History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 40

Author: Warner, George E., 1826?-1917; Foote, C. M. (Charles M.), 1849-1899; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota from 1858 to 1881
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis : North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 662

USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 40

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The West Wisconsin Railway Company, in building their road, had secured the right to bridge the lake at Hudson, to make a western connection with the St. Paul, Stillwater and Tay- lor's Falls railroad, and thereby securing an en- trance into St. Paul as its western terminus. The building of the bridge caused hard feeling to rankle in the breasts of the lumbermen at Still- water, because, as they claimed, the passages were not wide enough. We clip the history of the 'Battle of the Piles': "On the morning of the 7th of July, 1871, warlike preparations were no- ticeable at Stillwater. Six steamboats moved down the lake towards the nearly completed bridge at ITucson, Wisconsin. They carried a force of two hundred active, able-bodied men. The work on the bridge had been progressing rapidly, much to the satisfaction of the people of Hudson. The "pile drivers" had placed a long line of piles, or supports, in position, and had left

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space for a draw of ninety-eight feet in the main channel of the river. The bridge was looked upon with displeasure by the people of Stillwater for various reasons, but they urged principally that the draw was too small. It may be that the rafts could have been diminished in size. But 'may bes' don't count, and on Monday, July 3d, an injunction was formally served upon the bridge builders. Their work was suspended temporarily and an agreement was made, the Stillwater folks thought, to stop further proceed- ings and take the matter from the 'district' to the 'circuit court.' They found, however, that the bridge builders continued the work. When the steamers, with their forces, arrived near the Hud- son bridge, at ten o'clock that Friday morning, it was discovered, by the aid of a glass, that more piles were being driven. So three of the steam- ers-the Louisville, Whitmore, and Brother Jonathan-were lashed together and ordered to the attack. They proceeded under a fire of in- vectives from the Hudsonites, who had gathered at the bridge. Several of the attacking party were stunned by the force of the invectives, but they were carried to Doctor Morpheus, in whose care they soon recovered. At five minutes past ten a. m. the attack was commenced. A great hawser was uncoiled from the deck of one of the steamers. Several gallant, but slightly excited, men fastened it to one of the piles. The com- mander commanded, the bells rung, the engines moved, the wheels revolved, the lawser slipped off, and Hudson whooped with joy. The other three steamers moved toward the point of attack, hoping to be called upon. But the undaunted commander renewed the attack.

The hawser was again fastened, the command given, and this time steam was victorious. The pile was drawn, and from up river went a yell of delight that was repeated by the re-inforcements, and again and again repeated by both. Through- out the day eighty piles were drawn.

During the next day a steamer was left to guard the passage, and not till evening did she leave her post. Even then she finished the fight by cap- turing that great machine, the 'pile-driver,' which she delivered into the custody of the good city of Stillwater. No record has been kept of the wounded feelings of the lost spirits. It is a matter of regret that they cannot enter into the

'Battle of the Piles.' A flag of truce was sent, a couple of conferences were held, and finally on Saturday, July the 16th, 1871, an agreement was entered into under which the building of the bridge went on, and the draw was made 140 feet clear above, and 136 feet clear at the water line for the passage of rafts. Thus was effected the bridge compromise; and soon Hudson celebrated the completion of the West Wisconsin railroad."

The first newspaper printed in the St. Croix valley was the "St. Croix Banner," the first num- ber of which appeared January 20th, 1850, edited by Mrs. E. Hugh, Colonel James Hugh proprie- tor. Late the same year the "St. Croix Inquirer," was established by Sexton and Johnson. In 1860, H. A. Taylor edited a paper known as the "Hud- son Chronicle." He changed the name to "Hud- son Times," which he published for four years, when he purchased the "Hudson Star," estab- lished by Dr. Otis Hoyt in 1854. Mr. Taylor con- solidated the two under the title of "Star and Times," which title it still retains, and is now ably edited by Messrs. Taylor and Price. The "True Republican" was established by M. A. Fulton in 1875, who sold it to Sharratt and Cline, in-1876. In December, 1878, Sharratt sold his interest to James Coggswell, and it is now edited by Messrs. Cline and Coggswell.

