Town

Minnesota Lake History

Chauncey Barber's family and the Kremer
brothers, Nicholas J., John and John P. were
among the earliest settlers of the town in 1856.
The Kremers were born in Lorraine, France, and
came with their father to Alden, Erie county
N.Y. in 1850. Several years later, they emigrated
to Wisconsin, and from there to sites in Danville
township just north of Minnesota Lake in Blue
Earth county. Mr. Barber built the first hotel,
and remained permanently. The town was first
named Marples in 1858 in honor of Charles
Marples, another early settler of the town. After
Marples moved to Missouri, the name was
changed to Minnesota Lake on February 23,
1866. The town was laid off in October, 1866
on the east bank of the lake from which it
derives its name, and was incorporated on
February 14, 1876.

Mr. Barber was attracted by the great
opportunity for hunting in the area. He not only
kept the hotel as his main business, but also
engaged in carpentering, blacksmithing, and
merchandising. Barber's hotel which stood on
Main Street was for many years the
headquarters of the county, and was known far
and wide as one of the principal stopping places
on the road for immigrants, travelers and land
hunters.

N.J. Kremer returned to Minnesota Lake from
Danville township to become one of its most
active, prominent, and wealthy citizens. Peter
Kremer, another brother, moved to the lake in
1874 where he took an active part in business
and public affairs.

By 1900, the town had grown to a population of
around 700 and has remained fairly constant in
population since then. In 1996 the community
celebrated its 130th year, and looks forward to
developing into the next century.

compliments of Minnesota