USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 35
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 35
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ST. JAMES SCHOOL.
Though so much smaller, it being but one-fifth the size numerically as Shattuck School, this also is an attractive and valuable asset financially and otherwise of Faribault. It is closely allied to Shattuck as being preparatory to it, and is in- directly due to the same influences. The rector had long been profoundly impressed by the fact that there was an increasing demand, and would be an assured support, for the primary boarding school that should at the same time be a real home for boys who are too young for admission to Shattuck. He was often urged to take children of eight, nine and ten years who were motherless, and often under circumstances that made a refusal a real hardship to them and the father. When he could find no one interested in establishing such a school where the little fellows could live by themselves, he and Mrs. Dobbin decided to do it by devoting their home to this purpose. It was an ideal place for it, and at just the right distance from Shat- tuck to work to the best advantages as a preparatory depart- ment. In furtherance of their plans they made the necessary
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alterations and addition to the house in 1901, and inviting F. E. Jenkins to give up his position in Shattuck and assume the charge of and conduct the school, with Mrs. Jenkins as the house mother, they again took up their own residence in Shat- tuck.
This idea of a school conducted as a family solely for boys from eight to eleven or twelve years of age, at once enlisted public interest and approval. The peculiar fitness of those placed in charge of it was universally recognized, and its success was assured before it began. The maximum intended was reached at the opening of the second year. After that there was hardly a year that applications were not received which had to be held over or declined for the want of room. It was so evident it was filling a unique educational want, and that there was no question there will always be such a need, the founders and owners decided in 1909 to incorporate it under the Minne- sota law for the government of educational institutions, so as to provide for handing it down to posterity. They gave it the name of St. James School.
ST. MARY'S HALL.
While this school was never officially a part of the Seabury mission, it has nevertheless from its beginning been closely allied in spirit with the Seabury mission, the Seabury Divinity school, and Shattuck school, the same ideal of Christian life and service animating all of these institutions, and the fostering care of Bishop Whipple being over all.
St. Mary's Hall is a school for girls founded by Bishop Whipple in 1866. This school was the bishop's own venture of faith and was begun in his own home. Its object then, as now was the training of Christian women. With the bishop in this good work were associated his wife, Mrs. Cornelia Whipple. who was the house mother, and his brother, the Rev. George B. Whipple, who was chaplain for many years. Mr. Whipple was succeeded by the Rev. E. Stecle Peake who, for a long term, also rendered faithful service. Much of the success of the school in those carly days was due to the efficient principal, Miss Sarah P. Darlington, daughter of Dr. Darlington, a scientist of Philadelphia, who devoted herself to the interests of Saint Mary's from the time of its opening until her death in 1881. Of her. Bishop Whipple once wrote "Her ripe scholar- ship, wise forcthought, and Christian devotion, helped greatly to place St. Mary's among the foremost schools of the land." In later years the Rt. Rev. Mahlon N. Gilbert, the much beloved coadjutor, contributed his ardent assistance to the upbuilding of
THEFEW TORS
ST. MARY'S HALL
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the school. The citizens of Faribault generally gave to Bishop Whipple their interest and aid in promoting this his great work. Among many others whose benefactions to the school will be held long in remembrance were the Hon. Gordon E. Cole, Judge E. T. Wilder and Hon. H. T. Wells. In 1883 the school was moved into the commodious, home-like building on the hill overlooking the town. St. Mary's of today, like the school of the early days, strives to fulfill the ideals and standards of its beloved founder in developing in the girls committed to its care every womanly quality. The corps of teachers is excellent. The advantages in music and art are unexcelled. The school is co-operative with western universities and prepares for eastern colleges.
The officers of the school at present are as follows: Rt. Rev. Samuel Cook Edsall, D. D., LL. D., rector; Miss Caroline Wright Eells, principal. The members of the board of trustees are: The Rt. Rev. S. C. Edsall, D. D., LL. D., president ; the Rev. G. C. Tanner, D. D., secretary ; J. R. Smith, treasurer ; the Rt. Rev. J. D. Morrison, D. D., LL. D., ex-officio; Mr. J. R. VanDerlip, Mr. A. E. Haven, the Rev. Theodore Sedgwick, Mr. F. M. Forman, Mrs. Henry B. Whipple, Miss Caroline Wright Eells.
