Houston County, Minnesota - Chapter 51, 1882

Chapter 51

On the Mississippi River there are five towns in Houston county, and Brownsville is the center one. The river opposite the village is compact, with no intervening, sloughs, affording a natural landing, and this condition first attracted Mr. Brown in his quest for a town site.

Aside from the Mississippi, the principal river is Wild Cat Greek, coming from the west, and a branch from the south which comes in a mile west of the town, and uniting with the main creek, gets into the Mississippi by the way of a slough that starts opposite the lower end of the town.

Wild Cat Bluff is the highest point along the river for miles, and was a prominent landmark for the early steamboat pilots. The town itself has the valleys carrying the streams, and the precipitous bluffs leading to the elevated plateaus, with prairie like expansions, covered with fine farms.

The lowlands and the highlands each have their peculiarity as to soil, but are about equally sought after for agricultural purposes, and maintain an industrious and thriving population.

The landing at Wild Cat Bluff was the point of debarkation for a large number of the early settlers of the county, particularly those going to

Caledonia and vicinity. Those in the southern part of the county mostly came by way Lansing, unless they came straight across from Wisconsin, while those who settled in the Root River Valley, followed that river.

As to its surroundings, Hokah is on the north, the Father of Waters on the east, Crooked Creek on the south, and Union and Mayville on the west. The principal valley is Wild Cat valley, which is, perhaps, one hundred rods wide on an average, and there are several smaller valleys branching off in various directions. The soil of these valleys is of a sandy character, with a clay subsoil, making good wheat land. The bluffs are usually bare of timber on the southern declivities, although on the north sides of the hills, and on the ridges, and in the ravines, there is hard wood timber in abundance. The material of the bluffs is sandstone as a base, with limestone near the top, and some good quarries have been opened where lime is made. Either variety of stone is valuable for building purposes, and as the rock crops out at convenient points, this kind of building material can be procured at a trifling expense. Some of the land can only be used for pasturage. The hillsides are admirably adapted to the raising of grapes, and this industry has received considerable attention.

The bluffs along the Mississippi River, at this point, require more than a passing notice here. Ages ago, when the Mississippi was much wider than it now is, the country hereabouts was on a level with the tops of the bluffs and ridges, and all these valleys and ravines have been worn away by the agencies employed by the corroding hand of time. This is shown by sinking a shaft on one of these hills, when the same strata will be encountered that is met on the edge of the bluff, and at corresponding depths.

The most noticeable elevation on the river is Wild Oat Bluff, which rises nearly five hundred feet from the very river's bank. And, as there was a natural landing there, so unlike the sloughs and marshy banks at most other places along the river, it is no wonder that it attracted the attention of Mr. Brown, as he floated down in quest of a town site.

Your lofty peaks, all gray with years, Point heavenward, where hopes and fears Are set at rest. The depths below The mysteries tell of long ago. O, mighty hills, I pray you say,

And Wild Cat Bluff, above the rest, I see your tall and snowy crest So far above the river side, God's record of the time and tide, I love your dreamy, silent way,

Political

The town of Brownsville was organized on the 11th of May, 1858. At the first election, on that day, the officers were elected as follows : Supervisors, Frederick Gluck, Chairman ; James Ruddy, and Mr. Lynn; Clerk, L. Holstein; Assessor,

Stephen Reynolds; Collector, Jacob Reider; Constables, Stephen Reynolds and Michael Brady; Overseers of the poor, Edward Bogan and L. D. Selfridge.

The board met on the 15th of May, and successfully started the town government, and it has run with little jarring up to the present writing.

The present officers of the town are: Supervisors, Thomas Corcoran, Chairman; James Hayes, Charles Graf; Clerk, Francis Duffy; Treasurer, Walter Colleran, and Assessor, Michael Hurley. It is not unusual for magistrates chosen at town elections to refuse to qualify, as most of such business as they might get, goes to the county seat, or to the village justices.

