History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 58

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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The Presbyterians commenced building a brick church this vear. The outer walls were finished and the roof completed when the winter set in. The interior was finished, furnished with a bell and dedicated the following summer. This pioneer

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church still remains on the corner of Sixth street and East ave- nue and serves the purpose of its founders.

The spring of 1857 was backward in its approaches, but it brought a larger number of new citizens to the town and county than during any previous year. The work of building new houses and stores was pushed with vigor through most of this season. The financial crisis which prevailed throughout the country began to be felt in full measure here toward the close of 1857. The stringency in the money market did not check the growth of this new city entirely. A high rate of interest was allowed for the use of money. but the farmers were raising golden wheat. Large quantities of that product found a market here. Wheat buyers were in the street ready to meet teams as they entered, and prepared to pay cash for the loads. Wheat drawn by oxen from fifty and even 100 miles away was marketed here in the early days. This caused a demand for a repository for money, and the first bank in the county was opened here by Pascal Smith under the name of Smith, Meigs & Co. It was this year that, by an act of the territorial legislature, a charter was granted to the citizens of Red Wing for a city form of government. The first charter election was also held this year and resulted in the election of J. C. Weatherby as mayor and James Lawther, F. F. Hoyt and Charles Beers as councilmen. The same year another weekly newspaper commenced its publication. under the name the "Red Wing Republican." The first number was dated Sep- tember 4, 1857, and Lneins F. Hubbard was editor and proprietor. A convention had been held in St. Paul to frame a constitution for the new state in order to be admitted into the Union at the next session of congress. The work of that convention having just been completed, the full copy of that constitution was pub- lished in the initial number of the "Red Wing Republican." The first regular convention of the Republican party was held in Red Wing. September 1 of the same year. Until this time party polities had made very little show in the county. The paper which had been published every week since August, 1855, the "Sentinel," was a newspaper which served the wants and neces- sities of all the people, but it was well known that its editor was a Democrat in national politics. As a matter of course, when Minnesota should become a state the former party affiliations would become manifest. This first Republican convention was presided over by William Stanton as chairman. and H. L. Bevans acted as secretary. Hon. Charles MeClure made the principal speech at the convention. A full ticket was nominated. The Democrats held a party convention also and nominated a strict party ticket. The latter ticket was sanctioned by a vote of the

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people with one exception. Since that time until the present the Republican party has generally been victorious.

In 1857 came a great impetus to building activity. Previous to this year ent-stone used for door and window sills in brick structures had to be imported from St. Paul, and lime for plas- tering was imported from down the river. Phineas S. Fish made the first experiment of producing lime from the stone in Barn bluff this year. The article he produced was considered inferior and he did not continue the work.

One of the most important events of the early days of Red Wing was the burning of the Galena, July 3, 1858. Notwith- standing the dull times in reference to business matters through- ont the country on account of the money panic, many new build- ings were added to the city this year. The contract for building a court house and jail was let in June. The work on the founda- tion was soon after begun and pushed on until winter set in. A goodly number of professional men, mechanies and laborers were added to the permanent population. Immigration from the old country increased. Stages began to run in various directions. roads and bridges were constructed to accommodate travelers and visitors. After harvest. wheat began to pour in for sale, and wheat buyers multiplied. The custom of having free public lec- tures was inaugurated in the fall, and continued throughout the winter from November to April, about two lectures a month being given. These lectures were given for the most part by men who resided here. This enstom prevailed up to the beginning of the Civil War and added much to the social and intellectual enjoyment of the people. Occasionally the lecture appointment was filled by some one outside the city. Among the latter were Bayard Taylor. J. G. Holland and Edward Eggleston.

June 16, 1859, was made memorable by the first graduating exercises of Hamline University. In connection with these exer- vises it might be mentioned that the first music teacher in Red Wing was Harriet Kellogg, now Mrs. JJesse M. Hodgman. She gave lessons on the piano in 1856 and for several years following was the only teacher in that line. The first teachers in singing were Hiram Middaugh, S. A. Hart, C. L. Davis and J. C. Hawes.