The first class was graduated in 1870 and consisted of Alice G. Kerfoot and Emma L. Winkley.
The Minnesota Historical Society collections contain the following in regard to this school :
"Seeing the need for a school for girls which should so com- bine refining influences with a high degree of culture and scholar- ship as to preclude the necessity of sending daughters farther from home, in 1866 Bishop Whipple decided to open a school in his own house. This was wholly a private enterprise. The financial burden was borne by the Bishop alone. Mrs. Whipple was the house-mother. The school opened November 1, 1866, with thirty-three pupils, under three teachers. Miss S. P. Darl- ington, a daughter of Dr. Darlington, of Pennsylvania, who had come to Minnesota for her health, was the first principal. She was a rare woman in the qualities which go to make up the suc- cessful head of a boarding school. With the exception of one year, she continued to hold this position until her death in 1881. 'Thoroughly identified with the interests of the school, pure of heart, gentle by impulse, refined by nature, superior in intellect, upright in example and diligent in all things,' she impressed her character upon St. Mary's hall, and her influence for good is still felt, while her name is revered for all that is excellent in true womanhood.
"From 1866 to 1882 St. Mary's hall was carried on beneath
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the bishop's own roof and under his own eye and that of his excellent wife. This period embraces nearly one-half of the life of the school, during which the daughters of St. Mary's were guided by his loving advice and ministrations. Among those who assisted the Bishop was Robert M. Mason, of Boston, who visited Faribault, looked over the plans of the schools and was a gen- erous helper in rearing St. Mary's hall.
"It is dne the memory of the bishop to put on record his own words in regard to St. Mary's: 'Ours will never be a fashionable school, where the daughters of the rich can gain a few showy accomplishments. We believe in honest work, in broad foundations on which may be reared the completeness of the finished temple. In a life hallowed by daily prayer we shall try to train up our daughters for the blessedness of a life of usefulness here and the joy and bliss of heaven hereafter.'
"The graceful tribute which the bishop paid to those under lim is one of the delightful traits of his personal character. Speaking of the Rev. Mills, the first chaplain of St. Mary's hall, he uses words no less loving than he used in memory of his own brother: 'Providence sent us the right man for a chaplain, to whom St. Mary's hall is indebted for the great success it has attained.' And again, of Miss Darlington he said: 'It was her ripe forethought and Christian devotion which placed our ven- ture of faith among the foremost schools of the land.' And again : 'God mercifully prolonged her life until the childhood of her work was passed and she saw in it the beauty of cultured womanhood.' Indeed it was this charm of simplicity with which the bishop often put aside any glory which might come to him that so added to the beauty of his character and won for him the enthusiasm of those who labored for him and with him and under him, an enthusiasm so ardent and glowing that for many years the clergy in their hard and trying fields of labor made no changes, but bore poverty and penury because they loved their bishop."
THF
OLD ALEXANDER FARIBAULT HOUSE
CHAPTER XIV.
EARLY FARIBAULT.
Town Proprietors-Town Plat-Early Additions-First Build- ings-Pioneer Events-Early Descriptions-Some Pioneers -Mystery of Metropolisville-Faribault Township-Fari- bault in 1872-Luke Hulett.
The earliest history of the city of Faribault, the coming of the Faribaults, the arrival of the earliest settlers, and incidents of the early days, have been related elsewhere.
The first proprietors of what was then known as the "old town" of Faribault, were Alexander Faribault, Luke Hulett, Walter Morris, H. H. Sibley, attorney for F. B. Sibley; and afterwards came the names of J. W. North, Porter Nutting, J. H. Mills, R. Sherwood, Senator Samuel Walcott; and in the fall of 1855 Gen. James Shields, of Mexican war fame. He pur- chased an interest in the town site, and became the agent and attorney for the company, receiving his deed from Judge Chat- field, who formerly entered the town according to the act mak- ing provisions therefor, on May 20, 1855, and for several years General Shields issued titles to all the lots sold.
