USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 50
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 50
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
The Minneapolis & Cedar Valley railroad received its charter in 1856, the grading was started in 1860, and in the fall of 1865, as the Minnesota Railway Company, was put in operation through Faribault and Northfield. Later it was absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul.
The Cannon Valley railroad, now operated by the Great Western, received its charter in 1857. Its line was pushed from Red Wing to Northfield in the latter part of 1882 and at once put
463
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in operation. There was an interesting race from Red Wing here between the Cannon Valley and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, but the parties, after an exciting railroad war, finally reached an agreement.
The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern started operations through Northfield on the Milwaukee tracks in January, 1902. The company later sold to the Rock Island.
The Milwaukee and the Rock Island roads use the same depot and the Great Western depot is about a block away.
CEMETERIES.
Northfield has three cemeteries, well laid out, and possessing that air of peace and rest so fitting for the repose of the loved ones who have departed.
The Northfield Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the city and is controlled by the Northfield Cemetery Association, a stock company organized many years ago by the leading citizens. The original plat has been increased from time to time. The cemetery is situated on the east side of Division street south of Sumner.
Oaklawn Cemetery is owned by the Oaklawn Cemetery As- sociation, and is situated on the north side of Fourth street near the east city limits. This is the newest cemetery in the city and has a very favorable location.
The St. Dominic Catholic Cemetery is situated near Oaklawn cemetery, on the south side of Fourth street, near the east city limits. It is owned by the local Catholic church.
BANKS.
The First National Bank, of Northfield, is one of the soundest financial institutions in southern Minnesota. It was organized December 13, 1872, with a capital stock of $50,000 by Frederick Goodsell, eldest son of Charles M. Goodsell, the founder of Carle- ton College. Jesse Ames was vice-president and G. M. Phillips the cashier. The directors were F. Goodsell, H. Wilson, J. C. Nutting, E. T. Archibald, J. T. Ames, H. Thoreson. Mr. Good- sell resigned as president soon afterwards and engaged in the grain business. J. A. Scriber, who had been conducting the Ex- change Bank, a private institution, took his place. Mr. Seriber died the following autumn and J. C. Nutting became president, a position he still holds. The bank opened for business January 1, 1873, in the rooms now occupied by the S. A. Matson & Son general store, west of the present Northfield National Bank. It was moved April 1, 1873, to the south end of the stone building now occupied by the postoffice. In 1878 it was moved to the rooms now occupied by the postoffice, and in 1893 to the present
464
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
location on the northeast corner of Division and Fourth streets. The bank lives in history as the scene of the famous Northfield bank robbery. It has successfully weathered the financial storms of 1873 and 1893 and has been noted for the soundness of its management. That the bank has been properly managed is suf- ficiently shown by its statement, herewith appended. That it has shared its prosperity with its patrons is indicated by the fact that it has paid in interest to its depositors an amount more than four times its original capital. The present officers are: President, J. C. Nutting ; vice-president, J. W. Huckins ; cashier, G. M. Phil- lips ; assistant cashier. H. O. Dilley ; directors, Dr. J. R. Phillips, Hon. C. D. Rice and R. D. Barrett. Following is the statement rendered at the close of business September 1. 1910:
Liabilities-Capital, $75,000; surplus, $25,000; profits, $25,- 084.68; circulation, $75,000; United States deposits, $1,000; cashier's checks, $3,964.64; certified checks, $25; demand certifi- cates, $21,531.63; time certificates, $349.295.62; individual de- posits, $317,384.79 ($693,201.68). Total, $893,286.36.
Resources-Loans and discounts, $646,453.95; overdrafts, $3,- 510.75 ; United States bonds, $76,000; other bonds, $25,040; real estate and fixtures, $11.397.35 ; due from United States treasurer, $3,750; due from banks, $77,358.40; cash on hand, $49,775.91 ($130,884.31). Total, $893,286.36.
The Citizens' Bank, of Northfield, closed its doors in 1900. It was established in January, 1878, by W. H. Norton, who was president, and W. W. Norton, who was cashier. The bank build- ing, now occupied by the Northfield National Bank, was erected in September, 1878. The same month the Citizens' Bank was regularly organized with a capital stock of $50,000.
The Northfield National Bank was organized June 28, 1901, with a capital stock of $50,000. On January 9, 1907. the capital stock was increased to $100,000. The first and present officers and directors are: J. G. Schmidt, president ; HI. A. Scriver, vice- president ; S. A. Netland, cashier; F. W. Shandorf, assistant cashier ; W. W. Pye and D. J. Ferguson, directors. The present capital stock and surplus is $143,000, with assets nearly one mil- lion dollars.
