THE ST. PAUL HUMANE SOCIETY
This society might well be called "an organization for the relief of the helpless," for wherever there is suffering of the kind glossed over by the busy world at large— the wail of neglected childhood and the beseeching agony of bruised and tortured dumb creation — the humane agent, if notified, is sure to be found. But so gradually has the association won its way into public recognition that only a small minority know of its constantly increasing progress and there are many who are not aware of its existence except in name. With general support the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty would soon be able to combat not only the misery but much of the crime which lurks in the shadowy recesses of the "Saintly City."
The first movement in Minnesota to produce a society for the prevention of cruelty was made in 1870, but there was no working organization until 1871 and it was 1874 before an act of incorporation was entered into by a small number of bravely persistent advocates of human justice in the matter of humane dealing.
Interest in this cause having been awakened in places outside of St. Paul it was deemed best in 1878 to form a state society with which all the smaller organizations could affiliate. The St. Paul society was accordingly reorganized and formed as a branch of the state society on Feb. 19, 1878. Mr. W. L. Wilson, who occupies the same chair today was its first president. Mr. E. W. Chase was secretary and the meetings were held in the Relief Society Rooms on E. 9th st. for many years, leading many to suppose that the organization were identical.
At the annual meeting in 1897 it was resolved to remove the office to a place more centrally located and also to employ an officer who should devote his entire time to the work, the time of Mr. M. L. Hutchins,, of the Relief Society, being too fully occupied to admit of continued division.
John A. Moak was the man chosen to carry on the important work and the records of the past two years go far towards demonstrating the superior wisdom of the selection. Not long after his appointment Mr. Moak received full police powers, thus bringing the society into close relations with the police, who have been made honorary members and who generally evince a strong interest in its work.
JOHN A. MOAK
Is distinctly a cosmopolitan, a citizen of the world, who because he has seen life in every phase, is far better qualified to condone or condemn than the casual observer to whom only surface life is visible. Added to this, he is a man of large sympathies and genial, kindly nature, which can, however, become very stern when occasion demands. He was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., May 2, 1845. Entering the Albany schools at ten he graduted from the high school six years later. In 1861 he was induced by Ossian E. Dodge, then located in St. Paul, but visiting in New York City, to enter the theatrical profession. It will be remembered that Mr. Dodge was the man who really made Jenny Lind famous in this country. At any rate Mr. Moak followed his advice and during the same year became manager of a concert company of three hundred voices. Going to the war, in which he served with honor, caused a break in his managerial prospects, but in 1872 he was touring the celebrated Peake family and in 1874 had assumed the management of Dan Rice's circus.
In 1875 Mr. Moak was made manager of Hooley's Opera House in Chicago, and later took charge of Gilmore's theatre in Baltimore and the Grand Opera House in Washington. During the summer season of 1878 he exhibited the first phonograph ever manufactured, and the following winter became the head of the Vienna Ladies' Orchestra. In 1879 and 1880 he managed the Kendall Comedy Co. and for the next two years was business manager of Barnum's Maid of Arran.
In the fall of 1884 Mr. Moak located in St. Paul and engaged in a general real estate business up to the time of his appointment as humane agent Jan. 11, 1897. He is married and the father of three bright little girls.
JOHN T. DUFFEY
Among the younger local leaders of the Republican party none is better known or better liked than John T. Duffey, the present market master. He is a native of Bloomington, Illinois, and thirty-six years old. On leaving the public schools of that city he acquired the machinist trade in the shops of the Chicago & Alton Railway and when he accompanied his parents to St. Paul in 1879 he pursued the same vocation as an employe of the St. Paul Foundry Co. During the next few years he alternated between several of the large railway shops, then went into business for himself. In June, 1887, his father, James H., was killed in a boiler explosion, and the son subsequently assumed his interest in the Eagle Iron Works.
In 1892 Mr. Duffey was appointed chief engineer of the City Hall and Court House, but resigned this position after two years in order to resume his old trade in the Great Northern machine shops, remaining thus employed until elected market master by the Common Council June 3, 1896.
He is now serving his third term, having been re-elected twice.
Mrs. Duffey was formerly Miss Maggie Perkins, of Bangor, Me. They were married in September, 1892, and have two children, Grace Margaret, aged six, and Baby Frank James, a sturdy lad of two. Their home is at 251 13th St.
Mr. Duffey belongs to the following organizations: Astoria Council No. 5, Modern Samaritans, Div. No. 1, A. O. H. and Lincoln Lodge, K. of P. He is also a Modern Woodman of America, a member of the local Association of Stationary Engineers, and as one of the three founders of the Lincoln Republican Club still takes a prominent interest in its affairs.