In this connection, F. W. Frink has said: "Feb. 16, 1855, the plat of the original town was made out and filed for record by Alexander Faribault, John W. North, Fred B. Sibley, and Porter Nutting, as proprietors. On the eleventh of the follow- ing September, the same proprietors, with the exception of Mr. North and the addition of James Shields, J. Baufil and Charles F. Crehore entered into an agreement with Gen. James Shields, giving him power of attorney to sell lots, and make deeds, bonds, etc. In consideration of his services he was to receive every third lot in the block north of Third street, all blocks south of Third street being recognized as the personal prop- erty of Alexander Faribault. Dec. 1, Judge Chatfield entered 280 acres comprising the plat of the original town at the land office in Winona as a town site for the use and benefit of the occupants thereof, by the authority of an act of congress pro- viding for the entry of town sites on government lands. By the act of the legislative assembly of the territory of Minnesota, passed March 3, 1855, General Shields was authorized to make
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warranty deeds for lots in the town, all previous conveyances having been by bond or quit claim."
The original town, as surveyed and platted by B. Densmore. contained 280 acres, but additions were soon made as follows : Paquin's, surveyed by C. C. Perkins and recorded December 7, 1855, and April 16, 1856, eighty acres; Cooper's, surveyed by A. H. Bullis, and recorded April 3, 1856, forty acres; McClel- land's, surveyed by S. Wade, and recorded April 30, 1856, forty- two acres; South Faribault, surveyed by C. C. Perkins, Shields and Faribault, proprietors, and recorded May 1, 1856, fifty acres ; North Faribault, surveyed by A. H. Bullis, F. Faribault, pro- prietor, forty acres, making in 1856 a total of 532 acres. All the lots were four by ten rods, making one-fourth of an acre each, except the business lots, which were two rods shorter. In the winter of 1857 the lots were selling at from $500 to $3,000, which ought to have been a satisfactory advance on thirty-one and one-quarter cents, paid the government a year or two before.
The tidal wave, or avalanche, whichever is most appropriate to designate an oncoming of humanity, and wealth, was in the spring and summer of 1856, for at the beginning of that period there was not a score of buildings in town, while in the fall there were more than 250, and the population had swelled to 1,500 or more. There were in the town carly in 1857. twenty- three stores, four good hotels, five wagon shops, with black- smith and shoe maker shops, two livery stables, two meat mar- kets, and three steam mills, and surrounded by a rich country. fast filling up, its growth and prosperity was an assurance which has been well realized.
In the winter of 1856, Faribault had a literary association, and published a paper called "The Pioneer." Goods at first had to be hauled from Hastings, making a round trip of about 140 miles, although in some seasons of the year supplies were landed on the Mississippi at Reed's Landing, at the foot of Lake Pepin.
The first frame building put up here was by Alexander Faribault, quite a good one and in striking contrast with the log cabins, hovels and shanties which were extemporized by the pioneers on their first arrival, to meet the imperative demands for shelter. The cost of this first building was $4.000. The lumber for its construction was brought from St. Paul; a part of it was left on the road, as the team was unable to get through with such a load, and this was burned by a prairie fire. This building is still standing. The next frame was erected by the Messrs. Barnard, at a cost of $1,000, which was afterwards oc- cupied by J. 11. Mills. This was in August, 1855, and during that season quite a number of others went up. The postoffice.
THE NEW OTEL PUBLIC
ING
Soms
-
PAUE
Cyto
CRUMP HALL. FARIBAULT
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which was kept by E. J. Crump, the deputy, was opposite where the Arlington House stands.
At first there was a struggle between the two ends of the village, the south and the north. Mr. Faribault lived at the south, and the French Canadian settlement was at the north end, and in any contest where there was a vote on the question, the countrymen of Mr. Faribault would go with him, apparently against their own interest. Mr. Crump had a pre-emption claim which he was induced to waive in consideration of the com- pany's giving him the entire block upon which the Arlington House stands.