A projeet was set on foot here at an early date to improve the methods of communication with the country further west. navigation of Cannon river. The plan was never consummated, though an act of incorporation was obtained from the legislature.

H. B. Wilson, in his recollections, says of the early stores in Red Wing: "The early stores consisted of various sorts and varieties. Gambia & Smith were among the first. Their store was on the west side of Jordan, near the river, and occupied the

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present site of the C., M. & St. P. railroad station. It was above this store that the preparatory department of Hamline Univer- sity was opened by the Rev. Jabez Brooks. November 16, 1854. About the same time, MI. B. Lewis and Charley Beers conducted a warehouse on Levee street. J. C. Weatherby and H. L. Bevans had stores on Main street. But the principal store in Red Wing in 1858 was kept by MeIntire & Sheldon. It stood on the east side of Bush street, between Main and Levee streets, nearly opposite the St. James Hotel, the building having been long since de- stroved by fire. In this store was purchased everything that the families of Red Wing ate or drank or wore. One could buy anything from a steamboat anchor to a mouse trap, and Mrs. C. J. F. Smith says she bought her wedding dress there. In this store were a number of clerks who afterward became prominent citizens. They were Thomas F. Towns (bookkeeper), Jesse Hodgman, Sidney Allen and T. B. McCord. MeIntire & Sheldon conducted the store until about the beginning of the war, and then sold out to T. K. Simmons, who made a fortune out of the war rise in prices. The first book store in Red Wing was kept by E. P. Lowater in a story and a half building at the corner of Main and Bush streets, the site on which the St. James now stands. Mr. Lowater was at one time postmaster and the mail was distributed from his store.

Following is a business directory of Red Wing, published in 1869: Attorneys-P. Sandford, 65 Main street : Phelps & Tabor, corner Main and Bush streets; J. C. MeClure; Postoffice block, Bush street ; Wilder & Williston, Main street; Parker & Hoyt, Postoffice block, Bush street : William Colvill, Postoffice block, Bush street ; R. B. Smithers, Postoffice block, Bush street ; Sturges & Hodgson, corner of Main and Bush streets; Ives & Skillman, corner Main and Bush streets; B. B. Herbert, corner Main and Bush streets; William R. Snider, Republican office. Auctioneers -- B. W. Bixby. Main street ; E. Enz, Main street. Agricultural implements-Alley & Rockwell, Bush street; E. W. Brook, Main street ; R. II. Downing, Plum street ; C. Betcher & Co .. Main street; E. L. Baker. Main street: M. Herschler & Co., Levee street. Books and stationery-E. P. Lowater, corner of Main and Bush streets ; Jones & Cole, Bush street. Banks-First National, cor- ner Main and Plum streets; Pierce. Simmons & Co., Main street. Barbers-Eli Field. Postoffice block. Billiards-Webster Bros., Music Hall block; Fred Kerns. 62 Main street: J. Christ, Main street; J. White. 71 Main street. Bakers-B. W. Bixby. 73 Main street : John Kuhn, Pluum street ; Jones & Co., Bush street. Brew- eries-William Heising, corner Bush and Fifth street: J. Haw- kins. Bush street; Mrs. P. Hawkins, Main street: John Landon,

