Roots & Riddles

What if a murderer could simply… disappear?In 1874, Patrick Noonan killed a man in Fountain, Minnesota—in front of witnesses—and fled. For nearly 30 years, he lived freely under a new life, hundreds of miles away.But the past has a way of catching up.This episode uncovers the brutal killing of John McDonald, the decades-long manhunt, and the moment justice finally closed in.Sources: History of Fillmore County, Minnesota (1882); Chatfield Democrat (May 1, 1902); Stillwater Daily Gazette(April 23, 1902).

Once a thriving community in southeastern Minnesota, Carimona is now little more than a name on old maps and in forgotten newspaper columns.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we explore the rise and quiet disappearance of Carimona—a town shaped by geography, railroads, and the ambitions of its residents. We trace where its name came from, who lived and worked there, and why Carimona faded while neighboring towns endured.Using historic newspaper accounts, local records, and regional context, this episode looks beyond the label of “ghost town” to understand Carimona as a real place with real people—one whose story reflects the fragile nature of early Minnesota communities and the forces that determined which towns survived and which were left behind.Carimona may be gone, but its story still lingers in the landscape.

In 1856, as Fillmore County was just beginning to take shape, the promise of opportunity came with something darker.Land claims weren’t just lines on a map—they were worth fighting for. And in at least two cases, they turned deadly.In this episode, we explore a violent chapter of early Fillmore County history: the murder of an Irish settler in Bloomfield Township, and a separate killing in Fillmore Township where a Polish man named John Branski was murdered in a dispute over a claim line. Were these isolated incidents… or signs of something more turbulent on the frontier?Join Preston and Lenora as they dig into the stories, the sources, and the unsettling reality of life on the prairie in 1856—where disputes could turn deadly, and not every crime found closure.Sources:History of Fillmore County, Minnesota (1882)History of Fillmore County, Minnesota (1912)Winona Republican (1856)

What would you do if you were searching for a lost calf… and instead stumbled into a hidden world 375 million years in the making?In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Preston and Lenora take you just north of Spring Valley, where farmer John Latcham made an unexpected discovery on his own land—a sinkhole that led to one of southeastern Minnesota’s most fascinating underground wonders.From the first cautious steps into the darkness to the excitement of early explorers mapping half a mile of passageways, this story has it all: mystery, science, and a touch of small-town ambition. Within months, what began as a chance discovery transformed into the Spring Valley Caverns—complete with guided tours, electric lights, and curious visitors from across the region.But what lies beneath the surface? How did these caves form—and what might still remain undiscovered 100 feet below?Join us as we uncover the story of the man, the moment, and the marvel hidden beneath Fillmore County.

For generations, people living along the Root River have whispered about something moving beneath its quiet waters.Early settlers described a long, dark shape slipping silently below the surface. Fishermen claimed their boats were struck from beneath. Teenagers standing on bridges reported strange shadows gliding upstream at dusk.Could Fillmore County have its own river monster?In this episode of Roots & Piddles, Preston and Lenora investigate the strange sightings, old newspaper reports, and local folklore surrounding the mysterious creature said to inhabit the Root River.But as with many legends, the truth may be stranger — or simpler — than the stories.Happy April Fool’s Day!

On a fall evening in 1961, Fillmore County Deputy Sheriff Walter Kruegel set out to do something routine — transport a man under arrest back to Preston. But what should have been a simple drive to the county jail would become one of the most shocking tragedies in local history.Just outside the city limits of Preston, gunshots rang out from inside the deputy’s car. Kruegel, a well-known and respected law officer, had been shot by the very man he was taking into custody.Though wounded, the deputy managed to stop the car and stagger into a nearby grocery store for help. The suspect fled into the countryside, launching a massive manhunt across Fillmore County.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we explore the tragic shooting of Deputy Walter Kruegel — the investigation, the arrest, the court proceedings that followed, and the lasting impact the event had on the community of Preston.It’s a story of duty, tragedy, and a moment that forever changed Fillmore County law enforcement history.Sources:Post-Bulletin (Rochester, MN) newspaper reports, court proceedings, and Fillmore County records.