The annual statement of the bank rendered June 30. 1910. was as follows: Assets-Loans and discounts. $547,905.18; over- drafts, $1,414.41; real estate and fixtures, $18.170.80; United States bonds, $101,000 ; railroad bonds, $7.500: cash and due from banks. $183.873.34. Liabilities-Capital, $100.000; surplus and profits, $43,565.77 : circulation, $100,000; deposits, $616,297.96.
The State Bank, of Northfield, was organized March 9, 1910. with William W. Pye as president : 1. O. Netland as vice-presi- dent, and S. A. Netland as cashier. A beautiful concrete build-
465
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ing was erected just west of the river and the business is well launched under the most auspicious circumstances.
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
Northfield is a college town, and while it has its share of in- dustry, the manufacturing interests are not important, consisting at the present time of a flouring mill, two grain elevators, a knit- ting mill, a creamery, a milk shipping station, a brewery and a wiring mill. In addition to this job printing, conducted by the two newspapers, is of much importance, as is the publishing busi- ness, several papers issued here, having a national circulation.
Among the industries out of existence at the present time were the following :
First Saw Mill. Mr. North built the first saw mill, as he states in his letter. It was an old-fashioned mill, although it had, in addition to the vertical saw, a circular that would cut a board not exceeding twelve inches wide. This mill was run in an in- termittent way for about ten years by Mr. North and Mr. Ames, and was afterwards purchased by the latter.
A Steam Saw Mill was built in the spring of 1857 by Cox & Fleming. The boilers were hauled in winter by team from Du- buque. When they arrived the event was duly celebrated by the firing of anvils-the only available cannon-and guns and other demonstrations of joy. It was placed up the river just out- side of the village plat and run for about three years and dis- posed of to parties in Stillwater. The cost of operating in the hardwood lumber, it was claimed, was too great to allow a margin for profits.
Van Buskirk Brothers' Machine Shops. In 1876 a feed mill was established near the railroad station, but it was soon discon- tinued as such and remodeled into a foundry and machine shop.
Wyman's Sash, Door and Blind Factory. This was erected in 1867 by Daniel Wyman and run for about four years, when it was destroyed by fire. It stood south of the depot. It was one of the best establishments in the state and had a saw mill con- nected with it and a full complement of modern machinery. A sash, door and blind factory was put up in 1859 by Pease & Clarry down the river on the east bank. After about two years the machinery was sold and the building after a time was removed to the farm of Mr. S. Bunday.
Creamer Manufactory. This establishment was started in 1879 for the manufacture of the "Cooley Creamer," a piece of furniture to facilitate the handling of cream, which was made in two sizes, No. 4 and No. 6, representing the number of cans they
466
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
hold. The first proprietors were Whittier & Hunt, but the firm soon became Whittier & Camp. In the spring of 1882 the firm was changed to Whittier & Ensign, the names of the members being C. F. Whittier and W. E. Ensign.
The Northfield Elevator was built by the railroad company at the time of the completion of the road. It was 75x100 feet and handled 200,000 bushels of grain annually. It was opened by Ames & Archibald under the personal management of George Grevy. This elevator was burned about twenty years ago.
Among the industries the flouring mill of Jesse Ames & Sons has taken a prominent place.
Jesse Ames & Sons Flouring Mills. The first flour mill built here was on the east side of the river in 1856 by J. W. North. It was a two-run mill operated by water and was run for several years by the builder, but finally sold to C. A. Wheaton, who added another run of stones, and it continued to grind as a custom mill till 1864 or 1865, when it went into the hands of Jesse Ames & Sons, who rebuilt and enlarged the capacity to seventy-five barrels a day and operated it as a merchant mill. The mill was thus run until 1869, since when it has been used as a custom mill under the management of Felix Collett, who helped to build it. It has been used as a warehouse for many years.
The New Mill on the west side of the river was built by Jesse Ames & Sons in 1869 and was set in operation that winter with six run of stones and the ability to turn out 150 barrels in twenty- four hours. In 1875 the seventh run was put in with new bolting arrangements to carry it up to 175 barrels a day. In 1879 thirty- five feet were added to the height, making it five stories above the basement ; steam power was also added at this time in the form of an Atlas Corliss engine of 200 horsepower. At the same time a complete transformation of the grinding machinery was made. It is claimed that this mill was the first in the state to turn out new process flour, and that the first patent flour used in St. Paul was from this establishment.
It should be noted that at the international exhibition in Phila- delphia in 1876 this mill received the highest marking of any straight flour at the exposition. In 1880 a spur track was built so that wheat is delivered and the flour loaded at the mill.
