Lakefield City

Lakefield City

RANKING second in size, according to the last census, among Jackson county towns is Lakefield. The village is situated in Heron Lake and Hunter townships and is in almost the exact geographical center of the county, its business center being less than one mile from the central point. It is only a short distance from the head of Heron lake, that great expanse of watnr which is noted the country over as a hunters' paradise. Lakefield is on the Soutliern Minnesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and is twelve miles west and north of Jackson. The population in 1905 was 916, but the census of 1910 will undoubtedlv show an increase.

As regards trade territory^ Lakefield has a stragetic location, drawing its trade from an immense area of exceptionally prosperous country. To the north, northeast, south and southwest there are no towns for many miles, and to LakeiSeld comes the trade from long distances in those directions. The town is compactly built and presents an attractive appearance. It has broad streets, lined with substantial business houses and handsome residences.

No more beautiful site for a town could be found. It is located on high, rolling ground, of a greater elevation than the surrounding country, exactly on the divide or watershed which separates the two great watercourses of the west - the Mississippi and the Missouri.^ There is plenty of room for the town to grow without taking in a foot of low or swampy ground. All the improvements to be found m Minnesota towns of its size are in Lakefield. It has an excellent waterworks system, electric light plant, good schools and churches.

Of the three principal towns of Jackson countv, Lakefield was the last to come into existence. Jackson had been founded in 1866, Heron Lake in 1871, as a result of the b.uilding of the Sioux City road; Lakefield did not take its place on the map until 1879, when the Southern Minnesota (later the Milwaukee) railroad extended to the northwest from Jackson.

During the early seventies quite a number of homesteaders had located upon the government lands surrounding the future town of Lakefield, but during the terrible grasshopper days no improvements were made, many people moved away, and the actual settlement of that part of the county may be said to have begun only in the late seventies. In 1878, when it was be-

*' 'Nearly seventeen years ago [1867] we first traveled the road between Graham lakes and Jackson, and on the route, about one and onehalf miles from lake Heron, was a piece of country elevated above that surrounding it and known as 'the first mound.' We little thought that it would be as it is today the site for a flourishing little village." - Judge B. W. Woolstencroft in Pulda Republican, June. 1884.

lieved the grasshoppers had left the country for good and it was known that the railroad was to be pushed on to the west, come a change in conditions. New settlers poured in, bought lands in the theretofore thinly settled townships, made improvements and became permanent settlers. When, in the spring of 1879, the line for the extension west of Jackson was definitely made, came more settlers, who located upon the choice lands along the right of-way. The work of grading the roadbed was begun April 22, the track was laid to the junction with the Sioux City road August 1, and regular train service was established November 3. But some months before the road was completed two towns had been founded near the head of Heron lake.

Henry Knudson, who owned the northwest quarter of section 32, Heron Lake township, which was crossed by the surveyed line of the new road, laid out a town on his land early in May, which he named Jackson Center.^ The plat of the townsite was drawn on paper, but the land was not surveyed. Mr. Knudson made preparations for building a little town at that point, expecting that the railway company would put in a side track and establish a station there. He erected a store building, in which he opened a general store, and built a residence, which were the only building improvements made on the site, and he and his family and Knud Thoreson and his family were the only inhabitants. Late in September the Jackson Center postoffiee was established with Mr. Knudson in charge. The postoflEice was maintained until the spring of 1&80; then the Lakefield office was established and Mr. Knudson resigned, the office being then

»'*Henry Knudson has commenced plattlngr a town at the south end of Heron lake, near the Southern Minnesota railroad. It is located on the northwest quarter of section 32, Heron Lalce township. We learn he Is about to erect a hotel bulldlngr on the plat." - Jackson Republic, Mdy 10, 1879.

discontinued. In the spring of 1882, Mr. Knudson moved his store building to the new town of Lakefield, and the history of Jackson Center came to an end.

