Clearwater Excerpts from:Farnham's History of Wright Co., MN ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. If you have found this file through a source other than the MNArchives Table Of Contents you can find other Minnesota related Archives at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm Please note the county and type of file at the top of this page to find the submitter information or other files for this county. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Rebecca B Frank ========================================================================= Clearwater Excerpts from: Farnham's History of Wright County. Delano Eagle, Publishers. Delano, MN. Call No. #: 977.6 F23d (Originally publish in 1880 by the Delano Eagle and written by Daniel Ross Farnham.) Pages 160-175 CLEARWATER This town comprises all of township 122, range 27, on the east side of Clearwater River, and a small portion of township 123, same range, as well as sections 7, 8, 17, and 18 in township 122, range 26. Clearwater is bounded on the north by the Mississippi river, on the east by Silver Creek, on the South by Corrinna, and on the west by the Clearwater River. The town is mostly prairie, with some timber along the river banks, or on the shores of the numerous lakes. Timber is quite heavy around Sugar and Bass lakes which are partly in the town, and partly in Corrinna. These lakes are much larger than those with the town, or which there are ten. The soil upon the prairie is rather light and sandy, with generally a clay subsoil, but as farming land produces good crops. Clearwater has a much larger percentage of cultivated land than any other town in this county. FIRST SETTLERS Selah Markam, on of the earliest settlers, is a native of Illinois; he took a claim on section 7, town 122, range 26, in October 1854, and has resided there ever since. He is a wagon-maker by trade but has always been an enterprising farmer. He took a prominent part in the organization of the county in 1855, and was one of its first assessors. A. Boynton settled about the same time as Markham. Early in 1855 came John Oakes and sons from the State of Maine, and took claims on sections 8 and 17. Oakes died in 1861. Of his sons, Andrew E. Oakes, who resides in section 17, has taken an active part in county affairs, and held the office of county commissioner from 1861 to 1869; John A. Oakes was elected member of the legislature, representative in 1876, and served in that capacity with credit to himself, and honor tot he county. Asa White came the same year, and with others laid out, or staked out the townsite on the south side of the Clearwater river, naming it El Dorodo. T. C. Porter came from Pennsylvania in 1855, and on the 8th day of March took a claim on section 2, town 122, range 27, where he now resides on his fine farm. He has served the county as commissioner for 3 years, from 1875 to 1878, and was chairman of the board during that time. In 1880, he was elected ember of the legislature, a representative. Mrs. Porter was the first white woman in the town. The year 1855 brought many new settlers; Dr. J. D. Wheelock, from Vermont, took a claim on section 2, where he now resides. Mr. Wheelock is not only a farmer but is also a prominent physician, and has held important offices under the government during the civil war, and for several years has been examining surgeon for the pension office. During the same year Simon Steven, Horace Webster and John Farwell came here from Canada. Stevens and Webster were pioneers in Hennepin county, having built a dam and mill in 1853 on Little Falls creek at the foot of lake Minnetonka. Simon Stevens took a claim on section 1, near the village, where he now resides, a successful farmer and stock raiser. Horace Webster took a claim on section 2, and still make of the old claim a pleasant home; as a farmer he has been a success. Stevens, Webster and Farwell had considerable trouble with the old townsite holders of the pater town of El Dorado, White, Boynton, & Co., but finally made a compromise, bought out the old company and laid out the present village of Clearwater in 1856. During the year 1856, many new settlers came, among others, W. J. Kirk, John Kirk and Robert Kirk, and almost every claim on the town was taken. Cabins were built all over the prairie and settlers began to find their way into the timber. ORGANIZATION The board of county commissioners met at Monticello, April 9th, 1855, and amongst other business transacted, divided the county into election precincts. Big Bend, including the present town of Clearwater, was described as follows: "Bounded on the east by a line running due south from John O. Haven's northwest corner of the Mississippi river, to the south line of the county; on the south and west, by the south ones of the county; on the north by the Mississippi river." The dwelling-house of Selah Marham, was designated as the place of holding the election. Selah Markham, John Oakes and John C. Dow were appointed judges of election; Oscar Dow and John Lowell constables. A school district was established in the Big Bend precinct, district No. 3, and Selah Markham was appointed school agent. On the 6th day of April 1858, the county commissioners, under an act of the legislature, proceeded to divide the county into towns, and the town of Clearwater with the present town of Corrinna was established. The first town meeting was held at