This is an original plat of Olmsted County with many handwritten notes and drawings showing early Minnesota settlers, farmers and other town landscape features. This map is the earliest documentation we have found in our collection of the farms, towns, and topography of Olmsted County, Minnesota.
The Bradley House (built in 1855 by Albert Stevens) was sold to J. T. Bradley in 1861. This stagecoach stop, located at the east end, facing north, of the then College Street (now 4th Street) bridge, a block east of Broadway was on the Old Dubuque Trail. A fancy coach met all trains and transported customers and their baggage to the Bradley House.
A group of men are posed by a caravan of loaded wagons in front of the Hayes Lucas Lumber Company in Stewartville. The wagons are loaded with cement, blocks and building materials for the Urban barn and are being pulled by a tractor. Otto Urban is on the wagon behind the tractor. Frank Urban is on the tractor.
This plat book was drawn from actual surveys and county records and includes Olmsted County, the individual townships, cities, towns, a patron's directory and a table of distances for the county. Township maps show the property owners, location of roads, railroad tracks, schools, rivers, farm houses, cemeteries and mills.
The Northrop School was leveled by the 1883 tornado. This school served students of the Third Ward. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The Chicago & North Western Railroad yards received severe damage from the 1883 tornado. Box cars, buildings and stock pens were destroyed. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The T. P. Hall Buggy Works lost part of the roof and the side of the building in the 1883 tornado. Carriages and wagons are visible as well as the remains of an freight elevator structure. The business was located on the corner of College Street and Main Street. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The tin from the roof of the Heaney Block was rolled up and dropped on the street by the force of the tornado. Just to the left (south) is the Cook House, built in 1869. The Heaney Block was built by Daniel Heaney in 1866. It was in this building, on the 3rd floor, where Dr. William W. Mayo set up temporary hospital for the care of those injured in the tornado. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The object in the foreground is a roll of tin that was torn off the Heaney Building by the 1883 tornado. The Heaney Block is on the right, with the Cook House across the street (to the left of Heaney Block). On the 3rd floor of Heaney Hall, Dr. William Worrall Mayo set up a temporary hospital for the care of those injured in the tornado. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
This view of North Rochester shows the most heavily settled section of the city. Very few houses are still standing after the 1883 tornado. This photo was taken from Cole's Mill. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
This photo was taken from Cole's Mill and shows the extensive property damage from the 1883 tornado. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The mill race is filled with debris and an overturned railroad car. The damaged Cole's Mill is in the background. A horse and buggy stand near the mill. John M. Cole, the proprietor of the mill was found dead in the street between the mill and his residence. He had apparently left the mill to go home when he was killed by the storm. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
One building in this scene of a section of Broadway is still standing. All other buildings have been destroyed by the 1883 tornado. The wooden walkway is also damaged in several sections. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
Most of the houses have been destroyed in this view of a street in Rochester after the tornado of 1883. The buildings left standing are all heavily damaged. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
Only a few houses remain standing after the 1883 tornado. This is the view from Cole's Mill showing the residential section of Rochester. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
Vedder's Farm Machinery Depot was the largest in Southeastern Minnesota. It was built in 1879 and located on the corner of 5th and Broadway. About 75 feet of his store was destroyed. Albert D. Vedder and his wife were in the cellar and saved from death by heavy timbers that lodged above them and kept the ruined masonry from crushing them. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The force of the winds from the 1883 tornado blew the railroad bridge into the Zumbro River. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
This photo shows debris caught in trees, trees with no leaves and piles of rubble everywhere. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
This large building was completely destroyed by the 1883 tornado. Roof timbers are broken and laying on a pile of loose bricks. The caption reads ""Machine Shop"". The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
The west end of Cole's Mill was blown in, the roof blown off, the corner of a wall torn out, the machinery damaged and the cooper shop destroyed. Eight box cars were overturned and two carloads of flour were in the mill race. John M. Cole, the proprietor of the mill was found dead in the street between the mill and his residence. He had apparently left the mill to go home when he was killed by the storm. In the foreground is the leveled home of Paul Thompson, who worked for the mill and occupied a home rented from the mill. The stove is all that is recognizable of any of the house furnishings. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
This photo was taken in North Rochester near the Cook and Proud residences. People are looking through piles of rubble. A dead horse is in the foreground, possibly impaled with a tree or branch. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
Two women are walking among the debris, another woman is sitting down. The trees have lost their leaves in the storm. Very little is recognizable among the piles of rubble except a chair and a wagon wheel. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
Part of the destroyed residential section is shown in this photo taken after the 1883 tornado. Several homes are badly damaged and many are completely destroyed. The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
Several people are viewing the damage from the 1883 tornado. A man is standing next to a piece of furniture and a boy is sitting with a large toy horse. Among the debris on the ground is a stove, windows and an umbrella. The inscription on the photo is: ""Cascade Park, 20 houses destroyed, 8 persons killed near here."" The tornado struck Rochester in the early evening of Aug. 21, 1883.
