Lake City City (part 2 of 3)

The north side of town was the next visited, and again it was a gi-ainhouse, this time upon the tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. The Boston elevator was the fated structure this time, which was discovered to be on fire about three o'clock on the morning of March 12, 1875. The origin of this fire is also involved in mystery. It was first discovered by the watchman, breaking out overhead in the ofiice, and doubtless originated in the end of the elevator adjoining the engine-room. The watchman, who was sleeping in the building at the time, found the fire had gained too much headway to leave any hope of saving the building. This elevator was built in the season of 1873 by a company of Boston capitalists, who had become interested in the future of the city. It was the most conspicuous building on the town site, was thoroughly constructed, well supplied with the best machinery for cleaning and elevating grain, and cost when finished about twenty thousand dollars. The insurance on building and machinery was twelve thousand five hundred dollars. There was a large amount of wheat in store at the time the fire occurred, probably about sixty-five thousand bushels ; nearly one-third of this was saved in a damaged condition. Insurance upon grain was sixty thousand five hundred dollars. The company ]jromptly adjusted all claims of farmers for wheat stored and resumed business in a rented storeroom, pending the erection of a new elevator. The smoke of this fire had hardly cleared from the sky, when the cry of fire again resounded upon the night air ; this time a little nearer the business of the heart of the city, and among its manufacturing industries. Tliis fire occurred not quite two weeks after the destruction of the Boston elevator. The fire broke out March 25, 1875, at the corner of Franklin and Center streets, in the large wooden building occupied by J- H. Emery as a blacksmith-shop. The wind was blowing a moderate breeze from the east, right in the direction of the other shops in the block, and the hotels on the other side of Lake avenue, kept by Messrs. Neal and Sexton, which were so seriously threatened that tlieir destruction was regarded certain. The fire next spread to John Dobner's wagon and blacksmith shop, and then took in A. N". Curtis' carriage-making establishment, which, with Neal's barns with their contents in the rear of the shops, were totally destroyed. The fire had now reached Lake avenue, just across which were the hotels. Here a determined opposition to the further progress of the fire was made by the volunteer pail brigade, and after a heroic fight, in which men were completely exhausted and many burned, the fire was prevented crossing the street. The aggregate losses were in the vicinity of ten thousand dollars, upon which there was little insurance. Mr. Emery's loss was five hundred dollars, in tools ; no insurance. The building he occupied was owned by David Timmerman, of Utica, Xew York, and was insured for twelve hundred dollars, about one-half its value. Mr. Dobner's loss, mostly in seasoned material and manufactured stock, aggregated six thousand dollars ; insui-ed for eighteen hundred dollars. A. N. Curtis' loss was fifteen hundred dollars; no insurance. Neal's barn, insured for four hundred dollars ; loss above insurance, five hundred dollars. As before said, these fires, following so soon one upon the heels of the other, awakened public attention to the need of an eflicient fire department, and its speedy organization was the result. The fire department had been organized a little over three and a half years when it was called to battle with the most destructive fire that had heretofore visited the city, and whose ravages were not stayed (owing to an unfortunate circumstance over which the department had no control) until the First National Bank building, a brick structure, corner of Center and Washington streets, and seven wooden buildings were laid in ashes, involving a total loss of nearly seventy-five thousand dollars, about one-third of which was covered by insurance. The origin of the fire was never definitely ascertained. The flames were seen in the back part of J. E. Favrows' store, and spread rapidly in every direction. The alarm was given about one o'clock OTi the morning of November 16, 1879. The fire department was ])romptIy an hand, and a telegrapli despatch for aid was sent to Ked Wing, which, owing to delays on train, did not reach here until about four o'clock, by which time the work of destruction was as complete as it was likely to be. The new arrivals did good service in cooling off safes and quenching the smouldering flames, for which the exhausted firemen of the city were deeply grateful. The fire gained headway through a whole hour, in which the fire engine was rendered absolutely useless by the supply pipe becoming chf)ked with sand. About three years before the tire, after the other fire cisterns had been completed, it was deemed expedient to provide a water supply near the corner of Center street and Lake avenue, which would save about one hundred and fifty yards of hose connection with the lake in case of fii'e in the eastern or southeastern part of the city. The well was dug in the low ground east of Neal & Johns, to a point considerably below that to which the water would rise through the sand in case of extreme low water in the lake. This well was not cemented on the bottom, and the suction of the steamer's supply pipe drew the sand into this pipe and into the engine pumps, completely choking the engine, in fact packing it solid with sand and rendering it absolutely useless. During the hour spent in getting ready for even such work as in its damaged condition it could perform, the fire made fearful headway, sweeping round the cornei" of Washington street, and making clean work of evei-ything between the bank corner and the heavy stone and brickwork of Patton ct Son's stoi-e. The fire on Center street was not so destructive, and its progress was checked by the pail brigade and Babcock extinguishers so effectively that only one wooden building on the street adjoining the bank was burned down. Others were damaged, and stocks of goods so materially injured as to involve almost total loss ; but the progress of the fire was stayed without spreading through the block to Main street. With the exception of the bank building, the structures consumed were wooden, and old city landmarks, representing the early palatial stores of pioneer days ; and in their destruction some old relics were forever swept out of existence, the original Masonic and Odd-Fellows' halls among others. The First National Bank block was the pride of the city. It was erected in 1873 on the south corner of Center and Washington streets (the streets all running diagonally to points of compass). The bank was on the corner, with stores on Center and Washington streets.

These stores were the property of the then casliier and jiresident, respectively, L. S. Van Vliet and L. H. Gerrard. It was built of Milwaukee white pressed brick, iron columns, galvanized iron cornice, white draped stone caps, sills and trimmings, plate-glass windows, etc. The banking office was elegantly finished with solid black-walnut counters, desks, doors and casings, and was a model bank oflice. J. E. Favrow, who sufl'ered so seriously in the fire of 1872, in the adjoining block on the south, was this time completely wiped out. The " Sentinel " office was so completely consumed that not a shooting-stick even was saved. The law oifice of Stocker & Matchan, over the bank, with its library, was consumed, including account books, old journals, etc. The losses of building were : First National Bank, seventy-five hundred dollars ; Van Vliet's 6z Gerrard's store, seven thousand dollars ; and the store of Peter Beck, H. C. Bronco, S. Lindgreen, Mrs. A. W. Ditmars, D. C. Corwin, H. L. Halsey and George Patton, each valued at from twelve hundred to two thousand dollars. The value of the buildings destroyed was about twenty-five thousand dollars, upon which there was an insurance of nine thousand five hundred dollars. The damage to buildings not burned was probably not more than fifteen hundred dollars, and upon these there was ample insurance to cover all loss. The heaviest losses in merchandise and other stock, fixtures, etc., were: J. E. Favrow & Co., sixteen thousand dollars, insured for four thousand dollars ; H. D. Brown, printing-office, ten thousand dollars, insured for fifty-five hundred dollars ; Stocker & Matchan, law library and furniture, sixty-five hundred dollars, insured for seventeen hundred dollars ; Henry Miller, druggist, five thousand dollars, insured for fifteen hundred dollars ; E. M. Everson, twenty-five hundred dollars, fully insured ; S. Lendgreen, two thousand dollars, no insurance. The total loss on buildings was about twenty-seven thousand dollars, on stocks forty-eight thousand dollars ; upon the former of which there was an insurance of eight thousand seven hundred and fifteen dollars, and on the latter of seventeen thousand seven hundred and forty-five dollars. The morning light of Monday had scarcely broken before the debris was being cleared away and preparations made for rebuilding and resuming trade. These fires, disastrous as they were, and severely felt as they must have been in a town of twenty-six hundred population, were so completely overshadowed by the calamity of 1882, that the plucky business men of the city are wont to say, "We never had but one fire here that amounted to anything, and that was in 1882, when we were all wiped out clean as with a sponge." This tire, technically known as the "great tire," originated in an unused room of the old Sexton House on the Point, which was discovered to be in flames at about two o'clock on the morning of Saturday, April 22, 18S2. The wind was blowing a fierce gale from the lake, and carrying the flames into the old wooden rookeries in that part of town, sheds, barns, etc., fanned them into a roaring conflagration, and swept the cinders, shingles and burning material of all kinds right over the western and northern parts of the town, threatening the whole with speedy destruction. The workmen in Neal & John's establishment saved that manufactory by almost superhuman exertions, and thus prevented the spread of the flames across the block to the west, and no doubt saving the blocks between Washington and Franklin streets, on the west of Center. The wagonshops of Curtis & Richardson Bros. & Co. were speedily wrapped in flames, which almost instantly leaped across the street to John Dobner's blacksmith-shop, and to the buildings on the east side of Washington, between Center and Marion ; all of which, though good substantial brick structures, were consumed. Nothing was left standing thus far from the starting point of the fire east of Washington, between Center and the lake, except the big warehouse just across Marion street. Crossing Washington street, Sam Lindgreen's saloon, and the other brick buildings on that side of the block from the First National Bank to Patton's block, were soon in flames, which swept across Center sti'eet, through the wooden structures on the northeast corner of Center and Washington, moving down both sides of Center to Main, and leaving nothing standing in its track. Leaping across Main street, it swallowed up the fine brick stores of C. P. Young & Bro.; and on the north side of Center street, carrying destruction with it as far as the building of the Lake City Fui-niture Company, which was destroyed. The buildings on the lower side of Center street, between Washington and Main streets, were all destroyed except the lower corner room of the Lake City Bank building, a fine three-story structure, in which was the postoffice. The fire had quickly spread over the entire block bounded by Main, Center, Washington and Lyon streets ; the fierce gale blowing the flames in a due westerly course diagonally through the block and across the corner of Lyon and Main streets to the Commercial hotel, which, having been destroyed, the destruction was stayed in that quarter for lack of material. The efforts of the firemen were principally dii-ected to saving the block bounded by Center, Washington, Lyon and Franklin streets, in which was the Merchants' hotel, an immense three-story wooden structure. The burning of this block would in all probability have involved the destruction of the entire northwestern portion of the city, as far down as Center point, as the wind was blowing a perfect gale, and buildings were taking fire several blocks from the center of the conflagration, fired by the burning shingles which were whirled blazing through the air, only to fall on some dry roof and kindle it into a blaze. The firemen made a stand at Richardson's corner, where their brick building interposed some obstruction to the progress of the flames through the block ; and though several times on fire, as were also the other buildings of the block, the catastrophe that would have followed their burning was averted by the heroic exertions of the citizens, who had turned out en masse to save the town ; many of them so intent on fighting fire at its very center that their own properties were consumed before they were aware of the fact. Another stand was made against the progress of the flames at the wooden saloon on the Main street side of the National Bank Building block, as, had that building gone, nothing could have saved the block across the street, and its destruction would have involved the center of the residence portion of the city, including all the church buildings. The eflforts in both cases were finally successful, and the fire was finally stayed after sweeping through six blocks, the best business blocks of the city, in which scarcely a structure of any kind remained to tell the awful story of destruction. So complete was the work of annihilation, and so serious the losses sustained, that many seriously doubted the practicability of rebuilding the city. All that remained standing was the row of brick stores on the northwest of Lyon avenue, and the block on the northeast of Washington street and northwest of Center street. It would be utterly useless to attempt to specify the losses on either buildings or goods. There were about fifty buildings burned, involving a loss of property in structures and contents, as nearly as can be ascertained, of at least three hundred and seventy thousand dollars, upon which there was an insurance of about one hundred and seventy-eight thousand dollars. Of this amount, however, considerable proportion was insurance on damaged goods, and partially destroyed or damaged buildings ; so that the loss may be fairly said to have been about one-third covered by insurance. Thus, within a period of less than ten years, destructive fires had three times ravaged the business center of the city, involving a loss of over half a million dollars in a small town of about twenty-six hundred population. The grit of the little city was fully apparent in this calamity. The common council met immediately, and, refusing all applications for permits to erect temporary wooden structures, extended the fire limits to the lake shore, upon which the fire had originated. Monday evening, following the destruction of Saturday, an enthusiastic meeting of the board of trade was held, and it was apparent tliat the enterprise and courage of the city was by no means in ashes, if the buildings of the city were. Capt. Seeley, the city postmaster, on the alarm of tire, left his own household goods to destruction, and used all his exertions to save the mails and records of his oflice, in which he was successful ; all letters, papers and office records being safely removed. The First National Bank were at work immediately, and resumed business in a building they put up on a corner across Center street from their own property. Work upon tlie bank corner was immediately begun, and the structure was soon ready for occupancy. The Lake City Bank moved into the reading-room in the Merchants' Hotel, and resumed. Their first business after the fire was to receive a deposit for three hundred dollars from A. P. Merrell, of Maiden Rock. The Masonic fraternity lost all their furniture, including their records, the latter a serious loss. The destruction f)f the valuable museum of Dr. Estes was much to be deplored. Its collection had been the work of a lifetime ; and, besides containing curiosities of very rare and valuable character, many of them impossible to duplicate, the Doctor's manuscripts and notes, the work of years, and which it was his intention to have given to the public in permanent form, were all destroyed, leaving him, in his own pathetic words, " Not a scrap of my life work ; not a scrap, sir." Tliis was a loss not to be computed in dollars and cents. The burned district has to a great extent been rebuilt, and the business of the city goes on its prosperous way, in the earnest hope that, having been tried so as by fire, it may henceforth escape the destructive ordeal.

