Sioux Falls City (part 2 of 6)

Miss Bartlett having- resig-ned in June, 1889, to accept a call to Kalamazoo, Michig-an, Rev. J. E. Bag-ley was called to succeed her, and was pastor from October, 1889, to June, 1890. Mr. Bag-ley died in Massachusetts in the spring- of 1891. For a year the church was without a pastor, althoug-h occasional services were held.

In July, 1891, the Rev. Arthur H. Grant came to Sioux Falls and became pastor of the church. He was a young- man of considerable ability, and while in charg-e, had g-ood cong-reg-ations. He had views of his own in reference to the topics of the day, and while residingin Sioux Falls was a prominent hg-ure in everything- pertaining- to the g-eneral welfare of the community. The hard times made it impossible for the church to retain his services, and on the last day of July, 1893, he left Sioux Falls and soon after became the pastor of the Unitarian church at Newburg-h, N. Y. The next pastor of the church was the Rev. J. T. Andrew, who remained until October 31, 1895, when he departed for California, and since then the church has been without a pastor.

During- its most prosperous days the church had a membership of seventy. In January, 1887, a Sunday school was orgfanized, and the May following-, a Ladies' Unity Circle was effected, and was for a while quite prosperous.

First Presbyterian Church. - At a meeting- of the Presbvtery of Southern Dakota held in Huron the first week in May, 1883, the Rev. W. J. Skillman was appointed to establish a Presbyterian church in Sioux Falls. On Sunday, June 3, following-, in the Methodist church in Sioux Falls, nineteen persons requested the org-anization of a Presbyterian church, and under the direction of the Rev. W. J. Skillman a church was org-anized. O. E, Rice, Thomas H. Fairfax and J. W. Mansell were elected elders, to serve one, two and three years respectively. A board of trustees was also elected. The first pastor was the Rev. W. J. Skillman, who remained in charg-e of the church until the 30th day of March, 1884, at which time he preached his farewell sermon. He was succeeded by the Rev. William Miller, of Princeton, N. J., who arrived in Sioux Falls in June, 1884. During- the summer of that year the society built a church at the corner of Ninth street and Minnesota avenue, which was dedicated December 7, 1884. Mr. Miller remained with the church one year, preaching- his last sermon in Sioux Falls May 31, 1885. He was succeded by the Rev. William P. Craig- of Princeton, N. J., who came to Sioux Falls to remain a month or so, and preached his first sermon on the 16th day of Aug-ust, 1885. He was not, however, installed as pastor of the church until the 21st day of April, 1887. In July, 1888, he tendered his resig-nation, to take effect the first day of the month following-, which was accepted. The next pastor was the Rev. J. N. Hutchinson, who preached his first sermon on the 6th day of January, 1888. He was installed pastor of the church on the 23d day of April, 1888, and remained in charg-e until January 1, 1896.

During- the time he was pastor the church was prosperous. A few months after Mr. Hutchinson's departure, the Rev. Baillie Brown assumed the duties of pastor, but he remained only a few months. He resig-ned in September, 1896, and his resig-nation was accepted. The church was then without a regular pastor until the present pastor, the Rev. A. T. Wolff, D. D., took charg-e in the fall of 1897. Since its organization about two hundred and forty persons have been connected with the church.

Delaware Avenue Presbyterian Church. - On the 4th of May, 1889, the following- persons, viz., Mrs. Mary J. Buchanan, Geo. H. Brace and his wife Mary C. Brace, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Rice, C. C. Carpenter, H. J. Davenport, H. L. Green and C. M. Day met in the Dakota National Bank, in the city of Sioux Palls, and agreed to form a corporate body under the name of the Delaware Avenue Presbyterian Church Society, to promote the spread of the Christian religion, as set forth by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and to do any charitable, humane or benevolent work, which it might elect. This corporation was duly perfected and in due form recorded in the office of the Secretary of the Territory, and a board of five trustees elected, consisting of O. K. Rice, president; Charles M. Day, secretary; and C. C. Carpenter, treasurer; H. J. Davenport and H. L. Green. During that summer a church building was erected. In the summer of 1890, a Sunday school was organized, under the superintendence of Rev. W. Howell Buchanan with three pupils, but the enrollment increased during the year to 100.

The church is located on the prairie northwest of the city, the members of the society thinking at the time, that it would soon be in the center of a prosperous population, who would enjoy having church privileges convenient to their homes. Again, the hard times, and possibly a lack of religious enterprise in that locality, has resulted in the discontinuance of services at the church. Usually in this western country, the first building erected is for a saloon or drug store, but this church edifice stands to-day a witness to the fact, that the projectors of this enterprise were determined that a church building should ante-date the erection of any and all other structures for any purpose whatever.

First Reformed Church. - The First Reformed Church of Sioux Falls was organized in June, 1883. Some preaching services had been held previous to that date and a Sunday school had been organized. At this date a committee of the Classis of Iowa, Synod of Chicago, Reformed Church in America, met in the East side school house, received seven members and formally organized a church, by the election and ordination of A. W. Manning as elder, and John O'Meara as deacon. The first pastor was the Rev. E. P. Livingston, of Pekin, Illinois, who arrived in the city and preached his first sermon July 1, 1883. The corner stone of the church, subsequently built of Sioux Falls jasper, was laid September 29, 1883. Afterwards a commodious parsonage was built; the two structures occupying five lots, are beautifullv situated, commanding a fine view of the larger part of the city which lies upon the other side of the river. Dr. Living-ston preached his last sermon Auo-nst 1(), 1885, falling- ill shortly after and dying- September 11. In a few weeks he was succeeded by the Rev. W. J. Skillman then living- in Sioux Falls, where he had org-anized the Presbyterian church a few years before, and was then acting- professor in Greek and English literature in the academy at Orang-e City, Iowa. He preached his first sermon October 4, 1885, and remained its pastor until 1893. A flourishing- Sunday school g-rew up in connection with the church under Dr. Living-- ston's pastorate, which has continued in a prosperous condition ever since. During- the first year after Mr. Skillman's departure there was no preaching- in the church, but in the summers of 1894 and 1895 a theological student from Holland, Michig-an, by the name of William Miedema, conducted services which were well received by the cong-reg-ation. In September, 1895, the Rev, Lucius King-sbury assumed the duties of pastor of the church, and is in charg-e at the present writing-.

The First Christian Church. - In the month of November, 1887, two residents of the city of Sioux Falls attended and addressed a political meeting- in the northeastern part of the county. One of them had been a resident of the city for some years, but the other had but recently removed from an eastern state. They remained in the country, at a farm house, over nig-ht after the political meetinghad closed and drove back to the city tog-ether on the following- dav. While conversing tog-ether on their return trip it became known to them that each had while residents of the eastern states in previous years been members of the religious organization known as the Christian Church or the Disciples of Christ. There was at that time no such organization in the city of Sioux Falls or in the countv, and only two or three small organizations of the kind within the state. They agreed that on their return to the city the}^ would call a meeting through the daily newspapers and make an effort to organize a church. This meeting was according-ly called by a simple notice in the local items of each of the daily newspapers, and w^as set for the evening of November 16, at the reading room of the Young- Mens' Christian Association, which Mas at that time in the (irand Armv building. The call was published only a day or two before the time fixed for the meeting, but when the time arrived nine persons assembled in response to the call, the greater number of whom prior to that time had been strangers to each other. The persons present at that meeting were S. E. Young- and wife, W. H. Frick and wife, James H. Hart and wife, H, C. Carver, D. A. Blackman and U. S. G. Cherry.

After a discussion of the propriety of organizing*-, the meeting resulted in a unanimous resolution to perfect an organization. This, however, was not done at this meeting; various persons within the city were named as proper persons to be visited and requested to unite in the movement, and committees for visitation were appointed. The organization of this society, however, properly dates from this first meeting.

were zealous in the work they had begun. These meetings were of that class peculiarly denominated among these people as "social meetings." At one of these meetings held at the home of W. H. Frick on South Main Avenue on the evening of January 10, 1888, the first formal election of officers took place after the religious services of the evening. At that meeting H. C. Carver and S. E. Young were chosen elders and W. H, Prick and James H. Hart deacons. They were the first officers of the kind chosen by this society.

In the meantime the membership had increased until the number now aggregated sixteen. Reg-ular meetings were from that time forward held at such places as could be arranged for, but chiefly in the Y. M. C. A. rooms and afterward in the Knights of Pythias Hall in Temple Court building. In the meantime a Bible school had been organized and was prospering.

The first regular series of meetings was conducted by Ira J. Chase of Danville, Indiana, who was afterwards Governor of that state. These meetings continued from March 28, to April 30, 1888.

The first of these meetings was held in the little church building near the corner of Twelfth street and Dakota Avenue, then owned and occupied by the Adventist church. Arrangements were, however, made for a vacant store-room on Phillips Avenue and there the meetings rapidly grew in interest. They were very successful and resulted in establishing a knowledg'e, throughout the city of the distinctive plea made by these people. At the close of the meetings the membership of the society was thirty-one. The Bible school was reorganized and other societies in connection with the church date from this period.

In September, 1888, the society had sufficiently increased in numbers, confidence and enterprise to purchase a lot near the corner of Twelfth street and Summit Avenue as a prospective site for a church building. This lot was, however, afterwards sold at a net profit of $353 and a new site purchased at the corner of Thirteenth street and Duluth Avenue. On the latter site a church building was erected during the summer and fall of 1889, at a total cost of about $3,500 for the building and lot. It was furnished and equipped for service and was dedicated by Robert Moffatt of Cleveland, Ohio, on 3d of November, 1889. On the evening of the 2d of November the election of officers took place, and a permanent organization under the existing laws was provided for. While this meeting- was progressing the ringing of bells and the blowing of whistles announced that the proclamation had been signed by the President of the United States admitting the State of South Dakota into the union of states. Prom this fact this society claims to have been the first religious association to organize and incorporate in the new State of South Dakota, for it was at this meeting this organization was perfected under the laws of the state.

