USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 45
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In section 33, what was known as "Roseville" was laid out by L. E. Willis and D. A. Robert- son, April 11th 1856. The same year, what is known as Walcott's addition to "Cottage Homes" was platted by Henry McKenty, in section 24, town of Rose. In August, 1857, Philip Goldsmith laid out the south-west quarter of the south-west
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quarter of section 13 and the east half of the north-west quarter and the west half of the north- east quarter of section 24, township 29, range 23. In June of the same year, St. Paul Park was laid out by Charles A. Miller, and comprised the north-west quarter of section 2, and lot 1 in sec- tion 3, Rose town. Duffy's addition to Cottage Homes was laid out by Henry McKenty, August, 1857, located in the west half of the north-west quarter of section 24. "Como out-lots" were laid out by Henry McKenty, located in the west half of the north-east quarter and the east half of the north-west quarter, and the north-west quarter of the north-west quarter, and lots 1 and 2 of sec- tion 23-256 acres. In November, 1872. Lorenzo and Sarah P. Hoyt, laid out what is known as "Hoyt's Como out-lots," located in the north half of the south half of the north-east quarter of section 22-40 acres. The Como Gardens were platted by Mrs. M. D. Postlethwaite in July, 1873, consisting of the west half of the north- east quarter of section 15, township 29, range 23. The Rice street garden lots were platted by Nellie M. and Joseph P. Weide and Reuben Warner, June 4th, 1873, in the south-east quarter of the south-east quarter of section 24. Shields' enlargements were platted by J. E. and Sarah Shields, May 23, 1873, composed of the south- west quarter of the north-east quarter of section 33, and that portion of the north-west quarter of the south-east quarter of the same section, lying north of the St. Anthony road. "Cottage Place" was platted by G. B. and C. A. Wright, Horace and Carrie Thompson, W. and Ann Frey, March 12th, 1875, in the south half of the south-east quarter of section 28, town 29, range 23. The "Catholic Orphan Asylum" lots were platted by Bishop T. L. Grace, April 24th, 1876, composed of the east half of the south-east quarter of sec- tion 14.
pest house was erected about thirty rods south- west of the alms house at an expense of $3,200. Mr. D. McGrath has had charge of the farm and house since 1880. There are over forty inmates, the most of them aged and decrepitfor weak minded. One of the inmates, Joseph Del Mont, was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1782; he is quite smart for one so old. The house is kept in good order by Mr. and Mrs. McGrath, and the inmates seem comfortable under their care.
REFORM SCHOOL.
The Minnesota State Reform School is located on section 34, in the town of Rose, on the St. Paul and St. Anthony road about three miles from the centre of St. Paul. The act for the es- tablishing of a house of refuge passed the legis- lature in 1866, and Wm. Markoe, S. J. R. McMil- lan, J. G. Riheldaffer, and A. T. Hale were ap- pointed by Governor W. R. Marshall as mana- gers, but by some imperfection of the law this board was never organized.The following year the legislature amended the law and re-appointed the same board. Prior to the organization of the board, Mr. Markoe resigned and D. W. Ingersoll was appointed. In August, of the same year the board was organized with Mr. Ingersoll as pres- ident. In November, 1867, their present farm of thirty acres was purchased with a stone house and barn, at a cost of $10,000, one-half of which was furnished by the state, and the remainder by the city of St. Paul. In 1870, an addition of thirty acres was purchased. The institution was opened for inmates on the first day of January, 1868. The name was changed to that of "The Minne- sota State Reform School" the same year. In 1869, the main building was erected which is occupied as school and dining hall, also at the right of this another building for school and living purposes, 40x60 feet. During the summer of 1877, an appropriation was made for the purpose of securing water for the use of the different buildings. A well was drilled to the depth of one Indred and sixty-five feet, which, with the tower, tank and wind mill, with pipes to each building, cost the sum of $2,300.
The Ramsey county poor farm was purchased by the county commissioners. The farm consisted of 200 acres, with dwelling house and barns located on section 21. The house was used as an alms house until 1872, when it was destroyed by fire. A building near Lake Como was used until the new house was completed. The contract for In the winter of 1879 the building used as a laundry was burned, and the following spring a new stone building 35x75 was erected on the building it was awarded to Wiley Brothers, of St. Paul, for the sum of $9,047. It was com- pleted and occupied Marchi 4th, 1874. In 1873, a same site at a cost of $6,000. The same year
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the work shop was erected 50x100, three stories and a basement at a cost of $9,000; also the en- gine house and two steel Otis boilers, which cost $2,186. From the engine house underground pipes are placed to convey steam for heating the different buildings, also to run the machinery in the shop.
