davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
-
Life on the Wild Prairies.

Can any one depict the situation of
the poor unfortunatcs located away out
on the bleak prairies, miles and miles
from timber, shut out from all communi-
cation and with only IA scant stock of
provisions TO satisfy the pangs of hun
ger for few days. Some fearful tales
come to us from the broad and unlimit-
ed open country ont upon the borders of
western Minnesota and eastern Dakota,
from hundreds of families that rushed
there to grasp the large domain of Uncle
Sam, with no possessions except pair
of strong arms and single team. Some
of the tales are of sufficient import, if
true, to turn the most adamant heart
into pity. Situated as we are in the
midst of civilization, within easy reach
of the necessarics of life, and yet grumb
ling at every little Inconvenience, is in
strong contrast to those poor unfortun-
atcs that are out of fuel food and COM
Portable clothing. A gentleman recent
ly from the above scenes tells us that
language cannot describe nor pen pro-
tray the actual sufferings that those
frontier people have undergone this win
ter. AT one place" he says, "thc last
bit of fuel remaining was fence board
about twelve feet in length, and the man
of the family says, God only knows
where any more is coming from" AT
another place. our informant said, 1.-THE
family of five had subsisted for days
upon salt pork, milk and stale bread"
Another instance was where three fami-
lies had moved together and were con.
suming the vacated buildings for fire
wood to keep from freezing. Our in
formant was man of intelligence, and
one whom we can rely upon as truthful.
These are only few incidents that came
under his personal observation, while
perhaps there are other incidents equally
rs bad or worse This has been an I'M
usual severe winter for all and we pre-
dict that az exodus will take place in
the spring from those prairics, equal to
the rapid immigration that swept west
ward early Il year ago.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Guaranteeing ". Pleasure.

There is probably nothing that causes
the ministers Of the present day more
trouble than the Sabbaih-keeping habits
OF the present generation. 1t is sub
ject which j. confronting them at every
turn and j. presented 10 them more forci-
bly, by the empty pews that stare them
IN the face sunday after sunday. The
csIse Of al this has TO be looked into
and dealt with by the clergy alone.
Others may talk about il and tell what
10 DO and how TO DO but they must work
out the solution and put it into effect.
Those whom this question most deeply
affects, are the young people. who are
forming habits which are to last for life,
and il is among them that the greatest
disregard ior the sabbath is shown. Ye;
IL Is not limited 10 them-thc older folk.
seem 10 st the example. Sunday has
come to Ue regarded by them as day OF
worldly rest altogether, and very little OF
spiritual rest. Sleigh riding, calls, letter
writing, small dinner parties, etc, occupy
most of the day, while to church in the
morning and occasionally sunday school,
and perhaps evening service, is all that
reminds them that God appointed the
Sabbath first for himself, and second for
them. Too many OF them make it first,
myself. and second, God We do not
blame the young people 50 much when
we see Older ones doing these things, and
hence we think that to get at the root OF
the matter the clergy must attack the
fathers and mothers and then the child.
rem. Something must he done. This
disregard Of Gods worship is breedinga
spirit Of levity and irreverence among
the coming generation that will tend to
do away with all that justice and idea
OF right that makes our country 50 justly
famous
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Normal school Items,