A group of spectators at the entrance to the Zumbro Hotel watch four men in a car at the curb. A jug, spare tire and sign reading ""New York to Rochester"" hang on the side of the car.
Mrs. Alexander Ross (M. J. Ross) wrote this undated letter from Kingston to her cousin. She mentions her family and their health. The top portion of this letter is missing.
Members of a threshing crew are posed in front of and on a steam tractor and thresher. The tractor and thresher have large metal wheels. There is a large pile of chaff in the background.
Several people are posed on a tractor and thresher with other people driving teams pulling wagons. A barn and a large pile of chaff are in the background.
Alexander Ramsey wrote this letter from Saint Paul. He discusses the rules and judgment that affect the appointedment of officers to new and existing regiments.
Under the Act of April 16, 1917, the State of Minnesota created a commission to ensure public safety of all Minnesotans, their property and the nation in the event of war. This pamphlet documents the creation and execution of this law, and lists the members of the committees created and their purposes.
The Zumbro River flooded a residential section of the city in this photo taken from the brewery. The area in the background would later become Soldiers Field Park. After several days of drenching rains along the Zumbro River basin, the river overflowed its banks in Rochester early on the morning of early on June 26, 1908. The river rose at a rapid rate (four feet in 20 minutes) and did extensive damage to the business and residential sections of the city.
A boy on a donkey is posed in front of the I.O.O.F. (Odd Fellows) baseball team. Spectators are sitting in the grandstand in the background. The Odd Fellows won the game with the K.P. (Knights of Pythias).
Judge C. E. Callaghan's home at the corner of College Street (4th Street SE) and Dubuque Street (3rd Avenue) is surrounded by the flooded Zumbro River. The smokestack from the water works can be seen in the distance. After several days of drenching rains along the Zumbro River basin, the river overflowed its banks in Rochester early on the morning of early on June 26, 1908. The river rose at a rapid rate (four feet in 20 minutes) and did extensive damage to the business and residential sections of the city.
Spectators are walking along the Chicago Great Western Railroad bridge assessing the damage from the flood waters. Much of the ground supporting the tracks has been washed away. The Zumbro River overflowed its banks in Rochester early on the morning of June 26, 1908.
The Merchants Carnival featured local Rochester businesses in an early ""trade show"" format. Employees from each business dressed in costumes decorated with items from the business.
The first vote recorded in Olmsted County was taken on October 13, 1857. The ballots were tallied and the totals were recorded by J. N. McLane, Clerk of the County Commissioners, on November 2, 1857. Voters cast ballots to determine if the proposed constitution would be accepted and for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Congressmen, Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judge of the 3rd Judicial District, Attorney, Representatives, Senators, Clerk of District Court and Judge of Probate.
Ticket number 1008 admitted one person to Soldiers Field in Rochester, Minnesota to view the preparations and balloon flight of Dr. Jean Piccard. Originally scheduled for sometime in June, the flight was delayed until July 17 - 18, 1937 when optimum weather conditions permitted a safe flight. Dr. Jean Piccard was a University of Minnesota physicist and aeronautical engineer who believed it was possible to ascend into the stratosphere using many small cluster balloons rather than one large balloon. The experimental flight was sponsored by the Rochester Kiwanis Club and supported by local residents and students.
People are pictured walking through the landscaped gardens, flower beds and walkways of the Rochester State Hospital. The hospital, also known as the Second Hospital for the Insane, opened in 1879. Farm fields are visible in the background.
Varnum Hadley wrote this letter to inform Martha Dieter of the fate of her husband. Jacob Dieter was last seen about twenty miles from the railroad. A list of all the wounded and missing from Company F is included.
This volume tells the story of Base Hospital 26, which was formed at the University of Minneota and organized by Dr. Sam Robinson, chest surgeion on the Mayo Clinic staff. The dates of operation for the Base Hospital 26 were Dec. 15, 1917, to May 3, 1919. It was mobilized and trained in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and arrived in Fort McPherson, Georgia, on Dec. 31, 1917. Major Arthur A. Law of Minneapolis was the director. The unit trained with other units in Georgia and by March 1918 the personnel had increased to a number sufficient for a 1,000-bed hospital. Base Hospital 26 staff were the first to arrive at the Hospital Center in Allerey, France, where they began to set up hospital services to aid the soldiers in World War I. The Rochester men enlisted in that city and were sworn in by Dr. Robinson, recruiting officer and organizer.