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Main street ; John Hartman, Featherstone road. Builders-Booth Bros., Bush street ; D. C. Hill, Main street. Clothing-W. Eisen- brand, Main street ; A. Gross, Bush street; John Norquist, Bush street; Julius Elson, Bush street; Wilkinson & Hodgman, Main street. Cigar factory-Il. Pamperin, Main street. Boots and shoes-G. R. Sterling & Co., corner Main and Plum streets ; John Hisler, Phun street; John Friedrich. Main street : T. B. and B. F. Sheldon, Main street ; Charles Wilson, Main street; A. J. Meacham, Main street; Welchman & Blakely, Bush street; Sim- mons, Olson, Bush & Co., Main street; A. Thomas, Main street; C. Clauson, Plum street. Groceries-John Friedrich, Main street : H. A. Park, Main street; O. B. Dodge & Co., Main street; Wil- kinson & Ilodgman, Main street; E. Enz, Main street; J. F. Wright, Main street; Sexton Veeder, Plum street; S. C. Skinner & Co., Plum street; J. N. Wyer. Main street ; Simmons, Olson, Bush & Co., Main street: A. B. Hawley, Main street; Bevans & Parker, Bush street; Welchman & Blakely, Bush street; Andrew Johnson, Bush street; C. Carlson & Co., Plum street; Charles Wilson, Plum street; A. Thomas, Main street, S. C. Skinner, Plum street. Hardware-C. Betcher, Main street; E. L. Baker, Main street ; Towne & Wilkinson, Main street; J. S. Allyn, Plum street. Harness shops-G. R. Sterling & Co., Main street; E. F. Watson, Main street; L. C. Smith, Plum street. Hotels-Metro- politan, Levee street ; National. corner Broad and Third streets; Lyon House. Plum street; Goodhne House, Plum street; Union House, Plum street; Exchange House. Bush street; Hickman House, Bush street; Scandinavian House, Potter street. Insur- ance agents-P. Sandford, 65 Main street ; Williston & Joss, Main street. Jewelers-E. P. Lowater, Main street; J. W. Peterson, Main street ; Lindquist Bros .. Plum street. Livery stables-Ray- mond & Wright, Plum street; Burpee & Hanson, Plum street; W. L. Webster & Co., Main street. Leather and findings-G. R. Sterling & Co., Main street. Lumber dealers-Howe. Graves & Co., Main street ; Cogel & Betcher, Main street; Daniels & Sim- mons, West avenue. Milliners-Mrs. S. E. Charles. Bush street ; Miss Patterson, Main street. Meat markets-Paul Wallauer, Bush street: J. O. Dow, Main street; G. Breyer. Plum street ; Braeber & Remshardt, Plum street; N. Lundquist. Plum street. Physicians-A. B. Hawley. Main street; Sweney & Hoyt, Bush street ; C. N. Hewitt. Main street ; E. S. Parker, Fifth street. Print- ing offices-"Republican," newspaper and job office, corner Plum and Main streets: "Argus." newspaper and job office, Plum street. Boots and shoes-George Kissinger, Thomas MeSorley. ('. Heddrich, Main street; John Dunnell. Plum street: P. Carlson, Plum street. Blacksmiths-J. F. Schartze, Plum street ; M. Neagle. Phuum street : Lorgen & Peterson, Plum street; John

