History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 13

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Winona, Minn. : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1222

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The Elgin Fire Department, as at present constituted, was organized April 8, 1905. Previous to that time there had been a bucket brigade of volunteers. The first officers in 1905 were John Walch, president; D. R. Bigham, secretary; D. W. Searles, treasurer; and Charles Richmond, chief. J. G. Marek and Albert Stephans were the wardens. The full membership of 25 there was one com- pany, with J. D. Siem as captain, and Carl Houghton and Vincent Holton as lieutenants. The other company was organized before the close of the year. In addition to affording fire protection, the department has taken an important part in the affairs of the village. On July 4, 1905, it had charge of a large "Home Coming" celebration, and in 1908 a similar affair was held. Several dances have been given, and the funds thus secured used in the purchase of a piano, for a small house, and for a fire bell and other smaller equipment not furnished by the village. The company has two hose carts with about 600 feet of 21/2-inch cotton hose, a hook and ladder truck and a 40-gallon chemical engine.

The school lot where is now located the Elgin public school has been the center of the instruction of youth in this vicinity since 1858, when school was taught there in a little claim shanty. The school is well equipped, and teaches the usual graded and high school subjects. The village has recently voted $65,000 for a new building. The east wing of the present building was erected in 1883 after the cyclone, the west wing being added later. The first high school class was graduated in 1893. There were four members of the class: Louis Davis, Emmelyne J. Resler, now Mrs. Wolf; Ada C. Richardson, now Mrs. Charles Goodwin; and Iva M. Richardson, now Mrs. Paul Bryant. The school has the usual play apparatus in the yard. In the winter time, the village floods a nearby pasture, thus furnishing a safe skating place for the younger generation.

From the early days, there has been no lack of music in Elgin. Among the pioneers, there was a number of good singers, and music was always a feature of all social and religious gatherings. As time went on, musical in- struments found their way among the people, and as the village increased in importance, efforts were made to organize a brass band which were more or less successful under different leaderships, which with the aid of a drum corps, always afforded music for nearly all public occasions.

In more recent years that has been a good band, public concerts have been given, and during the World War, the musicians were very generous in donating their services for various public patriotic functions. Orchestras are formed from time to time that are in good demand. Among the people there is a con- siderable amount of musical talent, and most public entertainments are well supplied with music that ranks high among the musical efforts in larger com- munities. There are very few homes that do not boast of a piano or musical instrument of some kind, and not a few among the children and young people are proficient players. Among our children and young folks there are also a number of beautiful voices that are capable of being trained into any kind of concert work that may be desired.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Elgin dates back to the earliest days. Many of the most prominent of the early settlers brought with them their Methodist faith from Vermont. The first Methodist services were held here in the home of George Bryant as early as 1855. William H. Soul preached here in 1858 or 1859, Elgin being then included in the St. Charles circuit, which, be- sides Elgin, embraced St. Charles, Dover, Eyota, Littleville and Plainview. O. P. Crawford, who came here in 1857, was also a local preacher. October 6,

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

1866, the Elgin circuit was organized, taking in a part of what had hitherto been the Plainview circuit. It included appointments at Forest Mound, Farmington, Pleasant View, Fitch's Schoolhouse, and the Stone Schoolhouse. A board of trustees was constituted. The new circuit took immediate measures toward the erection of a parsonage at Elgin, for which George Bryant gave the land. Labor was commenced October 15, and on November 10 the minister's goods were moved into the house when only part of the roof was on. On November 19, the building was completed. The offical members for the year 1877 were Town Williams, S. G. Matthews, B. H. Gould, R. W. Chapman, George Bryant and George Farrar. In 1879 J. Q. Richardson, I. W. Rollins and Joseph Crawford were added. In 1878 the circuit contracted with J. W. Dickey for the erection of a church edifice, including foundation, for $2,300, and this edifice was built under the direction of the board, and completed about September, 1878. It had an existence of but a few years, however, as it was totally demolished by the cyclone of July 21, 1883. The present church building was erected on the old site. Various improvements have since been made from time to time, including a full basement for the Sunday school and social purposes, constructed in 1915. The pastors have been: Reverend Messrs. W. C. Rice, George S. Simms, Nahun Taintor, J. G. Tetor, George S. Inness, O. A. Phillips, J. W. Mower, J. W. Stebbins, Leland P. Smith, T. H. Kinsman, Rev. Squire, B. C. Gillis, Wm. Gillis, W. T. Miller, E. C. Teachout, H. L. St. Clair, R. C. Wilkinson, S. W. Kemerer, R. O. Laureson, E. C. Lathrop, J. R. Jeffery, H. Hugh Gower, A. T. Davis, F. W. Sanderson and E. W. Haley.

