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PAST AND PRESENT
OF
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BEING A RELATION OF THE PROGRESSIVE HISTORY OF THE CAPITAL
CITY OF MINNESOTA FROM THE EARLIEST HISTORICAL TIMES
DOWN TO THE PRESENT DAY. TOGETHER WITH AN
EXPOSITION OF THE LIVES OF THE
MAKERS OF HISTORY.
LLUSTRATED WITH VIEWS AND PORTRAITS
By W. B. HENNESSY
CHICAGO:
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1906
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
48^74:^
ASTOR, LEN9X AND
TiLD^N rOU^SATIONS.
R 1 i 11 L
H)cC»icateC> to tbe
pioneers
St. Paul, /iDinnesota.
FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR.
The manifold and divi-rse elements that g-o to make the histnry of a city of the moderns
become so intermingled in their ramifications that it is (>nl\- with the ijreatest difficnlty that the
institutions of today may be traced to their origin — the day before yesterday or thereabouts.
The Author of this chronicle of events, and review of the accomplishments of the people of St.
Paul, has made no attempt at specialize analysis of men and their motives ; no recondite study of
the ultimate trend of events that loomed large in their day but have no particular significance to
the i)e(i]ile of the Twentieth Century. Eliminating that which seemed to him to have lost its
importance in the passage of years and taking cognizance only of those things of historical value,
the Author has necessarily onu'tted mention of many men and events that impressed the earlier
historians who dealt intimately with contemporary occurrences. The chronicle contained in the
following pages aims rather at the simimarizing of matters of historical imiiortance than at the
setting forth of insignificant minute detail. The history of St. Paul is embraced within the lives
of men )et living, but the .Author has chosen, generally, to be guided by the written record —
where it is corroborated — than bv individual memories. Py this means of procedure he has
been able to avoid holding to a specific point of view. At the same time he is gratefully sensible
of the obligation under which he lies to those survivors of the days when history was made fast
in St. Paul.
The Author desires to express his sense of appreciation of the valued contribution of 2\Ir.
\\arren Upham, Secretary of the ^Minnesota Historical Societ\-, who wrote all of Chapter Seven-
teen, reviewing intimateh'. if brietlv, the work of the Historical Society : au'i of the detail of
the organization and accomplishments of the ^linnesota National Cuard, written by Former Adju-
tant General George C Lambert, which is included in Chapter Twenty. Those gentlemen, writ-
ing of matters intimatelv familiar to them, have, the .\uthor believes, contributed really valuable
material to the written history of St. Paul. Air. John Caulfielfl also put the writer under an obli-
gation fur the facts and figures included in the chapter on water works.
For the vast amount of labor involved in the Biographical compilation the present writer
can claim no credit. Including, as it does, biographies of more living citizens of St. Paul than any
work extant, the biographical section of this volume will be found of real and enduring value.
St. Paul, Alinnesota. Tune I, igofi. W. B. HEXNESSY.
HI5T0PICAL
CHAPTER I.
RELATING TO THAT PERIOD WHEREIN" HISTORY
PROCEEDS FROM THE ROMANTIC TRADITIONS OF
THE FRENCH VOYAGEURS TO THE BALD STATE-
MENTS OF RECORDED FACT.
1660— 1838.
If the aboriginal American in his native state
had been gifted with the faculty of reckoning
with events occurring beyond his personal ken
what rich romances might have come to us out
of the gloom that envelops those occurrences
which took place in the elder day in and about
the site of the present city of St. Paul ! A de-
signing Providence, foreseeing the extinction of
the Indian and charitably fixing his mental limi-
tations to the physical evidence appealing directh
to his senses, fitted the red man with a sense
of locality that very nearly took the place of a
love of country. But, alas, the Indian clung to
the hunting grounds of his forefathers only be-
cause thev vielded him provender and, the poets
to the contrary notwithstanding, Poor Lo be-
wailed his former happy home only in case his
newer place of residence did not sustain him in
the same degree of comfort with the same expen-
diture of energ},-. The Indian was bound to the
soil onlv througfh his memorv and the tablets of
that memory were made luminous only by the
more or less comfortable state of his being. He
had no heart promptings binding him to a spot
hallowed by tradition because he had no tradi-
tion— until the white man came and taught him
that he had a fancy and how to give it play.
The gentle romancers who have written the his-
tory of the Indian have ascribed to the red race
many charming myths and legends that scan
beautifully. But the Indian fancy was always,
as it is now, bounded by physical limitations.
His demonology sprang from the individual's
fears. He had no mythology other than this. For
unlike most primitive peoples the red man had no
gift in the retention and transmission of oral
tradition.
Having thus invited annihilation at the hands
of the learned gentlemen who bestowed upon the
Indian a traditional history, folklore, legendary
beliefs and a charming and varied fancy in
poetry, the author will decline to avail himself of
the existence of the traditions that have been
supplied to the Indians, out of hand, by those
who were set over them for their betterment.
There is physical and tangible evidence of the
fact — and this aside from "Indian" or other tra-
dition— that from the very earliest times — the
country about St. Paul was fairly populous.
That does not mean that the natives touched
elbows too frequently. It has been estimated that
a man living by the chase alone would require for
his subsistence five thousand acres — this presup-
posing the presence of game. It was the Indians'
custom to hunt with discrimination ; to live with-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
in striking distance of the hunting grounds but
not in the midst of the game. Their permanent
villages were located with due regard to prox-
imity to the hunting ground primarily, then with
consideration to the advantages offered for wood
and water. And always there was consideration
to be given to the possibility of war. A position
that lent itself most readily to defense was always
to be desired by a people who might at any time
be attacked by others whose hunting grounds had
become worn out. Again the advantages of
water transp>ortation appealed with flue force to
the savage mind. Thus it was that the very
essentials which later led the white man to found
a city where St. Paul stands had for ages
prompted the Indian to maintain in the neighbor-
hood of the confluence of the Minnesota and the
Mississippi rivers a permanent home. No band
laid claim to the immediate vicinity of tlie junc-
tion of the rivers, or of the bluffs commanding it
but at White Rock, as they called the site of St.
I^aul. the Sioux gathered in great numbers in
the sjiring or fall, living the sober and decent life
then imposed upon the Indian by lack of famil-
iarity with those advantages of civilization with
which he later banished dull care and kept melan-
choly at arm's length. Here the Nadouessi felt
so secure of their possessions that a great tribal
burial place was established and, on the bluffs,
mounds were built to mark the resting places of
the great men of the people. From time im-
memorial a cave in the face of what is now Dav-
ton's Piluft' had been used as a council tent in
severe weather.
Then, as now, the Sioux were bur allies, each
band of allied blood, occupying by mutual agree-
ment a wide exj^anse of country. lUit the alliance
was by no means a cohesive and firmly welded
union for mutual defense. It is certain that the
eastern bands of the Sioux — probably the only
ones that knew the site of St. Paul — clung to-
gether in such form as to make a formidable
power. P>ut the Sioux nation never presented
a united front to a common enemy. Assuredly
the nation never was banded as a wliole in oppo-
sition to the whites. Lacking even traditional
historical records still there are plenty of evi-
dences that the beautiful hills, svlvan lakes and
grassy vales at and about the confluence of the
Minnesota and the Mississippi offered a delight-
ful retreat for the eastern bands of the Sioux
who hunted the buft'alo on the vast prairies to the
west, who trapped and fished in the streams and
lakes to the north and northwest and who gath-
ered here in considerable numbers at least once a
year to exchange such necessities as each band
had acquired a superfluity of in the hunting or
trapping season and to indulge in such pastimes
as the Indian fancy might lead them when the
foliage took on the rich coloring of the Indian
summer — and which, by the way, represents
about the only unchanged aspect of nature that
we enjoy in the same degree as did the Indian
of three hundred years ago. The streams run-
ning into the Minnesota and the Mississippi gave
the same easy access to this favored spot that
thev do now, and whatever else we may lack of
accurate knowledge of the red man of long ago
we may be certain that he early found a means
for lightening the travail of travel by utilizing
the water courses.
In very early times, as in comparatively recent
years, the country to the east and south was the
scene of many battles but the present site of St.
Paul oft'ered little advantage to an attacking
force and was not the scene of any considerable
battle. There is no evidence whatever of any
general engagement here and it is possible that
it was so stoutly held by the Sioux, or so little
sought for by the eastern tribes, that no attempt
was made to dislodge the original possessors
until the Ojibways, coming earlier into contact
with the whites than the Sioux, thereby securing
an advantage in the first possession of firearms,
made war on the plains Indians with results .gen-
erally rueful to the latter — who had never feared
and rather scorned the Ojibway of an earlier day.
It was then an entry into the general rendez-
vous of a totally unwarlike people that the French
adventurers, Medard Chouart, Sirurde Groseil-
liers and Radisson, made when they turned their
canoes into the ^Mississippi from the Minnesota
river, crossed the stream and set foot upon the
ground that is now included in the corporation
of St Paul.
It was late in April or early in May, in the
PAST AXD PRESEiXT OE ST. PAUL.
year of grace 1660, that the intrepid Frenchmen
— undoubtedly the first white men to .set eyes
upon the site of St. Paul — inijiressed by the tales
they had from the lake Indians of the great
gatherings of Sioux that took place here once a
\'ear made provision to remain for some time and
finish their mission. Which mission was not,
alas, to spread the gospel but to secure on the
best terms they could the peltries in which the
Indians gathering here in the spring might be
certain to hold and hold cheaply.
There now remains but a diminished sketch of
the magnificent picture that presented itself to
the eyes of these first white men to visit the site
of the future metropolis . The Mississippi, not
then cribbed, confined and dammed for the ]inr-
poses of commerce as it is now, was a noble
stream filling with its broad fli^od much more of
the gorge between the bluffs than is now needful
to hold its diminished volume. It is to be doubted
if the French adventurers at first identified the
great stream as the Mississippi, of which they
undoubtedly had knowledge. The river broad-
ened into a lake at the l)end below the city, the
flats being submerged, and this immense and
rapily moving stream gave them the impression
they carried east and probably imparted to those
who took it to La Salle a few years later : that
the great river might verv likely lead presently
to a sea that would open a new route to China —
which La Salle certainly was looking for when
he undertook the exploration of the Mississippi.
( iroseilliers and Radisson were tremendonslv im-
pressed with the mighty river in its majestic
walls of basalt and sandstone. Still thev had
only the commercial s])irit, developed in some
measure by the inspiration of a life that had led
them, practically unarmed, into the verv heart
of a country uncharted and unknown of 1)\- white
men. They were memliers of and agents for a
French fur company.
They had ascended the great lakes in the pre-
vious year and striking to the west had met with
Indians — probably of the Cree nation — then a
numerous tribe but r.uw almost extinct, near
Mille Lacs. The Crees fraternized with the
Sioux and both peoples gave the French adven-
turers the heartv welcome that seems to have
been accorded nearly all non-combatant whites
in their first contact with the Indians. The
Frenchmen did not have a very considerable com-
pany but they were well supplied with articles
of barter — and firewater appears to have had no
]ilace among their supplies, for they were
escorted from village to village in the neighbor-
hood of !\Iille Lacs and entertained with great
rejoicing and no misha])s. Not only were they
not hindered in their business but the Indians
took great pains to show them the country, and
it appears certain that some Sioux volunteered
as guides to bring the voyageurs down the Mis-
sissippi for some distance, then across the coun-
try to the villages of the Prairie Sioux, in the
vallev of the Minnesota. They had dealings with
the Indians on the Minnesota, probably in the
neighborhood of where New Ulm now stands,
and having seen a great deal of Minnesota in
the course of a few months, they embarked in
canoes on the Minnesota, came down to the site
of St. Paul and rested, but found the villages
had been deserted and the Indians moved out to
the summer hunting ground.
Groseilliers and Radisson were not groping in
the dark. Thev were much better informed of
the geography of the country — though it had
probably never before been penetrated by white
men — than many of their successors were.
They were bound for the head of Lake Superior.
They made a sufificient stay at the mouth of the
Minnesota to be able to very thoroughly identify
it, then embarked, went on down the Mississippi
and up the St. Croix, their boatmen being suffi-
cient in number to provide for the necessary
portage to the waters running into Lake
Superior.
The accurate and specific account of their
journeying among the Sioux and the enthusiasm
of their description of the country, its wealth in
fur bearing animals, and the glowing account
the\- took down to the lower lake stations of the
amiability of the people dwelling on the upper
Mississippi, should have insured for them a more
prominent place in history than has hitherto been
given them. Less veracious, and far less success-
ful men, among their successors in exploration,
have attained much more fame, but it should be
lO
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
regarded as settled to a certainty that these men
were the first whites to set eyes upon the tower-
ing Ijlutfs and wooded hills that were appointed
for the site of St. Paul.
With these reports for their inspiration it is
not to be doubted that other adventurous indi-
viduals made their way into and through this
same country during the next twenty years but
history makes no record of them or their names
and it is written that Father Louis Hennepin,
acting for the Sieur de la Salle, was the next
white man to conie into these [jarts. The best
proof that there had been whites in the country
during the interval between the visit of Groseil-
liers in 1660 and that of Hennepin in 1680 lies
in the fact that the Sioux who had treated the
first voyageurs with such cordiality no sooner
descried the company of Hennepin sailing up the
river than they seized the priest and his people —
including two other whites, — and made them
prisoners. Perhaps they had no intention of
oft'ering their prisoners indignity, or possibly they
W'cre influenced by the benignity of the black
gown, as so many of their descendants have been,
InU in any event the prisoners suffered no harm
other than being compelled to disembark just be-
low the big bend of the river, east of St. Paul
and travel, afoot, to the Indian settlements at
]\Iille Lacs. The Indians made no objection to
I'^ather Hennei)in leaving them that same fall.
He was followed by one of his people, the other
remaining with the Sioux by election.
Father Hennepin came down the Alississippi
by canoe and it was given to hiiu to record the
discovery of the falls of St. Anthony. It was on
a day in the glorious Indian summer of 1680 that
the priest and Du Goy were warned to stav their
journey by the water route by the roar of the
falls. Father Hennepin came suddenly into sight
of the falls in their unconfined glory from a blufT
over-looking the river. The good man's earnest-
ly ]Mons descriptiou of the emotions that moved
him at the inspiring sight scarcely appeals to the
modern whose best knowledge of St. Anthony
Falls is based on a view of some thin sheets of
water slipping with nice precision over dams, set
with mathematical accuracy ; the roar of the
w-aters qualified to a delicate hiss and a skvline
made up of some of the most consistently hideous
flour mills in the world. And it is to be doubted
if the Minneapolitan of today, looking at the
mangled remains of the magnificence that moved
Father Hennepin to invoke the patronage of good
St. Anthon\- to Padua for the falls, could by any
means be convinced that mere scenery could be
so efl:'ectually turned into marketable stock.