Differences between Mr. Knudson and the Southern Minnesota railway officials were responsible for the failure of the company to locate a station at Jackson Center and also the building of a town at Lakefield, a mile southwest of Mr. Knudson's site. J. C. Easton, of the railroad company, was willing to locate a station at Jackson Center providing he could purchase Mr. Knudson's 210 acre farm for five dollars per acre. The owner refused to sell at that figure, but he offered to deed to Mr. Easton and the other officials ff half interest in forty or eighty acres for railroad purposes free of charge, the balance of the farm to be divided into lots to be owned jointly by Mr. Knudson and the officials. These terms were refused, and negotiations were brought to a close early in the summer.

A. E. Kilen, who was in the vicinity, learned of the rupture between Mr. Knudson and the railroad officials and was not slow to take advantage of the conditions. He looked over the ground and decided that the west half of the southwest quarter of section 33, Heron Lake township, would make an excellent location for a townsite. Not knowing who was the owner of the sightly eighty acre tract, Mr. Kilen walked to the county seat, consulted the records, learned in whose name the land was assessed, and then walked to Windom, where he boarded a train for St. Paul. There he located the owner of the site, bought the property, and returned with the deed in his pocket.

The prospective town founder made terms with the railroad officials, and in the latter part of July the company located a side track on the land,' Mr. Kilen

The original townsite of Lakefield, located on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 33, was surveyed by James E. Palmer September 2, 1879, and the dedication was made by Anders R. Kilen September 5. It consisted of eight blocks only, the streets running north and south being named Bush, Main and Plum, and the east and west streets, Broadway, Second and Third.* The land upon which it was located was a part of the grant to the St. Paul & Sioux City Railway company.*^

Before the site was surveyed there was considerable activity at the new station and several had made arrangements to enter into business in the new town. The name lirst selected for the village was quarter of section 33 and the south half of the southeast quarter of section 32, In Heron Lake township. It is on land belonging to Anders R. Kilen, about a mile east of the head of Heron lake, and about twelve miles from Jackson. A town is already being platted, and soon a good business point will spring up at that station." - Jackson Republic, July 26, 1879.

'^Titles to lands embraced within the present boundaries of Lakfefield were received from the government as follows: Rasmus Larson homesteaded the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 32, Heron Lake township, and received his patent December 20. 1881. Christopher B. Rubert received his patent to the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of the same section October 10. 1876. Edward E. Bergh received his patent to the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of the same section March 1, 1877. The west half of section 33 was railroad land, granted to the St. Paul & Sioux City company. The northwest quarter of section 4, Hunter township, was homesteaded by James W. Forrest, and he received title June 20, 1875. The northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 5 was received by the St. Paul & Sioux City company from the com* missioners of the state land office March 31, 1876.

Bethania," by which it was known for only about one week, however.* Then "Lakefield*' was substituted by the town proprietor, and that was the name used in making the dedication. So early as the latter part of July the Colman Lumber company and the Paul Lumber company selected sites for lumber yards, and several others made arrangements to build and engage in business.

The first building erected was the office of the Colman Lumber companj. which was put up in August. E. W. Davies was the first local manager. This first building was also used as the telegraph office until the depot was erected. A few other buildings were started about the same time, and before the close of the year 1879 there were five or six business houses in operation. The Paul Lumber company had its sheds completed early in September, and both companies had lumber in stock to supply all the demands. Lewis Chesterson and Charles Chestersou opened a general store in September, which they conducted under the firm name of Chesterson Brothers. John Kilen put up a building and engaged in the hotel business. Bonner & Hyde built a warehouse and engaged in the grain business. The railroad company erected a depot. M. A. Foss erected a store building late in the fall, but did not open hifi general store until the next spring. This concludes the list of improvements for the year 1879, and Lakefield did not assume metropolitan proportions that year. John Davies, writing from the little town October 21, 1879, said: "There are only two ladies in the town to absorb the smiles of abont twenty bachelors.*'

-*'A change has come over the dredms of Bethanians. It has been decided to call the new town out west Lakefield." - Jackson Republic, August 16, 1879.

