History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 91

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 91

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St. Croix Iron Works and Door, Sash and Blind Factory, Isaac Staples, proprietor. These buildings are located on the river bank, near the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha round- house. The first building to be erected was the machine-shop, 45x60 feet, about 1865, by Corning and Depew, of St. Paul, who run it as a machine- shop a number of years.

In 1874 the property passed into the hands of D. S. Stombs, who erected a foundry 40x60 feet, and a boiler-shop 36x60 feet; he only run the business a short time, however, when it passed into the hands of Isaac Staples, who has since conducted it.

In 1878 Mr. Staples moved his machinery for the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds from his mill to this place, and set it up in its present location, in the second story of the machine shop. The machinery contained in the machine-shop, consists of, four turning-lathes, one eighteen-foot planer, one upright drill-press, five vises, etc. Six men are employed in this department.

The sash factory contains one jig-saw, one mor- ticing-machine, two cut-off saws, one planer, one tenoner, one sand-papering machine, etc. Seven men are employed in this department.

There is also a boiler and blacksmith-shop, in which five men are employed. The whole ma- chinery is propelled by a forty horse-power en- gine with a ten-inch cylinder and fourteen-inch stroke, supplied by a tubular boiler, forty inches in diameter and eighteen feet long. The engine is located in the basement of the machine-shop. Three men are employed in the foundry, which, in addition to the local work, does a large amount of casting for parties in Wisconsin. The door,

sash and blind factory does an annual business of $20,000.

BRICK YARD

Frederick Steinacker, proprietor. This estab- lishment commenced the manufacture of brick in 1859, under its present management, in a yard located in Ramsey and Carter's addition to Still- water. He employed from three to four men, and manufactured about 200,000 brick annually, until 1875, when his increasing business com- pelled him to purchase more land, which he did at the lower end of Sunfish lake, where he is now located. Since that time his business has rapidly improved, and he has averaged at least 500,000 brick annually, and employed an average of eight men. In 1880, he employed fourteen men and manufactured between 800,000 and 900,- 000 brick.

CARRIAGE MANUFACTURERS.

Pioneer carriage manufactory, William Muller, proprietor. In 1866, the present proprietor pur- chased this location and erected a shop 20x40 feet and two stories high; on the first floor was his workshop, and on the second floor his resi- dence. He did a successful business for several years, and in 1870 increasing business compelled him to erect larger shops. He added a shop 28x 60 feet and two stories; the first floor was used for blacksmithing and the second as paint and carriage trimming shops.

In 1873, the whole works were destroyed by fire, and as there was no insurance on the buildings, Mr. Muller sustained a serious loss; but not dis- couraged, he in 1875 rebuilt his shops on the same plan of those destroyed two years before. He has regained his former patronage, and is doing a flourishing business. Six men are employed in the manufacture of buggies, cutters, sleighs, wagons, etc. The works are located on Main street.

Stillwater carriage works, D. J. Sullivan, pro- prietoi. This business was established in Octo- ber, 1878, in a building one door east of the Saw- yer house, but as the accommodations there were too small, Mr. Sullivan soon secured his present commodious building on Second street, which is 40x80 feet and two stories high. The first floor is used for blacksmith and wood shops, and the second floor for paint and carriage trimming

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CITY OF STILLWATER-MANUFACTURES.

shops. Ten men are employed in the various departments, and the goods manufactured con- sist of buggies, sleighs, platform and other wagons besides a large amount of repairing. The annual business amounts to upwards of $10,000.

Novelty carriage works, Richard Daw, proprie- tor. Mr. Daw began this enterprise in May, 1875, in the building now occupied by the "Stillwater carriage works." IIe did business there until 1877, when he removed to his present location. This building is 40x60 feet, and two stories high. The second story is used for paint and carriage trimming shops, and a portion of the first story is used for a wood shop. The balance of the first floor is occupied by J. Connors, blacksmith, and in this shop the iron work of Mr. Daw's car- riages is done. Mr. Daw manufactures carriages of all kinds, sleighs, platform wagons, etc. Four men are employed in his establishment.

Albert Saeker's wagon shop. Mr. Saeker es- tablished this business in 1872. He makes a specialty of lumber wagons, but is prepared to do any work in his line. His place of business is on Second street, between Myrtle and Chestnut.

BREWERIES.

Hermann Tepass' brewery, is the outgrowth of the first brewery and still in the county, if not in the state. In 1851, Norbert Kimmick started a small whisky still on the corner of Third and Chestnut streets. This was located in the kitchen of his dwelling, and he manufactured about five barrels per week. In 1852, he built a brewery where the one now operated by Mr. Tepass stands, and which he conducted alone for two years, when he took as a partner, Frank Aiple, and they. run the business together until Mr. Kimmick's death, which occurred in 1857. Mrs. Kimmick conducted the business with the as- sistance of her husband's former partner until January 1st, 1860, when she became his wife.

Mr. Aiple then assumed active management of the brewery, which continued until the destruc- tion of the building by fire in May, 1868. Mr. Aiple at once rebuilt on the old site, but scarcely had he completed the work when he received an injury while putting in some water pipes, which caused his death on November 5th, 1868. Mrs. Aiple was thus again compelled to assume con- trol of the establishment, which she conducted

successfully until her marriage with Mr. Tepass, the present proprietor, which event took place December 14th, 1869.

The building is of stone, 45x75 feet, and three stories high. The front part of the first floor is occupied by the fifteen horse-power engine and brewing room, and in the rear is the wash room; the balance of the building is occupied by a com- plete set of brewing apparatus. Seven men are employed, and four thousand barrels of beer are annually manufactured. The brewery is on lower Main street.

Wolf's Brewery, Joseph Wolf proprietor. This establishment is located on Main street at the corner of Nelson, and the enterprise dates back to the spring of 1868, when Martin Wolf, a brother of the present proprietor, erected on these premises, a small wooden building about 40x50 feet, and one story high. He conducted the busi- ness here until March, 1871, when it passed into the hands of Wolf, Tanner and Company; Joseph Wolf and A. Tanner being the principal owners. The business was conducted in the old wooden building until March 25th, 1872, when it was de- stroyed by fire. The erection of the present buildings was soon after commenced. The "Pa- cific hotel," which is on the street corner was first erected, it is 30x90 feet and three stories high. The first floor was at first used for a grocery store but is now a wholesale and retail liquor store. The second and third stories being the hotel. The brewery was then built, which is 40x90 feet and two stories high in front, but as it is built on the face of the bluff, the rear of the building towers up to four and five stories in hight. In May, 1876, Joseph Wolf purchased the whole business and has since conducted it. During the summer of 1880, a commodious brick office was erected, adjoining the brewery. It is 14x20 feet and two stories high. In this establishment are consumed annually 18,000 bushels of barley and over 6,000 barrels of beer are manufactured. The works are run by a fifteen horse-power engine with a boiler of thirty-five horse-power. Twelve men are employed and the business amounts to $60,000 annually.

BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTORY,

F. W. Kern, proprietor. This establishment is located in Union block, on Main street. It

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

was started under the firm name of Drews and Kern, on Chestnut street, in 1874, in a building 22x50 feet. The capital invested at that time was about $3,000.

The business was conducted under this man- agement, and at this location, until 1877, when Mr. Drews withdrew from the company, and his brother, Herman Drews, became a partner and the firm name was changed to Kern and Com- pany. The location was also changed to the present quarters, but at the end of six months, Mr. Drews sold his interest to Mr. Kern and went to Germany, thus leaving him sole proprie- tor. His business has since rapidly increased, until now he employs ten men. The manufac- turing department is 25x55 feet, and his sales- room 25x75 feet. He does an annual business of $35,000.

Boat shop, George Miiller, proprietor. This enterprise was first started in 1873, by Miiller Brothers in a building 20x40 feet. They did most of their work by hand for two years, when the increase of business demanding more facili- ties, they put in a four horse-power engine and some machinery and added fifty feet to their building. Thus they continued for three years, when they found it necessary to add more ma- chinery to enable them to keep pace with their still rapidly improving business. An eighteen horse-power engine was put in, two cross-cut and two rip saws, one twenty-four inch surface planer, one stroke jointer, one shaper, one jig saw, one guage lathe, and one hand lathe, etc., and have since added improvements from year to year. The brothers did business together till November 10th, 1880, when George purchased his brother's interest, and now conducts the business. Six men are employed, and orders are filled for the building of boats of all descriptions. Lumber- men's tools are also manufactured here, besides a large amount of other job work. It is the only boat building establishment in the city.

Stillwater coloring works, J. M. Burbridge and Sons, proprietors. This business is located on Second street, south of the post-office, and was established in October, 1879. Two rooms are in use, one as coloring-room and the other for press- ing. They do a good business and are giving satisfaction.

Vinegar factory. In the summer of 1875 John

Ciopac and Anthony Tuor formed a partnership and began the manufacture of vinegar. A stone building of two stories was occupied. The amount of capital invested was $1,500. After several changes in the firm, Tuor became sole proprietor. Not meeting with success, he leased the factory to his son-in-law, A. Manthey, in 1881, and the establishment is now in use as a vinegar, soda-water and ginger ale factory.

Sod Hill green-house, Marcel Gagnon, pro- prietor. This business was established in 1877 by Mr. Gagnon in a building 12x40 feet, in which he did a successful business. During the past year he has completed a 14x20 feet addition. He has a fine stock of plants of different varie- ties suited to the climate, and does a thriving business.

Chicago bakery and confectionery manufactory. The only establishment of this kind is that of Heitman and Becker. This business was estab- lished by the present firm April 7th, 1879, and since that time has been quite successful. The bakery and candy manufactory are located on Second street, and their sales-room on Main street. They also have in connection with their other business a restaurant, and deal largely in fruits, cigars, tobacco, etc.

CHAPTER LXX.

BANKS-HOTELS-LIVERY STABLES-WATER- WORKS-FIRE DEPARTMENT-EXPRESS COM- PANIES-TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE COM- PANIES-PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

The first banking of any kind done in Still- water was by Dr. Christopher Carli, who, about 1854, made arrangements for conducting an ex- change business with St. Louis and Chicago bankers; he did not open a regular banking office, but had a room in the rear of his drug-store, which was his bank.

The First National Bank is the outgrowth of the first bank established in Stillwater; it was a private bank, and was started about 1856, by K. A. Darling, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, L. R.'

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CITY OF STILLWATER-BANKS.

Carswell, of Hastings, Minnesota, and Charles Scheffer, of Stillwater, under the firm name of Darling, Carswell and Scheffer. - Their office was on Second street, adjoining the land-office. Sep- tember 20th, 1858, Mr. Carswell withdrew from the firm and it was then known as Darling and Scheffer for a time, but after a few years they ob- tained a charter for a "State Bank," with the name of the "Bank of Stillwater," which con- tinued until July 19th, 1865, when the present "First National Bank" was organized with a cap- ital of $50,000. The stockholders were, Charles Scheffer, of Stillwater; J. E. Thompson and Horace Thompson, of St. Paul, and Louis Hospes and O. R. Ellis, of Stillwater. The first officers were, Charles Scheffer, president; Louis Hospes, vice-president, and O. R. Ellis, cashier. The capital has since been increased to $130,000, with a surplus of $26,000. The discounts amount to $400,000, and the deposits to $300,000. The pres- ent officers are: Louis Hospes, president; C. N. Nelson, vice-president, and F. A. Seymour, cash- ier. The directors are: Louis Hospes, C. N. Nel- son, D. M. Sabin, Henry Westing, H. R. Mur- dock and F. A. Seymour, of Stillwater; George R. Finch and Albert Scheffer, of St. Paul, and Smith Ellison, of Taylor's Falls. This bank is located on Main street, near the Opera House.

LUMBERMEN'S NATIONAL BANK.

This bank was organized January 10th, 1871, by Isaac Staples and Samuel F. Hersey, of Still- water, and E. S. Edgerton, P. Berkey and II. W. Cannon, of St. Paul. The latter was connected with E. S. Edgerton, president of the Second Na- tional bank of St. Paul at the time, but imme- diately moved to this city and has held the posi- tion of cashier and general manager of the bank to the present time. The business of the bank was conducted for a time at the corner of Myr- tle and Stimson streets, in a room now used by the Lumbermen's Board of Trade, the balance of the building being occupied by Hersey, Staples and Bean, at that time, one of the largest lumbering concerns in the St. Croix Valley. The authorized capital stock was half a million dollars, fifty thousand of which was paid in on the day of or- ganization. The first officers were, Isaac Staples, president; Samuel F. Hersey, vice-president; and H. W. Cannon, cashier. On December 2d of the

same year, the capital stock was increased to $100,000. On March 19th, 1872, the bank was removed to its present elegant banking rooms, on the corner of Myrtle and Main streets, which bad been in course of preparation for some time, and at this time the capital stock was also increased to $125,000. During the financial panic of 1873, when many heavy banks were more or less em- barrassed, and many more compelled to succumb to the pressure brought to bear on them, this bank did not suspend currency payments, but in- stead, increased its capital to $150,000, and what is very remarkable in the history of this institu- tion, it is stated that less that $500 has been lost on discounted paper. The present officers are, Isaac Staples, president; R. F. Hersey, vice-pres- ident; and H. W. Cannon, cashier; the directors are, Isaac Staples, John McKusick, D. M. Sabin, David Bronson, David Tozer, I. E. Staples, H. W. Cannon and E. S. Edgerton; this board of directors represents upwards of $3,000,000.

Stillwater Saving's Bank. This institution was founded at the request of Hon. Samuel F. Her- sey, an old and influential citizen of Stillwater, he thinking that a savings bank would be bene- ficial to the working men of this city. Accord- ingly on January 10th, 1873, the bank was incor- porated under an act of the legislature of 1867, with the following named gentlemen as trustees: Isaac Staples, David Bronson, Dwight M. Sabin, Louis E. Torinus, William Willim, I. E. Staples, and Henry W. Cannon. Until March 1st, 1879, six per cent. was paid on deposits, but since that time five per cent. only has been allowed. The officers are: Isaac Staples, president; D. Bron- son, vice-president; H. W. Cannon, secretary and treasurer. Although no profit has accrued to the trustees, the bank has been kept open and there are now two hundred and seventy-five accounts open, principally minors, laborers and women.

Stillwater Board of Trade was organized in January, 1871. The first officers were: David Bronson, president; C. J. Butler, vice-president; D. W. Armstrong, secretary; and C. N. Nelson, treasurer. Board of directors: John KcKusick, Isaac Staples, J. E. Schlenk, J. O'Shaughnessy, M. Moffatt, E. W. Durant, J. N. Castle, B. G. Merry, G. M. Seymour and L. E. Torinus. Meet- ings are held on the last Thursday of each month, in a room on Myrtle street, corner of Stimson's

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

alley. The present officers are: E. S. Brown, president ; William G. Bronson, vice-president; and John S. Proctor, secretary.

HOTELS.

The first hotel in Stillwater was known as the Northrup house, and was erected by Anson Northrup in the early summer of 1844. He oc- cupied it one year, then rented it to Robert Ken- nedy, who ran it one year, at the end of which time Mr. Northrup resumed control. After an- other year it went into the hands of Stanchfield and Vail under a lease; these gentlemen occupied the house until it was destroyed by fire in Decem- ber, 1847. The six-year-old daughter of Mrs French, a lady employed in the house, was sleep- ing in a rear addition, and lost her life; no trace of her body was ever found.

The Minnesota house was built by Elam Gree- ley, for a private residence, in 1846, but after en- closing and roofing the building, it stood vacant for nearly a year. It was then purchased by Judd and Walker, who finished the building for a ho- tel and rented it to HIarley Curtis. In 1849, Mr. Hartshorn became the proprietor and ran the honse until 1851. Gray and Trimble had it until 1855; Samuel Burkleo then occupied it two years. It was then managed by different parties for short terms each, until old age had caused the building to be unfit for use as a public house. The old house still stands on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets, and is occupied by the St. Croix Post publishing company and a saloon.

The St. Croix house was built in 1848 by Anson Northrup, who conducted it as a hotel for two years. It then passed through a series of changes, finally falling into the possession of John Booren in 1874. Three years later, it was destroyed by fire.

The Lake house, built in 1849, by John H. Brewster, was next in point of time. This house, like the others, had a number of different proprietors. It was finally occupied as a tene- ment, and in 1874 was burned.

The Liberty house was built by Dr. John N. Ahl, who, after running it a few years, changed the name to the Lakeside liotel. Dr. Ahl was the proprietor until his death in 1872. The house was then conducted by several parties, and is now under the management of Paul Selb, and is

owned by Miss Amanda Ahl, the daughter of the original owner. The house is located on Main street, near Nelson.

The Sawyer house, the leading hotel of Still- water, was built by Henry Sawyer in 1857, but was not opened to the public until 1860. It was opened under the management of A. B. Whitcher, who conducted it with success for two years, after which Jacob and Albert Lowell took pos- session. In the meantime, eastern parties be- came the owners. In 1864 Isaac Staples pur- chased the house, and two years later sold to Dudley Hall, who owned it until 1871. In 1866 he leased it to John and Albert Lowell for five years, and at the expiration of that time it was purchased by Albert Lowell who has since owned and conducted it. The size of the building is 90x100 feet, and four stories high. It has accom- modations for about seventy-five guests.

The Stillwater house was built by Peter Al- derman in 1869. It is located on Mulberry street between Second and Main. Michael Whyte is the present landlord. The house is now owned by George R. White.

The Farmer's Home hotel was built by Miller and Simonet in 1867, and was occupied as a store for three years. The partnership then ceased, and a portion of the building became a hotel known as the St. Louis house and subsequently the Farmer's Home. Henry Goeck has been pro- prietor for the past two years.

The Williams house was erected in 1870 on the corner of Mulberry and Second streets. Will- iams died in 1875, and since that time the house has been run by A. A. Ulen, his partner.

In October, 1870, Frank Raiter built and opened the Wexio hotel, and ran it for nearly ten years. Raiter still owns the house, and rents it to August Nellison, the present proprietor.

The Keystone house was erected in 1872 by Horace Voligny, at a cost of $3,000, and has been conducted by him since. This house is a com- modious and well-kept hotel.

The Central house has been known since the spring of 1879. It was built at that time by August Booren at a cost of $8,000. The house is of brick, 30x72 feet, and three stories high. The hotel is run by John Booren, and August Booren has a saloon in the house. This hotel will accommodate about forty guests.

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CITY OF STILLWATER-WATER SUPPLY ..

In 1872 John Disch built the Mansion house. This hotel is of brick, 40x70 feet, and furnishes accommodations for eighty guests. Mr. Disch, the originator of the enterprise, has been the landlord since the hotel was opened.

LIVERY STABLES.

Phoenix stables. The first to engage in this business in Stillwater, was C. A. Bromley in the fall of 1853. His stable was 40x50 feet, and he continued in it until 1857, when he rented a sta- ble which stood on the premises now owned and occupied by him, which he purchased after six years. He enlarged his buildings but in 1875, fire destroyed them. The year following, he built the present stable, which is of brick, 50x56 feet, and three stories high. He has over twenty horses and a thoroughly equipped stable.

A. J. Orff first began livery business in this city about 1870, in company with Mark Manter, in the stable now occupied by Rahr and Hanson. After two years Manter and Denton be- came partners for two years, at the expiration of which time, the firm dissolved. Mr. Orff then started alone on Main street, and in 1877, re- moved to his present location on the corner of Myrtle and Second streets. For three years from 1876, he ran a stage line between Stillwater and Marine. He has now a finely appointed stable with thirty horses and the necessary carriages, sleighs, etc., also a hearse.

Eclipse stable, H. C. Farmer, proprietor. This business was established at the present location, on Second street between Chestnut and Myrtle, in 1877. He has twenty horses and three hacks, besides the usual outfit of buggies, cutters, etc.

Rahr and Hanson's stable was first occupied by M. Manter, then by other firms until September, 1879, when the present firm took possession. The stable is located on Second street between Mulberry and Commercial Avenue, and is 40x60 feet, two stories high and basement. This es- tablishment is thoroughly equipped with a num- ber of horses, new carriages, etc., and is meeting with well-deserved success, as both gentlemen are well-known and popular.

Web. McKusick's stable is one of the oldest landmarks in the city, being all there is left of the old McKusick grist-mill into which the old saw-mill of 1844 was merged. After it ceased to

run as a mill, it was used as a sash factory and for a machine-shop. In 1872, Mr. McKusick converted it into a livery stable. It is located on Main street, between Mulberry and Commercial Avenue. About twenty horses are kept. Mr. McKusick also has hay scales convenient to, and in connection with his stable.

The Hathaway Water Supply. Charles Hatha- way procured a lot on Third street, between Myrtle and Chesnut, for the purpose of building a shop and home. At one end of the lot water flowed from the bank in large quantities. Cut- ting into the bank until he reached the clay, he built a reservoir of about three hundred barrels capacity and laid a pipe to the street below with conveniences for loading. The reservoir has an elevation of fifty feet above the street. This water is used by Hathaway in his shop and is also used for street sprinkling purposes. The cost of putting in pipe, etc., was $900. The supply amounts to seven hundred barrels per day and shows no signs of exhaustion.

Stillwater Water Company. This company was organized April 15th, 1880, with a capital stock of $100,000. Board of directors: D. M. Sabin, Isaac Staples, E. W. Durant, R. F. Hersey, H. W. Cannon, C. E. Gray, and W. H. Swift. E. W. Durant, president; R. F. Hersey, vice-presi- dent; H. W. Cannon, secretary and treasurer. .This organization was effected in compliance with a city ordinance, for the establishment of water works, which provides that the city shall rent eighty-five hydrants and that the rates charged private consumers shall not be greater than the average rates in St. Paul, Dubuque and Clinton. The reservoir at McKusick's lake covers upwards of thirty acres, with an average depth of ten feet, the lake being fed by springs. At the foot of the lake is established a filtering well and sub-reservoir for purifying the water. The pump- ing and engine houses are located near the lake and contain two Blake pumps with a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons every twenty-four hours, at a low rate of speed or in case of an emergency 2,000,000 gallons. In addition to the pumping system 2,000,000 gallons more may be supplied in twenty-four hours to the lower portions of the city by natural gravity, owing to the elevated po- sition of the lake. The principal main from the lake is sixteen inches in diameter and from that

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