USA > Minnesota > Meeker County > Album of history and biography of Meeker County, Minnesota > Part 63
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J. L. Wakefield, dealer in dry goods and general furnishing materials, came to Liteh- field in November, 1883, and opened a stock of general merchandise in the building where F. V. DeCoster is now located. A short time subsequently he removed to his present location.
Charles Johnson came to Litchfield in the fall of 1883, opened a general stock of goods, and is engaged in that line at the present time.
The oldest drug house in the city is that of A. J. and N. F. Revell, operating under the firm name of Revell Bros., who are the successors of W. S. Brill, who started this establishment in 1869, the first of its kind in the village. The latter continued to manage it until 1882, when he removed to St. Paul, after disposing of it to the present proprie- tors, who are in the enjoyment of an excel- lent business. They carry a large and well- selected stock of drugs, fancy articles, as well as paints, etc.
V. Il. Harris, who is also engaged in the drug business, was the second to open a store of that character in the village, commencing in the fall of 1873, under the firm name of Harris & Bell, in the building now occupied by the postoffice. There they remained until 1879, when, having erected the second brick store building in the place, Mr. Harris rem wed into it, where he now carries on business, which he has filled with a full and comp ete stock of first-class goods and is a leader in that line.
The drug firm of W. W. Johnson & Co. originated in a business established by J. E. Upham and W. W. Johnson, in 1881, in the building now used as the postoffice, and there continued, under the firm name of Upham & Johnson, until two years later, when Dr. George Newland purchased the interest of
the senior partner, and the present firm was formed. Three months later they removed to the Howard House block, where they re- mained until the fall of 1886, when they took up their quarters in the Oldl Court House block, where they are at present located. They, too, have a large stock and do a good trade.
The grocery house of D. E. Branham was established in March. 1883, by D. E. Bran- ham and G. O. Hickeox, they buying out S. A. Heard, the pioneer merchant of the place. They conducted the business until March, 1888. when Mr. Hickcox disposed of his in- terest to his partner, and the firm name changed from Branham & Hiekcox, to its present one. Ilis stock is full, complete and elegantly displayed, and his business is ac- cordingly quite large and remunerative.
W. H. Dart, who is also engaged in deal- ing in groceries, etc .. exclusively, occupies the stand established by Daniel McLane, in 1880, and succeeded that gentleman in 1887. He carries a very large and complete stock for a town of the size of Litchfield, and as a representative pioneer citizen. has a wide ac- quaintance in the county.
The hardware firm of Windle & Anderson succeeded Anderson & Hanson, among the leading ones in that line. The latter was formed in May, 1887, by A. J. Anderson and N. C. G. Ilanson. They entered at once upon the transaction of business, and carried it on until the spring of 1888, when they were succeeded by the present firm.
The hardware house of Johns Brothers, was established in April, 1887, by D. B. and W. H. Johns, under the above firm name and style. They started by purchasing the stock of Daniel MeLane, and later that of S. W. Rankin.
Peter M. Johnson is also engaged in the sale of all kinds of hardware in the city. He came here in July. 1880, and, in connection with M. A. Brown, entered into this line of
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trade. One year later it passed into the sole possession of its present proprietor.
The establishment of Birch & Nelson, dealers in clothing, hats, eaps and gents' fur- nishing goods, was commeneed in 1880, by John Bireh and Andrew Nelson, trading under the firm name of John Birch & Co. They opened business in what is known as the old Bank building, where they remained some five years. In the spring of 1884, An- drew Nelson disposed of his interest to Ras- mus Nelson, and the present firm was formed.
The Golden Eagle clothing house origin- ated in March, 1886, at which time Jacob Kahn and M. Leon opened a stock in this line. The senior partner, who is a resident of Chicago, is a member of the wholesale elothing firm of Kalın Brothers & Co., and Mr. Leon is managing partner in this village.
F. V. DeCoster entered into the mercantile eireles of Litchfield in the spring of 1871, opening a stoek of general merchandise in the building, where he is now located, and operated in that line until 1879, when he commenced the sale of musical instruments, sewing machines and notions. This he con- tinned until 1887, when he added to his stoek an invoice of watches, jewelry and silver-plated ware.
D. Elmquist came to Litehfield in 1876, and opened a jewelry store, in the building now occupied by Nelson & Winger as a tailor shop. He remained in that edifiee for some four years, when he removed to Brown's corner building, and later from there to a store owned by Mr. Koerner. In 1886. he removed to his present location in the Old Court House bloek.