History Of Jackson Coxinty

fice was granted them the next spring. It was opened in April with M. A. Foss as postmastei'.^ A few new business enterprises were started in 1880 : M. A. Foss opened his general store, Johnson & Holienstein started the town's third general store, Cargill & Van built the second grain warehouse, Obed Omberson engaged in the general merchandise and hardware business, Barney Froelinger opened a saloon, a blacksmith shop was started, and R. B. Woodworth was installed as the depot agent.

The growth of Lakfield during the first three or four years was not great, but each year witnessed the opening of one or two new business houses, and the small growth was healthy. Conrad & Snure engaged in the general merchandise business in 1882, and Lanid, Morland & Company engaged in the hardware business the same year. Among the other improvements of the same year were the hay pressing and tow manufacturing establishments of M. A. Foss. In 1883 N. J. Scott started a hardware store, and the same year witnessed the founding of the town's first newspaper, the Minnesota Citizen by Carl S. Eastwood. There were several changes in the proprietorship of the several stores and shops, and we find the business houses on

^Mr. Foss served as I>akefleld's postmaster until March. 1882, when he was succeeded by Henry Knudson, who moved down from Jackson Center. Mr. Knudson sold out his business a short time later and reslgrned the office, be- 1ns succeeded in July. 1882, by H. G. Conrad. The latter served until November, 1883, when E. Lewis received the appointment. There was quite a contest for the honor In 1884. which was won by Carl S. Eastwood, the editor of the Minnesota Citizen, he receiving the appointment In June. Mr. Eastwood sold his paper and removed from Lakefleld In the latter part of 1885, and from that time until his successor was named in February, 1886, the office was in charere of Deputy L. W. Seely. John G. Miller succeeded Mr. Eastwood as postmaster and served until January 17. 1888. On that date S. J. Moe became Lakefleld's postmaster, serving until January. 1890. Then W. L. Funk was appointed and held the office until 1893. H. J. Holllster served from that time until October. 1897, under the democratic administration. John Crawford was appointed at the expiration of Mr. HoUlster's term and held the office until his death, which occurred by drowning In June, 1904. Mrs. John Crawford was then appointed and has ever since conducted the office.

The general prosperity which blessed Jackson county in 1884 brought rapid advancement to the little town of Lakefield. It was a season of solid and prosperous growth. A resident of Jackson who visited the village in July wrote as follows: "A few hours spent by the writer in Lakefield this week convinced him that Jackson's sister village is up to the times. New buildings are going up, a large acreage of prairie turf is being reduced to a state of cultivation near by, and prosperity j)revails. Within the past year Lakefield has seen a newspaper, a creamery, a hardware store, a drug store and doctor 'spring up in her midst.' "

Factors in the increased activity were the purchase of the townsite by James T. Griffin and the platting of South Lakefield by John Frederickson. These gentlemen placed lots on the market at reduced prices and induced men with capital to locate and invest in the new town. The Lakefield Citizen boasted that more new buildings were erected in Lakefield that year than in any other town in the county, and that the business interests and population more than doubled in the twelve months. Despite the showing made, an estimate of the town's population in 1884 placed the figure at between seventy-five and one hundred. A business directory for 1884 listed the following business houses in operation:

Lakefield High School

William Snure, general merchandise. E. Lewis, general merchandise. Obed Omberson, general merchandise. Albert Hohenstein, general merchandise. E. J. Viall, Viall hotel. J. D. Stone, Lakefield hotel. N. J. Scott, hardware store. J. M. Strickler, drug store. John Frederickson (Oolman Lumber Co.), lumber and machinery. C. M. Tradewell, agricultural implements. Charles Randall, harness shop. L. W. Seely, land agent. Carl S. Eastwood, newspaper. Robert Pietz, blacksmith shop. Thomas Sanders, blacksmith shop. Miss Tilda Hamerstad, millinery store. John Rirber, coal dealer. Omberson Brothers, hay dealers. O. A. Stanton, Lakefield nursery. W. W. Heffelfinger, physician. John G. Miller, contractor. 8. Christenson, contractor. B. Johnson, contractor.