Mining Operations

Several shafts have been sunk, and considerable sums expended in explorations for mineral in the township of Brownsville. The immediate incentive to this work was the following story, which is substantially correct:

A party of United States soldiers and several practical engineers, who had previously had varied experience in the discovery of the lead near Galena, Illinois, encamped near the foot of Wild Cat Bluff as early as 1832, and prospected there for lead, and, after examining many caves, and making numerous excavations without success, they eventually sunk a shaft 105 feet deep, a mile and a half directly west of the above named bluff; and discovered a large deposit of lead. After doing this much, those early miners were compelled to move on, but before doing so they filled the shaft with loose earth, brush and stones, macadamizing the opening and finishing with a large key stone. It was the intention of two of the engineers, and practical miners, to keep their discoveries a secret, and after the expiration of their terms of service, return to the scene of their prospective wealth, and thoroughly develop its resourses and secure the mines for their future benefit. Owing to a combination of circumstances, however, these miners never returned. The Mexican war followed; they were both wounded, one mortally, and the other lost his legs. This man who lost his legs, supposing that he was going to die, imparted to a confidential friend the whereabouts, and also instructed him how to find the mines. A few years ago Mr. George Graf, the present proprietor of the land where the shaft was sunk, was told by an old gentleman of the early discoveries of the United States engineers, and gave explicit directions where to find the concealed shaft. Mr. Graf, in order to satisfy his cariosity, if nothing more, made up his mind to investigate the matter, and upon careful investigation, he found everything as stated by the old gentleman, except the lead.

In 1875, Mr. William McCormick sunk a shaft on section twenty-two, sixty feet deep, and found about fifteen pounds of lead ore. On the 4th of March, 1877, he began another shaft and put it down 100 feet the first year, working it for the most part in the winter. At this depth he found water which impeded the progress; it is now down 200 feet. One reason for supposing mineral to be available at the particular point where he began work, was that lightning frequently struck there. About 82,000 has thus far been expended here, and the work is still going on with expert miners. A lateral drift has been run, following the crevice in an irregular dirrection, some seventyfive feet.

Mr. Bernhard Graf commenced prospecting in the winter of 1877, on section fifteen, and penetrated the earth to a depth of sixty -five feet, when the water prevented further progress, with the means at command. In the winter of 1878, he opened another shaft, and with the aid of an old miner, got down to a depth of ninety-two feet, with good indications of success. But this, afterwards caved in, and he is now engaged on another, having got down sixty-five feet, and is sanguine as to his success in the immediate future. The presumption is that with the lead there will be a large amount of silver, as these minerals are not unfrequently found together. Should these hopes and anticipations prove to be well founded, the whole character of Brownsville will at once be changed; its former activity will return, and will be vastly improved upon. We are constantly trampling the world under foot, but no one knows what he treads upon. Let us hope, in this case that if disappointed, it will be on the agreeable side.

This was at one time a promising locality. In 1857, a Post-office was established there. Mr. Hacket himself was Postmaster until 1866, when it was withdrawn. In 1858, and again in 1859, there was a celebration of the glorious 4th of July, at this place, attended by the people of the town, Captain Foster, Mr. Emory Hacket, Samuel Mc- Phail and other prominent citizens participated, the festivities having closed with a dance in the evening.

Brownsville Village

This village was platted and recorded by Job and Charles Brown, immediately after the county was organized. It has since had several additions extending it up the river, on the north, and down the river, on the south, and extending well up the hill to the west of the lower end of the village. The principal street is Front Street, the second stories of the buildings on the west side are usually on a level with the ground, and the cellars are excavated as tunnels into the bluff.

Spring Branch arises near a western addition to the village, and pours into Wild Cat Creek. The railroad runs along the river's edge, on a grade some feet lower than Front Street.

As to the topography of the village; it lies at the foot of a bluff 486 feet high, which rises from near the river, the village extending around the base into a ravine. The business part of the village is twenty-five feet above the river, while that part situated in the ravine is thirty or forty feet above the river. The character of the soil along the river is sandy, and super-imposed on a sand rock, while back from the river it is more muddy. The supply of water is principally from wells, and those along the base of the bluff furnish clear water, but that procured from wells in the ravine is unfit for domestic use. Springs are numerous, and furnish good water.

An account of a voyage up the Mississippi, published before this region was settled, alludes to one of the voyagers' resting places, which was at the foot of Wild Cat Bluff, as follows: "On the west as you go up the river was what we called the' ' Camp of the peak,' where we lay nestled in a dense forest, overhung by one of the noblest summits I have ever seen. The action of the water upon the facade of these castellated hills, plainly indicates the gradual wearing away of the channel by the river in its seeking the level of the ocean."