This letter is undated and unsigned, but probably was written by Rhoda George after the death of her husband, James. She writes about finances, funeral expenses and important papers. There are problems with the probate proceedings bacause of the strange wording in the will. She has almost no money left and can not access her husband's money. Ned will take his bar examination on April third. Her widow's pension application has been filled out and is expected to be mailed the next day.
The letter starts with a short note to Helen from Clinton Cilley. Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. She describes her new lodgings and their Christmas dinner. She mentions details of their life in Kentucky.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon, Kentucky. She mentions that she has not seen her husband since January first and expresses concern over the fate of her husband. She predicts that more soldiers will die from disease caused by the climate than will die by shooting. Many soldiers from Minnesota are in the hospital in Lebanon with various illnesses including measles and mumps. Lodgings are described as well as life in Lebanon with her son, Ned.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon, Kentucky. She mentions that she has not seen her husband since January first and expresses concern over the fate of her husband. She predicts that more soldiers will die from disease caused by the climate than will die by shooting. Many soldiers from Minnesota are in the hospital in Lebanon with various illnesses including measles and mumps. Lodgings are described as well as life in Lebanon with her son, Ned.
This letter is unsigned, but appears to be in Rhoda George's handwriting. She writes about the weather in Lebanon, Kentucky, and describes the unhealthy climate and sickness among the men. There are several men from around Wasioja that were in the local hospital. She expresses concern over the upcoming battles.
This letter is unsigned, but appears to be in Rhoda George's handwriting. She writes from Lebanon, Kentucky, that she has been sick. She longs for news from home and worries about her children and how they are faring without their parents. There are several men from around Wasioja that were in the local hospital.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucy. She mentions her husband's military duties, family friends and life in Lebanon. She describes the bed bugs in her room and inquires about financial situations at home and money she has mailed home.
Rhoda George wrote this letter to her family from Camp Anderson (Lebanon Junction, Kentucky) to her children. She describes her son Ned, meals she has made, the health and well-being of family friends, making clothes for Ned and other correspondence from home.
James George wrote a short greeting to his children at the beginning of the letter and tells them that his regiment will march out the next day. Rhoda and Ned were expected to stay in Lebanon, Kentucky, until other lodgings could be found. Rhoda mentions her cooking, Mr. Cilley and other acquaintances. The letter is continued by Rhoda the next day as she describes her loniness at the departure of her husband from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky to her children. She describes the trip from Fort Snelling to Lebanon, Kentucky and life with her son, George. A mortgage, property and James George's military duties are mentioned. She expresses concern over the state of the nation. On the last page, James George sends greetings and tells his family how to find the location of Lebanon on a map.
James George wrote this letter while in camp about forty miles north of the Alabama line. He has heard rumors that the enemy might make a stand near Cornith, Mississippi. His regiment now only has about five hundred able bodied men due to illness. Many are in the hospital, but he hopes they will return to the regiment. He has every reason to belive that the war will be over in a few months.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. The health of everyone in camp has improved. They have moved to a new clean camp and everyone's health is improving. He urges her to write and to send her letters to the camp via Louisville. He plans to send $200 to the Red Wing Express office in a few days. He praises Edna's improved writing and warns Rhoda to be careful of her cough.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. He has decioded to send his wife three hundred dollars instead of two hundred dollars. He advises her to not tell anyone about the money and to keep it with her at all times. He has discharged D. Rassitor because he was not fit for duty. Rassitor will be starting for home in a few days.
James George wrote this letter from camp. General McCook is near death. The general had been sick for about two weeks, requiring him to travel in a spring wagon. The wagon was usually in the front of the brigade and was attacked by rebels when it got too far ahead of the rest of the unit. General McCook was gravely wounded and expected to die. The general's regiment, the Ninth Ohio, in retaliation, burned and destroyed everything belonging to members of the cavalry who shot the general. On the back of the letter, dated August 7, 1862, James George reports that the general has died and they brought his body to the railroad in Deckerd, Tennesse to send it home.
James George wrote this letter from White Sulphur Springs. He has been away from camp for one week and is anxious to return to his regiment. One of his acquaintances, Sweeney, is the bookkeeper at the hotel. James George has only been there two days, but is already feeling better. He expects to leave for camp the following week.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Tunnel Hill, Georgia. They are under marching orders and have been in the front for several days. He is very tired.
