USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 6
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 6
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The interior of the building is admirably adapted for the various uses to which it is put, and is fitted and furnished in the most modern style throughout. The first floor is given to the offices of the different county officers, all being provided with a fireproof vault and steel shuttered windows. The second story contains one of the model court rooms of the state, also judge's chambers, jury rooms, consultation room and waiting rooms. The total cost of the building was $53,500, exclusive of the $5,000 expended for the site.
The beautifully kept grounds, set with cannons, flower beds and trees, add much to the dignified and stately appearance of the structure.
The county is deeply indebted to its loyal and faithful com- missioners, during the year 1891, who made this court house
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possible, and through their careful supervision saved the com- munity thousands of dollars. Especial credit is due llerman Schmidt, chairman. He was ably assisted by the other commis- sioners, Theodore Chambers, Frank Carlton, Robert Crickmore and Fred Ahrens.
STEELE COUNTY JAIL
The building of the first Stecle county jail dates back to the early sixties, when the county was yet in its pioneer days. With numerous changes and additions at the times progressed, this structure gave good service for many years, until about 1900, when the question of the building of a modern and up-to-date bastile began to be discussed, the old jail having met with the disapproval of the state authorities.
November 25, 1902, the first steps were taken, the county commissioners issuing $10,000 in bonds for the erection of a new jail, shortly afterwards selling them at par to the local banks. A month or two later a contract was signed with the Pauly Jail Building & Manufacturing Company of St. Louis for the plans and furnishings of a strictly modern jail, not to exceed $15,000 in cost. The plans were submitted, and February 17, 1903, the contract for the removal of the old building and the erection of the new structure was awarded to Hammel Brothers & Anderson, the consideration being $3,238. Work was started the following spring, and the jail building itself concluded during the late summer of the same year, though the installation of the steel cells and other equipment by the Pauly company was not completed until some time later.
The total cost of this structure for the promotion of the peace and welfare of Steele county was something over $15,000, every dollar being expended to the best possible advantage. Four double cells and three single, all representing the latest ideas in that class of construction, provide ample facilities for the accommodation of the opponents of law and order.
The commissioners of 1903, F. G. Schuman, chairman ; M. II. Coggins, N. O. Partridge, John Smith and C. HI. Wilker, ren- dered invaluable service in protecting the interests of the tax- payers, and securing the erection of a model jail.
STEELE COUNTY POOR FARM
The history of the county poor farm begins October 16, 1880, when the commissioners purchased the property of D. C. Tiffany. It consists of 120 acres of good land, located five miles cast of Owatonna, and a half mile north of Havana station. The build- ings are well suited for their respective purposes, the houses
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being capable of accommodating twelve or thirteen inmates com- fortably, and the barn and outbuildings of ample size and well constructed. During the last fifteen years several additions and some remodeling has been done. In 1905 an apple orchard of 150 trees was set out, which is promising abundant returns.
L. L. Inman was the first overseer who held office for any length of time until 1888, when Horace Chambers assumed charge and remained up to January 1, 1895. He was succeeded by Joseph Fisher, who was very successful during all his ten years of management. Anton Stancel was the next overseer. serving three years, and turning over the office to his successor, Samuel Pichner, January 1, 1908. Mr. Pichiner is the present incumbent. Commissioner F. G. Schuman, as head of the poor- farm committee since 1898, has done much in the way of looking after the best interests of the county and the inmates. At pres- ent the farm has eight inmates.
CHAPTER XVI
OWATONNA AS A HAMLET
First Settlement-Pettit and Cornell-First House Built-Influx of Population - Bridge Constructed - Hotel and Stores Opened-Activities of the Early Days-Business Houses of 1867 and 1887-First Events.
