CHAPTER XXIII.

MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES.

PIERRE BOTTINEAU was born in the Red River settlement, now Dakota, in 1817. His early life was passed amongst the Ojibways in the employ of various fur companies. He has lived an eventful life and endured many hardships as a hunter, trapper and guide. He was early noted as a pilot to and from the Selkirk settlement. In 1843 he removed his family from Selkirk to St. Paul. In 1845 he removed to St. Anthony Falls, east side, where he laid out an addition to the new village. He was also, in 1851, the first settler at Maple Grove, or "Bottineau's Prairie," in Hennepin county. When he came to Fort Snelling he was employed by Gen. Sibley as a guide. In 1856 he assisted in selecting locations for forts. In 1858, after the establishment of Fort Abercrombie, he located the village of Breckenridge, now in Wilkin county, Minnesota. In 1859 he accompanied Geologist Skinner in his exploring expedition, having for its object the survey and location of salt mines, and was guide to Col. W. H. Noble's wagon road expedition to Frazer river. In 1860 he accompanied a military expedition with Gov. Ramsey to conclude treaties with the Northern Minnesota Chippewas. In 1862 he accompanied Capt. Fisk's Idaho expedition, and, in 1863, Gen. Sibley's expedition to the Missouri. Mr. Bottineau now resides at Red Lake Falls, Polk county, Minnesota.

ANDREW G. CHATFIELD, a member of the Minnesota district bench at the time of his death, was born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego county, New York, Jan. 27, 1810. In 1838 he was a member of the New York assembly; in 1848 he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he was elected county judge. In 1853 he was appointed associate justice of the supreme court of Minnesota Territory, and he made his home on a beautiful prairie in Scott county, on which he laid out the town of Belle Plaine. He acted as judge four years and then resumed the practice of law. In January, 1871, he was elected judge of the Eighth Judicial district, which he held until his death, which occurred Oct. 3, 1875. Judge Chatfield was married in 1836. His widow and an only daughter, Mrs. Cecilia Irwin, reside at Belle Plaine.

HAZEN MOOERS.—Biographical details of Mr. Mooers are scant and unreliable. He was probably born about the year 1796. It is said that he was in the battle of Plattsburgh, September, 1814, when he was a youth of eighteen years of age, and that he acted as a guard in protecting government and private property. We find by the Minnesota historical collections that he came to Gray Cloud island in 1835 and remained till 1843. It is probable that he remained there till 1848. He was commissioner of St. Croix county, Wisconsin, in 1840-41 and 1842. When he came to Gray Cloud island he was accompanied by a Mr. Robinson, and located in section 23. While at Gray Cloud he was married to a daughter of Dickson, the trader, and sister of Mrs. Joseph R. Brown. We have been unable to find mention of him later than 1848.

JOHN MCDONOUGH BERRY was born at Pittsfield, New Hampshire, Sept. 18, 1827. Mr. Berry received an excellent education at the Pittsfield Academy, Phillips Academy and at Yale College, from which he graduated in 1847. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He was in the law office of Ira Paley, later chief justice of New Hampshire. In 1850 he was admitted to the bar at Concord, New Hampshire. He commenced practice at Alton Corners, Belknap county, New Hampshire. Three years later he came West and located at Janesville, Wisconsin. In 1855 he moved to Faribault, this State, and at once came into prominence. In 1856 he was a member of the territorial house of representatives and chairman of the judiciary committee. In 1862 he was sent to the state senate from Rice county, and in 1864 he was elected associate justice of the state supreme court, a position he has filled with honor to himself and the bar. He removed to Minneapolis in 1879 and died there, greatly lamented, Nov. 15, 1887. An obituary notice from the daily press gives a fair estimate of his character:

"He was not a man that mingled much in society or put himself forward on any occasion, yet he had a very social, genial disposition, and every one that knew him valued the acquaintance highly. As a judge he was universally esteemed. His decisions were always marked by a peculiarly vigorous grasp of bottom facts. His mind was a naturally judicial one. His own ideas were fresh and original, and his way of expressing them unusually vigorous. He devoted himself wholly to his judicial duties and to his family. He was a great reader and student and a great home man. His affections were wholly centred in his wife and children. His distaste for ostentation and publicity is evidenced in his expressed wish for a private funeral."

He was married May 26, 1853, to Alice A. Parker, of Roscoe, Illinois, who survives him.

MARK H. DUNNELL is of Scotch descent. He was born July 2, 1823, at Buxton, Maine. He was raised on a farm, but graduated at Waterville College, Maine, in 1849, and for three years following was engaged in teaching. In 1852 he was elected to the Maine house of representatives, and afterward served five years as state superintendent of schools. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1856, and in 1860 practiced his profession in Portland. In 1861 he was appointed United States consul to Vera Cruz, Mexico. Before going to Mexico he was appointed colonel of the Fifth Maine Volunteers, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. He resigned his consulship in 1862, and returned to Maine, where he aided the governor in recruiting and organizing regiments for the military service. In 1865 he came to Winona, Minnesota, was a member of the Minnesota house of representatives in 1867, and afterward served three years as state superintendent of instruction. He resigned this office to take a seat in Congress, and represented his district a period of ten years. He was married Nov. 20, 1850, to Sarah A. Parrington, of Goshen, Maine. They have three children living.

JAMES HEATON BAKER, son of Rev. Henry Baker, a Methodist preacher, and Hannah (Heaton) Baker, was born in Monroe, Ohio, May 6, 1829. He graduated at Ohio Wesleyan University in 1852. In 1853 he purchased the Sciota Gazette, at Chillicothe, Ohio. In 1855 he was elected secretary of state on the ticket headed by Salmon P. Chase as governor. In 1857 he removed to Minnesota, where, for two successive terms he was elected to the same office. At the outbreak of the Civil War he resigned, and accepted a colonel's commission in the Tenth Minnesota Volunteers. In 1863 his command was ordered to the South, and he was detached and made provost marshal of St. Louis, and subsequently of the department of Missouri, in which position he served until the close of the war, he being meanwhile promoted to a brevet brigadier generalship.

At the close of the war he was appointed register of the land office at Booneville, Missouri, but in two years resigned and returned to his farm in Blue Earth county, Minnesota.

In 1871 President Grant appointed him commissioner of pensions, a position for which he was singularly well fitted. He resigned in 1875, and was appointed by President Grant surveyor general of Minnesota. Gen. Baker has been prominent in Masonic circles, and has contributed much to the newspaper and periodical press. He was married Sept. 25, 1852, to Rose R., daughter of Reuben H. Thurston, then of Delaware, Ohio, now of Mankato, Minnesota. This estimable lady died at Washington City, March 21, 1873, leaving two sons, Arthur and Harry E. Gen. Baker, since his appointment as surveyor general, has resided at Mankato. He served in 1885 and 1886 as railroad commissioner for the State.

HORACE BURTON STRAIT is of Virginia Revolutionary stock. He was born in Potter county, Pennsylvania, Jan. 26, 1835. His educational advantages were such only as the common schools afforded, and he is largely self cultured. He came to Minnesota in 1855, and engaged in farming near Shakopee, but in 1860 moved to the county seat, and engaged in mercantile business. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Ninth Minnesota Volunteers, commanded by Col. Alexander Wilkin; was commissioned as captain, and in 1864 as major; was mustered out at the close of the war, since which time he has been engaged in milling, banking and farming. He was president of the First National Bank of Shakopee. He served as mayor of Shakopee in 1870-71-72, when he was elected to Congress, and served by continuous re-elections until 1888, when J. L. MaDonald became his successor. He was emphatically a working member. He has been twice married. His first wife died in 1872, leaving one child.

JUDSON WADE BISHOP was born at Evansville, New York, June 24, 1831. He received an academic education at Fredonia Academy, and at Union Academy, Belleville, New York. Leaving school at the age of sixteen, he was employed for several years as clerk and book-keeper and in teaching. Having a taste for civil engineering he fitted himself for usefulness in that department at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, and in 1853 secured a position as draughtsman on the Canadian Grand Trunk railway. At the completion of the road, in 1857, he obtained employment in railroad surveying, making his residence at Chatfield until 1861, where he purchased a newspaper, the Chatfield Democrat. At the first call for troops in 1861 he sold his office, volunteered as a soldier, and was mustered in as captain of a company in the Second Regiment, June 26, 1861. He was mustered out at the close of the war with the brevet rank of brigadier general, and resumed railroad work, in which he has since been active and conspicuous. For some years he was manager of the St. Paul & Sioux City. His connection with railroad enterprises necessitated his removal in 1864 to Le Sueur, in 1868 to Mankato and in 1873 to St. Paul, which has since been his home. He has also been a heavy dealer in real estate. He was married Jan. 11, 1866, to Nellie S. Husted, of Galena, Illinois, who died Sept. 19, 1878, leaving three sons, Charles Husted, Edwin Judson and Robert Haven.

JOHN LOUIS MCDONALD.—The paternal ancestors of our subject were Highlanders, of the clan "McDonald of the Isle." John Louis was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Feb. 22, 1836; came with his parents to America in 1842, lived a few years in Nova Scotia, then removed to Pittsburgh where he received an academic education. He removed to Belle Plaine, Scott county, Minnesota, in 1855, read law with Judge Chatfield, and was admitted to practice at Shakopee in 1858, removing thither three years later, and continuing in practice, serving as probate judge from 1859 to 1864 and publishing and editing the Belle Plaine Enquirer, and later, the Shakopee Argus, serving two years as prosecuting attorney, four years as superintendent of schools, two years as state representative (1869-70) and three years as state senator (1874-75 and 1876). In 1877 he was elected district judge, and served seven years. In 1888 he took his seat as representative in Congress. As a judge he is thoroughly well informed, clear-sighted and impartial.

THOMAS H. ARMSTRONG was born in Milan, Ohio, Feb. 6, 1829. He graduated from Western Reserve College in 1854, commenced the practice of law at La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1856, practiced at High Forest, Minnesota, until 1870, when he discontinued practice. Three years later he moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and established the Freeborn County Bank.

Mr. Armstrong has acted a prominent part in the legislation of the State, having been a representative in the legislatures of 1864 and 1865, and, as lieutenant governor, president of the senate for the four succeeding terms. He was elected speaker of the house in the legislature of 1865. As a presiding officer he was courteous, dignified, and fair in his rulings, and an excellent parliamentarian. April 1, 1868, he was married to Mrs. Elisabeth M. Butman, daughter of John Burgess, of Cleveland, Ohio.

AUGUSTAS ARMSTRONG, a younger brother of the foregoing, and a prominent citizen of Albert Lea, died in 1873.

MOSES K. ARMSTRONG, another brother, has represented Dakota in Congress.

JAMES B. WAKEFIELD was born at Winstead, Litchfield county, Connecticut, March 21, 1828. He graduated at Trinity College, Hartford, in 1846; studied law, and was admitted to practice in 1851; came to Shakopee, Minnesota; practiced law two years and removed to Blue Earth City. He has been called to fill various and responsible public positions. He was a member of the legislature several terms, serving as representative in 1858, 63 and 66, and as senator in 1867-68-69. He served as deputy Indian agent at the Lower Sioux agency from 1856 to the Indian outbreak, and in 1869 was appointed receiver of the Winnebago land office, which position he held six years. From 1875 to 1879 he served as lieutenant governor of Minnesota, and from 1884 to 1886 as member of Congress. He served as a delegate to the Republican convention which nominated President Grant in 1868, and to the convention which nominated President Hayes in 1876. Mr. Wakefield was married in August, 1864, to Miss Nannette Reinhart, of Blue Earth City.

WILLIAM WALLACE BRADEN was born in Iberia, Ohio, Dec. 3, 1837. He was educated in the district schools and reared as a farmer. In November he came to Fillmore county with his father, and engaged in farming. He was a member of the legislature in 1866-67, and has served three terms as county treasurer. During the Civil War he served three years with the rank of lieutenant, and then of captain in Company K, Sixth Minnesota Volunteers, and was for some time detached from his command as provost marshal of Southern Missouri, with headquarters at Springfield. Capt. Braden is prominent as a Mason, and as a Republican takes an active interest in the politics of the State and nation. He was elected state auditor in 1881, and re-elected in 1885. He was married March 7, 1866, to Addie Griswold, of Pennsylvania.

REUBEN BUTTERS was born in Union, Lincoln county, Maine, May 26, 1816. He received such education as could be obtained at winter schools, and employed himself chiefly in clerking and mercantile pursuits until 1851, when he came to Minnesota and became the first permanent settler in the Minnesota valley above Shakopee. He made the first claim at Le Sueur, having, in connection with Messrs. Thompson and Lindsey, a station at that place, also at Kasota. He has been engaged chiefly in farming. He has also a stone quarry and store in Kasota, and does a fair amount of trading. Mr. Butters was a member of the first state legislature, and has served seven or eight sessions since. He was county commissioner many years. In politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Butters has been twice married, first in November, 1847, to Elizabeth Hill, of Cleveland, Ohio, and second in May, 1861, to Mrs. Mary E. Rogers, of Maine. He died March 29, 1888.