Father Hennepin and Du Goy made many
journeys up and down the river that fall, fre-
(|uently jwssing the site of St. Paul. On the
heels of Father Hennepin — or, rather, in the
wake of his canoe — came many an unnamed hero
bent on finding the (iolconda that all France
thought must be concealed hereabouts. And
many a one of them stayed. They were not all
as regular in their behavior as Greseilliers or
Radisson or as pious as Father Hennepin. Per-
haps some of them lost their lives at the hands of
the Indians; but these latter had yet no reason
for hating the wdiites. ^lost of those did not
return after disappearing in the wilderness and
remained and were absorbed by the native peo-
ples. They were not many, these derelicts of the
exploratory age, but, they left their impress on
the people with whom they lived. They, having
no virtues to impart to their adopted families, did
the best they could, they gave them some idea of
accuracy in lying and stimulated their latent
capacity to make the most of an enemy to be ex-
ploited.
One notable company under the command of
Le Sueur arrived in 1700 and, after reconnoiter-
ing the vicinity of St Paul, proceeded up the
Minnesota river, built a fort on the Blue Earth,
became seized of the idea that the blue soil must
contain copper, loaded up a goodly cargo of the
alluvia and carried it over to France. What
happened to them when that sample of Blue
Earth county soil was assayed need not be re-
corded here.
THE COMING OF THE SCOTS.
Up to the middle of the eighteenth century
the only whites with whom the Indians dwelling
hereabouts had any dealings, or knowledge of,
were Frenchmen, .\bout that time there began
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PALT.
II
to drift in from the north little bodies of men of
strang'c speech, canny in their dealings and
equally distinguished for the amount of hair they
wore on their heads and faces and the kilts they
wore instead of the breeches which the Indian
had come to regard as the distinguishing charac-
teristic of the white man. In the far north, and
at the headwaters of the Missouri, the "Company
of Gentlemen Adventurers of England Trading
To Hudson Bay" was already in operation. The
good thing that was suspected to be contained
in the charter held by the Hudson Bay company
stimulated the wits of certain Scottish gentlemen
who not only had no home afer the failure of
the rising of 1745 in favor of The Pretender, but
who were also liable to the mischance of being
duly hanged i1 caught on British soil. It may be
unfair to say that it was at all necessary that
their wits needed stimulating in the direction of
a giiod thing, but they were homeless and landless
and they could command the services of many a
tall filliw wild would fare quite as well in wrest-
ing a living from the Indians by supi)l\ing the
latter with such necessaries of life as glass beads,
red cottnn and usquebaugh, as in hiding behind
rocks in the Highlands. Thus it hapi)ened that
there appeared among the northern Indians and
(|uile as far south as St. Paul, certain representa-
tives of this landless Highland gentrv. Thev
came to the rendezvous at St. Paul to trade be-
tween 1750 and 1760 and they did much to arouse
the native to his utter want of capacity as a
business man. They did not remain long in this
neighborhood for their bands were |)ractically
free and they found more profit in dealing with
the Indians on either side of the Rockies. .Some
few of them certainly remained with the Indians
and intermarried, for it was no rare thing fifty
years later for pioneers to come into contact —
especially in the northern country — with Sioux
and Crees who spoke their mother ton.gue with a
fair Scots brogue, and whose red skin was lit up
by blue eyes — and this phenomenon has by no
nienns disappeared from among the mixed
blonds of the Red River vallcv to the present
day.
Thus it would appear that in the century that
passed between the coming of the gentle Groseil-
liers and the making of the treaty that extin-
guished, in 1763, the French title to all the coun-
tries explored and claimed for France on this
continent, the Sioux had received many lessons at
the hands of more or less designing men. They
were not in 1767 the same gentle folk that met
(iroseilliers and his coni])anion in 1660, with such
cordial welcome. Tricked in their trading and
victimized by the Ojibways, who had become of-
fensive and warlike in virtue of the fact that they
had secured arms as the price of entree from the
blench traders who would cross their country
from the great lakes, the Sioux were fast losing
some of their finer native qualities. But they had
never yet had listened to the seductive voice of
English or Yankee traders. And in justice to the
latter it may be stated here and now that though
they appeared late on the scene they got ([uite all
of their share of the original plunder — and per-
haps something more than a fair share, which is
accounted for by the fact that, though they came
later, they undoubtedly stayed longer, and give
ever\- intention of a disposition to stand by the
Indian until he emigrates or goes to work. And
in order that complete justice may be done to
both the Indian and the latest comer among his
white friends let it here be set down that the first
English-speaking man to visit St. Paul and fmd
favor in the eyes of the Indians, received from
them such a scurvy deal in the matter of a land
trade that it is ap])arent that the noble red man
was already fairly well along in that painful pe-
riod of life wherein it is believed that man is cut-
ting his eye teeth.
fVior to and during the FVench-Indian war
the French voyagers, a rollicking, hardy, merry,
dare-devil crew went up and down the Mississip-
\n and the Minnesota with their traders and their
cargoes of peltries and the echoes — that now
arouse the admiration of jjleasure-seekers in
steam launches and who stop at night above the
high bridge to awaken mimicking voices in the
walls of the great bluff — responded then to many
a tuneful French ditty that told a tale of love and
danger in the roving life. The scene of the
conflict was too remote from the great silences
that were broken only by these few bands to at-
tract much attention from either the Sioux or
12
I'AST Axn i'Ki:si:\r m" st. pai'L.
till" voyag^crs. Ihit wlu'n. in 17'),^ Iranci-' was
dispossessed and the country on llu' cast side of
the Mississippi given to ( ireat liritain and that
lying to the west — in wliat is nnw Minnesota —
to Spain, tliere was many a rich cache of furs
to hv smuggled out of the country and disposed
of surreptitiously to those Scottish gentlemen
who had gone farther nurtli and were estahlisliing
a monopoly of the fur hnsiness hy the simple pro-
cess of getting control of tlic Com])any of Gentle-
men Adventurers of England trading to Hudson
r.ay. and going with great unction into the work
of driving themselves out of the independent
fur business. And this they so effectualK did
that if there is a drop of English blood in that
same company of (ientlemen Adventurers, now
commonly known as the Hudson's Ba\' Com-
pany, it is not apparent in the roster of the direc-
torship. The retirement of the French companies
from the fur trade did not drive the voyagers
out of their occupatoin but gave them a change of
masters. They were so thoroughly ada|)ted to
their work, they fraternized so readil\- with the
Indians, most of them intermarrying witli the
natives, that their services were eagerly sought
1)\- the ISritish companies and they transferred
in great numbers to more profitable fields.
I'rom 1763 to 1766 the silence about the great
bend of the Mississippi was unbroken b\ the
voice of a white man. except the traders. Then
came Captain Jonathan Carver, oi Connecti-
cut. There is no doubt as to his presence within
the corporation Hmits and he left documentary
evidences of his real racial characteristics. Tie
made a land deal and laid the fomnlation I'or a
law suit.
.\nd Ca|)tain Car\cr was a ])ersonulit\' to he
reckoned with. Xot only that he was the lirst
English-s]ieaking .American horn individuals to
set fool in the city of St. Paul, but for the further
reason that he jjroveil hitnself to be possessed of
the prophetic spirit, and foreseeing the time when
man would take full advantage of the invitation of
nature to build a city on this spot, be possessed
himself of the 1)est title he could get possession
of to as much land as might have made his (k-
1 ndants fairly comfortable, if his title had lieeii
of legal avail. ITc- ;ippears to have been a man
of spirit. I'.orn in the \ear that marked the
nativity of (ieorge Washington, Carver served
with distinction in the l*"rench and Indian wars
and attained the rank of captain. The spirit of
adventure made him restless when the days of
])eace followed those of war. and he did not w^ait
for the trouble that was then lirewing between
the colonies and (]rcat Britain to start. It may
have been that his sympathies were ])ro-r.ritish.
an\\vay. but he had seen enough of the frontier
to want to know more of it and he set for himself
the task of acquiring this knowledge. "I began
to consider," says the captain in the preface to the
])ook he wrote on his travels, "how I might con
tinue serviceable and contribute as much as lay
in my power to make that vast acquisition of
territory gained by Great Britain in Xorth .\mer-
ica advantageous to it." The call of the wild
had reached Carver, as it rang in the ears of
so nianv hundreds of thousands of dwellers in
the east thereafter : as it had enticed men from
the comforts of civilization for centuries before
and as it will until there is nothing more wild,
and the world is attuned to the movement of a
mechanical piano with the soft pedal on. That
west, the air of which he had tasted in his fron-
tier warfare, beckoned to him and he dreamed
of fame, perhaps, riches certainly, as the guerdon
of the man who coulil make his wav across the
continent and reach the Pacific. This was his
]nirpose when he left Bostoit in the summer of
17(1') and made his wav to r*"ort Mackinac by the
lakes. Leaving Mackinac early in the fall — and
with apparently no fixed idea of where he was
going he went to (ireen I'.aw joined a jiarty of
fur traders and sailed for some distance u]i the
l'"ox river, made a portage to the Wisconsin —
ha\'ing been informed that thai river woulil bring
him most speedily and easily to the Mississippi —
floated down the Wisconsin to the great river and
started i\\i the stream, accompanied by only two
servants. Whate\er else is to be said of Carver
thei-e is no doubt about his bravery and easy
capacity to niaki' his way ihrough a savage coun-
tr\'. Ill the month of Xovember he arrived at
the site of St. Paul and likid it so well that
he siopjK'd, exidenth with the idea of unking
,'1 winter camp.
PAST AXD TRESEXT OE ST. PAL'L.
13
He describes the locality with such tidelity
that there is no mistaking it and he even visited
the cave in the face of Dayton's Bluff that was
afterwards named for him He was nuich ini-
])ressed with the cave — whether because of what
took place there later on. or by reason of its
natural imjiressivcness. it is not for us to say.
The captain wrote :
"The Indians term it Wakon-teebe, (sic), that
is, 'The Dwelling- of the Great Spirit.' At a
little distance from this dreary cavern is the
burvin.g place of several bands of the Naudo-
wessie ( Sioux 1 Indians : though these people
have no fixed residence, living in tents and abid-
ing but a few months in one spot, yet they
ahvavs bring the bones of their dead to this
place, which they take the o])portunity of doing
when the chiefs meet to hold their councils and
to settle all public affairs for the coming sum-
mer." The identification of the Indian Mounds
that mark a park today is complete enough in
this, but Carver's insistence that the cave was
used regularly for legislative sessions might make
it appear that he wanted to impress somebody
with the idea that it was a sort of seat of gov-
ernment— a flattering intimation of the future
function of the future city of St Paul which
has been appreciated by the elder historians —
but not borne out by the known customs of the
Sioux. It is true that they sometimes held inter-
village councils but they were taken part in by
all the warriors of the bands and the cave would
only be used in case of inclement weather. Cer-
emonial dances and important councils must have
been held in the open. Councils of chiefs were
unknown. The chiefs were important men. of
strong personality, but their chieftainship de-
pended on their capacity .\ weak chief might
not be disturbed in his heriditary place but he
would have no more power than an ordinary
warrior and his place might be taken by any
man stronger than himself. The Sioux ]x>ople
constituted then and always a simple democracy
and the rights of blood were recognized only in
those chiefs who were capable. Carver, as others
who knew little of the Indians, applied his own
terpretation to their councils. The Indian
Mounds have for a thousand vears stood sentinel
on the bluff', commanding a view of the river
from Hastings to Fort Snelling. They made
a strong place for defense and the custom of
placing the dead there arose undoubtedly from
that. It was no more a part of the Sioux system
to abandon the dead in the elder day than it
was in the Indian wars of the last century.
Carver's specific statement that the Sioux used
the mounds' neighborhood for mortuary pur-
poses sustains the theory that some bands had
been from time immemorial in the habit of living
or making their rendezvous at or about St. Paul
— and that in spite of the fact that their hunting
grounds were to the west rather than on the east
of the Mississippi.
Finding no particular inducement to remain in
the neighborhood of his cave during the winter.
Captain Carver went on up the Minnesota river,
in the face of approaching winter, and made his
wav to the permanent villages of the Sioux at
about the present location of New Ulm. He was
treated not with hospitality alone, but with the
greatest consideration, as he naively admits. He
was admitted to the councils, and if he was as
long winded in his oratory as is portended in the
book of his travels, he must have signally distin-
guished himself as an orator among people who
had no possible conception of what he might be
talking about, but who were polite in the matter
of listening to a speech to a degree that is not
to be understood by this nation of orators of
today.
In the spring of i/fi" Carver and his compan-
ions descended the Minnesota to the Mississippi.
He says he was accompanied by some three hun-
dred Indians and that a great council took place
in the cave. He was inducted into a chieftain-
ship. Jonathan says, and made a speech in which
he advised the Indians to pursue the arts of
peace, to behave themselves and they might find
favor with King George of England, their
gracious lord. Just how this would appeal to
Indians who knew no ruler but appetite and did
not care the value of a rabbit's skin for the king
across the seas, does not appear. Perhaps Jon-
athan was making good the record in his journal
when he set it down, or something like it. In
anv event, after tlie ceremonies and the speech-
I'AST AXl) PRESENT OF SI". I'AIL.
making were done with Carver pruduci.d a deed
that he happened to have about him ready made,
and which conveyed title from whatever Indian
tjentleman happened to he disposed to sign the
same to Captain Jonatlian Carver, of Connect-
icut, all the right and title of the signatories
thereof to a tract of land running from the falls
of St. Anthony dow^n the east bank of the river
to the end of Lake Pepin and extending back
just an even hundred miles from the middle of
the channel of the river. So desirous were the
Indians who signed the document that Captain
Carver should be confirmed in his possessions
that there was also bestowed upon him all fiefs,
feudalities, hereditaments, appanages and tene-
ments appertaining to and being on the tract de-
scribed, fi appears that all th echiefs, with whom
Carver had been on the thickest possible terms,
did not join in the execution of the instrument but
it was signed freely and without hesitancy by
one party whose sign manual was a bug or a
turtle, or a beaver — the execution of the signa-
ture showing a wretched want of knowledge of
natural history on the part of the signers and
by another whose totem was a snake.
And so Carver left his friends, having made
what would appear to have been the first real
estate deal effected on the site of St. Paul, and
that with some advantage to himself. The In-
dian wags, who had given him all he could
really use of the east bank of the river —
which they did not then own, never had set up
any claim to and which Carver could not have
accepted title to if they had been empowered to
pass it — bade him a hearty farewell and Carver
got himself back to Boston, after some further
adventures which occupied him until the year
following.
Perhaps it was all an Indian joke, for the .Siou.K
have some sense of humor ; or it may be that
Carver u])yieldcd something more tangible than
the good advice he admits he bestowed freely :
but whether it was a joke or a deliberate attempt
on the part of the Indians to swindle the cap-
tain that same title deed turned u]3 three-quarters
of a century later to bother the holders of title
to St. Paul real estate. The Carver deed never
meant anything to anybody but Carver, but the
fact that that worthy betoiik himself to England
soon after the close of his travels, suggests the
idea that he proposed to have it confirmed in
some way by the king or parliament. lie must
have learned that the title was of no value on
his return to the east for the convention of 1763
provided that title from aboriginal peoples in
the territory ceded to Great Britain could only
pass to the sovereign power and not to an indi-
vidual. Shortly after Carver's passing over to
England King George and his parliament were
sufficiently busy with the Boston tea party and
other evidences of a disposition on the part of the
people of the colonies to upset all kingly rights
this side of the sea, and Carver was forgotten.