In June of 1874, a strange box was discovered in a quiet stream in Sumner Township, Fillmore County. Heavy. Waterlogged. Bored through with auger holes.Inside were human bones.Word spread quickly. Was it murder? A hidden crime? A body concealed in plain sight? Neighbors were horrified to learn the creek water had been used for cooking and household purposes for weeks.An inquest was called. Newspapers fueled the speculation. Accusations flew. Letters were printed. And what began as a shocking discovery turned into a full-blown community scandal.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we walk through the original 1874 newspaper accounts, the coroner’s investigation, and the heated public responses that followed. Was this truly a crime… or a medical student’s ill-conceived decision that spiraled into frontier fear?Sometimes the mystery isn’t what was found — but how a community reacts.Sources:Western Progress (June 10, 17, 24, and July 15, 1874)Chatfield Democrat (June 13 and June 20, 1874)

In the winter of 1854, the settlers of a small frontier community gathered for a Christmas supper at the home of E.K. Dyer. The food was hearty. The mood was festive. And before the night was over… they would choose the name of their town.Pomfret was suggested — but deemed too “Vermontish.”Rushville was proposed — then amended.A vote was called.And according to an 1882 county history, “the elective franchise [was] freely accorded to the women.”Every lady in town voted.But did they?In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we explore the charming — and curious — origin story of Rushford, Minnesota. Was this truly an early act of frontier equality? A symbolic Christmas tradition? Or a later embellishment meant to celebrate the town’s progressive spirit?We’ll examine the historical record, the cultural context of Norwegian and Yankee settlers in southeastern Minnesota, and the way communities shape their own founding myths.Sometimes history is written in ink.Sometimes it’s written by candlelight.Source: History of Fillmore County, Minnesota (Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company, 1882), Rushford township section.

Before there were towns. Before there were roads. Before Fillmore County even had a name — there was a military expedition moving through this rugged southeastern Minnesota landscape.For Fillmore County’s 173rd birthday, we’re traveling back to the earliest documented exploration of this region. Who were the men sent to survey the land? Why were they here? And what did they encounter as they passed through the valleys, rivers, and bluffs that would one day become home to thousands?This episode explores the military presence that helped shape early mapping, settlement patterns, and the eventual formation of Fillmore County itself. It’s a story of frontier strategy, federal oversight, and the beginning of organized governance in what would become southeastern Minnesota.Sometimes the first footprints leave the deepest marks.Join us as we uncover the origin story behind Fillmore County — long before the courthouse, the railroads, or the town lines were drawn.Source:- History of Fillmore County, 1882- US Census

In the early days of aviation, long before flight kits and factory-built planes, one man in rural southeastern Minnesota believed that flying should be simple, affordable, and accessible to anyone willing to try.Bernard Pietenpol, a mechanic and inventor from Cherry Grove, built his own airplanes using everyday materials and automobile engines—often testing them from open fields and country roads. What began as backyard experimentation helped shape the world of homebuilt aviation and inspired generations of pilots and builders around the globe.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we explore Pietenpol’s life, his groundbreaking designs, and how a small Fillmore County town became an unlikely hub of aviation innovation. It’s a story of curiosity, persistence, and the belief that even in the most rural places, big ideas can take flight.

In the summer of 1912, teenager Victor Patterson disappeared after a night out with friends. Days later, his body was discovered in a pasture near Canton, Minnesota, dead from a gunshot wound. A revolver lay nearby, and the initial conclusion leaned toward suicide—but the details left many uneasy.Newspaper accounts from the time reveal conflicting interpretations: questions about the weapon, the timeline, and the language used by investigators and the coroner’s jury. Rather than providing clarity, the official verdict introduced ambiguity—suggesting uncertainty about who held the gun and how Victor truly met his end.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we examine contemporary reporting, coroner testimony, and period attitudes toward youth, alcohol, and accountability. More than a single tragic death, Victor Patterson’s story offers a glimpse into how early-20th-century communities understood—and sometimes struggled to explain—sudden loss.Sources:– Harmony News, July 4, 1912– Preston Times, July 3, 1912- Fillmore County District Court, Coroner's Inquest Record, Case 62, MNHS Archives

In the mid-1900s, Preston, Minnesota became the focus of statewide scrutiny when officials and newspapers accused the town of operating a so-called “marriage mill.” Couples—many from Iowa—crossed the border for quick weddings, raising questions about waived waiting periods, fees, and legal oversight.This episode traces the investigation that followed: court hearings, grand jury proceedings, and the local officials pulled into the controversy. Was Preston exploiting loopholes in Minnesota law, or was the town unfairly branded during a time of shifting marriage norms?Using contemporary newspaper reports and court records, we explore how one small Fillmore County town found itself at the center of a legal and moral storm.