MICHAEL DORAN, a most successful business man and prominent in political affairs, having served six terms in the state senate, was born in the county of Meath, Ireland, Nov. 1, 1829. He received but little education before coming to this country in 1850, when, although over twenty-one years of age, he obtained two years' schooling. He landed in New York City, remained in the State about a year and removed to Norwalk, Ohio, where he farmed and kept a grocery store. In 1856 he came westward and located at Le Sueur, where he engaged in farming. In 1860 he was elected county treasurer and served and held the office eight years. Since 1870 he has been engaged in banking, farming and real estate operations. He is also one of the owners of the elevator and flouring mill at Le Sueur.

In politics he is a Democrat and was an elector on the McClellan ticket. His senatorial terms were from 1872 to 1875 and 1877 and 1879. He has been twice married. His first wife was Ellen Brady, of Norwalk, Ohio, married in May, 1855. His second wife was Catherine J. Grady, of Le Sueur, married Feb. 10, 1864.

ANDREW MCCREA was born in New Brunswick in 1830, received a common school education and learned the business of farming and lumbering. His father having died early, the support of a mother and crippled brother devolved upon him. He was married to Jane Murphy, in New Brunswick, when he was twenty-one years of age. Mrs. McCrea died in 1878. He married a second wife in 1880. His family consists of eight sons and one daughter. He came to Minnesota in 1854, removed to Stearns county in 1858, and to Otter Tail county in 1872, where he now resides in the town of Perham. He was a member of the legislature of 1876-77, and of the senate of 1878 to 1882, inclusive. In 1885 he was appointed one of the commissioners to locate the second state prison.

JOHN W. BLAKE was born in Foxcroft, Maine, in 1839. His parents moved to Wisconsin in 1840. He received a good education in the common schools, in Milton Academy, and Wisconsin State University, and became a civil engineer. He served as a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. In 1872 he came to Minnesota, located at Marshall, Lyon county, and the same year was elected a representative in the legislature. He was a member of the senate during the years 1875, 1876, 1882, and 1884.

KNUTE NELSON, born in Norway, came to America, studied law at Wisconsin University, and was admitted to the bar. He came to Alexandria in 1870, where he practiced law. He was a senator in the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth legislatures, and was elected representative to Congress from the Fifth Minnesota district in 1884 and 1886. Mr. Nelson is a man of unquestioned ability and force, a strong Republican, and an enthusiastic advocate of a modified tariff.

W. R. DENNY was born at Keene, New Hampshire, in 1839; received an academic education, and after spending eight years in Wisconsin, came to Carver, Minnesota, in 1867. He served in the state legislatures of 1874, 1876, 1879, and 1881. He was appointed United States marshal from 1882 to 1886. He was Grand Master of the Masonic fraternity in 1884-5. He was married in Wisconsin in 1863, and has a family of four children.

APPENDIX.

MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS, ITEMS AND STATISTICS, INCLUDING AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIOUS TREATIES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE INDIAN TRIBES INHABITING THE TERRITORIES OF WISCONSIN AND MINNESOTA.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY UNTIL THE CREATION OF WISCONSIN TERRITORY IN 1836.

SPANISH CLAIMS.

The Spaniards have made persistent claims to territory lying along the Atlantic coast, the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and up the valley of the Mississippi, basing their claims on discovery and conquest.

In 1512 Juan Ponce de Leon, a companion of Columbus, discovered Florida, and planted on its shores the standard of Spain.

In 1539 Hernando de Soto visited Florida and having strengthened the Spanish claim adventured west to the Mississippi, on which river he died and in which he was stealthily buried by his surviving followers, who returned to Florida broken and dispirited with the loss of half their number. By virtue of De Soto's discovery of the Mississippi, the Spaniards now laid claim to the land along that river and its tributaries. They also claimed land lying along the Atlantic coast, without limit, northward. This large and somewhat indefinite empire was by them styled Florida, after the name of the peninsula on which they gained their first foothold. Unable to defend or enforce their claims, they gradually relinquished them, giving up tract after tract, until the peninsula of Florida alone remained to them. This was ceded to the United States in 1819.

The government of the Territory was vested in the discoverers. Ponce de Leon was governor from 1512 until 1521. De Soto was governor of Florida and Cuba until 1541. Melendez, by compact with King Philip, succeeded him, his commission giving him a life tenure. The history of the Spanish possessions is by no means interesting, and illustrates chiefly the Spanish greed for gold.

FRENCH CLAIMS.

The French early disputed the claims of the Spaniards and Portuguese to the possession of the New World, and accordingly in 1524 sent a Florentine, Jean Verrazzani, who explored the coast from Carolina to Nova Scotia, took possession of it, and called it New France. Ten years later Cartea continued the work, sailing around New Foundland and ascending the St. Lawrence as far as the site of Montreal. In 1564 a French colony located in Florida, but were almost immediately exterminated by the Spaniards. During the following century the French pushed their explorations to the regions of the Mississippi and the great lakes. In the year 1603 Champlain was engaged in the exploration of the St. Lawrence, and in 1609, he, with two other Frenchmen, explored Lake Champlain and the country of the Iroquois and took possession of it in the name of Henry IV of France. In 1611 and 1612 he explored Lake Huron, entered Saginaw bay, passed down Detroit river, exploring Lake Erie, and laid the foundation of French sovereignty in the valley of the St. Lawrence. Champlain for many years prosecuted the fur trade where Boston now stands, prior to the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock.

We have not space for a complete account of the conflicting claims of the French and English, but will give the boundaries of New France as defined by French and English authorities at different times: 1609—L' Escartot, in his "Histoire de la Nouvelle France," defines the French boundaries as extending "on the west to the Pacific ocean, on the south to the Spanish West Indies, on the east to the North Atlantic, and on the north to the Frozen Sea." 1683—Baron La Honton says, "All the world knows that Canada reaches from the 39th to the 65th degrees of north latitude and from the 284th to the 336th degrees of longitude." [More accurately from about 45 to 90 degrees west, or from Cape Race to the Mississippi.] The French government persistently denied the right of the English to any territory west of the Alleghanies. The great Northwest, therefore, was for a long time under French rule and influence. We must accord to France the credit of making the first progress in civil government in the Northwest. They made many permanent settlements and by a wise and pacific policy so conciliating the Indian tribes that they were able to hold their positions on the frontier at will. They were early and persistent explorers, and, under the guidance of pious and devoted Jesuit missionaries, planted settlements in the most desirable places. They made a cordon of posts reaching from Louisiana to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and along the chain of the great lakes, completely surrounded the English colonies and disputed with them the possession of the country. The French-English War of 1689 to 1697 failed to decide satisfactorily the question of the interior domain.

In 1712 New France was divided into two provinces, that of Canada and that of Louisiana, the dividing line being the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri rivers, the Mississippi boundary line extending from the mouth of the Ohio to the mouth of the Missouri river. Mobile was made the capital of the southern province. The patent or commission of the new province was issued to Crozat, Marquis du Chatel. The Illinois country was afterward added, and it seems probable that the country east of the Wabash was also included in it. All north of the boundary named formed part of the province of Canada. Other boundaries than these have been given by geographers, but these boundaries are sufficiently established by official documents.

In 1763 all of the territory claimed by France lying east of the Mississippi river was ceded to the English, the territory lying west to Spain. Virginia, by three royal charters, given in 1606, 1607 and 1611, by the English government, held a part of the Northwest Territory, and in 1776 established three counties north of the Ohio river, named Ohio, Youghiogheny and Monongahela, but in 1787 ceded this territory to the United States. Its settlement was somewhat impeded by the perils of the wilderness, not the least of which was the doubtful and often unfriendly attitude of the Indians, resulting in many cases from the changes in the tenure of the lands, and the influence of French or English emissaries, generally hostile to American claims. The history of these early settlements is replete with thrilling adventures.

The first settlement made in the newly ceded territory was at Marietta, Ohio, in 1788, under the supervision of Gen. Rufus Putnam, nephew of Gen. Israel Putnam, and first surveyor general of the Northwest Territory. The settlement was named Marietta, in honor of Queen Marie Antoinette, who had been a firm friend to the colonies during the Revolutionary struggle. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor July 15, 1788, of the newly organized Ohio Territory.

The country claimed by Virginia under the royal charters included the land lying between the sea shore on the east, and the Mississippi on the west, the Ohio river on the south, and the British possessions on the north. It will be seen, therefore, that that part of the Northwest Territory lying immediately along the eastern banks of the Mississippi now comprised in the state of Wisconsin and part of Minnesota, has been successively claimed by Spain, France, England, Virginia, and the United States, and under the territorial governments of the Northwest—Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin territories. That part of Minnesota lying west of the Mississippi belonged to the French by right of discovery, but passed into the hands of Spain, thence back again into the hands of France, by whom, with the territory known as Louisiana, it was sold to the United States in 1803. The original grant to Virginia included far more than the area of the State and that of the Northwest Territory, but was subsequently reduced by grants made by states lying north of Virginia, and vexatious disputes arose as to titles, a circumstance calculated to retard rapid settlement.

We append the following data concerning the early history of the territory included in the present states of Wisconsin and Minnesota, tabulated for more convenient reference:

1634. Jean Nicollet ventured into Wisconsin, and explored the country from Lake Michigan for a considerable distance down the Wisconsin river.

1658. Two fur traders penetrated to Lake Superior and wintered there, probably on Wisconsin soil.

1660. Rev. M. Menard with eight companions came to La Pointe, Lake Superior.

1665. Claude Allouez, an eminent pioneer missionary, succeeded Menard, and re-established the mission at La Pointe.

1669. Father Allouez established a mission on the shores of Green bay, locating it at Depere in 1671.

1670. Father Allouez made a voyage of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers to within a short distance of the Mississippi—a near approach to the discovery of the Father of Waters.

1671. In this year the French took formal possession of the whole Northwest, confirmed in 1689.

1673. Louis Joliet, accompanied by Father James Marquette, discovered the Mississippi river.

1674. Father Marquette coasted Lake Michigan, from Green Bay, by Milwaukee, to the site of the present city of Chicago.

1679. The Griffin, a schooner built by La Salle, and the first to make a voyage of the lakes above Niagara, arrived at the mouth of Green bay.

Capt. Duluth held a council, and concluded a peace with the natives of Lake Superior.

1680. About the first of May Father Louis Hennepin arrived at Mille Lacs, as prisoner of a Dakotah war party, who captured him at Lake Pepin, while on his way up the Mississippi. He remained at Mille Lacs several months. On his return homeward, after being released, he discovered the falls, which he named for his patron saint, Anthony of Padua. His book, published after his return to Europe, is the first printed account of Minnesota.

1683. Le Sueur made a voyage of the Fog and Wisconsin rivers to the Mississippi.

1688. Nicholas Perrot first planted the cross and arms of France on the soil of Minnesota, and first laid formal claim to the country for France. He built a fort on Lake Pepin, near Lake City.

1695. Le Sueur built a fort on Isle Pelee, in the Mississippi, below Prescott.

1700. Le Sueur established Fort L'Huillier, on the Blue Earth river (near the mouth of the Le Sueur), and first supplied the Sioux with firearms.

1716. Le Louvigny's battle with the Fox Indians at Butte des Morts.

1719. Francis Renalt explored the Upper Mississippi with two hundred miners.

1721. Previous to this date a French fort had been established at Green Bay, on the present site of Fort Howard.

1727. The French established a fort on Lake Pepin, with Sieur de Lapperriere as commandant.

A trading post, called Fort Beauharnois, was established on the north side of Lake Pepin.

1728. There was a great flood in the Mississippi, and Fort Beauharnois was submerged.

A French expedition, under De Lignery, from Mackinaw, punished the Foxes.

1734. A battle took place between the French, and the Sacs and Foxes.

1751. Sieur Marin, in command at Green Bay, made a peace with the Indians.

1761. Capt. Balfour and Lieut. Gorrell, with English troops, took possession of Green Bay.

1763. The English, under Lieut. Gorrell, abandoned Green Bay in consequence of the Indian War under Pontiac.

Treaty of Paris, by which all the territory of New France, including Wisconsin, was surrendered to the English.

About this date the Canadian-French trading establishment at Green Bay ripened into a permanent settlement, the first upon any portion of the territory now forming the state of Wisconsin.

By the treaty of Versailles, France ceded Minnesota east of the Mississippi to England, and west of it to Spain.

1766. Capt. Jonathan Carver visited St. Anthony falls and Minnesota river. He pretended to have made a treaty with the Indians the following spring, in a cave near St. Paul, known for several years as Carver's Cave. He also reports a town of three hundred inhabitants at Prairie du Chien.

