Washington County, Minnesota - Chapter 71: Minnesota 8tate Pri80n - Bridge - Secret, 1881

Chapter 71: Minnesota 8tate Pri80n - Bridge - Secret

This institution was located at Stillwater by an act of legislature passed November 1st, 1840. In 1851 a lot four hundred feet square was in¬ closed by a fourteen foot wall, four feet thick at the bottom and two and one-lialf at the top. In this was the prison house, a building 30x40 feet, three Btories high, back of which, a wing 20x60 feet, contained six cells and other rooms for the closer confinement of prisoners. In 1853 an addition containing six more cells and a dungeon, was built. The entire cost of buildings and ground, five thousand dollars, was paid by the United States government. The macliinery, costing eight thousand dollars was the property of the warden, and consisted of sash and door, and shingle machinery.

By an act approved in 1853, the control of the prison was put into the hands of a warden, and a board of inspectors, and in accordance with this act, F. R. Delano, the first warden appointed entered upon the discharge of his duties in March, 1853. The first year there were no convicts. The second year there were two convicts, and seven or eight persons from counties which had no suitable quarters for their confinement; in 1856, one, and in 1857, none.

By an act of the legislature, the warden was directed to receive all persons committed from counties unprovided with suitable jail buildings. In consequence of this act, the prison was filled to its capacity.

advance, was adopted. If, at the expiration of that period, board was not again paid in advance, the prisoner was released. This led to such abuse of power, and carelessness on the part of the prison officials that the attention of the grand jury was attracted, and they made the following report:

"We, the grand jury in and for the county of Washington and territory of Minnesota, at the general term of the district court of the Second judicial district, held at the court-house in the city of Stillwater on the 2d day of November, 1857, beg leave to submit the following report to the honorable court: That in the discharge of our duties we have visited and examined the ter¬ ritorial penitentiary, situated in the city of Still¬ water, Minnesota territory, and found F. R. Delano, warden, and Michael McIIale, deputy warden, in charge thereof, and with them made a personal inspection of the same, and find that there is now confined in said prison six persons; that since April, 1855, there have been eleven escapes of prisoners, and that five have been dis¬ charged and set free by the officers of the prison for the reason that the county commissioners of the several counties from which they came, have not paid their board in advance, many of whom were committed for high crimes, and some of them for the highest crime known to law, to-wit: murder, as is shown by the records of the prison.

"It further appears to the grand jury that from the negligent and careless manner in which the affairs of the prison are conducted, that one Abel Wilcox, who was committed on a charge of mur¬ der, did escape, as is shown by the records, by means unknown to the warden, and that no re¬ ward has been offered and no steps whatever have been taken for his apprehension.

"And it further appears that on the morning of his escape the cell in which he was confined was found locked and in good order, and with no marks of violence thereon or about the same, but that his escape must have been with the assist¬ ance and privity of some person or persons con¬ nected with the prison and having access to the keys. It also appears that the keys to the prison and cells were kept in so careless a manner in the office, that they were accessible not only to per¬ sons in and about the prison, but to outsiders. It was also found in such examination that one

Maria Roffin, committed on a charge of selling spirituous liquors to Indians within the territory of the United States, escaped, in the words of the record, 'by leaving the prison,' and it is a matter of astonishment to this grand jury that she so magnanimously consented to leave the peniten¬ tiary behind her.

"The grand jury also find that within the past two years there have been numerous escapes of prisoners, which if the manner and means could be ascertained, would cast a deep shadow over the fair fame of our territory, and consign the officers of the prison to any place but an office of trust. It is the opinion of the grand jury that the prison, with some slight repairs, is, in its present state, sufficient, with due care and atten¬ tion on the part of its officers, for the safe-keep¬ ing of a limited number of prisoners; but that an immediate enlargement and improvement is abso¬ lutely necessary for the increasing wants of the territory, and to put it in a state of permanent security.

"From the best information obtainable, suffi¬ cient appropriations have been made by the United States, and contracts entered into for the completion of an addition to the prison contain¬ ing ten new cells, but from reasons unknown to this body, said contracts have never been fulfilled, and we are of the opinion that the responsibility lies principally at the hand of the inspectors of the prison, who should receive a rebuke from the proper authority.

"An act has been presented to tiiis body pur¬ porting to have been passed at the late railroad extra session of the legislature of the territory conferring upon the officers of the prison, almost unlimited power as to the receiving, safe keeping and discharging of prisoners, under which they claim the right to set the order or judgment of any court committing for trial at defiance, unless the board of prisoners shall be prepaid by the county from which such prisoners are sent.

"They do not receive a prisoner unless his board be prepaid for five weeks, at the rate of fS.OO per week, and a sufficient amount of cloth¬ ing furnished; and at the end of that period should the county neglect to prepay his board, they discharge the prisoner and are exonorated from all liability for his safe keeping; and for so slight a reason persons guilty of all crimes known

"There are other features in the act which arequally obnoxious, and it is a matter of surprise that an intelligent legislature could be found who would pass such an act; and still more surpris¬ ing that a person holding the high position of the executive of the territory, should lend his official signature to the same. We take this occasion to respectfully call the attention of the executive and approaching legislature to the provisions of the act, and to the general management of the terri¬ torial penitentiary, all of which is respectfully submitted. J. E. McKusick, H. W. Greeley, Thomas Wright, James Shearer, W. C. Penney, W. P. Spencer, George Harris, William II. Mower, S. Partridge, Alfred Wright, Salma Trus sell, J. R. Meredith, James R. Moore, E. D. Farmer, A. D. Kingsley, George Holt, Samuel Goff."

This state of affairs was amended by special legislation, and the management of the prison henceforth gave better satisfaction. In 1860 the number of convicts cared for was ten, and were provided with a uniform designed by John S. Proctor. Previous to this, one-half of the head was shaved to distinguish the prisoners. This prison garb, cap, close-fitting hip-coat and pants, was made of heavy blanket cloth, with black stripes on white ground. In 1861 the number of convicts was sixteen ; in 1862 all that could possibly be cared for. This led to an application for increased facilities.

John S. Proctor, after a term of eight years, as warden, was succeeded by Joshua L. Taylor, of Taylor's Falls, February 15th, 1868. A com¬ mittee from the legislature made a visit to the prison during this month, and perceived the necessity of providing for the care of a larger number, and the result of the visit was that im¬ mediate steps were taken to enlarge the grounds, and erect more commodious buildings. The con¬ tract to build dry-house and shops, costing $14,- 500, was awarded to Seymour, Sabin and Com¬ pany, May 3d, 1869. During this year, the walls were extended, enclosing nine and one-half acres of ground.

