History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 43

Author: Warner, George E; Foote, Charles M., joint author; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1n; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 684

USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 43

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edgements and depositions, and do other similar duties. Of these officers there have been in Ramsey county since the admission of the state into the Union, the following: Jacob J. Noah, Edmund Rice, James W. Taylor, Orlando Si- mons, Horatio E. Mann, Wm. A. Spencer, R. F. Crowell, J. R. Jenks.

BANKRUPT COURT.

The constitution of the United States reserves to the federal government the right to pass uni- form bankrupt laws throughout the United States. On March 2, 1867, such a law was passed by con- gress. The jurisdiction in bankruptcy cases is conferred on the United States district courts, but as the act authorizes the appointment of registers in bankruptcy in each district, with cer- tain judicial powers, such registers properly fall under the head of courts.

On the passage of the bankrupt act, in 1867, Albert Edgerton, Esq., was appointed register in bankruptcy, with his office at St. Paul. He still holds the office and is engaged in winding up some unfinished business.

An important arm of the federal judiciary, is the United States marshals and the United States district attorneys. Since Minnesota has been in the Union, there have been the following named marshals of this district: W. B. Gere, C. F. Buck, Charles Eaton, Augustus Armstrong, Robert N. McLaren, and the following named United States district attorneys: Eugene M. Wilson, George A. Nourse, Henry L. Moss, C. K. Davis, W. W. Billson.

It would be a pleasure to extend the subject of the bar and courts or Ramsey county into other channels that have not been touched upon in this chapter, but we are admonished by the length the article has already attained, that we are infringing upon other and perhaps equally important topics, and should here come to an end.

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HISTORY OF RAMSEY COUNTY.

RESERVE.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

BOUNDARIES -- DESCRIPTIVE -- SETTLEMENT-

ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY- SCHOOLS -- HOTELS -- INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL- BIOGRAPHICAL.

At the date of the organization the town of "Reserve" was called "Niven," as the county records show, but was soon changed to Reserve, with the following boundaries : Commencing at the center of the Mississippi river where the section line between sections 11 and 12 running south intersect the same ; then running north to the north-east corner of section 2; then west on township line to the center of the river ; then down said river to place of beginning. The first election was held in the house of William Niven. In 1872, by an act of the legislature, sections 2 and 11 were embraced within the limits of St. Paul. The present geographical boundary of the town is, on the north by the town of Rosc, east by the city of St. Paul and the Mississippi river, south and west by the same river. The town contains six whole and seven fractional sec- tions, or about 6,400 acres of land.

The surface from the river for some eighty rods or more is quite level, to the north and east quite rolling. The soil is a rich loam with a clay sub- soil in places, in the north it becomes quite sandy. It is well adapted to the raising of all kinds of grain. With the river extending on three sides the drainage of the town is quite extensive.

A large island of about 162 acres is found at the junction of the two rivers, the Mississippi and Minnesota, with a slough connecting the space between the two streams near the railroad bridge. The island is known as " Pike Island " and is owned by William Davern; it is covered with timber with the exception of some small portions which are fine meadow land.

This island was occupied by Jean B. Faribault as a trading post for several years prior to 1825,

when the high water drove him off with a loss of all his possessions, except a few furs which he succeeded in saving.

SETTLEMENT.

The first settlers in the territory now comprised in the town of Reserve, were the Swiss from Lord Selkirk's Red River colony, who settled on the east bank of the Mississippi river on the mil- itary reservation, and after a few years residence were driven from their homes by order of the war department. An account of their settlement and expulsion is given in a previous chapter of this work.

William Finn made the first permanent settle- ment in the town of Reserve, in 1842 or '43, his memory does not serve him which year. For some time prior to his settlement, he explored the surrounding country on horseback and ex- amined the soil with a spade, in order to find the most promising location for agriculture and wa- ter supply. After searching over the larger part of the present town of Reserve, he decided to settle on his present location, and accordingly made his claim on section 4, bordering on the line of the original military reservation. Here he has since remained, engaged in farming.

Samuel J. Findley came from Prairie du Chien and lived in a small house opposite Fort Snelling, near the new bridge across the Mississippi. Findley did not make any improvements beyond building his house, and was not engaged in farm- ing, but had charge of the ferry across the river. The date of his arrival is uncertain, but it was prior to 1846, as he was married in that year at his house, to Margaret, daughter of Peter and Mary Quinn, settlers on the west bank of the river. The ferry house occupied by Findley is still standing.