The present owners of the Ames Mill Company are: Gen. Adelbert Ames, Mrs. Blanche B. Ames and Paul Butler. The mill now does a general flouring and a wholesale and retail busi- ness.
467
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
INDUSTRIES.
The Northfield Farmers' Mercantile and Elevator Company was organized in 1896 with an authorized capital stock of $10,- 000. The first officers were: President, Gilbert Fish ; secretary, J. W. Alexander : treasurer, George Empey. The present officers are: President, J. W. Alexander : secretary, J. E. Drake ; treas- urer, George Empey.
The Northfield Telephone Company opened its exchange in Northfield in December, 1909, having been previous to that time located in Waterford, owing to a failure to secure a city fran- chise. There are now about fifty stations in the city. The com- pany also operates in Stanton, Randolph, Webster, Lonsdale, Dundas, Dennison, Nerstrand, Wastedo and Waterford. The officers are: President, John Pennington ; vice-president, Frank Harkness ; secretary and manager. D. D. Turner ; treasurer, H. O. Dilley ; directors, J. M. Jack, H. F. C. Albers, E. Halverson, A. E. Cleland, H. H. Young, R. B. Morrell.
The Webster Farmers' Cooperative Telephone Company operates its exchange in Northfield in connection with the North- field Telephone Company, both companies connecting with the Tri-State long distance line. The officers are : President, George M. Meilke; vice-president, Fred Dodes; treasurer, M. J. Brod- erick ; secretary, John J. Barrett ; directors, Ferdinand Wegener, G. J. Branes and Peter Hendricks.
The Northwestern Telephone Company has operated a local exchange here for many years. It has no local stockholders.
The Wenner Brewery was established on the edge of the city limits in the west part by Dominick Moes in the early eighties. It is now owned by Herman Wenner.
C. D. Orr has conducted an elevator here for several years and does a general elevator business.
The Laird-Norton Lumber Company has a branch yard here and deals in lumber and building materials generally.
The Manawa Hotel, now owned by Grant Bronson, is one of the popular hostelries of southern Minnesota. It was erected in the eighties by James Archer and named the Archer House.
The Northfield Knitting Company employs about sixteen per- sons and does a general knitting business in sweaters, etc. The business was started by J. C. Nutting and purchased about nine years ago by Joseph Massey, who is now sole owner and pro- prietor.
The Crescent Creamery Company ships large quantities of milk and cream to the Twin cities.
The Co-operative Creamery Company was organized in 1907 with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: Presi-
468
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
dent, D. F. Kelley ; secretary and treasurer, Louise Lyman ; man- ager, Ray Kelley. The present officers are: President, D. F. Kelley; secretary and treasurer, E. S. Lyman; manager, Jay Davison.
The Northfield Creamery Company was organized in April, 1906, with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: George Miller, president; secretary and manager, J. E. Drake; treasurer, Daniel Koester. The present officers are: President, D. F. Kelley; secretary, G. E. Larkin ; treasurer, C. W. Lyman; manager, W. C. Barnard.
CHURCHES.
First Congregational Church of Northfield. On a Sunday afternoon in September, 1854. Elder Cressey, a Baptist mission- ary, preached in an unfinished log house of Alexander Stewart, which all the Congregationalists were glad to attend. On June 10, 1855, Rev. Richard Hall preached in the same place, and on August 1 there were services in the cabin of Thomas H. Olin. In May. 1856, Rev. J. R. Barnes visited Northfield and found a few Congregationalists, and on the 15th held service in the fore- noon in a half-built house, afterwards Jenkins' Tavern, and in the afternoon another meeting was held and the importance of start- ing right was urged in relation to religious matters particularly. At that time there was no plastering in the houses or fences in the fields. During the summer a schoolhouse was built, and there were services once in two weeks or so. At that time there were but eleven Congregational churches in existence in Minnesota. six of them being organized that summer. A council was called on Saturday, August 30, 1856, to regularly organize the church. There were no delegates present and but two ministers, Rev. J. R. Barnes and a chance visitor. Rev. Joseph Peckham, of Massa- chusetts, and the next day the church was duly organized with twelve members. Mr. Barnes continued until May, 1857. Rev. Joseph S. Rounce then located here and remained six years. In 1858 there was a revival and fourteen joined the church. In 1860 there were thirteen who withdrew to form a church in Water- ford. The Sunday-school and the prayer meetings were union at this time. The little band struggled on up to February, 1862. meeting in the schoolhouse and Methodist church. By a great effort a church fund was got up amounting to $1, 100 and a church was erected, 24x40 feet, and when completed was made free from debt. The next summer a $90 melodion was purchased and the event was looked upon as an evidence of prosperity and progress most encouraging. In 1863 Mr. Rounce removed from North- field and there was no pastor; Rev. J. G. Wilcox, the Baptist