The Village Government. - The village was incorporated in 1858. The early records were maliciously destroyed some years ago, whether to cover up some transactions that would not bear inspection, or in a spirit of mere mischief, is not known. The officers elected were the more prominent men of the village at that time, and the village government has been for the most part, of a conservative character, the exceptions being in the case of the extraordinary power conferred by a special act of the legislature upon the school board, and which they used in such a way that a heavy burden was imposed upon the village. This drove off many of the business men, and the village has not entirely recovered. In 1873, Martin Luther Cooper, a representative in the State Legislature, procured the passage of a special act, authorizing the village board of education to levy a tax at its discretion for school purposes. To abbreviate a tedious story, a brick schoolhouse was built at a cost of $10,000, and a heavy debt incurred at twelve per cent, interest, upon which more than $20,000 has already been paid, and the debt is not yet extinguished, although the end can now be seen in the not distant future.

The present village officers are: Trustees, J. M. Riley, President; M. S. Roster, Leonard Schwartz, and Michael Feeney; Recorder, Lyman Loomis; Marshal, Julius Hankee; Police Justice, Alex. McLaren; Justice of the Peace, C. E. McCan; and Constable, Henry Fostler.

The Earliest Settlement. - Job and Charles Brown and James Hiner came to the present site of Brownsville in November, 1848, which antedates any other settlement in the county. Job Brown had previously visited the locality, and pronounced it an eligible spot for a Mississippi town. James Hiner remained until 1855, when he went to Caledonia to reside. Mrs. Hiner was a sister of the Browns, and arrived in May, 1849, with her little four years old daughter, who is now Mrs. James H. Williams, of Hokah. Thus Mrs. Hiner was the first white woman to reside in Houston county, and Martha, her daughter, the first white child. Mrs. Hiner was born in Ontario county, New York, in 1824; she died at Hokah at 12 o'clock, on the 17th of May, 1871, and was buried near Caledonia. Mr. Hiner is also dead.

George Shrof, John Whitlow, Mr. Stone, and Mr. Watson, located on the ridge north of the village, which has been known as Connaught ridge, because so many there were from that province in Ireland. Dennis Sheehan settled there and put up a claim shanty in 1853. Wm. Power came with his father in 1854,, and took a claim on the same ridge. James Hickey appeared in April, 1854, and planted his stakes on section ten. Jonathan Hall took his claim on section four the same year, as did also John Shelley, who at first stopped a few miles above the village, but two years later moved into the village. Between this time and 1857, Thomas Gavin, John Flannery, Joseph Keefe and others dawned upon the scene.

Charles Brown built the first frame building in 1850, and this was afterward used as a schoolhouse. Mr. Brown also, with an enterprise most commendable, built the first public building, which was called the Town Hall, and was used as a church and schoolhouse, and is now the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this building, in May, 1857, Miss. M. J. Wells began a school. The trustees of this school were, A. McLaren, Charles Brown, and J. H. Smith. This building was used for school purposes until the present costly edifice was put up.

The First Saw-Mill

In the fall of 1855, Job and Charles Brown and Alexander McLaren got a saw-mill in operation. Mr. McLaren sold out the next spring to the Browns. The following spring, 1857, Job sold his interest to Charles, and a year later, Taylor and Fox, of Stillwater, took the property, and Mr. Hersheimer, of La Crosse, operated the concern during the season of 1859. John Ireland secured it in 1860, and carried it on up to about 1868, when Ed. Bell purchased a one-half interest and the firm of Bell & Ireland kept it in motion till January 28th, 1869, when the boiler exploded and John Ireland was killed. Jesse Bell purchased the interest of Ireland's estate, and the Bell Brothers, procuring a new boiler, resumed operations, manufacturing lumber, lath, and shingles.

The first grist-mill was built by Job Brown in 1856, although in the saw-mill there was a run of stones for grinding corn, but when Brown built the mill on Spring Branch Creek, the stones were taken from the saw-mill. But this institution has long since passed away. In 1855, there were only two houses where Main street now is, and Chris. Gerhardt and Hans Miller built a road on the present line of the street by digging into the side of the bluff and removing stumps, &c

John Srouf, who settled in the township, had the first blacksmith shop. He died in 1865. William Whitlow, another early settler, passed away in 1858.

The "Southern Minnesota Herald" was started in June, 1855. The "Free Press" was afterwards published here, and also the "Western Progress," which was finally removed to Spring Valley, Fillmore county. A more complete account of these papers has already been given.

