History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 72

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 72

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

by the choice of R. H. Sanderson, president; J. C. Higgins clerk, and J. R. Dickinson treasurer. The board of officers are the same at this time as those elected in 1878. The school is in charge of J. W. Nesbit, and Miss Lucy A. Munger, and the enrollment numbers ninety scholars.

The following is a specimen of a notice for a school meeting dated August, 1853: "Neighbors ! If there is an atom of soul in your worldly frames, if humanity has not taken her fair image from your poor hearts, do attend a special school meet- ing to be held" etc.

School district number 20, was organized May 9th 1859, at the home of Daniel Vollmer, by the election of the following officers: William Be- bernger, Fred Rentz, and Christian Schrande trustees; and William Leith clerk. They erected a school-house the same season, locating the same on the south-west quarter of section 32, but it was removed in 1869 to the north-east quarter of section 31; it was refitted in 1877. The first teacher was W. W. Morgan. The present officers are, R. Lewerer, clerk; Nicholas Reimus, director; and Fred Kappler, treasurer. The past term was taught by Mattie A. Elliott. number of scholars fifty.

School district number 19 was organized June 22nd, 1861, by a meeting called at the house of Elias Mckean for the election of the necessary officers, the result of the election being as follows: John Oliver, Jr., A. Andrew and Elias Mckean, trustees, and H. W. Greeley, clerk. At a meet- ing held July, 1862, it was voted to purchase a lot 50x100 feet from Elias Mckean, as a site for a new school house, which they erected in the summer of 1863. The first school was taught by Joseph Shaw. The present officers are, John Oliver, director; Elias Mckean, treasurer; and Newton McKusick, clerk.

CHURCHES,

The First Baptist church was organized in 1858. Rev. Enos Munger was chosen pastor and re- mained as such until 1862, when he enlisted as a soldier. Returning in 1865 with poor health he resigned his pastoral care, but returning in 1868 he preached for them until 1872. The church was organized with ten members. Their house of worship was built in 1868, completed and dedi- cated in the spring of 1869. The house was built

in octagon shape, with a radius of nineteen feet, fronted with a vestibule and steeple sixty-four feet high, with a fine bell of 225 pounds weight. The last pastor was Rev. E. Cooley; he left in the spring of 1876.

The First Congregational church of Lakeland, was organized May 6th, 1858, with about sixteen members, under the ministration of Rev. Mr. Marshall, then of Hudson, Wisconsin. The first pastor installed was Rev. Mr. Putnam. Their church edifice was erected in the spring of 1867 and dedicated in August of the same year, size 26x42 feet. Rev. Geo. Hood is their present pas- tor.

The German Evangelical Lutherean Trinity church was organized January 1st, 1857, under the care of Rev. F. W. Wier. The original mem- bership was six. Prior to the organization of the society, services were held in the house of George Vollmer. Their church was dedicated October 25th, 1857. In 1877 there was a division in the church in relation to points of doctrine, one branch going to the church one mile south, which belonged to the Missouri synod. The other branch to the church located in the town of Oakdale, a branch of the Buffalo synod. There is a ceme- tery connected with the first church. The first death was Catherine, wife of Daniel Vollmer, July 20th, 1856; the first baptism was Catherine, daugh- ter of George Vollmer, March 30th, 1856; first marriage, Anton Schneider to Elizabeth Schmidt, April 23d, 1857.

The Zion Methodist Episcopal church was or- ganized under the ministration of Rev. Jacob Young of Stillwater. They have a small house of worship located on section 32. Their present membership is twenty-five. Their present pastor is Rev. C. Nachtrieb. Some fine improvements were made to the church in 1877.

The Evangelical, St. Lucas church was organ- ized about the spring of 1863; their house of wor- ship was dedicated May, 1865. Prior to this they held services in the house of S. Marty. Their original membership was nine. First pastor, Rev. W. Hoffman. Their present pastor, the Rev. H. Blankenhahn, with a membership of about forty families. The society has a church 20x30, with cemetery attached and a comfortable parsonage.

The Lakeland cemetery was donated to the vil- lage by Moses Perin, in 1854, as a public burial

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LAKELAND-ORGANIZATION.

ground. Ida, the daughter of Joseph and Mar- tha Tyler, was the first person buried in it.

ORGANIZATION.

