land. Married Barbra O. Bjornebergstolen in 1871, who is a native of Norway. In the fall of 1875 he was elected representative to the 18th General Assembly of Minnesota, on the Republican ticket, and re-elected the following year; he has also filled the office of town clerk for nine years. His children are Berthine and Paul Christine; is a member of the Nor. Ev. Lu. Church.

McREYNOLDS, J. A., proprietor of the Kenyon Mills, located on the North Fork of the Zumbro River, about one mile from Kenyon village. He was born in Illinois in 1830; moved to Grant Co., Wis., in 1837; in 1865, he moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he was engaged in the sale of agricultural implements; in 1872 he moved to Owatonna, Minn., which is his present place of residence. He married Mary Howell in Grant Co., Wis., in 1854; she is a native of Ohio. Their children are, Lucien A. and Chas. W. ; two deceased, Bellorus E. and Manville Edwin.

Cherry Groye

ALLEN, WILLIAM, farmer, sec. 7, P. 0. Spring Creek. Born in Scotland in 1826. Came to America in the summer of 1850, and settled in Wis., where he married Margaret Hunter in 1864; she was born in Ireland in 1832. Came to this county in 1869; settled on his present estate consisting of 320 acres, removed to St. Joseph Co., Mo., where he spent two years, when he returned to his home in this town. Was clerk of the school district a number of years, and is well known. Members of the Congregational Church.

BLACKMAJN, ABNER, farmer, sec. 33, P. O. Fair Point. Born in Bennington county, Vt , in 1827. Married Lucy Crandall in 1849. She was born in same county in 1828. Emigrated to Ashtabula county, 0., in 1852, where he resided two and one-half years, when he moved to Lafayette county, Wis., and lived until he came to this county in 1856, and settled on his present estate of 80 acres. Here he made his claim of one-quarter section, upon which he built a log cabin, where he lived seven years, which has since given place to a retired and commodious dwelling. Disposed of 80 acres of his pre-emption land, and has since purchased 80 acres in sec. 30. Is one of the early pioneers of this town and well known throughout. Harvey, Charles. Adelle and Rosy, are their living children. Lost one child, Mary.

COLLINS, ALFRED, farmer, sec. 36, P. 0. Roscoe. Born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1836. Emigrated to Kalamazoo, Co., Mich., moved to Olmsted county, then came to this county and settled in this tp., where he has since made it his home. Married Mary Haney in 1861. She was born in Germany in 1811. In 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, Independent Battalion, and served nearly three years; engaged on the frontier against the Indians; was honorably discharged at the expiration of his time; settled on his present estate in the spring of 1878, consisting of 100 acres; was supervisor two or three years. Edward R., Amy, Laura, Elizabeth, Fannie, Alice and Frank, are their children.

CHARLTON, RICHARD, farmer, sec. 18, P. O. Fair Point. Born in State of N. Y., Dec. 21, 1812. Settled in Grundy Co.; 111., in 1851, and this Co. in 1857. Settled in Wanamingo, where his step father pre-empted 120 acres. Oct., 1861 he enlisted in Co. A, 2d U. S. Sharpshooters, organized under Berdan. Participated in skirmishes at Falmouth, Gettysburgh, Rappahannock Station - three days, Second Bull Run, Gainsville, Chancellorville; battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania C. House, Coal Harbor, South Mountain, Petersburgh (siege,) Deep Bottom, Bistano Station, Mine Run and others. Was wounded at Gettysburgh, and confined in the hospital six months. Served until Oct., 1861, returned home, where in Feb. 15, 1868, married Mariah J. Wait; she was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y. Moved on his present estate in 1871, consisting of 200 acres. Aden C, Ethel G., Knight G., and one not yet christened, are his children.

