Rapidan Township (part 1 of 3)

Rapidan Township

The first claim in this town was located by Basil Moreland on Section 7 in March, 1854. A month later Oliver J. Roe made a claim in the same neighborhood. In August, Williston K. Greenwood, also, took a claim in Section 7. The same month Isaac Andrus and his son, Truman F. Andrus, located with their families on Sections 11 and 13 on the Maple. In October, Cornelius YanNice claimed in Section 21 and moved thereto with his family. Wm. P. Coffin and Joel Cloud, early in the spring of 1855, located on Section 5. But all of these settlers had to abandon their homes in a year or so as the town "n'as included in the Winnebago Reser^-ation. White settlers, were thereafter barred until the removal of the Indians in 1863. The fall of 1863 and the spring of 18G4 saw the beginning of white settlements again in the town. Among the first settlers were: Gottfried and Jacob Sanger, who located there in 1863, J. D. Hooser,

History Of Blue Earth Counts

Eiley Stratton took possession of the log cabin, wliich Isaac Andrus had built and which during the Winnebago occupation had been used by the chief, Big Bear. The town was first named "DeSoto" by the County Board in yVpril, 1858. In July, 1864, C. P. Cook started a town site in Section 6, on the Blue Earth, which he called "Rapidan"" after the place he had come from in the east. March 2, 1865, a bill was passed by the State Ijegislature changing the name of the town to "Eapidan" at the suggestion of Mr. Cook.

The town was organized April, 1865, and the first town meeting held on April 15, 1865, at the house of E. C. Payne in Section 21, when 20 votes ^'cre cast and the following officers elected. Supervisors: E. C. Payne, (chairman), W. L. Stevens and J. Sanger; M. A. Eeeder, clerk; J. D. Hooser, assessor; G. Scliwan, treasurer;

May 2, 1865, occurred the murder of A. J. Jewett and his family by John Campbell and his Indian companions, a full account of which will be found elsewhere in this history.

Bears were found in the town in the early days. A black one nearly 7 feet long was killed in March, 1860, on the Blue Earth near the Northwest corner of the town, and another was killed by E. C. Payne in the fall of 18fi£.

In the summer of 1865, John Morrow purchased 120 acres of land near the mouth of Maple River, whereon he erected kilns and engaged in the manufacture of lime for two or three years. He also opened stone quarries on the same land. During the winter of 1866-7 S. Kenworthy and Co., erected a large flour mill, 30x40 and four stories high, at the foot of the Blue Earth River rapids. The mill had two runs of buhrs four feet across. It was afterwards much enlarged, and for many years was famous as one of the principal custom mills of the county. The site is still occupied by the Rogers Roller Mill. During the winter of 1866- 7 Geo. Heaton and Richard Rew built a saw mill on the Blue Earth in Section 31, to which in a year or two they added a flour mill and named it the "Union Mill." The same winter Lucius Dyer put up a saw mill on the Maple in Section 35, to which he added later a grist mill. This mill later passed into the hands of Geo. Gerlich, then to Jesse 0. Mericle. In 1884, Henry Dyer built a new saw mill on the Maple. In vVugust 1867, Silas Kenworthy, J. W. Mendenhall, James B. Swan and James A. Wiswell, laid out a town called "Rapids" on land adjoining the Rapidan Mill. In December, 1865, PafE and Reynolds opened a store at this place. Nothing further came of this townsite. About 1867, a postofEice was established in Sec. 35 with J jucius Dyer as postmaster called "Maple River." It was on a newly established mail route between Wilton and Garden City. In October, 1869 "The (.astle Garden" postoffice was created in charge of Dr. N. Bixby, who lived on Section 15, As. there was no mail route, Dr. Bixby had to carry the mail from Mankato for the office. J. W. Derby succeeded Dr. Bixby as postmaster but tlie office was discontinued in March, 1875. In January, 187 G, a new postoffice was established at the house of Olof Olson called "Rapidan" on the Milwaukee Railway near where the present station is situated. In October, 1880, Mr. Olson opened a store at the present site of Rapidan station, which he conducted until August, 1887, when he was succeeded by W. 0. Dustin & Co. April 1, 1888, Olaf Olson was succeeded as postmaster by Noah Webster, who also, had become the owner of the store at Eapidan Station. He died in November, 1891, and \\as succeeded by h's son, Wm. Webster. March 1, 1895, Wm. T. Just became storekeeper and postmaster, and in 1907, Daniel E. and Wm. A. Bosin became his successors in business and Daniel E. Bosin was made postmaster. A lumber yard and blacksmith shop are also, main- tained at the same place. An ek-vator was erected, and in 1897 a co-operative creamer}' was built. In 1900, a Woodman Hall was built, and a passenger depot put up in the fall of 1906. Theee buildings, with a church and number cf residences, make now of Eapidan Station, a sjnall village.

The first religious service it is claimed was held in 1864, by Eev. Steinner of Alma City, a United Brethren minister, at the house of J. ]). Hooser, in the valley of the Blue Earth in ihe Southeast quarter of Section 31, then called "t;astle Garden." This valley was noted during llie Winnebago occupation for the beauty of its situation and richness of soil. An Indian \illage, a store and farm were here located then. A Sunday School was organized here about 1864, with Mr. Hooser as superintendent. About a year later a log school house was built on the Stratton claim in District 79 and the services were transferred there. A class was organized here about 1866 composed of the Stratton family, Geo. Hadaway, Mr. and ilrs. Henry C. Eberiiart, and Mr. Hooser. Elders Clow, Bookwaltcr, and Thurston continued to preach in the neighborhood. A Sunday School was maintained lor years at the school house. Henry Dyer was its Superintendent for some time and Henry 0. Eberhart succeeded him. In the 70's a few i^orwegian families began settling along the Blue Earth river. x\.mong the first to locate M'ere, S. Knudson, Ole K. Slvov, A. Hobrig, Ole Amundson, Eilef and Lars Anderson and Olaf Olson.

Lutheran services, in their own lang"uage, were started among them in 1S74 by Bev. M. Barge and a church organized. Among the charter members were: Eilef and Louis Anderson, Syver Broste, Nels Olson, Ole Stavem, Eilef Bjertson, Peter Brandlein, and Ole Anderson. The first meetings were held at the homes of Syver Broste and tlie Anderson brothers.

In 1885, a church building was erected about 80 rods East of the Xorthwcst corner of Section 8. This was a small frame structure 16x24 feet. It was replaced in 1893 by the present larger edifice. There are about forty families now in the congregation - all prosperous farmers. They are joined to Our Savior Norwegian Lutheran church of Mankato in their pastoral supply.

The Germans began settling in the town very earl}'. Among whom were Schwan, Just, Bosin, i\liescke, Kastner, Hubrig, and their famiJies. For some years they attended the German Lutheran church at Good Thunder. July 0, 1896, "St. John's German Evangelical Church" V7as incorporated by the following members: (Mias. E. Schwan, Herman Hausberg, Paul Kunkel, Carl Sternitreke, Gustaf Michael, Trangott Kastner, Wm. Geisthardt, H. Mieske, Frederick Bosin and Julius Just. The church was organized January 28, 1893 at school house No. i6, which was then the usual place of worship. The first board of trustees were: Trangott Kastner, Wm. Geisthardt, and Paul Kunkel. The church building was erected at Eapidan Station iD the summer of 1897, and dedicated on September 5, of that year.

An English Sunday School and preaching service has been maintained off and on for many y'^ars in the School House of the Eapidan mill district. In January, 1899 a Sunday School was organized in the Yeager school house with Mrs. George S. Harris as superintendent. It was called the Mt. Hope Sunday School, and flourished for some years. The Presbyterians maintained preaching services in connection tlierewith for some time.

In 1905-6 the Congregationalists maintained a Sunday school and preaching services at the AVoodmau's Hall at the station, and Iacv. J. A. Clark had charge of the work.

The Blue Earth County Poor Farm is located in Section one, and religious services were held there during the administration of Wm. P. Lewis, from 1889, to 1895, by Eevs. John C. Jones, Albert Warren and others, and a Sunday tchool regularlj' kept for years.

Col. B. F. Smith and General J. H. Baker were two prominent residents of the town for years, and at the tatter's hospitable home on "Oak Clift Farm" were held during the early nineties a series of annual old settler gatherings, which were very popular.

City, afterwards Mrs. Henry Dyer. Miss Nettie Crane (now Mills) and Elder Thurston were, also, among the first teachers of this district. The second school house was huilt in the Chamberlain district, and the third school house was put up in the Yeager district. All these first educational buildings were of logs. Now there are .«even good school houses in the town.

February, 1891, a postoffice was established at liapidan Mills with W. D. Hall, Jr., as postmaster. In 1892 P. E. Nelson became postmaster. In the fall of 1900 the Pree delivery sj-stem was inaiigurated in the town. In October, 1896, a telephone line was run from Eapidan to Amboy. In August, 1903, The Maple River Telephone Company was organized with Aleck Anderson as president, and in August, 1904, the Farmers Center Telephone Company was, also, organized, with Chas. Sperlich as president. The Eapidan Roller Mill is still 'being operated by E. S. Rogers, upon what is undoubtedly the finest water power in the county.

The first settlers of Shelby were Norman L. -Jackson, his son Eli N., and stepson, Hiram Luddington, who located at the north end of Jackson Lake in the summer of 1855. In the fall of the same year Edward Brace settled in tl'.e same neighborhood. In July Casper, Geo. J. and Simon Hoffman took claims on the Blue Earth, in what was soon afterwards called the Shelbyville neighborhood. Their filing seems "to have preceded the Jacksons, and they may have been the first actual settlers. In the late fall they were joined by Geo. Richardson, who bailt a log cabin near where the townsite next S]:ring was located, and batched there all "winter with 0. Nichols, Hiram Roberts and James Crane, whose claims were over the line in Faribault county. Tobias Miller, Sanford E. Allen and Wm. A. Clark located in the same vicinity tiie same fall. The fall of 1855 saw the beginning of another neighborhood in the northwest corner of the town, in what was later called the Green Valley neighborhood. Among these were Chas. C. Mack and his son, Jesse Mack. The }ear 1856 witnessed a large immigration into chelby. Early in April came Tilton 0. Allen and his brother Zoeth Allen, Albert M. Stephens, Wm. Chamberlain, Ardel D. Pinkerton, Noble G. Root, Orlando Smith and Geo. Quiggle. In April, 1856, came also the noted Methodist pioneer preacher. Rev. John W. Powell, and laid out the village of Shelbyville on a portion of the west half of Section 35. Other settlers of 1856 were Robert Shannon, Abner Thompson, Magnus Rice, Anthony Ritterbush, Wm. and Geo. H. Robbins, Ira J. and Chancellor Darling, Asa P. Jacobs, Benony and Ferris Farley, Thos. H. Day, James Miller, Geo. W. Marsh, John E. Romack, Horace Kinney, Rudolph Crandall, Milton Ross, Rudolph AfEholter, Reuben Bariott, Elijah L. and Henry R. Case, Joseph and Wm. Crandall, John Doke, Hiram Green, Wm. Gregory, Benjamin S. Stoner, Elnathan Kendall, Chas. P. Hutchins, Alexander Kennedy, Edmund Kingsland, Elwood Knowles, Abbington Parrett, Lewis F. and Hosea S. True, Milton T. Walbridge, Levi Calhoon, and John L. Samson.