The very first building put up in town was by the Browns and Hiner, and was of unhewn logs, 14x12 feet with a "shaker" roof. It was about three hundred yards above the stone warehouse. The second house was just above the spring, and was afterwards sold to "Wild Cat Jack," which was the first real estate transaction in the county. This Wild Gat Jack, as he was called, was a noted character in his day, and,as has already been stated, shot himself to death in an accidental way, while flourishing a pistol in one of his revels.

Some Early Incidents

At first, before things had got settled down to anything like routine, the Justices courts were the scenes, not unf requently of the most ludicrous character. On one occasion there had been some hilarity in Houston, a lot of young men breaking into a cellar, under a Norwegian residence, where some kind of meeting was in progress, and tapping a barrel of whisky, had a war dance around a bucket full of the exhilirating fluid in the front yard, putting out the inmates and compelling them to join in the frantic revels, and pummeling those who refused, "sweetly and without wrath," with other festive goings on. The whole party had warrants out for their arrest, and the officer went over from Brownsville to serve the papers.

He was told that it was all right, he could arrest the whole crowd, but he must return alone, and if he would give notice of the day of trial, the accused would be on hand. So when the time arrived they were there in full force. Mr. McSpadden, who was on the list, announced, when the case was called, that he had been retained as counsel for the defense, and he proposed that everything should be done "decently and in order," that the precedents of frontier jurisprudence should not be overruled, and he therefore respectfully suggested that the first thing in order was for the court and the complainant to go out and take a drink. To this proceeding the J ustioe entered a mild demurrer, which was speedily overruled by the indomitable "Mack," who took the complainant, Mr. Knudson, by the arm, and by using a sufficient amount of physical argument he was induced to yield the point. Several other athletes, in the same persuasive manner, induced the court to move toward the door, which, having been reached, and the room emptied of its motley throng, it was locked, and the case was thus adjourned sine-die.

A Flogging Affaib. - After Caledonia had been quite well settled, and Mr. McPhail had become tolerably well fixed in worldly matters, the eccentric Patrick Fitzpatrick related an incident in the career of the proprietor of the village plat that created quite an excitement, especially in the breast of the object of the story, who took the first opportunity to horsewhip its author. The case got into a Justice's court in Brown ville, and the developments were rich. The partisans of Fitzpatrick, who embraced all of his nationality in the county, were on hand, and for a time there was imminent danger of personal violence, but it was finally averted, and the agitation subsided.

Charles Brown and the Indian. - A short time after the first colony was planted, a hungry Indian asked Charles for a kettle in which to cook his dinner, which was given him, and he proceeded to make a soup of the biggest kind of an owl. He had just bolted the last of the savory mess when Charles finished cooking a large pot of beans. Job Brown and Wild Cat Jack came home to dinner, and a panful was handed to the Indian, with the remark, "you watch me kill that Indian;" well, he ate three pansful and walked off with a grunt of satisfaction, leaving the rest to eat a beanless dinner. The Indian's capacity had been clearly underestimated.

Punishment of a Criminal. - At one time before the stumps were dug out of the streets, a miserable fellow was apprehended for some petty crime; he was tried before an improvised court, and the question as to hanging him forthwith, gravely discussed. It was finally concluded that he should pay a fine and dig out a certain stump in the street, and in default thereof he was to be summarily executed. With manifest gratitude at his narrow escape from impending death, he went to work under a blazing sun and came well nigh dying from sunstroke, but he succeeded in satisfying his tormentors, and made no unnecessary delay in placing himself beyond the jurisdiction of this erratic backwoods court, by getting aboard of the first steamer that touched the wharf.

manner. The arrangements were on a style commensurate with the ideas of the citizens as to the importance of the metropolis of the Southern District of Minnesota. Mr. Fred. Gluok, a few days before, was dispatched to Iowa to purchase an ox, and he returned with the animal on the evening of the third, when it was slaughtered, and a trench having been dug in which a lire had been kept until a sufficient amount of fine coals, to carry on the roasting, had accumulated, when the whole carcass, with the four quarters spread out, was laid over the fiery furnace, a steamboat having been laid under contribution for iron bars to hold it up. With frequent turnings and bastings it was finally cooked, and fed to the multitude in the afternoon of the glorious fourth, after the procession, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, the oration and other exercises. Mr. L. A. Smith, who was the earliest merchant in the village, paid for the ox, and Wm. Irving and Wm. Powers dug the pit. Besides the ox there were roast pigs, bread etc. and a barrel of whisky, and the people were invited to help themselves. Asa Langford was the chief cook, Oharles Brown the orator of the day, and the editor was the reader of the Declaration of Independence. Nothing like this has happened since. It was indeed a great occasion. The town was full, every available room and stall, to accommodate man and beast was filled, and many of the horses and oxen had to stand in the streets. Where the people all came from was a problem difficult to answer. There must have been no end of fun at that celebrated barbecue, which is still alluded to by the old timers, with the broadest kind of a smile, which plainly indicates that it should be recorded on a red letter page of the history of the county.