HAGGARD, T. B., farmer, sec. 33, P. O. Fair Point. Born in Ky., in 1819. Married Lucy Turpin in Feb., 1839; she was born in Ky. in 1815. Emigrated to Iowa in the spring of 1852; 1855 came to this Co. with an ox team, selecting a claim in this township, on sec. 35, of 160 acres; in the fall of 1856 moved and settled on his present estate of 210 acres, with 21 acres of timber. At the first term of meeting held in May, 1855, he was elected the first justice of the peace, and has also served as supervisor; is also the second oldest living settler in this township. In 1861 he enlisted in the 3d Minn. Battery as corporal, and served over two years on the plains. They have four children living - Sumara, wife of A. C. Woodbury; Henry, William and Mary, twins. Lost three children - Elizabeth, Eliza J. and one that died in infancy, Dec. 16, 1857, which was the first death in the

HANSEN, REV. T. A., was born March 28, 1848, in Spydeberg, Christiana Stift, Norway. Went to Christiana in 1863, where he at the Latin School of " Aars e Foss" was prepared for the university, and accepted at the latter institution in 1868. Passed examen philosophicum in 1871, took the theoretical degree in 1876, and the practical in 1878; was soon after ordained, and started for America, arriving in this township in September of the present year, and at once entered upon his duties as assistant pastor in the Holden Congregation. He married in 1878 Maren Christine Syltinglid, who was born Aug. 11, 1858.

JOHNSON. DARIUS, farmer, sec. 6, P. 0. Spring Creek. Born in State of N. Y., Nov. 20, 1838. Came to this county May 20, 1856, and pre-empted the land of his present estate, consisting of 160 acres. Married Julia E. Hudsen in 1860. In 1864 he enlisted in Minn. 1st Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war, participating in all the battles in which that regiment was engaged. His wife died in 1865, leaving one child, Carrie. He again married Emily Roderick, who was born in N. Y. State, and died Feb. 10, 1873. Nettie, Dora and Earnest are their living children. Mr. Johnson was the oldest pioneer that settled in this north part of the town. Has served as postmaster, and is well known througout the town and county.

KELSEY, J. H., firm of J. H. Kelsey & Bro., merchant, Fair Point. Born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1845. Emigrated with parents to Fon du Lac county, Wis., in 1854, and to this county in 1855, where he lived until 1870, when he commenced business in this village, keeping a general stock of goods, and is the only store in operation in this village. In 1871 married J. A. Summer. She was born in Iowa. Was appointed P. M. in 1872, and has served in that capacity, except one year of resignation for health. Is school treasurer at the present time, and served as assessor, by appointment, in 1874. Eddy A., Henry W. and Chauncey C, are their children.

KELSEY, WILSON, proprietor of Kelsey House, Fair Point. Born in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1810. Married Lucinda Brooks in 1838. She was born in Elsted, N. H., in 1814, and died June 16, 1840, leaving one child, Emma, present wife of R. Williams. His present wife, Jane A. Chittenden, was born in Essex county, N. Y., in July, 1829. Emigrated to Fon du Lac county, Wis., in 1854. Jan., 1855, came with ox-team to this county, being 21 days on the road, pre-empted 160 acres in sec. 26, where he erected a cabin and kept bachelor hall until spring; returued and brought his family, and settled on his claim, where he lived until 1876, when he sold and moved to his present location. Was but four settlers in the town when he came, and he is one of its early pioneers. Joseph H., Chauncey A., Caleb W., Malinda K., Byron, Mary and Julia, are their living children.

PECK, L. W., farmer, sec. 17, P. 0. Fair Point. Born in Steuben Co.,N.Y., in 1823. Emigrated to Wis. in 1856; 1861 he came to this county and settled on his present estate consisting of 200 acres. Married Sabrina Field, who was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1825, and died in 1868. Was justice of the peace in 1864-5 and 6; served as chairman of the board two or three years. His present wife, Sarah McDonald, was born in Canada, and came to this county in 1854, settling in Red Wing, where she experienced many hardships of pioneer life, the records of which appear in the pages of the county history. Ellen, Arnold and Elmer are their living children. Lost two, Louis and Emily.

ROOT, BRYMGTON, farmer, sec. 5, P. 0. Spring Creek. Born in Conn., in 1800. Married Mariah Skinner, Nov. 19, 1834. She was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1814. Came to this county in 1857, and settled on his present farm, which he pre-empted, selecting a claim of 160 acres. Has since disposed of 40 acres, and values his land at $40 per acre. Has been director of schools, and is one of the early settlers in this section of the town'. Of their several children, four are living - Jane, Doane, Loda C. and George W. Lost Harlan and Leander, who enlisted in Minn. 5th, and was killed at the battle of Corinth.

