Ashley C. Riggs kept a ledger book journal from 1852-1873. The earliest entries are from Cold Spring (Stearns County), Minnesota and Watab (Benton County), Minnesota. The ledger's earliest entries record his activiites as an Indian Agent for the Winnnebago Indians for the years 1852-1853. The second portion of the ledger is Riggs' diary which documents his activities in and around Monticello, Minnesota for the years 1864-1873. Riggs was a key figure in the development of the Minnesota Territory and early Monticello, Minnesota community when he laid claim in 1854 to a piece of land on the Mississippi River. He built othe first ferry to shuttle people across the River. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Minnesota's second Territorial Governor, Willis A. Gorman, signed this document that appointed William B. Dodd, one of the founders of St. Peter, as a Brigadier General of the First Brigade of the Second Division of the Militia of Minnesota Territory on February 20th, 1857.
R.B. McLean came to Superior, Wisconsin, in June of 1854 on the schooner "Algonquin." McLean recollects several trips along Lake Superior's North Shore, both before and after the 1854 Treaty of LaPointe, searching for veins of copper. He discusses early settlers on the North Shore, the first election in St. Louis County in 1855, the first mail route from Superior to Grand Portage (which McLean delivered), and the first cabins built in Duluth in the winter of 1854-55.
Jane Grey Swisshelm (1815-1884) was an abolitionist and advocate of women's rights. She ran the newspapers "The St. Cloud Visitor" and the "St. Cloud Democrat."
Jane Grey Swisshelm (1815-1884) was an abolitionist and advocate of women's rights. She ran the newspapers "The St. Cloud Visitor" and the "St. Cloud Democrat."
Jane Grey Swisshelm (1815-1884) was an abolitionist and advocate of women's rights. She ran the newspapers "The St. Cloud Visitor" and the "St. Cloud Democrat."
Rev. William McKinley, 1834-1918. His obituary dated January 13, 1918 [newspaper not identified], reads: "Early Methodist Divine Dies at Home in Winona. Rev. William McKinley, dean of Minnesota Methodism, active as a lecturer, author and divine in various parts of the state since 1854, died late yesterday at his home in Winona, where he has lived since his retirement from active ministry ten years ago. Dr. McKinley was 84 years old and was known prominently throughout the Northwest as an author and preacher. In the Civil War he gained his early experience as a chaplain among the Union soldiers. His first pastorate was at Hastings, where he lived as boy on a farm. Subsequently he was pastor of Hamline Methodist Episcopal church of this city, Central Park church and of First Methodist Episcopal church of Minneapolis, besides serving as district superintendent of the St. Paul district. He was an intimate friend of Edward Eggleston, the famed minister-author, in whose church in New York city he served for a year. A native of Scotland, Rev. Mr. McKinley came to the United Sates in 1841 at the age of 7 years. The veteran Minnesota divine became well known as the able chronicler of Minnesota Methodism. In 1911 he published 'A Story of Minnesota Methodism.' Dr. Eggleston, in commenting on the work at the time of its publication, said: 'Dr. McKinley has succeeded in giving to the public an exceedingly vivid and interesting description of the early days of Minnesota, the social conditions and the leading personages in the settlements of that state.'
The book was the witnessing of one who knew and who saw the panorama of the days gone by in the Northwest.
This is what Dr. McKinley said about his landing in the state:
'When navigation opened on the Mississippi I took the first steamboat up the river and landed in Minnesota, April 13, 1855. The ice was not out of Lake Pepin so we left the boat at Read’s Landing. There was another boat at Red Wing to take the passengers to St. Paul and there were wagons to carry the women to the head of the lake. But with the 700 passengers, mostly men, there were not enough wagons to carry them and they had to walk. Rather than do this another young man and I decided to start overland to Faribault. We tramped all day across the prairie without anything to eat. Neither of us ever had done a day’s walking and before night we were used up, but stern necessity compelled us to trudge on. We saw no house nor signs of human habitation all day.'
In graphic descriptions Rev. Mr. McKinley wrote one of the most authentic accounts of early Minnesota, a book consulted frequently by historians and chroniclers.