The progress in 1884 was only the beginning of the forward movement in Lakefield's history. During the later eighties every year was one of increase. In 1886 building improvements to the value of $19,160 were made, the items of this amount being as follows:

A census of Lakefield, taken July 14, 1887, showed a population of 260. It was then the residents petitioned the board of county commissioners for incorporation.® The county board took favorable action on the petition July 25, 1887, when it provided for holding a special election September 1 to vote on the question of incorporation. The election was held in the liakefield school house,® and "for incorporation^' carried by a vote of 26 to 2.*® The first election for the selection of village officers was held October 1, when forty-five votes were cast. The council elected at that time met and organized October 21, and the municipal government of Lakefield began on that day." Following is a list of those who have been elected to municipal office in Lakefield from the date of incorporation to the present time."

"Lakefield remained a part of Heron Lake and Hunter townships for assessment and election purposes until 1889. On April 22 of that year the legislature provided for its separation for all purposes.

"At many of the annual village elections the license question has been submitted to the voters. Following is the result In those years when the question was submitted, the question not having been voted upon in the years omitted:

F. Timm, A. A. Fosness, F. E. Wesner; recorder, John Grawford; treasurer, John Frederickson; assessor, A. Park; constables, S. J. Moe, Ed Hanson.

1901 - President, A. M. St. John; trustees, C. M. Trade well, A. A. Fosness, August Olson; recorder, Charles Norgrant; treasurer, William Searles; assessor, S. J. Moe.

1903 - President, David Crawford; trustees, C. M. Gage, A. A. Fosness, James Rost; recorder, Charles Norgrant; treasurer, A. Bettin; assessor, S. J. Moe; constable, F. L. Grannis.

Lakefield continued' its forward movement until the panic year 1893. During these years it advanced from the ^ttle hamlet of pioneer days to one of the important towns of Jackson county. The year 1892 was one of exceptional progress. Many new buildings were erected and several new enterprises were put under way, principal among them being the flouring mill. The panic put a temporary stop to the progress of the town, and for a few years there was little advance. The population in 1895 was 519.

Beginning with 1896 came improved conditions, and the town once more took up its forward march, entering upon the most prosperous era in its history. The building improvements in 1896 amounted to nearly $50,000, and the next year they exceeded that amount, the items of improvement for 1897, being as follows:

Again in 1898 the residents of the village spent large sums in erecting new homes and business houses. In 1899 the total amount so expended was nearly $70,- 000, divided as follows:

In May, 1899, by a vote of 96 to 44, the electors declared in favor of bonding for the installation of an electric lighting and water works plant. The electric lighting plant was installed, and the lights turned on for the first time in January, 1900. The water works system was added in 1902. The population of Lakefield, according to the federal census of 1900, was 862.

At two o'clock on the morning of December 1, 1900, a fire was started that did considerable damage and threatened the destruction of the town. The town had no fire department, and the flames were fought with bucket brigades. After heroic work the conflagration was subdued. The losses were as follows:

E. Schumacher, saloon building and stock 1,000 question of issuing $20,000 bonds for the Jacob Kalf, saloon building and stock.. 350 .. . i -i -i- mt