469
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
minister, and the evangelist, Rev. H. H. Morgan, supplying the pulpit. Rev. E. P. Hammond, the revivalist, was also here for a season and forty members joined the church, and the thirteen who went to the church at Waterford returned. That year the increment to the church amounted to ninety-two souls, and after a greater or less dependence for eight years upon the Home Mis- sionary Society it became self-supporting. On April 5, 1864, Rev. Edwin S. Williams, just from Oberlin, Ohio, came, and his ordi- nation followed on June 10. In 1865 the church was enlarged by the addition of twenty feet, and a bell, the gift of eastern friends was hung up. In 1867 another enlargement was made by an east wing 20x22 feet and costing $1,000. In 1868 a west wing of like size was added. In 1866 the State Conference located Carleton College here, and thenceforward the church and the col- lege have had a propinquity which has been mutually advan- tageous, as it has been intimate, cordial and helpful. Rev. J. W. Strong was inaugurated as president of the college in 1870. Mr. Williams continued his pastorate for six years, resigning in May, 1870. In June, 1872, Rev. James A. Towle was chosen pastor and broke the bread of the word to his people until April 1, 1875. The evangelist, Rev. Cadwallader, was here in the winter of 1874 and 1875. The plan of weekly offerings was adopted in 1875 and has proved successful. President Strong preached until Rev. D. L. Leonard came in July, 1875, and he resigned in July, 1881. On May 19, 1880, the church was burned and measures were at once taken to rebuild ; a site being secured in a beautiful location nearly opposite the public school building. A most elegant church was erected in a modern style, which has ample seating capacity, is well heated and ventilated, and most admirably adopted for church purposes at a cost of over $20,000. Rev. Henry L. Kendall was called to become pastor on November 18, 1881. The membership of the church at the present time is 635. When it was organized there were eight members, as follows : Moses Porter, Mrs. Porter, Ammi Nichols, Mrs. Lucie A. Nichols, Daniel W. Kingsley, Allen N. Nourse, Thomas H. Olin and Mrs. Sarah Olin.
The resignation of Mr. Leonard took place July 1, 1881, and he entered on his severe and abundant labors as home missionary superintendent for Utah and the adjacent territories. From Oc- tober 1, 1881, the church enjoyed the ministrations of Rev. Henry L. Kendall, until the next spring, when, his health failing, he was obliged to resign and soon died. Rev. George Huntington and Rev. Americus Fuller served the church during the summer and autumn of 1882, and in November of that year Rev. Edward M. Williams was called to be pastor. The call was accepted, the ministry began the same month, and in December, 1883, Mr.
120
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Williams was installed by council. The spiritual condition and the prosperity of the church during the pastorate of Mr. Will- iams are sufficiently indicated by the fact that nearly 200 per- sons united with the church on profession of their faith from 1882 until 1889. In spite of numerous dismissions and deaths, he left the church with an increased membership of nearly 100 over the number enrolled when he came. His resignation took effect July 31, 1889. During his pastorate a pipe organ, costing $3,250, was installed in the church. In January, 1890, after about eight months' ministrations by Profs. Huntington and Pearson, in January, 1890, a call was extended to Rev. J. E. MeConnell, of Churchville, N. Y. He accepted and began his ministry in North- field, March 16, 1890. He was installed the latter part of June of the following year. In April, 1890, the Y. P. S. C. E. was organ- ized. During Mr. McConnell's pastorate the present beautiful manse was erected in 1898. The present pastor, Rev. Edwin B. Dean, began his ministry here November 1, 1905. His period of ministration has been a most active and successful one. March 31, 1909, saw the fruition of his hopes in the dedication of an addition to the rear of the church. This addition consists of a gymnasium with bath and other accessories, a large chapel and many rooms for Sunday-school and other purposes. The whole addition cost about $11,000. One of the special features of the church work is the Boys' Brigade, there being two companies, one of twenty-five and the other of fifty members. Another fea- ture is the field work, Sunday-schools being conducted at Green- vale, Waterford, Maple Grove ( Blackman district) and the Ly- man district. In this work the pastor is assisted by David Dono- van, the field worker of the church. This church, in conjunction with Carleton College, supports the missionaries. Dr. and Mrs. Percy T. Watson, in Fenchow-Fu, Shansi, China. The deacons of the church are Fremont E. Weeks. John Street. Edgar George, Franz F. Exner, Harlan W. Page. The clerk is Mrs. Frances G. Bishop and the treasurer, John C. Nutting. The trustees of the First Congregational Society are W. H. Lee, Edgar George. W. A. Hunt, H. O. Dilley, J. E. Robinson, W. II. Lee, John Miller. H. O. Dilley is the society's treasurer. Herbert C. Wilson is superintendent of the Sunday-school. The church has the usual societies and organizations.
