History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 51

Author: J. Fletcher Williams
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

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In 1868 it became certain that, on account of such efforts and self sacrifice, the church building would be retained. Accordingly it was dedicated September 27th, while the synod of Minnesota was in session at Hastings.

The society of the First Presbyterian church, was organized February 20th, 1856, by the accept- ance of a charter under the revised statutes of Minnesota, and the election of a board of trust. The latter was composed of C. S. Le Duc, H. B. Claflin, Hammon Stowell, J. L. Belden and John Van Hoesen. In June following F. B. Curtis and Dr. Thomas Foster were added, who with the others mentioned, constituted the first board. Among those who succeeded two have died, Mr. P. Hartshorn and Mr. G. S. Winslow.

The First Sabbath school in Hastings was or- ganized August 5th, 1855, in the school-house. The Rev. Mr. Cressy was superintendent, and Rev. Mr. Le Duc taught the Bible class. The sessions were held at two o'clock p. m. and a library from the Sunday school union. was se- cured in September at a cost of thirty dollars. In January the school was transferred to the hall, but the superintendent declined to go there. In August, 1856, Mr. Claflin was chosen superintend- ent, Mr. Stearns assistant, and Mr. Taylor libra- rian. March 1st, 1857, a peaceable division was made by the different denominations, the Presby- terian portion of the school repairing to their church. In 1861, Mr. Winslow was chosen super- intendent, and in 1865, Mr. Curtis.

Mr. Le Duc was an indefatigable worker, both in church and Sunday school. He preached often at Spring Lake and Ravenna, and was interested in starting a Sunday school there, at the house of Mr. Conway, May 4th, 1856. Another Sun- day school was started at Bell's tavern, July 20th, and libraries were given them both by Mr. Le Duc, from Weymouth Sunday school, Massachu-

setts, on condition that they would raise five dol- lars more for another school.

Mr. LeDuc died in 1867. He was outspoken against the sin of slavery, and made enemies by his justice, humanity and courage. These how- ever could not compare with the number of his friends. He wrought for temperance also, in Has- tings, when "refreshments, tobacco and liquors were passed freely among the guests, at a funeral which he attended;" when moreover, "he found the owner of the house on making a pastoral call, in bed intoxicated, his wife in bed sick, and a lodger present, whose nose had been lost in a fight of the night before."

Hastings, in 1856, was in need of clergymen, for its moral condition and atmosphere, like that of most river towns, was polluted with wickedness. There has been a great change since that time, and verily those who were instrumental in its working, shall have their reward.

The ministers of the first Presbyterian church in Hastings were as follows: Rev. Charles Sum- ner Le Duc, 1855-1867; Rev. John W. Ray, 1867- 1872: Rev. Harlan Page Welton, 1872-1875; Rev. Alexander Telford; 1875-1878; Rev. John Barnett Donaldson, 1878. The church has now an adult membership of 200, and perhaps a few more. In the various Sabbath schools in which the members of this church are engaged there are about 300. Vermillion chapel and Spring Lake schools being superintended by mem- bers of this church. Vermillion chapel was mainly built by contributions from this church, but is required to be held for the use of all in that portion of the city. A flourishing Reform Club meets there every Friday. The present house of worship was commenced in 1876, and the lecture room was occupied in November of that year. The auditorium was first used November, 1880, and was dedicated on the twenty-fifth anniver- sary of the organization of the church, viz: Jan- uary 27th, 1881. The building is of two stories, the lower one of which is of stone entirely above ground, containing lecture and class-rooms, study and parlor. The upper story is of brick, has an inclined floor, seats four hundred, which can be increased to five hundred, and was built at a cost of about $15,000, of which amount Stephen Gardner contributed one-fourth. It is well filled every Sabbath. The parsonage is just beside the

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church, and will probably be replaced soon by a better building. A spire of good proportions and a great organ for the church are also to be pro- vided.

THE CHURCH OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS.

