Jackson County, Minnesota - Chapter 18: Jackson's Enteeprises, 1910

Chapter 18: Jackson's Enteeprises

ONE of the first institutions to be provided after the founding of a town is the public school. In Jackson the school came two years before the town. The first school conducted within the limits of the village was taught by Miss Anna Thomas, daughter of Joseph Thomas, in 18(J4. The term was a short one, just long enough to secure the money of the state appropriation. The students who attended this initial school were Halvor Halverson, Lewis Halverson, Annie Halverson, John Halverson, Joseph Thomas, Mary Thomas, Alice Tucker, Weda Woodard, Mary Woodard, Lucina Woodard and George Palmer.

During 1865 and 1866 quite a number of families located in the vicinity, and in the latter year the village of Jackson was founded. Although the platted town was on the west side of the river, for some time the Jackson school was conducted in district No. 1, on the east side.^ Mrs. B. H. Johnson taught the school during the winter of 1866-67 at her home in the old stockade, south of the Thomas home. The

"The county commissioners created district No. 1, includingr several sections In Wisconsin township and In that part of Des Moines east of the river, on March 13, 1866. No 2. including all of Des Moines west of the river, was created September 4, 1866.

pupils attending were Ida Clough, Joe Clough, Joe Thomas, Johnnie Halverson, Leonard F. Afihley, Halvor Halverson, Lewis Halverson, George Palmer, Perry Eddy, Frank Bailey, Wallace Bailey, Rollin Johnson, John Charles Ashley, Lee Palmer, Mary Larned and Will Dayton. The next winter William V. King taught the school at his home on the east side of the river.

In the fall of 1868 a school house was built on the west side of the river, near the bayou at the foot of Third street. It was built of native lumber and its dimensions were 16x18 feet, with eight foot posts.^ Major H. S. Bailey provided the money to build it, and he was later reimbursed by the school district. School was taught in the building during the winter of 1868-69 and the summer of 1869 by Miss Mandy Mario, who received a salary of $15 per month. The winter term was of three months duration, and there were enrolled thirty-four pupils - nineteen boys and fifteen girls; tlio average daily attendance was twenty-five. There was also three montlis school during the summer, and the total enrollment was twenty-eight - nineteen boys and nine girls - with an average daily attendance of twenty.^ There were 113 children between the ages of ^ve and twenty-one years in the district at the close of the school year in September, 1869, according to the report of the clerk, W. S. Kimball.' The financial statement for the first year of the school's history, made by W. S. Kimball, clerk, September 30, 1869, is an interesting document. It is as follows:

'According to a list of property owners in the district made by the school clerk September 15, 1869, there were flfty-two residents liable to school district tax. They were as follows: B. W. Ashley, Menzo Ashley, P. Brown, H. S. Bailey, C. Baldwin, Orin Belknap, A. J. Borland. Richard Bowden, S. M. Clark, J. W. Cowingr, G. C. Chamberlln, M. S. Clough. Edward Davles, B. D. Dayton, Henry K. Evans, I. F. Eddy, Nathaniel Frost. S. E. Ford. R. R. Foster, W. C. Garratt, Palmer Hill. J. W. Hunter, Lars Halverson. B. H. Johnson, W. S. Kimball. Baldwin Kirkpatrlck, F. K. Lyman, Lewis Lyman, George P. Lee. H. Lyman, J. M. Miller, Michael Miller, J. A. Myer, Munger & Hale, Andrew Monson, J. E. Palmer, Jared Palmer, C. H. Bedford, Edward Savage, C. H. Sandon, Joseph Thomas, H. L. Thomas, A. B. Tompkins, H. T. Tnimble, Joseph E. Thomas, S. E. Trask. A. E. Wood, WlUard Wlltse, T. H. White, Isaac Wheeler, B. N. Woodard, J. C. Young.

For several years after the little building (the seating capacity of which was about 25) had outgrown its usefuhiess it was used for school purposes. In the fall of 1869 Miss Theresa Eice was employed as teacher, and in 1870 A. H. Strong was employed to conduct the school. As is so often the case, efforts to provide ample school facilities met with discouragement. On December 4, 1870, the voters of the district decided to build a new school house at a cost of not over $4,000. On the 2(3th of tlie same month another meeting was held, when a building committee was named to construct a school house at a cost of not more than $4,500 or less than $1,500. But for various reasons, the principal one being the opposition of some of the tax payers, the work was not prosecuted. As a result no school was held during the winter months, the old building being declared unfit for school purposes.

