History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 82

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 82

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The Washington Street Foundry and Iron Works was established by James T. Howson, at 120 Washington street, in 1880, It was trans- ferred to W. F. Bailey same year. In February, 1881, it was purchased by the firm of Adams and Sherwood, who are engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of cast work, making a specialty of building work, such as columns, sash weights, etc. The main building is of stone, 60x75 feet, with leanto 15x75, cupola. 44 inches. A twelve horse-power engine is used in their business.

Kenny Brothers, manufacturers of steam boil- ers, located corner of Fourth and Olive streets. This establishment was started by the pres-

ent proprietors in 1866, in a little shop on the corner of East Third and Wacouta streets, on a very small scale, but with the growth of the city, the enterprise grew, and has become one of the institutions of St. Paul. The Kenny Brothers count their customers by the hundreds and their work is shipped all over the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Dakota territory, supply- ing the boats on Lake Superior with boilers, their trade extends even up in the Red River country. Their old shop being too small for their present need, they are building a new one on the location above mentioned, 60x100 feet. They employ thirty-two men regularly, and some- times have to hire a number of men temporarily. They consumed one hundred and twenty-five tons of iron last year. In connection with their boiler work, they manufacture any other goods that are made out of sheet iron; they make more jail out- fits than any other factory this side of St. Louis.

The North-western Boiler works, located on Fourth between Neill and William streets, was established in 1874 by the firm of Frees and Mor- and, who carried it on until 1877, when the whole interest passed into the hands of Mr. Morand, who has operated it since. Engaged in the man- ufacture of boilers and sheet iron work, giving employment to from eight to seventeen men ac- cording to demands. He turns out $40,000 worth each year.

II. J. McAfee, foundry and machine shop, 406 Sibley street. This establishment was founded in 1870, on Wacouta street, under the firm name of McAfee and Company, on a small scale, in a building 30x40, employing at that time only four men.but the machine business, like other mechan- ical industries in this thriving city, grew, and at this time it is one of the great institutions of St. Paul. The firm of McAfee and Company con- tinued until 1872, when the present proprietor, II. J. McAfee purchased the entire interests of the concern, and has carried on the business alone ever since, and is doing a large business, sending his products over the state of Minnesota, Nor- thern Wisconsin, Iowa, and Dakota territory. In 1879, he leased the ground on Sibley street, and erected the building he now occupies, 50x100 feet, two stories, where he employs from eighteen to twenty-five men in the manufacture of portable and stationary steam engines, mill machinery,

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farm rollers, road scrapers, and other implements and machinery. Mr. McAfee has had excellent success in his business, and is on the road to wealth.

Justus Kahlert, machine shop. Mr. Kahlert started in 1866, on West Third street, opposite the Metropolitan hotel. Continued to do business there until 1872, when he moved to his present location, number 58 West Sixth street, where he has been since. Mr. Kahlert manufactures tools and brewer's implements. A large portion of his business is repairing of all kinds of ma- chinery. A three horse-power engine furnishes ample power to run his machinery, for turning, drilling, polishing, etc. Size of the shop 20x40 feet. Ile employs three men.

Joseph Rothwell, Jr., steel and iron works. Commenced business in 1874, corner 6th and Robert streets, under the firm name of Rothwell and Sons, and continued under this head until 1877, when he purchased his brother's interest, and has since managed the business alone. Build- ing, size 20x50 feet. Employs five hands in the manufacture of, mill-picks, stone-cutters' tools, blacksmith and moulding tools. Springs made and repaired. Particular attention given to all classes of steel work. All kinds of boiler-makers' tools made to order. Bridges and building iron- work promptly attended to, and all general smith- ing work.

St. Paul Brass works, W. F. Bailey, proprietor, 67 East Sixth street. This establishment com- menced business in 1878, under the firm name of Hatfield and Company, in a part of the build- ing which they now occupy, and continued to do business under that name until 1879, when the present proprietor, Mr. Bailey, purchased the en- tire business. The building at that time was 25 by 30 feet. Mr. Bailey has built an addition 18 by 30 feet, for a finishing department. He employs eight hands in the manufacture of every va iety of brass goods for engine builders, plumbers, gas and steam fitters, breweries, mills, &c., bell, bab- bitt and solder metals. The main building is used for foundry.