The first settlement on the present site of the city of Owa- tonna was made by William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell, in the summer of 1854. About the middle of May of that year William F. Pettit, George F. Pettit, A. B. Cornell and F. Wilbur Fisk left Sparta, Wis., for a visit to the far-famed prairies of Minne- sota. George F. Pettit had been at Faribault some time pre- vious, and made such a glowing report of the country that those who had families took them along, determined to make their homes on the sunset side of the Mississippi. Seven wagon- loads of people, furniture, supplies, etc., set out, and were four weeks in reaching Faribault-a long journey, attended with toil. discomfort and fatigue, and one that none but strong, brave hearts would undertake and successfully accomplish. George F. Pettit settled at Faribault, F. W. Fisk on East Prairie, and William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell located on the present site of the city of Owatonna. Mr. Cornell made his claim on the east side of the river and Mr. Pettit on the west. Cornell built a somewhat primitive dwelling, which was constructed of poles covered with prairie grass, but it was sufficient to protect them from the storm and the scorching rays of the sun, and they were all content to wait patiently till a more commodious house could be erected. This was the first residence and the first building erected within what is now the city limits. Mr. Cornell soon commenced putting up a log house, just north of where the bridge now stands, and had the logs raised ready to put up on the roof, when he sold his claim to Mr. Pettit, who had, in the meantime, disposed of his own on the west side of the river to a Mr. Crehore. Some time in August. Mr. Pettit had contracted with Mr. Cornell to build a house for him, similar to the one he was building for himself, but when he purchased Cornell's claim the contract was annulled and another made that he could finish the one already commenced. We give the contract in full. as it is probably the first ever made in the county. It is as follows :
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"It is hereby agreed by and between W. F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell, that A. B. Cornell shall, previous to the twentieth day of October next, build for said Pettit a log dwelling house on the foundation said Pettit has already commenced; said house to be 22 feet long and 18 feet wide; puncheon floor below, two doors and five windows, shingled roof, logs hewn inside up to beams and mudded on the outside; also a cellar 14x18 feet, dng so as to be 6 feet from bottom to sleepers; said house to be one and a half stories high and put up similar to said Cornell's, and the said Pettit is to furnish all nails, glass, sash, putty and Inm- ber for doors and the upper floor so as not to delay said job and to pay for said building $75. W. F. Pettit. A. B. Cornell. August 3, 1854."
These movements gave a material start to the growth of the embryo city. The first track made across the prairies is the pioneer of civilization, and forerunner generally of a crowd of immigration, and this was no exception to the general rule. Others followed the lead of Messrs. Pettit and Cornell, and several houses were built that fall (1854). Hon. G. W. Green, of Beaver Dam, Wis., commenced the erection of a house which was raised on October 2, all the settlers in the vicinity assisting. Interesting articles, written by both Judge Green and A. B. Cornell, and giving a detailed account of the experiences of each, will be found in this work. In the winter following (1854-55) J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log cabin near where the Milwaukee Railroad tracks are now located.
These were dreary, lonesome days to the settlers; far from friends, marts and posts of trade, with no one save themselves to commune with, their lives must indeed have been "hermit- like." Sometimes, too, a little fear of what the Indians might do crept into their minds to disturb their tranquillity, yet the Indians were at peace with the whites, and at that time con- sidered them their best friends. But at times circumstances would occur to arouse the suspicions of the people to a high pitch. The following instance of this was related to a historian : The first year of the settlement (1854) all the provisions and supplies of all kinds were brought from St. Paul, and at one time Mr. Cornell went with his team to that town to bring a load of provisions, etc., and was absent about a week, leaving Mrs. Cornell with only her children and a boy to keep her com- pany. During his absence a party of Indians, a hundred or more, encamped for a time near Mr. Cornell's shanty. Yet they were very respectful and civil to the white lady, and did not venture into her house. One evening they gathered material and lighted huge bonfires a little back of the shanty, and commenced an Indian dance with all its wild accompaniments of songs and
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shouts, making the night hideous with their anties and howl- ings. Just at this time Mr. Cornell, with his load, reached the hill about two miles north of the town, and, as he gained the summit, he saw the flames of the fires, and the dusky redskins dancing in the lurid glare of light. His wife and children ! Had they become victims of the savage thirst for blood? The thought came crashing through his brain with the rapidity of lightning. He did not stop long to gaze, but, unhitching his team, he stripped the harness from the fleetest horse, and, mounting him, rode at the top of his speed, resolved to know the worst and save his loved ones or perish with them. Reaching the ford, his eyes were made glad at seeing his wife on the opposite bank, awaiting his return, who assured him that all were well and glad to see him return as safe as they were. Thankful that he was the only one victimized, Mr. Cornell returned and got his load of provisions.
