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Skandia Township, Murray County, Minnesota

Skandia Township is a township in Murray County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 173 at the 2000 census.

Skandia Township was organized in 1873, and named after ancient Scandia.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 square miles (92.7 km$2$), of which 35.2 square miles (91.2 km$2$) is land and 0.6 square mile (1.5 km$2$)  (1.59%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 173 people, 64 households, and 51 families residing in the township. The population density was 4.9 people per square mile (1.9/km$2$). There were 68 housing units at an average density of 1.9/sq mi (0.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 100.00% White.

There were 64 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.9% were married couples living together, 1.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.3% were non-families. 17.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 127.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $20,750, and the median income for a family was $22,500. Males had a median income of $21,250 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the township was $51,480. About 20.0% of families and 18.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 11.8% of those 65 or over.

Politics
Skandia Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Mankato educator Tim Walz, a Democrat. At the state level, Skandia Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Doug Magnus, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.


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Slayton, Minnesota

Slayton is a city in and the county seat of Murray County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,013 at the 2020 census.

History
Slayton was platted in 1882 by Charles W. Slayton, and named for him.

Geography
Slayton is in central Murray County and is surrounded by Slayton Township, a separate municipality. U.S. Highway 59 and Minnesota State Highway 30 are the main routes in the city. US 59 leads north 36 mi to Marshall and south 30 mi to Worthington. MN 30 joins US 59 to the north out of town but turns off toward Westbrook, 22 mi east of Slayton; to the west, MN 30 leads 28 mi to Pipestone.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Slayton has a total area of 2.06 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,153 people, 946 households, and 566 families living in the city. The population density was 1098.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,048 housing units at an average density of 534.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 946 households, of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 43.5 years. 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 21.6% were from 45 to 64; and 26.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,072 people, 914 households, and 556 families living in the city. The population density was 1,163.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,022 housing units at an average density of 573.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.03% White, 0.14% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.39% Asian, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.

There were 914 households, out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 21.7% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 29.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,500, and the median income for a family was $43,935. Males had a median income of $30,444 versus $19,830 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,395. About 4.5% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Slayton is the home of Murray County Central School District. It is one of only two school districts left in the county (the other is Fulda Public School). The school has an average of 60 students per grade. Chandler-Lake Wilson High school closed (because of a devastating F5 tornado that struck the area) before the turn of the 21st century and joined with Slayton. Students attend MCC from area communities (although not all are located within the school district) including: Avoca, Chandler, Currie, Iona, and Lake Wilson. Jacob Scandrett is the Principal of the high school, and Joe Meyer is the Superintendent.

Murray County Central's marching band is a band that competes in multiple competitions throughout the Midwest. They have marched in five states in the past ten years, including Minnesota, South Dakota, Florida, Illinois, and Missouri. In 2009 the band traveled to Orlando, Florida and marched in the famous Disney World Parade. In 2010 they placed first at the Tri-State Band Festival held in Luverne, Minnesota. Since 2009, the band has ranked in the top two at the festival. In addition, the Marching Rebels received a second place win at the Festival of Bands Competition in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ranking as the highest placing public school in Class A competition. They are under the direction of Michael Helgeson.

Politics
Slayton is located in Minnesota's 7th congressional district, represented by Michelle Fischbach, a Republican. At the state level, Slayton is located in Senate District 21, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 21A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.

Notable people

 * Clarence C. Dinehart, politician
 * Mike Johnson, baseball player
 * Trigg H. Knutson, politician and businessman
 * Alan Roach, Minnesota Vikings announcer
 * Vin Weber, politician
 * Trevor Winter, basketball player

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Slayton, Minnesota


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Slayton Township, Murray County, Minnesota

Slayton Township is a township in Murray County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 343 at the 2000 census.

Slayton Township was originally called Center Township, and under the latter name was organized in 1872. The present name was adopted in 1882, for Clayton W. Slayton, an early settler.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.3 square miles (88.8 km$2$), of which 34.0 square miles (88.1 km$2$) is land and 0.3 square mile (0.7 km$2$)  (0.79%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 343 people, 127 households, and 107 families residing in the township. The population density was 10.1 people per square mile (3.9/km$2$). There were 129 housing units at an average density of 3.8/sq mi (1.5/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.42% White, 0.29% African American and 0.29% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.29% of the population.

There were 127 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 79.5% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.7% were non-families. 14.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 31.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $48,333, and the median income for a family was $51,429. Males had a median income of $30,114 versus $19,688 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,026. About 4.7% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Slayton Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Mankato educator Tim Walz, a Democrat. At the state level, Slayton Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Doug Magnus, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.


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The Lakes, Minnesota

The Lakes is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Murray County, Minnesota, United States located north of Currie and south of Garvin. The population was 590 at the 2020 census. The community is centered about Lake Shetek, the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota. The lake and the community are located in parts of four townships in Murray County: Lake Sarah, Shetek, Murray, and Mason.

Geography
The Lakes is in northern Murray County and extends north to the Lyon County line. The CDP includes all of Lake Shetek, as well as Lake Sarah and Lake Maria in the west. Several smaller lakes in the CDP are near Lake Shetek. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 43.4 sqmi, of which 33.7 sqmi are land and 9.8 sqmi, or 22.45%, are water. The outlet of Lake Shetek, at the southern end of the community, is the Des Moines River, flowing southward toward Iowa.

The unincorporated community of Owanka is in the eastern part of The Lakes, on the eastern shore of Lake Shetek. Lake Shetek State Park is on the southeast side of the lake.

U.S. Highway 59 runs through the western side of the CDP, leading south 10 mi to Slayton, the Murray county seat, and north 23 mi to Marshall. Minnesota State Highway 30 runs along the southern edge of the CDP, leading east toward Currie and Dovray.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 619 people, 267 households, and 213 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 17.3 people per square mile (6.7/km$2$). There were 598 housing units at an average density of 16.7/sq mi (6.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 99.35% White, 0.16% Native American, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.16% of the population.

There were 267 households, out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.8% were married couples living together, 2.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.2% were non-families. 16.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.59.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 16.6% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 42.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $43,250, and the median income for a family was $50,357. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,980. None of the families and 0.8% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Politics
The Lakes is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, most recently represented by Republican Jim Hagedorn of Blue Earth until his death in 2022. At the state level, The Lakes is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Doug Magnus, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.

title: The Lakes, Minnesota


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Belgrade Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Belgrade Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,033 at the 2000 census.

Belgrade Township was organized in 1858, and named after Belgrade, Maine.