North-western Copper and Brass works, locat- ed at No. 89 Jackson street, Moritz Walter, pro- prietor. Mr. Walter came from Chicago, Illinois, in 1870, and commenced this business at his pres- ent location. Mr. Walter came here a compara-

tive stranger, and commenced in a modest way, but by industry, energy, and fair and honorable dealing, has grown into quite a business. IIe employs five men in the manufacture of brewery and soda water apparatus. Dealer in pumps and India rubber goods, keeps a well assorted stock of goods in his line always on hand. Since 1877 he has also been manufacturing wheat heaters for flouring mills, in which article he has done an ex- tensive business. His goods find their way through Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Da- kota, he has also shipped some of his goods to Europe.

St. Paul Fence Works and planing mill. Her- zog and Wilson are the proprietors of this exten- sive establishment. Although small at first, it has become one of the largest institutions of the kind in the city. This business was established under the firm name of Herzog and Wilson, in November, 1880. The following machinery is used in their mill: three planing machines with a capacity for planing 100,000 feet of lumber per day, one moulding machine, turning. out 10,000 feet of moulding per day, three wood-turning lathes, which they keep constantly running, one scroll saw which is in constant motion, one sid- ing saw, used for re-sawing lumber, and several , smaller saws, none of which ever stand still during working hours. This machinery is kept in motion by an eighty horse-power engine, with the assistance of twenty-five hands who are con- stantly employed. They manufacture iron and wood fences, roof cresting, finials, newell posts, stair rails, balusters, hitching posts, wood turning, scroll sawing, moulding, sash weights, hard wood lumber, and oak flooring. The proprietors are both practical men at their business, industrious and energetic, and can always be found at their posts, which is the secret of their success. They are doing a business of $50,000 per year, and their trade is increasing every day. The mill is located on Eighth street, between Minnesota and Cedar, size of mill, 40x60 feet, two-stories and basement.

Minnesota Fence Works, Schnell and Upheber, proprietors. 67 Ninth street. This establishment began in 1873 under the name of Davis and Schnell, on Minnesota street, confining themselves exclusively to turning and scroll sawing for about a year, when Edwin Matthews purchased Mr.

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Davis' interest, when the firm name changed to Schnell and Matthews; opened a box factory in connection with their other business. They con- tinued until the spring of 1878, when Fred Up- heber, the present partner of Mr. Schnell, pur- chased Matthews interest; have since commenced the manufacture of wood and iron fences, roof -cresting, finials, etc. Mr. Schnell, the senior partner began on a small scale, but at present the concern is doing an extensive business in their line. The motive power is supplied by a twelve horse-power engine, and they employ five men. The building is 26x36 feet, two stories, with en- gine room 20x28 feet.

T. M. Metcalf, St. Paul Wire Works, iron fences, decorations, etc. A visit to this extensive estab- lishment, on the corner of Fourth and Robert streets, will convince any one that the want for their goods has been fully comprehended, and perfect arrangements made to completely meet the demand for their class of manufactures. The establishment, including the factory, offices and salesroom, is under the immediate direction of T. M. Metcalf. There can be obtained almost any article in wire work that can be imagined, and orders can be left for the manufacture of any article that may be desired, of any pattern fur- nished. In the salesroom of the establishment the products of the factory are shown off to the greatest advantage and in great variety. All manner of railings are made in the shops for banks and offices, as well as the varied and some- times artistic framed stands for hatters or millin- ers, and the dealers in fine shoes and other goods of which it is desired to make a window, show case or counter display, of ladies garments, cloaks or shawls, and men's and youths' ready-made clothing. These articles are in fact made a specialty and a large business done therein. Then besides the regular lines enumerated, in- cluding as well railings, fences and arches for graves as for offices, yards and lawns, there are made a great variety of smaller articles, barrel covers, coal covers, etc. Mr. Metcalf has been established not yet two years, but within that time his trade has increased to such an extent as to compel him to keep constantly increasing his manufacturing capacity and to employ a large number of skillful persons to enable him to meet the wants of the public. His trade now extends

throughout this state and the adjoining states and territories. The firm also handles iron and terra cotta ornamental vases. The Stockwick Brothers steel wire fence, handled by Mr. Metcalf is one of the most economical and valuable of modern inventions, and is sold at figures that make it just the thing for large lawns, farm yards, and even barn and cattle yards. It is a net work without barbs, and stock may run against it without in- jury. It shelters no enemies to crops or poultry, makes no shade, accumulates no snow drifts. It is just the thing for gardeners, farmers and stock raisers. For poultry yards it has no equal. For sheep yards it is valuable, as it will not pull the wool and affords ample protection against dogs or wolves. It is also desirable for lawns, parks and cemeteries.

