USA > Minnesota > Dakota County > History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 49
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BROWN ELEVATOR.
Mr. J. C. Sanborn is the present manager of this building, which was erected in 1858, by Samuel Rogers, Jr. Its dimensions are 40x60 feet, and its capacity is 40,000 bushels. The en- gine power is furnished by elevator A, which it adjoins on the east.
SMITH AND THOMPSON'S WAREHOUSES.
Adjoining elevator A, on the west, is a large stone warehouse, owned by the Ennis estate, and now used by Messrs. Smith and Thompson, who are among the leading wheat buyers of the coun- ty. The capacity of this building is 50,000 bushels.
Still a little farther to the west and on the levee, is a wooden building, 22x80 feet in dimension, also used by Smith and Thompson, and having a capacity of 25,000 bushels. A large warehouse situated between these last two, is at present un- used.
BANKS.
In all new countries there is a strong demand for money. Interest rates are invariably very high, and banking institutions meet with the heartiest encouragement.
The first bank in Minnesota after the one or- ganized at St. Paul, by Mr. E. S. Edgerton, was operated at Hastings in 1856, by the firm of Thorne, Follett and Thorne.
In the fall of the same year, or in the spring of 1857, Ennis and Plant opened a private banking business, on the present site of the First National Bank, and continued there for several years.
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CITY OF HASTINGS-BANKS-POST-OFFICE.
In the spring of 1857, Darling, Carswell and Scheffer were another firm added to the list of pri- vate bankers. while, in 1858, Thorne, Follett and Thorne became Thorne and Follett.
In 1861, Thorne and Follett became Follett and Rennick, and their bank was incorporated under the state law, with a capital of $25,000. Mr. Thorne, meantime, established a private bank, which was also made a bank of issue, called Thorne's Bank, in 1863. Its capital was $25,000.
In 1865 Thorne's Bank was merged into the Merchants' National Bank, which was chartered that year with John L. Thorne, president, and Sidney Mills, Jr., cashier. In 1874 this bank was removed to Minneapolis.
In the latter year, 1874, the Dakota County Bank was also organized, with R. J. Marvin, president, and J. C. Novlin, cashier.
In 1877 this institution went into voluntary liquidation. In fact, none of the above banks are still in existence, though both of the existing banks in Hastings may be traced back through a gradual succession to some of them.
In 1864, Follett and Rennick gave place to the First National Bank of Hastings. It had a capi- tal of $100,000, and to-day has a surplus of $35,- 000. Stephen Gardner was the first president, and L. S. Follett the first cashier. They have both continued in those respective offices ever since. The present directors of this bank are: Stephen, Theodore and A. W. Gardner, L. S. and Denis Follett, J. C. Meloy and S. W. Mairs.
Howes Brothers in 1872, established a bank without issue, which was incorporated as the Farmers' and Traders' Bank, in 1875. Its officers are, Byron C. Howes, president; F. C. Howes, vice-president, and G. W. Howes, assistant cashier.
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POST-OFFICE.
