• Gates Homestead

  • Location:


    Kandiyohi, MN 56251

Joshua H. Gates was born in Schoharie County, New York on August 4, 1824. His father died when he was 4 years old and his mother and family moved to Jefferson County, New York. He left home at the age of 8 because his mother could not support the family. At the age of 22 he married Miss Lucinda Soper, with whom he had six children.

Gates moved to Wisconsin in 1848 and remained there for four years. While there he was in partial capacity school superintendent and teacher. Gates and family moved from Wisconsin to St. Paul in 1851. Gates arrived at Diamond Lake in 1857 where he claimed land in Sections 17 and 20 of Harrison Township. Gates was appointed by Governor Ramsey one of the first county commissioners. Gates was one of the commissioners named in the act of Legislature consolidating the Counties of Monongalia and Kandiyohi to become what is now Kandiyohi County. Gates was the first auditor of Kandiyohi County and in 1872 was appointed superintendent of schools. Gates is known as the first teacher in Kandiyohi County where he served 20 terms.

Where: This marker is located on County Road 4 north of Kandiyohi County Park 3 (Diamond Lake County Park) just south of County Road 28 (75th Ave NE).