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.
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.
Daily experiences of William E. Stork as he recounts the towns he travelled through, the mileage covered, and the expenses incurred during his tenure with the military; his enlistment of January 1865; his arrival in Knoxville, Tennesee; attempts to learn the bugle; recognition of Robert E. Lee's surrender and Abraham Lincoln's death; his duty moving refugees across the river in Decatur, Illinois, near Fletcher's Ferry and ensuing duties transporting and guarding rebel prisoners; his daily life of washing clothes in the river and picking berries; the arrival of the U.S. Colored Artillery which would relieve them of duty; mustering out of the military September 27, 1865, and details of his trip home; his visit to the Belmont Gardens and Minnehaha Falls; his ride on the War Eagle and return to Brownsville; his work on the farm making repairs before leaving for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to study at the Commercial College; his political timeline and financial information.
Portrait photograph of J. A. Kiester. Kiester was an early settler-lawyer, member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota State Senate. He was also an Episcopalian, Freemason and Faribault County historian.
Portrait photograph of J. B. Wakefield. Wakefield was a member of the Minnesota State House of Representatives and Minnesota State Senate. He became the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota and was a U. S. Congressman.
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.)
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.
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.