When spring opened, in 1855, the settlement continued rap- idly. During the spring and early summer the following named all came, many accompanied by their families: Addison Phelps, Nelson Morehouse, B. L. Arnold, Joel Wilson, Dexter Carlton, Parker Carlton, Alson Selleck, N. Winship, John Wilcox, two Schimeks, David Lindersmith, Leonard and Simeon Case, Bazil Meek, Obed Gaines, Miner Prisby, Adolphus Town, Philo San- ford, Charles Ellison, John H. and Ezra Abbott, C. G. Haynes. John Moon and Mr. Ward. Possibly there were a few others. All of these parties settled within a radius of a mile or two of the present center of the city. Many at once erected cabins, while others selected claims and returned for their families. The only sign of business here was at the residence of A. B. Cornell, where the traveling public was fed and lodged. Early in May of this year (1855) Smith & Park began keeping a few groceries and provisions at their cabin near the present railway depots. About the first of July, N. Winship commenced hauling logs for his hotel. They moved into it on August 4, and it was opened for the accommodation of the traveling public. This was the first hotel erected here, and, in fact, was the first building upon what was then the village plat. In later years, however, the plat has extended so as to take in the site of Cornell's first cabin. In September, 1855, John Sweat put up a little cabin and opened a blacksmith shop near where Deeg's wagon shop now (1887) stands. Later he sold to Joel Wilson, and left. In October, 1855, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log house just north of the Winship House, on Oak street, and filled it with a stock of goods which proved of great convenience to the pioneers. Quite a number of young men came this year, who only remained a short time.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
In the summer of 1855 Mr. Pettit sold his claim to John H. Abbott, and soon afterward bought an undivided half of Mr. Cornell's claim, lying immediately south of the one just sold. All hands at once went to work to build up a first-class town. Roads and bridges, for the purpose of communication with other sections of the country, were the first things to be attended to, and with willing hearts and stout hands they went to work and opened up the roads, bridges the sluices and water courses, and soon had the satisfaction of knowing that at least an important thoroughfare was opened through their town. Mr. Cornell, with true Western energy and perseverance, built a bridge across the Straight river, and travel was seemingly nearly constant. Not infrequently were there from twenty to thirty or forty emigrant teams in the streets at the same time. Business flourished. Every settler whose house was large enough to accommodate more than his own family had all the spare room occupied with strangers and those seeking homes. Cornell, also, made several extended trips in advertising this locality. A village was platted, streets and lots marked out and speculation in city property was very active. In the autumn of 1855 the county was organized and Owatonna was made the county seat. A postoffice was opened this fall; mail routes were established, and stages were shortly afterward put on. In September, Mr. Cornell and John H. Abbott laid out the town site, comprising about 120 acres, about sixty acres on each of their claims. In November they went to Winona and pre-empted the land, and on December 26, 1855, filed the town plats in the office of Charles Ellison, register of deeds. A very respectable log school house was also built this fall, though the first school had already been taught. The old log school house performed a somewhat important part in the early history of the place. Schools were held in it during all school terms; each of the denominations used it in turn as a house of worship. All the political meetings and elections were held there; singing schools, lyceums and prayer meetings occu- pied the evenings, so that it was kept in almost constant use until it was removed and torn down. The town proprietors donated about forty lots to those who would erect substantial and useful buildings. During this summer (1855), Mr. Pettit built the first frame house in the country, on the hill in the eastern part of the city. He was obliged to haul part of the pine lumber from Red Wing, with which to complete the house, which cost $107 per thousand, and the roof boards, procured at Faribault, cost $60 per thousand. Such were the advantages under which the pioneers had to labor.
With 1856 came renewed activity in a business way as well as in emigration, and the little settlement on Straight river
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increased rapidly. The winter had been a severe one, but had not depressed the spirits of the colonists. In April of this year, Messrs. Pettit, Abbott and Cornell bought of Park & Smith 500 acres of land lying on the north side of the town, for $8,000. This was afterward known as the "Five Hundred Acre Tract." Early this year B. L. Arnold put up the Eureka House, the first frame hotel erected in the county. Philo Sanford during the same summer and fall put up what was then called the American House-now (1887) the Central. Elder Town, who had bought out Smith & Park, erected a small building on Bridge street, and moved his goods into it. Nathaniel Winship built an addi- tion to his hotel. John Dingman came and put up a building near where Rosebrock's furniture store is now (1887) located, and J. W. Morford, who arrived at about the same time, opened a stock of goods in it. A hardware stock was established by a couple of young men, who after a few weeks, sold to E. Y. Hun- newill. Business took long strides forward. In July of this year J. W. Morford and John Odell opened a store on Bridge street, and somewhat later in the season Dr. Harsha and Judge Donaldson a drug and general provision store. Potwin & Stough- ton-A. N. Stoughton and George Potwin-opened business on Main street. J. B. Crooker came this year and a few years later opened a general store. Among those who came were M. A. Dailey, J. M. Sheetz, Willard Wheaton, Harvey Beardsley, Joseph Webster, James Moore, George Oulton, Rev. H. Chapin, D. Potwin, the Odells and others.