the village of Clearwater, May 11th, 1858, and the following were elected town officers: Town clerk, Samuel Whiting, Jr.; supervisors, J. D. Wheelock, chairman; Hiram Woodworth, Cyrus Smith; treasurer, H. J. Dunton; justice of the peace, A. W. Waldron; constable, Thomas J. Doble; overseer of the poor, Simon Stevens. GRASSHOPPERS Clearwater was on of the first towns in the count to engage in farming, and in 1856 and 1857, suffered most from the ravages of the grasshoppers; many of the enterprising farmers lost their entire crops, and some left the town never to return. Wheat, oats, corn, potatoes and garden vegetables were nearly destroyed, and as many had invested their entire means in their crop, they were almost ruined, and forced to leave. GINSENG The citizens were not very greatly benefitted by the ginseng trade, except in the southern part of the town. But the trade, was kept up for several years and increased business in the village. BIRTHS-MARRIAGES-DEATHS The first child born in the town was Mary Whitney, born Sept. 10th, 1866. The first marriage was that of J. W. Stevenson and Emma Kent, Sept. 2, 1855. The first death, J. W. Stevenson who died August 26th, 1856. The first school was kept by S. C. Powers, commenced the 1st of December 1857, and the first school house was built in April 1860. CLEARWATER This town was one of the most patriotic in the war of 1861, never having been subjected to a draft. The following were the soldiers who served in the United States army, during the war: FIRST REGIMENT Ellet B. Perkins, Lieut. Isaac N. Hoblitt, Co. D. H. L. Gordon, Co. D. C. D. Robinson, Co. D Edwin S. Post, Co. D Orange S. King, Co. D Geo. E. Fuller, musician, Co. D Lemuel B. Carter, Co. F Carrol H. Clifford, Co. F John Clator, Co. F Henry W. Crown, Co. F W. H. Garry, Co. D. W. A. Gordon, Co. D Levi B. Green, Co. D Charles W. Gree, Co. D A. C. Hayden, Co. D E. L. Hamilton, Co. D John F. Hoblitt, Co. D Charles W. Hugh, Co. D A. E. Howe, Co. D Chas. A. Hutchins, Co. D A. H. Hyatt, Co. D Charles Rynes, Co. D Joseph Smithson, Co. D C. W. Smith, Co. D Edward Waler, Co. D C. W. Woodworth, Co. D SECOND REGIMENT George C. Clifford, Co. C. THIRD REGIMENT W. W. Webster, Major Jonathan N. Fox, Serg. Co. A James E. Brown, Serg. Co. A C. P. Camp, private, Co. A. Geo. Davis, Co. A A. C. Collins, Co. A Edward Cowan, Co. A Elisha Cowan, Co A O. D. Gamage, Co. A Amos McDonald, Co. A Samuel Smith, Co. A Martin Minster, Co. A W. B Walter, Co. A D. E. Woodworth, Co A EIGHTH REGIMENT Thomas Tollington, Cap. Co. E. Edwin P. Bradbury, Co. E Frank W. Clifford, Co. E Charles G. Ellis, Co. E Charles H. Gibbes, Co. E Randolph Holding, Co. E John D. Ponsford, Co. E William Ponsford, Co E William Everman, Co E SIXTH REGIMENT Frank Zimberman, Co. E William Dixon, Co. E INDIAN WAR OF 1862 AND 1863 Clearwater felt severely the Indian scare, the town becoming nearly depopulated. A fort or stockade was built at the village, and the settlers in the timber, here found a home. Squads of soldiers were located in town at different times during the two years, and the prairie farms were generally cultivated, but he southern part of the town many of the settlers departed never to return. ROADS AND BRIDGES The citizens of Clearwater have had a heavy tax to support in the building of roads and bridges; although much of the town is prairie, the Clearwater river on the west, and Fish creek on the south, both subject to the rise and fall of water in the Mississippi, have been ver had on bridges. The town has had some help from the county, and a small appropriation was given by the State to help build the Fish creek bridge, which has been carried away several times, but which is now built high enough to be safe, and is a good substantial bridge. The three bridges on the Clearwater river have been mostly built by the town, without outside help, and Clearwater can now boast of good roads and bridges. RAILROADS Clear Lake station, across the river on the branch line of the St. P. M. and M. railroad, three and one half miles from town, has been the nearest point for railroad accommodation, but the same company have a road graded and now read for the track, from Minneapolis through Osseo and Monticello to Clearwater; so the town will have in a short time the advantage of a railroad running through it. CROPS During the very dry seasons of 1854, and 1865, as also in the 1868 and 1869, Clearwater had a narrower escape then any town in the county, from failure in wheat and other cereals, and farmers began to turn their attention to other and more diversified crops, and also to stock raising, and now stall feeding and fattening beef is one of the most profitable farm interests. In 1880 the crops were as follows: Wheat 873 acres Oats 162 acres Corn 410 acres Barley 6 acres Rye 6 acres Potatoes 13 acres Sugar cane 8 acres Cultivated Hay 53 acres Total Acreage 1,525 Apple trees, growing 1,429 Apple trees, bearing 338 Maple syrup 78 gals Maple Sugar 134 lbs. No. of Milch cows 309 No. of Sheep 318 Wool, No. lbs. 1,372 No. of hogs 58 No. of horses 98 Working cattle 39 No. of farms 50 Population including the village: in 1860, 240; in 1865, 401; in 1870, 552; in 1875, 603; in 1880, 658; village population in 1880, 218 CLEARWATER VILLAGE The townsite was surveyed and laid out in December 1855, the owners being Simon Stevens, Horace Webster and John Farwell. It is bounded on the north by the Mississippi, and