Geography
Public Land Survey System (PLSS) of the United States: Township 108 North, Range 27 West, Fifth Meridian, 22,895 acres. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.3 sqmi, of which 35.1 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi  (0.54%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,033 people, 371 households, and 309 families residing in the township. The population density was 29.4 PD/sqmi. There were 429 housing units at an average density of 12.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.55% White, 0.19% African American, 0.48% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.48% of the population.

There were 371 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.2% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 14.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $61,827, and the median income for a family was $66,083. Males had a median income of $40,417 versus $25,568 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,762. About 1.3% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.


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Bernadotte Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Bernadotte Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 346 at the 2000 census. There is an unincorporated community named Bernadotte that is located in the northern part of the township.

Bernadotte Township was organized in 1869, and named for Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, a French Jacobines leader, later French marshal, later King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Charles III of Norway and founder of the House of Bernadotte.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 346 people, 110 households and 91 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.6 /sqmi. There were 114 housing units at an average density of 3.2 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the township was 98.55% White and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.29% of the population.

There were 110 households, of which 47.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.0% were married couples living together, 1.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 16.4% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 3.55.

37.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64 and 9.8% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.7 males.

The median household income was $43,333 and the median family income was $43,750. Males had a median income of $27,411 and females $23,750. The per capita income was $15,233. About 7.1% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 16.1% of those age 65 or over.


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Brighton Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Brighton Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 169 at the 2000 census.

Brighton Township was organized in 1877, and named after Brighton, Kenosha County, Wisconsin.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 19.1 sqmi, of which 18.0 sqmi is land and 1.1 sqmi  (5.72%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 169 people, 60 households, and 45 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.4 PD/sqmi. There were 66 housing units at an average density of 3.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.86% White, 0.59% Native American, 3.55% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.55% of the population.

There were 60 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.3% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 127.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $44,375. Males had a median income of $25,500 versus $17,188 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,437. About 7.5% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 20.0% of those 65 or over.


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Courtland, Minnesota

Courtland is a city in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 734 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Mankato-North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The place occupied by the current town was named Courtland in 1865, but was previously named Hilo. Courtland was platted in 1882. There are conflicting records for the origin of the name. According to Bryant (1882) the city was named for Cortland County, New York and not spelled the same; however, Stennett (1908) suggests it is named after Courland, a once-Germanized region of present-day Latvia by an emigrant, J.H. Stewart, and was accidentally misspelled on the official record.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.64 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 611 people, 237 households, and 176 families living in the city. The population density was 231.4 PD/sqmi. There were 251 housing units at an average density of 95.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 237 households, of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.7% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age in the city was 37.7 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.3% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 9.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.6% male and 49.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 538 people, 188 households, and 150 families living in the city. The population density was 202.5 PD/sqmi. There were 190 housing units at an average density of 71.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.51% White, 1.12% Asian, 0.37% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 188 households, out of which 45.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.2% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.2% were non-families. 17.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $58,906, and the median income for a family was $66,184. Males had a median income of $40,000 versus $30,461 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,267. About 1.4% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Courtland, Minnesota


text:
Courtland Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Courtland Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 715 at the 2000 census.

Courtland Township was originally called Hilo Township, after Hilo, Hawaii, and under the latter name was organized in 1858. The present name, adopted in 1865, came from Cortland, New York.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 42.1 sqmi, of which 37.8 sqmi is land and 4.2 sqmi (10.01%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 715 people, 235 households and 190 families residing in the township. The population density was 18.9 /sqmi. There were 239 housing units at an average density of 6.3 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the township was 98.88% White, 0.98% from other races and 0.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.10% of the population.

There were 235 households, of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.2% were married couples living together, 1.3% had a female householder with no husband present and 19.1% were non-families. 13.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 3.41.

30.8%of the population were under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64 and 8.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 108.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.2 males.

The median household income was $53,977 and the median family income was $55,000. Males had a median income of $31,667 and females $20,882. The per capita income was $19,041. About 4.9% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.


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Granby Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Granby Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 259 at the 2000 census.

Granby Township was organized in 1858.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 33.9 sqmi, of which 27.5 sqmi is land and 6.4 sqmi  (18.76%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 259 people, 91 households, and 72 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.4 PD/sqmi. There were 95 housing units at an average density of 3.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.07% White, 1.16% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.39% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $42,031, and the median income for a family was $47,917. Males had a median income of $31,806 versus $21,667 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,713. None of the families and 0.8% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 3.9% of those over 64.


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Lafayette, Minnesota

Lafayette is a city in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 492 at the 2020 census. It is a farming community just outside the larger town of New Ulm.

Lafayette is part of the Mankato-North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Lafayette was platted in 1897, and named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834), a French and American Revolutionary War general.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.15 sqmi, all land. The South Branch Rush River starts near Lafayette.

Minnesota State Highway 15 serves as a main route in the community.

Demographics
As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $36,719, and the median income for a family was $43,611. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $21,563 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,347. About 3.1% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 95 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 504 people, 218 households, and 131 families residing in the city. The population density was 438.3 PD/sqmi. There were 244 housing units at an average density of 212.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.8% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 218 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.9% were non-families. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 36.9 years. 27% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 14.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

Notable person
Lafayette was the childhood home of actress Tippi Hedren. In her book Cats of Shambala, she wrote that she was born in New Ulm as Lafayette did not have a hospital.

title: Lafayette, Minnesota


text:
Lafayette Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Lafayette Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 724 at the 2000 census.

Lafayette Township was organized in 1858, and named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834), a French general and American Revolutionary War general.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 50.5 sqmi, of which 50.4 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi  (0.14%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 724 people, 265 households, and 218 families residing in the township. The population density was 14.4 PD/sqmi. There were 275 housing units at an average density of 5.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.59% White, 0.14% Asian, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.14% of the population.

There were 265 households, out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.1% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $51,319, and the median income for a family was $55,083. Males had a median income of $30,938 versus $26,696 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,397. About 5.4% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 15.7% of those age 65 or over.


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Lake Prairie Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Lake Prairie Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 652 at the 2000 census.

Lake Prairie Township was organized in 1858, and named for the lakes and prairie within its borders.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 55.2 sqmi, of which 54.8 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi  (0.81%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 652 people, 235 households, and 184 families residing in the township. The population density was 11.9 PD/sqmi. There were 243 housing units at an average density of 4.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.93% White, 0.77% African American, 0.15% Asian, 0.15% from other races.

There were 235 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.4% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 31.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 118.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 121.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $52,614, and the median income for a family was $55,500. Males had a median income of $36,042 versus $22,292 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,500. About 3.2% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.


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New Sweden Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

New Sweden Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 326 at the 2000 census.

