Olmsted County Minnesota Genealogy and History (2025)

CASCADE TOWNSHIP (107N Range 14W)
CASCADE township, organized in 1859, was named for the beautiful Cascade creek, which flows through the south edge of this township, joining the Zumbro river in the city of Rochester.

The first settlement in this township was made in the fall of 1854. James Bucklin, Mr. Proudfoot and others made claims and built houses during that year.

The latter gentleman opened a store in the following winter west of Cascade creek, and kept it in operation until the summer of 1855, when he removed his goods to Rochester.

In the spring of 1855 E. D. Cobb, Noble Cobb, George W. Huyler, L. L. Eaton, Charles Horton, Joseph Mathews, and many others, made claims and established residences.The town was organized with its present boundaries in 1859, and the following named officers elected: Supervisors, James Bucklin, chairman, Alvah Southworth, and Philo Boardman; clerk, George Carpenter; treasurer, Sylvester Conklin; assessor, Hibbard Smith; constables, Joseph Chambers and Lewis Rice.

The present officers of the township are as follows: Supervisor, L. B. Joslyn; chairmen, Charles Crane and L. Roth; clerk, J. M. Morton; treasurer, George Ellsworth; justice, L. Andrus; assessor, J. L. Wright.

In the fall of 1855 L. L. Eaton opened his house, four miles west of Rochester, as a tavern for the accommodation of travelers, and kept it for some years, when he removed to Rochester. The first birth in the town was in the family of Joseph Horton, in the spring of 1855. The first death was in the same spring, being the daughter of James Bucklin.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

DOVER TOWNSHIP (106N Range 11W)
DOVER township, originally named Whitewater in 1858, for its river flowing east into Winona county, was organized in May, 1859, being then renamed for Dover in New Hampshire, whence some of its settlers came. The railway village of this name, platted in the spring of 1869, was at first called Dover Center, from its location at the center of this township.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

ELMIRA TOWNSHIP (105N 11W)
ELMIRA township, organized May 11, 1858, was named by settlers from the vicinity of Elmira, New York.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

EYOTA TOWNSHIP (106N Range 12W)
EYOTA township, organized in 1858, was at first named Springfield, which was changed in 1859 to this Dakota or Sioux word, spelled iyotan by Riggs in the Dakota Dictionary, meaning "greatest, most." Eyota railway village, platted in November, 1864, was incorporated March 9, 1875.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

FARMINGTON TOWNSHIP (108N Range 13W)
FARMINGTON township, organized in 1858, is an excellent farming township, whence it received this name, borne also by a railway village in Dakota county, and by townships and villages or cities in twenty-five other states of the Union. Five counties in Wisconsin have each a Farmington township.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

HAVERHILL TOWNSHIP (107N Range 13W)
HAVERHILL township, organized in 1858, originally called Zumbro for the principal river of this county, was renamed Sherman in 1865 and Haverhill in 1866, this name being suggested by settlers who had come from Haverhill in Massachusetts.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

There has been considerable difficulty experienced in selecting a name for this town. It was first named Zumbro, after the river of that name, but as the adjoining county of Wabasha had a town of that name, Zumbro was changed for a short time to Grant, and in April, 1865, to Sherman, and in April, 1867, to its present name of Haverhill.

It is situated in the center tier of townships, its west line forming the east boundary of the city of Rochester. On account of the proximity of this city (Rochester) Haverhill has neither church, store or postoffice. It had for a few years a postoffice, Robert Latte being the first postmaster, holding that position about one year, 1857 and part of 1858, when G. Van Horton was appointed. He kept the office till 1860; Charley Parker was then appointed, but in one year he turned it over to S. B. Willard, who in one year left it for H. K. Bletham to keep. Mr. Bletham turned it over to the Rochester post-office about 1864 or 1865, since which time there has been no post-office in the town, all mail being received at Rochester, where also all farm and household supplies are purchased and all farm products sold.

The first settlers in Haverhill came in 1855. G. Van Hautan, from Indiana, in the spring of 1855 settled on section 15. Edward Cox took a claim in section 10 the same year; he came from Wisconsin. Zedekiah Tumbleson, from Indiana, settled on section 1. Cyrus Night settled on section 5. C. B. Dodge settled on section 17. J. W. Livingston settled on section 35. Gideon Fitch settled on section 4. James G. Whipple settled on section 17. All the above-named settlers came in the year 1855, and many of them made their homes in their wagon or on the ground in tents made of horse-blankets, old quilts and, where they had them, wagon-covers. Gideon Fitch built the first log house of burr-oak in 1855; the first birth, death and marriage occurred in this (Fitch) family. The first school teacher was Mrs. Jane Andrews, from Rhode Island, who taught school in her own house in section 8 in the year 1857.

Haverhill was organized as a town in 1859, under the name of Zumbro, as before stated. The following officers were then elected at a general town election: O. A. Hadley, chairman of the board of supervisors; C. H. Crane and Samuel R. Woodbury, associate supervisors; Charles Parker, town clerk; R. H. Talbot, assessor; Baldwin Martin, collector ; Francis Dresser and R. W. Palmer, justices of the peace ; Baldwin Martin and John P. Simmonds, constables; Gideon Fitch, overseer of the poor, and Garrett Van Hauton, poundmaster. The present (1883) incumbents are : B. F. Bulin, chairman of board of supervisors; J. J. Lawder and S. S. Faner, associate supervisors; John Barrett, clerk. During the rebellion of 1861-5 the following men were accredited to Haverhill as soldiers to fill her quota: A. I. Mason, W. Wood, died in prison; O. Whipple died in prison; E. Dodge, George Sawelle, John Fitch, G. Dewitt, J. Dexter, V. Mante, J. P. Simmonds, Ira Marlett, James Marlett, Sam Horton, P. Irish, P. Van Hally, died in hospital; O. Bulen, B. F. Bulen, Morgan Bulen, M. Peckham, George Woodruff, Thomas Horton, died in hospital; Herbert Ingals, W. Delaney, G. F. Brockett, Patrick Murphy, Pat Iago and Steve Johnson. About one half of this town is prairie, but along the streams it is very bluffy and heavily timbered; there are several small marshes. The present inhabitants are principally Irish, with a few Americans and Germans. Much of the land is owned by non-residents, who rent it to tenants. C. Wilson has large farms in sections 21, 20, 29 and 32. In 1877 he had 800 acres in wheat, which gave him a net profit of $8,000. The eastern branches of the Zumbro drain almost every section in the town.
Source: The History of Winona and Olmsted Counties, 1883

HIGH FOREST TOWNSHIP (105N 14W, part of 104N 14 & 15W)
HIGH FOREST township, organized in 1858, took the name of its village, platted in 1855, on high land partly surrounded by forest trees growing along the North branch of the Root river.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

KALMAR TOWNSHIP (107N Range 15W)
KALMAR township, organized in May, 1858, bears the name of a seaport in southern Sweden, noted for a treaty made there July 20, 1397, uniting the kingdoms of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

This is one of the best and earliest settled towns in Olmsted county. The south fork of the middle Zumbro river winds across in many a graceful curve, entering about the middle of the western side and leaving as it passes into New Haven, at the village of Genoa, across the center of the northern boundary. Its banks are handsomely wooded, the northern one being often very abrupt and the southern skirted by beautiful vistas now made fruitful by the hand of the husbandman.

About one-third of the area is thus occupied by excellent timber, and the remainder is gently rolling prairie. The village of Byron, near the southwest corner of the township, occupies a high and handsome site, being 260 feet above the level of Rochester. Early residents relate that its site was bare of bush or shrub in 1855, but now its fair face is almost hidden by groves that have been planted; and but for its church spires and elevator, which loom above the trees, the traveler would never suspect its existence when a mile away.

The Zumbro river furnished power for several sawmills whicb dotted its banks in the early years, and they found ample employment in furnishing materials for the cabins of early settlers. But the railroad has brought lumber from the pine forests of northern Wisconsin, and the mission of the local sawmills has ended. During the summer of 1855 I. S. Whitcomb, James A. Blair and Michael H. Staats built a sawmill on section 8, and two years later converted it into a gristmill; this was swept away by the spring freshet of 1866, and never rebuilt. The first death in this vicinity was that of a young man named Lockwood, who took cold while digging for the foundations of the mill, and died in August at the house of a friend named Richardson, across the line in Dodge county. The only manufacture now carried on in the township is that of flour, at what is known as Middleton's mill, on section 17.