on the west by the Clearwater river. The business part of the village is nearly all on the second bottom land along the river. The business part of the village is nearly all on the second bottom land along the river. On the hill or bluff are several residences, the Morrison house, school house and the Congregational church. MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES The flouring mill, which is one of the very best in the county was built in 1858 by Rogers, Mitchell and walker, and was subsequently owned by E. Cordwent & Co., in 1860, Baker in 1862. P. B. Thomas in 1867, and was one of the best flouring mills in the northwest; but in January 1877 it was burned. There are three water powers on the Clearwater river within the limits of the townsite. The flouring mill at the upper falls was built by James Campbell in 1861, sold to Forest and Ladd in 1869, and burned in1870. The water power was purchased by Davis and Beal, and a new mill built by them in 1872. After the burning of the lower mill in 1872, the upper mill was moved tot he lower millsite and its former location is now unoccupied. The three dams are all within a half mile of the Mississippi, and are in every respect the best water powers in the county. John Dodds has a small mule saw mill at the lower dam near the Mississippi built in 1879, and works it most of the time, sawing both pine and hardwood lumber. In the spring, when the "Father Waters" gets on a rise, the mill is troubled by back water. On the same dam, Thomas Tollington has a sash, door and blind factory. The business was established in 1860 by Seth Gibbs, a native of the state of Maine, who came to Clearwater in 1856, and built a factory, Thomas Tollington became a partner in the business in 1866. On the 24th of October 1874, Mr. Gibbs got caught in some of the machinery, and was killed; since which date Mr. Tollington has carried on the business. A cheese factory, the only one in the county, was established here in 1879, and has been doing a good business. With its splendid water power, and enterprising citizens, and now that a new railroad has been added, Clearwater must become one of the principal manufacturing towns in the county. GENERAL STORES Samuel Whiting came to Clearwater in 1857, and started a general store in 1861. His is the oldest establishment of the kind in the county, and during the twenty years that he has been in business, he has always prospered. Whilst nearly all of the first stores in the county have had failures on account of various disasters in the shape of bd crops, Indian wars and grasshoppers. Mr. Whiting has continued to keep a full stock and do a thriving business. Since his first opening he has in 1876 put up one of the best store building in the county. The block is 40 by 50 feet, two stories high and is an ornament to the village. The entire lower story or ground floor is used for a store, or rather two stores, as there is a glass partition running through the entire length of the building dividing the grocery and hardware department from the dry goods. In every respect it is the neatest and best store, containing the most extensive stock of goods to be found outside the cities. The upper story is devoted to a fine large hall used for various public purposes. W. W. Webster is a native of Canada, who came to Clearwater in May 1857, and enlisted in the third regiment, Minnesota infantry and gained promotion step by step, until he held the commission of major. He opened a general store in 1868, has always kept a full stock of goods, and has been for thirteen years doing a safe and substantial business. Always liberal, and the foremost in every good work, it is not to be wondered at that he has a host of firm friends, and that his customer are the best farmers and mechanics in the county. The prosperity and success of the village in schools, societies and other institutions is due in a great measure tot he energy and liberality of such men as Major Webster. J. F. Fuller came to Clearwater in 1857, and started a general store in 1865, which has been in a prosperous condition ever since. He has held many town offices and has been postmaster for the past seven years. His stores contains a good stock of general merchandise, groceries, clothing and notion. L. C. Johnson commenced business in 1875, has a large store and keeps constantly on hand a large stock of dry goods, groceries, hats, caps, boots and shoes. He has a very good run of custom among the towns people and farmers, and seems to be a general favorite with all. On feature very noticeable and perhaps a cause of success, in the business enterprises of Clearwater, is an absence of partnerships; almost all the merchants are alone in their business, and the word company is almost unknown. DRUG STORES Phillip Schwab is a German who first settled in Rockford in 1875, where he kept a drug store and saloon, went to Minneapolis in 1867, and came to Clearwater in 1868, opening a drug and grocery store which he kept unit 1873. Since that date he has devoted his business entirely to drugs, always doing a good trade, and he now owns one of the finest residences in town. Clearwater is indebted to Mr. Schwab for much of its prosperity, and his money is in many of the new enterprises of the day. In the absence of a bank, he is a very convenient and accommodating citizen, and one of the kind who are reckoned a great help in time of need. S. M. Phillips