No Englishman would buy even the best sort of
title to land on the American continent and Cap-
tain Carver's deed to the original town site of
St. Paul was a drug on the market. Carver died
in 1780, before the close of the war, in London.
The Carver deed was unheard of by the first per-
manent settlers of St. Paul, but the people of
the village were not a little disturbed when, in
1848, one Dr. Carver, a grandson of the cap-
tain turned up with a view to inspecting his
property. The impression got about that there
might be some sort of cloud on the title running
from the United States and the real estate mar-
ket was as much disturbed as it could be under
the circumstances. But congress had previously
declined to listen to the claims of Carver's de-
scendants and a stop was put to any attempt
to cloud the government title.
1NI)I.\N W AR|- \K1-: AKFEfl'S TKADIC.
Even if the Sioux had been inolint'd to accept
the admonitions of Carver to pursue the arts of
]n'ace they could not well have done so in view
'<\ ihr belligerent altitude ol' the ( )jibway or Chip-
pewa Indians, as we incorrectly style them.
About that time these people, who had previously
been content to occupy the wooded country to
the northeast, prompted, perhaps, Iw the fur trad-
ers with whom they had been closely identified
and who had armed them, began to push the
Sioux out of the country they had occupied along
the Mississippi in particular for several hundred
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
15
years. TIilv did, in fact, drive the latter out of
the lake country, dispossessing the Mille Lacs
and Leach Lake Sioux, and were in the habit
of raiding- the camps established at Dayton's
Bluff. .A-ll through the dark period of the Rev-
olutionary war there was desultory fighting be-
tween the tribes and the Sioux gradually gave
way before their better armed foes. But where
St. Paul stands they made a stand. History is
silent as to the events that took place in the vicinity
of the present city from the visit of Carver up
to the close of the eighteenth century.
Men were concerned with more pressing mat-
ters in the readjustment of human affairs than
the doings of the savages in the wildnerness near
the head of the Father of Waters. The colonies,
occupied in advancing the rights of the individual
man, and having no fear of attack through a
back door that was too far off for the patriots
to care whether it was closed or not, forgot that
there was anything west of the .VUeghanies. The
few whites in the northwest — the courrieurs des
bois and the voyageurs, French almost to a man,
lived among the Indians, indift"erent to the fight-
ing among the trilies as they were to the struggle
of the colonies — and as they were later to the
phlebotomy in their own la belle France — did a
thriving business for their masters, who were
very generally Scotchmen. The adaptability of
the Frenchmen, referred to before, the free and
joyous, though rough, life they led appealed to
the Gallic temperament. They were bon cama-
rade with every Indian they met. The}' would
share their eau de vie with the chiefs and they
were not so brutally frank in their dealings as
the British. But their furs went north, instead
of south or east, and in the latter part of the
century northern Minnesota and the Red River
country was dotted over with the camps and
trading posts of the French agents of the fur com-
panies. The neighborhood of St. Paul was neither
peaceful nor profitable enough to invite much at-
tention from the richer fin" country to the north.
Still there were soine pickings hereabuts and
Mendota (which should be correctly written
MVlota"), the lovely and advantageous location
of which had long made it a favorite camping
place for the Sioux, came into its modest place in
history by reason of the fact that one Joseph
.\inse, a French trader from Mackinac, met there
the representatives of the Lower Sioux and agreed
upon what the diplomats call a modus vivendi
as affecting the relations of the traders and the
Indians. That was the beginning of Mendota
and from that time on the traders visited the
place regularly and later established permanent
cjuarters. The Cjuiet little hamlet today holds
forth no suggestion of the wild revels that took
place there when the traders came in with boats
loaded with goods, not the least bulky being the
kegs of eau de vie, and met the Indains and
half breeds — and there were not a few of the
latter, even in those early days. Log buildings
were put up. The independent trappers met with
the Indians about the log house of the trader and
there were such frolics as made the frowning
cliff's resound with echoing thunders — a sort of
geological protest against being awakened from
the sleep of ages. A white man, one Stephen
Campion, took up a permanent habitation at St.
-\nthony Falls at about the same time and main-
tained a flourishing trading post for some years.
The Scots, seeing the advantage of the location
at the mouth of the Minnesota came to a perma-
nent establishment at Mendota in 1800, James
and George .\rid and Archilxild Campbell being
the first English-speaking traders — and they
spoke French for reasons of expediency. They
made little impression upon the Gallic aspect of
the place and Mendota is today almost as es-
sentially French as though it had known no
other influence.
But the site of St. Paul was still ignored,
except insofar as the Indians were concerned.
A band of Sioux, which came to be known later
as the Little Crow band, clung to the neighbor-
hood of Dayton's Bluff and continued to do so
until the nineteenth century was a third gone.
What compelled the attention of the people of
the states beyond the .\lleghanies to the neces-
sity for looking to the safety of the extreme west-
ern frontier on the Mississippi was the clamor
that was being made by the pioneers along the
waterways running into the lower reaches of
the great river. Estopped from getting into the
markets of the East bv the distances and the
i6
I'ASr AXl) I'RMSKXT UF ST. TALL.
iiioiintaiii ranges the people of Kentucky de-
niandeil free access to the markets at Xcw Or-
leans. The conspiracy of (General \\'ilkinson ;
the alleged ambition of Aaron lUirr to found an
empire at the mouth of the river ; the sinister
attempts of the Spaniards to clisaffect the people
of the west to the new republic ; all these things
had conspired to force the attention of the federal
government to the need of enforcing its rights
along the Mississippi. .Vnd had it not been for
the pressing needs of Xapoleon. into whose hands
Louisiana had fallen, the working out of the
destiny of the upper Mississippi might have been
delayed for many years.
But mighty events were shaping rapidly at
the beginnig of the nineteenth century. JelTer-
son solved the Mississippi problem and disposed
of foreign interference with the development of
a vastly increased territorial republic by paying
the French $15,000,000 to get off the continent.
His extravagance raised a considerable outcry
against the president. There are a half dozen
men in St. Paul today who could each raise the
price of the Louisiana Purchase in a few hours.
And the event that freed thr luoiuli of the river
gave life to its head.
St. Paul, lying ])rincii)ally on the east bank of
the river, already belonged to the L'nited States,
iluying the territory on the west bank made the
country wholly .Vmerican and prejjared the way
for the awakening of the whole of this vast val-
ley, which has not its like in the world today for
opulence. The event that prefigured the location
of a city at the head of navigation on the Missis-
sippi occured in 1805. Jeffer.son was not of a
mind to let the investment made by the country
liv inert too long. In 1804 lu- sent Lewis and
Clarke up the Missouri river, in the following
year Lt. Zebulon M. Pike, willi a detail of
twenty soldiers, was sent up the Mississip])i with
orders to acquire the Indian rights for a military
reservation near the head of navigation.
Lieutenant Pike and his party brought with
them the only material thought necessary in those
days for the making of a treaty with the Indians
— presents and drink. He had sent ahead notifying
the chiefs of the Sioux — who had been recognized
by the government as having title to the territory
at the confluence of the Minnesota and the Mis-
sissippi— to meet him al the mouth of the former
river. It is doubtful if the Sioux bad any ])artie-
ular regard for the .American government, or. in-
deed, if they altogether understood that they
were subject to the L'nited States — having been
always under French or British influence. I'nt
as the invitation of Lieutenant Pike — who ap-
pears to have been something of a frontier diplo-
mat, as well as a brave and skillful man — pointed
to provender and the possibility of drink, his
invitation was accepted. On September 21, 1805,
Lieutenant Pike and his men landed at the east-
ern lioundary of the present city of St. Paul —
where Little Crow's band was established in a
village — and breakfasted. The advent of the sol-
diers created a great stir among the Indians but
the Sioux were hospitable enough. That night
Lieutenant Pike hoisted his flag on the island at
the mouth of the Minnesota and the next day a
council was held.
Lieutenant Pike's terms were soon set out. He
knew what he w^anted and he thought he knew
w liat the Sioux wanted. His judgment was good,
according to the times, for sixty gallons of whis-
key stood forth as one of the most notable of the
"presents" offered the red men. The chiefs held
a council with their people and on the twenty-
third the treaty was signed whereby the Indian
tiik- tu a tract of land located at the mouth of the
St. Croix, nine miles square, and another tract
extending from below the confluence of the Min-
nesota and the Mississippi and running to and
including St. Anthony Falls, embracing nine
miles on each side of the river, was extinguished.
The signatories to the treat\ on behalf of the
Sioux were Little Crow, Rising Moose, Shako-
pee, Walking Buffalo and Son-of-Penechon, a
half-breed. The price agreed upon was $2,000.
The event was uMuientons in its bearing on the
future St. Paul ior the building of the city was
due. after all, to the establishment of Fort Snell-
ing upon the military reservation bought that day
by Lieutenant Pike — the original citizens estab-
lishing themselves at St. Paul because it was the
handiest place they could find after being driven
off the military reservation.
Had Lieutenant Pike's rejiort on the countrv he
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
17
explored after the making of this treaty been given
to the world immediately on his return to the
east there is no manner of doubt that the final
settlement at St. Paul would have been antici-
pated by many years. But the government's
printing adjunct was not nearly so formidable nor
so prompt then as it is now. Pike, writing obvi-
ously from conviction, forecasted the future of
the rich country he explored by painting it in
such glowing colors as the limits of officialdom
would permit. .And he had a very proper appre-
ciation of the possibilities presented by the rich
prairies, magnificent forests and opulent lakes
and streams. He was obviously impressed by
the accessibility of the country through its water-
courses— as might have been expected in one liv-
ing before the advent of the railroad when a
river was the best solvent of the transportation
problem. He saw certainly that a cit\- of com-
manding eminence must sometime be built at the
head of navigation on the Mississippi. But his
accomplishments in prescience and literature
went for nothing. Before his report saw the
light the war of 1812 was upon the countrv, the
lessons he had taught some of the traders, by
compelling them to lower the British ensign and
hoist the stars and stripes, were forgotten and
what interest the traders and Indians had in the
outcome of the war was inspired by sympathy for
the English. The neighborhood of the future
capital of Minnesota contributed many a fighting
man to the forces in the field but, with the nota-
ble exception of Jean Baptiste Faribault, a trader
at Mendota and the founder of a family dis-
tinguished in the annals of Minnesota, and Ris-
ing Moose, the Sioux chief with whom Pike had
dealt, the support of the people went to the Brit-
ish arms.
From the very site of St. Paul there went forth
one band of Sioux, a detachment from the Little
Crow village, that fought the Americans in
Ohio. The outcome of the war carried with it a
necessary object lesson to the Indians about the
confluence of the Minnesota and the Mississippi
and by the time the country was in a position to
properly establish an outpost of civilization at
this point both Indians and traders were readv to
give allegiance to the power that had defeated
the great father across the sea. It was in 1819
that the government took the final step that pro-
vided for white settlement in his neighborhood
with a guarantee of comparative safety — a guar-
antee that did not always operate in favor of the
settler, as we shall see.
THE FOUXDIXG OF FORT SXELLIXG.
In September of that year Lt. Col. Henry
Leavenworth was sent with a considerable com-
mand from Detroit under orders to establish mil-
itary posts at Rock Island and at the mouth of
the ^linnesota on the Mississippi. The trip up
the river with keel boats was made at great ex-
jiense in labor and was three months in the mak-
ing. Col. Leavenworth brought with him a suffi-
cient company of artisans of the rudder sort to
be employed in the construction of the buildings
and the necessary provisions for the garrison —
though in that day a liberal government was
vastly impressed with the idea that it was the
duty of the soldier man to subsist off the countrv.
This required the utilization of Indian hunters
for the maintenance of the meat supply and they
v-ere sent to the west for the purpose of hunting
buflfalo and other large game. Sparse though
the population about the site of St. Paul had been
still the section had been hunted for many years
by tlie Indians and was not rich in game.
Col. Leavenworth established a temporary
base on the south side of the Minnesota, at ]\Ien-
dota, put up quarters and made his plans for the
erection of the fortifications on the noble emi-
nence that commands the valleys of both rivers,
in the exact position of the old buildings at the
fort today. The next fall Col. Joseph Snelling
took the command. Three years were consumed
in the construction of the buildings at the fort
and they were not occupied until 1822. It was
first called Fort St. Anthony, the change of name
being made at the order of Gen. Winfield Scott,
who visited the place some years later and was
entertained, it would appear, most satisfactorily
by Col. Joseph Snelling, who was then the com-
mandant.
Still the activity across the river had done
nothing towards the making of a city at St. Paul.
i8
PAST AM) l'Ri:SEXT OF ST. i'ALL.
Little Crow's Indians wcro still the sole inhabi-
tants and even when, in iSj^. tlure came u]) the
river a steamboat whicii wilii its smokinjj stack
and shrieking whistle, scared tlie Indians into
such a panic that they straightway l)etook them-
selves to the west and remained there for a year
or two. there was no arousal of the sleeping giant
that held the east bank of the river in lethargy.
The only imjiression made on the country by
the erection of the fort was to provide a point of
departure for explorers going into the wilderness
to the west and north. I'ut for years there was
no considerable additiim tn the number of whites
in the surrounding country. Sometime after the
completion of the fort some straggling settlers,
from the north came in and were permitted to
settle within the limits of the military reserva-
tion. They had been of the party of colonists
taken liy Lord Selkirk in the Red River country.
They were French-Swiss and they liked neither
their surroundings nor their associates on the
Red River. That country being wholly domi-
nated by the Hudson Bay company, offered no
particular inducements to them : perhaps too they
were impressed by the idea that thcv might
escape something of the rigor of the far north
climate by seeking a location further south. With
the exception of the tract included in the military
reservation the country was wholly Indian and it
was merely a matter of humanity for Col. Snell-
ing to permit them to occupy land on the reserve.
I'Vom this group of exiles from the Red River
colony St. Paul drew its first decent white in-
habitants.
In the interval that intervened between the
foundation of Snelling and the opening of the
Indian country many men of national reputation,
whose fame indeed has endured in their works,
were entertained at the fort. Captain Marryatt,
the novelist, Lewis Cass, General Fremont, P>el-
trami and many another distinguished name was
entered i<u tlie guest roll at the fort and, using
this for a base of operations, many a mighty
hunter went out to the west in search of the big
game that was disai)i)earing from the Imnks of
the Missssippi. The site of St. Paul furnished
no other contribution to the economy of man
than to provide a shooting ground for small .game
to those who would take the trouble to cross its
site to the lakes, or journey down in search of
the ducks that nested in myriads in the swamps
about the bend of the river. .\nd so it continued
luitil by the treaty with the Chippewas. signed in
1837, the site of St. Paul, together with all the
other land lying east of the river in what is now
southeastern Minnesota, was acquired by the
United States. .\s there was some contention as
to the Indian ownership of the territory, another
treaty for the cession of practically the same
country, together with the islands in the river
was made with the Sioux and the Indian title
altogether extinguished. The double event made
no great stir in the world but it officiall\'
marked the close of the day of Indian dominion
over the site of the city. Still the city itself w'as
in tile knees of the gods and the Kaposia band
of Sioii-x constituted the sole fixed po])ulation of
St. Paul.