During this year (1856) Town & Burch ( Loren Town and J. W. Burch) were engaged in the general merchandise trade. In the following year Mr. Burch sold his interest to A. Town, who afterward secured the whole business, and finally closed out the stock.
In the spring of the same year (1856) Ezra Abbott, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith brought a steam saw mill from Walcott, where it had been in operation for a year or so, and this was set up just north of the bridge on the east side of the river. Build- ing operations were greatly accelerated. The common lumber for most of the new buildings was manufactured by it. This mill was in operation here for about three years, Mr. Abbott in the meantime having purchased his partner's interests, and it was then sold and removed to Faribault.
In the fall of 1856 Nelson Morehouse erected a building and put a saw mill into operation on the water power on the west side of the river. He operated this for a number of years, and it was finally remodeled into a flouring mill. A live western newspaper was established in 1856, that did much toward mak- ing known to the outside world Steele county's advantages
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During the same summer Melbourne Burr opened a cabinet shop.
In 1857 the growth was not so rapid as it had been the pre- ceding year; considerable railway agitation was had, although not more than had been the case in 1856. During this year (1857) G. W. Truc and Mr. Potwin brought a saw mill here from Mount Vernon, Ohio, a bonus being raised to secure it. The mill came in the name of True, although Pettit and Abbott were interested in it. It was set up just west of the Winship House. Machinery for a grist mill was also brought here, although this was never set up. The saw mill was run for sev- eral years, and it was finally removed to Morristown.
In 1857. the first millinery store was started by Mrs. Lam- bert, in a building where the Brooks bakery is now (1887) located. Mrs. Magoon also started a millinery establishment at an early day.
N. Squires established a meat market this year. William Wadsworth started a jewelry store on Main street, where the jail is now (1887) located. The Sherwood Brothers opened a saloon. Mr. Coburn started a general store, trusted the railway contractors, and it soon ended in bankruptcy.
In 1858 and 1859 the financial depression which had com- menced with 1857 was severely felt here. Business development was at a standstill. Money was very close; paper money was almost worthless, and every one demanded gold or silver. The bank issue, based upon railway securities, also hurt this country sadly, and it is a truthful saying that a hatful of $100 bills of such currency would scarcely buy a meal of victuals.
J. B. Crooker established a general store in 1859 and among other business interests which in carly days clustered here should be mentioned: The tailor shop started by Dresser & Goodwin, in a building nearly opposite Hunnewill's hardware store ; the general store started at an early day by Bascom Bros., in a building where Greeley's pump factory is now (1887) located.
The same state of affairs, financially, continued through 1860 and 1861, while in the latter year the breaking out of the war made matters still worse. A great many of the able-bodied young and middle-aged men left during '61 and went into the service.
In 1862 business began to pick up a little. The Indian mas- sacre drove many from the homes west of here, and Owatonna, being upon a main thoroughfare, and the first feasible stopping point, again became a scene of activity. The soldiers going through, and fleeing settlers, besides the fact that the soldiers in the army began to receive their pay at about this time, made
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money matters easier, and its effect was soon felt in the channels of business.
From 1863 to 1867 the city grew rapidly, and many substan- tial improvements were made. Two lines of railway reached the city in 1866. as is detailed elsewhere in this volume, and this added new life to the growth, although, to a great extent, the impetus to business development given by railway connections had been anticipated. and the growth caused by it really began in the summer of 1865. From that time until 1867-68, many fine business buildings were erected, among them being Dresser's block, Kinyon's building. Kelly block, Abbott block, Wadworth's building, Crooker's residence ; Crooker, Kelly, Bixby and Dr. Morehouse erected the row of bricks on the south side of Bridge street ; Dr. Harsha, the First National Bank building; Odell & Pott's building, Wadworth put up a brick building, Hunnewill a hardware store, and Soule erected the north sixty feet of the H. R. Moore & Co. block. The Arnold and Park hotels, Howe's foundry and machine shops and other buildings erected and enterprises inaugurated.
The business boom of these years was almost without paral- lel in the history of Minnesota. The population of the city more than doubled, increasing from a village of 600 or 700 to a city of 2,000 during the years 1866 and 1867. Since that time the growth has been more gradual, but of a permanent and bene- ficial character.
