St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-11-12

DelnR the narrow gauge road from Gov
ington, opposite Sioux City, running to
Ponca. Neb. This road was converted
to standard gauge road. which was
opened for traffic in September, 1880.
The next move was to make an extern
sion from CoDurn junction to Oakland,
connecting with the Omaha & Northern
Nebraska road, and which became part
OF the system this same year.
This company, of which Mr.. Wilder
was valued member. com Dieted the
system of roads extending through St.
Paul from Sioux City to Omaha. This
system was sold TO the "Omaha'' system
June /. 1881. and has since been known
as part of the Chicago, ST. Paul, Min
neapolis & Omaha railway system. To
the
Business Management
and faith in the development of the
country. possessed by Mr. Wilder, a
large amount of credit is due, for builJ-
Ing uD this net work of railroads which
gave the great wheat and farm lands of
the Northwest access to the markets of
the world and made it possible for the
states of Minnesota and the Dakotas TO
rapidly fill up with prosperous tillers of
The soil. When it is remembered that
the line from st. James to Sioux City
was built twenty-five years ago, some
idea may be had Of the enterprise of
MIR. Wilder and his associates in push-
ing out into the then wilds OF the
| country.
Work on the old ST. Paul & Sioux
| CITY road. then the Minnesota Valley
| railroad, began in 1857. In that and the
| next year a few miles were graded. eX-
tending from Mendoza to Shakopee.
Nothing further was done until 1864.
when Mr. Wilder and his associates
took hold of the scheme with character
rIstlc energy, and by Nov. l. 1870. had
completed a line TO ST. James. The
original cost of this work was 81, coo. .OOO
After that the work went on we'll under
the management of Mr.. Wilder and the
gentlemen already mentioned, so that
| In 1872 the road was extended from
| st. James to Sioux City.
He Was Public Spirited
The name of Mr.. Wilder will not live
alone in railroad circles of this state,
but in her banking, manufacturing and
other interests as well. He has eli
couraged. by liberal contributions. most
OF the manufacturing concerns of this
city. doing it more from a pride in the
city or his residence than from pros
pect OF receiving profits, because in
many instances his encouragement has
been in the nature of donations. Be
SIDES the foregoing and banking inter-
ests. he has also large holdings in real
estate in the city and has erected a
number of buildings. He has interests
| in west Superior and Duluth. having
helped those thriving twins on the road
to prosperity by making investments
IN their public works. and thus
establishing their credit in the financial
world. For many years it has been a
neip to institutions or enterprises to
have the name of Mr.. Wilder as one of
their creditors, because the mention of
the fact gave confidence to other men
or means. His investments, universally.
turned out we'll and resulted in the ac-
eumulation of large wealth. He has
succeeded better than most Western
men because OF his foresight and
energy.
His Family.
| Mr.. Wider leaves a widow and one
child, daughter, Cornelia Day Wilder.
born at st. Paul. June "a. 1865. Fanny
| Spencer Wilder, the widow. Is the
| daughter of the late Hon. Joshua A,
Spencer, of Utica, \. Y. a gentleman
OF extensive reputation in the legal pro-
fession. Mrs. Wilder is a sister of
Hon. William A. Spencer. who for over
thirty years has been clerk of the
| United States district court for the dis
tlct OF Minnesota. and residing in this
city. Gov. William r. Merriam was
the son OF John L. Merriam's first wife,
| but stood in the relation of nephew to
the deceased, and has of late years been
associated with him in various business
| enterprises.
his reputation was that of being one
| OF the most generous men in the city.
| NO one who ever went to him in the in.
terest OF charity or beneyolence was
| turned away empty handed. His gem
eroslty was proyerbial. The establish
ment OF St. Luke's hospital couple OF
years ago was largely aided by him. He
endowed the institution by liberal do
nation, establishing a room there for
the care of the poor in the name of his
little namesake, Amherst Wilder Mer-
| Ram, young son of Hon. William r.
Merriam.
Mr.. Wilder passed an active business
life. He was pleasant in his bearing
and regular In business habits. He was
man or line presence and his face was
picture of integrity and honesty. He
OF OF late years maintained an office in
the Merchants National bank building,
where he, through force of clerks,
! directed his extensive business inter-
ests. He was at his Office as usual until
he was taken i'll. 1t was his Intention
to go TO Washington city to live during
the winter, but his sickness prevented
his leaving home, For year or two his
health has been impaired, a result of
close application to business. He was a
man OF strong constitution. He led an
abstemious life, was honored among
men who knew him and he had an ex-
tensive acquaintance in the business
and financial world as we'll as at home.
There is nothing In his life that is not
commendable, and those who mourn his
death will make up great multitude.
BOYCOTT TRE READING,