New Sweden Township was organized in 1864, and named for the native country of many of its early settlers.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.0 square miles (93.1 km$2$), of which 35.8 square miles (92.7 km$2$) is land and 0.2 square mile (0.4 km$2$)  (0.47%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 326 people, 112 households, and 86 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.1 people per square mile (3.5/km$2$). There were 127 housing units at an average density of 3.5/sq mi (1.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.39% White and 0.61% Asian.

There were 112 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.1% were married couples living together, 0.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.41.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.6% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $45,000, and the median income for a family was $52,500. Males had a median income of $30,250 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,042. About 6.5% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.


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Nicollet, Minnesota

Nicollet is a city in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,143 at the 2020 census.

It is part of the Mankato—North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area.

U.S. Route 14 and Minnesota State Highways 99 and 111 are the three main arterial routes in the community. Nearby Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area is one of the most significant waterfowl breeding areas in the upper Midwest.

History
The city of Nicollet was named for Joseph Nicollet, a French explorer. A post office called Nicollet, along with the town of Nicollet, was established in 1858 by William A. Mills. Nicollet was platted on June 30, 1874 by James H. Stewart and Walter L. Brackenridge as a railroad town. Nicollet was incorporated in 1881.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.94 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,093 people, 429 households, and 307 families living in the city. The population density was 1162.8 PD/sqmi. There were 445 housing units at an average density of 473.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.4% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

There were 429 households, of which 39.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.4% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 31.9 years. 29.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 10.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 889 people, 344 households, and 241 families living in the city. The population density was 1,008.2 PD/sqmi. There were 350 housing units at an average density of 396.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.20% White, 0.11% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.34% Asian, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.90% of the population.

There were 344 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $51,563. Males had a median income of $34,722 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,237. About 1.3% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Nicollet, Minnesota


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Nicollet Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Nicollet Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 511 at the 2000 census.

Nicollet Township was organized in 1858, and was named after the county in which it is located.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 33.4 square miles (86.6 km$2$), of which 33.1 square miles (85.8 km$2$) is land, and 0.3 square miles (0.8 km$2$)(0.96%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 511 people, 186 households and 149 families residing in the township. The population density was 15.4 per square mile (6.0/km$2$). There were 191 housing units at an average density of 5.8/sq mi (2.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 100.00% White.

There were 186 households, of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.2% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.4% were non-families. 15.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.10.

Age distribution was 27.2% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.0 males.

The median household income was $50,000, and the median family income was $52,656. Males had a median income of $34,732 versus $26,094 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,451. About 2.5% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.


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Oshawa Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Oshawa Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 525 at the 2000 census.

Oshawa Township was organized in 1858 and named after Oshawa, Ontario.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 29.6 square miles (76.7 km$2$), of which 29.3 square miles (75.9 km$2$) is land and 0.3 square mile (0.8 km$2$) (1.01%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 525 people, 170 households and 131 families residing in the township. The population density was 17.9 per square mile (6.9/km$2$). There were 177 housing units at an average density of 6.0/sq mi (2.3/km$2$). The racial makeup was 98.10% White, 0.19% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 170 households, of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.4% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.18.

26.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 14.5% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.

The median household income was $54,271 and the median family income was $61,250. Males had a median income of $38,864 and females $27,596. The per capita income was $19,768. About 2.9% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.


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Ridgely Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Ridgely Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 126 at the 2000 census.

Ridgely Township was organized in 1871, and named after Fort Ridgely.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 18.8 square miles (48.6 km$2$), of which 18.7 square miles (48.4 km$2$) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km$2$)  (0.43%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 126 people, 44 households, and 30 families residing in the township. The population density was 6.7 people per square mile (2.6/km$2$). There were 45 housing units at an average density of 2.4/sq mi (0.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.21% White, and 0.79% from two or more races.

There were 44 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 15.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 133.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,875, and the median income for a family was $50,417. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,339. There were no families and 7.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 20.0% of those over 64.


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St. Peter, Minnesota

St. Peter is a city and the county seat of Nicollet County, Minnesota United States. It is 10 miles north of the Mankato – North Mankato metropolitan area. The population was 12,066 at the 2020 census. It is home to Gustavus Adolphus College.

U.S. Highway 169 and Minnesota State Highways 22 and 99 are three of the city's main routes.

St. Peter's sister city is Petatlán, Guerrero, Mexico.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 6.24 sqmi, of which 6.06 sqmi is land and 0.17 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,196 people, 3,491 households, and 2,150 families residing in the city. The population density was 2002.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,697 housing units at an average density of 661.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.1% White, 3.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 2.3% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.4% of the population.

There were 3,491 households, of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.4% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 27.5 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 27.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 19.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,747 people, 2,978 households, and 1,843 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,797.3 PD/sqmi. There were 3,129 housing units at an average density of 577.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.17% White, 1.57% African American, 0.43% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.04% of the population.

There were 2,978 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.8% under the age of 18, 30.6% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,344, and the median income for a family was $51,157. Males had a median income of $33,618 versus $25,789 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,634. About 4.2% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over.

History
St. Peter was founded in 1853 by Captain William Bigelow Dodd, who claimed 150 acre north of what is now Broadway Avenue. He named the new settlement Rock Bend because of the rock formation at the bend of the Minnesota River. Daniel L. Turpin platted and surveyed the town site in 1854. In 1855, a group of St. Paul businessmen interested in promoting the town formed the Saint Peter Company, and the town was renamed St. Peter. The president of the company was Willis A. Gorman, Territorial Governor of Minnesota. Many of St. Peter's streets were named after streets in New York City, including Park Row, Chatham, Broadway, Nassau, and Union. Dodd was originally from Bloomfield, New Jersey. His second wife, Harriett Newell Jones, a native of Cabot, Vermont, was living in New York at the time of their marriage at the Church of the Holy Communion in New York City, which helped fund the church in St. Peter that shares its name.

The Two Fingers band of Sioux from St Peter's made news in 1855. In 1857, an attempt was made to move the Territory of Minnesota's capital from St. Paul to St. Peter. Gorman owned the land on which the bill's sponsors wanted to build the new capitol building, and at one point had been heard saying, "If the capitol remains in Saint Paul, the territory is worth millions, and I have nothing." At the time, St. Peter, in the territory's central region, was seen as more accessible to far-flung territorial legislators than St. Paul, which was in the extreme east of the territory, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. A bill passed both houses of the Territorial Legislature and was awaiting Gorman's signature. The chairman of the Territorial Council's Enrolled Bills Committee, Joseph J. Rolette of Pembina, took the bill and hid in a St. Paul hotel, drinking and playing cards with some friends as the city police looked fruitlessly for him, until the end of the legislative session, too late for the bill to be signed. Rolette came into the chamber just as the session ended. Today, St. Paul is the state's second-largest city (after neighboring Minneapolis), while St. Peter is a relatively small rural town.