In September 1881, a quiet walk home along a rural road near Rushford, Minnesota, ended in tragedy. Nineteen-year-old Anna Martin was shot and killed under circumstances that immediately shocked her family, neighbors, and the wider community.Newspapers across southeastern Minnesota quickly filled with conflicting accounts—was it a terrible accident, a reckless act meant to frighten, or something more deliberate? As the case moved through the courts, public opinion shifted, legal definitions blurred, and a young boy stood at the center of a crime that raised difficult questions about intent, responsibility, and justice in the 19th century.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we trace Anna Martin’s final moments, examine contemporary newspaper coverage, court testimony, and sentencing, and explore how this case was understood in its own time. More than a crime story, it’s a window into rural life, juvenile justice, and the way tragedy was reported—and remembered—in early Minnesota.Sources:– The Preston Republican, September 22, 1881– The Rushford Star, September–October 1881– St. Charles Union, October 26, 1881– Winona Republican, September 1881– Minnesota People Records Search (MNHS)– Minnesota Historical Society Newspaper Hub (newspapers.mnhs.org)

From the rolling hills of Spring Valley, Minnesota, to the halls of political power, Thomas Frankson built a life as bold as the era he lived in. Known as both a statesman and private zoo keeper, Frankson carved out a reputation that blended frontier enterprise, public leadership, and spectacle.In this episode, we trace Frankson’s journey from rural roots and agricultural ambition to his rise in Minnesota politics — where newspaper headlines praised his oratory, his campaign energy, and his influence across Fillmore County and beyond. We explore his public appearances in Spring Valley and Lanesboro, his role in shaping state policy, and the remarkable legacy of his buffalo herd — a story that even connects to the history of Como Zoo.Through period newspaper accounts, historical essays, and archival sources, this episode unpacks the myth, the man, and the memory of one of Spring Valley’s most fascinating figures — revealing how leadership, legend, and local pride converged in a single life.SourcesRCHS Summer 2010 — Bergerson (PDF)“The Wild Legacy of Thomas Frankson”Thomas Frankson — WikipediaMinnesota Historical Society — Thomas Frankson BiographyThomas Frankson Newspaper Articles Transcription (MNHS archives)

From Lanesboro to Washington, D.C., one woman helped shape the future of rural education in America.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we trace the remarkable life of Katherine Cook, born in Lanesboro, Minnesota, who rose to become Chief of the Division of Rural Education for the U.S. Bureau of Education. At a time when rural schools were often overlooked, Katherine traveled the country—sometimes by small plane—studying school conditions, advocating for children in isolated communities, and pushing for better education for rural students, minority groups, and children with special needs.Though her work influenced classrooms nationwide, her story is rarely told today. We explore how a woman from a small river town helped guide national education policy, why her contributions mattered, and how Lanesboro quietly left its mark on America’s schools.This is a story of leadership, persistence, and a hometown legacy that reached far beyond southeastern Minnesota.

Why did one stretch of woods gain such a dark reputation?In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we explore the infamous Jordan Woods—a place repeatedly named in historic newspaper crime reports across Fillmore County. Using original sources, we uncover what really happened, what may have been exaggerated, and how reputation alone can shape local history.A story of headlines, human behavior, and a place that became larger than life.

What if Fillmore County once echoed with the footsteps of a saber-toothed tiger?In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we journey back to the Ice Age to explore evidence of ancient predators that once roamed Fillmore County, Minnesota. From caves and fossils to climate shifts and extinction, we uncover how these animals lived—and what traces they left behind.This is Minnesota history, long before history was written.

