Saturday, July 7, 2018

On this Date in Minnesota History: July 7

July 7, 1899 – Edward Hanson, a feeble-minded boy of about 13, met with a frightful death this afternoon at the state school for the feeble-minded in Faribault.


*


A number of the children had been taken out by the teachers for a ride on the merry-go-round and Hanson was one of the first on the machine. He was placed on the inner circle, or revolving platform, which has a number of seats. The merry-go-round had scarcely started when several of the pupils saw Hanson stand up as if he were giddy. The next moment he fell backward on his head on the ground. He was instantly drawn under the stationary platform or exit steps. No one saw what then happened until they perceived the lifeless body lying several feet away with the head completely torn off. The child’s death must have been almost instantaneous, as he made no sound.

Dr. S. J. Seeley, the coroner, empaneled a jury and began investigating the circumstances. The jury sat until late this evening and rendered a verdict about midnight exonerating all persons from blame, and declaring the death entirely accidental.

The merry-go-round was being run by A. R. Tracey, the electrical engineer and the principal, Dr. Rogers, and some of the teachers had charge of the children. It has a speed six times greater than was being used at the time.

Tracey, the engineer, swore that he had not noticed the boy until he saw him in imminent peril. He then instantly gave the assistant orders to shut off the steam, while he immediately applied the brake to the fly wheel. He saw the child no more until the headless body was carried out and laid on the grass, but gave his attention to getting the other children safely off the merry-go-round, as ordered by the principal.

Edward Hanson was an orphan, and came from Fillmore County, where he had an uncle. He had been on the merry-go-round many times before, and had always seemed perfectly safe and happy.


The Saint Paul Globe; “State Charge Killed. Feeble-Minded Boy at Faribault Has His Head Torn Off.”; July 8, 1899; p. 3.

*https://www.pinterest.com/pin/276197389617256702/?lp=true

               __________________________________________________________

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:
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Friday, July 6, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: July 6


July 6, 1920 – Two little girls sat on the river bank near Medford, Minn., today playing “store.” One was the shopkeeper; the other the shopper.


1


W. A. Bailey, postmaster of Owatonna, paused as he passed them.  As the “shopper” bought a mud pie she gave her “shopkeeper” pal a glittering piece of water-soaked paper. Bailey blinked and looked again.

It was a $1,000 bond.


The rest of the funds Bailey counted excitedly. There were $100,000 worth, all non-negotiable securities. Inquiry revealed that they were among the loot from the Great Northern State Bank on Rice Street in St. Paul, held up and robbed 10 days ago by five armed men.

A pillow case had floated down the Straight River near Medford where the little girls were wading, they explained, and they towed it to shore. Inside, clogged with wet feathers, the bonds were found, a fat bundle of them. They were pretty—hence the game of “store.” Medford is six miles from Owatonna.


Straight River near Medford2

E. E. Conner, president of the bank, made a trip to Medford and returned with the securities, after paying the reward offered for their return to the two girls. All but a half dozen of the papers, although much water-soaked, have been accounted for, he said this evening.

Five thousand-dollars-worth of Liberty Bonds, $4,900 in cash and the bandits are still missing.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “$100,000 Bank Loot Found By Girls at Play. Pillow, Containing Securities, Pulled Out of River at Medford. Postmaster Sees Mud Pies Sold ‘Shoppers’ for $1,000 Each. St. Paul Financier Rewards Children for Finding Papers.”; July 7, 1920; p. 1.

1http://www.lakesnwoods.com/MedfordGallery.htm

2https://www.medfordminnesota.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/
               __________________________________________________________

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



Thursday, July 5, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: July 5


July 5, 1918 – Perhaps the only home guard company of women in the United States is boasted by Woodstock, Minn., a patriotic town near Pipestone. Home guardswomen there are equipped with feminine uniforms of true military cut and with real rifles with which to drill.

Governor Burnquist reviewed the guardswomen the guardswomen’s company during the Fourth of July celebration at Pipestone, according to Captain Albert Wright, who accompanied the Governor on the speaking trip and returned late today to St. Paul.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Only Home Guardswomen Unit Reviewed on Fourth By Governor Burnquist”; July 6, 1918; p. 12.



http://www.lakesnwoods.com/Woodstock.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:
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Wednesday, July 4, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: July 4

July 4, 1918 – For the first time in the four years of the history of the village of Wright, citizens of the village celebrated Independence Day. A monster celebration that the entire countryside attended was held with more than 1,000 people present.