Early in 1872 the question of building a school house again became a live issue. The building committee named in 1870 made preparations to begin construction, but at a school meeting held in February the voters reconsidered the action taken and decided to postpone the work. The action was taken on account of strong opposition because of dread of increased taxes. When the court house was completr ed in December, 1872, arrangements were made to occupy one of the rooms in it, but dissensions arose, and the idea was abandoned. Then the hall over J. W. Cowing^s store was rented and school was begun there December 30, 18T2.

Again in tlie' spring of 1873 the district decided to build a frame house at a cost, including grounds and furniture, of not more than $4,000, but because of the stringency of the money market, funds could not be obtained, and the work was postponed. Favorable action was again taken February 5, 1874, when the school officers were authorized to bond for $3,600 for the purpose of providing Jackson with a suitable school house, and this time the work was accomplished. The contractor was J. 0. Grout, and he completed the building (now used as the city hall) late in November. Its cost was $3,600, and it is said to have been the finest school building in southwestern Minnesota, outside of Mankato, at the time.

By act of the legislature in 1881 school - district No. 2 was made an independent district, and it was organized May 10, 1881.' The first board of education, chosen on that date, consisted of J. W. Hunter, H. H. Hughes, J. W. Cowing, Alexander Fiddes, B. W. Ashley and A. H. Strong.

For twenty-one years the building erected in 1874 served as Jackson's school house. Then the population had so far outgrown the accommodations that a new building became necessary," and the handsome brick structure now in use was erected. The matter of a new school house was first officially discussed in June, 1893, but on account of the panic then in force it was decided to postpone building until the next year. In March, 1894, the voters decided against bonding for $25,000 for a new school house by a vote of 62 to 91, but there was a change of sentiment the next year, for at the regular school meeting in March, 1895, bonds to the amount of $25,000 were carried by a vote of 131 to 29. The structure was erected during the summer of 1895 by Decks & Company, contractors. The same season a ward school house was built on Depot hill, the cost of the two buildings being $28,500.

The Churches

Of the many church organizations in Jackson, the oldest is that of the Methodist Episcopal. So early as 1860 or 1861 Rev. Peter Baker, that pioneer preacher of the gospel, organized a Methodist class from the scattered settlers residing in the vicinity of the present day village of Jackson, and ever since the organization has been maintained. For years the class was without a regular pastor and without "a house of worship. For a time in the late sixties services were held only every third Sabbath, the pulpit being occupied by Rev. Richardson, of Okoboji.

A quarterly conference was held at Jackson on May. 1, 1869, presided over by Norris Hobart, presiding elder, with T. H. White acting as secretary, at which time the following persons were named trustees of the First Methodist church of Jackson: Aiken Miner, H. S. Bailey, Welch Ashley, M. S. Clough, Stillman S. Barrett, Chancv W. Cornish and William C. Campbell. From that time a strong organization was maintained, and in the spring of 1870 the church had a membership of over one hundred. During its entire early history the Methodist church was without a house of worship, but after

Not until 1880 was the Methodist church building erected. In the spring of that year the church members solicited money from the people of Jackson/ the building was erected during the summer, and the dedication exercises were held October 3. The cost of the building was $2,000.

Jackson's second oldest church organization and the first to erect a house of worship in the village is the First Presbyterian church, which was organized in 1868. During the summer of that year the Presbyterian Synodical missionary, Rev. David C. Lyon, accompanied by Rev. Edward Savage, who had just been graduated from college and who was looking for a location, came to the little village of Jackson. Here, in J. W. Cowing^s unfinished store building, on June 14, 1868, the first Presbyterian sermon was preached." Rev. Savage made preparations for

Vollowlngr Is the list of contributions received In March. 1880: Welch Ashley. $150; "Friend of- the Cause," B. W. Ashley and J. A. Russell. $100; Simeon Avery. 175; A. C. Whitman. F. M. Smith. E. Owens and H. H. Hughes, 150; Edward Orr. J. W. Hunter, T. J. Knox. Alexander Flddes. H. M. Avery. S. F. Ersklne. P. F. Brown & Son and William V. King:. $25; H. A. Morgan. V. W. Smith. 120; G. C. Chamberlin. B. F. Chandler and B. P. Gould. |15; C. A. Campbell, W. J. Case. John Jungbauer. A. H. Strong. John Paulson. H. W. Chandler. G. R. Moore. Alfred Ashdown, O. I. Llndsley and M. L. Ashley, |10.