So numerous were the settlers in 1856 that on July 7 the election precinct of Shelby was created, bounded as follows: Commencing at the southwest corner of the county thence north to the northwest corner of town 106 range 39, thence cast to the Blue Earth river, thence up said nver to line between ranges 27 and 28, thence south on said line to the south line of county, thence west to point of beginning. The precinct was named "Shelby" on request of Rev. J. W. Powell after the county in Indian;i, from which he had come. The first officers appointed were : Judges of Election, Noble G. Root, Joseph Mc- Canahan and A. B. Parrett; Justice, A. P. Par- ]-et; Constable, Wm. A. Clark; Supervisor, Horton W. Nelson. The first election was held at Shelbyville on October 15, 1856, when thirteen votes were cast. In July. 1857, Ceresco and Vernon were- separated from Shelby precinct, which still embraced ranges 28 and 29, in township 105. This precinct was created into the town of Shelby on May 11, 1858, and the following officers were elected : Supervisors, Rudolph Crandall (Chr.,) Sylvester Woodman, and James Miller; Clerk, Henry Stoek; Assessor, C. C. Mack; Collector, W. H. Miller; Overseer of the Poor, Norman L. Jackson; Justices, Horace Kinney and J. L. Sampson; Constables, John Diamond and C. P. Hutchins.

Mary A. Root, daughter of Noble G. Root, born June 16, 1856, was the first white child born in the town. The first marriage was , that cf Elnathan Kendall to Miss Louise A. Richardson on July 3, 1856. Celebrated by Rev. J. W. Powell at the home of Abner Thompson, which home consisted of a covered wagon, a tent beside it, and a fine oak grove. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and Geo. Richardson witnessed the solemn compact. The second marriage was that of Simon Hoffman to Miss Phoebe Esther Allen on August 3, 1856, at the groom's log cabin, Rev. Powell ofPiciating. The marriage of George 'Juiggle to Mary D. Northru]i, often claimed to have been the first marriage in the town, really occurred on the Watonwan on July 13, 1856. The first death was that of Mr. Pierce in the autumn of 1856, and the second death was that of Mrs. Rudolph Crandall in August, 1857.

Two or three buildings were put up in Shelbyville in 1856. One of which was occupied with a few goods by Rev. J. W. Powell. In 1857 Robert Shannon built a double log house, which he used as a hotel for a )'car or two. Rev. Powell turned over the store he had started to his brother Nathan Powell. In the summer of 1857 Thomas and John Comstock, brothers-inlaw of John J. Shaubut of Mankato, and Henry

Stoek and John J. Porter came to Shelbyville from Lancester County, Pa. and all purchased a big interest in the towTisite. The Com stocks started in the mercantile business there, and Stoek and Porter purchased at St. Louis a steam saw mill which they set up that fall at the townsite. John Diamond, who had come with this party, was employed in this mill. It is claimed that President Buchanan, with whom Stoek and Porter were personally acquainted, had promised fheni the Minnesota Land Office, which had it been fulfilled, would have been a big boom for their townsite. In the fall of the same year John Swearingen purchased and put up on the west side of the Blue Earth, opposite Shelbyville a small portable steam saw mill. In 1858 Tilton 0. Allen began the erection of a large frame hotel, which was completed that year. Geo. W. j\larsh assisted by Alfred ]\L Stephens, opened a l)lacksmith shop in the village this same year. A log school house was built, having only one small window. The seats were fashioned from split logs, having wooden pegs for legs. Here in the winter of 1857-8 David Grey taught the first regular school in town, having about a dozen scliolai's. The preceding summer a school had been taught by Miss Clarissa A. Jacobs, at her latliers home, Asahael P. Jacobs, in Section 4, with eight children ' in attendance, all from Shelby. August Hi. 1857, j\Iiss Jacobs was married to Stephen R. Henderson, and later the young couple moved to the Beaver Creek settlement in Renville County. During the Indian outbreak of 1862, Mrs. Henderson and her two children were most brutally murdered by the ravages, and Mr. Henderson was killed by them a few days later at the battle of Birch Coulie. -'\bout 1859 the Comstocks sold their store to John J. Shaubut and left the country. Mr. Shaubut put Washington Kaggerice in charge of the store. The steam saw mill of Stoek and Porter was a patent affair and proved a failure. The old settlers used to call it the "Tri-weekly" because they claimed the saw went up and down three times a week. After a year or two an attachment for grinding corn and unbolted flour was added, but after a few years spent in a vain attempt to make the mill work successfully, the proprietors abandoned it, and about 1860 moved to Mankato, \Yliere Mr. Porter started a tannery and Mr. Stoek was elected County Auditor. After operating his portable saw mill about two years, Jolm Swearingen erected a much larger mill in the village. This was sold in the spring of 1863 to Tilton 0. Allen and Geo. W. Marsh, who operated it under the tlrm name of Allen & Marsh. In the fall of 1865 ilr. Marsh liought out his partner and moved the mill to a five acre tract on the Blue Earth in Section ?7. He added to it, also, a fair-sized grist mill, which he operated until h^.s death in September, 1875.

The first postofEice was established at ShelbyvilJe in 1856 with J. W. Powell as postmaster. He was succeeded by Eobert Shannon, and he in turn, by John Diamond. In December, 1861. Cyrus L. Taylor became postmaster and was followed in April, 1872, by Alvin Englebrecht, who after a few months was succeeded by H. E. Young. Lyman Turner was appointed in March, 1873 and in October, 1874 Virgil Tiffany came to the office and held it until July 29, 1881, when it was merged into the Amboy postoffice. In the early sixties C. L. Taylor opened a store. In July, 1864, H. A. Buck, started a store in Shelbyville, and in December, of the same year, J. M. Fellows & Co. established a store there. October, 1865, T. 0. Allen 'and Cap't Crandall opened a new general store, which in May, 1867, they sold to A. Van Awken. In 1869 the latter Imilt a large new building in the village. The upper floor to be used for a hotel and the ground floor he occupied with a double store, which he ran for two years. The building was then moved to Danville, where it is still used as a barn. Early in the sixties Prael & Dubuisson of Mankato opened a branch store at Shelbyville in charge of Alvin Englebrecht. In May, 1868, the latter purchased the stock of goods owned by Elder C. L. Taylor. In the seventies H. E. Young conducted a store for a short time at Shelbyville and was succeeded by Geo. Turner, Jr., whose store was burnt in September, 1874. Tbos. E. Cross ran a store in the village, also, for a short period. The first religious services in the town were conducted in 1856 by Rev. John W. Powell, and an M. E. church was organized by him in the fall of that year. Among its first members were : Robert Shannon and Susan Shannon, liis wife, John L. Samson and Barbara Samson his wife, Benjamin S. Stoner and Lydia Stoner his wife, Henry Stoek and family, J. JIartin and wife, Abbington Parret and wife, Henry Comstock and wife, Mrs. Tilton 0. Allen and others, whose name we did not get. A Sunday School was started in 1857 with Henry Stoek as first superintendent. During 1 857-8 Rev. Ransom Judd, was pastor of the cliurch. He was followed by Elder Cyrus L. Tavlor, during whose pastorate in 1858 a church building was erected on Block 32 of the village. The corner stone of the building was laid with due ceremony. Rev. Powell and Rev. Whiteford, w])0 had cared for the church the first year, assisted Elder Taylor at the services. A jar filled with various mementoes of the occasion v-as duly deposited under the stone. Henry Comstock deeded the church a lot for its use on February 5, 1859. In the fall of 1859 Eev. S. T. Richardson was appointed to the charge and in the fall of 1862 was succeeded by Eev. .S. A. Chubbuk. The church was legally incorporated January 8, 1863, when Rev. S. A. Chubbuck, then pastor, appointed the following trustees: Robert Shannon, Benjamin Stoner, Aaron S. Rounse, John Lee, Thos. J. Cross, J. A. Lattimer, Cyrus L. Taylor, Benjamin Farley, and Wm. H. Hunt. Other pastors of the church not ai)bve ment^'oned were: Revs. Nailer and Thos. .McClear}'.

In 1857 an attempt was made by S. M. Folsom and others to start a towiisite on the north - Avest quarter of section 5, but it was soon abandoned.

In July, 1864 Wm. H. Blackmer put up a saw mill on the Blue Earth near where the Woodland- Mill is now located. This mill was sold two years later to H. C. Capwell and others, who added a grist mill to it. In November, 1866, H. C, Howard put up a portable steam saw mill on the James Miller farm on the Blue Earth River. In August, 1867, this mill burned, but Mr. Howard rebuilt it at once and added thereto a grist mill. At the same time Howard and Co. opened a general store close to the mill and the place was named "Shelby Center." In November, 1869-, Howard & Co.

sold the flour mill to T. Henry Day, and the machinery of the saw mill to Asa White and A. C. Hilton of Winnebago Agency. The flour mill was removed by Mr. Day to his farm and enlarged, and was known as the "Champion Mill." William Thompson became a proprietor a few years later and in 1883 Frank Bill and S. V. naycraft purchased it. In 18'?8 Robert Eichards'ln was running a store near the Champion Mill and in August of that year the "Champion Mill PostofEice" was established with Mr. Richardson as postmaster. On his removal the following year to the new townsite of Amboy, Frank D. Bill succeeded him as postmaster. In 1880 the office was removed to the home of James Miller and in March, 1882, Mrs. Mary was created in the neighborhood of the north end of Jackson Lake, with ISTorman L. Jackson as postmaster. In 1863 he was succeeded by Edward P. Childs, who kept the office until the fpring of 1866, when he sold his farm to Cornelius Sillman. The postoffice remained in charge of Mr. Sillman for a short period and then was abolished.