Fiee Depaetsient

Lake City had no regularly organized fire department until three years after her actual incorporation as a city. Several narrow escapes from disastrous confiagrations had warned the citizens of the possible danger to the business center of the city, unprotected as they were against any serious fire that might break out in the more densely-built portions of the city ; but the danger passing, the matter was lost sight of. On the night of March 25, 1875, a fire whicli broke out on the corner of Center and Franklin streets, and for a time very seriously threatened all the lower portion of the town, reawakened the interest of the citizens in fire protection. This fire, which destroyed ten thousand dollars" worth of property, following close upon that of the twelfth of the same month, when the Boston elevator was burned, and which involved the destruction of sixty thousand dollars' worth, very forcibly aroused the public attention to the imperative necessity of organizing and maintaining an efiicient fire department. The matter was at once taken hold of energetically, and petitions numerously signed were presented to tlie council, asking for the immediate creation of a fire department, as authorized by cliapter 4, section .38, of the city charter. This petition came before the new council at its first regular meeting after the spring election in 1875, and Messrs. Fowler and Farrow were appointed the council's committee on fire department. The petition was referred to this committee, who were also instructed to negotiate for the purchase of a steam fire-engine, hose and necessary equipments. At a special meeting, held April 16, a proposition was received from Samuel McDowell, of Seneca Falls, New York, to furnish the city with one of Silsby's patent rotary steam tire-engines, third size, two hose-carts, fifteen hundred feet of hose, and all the equipments necessary to operate it successfully, for seven thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ; terms, twelve hundred and fifty dollars cash, the balance to be paid in three equal yearly installments of two thousand dollars each, bonds to bear interest at ten per cent. This proposition was accepted by the council, and the engines and apparatus ordered, with tlie understanding that they were to be shipped within three weeks. Tlie council also passed an ordinance providing for the organization of a fire department, to consist of one engine company of forty men, two hose companies and a hook and ladder company, to consist of thirty men each. W. A. Doe, L. S. Van Vliet and I. S. Eichardson were appointed a committee to enlist suitable members for the companies, and to call a meeting for organization so soon as twenty raembei-s were received for eacli company. Saturday, May 1, 1875, the companies met and perfected their organizations. Meeting was held in the Academy of

Music hall, with L. S. Van Vliet in the chair, and H. E. Humphrey, secretary. G. D. Post was elected chief engineer of the department and the various companies organized, as follows :

The hose company organized, and elected for ofiicei-s : F. W. Seeley, foreman and president ; W. A. Doe, assistant foreman and vice-president ; M. P. Stroup, secretary ; I. S. Richardson, treasurer. The following were the enrollment as members : I. S. Richardson, W. A. Doe, M. C. Humphry, Jr., C. E. Gate, R. Hanish, G. W. Mossman, M. P. Stroup, F. L. Kopplen, N. E. Stringham,W. H. Dilley, G. D. Post, Henry Selover, Henry Dwelle, G. N. Tupper, W. J.' Halin, J. B. Hawiey, O. K Smith, F. W. Seeley, Joseph Harley, H. L. Smith, Francis Jenks, L. Lutz, R. H. Brown, Frank Whitcher, Chas. Sargeant, Dan'l Crego, Wm. M. Sprague, E. M. Baldwin and James Gillett.

Within three weeks the hose company had received an additional enlistment of twenty-six members. The new engine arrived on the 14th of May, and the trial test was made on the afternoon of Saturday, the 22d of that month. The day was made almost a general holiday. The mayor of Red Wing headed a delegation from that city. The chief engineer of the Winona fire department and his assistant, and others from neighboring towns put in an ap]3earance. The "department" was out in force. The engine was stationed near the pond in the vicinity of Doughty & Neal's wagonshop, and four hundred and fifty feet of hose were quickly laid up Center to WJishington, and around the corner in front of Richardson Bros' store. In three and a half minutes from lighting the fire, with cold water in the boilers, the steam-gauge indicated five pounds of steam, which was rapidly increased, until at the end of seven and a lialf minutes tlie pi-essiire was thirty -five pounds, and water was running from the nozzle of the hose. "With ninety pounds of steam, a stream was thrown up the street two hundred and twent}'- seven feet through a one and one-eighth inch nozzle, and also to the height of one hundred and twenty-five feet. More hose was attached and extended up Center street to the corner of Main, and a stream thrown completely over a three-stoi-y building on the upper side of the street. A second line of hose, each was seven hundred and fifty feet, was attached, and both streams were thrown over the building, and with a branch section the three streams were thrown one hundred and sixty feet in a horizontal direction. Then a single line of hose, fifteen hundred feet long, was run up to the Episcopal church, and a stream forced over the spire and up to the height of one hundred and twelve feet from the ground. The test was pronounced satisfactory by the council in special session on the following Thursday, and the papers were duly made out. Lake City had at last secured what so man}' of her citizens had long desired - a good, serviceable tire engine, and many breathed freer, feeling their property was, at least to some extent, reasonably secure.