The principal prison building was erected in 1870, costing $74,000, and has since been enlarged, at a cost of about five thousand dollars. It contains the hospital, deputy warden's residence, chapel, guard's room, mess-room, kitchen, prison offices, and two hundred and ninety-four cells, for males and five for females.

The area of floor room in the shops besides that occupied by the engine and boilers, is fiftyfive thousand square feet. The engine nnd boil¬ ers were taken by the state during the past cur¬ rent year at an appraised value of $19,906.55, to be paid in convict labor, at the rate of forty cents per head per day. The value of prison property, appraised by the board of inspectors in December, 1869, was $72,251.19: appropriations Bince, $299,121; improvements not paid for amount to $5,447.06; total valuation of property at present is, $376,819.26. The total number of commitments to November 26th, 1880, is 1,243; number of inmates, November 26th, two hundred and fifty-two.

The following are the dates upon which the various wardens have entered upon the discharge of their duties: F. R. Delano, March, 1853; Francis 0. J. Smith, March 4th, 1858; H. N. Setzer, August 4tli, 1858; John S. Proctor, January 1st, 1860; Joshua L. Taylor, February 16th, 1868; A. C. Webber, March 16th, 1870; Henry A. Jackman, October, 1870; J. A. Reed, the present in¬ cumbent, August 3d, 1874. The board of prison inspectors now consists of, E. G. Butts, Stillwa¬ ter; L. E. Reed, 8t. Paul; John DeLaittre, Min¬ neapolis; the warden, ex officio clerk of board.

The officers of the prison are: J. A. Reed, warden; Abraham Hall, deputy warden; W. H. Pratt, physician; W. H. Harrington, chaplain; M. E. Murphy, Catholic chaplain; J. W. Dinsmore, clerk; W. H. Smithson, steward; D. W. Bolles, hospital steward; Miss Annie Dowling, matron; W. O. Reed, usher; W. II. H. Taylor, Jr., hall guard; B. F. Bums and C. F. Dinsmore, gate-keepers; A. II. Chase, II. C. Pierce, Lester Bordwell, Detloff Jarchow, George Sencerbox, John C. Gardner, Leonard Qraig, wall guards.

On Thursday evening, December 11th, 1879, a convict named John Clark, committed from Hen¬ nepin county, was reported to the guard as in¬ subordinate. A few days before Clark had made a murderous attack with a putty-knife on a fellow convict named Ramsden, and but for the interference of others would have killed the man. For this he was punished by several days soli¬ tary confinement. After his release he was set to painting wagon-wheels. Forty is an average day's work, though generally Clark painted only from fifteen to eighteen a day. On the day men¬ tioned twenty were allotted to Clark, who refused to perform the labor. Upon being informed by the guard, deputy warden Ilall went to the paintshop and ordered Clark and another convict who had been shirking to go to their cells. The other prisoner obeyed, but Clark profanely refused to do so. Hall took out his watch and told Clark he had three minutes in which to obey. At the expiration of five minutes Hall drew his revolver and asked the prisoner if he did not intend to obey, and received in answer, "No!" Hall then fired, the prisoner received the ball through the heart and instantly expired. A coroner's jury exonerated Mr. Hall from all criminality in the affair, as Clark was an exceedingly desperate character, and had at the time in his hand a double-edged putty-knife, which he would not have hesitated to use on any person attempting to take hold of him.

Stillwater Ii1Uooe

The legislature of 1875 authorized the question of erecting a bridge across the St. Croix, to be voted upon by the people at the annual election in April. The question was carried by a major¬ ity of six hundred and ninety-three votes.

At a meeting of the council held May 4th, fol¬ lowing, the bridge was located at the foot of Chestnut street, and a bridge committee ap¬ pointed. The contract was awarded to John Lawlor, of Prairie du Chien, at $24,400. It has a three hundred foot pontoon draw, near the west shore of the lake, a two hundred foot truss and t.*n sixty foot spans, ten spans of thirty feet at cicli end of the draw. The short spans are so ad¬ justed that they can be made level with the pon¬ toon at any stage of the water. The draw is op¬ erated by a small steam engine, and is controlled by a seven hundred foot chain, used as a guy. The structure was completed in 1876, and a toll is charged to passengers.

Freemasonry was introduced into the territory of Minnesota by dispensation granted from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, August 4th, 1849, to es¬ tablish a lodge with the title of "St. Paul's Lodge," at St. Paul. October 12th, 1850, a dis¬ pensation was granted from the grand lodge of Wisconsin to establish a lodge with the title of "St. John's Lodge, No. 1," of Stillwater. Dur¬ ing the year 1852, a dispensation was also granted by the grand lodge of Illinois, for the organiza¬ tion of a lodge under the title of "Cataract Lodge," at St. Anthony. Delegates from the three lodges thus formed met at St. Paul, Febru¬ ary, 28th, 1853, and organized a Grand Lodge, with A. E. Ames as first grand master.

The officers under the dispensation out of which St. John's lodge was formed were F. K. Bartlett, W. M.; II. N. Setzer, S. W., and W. Holcombe, J. W. The regular organization under charter was effected October 9th, 1852, with the follow¬ ing officers: F. K. Bartlett, W. M.; II. N. Setzer, S. W.; W. Holcombe, J. W.; Daniel McLean, treasurer; A. Van Vorhes, secretary. At this date the lodge is prosperous and in fine working order with the following list of officers: A. K. Doe W. M.; Frank Chase, S. W.; W. II. Pratt, J. W.; E. A. Folsom, S. D.; II. T. King, J. D.; E. Capron, treasurer: W. II. Richardson, secre tary; It. Daw, tyler; A. Ricker, S. S., and John Brown. J. S.

The Washington Royal Arch Chapter No. 17, of Stillwater, was organized March 9th, 1868, by virtue of a dispensation issued February 22d, 1868, by Luther Dearborn, the most excellent high priest of the state of Minnesota. This chap¬ ter was organized with ten charter members, and the following officers:. K. A. Iluntoon, M. E. II. P.; Robert Langley, "king," and John Green, "scribe." The large list of active members evinces the prosperity of the chapter, which meets in their beautiful rooms on the last Thursday of each month, on Main, between Myrtle and Chest¬ nut streets. At this date eighty-three active

City Of Stillwater -Societies

Bayard Commandery, No. 11 , Knights Templar, of Stillwater, was organized March 27, 1878, with thirteen charter members, by dispensation issued from the "Right Eminent Grand Commander" of the "Grand Commandery," of the state of Minne¬ sota, with the following officers: W. G. Bron¬ son, E. C.; R. F. Ilereey, G. and D. B. Loomis, C. G. At the triennial conclave of the general grand encampment, held in Chicago, in August, 1880, this commandery acted as escort to the grand commandery of the state, and at the grand review received the highest com¬ pliments from the grand commander for their prompt and graceful display of Knights Tem¬ plar tactics. The present membership is fiftyfour, with the following officers: W. G. Bronson, E. C.; R. F. Ilereey, G.; R. G. Merry, C. G.; John XV. Dinsmore, secretary, and J. H. Reed, treas¬ urer.