In 1851 the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed between the Sioux (Dakota) and the U.S. Government one mile (1.6 km) north of St. Peter. The Nicollet County Historical Society-Treaty Site History Center is near the site of the signing. But the treaty's promises were not kept. The Dakota became angered and the Dakota War of 1862 began in Cottonwood County. In August 1862 the Dakota attacked the German settlement of New Ulm. A company of volunteers from St. Peter, headed by Dodd, St. Peter's founder, went to New Ulm's defense. Dodd was killed on August 23, 1862, and briefly buried in New Ulm. On November 11, 1862, Dodd was buried with high military honors in St. Peter on the grounds of the Church of the Holy Communion, Episcopal, on land he donated to the church. Dodd, his wife Harriet and two children are buried behind the present stone church built in 1869–70 at 118 North Minnesota Avenue.

In 1866, the legislature established the first "Minnesota Asylum for the Insane" in St. Peter. It was later known as the St. Peter State Hospital, and is now called the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.

On July 1, 1892, the Sontag Brothers, John Sontag and George Contant, and their partner, Chris Evans, tried to rob a train between St. Peter and Kasota along the Minnesota River. The bandits acquired nothing of value, but their activities came under the review of Pinkerton detectives, and both were apprehended in June 1893 in what is called the Battle of Stone Corral in California.

Governors
St. Peter is known as the home of five governors:
 * Territorial
 * Willis Arnold Gorman (1853–1857)
 * State
 * Henry Adoniram Swift (1863–1864)
 * Horace Austin (1870–1874)
 * Andrew Ryan McGill (1887–1889)
 * John Albert Johnson (1905–1909)

The best-known of these, Johnson, was born in St. Peter to Swedish-born parents on July 28, 1861. Because of family circumstances, he offered to help his mother raise the family. He left school at a young age and held a variety of jobs. In 1887, he was hired as editor of the St. Peter Herald, the local newspaper. In 1899, he was elected to the State Senate, and served until 1903. In 1904, he was elected Minnesota's 16th governor. He was reelected in 1906 and 1908. He was considered as a possible candidate in the 1912 presidential election, but died as the result of an operation for intestinal adhesions in Rochester, Minnesota, on September 21, 1909. Drs. William James Mayo and Charles Horace Mayo, who came from Le Sueur and were friends with Johnson, performed the operation. After lying in state in the Capitol rotunda, his body was taken to St. Peter for burial. The funeral, held at Union Presbyterian Church, was St. Peter's largest ever, and he was buried near his parents in Greenhill Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Elinore "Nora" Preston Johnson.

Mayors

 * Eugene St. Julien Cox 1865–1867 (also served in the state legislature and as a district court judge)
 * Francis E. Lange 1868–1869
 * William Schimmell 1870–1872 (First president of First National Bank)
 * Albert Knight 1873–1875 (Knight Street is named after him)
 * Addison L. Sackett 1876–1878 (also served as county auditor and in the state legislature)
 * Azro A. Stone 1879 (also served as county sheriff; Stones' Way and Stones' Park are named after him)
 * Philip Dick, Sr. 1880–1882
 * Gustav W. Steinke 1883–1884
 * Gideon S. Ives 1885 (son-in-law of Governor Henry Swift; served as lieutenant governor 1891–1893)
 * Joseph A. Mason 1886–1888
 * Philip Dick, Sr. 1889–1893 (second term as mayor)
 * Henry Moll 1894–1895 (also served as a probate judge)
 * Dr. Lewis M. Erickson 1896–1898
 * Melville G. Hanscome 1899–1900
 * William H. Mueller 1901–1905
 * William H. Rounseville 1906
 * Philip Dick, Sr. 1907–1909 (third term as mayor)
 * Edward Bornemann 1910–1912
 * Philip E. Dick, Jr. 1913–1914
 * Edward Bornemann 1915
 * Adolph Bornemann 1916–1917
 * William Haesecke 1918–1920
 * Lillien M. (Cox) Gault-Wolfe 1921–1922 (first woman mayor in Minnesota, daughter of former mayor E. St. Julien Cox)
 * Edward Woehler 1921–1930
 * Dr. Arthur H. Bittner 1931–1933 (Died in Office)
 * Floyd B. Johnson 1933–1935 (athletic field at St. Peter Middle School (formerly St. Peter Middle/High School) is named after him)
 * Otto T. Miller 1936–1937
 * Reuben R. Seibert 1938–1940
 * Otto T. Miller 1941–1942
 * Henry B. Seitzer 1942–1943
 * Andrew Cook 1944 (Died in office)
 * John R. Faust 1944–1946
 * Henry E. Wiest 1946
 * Clifford J. Nutter 1947–1948
 * Elmer J. Kleifgen 1949–1951
 * Prof. George W. Anderson 1951–1952 (English professor at Gustavus Adolphus College)
 * Richard Konechne 1953–1956
 * Leighton R. Swenson 1957–1958
 * Mark W. Schaus 1959–1960
 * George W. Martens 1960–1961
 * Arthur W. Cook 1962–1963
 * Lamar Hay 1964–1965
 * George W. Martens 1966–1970
 * Douglas C. Pyan 1971–1985
 * William A. Wettergren 1986–1989
 * Peter J. Rheaume 1990–1991
 * Ellery O. Peterson 1992–1995
 * Jerry K. Hawbaker 1996–2005
 * Timothy J. Strand 2006–2015
 * Chuck Zieman 2016–2021
 * Shanon Nowell 2022–present (Administrator at Gustavus Adolphus College)

Tornado
On March 29, 1998, a tornado struck St. Peter, killing six-year-old Dustin Schneider, injuring dozens more, and damaging much of the town's housing, commercial, and civic buildings. The tornado destroyed 156 single-family houses and 51 apartment units. An additional 362 houses and apartments suffered serious damage and 1,383 houses or apartments had minor damage. The town's three trailer parks were largely spared with no mobile homes destroyed and just two seriously damaged. Major losses included the Old Central School, St. Peter Arts and Heritage Center, St. Peter's Catholic Church, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Johnson Hall at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Churches