(. G. Wennerlund, a native of Norway. opened a jewelry store in May, 1887, under the control of C. B. Nelson.
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The pioneer lumber yard of the city of Litehifield, was established in August. 1869, by John Esbjornssen and C. Peterson, when the embryo town contained hardly a build-
ing. The firm carried on the business until the following winter, when it was dissolved. In 1876 Mr. Esbjornssen again entered into the lumber business, buying out the vard and stock of S. W. Leavitt, and has con- tinued to carry it on ever since, carrying full stocks of all goods pertaining to the trade.
In 1878 W. II. Greenleaf bought out the lumber yard of M. J. Flynn, and in 1880 that of II. B. Brown, and consolidated the two and carried on the business alone until 1882, when he admitted to a partnership his son, Charles A., and the firm of Greenleaf & Son, thus formed, still conduct the business. They have also an interest in a wholesale lumber- vard in St. Paul, and another retail yard on the Minneapolis & Pacific Railroad.
During the year 1880 Chauncey F. Dart established a furniture store in Litehfield, and continued its operation until November, 1884. when he disposed of it to P. Berens, the present proprietor, who has largely in- ereased the stock, and earries a large line of goods of the description usually making up stocks of this character, including carpets, ete. His building, which he owns, is on the east side of Sibley avenne, and was erected in 1SS6 at a cost of over $5,000.
John Snell eame to Litchfield in 1877, and bought out the furniture establishment orig- inated by J. B. Hatch, in 1876, and has con- tinned in that line ever since. In 1879 he erected the brick building where he carries on business, his store-rooms having a front- age of eighty feet. He has added under- taking to the other branches of his business, and controls a large trade.
The extensive business carried on by M. J. Flynn & Bro. has grown up with the town. In the spring of 1870 Chauncey But- ler established a lumber yard, which, in 1873, passed into the hands of JJ. Il. Morris. One year later it was purchased by M. J. Flynn, who ran it until the fall of 1878. when he sold it to W. II. Greenleaf. In the same
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year, Mr. Flynn and his brother Daniel, enter- ing into partnership, commenced the sale of agricultural machinery, in which they are so largely engaged, succeeding in this line the firm of Butler. Campbell & White, which originated with those gentlemen in 1872. In 1880 M. J. Flynn & Bro. purchased the But- ler elevator, with a storage capacity of 30,- 000 bushels, and are also engaged in handling grain, shipping 175,000 bushels of wheat alone in 1887.
MeLane & Crowe are also engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, wagons, etc., having commeneed this line of trade here in the spring of 1886. The firm consists of Daniel McLane and L. D. Crowe. They are also extensively known as grain buyers, they operating one of the elevators at this point.
J. W. Johnson commenced the sale of agricultural implements, farm machinery, wagons, ete. in 1888, carries a full line of everything needed by the farmer in that class of goods, and is quite a popular mer- chant.
Maher & Palm are also engaged in the sale of farm machinery and wagons, on Wall street, west of Sibley avenue.
George II. Chapman, who is engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness, etc., commenced business in Litchfield in May. 1870, and has continned in that line ever since. IIe carries a full line of all horse ac- contrements, and everything needed by a horseman. IFis business, which is a large one, is gradually increasing year by year.
E. J. Gould is also carrying on the har- ness-making trade in Litchfield, commencing the business here in February, 1886. He carries everything needed in his line.
The harness-making shop of Hugh Dowl- ing was established in September, 1879, by the present proprietor, who carries a full stock of all manner of goods connected with his line of trade. and has built up for himself a fine business in this locality, by strict at-
tention to business. On the 4th of March, 1885, he met with the misfortune of losing his stock by fire, but has fully recovered from the stroke of adverse fate.
The flour and feed store of C. H. Dart owes its origin to Mr. Dart and George Gor- don, who commenced its operation in April, 1880. The firm only existed for a short time, when the present owner assimned sole charge, and has continued to so run it. In connection with this business he is also en- gaged in jobbing cigars, having been in partnership in this department with R. S. IIer- shey until January, 1887, when he purchased the interest of his partner. In 1886, Mr. Dart erected the fine brick building where he is located, and moved into it the same fall.
Robert Vorys, who is engaged in carrying on a bakery and restaurant, initiated this business stand in 1886. He carries a stock of confectionery and tobaccos in connection therewith.
Chris. Mortenson opened his bakery in the fall of 1884, on the corner of Second street and Marshall avenue, where he remained until June 19, 1886, when he removed to the corner of Ramsey and Second streets, where he operated a boarding house in connection with his bakery; but in April, 1888, he sokl out to Henry Halvorson, Jr., who is now engaged in the same line.