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Gorman, Plum street. Brass foundry-Brown Bros., Fourth street. Gunsmiths-Brown Bros., Fourth street; Lovgren & Pe- terson, Fifth street. Crockery-Thomas McSorley, Main street. Dry goods-John Friedrich. Main street: J. G. Diepenbrock, Main street; Richter Bros., Main street; C. Berg, Main street; T. B. and B. F. Sheldon, Main street; Charles Wilson, Main street; A. J. Meacham, Main street; J. C. Weatherby, Main street ; Julius Elson, Main street ; Andrew Johnson, Bush street ; Bevans & Parker. Bush street; Welchman & Blakely, Bush street ; Simmons, Olson, Bush & Co., Main street; Mrs. P. C. Hall, fancy store, Bush street; Wilkinson & Hodgman, Main street; A. Thomas, Main street; C. Clauson & Co .. Plum street; Thomas McSorley, Main street. Drugs and medicines-Jones & Cole, Bush street; A. B. Hawley, Main street; J. Wyer, Main street. Dentist-II. F. Wilkinson, Main street. Eating house-B. W. Bixby. Main street; Adam Shore, Main street. Express offices -- A. M. U., on Levee. Furniture dealers-E. K. Sparrell, Main street ; S. Butturf, Bush street ; Jacob Keyser, Third street ; Haw- kin Oleson, Fourth street ; Andrew Cook, Main street. Foundries -Densmore Bros., Levee street; Brown Bros., Fourth street. Flouring mills-Hawley & Hastings. Forwarding and commis- sion-T. B. Sheldon, Levee; M. Herschler, Levee; James Warner, Levee; Hubbard & Brown. Levee; P. B. Mann, Levee; H. C. Hoffman. Levee; F. R. Sterritt, F. R. Ives & Co., Levee; F. A. Carlson & Co., Levee. Flour and feed-S. C. Skinner, Plum street : E. Alley. Plum street ; Kellogg. Bush street; Armstrong, Bush street : Danielson & Bowman, Main street : Cogel & Betcher, Main street. Fanning mills-Ashton & Purdy. Bush street ; C. Betcher & Co .. Main street. Our Friend and Companion and Good Templar. at "Argus" office. Photographers-W. W. Washburn, Bush street; Sumner & Berg. Main street; Kellogg. Main street. Planing mills-D. C. Hill, Main street; Cogel & Beteher. Levee. Paint shops-W. E. Hawkins. Bush street; G. W. Davis, Park street ; W. HI. Wellington, Dakota street. Real estate dealers-P. Sandford, 65 Main street ; J. C. Pierce, Main street. Pump manufacturer-Carpenter & Quale. Levee street. Shingle and saw mills-Howe, Graves & Co., Levee street ; Cogel & Betcher, Levee street. Telegraph offices-Northwestern, Music Hall block : Mississippi Valley, Music Hall block. Variety stores -E. P. Lowater. Wagon shops-Lovgren & Peterson, Fifth street ; P. & N. Ilickman, Bush street: S. A. Freestedt. Plum street ; F. F. Schutze, Plum street ; M. & J. Kappel. Third street. Wines and liquors-John Friedrich. Main street; J. Batlo, Plum street ; J. I. Wyer, Main street ; A. B. Hawley. Main street ; Tobial Nullesbach, Plum street.

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RED WING REMEMBERED.

When Red Wing led his dusky band Through what was then Dakota land But now is Minnesota, In picking out a village site, For commerce great or money's might, Ile cared not one iota.

But, savage chieftain as he was, He well deserves a sketch by Boz, Or other able writer; Not for the feathers that he wore To signify his thirst for gore Or prowess as a fighter.

But all who view the lovely spot, Where teepees were which now are not, Will say from sense of duty : Old Red Wing knew a thing or two, Though void of culture, and a Sioux. He had an eye for beauty.

He saw a landscape passing fine, Tinted and framed by hands divine. And failed not to admire it ; He saw a charming place to rest When winter hunts had lost their zest, Nor vainly did desire it.

Beside the Mississippi blue, Year after year his tents anew Were pitched, and Red Wing's village Sprang up like crocuses at morn, Or like the blades of Indian corn To which the squaws gave tillage.

The hills arose in grandeur high, The mighty river flowing by Well mirrored the Great Spirit ; It showed his smile, the sunshine bright,- His frown, the storm cloud like a night So dark that braves might fear it.

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

The arch o'er Red Wing's summer home Was higher than St. Peter's dome, And lit with heaven's tapers,- The stars, aflash with diamond sheen, Than which more glorious ne'er was seen Since fled creation's vapors.

Before the words, "Let there be light," The King of Day and Queen of Night Ushered into the places Which they have held from age to age, While monarchs on earth's shifting stage Llave hid in dust their faces.

And Red Wing brave has passed away Like potentates of wider sway, And cruelty, and pillage ; llis trail is covered by the years Of peace and war, of thrift and tears; And what of Red Wing's village?

The landscape shows divinely fair The beauty that it used to wear On hill and vale and river : The ether clear makes background yet For sun and moon and stars that set A poet's heart aquiver.

Where rose the wigwam's curling smoke, The factories' fume of coal and coke Ascends in mighty pillars : The whir of mills is daily heard Where leaped the fawn and sang the bird When squaws alone were millers.