The funeral services for the aged clergyman will be held at Winona on Tuesday."
Contributing Institution:
Minnesota Annual Conference United Methodist Church
This photograph shows St. Peter Civil War veteran William B. Stone in his uniform. He served as a sergeant in Company H of the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Sergeant Stone died in St. Louis in 1862.
This photograph shows Civil War Capt. Asgrim K. Skaro, who was killed in the battle of Nashville in 1864. Skaro served in the Second and the Ninth Minnesota Infantry Regiments. He was one of the founders of St. Peter in Nicollet County in 1853.
This is a photograph of Nicollet County Civil War veteran Andrew Anderson, who lived in Granby Township, near Swan Lake. Anderson rose to the rank of corporal in Company H of the Fourth Minnesota Regiment, serving for nearly four years.
Photographs of Minnesota Volunteers, 1861 to 1866, from the Whitney Negatives, now owned by Edward A. Bromley, Minneapolis, Minnesota. A collection of mounted Cartes-de-visite (card photographs)-size portrait photos, with a few of larger size. Not all photos listed in printed index are present.
This is a photograph of Col. William Crooks in his army uniform. Crooks was the commander of Minnesota's Sixth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry until October 28, 1864.
This photograph shows St. Peter Civil War veteran Benjamin Rogers in his uniform. He served in Company D of the Ninth Regiment of Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
This is a photograph of Governor Henry Swift from St. Peter, Minnesota. Swift was the third Governor of Minnesota and served from July 10, 1863 to January 11, 1864.
Governor Alexander Ramsey signed this document appointing Eugene St. Julien Cox of St. Peter as a Captain in the First Regiment of Mounted Rangers on the 11th day of November in 1862. Cox commanded Company E. He was 28 years old at the time he was mustered in on December 10th, 1862. Cox was mustered out on November 11th, 1863.
This photograph shows Civil War veteran William C. Durkee in his uniform. The photograph was taken in Mankato, Minnesota. A note on the reverse states that he fought in the last battle of the Civil War at Palmetto Ranch, Texas. Durkee was a captain in the 62nd U. S. Colored Infantry Regiment, but had prior service as an enlisted man in other units.
This photograph shows St. Peter Civil War veteran Frank Y. Hoffstatt in his uniform. He rose to the rank of first lieutenant in Company E of the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Civil War musician Maximilian Hoefer, who was a member of the 19th United States Infantry Band, served as a Musician Second Class from October 13, 1864 until October 13, 1867. He was born in Luxembourg in 1847, and became a prominent businessman in St. Peter, MN.
This photograph, taken in St. Paul, Minnesota, shows Nicollet County Civil War veteran B. F. Sylvester in his uniform. He served as a first lieutenant in Company E of the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. A note on the reverse indicates that he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga.
This 1865 diary records the daily farming activities of Newton Persons as well as the farm's production. On a daily basis, Newton recorded the weather conditions. Newton mentions neighbors and family. He was called to St. Paul to register for the draft but was not needed. He recorded the murders of President Abraham Lincoln and a neighbor.
A letter from Henry H. Sibley, St. Paul, Minnesota, to Charles Benson, President of the Young Men's Library Association (YMLA), regarding his upcoming speaking engagement in Winona, Minnesota. Sibley's lecture on the "Early Times of Minnesota" took place on the last day in February in 1867 and was sponsored by the YMLA.
This is a photograph of Rev. Aaron H. Kerr, 1819-1890. He was a Presbyterian minister in St. Peter from 1856 until 1878, except for service as chaplain of Minnesota's Ninth Infantry Regiment from 1862 until 1865. In 1878 he moved to Rochester to serve as steward of the State Hospital until 1890.
A oil painted portrait of Israel and Margaret Isralson. The side along Fred appears to have been cut, the bottom appears to be torn. There is water damage above on Anna.
Standing, left to right, are: Z. S. Gault, T. H. Frazier, and Henry Moll. Seated, left to right, are: G. S. Ives, George Noble, C. R. Davis, and Dr. G. F. Merritt. This photograph of prominent St. Peter men was taken in 1872.