About the middle of last month, Off.
cial notice, dated January 10th, was
received from the Department of the
Interior at Washington, that box Of
upwards of forty volumes of pub. docs.
had been shipped to the school by that
Department. 1t is an illustration of the
uncertainties of transportation this
winter that the box has not yet reached
its destination.
On Monday there was no session OF
the intermediate and Primary depart
Ments. 1.-The little folks being bound
ut home: but about twO-thirds of the
normal pupils were at the school and all
| the classes met as usual. This is es.
pecially creditable to the courage Of
the young ladies who vsntured out. as
the streets were as nearly impossible as
the combined efforts Of unlimited snow
and two days gale could make them.
The authorities of the school wish it
understood that the latch-string always
hangs out for the public, who are al-
ways cordially received. Friends and
foes are alike welcome; only it is hoped
the latter will never make mere flying
calls. The proper time for foes is from
one to four hours, according to the de-
gree of hostility. An aggravated case
like the gentleman from - might
require the entire daily session.
At the meeting Of the Normal Lit
crery Society on Friday evening next,
Prof. Bechdolt's paper on 1.-THE Infu-
encc Of Geological Structure on History
in the United States" will take the
place of the regular debate. The Pro-
fcssor read this paper at the recent
Annual meeting of the Minnesota
Academy of Sciences, at Minneapolis,
and he here repeats it 10y invitation of
the society. 1t is understood that the
Literary Society of the High School
will be present,a special invitation hav-
ing been extended to them by the Nor
NAL Society. Among the other good
things on the programme may be men,
toned Il spicy invective against "Tobac-
CO." by Miss Safer, a culOgy on Two.
mans Suffrage" by Miss Lawrence, a
catalogue" between Mr.. Scherer and
Miss Agnew, and an "Impromptu" by
Mr.. NettlctOn.
The Magazine of American History
for February, just received at the Read.
ing Room, is a "Washington Number"
1t contains one of the finest portraits of
Washington we have ever seen. 1t is
engraved on steel from painting by
Trumbull, and represents the Father Of
his Country ia early middle life. The
face is fine one, strong, alert, kindly,
and fills ones ideal of the hero in his
early prime.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
High School Items,

The pupils Of the High School began
last week to make active preparations
for their entertainment which is to
come of about the last Of this month.
No time or pains will be spared to rem
der this entertainment worthy the pat
ronage Of the people of Mankato. The
High School worked hard last year to
start its library which now consists of
nearly one hundred and fifty volumes,
exclusive OF official documents. The
purpose of the coming entertainment is
to enlarge the library, and it is hoped
that each and every one will respond
generously when called upon to aid
thus the cause of general education.
A class from the grammar school will
soon enter the High School. and we be-
licye 1t is the intention hereafter to
graduate two classes yearly from the
grammar grade instead of one.
The Philalethean Society received
last week an invitation from the mem.
bers of the Normal School Literary
Society to attend their next meeting.
The invitation was accepted, and the
thanks Of the Society were returned for
the same. The unpleasantness which
occurred last year between the two
schools is believed to be entirely settled
and it is hoped that in the future there
will exist no rivalry between them other
than Il friendly rivalry tor scholarly ex-
cellencc and polite behavior.
Some of the High School boys are
talking of organizing society for the
suppression Of excessive "mashing."
They believe that unless this wide
spreading epidemic is checked, will be
fore many centuries have passed away,
cnguif the whole human race in eter-
nal ruin. They are shocked and horri-
fed to hear that week before last one of
their companions lost his "wind,"
probably In his endeavor to make
smash" and that last week another lost
his "heart." Is it surprising that they
should in terror exclaim, "What nexti"
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Among Our Business Houses.

When we say that the business
houses OF Mankat0 are equal in extent
to any in the State, AS far as quantity
and quality of their wares are concern
ed, we state an axiom that is deduccd
from actual and personal knowledge.
Even st. Paul does not excel two of our
dry goods stores. The city is blessed
with stocks of everything that the
heart can desire, and which are sold as
cheap probably. as any other place in
the State.
G.. T.. Brett and Mcconnell & CO.,
are the largest dealers in dry goods and
notions, and their stock is replete in
every department. The past season
their lines of rich dress goods, were SO
ample and reasonable in price. that the
usual custom of sending to st. Paul
and Minneapolis for something "cxtra,"
was entirely obviated by finding them
at home. Both houses carry all the
leading patterns, thus enabling any
lady to dress herself in the latest style
without consulting modiSte.
Christensen Brothers are an old firm,
carrying complete line, and enjoy a
lucrative business.
In lower town are Miller Il Busch,
and F. Kron, with large and valuable
stocks sufficient to supply the demand
of their extensive patronage.
The grocery line is fully represented
by the wcll-known firms of Clements
& Piper, Beebe & Shaubut, Davis Il
Son, Allen & Pardy, Geo. II. Ray, r. j.
Thomas, f. J. Pierce, in upper town,
and several in lower town. All of them
are apparently prospecting in furnishing
the nccessaries as well as the luXuries
of life in this Siberian cline. Most of
them carry large stock of crockery
and glassware, besides produce of all
kinds.
In the hardware line are to be found
Davis & Dean, w. Tuttle, John +.
Meagher, and Weis & Gebhard, all
practical men, and who carry large
line Of heavy and shelf goods. Each
have large tin shop connected with
their stores.
Drugs and medicines are skillfully
prepared at j. r. Jones', Samborn &
Walz', N. Webster's, and w. Hodapp's.
Each have Hastily arranged shop and
employ practical pharmaceutist.
SambOrn s. Wall also deal largely in
musical instruments and sewing ma
chimes.
Books aud stationery are absorbed by
J. II. Chapman and Z. A. Tiffany. The
first not only carries splendid line of
school and miscellaneous books, but the
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