SMITH, DANIEL C, farmer, sec. 26, P. 0. Ayr. Born in Scotland, in 1840. Emigrated in 1846, with parents, to America. Settled in Green Lake county, Wis., where his father, Robert, was an early pioneer. In Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 6th Minn. V. I., and served until the close of the war. Was with the Sibley expedition on the plains, and in 1864, transferred to New Orleans, and assigned to the 16th Army Corps, under Gen. Smith. Participated in a skirmish with Forest at Helena, Spanish Fort, Mobile Bay, and all others in which that regt. engaged, and honorably discharged in 1865. Came to this county and purchased his present estate of 80 acres. In 1871, he opened store at Cherry Grove, which he conducted successfully. In 1877, he sold out.

WOODWARD, READING, farmer, sec. 33, P. 0. Fair Point. Born in N. J., Aug. 13, 1823. Left that State in 1850, and went to 111., where he spent one year; thence to Iowa and settled in Waukon, where he was one of the early pioneers. Came to this Co. in Nov., 1854, with his brother, Benjamin, and selected the claim of his present estate. His brother pre-empted on the adjoining farm and returned to Waukon, where he died in 1863. The subject of this sketch is the oldest living settler of this town, who, with others, made the first road survey, and was elected first road supervisor, at a meeting held in May, 1858. Married Jane Haggard, Aug. 18, 1858. 80 acres of valuable land surround the homestead, and 10 acres of timber. Are members of the Christian Disciples, a society that was formed by the early pioneers of this township.

Source changes here: from Goodhue County, Minnesota, Past and Present, by [Hancock, Joseph Woods], published 1893; 370 words in this source stream.

Kenyon City

This township lies iu the southwest corner of the county. The north branch of the Zumbro river runs through the northwest part, and along the stream there are groves of young trees. The larger portion of the town is rich level prairie. The soil is deep and remarkably fertile.

1856, James H. Day and J. M. LeDuc came and made claims where the village is situated. Subsequently a Mr. How and Addison Hilton became part owners and the four laid out and platted the village.

Mr. Day built the first dwelling house that summer, and the company built a store. The store was stocked with general merchandize and occupied by Crowley & Baker in the fall. Stephen BuUis built a hotel in March,

The same year a steam saw mill was erected by the village proprietors. Other stores, shops and dwellings were soon added and a post-ofhce established. The growth was continued but slowly until the railroad was built. Since then it has been incorporated as a separate municipality, and is now a thriving village of about 1,000 inhabitants. There are two hotels, a foundry and machine shops, mechanic shops and stores of all kinds. A fine brick school building has been erected, which accommodates over 200 scholars and is a credit to the place. There is also a tannery and a flouring mill, the capacity of the latter being about twenty-five barrels per day. A weekly newspaper is published here, the Kcnyon Lcdder, and there are two banking institutions to attend to money matters. The village is surrounded by a rich agricultural region, and the railroad station affords a market for all the products of the farm. Three church edifices adorn the village A Baptist church was organized in 1857 with seven members. Rev. Dubois, of the Protestant Episcopal church, held services in 1873, and in 1875 a neat church was completed by that congregation. The Norwegian Lutheran church is a large stone structure capable of seating 600 persons. There is also another stone church in the township, belonging to the Lutherans, of large dimensions.

Kenyon possesses advantages in geographical position, in educational facilities and religious privileges, equal to any country village of its size in the great Northwest.

Source changes here: from History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, by Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn, published 1909; 836 words in this source stream.

Kenyon City

Kenyon lies in the southeast corner of Goodhue county, and comprises township 112, range 18. It is the highest township in the county, and has an undulating surface which was originally almost wholly prairie. The north branch of the Zumbro flows through the northwestern part, and along this stream there are several groves of young trees. There are occasional small sloughs, with turf-peat, in the uplands, but in the summer seasons they are dry and furnish a coarse hay. Deep, fertile soil prevails generally throughout the township.

