Winona City (part 2 of 2)

On August 16 following, the appointment was conferred on Abner S. Goddard, and the name of the office changed to Winona. The notice of this appointment reached Mr. Goddard while lying very sick, and he refused to qualify. This sickness proved fatal, and the little settlement would have been without a mail had not Elder Ely cut the Gordian knot. The mail arrived, and as Mr. Goddard never had qualified for the office he did not deem it right to open the sack, and so refused. Elder Ely, wlio was present with his wife, considered the situation demanded a prompt action, and as the main thing, after all, was for each one to receive the letters addressed them, he broke open the sack and made the distribution. By this act the "elder" seemed to have appointed himself postmaster, and there seems to be no doubt that for some time he discharged the duties of postmaster of the new office very acceptably. Not long after the events narrated, the last steamer arrived for the season, and the mail was carried on foot from Prairie du Chien to Fort Snelling. There is no record of any appointment of postmaster in 1853, and the probability is that Elder Ely acted as mail distributor for the entire region for a period of about two years, making frequent trips to La Crosse, and bringing mail from the office at that point to parties in Winona. Just prior to the establishment of the land office here, in the fall of 1854, John W. Downer was appointed postmaster of Winona, and opened the office in a small building on Front street, where the elevator of the Winona INIilling Company now stands. This office Mr. Downer held until May t5, 1861, when he was succeeded by C. II. Blanchard, wlio was postmaster four years, and then surrendered his office to C. F. Buck, whose commissi(m was dated July 21, 1865. Mr. Buck's services as Winona postmaster ceased when his successor, D. Sinclair, Esq., was appointed, May 16, 1869. Since then there has been no change, Mr. Sinclair having held the office by successive reapix/intments for a little over fourteen years. When the office was taken charge ot by the present postmaster it was located on the east side of the alley on Third street, north side, where Orrin Drew's fruit and conlectionery store now is. Prior to that time the office had been on its travels. It had been established in the Downer building ; it was twice located on the corner where Mues block is; once on the corner of Third and Center, where Rheinberger's dry-goods house now is; then on Main street, between Third and Fourth, in the small frame building occupied by Bell as a bathhouse ; and once on south side Second street, between Center and Lafaj'ette street, where it was burned out, and possibly in other locations. Mr. Sinclair, maintained the office in the small building on the north side of Third street until the present postoffice building was erected, in 1872, at which time (April 1, 1872) the office was removed to its present location on the northeast corner of Third and Center streets. This building was erected by Winona capitalists under a contract with the United States postal department to rent the first floor for postoffice ])urposes for a term of years, and was one of the first buildings erected under such contracts with the department. The building is (as stated elsewhere) a three-story brick with stone foundations and high basement. The floor occupied by the postoffice is 90x24 feet, and in the basement there is a mailing-room 24x40 feet. Upon the main floor is the office for the delivery clerks, most conveniently arranged for distributing mail and delivering it at call. The postoffice boxes, 1,500 in number, are ranged around the three sides of the parallelogram within which the clerks answer all calls for mail through the ample delivery windows. The outer floor room is ample, as the space between the boxes and the side-walls of the exterior office is fully six feet, while the space in front is four times as great. Double doors on Center and Third streets afford ample exit, and a well-supplied news and stamp counter, in a recess on the right as you enter from Third street, accommodates the public demand for daily papers, and saves the delay of m-aking change for stamps at the delivery windows of the postoffice. The money-order office and the postmaster's private office are in the rear of the main and delivery rooms, and a fireproof vault affords ample security against loss of valuable packages belonging to the department, as this is the depositing office for all the fourth-class offices in southern and central Minnesota. The work of the mailing clerk is exceptionally heav}' for an office of this class in a city of this size, as it is not only a separating office, but makes Up special pouches for delivery at stations along the entire line of the Winona & St. Peter and Dakota Central railways. When Mr. Sinclair assumed charge of the office it was one of the second class, but under the old system of classification it was raised to an office of the first class, and had so rated for a few months when the present law of classification was adopted by the department, and it became, as now, an office of the second class. The staff of the office : Assistant postmaster and clerk in the money-order office, two delivery clerks, mailing clerk and assistant. The amount of mail matter originating in this office, as shown by the official statement of the third week in December, 1880, was :

The corresponding week of last year was estimated at an increase of twenty per cent throughout, which would make a grand total for that date of 34,082 letters, postal cards, etc., mailed at this office in one week.

The volume of business of the office is shown in the appended financial statement for the year closing December 31, 1882, and which the report made at that time affirms to be an increase in postal receipts over those of previous year equal to thirteen per cent of the full amount. A very large increase in the registration work of the office is also reported.

Registry Business

The following table exhibits the gross annual postal receipts of the office for a series of years, beginning with 1870. These figures accurately reflect the general business condition, the fluctuations and growth of the city during that time :

Board Of Trade

The tirst attempt of wliich any record has been preserved, looking toward the organization of a board of trade at this place, was made nearly eighteen years ago, shortly after the close ot the war of the rebellion. At a meeting held October 11, 1865, the draft ot a constitution and by-laws was presented, read, and its further consideration postponed one week. These are spread upon the record-book of the "old board," but there is no minute noting their adoption, and the general impression seems to be that they were never either considered or acted upon. A president, vice-president, board of directors, secretary, treasurer, grain inspector and committee on arbitration were elected, and it would seem from the short-lived transactions of this body that its primal object was to regulate and facilitate dealings in grain and produce, Winona being at that time a very extensive wheat market, meetings for regulating grain deals being held daily from two to three o'clock. Kailway discussions were also under way, a connection being desired with St. Paul on the north and Green Bay on the east. The extension of the Winona & St. Peter railway was also agitated at that time. There is nothing known to determine what influence, if any, these discussions had upon the projects mentioned, all of which were subsequently consummated, but it is a fair inference that the agitation in the "old board of trade" had some influence in requiring these results, so conducive to the prosperity and material growth of the city. After an existence of about six months the "board" ceased to be, at least there is no record of its meeting later than April 23, 1856.

The second attempt to create a "board of trade" was made December 27, 1869, at which date the organization was partially effected, a constitution and by-laws being adopted, and the names of about sixty members enrolled. Four days later the organization was perfected by the election of officers, and the event duly celebrated by the action of the board emphatically disapproving of the establishment of the Holly system of waterworks by the city (see article on waterworks). Seven meetings of this "second board of trade" are recorded as being held prior to January 21, 1870, and these were devoted mainly to the consideration of railway projects. These were the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul, the Chicago & St. Paul, and the Winona & Southwestern, the latter one of the most important railway lines proposed for the interests of the city.

but which was unfortunately allowed to fail of execution, after its success seemed positively assured (for particulars see railway article.) The last meeting held by this organization was on June 27, 1870, at which time there were but five members present to hear the reading of the treasurer's report, which seems to have wound up '' Winona Board of Trade" No. 2, as no further record of its transactions appears. Like its predecessor the work of this "board," though only existing through a period of six months, discussed measures and helped to further measures that have been of lasting benefit to the city. There is scarce a doubt that a recognition of the really substantial results secured through the former "boards of trade" had no little bearing u})on the question of making one more attempt to establish a board of trade and give it permanency. The subject was taken up by the daily press in the summer of 1879, and in a series of able editorials the "Daily Rei)ublican " urged the establishment of a board of trade as a necessary antecedent to a new era of commercial prosperity. Trade was stagnant, population certainly not increasing, manufactures at a standstill, and there was an urgent necessity for some revival of business enterprise such as had been experienced at an early stage of Winona's growth. These articles in the "Kepublican" brought forth fruit. They were of a practical character and very succinctly set forth the advantages of Winona as a receiving, manufacturing and distributing point, and a live organization of business men for the protection of the interests already centered here, and the inauguration of new manufacturing and commercial enterprises, was earnestly advocated. A call in accordance with the spirit of these articles was issued for a meeting of those interested, and after one or two preliminary gatherings the organization of the present Winona board of trade was formally effected, August 21, 1879. The name of the association is designated in the constitution thereof as the "Board «f Trade of the City of Winona," and the object of its organization "to unite the mercantile, manufacturing, shipping and other material interests for the purpose of advancing and increasing the trade and business of the city of Winona; to promote just and equital)le principles of trade; to discover and correct abuses ; to support such means as may be deemed best to promote these ends ; and to use their influence as a body to protect their rights and interests as citizens and l>usiness men." From this declaration of principles it appears that the board of trade has become to no small degree the sponsor of the city and the guardian of its materia] interests, rather than an exchange for market quotations and grain, provision and stock deals. That the responsible duties thus assumed have not been lightly undertaken or carelessly esteemed seems evident upon a review ot the transactions of the board and a resume of the industries fostered and undertaken through its agency or under its stimulus.