The first post-office in Hastings was in Henry G. Bailly's warehouse, which was situated on the levee, and is now used by Gardner and Meloy as a store-room. Henry G. Bailly was the first post- master, and was appointed in 1854 by Franklin Pierce, who was at that time president of the United States. Mr. Bailly had a deputy, Mr. Morse. Mail matter was brought in summer by steamers, by the Galena Packet Company, which made regular trips from Galena to St. Paul, dating from April 15th to November 15th. The mails
were then always regular. St. Louis boats made trips twice a week and also brought mail. In winter contracts were made to have the mails brought by stages, with Frink and Walker, then noted as old stage men. This line of stages ran from Dubuque to St. Paul, and were often de- layed on account of storms; the mails were often delayed for a week or so, and people were glad when spring came, if for no other reason than that they might receive their mail regularly. Mr. Bailly continued to act as postmaster until 1858, when he was succeeded by Mr. Marsh, who removed the post-office to Ramsey street. in the old Waldtuer block. Mr. Marsh was succeeded by W. H. Skinner, who was the first republican post- master, and was appointed by Abraham Lincoln in 1881. Mr. Skinner removed the post-office to a dry goods store occupied by Patch & Co., where the Foster House bar now is. He continued to act as postmaster until 1865, when he was suc- ceeded by A. M. Hays, who was appointed by President Johnson, and continued as postmaster until his death, about 1868. M. J. Twichell, as his deputy, continued to run it until the term ex- pired. During Mr. Skinner's term, he removed the post-office to the corner of Second and Ver- million streets. The next postmaster was Chas. Baker, who was appointed by General Grant in March, 1869. Mr. Baker removed the post-office to the store now occupied by A. H. Truax, in Brownell's block. In October of 1868, mails were brought by rail via Hastings and Dakota railroad, this being the first mail ever brought into Hastings by rail, and it was quite an event. In 1870, mail was brought by the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul railroad, which ran as far as the drawbridge; then the mails were transferred by steam ferry as well as passengers, freight, etc. The bridge was finished in 1871. In April, 1873, Maj. Kennedy was appointed postmaster by Gen.Grant. In June, 1876, the post-office was removed to the corner of Second and Sibley streets, where it now is, on the site of the old New England house. The building was erected by the Merchants' Na- tional bank. Stephen Gardner purchased the building of them, and soon after rented it to the Dakota bank. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Gardner negotiated with the United States government, and soon after leased it for ten years. He con- tracted to fit up the first floor, which he did at an
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expense of $2,000. It is elegantly fitted up with Yale locks and, in fact, everything was furnished by the Yale Lock company, of Stamford, Con- necticut. The post-office is built of brick, 21x90 feet, and has a very fine fire-proof vault, which was put in by the bank. It has 800 lock boxes, ten draw boxes, and 520 call boxes. For appoint- ments, beauty and work, it ranks as the finest post-office in the county, and is of the third class. Should be a second class, as it only lacks $100 to make it such.
Major Kennedy is the present postmaster, and had for his first deputy A. J. Thompson, who re- mained until March, 1881. He left to take the position of county auditor. He was succeeded by W. H. Babbidge, the present deputy.
There are received two mails daily from the east, via Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- way; two north via the same. One mail daily via Hastings and Dakota railway. Two mails daily are sent east via Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway; two north via the same. Mails are also daily sent to Prescott and Point Douglas, via ferry and stage. Two mails a week to Nininger, Pine Bend, and Rich Valley by car- riers. Two a week to Trout Brook, New Trier, Hampton, East Castle Rock, Waterford and Northfield by carriers.
DAKOTA LODGE NO. 7, A. F. AND A. M.
This is the oldest organization of the kind in Dakota county. The first meeting for the pur- pose of procuring a dispensation, was held June 3d, 1855, at the old school-house, which stood on the corner of Sixth and Spring streets. The first meeting, after obtaining the dispensation, was held August 11th, 1855, on the "mounds" in the upper portion of Marshan township. This meet- ing marked the beginning of drill, and a thorough organization.
The first five officers were William Lee, W. M .; O. T. Hayes, S. W .: R. A. Simmons, J. W .; E. C. Knowles, treasurer; A. H. Norris, secretary; Wm. Lee, second tyler.
The first hall occupied by the lodge, was Smith's hall, on Ramsey street in the rear of the present Foster house. The lodge next removed to the corner of Second and Vermillion streets, and at present has quarters on the corner of Second and Sibley streets.
The first election under the charter, was held December 10th, 1856. The following officers were then elected: O. T. Hayes, W. M .; John Rhodes, S. W .; Chas. Bigelow, J. W .; E. C. Knowles, treasurer; A. M. Hayes, secretary; A. J. Van Duzee, S. D .; J. A. Sager, J. D .; William Lee, second tyler.
After the above dates, the following list with the dates of their election completes the succes- sion of W. M.
It is quite remarkable in the history of the lodge, that these officers, without exception, are still living.