It was amusement to see the snow
plow on the Sioux City road the first
of this week, bucking snow near the
Franklin school house. The engineer
would back up about eighty rods and
pull the throttle wide open, when the
whole apparatus would 60 like streak
of lightning for that drift, and the way
the snow flew was q caution. This
amusement was kept up until the
fanges on the drive wheels were broken,
causing a cessation Of hostilities.
Another engine that was sent to pull
the bucking one out of the drifts, sue
cesded in breaking stout wire cable
and then retired leaving Jack frost
alone in his glory.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Personal Mention.

Miss Emma Daniels, one OF o"'n'
pe,ors fa;re,st,is visiting with her frleno'
Miss Fanny Richmond
Mr.. and Mrs. Chas. Chandler, OF James
vile, spent the latter p. NJ " ~
visiting friends in this city.
F. p. Brown and 3. p. y, "e"''
Blue Earth city, were snow bou wv -
from Friday morning until Wedne. Wy
Mrs. c. Wamplcr of this city, ha
gone to Chicago on visit to her
daughter, Mrs. Adamson, who is resid-
ing there.
P.L. Runkel, with 7. T. Cochran
wholesale and retail grocer,S Sioux Falls
d. r., have been snow bound in tins
city for the last week.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Minnesota Sugar.

We are under obligations 10 Professor
Wilhelm OF the Faribault sugar rcfin-
cry, for small box of sugar that was
manufactured at his refinery. 1t is of
light brown, sweet and pure, free from
any of that sharp biting cane taste that
usually predominates in the crude arti-
Gle. II is pure, and therefore greatly
desired We understand that the
Faribault refinery IS to be materially
enlarged and provided with al the
necessary apparatus to turn out sufli.
cient quantity OF the saccharine product
TO supply the demand OF Minnesota
dealers.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
The Weather.

Weather is poor topic generally to
dwell! on, especially in Il newspaper, but
we have had So much OF il lately that
il is getting somewhat monotonous, and
like boarding house hash, is susceptible
of 4 change. with no fear of injuring
the feelings of the boarders. And the
principal reason that prompts us 10 dis
course upon this most disagreeable topic
is the fact Of having misty recollection
of hearing some one telling us last fall
that they had their garden all in during
the first days OF February. We feel
like calling upon that individual to
verify his statement or forever after hold
his peace. Last Friday and Saturday
We're two of the worst days we ever
saw in cur seventeen years residences in
this state. Nearly all day Saturday
the snow, IN fantastic gusts, swept like
hurricane over the city. hiding from
view objects forty rods distant and pill
Ing mountain high the paths that took
50 many joyful hours 10 excavate pre-
viously. Those two days were a repeti-
ton of January 18th and 18th in -, only
more -. And We feel extremely pene-
tent in doubling the truthfulnes, OF the
enormous snow stories in the Rsrieu of
last week for We now are ready TO be-
heye with all the innocence of the
heather Chinee. any improbable story
regarding the depths of snow banks,
whether they be measured with tele.
graph poles or the Chimborazo peak.
OF course no trains ventured out or
small boys clingiug TO passing sleighs.
We We're left alone to commune with
our suggestive thoughts, and wonder
when spriag time would come, Gentle
ANNE
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

