St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-07-15
GrOt0n.

The reception of the Union by the citizens
of Groton, as telegraphed at the time, was
enthusiastic, and the preparations
made, the display of grains, corn,
vegetables and grasses which adorned the
depot, and the flags and banners with which
the town was decorated, was only rivalled by
the cordial handshahngs and personal greet
ings which met each member of the party as
they dispersed about the place and visited
the stores and places of business of the warm
hearted citizens. The subjoined address was
handed to members of the party:
BROWN COUNTY, D. t.,
was discovered in June, 1880, by that noted
traveller Charles H. Prior, who Immediately
took possession of all the surrounding terri
tory IN the name of his illustrious master, the
c., NJ e. st. P. Mitchell. But little was done
during the year 1880, except to drive from
her nest the last representative of the flocks
which once sailed in undisputed majesty on
the bosom of the "Jim.' The noble ''Drift-
ing Goose,'' with his whole feathered tribe,
had to go.
In 1881, the discoverer having laid out
great highway through his new dominions,
DTOCttuttl W bdht pOSoCHolOA ehCiSOA1 dhu
rived at Groton on the last of May. In June
he took possession of the site, and proceeded
to erect city thereon Having heretofore
issued invitations to the nations of the east
to send delegates to his dominions, the
spring of 1880 found thousands knocking at
his gates for admission. They were immedi-
ately admitted and furnished with transporta-
tion-at the rate of $50 to 500 per car. The
Immigrants proceeded to gopher the wild
animals, and in few short months the coun-
try became inhabtable and peace prevailed.
1882, the people becoming dissatisfied be-
cause their wheat only brought sixty-seven
cents per bushel began to inquire into the
cause, and learning that the millers could
not afford to pay more because flour was only
81. 50 per barrel, freight paid to Milwaukee,
they invited that great rival, G. N Hughitt, to
relieve them from thraldom. The rival
sent forth force for their relief that was met
and opposed by the conquerer, at the head Of
large force of Cinnamon, rod men, etc,
who insisted on his prior claim, checked a
compromise and the rival withdrew. The
people were in despair until the Rock Island
was contemplating western raid, they sent
him an embassy praying for relief, which
they are now praying for. In the meantime
they have established commercial relations
with great emporums Of the east, principally
st. Paul, and in return for silk
wooden, cotton and other fabrics, spices,
teas and Office holders, they ship wheat, oats,
corn and potatoes.
Groton was plated June, 1881; lies on the
open prairie 295 miles west from st. Paul
and eighty miles east of the james river. 1t
was incorporated as a city in 1888 and has a
population of 700, mostly Americans. There
are $4,000 acres of tillable lands tributary to
Groton, and go, 600 into crops this year, all
of which will be marketed at Groton. An
artesian well is being driven by Gray Bros,
of Milwaukee, at cost of 81, 400. There is
a good school house which cost $4,000; three
elevators, three churches, lodge Of Odd
Fellows, Masonic and literary societies, a
brass band Of ten pieces which cost $3.50, and
a public library under the management Of
the literary society.
j. H. Chamberlain, representing the tea
department Of the P. II. Kelly Mercantile
company, joined the excursion at Egan and
continued with it to its close.
Osmon Lunu, vice president of the St.
Paul Plow works, joined the excursion at
Aberdeen.