The town of Lakeland was organized October 20th, 1858. The election of officers for the gov- ernment of the same, was held at the school-house, in the village of Lakeland, on the same date, with the following result: R. H. Sanderson was chosen chairman of the meeting; Daniel T. Watson, moderator; A. L. Ballard, clerk. The judges of election were D. T. Watson and A. L. Ballard. The total number of votes cast, 144; the result of the canvass was, Charles A. Oliver, Elias Mc. Kean and A. D. Kingsley, supervisors; George W. Leach, assessor; Freeman C. Tyler, collector; S. S. Young, clerk; L. A. Huntoon and A. L. Ballard, justices of peace; I. L. Watson and A. A. Vye, constables; William H. Oliver, overseer of poor; D. A. Butler, road-master; A. E. Jackson, pound-master. The second annual town meeting was called at the school-house April 5th, 1859, and the following officers were elected, viz: Moses Perin, George W. Leach and W. Bebemeyer, su- pervisors; Carlos Clement, clerk. The next an- nual meeting was held April 3d, 1860, at the school-house, and the following officers elected: Charles A. Oliver, Jacob Lowell and W. Bebe- meyer, supervisors; W. W. Morgan, clerk. The next annual town meeting was called at the school-house, April 2d, 1861, and the results of the election were as follows: Charles A. Oliver, Freeman C. Tyler and W. Leith, supervisors; W. W. Morgan, clerk. A tax was voted of $160 for current expenses, and $400 for school purposes.

The annual town meeting was called at the school-house April 1st, 1862. A tax of $200 was voted for current expenses, and the following was the result of the election: R. H. Sanderson, Am- mah Andrews and D. Vollmer, supervisors; Sam- uel C. Molton, clerk. The annual town meeting was called April 7th, 1863. A tax of two mills for roads and bridges, and one-half mill for cur- rent expenses. The following was the result of the election: R. H. Sanderson, W. M. Leach and Daniel Vollmer, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk. At a special meeting of the town, called August 9th, 1864, a tax of $1,000 was voted on the taxable property of the town for the payment of bounties to volunteers, necessary to fill the

quota of the town under call made in July. A special meeting was called January 10th, 1865. It was voted to raise the sum of $2,000 on the taxable property of the town, for the purpose of paying bounties to volunteers to fill the quota of the town under the call of December 9th, 1864. The annual town meeting was called April 4th, 1865, a tax of one mill was voted for road purposes, and the following was the result of the election: R. H. San- derson, John Burch and D. Vollmer,supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk. At the annual town meeting held April 3d, 1866, the following was the result of the election: John Burch, Fred. Kappler and W. M. Leach, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk; at the same meeting a tax of two mills was voted for road purposes, and one mill for current ex- penses. The annual town meeting called at the school-house April 2d, 1867. A tax was voted of three mills for road purposes, and the follow- ing was the result of the election: R. H. Sander- son, Thos. Hanna and Antoine Schneider, super- visors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk. At the annual town meeting held April 7th, 1868, a tax of two mills was voted for road purposes, and the follow- ing was the result of the election: R. H. Sander- son, B. K. Watson and C. Schranda, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk.

The annual town meeting called at the school- house, April 6th, 1869. A tax of three mills was voted for road purposes, and one mill for current expenses. The following was the result of the election: R. H. Sanderson, A. E. Jackson and C. Shranda, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk. At the annual town meeting held April 5th, 1870. A tax of two mills was voted for road purposes, and the following was the result of the election: R. H. Sanderson, F. C. Tyler and Henry Brunner, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk.

At the annual town meeting held March 14th, 1871, in Sander's hall, a tax of one mill was voted for town purposes and two mills for road purpose, and the following was the result of the election: F. C. Tyler, Henry Brunner and J. R. Dickenson, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk.

The annual town meeting was called at Sander's hall March 12th, 1872. A tax of three mills was voted for road purposes, and one mill for town pur- poses. The following was the result of the elec- tion: Chas. A. Oliver, Henry Brunner and Oli- ver Bailey, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

The annual town meeting was called at San- der's hall, March 11th, 1873, and a tax of two mills was voted for road purposes, and one mill for town purposes. The following was the result of the election: Charles A. Oliver, James R. Dick- enson and Christian Kappler, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk.

The annual town meeting was called at San- der's hall, March 10th, 1874. A tax of one mill was voted for road and bridges, and one mill for town purposes. The following was the result of the election: Charles A. Oliver, M. B. Stanchfield and F. Dornfeldt, supervisors. . It was voted at the same meeting to purchase the Scott building for town purposes, if the sum did not to exceed one thousand dollars.