Chris. Bertleson is occupied in running a blacksmith shop, having established that business here in 1883. He worked here for about two years, and then suspended opera- tions for three years at this point, but came back to Litchfield on the expiration of that time, and re-opened his smithy.
Morris Neuman, blacksmith and wagon maker, commeneed his business here in 1872, in a shop located on Marshall avenue. He erected the brick building he now occupies, in 1876, and moved into it the same year.
Paulson & Sather are engaged in the meat market business in the village, as are
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Barker & Andrews. The first mentioned firm commenced business in 1882. with John Paulson and C. C. Sather at the helm, and so continued until July, 1885, when the former retired from business, but in 1857 came back to Litchfield, and again entered into partner- ship with the same party with whom he was in business before. The firm of Barker & Andrews was formed in the fall of 1887 by D. W. Barker and J. Q. Andrews.
David Gorman is engaged in running the Pioneer livery stable, which was established in the fall of 1869, by Chase & Dunn. Some time after the latter disposed of the business to R. W. Dunn, and the firm of Dunn & Deymouth was formed. They ran it for a while, and were in turn succeeded by Dey- mouth & McCarger, and it was run by them until 1882, when it passed into the possession of the present proprietor, who has operated it ever since.
Knights & Ross, who are. also, engaged in the livery stable business, commenced their labors in that line in Litchfield in 1886.
There are eight places in the city of Litchfield for the sale of liquor, wine, beer, etc. The gentlemen who conduct them, for the most part. are excellent citizens, and receive the respect of the people generally, although there is a large element of prohibi- tionists in the community. The saloons are kept by the following named-John Kons- brick. A. von Eekstaedt, John Burns. Minton & Peterson, Nels Clements. S. A. Scarp. A. D. Roos and Charles Foster.
Nelson & Winger, tailors, C. B. Nelson and N. Anderson, boot and shoe makers, and A. Lofstrom, house and sign painter, are among the leading artizans of the place, and help make up the business of the vil- lage.
There are four millinery establishments, also. in the town of Litchfield-namely, those of Mrs. Caswell, Mrs. Pixley, Mrs. Cary and Miss Nygren.
The photographic and art gallery of Angell & Weeks was established in 1869, in the infancy of the town, and is well entitled to the name of the " Old Pioneer Studio." C. L. Angell came to the site of the town when but few structures of any kind were erected, and at once commenced business in a small way. From this humble beginning he has made it one of the finest establishments in the State outside of the large cities, and fur- nishes work equal to any.
J. II. Bacon. who is also a resident dentist, is operating a photographie gallery. com- meneing in this line in 1879, and carrying it on in connection with the duties of his pro- fession.
C. II. Bigelow, dealer in books. stationery, notions, confectionery, cigars, tobacco, etc., commenced business here in March, 1880, in the building where the Golden Eagle cloth- ing store now stands, where he carried on the business until June, 1881, when he re- moved to his present location.
J. W. Knight, who is a dealer in tubular- well supplies, pumps of all descriptions, rub- ber goods and engine extras, commenced this line of trade in Litchfield in 1873, and has fol- lowed it ever since with considerable success.
The real estate, loan and insurance busi- ness of Aug. T. Koerner was established by that gentleman while he was register of deeds of the county, in 1879 or 1880, and on his retiring from that office he gave his whole attention to the business, which he carries on at the present writing.
D. W. Emery opened a real estate, loan and collection agency in Litchfield. on com- ing to this locality in April, 1886, and still continues in that line of business.
The members of the bar of Meeker county having their residence in the city of Litch- field, at the present writing, are the follow- ing named-Charles II. Strobeek, N. C. Mar- tin, J. M. Russell. Edward P. Peterson and Henry S. Me Monigle.
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The medical fraternity of Litchfield, which enjoys a high reputation for ability, judg- ment and success, is represented by the fol- lowing-named gentlemen-Dr. V. P. Ken- nedy, Dr. F. E. Bissell, Dr. W. E. Chapman, Dr. George Newland and Dr. J. H. Bowers.
The dental profession is well represented by Drs. E. B. Weeks and J. II. Bacon.
Litchfield has three progressive and ably edited local newspapers, all weekly-the News-Ledger, the Review, and the Independ- ent, a history of which has already been given in the general history of the county, in connection with the annals of journalism.
