Lyon County, Minnesota - Chapter 10: Marshall's Institutions, 1912

Chapter 10: Marshall's Institutions

ONE of the first institutions to he provided after the founding of a town is the public school. In Marshall the school came almost simultaneous with the founding of the village. The first school, supported by subscription, was conducted in the winter of 1872-73. It was held in the little office -building erected by W. M. Todd. G. H. Darling was the teacher -for a time and he was succeeded by Walter Wakeman. Only a few pupils were in attendance and the school was of short duration.

School district No. 8, then embracing the north half of Lake Marshall township and the southern tier of sections of Fairview township, had been created by the Board of County Commissioners January 2, 1872 - before Marshall had a place on the map. The district was organized in 1873 and the first public school was taught on the second floor of the building erected by the Congregational church society. That buildingwas used for school purposes until 1875. Miss Diantha Wheeler, who in October, 1875, became the wife of G. M. Durst, was the first teacher and she had in her charge thirty or forty pupils.1 The first

'Among those who attended Marshall's first public school, furnished from memory by Mrs. G. M. Durst and some of the former pupils, were Ada AVebster, Fred Webster, Dwight Coleman, Clarence Jewett,

A four months' winter term was begun November 10, 1873, with Miss Lovelace as teacher. Miss Wheeler again became teacher and was in charge until June, 1874, when she was succeeded by G. M. Durst. At that time the enrollment had reached sixty pupils. Besides those mentioned the other teachers employed during the time the school was conducted under the ordinary district plan were Ada Webster (Mrs. J. W. Williams), Jennie C. French (Mrs. J. W. Andrews), Miss L. A. Bailey (Mrs. W. M. Todd) and Addie Gary (Mrs. C. E. Persons).

In March, 1874, a lull passed the Legislature authorizing the Marshall school district to issue bonds to the amount of $2500 for the purpose of erecting a school house, and in October of that year the people of Marshall decided to build. In the summer of 1875 a two-story octagonal building, forty feet in diameter, with a seating capacity of 150, was completed. Its cost was about $2800. Many taxpayers thought it an extravagant expenditure, but within three years it was not large

At a school meeting in September, 1878, it was decided, by a vote of 60 to (>. to appropriate $1300 to build an addition to the school house. A buildin" committee was chosen, composed of O. C. Gregg, C. H. Richardson and J. S. Dewey, and in October the addition was ready for occupancy. Its dimensions were 22x40 feet, two stories high. The school house then contained four rooms with a seating capacity of 250 pupils.

A reorganization, under the independent district plan, was effected October 1, 1878; the school was graded, and four departments were maintained. The first Board of Education under the reorganization was composed of Jona- than Owens. A. C. Forbes, C. H. Whitney, C H. Richardson, J. S. Dewey and O. C. Gregg.2 J. B. Gibbons was the first superintendent of the graded schools and his assistants in 1878 were Addie Gary ami Hattie Owen.3

The school population increased rapidly and within a few years the facilities were taxed to their utmost. Early in 1886 the voters of the district authorized a bond issue and in the fall of that year a new building was erected at a cost of $15,000. That structure was used until destroyed by fire twelve years later. A high school course was added, was made a four-year course in 1890, and the Marshall school was raised to the first class in 1896. The first high school class was graduated in 1888. 4

Again in 1891 the school house was filled to overflowing' and the voters authorized a bond issue of $6000 to provide additional facilities. A fourroom ward school house was erected in 1S92 south of the Northwestern railroad tracks and was occupied for the first time in September of that year. J. D. Carroll was the contractor. The total cost of the building, heating plant and furnishings was $8232. 35. The building was sold to Dr. F. D. Gray for hospital purposes in October, 1910, for $3000.

The high school building erected in 1880 was destroyed by fire on the night of December 8, 1898. The loss was placed at $20,000, covered by insurance to the amount of $13,000. Immediately steps were taken to rebuild. Plans for a new building, drawn by W. B. Dunnell, were accepted by the Board of Education in January, 1899, and a little later the contract was let to the Angus McLeocl Company, of Minneapolis, on a bid of $39,737, which was later increased, because of changes in plans, to $41,000. A $40,000 bond issue was made and the building was completed and occupied in December. The cost of the building, heating, plumbing, ventilating, furnishings, etc., was about $60,600. It is one

At the present writing (1912) 539 students are enrolled in the Marshall schools. Including the superintendent, twenty instructors are employed. The school ranks among the best in Minnesota.

St. Joseph's convent and academy has been in operation since March 1, 1900, conducted by the sisters of the Order of St. Joseph. It has grown to considerable prominence. In 1899 Mother Seraphine and Mother Celestine came to Marshall and their investigations led to the founding of the school. The Mahoney residence was purchased for a school building, and on March 1, 1900, the school was opened, in charge of Sister Wilfrida, of St. Joseph's Academy, of St. Paul, assisted by Sisters Celesia and DuRosaire. Several additions have been made to the original school house, and a large number of students receive instruction.

The Churches

zations in Marshall and all of them have houses of worship. The churches are, in the order of their organization, Congregationalist, Methodist, Catholic, German Lutheran, Evangelical Association, Episcopal and Presbyterian. Three other societies have at one time and another been represented in Marshall but are not now. They were the Baptist, Icelandic Lutheran and Norwegian Lutheran.

The first religious services held in Marshall were conducted by Rev. W. T. Ellis, Methodist, of Lynd. They were held in the engineers' office in the summer of 1872. The next services were held a short time later by a Congregationalist minister, and the Congregational church was the first organized in the village.