Before we make this review, a word as to its management. This control is vested in the hands of the president, vice-presidents (2), secretary and treasurer (ex-officio directors), and twenty-four directors, all of whom are to be residents of the city of Winona, and members of the board of trade. The annual meeting is held on the second Monday in January of each year, at which time^^the election of officers is held, their term of service being for one year. The term of director is for three years, eight of the twenty-four members of the board being chosen annually. The original officers of the board of trade were : President, Thos. Wilson ; first vicepresident, W. H. Laird ; second vice-president, S. C. White ; secretary, Wm. F. Phelps ; treasurer, L. P. Brooks, who held office from the organization of the board until the annual meeting in 1880. The directors hold monthly meetings, and special meetings of both the association and the directors are provided for. The fees for membership are $5 or more per annum, and new members pay the same amoimt on signing the constitution, no further payments being required unless by reguhir assessment until the ensuing annual meeting. The standing committees of the board are on finance, manufactures, city affairs, wholesale and jobbing trade, legislation, transportation routes, and rates and membership. Including the regular and special meetings of both the association and its directory, fifty-six meetings were held prior to the annual election of 1883. The present officers of the boaid of trade are : Pi-esident, Q. B. <TOuld ; first vice-president, W. A. Scott ; second vice-president, John Kendall ; secretary, "Wm. F. Phelps ; treasurer, "W. W. Thomas. Secretary Phelps, in his last annual report, s])eaking of the work accomplished by the board during the three and a-half years of its existence to date of said report, at annual meeting of January 1883, says: "During this period a wholesome agitation has been kept up, and a considerable amount of important business has been transacted which has led to practical results. Among the more immediate of these results were the establishment of the Wagon-works, on a capital of $45,000, and of the Winona Mill Company, with a capital of $80,000. These enterprises have been followed successively by the erection of tlie planing-mills. and sash and door factory of the Empire Lumber Company, the mills of the AVinona Lumber Company, with a capital of $250,000, there-establishment of the Winona Carriage-works, the erection of the Winona Plow-works, the organization of the Building and Loan Association, with a capital of $500,000, three-fifths of which is already taken, the organization of the Gate City Carriage Company, and of the Wincma Carriage Company, each with a capital of $25,000, and of the raj)id extension and development of all the manufacturing concerns in the city to the amount, in invested capital, of several hundred thousand dollars. For example, the capital stock of the Winona Wagon (Company has been increased from $45,000 to $100.00(1, and that of the Winona Mill Company from $80,000 to $30<l,0()0. Since this report was submitted, the Plow-woi'ks, with a capital of $25,000, has passed into other hands and its capital increased to $100,000. The Winona Machine Company has been incorporated* with a capital of $50,000; the Winona Harvesterworks with a capital of $250,000, and such ])rogress made toward securing a tannery and boot and shoe manufactory, with a capital of

$100,000, as practically insures the success of that enterprise. More specific information concerning the manufacturing industries of the city, including location, dimensions of buildings, number of employes, etc., will be found in another department of this work. In addition to the work thus enumerated, and the results thus achieved, the influence of the board of trade is favorably felt in the city council chamber, and has manifested itself in a demand for better sidewalks, cleaner streets,- better crossings a more efiicient system of police, the erection and maintenance of one of the best system of waterworks to be found in any city east or west, in the direct control of the ferry and the building of a roadway across the Wisconsin bottoms, that insures access to this market at all seasons of the year, the passing of an ordinance granting franchise for a street railway, and in divers ways more readily felt than expressed. The financial management of the board of trade has been most admirable. Each year has ended with a very respectable surplus in the treasury, and the membership fee has been reduced from $5 to $2.50 per annum. The financial* report for the year last closed showed a surplus of $300. Since that report was submitted, and in accordance with its recommendations, very comfortable rooms have been fitted up on the east side of the hall in the second story of postoffice block, and possession was taken in 1883. The board of trade of the city of Winona has not lived in vain, and having now secured a home in a central location, easy of access and well lighted, there is every reason to prophesy for it a life of increasing usefulness and activity as its work becomes approved in beneficial results.

The City Ferry

As has been elsewhere remarked, in nothing was the wisdom and forethought of the founders of Winona more clearly manifest than in their early efforts to establish communication with the sui-- rounding country, by opening and maintaining practicable roadways, and thus make Winona accessible as a market at all seasons. In furtherance of this policy, an attempt was made to establish a ferry at this point as early as 1855, and render the adjacent sections of Wisconsin tributary to the trade of the city. The attempt then made, seen in the light of subsequent events, seems premature, there not being at that time any possibility of sufficient trade with the Wisconsin agriculturalists to maintain a ferry at this point. The fact that ferry franchises were secured at that early period, a year after the t'oniuil organization of the county, simply proves how ready the early settlers of this section were to avail themselves of every means likely to increase the trade of the embryo city. The act of incorporation constituting the " Winona Ferry Company " was passed by the legislature of the state March 25,1855, and the franchises conferred were for a period of twenty-five years from the date of the act, which became law immediately upon its passage. The incorporators named in the act were Lorenzo D. Smith, Wm. A. Jones, Henry D. Huff and John C. Laird. The capital stock of the company was $3,000, with privilege of increase to $10,000, and they were required to organize as a company within three months from the date of the passage of the act; to file a bond of $1,000 for the proper performance of their contract, as carriers under the provisions of the act, within six months of its passage, and put their boat on the river within one year of said date of passage. Rates of toll were established, ferry landings designated, and all was in readiness for the filing of bonds indicative of the acceptance of the franchise. This was not done, however, and the privileges conferred expired by limitation. Two years later, in the spring of 1857, another attempt of a similar character was made by what, for the sake of distinction, maybe designated as "Winona Ferry Company No. 2." This project was more ambitious than the original one. Its stock was placed at $20,000, and a promise of successful business given in a clause empowering the city council of Winona to regulate the tolls of the ferry aftei- it had been in operation for five years, the term of the franchise being fixed, as in the first instance, at twentyfive years. Owing to the business depressions of 1857 and subsequent years, this attempt also failed to materialize into a ferry in esse, and for eight years thereafter the quiet sloughs and lagoons of the Buffalo bottoms in Wisconsin were un vexed by any craft other than the punt of the sportsman or the skiff of the pleasure-seeker. Acting under the authority of a charter granted in the spring of 1865, by the legislature of the State of Wisconsin, and of a license issued liim by the board of commissioners of Winona county, Samuel D. Van Gorder placed a ferry-boat upon the Mississippi river at this point. May 20, 1865. The ferry then established has been continuously operated during the navigation season ever since, but has ])assed out of the hands of the private parties by whom it was established and conducted for fifteen years, into the custody of the city of Winona, and is now operated by that corporation. To main- tain the ferry, which, according to the terms of his Wisconsin charter, was to be operated to meet the necessities of the community, Mr. Van Gorder purchased a ferry steamer from Rymer, Dineau & Downer, of Wabasha, and commenced operations at the date above mentioned, May 20, 1865. This boat, named the "Turtle," was a small center-wheel steamer, 70 feet over all, of thirty tons register, and cost $3,000. Trips were made the first season during two days of the week only, and the landing for teams on the Wisconsin shore was six miles above the present ferry dock, the Buffalo bottoms being impassable by teams. The rates of toll established by the Wisconsin authorities were : for double teams, $1.00; single horse and carriage, 60 cents; stock (as horses, cattle, mules), 25 cents per head; sheep and swine, 5 cents each: foot passengers, 25 cents each, and merchandise, 10 cents per hundredweight. Ferrying was continued under these conditions until the spring of 1868, when Mr. Yan Gorder received a charter from the legislature of the State of Minnesota authorizing him to establish and maintain a ferry across the Mississippi river "at a point in the city and county of Winona where Center street, if extended northwardly across the public levee, would intersect said river, and above and below said point at any place within the corporate limits of said city; and no other ferry shall be established within said corporate limits of said city during the period of ten years from the passage of the act." The bonds to be given were the same as heretofore, $1,000, and the rates of toll about 75 per cent of those allowed under the Wisconsin charter. This latter charter, having expired by limitation in 1875, was extended for a further period of ten years by the State of Wisconsin. In 1869 the old ferry-boat "Turtle" was overhauled, new boilers and engines put in, and completely refitted, at a cost of $3,000.