James George wrote this letter while in camp somewhere between Colimbia, Tennessee and Cornith, Mississippi. He writes about his health and the health of his unit. He is pleased that a surgeon is now traveling with them. He expects to get paid in a few days and has made arrangements to send some money home to his family. At one point in recent times, under medical advice, he issued regular rations of whiskey to his men. He felt it helped the men. A military board was in session examining a large number of officers who disgraced themselves in the previous Sunday's fight.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Shephardsville, Kentucky. They are between Louisville and Lebanon Junction. The rebels forces left yesterday, as the union forces were arriving. He sent six hundred dollars to the Red Wing Express office and wants Rhoda to acknowledge when she receives the money.
James George wrote this letter from Ringgold, Georgia. He has not received any letters for awhile. He is now in the extreme front within sight of the rebel force. He does not believe that he will be mustered out.
James George wrote this letter from Ringgold, Georgia. He has no time to write and expects to move soon. His troops are in good condition. He states that old officers will go out at the end of their enlistment and he expects to do the same. He will send more money home as soon as he is paid.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Tuscumbia, Alabama. He advises Rhoda on financial matters and tells her to direct any future letter via Cairo, Illinois. His unit is expected to soon move one hundred miles east. He has heard that the Third Regiment has been taken prisoner. Governor Ramsey spent the day with him. Two people died of whiskey.
James George wrote this letter from Tuscumbia, Alabama. He returned to camp the previous night. The war news is not looking very promising. Captain Markham had been drinking again and has had to resign. Governor Ramsey is near Cornith, Mississippi and is expected to be in camp the next day.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Tuscumbia, Alabama. He was very pleased with the reception he got when he returned to camp. The health of his men is good and they are getting a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. He has received news of a battle near Richmond and is not encouraged with the outcome. He speculates that England may enter the war in support of the Confederacy. He feels they can take Canada in sixty days if England enters the war.
James George wrote this letter from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. He has sent three hundred dollars by Captain T. Eifer to the express office in Red Wing. He expects to get paid another four hundred dollars at the first of the month. He has done all the paper work to discharge Darwin Rassitor. They are expecting a big battle any day. His health is not good and he has trouble getting around.
This letter was written by James George from camp near Cornith, Mississippi. He is very close to the enemy, but is not sure if there will be a battle. He is unwell and intends to leave when the battle is over.
James George wrote this letter in camp south of Cornith, Mississippi. He is very tired after several days of engagment with the enemy. Captain Kiefer returned after delivering three hundred dollars to the Red Wing express office for Rhoda. The weather is very hot. A few days later, he adds a note to the letter stating that he will be going into a house and taking some medicine.
James George wrote this letter in camp about four miles from Cornith, Mississippi. The weather is very hot. He now has additional medical aid and his health is improving. They are three miles from the enemy and expect a battle soon. The Fourth Regiment is about eight miles east of their location. Clinton Cilley now commands Comapany C.
James George wrote this letter from camp. After the general died the day before, they started marching. They had no tents the night before and he got wet from the dew. The men of the Ninth Ohio had been acting badly since the general died. James George drove off some members of that unit who were abusing two young ladies. The weather has been very hot. He mentions possibilities for General McCook's replacement. There is word that the rebels are marching towards his regiment. He is fearful that the war will go on indefinitely.
James George wrote this letter from Mantorville to his daughter, Helen on December 11, 1859. He writes about the value of education and warns her against associating with Mr. Wescotts, Blaisdelle or Sid Miller.
James George wrote this letter to his daughter, Helen on December 12 (no year). He mentions that his wife, Rhoda, is suffering from inflamation of the lungs as well as depression and that he has rheumatism. He also writes about Lerwhilleger's legal problems.
James Greorge wrote this letter from camp. He has not received mail in about a month and presumes it is because the Confederate forces control the area to the rear of his unit. He has heard of Union victories from the Potomac to the Gulf, but has no news of the enemy forces near him. He hopes Rhoda and George had a good trip home and arrived safely.
James George wrote this letter from camp. The previous Sunday, they were attacked by rebel forces, but were able to drive them away. The rebel force left about two thoudsand mules and horses and other equipment worth about a half a million dollars. His regiment had twelve killed, five badly wounded and 20 slightly wounded. General Zollicoffer was killed.
James George wrote this letter from camp and describes life with his troops and their regiment's battles. He mentions that Captain Markham was wounded and would be returning home. Rhoda George and Ned are in Danville and are on their way to meet him. He has communicated with his wife by telegraph.
James Greorge wrote this letter from camp near Nashville, Tennessee. He has heard reports that the rebels destroyed parts of the railroad between the camp and Louisville. His unit will be marching south the next day. He does not feel that they will be involved in any more fighting because the rebels have been retreating and disbanding in all directions. He does not think that the South can make a stand against the superior force of the North. He hopes that Rhoda and Ned got home safely.
