Red Wing City (part 4 of 6)

It is impossible to mention in detail in a work of this character, the movements of the several regiments, batteries, etc., that went out from Minnesota to take part in the suppression of the great rebellion, but it must be written that from the time the first regiment was engaged in battle, until the final surrender of the rebel cause and rebel army, there was but few engagements in which some one or more of the Minnesota regiments did not engage. It would be a pleasing duty to chronicle the movements of these brave men and their gallant and heroic deeds, but that pleasure is submitted to other and abler pens. It has not been our purpose to write in detail of the heroic offerings and sacrifices of Minnesota's boys in blue, but rather to show the general character and willing and ready disposition of the people of one of the youngest States in the Union, to stand by and defend that Union and maintain its integrity with their "lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."

From first to last the people of this young State, enlisted and sent forward to the field of battle, men as brave, as good, and as true as ever drew a sword or presented a musket. In 1860, according to the U. S. census report, the population of Minnesota was 172,023, thus Minnesota offered 24,000 of her valiant sons out of this small population, to defend the Union against traitors in arms. What other of the patriotic States of the patriotic North, can show a better record of devotion to the principles of union and freedom ?

Artillery Cavalry

The war ended, and, honorably discharged, the survivors of the dangers incident to life on war's tented fields, returned to their homes to receive ovations of honor from the people from whose midst they had gone out, and who had eagerly, zealously watched their movements, and marches and battles, from the day they were first borne away towards the South. The welcomes over, the returned volunteers laid aside their soldier's garb, donned the citizen's dress, and fell back upon their old avocations - on the farm, in the shop, at the forge, or whatever else their hands found to do. Brave men are honorable always, and no class of Minnesota's men deserve better than those who offered thenlives in defense of their country's honor, not alone because they were

Their country first, their glory and their pride ; Land of their hopes - land where their fathers died : When in the right, they'll keep their honor bright; When in the wrong, they'll die to set it right.

Indian Massacres

Like all the border States, the early settlers of Minnesota were subject to annoyances and incursions from the Indians, and many an honest, toiling, peaceable, inoffensive pioneer man and woman, intent only on securing a home they could call their own, became victims, in some way or another, to Indian savagery. Some of them were murdered, others met a fate that was worse.

The first of these savage butcheries occurred at Spirit Lake, in the northwestern part of Iowa, close to the Minnesota State line, in March, 1857, and ended at Springfield, in this State, about fifteen or twenty miles north of Spirit Lake.

In the spring of 1856, Red Wing enterprise fitted out a company of men consisting of G. W. Granger, Barttell Snyder and Isaac Harriett, and sent them down to Spirit Lake to select land claims and found a town. In the fall of 1856 there were seven cabins around the lake, all of which were occupied. The occupants were a man named Thatcher and family, Marble and family, Judge Howe and family, Marble and family, Mattox and family, and Isaac Harriett, Barton Snyder and G. W. Granger, the three last named occupying one cabin and keeping " bachelor's hall."

For some years previous to this outrage, a few Dakota Indians and outlaws, under the lead of an excommunicated Dakota named Inkpadootah, had been roving through that part of Iowa. They had been driven away from their own people, and were a band unto themselves - insolent, devilish, murderous wretches; and on Sunday, the 8th of March, 1856, they came to Spirit Lake, and almost immediately commenced their hellish work. Mr. Neill says they* proceeded to a cabin occupied only by men, and asked for beef. Understanding, as they afterwards asserted, to kill one of the cattle, they did so, and commenced cutting it up, when one of the white men went out and knocked the Dakota down. In retaliation the white man was shot and killed; and surrounding the house, the Indians set fire to the thatched roof and

Other authorities say there was no beef demanded by the Indians - no beef killed, and that Inkpadootah was not assaulted by any of the white men, but that the attack was instigated solely and simply by Indian treachery and thirst for blood. This version of the affair is maintained by Isaac Lauver, W. W. DeKay, George Huntington, and a Mr. Patten, who went down to Spirit Lake from Red Wing about the 31st of March, as soon they heard of the massacre, to bury the remains of the murdered victims, and look after the claim interests.

At about the same time, the murdering wretches went to a cabin occupied by a man named Gardner and his family, and asked for something to eat. Everything in the house was given them. While they were disposing of Gardner's hospitality, his son-in-law, and another man who was there, went out to see if everything was right at the neighboring cabin - the one just mentioned as being set on fire. It was their last mission, for some of the Indians were in ambush, and shot and killed them also. The Indians left Gardner's, after securing all the food the cabin contained, but returned in the latter part of the afternoon and killed Gardner, his wife, two daughters, and his grandchildren, and carried away, as a prisoner, one other, named Abby. That night, or the next morning, they visited the homes of Noble and Thatcher, who had settled there, and carried Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Thatcher prisoners to their camp. On Monday, a man named Markham, went to Gardner's on some errand, and found the murdered bodies of the entire family. Markham hid himself until darkness came on, and then went to Springfield, and reported the murder.

The following Thursday, March 12, an Indian called at Marble's cabin, three miles above Thatcher's, and told her that the white people down on the lake had been nipped (killed) a day or two before. This intelligence alarmed the Marbles, the more so, as the great depth of snow then on the ground had prevented communication with the settlement below for some days ; but, fearing the worst, it was impossible for the Marble family to inaugurate any measures for flight, or other means of safety. The next morning, Friday, the 13th, four Indians, with friendly bearing, came to Marble's and bantered him to trade rifles. The trade was made, after which they prevailed on Marble to go out on the lake and shoot at a mark. After a few shots they turned in the direction of the house, and managing to get Marble in advance of them, the Indians shot him, and he fell dead in his tracks. Mrs. Marble, who had been watching the maneuvering of the fiends, saw her husband fall and ran

Source changes here: from Goodhue County, Minnesota, Past and Present, by [Hancock, Joseph Woods], published 1893; 18,924 words in this source stream.

Red Wing City

The beauty of the location of Red Wing has so often been described by visitors and tourists that it is unnecessary to dwell upon that feature here.

The first settlement of the place by the whites was made in the year 185'2. Those who came before that year were either traders or missionaries to the Indians. The first missionaries here were from Switzerland, Samuel Denton and Daniel Gavin. These men built two substantial log houses, and labored for nine years, from 1837 to 1846,. The next band of missionaries were sent here by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. John Aiton came in 1848, and J. W. Hancock ia the spring following. The former left in 1850; the latter remained till the Indians removed, and is here still. In the autumn of 1850, a Mr. Snow from St. Paul, having procured a license to trade with the Indians, built a trading house of logs near the river, using the upper part for a residence, and in the basement kept Indian goods for sale. Mr. Calvin Potter came the uexfc year and entered into partnership with Mr. Snow. The latter died of cholera soon after, while on a trip to St. Paul. Mr. Snow's family soon sold their interest to Mr. Potter and left the place. Mr. John Bush had been here to heli^ the Indians about farming for several years, and when the news came that the land was soon to be sold to the United States Government, he and Mr. Potter staked out claims which in- eluded the laud now occupied by the city. Benjamin Young, a French halfbreed, also liad a claim in the west part of the city. These claims were all made early in the spring of 1852, and before the news arrived that the Sioux treaty had been ratified.

Bash and Potter very soon sold their claim rights to Wra. Freeborn. Mr. Young sold his to Dr. W. W. Sweney. The honor of selecting Red Wing as the site for a town belongs to Mr. Freeborn and Dr. Sweney. Mr. Freeborn was frequently on the ground and Dr. Sweeny moved his family here that season. James McGinnis, John Day and E. C. Stevens made claims also in the vicinity that year. McGinnis and Day moved their families here also.

A raft of lumber from the saw mills at Stillwater was floated down and taken out of the river here for building purposes and two young men were employed as carpenters during the winter of 1852-58. These wore Hiram and Joseph Middaugh. They prepared the timber and finishing portion for a hotel, which was erected and made ready for the reception of guests as soon as the weather would permit in the spring. That hotel was the first frame building erected here. It stood on the corner of Main and Bush streets, and was kept open for the accommodation of travelers for about two years by Andrus Durand. AVhile Mr. Durand was the landlord it was the Red House; afterwards it was called the Tee-pee-tonka, or "big house," and was kept by Jacob Bennett until destroyed by fire in 18G5.

The first frame dwelling house was built the same spring for Mr. Wm. Freeborn who moved his family here as soon as it was finished. This house stood

A post office had been established here in 1851 by the friendly agency of Hon. H. H. Sibley, our delegate in Congress, and J. W. Hancock commissioned postmaster. He was under the necessity of performing a journey to St. Paul to be qualified and execute the required bond at an expense of over five dollars. His pay for the next two years hardly covered that expense; but it was a great convenience. Up to that time the nearest post office was t^v^enty-five miles away. The mail was carried in those days to and from St. Paul, easterly, by steamboats in the summer and by a one horse train ia winter. We usually expected a mail as often as every week; it was sometimes delayed three weeks on account of storms, or floating ice in the river. In the spring of 1852 once, we remember, the one horse mail train was, by accident, totally wrecked in crossing Spring creek, three miles west of Eed Wing. The mail bags, some five or six in number, were left several hours in the water. After being fished out they were brought to our post office and a whole day was spent in opening and drying the contents.