In the meantime a road had been constructed across the Buffalo county bottoms in Wisconsin, directly opposite the city and the ferry landing made at that place. In 1878 Mr. Van Gorder built his new ferryboat, the S. D. Van Gorder. This boat was ninetyfive feet over all, twenty-six feet beam, was rated at sixty tons burden, and could accommodate sixteen teams besides passengers. Upon the expiration of Mr. Van Gorder's charter, received from the legislature of this state, it was not renewed, and two years later the ferry property was purchased by the city and is now operated by them, under charters from the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The consideration paid Mr. Van Gorder, who, after two failures by other parties, bad successfully establislied and maintained the ferry for fifteen years, was $6,000 in money and the tree use of the ferry for himself, his heirs, his executors and administrators, his property on the Wisconsin side of the river making this stipulation of free ferryage a very valuable consideration. During, the first year that the ferry was in operation not more than a dozen teams were transported across the river. During the last year of its operations under the Yan Gorder management the number of teams ranged from fifteen to twenty })er day for the season, and the average receipts were $19 a day for the period during which the river remained open. The Minnesota charter granting the ferry franchise to the city, bears date February 15, 1879, and differs in several essentials from the preceding ones, among others the following : the grant was perpetual ; the rates of toll, if any, were to be established by vote of the common council of the city, to whom was also granted the power to maintain a free ferry if adjudged best for the interests of the city ; the lease of the ferry by the council was permitted, but under such restrictions as amounted virtually to a prohibition. The purchase or construction of docks, piers, ferryhouses, etc., was permitted the council, and the building and maintenance of such roads across the bottoms in Wisconsin leading to and terminating at the ferry landing on that side of the river, as the wisdom of the council should determine ; and finally the council w^s granted authority in its corporate capacity to execute bonds of indemnity to any town or board of supervisors of such town in the State of Wisconsin in which such roads ma}' be located, in such penal sum as may be necessary ; the city of Winona to keep such roads in good re])air and indemnify such towns, as afoi-esaid, from all liabilities incurred by them on account of any failure to maintain said roads in good condition. The charter granted the city of Winona by the Wisconsin legislature bears date in 1881, and requires a bond of indemnity from the city in the penal sum of $5,000 for the proper observance of its stipulations, - this among others, that the city of Winona shall designate some resident of Buffalo county, Wisconsin, as its agent ; said agent to be held legally responsible for the acts of the city in the management of the ferry, his name to be duly registered for said county of Buftalo ; said agent to personally represent said city of Winona, so as to accept service for and on behalf of the city that all legal process may be liad against the city of Winona, the same as if said city was within

But two accidents of a serious nature have occurred during- the eighteen years that the ferry has been maintained, and both of these were in 1879. B}^ one of these a horse was drowned and a wagon and load of wheat lost, the accident arising from the team backing off the boat. The other accident resulted in the death, by drowning, of a ten-year-old boy. The boy was on the ferryboat, and, while the boat was backing, attempted to climb into the yawl which hung from the davits over the stern of the ferryboat. The yawl upset and the boy was thrown under the boat as it passed over him, and drowned. The direct distance from landing to landing across the river at this point is 155 rods, but the actual course of the ferryboat is not much less than twice that distance, the sandbar in front of the levee necessitating a deflection of the course to that extent.

Woodlawn Cemetery

The early interments in the Wabasha prairie were not infrequently made in the private grounds of those who had lost friends and family relatives, doubtless awaiting the time when some suitable place of sepulture should be prepared. The mouth of the Burns valley, just bej^ond Sugar Loaf Blufl", was early utilized for burial purposes, but the ground -was so low that it was always subject to overflow in high water, and on that account quite unsuitable for cemetery use. The open square now known as Central Park was also used for the interment of the dead at an early day, some twelve or tifteen persons at one time or another having been buried there. In 1862, several gentlemen in this city, who had been considering the matter of providing a suitable place for a city cemetery, took definite steps toward the accomplishment of that purpose, and, deciding upon the locality most eligible for their purpose, called a meeting for the avowed object of organizing the association. The meeting was held in the hall of the Huff House, and acting under the authority conferred by the revised statutes of Minnesota proceeded to the organization of '- Woodlawn Cemetery Association." This meeting was held June 6, 1862, and on the 12th of the same month the organization was perfected by the election of the following officers and board of trustees : President, Ezekiel D. Williams ; secretary, J. H. Jacoby ; treasurer, Warren Powers. E. D. Williams, J. H. Jacoby and M. K. Dre-w were elected trustees for the one-year term, A. F. Hodgins,

Thomas Wilson and ^ValTen Powers for the two years' term, and Thomas Simpson, R. D. Cone and John Curtis for the three years' term. Messrs. M. K. Drew, A. F. Hodgins and E. D. WilHams were ajipointed a committee on grounds, to make survey, complete bargain and perfect title, the site as before said having been already decided upon. This was accordingly done and deed taken September 13, 1862, the contract price of the ground being $630, and tlie tract as described in the survey - "commencing at the southwest corner of lot No. 4 in the southwest fractional quarter of Sec. No. 27, T. 107, N. K 7 W. ; thence along the west line of said lot 4 northerly thirty-nine chains to the lake ; thence south fifty-four degrees twenty-eight minutes, east along the lake fourteen and eightythree hundredths chains ; thence in a straight Hne southerly and parallel to the first-mentioned line thirty and eight hundred and fortyfive thousandths to the south line of said Sec. 4 ; thence westerly along the south side of said Sec. 10 and forty-six hundredths chains to the section corner, place of beginning." The tract at that time purchased was about forty acres. Januarj^ 1, 1883, an additional forty acres was purchased lying south of the original forty. For this latter tract the sum of $200 was paid, the owner. Judge Mitchell, being one of the members of the cemetery association and quite moderate in appraising the value of .the land sold. Mr. E. D. WilHams continued to act as president of the association, and exercised such a const.iut supervision over its affairs tluit he was justly regarded as its putative father. His deatli, which occurred October 31, 1872, tei-- minated his term of office, and he was laid away in the beautiful grounds upon which so much of his thought and loving care had been exj)ended. Mr. Williams was succeeded by Mr. J. J. Randall, one of the original members of the association, who held his office until the January of 1883, when Hon. William Mitchell was chosen to succeed him. I. B. Cummings, the present efficient secretary, was elected about four years since, and the records of the association, which had become sadly deranged and neglected, were put in proper 2ondition, regular entries of financial transactions made and a systenuitic arrangement of business introduced. The association as originally formed was not for profit nor persoiuil benefit, but for the public good - a private corporation managed for the good of the people. This object has been steadily kept in view, and to the public spirit and wise disinterestedness of a few the many are indebted for one of the most picturesque and beautiful retreats for both living and dead that can be found anywhere in the ^dcinity of the great lakes or the big river. The revenue of the cemetery is derived solely from the sale of lots, and two-fifths of all moneys received from this source is set apart as a reserve fund from which to maintain the cemetery when all lots shall have been disposed of and that revenue cut off. The number of lots disposed of to date, June 9, 1883, has been 773, the number of interments 2,356, and the amount of reserve accumulated about $3,500.

