Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/838

 730 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY influence of Senator Stewart, a warm personal friend of Mr. Phelps, and one who gave him much encouragement at the be- ginning of his career. He came to Red Wing in the fall of 1854, and, in connection with Hon. C. C. Graham, began arrangements for opening an office here for the sale of the public lands in the Red Wing land district. The lands were then but partially surveyed, and the territory of Minneosta. with the exception of a few villages along the Mississippi, unsettled, and its natural resources undeveloped. Arrangements were completed and the United States land office opened for business on the first of February, 1855. Mr. Phelps proved himself a faithful and efficient officer. His duties in the land office made him acquainted with the needs of early pioneers, and he was always ready to help those who came with- out much capital to make a home for themselves in this new country. Such was his popularity that he was elected repre- sentative to congress as soon as Minnesota was admitted to the Union, and while a member of that body did good service for his constituency. He was twice elected mayor of the city of Red Wing. And when in our country's greatest need a call was made upon her sons to maintain, at the peril of life, the suprem- acy of the Union, he was of the number of those who were ready to venture all in the cause of their country. In all that pertained to the prosperity of Red Wing, from the day of his coming here until the day of his death, his efforts in the extension of business relations, in opening up channels of communication, public improvements and kindred matters, the attitude and action of Mr. Phelps, as a citizen, has been that of a liberal and far-seeing man. Nor was his influence restricted to his own town or county. He was well known throughout the state as a man who could be relied upon and assist in advancing the best interests of the commonwealth. He died August 3, 1873, and his earthly remains were deposited in Oakwood ceme- leiy. A beautiful monument has been placed over his grave. Lucius F. Hubbard was born in Troy, X. Y., January 26, 1836. He went to Chicago in 1853 and in 1857 came to Red Wing. His first venture in Red Wing was the establishment of the Red AVing Republican, which is still in existence. On the outbreak of the Civil War he sold his newspaper to enlist as a private in the Fifth Minnesota Infantry. He was commissioned captain February 5. 1862; lieutenant colonel March 20. 1862, and colonel in August of the same year. He was wounded at the battle of Corinth. After the fall of Vieksburg .Colonel Hubbard commanded a brigade at the battle of Nashville, where ho was again wounded. He was breveted brigadier general for conspicuous gallantry. In 1872 he was elected to the state senate and re-elected two