Several French families settled along the river previous to 1850. Owing to the greater part of this town being retained by the government as a part of the Fort Snelling reservation, and no one being allowed to reside within its limits without permission of the authorities, it was not settled very fast until after this restriction was . removed. In 1850, when it became evident that the reservation was to be reduced and that part east of the Mississippi thrown open to settlement people began to come in, taking their chances on

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being allowed to remain. William Davern came that year and made a claim of 160 acres on sec- tion 16, which has since been his home. He has been foremost in promoting the interests of the town, and during the session of legislature, 1857 -'58, of which he was a member, named the town Reserve.

R. Knapheide and John Smith settled on sec- tion 15; Isaac Rose located on section 8. After these came Mr. McGregor, Mr. Williams, John Kent, John Kennedy, John Donnelly and George Carter. W. E. Brimhall settled on the west half of section 10, in 1852, and has since been a resi- dent of the town. He is now engaged principally in the culture of fruits and berries.

William Crosby located on section 15, in 1855. Others came about this time who have since re- moved, and the dates of arrival and locations oc- cupied, can not now be ascertained. After the reduction of the military ·reservation took place in 1853, the town settled up very rapidly and soon all the more desirable locations were occupied and the town began to assume the appearance of an old-settled community. The nearness to St. Paul, where a ready market is found for all products, has induced many to engage in gardening, raising early vegetables and berries. In this branch they are successful. The dairy business is also carried on extensively.

The first birth in the town of Reserve was that of Stephen Williams. S. J. Findley was the first who died.

The population of Reserve in 1860, the first cen- sus taken, was 249; in 1880 it was 490. The value of real estate in 1860 was $199,668; persona- property, $8,008; a total valuation of $207,676; in 1880 the valuation of real estate was $393,705; of personal property, $42,337; a total of $436,042.

ORGANIZATION.

The organization of Reserve was effected at a meeting of the voters of the Reserve pre- cinct, called May 11th, 1858, at the house of Wil- liam Niven. The meeting was called to order and Michael Young chosen as moderator, and William Welch as clerk. Isaac Rose and Michael Young were chosen judges of election. These being duly sworn, the polls were opened for the election of officers necessary for the government of the new town. At the required hour the polls

were closed, and a canvass of the votes was taken with the following result. There were forty-five votes cast, and the following persons receiving the majority of the votes were elected: William Davern, as chairman of the board; Isaac Rose and Pius Schmeidt, supervisors; William Welch, town clerk; John Smith, assessor; John Kennedy, collector; John Farrell, constable, and William Niven, road overseer; William Noot and Thomas Burton, justices of the peace. At a meeting of the new town board, called at the house of William Niven, June 19th, 1858, it was voted by the board to organ- ize that portion of the town lying south of the north line of sections 15, 16 and 17, said line extending to the west line of the city limits, to be known as district No. 1, north of said line as district No. 2. It was voted to raise the funds for the first school-house by subscrip- tion.

At a meeting of the board held August 7th, 1858, it was voted to divide the town into two road districts, the divisions to be same as the school districts, and Rudolph Knapheide was appointed overseer of district number 2. At a meeting of the board held October 2d, 1858, Charles Schiller was appointed chairman of the board in place of William Davern resigned. At this meeting the board laid out the first road laid by the town board, extending on section line between sections 2 and 11, 3 and 10, 4 and 9, and 5 and 8.

At the annual meeting of the town in 1859, Charles Schiller was elected chairman ; Pius Schmeidt and John Kennedy, supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the meeting of 1860 a tax of two and one- half mills was voted for roads, and one mill for current expenses. Charles Schiller was elected chairman of the board; John Kennedy and John Kent, supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the election of 1861, a tax of two and one- half mills was voted for current expenses. Charles Schiller was elected chairman of the board: John Kennedy and R. Knapheide, super- visors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the election of 1862 a tax of two and one- half mills was voted for roads, and one-half mill for the support of the poor. J. Bensberg was elected as chairman of the board, and R. Knap-

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heide and John K. Ayd as supervisors, and M. C. Hardwig, clerk.

