The name behind the town—John Wesley North

The name behind the town—John Wesley North

Life on the American frontier required a keen sense of adventure and vision. Travel was difficult, living was a challenge, adjusting to a town-in-the-making was, well, an adjustment, and being prepared for the unexpected was a luxury most could not afford. Even so, the appeal to many was strong and come they did. John Wesley North was one of those drawn to the open spaces and natural beauty of Minnesota. There he hoped to regain his health, build a family, and start anew away from the stress of the political turmoil of his day in New York.

John Wesley North was named for the preaching co-founder of Methodism, John Wesley. He was raised in a staunchly religious family and brought his childhood faith with him into the sparsely populated Falls of St. Anthony. Having been educated in the East in law, he intended to practice it in their new locale. The village of St. Anthony however, was rather small and, although it was growing, North realized that he needed to supplement his income. He saw opportunities to invest in land and business and territorial government needed representatives so, he followed the opportunities and his interests in local politics landed him a seat in the territorial legislature. Over time, however, he proved to be a better visionary and starter than a money manager. His dealings in land sales and development were not as successful as he had hoped. Required improvements and repairs kept him in the red. By 1855, he had sold his holdings and settled his debts, and moved his family to the Cannon River Valley for a new start in greener pastures.

Early Northfield

By 1851 John North worked with William Marshall to survey the land. By 1856 North purchased 160 acres, platted the town and mills, and began work on the dam and the saw mill. By then the town was known as Northfield. When the Panic of 1857 struck, North’s friend Charles Wheaton bought out his financial interests. During this time, North continued his involvement in politics founding the state Republican Party, serving as a member of the state constitutional convention and as a delegate to the Republican Convention in 1860. In 1861, the newly elected President Abraham Lincoln appointed North to be the official surveyor of the new territory of Nevada, a job requiring a sensitive hand in a mining region rife with law suits. This job also took the North family out of Minnesota.

John Wesley North spent about six years in what became Northfield, laying the ground work for what it has become today. He and his family left their mark in early social gatherings, influencing the town for temperance, education, abolition, and equality for all. To read more about this man and his fascinating life, go here.

CREDIT: stmedia.stimg.co

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