CARRIAGE AND WAGON MANUFACTURERS.

Abram H. Cavender. This factory was started in December, 1849, on Robert street between Fourth and Fifth streets, in a very small way; remained there until 1876, by that time he grown up into a very nice business, when he sold out to Quimby and Hallowell. Mr. Cavender started a new business in his present location at number 60 East Fifth street, his factory is 75x150 feet. He manufactures buggies, sleighs and light wagons, altogether for the city trade; he has a reputation for making as good work as is turned out in the city of St. Paul. Repairing is one of the main features of his business. He employs three blacksmiths, two wagon-makers, two paint- ers, and one carriage trimmer. Mr. Cavender is the oldest carriage-maker in the city of St. Paul.

Quimby and Hallowell. This business was started by A. H. Cavender in 1849. At that time the business consisted mostly of blacksmithing and repairing, started with a very small capital. In 1876, Quimby and Hallowell bought Mr. Cav- ender out, and have been running the business since. They manufacture mostly fine carriages and sleighs for city trade, they also keep a stock of fine harness. They employ twenty-five men. The building which is located at number 54 Rob- ert street, is a brick store, 25x100 feet, three- stories and basement, which is used for deposi- tory, all three floors being used for sale rooms for carriages and harness, the office being on the first floor; their finest and most expensive goods are

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kept up stairs, away from the dust. Quimby and Hallowell make a specialty of fine work, no cheap eastern work is sold in their establishment, their trade being confined mostly to St. Paul, Wiscon- sin and Dakota; their sales are from $75,000 to $100,000 per annum.

J. H. Schurmeier, 405 and 407 Rosabel street. This business was. established in 1852, on the corner of Seventh and Rosabel streets in a very small way by Mr. Schurmeier; he remained until 1859, when he moved into a small frame building which he used for a shop, working himself, with one man to help him. His business grew from year to year until he was compelled to build a larger building to accomodate his increasing busi- ness. In the years of 1879 and '80, he built his new factory. He now occupies four buildings for his work, all on Rosabel street. The main building is brick, 50x100 feet three-stories; a part of the first floor is used for office and sale room, and the other half of this floor is used for a black- smith shop, where they employ sixteen men. In a building adjoining is the wagon factory where the wood work is made, they have in this depart- ment the best and most approved machinery for running the business. They employ twenty- four men in this department; the building is 26x150 feet, two-stories in front and three-stories in the rear, the second story of which is used for a paint shop, the third story in the rear for stor- ing seasoned material. The second floor over the office is used for depository of finished work, the second floor over the blacksmith shop is used for wagon shop, getting out wood-work. The building on the corner of Sixth and Rosabel used for a depository of finished work, is 27x50 feet, two-stories. They employ eight men in the paint shop. The motive power used is a fifty horse-power engine with two steel boilers to run their machinery. They have three men in the office to look after the books and sale room. Mr. Schurmeier turns out an average of five wagons a day, two buggies each day, and from Septem- ber until January, he turned out from eight to ten sleighs and cutters, per day. His work is sold all through the North-west, in Minnesota, Wis- consin, Northern Iowa, Dakota, Montana and to some extent in Manitoba. He keeps one traveling man to sell work on the road. Sales

about $500,000 per annum. He consumes three car loads of lumber per day.

Peter Kerst commenced the manufacture of wagons, carriages and sleighs, and a general blacksmithing business in 1866. The business was at first conducted on a limited scale, but as time passed, and his work acquired a reputation, the demand increased, and Mr. Kerst accordingly increased his capacity for turning out work. The shops are located on the corner of Fort and Ram- sey streets, where employment is furnished to six men. The work turned out by Mr. Kerst is first-class, and has always given satisfaction to the purchasers.