Long before Woodlawn cemetery had existed, even in the thought of the dwellers in this vicinity, the first burial had taken place in the ground now formally set apart for the resting-place of the dead. This was the body of Scott Clark, brother of George W. Clark, the oldest Winona county pioneer now living within the county limits, who was buried in the little dell almost thirty years since.

The tirst regular interment after the grounds were dedicated to burial purposes, was tiiat of the body of Benjamin Lowe, sometime in the summer of 1862. Woodlawn cemetery, is just what its name implies, woods and lawns. It lies south from the western portion of the city, across lake Winona, about two miles from the business center of town. The only approach by carriage is around the lake, a distance of about four miles, and affording one of the most delightfully picturesque drives imaginable. The cemetery grounds embrace a tract of eighty acres, in which are included two bold bluflPs rising about 450 feet above the level of the river. The entrance to the grounds is quite level, and the main carriage-drive, running in a southerly direction, has scarcely a perceptible ascent until you near the center of the gi-ounds, when you reach the foot of the south bluff, which protects itself into the little dell lying between the cemetery bluff on the west and another on the east, lying quite beyond the cemetery grounds. The lower slope of the south bluff does not rise precipitously, and the carriage-drive sweeps around the swelling U-shaped rise on either hand, to cross it some distance up the slope and afford a charming view of the valley below. To the west, as you enter the cemetery inclosure, the bluffs rise quite precipitously, and a succession of well sodded terraces make most sightly lots for burial use. The distribution of the ground is such that there is little choice as to location, save that near the cemetery entrance on the west the lot lies so near the mouth of the dell, that a long vista of river scenery opens to the view, with Trempeleau mountain some half-dozen miles away rising as it were from the very bosom of tlie river. The wliole cemetery is a succession of terraces and slopes, interspersed with here and there a phit that may be called level only by comparison, or because the hand of art has smoothed the rugged unevenness of nature. The dell contains many native forest-trees, as do the lower slopes of the bluffs, which are nowhere destitute of trees and shrubs. The most skillful adaptation of the ground to its destined use has been wrought, and the wliole effect is incomparably beautiful. To the forest-trees, evergreens and ornamental shrubbery have added their attractions ; flowers adorn the grassplats, and also spring in native beauty from the uncultivated grounds ; a heavy carpeting of well kept turf covers the levels and sides of the terraces with a beautiful greenness, and there is at all times a most refreshing sense of coolness, restfulness and deep peacefulness pervading the place. The superintendent of the grounds, Mr. Mathew Marrin, has taken a sincere pride in his charge, and the results of his taste and the wisdom of the cemetery management are seen in one of the most beautiful of all the silent cities of the northwest. Removed from the busy hum of city life in the quiet recesses of its own greenness, the towering bluffs sentineling its everlasting repose. Woodlawn cemetery waits to receive Winona's weary ones when life's last sleep has come.

Census And Valuation

The observation that figures won't lie is no more trite than true. We herewith present some figures showing the growth of the city of Winona from year to year, as evidenced by her census reports, and the returns of the taxable property of the city, real and personal. Not that these are to be taken as certain indices of actual values, but as actual indices of the rate of growth in the material of the city and its citizens. Population within the corporate limits of the city was roughly estimated at 3,000, in round numbers when the city was incorporated. This was in the spring of 1S57, when matters had reached the utmost stretch of development for some years to come, the whole country being then on the eve of a great financial crisis. The first census taken of the city was under the provisions of the United States census law, and the actual population at that time was 2,900, a decrease of 100 from the estimate of 1857. The following years, from 1860 to 1865, were not so depressing to the business circles of the west, and by the state census returns, a very observable progress in population had been made, the figures for 1865 being 4,439. The increase was eqnally marked daring the semidecade, when the returns for 1870 gave 7,192, as the population of the city. The census report for 1875 still gave gratifying evidence of prosperity, and confirmed the good opinion formed by the citizens of Winona, of the future prospects of the city, the figures standing 9,501. The depressions of trade were sensibly felt during the next five years, and had the census of the population been taken in 1878 or 1879, it is the opinion of those who are best informed on these matters that a decrease would have been apparent. The year 1879 saw the revival of business and the opening of a new era of prosperity. When the enumeration was made, under the United States census law of 1880, the city had a little more than recovered its lost ground, and the population was returned at 10,187. Since then Winona has added millions to her manufacturing capital, every department of business has felt the impetus of a new life, and it is a very moderate and certainly an unexaggerated estimate that places the present population of the city at fully 13,000 souls. In the meantime the county had kept step to the march of the city in this respect. The population in 1857 was estimated at 8,000; in 1860 it had grown to 9,208; the next five years carried it 15,277, and when the United States census of 1870 was taken the county returned 22,319 population. The next five years were also years of increase, and 1875 the county was credited with a population of 27,385. The returns of 1880 give no increase, the figures being 27,268, a decrease of 115 in that semi-decade. The immense emigration to Dakota some three or four years since is accountable for this apparent retrogression. Since then emigration from this county has largely ceased, and the population has certainly increased to a little over 30,000. The figures showing the valuation of real^ and personal property within the city are equally demonstrative of Winona's steady growth in all material wealth. The returns on file with the county auditors give, for the various semi-decades of the city's life, property returns as follows :

Bonds Authorized, Issued And Redeemed

The history of a people's liberality or parsimony in matters of public expenditure is always of value in fixino; the boundary between a wise expenditure of the public funds on the one hand, and a too lavish or a too niggardly outlay on the otlier. A detailed statement in the present instance will not be found necessary, and the following general presentation of facts concerning the authorized and actual issue of bonds, making of loans and redemption of pledges thus made, will be all that is needed. Our object is simply to show how far the credit of the city has been pledged, how wisely these pledges have been made, how carefully the monetary interests of the citizens have been guarded in making them, and to what extent these pledges have been redeemed. The actual results in the several enterprises thus cherished it is not our province now to consider, as these are more fully set forth in tlie special notices made of these several enterprises separately considered.