In this delightfully chaotic tale from 1878, Preston erupts into full crisis mode when a young boy wanders off and doesn’t return by nightfall. The church bell tolls, neighbors grab lanterns, and before long, half of Fillmore County is convinced the child has been kidnapped by a passing emigrant wagon. In true frontier fashion, a heavily armed posse charges off to “save the day”—only to discover the emigrants have thirteen children of their own and absolutely zero interest in adding another.This episode celebrates the humorous side of small-town history—a reminder that even dramatic prairie legends sometimes end with a giggle instead of a gasp.And a quick note: this is our final episode of 2025! Roots & Riddles will take a short holiday break and return with all-new stories in January.SourcesThe Preston Republican — Published April 25, 1878Chatfield Democrat — Published May 4, 1878

In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Preston and Lenora revisit a startling chapter in Fillmore County’s past: the earthquake of 1877. Though Minnesota is far from the seismic hotspots of the nation, residents of Fillmore County felt the ground shift beneath them in a rare and unsettling event.Drawing from historical accounts, they explore how the tremor rippled through southeastern Minnesota, leaving communities both shaken and fascinated. What did people believe was happening at the time? How did newspapers and local storytellers capture the moment? And what does this unusual quake reveal about the hidden geology beneath the Midwest?SourcesHistory of Fillmore County, 1912Fillmore County Journal, September 1, 2025College of Sciences and EnglishDatabase.earthThe Great Ceneral US Shakeout Chatfield Democrat, December 8, 1877Preston Republican, November 22, 1877

In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Preston and Lenora trace the surprising local ties of Richard Sears — the man whose mail-order empire reshaped how Americans shopped. Long before catalogs and department stores, Sears was a boy in Fillmore County, surrounded by the rhythms of rural Minnesota life.This episode blends local history with national legacy, showing how Fillmore County’s landscapes and communities shaped the imagination of a future retail pioneer. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the roots of everyday institutions, join Preston and Lenora as they uncover the Minnesota chapter of Richard Sears’ remarkable journey.SourcesWestern Progress, Aug 23, 1871Harmony News, July 13, 1904Preston Times, August 18, 1909

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Roots & Riddles, Preston and Lenora set aside the mysteries and dive into something just as meaningful: gratitude for the place they call home. Fillmore County isn’t just a backdrop for their stories — it’s a living archive of resilience, creativity, and community spirit.Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are just discovering its stories, this episode invites you to pause with Preston and Lenora, look around, and appreciate the deep roots and enduring riddles that make this corner of Minnesota so special.

In the spring of 1915, Preston was shaken by a near-tragedy that unfolded behind closed doors—and made its way into the pages of the Preston Times. This episode of Roots & Riddles unpacks the haunting story of Dr. Harrington, a respected dentist and entrepreneur whose return from illness took a dark and unexpected turn.Was this a case of post-illness delirium, untreated trauma, or something more sinister? Lenora and Preston explore the fragile line between recovery and madness, the early 20th-century understanding of mental health, and the community’s response to a man unraveling in plain sight.This isn’t just a tale of violence—it’s a window into the fears, sympathies, and silences of a small town grappling with the unthinkable.SourcesThe Preston TimesWabasha County HeraldCaledonia AngusChatfield News-Democrat

In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we uncover the story of Fillmore County’s sons who marched off to war as part of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry, led by Colonel J.W. Bishop. From the rolling hills of Bluff Country to the battlefields of the South, these men carried the hopes of their community into one of America’s darkest chapters. We explore how Fillmore County rallied behind the Union cause, the sacrifices made by local families, and the legacy of the regiment that fought with courage and conviction. Through letters, records, and local memory, we trace the journey of ordinary men who became part of extraordinary history. This is Fillmore County’s Civil War story — rooted in loyalty, tested in battle, and remembered in blue.

In this episode of Roots & Riddles, we journey to Spring Valley. Twice, in 1928 and again in 1933, the First National Bank was robbed in bold, daylight heists that left the community stunned and the authorities scrambling. Who were the culprits behind these daring crimes? Were the robberies connected, or was Spring Valley simply unlucky? We dig into dusty archives, trace the getaway routes, and uncover the ripple effects these robberies had on a town that still remembers. This is the story of Spring Valley’s twin crimes — and the riddles they left behind.

