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1886: Details of Rock County's organization found in atlas

Subhead
Bits By Betty
Lead Summary
By
Betty Mann, President, Rock County Historical Society

The following was found in an atlas dated 1886:
 
ORGANIZATION OF ROCK COUNTY
 
Prior to its organization Rock County was attached to Jackson for civil and judicial purposes, and when, in the winter of 1869-70, the Legislature passed the enabling act, there was but comparatively little talk or agitation of the question. However, after the passage of the bill, in July or August, 1870, the Governor of the State appointed J. F. Shoemaker, J. C. Phelps, and A. E. Estey as commissioners to locate the county seat of the proposed county. The governor had also requested that a convention be held to suggest or present names for the county commissioners to be appointed. This convention was held, and on the same day the county-seat commissioners met, at the house of Jonathan Phelps in the southern part of Luverne Township. Mr. Shoemaker had written a report for the commissioners which located the county seat at Luverne, there being no opposition to speak of. The convention held the same presented names as requested. In the course of a few weeks the Governor appointed Daniel Wilmott, H. A. Gregory, and Abraham McMurphy as county commissioners to organize the county and call the first election.
(This article will continue next week.)
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

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