Now mansions rise where tents were spread, A growing "City of the Dead" Bears witness to the living That toil and strife must sometime cease, That life is held by doubtful lease, For getting or for giving.

But while the kilns of potteries burn, And while the wheels of traffic turn, To strenuous life inciting.

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Let none forget what Red Wing saw When spelling out the higher law Of Manitou's handwriting.

JULIA B. NELSON, Red Wing, Min.

CHAPTER XXX.

THROUGH FIFTY-TWO YEARS.

Principal Events in the Government of Red Wing Since Its In- corporation-List of Mayors, Aldermen and Other Officers- Railroads, Telegraph, Street car and Other Franchises -- Sewerage System-Water Works-Fire Department-Public Buildings - Bonds and Improvements - Memorials - Red Wing Township-Veterans.

1857-58- The first meeting of a city council in the city of Red Wing was held May 25. 1857. The records contain the following report of this meeting: "The city council of Red Wing met ac- cording to notice. Present were : J. C. Weatherby, mayor; F. F. Hoyt and Charles W. Beers, councilors, and S. A. Bevans, clerk. On motion of Councilor Beers the council proceeded to ballot for a city attorney, whereupon William Colvill, Jr., having received all the votes, was duly declared city attorney of Red Wing On motion of Councilor Beers, Conneilor Hoyt and the city attorney · were appointed to draft rules and by-laws for the government of the council. On motion the conneil adjourned to Monday, June 8. 1857-J. C. Weatherby, mayor; S. A. Bevans, city clerk." At the next meeting in addition to the above mentioned, Councilor Lauver handed in his resignation, and James Lawther was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy. William Rock was elected city en- gineer for one year, I. H. Brand and B. Brundage city assessors. D. S. Merritt city printer. James D. Chamberlain city treasurer. At the meeting on June 15 F. F. Philleo was elected city marshal.

1858-59-The election was held April 6. 1858. with the result that the following officers were declared elected : Mayor. William Freeborn ; councilmen. S. S. Grannis. Seth Washburn and Joshua Ashton. Owing. however. to the fact that the votes counted were in excess of the names checked. there was considerable question as to the legality of the election. The councilmen were sworn in April 9, and on April 12 William Freeborn took his seat as mayor, the judicial opinion sought being to the effect that the election was legal. Charles MeClure was appointed attorney. Ben A. Cox city marshal. J. F. Chamberlin treasurer and Francis Ives clerk.

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Mayor Freeborn resigned in September and F. F. Philleo was chosen to fill the vacancy. In January, 1859, Hans Mattson was appointed clerk in place of Francis Ives, resigned. During this year the question of fire protection was taken up. Protection Hook and Ladder Company rendered a report showing that the following officers had been elected: Chief engineer. JJesse Meln- tire ; first assistant, R. N. McClaren ; second assistant, JJ. C. Pierce ; secretary, T. N. Lee ; treasurer, T. J. Clark.

1859-60-The city government was now well established and the question of streets and bridges became an important one for the council. as, indeed. it has remained in the years that have passed since then. During this year the liquor license was fixed at $50.00. The officers were: Mayor. Charles H. Connell ; coun- cilmen, S. S. Grannis, A. A. Whitney and C. J. F. Smith ; clerk Hans Mattson ; city printer, L. II. Hubbard ; treasurer, Frederick Jopp; marshal. John II. Brand : attorney, Charles MeClure.

1860-61-The volume of city business continued to increase and to occupy the attention of the board in many special meet- ings. The license this year was fixed at $50.00, the same as dur- ing the previous year. The officers were : Mayor, P. Vandenberg; councilmen, W. P. Brown, E. L. Baker and H. B. Wilson; clerk, P. M. Wright; marshal, M. Comstock ; treasurer, F. Ives; attor- ney, Hans Mattson; printers. Hubbard and Davis. One of the amusing features of the minutes is that the mayor evidently added an "h" to his name during his term of office. He signs himself as P. Vandenberg for several months, and then evidently takes a vacation for a few weeks, a pro-tem mayor's name being signed to the minutes. When the real mayor's signature again appears he signs his name P. Vandenbergh, having acquired the additional letter some time during his absence.

