St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-11-04

The next register of deeds first saw
the light of day in Cherry Valley, n.
Y, and at an early age moved to
Cooperstown, n. Y. For some time he
was clerk in dry goods and grocery
store in that thriving little town. He
came to st. Paul thirty-fve years
ago, and was clerk in a cloth
ing store. but soon after en-
barked in the same business on his
own account, under the firm name of
Cooley q Van Slyke. The latter gentle
man thoroughly identified himself with
the business interests of the city until
the breaking out of the war. In 1862
he helped raise a company, and joined
the Fifth regiment Minnesota infantry,
aud remained in the South fighting for
the cause of the Union for two years.
On his return he embarked in the grain
and commission business, and has been
actively engaged in that pursuit
ever since. and is now the head of the
oldest commission house in the state.
He served two terms in the city council,
and during his official career was ever
to be found upon the side of the people.
During his first term. solely on account
of his naturally philanthropic turn of
mind. he conceived and perfected the
magnificent park system OF the city. 1t
was owing to his personal energy and
interchangeable labor for the cause of the
masses that Rice and Irvine parks were
vlsibly improved, and Summit square,
Lafayette square and Central park
Sprang into existence.
As Mr.. Van Slyke said to a friend,
who wondered why he took so lively an
interest in the city's breathing spots,
II do so for the good of the masses. If
we have 10 parks, the poor mans chill
dren will play. in the cutters, and if [
can be the means of giving them instead
comfortable breathing spots, and allow
them to feast upon the innocent beau
ties of nature, | will feel as though |
had accomplished some good"
Such is the man who was moving
spirit in the great Willard reception,
and did much to promote local interest
in the Northern Pacific railway enter
prise. He was the most enthusiastic
promoter of the ice palace venture, and
saw with pardonable pride project,
whose ultimate success was doubtful
at the start, an assured and permanent
institution. By means of the ice
palace, upwards, of 5000 men
are employed dmMg the winter, and
aside from advertising st. Paul
over the entire world, the winter car
uiYdt CuCCludliy ouSSSSNo III NSOpiISo pliO
wolf from the door in many households.
AS general manager of the St. Paul Ice
Palace and Winter Carnival association
this public-spirited citizen did yeoman's
work and labored night and day for its
success. He is president this year, and
is already head over ears in correspond
ence from all parts of the country rela-
tive to the success of the fourth car
nival, and eagerly embraces every OPP
portunity to add any accessory to its
artistic and sterling worth.
St. Paul is also indebted to him for
the street illumination. During the
carnival and state fair week thousands
upon thousands thronged the streets,
and as they looked at the long rows of
prismatically colored lights, paid an in
ward and unconscious tribute to the
man whose enterprise. push, and, above
all, practical application of artistic abil-
ity, enabled them to enjoy this rare
treat The electric light masts on Sum-
nit avenue, Bridge square ard at Seven
corners were also erected as ali outcome
of the personal subscription canvass
undertaken by this public-spirited gen
tleman, and are mute monuments to his
push and energy.
He is popular with, all classes. His