Early, Plans and Prospects. - At an early day in the history of Brownsville, various schemes were concocted to secure commercial and other advantages. Among them was a plan to dam the Root River, and by a canal six miles long, turn its waters into the Mississippi River right here, thus securing a water power of twelve feet fall. Indeed, if the enthusiastic pioneers had had millions of dollars at their disposal, they would have unhesitatingly put it into improvements, with full confidence in prompt returns.

Wild Cat Bluff. - There have been numerous stories as to the origin of the name given to the larger of the three blufls south of Wild Cat Creek. It is related that a Frenchman, at an early day, had a desperate encounter, at the base of this bluff, with an enormous wild cat, and it thus received its name. Soon after the settlement of the Browns, they shot a very large wild cat, up the creek, brought it to their shanty, skinned and stuffed it, and elevated it near the landing, where it remained until destroyed by the moths and the elements. This pinned the place as Wild Cat Landing. Another incident connected with this wild cat affair, is vouched for as being authentic. Charles Brown was of a peculiar, eccentric turn, and desperately enamored with everything belonging to his adopted State. He proposed to eat specimens of all kinds of game produced here, so he cooked and ate a part of this wild cat

A Frigid Curiosity

In the center of section thirty -four, some years ago (about 1861) Mr. C. Gerhardt sunk a well, and at the depth of forty feet water flowed in and froze, filling the well to within a few feet of the top with solid ice, which remained until the winter of 1878, when Messrs, Johnson & Neumeier dug into the bluff a few rods east of the well, lower down, which caused this ice to melt, so that now there is only a few feet in depth in the bottom of the well. The philosophy of this remarkable phenomenon has not been explained.

Prosperity In Early Days

In 1855, the levee was crowded with goods, and during the quarter ending on the 30th of June the land sales amounted to $74,292. The census of the county then gave 2,616 souls. There was a theater in succesful operation at that time in the village, and lots were sold at from one to eight hundred dollars each. In the fall of 1855, a Sunday school was started in the store of Gates & Wykoff. At the beginning of this year there were only fifty inhabitants in the village, and there were twenty offices and stores; but daring the year forty-five new buildings were erected, and the number of people increased to two hundred and twenty-eight.

Early 8Tage Routes

On the 1st of July, 1856, the following stage lines carrying the mail were put on : Brownsville to Chatfield, via Hokah, Houston, and Rushford. Brownsville to Caledonia via Elliota. Brownsville to Travers de Sioux. D. A. J. Baker was the contractor.

Local Steamboats

Of course, ever since there was a log hut at Wild Cat Bluff, this has been a landing point for Mississippi steamboats, and in 1863, the necessity of direct communication with La Crosse became so obvious, that early that spring the steamer " Spray" was put on. It was owned by Harvey Rumsey, and run by Capt. Whittaker for three months, when she was succeeded by the "Express," owned and run by Capt. G. L. Winslow. This continued on the line up to 1873, when, becoming unseaworthy, she was hauled off, and Capt. Winslow built the steamer "Vigor," to perform the same work. About this time the railroad company put on the steamer l4Gussie Girdon," as a transfer boat. Captain Winslow, finding that it would not pay to continue in competition, pulled off and went down the river to engage in business there, but in about two years the railroad company discontinued the trips of the Gussie Girdon, and Captain Winslow returned with his little craft and is still here.

The Vigor was built at La Crosse in 1872, and is a propellor of twenty -four tons register. The Express was a stern wheel affair of thirty -five tons burthen. Among the steamers on the river in 1857, were the Grey Eagle, Northern Light, Key City, Milwaukee, and Itaska. As early as 1855, Job Brown owned the steamer H. M. Rice.