In pursuance of the action taken at this meeting articles of association were completed and entered into on the 9th day of December following. Prior to this time and since the latter part of the year 1888, Rev. J. Carroll Stark had presided as pastor. His services for the association were closed in December, 1889, and there was no reg-

Durino- the pastorate of Rev. Wise tlie churcli passed throu^^h a period of marked prosperity. There were ninety-nine additions during- that time, and yet all the work that was accomplished seemed to drift away to other fields, for during' this period the church lost heavily by removals from the city; so g-reatly had it lost that the active membership was reduced to sixty-three.

The church has in connection with it a well org-anized and actively working- Bible school, an active society of Senior and Junior Endeavors, a very successful auxiliary of the C. W. B. M., and various other org-anizations and societies usually connected with church org-anizations. During- the year, ending- April 1, 1892, the total contributions for the carrying- on of this work amounted to $1,600.61 or an averag-e of more than $25 per capita of the active membership.

The Rev. H. S. Simpson supplied the pulpit from July to October 1, 1892, when the Rev. Georg-e A. Rag-an became the pastor, and remained in charg-e until December 31, 1895. From the 1st day of June, 1896, to October 1, following-, the Rev. CM. McCurdy supplied the pulpit, and two months later he was succeeded by the Rev. W. P. Shamhart, who remained in charg-e until February 1, 1898. On the 7th day of April, 1898, the Rev. L. H. Humphrey became the pastor.

The Pioneer Union Sabbath School. - During- the summer of 1870, before any church was established, a Sunday school was started in Sioux Falls by Mrs. Clark G. Coats and Mrs. Hattie C. Phillips. It was desig-ned, as its name indicated, to be a school for all denominations without reg-ard to relig-ious preferences so that all could aid in carrying- on the work. It was the first Sunday school in the county, and, of course, at that early date the members met in the barracks. For the first few months it was without a superintendent, but during- the fall it w^as org-anized and Mrs. Coats was elected to that position, which she held until Aug-ust 18, 1872, when she resig-ned and H. J. Whipple was elected, and remained superintendent for about three years until denominational Sunday schools were org-anized. While this school was in o])eration it was supplied with papers by Artemas (lale, and it had a library of about 125 volumes, which were procured by subscri jjtions of its members.

The Salvation Army. - The Salvation Army appeared in Sioux Falls for the first time in November, 1889, and commenced paradingthe streets and holding- open-air meeting-s. Some of the people were not aware that the Salvation Army was an institution that had come to stay, and that its leg-al standing- hiid been determined by the courts, and consequently on the 20th day of November two male members of the army were arrested for parading- the streets, and taken to the calaboose. As soon as the officers arrested the parties, several prominent citizens joined the procession, thinking- the two men were to be confined there over nig-ht. John Donahoe was then chief of police and had been ordered to arrest the parties, but when he g-ot them to the city prison he released them upon their own re- cog-nizance to appear before Judg-e Hawkins the next day. At nine o'clock in the morning- of that day the persons arrested were promptly on hand in the police court, and Judg-e Hawkins as promptly dismissed them, saying-: "There is no law prohibitingthe accused from parading- the streets and praying there if they wish to." But this did not end the matter. Several citizens were determined "to carry the war into Africa," and Mils Ronlund swore out a warrant before Justice Stickney ag-ainst the chief of police for assault and battery upon the person of Joseph Campbell, one of the persons who had been arrested. Upon the case being- called, the rooms of the justice were inadequate to hold the people who were anxious to hear the trial, and the circuit court room was procured. The defendant called for a jury, which was impaneled, and the trial lasted two days, resulting- in a disag-reement of the jury. A few days later the case was dismissed, but a good many people in Sioux Falls had learned the fact that the Salvation Army had a host of friends, and that the little corps located in Sioux Falls would be fully protected from any further interference.

Sioux Falls was not the first place where attempts had been made to prevent the parades of the Salvation Army. Captain Margaret Cartmill, who was in charg-e of the corps in Sioux Falls duringthe summer of 1895, and had then been connected with the army for eleven years - two years as soldier and nine as captain - said to the w^riter that she had been arrested five times for holding- open-air meetings in the streets, twice in Rochester, N. Y., twice in Nashua, N. H., and once in St. Louis, Mo. She was sentenced to jail in New York for twenty days and served her time, but she carried the case to the hig-hest court in the state, and there prevailed. In New Hampshire she was sentenced to thirty days in jail, and after havingserved the time resumed her work on the streets, and was again arrested and received a thirty days' sentence, but served only two days. Here ag-ain she went to the supreme court and prevailed.

The members in Sioux Falls number about twenty at the present time (1895), and they conduct their services without molestation, the authorities having learned that the Salvation Army is an institution which the people will sustain; and mischievous boys have also learned that it is not expedient to disturb the meeting-s.

The history of the first newspaper in Minnehaha countv - The Democrat, edited by S. J. Albrig-ht in 1858-9 - has already been o-iven in Chapter I. The fact that an attempt was made at that early day to publish a newspaper at Sioux Palls demonstrates one thing-, if nothino- more, that the persons who first took possession of the land about the falls of the Big* Sioux, had unbounded faith in the rapid settlement and g-rowth of the surrounding- country. But with the first issue of the

Sioux Falls Pantagraph on the 10th day of April, 1872, the history of the newspapers of this county properly commences. In 1871, William F. Kiter moved to Sioux Falls from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and during- the fall of that year built a house in Sioux Falls, which he occupied as a residence and office. The house was built where the Leader block now stands, and is now located in the rear of that block on Seventh street. Sioux Falls at that time had a population of about 300, and of this number not to exceed one-half of the adults could read or write the Eng-lish lang-uag-e, and the Pantag-raph received its support mainly from outside the Territory. It was the sixth Republican newspaper published in Dakota, the other five being- the Lhiion tf- Dakota)/, I'aiikto}! Press, both published at Yankton; \\n-mUUo}i Republican, Spri)ii)-ficld Times and Elk Point Courier. During- the time the Pantag-raph was published by Mr. Kiter it was subject to the usual chang-es in form and siz;e that all young-, growing- newspapers underg-o. At first it was a seven-column folio and was printed in Sioux Falls, but after five issues it became an eig-ht-column folio, and, from then on, it had patent inside or outside. The heading- had a picture of the falls and the motto ''Excelsior." On the 21st day of October, 1872, J. H. Stahl, now of Madison, became interested in the publication of the paper, but severed his connection with it on the 27th day of November following-. The Pantag-raph then took a rest until March 2b, 1873, when Mr. Kiter resumed the publication until February, 187(), at which time the paper was sold to John McClellan and the building- to R. F. Pettig-rew. During- Mr. Kiter's proprietorship there was one hundred and sixty-three issues of the paper, the last one being- on the 26th day of January, 1876.

A very interesting- lawsuit arose in reference to the Sioux Falls Pantag-raph about this time. It appears from the records of the court that at the last mentioned date John McClellan boug-ht the Pantag-raph plant, upon which he g-ave a chattel mortgag-e. That the next day he leased it to F. E. Everett for eig-hteen months, and Mr. Everett went into possession and became its editor. That on the

16th dav of Pebriiary following-, one I. M. Hay took possession of the plant under the McClellan mortg-ag-e, which had been assig-ned to him, and on the 21st day of February sold the outfit to Robert Buchanan, who purchased" it knowing of the lease. Everett broug-ht an action of claim and delivery, claiming- the rig'ht of possession of the property under the lease, and the case was tried in the district court, resulting- in a special verdict. Upon this verdict a judg-ment was rendered for Everett, and the case went to the supreme court upon appeal, where the judg-ment of the lower court was affirmed in Mav, 1880. During- the time this litig-ation was in prog-ress, the materials were sold under a chattel mortg-ag-e to R. P. Pettig-rew, and for a long- time stored by him in a shed adjoining- his office, but were finally sold to Eno & Brown of Eg-an, and taken there and used in the publication of the first newspaper at that place.

The Sioux Palls Independent. - Was established in Sioux Palls on the 15th day of May, 1873, by C. W. McDonald, and was published weekly until it was merg-ed with the Dakota Pantag-raph on the 6th day of January, 1881, without missing- an issue. It was Republican in politics, and during- its existence was a potent factor in political matters in this section of Dakota. In June, 1873, E. A. Sherman came to Sioux Palls, and his first business transaction was to purchase a half interest in the Independent, and during- the next eig-hteen months he was associated with Mr. McDonald in the manag-ement of the paper. Mr. Sherman then sold his interest to T. J. White. During- its publication P. E. Everett, W. A. Williams and L. C. Hitchcock were in the editorial charg-e at different times, either as lesses or by purchase, but in July, 1878, Mr. McDonald purchased the plant and remained in charg-e until it was merg-ed in the Dakota Pantag-raph, as above stated.

Dakota Pantagraph - The first issue of the Dakota Pantag-raph was published in Sioux Palls on the 12th day of September, 1877; Georg-e M. Smith and Melvin Grig-sby editors and proprietors. The press and type were purchased at Swan Lake, S. D., having- been used at that place in the publication of the Swan Pake Era.

"The Dakota Pantag-raph will be devoted to the interests of Dakota g-enerally, and particularly to the commercial, political and moral welfare of the counties of Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, Mc- Cook, Lake and Moody, of which Sioux Palls is the commercial centre. These six counties, containing- one hundred townships of as fine agricultural land as the sun ever looked down upon, and capable of producing- annually forty million bushels of wheat, have as yet a population of not more than 12,000.