May 27th, 1857, block 30, of the city of Hast- ings, was donated to the Roman Catholic church by Messrs. Sibley, Le Duc, and Bailly's. The Catholics of Point Douglas and Hastings pe- titioned Bishop Cretin, who was the first bishop at St. Paul, for a church, and in accordance the bishop sent a raft of lumber to Hastings. Lum- ber being at that time very scarce, some of the early settlers appropriated this raft for their own use to build shanties. The bishop not being dis- couraged, sent another raft, and a church 30x50 feet in size was built on the property. It was named the Church of the Guardian Angels, the feast, according to Roman Catholics, being on the 6th of October. Father McMann was sent to take charge of the parish and remained until 1859, when he was removed and Father T. Murry was sent in his place. He remained in charge until 1860 and then returned to Stillwater, his old parish, Father Joseph Coffey being the next to officiate 'for about one year. Father Francis Hurth was the next priest, and under his pastor- ship the present church was built. In 1865, the building was commenced, and is built of stone, 45x100 feet, with a sanctuary 25x30 feet, situated in lot 1, block 30, completed in 1868. Father Hurth returned to France, and Rev. J. B. Hal- ton was appointed, under whose care the parish now is. The parish numbers 1,000, and is in a flourishing condition. The old church is now used for a school. In 1865, a residence for the priest was built adjoining the church, and about a year after was destroyed by fire. In 1875, a new one was erected, where it now is, on lot 2, block 30.

St. Boniface German Catholic church was or- ganized October 6th, 1869, Rev. George Sherrer, of St. Paul, officiating until April 1st, 1880. In 1872 he removed to Hastings and became resident pastor. Father Cornelius Wittman succeeded him and is the present parish priest. The founda- tions for the church were laid in the fall of 1869 and the edifice was completed and dedicated No- vember 1st, 1870. The St. Boniface convent was

located at Hastings through the efforts of the St. Boniface church. The congregation is large and among its members may be found some of the leading citizens of Hastings and surrounding country.

CEMETERIES.

Hastings has five cemeteries, located within and near the city. Oakwood, Lakeside, St. Luke's, Hastings and St. Boniface.

LAKESIDE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of ladies was held May 4th, 1867, for the purpose of forming a cemetery association. Mrs. E. R. Le Duc was elected president; Mrs. M. A. Van Hoesen, secretary; Mrs. J. M. Allen, treasurer. Trustees: Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Van Hoesen, Mrs. Le Duc, Mrs. Heath. The cemetery was located on the south-west quarter of section 21, on the south shore of Lake Rebecca. This is a beautiful spot and one well adapted to the purpose for which it was selected. The land was purchased in April, 1868, and is about seventeen acres in extent. The first interments were three children of A. W. Gardner, removed from Oakwood cemetery. There are now about 260 laid to rest in this beau- tiful spot.

St. Luke's Parish Cemetery. May 9th, 1856, Abraham Truax, donated five acres of land in the south-west quarter of section 34, to the par- ish of St. Luke, for the purpose of a cemetery, to be governed by the officers of the church. The first body buried in this cemetery, was that of Mrs. Hetherington, in May, 1856; since then there have been one hundred and twenty-five in- terments. Rev. Wilcoxson states that he has seen graves where now Vermillion street is, and buried a Mrs. Baldwin, where Bailly street used to be, showing that the early settlers had no reg- ular burying ground, but used places most con- venient.

St. Boniface Cemetery. This associaton was organized in December, 1870, with V. Boor, pres- ident; N. F.W.Kranz, secretary; T. Kimm, treas- urer .. Three acres of land were purchased, lo- cated in the south-west quarter of section 34. The ground was surveyed and platted by Wil- liams. A child of J. P. Keffler was the first to be interred in this cemetery. There are now about one hundred bodies in this burial ground.

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The Hastings cemetery is located in the north- west quarter of section 33, on land then owned by P. Stowell, who had the grounds surveyed and platted by W. Van Duzee in June, 1865. This was a private enterprise, inaugurated by Stowell. The property is now owned by Mrs. John Byers. There have been about one hun- dred and fifty interments in this cemetery.

Oakwood cemetery. This association was or- ganized June 7th, 1856. J. S. Archibald was elected president; E. D. Ayers, secretary. The same year, they purchased fifteen acres of land in the south-east quarter of section 20. The name Oakwood, on account of a very fine grove of oaks which was situated on the land was selected. The cemetery was surveyed and platted in 1856. The last meeting of the original organization was held June 7th, 1861. In May, 1873, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing under the special law, approved in 1871, and the amending act passed in 1873. C. P. Adams was elected president; John Peller, secretary; and Charles Strauss, treasurers. The present officers are: C. P. Adams, president; L. Eyre, secretary; P. Schmith, treasurer; C. Oestrich, M. Fisher, W. Sonderman, L. Eyre and P. Schmith, trustees.