As the early settlement was all in the northern and northwestern part, the early history of the township and village is practically identical. In 1855 came a number of settlers, among them being L. A. Felt. Chris and Sever Halvorson, L. N. Bye, N. Hollenbeck and a man named Natice. These were soon followed by J. H. Day, Addison and E. B. Hilton. James Browley, S. A. Baker, Stephen Bullis, 0. S. Gunhus, 0. E. Erickson and AY. B. Burnham. Successive crops of untouched prairie grass had hardened the sward, and the early settlers had much difficulty in breaking the glebe. But they set to work' with courage, and soon the wilderness was fruitful with the crops which the rich soil yielded.

In May, 1856, James H. Day and James M. LeDuc claimed the land on which the village now stands, and subsequently I wo men named Howe and Hilton became part owners <>\' the land. By these four men, the village was laid out and plaited. James H. Day erected the first residence in June, 185t>. and a store building was erected the same year. This was occupied by Crowley & Baker as a general store. Stephen Bullis built the firsl hotel in March, 1857, and during the same year a steam saw mill was

The first death occurred in the summer of 1857, Lydia Gross being unable to withstand the rigors of pioneer life. The first birth was that of George, son of W. B. Burnham, born in the spring of 1857. The first marriage was that of Freeman Collamore and Mary Bullis, in January, 1858. The first school was taught in the winter of 1857 by W. S. Bill, who also conducted the first religious services.

According to the official lists, those who enlisted in the Civil War from Kenyon were: John Bury, David Bury, Frederick Bury, John Bury, Jr., Freeman F. Collamore, Ole Engerbretson, Austin P. Felt, Lieut. Roscoe Hilton, Clark Harding, Thomas L. Johnson. Lars Neilson, Ole Otterson, Albert Otterson, Halvo Tolfson, Alvin H. Wiggins, Thomas Erickson, Chi us Hoist, Joseph Hoist. Jacob Hoist. C. D. Harding, Frederick Lachner, Lewis Mohler, B. E. Olin, Thomas H. Britton, Knut Otterson, Carl Hanson, T. Pi. Bullis. Simeon Elcock, William A. Parry, William H. Hill, Henry < '. < lollina, Peter Rourk. Peter Johnson, John Lindquist, George Bossout, Andrew Some, John Muckenham, S. H. Bohannolm and William Stanchfield.

The township was organized May 15, 1858, and the following officers were elected: Supervisors, A. Hilton (chairman), S. Bullis and W. B. Burnham: town clerk, S. A. linker; justices of the peace. J. H. Day and C. G. Averell; assessor, D. F. Harley; collector, L. A. Felt ; constables, D. F. Harley and AY. F. ( "lapp ; overseer of the poor, F. Day.

Four churches supplied the religious demands of the people in the early days. In 1870, the Norwegian Lutherans erected on section 5, a stone church capable of seating 600 people. It was one of the congregations of the Rev. B. J. Minis. On section 7, another Norwegian Lutheran church, a stone building with a seating capacity of 400 people, was erected in 1872. The first Baptist church was organized May 4, 1867, with seven members. In 1873 the Rev. Mr. Dubois of the Episcopal church held service at the village and in 1875 an organization was perfected, with the following officers: Wardens, Dr. A. W. Hewitt and E. R. Marshall; vestrymen, S. A. Bullis, B. D. Bullis. William Elcock and William Turner. A church capable of holding 200 people was erected in 1875 and dedicated July 25, 1876. Originally the population of the township was largely Norwegian, and that of the village American, but at the present time Americans of Norwegian descent or birth predominate throughout both town and village. Aside from the village of Kenyon, there are two stations in the township, both on the line of the Chicago and Great Western. They are Bakko and Skyberg.

ways. It is incorporated and has a population of 1,300. It has three hotels, two banks, a creamery, a flour mill, three grain elevators, a canning factory, an electric light plant, water works, an opera house, a well equipped fire department, a good graded school. The churches are: The Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, German Methodist, German Lutheran and Norwegian Lutheran. There are two weekly papers published, the Leader and the News. There are two telegraph companies, one express company, the Wells, Fargo & Co., and one telephone company.