Early in the history of the territory of Minne¬ sota, the Independent Order of Odd Fellowship was established at Stillwater, by a deputy grand master from Galena, Illinois, who in the spring of 1849 instituted what was known as Lodge N umber One, the same to work under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge of the United States. The fol¬ lowing were among its charter members: Henry Moss, XV. Ilollingshead, Albert Harris, D. D. Loomis, Sylvanus Trask, G. W. Battles, W. Stout and Martin Johnson. It became a flourishing lodge and continued so until 1863, when, in con¬ sequence of its number being so greatly dimin¬ ished by its members enlisting as soldiers in the army for the suppession of the rebellion, the in¬ terests of the society were in a great measure lost, so much so that on the 4th day of March, same year, the charter was surrendered, together with eight hundred dollars, the amount of the widows, and orphans' fund Alien in the hands of the so¬ ciety. On the 5th day of January, 1876, a new charter was granted by the grand lodge of the state of Minnesota. On the same date a new lodge was instituted, known as Stillwater Lodge, Number Fifty-one. The following officers were duly installed by Grand Master Joseph Bergfield: George Low, N. G.; Lewis Grant, V. G.; Joseph Wilkinson, past grand; F. D. Hall, secretary, and Thomas Francis, treasurer. The lodge at this date is in a flourishing condition, with a member¬ ship of ninety. The present officers of the lodge are as follows: 8. C. Proctor, N. G.; XV. S. Huffer, V. G.; James Peterkins, secretary; James Sinclair, treasurer, and Jolrn S. Proctor, deputy grand master. In connection with the lodge is a branch of the Minnesota Odd Fellows Mutual Benefit Society.

Stillwater Lodge, number seven, of the Knights of Pythias, was organized under dispensation, November 80th, 1872, and under which it worked until January, 1873, when a charter was granted and a reorganization effected by the election of the following officers: E. W. Durant, P. C.; B. G. Merry, C. 0.; D. II. Hersey, V. C.; R. Lehmicke, P.; J. H. Sabin, K. of R. and S.; A. Fred¬ erick, M. E.; F. Seibold, M. F. The society is in a prosperous condition, with a membersliip of ninety. Its meetings are held on Tuesday even¬ ing of each week on Main, comer of Chestnut street. The present officers are as follows: W. II. H. Wheeler, P. C.; B. G. Merry, C. C.; Dr. W. II. Caine, V. C.; Geo. W. Culver, IV, J. C. Neth¬ away, K. of R. and 8.; W. II. Fellows, M. E.; E. Holmes, M. F.

St. Croix Lodge No. 14, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen was organized in Stillwater, July, 1876. The first Past Master Workman was M. O. A. Ricker; the next in course, M. A. Fred¬ rick, followed by O. II. Comfort, L. Sargent, II. J. Chambers, L. Proctor, M. Johnson, C. C. Reed, and A. Adams. Their present officers are: C. C. Reed, M. W.; H. J. Chambers, O.; F. E. Joy, R.; G. W. Kelly, F.; A. A. Adams, G. F.; T. II. Yaruell, R.; S. C. Morton. G.; W. Schilling, I. W.; L. C. Proctor, O. W. The meetings of the society are held every Friday eveuing. The object of the society is two-fold: that of mutual benefit, and mutual life insurance. Its growth is unprecedented in the history of secret societies. Its present membership in the United States is ninety-seven thousand, of which Minne¬ sota has a large proportion. The amount paid by this order, in the way of life insurance in the United States, in 1880, was $1,064,900, of which, Minnesota paid $34,000.

Stillwater Lodge, No. 3, of the Sons of Herman, was organized January 23d, 1876, by the German citizens of Stillwater, for mutual benefit, in connection with a life insurance department, whereby each member's family, at his death, receives $1,000. The order is said to be very wealthy. Its present officers are Edwin Heppner, president ; William Becker, vice president ; August Arndt, secretary; Joseph Tanner, treas¬ urer.

A second lodge of the same character was or¬ ganized January 11th, 1881, and known as Con¬ cordia Lodge of the Sons of Herman, No. 19. The history of this lodge will be reserved for the future. Its present officers are: Albert Drews, president; Emil Kruger vice president; Robert Gabbert, financial secretary; Albert Mellin, treas¬ urer.

The Stillwater post. No. 13, of the Grand Army of the Republic, was established by Grand Commander, II. G. Hicks, March 4th, 1868, assisted by Captain Schum, of Minneapolis. The organization was effected by the election of the following officers: W. M. May, post commander; P. E. Keefe, post adjutant; S. Bloomer, quartermaster. This post existed for two years when it was discontinued. It was re¬ organized in 1873, with Isaac Van Vleck as post commander, and lived for about one year, when it again yielded to the fate of its predeces¬ sor.

The present post was organized in 1874. The present officers are Adam Marty, provisional department commander; Samuel Bloomer, assist¬ ant adjutant general. Muller Post, No. 1, meets second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Knights of Pythias hall.

Stillwater City Hospital. The hospital asso¬ ciation was organized March 22d, 1880, under the ./ corporate name of Stillwater City Hospital. The corporators were Mrs. John McKusick, Mrs. Jas. II. Spencer, Mrs. A. B. Easton, Mrs. E. D. Tay¬ lor, Mrs. David Cover, Mrs. C. J. Butler, Mrs. J. B. Davis, Mrs. B. F. Rice, Mrs. Elam Greeley, Mrs. John G.' Nelson, Mrs. John J. Robertson, Mrs. Frank A. Seymour, all residents of the city. The officers are Mrs. John McKusick, president and superintendent; Mrs. James II. Spencer, vicepresident; Mrs. E. D. Taylor, secretary; Mrs. John S. Proctor, treasurer. The building is sit¬ uated on a half acre lot on an elevation about one and one-half miles south-west of the business center. It is two stories high with a one story wing, the main part containing the matron's room, dining room, and four rooms for patients on the first floor, steward's rooms and four for pa¬ tients on the second, the kitchen being in the wing. The establishment will accommodate fifteen patients. The largest number at one time during the past year was fourteen. The property was purchased of Henry Westing for $1,500, and about one thousand dollars spent in repairing and enlarging it. During the year past eighty-four patients have been cared for, five of these gratui¬ tously, some paying only a portion of the rates, others full rates. The nationalities of these were, German, seven; British and Canadian, twenty-two; American, twenty-eight; Scandinavians, twentyseven. There were eight deaths in tire insti¬ tution, four occurring within three days.after the arrival of the patients. Of twenty-five cases of typhoid fever treated, only one has proved fatal.