J. S. Thurber was elected W. M., December 23d, 1857; C. R. Smith, December 14th, 1859; O. T. Hayes, December 24th, 1862; C. H. L. Lange, October 14th, 1863; C. H. L. Lange, October 12th, 1864; R. J. Marvin, October 11th, 1865; R. J. Marvin, October 10th, 1866; F. M. Crosby, Oc- tober 9th, 1867; F. M. Crosby, December, 23d, 1868; R. J. Marvin, December, 22d, 1869; R. J. Marvin, December 28th, 1870; C. O. Ball, Decem- ber 27th, 1871: C, O. Ball, January 8th, 1873; Peter Scott, December 24th, 1873; Peter Scott, December 23d, 1874; Peter Scott, December 22d, 1875; C. W. Williams, December 27th, 1876; C. W. Williams, December 26th, 1877; C. W. Wil- liams January 8th, 1879; and Irving Todd, December 24th, 1879.
The present officers elected, December 22d, 1880, are, A. J. W. Thompson, W. M .; G. B. Dickey, S. W .; Chas. Mather, J. W .; A. E. Rich, treasurer; C. O. Ball, secretary; C. W. Williams, S. D .; C. E. Thurston, J. D .; Peter Scott, S. S .; A. Blomquist, J. S .; John White, tyler.
Past Master, Irving Todd, has made a valua- ble contribution to Masonic literature, in the form of a digest of the laws of the grand lodge. This work is highly commended by all Masonic authorities who have passed it in review.
VERMILLION ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER NO. 2.
The meeting for organization was held July 17th, 1857, Jonathan T. Furber, was the first high priest and Wm. Lee, the first secretary.
The charter members were Wm. Lee, J. T. Furber, O. T. Hayes, Robert Buck, R. A. Sim- mons, Wm. Skinner, E. K. Smart, D. A. Camp- bell and Cyrus Hill.
Charles Etheridge was the first member initi-
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ated into the new chapter. He was initiated at a special meeting, July;30th, 1857.
After Jonathan Furber, the succession of high priests, is as follows, with the years of their elec- tion. Wm. H. Skinner, 1859; C. W. Nash, 1860.
From January, 1862, until November 4th, 1863, there were no further meetings of the chap- ter on account of the war excitement; at the lat- ter date, E. P. Barnum was elected high priest; C. H. L. Lange, 1865; J. E. Finch, 1866; F. M. Crosby, 1869; R. J. Marvin, 1870; Wm. Lee, 1876; C. O. Ball, 1878; Peter Scott, 1879.
The present officers are, Peter Scott, H. P .; D. W. Truax, king; N. Emerson, scribe; George Barbaras, treasurer; A. J. W. Thompson, secre- tary; C. O. Ball, C. H .; Wm. Lee, P. S .; G. B. Dickey, R. A. C .; John White, sentinel.
HERMANN LODGE, NO. 35, I. O. O. F.
This was organized April 29th, 1872, and was installed by Special Deputy Grand Master Lewis of St. Paul. Brothers of Vermillion Lodge No. 8; Prescott Lodge, Wisconsin; L'Etoile du Nord, No. 23, of Red Wing; and of Germania Lodge, St. Paul, were present. The charter members were: C. F. Beltz, John Lapp, Julius Pause, Charles Knocke, George B. Schopp, Peter Rupp, William Sondermann, F. Lehmann, John Pfeiffer, Charles Yeager and Peter Smith.
At the same meeting the following brothers were admitted by card: F. Koch; J. H. H. Behr- mann, August Behrmann, Jacob Niederauer and Marcus Marx; and the following brothers were initiated under a suspension of the rules: Henry Gleim, Rudolph Latto, Conrad Oestreich, Wm. Haas, A. Meissner, F. W. Busch, Wm. Keil, H. Tessmann; Charles Barthe, and Ernst Deinhard.
The present officers of the lodge are: N. G., Fred. Fieseler; V. G., John Moser; Rec. Sec., Angust Freitag; Perm. Sec., Julius Pause; treas- urer, C. F. Beltz; warden, Conrad Oestreich; Conductor, Charles Knocke; Inside Sentinel, H. W. Meyer; Outside Sentinel, John Standt; R. S. of N. G., J. Lang; L. S. of N. G., Fred Bremer, R. S. of V. G., J. G. Zabel; L. S. of V. G. John Standt.
Frederick Koch is the Deputy Grand Master of this district.
The membership of Hermann lodge is fifty. It is a thoroughly German organization, and its business is transacted in the German language.
VERMILLION LODGE NO. 8, I. O. O. F.