Standing, left to right, are: Z. S. Gault, T. H. Frazier, and Henry Moll. Seated, left to right, are: G. S. Ives, George Noble, Charles R. Davis, and Dr. G. F. Merritt. This photograph of prominent St. Peter men was taken in 1872.
This photograph shows, from left to right: William Bickel, Gov. Horace Austin, and J. K. Moore, who was the editor of the St. Peter Tribune. Austin served as governor from January 9, 1870 to January 7, 1874.
This is a photo of William Carey Brown, who was born at Traverse des Sioux in 1854. Brown was graduated from West Point, becoming a Brigadier General by the time he retired.
This is a photo of William Carey Brown, who was born at Traverse des Sioux in 1854. Brown was graduated from West Point, becoming a Brigadier General by the time he retired. This photo was taken when he was a Cadet 4th Class.
Truman Smith, early member of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. Smith and his family came to St. Paul in 1851 from Vermont. He became a fruit and vegetable grower in 1858 after real estate and marble ventures. He was elected president of the Minnesota State Horticultual Society in 1873, the year the society became open to women members, and remained president until 1878. He was reelected in 1884-1885.
This is a photograph of Jeremiah C. Donahower, a St. Peter resident who served as the captain of Company E of Minnesota's Second Regiment of Volunteer Infantry from 1862 until 1864.
Portrait of Hiram Scriver, the first mayor of Northfield in 1876. He built the first stone structure in Northfield, the Scriver Building, which today houses the Northfield Historical Society. Today the Scriver Building is the oldest stone building in Northfield. In addition, Scriver ran the first dry goods store in Northfield.
Charles A. Wheaton, an early settler to Northfield. He bought all of John North's holdings when North nearly went bankrupt. Wheaton founded the Rice County Journal, now known as the Northfield News.
This 1878 pocket diary records the daily farming activities of Newton Persons as well as the farm's production and employment. It includes weather information as well as details on neighbors and family members. He also visited friends and relatives in Indiana and met his future wife, Phebe Grills. The diary records their wedding on September 19, 1878. Daily entries consist of a few short lines, and the book contains a cash account, calendars, and other information.
This is a photograph of E. St. Julien Cox, the first mayor of St. Peter from 1865 to 1867. Cox was a captain in Company E of the Second Minnesota Regiment during the Civil War. He led volunteers to fight at New Ulm during the 1862 uprising. Cox served as judge of the Ninth Judicial District from 1876 to 1882.
This is a photograph of E. St. Julien Cox, the first mayor of St. Peter from 1865 to 1867. Cox was a captain in Company E of the Second Minnesota Regiment during the Civil War. He led volunteers to fight at New Ulm during the 1862 Uprising. Cox served as judge of the Ninth Judicial District from 1876 to 1882.
A head and shoulders portrait of Sarah B. Stearns as a young woman. Stearns was an advocate of women's suffrage and was the first woman to serve on the Duluth School Board.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Portrait of Charles Y. Lacy, former Secretary of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society and second Professor of the Theory and Practice of Agrifculture at the University of Minnesota, 1874-1880.
Portrait of Professor William Robertson, early horticulturist and superintendent of the Northwest Experiment Farm, Crookston, and developer of a school of agriculture for that part of Minnesota.
A portrait of Georgia (McKee) Barrett, Herman, Minnesota, seated at a table holding flowers laid on the table. She is wearing a black dress with white lace bow at the neck. Taken at an unknown location.
This photograph shows St. Peter Civil War Veteran Jeremiah C. Donahower, who rose to the command of Company E of the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Jacoby of St. Peter. Mr. Jacoby was a very early resident of the community. He was a skilled photographer, who photographed many people, homes, and businesses in the St. Peter area.
This is a photograph of future governor of Minnesota John A. Johnson when he was 21 years old. Johnson, born in 1861, lived for a short time in Iowa before returning to his hometown of St. Peter.