The Stillwater Library association was organ¬ ized January, 1859, with the following publicspirited ladies as officers: Mrs. W. M. McCluer, president; Mrs. E. W. Durant, secretary; Miss Carrie Denton, treasurer and librarian.

The library has occupied several locations, and is now kept at the rooms of the board of educa¬ tion on the corner of Main and Myrtle streets. Sixteeu bundled volumes are now on its shelves. II. R. Murdock, president; J. C. Rhodes, secre¬ tary; Alra. N. McCluer, treasurer; Airs. E. J. Treat, librarian.

The Washington County Bible society was or¬ ganized in 1851; Major A. Van Vorhes, treasurer. This society was organized in connection with the Minnesota Bible society, an auxiliary of the American, which had branches in the various counties. From 1851 to 1870 local agencies were maintained in nearly all the towns in the county, which have since been discontinued.

1881. W. S. Goodhue, president; J. C. Webb, vice-president; J. S. Burnell, secretary; A. C. Lull, treasurer and depositary; Rev. A. A. Kiehle, Rev. D. Tice, D. W. Armstrong, Isaac Gray and Peter Plummer, executive committee.

1879, having for its object the cultivation of sociability among members and the care of the sick. Members are admitted between the ages of eighteen and fifty years upon payment of fifteen dollars initiation fees. The regular meet¬ ings are held monthly. The officers are: Frank¬ lin Storkamp, president; Ignatius Fazendin, sec¬ retary; Louis Wolf, treasurer.

St. Ann's society; instituted in November, 1866, by the married ladies of the German Cath¬ olic church of this city. Its object is social and benevolent relations between members of the church. The membership numbers forty-five; the fees are ten cents per month. The officers are Mrs. John Smith, president; Mrs. Frederick Roesche, secretary; Mrs. Anthony Krantz, treas¬ urer.

The Young Ladies Society of the German Catholic church was organized in November, 1879, for social and literary purposes and to se¬ cure funds to furnish a library designed to pre¬ serve the German language. The members, numbering thirty-three, are young ladies belong¬ ing to the church, who are admitted upon pay¬ ment of twenty-five cents initiation fee, and ten eents per month. The regular meetings are held monthly, with Miss Minnie Roesche, president; Miss Carrie Wolf, secretary; Miss Mary Miller, treasurer.

St. Vincent de Paul conference, established October 23d, 1870, has for its object the assist¬ ance of the needy, and is under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The officers are: Rev. M. E. Murphy, spiritual director; J. O'Shaughnessy, president; Edward Flynn, vice-president; James Kelly, secretary; John Karst, treasurer.

L'etoile du Nord Lodge, number fifty-seven, I. O. G. T., was organized at Masonic hall May 17th, 1866, with twenty charter members. The cere¬ monies were conducted by State Deputy R. Gregg. The first officers were: J. N. Castle, Mrs. Kate W. Stickney, R. Lehmicke, A. C. Lull, E. F. Everett, James Gibbin, Miss Abbie Pres¬ cott, E. E. Herron. This lodge continues its regular meetings at present.

Good Templar Lodge of Stillwater. After a series of lectures delivered by Rev. John Quig¬ ley, G. W. C. T. of Minnesota, this lodge was organized by the election of the following officers

Father Matthew Temperance Society was organ¬ ized in November, 1872. The fees are one dollar for initiation and ten cents per month thereafter. The officers are: Daniel Donahue, president; J. O'Shaughnessy, secretary; M. O'Brien, treasurer.

The Y. M. C. A. of Stillwater, was organized in 1878, and is largely due to the energetic efforts of J. C. Henning. The officers are: J. C. Hen¬ ning, president; W. T. Per Lee, secretary. At first, meetings were held in the various churches, but increasing prosperity created a demand for permanent quarters, and in December, 1878, steps were taken, and funds secured for the erec¬ tion of a permanent building, which was com¬ pleted in January, 1879, at a costof one thousand dollars. The association was duly incorporated October 29th, 1878. In May, 1879, Mrs. J. L. Treat was chosen librarian. The books are mostly donated, and number about two hundred volumes. The periodicals received at the readingroom consist of twenty weeklies, four dailies, three semi-monthlies and three monthlies. The reading-room is open from eight o'clock, a. m., to nine p. m., each day. The officers are: E. Borscht, president; II . A. Rogers, secretary; A. F. Saftenberg, treasurer; Mrs. J. L. Treat, librarian.

Stillwater Temple of Honor, No. 10, was or¬ ganized in September, 1876, with about fifty char¬ ter members. In two years time it had increased to about two hundred and fifty. The fees are four dollars for initiation, and an annual charge of two dollars. Present officers are, J. C. Gard¬ ner, W. C. T.; J. II. Heisinger, W. R.; C. W. Jellison, W. T.; A. F. Saftenberg, D. G. Still¬ water Social Temple of Honor, No. 7, is an or¬ ganization, supplementary to No. 10. The name designating its object.

Northwestern Benefit Association, No. 1, a mu¬ tual aid society, was organized in September, 1879. This isa lodge of an order working chiefly in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Dakota. The lodge has a membership of one hundred and twelve mid is composed of men between tlie ages of twenty-one and fifty-Qve years. Applicants, are admitted after passing a satisfactory physical examination, upon the payment of five dollars in¬ itiation fee, and an assessment upon the death of a member. No policy exceeding $2,000 is allowed. The officers are James Connors, president; Samuel Bloomer, secretary; Julius Duel, treasurer.

Subordinate Union number one hundred and sixty-five of The Equitable Aid Union of Penn¬ sylvania, was established October 7th, 1880, with the following officers: It. W. Chambers, presi¬ dent; Myron Willim, secretary; Samuel Bloomer, treasurer. This order is a beneficiary organiza¬ tion enabling the insurance of the lives of many who would otherwise be unable to provide for their families in case of death. Every person presenting an application for a benefit is required to pay to the accountant two assessments for the benefit fund. The members are assessed a death rate from time to time proportioned to the amount of insurance carried. The officers are George Borrow man, president; Myron Willim, secretary; Samuel Bloomer, treasurer.

