Waseca City (part 2 of 3)

firm of McLoughlin Bros., general merchants, came to this city in the spring of 1878, and, purcliasing the interest of A. E. Dearborn, in the firm of Dearborn & Haley, formed the new firm of Haley & McLoughlin. Two years later he purchased the interest of his partner, and carried on tlie business alone until 1884, when he sold a one-tiiird interest in the same to his brother, Tiiomas F., and the present firm formed. He is a native of Ireland, born about 1850 and was brought to this country by his parents, Dennis and Judith McLoughlin, when but about eighteen months old. The family first settled in Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., where they lived until September, 1802, when tliey came to Minnesota, locating in Faribault, Rice County, for a time, and then removed to Cannon City, in the same county, where they still live. He lived witli his parents, and acquired an education by going to school during the winters and worked on his father's farm in summers from 1867 to 1870. In January, 1871, he entered the hardware store of J. W. Wood, of Faribault, where he remained a year. After that he followed teaching in the winter months and acting: as clerk durin»- the summers until 1877, when he was united in marriage with Emily Haley, of Waseca, and a year later came here as told above. May 3, 1881, at the first election iield under tiie city charter, Mr. McLoughlin was elected alderman from the second ward. In March, 188C, he was ajipointed to his present office of postmaster, he being a stanch Democrat in politics, always voting the straight ticket. Mr. and Mrs. McLoughlin are the parents of four children, all girls : Annie, Katie, Gertrude and Emma.

Other Business Interests And Business Men

The Winona & St; Peter Railroad roundiiouse and repair shops were erected at Waseca in the fall of 1881, at a cost to the company of some $80,000. They are situated west of the city, near the south bank of

Loon Lake and witliin the city limits. The round-house is quite large and commodious, having stalls for twenty engines. The repair shops are well equipped to do all the light repairing that is sent to this point, although much might yet be added in machinery to make it complete. Fifty men are given steady employment here in this line. In connection with the shops the railroad company has here very extensive wood and coal yards, supplying all engines running between Winona and Tracy. The old roundhouse, built at the time of the first coming iiere of the railroad, is in the eastern part of the city, and is now used as a car. repair shop. The pay roll at tiie various shops here averages about $3,000 monthly.

H. J. Gerlicher is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, born in 1859, and is the son of J. F. and Eva Gerlicher, who were both natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1855, and resided in Cleveland until about 1865, when they removed to Winona, Minn., where the father was employed as general foreman in the shops of the Winona <k St. Peter Railroad. He remained there for some six or seven years and then came to Waseca, where he had charge of the shops of the same company, and remained about three years, when he moved to Marshall, Lyon County, where he looked after the repair shops of the railroad there. Later he returned to Winona, where he now resides. H. J. remained at home until some fourteen years of age wlien he entered the railroad shops at Winona. A year later he was sent to Lyon County, to the town of Marshall, in the railroad shops there, but in six months came to Waseca. He remained in the shops here, under his father, wlio then had charge for two years, and then went on tiie road as hreman, which he followed for about eigliteen months and then returned to the Winona shops. He after this was on the road as fireman ag'ain. At the ajje of nineteen he took charge of an engine as engineer and continued as such for two years, and then took charge of the engine in the sawmill of the Winona Lumber Company, which lie ran for a year or so. Then once more upon the road as locomotive engineer. In 18S:i he was put in chai'ge of the shops at Waseca, when but twenty -three years of age. He was married in ISSl to Rosie Lauer, of Winona. They have one child.

M. R. Pierce was born in Walworth County, Wis., in 1848. He is the son of Daniel and Louisa (Bromaghin) Pierce, who came to Waseca County in 1864. He remained with his parents until he was twentyone years old, helping woi'k the farm. He then commenced farming for himself, which he followed until 1879, when he had his arm injured in a thrashing machine and had to relinquish farming. That fall he moved to the city of Waseca, and the following spring commenced the sale of agricultural implements, musical instruments and sewing machines, and continued that business until October, 1881, when he entered the employ of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad, in tlie repair shops here, remaining here until 1884, in different branches of the work. He then was given charge of the machine shop, where he now is. He was married October 16, 1869, to Alma J. Woodward. They have a family of four children : Charles A., Clarence, Carrie and Frank.

Waseca Furnitui'e Co. is the outgrowth of a furniture store started in 1867 by George W. Comee, who at that time erected a building on the lot where Andrew Johnson's store now stands. William C. Young soon after entered into partnersliip, and the firm of Coraee & Young continued for two or three years, when the latter sold out to M. H. Helms. Comee & Helms renuxined in business until 1873, when the junior partner disposed of his interest to Samuel Comee, thus forming the firm of Comee Bros. In November, 1882, a stock company was formed by them and others called the Waseca Manufacturing Company, to make coffins, caskets, etc., but that not proving a successful venture, in January, 1886, a new company was formed, called the Waseca Furniture Comj^any, with Warren Smith, C. A. Wright, O. D. Sawin and George W. Comee, as stockholders. They have a capacious factory, where they make all kinds of furniture, on the line of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad, and a large retail store on the main business street.

George W. Comee, one of the members cf the Waseca Furniture Company, is a native of Henderson, Jefferson County, N. Y., and was born June 9, 1838. He resided in the place of his birth with his parents until 1864, when he went to Ashburnhara, Mass., where he made his residence for some three years. In the spring of 1867, the western fever seizing him, he, taking the advice of the venerable Horace Greeley, came to Minnesota, and the new town of Waseca seeming to meet his views as a proper location, he engaged here in the furniture trade as detailed in the history of the city. He has since that time been fully identified with the mercantile and manufacturing interests of this thriving young city, and is ever ready to do his part toward advancing its interests. December 26, 1877, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth L. Ivittredge, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, who was the mother of three girls : Mary Abbie, married September 28, 1887, to Henry S. Kennedy, of St. Peter; Laura E. and Jessie C. Mr. Comee is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons ; Comee Lodge, No. 25, and Golden Rule Encampment, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

The first wheat buying was for the new elevator, which was built by the Winona & St. Peter Railroad, south of the track in 1867. This building afterward passed into the hands of a party from Winona, and from them to Bonner & Wheeler in 1876, who two years afterward sold it to Mc- Cutchen & Co., the present owners. George

The next party to buy grain at this place was probably George L. TarbeU, who put up a warehouse here in the latter part of the summer of 1867, and commenced the buying and shipment of wheat for G. W. Van Dusen & Co., of "Winona, at once. Mr. Tarbell died at Waseca, Marcii 13, 18(58, the first death in the place.

The elevator on the north side of the track was built as a grain warehouse by the grange in 1876, and used by them for about a year, when it was sold to P. C. Bailey, who after using it, in the fall of 1878, sold it to George W. Van Dusen & Co., the present owners. By the latter it was converted into an elevator in 1886. It has a present capacity of 8,000 bushels. Nicholas Jacobs is the manager here.

Nicholas Jacobs came to Waseca County in 1870. and for a short time worked on a farm in Woodville Township. In 1874 he came to this city and commenced buying wheat, and has been in that business nearly all the time since. For the past nine years he has had charge of that business here for Van Dusen it Co., of Rochester, Minn. He is a native of Germany, born in 1851. and came to America when but sixteen years of age, first making his home in Kane County, 111., remaining with one party there for three years. He came here when but nineteen years old. He was married in 1882 to Dora Pester.

The elevator operated by Everett, Aughenbaugh & Wooil was erected b}' the Millei-s' Association, of Minneapolis, and run by them until 1883, when it was purchased by the present proprietors. It has a present capacity of 35,0u0 bushels. Eri G. Wood is the managing partner.

in 1861, and took up a claim on section 1, Freedom Township, wliere he moved his family in 1866. They resided there until 1883, when he came to Waseca City and purchased a small place adjoining the town site, where he now lives. In the summer of 1887 he put up a grain warehouse, in the interest of the Waseca County Farmers Alliance, which he will operate in the near future. He is a native of Canada West, born in 1826, and is the son of John and Martha Armstrong, both natives of England, who emigrated from Great Britain in an early da}-. W. D. lived in Canada until he was twenty-three years old, when he removed to the " States," and settled in Wayne Count}', Ohio, where he resided some six years, three of which he was engaged in the mercantile trade. In 1856 he moved to St. Anthony, Minn., then but a small village, and Minneapolis scarcely anything. Two years later he left there, moving to Oamden, Carver County, and was one of those who organized and established that village. He took up a claim in that county, and made the necessar}' improvements, and lived there for two years, but his wife's health failing he returned to Minneapolis to be within reach of medical aid. There he remained until 1864, when he came here, as mentioned above. He was married at St. Thomas, Canada, to Miss Kinney, who died in Minneapolis, leaving one son, Benjamin, who now lives on his father's place in Freedom Township. In 1866 Mr. Armstrong was married to Margaret O'Neill, of Hennepin County, at Faribault, Rice County. They have one son, WiUiam J.

The elevator north of the Minneapolis ct St. Louis Railroad station was built about 1879, by J. M. Robertson and P. C. Bailey, as a warehouse. Three years later it was converted into an elevator. The widow of J. M. Robertson owns an undivided half mterest in the building, and P. C. Bailey the other half. Capacit}', 15,000 bushels.

County, N. Y., born December 19, 1831, and is the son of Henry and Mahala Abbie Helms. In 1815 the famil}' removed to Wisconsin, settling in Dane County, near Madison, where Mr. Helms remained with his parents until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and was commissioned second lieutenant. The regiment at that time was under the command of Col. Murph\^ Lieut. Helms served in the army for three years and four months, enjoying all the various fortunes and participating in different engagements in which that famous regiment took part. Among the principal battles were: Fredericktown, Mo., Island No. 10, Corinth, and others. He was mustered out at Nashville, December 12, 1865, and, receiving his discharge, returned to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1868, when he came to Waseca, and entered into partnership with G. W. Comee in the furniture business, and continued in that line for about seven years, when he sold out his interest and for the following five years carried on a grocery store. Since that time he has been in the business of bu^'ing and shipping wheat. November 30, 1870, M. H. Helms and Eleanor M. Dodge were united in marriage, and were the ])arents of two children : Vinnie M. and Jessie E. Mrs. Helms died June 30, 1877. Mr. Helms is a member of Comee Lodge, No. 25, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Lewis McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Eepublic, of which he is tlie present commander.

