Politics | Page 57

Probstfield, Randolph M. (1832–1911)

Randolph M. Probstfield is commonly considered Clay County’s first European settler-colonist. A farmer in the Red River Valley, he was a local leader in politics, education, and agricultural development from his arrival in Minnesota in 1859 until his death in 1911.

Rensselaer Nelson

Rensselaer Nelson near the end of his career, ca. 1890s.

St. Paul Customs House

St. Paul Customs House, ca. 1870s. Photograph by William Henry Illingworth. This was the only St. Paul federal courthouse during Rensselaer Nelson's time on the bench.

St. Paul Customs House

Drawing of the St. Paul Customs House, site of the federal district court, 1876. This was the only St. Paul federal courthouse during Rensselaer Nelson’s time on the bench.

Rensselaer Nelson

Rensselaer Nelson in his thirties. Photograph by Whitney’s Gallery ca. 1860s.

Rensselaer Nelson

Rensselaer Nelson in his fifties, ca. 1870s.

Nelson, Rensselaer (1826–1904)

From statehood in May 1858 until May 1896, Minnesota had one resident federal district court judge. His name was Rensselaer Russell Nelson.

Demonstrator leaving bursar’s office

A demonstrator walks out of the bursar’s office in Morrill Hall during a student protest on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. Photograph by Ted Hammond of the Minnesota Daily, January 15, 1969.