This Halloween, Roots & Riddles takes a spectral stroll through the shadows of Fillmore County’s forgotten towns. Elliota, Waukopee, Belleville, Clear Grit, and Beldena—once bustling with blacksmiths, millers, and hopeful settlers—now linger only in maps, memories, and moss-covered cemeteries.In this chilling episode, Lenora and Preston unearth the rise and fall of these vanished communities. From fires and floods to railroad bypasses and broken dams, each town met its end in a different way—but all left behind whispers of ambition, resilience, and mystery. What remains when a town disappears? And what stories still echo through the fields where they once stood?Gather ‘round for tales of pioneer dreams, eerie silences, and the ghostly footprints of Minnesota’s past.📚 Sources ReferencedPreston Republican, January 27, 1876 — “Around the County” feature on John Kaercher and Clear Grit (multi-column article)Chatfield Democrat, January 3, 1874 — Advertisement for Clear Grit Store (John Kaercher)The Preston Republican, February 19, 1880 — Notice on Bellville Post Office name change to MabelThe Rushford Star, February 19, 1880 — Report on Postmaster General’s standardization of town namesThe Minneapolis Morning Tribune, July 22, 1920 — Letter by Solon J. Buck on Waukopee name origin (“Wakapeya,” meaning “to excel”History of Fillmore County, Minnesota (1882) — entries on Beldena, Elliota, Waukokee, Carimona Township, and early settlementsFillmore County History Book (circa 1858 edition or earliest printing) — early organizational records and settlement notes History of Fillmore County (1984 ) — modern community histories and township recollections

When the 18th Amendment outlawed alcohol in 1920, Fillmore County didn’t just dry up—it got inventive. In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Lenora and Preston uncork the hidden history of Prohibition in southeastern Minnesota, where moonshine flowed through barn basements, backroads became smuggling routes, and small-town saloons went underground.But here’s the twist: Did Al Capone, the infamous Chicago mob boss, ever visit Fillmore County? Rumors say yes. Evidence? That’s what we’re chasing. Whether it was a jug of homemade wine or a truckload of Canadian whiskey, Fillmore County found ways to keep the spirits alive—and the stories even livelier.Sources 📚Rushford Star-Republican, January 8, 1920.The Mabel Record, March 19, 1920.Rushford Star-Republican, February 24, 1921.Levang’s Weekly (Minneapolis), June 9, 1921.Preston Times, November 24, 1921.Harmony News, January 19, 1922.Winona Republican-Herald, January 27, 1933.Kirwin, Robert W. “Prohibition Days.” Fillmore County History  1984Fillmore County Journal. “Peering at the Past: Moonshiners, Lawmen, and Hide-n-Seek with Illicit Liquor.”Rochester Post Bulletin, “The Vault: Southeast Minnesota Was Hotspot for Bootleggers During Prohibition Era,” October 11, 2022.

Long before tailgates and turf fields, the Minnesota Vikings traded helmets for softball gloves—and headed to Ostrander, Minnesota. From 1970 to 1973, the Vikings made an annual summer pilgrimage to this small Fillmore County town, playing charity softball games to raise funds for the Ostrander Park.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Lenora and Preston step onto the diamond of memory, revisiting the years when NFL legends like Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Fran Tarkenton drew crowds not for touchdowns—but for home runs. Through newspaper clippings, eyewitness accounts, and local lore, they explore how a big-league team helped a small-town dream take root, and why those games still echo in the hearts of those who watched from the bleachers.Sources📚The Lime Springs Herald, July 15, 1971The Lime Springs Herald, July 13, 1972Event Posters, 1970 & 1973 curtesy of the Hovey family Interviews with attendees

In the quiet town of Fountain, Minnesota, the clink of glasses and hum of conversation were shattered one night by a bold and unexpected crime. A local saloon—once a hub of frontier camaraderie—became the scene of a robbery that left residents stunned and rumors swirling.In this episode of Roots & Riddles, Lenora and Preston dig into the dusty newspaper archives to reconstruct the events of the heist. Who was behind it? What was taken? And why did the story fade from memory? With colorful characters, period details, and a touch of theatrical flair, they explore how one small-town crime reveals the tensions and temptations of life on the edge of the frontier.SourcesThe History of Fillmore County, 1882.Chatfield Democrat, October 19, 1878The Winona Daily Republican, October 19, 1878St. Charles Union, October 23, 1878.Dodge Center Press, October 25, 1878. The St. Paul Globe, November 26, 1878.