Henry Justus, wagon and carriage manufac- turer. This business was started by Mr. Justus in 1854, on the corner of Franklin and Fourth streets, in a little shanty. Remained there eighteen months, moved to Fourth street, on Seven Corners; staid there two years and sold out his business, and commenced again on Third street, on Seven Corners. He remained there two and one-half years, when the property was sold, and he moved to his present location on Sixth street. Mr. Justus occupies three separate buildings with his business; one for a wagon shop, one for a blacksmith shop, and one for a ware-room. Uses the upper floors over ware- room and blacksmith shop for paint shop. Wagon shop is 20x40 feet, two stories, in which he employs five hands. Blacksmith shop 40x50 feet, in which seven hands are at work. Ware-room, 40x40 feet, used for storing finished work. He employs two painters. Mr. Justus sells most of his work at his place of business. His is mostly city trade, but sells a large share to farm- ers throughout the state. He also has a great amount of repairing.

Kaese, Mahle and Sutmar, wagon and carriage manufacturers. This business was commenced in 1867, on the corner of Eighth and Olive streets, under the above firm name. They had a small shop, 30x35, for a wagon shop, and a small black- smith shop across the street, 20x30. Commenced without any capital, doing their own work at first, but have grown up to a very nice business. They employ nine wagon makers and six black- smiths, the bosses working themselves, they being practical mechanics. They have enlarged their workshops, two of which are used for

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wagon shops, and one for a blacksmith shop. The first two are 24x50 feet, each two stories. The second stories in both are used for paint shops. The blacksmith shop is 24x50 feet. All their work is done by hand, no steam-power used. Two-thirds of their work is new, and one- third repairing. Most of their productions are sold in the city and Ramsey county.

A. L. Perkins, manufacturer of light wagons and carriages, first opened his business under the firm name of Hall and Company, in 1870, at his present location, in rear of the post-office build- ing. In 1871, he purchased Mr. Hall's interest, and has since carried on the business of manu- facturing light spring wagons and carriages, and general repair shop. During the first year of his trade he manufactured about fifty new rigs. During the past few years he has dealt more in carriages from Boston. He contemplates open- ing a repository for eastern made work. His repair work is very large. His shop is 30x90 feet.

Philip Buschmann, Charles Schroder and Geo. Wegh located at 283 East Seventh street, com- menced the manufacture of wagons and carriages and general blacksmithing in 1873, under the firm name of Buschmann & Co. These gentle- men are practical workmen. Mr. Wegh takes charge of the wood work, and Mr. Buschmann and Mr. Schroder the blacksmithing department. The blacksmith shop, of wood, is 26x48 feet, one story ; the wagon shop, of wood, is 26x48, two stories. The industry and enterprise of these gentlemen has increased their business until it has attained to large proportions, giving employ- ment to six workmen besides themselves.

Andrew Nippolt, manufacturer of fine car- riages and sleighs, corner of Seventh and Sibley streets. This business was started under the firm name of Nippolt & Co. in 1876 ; the firm changed to Nippolt & Graham in 1878. In 1879 the firm changed to Andrew Nippolt. They first occupied a building on Jackson street, where the David- son block now stands. They burned out there and moved to their present location. They occupy four buildings for their business, which are all connected with each other. First building, office and salesroom, 30x90 feet, two-story; second story used for paint-shop. The second building, 28x30 feet, two-stories, used for store-room and

paint-shop. Third building, 20x30 feet, used for blacksmith shop. The fourth building, 26x50 feet, used for woodwork and carriage-trimming shop. Mr. Nippolt employs seventeen men. The busi- ness was started with four men ; he now employs nearly five times four, showing a very handsome increase in his trade. His goods are sold all over the North-west. IIis goods are mostly made to order ; he also does a good business in repairing. His sales amount to about $35,000. Mr. Nippolt has the confidence of his customers who have dealt with him ; he always furnishes just such work as he agrees.

FLOURING MILLS.

The Union Mills, located on Trout Brook, at the foot of Fourth street, were erected by Will- iam Lindeke, in 1864. The size of the original mill was 36x42, in which was placed two three- and-one-half-foot stones. Additions have since been made. In 1871, an addition of 20x40, with another stone. Also, in 1877, an addition of 28x34, and another run of stone. In 1880, an addition of 20x28 feet. The first power was fur- nished from Trout Brook, through a wooden race 800 feet in length, giving a head of about fourteen feet, but has since been extended to 1,400 feet, giving a head of eighteen feet. The capacity de- pends upon the stage of water. An average is about thirty-five barrels each day, giving employ- ment to four men. At this time the four run of stone are being replaced by seven sets of rollers. The products of the mill are sold to the city trade. The mill is still the property of William Lindeke, of the firm of Lindekes, Warner and Schurmeier, wholesale dry goods, Third street. Fred. Lin- deke, a brother, has the charge of the mill.