"Politically, we belong- to that class of Republicans called croakers, soreheads, fault-finders, too g-ood for their party. Notwithstanding- these stripes from the party lash, we are proud of the record of our partv, and in a humble way shall endeavor to perpetuate its principles as they were enunciated by its g-reatest party leader, honest Abraham Lincoln,

We shall at all times and under all circumstances exercise our rio-ht 'to publish with impunity truth, with o-ood motives and justifiable ends, whether it concerns g-overnment, mag-istracy or individuals." We shall not use our columns for the ])urpose of reven_o-in<i- private wrong's from, or venting" private spleen towards indisiduals, nor shall we permit others to do so." (Notwithstanding this promise, Mr. Grig-sby was in jail within six weeks for libelling the governor). It was a weekly, eig-ht-column newspaper, and remained under the manag-ement of its founders until April, 1878, when the plant was purchased by E. W. Caldwell and James P. Stahl.

On the 6th day of January, 1881, the Sioux Falls Independent ^vas merg-ed with it, and continued under the manag-ement of Caldwell & Stahl until March, 1882, when they sold the plant to D. Elwell, who had just purchased the Sioux Palls Times, and the two plants ^vere consolidated.

Prom this agfg-reg-ation a company was org-anized called the Sioux Falls Publishing- Company, and on the 9th day of March, 1882, it g-ave birth to the

Sioux Palls Weekly Press, of which E. W. Caldwell had editorial charg-e, and Thomas H. Brown was manag-er until the first day of June, 1882, w^hen W. H. D, Bliss took his place.

Sioux Falls Daily Press. - On the 3d day of January, 1883, the first issue of the Sioux Palls Daily Press appeared. A few months after the Daily Press was first published, Caldwell & Bliss purchased the entire plant. Prom the time of this purchase until February 19, 1890, at which date Mr. Bliss died, the business manag-ement was in his hands, and with Caldwell as editor and Bliss as manag-er, the Dailv Press became the leading- newspaper in South Dakota. The death of Mr. Bliss was a severe blow to the enterprise, as it was a hard matter to fill his place as manag-er. After a few years Mr. Caldwell boug-ht the interest of Mrs. Bliss, and remained the editor and publisher of both papers until the 15th day of November, 1890, at which time he sold the plant to Mrs. Bliss and removed from the state. Mrs. Bliss published the papers until about December 10, 1896, when she disposed of the plant to the Sioux Palls Press Company, a corporation composed of several citizens of Sioux Palls, and the papers since then have been published by this corporation.

During- the time Mrs. Bliss was the owner, Al. Caldwell had editorial charg-e, and he retained this position for a few weeks after it was sold by her. M. L. Fox from the Black Hills was then employed by the company, and had editorial control of the papers until the 20th day of Aug-ust, 1898, and since that time Ora Williams has been the editor.

The papers were Republican in politics until purchased by this corporation, but since then the advocacy of free silver has been their most prominent political feature. Under the editorial control of Mr. Williams, the Daily Press has been very much improved, and is to-day recog-nized as one of the strong-est and best dailies in the state.

It was a nine-column folio issued weekly, and was Republican in poli-| tics. In February, 1879, Mr. Kimberly purchased Mr. Morse's interest, and soon after a half interest was purchased by Thomas H.l Brown. This plant was supplied with the first power press ever broug-ht into the county that was larg-e enoug-h to print an ordinary] sized newspaper and its job department was well equipped for business. It was a vig-orous, well edited newspaper, but its proprietors! were induced to sell the entire plant to D. Elwell, in March, 1882, when it was merg-ed with the Dakota Pantagraph, and from the two plants the Sioux Palls Weekly Press had its origin.

The Dakota. - In 1880, N. C. Fredrikson established a Scandinavian weekly at Sioux Falls, but it was published only a few months. It was a six-column folio and Republican in politics.

The Argus-Leader. - On the 2d day of Aug-ust, 1881, the first issue of the Sioux Falls Argfus was published by the Arg-us Publishing- Company, with W. A. Fulmer and Hibbard Patterson as editors. This outfit came from Hamburg-, Iowa. Mr. Fulmer beinga consumptive, he and Mr. Patterson decided to take the paper to Gunnison, Colorado, Mr. Fulmer thinking- he could reg-ain his health there. The materials were all boxed and ready to ship, when, owingto the hostility of the Indians in Colorado, it was decided to g-o to Sioux Falls. Mr. Patterson came here and commenced the publication of the paper, and Mr. Fulmer came with his family in November. He arrived in the city on Saturday and died the following- Monday. Mr. Patterson continued to publish the paper until the following'- February, when it was sold to Charles Knisley, who conducted it about three months and then sold it to T. S. Goddard. In December, 1882, Mr. Goddard sold the paper to W. S. Wynn, and the first issue under the Wynn reg-ime was published January 3, 1883. Mr. Wynn was a lawyer and came from Hamburg-, Iowa. He commenced the publication of the Daily Arg-us as an evening- paper on the 4th day of March, 1885, the day of Grover Cleveland's first presidential inaug-u ration. November 1, 1885, Wynn sold the Arg-us and plant to W. W. and Paul R. Goddard, sons of its former owner. Extensive additions and improvements were made by them to bring- the paper up to the requirements of the prog-ressive town. In April, 1887, a stock company was formed, called the Arg-us-Leader Publishing- Company, of which the Goddard Bros., were the active manag-ers and principal stockholders, which purchased the Weekly Leader of Robert Buchanan and consolidated it with the Arg-us under the name of the Arg-us-Iveader, daily and weekly. On the 9th day of November, 1888, the Arg-us-Leader was boug-ht byTomlinson & Day, its present proprietors, and they issued their first paper the following- day. Under the manag-ement of Tomlinson & Day, the Arg-us-Leader g-reatly increased in circulation, and in a short time became the leading Democratic newspaper in South Dakota. This position it held until the summer of 1896, when, owing- to the course pursued by the Democratic party upon national issues, especially upon the financial question, it refused to be further identified with it, and advocated the election of McKinley for president. It is now acknowledg-ed to be the leading- Republican newspaper in the state. It has an ()i)ini()n to express upon all public questions - city, county, state and national - and it is expressed fearlessly. Its editorial columns are conceded to be as ably conducted as those of any newspaper in the state, and the people of Sioux Palls have reason to be proud of the two dailv newspapers having" their homes in the Oueen Citv. We should be remiss if we did not record the fact that its business manag-ement has been successful, and that all its editions are printed upon three Merg-enthaler Linotype machines, and are being- published in morning- and evening editions - the evening- edition being- the principal one, and having- the larg-est circulation.

SiO[JX Falls Review. - The first issue of the Sioux Falls Review made its appearance in March, 1883. It was published monthly by L, D. Henry, then engaged in the real estate business in Sioux Falls, and the purpose of the paper, as set forth in the initial number, was "to note the principal improvements in the city and county; the average temperature, rainfall, crop reports, the industries established or perfected and the desirability of this section as a home for the farmer, the carpenter, the laborer and the capitalist." How longthis publication was continued the writer is unable to ascertain, but remembers that it appeared monthly, as advertised, for several months at least.

Sioux Falls Leader. - This paper was established by the Minnehaha Trust Company, and its prime object was to promote the interests of the north end of town. This company built the Leader Block now standing- on the corner of Seventh street and Phillips avenue, and when it was completed the Sioux Falls Leader, a weekly newspaper, was started in this building with Peyton H. Acton as editor. Its first issue was on the 28th day of June, 1883. On the 3d day of September, 1883, a daily edition of the Leader was commenced, but was discontinued on the 7th day of November following-, the political campaign of that year being over. This branch of the Leader was started for political purposes, and while it was in existence the writer remembers it was a lively sheet. Mr. Acton and Arthur C. Phillips had editorial charg-e, and D. L. McKinney was manag'er. In January, 1885, Judg-e Brookings bought and edited the Leader until April 8, following, when he sold it to Samuel T. Clover and a man by the name of Daniels, who removed the plant to the Wai)les Block. Clover very soon after boug-ht out his partner and conducted the paper very successfully until the 19th day of May, 188(), when he sold it to Robert Buchanan who after running- it until A])ril, 1887, sold it to the (joddard Bros., by whom it was consolidated with the Argus. Although the Leader was originally started for limited local purposes, it was fortunate in having- during- its career three able editorial writers. Peyton H. Acton was a gentleman of fine literary attainments and one of the brighest editorial writers that ever had control of a newspaper in Sioux Falls. He died on the 24th day of March, 1885. Sam. T. Clover succeeded Acton, and the I^eader, although somewhat chang-ed in style, still remained a bright, entertaining- readable newspaper; and when Mr. Buchanan became pro-

Minnehaha County Mail. - In 1885 Irvino- Bath canu- t<.Si..ll^ Falls with a newspaper plant and commenced the ])ul)licati(>n <-! : Democratic weekly newspaper called the Minnehaha Count \ Mail He published it for about two years and then sold it to a i)ers(.n b\ the name of Wherry, who published it for a while and then disix.sr. of his interest. The only interesting*- feature in connection with thipaper during- its publication was its attack upon R. J. Wells; WelN suit against Mr. Bath for damages; Bath's retraction of the charg. - and the discontinuance of the suit. The final event of the Siou^ Falls career of this paper was its sale upon a chattel m or tgfagv oi the 23d day of January, 1888, when it was bid in for the sum of S5<ii by Mr. Bath, who shipped the plant away.