This is the oldest organization of Odd Fellows in the county, having been established April 15th, 1856. The original place of meeting was at the corner of Second and Vermillion streets.
The charter officers were: J. B. Griswold, noble grand; John White, vice grand; Peter Crowley, secretary; H. Butturff, treasurer.
The present officers are Jerome Temple, N. G .; Evan Hughes, V. G .; H. Butturff, recording sec- retary: Charles Mather, treasurer.
On the 4th of February, 1880, the lodge formal- ly took possession of a new hall, which had been fitted up for them in the third story of the post-office building. Representatives from lodges in St. Paul, Northfield, Cannon Falls, Prescott, Wis., River Falls, Wis., and Farmington, were present, and the dedicatory ceremonies were im- pressive. Ex-Vice-President Colfax delivered an address, which was followed by short addresses from Grand Marshal Edward Rotert, and Grand Chaplain Alex Wilson. A bountiful repast was furnished at Teutonia hall, and in the evening Mr. Colfax delivered his well known lecture upon Abraham Lincoln. A ball closed the festivities, which together will long be remembered as form- ing a most pleasant chapter in the history of the society.
STRONG ENCAMPMENT NO. 6, I. O. O. F.
D. D. Grand Sire for Minnesota, C. D. Strong, organized this lodge at the hall of Vermillion lodge No. 8, February 13th, 1871. A large dele- gation from Hastings, Michigan, and other patri- archs were present. The patriarchial, golden rule, royal purple degrees were conferred on the following scarlet degree members: Theodore Woodward, J. C. Brewer, Francis Heuson, Wil- liam R. Todd, Edwin Cowle, M. E. Henderson, Martin Leavitt, M. Marx.
The following patriarchs were installed in the respective offices, for which they were elected: Chief patriarch, J. C. Brewer; high priest, H. H. Gokey; senior warden, Wm. R. Todd; junior warden, T. Woodward; scribe, M. E. Henderson; treasurer, Martin Leavitt; sentinel, P. Heuson; guide, E. Cowle; guard, M. Marx.
At the same meeting it was proposed to request the D. D. grand sire to a call convention, for the purpose of organizing a grand encampment for the state of Minnesota.
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The present membership of Strong encamp- ment No. 6, is twenty-eight. The present grand patriarch is J. Ingram, and the present officers are: C. P. patriarch, Fred Busch; H. P., B. D. Cadwell; senior warden, Peter Albriktson; junior warden, George Marshall; scribe, Julius Pause; treasurer, Wm. Sonderman. Trustees, Peter Al- briktson, B. A. Day and Charles Knocke.
EQUITABLE AID UNION.
This society was incorporated March 2d, 1879, at Columbus, Warren county, Pennsylvania, in compliance with a statute of that state, under date of April 29th, 1874. The incorporators were D. A. Dewey. R. N. Seaver, W. B. Howard, H. S. Ayer and W. H. Muzzy.
The Hastings Lodge was organized November 27th, 1880, as lodge number 182. The charter officers were G. H. Hawes, chancellor; J. N. Searles, advocate; O. T. Hayes, president; A. B. Chapin, vice-president; Peter Smith, treasurer; Edward C. Stringer, secretary; N. Horn, account- ant; H. B. Claflin, chaplain; Henry Constans, warden; George Hetherington, sentinel; G. H. Hawes, medical examiner.
The present officers of the lodge are G. H. Hawes, chancellor; J. N. Searles, advocate; O. T. Hayes, president; D. S. Shepard, vice-presi- dent; A. B. Chapin, treasurer; E. C. Stringer, secretary; J. P. Johnson, accountant; H. B. Claflin, chaplain; Henry Constans, warden; George Hetherington, sentinel; Charles Vogle, watchman; G. H. Hawes, M. D., medical ex- aminer. The present membership of this organi- zation is twenty-eight.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
The objects of this order are to promote frater- nal union, to give all possible moral and material aid in its power to its members, and to promote benevolence and charity, by establishing a widows' and orphans' benefit fund.