The first authorization of a loan by the city council of Winona antedates the admission of the state into the federal union, and was made by act of territorial legislature, approved x\ugust2, 1858. The amount of this loan was fixed at a maximum of $10,000, the rate of interest not to exceed twelve per cent per annum, and the purpose of the loan was to meet some outstanding obligations of the city and erect a suitable building for school purposes. No record of the city's action in the matter appears. Inasmuch as there was no school building erected in the city for years thereafter, and that the council was in straits for money wherewith to pay the expenses of engines and hose for her recently created fire department, it is a fair inference that the loan never was made. This inference is corroborated by an examination of the tax list, which shows no special school tax for that or years immediately following, and the then city recorder has no rec(jl lection of any vote of the city being ordered for the apj)i-()val or disapproval of such loan. By an act of the legislature of the State of Minnesota, approved February 28, 1866, the board of education of the city of Winona was authorized to negotiate a loan of $15,000, said loan to be made upon the credit of the city, by bond duly executed by the common council upon the wish of the citizens expressed at the polls. These bonds were required to be issued at par, and the annual rate of interest was limited to ten per cent. The issue of these bonds being approved by the vote of the people, they were offered for sale and disposed of on or before December 26 of that same year. The proceeds, $15,000, were deposited with the treasurer of the city, and used in aid of the building fund of the central school. These bonds were redeemed within six years of their issue and canceled ; $3,500 in 1869, the same amount in 1870, $4,000 in 1871, and the remaining $4,000 one year later. March 4, 1867, the state legislature authorized the city council to issue bonds to the amount of $100,000, in aid of the La Crosse, Trempeleau & Prescott Railway and Bridge Company, a corporation whose objects are sufficiently indicated in the above title. The rate of interest was limited to six per cent. The scheme was not successfully prosecuted, and the bonds of the city were never issued. March 1, 1868, the legislature authorized the city council to expend the sum of $10,000 in improving the approaches to the city on the north side of the Mississippi river, across the Wisconsin bottoms, directly opposite the city. For this purpose no bonds were issued, but special orders were drawn on the credit of the city for $5,000 expended in this work, and it is but just to include that amount in this schedule. March 2, 1868, the city council was duly authorized by the state legislature to bond the city to the extent of $15,000, in aid of the state normal school located here. The matter was approved, the bonds issued and negotiated, and the proceeds, $15,000, were conveyed into the treasury of that institution. The bonds, as will be noted, were issued at par ; they had ten years in which to mature, and drew interest at ten per cent per annum, payable semiannually. These bonds were all paid at maturity, and canceled as follows: $2,000 on the ninth day of March, 1877, $8,000 in October, 1878, and the remaining $5,000 on the sixth day of the following month. Their date of issue was November 1, 1868. The same year that the normal school bonds were issued the state legislature authorized the city council of Winona (act of March 4), upon the sanctioning vote of the citizens, as in such cases required, to bond the city to the amount of $100,000 to aid in the construction of a line of railway from St. Paul through Winona to Chicago, known as the St. Paul & Chicago railway. The matter was submitted to the people, approved by them, and after some delay the bonds were issued and placed in the hands of trustees, to be by them turned over to the Minnesota Construction Company upon the completion ot tlie j-oiid as per schedule, the Minnesota Construction (Company having the contract for bnikling the pro])osed line of railway. The agreement of tho construction company was not kept with the city of Winona in important particulars (see railway article), but the company succeeded in obtaining possession of the bonds. Suit was begun by the city to recover damages equivalent to the value of the bonds, and the view taken by the city in the case was sustained by the courts, and the bonds were finally surrendered. These bonds were negotiated at six per cent per annum, to mature in from twenty to thirty years.

March 3, 1869, an annual appropriation, amounting to $1,000, for the maintenance of a public library in the city, but the vote taken on that subject resulted in defeating the project. February :27, 1871, by act of legislature of that date, the city council were authorized to issue the bonds of the city for $150,000 in aid of the Minnesota and Southwestern railway. The proposed line was to connect with the Green Bay & Minnesota at its western terminus across the river, and run in a southwesterly direction, crossing the state line into Iowa at some point not definitely fixed. The proposition was received by the citizens with favor, the aid voted, and the city was ready to issue its bonds, but the project fell through after the line had been surveyed at an expense to the city of $3,000, and the charter for the road secured. The bonds authorized were therefore never issued. The city treasury being at a 'low ebb, February 24, 1872, the city council were authorized to issue bonds to the amount of $20,000 to pay the floating indebtedness. The vote approving the issue was polled, and the bonds were issued in denominations of $1,000 each, bearing interest at ten per cent per annum, and were negotiated as follows, at the Deposit National Bank of this city: $10,000 on March 21, 1872, $7,000 on the 5th of the following June, and $3,000 on the 7th day of April, 1873. The entire issue was made payable in three years from the date of negotiation, and $13,000 were paid March 20, 1875; an additional $3,000 was paid April 10, 1879, and the remaining $4,000 on the following October 1. February 28, 1873, the legislature authorized the issue of $80,000 water-works bonds, provided the requisite majority vote of the citizens could be obtained, but, as appears under the article (water- works), the citizens were not ready for the project, and no bonds were issued. February 5, 1874, the issue of $50,000 in bonds in aid of the Green Bay & Minnesota railway was auwnsroNA AS it is. 897 thorized, the bonds to bear no higher rate of interest than eight per cent, and mature in twenty years from date of issue. These bonds, in reality, were intended to cover a private subscription amounting to $35,000, made bj private citizens of Winona in aid of the abovementioned railway, which subscription had been made upon the tacit understanding that being for the general good the general credit of the city would be invoked to reimburse the subscribers. The citizens, nevertheless, refused to vote the issue of the bonds for that purpose, and the subscribers to the Green Bay & Winona railway had the meager satisfaction that their money had " gone where it would do most good " to somebody beside themselves. This was the last attempt made to bond the city for railway purposes. The board of education of the city of Winona, having in contemplation the erection of a creditable school-building in the western part of the city, applied for and secured the authoi-ity of the legislature for the issue by the city of school bonds to the amount of $15,000, the bonds to run for a period of from one to six years, and bear interest at a rate not to exceed nine per cent per annum. The bonds were issued at various dates as the work of the board of education demanded - $10,000 of them prior to January 1, 1875, and the remaining $5,000 April 10, 1875. The proceeds were turned over to the building fund of the board of education, then engaged in erecting the Madison school building. These bonds have all been redeemed and canceled as follows: $2,500 in March, 1876; $1,500 in March, 1877; $2,000 in March, 1878; $3,000 in March, 1880; $4,000 in March, 1881. The remaining $2,000 were not canceled until 1883, the holder being a non-resident of the state, and careless in presenting them, but interest ceased at maturity, April 10, 1881. In the meantime the board of education had decided on building in the eastern part of the city, favorable legislation being secured by an act approved January 25, 1876, and the affirmative vote of the city obtained. The bonds of the city were issued in behalf of the board of education, for a further sum of $25,000, interest at not more than eight per cent per annum ; bonds to run from eight to fifteen years. These bonds were all issued, and none of them have yet matured. February 15; 1877, the issue of $-10,000 water bonds was authorized by the legislature of the state to meet expenses already incurred by the city in laying mains and meeting contract entered into with the mills to supply pumping power, as noted in article on water-works. The issue was approved by the vote of the city, and the bonds were accordingly drawn and negotiated. The interest was not to exceed seven per cent, and the term for wliich they were issued was limited to ten years. By January 1, 1878, $21,000 of the issue had been placed, $5,000 more were taken by February 6 of that same year, and the I'emaining $8,000 the following month. These bonds have still four years to run. On March 8, 1878, the issue of $30,000 for ferry and bridge purposes, and for the cojistruction of a permanent roadway across the Wisconsin bottoms to the ferry landing on the north side of the river, was authorized by the act of legislature of the above date, sanctioned by a vote of the citizens, and issued as follows: $1,500 issued March 19, 1880, bearing interest at seven per cent; $5,000 issued on 1st day of the following April, interest at six per cent, and $23,500 negotiated January 1, 1883, at an annual interest of five per cent. These bonds mature in from ten to twenty years. The issue of $12,000 to cover the floating debt of the city was authorized February 17, 1881. These bonds were drawn to mature in fifteen years, and bear interest at seven per cent per annum. Of these bonds $7, 000 have been issued to cover special orders cashed at Winona Deposit Bank, in anticipation of this enabling act of P'ebruary, which was called for by resolution of the council. Bonds for the remaining $5,000 never were issued. November 4, 1881, the issue of $10,000 for macadamizing and paving the streets of the city was authorized but not issued.