CHAPTER XLIV.

HASTINGS AFTER THIRTY YEARS -- BUSINESS HOUSES-PRESENT GROWTH.

- The transformation of a wild, lonesome region in the wilderness, into one inhabited, cultivated and adorned, has now been traced. But after thirty years, Hastings bears no outward evidences of that transformation. It appears to the eye as if having been endowed with perpetual prosperity and as if having always existed in the same form as to-day. A city of nearly four thousand in- habitants, well built and rarely exceeded in beau- ty of situation, it is a type of western achieve- ment. In less than half the allotted life of a man it has risen, through a permanent and substantial progress, to its present proportions and condi- tions.

Of its situation much admiration has been ex- pressed. With the advent of white men in its vi- cinity the prediction arose, both among them and among the natives, that here a city would one day be built. The Mississippi river, bending at this point, until its course is for a short distance east, gave the locality all the advantage of inland navigation, and the Vermillion river, with its water-power and fertile lands, afforded desirable habitations for men along its banks, while back of the gently rising slopes on which Hastings rests, rolled away to the western horizon, the beautiful and prolific prairies.

The imprint of nature was too legible to be misread, so the city was built and the prophecy justified.

The town proper is built upon a limestone for- mation, which extends backward and upward from the Mississippi in three principal benches. Nature has thus made the spot easily accessible from the outlying districts.

These three inclined benches, moreover, add much to the beauty of the city, and of the pros- pect from it. From the highest of these eleva- tions the scene is extended up and down the Mis- sissippi, and lying below, and on the opposite bank of the river, one may see the few clustered houses that survive the early settlement at Point Douglas, and still further down the picturesque village of Prescott. The latter crowns the bluff at the mouth of the St. Croix, and when viewed from Hastings, seems possessed of an enchant- ment, which is wholly lent by distance and the beauty of its situation.

Many residences have been built upon these elevations at Hastings, as well as churches and school-houses. The county buildings occupy the crest of the second rise from the river and are near to the business portion of the city. This latter portion is confined almost wholly to Second and Vermillion streets, the streets being grouped as follows: First street runs east and west, along the levee, and parallel with the Mississippi .. Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, etc., the numbers continue, while those streets running north and south, or at right angles with the Mississippi and the numbered streets are given names, as Ram- sey, Sibley, Vermillion and Forest. The streets last mentioned, pass directly over the ridges on which the city is built, while the numbered

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streets run along their sides or crests, yet the whole surface is so uneven that the numbered streets also wind over ridges, especially at their western extremities. Second street running along the crest of a gentle rise from the river, is level and smooth, as if nature had designed this sys- tem of terraces in anticipation of the needs of the future. The limestone underlying the whole city is occasionally used for building purposes, though not to such an extent as formerly. Much taste has been shown in the architecture of many residences and business blocks, and the whole air and animus of the town is that of thorough-going and permanent activity.

As previously stated, the city limits include not only the town proper, but also a considerable tract of country, in which are some fertile farms. These are principally outside the rock ranges, in open land, which is highly productive. Through- out this farming region, no less than where are now the streets of the city, great changes have been wrought in thirty years. In the city itself, methods and means of education have been greatly enlarged and improved, churches have continued steadily in growth, and manufactures and their kindred interests have increased. But before advancing to an account of these, it is proper to make some mention of the business houses which have succeeded those established long ago, and mentioned in a preceding chapter.

Among the oldest business men of Hastings, and the oldest representatives in their line, are Eyre Brothers, 254 Second street. They carry a general stock of dry-goods, clothing, and boots and shoes. Dan E. Eyre was the original pro- prietor and established the house in 1857. In 1872 the firm became Eyre Brothers and Oliver and in 1878, Eyre Brothers. Messrs. Eyre and Yanz have also a branch store at Ortonville.

The New York Store, 260 Second street, was established November 20th, 1879, by Messrs. Beokmeier, Stern and Rude. These gentlemen bought out the dry-goods. clothing and notion stock, formerly owned by Mr. M. Marx, and ex- tended the sales-room formerly occupied by him. Some wholesale trade has been built up by the new firm.

H. Gillitt established a general dry goods and clothing store at Hastings in 1870. Until 1876, he also carried a full line of groceries. Mr.

Gillett has a capital of over $20,000 invested in his mercantile business, and has a large retail trade.