The Congregational Church of Elgin was in the early days an important feature in the religious life of the community. Rev. Jonathan Cochran, an early settler who was also a clergyman, began holding services in Elgin as early as 1858. April 10, 1858, the church was regularly organized at the home of John Bryant. Rev. Jonathan Cochran was moderator, Benjamin H. Gould was clerk. Rev. Elias Clark, of Rochester, was present and assisted in the organization. The Articles of Faith and Covenants of the General Congregational Churches were adopted, with the exception that Article 7, relating to the sinful condition of man, was not to be accepted as including infants, an interesting sidelight on the theological trend of thought at that period.

The following persons were received from other churches: Benjamin Gould, Betsy Gould, Almira C. Gould, Benjamin H. Gould and Elizabeth Gould from the First Congregational Church of Seaport, Maine; Erastus Dodge, Mercy Dodge and Chandler W. Dodge, from the Independent Congregational Church of Oswego, N. Y .; and Catherine Washburn from the Congregational Church of Waterloo, Wis. James A. Washburn, Martha Dodge and Susan F. Dodge were received on profession of faith. Benjamin Gould was chosen deacon and Chandler W. Dodge, clerk. The next day being Sunday, regular church services were held and a Sunday school was organized with R. C. Stillman as super- intendent. July 19, R. C. Stillman presented a letter from the Cengregational Church of Hitchcockville, Conn., and Amy Barton from the Congregational Church of Binghamton, N. Y. The early meetings of the congregation were held at the John Bryant residence and the Forest Mound schoolhouse. Un- fortunately difficulties soon arose in which the pastor and the deacon assumed opposite sides, difficulties somewhat typical of the days of uncompromising theo- logical dogma, when "pride" and "self righteousness" were deadly accusations to bring against a church member, and when differences in church circles spread to the entire community. As the result of the controversy the deacon with his family withdrew to the Methodist Episcopal church and was succeeded by James A. Washburn. Sept. 5, 1862, Henry Willard, the Plainview pastor, became pastor. Rev. Mr. Cochran continued to reside here and died a little later. Oct. 8, 1866, Rev. Palmer Letts became the pastor. For him a parsonage was erected, the work being started Nov. 7, 1866, and the pastor moving in Feb. 12, 1867, though the work was not entirely completed. Aug. 7, 1870, Rev. Gilbert T. Holcomb

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

became the pastor. April 2, 1871, Rev. Mr. Willard of Plainview was again given charge. Since then there has been preaching at irregular intervals. In 1889 there came a revival of interest, with Rev. J. B. Renshaw as pastor, and in 1890 the new Articles and Covenants were adopted. The organization is still in existence, but the few remaining members worship with other congregations. The Congregational Society, as distinct from the congregation, was organized Jan. 28, 1867, the first trustees being Nathan Engle, George Bryant and William Cochran.

The Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church (U. A. C.) was founded Feb. 19, 1894, by a number of Lutherans in and near Elgin, some of whom were mem- bers of Lutheran church at Potsdam, Minn. Rev. C. W. Brink, of Potsdam church, assisted in the organization. The charter members were: Carl Uecker, Julius Bartz, Hermann Schumacher, Fritz Petrich, Gustav Ponto, August Polikowsky, August Nehring, Ludwig Gehlhar, Julius Baum, Julius Polikowsky, Ferdinand Lambrecht, Rudolf Ponto, Louis Hoffman, Julius Rosolack, Christian Koepke, Julius Stephan. In the summer of 1894 the congregation erected a church 24x36, and parsonage on the east half of black 19, purchased from H. G. Richardson & Co. for $200. The church was dedicated in October, 1894, which day also witnessed the installation of the first pastor, Rev. Henry Koepsell, a graduate of Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Ill. Rev. Koepsell accepted a charge at Alexandria, August, 1895. Rev. J. Kirmis of Potsdam filled the vacancy which lasted till February, 1896. Rev. B. Otto then took charge and served until August, 1900. September 5, 1900, Rev. E. H. T. Walther began noble work and served till May, 1919.