Rev. Edwin Blanchard Dean, M. A., B. D., pastor of the First Congregational Church, of Northfield, was born of Amer- ican missionary parents in Satara, India, July 21, 1866. His parents were Rev. Samuel C. and Augusta E. (Abbott) Dean, with whom he returned to this country when he was less than one year old. He fitted for college at Doane Academy, Crete, Neb., and graduated from Doane College with degree of B. A. in
471
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1888. The following year he spent at Amherst College in Massa- chusetts, from which he received the degrees of B. A. and M. A. After three years of study in Chicago Theological Seminary he graduated in the class of 1893 with the degree of B. D. During the year 1890-1891 and in the summer vacations of his seminary course he supplied mission churches in Nebraska. His first pas- torate. from January, 1893, to May, 1899, was at Wilmette, 1]1., a suburb of Chicago. He was ordained to the ministry by a coun- cil of Congregational churches at Wilmette. June 29, 1893. His second pastorate was with the First Congregational Church, of Clinton, lowa, from May, 1899, to November, 1905. His pas- torate at Northfield began November 1, 1905. He has held im- portant positions in the denomination at large. He is at present a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and a delegate to the National Council of Congregational Churches. When in Jowa he served a term as president of the Iowa Home Missionary Society. He was mar- ried July 8, 1896, to Georgia M. DeCou, of Omaha. They have two children, Berta DeCou and Carol Chase.
St. Peter's Danish Lutheran Church was organized in Novem- ber, 1893. The first pastor was C. Schmidt. The church edifice is a neat building, constructed at a cost of $5,000. There are at present seventy members, the present pastor being J. Simonsen, and the present trustees, Robert Jorgensen, Simon Petersen and Chris. Sorgensen.
The Moravian Church, a branch of the famous Moravian church at South Bethlehem, Pa., was organized in Northfield in 1869 or 1870 by the Rev. C. H. Reinke. The church is a neat structure on Division street and cost about $5,000. The present membership is about seventy-seven. The present pastor is Rev. Theodore Reinke and the trustees are Fred Seith, William Suess and John Weisbrodt. Among the pastors have been: Charles Steinford, C. W. Stengel, Ernst Schwartz, H. Reusswig, Paul De Schwinetz. F. H. Oehler, C. Weber, E. F. Helmich, Gerhart Fronke, H. E. Slocker. E. Schwarze and Theodore Reinke.
German Methodist. The earliest services of this denomina- tion in Northfield were held in about 1856. Among the early pas- tors were Rev. H. Hermsmyer, Rev. Charles F. Richster, Rev. Henry Schneicker, Rev. Henry Roth, Rev. William Bucholz, Rev. William Reltered, Rev. Jacob Keller and Rev. William Pogenhat. The church was built about 1876 at a cost of $2,000.
Methodist Episcopal Church, of Northfield. What is believed to have been the first sermon in Rice county was preached July 24, 1855, at the home of Edward Larkin, three miles south of the city of Northfield. by Dr. John L. Schofield, a physician and local preacher. The following history of the church is compiled from
472
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
a pamphlet issued at the time of the golden anniversary of the dedication of the first church building in 1909. This service (the one at Larkin's, mentioned above) was arranged for and the preacher secured by William Mckinley, a young man of twenty- one, who with his parents had come from Herman, Ill., to this state in search of a climate more invigorating and healthful. Services were announced for the following Sunday, July 31, but on account of sickness Dr. Schofield was unable to preach. There being no other help available, William Mckinley, feeling a re- sponsibility for the new work, stepped into the breach and preached from Psalms 4:9. In 1856 the first session of the Minne- sota Conference at Red Wing received William Mckinley on trial and appointed him to Northfield. His circuit extended from Chub Creek to East Prairie and included seven appointments : Northfield, Chub Creek, Mr. Sidwell's, Joseph Drake's, Cannon City, East Prairie and Faribault. A class was soon organized at each appointment, and about 150 members were reported to the following annual conference. Of those received during that first year of Northfield Methodism, Mrs. Mary Bennett still honors the church with her membership.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.