On This Date in Minnesota History: December 1

December 1, 1905 – It cost John N. Terret, Grafton, WV, $2,700, the savings of years of toil, to learn that things are not always what they seem and that all that glitters is not gold.

He arrived in Mankato today with a deed to half interest in a big flour milling plant of the Hubbard Milling Company and in the Hubbard & Palmer line of elevators. He had paid a smooth talking stranger in Chicago $2,700 for this deed on Aug. 29, conditioned that it was not to take effect until Dec. 1. Considering that the mill plant is valued at $200,000 and the elevator line has 40 elevators, it’s obvious that Terret seemed to have made a great bargain.

By a curious coincidence R. D. Hubbard, head of the firm, also happened to be in Chicago on Aug. 29, the day the transaction took place, and his sudden and somewhat sensational death occurred that very evening. Terret learned this when he called at the Chicago office of the Hubbard Milling Company this week. He investigated further and learned the full story, but did not have any idea that the deed was not all right.

The Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “Buys Fictitious Deed. West Virginian Supposed He Owned Valuable Minnesota Property.”; Dec. 2, 1905; p. 1.

The Hubbard Mill as it looked around 1900. 

http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/cherrington/outstanding%20papers/ursi100/75.htm

_________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records, birth records, death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records. I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website: TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com