At the first regular meeting of the council, in May of this year, the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars was appropriated for the purchase of a lot on the southeast side of Center street, between Oak and High streets, upon which to erect an enginebuilding, and the fire committee were instructed to purchase the same. Steps were also taken for the building of cisterns in necessary locations for water supply, and the council's committee on fire department given charge of the matter. A committee visited La Crosse, Wisconsin, for the purpose of securing information concerning the character of the cisterns needed, and reported their conclusion to be in favor of brick cisterns, as the only reliable ones in this soil. The council's fire committee reported bids for building three cisterns, of dimensions according to specifications drawn b}' J. B. Hawley. The contract was awarded to Dix & Bonney, as the lowest bidders, for seventeen hundred and eight}- dollars. Not long afterward, G. W. Thayer was awarded contract for erecting an engine-house for fire-steamer and hose-carts, building to be 20X50. The fi-ont thirty feet to be used as an engine-room, the rear twenty for council-room ; contract price, six hundred and thirty dollars. The cisterns were located as follows : The main cistern, with a capacity of one thousand barrels, at the intersection of Center and High streets ; two others, each having a capacity of live hundred barrels, one at the intersection of Garden and Dwelle streets, the other at the intersection of Oak and Doughty streets. A very sad accident occurred duiing the excavation for the cistern at the corner of Garden and Dwelle streets, by the caving in of the walls, owing to the lack of care in stoning up the walls. The men were repeatedly warned of the danger, but did not deem the alarm necessary and continued at work, until by the sudden caving in of the walls they were buried alive. Their names were A. H. Sandford and Benjamin Kramer. They were both taken out dead, Mr. Kramer after two hours' work, Mr. Sandford about seven hours after the accident. There is another water reservoir, which is more a well than a cistern, at the rear of Messrs. Neal & Johns' manufactory, on Center street, and from these the city has quite an ample wat^r supply, well distributed. Improvements, in the shape of hose-tower, hook and ladder company's apparatus, etc., have been added from time to time, until today the city has quite a comfortable city building and engine-room. The old engine-house has had a story added within the past year, the hose-tower has been increased in height, and now the departments are well supplied with places for meeting as well as apparatus for extinguishing tires. The city building as now standing is a conveniently-arranged two-story structure, 20x50, with a hose-tower, 12x12 feet at the base, rising fifty-six feet above the ground. The lower story of the city building is devoted to the storage of the engine, hose-carts, hook and ladder truck, coal-truck, and appliances. The engine is in excellent condition, under the care of chief engineer H. Gillette, and can get ready for business, under a full head of steam, within ten minutes of lighting the torches. The engine-room has a supply pipe for furnishing hot water to the boilers in cold weather, greatly expediting the woi-k of getting uj) steam. There is also an excellent forcepump for the protection of the city building, with hose attached. through which water can be instantly turned on any part of the building. The hose-tower has a tank conveniently ari-anged for cleaning hose, and both tower and engine-room are supplied with abundant heating apparatus for winter use, in thawing out and drying hose and apparatus. The hose-reels are supplied with about twenty-five hundred feet of good hose, on the two carts known as Nos. 1 and 2. The hook and ladder trucks are furnished with one forty-foot ladder, one thirty-five feet, one thirty feet, and some shorter ones ; and also with twenty-four good fire-buckets. There are four Babcock extinguishers in the building, and all kept in perfect order, ready for any emergency that may arise. The upper story, which is reached by a broad, covered stairway on the outside of the building, is the city hall. Here the council holds its sessions, public meetings of the citizens are convened here, the engine and hose companies use it for firemen's hall, and it is just what it purports to be - the city's hall. It is comfortably warmed, lighted and seated, and from it emanate the decrees of the city fathers for the government of the little municipality.

Engine company : James H. Gillett, engineer ; Ed. J. Collins, treasurer. Hose company : Ed. Tupper. foreman ; Frank Peirce, assistant foreman and secretary ; L. P. Follett, treasurer. Hook and Ladder company : H. McMillan, foreman ; Sumner David, assistant foreman ; Frank Adams, secretary ; F. Schindler, treasurer.

Presbyterian. - The first Presbyterian church of Lake City was organized December 31, 185fi, with Rev. Silas Hazlett as acting pastor, and B. C. Baldwin, A. V. Sigler and Mrs. Hazlett as members. B. C. Baldwin and A. V. Sigler were elected elders.

For nearly a year and a half the church held union services with the Congregationalists, in the old Congregational church erected by the contributions of both societies, the pastors of the two churches alternating in the services. In 1858 the Presbyterian church i-ented what was then known as Skinner's Hall. This was in the third story of a store-building situated on lot 2, block 14, fronting on Washington street. In 1859 the church erected their church edifice on lots 4 and 5, block 58, which had been presented to the society by Mr. Samuel Doughty. These lots are now occupied by the residence of Mr. Charles E. Crane. The church-building, which originally cost nine hundred dollars, was removed in 1863 to its present location on High street, just north of Lyon avenue, and in 1876 was repaired and enlarged at an additional cost ot eight hundred and fifty dollars.

In 1862 the trustees purchased lot 1, block 56, and erected their present parsonage at a cost of eight hundred dollars, and in 1878 it was enlarged and repaired at a further cost of six hundred and fifty dollars.

The total number of members received into the church since its organization has been one hundred and ninetj'-seven, and of these one hundred and three were received upon the profession of their faith in Jesus Christ. The total baptisms during these years have been one hundred and four. The present membership is sixty.

The names of the pastors who have successively served the church, in the order of their service, are : Revs. Silas Hazlett, Porter H. Snow, William Speer, D.D., John Valeen, John A. Annin, Hugh W. Todd, John L. Howell, James M. Pryse, W. J. Weber, Samuel Wyckolf, and J. W. Ray, the present incumbent.

The Sunday school was organized on January 1, 1860, with A. T. Guernsey as superintendent, who held the office eighteen years, since which time the following persons have held the position : Oliver Jones, who was superintendent two years, and Messrs. J. B. McLean, S. M. Emery and Wra. Wilson, who have each held the office one year, the last-named gentleman now serving his second term, having been re-elected recently.

Sivedlsh Lutheran. - The Swedish Lutheran church, in this cit}-, was organized October 10, 1869, at a convocation called for that purpose, the Rev. P. Sjoblom, of Red Wing, presiding. The original number of communicants was forty-five, prominent among whom were Messrs. L. A. Hockanson, G. F. Edholm, A. E. Edholm, P. Sundberg, G. Erickson and others. Services were conducted for a time by two lay preachers, L. A. Hockanson and A. G. Westlong, and the congregation was ministered to at intervals by Rev. P. Sjoblom, of Red Wing, Rev. J. Fremling, of Stockholm, Wisconsin, and Rev. J. Wagner, of Svea, Wisconsin. In 1879 the congregation secured the services of the Rev. S. A. Lindholm, who also ministered to churches at Millville and Minneiska. Until the year 1875 the congregation worshiped sometimes in a small hall, at other times in the Presbyterian or Baptist churches of this city, which were kindly opened for their accommodation. In 1875 a small church, 26x40 feet, was built and neatly furnished. This building stands on the upper side of Sixth street, three blocks northwest of Lyon avenue ; and facing it on the opposite of Sixth, a commodious parsonage was built in 1881, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The Sunday school, in connection with the church, organized in

1S73, has always been maintained in a flourishing condition. Its superintendent for many years was Mr. F. Sundburg : the present superintendent is O. Chinberg. The present membership of the congregation is about eighty -tive, recent removals having led to a very material decrease. A very efficient Ladies' Society has been working within the church organization for several years, collecting money for church and missionary purposes. They meet the third Friday in each month, and during the year 1883 contributed one hundred and eighteen dollars toward the six hundred and seventyfive dollars raised bj^ the congregation.

The present officers are Eev. L. A. Lindholm, pastor ; Mr. Ed. Edliolm, secretary ; Mr. Nils Peterson, treasurer ; deacons, F. Sundberg, A. Anderson, G. Erickson, O. Chinberg ; trustees, A. E. Edholm, Mis Hallin, Chas. Chinberg.

St. Mary's Catholic Church. - The fii-st religious services held in Lake City in connection with the Catholic church were in 1857, in which year Father Auster conducted services in the house of John Moran, in the vicinity of the brick schoolhouse in the first ward. This was the first Catholic service ever held in the place, and though no church building was erected until seven years afterward, regular ministrations at the hands of Father Auster were enjoyed until his departure from the parish in 1860. During these years and subsequently, until the old church was built, the congregation worshiped from house to house and in public halls, particularly AVilliamson's, in which services were held longer than in any other one place. To Father Auster succeeded Father Tisot, in 1860, remaining four years. In 1866 the old church was erected, on Center street, one block nearer the lake than the railway tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. Tliis was a substantial frame building, about 36x60 feet, and in this the church continued to hold services, until 1873, when the church lots were sold and property bought farther down town. The new property consists of an entire block, bounded by Lyon avenue. Center, Prairie and Garden streets. Upon this site the old frame church was moved, refitted for service and occupied until 1877, when it was converted into a school-building for the use of the parish school. Father Tisot was followed by Father Trobec, the present parish priest at Wabasha, in 1865, and he in turn by Father Hermon, in 1868, who continued in charge until 1875. It was during his ministry that the old church was removed to the present eligible and central location.

father Quinn became parish priest in 1875, upon the removal ot Father Hermon, and remained in charge until his failing health compelled him to seek rest in a more congenial climate. He accordingly crossed the seas and took up his residence in France, but the vital energies were too severely taxed to respond to tlie call, and he died shortly after reaching France. He was an earnest and indefatigable worker, and it was largely owing to his energetic efforts that the beautiful church structure on the corner of Lyon avenue and Garden street was constructed. The present church edifice, erected in 1S77 at a total cost of sixteen thousand dollars, is much tlie finest church structure in the city. It faces fift}' feet on Lyon avenue, and has an extreme length of one hundred and sixteen feet along Garden street, including the sacristy, which is 16x53. The building is a substantial brick structure, stone foundations, water-table, caps, sills and trimmings. The side walls are twenty-two feet in height, and the top of the cross is one hundred and sixty-one feet above the sidewalk. It is finished inside to the roof, and seated to accommodate about six hundred. There is room, however, for quite a number of additional pews, and the seating capacity- may be easily extended to eight hundred if desired. The church is an ornament to the cit}-, and its spire can be seen from almost all parts of Lake Pepin, rising above every surrounding object in its vicinity. Father Quinn was succeeded by Father Riley, a young man who remained in charge six months, and who was followed in the summer of 18S2. by Father Riordan, who resigned his charge and went south for his liealth, January 1, 1884. The parish school, which was established in 186S, has not been in session for some time past, and probably will not be until the church has a permanent priest. The services are at present conducted by su]iplying priests from St. Paul. The number of contributing families in the parish is about thirty-five, but the number of families actually connected with the parish is much larger.