The number of inmates, boys and girls since the institution was opened was the first year, 36, second, 60, third, 91, fourth, 135, fifth, 133, sixth, 153, seventh, 157, eighth, 146, ninth, 139, tenth, 140, eleventh, 142. There have been connected with theschool in all 385 inmates, 277 of whom have been dismissed. The present number is 108. Together with the school duties the boys are required to work at some one of the trades which are carried on by the institution, which at this time consist of tailoring, and the manufacturing of tin-ware, toy carts, wagons, wheelbarrows, window curtain rods, and large garden wheelbarrows. There are also gardens and a greenhouse connected, in which a good many seeds and plants are raised. J. G. Rihel- daffer, the present superintendent, has had charge of the school since its commencement. He has one assistant superintendent, matron, one officer to assist in care of boys, three female teachers, assistant matron and teacher for girls' school. The whole amount the state has invested in this enterprise is $95,544.96. The present managing board is D. W. Ingersoll, president; Geo. L. Otis, vice president; C. H. Pet- tit, and W. P. Murray; J. G. Rihdeldaffer, superintendent; F. McCormick, secretary, with office in St. Paul.
HAMLINE UNIVERSITY.
The charter of the Hamline University was approved by the governor of the territory of Min- nesota, W. A. Gorman, April 3d, 1854. The pre- paratory department was opened under said charter at Red Wing, Goodhue county, November 16th, 1854, under the principalship of Rev. Jabez Brooks. In 1857 the enrollment of the institu- tion reached 220, indicating a marked degree of prosperity. At the close of that year the Rev. Jabez Brooks resigned the principalship on ac- count of ill-health, and Rev. B. F. Crary was chosen to fill the vacancy. On the 17th of July, 1861, Dr. Crary resigned to accept the office of
superintendent of public instruction, and Rev. Jabez Brooks, D. D., was elected to take his place. The course of study in the meantime had been enlarged to collegiate grade. The univers- ity continued in successful operation until 1869, when the income being wholly inadequate to meet the expenses, liabilities accumulated to such an extent as to compel the trustees to close the school and sell the property in order to pay the indebtedness. This suspension was designed to be temporary only, but a change of location hav- ing been determined upon, two years passed be- fore that question was fully settled. The board had scarcely commenced its new building at Hamline, when the crisis of 1873 greatly crippled their efforts, and finally suspended operations en- tirely. At the Rochester conference held in 1878, it was resolved to push the work and Rev. John Stafford was appointed agent. By his indefatig- able labors the building was completed and ready for occupancy September 22d, 1880, when, after eleven years of suspension, the school was re- opened with an attendance of sixty pupils on the first day. The university is located in the town of Rose, section 27, on the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba railroad,nearly midway between St. Paul and Minneapolis, which renders it conven- ient for students who wish to board in either city. The university building is 125 by 66 feet, five stories in height, elegantly finished, heated with steam, and is most admirably adapted to the work for which it is designed. A fine portico or covered driveway was added to the west side of the building during the past season which adds greatly to its already fine and massive appear- ance.
