The township of Deer Creek is technically known as township 100 north, range 19 west, and is the most easterly in the northern tier, Northwood lying on its western, and Barton upon its southern boundary. The land is of a rich dark loam, and the surface, generally, is a beautiful rolling prairie. Only one stream of any importance passes through it- Deer creek-from whence the township derives its name. This rises in Freeborn Co., Minn., just over the line, and entering about the center of section 7, intersects that section, and in its course, which is southeasterly, traverses sections 18, 17, 20, 21, 28, 27, 34 and 35. The banks of this stream, like almost all the water courses of this section, are fringed with natural timber, while the artificial groves that surround the houses of the settlers, help to fill up the blanks in what would otherwise be a monotonous plain of emerald hue.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

In the early days of this county's existence but little settlement was made in this corner of the county for some reason, unexplained, and in fact it has only been quite lately that any number have sought the locality.

The honor of being the first to settle in what now constitutes the township of Deer Creek, belongs to Hans Tollefson, the father of Martin Hanson, who first stuck his pioneering stakes in 1855.

Ole Knudtson came into the township in 1860, bringing with him his ten year old boy, who since has grown into one of the solid men of the town, Gilbert G. Olson.

A. G. Dahl came into this section as early as 1862, but did not settle permanently, but wandered around until 1872, when he located where he now resides.

In 1864 Robert Leedle, an Englishman, came to Deer Creek and opened up a farm. He had been a miller for many years, and was interested in grist mills at both Osage and Otranto, but taking a dislike to that business, resolved to go to farming, and has been a decided success in that line.

Ole Hansen came into the township in 1865, and after looking around, planted his stakes upon section 36, where he located, and opening up a farm and building a house, lived there until June 30,1881, when he died.

Ole O. Gordon was a settler of 1866, coming from Newburg township, Mitchell county, where he had resided some six years, since coming from his native land.

R. H. Root, one of the most prominent men in the township, settled therein during the spring of 1868.

FIRST ITEMS.

The first marriage was that of Martin Hanson to Louisa Nelson, which occurred July 8, 1863.

The first birth was probably that of Agnes, eldest daughter of the above named couple, born during the year 1864.

BURNED ALIVE.

An episode occurred on the 15th of November, 1876, that may not be out of place in this connection. It seems that upon that day, Christopher Hanson, a farmer, who resided about six miles northeast of Northwood, had been to the town of Carpenter, on business, and on his return, being very cold and chilled, put his team in charge of his son, a bright young lad of thirteen, while he went into the house to warm. The boy had not yet finished unharnessing the horses, when he discovered that the stable was on fire. He left the team and made the utmost endeavors to save what stock he could, and finally, with much difficulty, got four horses outside. Mr. Louis Butler, who lived near by, seeing the flames, gave the alarm and hastened to the stable, which was reached the same time by Mr. Hanson. The latter, in spite of the remonstrances of his son, backed by those of Mr. Butler, went into the now blazing building, to rescue the balance of the stock. This was the last ever seen of him alive, as he perished in the flames. The cries of his wife and children were beyond description. The night was fearful, the wind blowing a perfect gale from the northwest, cold and piercing; yet, regardless of it, the friends of Mr. Hanson stood ready to do all in their power to relieve the distressed, but their efforts to save the man or comfort his bereaved family were alike of no avail. Morning dawned, the flames had done their work and expired for want of something more to feed upon. Diligent search was made among the ruins for the remains. About 10 o'clock they were found, and it was a heart rending sight to see that man so strong and full of life on yester-eve, lie there a burned and crisp corpse. The limbs had been burned entirely off, and the trunk charred to a coal. All of the remains that could be found were placed in a coffin and buried on the 18th, the Rev. Mr. Stott officiating in the sad ceremony. Mr. Hanson left a wife and eight children, some of them quite small, to mourn his loss. He was a good, honest and upright man, loved and respected by all, and a member of the M. E. Church. Thus by wind and snow, by cold and fire, perishes man, and none know how soon will be his day of reckoning.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, July 27, 2008