T i.1- ^11 ^ ^oo- 1.-1 T 1 /» u 1896, to Fred Norlander, of St. Paul, at In the fall of 1881, while Lakefield was ' . . ^^^ n^^ mi / * ,..,.- ' Ti-mj a contract pnce of $15,625. The work of vet m its infancy, Messrs. John Fredcr- . i^. i - a i ^r.^,^ : , . , T. 1, A T^ X 1 /^ construction was begun m April, 1897, ickson, Anders Roe, M. A. Foss, John G. ^ ^. , i t -, i . / ^ i.- -, r^i A T 11 1 ^- and the new buildmff was dedicated !No- MiUer and Ole Anderson called a meeting , ^^ ^.^^ ^ a .^ ^,^^/^ . ^, ^ X , . X X :i iu vember 19, 1897. In August, 1900, a for the purpose of taking steps towards the , . , , , -, -. t . \. , , Tj-x-i iTi "igb school course was added, organization of a school district at Lakefield. Their efforts were successful, and the cht;rches. that same fall school district No. 38 wa^ Lakefield supports seven church organorganized. Among the first members of nations, one to each 131 inhabitants. They the school board were M. A. Foss, John ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^-^ organization : Frederickson and John G. Miller. A one- Swedish Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methoroom school house, 24x36 feet, was erected ^^^^^ q^^^^ Lutheran, Norwegian Luand Lakefield^s first school was taught ^^eran, Norwegian Lutheran, Baptist and during the winter of 1881-82 by Miss War- Catholic. All have church edifices. During ner, only a few pupils being in atten- ^^^ ^^.g^ ^^^ y^^g ^f ^^^ existence Lakefield dance.^* The little one-room building ^^g ^j^^out a church building, although served as Lakefield's school building until religious services were frequently held in 1890, when a two-story, four-room build- ^j^e school house.

The New York Public Ubrary

ganization of a church of that faith was signed hy nineteen persons who declared their desire to unite with such a church. About thirty other people signed an agreement to aid a Presbyterian church with their moral and financial support and to identify themselves with a society connected with the church. The state organization was conferred with, and on November 7, 1890, the Presbyterian church was formally organized by Bev. R. N. Adams, assisted by Rev. H. C. Cheadle and R. F. Sulzer. The following members were admitted by letter on the day of organization : Mrs. Sallie H. Beall, W. A. Funk, Mrs. Nettie L. Funk, Mrs. Hattie Evans, Emil Erickfion, Mrs. A. Erickson, Hart N. Douglas. W. A. Funk was ordained elder. The first election of trustees was held November 11, 1890, the meeting being presided over by M. H. Evans, with W. A. Funk as secretary. The board of trustees chosen at that time was composed of Emil Erickson, Hart N. Douglas and M. H. Evans.

Funds were raised by subscription, and on January 21, 1S91, the following building committee was appointed to superintend the erection of a church edifice: N. J. Scott, M. H. Evans and Emil Erickson. Building operations were begun in June and the building was completed in October, the total cost, with furnishings, being $1,880. The dedication of the house of worship occurred February 28, 1892, conducted by Rev. N. H. Bell, of Minneapolis, assisted by Rev. H. C. Cheadle, of Blue Earth Citv.

Following are the names of the pastors who have supplied the Presbyterian pulpit at Lakefield with the dates of their ministry : H. C. Cheadle, November 7, 1890, to December, 1894; Hugh Alexander, 1894- 95; M. B. Myers, 1895-96; J. F. Montman, 1896-98 ; 0. G. Dale, 1898-99 ; C. C.

The next church organized in Lakefield was the Methodist Episcopal, which erected a church building in 1892. The building was dedicated May 28, 1893, the services being conducted by Presiding Elder Hare, of Mankato. The building was dedicated free of debt.

The German Evangelical Lutheran society was organized during the nineties, and the church building was erected during the summer of 1896. It was dedicated September 27, 1896.

Another religious organization that came into existence in the nineties was the Norwegian Lutheran church. For several years the members worshipped in the other church edifices, but in October, 1897, the contract was let for the erection of a building at a cost, excluding furnishings and heating plant, of $1,300. The building was destroyed by a cyclone in August,

The Baptist church society was organized May 11, 1898, with the following charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Milton Meltchert, Mr. and Mrs. James Kilen, Mr. and Mrs. Henr}- Shaw, Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Palmer, Mrs. Frederickson, Mrs. Z. M. Turner, Rev. and Mrs. George MacDougall. In September, 1898, the call of recognition and ordination was issued, and in June,

1899, the church was admitted to the Minnesota Valley association. For a year services were held in the council room of the city hall; then in March, 1899, it was decided to erect a house of worship. The building was erected that summer and was dedicated October 22. The cost of the building was $1,620.50. The following have served as pastors of the Baptist church of Lakefield : George MacDougall, 1898-00; F. C. Peck, 1900-02; Charles

Walsh, 1902-03; Rev. Pengally, 1903-04. Owing to the removal of so many of the members, church services are not now held, although the Sunday school is still maintained.