While Wright had only 35 people living within its corporate limits four years ago and now has over 300. Farmers from a radius of ten miles, as well as residents of nearby towns, boosted attendance today and made it the biggest affair held in Carlton County.



The 2010 Census showed 127 people living in Wright.1 

The celebration began with a big parade, headed by the Cromwell brass band. G. A. Forgerson was marshal, and Frank Ellis and Miss Maud Freeman, aides. Decorated automobiles and farm wagons, and representatives of lodges, schools and patriotic societies took part. The leading automobile carried a float representing Uncle Sam and following it came the “Goddess of Liberty” float. The school children, dressed in red and white, formed a huge living red cross.

Immediately following the parade a patriotic program was held in the town hall, at which Col. L. G. Andrews of Duluth, veteran of Spanish-American War and World War I, gave a stirring address. The program included singing of national anthem and band music. Miss Freeman arranged the program. A baseball game and various sports featured the afternoon celebration. The Wright Athletic Club team defeated the Farmers team by a score of 9 to 3.







Today,Wright is perhaps best known for its annual festival called "Wrong Days in Wright" on the third weekend in July.

The festival includes:

· Steak fry, fireworks and teen dance on Friday.

· Parade, smorgasbord, mixed doubles softball tournament, horseshoe tournament,
  craft show, and adult dance on Saturday.

· Pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.2


The Duluth Herald; “Wright Observes Its First Fourth. Big Celebration in Carlton County Town; Col. L. G. Andrews Speaker.”; July 5, 1918; p. 12.

1http://www.lakesnwoods.com/Wright.htm

2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright,_Minnesota

               __________________________________________________________

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





Tuesday, July 3, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: July 3

July 3, 1899 – Little Mary Burroughs died at Ashbury Hospital early this morning. The 10-year-old girl was severely burned last Saturday evening while preparing her father’s supper at the family residence.



She was the daughter of Henry Burroughs, who is employed at the Pillsbury “A” Mill. His wife and Mary’s mother died several years ago (last census she is in was 1895 Minn. State Census).

Mary had started to kindle the fire late in the afternoon for the purpose of cooking supper. Going into the back yard she picked up chips and paper to make a quick blaze and carried them into the house in her apron. She placed part of the fuel into the stove and then set fire to it.

The blaze crept along and finally ignited the paper and rubbish in the little girl’s apron. Her dress was of a flammable material, and she was almost instantly in flames. Screaming with terror she ran into the front yard calling for help. Then, covered from head to foot with fire, she ran onto the porch of the adjoining residence, where a young woman secured a rug and succeeded in smothering the flames.

The girl’s clothes were almost burned off. Someone began to peel off her clothes and in doing so, also peeled off her skin. In dreadful agony little Mary was taken into the house and physicians were summoned. They did what they could and later in the evening, the patient was taken to Asbury Hospital.




Asbury Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn.


The poor child was conscious until the end, and bore her sufferings with the utmost fortitude. Before she died, Mary claimed to have seen her dead mother. “She was dressed all in white, and her face was so pretty that it made me cry. She came to my bedside and held out her arms to me, saying that she had come to take me with her.”

The Minneapolis Tribune; “A Vision of Mother. Dying Hours of Little Marie Burroughs Peaceful. Child Burned While Preparing Supper Passes Away.”; July 4, 1899; p. 1.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Was a Mass of Flames. Mary Burroughs, 10 Years Old, Perhaps Fatally Burned. Clothes Caught Fire While Preparing to Cook Supper.”; July 2, 1899; p. 1.
               __________________________________________________________

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:
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Monday, July 2, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: July 2


July 2, 1863 – “The second day of fighting at Gettysburg, the First Minnesota helped General Winfield S. Hancock hold the Union line against advancing Confederate soldiers. Outnumbered three or four to one, the First Minnesota fought the Confederates at close range over 300 yards of open ground near Cemetery Ridge.”

http://www.mnopedia.org/group/first-minnesota-volunteer-infantry-regiment


General Winfield S. Hancock
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Winfield_Scott_Hancock_-_Brady-Handy.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.

                                                         


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





Sunday, July 1, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: July 1

July 1, 2005 – “In St. Paul some state offices closed and about 9,000 state employees were jobless after parts of Minnesota's government shut down for the first time in state history, leaving most rest stops closed for the Independence Day weekend. Lawmakers failed to pass even a stopgap plan to keep the government up and running while negotiators keep working.”

http://timelines.ws/states/MINNESOTA.HTML



Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain July 1, 2018, 
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.

                                                         


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