"My coming to Jackson was. to use a Hlbernlclsm. almost 'unbeknownst to mesllf.' Rev. D. C. Lyon, then Synodical missionary for the old school of the Presbyterian church, had vis Ited me at the theological seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and had talked Minnesota to me. As he was an old friend of our family and called himself one of my father's boys, I naturally notified him when I was ready with my mustang pony and buggry for a field of labor. TTnder his directions I was to meet him at LaOrosae and strike west until we came to unoccupied ground. This was about January 1. 1868. Mr. Lyon, having other work, rearranged to meet me later at Austin, which he did. and together we journeyed on In the course of the star of the empire, finding Presbyterian or Congregational organizations until we passed Fairmont. Mr. Lyon renewed each dav Greelev's counsel. *Go west, voung man.* We reaohpd Jackson on June 11. 1868. and found J. W. Hunter In a modest store, with Thomas White residing up-stalrs. G. C. Chamberlin. as I remember, was the principal learal light. Mr. Lyon, In his happy way. sounded the charthe early organization of a church society, and on August 30, 1868, the First Presbyterian church of Jackson was formally organized. At the time there was not another church of the old school west or south of Waseca and none of the new school west of Blue Earth City.

Eev. David C. Lyon, Eev. Sheldon Jackson, then pastor of the Presbyterian church of Rochester, and Eev. Edward Savage conducted the organization services. John W. Cowing was ordained ruling elder, and the following persons were received into membership : John W. Cowing, William Miller, Mrs. Mary Miller, M. A. Seymour, Mrs. Mary Seymour, Mrs. Sally M. Bailey, all by letter; Mrs. Frances M. Kimball, Miss Helen A. Dunn, Miss Euphrasia A. Cook and George H. Vinall.®

The early services of the church were held in the little school house which stood near the bayou in the south part of town,^*^ but in 18G9 the congregation raised money and erected Jackson's first church acter of the place. . . . Mr. Hunter waa found to be a United Presbyterian. The hotel keeper. Mr. Hall, stated that Mr. Cowing, a youngr man who had started a store building: and was then away after groods. was a Presbyterian. Major Bailey was a Free Will Baptist, but had a christian sympathy for a tired horse and loaned us a large bay mare to canvass the country west of town. . . .

"On Sabbath. June 14. our first service was held In Mr. Cowlng's unfinished store bulldlner, Mr. Cowlnijr not yet havlngr arrived. Mr. Lyon preached In the momlngr and the subscriber in the afternoon. After service Mr. Lyon stated that the young: man he proposed leaving had nothing but himself and his mustang pony, and he hoped the people would stand by him In his work. The next morning he said to me: *Here. Ed. Is your place. It Is a clear field. The Methodist brother comes only once In three weeks. Occupv the vacant Sabbaths. Do your best, and the Lord be with you.' And leaving me ten dollars, he took the stage for Winnebago."

-James W. Hunter and family were members of another Presbyterian church and had not recHvpd their letters of dismissal at the time, v A little while after the organization the following were received Into membership: Mrs. Aenes Hunter. Miss Agnes Hunter (now Mrs. Alexander Flddes). David Hunter and James W. Hunter.

""One more word for the Inspiring environment that I neglected to mention. It was the pulolt. It was a boot case that Mr. Towing and I Cthe session of the Presbyterian church) gobbled from the front of Mr. Hunter's storts one Sundav morning on our wav to church, carried It between us to the school house, stood it on end and covered it with a copy of the building. In this building (now transformed into the D. W. Pulver residence) the members of the Presbyterian church worshipped until the present heautiful church took its place in 1902. The building was put up largely through the untiring efforts of Bev. Savage, assisted by J. W. Cowing, J. \Y. Hunter and others.^^ The board of trustees at the time the church was built consisted of James W. Hunter, John W. Cowing, W. S. Kimball, George C. Chamberlin, Everett P. Freeman and John H. Grant.