The St. Croix Agricultural Society was organ- ized in 1857. It held its annual fair on grounds fitted up near Hudson until 1867, when the two counties of St. Croix and Pierce united and held a fair at River Falls in the fall of 1868. Not suited with that arrangement, the society rented grounds near Richmond, and held their fairs until 1879, when they purchased grounds one-half mile south.of the city limits on a beautiful plat of ground located on the bluff. The grounds are nicely laid out with race-track and fine buildings. The people from all parts of the county take pride in contributing to support and maintain a first-class fair.

Since the great fires of 1866 and 1872 many fine, large blocks have been erected, which give the city a new appearance. The City hotel, burned in 1866, was rebuilt 1868, as Chapin Hall house. It was burned again in 1872, and rebuilt in 1879 by Messrs. Taylor and Andrews. The Hosford block was built in 1866 by Messrs. Hosford, Crowe, Chubback brothers, Clarke and Jefferson

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HISTORY OF SAINT CROIX COUNTY.

Henning block was built by John O. Henning in 1867. The Taylor block was built in 1868 by Horace A. Taylor. First National Bank, built 1870. The Goss, Boyden block was built in 1871 by Messrs. Goss, Boyden and Martin. The North block was built in 1872 by Lemuel North. The Schneider block was built in 1872 by Charles Schneider. The Commercial house was built as a blacksmith shop in 1875 and rebuilt in 1876, with additions, by Charles Schneider. It is now 26x110; addition, 20x88; three stories. Music Hall block was built in 1873, with a fine public hall in the upper story, 44x80 feet, seating 300 people. The Dippo block was built in 1877 by David Dippo. The Rickard block was built in 1879 by A. Rickard. The post-office block was built by Frank D. Harden in 1879. Crowe block was built in 1880; contains a beautiful hall, finely arranged for the comfort of large au- diences; will seat 500 people quite comfortably; building, 55x80; hall, 46x60; built in 1880 by W. H. Crowe. The Taylor and Goss block was built in 1881 by Messrs. Taylor and Goss.

CHAPTER XL.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES --- MANUFACTORIES CHURCHES -- SCHOOLS -- SECRET SOCIETIES- NORTH HUDSON-WILLOW RIVER VALLEY.

The business interests of the city of Hudson are represented as follows: Hotels-Chapin Hall house, Commercial house, Seeley house, and housy hose.

Mercantile Houses - General merchandise, Lemuel North, J. R. Chubbuck, H. Barlow, E. H. Streeter, and Messrs. Cevenson and Blitch- feldt. Dry Goods and millinery-Ansley Brothers. Clothing-J. Shrimski. J. C. Schneider, T. Bench, and Hyslop and Davies. Druggists-Boyden and Martin, Carl. T. Paterson, and lIenning and Jagger. Books, stationary and notions-W. H. Crowe, and Frank D. Harding. Fruits, notions and news-W. II. Jones. Grocers-J. J. Luck, S. Roe and Company, S. W. Fuller, D. Hoffman, W. B. Hatch, and M. P. Palmer. IIardware-