In the summer of 1872 Rev. E. H. Alden, of Waseca, pioneer home missionary of the Congregational church, came to Marshall and made arrangements for organizing a church. At the time the site was occupied by only two buildings and a tent. The tent was the property of Captain Herrick and Major Filkins, and in it they conducted asaloon. It was the only available "building" in town for religious worship, and in it on several occasions Rev. Alden preached to the people of Marshall and vicinity.5 He later held services in the engineers' building and remained in Marshall during 1872.

'"Captain Herrick and Major Filkins had a tent in which they had a saloon. Old Major Filkins tended bar. We didn't have a building. We went to see the major, and he said: 'Yes, certainly, I will close my liar and you can hold services here.' A dry goods box was used for the bar, and I used to take a table cloth or sheet (table cloths were scarce in those days) to cover the dry goods box. Before we came in he always used to turn up the sheet, treat the boys, and then close up. After the services were over he would open again and go on with his business, and I think the Sundays were just as orderly then as they are now.

". . . This tent stood right back abcjut where John Schneider's store is. They were the first church services in Marshall. It was considered work to take

1872, with the following members: Mr. and Mrs. Seth W. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Gibbs, Mrs. J. W. Elliott and Mrs. Cook. The first board of trustees consisted of Walter Wakeman. Seth W. Taylor and John W. Elliott. The first treasurer was J. P. Watson, who was also the first choirster. Mr. Buchanan was the first Sunday School superintendent and had charge of a union school until the Methodist school was organized in 1873.

Immediately after the organization of the Congregational church, in the fall of 1872, a start was made on a building to be used as a house of worship. It was begun in 1872 but was not completed until the following spring. Rev. Alden and Walter Wakeman constituted the building committee. The structure was a two-story store building erected at the corner of Main and Fourth Streets. The lower floor was occupied " by a store, and the upper floor was used for school purposes during week days and by the church society on Sundays. The Congregationalists occupied this building until 1879, when it was sold to H. B. Gary for $1000.

Rev. George Spaulding became pastor of the church in May, 1873, and served until August, 1874. The first communion service was held in September, 1873. The next pastor was Rev. H. C. Simmons, installed in September, 1875, who was in charge until September, 1879. 6 During the grasshopper days untiring efforts were required to mainthat lumber from the yard of the railroad company and then carry it back again every Sunday, but some way Major Filkins had such a winning way with him that we always got enough boys to do it." - C. H.

Better times came upon the community and early in August, 1S7S, the Congregationalists began work on a new church edifice, which was completed the next spring. The building committee was composed of Rev. H. C. Simmons, chairman; J. P. Watson, M. M. Marshall and A. C. Chittenden. The new church, which cost about $4000, was dedicated free from debt May 18, 1879, by Rev. Dr. McG. Dana, of St. Paul, assisted by Rev. Champlain and Rev. Moses.

The church completed in 1879 served the need's of the society until 1902, when the need was felt for a larger building. About $6000 were expended in rebuilding, the work being in charge of a building committee composed of M. W. Harden, chairman; James Lawrence, R. R. Bumford, Mrs. W. S. Dibble and Mrs. H. M. Langland. The corner stone was laid October 4, 1902, and the church was formally opened June 28, 1903.

While the Congregational church was the first organized in Marshall, the Methodist, officially organized in 1873, is in reality the oldest church society in the city. Its organization was a continuation of the Methodist church of Lynd, which had come into existence several years before and the jurisdiction of which extended to the village of Marshall. The history of the Methodist church of Marshall dates back to the very earliest settlement of Lyon county; in fact the first settlers came for the

7Among the early members of the church and the year they became members, according to the church' records, were the following: Mary H. Laythe in 1869; O. C. Charlotte, Leslie Gregg, Levi and Emily Kiel, Ellen, Howard, Henry and Zilphia Langdon, Benjamin, Nancy and William Sykes, Luman and Mahala Ticknor in 1S70; George and Mary Linderman, I). H., Jane and

A. W. Muzzy, hie daughter, Sophia, wile of Rev. C. F. Wright, member of the Red River Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and L. Lan^dou and family took possession of Lynd and vicinity in the name of the Lord by establishing religious worship. On the following Sabbath they instituted divine worship and maintained it regularly thereafter [sic] every Sabbath.

were reinforced by the arrival of the family of Luman Ticknor, and the following spring by the family of George Cummins. The Methodists of the little settlement organized a church society in October, 1868, and for the first time had the services of a regular clergyman, in the person of Rev. C. F. Wright. On March 24, 1869, the body was officially recognized by Presiding Elder N. Hob art of the Mankato district. The church was attached to the Redwood circuit and was put under the pastoral care of Rev. Wright, who was in charge until 1870.7

The conference of 1870 created a new charge, designated Lynd and Lake Shetek, with Rev. A. R. Riley as pastor. The same year a Sunday School was organized and a log meeting house was built at Lower Lynd. In 1871 the church was moved to Upper Lynd and Rev. A. Eastman became pastor. A frame building was put up, used for a church for a short time, and then moved to Lower Lynd and transformed into a dwelling. Thereafter for a time the Methodists worshipped in the Lynd school house, but in 1872 the Methodist charge was moved to the new village of

Olive A. Ticknor, Henry and Eliza Sehaffer, Richard and Charlotte Tupper, Charles S., Sarah A. and Olive Grover in 1872; A. L., Anna and Emaline Baldwin, Lucy Ueland, Emma Eastman, Seth and Jennie Johnson, H. B. and Anna A. Loomis and Fanny A. Hoaglin in 1873.