At the time the church was built all finished products, such as shingles, brick and other building material, had to be hauled from Mankato at an expense of $1.00 to $3.50 per hundred pounds. Native lumber was used, and was cut in the woods along the Des Moines river. A single walnut log furnished the sills of the entire building - 40x24 feet. This log was cut just north of the R. S. Bobertson farm, about two miles from town, and it took Bev. Savage and Elder John W. Cowing two days to roll this log up the steep ravine. Five ox teams were required in performing this feat. The cost of the building was $2,500, and it was dedicated September 18, 1870. Ten years later improvements to the value of $500 were made.

The Presbyterian church society was incorporated February 12, 1877, at which time the following trustees were elected: James W. Hunter, Thomas J. Knox, M.

Northwestern Presbyterian, a Chicago paper edited by Rev. Ebenezer Brsklne. Mr. Hunter came to church and got his return for lost property (Indeed It was quite valuable as a seat for the politicians of the day. outside the store) in the Improved sermons." - Rev. Edward Savage, 1895.

""He [Rev. Savage] succeeded In securing funds for building the church. He gave notice one Sunday that he would preach no more for a time, but proposed to go to work and help build the church. . . . He 'rigged up* for work, got a yoke of oxen and an old wagon and went to hauling material for the building." - M. A. Strong. ApHl 18, 1888.

Eev. Savage remained the pastor of the church for eleven years, with the exception of one year while he was in Wisconsin. During that year, 1872-73, the church was served by Rev. Edward J. Hamilton, a professor of Hanover college, Indiana. In 1879 Rev. Savage was succeeded by Rev. J. K. Alexander, who was pastor four years. In 1883 Rev. H. C. Cheadle became pastor and served the church eight years, until the close of the year 1891, when he resigned. During the next five years, from 1891 to 1896, the following three pastors served tl\p church in the order named : Rev. W. E. Morgan, Rev. W. Weatherstone and Rev. E. S. McClure. During Mr. Morgan's pastorate the manse was erected. In 1896 Rev. Russell B. Abbott, D. D., was called to the pastorate, and he remained until the summer of 1900. During the five years pastorate of his successor. Rev. T. N". Weaver, the present beautiful brick church edifice was constructed at a cost, including furnishings, of about $16,000. It was built in 1901 and was dedicated free of debt June 22, 1902. In the fall of 1905 Rev. Weaver resigned, and March 1, 1906, the present pastor. Rev. Walter M. Swann, began his ministry in Jackson.

At the present time the Presbyterian church of Jackson has an active membership of 138, and the Sunday school 180. The trustees are Fred D. Sawyer, president; H. L. Arzt, secretary; W. D. Hunter, treasurer; George R. Moore, A. H. Strong and J. E. Barrett. The elders are John W. Cowing, Joseph Bushnell, W. A. Pepper, J. B. Arp, clerk of session ; C. C. Baker and H. R. Laugen.

The Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical church was organized May 5, 1880, and several years later a church edifice was erected at a cost of $2,500.

The Norwegian Lutherans, early in 1886, decided to erect a building in Jackson on a lot owned in the western part of town. Enough money was raised by subscription to warrant beginning work, which was done in the summer. The hard times prevailing that year prevented its furnishing, but the bare building was used as a house of worship so soon as it was completed - in November, 1886, for the first time.

St. Wenceslaus Catholic church was built in 1893. So early as 1882 Catholic services were held in Jackson,. and in 1885 tlie first efforts to raise money to put up a building were made. In April, 1889, it was announced, that a church would be built that year, but it was not. Again in May, 1891, a meeting was held at Jackson, presided over by Fathers Legday, of* Winona, and Reichel, of Heron Lake, when it was decided to commence building operations at once. A finance committee, composed of Father Reichel, Frank Motl and Frank Skalisky, and a building committee, composed of William Huffman, Martin Klarner and Tom Vancura, were appointed. The foundation was laid that fall, but work on the superstructure was not begun until the spring of 1892. On June 15, of that year, a wind storm blew down the building, then in course of construction, entailing a loss of about $500. The Catholic church was finally completed in the spring of 1893. The church edifice is valued at $2,400 and the parsonage at $1,500.

