Saturday, January 14, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 14

January 14, 1911 – Two desperate road agents held up and robbed three men on the country roads in Golden Valley township this evening, severely beating one of their victims with a revolver butt, and finally escaping capture after a hot chase by mounted patrolmen and detectives in automobiles, deputy sheriffs in sleighs and citizen posses on horseback.





The robbers’ victims were:

Thomas Garrity, aged farmer on Sixth Ave. road, held up, robbed of $50, beaten unconscious and left in the snow beside his sleigh.

Theodore Site of Loretta, employed at the farm of Frank Schied, held up and robbed of a gold watch and $4.

Gus Engman, farmhand on the Medicine Lake Road, held up at point of gun and kicked off railroad trestle because he had no money.

All of the holdups were within the space of one hour, were carried out within a radius of a mile from one spot, and in each instance by the same team of desperadoes, wearing jackets and masks made from black mufflers.

As reports of the three holdups leaked in successively to police headquarters and the sheriff’s office, the country side became alarmed and farmers left their homes, under guard of their elder sons and patrolled the roads with shot guns. Parties of young men, armed with revolvers and rifles loaded up bob sleds and traversed the roads in search of the highwaymen. Reports and rumors that flow from mouth to mouth through the township cast the little communities into excitement. Moonlight and weather not too cold, in addition to the prospects of no work tomorrow, make the night alluring for a man hunt and the citizens assisted the police and deputies with a will. Some of the parties will not return until tomorrow morning.

Site was the first man to be held up. He was walking on the 19th Ave. North just about one-half block beyond Xerxes Ave. North, the northern limits of the city, when the two road agents stepped from the side of the road and leveling revolvers at his head, ordered him to throw up his hands. Site complied and was relieved of a gold watch and $4 in cash.

Not 15 minutes later, about 40 rods further north on the same road, Thomas Garrity, 60 years old, was driving home in his cutter when the two road agents suddenly appeared on opposite sides of the road. Becoming suspicious at the action of the two figures standing beside the road with their faces muffled in black, Garrity lashed his horse and attempted to drive past on the gallop.  

The shorter highwayman made a dive at the horse’s head and brought the animal to a stop, while his companion walked to the side of the cutter and jumped in, at the same time pressing a revolver in the old man’s face.

The robber demanded Garrity’s money; the latter replied that he had none, whereupon the larger road agent smashed the butt end of the revolver over Garrity’s head. When Garrity came to his senses, he found himself lying on his back in the snow. Blood was coming from several deep wounds in his head. The horse and cutter had strayed to the side of the road.

He dragged himself to the rig, gathered the reins and drove to Miller’s dairy farm at 19th and Xerxes Avenues North, from which place the police were notified. In the meantime, word had been received at the North Side police station from the farm of Frank Schied, concerning the holdup of Site.

The auto patrol with a reserve squad of police and the headquarters auto, loaded with detectives and equipped with two riot guns, was dispatched to the scene, while extra patrolman were rushed to the city limits in the North Side patrol. Sheriff’s deputies were personally notified by telephone and responded by arming themselves and driving to the scene of the holdups.

Mounted Patrolman Gillon found traces of the men along the Cedar Lake Road. On the trestle over the Great Northern railroad tracks, the fleeing road agents came upon Gus Engman, plodding homeward along the right of way.

With the greatest dispatch, owing to the warmth of the chase that was growing interesting by this time, the highwaymen pressed revolvers to Engman’s head while they rifled his pockets. Finding nothing for their pains, one of them drew away from his victim and with an oath gave him a kick that sent him clear to the trestle and rolling in the snow down the embankment. Engman went to the farm of Max Pallings on Medicine Lake Road and from there reported his experience to the police. The descriptions in all cases were identical.




The fleeing highwaymen were traced to the south on Xerxes Ave., then to the Great Northern tracks. At this point they evidently became aware of the pursuit and probably fearing that further ingress to the city would be guarded, turned and continued their flight in the direction of Cedar Lake. Here all trace was lost, but it is thought that they doubled on their tracks and returned to the city either by way of Western Ave. or Sixth Ave. North, although a sharp look out was kept along both of the roads all night.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune“Road Agent Activity Scares Golden Valley. Three Men Are Victims of Masked Desperados Who Elude Capture. Holdup Carnival Draws Out Police, Deputy Sheriffs and Citizens. Armed Posses Trail Robbers, But Fail to Catch Them—All Trace Lost.”; January 15, 1911; p. 1.

Photos taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Jan. 14, 2017, as long as acknowledgement included.