CHAPTER T^^■o.
SnoWIXC TUF. IH'MPLE liF.GINNINGS OF THE
MFTKoroI.IS OF TOD.W .\ND PROCKEDING FROM
THF FOl XO.XTION OF I'Ig'.'A EVE TO THE ORGANI-
ZATION' OF ST. CROIX COrXTV.
1838-1840.
It has l)cen observed that tlie t'arlier historians
of St. Paul adopted an a]X)logetic tone in record-
ing the indubitable fact that fate assumed a hum-
ble— not to say sinister — guise when, in the per-
son of the late Pierre Parrant it i^roceeded to lay
the foundation of the city. There even seems
to have been some disposition nn the ]>art of
those historians to make little of tlie claims of
Parrant to such fame as is dur liini because of
the fact that he was the first settler within these
corporate limits. Not that Parrant ever advanced
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
19
anv claim to fame or other consideration. Far
hf it from the intent of the present writer to
impute to Pierre any snch ambition. It may be
tliat tiiese earlier writers, having personal knowl-
edge of Parrant and his manner of life, were
oppressed bv the thought that nothing good could
come out of the doings of Parrant Antl in this
they overlooked the evidences of history.
The Parisii. who founded Paris, were by no
means a reputable lot : there were far more re-
spectable clans than that one which went down
into the Isle de la Cite and built their Imvels in
the nuul, because they were not strong enough
to live with their neighbors. So far as history
has enlightened us as to the foundation of Lon-
don it would appear that it was built on the
needs of the river rats and even great Rome
itself, the city of Romulus, was probablv no bet-
ter oft in the person, of its founder than St. Paul
— grandson of a king though that founder was.
And whether the fact be a pleasing one it re-
mains a fact to be reckoned with by the veracious
historian, that Pierre Parrant was the first
white man to build a permanent habitation with-
in the limits of the city. If there had been the
slightest peg u])on which to hang the shred of
an argument against the primacy of Parrant that
worthy would long ago have been consigned to
the limbo of the forgotten. And. when all things
are considered, it is even more to the credit of
St. Paul that it should have attained to great-
ness, that it should have survived the handicap
of its founder, than if it had been founded with
all the ]wmp and elaboration of a modern corner-
stone laying. It is something for a city to have
grown to the present state of affluence and popu-
lation of St. Paul within the sixty-eight years
that have intervened since the coming of Parrant.
And if Parrant was altogether discreditable it
should be remembered that he had nothing to do
with the building of the city ; that he was the
immediate precursor of men of very different
character. The influence of Parrant was sinister,
but fleeting. Tiie influence of his successors,
stout-hearted, hard-fisted and Tiod-fearing men
and women, remains to this day.
But in the beginning was Parrant. He was
an accident. Had he not been ordered to remove
himself from the vicinity of Fort Snelling under
penalty of the law, because of some particularly
Hagrant offense, it is probable that his settlement
would have been anticipated by the action of
some of the honest settlers whose removal from
the reservation became a matter of military ex-
])e(liency at about the same time.
^Vhen the Indian treaties were signed in 1837,
there were living on or about the militarv reser-
vation and not connected with the garrison one
hundred and fifty-seven white individuals. They
were practically all refugees from the R-ed River
colony. They had been coming in for ten vears.
.So earl\- as 1832 Joseph Turpin had built a cabin
on the St. Paul side of the river and in 1837
I'rancis Desire. Donald McDonald and one
Charette and some two or three others whose
names have been lost in the maze of time, had
cabins on the east side of the river. Henry H.
.Sibley, destined to take so distinguished a part
in the development of Minnesota, had established
himself at Mendota in 1836 and ])roceeded to the
erection of a mansion that still stands. .\t that
time ]\Iendota was a promising trading point and
nothing was farther frnm the minds of Siblev or
the people at the military post than the possibility
of the removal of the seat of commerce from
Mendota to the uninhabited wilderness across the
river.
There had. of course, been much speculation as
to what would be the effect of opening the Indian
l,-;nd — not like the excitement that has attended
the opening of reservations in these later days,
but the settlers on the military reservation knew
they would have to leave when the Indians sur-
rendered their rights to the east shore of the
ri\-er. It is quite possible that some of these set-
tlers anticipated taking possession of the shel-
tered bottoms along the east bank of the river.
It may even have been tlie intention of some of
the more venturesome to take the lands between
Seven Corners and Dayton's Bluff — or so mucli
thereof as might be utilized. But fate in the
fnrm of the military authorities projected Par-
rant between them and the accomplishment of
their intentions.
Pierre Parrant came in from the north. Xot
as an exile from the Selkirk colonv, btit as a
PAST AXD rUF-SEXT OF ST. PAUL.
vagrant merchant, lacking- the capital and dispo-
sition to engage in decent trade and content to
get a living without work by retailing whiskey
to Indians, soldiers and whoever else might
have the price in coin or pelts. Parrant had been
a voyageur in his younger manhood — he was
well advanced in years when he arrived in these
])arts — and had seen much hard life between the
headwaters of the Missouri and the head of the
lakes. He had been in the far north in the em-
ploy of the Northwest Compan\- and was much
given to boasting of the feasts he had taken part
in at the begiiming of the century at Fort Wil-
liams— then the western headquarters of the fur
liarons of that company. He told, and w ilh more
than a suggestion of truth, of the magnificence
of the state kept by the officers of the company
when they met in their great log hall at Fort
\\'illiam to tell the tale of the year's business and
indulge in a carouse that would cease only when
master and men were incapable of drinking or
eating more.
Early in his career Parrant had been in a fight
in which he sustained a knife wovmd in one eye.
The wound in healing had drawn the skin liack
and up from the eye. which latter peered through
a mere slit. He was dubbed Pig's Eye and
known over the northwest by no other name.
Indeed it is quite likely that the real name of
Pierre Parrant might have been lost to history
but for the fact that he got into the habit of
appending it to mortgages and notes. He was a
man of bulky frame, dark as an Indian, with
patches of hair on his face and a countenance
altogether nn])repossessing.
This is the individual who one day early in the
spring of 1838 put his few possessions on a flat
boat and floated down to a point on the river
near what might be the foot of Ramsey street
today on the creek running from Fountain Cave.
He was attended by a couple of friendly Indians
— for he had the wherewith to make glad the
heart of an Indian — and he landed his er|uip-
ment and proceeded to the erection of a shanty.
With a proper regard for the inain chance, and in
the knowledge of the fact that most of his trade
would arrive by water he did not go too far in-
land and he established forthwith a landing. In-
deed it would appear that there was no cessation
in the activities of M. Parrant as purveyor of
drinkables to the soldiers and such uncivil civil-
ians as could drink what he had to sell. The
very night of his arrival there was a wild time
at his landing and the drunken shouts of his cus-
tomers could be heard far up and across the river
at ilendota. The landing was dubbed Pig's Eye,
in honor of the man who had claimed the land
and so it was known, and all the settlement that
followed thereabouts, until the influence of the
church, overcoming even the pervasive influence
of rum, brought about a change of name, even
as it was bringing about a regeneration of the
j^eople perverted by Pig's Eye.
A very different sort of humanity was repre-
sented in the next settler at Pig's Eye. Abraham
Perry (Perret), a French Swiss who had been
a member of the Red River colony came down
the river and made his claim in the neighborhood
of the present site of the City Hospital. He was
not far behind Parrant for Perry had his cabin
up in July, 1838. had his family housed and his
stock cared for.
Perry — his family is best known by the Eng-
lish corruption of their ancestral Perret, — had
prospered in spite of vissitudes that might welt
have taken the heart out of a pioneer of a later
day. The frightful trip from his home canton
to the remote colony on the Red River had been
undertaken when he was a young man — he
was upwards of sixty when he became Parrant's
nearest neighbor — and his familv had been
lirought up amidst the rigors of life in the far
north and its members were well inured to hard-
ships when they settled at Pig's Eye. Driven out
of Canada by frosts that blighted their crops,
grasshoppers that destroyed the vegetation in the
years when there were no frosts and the hope-
lessness of striving against seemingly insur-
mountable obstacles to farming in what is now
one of the richest countries in the world. Perry
had made his way down out of the valley of the
Red River after several years of striving. He
and his neighbors brought what stock they had
willi them, and the state of the coimtry and atti-
tude of the Indians Ts shown by the fact that they
made the trip of nearly six hundred miles through
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
21
the Indian country without molestation. Perry
had been for some years on the Snelling reser-
vation, had accumulated more stock and had a
substantial home but there was no help for him
when Major Plympton ordered him to leave the
reserve. He had the wherewith to make life
comfortable in such degree as was possible in
such a country and such a time. And he had,
moreover, a treasure in a family of daughters,
handsome girls, fit to become the mothers of
sturdy sons — which they did and the blood of
Abraham Perry flowed in the veins of many of
the most desirable among those who were literally
the first families of St. Paul.
THE FIRST WEDDI.XG.
\\'ithin a year of the coming of the Perry's
there was a wedding. Rose Perry becoming the
bride of J- R- Clewett, a young Englishman who
had come to the settlement in the employ of one
of the fur companies. And this event stands out
as notable as being the first marriage performed
at St. Paul.
Pierre and Benjamin Gervais, e.xiled like Perry
from the homes they had made since their com-
ing from the Red River, followed their friend to
the new settlement. Benjamin established a claim
between that held by Perry and the river, Pierre
to the north. To Benjamin Gervais and his wife
was born in September, 1839, a son, Basil, the
first white child born within the limits of the
present city of St. Paul.
The next settler was of a different stripe to
any of the others, Edward Phalan (Phalan), a
discharged soldier, who located a claim running
from about Seven Corners down to St. Peter
street and south toward the river. To the east of
his own claim he made one for his friend, John
Hays, a sergeant at the fort whose time was
about to expire. Phalan, with the aid of a
mulatto slave, James Thompson, built a house on
the slope of the hill below Third street in the fall
of 1838. \\'iliam Evans, another discharged
soldier, established a claim on Dayton's bluff,
that same fall — declining the opportunity to lo-
cate in what afterwards became the heart of the
city. That same year J. B. Gauthier came in
from down the river and in course of the next
few months there came in Amable Turpin, J. R.
Clewett, Henry Belland, Charles Mousseau, Den-
nis Cherrier and others, all locating at Grand
jMarais across the river, except Mousseau, who
built on Dayton's Bluff. All of these with the
exception of Clewett had lived on the reserva-
tion and came originally from Canada.
ParraiU with a genius for finding out good
things that others were to enjoy made a second
claim and got into the very heart of the city.
He. like the others, had but a squatter's right to
the land he settled on. There was no filing or
other formality about taking possession. At that
time St. Paul was, for legal purposes a part of
Crawford county, Wisconsin. It had been Craw-
ford county, Michigan, until the western bound-
ary of the latter state was defined. Parrant saw
that there were plenty of claims to be had and he
induced one Guilliaume Baumette to advance him
$90, giving him a mortgage on the claim he had
made and from which Pig's Eye settlement had
taken its name. \\'hen the mortgage fell due
Parrant did not bother about paying but, putting
his outfit in a boat, he moved down the river a
couple of miles and located himself and his saloon
about the foot of Jackson street, and this in the
assurance that what trade he had would follow
him. In this he was not altogether correct for he
was now far removed from the soldiers at the
fort and although there were nine barrels of
whiskey delivered at Pig's Eye by the steamer
Glaucus when that boat came up the river in
the summer of 1839 it was assuredly not all
vended by Parrant. Times were so bad with him
and he did so little business, though located right
in the heart of the city, that he sold his second
claim in 1839 to Benjamin Gervais for ten dol-
lars in cash. The claim included a tract extend-
ing up and down the river from Minnesota to
Jackson street and running north to a lake that
lay somewhere about Eighth street. It might be
worth today something above five millions of
dollars. But the moving spirit was upon Pierre.
He again located, first just below on the levee
and later in the bottoms on the other side of the
river, bringing his grog-shop into close contact
with the red inhabitants of Kaposia, to which
22
PAST AXD TRKSr.XT OF ST. PAl-J.
place Little Crow had reniovetl from Dayton's
Bluff. There he remained long enough to bestow
his ])seudonvni on the place to such good purpose
that it clings to this day, then disappeared with
the purpose of going to Lake Su])erior and was
hear of no more.
Life in the new settlement was by no means
as uneyentful as might be expected of a peoj^le
located in the heart of the wilderness — for it was
still the wilderness, and that to such an extent
that no accurate or even approximately correct
maps of it were in existence and on the floor of
congress it was frequently referred to as being
quite beyond the possibilities of ciyilized con-
temjjlation. There were many quarrels, not in-
deed among the actual settlers of St. Paul, but in
the neighborhood. With whiskey and Indians in
close proximity the materials were at hand for
a conflagration at any time and trouble started on
ver\- small provocation. There were other whis-
key traders besides the foiuider of the citv. At
Kaposia the Rev. J. \\'. Pnnd. a Methodist mis-
sionary, was laboring with the Indians and the
greatest diflicnity he had to contentl with was
whiskey. The Sioux were peaceable enough
until they got their skins full of red licpior and
then the\- were bound to be troulilesome. Up the
river, on the other hand, (jld Donald McDonald
was driving an excellent trade with soldiers, voy-
ageurs and Indians. The settlers at Pig's Eye
were located between the two sources of supply,
to say nothing of the home industry conducted
by Parrant. The Indians were moreover rest-
less because they had not yet been advised that
the treaty that they had signed in 1S37 had been
ratified. Congress moved with no more speed in
tho.=e days than it does now and it was Jmie 15,
1838, before the final ratification.
The Indians continued to threaten the settlers
on the east sick- nf the river and those on the
west side were no better oft' from the fact that
the military authorities were inclined to I)e ]jre-
ci])ilate in gilting them ol"f the reserve. The
1)oundaries of this reserve never haying been
j)roj)erly defined a great deal of trouble resulted.
Tile commanding officer at the fort. Major
Plympton was inclined to claim everything in
sight and ai)pears to have been convinced that his
authority extended down the river as far as the
Fijuntain Cave. .\nd it took a great deal of
investigation before the military authorities
were convinced that the reserve lines did not in-
clude all the land claimed b\' the original settlers
of St. Paul.
Parrant. Perry, the Gervais brothers, Phelaii,
Hays. Evans — all of the settlers of 1838 w^ere
"sooners" and liable to conviction, not only at
the hands of the Indians and in form of force
but at the direction of Maj. Plympton. who ap-
pears to have been rather contemptuous in his
attitude toward the lowl ycivilian. On one occa-
sion the Perry family was brought face to face
with a serious demonstration on the part of the
Indians.
It was in the fall after the settlement and the
IVrry cabin was not yet finished. Perry was se-
lected for attack because he was less likely to
make a bold defense than the others. He was
essentially a man of peace. In early life he had
been a clockmaker and only his fearful expe-
riences in the Hudson P.ay country and later on
the confines of Fort Snelling had served to create
ill him the spirit which must sustain the ]Moneer
in a new country, ^loreover he was far and
away the richest man in cattle in the country.
