On December 27th, 1862, Phiney Wells signed this document in St. Peter to enlist in the First Mounted Rangers. Wells stated that he was born in New York and that he was 25 years and eight months old. He listed his occupation as a farmer. Wells had blue eyes, dark hair, a light complexion, and was 5 feet 10 inches tall. The document was signed by D.R. Kennedy, who was the quartermaster of the regiment. Wells was obligated to serve for up to 12 months.
An 1889 broadside issued by the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway (predecessor of the Great Northern Railway) containing a lithograph of a prosperous Marshall County, Minnesota farmstead. 3) Single-page broadside, printed, includes text and engraving, black ink on thin pale yellow paper, 9 x 26-in., fragile, but encapsulated in polyester.
This 40-page book, published in 1897, describes the land and towns that lie on the route of the Saint Paul & Duluth Railroad. Chapters describe the route of the railroad; the counties the railroad passes through; various crops grown, including potatoes, grain, berries and small fruit, and dairying. The last chapter provides brief descriptions of some towns along the route, including Pine City, Hinckley, Finlayson, Rutledge, Willow River, Sturgeon Lake, Moose Lake, Barnum, Mahtowa, Carlton, Duluth, and West Superior.
Lawson, Victor E.; Tew, Martin E.; Nelson, J. Emil
Date Created:
1905
Description:
This is the first published history book of Kandiyohi County. This history describes the many aspects of the County's history including: early settlements, Native Americans, U.S. Dakota Conflict of 1862, politics, Monongalia County history, State Capital lands, geology. Each township also has its own history, which includes a plat map, history of school districts, churches and biographies.
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.
Jerome Cooley headed north from Minneapolis in about 1869. On his way north, he stopped in Hinckley for about two and a half years, started the community of Barnum, and made it to Duluth in the spring of 1873. This 99-page memoir comes from his recollections and stories he had heard about the early history of Duluth. He covers subjects such as the digging of the ship canal, sailing the north shore in the early days, Duluth hotels, early industries, the volunteer Duluth Fire Department, real estate, mayors, the election of 1876, schools, and some early characters.
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.
This 64-page booklet, published by the Minnesota State Board of Immigration, extolls the value of Northeastern Minnesota as a land ideal for agriculture and livestock. The booklet describes a fertile new country with unique conditions unparalleled elsewhere." It also describes "established railways and rich markets within its own borders; contiguous to the most populous cities between Chicago and the North Pacific Coast. The booklet describes the various crops that can be raised successfully and the projected profit per acre. Includes numerous photographs of farms and livestock.
An undated broadside issued by the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway Company, which contains the same lithograph described in the item "through Golden Valleys in Minnesota" (below), but identified as being a different Farm belonging to a different couple. Single-page broadside, printed, includes text and engraving, black ink on thin pale yellow paper.
Promotional pamphlet, with text, statistics, and illustrations, aimed at attracting potential settlers on farmsteads in the state. It extols Minnesota's agricultural resources, including its climate, soil conditions, suitability for various crops and livestock, farmer's organizations, and the general education and economic setting.
This document, dated May 11th, was sent to Eugene St. Julien Cox of St. Peter, who was the Captain of Company E of the First Mounted Rangers. The document addressed Cox as a major, but various records indicate that his highest rank was that of captain. Cox was ordered to include Sibley County in the sub-district for which he was responsible. He was also informed that a new squad had been organized in New Ulm, and that ""trappers report Indians plenty west of here."" The letter was sent from Mankato by Second Lieutenant and Adjutant George A. Clarke. The document appears to have an 1865 date, but Cox served from December 10, 1862, until November 11, 1863, and Clarke served from December 20, 1861, until December 20, 1864. It therefore appears that the document was sent in 1863.
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.
A handwritten manuscript written by Richard Coxe (1817-1898) chronicling the journey of Edward and Mary Coxe, parents of Richard Coxe and Robert Coxe, from Waterford, Ireland, first to Boston, Massachusetts, and then New York, New York, where Edward died. Mary remarried and died shortly thereafter leaving her sons in the care of her new husband. The manuscript depicts the conditions and circumstances that separated the brothers, Robert and Richard, until their reunion as adults and ultimately brought Richard north to White Bear, Minnesota, where he died in 1898. The manuscript was written circa 1880.
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.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband Edwin Clark telling of President Abraham Lincoln's appointment of Joel Basset to Indian Agent of the Mississippi River, Pillager, Red Lake, Pembina and Winnebago Chippewa (Ojibwe) Bands.
Ellen Clark wrote to her husband Edwin Clark, telling him that he has several important letters, one from H.H. Sibley. He should beware of the Indians on his travels.
Edwin Clark receives a letter from his wife Ellen Clark at Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, telling him that there is much whiskey and it should be stopped.