F. McKibben and wife, H. E. Salisbury and v.ife, Benjamin Hewson and wife, Joseph Hewson, Sr., and wife, J. Paulson and wife, Price and family, Mrs. Hiram Gilbert, Elvira Gilbert, Mrs. J. Shouts, Mrs. Henry Day and Jesse Mack. Services at first were held in private residences, then in the school house, until the present commodious house of worship was erected in 1862. Benjamin Hewson and L. F. McKibben were among the first superintendents of the Sunday School connected with this church.

In 1867 Bardon B. Day, who had considerable inventive genius, obtained a patent on a wind inill, which he applied as a motive power for a new grist mill built by him. He, also, attempted to invent a perpetual motion power. The force generated by a stream of water falling along a series of shoots in a tower, was supposed to be sufficient to pump itself back to the top of the tower and have sufficient surplus power to

July 2, 1879, a wind storm passed over the lown which blew down the brick residence of K'athaniel Stevens, killing Mrs. Stevens. The next year another hurricane blew down three school houses in the town and did much damage. From 1858 until 1879 Shelbyville was a live hustling little village. In 1867 it had a h'.'tel, church, school house, mill, two stores, blacksmith shop, wagon shop, etc.

Lyceums, mock senates, and various meetings afforded the people social advantages and entertainments and there were many religious privileges. April 1871, a farmers club was organized with Chas. Holgate, James Miller, C. Crocker, D. E. Cross and R. Crandall among its officers. July 22, 1875, a big Sunday School picnic was held in the proVe by the village, when a procession half a mile long was marshalled by C. W. Herrman, Cap't Dorsey and Henry Goody and over 500 people participated in the festivities. February 12, 1877, a big old settlers meeting was held in the village when Andrew C. Dunn and Rev. Thos. McCleary orated. July 4, 1878 was held another old settlers celebration in the village ,?rnve, when an immense crowd listened to addresses by Eev. J. E. Conrad and others. In 1870 the branch of the C. St. P. M. & 0. Ey. was built through Shelby. The proposition to give the railway a bonus of $10,000.00 was defeated by the town September 2, 1879, by a vote of 120 to 52. The uncertainty as to the depot location and the certainty that the railway would be built anyway were the mam causes of this defeat. The railway company immediately after the election secured a tract of land from Geo. Quiggle in Section 23, and on October 31, 1879, laid out the new townsite of "Amboy." The name was suggested by Eobert Richardson after "Amboy," Illinois - his former home. An attempt was made to name the town "Jackson Lake" or "Jacksonville," but it failed. The location of this townsite recalls an interesting chapter in the railway history of our county. Back in the seventies when the Mankato and Wells road was owned by the Minnesota Central Company, of which Thompson, Hubbell and Willard were the chief managers, the St. Paul and Sioux City Eailway Company made an agreement with its officers for the purchase of the road, which only required the sanction of the Board of Directors of the "Central" to become a binding compact. Before this was done the Milwaukee Company in some way learned of the matter, and secretly worked up a deal of their own and secured a majority of the d^'rectors to favor it. So after the meeting the officers of the Sioux City Eailway were surprised and chagrined beyond measure to learn that the piece of road Ihey had bargained for had been sold to tht Milwaukee company. Smarting under what they regarded as a mean, underhanded trick on the part of the Milwaukee, the officers of the Sioux City company determined to retaliate by building a parallel road from Lake Crystal to Blue Earth City, and the station of Amboy was put towards the north end of Jackson Lake, so that it might draw as much trade away from Good Thunder and Mapleton as possible. This quarrel between the two companies, however, secured to our county two railroads instead of one. Eobert Eichardson built the first store in the new town, a building 28x30 with wing 12-30, and moved his stock of goods from Champion Mills thereto in the fall of 1ST9. A railway depot was built the same fall and a postoffice established on January 1, 1880, with Eobert Eichardson as postmaster. The first year saw quite a boom in the new village. By June, 1880 Thos. Eandall and J. M. More had built and occupied stores there in addition to Eichardson's store. Lathrop & Conrad had a hardware; J. H. T3-ler, a drug store; Fred Affolter, a wagon shop; H. E. Young, wagon and blacksmith shop; Amos Pisk, contractor and builder; John Noble, lumber; A. J. Davis, livery; W. Christe, insurance; F. Cole, harness shop. There were two hotels: The "West House," John West, proprietor, and "Davis House," A. J. Davis, proprietor. There were, also, two warehouses with J. M. More and Eandall & Thompson as buyers. This same summer two churches were erected in the village. The action of the railroad in ignoring Shelbyville and locating Amboy just one and a half miles north of it, soon proved fatal to the older town. In two or three years it had become a deserted place. Even the buildings had about all disappeared. The old hotel was moved to the Counselman farm, now owned by Thos. Nasinith, the Van Awken store became a barn in Danville, and the M. E. Church is one of the out buildings on the John Barnard farm, now owned by Michael Snrrensen. Other buildings were fjaulcd to Amboy and elsewhere, and today the site of the old village is a grain field.

Xovember 15, 1879, a new M. E. Church was organized at Amboy for which the following persons were appointed trustees: Benjamin Farley, Wm. S. Aldridge, J. C. Durr, Ed. Eeed, G. J. Louer, and Chas. Holgate. A church building was started in Amboy in 1880, but was not completed until 1884, though finished so it could be occupied in 1882. It was dedicated August 31, 1884, Elders McKinley, Liscomb, and Stockdill officiating. The Shelbyville church soon sold their building and united with the Amboy church. In 1891 their house of worship was enlarged and remodeled into the present fine structure under the pastorate of Eev. 0. W. Taylor. The Amboy and Willow Creek M. E. Church are united under the same pastorate. They have a membership of 185, and property valued at $8,000.00. Eev. W. H. Irwin is their present pastor.

The Amboy Presbyterian Church dates its orgin to a meeting held at the home of Edward Brace, when the following written request was handed to Eev. J. E. Conrad a Presbyterian minister living in Sterling:

Ida Lake. March, 1869. We, the undersigned, wish to be organized into a Presbyterian Church, to be called the Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Eidge

Eev. Conrad at once organized the church and Edward Brace was elected its first elder. For a year and a half services were held every alternate Sunday at Pleasant Eidge school house or at the home of Edward Brace. Then for eight years the Jackson Lake school house was used, and the services conducted by Eev. Conrad every other week. The legal incorporation occurred at Jackson Lake school house, on January 6, 1880, when the following trustees were elected: J. E. Conrad, Geo. Quiggle, Warren White, Jabin EadcJiffe, and Theodore Sower. A church building was started that spring at Amboy. 'The frame had Just been raised, when the big wind storm of June 5, 1880, blew it down. It was again raised and the building dedicated on August 28, 1881. It was a frame structure 28x40 fee{ and 16 feet posts. The name was now changed to "Presbyterian Church of Amboy." February 27, 1893, the church was reincorporated under this name by Mrs. Clara Smith, F. W. White,

B. A. Merrill, and Wm. Keinholz, and the folloAving trustees chosen: Amos Fisk, J. B. Eadcliffe, J. A. McLain, Wm. Eobinson and A. E. Salisbury. Eev. J. E. Conrad continued to serve the church until the summer of 1890, driving nine miles from his home in Sterling for the purpose, but declining years compelled him to resign. He was succeeded by Eev. T. Eosf? P;iden in the fall of 1890. In November of that year, with the help of Evangelist Hamilton H. Hunter, a great revival occurred and fifty new members were added. The old building proving too small for the greatly enlarged congregation, the present tine structure was erected in 1892-3 at a cost of $5,200.00. It was first occupied in June, 1893, and the dedication occurred December 10, 1893, when Eev. W. 0. Conrad, son of the former pastor, preached the dedication sermon. Eev. PaHen served the church with great acceptance for five years and was succeeded by Eev. J. Milne Smith, who, after two years was succeeded by Eev. J. D. Gibb in May, 1898. The latter closed his pastorate in October, 1905, and the present pastor, Eev. S. M. Marsh, be.G;nn hi? work with the church in April, 1906. A parsonage was purchased in December, 1906. In the spring of 1908 another great revival occurred in Amboy and about 200 conversions made. Between sixty and seventy of those united with the Presbyterian Church, and an equal number with the M. E. Church, nearly doubling the membership of both churches. A Sund'ay School was started in connection with the Presbyterian Church very early. John DiamoTjd,

About 1887 the German Methodist Emmanuel Church was organized at Amboy, and a church building erected. Its membership embraces about thirty families. January 14, 1889, the Evangelical Lutheran' St. Paul Church of Amboy, was organized and on January 19, 1891, it ^as incorporated by the election of the following trustees: E. Eadke, W. F. Ludtke and H. 'Wiedenhaeft. In the spring of 1891 a house of worship was built in the village, which was dedicated July 12, 1891. The membership of rhis church embraces about thirty families.

The Willow Creek Christian Church was organized July 19, 1885, at the Kinney School House, by Eev. Edwin Eogers, with thirteen members. In 1891 the church was incorporated and the present fine chapel built at a cost of over $1,450.00 and dedicated that year free of debt. Wm. Chamberlain was a prominent leader and worker in the church for years. In all there jiave been 151 names on the church roll, a large number of whom are among its present membership.