The Catholic church was the last to organize in Lakefield. So early as August, 1898, steps were taken to bring about the erection of a house of worship, Messrs. Hugh Gallagher, Albert Vancura and Joseph Cirhan being appointed a committee to solicit funds. Services were held in the city hall for several years, and in the spring of 1902 the church edifice, costing $2,500, was completed. It was dedicated by Right Rev. Bishop Joseph B. Cotter, of Winona, September 26, 1902.

The Lodges

In the matter of secret societies Lakefield is well represented. The following societies maintain organizations : Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, Workmen, Modem Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Maccabees, Modem Brotherhood, Masons and Eastem Star.

Lakefield Lodge No. 178, Independent Order Odd Fellows, was organized February 19, 1891, with twenty members. A prosperous Rebekah lodge is also maintained, it having been organized July 19, 1905, with 20 members.

Lincoln Lodge No. 164, Ancient Order United Workmen, was organized March 9, 1893, b^ Deputy Grand Master Workman 0. H. Mason with the following first officers and charter members: W. A. Funk, P. W. M. ; N. J. Scott, M. W. ; John Frederickson, foreman ; A. A. Fosness, overseer ; C. W. Gove, recorder ; C. M. Tradewell, receiver; A. Park, financier; Joe Winter, ffuide ; N. B. Spiceard, I. W. ; E. E. Collins, 0. W. ; A. Bedient, S. M. Child, Sam Fader, C. M. Gage, W. A. Ludtke, H. K Rue, Scott Searles, Fred Winter, Calvin Young. The first tmstees were C. M. Gage, Fred Winter and H. K. Rue.

Prairie Camp No. 1970, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized May 13, 1893, with the following first officers and charter members: Mrs. F. J. Ledbrook. M. White, advisor; Henry Winter, banker; Thomas Crawford, clerk; C. H. Young, watchman; R. Willing, escort ;M. C. Bedient, sentry; Scott Searles, physician; N. J. Scott, M. R. Cluss and C. M. Tradewell, managers; W. V. Boutwell, John Crawford, A. E. Holmberg, Erick Kilen, W. F. Ludtke, A. Phelps, H. A. Rhodes, William Searles, A. J. Solomonson, G. G. Sawyer. The camp has a present membership of 106 with the following officers: S. J. Moe, consul; William Bertels, advisor; J. A. Mansfield, banker; A. Dahl, clerk; H. Sucker, escort; «T. B. McMurtrie, sentry; George Steiner, watchman ; William Taylor, Mike McGlin and C. M. Tradewell, managers.

Prairie Lilly Camp No. 808, Royal Neighbors, was organized November 26, 1897, with the following first officers and charter members: S. J. Moe, consul; L. oracle; Mrs. Calvin Young, vice oracle; Mrs. J. T. Johnson, recorder; Mrs. J. M. Thompson, receiver; Mrs. C. M. Tradewell, chancelor; Mrs. George Sawyer, marshal; Mrs. J. E. McGill, inner sentinel; Mrs. H. J. Hollister, outer sentinel; D. F. Ledbrook, /hysician; Mrs. Frank White, Mrs. Albert Nieman and J. E. McGill, managers ; J. T. Johnson, H. J. Hollister, George G. Sawyer, J. M. Thompson, C. M. Tradewell, William Searles, Thomas Crawford, Mrs. Thomas Crawford, Mrs. Fred White. Only three of the charter members are residents of Lakefield at the present writing.