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The Meeker County Bank was established in January, 1878, immediately after the failure and assignment of Chauncey Butler's bank, by Walter Mann and W. R. Merriam, vice-president and cashier of the Merchants National Bank of St. Paul. They opened business in the Carey brick building, in which it continued as long as it remained under the control of the originators. The officers of the institution were-Walter Mann, president : W. R. Merriam, vice-presi- dent ; and H. B. Gates, cashier. It ran but a short time, when the stock company that now owns the institution was formed, which was incorporated in the summer of 1878, with a capital of $25,000, and the following stockholders-Andrew Nelson, 11. B. Gates and E. P. Nelson, of Litchfield, and W. R. Merriam and Walter Mann, of St. Paul. Business was re-commeneed in the small brick building opposite where the bank is now sit- uated, where its predecessors had opened, with the following officers-Andrew Nelson, president ; B. P. Nelson, vice-president ; and H. B. Gates, cashier. They carried on oper- ations in this edifice until 1881, when the present structure was erected by them at a cost of $6,400. In 1882 the officers chosen were Alexander Cairneross, president ; George S. Chandler, vice-president, and 'II. B. Gates, cashier. On the 7th of July, 1884,
E. B. Benson was placed in the position of assistant cashier, and February 5, 1885, he was promoted to the office of cashier, and is at present tilling that responsible post. The other officers are-Alexander Cairncross, president ; P. E. Ilansen, vice-president; and C. C. Upham, teller. The capital stock of the bank was increased in January, 1886, to the sum of $32,000. The stockholders are at present the following named-A. Cairn- cross, P. E. Hansen, G. S. Chandler, A. R. Montford. D. B. Johns, M. S. Flynn, E. B. Benson, John Burke and H. N. Peck, all of whom, with the exception of Mr. Burke, con- stitute the board of directors.
The following is a statement of the condi- tion of the bank at the close of business, June 12, 1888 :
RESOURCES.
Bills receivable $160,258.40
Due from other banks 24,003.91
Cash on hand
14,925.38
Bank building, furniture and fixtures. 10,136.87
Total. $209,324.56
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock
$ 32,000.00
Undivided profits 31,672.93
Deposits.
145,651.63
Total. $209,324.56
The banking house of Stevens & Co. was established in 1881, by Hamlet Stevens and Il. S. Branham, under the present firm name, in a wooden building on the site where Cairn- cross & Palm's store is now located. Busi- ness was carried on there until 1886, when the building which they now occupy was erected, into which they removed. They transact all kinds of business natural to bank- ing institutions, handle large quantities of real estate in addition, and have acquired a prominence in the community well merited. They carry on a heavy business, and their financial resources are very extensive. The bank ranks as one of the most solid and reli- able institutions in the State.
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MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
The Litchfield Woolen Mill was established in the fall of 1885 by a stock company formed at that time for the purpose, with a stock of $25,000. The officers elected on organization were-J. M. Howard, II. Stevens, B. P. Nelson, John Rodange, N. W. Hawk- inson. D Flynn and D. Methven, directors ; John Rodange, secretary and treasurer; and D. Methven, manager. The building, which they erected, is, in the main part, 35 x 80 feet in size, two stories high, and has con- nected with it an engine house and dry room, 35 x 42 in size, also two stories in height. The warehouse for the storage of wool is a separate structure. 20 x 45, and two stories high, and an office completes the list of build- ings, which are all of brick veneer, and sub- stantially constructed. Their manufactures have already achieved a good reputation, and are in great demand. The mill is well equipped with Correy machinery, and power is furnished by a powerful steam engine .. During the proper season this institution furnishes employment for some thirty peo- ple, and about 300 spindles are set in motion. Blankets, satinets, mackinaws. flannels, yarn, etc .. are manufactured, all of superior excel- lence. Between 40,000 and 50,000 pounds of wool were made up by them in 1887, besides doing some $2,500 worth of custom work. In 1887 the capital stock was increased to 850,000. While digging a well, two flow- ing subterranean streams were struck, which afford an ample supply of water. At the election in February, 1888, the following officers were chosen-M. J. Flynn, presi- dent ; II. Stevens, treasurer ; John Rodange. secretary and general manager; J. U. Moore, foreman : and J. M. Howard, Andrew Nelson, B. P. Nelson, II. Stevens, A. Cairn- cross, M. J. Flynn, and John Rodange. directors.
The Litchfield Roller Mill, one of the im- portant industries of the place, was built in 1872 by J. C. Braden, J. M. Waldron, A.