It is recorded as a fact that he jiossessed more
stock than there could be found outside his herd
in the territory now comprised in the state of
Alinnesota. llesides having these attractions to
invite attack from any body of blackguard
Indians who might have Dutch courage enough
aboard to try to |)ut into effect their natural pro-
pensity for thievery. Perry labored under the
handicap of being Parrant's nearest neighbor at
lliat (lay.
Xow Parrant was not particular as to who his
customers were, nor as to the form assumed by
tin- coniprns.-ilioii ti'ndered him for his goods.
.Ml comestibles looked alike to him aiifl he would
as soon sell whiskey to an Indian for a stolen
gun as he wmihl to a white man for b.-icon. Mis
was therefore the cafe most favored by the red
gentry of the Sioux bands. One morning — Par-
raiil lia<1 been doing a thriving business all night
and had added numerous guns and blankets to
the store in his cache — a small band of savages
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
23
put in an appearance at the Perry cabin and
made wild demonstrations, indicatin.fj an intent to
slaughter the family. Mr. Perry had i:;-one atield
and Mrs. Perry tried to pacify the marauders.
She did sncceed in turning them from their orig-
inal intention and instead of killing the fright-
ened women in the house they went after the
cattle in the bottoms and killed several head. An
alarm having been sent out and the men of the
settlement having gathered with such show of
force as they could muster the Indians retreated
across the river. The incident was by no means
unique and is cited to serve as a reminder of the
fact that we are but little more than a half cen-
tury removed from a most odious state of nature,
in this city of St Paul.
And the men in the settlement were by no
means modern farmers. They did make shift to
till some iiatches of ground — none of them had
cultivated the ground very extensively even dur-
ing the years they were on the reservation. And
this not for the reason that there was no market
for their product, for a great deal more might
have been disposed of at the fort and to the trad-
ers than was raised. Put at heart and by prefer-
ence, perhaps perforce, too, they were courrieurs
des bois, voyageurs, men of the woods and
streams. Nearly all of tliem — nut onlv those in
the Pig's Eye settlement but all the whites about
the fort — were for a part of the year in the em-
pliiy of the .\merican Fur company and spent a
great deal of the time in the wilds among the
Indians, using the fort or Mendota as a base of
operations.
( )ther men who had a larger and more impor-
tant part assigned them in the life of the future
city of St. I'aul were before this time established
in the country, and all connection in some sort
with the fur trade, which was still practically the
only source of wealth in the new country. Xor-
man W. Kittson came to Fort Snelling in 1834.
Th<iugh he was then but twenty years of age he
had had four years' experience among the In-
dians in the employ of a trader. He grew to be
one of the men fitted in bigness to cope with un-
couth conditions and lick them into shape. He
combined in himself a genius for business and
organization that was little short of marvelous.
He fitted the chasm that had to be bridged be-
tweeii the day of the red man, the condition
[jrimitive, and that later state which required
the genius of James J. Hill for the complete ac-
complishment of the destiny of St. Paul. Kitt-
son evolved the first systematic attempt to
abridge distances by increasing the load and his
trains of Red River carts made quite as much of
a stir in the '40s and '50.S — and just as much
noise — as do the trains of J. J. Hill today. And
the celerity with which vast things have been
accomplished, the speed with which nature han-
dles and discards her tools is demonstrated in the
life of Kittson. It is sixty-seven years since he
established himself as a trader two miles up the
river from the city. He became the largest figure
in the commercial life of St. Paul — of the north-
west, for the matter of that. — he amassed an im-
mense fortune for his time ; he built within thirty
vears what was at that time the finest private
residence in the city of St. Paul. Today he, with
almost every evidence of his great business anil
his great fortune, has disappeared from the eye
of man. The very house that he built and which
was the crown and culmination of his ambitions,
is being torn down as these words are written
and in a few weeks there will be nothing left of
it. The menior\' of the man himself will endure
but the utter wiping out of the great structure lie
built with the work of his hands and brain offers
a sharp commentary on the vanity of striving.
Henry H. Sibley had arrived at Mendota the
same year that Kittson landed at Fort Snelling.
He was one of the partners in the American Fur
company and he was more fortiniate that Com-
modore Kittson in that the house he built at Men-
dota before the day which saw Parrant settle at
Pig's Eye, is still standing and bids fair to long
remain a monument to the thoroughness of the
stonemasons of the '30s. While General Sibley
was not among the earliest settlers of St. Paul
his whole career and eminent public services
were so bound np with the fortunes of the city
that he may well he regarded as a part of its
liistiirw
Another white man who was a citizen of Men-
dota ere St. Paul was founded was William H.
Forbes, who arrived at the mouth of the Minne-
24
PAST AND TRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
sola in 1837. He afterwards, as will be seen,
took a conspicuous part in the making of history
in St. Paul.
In addition to these there arrived in the '30s
among others prominent either in St. Paul or
^Minnesota in later years, Henry M. Rice, a dis-
tinguished resident of St. Paul, Franklin Steele,
Martin McLeod, William Holcomb and others.
With this digression, made for the purpose of
laying the foundation for life, threads to be
taken up in their proper place, the historian re-
turns again to the doings of the makers of his-
tory who were established at Pigs Eye.
THE TRAGEDY OF LIFE OPEXS.
At the close of 1839 this was the record of
accomplishment in the settlement inaugurated by
the amiable Parrant : Xine cabins built, one
marriage, one birth and one death — by murder.
The tragedy of life was at least opened. More-
over there was a sort of melodramatic incident
that augured an imagination on the part of the
settlers. The incident furnished food for gossips
not only on the east side of the river but over
at Mendota and on the Grand Marais — the point
to which Parrant finally removed himself and
handicapped for all time by attaching to it his
nickname. The Turpins. LeClaires, Labissoni-
eres, Cherriers and others had settled at the
Marais in preference to the east side of the river.
P)Ut about the incident :
There arrived one day, nobody seemd to know
just when, a man and woman with a young child.
If they came uji the river, or out of the west, no
one knew. The man was not of the type of the
frontiersman. He was mild as to manner and his
clothing was unfitted for a life in the open. The
woman was young and refined. The man was
known as John.son, nothing more nor less. He
built a cabin somewhere to the northeast of the
present location of the gas works on Sixth street.
He si)oke no word ti> the neighbors and obvi-
ously avoided them. The woman lived the life
of a recluse, and the pair were very much at-
tached to each other. Xow. in that dav. if a man
liad been willing to consort with his fellows no
f|uestions would have been asked as to his ante-
cedents and he would have been left alone to
work out his own salvation. The conditions
might have favored the operation of the maxim
of Maj. Edwards, who conducted a newspaper at
Fargo in early days and who boldly relieved the
anxieties of some of his fellow townsmen by an-
nouncing in his ])aper that all records made east
of the Red River were barred.
Xow Johnson invited destruction by giving of-
fense. He held himself aloof — therefore he must
have something to hide. The more he retired the
more confirmd his neighbors became in the idea
that he was an active criminal or was avoiding
pursuit for past offenses. At the end the con-
clusion was arrived at that the man must be en-
gaged in crime and somebody guessed that he
was a counterfeiter. One night a wayworn trav-
eler sought shelter in the Johnson cabin from
the inclemency of the weather — and Johnson
made the mistake of his life by refusing the man
admittance. The mistake probably arose from
the fact that Johnson was unused to the ways of
the west. He did not know that no greater of-
fense could be given than to refuse to entertain a
traveler. The occurrence settled the matter in
the minds of Johnson's neighbors. He must be a
counterfeiter. He was notified to leave the com-
munity and the poor wretch did. Taking the
woman and child he disappeared as mysteriously
as he had come — whether to seek seclusion in
deeper wilds, or to drift down the river again
none knew. And none ever took the trouble to
seek in the reeds at the mouth of Phalen's Creek
I'or the bodies of the unfortunates. For in those
days, as now, the river in its course was in the
habit of depositing ghastly secrets near old Car-
ver's cave on the shore.
There it was that, one nmrning in September,
1839, Indians found the l)(i(ly of John Hays,
lately a man at arms at the fort : later still a part-
ner of Phelan ; now nothing but the ghastly evi-
dence of a horrid crime — the first to stain the
record of St. Paul. Hays had been a decent sort
of man. He lived with Phelan. Phelan was not
a nice character. Tie was ]ienniless ; Hays had
money. .\nd he had threatened Hays. That
was enough for frontier justice. Phelan was
arrested on a warrant issued bv Justice of the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
25
Peace II. II. Sibley. -V.-; a matter of fact there
was nothing to connect Plielan with the murder
except the conditions stated, but he always laid
under the imputation of having committed the
crime. There were other bad men in the country,
and there were Indians who could be wantonly
murderous. Phelan was taken to Prairie du
Chien, the county seat — three hundred miles
away — and put on trial. He was not convicted
but released after a hearing. Some few years
later an Indian, Do-\\'au, the Singer, shot and
fatally wounded at the battle of Kaposia, con-
fessed that he had killed Hays. The confession
made no impression on the people at the time
and appears to have had no weight with the
earlier historians. I>ut it should have relieved
Phelan of the odium he carried with him while
he lived in the community. And it is as well
that this odium should be removed b}' a state-
ment of the fact, inasmuch as a very beautiful
park which is now coming into general use, car-
ries the name of Phelan, corrupted to Phalen,
The element of romance was brought into the
sordid life of the community by James R. Clew-
ett. He was a young Englishman w^ho had been
led to the west by a love of the adventurous life.
He knew no word of French when he arrived at
Lake Pepin in 183 1 and was compelled to learn
the language perforce or become dumb, for his
associates had no word of English. French, the
Canadian patois, was the language of commerce
of the country. Clewett made his way up the
river in the employ of the .\merican Fur Com-
pany and stopped first with Joseph R. Brown —
who was a notable figure in the early history of
the country and of whom more anon — at Grey
Cloud Island. Late in the winter of 1838-9 he
arrived at Mendota and met his fate. Mendota
was then and for some years afterwards the cen-
ter of all social life at the head of navigation and
there were many dances there during the long
winter months.
These dances were by no means lacking in
light, life and color. The belles and beaux were
';enerally French, with some touch in them of
( lallic gallantry and love of life and color. And if
one of the belles showed in her dusky cheek some
suggestion of an ancestry not purely Gallic what
matter? The men were stalwart fellows, lithe
and agile, hardened by a life in the open and
tasting the pleasures of society so infrecjuently
that their palates were keen enough. The poor-
est of them had a dress for these state occasions :
Black coat and trousers, brought perhaps from
Montreal, and seeing the light so rarely that they
might well become heirlooms. Indeed the pres-
ent writer has seen young Red River half-breeds
v/earing the very same black coats their grand-
fathers brought from Montreal in the long ago —
and wearing the garments with a grace that
would not have disgraced their French forbears.
To the black garments there was added always a
fine cambric shirt, probably collarless ; the only
bit of color — concession to the Indian life — was
the brilliant woven sash that encircled the waist.
The women did not lack for finery but it was not
always so effective as the dress of the men. They
were tireless dancers and Denis Cherricr, the
fiddler who furnished the music for most of these
dances for many years, had no sinecure.
It was to one of these dances that fate led
James Clewitt. He had traveled five thousand
miles out of the east to stand in the doorway,
an onlooker at the dance, .\mong the dancers
was a girl who had traveled a weary way from
the north. Rose Perry. .A.nd when the eyes of
these two, brought together in such a strange
fashion, met, the thing was done. Clewett was
no dancer and he was rather a heavy figure
among all those young Frenchmen, hut he was
a good love-maker — he went home that night
with the Perrys when they crossed the ice. .\nd
he did not leave in the morning nor for many a
morning thereafter. Papa Perry was con-
strained to accept the persistent wooer as a son-
in-law and .April 0. 1839, Clewett married Rose,
the Rev. Mr. Pond of the Kaposia mission offi-
ciating.
Basil Gervais, born Seiitember 4. 1839, was the
first white child born within the jiresent city
limits of St. Paul.
There arrived also in 1831) N'etal (iuerin. who
made some figiu'e in the community and was one
of the original and wealthy townsite owners.
Guerin. the son of a voyageur, became himself
26
I'AST AXl) I'Kl-.Sl'.XT Ol" ST. I'AUL.
one. arriviiifj at ^[en(lota in the employ of the
American I'lir Company in 1S32. He became
tlie momentary possessor of Pierre Parrant"s first
claim in 1839. Parrant having ihily lost the
claim luuler foreclosure ])roceeclings tjot out,
leaviiiij it for the first niortg'agee in these
parts (iuilliaume I'.eaumette. But the latter had
not awaited the event. He was not sure that
Pig^'s Eye would deliver on demand and he
found a i)urchaser for the Parrant note in one
John Miller, a stonemason. Miller, in his turn
looked about for a ])urchaser for this evidence
of indebtedness. He was indebted to Guerin to
the extent of $130 and induced the young voy-
ageur to take the claim for the debt — which
Guerin did. Guerin was somewhat deliberate
about taking possession and Parrant. who was
not over scrupulous in small matters, however
conscientious he may have been in the vending
of liquor, intimated to a wayfaring friend that no
one was living on his old claim and that it was
open to be jumped. The stranger, whose name
was forgotten many years ago — he disappeared
after the evictions of 1840 — squatted on the
claim and when (juerin arrived to take posses-
sion he found he was too late.
Put he had invested $150 in the new settleinent
£11(1 he was disposed to get something for it. The
claim that had been taken by Hays and Phelan
or by Phelan for Hays, was open; Hays was
dead and Phelan in jail at Prairie du Chien.
(]ueriii settled on the Hays' claim and built a
house where Third street now intersects Wa-
basha.
Qew'ett had also become a permanent resident
by taking the claim originally held b\' Johnson.
Meantime Maj. Plym|)ton. commandant at
Fort Snelling. probably inspired by a desire to
insure his- soldiery from the contamination tli;it
might l)e in having a considerable settlement too
close to the fort and beyond military jurisdiction.
was ])lanning trouble for the settlers on the cast
side of the river. There was nothing between
the martinet and the Pacific ocean that might
interfere with the extension of the military re-
serve lines in that direction, but that woulcl not
satisfy his purpose. lie wanted the land on the
east bank, along the river and down as far as
the iMiuntain Cave. Lt. Thomjjson made a sur-
ve\' of the reserve that fall and his notes de-
scrilx;d the reservation lines as follows :
"From the Mississi])pi up the St. Peter's (Min-
nesota) ; thence west to Lake Harriet, seven
luiles : thence along Lake Harriet to the Lake of
the Lsles ; thence to the portage landing above
the falls, one-fourth of a mle : across the Mis-
sissi]ipi, five miles. The line comes below the
cave. "
The map of this survey !\Lij. Plynqjton sent
to the war department with the statement that
the limits of the survey embraced no more land
than was necessary to furnish the wants of the
garrison "and could they be extended further
into the country on the east side of the river."
he adds, "it would, no doubt add to the quiet of
this command." His object is exposed in the last
sentence. This boded ill to the peaceful settlers
on the ])resent site of St. Paul and the line fixed
was arbitrarily laid down, without regard to the
re(|uirements of the garrison.