Services were occasionally held in Marshall in 1872 and early in 1873 by Revs. W. T. Ellis and 6. C. Gregg. The church organization was perfected August 17. 1873.9 Rev. Gregg became the pastor of the Marshall church, and the Lake Shetek and Saratoga appointments were set off. Rev. George Galpin became pastor in 1874. and under his charge substantial progress was made by the society. In the fall of 1874 a parsonage was erected on Fifth Street, opposite the location of the future church. During the suriimer of 1875 a little chapel was erected on the north end of the present school grounds, on lots donated by the townsite owners. The church, dedicated August 15. 1875, cost about $800, and in it the Methodists worshipped until 1886. The little building was later moved to another location and remodeled into a residence.

Increases in membership made necessary a larger church building, and in 1885 steps were taken to build. On July 20, 1885. the board of trustees decided to erect a church to cost not more than $3000, but work was not to commence until $2500 were raised. Almost that amount was raised before the year ended. A location at the corner of Lyons and Fourth Streets was purchased of E. B. Jewett and on December 18, 1885. plans and specifications were accepted.

Heagle, Seth Johnson. M. Sullivan and Dr. E. D. Allison. Its cost was about $7000. The church was dedicated November 14, the services being conducted by Rev. Robert Forbes. Rev. J. W. Powell and Rev. E. R. Lathrop. Rev. J. A. Cullen was the resident pastor at the time. A new parsonage was erected in 1905 at a cost of $5200.

A larger building was demanded i:i 19C9 and on May 29 of that year a sontract was let to George D. Carroll to remodel the building. A building committee composed of M. E. Drake, Peter Walker, H. B. Loomis, W. G. Hunter, George Caley and Rev. S. A. Cook was appointed and the work was rushed to completion. The cost of reconstructing the building was $10,200. It was dedicated Sunday, September 19, 1909. by Rev. Dr. F. B. Cowgill. the district superintendent, assisted by Rev. J. W. Powell and Rev. S. A. Cook, the local pastor.

The third church society organized in Marshall was the Baptist. During the summer of 1878 Rev. W. H. Schwartz, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, came to Marshall and in August organized a church with ten members. The officers of the society were J. M. Lockey, deacon: J. P. DeMattos, clerk; C. B. Todd, J. M. Lockey and B. H. dibits, trustees. A lot was purchased with a view to erecting a church edifice, but that was not done and the life of the society was short. During the life of the church services were held in the public school building.

9"On the seventeenth of August the Methodists organized a church society at this place, starting out with eighteen members. This is in the circuit of Rev. McKee, but he having all he could attend to elsewhere, Elder Gregg, of Lynd, has usually- filled the semimonthly appointments here." - Prairie Schooner, September 20, 1873.

in 1885. Several years before thai time, however, services were occasionally held. The first mass was held by Father Tori in 1879, and thai early there was talk of building a church.

There were only a few families of the faith in .Marshall in 1884, but that year it was decided to erect a church. The decision was reached at the time of a visit in May, 1884, by Bishop John Ireland ami Fathers Cornelius and Devos. .1. W. Blake donated two lots east of the river, the business men of Marshall contributed nearly $1000, and members of the faith contributed liberally. The building was erected at a cost of about $1000 under the direction of a building committee composed of Father Devos, of Ghent, and Messrs. Janda ami Humphrey. The building, though not entirely completed, was occupied for the first time November 30, 1884.

The church* was organized in INS."). The following were heads of the families representing the initial membership: John Hanlon, Daniel Minnick, Con Meehan, Richard Blake, P. W. Mullaney, James Smith, Owen Myron, Thomas Welch, Mr. Vergote, Mr. Loke, John Casserley, Pat Casserley, John Ruane, Pat Quigley, Philip Kennedy, John Zeigler and John Lewis. John Hanlon and Daniel Minnick were the first trustees.

Prior to 1890 there^was not a resident pastor and services were only occasionally held, conducted by Father Edward Lee.1" Improvements were made on the church in the spring of 1889 and the interior was completed. The church was incorporated in October, 1890, the articles being signed by Archbishop John Ireland, August Ravoux, J. E. Devos, John Haidon and Louis Janda.

'"Pastors of the Marshall church sines 1S90 have been as follows: Fathers Hugh Victor, 1890-93; Francis Jager, 1S93-97; Buckle, 1897-98; Joseph Guillot,

The German Evangelical Lutheran church of Marshal] is one of the old religious societies of the city. About 1877 the German Evangelical Lutheran

Synod of New I'lm sent Rev. Christ Boettcher as a missionary to Lyon and adjoining counties to minister to the < terman Lutherans at the expense of the Synod. Thereafter until a church was organized at Marshall in lsss ministers of the faith, Rev. Boettcher and Rev. W. Shechietal, held services in the county.

The church society was organized in 1888 and Rev. R. Poet like has ever since been the pastor. The initial membership was represented by the families of the following: Theodore Tessmer, C. Mellenthin, G. Schultz, William Marx, Fred GoelcOW and P. Murch.