This is the home of George Dryer, who lived at the intersection of Third and Walnut Streets in St. Peter. Dryer was the steward at the St. Peter State Hospital. The 1880 census lists Dryer, his wife, Anna, and their children, Mary Emma, Anna, and Horatio. George is at the extreme left, George Junior is in the baby carriage, Mary is standing, Harry is sitting on the steps, George's sister Hattie is on the steps, Anna is standing by a bush, and Mrs. Dryer is at the window.
Journal by Newton H. Winchell describing commission meetings and budget discussions involved with the writing of the Final Report on the geology of Minnesota for the Geological and Natural History Survey.
This is a photograph of William Carey Brown, a Nicollet County native. Brown, who became a Brigidier General, received many honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star.
This photograph shows Grace Jacoby, whose father, Hiram, operated a photography studio in St. Peter. Grace was photographed as a child in formal clothing, including a very attractive hat.
This photograph shows Henry (born in 1881) and Warren (born in 1882), the young sons of Gideon S. Ives of St. Peter, in winter clothing, seated on a toboggan in the photographer's studio. The background shows a painted winter scene.
This is a photograph of Hiram Jacoby, who operated a photograph studio in St. Peter for many years. He was a very early resident of the city. Jacoby took a very large number of photographs of St. Peter and of area residents.
This is a photograph of Rev. Aaron H. Kerr, 1819-1890. He was a Presbyterian minister in St. Peter from 1856 to 1878, except for service as chaplain of the Ninth Minnesota Infantry Regiment from 1862 until 1865. In 1878 he moved to Rochester to serve as steward at the State Hospital until 1890.
Parade of members of the Toboggan and Snowshoe Association in their white hats and coats along Superior Street in downtown Duluth. The orignal image was taken February 22, 1886 by Carl Thiel and Edward H. Foster and was later copied by Hugh McKenzie.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This photograph shows the well known St. Peter physician Dr. Asa W. Daniels, who had served at the Lower Sioux Agency and at Fort Ridgely prior to settling permanently in St. Peter.
This photograph shows St. Peter resident Hester Woods in the photographer's studio with a document in her right hand and numerous baskets of flowers placed near her. Hester married Maurice Dean. She was graduated from St. Peter High School in 1886.
This photograph shows one of the earliest residents of Nicollet County, Charles Flandrau, who became a judge on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Flandrau led men from St. Peter to help defend New Ulm against attacks in 1862.
Georgiana Barrett, age 3, daughter of Theodore H. and Georgia Barrett, Herman, Minnesota. She is wearing a black dress with white collar and stands next to a chair with her hand placed on the chair. Taken at an unknown studio.
Portrait of Reverend William Wallace and his family. Wallace served as the minister at the Union Presbyterian Church in St. Peter from 1889 until 1890.
Future Minnesota Governor John A. Johnson and his wife camping with friends near St. Peter. The names are on the reverse side of the photograph. John A. Johnson is number 15 and his wife is number 21. The photograph was taken in the 1890s.
A cabinet card group portrait of young men and women in front of an unidentified building. One woman is on a bicycle. People in the photograph include: Mrs. E.K. Jaques, B.F. Buck, F.B. Chapin, Katie D.M. Hunt, Lizzie Hunt, Ella Buck, Mrs. B.F. Buck, Kirk Holmes, Flora Hunt, Eva Phinney, Birgetta Fogarty, Clara Watson, Jennie E. Walsh, Anna Bucking, Jennie Chilton, Mary Chapin, Dora Probstfield, Ella Haigley, Jennie Day, Florence Morton, O.J. Myhre, Lizzie Hanson, Nellie Foss, Samuel Garborg, Octavia Evans, Susie Meili, Kittie Morton, Zelpha Foote, and Charles H. Graham.
A cabinet card group portrait of Dora Probstfield and seven other young women. The women are possibly students from Moorhead Normal School. The Fallman Parlor Photo Car was a photography studio located on a train car with the photographer renting a railroad car in order to travel from town to town. The studio was known for utilizing backdrops and props.
Mary Probstfield and an unidentified women stand in a field in front of a cook car. A cook car was a wagon that was used as a portable kitchen to cook meals for threshing crews.