At the election of 1863, a tax of two and one- half mills was voted for roads, and one-half mill for the poor. Jacob Bensberg was elected chair- man, and R. Knapheide and C. A. Ayd, super- visors; M. C. Hardwig, clerk.

In 1864, one mill was voted for town purposes, and one-half mill for the poor. Jacob Bensberg was elected chairman, and R. Knapheide and W. E. Brimhall, supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the election held in 1865, a bounty tax of twenty-five mills was voted, also a tax of one and one-half mills was voted for current expenses. Jacob Bensberg was elected chairman of the board; Pius Schmeidt and W. E. Brimhall, su- pervisors; W. Welch, town clerk.

At the annual meeting held in 1866, a tax of four mills was voted for roads, and one mill for current expenses. William Davern was elected chairman, and W. E. Brimhall and Pius Schmeidt supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1867, a tax of two mills was voted for current expenses, five mills for roads, and five mills for bounties. The offi- cers elected were W. E. Brimhall, chairman, Pius Schmeidt and John Niven, supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1868, a tax of five mills was voted for roads. Officers elected, Pius Schmeidt, chairman; John Niven and Peter Bohland, supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the annual election of 1869, a tax of five mills was voted for roads, and two mills for cur- rent expenses. Pius Schmeidt was elected chair- man, Peter Bohland and Gustave P. Otto, super- visors ; W. Welch, clerk. At the annual election of 1870, a tax of five mills was voted for roads, Pius Schmeidt was elected chairman, Peter Boli- land and John Niven, supervisors ; W. Welch, clerk. At the annual meeting of 1871, a tax of two mills was voted for town purposes, four mills for roads. It was also voted to purchase the old school house in District No. 9, for a town house, at an expense of $115. The house is beautifully located, on the lot with the new school house, on section It was repaired and painted, and presents a fine appearance, Officers elected were Pius Schmeidt, chairman; Peter Bohland and John Wann, supervisors; W. Welch, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1872, (no tax voted this year) W. E. Brimhall was elected chairman, Pius Schmeidt and Adam Bohland, supervisors ; W. Weich, clerk. At the annual meeting of 1873, a tax of three mills was voted for road purposes and two mills for town purposes ; officers elected were Peter Bohland, chairman, and Pius Schmeidt and W. E. Brimhall, supervisors ; W. Welch, clerk. At the annual meeting of 1874, a tax of three and three-fourths mills was voted for roads; officers elected were, Peter Bohland, chairman ; Peter J, Karst and John Niven, supervisors ; Adam Bohland, clerk. At the annual town meet- ing of 1875, a tax of two and one-half mills was voted for road purposes ; officers elected were Peter Bohland, chairman ; John Niven and W. E. Brimhall, supervisors ; Adam Bohland, clerk,

At the annual election of 1876, a tax was voted of three and one-half mills for roads, and one-half mill for current expenses ; officers elected were, Peter Bohland, chairman, and John Niven and W. E. Brimhall, supervisors ; Adam Bohland, clerk. At the annual meeting, 1877, a tax of three and one half mills was voted for roads ; officers elected were Peter Bohland, chairman ; W. E. Brimhall and John Niven, supervisors ; Adam Bohland, clerk. At the annual election of 1878, a tax of three and one-half mills was voted for roads, and one-half mill for current expenses ; officers elected were Peter Bohland, chairman ; Charles Donaldson and Jacob Hinkel, supervisors ; Adam Bohland, clerk, At the annual meeting of 1879, a tax was voted of three mills for roads ; also three - fourths mill for current expenses ; Peter Bolland, chairman ; Charles Donaldson and Jacob Hinkel, Supervisors; Adam Boh- land, clerk. At the election of 1880, a tax of three mills was voted for roads, and one mill for current expenses ; officers elected were Peter Bohland, chairman ; Charles Donaldson and Otto Hunt, supervisors ; Adam Bohland, clerk. At the annual election of 1881, a tax of three mills was voted for roads, and one-half mill for current expenses.

Officers elected were, Peter Bohland, chairman; Charles Donaldson, and Otto Hunt, supervisors; Adam Bohland, clerk.

SCHOOLS.

School district number 1, was organized in 1858, at a meeting of the legal voters living within the

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RESERVE-SCHOOLS.

limits of that portion of the town of Reserve, south of a line running east and west through the town between sections 9 and 16, by the elec- tion of the following officers: John Kent, direc- tor; John Smith, treasurer; W. Welch, clerk.