The Chuch News was established in Sioux Falls in Septembn- 1885. It was published monthly for several years in the interest "I* the Protestant Episcopal church in South Dakota, and besides chur*. I | news of a general character it contained the official notices and ;u | counts of the Episcopal acts and visitations of Bishop Hare.

The Dakota Deutsche Zeitung was established in Sioux Fallin 1885, and its first number issued May 28, of that year, with Car \ Kleinpell as editor. It was published weekly in the German laii guage, and was Democratic in politics. Mr. Kleini)ell remained edit..i and publisher until 1888, when he sold the plant to Dr. Steinbach. ' who remained in control until it was purchased bv its present editoi and proprietor, Peter F. Haas, in February 1890, who chang-ed thi name of the paper to

Dakota Staats Zeitung. - Mr. Haas continued its publication as a Democratic newspaper until 1894, when the fusion of the Democratic and Populist parties in South Dakota so disgrusted him that he became a Republican, and his newspaper since that time has been a supporter of the Republican party. The Zeitung- has a larg-e circulation and is a prominent factor in the politics of this county and vicinity.

The Sued Dakota Nachrichten was established at Mitchell, S. D., in 1890, as a Democratic weekly newspaper, by Hermann Butikofer and was printed in the German lang-uag-e. In January, 1896, Mr. Butikofer moved the plant to Sioux Falls, and since then has been publishing the Nachrichten at this place. The first issue was on the 21st day of January, 1896. After coming- to Sioux Falls Mr. liutikoter tor a short time associated with him in his newspaper enterprise Paul B. Meyer, a gentleman quite well known in Minnehaha county. The Nachrichten is receiving- from the German population o± the county and other parts of the state a generous support. n ^T^^ Dakota Bell, a humorous newspaper edited by Fred ^'^7 a/"'1.^''"'\^' Clover, was started in Sioux Falls elrlv in i I?; ' 1 ;- ^'?>'^ become quite famous as a humorous writer while publishing the Estelline Bell at Estelline, S. D., and he removed the plant to Sioux Falls and in connection with Mr. Clover

:ommenced the publication of the Dakota Bell. They were kindred Upirits, and the Dakota Bell was full of fun while it lasted, but Sioux Palls was too small for such treniuses and they were soon called into lar<i-er field, and the plant was disposed of and left the city. The .editors of the Dakota Bell have now lucrative positions upon metropolitan newspapers.

The Sioux Falls Journal. - E. E. Griswold, the proprietor ilfeind editor of the Dell Rapids Exponent, published at Dell Rapids, >iTi()ved the plant to Sioux Falls in June, 1888, and commenced the publication of The Sioux Falls Journal, but after a few issues Mr. -iswold sold the Journal to C. H. Craig-, who published it a few months and then sold the plant to J. T. Cog^an and A. O. Stebbins. They remained proprietors of the same for about one year, and then sold out to a syndicate, with the Rev. W. J. Skillman in editorial harg-e. In October, 1893, Mr. Skillman bought the plant, and on the 21st day of that month leased the same to E. E. Griswold, its former proprietor, who continued the publication of the Journal, until Aug-ust 1, 1894, when he sold the paper to Mark D. Scott, who has since then been its editor and publisher. Mr. Scott is a great local newsg-atherer, and during- the time it has been under his management, the columns of the Journal have been spicy, to say the least. Mr. Scott has also fearlessly attacked the official acts of both city ind county officials, and was instrumental in getting- the law settled as to the compensation countv commissioners were entitled to receive for their services. During the latter part of the presidential campaign in 1896, Mr. Scott published a daily (sixty-two issues in all), but on the 7th day of November, after it was known that McKinley had been elected, it was discontinued.

Minnehaha Teacher. - Under the efficient editorial control of C. F. Bower, the Minnehaha Teacher is published by the Minnehaha Teacher's Association. It was started in 1888, in the interest of the teachers of the county, and although the charge of its editorial columns has been transferred from each county superintendent to his successor, it has maintained a high standard of excellence.

Sioux Falls Daily Call. - On Saturday, the 7th day of September, 1889, the Daily Call made its first appearance in Sioux Falls. It was edited by E. C. Johnson, and the public was informed that it started out with a larger circulation in the city than any other paper, as it was going into nearly every family in the city, and persons receiving it "need not fear to accept the paper as it had been paid for." It was a prohibition paper; in fact, it was the prohibition issue that was before the people at that time, which brought it into existence. It was conducted during the campaign of 1889, by Mr. Johnson, and when the campaign was over, on the 7th day of November, the Daily Call was one of the by-gones.

South Dakota State Forum, was established by the late Hon. Robert Buchanan, and was first published on the 5th day of October, 1893, in a building erected bv himself for that purpose in the city of Sioux Falls. It was Populist in politics; and no paper of that party was more ablv edited than the Forum. During the political cam-

,,ii.rn (.f 1S')4, a daily issue of thti same was published. Mr Buchanan died ..n the 22d day of June, 1895, and the publication of the Forum was c.ntinued by-his sons, Fredencl. and Ce>4on W., and under their mana^-ement the name was chan^jfed to Sioux^ alls i^ orum. The hrmc.f Buchanan Bros., in connection with the Forum plant, established the first patent auxiliary house in Sioux Falls for furnishincr ready prints. In July, 18%, they sold their interest in this branch of the business to the South Dakota Newspaper Union ol Vberdeen, and this concern chancred its business location to Sioux Falls on the 18th of that month. During- the latter part of July, Buchanan Bros., sold the Forum to H. H. Schwartz and Georo-e (iritrsby, and this firm published the paper until November followinir,'"when the Forum ag-ain chang-ed hands, O. E. Bowman of Montrose becoming- the purchaser. Mr. Bowman published the Forum until July K), 18*)7, when it passed into the hands of H. C. Sessions cS: 'Son. The Forum under the manag-ement of Mr. Bowman was ])oi)ulist in politics and of the middle-of-the-road type. H. C. Sessions, one of the present proprietors, has been favorably known in newspaper circles as the editor of the Dakota Visitor, the official org-an of the A. O. U. W. lodg-e. The Forum under the present manag-ement meets the appreciation of its readers, and sustains its well-earned reputation as a good newspaper.

South Dakota Rp:cord. - In March, 1893, the South Dakota Kecord was established by W. F. Bellrood. In April, 1894, it was consolidated with the Western Investor and edited by Bellrood and J. C. McManima. During- the fall of that year Mr. McManima sold his interest to Mr. Bellrood who continued the publication of the paper until he removed from Sioux Falls in 1897. It was published monthly and devoted to the promotion of real estate transactions in its immediate locality.

Fkkmai). - This newspaper was established by the Fremad Publishing Company at Sioux Falls in May, 1894, and its first issue was on the 17th of that month. The company was composed principally of farmers residing^ in the county, or, in other words, they gfuaranteed the enter])rise under the manag-ement of John F. Strass. It is Populist in politics, and is a political newspaper, edited and published by Mr. Strass. Since its first issue the paper has doubled in size, and Mr. Strass no longer needs any one to guarantee the success of the enterprise. It is printed in the Norwegian and English languages, and those who are best (qualified to judge of its merits assert that it is one of the ablest middle-of-the-road Populist newspapers in the st.'ite

Thk Src-CESSFiiL Farmer is a monthly farm newspaper, and was established by J. A. Lucas at Watertown, S. D., in January, 1893. In 1895, when Mr. Lucas removed to Sioux Falls, he brought the newspaper plant with him and continued to publish the Successful Farmer at this ])lace until he sold it to Hial P. Robie in October, 189(>, since which time Mr. Robie has been its editor and publisher. It has a very large list of subscribers, and circulates extensively among the farmers in South Dakota.

Dakota Field and Fakm.- The lirst publication of this ionnial was at the city of Sioux Falls on the 15th day of April, 18<)(). We have this issue before us, and its editor, P. L. Axlint»- assured its subscribers that it would be a journal of practical agriculture, and that all lono-\vinded, theoretical articles would be discarded. Another thin«>- which the editor proposed to do was to classify its matter into proper departments, so that the reader could readily find what he wanted. It was a four-column, eigdit-pao-e paper, and durin<^ its existence was well conducted. October 1, 18')8, the Dakota Field and Farm was made the official paper of the State Board of A<>-riculture. The November following- Mr. Axling- sold his paper to W. F. T. Bushnell of Aberdeen and it was merg-ed into the Dakota Farmer.

The Gatling Gun. - The first issue of the Gatling- Gun made its appearance in February, 18%. It was published monthly under the direction of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Sioux Falls, and Mrs. M. J. Bag-ley had editorial charg-e until January, 1897, when she was succeeded by Mrs. Rena E. Bowers. It was a straig-ht-out prohibition paper, and was radically opposed to any compromise on the liquor question, in short, advocated the annihilation of the liquor traffic. Mrs. Otto H. Bleifuss was the last one to have editorial charg-e of the paper under its first name. About six months ag-o Mr. E. Hanson took charg-e of the paper, and it is now published b\' him under the name of the Christian Prohibitionist.

Syd Dakota Ekko is a w-eekly newspaper published at Sioux Falls by the Scandinavian Publishing- Company of South Dakota. It is printed in the Norweg-ian lang-uag"e, and was started at Brooking-s, S. D., the first week in Aug-ust, 1889, with S. O. Nordvold as editor. He remained in editorial charg-e until 1890, when (t. Bie Kavndal was employed to take charg-e of this department. The plant was removed to Sioux Falls February 1, 1891, and since that time the paj)er has been published at this place. Mr. Ravndal remained its editor until he was appointed United States consul, and removed to Beirut, Syria, in February, 1898, when he was succeeded by the present editor, (). C. Stewart. The Ekko has a g-ood list of subscribers, and is acknowledg-ed to be the leading- Scandinavian newspaper in the state. In politics it is Republican, and has contributed largely to the success of this party.