At the same date the legislature authorized the council of tlie city to issue bonds to the full amount of $60,000, for the erection of pumping-works for the city mains and the establishment of a system of water-works. These bonds were to bear six per cent interest at maximum, and run for twenty years from date of issue. They were negotiated as follows : August 11, 1882, $20,000, at five percent; August 15, 1882, $20,000, at five per cent ; and September -1, 1882, $20,000, same rate of interest. These bonds will not mature this century. It appears from the above statement of the bond and loan transactions of the city that no funds of the city have been exi)en(led in aid of railway construction beyond the amount of $3,000, for surveys in connection with the Winona and Southwestern : that the bonds of the city were never issued for railway construction save in the case of the St. Paul & Chicago, and that the city recovered the amount so conveyed. A reca})itulation of the amounts autliorized by the legislature, actually issued or borrowed by the city, as also the bonds canceled on loans paid, and outstanding bonds at this date, are as follows : total amount authorized bj acts of Minnesota state legislature, $742,000 ; amount actually issued in bonds of the city, $332,000, less the $100,000 recovered by judgment from the Minnesota Construction Company - $232,000. Amount redeemed by moneys paid out of city treasury, $70,000, leaving a total bonded indebtedness, not reckoning interest, of $162,000, distributed as follows : Water-works bonds, $100,000 ; ferry, bridge and road bonds, $30,000 ; school bonds, $25,000 ; to cover floating indebtedness, $7,000. These bonds have from two to twenty years in which to mature, and their average rate of interest is six per cent per annum. The entire indebtedness of the city as shown by the recorder's report, submitted to the city council at the close of the tiscal year, March 31, 1883, is placed at $181,810.39. This is equivalent to a tax of one and four tenths per cent on the yolume of l)usiness transacted for the year. It may not be amiss to say that of the $100,000 bonds issued to the Minnesota Construction Company there are still $8,000 unredeemed, the bonds never having been presented to the city treasurer. As the city recovered damages for the full amount, these $8,000 should, strictly speaking, be added to the $162,000, making a total of $170,000, which is the amount upon the treasurer's books.

Some Winona Names

Winona in serving herself has not neglected her duties to the state and the nation, her professional and business circles having sent forth from their midst those who have attained more than a local celebrity. Among these, as is eminently fitting, w^e note the two attorney-generals Winona has furnished the state, Hon. C. H. Berry and Hon. George P. Wilson. The supreme justices she sent to grace the highest judiciary of the state, Hon. Thomas Wilson, chief-justice of Minnesota, and Hon. William Mitchell, associate justice of the supreme bench ; Hon. W. H. Yale for two terms lieutenant-governor of the state ; Hon. Norman Buck, judge of the U. S. district court for Idaho ; Hon. Thomas Simpson, for many years president of the state normal school board, and Hon. D. S. Norton and Hon. William Windom, United States senators. These old Winona citizens were all members of the Winona bar, and to the article on the ' ' J udiciary of Winona county " we refer for further particulars concerning them.

present time the most j>rominent citizen of the State of Minnesota, a man of whom Winona may feel justly proud ; for the name of William Windom is widely known throughout the length and breadth of our country, is now a part of her liistory as well as being familiar to all those in other countries who watch the changes of government and the progress of American politics, in the latter of which Mr. Windom has taken a leading part for many years. Therefore it is, that not only from his identification with the political measures and reforms of his adopted state, or even from the fact of his being her representative in the legislative halls of both houses of congress at Washington for many successive terms, has Mr. Windom become familiarly known to the people of his country, but when at the republican national convention of 1880, which resulted in the nomination of the lamented Garfield for the office of president of the United States, Mr. Windom's nomination was stronglj^ urged for that office by his party with the solid delegation from Minnesota at his back. Upon the accession of Mr. Garfield to the presidency he paid a just tribute to the statesmanship and sterling integrity of William Windom by tendering to him a place in his cabinet, entrusting him with the portfolio of secretary of the treasury, which position Mr. Windom accepted.

The well-known Maj. Ben. Perley Poore, of Massachusetts, clerk of printing records in the United States congress, thus refers to Mr. Windom in the congressional directory: "William Windom, of Winona, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 10, 1827 ; received an academic education ; studied law at Mount Vernon, Ohio ; practiced his profession in that state and in Minnesota until 1859 ; was elected prosecuting attorney for Knox county in 1852 ; removed to Minnesota in 1855 ; was a representative in the thirty-sixth, thirtyseventh, thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth congresses ; was appointed by the governor of Minnesota, in July, 1870, to fill the unexpired term of Hon, Daniel S. Norton, deceased, in the senate of the United States ; was subsequently elected as a republican, and was re-elected in 1877. He resigned March 4, 1881, having been ai)pointed secretary of the treasury by President (rarfield, and was re-elected to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation, taking his seat December 5, 1881."

two superintendents of instruction for the state, Hon. Mark Dunnell, also member of congress for the first congressional district of Minnesota, and Rev. David Burt, whose name was so many years a household word among the Congregation alists of this city.

Hf)n. Mark Dunnell, who had been United States' consul at Vera Cruz during the Maximillian invasion of Mexico, came to Winona during the later years of the war of the rebellion, and in 1867 was appointed state superintendent of public instruction, the first appointment under the law creating that office, the duties of which had been previously discharged by the secretary of state. This office was held by Mr. Dunnell until his nomination to congress in August, 1870, when he resigned his othce as superintendent, and shortly afterward removed to Onatona.

Rev. David Burt was born in Munson, Massachusetts, August 2, 1822. His father being pecuniarily unable to afford him the advantages of a liberal education the young man determined to secure such education for himself, and after taking an academical course in his native state entered Oberlin College, from which institution he graduated with the highest honors in the class of 1847. His intention being to enter the ministry he pursued his theological course at Andover, graduating in 1851. During all these years he had largely maintained himself by his own exertions. After a four years' pastorate in* one of the eastern towns, Mr. Burt ceased preaching on account of bronchial trouble, came west, taught school in Chicago a year, and in 1858, finding himself able to resume his work in the ministry, accepted a call to the Congregational church of this city. His pastoral connection with the church continued until his failing health admonished liim to desist in 1866, when he resigned his charge and accepted the superintendency of the schools established by the Freedmen's bureau of Tennessee. During the eight years of his pastorate in this city Mr. Burt deeply interested himself in the success of the city schools, and was for some years of that time city superintendent of schools here. After a two years' residence in Tennessee Mr. Burt was necessitated to relinquish his labors there on account of the iniurious effect of the climate upon his health, and returned to Minnesota. In 1870 he was made county superintendent of schools for Winona county, and five years later took a step higher, having been appointed state superintendent of instruction by his Excellency Gov. Pillsbury. This latter position Mr. Burt continued to hold, discharging the duties of the oftice with efficiency until within a few weeks of his deatli, which occurred at Northtield, in this state, Saturday, September 24, 1881.

The other Winona notables that belong to this list are : Mrs. Mary Clemmer (formerly Mary Clemmer Ames) ; Prof. W. F. Phelps (whose biographical record is found elsewhere) ; Rev. Edward Eggleston and Capt. Sam Whiting.

Captain Sam Whiting was born at Hempstead, Long Island, in the year 1814. He appears to have received an excellent English education, was a natural, easy writer, and a poet of some little local celebrity. He was naturally of a roving disposition, and at an early age went to sea, rose rapidly in his chosen calling, and about the time Winona was receiving her pioneer settlers, was in command of one of the famous clipper merchant ships plying between New York and Liverpool. He was subsequently in the Mediteri'anean trade, and later still made several voyages to the East Indies. He came to Winona in 1854, having just returned fi'om a voyage around the world, touching by the way at China and Japan. The following spring (1855) Captain Whiting volunteered to accompany the Hartstein Arctic expedition in search of Dr. Kane, and was absent from the city until the following October. This voyage furnished the materials for many interesting articles, some of which subsequently appeared in the columns of the "Republican." This paper was started the same fall that Captain Whiting returned from his voyage into the north seas, and for the first six months of its existence he conducted its editorial columns. Captain Whiting soon drifted eastward again, and in the wiiiter of 1860-1 was in command of the steamer Marion, plying between New York and Charleston. On December 29, 1860, his steamer having been seized by the rebel authorities for state purposes. Captain Whiting steamed out of the harbor defying the authorities, and when opposite Fort Sumter ran up the stars and stripes, dipping his colors to the national ensign floating above the fort. In answer to a letter from J. M. Tuomey, of Charleston, challenging his action, Captain Sam replied that "he was born under the stars and stripes and had always sailed under them, and by the blessing of God would die under them." Not long after this event, which gave him a national reputation, Captain Whiting was appointed United States consul at Nassau, New Providence, where he remained four years. Soon after the close of the war ]ie returned to Winona, remaining about a year, but not succeeding in establishing himself in business satisfactorily, he again drifted east, led for many years a rambling life, until in 1880 he was disabled by a fall in Broadway, New York, and taken to Snug Harbor hospital, Staten Island, where, despondent and perhaps despairing ot a change for the better, he put an end to his own existence, July 30, 1882.