At the opening of navigation in the spring of the year of 1853, the prospects for the future city were brightened. The arrival of the first boat was looked for with great expectations, and these expectations were partly realized. It brought needed supplies of provisions. It brought also some friends, who came to be permanent settlers. In fact all that season and for several years following, the landing of a steamer at this port was hailed with delight. It was not an uncommon sight to see the larger part of the population

Besides friends and permanent settlers, many claim hunters visited the place, and the new hotel was well patronized. But those who came to speculate in land claims came too soon. It was rather dull business waiting for the land to be surveyed and offered for sale by the government. Among those who came to make the place their home this year were the following: Mr. Freeborn, Mr. Lauver, Mr. Akers, Revs. Mathew Sorin, Norris Hobart and Rezin Spates. These all brouglit their families. Several other families came later in the season, among whom were W. D. Chilson, Warren Hunt and T. J. Smith. The young men who were here as residents without families at that time were: Nels Nelson, Mathias P. Ringdahl, the Middaugh brothers, Hugh Adams, S. A. Hart, E. P. Lowater and David Puckett. Several bailt for themselves houses this year. Besides Mr. Freeborn's, already mentioned, Wm. Lauver, James inkers, Mathew Sorin, Norris Hobart, and Warren Hunt, had each of them a frame dwelling house completed during the autumn of 1858. The remainder of the population occupied shanties or log houses except the boarders at the hotel.

In August, this year, the first company of Scandinavians, who colonized the town of Vasa, landed here. These were the pioneers of piactieal farming in this county, S. J. Willard, Hans Mattson, Peter Green, Charles lioos, and A. G. Kemp. These men were so often seen in Red Wing for sevei-al months after their coming, they were generally considered citizens, but they were the real founders of Vasa township.

This year the town was surveyed and platted by J. J. Kuauer for the proprietors who were the following named: Wra. Freeborn, Benj. F. Hoyt, Chas. L. Willis, Alex. Ramsey.

The great event of the year which did most towards transforming the old village into the new was the first great conflagration. By this the style of architecture was wholly changed. It was near the time when the Indians were accustomed to return from their winter hunting grounds to occupy the summer residences and be ready to plant corn, Avhich usually was early in May. The day was serene and cloudless; carpenters were engaged on the new houses that were being constructed. Between twelve and one o'clock the cry of fiie was heard while nearly all the people were eating dinner. Leaving the tables immediately they saw smoke rising from the bark wigwams which was quickly followed by flames bursting from the roof of every structure of the kind. Nobody seemed to know what to do. All stood looking as if paralyzed with amazement. In less than oae hour all the bark covered houses in the place disappeared. This evidently was the work of incendiaries, but they were not discoverod. There were no policemen and no magistrates to bring them to justice. The few log houses then occupied by the white settlers escaped the conflagration, as did the new frame buildings. Only a few days after some of the natives returned, looking somewhat disappointed at ihe change, but took it all as a matter of course, and fixed their habitations temporarily at other points in the vicinity.

The close of the year 1853 was made memorable by the fact that the entire community were invited by that generous whole souled town proprietor, Wm. Freeborn, to partake of the annual thanksgiving dinner at his house. With exception of one or two persons, the invited guests were all present and had a grand social time. It was one of those occasions when the rich and poor meet together and acknowledge God as the Maker of all, and the source from whence all blessings How.

The little community spent the winter following in peace and safety. Religions services were held each Sabbath in the school room of the old mission house. Hiram Middaugh was leader of the choir and teacher of singing. We had debates and social parties occasionally. As soon as the ice on the river became strong enough to bear up teams, travelers began to pass up and down the river, who frequently tarried for the night at this little berg.

The spring of 1854 opened early. Having an occasion to go to St. Paul on the ice in a sleigh, on returning, the third day of March, the ice was so full of holes that it became necessary for one to go before the team, and look for the safest passage. That year the steamer D. Hillman passed through the lake on the oth day of April, on its way to St. Paul. The steamer Nominee, from Galena, 111., arrived at this port on the 7th of April. A number of new settlers came early this spring. H. L. Bevans had the frame of his new store all prepared for the hauling from the island, and just then the ice had become so weak as to be unsafe for teams to cross and the timber was hauled over on the ice by men with ropes.

Hon. W. H. Welch, then chief justice of the Territory, visited the place and decided to make his homo here. He bought a lot, on which a comfortable house had beeu erected and moved his family here early in the spring. The same house where he lived till his death in 1864, is still standing on Third street. Among many others who came to stay during this season, we remember distinctly W. W. DeKay, P. Sanford, W. H. Wellington, C. J. R Smith, Wm. Colvill, Jr., P. S. Fish and S. J. Hasler. A large number of dwellings, two warehouses, and several stores were erected this summer. Some wheat was raised in the surrounding country, and found to be of a superior quality. The marketing and shipping of this cereal gave Red Wing its first start as a business point. A few years after and before any railroads had found their way into our territory. Red Wing was claimed to be the greatest primary wheat market in the world.

Red Wing this year had the honor of being made the county seat of the new county of Goodhue. A full complement of county officers were apppointed by the Territorial governor, nearly all of whom were citizens of Red Wing; but the burdens of office at that time were easily borne. Mr. Philander Sanford, our first lawyer, built for himself a law office on Main street, where all, or nearly all public and legaJ business, was transacted for that year.

One thing that gave the place some reputation abroad at the early beginning was the probability that it would be soon the seat of an institution of learning of high order. It was known that the M. E. Church were about to establish a university somewhere in the Northwest and that Red Wing had been selected as the proper place for it. The hopes of the people in regard to such an enterprise began to be realized towards the end of the year 1854, when Prof. Jabez Brooks, on the

16th of November, opened a school in the hall over Smith, Hoyt & Go's store. This school was called the preparatory department of the Hamline University.

The prevalence of the cholera on the river during the summer of this year had retarded the growth of the town somewhat. Persons were frequently landed here from boats, who were infected by the disease, and though cared for as tenderly and patiently as possibly, many of them died. It was remarkable that the pestilence did not spread among the residents.

The winters of 1854-55, were very mild for this latitude, and the usual intellectual and social enjoyments of the season were passed with all the pleasures incident to such scenes. But though mild and pleasant it seemed to linger long in the lap of spring. The first boat from below was never waited for more anxiously than at that time. With a large majority of the inhabitants it had been the first winter of their experience in Minnesota. Not knowing how much better appetites for food were enjoyed here than elsewhere, their winter supply of meat, fiour and fruit began to fall short. There was money enough, but for a month or so pork and flour could not be had in Red Wing for money. The ice in the river was too weak for traveling. No one was in danger of starvation; fish were plenty; and as the ice began to melt in places, wild ducks came to the rescue; yet the settlers craved a change of meat and more bread. We well remember how the proprietor of the Red Wing House was pat to his wits to provide for his voracious guests. With a flour pail in his hand he was frequently seen calling upon some private family to borrow a few pounds of the stuff to make bread of, promising to return it in full when the first boat should arrive. The puffing steamboat came at last and landed a stock of groceries and provisions for the firm of Jackson & Enz; this firm had just opened a store on Bush Street. Among the goods landed at this arrival were eleven barrels of flour and a large hogshead filled with smoked hams and shoulders. These articles found a ready sale; being received on Friday evening and all sold out by the Monday following. Under the circumstances the firm prudently limited each family to a portion. Thus all were temporarily supplied. Settlers living on claims far from town, came in as soon as they heard that a boat had come through the lake, and got provisions. Other boats came in a few days bringing needed supplies for other firms, and plenty now reigned among all who had the money to buy with.

The United States Land Office was opened here about the begining of the year 1855, W. W. Phelps register, and C. Graham receiver. These officers were kept very busy filing the declarations of intended pre-emptors, etc.

In the month of August, the same year, the first newspaper appeared, a very creditable four page sheet, published by Merritt & Hutchins, and issued every week. The printing office was on Main street, in a building whicli was first used as a carpenter's shop and a house of worship. The same building has since been fitted for and is now used as a private family residence.