For a number of years the Lutheran society did not have great strength, had no house of worship in Marshall, and had irregular services. In June, 1896, dissatisfaction arose among some of the members, who left the church and organized a new society under the protection of the Ohio Synod of the German Evangelical Lutheran church. The trustees of the new organization were Fred Mellenthin. August Mellenthin and August Schwabe. The organization was brought about through the labors of Rev. W. Ehwald, who preached in and around Marshall from the fall of 1896 until the next spring. During his pastorate the first steps to form the organization were taken, and during the short pastorate of his successor, Rev. H. Drews, it was perfected. Rev. G. R. "Wannemacher succeeded as pastor in the fall of 1897.

Both branches of the German Lutheran church continued to maintain organizations until the summer of 1908, when a reconciliation was effected. A reorganization was made at that time by thirty families and services by the combined organization were held for the first time in .June. 1908, conducted by Rev. R. Poethke.

The Salem Evangelical Association, another German church society, was also organized in 1888.' Rev. Loeven. of the Dakota Conference, began to preach to members of the faith in .Marshall and vicinity, and, although there were only a few families, a class was soon organized. Rev. Loeven was folio \\*ed in turn by Rev. Preise, Rev. G. A. E. Leppert and Rev. S. B. Goetz during 1888 and 1889, though none of these was a resident pastor.11 During the first twelve years of the church's history there was no church edifice and during the greater part of that time services were held in the Ehler school house.

The congregation grew and there was a strong desire for a church home. Dining the pastorate of Rev. H. A. Seder funds for a church edifice were raised. In April, 1899, the society was incorporated under the name of Salem Congregation of the Evangelical Association. Two lots on Main Street opposite the court house were purchased and the work of building was begun in July. It was completed in January, 1900, and was dedicated, free from debt, on June

People of the Episcopal faith in Marshall held services irregularly and had an organization in the early days,12 being ministered to occasionally by the following pastors from other charges: Edward Livermore, 1874-76: E. G. Hunter. 1876-79; H. J. Gurr. 1879. Thereafter until the society was reorganized in 1889 no pastor was assigned to the Marshall community. During that period several abortive efforts were made to effect an organization and build a church.

Bishop Gilbert, of St. Paul, and Rector Thompson, of St. Peter, held services in one of the other church buildings on July 8, 1888, and there the start toward the organization of a society and the erection of a church was made. To solicit funds and attend to the preliminary work a -building committee was appointed as follows: Orrin Paige, chairman; E. E. Parsons, secretary; J. W. Williams, treasurer; R. M. Addison and E. S. Reishus.

St. .lames Episcopal church was organized by Bishop Gilbert .July 21. 1889, but was not made a parish until May 23, 1892. In November, 1889. a place of worship was fitted up in the hall of the Williams Building, a pastor was assigned to the charge,17, and monthly services were held. Member.- of the church worked hard to secure the necessary funds and in June. 1890. they had raised $1000. 14 At that time Bishop Gilbert visited Marshall and at a church

Three lots at t he corner of Main and Fifth Streets were donated by Messrs. Stewart, Jenkins and Blake and the building was commenced in September, 1890. The corner stone was laid October 7 and then work was stopped because of lack of fund:;. It was put under way again in the spring of 1892, and in time a fine stone building, costing about $7000, was completed. It was dedicated by Rev. W. P. TenBroeck in October, 1893.

For many years the Icelandic Lutherans maintained a church organization in Marshall. For a time services were held in private residences, hut in the summer of 1890 the members undertook the erection of a church edifice. Subscriptions were solicited and in the fall of that year a church was erected west of the Great Northern railroad tracks at a cost of about SI 500. The next year a stone foundation was put under the building and the corner stone was *. , laid with ceremonies by Rev. Thalaksson on November 15, 1891.

In the cyclone of August 8, 1892, the Icelandic church building' was 'demolished and the same fall a new building took its place on the old foundation. Services were held many years, but finally the attendance dwindled and the organization went out of existence. For some time before the pulpit had been filled by the pastor of the Minneota church. The building was purchased in March, 1911, by T. R. Cummings and remodeled into a residence.

15The first members of the Presbyterian church were James McNiven, Joseph Forbes, Thomas E. Davis, John J. Davis, Mary A. Davis, Esther Davis, Reese Davis, Mrs. Jane Davis, Mrs. F. E. Nichols, Miss Magcie McNiven, Miss Julia McNiven, Malcolm C. McNiven, Mrs. Malcolm C. McNiven, Mrs. Campbell, Miss Kittie Campbell, Mrs. C. G. Miller, Blanche Meade, William Neill, Mrs. William Neill, Emma

The first Presbyterian Church of Marshal] was organized June 28, 1891, under the direction of Rev. 1!. X. Adams, the synodica] superintendent of home missions, with thirty-one members.15 Malcolm C. McNiven and Reese Davis were the first elder,- and the following were the first officers: Mary A. Davis, clerk; J. P. Watson, treasurer; A. R. Chace, 1). I). Forbes and James McNiven, trustees. Until the church was erected services were held in Chittenden's Hall. Rev. Clarence G. Miller was the first pastor.10

Steps were at once taken to erect a house of worship. Two lots were purchased on Lyons Street, opposite the school house, and in the fall of 1891 a building. 24x28 feet, now used as the lecture room, was completed. Its cost, including furnishings, was about $2000. The dedication services were conducted February 14, 1892, by Rev. John Barbour, of Mankato. The Presbyterian church as it stands today was constructed in 1900 and the first services were held therein May 27. It was dedicated June 24.