Edward Eggleston was born in Indiana in 1837. His father, a prominent lawyer, dying when Edward was quite young, the family circumstances, as well as his own delicate health, prevented his securing the advantages of a collegiate training. He came to Minnesota in 1857 ; was that same fall admitted into the annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, which convened at Winona in August of that year, and was assigned a circuit which included St. Peter and Traverse de Sioux, on which he spent one year, during which time he married. The following year, 1858, he was employed as agent of the American Bible Society, and then served successively the Market street Methodist Episcopal church at St. Paul, the church in Stillwater, and the Jackson street church in St. Paul. When serving this latter church he was compelled to resign his pastorate on account of failing health, and for a season engaged in other pursuits. Recovering his health, he was assigned to the churcli in this city in the fall of 1864, and remained until the spring of 1866, when his health compelled him a second time to cease pulpit work, and he removed to Evanston, Illinois, where he was engaged in literary labors, as editor of the '' Little Corporal," and of a Sunday school magazine published in Chicago. Acquiring some reputation in this field, he removed to Brooklyn, New York, in 1810, and took a position on the editorial staff of "The Independent."" This position he held for a year or two, and then exchanged it for the editorial chair of ''Hearth and Home," in which "The Hoosier Schoolmaster" soon afterward appeared as a serial, attracting much attention. This book was subsequently published in book form, and had a great sale. He has also published "The End of the World," the "Mystery of Metropolisville," a story of early times in Minnesota; "The Circuit Rider," "Roxy," and, in connection with his daughter (Mrs. Seeley), several volumes of biographical stories for the young. Early in 1875 Mr. Eggleston became pastor of the church of the Christian Endeavor, in Brooklyn, an independent church organization, with which he remained until 1880, when, broken down in health, he resigned his pastorate and spent a year in Europe. With his health sonoiewhat improved, he resumed his literary labors on his return, and has also engaged in lecturing, but has taken no regular pulpit-work. He is at present engaged in preparing a historical volume, designed to portray the domestic and social life and the manners of the early American colonists, a work expected to fill an unoccupied niche in the liistory of this country. He has also been a quite liberal contributor to the American reviews and magazines.

Mrs. Mar}' Clemmer, as she is now called, though known to early settlers in Winona as Mary Clemmer Ames, is a native of Westfield, Massachusetts, where she was born somewhere about the year 1830, removing in early life to central New York. At the age of fifteen years she began writing for the press, notably the Utica '^ Herald" and the Springfield, Mass., "Republican," contributing regularly to both of these ])apers until after the outbreak of the war of the rebellion, when she engaged her services exclusively to the ''Independent," at a salary of $5,000 per annum, a relation which she still sustains. She married Rev. Daniel Ames, and with him removed to Winona in 1856, where they remained about two years, Mr. Ames being pastor of the Presbyterian church here. They subsequently removed to Jersey City, and then to Brooklyn. In 1861 she commenced to write her well-known series of "'A Woman's Letters from Washington," which have given her a more than national reputation. She was at Harper's Ferry during the siege of that place, and wrote a most vivid description of that event from her position between the hostile armies. Mrs. Clemmer's "Ten Years in Washington " was founded upon her Independent letters from the capital, and had a very extended sale. She has also written several works of fiction - " Victoire," "Irene" and others. A volume of poems from her pen, entitled, " Poems of Life and Nature," recently published, has passed to a second edition. Her separation from her husband, which occurred about eight years ago, was occasioned by his persisting in some visionar}' real-estate speculations at Harper's Ferry, in which he liad squandered tens of thousands of lier money, and which she saw no other way of preventing. It was simply an unfortunate necessity of the situation.

W. J. You mans, M.D., at present the associate editor of the "Popular Science Monthly," was for some two years a practicing physician in this city. Dr. Youmans graduated from the medical department of the University of New York, taking special in- struction under Professor Draper, and soon afterward went to England to pursue his physiological studies in the laboratory of Prof. Huxley. While there, in connection with Prof. Huxley, they jointly published Huxley's and Youmans' Physiology, the department of hygiene falling to Prof. Youmans. This work was simultaneously published in England and this country. Returning to America, Dr. Youmans soon after came to Winona, 1869, and remained here about two years, when, on the establishment of the "Popular Science Monthly," he was called to New York to assume the pctst of assistant-editor - under his brother. Prof. E. L. Youmans, editor-in-chief and originator of the journal Dr. Youmans has been connected with the "Popular Science Monthly" since its first issue, and has now for some time been its associate editor.

For a small city, situated so far from the brain-breednig centers of thought and intellectual activity, in a new state, where the struggle for established institutions for higher education is only begun, Winona may well congratulate herself upon the record she has made through so many of her citizens, who have attained a justly earned celebrity. A celebrity that, overrunning the boundaries of the growing commonwealth, has brought her into favorable notice from the great river on her eastern border to the oceans that bound the continent on either shore.

The Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota, located at Winona, has a somewhat peculiar history. It was not established and maintained by the board of trustees of the "soldiers' orphans" created by act of state legislature, approved March 4, 1869, and exercising authority in consonance with the provisions of that act, but by a corporation acting under contract with the " state board of trustees," created as above mentioned. The war of 1861-5 was drawing to a close when the legislature of the State of Minnesota, then in session at St. Paul, moved thereto by its own patriotic impulses, passed an act for the benefit of the orphans of such Minnesota soldiers as had died in the service of the United States, or from wounds received in battle, or from sickness incurred in the military or naval service of the United States. This act was passed March 3, 1865, and devoted to this purpose the proceeds of all the swamplands conveyed to the state by the general government and not otherwise appropriated for educational, railway and other purposes.