Congregational : The first Congregational church in Lake City was organized on Angxist 8, 1856, with ten members - four men and six women. This was the first church organization in this place, and at the time of its institution there were probably not fiir fi-om tliree hundred people within what are now the corporate limits of Lake City. Rev. DeWitt C. Sterry (who died last summer in Kansas) was the first acting pastor of the church, which flourished vigorously during the ten years that lie remained in charge as its minister, the increase during the first year being more than tourfold. Tlie little society worshiped in halls and rooms, as they could best secure accommodations, for one year, when they moved into their own house of worship which they had built upon the lot presented them tor that purpose by Abner Dwelle, Esq., one of the original proprietors of the town site. Their site was lot No. 10, block 27, and upon it the church-building, a frame structure 30x50 feet, was erected. In 1866 this old house of worship was reconstructed, turned partially around, enlarged and refitted for service, the cost of the improvements being considerably in excess of one thousand dollars, which was all paid early in January, 1869. In 1S66 a ])arsonage was erected on the south half of lots 6 and 7, in block 49, at a total cost of about fifteen hundred dollars. Since then the building has received several additions and needed repairs, and is now a commodious and comfortable residence.

In 1873 the old church was repainted, and six years later was burned to the ground. The congregation then decided to abandon their old location and build a new church in a more desirable part of the city. The site selected was on the north corner of Lyon avenue and Oak street. The lot fronts one hundred and thirty feet on Oak street, and one hundred feet on the avenue. Here in 1880 the present beautiful church structure was erected. This is a substantial stone and frame, modern style of architecture, extreme dimensions 40x60 feet. The basement is of stone with a ten-foot ceiling, and is conveniently arranged for Sundayschool and social services, as well as the regular church reunions. Above the basement rises the auditorium, finished to the Gothic roof, comfortably seated and furnished, having sittings for about two hundred and twenty-five persons. The contract price for the building was forty-nine hundred and sixty dollars, but its actual cost was considei-ably above that figure, the entire outlay for lots, building, fui-niture, upholstering, bell, etc., being in round numbers about nine thousand dollars.

As before stated, De Witt Sterry was the first acting pastor of the church, and he sustained that relation for nearly ten years, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Edward Anderson, whose ministry continued a little less than two years, when he resigned, and W. B. Dada accepted a call to the pulpit. His ministry, begun in December, 1867, terminated in February, 1872, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Ray, whose pastorate lasted five years. In October, 1877, Rev. P.

B. Fisk was called to the oversight of the church, and remained its pastor until the spring of 1882. In May of that year, Rev. J. W. Horner became minister of the church, an office which he now sustains with great acceptability to the churcJi and congregation.

The whole number of members connected with the church from the date of its organization to the present has been two hundred and seventy. The present membership is one hundred and twenty-five. The present officers are : Trustees, A. E. Smith, president ; C. A. Hubbard, treasurer; N. C. Pike, secretary; deacons, Carlos Clement, M. C. Humphrey ; Rev. J. W. Horner, church clerk.

There is a very efiicient Sunday school maintained by the church, the average attendance at which is about one hundred. W. H. Moore, the principal of the city schools, is its superintendent. This Sunday scliool was organized immediately after the church organization was effected, and has been in continuous existence until the present.

Epimipal Church. - St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal churcli is one of the strong church organizations of Lake City. The first services were held here in the fall of 1857, at which time Bishop Kemper visited the place, preached and baptized. Subsequent visits were made by the bishop, by the Rev. E. R. Wells, of Red Wing, and in' 1860 by Bishop H. B. Whipple. In 1862 the parish was formally received into union with the council, but no vestry was formed until December, 1S64. On tlie 14th of this month a meeting was held at the residence of Rev. John W. Shatzel, parish missionary, at which time the vestry was constituted by the election of the following : Wardens, Lyman H. Buck, senior, John O. Junkin. junior ; Vestrymen, Wm. E. Perkins, John T. Graves, P. R. Hardt, Thomas Gibbs, B. L. Goodrich, Wm. Marsh, Asa Doughty and Mathias Dilley. L. H. Buck was elected secretary of the vestry, and R. S. Goodrish, treasurer. Services were first held in a small schoolroom owned by Mrs. O. E. Walters, and afterward in a hall under the Masonic lodge, from which they removed in the spring of 1864 to what was known as Harley's hall. Here they remained until the completion of the church-building in the summer of 1866. Preparations for building were begun in 1863, the sum of sixteen hundred dollars was raised or pledged, and a chm'ch lot 75x100 feet purchased, for which the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars was paid. It was found that lurabei- could not be procured, and building was deferred until the i'all of 1865. The church was completed in the summer of 1866 and the opening services were held July 1, but the parish being in debt for the building to the amount of eight hundred dollars, the consecration was deferred until Wednesday, January 16, 1867, when the church was formally consecrated according to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal church. The site of this church edifice is a commanding location on Oak street, jnst south of Lyon avenue, fronting the lake and overlooking the main business portion of the city. The structure is of wood, 50x30 feet, with a front tower 12x12 feet, and a chancel extension 10 X IS feet. The side walls are fourteen feet and the ridge of the ceiling thirty-one feet. The tower is forty-live feet in height, and above it rises the spire a farther distance of thirty-four feet, surmounted by a cross four feet high, the total height from sill to cross-top being eighty-three feet. The building is comfortably furnished and has sittings for a little over two hundred persons. Tlie entire cost was about thirty-five hundred dollars, and of this sum two thousand dollars were raised by the society at home, the rest being contributions from abroad.

There have been connected with this church from the date of its organization to the present a total membership of two hundred and fifty-four. Baptisms, for the same period, four hundred and fiftytwo ; confirmations, two hundred and one ; maiTiages, seventy-six ; burials, one hundred and fifty.

St. Mark's church maintains a flourishing Sunday school with eighteen teaciiers and one hundred and forty scholars, of which Mr. J. M. Underwood is superintendent ; Mrs. G. F. Benson, librarian and L. H. Buck, treasurer.

Brqytist. - Baptist meetings were held by Kev. Edgar Cadj^ from July, 1S57, to December of the same year, when the iirst Baptist church of Lake City was organized, December 13. 1857. The number of constituent members was twenty-one. Up to 1871 two hundred and twenty-five members had been added to the church, including twelve members ot a branch church at Maiden Kock, Wisconsin, in 1863. Of the above number sevent^'-seven were by baptism, the balajice by letter and experience. Subsequent statistics of membership are not available. The present number of members is sixty-four.

The Baptists worshiped first in Gaylord's hall, which stood. I believe, about where Perkins' livery stable now is. The present edifice was erected under Eev. A. P. Graves' supervision, in 1859, at a cost of two thousand dollars. It has been enlarged and improved during the past year by the expenditure of about seven hundred dollars. The church owned a parsonage until a few years since, when it was sold to Mr. Terrell in order to liquidate the church indebtedness.

Of pastors the following is a complete list, with dates of settlement and terms of office : Eev. Edgar Cady, July, 1837, one year and four months ; Rev. A. P. Graves, August, 1S59, two years and five months ; Rev. G. W. Freeman, September, 1862, two years and two months ; Rev. G. W. Fuller, April, 1865, six years and two months ; Rev. H. H. Beach, June, 1872, four years ; Rev. E. C. Anderson, November, 1876, four years ; Rev. A. Whitman, December, 1880, one year and five months ; Rev. W. K. Dennis, October, 1882, present pastor.

The Swede Baptist church, of Lake City, was at first a branch church, and eventually organized during Rev. M. Beach's pastorate, and the English Baptist church, of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, was an offshoot from this church.

List of church oflicers : Pastor, Rev. W. K. Dennis ; clei-k, J. M. Chalmers ; treasurer, Mr. Alex. Selover. Trustees : A. R. Spauldings, A. Selover, N. K. Eells, A. D. Prescott, F. Bouton. Superintendent of Sunday school, J. M. Chalmers.

Methodliit. - Prior to 1857 no society of the Methodist Episcopal church was known in Lake City, although a few of the old settlers were members of that church. During the month of September,

1857, Eev. S. Salisbury was sent, by the bishop presiding over the Minnesota annual conference, to Wabasha and Lake City circuit. He came to Lake City and preached one sermon in the Congregational church, but we saw his face no more. This was the first sermon ever preached in Lake City by an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. The few members (live in number), as a flock without a shepherd, were soon in chai-ge of Eev. C. Hobart,a supernumerary member of the minister of the Minnesota conference, who at that time resided in Red Wing. We rented a room known as Skinner's Hall, a small room with but limited seating capacity, lighted with tallow candles. Here we waited for the salvation which God had promised. It seemed as if each member of the small company received a special commission from the King Eternal to go forth and win souls.

C. Estes, M. E. Estes, Setli Tisdale, Augusta Dollar, Jane Terrill, Eliza Baily and Bidwell Eedley. D. C. Estes was appointed leader. Seth Tisdale was a local preacher. This completed tiie organization of the society. Of these seven members five are still living. Bidwell Pedley was killed during the late war, while engaged in the service of his country'. Seth Tisdale died in September, 1883. Eliza Baily lives in St. Paul. Augusta Dollar is now living in California.

Eev. Seth Tisdale was the first preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church to engage in special revival services. His work began first at Florence. He was a man of strong faith and untiring energy.

Soon after Dr. Hobart took charge of the work the first (.quarterly meeting was held. Eev. Dr. Quigly preached from Isa. Ixiii, 1, a sermon of marvelous power. It was as of old a demonstration of the spirit.