( )n the strength of the report and survey Sec-
retary of \\71r Joel R.Poinsett. October 21, 1831).
issued an order to United States Marshal Ed-
ward James to evict the settlers with the lines of
the survey. This letter being missent did not
reach the l^iited States marshal until the follow-
ing I-^ebruary and in the meantime the W'iscon-
sin legislature, at the instance of the squatters on
the east side of the river, passed a resolution pro-
testing against the ]iro])osed eviction : pointing to
the fact that there was plent\- of land in the
terriory of Towa. in which Fort Snelling was
located, wliieli might be utilized for the pur]50se
of a military reserve and declaring that the sur-
vey made would ].)revent steamboats from landing
within several miles of the head of navi.gation.
Gov. J. D. Doty, of Wisconsin, wrote the secre-
tary of war a letter intimating that the depart-
ment was overstepping its authority in arbitrarily
interfering with the rights of the citizens of a
territory. Pmt these protests were unavailing
and in May. 1840. nei)uty I'nited States Mar-
shal Ira 11. I'.runson, of Prairie du Chien. came
up the river to evict the tresi)assers.
I'AST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
2?
THE SETTLERS EVICTED.
As the line was then drawn the evictit)n order
applied to the occupant of Tarrant's first claim,
and l'err\- and the Gervais lirothers in St. Paul
proper. There were of course many settlers on
other portions of the domain and this line must
have run, under the ruling of the department
about as it was described by John R. Irvine, four
years later, about north and south through
Seven Corners. The work of evicting the peo-
l)le w^as thoroughly done by Marshal Brunson
with the assistance of a detail of soldiers from
the fort.
This first evidence of the existence of a pater-
nal government that had ever been brought home
to the unfortunate people fell as a crushing blow
on the refuges wdio had believed themselves at
last secure from the harrying of fortune. It was
particularly hard on Perry, wdiose pertinacity in
trying to make a home for himself in the wilder-
ness, as much as the fact that he was the ancestor
of a very considerable number of the first inhabi-
tants of* St, Paul after the organization of the
city, entitles him to a distinguished place among
the fathers of the city. Xo better tvpe of the men
who peopled the far west in spite of obstacles
that would today be regarded as insuperable,
could be found, and the measure of his merit is
not to be fixed by his accomplishments but bv his
endeavors.
Born in a Swiss valley, in that year in which
the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Perry passed his earlier life amidst scenes as far
removed as possible from those in which he
|iassed the declining years of his life. He had
been taught the trade of a watchmaker and was
already a man with a family of three children
before he began to feel the promptings that led
him to the wilderness. Like many another de-
luded one he was led to believe that he might
find a larger field for the profitable pursuit of his
avocation in the new country in America. The
most absurd ideas were held in Europe at that
time of the conditions on the continent of Xorth
.\merica. It is quite within the limits of proba-
bility that Perry was induced to believe that what
was needed in the new colonv founded bv Sel-
kirk north of the forty-ninth parallel was a
watchmaker. The glittering lure of the emigra-
tion agent was as effective in those days as it was
later when there was something behind it. Fer-
ret— ^the name was not Anglicized to Perry until
long afterwards — undertook the frightful hazard
of a trip from Marseilles to Fort Garry, where
Winnipeg is now located — by way of Hudson
l\-d\. The Hudson Bay route is no longer es-
sayed as being something not to be braved except
in behalf of science or exploration. But eighty
or ninety years ago it was the door by which
hundreds of people made their entree into the
new world. Hardy men still make the journey
from Hudson Bay to Winnipeg occasionally —
and wdien they do it they get themselves inter-
viewed and sometimes go on the lecture plat-
form. Perry and his family, with some score or
two other families, made the frightful journey
in 1820 buoyed up through the vicissitudes they
endured by the thought that they were eventually
to reach a land of sunshine and plenty where
there would be no more striving. The horrible
experiences of the six years during which Perry
trie to wrest a living from the inhospitable soil
of the Red River valley formed the theme of
manv a conversatit)n in the winter of 1839-40,
w'hen, with his children all around him, he re-
counted for the delectation of his English son-
in-law, Clewett, the story of his life in the far
north and the added horrors of the pilgrimage
through the untracked wilderness to the settle-
ment at Snelling, which he had been obliged to
leave in 1838. But now, the poor man thought.
his troubles were over, his children were growing
up and he was about to have rest in peace, and
some portion of the prosperity that must come
when the land would be patented. Clewett quite
entered into the spirit of this dream. He was al-
ready in possession of a claim that includerl what
is now Broadway and Seventh street.
May 6. 1840. Deputy Marshal Brunson with
his soldiers put Perry's dream to flight and broke
the spirit that had survived many a bufi'et in an
earlier day. The day was a beautiful one.
Perry with his sons and daughters were engaged
in planting the garden, unsuspecting of danger.
The\- had heard of a possible eviction but they
28
I'AST AXU I'RKSEXT UF ST. PAUL.
had protested and they thoutj'ht the protest had
been heard in Washington. Ilrunson had been
at work in the upper settlement in the morning
and had completed the work of ejecting Joseph
Rondo and others and destroying their cabins.
It was afternoon when llrunson appeared at the
door of the Perry cabin with his soldiers and
read his warrant for the evictitjns. The people
had very little English but they understood. The
girls clung weeping to their mother, .\braham
Perry stood as one dumbfounded. lie made no
protest but walked to a stump and sat there
while the soldiers destroyed the cabin he had
wrought with his own hands. The instructions
given to the military were ruthless. No wall of a
house must be left standing. It took some time to
destroy Perry's house and when it was done the
old man's heart was broken. When Brunson and
his men went to take the roof from over the
heads of Benjamin and Pierre Gervais Perry
arose and, like a patriarch of old, drove his flock
before him across the hills and swamps down to
where Son-in-law Clewett had established him-
self— without the lines of Plympton's reserve and
safe from attack. Abraham Perry had stood up
manfully and fought when nature frowned, but
when the government from which he sought pro-
tection struck him down he gave up the fight.
He became paralyzed shortly after the eviction
and, though he lived until 1849, ^"d — according
to J. Fletcher Williams — was still so strenuous
that he even chopped down trees while being
compelled on account of his infirmity to remain
in a sitting posture, he made no further attempt
to establish hiiuself. His son, Charles, settled at
Lake Johanna in this county. His daughters all
married here. Sophie marrying Pierre Crevicr :
Fanny wedded Charles Mousseau, Rose Ann be-
came the wife of Clewett, Adele took Vetal
Guerin for husband. Josephine was the wife of
J. B. Cournoyer and Annie Jane was espoused
by Charles Bazille. Perry's descendants are
very numerous and some of them attained dis-
tinction. The best known of his grandsons, Ed-
ward W. Bazille, is now and has been for some
years, judge of probate for Ramsey county.
Benjamin Gervais, anotlicr of the evicted
ones, moved down the river and I)ought Pierre
Parrant's second claim, as before mentioned, for
ten dollars. The eviction also Iirought into the
settlement Joseph Rondo, another Red River
refugee, who came down the river and bought
out Phelan's claim and his unfinishetl shanty,
l)aying $200. Parrant. still figuring as the avant
C(nirier of civilization moved down to the lower
levee and established another claim and \et an-
other place of refreshment. I'helan went over
across the swamp and took a claim about where
Hamm"s brewery is located today, lending his
name to the creek that ran through the property
— which at that time was of such considerable
size that it offered water power for a mill and
was utilized for that purjjose later on.
Thus in the beginning of 1840 the population
of Pig's Eye was cosmo]5olitan if not large. The
French predominated and as their number would
include the settlers on the west side at the Grand
Marais, they far outnumbered the other nation-
alities. The Swiss were represented in the
Perry family. It has been intimated that there
were other Swiss among these earliest settlers
but Judge Bazille. who is now engaged in writ-
ing a history of the French settlers, says that his
grandfather's famih- was the only representative
of the Swiss republic here at that time. Phelan
and Evans made up the vanguard of the Irish
contingent, and Thomson, the slave, stood a soli-
tary and unwilling witness from Africa.
About what is now the extreme eastern bound-
ary of the city there was rather a more compact
settlement than that in St. Paid proper. To Wil-
liams we are indebted for the preservation of the
names of Michel LeClaire — who must have been
the first settler at the Alarais — the point now
known as Pig's E\e was long known on the river
as Point LeClaire. — Amable Turpin, Antoine Le-
Claire, Francis Ganimell, Joseph I^abis.soniere —
whose son has haunted the newspaper offices of
St. Paul at intervals for years with an unin-
telligible story of early days — Henry IViland,
.'\mable Morin, Charles Mousseau, Lasart, Chev-
alier and others, soiue of whom had to do with
the growth of the city but most of whom went
out with the ebb of the fur trade. Their settle-
ment was ]irinciiially distinguished in the '40s
as beinsj- the last stand of Pig's Eve Parrant.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
29
HOW ST. PAUL LOOKED IN 184O.
In the minds of men still livitii;- there remains
some remembrance of what St. Paul looked like
in the earlv '40s. But the mere fact that these
men have witnessed the changes that have been
made in the building of the city has tended to
efface their earlier memories. In 1840 the site
of St. Paul was very generally wooded. Stately
trees of great antiquity grew in the river bot-
toms ; on the uplands there was a considerable
growth of oak and elm and in the swamps tama-
rack grew sparsely. The contour of the river
front has not materially changed, though the
vandal hand of man has to some extent been laid
on the bluffs that loomed eternal until man's
needs required that they be made to change their
form. Between the upper and lower levee the
l)luft" in early days stood well out to the river,
so that there was no landing place for steam-
boats between the foot of Jackson street and the
upon levee, well above the Wabasha street bridge
I'etween Vetal Guerin's cabin, at the present
intersection of Third and Wabasha streets, and
James Clewett's house, east of Broadway on
Sixth street, there was a swamp, and a lake of
considerable dimensions lay about the location of
Eighth street. Jackson street was built through
a ravine of such depth that, when the street was
filled to grade, the roadway was at about the
second story windows of a historic mansion
known to contemporary fame as Moffett's Cas-
tle, originally built on the natural level. In order
to reach the present site of the cathedral from
Guerin's cabin it was necessary to rnake a wide
detour to the east. Below Jackson street and
over to the foot of the bluflf, where the railroad
}ards now lay, there was a swamp that was navi-
gable in tlie spring. In fact there does not appear
to have been many natural attractions for a man
who desired to farm at the White Rock of the
Indians — the Pig's Eye of the river luen and
settlers in 1840. The scenery was beautiful at
certain seasons of the year ; there was more game
than there had been before the establishment of
Mendota and the withdrawal of the Indians to
that metropolitan point. But what held the set-
tlers was the knowledge that they were at the
head of navigation, steamers could go no farther
up the river and find a landing off the military
reserve ; and they may have had some hazy
dreams of a future based on this fact.
But the men of substance and whose per-
spicuity was proved in later days — Kittson, Sib-
ley and Joseph R. Brown — paid more attention
to Pig's Eye than to any other landing on the
river. l-'iir them IMendota was the metropolis
of the wilderness, and, so far as the eye of man
could see, was like to remain so for many a year.
Joseph R. Brown's horizon extended somewhat
beyond Mendota. Pie came from JMaryland a
soldier with the Leavenworth expedition and left
the army in 1825. He was the original boomer
in ^linnesota beyond any doubt. LTterly inde-
fatigable he halted at nothing and nowhere. In
order to create for himself a place in the Wis-
consin legislature, he had a bill passed in the early
part of 1840 creating St. Croix county out of
that portion of Crawford county lying west of a
line drawn from the mouth of the Porcupine
river, on Lake Pepin, to Lake Superior. This
included a reasonably large slice of territory but
Brown, who had a trading station at Grey Cloud
Island and a town site near the present city of
Stillwater, proposed to make it a sort of pocket
borough and had himself elected to the legisla-
ture forthwith. Later he became a resident of
St. Paul and a part of the history of the town
in times more or less stirring.
If there were any more than two settlers added
to the list of those in St. Paul in 1840 the early
chronicles made no reference to them. These
were Joseph Rondo, who bought Phelan's first
claim and later moved out and took a claim along
the present Rice street. He was a Canadian
Frenchman, a voyageur in the employ of the
Hudson Bay Company ; had spent his earlier years
in the far northwest and came from the north.
He married a mixed blood, and lived here for
many years, dying in 1885. He gave his name
to an addition to the town site and prospered ;
then his fortunes decayed and he is now remem-
bered principally by reason of the street named
for him, and which has been rescued from obscur-
ity by the fact that it is principally used as a
highway by one of Col. Lowry's car lines.
30
I'AS'I" AM) I'RI'ISKXT ( )!• ST. I'AL'L.
Of Xavicr De Mair hut liltlc is kiinwn. His-
tory, which is prone to retain the record of
man's mistakes rather than his accomplishments,
says of him that he owned 160 acres on Capitol
Mill and that he took advantage of an oppor-
tunit\- tn rade it to an unwise wayfarer for a
horse and wag:on : later he took another claim
which included the ground upon which Calvary
cemetery is located, and traded that for a team of
horses with which to go farming on another claim
out towards \Miite I'.ear : and this last claim he
sold for tliirt}^ dollars and retired to private
life. Xewson said De Mair killed thirty-two
deer one fall within the cit\- limits of St. Paul.
De Mair was alive, he it noted, when Xewson
said it.
CHAPT1-:R 111.
W IllCklCI.V IHIC COSI'KI. IS r.K()L'(;iiT I.\ TIIK SriRTT
Ol-' 1'Ig's liYE IS liXOUCISKI) .\.\l) 'rlllC N.\ME OI"
THE SETTLEMENT CH.\NGED To SI'. I'AUL THE
l!.\TTI,E OK l<.\rOST.\.
1841-184,^
In 1841 \'etal Guerin grew a crop where the
citv hall and courthouse now stand, and took
unto himself a wife. The wedding was the
event of the season literally and there were greai
doings in jjenjamin (iervais' house where the
feast was held. The afi'air created no end of ;■.
stir, from Mendota down the river to ( irand
Marcais : and it was hy all odds the most talked-
of occurrence of the year. Yet it did not leave
as marked an impression on the future of the
citv as another event to which the settlers ])aid
little attention: The christening of the settle-
ment in the name of St. Paid.