The Commercial News. - In January, 189*), E. J. Mannix commenced the publication of the News. It is a monthly and devoted to the interests of the Wholesaler, Retailer and the Commercial Traveler. It has a long- list of advertisements, and a g-ood circulation.

Several other publications than those noticed have appeared from time to time, but they were devoted to special work like some of those mentioned, and could not be strictly termed newspapers, and most of them have passed into history after having- served the purpose for which they were established.

Tlu- tirsl lank established in Sioux Falls commenced business in W. S. Kimball's hardware store on Phillips avenue on the lOth (lav of October, 1873. It was opened by E. E. Otis, who continued in business a few months only and then removed to St. Helena, Nebraska, and entered the leg-al profession.

Bank for Savings. - This bank was established by J. D.JZ^ameron and was opened for business on the 5th day of June, 1874. It was located on Phillips avenue "in a building erected for Mr. Camer<»n." The same month F. R. Crandall of Iowa came to Sioux Falls and started the Minnehaha County Bank, but sold it to J. D. Cameron on the first dav of July following-, and returned to low^a. The Bank f(»r Saving-s was run by Mr. Cameron for nearly two years, w^hen he droi)i)ed bankintr and en«-ag-ed in the real estate business. A peculiar incident in connection with this bank happened in the latter part of September, 1874, when Mr. Cameron was suddenly taken sick with cerebro spinal mening-itis, and his faculties of speech and hearingwere suspended for nine days. This pratically suspended the operation of the bank the same length of time, but it is reported that it was the bank that was ill, and that the symptoms of the disease w^ere manifested through Mr. Cameron.

SioiTX Falls Bank. - The Sioux Falls Bank was established in in August, 1886, by J. B. Young. The following June, Harry L. Hollister jnirchased an interest in the bank and became its cashier. The bank was better known as J. B. Young & Co., than by its real name. In April, 1880, Young and Hollister, together with several (»thers whom they interested in the project, organized the First National Bank, which took the place of the Sioux Falls Bank. While in existence it did a successful business.

Citizens Bank. - The Citizens Bank was established in Sioux Falls in September, 1878, by Robert Nation, w^ho remained in charge until February, 1881, when he sold out to H. S. Hills and E. P. Beebe. The bank was located on the southeast corner of Phillips avenue and Tenth street, and was conducted by the tw^o last named gentlemen until the death of Mr. Hills, which occurred on the 19th day of October, 1886. During 1886 the bank was reorganized and became the Citizens National Bank. Mr. Beebe president and E. M. Hills (-d. son of H. S. Hills) cashier had the affairs of the bank in charge until it was consolidated with the Minnehaha National Bank in April, 1888, at which time it surrendered its charter.

The First National Bank. - The first National Bank was organized about April 1, 1880, with a capital stock of $50,000. The stockholders were Harrv Hollister, J. B. Young, R. F. Pettigrew, J. Schaetzel, Jr., C. K. Howard, N. E. Phillips, C. F. Webber and Cyrus Walts. Hollister and Young owned S3(C000 of the stock. J. B. \oung was its first president, and Harrv Hollister was cashier until 1884, when he retired from the bank and became president of the Insurance Company of Dakota. Mr. Young remained with the hank until 188(., when he sold out and went to California. R. J.

Wells succeeded Mr. Youno- as president. The banlv soon became involved in litiofation owing- to an act of its cashier, W. F. Furbeck, in issuing- a cashiers check which the bank refused to pav, resulting- in an attachment of the assets of the bank and the appointment of a receiver, who took charg-e of the bank in March, 1(S8(), and settled u]) its affairs.

Easton, McKinney & Scojgal Bank. - A bank was esta.blished in Sioux Falls by C. F. Easton, C. E. McKinney and Geo. Scougal in November, 1880. In 1881 Easton sold out his interest, and the bank continued in business under the manag-ement of C. E. McKinney until it was superseded bv the Sioux Falls National l^ank in Nov^ember, 1882.

Dakota National Bank of Sioux Falls. - This bank was org-anized on the 31st day of October, 1882, with a capital stock <>i S50,000. The first directors were Melvin (irig-sby, P. P. Peck, Cyrus Walts, W. H. Corson, Artemus Gale, T. H. Brown and Frank Kunerth. M. Grig-sby was elected president, W. H. Corson vice president and T. H. Brown cashier. When it commenced doing- business Porter P. Peck was elected cashier and held this position until C. C. Carpenter was elected in January, 1885, who remained as cashier of the bank until his decease March 1(), 1895. Georg-e H. Brace succeeded Mr. Grig-sby as president and remained as such duringthe existence of the bank.

The manag-ement of the Dakota National had always been considered conservative, and it had the confidence of the public. It was therefore a g-reat surprise when on Saturday evening-, November 21, 1896, it was learned that the bank would not open its doors for business the following- Monday. A national bank examiner immediately took possession of the bank, and on the 20th day of January, 1897, C. F. Zimmerman was appointed receiver. The assets were larg-e, but owing- to the hard times, it was impossible to realize upon them, and for this reason the bank was compelled to close its doors.

Minnehaha National Bank of Sioux Falls. - In July, 1885, E. A. Sherman interested himself in org-anizing- the Minnehaha National Bank, and after securing- the necessary capital of S50,000 and complying- with the national banking- laws, the comptroller of the currency authorized the bank to commence business on the 8th day of Aug-ust, 1885. The directors named in the articles of association were K. A. Sherman, H. C. Copeland, L. P. Davis, W. A. Noble, A. Beveridtre, E. E. Sava«-e, L. D. Henrv, R. G. Parmley, C. S. Palmer, (). H. Smith and Cvr us Walts. E. A. Sherman was elected president, and G. E. Lathrop cashier. The bank commenced business on the west side of Main avenue south of Ninth street. Mr. Lathrop was cashier until Januarv 11, 1887, when C. E. Johnson was elected and held this position until April 21, 1888. At the last mentioned date the Citizens National Bank was merg-ed with the Minnehaha National bank. Mr. Sherman resig-ned as president and J. M. Bailev, Jr., was elected in his place, and E. M. Hills, the former cashier of the citizens National bank, was elected cashier. At this time the capital stock was increased to Sl50,000, but has since been reduced to S100,(X)(). July 1, 1889, it was desig-nated as depository for the United States funds. On the 29th day of April, 1889, W. L. Baker was elected cashier, which position he has held since then. At the annual election of officers in January, 1892, Porter P. Peck was elected president and remained its president until the summer (.f 18*)8 when he resigned, and Dr. Wm. S. Caldwell of Freeport, 111., was elected and holds this office at the present time. It is a strongfinancial institution.

Siocx Falls Savings Bank. - In 1886 the present cashier of the Sioux Falls Saving-s bank came to Sioux Falls, and after havinglooked over the situation concluded that a saving-s bank would be a good thing for those who should org-anize such an institution, and would also be of g-ood service to the public. In October of that year he broached the subject to Wm. Van Eps, and he was so much ])leased with the idea that papers for its incorporation went out by the next mail to the secretary of the Territory, and on the 10th day of January, 1887, the Sioux Falls Saving's Bank opened it doors for business. The first directors were William Van Eps, Marcus Russell, J. T. (Gilbert, John McClellan and Joseph A. Ward. Mr. Van i'yps was elected president, and remained as such until January, l-^''7. when J. W Tu thill was elected. Marcus Russell has been cashier of the bank since its org-anization. The capital stock is S30.()(l(). and the bank has been so well managfed that satisfactory dividends have been received by its stockholders. It is one of the solid financial institutions of the countv, and has the confidence of the i)eople.

Union Trust Company. - This Companv was org-anized the 1st of May, 1887, wHh a capital stock of Sl()0,OdO, of which S50,000 was taken by E. A. Sherman. It was established for the purpose of dealing in real estate, and making- long- time loans. E. A. Sherman was elected^ its first president, and H. M. Averv secretary. When the Union National Bank was org-anized, the bankingr branch of the I nion Trust Company's business was transferred to this bank. Mr. Sherman, as its president, and Mr. Avery as secretary, conducted the business of the company during its existence.

(iKRMAN Bank. - The German Bank was started in Sioux Falls hy Jacob Schaetzel, Sr., and his sons, with a capital stock of S50,000. It opened for business on the first day of May, 1888, with Jacob

Schaetzel, Sr., as president, which position he held during- the entire existence of the bank. Georg-e Schaetzel was cashier until 1891, at which time his brother Henry took that place and remained in that capacity until the bank voluntarily went out of business in October, 18%. The manag-ement of the bank was conservative and had the confidence of the people.

Union Savings Association. - This association was incorporated in November, 1894, with an authorized capital stock of $1,00(),()()(). G. W. Abbott was the most active promoter of this org-anization, having- had several years experience as manag-er of similar enterprises in Minneapolis and Sioux Palls. The first directors were G. W. Abbott, C. S. Palmer, E. A. Sherman, P. J. Rog-de and B. H. ReOua. C. S. Palmer was elected president, E. A. Sherman treasurer, and Mr. Abbott g-eneral manag-er. It had a paid up capital of $90,000 at the start, and has been doing- a very successful business.

Co-Opekative Savings and Loan Association. - In 1888, B. H. Lien, John Diamond, H. H. Natwick and C. G. Leyse, all residents of Brooking-s, S. D., org-anized the Scandinavian American Building- and Loan Association, at that place. Business was done under this org-anization until June, 1891, when it was re incorporated under the name of the Co-Operative Saving-s and Loan Association, and was removed to Sioux Palls in Pebruary, 1892. At that time its assets amounted to $9,000, but after its location in Sioux Falls the business was carried on upon a larg-er scale. R. P. Pettig-rew was elected president, H. H. Natwick vice president, B. H. Lien treasurer, C. G. Leyse secretary and G. W. Abbott manag-er. Mr. Abbott remained with the association three years and during- that period its volume of business rapidly increased, and at the present time its published statements show that it has been under wise and conservative manag-ement, and that it ranks amongthe foremost institutions of the kind in the Northwest.