Ward's Opera House was erected about the year 1875, by the Turners' association of Waseca. It was used by them for gymnastic exercises, and for an amusement hall, until 1880, when it became the property of W. G. Ward, who made additions to the building and fitted it up in a proper manner for a place of holding meetings, for tiieatrical performances and amusements generally. It is located on lots 1, 2 and 3, in block 10,

The flouring mill was erected by W. G. Ward, Thomas White and H. Willyard in 1 870. This firm continued in business but a short time, when Mr. Willyard disposed of his interest to his partners. About the j^ear 1872 Mr. Ward purchased the interest of the remaining member of the firm, and for abolit three years operated it alone. In 1874 William Everett purchased a half interest therein, forming the firm of Ward & Everett. Two years later Mr. Everett rented the interest of his partner for ten years. Associating with himself J. W. Ausrhenbaugh, the firuT name was changed to Everett & Aughenbaugh, which continue to run the mill at the present writing, they having re-leased the interest of Mr. Ward, in

1886. Since it was built it has been much improved, additions built, completely' remodeled and new machinery put in, until now it is one of the finest in this part of the State. It has a capacity of 200 barrels of flour per day and is kept running night and day to supply the demand for the high grade of flour produced. Early in September,

1887, Ed. Everett was admitted a member of the firm and the firm name changed to that of Everett, Aughenbaugh & Co. The mill is fully equipped, is a complete roller mill with fourteen sets of I'olls, and an eighty horse-power engine to furnish the power. They ship flour, among others, to the following places: Owatonna, Dodge Center and Albert Lea, Minn.; Lake Mills, Forest City, Humboldt, Fort Dodge, Garner, Britt, Corwith, Daj'ton, Estherville, Livermore, Angus, Des Moines, Clear Lake, Mason City, Iowa Falls, Ackley, Algona, Emmetsburg, Spencer, Rockford, Clarksville, Marble Eock, Greene, Charles Citj', West Bend and Shellsburg, Iowa ; Danville and Monmouth, 111., and Indianapolis, Ind.

chant millers, is a native of Sussex County, N. J., born July 6, 1829. He was reared on a farm in his native State, and there received his -education. "When he had reached the age of twenty-one he, taking Horace Greeley's advice, came west and located in Iowa County, Wis., where he engaged in the lumber business. In 1859 he left that locality and came to Minnesota and settled in Murray County, near Lake Shetek on a farm, where he remained until the eventful August of 1862, when the peaceful settlers became the prey of the fiendish Sioux in the general raassaci'e of that summer. The people of that little settlement where Mr. Everett lived were nearly all cut off, his wife and children captured and all murdered the same day except one child, Lillie, who was taken prisoner by the red fiends, and himself wounded and tiriven from home. Such experiences beset the pioneer in early da3's. A full account of the sufi"ering of these families is given in Chapter XV in this volume. After recovering from his injuries and obtaining possession of his child Lillie, he returned to Wisconsin, where he made his home until 1867, when he came to the newly laid out village of Waseca, and was one of the pioneer business men of the place in the general merchandise trade. A history of this enterprise is given in detail elsewhere. In 1874: Mr. Everett turned his attention to milling, as related above and since that time has been identified with that interest in Waseca, and Is half owner of the well and widely known Waseca City Roller Mill. November, 1858, Mr. Everett and Almira Hatch were united in marriage, and they were tiie parents of three children : Lillie, Eddie and William. The two latter with their mother were killed as above mentioned ; Lillie, now Mrs. Keeny is a resident of California. Mr. Everett and Amelia S. Addison were united in marriage October 29, 1865, and they are the parents of three children : Edward, Grace and Guy. Mr. Everett is a member of Tuscan Lodge No. 77, Ancient

Free and Accepted Masons ; Waseca Chapter No. 26, Royal Arch Masons, and of Cyrene Commandery No. 9. Knights Templar. He is one of the leading business men of Waseca and has contributed a large share toward the development of the city and county, and is ranked among the representative citizens of this part of the State.

John W. Aughenbaugh, another member of the merchant milling firm of Everett, Aughenbaugh & Co., was born in Meigs County, Ohio, December 25, 1846. His parents removed, in about 1854, to Vandalia, Fayette County, 111., where they remained two years. In 1856 they came to Minnesota, settling in Freeborn County, where the father was engaged in farming, and John W. was there reared. During the late civil war John W. enlisted in the United States navy, and was assigned for duty to Commodore Porter s rteet, and served until 1864, when he was discharged. He then enlisted in Company Ij, First Minnesota Infantry, and participated in the fortunes of that celebrated regiment, until it was mustered out at the close of hostilities. Coming back to Minnesota, he located in Faribault, where he engaged in the milling business, and continued there some four years. After that he was in the same line in Red Wing, Waterville and Warsaw. In 1879 he came to Waseca, and formed a partnership and engaged with his present partner in the business in which he is now engaged. November 18, 1868, John W. Aughenbaugh and Carrie Kocher were united in marriage, and they are the parents of two children : Daisy and Jennie. Mrs. Aughenbaugh is a native of Minnesota. Mr. Auo^henbaugh is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient PVee and Accepted IVIasons ; Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons, and Cyrene Commander}', No. 9, Knights Templar. He is a practical miller and thoroughly understands his business, and the high reputation enjoyed by the output of the mill is his best recommendation.

Ira C. Trowbridge is a native of Lyle, Broome County, N. Y., born March 16, 1823, and is the son of Harry and Betsey (Lockwood) Trowbridge. The former was born in Pennsylvania, the latter in York State. The father was a tanner, and with him Ira remained until he had reached his majority, when he went to Chicago, then but a small city. All his friends said that he would be back to his old home in a short time, shaking with the ague. But arriving in that town, he engaged as salesman with Gregory & Robertson, in the boot and shoe trade, on Lake street, and made Chicago his home until 1846. In the spring of .the last mentioned year he moved to Woodstock, 111., and opened a boot and shoe store for himself, the county-seat of McHenry County having just been located at that place, and remained there some twenty years. As soon as he was fairly established there, in the fall of 1846, he returned to Lyle, and there was united in marriage with Judith Church, a native of that part of the Empire State, born September 28, 1826. The young couple then came to Woodstock, where Mr. Trowbridge carried on business for so many years, in the last few years handling real estate as well as foot gear. In the fall of 1867 he came to Minnesota, and as soon as he got possession of the farm owned by Myers, and purchased by him in July, 1866i came to what is now Waseca, and put up a house, which constitutes part of the one he now lives in. Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge have had born to them four children : Augusta M., born September 27, 1847, united in marriage December 9. 1867, with J. H. Jenkins, a former resident of this county, but now living in Winona ; Adolphus H., born April 24, 1849, died April 21, 1873, and is buried in Waseca cemetery ; Ella C, born January 13, 1851, married to W. G. Ward. December 9, 1867, and residing in Waseca, and Edgar C, engaged in the hardware business in the city of Wasfeca. In enterprises looking to the benefit of the town or the community, Mr. Trowbridge is one of the leading spirits, and his liberaUty in such matters is well and widely known. Although his hair is silvered with the snows of many winters, he is still young in heart and feeling, and takes a great interest in the active business of life.

J. L. Claghorn, who is engaged in the insurance, loan and real estate business, came to Waseca in October, 1868, and was employed in a butcher shop, which business he followed for two years, and then commenced his present business, having his office in Comee & Helms' furniture store. He now represents some twelve fire insurance companies and one life company. He is a native of Erie County, N. Y., where he remained until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to work for a railroad construction company and followed that business until, by an accident, he had both legs crushed, which laid him up for some time. On recovering he went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he entered into the drug business with a partner, under the firm name of L. F. Lake & Co., but only continued at this some eighteen months, when he went to Janesville, Wis., and built the city bridge, by which he lost a large sum of money through mishaps, and feeling somewhat discouraged he returned to western New York, and went on the road as general agent for a publishing house, which he followed for a time and then was general agent for Wood's mowing machine. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 6ne Hundred and Sixteenth New York Infantry, under Col. E. P. Chapin, but shortly after was commissoned as lieutenant and quartermaster of the Eighteenth United States Infantry, which was commanded by Col. J. B. Weber, at present a member of Congress, and remained with that regiment until October, 1864, when he resigned and returned to New York State. Some time later he went to the Pennsylvania oil regions, but not meeting with much success, engaged as commercial traveler for a New York house. He after this traded for some proper!}^ in Superior and on going to see it, not liking the country, came to this place, where he has since remained. August 2, 1854, he was married to Jennie Lake, of Hamburg, N. Y. They have had a family of seven children : Charles, Dwight, Agnes, Max, David, Frank and Kate. The last named died while Mr. Claghorn was in the service. Frank died in infancy. Besides these Mr. and ilrs. Claghorn have two adopted children : Isabel D. and Lillie.

George E. Brubaker came to Waseca County with his parents, Jacob and Rachel (Curry) Brubaker, in 1856, his father taking a claim on section 28, in the town of Wilton, where he remained until 1862, when he sold out and moved into the village of Wilton, where he lived until 1883, when he removed to this city and is at present a resident thereof. George E., the son, was born in Pennsylvania, in 183S. In his 3'ounger days he enjoyed excellent educational advantages, of which he availed himself, attending college at Annville, Lebanon County, and White Hall, Montour Count}', both in his native State. About 1859 he took up a claim on government land, on section 4, Byron Township, this county, which, after making some improvements, he sold. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Tenth Minnesota Infantry, and served with that gallant regiment until April, 1863, when he received his discluirge and returned to this county. In 1864: he opened a butcher shop in the village of Wilton, which he carried on for about two years. While there, in 1865, he was married to Isabel Lindsay. In 1872 he removed to Polk County, Iowa, wliei'e he purchased a farm, where he remained until 1882, when he came back to this county, and purchased a fai-m in Byron Township which he still owns, and is raising stock, which he makes a specialty. In 1884, in company with Mr. Smith, he opened the meat market in Waseca, but a year or so later sold out his interest to Mr. M\'ers, and at present is only looking after his farm and stock interests. Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker have only one child living, Anna Bell.

George W. Watkins was born in Orange County, N. Y., May 27, 1820, and resided in his native State until 1847, when he came west and settled at Elgin, 111. In 1850, during the gold excitement, he went to California, but a few months spent in the mining regions of that El Dorado j)roving sufficient, he returned to New York State, and after a short time to Illinois. He was for a time after this engaged in railroad construction in Wisconsin, and in gnan buying in Batavia, 111. In the fall of 1855 he came to Minnesota, bringipg a sawmiU with him, and, settling at Faribault, operated the mill. In the spring of 1856 he preempted a piece of land on Lake Elysian, in this county, and tiieii returning to Batavia, 111., was there united in marriage with Annette Ward, a native of Michigan, and returning to this county in 1857, engaged in the real estate business, having acquired an interest in the town site of Wilton. While there he says that he saw times when money was so scarce, that it was difficult to get enough to buy i^ostage stamps. He entered into a partnership with P. C. Bailey, in the hardware business at Wilton, and continued in tliat business for three years. His wife died at Wilton, leaving one child, George, now in Bedfield, D. T. When tlie city of Waseca was started, Mr. Watkins, with others, laid out Clear Lake City, now a part of Waseca, and the hardware firm of Watkins & Bailey removed to the new city of Waseca. He was united in marriage with Anna F. Green, a native of New York City, in 1863. who is the mother of one child, Mary L. When Waseca was made the county-seat, he removed to this place and is still a resident. He is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

was born in Strongville, Cayuga County, Ohio, August 17, 1839, and is the son of M. O. and Esther (Carpenter) Bennett. His father was a native of Rutland, Vt., and his mother of Brattleboro, the same State. Wlien Edward was but a child his parents moved to Kenosha, Wis., where his father was largely engaged in pork packing. In 1856 they removed to Mankato, this State. In 1860 Edward attended the college at Oberlin, Ohio, and the year following, while- at Buffalo, N. Y., enlisted in Company A, Fortyfourth New York Infantry, and remained with that regiment for a wliile, and was then transferred to the One Hunilred and Forty- Sixth New York Infantry, participating in nearly all of the great battles of the army of the Potomac, and was discharged as lieutenant at Washington, with the Provisional Army Corps, July 26, 1865. He was wounded at Peoble's farm, five miles from Petersburg, September 30, 1864. After the war he returned to Blue Earth Count}^ and in 1867 came to Waseca, then but a little village, where he has since been engaged in buying and shipping live stock. He is also the owner of Bennett's addition to the city of Waseca, which he laid out as already detailed. August 22, 1865, he was married at Portsmouth, N. H., to Eliza J. Brackett, a native of that State. They are the parents of three children : Georgiana, Jennie and Edward. Mr. Bennett is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons ; Coraee Lodge, No. 25, and Golden Rule Encampment, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

S. F. Wyman, one of the first settlers in the town of Blooming Grove, where he still owns the pioneer farm, and where he lived until 1873, is a native of Cambridge, Mass., born February i, 1832. He is the son of Samuel F. and Susan (Smith) Wyman, both natives of the " Old Bay State," wliere they lived and died. Samuel F. Jr. remained with his parents until some fourteen years of age, when he went to live with his uncle, with whom he remained some four years. He then commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed that for four years, and then starting west, arrived at the village of St. Anthony, Minn., in the fall of 1854, and in the spring of 1855 came to this county as above stated, where he has lived ever since, except during the war for the Union, he having enlisted in Company I, Third Minnesota Infantry, and served some four years. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and a few days after was released on jiarole. He came north and joined the force under Gen. Sibley against the Indians, he being under parole not to serve against the Confederates until exchanged. In the fall of that year the exchange was made, and he returned to his regiment, and remained with them until 1865, when he received his discharge and returned home. He was in seven pitched battles, besides skirmishes, and never received a wound or was sick a day. Christmas day, 1860, S. F. Wyman and Josephia Davis, a native of Nova Scotia, were united in marriage. They have been the parents of seven children : Charles S. F., born December 22, 1862; George N., October 31, 1866 ; Otis A., November 22, 1868; Ina H., September 8, 1870; Gertrude G., Januar\r 25, 1875 ; Bertha P., May 24, 1878, and Wallace J., May 25,1883.

George P. Johnson (deceased), for many years engaged in business in St. Mary, Wilton and Waseca, was a native of Provincetown, Mass., born in 1836. He came west in 1858 and settled at the village of St. Mary, and became one of the firm of J. W. Johnson & Co. He was engaged in the general merchandise trade in Wilton, but on coming to Waseca sold agricultural implements and machinery. He died here October 17, 1880.

J. B. Smith is a native of Erie County, N. Y., and in 1854 he with his family started west, traveling from their home in western New York to Green County, Wis., during the cold winter months, being from January 17 to February 22 making the journey. He had his wagon fitted up so as to live in it comfortabl}', witli a stove to heat it up and to cook by, so that they did not suffer much from tlie inclemency of the weather or from liunger. They remained some nine years in Green County, and then started west again by team, as before, and after traveling some two weeks arrived in Owatonna, Steele County, early in November, 1863, and remained in that county until 1867, when he came to the new town of Waseca, and built the first house south of the track, and where he has a really elegant place.

D. Pierce came to this count}^ in 186-1, and took up a claim on section 6 in what is now the town of Freedom, where he remained until 1881. when he removed to his present home in Waseca, where he has since been employed in market gardening, or to use a New Jersey phrase, "been raising garden truck." lie is a native of Washington County, N. Y., but when l)ut six years of age was taken by his people to Genesee. Walworth County, Wis., where he remained with his parents until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he started out in the world to seek his fortune. He went to the northern part of the Badger State, where he remained until 1864, when he came to this county. He was married in 18-1-8 to Laura Bromaghin, a native of the State of New York. They are the parents of three children.

Chancey Parker was born in Ohio, February 18, 18-13, and when but six years of age his parents removed to Chicago, where tliey lived until 1856, when they went to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where he lived for about four vears, and then returned to Chicago. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Seventysecond Illinois Infantry, under Col. F. A. Staring. He served in this regiment three years, and was present in twenty-six battles, and was several times wounded, the last one of which caused the loss of the use of his arm. He was discharged at Montgomery, Ala., June 6, 1865, and returned to Chicago, but for years was unable to do anything as a result of his wounds and exposure while in the service. From Chicago he went to Waupun, Wis., when he had somewhat recovered, and later to Ripon, the same State, staying at the latter place for seven years, and then came to Waseca in June, 1877. He was married at Waupun, June 18, 1866, to Mary E. Conklin. They have a family of three children : Charles E., Clyde fc. and Bessie. The eldest is a postal clerk at Albert Lea, the others are at home.

C. Hansen came to Waseca in 1872 and put up the first house west of what is now the Minneapolis & St. Louis track. He was variously employed until 1876, when he took chai'ge of the bar room of the Turner hall, but in March, 1879, opened a saloon for himself, where he now continues the same business. He was born in Denmark in 18-15, and remained in that country until 186'J, when he came to America, and located at Faribault, Minn., where he remained until coming here. He is popular, and having many friends is doing a large and lucrative business.

John Beierwalter came to Waseca in 1867, among its first settlers, and has made this his home ever since. In 1869 he was appointed village watchman, the first one the incipient city had. About 1870 he opened a saloon, and has been in that line of business ever since, excepting during 1879-80, when for a year he had charge of the brewery, having rented it of the owners, and operated it. He is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born June 19, 1821-. He came to the United States when twenty-eight years of age, and settled in the city of Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained some twelve years. He then went to Portage County, Ohio, where three years of his life was spent, after which he came to Waseca County, and settled in Blooming Grove Township, but six months later moved to the village. March 3, 1854. he was married to Katrina Brown, at Pitts-

Municipal

At a meeting of the citizens of the village of Waseca, held January 18, 1868, called for that purpose, it was decided to make an application to the Legislature of the State for an act of incorporation. W. T. Kittredge, George L. Tarbell and S. B. WiUiams were appointed to draft the necessary articles and forward the same to the proper parties. The Legislature passed the act petitioned for at its general session in February, 1868, and appointed I. C. Trowbridge, H. P. Norton and P. H. Swift inspectors of the first election. April 7, 1868, the said election was held, and J. Shaw, S. B. Williams and W. G. Ward were elected trustees, and P. H. Swift, justice of the peace. At a subsequent meeting the board appointed the following officers : A. E. Dearborn, clerk ; W. T. Kittredge, treasurer ; H. P. Norton, marshal ; Charles Dunn, street commissioner ; F. Y. Hoffstott, lire warden, and O. T. Royce, assessor.

During the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1881, a bill was introduced authorizing the incorporation of Waseca as a city, and in Marcli of the same year the act was passed and approved by the governor. The first election was held on May 3, 1881, when the following officers were chosen : Warren Smith, mayor; H. G. Mosher, assessor; B. A. Lowell and John Carmody, city justices ; S. J. Stevenson, constable ; Darling- Welch, street commissioner, and H. H. Sudduth, D. McLoughlin, Theodore Brown and Thomas Coleman, aldermen. The first meetintr of the new council was held in a few days thereafter, when the mayor appointed the following officers to fill up the full complement of the offices of the municipal government : L. E. Keyes, marshal ; C. E. Leslie, city attorney ; F. A. Newell, treasurer, and J. E. Madden, recorder.