The Hastings lodge was organized in Good Templars hall, January 1st, 1878. The charter officers were: J. N. Searles, dictator; G. H. Howes, past D .; W. Moorhouse, vice-D .; D. W. Truax. A. D .; J. R. Bell, reporter; H. W. Hall, F. reporter; I. N. Van Doren, chaplain; G. G. Wiley, treasurer; J. H. Proctor, guide; Wm. C. Gammons, guardian; N. Frank. sentinel; W. Moorhouse, Peter Scott and N. Frank, trustees.
Since February, 1878, the society has held its meetings in Odd Fellows hall.
The present officers are G. H. Hawes, dictator; J. H. Proctor, P. D .; L. N. Countryman, V. D .; G. G. Wiley, A. D .; W. Moorhouse, R .; L. U. Cobb, F. R .; J. N. Searles, C .; L. H. Holmes, treasurer; R. Dobie, guide; Peter Scott, guardian; Webster Freyler, sentinel; W. Moorhouse, Peter Scott and J. N. Searles, trustees.
HASTINGS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Judge Crosby, N. F. W. Kranz, and others, started a subscription for the purpose of estab -. lishing a public reading room, and succeeded in raising about $600. They organized January 24th, 1872, and elected as officers: W. G. Le Duc, president; F. M. Crosby, vice president; E. P. Stowell, corresponding secretary; J. A. Duffy, recording secretary; N. F. W. Kranz, treasurer. Directors, Dr. Finch, John Peller, H. H. Pringle, F. W. Oliver, J. C. Meloy, R. J. Marvin, W. H. De Kay. The reading room and library was opened in the rooms now occupied by Dr. Chap- in, the library numbering about 200 volumes. Finding this too expensive, they decided to close the reading room. About a year later, the library was moved to rooms over the post- office, next to rooms on the first floor of the same building. March 5th, 1878, the library was moved to the present location. Miss Rich has been in charge for the past eight years. September, 1872, the committee reported receipts of $741, and disbursements $725. The library contained 700 volumes, now has 1,600, and 200 papers, pamphlets, and magazines. The list of members has inrceased to 135; when established there were 110. This number decreased to about seventy-five at one time, but through the efforts of some of the ladies connected with the institu- tion, the present large number was gained. It was decided to place the management of the library in the hands of the ladies, and the present pros- perity of the institution is due to their energy. The membership fees are three dollars a year. The present officers are: Mrs. F. M.Crosby, presi- dent; Mrs. W. B. Reed, vice president; Mrs. O. M. Sawyer, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Frank Langley, recording secretary; Mrs. Chas. Espens- chied, treasurer. Directors, Mrs. Dr. Finch, Miss Pierce, Mrs. Stringer, Mrs. T. J. Reed, Mrs.
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CITY OF HASTINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Fred Seal, Mrs. J. Schaller, Mrs. Alice Norrish, Mrs. Wm. B. Reed, Mrs. Dr. Finch, Mrs. Frank Langley. The committee have given a series of dances and entertainments, which have resulted in profit.
BUILDING ASSOCIATION.
The Dakota County Building Association was organized March 2d, 1881. At the meeting of the projectors of the enterprise, held on that date, a committee of seven was appointed to perfect arrangements for a permanent organization. March 5th, 1881, a meeting was held at which the association was made a stock company, with capital placed at $300,000, divided into shares of $200 each. The object of the association is to provide a fund, which is loaned to members for the purpose of building houses and buying real estate. The officers are a president, vice presi- dent, secretary, treasurer and eleven directors. The company was incorporated March 15th, 1881, the following gentlemen appearing as incorpora- tors: John J. Rhodes, C. H. L. Lange, B. C. Howes, E. C. Stringer, John C. Meloy, Irving Todd, E. H. Freeman.
HASTINGS UNION INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.
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June 8th, 1880, a meeting was called for the purpose of making arrangements for a city fair to be held at Hastings the coming fall. Com- mittees were appointed, and their reports, on in- vestigation, were so favorable that it was resolved to organize as a stock corporation. Accordingly, the Hastings Union Industrial Association was duly incorporated by law July 16th, 1880. Books were opened for stock subscriptions, and four or five thousand dollars were subscribed at once.
The grounds, consisting of twenty-seven acres, in the east half of the south-west quarter of sec- tion twenty-eight, were immediately purchased of the Thorne estate for $2,025.
A half-mile track was graded, which is equal, for trotting purposes, to any in the state. The track was fenced, and a tight fence, eight feet in height, enclosed the grounds.