June 22, 1919, Rev. C. A. Affeldt, of Waltham, Minn., was installed as pastor by Rev. M. Weinhold, of Rochester. In 1905 the congregation erected a fine new church edifice on the old site, the old building being assigned to serve as school room. The first teacher in charge of the week-day school was Werner Heidtbrink, who served from September, 1917, to August, 1919. The school offers first to eighth grade subjects in the English language. In 1919 the par- sonage was remodeled and enlarged by an addition to the west side. An addi- tion was also built to the schoolhouse to serve as second class room and meeting room for the Ladies' Aid Society, consisting of some 50 members. The con- gregation now owns a complete set of necessary buildings in first-class con- dition. All buildings are electrically lighted and connected with village water system.

January 1, 1920, the congregation numbered 87 voting members, 286 com- municant members and 450 souls. Its property is valued at $25,000. The deacons are Emil Sell, Ferd. Koepsell and Gustav Gehlhar; the trustees, Aug. Koepsell, Gustav Ponto and Henry Wehrs; the school board, Chas. Tradup, Ernst Koepsell, Joh. Roeder; the treasurer, Reinh. Lietz; the secretary, Ernst Koepsell; the chairman, Wm. Schultz. With Trinity Church from its beginning was connected St. John's Church at Haverhill, Olmsted Co., and since 1898, St. John's Lutheran Church in Viola Township, Olmsted County. The pastor is highly esteemed, not only by his own. congregations, but by the community, and his work is one of valued and increasing usefulness to this vicinity.

The First State Bank of Elgin dates back to the financial activities of J. W. Bryant, in the early nineties. About 1891, he started the Elgin Bank, a private institution. He opened in a building occupying the site of the present bank. This structure was burned in 1899, and was replaced in 1902 by the present bank. This building, of sightly ornamental brick, is well equipped as a modern banking house. It has been an important center in the village for many years. Many notable committee meetings have been held there; at one time the postoffice was located in its rear, and the village council still meets there. Mr. Bryant continued his private institution until April 1, 1904. On that date the First National Bank was organized by a group of Winona men, connected with the Merchants National Bank, in that city. The incorporators

FIRSTSTATE. BANK.

FIRST STATE BANK OF ELGIN.

FARMERS MERCHANTS STATE BANK

FARMERS AND MERCHANTS STATE BANK, ELGIN; EMIL J. SELL, President; JOHN C. KETTNER, Cashier

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

were W. P. Tearse, Sr. (president), J. H. Davis (vice-president), Hanibal Choate, V. Simpson and Theodore Wold. The new institution opened its doors April 4, 1904, with a capital of $25,000. John Walsh was cashier, and Edith Sawyer, who has been with Mr. Bryant, was assistant. In 1905 George Toogood and John Dubbles were added to the list of directors. In 1906 Mr. Tearse re- signed as president and was followed by Hanibal Choate. The national charter was surrendered Aug. 1, 1909, and on Aug. 2, 1919, the bank was chartered as the First State Bank of Elgin with a capital of $30,000 and a surplus of $10,000. The first officials were: J. H. Davis (president), George Toogood (vice- president), John Walch (cashier), W. H. Richardson, John Dubbles, H. Choate and Theo. Wold. George Toogood was succeeded as vice-president in 1916 by W. H. Richardson. After Mr. Wold entered the Federal Reserve Bank, he resigned his place on the directorate of the bank at Elgin, and was succeeded. by Charles Tradup. In 1915, John D. Siem became the assistant cashier. In 1920 William H. Richardson became president, John Walch vice-president, and John Siem cashier. The working force of the bank now consists of Messrs. Walch and Siem and Miss Sawyer. In December, 1904, the deposits were $52,000. In 1910 the deposits had increased to $225,000; in 1915 to $350,000; and in 1919 to $640,000. A statement of the condition of the bank at the close of business Sept. 12, 1919, shows a capital of $30,000; surplus and undivided profits of $23,553.47; deposits of $556,900.52; and loans and discounts of $486,486.75. The bank has taken its share in all public and patriotic work, and is assisting its village and agricultural patrons along all lines of legitimate endeavor, thus helping in the general prosperity of the whole community.

The Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Elgin had its beginning in 1914. In that year J. W. Elliott, of Minneapolis, realizing the future possibilities of this rich region, came here, and interested George E. Purvis and Ernest Palmer in the proposition of starting a new bank. These three gentlemen made the necessary canvass and secured the requisite number of stockholders. On Nov. 30, 1914, the news of the granting of a charter came by wire, and the bank was duly constituted with the three gentlemen mentioned, and Emil Schwantz and R. W. Richardson as the incorporators, The first officers were: President, J. W. Elliott; vice-president, R. W. Richardson; cashier, John C. Kettner; directors in addition to these three, Emil Schwantz and Vincent Hallenbeck. Mr. Elliott remained as president until June 17, 1918, when he was succeeded by Emil J. Sell, who is still in office. Thomas Richardson is now vice-president and John C. Kettner cashier, the other four directors being Vincent Hallenbeck, E. F. Schwartz, Thomas C. Richardson and Alfred Kenitz. The bank opened for business Dec. 1, 1914, in the old Webber Hotel. John C. Kettner, the cashier, was in sole charge. A few months later, additional help was necessary, and Alfred J. Schwantz became assistant cashier. He was fol- lowed by Arthur B. Bradbury. He entered the United States Navy May 1, 1917. The next assistant was Mabel W. Searles, followed Oct. 13, 1919, by Elsie E. Lindemer, who is still serving. The bank remained in its original quarters until moving into its new building Nov. 1, 1915. This building is the most sightly in the village, admirably equipped for its purpose in every way, and constituting a well-lighted banking house equipped with every facility for the carrying on of modern finance. The original capital of the bank was $12,000, increased on Dec. 1, 1919, to $24,800. The increase in the amount of deposits on Dec. 1 of each succeeding year of the bank's history tells an interesting story of progress: 1915, $33,000; 1916, $56,000; 1917, $86,000; 1918, $95,000; 1919, $125,000. At the close of business Sept. 12, 1919, the bank had a capital of $10,000; surplus and undivided profits of $3,328.62; deposits of $100,434.98; and loans and discounts of $70,340.94. The bank has taken its share in working to increase the general prosperity of the community, especially in the way of making it possible for the farmers to secure improved seed corn. It has also materially increased the number of silos in this region, especially in the past

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

three years. It has fathered the Elgin Live Stock Shipping Association, and also assisted other local enterprises. During the war it did its full share in the various patriotic drives.

Elgin has had four newspapers, the "Minnesota Union," the "Elgin Journal," the "Elgin Free Press," and the "Elgin Monitor." In the early days various neighboring papers at Winona, Rochester, Wabasha, Lake City and Plainview carried Elgin news items, contributed by various local people. One of these contributors was Ed. F. Barrett, who afterward became well known in the state as a professional journalist. The first issue of the "Minnesota Union" was dated July 4, 1879. The editor was F. O. Harding. There was but little local news in it. Such local items as appeared were largely of an advertising nature. The program of the exercises to be held that day was given, and an · article signed by George Bryant told of the advantages of Elgin and vicinity as a place of business. Only a few numbers were issued.

The "Elgin Journal" first appeared March 25, 1882, and the last issue appeared Feb. 15, 1883. It was published monthly, with an extra issue in December, 1882. The editorial page bore the name of the Journal Publishing Co., but as a matter of fact, W. T. Adams was the editor and publisher, his reason for issuing the paper being the boosting of the village he loved so well.

The Elgin Free Press was established in the fall of 1895 by R. H. Lunen- berg. He sold it after about three years to the Plainview News.

The Elgin Monitor was established Nov. 23, 1904, with Ross Hargrave as editor. The office was then located in the old postoffice building on Park street, across from the Northwestern depot. Mr. Hargrave conducted the paper for four months, when it was purchased by C. R. C. Baker, who took possession April 1, 1905. Mr. Baker continued as editor and published fór 18 months, or until Sept. 7, 1906, when he sold out to Vincent Holton, the present proprietor. The paper was then moved to the First State Bank building, where it remained until October, 1915, when it was moved to its present location in the O'Donnell building, on Park street. Mr. Holton's policy has been to conduct a newsy paper in the interest of the people of the village and the surrounding community, and his efforts have met with due appreciation. The Monitor has a circulation of 650, the subscriptions being payable in advance. In politics it is independent.

Elgin Postoffice was established in 1857. Many years ago there was merged in it the postoffice of Forest Mound, which was established in 1861 in the northern part of the township with William Town as postmaster. The Elgin office established in 1857 was located in the house of George Bryant in section 27. Possibly Mr. Bryant was the postmaster, but the work was done by his sister, Mary Ann Bryant, who was generally regarded among the early settlers as the postmistress. Previous to the establishment of the postoffice, the nearest points for the distribution of mail were the steamboat towns along the Mississippi; any settler happening to make the trip to those points bringing the mail back with him. After about ten years, Charles S. Richardson became the postmaster. There are two rural routes, both established Sept. 1, 1914. The first carrier on No. 1 was Henry E. Sawyer, succeeded by the present carrier, Fred L. Weber. The first carrier on No. 2 was D. J. Whipple, who is still serving. Mrs. Stella M. Searles, the present assistant postmistress, has held office since Aug. 2, 1916.