The little company of believers enjoyed the privilege at that quarterly meeting, for the first time in the new country, of receiving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper as a society of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Dr. Hobart was assisted during the winter by Bro. Tisdale. In the spring of 1858 we moved to a vacant storeroom on Main street, in the building which is now occupied by Mr. D. Crego as a dwelling. About this time Eev. J. Gurley, of Pepin, Wisconsin, was appointed to supply Lake City, but on account of the difliculty of crossing the lake he was not able to render much service. In 1858 Lake City was left to be supplied. In 1859 Rev. E. R. Lathrop was appointed as pastor, being a man of kind, genial spirit, and a good preacher. The society prospered under his administration. In 1860 Rev. A. V. Hiscock was appointed pastor ; a year of encouragement during which many were added to the church. In 1861 Rev. C. T. Bowdish was pastor. In 1862 the society was left to be supplied. In 1863 Rev. G. W. T. Wright was appcjinted pastor. He served the charge until September, 1866, when Rev. T. M. Gossard was appointed. During Bro. Gossard's term of two years the church was favored with a gracious revival. During Bro. Gossard's pastorate the place of meeting was changed. The society rented a vacant store-building on Upper Washington street. This building is now occupied as a dwelling by Mr. Brown. In 1868 Rev. D. Tice was appointed as pastor. During his first year the corner-stone of the church was laid, the site for the building being a lot which had been previously secured on the corner of Chestnut and Oak streets. The church was enclosed and the basement occupied by the society in 1869. In 1870-1 Rev. H. Goodsell was pastor. In 1872-4, Rev. C. M. Heard was pastor. In 1875 Rev. J. Door was appointed. The audience-room was finished and dedicated in 1876. The dedicatory services were held July 9, 1876. Rev. Mr. McChesney preached the dedicatory sermon. In 1878-80 Rev. G. W. T. Wright was pastor for the second term. In 1881 T. B. Killiam was appointed pastor. During 1882 and 188.3 the entire debt, which had for years been a burden to the society, was paid. We now liave a good projjerty, a membership of ninety persons ; a good sabbath school, the average attendance being seventy.

The Methodist Episcopal Sunday school of Lake City, Minnesota, was organized by Dr. D. C. Estes on tlie first sabbath in September, 1857, - being the first Methodist Sunday school held in Lake City, and the second one organized in the county of Wabasha. The first services of the school were held in the unoccupied store building situate on lot 9, block 17, fronting on Main street, then but recently vacated by the firm of Johnson & Kittredge, since remodeled into a dwelling-house, and owned by Daniel H. Crego. The records of the school from its organization down to September 3, 1865, were all destroyed in the fire of April 17, 1SS2, that burned Dr. D. C. Estes' oiiice ; but we learn from the report of the superintendent, Dr. Estes, made to the school on the occasion of their tenth anniversary, September 1, 1867, that there were but few children in the first organization. "Our beginning was but a feeble, a small one," but increased gradually. From that day down to the present the Sunday school has continued without interruption, following the fortunes of the church in its various movings from store to store, from store to halls, from halls to chui'ch ; at times with lessening and again increasing attendance. As far as the records extant disclose, the largest average attendance ajjpears to have been in the winters of 186S-9, when the average attendance was one hundred, and again in the winter of 1876-7, when the enrollment was one hundred and forty-eight, and average attendance of one hundred and three ; and again in'l 880-1 , when the number enrolled and in attendance was about the same as in 1876-7. In the spring of 1881, from removals, the numbers decreased largely, the present enrollment (February, 1884) being one hundred and five, with an average attendance of seventy-two.

Since the organization, the following have been superintendents in the order and for the times named : Dr. D. C. Estes, September 1, 1857, to September 13, 1868 ; Dr. W. H. Spatibrd, September 13, 1868, to September 3, 1871 ; Kev. li. Goodsell, September 3, 1871, to June 2, 1872 ; Chas. M. Gould, June 2, 1872, to April 27, 1873 ; J. M. Martin, April 27, 1873, to October 21, 1877 ; P. S. Hinman, October 21, 1877, to September 7, 1879 ; Geo. L. Matchan, September 7, 1879, to January 1, 1882 ; J. M. Martin, January 1, 1882, to present time - re-elected for ensuing year September 9, 1883. The present officers of the school are : J. M. Martin, superintendent ; E. L. Carpenter, assistant superintendent ; IMaggie Koch, secretary ; Lutie Cliapman, treasurer ; Henry Koch, librarian. Teachers : Rev. T. B. Killiam, Mrs. J. Dobner, Mrs. S. L. Strong, Mrs. F. M. Mai-tin, Miss Jennie Baker, Miss H. M. Dobner, Miss Marion Lee, Chas. A. Koch, J. M. Martin.

The Public Schools

we the data. The records and material for such history are unfortunately lost, having been destroyed in the great lire of 1SS2, in which so much that was valuable and indispensable to a complete history of the city was irretrievably lost. All efforts to restore tliese records* or recreate them from the memories of those now living, have proved abortive, as there is too wide a divergence in the statements of those who were living here a quarter of a century since to predicate anything very positive upon such sources of information. The human memory, unassisted by records or uncorrected by memoranda, is not to be relied upon for much outside of merely personal matters, and not always for even these. This, at least, is the conclusion very reluctantly reached after weeks of careful inquir}', and we are therefore necessitated to content ourselves with a general statement, into which is interwoven so much of detail as is warranted correct b}' the agreement of the narratives of those who have been interviewed, and their recollections noted. In addition to this, the files of the old newspapers still existing have been thoroughly scanned for points, but these also are silent where most naturally they would be expected to speak - as, for instance, in noting the erection, completion and opening of school-buildings. Thus we are cut off from the two most reliable sources of infornaation, viz, the school records themselves, and the reports found in the newspapers of the specific dates at which particular occurrences took l^lace.

The probabilities are that the public schools in this city never formed an integral part of the school system of the county, having been organized prior to the establishment of the school system of the state. Not only so ; they appear to have attained sufficient growth to have been included in an independent school district, before the public school system of the county took form. The schools here were originally of the character known as subscription schools, being supported by the voluntary subscri])tions of the residents of the place.

The pioneer school in the little settlement, now Lake City, was opened by the Kev. S. Hazlett, in the fall of 1856 (November), and was taught in a frame building, tlie lower portion of which was used as a carpenter-shop, on the lot, now vacant, at the east corner of the Academy of Music block. The number of pupils in attendance was about thirty, and the estimated population of the settlement at that time was three hundred. From this date, schools in

Lake City were regularly tanglit somewhere. Gaylord's hall, near the present site of W. E. Perkin's livery stables, was subsequently opened for school purposes, and schools were taught at various places - now here, now there - for the next iive years, the city having no school-building of its own prior to 1861. In this year it was determined to build a suitable schoolhouse, and in the early summer plans for such building were prepared by Geo. Rogers, and contract for the lumber was made. Work was immediately begun, the basement excavated, the stonework laid up, and the building partially enclosed, when the school trustees released the contractor from his contract to furnish the clear lumber, because the price of lumber had advanced, and the building came to a standstill. Late in the fall the basement was finished, and school opened, - Geo. T. Gibbs, now of St. Paul, being the first teacher to guide the young idea in the new schoolhouse. This building was a credit to the city. It was a commodious two-story frame, 40 X 60, with stone foundation and basement. The basement only was completed in 1861, and in this school was held until tlie upper stories were finished and furnished in 1863, when the whole building was occupied for school purposes. This schoolhouse is the one now standing upon its original foundations, on Garden street, and doing duty as the highschool building of Lake City.

In the meantime the citizens of the ambitious little city by the lake had made provision for a somewliat liigher grade of scholarship than was contemplated in the common schools of twenty-five years since, and the Lake City Academy came into existence. This Academy building, also on Garden street, now known as the old Crane resideiice, was largely erected by the private contributions of the citizens, with the evident intention of its becoming the projjerty of the city, to be used as an academy for higher instruction. It was built (date not accurately known) with funds provided as above mentioned, for Mrs. C. W. Hackett, who opened a school or academy there and taught it for some years. The property subsequently passed into Mrs. Hackett's possession in some undefined way, and was sold.

With the growth of the city, the accommodations of the wooden building erected in 1861 became totally inadequate to meet the wants of the city, and the erection of a new school-building was determined upon.

By the legislative act of 186-1-, giving the settlement, now Lake City, all the rights and immunities of a corporate city without its responsibilities, a change was made in its government, and this was followed in 1865 by a change in the administration of school affairs. In the spring of this latter year a board of education was elected, of which Dr. Estes was clerk, and to this board and its successors have been entrusted the management of all school matters for the past nineteen years. Finding that the work of education was suffering for lack of proper school accommodations and appliances, the board determined upon the erection of a school-building in the first ward, that would accommodate all the children of that ward below the grammar and high school grades, and thus draw into one building the scholars scattered in various places throughout the city, as rooms could be obtained. Plans for the new building were prepared, bids advertised for, and in the summer of 1872 the contract was let to Red Wing parties for a little less than nine thousand dollars. This is the building between Oak and Garden streets, known as the hrst ward schoolhouse. It occupies a full half-block, fi'onts northeast and northwest ; is a substantial two-story brick with a high stone basement; has two schoolrooms on each floor with commodious hallways and closets, and is provided with the requisite flues for furnaces, should they ever be deemed necessary. Its entire cost, including sidewalks, fencing and furniture, was about eleven thousand dollars. School was flrst opened in this building early in the winter of 1872-3, with James M. Martin and Misses Anna Montgomery and E. M. Burrett as teachers. But three rooms were occupied. These were graded "A," "B," '"C," and the enrollment of pupils was about eighty, forty-five and sixty, respectively.