The first building- ever named as a h(jtel in Minnehaha C(»untv was built of stone by the Western ToAvn Company in September, 1857, on the northeast quarter of section 16, in Sioux Falls, and was called the Dulniqiic House. It was a small structure, l)ut it was large enougfh to accommodate the traveling- public at that time. There has been nothing- left of this pioneer hotel for the last twenty years to designate its exact location, except a slig-ht depression in the ground where the cellar was excavated. It was located north of the island.

Cataract House. - This was the first hotel built in Minnehaha countv which had anything like reasonable facilities for accommodating the traveling public. It was built in 1871 by Harry Corson, and opened to the public on the l5th day of August of that year. The structure was thirty by forty feet, two stories in heig-ht and basement. It had fourteen bed chambers and two parlors. At this early date in the history of Sioux Palls it was quite a pretentious hotel, and under the management of Mr. Corson it soon became known as the best hotel in Dakota. As the demand increased for greater accommodations, the capacity of the hotel was enlarg-ed. In the spring- of 1882 the orig-inal structure was moved into Ninth street and occupied there, while the present Cataract House was beingerected on the old site, and remained in Ninth street until January 10, 1883, when it was removed to its present location on the west side of' Main avenue between Eig-hth and Ninth streets, and since then has been known as the Sherman House. About the 20th of December, 1882, the Corson Brothers (Harry and Henry) moved into the new building-, and it was under their management until they leased it to Fred H. Snyder of St. Paul, in January, 1894. Cinder the manag-ement of Mr. Snyder this famous hotel lost none of its prestige. In April, 1899, the hotel was leased to G. H. Love of Chicag-o, who is now in charg-e, and it is still the leading- hostelry in the state.

Sherman House. - This hotel is located on Main avenue between Eig-hth and Ninth streets, and, as already mentioned, was the orig-inal Cataract House. It has been owned and occupied since 1883 by several different persons. At one time the most pretentious hotel in the Territory of Dakota, it is still an object of interest, furnishing-, as it does, a striking- illustration of the rapid g-rowth and development of this section of the country.

Central House. - This hotel was built in 1871 by Joseph Dupries, a Frenchman, and he occupied it until April, 1875. In December, 1879, it came into the hands of Mrs. Alice Morris of this city, who purchased it of Georg-e Wrig-ht now of Chamberlain, S. D., and since that time she has owned the property. For several years she had personal charg-e of the hotel, and those best qualified to express an opinion in the matter say it was an orderly, well kept hotel, and was liberally patronized. Since her ownership it has been g-reatly improved and enlarg-ed. During- the last few years it has been leased, and at the present time is one of the popular resorts for the traveling- public.

House, where the hotel of the same name is now located. This buildino- he occupied until 1883, when he moved it to the rear, and erected a laro-e fine hotel buildino- on the site of the old wooden structure. The new Commercial House was opened to the public on the 1st day of September of that year, and the captain was more than deliofhted with the prospects of reaping- a rich harvest from his investment. The hotel was commodious and well furnished, and from the start was well patronized by the public. But this state of aifairs did not last lono-, for on the 6th day of November of that year it was totally destroyed by lire too-ether with almost its entire contents. Durinjj- the year following-. Captain Willey built the present Commercial House, and when completed ag-ain assumed the duties of landlord, which he continued to the g-reat satisfaction of the patrons of the hotel until 1885, when he sold the property to Len Clark. Mr. Clark conducted the hotel until April 1, 1888, when he sold out to Wyman & Sons of Minneapolis, and they in turn sold it to Brace cS: Carpenter in January, 1889. The late M. J. Roche leased the Commercial House and took possession on the 21st day of January, 188*). He was a good landlord, and during- his manag-ement, which continued for four years and eig-ht months, this hotel was liberally patronized. Since the retirement of Mr. Roche the hotel has been leased to different parties, and is at the present tinre under the manag-ement of Mark Bridge, who is receiving- a liberal patronag-e from the traveling- public.

Merchants Hotel. - This hotel was built by Mat Reese in 1878. Orig-inally it was a two-story brick veneered building- 44 by 80 feet in size. In 1886, this hotel was purchased by Willev & Williams, and was remodeled and enlarg-ed, and conducted by them until 1807, during- which time it received a larg-e share of the patronag-e of the tra\- elingf public. Since then it has been conducted by different ])arties, the present manag-er being- Prank G. Chaphe.

Phillips House. - This hotel was built by Mrs. Hattie C. Phillips in 1883, since which time it has been occupied for hotel pur- ])oses. It is quite a larg'e, well arrang-ed hotel, and receives a liberal share of patronag-e. The present proprietor is John C. McNicol.

Parker House. - Mrs. C. F. H. Koepi)en built this hotel at an early date, and it was known as the Koeppen Hotel for several years. The late Joel Parker finally purchased the property, and remodeled and enlarg-ed it, and g-ave it the name of Parker House. The present proprietor is G. N. Park.

Christiania House. - This hotel located on the west side of Phillips avenue between Eleventh and Twelfth streets, was built by John Henjum. For some years a building- standing- upon the same lot was occupied by him as a restaurant, but in the early eig-hties he enlargfed it and used it for hotel purposes. Since his death, which occurred several vears ag-o, it has been conducted by Mrs. Henjum, or by her tenants, and has been well patronized.

CoLiiMRiA Hotel. - At an early date in the settlement of Central South Dakota, Ashton was the county seat of Spink county, and the buildinu- known as the Columl)ia Hotel was erected there for a hotel. When the Milwaukee railroad was built throuo-h this county a station was established some two or three miles from Ashton, and was named Ashton, and the old site was soon known as Old Ashton. The Northwestern railroad company established the station of Redlield only a few miles from Ashton, and a town rapidily grew up and secured the county seat. Old Ashton was, of course, abandoned, and this hotel building- now^ fronting- north on Ninth street between Dakota and Minnesota avenues, was taken down about nine years ago and rebuilt on its present site.

FoRDE House. - This hotel fronting south on Eighth street, between Phillips and Main avenues, was built by Jack Forde in 1878. It was occupied for sev^eral years for hotel purposes, and was well patronized.

Williams House. - This hotel was located on the east side of Phillips avenue between Ninth and Tenth streets. It was built in the seventies by H. D. Williams, and he kept the hotel for several years, but as the city built up it became an undesirable location for a hotel, and a few years ago, having served its full term of usefulness, it was removed and more desirable buildings took its place.

The American Hotel. - This hotel was built at an early day on the west side of Phillips avenue, and on the next lot north of the one where John McKee's harness shop is now located, and was called the Sioux Falls Hotel. It was built by James Krebs, and removed by him to its present location. Its days of usefulness as a hotel have passed into historv.

Public Improvements

United States Court House And Post Office. - Senator Pettigrew at an early date in his senatorial career introduced a bill in Congress for an appropriation for building a United States court house and post office at Sioux Falls. Under its provisions $150,000 was appropriated for this purpose. This much having been secured, a lively contest was at once set in motion in reference to its location. Several sites were offered the government by different parties, each one having its supporters in the city, and they were all the more in earnest from the fact that it would probably settle the location of the post office for all future time. The department at Washington sent a person to Sioux Falls to examine the different sites. The time of his arrival was known in advance, and every preparation was made to entertain him and bring to his notice the special advantages of each location. He went about the work in his own way, but the result would seem to indicate that in some way he was convinced that the commercial center of the city would soon be further south than it was at that time. In any event the present location was determined upon soon after his return.

The biiildino- is of Sioux quartzite, and was completed and ready for occupancy in May, 1805, and on the I5th of that month the |)ost office was removed from its old quarters to this buildinjj;". The iirst storv is fire proof, and is wholly occupied by the post office. The second and third floors are used for federal courts and officials of the same.

Like all other appropriations the first one was not suflficient to defray the expense of the building-, and another appropriation of S20,0d0 was made by Congress.

Sioux Palls Post Office and Postmasters. -The first postmaster in Sioux Falls after the militia had been ordered awav was Edward Broughton, and the post office w^as located in a building stcindini;- near the Emerson block. About the first day of Aug-ust, 1870, Charles Allen was appointed postmaster to succeed Broug-hton, and removed the office into the barracks. Cyrus Walts was his deputy and had charge of the business, and the letters received were kept in a cig-ar box until called for. W. R. Kite.r was the next postmaster, and on the 1st day of July, 1872, he removed the office to a building- he had erected on the west side of Phillips avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets. But he did not retain the office long-, John Bippus succeeding- him in 1873. He removed the office about a block south, and it was then located a little north of the present location of Dunning-'s drug- store. In 1875 he ag-ain moved the office, this time to the brick building- just completed by E. A. Sherman on the west side of Phillips avenue between Eig-hth and Ninth streets, but the office had remained in this location only a few months when Mr. Bippus removed it into a building- on the opposite side of the avenue. April 1, 1876, A. T. Fleetwood succeeded Mr. Bippus, and held the office for seven years, turning- it over to E. W. Caldwell on the 1st day of April, 1883. While under Mr. Fleetwood's administration the office was for several years located on the northeast corner of Phillips avenue and Ninth street, but was removed from there to the Sherman block, corner of Ninth street and Main avenue on May 11, 1884. During- his seven years of service he was not absent from the office at any one time to exceed twenty-four hours. Mr. Fleetwood was highly esteemed as a citizen, and since October, 1885, the old residents of Sioux Falls have not ceased wondering- as to his fate. About October 1, of that year he left Sioux Falls to visit at Stoug-hton, Wisconsin, g"oing- by the way of Milwaukee, where he arrived in due time, but after his arrival there no trace of him has ever been found.

