Early History of Engelwood Township

Township lines for 151-28, first called Bartlett, and later named Engelwood Township, were surveyed in 1891 and 1895.

A look at early survey maps show that parts of northern Minnesota were criss-crossed with numerous roads and trails. These trails and tote roads, along with remnants of log cabins or shanties, indicate the presence of mankind years before the first homesteaders arrived. Along with evidence of logging operations, they testify to the early presence and activity of Native Americans, squatters, and lumbermen.

Illegal logging operations, carried out extensively in Koochiching County from 1880 to 1900, supplied pine logs to Canadian mills operating along the Rainy River, Lake of the Woods, and Kenora (also known as Rat Portage).

Great stands of virgin white and Norway pine were felled on the American side and routed to the mills by way of the Little Fork and Big Fork Rivers, and their tributaries. Most of the lumber sawed from the pine logs was used by the Canadian Pacific Railway for construction of railway stations, warehouses, residences and so on, for the westward extension of their railroad. These illicit logging operations on the American side of the border, all but stopped shortly after 1900.

The J. W. Trygg Composite Maps of early surveys reveal eleven cabins or claim shanties located in the Engelwood Township at the time of surveying. Surnames of these early inhabitants were Taylor, Wright, Bartley, Tillson, Moore, Mott, Humphry, Lumley, Barcea, Kearney (or Karney), and Skelly. The cabins of Bartley and Moore were situated closest to Bartlett Lake and the original town site location of Lake Street. Moore’s cabin appears to have been built on the west edge of the lake.

The names of only two persons, Johnie F. Taylor and McHail Karney appear on the 1895 census report for 151-28. Taylor arrived in the enumeration district in 1892. Karney had settled in even earlier, in the year 1890. Each of the men gave his occupation as “lumberman”. Taylor was 28 years old and Karney was 33 at the time of this census.

Some of the area’s earliest homesteaders traveled to Engelwood Township by way of old Indian trails, railway right-of-ways, waterways, and the Old Settlers Trail, parts of which were apparently known as the Bena Trail, The Old Indian Trail, and The Shanty Road. The Old Settlers Trail began at Deer River and a branch meandered to a settlement at Bridgie. Mentions of the Skimerhorn Trail and the Caldwell Trail are also found on early survey maps of the general area, and in various historical accounts.

The Homestead Law was signed by President Lincoln on May 20, 1862. Under its provision, any citizen, whether male or female, if 21 years of age or the head of a family, could become the owner of a homestead of not more than 160 acres. The owner had to live on the homestead 5 years (later 3 years), build a house, and cultivate a field. Over the years, numerous modifications were made to the Homestead Law. War veterans were given preferential treatment in the homestead regulations.

Early settlers and homesteaders began arriving in Engelwood Township prior to 1900, drawn by northern Minnesota’s abundant forests and pristine waters, the prospect of many different opportunities and adventures, and by the promise of free land to the homesteader who met certain requirements. Occupations of some of the area’s earliest settlers were merchants, farmers, sawyers, postmaster, editor, banker, and photographer.

The property that Northome is located on was first owned by John Bruheim and John Gladen, who bought the property in 1900. The first homesteaders and settlers in the Northome area arrived before 1900. In the fall of 1901, the only businesses operating at Northome (then called New Bridgie), were the Bancroft Place (Hotel), which was owned and operated by Ed and Lady Bancroft, and the Grindall Hotel. The Engelking Sawmill was set up one mile east of the settlement.

After various transactions, the Bruheim/Gladen property was purchased by the Northome Townsite Company, which was incorporated in February 1903, with $10,000 capital stock. By 1903, people could buy lots from the Townsite Company.

On July 8, 1903, thirty-one persons petitioned the Itasca County Court for a time and place to vote for or against incorporation of the Village of Northome. The election for incorporation of the Village of Northome was held on September 10, 1903, with sixty-one votes cast and each one was a “yes”.

Information taken from Northome Community, Centennial History, “One Hundred Years in Big Bear Country” 1903-2003 by Faye M. Estabrooks.