The Episcopal church was erected in 1901 at a cost of $3,000. In 1898 the Ladies Guild of Christ church was organized with ten members, with the object of purchasing a lot upon which to build so soon as a church should be organized. Bishop Whipple organized the mission and

The Lodges

The first secret order to be organized in Jackson was the Masonic. On February 23, 1871, a number of Masons met and took the preliminary steps toward organizing, selecting as the name of their lodge Des Moines Valley Lodge. Over twenty members were enrolled, and the following were chosen officers to serve \\hile the lodge was working under dispensation: E. P. Freeman, W. M. ; Alexander Fiddes, S. W. ; G. C. Chamberlin, J. W. ; ir. White, treasurer; J. W. Cowing, secretary; S. C. Thayer, S. D. ; Harvey Klock, J. D. ; Willian King, Thomas Humphrey, stewards; W. S. Kimball, tyler. The dispensation arrived in April, the lodge being named Good Faith Lodge No. 90, and having thirteen members.

The Grand Army of the Republic also began its local organization in 1871. August 15 veterans of tlie civil war met and decided to petition the authorities for the establishment of a post in Jackson. The post, named Wadsworth Post No. 30, was mustered in by Major J. C. Hamilton, commander of the department of Minnesota, Tuesday evening, September 5, 1871. There were thirty-two charter members, and the post was the largest ever before mustered in by Major Hamilton in the state. iFol lowing were the first officers and charter members: John A. Myers, commander ; H. S. Bailey, senior vice commander; W. A. Fields, junior vice commander; William King, adjutant; M. A. Strong, quartermaster; Dr. E. L. Brownell, surgeon; Charles Frisbie, chaplain; C. H. Sandon, sergeant; Heni7 Knudson, quartermaster sergeant; W. S. Kimball, officer- of the day; A. E. Wood, officer of the guard; 0. F. Alexander, A. S. Brooks, B. E. Bowden, G. C. Chambeflin, S. M. Clark, S. E. Ford, A. 0. Hoovda, Alex Hall, N. B. Hall, C. H. Heath, J. K. Johnson, A. D. King, M. Miller, H. Miller, I. A. Moreaux, J. J. Smith, I. G. Walden, Walter Withers, M. L. Ashley, J. J. Patterson, M. S. Barney.

Wadsworth post flourished for a time and rapidly increased its membership. Then interest lagged in the organization and it become dormant. A reorganization was effected February 7, 1875, the lodge was active a short time, but the organization was disbanded in 1877. Commanders of Wadsworth post were John A. Myers, E. L. Brownell, M. A. Strong, H. S. Bailey and G. B. Franklin.

Interest in G. A. R. matters was revived during the prosperous days of the early eighties, and during that period a local organization came into existence which has ever since been maintained. The initial meeting was held December 29, 1883, when it was decided to organize a lodge to be named John A. Myers post, in honor of the first commander of the earlier organization who had since died. John A. Myers Post No. 60 was mustered in January 23, 1884, by Commander L. M. Lange, of Worthington. Following were the first officers and charter members : H. S. Bailey, commander; G. C. Chamberlin, senior vice commander; C. H.. Sandon, junior vice commander ; M. A. Strong, adjutant; M. L. Ashley, quartermaster; E. J. Orr, chaplain; I. G. Walden, surgeon;

Fred Quentin, officer of the day; 0. F. Alexander, officer of the guard; W. S. Kimball, sergeant major; H. W. Peck, quartermaster sergeant; W. V. King, William Lamont, J. A. Goodrich, N. Hall, W. A. Fields, John Paulson, Levi Davis, I. S. Barrett.^^ During the twenty-six years the post has maintained an active organization, the officers have been prompt in the discharge of their duties, and the post has frequently been mentioned by the department officers and its officers commended. The post has a membership at present of about thirty-five.

John A. Myers Corps Xo. 34, Woman's Belief Corps, was organized August 23, 1887, with the following officers and charter members: Mrs. Lizzie M. Dunn, president; Mrs. A. Wilson, senior vice president; Mrs. A. Sandon, junior vice president; Mrs. E. A. Barney, secretary; Mrs. A. L. King, treasurer; Mi:s. Joseph Bushnell, chaplain; Mrs. Anna Dunn, conductor; Mrs. 0. Alexander, assistant conductor; Mrs. Ann Miller, guard; Miss Lelia Nourse, assistant guard ; Mesdames E. H. Pepper, Anna L. Smith, Martha V. Allen, Ruth R. Orr, Helen A. Logue, Thomas Clipperton, Anna Thomas.