BUSINESS MEN IN 1868
As a matter worthy of preservation, we here present a full business directory of Owatonna in 1868: Attorneys-Amos Coggswell, A. A. Harwood, Searles & Hickman, Delos Higbee. Kinyon & Wheelock, M. A. Dailey, J. J. Aiken, N. M. Donald- son (judge). Agricultural Implements-Lowth, Howe & Co .. Allen & Dearborn, Fisk & Medal, G. W. Payne, J. E. Buxton. Wm. Scruby. Boots and Shoes-Chase Bros., Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros., Morford, Willsey & Co., G. F. Albertus, J. Loner- gan, Frank Yaneck, J. E. Griggs. Books and Stationery-C. E. Seaton. Bankers-Easton & Kinyon, S. Mills, Jr., & Co. Bar- bers-Jerry Pope, J. A. Pierce, Louis Teabean. Bakeries-Mrs. J. G. Cochran, George Chapman, M. J. White. Blacksmiths- F. H. Cooper, M. S. Quiggle, P. Schuster, C. Hanson, Hiram Cartwright, - --- Sherman, - King. Brewery-Mace & Co. Clothing-J. G. Denerline, Friend & Newsalt, G. F. Albertus, Soule Bros., Armstrong & Cottrell. J. E. Griggs, Marble & Co., Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros. Cooper Shop-Peter Hanson. Dry Goods-Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros., Arnston & Connell,
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Morford, Willsey & Co., Armstrong & Cottrell, Siebold & Horts- man, Soule Bros., L. Andrews, G. F. Albertus, Jo. Wilson. Den- tists-G. J. Cole, Miss Kellogg. Drugs-Harsha & Donaldson, L. Bixby, Bennett & Hubbard. Eating Houses-Railroad Eat- ing House, C. F. McNamara, Mitehell Bros., Hiram Cartwright, Mrs. Cochrane. W. C. Bosworth, George Chapman, M. Lont. Earthenware Factory-C. C. Cornell. Express Offices-Merch- ant's Union and American. Furniture-J. F. Hanna, H. & J. Hickox, Chas. Schoen. Flour and Feed Stores-Farmer Brothers, Kelly & Tyler, Marble & Co., J. P. Requa, T. J. Clark, Arnston & Connelly, Newton & Gross. Foundry and Machine Shops- Lowth, Howe & Co. Groceries-Kelly & Tyler, S. S. Russell, Soule Brothers, G. F. Albertus, Joos & Boll, L. Andrews, Sie- bold & Hortsman, Morford, Willsey & Co., Armstrong & Cott- rell, Arnston & Connelly, Cooper Bros., T. J. Clark, William Cleator, J. Chambers, H. Cartwright. Hardware-Cottrell & Hunkins, J. E. Buxton, Thomas & White, E. Y. Hunnewill. Harness Shops-O. M. Hammond, O. A. Albee, A. Burch. Ho- tels-Winship House, Barker's Exchange, National Hotel, Am- erican House, Arnold House, Scandinavian Hotel, Steele Center House, Tilden House, Owatonna House. Hoopskirt Factory- W. Holt. Jewelry-Ezra Abbott, J. F. Young, J. Hough. Lum- ber Dealers-Crooker Bros. & Lambareaux, S. B. Washburn, Backus Bros., Sterling & Searles, Dean & Co. Livery Stables -Twiss & Christie, C. W. Hastings. Millinery-Mrs. L. H. Kelly, Mrs. Magoon, Mrs. White, Mrs. W. Holt, Mrs. M. J. Myrick. Meat Markets-J. A. Oppliger & Co., Kowietz & Rie- don, Truax & Savage. Physicians and Surgeons-E .M. More- house, L. H. Kelly, Dr. Blood, L. L. Bennett, D. Bodle, D. S. Harsha, J. G. Gilchrist and W. A. Ware. Photographers-G. W. Chesley, Mrs. J. P. Briggs, A. F. Simons. Painters-Hall, Beors & Co. Planing Mill-Lamonte Gilbert. Real Estate Dealers- W. H. Kelley, B. F. Melvin, John H. Abbott, Ezra Abbott, Searles & Hickman, Kinyon & Wheelock. Tailors-John Cot- tier, J. G. A. Denerline, Christopher Fahriess, D. B. Marble & Co. Telegraph Offices-A. H. Lee, operator at C., M. & St. P. depot : G. H. Merrill, at W. St. P. depot. Wagon Shops-P. Schuster, Sherman & Brown, - Brown, - King.
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