General Shields had several thousand dollars, and procuring a pair of horses and a carriage, he traveled all over this country, finally bringing up in Shieldsville, where he was getting quite a settlement when Mr. Faribault offered him such liberal in- ducements to act for the townsite company, that he at once came here. The trouble as to the ownership, and the adjust- ment of the rival pre-emption claims was considerable, but the general went to Washington where his experience in the land office enabled him to secure a clear title.
One of the first meetings for religious instruction was in April, 1854, in the grove near Luke Hulett's, north of the bridge, on the Solomon Atherton place, by an itinerant evangel- ist. The audience was made up mostly of the Wapakoota Dakotas, who were here in considerable numbers. The first denominational service was by Jonathan Morris, a followed of Alexander Campbell.
The village lots were surveyed in April, 1854, and there were five claims covering the town at that time. A. Faribault had the upper claim; J. B. Faribault, the father of Alexander, had another ; N. Paquin had the lower part of the town.
It was found that under the pre-emption law, town sites could be laid out in advance of the land sale, and so it was ar- ranged to lay out the town at once, and the west, or prairie half, was surveyed and platted, and filed in the recorder's office at Mendota, in the name of A. Faribault, H. H. Sibley, Walter Morris, and Luke Hulett. This survey was subsequently can- celled, and, under the auspices of J. B. North, a re-survey was made in the spring of 1855. This became permanent. In the fullness of time, Judge Chatfield was induced to become the trustee ; the land of General Sibley was pre-empted, and through the paramount influence of Gen. James Shields, who, as men- tioned elsewhere, had appeared upon the scene, the title was finally vested so as to be lasting.
In the fall of 1857, at the time of that financial depression, Faribault had arrived at a condition of prosperity which was
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most remarkable, and it is certain that all who were here at that time should be designated as old settlers, and so a sketch of the city, written by R. A. Mott for his paper, is reproduced. "But one church now stands in this place, viz., the Congrega- tional. A fine church, built by the Catholics, was burned last fall. In addition, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, and Lutheran organizations exist, stated preaching having been secured to each. Our merchants are all well stocked, and they are gen- erally as fine dealers as ever stood behind the counter. Our landloards are all gentlemn, and spare no pains to make travelers at home. Our mechanics have increased, greatly, their facil- ities for doing good work. Our places of amusement would lose their objectionable features if intoxicating drinks could be banished from their precincts. We would urge eastern mechanics and capitalists, who feel like breaking out into the free North- west, to grow up with it, to pay us a visit next spring. We want men with bronzed faces and horney hands; men and women who can cheerfully lock arms with toil. We promise you that toil will here be richly remunerated. We are, now especially, in need of plough, reaper, and mover factories, and a pair of jolly coopers."
One schoolhouse has been erected at a cost of $2.000. It is now occupied by two teachers. Another school is sustained in a commodions hall. These teachers have now under their tuition about 125 pupils. A brass band, a string band, a vocal club, a singing school, a Mason's and Odd Fellow's lodge are all in successful existence. Our mail service has been decreased since the close of summer, but we still have fifteen arrivals and eighteen departures weekly. We have been unable to obtain the last census report, but the enumeration made by the assessor last June gave this town a population of 1683. It is now re- ported at over 2.000. By actual count there were, some time since, over 250 buildings in the place. Faribault has become the center of trade for a large section of country, of the ex- tension of which some idea can be formed from a list of business establishments which we now proceed to give: There are four large houses dealing exclusively in hardware. Three heavy grocery stores. three clothing and furnishing stores, three meat and provision markets, two drug stores, two first-class restaur- ants, two furniture stores and cabinet shops, three livery stables, three blacksmith shops, which employ eight hands, one harness shop, two boot and shoe stores, one wagon and sleigh shop. one broom factory, one grist-mill, with three more within three miles, two saw-mills, with seven more within three miles, one planing-mill. one billiard saloon, two bowling alleys. one race course.