In October, 188G, David E. Cross bought the Eichardson store and succeeded the latter as postmaster of Amboy. In 1887 John C. Nobles was appomted postmaster and on his resignation in February, 1889, D. E. Cross was again installed in the oifice. October 1, 1893, Anson j^ [a] lory was appointed to the position by President Cleveland. Under President McKinle}', D. E. Cross was again, in 1897, made the village postmaster, which ofPen he still retains. The first newspaper was the "Amboy News," started about February 3, 1885. October 13, 1891, the "Amboy Herald" was started as a branch of the Ivake Crystal Mirror with Carl Strom as manager. After tn'o or three years the paper was sold to K. 0. Sandum, who in November, 1894, disposed of it to Theo. Freer, who in turn in April, 1895, sold it to C. W. Dillman. Mr. Eagley purchased the paper next, and in March, 1899, J. A. Krohn became its proprietor. In .A.u,!]:iist. 1900, the present owner, James E, Brown, assumed control of the "Herald" and lias made an excellent local paper of it. The first mill in Amboy was built by John C, No- bles in the spring of 1887. In 1889 Jacob PfafE pi'ected a three story steam flour mill, 32x48; himished with roller process machinery at a cost of $15,000.00. In November, 1893, Mr. Pfaff leased the mill to Germain & Howe; diiring which lease the mill was burned on July 4, 1894. In the fall of 1895 Peterson & Fuller built the present large three story mill at a cost of over $15,000.00 and in October, 1897 Oliver Peterson bought out his partner, and became sole owner of the Amboy Poller Mill, which he still operates with good success. In April, 1883, Elder Eoss became proprietor of the "Amboy House" and in October, 1889, Barney Kilmer became its landlord. In September, 1897, D. E. Cross sold his store to his son J. Henry Cross, who conducted it until January, 1906, when he sold it to the present proprietors, Woodis & Co. In 1883, Perrin Bros, started in the agricultural implement business, which they conducted for some years. In 1885 Chas. Brown ocened a furniture store at Amboy and was succeeded by Chas. E. Durr and Wm. E. Barnard. Other business men of the village are or have been: _^Thos. Eandall & Son, Frank W. White and John H. Dredge, Anson Mallory, Asa C. Baker, Fred J. Behm, Geo. E. Wilder, C. D. Cooper and Henry F. Day, Byron 0. Killmer and Prank V. Lattin, Willis L. Perrin, Edwin Titfany, Laomi B. Smith, Schwarz Bros., G. K. Stevens, John C. Bakke and Frank E. Cooper, Eue, Pederson and Eue, and Knute S. Haroldson. The Bank of Amboy was started as private enterprise about 1893, by Secors, Ware & Co., but on July 1, 1899, it was changed to a state b.ink, under the corporate name of "The Amboy State Bank," with a capital stock of $25,000.00. Its first officers were: President, David Secor; A'ice-President, Franklin F. Ware; Cashier, S.

C. Berner. This bank went out of business in 1905. The Minnesota State Bank was organized on August 23, 1902, with J. A. Eeagan, as president, W. E. Schmidt as cashier. January 24. 1906, the German State Bank of Amboy was started with A. F. Eempferd as president and C.

school building erected. The other part was put up in 1906. The village was incorporated June 11, 1887, by a vote of 32 to 1, and a census taken at the time showed it to have 181 inhabitants.

Source changes here: from Blue Earth County, Minnesota, in the World War;, published 1920; 26,912 words in this source stream.

Rapidan Township

socks, 101 sweaters and some smaller articles had been sent in to headquarters. Two of their knitters, Mrs. Bodel Erickson and Mrs. Marie Erickson, turned in 195 pair of socks each, and are contenders for state championship in this work. Shortly before Thanksgiving of 1917 the branch lost their president, Mrs. Geo. Bartlett. She was injured in an automobile accident on her way home from the Red Cross work on Wednesday evening, and died two days later. Mrs. Bartlett was a good neighbor, a fair minded and mi- - lie spirited woman, a good Red Cross worker and a patient and cheerful leader. She had done considerable Y. M. C. A., and other social work, and had always been interested in the moral and social welfare of her neighbors, and her departure, while it was a great loss to the Rapidan branch was a still greater loss to the community, her friends and neighbors.

A new president was not elected to take Mrs. Bartlett's place before February 5, 1918. At a regular meeting held that evening Mr. Arthur Mitchell was elected president. At that meeting, Mrs. Jess Skow was appointed work captain. A month later the executive board took steps to organize branch auxiliaries. Three units were started, Maple River, with Mrs. H. L. Cotton as captain; Rueville school with Mrs. R. E. Childs as captain; and Spring Island with Mrs. Wm. Waddell as captain. Work and knitting were sent out to these units, and they are entitled to a considerable share of the credit for the amount of work done. S'ewing hours in the units were held regularly every week at the different farm houses.

At this time the Junior Red Cross work, which had already been started through the town organizer, Mr. W. A. Just, was taken up by a local committee organized as follows: D. E. Bosin, chairman; Mrs. F. W. Bosin secretary and Mrs. W. A. Just, treasurer. The following schools organized units: Spring Island school, Districr No. 77; Washburn school district No 17; The Mill school district No 109; The Just school district No. 66; The Rueville school district No 90; and the Yaeger school district No. 91. The Maple River school also contributed, althougi they did not have a permanent organization. The Mankato Citizens Telephone company furnished them with free telephone, and the Northern Slates Power company furnished electricity, free. The branch handled $8,499.18 up to March 2nd. 1919. and of this amount $3.020. IS was collected by the a' ove named methods. Of this money 9.51 was turned into the chapter; $600.00 was appropriated tor local purpose; $32.su for freight, postage, etc., and $2,256.81 ior materials. The materials bought were mostly flannels and with Hie Icllov.ing iplTict r- : Chairman. Artlmi Mitchell: Vice -Chairman, W. A. Just; Secretary, Carl Flo; Treasurer, Silas S. Juliar; member of executive board, Wm. Eberhart; Work Captain, \i i Jess Skew.

Those who put in 800 hours service in knitting and sewing were awarded certificates by the National Red Cross, our Branch received two Mrs. A. II. Matteson and Mrs. Hubert Bruels.

When we first organized our sewing club Mrs. A. II. Matteson said. "I hope the war soon ends. but if it continues I am going to try and knit as many pair of socks as I am old which is 67 years." she knit one hundred and twenty impairs .We had ever so many great knitters.

The Junior Red Cross, under Mrs. L. litis genin, did splendid work. All worked until the Spanish Influenza epidemic broke out in the fall Of 1918, then we disbanded for a lime.

captain of the Sterling Center Division; Mrs. C. E. Decker was captain of the North Sterling Division: ah'd Mrs. Ceo. Conrad of the South Sterling Division. Mrs. Andrew Harrison was chosen in act on the executive committee, the Home Service committee was composed of the

The Junior Red Cross did splendid work, knitting socks, sweaters, mufflers, afghans, etc., ami during the vacation thsj sewed carpel rag winch were woven into rugs and sold to help ri plenish the treasury.

The F'resent Officer! chosen in October were: Chairman, Mrs. Helen Hawieson; Vice Chairman, Mrs. Elizabeth Conrad; Treasurer, Mrs. Hope Giover; Secretary, Mrs. Jessie Morris.

The financial report ot the Branch showed that i ii' receipts in monej sii» or anizing, were $1,794.26, received as follows: Member ship lees. $268.15; donations. $663.87; received from socials, sale of rugs, etc., $862.24 in the disbursements $1,312.59 was paid out for sup plies, and $220 was turned over to the National

Vernon Center Red Cross Branch

The officers - Chairman, Mrs. H. C. Kraus,; Vice-chairman, Mrs. F. L. Cooper; secretary. Miss Blanch Burdick; treasurer. Mrs. F. H. Barnes. Miss Burdick resigned as secretary in October, 1917, and G. C. Cornish was elected to fill the vacancy. Messrs. F. H. Barnes, F. B. Koch and C. E. Eastman were the vouchers.

A successful drive for members was carried out during Chautauqua week, July 17 to 23, 1917. The Misses Selma Petrick, Ida Bowen, Gladys Cooper, Varonica Good. Ethel Nobles, Ruth Cornish, Carrie Thew and Lydia Annis dressed as Red Cross nurses, were appointed as solicitors and so faithfully did they perform their duties, that very few got "past," and our membership was increased to almost 600, making our branch the largest in the county. Hon. E. T. Champlin, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Barnes and H. C. Kraus took out life membership. The Masonic lodge most generously donated their hall with lights and heat, for a work room as long as the war lasted.

By the first of August, 1917, the rooms were equipped with six sewing machines, worn tables, etc., materials for sewing and knitting were on hand and our working force of about 100 women ranging in age f:om 85 years down to girls in their teens, entered into the work, like true soldiers determined to surmount all difficulties and discouragements that lay before them, glad of the opportunity to do their bit for this righteous cause. How well they succeeded, results show. The problem "how to get money to carry on the work," was always before us.

Our branch was the first in the county to hold a community Red Cross auction. A most successful one was held Nov. 24, 1917, netting the society $733.16. The following June, another was held in the Ceresco town hall, the proceeds amounting to $2,427.60. Other benefit concerts and entertainments were held from time to time, all of which were very profitable and pleasant affairs. Several rural teachers gave entertainments, the proceeds going to the branch, and from time to time we received cash donations from patriotic citizens, so we never lacked for funds, and always had plenty in a case of emergency. At the time of the great fire in the northern part of the state, our branch was the first to telegraph money to be used in the relief work. Of the $2,000 sent, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Barnes gave their personal check for onehalf of that amount.

During the time our branch has been organized our receipts were $6,575.97 and we paid out $6,275.97, which included the $1,191.55. which was sent into headquarters on request, leaving a balance of $300 in our treasury. The number of finished articles made and sent to the chapter at Mankato, 4,065, which included 892 pairs of socks; 127 sweaters; 511 suits of pajamas; and 516 hospital shirts.

Several pleasant patriotic affairs enlivened our little village. A community sing, under the auspices of Mrs. Patterson, and the Orpheus club of Mankato was greatly enjoyed. The sing was followed by dedicating a large new flag and raising the same on a new flag staff. A lawn social and service flag dedication brought out a large number of people.

We feel proud of our splendid boys and our efficient Red Cross nurse, each one of whom we feel sure did nobly their duty to their country and in doing this brought honor to themselves and the folks at home, and to the community.

Thp work of the Junior Red Cross for 1918 and 1919 in the Vernon Center schools, was presumably typical of that of other schools in the county. There were five teachers and an average of 85 pupils carrying on the work, and the following is an approximately complete list of the various activities:

Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps purchased by the pupils, $4,500. Every teacher was also a purchaser to the sum of $1,000, making a total purchase of $5,500 for the school.

In 191S. subscribed to the Y. M. C. A., and library funds. In 1919 the students united in the Victory Boy and Girl Fund, every child contributing from 25 cents for each primary pupil, to a pledge of $5 each from several high school pupils, all the money having been earned, and totaling $100.

The Red Cross work in the school in knitting and sewing comprised the making of sweaters, mufflers, Eocks, wristers, wash cloths, three large Afghans, comfort kits, the piecing of quilts, and the making of fracture pillows and quantities of gun wipes.

Thirty- two children had war gardens in 1918, from which they sold $84 worth of vegetables, the funds being donated to the Red Cross. Flowers were also sold for the same purpose. Quantities of junk was also gathered and sold.