Among the pioneer secret societies of Jackson is Jackson Lodge No. 49, Ancient Order United Workmen, which was organized July 8, 187D, with the following first officers and charter members: Alexander Fiddes, past master workman; Robert Sergant, master workman; T. J. Knox, foreman; A. H. Strong, overseer; A. C. AVhitman, recorder; L. 0. Randall, financier; P. H. Berge, receiver; E. P. Gould, guide ; G. K. Tiffany, inside watch ; Frederick Quinlin, outside watch; J. A. Robbothers who became members within a few months after the organization were M. L. BromaRhIm, W. A. Pepper, J. A. Wilson, G. Cole, Edward Gruhlke. J. A. Patterson, Jareb Palmer, S. Middaugh, Charles B. Rouse, M. 8. Seely, C. M. Hardy, Walter Withers, George Blewer. J. C. Davis. H. S. Schlott, WlUlam Ballard, J. 6. Moses, M. S. Barney and Alexander Spencer.

The present membership of A. 0. U. W. lodge is sixty. Following are the officers : J. H. Xourse, P. M. W. ; John Randall, M. W. ; E. W. Bromaghim, F. ; R. W. Brown, 0.; John Qualev, recorder; Alexander Fiddes, financier; V. W. Avery, receiver; Charles R. Gee, guide; Robert Bartosch, I. W. ; G. A. Husby, 0. W.

Des Moines Valley Lodge No. 156, Independent Order Odd Fellows, was organized May 20, 1889, with six charter members as follows : A. B. Allen, W. A. Funk, W. A. Conrad, A. J. Patterson, R. Van Orman and H. Andrewsen. The following were chosen as the first officers : A. B. Allen, noble grand; W. A. Conrad, vice grand; H. Andrewsen, secretary; R. Van Orman, treasurer. At the present time the lodge has a membership of forty-seven. It owns real estate and lodge property to the value of $3,500.

Maple Grove Camp No. 1069, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized February 5, 1891, with seventeen charter members. Following were the first officers : Y, B. Crane, consul ; H. H. Hughes, advisor ; John Muir, banker ; E. C. Wilson, clerk; William Trumbull, escort; A. Qruhlke, watchman; A. 0. Berg, sentry; Douglas Pulver, H. H. Hughes and T. T. Gronland, managers.

Holy Trinity Court No. 694, Catholic Order Foresters, was granted a charter June 27, 1897, and it has ever since maintained an organization. The first officers and charter members were as follows: J. M. Voda, C. R. ; Joseph Klemm, V. C. R.; Rev. P. P. Kloss, P. C. R. ; J. J. Pribyl, K. 8. ; Wen?el Motl, F. S. ; Martin Arndt, treasurer; John Magyar, Louis Kiesel, J. A. Timko, John Hassing, William Motl, Bernard C. Lilly, Frank Benda, Frank J. Bertels, Emil Calta, Henry J. Hassing,

In Jackson are three banking institutions, all organized under the national banking laws. These are the Brown National Bank, the First National Bank and the Jackson National Bank.

The first financial institution to begin business in Jackson - and in Jackson county - was the Bank of Jackson, a private institution opened by John K. Brown, who had formerlv been connected with the Southern Minnesota Railroad company, late in January, 1879.** Mr. Brown was sole owner of the Bank of Jackson until March 1, 1892, when the owners became John K. Brown & Company, Cashier Henrik Strom having taken an interest. In 1901 Herman L. Strom purchased the interests of Hcnrick Strom, the firm name remaining the same. In 1905 the institution was reorganized under the name of Brown National Bank, with a capital stock of $40,000, and began business under the new title Julv 1. The officers at that time were John K. Brown, president; J. W. Cowing, vice president; H. L. Strom, cashier. The present officers of the Brown

""The Bank of Jackson, Is now one of our proud institutions and Is by far the neatest and nobbiest establishment in town. It may be found in the bulldins: north of the Ashley house, where the good looking, courteous and gentlemanlv presidingr genius, Mr. John K. Brown, will be glad to accommodate patrons In his line and transact a strict banking business on strict business principles." - Jackson Republic, February 1, 1879.