The most remarkable event of the year was the advent of whiskey. The proprietors of the town and nearly all the early settlers, were temperance people. It was then generally understood that the sale of intoxicating liquors, as a beverage, should be forever prohibited. But with the rush of immigrants consisting of speculators, merchants, and mechanics, who flocked to this embryo city that season, was one poor "blind pig;'' not a very dangerous animal to be sure. The first knowledge of its existence in the community came in the following figurative language, uttered in a undertone, "Mr. P., a dry goods merchant on Bush street, keeps hard-ware in his cellar." More than two years had passed since the town was begun and no intoxicating liquors had been kept for sale here openly; and it appeared as if no one could tolerate the business. How the whiskey ever got into that cellar was a mystery. It was soon evident that it was there. Men were seen coming from that store with unsteady step and flushed visages. A public meeting was called. Men of every profession and trade met together to express their indignation at the outrage. Long speeche^s were uttered, even politicians dared to speak against the trafiic in these days. All at that meeting were unanimous in the opinion that measures should be taken to remove the nuisance as soon as practicable. A committee of five were appointed to wait on the merchant who had the hard-ware in his cellar and inform him that the sale of the staff could not be allowed. The committee visited the offender, going in a body to the store, stating the object of their visit, and the authority under which they acted. The man winced somewhat under the influence of popular feeling thus boldly expressed; denied the charge of selling it, but owned that it was where men could go and get as much as they wanted. This man soon after closed his business and left the place. This transaction proved plainly that when the majority will unite their forces against any known evil, they will succeed in putting that evil down.

The first sale of public lauds in this county, occurred at the United States Land Ollice in Red Wing, begining the 29th day of August, 1855. W. Le Due was the auctioneer. The notice of this sale had been previously given in the newspapers; and many strangers thronged the village at the appointed hour.

The settlers had formed a claim association in this immediate vicinity for the purpose of protecting themselves from landsharks and speculators. David Hancock was president, P. Sandford secretary, and Eezin Spates assistant secretary, of this association. Iloyal Lovell was appointed to represent the settlers at the sale. He stood close by the auctioneer and bid in all the lands which they respectively had claimed. Mr. Lovell held a description of every claimant's land, ready to bid the moment the numbers were called by the government agent, of any one description. The settlers stood by, ready to back him if occasion required. Though a large number of speculators were present ready to take advantage of such opportunities as offered for picking choice tracts, they dared not bid against the settlers, after being informed that such a combination for mutual protection had been formed, and were ready to defend their rights.

The first brick yard in the county was opened for the manufacture of brick in East Red Wing by Georf^e Wilkinson in the summer of 1855. He had taken the contract for the erection of the Hamline university. He came and commenced the manufacture of brick for that structure chiefly, but furnished that material to others for a time. Besides the University building there were two brick dwellings erected that same year. The University building was completed and dedicated early in January, 1856. The preparatory department was immediately opened for students and a college class soon after formed. Before the year closed two teachers besides Prof. Brooks were added to the faculty. The institution soon obtained a wide reputation and students flocked hither from a distance to enjoy its advantages. The lectures given by the professors from time to time and the debates of the literary societies were often attended by the citizens, and contributed much to make the new home attractive to all.

A large immigration from other states and from Europe came to this place in 1856. Mauy new enterprises were begun. Merchants and mechanics flocked hither, buildings of various size and materials were constructed. The north side of Main street, between Bush and Plum, was filled with business blocks, mostly of wood; the south side of the same had but two or three vacancies. A boarding house was built by Mrs. Huldah Allen, who soon after assumed the title of Mrs. llichard Freeborn, on the bank of the river, west of Broadway, which is still standing and is called the Farmer's Hotel.

The first machinery for the manufacture of sash and blinds was put into operation this year by Hasler & Todd. They used a one horse tread-mill power.

The land office did a flourishing business and called many strangers to this place during the three years it remained. Hotels and boarding houses multiplied and were well patronized.

Barnes & Vanhouten opened a brick yard at the west end, and commenced the manufacture of that article, while Mr. Wilkinson's yard was still supplying brick, but not in sufficient quantities to meet the demand.

The first saw mill was put in operation here by Pettibone & Knapp. It was afterwards run by Freeborn & Pettibone. Cogel & Blakely built a mill for the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. The machinery for this mill was sunk in the Mississippi with the steamer Itaska while on its way hither. Other machinery was soon purchased and the mill put in operation before the close of the year. The followiug year the same firm commenced the manufacture of wheat flour with one set of stones. This was the first flouring mill in the county.

The prominent firms doing business here so early as 1856 besides those already mentioned were J. C Weatlierby, dry goods and groceries; Mclntiro & 8hiddon, F. F. Philleo, Richter & Sherman, all kept general merchandise; Betcher <% Brown, hardware; Clark & Allen also kept hardware; W. E. Hawkins and W. H. Wellington, painters ; Wm. Colvill, Murdock & Bristol, Chas. McClure and E. T. Wilder, attorneys at law; Smith, Towne & Co., dealers in real estate. The last named firm consisted of Otis F. Smith, Thomas F. Towne and J. C. Pierce.

There was a hall over a business block on the north side of Main street called Philleo hall, which was finished and devoted to use of the public during the year 1856. This hall was for some time the place for holding conventions, public lectures, concerts, church festivals, etc. It was used on Sundays as a place for public worship by the Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Baptists in succession, until each had built churches for themselves. The Methodists occupied the chapel of Hamline University for Sunday services until their church edifice was completed.

The fourth day of July was duly celebrated for the first time in Red Wing in 1856. There was a grand procession following a band of musicians, tliree in number; first, officers of the day, orator and reader; second, school children and teachers ; last, citizens generally. This procession marched to a natural groA^e near by, where the usual exercises, appropriate to the occasion, were listened to with attention. Hon. W. W. Phelps delivered the oration. Long tables had been prepared by the ladies, loaded with the best eatables the times could furnish and a free dinner was partaken of by all present.

The Presbyterians commenced building a brick church this year. The outer walls were finished and the roof completed when winter set in. The interior was finished, furnished with a bell and dedicated, the following summer. This pioneer church still remains on the corner of Sixth street and East avenue, and serves the purpose of its founders.

The spring of 1857 was backward in its approaches; but it brought a larger number of new citizens to our town and county than any previous year. The work of building new houses and stores was pushed with vigor through most of the season.

By an act of the Territorial legislature, a charter was granted to the citizens of lied Wing for a city form of government. The first charter election was held this year and resulted iu the election of J. C. Weatherby, for mayor; James Lawther, F. F. Hoyt and Charles Beers, for councilmen.

the growth of this new city entirely. A high rate of interest was allowed for the use of money, but the farmers were raisiug golden wheat. Large quantities of that product found a market here. Wheat buyers were on the street ready to meet teams as they entered and pay cash for the loads. Loads of wheat drawn by oxen from fifty to one hundred miles, were marketed here in those early days. The first bank was opened here on Main street, by Smith, Meigs & Co. Pascal Smith was chief manager.

The same year another weekly newspaper commenced its publication, which was named The Bed Wing Republican. The first number was dated September 4, 1857. Lucius F. Hubbard was editor and proprietor.

A convention had been held in St. Paul to frame a constitution for the new State in order to be admitted into the union at the next session of Congress. The work of that convention having just been completed the full copy of that constitution was published in the initial number of The Bed Wing Bepiihlican. The first regular convention of the Republican party was held in Red Wing the first of September the same year. Until this time party politics had made very little show in the county. The paper which had been published every week since August, 1855, I'Jie Seniinel, was a newspaper which served the wants and necessities of all the people ; but it was well known that its editor was a Democrat in National politics. As a matter of course when we should become a State, the former party afiiliations of the settlers would become manifest.

as secretary. Hon. Chas. McClure made the principal speech at this convention. A full ticket was nominated. The Democrats held a party convention also and nominated a strict party ticket. The latter ticket was sanctioned by the vote of the people with one exception. Since that time till the present, the Republican party has generally been victorious.

The attention of the people to buildings for the years to come was more general in town during 1857 than perhaps at any time since. It was a busy year for mechanics of all descriptions. A fact that will seem now strange to many is that all our cut-stone used for door and window sills, in brick structures, had to be imported from St. Paul, and all our lime for plastering was also imported from down the river. Phineas S. Fish made the first experiment of producing lime from the stone in Barn bluff this year. The article he produced was considered inferior, and he did not continue the work.

One of the most important events in the early history of Ped Wing was the burning of the "Galena," a large Mississippi river steamer, on the 3d of July, 1858, on a trip up the river. The fire broke out just before the boat reached the landing at Bed AVing, but it was in a very short time there; so that nearly all the passengers had time to get off safely. Although it was a little past midnight, the light of the burning vessel enabled all to see where to flee for refuge if they had had the proper presence of mind and courage to leap into the water.

