Judge Edward O. Hamlin, also eminent in public life, was another territorial settler. He located first at the neighboring village of Sauk Rapids, Benton County, one of the three original organized counties when the territory was first divided. Judge Hamlin presided at the first term of court held in Stearns County after the organization of the state, in 1858, and soon removed to St. Cloud, where he practiced law. (Vol 1, p. 653-4)