Mr. Caldwell's official career as postmaster terminated on July 1, 1885, when Willard P. Carr assumed the duties of the office under an appointment from President Cleveland. He remained in office until he was succeeded by Col. B. F. Campbell on the first day of February, 1890. Col. Campbell, owing- to the number of applicants for the office upon President Cleveland's second inaug-uration, was permitted to hold over after the expiration of his commission until the 15th day of September, 1894, when he was directed to turn over the office to A. D. Tinsley, who was postmaster until Aug-ust 1, 1896, when the present incumbent, A. S. Ellis, took charg-e of the office. On the 18th day of May, 1895, the office was removed from the Sherman block to the g-overnment building- on the southeast corner of Phillips avenue and Twelfth street, where it has undoubtedly found a permanent home. No city in the United States of the size of Sioux Falls has a more commodious and better furnished post office. The business of the office has made g-reat strides since Cyrus Walts as deputy postmaster under Charles Allen kept the mail matter in a cig-ar box. The larg-e increase in business during- certain years has been somewhat remarkable, but it will be noticed that those were years of prosperity. The year 1884 showed an increase of nearly twenty-five per cent over the preceding- year, althoug-h the first nine months of 1883 the letter postag-e was three cents.

been under the ci\il ser\ice rules since March, 1S*)3, ami on Ma\- 5, of the same year, it was desio-nated as a depository lor sur])lus monev-order funds in this part of the state.

Sioux Palls has always been fortunate in securing- i<-o(»!i ])ostmasters. Business men have l)een selecteil for the ])lace, and the office has always been conducted to the satisfaction oF the [)ul)lic.

Paving. - The first action taken for the paving- of streets in Sioux Palls was in May, 1888, and the city let the contract to C. W. Hubbard & Co., on the first day of June following-, for paving Phillips avenue between Pifth and Twelth streets. The city at that time was acting- under a special charter, and although the authority to assess the adjacent property upon the front-foot plan was considered questionable, still the necessity for paving- Phillips avenue was so pressing- and the public demand so importunate that the citNcouncil decided to go on with the work upon that plan. It was decided to pave with Sioux quartzite and to curb with Drake's jasperite. The contract price for the paving- was S2.13 per square yard and sevent}- cents per lineal foot for the curbing. The contract for the curbing- was let to Tong-es & Co. The work was commenced at Twelfth street, and about the first of October of that 3'ear it was completed to Pifth street. A g-entleman of large experience in paving- matters, who was in the city about that time, remarked to the writer that he did not believe there was a finer street of paving in the United States; and we will add that there is certainly not a more durable one. Some of the adjacent property owners refused to pay the assessments levied ag-ainst their property, and litigation followed. Since then considerable paving has been done in the city and the same material has been used. The paving- on Phillips avenue still looks as fresh as when first placed eleven years ag-o, and it will undoubtedly be doing- good service after most of the buildings now fronting- it shall have passed into history.

Street Railways. - In July, 1886, D. lOlwell asked the city council for a franchise to built a street railway in the city of Sioux Palls, and so well did he advocate his measure and the ordinance he proposed seemed so fair, that the council granted him the franchise. It had not more than done so, before it was discovered that D. Elwell had secured a franchise that might prove more advantageous to him than to the public, and the vote by which it passed was reconsidered.

Then commenced the offering of a series of amendments, and in doing this Alderman Parmley distinguished himself. It was in the committee of the w'hole, and when they had perfected it, by striking from and adding- to its provisions until nothing- more could bethought of that would be germane to the subject, the council passed it. IVIr. Elwell was present, and said to the writer "this franchise as passed, is good for anything but the building of a street railway," and, of course, he did nothing under its provisions - he couldn't - he wasn't a profane man.

On the 5th day of March, 1887, Pettigrew and Tate went before the city council with a petition that the Ehvell franchise be repealed, and a franchise for street railways in Sioux Palls be granted the petitioners. This petition was referred to a committee.

On the 22d day of March, 1887, a man from Iowa by the name of Hig-gfins appeared before the council and asked for a franchise for street railways in Sioux Palls. He did not have his proposition perfected in all its details, and asked the council for a little more time to prepare a complete statement of what he w^anted and what he would do.

At the next meeting- of the council on the 24th day of March, R. P. Pettig-rew as well as Mr. Hig-g-ins was present. Both of these trentlemen had their propositions perfected, but when Mr. Hig-g-ins was informed that the council would insist upon a bond being- g-iven for the faithful performance of the conditions of any franchise that mig-ht be g-ranted, he said he w^as not prepared to do so, and did not see why it should be required.

Mr. Pettig-rew said the requirement of a bond was reasonable, and the franchise was g-ranted as he requested to the Sioux Palls City Street Raihvay Company to construct and operate street railways in the city of Sioux Ealls for the term of twenty years, with the privileg-e of renewal.

The company was incorporated, and the incorporators consisted of R. P. Pettigrew, S. L. Tate, L. T. Dunning- of Sioux Palls, James Crig-hton of Chicag-o and Elnathan Sawtelle of Evansville, Wisconsin.

The company, under the provisions of the ordinance g-rantingthe franchise, was required to execute within ten days a bond of $5,000 to the city of Sioux Palls, for the faithful compliance with the conditions of the ordinance, and to file with the city clerk within thirty days an acceptance of the terms and conditions in writingunder the seal of corporation. This not having- been complied with June 10, 1887, the city council by resolution declared the franchise g-ranted under the ordinance forfeited.

A short time after this action had been taken, the company executed its bond and filed the acceptance, as required, with the city clerk, and the resolution forfeiting- the franchise was rescinded by the city council and the franchise restored.

On Thursday, November 3, 1887, the street cars commenced running- in the city of Sioux Palls - one of the cars yielding- a revenue of $16.30 that day. November 4, the first mile of the street railway was accepted by the city. The line w^as extended to South Sioux Palls, and at one time it had about eig-ht miles of track.

Numbering Buildings and Streets. - The city council of the city of Sioux Palls was importuned at almost every session duringthe months of April, May and June, 1886, by one Ralph Jaybush for authority to affix numbers to the residences and business building-s in the city. Getting- tired of his entreaties, a motion w^as made and carried that the matter be referred to the city attorney, with instructions to prepare an ordinance for this purpose, including- in the territory the east side of the Sioux river. The writer, then city attorney, appreciating- the fact that the motion was made morein joke than in earnest, neg-lected to prepare the ordinance. At the next session of the council Jaybush was present and succeeded in o-ettin^- the city attorney reprimanded by the mayor, and some of the aldermen mildly informed him that he had better prepare that ordinance if he expected to hold his position. Jaybush was happy. The citv attorney concluded to prepare the ordinance, and did prepare and submit one to the council July 2, 188(), which was referred to the committee on streets and alleys. In the preparation of this ordinance it was found to be impracticable, owing- to the manner the streets were named. Phillips avenue was supplemented at the south end by Third avenue; what is now Main avenue was then Main street and Second avenue; and what is now Thirteenth street was then Prank and River streets, and so on.

The city attorney concluded in drawing- the ordinance he would give the council something- to think about in earnest, and after fixing upon the corner of Ninth street and Phillips avenue as the center from which to commence the numbering-, proceeded to change the names of sev^enteen streets and avenues, making- all the streets to run east and west, and all the avenues north and south, and g-ivingone name to each of them. At a council meeting Aug-ust 6, Jaybush was present and, of course, the subject came up, and the committee who had the matter in charg-e called upon to report. They said they had not examined the matter very much, but reported in favor of its passag-e. The ordinance was then read, and the city attorney was called upon to explain whv the names of so many streets and avenues had been changed. Upon coming- to the chang-e made of Prank and River streets to Thirteenth street, the city attorney said that he presumed Prank street was named for Prank Pettig-rew, but Tslr. Pettig-rew being- present at once broke in and said: "No, that street was named after W. S. Bloom's dog- Prank." This remark seemed to settle the question that it was more desirable to have the streets named with some degree of system, than to retain the orig-inal names given in honor of some pet canine or the fancy of the persons making the original plats.

The Auditorium. - The building- of an auditorium at Sioux Palls dawned upon her citizens as a work of necessity during the summer of 1808. A few months previous a deleg-ation of our citizens belonging to the Business Men's Leag-ue attended the annual meeting of the National Creamery Buttermakers' Association, and succeeded in securing- its next annual meeting at Sioux Palls. As the time apl)roached for the meeting, the promoters of the project beg-an to appreciate the responsibilities assumed, having- assured the association that the city of Sioux Palls had all the requisite accommodations for such a meeting. The fact stared them in the face that there was not a building- in the city that was adapted to or had the capacity of meeting the demands of this association. Something*- had to be done, and the leading business men of the city came to the conclusion that it was time Sioux Palls had an auditorium of such capacity as would accommodate anv association or convention which might wish to con- vene in the city. It could not be built by subscription, and it would not pay as an investment, except in a j^eneral way. As a matter of course it could only be built by the city, and when the situation was brouo-ht to the attention of the city council it was thouo-ht best by that body to call a special election, and in that way obtain an expression of the electors whether an auditorium should be built by the city. The election was called for Auo-ust 2, 1898, and resulted in a vote of 594 for and 174 ag-aiusl the proposition. The city council thereupon authorized the expenditure of the sum of $9,000 in the Iniildinji' of an auditorium in accordance with certain plans and specifications submitted by W. L. Dow, and the contract was let for its erect-ion for the sum of $8,980. It was completed (except a little outside work) and ready for the inaug-ural ball, which was held on Thursday evening-, January 19, 1899, and was a great success, and on the 23d day of Januarv, following-, its doors were thrown open to receive the National Creamery Buttermakers' Association. The seating- capacitv of the auditorium on the second floor is about 3,000. The tirst floor will undoubtedly be used in the near future for city purposes - council rooms, city officials, and the fire department.