               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Friday, January 13, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 13

January 13, 1992 - The Ogden Apartment Hotel, an apartment building in downtown Minneapolis, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on this date as the last remaining single room occupancy residential structure in the city. The building was designed for middle class worker housing when demand for such housing was increasing around the beginning of the 20th century. It was billed as an "apartment hotel," a design briefly popular in Minneapolis. The individual units did not have their own separate kitchens; instead, residents ate from a common restaurant in the building. The building was designed primarily to appeal to single men and women, as well as married couples without children. It included modern conveniences (for the time) such as private bathrooms, Murphy beds, and electric appliances.


The building changed its name to the Continental Hotel in 1948. and was purchased by the Central Community Housing Trust, now known as Aeon, in 1992. At the time, it had only a few residents, some who had lived there as long as 34 years, and the roof was deteriorating. Aeon rehabilitated the building, which now houses 70 residents who were formerly homeless. The staff provides support services, classes, and workshops for its residents. The renovation earned two awards: the "Neighborhood Environment Award" in 1993 from the City of Minneapolis Committee on Urban Environment (CUE), and the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Award in 1995.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogden_Apartment_Hotel





Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Jan. 13, 2017,
as long as acknowledgement included.

               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 




Thursday, January 12, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 12

January 12, 1974 – “The Vikings played in their [third Super Bowl game, their] 2nd straight Super Bowl, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-6, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans on [this date]. Minnesota earned a trip to Super Bowl IX by defeating the Los Angeles Rams, 14-10, at Metropolitan Stadium on Dec. 29, 1974.”

http://www.vikings.com/team/history/timeline.html



               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 



Wednesday, January 11, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 11

January 11, 1913 – A pint of blood from the wrist of Henry Foss, Golden Valley, spurted into the veins of his sister, Mrs. C. H. Michealson this evening at the Swedish Hospital in an operation physicians declare without parallel in Minneapolis.

The operation, known as an arterial transfusion of blood, was made necessary by the anemic condition of Mrs. Michaelson. It was pronounced a success tonight by hospital authorities that brother and sister would recover soon, in fact, that the brother, who is a robust young dairyman, is expected to be back at work within a day or two.

This was the first case of transfusion of blood done at the Swedish Hospital in the 15 years of its life, according to G. W. Olson, superintendent, “and the first one of arterial transfusion of which I have heard in Minneapolis. It is a wonderful rare and remarkably delicate surgical feat and not often attempted.”




The Swedish Hospital, Minneapolis Minnesota, 19211


Several Minneapolis surgeons said they had read of similar cases, but knew of none ever having been performed in this vicinity.

The operation was performed by Dr. Charles Kistler, Mrs. Michaelson’s physician, and several assisting surgeons. It was witnessed by a number of surgeons and by the entire corps of 25 nurses of the Swedish Hospital.

The operation was completed late this evening. It was not performed in the daytime because Foss, the young man who volunteered his blood to save his sister and renew the vigor of her impoverished physical condition, could not leave his work during the day.

He came to Minneapolis tonight from the dairy where he works and declared himself ready and willing for the blood transfusion.

Neither patient took an anesthetic. Foss, though, was forced to submit to considerable pain, as the necessary incision into his wrist was quite deep. Those present said he stood the pain with remarkable fortitude.

Mrs. Michaelson is 27 years old and her brother 22.

Mrs. Michaelson had not been strong since an illness two years ago. Dr. Kistler determined recently that the infusion of healthy blood into her veins was necessary in order to save her life.

Her husband, though anxious to give his blood, was not deemed a suitable patient, as he is none too robust himself. His request was denied; it was then her brother volunteered.

Superintendent Olson explained the operation in its entirety.

“It consists,” he said,” of exposing and severing a vein in the arm of the receiving patient and exposing and severing an artery in the wrist of the other patient. A little silver coupling was attached to the exposed vein in Mrs. Michaelson’s arm and the artery in Foss’ wrist. The vein was then drawn through a tiny nipple and attached to the artery with a silk cord.

“This allowed the blood to pulsate from the artery into the vein, touching nothing but the arterial walls. It has been found by surgeons that to allow the blood to touch metal or any extraneous substance has a bad effect.

“In the operation tonight the blood was allowed to pulsate into Mrs. Michaelson’s vein for about 30 minutes. During that time she received a full pint of blood from her brother.

The instruments used are so delicate that skill equal to that of a watchmaker in handling tiny articles was made necessary in addition to the surgical knowledge possessed.