T. E. Williams, W. M. Otis, R. E. Hoffmann, and J. H. Harrington. Boots and shoes-Evans and Mann, Amos Balsom, W. Beggs, and Frank Leis- ter. Harness shops-Harras and Company, and F. W. Blum. Furniture-Beard and Company, J. T. Slater, and W. C. Brown. Lumber-M. Herrick. Wagons and carriages-John H. Wil- liams, Alvin Otis, S. Hyslop. Flour and feed- George Hosford. Worsted and fancy goods- Mrs. J. Birch. Millinery-Mrs. D. M. Dippo, and Misses Butler and Watson. Attorneys- Henry C. Baker, J. W. Bashford, Glover and Vannatta, L. P. Weatherby, John C. Spooner, N. H. Clapp, Moffat and Hughs, S. C. Patten, S. H. Clough, and C. L. Catlin. Physicians-Otis Hoyt, C. F. King, J. F. Baker, S. C. Johnson. and D. Silliman. Dentists-M. P. Goodwin, L. C. Gould, and M. Whitten. Real estate-C. Y. Denniston, Kelley and Hughs, and Ole Gunder- son. Land Commissioners of the North Wiscon- sin railroad lands-W. H. Phipps, and C. W. Porter. Insurance agents-J. W. White, F. E. and F. C. Crarey, and James A. Bunker. Agri- cultural implements and insurance-J. B. Jones and George Munson. Sewing machine agent- Henry Crosby. Photographer-J. F. Mass. Book-binder-Henry Beard. Livery-H. D. Champlin and C. R. Coon. Grain dealers-W. S. Evans and G. W. Martin. Blacksmiths- Christ. Hanson and S. Cockburn. Gunsmith- Orville Holmes. Wholesale Liquors-Mr. Mc- Guire. Breweries-Louis Yoerg and William Montmann. Meat markets-D. W. Coons and Johnson Bros. Ice dealer-Jolin Mules.

The Hudson Furniture Manufactory was es- tablished by Messrs. Nash and Beard, in the fall of 1877. The factory was well equipped with the necessary machinery for manufacturing furni- ture, and used for the same until August, 1880, when the firm divided their interests. John N. Nash took the factory, and Mr. Beard the sale rooms and other business. Mr. Nash, with the use of the machinery, has for the past two sea- sons been engaged in manufacturing granulated sugar and syrup from amber cane. That, which at first was an experiment has proved a complete success. Since November, Mr. Nash has employed his machinery in getting out mate- rial for the manufacturing of twenty-five thresh- ing machines for Kelley and Hughs.

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MANUFACTORIES.

The Wisconsin Governor, the name of a newly invented thresher and separator of M. Sullivan and H. Christofferson is being manufactured and placed upon the market by Kelley and Hughs. The flattering success with which this new ma- chine has met, has induced Messrs. Kelley and Hughes to engage in the enterprise, which adds to Hudson manufacturing interests. They expect to have twenty-five new machines ready for the market by the coming season. The features that this machine claims are, its length of separating and cleaning capacity, which is fifteen feet work- ing with a double separating balanced rack, each rack in its movements passes through the other giving agitation to the straw and carrying it to the rear of the machine. In actual experience, this machine has carried away three hundred feet of straw and chaff per minute, and that entirely without assistance. It has an adjustable end- shake shoe and a cleaning capacity of forty-three inches by seven feet and two inches. The blast is over-shot with boards so adjusted as to deliver the wind an any part of the sieve that may be desirable.

Hudson Foundry and Machine Shop. Rich- ard Hartley and Son, proprietors, was established in 1870. The machine shop is 22x50, two-stories, with foundry 20x30, giving employment to sev- eral hands. They have the contract for getting out the necessary castings for twenty-five threshers for Messrs. Kelley and Hughes. They also man- ufacture the Hartley improved feed-cutting box.

The Hudson Carriage Works was established in 1875, J. H. Williams, proprietor. His present shop and storage room was built in 1880, 22x66, two-stories, with addition of 22x40. The past season he manufactured thirty new wagons and carriages besides doing a large repairing business, giving employmet to several men. The capital amounts to $5,000.

Montmann's Brewery was established in 1857, by Wm. Montmann, proprietor. His first brew- ery was built in the rear of his hotel, on the corner of Second and Walnut streets. He was burned out in the fire of 1866, and opened his present brewery at the foot of Second street, near the bridge during the same year.