The following description of the event was given by one of the passengers, who wrote it before leaving Red Wing and was published in the Chicago press:

"The boat's freight had beeu all discharged at the foot of the lake (Pepin). Au attempt was made to gain time by increasing speed. Before I retired the chimneys appeared like volcanoes emitting showers of sparks, and the upper deck and mid air presented a scene worthy of a pyrotechnic of the first water. But this, you know, is not uncommon. No danger was anticipated from this source, and it is not known, and probably never will be, whether the disaster originated from this source. My impression is that the fire was communicated from the lower portion of the chimney to the surrounding woodwork. About one o'clock, to give my own experience, some one caught my foot and shouted T/ie boat is on Jire.' My state room door was left partly open for ventilation. Fortunately, I had not doffed my pants or vest. Leaping from the upper berth I told Mary, Avho was also aroused, to be calm, with undoubtedly some tremor in my voice. I seized my boots, put them on, also my coat, and looked out. The alarm had not yet become very general, and I hoped that the fire might not prove disastrous. The first look I gave to the bow of the boat was sufiicient. The red flame, made lurid by the accompanying smoke, pierced through the cabin like a devouring tongue of an insatiate demon at the very instant. One look! You may have read descriptions of burning ships; you may have become, in imagination, a participant in the sublime horror of the scene, which human pen can never portray; but to stand, as I stood there, a living present witness, and a part of the scene itself, is fearfully and wonderfully different. One look, as I said, at that mad, devouring, hellish looking, fiend tongue, lapping with hot greed, the ceiling, doors, curtains, glass, and stabbing through into the opposite apartments, produced a strange re-action in my soul, awing me, as it were into coolness and deliberation. It was but for an instant. Hurrying up and down the long saloon, were crazed women, and men almost as frantic. 'Where shall I go? Save me! Save me!' 'Oh my child, ray child!' 'Fire! Fire ! ' ' We're all lost !' ' This way, I will save you all,' mingled in one confused uproar, with piercing shrieks and lacerating cries high over all. If I spoke then I cannot now recall more words than these, 'Quick, Mary, give me my boy,' and those little boy hands are still clinging around my neck and the quick beat of that baby heart still meets the louder pulses of my own around which new veins of love have swollen rapidly, softening, melting, until even now - no I will not weep. Just at this moment, when a master was so much needed, no one knowing just what to do, Capt. Laughton, of heroic memory, appeared like an apparition in the midst of us, and said firmly: 'This wa} and you will all be saved. Steady, this way.' The tide turned in one direction at the master's command, and with few exceptions, followed without crowding through the side entrance next the shore, which was somewhat obstructed by trunks which eager men were anxious to get ashore, or off the boat at least, and to our joy we found the boat's bow near the shore, and a plank launched. A group of ladies were in advance of me, and I set up a six foot Hoosier barrier against the crowd behind, holding back with the ability given me. In the confusion I missed Mary, but thought her in advance, and was so satisfied - so walked the plank tetering witli its excited burden, struck foot on shore with my jewel on my breast. There was joy in that moment's experience. A moment more and

Mary was at my side - and then our friends all safe - and if but half dressed, barefooted, with disheveled hair, more beautiful in my eyes than fabled princesses in all the glory of their royal attire. We turned to look upon the scene before us. Already had the flames reached to the extreme ends of the long ship, extending high above the pilot house, still occupied by the brave man at the wheel, holding his charge hard on shore, and the whole heavens seemed lighted by the conflagration. Still amid the flames could be seen a flitting form and heard a wild shriek of agony ; and now a boy - brave, glorious boy ! - leaps from the cabin deck, and swims with vigorous stroke down, down, the stream ; he cannot buffet it ; and now the yawl has reached him - saved ! hurrah ! The cry of ' powder on board ' startles with a new fear, and the crowd recedes far up the bluff and down the shore. Down falls the deck, up shoot the flames, renewed with strength, vaulting high above the tall black chimneys ; crash came the huge black monsters themselves over the deck. The river seethes and hisses, as if wounded and mad with pain ; the high wheel-house arches flame and tumble into the surge ; bang ! goes the cylinder head, and the liberated stream outrushing, for a moment, seems to rend the monster's bowels, and then subdued by its own energy, is seen no more. The boilers fall ; the flame begins to droop ; the hull is burning low ; the water's edge is reached ; in flows the adverse element ; she fills, she sinks ; and with one loud hiss of defiance the flames expire and all is dark and silent. Among the more notable incidents of the scene was the pilot standing bravely, cooly, at the wheel, enveloped by the flame uutil the boat was safe aground. He made his escape over the decks and down the rigging, Capt. Laughton was twice knocked down by trunks thrown from the decks in his passage up and down to save his passengers. He had several children on board, all ol: whom were saved. A poor Norwegian woman, who had a cow tied on the lower deck, in attempting to liberate the poor dumb animal, lost her own child. There were several oxen and cows on board. Most of them, after being badly burned, broke overboard and swam ashore. The greatest distress and sympathy were felt for a poor girl of fourteen years, whose mother with two younger sisters and a brother, were all lost. They were a plain, honest, earnest looking family, on their way from Michigan to meet the husband and father, at Maukato, Minn. This poor girl goes alone to convey the sad intelligence to her father. Perhaps no one saved suffered more in getting ashore than my friend, Wm. Bradley, of Keokuk. He was too late for the gangway and after spending his best exertions to save some children who chmg to his limbs, and some women who persistently refused to jump into the water although small boats were waiting as near as the tiames would permit, he let himself down from the guard and fell exhausted into a skiff then half full of water. He reached the shore and was saved, but that was all. The b )y who leiped from the deck and swam so finely, said he never swim bot'ore in his life, but preferred drowning to burning autl so sprung overboard. Instinct taught him to swim. A bridegroom and bride, young and joyful, from Orin, N. Y., got ashore; he dressed in the unique costume of a hat and shirt, she ditto, less the liat. Scarcely any baggage was saved. I have ten checks in my pocket, but not a trunk or carpet bag, Charley had on a night gown, and his mother was cos- turned a la the bride above mentioned. Unfortunately for me I had deposited my money in the safe, and the safe proved to be an iron box ouly, everything within it being utterly destroyed. The citizens of Red Wing are a humane-hearted people. All our immediate wants are being relieved and we shall take the next boat up, without money, and no baggage to trouble us." The next morning before breakfast a young man rapped at our door. We lived on the corner of Fiftli and Bush streets. He was without hat and shoes; had on a shirt and pants which I think was his only clothing. His name was Riggs, a son of Dr. S. R. Riggs, one of the early missionaries among the Indians. This young man, with his sister, was returning from Ohio, where they had been spending some time at school, and were among the passengers of the ill-fated vessel. They were on their way to the home of their parents at the Indian mission near Lac qui Parle. The young man said that his sister was at the Central House where they had found accommodations after escaping from the burning vessel during the night. He wished to borrow a lady's dress that she might be able to leave her room, as she had escaped with only her night clothes. Of course his request was granted, and both were soon provided with needful garments. The ladies of the different churches were all engaged in preparing suitable outfits for the unfortunate ones, for that day and the next. These survivors, after being properly provided for, were embarked on the next boat up the river going to their several destmations. The charred remains of the five persons who perished, were tenderly and carefully deposited in coffins and buried with the usual christian burial service, in Oakwood cemetery.

It will be of interest to state here that the young man mentioned above is now engaged in a very successf al mission work among the Indians, and that his sister has been for years a missionary in China.

Notwithstanding the dull times in reference to business matters throughout the country, on account of the money panic, many new buildings were added to the new city during the year 1858. The contract for building a court house and jail was let in June. The work on the foundation was soon after begun and pushed on until the winter set in. A goodly number of professional men, mechanics, and laborers, were added to the permanent population. Immigration from the old country increased. Stages began to run in difPerent directions, roads and bridges were constructed to accommodate travelers and visitors. After harvest wheat began to pour in for sale and wheat buyers multiplied. The custom of having free public lectures was inaugurated here ia the fall, and continued through the winter, about two lectures each month from November to April. These lectures were given for the most part by men who resided here. This custom prevailed up to the beginning of the civil war, and added much to the social and intellectaal enjoyments of the people. Occasionally the lecture appointment was filled by some one from abroad. Among the latter we remember having the pleasure of hearing Bayard Taylor on "Life in the North," and J. G. Holland on "Hobby Riding." The now famous author, Edward Eggleston, who was a resident of Minnesota in his younger days, visited Red Wing several limes, and gave interesting lectures, illustrating the same by stereopticon views.

The IGtli of June, 185U, was made memorable by being the date of the first graduating exercises held by the Hamline University. A college commencement was a rare occurrence in so new a State, and was a great attraction. The graduating exercises Avere held in the Presbyterian church, which was filled with people to overflowing. The graduating class consisted of two young ladies. They were sisters, Elizabeth and Emily Sorin, both of Avhom read essays of their own composition in such a manner as to be distinctly heard by every one present. At the close the degree of A. B. was conferred upon the young graduates. Classes were graduated in the years following, while tlie institution remained here, consisting generally of some persons of both sexes. Among them we would mention the names following: Hon. H, E. Brill, Judge of District Court, of St. Paul; Bradford J. Raymond, D. D., President of Wesleyan University, at Middlebury, Conn. ; and Hon. B. B. Herbert, Editor of Natiojial Journalist, Chicago, 111.

The first music teacher in Red Wing was Miss Harriet Kellogg, afterward Mrs. Jessie M. Hodgman. She gave lessons on the piano in 1856 and for several years following was the only teacher in that line. Our first teachers in singing were Hiram Middaugh, S. A. Hart, C. L. Davis and J. C. Hawes.