The Stillwater Building Association was organ¬ ized under the laws of thestate, March 31st, 1877. The object of the association was the raising of a fund which in turn was loaned to its members to assist them in the purchasing of a site and the erection of a house, which became their property by complying with the terms of the contract. The association commenced business on the 5th day of May, 1877, to continue for eighteen years on certain conditions set forth in the constitu¬ tion. The incorporators were as follows: D. M. Sabin, F. Siebold, S. W. Conrad, F. E. Joy, It. F. Ilereey, John N. Harms, J. C. Henning, L. E. Toriuus, Ernest L. Ilospes, Rudolph Lehmicke, H. W. Cannon, Theodore Jassoy, F. A. Seymour and II. R. Murdock. Its elections to be held on the 5th of May of each year. At the annual meeting, its stockholders are required to pay fif¬ teen cents on each share held, also a monthly in¬ stallment of twenty-five cents. By rules of the association the capital stock must never exceed $50,000, to be divided into five hundred shares. It began business when $2,500 of stock had been taken. Up to date four series had been issued;, the first issued May 5tli, 1877, of $2,000; second of $1,000, in 1878; third of $500, in 1879; the

The organization of the old settlers association was effected at the office of Durant, Wheeler and Company, November 17th, 1875. The following is the draft of the by-laws adopted by the asso¬ ciation:

"The undersigned residents of the territory, now state of Minnesota prior to January 1st, 1850, with the view of continuing old acquaint¬ ance, maintaining friendly relations and enabling us to keep alive the pleasant reminiscences and to preserve the history of the early settlers of the St. Croix Valley, do hereby agree to organize for such purpose and adopt as regulations for the government of our society, the following by-laws, to-wit:

2. "All males who were adults prior to Jan. 1st, 1850, and then residents of the Minnesota portion of the St. Croix Valley shall be entitled to membership in this asssociation.

4. "The first annual meeting to the held No¬ vember 17th, 1876, and thereafter on the third Wednesday of October in each year at the same place.

5. "The officers of the association shall con¬ sist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The last two offices may be held by one and the same poison, who shall be elected at the annual meeting, but shall hold their respec¬ tive offices until their successors shall be elected.

6. "The president, or in his absence the vicepresident shall preside at all meetings of the asso¬ ciation, and he shall annually appoint an execu¬ tive committee of three members, who shall have a general supervision of all affairs of the asso¬ ciation.

7. "The secretary and treasurer shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings of the association, and shall receive all moneys due the same, and pay them out upon the order of the executive committes.

8. "This association shall not be dissolved so long as three members of them shall convene at the annual reunion, and may be continued until

The following officers were elected, C. E. Leo¬ nard, of Point Douglas, president; Andrew Mackey, of Afton, vice-president; D. B. Loomis, Stillwater, secretary and treasurer: Wm. B. Dib¬ ble, of Point Douglas; J. S. Proctor and John McKusick, of Stillwater, executive committee.

Stillwater Mannerchor, a musical organization, was founded in 1875. The first officers were F. Seibold, president; Joseph A. Gunner, treasurer; Charles Spangenberg, secretary. Any person may become a member by paying two dollars initiation fee, and monthly dues of twenty-five cents. The society furnishes an instructor in vocal and instrumental music, meeting once a week for practice, and once a month for business. The officers are: II. Lahmann, president; Joseph Wolf, vice president; T. Jassoy, secre¬ tary.

The first German society organized in the city, was the Stillwater Gesangverein, or singing so¬ ciety. The founders were: Carl Scheffer, Dr. Carl Gerlicher, and Joseph E. Schlenk. At the first meeting, held January 31st, 1869, the follow¬ ing officers were elected: Louis Hospes, president; J os. Schlenk, secretary; C. Scheffer, treasurer; R. Lehmicke, musical director. The society was doing good work when the war broke out, and most of the members entering the army it was disbanded. The funds on hand, amounting to over one hundred dollars, were used in aiding volunteers and their families. The last meeting was held January 27th, 1863.

A German society was organized September 10th, 1809, under the name of Deutsclier Verein, but though it had quite a large membership dis¬ solved in 1872. The property was sold, and the proceeds, as well as the cash on hand, were di¬ vided among the members,

Stillwater Turnverein. This society was founded in 1869 by Louis Miller, who with a number of other members, enlisted in Company B, of Still¬ water, at the breaking out of the war. Miller, who had attained the rank of captain, was killed at the battle of Gettysberg. Ilis remains were brought to Stillwater, and buried by the society. Soon after this the society disbanded, and hav¬ ing about eight hundred dollars in the treasury, erected a monument over the grave of its founder, in Baytown cemetery. The second organization was effected August 23d, 1871, but disbanded April 10th, 1873, with about one hundred dollars in its treasury; re-organized in 1877, and again in 1879, with the following officers: Henry Goeck. president; C. Dreclisler, vice president; Julius Duel, secretary; N. F. Schwartz, treas¬ urer; Joseph Deering, first gymnast; William Becker, second gymnast. In 1877, the society fitted up the old Episcopal church for a ball and gymnasium, and two years later removed it to the site of the Grand Opera house, then when that building was begun it was again removed to its present location near Chestnut street.

Stillwater had. been in existence ten years before any effort was made towards the estab¬ lishment of a newspaper. Among the first thoughts of the settlers of a western town is the newspaper, which serves as a medium for the dissemination of local and foreign news, and by its circulation in eastern homes sets forth the advantages of the country and attracts immigra¬ tion. The first newspaper published in Still¬ water was "The Union," the first number of which appeared October 2d, 1864. It was pub¬ lished by a stock company consisting of Governor Holcombe, Socrates Nelson, W. H. Mower, II. N. Setzer, Thompson Parker and others. F. S. Cable and W. M. Easton were the editors and publishers. This paper was democratic in poli¬ tics; it was discontinued November 13th, 1867.

The "Stillwater Messenger" was established September 17th, 1866, under the aqspicea of A. J. Van Yorhes, editor and publisher. This is the oldest paper in the country that has had a contin¬ uous existence. In politics it has always been republican. A few months subsequent to the establishment of the paper, W. M. Easton be¬ came associated with Van Yorhes, and the part¬ nership continued until 1858, when he sold his interest to the latter who continued the manage¬ ment alone for a time. He then sold the concern to W. S. Whitmore who successfully managed the paper until October 1st, 1803. Easton and Stickney published it one year under a lease, and at the expiration of that time A. B. Easton ran it one year. Mr. Whitmore then resumed charge and conducted it until March 17th, 1808; then sold it to G. K. Shaw. One year later, Shaw sold out to Woodruff, who published the paper until 1873, when he sold to V. C. Seward and S. S. Taylor, uuder whose able management the paper has since been issued. It is an eight-column paper, and with all its changes in ownership has filled an important place in the interests of Still¬ water and Washington county.

The "Stillwater Gazette" was first issued on August 6th, 1870, published by A. B. Easton, who continued sole proprietor until the associ¬ ation with his son not long since. The growth of this paper has been constant and satisfactory from the start. It was an eight-column paper, independent in politics, devoted to general and local news and miscellaneous reading matter. For some years the printing was done on a handpress, but in 1879 Mr. Easton put in a steam power-press and enlarged the paper to nine col¬ umns. He has made the paper a success, and also does a large amount of job printing, for which the office is well fitted.

