I found the following letter in scanned images of the St. Paul Press. The comments are interesting that they reveal the independence of the settlers of the area and still reflect the New England influence. The author of the letter, "Mouse," is a mystery. Yet, an interesting writer all the same.
Editors St. Paul Press:
Not seeing any letters from this part of the state in your columns, I take the liberty of saying a few words in its behalf. …The settlement here is called by outsiders, “St. Francis,” being on the river of that name, and consists of the two towns of Santiago and Glenderado, the latter in Benton County ; and it is indeed a very flourishing settlement, composed mainly of New England people. We have a saw mill and store and school house, and consider the settlement as good as can be found. …we are emphatically a Grant and Wilson town, to say nothing of the county. We know of but two persons who will vote for Greeley
The crops in this vicinity are looking well and promise a rich harvest. A considerable number of fruit trees have been set out here this spring and in nearly all cases are looking finely. We think apples can be raised here, and we mean to try it anyway. …
Haying is not commenced here yet on account of high water.
The Fourth of July was not celebrated here this year on account of the sickness and death of one of our number, who in times past, has taken a prominent part in the entertainment. His name was Hiram Gilman, one of the oldest men in here, and universally loved and respected.
More, anon, from a constant reader of your valuable paper.
Mouse
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