I-"athcr l.ncian (ialtier — whose coining anil
work is treated at greater length elsewhere, was
given the ein-e of souls here. His gentle soul
revolted at the idea of holding a mission know-n
to .-dl that i)i)rti(.)n of the world tliat had to do
with the upper .Mississippi as Pig's Eye. He had
heen brought into contact with the delectable indi-
vidual who had stood sponsor for the town wiien
one Ednnnid Brissette first gave it a name by
dating a letter, written in Parrant's cabin, a--
" Pig's Eye." l'"ather (jaltier loved all men as
brothers, hut his gorge rose when it came to the
matter of embracing Pig's Eye Parrant. More-
over Pig's Eye was not of a mind to be em-
braced. And for himself he did not like the so-
briquet of Pig's Eye. It was therefore agree-
able to everybody concerned that Father Galtier,
when he dedicated his tiny chapel at or near the
corner of Jackson and Third streets should give
it to the ])atronage of St. Paul, the apostle to the
gentiles. The dedication of the chapel took place
X'ovemher i, 1841. But months before, when he
published the bans for the marriage of \'etal
Guerin and Adele Perry, the gentle priest had
described the candidates for matrimony as Ix'ing
of St. Paul's. For years the rough men on the
river referred to the landing as Pig's Eye. liut lo-
cally the more refined name had come into gen-
eral use. The year therefore marked as a red let-
ter one in history in that it gave the future me
tropolis a change of name and started the move-
ment which was to result in the eventual lifting
of the incubus of Pig's Eye. The bard makes
in(|uiry: "What's in a name?" but it was never
|)Ut to him to contemplate the capital city of a
sovereign state thundering down the ages bear-
ing the name of Pig's Eye. "( )'eil clc Cochon"
the French had it. but that did not in the least
bel|) matters. ,\nd a pig is a pig whellu-r it be
rendered in French or English. Xo town — not
even one having all the natural advantages pos-
sessed i)\- St. Paul — coidd ever have survived
the name of I'ig's Eye and it should be remem-
bered to l'"ather Galtier, of blessed memory, that
not the k;ist of his deeds in Ix'half of posterit\-
was tile rescuing of St. Paul from the swinish
appellation it was given at the hands of Fdiiumd
I'.rissett.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
31
The marriage of Giierin was typical of the
time. The ceremony took place at Mendota in
the morning- of Jime 26, 1841, and the bridal
party, which included every man. woman and
child in the settlement, accompanied the young
people to the church across the river and merrily
drew the sledge containing the Ijride and groom
back over the ice to I'.enjamin Gervais' house,
which stood on the hillside near the foot of Jack-
son street. There provision had been made liter-
allv for the feeding of a nndtitude — as multitude;
went in those days.
The carcasses of three deer had been roasted :
scores of prairie chickens — shot as they roosted
in trees and in bunches with a view to the conser-
vation of powder and shot; dozens of rablnts ;
stacks of fish from the river and piles of cakes
made of flour not too white. — all these had l)een
baked or boiled according to the fashion of the
times. Honey had Ijeen brought in by some of the
neighbors and the l^lack and bitter tea which was
supplied to the whole northwest furnished a par-
ticular lu.xury for the delectation of the ladies.
As for the men they were expected to wash their
provender down with the eau de vie brought
over from the trader's store at Mendota. None
of Parrant"s vile stufT for this gathering. And
Parrant himself was not one of the guests. And,
envious wretch that he was, he kept a crowd ot
drunken Indians at his place all that day and oc-
casionally led them in whooping with a view to
disturbing the merry-makers above on the hill
at the ( iervais place. P.ut they paid no attention
to Parrant and his Indians. In their youth and
strength tlx-y laughed at Pig's Eye and his howl-
ing sycophants and, but for the fact that they
honored their host an<l the newly wedded couple,
some of them might easily have found it in their
hearts to go down and give Parrant and his gang
a 1>eating.
Piut Dennis Cherrier's fiddle squeaked all day
and all night. Meals were served continuously
and there was such feasting, such mad capering
on the dance floor, such love-making of young-
sters who were minded to follow the example of
N'etal CiULrin and Adele l'err\. as never had been
in all the ages that had gone before the coming
of the white man to Pig's Eye.
And in the night \'etal Guerin — always a tem-
perate man and quiet — led his bride up through
the woods to the home he had prepared for her.
The wolves howled on the river below ; Dennis
Cherrier's fiddle squeaked behind them and still
further away they could hear the demoniac yells
of Parrant and his crew.
If Adele Perry had been of the mind of the
bride who held the center of the social stage in
St. Paul this year, she might have shrunk from
the home to wdiich Guerin took her. Put she
was made of the stuit that furnished the mothers
for pioneers. So man)- nights in the long tramp
from Fort Garry to Fort Snelling — when she
was a bit of a girl, had she lain with her mother
in the open : so many days had she spent in the
crowded hotise of P'ather Perry where comfort
was sacrificed for warmth, that she was more than
satisfied with the house of \'etal Guerin. The
groom had furnished it against the coming of
the bride. The log walls had been hewed flat, the
crevices between the logs tightly chinked and
[dastered with mud ; there was a door and win-
dow— fitted, as was proudly remarked bv \'etal,
I>y a real carpenter, Michael LeClaire, dwelling-
yonder in the Marais. Within there was a floor
of split logs and for furniture a couple of stools,
ma.i\ic on the premises ; a great chest which was
at once the wardrobe and the dining table ; and a
bed, made of poles and fimily fixed against the
wall, filled with hay and covered with red blan-
kets and a great Inififalo hide. And all this ele-
gance and con-ifort — which it was in those days
at Pig's Eye — was illumined and made cosy by
a great fire that roared in the big mud fireplace
that occupied half of one end of the house.
"Ah, she was a lucky girl, was 'Dele Perrv." the
other girls said : and the men all agreed that \'e-
tal Guerin was a lucky man.
In that year there were no considerable addi-
tions to the population of St. Paul. Father Gal-
tier did not become a resident and there is no
record of any new settler with one exception.
.\nd that one, Pierre L'ottineau, one of the mo.st
l)icturesr|ue figures of a time that did not lack
for men who were drawn in strong lines, did not
leave any permanent im])ression on the commti-
nit\-. He was a half-lilood, born in the Red River
PAST AM) 1'R1-:S1-:X-1- OF ST. I'.WL.
country — a voyageur, luiiitcr, trapper and guidu
who found tracks in the wilderness by the exer-
cise of that instinct which was the inheritance
of the Indian blood. IJottineau had a brother,
Severe, who did not remain long. Pierre bought
a piece of ground from Benjamin Gervais and
built a cabin about Eighth and Sibley streets, on
what was know-n later as Baptist Hill from the
tact that a church was erected there by that de-
nomination. Both church and hill have disap-
peared. Bottineau was a man of great native
intelligence. In later life he acted as guide for
some notable expeditions and led Gen. Sibley's
command to the Missouri river in 1863. He
had great influence with the Indians, both Sioux
and Chippewas — his mother belonged to the lat-
ter tribe — and he gave his name to a North Da-
kota county. He remained on his claim in St.
Paul a short time, then sold out and went to St.
Anthony's I'alls. He had nothing in common
with the customs of white civilization except in
trifles. He is described as a hairy man, dressed
generally in Indian fashion and he was used
to wear the most gorgeous of Indian raiment in
the Indian country. The Indians had a whole-
some fear of his temper, which was not always
well in hand. He was fitted to his times and
performed valorous service for the whites and
that civilization which he did not care to come
into contact with too often personally. In his
later life he came to conform to the conditions
that were forced upon his country and spent his
declining years among the whites, platting an ad-
dition to the townsite of .St. Anthonv and ac(]nir-
ing some property.
Emigration could scarcely be said to have
turned its tide this way in the early '40s. .\t
.Mendota there were a good many whiles- — •
Bishop Loras said there were one hundred and
ciglity-five Catholics there when ho visited the
place in 1840. l)ut it is probaljle that a good many
of these sons and daughters of the church were
of Indian blood. Over at the Marais the com-
pact settlement invited more attention than that
at St. Paul and the white popnlatinu mi tliat side
fif the river was increased materially in 1841 by
the coming of the Rev. P>. F. Kavanaugh and
a missionary liaiul of pioneers. A mission wa-;
esta!)lishcd at Red Rock and the whites included
in this settlement that year were William R.
Jirown. afterwards well known in St. Paul;
Charles Cavilier, Miss Julia Boswell and Mrs.
JMartha Boardman. Later the Rev. John Holton
and John A. Ford joined the settlement at Red
Rock and a mimber of farmers — Williams men-
tions Hiram Haskell, James W. Furber and
James S. Xorris — located at Cottage Grove.
In St. Paul I rench was the common language
in 1841 and the dominant tongue for some years
thereafter. Clewett and Phelan only spoke Eng-
lish commonly — Evans who had a claim out on
Dayton's Bluff, left at some indefinite time. The
French-speaking people had no idea that their
language would be supplanted in their time and
w^nt to no trobule to master the fearful language
that had come out of perfidious Albion. Years
afterwards \'etal Guerin spoke English through
the aid of an interjjreter. In 1842 the accession
of Henry Jackson and Richard W. Mortimer to
the English-speaking contingent threatened to
make the French look to their laurels. But the
English-speaking settlers made themsedves famil-
iar with French, the Frenchmen scorned English,
and bdth English and French picked up what
Sioux and Oiippewa they could — an accomplish-
ment that might be turned to account commer-
cially— for the Indians, poor though they were,
constituted the greater part of the bu\ing popu-
lation.
In that day the ln<lian population, fixed or
transient, that gravitated about St. Paul, Mer,-
dota, Kaposia and Red Rock was considerable.
They were attracted principally bv the possibility
of getting whiskey. They came in great mim-
bers with skins, game and fish. They even en-
gaged themselves to labor for the traders to
the end that the\- might get to Mendota at tin-
end of the season and spend their wages for whis-
key. And these simjjle red men were by no
means opposed to the establishment of mission-.
Ever}- new mission w-as welcomed with enthusi-
asm— not because the Indian felt the need of any
sort of regeneration, but because a new nn'ssion
increased the prospects of getting sometliing to
eat for nothing, by just one chance. The mission-
aries were not ])ermitted to overlook the ph\-sical
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
33
wants of the people for whose salvation they en-
dured unspeakable privations themselves and the
tirsl comers among them were victimized to a
dreadful extent by the wily savages.
By the arrival of Henry Jackson early in the
summer of 1842 St. Paul was raised to the dig-
nity t)f a supply station. Jackson, a born trader,
was the first merchant in St. Paul. He came
here with the set purpose of starting a store. He
was liorn in Mrginia but had roved all over tin'
country. He used to tell about being in the war
in Texas in 1836-7 — in which he undoubtedly
took part : thence he drifted back to the east and
married Miss Angelina Bivins in Buti'alo, New
York, in 1838. He came west the next year,
stopped at Green Bay. went down to Galena, Illi-
nois, started a store and failed ingloriously and,
becoming seized of the idea that there must be
room for a hustler at the head of navigation, he
loaded a stock of goods on a steamboat at Ga-
lena and told the captain to put him off at Pig's
Eye. And in justice to Mr. Jackson's commer-
cial sense it must be admitted that the stock he
Ijrought with him was rather nicely adapted tu
the possibilities for trade and would l)y no means
compare to that of the lowliest store conducted
liy the meanest of his successors today. He had
nuich red and yellow calico, a goodly showing of
beads, a sack of coffee, a chest of tea, some shawls
that would make lovely cosy corners if they could
be had today, and a few sides of bacon — an un-
wonted luxury, for the pig had as yet no part in
the domestic economy of Pig's Eye. These things
constituted the dry goods stock and they wer;
supplemented, reinforced and given an excuse to
exist by the backing of a most amazing supply of
whiskey. Jackson had correctly estimated the
wants of the denizens of this young country and
had laid in a stock proportioned to the probable
demand. And it must be said for him that his
whiskey was so much superior to that sold b}
Parrant dowm on the levee that he might prop-
erly be regarded as a benefactor of those of his
kind who were constrained to the use of corn
liquor. One rainy night Jackson, with his wife
and his stock of goods, was set ashore on the le-
vee.
3
WHEX JACKSOX C.\JIE TO TOWN.
The arrival of a steamboat was still so rare a
thing that the whistle of the Glaucus as she
rounded the bend at Pig's Eye was sufficient jus-
tification for the entire population to move down
to the levee and Jackson was literally received
by the whole population. The goods were car-
ried up on the bluff' and a watch set over them,
for Tarrant's customers could not be depended on
altogether when there was whiskey to be had for
the stealing; and Mr. and ]Mrs. Jackson spent
the night at Clewett's cabin. The prospect was
not calculated to encourage a merchant when
Jackson looked over the rain-soaked settlement
in the morning but he was apparently not the man
to be disheartened by trifles. He took advantage
of the state of the weather to drive a sharp bar-
gain for three acres of land with Ben Gervais —
who, good man, was never hard to deal with.
With an eye to getting all the trade, coming and
going, Jackson selected a site near the levee but
still above the flat. He bought what is now the
block bounded by Robert and Jackson and run-
ning from the river to Third street. He built on
what was later known as Bench street, a shelf
of the bluff", cut away some years ago. And he
did a prosperous business, increased his store
capacity and was the dearest enemy the Indians
had for miles around. He became popular, was
tlie first postmaster, was a member of the legis-
lature and throve until the town got too large
for him. Like many men of his day he disliked
being crowded and in 1853 he moved to ]\Iankato
for the simple reason that he wanted more elbow-
room.
Richard W. Mortimer, an Englishman by birth
and the first man of substantial English educa-
tion in St. Paul, came down from the fort in
August of the same vear. He had been for some
years in the army, had lived at Snelling. a ser-
geant in the service, since 1835 and had, more-
over, some four or five thousand diillars in cash.
He was a man of excellent family, had been edu-
cated at Eton and had wide experience of the
world. He deliberately jjicked out the site of St.
Paul as a good investment — and he lost every
34
I'ASr AM) I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
dollar he had. He boiig;ht ei^'hty acres of land
from Joseiih Rondo — part of the orifjinal Phelan
claim, included between what is now St. I'cter
.street on the east and Washington on the west
and running down to the river. Emulating the
example of Jackson he went in for merchandis-
ing as well as farming, put up a good house of
hewn logs about Third street and had "Jim"
Thompson, the slave referred to before, saw shin-
gles for the roofing of it. The house was quite
a [lalatial afifair for the times, but poor Morti-
mer was a had farmer and a worse storekeeper.
He cultivated at least forty acres of ground, but
got nothing by it. and died a year after locating
here — the victim of his surroundings. One must
needs have a hard lu-ad and no sentiment and be
void of ambition to survive the existing condi-
tions here in 1842.
THE B.VTTLE OF K.\PO.';i.\.
Jackson and Mortimer had scarce settled into
their jilaces, the one looking for the trade that
never came and the other teaching the Indians
some tricks they had not heard of before, when
the battle of Kaposia took place. No bard has
sung the epic of Kaposia and the chronicles oi
the time do not go into details as to the causes
leading up to the battle. Indeed conflicts be-
tween the Chippewas and the Sioux were of
such frccjuent occurrence in those days that they
were not much regarded and. if spoken of at all,
it would be with a cheerful accommodation of
the sjjirit of the whites to a situation that was
not without its good features. David Harum's
declaration that it is a gooil thing for a dog to
have fleas — because it keejjs hiiu from dwelling on
the fact that he is a dog, indicates the attitude
of the whites toward Indian intertribal wars :
The triiu])les kept the Indian fnim briKiding on
the fact that he was oppressed and dispossessed
by the whites. It was not an uncommon thing —
even years later — for bloody affrays to take jilac
between the Sioux and Chijipewas on the very
streets of .St. Paul. Hence the battle of Kajiosia,
though the last important fight between thf
Sioux and Chippewas that took jjlace in th,'
imnu'diatt' neighborhood of .St. I'aid, did not
mnch distm-b the settlers. The official report of
Major Dearlx)rn, First Infantry, U. S. A., then
in command of Fort Snelling, supplies the essen-
tial facts in the affair.