1861-62-This was the year of the outbreak of the war, and the village board was depleted from time to time by resignations. The original board consisted of the following: Mayor. E. L. Baker; councilmen, W. W. Sweney, W. W. DeKay and M. S. Chamberlin ; clerk, A. E. Weleh ; printer, Martin Maginnis; mar- shall, M. Comstock; treasurer, F. F. Hoyt; attorney. W. C. Wil- liston. April 24, 1861, the council voted to present the Goodhue Volunteers with a flag. Soon afterward A. E. Welch resigned as clerk and his place was taken by P. Sandford. E. L. Baker re- signed as mayor and his place was taken by James Lawther. V. Blumdye took the place of M. S. Chamberlin and William Lauver the place of W. W. DeKay in the council. The gallant gentlemen who thus left their places on the city board all enlisted in the army. The license fee for saloons was this year reduced to $25.

1862-63-In spite of the war the village improvements con-

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tinued to be carried on, and the streets were beginning to mul- tiply. The officers this year were: Mayor, Christopher Graham; councilmen, C. C. Johnson, James Lawther and R. N. McLaren ; clerk. W. C. Williston; treasurer, JJ. W. Hancock; attorney, P. Sandford ; surveyor, II. B. Wilson; marshal. M. Herschler ; printer, J. H. Parker, of the Goodhue "Volunteer. " In October S. S. Grannis took the place of R. N. McLaren on the council and J. H. Brand took the place of W. (. Williston as clerk, both of the gentlemen who resigned doing so for the purpose of enlisting in the army. The license fee this year remained at $25.00.

1863-64-During this year the cemetery began to occupy the attention of the board. The lots were platted, roads laid out, a financial system started, a sexton appointed and bodies ordered removed from lots which the newly laid-out roads were to cross. Resolutions and by-laws in regard to the cemetery were adopted and placed on the records. This year also a plan was adopted for surveying a railroad from Winona to St. Paul. the city offering to pay seven per cent interest to anyone who would advance money for this project. The officers this year were : Mayor, W. L. Hastings; councilmen. W. B. Brown. Francis Ives and William Howe; treasurer. J. W. Hancock ; marshal. J. II. Brand; printer, (. Il. Davis; clerk, T. J. Clark. Mr. Clark later resigned and J. II. Brand was appointed in his stead.

1864-65-A system was this year adopted whereby the coun- cilmen were to serve for three years and the three gentlemen elected drew ents as to which ones should fill the one, two and three-year terms, respectively. The justices also drew cuts to determine which should fill a one-year term and which a two-year term. The same procedure was adopted in the case of the con- stables. The officers were: Mayor, W. W. Phelps; councilmen. William E. Hawkins (one year), George Wilkinson (two years), W. P. Brown (three years) ; clerk. Robert Deakin ; printer, James H. Parker: marshal, Thomas Taylor: justices. Francis Ives (one year), James H. Parker (two years) ; treasurer, J. W. Hancock ; constables. Thomas Taylor (one year). Morris Hirschler (two years). A few days after being elected treasurer, J. W. Hancock resigned and J. C. Pierce was appointed. In November, E. F. Philleo took the place of M. Herschler as constable. At the last meeting of the board, April 3, 1864, Mr. Wilkinson, who had yet a year to serve, resigned in order that his successor might be named at the annual election, which occurred a few days later. During the term of this board the German Lutheran Church asked permission to establish a cemetery in section 31. This was refused. owing to the fact that the location suggested was likely to soon be needed for building purposes. A short time later the

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German people decided on the present location of their cemetery, and to this location the city board had no objection. Before the close of the 1864-65 term Charles MeClure resigned as attorney and W. C. Williston, who had returned from the army, was named in his place. It was this year voted to reimburse those who had contributed for the railroad survey, the amount being $700.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 58

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264