For a short time after the settlement of the village of Waseca there were no public schools the education of the rising generation being entrusted to several private schools that had been established. In the spring of 1868, however, a movement was put on foot to extend the school privileges. School meetings were held during the month of June, and a small school opened'under the auspices of the school district in the latter part of that month, with Miss Hall as teacher.

During the month of March, 1869, at the annual school meeting, the question as to the advisability of bonding the district for tlie purpose of raising funds with which to build a schoolhouse, came up for discussion. By an almost unanimous vote it was determined to thus raise the sum of $1,500, and appointed the following committees : On schoolhouse site, Messrs. Williams, Alden and Dearborn ; on plan and specification for building, Messrs. Ward, Child and Willyard.

At a meeting held on the 8th of April following it was reported that lots 1 ami 2 in block 3, in the first addition to the village of Waseca, were selected for the site of the schoolhouse. Additional bonds to the amount of $500 were voted to be issued, and tlie officers of the district ordered to advertise for bids for building an edifice upon the site selected. Matters wei-e soon arranged and a building erected during the summer, and on Monday, October i, 186t>, school was opened in the new edifice, with Prof. A. H. Carman and Miss Lizzie Smith as teachers. The building is a two-story one, 2-1x40 feet in size, with a schoolroom

The buildings used for educational purposes growing too confined, in the fall of 1878 it was concluded to Ijuild a large and handsome schoolhouse on the site of the other. Accordingly the old building was removed, and a contract let for the erection of a new brick edifice on the site of the old one. This contract was dated August 2n, 1878, W. B. Craig being the builder and the price agreed upon was $7,535.

On the 30th of April, 1881, at a school meeting, it was decided by a vote of 76 to 1 that the district should issue its bonds to raise money to build additional school room, the bonds to run ten years and draw t) per cent, interest. Accordingly, money was so raised, and the contract for building the same let to W. B. Craig, of Mankato, (t, R. Maybury, of Winona, being the architect. The building was finished in the early winter of that year, and is one of the linest in the State, costing nearly $2(),(»(iO in all. It is located on a half block of ground, which is well laid out with fine wallcs and l)hinte(l with shade trees. The building is the shape of the letter IT, and is 102x70 in size on the ground. The first story contains live rooms anil four halls, the second, three rooms, including the high-school room in the south section, which is 3-1x70 feet in size. ( )n this floor are also two apparatus rooms, and by glass sash a recitation room can be cut oflF from the high-school room 1(5x3-1 feet feet in size. The entire building is built of cream colored brick, trimmed with cut stone, the windows having inside blinds, and the doors covei'ed with hoods. All the finishing of the building is in first-class style, the flooi's being hard wood, and great blackboards four and a half feet high encirclintr each room. It took some 500,000 brick, 145 cords of rough stone, 2,0oo feet of cut stone,

150,000 feet of lumber, two and a half tons of nails, 500 yards of sand and 800 barrels of lime to complete it. Among the apparatus it would be well to mention a very fine telescope, solar microscope, air pump, electrical battery, etc., all of which cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 or more. The citizens of the town may well feel j)roud of the building.

Tlie lii'st religious services were held in the summer of 1807 in the building now occu- ]iied l)y P. C. Bailey as a hardware store. The building was about finished, but the front was not in, when Mr. Bailey started for Chicago to buy goods, leaving carpenters to put up shelves, etc. The first stock to arrive was some boxes of glass. A Presbyterian clerg^auan by the name of Lyon used it for a Sunday to hold services in, and the people sitting on the bo.xes played some havoc with the glass.

The Congregational Church was organized at a meeting held at the Presbyterian Church on the 11th of May, 1869, at which Ezra AVood acted as chairman, and A. E. Dearborn as secretary. Kev. E. II. Alden was pastor, and A. Vinton, J. H. Stevens, L. Ihuniston, E. Bennett and C. A. Bowland were chosen the first trustees. Meetings were held for a time in the building now occujiied by Sudduth ik Preston, but in the fall of ISOlt the church edifice was built from plans drawn by May berry, of Winona, but not dedicated until March 30. 1871. Tli(> building is of the following dimensions: Main structure, 30x50 feet ; extreme length, including projection of tower in front, 57^ feet; extreme width, 32 feet ; height of tower, 80 feet. D. L. Whipi)le had charge of the building. AVhen the society was organized it had but about fifteen members, but now numbers about 156. There have been seven pastors in charge of this church : Revs. E. II. Alden, T. A. Wadsworth, E. C. Starr, L. Loring, C. W. Merrill, L. W. Chancy and J. A. Stenian, the present occupant of the pulpit. The original members were the following: Frederick Stevens, L. Hummiston, W. H. Vinton, G. Henshaw, Mrs. Lucy P. Stevens, Mi's. Lydia II. Vinton, Mrs. Eliza IJummiston, Miss Julia Hummiston, Samuel Hawkes, Mrs. C. M. Hawkes, Wilfred Vinton, Edward Bennett, Mrs. Edward Bennett, Ezra Wood and Mrs. C. G. Wood. The Sunday school was organized February 13, 1870.

The Methodist Episcopal Ciuirch is one of the oldest societies in Waseca. Before the village was a year old Rev. W. W. Satterlee, made a survey of the prospect of organizing a church of this denomination there. At that time Rev. A. G. Perkins was presiding elder. After a year's work Mr. Satterlee found that he could report some sixty -eight members for Waseca, Wilton and South Wilton, and an organization was effected. The enrollment of this society in Waseca Village was but twelve. The first meeting was held at the residence of Eri G. Wood, and afterward at a schoolhouse near Clear Lake. Before the erection of any church edifice, worship was held at various ))laces, among them were the Zeller building, Philbrick's Hall and the Baptist Church. In 1874 a church building was erected at a cost of $5,000. It was 36x52 feet on the ground. I. C. Trowbridge donated a lot on which to put it up. It was dedicated as a place of woi'ship during the winter of 1875-6, Bishop Merrill, Rev. J. E. Chaffee, Rev. G. W. T. Wright and Rev. Alfred Cressey officiating. This building was destroyed by fire on tiie SHth of December, 1879, only the organ, pulpit chairs and a few other things being saved. The origin of the fire is unknown. On the night following the fire, when scarcely the building had ceased to fiame and while the embers were still hot, a meeting was hold and subscriptions to the amount of $l,(lO(i were raised with which to erect anew building. There was an insurance on the burned bulling of $2,000 in the Phct'nix Insurance Co., which was promptly paid. For some time afterward, meetings were held wherever convenient in other churches. But all this time the new edifice was being put up. This is one of the handsomest in the town and cost above $5,000. A spire KtO feet high surmounts the building. The following have been the pastors since the organization: Revs. W. W. Satterlee, S. T. Richardson, F. A. Reggin, E. S. Bowdish, Alfred Cressey, Robert Forbes, M. D. Terwilligei', Robert Forbes, second term ; Levi Gilbert, II. C. Jennings, H. Frank and R. M. Carter, the present one, whose term expires in October, 1887. The present membership is 121.

The first services of the Catholic Church were held in 1869. At that time mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Bowman, in the vacant Madden store. In 1870 Rev. Father A. Hurley attended to the spiritual wants of the Roman Catholics of AVaseca, and organized the present parish, and under his administration was tiie church of the Sacred Heart built. Among those who took an active part in the first meetings, were : Jerome Madden Sr., John Collins, Thonuis White and G. Buchler. In 1872 Father Wisler took charge here, and in 187-1 was succeeded by Father Herman. Father Prybil was next, taking charge in 1876, and was succeeded by Rev. Father A. Christie, the first resident pastor and the present priest. The church numbers nearly one thousand members at this time. The convent and academy of the sisters of the Holy Child Jesus was commenced in 1886, at which time the west wing was erected. This is -10x70 feet in size and well constructed of brick. The centei- of tiie edifice was built during the summer of 1887, and is 30x60 feet in size, and is surmounted by a handsome belfrv. It is the intention to complete the building in 1888, with a wing the exact counterpart of the other. The academy is in charge of the sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, an English order, of which there are only four or five communities in the United States. The church has also a fine parson-

Rev. Father A. Christie, pastor of the church of the Sacred Heart, is a native of Franklin County. Vt., born in 1851. He received his early education in the schools of Adams Count}', Wis., whither his parents had moved when he was yet a child. In 1866 the family came to Minnesota and located at Austin, Mower County, where he pursued his studies, and later attended the college at St. Joseph, near St. Cloud, Stearns County, this State, but finished his education at Montreal, Canada. He was ordained and set apart for the ministry, December 22, 1877, and then came to Waseca and took charge of this parish. Father Christie has a large congregation, which is still increasing, and he is highly ])opular with all.

The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized May 4, ISSo. At the first meeting the following were present and enrolled themselves as members : E. M. Oleson, C. V. Hanson, Andrew Hanson, John Holmburg, A. Lind, Samuel Anderson, A. Helgren, C. Engstrom, A. M. Johnson and T. W. Johnson. John Holmbui'g and Samuel Anderson were chosen the first trustees. Ivev. Samuel Anderson was the first pastoi-, and still administers to the s])iritual wants of this flock. Before the organization, meetings were held at ])rivate houses and occasionally at the Ba])tist Chuix-li. Their own church edifice was erected in the fall of 1885.