On Mother’s Day in 1953, the skies over Fillmore County darkened—and by 5:45 p.m., an F4 tornado with winds up to 260 mph tore through the countryside near Wykoff, Minnesota. It was one of five violent twisters that struck the region that day, but for the some Wykoff locals It became a moment frozen in time.In this episode, Lenora and Preston revisit the harrowing events that resulted from this monster storm. The story unfolds through eyewitness accounts, family memories, and historical records. It’s a tale of tragedy, survival, and the power of community in the face of nature’s fury.Sources ReferencedFillmore County Journal, May 15, 2023National Weather Service, Fillmore County, MNNational Weather Service, Tornado Outbreak of May 10, 1953Rochester Post Bulletin, 5/11/53, 5/12/53, 5/15/53The Winona Daily News, 5/11/53The Winona Republican, 5/19/53

Before the Wild West was mythologized in dime novels and traveling shows, one man lived it—and practiced medicine in the heart of Fillmore County. Dr. Frank Powell, known to audiences and admirers as “White Beaver,” was no ordinary country doctor. He was a frontier scout, a showman, and a trusted friend of Buffalo Bill Cody.In this episode, Lenora and Preston peel back the layers of Powell’s theatrical life, tracing his journey from the streets of Lanesboro to the stages of the American West. Was he a healer? A performer? A myth in his own time? Through historical records, newspaper clippings, and local lore, they explore how one man blurred the lines between medicine and myth—and why his legacy still echoes in Bluff Country.

In the winter of 1936, the quiet farmland near Harmony, Minnesota became the scene of a brutal double murder. Knute and Sever Olson—two bachelor brothers known for their frugality and rumored stash of hidden cash—were found dead on their isolated farmstead in Bristol Township. The crime shocked Fillmore County and sparked a flurry of speculation: Was it robbery? Revenge? Or something darker?In this episode, Lenora and Preston sift through newspaper clippings, family lore, and long-buried confessions to piece together a case that remains unsolved to this day. From whispers of bootlegging to a man who claimed responsibility before dying in a mysterious fire, the Olson murders are a haunting reminder of how secrets can linger in the soil—and how justice sometimes never arrives.📚 Sources ReferencedThe Winona RepublicanWinona Daily NewsThe Brainard Daily Dispatch 12/9/1936The Worthington Globe 12/3/1936Rochester Post Bulletin 12/26/1936,  2/9/1937, 2/11/1937, 2/17/1937, 8/27/1937, 4/25/2015The Austin Daily Herald 4/24/1937

Before the fame of Little House, before Walnut Grove became a household name, Laura Ingalls Wilder lived through one of the most difficult—and least documented—chapters of her life in Spring Valley, Minnesota.In 1890, following illness, financial ruin, and the death of their infant son, Laura, Almanzo, and young Rose moved in with Almanzo’s family in Spring Valley. For nearly 18 months, they found refuge in the Wilder home and worshipped at the Spring Valley Methodist Church. Though Laura never wrote about this time directly, the town’s records and Wilder family ties reveal a story of quiet resilience, spiritual grounding, and recovery.In this episode, Lenora and Preston uncover the threads of Laura’s time in Fillmore County—from church registries to museum archives—and reflect on why this chapter, though unwritten, still matters. It’s a story not of prairie winds, but of healing in the stillness.Sources ReferencedThe Laura Ingalls Wilder “Connection”, Mary Jo DatheThe Wilder Family Story, Dorothy Smith

In an era when women were rarely seen in medical roles, Isabel Minerva Albro carved out a quiet legacy in southeastern Minnesota. Born in 1814 in New York and later settling in Fillmore County, Isabel defied expectations by practicing medicine at a time when few women were formally trained—and even fewer were recognized.In this episode, Lenora and Preston explore the life and legacy of Dr. Albro, tracing her journey from early frontier life to her final years in Forestville Township. Along the way, they examine the challenges faced by women in medicine during the 19th century and the ways Isabel’s story reflects both resilience and quiet revolution.