That the transfusion of her brother’s blood would have a decidedly beneficial effect on Mrs. Michaelson was the opinion expressed by the attending surgeons tonight.

__________________________________________

Mrs. Michaelson died January 17, 1913, of puerperal septicemia, a form of blood poisoning usually associated with an obstetric delivery or procedure, although she had not recently given birth.


Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Brother Gives Blood to Save Sister’s Life. Henry Foss, Golden Valley Volunteers a Pint of Life Fluid. Mrs. C. H. Michaelson Weak From Long Continued Illness. Arterial Transfusion Necessary for Her to Regain Her Strength. Remarkable Operation at the Swedish Hospital Is Successful. Physicians Say Case Is Without Parallel in Minneapolis.”; Jan. 12, 1913; p. 1.

1http://www.lakesnwoods.com/images/hospit59.jpg

               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota history: January 10

January 10, 1905 – A shocking tragedy, with jealously as the motive, was committed in Virginia, Minn., this morning. John Philips, a woodsman, shot and killed Miss Ruth Philips and then turned the weapon on himself. The murderer and his victim were distant relations. Mr. Philips sought to court the girl, but she declined to receive his attentions seriously. He was 33 years old and she 16 years old.

The mother and sister of the victim were present and were afraid they would suffer the same fate, but Philips, after making sure the girl was dead and could be the bride of no one else, placed the revolver to his head and blew his brains out.

The Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “Kills Girl and Himself. Shocking Double Tragedy Occurs at Virginia, Minn.”; January 10, 1905; p. 1.




Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Nov. 12, 2012,
as long as acknowledgement included. 

               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Monday, January 9, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 9

January 9, 1896 – About 1 this morning a fire broke out in the rear end of the Coats & Freeman Building, on the north side of St. German Street, St. Cloud, used by Julius Kuck for a grocery store. The strong north wind caused flames to spread over every part of the dry wooden structure, and it was feared that C. F. & William Powell’s hardware store, Shoemaker’s shoe store, P. Mussinger’s saloon, and J. R. Bigerstaff’s crockery store would succumb to the fire, but the firemen fought it well, after they once got at it, and saved them. Owing to the lateness of the hour and the severity of the weather, it being 25 degrees below zero, the firemen did not get to work as promptly as usual. The Coats & Freeman Building was a total loss. Julius Kuck’s loss was total.

It is believed that the fire caught from the stove, as before Kuck left his store last night about 11 a.m., he filled his stove to its utmost capacity in order to keep things from freezing in his store. 

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Fire at St. Cloud.”; Jan. 10, 1896; p. 1.





Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain June 24, 2014,
as long as acknowledgement included.
 

               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 

Sunday, January 8, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 8

January 8, 1910 – The Gov. J. A. Johnson Memorial Commission announced today that approximately $25,000 will be spent on a magnificent bronze statue of Gov. John Albert Johnson, designed by a distinguished sculptor, and placed on the state capitol grounds in St. Paul. The statue will be of heroic size, eight of the 14 commissioners present voting in favor of the standing position.

Treasurer B. F. Nelson’s report showed a total of $23,950.40 subscribed. This will probably be augmented to some extent before the completion of the statue, as a resolution was passed that the fund be left open as long as the commission exists, although there will no further canvassing.

The report of the subscriptions by counties showed Ramsey in the lead with $6,810.12, or more than one-fourth of the total collected. Hennepin is second with $3,605.99; St. Louis County is third with $2,407.37. Jackson County collected the least, with only $4.50 to its credit. Minn. school children showed their love for their deceased governor by sending $2,478. Contributions from points outside the state footed up to $856.50.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Magnificent Statue for Late Governor. Capitol Site Is Chosen for the Monument for John Albert Johnson. Memorial Commission Will Engage Noted Sculptor for the Work. Twenty-five Thousand Persons Contributors to Memorial.”; Jan. 9, 1910; p. 1.



Statue of Gov. John Albert Johnson at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul



John Albert Johnson

July 26, 1861                   September 21, 1909

Three Times Governor of 
Minnesota

A Poor Boy    A Country 
Editor    A Natural Leader

Cut Off In His Prime
The Nation Mourns His Loss

His Life Was Gentle And
The Elements So Mixed In
Him That Nature Might Stand
Up And Say To All The World
This Was A Man

This Monument Is Raised To
His Memory By One Hundred 
Thousand Of His Friends

Photos taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Sept. 21, 2014, 
as long as acknowledgement included.


               __________________________________________________________

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.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com