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Early Rochester Minnesota Settler / Farming Family

Letter written by an early farming settler (Mary Hannak?), who had recently relocated with her family from Lansing, Michigan to the Rochester area, 2 years after the incorporation of the town in 1858.

One noteworthy element of the letter is its possible reference to attending a 4th of July party thrown by "Mr. Hed", a possible reference to the town founder, George Head, who established Head's Tavern in 1854 and named the town Rochester to honor his home town in New York.

There is also a reference to Pikes Peak, which likely references Pikes Peak on the Mississippi River in Iowa (named for Zebulon Pike).  In 1849, Henry Lewis included Pikes Peak (Hill) in his Upper Mississippi River Panorama.  

Letter Transcription

Rochester, Minn July 7, [18]60

Dear Friends,

I received your letter and was so glad to hear from you and to find that you are in good health as I am at presant  David and John has been quite sick  they ar not conescent yet the rest of the family is enjoying good health were it not for Sickness you would have heard from me Before this.  I had a nice pleasant journey I think this is a nice country.  I have not seen Minnie (?) Perin the Boys has been so sick that I could not go any wheres.  I  think Rochester is very pretty place it is more than has large as Lansing I send a kiss to Wille Sheholtry (?) and Dicky and Sally I spent the fourth at Mr.? Hed? to a party the weather is plesent Crops looks promising we live 2 1/2 miles from the City -- it is visable from here Mary says shw would like to stay a little longer she will come in august and if you want her to come before that time please let us know it we have But little news at present accompanying this you will find a paper so no more at presant  John W. Rumine is in Pikes Peak with a loan of liquors. Mother sends her love to you and to mrs. Heany we do all agree to send our love to you.  From your friend and ??? H?annak? Mary W. John D and family(?).

Rochester, Minnesota

Originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Dakota/Sioux, Ojibway, and Winnebago, the area saw its first European explorers, including Father Louis Hennepin and Pierre Le Sueur, in the 1660s. These explorers were followed by others, such as Jonathan Carver, in their quest for a Northwest Passage to the Pacific.

In 1853, under a treaty with the U.S. government, the Dakota/Sioux Indians relinquished the area that would include Rochester to the Territory of Minnesota. The city's development began as a stagecoach stop along the Dubuque trail, a vital connection between St. Paul and Dubuque, Iowa. The community was founded by George Head and his wife Henrietta who built a log cabin named Head's Tavern in 1854. By 1858, Rochester was incorporated as a city and was declared the county seat of the newly formed Olmsted County.

The arrival of Dr. William Worrall Mayo in 1863 marked a significant moment in Rochester's history. Originally from England, Dr. Mayo became a prominent figure in the community, first as a Civil War examining surgeon and later as a local physician. The establishment of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad in 1864 further spurred the city's growth, connecting it to larger markets and contributing to its status as a regional urban center.

In 1883 when a devastating tornado struck, leading to the collaboration between Dr. Mayo, his sons, and the Sisters of Saint Francis. This partnership resulted in the establishment of St. Marys Hospital in 1889, laying the groundwork for what would become the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.