In the quiet farmland of Amherst Township, a shocking act shattered a family and sent ripples through Fillmore County history. Peter Erickson was killed in his own home—struck repeatedly with an axe by his wife, Inga. Behind the headlines was a deeper story of isolation, untreated illness, and a family tragedy that still lingers.In this episode, Lenora and Preston revisit the story through period newspapers and institutional records, examining how mental illness was understood in the late 19th century—and how this case reflects both the hardships and the silences of rural life in that era.📚 Sources Referencedhttps://livingwithschizophreniauk.org/information-sheets/schizophrenia-a-brief-history/#:~:text=Whilst%20they%20were%20good%20at,of%20life%20for%20many%20sufferers.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2657829/https://www3.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/structure/rochester-state-hospital?hs_amp=truehttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49507-3https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/137738680/inga_bendiksdatter-ericksonThe Preston Republican, April 13, 1876The Lanesboro Journal, April 15, 1876FindaGrave.comInga Erickson Rochester State Hospital Medical Record March 15, 1881-March 12, 1885History of Fillmore County, 1882Ancestry.comFamilySearch.com

On March 30, 1953, the quiet town of Spring Valley, Minnesota became the final stop in a deadly cross-country rampage. Two women—Harriet Horsman, a waitress, and Agnes Beaston, the café owner’s wife—were murdered during a holdup at the Four Winds Café. The killer? An 18-year-old Marine named Fred McManus, traveling with his 16-year-old girlfriend, Diane Weggland.In this episode, Lenora and Preston trace the path of a spree that spanned five states and claimed five lives in just four days. From the café’s final shift to the couple’s arrest near Dubuque, Iowa, we explore the chilling contrast between McManus’s privileged upbringing and the violence he left in his wake. What drives a “nice boy” to commit such horror—and how did Spring Valley become part of a national nightmare?📚 Sources ReferencedThe Minneapolis Star, March 31, 1953The Winona Republican, March 30 & April 1, 1953Post Bulletin, March 31, 1953Brainerd Dispatch, March 31, 1953The Winona Daily News, March 30, April 1 & April 2, 1953The Star Tribune, March 31, 1953Murderpedia – Fred McManus profileWikiTree – Harriet Emily (Combs) HorsmanTrue Crime Archives – Fred Eugene McManus: 5-State Killing Spree

When the first settlers arrived in Rushford, Minnesota, they found more than untamed land—they found a grave. Near the future site of the Catholic church stood a simple wooden headboard, weathered and nameless. Its presence suggested a burial made with care, yet no one knew who lay beneath the sod or how they had come to rest there.In this episode, Lenora and Preston explore the mystery of Rushford’s earliest known death—a story that lingered in silence until a chance encounter in Wisconsin decades later revealed a tale of illness, isolation, and quiet grief. Who was the man buried before the town began? And what does his story tell us about life on the edge of settlement?Source: History of Fillmore County, Minnesota (1882) by Charles S. Bryant

Long before the Mayo Clinic became a global medical powerhouse, its future was quietly taking shape in the tiny village of Hamilton, Minnesota. In this episode, Lenora and Preston trace the remarkable journey of Dr. Henry S. Plummer—from his childhood in Fillmore County to his groundbreaking work in Rochester. Born to Dr. Albert Plummer, a Civil War veteran and early settler of Sumner Township, Henry’s story is one of innovation, compassion, and quiet brilliance.Discover how a chance encounter with Dr. William J. Mayo led to a partnership that revolutionized modern medicine. From pneumatic tubes to integrated care teams, Dr. Plummer’s fingerprints are still found in hospitals today—but his roots remain firmly planted in Fillmore County.📚 Sources ReferencedFind A Grave – Biographical and burial information for Dr. Henry S. PlummerWikipedia – Henry Stanley PlummerMayo Clinic History Project – “Diversified Genius”Post Bulletin – “Henry Plummer: An Innovator at Mayo Clinic” by Thomas Weber, January 27, 2024Post Bulletin – “Back and Forth: The Early Home of Dr. Henry Plummer” by Harley Flathers, April 17, 2014Fillmore County Journal – “Meet the Stars of Hamilton”The Spring Valley Mercury – September 19, 1889; October 31, 1889; March 24, 1899; June 5, 1896; July 13, 1893