1774. A civil government was established over Canada and the Northwest, by the celebrated "Quebec Act."

1777. Indians from Wisconsin join the British against the Americans.

1786. Julian Dubuque explored the lead region of the Upper Mississippi.

1788. There was an Indian council at Green Bay. Permission to work the lead mines was given to Dubuque.

1793. Lawrence Barth built a cabin at the portage of the Fog and Wisconsin rivers, and engaged in the carrying trade.

1795. French settlement commenced at Milwaukee.

1796. The western posts were surrendered by the English to the United States, and the ordinance of 1787 extended over the Northwest.

1798-99. The Northwestern Fur Company established itself in Minnesota.

1800. Indiana Territory organized, including Wisconsin.

1803. Antoine Barth settled at the portage of the Fog and Wisconsin rivers.

1804. Indian treaty at St. Louis; Southern Wisconsin purchased.

1805. Michigan Territory organized.

1809. Thomas Nuttall, the botanist, explored Wisconsin.

Illinois Territory was organized, including nearly all the present state of Wisconsin.

1812. Indians assembled at Green Bay to join the English.

1814. Gov. Clark took possession of Prairie du Chien. Prairie du Chien surrendered to the British.

1815. United States trading post established at Green Bay.

1816. Indian treaty confirming that of 1804.

United States troops took possession of Prairie du Chien, and commenced the erection of Fort Crawford.

Col. Miller commenced the erection of Fort Howard, at Green Bay.

1818. State of Illinois was organized; Wisconsin attached to Michigan.

Brown, Crawford and Michillimackinac counties were organized by the territory of Michigan which embraced in their boundaries, besides other territory, the whole of the present state of Wisconsin.

1820. United States commissioners adjusted land claims at Green Bay.

1822. The New York Indians purchase lands east of Lake Winnebago.

James Johnson obtained from the Indians the right to dig for lead by negro slaves from Kentucky.

1823. January. Counties of Brown, Crawford and Michillimackinac made a separate judicial district by Congress.

First steamboat on the Upper Mississippi, with Maj. Taliafero and Count Beltrami.

Lieut. Bayfield, of the British Navy, makes a survey of Lake Superior.

1824. First term of United States court held at Green Bay, Judge Duane Doty presiding.

1825. Great flood on the Red River of the North; a part of the colony driven to Minnesota, and settle near Fort Snelling.

1826. First steamboat on Lake Michigan.

1827. Rush of speculators to lead mines.

Treaty with Menomonies at Butte des Morts.

1828. Fort Winnebago built. Indian treaty at Green Bay. Lead ore discovered at Mineral Point and at Dodgeville.

1832. Black Hawk War.

Schoolcraft explored sources of Mississippi river. First mission established at Leech Lake, by Rev. W. T. Boutwell, now of Stillwater.

1834. The portion of Minnesota west of the Mississippi attached to Michigan. Gen. H. H. Sibley settles at Mendota.

1835. Catlin and Featherstonhaugh visit Minnesota.

1836. The territory of Wisconsin organized. Nicollet visits Minnesota.

1837. Gov. Dodge, of Wisconsin, made a treaty at Fort Snelling, with the Ojibways, by which the latter ceded lands on the St. Croix and its tributaries; a treaty was also effected at Washington with a deputation of Dakotahs for their lands east of the Mississippi. These treaties led the way to the first actual settlements in the Territory.

1838. The treaty ratified by Congress. Frank Steele makes a claim at St. Anthony Falls. Pierre Parrant makes a claim and builds a shanty on the present site of St. Paul.

1839. Sioux and Chippewa battle fought near Stillwater.

1840. St. Croix county established.

The chapel of "St. Paul" built and consecrated, giving the name to the capital of the state of Minnesota.

1843. Stillwater settled.

1846. August 6th, the Wisconsin enabling act passed.

1847. The Wisconsin constitutional convention meets. The town of St. Paul surveyed, platted and recorded in the St. Croix county register of deeds' office. First improvement of the water power at falls of St. Anthony. Treaty with the Chippewas at Fond du Lac, August 2d. Treaty with the Pillagers at Leech Lake, August 21st.

1848. May 29th, Wisconsin admitted. August 26th, the "Stillwater Convention" held, to take measures for a separate territorial organization. October 30th, H. H. Sibley elected delegate to Congress.

1850. Great flood on the Mississippi. Minnesota river navigated by steamboats. Census of Minnesota shows population of 4,780.

1851. Permanent location of the capital of Minnesota at St Paul. Treaty of the Traverse des Sioux, opening territory west of the Mississippi to settlement July 23d. Treaty at Mendota with the Sioux August 5th.

1852. President Pierce appoints Willis A. Gorman governor of Minnesota.

1854. Real estate mania commenced. Treaty with the Chippewas at La Pointe, September 30th.

1855. Treaty at Washington, District of Columbia, with the Chippewas, and cession of lands in Minnesota, February 22d.

1857. Enabling act to admit Minnesota passed Congress. President Buchanan appoints Gen. Sam Medary governor of Minnesota. Ink-pa-dootah massacre in April. Minnesota constitutional convention met in June. Constitution adopted in October.

1858. Minnesota admitted as a state. State loan of $250,000 guaranteed. The $5,000,000 loan bill adopted.

1859. Hard times. Work on the land grant road ceases. Collapse of the $5,000,000 scheme. First export of grain this fall.

1860. Federal census, 172,123.

1861. April 13th. President's proclamation for troops received. The First regiment recruits at once. June 22d it embarks at Fort Snelling for the seat of war.

1862. Call for 600,000 men. August 17th, massacre at Acton; 18th, outbreak at Lower Sioux agency; 19th, New Ulm attacked; 20th, Fort Ridgely attacked; 25th, second attack on New Ulm; 30th, Fort Abercrombie besieged; September 1st, the bloody affair at Birch Coolie; 19th, first railroad in Minnesota in operation between St. Paul and Minneapolis; 22d, battle of Wood Lake; 26th, captives surrendered at Camp Release; military commission tries 321 Indians for murder, rape, etc.; 303 condemned to die; December 26th, 38 hanged at Mankato.

1863. Gen. Sibley's expedition to the Missouri river. July 3d, Little Crow killed; 24th, battle of Big Mound; 26th, battle of Dead Buffalo Lake; 28th, battle of Stony Lake. Treaty at crossing of Red Lake river with Chippewas, and cession of Dakotah lands, October 2d.

1864. Large levies for troops. Expedition to Missouri river under Sully. Inflation of money market. Occasional Indian raids.

1865. Peace returns. Minnesota regiments return and are disbanded; in all 25,052 troops furnished by the State. Census shows 250,000 inhabitants.

1866-72. Rapid railroad building everywhere, immigration heavy, "good times" prevail, and real estate inflated.

1873. January 7th, 8th and 9th, polar wave sweeps over the State; seventy persons perish. September, the Jay Cooke failure creates another panic. Grasshopper raid begins and continues five seasons.

1876. September 7th, armed outlaws from Missouri attack a Northfield bank. Three killed, three prisoners.

1877. Minnesota legislature adopts biennial sessions.

1878. May 2d, three flouring mills at Minneapolis explode; eighteen lives lost.

1880. November 15th, hospital for the insane at St. Peter partly destroyed by fire; twenty-five lives lost.

1881. March 1, capitol at St. Paul destroyed by fire.

1886. Cyclone destroys Sauk Rapids. Wisconsin legislature adopts biennial sessions.

THE BOUNDARY QUESTION.

The question of the western boundary of Wisconsin had been agitated since the Martin bill for the organization of the State had been introduced in 1846. This bill established the present boundary. The majority of the people residing in the valley of the St. Croix were opposed to it on the ground that the interests of the valley on both sides were identical, and that it was not proper that the two sides should be separated by a state line. The question became a political one, and at the election of delegates for the constitutional convention of Oct. 5, 1846, Wm. Holcombe was elected over Joseph Bowron, as representing the sentiments of the people of the valley as opposed to the proposed boundary line.

In convention Mr. Holcombe advocated a boundary line commencing at Mount Trempeleau on the Mississippi, running due north to Lake Superior. Failing in this, he advocated a boundary line to be established at a point fifteen miles due east of the most easterly point on Lake St. Croix, said line extending from that point due south to the Mississippi and due north to the tributary waters of Lake Superior. In this he was successful, and the constitution in which this boundary line was thus fixed went to the people and was rejected, greatly to the disappointment of the people of the St. Croix valley, who felt that they had been unjustly dealt with. There seems, indeed, to be but little excuse for the attitude of the majority of the citizens of Wisconsin with regard to this boundary. Certainly but little attention was shown to the interests of the people in the western section of the Territory.

Prior to the meeting of the second constitutional convention, Dec. 15, 1847, public meetings were held at St. Croix Falls and in Stillwater, at which latter place enthusiastic resolutions were passed remonstrating against this unnatural boundary, which resolutions were signed by nearly all the citizens of the St. Croix valley, and a few in and around St. Paul, asking the convention to establish the western boundary on a line running due north from the foot of Lake Pepin to Lake Superior. George W. Brownell was elected from the St. Croix district to the second convention, with instructions to work for this boundary. Joseph Bowron, Brownell's opponent, was defeated by a large majority. The following is the abstract of votes:

BOWRON. BROWNELL. Willow River (now Hudson) 7 4 Lake St. Croix 7 14 Stillwater 9 39 St. Paul 41 40 Marine Mills ... 22 St. Croix Falls 26 18 Clam River 6 17 Apple River 1 6 Wood Lake 2 6 Rush Lake 2 8 Osceola (no election) — — Totals 101 174

Mr. Brownell made strong and persistent efforts to have the boundary line adjusted in accordance with the sentiments of the people of the valley, but in vain. Morgan L. Martin, delegate to Congress from Wisconsin Territory, had framed the bill establishing the present boundary, and it was urged that any effort to change the line would tend to prevent the immediate admission of the State, and it was thought a political necessity that the State should be admitted at once, that it might take part in the ensuing presidential election. Under such pressure the convention made haste to adopt, and the people to accept, a constitution with boundary lines that should never have been made. The State was admitted in time to cast its electoral vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore.

At a meeting held by the people of the St. Croix valley, subsequent to this convention and prior to its adoption by the people, the following resolutions were passed, and we append them as expressing very generally the sentiments of the people of the valley:

WHEREAS, By the establishment of the St. Croix river as a part of the boundary line between the State and territory of Wisconsin, the inhabitants of our remote settlements are greatly aggrieved, our local rights and privileges neglected and abridged, our geographical, material and natural political alliance with our neighbors of the new territory will be cut off; and

WHEREAS, Our oft repeated remonstrances and appeals to the authorities of the new state have been unavailing; therefore

Resolved, That the establishment of the St. Croix river as a part of the boundary of the state of Wisconsin, against the will of the inhabitants of the valley of said river, is unjust, unreasonable and contrary to the principles upon which our government is founded.

Resolved, That in establishing the present boundary, our known and acknowledged wishes and interests are invaded by the might of a majority; that as the boundary is now established, so great is the distance and obstacles intervening, severing us, together with the people of Lake Superior, from the seat of government, that we can not enjoy a prompt and equitable share in representation, and we would respectfully admonish our brethren that equal representation involves a principle which is deeply and peculiarly American.

Resolved, That the interests of the inhabitants of St. Croix, being identical from the nature of the staple business of the country, the river being the natural centre to which all the business of the valley tends, a boundary severing the natural ties in connection is uncalled for, inconvenient and vexatious.

Resolved, That the inhabitants of the territory of the whole Northwest are deeply interested in procuring a just and wise alteration of the present line of divisions, because from the geography of the country, the line as now established, we are robbed of a future star in the galaxy of the American sisterhood of states.

Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to stand united and unceasingly use all honorable means in our power to procure the establishment of a boundary east of St. Croix valley.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare and forward a memorial to the present legislature on this subject.

The resolutions as a whole were unanimously adopted.

In accordance with the last resolution the chair appointed Wm. R. Marshall, G. W. Brownell and W. H. C. Folsom, Esqs., a committee.

On motion the secretary was instructed to forward copies of the proceedings of the meeting to the Prairie du Chien Patriot, Galena Gazette and Wisconsin Argus, requesting their publication.

H. H. PERKINS, Chairman.

R. V. D. SMITH, Secretary.

No attention was paid to the action of the public meeting. It is possible that none was expected. It was some satisfaction to the people of the valley to give such an expression of their opinion of the wrong done them. The admission of Wisconsin with the St. Croix as a boundary line left the country immediately west of that river virtually without law. Nevertheless, Wisconsin territorial laws were acknowledged west of the St. Croix and were generally considered binding until a new territorial government should be organized. The territorial governor, Gen. Henry Dodge, had been elected United States senator and therefore could not claim jurisdiction over this part of the territory lying beyond state limits. John Catlin, territorial secretary, held that the territorial government still existed in the part of the original territory excluded.