A project was set on foot here at an early date to improve our methods of communication with the country further west, by the navigation of Cannou river. The plan was never consummated, though an act of incorporation was obtained from the legislature, as this following notice will show :

Slack Water Navigation

It is the intention of this company to have a thorough survey of the Cannon and Le Sueur rivers and the lakes between their head waters, to determine cost and locate the necessary locks and dams. - Red Wing Argus, April, 1865.

The first attempt made to obtain railroad facilities, was at a meeting of the citizens in Tamer's hall, December 12, 1868. The statement was there made that a bonus of $100,000 towards a railroad would in twenty years make the taxable proparty $10,000,000, and the rate of taxation would also be redacecl materially.

Under date of March 15, 1866, the regular weekly papers contained notices headed, " Oil well in Red Wing!" "Steady flow of Petroleum !" "A joint stock company organized," etc. The facts in the case were, that a party of men had been engaged in digging for water for household purposes in the eastern part of the village, between Barn and Sorin bluffs. They found water twenty feet below the surface, but not sufficient in quantity for the purposes required. Consequently they continued to dig deeper. The next morning, after having found water, they commenced dippiug out that which had run in daring the night. Immediately the strong] odor of petroleum was realized; but they kept on digging. And the next morning the same thing happened. There was clear evidence of oil on the water before it was stirred. A portion was saved for visitors to smell of during the day. Every morning, for several days in succession, some signs of oil were apparent in the water drawn out of that well.

A joint stock company was actually organized. The stock was all taken, officers chosen, and the operations commenced. There were some doubting Thomases, however, who would wait for a clearer view.

So after the news had gone abroad in the papers under the head lines, "Steady How of petroleum in East Eed Wing," and almost everybody seemed to have oil on the brain, the doubters set a watch over the famous well during the dark and black night. And when the stillness of midnight had settled down upon all around, behold the soft light of an old-fashioned tin lantern drew gently near the mouth of the well. The watchers soon seized hold of the midnight light bearer and found in his possession, a tin can of kerosene oil!!! It is hardly necessary to add that the Red Wing oil company's office was closed very soon. The expenses of the company had amounted to only about $25, when the business wound up. There was a short paragraph in the papers the following week, headed, " The oil well a sell !" which gave the report of the night watchmen.

So soon after the discovery of gold in California ; and the oil wells of Pennsylvania were beginning to yield so abundantly of the means for artificial light, it would not be considered at all strange if the first comers iuto a new region should be constantly looking for something beneath the soil to encourage their hope of a future fortune. And such was actually the case among the early settlers in this county.

Many times it was announced in the Red Wing papers that some farmer had found strong indications of coal on his place. Digging for the precious fuel was often resorted to, but it invariably ended in disappointment. Some man discovered gold dust among the sand which had been thrown out of an excavation made for a fence post in Red Wing at oue time, which raised excitement enough to help up the price of real estate. At another time gold was discovered in the south part of the county on the Zumbro river. The bed of that stream was considered, for a few days, a ricli find. About a bushel of the yellow sand was brought into Red Wing to be washed and tested as to its value and purity. The test proved that gold was actually found, but not in paying quantities.

Disastrous hres were frequent in Red Wing before the present system of water works was completed in 1885. The first fire was the burning of the Indian bark houses in the spring of 1853, an account of which has already been given. The first dwelling house among the whites which was burned to the ground was built, owned and occupied by Thomas M. Lowater, Esq. It stood on the corner oi Third and Fvilton streets. A defective flue was supposed to have been the cause. Loss, $2,500; insurance, $1,000.

The next fire of any importance was the burning of a block of stores, corner of Main and Bu'-h streets, together with the stable and barn of the Red Wing house, which stood near the block on Bush street. This fire broke out about noon on the 28tli of October, 1857. This block was at the time the finest business structure in the town. It was built by James Lawther less than a year previous. The stores were occupied as follows : Peter Meserole, hardware ; S. B. Foot, ready made clothing; H. Lowater, books and stationery; J. M. Sylvester and W. L. Webster, jewelry. Offices in the second story were occupied by Charles McClure, a lawyer, and C. H. Connely, a physician. The greater part of the goods in the stores were saved, but the building was a total loss, estimated at 15,000.

A hook and ladder company had been organized at this time which did effective work in preventing the llames from spreading. Water was brought from the river in buckets by hand to stop the flames from spreading. Not men only, but women and children, were employed in this bucket brigade.

The year following, the Kelly House barn was totally consumed by fire. This house was afterward named Central House and situated on Plum street. The barn stood just in the rear of the house on the alley, and the contents, hay, grain, harness and carriages, were all consumed. Total loss, $2,500. The house was kept by W. L. Webster and was saved with great difficulty. The furniture Avas much damaged by hasty removal. This fire was the work of an incendiary; at least so reported.

In June, 1865, the hotel, which was the first frame building erected in Eed Wing, was wholly consumed by fire. This hotel stood on the corner of Main and Bush streets and was called the " Teepetonka," owned and kept by Jacob Bennett. The fire broke out early in the morning ; when first discovered the kitchen in the rear was all in flames. The furniture in the front part was nearly all saved, but the house, with several contiguous buildings, was reduced to ashes: It was through the utmost energy of our citizens that the whole row of wooden structures on the south side of Main, between Bush and Plum streets, was not consumed. The hook and ladder company did efficient work on the occasion, as also did the volunteer bucket brigade.

January 15, 1880, in the evening, a building on Bush street, which had been occupied by Mclntire & Sheldon as a store, was burned. The building had been unoccupied for a long time and belonged to Chas. Bryant. Before the fire could be put out there was nothing left but the bare walls. Insured for $1,000.

On the evening of April 9, 1882, a fire started between Main and Third streets, which, before it could be subdued, swept over and destroyed nearly half a block of buildings in the business part of Red Wing.

About eight o'clock Easter Sunday evening, our citizens were startled by the cry of fire ! fire ! followed immediately by the ringing of the fire bell. The Episcopal church was crowded to overflowing with those in attendance upon the services of the Knights Temj)lar, and being in the near vicinity of the fire, a rush was immediately made for the doors. The services, which had but just begun, were brought to a sudden close. The other churches throughout the city, where evening services had already commenced, were soon vacated. The fire was first discovered in an unused shed standing in the rear of Henry Nelson's tailor shop, and adjoining Webster & Perkin's livery stable. Mr. Nelson's foreman was in the shop and notified the men at the stable, who gave the first alarm. The shed was half filled with straw at the time, and the flames spread very rapidly. Id less than fifty minutes the whole cluster of buildings was a seething mass of ruins, reaching from the livery stable east on Third street, to the blacksmith shop of Ilol)ertson & Matthews, west to Broadway, and north to Main street. Every building was destroyed with the exception of the brick block, on the corner of Main and Broadway, which latter was damaged considerably. The large opera house, on the corner of Broadway and Third street, was the most valuable building destroyed by this fire. The original cost of this, with the lot, was $24,000. Several costly improvements had been recently added. Nothing of importance was saved of its furniture and fixtures. Insnrr.nce, $6,000. A number of families were deprived of a home for a time by this fire. Mr. C. P. Belin and family occupied rooms in the upper story of Webster & Perkins' livery stable. Mrs, Belin had gone to church, leaving her infant child in care of an aged invalid mother. The two were saved with difficulty. Misses G. Easterly and Tilda Carlson, sewing girls, occupying rooms adjoining, saved their lives but lost all their effects except one sewing machine. A Mr. Bragg and family, occupying rooms over one of the buildings on Main street, escaped with their lives, yet lost most of their furniture. J. Kuhn, occupying the basement of the opera house as a residence and restaurant, saved but a small portion of his goods. Dr. G, Allen lived in a brick house on Broadway, which was burned, with the barn, and the contents of both were nearly all destroyed, the family barely escaping. Another brick house, occupied by A. Steinerson and family, was also destroyed, with most of the furniture; lives saved. Among the buildings cousi.med on Main street at this time were: An omnibus stable, Raymond & Wright ; the express office of S. W. Eoberts ; the second-hand store of J. J. Quayle; and Mr. Bragg's meat market. On Third street, besides the opera house and livery block, the tailor shops of H. Nelson and John Norquist, and the hardware store of John Delano, were consumed, and the blacksmith shop next to the hardware store damaged materially. During the time of this fire the wind blew from the east a perfect gale. The air for a considerable distance was filled with flying cinders. Watchers were apprehensive of a more extensive conflagration. There had been a heavy rain storm the night before and the roofs of buildings were so thoroughly wet that the holocaust was prevented.