Jackson's second bank was a private bank opened by George E. Moore December 1, 1887, under the title, G. R. Moore, Banker. J. K. Skarberg was the cashier. It was reorganized as the State Bank of Jackson with a capital stock of $25,000 April 1, 1890, beginning business under the new style May 15. The incorporators were George R. Moore, P. H. Berge, J. W. Cowing, T. J. Knox, Alexander Fiddes, G. A. Albertus, A. H. Strong, F. W. Lindsley and M. B. Hutchinson. The State Bank of Jackson was reorganized as the First National Bank in June, 1901, with the following board of directors: George R. Moore, 0. B. Olson, T. J. Knox, Alexander Fiddes and P. H. Berge. The capital and surplus of the First National is $45,000. The present* officers are George R. Moore, president; P. H. Berge, vice president; A. B. Cheadle, cashier; 0. B. Olson, assistant cashier.

Another financial institution of Jackson is the Jackson Building and Loan Association, which was organized in 1891, and which has been instrumental in the building of many of the beautiful homes of Jackson.

The Fire Department

Prior to 1883 Jackson was absolutely without prolectioQ from fire. Then the village council began to consider the matter of affording protection. The Jackson Republic of Octol)cr 13, 1883, reported a meeting of the village council as follows:

At the meeting of the village council last Tuesday [October 9| the subject of fire protection in Jackson was discussed at length. Councilman Fiddes was requested to correspond with dealers as to the cost of buckets, hooks, ladders, etc., and W. S. Kimball was appointed fire warden with instructions to examine chimneys and enforce the provisions of ordinance No. 8. Upon motion of Councilman Cowing it was proposed that the residents or owners of every block who would put in a well be supplied with a pump and hose by the village.

From this legislation developed the Jackson fire department. In 1885 more advanced measures were taken. In April the contract was let for the digging of four wells on Second street, at the comers of Grant, Sherman, Ashle}* and White streets, and in May the council purchased of Baldwin Brothers, of Winona, a hand fire engine, 300 feet of common hose and 25 feet of suction hose, the total cost of which was $627. To handle this equipment a fire company with 48 members was organized July 23. The first officers of this pioneer company were as follows: H. H. Hughes, fire warden; A. C. Serum, captain ; S. Swenson, chief engineer ; Gilbert Seilstad, hose foreman; J. W. Jenson, secretary. The company was given official recognition August 8, when the village council approved the officers. This organization was not long maintained. With few duties to perform, the members soon lost interest, and the company was finally disbanded.

When the water works system was installed in 1892 came the demand for an up-to-date fire department. The village authorities purchased new equipment, and on January 2, 1893, there was organized the present department. Following were the first officers and the charter members : H. G. Anderson, foreman; George Burnham, assistant foreman; 0. A. Sathe, second assistant foreman; S. J. Dunn, secretary; it. 0. Brown, treasurer; V. W. Avery, L. Lecocq, H. M. Burnham, Ed. Boehl, Albert Gruhlke, M. L. Ashley, Sam Woolworth, D. P. Maitland, Henry Hoesli, Clarence Ellsworth, Art Ellsworth, Frank Gerlach, John Qualey, Lewis Iverson and Nels Ludvigsen. Entire new equipment was bought in March, 1895, including hose cart, hook and ladder truck, hose and uniforms.

Agricultural Society

The agricultural society of Jackson is one of the oldest in southwestern Minnesota. It was organized in 1869, when the first county fair was held. For years the society was maintained with meager financial support, and the annual fairs were primitive affairs, held generally in some vacant building in the village.

A reorganization was brought about in 1897, and an effort was made to put the society on a sound financial footing. Life memberships were sold at fifteen dollars, and over one hundred people subscribed, but only a small number were paid for. The same year twenty-five acres of land were purchased from B. W. Ashley and George R. Moore, south of the depot, buildings were erected, and a race track was built, the total cost of which was about $2,500. The society went into debt for nearly all the improvements and the land, hoping to wipe out the indebtedness later by successful fairs. Weather conditions were unfavorable, and as a result no headway was made. The conditions had reached such a stage at the beginning of the year 1908 that bankruptcy threatened, and then it was the new society was formed.

The agricultural society was reorganized and incorporated in May, 1908, with a capital stock of $20,000 and with the following officers and board of directors : W. W. Wold, president; Noah Kamey, vice president; H. B. Gillespie, secretary; H. L. Stock, treasurer; George Weise, Harry M. Burnham, C. P. Nissen, Hans Sether, H. J. Yeadicke and H. L. Strom. The societv is now on a sound financial basis, recently improvemenL*^ have been made at the grounds, and the fairs in recent years have been highly successful.