At a public meeting held in Stillwater, Aug. 26, 1848 (a preliminary meeting having been held August 24th, at which an understanding was effected with Mr. Catlin and he invited to exercise authority as a territorial officer), steps were taken for the organization of a new territory, and Mr. Catlin, having removed to Stillwater, issued a proclamation in his official capacity, ordering an election to be held for the selection of a delegate to Congress. To facilitate this movement John H. Tweedy, territorial delegate from Wisconsin, resigned. The election was held Oct. 30, 1848, and H. H. Sibley was elected as a successor to John H. Tweedy, his papers being certified by John Catlin, secretary of Wisconsin Territory. Mr. Sibley proceeded to Washington, presented his credentials and patiently awaited recognition, which was not very speedily accorded, there being considerable discussion as to the right of excluded territory to continued political existence. His admission, on the fifteenth of January, as a delegate, settled the question and established a precedent that the creation of a state government does not deprive portions of the territory not included within state limits of the right to existence and representation. Mr. Sibley ably presented the claims of his constituents and with great difficulty succeeded in procuring the passage of a bill organizing the new territory of Minnesota.

With all respect to the action of Congress in receiving Mr. Sibley as a legally elected delegate (and, under the circumstances, the action seems wise), the question still rises: "Had we a legal territorial government?" If we had, what was the necessity for a new organization? Why could not the excluded territory continue under the old regime, or inherit, so to speak, the old government machinery? If we had no legal existence, by what authority could Mr. Sibley represent us? The Wisconsin territorial government had ceased to exist. Ours had not begun to live.

The territory of Minnesota was created by act of Congress, March 3, 1849, a little over thirty days after the introduction of the bill creating it. There had been some discussion as to the name. In the bill presented by Morgan L. Martin it was named Minnesota. Senator Stephen A. Douglas, chairman of the committee on territories, recommended the passage of the bill, and that the new territory be named Itasca. When the bill was before the house the names Chippewa, Jackson and Washington were proposed, but the name in the original bill was adopted. It is a compound word, taken from the Sioux language, and has for its meaning "Land of sky-tinted water." The news of the passage of the bill reached Stillwater April 9th, and was received with great rejoicing.

The United States land office which had been established at St. Croix Falls in 1848 was removed to Stillwater July 1, 1849. Abraham Van Voorhes was appointed register and William Holcombe receiver.

INDIAN TREATIES.

Sept. 23, 1805, at the mouth of St. Peter's river (now Mendota) with the Sioux. (For account of this treaty see "Gen. Pike and the Indians.")

July 29, 1837, at St. Peter (now Mendota), Wisconsin Territory, the Chippewa Indians ceded to the United States the following tract of country: Beginning at the junction of the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers, between twenty and thirty miles, above where the Mississippi is crossed by the forty-sixth parallel of north latitude, and running thence to the north point of Lake St. Croix, one of the sources of the St. Croix river; thence to and along the dividing ridge between the waters of Lake Superior and those of the Mississippi, to the sources of the Ochasua-sepe, a tributary of the Chippewa river; thence to a point on the Chippewa river twenty miles below the outlet of Lake De Flambeau; thence to the junction of the Wisconsin and Pelican rivers; thence on an east course twenty-five miles; thence southerly on a course parallel with that of the Wisconsin river to the line dividing the territories of the Chippewas and the Menomonies; thence to the Plover portage; thence along the southern boundary of the Chippewa country to the commencement of the boundary line dividing it from that of the Sioux, half a day's march below the falls on the Chippewa river; thence with said boundary line to the month of the Waw-tab[F] river, at its junction with the Mississippi; and thence up the Mississippi to the place of beginning.

HENRY DODGE, Commissioner.

Sept. 29, 1837, at Washington, District of Columbia, the Sioux nation of Indians ceded to the United States all their lands east of the Mississippi river, and all of their islands in the said river, Joel R. Poinsett, secretary of war, commanding, which cession embraced all their land east of the Mississippi and west of the following lines commencing at the Chippewa river, half a day's march below the falls, from thence to Red Cedar river, immediately below the falls; thence to the St. Croix river at a point called the Standing Cedar, about a day's paddle in a canoe, above the lake at the mouth of that river; thence passing between two lakes called by the Chippewas, "Green, Lakes," and by the Sioux, "The Lakes they Bury the Eagles in," thence to the Standing Cedar, that "the Sioux split;" thence to Rum river, crossing at the mouth of a small creek called Choking creek, a long day's march from the Mississippi; thence to a point of woods that project into the prairie, half a day's march from the Mississippi; thence in a straight line to the mouth of the first river which enters the Mississippi at the east side above the mouth of Sac river (Watab river). The above boundary line was established between the Sioux and Chippewa Indiana at Prairie du Chien, Aug. 19, 1825.

WILLIAM CLARK, LEWIS CASS, Commissioners.

St. Paul, East Minneapolis and Stillwater are embraced within the above limits.

Nov. 1, 1837, at Washington, District of Columbia, with the Winnebagoes.

The Winnebagoes at this treaty ceded all their lands lying east of the Mississippi river, and received in return $200,000. Of this amount $150,000 was reserved to satisfy the claims of Indian traders, and the remaining $50,000 was paid to certain individuals of the tribe. There was set apart the further sum of $100,000, to be paid, by order of the president of the United States, to mixed blood relatives of these Indiana. Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, and James Murray, of Maryland, were commissioned to adjust claims, pay debts and partition the amount alloted to the mixed bloods. The Winnebagoes, including mixed blood relatives, numbered over 4,000 souls. The payments and adjustments were made at Prairie du Chien, October, 1838. Soon after complaints were made of the arbitrary and unjust distribution of these funds. The secretary of war, Joel R. Poinsett, countermanded the action of the commissioners and appointed Judge Fleming, of New York, to act as commissioner. The parties were reassembled at Prairie du Chien in September, 1839, and the unpleasant business was in some way adjusted and closed up.

Aug. 2, 1847, at Fond du Lac of Lake Superior, the Chippewa Indians of the Mississippi and Lake Superior ceded to the United States the country beginning at the junction of the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers, thence up the Crow Wing river to the junction of that river with the Long Prairie river; thence up the Long Prairie river to the boundary line between the Sioux and Chippewa Indians; thence southerly along said boundary line to a lake at the head of Long Prairie river; thence in a direct line to the sources of the (Waw-tab) river; thence down that river to its junction with the Mississippi river; thence up the Mississippi river to the place of beginning.

ISSAC A. VERPLANCK, HENRY M. RICE, Commissioners.

Aug. 21, 1847, at Leech Lake, the Pillager band of Chippewa Indians ceded to the United States the country beginning at the south end of Otter Tail lake; thence southerly on the boundary line between the Sioux and Chippewa Indians to Long Prairie river; thence up said river to Crow Wing river; thence up Crow Wing river to Leaf river; thence up Leaf river to its head; thence in a direct line to the place of beginning.

ISSAC A. VERPLANCK, HENRY M. RICE, Commissioners.

July 23, 1851, at Traverse des Sioux (now St. Peter), the See-see-toan and Wah-pay-toan bands of Dakotah or Sioux Indians ceded to the United States all their lands in the state of Iowa; and the territory of Minnesota, lying east of a line beginning at the junction of the Buffalo river and the Red River of the North; thence along the western bank of said river to the mouth of the Sioux Wood river; thence along the western bank of said Sioux Wood river to Lake Traverse; thence along the western shore of said lake to the northern extremity thereof; thence in a direct line to the junction of Kampeska lake with the Tchan-kas-an-data or Sioux river; thence along the western bank of said river to its point of intersection with the northern line of the state of Iowa, including all the islands in said rivers and lake.

LUKE LEA, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, ALEXANDER RAMSEY, Governor and Ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Commissioners.

A small reservation was set apart for said Indians, which they forfeited by their attack upon the whites in 1862.

Aug. 5, 1851, at Mendota, the Med-ay-wa-kan-toan and Wah-pay-koo-tay bands of Dakotah and Sioux Indians ceded to the United States all of their lands in the territory of Minnesota and state of Iowa.

LUKE LEA, ALEXANDER RAMSEY, Commissioners.

The two treaties made by Commissioners Lea and Ramsey included the following area:

Beginning at the junction of Buffalo river with the Red River of the North, in Clay county; thence along the western bank of the Red River of the north to the mouth of Sioux Wood river; thence along the western bank of Sioux Wood river to Lake Traverse; thence along its western shore to its southern extremity; thence to the head of Sioux river; thence along said Sioux river to the northern line of the state of Iowa; thence along the southern boundary of the state of Minnesota to the Mississippi river; thence up said river to the mouth of Waw-tab river (just north of St. Cloud in Stearns county); thence up that river to its head; thence to the place of beginning. A part of the state of Iowa not included in the above was also ceded to the United States. A large strip of Dakota Territory is included. This last tract includes nearly one-half of the state of Minnesota, containing its now richest and most populous counties.

Sept. 30, 1854, at La Pointe, Lake Superior, Wisconsin, the Chippewas of Lake Superior ceded to the United States all of their lands lying east of a line beginning at a point where the east branch of Snake river crosses the southern boundary line of the Chippewa country, running thence up the said branch to its source; thence nearly north in a straight line to the mouth of East Savannah river; thence up the St. Louis river to the mouth of East Swan river; thence up the East Swan river to its source; thence in a straight line to the most westerly bend of Vermillion river, and thence down the Vermillion river to its mouth.

HENRY C. GILBERT, DAVID B. HERRIMAN, Commissioners.

The foregoing treaty embraced all of the country bordering upon Lake Superior in the state of Minnesota, including the valuable iron and other mines.

The city of Duluth is within the limits of the cession.

Owing to the efforts of Henry M. Rice, then in Congress, the commissioners were appointed, and to his personal influence with the Chippewas the treaty was made.

Feb. 22, 1885, at Washington, District of Columbia, the Mississippi, Pillager, and Lake Winnibigoshish bands of Chippewa Indians ceded to the United States all the lands owned or claimed by them in the territory of Minnesota, and included within the following boundaries, viz.: "Beginning at a point where the east branch of Snake river crosses the southern boundary line of the Chippewa country, east of the Mississippi river, as established by the treaty of July 29, 1837, running thence up the said branch to its source; thence nearly north in a straight line to the mouth of East Savannah river; thence up the St. Louis river to the mouth of East Swan river; thence up said river to its source; thence in a straight line to the most westerly bend of Vermillion river; thence northwestwardly in a straight line to the first and most considerable bend in the Big Fork river; thence down said river to its mouth; thence down Rainy Lake river to the mouth of Black river; thence up that river to its source; thence in a straight line to the northern extremity of Turtle Lake; thence in a straight line to the mouth of Wild Rice river; thence up the Red River of the North to the mouth of Buffalo river; thence in a straight line to the southwestern extremity of Otter Tail lake; thence through said lake to the source of Leaf river; thence down said river to its junction with Crow Wing river; thence down Crow Wing river to its junction with the Mississippi river; thence to the place of beginning."

GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, Commissioner.

All lands in Minnesota Territory east of the foregoing boundary line were ceded to the United States at La Pointe, Lake Superior, Sept. 30, 1854. Several reservations were set aside in each purchase for the future residence of various bands of said Chippewa and Pillager Indians.

It was by the efforts of Henry M. Rice, then in Congress, that the Indians were invited to Washington, and through his personal influence that the treaty was made. Several treaties were afterward made with the Chippewa and Pillager Indians, merely changing or reducing their reservation.

Oct. 2, 1863, at the old crossing of the Red Lake river, in the state of Minnesota, the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Chippewa Indians ceded to the United States all their right, title and interest in and to all the lands now owned and claimed by them in the state of Minnesota and in the territory of Dakota within the following boundaries, to wit: "Beginning at the point where the international boundary between the United States and the British possessions intersects the shore of the Lake of the Woods; thence in a direct line southwestwardly to the head of Thief river; thence down the main channel of said Thief river to its mouth on the Red Lake river; thence in a southeasterly direction, in a direct line toward the head of Wild Rice river, to a point where such line would intersect the northwestern boundary of a tract ceded to the United States by a treaty concluded at Washington on the twenty-second day of February, 1855, with the Mississippi, Pillager and Lake Winnibigoshish bands of Chippewa Indians; thence along said boundary line of said cession to the mouth of Wild Rice river; thence up the main channel of the Red river to the mouth of the Sheyenne; thence up the main channel of the Sheyenne river to Poplar Grove; thence in a direct line to the head of the main branch of Salt river; thence in a direct line due north to the international boundary line; thence eastwardly to the place of beginning."

ALEXANDER RAMSEY, ASHLEY C. MORRILL, Commissioners.

All the lands included in the foregoing treaty east of the Red River of the North are within the state of Minnesota.

The heretofore mentioned treaties include all the lands within the state of Minnesota originally owned by Indian tribes, except the Red Lake reservation, and for its cession a treaty was negotiated in 1886, which to this date, April, 1888, has not been ratified.

GEN. PIKE AND THE INDIANS.

Gen. Zebulon M. Pike, United States Army, was sent by the government in 1805-6 on a tour of inspection, to select sites for forts, and to treat and hold councils with the various Indian tribes of the Upper Mississippi. He met the Sioux in council at the junction of the St. Peter's and Mississippi rivers, Sept. 23, 1805, and informed them that he came to purchase lands for government forts, and to tell them what the Great Father at Washington desired them to know about his people and their government. A part of his speech we subjoin:

"BROTHERS: You old men probably know that about thirty years ago we were subject to the king of England, and governed by his laws. But he not treating us as children we refused to acknowledge him as father. After ten years of war, in which he lost 100,000 men, he acknowledged us as a free and independent nation. They knew that not many years since we received Detroit, Michilmackinac, and all the ports on the lakes from the English, and now but the other day, Louisiana from the Spanish; so that we put one foot on the sea at the east, and the other on the sea at the west, and if once children are now men; yet I think that the traders who come from Canada are bad birds amongst the Chippewas, and instigate them to make war on their red brothers, the Sioux, in order to prevent our traders from going high up the Mississippi. This I shall inquire into, and so warn those persons of their ill conduct.

"Brothers, I expect that you will give orders to all your young warriors to respect my flag and protection, which I may send to the Chippewa chief who may come down with me in the spring; for was a dog to run to my lodge for safety, his enemy must walk over me to hurt him.

"Brothers, I am told that the traders have made a practice of selling rum to you. All of you in your right senses must know that this is injurious and occasions quarrels, murders, etc., amongst yourselves. For this reason your father has thought proper to prohibit the traders from selling you rum.

"Brothers, I now present you with some of your father's tobacco, and some other trifling things, as a memorandum of my good will, and before my departure I will give you some liquor to clear your throats."

At this conference the Sioux granted to the United States government a tract nine miles square at the mouth of the St. Croix, and a similar tract at the mouth of the St. Peter's, lying on both sides of the Mississippi and including the falls of St. Anthony. Pike says: "They gave the land required, about 100,000 acres of land (equal to $200,000), and promised me a safe passage for myself and any chief I might bring down. I gave them presents to the amount of about two hundred dollars, and as soon as the council was over allowed the traders to present them with liquor which, with what I gave, was equal to sixty gallons." Pike in his journeying through the territory ordered Dickson and others to haul down the British flag. It is on record that the flags were hauled down, but also that they were hoisted again after Pike's departure.

From Pike's own account of one of his inland tours he was hospitably entertained by his red brothers, as the following paragraph from his journal will show:

"After making this tour we returned to the chief's lodge and found a berth provided for each of us, of good soft bear skins nicely spread, and on mine there was a large feather pillow. I must not here omit to mention an anecdote which serves to characterize more particularly their manners. This, in the eyes of the contracted moralist, would deform my hospitable host into a monster of libertinism; but by a liberal mind would be considered as arising from the hearty generosity of the wild savage. In the course of the day, observing a ring on one of my fingers, he inquired if it was gold; he was told it was the gift of one with whom I should be happy to be at that time; he seemed to think seriously, and at night told my interpreter, 'that perhaps his father (as they all called me) felt much grieved for the want of a woman; if so, he could furnish him with one.' He was answered that with us each man had but one wife, and that I considered it strictly my duty to remain faithful to her. This he thought strange (he himself having three) and replied that 'he knew some Americans at his nation who had half a dozen wives during the winter.' The interpreter observed that they were men without character; but that all our great men had each but one wife. The chief acquiesced; but said he liked better to have as many as he pleased."

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES SURVEYS IN THE NORTHWEST—A CONDENSED STATEMENT FROM THE RECORDS OF THE BOOKS IN THE SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE.

On the twenty-sixth day of January, 1796, when the American Congress was in session at Philadelphia, a bill was reported for establishing land offices in the Northwestern Territory. The bill was ably discussed and there was much variance of opinion as to the disposition of the lands to be surveyed and brought into the market. Some favored a proposition to give the lands to actual settlers, and others favored selling the lands at a stipulated price, applying the proceeds to the payment of the national debt. The bill, when agreed upon, bore the following title: "An act providing for the sale of the lands of the United States in the territories northwest of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of the Kentucky river." The bill was approved by President Washington May 18, 1796.

This law established the office of surveyor general with powers specifically limited. It directed him to run lines north and south according to the true meridian, to be known as range lines, and others, crossing them at right angles, to be known as township lines, the townships thus formed to consist of areas six miles square, the whole to be subdivided into 36 sections, each a mile square, each to contain 640 acres of land, as near as may be, and to be subdivided into quarters, containing 160 acres, and these quarters to be further subdivided into forties. Marks were to be established at the corners of every township and section. These surveys were not to conflict with Indian treaty and military land warrants, or the course of navigable waters.

This admirable device for surveying the public lands grew out of a correspondence between Gen. Rufus Putnam and President Washington, in 1875, in which the former proposed the division of the public lands into townships six miles square, to be marked by township and range lines. Perhaps no more convenient and acceptable plan of survey could have been devised. Gen. Benjamin Tupper was one of a company of surveyors in 1796 that established the first lines under this new system. This survey was made in Southeast Ohio.

The first surveyor general's office was opened at Marietta, Ohio, soon after the approval of the bill, and Rufus Putnam was appointed surveyor general. In 1803 he was removed by President Jefferson and the office was located at Vincennes. A year later it was removed to Cincinnati, in 1814 to Chillicothe, in 1829 to Cincinnati, in 1845 to Detroit, and in 1857 to St. Paul, where it has since remained. The act for the survey of the public lands has since been modified and improved. In 1804 an act was approved providing for the marking of quarter sections on the section lines.

By the same law under which the lands were subdivided and opened to the public, one section, No. 16, in every township was reserved from sale for the support of common schools. Two townships were also set apart for the support of a university. This was the beginning of the donations of land for school and other purposes.

THE UNITED STATES LAND OFFICE.

The first government land office in Wisconsin north of Mineral Point was located at St. Croix Falls in 1848. Township plats were received, lands advertised and offered for sale in September, covering the ground where the cities of Stillwater and St. Paul are now located, and adjacent country. The office was removed to Stillwater in 1849, and the land district divided by the St. Croix river. The land office for the east side was located at Willow River in 1849, and there remained till 1860, when it was removed to St. Croix Falls. The following are the receivers and registers:

1848. Samuel Leach, receiver; Charles S. Whiting, register. 1849. Moses S. Gibson, receiver; T. D. Catlin, register. 1853. Otis Hoyt, receiver; John O. Henning, register. 1857. J. D. Reymert, receiver; J.B. Spencer, register: 1859. Orpheus Evarts, receiver; J. B. Spencer, register. 1861. Benj. W. Reynolds, receiver; Michael Field, register. 1864. Hiram Calkins, receiver; Michael Field, register. 1869. Fayette Allen, receiver; Michael Field, register. 1871. Joel F. Nason, receiver; Michael Field, register. 1884. Alvah A. Heald, receiver; Michael Field, register. 1887. Alvah H. Heald, receiver; Wm. M. Blanding, register.

The first entry in the new district, Aug. 17, 1849, was by W. S. Hungerford. Lot 4, Sec. 19, and Lots 1, 2, 3, Sec. 30, T. 34, R. 18, where the village of St. Croix now stands. The second entry was by George Brownell, Lot 3, Sec. 20, T. 24, R. 18. The oldest record to be found in the office is the proving up by James Purinton of his pre-emption, July 24, 1848. The first recorded correspondence is a letter from S. Leach, receiver, to Geo. W. Jones, surveyor general, Dubuque, Iowa. In June, 1863, under the receivership of Mr. Reynolds, the safe in the office was blown open with powder and the contents stolen. Some time afterward, in 1865, fifty land warrants and a bunch of keys from the articles missing were thrown in at the office window. They had the appearance of having been buried in the ground.

FIRST ENTRIES.

July 24, 1848. James Purinton, residence, St. Croix Falls. Lot 1, in east fractional part Sec. 23, T. 29 north, R. 20 west, and W. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 and S. E. 1/4 of N. W. 1/4, Sec. 24, T. 29, R. 20, 137 70-100 acres; price, $1.25; cost, $172 12-100, silver; pre-emption act, 1841. This pre-emption is where the dam and mills have since been erected at North Hudson.

Aug. 12, 1848. Samuel Burkelo, Orange Walker and Hiram Berkey. Lots 7 and 8, west of river, Sec. 6, T. 31, R. 19, 108 25-100 acres; cost $135 43-100, 1/4 gold; pre-emption act, 1840 (Marine Mills).

Aug. 16, 1848. Richard Freeborn. West 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 and N. E. 1/4 of N. W. 1/4, and Lot 3, Sec. 12, T. 28, R. 23, St. Paul; pre-emption act, 1841.

The first land offered at public auction sale was Aug. 27, 1848.

4. Albert Henry Judd, Orange Walker, Samuel Burkelo, Hiram Berkey, George Baldwin Judd, Asa Parker were the purchasers of Lots 5 and 6, Sec. 7, T. 31, R. 19, west of river; cost, $106 46-100, gold.

5. Martin Mower, David B. Loomis; Lots 7 and 8, Sec. 29, T. 31, R. 19, west of river; cost, $54 81-100, 1/4 gold (now Arcola).

6. John Allen; Lots 4 and 5, Sec. 2, T. 29, R. 20, west of river; gold (Allen's Point, now South Stillwater).

7. Eleazer R. Steves; Lots 1 and 2, Sec. 14, T. 29, R. 20, east of river; gold, $9.66; silver, $54.85; $64 51-100 (now Hudson).

8 and 9. Stephen Harris; N. 1/2 of S. E. 1/4 and E. 1/2 of S. W. 1/4, Sec. 22, T. 29, R. 20.

10. Himan W. Greely; E. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4, Sec. 22, T. 29, R. 20, gold.

11 and 12. Albert N. Judd; W. 1/2 of S. E. 1/4 and E. 1/2 of S. W. 1/4, Sec. 22, T. 29, R. 20, gold.

13 and 14. Louis Massey; E. 1/2 of S. W. and Lots 1 and 2, Sec. 24, T. 29, R. 20, silver; east of Lake St. Croix (now Hudson).

15 and 16. Peter F. Bouchea, Lot 1, east of river, Sec. 25, T. 29, R. 20 and Lot 2, Sec. 25, T. 29, R. 20; gold, $63 22-100; silver, $10—$73 22-100.

17 and 18. John O'Brien; Lot 3, Sec. 26, T. 29, R. 20 and W. 1/2 of S. W. 1/4, Sec. 26, T. 29, R. 20, silver and gold (now Lakeland).

19 and 20. Albert H. Judd; E. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4, and W. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4, Sec. 22, T. 29, R. 20, gold.

21. Himan W. Greely; W. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4, Sec. 22, T. 29, R. 20, gold.

The above are all the purchasers at the first sale of land in the valley at St. Croix Falls. Sale was continued from day to day until townships 25 to 31 of ranges 19 and 20 were offered, covering the settlement of St. Anthony Falls, St. Paul, Cottage Grove, and Point Douglas.

The United States land office was moved from St. Croix Falls to Stillwater in September, 1849. The first public sale of lands at Stillwater was Oct. 9, 1849. The office was held in Stillwater nine years. In October, 1858, it was moved to Cambridge, Isanti county; November 3d the first sale of lands was held at Cambridge. April 7, 1860, the office was burned, many valuable papers were destroyed, and many records were replaced from the archives at Washington. July 5, 1860, the office was moved to Sunrise, and Oct. 8, 1868, it was moved to Taylor's Falls, where it is at the present time (1888).

LIST OF OFFICERS.

RECEIVERS. APPOINTED.

Samuel Leech 1848 N. Green Wilcox 1849 Jonathan E. McKusick 1852 William Holcomb 1853 Milton H. Abbott 1857 William H. Mower 1860 Lucas K. Stannard 1861 Oscar Roos 1871 George B. Folsom 1875 Peter H. Stolberg 1884 E. A. Umland 1887

REGISTERS. APPOINTED.

Charles S. Whitney 1848 Abraham Van Voorhes 1849 A. Pierce 1852 Thomas E. Fullerton 1853 Charles G. Wagner 1857 Henry N. Setzer 1860 Granville M. Stickney 1861 Charles B. Whiting 1864 William Comer 1666 John P. Owens 1869 Lucas K. Stannard 1884

The records do not show the date of commission of any officer; we gather the dates as near as possible from recorded correspondence.

TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT OF WISCONSIN.

Governors: Henry Dodge, 1836-41; James Duane Doty, 1841-44; N. P. Talmadge, 1844-45; Henry Dodge, 1845-48.

Delegates to Congress: George W. Jones, 1836-37; James D. Doty, 1837-41; Henry Dodge, 1841-45; Morgan L. Martin, 1845-47; John H. Tweedy, 1847-48.

Chief Justice: Charles Dunn, 1836-48.

FIRST LEGISLATURE—REPRESENTATIVES OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

First Session, 1836—Council: Thomas P. Burnett.[G] (Rejected by a ruling of Gov. Dodge, and district left without representation.) House: James H. Lockwood, James B. Dallam.

Second Session, 1837—House: Ira B. Brunson, Jean Brunet.[H]

Third Session, 1838—House: Ira B. Brunson, Jean Brunet.

SECOND LEGISLATURE.

First Session, 1838—Council: George Wilson. House: Alex. McGregor.

Second Session, 1839—Council: George Wilson. House: Alex. McGregor, Ira B. Brunson.

Third Session, 1839-40—Council: Joseph Brisbois. House: Alex. McGregor, Ira B. Brunson.

Fourth Session, 1840—Council: Charles J. Learned. House: Alex. McGregor, Ira B. Brunson.

THIRD LEGISLATURE—REPRESENTATIVES OF CRAWFORD AND ST. CROIX COUNTIES.

First Session, 1840-41—Council: Charles J. Learned. House: Alfred Brunsou, Joseph R. Brown.

Second Session, 1841-42—Council: Charles J. Learned. House: Joseph R. Brown, Theophilus J. LaChapelle.

FOURTH LEGISLATURE.

First Session, 1842-43—Council: Theophilus La Chapelle. House: John H. Manahan.

Second Session, 1843-44—Council: Theophilus La Chapelle. House: John H. Manahan.

Third Session, 1845—Council: Wiram Knowlton. House: James Fisher.

Fourth Session, 1846—Council: Wiram Knowlton. House: James Fisher.

FIFTH LEGISLATURE.

First Session, 1847—Council: Benj. F. Manahan. House: Joseph W. Furber.

CRAWFORD, ST. CROIX, CHIPPEWA AND LA POINTE COUNTIES.

Special Session, 1847—Council: Benj. F. Manahan. House: Henry Jackson.

Second Session, 1848—Council: Benj. F. Manahan. House: Henry Jackson.

First Constitutional Convention, Oct. 5, 1846—Delegate from St. Croix county, Wm. Holcombe.

Second Constitutional Convention, Dec. 15, 1847—Delegate from St. Croix county, George W. Brownell.

STATE GOVERNMENT OF WISCONSIN.

Governors: Nelson Dewey, 1848-52; L. J. Farwell, 1852-54; W. A. Barstow, 1854-56; Coles Bashford, 1856-58; Alex. W. Randall, 1858-62; Louis P. Harvey, 1862; Edward Salomen, 1862-64; James Q. Lewis, 1864-66; Lucius Fairchild, 1866-72; C. C. Washburn, 1872-74; Wm. R. Taylor, 1874-76; Harrison Luddington, 1876-78; Wm. E. Smith, 1878-82; Jeremiah Rusk, 1882-58.

UNITED STATES SENATORS.

Isaac P. Walker, June 8, 1848; Henry Dodge, June 8, 1848; Charles Durkee, Feb. 1, 1855; James R. Doolittle, Jan. 23, 1857; Timothy O. Howe, Jan. 23, 1861; Matt H. Carpenter, Jan. 26, 1869; Angus Cameron, Feb. 3, 1875; Philetus Sawyer, Jan. 26, 1881; John C. Spooner, Jan. 26, 1885.

UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES.

From districts bordering on the St. Croix: Mason C. Darling, 1848-50; Orasmus Cole, 1850-52; Ben. C. Eastman, 1852-56; C. C. Washburn, 1856-62; Luther Hanchett, 1862-63; Walter D. McIndoe, 1863-68; C. C. Washburn, 1868-72; Jeremiah M. Rusk, 1874-78; Hiram L. Humphrey, 1878-84; Wm. T. Price, 1884-88; Nels P. Haugan, 1888.

District judges presiding in territory originally included in St. Croix county:

Wiram Knowlton, of Prairie du Chien, 1848-50; district—Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix and La Pointe counties.

S. S. Fuller, of Hudson, 1850-60; district—Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Douglas, and La Pointe counties.

Henry D. Barron, of North Pepin, 1860-61; district—Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Douglas, Ashland, and Bayfield counties.

L. P. Weatherby, of Hudson, 1861-67; district—Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Burnett, Douglas, Bayfield, and Ashland counties.

Herman L. Humphrey, of Hudson, 1867-77; district—St. Croix, Pierce, Pepin, Dunn, and Barron counties.

Solon S. Clough, of Hudson, 1864-76; district—Polk, Burnett, Douglas, Ashland, and Bayfield counties.

R. P. Bundy, of Menomonie, 1876-85, re-elected until 1891; district—Buffalo, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce; and St. Croix counties.

Henry D. Barron, of St. Croix Falls, 1876-82; district—Chippewa, Barron, Polk, Burnett, Douglas, Ashland, and Bayfield counties.

Solon S. Clough, of Superior, 1882-88; district—Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Polk, and Washburn counties.

R. D. Marshall, of Chippewa Falls, 1888.

WISCONSIN STATE LEGISLATURE.

Representatives of territory originally included in St. Croix county:

First Session, 1848—Senate: Daniel S. Fenton. Assembly: W. R. Marshall. (Seat successfully contested by Joseph Bowron.)

Second Session, 1849—Senate: James Fisher. Assembly: Joseph Bowron.

Third Session, 1850—Senate: James Fisher. Assembly: John S. Watrous.

Fourth Session, 1851—Senate: Henry A. Wright. Assembly: John O. Henning.

Fifth Session, 1852—Senate: Henry A. Wright. Assembly: Otis Hoyt.

Sixth Session, 1853—Senate: Benj. Allen. Assembly: Orrin T. Maxson.

Seventh Session, 1854—Senate: Benj. Allen. Assembly: Wm. M. Torbert.

Eighth Session, 1855—Senate: Wm. T. Gibson. Assembly: Smith R. Gunn.

Ninth Session, 1856—Senate: Wm. T. Gibson. Assembly: Almon D. Gray.

Tenth Session, 1857—Senate: Wm. Wilson. Assembly: Orin T. Maxson.

Eleventh Session, 1858—Senate: Daniel Mears. House: James B. Gray, Lucius Cannon.

Twelfth Session; 1859—Senate: Daniel Mears. House: Moses S. Gibson. Mr. Gibson's seat successfully contested by M. W. McCracken.

Thirteenth Session, 1860—Senate: Charles B. Cox. House: Asaph Whittlesey.

Fourteenth Session, 1861—Senate: Charles B. Cox. House: John Comstock.

Fifteenth Session, 1862—Senate: H. L. Humphrey. House: George R. Stuntz, James W. Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley was elected speaker of the house.

Sixteenth Session, 1863—Senate: N. L. Humphrey. House: Henry D. Barron, Charles B. Cox.

Seventeenth Session, 1864—Senate: Austin H. Young. House: Henry D. Barron, Joseph S. Elwell.

Eighteenth Session, 1865—Senate: Austin H. Young. House: Amos S. Gray (successfully contested by A. C. Stuntz). House: Marcus A. Fulton.

Nineteenth Session, 1866—Senate: Marcus A. Fulton. House: Henry D. Barron, William J. Copp. Mr. Barron elected speaker of the assembly.

Twentieth Session, 1867—Senate: Marcus A. Fulton. House: Henry D. Barron, John D. Trumbull, H. L. Wadsworth.

Twenty-first Session, 1868—Senate: Wm. J. Copp. House: Henry D. Barron, Eleazer Holt, Marcus A. Fulton.

Twenty-second Session, 1869—Senate: Wm. J. Copp. House: Henry D. Barron, Edward H. Ives, Charles D. Parker.

Twenty-third Session, 1870—Senate: Edward H. Ives. House: Samuel B. Dressor, Oliver S. Powell, Charles D. Parker.

Twenty-fourth Session, 1871—Senate: Edward H. Ives. House: Samuel S. Vaughn, Oliver S. Powell, Ruel K. Fay.

Twenty-fifth Session, 1872—Senate: Joseph E. Irish. House: Henry D. Barron, Oliver S. Powell, John C. Spooner.

Twenty-sixth Session, 1873—Senate: Joseph E. Irish. House: Henry D. Barron, speaker; James H. Persons, David C. Fulton.

Twenty-seventh Session, 1874—Senate: Henry D. Barron. House: Samuel S. Fifield, James H. Persons, Harvey S. Clapp.

Twenty-eighth Session, 1875—Senate: Henry D. Barron, House: Samuel S. Fifield, Thomas S. Nelson, Philo Q. Boyden.

Twenty-ninth Session, 1876—Senate: Henry D. Barron. House: Samuel S. Fifield, speaker; Christopher L. Taylor, Philo Q. Boyden.

Thirtieth Session, 1877—Senate: Samuel S. Fifield. House: Woodbury S. Grover, Ellsworth Burnett, Guy W. Dailey.

Thirty-first Session, 1878—Senate: Dana R. Bailey. House: Canute Anderson, Charles A. Hawn, James Hill.

Thirty-second Session, 1879—Senate: Dana R. Bailey. House: Wm. J. Vincent, Nils P. Haugen, James Hill.

Thirty-third Session, 1880—Senate: Sam S. Fifield. House: Nils P. Haugen, James Hill, Lars L. Gunderson.

Thirty-fourth Session, 1881—Senate: Sam S. Fifield. Assembly: Geo. D. McDill, Franklin L. Gibson, Merton Herrick.

Thirty-fifth Session, 1882—Senate: James Hill. Assembly: Geo. D. McDill, Franklin L. Gibson, speaker; Olof A. Sangestad.

Thirty-sixth Session, 1883—Senate: James Hill. Assembly: Canute Anderson, John D. Putnam, Geo. D. McDill, James Johnston.

Thirty-seventh Session, 1884—Senate: Joel F. Nason. Assembly: Hans B. Warner, Frank M. Nye, Thomas Porter; Charles S. Taylor, J. B. Thayer.

(For thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth Sessions see Addenda.)

TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT OF MINNESOTA.

Governors: Alexander Ramsey, from June 1, 1849, to May 15, 1853; Willis A. Gorman, from May 15, 1853, to April 23, 1857; Samuel Medary, from April 23, 1857, to May 24, 1858.

Delegates to Congress: Henry H. Sibley, Jan. 15, 1849, to March 4, 1853; Henry M. Rice, Dec. 5, 1853, to March 4, 1857; W. W. Kingsbury, Dec. 7, 1857, to May 11, 1858.

Chief Justices: Aaron Goodrich, June 1, 1849, to Nov. 13, 1851; Jerome Fuller, Nov. 13, 1851, to Dec. 16, 1852; Henry Z. Hayner, Dec. 16, 1852, to April 7, 1853 (Judge Hayner never presided at a single term and gave but one decision, which was to pronounce the prohibition law unconstitutional); William H. Welch, April 7, 1853, to May 24, 1858.

Associate Justices: David Cooper, June 1, 1849, to April 7, 1853; Bradly B. Meeker, June 1, 1849, to April 7, 1853; Andrew G. Chatfield, April 7, 1853, to April 23, 1857; Moses G. Sherburne, April 7, 1853, to April 13, 1857; R. R. Nelson, April 23, 1857, to May 24, 1858; Charles E. Flandrau, April 23, 1857, to May 24, 1858.

CENSUS OF THE TERRITORY—AUGUST, 1849.

PRECINCTS. MALES. FEMALES. TOTAL.

Stillwater 455 154 609 Lake St. Croix 129 32 161 Marine Mills 142 31 173 Falls of St. Croix 15 1 16 Snake River 58 24 82 St. Paul 540 300 840 Little Canada and St. Anthony Falls 352 219 571 Crow Wing and Long Prairie 235 115 350 Osakis Rapids 92 41 133 — — — Total 2,018 977 2,935

Upon the basis of this population the governor established the following legislative districts:

First district: St. Croix precinct, extending on the west side of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers to the Iowa line; Second district: Stillwater; Third district: St. Paul; Fourth district: Marine Mills and the country north to the British possessions; Fifth district: St. Anthony Falls; Sixth district: The country east of the Mississippi not embraced in the Fourth district, and extending north to the British possessions; Seventh district: All the territory on the west of the Mississippi river not embraced in the sixth and first districts.

FIRST TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE.—HELD SEPT. 3 TO NOV. 1, 1849.

Council: David Olmsted, president; district No. 1, James S. Norris; No. 2, Samuel Burkelo; No. 3, William H. Forbes, James McC. Boal; No. 4, David B. Loomis; No. 5, John Rollins; No. 6, David Olmsted, William Sturgis; No. 7, Martin McLeod.

House: Joseph W. Furber, of Cottage Grove, speaker; district No. 1, Joseph W. Furber, James Wells; No. 2, M. S. Wilkinson, Sylvanus Trask, Mahlon Black; No. 3, Benj. W. Brunson, Henry Jackson, John J. Dewey, Parsons K. Johnson; No. 4, Henry N. Setzer; No. 5, William R. Marshall, William Dugas; No. 6, Jeremiah Russell, Allan Morrison, Lorenzo A. Babcock, Thomas A. Holmes; No. 7, Alexis Bailly, Gideon H. Pond.

The limits of this work preclude the insertion of a complete list of the entire State, and we give, therefore, the representation of the St. Croix valley.

SECOND TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1851.

Council: James Norris, Samuel Burkelo, D. B. Loomis, president. House: John A. Ford, Michael E. Ames, speaker; Jesse Taylor, John D. Ludden.

THIRD TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1852.

Council: Elam Greely, David B. Loomis. House: Jesse Taylor, Mahlon Black, Martin Leavitt, John D. Ludden.

FOURTH TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1853.

Council: Elam Greely, David B. Loomis. House: N. Green Wilcox, Albert Stimson, Caleb Truax, John D. Ludden.

FIFTH TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1854.

Council: Albert Stimson, John E. Mower. House: John Fisher, Wm. McKusick, Robert Watson, N. C. D. Taylor, speaker.

SIXTH TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1855.

Council: Albert Stimson, John E. Mower. House: James B. Dixon, William Willim, James Norris, Samuel Register.

SEVENTH TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1856.

Council: John D. Ludden, Henry N. Setzer. House: James S. Norris, Abraham Van Voorhes, N. C. Taylor, Henry A. Jackman.

EIGHTH TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE, 1857.

Council: John D. Ludden, Henry N. Setzer. House: Elam Greely, Mahlon Black, Joseph W. Furber, speaker; L. K. Stannard.

The legislature of 1852 passed a prohibition law and submitted it to the people of the Territory, who adopted it by a vote of 853 for to 622 against. This law was declared unconstitutional by Judge Hayner on the ground that it was unconstitutional to submit a law to the vote of the people. After rendering this decision he resigned his office.

At a second appointment in 1855 the counties of Washington, Chisago, Superior, Itasca, and Doty were included in the St. Croix district. A special session was held in May, 1857, to accept and make provision to use the magnificent railway land grant donated by Congress.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1857.

In accordance with the enabling act of Congress, passed March 3, 1857, delegates were elected and met in convention at the capital on the second Monday of July, 1857.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM ST. CROIX VALLEY.

Washington county: Wm. Holcombe, James S. Norris, Henry N. Setzer, Gould T. Curtis, Charles E. Leonard, Charles J. Butler, Newinton Gilbert, R. H. Sanderson.

Chisago county: P. A. Cedarstam, Charles F. Lowe, Lucas K. Stannard, W. H. C. Folsom.

The convention continued in session from July 13 to Aug. 29, 1857, and although divided into two wings, accomplished considerable work, such as preparing duplicate state constitutions and redistricting the State. The St. Croix valley was redistricted as follows:

First district, Washington county: Twenty-fifth district, Chisago, Pine and Isanti counties.

GOVERNORS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

Henry H. Sibley, May 24, 1858, to Jan. 2, 1860; Alexander Ramsey, Jan. 2, 1860, to July 10, 1863; Henry A. Swift, July 10, 1863, to Jan. 11, 1864; Stephen Miller, Jan. 11, 1864, to Jan. 8, 1866; William R. Marshall, Jan. 8, 1866, to Jan. 9, 1870; Horace Austin, Jan. 9, 1870, to Jan. 7, 1874; Cushman K. Davis, Jan. 7, 1874, to Jan. 7, 1876; John S. Pillsbury, Jan. 7, 1876, to Jan. 10, 1882; Lucius F. Hubbard, Jan 10, 1882, to Jan. —, 1886; A. R. McGill, Jan. —, 1887, to —.

SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICES.

Lafayette Emmett, May 24, 1858, to Jan. 10, 1865; Thomas Wilson, Jan. 10, 1865, to July 14, 1869; James Gilfillan, July 14, 1869, to Jan. 7, 1870; Christopher G. Ripley, Jan. 7, 1870, to April 7, 1874; S. J. R. McMillan, April 7, 1874, to March 10, 1875; James Gilfillan, March, 10, 1875, to —.

ASSOCIATE JUSTICES.

Charles E. Flandrau, May, 24, 1858, to July 5, 1864; Isaac Atwater, May 24, 1858, to July 6, 1864; S. J. R. McMillan, July 6, 1864, to April 7, 1874; Thomas Wilson, July 6, 1864, to Jan. 10, 1865; John M. Berry, Jan. 10, 1865, to —; George B. Young, April 16, 1874, to Jan. 11, 1875; F. R. E. Cornell, Jan 11, 1875, to May 23, 1881; D. A. Dickenson, June 27, 1881, to —; Greenleaf Clark, March 14, 1881, to Jan. 12, 1882; William Mitchell, March 14, 1881, to —; C. E. Vanderburgh, Jan. 12, 1882, to —; L. W. Collins, January, 1888, to —.

UNITED STATES SENATORS FROM MINNESOTA.

James Shields, May 11, 1858, to March 4, 1860; Henry M. Rice, May 11, 1858, to March 4, 1863; Morton S. Wilkinson, March 4, 1860, to March 4, 1867; Alexander Ramsey, March 4, 1863, to March 4, 1875; Daniel S. Norton, March 4, 1867, died July 14, 1870; O. P. Stearns, January —, 1871, to March 4, 1871; William Windom, March 4, 1871, to March 12, 1881; S. J. R. McMillan, Dec. 6, 1875, to March 4, 1886; A. J. Edgerton, March 12, 1881, to Oct. 26, 1881; William Windom, Oct, 26, 1881, to March 4, 1883; Dwight M. Sabin, March 4, 1883, to March 4, 1889; C. K. Davis, March 4, 1887, to —.

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.

W. W. Phelps, May 11, 1858, to March 4, 1859; J. M. Cavenaugh, May 11, 1858, to March 4, 1858; William Windom, Dec. 5, 1859, to March 4, 1869; Cyrus Aldrich, Dec. 5, 1859, to March 4, 1863; Ignatius Donnelly, Dec. 7, 1863, to March 4, 1869; M. S. Wilkinson, March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1871; E. M. Wilson, March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1871; John T. Averill, March 4, 1871, to March 4, 1875; M. H. Dunnell, March 4, 1871, to March 4, 1883; H. B. Strait, Dec. 1, 1873, to March 4, 1879; William S. King, Dec. 6, 1875, to March 4, 1877; J. H. Stewart, Dec. 3, 1877, to March 4, 1879; Henry Poehler, March 4, 1879, to March 4, 1881; H. B. Strait, March 4, 1881, to March 4, 1885; W. D. Washburn, March 4, 1879, to March 4, 1885; Milo White, March 4, 1883, to March 4, 1887; J. B. Wakefield, March 4, 1883, to March 4, 1887; Knute Nelson, March 4, 1883, to March 4, 1889; J. B. Gilfillan, March 4 1885, to March 4, 1887: Thomas Wilson, March 4, 1887, John Lind, March 4, 1887; John S. McDonald, March 4, 1887; Edmund Rice, March 4, 1887.

FIRST STATE LEGISLATURE, 1857-8.

Richard G. Murphy, president; William Holcombe, lieutenant governor.

Senate: First District—Joel K. Reiner. Twenty-fifth District—W. H. C. Folsom. House: First District—J. R. M. Gaskill, George W. Campbell, Robert Simpson. Twenty-fifth District—John G. Randall.

SECOND STATE LEGISLATURE, 1859-60.

Senate: First District—Wm. McKusick, Socrates Nelson. Twenty-fifth District—Lucas K. Stannard. House: First District—E. D. Watson, Abraham Van Voorhes, Orange Walker. Twenty-fifth District—Patrick Fox.

THIRD STATE LEGISLATURE, 1861.

Senate: Second District—Joel K. Reiner. House: Second District—H. L. Thomas, E. D. Whiting, Emil Munch.

FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 1862.

Senate: Second District—Joel K. Reiner. House: Second District—Wm. H. Burt, H. L. Thomas, E. D. Whitney.

FIFTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1863.

Senate: Second District—John McKusick. House: Second District—Samuel Furber, J. B. R. Mitchell, Ansel Smith.

SIXTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1864.

Senate: Second District—John McKusick. House: Second District—Jere M. Soule, R. R. Henry, Ansel Smith.

SEVENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1865.

Senate: Second District—John McKusick. House: Second District—L. A. Huntoon, Ansel Smith, Lars J. Stark.

EIGHTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1866.

Senate: Second District—John McKusick. House: Second District—J. B. R. Mitchell, Robert Watson, Smith Ellison.

NINTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1867.

Senate: Second District—W. H. C. Folsom. House: Second District—Henry Jackman, Ebenezer Ayres.

TENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1868.

Senate: Second District—W. H. C. Folsom. House: Second District—J. W. Furber, William Lowell.

ELEVENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1869.

Senate: Second District—James N. Castle. House: Second District—Joseph Haskell, W. H. C. Folsom.

TWELFTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1870.

Senate: Second District—James N. Castle. House: Second District—James S. Norris, William Lowell.

THIRTEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1871.

Senate: Second District—Dwight M. Sabin. House: Second District—Joseph Haskell, Lucas K. Stannard.

FOURTEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1872.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Dwight M. Sabin. Twenty-eighth District—Jonas Lindall. House: Twenty-second District—Ebenezer Ayers, J. R. M. Gaskill, H. R. Murdock. Twenty-eighth District—Adolph Munch.

FIFTEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1873.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Dwight M. Sabin. Twenty-eighth District—Jonas Lindall. House: Twenty-second District—E. W. Durant, J. R. M. Gaskill, James Huganin. Twenty-eighth District—Joel G. Ryder.

SIXTEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1874.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Wm. McKusick. Twenty-eighth District—L. K. Burrows. House: Twenty-second District—D. B. Loomis, Chas. Eckdahl, J. A. McCloskey. Twenty-eighth District—Frank H. Pratt.

SEVENTEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1875.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Wm. McKusick. Twenty-eighth district—W. H. C. Folsom. House: Twenty-second district—J. W. Furber, E. W. Durant, J. E. Mower. Twenty-eighth district—Lars J. Stark.

EIGHTEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1876.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Ed. S. Brown. Twenty-eighth District—W. H. C. Folsom. House: Twenty-second District—A. Fredericks, J. S. Middleton, O. W. Erickson. Twenty-eighth District—W. A. Brawley.

NINETEENTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1877.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Ed. S. Brown. Twenty-eighth District—W. H. C. Folsom. House: Twenty-second District—A. Fredericks, A. Huntoon, O. W. Erickson.

TWENTIETH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1878.

Senate: Twenty-second District—Roscoe F. Hersey. Twenty-eighth District—John Shaleen. House: Twenty-second District—Dwight M. Sabin, Wm. Fowler, Charles Peterson. Twenty-eighth District—F. S. Christensen.

TWENTY-FIRST STATE LEGISLATURE, 1879.

Senate: Twenty-second District—James N. Castle. Twenty-eighth District—John Shaleen. House: Twenty-second District—A. M. Dodd, Chas. Peterson, Andrew Peterson. Twenty-eighth District—John Dean.

TWENTY-SECOND STATE LEGISLATURE, 1881.

Senate: Twenty-second District—J. N. Castle. Twenty-eighth District—John Shaleen. House: Twenty-second District—Dwight M. Sabin, Andrew Peterson, Wm. Schmidt. Twenty-eighth District—John Dean.

TWENTY-THIRD STATE LEGISLATURE, 1883.

Senate: Twenty-fourth District—J. N. Castle. Thirty-eighth District—John Shaleen. House: Twenty-fourth District—Dwight M. Sabin, C. P. Gregory, A. Stegman. Thirty-eighth District—Levi H. McKusick.

TWENTY-FOURTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1885.

Senate: Twenty-fourth District—J. N. Castle. Thirty-eighth District—John Shaleen. House: Twenty-fourth District—E. W. Durant, W. H. Pratt, Arthur Stephen. Thirty-eighth District—Levi H. McKusick.

TWENTY-FIFTH STATE LEGISLATURE, 1887.

Senate: Twenty-fourth District—E. W. Durant. Thirty-eighth District—Otto Wallmark. House: Twenty-fourth District—F. Dornfield, R. M. Anderson, C. P. Gregory. Thirty-eighth District—Henry Smith.

The first legislature continued in session one hundred and forty-eight days. Its most important measure was the passage of the $5,000,000 loan bill. At the twentieth session a law was passed changing the sessions of the legislature from annual to biennial.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1857.

As a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1857, and a member of what was styled the Republican wing, the writer considers it not amiss to insert a chapter concerning that somewhat famous and farcical affair.

The Congress of 1856-57 passed an enabling act for the formation of a state government in Minnesota, providing that a constitutional convention of delegates, chosen by the people, should assemble at midday, July 13, 1857, at the hall of the house of representatives at the state capitol, and adopt a constitution, subject to the ratification of the people.