The first marriage and death within the limits of Kalmar occurred in the family of James Canfield. On August 4, 1855, his infant son, James G., died; and the mother, Margaret, expired on the 7th. On the following Christmas, Mr. Canfield was married to Mariva Bonner. James Bucklen, Esq., of Rochester, had been engaged to perform the ceremony, and got lost in crossing the prairie, which was not then, as now, dotted with groves, etc., to serve as landmarks. Becoming impatient at the delay caused by his non-appearance, the groom sent for Rev. D. L. King, who lived within two or three miles; but before Mr. King could get ready and reach the scene of action, Mr. Bucklen had found his way and tied the knot. The former, however, came in for a share of the wedding supper. Canfield was shot while in the United States service during the war of the rebellion, and none of his family are left in the town, his widow having removed to Dakota.

The first birth of a Caucasian child occurred July 24,1855, being a daughter of D. L. King, who was christened Ruth Ellen. She married A. C. Waldron, and now resides at Spencer, Iowa. Charles D., eldest son of F. C. Whitcomb, was born on December 11 of this year.

This town is described in the United States survey as T. 107, R. 15. It is bounded on the north by New Haven, a heavily wooded township elsewhere described in this work; Cascade, a prairie region, lies east of it; on the south is Salem, a wealthy farming region; and west is Mantorville, in Dodge county. The soil of Kalmar is a rich prairie loam, underlaid by a clay subsoil, and is as near everlasting as any soil ever made. It shares somewhat in the general failure of wheat which has characterized southern Minnesota during the last four seasons. The shortage has not been as great here as in some other townships, however. A good deal of attention has been given to stock-raising and dairying of late, and most farmers are independent of grain-raising. A cheese factory at Byron, and another at Olmsted on the line between Kalmar and Cascade, are doing a flourishing business, and furnish an excellent market for the milk of farmers. Some attention is being given to the improvement in breeds of horses and all sorts of stock, and many are almost exclusively engaged in raising the various kinds of domestic animals.

This township was settled largely by New York and New England people, and contains at this time probably a greater proportion of the pioneer residents than any other town in the county. Many of the early settlers had previously dwelt in Illinois and Wisconsin.

In October, 1854, D. L. King, F. C. Whitcomb, and Marinus King visited this town and took up claims, the former on section 17, and the others on section 29. Messrs. King and Whitcomb still reside on their original claims. They returned in 1854 to their Illinois homes, and came here with their families in the spring of 1855. . During the same year claims were taken by Almeron Randall, Israel Devine, John Colwell, Alpheus Merritt, George W. and Ensign Chillson, Obediah Gilbert, Norman Haight, Judge Olds, Gaylord Hurlbut, Benjamin McDowell, and others. In 1855 came Ira S. Whitcomb, Samuel McDowell, Nathan Bowman, Isaac Dodd, James, John and Darius Ellison, Richard Middleton, Jerome Harrington, Joseph Edmunson, George and Dudley Sinclair. During the summer of 1855 a school was maintained in a claim shanty on section 12: Miss Ann Losinger was the teacher. This building was shortly moved to section 36, New Haven, and school was kept in it there. Thus arises the claim that Miss Losinger taught the first school in both townships.

METHODIST CHURCH.—Rev. D. L. King, the pioneer of the township, was a Methodist deacon ordained in Illinois, and he early set about the organization of a class here. This was effected in the fall of 1855, at the house of Judge Olds. Mr. King was made class-leader. The other members were his wife, Lorenzo Gilbert and wife, Obediah Gilbert and his daughter, Alvira. During this year Mr. King preached at Mantorville, Rochester, and at various houses in this town. In 1858 a class was organized at a meeting held in Ensign Chillson's barn, and this was the nucleus of a society which now holds meetings and Sabbath school in the town hall.The first sermon at Kalmar, as the location of the sawmill on section 8 was called, was delivered by Rev. Nelson Moon, of Oronoco, on the occasion of the funeral of Mrs. F. C. Whitcomb.

In the fall of 1867 a class was organized at Byron by Rev. Chambers, and a strong society has been ever since maintained there. In 1873 a handsome frame church was built, at a cost of $3,000.* The structure is fifty feet long by thirty-two in width, surmounted by a proportionate spire. Its audience-room is eighteen feet high and will Comfortably accommodate 250 persons. The society also possesses a pleasant parsonage, built at a cost of $1,000. The last of its debt, $300, was cleared off in the summer of 1883. The society now includes a membership of sixty persons. Many losses in numbers have occurred through the restless inclination of people to emigrate toward the setting sun. Its Sunday school numbers nearly seventy-five pupils, and is prosperous. This charge also includes Douglass station, and embraces 100 members. The people are large-hearted, and do their share in caring for the poor and unfortunate, and in contributing to home and foreign missions. The following are the names of the pastors who have officiated here, with the years of their service: B. Y. Coffin, 2.; E. Forbes, 3.;J. N. Liscomb, 3; A. C. Keynolds, 2; Milton Akers, 3; B. F. Capehart, 1; G. W. Barnett, appointed last conference.

BAPTIST CHURCH. The religious tendencies of Kalmar people were early cultivated, and are in a thrifty condition now. As early as June, 1857, Richard Middleton organized a Sunday school, which he conducted for two successive summers, in the loft above his store on section 17. On his removal to Rochester, two years later, he resigned his superintendency, but the school was maintained. It was non-sectarian, al though Mr. Middleton was an earnest adherent of the Baptist church. During the second summer the school was held in his house.

The first meeting for the organization of the Baptist society was held August 21, 1857, in a grove near Mr. Middleton's house, and eight persons were associated together as the Big Grove Baptist church. Their names were recorded as follows: Richard Middleton, Lucinda C. Middleton, Darius Ellison, Rachael Fisher, John Ellison, Prudence Hamilton, W. R. Woodward and wife. At a meeting on the 7th of November following, W. R. Woodward was elected clerk of the society, and it was decided to invite Elder Shepard of Wasioji, to preach to them. January 9 following, Woodward was also made deacon. In August, 1858, Rev. Erastus Westcott began to preach to this congregation. During the year following he delivered a sermon once in two weeks, and received for his services less than fifty dollars. This was the period of depression following the financial crash of 1857. One member of the flock lost over $1,500 in mercantile operations at this time. Mr. Westcott had a farm near Rochester which afforded him sustenance, and he ministered to the spiritual wants of his flock without hope of earthly reward.

The first formal organization occurred May 12, 1860, at which time Richard Middleton and W. R. Woodward were made deacons, and the latter continued as clerk. During the existence of the society there have been about 225 baptisms, and 250 persons have been received as members. It now includes over 100 persons, and is in a prosperous condition, never having received a cent of aid from outside its own constituency.

The name was changed to Byron church after the organization of the village of that name. It had been previously called Kalmar church for some years. In 1871 the present handsome church edifice was built. It stands near the railroad track on the south side. It was built of the best quality of lumber, purchased expressly for that purpose in Minneapolis by Mr. Middleton, president of the building committee. William Waite, Joseph Dearborn, Hiram Fairbanks and Thomas Kesson were also members of the building committee. The structure is 55 X 33 feet in area, framed, and its auditorium is 18 feet in height. 275 persons can be comfortably seated in it. The Sunday school connected with this society is large and prosperous.

At the annual meeting, November 16, 1882, the following officers were elected: deacons, R. Middleton, L. W. Allard; clerk, W. H. Middleton; treasurer, H. G. Hurd; organist, Mrs. S. A. Middleton; Sunday school superintendent, Silas A. Middleton; assistant superintendent, H. Sparow; secretary, Francis Sinclair; librarian, Alma Roof.

SECOND ADVENT CHURCH. - This society was organized May 3, 18S2, with nine members. Jacob Jacobson was local elder and H. P. Anderson clerk and treasurer. Besides the wives of these gentlemen, the society included George Peterson and wife, Henry Friis and his daughter Christina, and R. P. Barmstrup. Rev. Louis Johnson, of Sleepy Eye, officiated at the organization. Most of the preaching is done by the local elder. During the summer of 1882 the society fitted up a building —which had formerly been used as a dwelling,—donated for this purpose by a member, and has since held its meetings there. The membership now numbers twenty-two, and there is a sabbath school of thirty-five pupils, superintended by George Peterson.