The first school was held in an old building lo- cated on the old Fort road, in section 14. The first teacher was Miss Barnes from St. Paul. In 1860, the school was kept in an old building lo- cated on the new fort road owned by P. Ryan, of St. Paul. The first school-house was built in 1861, on section 15, of wood 20x26. In 1863, the house was removed to its present site on the south-east corner of the north-east quarter of section 16, and an addition of ten feet made to it. By an act of the legislature in 1862, re-numbering the dis- tricts of the state, this was changed to number 8. With the increase of population and consequent increase of pupils, it was found that the old build- ing which had served its purpose for the educa- tion of a generation was too small and must be replaced with one much larger to meet the wants of the district. The district is now erecting a beautiful building of wood, 28x48, one-story, fourteen feet in the clear, with tower forty feet high, in which will be mounted a fine bell, the whole to cost $2,000. - The new building stands just west of the old one, and the compari- son between the two is quite striking. As the old fashioned grain cradle is to one of our modern reapers, or one of our lake crafts to an ocean steamer, so the old building of 1861, compares with the new of 1881, of which the patrons may justly feel proud. The present board of officers is, W. Davern, director; Thomas Crosby, treas- urer, and M. A. Luby, clerk. The school has an average attendance of about forty scholars.

School district number 2, soon changed to number 9, was organized by the legal voters of that part of the town lying north of the section line running between 10 and 15, 9 and 16, by the election of R. Knapheide, director; Joseph Wissenger, treasurer; and W. E. Brim- hall, clerk. Their first school-house was erected of wood the same year, on section 9, about 20x30 feet in size, at an expense of about 250. A fine grove was planted around, which, at this time makes a fine protection to the building. This building, though small, answered the purpose for which it was built until 1870, when it was de-

cided by the voters of the district to build a new school-house. This they voted to do at their meeting October 3d, 1870.

A tax of $1,200 was voted, and the new house was. commenced in 1870, and completed in 1871. It is built of stone and is about 30x45, with tower about forty feet and cost $1,800.

It was named the " Webster School No. 9." The old building was sold to the town for a town house in 1871, and was removed to the east side of the lot, repaired and painted. The two build- ings, partially hidden among the trees, present a fine appearance. The present officers are C. F. Spangenberg, director; R. Knapheide, treasur- er ; W. E. Brimhall, clerk.

The old fort road was built about 1852, under the administration of Governor Marshall. The extension of the old fort road was built in 1859. The old government ferry was established about 1845.

The bridge across the river from Reserve to the fort was commenced in 1879 and completed in 1880, at a cost of about $135,000.

Speculation in corner lots was prevalent among a few of the people of Reserve, as will be seen by the pieces of ground platted in different parts of the town. In 1872 the land known as Fort street out-lots, located in sections 15 and 22, was platted by Charles A. B. and Louisa Weide. Manson and Simonton's addition to St. Paul was płatted by A. G. Manson and J. S. Simonton, C. W. Griggs and G. Ludwig, October, 1872, located in sections 2 and 3. In 1874 John Wann platted what is known as Wann's addition to St. Paul, located in the north half of the south-west quarter of section 3. " Rosedale Park" was platted in 1875 by Thomas L. Grace as president, and Dennis ()'Halloran secretary, located in the north half of the southwest quarter of section 4, and the south half of the south-east quarter of section 5, township 28, range 23.

The St. Paul Boom company, who have their grounds off from sections 22 and 15, was estab- lished in 1850 by parties from St. Paul. The Union Stock Yards were established in 1875 by Martin Delaney. The yards cover an area of five acres on section 14, and were fitted up with the understanding that the railroad would extend its tracks to them. In connection with the yards a slaughter house was built from which large quan-

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HISTORY OF RAMSEY COUNTY.

tities of beef have been furnished the city. A hotel was also built to accommodate those who had business with the yards. An average of twenty head of cattle per day are being slaught- ered for the use of the city. Mr. Delaney carried on the yards until last year when he transferred them to Falkner Rader and Company. Mr. Ed- ward Delauey now has charge of the yards and hotel.

Reserve Exchange, located at the junction of Fort road and Snelling street, was purchased by Mathew Dische, and opened to the public Sep- tember, 1880. The house is of wood in the shape of an L ; main part 185 feet with wing about 100 feet, with good stables connected. Mr. Dische has been connected with the United States army for the past twenty-seven years, and has filled many important positions of trust. He was dis- charged on account of disability, June 22d, 1880.