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So far as our memory serves, the following list comprises the business men of the place: Town proprietors-Shields & Mccutcheon, A. Faribault, J. Cooper, H. McClelland, N. Paquin, A. Faribault, Turner & Batchelder. Clergymen-L. Armsby. T. R. Cressey, J. H. White. Physicians-Bemis, Leighton, Burnhans, Denison, Stevens, and Turner. Dentistry-Dr. Stevens and Dr. Biggs. Provision markets-M. Cole, C. T. Winans, Nutting & Dickinson. Restaurants-C. M. Mispaugh, J. & A. Manheim. Drug stores-Wheeler & Thayer, Stevens & Thayer. Furniture stores-Hill & Brockway, Wandell & WVorlin. Millinery-Mrs. L. Clement, Mrs. O. M. Crandall. Liveries, D. Smith & Co .. T. Smith. Jewelry-J. L. Wilcox & Co. Harness shop-E. C. Hinde. Wagon shop-J. D. Denison. Architects and Builders-Hink & Newcomb, Davison & Clem- ons, R. W. Russ, A. & J. Nutting. Broom factory-Misener & Brother. Shingle-mill-J. M. White. Saw-mills-Gibson & Co., H. Riedell. Grist-mill-Gibson & Co. Planing-mill-Clark & Weld. Shoe shop-D. O'Brien. Teachers-L. A. Fish, Miss Parish, Sarah Fisk. Landlords-Barron House, H. E. Barron; National, E. D. Gifford; Faribault House, T. Nutting. Bankers and land agents-Shields & Mccutcheon. G. W. Boardman & Co., H. Wilson & Co., McIlrath, Cole & Co., L. S. Pease & Co. Attorneys and counselors at law-Batchelder & Buckham, Cole & Raymond, Davis & Tanner, Berry & Perkins, H. W. Lamber- ton, O. A. Dalrymple, C. Williams, G. E. Skinner. Surveyors- A. H. Bullis, R. H. L. Jewett, G. F. Batchelder. Merchants- General Variety-Tower & Brother, J. A. Moore, J. H. Mills & Son, Mr. McGreavy, Van Brunt & Misener, Fuller & Smith, J. H. Winter, D. Munch. Hardware-C. T. Hinde & Co., Cot- trell & Brother, T. H. Loyhed, Cooper & Renwick. Groceries- Chaffee & Berry, F. B. Nason & Co., Mr. Barley. Clothing- W. S. Eastman, Raunecker & Hartman. P. B. Crosby & Co.
The following from the "Herald" will also give an idea of the improvements of 1857: "It is truly gratifying to take a view of the improvements which have been effected in our place during the past year. In nothing is this advance more apparent than in the erection of new buildings. The building of the past year has been altogether of a different and superior char- acter from that which preceded it. In place of pre-emption shanties which constituted many of those before numbered, we have now the stately edifice from two to four stories in height. The buildings erected within the last year would probably reach in number one hundred and fifty, the most noticeable of these are as follows: Residence of A. Faribault on a sightly bluff over the river, costing about $4,000; the beautiful residence of James Tower at a cost of $2,500; the residence of General
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Shields, J. Cooper, N. Paquin. H. McClelland. F. Faribault. Rev. L. Armsby, S. Barnard, Mr. Humphrey, H. Riedell, J. Gibson, Messrs. Decker, Alby, Lines, Whipple, etc., at an average of about $2,000 cach. The following among the most important business erections: Store by M. Cook, 24x40; Cottrell & Co., 24x50; A. Blodgett, hall and billiard saloon at an average of $2.500; store and hall by Faribault & Co .; restaurant by Mills- paugh ; bank by J. A. Moore; store by J. H. Mills ; drug store by Stevens & Thayer: receiver's office by J. B. Cooper ; store by Mr. Merrill. All of these new buildings are two stories and cost about $2,000 each. A number of creditable one-story build- ings for offices, banks, stores, etc., have been erected. A number of fine buildings show themselves on Paquin's addition, among which we notice one by I. H. Craig, 22x45, three stories high, for store or hotel; F. Craig has built two, one 16x36, the other 19×36, both two stories; two stores, one by Fredette and one by Langeuin, both 20x40, two stories. We cannot report in full, suffice it to say that the amount expended in private building the past year cannot fall short of $100,000. In addition our commissioners have erected an office and jail at an expense of about $5,000. The school trustees have built a schoolhouse costing about $2,000. The Congregational church has been enlarged and a bell procured. Three bridges have been built across Straight river, and one across the Cannon. A pleasant and commodious cemetery has been laid out, and many other improvements which give great satisfaction to the citizens of Faribault who love their homes."