Meyer, Whitman and Frye, 267, 269 and 271 Second street, have a most complete stock of dry goods, hats, caps, clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods. In this line they occupy a large double store, with forty-four feet front and seventy-five feet depth. The firm established itself in business September 5th, 1877, and in August, 1880, established a branch store at Still- water. Early in 1881 they took possession of the stand formerly occupied by A. Lebon, jeweler, and are now offering a general stock of jewelry and plate in addition to their other goods. This firm is composed of young men who have carved out their own success, independently of outside aid.

In 1858, Thorne, Norrish and Company opened a stock of dry goods, clothing and carpets at Hastings, and continued in business until 1864, when John F. Norrish became sole proprietor. Mr. Norrish built the brick block which he now occupies, in 1867.

E. M. Everson, 244 Second street, established a dry goods, millinery and fancy goods store at Hastings, October 1st. 1880. Mr. Everson was formerly engaged in business at Lake City, and continued a branch store there for some time after his removal to Hastings.

The oldest exclusive millinery and fancy goods store in the town is that of William Morehouse, established by Miss Sarah E. Van Auken, now Mrs. Morehouse, in 1865. From eight to twelve assistants are employed at this establishment, No. 261 Second street.

Mrs. Charles Pearson. 273 Second street, es- tablished a millinery and ladies' furnishing store, not long after, or in 1868. Mrs. Pearson em- ploys from five to ten assistants.

The leading merchant tailor of the city is Charles Knocke, who learned his trade in Ger- many, and later located in his calling at St. Paul. In 1869, he established himself at Hastings, where he does custom work exclusively, employing four experienced hands. Mr. Knocke's place of busi- ness is on Vermillion street, near Second.

In the line of groceries and provisions, Jacob Yanz, No. 79 Second street, has the largest trade, it being mainly wholesale. In 1865, the firm of Yanz and Bronson was established, which be-

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came, soon afterward, Jacob and Frank Yanz. In 1870, Jacob Yanz became sole proprietor, his brother entering business, as follows.

Frank Yanz opened a stock of groceries, crockery, glassware and liquors, in 1870, on the corner of Second and Ramsey streets. In 1876, he built the "Centennial block," a large, three- story, brick building, having forty-four feet front, and extending ninety feet in the rear. Mr. Yanz carries stock to the value of about $20,000.

Charles Mather, also, has a large and growing trade in groceries and crockery, having entered upon this line of business, on Second street, in May, 1877.

No. 247, Second street, is occupied by J. H. Twichell and Company, general grocers, who founded their trade in 1879. For seven years previous to that date, Mr. Twichell had been connected with William B. Reed and Company, who were bought out by the present firm.

Peter Schmith, 219 and 221 Second street, car- ries a large stock of groceries, glassware, crock- ery and feed. He established himself in the grocery business in 1874. and owns the large double brick store which he now occupies.

March 14th, 1881, C. J. and H. V. Meloy em- barked in the staple and fancy grocery trade, under the name of Meloy Brothers. They have their store on Second street, in the block built by D. E. Eyre, and now owned by J. C. Meloy.

On Vermillion street there are several grocery houses, among which is that of Reed and Oliver. In 1876, P. J. Reed bought out one-half interest of Jacob Thompson, who had previously been located there, and, in 1878, purchased the remain- ing interest. Oliver became interested the same year, since which time the firm has continued as Reed and Oliver.

Graus and Company, grocers, have a store on Vermillion street, near Fourth. The original firm was established in 1874. In 1876 it became Graus and Son; in 1880, Schaubel and Graus, and in 1881, the old name of Graus and Company was resumed.

Jacob Mares, Vermillion street, between Fourth and Fifth, has a general line of groceries, provisions and crockery, having established him- self in trade in April, 1877.

P. Griffin, near Mares, established in 1870,

carries a stock of boots and shoes in addition to groceries.

On the opposite side of Vermillion street is the grocery store of John Dudley, established in 1870. Dudley also does a large lumber business at Hastings, though himself a resident of Minneap- olis.

The exclusive dealers in boots and shoes at Hastings are but two. Nelson M. Chase, No. 262 Second street, was established in trade, in 1877, since which time his business has largely increased. A repair shop is attached to his store.

C. E. Thurston and Company, 246 Second street, were established at Hastings, in September, 1879. The company have a branch store at Lake City, as well as at Hastings, the leading house being located at St. Paul.

