Here we continue a series drawn from the pages of the Wright County Times, offering a week-by-week look at life in Monticello and Wright County 155 years ago. Using a recently rediscovered archive from the early 1870s, these columns revisit the people, events and everyday concerns of the community as they were recorded at the time.
This installment carries forward last week’s focus on politics, alongside reports of agriculture, accidents and community life across Wright County in the summer of 1871.
Politics and public lands
“Gubernatorial.–Let it be remembered that the majority which carried the land division scheme through the last Legislature, directly and openly refused to submit the proposition to a vote of the people. That action branded ‘corruption’ upon the face of the bill. Fortunately we had a man in the Governor’s chair who recognizes the will of the people as the supreme law, and who promptly executed that law by a decisive veto. Seeing that the Internal Improvement lands are still undisposed of, can the people do better than re-elect a man whom they know they can trust?”
“The politicians who are trying to secure the election of a legislature which will divide the internal improvement lands among railroad corporations are enemies to the people at large. These lands are worth, to-day, at a moderate estimate, a million of dollars. The legislature that shall give them to the railroads, will practically vote a tax of a million of dollars upon a people already groaning under the burdens of taxation. We do not believe that the voters of Wright County will support any man, on any ticket, for Senator or Representative, who shall be even suspected of favoring this iniquitous scheme.”
The wheat crop of 1871
“The wheat acreage of the country has been increased. The averages, as carefully calculated from our returns, in comparison with the breadth sown last year, show an increase in the following States: New York, 1 per cent; New Jersey, 2; Ohio, 6; Michigan, 4; Wisconsin, 4; Minnesota, 10; Iowa, 15; Kansas, 30; Nebraska, 25; Oregon, 3 {&&}. A small decrease appears in the New England States; in Pennsylvania a reduction of 2 per cent.; Maryland, 3; Kentucky, 2; Indiana, 2; Mississippi, 2; and South Carolina, 8.–The average increase in acreage is estimated at 4 per cent., or about three-fourths of a million acres.
Minnesota will sustain her reputation for good crops, though the season has not been uniformly favorable. It was cold and wet in seed time, and several weeks of drought followed, but late rains, warm and seasonable, have benefited the crop.”
Accident at Otsego
“Otsego, Minn., June 27, 1871.
Editor Wright Co. Times:
To-day, while the steam saw mill of Phelp’s Bro’s., at this place, was running at full speed, a shingle jointer burst and flew into about thirty pieces. Some of them went through the roof of the mill, tearing a hole six or seven feet long and about a foot wide, and fell to the ground eight or ten rods from the mill.–Others went through the end of the mill, tearing away the boards as they went. One piece struck the sawyer, Martin Spencer, and slightly injured him. Another passed by the roll tender, Fred Emery, so close that it drew blood from one of his legs, and if it had hit it fair, it would have taken it off. Mr. A. T. Norton was jointing shingles at the time, and it is truly miraculous that he was not instantly killed; I have not ascertained as yet how badly he is injured. He says something struck his head and stomach. He spits blood some, but there are no external marks that I have discovered as yet.”
Fourth of July in Delano
The Fourth keeps an interesting note for us all even 155 years later, and as Delano is one of our biggest rousers in the county, and has been for the last century at least, this tidbit should suffice some intrigue to our readers!:
“Delano, July 5, 1871.
Editor Times:
The Fourth was celebrated in a quiet and pleasant manner. The public observance of the day was conducted by the Sons of Temperance, and it was peculiarly appropriate and gratifying that no drunkenness or disorder marred the prevailing harmony. Credit is due the saloon keepers for keeping closed bars during the afternoon and evening.
The “Sons” with martial music, marched in procession to Lyle’s Grove at 11 A. M. Rev. Johnson opened the exercises there with prayer, and was followed by Mr. Daniel Fish who read the Declaration.
M. William Sleight, the President of the day, then introduced W. E. Hale, Esq., of Monticello, as orator. Mr. Hale occupied three quarters of an hour in delivering a speech, which was interesting and pertinent.
Nearly three hundred persons were present.
The day closed with a dance at Lucas’ Hall, where a pleasant party of thirty-three couple “tripped the light fantastic toe” till morn.
Mr. Thomas K. Danforth opened his house, last Thursday evening, to a Donation Party, for the benefit of Rev. Mr. Johnson, pastor in charge of this circuit of the Methodist Church. Mr. Johnson’s friends, without regard to sect, assembled, had a pleasant time with strawberries and cream, and left behind them $28.80 [about $791.11 today] in cash; a subscription list of about $15.00 [about $412.04 today], and a large “junk” of cake.”
Brevities from around the county
“Sheriff Lord returned from Wisconsin, Wednesday evening, with Mrs. Morris, the witness in the Perrant case.”
“The County Commissioners will meet at Buffalo next Monday.”
“Wright County has a population of 13.35 to the square mile.”
“A rainbow was distinctly visible last Monday evening at five minutes before 8 o’clock.”
“Ira Bradford is building a house on the lot just below Mr. Adams’ residence.”
“There will be several proposals to furnish brick for the County.”
“It is reported that the town of Southside is in a disorganized condition. There is no assessor, and a quorum of the board of supervisors cannot be found.”
“The new county safe is in position and in use.”
“There are two brick-yards in operation near Rockford.”
“Mr. Sleight thinks his orchard will produce twenty bushels of apples this year.”
“It is thought that the wheat crop in this County will not average more than ten bushels to the acre.”
“The county treasury is at a very low ebb.”
“Dr. Bausman is in town.”
“The ‘picture gallery’ seems to be doing a thriving business at Buffalo.”
And lastly:
“It is said that the wizard, who was so well advertised, swallowed his sword honestly and according to the small bills. But some people don’t swallow it.”
This week’s entries capture a community balancing politics, agriculture and everyday life — from debates over public lands to accidents and celebrations — reflecting the rhythms of a growing Wright County in 1871.
An avid local history buff and genealogist, Ayden Irwin serves as the city’s unofficial historian.