Brainard Mills, was erected by Brainard and Brothers, in 1856, at an expense of $3,000. They put in two run of stone, one for wheat, and one for corn. The power was furnished from Phalen creek. The power was so limited that the mill could run only some three or four months in the year. In 1859, they transferred their interest to the firm of Knauft and Krieger, who in turn transferred it to Hoyt and Segel. They, to the present firm of Thon and Hamm, who purchased the mill for $21,000, in 1874, and have made sev- eral improvements in the machinery, until the brands are not second to any in the city. Finding

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the power too limited, they, in 1879, erected an engine house of stone, 18x28 feet, in which they placed a thirty horse-power engine. With the four run of stone they manufacture from sixty to sev- enty barrels each twenty-four hours, giving em- ployment to three men. Every pound they can manufacture is sold to the city trade. The Queen of the West is their favorite brand.

St. Paul Mills, located on Phalen creek, near the St. Paul road, was erected by Paul Shiegl, in 1867, of wood, 24x36, with three small run of stone. In 1869, the firm of Thon and Schaber purchased the mill. Improvements were made from time to time. In 1872, Mr. Thon sold his interest to Mr. Schaber, who built an addition of 18x26, and made other improvements. In 1877, he erected an engine house 20x30, and put in a twenty-five horse-power engine. October 23d, 1879, Mr. Schaber was killed at the crossing of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba rail- road, with Fayette street. The running of the mill was continued by Mrs. Schaber, until Janu- ary 1st, 1880; when it was destroyed by fire, but was re-built the same spring, 40x60, four stories, with engine house 20x40, and a new thirty horse- power engine placed. In August, same year, a partnership was formed, in the business of the mill, between Mrs.Schaber and Charles Passavant, and the mill was completed, September 30th, when the boiler exploded and killed the engineer, and destroyed the mill.

The mill was at once re-built and a new thirty- five horse-power engine placed in it. This is used in connection with the water-power. They now use three run of stone and one set of rollers. The capacity of the mill is sixty barrels each 24 hours. The water-power has a head of 18 feet and a 23 inch Leffel wheel. The favorite brand is the white rose.

City Mills, located on Trout Brook near cross- ing of the St. P. M. and M. R. R. with Fayette street. Was erected by Messrs. Gibbons and Marshall in 1860, of stone, 42x32 feet, three sto- ries in height. The power used is water from Trout Brook, brought through a wooden race 1,500 feet. The above firm ran the mill until 1862, when Mr. Marshall leased Mr. Gibbons' share and operated it for three years when it was leased to William Lindeke who ran it for four years. The Marshall interest was transferred to

Mr. Gibbons who died, and by the estate leased to John HI. Gibbons, who run it until 1872, when it was sold to Mr. Langevin, since which time it has been operated by P. Norris. The two run of stone driven by a limited amount of water over an overshot wheel, manufactures about twenty- five barrels per day. A ready market is found in the city for all the flour they can make.

The Cedar Street Flour mill was established in 1868, in a portion of the building owned by the St. Paul Manufacturing Company, by Mr. Anderson as a feed mill. The power being fur- nished by the Manufacturing Co. The mill is now operated by M. Dettefsen, for the manufac- ture of flour, meal and feed of all kinds, on ex- clusive custom mills. Full capacity, 65 bushels wheat, and from seven to eight tons of feed each day.

The North Star mill, located near Seventh street bridge, was erected by Mr. Sargent in 1872, and used by Deacon and Company as a sash, door and blind factory, for about five years. Some trouble was experienced in relation to the water- power. The property was purchased by Mr. Pratt, and transformed into a steam flour mill and operated about two years, when he sold his interest to the firm of Honkanson and Scott, who operated it until 1880, when it was again transformed into a sash, door and blind factory, and purchased by the Anchor Manufac - turing Company. Said company is officered by the following gentlemen: C. W. Slayton, presi- dent; C. Lapier, secretary; W. B. Close, treas- urer; and R. N. Blossom, superintendent. The capital stock is about 1,000 shares at $50 per share.

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