Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1900 — First of Minnesota’s Books. [ARTICLE]

First of Minnesota’s Books.

The interesting fact is brought to the attention of the Pioneer Press by Rev. S. W. Dickinson, agent for the American Bible society, that the first book ever printed In Minnesota was a bible, and that this was printed in 1836, some thirteen years before the issue of a newspaper In St Paul. The bible referred to was lu the Ojlbway language and was printed on the mission press at Lake Pakegaiua, Pine county, nnder the supervision of Rev. Mr. Ayers, who likewise had charge of the mission farm at that point There also was made the first attempt to establish a free school in Minnesota. The foundation of the old log church building In which this was held can still be traced. It is significant of the eagerness characterizing American Christianity that the educational, social and, commercial development of whit® Minnesotans are now so proud had its beginning in the effort to- put the bible in the hands of the red men. The society represented by Mr. Dickinson—which is undoubtedly the greatest organisation In the world for the distribution of the scriptures—has filled its eightyseven years of history with many such incidents as this of the sitting up of a bible press in the wilds of Minnesota. •It how proposes large undertakings In the new areas of the American republic, in which It will doubtless have the cordial support of all who believe in the lieneficeut Influence of the good book.— St. Paul Pioneer-Press.