Among the first settlers in Warsaw at the time were, Ole Holien, Knute Holien, John Hamre, O. Bowman, Endre Remmen, Nels Lien and others.
Nathan Pearson J.E. Wright, Francis McKee, Moses William, Washington King, R.B. Wilson, Edwin George, James Swartz, Joseph Giles, Harvey Swartz and Robert McCorkell were among they many that came in 1855.
It was said that the Swartz families on three Covered Wagons from Wisconsin. The wagons were each drwn by two yoke of oxen. The supplies that they had with them were said to be of 18 barrels of flour, 4 barrels of pork and 2 ea. of ham, lard, and groceries of different assortments. It was also siad that they had drove cattle with them on their journey.
The first birth was to Mrs. Wanshington King.
The first death was John Chambers.
Anders Anderson Hoverstad and Ingeborg Estrem were said to have been married in September. Their marriage is known as the first.
Others came this year like Eblen N. Sumner, Robert McCorkell, Stephen ZR. Searle, Roland Weeks, Horace Pronby & still others came.
The first Blacksmith in town was said to be Thomas Nelson Haugen but no one is really sure of when that was.
James Nixon, John Ridgway, James C. Nixon, Frank Chambers were among the many that settled here that year.
It was said that Rev. Isaac Waldron conducted the first religious service It was also said that it was the first English service.
Rev. John Field heldthe first Norwegian Lutheran services. He was said to have been a missionary that traveled here and there.
The first township meeting was held.
Minnesota becomes the 32nd state in 1858.
The population in 1860 was 286 citizens.
The Civil War Years
A Call To Arms is sent through out Goodhue County to raise a company of men.
The Boys from Warsaw answered the call. Some make there way to Red Wing and joined in with the 1st company being formed as well as other future companies. The Goodhue Volunteers soon to become Co. F of the First Minnesota Regiment Volunteer Infantry. Once at Fort Snelling, the call is changed from 90 days to 3 years. Some men come back home not being able to leave their homes for so long a time, but would join in other future regiments that are called to be made.
During the Dakota Conflict, after the Indian attack on New Ulm in August, Companies of Civilian Soldiers were formed to protect the towns across the lands of Minnesota. On August 24,1862 a company of this type was organized in Goodhue County. The Goodhue County Rangers There were 36 men in this company. It was to act as a Home Guard for the area and served until September 22, 1862. It served as the southern defense of the frontier. Some of these companies saw action in the Indain War of 1862 and did have casualties. One other company in Red Wing was The Red Wing Cavalry.
What could you get for your money in Warsaw in those days?
One Dozen Eggs- 7 Cents, One Dozen Candles- 15 cents, Edds Shirt- 75 cents, Towels- 10 cents, Drawers- 75 cents, Slippers- 50 cents, Dressing Gowns- $1.47, Pillow Cases 12 1/2 cents, Shoes $2.50, Socks- 20 cents and Postage was 10 cents a letter.