Yoerg's Hudson City Brewery was established in 1870, Louis Yoerg, proprietor. He commenced with a building 20x40, and manufactured five hun-

dred barrels per year. He lost his brewery by fire, and rebuilt again at once, the new building being 20x80. He put in steam power in 1876, and now manufactures one thousand bar els yearly, finding a market in Hudson and vicinity for all he can manufacture.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized December 22d, 1855, under the pastoral care of Rev. Charles Thayer, with a membership of ten. Their services were held in Hendee hall until May 9th, 1857, at which date they dedicated their first house of worship, which was 24x40. First board of ruling elders: Sampson Hartman, Her- man Humphrey, D. C. Fulton, John M. Nash and Geo. Slater; said officers have held office to this date. The present beautiful house of worship was built of brick in 1873-4, and dedi cated November 22d, 1874, during the ministry of Rev. Bradley Philips. Rev. Walter R. Frame was called to the pastoral care of the church in 1879. The membership at this time is one hun- dred. The society also owns a fine parsonage, built in 1868.

The First Congregational Church was organized under the ministrations of Rev. C. H. Marshall August 6th, 1857, with a membership of nine, holding their first worship in the school building on the levee. The society erected their first house of worship on Fourth street about 1860, of wood; size, 38x50. Their present membership is sixty-three, with Rev. C. L. Corwin pastor.

The First Baptist Church of Hudson was organized May 29th, 1852, under the ministry of Rev. S. T. Catlin, with a membership of eleven. They held their services at the house of Deacon Martin. They built their first house of worship the same year at an expense of $1,000; size, 22x40. Their present house was completed in 1866, of wood, 40x60. Rev. Mr. Kelley was pastor at that date. Their present pastor is Rev. Wm. Hartley, and membership ninety-six.

First Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1851, Rev. Mr. Richardson, a missionary under the Minnesota conference, came to this then new country and organized a class, from which sprang the now flourishing church. The church organ- ization was effected about 1852, and the first church was erected in 1856, on the site of their present house. It was almost destroyed shortly after by the wind blowing the steeple over,

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HISTORY OF SAINT CROIX COUNTY.

which falling on the roof broke it through and destroyed the seats. It was rebuilt the same year. The present church was built 1875, by making an addition to the first church, veneering the whole with brick, making the audience room about 40x60, pastor's study and class rooms in rear about 20x40. The membership at this date is sixty; present pastor, Rev. M. C. Benson.

The Episcopal Society was first organized about 1855 under the ministrations of Rev. Mr. Wilkin- son. They have been supplied with preaching from time to time from Stillwater and other points ; Rev. H. Langlois present pastor. Ser- vices are held in the Good Templars hall at the present time.

The Evangelical Lutheran Society was organ- ized in 1876 with six members, Rev. Mr. Hoyes- tert pastor. They built their present house of worship the same year ; size 40x80 ; present pas- tor Rev. Mr. Clog ; membership now numbers forty-five families.

The St. James Catholic Society was organized about 1856, under the ministration of Rev. Father McGee. They erected their first house of wor- ship the same year. The present fine commodi- ous house of worship, 40x80 of stone, was com- menced in 1874, completed and dedicated Novem- ber 16th, 1879. The present pastor, Rev. Father T. A. Kelley, came to the care of the church June, 1874. They have a membership of 200 families. A parochial school of 100 scholars is connected with the church.

Hinckley's Military Institute was established at River Falls, about the year 1870, by Prof. J. R. Hinckley. He soon removed the school to Hud- son as a more favorable point, and erected for the use of the institute a large wooden structure in the eastern part of the city, about 60x80, three stories and basement, at an expense of $7,000. The institution was conducted for about two years, when for the want of means to carry on the school, he was obliged to discontinue. In 1880 the buildings were sold to the Catholics for school purposes, who established the same year what is known as the St. Mary's Academy.

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized Oct. 1875, with a membership of twenty- five. They have held their meetings in the rooms of the Ladies Library Association since its organ- ization; first president, Rev. W. E. Safford; vice-

president, James Pye; Richard Hartley, corres- ponding secretary. Owing to the many changes of the young men of this city, coming and going, its membership has remained about the same. Much good has been accomplished through their labors, maintaining mission schools from time to time. It has maintained a Sabbath afternoon service since the date of its organization.