For a short time the Norwegian Lutherans had an organization in Marshall, the church having been organized about 1899. Services were held in the German Lutheran church by Rev. Kleven, of Minneota. The society was not very strong and soon ceased to exist.

The Lodges

existence the following societies, most of which have also auxiliary organizations: Masonic, Grand Army, Workmen, Modern Woodmen, Royal Arcanum, Maccabees, Foresters, Modern Brotherhood and Yeomen. Several < >t her well known societies have in times past had organizations in the city. among them the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Legion of Honor.

The oldest order in Marshall is Delta Lodge No. 119, A. F. & A. M., which was organized under dispensation November 16, 1874. The organizer was Thomas Montgomery, of St. Peter, and he was assisted by A. Mardin and Dr. Berry, of New Ulm. The first officers were as follows: H. J. Tripp, W. M.;17 Joshua Goodwin, S. AY; S. V. Groesbeck, ,1. W.; G. M. Durst, secretary; M. E. Wilcox, treasurer; George E. Nichols, S. 1).; B. A. Grubb, J. D.; L. F. Pickard, tyler.

Lona Chapter No. 21, Order Eastern Star, was named in honor of Mrs. Lona Todd, who had died a short time before the lodge was organized. It came into existence March 4, 1891, with thirty charter members.18 It was instituted by Charles L. Davis, of Red Wing, grand patron of the Eastern Star.

A dispensation for Marshall Chapter No. 65, Royal Arch Masons, was granted in April, 1898. The lodge started with nearly forty members and the followingfirst officers: John E. Burchard, high priest; Clarence M. Boutelle, king; M. E.

A commandery of Knights Templar was put under dispensation July 5, 1901, with John E. Burchard. John S. Renninger and Clarence M. Boutelle as principal officers. Marshall Commandery No. 28 was instituted November 8, 1901. by Eminent Commander Joseph Bobletter.19

Marshall's second fraternal order was Good Samaritan Lodge No. 73, Independent Order Odd Fellows. A preliminary meeting of Odd Fellows was held October 3, 1879, and steps were then taken to organize. The lodge was instituted December 18 of that year with the following named six charter members: .1. E. Maas, A. T. Gamble, C. H. Richardson, J. H. Williams, S. O. Weston and C. W. Andrews. The lodge had an existence of twenty-nine years and surrendered its charter December 22, 1908.

A Rebekah lodge, auxiliary to the Odd Fellows, was maintained for a number of years. As the result of a surprise party given members of Good Samaritan Lodge by wives of the members early in 1895, application was made for a charter for the auxiliary. Surprise Lodge No. 113, Rebekahs, was organized March 5, 1895. 20

One of the most highly respect ed orders in Marshall is D. F. Markham Post No. 7, Grand Army of the Republic, which has existed since 1881. So early

19The first officers of Marshal] Commandery were John E. iBurchard, John S. Renninger, Clarence M . Boutelle, Rev. S. Ellery, James C. Burchard, H. M. Fredenburg, E. S. Frick, A. J. Chamberlain, M. W. Harden, A. A. Christensen, Thomas McKinley, H. B. Gary, W. A. Hawkins, Fred S. Cook and E. Ziesmer.

as 1875 an attempl was made by the soldiers of the Civil War to form a post of the A. I;, or an independenl organization, but it resulted in failure.

In the spring of L881 I he matter was again agitated, and this time the venture resulted in success.21 A petition for organization was signed by thirty-eight soldiers22 and forwarded to headquarters al Stillwater. The post was mustered in July 20, 1881, by Department Commander Adam Marty, with eleven charter members, as follows: J. W. Blake, who became the firsl posl commander;23 J. M. Vaughn, W. T. Maxson, C. C. Whitney, John Dewey, S. Webster, G. W. Mossman, John Laudenslager, ('. E. Porter, A. I). Morgan and B. Vosberg. Thirty-four comrades were mustered in during the next few months and on the first of the year 1882 the membership was forty-five.

('amp Phil Kearney No. 21. Sons of Veterans, had an organization for a number of years, but was finally disbanded. It was mustered in April 23, of 1 SSI , its inception being stimulated by the unsuccessful attempt to observe Memorial Day, on May 30. The day was Monday, but arrangements hail been made by a few of the old soldiers to hold services on Sunday, and a good program had been arranged for Chittenden's Hall and also at the cemetery over the grave of Daniel F. Markham, who at that time was the only soldier buried there. A severe storm began Saturday and continued three days, making it necessary to abandon the proposed services. . . . Soon after half a dozen old soldiers held an informal meeting and determined to organize a Grand Army post in Marshall, and Comrade J. M. Vaughn was delegated to circulate a petition among the old soldiers for such an organization, in which he succeeded during the month of June. During this time there was only a provisional Grand Army Department in Minnesota and only one post remained of the number that had previously existed. This was at Stillwater, and, with only one post existing, the provisional department commander was Adam Marty of that city." - News- Messenger, December 11, 1903.

22The signers were D. Lee Mason, S. V. Groesbeck, A. J. Ham, John Laudenslager, A. Kingsley, G. E. Nichols, A. A. Hunter, J. M. Vaughn, G. ~R. Walch, G. W. Mossman, H. A. Crittenden, J. N. Liscomb, Walter Wakeman, R. M. Addison, J. W. Blake, A. D. Morgan, C. H. Richardson, W. S. Reynolds, Joshua ' Goodwin, C. C. Whitney, C. A. Edwards, C. E. Porter, R. F. Webster, M. Atherton, C. F. Case, A. A. Farmer, F. Wescott, S. Webster, O. A. Drake, C. L. Thompson, J. A. Hunter, R. J. Madison, A. G. Randall, John Dewey, C. B. Todd, B. Vosberg, W. T. Maxson and A. O. Underhill.

Marshal] Lodge No. 125, Ancient Older United Workmen, was instituted Augusl 21, 1890, by (band Master Workman ('. II. Hot kin with ten charter members.28 The Lodge was formally organized September 4.

One of the Marshall lodges that flourished for a number of years but which has surrendered its charter was Marshall Lodge No. 89, Knights of Pythias. It was instituted July 23,

-4Thc first officers of Phil Kearney Camp were Seymour Adams, Louis Larson, Thomas J. Baldwin, Frank C. Whitney, F. A. Howard, Charles H. Austin, Fred II. Webster, C. L. Addison, Harry W. Addison, R. D. Baldwin, C. P. Goodwin, R. B. Vondersmith and W. M. Trowbridge.

2BThe charter members of Marshall Lodge were L. M. Lange, George B. Hughes, Clarence B. Guernsey, Warren S. Eastman, Charles H. Johnson, Joseph McGandy, Frank D. Wasson, Alfred E. Heller, John J. Kelly and David A. Aurandt.

27The first officers of Mizpah Lodge were Mesdames D. MeErlain, W. B: Thorburn, T. R. Cummings, Joseph McGandy, J. M. Millard, Thomson, H. M. Dwyer, Joseph Besonson, Violet Brown, N. D. Wasson, L. M. Lange and J. F. Hoagland.

B. H. Wheeler, A. R. Chace, W. C. Kayser, D. D. Forbes, H. W. Addison, F. H. Webster, A. E. Helber, A. C. Guernsey, F. E. Parsons, A. A. Van Winkle, W. M. Fay, Charles Flemming, Frank Sargent, Charles P. Goodwin, C. E. Patterson, E. S. Frick, B. L. Gates,

Marshall Camp No. 1548, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized on the evening of August 3, 1891. under the direction of Deputy Head Consul H. W. Noble. It began with a small membership,29 but it developed into a popular order and has had a flourishing existence of twenty-one years.

Artesian Council No. 1606, Royal Arcanum, began life March 20, 1895. It was instituted by H. W. Mead, deputy grand regent of the state, assisted by Secretary G. A. Ives, of Minneapolis.1"

Isabella Court No. 430, Women's Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized in December, 1899. The organizer was Mrs. Mary Martin and the court was installed by Mrs. Annie Cummings.33

30Charter members of Artesian Council were I). M. King, G. Axvesen, C. H. Johnson, S. N. Harrington, W. G. Little, R. A. Chittenden. J. C. Burchard, F. J. Parker, < >. A. Krook, H. M. Grey, George H. Porter, R. Zeismer, E. S. Frick, J. A. MeNiven, J. S. Renninger, Frank Hose. Robert A. Glashan, N. C. Titus, C. E. Meader and George A. Tallon.

3 'The first officers of the Legion of Honor lodge were Charles P. Goodwin, George V. Hicks, Bert Blakeslee, Mrs. Fannie W. Case, Mrs. C. C. Rutherford, A. II. Klinge, Mrs. May Mallory, Mrs. Bertha Dressel, Mis- Gertrude Geering, J. N. Mallory, 'C. F. Case, Florence Hicks and S. Paulson.

The Library

Thirty-two years ago the foundation for Marshall's public library was laid. On February 11, 1880. the Village Council authorized the establishment of a public library and made a tax levy of one mill on the dollai - all that the law then permitted - for its support. The president of the Council at the same time named the following persons a Board of Directors with authority to establish the library: C. J. Pickert, S. D. How. C. F. Case, A. C. Forbes, Mi-- Cynthia Weymouth, Mrs. J. P. Watson. Mrs. R. M. Addison and Mrs. J. W. Blake.

A one-mill tax was levied the next year and funds were raised by dramatic entertainments, so that the Library Board had *42<). 10 in its treasury. The Hoard failed to agree on a plan, the money was put at interest, and for several years after the initial step was taken a library did not materialize.

The matter was again taken up late in 1885, when it was found the Library fund amounted to about $470. The Village Council then decided to purchase books and found the institution. Vacancies on the Library Board were filled, and Messrs. Case. Tibbals. Durst and Tyler were named a committee to purchase books. Walter Wakeman was made librarian and the books were kept

32The first officers of the Foresters lodge were Thomas Welch, John Nash, William Kinney. J. 1). Martin, G. Vergote, Chris Rock, Arthur Brais, Arthur Gits, Fred Dandurand, George Dandurand, Paul Gits, Rev. Father Guillot and George Hickey.

33The first officers of Isabella Court were Mrs. Emma MeErlain, Mrs. Mary Martin, Mrs. Eppinsperger, Miss Annie Mulligan, Bessie Kennedy. Mis- .Virion Ferra, Mrs. Lague, Miss Mongeau, Mrs. Georgia Dandurand, Miss 15. Paradis, Mrs. Susan Gaffney, Mrs. Jennie Dandurand and Miss Arnoldine Princen.