 * Bethany Alliance Church (Christian & Missionary Alliance), established in 1961, present church built in 1965, church renamed Living Truth Fellowship in 2015
 * Calvary Baptist Church, established in 1963, present church built in 1977
 * Church of St. Peter (Roman Catholic), established in 1856, present church built in 2001
 * Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal), established in 1854, present church built in 1869–1870
 * First Lutheran Church (ELCA), established in 1857, present church built in 1965
 * Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, established in 2010, no church at present time
 * Sunrise Assembly of God, Established in 1934, present church built in 1988
 * St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS), established in 1867, present church built in 1999
 * River of Life Lutheran Church (LCMS), established in 2013 by Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Mankato, member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod since 2016
 * Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), established in 1892, present church built in 1988
 * Union Presbyterian Church, established in 1869 as a result of the union of two congregations (the First Free Presbyterian Church of Traverse des Sioux Established in 1853 and the First Presbyterian Church of St. Peter in 1857), present church built in 1871
 * Christ Chapel (ELCA), built from 1959 to 1961, inaugurated in 1962 on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College

Education
St. Peter is the home of Gustavus Adolphus College, a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and founded in 1862. The public high school is St. Peter High School. There are two parochial schools in St. Peter: John Ireland Catholic School (K-6), which is associated with the Church of St. Peter, and St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran School (K-8), which along with the church is associated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Veritas et Lux Preparatory School is a private non-denominational (K-12) school.

The first class graduated from St. Peter High School in 1880. The first superintendent of St. Peter Public Schools was Andrew Ryan McGill, who served from 1865 to 1868. McGill was Minnesota's 10th governor from 1887 to 1889.

Scholarship America is based in St. Peter.

Healthcare
Community health care is provided by St. Peter Community Hospital. In 2009 St. Peter Community Hospital was renamed River's Edge Hospital. That same year the construction of a new clinic was begun adjoining the hospital. There is now the River's Edge Clinic and the St. Peter Community Clinic, part of the Mayo Health System.

St. Peter is home to the Minnesota Security Hospital, where those the state declares mentally ill and dangerous are committed.

Benedictine Health Care Center, formerly known as St. Peter Community Health Care Center, is part of the River's Edge Hospital complex. Near the hospital Pheasants' Ridge is an assisted living facility that has a section for patients suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Other health care facilities in St. Peter include Grandview Good Samaritan Center on Sunrise Drive.

River Valley Birth Center opened in St. Peter in the summer of 2014. It is the region's first free-standing birth center.

Transportation
The following routes are within St. Peter:
 * [[Image:US 169 (MN).svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 169
 * [[Image:MN-22.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 22
 * [[Image:MN-99.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 99

Notable people

 * Alice A. Andrews — pianist, composer, associated with the Andrews Opera Company
 * Horace Austin — sixth governor of Minnesota
 * Henry N. Benson — Minnesota Attorney General
 * Eugene Saint Julien Cox — mayor of St. Peter, state legislator, district court judge
 * Anne Martell Denver — wife of singer John Denver
 * Olive Fremstad — opera singer at Metropolitan Opera
 * Willis Arnold Gorman — second governor of the Minnesota Territory
 * Camilla Hall — Symbionese Liberation Army member
 * James M. Hinds — the first congressman assassinated in office
 * Gideon S. Ives — lieutenant governor of Minnesota, mayor of St. Peter
 * Carl M. Johnson — politician, farmer, and businessman
 * John Albert Johnson — 16th governor of Minnesota, presidential candidate, newspaper editor
 * Verne C. Johnson — politician and lawyer
 * Andrew Ryan McGill — 10th governor of Minnesota, newspaper editor, state senator
 * James M. McPherson — Civil War historian and author
 * Steve Neils — football player for the St. Louis Cardinals
 * Milt Nielsen — baseball player for the Cleveland Indians
 * Allen Quist — former state representative and gubernatorial candidate
 * Benjamin H. Randall — politician
 * Rick Rude — professional wrestler
 * Myer Skoog — inventor of the jump shot
 * Doug Swenson — politician, lawyer, and judge
 * Henry A. Swift — third governor of Minnesota, lieutenant governor of Minnesota, state senator
 * John H. Tolan — politician and lawyer
 * Earl Witte — football player for the Green Bay Packers

title: St. Peter, Minnesota


text:
Traverse Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

Traverse Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 367 at the 2000 census. Traverse Township was organized in 1858, and named after Traverse.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 23.6 square miles (61.2 km$2$), of which 23.0 square miles (59.6 km$2$) is land and 0.6 square mile (1.6 km$2$)  (2.54%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 367 people, 127 households, and 102 families residing in the township. The population density was 15.9 people per square mile (6.2/km$2$). There were 131 housing units at an average density of 5.7/sq mi (2.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.18% White, 0.54% Native American, and 0.27% from two or more races.

There were 127 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.8% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 11.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 128.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 121.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $55,250, and the median income for a family was $61,250. Males had a median income of $35,682 versus $28,125 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,861. None of the families and 2.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.


text:
West Newton Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota

West Newton Township is a township in Nicollet County, Minnesota, United States. West Newton was named primarily for the steamboat, the West Newton, which made the trip from Fort Snelling to Fort Ridgely in 1853. "This was the first steamer that had ascended the Minnesota river any distance above the mouth of the Blue Earth." The population was 517 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of St. George is located within the township.

West Newton Township was organized in 1858.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 38.2 square miles (99.0 km$2$), of which 37.7 square miles (97.5 km$2$) is land and 0.6 square mile (1.5 km$2$)  (1.47%) is water.

The ghost town of West Newton is located within section 30 of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 517 people, 180 households, and 145 families residing in the township. The population density was 13.7 people per square mile (5.3/km$2$). There were 187 housing units at an average density of 5.0/sq mi (1.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.81% White and 0.19% African American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.19% of the population.

There were 180 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.3% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.4% were non-families. 17.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,313, and the median income for a family was $55,000. Males had a median income of $35,865 versus $19,479 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,533. About 2.8% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.


text:
Adrian, Minnesota

Adrian is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,209 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.11 sqmi, all land.

Main highways include:
 * [[Image:I-90.svg|20px]] Interstate 90
 * [[Image:MN-91.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 91
 * [[Image:County 35 (MN).svg|20px]] Nobles County Road 35

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,209 people, 491 households, and 333 families residing in the city. The population density was 1089.2 PD/sqmi. There were 537 housing units at an average density of 483.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.4% African American, 1.2% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.1% of the population.

There were 491 households, of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.2% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 42.6 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 PD/sqmi. There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.43% White, 0.24% African American, 0.32% Asian, 1.94% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.92% of the population.

There were 493 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,927, and the median income for a family was $44,125. Males had a median income of $30,972 versus $21,042 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,925. About 3.5% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.1% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

History
Adrian owes its birth to the St. Paul and Dakota Railroad Company, a branch of the Sioux City and St. Paul Railroad. Railroad employee O.D. Brown surveyed a 16-block town site in May 1876 and track-laying crews arrived in August of that same year. A city plat was dedicated on August 28 and filed on October 4.