Lakefield Tent No. 44, Knights of the Maccabees, was organized August 15, 1901, bv State Commander I. N. Chellew. Following were the first officers and charter members: Charles M. Tradewell, past commander; Robert H. Lueneburg, Sir

Knight Commander; William Kerr, lieutenant; S. B. Dubetz, record keeper; James W. Daubney, finance keeper; Joseph Cirhan, chaplain ; Orma R. Nevitt, physician ; Edward S. Lader. sergeant; Charles E. Cooper, master at arms; Otto Weise, first master of guard; Fred H. Healey, second master of guard ; Henry W. Rost, sentinel ; F. E. Peflfer, picket; James W. Daubney,

The Banks

Two banking institutions are conducted in Lakefield. They are the Jackson County State Bank and the First National Bank. The town's banking history antedates the foimding of either of these institutions, however, by several years. The Jackson County Bank, a private institution, was the first to open its doors. It began business September 8, 1886, with the following officers: J. S. Van Winkle, president; T. F. Barbee, vice president; M. E. Lawton, cashier. Mr. Lawton was in charge of the bank and conducted it until April, 1889, when it went out of business. In August, 1889, the Bank of Lakefield was opened by Graves, McClintock & Company, with Wyatt H. Graves in charge. It did not have the confidence of the people, and its life was short.

organized was the Jackson County Bank (succeeded by the Jackson County State Bank), which opened its doors September 2, 1890, with subscribed and pledged capital of $50,000. The officers and board of directors consisted of the following named gentlemen: A. L. Ward, president; H. J. Hollister, vice president; M. H. Evans, cashier; E. Sevatson, N. J. Scott, John Frederickson, James Kilen. The incorporators and stockholders were W. A. Funk^ David Crawford, C. M. Tradewell, N. J. Scott, H. J. Hollister, James Kilen, Calvin Young, James Kula, John Frederickson, A. R. Kilen, L. J. Britsch, E. Sevatson, A. L. Ward and M. H. Evans.

The Jackson County Bank was conducted as a private institution until May 8, 1893, when it was reorganized as the Jackson County State Bank, with a paid up capital of $25,000. The officers and board of directors under the new organization were A. L. Ward, president; N. J. Scott, vice president; M. H. Evans, cashier ; David Crawford, H. J. Hollister, Calvin Young and John Frederickson. There was a change in management in May, 1895, when the following officers and directors were chosen: N. J. Scott, president; Calvin Young, vice president; M. H. Evans, cashier; F. L. Leonard, assistant cashier; John Frederickson, David Crawford, D. L. Riley, William Searles. The handsome brick building, which is still the home of the bank, waa erected in 1896.

In July, 1901, Messrs. J. M. Putman and H. L. Bond bought the majority stock of the bank from M. H. Evans and have since had the active management. The present officers are J. M. Putman, president; A. A. Fosness, vice president; H. L. Bond, cashier; J. G. Branch, assistant cashier. That the business of this financial institution is increasing is shown by the fact that in 1901 the deposits were

Histoby Of Jackson Cx3Unty

The Citizens State Bank (succeeded by the First National Bank) was organized May 20, 1899, with a paid up capital of $26,000 and with the following officers and directors: F. W. Thompson, president; J. W. Daubney, cashier; N. J. Scott, H. J. HoUistor, Scott Searles, B. Bear and C. J. Weiser. The Citizens State Bank was the name of the institution until Jantfarv, 1903, when it was reorganized as the First National Bank of Lakefield. January 17, 1907, J. C. Caldwell was made president and P. W. Blankert cashier, the latter being succeeded by A. J. Nestrud a year later. Through the efforts of the president most of the stock passed into the hands of farmers residing in the vicinity of Lakefield, so that it is now practically a farmers' bank. From the date of Mr. CaldwelFs accepting the presidency, the deposits have increased from $180,000 to about $250,- 000.