Edwin Clark receives a letter from his wife Ellen Clark from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, informing him that she is moving to the East (probably Vermont) to get away from the savages and drunkenness.
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.
Ellen Clark, wife of Edwin Clark, writes to him of son, Albert (Bertie's) illness since the last three months. He is seriously ill from teething infections and will likely die soon.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to her husband, Edwin Clark about J.B. Bassett possibly displacing them at Chippewa and preparations for that.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband, Edwin Clark asking him to purchase food for their stay at the Indian Agency.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband, Edwin Clark asking him to purchase clothing and food for their stay at the Indian Agency.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband, Edwin Clark of Mrs. Mixter hosting a ball with Lieutenant Mead in attendance.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband, Edwin Clark of a baby being born, of shopping in Crow Wing, of Ojibwe Chief Hole in the Day (Kwi-wi-sens)'s visits, and thinking Edwin must be excited about President Abraham Lincoln's actions.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband Edwin Clark about local gossip and that Chief Hole in the Day, got back from Washington, D.C.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband Edwin Clark telling of J.B. Bassett and James Bean planning to take some Indians to Washington City along with Ojibwe Chief Hole in the Day (Kwi-wi-sens) and Truman.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband, Edwin Clark telling of Joel Bassett's stoppage of pay to those working at the Leech Lake Agency. Bill Hare ran a liquor business formerly.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband, Edwin Clark about J.B. Bassett taking over the Leech Lake Indian Agency. Indians from the area are travelling to Minneapolis.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband, Edwin Clark of J.B. Bassett wanting to take over as Indian Agent. Joel Bassett is gathering nine Indians from area tribes to travel to Washington, D.C. to have them relocated.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband Edwin Clark of James Bean and Joel Bassett waiting for Indians from Sandy Lake and Leech Lake to meet with Ojibwe Chief Hole-in-The Day, then go to Washington, D.C.
Ellen Clark writes from Bridgewater, New Hampshire, to husband, Edwin Clark about weaning Albert (Bertie) Clark , why she can't go to visit him in Washington, D.C., and his plans on going West.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband, Edwin Clark of James Bean opening Edwin's mail concerning his firing as Indian Agent.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband, Edwin Clark of J.B. Bassett visiting with Mr. Rice. Bassett closed the blacksmith shop at the Agency.
Ellen Clark writes a letter from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency to husband, Edwin Clark of the uncertainty of the Agent and of starving and unpaid Indians.
Edwin Clark receives a letter from his wife Ellen Clark from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, informing him of the -40 temperature and of Ojibwe Chief Hole in the Day (Kwi-wi-sens) and Truman's drunken spree.
Edwin Clark writes to his sister, Martha (Mattie) Clark about a possible job in Minnesota, urging her and brother John to not work so hard, overcome her depression, and offers to help sell their farm.
Edwin Clark writes a letter to his sister Martha (Mattie) Clark, of his plans to get a job in Minnesota with the help of Ignatius Donnelly. He presently rooms with Joel Bassett. He will soon quit his job in Washington City (Washington, D.C.)
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County Minnesota, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and Garret J. Vande Berg of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. It is for the north half of the southwest quarter of Section 5 in Township 107 North, Range 45 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Grange Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 80 acres for the sum of $760 and includes detail of payment between September 1886 and May 1890 cancellation. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between James B. Close of Close Brothers & Company for Southern Minnesota Land Company and W.R. Lund of Cook County, Illinois. It is for the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 27 in Township 108 North, of Range 46 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Altona Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 80 acres for the sum of $620 and includes a detail of payment made between August 14, 1885, and November 1, 1891. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between James Brooks Close of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and W.M. McCardle of Pipestone County, Minnesota. It is for the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 7 in Township 107 North, of Range 44 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Rock Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 77.33 acres for the sum of $637.97 and includes a detail of payments made between April 11, 1888, and paid in full March 19, 1892 The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Graham County, Kansas, is between Samuel Houghton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Edward Ford North and Robert Edward Bateman of England, and William W. Yocom of Benton County, Iowa. It is for the northeast quarter of Section 27 in Township 9 south of Range 25 west of the sixth principal meridian. This is in Graham County, Kansas. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,100 and includes detail of payment from April 27, 1887, to cancellation for nonpayment August 1900. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Graham County, Kansas, is between Samuel Houghton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Edward Ford North and Robert Edward Bateman of England, and William W. Yocom of Benton County, Iowa. It is for the Southeast quarter of Section 27 Township9 South, of Range 25 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian. This is in Graham County, Kansas. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of$1,120 and includes a detail of payment made between April 27, 1887, and cancelled for nonpayment August 1900. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between Samuel H. Graves of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and William Thiesen of Plymouth County, Iowa. It is for the southeast quarter of Section 11 in Township 108 North, of Range 44 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Aetna Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,760 and includes a detail of payment made between October 2, 1891, and November 1895. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Trego County, Kansas, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Robert Edward Bateman and Edward Ford North of England, and William M. Spencer of Carroll County, Iowa. It is for the northwest quarter of Section 9 in Township 13 South of Range 24 West of the sixth principal meridian. This is in Trego County, Kansas. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,040 and includes a detail of payment made between December 1, 1886, and cancellation in October, 1888. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and William H. Swim of Scott County, Iowa. It is for the west half of the northeast quarter of Section 13 in Township 105 North, of Range 46 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Troy Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 80 acres for the sum of $740 and includes a detail of payment made between September 24, 1886, and cancellation for nonpayment in 1889. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Trego County, Kansas, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Edward Ford North and Robert Edward Bateman of England, and William Hoobler of Livingston County, Illinois. It is for the south half of Section 15 in Township 14 South, of Range 23 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian. This land is in Trego County, Kansas. The contract involves 320 acres for the sum of $2,080 and includes a detail of payment made between December 24, 1886, and cancellation for nonpayment April 8, 1893. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Graham County, Kansas, is between James Brooks Close of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Edward Ford North and Robert Edward Bateman of England, and William H. Myers of Henderson County, Illinois. It is for the northeast quarter of Section 1 Township 10 South, of Range 24 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian. This is in Graham County, Kansas. The contract involves 160.46 acres for the sum of $1,123.22 and includes a detail of payment made between March 12, 1887, and cancelled for nonpayment June 1892. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between James Brooks Close and S.H. Graves of Close Brothers & Company and William Grote of Kane County, Illinois. It is for the southwest quarter of Section 16 in Township 105 North, of Range 44 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Osborne Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,560 and includes detail of payments made between July 1, 1885, and July 1, 1887. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between James B. Close of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and William G. Huntington of Boone County, Illinois. It is for the southwest quarter of Section 11 in Township 107 North, of Range 45 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Grange Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,360 and includes a detail of payments made between July 24, 1885, and November 1, 1891. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and William F. Ihde of Benton County, Iowa. It is for the northeast quarter of Section 25 in Township 105 North, of Range 47 west of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Eden Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,420 and includes a detail of payment made between June 16, 1888, and 1889. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Trego County, Kansas, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Robert Edward Bateman and Edward Ford North of England, and William E. Bowman of LaSalle County, Illinois. It is for the Southeast quarter of Section 11, Township 13 south, of Range 23 west of the sixth principal meridian. This is in Trego County, Kansas. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,040 and includes detail of payments made between December 9, 1886, and cancellation of contract December 26, 1903. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Trego County, Kansas, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for William Austin, Robert Edward Bateman and Edward Ford North of England, and William B. Taylor of Carroll County, Iowa. It is for the southeast quarter of Section 5 in Township 13 South, of Range 24 West of the sixth principal meridian. This is in Trego County, Kansas. The contract involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,040 and includes a detail of payment made between December 1, 1886, and cancellation October, 1888. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between James B. Close of Close Brothers & Company for A. Baird and William Boland of Sioux County, Iowa. It is for the west half of the southwest quarter of section 16 in township 108 north of range 45 west of the fifth principal meridian. This is in Fountain Prairie Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 80 acres for the sum of $720 and includes detail of payment made between March 9, 1887, and July 28, 1888. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Nobles County, Minnesota, is between Thomas Waraker of Close Brothers & Company and John W. Benning and William Benning of Nobles County, Minnesota. It is for the southeast quarter of Section 33 in Township 103 North, of Range 42 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Larking Township, Nobles County, Minnesota. It involves 160 acres for the sum of $1,600 and includes a detail of payment made between November 25, 1889, and December 1, 1893. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and William Beck of Plymouth County, Iowa. It is for the east half of Section 25 in Township 108 North, of Range 44 West of the fifth principal meridian. This is in Aetna Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 320 acres for the sum of $3,040 and includes a detail of payment made between September 24, 1890, and August 15, 1894. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.
This contract, for a piece of land in Pipestone County, Minnesota, is between Samuel Haughton Graves of Close Brothers & Company for South Minnesota Land Company and William B. Decker of Livingston County, Illinois. It is for all of Section 33 in Township 107 North of Range 45 West of the fifth principal meridian. This land is in Grange Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. The contract involves 157.01 acres for the sum of #1,727.11 and includes a detail of payment made between September 6, 1890, and paid in full July 3, 1894. The Close Brothers & Company, composed of William Close, James Close, John Close, Frederick Close and S.H. Graves, organized in 1876 and located in Pipestone in 1883. They also operated under the business names Western Land Company and the South Minnesota Land Company.