In 1882, June 13, a fire broke out about one o'clock a. m. in the drug store in the brick block on the same corner of Bush and Main streets where the old Tepeetonka had formerly stood. The drug store was kept by J. L. Kellogg. When first seen, the fire was in the rear end of the building, but in a few minutes the inside of the salesroom was a seething mass of flames, which soon burst out both in front and rear with great fury. In the second story, just over the drug store, Dr. AV. W. Sweney had an office, which was considerably damaged. Adjoining the block was C. E. Sheldon's jewelry store, fronting Bush street, whose stock, consisting chiefly of fine crockery, was taken out with such haste as to be damaged to the amount of $800. On the Main street side adjoining, was the large dry goods store of C. Belanger. His stock was also injured by removal and the water, so as to occasion a loss of $500. Goods were removed from several other stores and offices before the progress of the fire was arrested, and the total losses by

The same year a series of fires occurred on the 18th of September. At about seven p. m., a room in the second story of the Scandinavian hotel, on Potter street was discovered on fire, which was soon extinguished by a few buckets of water. The fire was on a bed which stood near an open window. It was supposed that some one threw fiery missiles from the street in at the window. About an hour later another alarm was sounded, and the Lyon's house stable was found burning on the corner of Third and Plum streets. All efforts to save this building were unavailing, but while it was still burning another cry of fire was heard over on Broadway. This fire commenced in the rear of the barn belonging to the National hotel. Soon the baru was on fire, and the hotel, witli a building adjoining, were all reduced to ashes. It seemed that all the firemen could do was to prevent the destruction of the furniture factory and the dwelling of Mr. Hastings. The National hotel was owned at the time by Charles Betcher. His loss was estimated at $5,000 ; insured for $1,000.

By far the most destructive fire which has yet occurred in Red Wing was on the 4th of March, 1883, when the Diamond and Bluff mills, with several adjoining buildings, were totally destroyed. These mills, together with the Bluff saw-mill, were all owned by a joint stock company, which employed about one hundred men and turned out one thousand barrels of fiour per day. The saw-mill only was saved from the devouring element. These mills occupied the whole front of Levee street from Barn bluff to the foot of Potter street.

King, the engineer, and Charles Bailey, fireman on the yard engine of the Milwaukee railroad, noticed an unusual light through the windows of the fourth floor of the Diamond mill. They immediately started their engine down the track to get a clearer view and soon decided that the mill was on fire. They commenced giving the alarm by blowing the engine whistle. The mill whistle commenced sounding at almost the same time, and very soon the bells of the city added to the dismal chorus. The fire had evidently been set by some person, who was familiar with the construction of the mills, during the change of the night watchmen. The early watchman had completed his rounds at 11:30, as shown by his time detector, an instrument which the watchmen were required to carry. He had turned over the watch to the other watchman and gone home. The later watchman had come, put on his detector, examined the water gauge, looked into the fire room, went to the engine door to lock it, and looking out discovered the fire and immediately gave the alarm. Engineer W. A. Potter was the first at the mill and W. H. Norris was there soon after. Potter started the pump and Norris rushed to the fourth floor to turn on the water but was driven back by the smoke. F. C. Boynton made a similar attempt but failed in the same manner. The fire engine was soon on hand and throwing water, but the flames had obtained such a headway that the elevator and warehouses, with the Bluff mill, were soon destroyed, with the contents. The firemen succeeded in saving the saw-mill by wetting it down. The fire raged full five hours before it was under control. The total loss was estimated at $240,000. The total insurance was 1173,000. The mills have not been rebuilt.

Chaptee Xvi Red Wing Continued

Soon after the great fires which resulted in the destruction of the Diamond and Red Wing flouring mills had occurred, the citizens of the place began to agitate the question: "How can we prevent the frequent recurrence of such calamities?" The agitation of this question among the people finally led the city council to move in the matter. Our representatives in the legislature, in the winter of 1883, were asked to procure the enactment of a law, granting to the city of Red Wing the power to issue bonds, for the purpose of constructing a system of water works. The act was approved March 1, 1883, and provided that before it should become operative it should be submitted to the legal voters of the city for their approval or otherwise. The vote was taken in July following, fixing the amount of the bonds to be issued at $85,000. The vote upon the proposition resulted in its adoption by a large majority. A committee was appointed by the mayor whose duty it should be to examine, devise and recommend the best plan for an efiicient system of water works for the city.

constructed, for the purpose of. securing the best plan. They engaged Mr. H. H. Harrison, of Stillwater, to draft a plan and specifications for prosecuting the work. In due time the plans and specifications for the entire work were submitted to the city council and adopted. The contract for doing the work was awarded on the 2Sth day of August, 1883, to the Northwestern Water & Gas Supply company, of Minneapolis, Minn., it being the lowest responsible bidder, for the sum of $85,0C0. The work of this company, when completed, was as follows : A pump house of stone, facing Levee street, at the foot of Hill street, 40x52 feet, divided into a pump room, and a boiler room, and a brick coal shed adjoining. The water is taken from the main channel of the Mississippi river, through a fourteen-inch castiron intake pipe, extending 800 feet from the pump house across the bay ; the water is conveyed by gravity into a screen well, where it is cleared of leaves, chips, small fish and other impurities ; thence it passes through a pipe into an adjacent filter well, where it passes through a filter pit composed of sponges ; thence it is conveyed through an arch from the bottom of the filter well to an adjoining pump-well ; thence it is pumped by two of Blake's duplex pumps, which work either single or double, into the street mains, and forced into a one million gallon reservoir located on Sorin blufP, at an elevation of two hundred and seventy-five feet above the river. The motive power is supplied by two forty-eight inch steel tubular boilers, each fourteen feet in length. There are about six miles of street mains, using about six hundred tons of cast-iron pipe. There are fifty-two hydrants and thirty-five steel gate valves. These works have been thoroughly tested by seven years use and prove to be of uutold value in speedily arresting the progress of lire. No buildings of any size or importance have been entirely consumed in this city since the completion of this system of works in 1885. Eight streams of water can be thrown at the same time, through nozzles ranging from one to two inches in diameter. The pressure is such that the water can be thrown over the roofs of the highest buildings.

Besides preventing any great loss from burning buildings, these works are of great benefit in furnishing a supply of fresh water for many households ; also for watering streets and lawns during the summer season. Extensions and improvements have been added since the first completion, as demanded by the growth of the city, until the entire cost of the water works and grounds, with implements and tools, etc., amounts to the sum of $95,000. The rents paid for the use of the water by individuals, for private purposes, now pay all the running expenses, and as the number of those who pay water rent is annually increasing, this fund will shortly furnish the means to pay a portion of the maturing bonds.

Red Wing Gas Light company was organized in 1872 for the purpose of lighting the streets, public buildings, and private residences when called for, with gas. This company completed their preparations for furnishing gas, and the streets of the city of Bed Wing were first lighted by that material on the evening of February 11, 1873. Since that time an electric light plant has been introduced and the same company have become the owners thereof; reorganized under the name of Red Wing Gas and Electric Company. They furnish the city with street lights, and lights for city offices, at the

Manufacturing Industries

First among the industries of Red Wing was that of the manufacturing of lumber for building purposes, from logs which were brought down the river from the pineries in the North. The article being in great demand always in the first settlement of a new country, it is only natural that its production should be felt as the most needful. This industry is still carried on to the extent of supplying the constant demands of a thriving town and the surrounding country, but in proportion to the capital invested and agents employed, other industries have far surpassed it.

The turning of wheat into flour was commenced here as early as 1857. Hay Creek Mills began the manufacture of flour about the year 1866. These mills were run by water power. In 1873 the Red Wing mill company erected what was known as the Bluff mill. This company's first structure contained eleven run of burrs, three sets of iron, and six of porcelain rollers, with all the improved machinery and appliances of a first-class new process mill. This structure was soon connected by a warehouse, having a capacity for 150,000 bushels, to ano'her excellent building known as the Diamond mill, a notable feature of which was the Hungarian system, the first introduced into this country, by which method, or system, there are four or more griudings of the wheat, elaborate purification, and reduction of middlings to flour by means of rollers, or rollers and stones combined. Both these mills were located near the

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, the basement floors being on a level with the bottom of a freight car standing on the track. Their distance from the river dock being only 100 feet gave these mills remarkable shipping facilities. When running to their full capacity these mills turned out 1,000 barrels of flour in twenty-four hours. Unfortunately these mills were entirely destroyed by fire in 1883.

The La Grange Mill Company

This company was formed, and articles of incorporation signed, in March, 1873, but did not take effect till 1877; and to continue thirty years. The main building is six stories in height. The basement is of stone, and three feet in thickness; the remaining stories, brick. The walls of the brick- work are twenty inches at the bottom, and one foot at the top. The basement story is twelve feet high; the next, or grinding story, is fifteen feet high; second and third stories, each twelve feet; the fourth and fifth are each fourteen feet. The whole structure rests on solid rock. The frame work is of the most substantial character. The engine and boiler rooms are in a one-story stone and brick structure, 20x50 feet, with gravel covered roof. A fire wall, twelve inches in thickness, separates the two rooms, with fire proof doors. Adjoining the mill is a wheat warehouse of brick and stone, 60 feet square, with a capacity of 75,000 bushels, having fire proof walls and doors. The cost of buildings and machinery was $75,000. The treasurer's report, September 30, 1878, showed 885,000 of stock subscriptions all paid in. The wheat purchased by the company up to that time amounted to 324,238 bushels. The company had man- ufactured 63,031 barrels of flour, of which 55,000 barrels had been shipped. That was the first year's work. The present capacity of the mills is 800 barrels per day; the yearly output over 200,000 barrels.