finest line of crockery in this section of
the State. The latter also displays an
elegant line Of books and stationery,
and great diversity of musical goods,
organs, pianos, and sewing machines.
Clothing stores are in abundance, and
the best of the trade is represented by
"Honcst Abe" w. b. Smith, and NJ.
Longini.
The trade in foot wear is monopoliz-
ed by j. G. Andrews, Griebel Bros,
Leo Lamm, and Austin & Son, all OF
whom have work shop connected, but
To, Lowm and Griebel Bros, manu-.
facture quiz extensively, each having
from ten TO fife, al workmen.
The furniture tra,. lie is controlled by
Jno. Klein, whose year. OF experience
and acquaintance, has gai.e eo MN I'll
cnviable trade.
Manderfield g. Williams are the iai
gcst dealers in window glass, wa
paper, paints, &c.
Jewelry and all its accompaniment
are represented by G. d. Taylor, +. X
Wiser, and s. b. Martin, where the
--latest and most beautiful designs arr
constantly kept, as we'll as experienced
workmpn to attend the repairs.
uoto,0 MA b. without number, ant
are il
of ali classes, whose bills of far.
proportion to customers pocket book
Then there are host of other branches
fully represented, that We will have to
speak of another time. But it is safe
to say that whatever is required for
outward wear or inward consumption,
can be found in the city of Mankato in
quantity, quality, and cheapness rof
price, equal to any place in the State.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
COIdwater Bath.

Monday night as two men were en-
gagged in quarreIing, on Front St, lady
noiselessly hoisted window in an upper
story and gently dropped bucket OF
cold water upon them which dispersed
them for the time being, but they soon
congregated again Mt the same place
when she showered them once more, and
this eifcctually caused a rapid retreat
for good
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

The greater part of the delegates to
attend the State convention Of the Y. NJ.
c. A. at this place succeeded in only
reaching Kasota They telegraphed
here for busses to meet them, but as such
q thing was one of the impossibilities
they didn't meet
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Connect Proceedings.

The board met last Thursday night
their regular monthly meeting.
Mr.. $. Mcconnell petitioned LOT
license TO sell Mt auction, but there be-
ing no second to Alderman Paddock
motion granting him one, the matter
was laid over.
Mr.. James Shoemaker was elcct.o
city assessor at salary Of $50.
1t was moved that in amending the
city charter that part fixing the service
of the City Recorder at 5000, be strIck-
EN- ont
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

To all those who intend bringing
friends from the old country or going
there themselves, they will save both
time and money by purchasing their
tickets of L. A. Under, with Mcconnell
& Co., of this city. He sells tickets via
the White Star, National, Cunard and
State line steamers, and to all OF these
are second class rates from New York
to Chicago, saving to the passenger one
and one half davs travel. 83w6
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

We wish to say to the people of Man,
kato and vicinity that we have closed
our books, but will continue our bust
ness from the above date strictly for
cash, and will make prices that no time
system can afford to meet. In all cases
cash will be positively adhered to. To
~ have 30 literally patronized
those Wa. sAHeuae'y Sia::.'u'
us in the past we A. " "
and will try in the future 10 a..
their advantage to continue their pa.-
rOnage. DAVIS & DEAN.
Mankato Tan 4 1aa1 Oo.p
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

The Wells train under the manage.
ment of Capt. Jack Keeler, encountered
numberless obstacles last week in fight
ing the snow drifts. Thursday morn
ing the train conveyed nearly one hun
bred laborers down the road to eXcavate
the cuts along the Southern Minnesota
division
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

In last weeks PRESS the Latin mottos
Of the different classes of the High
School, were iearfully and wonderfully
mixed up, evidently showing that the
typos knowledge of the dead languages
was anything but perfect. The notices
should have been: A class, ".fnis opus
coronnt. G class, "Deus ct Dertra.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