Peter Smith, 256 Second street, is the pioneer jeweler of the county. October 27th, 1855, he opened a trade in watches and jewelry, on Ram- sey street. He built and owns his present brick store, which is eighty by twenty feet in its dimen- sions.

The pioneer stationer is W. P. Stanley, who began business in this line at Hastings May 18th, 1856. His sales-room is 120 feet in length, oc- cupying the ground floor of the brick block, which he built and owns.

J. B. Lambert, 266 Second street, established a trade in books, paper-hangings, stationery and fancy articles, some time during the year 1871. Mr. Lambert makes musical instruments and merchandise a specialty, being himself a practi- cal musician. Music Hall, on Second street, built in 1877 by Charles Strauss as proprietor, and for musical and theatrical purposes, is at present under Mr. Lambert's management.

In 1855, H. Butturff began business at Hast- ings as furniture dealer and undertaker. In 1864, he began the manufacture of sash, doors and furniture, but sold out this branch of his business in 1878. He still continues in the general furni- ture line, on Second street, near Vermillion.

J. G. Mertz, 247 Second street, is also under- taker and general dealer in furniture and uphol- stered goods, having established himself at Hast- ings in 1879.

The oldest established hardware house is that on Second street, and of which B. Pringle is manager. The original founder was H. H.

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Pringle, who began business in Hastings in 1857.

Johnson and Greiner, corner of Vermillion and Fourth streets, became associated in the hard- ware business in the fall of 1876, the year pre- vious, A. L. Johnson having been engaged alone. This firm makes specialties of cutlery, me- chanics' tools, and the manufacture of tinware. Their trade is both wholesale and retail.

W. H. Getts, corner of Second and Vermillion streets, bought out the hardware stock of J. P. McHugh, in February. 1881.

In April following, Messrs. Conklin and Whit- man established themselves in the trade at No. 77 Second street.

In 1880, A. H. Gilkey, a practical plumber, es- tablished a store on Vermillion street, where pumps, wind-mills, hose, sewer-pipe, and all plumbers' articles, are made specialties.

Agricultural implements are offered by John Rhodes and Company at their establishment, on the corner of Second and Vermillion streets; by A. H. Truax, directly opposite, and by John Van . Slyke.

The oldest established drug store in the city is that established by Dr. J. E. Finch, in 1860. Since 1874, the firm has been Finch and Son, and in 1880, Finch's block was erected on the corner of Second and Sibley streets. It is three-stories high, and is built of St. Louis pressed brick, and trimmed with Frontenac stone. The store which occupies the first floor, is the finest in the state, with full plate glass front, black-walnut and but- ter-nut finishings. and a laboratory and dis- pensary.

Thorne and Norrish. 270 Second street, estab- lished themselves as druggists in November, 1879. Dr. Thorne is a practicing physician, one of the oldest in Hastings.

Noesen and Funk, druggists, removed from Red Wing to Hastings in January, 1880. They have been associated in business since 1871.

There are a few other business interests in Hastings, mostly of a more private character, but which contribute to the activity of the city. The manufacturing and other interests of the town are treated with sufficient fullness in the preceding chapters. The list of business houses given above, serves to show that Hastings is a city of large recent growth. Many of the firms just mentioned have been established within two

or three years, and where the new firm has been successor to another, the business has been in- variably enlarged and extended. The present growth of the city also, is a proper subject of comment. Several blocks are in process of erec- tion, including the Masonic block on Sibley street, near Second. Several new and elegant residences have recently been built, and others are, at present, succeeding them. The formation of the Dakota County Building Association, with a capital stock of $300,000, which is to be applied to building purposes, will undoubtedly aid much in the improvement of the city. This association was formed in January, 1881, and is already proven a successful enterprise. Among other indications of developement, also, a rail- road connection between Hastings and Stillwa- ter, is contemplated, and a company consisting of several of the leading business men of Hast- tings, has been incorporated for the purpose of effecting such connection. Should the new road be built, what with the river and Hastings and Dakota divisions of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company, which now have a junction there, Hastings would receive a new impetus in the direction of railroad importance. Much wealth has been accumulated in the town and there is no lack of capital to minister to its prosperity. While it may never become a colos- sal city, such as nature never designed it to be, from its situation, it will progress in growth, and increase in fortune, slowly perhaps, but with sure steps as in the past.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 51

Author: J. Fletcher Williams Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: J. Fletcher Williams
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: