USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 94
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St. Ann's society; instituted in November, 1866, by the married ladies of the German Cath- olic church of this city. Its object is social and benevolent relations between members of the church. The membership numbers forty-five; the fees are ten cents per month. The officers are Mrs. John Smith, president; Mrs. Frederick Roesche, secretary; Mrs. Anthony Krantz, treas- urer.
The Young Ladies Society of the German Catholic church was organized in November, 1879, for social and literary purposes and to se- cure funds to furnish a library designed to pre- serve the German language. The members, numbering thirty-three, are young ladies belong- ing to the church, who are admitted upon pay- ment of twenty-five cents initiation fee, and ten eents per month. The regular meetings are held monthly, with Miss Minnie Roesche, president; Miss Carrie Wolf, secretary; Miss Mary Miller, treasurer.
St. Vincent de Paul conference, established October 23d, 1870, has for its object the assist- ance of the needy, and is under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The officers are: Rev. M. E. Murphy, spiritual director; J. O'Shaughnessy, president; Edward Flynn, vice-president; James Kelly, secretary; John Karst, treasurer.
L'etoile du Nord Lodge, number fifty-seven, I. O. G. T., was organized at Masonic hall May 17th, 1866, with twenty charter members. The cere- monies were conducted by State Deputy R. Gregg. The first officers were: J. N. Castle, Mrs. Kate W. Stickney, R. Lehmicke, A. C. Lull, E. F. Everett, James Gibbin, Miss Abbie Pres- cott, E. E. Herron. This lodge continues its regular meetings at present.
Good Templar Lodge of Stillwater. After a series of lectures delivered by Rev. Jolin Quig- ley, G. W. C. T. of Minnesota, this lodge was organized by the election of the following officers
in 1859: Rev. T. M. Fullerton, W. C. T .; Mrs. C. Staples, W. V. T .; George Hooker, W. M .; Miss Maggie E. Sawyer, W. S .; C. W. Lockwood, W. O. G .; E. Webster, W. T. S .; W. Cover, W. C .; Miss H. T. Hinman, W. E. M .; Mrs. M. Johnson, W. R. H. S .; Mrs. M. C. Wells, W. L. H. C .; J. S. Anderson, P. W. C. T.
Father Matthew Temperance Society was organ- ized in November, 1872. The fees are one dollar for initiation and ten cents per month thereafter. The officers are: Daniel Donahue, president; J. O'Shaughnessy, secretary; M. O'Brien, treasurer.
The Y. M. C. A. of Stillwater, was organized in 1878, and is largely due to the energetic efforts of J. C. Henning. The officers are: J. C. Hẹn- ning, president; W. T. Per Lee, secretary. At first, meetings were held in the various churches, but increasing prosperity created a demand for permanent quarters, and in December, 1878, steps were taken, and funds secured for the erec- tion of a permanent building, which was com- pleted in January, 1879, at a cost of one thousand dollars. The association was duly incorporated October 29th, 1878. In May, 1879, Mrs. J. L. Treat was chosen librarian. The books are mostly donated, and number about two hundred volumes. The periodicals received at the reading- room consist of twenty weeklies, four dailies, three semi-monthlies and three monthlies. The reading-room is open from eight o'clock, a. m., to nine p. m., each day. The officers are: E. Borscht, president; H. A. Rogers, secretary; A. F. Saftenberg, treasurer; Mrs. J. L. Treat, librarian.
Stillwater Temple of Honor, No. 10, was or- ganized in September, 1876, with about fifty char- ter members. In two years time it had increased to about two hundred and fifty. The fees are four dollars for initiation, and an annual charge of two dollars. Present officers are, J. C. Gard- ner, W. C. T .; J. H. Heisinger, W. R .; C. W. Jellison, W. T .; A. F. Saftenberg, D. G. Still- water Social Temple of Honor, No. 7, is an or- ganization, supplementary to No. 10. The name designating its object.
Northwestern Benefit Association, No. 1, amu- tual aid society, was organized in September, 1879. This is a lodge of an order working chiefly in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Dakota. The lodge has a membership of one hundred and twelve
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
and is composed of men between the ages of twenty-one and fifty-five years. Applicants, are admitted after passing a satisfactory physical examination, upon the payment of five dollars in- itiation fee, and an assessment upon the death of a member. No-policy exceeding $2,000 is allowed. The officers are James Connors, president; Samuel Bloomer, secretary; Julius Duel, treasurer.
Subordinate Union number one hundred and sixty-five of The Equitable Aid Union of Penn- sylvania, was established October 7th, 1880, with the following officers: R. W. Chambers, presi- dent; Myron Willim, secretary; Samuel Bloomer, treasurer. This order is a beneficiary organiza- tion enabling the insurance of the lives of many who would otherwise be unable to provide for their families in case of death. Every person presenting an application for a benefit is required to pay to the accountant two assessments for the benefit fund. The members are assessed a death rate from time to time proportioned to the amount of insurance carried. The officers are George Borrowman, president; Myron Willim, secretary; Samuel Bloomer, treasurer.
The Stillwater Building Association was organ- ized under the laws of the state, March 31st, 1877. The object of the association was the raising of a fund which in turn was loaned to its members to assist them in the purchasing of a site and the erection of a house, which became their property by complying with the terms of the contract. The association commenced business on the 5th day of May, 1877, to continue for eighteen years on certain conditions set forth in the constitu- tion. The incorporators were as follows: D. M. Sabin, F. Siebold, S. W. Conrad, F. E. Joy, R. F. Hersey, John N. Darms, J. C. Henning, L. E. Torinus, Ernest L. Hospes, Rudolph Lehmicke, H. W. Cannon, Theodore Jassoy, F. A. Seymour and H. R. Murdock. Its elections to be held on the 5th of May of each year. At the annual meeting, its stockholders are required to pay fif- teen cents on each share held, also a monthly in- stallment of twenty-five cents. By rules of the association the capital stock must never exceed $50,000, to be divided into five hundred shares. It began business when $2,500 of stock had been taken. Up to date four series had been issued; the first issued May 5th, 1877, of $2,000; second of $1,000, in 1878; third of $500, in 1879; the
fourth of $1,000, in 1880, making the total present capital stock $4,500.
The organization of the old settlers association was effected at the office of Durant, Wheeler and Company, November 17th, 1875. The following is the draft of the by-laws adopted by the asso- ciation:
"The undersigned residents of the territory, now state of Minnesota prior to January 1st, 1850, with the view of continuing old acquaint- ance, maintaining friendly relations and enabling us to keep alive the pleasant reminiscences and to preserve the history of the early settlers of the St. Croix Valley, do hereby agree to organize for such purpose and adopt as regulations for the government of our society, the following by-laws. to-wit:
1. "This association shall be known at the St. Croix Valley Old Settlers Association.
2. "All males who were adults prior to Jan. 1st, 1850, and then residents of the Minnesota portion of the St. Croix Valley shall be entitled to membership in this asssociation.
3. "All persons eligible may become members of this association by paying into the treasury, the sum of one dollar.
4. "The first annual meeting to the held No- vember 17th, 1875, and thereafter on the third Wednesday of October in each year at the same place.
5. "The officers of the association shall con- sist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The last two offices may be held by one and the same person, who shall be elected at the annual meeting, but shall hold their respec- tive offices until their successors shall be elected. 6. "The president, or in his absence the vice- president shall preside at all meetings of the asso- ciation, and he shall annually appoint an execu- tive committee of three members, who shall have a general supervision of all affairs of the asso- ciation.
7. "The secretary and treasurer shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings of the association, and shall receive all moneys due the same, and pay them out upon the order of the executive committes.
8. "This association shall not be dissolved so long as three members of them shall convene at the annual reunion, and may be continued until
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CITY OF STILLWATER-NEWSPAPERS.
the last surviving member shall have been called to his final account."
The meeting convened with some forty mem- bers.
The following officers were elected, C. E. Leo- nard, of Point Douglas, president; Andrew Mackey, of Afton, vice-president; D. B. Loomis, Stillwater, secretary and treasurer: Wm. B. Dib- ble, of Point Douglas; J. S. Proctor and John McKusick, of Stillwater, executive committee.
Stillwater Mannerchor, a musical organization, was founded in 1875. The first officers were F. Seibold, president; Joseph A. Gunner, treasurer; Charles Spangenberg, secretary. Any person may become a member by paying two dollars initiation fee, and monthly dues of twenty-five cents. The society furnishes an instructor in vocal and instrumental music, meeting once a week for practice, and once a month for business. The officers are: H. Lahmann, president ; Joseph Wolf, vice president ; T. Jassoy, secre- tary.
The first German society organized in the city, was the Stillwater Gesangverein, or singing so- ciety. The founders were: Carl Scheffer, Dr. Carl Gerlicher, and Joseph E. Schlenk. At the first meeting, held January 31st, 1859, the follow- ing officers were elected: Louis Hospes, president; Jos. Schlenk, secretary; C. Scheffer, treasurer; R. Lehmicke, musical director. The society was doing good work when the war broke out, and most of the members entering the army it was disbanded. The funds on hand, amounting to over one hundred dollars, were used in aiding volunteers and their families. The last meeting was held January 27th, 1863.
A German society was organized September 10th, 1869, under the name of Deutscher Verein, but though it had quite a large membership dis- solved in 1872. The property was sold, and the proceeds, as well as the cash on hand, were di- vided among the members,
Stillwater Turnverein. This societywas founded in 1859 by Louis Miller, who with a number of other members, enlisted in Company B, of Still- water, at the breaking out of the war. Miller, who had attained the rank of captain, was killed 'at the battle of Gettysberg. His remains were brought to Stillwater, and buried by the society. Soon after this the society disbanded, and hav-
ing about eight hundred dollars in the treasury, erected a monument over the grave of its founder, in Baytown cemetery. The second organization was effected August 23d, 1871, but disbanded April 10th, 1873, with about one hundred dollars in its treasury; re-organized in 1877, and again in 1879, with the following officers: Henry Goeck, president; C. Drechsler, vice president; Julius Duel, secretary; N. F. Schwartz, treas- urer; Joseph Deering, first gymnast; William Becker, second gymnast. In 1877, the society fitted up the old Episcopal church for a hall and gymnasium, and two years later removed it to the site of the Grand Opera house, then when that building was begun it was again removed to its present location near Chestnut street.
NEWSPAPERS.
Stillwater had been in existence ten years before any effort was made towards the estab- lishment of a newspaper. Among the first thoughts of the settlers of a western town is the newspaper, which serves as a medium for the dissemination of local and foreign news, and by its circulation in eastern homes sets forth the advantages of the country and attracts immigra- tion. The first newspaper published in Still- water was "The Union," the first number of which appeared October 2d, 1854. It was pub- lished by a stock company consisting of Governor Holcombe, Socrates Nelson, W. H. Mower, H. N. Setzer, Thompson Parker and others. F. S. Cable and W. M. Easton were the editors and publishers. This paper was democratic in poli- tics; it was discontinued November 13th, 1857.
The "Stillwater Messenger" was established September 17th, 1856, under the auspices of A. J. Van Vorhes, editor and publisher. This is the oldest paper in the country that has had a contin- uous existence. In politics it has always been republican. A few months subsequent to the establishment of the paper, W. M. Easton be- came associated with Van Vorhes, and the part- nership continued until 1858, when he sold his interest to the latter who continued the manage- ment alone for a time. He then sold the concern to W. S. Whitmore who successfully managed the paper until October 1st, 1863. Easton and Stick- ney published it one year under a lease, and at the expiration of that time A. B. Easton ran it
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
one year. Mr. Whitmore then resumed charge and conducted it until March 17th, 1868; then sold it to G. K. Shaw. One year later, Shaw sold out to Woodruff, who published the paper until 1873, when he sold to V. C. Seward and S. S. Taylor, under whose able management the paper has since been issued. It is an eight-column paper, and with all its changes in ownership has filled an important place in the interests of Still- water and Washington county.
The "Stillwater Gazette" was first issued on August 6th, 1870, published by A. B. Easton, who continued sole proprietor until the associ- ation with his son not long since. The growth of this paper has been constant and satisfactory from the start. It was an eight-column paper, independent in politics, devoted to general and local news and miscellaneous reading matter. For some years the printing was done on a hand- press, but in 1879 Mr. Easton put in a steam power-press and enlarged the paper to nine col- umns. He has made the paper a success, and also does a large amount of job printing, for which the office is well fitted.
The Lumberman was established in 1875. The general desire for a party organ expressed by some of the leading republicans of Stillwater and Washington county, led to the offering of a bonus for the establishment of a republican journal in this city. The offer was accepted by E. H. Fol- som, and he began the publication of the Stillwater Lumberman in April, 1875. The following sum- mer S. A. Clewell and H. A. Taylor, under the firm name of Taylor and Company took an inter- est in the paper and by the investment of $7,000, placed it on a sound financial basis. During that year Taylor withdrew and the establishment was moved from its quarters in the Mower block, to the Bernheimer block. In 1878, E. D. Taylor became interested in the business and shortly after, H. A. Taylor sold his interest. Since then S. A. Clewell and E. D. Taylor have continued under the name of "The Lumberman Steam Printing Company." This concern is thoroughly equipped with four power presses, latest improved ruling and paging machines, perforator and all necessary machinery for the prosecution of all kinds of work pertaining to printing, book-bind- ing, and engraving on wood. The Lumberman newspaper is widely circulated among the best
class of readers in the St. Croix valley, and its job department in the extent of the operations, the field covered and the money value of work done, compares favorably with any job-printing house in Minnesota.
The "St. Croix Post," the only German news- paper in the St. Croix valley, began in 1876, un- der the management of W. P. Schilling and Wil- liam Schermuly. It began its existence in one corner of the Gazette office, and was printed on their press. After a few months removed to a room in the Union block, and from to the Bernheimer block adjoining the Lumberman office. The press work was done by the lat- ter concern. The paper did not prove a financial success and after a time Schilling withdrew. Schermuly removed to the Minnesota house, and with the assistance of his two daughters, pub- lished the paper at irregular intervals. In 1878, Julius Duel became a partner, and the office was thoroughly overhauled, a new hand-press, job-press and English type for job-work added, and the paper enlarged to double its former size, appeared as an established and recognized journal. This paper has a large and steadily increasing circula- tion. It is a four-page eight column paper, with four-page, five column supplement, and reaches every German home in the St. Croix valley. In 1880, a stationery house was established in con- nection, under the title of the English and Ger- man Printing and Stationery House.
SCHOOLS.
The dawn of educational enterprise in this city was seen in the little school taught in 1846 by Miss Sarah L. Judd, who is still living a resident of Stillwater, now well known as Mrs. A. El- dridge. The little school numbered nine pupils, and was held, it is said, in a vacant dwelling on or near what is now Union alley. Two children of Carli, three of Anson Northrup, two of Ly- man, one of Carmody, and a French girl whose name does not appear, constituted the entire school. While this first term was in progress a substantial and commodious school-house was building on a morass in the rear of the location of the old St. Croix house, soon after built.
The second term was taught during the summer of 1847, by Mrs. Greenleaf, a resident of Minne- apolis. Hon. William McKusick was the next
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CITY OF STILLWATER-SCHOOLS.
teacher during the following fall and winter. It appears that the school was held over what has been known as the post-office building, on the corner of Main and Myrtle streets, during the cold weather.
Early records of schools in Stillwater, as fre- quently occurs in other towns, are imperfect, and for some periods wholly missing. We find, how- ever, the names of Miss Bishop, Miss Hosford, Miss Daily, Mr. Kingsley, C. D. Gilfillan, Mr. Watson, John J. Robinson, Mr. Waite, Mrs. J. D. McComb as early teachers, in addition to those first named. Miss Hosford is now Mrs. H. L. Moss, of St. Paul; Mr. Kingsley is now a resi- dent of Waseca county; C. D. Gilfillan, now of St. Paul, was elected to the state senate in 1878; John J. Robinson is now a resident of Stillwater.
A house was built in the spring of 1848, at what is the corner of Third and Olive streets, where the residence of C. J. Butler is located. This was built by private enterprise, and the use of the lot for the purpose donated by John Mc- Kusick. It was moved off, subsequently, and now forms a part of Isaac Gray's residence. A private house in Schulenburg's addition was used at the same time for school purposes.
In 1850, the organization of the district under territorial law occurred, and this became district number one, but was changed by an act of the legislature of 1862 to number nine.
When the demands of increased numbers called for more and better accommodations, the board of education leased from Mr. Mower two unfin- ished rooms, up-stairs in the Mower block, for three years, agreeing to finish them in good style as consideration for their use during the term. The cost of finishing and furniture amounted to $449.80.
In the summer of 1861, after the expiration of this lease, the board purchased a small frame house on lots 11 and 12, corner of Holcombe and Abbott streets, at the cost of $1,000, and fitted it for the use of schools.
About this time Messrs. Churchill and Nelson donated four lots in block 35 to the city for school purposes, and the board erected thereon a two-story building 38x56 feet, at a cost of $3,000, which furnished four commodious school-rooms.
In 1862, the board built a school-house in block 11 on Government Hill, at a cost of $3,000, suita-
ble for the accomodation of that part of the city. These provisions accomodated the city until after the close of the war.
On the last Saturday of March, 1863, the dis- trict was organized as the special district of Stillwater in accordance with a special act of the legislature.
In consequence of the growth of the city in wealth and numbers during the years of activity at the close of the war, further demands for school accomodations were made.
Forced to action, the board of education planned and completed in 1869, the Central school build- ing, which is now an ornament to the city.
It is built with rubble walls, 53x85 feet, three- stories and belfry and is substantial and com- modious building with eight rooms. The build- ing was contracted at $28,000, but, with steam heating apparatus, school-room furniture and other fittings cost not less than $45,000.
The two story building built in 1861, was re- moved to give place to this and was used in build- ing another school-house, 30x45 feet, in Carli and Schulenburg's addition, known as the Schulen- burg school on a lot donated by Frederick Schul- enburg; $2,700 was expended in this building.
In 1873, the high school building was erected on the west half of block 3, Government Hill. It is 55x95 feet, three-stories, with rubble walls, affording ten commodious rooms. In architec- ture it exhibits good taste and is an ornament to the city and monument to the enterprise of citizens. The contract price for the building was $30,000, but with steam fiting, fixtures and fur- niture, the entire cost was about $45,000.
In 1875, the house on lots 11 and 12, Govein- ment Hill was moved on lot 122, block 2, Gray and Slaughter's addition, and is now known as West Primary school. Schools are held during nine months each year. In January, 1881, eleven hundred pupils were enrolled. Board of educa- tion; John S. Proctor, president; John McKusick, William M. McCluer, R. A. Foyle, treasurer; Myron Shepard, clerk.
Names of teachers, grades taught and salaries for school year. High school: E. P. Frost, su- perintendent and principal, $1,500; Miss A. M. Taylor, first assistant, $600; Miss J. A. Smedley, second assistant, $550. Government Hill: Miss Emma E. Currie, first grammar, $550; Miss M.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
0
A. McGrath, second grammar, {550; Isabella Hale, third grammar, $400; Clara B. Chambers, first intermediate, $550; Miss Clara Kniffs, sec- ond intermediate, $400; Miss M. A. McComb, first primary, $500; Mrs. S. A. Rood, second primary, $550. Central: Mrs. A. M. Gates, first grammar, $500; Miss C. A. Bancus, second gram- mar, $500; Miss E. J. Fay, third grammar, $500; S. Maggie Macartney, first intermediate, $500; Sara A. O'Brien, second intermediate, $500; Rosa O'Brien, first primary, $400; Lida A. Yorks, second primary, $450; Clara H. Willim, third primary, $360. West Primary: Miss Phoebe Greeley, $500. Schulenburg Primary: Miss Eva Smith, 550; Miss Lanra B. Dexter, vocal music, $400. Total salaries paid to teachers in all de- partments, $11,810.
A comparison with the report of Ariel Eld- ridge, clerk in 1863, will indicate the progress in educational work. In 1863, total pupils, 364; in 1881, 1,100. In 1863, expenses for teaching one term, ending July 24th, $375; a contrast to the amount of more than eleven thousand dollars now paid each year.
The German Catholic school was organized in 1871, and a building erected soon after, on Fifth street, between Pine and Oak. The entire cost of site, building, Sister's house and furniture, about $12,000. The school was opened with about ninety scholars, under the direction of . two sisters from St. Joseph. Salary of sisters was about $65 per month for both. At present John Geolz, is teacher, with salary of $50 per month; pupils, sixty-four.
A German school was organized in the spring of 1873, at the German Lutheran church, on Third street, between Oak and Olive, with forty pupils; teacher, Jacob Siegrist. The number of pupils at present is thirty-three; teacher, Her- man Kunzman, salary $30 per month. .
CHURCHES.
Episcopal Ascension church took its beginning in the lahors of Rev. E. A. Greenleaf, missionary of the domestic board, who held the first Episco- pal service in the city, in June, 1846, at the house of Elam Greeley, on Main street. For about two months, services were held weekly in this house, afterward in McKusick's hall. During the year three children were baptized, and on Christmas
the communion service was administered for the first time in Stillwater to four communicants.
Rev. Greenleaf visited other points and held services at St. Croix Falls and Point Donglas during two years. His first marriage ceremony was performed in uniting John McKusick, still a respected citizen of this city, and Miss Phebe D. Greeley.
The death of one of the first communicants oc- curred in March, 1848, named Mrs. McKnsick. Rev. Greenleaf preached the funeral sermon.
The same year, 1848, Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, who was the first missionary bishop of the North- west, made his first visit to this parish. Services were held at McKnsick's hall, at which four can- didates for confirmation were presented: Mrs. Hannah Greeley, Miss Sarahı Greeley, Miss Servia Greeley and Mrs. Elizabeth Harris. Rev. Green- leaf left Stillwater in 1848. In June, 1850, Rev. Lloyd Breck and his associates, Rev. Wilcoxson and Merrick, visited Stillwater, and during the summer held services in the Lake house, and the winter following, in the school-house.
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