In the dead of night, a small-town bank explodes—literally. The culprits vanish with a modest sum, but the mystery they left behind still echoes through Wykoff’s history. Lenora and Preston revisit the crime and the clues that kept the legend alive.📰 Sources:Fillmore County Historical Society — Richard J. Bottorff article, January 4, 2021Rochester Daily Post and Record, Monday, October 27, 1924Levang’s Weekly, Thursday, October 2, 1924Caledonia Argus, Friday, October 3, 1924Preston Times, Thursday, October 2, 1924

In November 1974, 69-year-old Mabel Torgerud was found murdered in her quiet farmhouse near Peterson, Minnesota. Her home had been ransacked. She’d been shot four times. And nearly fifty years later, no one has been held accountable.In this episode, Lenora and Preston retrace the final days of Mabel’s life, explore the crime scene details, and examine the limitations of rural law enforcement in the 1970s. They reflect on what it meant to be a woman living alone in a remote corner of Fillmore County—and how her story still echoes through the community.Was it a robbery gone wrong? A personal vendetta? Or something more elusive?📜 Sources ReferencedMinnesota BCA Case File — Official summary of the investigationWinona Daily News Obituary — Details from the original reportingFind a Grave Memorial — Burial information and community remembranceAncientFaces Profile — Genealogical context and public memoryKROC-AM News — Commentary from Fillmore County Sheriff Tom Kaase on the county’s only remaining unsolved murder

In the summer of 1892, the village of Canton, Minnesota became a place of pilgrimage and mystery. It began with a young girl who claimed to see the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus in the steeple window of the Church of the Assumption. Soon, hundreds of visitors—some traveling over 400 miles by wagon or horseback—flocked to Canton, seeking divine encounters and healing. Reported cures followed. The faithful prayed. The curious watched. The town swelled.And just as quickly, the clergy intervened. Windows were removed. Boards were painted. The miracle was, officially, ended.In this episode, Lenora and Preston trace the phenomenon from its spiritual spark to its scientific unraveling. Was it molecular polarization? Mass formation psychosis? Or something deeper—something that reveals our need for belief, connection, and hope?📜 Sources ReferencedThe New York Times, October 14, 1892Winona Weekly Republican, August 31, 1892 Lanesboro Journal / La Crosse Chronicle, August 26, 1892Winona Daily Herald, September 29, 1892 & December 16, 1892Minneapolis Tribune, December 22, 1892 — Scientific analysis discrediting supernatural claimsDuluth Evening Herald, December 12, 1892 Mazeppa Tribune / Austin Herald, November 9, 1892 Fillmore County Journal, August 10, 2020

In the late 1870s and early 1880s, Fillmore County became the unexpected center of a flurry of archaeological discoveries—giant skeletons, copper tools, ancient mounds, and a mysterious clay image that left even university scientists stunned. Local newspapers buzzed with theories, from lost civilizations to tribal wars buried in legend. But after 1880, the stories faded from public memory.In this debut episode of Roots & Riddles, hosts Leona & Preston explore strange headlines, ancient artifacts, and a mysterious clay image found buried in the mounds of the Root River Valley. These relics once drew the attention of archaeologists—but were soon forgotten.Who were the people behind these mounds? And why did their story disappear?Join us as we dig into the archives to uncover one of Fillmore County’s oldest and strangest mysteries.Sources:Popular Science Monthly, Volume 19, September 1881 – “Ancient Copper-Mines of Isle Royale”History of Fillmore County Minnesota, compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, 1912Blog post: “INDIAN MOUNDS,” by billsobservations, May 22, 2012The Lanesboro Journal – March 27, 1880; May 1, 1880; September 25, 1880