It is the design of the board to erect during the coming season, a building to be known as the Ladies' Home of Hamline University, for the con- venience of young ladies who desire to secure boarding near the university. It will be large enough to accommodate thirty or forty pupils, and will be placed under the care of a judicious matron. The object of this institution is to give to the young ladies placed in it a degree of privacy and security which will make their parents feel that they are as safe at school as if under their own supervision. Several fine residences have been erected during the past year, within convenient distance of the university, where board may be obtained. Other
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improvements are contemplated, such as furnish- ing the institution with chemical and physical apparatus, maps, charts, globes, etc. The design is to fit up a chemical laboratory in the basement of the university building, and supply it with everything necessary not only for the usual class experiments, but for special chemical analyses, should any desire to pursue the subject beyond the regular course. The institution already pos- sesses a three and one-half inch telescope, the gift of T. B. Walker, Esq., of Minneapolis; also a transit compass, the gift of friends in New York. The university library already contains 1,200 volumes, which have been obtained partly by purchase, but largely by donation from friends of the university, and will be rapidly increased by the expenditure of the interest on a small library fund together with the donations of the friends of the enterprise. "Hamline Literary Society," organized at the opening of the school, is in a most flourishing condition. Music, essays, ora- tions, debates, and discussions of current ques- tions, afford ample opportunity for extemporan- eous speaking and general culture. To stimulate the pupils of the University to excel in composi- tion and oratory, the " Hodgson Prize", instituted through the liberality of Hon. E. J. Hodgson of St. Paul, a prize of $50 is offered, to be divided equally between the ladies and gentlemen, twenty- five dollars to the gentleman who shall present and deliver the best oration, and twenty-five dol- lars to the lady who shall present and read the best essay ; also, three prizes founded by Messrs. Briggs and Elders of Fargo, D. T., of $15, $10 and $5, respectively, to be awarded for excellence in Latin. In addition to the advantages already mentioned as offered by the university, the medical and surgery course of lectures presents to those who wish, great advantages. During the past term, there have been in attendance, in all branches, nearly one hundred and forty pupils.
The present board of officers is, IIon. II. R. Brill, president ; Rev. J. F. Chaffee and Hon. II. B. Wilson, vice presidents; Rev. S. G. Smith, A. M., secretary ; E. J. Hodgson, treasurer. Executive Committee-IIon II. R. Brill, Rev. J. F. Chaffee, Rev. D. C. John, Rev. S. G. Smith, A. M., Rev. John Stafford, and Hon. H. B. Wil- son. Faculty-Rev. D. C. Jolin, D. D., president, and teacher in mental and moral science; Rev.
C. F. Bradley, A. M., B. D., in Greek and Latin ; E. F. Mearkle, A. M., LL. B., natural sciences and higher mathematics ; ITelen Sutherland, A. M., mathematics and English branches ; John Ickler, A. B., German ; J. M. Lichtenberger, elocution ; F. W. H. Priem, vocal and instru- mental music; Mrs. T. E. Knox, drawing and painting. Talbot Jones, M. D., lecturer on phys- iology and hygiene. Mrs. M. E. Tidball, matron.
The St. Paul Driving Park Association was organized about 1870. A tract of land of 112} acres located in section 34, extending from the St. Paul and St. Anthony road to University Avenue, was purchased by the association, at a cost of about $25,000. An amphitheatre was erected and a race track of one-half mile graded and used for two seasons, when a new track was graded a short distance over one mile. In 1875 the State Agricultural society was allowed the use of the grounds one week free, on condition that the state rebate the taxes on the grounds of the association. The society erected all the buildings necessary for their use except the am- phitheatre. In 1876, the Agricultural society united with the North-western Agricultural and Mechanical Association, and held the fair that year at Minneapolis. The next year they re- turned to the grounds of the Driving Park Asso- ciation, and held their fairs on those grounds for the next three years. In 1878, under mortgage, the grounds and buildings of both societies were transferred to A. H. Wilder, Geo. R. Finch, Mor- ris Auerbach and Frank Clark. These grounds, together with twenty-five acres adjoining, were purchased by N. W. Kittson, April, 1881, for a stock farm, and he has a force of men engaged in repairing the track and fences, and some of the old buildings. IIe is also erecting a training stable of brick, 180x248 feet. Other improve- ments will soon follow, among which will be a new house for his superintendent. His fine stud of blooded horses numbering about sixty, vary in price from $275 to $10,000. Among his noted steppers are the bay stallion "Von Arnim, " valued at $10,000; The English bay stallion, "Dalnacardoch," valued at $3,000; a black stal- lion, "Spotswood," two years of age, valued at $3,000; the bay mare, "Lady Ross," valued at $10,000; the brown mare, "Astoria," full sister to "Dexter," valued at $2,200; the white mare
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"Sannie G," valued at $3,500, also the roan geld- ing "Frank Fisk," and "Lady Logau." These have their records varying from 2:22 to 2:30. They are all under the charge and training of B. D. Woodmansee, his superintendent.