Eed Wing Manufacturing Company

This enterprise was first established by Daniel C. Hill, in 1862, at the corner of Main and Bluff streets. A small two-story frame building, 30x60 feet, with a wing, 16x30, served for the first few years; was operated by steam power and devoted to the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and mouldings. The rapid growth of the business obliged the proprietor to enlarge his works, and in 1869 he erected a large two-story brick block, 50x60 feet, in connection with the original building, and had during most of the year thirty-five men employed. In the year 1882, a joint stock company was formed with a capital of $75,000, and the buildings extended to more than double their former capacity. New and improved machinery having been added, they manufacture besides the articles for finishing houses, all kinds of furniture. About one hundred persons are employed in the establishment. The annual output is $225,000. They now have a three-story brick block, 120x60 feet; afire proof warehouse, 120x40 feet; with a wing 60x34 feet. The warehouse is four stories in height. An office and drying house have lately been added to the establishment.

The Red Wing Furniture Company

The plant of this company is located on West Main street between West Avenue and Dakota street, and they are engaged in tlie manufacture of household and office furniture. The engine and boiler rooms are in the rear of the workshops. This latter building is four stories high, fronting on Dakota street; dimensions, 50x60 feet. The main building is a three-story brick, 120x60 feet, fronting Main street. The capital stock of this company is $46,000. Their annual sales amount to $70,000. They employ sixty men ; incorporated in 1880. The products of this, as well as those of the Manufacturing company above mentioned, are shipped to various points in this and the adjoining states. There are several private furniture factories in the city, which supply the home demand.

The Charles Betcher Lumber Company

Mr. Betcher commenced in the lumber business here in 1859, purchasing Mr. Blakely's interest in the firm of Cogel & Blakely. In 1861 they purchased the old "Freeborn Mill;" the present saw-mill is upon the same old site. In 1867 the structure was rebuilt, enlarged and greatly improved. Mr. Cogel retiring in 1875, left Mr. Betcher alone. The mills are located on the bay at the west end of town, convenient to the railroads, with an accessible and safe harbor for logs. The capacity of the saw-mill may be rated at 7,000,000 feet per annum.

The average cut of logs for the last few years is 6,000,000 feet, with 2,500,000 shingles, and 480,000 lath. Lumber shipments in 1891 amounted to $173,196.00; shipments of wagon and sleigh stock, 1891, $33,400. The planing mill is devoted to the manufacture of sash, doors, window blinds, moulding, packing boxes, etc., and is furnished with all the modern machinery for doing every variety of work. The company supplies fifteen lumber yards outside of Ked Wing, mostly located on the H. & D. railroad. They employ about 125 men, to whom they paid in cash the last year $34,000. Additional payments were made in lumber. This establishment does a high grade of all kinds of inside finish, both in pine and hard woods.

The Manufacture Of Lime

is one of the principal industries, and is carried on extensively by several firms or companies in and around the city. Mr. G. A. Carlson may be called the pioneer in the business. Commencing in a small way in the early history of Red Wing with but little capital, he has pushed ahead with an indomitable energy and perseverance until he occupies the first place among the lime producers of the Northwest. Mr. Carlson's works are the most extensive of their kind probably, to be found in the State. He owns several hundred acres of land, which include two large stone quarries and twelve lime kilns. The combined product of these kilns is very large, and they are operated almost continuously through the year. Shipments are made to all points in the West and North. By means of the sidetracks from the railroad directly from the quarries and kilns, his shipments are easily made. Constant employment is given in his business to about sixty men. The annual value of the product is over $75,000. Mr. Carlson has lately perfected a new process for the manufacture of lime. It is nothing less than the substitution of gas for wood, in the burning. He has six kilns in operation uuder this plan, wliieli, for completeness of arrangement, cannot be surpassed. It is stated on good authority that the lime made by this method is superior to that burned in the old way, and the cost in the manufacture is reduced considerably.

Twin City Lime And Cement Company

This company was organized and incorporated in 1890, with a capital stock of $50,000. Their shipping facilities are excellent, the lime being loaded into the cars directly from the bias where it is placed on being taken from the kilns. Their works are located chiefly on the northerly side of Barn bluff. This company is doing a large business in furnishing building material for St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Stoneware

In the manufacture of stoneware Red Wing justly claims the distinction of being the largest producing point in the Northwest. It is known to some of the early settlers that John Paul, a farmer in the north part of the town of Goodhue, had a little factory covered with turf, where he made crocks for packing butter, and flower pots for the ladies who cultivated jjlants through the winter. He shaped his wares on a wheel propelled by a treadle, and disposed of the largest share among his neighbors. His raw material was dug from beneath the soil of his own farm. He continued the business but a short time, and, as far as known, he was the first to use the clay from the clay beds in this vicinity in the manufacture of earthen vessels. Terra coUa was manufactured here for several years by William Philleo and Philander Sprague, from the clay in the southwest part of the city. Their product was chiefly vases for flowers, and ornamental Avork. The business did not prove prosperous and was abandoned.

The Red Wing Stoneware Company

by the citizens of Red Wing to consider the subject of organizing a company for the manufacture of stoneware, which resulted in the appointment of a committee to prepare articles of incorporation, and also a committee to solicit subscriptions to stock. The capital stock was, at the time the articles were signed, fixed at ten thousand dollars.

The first six months after the organization of this company was spent in experimenting with the use of a small kiln, and obtaining such information as was necessary in the prosecution of the enterprise. Early in August the work of grading for the foundation of the present works commenced. This enterprise proved to be a success from the start. The capital stock was doubled at the close of the first year. Their ware was soon found to be of a superior quality and the sales increased rapidly. The capital stock is now $80,000. The works embrace in all twelve buildings covering over two acres of ground. The main shop is 50x150 feet and two stories high. Three lines of railroad enter the yards, the Milwaukee & Chicago, Minneapolis & St. Louis, as well as the Duluth, Eed Wing & Southern. By the last named road clay is brought to the clay sheds and the ware is carried away by all three to markets in some twenty states and also to Canada.

This company manufactures stoneware of all kinds, including yellow and white ware of the finest finish and most exquisite coloring, suitable for table service - jugs, jars and milk pans of all descriptions. The ware has a good reputation for sterling quality wherever it has been introduced.

Minnesota Stoneware Company

of this company is in the immediate vicinity of the one just mentioned and possesses equal facilities for carrying on the same line of business. Over one hundred men are employed. The value of the product for the year 18U0 was reported to be 5^125,000. Since that time important improvements have been made and additions to the buildings, in order to meet the increasing demands for their wares.

The North Star Stoneware Company

This company was organized within the year just past, and operations in the production of stoneware are already begun. To one who visits their works and notices the extensive preparations that have been made, it would seem that this company intended to do business on a larger scale than is done by either of the older companies. The capital stock is $100,000. The main building is of brick, 210 feet long and 62| in width; three stories in height. The engine house and clay shed extend beyond the main building 100 feet. The plant is located along the main tracks of the Minneapolis & St. Louis and D., R. W. & S. railroads, nearly opposite the old stoneware works.

The Red Wing Sewer Pipe Company

was incorporated October, 1891, with E. H. Blodgett, president ; F. W. Hoyt, secretary ; F. Busch, treasurer ; C. E. Sheldon, superintendent. This company operates eight kilns and has a daily output of two and one-half or three cars of ware, or 800 cars a year. They employ forty or fifty men. The pipe made by this company is the best produced by any factory in the United States; a ware that is thoroughly vitrified, highly glazed, compact body, smooth, and is conceded by all users of the article to be superior to any other made. The factory occupies a very prominent place overlooking the Mississippi river, and located on the C. M. & St. P., M. & St. L., and D., R. W. & S. railroads, together with C. & N. W. connections, and with the Mississippi river on one side, making it possible to ship in any direction and over almost any road in the country, and also to secure the lowest freight rates. This company is the pioneer manufacturer of sewer pipe in the Northwest.

A second sewer pipe manufactory, located a few rods west of the old fair grounds in Red Wing, is now in progress and will in a short time commence turning out its products. This company have secured twenty acres of land on which to erect the necessary buildings and have ample room for other purposes. The engine and boiler rooms are under the same roof and occupy the space of 96x106 feet. The main structure is three stories high, and is 72x252 feet, ground space. Seven kilns are already constructed. An artesian well has been bored on the premises, 432 feet in depth, which throws water ffoni q,n eight^inch tiibe some fifteen feet above the surface. The capital stock of this company is $200,000.