34The first officers of Eureka Lodge uric Horace Hoffman, Joseph Besonson, C. C. Guernsey, T. G. Bonnallie, A. C. Hinckley, H. D. Caley, John Montgomery, William Gruel, \V. B. Thorburn, J. M. Meehl, John Dick, Dr. T. H. Wimer and Dr. W A. Hobday.

at his store. The library was opened January 1, 1880, with five hundred volumes on hand. It continued until replaced by the Carnegie library in 1903, supported by tax levies. Reading rooms weri> established, and, considering its limited resources, became quite popular. In February, L902, the Ait History Club became interested in the establishment of a Carnegie library and wrote the philanthropist. A year later .Mr. Carnegie offered to donate $10,000, providing the village would furnish a site and bind itself to expend $1000 annually on maintenance. The offer was accepted at a public meeting held .March 4, 1903. The site at the corner of Lyons and Third Streets was purchased for $2500, and in July. 1903, the contract for the erection of the buildingwas let to H. P. Fulton on a bid of $9400. It was constructed under the supervision of a building committee composed of M. Sullivan, M. AY. Harden and AY. S. Dibble. The Marshall library is one of the best institutions of the kind in Southwestern Minnesota.

The Fire Department

The Marshall Fire Department has developed from small beginnings. Prior to 1879 the village was without fire protection, except that afforded by water in several wells and the willingness of the citizens to apply it. The first action by the village authorities to provide means of protection came in February, 1879, when a box was erected near the town pump and filled with buckets. A meeting to organize a volunteer fire department at that time was held, but small interest was taken and no company was formed.

lire. This purchase led to the formation of the lirst fire company. A public meeting was held at the Merchants Exchange on the evening of December 20, when sentiment was found to be unanimous in favor of forming a fire company. M. E. Wilcox. J. G. Schutz and C. H. Richardson were named a committee to confer with the village authorities.

At a meeting of the Village Council December 29 provision was made for organizing a company of five men, who should have charge of the apparatus and be in command at (ires. Such a company was formed with .1. G. Schutz as chief and C. H. Richardson. S. AVebster, Stanley Addison and E. L. Healy as the other members. A hook and ladder truck and buckets were a little later added to the equipment.

The pioneer fire fighting company was handicapped by lack of equipment and was not long maintained. The News of January 16, 1885, said: "The only semblance of fire apparatus is a light truck, carrying a few ladders and hooks. Something efficient is demanded." In February, 1888, a number of Diamond hand grenades were purchased and placed in accessible positions about the village. Marshall's fire fighting apparatus was indeed primitive until a progressive step was taken in 1890 and an efficient force organized.

The organization of Marshall's Fire Department came as a result of a conflagration that brought a loss of $7000. At a meeting of the Arillage Council January 10, 1890, it was decided to erect an engine house and purchase a fire engine, hose and other necessary apparatus to protect property. J. G. Schutz and J. AY. Williams were chosen by the village authorities to carry out the plans.

The engine house, used also as a city hall, was erected in the summer of 1890, the steam engine was put in service in July, and a reservoir was excavated on the village lots to furnish water. The fire department was organized July 14, 1890, with twenty-five members.35

When the waterworks system was installed in 1895, the steam engine was discarded and modern fire fighting apparatus was procured. A reorganization of the department was effected in the summer of 1895, 36 and the same organization has been maintained ever since. New material was added in 1899, and additions have frequently been made since that time.

Late in 1911 the fire house and city hall was rebuilt and enlarged and the department has one of the finest homes maintained by a volunteer department in Minnesota. The personnel of the department is also excellent, and the fact that Marshall has sustained few losses by fire is due largely to the work of the fire fighters.

The Banks

Marshall has three banking institutions, two chartered by the national government and one conducted under the state banking laws. They are the Lyon County National Bank, the First National Bank, and the Marshall State Bank. All are ably conducted institutions, enjoy the confidence of the public, and are in flourishing condition.

35The first officers and members of the department were as follows: F. M. Healy, chief; Harry Addison, chief engineer; George Hughes, foreman; William Thorburn, assistant foreman; E. L. Healy, president; Joseph Pierard, vice president; Thomas J. Baldwin, secretary; Charles H. Johnson, treasurer; James Andrew, Ray Baldwin, Frank Cutting, Charles Laudenslager, Fred Webster, Oscar Krook, William Simmons, Len Barnes, George Upton, George Taylor, Jay Truax, Charles Goodwin, Eugene Goodwin, Z. Smith, Guy Remore, Cliff Golder and John Sturgeon.

its doors late in April, 1878. It was founded as a private institution by W. S. Dibble, who was the manager, and Jonathan Owen. It was conducted under the firm name of Owen & Dibble until the spring of 1883, when Mr. Dibble became sole owner. Until 1890 the bank was housed in a frame building and then was moved into a brick block erected by the owner.

The bank was a popular institution and a flourishing business was built up by Mr. Dibble. It became a state bank, with a capital stock of $25,000, in the spring of 1891. The bank was discontinued April 11, 1900, Mr. Dibble at that time disposing of the business to the First National Bank.

The second bank founded in Marshall and the oldest now in existence was the Lyon County Bank - later reorganized as the Lyon County National Bank. It was founded as a private institution, with a paid-up capital of $25,000, and began business late in August, 1878. The officers and owners at the time of founding were H. B. Strait (who was at the time a member of Congress), president; C. B. Tyler, vice president; S. D. How, cashier; and D. L. How. Business was begun in the building still occupied, the Messenger Block having been erected by the bank people at that time. In S. D. How was vested the management of the bank and that gentleman conducted it for more than fourteen years.