Name
Railroad company history states that the city was named after Adrian Iselin, a large stockholder in the Sioux City and St. Paul Railroad. A copy of a portrait of Iselin's wife, painted by John Singer Sargent, has been displayed for years in Adrian City Hall.

Railroad era
Adrian's early development was largely fostered by the efforts of John Ireland, bishop of the St. Paul Roman Catholic Diocese. Through the Catholic press, he encouraged Catholics from eastern cities to come to Minnesota, and he used his personal wealth to buy land near Adrian to sell to the new arrivals. In 1877, he bought 20,000 acre of land; seven months later he made an additional purchase of 35,000 acre.

In 1877, 100,000 bushels of grain were shipped from the Adrian station, and the town population totaled 193 people as of 1880. By 1882 the local parish reported 250 Catholic families living in the area. The town population increased to 671 in 1890 and 1,258 in 1900. Growth slowed thereafter, as some of Adrian's rail trade had shifted to the towns of Ellsworth, Lismore and Wilmont. In 1893, Adrian tried but failed to split Nobles County into two parts in order to become a county seat.

St. Adrian Catholic Church
The first St. Adrian Catholic Church was established in 1877. The building burned to the ground Christmas Eve, 1899. The young town responded by building the current church, which was completed in 1901. St. Adrian Church is on the National Register of Historic Places along with the Hotel Slade.

Interstate highway era
At 2:00 p.m., November 4, 1967, the section of Interstate Highway 90 passing Adrian officially opened to traffic. The previously used highway, U.S. Highway 16, passed directly through town. The by-passing of all east/west traffic forever sealed the character of Adrian as a small town.

Notable people

 * Cedric Adams – 1930s–1950s-era WCCO AM radio personality, TV broadcaster and daily newspaper columnist in the Twin Cities. Upper Midwest pilots saw lights flicker out at the end of his 10 p.m. radio news broadcasts. "The Great Mellow Voice of the Midwest" is a 2002 inductee of the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
 * Lloyd Voss – 1964 Green Bay Packers' first-round draft pick, member of a Vince Lombardi-coached Packers Super Bowl winner. Pittsburgh Steelers six-year defensive end starter. Missed only three games in nine NFL seasons. Enshrined in Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Politics
Adrian is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Jim Hagedorn, a Republican. At the state level, Adrian is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.

Local politics
The mayor of Adrian is Robert Wiese. Adrian city council members are Denny Kruger, Ron Lonneman, Don Shorter, and Robert Wiese. Adrian is located within Olney and Westside Townships, both of which are represented by Nobles County Commissioner Gene Metz

title: Adrian, Minnesota


text:
Simple squeeze

The simple squeeze is the most basic form of a squeeze in contract bridge. When declarer plays a winner in one suit (the squeeze card), an opponent is forced to discard a stopper in one of declarer's two threat suits.

The simple squeeze takes place against one opponent only and gains one trick only. That opponent must hold the defense's only stoppers in declarer's two threat suits. The simple squeeze requires that declarer has rectified the count: declarer must have already lost as many tricks as he can afford, and can win all but one of the remaining tricks with top cards. Positional squeezes, described next, also require that the defense's stoppers be located favorably for declarer. Other requirements are also discussed in this article.

Positional squeezes
In Example 1, when the A is cashed, West is squeezed in the major suits. West must discard before North plays. If West discards a spade, dummy discards the K and declarer then wins the AJ. If West discards the A, dummy discards the J and declarer then wins the A and the K.

The squeeze will not work if East's and West's cards are swapped as shown in Example 2. Here East can wait to see which threat card is played on the A and discard accordingly; if declarer throws the J, East discards a spade, and if declarer throws the K, East discards the A. (This example assumes that West holds at least one heart after following to the A; else, South's 2 becomes a legitimate threat and the squeeze is automatic—see the next examples.)

The positional squeeze, is so called because its success depends on the position of the threats K and J relative to the defense's stoppers, the KQ and the A. Either the K or J, or both, must be in the upper hand: the hand that plays after the squeezed defender.

Automatic squeezes
The positional squeeze which works against one defender only can be distinguished from the automatic squeeze, which works against either defender.

Consider the layout in Example 3, where the J and the K are divided between declarer and dummy. When South leads the squeeze card, the A, West is squeezed. If West discards a spade, dummy throws the 2 and declarer then wins dummy's AJ. If West discards the A, dummy throws the J and declarer then wins the K and dummy's A.

If the defense's stoppers are in the East hand instead of the West hand and the North-South hands are unchanged as in Example 4, then when declarer leads the A and dummy discards the 2, East is squeezed. If East discards a spade, declarer then wins dummy's AJ. If East discards the A, declarer then wins the K and dummy's A.

This is still a simple squeeze, but it is termed an automatic squeeze to distinguish it from a positional squeeze. The fact that declarer's two threats are in different hands means that no matter which defender holds both stoppers, at least one of the threats lies in the upper hand (the J if West is to be squeezed, the K if East is to be squeezed).

Entries
A successful simple squeeze poses several requirements. The count must be rectified, the defense's stoppers in the threat suits must be held by one opponent only, at least one threat card must lie over the squeezed defender, and at least one threat must lie opposite the squeeze card. In addition to these requirements, one of three general types of entry positions must be present.

The threat opposite the squeeze card has an entry in its own suit
Earlier, Examples 1 and 4, illustrated positional and automatic squeezes; here, they also illustrate one way to satisfy a simple squeeze's entry requirement.

One of the threat cards is the J. It lies opposite the squeeze card (the A), and it is accompanied by an entry (the A) in its own suit. The hand containing the squeeze card must of course have another card (here, the 4) that can be used to cross to the A after the squeeze has taken place.

Split two-card threat and twin-entry threat
Another entry position in the simple squeeze gives dummy, for example, an immediate winner and a small card in declarer's threat suit. This position is termed a split two-card threat or split two-card menace. The split two-card threat "splits" the threat between declarer's hand and dummy.

In Example 5, the spade threat is the J. The split two-card threat splits the spade threat's immediate winner, the A, from the threat itself. Dummy holds an immediate winner in the suit where declarer holds the threat.

When the squeeze card, the A, is played, West might discard the A. Then dummy throws the 3 and cashes the A and the K. If West discards the Q instead, dummy throws the K. South plays the 2 to the A, removing West's remaining K, and takes the last trick with the J.