Red Wing Iron Works

These works are located on the corner of Bush and Levee streets and are owned and managed by the Densmore Bros. The buildings were completed in 1866, at a cost of $12,000. Tlie material is brick and stone. The buildings include a store room, blacksmith shop, foundry, boiler room and other minor ajipartments. In 1874 their shops were destroyed by fire, and in sixty days were rebuilt and in operation again. Twelve men are constantly employed at the works and at times fifteen or twenty. All kinds of iron work is done at the establishment. A large amount of mill machinery and hundreds of useful articles are kept in readiness for the trade of the surrounding country.

Trout Brook Tannery

This business was established in 1872 by Mr. J. F. Porter. His works are located in the valley of Trout brook, three miles from the city, and his business comprises the tanning of hides of all descriptions. The main building is 122x30 feet, three stories high, and there are three structures of less dimensions; the whole plant is valued at $12,000. Employs about fifteen men. Mr. Porter enjoys a large and increasing business. His products have a high standing wherever they have come into market.

Near his tannery, on the same stream, Mr. Porter has a mill for the manufacture of sorgum syrup, having the capacity of one thousand gallons in twenty-four hours.

There is also another manufactory of this kind only five and one-half miles east of Red Wing, owned and managed by N. H. and Paul Post, which has the reputation of producing the best of syrup, and of equal capacity with the mill first named.

There are other lines of manufacture represented in Red Wing, such as carriages, Avagons and sleighs, tinware, harness, boots and shoes, marble works, and such as may be found in every town of importance in the State. No city of its size can boast of better transportation facilities. Situated on the Mississippi river, where large freight and passenger steamers are passing almost daily through all the summer, it enjoys a water competition with the railroads, a benefit that is appreciated. Four railroads now enter the city.

Red Wing is naturally a distributing point for a wide area, and is doubtless destined to become a large manufacturing city. The business interests of the place have almost invariably been represented by men of energy and thrift, who have prospered because always alive to every enterprise calculated for the public good. The failure of a business firm in Eed Wing is a thing almost unknown. The banks have always done business on a solid basis. There are three of these institutions, and all have been established by permanent residents and built up by home capital. There is also a savings bank connected with the Goodhue County bank. The statement was made during the present season that the aggregate amount of deposits in all these institutions, was somewhere near one million of dollars.

The protection against fires now enjoyed by the people of this city is a matter of congratulation to all who may wish to make a home here. The excellent system of water works, supplying an abundance of water for the purpose in every part of the city, has been tested. The fire department is on the voluuteer plan, but its members are partly paid. It numbers about sixty men. There are ten alarm boxes; one hook and ladder truck, one Silsby steamer, one chemical engine, four hose carts, and an abundance of hose. There is also a fire police force connected with the fire department. During the past eight years, the losses by fire have been quite small.

Religious And Educational Institutions

These two interests, which are the basis of civilization and human progress, have received a goodly share of attention by the citizens of the place from the very beginning.

Gen. James S. Brisbin, when about to retire from the service in the U. S. army, having in the course of his military career had the advantage of becoming acquainted with all parts of the country, wisely chose Red Wing for his future home. In a letter of his, published in the Army Journal, he thus writes :

" Red Wing is a city of homes, and perhaps more people own their homes and houses in this place than in any city of equal size in the Northwest. Nearly every home is beautified with trees, lawns, shrubs, flowers, and not a few adorned with statuary and picturesque verandas.

"When the fathers laid out this city they laid as its corner stone, education and religion. It is one of the most beautiful sights in the world to see, on Sabbath here, the thousand of people pouring along the streets towards the places of worship. Everybody goes ; it is the proper thing to do, and you have to go to church. No saloons or bars, no theatres or beer gardens, are open on the Sabbath day in this goodly city. The schools are the very best in the Northwest and education is free to all."

The school was the first public institution established in Red Wing. While there were but half a dozen children in the settlement, a school was kept in one of the log houses built by the missionaries to the Indians. Before any public funds were available for the purpose.

tlie teachers had to depend upon tuition fees paid by parents who sent their children. The first school house was erected by private subscription; a very unpretentious structure, costing only $200. This, with rented rooms in different localities, served the purpose of public school accommodations till 1865, when the Central school house was erected. The furniture of the first school rooms was the home-made and hand-made kind. It was of the same primitive style used by a former generation; constructed from pine plank ; very convenient for the use of pocket knives. Whenever a rented school room was wanted by its owner for some purpose of greater advantage to himself - which was frequently the case in a growing city - it was the duty of the trustees to look up another room. And it was customary, in those days, during school vacations, to see the honorable board of trustees engaged in conveying the long benches and double pine desks, sadly whittled, from one place to another.

The Hamline University, opening so early here, was a great advantage. This institution received scholars of all grades, and it afforded a relief to the crowded and ill-furnished public schools for the time being, nearly all scholars over twelve years old in the place enjoying the privileges it afforded up to the beginning of the civil war.

On looking back to the days of laying the foundation, and the limited facilities then enjoyed, compared with those enjoyed at the present day for obtaining an education, the school children of to-day may well be thankful. They should realize the fact that success in education does not depend upon the advantages given, but upon the diligent and persevering improvement of such as they have. Many of our great statesmen had very meagre scl ool privileges. Many of our best citizens, the fathers and mothers of to-day, were the scholars of our primitive schools thirty years ago. Many of these who attended our early schools in Eed Wing are among the leaders in the various professions and employments they have chosen to pursue, wherever they have gone abroad. John Lind and Martin Maginnis, Members of Congress, and John Arkins, editor of the Denver A^ews, were once school boys in Eed AVing. Two young ladies, now in Europe perfecting themselves in the art of music, are native born and spent their school daj^s in this city. Other names might be given of those who were scholars here, and who have become successful, as preachers, lawyers, teachers, physicians, dentists, bankers, editors, and merchants, in other parts of the world.

At the present time there are five large, well-furnished public school buildings in the city. The teaching force employed consists of a superintendent, a principal of the high school, one music teacher, a teacher of drawing, and thirty teachers of the common branches, each of the latter having charge of a separate room, with accommodations for sixty scholars. The total enrollment of all the schools at the present time is nearly 1,800. The rapid growth of our manufactories indicates that another large school building will be a necessity in the near future.

There are at the present time fourteen church edifices and fifteen church congregations in this city. Out of the seven thousand inhabitants probably six thousand are in attendance at some place of worship on the Sabbath, at least some part of the day. The first three organized religions societies in the place were the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist. All of these were effected in the log school room of the Indian mission, which for a time was the only room used for public worship.

The Episcopal church is located on Third street, between East and West aA'enues. It is a large stone structure, capable of seating 600 adult persons. The church property is valued at $35,000.

The IMethodist Episcopal church is located at the corner of Fourth street and East avenue. It has a very large seating capacity with a basement containing a Sabbath school and lecture room. The property is valued at $22,000.

The Swedish Lutheran church is located at the corner of West avenue and Fifth street. It has the largest audience room and largest membership of any. The congregation numbers over 1,000. The number of communicants is 600. The church property is valued at $13,000.

The Swedish Baptist church is located at present on East Fifth street, where they now meet to worship in a building standing on the lot which they have purchased, with the intention of soon erecting a church edifice.

Oakwood Cemetery

dead. Late in the autumn of 1854, David Hancock and S. A. Hart - the latter was our first county surveyor - were empowered by the Claim association, which really represented the entire community, to go and select a tract of forty acres, which should be a suitable place for a city cemetery. . The government survey of the laud having not yet been made they were unrestrained by section lines. They fixed upon an eligible plat, which included a large portion of the present site. Subsequently Smith, Towne & Co., who had acquired the title to all that region, deeded the same to the city. Their deed to the city bears date December 9, 1857. The addition of a strip, thirty-three feet wide and 850 feet long along the easterly part of the north line was secured by deed from Phelps & Graham in 1865, thus completing the cemetery tract in its present form. Upon the margin of the plat of survey subdividing the ground into blocks and lots, is the following certificate:

A city ordinance, framed by the Hon. W. C. Williston, was passed the 27th of April, 1865, designating the title "Oakwood" to the cemetery, and giving directions for the management of its aflPairs, remained in force until superseded by the passage of an ordinance in 1889, which is now in force. The last ordinance was passed after an additional chapter to the city charter had been enacted by the legislature, to effect this purpose. A board of trustees has since been appointed by the city council upon whom devolves the care and management of cemeteries controlled by the city.

were made here and there upon the grounds, as fancy in each case dictated. No sexton was in charge, but the neighbors turned out, or help was hired and burials effected, wirhout any proper registry, and, as a natural result, the locations of many graves have been lost.

The first burial made in these grounds is now believed to be that of a John Williams, who died of cholera, the disease taken on the steamer which landed him at this place in 1854. That tireless friend of the friendless, W. W. DeKay, selected the spot for the burial, and, with the assistance of W. \Y. Morse, dug the grave and laid the remains of the unfortunate stranger in their last resting place. The present board of trustees report that "to the continued and unflagging interest taken by Mr. DeKay in the affairs of the cemetery, its welfare is most deeply indebted." The remains of that kind and well remembered citizen now rest within its precincts.