Ten years passed away before any additions were made to the school-buildings of the city, and again the demand for school-room had outgrown the accommodations. In 1883 the second ward schoolhouse was erected, on the original school lot on Garden street, just a little southeast of the old building in which school had been opened in 1861. This new building is also of brick, two stories, with substantial stone basement, and is intended to form one of the wings of a complete structure, which shall include high school, grammar school, and ward school in one. The dimensions of the wing already built and occupied, are as follows : width, 31 feet; length, 66 feet; height over all, 57 feet; vestibule on the southeast front, 10x271- feet. This vestibule is the full height of the building, and from it access is gained to the schoolrooms, two in number on each floor. The building is furnished in the latest style, well provided with all needed appliances. The ceilings are fourteen feet each, and the whole structure complete cost a little in excess of the contract price, eight thousand dollars. The contractors were Messrs. Lutz & Alexander, of this city, and by them the building was turned over to the school board on September 20, 1SS3.

The schools are graded into high, grammar, intermediate and primary, taught as follows: The high school and "A" grammar is taught by Superintendent Moore, assisted by Misses Sarah E. Palmer and Anna C. Marston. Mr. Moore is a graduate of Darmouth College, class of '81, and his assistants are both graduates of the State University, classes of '81 and 'S3 respectively. The "B" grammar is under the charge of Mi's. Alice Fox, of the State Normal School at Winona, and the "C" grammar under that of Miss F. M. Thornton. Miss Jennie M. Baker has the "A'' and "B" intermediate in the second ward, and Miss Helen Dobner the same grades in the first ward. The "C"' intermediate and "A" primary are taught by Miss Kate J. Lilley in the tirst ward, and in tiie second ward by Miss Margaret Clearman. Miss Belle Hulett has the "B" and "C" primaries in the first ward, and Miss Mollie Greer in the second ward. The "D" primai'ies are taught by Misses Nellie J. Estes and Sue Slocuni, of the first and second wards respectively.

The total enrollment for the j'ear is about six hundred ; the average enrollment, four hundred and fifty. The aggregate cost of maintaining the schools, not including interest on or cost of constructions, is about eight thousand dollars per annum. Salaries vary from thirty -five dollars per month to one hundred and twenty dollars.

It is with extreme satisfaction that we record the exceptionally high rank taken by the Lake City schools, particularly the high school, which since 1881 has been the banner high school of the state, the percentage of its pupils passing the examinations prescribed by the high -school board of the state, being greater than that of any other of the fifty high schools competing for the state appropriation.

Secret Societies

The history of the secret societies of this city is one most difficult to pre]iare satisfactorily, owing, as in the case of the city schools, to the destruction of the records by fire and loss of important data. Ill this case, however, the work of reconstruction has not proved impossible, as the matters treated of are more individual and specific, and private memoranda have been found that materially assist in fixing dates. Personal recollections also are more available here, and the reports of the higher representative bodies, with whose transactions the subordinate bodies were to some extent involved, have been drawn upon for such information as they contain. Not only so - the destruction of records in this case was not as complete as in that of the schools, and we are therefore prepared to assert quite confidently that the subjoined statements will be found, if not absolutely accurate in all particulars, at least sufliciently so to answer all the purposes of a substantially correct record of the institution, growth and present condition of the benevolent fraternities of Lake City.

Carnelian, No. Ifi, A.F.A.M. - Lake City had grown into a town of considerable proportions ; her schools and churches had been in existence for a period of five or six years, and her citizens included no inconsiderable number of the "ancient craftsmen," before any attempt was made to set up the ancient landmarks, and organize a masonic lodge upon the banks of the beautiful lake, where so many of the A.F.A.M. had reared their home altars and industries with the intention of ending their days there.

The first year of the war of the rebellion had closed, and many of Minnesota's bravest and best had given themselves to the service of their country, when the members of the masonic order in Lake City, remembering the former times, took counsel together and determined to organize a lodge of Ancient Craft Masonry. Accordingly, early in the summer of 1862 (probably in May - date not accurately known), a petition was presented to M.W. A. T. C. Pierson, grand master of the state, for a dispensation to open a masonic lodge in Lake City. The petition was approved and dispensation granted to C. G. Bowdish, W.M., John McBride,

S.W., and Benjamin Smith, J.W., to open and conduct a masonic lodge here. This dispensation was in force onlj until the meeting of the grand lodge next ensuing, October, 1862. Owing, however, to the absence of so many Masons from the state, in the ranks of the Union armies, no grand lodge meeting was held in 1862, and in December of that year Grand Master Pierson notified the members of the order here that if they would designate such persons as they desired to open and conduct their lodge, he would grant them another dispensation. In accordance with this intimation the members of the craft here held an election on January 13, 1863, at which time the following officers were elected : Benjamin Smith, W.M.; S. E. Merrell, S.AV.; C. F. Eogers, J.W.; k' Gould, Sec; S. P. Hicks, Treas.; C. W. Smyth, S.D.; Anson Peirce, J.D. The dispensation was duly granted until the meeting of the grand lodge in the ensuing fall, and under this renewed authority the lodge worked until the assembling of the grand lodge, at Masonic Hall, in the city of St Paul, October 27, 1863.

From this grand lodge a charter issued to Carnelian Lodge, No. 40, A.F.A.M., of Lake City, bearing date October 2S, 1863, in which the following were named as the charter members : C. G. Bowdish, John McBride, Benj. Sjnith, C. M. Loring, C. F. Rogers, C. W. Smyth, N. Gould, Elijah Stout, F. P. Sterrett, E. F. Dodge, S. P. Merrell and probably Dr. D. W. Green. Of this latter name there is some doubt, recollections differing. As the charter was burned in the great fire of 1882, and also the original records, the question cannot be definitely settled. Of the other names there appears to be no doubt.

The first masonic meetings were held in what was then known as Gaylord's hall, which stood on Washington street, on the present site of W. E. Pei'kin's omnibus barn. Here the lodge remained for several years, and worked and grew and prospered. Probably about the year 1878 the lodge removed to the Armstrong building on Washington street, just below Center. They did not continue in this location very long, for in February, 1869, the lodge removed to Harley's hall, the present site of the Academy of Music, where they remained until November, 1872, when they took possession of the hall in Young's block, corner of Center and Main streets, which they had leased for a period of ten years. This hall was specially fitted up and arranged for the work of the masonic bodies of tlie city, and its destruction by fire was a severe loss to the craft, as many of their records, regalia, furniture, working-tools, etc., were destroyed. Since that destruction the blue lodge and chapter have been holding stated meetings and convocations in the hall of the I.O.O.F., in Lyon block. The commandery has held no regular asylum since the tire, having no suitable arrangements for work.

Carnelian Lodge has numbered among its members very many of the best business and professional men of this city, and upon its rolls may be read the names of a majority of those citizens whose records are *mseparably interwoven with the business enterprises of the city. During the almost twenty-two years of its existence, Carnelian Lodge has entered the names of two hundred and two members upon its registers, and of these just one-half remain affiliate, the other one hundred and one having either died, removed or demitted.

The list of those who have sat in the east, west and south since the organization of the lodge is herewith given, and should be carefully preserved as a matter of reference, as the data from which the roster is made is most difficult of access.

Hope Chapter, No. 12, R.A.M. - The war had closed, the citizen soldiers had returned to their homes, trade had resumed its wonted channels, and peace settled permanently upon all our broad domain ; when, with the return of prosperity and the abiding conviction that war's rude alarms would not soon disturb their quiet, the members of the Lake City A.F.A.M., who in other places had enjo^'ed the privileges of the higher masonic bodies, determined, if possible, to secure the institution of a chapter of the royal arch at this place. A petition was accordingly forwarded to B. F. Smith, ofMankato, G.Il.P. of the G.E.A.C, for dispensation to open a chapter of E. A.M. in Lake City. The petition was favorably received and the request granted. The dispensation, bearing date February 2, 1867, came duly to hand and on the evening of the seventh day of that same month was read before the following named Royal Arch Masons, who constituted the original members of Hope Chapter, No. 12 : Eduard Anderson, E. F. Dodge, Benj. Dodge, A. H. Beach, John McBi-ide, C. G. A^-res, Geo. K. Saylor, L. J. Fletcher, Benjamin Smith, T. M. Gossard, W. E. Lowell. The dispensation named A. H. Beach, H.P. ; Geo. Saylor, K. ; John McBride, Scribe; Benj. Smith, C. of H. ; C. G. Ayres, P.S., and L. L. Fletcher, R.A.C., to act until the convocation of the G.R A.C. in the ensuing fall. The chapter thus working under dispensation continued its labors until the convocation of the G.E.A.C, October 12, 1867, when the act of dispensation was approved and a charter issued. The G.H.P. not being able to attend in person, appointed, as his proxy, companion S. B. Foote, of Eed Wing, who, under instructions from the G.H.P., visited Lake City on December 3, 1867, to install the officers-elect and consecrate and dedicate the chaptej-. In addition to the names already given as petitioners, the list of charter members included the following : B. S. Goodrich, C. W. Smyth, S. S. Whitney, S. B. Munson, Jr., H. K. Terrell, J. W. VanVliet. The meetings of the chapter wei-e regularly held in Masonic hall and the numbers increased steadily. The whole number of companions who have been borne upon the rolls of Hope Chapter, No. 12, E.A.M., since its institution nearly seventeen years since, has been one hundred and forty-six, and of these ninety-six are now members. Of the original petitioners three have entered within the veil of the unseen temple, the house not made with hands, viz : Geo. K. Saylor, Benjamin Smith and W. E. Lowell.

Year. Ii. P. Kino. Scribe

Lalie City Cominandery, JVo. 6. - The organization of the conimandery in Lake City followed the institution of the chapter about three years. In the spring of 1870 a petition was presented to E.