This letter is unsigned, but presumed to have been written by James George. It is dated eighteen sixty one, but James George's unit was not in this area until January of eighteen sixty two. This letter was written from camp in near Jamestown, Kentucky. They are about sixteen miles from the enemy. There are rumors around camp the the enemy force is between nine thousand and twenty-five thousand men. He thinks Clinton Cilley will be promotes to one of the offices of Company C. He belives politics will prevent Cilley from being promoted to captain now.
This undated letter is signed by James George, and includes a small greeting from Rhoda George written on the back They are starting for Lebanon, Kentucky and it was expected that Rhoda George would remain in Lebanon while James George went with his regiment. James George mentions meeting old friends from the Mexican War.
James George wrote this letter while in camp near Columbia, Tennessee. He expects to go south again in a few days and join a force of about 170,000 men. He talks about his prospects for a promotion. Ned is scolded for using bad language.
Handwritten document by Edward "Ned" George containing biographical information about his father, James George, including family, education, work experience, military service, religion and politics.
Handwritten document by Edward George containing information about the character of his father, James George, including military experience in the Mexican War and the Civil War, law practice, pioneer life and politics
Two men are posed by the front of a Chicago and North Western train engine. A hand operated turntable is visible in the rear. A wooden pilot (cow catcher) is attached to the front of the engine. The man in dark clothes on the right is Joe Bell.
The Zumbro Flour Mill was owned by John M. Cole. This mechanical drawing provides a cross section of the mill and includes details on the water wheel, separator, cockle machine, bran duster, purifier, wheat bins, stock hopper, flour bins, grading wheels and receiving elevator and other machinery.
William Dieter wrote this letter from Olmsted County. He asks about Jacob's health and tells Jacob that his family is doing fine. The weather has been cold but is starting to warm up. Farmington and Zumbro voted a hundred dollars bounty. Martan Dieter has reenlisted. Most of the people they know have been home on furlough. Peter Dieter is moving to the Ward Irish farm.
William Dieter wrote this letter from Olmsted County. He asks about Jacob's health and tells Jacob that his family is doing fine. The weather has been cold but is starting to warm up. Farmington and Zumbro voted a hundred dollars bounty. Martan Dieter has reenlisted. Most of the people they know have been home on furlough. Peter Dieter is moving to the Ward Irish farm.
Martha Dieter describes her childhood including her family's experiences at Fort Ridgley, her fathers imprisonment at Andersonville Prison during the Civil War, being vaccinated for small pox and moving to Rochester.
Martha Dieter describes her childhood including her family's experiences at Fort Ridgley during the Civil War, the Indian Wars, pioneer medicine, her fathers imprisonment at Andersonville Prison during the Civil Was, being vaccinated for small pox, her mother's pension and moving to Rochester.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Warrensburg, Missouri. He is sorry to hear that Martha has been sick. The company expects to move five miles to guard a bridge. He does not like this camp because there is too much guard duty and he does not have extra time to earn additional money. He wants the children to learn as much as they can at school. He observed that many of the local children ten or twelve years old cannot read and some of them do not know how old they are. Very few people can write.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Warrensburg, Missouri. He has earned twenty-eight dollars working out, but does not know if he will get more work. He tells Martha that Parks Penharlow is in the hospital, so the rumors that she had heard that he was dead are untrue. While they were in Osage City they slept in a building, but in Warrensburg, they are sleeping in tents. He received a letter from his father. His company expects that they will move about five miles to guard a bridge.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. He is well and hopes they are all doing fine. He has already sent ten dollars home this month and expects to send another three dollars as soon as he gets paid. He earned one dollar splitting rails. He mentions wanting Martha to get a cow from Nat Irish. It was rumored that the paymaster was in Jefferson. He has not heard from his brother, William. He is anxious to hear how his father is doing.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. He is doing well and expects to earn some more money if they stay in the same place. It is warmer and the snow is almost all gone. The rings that he sent home cost one dollar and fifteen cents.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. He had two boils on his face. Mail has been slo9w coming from home but he believes that it is due to the heavy snows in Illinois and Wisconsin. New Years day it was twenty-two degrees below zero in his camp. He has been working and has earned sixteen dollars since he came to Osage. He spent five dollars and twenty-five cents for a pair of boots and another dollar and a half for an ax.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Osage City, Kansas. It has been very cold and snowy. He bought himself a pair of boots. He is owed two months pay. He asks if Martha received the jewelry he sent.
Jacob Dieter wrote this letter from Jefferson City, Missouri. He mentions that he has sent twenty dollars home. He has guard duty frequently because most of the companies have moved south.