The Lyon County Bank was reorganized as the Lyon County National Bank, capital stock, $50,000, on August 1, 1891. The officers and directors chosen at that time were as follows: H. B. Strait, president; M. Sullivan, vice president; S. D. How, cashier; F. AY. Sickler, assistant cashier; II. B. Strait, M. Sullivan. S. D. How. C. B. Tyler, A. C. Chittenden, James Lawrence and .1. (!. Schutz, directors. In addition to these D. D. Forbes and Joseph Ciesielski were stockholders.

There have been only a few changes in the management of the Lyon County National Bank. Cashier S. I). How resigned October 3, 1892, and was succeeded by F. W. Sickler, who lias served ever since, with the exception of a short time when J. G. Schutz was cashier. President Strait died February 25, 1894, and was succeeded by C. B. Tyler, the present incumbent. James Lawrence is the present vice president. During its long life the Lyon County National Bank has been in able hands and is one of the sound financial institutions of the county.

During the first twenty years of the institution's history the only, change in management occurred in June, 1901, when E. S. Frick succeeded C. C. Guernsey as assistant cashier. The only other changes since organization occurred in Januarv, 1911. At that time R. M.

The First National has had a remarkable growth and has larger deposits than any other bank in Lyon county. According to a recent statement, the deposits are about one-half million dollars. Since the organization the stockholders have received in dividends $95,000. The bank has a surplus and undivided profit of over $28,000.

The Marshall State Bank is the youngest of the city's financial institutions. It was opened for business June 15, 1909, with a capital stock of $25,000. Its officers, chosen at that time and still at the head of the bank, are as follows: Spurgeon Odell, president; James A. McNiven, vice president; S. J. Forbes, cashier. Those gentlemen are also the directors and owners of the stock. The bank owns the building it occupies and the one adjoining.

The Marshall State Bank does a general banking business, makes farm loans, deals in real estate, attends to collections, and writes insurance. During its life of three years the bank has built up an excellent business and has gained the confidence of the people to an extent seldom equalled by an institution of the same age.

The officers of the State Bank were formerly associated in the real estate, loan and collection business under the firm name of Odell & McNiven. They succeeded D. D. Forbes & Company, one of the pioneer real estate firms of the city

Other Institutions

The municipal power and light plant was built in 1894, furnishing water and electric lights. The plant was enlarged in 1905 and new and better machinery added. Another addition was made two years later and in 1908 all-day electric light service was inaugurated. This service is now used extensively for power by printing. offices, butcher shops, laundry, creamery, machine shops, garages, elevators, etc.

The plant is strictly modern and one of the best in Southwestern Minnesota. It is equipped with high-pressure boilers, cross compound direct-connected engines, and 2300 volts, sixty cycle, three-phase alternating current system. The city water is supplied by artesian wells. Pressure is maintained on the water system by direct driven steam pumps. Recently a central heating system has been installed and most of the business houses on the southwest side of Main Street are heated from the municipal plant. The heat is supplied by the exhaust steam from the pumps and a portion of the engine exhaust.

One of the institutions in which the people of Marshall take great pride is the flouring mill operated by the Marshall Milling Company. It is one of the really big concerns of Southwestern Minnesota, maintaining an enormous plant, and it has placed Marshall on the map for many people who otherwise would not have heard of the city.

The Sleepy Eye Milling Company in 1892 bought a small flouring mill in Marshall, ami in 1893 the Marshall Milling Company was organized and incorporated. Its first officers were William Gieseke, president; William F. Gieseke,

-7The officers of the Northwestern Telephone Exchange Company are as follows: C. E. Yost, of Omaha, president; C. P. Wainman,»of Minneapolis, vice president; George F. McFarland, of Omaha, general manager: M. L. Lane, of Minneapolis, comsecretary; and A. Blanchard, treasurer. For more than a decade the business was conducted on a comparatively small scale, but the business grew and in 1905 there was completed at a cost of SI 00.000 a modern mill. Other improvements have since been made, and the Marshall Milling Company today has one of the finest plants in the Northwest.

The mill "proper is a six-story brick building and is operated twenty-four hours a day. There are large elevators, warehouses and other buildings that go to make up a model plant.

The Northwestern Telephone Exchange Company is one of the business institutions of Marshall. It is the successor of the Southwestern Minnesota Telephone Company, which installed the first telephone exchange in Marshall. The last named company, established by Pipestone capitalists, entered Lyon county in 1897 and built exchanges at Marshall, Tracy and Minneota. T. F. Robinson was president and manager of the company and C. E. Patterson was in charge of the Marshall exchange.

The present company purchased the properties in Lyon county August 1. 1906, rebuilt the lines, in 1910, and moved the exchange to the News- Messenger Building. M. B. Hanson is the local manager.37 Several rural lines are given connections with the Marshall line. The first rural telephone line was built by the old company in 1901.

One of the big business institutions of the city is the Marshall Tile and Sidewalk Company, which was incorporated in January. 1907. The plant is one of the best equipped in the state and covers about six acres of land. The best tile manufacturing machinery on menial superintendent: J. W. Christie, of Omaha, treasurer; W. R. Overmire, of Omaha, auditor; George K. Blakely, of Sioux Falls, district commercial manager.

the market has been installed. The curing bin is made of cement blocks and all the tile are steam-cured. The company manufactures cement drain tile and building blocks and builds sidewalks and does other contract work. The product is used extensively throughout Lyon county and the trade territory extends to all points on the Northwestern. Great Northern and Milwaukee