Adams, and W. S. Brill, who continued its operation until the following year, when Messrs. Adams and Brill sokl out their interests to their partners. In 1874 it changed owners again, passing into the pos- session of R. S. Ilershey & Co. In 1877 it was purchased by Shaw & Ehlers, who have continued its operation ever since. It was of the old fashioned type until 1882, when these gentlemen remodelled the establish- ment and put in the present roller system. They manufacture and ship about a car-load of flour every day, besides supplying the local trade. In connection with the mill they, also, own an elevator, and ship the surplus in the rough state, when they have more than they can grind. They run a flour and feed store in the village, but the bulk of the product of their mill is shipped to and sold in the British Isles. They give employ- ment to a force of nine men, besides several coopers, and are ranked among the promi- nent business men of the place. The mill cost, in the first place, about $20,000. but a considerable sum has since been expended upon it, until it is one of the most complete in this region of the country.
James II. Morris was for a number of years prominently identified with the mill- ing interests at Litchfieldl.
The Litchfield Creamery is one of the lead- ing and prominent manufacturing institu- tions of the city. It is the property of an association which was completed and in- corporated May 31. 1882, with a capital stock of $5.000, and the following-named stockholders-W. II. Greenleaf, Henry Chase, S. W. Leavitt, HI. B. Gates, Robert Shaw, G. S. Chandler, Alexander Cairncross, J. II. Morris, Thomas Il. Wood, J. S. Sherrill, M. J. Flynn, Charles II. Strobeck. J. A. Gart. ner, F. V. DeCoster and Charles R. Strong. At the election the following officers were chosen-W. II. Greenleaf. president ; Ilenry Chase, vice-president ; II. B. Gates, treas-
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urer; and S. W. Leavitt, secretary and gen- eral manager. The company commenced business, and manufactured and sokl some 35,000 lbs. of butter the first year. They have increased this amount, by the superior- ity of the article made, which takes a front rank in the markets, to 75,000 lbs., and, with their machinery driven by the eight horse- power engine, have the capacity of turning out 8,000 lbs. per day, or a total of 2,500,000 lbs. per year, if crowded to the uttermost. They pay out annually the sum of $25,000 for material and help, which all goes into the pockets of the farmers and laboring classes of this vicinity, and has proved of much benefit to the community.
The Litchfield Bottling Works of John Rodange was established by that gentleman in 1882, and in it is carried on the manufac- ture of all kinds of carbonated waters and beverages. A general jobbing business, amounting to some $8,000 per annum, is done. For several years, from 1883 to 18SS, the proprietor carried, in connection with this, the jobbing of Milwaukee beer, but has discontinued that branch of his business.
The Litchfield Baling Co. was established in May, 1885, by O. W. Topping and others, for the purpose of baling hay and straw, and the enterprise is already assuming large pro- portions, they shipping some 12,000 tons of those articles to the Minneapolis market, besides supplying the local trade. They are also the proprietors of a feed mill, which they purchased in the fall of 1887, and are dealers in coal and other fuel.
Charles A. Laughton's machine and black- smith establishment is one of the institutions of the village that occupies a prominent place. In 1881 this gentleman established an agency for the sale of agricultural imple- ments made by J. I. Case & Co. In the spring of 1887 he added to that business the machine shop, where he is fully prepared to make all kinds of repairs, making a specialty
of engine work. The blacksmith shop is for general farm work. The motive power of the machinery is furnished by a fine steam engine, and the entire plant cost over $7,000. He gives employment to some eight or ten men during the busy seasons of the year, and to a less number at other times.
The feed, graham and corn-meal mill of Israel Miller was erected by him in 1885. He came to Litchfield the year previous, and built a steamboat, which he plied upon the bosom of Lake Ripley that summer, after which he put up this mill.
The marble works of William Grono were established by the present proprietor, about November 1, 1885, and is the first and only institution of the kind in Litchfield. All kinds of marble and granite work are done there, and monuments of all characters are made to order.
The town hall and Masonic lodge room was built conjointly by the town trustees and Golden Fleece Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in the fall of 1874, at a cost of abont $4,000. It is 26x72 feet in size upon the ground, and two stories in height. The various Masonic bodies occupy the upper story, which they have fitted up for their use in a handsome man- ner, including all the proper paraphernalia in- cident to the order. The body did not finish their portion of the building nor occupy it until the spring of 1875. Most of the money was raised by the issue of stock to the mem- bers, in $20 shares, which bore an interest of 10 per cent., and found a ready sale. All of the other indebtedness has been paid off by the lodge, as well as some of the stock. The lower room is fitted up with seats and a stage, and in it are hekl all the entertain- ments given in the village, either by travel- ing troops or home talent.
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