From a high rise of land on the north-east quarter of the north-east quarter of section 16, a large scope of country may be seen. On this point in 1878 a few of the enterprising citizens of the town erected an observatory. The sum of st venty-five dollars was collected by subscription for the object; a structure was erected fifty feet high, from which five counties were visible and with a glass a point seventy-five miles distant could be seen. People from all parts of the coun- try visited the "look-out," as it was termed. The work however proved too light to withstand the high winds and it was destroyed during a storm in 1879. Steps are being taken to rebuild it dur- ing the coming fall on a more solid foundation.

The northern portion of the town is largely oc- cupied by a German population, who have small farms and are engaged in gardening; the products find a market in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Among the leading ones in the nursery and small fruit growing is W. E. Brimhall, in section 10. R. Knapheide is quite extensively engaged in the grape culture, and has a large stock of bees. The soil is well adapted to wheat raising as the records show that the crop averaged in 1880, twenty-one bushels per acre. In politics the town is slightly democratic, having a majority of about ten to twelve. At the last presidential election it was ten democratic.

The Catholic Industrial school was organized in 1876, under a corporation formed in 1875, un-

der the auspices of the Catholic church. Three hundred acres of land were purchased in sections 4 and 5, in Reserve town. from William Finn, aud a building of wood, 35x45, three stories in height, was erected the same year. The school was established and carried on during the winter of 1876 and 77, when it was transferred to Swift county, and the property was transferred to Bishop Ireland the same year. The subject of establish- ing an ecclesiastical seminary on the property is under consideration.

VALUATION.

The assessed valuation of real estate in the town of Reserve was in 1880, $393,705, of per- sonal property, $42,337; total $436,042.

The population of the town by the census of 1880 was 490.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Adam Bohland is a native of Germany, born December 17th, 1839. Came to America in 1856, and during the same year reached St. Paul. For three years was a surveyor, then spent one and one-half years in his native country. Returning to St. Paul he embarked in the drug business, and in 1864 enlisted in Brackett's Battalion as hospital steward. In 1868 returned to St. Paul and again engaged in the drug trade. Again, in 1873, he went to Germany, returned the same year, and located on his present place in Reserve township. Mr. Bohland is at present county commissioner. In June, 1873, he married Ern- estine H. F. Wenth, a native of Germany. They have four children.

Peter Bohland was born in Germany, March 30th, 1837. His youth was passed on a farm until reaching the age of seventeen years, then he came to America in 1854. For two years lived in Ohio, then came to St. Paul, and to his present place in Reserve, in 1866. He was elected to the legislature in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. His wife, Mary M. Abt, was born in Germany, Feb- ruary 22d, 1849, and came to this country in 1854, with her parents. They are the parents of five children.

William E. Brimhall was born at Hardwick, Worcester county, Massachusetts, February 4th, 1825. His early educational advantages were confined to the common schools, and that pre- vious to his reaching the age of ten. When quite

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RESERVE -- BIOGRAPHICAL.

young he began life as a farmer, continuing till seventeen years of age, then went to Worcester, and learned plow making. He worked at his trade in different places until 1851. His atten- tion being drawn to an article in the St. Paul Press, which showed forth the advantages to be had in Minnesota, he decided to come to this state. Accordingly he started in April, 1851, reaching St. Paul, April 27th. The first year lie worked as a carpenter, then made a claim in Reserve, where he has since resided. Is now engaged in raising small fruits and shrubbery. He was commissioned by Governor Ramsey as second lieutenant during the Indian out-break; was recruiting officer for the town of Reserve, and furnished a substitute for himself, at Presi- dent Lincoln's last call for troops. Married October 23d, 1855, to Mary E. Lawson, of Mont- gomery county, Missouri. They have seven child- ren living.

Julius Brunk was born in Prussia in 1827. Received an academical education and learned the trade of mason. Came to America in 1853, and the same year enlisted in the regular army, participating in the difficulties between Kansas and Utah; was honorably discharged in 1860. During the Indian outbreak commanded a com- pany at New Ulm. Since that time his home has been in Reserve. In 1861 Miss Catherine Nagle, of New Ulm, became his wife.

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