Among the early prominent settlers of Faribault were: O. F. Perkins, J. W. North, Dr. Charles Jewett. J. W. Humphrey, John M. Berry, George W. Batchelder, Thos. C. Buckham. J. C. and J. R. Parshall. H. E. Barron, H. R. L. Jewett. Capt. E. H. Cutts, H. M. Matteson, H. W. Dike. Henry Clay Lowel!, C. L. Lowell, F. W. Frink, George W. Tower, R. A. Mott.
H. M. Matteson and J. R. Parshall came here in 1854: Levi Nutting. James Shonts, G. S. Woodruff, E. N. Leavens in 1855; W. Il. Stevens, John Mullin, J. B. Wheeler. Lyman Tuttle. Wil- liam MeGinnis. A. Mortenson. F. G. Stevens, George W. Newell, and T. II. Loyhed came in 1865.
Among other old settlers were: C. C. Perkins, Michael Cook and Thomas Carpenter.
The Mystery of Metropolisville. Edward Eggleston, the famous author, was in Rice county in 1855, and the scene of "The Mystery of Metropolisville" is supposedly laid in Cannon City, many of the names in the book being clever take-offs on well known names in Rice county. On this subject. F. W. Frink has said: "In the summer of 1855 the author of the 'Hoosier
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School Master,' 'Mystery of Metropolisville' and kindred works was taking pictures in Faribault with Amos Wattles-whom some of our old settlers will remember-week days and preach- ing the gospel according to the Methodists on Sundays in Cannon City. Before this young preacher left this vicinity a circum- stance occurred that was the foundation for a story which he has immortalized in one of his novels. Some of our oldest citizens may remember a long tall copy in the flesh of 'Uncle Sam,' as, caricatured, named Dave McCorn; further identified as the owner of the finest span of Morgans ever seen in Faribault. Dave boarded at the Barron House, in the office of which the young bloods of the town made nightly resort, and was the butt of many jokes before they became fully acquainted, as he looked and acted decidedly verdant. One night when there was a full meeting of these youngsters, one of them asked Dave if he had heard of the offer Mr. Faribault had made of $10,000 to any decent white man who would marry one of his daughters. Dave replied that he hadn't heard of it but as it was right into his hand he would go and see about it, and left ostensibly to interview his prospective father-in-law. After a waiting of an hour or more expecting every moment to hear that Dave had been shown the door if not kicked out of it for his impudence, he made his appearance and reported progress. He said: ‘We got along first rate and agreed in every particular until just at the last Mr. Faribault insisted that the children should be brought up in the Catholic faith, and I told him I'd be d-d if I could stand that, and so the deal was off.' The young fellows saw that they were sold, for their intended victim never went near Mr. Faribault but was snugly ensconced in a neighboring store all the time they had been waiting expecting, as one of them expressed it, to have a 'heap of fun with a greenhorn.' It is true that the 'Mystery of Metropolisville' makes no pretense to historical accuracy, yet it is so truthful in its representations of many incidents and presents so many accurate pen portraits of well known men of the time that the pages devoted to 'Peri- tault, the Indian trader' may be well supposed to give the char- acteristics of Alexander Faribault, the only 'Indian trader' in the vicinity. Yet the story as told in the book is a libel on as affectionate a father as I ever knew, and had no other foundation than is here related. I may be accused of needlessly reviving an old story but there is this excuse: The 'Mystery of Metrop- olisville' is still to be found in public libraries, and only a few years ago a correspondent of one of the twin city dailies re- hearsed this old story as a literal truth."
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