The Ladies Library Association was organized in 1868. For the first three years the library was kept at the house of Mrs. Jefferson. In 1871 rooms were fitted up in the Goss and Boyden block. At that time they had about 600 volumes. At the Chapin Hall fire, 1872, the association had its library and furniture somewhat damaged by re- moval to a place of safety. In 1878, they removed to rooms in the Dippo block, and remained until their present rooms were completed in the Taylor and Goss block. They have beautiful apartments with splendid furniture and 2,000 volumes of the best standard authors in the country.

St. Croix Lodge No. 56 A. F. and A. M., was chartered June 15th, 1855, with the following offi- cers : Benjamin Allen, W. M .; Otis Hoyt, senior warden; E. B. Livingston, junior warden. The lodge was burned out in the fire of May, 1866, also in the fire of May, 1872. When the Dippo block was rebuilt in 1877, the lodge secured the privilege of building the third story of the block. They now have as fine rooms as can be found in the state. They are furnished with every con- venience necessary to make them first-class in every particular. The officers at present are: William Beggs, W. M .; Dr. C. F. King, S. W .; Carl T. Paterson, J. W .; and George R. Hughes, secretary.

Colfax Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F. was first char- tered in 1856. The first list of officers was G. E. Otis, N. G .; G. R. Jones, V. G., with five char- ter members. In the great fire of 1866 the lodge was burned, which was a severe loss to the order, Their books and papers were lost with their fur- niture. Colfax Lodge No. 58 wasre-organized Jan- nary 17th, 1868: A. F. Gallop, N. G .; G. R. Jones, V. G. When the Taylor block was rebuilt in the fall of 1870, the lodge secured the privilege of building the upper story, which they have fitted up in fine shape, with all the equipments for a first-class lodge. Members at this time, 65.

Nash Lodge of I. O. G. T. was organized

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SOCIETIES.

April 7th, 1877, with seven charter members. The lodge is under the patronage of the Scandi- navians. Since the organization the order has done great good among that class. They have within their order one-fourth of the Scandinavians of Hudson. They have a membership of 49 at this time, and have initiated 125 since the order was established. The order works in both Scandina- vian and English.

Hudson City Lodge, No. 486, of the I. O. G. T. was organized February 4th, 1867, with thirty or forty members. The order has done great good in its influence over the youth of the city. Many that were on the downward road have been res- cued; over 700 persons have been initiated into the order since it was organized. But the changes in society have scattered them all over the state. The membership at this time is ninety; meet- ing every Monday evening. In connection with this society was organized in 1877 a juvenile I. O. G. T. for children sixteen years of age. The membership at this time is 71, meeting every Saturday afternoon at four o'clock.

The Temple of Honor was organized in De- cemher, 1877, with 15 charter members. The order has been quite prosperous since its organi- zation. They have had as many as 130 good working members at one time. Their present membership is fifty. Meetings are held every Saturday evening.

The St. Croix Lodge A. O. U. W., No. 41, was organized October 16th, 1880, with fourteen char- ter members, the following officers: J. N. Pries- ter, P. M. W .; Ed Drugen, M. W .; G. Z. Holmes, foreman ; G. Slifer, Overseer; M. Moody, guide; James Balsom, financier ; R. E. Hoffmann, re- ceiver ; W. A. Hall, recorder ; Thos. Clearland, I. W .; John Kuley, O. W. The lodge has in- creased to thirty members at this date. They hold their meetings in Masonic hall every Wed- nesday evening. The master workman at this time is G. Z. Holmes ; J. N. Priester, recorder.

The Equitable Aid Union, a new fraternal or- der, was incorporated March 22d, 1879, at Colum- bus, Ohio. The subordinate union of Hudson was organized December 9th, 1880, with twenty- eight members, said to be the first union organ- ized in the state. The following is a list of the officers: Amos Balsom, president; A. H. Otis, vice-president; Robert Brow, secretary ; H. F.

