A contract for the sale of land from John Bardwell of London, to Charles Bardwell of Birmingham, England, in June of 1656. The document is hand-scribed on parchment.
Bill of Sale for a slave named London, sold by Tabatha Wheeten to Nathaniel Willmarth in 1722 in the County of Bristol, Massachusetts bay, New England. Willmarth was the great grandfather of an uncle by marriage to Elisha Slye, only survivor of a family which came to Minneapolis in 1856.
Orgins of St. Benedict's Monastery (convent). Mother Benedicta (Sybilla) Riepp was born in Waal, Bavaria in 1825. Having entered St. Walburg Convent in Bavaria, she made her profession of vows there at the age of 21. Six years later, she was one of the first volunteers to go to America to teach the children of the German immigrants. She was appointed the superior of that first group and is, therefore, regarded as the foundress of the Bavarian branch of Benedictine Sisters in America. Though of slight and delicate build and barely able to meet the challenges of frontier life in Pennsylvania, Mother Benedicta was strong in her determination to follow the German immigrants to the farther mid-western frontier which later became the state of Minnesota. Her legacy to the American foundations was her steadfast effort to achieve autonomy for her sisters in America. Because he took responsibility for the sisters' coming to the New World, Abbot Boniface Wimmer, OSB, felt he had jurisdiction over them and often determined internal affairs of the convents, including accepting candidates and appointing superiors. Mother Benedicta returned to Europe to have their cause for autonomy presented to Rome. Eventually her efforts succeeded, but broken in health, she returned to America--to St. Cloud, Minnesota--where she died of tuberculosis at the age of 33. She is buried in the cemetery at St. Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph. General translation of Mother Benedicta's vow formula at St. Walburg Convent, Bavaria: I, Sister Maria Ana Benedicta, promise before God and his Saints, Stability, and Conversion of my morals, Obedience, Poverty and Chastity according to the Rule of Saint Benedict and the Statutes of this Monastery, which was constructed in honor of Saint Walburga, Virgin, in the presence of Reverend Mother (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives; McDonald, pages 8, 14-19, 49).
Outlines Ramsey's vision of government in Minnesota, touching on virtually every conceivable phase and aspect of the state. Identifies progress already achieved, what is in progress and what is yet to come.
These are the handwritten first Rules of Court for the Minnesota Territory, as recorded by Harvey Wilson, District Court clerk in Stillwater, St. Croix County, Minnesota Territory on August 13, 1849.
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.
Dakota language (Santee dialect) primary reader for children, in a variety of type styles with woodcuts. University of St. Thomas, Archibishop Ireland Memorial Library call number: PM1024.R6 D6
Contributing Institution:
University of St. Thomas - Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library
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.
Small handbill listing seven requirements and four prohibitions of the Baldwin school. There is a space for a signature, showing the student "assents to the above requirements and prohibitions."
Addresses Delivered at the Dedication of the Edifice of the Preparatory Department, of the Baldwin School, Saint Paul, Minnesota Territory; And Catalogue for 1853. There are colored pencil notations in the booklet.
Catalogues of the Baldwin School, and the Academic Department of the College of Saint Paul, Minnesota. MDCCCLIV. The catalogues have information on trustees, instructors, pupils, and a statement and general plan for the College of Saint Paul.
The community of St. Peter was initially, and for a very brief time, known as Rock Bend, a name taken because of the presence of a sharp bend in the course of the Minnesota River on the east side of the settlement. The name was used probably from late in 1853 until sometime in 1854. The envelope shown here, addressed to Charles E. Flandrau (1828-1903), who was living in the area at the time, is one of only a few objects that survived with the name "Rock Bend" on it. Flandrau, himself, became a very prominent resident of the State of Minnesota. Among many other duties during his lifetime, he commanded the defenders of New Ulm in August of 1862 and later served on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
A poem celebrating the State of Minnesota by Boston-born sailor Captain Sam Whiting. Whiting was the editor of a Winona, Minnesota newspaper, The Winona Republican, in 1855-1856.
This document contains the text of a bill that was passed by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature in 1857 to transfer the capital of Minnesota from St. Paul to St. Peter. This document has been determined to have been written at that time, but it is most likely a working copy of the document that was passed by the legislature. Joseph Rolette, a member of the legislature who was opposed to the transfer of the capitol, disappeared with the original bill and failed to return it in time for it to be properly signed by Territorial Governor Willis Gorman, who had, in the meantime, signed a copy of the document that Rolette had taken. Governor Gorman's action was declared to be illegal by a Judge R. R. Nelson, thus ending the attempt to move the capitol.
This volume contains the debates, etc., of the Democratic section of the Minnesota Constitutional convention. The Democratic and the Republican sections of the convention met separately. The constitution finally adopted was the work of a joint committee. This volume is 685 pages and was printed by E. S. Goodrich, territorial printer.
The St. Peter Company, which helped to promote and establish the community of St. Peter, conveyed to the town's residents through this document the land for a large park. The park is known as Gorman Park, and was named after Territorial Governor Willis A. Gorman, who was a member of the St. Peter Company. The document is dated January 6th, 1857.
More than 350 pages of the first meeting minutes of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners beginning in 1857. Contains the names of officials and the minutes noting the organization of towns, townships, school districts, elections; 335 actual handwritten pages, 25 blank pages, (pp. 341 and 342 are missing); page size: 7 3/4"" x 10 1/2"" handwritten.
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.
Samuel Medary, the third Territorial Governor of Minnesota, signed this document appointing A.P. Buell as a Notary Public in the Territory of Minnesota on the 21st of August in 1857. The document states that Buell was a resident of Le Sueur County at the time.