Bltter.Nvt Valley Red Cross Branch

the pupils collected and brought to the school as a criiicr. This was repeated tor the Are sufferers in October, 1918. Four Christmas boxes were sent to the soldiers tor Christmas, 1917. Two boxes ot toys were sent to the children in the fire area, tor Christmas, 191S. S-\ enteeL scrap books were made for the soldiers' hospitals and twenty book were contributed to the soldiers oversea.

In the tood conversation campaign the girls assisted in securing the food pledges. The en lire school took part in the fuel conservation drive, tagging the shovels, Every pupil was a

The boys of the school, as Boy Scouts, took entire charge of the Victorj L>oan drive in the i llage of Vernon Center in April, goin? waj "over the top" by seeming $23,000 in sub tions. War literature was substituted toi reg ular work throughout the course. Junior fourminute contests were held Christmas, 1918, everj student taking part. The compositions of the entile school for a month were based on war work, aid the best of the same were published.

American Red Cross

I POX the organization of the Federal F'ooJ Administration in 1817, A. D. Wilson of Tn_ St. Paul was appointed the State Food ^j\\l" tor for Minnesota and he appointed S. B. Wilson of Mankato, Federal Food Administrator for Blue Earth County, with Elwina L. Pugh as Assistant.

The county Food Administrator appointed Local F'ood Administrators in every township and village and these, together with certain departments and committees and special representatives, constituted the personnel of the Federal Food Administration in Blue Earth County, as follows:

The Township Representatives were; Cambria, William Lewis; Butternut Valley, H. M. Green; Lincoln. F. L. Maker; Ceresco, F. L, Kelly; Pleasant Mound, A. M. Sneeberger; Judson, George E. Austin; Vernon Center, Will Griffith; Shelby, A. F. Rempferd: South Bend. David Crane; Rapidan, Frank Xelson; Good Thunder, H. R. Graf; Sterling, George C. Keith; Beauford, Jos. W. E. Waddell; Mankato. Xick Kleinschmidt ; Decoria, John Hansen; Jamestown, Charles Doran; LeRay, Charles Russell; Mapleton. Ju'ld Cornell; Danville, John P. Kramer and Chin v Griggs: Lyra, J. F. Bergeman: Limetown, Matt Sanger. Chancy Griggs was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John F\ Kramer.

The Fair Price Committee appointed were: Mrs. Carl J. Holnian, Mrs. C. D. Snow, Mrs. Ella White. Miss Clara Stahl, Mr. B. C. Cain and Mr. F'red M. Otto, all of Mankato.

Mrs. H. C. Hotaling of Mapleton, had charge of the Home Department and as conservation of food was a very important matter, a chairman for each town and village was appointed and a campaign started to secure the signature of every housewife to the Hoover pledge. These workers were as follows:

Conservation wras under the direction of both Mrs. Thomas Hughes and Mrs. H. C. Hotaling for a time but Mrs. Hughes was obliged to give it up en account of other war duties and when Mrs. C. E. Wise was promoted to District Chairman of the Womans' Committee, Mrs. Carl J. Holman was placed at the head of the council work at Mankato.

A little later it was deemed best to appoint a Home Committee in each school district in the county to promote conservation and other war work to a still greater degree. These committees were to assist the teacher in educational war work, create an interest in the Boys' and Girl's Clubs and be active in any community upbuilding.

A great amount of detail work was required in the office of the County Food Administrator. Mr. Wilson for months practically abandoned his law business to devote his time to this wrork and other war activities. Miss Pugh's time also was largely consumed in the same way.

Every store in the county selling groceries flour and foods were in direct touch with the County Food Administration. They made weekly reports on sales of sugar and flour. F'or a time the consumer was allowed only six pounds of flour per capita and was required to buy substitutes with it, such as corn meal, edible corn starch, corn flour, barley flour, rice, rice flour, oatmeal, rolled oats, buckwheat flour, potato flour, sweet potato flour, etc.

For a while each person was allowed only three pounds of sugar per month, but later the allowance was increased. Canning sugar was limited for a time to twenty- five pounds per family, but a little later increased each month,

.Much difficult] was had with grist and feed mills and persons who wished to grind their own corn into cornmeal for substitutes. There were also cases where people came many miles to buy flour when a nearby market was ignored. Most of ibis flour was sold in forty-nine pound sacks, indicating that there should be eighl members in the family of the purchaser. Investigation was made and the purchasers were required to hand in the names of the members of their families with the result that a number acknowledged their shortcoming and manifested a sense of shame and repentance. \ few defiantly refused to acknowledge the truth and rather boasted of their success with the result that an order was issued directing dealers not to sell either sugar or flour to such offenders without a special order permitting it; this cut off the supply and shortly brought the offenders to recognize that their interest required them to co-operate with the Food Administration. It was the policy of the Pood Administration not to get into court, but to employ tactful methods where possible and to withhold supplies until the requirements wei met.

Some dissension arose over the claim that farmers dill not sell their wheat as ordered by the State Food Administrator and in some cases they did not. Vidian Vye, Special Agent of the State Food Administration had charge of a number of counties in Southern Minnesota and he claimed that these farmers were guilty of hoarding wheat under the Federal Food act. Vye made his headquarters at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota and began to call farmers from Blue Earth County to Sleepy Eye, about titty miles wist of Man kato, and was asking them to sell their wheat and turn over the proceeds to the Red Cross as an evidence of their being guilty of hoarding, and not complying with the Fond Regulations.

farmers had the Wheat unsold, and that all should be Healed alike; but the Countj Food Administration refused in class all of the farmers as hoarders who might have technically disobeyed the mile' lo sell their wheat, and brand them as disloyal. The result was that this work in Blue I'.'artb County was turned over entirely to the County Administration. However, it was overruled in its contention that such farmers were not hoarders of wheat raised by them but was directed to enforce the penalt) onlj where the conduct of the party was the result of a failure to appreciate duty In country. The Administra lion did then, in extreme cases, exact penalties which were turned to the Red Cross.

After the Armistice was signed, the Federal authorities ruled that farmers who did not sell wheat which they raised were not guilty of hoarding under the Federal Food Act and thereupon negotiations were had between the F'ederal Food Administration and the American Red Cross which resulted in these enforced contributions to the Red Cross being refunded.

In buying sugar for canning, the purchaser was at first required to go to the office of the Countv Food Administrator and sign cards but this proved so inconvenient that this plan was changed SO they COUld sign at the stores and I he pledges

Many people came in contact with this work. Aside from a few isolated cases the people of this county responded splendidly to the call fo sacrifice, saving and co-operation. Its requirements called I'm -nine little sacrifice from almost erican loyalty readily responded. Tine, there was complaint, dissension and discord but little when compared to the ureal majority who were willing to share their fond with our soldiers and our allies. The fault finder and grumbler was characterized by ignorance, intolerance and stupidity. II was necessary to deal with them with an iron hand where persuasion could not make them set

The duties of the Director of this county were numerous and long lines aimed to advance and protect the rights, property and welfare of the community. The attitude of the State Commission toward local matters was governed largely by the judgment of the County Director. He was the one to decide whether prosecutions should be instituted for seditious utterances or acts, interference with enlistments, etc.

The "Non-Partisan League" was precipitating much unfavorable comment by reason of the socialist ic tendencies of some of its leaders and speakers and their apparent inclination not to support the United States in the war. Mr. Wilson, as County Director, announced that if such speakers at their meetings in this county violated the law he would prosecute them. The meetings wrere prevented for a time by the sheriff of the county and his deputies but were later permitted.

The county director secured the passage by the various municipalities in the county of ordinances regulating more rigidly saloons, pool halls and idlers.

The Blue Earth County Safety Association was organized at a public meeting held at the Mankato Armory, May 26th, 1917. This association was the official subordinate organization in the county of the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety.

The officers elected by the association were: President, S. B. Wilson; Secretary, Ivan Bowen; Treasurer, P. W. Pitcher. The following Precinct Chairmen were selected: Amboy, Hubert Kinney; Beauford. James Will; Butternut Valley, Jens Johnson; Cambria, Ben D. Hughes; Ceresco, Thos. Rooney; Danville, Harry Ogle; Decoria, C. H. Johnson; Eagle Lake, John Cummins; Garden City, M. F. Crane; Good Thunder, F. H. Griffin; Jamestown, George Schippel and Mike Farrell; Judson, Henry W. Nelson; Lake Crystal, C. J. Meyer and B. W. Cole: LeRay, David E. Johnson and C. J. Wells; Lincoln, Mathias Nostdahl : Lime, Morgan Brooks and Walclemar Adams; Lyra, Hiram E. Hansen; Mankato, First Ward, Oliver Olson; Second Ward, E. V. Watters; Fourth Ward, Lorin Cray; Fifth Ward, A. E. Quimby; Sixth Ward,

Later Ivan Bowen resigned as secretary, to enter active military service, and A. E. Quimby was elected to succeed him. George Schippel moved from Jamestown and Mike Farrel was appointed to succeed him. M. J. Barney resigned as the representative of the village of Lake Crystal and B. W. Cole was appointed to succeed him. David E. Johnson of LeRay township entered active service and C. J. Wells was appointed to succeed him. Morgan Brooks left the stale and was succeeded by Waldemar Adams of Lime Township.

The Association kept in close touch with the entire county, through its lepresentative in each township, village and precinct. It was their part to act with care and patience that every person might appreciate his duty to his country and this was accomplished in most instances by kindness, explanation and education rather than by harsh methods of punishment.

This Association spent considerable time in looking after seed corn, acreage of crops, cultivation of all tillable ground and other things relating to the public welfare and public safety during these perilous and troublesome times. It was a general utility organization that gave useful service, with credit to itself and with honor to the county and state.

The work of this association was harder then than we may now appreciate. In the critical days following the entrance of the United States into the war when certain elements of the population, confused as to issues, torn by conflicting sympathies, the victims of self-seeking agitators, were not united in their support of the country, a firm hand with almost autocratic power was needed to control the situation, and this was furnished by the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety, with the aid of the Blue Earth County Safety Association. Blue Earth County will always look back with gratitude on the war time work of these official organisations.

Splendid as was th< response of tlie peopli of the United States to ilie call for men, no less splendid was their response to the call for money. Pew peopli' had gotten beyond millions of dollars in their thoughts, and the government call for $2 loan, issued in May,

1917. was a staggerer. But so vigorously did thfc country take hold, that in thirty days the loan closed with subscriptions of $3,035,226,85(1. Six months later the Second Loan brought subscriptions of $4. 017.. "32. una The Third Liberty Loan, issued in May, 1918, was $4,170,019,650, and the Fourth, six months later, produced the Stupendous sum of $6,9S9,047,000. The total of bonds actually issued under these five loans was $16,967,832,650, about $170 for everj man. woman and child in the United States.

In these loans Blue Earth County took her full share. $4,853,000. fa the first loan she fell short, taking but $250,000 out of $600,000 allotted. But it must be realized that the people ot this community were not accustomed to boxing bonds, few bavins ever seen one. There was no selling organization and no adequate preparations of any sort. All subscriptions made were purely voluntary. Most of the bonds sold were taken by the banks.

In the fall of 1917, wlnn the Second Liberty Loan came out. a beginning was made on the organization and the allotment plan which so successfully put over the latter loans. Judge Lorin Cray was made county chairman, and a committee of three to five prominent men were elected in each township and village, with a committee of twenty-five in the City of Mankato. of which Mr. F. E. Crandall was chairman. At a meeting of the members of the organization held at the city Hall in Mankato, Hii ill among the subdivisions, the citj of Mankato undertaking to raise one-half of the amount, although the city's share mi the basis of assessed valuation and wealth was about one-third. A iu campaign "i speaking was inaugurated,

For the Third Liberty Loan. \V. D. Wiliard of the first National Bank of Mankato, who had been in charge ol the organization of the Sec '-ii': Congressional District for the Second Loan. v.i made chairman, and the organization was perfected bj the selection of a chairman ami i xi i nine committee in each township and village, vim in turn selected from twelve to sixteen flu- citj of Mankato was divided into twentyfour districts, each with a chairman and ai least two additional solicitors. A careful survey ol was allotted lo the subdivisions on an estimate of tin' wealth and ability of each community. Mankato this time took $500,000 and $600,000 was distributed throughout the rest of the county. Each committee then apportion basis ol estimated ability, appraisal cards Inning been prepared whereon the committee had worked out a statement of .-arh man's real csstate ami personal prop rtj and his indebted hiss. The result was a splendid oversubscription of $408,500, tin' lotal subscriptions amounting in $1,508,500. Every subdivision in the couutj exceeded iis quota, and those districts which had fallen behind in the Second Loan oversubscribed to an extent in make ,ip for their previous shortage, the \ c Li ui ol Good Thunder

Ai the opening of the campaign on April 11. 1918, Mankato gajve Ihe entire organi atioil Ol ever four hundred men a complimentary dinner tin Masonic Temple and Presbyterian church. This meeting and the public meeting in tin ing was addressed by Judge Andrew a. Bruce of North Dakota. Great enthusiasm was a .mil ihe organization was thoroughly knit together and instructed. Comparatively few meetings were held throughout the county, although State Senator W. I. Nolan and F. OstenSaki n were used i ffect ively in a number of the ( illai i

'ill, Mankato committee was led by C. W Fisher, seconded \>\ 11. 11. Benin and 1'. M. i on. Ai the foot hi Hickorj Street a largo clock wai erected, the hands of which were used in Indicating the results in ihe He an l counts respectii - I] perfect working condition; a careful revision was made of the valuations: the total net worth of each community calculated, which being added together gave a total wealth for the county of $63,000,000. The allotment was made to each sub -division on a basis that would call for subscriptions of three per cent, of the net woriii of each person in the county. So carefully was the plan worked out and so thoroughly was the canvass made that the campaign closed with total subscriptions of $2,084,000. nearly $175,000 over the quota. No attempt was made to get oversubscriptions. No meetings were held, the committee feeling that the only thing that was necessary was to arrive at what was the fanshare for each person to subscribe and then put it up to them. Some very vigorous personal work was done in seeing that everyone took the allotment made to them. Of material help in Ibis campaign in bringing to time the lew who did not willingly subscribe was Order No. 44, of the Minnesota Commission for Public Safety, which gave their representative in the county, Mr. S. B. Wilson, authority to call before th - War Finance Board anyone who wai; unwilling to do his duty, and to examine him under oath as to his property and his debts and his reasons for not complying with the request of the solicitois. This War Finance Board, appointed by Governor Burnquist, consisted of W. D. Willaru, Chairman; E. F. Searing. Secretary; S. B. Wilson, H. A. Fatterson. J. 11. Hohmann. T. J. McGovern, Christ Steiner.

In the Third Liberty Loan a special effort was made for a wide distribution of the bonds, with the result that there were taken 9448 subscriptions, (hiity-one and one-half per cent, of the people of the county. In the Fourth Liberty Loan no such attempt was made and yet the total number of subscribers was 17,350, or twenty-four and one-half per cent, of the people. In both cases these subscriptions were almost equally divided in number and amount between the urban population - (Mankato and the villages of the county) and the rural districts. In the Fourth Liberty Loan campaign a beautiful flag was built at the foot of Hickory Street, with a stripe to be painted in for each $100,000 raised in the city. A special feature of the campaign was the visit of the War Trophy Train when thousands of people saw the war equipment and weapons of our Allies and our foes.

Owing to the liberal terms of the Fifth or Victory Liberty Loan, it was necessary for the committee to make but very little solicitation, the people responding to the notices either by nail or by calling at Headquarters. There were sold $1,505,750 of the notes against an allotment of $1,440,000.

The fact that in spite of halving sent away $6,360,000 in the Liberty Loan drives the banks of Blue Earth County had more time deposits in July, 1919, than in April, 1917, is striking evidence of the great prosperity of the county. In addition to the subscriptions for bonds the people of this county contributed in money and material- to the American Red Cress, $156,590; to the Y. M. C. A. in 1917, $16,800; to the Knights of Columbus in 1917. $7,500; to the Salvation Army in 1917. $1,500. In 1918 United War Work drive reached $66,800 and the Armenian ana Syrian Relief in January, 1919, brought $11,200, a total of $260,300 to various forme of war work.

The Liberty Loan organization served not only through the Second to the Fifth Loan drives, but also through the Red Cross War Fund drive of 1918 under G. M. Palmer as chairman, the United War Work drive of 1918 under H. A. Patterson as chairman, and the War Savings Stamp drive of 1918 under R. E. Brown as chairman.

- >> i HE Woman's Committee of Council of Na- (^ tional Defense and Commission of Public Safety, was formed in Washington soon after our entiance into the war. A director was appointed for each state. Mis. Thomas G. Winter, of Minneapolis, being State Chairman. Committees were appointed for each district and county.

Patriotism was strongly brought out in the work of each member of this committee. Community singing and hard work in the schools were two of the big features in this subject. Too much praise cannot be given these chairmen for their faithful and efficient service during the entire period of the war, and as there is still need for this great work, it is bein-? continued by these capable women.

Americanization of Aliens was begun by forming an organization and naming sixteen chairmen who chose a Chairman in each school district. These district chairmen then asked two others to work with them. Committees for publicity, patriotism and community singing were appointed for their phases of the work. All members were especially urged to work for night schools, community buildings and community sings. Registration lists of aliens in each district: the English language as a medium of teaching in all schools; teachers and school board members only eligible when citizens, were some of the points emphasized. In July, 191S, over a hundred county women were present ai an instructive and interesting meeting called by the chairman in Mankato. A Central Council for Americanization was formed for city woik, composed of representatives from various women's clubs. In the winter a large meeting was held at the High School for foreigners. Many enrolled for attendance at night school. May 14, 1919, occurred the first graduation of a class in citizenship. The certificates received will be exexchai:ged for Federal Certificates, when applying for theii second papers.

The Child Welfare Department of the Woman's Auxiliary of the National Council of Defense was very much hindered in its plans by the influenza epidemic which prevented the assembling of mothers and children for the greater part of the working time of the department. They were also at a disadvantage by not being organized until very late in the year. Notwithstanding these difficulties the whole county was roused to great activity on behalf of the child. Outside of Mankato we should mention Vernon Center where, with the assistance of Mrs. Vesta Armstrong1, we were able to hold a very satisfactory clinic where almost all of the children in the vicinity were observed, weighed and measured, and useful advice given to the mothers. The same work was carried out at Medo

The most extensive work was done in the city of Mankato, where the days of the Fair, which bring all of the people of the county together, were taken advantage of for the teaching of Child Welfare work. So successful were their efforts that they were able to establish a Child Welfare Clinic under the direction of the State Board of Health, and a nurse has been employed for the follow-up work of the clinic. Much more extensive work has been planned but not completed.

Women in Industry. Undei the Council of National Defense this work has been taken up in earnest. A complete survey of women and children in Industry was made in Mankato. The business men were willing and ready to cooperate, only two firms visited refusing to fill out the question ail e, and this it was believed was due to their lack of a thorough understanding of the object of the questionaire. Great interest has been taken in the subject of making and enforcing laws regulating the hours for their labor and bettering conditions under which women and children are obliged to do their work. Great improvement has been accomplished through the united labor of the Woman's Committee.

The plans have been completed for a general social survey with the card and block system. These cards will be kept on file at the office of the Mankato Red Cross Chapter and will be accessible to all organizations interested in Weifare Work in Mankato.

Section Of A Loyalty Parade Mankato Medical Advisory Board

The Mankato Medical Advisory Board No. 5, . ppointed by the Provost Marshal General Crowder, December, 1917, and upon organization i.i the board Dr. Aaron P. Schmitl was elecl rd chairman; Dr. Gerhard A. Dahl, secretary of the board. The headquarters or the board were ai the second floor of the National Citizens Bank Building, Mankato. The hoard served for the counties of Blue Earth, la- Sueur, Nicollel registrants who requested io he re examined, or concerning whose physical or mental conditions Die physicians of the local hoards were in doubt, and as the name implies, the Mankalo Medical Advisory Board, was to advise the physicians of i he local hoards concerning the menial and physical lilness or unfitness of referred registrants for military service. The activities of the hoard ceased upon orders from the Provost Marshal General Crowder, Pebru ary 1, 1919.

The personnel of die board was honorably discharged by the Provost Marshal General, and each member of the board was given a certificate ei honorable discharge. The services ren deieii were given without compensation.

The Minnesota Commission of Public Safety was created by the 1917 legislature and was composed of seven members, including the Governor and Attorney General as ex-offlcio members.

An appropriation of $1,000,000.00 \v;.s placed at the disposal of the Commission for the purpose of helping Minnesota to carry on the nation's war with Germany and its activities were to terminate within three months Jitter the war was ended.