There are now two postoffices within Kalmar township, one at Douglass and the other at Byron. Two offices were established in 1856. The first was at Bear Grove, one mile west of Byron's site, and Andrew J. Pritchard was made postmaster. He was shortly succeeded by Dudley Sinclair, and the office was moved a half mile east to Sinclair's residence. It remained here till its removal to Byron in 1865. The second postoffice was at Kalmar, and was supplied from Rochester once a week. John Kinsey carried the mail and James A. Blair was postmaster. This arrangement lasted but a few years.
Source: The History of Winona and Olmsted Counties, 1883

MARION TOWNSHIP (106N Range 13W)
MARION township, organized in 1858, received the name of its village, which was founded in 1855-6. The first settlement made in the township occured in April 1854. The first settlers there were Alfred Kinney, Levi Phelps, Nathan Phelps, Eleazer Phelps and George Mills.

Seventeen states of the Union have counties of this name, and it is borne also by townships and villages or cities of twenty-five states, in honor of Francis Marion (b. 1732, d. 1795), of South Carolina, a distinguished general in the Revolutionary War.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

This township is bounded on the west by Rochester, by Pleasant Grove on the south, on the east by Eyota, and on the north by Haverhill. The township was first settled in 1854. The Kinney, Phelps and Mills families were the first to locate within its boundaries. Messrs. Lull, McCaleb, Fulkerson, were also among the early settlers. The first religious service was held in 1854. The little assembly was addressed by Rev. Predmore, who then resided in Iowa.

The township was organized in 1858, John Case being the first chairman of supervisors, and E. F. Fry the first town clerk. The first postoffice was established in 1856, L. G. Dudley officiating as postmaster.

The first wedding in the township occurred in 1856, the contracting parties being Jacob Bonham, now a prominent merchant at Rochester, and Miss Letitia Phelps. In the winter of 1856-7 a young girl was frozen to death a short distance from Marion. Her body was not found for many days after. In 1857 a stranger was accidentally shot, and his funeral was the first to occur in the township.

The soil of Marion is mostly sandy loam, and is very rich and productive. A strip of sandy soil extends across the township nearly a mile in width. The timber supply is mostly in Pleasant Grove township, Root river affording an abundance.
Source: The History of Winona and Olmsted Counties, 1883

NEW HAVEN TOWNSHIP (108N Range 15W)
NEW HAVEN township, organized in May, 1858, was named for the city of New Haven in Connecticut. Settlement began in the summer of 1854, when Samuel Brink, S. P. Amsden, William Kilroy, J. N. Palmer, C. Colegrove, and several others, made their homes there.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

This is one of the most heavily wooded tracts in southern Minnesota. Two principal forks of the middle branch of the Zumbro river flow through the town, and the surface is much broken by the bluffs which always line the streams of this state. The timber, consisting of oak, maple, black-walnut, elm, linn, poplar, etc., which clothe the whole surface, was in great demand for building purposes on the first advent of the white settlers—railroads being then unknown and undreamed of here; and the numerous powers afforded by the South Middle Zumbro were speedily employed in turning sawmills, one of which is still standing and does occasional service. The North Middle takes a turn for a mile or two through the adjoining town of Pine Island, Goodhue county, where it turns saw and grist mills at the village of Fine Island, which forms the business center for a large portion of the residents of New Haven. This town is described as T. 108, R. 15 W., 6th P. M. It lies in the northwest corner of Olmsted county, and is bounded by Pine Island on the north, Oronoco on the east, Kalmar on the south, and on the west by Milton, Dodge county.

A considerable portion of the territory embraced in the township is owned by residents of the prairie regions surrounding, and yet it is quite thickly populated by a hardy, intelligent people. While many sought the open prairies for farms, others thought they could not live away from timber, and struck into the heavy woods; so that many fine farms are now seen where was once the virgin forest.

The settlement of this town dates from a very early period in the history of the county. In the spring of 1854 M. C. Van Horn came up from Iowa, and visiting the site of Oronoco village, then just started by Hodges, Clark & Collins, struck out thence along the north bank of the river into this township and soon found his present location, on section 11, which he at once pre-empted. He built a cabin during the summer and brought his family the following fall, and has ever since been a resident.

Soon after Van Horn's arrival, Park Amsden settled on section 35. On August 7, 1854, Samuel Brink removed from the Little Cedar river, in Iowa, to this town, bringing with him eight teams and eighteen men, of whom only one, J. N. Palmer, now remains. All took claims to timber land, and sold out to Brink. All hands at once set to work to get out material for building a sawmill. A stock of merchandise was part of the outfit and was placed in a log building as soon as it could be erected, and the new town of "Durango " was soon established. This was at what is now called New Haven, where the Rochester & Northern Minnesota railroad crosses the river. A dam was placed across the stream and a sawmill erected, which was set in motion in the fall of 1855. During the last-named season settlers had come in very fast, and the demand for lumber was active. The first boards turned out were used in the houses of Daniel Sally and Abram Clason. The former arrived and settled on section 36 on June 14; the latter arrived on June 8 and settled on the same section; both still occupy their original locations. Previous to this time the Kilroys, John and William, and Philo Phelps had settled a little farther west.

The locality last above referred to was called Center Grove, which name still clings to it, notwithstanding it is the site of Douglas Station. Here occurred the first wedding in the town, that of John Holmes and Diana Phelps, which took place at the residence of the bride's father, Philo Phelps, on March 23, 1855 ; the ceremony was performed by P. H. Bucklin, Esq., of Rochester.

During the summer of 1855 the citizens of the locality desired to have a school, and so clubbed together and put up a small log structure to be used for school purposes on section 36. Ann Losinger, a miss of fourteen, was employed to train the young ideas. This was probably the first school in the county. On the organization of school districts subsequently, the Center Grove schoolhouse was located on the opposite side of the road, in the town of Kalmar, where it still remains. Miss Losinger married R. L. Emerick and lives at Minneapolis.The first white child born in the town was Bertha E., daughter of William Kilroy. This birth took place March 17, 1855. Miss Kilroy grew up and married John A. Senn, and now resides at Sauk Rapids.

In August, 1856, Mrs. Helen Madison, wife of Henry Madison, died of fever, in the northern part of the town. This was probably the first death that occurred within the limits of New Haven. Mrs. Madison was less than twenty-one years old at the time of her decease. She was attended by her only female neighbor, Mrs. Samuel Campbell.

The settlement of the town during the year 1855 was very rapid, and it would be impossible to name all the arrivals. Many of the original settlers have moved farther west. John B. Bassett filed a claim on a quarter of section 34 in October, 1854; and his son, Joshua B., took a quarter of the same section in May, 1855. This was the first land in the town on which a patent was issued by the government. The instrument bears date of December 1, 1856. Owing to an error in the survey, the lands in New Haven could not be patented until a long time after their settlement. Mr. Bassett happened to be the first to patent his claim after it came in market. Joseph and John Cornwell, brothers, entered claims in May, 1855. In September of the same year Cornelius White claimed the quarter of section 31 on which he still continues to reside. James Button, now a leading citizen of Rochester, located on section 14 in 1855, and continued to reside thereon for many years, taking an active part in the development of the town. In 1858 he bought the sawmill on section 27, built two years previously by Baker & Madison, which he still owns, with four hundred acres of land in the vicinity.