D. B. Porter, K.E.G.C., for dispensation to erect an asylum in Lake City, and the dispensation, in accordance with such petition, was granted on March 21 of that year (1870). One month latei-, April 21, 1870, the first meeting of the commandery was held. The Sir Knights to whom the dispensation of R.E.G.C. Porter came, were :

E. F. Dodge, S. R. Merrell, F. A. Wells, Henry W. Holmes, Grove B. Cooley, S. Y. Hj-de, Chas. H. Lindsley, Richard A. Jones and E. H. Kennedy. Of these, E. F. Dodge was named E.C., S. R. Merrell, G., and F. A. Wells, C.G. In the following June the grand conclave met, approved the work of the Sir Knights and issued them a charter in regular form. On October 31 following, Sir Knight S. R. Merrell, of this city, received orders from the R.E.G.C. to organize the commandery, and on November 12, 1870, the orders were obeyed, and Lake City Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 6, was formally organized. The commander}' has had a prosperous existence, and until the trial by fire, nearly two years since, was steadily increasing in numbers, influence and effi- ciency. Notwithstanding the organization of Eed Wing commandery so near their asyhim, within less than half the prescribed limits, Lake City Sir Knights have added to their numbers from year to year until one hundred and seventeen have taken the orders of knighthood in the asylum here, or been received from others. Of this whole number of one hundred and seventeen, only twenty-nine have severed their connection, leaving an actual membership of eighty-eight. Of the twenty-nine who are no longer carried upon the list of Sir Knights connected with tiiis commandery, five have gone out at the orders of the Supreme Commander, to enter the earthly asylum no more forever. Their names are : C. A. Bayard, who died in 1872; Wilbur Carrol, in 1875 ; W. E. Collins, in ISSO ; H. M. Powers, in 1881, and H. P. Krick, who received his summons only last September. The three principal posts in the commandery have been held by the following Sir Knights from the organization of the body, in 1870, until the present. In this table the years in which the elections were held are the ones given :

Year. E.C. G. C.G.

The completed roster of the Sir Knights holding ofiice in the commandery here at present are : Rev. James Cornell, P. ; James C. Hassinger, S.W. ; J. C. Parkhurst, J.W. ; O. P. Francisco, Treas. ; M. O. Kemp, Rec. ; H. H. Dickmann, St.B. ; C. H. Salisbury, Sw.B. ; Calvin Neal, Warden ; J. O. Junkin, 1st G. ; A. B. Kegar, 2d G. ; H. Lorentzen, 3d G. ; R. H. Neal, Sentinel.

Z(d-e City, No. 22, J. O.O.F. - The I.O.O.F. of this city have had a continuous and prosperous existence of nearly sixteen years. The lodge was instituted here by C. C. Comee, G.M., and C. D. Strong, G.Rep., July 23, 1868. The charter members were: R. H. Matthews, S. S. Whitney, Albert Glines, T. H. Perkins, R. R. Gray and Richard Weeks. The original elective officers were : S.

Francis Talbot

S. Whitney, IS\G. ; Albert Glines, V.G. ; R. II. Mattliews, See. ; Richard Weeks, Treas. The appointed officers were : T. H. Perkins, Warden ; R. R. Grey, Guardian.

The first meetings of itlie Lake City Lodge, No. 22, I.O.O.F., were held in what was then known as Gaylord's Hall, on Washington street, upon the present site of W. E. Perkins' omnibus barn. In December, 1871, they went into permanent quarters in their present location, in the third story of Lyon block. - They have a very comfortable hall 30x55 feet, with commodious anterooms, committee rooms, prepai-ation and regalia rooms, and all the necessary accompaniments for the regular prosecution of their work.

The chair of P.G. has been filled since the institution of the lodge by the following members, whose names appear in the order of their succession : S. S. Whitney, A. Glines, R. II. Mathews, A. K. Gaylord, M. C. Humphrey, jr., G. W. Fuller, A. II. Taisey, D. C. Estes, R. Weeks, David Walker, E. A. Kelloy, H. H. Arnold. J. E. Maas, A. Beardsley, D. G. Heggie, Rob. Romick, J. M. Collins, H. C. Jackson, Edwin Wrigley, N. C. Pike, L. P. Hudson, Granville Clark, N. J. Snow, H. A. Young, Robert Clifford, C. E. Hinkley, C. H. Hanson, John Phillips, Henry Schmidt, C. M. Colby.

Mount Zion Encampment., ]Vo. 7, I.O.O.F. - The Lake City Lodge were no sooner fixed in their comfortable quarters in Lyon block than the organization of an encampment, which had been frequently considered, was actively entered into. An informal meeting of such patriarchs as were interested in the organization was held on December 23, 1871. Measm-es were taken to secure the proper authorization from the grand encampment, and on February 20, 1872, the organization was formally effected, with the following as

Insurance, No. 38, A. O. U. TK - This lodge, having for its object, among others, the payment of the certain stipulated sum of two thousand dollars to the widows and orphans of deceased members, was organized in this city January 19, 187S, with sixteen charter members, namely, George W. Lemley, A. T. Guernsey, G. W. Thayer, C. C. Stone, Wm. Jewell, John Adolph, C. W. Crary, Chas. Funk, L. A. Lemlej^ Charles Hartmau, Wesley Carpenter, Fred. Abraham, John Trobke, Henry Selover, A. N. Curtis, H. W. Banks. The lodge was duly instituted and the officers-elect installed by A. H. Taisey, D.G.M.W., and the lodge was ready for business. A. T. Guernsey was the first M.W. of tlie new lodge, and William Jewell its recorder ; and these gentlemen, with Dr. C. W. Crary, were the first board of trustees. Dr. Ci'ary was appointed medical examiner to the lodge, a position which he still continues to hold. The organization of the lodge was effected in Rogers' Hall, in the rear of the Academy of Music, but the members shortly afterward took possession of a hall in the thii'd story of Lyon block, and here they continued to hold their regular meetings until September, 18S2, when they sold their furniture to the K. of H., who had been burned out in the great fire of the spring previous. Since that date, Se]>tember, 1SS2, the A.O.U.W. have lield their reguhir meetings on the second and fourth of each month in the hall of the K. of H., over the postoffice. The present number of members is fortj'-four. AVhole number belonging since the organization has been, as nearly as can now be ascertained, about eighty.

The lodge subsequenty removed to a building near the corner of Main and Center streets, and were burned out in the spring of 1S82, when they rented of the A.O.U.W. for some months, finally purchasing the furniture of that body and fitting up a very pleasant hall for themselves in their present location over the postoffice. Since the organization of the lodge sixty-seven members have been carried upon their rolls, and of tliese forty-seven still retain memberbership with the lodge here. The others have removed, died, demitted, or dropped out. Tlie Iv. of H. are all included in one general beneficiary dispensation ; the A.O.U.W. liave separate beneficiary jurisdictions largely corresponding to state lines.

Lake City, No. 576, K. of H., is officered as follows : J. II. Gillett, P.D.; E. H. Warner, D.; G. Rossler, V.D.; L. Schindler, A.D.; J. B. Johnson, Ge.; F. Cotter, Chap.; Robert Romick, Rep.; A. Krall, F.Rep.; R. Hanisch, Treas.; J. C. Schmidt, Guide ; II. Gillett, Sentinel.

of helping poor emigrants, and also its members. Tlie membersmeet once a month to pay their dues, and has at present twenty-eight members. At the last annual meeting the following officers were elected to serve for one year : O. Chinberg, president ; C. E. Carlson, vice-president ; A. Anderson, treasurer ; Edward Edholm, secretary.

Banking In Laek City'

Lake City, like all new towns in the west, had no lack for men of enterprise and push. Following close in the wake of the pioneer, and before he had scarce made a beginning on the frontier, the merchant and business man, with his stock of goods or eastern bank account, also put in an appearance. Among the first to do anything having the semblance of a banking business, was C. P. Cogswell, a young man from the east, who opened a bank in 1S5S on the corner of Main and Marion streets, in a very pretentious and expensive building (for that early day), erected for banking and office purposes in the summer of 1857 by Dwelle & Tibbetts. In the spring of 1859 Ml'. Cogswell turned over his agency of the Phoenix Insurance Co. to Mr. A. T. Guernsey, and left here for some place of more metropolitan pretensions. He was succeeded by E. Chamberlain & Co., from - no person seems to know where, who conducted a (pretended) flourishing banking business ; however, only for a few weeks, and would, perhaps, by this time have been forgotten here if he had paid a small bill due the village printer. About this time Mr. H. F. Williamson (now merchant in Duluth) established a large general merchandise store here, carrying a full line of such goods as were best suited to a pioneer trade, and taking in exchange therefor every staple article produced on the fiirm. He also, as a matter of convenience to himself and friends, connected with his business a commercial exchange. This was principally done by purchasing checks, drafts and other commercial paper having a par value, from traveling men and newly-arrived emigrants.