Mr.. Morse, the agent for Kellogg's
great -"Home Hand" book, asks his
subscribers to exercise patience for a
few days, and to look out for most
pleasing surprise when their book shall
be delivered to them SO much better,
and beyond all that has ever been ad.
vcrtised or represented.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

Elsewhere will be found an abstract
of the proceedings Of the Y. M. c. A.
convention that was held here Tuesday
and Tuesday evening of this week. We
are under special obligations to Mr..
Thomas Cochran, Jr., for the same. If
the same interesting spirit be enter
tanned by officers Of the association in
other places in the State equal to those
of this city, the society ought to flourish
with remarkable rapidity.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

A. NJ. Weimer has the contract for
driving fifteen piles eight feet apart on
the Nicollet side of the river near the
bridge, and filling behind the same with
brush and stone to protect the bank.
He and his workmen were looking over
the lob Monday.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

Judge Fandreau of st. Paul, has
been engaged by the High School OF
this city to lecture here within few
weeks. The Judges lecture will be
the same as the one delivered at st.
Paul recently, only made applicable 10
this CITY.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

The delegates to the Y. NJ. c. A. con
ventiOn that were snow bound at Kaso-
ia, managed to get through from there
Tuesday morning. They were taken
in charge by the committee on enter
tainmcnt and all assembled at the Y.
NJ e.. A. rooms,
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

approximations are felt that if we
have a sudden freshet in the spring, all
that grade of the Milwaukee road that
is of sand, will float down the river,
unless the company haul coarse dirt or
gravel and prevent such a catastrophe.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

CIV. Herman of Shelby, and Peter
Hoerr of this city, got tired of being
blockaded at st. Peter, and walked in
from there Monday morning. Mr.. Her
man said that two engines went through
st. Peter from Waseca Sunday, and
turned back, but that the Sioux City
road was badly blockaded.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

The snow banks in front Of McCon'
nell & Co.'S. and J. NJ. Karmany's places
of business were ornamcnted Monday
with short flag stats bearing the red,
white and blue.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Beebe h Shaubut are doing splen

Beebe & Shaubut are doing a splen-
did business at I'D bakery. Posses
sing as they do first-class baker, who
turns ont nothing but the best of bread,
buns and pies, they have consequently
worked up large and lucrative bust
ness.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
Notice.

All persons knowing themselves to be
indebted to me and who do not call in
side of thirty days and settle, either by
cash or note, need ask no credit Of me in
the future, as I have done my best for
them through the hard times, and now
these accounts must be settled.
JOHN KLEIN.
Tan. I. 1891. 28mOG2
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

Under the head of Especial Notice
elsewhere published, will be found the
retirement of Mr.. NJ. Longini from the
Star Clothing House, and I. Longini q
Co. rs his successors.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10
YOMn0 Men

Have you night losses, nervous debil-
ity or weakness of any sort, fail not to
consult DIR. Kelly at the Mankato House
without DELAY.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

We are informed that inquiries have
been made Of one of our citizens from
parties in Pennsylvania, if suitable
quarters could be obtained here for
manufacturing tubs, barrels, slaves, &c.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

The Grand Lodge of United Work
men of the State, met at Winona last
week with about 100 delegates present.
Calvin Smith represented the American
Lodge at this place and Mr.. Moore the
German lodge.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

A young man living seven miles on
the Agency road, told us Monday that
the snow was fully three and half feet
deem on the level in the woods. How's
that for coon hunting.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-02-10

John Simpson, who was suddenly tel
egraphed TO attend the funeral of his
mother at Eldorado, Iowa, tells of his
encounter with the snow pranks. He
started Saturday, the 29th Of January, by
the Wells road, and aftor getting stuck
in the drifts several times returned and
took the Northwestern road 10 Waseca,
where, after waiting several hours caught
a train TO Fort Dodge, thence one on the
Illinois Central to his destination, arriv-
ing there the fourth day after starting
Returning, he had to come around by
Robin Hoods barn and all his relation
10 reach home again.