The Lumberman was established in 1875. The general desire for a party organ expressed by some of the leading republicans of Stillwater and Washington county, led to the offering of abonus for the establishment of a republican journal in this city. The offer was accepted by E. H. Fol¬ som, and he began the publication of the Stillwater Lumberman in April, 1875. The following sum¬ mer S. A. Clewell and II. A. Taylor, under the firm name of Taylor and Company took an inter¬ est in the paper and by the investment of $7,000, placed it on a sound financial basis. During that year Taylor withdrew and the establishment was moved from its quarters in the Mower block, to the Bemheimer block. In 1878, E. D. Taylor became interested in the business and shortly after, H. A. Taylor sold his interest. Since then S. A. Clewell and E. D. Taylor have continued under the name of "The Lumberman Steam Printing Company." This concern is thoroughly equipped with four power presses, latest improved ruling and paging machines, perforator and all necessary machinery for the prosecution of all kinds of work pertaining to printing, book-bind¬ ing, and engraving on wood. The Lumberman newspaper is widely circulated among the best class of readers in the St. Croix valley, and its job department in the extent of the operations, the field covered and the money value of work done, compares favorably with any job-printing house in Minnesota.

The "St. Croix Post," the only German news¬ paper in the St. Croix valley, began in 1876, un¬ der the management of W. P. Schilling and Wil¬ liam Schermuly. It began its existence in one corner of the Gazette office, and was printed on their press. After a few months removed to a room in the Union block, and from to the Bernheimer block adjoining the Lumberman office. The press work was done by the lat¬ ter concern. The paper did not prove a financial success and after a time Schilling withdrew. Schermuly removed to the Minnesota house, and with the assistance of his two daughters, pub¬ lished the paper at irregular intervals. In 1878, Julius Duel became a partner, and the office was thoroughly overhauled, anew hand-press job-press and English type for job-work added, and the paper enlarged to double its former size, appeared as an established and recognized journal. This paper has a large and steadily increasing circula¬ tion. It is a four-page eight column paper, with four-page, five column supplement, and reaches every German home in the St. Croix valley. In 1880, a stationery house was established in con¬ nection, under the title of the English and Ger¬ man Printing and Stationery House.

The dawm of educational enterprise in this city was seen in the little school taught in 1840 by Miss Sarah L. Judd, who is still living a resident of Stillwater, now well known as Mrs. A. Eldridge. The little school numbered nine pupils, and was held, it is said, in a vacant dwelling on or near what is now Union alley. Two children of Carli, three of Anson Northrup, two of Ly¬ man, one of Carmody, and a French girl whose name does not appear, constituted the entire school. While this first term was in progress a substantial and commodious school-house was building on a morass in the rear of the location of the old St. Croix house, soon after built.

teacher during the following fall and winter. It appears that the school was held over what has been known as the post-office building, on the corner of Main and Myrtle streets, during the cold weather.

Early records of schools in Stillwater, as fre¬ quently occurs in other towns, are imperfect, and for some periods wholly missing. We find, how¬ ever, the names of Miss Bishop, Miss Hosford, Miss Daily, Mr. Kingsley, C. D. Gilfillan, Mr. Watson, John J. Robinson, Mr. Waite, Mrs. J. D. McComb as early teachers, in addition to those first named. Miss Hosford is now Mrs. II. L. Moss, of St. Paul; Mr. Kingsley is now a resi¬ dent of Waseca county; C. D. Gilfillan, now of St. Paul, was elected to the state senate in 1878; John J. Robinson is now a resident of Stillwater.

A house was built in the spring of 1848, at what is the comer of Third and Olive streets, where the residence of C. J. Butler is located. This was built by private enterprise, and the use of the lot for the purpose donated by John Mc- Kusick. It was moved off, subsequently, and now forms a part of Isaac Gray's residence. A private house in Schulenburg's addition was used at the samo time for school purposes.

In 1850, the organization of the district under territorial law occurred, and this became district number one, but was changed by an act of the legislature of 1862 to number nine.

When the demands of increased numbers called for more and better accommodations, the board of education leased from Mr. Mower two unfin¬ ished rooms, up-stairs in the Mower block, for three years, agreeing to finish them in good style as consideration for their use during the term. The cost of finishing and furniture amounted to $449.80.

In the summer of 1861, after the expiration of this lease, the board purchased a small frame house on lots 11 and 12, comer of Holcombe and Abbott streets, at the cost of $1,000, and fitted it for the use of schools.

About this time Messrs. Churchill and Nelson donated four lots in block 35 to the city for school purposes, and the board erected thereon a two-story building 38x56 feet, at a cost of $3,000, which furnished four commodious school-rooms.

On the last Saturday of March, 1863, the dis¬ trict was organized as the special district of Stillwater in accordance with a special act of the legislature.

In consequence of the growth of the city in wealth and numbers during the years of activity at the close of the war, further demands for school accomodations were made.

Forced to action, the board of education planned and completed in 1869, the Central school build¬ ing, which is now an ornament to the city.

It is built with rubble walls, 53x85 feet, threestories and belfry and is substantial and com¬ modious building with eight rooms. The build¬ ing was contracted at $28,000, but, with steam heating apparatus, school-room furniture and other fittings cost not less than $45,000.

The two story building built in 1861, was re¬ moved to give place to this and was used in build¬ ing another school-house, '30x45 feet, in Carli and Schulenburg's addition, known as the Schulenburg school on a lot donated by Frederick Schulenburg; $2,700 was expended in this building.

In 1873, the high school building was erected on the west half of block 3, Government Hill. It is 55x95 feet, three-stories, with rubble walls, affording ten commodious rooms. In architec¬ ture it exhibits good taste and is an ornament to the city and monument to the enterprise of citizens. The contract price for the building was $30,000, but with steam fiting, fixtures and fur¬ niture, the entire cost was about $45,000.

In 1875, the house on lots 11 and 12, Govern¬ ment Hill was moved on lot 122, block 2, Gray and Slaughter's addition, and is now known as West Primary school. Schools are held during nine months each year. In January, 1881, eleven hundred pupils were enrolled. Board of educa¬ tion; John S. Proctor, president; John McKusick, William M. McCluer, R. A. Foyle, treasurer; Myron Shepard, clerk.

Names of teachers, grades taught and salaries for school year. High school: E. P. Frost, su¬ perintendent and principal, $1,500; Miss A. M. Taylor, first assistant, $600; Miss J. A. Smedley, second assistant, $550. Government Hill: Miss Emma E. Currie, first grammar, $550; Miss M.

A. McGrath, second grammar, $550; Isabella Hale, third grammar, $400; Clara 13. Chambers, first intermediate, $550; Miss Clara Kniffs, sec¬ ond intermediate, $400; Miss M. A. MeComb, first primary, $500; Mis. S. A. Rood, second primary, $550. Central: Mrs. A. M. Gates, first grammnr, $500; Miss C. A. Bancus, second gram¬ mar, $500; Miss E. J. Fay, third grammar, $500; S. Maggie Macartney, first intermediate, $500; Sara A. O'Brien, second intermediate, $500; Rosa O'Brien, first primary, $400; Lida A. Yorks, second primary, $450; Clara II. Willim, third primary, $860. West Primary: Miss Phoebe Greeley, $500. Scliulenburg Primary: Miss Eva Smith, 550; Miss Laura B. Dexter, vocal music, $400. Total salaries paid to teachers in all de¬ partments, $11,310.

A comparison with the report of Ariel Eldridge, clerk in 1863, will indicate the progress in educational work. Iu 1863, total pupils, 364; in 1881; 1,100. In 1868, expenses for teaching one term, ending July 24th, $375; a contrast to the amount of more than eleven thousand dollars now paid each year.

The German Catholic school was organized in 1871, and a building erected soon after, on Fifth street, between Pine and Oak. The entire cost of site, building, Sister's house and furniture, about $12,000. The school was opened with about ninety scholars, under the direction of two sisters from St. Joseph. Salary of sisters was about $65 per month for both. At present John Geolz, is teacher, with salary of $50 per month; pupils, sixty-four.

A German school was organized in the spring of 1878, at the German Lutheran church, on Third street, between Oak and Olive, with forty pupils; teacher, Jacob Siegrist. The number of pupils at present is thirty-three; teacher, Her¬ man Kunzman, salary $30 per month.

Episcopal Ascension church took its beginning in the labors of Rev. E. A. Greenleaf, missionary of the domestic board, who held the first Episco¬ pal service in the city, in June, 1846, at the house of Elam Greeley, on Main street. For about two months, services were held weekly in this house, afterward in McKusick's hall. During the year three children were baptized, and on Christmas

Rev. Greenleaf visited other points and held services at St. Croix Falls and Point Douglas during two years. His first marriage ceremony was performed in uniting John McKusick, still a respected citizen of this city, and Miss Phebe D. Greeley.

The same year, 1848, Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, who was the first missionary bishop of the North¬ west, made his first visit to this parish. Services were held at McKusick's hall, at which four can¬ didates for confirmation were presented: Mrs. Hannah Greeley, Miss Sarah Greeley, Miss Servia Greeley and Mrs. Elizabeth Harris. Rev. Green¬ leaf left Stiil water in 1848. In June, 1860, Rev. Lloyd Breck and his associates, Rev. Wilcoxson and Merrick, visited Stillwater, and during the summer held services in the Lake house, and the winter following, in the school-house.

On Ascension day, 1851, the corner stone of the first Episcopal church in Stillwater, now used as a blacksmith shop, near Dr. Carli's, was laid by Rev. Father Green, with appropriate cere¬ monies, he also delivered the address; Revs. Wil¬ coxson, Breck and Merrick were also present. The church was erected and consecrated in the summer of 1853. Bishop Kemper officiating. The first rector of this parish was Rev. Joseph A. Russell, who began his duties in May, 1865, with nineteen communicants.

Bishop Whipple, who was the first bishop o the diocese of Minnesota, made his first visit to Stillwater in I860; and during this year Mr. Rus¬ sell was succeeded by Rev. Chas. D. Clinton, who remained but six months. There seems to have been no regular pastor from this time until the spring of 1863, when Rev. Horace Hills, Jr., took charge, preaching his first sermon on the first Sunday in May of that year, continuing in the rectorship till June 0th, 1872, when he was suc¬ ceeded by Rev. Wm. Johnston, and the following year, 1878, the comer stone of a new church was laid by Bishop Welles, of Wisconsin. In April, 1875, Rev. Johnston was succeeded by Rev. Theopliilus J. Brooks. Mr. Brooks came from the Iowa diocese, and his first work was the com- pletion of the unfinished church, accomplished in four weeks, and on August 26th, 1876, the new Ascension church was consecrated, Bishop Whip¬ ple conducting the ceremonies, in the presence of a large congregation, and thirteen visiting clergy¬ men.

In the spring of 1878, Rev. Mr. Brooks resigned the rectorship of the parish. The Rev. D. D. Chapin took temporary charge in June; in Octo¬ ber he accepted the rectorship.

At the present time about one hundred families are connected with the parish and the number of communicants is about seventy-five. The parish is entirely free from debt. ft

The First Presbyterian "Church grew out of earnest missionary work of Rev. W. T. Boutwell, in 1847 and 1S48. In 1848, Rev. J. C. Whitney had charge of the mission, and December 8th, 1849, the church was organized by 'Revs. J. C. Whitney, W. T. Boutwell and E. D. Neill, with eight members: William Holcombe and wife, Cornelius Lyman and wife, Ebenezer K. Colton and wife, Mrs. Storrs Lyman and Mrs. Eliza B. Whitney. William Holcombe, Cornelius Lyman and Ebenezer K. Colton were first elders. A church was built in 1851, and a second, which is still used, in 1857, which is quite large and com¬ modious. r _

The Second Presbyterian Church was organized November 26th, 1866; Rev. J. C. Caldwell, pastor; William Holcombe, elder; James McPhail, M. II. Abbott and William Holcombe, trustees. The first church was commenced in 1857, but when nearly completed, was totally destroyed by fire. Within one week a sufficient sum was subscribed to enable the trustees to replace the building de¬ stroyed. Ground had previously been purchased of Churchill and Nelson, on which a small build¬ ing was erected, which was afterwards remodeled and made suitable for a parsonage. In April, 1869, Rev. Caldwell resigned, and Rev. J. Coch¬ ran was elected, succeeded in 1873 by Rev. A. J. McGowan until 1876. After an interim of one year, Rev. P. C. Emerson took the charge. He resigned after one year. Since then no service has been held in the church, and nearly all its members have united with the First Presbyterian.

bis successful ministration this church has in¬ creased in strength until now it numbers two hundred and fifty members, and sustains a Sun¬ day school with two hundred and fifty scholars, of which W. S. Goodhue is superintendent The church is located on the comer of Third and Myrtle streets, which is now outgrown, and will doubtless soon give place to one more commo¬ dious.

The Methodist Episcopal church dates its be¬ ginning from a society formed by Rev. James Harrington in 1850. Services were discontinued in consequence of the death of Rev. Harrington and the records were lost.