The Minnesota Transfer and Stock Yards, lo- cated on sections 33 and 28, about equal distance between the center of the two cities, and equal distance between the two roads, the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba, and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St Paul railroads, proprietors of the enterprise. The transfer tracks are about one mile in length. The yard is about 1,500 feet in length, with seven miles of track already laid, and grounds prepared for about as many more. The transfer depot is 300 feet long, by about 35 in width. The stock yard is located on the east of the tracks and contains a tract of 500 by 1,500 feet, enclosed with high, substantial fences, and laid off into 150 yards, with sheds 60x240 feet, stretching east and west, and so con- nected with the yards that 5,000 head of cattle can be sheltered. The large yards on the east side, with sheds the entire length, will accommo- date ten to fifteen car loads. The yards are so arranged, with alleys and gates that cattle can be transferred to any part of them with great ease. One of the large sheds is fitted up for sheep; another for hogs. The shutes, 32 in num- ber, from the yards to the cars are so arranged that in case it is needed 64 cars can be loaded in a very short time by the adjusting of the gates.
On the south side of the yards are four large barns or stables, where about two hundred horses can be stabled. On the track in the south-west part of the yards are large corn cribs, which will hold several thousand bushels of corn. The soil being sandy the yards are always dry. The plan- ning and construction of the yards was under the charge of D. M. Robbins of St. Paul, and for con- venience in handling large numbers of cattle they cannot be excelled in this country. It is the de- sign of the companies to erect a hotel on the grounds within a short time, for the convenience of those doing business with the yards.
Midway between St. Paul and Minneapolis is "Union Park," located between University avenue and the short-line of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. This beautiful grove of thir- ty-three acres was purchased by Messrs. Grote and
Hinkel of St. Paul, in May, 1880, and surrounded by a high board fence. The entrance from the avenue is through high arched gates. Near the center is a large pavilion, where those who gather from time to time to enjoy the many pleasures which this beautiful park presents, may join the dance. To the southward from this is located a fine bowling alley; in the centre they have erected an observatory eighty-five feet high, near this stands the orchestra, and tables with seats are scattered through the grove, with here and there stalls from which to sell refreshments. On the avenue side are sheds for horses, also a small park fenced, in which may be seen two beautiful doe. Near the west entrance is the Union Park sta- tion, on the Short-line railway, which gives an easy access to and from the grounds to either city.
The town is well supplied with railroads; on the south the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul short-line, and the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba line, on the north by the Minneapolis and St. Louis line. More trains pass through the town each day than any other town in the north-west, excepting St. Anthony.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Leonard Ayd is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1854. When only seven years of age came to this continent, making his home three years in Illinois. Came thence to Minnesota, May 1st, 1865, and settled at Coon River. Subse- quently he moved to Lake Como, but now resides in Rose township. July 2d, 1872, he married Sarah Robertson. Four children were born to them, three of whom are living.
Judge D. A. J. Baker was born in Franklin county, Maine, in 1825. His youth was passed in his native state, and in 1849, he came west to St. Paul. His education was acquired in his na- tive state, also prepared himself for the practice of law. After coming to this state, he taught school one year, teaching the first public school in the territory of Minnesota. The number of pupils enrolled was one hundred and three. He resumed the practice of law in St. Paul for three years; then in company with others pre-empted and located the town of Superior. This proved to be a very profitable investment, for in six months thereafter he sold his interest for $80,- 000 in gold. Received the appointment of judge
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from Governor Barton, of Wisconsin, retaining the commission about three years. He was a member of the committee that framed the con- stitution of the state, also for ten years was county superintendent. In 1855, he removed to his farm, having since then been engaged in ag- riculture. In 1869, he built on his farm in Rose, the largest and finest green-house in the North- west. It was of brick, and covered thirty-four thousand square feet. This was entirely destroyed by fire in 1879. Miss C. C. Kneland became his wife in 1851, and departed this life in 1875, leav- ing three children: Dan., Kneland A. and Cor- nelia.
Edward J. Biggs was born May 11th, 1839, and is a native of England. In 1846, he came to this country, and for five years lived in Oneida county, New York, with his father. April 4th, 1851, landed in St. Paul, and two weeks later set- tled on a farm in Rose township. He was edu- cated in the common schools, also by private in- struction at home. Enlisted in Captain Russell's Second Minnesota Sharp Shooters in 1860, and was honorably discharged in the spring of 1861. on account of disability. Re-enlisted for three years in Brackett's Battalion, and after the close of the war remained in service one year in the west; was in the battle of Falling Springs, with the Sioux Indians, and was discharged at Fort Snelling. Married April 16th. 1867, Mary Town- send. Five children have been born to them.