purchased the store and stock in trade of J.H. Davis in 1871; the firm was Crossman & Philips until 1876, since which time Mr. Phillips has been alone. He carries a very large stock of drugs, medicines, paints and oils, has a splendid store, and like the other merchants, is doing a first class business. HARDWARE, MACHINERY AND BLACKSMITHS Boutwell & Crossman are the principal dealers in hardware. The business was established in 1879, by E. P. Crossman, and in 1880, Mr. Boutwell bought an interest, since which time they have added farm machinery to their general stock, and are doing an extensive and profitable trade. E. Clocker is the principal blacksmith, and this trade with the farm machinery that he handles is bringing him a good livelihood. He is one of the very best workmen in the county. HOTEL The Morrison house was built in 1857, by Frank Morrison, and was for a long time the largest and best hotel in the county. George Benson and Simon Stevens have each for several years been landlord of the Morrison house. At the present time it is under the management of W. R. Blackburn, who makes it a veritable travelers' home. It is located on the bluff, commanding a fine view of the village and adjacent country, and is a commodious and well kept hotel. R. L. Campbell is the harness maker, Mrs. R. A. Lyons, the milliner and dressmaker, and Mr. R. A. Lyons proprietor of the stage line and ferry; these with a few others in small business make up the village. CHURCHES, SOCIETIES The first Congregational church of Clearwater was organized April 20th 1859, with 6 members. The first minister was Rev. O. S. Sentor. In 1860, preparations were made for building a house of worship, and the church was finished and dedicated May 2nd, 1861. The house is located on the bluff in a prominent locality, and makes a good appearance. It is a fine building, and the church society is prosperous, having a membership now of about 80. The ministers have been Rev. O. S. Sentor, Wm. Crawford, W. B. Dada, Nelson Clark and the present one is P. S. Smith. The first Methodist service held in the vicinity of Clearwater, was at Mr. Dow's, about two miles from where Clearwater now is, in December 1855, Rev. Mr. Creighton of Monticello officiated. There was then no Methodist minister stationed at Clearwater, St. Cloud, Fair Haven or Main Prairie. Jan 8th and 9th, 1858, Rev. S. T. Sterrett, presiding Elder of Monticello district, held a quarterly meeting service at Orino, after which he stationed Rev. L. Gleason at Clearwater, who held his first service on Clearwater charge Jan. 23, 1858, in the forenoon, at a school house called the Fremont school house. In the afternoon he held a service in Clearwater in a building used for the purpose owned by Mr. Francis Morrison. This was the first Methodist sermon preached in Clearwater. Mr. Gleason then organized the church as follows: Members, James Lee, Rebecca Lee, Joseph Pratt, Eliza Pratt, B. T. Lyons, Lydia Lyons; Probationers, Martha Pratt, and William Long; James Lee was appointed class leader, B. T. Lyons and Joseph Pratt as Stewards. The charge has had the following pastors: Pastorappointed inL Gleason1858B. Blain1860S. T. Sterrett1861T. M. Berlin1862L. Gleason1863Moses S. Harriman1864C. T. Barkaloo1865 Rev. Rorl1867L. Gleason1869C.T. Garvin1872N. Lathrop1875M. B. Smith1877J. N. Henry1879Leland P. Smith1880 At one time the charge included Fair Haven, Main Prairie and Clear Lake in Sherburne county. It has since been divided, and now includes only Clearwater and vicinity, and Clear Lake in Sherburne county. Clearwater for several years a parsonage, but no church building. In June 1881, a church was begun and in a few weeks the church expects to rejoice in the possession of as pretty a house of worship as can be found in the Mississippi valley north of Minneapolis. The past ecclesiastical year has been one of prosperity. The Catholics bought and refitted the old school house some years ago, and services are now held there, pending the erection of a new and larger edifice. The present membership is quite large and the building almost too small to accommodate all. The church is attended from Maple Lake. Clearwater Lodge, No 28, A. F. & A. M. was instituted in August 1858. W. T. Rigby was the first W. M. and he held that office for many years. James Colgrove is the present W. M., the lodge owns a building in the village with a store, and a hall in the second story; they also have laid out a cemetery of 5 acres, well fenced and well kept, named the "Cassia;" the society is in a flourishing condition. Clearwater Lodge, No. 40, I. O. of G. T. Is a working temperance society, and was organized in March 1871. Clearwater Grange, No. 18, P. of H. was instituted on 1869, and was a live farmers' society for a number of years, but is not in working order at present. CEMETERIES Mount Hope Cemetery and the Mason's Cassia, are both respectable buying grounds, and are a credit to the liberality and public sentiment of the village and town. SCHOOLS Clearwater has always been noted for good schools; the village district is organized as an independent school district; the first school was kept by A.C. Powers, commenced in December 1857; the first school house was built in 1861. The school house in the village is a fine building, and schools are supported and kept about nine months in the years, the other districts in town about six months each year.