The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-26

mel was converted into an underground river,
and an immense maelstrom appeared not far
from the west shore of Nicollet island. 1t
was plain that the erosion of the water would
ruin the falls and totally destroy the island.
general alarm was sounded, and the entire
population of the city rushed to the island.
Thousands of men and scores of teams were
volunteered to stop the gap. Several meth
DDS were tried, but were unsuccessful. At the
time Mr.. Eastman was east, and received
kilograms stating the particulars of the
calamity. He replied that the only way to
stop it was by means Of cofferdams, and on
the morning of the 9th this method was COM
menoed This was the beginning of a mighty
struggle between the city and the United
States side and the Mississippi river
on the other. 1t a struggle OF ten years,
such as the people of Holland wrestled with
the North sea. 1t was fight for existence
struggle in which Minneapolis fought for
its future greatness. In money 1T cost $879,-
500, and in brain energy untold work To Mr..
Eastman credit may not only be given for
suggesting the best method of stopping the
first break, but also for cOnceiving the en-
gineering idea of building an immense stone
dike which finally saved the immense water
power of Minneapolis from destruction. H.
T. Welles, in his autobiography says: ~
The tunnel had been a blessing in disguise
and it revealed hidden dangers. Mr. w. w:
been unwittingiy a great benefactor to the
community. Until he made: that excavation
no one knew Of the percolating rivulets that
were waiting only the slightest invitation to
become gushing torrents and vent the waters
of the whole river through the soft sand
stone under the limestone ledge which would
fall into the chasm. and instead OF the talls,
which would be no more, there would be
miles of rapids extending to Anoka.>
Mr. Eastman now turned his attention to
improving :NicoHet island. 1t was plated,
and on Eastman avenue, he built sixty fine
stone tenement houses, part of which he has
recently changed into fats. On the lower
end of the island he built two long blocks,
which he used for factory purposes. On
Grove street he built his residence, one Of
the finest in the city,, surrounded by beautl-
full grounds. On the same street are the res
licences of his brothers, Haskell and George,
and his sisters, Mrs. John DeLaittre and Mrs.
Secombe.
Helped Build the N. F..
When the Northern Pacific company was
begun, Mr. Eastman one of the con-
struction company that built the first sec
ton of that road, extending from Duluth to
the Red river. This was completed IN 1872
l. Some years ago Mr. Eastman negotiated the
sale of the East Side water power from Mr..
Butterheld of New York to James j.. Hill of
st. Paul, the consideration being 100000. He
received as a commission for making this
deal one of the best equipped sawmills on
the falls, also three mill sites, with power.
This power he transferred by cable to his
factory buildings on the lower end Of Ncol-
let island. -.
"A few years ago MT: Eastman formed a
| company that purchased the consolidated
| breweries of Minneapolis. The capital Of the
| consolidated company is $l,oOO,O00 and the
! annual capacity 500, 900 barrels. He organ
lied the company that built the Syndicate
| block on Nicollet avenue, and had charge
of the buildings construction. He also built,
on his own account, the Eastman block on
Nicollet avenue: The Hotel Eastman, at Hot
! Springs, Ark, was built by him: He has
| been engaged in sheep raising in Montana,
| and was for long time interested in the
| grocery firm OF Durham & Eastman.
| =. ~ - - A&Liberals Giver. n IS
Mr. Eastman persistently declined to run
/ for. office though he accepted several: posi-
tions Of trust, such as state prison commits
! sioner. He was also at different times di-
rector in a number Of banks and assignee
| for several estates. He was, "a liberal giveI
| to public and private charities, but always
insisted that his name should be withheld in
connection with such gifts. I:
He was never blessed with vigorous health
i and for many years was compelled to spend
his winter in the south. In 1855 Mr. East
] man married Susan Randall Lovejoy. Three
| children were given them Fred w. Eastman
Ida May and Josie Belle Eastman. Mr.. and
! Mrs. Eastman were conspicuous in the socia
4 life of Minneapolis until Mr. Eastman's health
4 became such as to compel him to lead {
1 quieter4 life. They were prominent member!
i Of the Church of. the Redeemer and liberia
1 supporters of its work. .25 50