The territorial governor, Samuel Medary, ordered an election to be held on the first Monday in June, 1857, for delegates, the number to consist of one hundred and eight. The State was nearly equally divided between the Republicans and Democrats; still the question of politics did not enter largely into the contest, except as a question of party supremacy. The people were a unit on the question of organizing a state government under the enabling act, and in many cases there was but a single ticket in the field. It was a matter, therefore, of some surprise that there should be a separation among the delegates into opposing factions, resulting practically in the formation of two conventions, each claiming to represent the people, and each proposing a constitution. The delegates, although but 108 were called, were numbered on the rolls of the two wings as 59 Republican and 53 Democratic, a discrepancy arising from some irregularity of enrollment, by which certain memberships were counted twice. The Republican members, claiming a bare majority, took possession of the hall of the house at midnight, twelve hours before the legal time for opening the convention, the object being to obtain control of the offices and committees of the convention, a manifest advantage in the matter of deciding upon contested seats.

In obedience to the call of the leaders of the party, issued the day before, the writer with other Republicans repaired to the house at the appointed hour, produced his credentials as a delegate, and was conducted into the illuminated hall by Hon. John W. North. The delegates were dispersed variously about the hall, some chatting together, others reading newspapers, smoking, or snoring, as here and there one had fallen asleep in his seat. Occasionally a delegate nervously examined his revolver as if he anticipated some necessity for its use.

The Democratic delegates were elsewhere probably plotting in secret conclave to capture the hall, and perhaps it might be well enough to be prepared for the worst. Thus the remainder of the night passed and the forenoon of July 13th. As soon as the clock struck twelve, the Democratic delegates rushed tumultuously in, as if with the purpose of capturing the speaker's stand. That, however, was already occupied by the Republican delegates, and the storming party was obliged to content itself with the lower steps of the stand. Both parties at the moment the clock ceased striking were yelling "order" vociferously, and nominating their officers, pro tem. Both parties effected a temporary organization, although in the uproar and confusion it was difficult to know what was done.

The Democratic wing adjourned at once to the senate chamber, and there effected a permanent organization. The Republicans being left in the undisturbed possession of the hall, perfected their organization, and the two factions set themselves diligently to work to frame a constitution, each claiming to be the legally constituted convention, and expecting recognition as such by the people of the State and by Congress. The debates in each were acrimonious. A few of the more moderate delegates in each recognized the absurdity and illegality of their position, and questioned the propriety of remaining and participating in proceedings which they could not sanction.

The conventions continued their sessions inharmoniously enough. Each framed a constitution, at the completion of which a joint committee was appointed to revise and harmonize the two constitutions, but the members of the committees were as belligerent as the conventions they represented. Members grew angry, abusing each other with words and even blows, blood being drawn in an argument with bludgeons between Hon. Willis A. Gorman, Democratic, and Hon. Thomas Wilson, Republican. An agreement seemed impossible, when some one whose name has not found its way into history, made the happy suggestion that alternate articles of each constitution be adopted. When this was done, and the joint production of the two conventions was in presentable shape, another and almost fatal difficulty arose, as to which wing should be accorded the honor of signing officially this remarkable document. One body or the other must acknowledge the paternity of the hybrid. Ingenuity amounting to genius (it is a pity that the possessor should be unknown) found a new expedient, namely, to write out two constitutions in full, exact duplicates except as to signatures, the one to be signed by Democratic officers and members, and the other by Republicans These two constitutions were filed in the archives of the State and one of them, which one will probably never be known, was adopted by the people Oct. 13, 1857.

The question arises in the writer's mind as to the legality of the constitution of Minnesota. Have we a constitution? If so, which one? The question of legality, however, has never been raised before the proper tribunals, and it is perhaps well to leave it thus unquestioned.

FIRST MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATURE, HELD 1857-8.

Under a provision of the constitution adopted Oct. 13, 1857, the legislature was elected and convened December 2d of that year, although the State had not then been admitted to the Union, and Gen. Sam Medary was still recognized as governor, though not at the time in the Territory, and acting through his private secretary. The whole state, judicial and legislative ticket had been elected in October, but none of the state officers could qualify prior to the formal admission of the State. The legality of their proceedings was called in question. The Republicans entered a protest against legislation until after the admission of the State, but the Democratic party was in the majority, and territorial Democratic officers governed the legislature, and the protest was unheeded. Notwithstanding the doubtful validity of acts passed by this body, some bold and extravagant measures were proposed and passed, among them the famous $5,000,000 loan bill, authorizing the issue of bonds to that amount, ostensibly to aid in the construction of railroads in Minnesota, and to be used as a basis for banking. This bill was passed near the close of the session, which lasted ninety days, and was an amendment to the constitution to be voted on April 15, 1858.[J] The result proved even worse than had been predicted by the most ardent opposers of the bill, and although adopted by an overwhelming majority, speedily fulfilled the predictions of its opponents. The State was flooded with worthless bank issues, based upon these worthless bonds. Financial distress and panic ensued. A reaction followed, and in November, 1860, the amendment to the constitution was expunged. Of these bonds, $2,275,000 had already been issued, when the section granting their issue was repealed. These the State subsequently redeemed.

This bill, though afterward adopted as an amendment to the constitution by an overwhelming majority, was opposed most vigorously in both houses of the legislature, and characterized at the time as mischievous and infamous. Though not present at the time of its passage, on account of sickness, the author fully committed himself as an opponent of the bill, and placed himself on record in an address to his constituents dated March 19th, at the senate chamber, which address was circulated extensively at the time. The views and predictions therein expressed as to the disastrous character of the bill have been amply justified and verified by subsequent events.

Hon. Chas. F. Lowe, when a member of the Republican wing of the constitutional convention, had designed and prepared a seal to be used by the incoming state government. It was adopted by that wing of the convention, and Mr. Lowe hoped to have it formally adopted by the first state legislature. At the request of Mr. Lowe, it was presented by the writer, then a member of the senate, and was adopted by the senate and house with many encomiums upon its beauty and appropriateness. The design was indeed a beautiful one, and the workmanship of the seal, by Buechner, of St. Paul, was admirable. The design of the seal was as follows:

A waterfall (supposed to be that of Minnehaha) within a shield; this part of the device was intended to symbolize the idea of water for the amount and varied forms of which Minnesota is distinguished above any other part of our country. In addition was represented the figure of an Indian pointing toward the setting sun, as his course of destiny runs, with his tomahawk, bow and arrows; at his feet opposite the Indian was the figure of a white man, with a sheaf of wheat and the implements of agriculture at his feet, representing to the Indian that he must partake of the habits of civilized life or depart toward the setting sun. In one corner of the field appeared a distant view of Lake Superior, with a ship in sail. In another was a view of a river, indicating the Minnesota river, running from the westward, with a steamboat ascending its stream. In rear of the shield and waterfall were three trees, which are typical of the three timbered regions, the oak on the left typifying the south and southwest portion of the State, the pine in the centre typifying the great pine regions of Lake Superior, Upper Mississippi and St. Croix, and the maple on the right typifying the north and northwestern portion of the State. For a motto to accompany the words state of Minnesota, A. D. 1858, which were placed upon the upper rim of the seal, the words placed upon the lower rim of the seal were, "Liberty and Union, Now and Forever One and Inseparable." The act of the legislature went to the governor, who returned it to the senate approved and signed, July 14, 1858.

Some length of time elapsed before the appearance of the great seal as appended to official documents, and when it did appear it was very different from the one adopted, and the credit of the design was given to Rev. E. D. Neill by the newspapers commenting upon it. However beautiful and appropriate the design of the present great seal of the state of Minnesota, there seems to be no evidence that it was ever legally adopted, and the question may well be raised as to its validity. It lies, however, in the eternal fitness of things that a state without a legal constitution should also be without a seal.

At the joint convention of Dec. 19, 1857, Hon. Henry M. Rice and Gen. James Shields, of Mexican War fame, were elected senators. The Republicans supported David Cooper and Henry D. Huff. During this session the presiding officer of the senate was Richard G. Murphy, a somewhat eccentric character. His decisions were often diverting. When perplexing questions arose he would say gravely, "The chair can not decide more than two questions at oncet." After passing many really important measures, the legislature adjourned March 25, to meet June 2, 1858.

ADJOURNED SESSION.

The legislature met, pursuant to adjournment, June 2d, the State having been admitted in the interim. Lieut. Gov. Holcombe presided over the senate and proved an acceptable and able presiding officer. The five million amendment having been approved by the people, this legislature passed a banking law, establishing banks in various parts of the State with the five million bonds as a basis.

It can do no good at this late day to raise a question as to the validity of the acts of the first state legislature, but it is due to ourselves and others who with us at the time protested against the validity of acts passed at this session, to give a few extracts from senate and house journals tending to show that a feeling of distrust was quite general. The ground of this opinion was the fact that the legislature elected as a state legislature held its first session prior to the admission of the State, and under the administration of the territorial governor, Medary, through his secretary, acting in his place. The question was openly discussed, not only in the legislature but in the public press of the State.

As early as Dec. 8, 1887, the following protest was presented in the senate:

SENATE CHAMBER, ST. PAUL.

We, the undersigned senators of the state of Minnesota, do hereby enter and record this, our solemn PROTEST, against the recognition by this body, in any manner, directly or indirectly, of Samuel Medary, Esquire, governor of the territory of Minnesota, as the governor of the state of Minnesota, or as being invested with any of the rights, authority, privileges, powers or functions of governor of said state of Minnesota.

And we do solemnly PROTEST against the recognition by this body, in any manner, of the claims of the said Samuel Medary, to exercise any of the rights, authority, privileges, powers or functions of the governor of the state of Minnesota—such claim being wholly unauthorized and unwarranted by the constitution of the state of Minnesota; and in violation of the expressed will of the people of the state of Minnesota, and an attempted usurpation of office, at war with the fundamental principles of free government, and dangerous to the liberties of the people.

D. G. NORTON, LEWIS MCKUNE>, GEO. WATSON, EDWIN M. SOMERS, BOYD PHELPS, J. K. REINER, H. L. THOMAS, JAMES RIDPATH, MICHAEL COOK, CHARLES H. LINDSLEY, E. N. BATES, E. HODGES, A. G. HUDSON, JONATHAN CHASE, W. H. C. FOLSOM, S. S. BEMAN, DELANO T. SMITH.

On December 8th Mr. Norton offered the following resolution to the senate:

"WHEREAS, By the provisions of the constitution the executive officers of the State can not qualify until after the admission of the State by Congress, and

"WHEREAS, There is no governor of the state of Minnesota to whom acts may be submitted, as required by the constitution; therefore,

"Resolved, That this legislature can pass no acts which could become a law until after the admission of the State by Congress, and the qualification of the governor elected by the people."

The resolution was adopted and referred to the following committee: Van Etten, Streeter, Jones, Norton, and Folsom.

The majority of the select committee reported December 21st, claiming that by the enabling act the people of the Territory were empowered to form a state government, which they did, electing their delegates on the second Monday in July, 1857, to form a state constitution, and take necessary steps for establishment of a state government; that these delegates met at the time and place appointed, and on the twenty-ninth of August adopted a constitution which was submitted to the people and adopted by a majority of over 28,000 votes. That on the thirteenth of October, in conformity with an article (section 16, article 16) of the constitution then adopted, the people had elected representatives to Congress, governor and lieutenant governor, judges and members of both houses of the legislature, the latter to meet on the first Wednesday in December at St. Paul.

The majority admitted that the governor elected under the act could not qualify until after the admission of the State, but claimed that the members of the legislature did not rest under the same disability, but were competent to legislate because they derived their power from the constitution itself, and had been directed to meet for that purpose on the first Monday in December, and that because they were thus required to meet they were authorized to act. The people were omnipotent in the premises. They had declared that the governor should not qualify until after the admission of the State, and that the members of the legislature should meet. It was absurd to suppose this body should be called together and have no power to act. They held, moreover, that the territorial governor was empowered to act until his successor could legally qualify; that the framers of the constitution of Minnesota and the people had declared that he should be continued in office until superseded by a state officer, and that the very time had been specified when he should be thus superseded, namely, on the admission of the State into the Union, and therefore that Samuel Medary was, de facto and de jure, governor of Minnesota; that Minnesota was then a state out of the Union, and that the acts of the first legislature would be legalized when the State was admitted.

The minority report, signed by D. S. Norton and W. H. C. Folsom, claimed that the constitution contemplated an admission into the Union as a prerequisite to the exercise of state sovereignty, in article 5, section 7, where it is enacted that "the term of each of the executive officers named in this article shall commence upon taking the oath of office, after the State shall be admitted by Congress into the Union, etc."

Section 9, same article, provides that "Laws shall be passed at the first session of the legislature after the State is admitted into the Union to carry out the provisions of this article.

"Section 1, article 16, schedule, provides that all process which may be issued under the authority of the territory of Minnesota previous to its admission into the Union of the United States, shall be as valid as if issued in the name of the State."