On This Date in Minnesota History: January 10

January 9, 1905 – Its outside cover musty and soiled, but the paper carefully rolled within in an excellent state of preservation, the long lost original copy of the draft of the constitution of the State of Minnesota was found today by George B. Brown, chief of clerk in the office of the secretary of state.

Cover of the 1857 Minnesota Constitution¹

For years the whereabouts of the original of the constitution of the state had been a mystery. Occasionally old settlers familiar with its adoption have called at the secretary of state’s office in the old capitol and asked to see the constitution. They have been told that the draft had been missing for many years, and it had been given up as lost.

But it was found today. In removing to the new capitol, the records of the office were turned topsy-turvy and this is responsible for the discovery. In sorting out miscellaneous records in the vault today, Chief Clerk Brown came across a roll of papers. Beneath the covering was the original draft of the constitution drawn and adopted Aug. 29, 1857. St. A. D. Balcombe signed the constitution as chairman of the convention, and the amendments adopted in 1869 bear the signature of Gov. Alexander Ramsey and Gen. J. H. Baker, then secretary of state.
  

Gen. James H. Baker²

The great green seal of the state is attached to the document. Gen. Baker is still living, being a resident of Mankato. Nearly every other man who signed as a member of the constitutional convention has been dead for years.

The Saint Paul Globe; “Lost Relic Found. Original Constitution of State Discovered in Moving.”; Jan. 10, 1905; p. 5.

¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Constitution#/media/File:1857MinnesotaConstitution.JPG

²https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/James_H._Baker.png

               __________________________________________________________

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