The annual town meeting was called March 9th, 1875, at Scott's hall. A tax was voted of two mills for roads and bridges. The following was the results of the election: Charles A. Oliver, A. E. Jackson and Ferdinand Dornfeldt, supervisors. The annual town meeting was called at Scott's hall, March 14th, 1876, and a tax of two mills was voted for roads and bridges; one mnill for town purposes. The following was the results of the election: Daniel McKean, George A. Oliver and F. Dornfeldt, supervisors. The annual town meeting was called at Morgan's hall, March 13th, 1877. A tax of one mill was voted for town purposes and two mills for roads and bridges. The following was the result of the election: Daniel Mckean, George A. Oliver and F. Dornfeldt, supervisors. L. A. Huntoon, clerk. The annual town meeting was called March 12th, 1878, at Morgan hall, and a tax of one mill was voted for town purposes and three mills for roads and bridges. The following was the result of the election: John Burch, Chris. Kappler and W. Munch, supervisors. The annual town meeting was called at Morgan's hall March, 11th, 1879. A tax of one mill was voted for town expenses and four mills for roads and bridges, and the following was the result of the election: John Burch, B. K. Watson and Fred. Rentz, supervisors.

The annual town meeting was called March 9th, 1880, at Morgan's hall, a tax of two mills was voted for town expenses and one mill for roads and bridges; and the following was the result of the election: John Burch, Daniel Mckean and B.

K. Watson, supervisors; L. A. Huntoon, clerk. A special meeting of the voters of the town of Lakeland was called August 31st, 1880, and the following resolution was adopted:

"Resolved, That, whereas the Stillwater and ITastings Railroad Company has complied with the requirements of the law in regard to their petition for the construction of said railroad; that the chairman of the board, and the town clerk, be, and are, hereby instructed to sign, and deliver to Walter Mann, bonds of the town to the amount of five thousand dollars, in exchange for the stock of said railroad company. Signed by John Burch as chairman, Daniel Mckean and B. K. Watson, supervisors."

At a meeting of the supervisors held October 1st, 1880, it was voted to raise a tax of two mills to pay the interest on the bonds issued by the town to the Stillwater and Hastings Railroad Company. It was also voted that John C. Hig- gins be appointed to take charge of the stock issued by the company to the town of Lakeland.

VILLAGE.

What was known as "Shanghai Cooley," a small ravine of about forty rods in length, situated in the northern part of the village plat, taking its name from some large fowls brought there by F. C. Tyler. This point as early as 1857, was the center of the business portion of the then embryo village of Lakeland, having at that time fourteen stores, shops, and dwellings. The first mercan- tile venture at this point was made by A. D. Kingsley and Joseph Wilson, in 1855. The same fall Kingsley purchased Wilson's interest and continued the business until 1858, when he took as partner Elias Daggett, and they closed up the business the following year. October 5th, 1857, Carlos Clement and L. A. Huntoon established business in a store located on the site where the "Mill store" now stands; they continued for two years when they removed to store which stood just north of the Baptist church. In 1865 Mr. Clement sold his interest to Mr. Huntoon, who soon after took in as partner K. A. Huntoon, which partnership continued until 1868, when L. A. Huntoon purchased the entire interest and soon after erected his present store, 20x72 feet. He has in connection the post-office. In 1858 Daniel C. Bunker, Jr., began business in a store

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LAKELAND-SAW MILLS.

located in Shanghai Cooley, which he carried on until the spring of 1861 when he sold out to Cle- ment and Huntoon. In the spring of 1858 W. W. Morgan embarked in business but soon suc- cumbed to the hard times. The following year Reynolds and Ballard opened a large stock of goods in what was known as the "Ary store." They, like "Jonas' gourd" flourished for a time, but at the end of two years the hot sun of the hard times caused a wilt. Several other mercan- tile ventures were made in those early days but were soon only known as things of the past.

The drug business was instituted by W. R. W. Ary, in 1858, which he continued for one year, when he yielded to the blasts of the hard times that had so far proved so disastrous to many others at that time.

The milling interests of Lakeland were first commenced by Moses Perin, in 1852, by the par- tial erection of what was known as the Shanghai mill, but for some reason the work was at a stand- still for some time. When Freeman C. Tyler visited this portion of the St. Croix Valley in search of business, he was induced to take an in- terest in the enterprise, which was soon completed. The mill, when completed, was 60x80, two stories, and propelled by a sixty horse-power engine, which drove two sash saws, one rotary, and a shingle and lath machine. The first year they were enabled to turn out twenty thousand per day. The mill was run by the proprietors for a few seasons, when they leased it, then sold it; but in both cases it came back to the original owners, who, in 1860, sold the machinery to parties from Hastings, and the frame to Messrs. Clement and Huntoon. In 1857, Ballard and Reynolds built a steam saw-mill on a site in Ballard and Reynolds' addition to Lakeland, 50x 70, two stories, with one circular saw, a lath ma- chine, one trimmer and edger, and side saws, propelled by a large engine with two boilers.