Leaf Year Party

On Tuesday evening, January 4th, 1880, there was a Leap Year party at the Minnesota House, and a list of those present will be given, although the ladies with their partners will not be placed vis-a-vis, because, as time rolls on, it may not be advisable to have a histor- ical reminder of what might have been. Among those present were: Annie Rippe, Mrs. Alexander and her husband, Mrs. Holden and her husband, Maggie Rippe, Lizzie Holden, Sarah Gluck, Minnie Bielteldt, Amelia Brenner, Nellie Winslow, Josephine McCan, Alice McCan, Lizzie Walters, Miss Walters, Albert Lowell, M. R. Cluss, George Brenner, H. W. Le Blond, George Schaller, W. Schaller, E. M. Winslow, John Brenner, Alfred Lowell, David Lee, Charles Fetzner, E. Palmer, Geo. Rippe, and Otto Cluss. It will be noticed that there are more gentlemen than ladies; this was occasioned by several ladies having invited a gentleman and his brother, where he was unprovided for, or some friend in a like condition. This was evidently in obedience to a literal interpretation of the golden rule. Where a lady was encumbered with two partners, she gracefully allowed them to "draw straws" as to which should precede the other. The affair was happily conceived, and becomingly executed, and the lessons in politeness, although not necessarily needed, must have served as a valuable reminder, leaving an impression which will certainly last until another year, that can be divided by four without a remainder, rolls around.

Wild Cat Flouring Mill. - In 1866, this mill came into existence, at the instance of George Schaller. The dimensions were 40x50 feet, two and one-half stories high, and a basement. The power is derived from Wild Cat Creek, which has a fall of twenty-four feet, and is used by an overshot wheel nineteen feet in diameter. At first it was a two-run mill, with first-class machinery. In 1875, the mill was remodeled, and purifiers and rolls introduced. The mill was transferred, in 1870, to the Schaller Brothers, J. C. & J. P., who still operate it is a merchant and a custom mill, turning out from thirty to thirty- five barrels a day. A new dam was built in 1872-73, at a cost of $3,900.

Artesian Well. - The Schaller Brothers have proved the feasibility of artesian wells through this strata. In 1878, a well was sunk near the mill to a depth of 590 feet, with a hose of six inches, which discharges about fifteen feet above the surface about 950 gallons of clear, sparkling water per minute, at a regular temperature, summer and winter, of 54J degrees. The work was done by Swan Brothers, of Janesville, Wisconsin,

City Flouring Mill. - This was put up in 1873, by Julius Hanke, and is 24x50 feet, a single story and a basement. It is a two run mill, with feed stones, and has a capacity of fifteeen barrels a a day. It is driven by a turbine wheel under a six feet fall.

Thr Brownsville Bluff Brewery. - This was constructed in 1871, 40x24 feet, and two stories, by V. and J. Fetzner. In 1871, an addition was made, 30x24 feet. In 1873, another building was erected, 38x48 feet, and added to the same enterprise. It now does a good business.

The Old Brewery. - Early in the fifties, Mr. Knoblach had a brewery in full blast, and in 1856, the papers stated that he was unable to supply the demand. In 1866, the Brownsville Brewery was in the hands of Adolph Schwartzhoff and Frederick Gluck, and on the 15th of November it was burned, when Mr. Gluck withdrew from the firm, and it was rebuilt by Mr. Schwartzhoff as sole proprietor.

Clark's Saw-Mill. - This mill was constructed in 1878. It is 36x85 feet, with an addition 25x36 feet, and is operated by steam. The engine is seventy-five horse power, having a twenty-four inch stroke. The boilers are two in number, eighteen feet by forty-two inches. It is now under a course of improvement, and will have a double rotary, gang eager and gang trimmer, lath machines, etc., and be capable of turning out 40,000 feet a day.

Bank

While the Land Office was here, Dexter <fe Bipley had a bank, but it was not one of issue. The Land Office only received coin in payment for government land, and a large part of the business of this institution was to supply the land buyers with specie to complete their government purchases. When the Land Office moved on to Chatfield, the bank was discontinued. Mr. Bipley was afterward appointed to the supreme bench of the State.

Post-Office

The post-office was started early in the fifties, and the following named gentlemen have handled the mail at this place: Charles Brown, Henry Bippe, Michael Brady, D. M. Osborne, A. H. Smith, C. H. Lee, H. W. LeBlond, Alcolm Post, and A.