At one time the village of Durango promised to make a large commercial center, as so many new towns often promise, only to prove like the fruit of Sodom and Gomorrah. After Brink's sawmill was set in motion, numerous people were employed by him in its operation. In partnership with John Holmes he opened an extensive store and supplied a large tract of county with necessaries. It is said that the first nails driven in Rochester were purchased here, and that many came from what is now the commercial center of the county to purchase drygoods, etc., in the winter of 1855-6. Early in 1855 a man named Birch opened a "dry and wet" grocery, and some wild carousals were held here, after some shooting had been indulged in, in which the proprietor seemed to be the chief target, the place was closed and its keeper disappeared. Brink & Holmes sold out to Charles Nye in 1856, and Brink decamped the following spring, leaving Holmes in the lurch. All of the latter's real estate was absorbed in paying the debts of the firm, and he had to start anew. His defaulting partner subsequently died in an almshouse. Nye died in 1857 and the property fell into the hands of Daniel Heany. In the spring of 1858 Heany opened a large store and continued also to operate the sawmill till 1864. At this time the development of rival towns, where better powers were afforded by the Zumbro, had deprived New Haven (this was the name taken in 1858, when the state and township were organized) of its prestige, and the village rapidly fell into decay. The sawmill was operated in a small way by one Ambler for four years longer, at the end of which time it fell down and the dam has since disappeared through neglect. Three residences now constitute the hamlet. The building at first occupied as a store is doing service as a stable. A postoffice was established here about 1861 or 1862, with John H. Hill as postmaster, but was discontinued some years since. Considerable sport was made with Mr. Hill by his democratic friends over his degradation in being compelled to accept an appointment from a republican president! The honors of emoluments of the office were never such as to be sought after, but the office was accepted by its incumbent as a neighborhood accommodation.
Source: The History of Winona and Olmsted Counties, 1883

ORION TOWNSHIP (105N 12W)
ORION township, organized in 1858, received this name of a constellation from a township and village in Richland county, Wisconsin. Settlement began in 1854 when Mr. Schermerhorn, Joel Ballard, David Hazelton and a few others settled in Orion township. In the fall, these were followed by Stephen Case, C. L. Case and a number of others.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

ORONOCO TOWNSHIP (108N Range 14W)
ORONOCO township, organized in 1858, was named for its village, founded in 1854, which Dr. Hector Galloway, one of its first settlers, named for the large Orinoco river (differently spelled) in South America, in allusion to the valuable water power of the Middle branch of Zumbro river at this village.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

The history of this township derives especial importance in relation to that of the whole county from the early date of its settlement, the intelligence and high moral character of its pioneers and present inhabitants, its very superior natural advantages, and the romantic beauty of its scenery. As the village of Oronoco was never incorporated, its history will not be separated from that of the whole township ; in fact, they are so closely interwoven as to be inseparable. The township of Oronoco lies on the extreme northern side of Olmsted county, being separated only by the township of New Haven from the western line. It is bounded on the north by Mazeppa township, Wabasha county, with whose history that of many Oronoco citizens is very closely connected; on the east by Farmington, and south by Cascade, and is described as T. 108 N., R 14 W., of the 5th P. M. The village is very near the western border of the town, and is the principal business point in the northwestern part of the county. Two principal branches of the Zumbro river unite in the eastern portion of the town, the south branch entering in the middle of section 36, and flowing northward, is joined by the middle or main branch, on section 14, and continuing northward, leaves the town on the northeast quarter of section 3. The main branch has two forks, each of which turns numerous mill-wheels at Mantorville, Pine Island, etc., that unite at the village ot Oronoco, on the west side of section 17. Here is a waterpower capable of grinding two hundred barrels of flour per day the year around. The same stream furnishes three other valuable water-powers within the township, all of them unimproved at present. The origin of the present name of the river is attributed to the attempts of modern settlers to pronounce the name given it by the early French explorers, who experienced a great deal of trouble in navigating its rapids and shoals, and christened it Les Ambras, which signifies, "the embarass "; this was rendered by the Indians and subsequent white residents as "Zumbro."

Although the contour of the land surface is a great deal broken in the neighborhood of the river, there is no "waste" land in this township, for the soil is everywhere rich, as well on top of the bluffs as in the ravines, or "runs," and the highest points are usually covered with timber, an essential element in the economy of a prairie region. About three-fourths of the surface of the town consists of prairie, and has a rich soil which has nearly all been broken up and subdued. The town, therefore, compares very favorably with others of the county in agricultural value and prosperity.

Oronoco took a very prominent position in the early history of the county. At the time of its settlement, on March 13, 1854, the nearest human habitation was twenty-five miles away, on the north branch of Root river, in the southern part of the county. At that time there was a settlement at Cannon Falls, thirty-five miles north-west; at Red Wing, forty miles north, and Faribault at the same distance west. The site of the present village of Oronoco was preempted by Leonard B. Hodges, John B. Clark and Ebenezer S. Collins, partners in the venture of starting a town in the then wilderness, who came hither from Allemakee [sic] county, Iowa, then but a new region in the annals of civilization. Messrs. Hodges, Clark and Collins were all bachelors, and proceeded to build a log hut for their common use and protection. This was placed on the left bank of the river, but a few feet above its surface, about on the spot now occupied by the abutment supporting the north end of the bridge. During the season of 1854 they broke and cropped forty acres, and raised good crops of corn, potatoes and garden stuff on the sod. They also staked out roads to Red Wing. St Paul, Wabasha and other points.

They spent much time and money in staking out and opening up a stage route from Dubuque, Iowa, to St Paul, bridging streams, cutting down river bauks for fording places, and making it possible for a four-horse coach to rattle through the then howling wilderness on good time; so that in the summer of 1854 M. O. Walker's stage line was in full blast, making daily trips from Dubuque to St Paul through the winter of 1854-5, with far more regularity than is now done by railroads.

Robert K. Whitely, of St Louis, Missouri, and John A. Moore, of New York, were the next permanent settlers. November 4, 1854, Capt James A. George, of Ohio, afterward Colonel of the 2d Minnesota reg., settled in Oronoco, and was accompanied by his brother-in-law, Michael Pearce. They returned to Ohio for the winter, and in the following spring returned with their families. E. C. Stevens moved to Oronoco from Red Wing in the summer of 1854; this was the first family that settled in Oronoco, the preceding settlers being all single men at that time.

In 1854 Hodges. Clark & Collins donated ten acres, including the mill-site and water-power, to Ezra Odell and James Holliston, who built the first mill—a sawmill—during the following winter. The first store was built and opened by John A. Moore. The first hotel was erected by S. P. Hicks in the fall of 1854, it was built of logs, 18 X 24, with a lean-to 12 X 24 in rear; and in this rude hostelry from sixty to one hundred men were sheltered and fed daily.

During the winter of 1854-5, Reuben Ottman, a lawyer who made numerous pecuniary investments in the town, and J. D. Terry, a farmer, arrived; and during the following season the arrivals were very brisk, both of farmers and business men. During the latter part of this season and the winter following, D. J. Bascomb, T. A. Olmsted and H. D. Evans built a gristmill, and in 1856 Messrs. Allott and Wilcox built a sash, door and planing-mill; so that by the summer of 1856 the village of Oronoco presented a lively appearance. With the manufactures carried on and the trade in supplies for the settlers pouring in to all parts of this region, business was very brisk, and more money changed hands at Oronoco in one weekat that time than in a month now. Daring the rammer of 1859 the manufacture of chairs was added to that of sash and doors, but the "great freshet" in June of that year swept away the whole machinery, and it was never replaced. There are still used in the town chairs made in this mill, and perhaps all along the lower Zumbro, as they were scattered by the waters all the way to the Mississippi. The flouring-mill changed hands several times, and was several times remodeled and added to; in 1873, the property having fallen into the hands of A. D. Allis, who sold a part-interest to A. Gooding and D. S. Hebbard, of Rochester, a large merchant mill was erected, in which were placed eight runs of stone, and shortly after three sets of rolls. Three years later high water carried away the flume, and with it the millstones, one set being recovered two miles down stream, and one was never found. These damages were repaired, and the mill continued to turn out its 200 barrels of flour per day till November 25, 1879, when it was entirely consumed by fire, with a storehouse containing 30,000 bushels of wheat, and inflicting a loss of $90,000. This was a sad blow to Oronoco, as the operation of the mill gave employment to a large number of coopers, millers and other laborers, and furnished a first-class home market for the grain of the farmers. A small grist-mill with three sets of stones is now operated on the power by A. D. Allis, who hopes to be able soon to enlarge its capacity and engage again in merchant milling. Could capital be induced to improve the power now daily wasted in this town by the erection of cotton, paper or other mills, this town would soon become a center to surpass any other in the county or immediate vicinity. Its water-powers far exceed those of Rochester in value, and with their improvement railroad advantages could be readily secured.