They operated it for some two years when they closed it up and it lay idle for three or four years, when it was sold to different parties and distributed to different parts of the country.

In 1857 what is known as the "C. N. Nelson Lumber Company's mill" was erected by the firm of Stearns, Watson and Company at an ex- pense of $46,000. The machinery was shipped from Bangor, Maine. This company operated it 27

for a short time, when feeling the effects of the tidal wave of those hard times, they were obliged to close the mill. The property passed through the hands of several parties, when in 1879 it became the property of C. N. Nelson and Company, then the "C. N. Nelson Lumber Company," who rebuilt the mill the same winter to the size of 90x98 feet, adding new machinery, which consisted of a twenty-seven saw gang, and one double rotary, with a capacity of one hundred thousand feet per day; two shingle machines with a capacity of fifty thousand per day. The engine and boiler room is of brick and iron, 50 x60 feet. The mill is propelled by a De Pew- Corliss engine, twenty-four inch cylinder with thirty inch stroke, run with six boilers twenty feet long and forty-four inch shell. There is also an auxiliary engine with pump and boiler con- nected; also a first-class machine shop, with the machinery necessary for making all repairs. They have a planing-mill connected with the yard. The entire works give employment to seventy-five men. The annual capacity is six- teen million feet of lumber, fifteen million shingles and eight million lath.

Hale, Fay and Company built a steam mill in 1857, at the foot of Shanghai Cooley, 30x60 feet, it was propelled by an engine of forty horse- power. The enterprise was operated about two years, when it stood idle for some time, after which it was leased to different parties. In 1868, Kippen Brothers purchased the property and re- fitting it ran it until 1874, when it was closed again and the machinery sold to other parties. The old frame still stands. The Osgood mill was built in 1857, by Messrs. Osgood and Company on section 23, near the point where the railroad crosses the river; size 40x60 feet, driven by a forty horse-power engine, and stocked with a double rotary and a shingle and lath machine. The mill was operated by the company until 1860, when it was closed for some time. About 1865, it was sold to D. A. Baldwin, of Hudson, Wisconsin. In 1866, he removed the entire mill to Hudson, where it was fitted up and run for several years, but was finally destroyed by fire. In 1859, Messrs. Ballard and Reynolds erected a grist-mill 30x40 feet, three-stories with two run of stone, using the same power used in running their saw-mill. In June, 1862, Mr. Ballard died, and the enter-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

prise becoming involved in debt, passed into the hands of Alfred. Goss, of Hudson, Wisconsin. About 1863, the machinery was removed to New Richmond, Wisconsin.

The first ware-house for the handling of wheat was erected in 1861 by the firm of Clement and Huntoon, using the timbers from the Shanghai mill in its construction. Said building was burned in 1866. Soon after this building was distroyed, Moses Perin remodeled his store, which was a large building 40x80 feet, three stories, with a basement, and used the first story for a storage room for grain, the second for offices, and the third for a public hall. In 1869 while run in the interests of John Robinson, of Winona, the whole was destroyed by fire, which was thought to be the work of an incendiary. The present ware-house of which J. C. Higgins is proprietor, was built by Messrs. Kelley and Company, of Milwaukee, in 1869, with W. S. Evans, of Hud- son, Wisconsin, as manager. It was purchased by J. C. Higgins in 1874, and is now operated by him. The building is 36x48, three stories, with a capacity of 25,000 bushels.

The first hotel built at Lakeland was by James Pritchard in 1857, 30x40, two stories in hight, with a wing 16x20. The property has changed hands several times since. In 1866 it was rented by S. H. Bush, who run it until 1876, when it was used as a dwelling by S. T, Merritt.

