History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota

Front matter

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Preface

In the compilation of the History of Fillmore County it has been the aim of the Publishers to present a local history, comprising, in a single volume of convenient form, a varied fund of information, not only of interest to the present, but from which the coming searcher for historic data may draw without the tedium incurred in its preparation. There is always more or less difficulty, even in a historical work, in selecting tliose things which will interest the greatest numl>er of readers. Individual tastes differ so widely, that what may l)e of absorbing interest to one, has no attractions for another. Some are interested in that which concerns themselves, and do not care to read of even the most thrilling arlventures where they were not participants. Such persons are apt to conclude that what they are not interested in is of no value, and its preservation in history a useless expense. In the settlement of a new County or a new Township, there is no one person entitled to all the credit for what has been accomplished. Every individual is a part of the great* whole, and this work is prepared for the purpose of giving a general resume of what hfus thus far been done to plant the civilization of the present century in Fillmore County.

That our work is wholly errorless, or that nothing of interest has been omitted, is more than we dare hope, and more than is reasonable to expect. In closing our labors, we have the gratifying consciousness of having used our utmost endeavors in securing reli" able data, and feel no hesitancy in submitting the result to an intelligent public. The impartial critic, to whom only we look for comment, will, in passing judgment upon its merits, be governed l)y a knowledge of the manifold duties attending the prosecution of the undertaking.

We have been est)ecially fortunate in enlisting the interest of Ilev. Edward D. Neill and Charles S. Bryant, whose able productions are herewith presented. We also express our sincere thtmks to the County, Town, «ind Village officials for their uniform kindness to us in our tedious labors; and in general terms we jxcknowledge our indebtedness to the Press, the Pioneers, and the Citizens, who have extended universal encouragement and endorsement.

That our efforts may prove satisfactory, and this volume receive a welcome commensnrate with the care bestowed in its preparation, is the earnest desire of the publishers.

EXPLORERS

AND

PIONEERS OF MmNESOTA.