RAILROAD. - During the season of 1878 the Rochester and Northern Minnesota Railway was built frpm Rochester to Zumbrota. It enters this township on the southwest quarter of section 36, and running in a general northwesterly direction leaves on section 5. One station is located on section 14, called Oronoco Switch. A depot and small grain warehouse constitute the buildings at this station. Douglass Station, in the town of Kalmar, is but a few rods from the town line, and Pine Island, a lively rural village, at which is a station, adjoins the township on the north. Two mixed trains pass each way daily over this line, and the people of the town are thus accommodated with quick and easy communication with the county's business center, and the world generally.

It was generally believed at first that Oronoco was destined to be the leading town in this portion of the state, and capital and farmers began to concentrate in the neighborhood. The first meeting of the county commissioners was held here August 27, 1855, and it was confidently believed that the county seat was to be permanently located here. The boundaries of the county had not then been mapped out, but at the next meeting of the territorial legislature the present boundaries were established and Rochester became the natural center of the county. The commissioners were Col. James George, Brigham Barrows and James Rutan, and held their second meeting in September following the first at Rochester. Up to 1858 there was no organization of townships, the citizens voting by precincts. The whole vote of this precinct in 1857 was 154, of which the republican candidates received 92 and the democratic 62. The precinct embraced, besides this town, Farmington, Cascade and New Haven. At present the town of Oronoco casts a very small republican majority on a party vote, but during most of the time in its history there has been a democratic majority of ten to fifteen. A very large proportion of the original settlers have died or moved away, and the few remaining ones treasure the memory of early days and relate many incidents and hardships attendant on their settlemetnt here.

After the first settlers had staked out their claims, on section 17, and erected a log hut thereon, Messrs. Hodges and Clark returned to Iowa after supplies and left Collins to hold the claim, surrounded by Winnebago and Sioux Indians, who were very friendly at that time. In the latter part of April the absentees returned and brought provisions, farming implements, a small blacksmithing outfit and five yoke of oxen. Clark was fond of female society, and soon began to pine for the sight of calico; he remarked to a prospector who visited .the trio that he would make a present of a town lot to the first white woman who visited them. About this time a family named Sackett had settled at Pine Island, and a daughter of the family hearing of this offer came down one Sunday, accompanied by her brother, and was duly awarded a deed of a lot .

The first family to settle here was that of E. C. Stevens, who made the second claim in town about the first of August, 1854; and shortly after S. P. Hicks arrived with his family, and built the hotel as above noted. The following year he built the wing of the present hotel, to which was shortly added the main portion. This property has changed hands many times, and is now owned by H. Broekett, of Rochester, and occupied by James Hellenbolt.

The birth of the first white child in Oronoco occurred in January, 1855, and was that of a Swede child, whose paternity is unknown; its mother was employed as a servant in the hotel.

In September, 1855, occurred the first wedding in town, at the residence of John B. Clark, who had in the meantime returned to "the settlements," secured a bride, and set up housekeeping. The principals in this wedding were James Holliston and Mary Stephenson, and the ceremony was performed by Frank Kimmerly, Esq., the first judicial officer of the place.

The first birth in town of which any record is made was that of Ida, daughter of J. B. Clark, who is now married and residing in Kansas.

It was often said in the early days of Oronoco that the place was so healthy as to make it necessary to kill a man in order to start a cemetery. This grew out of the accidental death of a young man named Stukeley, who was buried here in the fall of 1855. This youth, in company with a friend, was riding with L. B. Hodges and Captain Letts, from Red Wing to Oronoco. Young Stukeley and companion rode on a trunk, while Hodges and Letts sat in the seat of the wagon. The young men had a shotgun which they frequently used in tiring at prairie-chickens, those birds being very numerous at the time. Each time after firing, the gun was placed across the seat between its occupants with the muzzle pointing back. Despite the caution of Mr. Hodges, Stukeley persisted in drawing the gun toward himself by the muzzle, and when about half-way through the trip he thus caused the discharge of the weapon by catching the hammer on the seat, and received the charge, without any scattering, in his head, entering at the chin and making no larger wound than a bullet would have made. He sank without a quiver. His body was brought by his companions to this place and interred next day. One corpse had been previously buried here, that of William McVeigh, a millwright, who died of fever at the hotel in May, 1855. The nearest physician at that time was at Mantorville, seventeen miles distant, and he could not be summoned in time to be of any benefit to poor McVeigh. The first physician in town, and probably in the county, was Dr. H. Galloway, who settled here in 1856.

CHURCHES - Religious services were early held here, although the first was some three months subsequent to the first in the county. In September, 1855, Rev. Norris Hobart, presiding elder of the Winona district of the Methodist Episcopal church, held a quarterly meeting in the store building of Evans & Withrow, which is still standing on the east side of Center street, on the south side of the river. At this service there were twenty-five or thirty persons present, all males, and when the preacher requested that a collection be taken up, one of "the boys " passed a hat, securing nearly $100. On counting the money, the elder was very much astonished, and casting his eyes first on the cash and then around over the little group, he remarked that it was the largest he ever saw taken up in a crowd of such size. In 1857 a society of Episcopal Methodists was organized here, in what was then known as the Pine Island Circuit, over which Rev. J. M. Rogers presided as pastor. This society did not exist very long.

The Protestant Methodists soon after began to hold services here, but we can learn of no permanent organization under its jurisdiction.

The next society organized was that known as the "Disciples " or "Believers." In 1863 Noah Wirt, a miller, who also preached the doctrines of this sect, settled here; several families of similar faith settled here about the same time, services were soon held according to its teachings. The first preaching was in November of that year, at the schoolhouse, by Rev. Charles Rowe, of Iowa, and, in December following, a society was organized, with Noah Wirt and Levi P. Hill as elders. George W. Wirt, E. C. Stevens and Charles Whitney were the trustees, the latter being also clerk of the society; the deacons were Solomon Wise and G. W. Wirt. Services were continued in the schoolhouse until 1865, when a building was bought and fitted up as a church. A Sunday school was organized at this time, with Thomas Lindsay as superintendent. Regular church services were held for some time after this, but on account of the death or removal of many members, they soon ceased, although irregular services occurred for some years. The church hnildinc still stands at the corner of Minnesota and Walnut streets,but in a neglected and dilapidated condition.

In the summer of 1861 a series of tent meetings were held at Oronoco, under the auspices of the Advent church authorities, at Battle Creek, Michigan. A society of this faith was organized, andcontinued eight or ten years. Rev. John W. Bostick was the first pastor, and Thomas Harlow, elder. The people composing this church were largely residents of New Haven, and the society being weakened by removals, they joined the church at Pine Island, which is now the center in this region.

The only society at present in existence here is the Presbyterian. This was organized in October, 1870, by Rev. Thomas Burnett, who continued as its pastor for ten years, and through whose untiring efforts a neat church and parsonage were built at a total cost of over $4,000, of which $3,500 is invested in the church building; this is a very neat structure, with handsome steeple, classroom, and comfortable seating capacity for 130 persons. The society has never been very strong, and its services are largely supported by non-communicants. This speaks highly for the character of Oronoco people, who are willing to support the gospel, even though it be not interpreted according to their individual beliefs. At the organization of the Presbyterian society it numbered but four members, three being ladies. The trustees of its property were S. R. Terwilliger, L. B. Hodges and Leonard Jenne, who had contributed liberally toward securing it. The church edifice was begun in May, 1871, and completed in March of the following year. The society now numbers fifteen communicants, of whom but two are males. The Sunday school in connection includes sixty members, with L. A. Dudley as superintendent, L. Huntsinger, secretary and treasurer, and Volney Reifsneider, librarian. Mr. Burnett, the first pastor, was succeeded by Rev. W. C. Beebe, and the latter by Rev. E. B. Linn. Services are now conducted by Rev. E. C. Haines, a Congregationalist, in the absence of a settled pastor.

SOCIETIES. - Oronoco Lodge, No. 52, I.O.O.F., was organized February 28, 1876, with the following officers: T. F. Clark, N.G.; S. R. Terwilliger, V.G.; P. W. Ware, R.S.; M. W. Clay, P.S.; G. W. Wirt, Treas. The lodge has prospered, and now has a membership of thirty, with over $300 in its treasury. The meetings are held every Saturday evening at its hall in the second story of the schoolhouse, and are a means of profit and interest to its members. The present officers are: Joseph McLane, N.G.; L. A. Dudley, V.G.; M. W. Clay, R.S.; S. R. Terwilliger, P.S.; Moses Richardson, Treas.