Buildings were erected, consisting of a judges' stand three stories high; an amphitheatre 172 feet long, twenty feet wide and twenty feet high, and capable of comfortably seating 800 persons; a floral hall 36x80 feet, with twelve-feet posts; a poultry building, 16x20 feet; a vegetable and
grain building 20x36 feet; and sixty-five box- stalls and sixty-two single stalls for the use of stock and exhibitors. Also a barn, 36x80 feet, with sixteen-feet posts, for fast stock.
These buildings are all painted and in fine appearance.
A dwelling house, for the overseer of grounds, and other buildings, are in contemplation. Flo- ral hall is to be enlarged and a machinery hall to be built.
The first fair of the association was held Octo- ber 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, 1880.
The capital stock of $5,000 is paid up, and the success of the first fair enabled the association to declare a dividend of fifteen per cent. after paying all expenses, including the cost of both grounds and buildings.
Monthly market fairs are intended for each month, hereafter, during favorable weather.
The first officers of the society were A. E. Rich, president; J. C. Meloy, vice-president; E. P. Stowell, secretary; and Dennis Follett, treasurer.i
The present officers are A. E. Rich, president George Barbaras, vice-president; E. A. Whitford, secretary; Dennis Follett, treasurer.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
As early as 1856, a volunteer fire department was organized, Harry Monser was elected first chief, and G. M. Morse as assistant, for two years each. The council refused to furnish quar- ters for apparatus which the company had pro- cured at its own expense, and they disbanded and burned the books and ladders.
January 25th, 1863, the Germans organized Hope Engine Company No. 1, adopted a consti- tution and elected as their officers, Robert Baker, foreman; William Slaz, assistant foreman; Fisher, engineer; T. Clottess, secretary; D. Becker, treasurer. A clause was subsequently inserted in the constitution to the effect that none but Ger- mans should become members of the Co. At first they were compelled to furnish their own hooks and ladders and carry them to fires. In 1865, the city council provided them with the truck which they have since used. The name has recently been changed to Hope Hook and Ladder Com- pany. Some of the young members deciding to form a company of their own, a committee of three, consisting of M. Tautges, J. P. Lack-
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aff and Charles Metzger, presented a petition to the council. Their prayer was granted, and on March 8th, 1880, Pioneer Hose Company No. 1, was organized with the following officers: Chris Otte, foreman; M. Hoffman, first assistant; J. P. Lackaff, second assistant; A. Dorn, third assis- tant; B. Miller, secretary; Charles Metzger, as- sistant secretary and treasurer; H. Fiesler, Jo- seph Stegner, B. Miller, John Miller, finance committee. The city council assigned to them one hose cart and six hundred feet of hose.
Some of the citizens of Hastings wishing to form another company met and appointed Ed- ward Hartin a commitee to present their petition to the council. This was accepted and the com- pany met, adopted by-laws and styled themselves Vermillion Hose Company No. 2. The following officers were elected; H. N. Rice, foreman; James Cavanaugh, first assistant; S. H. Holman, second assistant; J. C. Meloy, third assistant; J. D. Reeves, secretary; James A. Smith, treasurer; George W. Moore, N. Martin, E. C. Stoniger, finance committee. The council assigned to them the steam fire engine and one hose cart. They hold their regular meetings the first Mon- day of each month. The members of the three companies aggregate one hundred and fifty men.
In 1875 the city council made an agreement with an agent to purchase a Babcock fire engine. if it accomplished what was promised. Asa test the city purchased an old house on the Red Wing road and set it on fire. The agent agreed to put it out but failed, and the city refused to take the engine, and after some trouble and delay it was sent back. December 1st, 1880, the council au- thorized Andrew Warsop to purchase an engine, which he succeeded in procuring of the city au- thorities of Norwich, Connecticut. It is a Jef- frey, built in Rhode Island, and cost this city eight hundred dollars. It is of modern make, single piston and single pump, all finished with highly polished brass and nickel. The cylinder is seven inches in diameter and has ten inch stroke. There are connections for two lines of hose. The engine has forced water 250 feet through 1,400 feet of hose, with one and one- eighth inch nozzle.
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