Business Fibm8

A. L. Darling, General Merchandise, Hardware. John H. Bippe, General Merchandise. John CI U88, Hardware, Tinware, eta Frank P. Moore, Drugs and Medicines. Miss T. M. Dorival, Millinery and Fancy Goods. Aug. Knautz, Custom and ready made boots, shoes, and harness.

There are several others engaged in various kinds of business, but the trade of the town is now in remarkable contrast with 1870, when there were nearly fifty stores in active operation. A St. Louis firm is, in the winter of 1882, getting in ice above the town, and will secure about 10,000 tons.

Distkiot No. 30. - The first school taught in what is now the village of Brownsville was in the year 1853; James MoCan, teacher. The next was in the winter of 1854-55, by M. G. Thompson, which was completed by Wm. Beeby. These were private schools. The territory now constituting the district of the village of Brownsville, and known as District No. 30, was set apart by the County Commissioners as District No. l,on the first Monday in July, 1856.

The first school meeting of the district was on the 9th day of August, 1856. Job Brown, Alex. McLaren, and J. H. Smith became trustees, D. N. Gates, clerk. So few persons were present the meeting was adjourned to the 16th of August, at which time there were less present, and the meeting adjourned "sine die?

The first public school was in the winter of 1857-58. In 1858, the first schoolhouse was built; frame, 24x30, one story, costing about $400; S.O. Felton was the builder.

Previous to the completion of the present building, January, 1874, three separate buildings were used by the district at the same time, for school purposes, for several years, with three teachers, one male and two females.

School was first opened in the new building at the time of its completion, January 5, 1874, with four teachers, one male and three females. The principal was P. O. Phillips; salary $100 per month; female teachers, $40 per month each. The new building is a two story brick, 38 by 69 feet, with stone basement. The contract price, without seats or furnace, was $8,600. It is the most costly and complete school building in the county.

Distkiot, No. 32. - This came into existence in 1857, and a school house was built in 1858. The earliest trustees were John Palmer, Isaac Maul, and Jonathan Cox. The first instructor was Augustus McPherson, and the term was for three months. The present trustees are John Riley, Director; Wm. M. Colleran, Clerk; Mark Zuber, Treasurer. This was at first No. 39, but afterwards changed.

District No. 64. - In 1857, this district was organized. John Duggan was the first teacher, the schoolhouse having been built the first year. The trustees chosen were John Hall, John Sullivan, and Patrick Long. The first school was kept three months. The number of that district at first was thirty-seven. The house first put up was on section eight, but in 1872, it was moved to section

District No. 33. - Formerly, this was numbered eleven. In January, 1856, it first saw the light as an organization, in the house of Timothy Hacket, where a school was started during the summer. In the fall there was a donation party, and logs were rolled up for a schoolhouse. The trustees were Harvey Fassett, Emory Hacket, and Silas Torrence. The first teacher was Miss Pound, who taught for three months. In 1880, a half acre of land was bought of James Daily, and the next year the Christian Church was purchased and moved on to the lot. The present officers are, Hugh Kelly, Michael McDonnell, and Peter Mc- Cabe.

District No. 31. - This school was commenced about 1857, at the house of Arthur Mullen. Miss Mary Murphy was the first instructor. Edward Bogan was one of the first trustees.

District No. 68. - In the autumn of 1867, ten years after the other districts described came into existence, this was organized, and the first school kept was in the old residence of Patrick Sweeney. Miss Delia Lane wielded the emblem of authority. The earliest trustees were, Patrick Sweeney, James Daily, and Jacob Sharrard. The house was erected in 1868. The trustees now are, John Sweeney, Henry Toole, and Peter Welsh.

District No. 73. - In the year 1868, this district was got together at the house of Ira Butterfield, and Miss Hellen Butterfield presided over the exercises. It is a joint district, with part of the pupils in Hokah, as is also the school building.

Distict No. 61. - In 1857, this district was set apart and a house built. The primary trustees were, James Ruddy, John Deiuch, and John Flannery, and the earliest teacher, Miss Mary Ruddy, who kept the first term three months. The present trustees are, John Flannery, Charles Graf, and JohnKeefe.

Fratenal Orders

Masonic - Brownsville Lodge A. F. and A.M., No. 73. - The first regular meeting was on the 18th of March, 1867. The first officers were: C. H. Lee, W. M. ; J. W. Bassford, & W.; Wm. W.