The Elgin Telephone Co., now merged in the Greenwood Prairie Telephone Co., had its beginning in 1897, when Dr. W. T. Adams and Ernest Palmer in- stalled a private line, with toll connections at Rochester. A few local tele- phones were installed in the village and a few farmers also put in instruments. Later the Elgin Telephone Co. was incorporated with Dr. W. T. Adams as president, Ernest Palmer as vice-president, and W. P. Holton as secretary. This company added many miles of toll line, and installed a large number of phones among the farmers through Elgin, Viola and Quincy townships, besides

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

installing a large number of phones as a village exchange, but in 1903, finding it very difficult to secure money as fast as the investment required and because the doctor found the management required too great a sacrifice of his time, he sold his stock to holders of stock in the Greenwood Prairie Telephone company, after which the former company became extinct, and ownership and manage- ment of the telephone interests in Elgin passed into the hands of the Greenwood Prairie company.

One improvement after another has followed rapidly under the new man- agement. The local service has been extended until now there are few families in town or country who do not have telephone service. The local service has kept pace with the improvements made by the larger telephone companies so that the toll line possibilities are almost without limit. Elgin boasts of a fine telephone exchange located in a fine new brick building built by the Greenwood Prairie company.

The company has been among the first to institute new and up-to-date equipment and service in every department. Senator James A. Carley, of Plainview, is the secretary and manager of the Greenwood Prairie Telephone company and it is due to his efforts that this village is getting a telephone service that is equal to that in the larger cities.

The Elgin Live Stock Shipping Association has been an important factor in the development of the stock raising industry in the county, and has ma- terially increased the profits of the farmers from that line of industry. The original organization meeting was held December 15, 1915. The following officers were selected: President, Emil J. Sell; secretary and treasurer, R. W. Richard- son; trustees for three years, Thomas C. Richardson and Frank H. Ferguson; for two years, George L. Thompson and Arthur Searles; for one year, J. C. Gregor and Emil Schwantz. Emil J. Sell was chosen active manager. The first shipment was made Jan. 8, 1916. The company ships swine, cows and veal on an extensive scale, something like 95 cars having been shipped in 1919. In that year the total receipts were $250,280.76, of which the patrons received $247,944.84.

The Elgin Ice Company embodies a project for the making of ice for home consumption, by filling molds with water, allowing the outdoor air to freeze it solid, and then releasing the blocks from the molds by means of steam, thus securing pure natural ice at a nominal cost. The company was organized Nov. 28, 1919, the organizers being: Dr. T. M. Pesch, John C. Kettner, T. A. Rice, E. O. Becker, D. F. Kimber, Emil J. Sell, John Walch, J. D. Siem, J. F. Scott, D. E. Earsley, H. J. Bartz, J. A. Saufal, W. H. Benike, W. A. Johnston, D. J. Whipple, Charles Tradup, F. W. Westover and R. W. Richardson.

The Elgin Cheese Factory, the beginning of factory dairy industry in this region, started in the eighties, in a building still standing on the east side of Main street, south of the residence of Charles S. Richardson. This factory was operated by the Richardson Brothers, who at that time were operating a general store in that vicinity. The farmers brought in their milk, and took back whey to feed to their hogs. This factory operated for several years.

The Elgin Co-operative Creamery furnishes an excellent outlet for the extensive dairy industry in this vicinity. The Association was incorporated May 6, 1897, and business was commenced the same month in a building erected for the purpose. Much of the preliminary work done before the or- ganization was the result of the enthusiasm of William H. Fellar. The creamery began as a whole milk plant, but about 1900 a few of the patrons began to use hand separators, and in time the whole milk plan was abandoned, and only cream is now received, the farmers hauling it themselves. The first officers of the Association were: O. T. Dickerman, president; Ferdinand Hampel, vice-president; R. W. Richardson, secretary; Dorr Dickerman, treas- urer. O. T. Dickerman served as president one year, his successors being: Carl Uecker, 1898-1905; Julius Bartz, 1905-1911; Emil Schwantz, 1911-1914;

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 13

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. cn Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Winona, Minn. : H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1222

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Winona, Minn. : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1222