Densmore, treasurer. The meetings are held regularly each week. The number of members at this time is forty-one.

The Hudson City Brass Band was organized in 1880, with ten pieces, under the leadership of J. N. Priester : G. Z. Holmes, teacher ; H. F. Dens- more, business manager ; W. Hatch, treasurer.

The Hudson City Quadrille Band with five pieces, under the leadership of Professor. G. Z. Holmes, discourses fine music by which the gay ones trip the fleeting hours away.

The Old Settlers Association of the East side of the St. Croix valley, was organized about the year 1861 or '62, with about 75 members. The records of the society were destroyed in the fire of 1866. The old settlers of that date were those coming before 1850. At the last re-union, which was held at Hudson, February 2d, 1881, one hund- red old settlers and fifty families were present. The society voted that an old settler was one that came prior to 1853 ; voted to hold the next meet- ing at River Falls.

The organization at Hudson of the society of what was then known as the order of 1001, was affected about 1853. Many of the old settlers may bring to mind the ancient history of this very ancient order hy the following lines: "Way down by the mouth of old Aetna,

Just at the setting of the sun,

This glorious old order springs into existence,

And was christened the one thousand and one."

The Chapin Hall house is of Milwaukee brick, three stories above basement, 90x110 feet on the ground. It contains fifty rooms, nearly all of which are large, well lighted, ventilated and ele- gantly furnished. It is furnished with bath rooms, harber shop, and electric bells. It has one hundred and fifty feet of verandah each on the first and second stories. The upper and lower verandah open out from the ladies' parlor. A pleasant billiard room is attached. Livery accom- modations first class. Mr. Spencer, the proprietor, has had fourteen years' experience at the Vilas house and Park hotel, Madison, which will be a sufficient guaranty that Chapin Hall will be kept first class.

The Commercial hotel was built in 1875 by the present proprietor, J. C. Schneider. The main building is 26x110 feet, three stories, with a wing of 20x88 feet, two stories. He also uses

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HISTORY OF SAINT CROIX COUNTY.

the upper story of the two adjoining stores. He has thirty-six rooms in first class order for guests, billiard and sample rooms connected.

The Seeley house was built and opened to the public in 1873, by I. D. Seeley. It is 30x64, three stories high, with an addition 32x28, containing fifty rooms; well patronized during the summer months.

The Tracy house was built about 1866, by Den- nis Cavanaugh, who kept it until 1878, when he sold it to J. M. Tracy, the present proprietor, for the sum of $9,000.

NORTH HUDSON. '

The Hudson Land and Water-power Company laid out and platted a tract of land on both sides of the Willow river at its mouth, November, 1857, said plat extending out to the channel of the lake. On the north of this plat, what is known as North Hudson was laid out and platted by D. A. and A. H. Baldwin, August, 1873. The West Wisconsin railroad was built to this point November, 1871. The repair shops and round house were established at this point December 1872. The round house will accommodate eight locomotives. The main repair shop is 60x120, with paint and other shops of different depart- ments of the works, giving employment to one hundred and sixty men.

The North Wisconsin railroad, built by the same company, was completed to Richmond in 1872, and to Clayton the following year. The River Falls railroad was built by the St. Paul, Stillwater, and Taylor's Falls company, in 1878. The above railroads are now all under the control of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Company. The same year that the plat was laid out by the Messrs. Baldwin, D. A. Bald- win built a large hotel north of the depot, which was known as the Baldwin house, but was taken down in 1879, removed to South Hudson and used to rebuild the Chapin Hall house. The offices of the North Wisconsin railroad and the West Wis- consin railroad were built in 1875-a large three- story brick building. The North Hudson foundry was established in 1874, by Henry Orme, who has the contract for manufacturing all the cast- ings used by the railroad company except the wheels. He gives employment to ten hands most of the time. His shop is about 40x40. He

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