The good people of Oronoco have always been active in temperance work, and organized a lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars June 30, 1875, which is known as Oronoco Lodge, No. 110, with the following list of charter members: Misses Maggie Hill, Nellie Clay, Sarah Hill, T. C. Campbell, May Wirt, Ida A. Clay, Messrs. M. W. Clay, M. A. Beebe, L. G. Hannon, H. G. McMaster, Eugene Hubert, George Brooks, Augustus Clay, J. W. Hill, B. F. Hill, and John Isabell. Like all similar organizations, this lodge has seen periods of great prosperity and of depression. It now numbers twenty-five active members, and is a means of much good in the community. The first officers were as follows: M. W. Clay, W.C.T.; Maggie Hill, W.V.T.; J. W. Hill, W.R.S.; L. G. Hannon, W.F.S.; May Wirt, Treas. ; Eugene Hubert, W.M.; Sarah J. Hill, I.G.; M. A. Beebe, O.G.; L. G. Hannon, W.C.; The meetings of this lodge are held every Friday evening in its hall in the second story of the schoolhouse. It is officered at present as follows: M. W. Clay, L.D.; Isaac Eeifsneider, P.W.C.T.; B. F. Hill, W.C.T.; Mrs. L. A. Dudley, W.V.T.; Volney Reifeneider, W.R.S.; Miss Nellie Clay, W.T.; Miss Millie Bascomb, W.F.S.; H. H. McCray, W.M.

NEWSPAPERS. - To Oronoco belongs the honor of publishing the first newspaper in the county. It was originated by the town proprietors with whom were associated Reuben Ottman and E. Allen Power. This company was organized in the fall of 1856, and the first issue of the ''Oronoco Courier" appeared in December of that year. Dr. Hector Galloway was employed as editorial writer and the bulk of editorial labor devolved on "Ned" Power. John R. Flynn superintended the mechanical department. The paper, of which several copies are still preserved, presented a very neat typographical appearance and was ably conducted, comparing with the modern journal of much older and more pretentious communities to the disadvantage of the latter. Its inception and continuance in a settlement but three years old is a fitting testimonial to the enterprise and public spirit of its originators. After just one year of profitless publication its continuance was abandoned, the last number exhibiting the same vim and editorial spirit which characterized its whole existence.

During the winter of 1879-80 M. W. Clay, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, constructed a printing press of his own invention, never having examined any press, using one of the patent rolls of the lately destroyed flourmill for a cylinder. Having completedthis press he purchased an outfit of type and engaging a compositor began the publication of the "Oronoco Journal" May 21, 1880, which he continued until June 10, 1881. The second impression of this press is still preserved in his files, the first having been retained by the compositor, and would put a Bullock perfecting press to the blush for nearness and clearness of impression. The roller, or cylinder, was made to travel over the forms, which remained stationary, and it was found an easy matter for two persons to print 500 impressions per hour. The "Journal" was not issued as a financial venture, but its character was quite superior to the demands of the community and it paid its way. The whole outfit was sold on the discontinuance of the paper and is now doing service in the West.

SCHOOLS. - In 1856 the Oronoco Literary Association erected a bnilding on the site of .the present schoolhouse, and donated its use to the public for school aud religious purposes. During this year school was maintained in this building, taught by Miss Sarah Pearce, who subsequently married Capt. William Dennison and now survives him, dwelling at Acton, Dakota. The district was organized at the first meeting of the county commissioners and was the second in the county. In 1857 the building was purchased from the literary society and was used for school and religious meetings until the erection of the present building in 1875. Under the act of March 1, 1866, the district was reorganized as an independent one. After several ineffectual efforts a vote of sufficient tax for the erection of a suitable building was secured and the present edifice was erected. It is of brick, two stories high, and contains four large schoolrooms, with halls, etc. Its cost with furniture was $4,000, and it is probably the best building for its cost in the state, and is a credit to the town and county. D. J. Bascombe was the contractor; the school board consisting of Messrs. S. R. Terwilliger, William Phelps, T. B. Lindsay, W. C. Buttles and James Barnett, the latter being clerk. The school now consists of two departments, taught by L. A. Dudley and wife, and is attended by many outside the district, on account of its superior standing.

ORGANIZATION. - The political town of Oronoco was organized in 1858, with L. B. Hodges as chairman of town board and John McMaster town clerk. The first census of which any record can be found was takenin 1870, when the population was found to number 753 souls. In 1875 the number was 881, and the last census in 1880 shows a total population of 914.

The valuation of taxable property in 1863—the first year of which the county auditor's office contains a record—was as follows: Real estate, 20,702 acres, $71,312, an average of $3,445 per acre; personal property, $13,602; total. $84,914. The last valuation, nineteen years later, shows a large increase with a slight addition to the number of acres assessed, as below: Real estate, 22,618 acres, $241,922.12, an average of $10.01 per acre, town lots being valued at $15,425; personal property, $48,610; total, $290,532.12.

The number of voters enrolled according to law in 1882 was 221, although but 143 votes were cast at the fall election. The vote of 1881 for governor is the best index attainable to the present politicalstatus of the voting population. The result showed as follows: Republican 82, democratic 65, greenback 6.

The destruction of the town records by fire in 1864, along with the residence of the clerk, Charles Whitney, renders any knowledge of public officers and acts previous to that time somewhat uncertain. It is however certain that the town did its full share in sustaining the expenses of the late war and in carrying forward all necessary public works. In 1857 a wooden bridge was placed across the Zumbro at the village of Oronoco, which fell through the undermining caused by heavy rains in 1866. The present handsome iron structure was then erected and bids fair to do service a great many years. In 1874 a wooden bridge was built over the main river near the northeast corner of section 11, and still does service. To Mitchell's history of Olmsted county, issued in 1866, we are indebted for a record of the principal town officers previous to 1865, as well as for numerous other valuable hints in the prosecution of this work. From the organization of the town in 1858 to 1864 inclusive the following gentlemen served as chairman of the town board of supervisors and town clerk respectively:
1858—L. B. Hodges, John McMaster;
1859 —William M. Pearce, A. G. Lawyer;
1860—J. A. Frank, A. G. Lawyer;
1861—William M. Pearce, E. Odell;
1862-3—E. C. Stevens,Eli D. Hewitt;
1864-John McMaster, Charles H. Whitney.

From and including the year 1865, the following served as town officers, the first being chairman of the town board, the next two his associate supervisors, and the fourth town clerk:
1865—William M. Pearce, J. F. Ruber, J. G. Burch, G. S. Barnes;
1866—WilliamLindsay, Elvin Clason, J. C. Fifield, Charles H. Whitney;
1867— G. W. Wirt, D. J. Bascomb, J. C. Fifield, C. H. Whitney;
1868— John McMaster, E. J. Rice, E. Hubbard, Russell Williams;
1869— D. J. Bascomb, W. B. Webster, H. I. Wood, C. H. Whitney;
1870 —A. D. Allis, Abel Hannon, W. B. Webster, M. W. Clay;
1871— M. M. Clark, J. F. Ruber, L. G. Hannon, M. W. Clay;
1872— S. R. Terwilliger, L. G. Hannon, W. B. Webster, M. W. Clay;
1873—S. R. Terwilliger, J. F. Ruber, W. C. Buttles, P. W. Ware;
1874—S. R. Terwilliger, Henry Moulton, A. Hantsinger, P. W. Ware;
1875—S. R. Terwilliger, A. Huntsinger, L. G. Hannon, P. W. Ware;
1876—G. W. Wirt, A. Huntsinger, Amos Moulton, P. W. Ware, the latter having been elected at every eleection held since;
1877—S. R. Terwilliger, Amos Moulton, Arthur Huntsinger;
1878—M. W. Clay, Daniel Webster, Amos Moulton ;
1879—G. W. Wirt, Fred. Rucker, Jr., L. G. Hannon:
1880—the same;
1881— S. R. Terwilliger, balance the same ;
1882—S. R. Terwilliger, Levi L. Herrick, Avery Brockway.