St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized August 10, 1885, at a meeting where there were the following present: Robert Chandler, chairman ; AVilhelm Slicht, secretary ; Charles Fink, Christian Slicht, Peter Stearns, C. Neidt, C. Weber, Adolf Ciegslski. AV. L. Herbst and Gottlieb Wiland. The following were chosen as first trustees : A. Ciegslski, AV. L. Herbst and G. Wiland. Rev. Mr. Schoolenberg was the jiastor at the time of organization. Previous to tin's, for three or four years they had held services, occasionally,

Calvary Episcopal Church originated from a meeting held at the residence of Ira C. Trowbridge early in the spring of 1868, the Rev II. B. Whipple officiating. Other meetings were held in halls or vacant buildings for a time. Rev. George C. Tanner, of Owatonna, conducting service. On the evening of March 7, 1868, a meeting was held at the house of II. S. Teall for the purpose of organizing an Episcopal Mite Society for the purpose of furnishing aid toward fitting u]) a church at this ])lace. H. D. P.aldwin was chairman. After some pi-eliminar}' business the following officers were chosen : Mrs. H. S. Teall, president; Mrs. P. L. Knappen, vice-president ; Mrs. E.P.Latham, secretary, and Mi's. H. D. P>aldwin, treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth. Mr. Teft, Miss Hall, Mrs. Bailey and Mr. P. Smith were appointed a committee on entertainments. Some twenty members joined the from this time out were held with considerable regularitj'. Most of the members of the church, some thirty, had been connected with the church at Wilton, and on removing here wished to enjoy the services of the church of their predilections. Rev. Mr. Tanner, Ge(M'ge AV. Dubois and E. C. Bill officiated at these meetings. The latter was a young man in the ministry, not yet ordained, sent into this field as a missionary. The first service held by him was in the Congregational Church. In 1875 the church edifice was erected and dedicated December 12, the same year, with appropriate ceremonies, Rev. Mr. Bill appearing for the first time as a regularly ordained ministei*. Services for some time after this were held once a month, with one or two exceptions, until June 3, 1877, when with the assistance of Rev. G. C. Tanner, of Owatonna, and Rev. M. T. Pise, of Faribault, thev manageil to hold weekly services for a time, but that was soon abandoned. In 1878 a Sabbath school was organized in connection with the church. The society owned a church building at Wilton, which they sold in the fall of 1880. The following is a list of the clergymen of this denomination of Christians who have oiRciated at this point, from first to last, as near as can be ascertained : Revs. H. B. Whipple, Geo. C. Tanner, G. W. Dubois, E. C. Bill, M. T. Pise, B. T. Hall, D. Knickerbocker, E. G. Hunter, Mr. Irvine, W. R. Powell, W. B. Hamilton and R. E. Metcalf, the present rector. The. church has a membership of about 30.

The Baptist Church was organized June 6, 1868, with the following members, who signed the articles of faith and covenant : G. N. Taylor, S. H. Talbut, W. J. Burner, Mrs. H. Buckman, Mrs. H. Vincent, Mrs. A. L. Taylor, Miss Hattie Jones, Miss Olive Foster, Mrs. G. H. Talbut and Mrs. Haines. G. N. Taylor was elected clerk, and S. H. Talbut, deacon. The first baptism tliat took place in the infant church, according to the records, was that of S. W. Burns. The first received into the church by letter were, on the authority of the same, Lucius Taylor and Orvis Child. The church edifice whei-e they worship was erected by the Presbyterian societj', which disbanded in 1873, and sold the building at that time to the Baptist. Rev. S. T. Catlin, the founder of tliiscliurcii, came here eai'ly in June. 18G8, and commenced his ministry. He continued his spiritual counsel and work here until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Wisconsin. He was succeeded by Rev. E. Thompson, and he by Rev. G. N. Annes. The next to fill the pulpit was A. H. Carman, who had formerly been the principal of the public school and at this time was. conducting a private educational institution. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Cox, and on the e.xpiration of the term for which he was employed, the church was for some time witliout any regular pastor, services being held whenever convenient ; the Sunday school was kept up without intermission, however. Following this interregnum came Rev. H. S. Davis, who was succeeded by A. M. Torbet. In the summer of 188C A. H. Ballard, a student at Morgan Park Baptist Seminary, filled the puljiit for three months. September 1, 188G, Rev. W. D. Athearn became pastor and is the present shepherd of the flock, which consists of about sixty-five membei's.

The German Methodist is part of a society organized as early as 1857 in tlie three precincts of Iosco, Blooming Grove and Woodville. In 1875 the church here was formed with some thirty-five members, under the ministration of Rev. W. F.- Buckholz, their first pastor. This gentleman laboi'ed in this vine^'ard for tliree years and was succeeded by Rev. F. Hermsmeier, who remained two years. Rev. Charles Schoenheider was the next to preach here, and after three years' service, was followed b^ Rev. G. Reihle, who stayed only one year. Three years ago the present pastor. Rev. F. Hogrefe, took charge. They have a membershi]i at present of some seventy, twenty-five of wiiom belong to the Minske class in Iosco.

Fike Department

The Waseca fire department was organized by an oi'dinance of the city council, approved December 3U. 1881. On the 26th of January, 1882, the engine company met for organization witii the following members : Jesse Reese, John Loi'tis, Peter Coles, E. Morrison, II. V. Davis, Sumner Wood, Charles Piatt, C. Ebbinghausen, John Roland, Allan Goodspeed, S. Swenson, John Maloney, Walter Child, Samuel Strohmier, C. Christopherson, E. Goodspeed, E. B. Collester, G. W. Smith, J. M. Robertson, W. Aughenbaugh, Thomas Breen, William Schlicht, M. D. L. Collester, Fred. Clayton, Gus. Staak, C. M. Oster, D. McLoughlin, W. Kritzer, A. J. Lohren, J. A. Lilly, William Miller, J. F. Murphy and M. V. Hunt. On organizing they elected the following officers : Jesse Keese, engineer ; J. M. Robertson, first assistant engineer; Peter Stearns, second assistant engineer ; Walter Child, secretary ; H. V. Davis, treasurer, and E. B. Collester, Charles Barr and M. Y. Hunt, finance committee. The city purchased the engine in Winona, and it arrived here and was housed on the 11th of February, 1882, and was tested on the 8th of March following, and proved entirely satisfactory. The officers in 1887 were as follows : Nicholas Jacobs, engineer; August Smith, first assistant engineer ; P. H. Kenehan, second assistant engineer ; G. E. Child, secretary ; W. Herbst, treasurer, and John Mayer, wardi'obian.

A hook and ladder company was organized March 4, 1884, with Ed. Goetzenberger as foreman, but wliicii was suspended from the department in 1887, while Dr. Christie was foreman.

The entire fire department is in a very satisfactory condition, and is under the command of a chief engineer and a fire warden from each ward. Tlie present officers are: Ed. Goetzenberger, chief engineer; B. S. Lewis, fire warden from tlie First ward ; W. G. Ward, Second ward ; Henry Murphy,

Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accejjted Masons, was organized under charter bearingdate of January 14, 1869, although meetings were held previous to this, under dispensation, being organized under dispensation, on December 9, 1868. The following is the list of the charter members : W. G. Ward, Lewis Brownell, B. S. Lewis, Philo C. Bailey, H. P. Norton, N. E. Strong, W^T. Kittredge, J. O. Chandler, James E. Child, H. D. Baldwin, Eri G. Wood, E. M. Broughton. Jonatlian Shaw, Frank Miner, O. T. Roice, J. W. Tefft and H. Willyard. The first officers given on tlie charter were : W, T. Kittredge, W. M. ; E. M. Broughton, S. W. and N. E. Strong, J. W. and James E. Child, Sec.

The lodge is in a highly prosperous condition in every particular, and has a large membershi]). The following are the officers in 1887: M. O'Brien, W. M. ; N. S. Gordon. S. W. ; E. A. White, J. W. ; George Webb- S. D. ; Harry Britten, J, D. ; G. R. Buckman, T. ; E. B. Collester, S. ; William Tyson- S. S. ; Frank Wood, J. S., and H. O. "^Canfield, tyler.

AVaseca Chapter, No. 26, Roj^al Arch Masons, was duly organized under dispensation, December 12, 1873, with the following named members : P. C. Bailey, E. A. Jordan, J. A. Claghorn, B. S. Lewis, E. M. Broughton, G. W. Comee, G. P. Johnson, H. W. Zeller, S. T. Lewis, J. W. Johnson, N. E. Strong and H. P. Norton. On the 4th of November, 1874, a charter was granted them, and they have been working under that ever since. P. C. Bailey was the first High Priest, and continued in that office until 1876, when he was succeeded by R. L. McCormick, who reigned three j'ears. B. S. Lewis was the next, and was followed by L. Z. Rogers, and he by E. G. Wood, the present one. The chapter is ill a most healthy condition, with everything

Comee Lodge, No. 25, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized at a meetingheld in what was called the Radical building, then just south of whei'e the Grant House now stands, "December 8, 1868, with the following charter members : W. C. Young, G. W. Comee, H. D. Baldwin, L. E. Wallace, and H. P. Norton. The first officers, installed Tuesday, January 14, 1869, were : II. D. Baldwin, N. G. ; Warren Smith, V. G. ; II. A. Mosher, S. ; W. C. Young, T. The present officers are : N. J. Leavitt, N. G. ; Joseph Gatzman,V. G. ; S. Swenson, P. G. ; A. J. Lohren, S.; O. Powell, T. ; V. Butsch, W. ; E. B. Collester, C. ; L. Larson, I. G., and J, Gutfleisch, O. G. They have now a membership of fifty-one, and, jointly with the Masonic Lodge, rent a hall in which to hold meetings. Financial condition is most excellent, and the lodge is doing much good in this community.