In 1863 the grain and commission firm of Bessey & Doughty, who were then doing an immense business, added a banking or commercial exchange department to their house, not so much as a matter of profit to themselves, but as a matter of convenience in their growing trade. They were also agents for, and did a large traffic with, the old northern line of steamboats on the Mississippi, and in this way found the convenience of a banking system almost indispensable. This commercial enterprise prospered without event till one morning in the summer of 1S66, when the town was startled by the announcement on the streets that the bank had been robbed. The rumor was authentic ; the bank had been burglarized, and as no mysteiy surrounded this (to Mr. Doughty) unfortunate affair, he concluded to forego the profits and advantages of conducting a banking business under the circumstances in Lake City. The already great commercial interests and still growing enterprises at this important point created an urgent demand for a commercial exchange. The opening soon found a capitalist, and Lake City dates her first permanent banking house, as established here in 1S68, by C. W. Hackett (now of St. Paul). This was a private enterprise, but one that enjoyed the entire confidence of the people, and did an exclusive banking business. In 1870 Mr. Hackett sold out to Joel Fletcher, Esq., of St. Johnsbury, Yermont, who continued it as a private enterprise till 1873. It was then incorporated according to state laws, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Joel Fletcher was its first president, Hon. Sloan M. Emery, vice-president, and C. A. Hubbard, Esq., cashier. Mr. Fletcher died in 1875, and Samuel Doughty, Esq., was then elected to the presidency, and still fills the position. Mr. Emery resigned the vice-presidency, when he became connected with the Jewell Nursery in 1879, and no vicepresident has since been elected. Mr. C. A. Hubbard still fills the position of cashier. Its present board of directors is composed of G. F. Benson, Samuel Doughty, C. A. Hubbard, J. M. Underwood, Eobert White, W. E. Perkins," J. W. Eay and S. M. Emery. In April, 1882, the bank building (corner of Lyon avenue and Washington sti'eet), a fine three-story brick structure, in size 60x82|- feet, was destroyed by fire. The office and vault on the corner, with the two upper stories burnt off, i-emained standing and uninjured. A temporary roof was put on, and business continued unobstructed, and the same season the block was rebuilt and finished as a two-story structure.

First National Bank. - This bank was organized in 1870, according to the United States laws, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and the following board of directors : L. H. Garrard, L. S. Van Vliet, John W. Willis, Wm. S. Timerman, G. F. Benson, II. Center, and J. B. McLean. L. H. Garrard was elected president, G. F. Benson, vice-president, and L. S. Van Vliet, cashier. The bank building, a substantial two-story brick, is situated on the corner of Washington and Center streets, and is the

The present board of officers and directors consists of C. F. Young, president ; L. S. Van Vliet, cashier ; A. Base}-, C. F. Eogers, G. H. Grannis, J. C. Hassinger, D. M. Smith, directors. These two banking-houses are a credit to not only Lake City, but the county, and are institutions in which the people feel a just pride. They are as permanent as the foundations of the city, inasmuch as they are under the directorship of its most honorable and wealth}' men. Personal sketches of them ap]:)ear further on in this work.

One of the interests of which Lake City has just reason to be proud, is known as the Jewell Nursery. It is situated on the upper bench of the Lake Pepin bottoms, west of the city, and now contains about one hundred acres of growing trees and shrubs. The varieties grown have been selected with great care, having a view to adaptability to the climate in which they are sold - the west and northwest. The proprietors, Messrs. Underwood & Emery, are men of sound judgment and business habits, and are determined to make it one of the permanent institutions of the state. Tlie firm has three hundred acres of land adapted to this purpose, and is steadily enlarging the plant. More fruit-trees will be set from this nursery in the spring of ISSi than all others in the state combined, and more than are grown in any nursery west of Ohio. This industry was founded in 1S6S, by Dr. P. A. Jewell, now deceased, and thus derives its name. Ten acres of oak grub-land were set at first to fruit-trees, and additions were made from time to time, reaching eighty acres in extent at the time of the doctor's death. The business was managed by J. M. LTnderwood, who became sole owner in 1878, and ne.xt 3'ear associated with himself Mr. S. M. Emery, constituting the firm above named. The location commands a view of the city and valley, and is one of the most pleasant that could be imagined. Messrs. Underwood & Emery also give a great deal of attention to stock-raising, and have one of the finest herds of pure-bred Holstein cattle in the northwest. By lease they have control of five hundred acres additional, and carry on extensive farming operations. The influences of these enterprises are destined to be powerfully felt throughout this and adjoining states in the near future. It is well that such men live, for tliey have a tendency not only to build up and enrich themselves, but also to enhance the value and elevate out of the old-time ruts " of other days a vast expanse of country surrounding them.

On February 26, 1SS4-, this already immense enterprise was organized into a joint stock company and incorporated under general laws of the State of Minnesota, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, for the purpose of propagating and selling nurseiy stock, as well as importing, breeding and dealing in pure-bred Holstein cattle, and the transacting of a general real-estate business. The management of the incorporation is vested in the following board of otHcers : President, J. M. Underwood ; secretary, S. M. Emery ; treasurer, J. Cole Doughty, with principal office at Lake City and a branch in Richland county, Dakota.

In speaking of this enterprise, the Lake City "Graphic" says : "You will tind right here the beginning of a thoroughbred Frie»- land dairy-ranch, that is destined to be one of the largest enterprises in Wabasha count3^ You will find here the entering wedge of one of the best paying industries in this state, and that wedge driven half-waj^ home. You will fiud here the starting-point for a lucrative stock business, the breeding and selling of fine-bred dairj'-cattle, that will give Lake City a name in every county of this immense northwest. This commendable enterprise is only one more sign of the innate and inborn business vigor there is in the big nursery-firm whose operations put more spot cash in^he tills of our merchants than the business of any other firm in this or any adjoining county. Out of this new venture of Messrs. Underwood & Emery it needs no prophet's eye to see the grand results which a very few short years must bring forth. The best herd of thoroughbred, gilt-edged dairy-cattle west of the great lakes, imported with judgment and bred with the utmost care, it will follow as a necessity that buyers from all our northwestern state will make tlipir semi-annual visitations to this point for purchases, and thereby be no inconsiderable factor in Lake City's prosperity."

Mourning, disaster and death are the common lot of man, and though he seek out and settle in the fairest and most beautiful spot in all the Creator's fair universe, yet the "pale horse and rider" is his unseen companion.

fallen to the writei-'s lot to place on the histoi-ic page is (if we except the terrible calamity caused b}^ the falling of the bridge at Dixon, Illinois, on Snnday, May 4, 1S73, when two hundred men, women and children, who were witnessing a baptismal ceremony, were precipitated into the Kock river without a moment's notice, thirty-seven being drowned or killed, and five mortally wounded) the drowning of the Stout and Stowell girls in Lake Pepin. On a fair and beautiful Saturday morning, in the month of June, in 1S5S, a party of Lake City young people, composed of John Stout, William Corn, Misses Julia and Kebecca Stout, Miss Julia Cooper (now Mrs. G. M. Dwelle, and the only member of the party still residing in Lake City), and two sisters (young ladies from Mazeppa, by the name of Stowell) organized for a day's picnicing and excursion to Maiden Rock. They embarked in a sailboat with happ}' hearts and a bright prospect for a delightful day's recreation. The lake was calm and the morning fair and lovely: the sun shone in all its glory on the surrounding hills. Friends on shore bade them good morning with the wish that they might enjoy themselves as much as the day was beautiful. Maiden Rock was reached without incident, the linen spread and dinner served on its summit. A couple of hours were spent in gathering flowers and viewing the grandeur of Lake Pepin's scenery in the distance. At about two o'clock in the afternoon the party started on its return, and when about a mile down the lake and a half-mile from shore, the wind suddenly arose and almost instantly became a gale. The young men saw the peril and attempted to cut the rope that held the sail, but the same instant the boat was overturned and lay bottom up. A moment's struggle in the water and six of tliem liad a hold on the boat, but one of the Misses Stowell was gone. In a very short time the boat turned again ; this time Miss Rebecca Stout lost her holil and sank from sight. Miss Cooper also lost hold of the boat, but while sinking caught hold of one of the young men's feet and climbed, to the surface and again clung to the boat. The craft was then on its side, and apparently held in that position by the sail and mast. The three remaining girls now took positions as best they could on the side of the boat and hoped to finally drift ashore. About an hour after Julia Stout and Miss Stowell, either becoming chilled, discouraged or asleep - at least apparently unconscious - slipped off into the water and sank without a struggle. Miss Cooper, describing her experience, says she fought and struggled desperately for her life, and only by the aid of the young men was she kept awake. Sleep seemed to be her danger and it required all her will-power to fight it off. About two hours from the time they first upset, tlie remaining three reached shore, more dead than alive. A Swede settler's cabin was found half a mile from where they landed, and he was dispatched with the sad intelligence to their friends. The same evening the survivors reached home, and the next Saturday the bodies of the four young ladies were picked up at different points in the lake, and were all buried together near the city. This sad affair happened on Julia Stout's fifteenth birthday, and Rebecca Stout was to have been married in a short time.

On December 13, 187S, two more young and promising lives were yielded up to feed Lake Pepin's hungry waters. On this evening a skating party had congregated on the ice and all enjoyed themselves till the usual hour of adjournment, retui-ning to their respective homes - all save Porter B. Guernsey and Florence Wyckoft". They were skating companions during the evening (which was verj' dark) and had become separated from the others, who supposed they had gone home. Mrs. Guernsey's injunction to lierboy was that he should always return from skating at nine o'clock. This he had invariably done heretofore. This evening the usual hour had passed, the busy clock had ticked away the tedious minutes and struck the hour of ten. A half-hour more of intense anxiety was passed, and Mr. Guernsey, who was attending a meeting during tlie evening at the hall, returned. The mother had hoped up to this time that the son had joined his father at the hall. Now thoroughh- alarmed, Mr. Guernsey hastened to the residence of Mr. Wyckoft', thinking his son might have tarried there. The two anxious parents now aroused their neighbors and began a search which lasted all night. Next morning the bodies were found and taken out of an air-hole in the ice not far from the foot of High street. The young man was the son of Mr. A. T. Guernse}^ long and well known in this city, and was in the sixteenth year of his age. He was a bright and promising young man, a general favorite with his companions. The young lady was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Wyckoft", pastor of the Presbyterian church of this city, and was in her seventeenth year. The sudden and untimely death of these young people cast a gloom over the entire city.