Notice that the simple squeeze with a split two-card menace is a positional squeeze. It will not operate against East if West's cards in Example 5 are transferred to East, as in Example 6. In Example 6, the split two-card menace is still present but if dummy discards the 3 on the A, East discards the Q and declarer must still lose to the A. If dummy instead discards the K, East throws the A and declarer must still lose to the K.

The problem in Example 6 is that declarer does not hold an entry to the J threat after playing the squeeze card. The twin-entry threat converts the positional split-threat squeeze to an automatic squeeze. See Example 7.

Dummy holds winner-and-small in declarer's threat suit, as with the split two-card menace in Examples 5 and 6, but now declarer also has a winner (the K) in that threat suit. This is a twin-entry squeeze and is automatic: with these cards in North and South, either West or East could be squeezed.

In Example 7, declarer leads A and dummy follows suit. If East discards a spade, declarer wins the A, the K and the 9. If East discards the A, declarer wins the K, the A and the K. The same sequence occurs if West instead of East holds the guards in spades and hearts.

The criss-cross squeeze
The third general type of entry position in the simple squeeze occurs when declarer has an entry in dummy's threat suit and dummy has an entry in declarer's threat suit. This situation is termed a criss-cross squeeze. It is regarded as a comparatively rare position.

Example 8 illustrates the criss-cross squeeze. Dummy's threat card is the Q and declarer has an entry, the A, in that suit. Declarer's threat card is the Q and dummy has an entry, the A, in that suit. When declarer cashes the A, East is squeezed. South cashes the A in whichever suit East discards from, crosses to the other A, and cashes the remaining Q.

This is an automatic squeeze: it works regardless of which opponent guards the two threats. However, the position is usually ambiguous. After the squeeze has taken place, declarer is often uncertain which guard (in Example 8, the K and the K) is now a singleton.

For example, if East unguarded the K earlier in the play, the situation might actually be as shown in Example 9. In this case, declarer cashes the A and East throws a small heart. If declarer now judges that East has bared the K, he will cash the A. When the K does not fall, declarer will subsequently be stuck in dummy, losing the final trick to the K. A similar outcome can result if East bares the K early in the play.

The possibility of this sort of ambiguity is inherent in the blocked entry position that characterizes criss-cross squeezes. A defender who can see what's coming can discard deceptively, putting declarer to a guess after the squeeze has matured.

The Vienna coup
One particular entry configuration may require special handling. In the layout shown in Example 10, the threats (J and Q) are divided between the North and South hands and East holds the guards in the threat suits. Furthermore, North holds a winner in each threat suit and South holds no winner in either threat suit.

Suppose that South leads the squeeze card, the A, in the position shown. East simply discards either heart, because the South hand can neither retain nor regain the lead, and the North hand must eventually lose the J to the K.

The solution is to unblock the A before leading to the A. After the unblock, the position is as shown in Example 11. The unblock of the A transposes Example 10 into Example 11, a simple automatic squeeze with the Q positioned to exert pressure against East. Compare Example 11 with Example 4, which shows the same basic position.

The unblocking solution remains the same even if the East and West hands were interchanged.

The play, prior to the squeeze card, of the winner that blocks South's threat is called the Vienna coup. The term has long been regarded as unduly connoting brilliance: "In short, the aura of glamor which has always seemed to surround this play is wholly fictitious."

title: Simple squeeze


text:
Bigelow, Minnesota

Bigelow is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 235 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.40 sqmi, all land. The town of Bigelow is located in southcentral Nobles County in section 31 of Bigelow Township. The southern corporate limit of the town is defined by the Iowa border.

Main highway is: Other important transportation:
 * [[Image:MN-60.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 60
 * Union Pacific Railroad

History

Beginnings: The town of Bigelow was the third community to come into existence in Nobles County. The first two were Worthington and Brewster. All three towns appeared on the map in 1871, though Bigelow remained nothing more than that - a spot on a map - until the spring of 1872, when the tracks of the St. Paul & Sioux City Railway reached the site of the present-day town. Throughout the summer of 1872, the site was occupied only by a large tent which furnished shelter for the construction crew. A railroad depot was constructed in September 1872, and Mr. S. O. Morse assumed duties as station agent. He went into partnership with a man named Frothingham, and the two established a small grocery store in the depot. This was the only business established in 1872.

Source of name: Even before railroad tracks had reached present-day Bigelow, the town's future name had been decided. It was named after Charles H. Bigelow. He was also a director of the St. Paul & Sioux City Railway, and the board decided to flatter him by naming a new town after him. Bigelow Township was also named after Mr. Bigelow. There is no record of Charles Bigelow visiting the town that bears his name, though it is likely he passed through on the railroad that he helped to create.

Incorporation:   The townsite was platted and a dedication was made on September 24, 1873. Two new business came to town in 1873. S. D. Tinnes opened a general merchandise store and John DeBoos and John Colvin opened a hardware store. A grain dealer, a lumber yard, and a coal business were established in 1874. A school house was also built in that year and began that fall with 24 students. The village grew slowly. The 1880 census gave Bigelow a population of only 28. (One must assume that many of the 24 students enrolled in the Bigelow school resided on farms outside of the village.) Charles L. Davidson, of Hull, Iowa, purchased the townsite on January 25, 1892, and decided to "boom the town", or attract investment and settlers. His efforts apparently paid off, for by 1894, Bigelow claimed 150 residents. A census taken on November 16, 1899, counted 224 residents. On February 13, 1900, an election was held, and by a vote of 37 to 6 it was decided that the time had come for municipal government. The first president of Bigelow was a Mr. W. C. Wyatt.

Bigelow today: According to the 2010 census, Bigelow  has a population of 235. Perhaps a half-dozen businesses exist in the town. In recent years, Minnesota State Highway 60, which once passed directly through town, was widened to four-lanes, and bypassed Bigelow entirely. Bigelow does not have a public school. Children attend school either in nearby Worthington or in Ellsworth. Minnesota's open-enrollment law gives them this option.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 235 people, 88 households, and 59 families residing in the city. The population density was 587.5 PD/sqmi. There were 97 housing units at an average density of 242.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.7% White, 0.4% Native American, 11.5% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.0% of the population.

There were 88 households, of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.0% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.19.

The median age in the city was 34.5 years. 26.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.5% male and 48.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 231 people, 87 households, and 62 families residing in the city. The population density was 610.7 PD/sqmi. There were 96 housing units at an average density of 253.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.64% White, 0.43% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 6.06% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.36% of the population.

There were 87 households, out of which 42.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,750, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,227. About 13.2% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 21.9% of those 65 or over.