Wykoff, J. W.; J. M. Myer, Sec. The Past Masters have been: C. fl. Lee, J. B. Le Blond, T. MoMichael and J. Philip Schaller. The present officers are: J. P. Schaller, W. M.; Edwin W. Windun, S. W.; Ohris. Clark, J. W. ; J. M. Riley, See.

Odd Fellows - Brownsville Lodge No. 42. - This order was instituted here on the 24th of May, 1873. Among the charter members were; John Fisher, Chris. Schaller, Adolph Ruhe, M. S. Roster, and John C. Beck. There are now thirty members.

Christian Church. - This church was built in 1857. Rev. E. T. Grant was the pastor, and services were regularly kept up until about 1871. The last minister was Rev. Mr. Ghent There is a cemetery connected with this church, and the first interment was that of a child of Edward Halliday, in May, 1857.

Roman Catholic. - In 1859, the church in the village of Brownsville was built. The first resident pastor is reported as being Rev. Father Edward Easing, in 1862. He was followed by Rev. Father Joseph Neubrand, in 1864, who remained one year. He was succeeded by the Rev. Father Mathew Sterenberg, who resigned the charge in 1870, and Rev. Father P. K. Ryan received the appointment. In 1871 and '72 the present fine church was constructed. The corner stone was laid under the charge of Rev. Father Ryan. The building cost about 815,000, and can comfortably seat 250 persons. It is of brick and stone, has a bell tower, and a bell that cost $300. There are now about 750 baptized members. At first there were only straggling priests, but after awhile Father Pendergast, Father Essing, Father Neubrand and others came. The very first remembered service was in 1855, at the house of Mr. Burke, by Bishop Cretin, of St. Paul.

Cemetery - The burial place connected with this church is four miles west of the village, in section thirty-two, and contains four acres, which were presented by Edward Bogan, whose monument is a most conspicuous object. The first burial was that of a child of Mr. P. Duffy. The ground was consecrated by Bishop Ireland in 1863.

Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Church. - This was built in 1863, and is about 20x40 feet, a frame building, costing about $600. It has now about forty members. It was at first a missionary point, and among the early clergymen was Rev. Ludwig Ebert, who was here the year the church was erected. Rev. Frederick Reitz came in 1866, and remained until 1871, when John Jahn, now of Winnebago, took charge, and was here for six years when Rev. F. Koysetka assumed the pastorate. In 1880, Rev. Eugene Walter was called to the work, and he still continues at his post A parochial school is held at the parsonage as a preparatory requirement for confirmation. The earliest service was held in 1858, at the house of Mr. C. Meinger, by the Rev. Mr. Tachtmann, In September, 1860, this society bought some land of George Schaffer for a cemetery.

Methodist Church. - Services in the interest of this denomination had been held at various places, and in about 1864 or '65, the building erected by Charles Brown for public purposes, was bought, and afterward used as a church, with regular services up to 1880, when the supply was discontinued. The pastor, when the building was secured, was Rev. C. J. Hayes, and there were then fifteen members. The church was dedicated the first Sunday in March, 1866, the presiding Elder, Rev. Mr. Perigrine, being present The earliest trustees were John Tarr, Mark Percival, C. H. Lee, and Job Brown. Other prominent members were James Nichols, M. V. Nichols, Abram Ozmun, 0. G. Ayers, and John Day.

The Commercial And Manufacturing Advantages

The site of Brownsville, viewed from the river, is somewhat unfavorable to the superficial observer, but back from the landing there is a large, level, and beautiful tract of land finely adapted for desirable residences. Here is plenty of space for any increase of population which the town may have for years, and on this beautiful plateau are situated many of the fine buildings and beautiful residences of the town.

The commercial advantages of Brownsville are far in excess of those of any other town in Houston county, possessed, as it is, of the benefits of both water and rail communication. Her water powers are fair, and by an outlay of a trifle, they can be improved considerably. Like any other prosperous country, the demand for lumber increases in proportion to its growth, and as regards the manufacture of pine lumber, Brownsville is prepared to furnish any demand which is found necessary. Aside from being a place to which logs are rafted from the pine regions higher up the river, at the northern limits of the place there is a large bayou, capable of holding millions of logs, and around which a large number of saw-mills might be erected, which can immediately enter into a flourishing and profitable business, not only for supplying the demand at home, but also a foreign market. Good stone quarries are convenient to the place, and, in fact, all material necessary for building purposes. A town with her advantages should have made use of them at the proper time.