Inasmuch as it was generally accepted tliat the grants already made of these lands covered every acre that could, would or should ever be worth entering, the value of the grant was not very highly appreciated. In .laniiary, 1869, the Grand Army of the Republic, (u non-})olitical non-sectarian society of such citizens as had served as soldiers in the late war of the rebellion), met in Winona, and, among other acts, passed a resolution requesting the legislature to provide for the maintenance and education of the orphans of the soldiers of the state. The Grand Army also a))pointed a committee to go before the legislature and urge the passage of such an act as would give the needed relief and care thus sought. The Winona member of that committee and its chairman was Gen. J. W. Sprague. This action of the Grand Army of Republic resulted in the passage of the act, approved March 4, 1869, providing for an accurate census of the soldiers' orphans within the state, with statistit^s of their condition, and appropriating the sum of $10,000 for the temporary relief of such as were destitute. This act also created a board of trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans, composed of seven members and the adjutant-general of the state, who was ex-oiiicio secretary of the board. The act of 1869 also authorized the placing (jf the orphans in certain designated orphan asylums and the payment by the board of trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans of the sum of three dollars per week for each orphan thus dis})osed of. The legislature of 1870 continued the appropriation for temporary relief The first report of the board of trustees, made through its secretary, the adjutant-general of the state, is for the fiscal year closing November 30, 1870. The statistical return of orphans of soldiers for 1869 were quite incomplete, sixteen per cent of the counties, and some of these the most populous in the state, making no returns. From the returns as received the total number was 1,239, of whom 217 were reported destitute. Of the whole number reported 922 were the orphans of Minnesota soldiers, and of the 217 reported destitute 150 were the orphans of soldiers who had entered the service from this state. The rei)ort of November 30, 1870, also called attention to the necessity of establishing and maintaining an asylum exclusively for the care and education of soldiers' orphans, and this recommendation of the board was urged upon the broad ground that without such soldiers' orphans' home these wards of the state, made such by the patriotic devotion of their fathers, were compelled to become "the daily associates of foundlings, paupers and the usual accumulations of charity asylums." The more thorough education of these soldiers' orphans was declared to be of paramount importance, and it was also stated that the citizens of Winona had in contemplation the establishment of a home of the desired character, without expense to the state. The expediency of increasing the grant from $3 per week per child to $4 per week was also set forth and the increase urged. Acting upon the suggestions contained in tliis report, the state legislature passed an act the following spring, March 4, 1871. authorizing the board of trustees to place in any soldiers' orphans' home any number of destitute soldiers' orphans, not to exceed seventy-five, and maintain them at an expense of not to exceed $4 each per week, the provision to apply to all soldiers' orphans, who were bona-fide residents of the state, between the ages of four and sixteen years. This extension of the benefits of the home to include the orphans of other than Minnesota soldiers was made upon the recommendation of the board.

February 1, 1871, in anticipation of the act of legislature of March 4, 1871, above cited, articles of incorporation ''of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota " were filed with the register of deeds of Winona county, and on the fifth of the same month were also filed in the office of the secretary of state at St. Paul. The incorporation was effected under the general statutes of the state, and the object of the corporation "the maintenance and education of children whose fathers have died in the military or naval service of the United States during the war of the rebellion, or from diseases contracted, or from wounds received in such service." "Its place of location shall be the city of Winona, in said State of Minnesota." The officers of the association were to be, president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, and a board of thirteen directors, "composed of the mayor of the city of Winona (ex-officio), six female members of the corporation and six members of the Grand Army of the Republic." The original incorporators were sixty-eight in number. By act of March 4, 1871, the city of Winona was duly authorized to appropriate $1,000 to the establishment and furnishing of a soldiers' orphans' home in Winona, and the appropriation was accordingly made upon due petition of the citizens. When the affairs of the home were closed out, in 1878, this appropriation of $1,000, with an additional sum of $500 as interest, was returned to the city by Mayor Gould, the financial head of the home and its manager from the beginning. The officers of the Sol- diers' Orphans"' Home were continued from year to year, by successive re-elections, and there are no changes to record. They were all of Winona. W. S. Drew, president ; W. F. Phelps, vice-president and superintendent of instruction ; O. B. Gould, secretary and treasurer ; J. B. McGaughey, M.D., surgeon. April 13, 1871, the Soldiers' Or|)hans' Home, through its president and secretary, entered into contract with the board of trustees of the soldiers' orphans of Minnesota, through the executive committee of said board of trustees, to receive, maintain and educate soldiers' orphans as set forth in their articles of incorporation, under the provisions of the act of legislature of 1871. The trustees agreed, on their ])art, to place all orphans under their charge (if placed in any such home) in the Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota, and ])ay the sum of $4 per week for each orphan so placed ; the officers of the home agreeing, on their part, to provide the orphans under their care with a comfortable abode, wholesome food, medical attendance, decent clothing and admission to the state normal school on equal terms with the students of that institution. The home was opened March 30, 1871, in the State Normal School building, through the courtesy of the officers of that institution, and pending the securing of proper quarters elsewhere, and was removed, on the first of the following May, to the Tucker House, a large building in the western part of the city. The report of Secretary Gould,, made September 30, 1871, showed a total of thirty-four orphans in the home, the maximum number they could accommodate at that time, and the report of their superintendent of instruction returns them all as enrolled in the classes of the state normal school. It was apparent, however, that many more childi-en throughout the state, entitled to the benefits of the Home, could not be provided for unless the officers of the home should erect a building expressly for that purpose. The gross amount expended for the home to date of report was $3,212, and there was an outstanding indebtedness of $3,000. Applications for admission to the home came crowding upon the managers, and private homes were found for man}^ at the expense of the institution. This was not in accordance with the benevolent designs of the managers, and a new departure was made. The state legislature, under act of February 29, 1872, entitled "An Act to enable the Board of Trustees of Soldiers' Orphans to rent a suitable building for a Soldiers' Orphans' Home," approj)riated the sum of $1,800 per annum for said rent, for a term of six vears. March 1, 1872, Mrs. L.

D. Kempton, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, a woman of remarkable executive ability, was employed as matron of the home, and this position was maintained by her until it was closed six years later. To her able supervision and noble unselfishness the home was as much indebted for its successful administration as to any other one cause. On July 20 of that year contract was entered into with Conrad Bohn, of this city, to erect a suitable building for the home, and rent it to the officers of that institution for six years, at an annual rental of $1,800. This building was at once commenced. The site chosen was the southwest comer of Center and Sanborn streets, and here a substantial stone and brick structure, fronting 72 feet on Center street and 40 feet on Sanborn street, was erected. The building rose two and a-half stories above the high basement, the upper stories used for dormitories and the basement for kitchen, laundry, play-rooms, etc. The home was completed that same season, and taken possession of December 15. Tlie report of that year, September 30, 1872, showed an increase of twenty-five members in the number cared for; expenditures for the year, $6,044.74, and unpaid claims to the amount of $1,200. By act of February 20, 1873, the restriction limiting the number of orphans in any home to seventy-five was withdrawn, as the home could comfortably accommodate a greater number. The secretarv's report for 1873 shows ninety-three members enjoying the privileges of the home during the year, and eighty-five resident there at the date of report. The superintendent's report shows eighty-nine in attendance at the normal school, and a commendable progress made in study. The physician's report is a most favorable comment upon the sanitary condition of the home - implied, not expressed. There were serious cases of erysipelas, pneumonia and influenza in March, and seven cases of malignant scarlet fever in August, with only a total fatality of two. The gross expenditures for the year were $17,431, and the unpaid claims about $1,800. For 1874 the total number of orphans under the care of the home was one hundred and five, at the close of the year, eighty-five ; expenditures, $15,500; outstanding claims, $1,500. School statistics encouraging and surgeons report "no sickness." The reports of 1874 and 1875 are of no special significance. In 1876 there was a very perceptible diminution in the number of admissions and an increase in the number discharged, demonstrating that the Soldiers' Orphans' Home was nearing the end of its honorable and patriotic labors. This was more plainly apparent month by month? ' The rej)ort of September 30, 1877, shows but forty remaining under the care of that institution. The trustees of soldiers' orphans report a further decrease of six at the date of their returns, November 30, 1877, leaving but thirty-four orphans in the home. The board of trustees of soldiers' orphans, knowing that a large number of those remaining there would leave the home at the close of the school year, in May, 1878, resolved, in view of the small number of orphans under their care, to close the home at Winona on or before June 15, 1878, as the numbers remaining would not compensate the local board at this place for the maintenance of the orphans as provided by law, and it was accordingly done. Four years prior to the closing of the home the legislature of the state authorized the board of trustees of soldiers' orphans to make further provisions for such of their wards as had reached the age of eighteen years. And under the regulations of that act at the time the home in Winona closed, some of the discharged members were pursuing their studies at the state university, and others serving apprenticeships to useful trades, both classes receiving some measure of aid from the board. The work accomplished by the Soldiers' Orphans' Home of Minnesota was as purely a philanthropic work, as faithfully performed, as efficiently managed, as necessary to be undertaken, and as far-reaching in its results, as can well be conceived. The exceptional method of its management confers lasting honor upon those to whom it was intrusted.