During the war of the rebellion Oronoco furnished its rail quota of men for the United States service without resort to a draft. A number of her sons fell at the front and in hospitals where they had been placed by the hardships endured in defending their country. Some died at home from disease contracted in the south. Many still survive, but few have escaped the inevitable injury to constitution which array life entails. Some are receiving pensions which were earned, while many deserving ones continue the weary journey of life unrewarded, and sometimes unappreciated. The following is a complete list, as near as can be learned, of those who enlisted from this town to put down the rebellion: George Atkinson, D. W. Allen, Manning Buley, Orlan Bascomb, Mark W. Clay, Jacob E. Cutshall, John B. Clark, William Carley, George Campbell, Alexander Cregg, Andrew J. M. Chase, John Campbell, Alfred Clark, William Durand, Samuel S. Everson, A. Ellithorpe, Caleb C. Emery, Perry Ellet, Samuel Furman, Jediah Furman, Daniel Fetterman, Anson A. Ferguson, John A. Frank, Levi L. Herrick, L. J. Hanson, Leander G. Hannon, Clarke L. Hubbs, Ira B. Hewitt, Lewis L. Herrick, Alexander M. Johnson, Augustas Kellogg, George S. Keelar, Ozias D. Keelar, H. J. Kirkham, James P. Kirkham, Joshua M. Kirkham, Alfred G. Lawyer, H. Moulton, John Oakins, Hiram C. Owen, George W. Prettyman, Francis Robson, William S. Robinson, Aaron Rutledge, William A. Stebbins, Roswell Stanton, E. Q. Stoddard, J. O. Stoddard, B. F. Stocking, W. A. Stevens, Fletcher A. Sheldon, Charles H. Turnley, Peter M. Thompson, George Terry, Henry W. Webster, Francis W. Waldron, Hiram B. Wilcox, Louis Zirn.

Of those above named, Amos Keelar died from the effects of a gunshot wound received at the battle of Fredericksburgh; Lieut. Alex. Cregg died in hospital at Gallatin, Tennessee; Daniel Fetterman died in hospital at Louisville, Kentucky ; George Atkinson died in Andersonville prison ; H. J. Kirkham died in Libby prison; Roswell Stanton died of disease ; Orlan Bascomb, in hospital at Gallatin; John Campbell in Arkansas; Ebenezer S. Collins, one of the town founders, enlisted in St Louis, and was mortally wounded while serving on board the gunboat Essex, at the capture of Fort Donelson.

Immediately following the Indian outbreak in the fall of 1862, steps were taken for the organization of a state militia for the defense of the frontier and the reduction of the murdering redskins. Oronoco raised a company of sixty-five men, of which M. W. Clay was made captain; S. R. Terwilliger, first lieutenant; David Hannon, second lieutenant This company was mustered in the state service September 5, 1863, at which time Capt Clay was made colonel of the regiment, and Lieut Terwilliger adjutant. This regiment, the 13th, was composed of the following companies: Salem, 82 men, Capt Sanford Niles; High Forest, 37, Capt T. H. Armstrong; Rock Dell, 68, Capt S. H. Humason ; Kalraar, 90, Capt. George Sinclair; High Forest independent Co., 55, Capt. Edward Buck ; Oronoco, 65. The regiment mustered for drill at Rochester on Saturday, September 28, 1864, and this was the end of its service. The following is the list of those enlisted from Oronoco,— the first being lieutenant, the following four sergeants, and next six corporals: E. Cregg, L. D. Hannon, Anson Wilson, Joseph D. Wiles, Caleb C. Emery, Joslin G. Burtch, Henry Moulton, Warren H. Stone, George Barnes, Charles B. Carley, Edward S. Stodart, D. J. Bascomb, John Atkinson, W. C. Buttles, Avery Brockway, W. S. Bush, Alfred Clark, Erastus Crowfoot, George Clark, Jr., Nelson Cary, John Clark, W. H. Dean, Lewis Eaton, Elnathan J. Gates, Elisha A. Hoyt, Wallace Harlow, S. F. Helle, James Newton, Amos Moulton. Almond Moulton, S. Mosher, Michael Pearce, Frederick Ruber, A. K. Stone. William Stebbins, O. Stodart, E. Stodart, M. C. Van Horn, Rudolph Vroman, ChauncyVroman, Seth Wilson, Lyman Wilson, George W. Wirt, Alvin Wirt, James White.

The above list includes nearly every able-bodied man in the town who was not already serving in the United States army. A great many horses were also taken from this section for service against the Indians. It was no uncommon thing for a farmer to be stopped on the road by Uncle Sam's officers and deprived of his team, being given a receipt for the same, which enabled him to collect its value from the proper authorities. Sometimes during the war horses were so scarce that cows were used in plowing, and thousands of acres of grain were cut with a cradle, for want of teams to draw reaping machines, women and children taking an active part in the harvest.

One of the most interesting episodes in the history or Oronoco was the excitement incident to the discovery and search for gold in the vicinity in 1858-9. Daring the former year it was discovered that the soil along the banks of the Zumbro rivers was rich in minute particles of the precious metal, and that even in the village a careful washing would turn out "shot gold." The richest deposits were found below here in the edge of Wabasha county, four or five miles away. Oronoco, was, however, the base of operations, and large numbers of people flocked hither in the hope of attaining sudden wealth. A company called the " Oronoco Mining Co." was formed, and in the fall of 1858 sluices for washing gold were erected. The approach of winter prevented their operation, and the high water of the following spring carried them away. After some delay, more capital joined the enterprise, and more extensive preparations than those of the previous season were made for wringing from the auriferous earth its treasures. The works were finally completed on a certain Friday evening in June. It was generally agreed to return to Oronoco for a rest, and a vigorous mining campaign was planned to begin on the following Monday. A few of the more persevering ones set to work on Saturday, and on cleaning up at night took out a lump of gold which they subsequently sold for twenty dollars. On Monday morning, the memorable freshet of'59 was found to have swept away all traces of the raining materials, and with them the capital and courage of the company. Such veteran miners as D. J. Bascomb, and others, having steadily refused to invest in the scheme, confidence in it began to wane, and nothing of any account has ever been done in that line since. There are nu-merous citizens still resident here who have frequently taken as high as twenty "colors " from a single panful of dirt; and many assert that a small investment of capital in sluices, etc., would enable men to at least make good wages in washing gold. During the "boom " of '58-9, real estate took on very high values in this village and all along down the river in the vicinity of the " diggings."

The township of Oronoco was so named by Mr. Hodges, on account of his fancy for the name, with one letter different, as applied to one of the leading rivers of South America. Many incidents in the experience of its early settlers, both pathetic and amusing, might be related, and a few are here given.

The winters of 1855-6 and '56-7 were exceedingly severe, and the latter was also characterized by deep snows, with alternate crusts. At this time deer were very plenty here, and, being unable to run on account of breaking through the crusts, were often slain with axes, clubs, or other convenient weapons. The same teams that went to Galena after millstones this winter took loads of venison thus slaughtered.

W. B. Webster, the first settler on Greenwood Prairie, east of the river, brought in a large stock of cattle in the summer of 1855, and had much difficulty in finding grain for them during the following winter. He relates that on one occasion he set out for the village to buy corn, crossing the stream at what is still known as Webster's Ford, with two yoke of oxen. There being no roads, he was obliged to dig his way through the snow as best he could, consuming three days in making the round trip ; and he succeeded in procuring only six bushels of ears of corn!

At this time nearly all supplies were brought by team from Iowa. There were a number of families dwelling on the southern border of this town, and at one time there was not flour enough among them to make them a meal apiece. A half-dozen heads of families came over to Oronoco, where a load of flour was expected to arrive from the Mississippi, and although a large load came in, so great was the demand that the parties above alluded to secured but fifty pounds in all.