Golden Rule Encampment, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized under charter, October 27, 1873, with the following charter members : P. V. Smith, G. W. Comee, H. C. Woodbury, R. F. Stevens, J. S. Abell, Joseph Miller, M. S. Collins, John G. Greening, S. F. Phelps and John Craven. The first officers chosen were the following : G. W. Comee, C. P. ; R. F. Stevens, H. P. ; H. C. Woodbury, S. W. ; John S. Abell, J. W ; John Craven, S. ; P. V. Smith, T. and Jos. Miller, Sent. Besides the charter members, there were present the night of organization, Brothers W. C. Young, y. Butsch, Edward Bennett, S. S. Comee, and W. H. Young Sr. The camp, which is in quite a fiourishing condition, has a present membership of twenty-four, and has a beautiful hall, which is rented jointly between the Masonic and Oddfellow fraternities. The present officers are : O. Powell, C. P. ; H. Myers, H. P. ; G. W. Comee, S. W. ; E. P. Latham, J. W. ; H. C. Woodbury, S. ; W. C. Young, T. ; V. Butsch, I. S. ; Edward Bennett, F. W. ; A. J. Lee, S. W. and John S. Abell, G.

Among the members not included among the above named officers were : Edward Bennett, M. H. Helms, Joseph Gatzman. Benjamin Philbrick, Henry Zeller and Jonas Whitcomb.

Lewis McKune Post. No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at a meeting of the veterans of the civil war, held at the courthouse, April 9, 1883, when the following officers were chosen : C. C. Comee, P. C. ; J. A. Canfield, S. V. C. ; J. A. Smith, J. V. C. ; C. E. Graham, A. ; G. R. Buckman, Q. M. ; Dr. H. J. Young, S. ; Edward Bennett, C. ; J. B. Ilayden, O. D. ; W. H. Helms, O. G. ; George White, S. M. and M. Craven, Q. M. S. The post is in excellent condition financially and otherwise, and the meetings held on the first and third Saturday evenings of each month are well attended. They always have money in the relief fund on hand, and carry out all the precepts of the order in a fraternal manner. There have been some eighty comrades mustered in, in this post, and the membership is now about sixty-two. The pi'esent officers are: M. H. Helms, P. C. ; J. B. Hayden, S.

Catholic Knights of Waseca have a lodge here, oi-ganized January, 1886, with Thomas Coleman, president ; Thomas Flynn, vicepresident ; John ]\[oonan, secretary ; P. A. Bowe, treasurer; E. W. Lansing, Thomas McLaughlin and William Swift, executive committee, and Pev. A. Christie, spiritual director. The officers for 1887 were: Thomas Coleman, P. ; Thomas Flynn, V. P. ; Francis Maloney, S. ; P. A. Bowe, T. ; Thomas Flynn. Thomas Connolly and E. W. Lansing, executive committee ; J. T. Lee, sergeant at arms ; and Rev. Father Christie, spiritual director.

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized March 4, 1887, with a mem. bership of forty-eight, in the hall of tlie Good Templars. The officers cliosen on organization were : W. D. Belden, president ; Dr. A. M. Hutchinson, first vice-president ; M. E. Parmalee, second vice-president ; II.

Waseca Lodge, No. -ii, Knights of Pythias, was organized Friday evening, September 30, 1887, with the following charter members : K. A. Holbrook, II. H. Sudduth, F. A. Swartwood, W. D. Abbott, B. U. Dye, H. P. Bird, Charles Smith, E. A. Everett, S. E. Panney, D. A. Kinney, D. E. Tenney, Harry A. Read, John Evans, E. M. Helms, Frank Tripp, C. H. Lippett, J. W. Veness and 11.

Fort Ridgely Lodge, No. 65, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, was organized at Sleepy Eye, in June, 1880, and moved from that place to Waseca in October, 1883. The first officers were as follows : Thomas Burke, master ; W. W. Williams, secretary ; John Boyle, financier. The lodge is in quite a flourishing condition, with a present membership of seventy-two. The officers at present are: J. B. Newcomer, master; II. H. Richardson, secretary ; W. D. Grimes, collector ; Jolm A. Robinson, receiver.

There is also in the city a division of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a lodge of railroad conductors, a lodge of brakemen and an assembly of the Knights of Labor, all of which are quite prosperous societies.

The above was the first lodge of the kiiul in the city. The order has had varying success in this community, lodges being started, running a few years, then dying out, only to stai't again shortly after.

Company A, Third Regiment Minnesota National Guards, was organized at Waseca, August 5, 1886, with about thirty members, and alread}^ manifest considerable efficiency in the drill and manual, principally owing to the excellence of the material upon which able officers have to work. The company is officered as follows : 11. A. Leavitt, captain ; D. Devine, first lieutenant ; Carl H. Young, second lieutenant, and H. A. Smith, ortlerly sergeant.

Maplewood Park

the beautiful scenery that suri'ounds the city of Waseca. Located upon a lovely wooded peninsula that juts boldly out into the crystal waters of Clear Lake, it is one of the favored spots on earth. Standing among tiie lofty trees, Avhose trunks stand like columns in the grand aisle in some noble cathedral, through the leafy covering that sweeps down to the water's edge, we catch here and there the diamond sparkle of the lambent waves when the sunlight plays upon the surface of the lake, or when the quieter light of the moon plays over its tranquil bosom, gather rest to our souls in the quiet enjoyment of its beauties. It is largely due to the energy of two men, Messrs. Jamison and Quirk, that Waseca is the possessor of such a lovely spot. In 1882 the place was the wood-lot of Moses Flummer, who sold it to A. P. Jamison and James Quirk, who employed T. P. A. Howe, a civil engineer of St. Paul, to lay it out into lots and blocks. Accordingly on the 19th of November, 1883, he did so, and under their management and the auspices of the Methodist conference, it was carried on until July, 1886, when it was disposed of to the Maplewood Park Association, a society just organized. Ilei'e, yearly, meets the Chautauqua Assemblj', that " feast of reason and flow of soul," where meet many of the intellectual people of the southern part of Minnesota, and enjoy the delights of culture amid the works of nature.

The Maplewood Park Association was incorporated August 13, 1883, with the following members : C. A. Van Anda, C. K. Stowers, Caleb Hallack, F. II. Tubbs, J. P. (3akey, C. M. Smith, C. A. Wright, E. G.

Wood, N. S. Gordon, Hugh Wilson, E. M. Broughton, J. H. Parker, William Everett, I. C. Trowbridge, A. P. Jamison, H. C. Jennings, James Quirk, R. W. Peebe and John Staffoi'd. These gentlemen incorporated themselves for the purpose of fitting up the park, and for the purpose of holding grove or camp meetings, Sunday-school assemblies, meetings for religious instruction or worship, or mutual improvement in moral, literary or social culture. The capital stock of the association was, by the articles of incorporation, fixed at $10,000 divided into 1,000 shares of $10 each, and the indebtedness of the same was limited to $3,000. The first officers were : C. A. Van Anda, of Minmeapolis, president ; C N. Stowers, of Faribault, vice president ; H. C. Jennings, of Waseca, secretary ; A. P. Jamison, of Waseca, treasurer ; and Robert Forbes, of Minneapolis ; John Stafford, of Rochester ; William Everett, of Waseca ; E. A. Knowlton, of Rochester ; James Quirk, of Waseca ; R. W. Beebe, of Mankato, and J. II. Parker, of Albert Lea, were directors.

A daily paper called tlie Daily Chautauqua^ during the time of assembly each summer, which gives all the news of the same. Rev. H. C. Jennings is the editor.

The present officers are : Rev. J. F. Chaffee, D. D., president ; William Everett, vice-president; Rev. II. C. Jennings, secretary ; A. P. Jamison, treasurer, and a board of direction consisting of the following parties : Rev. R. Forbes, D. D., E. A. Knowlton, George B. Arnold, G. R. Buckman, J. Quirk, J. A. Pugh and Rev. A. II. Gillet, D. D.

Source changes here: from Child's History of Waseca County, Minnesota : from Its First Settlement in 1854 to the Close of the Year 1904, a Record of Fifty Years : the Story of the Pioneers, by Child, James E. (James Erwin), B, published 1905; 8,456 words in this source stream.

Waseca City

On the 25th of January, 1868, a large meeting of citizens was held, and it was unanimously decided that a formal application be made to the legislature for an act of incorporation. Maj. W. T. Kittredge and Messrs. Tarbell and Sam Williams were appointed to draft and forward to our representative a bill to incorporate the village. The act finally passed the legislature and was approved March 2, 1868.

For the purpose of the first election, I. C. Trowbridge, H. P. Norton and P. H. Swift were named in the act to serve as judges and inspectors of election.

The first election was held on Tuesday, May 5, 1868 - the number of votes cast being 125. S. B. Williams, J. Shaw and W. G. Ward were the first trustees - Williams and Shaw being elected for two years and Ward for one year. P. H. Swift was elected the first justice. These officers were chosen without opposition, the vote being a light one.

On Monday, Jan. 27, 1868, the Clear Lake House, with most of its contents, was entirely destroyed by fire. The building took fire from a stove pipe, either in the upper ceiling or roof, and, before it was discovered, the flames had so far advanced that the building could not be saved with the means at hand. The building belonged to C. A. Barr & Co., and was situated on the south side of the C. & N.-W. R'y. tracks. There was no insurance. Preparations were immediately made to rebuild - the citizens aiding Mr. Barr in the matter. This was the first fire of any magnitude in what now constitutes the city of Waseca.

At the annual March meeting of the county board, the school district organized of the territory included in the village of Waseca was made an independent district, and recognized as district number seventy-two.

The territory then embraced within the village limits was described as "all the north one-half of sections 17 and 18, and the south one-half of sections 7 and 8, in the township of Woodville.

April 22nd, the board re-districted and divided the county into five commissioner districts. District No. 1 included Blooming Grove and Woodville; No. 2, Iosco and Janesville ; No. 3, Wilton and Otisco ; No. 4, St. Mary and Alton ; No. 5, Freedom, Vivian, Byron and New Richland. At the same meeting, ]\[r. Isaac re- signed as chairman of the board, and R. F. Stevens was elected his successor. It would appear that shortly afterwards - although the records are silent on the subject - when Mr. Isaac resigned his position upon his removal from this county to Oregon, S. S. Phelps was appointed to fill the vacancy; for on the 23d of June, 1868, we find Mr. Phelps acting as one of the board.