One of the first acts of the Commission was the creation of a military organization for home defense, known as the Minnesota Home Guard; ;. volunteer organization, each member of which was required to enlist for the period of the war or until discharged by State Military Authority; take an oath to serve the state and nation within tin' state in the same capacity as the National guard; equip themselves at their own expense, with the exception of arms and ammunition, and serve without pay except when called into active service.

The personnel of the Home Guard was composed very largely of farmers and business men over the age limit or physically unfit for the regular service. Among the first enlistments there were a few "fit" men but these early enlisted in the regular service and found the trs ining which they had received in the Home Guard of considerable value to them.

Company C. Sixth Battalion. Minnesota Home Guard was organized at Mankato early in June, 1917 largely through the eftfcrts of G. A. Lewis, who was commissioned its first Captain and later became Major of the battalion. The Company was mustered into State service on June '16. 1917 and was in training and subject to the call of the Governor from that time until June 1918, when it was disbanded and most of the members enlisted in the new National Guard created by Fedei tl authorization given for the organization of additional regiments of the National Guards in Minnesota to replace those federalized in 1917. Those who did not enlist in the National Guard remained in the Home Guard service until the close of the war. The Mankato company of the Home Guard was called into service tor fifteen days during the street railway strike in St. Paul and Minneapolis in December. 1917. In addition t3 tlii ; service the company was prominent in all the war activities of the city of Mankato and Blue Earth County.

War Chronology

Aug. 4 - Great Britain's ultimatum to Germany demanding assurance that neutrality of Belgium would be respected. War declared by Great Britain on Germany.

Aug. 25-Dec. 15 - Russians overrun Galicia. Lemberg taken (Sept. 2) ; Przemysl first attacked (Sept. 16) ; siege broken (Oct. 12-Nov. 12). Fall of Przemysl (March 17, 1915). Dec. 4, Russians ZVz miles from Cracow.

Sept. 6-10 - Battle of the Marne. Germans reach the extreme point of their advance ; driven back by the French from the Marne to the River Aisne. The battle line then remained practically stationary for three years (front of 300 miles).

Oct. 17-Nov. 17 - French, Belgians and British repulse German drive in first battle of Ypres, saving Channel ports (decisive day of battle, Oct. 31).

Feb. 10 - United States note holding German Government to a "strict accountability" if any merchant vessel of the United States is destroyed or any American citizens lose their lives.

Feb. 16 - Germany's reply stating "war-zone" act is an act of self-defense against illegal methods employed by Great Britain in preventing commerce between Germany and neutral countries.

Feb. 20 - United States sends identic note to Great Britain and Germany suggesting an agreement between these two powers respecting the conduct of naval warfare.

March 1 - Announcement of British "blockade;" "Orders in Council" issued to prevent commodities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany.

April 17-May 17 - Second Battle of Ypres. British captured Hill GO (April 19); (April 23); Germans advanced toward Yser Canal. Asphyxiating gas employed by the Germans. Failure of Germany to break through the British lines.

M.i\ 1 - American steamship Gulflight sunk by German submarine; 2 Americans lost. Warning of German Embassy published in daily papers. Lusitania sails n 12:20 noon.

May 25 - Coalition Cabinet formed in Great Britain; Asquith continues to be Prime Minister. American steamship Nebraskan attacked by submarine.

- United States sends second note on Lusitania case. June 22 Thi Vustro-Germans recapture Lemberg. July 2 - Naval action between Russian and German warships in the Baltic.

1 5 Natii mal regi ti ition in Great Bi itain. Aug. 19 - White Star liner Arabic sunk by submarine; . :.' Americans. ii ImK declared war on Turkey.

Aug. 24 - German Ambassador sends note in regard to Arabic. Loss of American lives contrary to intention of the German Government and is deeply regretted.

Sept. 1 - Letter from Ambassador von Bernstorff to Secretary Lansing giving assurance that German submarines will sink no more liners without warning. Indorsed by the German Foreign Office (Sept. 14).

Jan. 18 - United States Government sets forth a declaration of principles regarding submarine attacks and asks whether the Government ol the Allies would subscribe to such an agi 1 1 mi nt

Feb Mjuh Battle oi Verdun Germans take Fort Douaumoni (Feb. 25). Great losses of Germans with little results. Practically all the ground lost was slowly regained by the French in the autumn.

March 8 - German Ambassador communicates memorandum regarding U-boat question, stating it is a new weapon not yet regulated by international law.

April IS - United States delivers what is considered an ultimatum that unless Germany abandons present methods of submarine warfare United States will sever diplomatic relations.

May 8 - United States Government accepts German position as outlined in note of May 4, but makes it clear that the fulfilment of these conditions cannot depend upon the negotiations between the United States and any other belligerent Government.

May 27 - President in address before League to Enforce Peace says United States is ready to join any practical league for preserving peace and guaranteeing political and territorial integrity of nations.

June 21 - United States demands apology and reparation from Austria-Hungary for sinking by Austrian submarine of Petrolite, an American vessel.

Aug. 27-Jan. 15 - Roumania enters war on the side of the Allies and is crushed. (Fall of Bucharest, Dec. 6; Dobrudja conquered Jan. 2; Focsani captured Jan. 8.) Sept. 7 - Senate ratifies purchase of Danish West Indies. Oct. 8 - German submarine appears off American coast

(6 Americans lost). Nov. 6 - British liner Arabia torpedoed and sunk without warning in Mediterranean. Nov. 29 - -United States protests against Belgian deportations. Dec. 5-6 - Fall of Asquith Ministry ; Lloyd George new

Dec. 20 - President Wilson's peace note (dated Dec. 18). Germain replies (Dec. 26). Entente Allies' reply (Jan. 10) demands "restoration, reparation, indemnities."

March 4 - Announced that the British had taken over from the French the entire Somme front ; British held on west front 100 miles, French 175 miles, Belgians 25 miles.

Marcli 11-15 - Revolution in Russia, leading to abdication of Czar Nicholas II (March 15). Provisional Government formed by Constitutional Democrats, under Prince Lvoff and M. Milyukoff.

March 17-19 - Retirement of Germans to "Hindenburg line." Evacuation of 1,300 square miles of French territory, on front of 100 miles, from Arras to Soissons.

Aisne between Soissons and Rheims. April 20 - Turkey severs relations with United States. May 4 - American destroyers begin co-operation with

British Navy in war zone. May 15-Sept. 15 - Great Italian offensive on Isonzo front (Carso Plateau). Capture of Gorizia I \ne 9). Monte Santo taken \ug. 24. Monte San Gabrielle, Sept. 14. May 15 - Gen. Petain succeeds Gen. Nivelle as commander in chief of the French armies. May 17 - Russian Provisional Governmc-'i reconstructed. Kerensky (former Minister of Justice) becomes Minister of War. Milyukoff resigns. Mav *8 - President Wilson signs. Selective Service Act.

Aug. 15 - Peace proposals of Pope Benedict revealed (dated Aug. 1). United States replies, Aug. 27; G rmany and Austria, Sept. 21; supplementary German reply, Sept. 26.

Aug. 15 - Canadians capture Hill 70, dominating Lens. Vug. 10 - Xew Italian drive on the Isonzo front (Carso Plateau"). Monte Santo captured (Aug. 24).

Nov. 22 I )ee, 13 - Battle of Cambrai. Successful surprise attack near Cambrai by British, under Gen Byng, on Nov. 22 (employs "tanks" to break down wire entanglements in place of the usual artillery preparations). Bourlon Wood, dominating Cambrai, taken Nov. 26. Surprise counter attack by German-. Dec. :.'. compels British to give up fourth of ground gained. German attacks on Dec. 13 partly - fill.

Nov. 29 - First plenary session of the Inter-Allied Conence in Paris. Sixteen nation- repri ented_. Col. E. M. House, Chairman of American delegation.

Dec. 15 - Inter-Allied Economic Council, Great Britain France and Italy represented, organizes in London, elects Assistant Secretary of United States Treasury Oscar T. Crosby, President

Dec. 17 - German raid in Xorth Sea destroys convoyed merchant fleet (1 British, 5 neutral ships), a British destroyer and 4 armed trawlers; a cruiser squadron picks up survivors.

- Official report received in Washington, D. C, from France, says the Turks -cut to Berlin the monstrance of brilliants, and carried off the treasure of the Church of tin' Holy Sepulcher, before surrendering Jerusalem.

- In Monte Tomba sector, Italy, French forces pierce German lines, capture 1,400 prisoners, 60 machine guns. 7 cannon and large quantity of other war material.

- British Admiralty reports for past week - arrivals. 2,085; sailings, 2,244; merchantmen sunk, 21 (IS over 1,600 tons) ; 4 fishing vessels.

Jan. 14 - British airplanes drop bombs on steel works at Thionville, between Luxemburg and Metz, and on two large railway junctions near Metz.

- - Germans bombard Yarmouth, killing 3. - Attempt is made to shoot Russian Premier Lenine. Jan. 18 - Prussian Chamber of Lords reaffirms exclusive right of German Emperor to make war or peace. - Premier Lloyd George addressing Trades Union Conference, declares "We must either go on or go under." Tan. 20 - British Admiralty announces sinking in action at entrance to Dardanelles Turkish cruiser Midulla, formerly the German Breslau, and beaching the Sultan Yawuz Selim, formerly German Goeben; the British losing monitor Raglan and small monitor M-28; British lose 178 men; Turks, 19S. - Ostend bombarded by Allied naval forces. Jan. 21 - On French front Allied airplanes bomb Courtrai, Roulers and Rumbeke, and raiding into Germany, bomb steel works at Thionville and railway sidings at Bernstoff and Arnaville. - Armed boarding steamer Louvain sunk in Mediterranean; 217 lost. - Sir Edward Carson, Minister without portfolio, resigns from British War Cabinet. - Petrograd reports murders of A. I. Shingareff and Prof. F. F. Kokoshkine, Kerensky Minister of Finance and State Comptroller. - Washington reports abandonment of Gen. von Falkenhayn's plan to reorganize Turkish army because of desertion of 160,000 Turkish troops between Constantinople and Palestine. - Gen. Szetezair Boroevic. a Slav, succeeds Archduke Charles as commander of Austrian forces on Italian front. Jan. 22 - Baron Rhondda, British Food Controller, decrees Tuesdays and Fridays to be meatless days in London district; Wednesdays and Fridays in other parts of kingdom. Jan. 23 - Germans gain footing east of Nieuport, but are expelled in counter attack. Jan. 24 - On Monte Tomba front Germans move defense lines back from Piave River westward to Monte Spinoncia. - British airmen raid railway stations at Courtrai and Ledeghem, Belgium, and at Douai, France; Mannheim on the Rhine, steel works at Thionville, railway stations at Saarbrucken and Oberbillig; 7 German machines are brought down, 5 driven out of control. Jan. 25 - Count von Hertling discusses President Wilson's programme of war and peace in Reichstag, and outlines Germany's peace terms. - In address to Foreign Affairs, Committee of Reichsrat, Count Czernin, Foreign Minister, outlines Austro- Hungarian proposals. Jan. 26 - In past week British lose 9 ships of over 1,600 bv gunfire in 4 days. - Emperor Charles, as King of Hungary, accepts resignation of Hungarian cabinet and directs Premier Dr. Wekerle to form a new one. Jan. 27 - Cunarder Andania torpedoed off the Ulster coast. Jan. 23 - In Italian offensive east of Asiago Plateau Italian forces capture Col del Rosso and Col d'Echele, and 1,500 prisoners. - The Irish steamship Cork sunk by torpedo; 12 lost. - Roumanians capture Kishineff, capital of Bessarabia. - French Chamber of Deputies decrees a per diem bread ration of 300 grams (about 11 ounces). Jan. 29 - Iatlians break German lines east of Asiago Plateau and disperse reinforcements; take Monte di Val Bella, 2,600 prisoners, 100 machine gun<. - Allied aviators attack Zeebrugge. - German airplanes raid London, kill 47, injure 169. Jan. 30 - British line advances near Antioch in Palestine.