Prom this time on it will not be necessary for anyone to stand in the rain or freeze in tents, while listening- to disting-uished political speakers in Sioux Falls, and the city can now point to its splendid auditorium, and its capacious hotels as furnishing- the best accommodations in the state for holding conventions and meeting's of other larg-e bodies.

PiRES. - There never has been an extensively destructive fire in Sioux Palls, and when everything is taken into account it is remarkable that the city' has been so fortunate. Some good buildings have been burned, but usually the fires have been limited to unsigditly, dilapidated old building-s. Only a few large personal losses have been sustained, and it is probable that Captain Willey has suffered more in the burning- of the Commercial House and his liver v stable in 1883, and the Merchants Hotel in 1896, than any other individual in the city. His loss of property at the time the Commerical burned November 6, 1883, was estimated at $73,000.

PiRE Department. - Notwithstanding the size of the city of Sioux Palls and the large property interests within its limits, there has never been a paid fire department, but it has now, and has had for several 3'ears the best and most efficient voluntar}' fire organization in this section of the country. It has always been well officered and well ecjuipped for business.

The department had its beginning in a bucket brigade about the time of the village incorporation. The exact date of its organization we are unable to give, as the records have been lost. A fire alarm bell weighing 2,600 lbs, which is still in use, was received in October, 1884.

Before the construction of the waterworks, a Silsby fire enjjfine had been purchased which is still retained, and in September, 18')3, a Champion double tank chemical en^-ine was procured for the department.

In 188*), the (xamewell fire alarm system was procured bv the city, and there are fifteen alarm boxes, connected by about ten miles of wire, of which James L. Kobbins had char^v until 1898.

The department has a hook and ladder company, a two-horse combination hose wag^on, and sev'eral hose companies, besides the chemical company, now in active service, with 128 active and 138 exempt members.

Since the waterworks were located north of the city, the fire pressure has been all that could be desired, and the chemical en<jfine beingalways ready for service, all ordinary tires occurring in the city have been exting-uished in short order.

Local Industries

Webber & Hawthorn (iRist Mill. - The first enterprise making- use of the water power at Sioux Falls, that was carried to a successful completion, was the Webber & Hawthorn grist mill, which commenced operation in May, 1873. It was located on the east bank of the river below the falls, "and the wheel pit of the polishing works is now located in the same place as the wheel pit of this mill. The basement was built of stone and the superstructure was of burr oak. When this mill commenced operation it was thought to be a great thing for Sioux Falls, and it was a matter of great convenience to the people residing within a radius of ten or fifteen miles of its location. It was a paying enterprise while it existed, but the high water of 1881 carried it bodilv down stream.

Cascade Mill. - In September, 1877, Isaac Emerson, E. A, Sherman and J, G. Botsford purchased the water power and five acres of land on the east side of the river north of Eig-hth street. The buildinjyf of the dam was commenced the 3d day of October, 1877, and was constructed in the most substantial manner. The following- year the mill was built, and the manufacturing- of flour commenced in September. It has been a financial success from the beg-inning-. After it had been operated about three years by the parties who built it, Mr. Botsford sold his interest to Georg-e E. Wheeler, who has since been its manag-er and treasurer. In 1887, the electric lig-ht plant was purchased by the proprietors of the Cascade Mill, and the Cascade Milling- Company was incorporated with a capital of Sl50,()00, but the ownership of the property practically remained unchang-ed. It has always been conducted on business j^rinciples, and stands at the head of the list of successful manufacturing- industries of South Dakota.

Queen Bee Mill. - In Aug-ust, 1879, the construction of the Queen Bee Mill was commenced, and the enterprise in its results has been a notable one. The money for its construction was furnished bv eastern and Eng-lish capitalists, and there was no lack of funds at the command of the superintendent of construction to build the finest flouring- mill on the continent. The building- is of stone, 80 by 100 feet from the foundation to top of walls. There are six stories beside the basement. The materials used in finishing- the inside of this building- were the best that could be procured for the purpose, and the workmanship excels in finish that of any other manufacturing- structure in the Northwest. Its desig-n was a marvel of accuracy, and when the building- was completed and ready for the placing- of the machinery, nothing- but the latest, most improved machinery was purchased to equip this remarkable mill. To enumerate and describe the machines put in this building- would take too much space, but some idea of its completeness when ready to be oj)erated can be imag-ined when it is known that there were ten miles of l)elting-, eig-ht of spouting-, three of conveyors and two of elevators. But this does not represent all the expense incurred in this project. An extensive elev'ator and warehouse were built, and to g-et the proper head of water a canal was blasted throug-h the rocks a longdistance and the water conveyed to the wheel in an iron tube seven feet in diameter. On the 25th da}^ of October, 1881, every thingbeing- completed, the water was turned on the eig-ht hundred horsepower turbine wheel, and the first wheat was g-round. Col. J. H. Drake was president of the company at that time, and C. W. Hub- 1)ard superintendent. After a few months E. Elwell became the manag-er. But notwithstanding- the expenditure of nearly a half a million dollars upon this enterprise, which promised so much for the City of Sioux Palls and the County of Minnehaha, its operation resulted in loss instead of profit. The water power was insufficient to operate it, except for a short season in each year, and the supply of wheat that could be obtained at a reasonable cost was inadequate to meet its capacity. It ceased operation early in 1883, and the whole plant was attached on the 20th day of April of that year to secure an indebtedness of S*^)7,000. Since then the title of the property has passed into other hands than its ori<>-inal owners, and the conundrum ''what will he done with it" is no nearer l)eino- solved than ten years ag^o.

Polishing Works. The polishino- works were l)uilt hv J. H. Drake of St. Paul, in 1883. They are located in the city of Sioux Falls on the east bank of the river, at the foot of the falls. They were not completed until the following- year, when they were fully equipped for business on an extensive scale. Two very large polishing- beds were put in August 11, 1884, having the capacity to polish 450 feet of surface at once. S )me very fine work was done in polishing jasper and chalcedony. The cost of the entire plant was about S75,000, and for some years after it commenced operation bid fair to pay a good dividend, but the hard times and other unforseen obstacles stood in the way of its success, and for awhile it seemed as though it would remain a companion piece to the Queen Bee mill, but recently it has been in operation although upon a much smaller scale than at first.

Pork Packing Houses. - About the 15th of October, 1883, a copartnership was entered into between E. G. Smith and A. B. Clampit of Sioux Palls, for the purpose of engag-ing in the business of pork packing-. A pork packing- house was built on the east side of the river between Eig-hth and Tenth streets, and before the season was over $40, 000 had been paid out for hog-s. The following- March the junior member of the firm retired.

The business had 1)arely commenced before complaints were made to the city authorities that the establishment was a public nuisance, and notwithstanding every precaution was taken to conduct the business so as to inconvenience no one, its location was such that the city authorities ordered its removal. During- the summer of 1885, the house was taken down, and a new establishment was built by E. G. Smith & Co., on the east bank of the river below the falls, with a capacity of 250 hogs daily. During- the following- season a larg-e business was done, and at the end of March, 188(), 8,500 h(>g-s had been slaughtered. On the 30th day of October of that year, the buildingfs of the company were totally destroyed by fire. The loss was estimated et §25,000. Major Smith, who had been the manag-er of the business from the time it started, went to work at once to secure the capital necessary to rebuild, and during 1887 erected u])on the old site the buildings now standing- there. For sometime a larg-e business was done, but in some way the firm became financially embarrassed and ceased doing business.

The Sioux Falls Stock Yard Company. - During the summer of 1880, R. P. Pettig-rew conceived the plan of establishing- extensive stock yards and a packing house at South Sioux P\'ills. The Sioux Falls Stock Yard Co., was incorporated with a capital stock of S500,000, and about one thousand acres of land purchased and put into the corporation at a valuation of S200,000. September 25, of that year, work was commenced on the buildings which are located near the center of the southeast quarter of section 25, in the township of Wayne. R. F. Pettigrew was president, A. J. Pettengill, a resident of Portland, Me., who had taken quite a block of stock, was vice president and general nianao-er, S. L. Tate secretary, and C. C. Carpenter treasurer of the corporation. Mr. Pettengill came to Sioux Palls in 1890, and during- that year pushed the construction of the building-s as rapidlv as possible. But the company became financially embarrassed, and althoug-h about S370, 000 of improvements had been made, the company was compelled to suspend work, and the enterprise was in a dormant condition until 1895, when Mr. Petteno-ill reorganized the company with a capital stock of 82,000,000 under the name of

The Northwestern Packing Company. ^ - This company added 1800 acres of land at a cost of about S66,000, and proceeded to complete the buildings, putting in all the machinery necessary to make it one of the most complete packing house plants in the country. But notwithstanding- this great expenditure of money - making- the entire cost of the plant about S890,000 - the company for some reason permitted the plant to lie dormant. During the spring of 1899, this property passed from the control of the Northwestern Packing Co., and the new owners reorganized under the name of the

A. Lester Heyer Packing Company, and commenced at once to put the buildings and machinery in proper condition for active work. On Tuesday, July 18. 1899, the machinery of this g-reat plant was put in operation, and one hundred and fifty hogs were killed, and the success of a great industry with all its accessories assured.