At a special meeting of the board held Dec. 18, 1868, the resignation of W. T. Kittredge, as county attorney, was accepted, and Lewis Brownell, Esq., was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Going back from the commissioners ' proceedings and taking up matters in their order, we find that Mr. L. W. Wheeler, father of Whitney L. Wheeler, and one of the early settlers of St. Mary, died Feb. 2, 1868, at Wilton, after a short illness. He Avas well advanced in years, and highly respected. His descendants are residents of the county.

From the Waseca News of Feb. 21, 1868, the following is taken : ' ' The steam boiler in ]\Ir. Austin 's saw mill, situated some five miles north of Alma City, exploded last Friday, doing much damage to the mill, and seriously wounding Oscar Hadley, the fireman. He received a severe cut on the head, had the fiesh of his face blown full of sand, his hands badly scalded, and was otherwise bruised and injured There being no insurance on the building, the loss falls heavily upon Mr. Austin, who will probably not rebuild."

First Business Report Of Waseca

Waseca was the market town for much of Freeborn county, all of Faribault county, and much of Blue Earth county. Over half a million bushels of wheat were marketed in Waseca the first winter of its existence.

Grand Army Of The Republic

The first organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, in the county, Avas perfected ilarch 16, 1S6S. The first officers were as follows: ]\[aj. AV. T. Kittredge, post commander; P. H. Swift, senior vice; H. A. Lfosher, junior vice; Capt. A. H. Wellman, post cptartermasfer; Dr. II. J. Young, post sttrgeon.

The first death noted in the new village was that of [Mr. Geo. L. Tarl.)cll, who died of consumption, IMarch 13, ISliS. He was a prominent business man and held in high esteem.

Episcopalians Organize

In the month of [March, 1S6S, the first Episcopal society was organized here. Meiiibers of the Episcopal faith met at the residence of Sirs. Teall, jMarcli 7, and proceeded to the organization of a society by adopting by-laws and electing officers. The officers elected were: Mrs. H. S. Teall, president; Mrs. Knappen. vicepresident; Mrs. E. P. Latham, s(H'retary; Mrs. li. D. Baldwin, treasurer; ]Mr. and ]\Irs. II. J. Wadsworth, 'Mr. Teft't, [Miss Hall, IMrs. P. C. Bailey, and Mr. P. P. Smith, committee on entertainment. The receipts of the lii'st meeting amounted to Jf3.8.").

Gen. Grant Club Prices Op Grain

Inasmuch as the prices of grain - especially wheat - show the prosperity or advei-sity of the people of this section, the prices of A\-heat are given for the years 1867-8. December wheat, 1867, brought $1.52 for No. 1, and $1.42 for No. 2. January 17, 1868, No. 1 wheat in AVaseca, brought $1.70. The 15th of the next month No. 1 wheat was $1.65 per bushel. In March it brought $1.55. In Jlay wheat went to $1.85 per bushel; in June it fell to $1.65, and gradually fell during July and into August when the price reached $1.40. In Septemlier wheat tumbled to $1 and before the close of the year 1868 the price of wheat had fallen to 78 cents per bushel for No. 1. At the same time wheat was worth, in New York, $1.65 per bushel, showing that the railroad companies got more for transporting a bushel of grain to New York than the farmer received for producing it. Is it any wonder that farmers became dissatisfied with that state of affairs and soon after inaugurated what was known as the "Grange" movement ?

Schools And School Houses

ilareh 28, 1868, a large school-meeting - the first in Waseca - was held, and Hon. P. C. Bailey was elected director ; Hon. H. D. Baldwin, treasurer, and G. N. Taylor, Esq., clerk. No action was taken toward building a schoolhouse, although the subject was discussed to some extent.

On the 25th of April, a special school meeting was held to take measures to purchase grounds and raise funds for the building of a schoolhouse. The meeting was largely attended and quite exciting, as there was strong opposition to the building of a schoolhouse at that time. The majority decided to erect a building, and Eri G. Wood, H. P. Norton, and James E. Child were chosen a committee to examine, select and report upon a site for a schoolhouse ; D. L. Whipple, Sam B. Williams and J. Shaw were chosen a committee to make drafts and estimates for cost of building, both committees to report at an adjourned meeting. This was the beginning- of a long struggle which finally culminated in the selection of the site where the present high school building now stands, and in the erection of a frame building, one part of which is now owned by the Trowbridge estate and the other by Hon. P. C. Bailey, both being situated on the corners of Wood and Sixth streets across from the High School building.

County Seat Talk

Of course, at the outset of the life of Waseca, the county seat question was uppermost in the minds of the people. The immediate residents of Wilton and Waseca were more deeply interested than others, but all felt an interest. As early as the first of the year 1868, discussions were frequent and sometimes animated. As showing the condition of matters at that time, the following is quoted from the "News" of April 17, 186S:

"We are informed that those who are opposed to the removal of the county seat to Waseca give as a reason that the people are not now able to build new county buildings. Upon this question of buildings there can be no issue, at present. The old jail at Wilton is now worthless; and, in the opinion of most men, never was good for anything as a jail. The courthouse there, so-called, is a very shabby thing at best, and is entirely unfit and unsafe as a repository of the public records. Whether the county seat shall be removed or not, the county must, as soon as possible, erect new buildings. * * *

"But all this talk about the value of the county buildings at Wilton will only call attention to the worthlessness of those buildings for county purposes and show the fallacy of the Wilton argument. It is quite evident to an unbiased mind that the business of the county must center at Waseca, and the majority of the voters of the county, we think, desire a removal of the county seat. We call attention to the matter thus early so that it may be thoroughly discussed and fairly decided."

County Seat Fight Postponed

A republican county convention was held at Wilton 'May 2 1868, to elect delegates to the state convention to he held at St. Paul on the 13th of Uu- same month. At this county convention the county seat question was treated as follows:

Beautiful Trees

Among other improvements, many shade trees were planted in the spring of 1868, and to this activity on the part of our early settlers, very much of the beauty and present comfort of our city may be attributed. While there are some matters of a sanitary character that might be much improved, the numeroiis beautiful shade trees of the city are a credit to the town and are much admired by all people of good taste.

First Business Failure

The first business failure in Waseca, of much importance, was that of H. S. Swift & Co., who closed their store May 14. Their liabilities footed up to $5,000 - assets $1,500. This was the skirmish line of many failures to follow in many parts of the country - largely on account of the destruction of greenbacks and the issue of interest-bearing bonds in their stead, thus contracting the currency.

New Brick Yard

On May 15, the "News" announced that "Bricks will soon be in fashion in this town. M. S. Green, Esq., and others have discovered excellent clay northeast of Loon lake, adjoining the village, and have commenced to open a brick yard."

This discovery of clay was where ]\Ir. Messerknecht now has his brick yard. Esquire Green burned one kiln of brick, but for want of capital to develop it and from other causes abandoned the business.

The Colorado Beetle

Potato bugs were then new to the people of this country. Very few people had ever seen one prior to 1865. This year, (1868) the Mankato Record (now Review) remarked that "those striped bugs which, for the past three years have so seriously damaged the crop west of us, have already made their appear- ance in large numbers." Other papers noticed their appearance, and our paper remarlied that "we have not heard of any of these pests in this immediate vicinity, but doubt not tliey will soon visit this section." We remarked that they should be "attacked at first sight and exterminated if possible." As M'e soon after learned, this was more easily said tlian done.

Arrest Op A Forger

Quite a sensation was created, ]\Iay 22, 18()S, both at Wasi-ca and in AVilton, by the arrest of one "Prof. J. C. Lewis" who was quite generally known as a vei-y polite and aureeable siiiu'- ing master. He made his appearance in AVaseca early in the spring and appeared to be a very Christian-like and honorable man. He had nearly finished a term of singing sclmol in Wilton, and was soon to have cinnmeneed his labors in Waseca, when the arrest was made and the game was up. He was eharg(=:.l with having forged the name of AVni. E. Jones, of La Crosse. Wi^., to a receipt for $1,000.00 which he put in his own pocket. The money had been sent to him as agent of an insurance eompmy to pay off Air. Jones' claim for less of property insured. The forgery occurred the previous December, at which time he was ai'rested, but made his escape during his examination. He was ari'csted in Steele county l)y A. H. Hawes, general agent of the insui-ancc company, assisted l)y John Alartin, then sheriff of Winona county, and Seth AV. Long, then slierift" of AVaseca county. He was one of those sleek rascals that wear the livery of heaven the more effectually to serve the devil, lie was afterwards convicted and served time at AA'aupun prison, AVis.

First Work Of City Fathers

Let it be remembered by future generations that H .P. Norton, who is still witli us, was the first city marshal to guard the lives and property of our citizens - and who could have done it better 1 dent," and "A. E. Dearborn, clerk," and appeared in the Waseca News on the 27th day of :\ray, 1868, and was entitled: "Ah Ordinance Regulating Shows, Theatricals, and Other Exhibitions." This ordinance prohibited all sorts of shows not properly licensed, and fixed the license fee as follows: For a circus .$25; for theatricals $5 each; for jugglers, sleight-of-hand performers, vocal or instrumental concerts, and all othei' shows or entertainments charging an admission fee, $5. * * * j^ix ordinances in all were published on the same date.

Maj. Young and D. L. Whipple, then contractors and builders, built the Swede church in the Charles Johnson neighborhood, in Otisco, this season. It was a model church in a model farming community.

