1921 Duluth & St Louis County MN, Van Brunt.pdf - Garon.us

734 DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
therefore, laying the agricultural prosperity of the township upon
a firm and permanent basis. Many of the homesteaders of ten years
ago are now comparatively independent, having well-developed and
very productive farms, the log houses giving way to modern residences
of up-to-date standard and large, well-built farm buildings.
There were apparently no inhabitants in the township in 1900;
in 1910 there were only eighty-five ; but in 1920 the population of
the two congressional townships which constitute the limits of Toivola
was found to be 427.
Toivola is part of the Unorganized School District, directed by
the county school superintendent. The school tax. therefore, is 37.1
mills, probably much less than if Toivola had a separate school
district.
The township is well watered ; the St. Louis River passes through,
as well'as tributaries that help to drain the land. The Duluth, Missabe
and Northern Railway passes through, with a station at Toivola,
in township 54-20, and other railways pass through adjoining townships
of Meadowlands, Kelsey and Lavell, which are situated south,
east, and north, respectively. Cedar Township borders Toivola on
the west.
The township officials in 1920 were: Erick Pistala (chairman),
Jacob Rajawouri and Alfred Taipale, supervisors; Jacob Kero, clerk;
Henry Saari, assessor; Victor Lahti, treasurer.
Van Buren.—Unorganized township fifty-two north of range
twenty west, was organized on March 5. 1909, as the Township of
Van Buren, by the county commissioners.
The petition, which was signed by J. D. Moore and twenty-three
others, was filed with the county auditor on the previous day and the
territory having been laid off as "Van Buren," the first election of
township officers was set for March 20th, the place of poling being
"the schoolhouse situated on section 29, of township 52-20."
The valuation of the township has increased about one-fourth
during the last decade, having now an assessed rating of $86,176.
The increase in taxes levied has. however, been very much greater,
being in 1919 $7,204.31, whereas in 1910 the total levy amounted
to $2,732.28. The increasing cost of providing public education perhaps
is the main reason for increase in taxation, but, of course, that
is a necessary and well-returned expenditure. Van Buren is included
in the Floodwood school district, which is known as Independent
District No. 19 (see Floodwood Township, this chapter). Van
Buren pays a school tax of 42.2 mills.
The township had a population of seventy-three in 1900; in 1910
there were 196 inhabitants and in 1920 the population was recorded
as 305. It is a steady increase, and represents permanent agricultural
development of the territory, which in that respect is comparatively
good land. The White Face River passes through the township
and several small streams or creeks help to drain the land. The
Great Northern Railway almost touches the southwestern corner of
Van Buren and the D., M. & N. system is in the next township to
the northeast (Meadowlands), so that its products will be able to
find ready access to good markets.
The township officials in 1920 were: Fred Wain (chairman),
Matt Luoma and John Simi, supervisors; F. W. Hutchinson, clerk;
J.
Kivisto, assessor; John Mustonen, treasurer.
Vermilion Lake.—The Township of Vermilion Lake was formed