John Bourke, born February 1st, 1806, is a native of Ireland. Forty years of his life were spent in the land of his nativity, his occupation being that of a farmer. Coming to America in 1846, he went to New Hampshire, being there employed on the railroad, thence to Ohio for one summer. Arrived at St. Paul, Minnesota, Sep- tember 18th, 1850. For two years he lived on section 2, Rose township then bought eighty acres where he now lives on section 14. Married in Ireland at the age of twenty-three years to Mary Hayes, who lived only two years, leaving at her death one child. His present wife was Ann Murphy.
Rev. Charles F. Bradley, A. M., B. D., was born August 1st, 1852, in Chicago, Illinois. IIis father, David M., came to Chicago from Concord, New Hampshire in 1837 and was associated in business with Hon. John Wentworth, till his
death in 1857. Charles F. graduated from Chi- cago high school in 1869, and from Dartmouth college in 1873. The next year was passed at Garret Biblical Institute, at Evanston, Illinois. During the year he won the prize of one hun- dred dollars for an essay on "Prophecy." From 1874 to 1876 he was tutor of Greek in Dartmouth college. IIe spent the following year at Andover Theological Seminary, and in 1878 graduated from Garret Biblical Institute. In September of the same year, joined the Minnesota conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, then preached one year at Duluth, Minnesota, and one year at Fargo, Dakota territory. In July, 1880, he was elected professor of Greek and Latin in Hamline University, and in June, 1881, the department being divided, he was elected to the chair of Greek. Mr. Bradley has declined several invita- tions to enter the educational rank of the churchies. One of these was from Calcutta, India; Willamette University, Oregon ; and Simpson Centenary College, of Iowa. September, 3d, 1879, he married Miss Susan II., daughter of C. C. Chase, who has been principal of the high school of Lowell, Massachusetts, for more than thirty-five years.
J. W. Brown was born in Washington county, Maine, in 1847, and there lived until 1873. He was educated at the schools of his native state although obliged to work his way alone. Gradu- ated from Maine State Normal School, June 30th, 1871, and the next day was appointed assistant superintendent and principal teacher of the State Reform School, which office he held about one and one half years. Was then for six months in the Michigan State Reform School, and in 1873 came St. Paul as assistant superintendent of the Minnesota State Reform School, remaining two years. Ile af- terward went to Meriden, Connecticut, serving in the same capacity in the reform school of that state until 1879, at which time he again returned to St. Paul, and still occupies his former position in the State Reform School. At Iliram, Maine, in 1878, he married Miss Angie D. Dresser, a native of that state. She lived in Maine till 1873, then went to the Bridgewater Institute, Connecticut, and later in the State Re- form School as teacher. She is now one of the teachers, with her husband, in the reform school
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of this state. They had one child born in 1878 who died at the age of eleven weeks.
Stephen Denoyer, deceased, was born in St. Johns, Canada, in 1805. Eighteen years of his life were passed in his native place, then he came to the States. Engaged in farming four years in Oswego, New York, then removed to St. Louis, Missouri; was in the clothing trade, also dealt in lumber and grain for four years. In 1840 settled in Dubuque, Iowa, and until coming to Minneso- ta in 1843, was a wood dealer. Locating in Rose township on a farm he erected a little building, which was used for a house and saloon, and which still stands, bearing the date 1843. Here his days were passed until his death, which occurred in December, 1877. IIe was married three times; the last time in 1872, to the widow of William C. Johnson. She came to Minnesota in 1852 with her former husband; located in Washington county, where her husband was sheriff one year. He died in 1859; she then removed to St. Paul, making that city her home until her marriage with Mr. Denoyer in 1872. She still lives on the large estate left by her late husband.
Gottlieb Gieger, was born October 2d, 1825, in Germany. He lived in the land of his nativity twenty-nine years, his occupation being that of a weaver. Came to this country, and March 8th, 1854, first visited Wisconsin; afterward Illinois and Iowa, arriving at St. Paul, August 6th, 1856. Worked in a saw mill three years, then settled on a farm on the Crow river, Franklin township, Wright county, Minnesota, where he resided till 1876. Enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Regi- ment, August 1st, 1864, for one year; was with the Army of the Cumberland, near Nashville. He nów lives in Rose township, on section 10, en- gaged In farming. Married in 1859 at St. Paul, to Katrina Wenz. Their only child died.
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