Pioneer Clergymen

Among the early workers in the moral vineyard of Waseca, vcas Kev. W. W, Satterlee. He was a thorough, fearless. Christian worker, not only mentally but physically. He did not hesitate to "\'\-ork with his hands six days in the week and preach on the seventh. He was one of the ablest ministers of the gospel that ever preached in Waseca. During the winter of 1868, he was instrumental in the organization of a Good Templar lodge. He was untiring in all good work. Rev. G. C. Tanner, of the Episcopal church, was an earnest worker in the moral and religious field. During the winter of 1867-8 and following, six different denominations of Christians held regular services in Waseca, namely: Congregationalists, Rev. E. H. Alden, pastor; Presbyterians, Rev. J. G. Patterson, pastor; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. W. W. Satterlee, pastor; German Isl. E. church, Rev. Uhl, pastor; Baptist church. Rev. S. T. Catlin, pastor; Episcopal church, Rev. G. C. Tanner, pastor. These were the pioneer clergymen of the town and county.

Heavy Rains And Mud

HEAVY RAINS AND MUD. The last week in May and the first ten days of June, 1868, brought very heavy rains. The streets were then ungraded and without drainage, and were so many lines of almost bottomless mud. That M'as true not only of the village streets, but it was very nearly true of all the highways leading into the city. The poll tax, which was all that was available that season, amounted to four days' work or $6 for each man - the whole amounting to about $600.00. It was determined by the village board to expend $200 on the roads leading north and northwest, $200 on the St. ]\Iaiy and Wilton roads, and $200 in the village. The town of Woodville, was liberal, and expended considerable money on the roads from the east. ;Mr. Trowbridge was especially liberal in helping- to grade Second street. Charles Dunn was street commissioner that year, and put in a good deal of hard work, making the streets quite passable. Under date of June 17, we find this record: "Koad Commissioner Dunn has been doing good service on the roads during the past week. He has not only put the main street in good condition, but has made North street passable for the heaviest loads from the village to Clear Lake. "Wood street has been materially improved and other streets made passable."

Fourth Of July 1868

Although there was no formal celebration of the Fourth the first year of our village life, the records show that a large number of people collected in the place from the surroimding eoimtry and held a sort of impromptu celebration. It appears that the great day was ushered in by the firing of a brass piece, brought over from Berlin, Steele county. Quite an excitement was created early in the day by two young Americans that celebrated by engaging in a knock-down scrap in settlement of some old grudge. Then ^Marshal Norton put in a hot job and broke up that part of the celebration. Then came a horse race between 0 'Neil's sorrel, and Smith's brown - the bro^^Ti appearing to be the better trotter. And next eame the most exciting of all - a foot race between Ceo. Dreever and "Dad" Sweet - the latter winning the race and the money by a close rub. Waseca then had a character known as "Uncle Tom." He was engaged that da>- in selling drinks of various kinds, and having an eye single to profits he hastily built a platform in front of his business place and secured two or three local speakers to make the eagle scream. Among the speakers that day we call to mind our departed friends, 'SI. S. Green, Es(|., and Hon. Wm. Brisbane. Then followed numerous wrestling matches, and the day closed with the firing of the brass piece and a fire-eracker fusilade which lasted long into the night.

The Villauio Cow And Pio Tiik First Waseca Imcnic

the elite. ".Sets" and "pushes" and "classes" were then unknown, and pure, American equality and generosity were at the front. At the feast there were no regular toasts with impromptu responses written out in advance; but it was a jovial, joyful, happy occasion, where full justice m'rs done to the inner man. After lunch the tables were cleared and Judge Baldwin led off in a regular game of "pull-away," the ladies all joining in the game. Between 6 and 7 o'clock p. m. all hands embarked on board the row boats manned In- the jolliest crews that ever saih^d the lake, and, just as old Sol was disappearing beyond the western hills, the happy company reached the village in condition to enjoj^ a nii;lit of refreshing rest. The local paper, in writing of the party said. "Such recreation is good for the health, pleasing to the senses, innocent in its nature, democratic in its tendencies, and calculated to make life worth the living. We trust that this excursion may prove an introduction to many more of the same sort. Nature has given AVaseea the amplest means of enjoyment, and it will be our own fault if we do not frequently use and enjoy them."

Death Of An Early Settler

The "News" of .Kugust 5, 1868, contained an obituary notice of the death of C. 0. Noi-ton, one of the pioneer blacksmiths of the county, who died of inflammation of the bladder at the age of 39 years. He was one of the most jovial and companionable men and his death was felt as a personal loss by a larue circle of acquaintances. He was buried with ^Masonic honors, and sleeps in the quiet graveyard known as the Wilton cemetery.

First Fatal Accident

The first fatal accident on the new railroad occurred August 3, 1868. The train coming in from the east, some three miles before reaching the village, ran over a young boy, cutting off one of his legs near the ankle, and the other near the body. Some of the child's fingers were cut off and a piece of the scalp was missing. The boy belonged to the family of IMr. Fetterly, a brother-in-law of Mr. A. Wei-t, of Waseca. He was about four years old, and, while at play, fell asleep on the track. He was not discovered by the engineer until too late. The little fellow died within two hours after the accident.

Attempt At Suicide

On the 31st of August, 1868, a great excitement was raised in "Waseca by an attempt or pretended attempt at suicide. About 10 o'clock a. m. of that day an old gentleman by the name of ilelntosh, living in an old hbuse near the present residence of ex-]Mayor Moonan, attempted to shoot himself. The first intimation the public had of the matter was the loud report of a gun, followed by the screams of a woman. Many ran to the spot, and, upon arrival, found Mcintosh lying upon the ground, face downward, and Mrs. Mcintosh screaming wildly. It transpired that his son, in connection with another boy, named Douglass, had stolen some $40 from the grocery of Jo Gatzman, the Saturday evening before, and the old gentleman became very much excited upon hearing of it. Early that Monday morninghe drank very freely at the saloons; and, just before the shooting, when the Douglass boy passed his house, he chased him with a fish spear and threw it at him. He threatened to kill himself - a matter not unusual with him, it was said, when he was excited with liquor. After chasing the boy, he ran into the house, swearing that he would shoot himself. He seized his loaded gun and cocked it, but his wife interfered to prevent his designs. A scuffle ensued, during which the gun was discharged, making a ghastly wound in his left side, tearing the flesh from the lower ribs the size of a man's hand, and tearing away the end of one of the old lady's fingers. Drs. Young and Satterlee dressed the wounds, and the old man raved like a madman during the day. However, as soon as the whisky and beer worked off, he became quite meek, and, in due time, recovered from his self-inflicted injury.

"Waseca village is one year old this month. It contains over one hundred business and residence buildings, and a population of seven hundred souls. Clear Lake City - adjoining on the south, and virtually a part of the town - contains some twenty buildings. By actual count, both places contain one hundred twenty-nine buildings. Nearly all of these belong to the class denominated "good structures." Several other buildings are now being constructed and will be completed before win- ter. Where there was only a wheat field or native prairie, one year ago, we now have a live town of nearly one thousand wide-awake people and a business center tor a wide extent of country. Wheat is quoted at $1.25 here, which is certainly 15 cents lower than its actual value. In Milwaukee and Chicago it is quoted at $1.88. Forty-eight cents for freight and margin is quite enough; and No. 1 wheat should bring to-day $1.40. At present there is but one buyer in the market; next week there will be several, probably, when we hope to see wheat kept up to the market value at this point."

"Our market report shows that wheat No. 1 is selling for $1.15. That is the price to-day. What it will bring to-morrow or next day, no one here can give any information. The men who own the means of transportation in this state have concluded to shave the producers out of all that a bountiful harvest has given them. Three or four men control the markets of the state. Into every town along the railroads they send buyers that are by them instructed, from day to day, as to the price to be paid. This is all legitimate enough; but the joke comes in when we learn that outside buyers are charged ten cents more on a bushel for transportation than they were charged last year, thereby enabling the men that own the roads and boats to bid higher than any other person. Thus all opposition is driven out and the combine Is secured a monopoly of the grain markets."

Railroad Extension

During the month of September, 1868, the contract for building the Winona and St. Peter railroad, from "Waseca to Janesville, was let to Col. Degraff & Son, and work commenced upon the extension in October. The building of the road west gave great temporary prosperity to the business men of Waseca as well as to many other residents of the county.

Big Shipments Of Wheat

The amount of wheat received from farmers, at the railroad elevator, in Waseca, the first week in Si'pteniber. 18(3S. was 11,- 0721/2 bushels; the amount shipped out was 10.560 bushels, and the price was ^1.2", per bushel. The total receipts of wheat at the railroad elevator, during the mouth of September, amounted to 5:i,32(i l)ushels - the receipts of the last week in that month were lS,5r)8 bushels.

Miscellaneous Items

nesota. Mr. H. W. S. Hinkley, Avho was then a noted thresherman of the county, reported yields as follows: John Byron, of St. Mary, threshed 440 biishels of wheat from 13 acres-a yield of 34 bushels per acre. Wm. Byron, same town, threshed 917 bushels from 34 acres - an average yield of 27 bushels per acre. Anthony Gorman, Esq., same neighborhood, got 578 bushels from 24 acres - a jdeld of 24 bushels to the acre. Wm. Priebe, of the same town, got 40 bushels to the acre. The average yield throughout the county that year was a trifle over 20 bushels to the acre ; and those who were fortunate enough to market their wheat in September got from $1.00 to $1.30 per bushel. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

C. Trowbridge ; Also at the same time and place, J. H. Jenkins, Esq., to Miss Augusta M. Trowbridge. On the 26th of the same month, Hon. P. C. Bailey and Miss Lurinda C. Dodge were married by Rev. E. H. Alden, at the residence of Mr. D. L. Whipple.

A Presbyterian church organization was effected in this place on the evening of September 8, 1868 - the trustees being Maj. W. T. Kittredge, I. C. Trowbridge, Wm. Everett, S. H. Drum.

D. L. Whipple, Mr. Murfin and Mr. Sutliff. Preparations were soon after made for the building of a church edifice which resulted in the erection of what is now known as the Baptist church - the first church erected in the place. The contract for building this church was let to Messrs. Whipple & Young- both since deceased - and work was commenced thereon early in November. The building was completed and dedicated December 20.