Politics
Bigelow is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Jim Hagedorn, a Republican. At the state level, Bigelow is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 22B, represented by Republican Rod Hamilton.

Local politics
The mayor of Bigelow is Bryan Brandt. City Council members are Terry Neugebauer, Robert Paplow, Brad Meester, and Ryan Weber. The city of Bigelow and Bigelow Township are represented by Nobles County Commissioner Matt Widboom.

Notable person
The analytic philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff was born in Bigelow.

title: Bigelow, Minnesota


text:
Bigelow Township, Nobles County, Minnesota

Bigelow Township is a township in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 384 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.2 sqmi, of which 34.5 sqmi is land and 1.8 sqmi  (4.91%) is water. A major geographic feature in Bigelow Township is the Buffalo Ridge, a drainage divide between the Mississippi and Missouri River systems. Lake Bella and the western part of Lake Ocheda are found within Bigelow Township. In addition, the Ocheyedan River and one branch of the Little Rock River both originate in Bigelow Township.

Main highways include:
 * [[Image:US 59.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 59
 * [[Image:MN-60.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 60
 * [[Image:County 4.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 4
 * [[Image:County 6.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 6

History
Organization of Bigelow Township was approved by the Nobles County Board on April 30, 1872. The first township meeting was held May 20, 1872. Residents petitioned for the township to be named Ocheda, after Lake Ocheda, much of which lies within the township. However, the Nobles County Board named the township Bigelow, after the newly formed village of Bigelow which lies within the township. The village of Bigelow was named after Charles Bigelow, one of the directors of the St. Paul and Sioux City Railway Company.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 384 people, 132 households, and 114 families residing in the township. The population density was 11.1 PD/sqmi. There were 139 housing units at an average density of 4.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.92% White, 2.08% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 132 households, out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 81.1% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.9% were non-families. 12.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $42,083, and the median income for a family was $43,611. Males had a median income of $27,292 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,373. About 5.4% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Bigelow Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Jim Hagedorn, a Republican. At the state level, Bigelow Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 22B, represented by Republican Rod Hamilton.

Local politics
Bigelow Township is represented by Nobles County Commissioner Matt Widboom.


text:
Bloom Township, Nobles County, Minnesota

Bloom Township is a township in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 213 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 sqmi, of which 35.8 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi  (0.20%) is water. The major geographic feature in Bloom Township is Jack Creek which flows from the western township border to the eastern township border, ultimately emptying into the Des Moines River system. A separate and distinct Jack Creek also exists within Nobles County and flows westward toward the Big Sioux River system.

Main highways include:
 * [[Image:County 13.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 13
 * [[Image:County 16.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 16
 * [[Image:County 18.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 18

History
Organization of Bloom Township was approved by the Nobles County Board on March 18, 1879. The original choice of name for the township was Afton. However, the Nobles County Board was notified by the state auditor's office that another Afton Township existed in Washington County, Minnesota. The name was then changed to Bloom Township in honor of Peter Bloom, the township's first settler. Afton Township in Washington County no longer exists, having been absorbed by the city of Afton, Minnesota, in 1971.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 64 households, and 57 families residing in the township. The population density was 6.0 PD/sqmi. There were 69 housing units at an average density of 1.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.06% White, 0.47% African American, 0.47% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.76% of the population.

There were 64 households, out of which 43.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 87.5% were married couples living together, and 10.9% were non-families. 7.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33 and the average family size was 3.49.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 124.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 134.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,536, and the median income for a family was $51,429. Males had a median income of $27,045 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,171. None of the families and 1.3% of the population were living below the poverty line.

Politics
Bloom Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Jim Hagedorn, a Republican. At the state level, Bloom Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.

Local politics
Bloom Township is represented by Nobles County Commissioner Gene Metz.


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Brewster, Minnesota

Brewster is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 506 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.36 sqmi, all land. It is located one-half mile from the Jackson County line, on section 25 of Hersey Township. The population was 502 at the 2000 census.

Main highways include:
 * [[Image:MN-60.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 60
 * [[Image:County 1.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 1
 * [[Image:County 14.png|20px]] Nobles County Road 14

History
Founding of Brewster: The town of Brewster was in established in the spring of 1872, but was known for many years as Hersey. It was the first town established in Nobles County by the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad, and was named after General Samuel F. Hersey, a lumber baron from Maine, and one of the railroad's directors. The first resident was W. R. Bennett, who came to take charge of the railroad station. T. J. Smith put up the first store which was run by A. J. Timlin for many years. Mr. A. O. Conde established a lumber yard and a grain business, Martin Heiser opened a second store, a hotel was opened by a Mr. Humphrey, and John Iverson established a blacksmith shop. All of this occurred in 1872, the same year that A. J. Timlin became postmaster.

Source of name:  In 1880, the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad was purchased by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway, or the Omaha Road, and there was already a station named Hersey on the latter road's track in Wisconsin. In order to avoid confusion, the name of Hersey was changed, briefly to Nobles County Station. Soon thereafter, the name Brewster was settled upon. There is some confusion regarding the choice of name. E. F. Drake, president of the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad once stated that the name "was changed to Brewster after a director of the Omaha Road." But a brochure later put out by the Chicago and North Western Railway Company stated that "the present name was given in honor of Brewster, a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, which was named in honor of Elder William Brewster, one of the first settlers of Plymouth Colony."

Incorporation: By the fall of 1898, it was found that 180 people lived in the community of Brewster. Thus it was decided that the time had come for incorporation. An election was held on December 14, 1898, and out of the 28 ballots cast, only one was opposed to idea of municipal government. On January 9, 1899, Leon Morris assumed duties as the first president of Brewster Village.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 473 people, 207 households, and 130 families residing in the city. The population density was 347.8 PD/sqmi. There were 218 housing units at an average density of 160.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.2% African American, 1.3% Native American, 2.7% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of the population.

There were 207 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.2% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 27.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 28% were from 45 to 64; and 14.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 502 people, 204 households, and 138 families residing in the city. The population density was 417.9 PD/sqmi. There were 218 housing units at an average density of 181.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.01% White, 0.40% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 1.99% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.19% of the population.

There were 204 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,125, and the median income for a family was $44,625. Males had a median income of $28,229 versus $22,019 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,263. About 6.5% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 27.1% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Brewster is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Jim Hagedorn, a Republican. At the state level, Brewster is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.

Local politics
The mayor of Brewster is Randy Schmitz. City council members are Mike Bourquin, Ed Busch, John Garmer and Andy Bedbury. Brewster is located in Hersey Township and is represented by Nobles County Commissioner Marvin Zylstra.

title: Brewster, Minnesota