The church was regularly organized November 10th, 1863, with six members, by Rev. Thomas M. Fullerton. Of the original members Mrs. J. T. Anderson alone survives. The first quarterly meeting was held November 12th and 13th, 1856, by Rev. David Brooks. The first church was begun in 1854 at a cost of about $1,300, and was dedicated November 19th, 1856. It was 24x33 feet, located on Myrtle street between Second and Third. William Cover, John Allibone, Benja¬ min F. Hoyt, Nathaniel McLean and James T. Fullerton, trustees.

This church was enlarged and repaired in 1862. The present one was built in 1870 on lot seven¬ teen, block nineteen, fronting on Third street. It is a frame building 36x60, costing $3,000, neatly furnished, calcimined and carpeted. Rev. Henry J. Shaffer was at that time pastor, and the membership was forty-three.

A parsonage was built in 1874 at a cost of $1,200. Present membership, one hundred and thirty-nine. Prof. E. P. Frost, J. S. Anderson, W. W. Young, Isaac Staples, L. W. Eldred, Jacob Bean, George B. Davidson, Thomas Moir and II. II. Chase, trustees. Rev. David Tice, pastor.

Swedish Methodist Episcopal church. The organization was effected July 27th, 1880, mainly through the efforts of Rev. C. S. Carlander. The society consisted of eleven members when first organized. Services were held in the Methodht Episcopal church of this city, and afterwards at the Young Men's Christian Association hall, but the society has now secured the use of the Pres¬ byterian church in which to hold services. The present pastor is Rev. O. F. Liustrom, and the

Catholic. Church of St. Michael was organ¬ ized in 1852, with a very small congregation, and a building erected during the same year, Father Fisher in charge, who was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Murray. In 1870, Rev. Maurice Murphy ! was assigned to the church and still continues. The congregation is evidently the largest in the city.

The church of St. Mary, German, was organ¬ ized in 1865, with eighteen families, under the jurisdiction of Rev. Aloysius Pint. The old Presbyterian church between Myrtle and Mul¬ berry streets was purchased, and a house for the priest built on an adjacent lot. The cost of the church, repairing, and priest's house, was about |4,800. The present numlter of families belonging to the parish is alxmt sixty, under the charge of Rev. Willebrod Mahowald, O. S. 11.

The IJniversalist society dates its organization June 1st, 1861, when a constitution was adopted and signed by altout twenty-five members, Oliver Parsons, president; M. S. Willard, secretary and treasurer; John S. Proctor, Z. II. Foss, Charles O. Farrar, trustees.

June 6th, 1868, the society was incorporated; M. S. Willard, James S. Davis and Edward Capron, trustees; A. A. Capron, secretary and treasurer. Meetings were then held in a room known as Armory hall.

July 26th, 1870, it was determined to build, and a building committee appointed, who pro¬ ceeded so rapidly with their work, that the walls of the church were up and a vestry finished for service December 18th, 1870, at an expense of #7,751.50, and the society requested the com¬ mittee of fellowship and discipline to confer ordination on their pastor, Rev. George Adams. The church proper was completed and dedicated December 2d, 1880, at an additional expense of about #6,000. A l>ell was added worth #500, provided by the will of the late General IJersey. The church edifice, built of stone is in durability, convenience, comfort, beauty of finish, acoustic properties and other api>ointments, much the most desirable in the county.

thony. Revs. Barnes, Adams, Bisbee, Bowen, King, Porter, Ilaskell, Marvin, Harrington, have also either supplied orl>een pastors of the church. The present pastor Rev. W. II. Harrington holds the appointment of chaplain of the state prison, The present officers are: Hon. John S. Proctor, president; Orris E. Lee, secretary; F. E. Joy, treasurer; A. S. Gillespie, George Low and R. II. Pendergast, trustees.

The German Lutheran church was built mul dedicated in 1871. The organization had been made during the same year, and embraced twentyfive families. In 1873, Jacob Siegrist took charge, at which time fifty families were embraced in the parish. In 1881, this number has increased to one hundred and twenty, and the entire con¬ gregation numbers over six hundred, and is, ex¬ cepting the one at St. Paul, the largest in the synod. The church is located on Third street, lietweet Oak and Olive. The school-room is in the Imsement.

The Swedish Lutheran was legally organized in 1871, with twenty-eight communicants, and the same year a church edifice was built on the comer of Olive and Fourth streets, 30x50 feet. Rev. J. Auslaml in charge, united to his charge at St. Paul. This joint arrangement continued until 1877, when Rev. A. F. Tornell took charge; numlier of communicants at that time was, one hundred and seven. In 1881, the memliership is 217, and the entire parish number three hundred and fifty. Charles Thelande, N. P. Nelson, P. Liljegren, Gust. Holcomb, A. Magnuson andN. P. Krantz, deacons; John Ilallen, Gust. Holcomb and Charles Ilolcomb, trustees.

Cemetery. Before any location had been chosen for a burial place, two grown persons and two children were buried not far north of the old Tamarack house. By common consent of the early settlers, the lot of ground on the bluff, near the comer of Third and Myrtle streets, was used as a burial ground. Oscar F. Strickland was the first person buried in this place, al>out the 1st of October, 1844. After about twenty interments, the citizens concluded the locatioivwas not favor¬ able for the health of the village. After some consideration on the part ol' the officers of the village a burying ground was located in what is now known as block three of the original survey of the city, and the bodies interred in the first burying ground were removed to it. A Mr. Brown who died at the Northrop house, was the first person buried in this cemetery. These grounds were used for burial purposes till 1867, when the present cemetery grounds were pur¬ chased by an association known as the "Fair View Cemetery Association." This association was organized November Oth, 1807, under the revised statutes of Minnesota, by the election of nine trustees, L. It. Commau, Isaac Staples, George M. Seymour, David Bronson, William M. May, Abraham Van Vorhes, Samuel M. Regis¬ ter, William Holcombe and W. E. Thome. The following officers were elected: Abraham Van Vorhes, president; L. R. Cornman, secretary, and W. E. Thorne, treasurer. The grounds were pur¬ chased of W. B. Palmer, and are located in sec¬ tion thirty-three, township thirty, range twenty, west, on the corner of Fourth and Orleans streets, the grounds were surveyed and platted by A. Van Vorhes, county surveyor, completed August 1st, 1868, and accepted by the trustees on the 26th day of August, 1868. At a regular meeting of the city council, December 3d, 1872, an order was issued to remove the bodies from the old ceme¬ tery on or before the 15th day of May, 1873. A Mr. B. Barker was secured to do the necessary work. The city purchased a portion of block five of Secrest and I'erro's addition to South Still¬ water, in April, 1873, for a Potter's field, to which the remains of the i>oor and strangers were removed, by the authority of the city council, from the old cemetery grounds. These grounds arc neatly kept, affording a pleasant spot for the people of Stillwater and adjacent country to bury their dead.