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.
This volume contains the debates, etc., of the Republican section of the Minnesota Constitutional convention. The Democratic and the Republican sections of the convention met separately. The constitution finally adopted was the work of a joint committee. This volume is 624 pages and was printed by G. W. Moore.
The Record of Plymouth Congregational Church Volume 1 is the first of nine volumes that provide a chronological record of the activities of Plymouth Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Contents include announcements, celebrations and events, membership records, meeting minutes and a few newspaper clippings. The Clerk of the church maintained the Record.
Signatures of attorneys registered to practice law in the State of Minnesota. Names were verified and biographical data obtained from Minnesota Biographies (MHS 1912), Legislators Past and Present (website), State Board of Law Examiners register (1891-1921), Minnesota birth and death certificates indexes, Minnesota court system websites, published alumni directories of the University of Minnesota law school and the St. Paul College of Law, Minnesota Legal History Project (website), the Minnesota Historical Society's online catalog (PALS), and a variety of miscellaneous sources.
This is a letter and contract to W.B. Sloan for ads in the "Falls Evening News" and the "Minnesota Republican" newspapers of W.A. Croffut and Edwin Clark. It is written on "Falls Evening News" letterhead.
Catholic catechism, liturgy, prayers, and hymns. Text in Ojibwa with some titles in French or Latin. 215 pages. University of St. Thomas, Archibishop Ireland Memorial Library call number: PM854 .B25 1859
Contributing Institution:
University of St. Thomas - Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library
Neill, Edward Duffield, 1823-1893; Mattocks, Rev. John 1814-1875; Ramsey, Alexander, 1815-1903
Date Created:
1859
Description:
Notice from the Baldwin School Executive Committee (John Mattocks, Alexander Ramsey, and Edward D. Neill), announcing resumption of operations on September 5, 1859 at the school's leased building on Walnut Street. The Principal, Assistant, and courses of instruction are mentioned, as are tuition, transportation to the building, and furnishing descriptions. The announcement includes the blue Baldwin School seal in Latin at the top. The Baldwin School was for female youth, however a limited number of boys were admitted if they had sisters in attendance.
Proceedings of the city of St. Paul Common Council for 1859-1860, including: City Government officers, journal for 1859-1860. The book primarily concerns correspondence and city resolutions.
The Record documents the formation of the Stillwater Library Association on Jun 7, 1859. The Constitution, a membership list and detailed meeting minutes including the election of officers and book acquisitions are meticulously recorded. The Stillwater Library Association was formed as a city library association in 1859, and the Stillwater Public Library still operates as a city library today.
Publication detailing the establishment, evolution, and expansion of the state university system and all of its schools. The minutes detail the growth of the schools, campuses, hiring and the resignations of faculty, staff, and school presidents, finances of the systems and schools, curriculum, purchase and expansion of physical campus, including property and buildings, and the establishment of the St. Cloud Normal School, Mankato Normal School, Winona Normal School, Moorhead Normal School, and the Duluth Normal School.
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.
Legislative Reference manual for the State of Minnesota containing the Constitution, Preamble and Articles, Permanent Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, Joint Rules and lists of members of the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota for the year 1860.
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.
The first volume of Randolph M. Probstfield’s personal journals, which he wrote in a ledger book. Probstfield began writing this volume in the 186? when he lived in Georgetown, Minnesota, and worked as a Hudson’s Bay Company Agent. Probstfield mixed his accounting records with information on daily events. The first few pages of this volume contain undated ledger accounts of trade at the Georgetown post. The 1875 date first occurs when Probstfield inserted information on the daily activities of the family farm near Moorhead, Minnesota. These accounts discuss weather, agriculture, visitors, household expenses and many other details of family life.
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.
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.
Proceedings of the city of St. Paul Common Council for 1860-1861, including: City Government officers. The book primarily concerns correspondence and city resolutions.
Legislative Reference manual for the State of Minnesota containing Permanent Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, Joint Rules and lists of members of the Senate and House of Representatives for the year 1861.
Morgan May's handwritten farm journal from February 9, 1861, through April 14, 1871. Morgan May, a farmer from England, was the first settler in the part of Washington County, Minnesota, now known as May Township. His journal provides a detailed record of the day-to-day operation of a large commerical farm including entries about the weather, crops, livestock, farm hands, implement and household purchases, barn construction, wages, travel and visitors as well as personal comments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proceedings of the city of St. Paul Common Council for 1861-62, including: City Government officers. The book primarily concerns correspondence and city resolutions.
Legislative Reference manual for the State of Minnesota containing Permanent Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, Joint Rules and lists of members of the Senate and House of Representatives for the year 1862.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
This letter, dated August 26, 1862, describes the fighting between settlers and Dakota men who participated in a conflict in a southern Minnesota community, most likely in New Ulm. Wheelock also describes his experiences as a member of a burial party that ventured out into the surrounding countryside. Many dead settlers were found, as well as a group of thirteen settlers who had been hiding for three days. Wheelock states his intention to leave Minnesota if the fighting does not stop soon and if he is not able to feel that he is safe in his home.
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.
Lieutenant Thomas van Etten wrote to his schoolmate, William H. Seward of Chester, New Jersey, in this 1862 letter from Fort Ridgely, near the western end of Nicollet County. He wrote about his military duties and experiences and about people he knew in New Jersey. Lt. van Etten participated in the Battle of Birch Coulee and described the battle in the letter. William H. Seward was a son of President Lincoln's Secretary of State, William H. Seward, Sr.