The Indians were very numerous in this locality during the early days, and often encamped in large numbers on the banks of the river a mile below the village. In the summer of 1854 a Sioux brave applied one evening to Messrs. Hodges, Clark and Collins for lodging in their hut, expressing by signs that he had been driven out of the camp of his companions. He was made comfortable on the floor and all retired to rest In the morning Mr. Indian was missing and a little reconnoissance showed that their best horse, a handsome brown mare, had also disappeared. A short circuit made by the party discovered the trail of the mare—ridden of course by the culprit—leading in the direction of Faribault Pursuit was immediately made on the remaining horses and the missing animal was found in the afternoon, near Faribault, the chase having been so hot that the thief was obliged to abandon his booty and take to the cover of the timber. The pioneers were surrounded by Indians a good deal of the time, but never suffered any serious annoyance from them.

On one occasion while A. S. Gary was busy at work on his farm he was approached by a boy who assured him that a grove near by was full of Indians; although he could not see them he could plainly hear their conversation. To appease the boy Mr. Gary repaired to the grove, where he found two German women picking berries.

In the summer of 1855 Newell Bascomb came here on a prospecting tour, and being pleased with the outlook he decided to stay. His family was still in Ohio, and he wrote to his wife to sell their house and lot, if possible, and join him. A purchaser was found for the property, but much time was consumed in sending on the deed for Mr. Bascomb's signature and in returning it. About December 1, Mrs. B. started with her four children and succeeded in catching the last boat up the Mississippi at Galena. This was frozen in at La Crosse, and she was obliged to stay there two weeks before she could cross the river. Her husband being notified of her intention to start, had given her up for lost—as many people perished on the prairies that winter—when she arrived at Oronoco the last of December. The youngest two children had their feet frozen, and but for the large amount of bed-clothing in their baggage, which was used for wrappings, all would have perished.During the summer of 1855 there were several severe storms, and the squatters who dwelt in wagons suffered much inconvenience. On two different occasions A. S. Gary's family was completely drenched during thunderstorms, the first time by the demolition of his wagon-cover, and the second tame by the roof of his cabin being blown away. An infant child thus baptized still lives at home to relate the experience. E. K. Dyer, a neighbor, who had been a sailor, said he was lost on the prairie. On the water he could tackhis ship and dodge the severity of a storm, but here there was no remedy. These remarks were caused by the blowing away of his house-roof.

In the spring of 1356, while Avery Brockway was absent securing his claim, a bear that was pursued by E. K. Dyer's dog jumped through the window of his cabin. Mrs. Brockway, who was alone, made all haste up the ladder into the garret and pulled the ladder up. Dyer procured a gun and shot the animal through the window, and Mrs. B. was released from her imprisonment. Mrs. Seth Wilson had a similar fright while her husband was pre-empting land at Winona. Their cabin had not been chinked, and a bear annoyed her all one night by walking around the house and frequently thrusting his nose in between the logs. With the advent of day he departed, but she was not partial to staying alone for some time after.

During the early days of the village, anyone who would settle and help on business was welcome, "and no questions asked." Among the early settlers was Frank Kimmerly, a native of Canada. He was shortly elected justice of the peace, and, although he was not naturalized as a citizen, continued to fill that office for several years. A laughable incident in his official career is thus related: In common with others, he spent much time in playing cards at a saloon then existing here. One day a general drunken row took place, and to sustain the dignity of the law, he caused the arrest of some of the participants. The justice having sobered off next morning, opened his court and proceeded to take evidence. The first witness called was directed to tell what he knew of the affair, and began in this way: "Yer honor and another drunken Irishman — " "Order!" called the court, "the witness must not implicate me. Now go on." "Well, yer honor, yerself and another drunken spalpeen—" "Silence !" yelled the court, and finding it impossible to prove anything without compromising "his honor," the case was dismissed.

E. Allen Power, or "Ned" as he was called, was another unnaturalized Canadian who took a prominent part in public affairs, being elected to the lower house of the legislature at the same time that his senior newspaper colleague was chosen as a senator. But then "Ned" was such a jolly good fellow, nobody thought to inquire whether he was a citizen.

The saloon business has never prospered much in Oronoco, to the credit of her citizens be it said. In early times, when the inhabitantswere largely transient, this business flourished. In the license year of 1871-2 a saloon was kept here, but never since, although liquor was sometimes sold in defiance of law by druggists. Public sentiment is very pronounced in opposition to liquor drinking at this time, and at the last vote on the license question, but two votes were cast in its favor! This surely supports the assertion in tbe opening of this chapter that Oronoco is peopled by a high class, morally and intelligently.

The Zumbro river, which contributes so much to the beauty and prosperity of this region, is a somewhat treacherous stream, making unexpected rises and containing many deep basins. The lives of many persons have been sacrificed to satisfy its greed for human life, no less than eight having been drowned in its waters within a radius of one mile from the mill, most of them at the dam, and some have had miraculous escapes. The first person drowned was Eddie, a young son of Alfred G. Lawyer, an early resident. A four-year-old son of John Irish was the next Soon after, two young men, John and Alden Hill, were drowned by venturing on weak ice over the pond. A son and daughter of Arthur Nichols and a young man named Rose, the latter in May, 1880, fed the insatiate waters. In June, 1880, Dr. Farrand, a valuable citizen, lost his life, as elsewhere related. At Webster's Ford, four miles down the river, two persons have been swept away by high water. In 1876, Miss Myra Wood attempted suicide by plunging into the mill-flume, and was rescued by an apparent miracle. On October 3,1881, while fishing below the dam, James Barnett and a companion were drawn under the fall and barely escaped death.

On the organization of the state in 1858 there was very little taxable property in the town, and much distress prevailed on account of the forcible collection of taxes. W. C. Buttles was the first town treasurer, and was required to make collections according to the law at that time. When he found that in some cases he was compelled to levy on the only cow of a family, or otherwise cause great hardship, he refused to do anything of the kind and proceeded to Rochester and resigned his office.
Source: The History of Winona and Olmsted Counties, 1883

PLEASANT GROVE TOWNSHIP (105N 13W)
PLEASANT GROVE township, organized May 11, 1858, and its village, platted in 1854, derived their name "from a beautiful grove of oaks, where the little village is located."
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

QUINCY TOWNSHIP (107N Range 11W)
QUINCY township, organized May 11, 1858, bears the name of cities in Massachusetts and Illinois, and of villages and townships in fourteen other states.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

ROCHESTER TOWNSHIP (106N Range 14W)

ROCK DELL TOWNSHIP (105N Range 15W)
ROCK DELL township, organized May 11, 1858, has narrow gorges or dells, with ragged cliffs of limestone, eroded by little streams flowing northward to the South branch of the Zumbro river.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

The year 1854 was that in which the first settlements were made. Nels Nelson, Tollef Oleson, Ole Oleson, Ole Amanson, Guta Molson, I. Golberg, Ole Tollefson and Ole Christ, all settled here this year. They came mostly from the Norwegian settlements in Dane county, Wisconsin. Rock Dell is almost wholly settled by Scandinavians. There are in the southwest corner of the town a few Irish and in the center two American families. The first birth in this town was that of Ole T. Oleson, son of T. Oleson, born on the 9th of September, 1854. The first death was Guta Molson. There was but little timber here when the first settlements were made, but now every farmer has an acre or more of timber, oak, poplar or cottonwood, which he has cultivated for his own use. In the northwest corner of the town there is a marsh of fully 300 acres, and in the southern part there are a few small ones.

There is one store of general merchandise in the town, owned by Nels Magneson, who is also postmaster for the Rock Dell post-office. This store was first opened by Antonie Johnson in 1876, it stands on section 8.
Source: The History of Winona and Olmsted Counties, 1883

SALEM TOWNSHIP (106N Range 15W)
SALEM township, organized in 1858, was named by Cyrus Holt, a pioneer who came here in 1855 and was appointed postmaster of an office established in the winter of that year. The post office, and later the township, received this name from Salem, the county seat of Marion county, Illinois. The first settlement in Salem was made in June, 1854, by J. B. Dearborn, J. W. Hurd and Albert B. Hurd.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance

VIOLA TOWNSHIP (107N Range 12W)
VIOLA township, at first named Washington, organized in May, 1858, was renamed at the suggestion of Irwin N. Wetmore, for the village of Viola in Wisconsin, about forty miles southeast of La Crosse. However, Carl Beirbaum and Mr. Whitman located in Viola during the summer of 1854. The railway village in this township, bearing the same name, was platted in September, 1878.
Source: MINNESOTA GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Their Origin and Historic Significance