228 HISTOEY OF GOODHUE COUNTY homes are built and fitted with modern conveniences, and cement walks are being constructed. There is no reason why the village should not continue to be the common trading point of the sur- rounding community and grow as the farming community de- mands it. — By Henry Halvorson. The Wanamingo, Cherry Grove and Minneola Mutual Fire In- surance Company was organized May 27. 1876, in accordance with chapter 83 of the general laws of the state of Minnesota, approved March 9, 1875. The following named gentlemen signed the articles of agreement : Ole P. Floan, N. J. Ottum, Henry Nel- son, 0. J. Wing, Ole R. Lund. Peder N. Xesseth, Ole J. Romfo, Ole T. Berg, Rognald Olson, John A. Borstad, Ellef Haugesag, Ole J. Kvittem, Haagen Nelson. Swen Olsen. Tost en Kleven, Ole Aufinson, G. II. Stuvrud, Ever Iverson, Gnnder Bremseth, Lars J. Romo, N. A. Stageberg, Peder X. Lerfald, John J. Lilleskov, Hans Isackson, Nils 0. Nordly, Thosten Thompson, Haagen Thoreson, R. H. Chrislock, Samuel A. Holland. John 0. Baar, Johanes J. Marejeren, Lasse N. Morken, Nils K. Fenne and A. J. Barsness. The first officers were: President. Ole P. Floan; secretary. N. J. Ottum; treasurer, Nils 0. Nordby. The board of directors con- sisted of these three gentlemen and Filing Albertson, Ole J. Romfo, Ole T. Berg, Ole R. Lund and Peder X. Xesseth. During the year 1885, the company enlarged ils territory, ad- mitting the following towns: Roscoe. Pine Island. Zumbrota, Belle Creek. Leon, Goodhue, Kenyon. Holden and Warsaw, so that it now comprises a territory of twelve townships. It has grown steadily until at the present time it has a total of 1,150 persons, holding over 1,200 policies, covering an insurance of $2,500,000. The company has. during the time of its existence, sustained and paid 563 losses amounting to $48,227.92. During the year 1906 a special meeting was held to prolong the com- pany's existence for another term of thirty years. At this meet- ing all the then existing by-laws were repealed and a new set enacted, one more director being added. The present officers are : President, O. J. Wing, Wanamingo ; vice president, 0. T. Berg. Cherry Grove (Mr. Berg has been a director thirty- three years, since the organization of the company) ; treasurer, N. A. Stageberg. Wanamingo ; directors, P. 0. Finstuen, Roscoe ; 0. 0. Nordvold, Zumbrota ; 0. F. Kalass, Minneola ; Oliver Berg, Pine Island ; Edward Rowles, Belle Creek. The company has two spe- cial agents, H. 0. Oakland. Yv anamingo ; 0. I. Morkri, Cherry Grove. The headquarters are in the township of Wanamingo. and the annual meeting is held in the village of Wanamingo on the third Saturday of January. The company is now doing an immense business of over half a million dollars insurance annu- ally. In 1908 it was $546,635, and has been as high as $576,825