The next hotel was built by J. R. Dickinson in 1858, who run it until 1866, when it was transferred to Day and Hanson, who changed it into a boarding house. It afterwards passed into the hands of the Nelson Lumber Company. In 1858, Robert Flett began the erection of a large hotel, in Stearns and Watson's addition. It was completed in 1859, and carried on as a hotel for about two years, when it become the property of Stearns, Watson and Company, and abandoned as a hotel, and sold to other parties. Other hotels have been started, but have not met with success sufficient to warrant their continuation for any great length of time. As early as 1850, IIubbel Robinson opened a shop for the making and re- pairing of wagons. In 1853, James Green opened a shop in the "Cooley," for the same purpose. In 1857, Henry Jerkey erected a wagon shop, which he operated until 1857, when it was remodeled into a hotel by S. H. Bush. A blacksmith shop

was first erected by P. F. Gage, about 1852, which was transferred to Adam Vye, in 1855. Other parties have started shops at different dates with more or less success. The first attorney at law was Augustus Ballard, who flung his shingle to the breeze in 1857; he died in 1862, since which time the law has not had a representative in Lakeland. In 1855, Doctor Edward W. Johnson located in Lakeland and ministered to the wants of the people in his line until 1864, when he changed his field of operation to Owatonna. Dr. Bolles now holds the fort with success in the la- bors of his profession. Freeman C. Tyler re- ceived the first appointment as postmaster for Lakeland, in 1854. He transferred it to A. D. Kingsley, in 1855, who held it until 1858, when W. R. W. Ary received the appointment, which he held for one year, when it was transferred to Augustns Ballard. He held it until his death January, 1862, when W. W. Morgan was ap- pointed and served until 1876, when it was trans- ferred to L. A. Huntoon, who is the present in- cumbent. Before the establishment of this office the settlers were obliged to send or go to Still- water, then to Hudson. They now have a daily mail. The first saloon opened in Lakeland, was by a man by the name of Gray, in 1856. He sold without license, but seeing the sheriff in town one day, and supposing he was after him, he con- cluded it was safer to make himself absent, which he did and has not been seen since. The next was opened by S. D. Prentice, but closed in 1858, since which time they have not had one.

The "Golden Rule" Lodge, No. 55, A. F. and A. M., began under dispensation in the spring of 1867; charter granted October 23d, 1867, and the society regularly organized the 19th of November following. The officers under the dispensation were: K. A. Huntoon, master; J. W. Boxell, S. W .; R. N. Pray, J. W .; and H. W. Getchell, sec- retary; with twenty-three charter members. Their present membership is about twenty. Their meetings are held every second and fourth Tues- day in each month. The first man initiated in- to this order was W. A. Morgan, March 5th, 1867.

The Temple of Honor was organized December 21st, 1877, by Grand Depnty Barney, with twelve charter members. The first officers were: J. R. Dickinson, W. C. T .; Joseph Shaw, W. V. T .; John W. Tyler, P. W. C. T .; H. F. Green, W.

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LAKELAND -- BIOGRAPHICAL.

R .; Charles Dickson, W. T. The lodge is flour- ishing, with a membership of twenty. Meetings are held every Friday evening.

The I. O. G. T. Lodge, No. 200, was organized December 13th, 1876, with over fifty charter members. Their first officers were: J. R. Dick- inson, W. C. T .; Lucy A. Munger, W. V. T .; Henry F. Green, W. Chap .; John S. Molton, sec- retary; Alice S. Bailey, assistant secretary; Della M. Green, treasurer; Rich. H. Pearl, W. M .; S. G. Pearl, D. M. March 16th, 1879, there was granted to this lodge a charter to conduct a Juve- nile Templars society, which is doing a good work among the younger class. Their present member- ship is forty.

The enterprise of boat-building was com- menced by Munch Brothers and Company, in 1871. The steamboat "Osceola" was built by them that year, also two or three barges, which was the end of the enterprise at this point.

The livery business was established by F. C. Tyler at Lakeland in 1854. He erected a stable that year, 30x40, with an outfit of six horses. He carried on the business until 1856, when he sold out to Jones and Company, of Hudson.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Mrs. W. B. Bailey was born at Brockport, Mon- roe county, New York, 1839. She remained un- der the parental guidance until fourteen years of age, then came to Lakeland, accompanied by her brother, Capt. F. C. Tyler and others. During her seventeenth year the was married to Oliver Bailey, with whom she lived at this place until his death, which occurred November 25th, 1872, leaving his widow and two daughters, Alice S. and Josie. Mr. Bailey's life was a success, a re- spected and prosperous citizen, and his death mourned by all who knew him. His widow still resides at the old homestead in the village of Lakeland.

Rev. Henry Blankenhahn was born in the pro- vince of Westphalia, Germany, November 25th, 1850. His father, Gottleib Blankenhahn, being a school master in that country, Henry was reared and educated, and when a young man studied. theology at the college at Barmen, Rhineland. In 1869 he came to America, proceeding to Mil- waukee, where his father had located previously. He finished his studies at the Evangelical College

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