- Since launching of unrestricted submarine warfare, on Feb. 1, 1917. 69 United State, ships i 171,061 s ton- .ii sunk by submarines, mines and raiders; 300 persons drowned; 107 German and Austrian ships (686,494 gross tons) in I nited Mates ports have been sei ed L't vessels (2.000,000 tons) requi sitioned by Shipping Board. Great Britain lost from Jan. 1, 1917, to Jan. 26, 1918, 1,169 ships, total tonnage Inst by Allies and neutrals in same period, 6,617,000.

Jan. 31 - It is for the first time announced that United States troops are occupying first line trenches. ' i mans raid American line, kill 2. wound 4. 1 missing.

Feb. 1 - War Trade Board's regulations to prevent goods leaving United States in neutral bottoms and to make it impossible for ships to supply submarines go into effect.

- Major Gen. Peyton C. March made Chief of General Staff. Italians advance to bead of Melago Valley. Roumanians occupy Kishinel'f. Bolsheviki seize Roumanian ships in Black Sea; capture Odessa and Orenburg. Tartars in Baxhchisarai announce establishment of Crimean Republic.

Feb. 4 - Trial begun at Paris of Bolo Pa ha for treason. Emperor Charles ,-,f Austria names Gens, von Boehm-Ermolli and Boroevic Field .Marshals. Canadian Fuel Controller orders factories to suspend work Feb. 9, 10 and 11, and closes golf, yacht, canoe, hunt and country clubs during February and March! except on Wednesdays and Saturdays Bolsheviki take Xiepm in Minsk. Petrograd Soviet decrees separation of church and state. Tartars occupy Yalta in Taurida, and advance on Sebastopol. (ustrian airmen bomb Treviso, wreck church of San Lorenzo; kill 8 citizens.

- That since beginning of war German U boats had killed 14,120 British non-combatant men, women and children is stated in I louse of Commons.

- Field Marshal von Mackensen sends ultimatum to Roumanian Government, demanding peace negi tions begin within 4 days; Roumanian Cabinet resigns.

torpedoing of Spanish steamer Giralda I. - Announcement made that steamship service between Asiatic ports of Russia and Constantinople in Black Sea bad been resumed Jan. 11. and Russians supplying Turks with food.

I '!» '' - Central Powers and Ukraine sign peace treaty. Madrid reports Spanish steamship Sebastian and Italian steamship Duca di Genova torpedoed in Spanish

- The Norwegian Legation in London reports Norway's loss of tonnage from the beginning of the war to the end of January as 1,050,583 and 883 seamen.

Feb. 14 - Paris court martial finds Bolo Pasha guilty of treason, sentences him to death, a co-defendant. Filippo Cavallinie, under arrest in Italy, sentenced to death. Darius Porchere sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment.

- The Bolsheviki pass decree that on Feb. 14 (old style! Russian calendar shall be made to correspond to English calendar, thus changing from old style to new

- United States War Trade Board secures agreement with Norway's commissioners by which Norway guarantees imports from United States will not Teach Germany, and limits its own exports to that country.

Feb. 23 - The United States and Japanese Embassies and Chinese, Siamese and Brizilian Legations leave. Petrograd for Vologda, 270 miles east of Petrograd.

Feb. 25 - In speech to Reichstag Count von Hertling intimates a partial agreement with the four principles of peace enunciated by President Wilson, with reservation that the principles must be recognized by all states and peoples.

- The British hospital ship Glenart Castle torpedoed in Bristol Channel; Red Cross doctors, nurses and orderlies lost; 34 saved out of 200 on board.

- British Air Ministry reports Royal Flying Corps on western front Fell. 15 to 22, brought down 75 enemy planes, drove 120 out of control ; 28 Allied machines missing.

- Mr. Balfour, British Foreign Secretary, says in House of Commons he is unable to find any basis for peace in Chancellor von Hertling's speech.

- London reports losses by mines or submarines for past week, 18 British merchantmen, 14 over 1,400 tons; 7 fishing vessels. In previous week, 15, 12 over 1,600 tons. Week preceding that, 19, 13 over 1,600 tons.

March 3 - By treaty of peace with four Central Powers signed at Brest-Litovsk, Bolsheviki agree to evacuate Ukrania, Esthonia, and Livonia. Finland, the Aland Islands and Trans-Caucasian districts of Erivan, Kars and Batum.

- Germans claim to have captured in Russian advance 6,800 officers, 57.000 men. 2,400 guns. 5.000 machine guns, 800 locomotives and thousands of motor vehicles and trucks.

- Roumania signs preliminary treaty with Central Powers; gives up Dobrudja to the Danube; agrees to certain economic measures and trade route to Black Sea.

- Capt. Sato Yamamoto. Japanese Naval Attache in Rome, arrives in New York City, reports 15 U boats destroyed in Mediterranean last month by LTnited States, Japanese, British, French and Italian destroyers.

- British Chancellor of Exchequer in House of Commons moves credit of $3,000,000,000, states that at end of March national debt will be $29,500,000,000; loans to Allies total $6,320,000,000.

March 9 - Germans advance north of Poelderhoek take 200 yards of trenches ; British win back lost ground and repulse raid east of Neuve Chapelle.

- United States casualty list shows : Killed in action, 19; from gas, 2; in aero accidents, 2: auto accident, 1; of disease, 13; severely wounded, 26; slightly wounded, 36.

March 10 - United States War Department announces presence of Americans on Lorraine front, in Champagne, in Alsace, near Luneville, and in Aisne sector.

- London announces release by German Government from special imprisonment of Aviators Lieuts. Scholtz and Woolsey, under threat of reprisal.

- Dr. Walter T. Scheele, indicted in New York in 1916 for alleged placing of bombs on Allied ships in New York Harbor, arrested in Cuba and deported from Havana in custody of United States detectives.

- British Admiralty report- week's losses by mine or submarine: is merchantmen (15 of 1,600 tons or over); 1 fishing vessel. Arrivals, 2,046; sailings, ntmen unsuccessfully attacked, 8.

id E Putnam of Brookline. Mass., of Lafayette Escadrille, attacks 3 enemy airplane-, brings down 1, drh i - '.' i" flight. - Copenhagen reports -inking of 2 Norwegian steam l 1. 175 tons i and Estrella < 1,757 tons i rmans occupy Abo, on Finland coast, west of Helfors. March 15 German submarine '-inks Danish '-team-hip Randelsberg (1,551 tons) outside of German danger zone. - Allied airplane- bomb barracks, munition fad and railway station at Zweibrticken; 12 enemj planes uglit down; no British machines missing. March 16- Fren Bi I liini ourl Wood on L.700 including several of! March 17 Germans aim. .mice Entente airmen made 1 man Rhine towns in Februai ons killed: 36 injured: attacks mad on industrial districts in Lorraine, Luxemburg, Saar and Moselh

March IS - Great Britain and United States take over Dutch shipping in United States and British ports. -Belgians take over Flanders coast sector.

March 19 - French troops penetrate German line near Rheims. Portuguese raid trenches east of Neuve Chapelle, take prisoners and guns. German raids near Fleurbaix and Bois Grenier repulsed. German forces continue advance in Russia, ignoring armistice. The Parliamentary Secretary of War reports in British House of Commons that since October, 1917, British airmen have made 38 raids into German territory, dropping 4S tons of bombs. London despatch says German lost in air fighting: in January. 292 planes; in February, 27:;: in 17 days of March,

- United States Expeditionary Force casualties to date: Killed in action. 154: killed or prisoner, 1; by accident. 145; disease, 683; lost at sea, 237; suicide, 11; unknown causes, 14; of wounds. .",7: executed, 1; civilians. 7: gassed, 6; total deaths, 1,296; wounded, 54 1 : captured, 21 ; missing, I I.

- United States destroyer Mauley collides with British warship in European waters; depth bomb explodes, kills Lieut. Commander Richard M. Elliott, Jr., and 15 enlisted men; Mauley reaches port.

March 20 - To reduce coal consumption President Stanley of Board of Trade announces in House of Commons coal rationing rules - no cooking between 9:30 P. M. and 5 \ .M.; no illumination of shop windows: no performances after 10.30, etc.

March 21 - Beginning ol ' Big Drive" on 50-mile front, from \ii.i- to La Fere. On Luneville ectoi I'nited States artillery fire destroys first and second line position-. Canadians make gas attack between Lens and Mill 70 British monitors bombard Ostend. In Pale-tine British take i beh. German long

March 22 indents at the front report 40 German divisions (about 500,000 men) engaged and greatconcentration of artillery in world's history; German- had 1,000 gun- in one small sector (1 for every 12 j ards).

March 23 Germans break British front near Monchy, Cambrai, St. Quentin and La Fere, pierced second line, between Fontaine-les-Croisilles and Moeuvres. British evacuate positions in bend southwest of Cambrai; Germans pierce third British line between Omignon stream and the Somme,