Since the spring of 1841 there had been a
blood feud between the Sioux of Little Crow's
band and the Chippewas. It was a point of
honor with the Qiippewas to take a Sioux scalp
whenever opportunity presented itself, and in th^;
spring of 1841 three Chippewa braves ambushed
three Sioux of Little Crow's band under the very
guns of I'ort Snelling and killed and scalper!
them. Little Crow was maddened by the aft'air,
not so much over the death of the three men, but
by the knowledge that in the Chippewa country
the murderers were boasting that the Sioux of
Kaposia were old women with the hearts of wdiite
men. Little Crow was a bad lot himself, and his
supremacy would have been endangered if he
had not taken prompt steps to avenge the slight
put upon his people ; so he organized a war party
and dug up the hatchet — which ha<l never lieen
buried very deep. The night before the expedi-
tion set out was an an.xious one for the people
at Mendota and even at St. Paul. The village
of Kaposia — which Little Crow boasted of some
years later as be'ng more populous and impor-
tant than St. Paul — was located on the confities
of the present Sixth ward of the city, just south
of the city limits. The Sioux had a war dance
and the Imwling of the savages was carried on
the still air away to and across the river. The
garrison at Snelling was held under arms. It
was a purt of the jiolicy of the army to jirevent
inter-tribal fights, but it was no part of the busi-
ness of the garrison at Snelling to change the
mind of Little Crow if he was content to go
after Chippewa scalps and let the whites alone.
Xo great effort was made to head off the war
part\' and the pursuit of the Chippewas was taken
up. The Chijipewas were found in considerable
numbers on the .St. Croix and. a liattle ensued in
wliich Little Crow was worsted ami twn of his
sons killed, .\nother war party of Sioux fol-
lowed atiother band of Chippewas to the Poke-
gama and inflicted some damage. P>ut the exjie-
dition w'as not altogether a success. The Sioux,
alwa\s a superior jjcoplc to the Chippewas be-
fore Ihev had become dcQ'railed bv associatioii
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
35
with the white man and addicted to the driiikiiii;
of firewater, showed in the futiUty of their pur-
suit their degeneracy. They abandoned the war-
path and during the next winter indulged r.i
petty reprisals. \\'hen a couple of Sioux found
a single Chippewa they made short work of him,
and when the situation was reversed Sioux
scalps dangled from the Chippewa lodge poles.
But the Chippewas appear to have had the worst
of this desultory warfare, for, in the summer of
1842, they organized in some force with the
avowed purpose of striking Little Crow a deadly
blow. The Pond du Lac, Alilk Las and St.
Croix bands contributed to the strength of this
party, which numbered about one hundred men
when it arrived at what is now Pig's Eye about
ten o'clock in the forenoon. Spies had got in-
formation to the eft'ect that the Sioux had had
several gallons of whiskey the night before and
were stupified as a result of their debauch.
Kajjosia was at the mercy of the Chippewas, for.
as they knew, it was the custom of the squaws to
disarm the men and hide their guns when they
were drinking — a peace measure born of the
sense of self-preservation. The thirst of the
Chipi)ewas for Sioux blood prevented what
promised to be an easy and bloody victory.
In proceeding from the bluff at Pig's Eye
across what is now the sixth ward to Kaposia
they had to pass through the French settlement
in which Cammel. the LeClaires and other refu-
gees from the reservation had claims. Gammel
was married to an Indian woman and she, with
one of the wives and two of the children of
Rattler, a Sioux Indian, was at work in the field
through which the war party passed. Rattler,
seeing the party first, hid in the Cammel house.
Tlie Chippewas fired on the women, killing Rat-
tler's wife and fatally wounding Mrs. Gammei.
( iamniel rushed out of the house and ])icked up
the body of his wife, fighting the Chippewas otT,
but several of them pursued him to the house and
scalped Mrs. Gammel as she lay in her hu.sband's
arms. They were evidently under a strict injunc-
tion not to injure a white, for they made no
altemin to attack Gammel even when he fired
at and wounded some of them, after thev left the
house. Rattler's little bov tried to hide himself
in the shrubbery, but was found by the Chip-
pewas and his head cut from his body. Rattler
with his other wife and child remained concealed
in the house and escaped. This Rattler, by the
way, was principally distinguished by the fact
that he was the brother of "Old Bets," an Indian
woman of these parts, who attained to such emi-
nence as comes to those who have a patent medi-
cine named after them. He was saved that day
to die, as Williams naively remarks, "of an over-
dose of whiskey in 1851."
The firing at Gammel's place had alarmed the
drunken Sioux at Kaposia. They hastily armed
themselves and went forth to meet Chippewas.
These latter were not in sufficient strength to
give battle in the open and they retreated! to the
bottoms at Pig's Eye, pursued by Little Crow
and his warriors, still partly drunken and mad
with ra.ge. Little Crow went out to do or die,
mounted and wearing a war bonnet. He engaged
the enemv with such ferocity in the river bot-
toms that the Chippewas must have Ix^en annihi-
lated but for the fact that they had some shelter.
For two hours the fight went on, watched by the
people of St. Paul from the bluffs. The Chippe-
was were driven out of their cover at length and
retreated at a run, pursued by the Sioux to Still-
water on the St. Croix. Little Crow brought
back ten Chippewa scalps, but there was vocifer-
ous mourning that night in Kaposia, for twenty
Sioux had been killed, and the fact that "Old
Bets'' and some of her cronies had frightfully
mutilated the Chippewa dead was the only alle-
viation there was for the sorrow in the wigwam
of Little Crow. A detachment of soldiers was
sent out from the fort while the battle was going
on, but the trouble was over before they got to
Pig's Eye.
This battle of Kaposia was recalled to the at-
tention of the present writer sixty-two years
after it took place by one who ministered to the
wounded Indians after the aii'air. Consignor
.\ugustin Ravoiix, the successor of Father Gal-
tier at the Mendota and St. Paul mission, came
into the office of the writer in the summer of
10)04 and became reminiscent. It was his cus-
tom during the latter years of his life, and indeed
up to within a year of his death, to walk about
36
■AST AM) I'KI-:S1';.\T UF S'!
I'AUL.
on a siinnv day within a few blocks of St.
Joseph's Hospital, where he lived for some time
previous to liis death. At the age of ninety he
was very much shrunken with age and his old
eyes had become dim. I'.ut he made his way
about without difficulty and was the object of
much kindly regard as he jjlodded slowly alxiut.
leaning on the cane over which he bent. In the
course of his reminiscent talk on the occasion
referred to he spoke of the battle of Kaposia.
With his increasing years his English had gone
from him and he spoke in French or English in
a most confusing way. He promised to bring,
when he next came out for a walk, some notes
he had written concerning the liattle. When he
next came he brought a most interesting scrap-
book, from which I take the following written
by the good old man :
"During the spring of 1842, while standing at
the foot of the hill, near the log church of Men-
dota, I saw several Sioux warriors carrying their
guns and running as fast as possible. 'Toki da?'
(Whither goest thou?) said I to one of them,
who was not only rumiing fast Init jmnping
about like a deer. 'Raraton Dakota ktepi' ( the
Chippewas are killing the Sioux), was his repl),
and he did not stop.
"A little later I was told that the Chippewa
warriors had come in great number near little
Crow's village and had killed several Sioux and
that the fight was not yet over. I learned also
that all the Indians of the village were in danger
of being massacred because almost all the men
were intoxicated or under the influence of liquor.
Some messengers, however, had been sent to
Black Dog village and to other places farther
up along the St. Peter (now called the Minnesota
river) to let them know the sad state of affairs
at Kaposia. Such news electrified the Sioux
and they ran immediately to the place of slaugh-
ter, to repulse the common enemy or to die with
their friends and relatives.
"They were indeed aroused by a noble senti-
ment which God has implanted in the heart of
man towards his people and which will never lie
extinguished, except perhaps in the heart of the
brute wlio says. 'There is no Cod.'
"The situation of the poor Indians at Kaposia
saddened me nnich and brought into my mind
my sacerdotal ol)ligations. * * * I had no
horse, but 1 could then walk seven or eight miles
without anv difficulty. 1 took information about
the road to Kaposia and started. I went on one
mile when 1 saw before me two roads, and I took
the wrong one. I came down the hill and pro-
ceeded along the Mississippi towards St. Paul,
until, perceiving my mistake, I returned to the
place of the two roads and this time went right.
"The sun was setting when I reached Little
Crow's village, where 1 heard great lamatations
and mourning. Many beloved ones had been
killed, some others were wounded and in danger
of death. Parents, relatives and friends wept
bitterlv and made the air resound with these
worils : 'Mv son is dead.' 'My brother is dead.'
etc., and repeated the same again and again.
Their hearts bleeding with grief and sorrow
made them cry in the most lamentable and piti-
able manner, and they refused to be comforted
because many beloved ones were no more.
Kaposia was then like Rama after the massacre
of the children ordered 1)}' Herod and executed
1iy his cruel soldiers. 'A voice in Rama wa^
hearil, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel
bewailing her children and woulil not be com-
forted because they were not.' Math., 11. 18.
And Jeremiah, xxxi, 15: '.A voice was heard on
high of lamentation, of mourning and weeping,
of Rachel weeping for her children and refusing
to lie comforte<I because they are not."
"I \-isited the wounded, but as 1 eould not ex-
])lain well in their language the jirincipal doc-
trines of our holy faith, 1 had to procure an
interpreter. 1 crossed in a canoe to the ojiposite
side of the Mississijipi. where I got my interpreter,
a half-breed Sioux, and went back to Kaposia
with him. We visited the wounded and in-
structed them in our holy faith ;md bajitized two
of them. At half-past ten o'clock my interpreter
wished to go home, and invited me to leave the
village with him, telling nie it was dangerous
for me to ])ass the night there. 1 reftised to
comply with his request, fearing' that some of the
wounded might die during the night, and I de-
sired to be present in order to help them make
a good prejiaration for death, lie went home
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
37
and 1 s])L-nt tlie nit;ht in tin.' villaL;c. where lamen-
tation and mourning had no end.
"In the morning hefore 1 left Kaposia I saw
a few Indians mutilating the tody of a Chijjpewa
warrior. The scene inspired me with horror
and I went to another place. That same day,
across the river at Pig's Eye, I saw the body of
an Indian woman who had been killed in the
garden of 1'". Gammelle, her husband. A small
piece of her scalp had been cut off and carried
away by the Chippewas.
"Little Crow, the chief of the village, lost three
sons and a fourth was in danger of death. He
became enraged at the few families that lived at
Pig's Eye almost opposite Kaposia. He com-
plained that they had given no information of
the arrival of the Chippewa warriors, though thev
could have done it and prevented the disaster he
had suft'ered. It was. no doubt, an error, but
exasperated by his misfortune, and being under
such an impression, he gave orders to destroy
all these families the following day, in the morn-
ing, so I was told. Whether it was a fact or a
rumor, all these families, except a half-breed
family, fled away and came to the Mississippi
Island (now crossed by the Wabasha street
bridge) to save their lives. The few familie?
then living at St. Paul also took refuge in the
same island. During the night Isaac Labissoniere
went to Fort Snelling to ask prompt assistance
to prevent the massacre of some fifteen families
encamped on the island. Troops were sent down
the river without delay in a barge. Order and
confidence were re-established.''
THREAIEXED I!V THE .SIOUX.
With vision dimmed by the mists of time the
good father touched thus lightlv on the time of
horror spent by the refugees on the island.
There was also the spirit of self-abnegation ui
his- reference to the affair. Little Crow, who was
l)y no means a mild-mannered savage, and who
harbored re.'^entment against the whites alwavs,
actually did contemplate wiping out the whites in
the settlement and then fleeing to the west. In
the violence of his rage he oven proclaimed aloud
iliat he would exterminate the settlers when he
ha<l finished with liis mourning. It mav be that
the very publicity he gave to his sentiments and
intentions belied the real purpose of the man, for
it was not Indian-like for him to announce his
intention of shedding blood. If he had acted the
Indian he would have killed the whites first and
boasted of it afterwards. In any event the same
half-breed who did the inteqireting for Father
Ravou.x notified the whites of their impending
dooiu. The .settlers gathered at the island with
a view to making their way to the fort. This
was found impracticable and Isaac Labissoniere
volunteered to go up the river to Snelling. Dur-
ing the wdiole of that second night after the battle
Father Ravoux labored with his people. He was
ever a gentle man and had a hiirror of warfare
and blootlshed, but that night he was by turns
the hero, urging the men to make ready to repei
the Sioux if an attack was made, and the priest
solacing the women and children. The men were
all armed and would have given a good account
of themselves, but the woiuen and children were
numerous and their presence added to the dis-
tress of the little band. F'ather Ravoux made
all ready for death 1)\' his ministrations and then,
with intelligence that marked him a leader man,
directed the preparation for fighting for life.
The arrival of the soldiers in the morning put
an end to the fears of the people and Little Crow
was pacified, partly by a show of force and a
stern front made by ]\Iajor Dearborn and eft'ec-
tually by the kindness of the whites in making
provision for the burial of the dead and arrang-
ing for the comfort of the living diuMUg the stress
of their mourning — and it is not to be doubted
that the judicious gift of firewater had much to
do with averting the wrath of Little Crow and
his band. CJn the fourth day after the battle the
people of St. Paul and Pig's Eye resumed the
even teudr of their lives — which at that time were
devoted to waiting for something to turn up.
The battle of Kaposia is epochal in that it
marks the close of the romance period of St.
Paul's history. Xot that the Indian with his
blanket and his thirst was by any means elimi-
nated thereafter, but from the fact that he became
rather an incident in the scenery than a positive
factor in the commercial life of the times, as he
38
PAST AM) 1 'RESENT OF ST. TAUL.
hail been. He remained something of a menace
to the comnninity for some years — not by reason
of his disposition for blood-letting, but Ijecause
of the thirst of him and the vicious qualities he
manifested under the influence of liquor. Xever-
theless the condition of the Indian improved as
the white ])opulation increased. In the years
immediately following the establishment of a
trading post at Mendota and the general open-
ing up of the country to barter the state of the
Indian was so deplorable as to evoke the utmost
pity from the early missionaries. His vices pan-
dered to in the interest of trade, he was threat-
ened with extinction as the result of his indul-
canie in contact west of the river and out to the
gences. All of the Sioux with whom the traders
])lains country were maddened with a thirst for
the unh(_>ly beverages dispensed b\- the traders.
The strange waters of the wdiite man were de-
stroying the native intelligence of the aborigines
and the most horrid crimes were connnitted by
the unhappy wretches in their elTorts to satisfy
the appetites the white men had created. They
l)ecanie utterly impoverished, selling the skins
upon which they had been used to depend for
clothing, and even depriving themselves of the
means to carrying on their hunting and trajiping.
The country was fairly rich in the fur-bearing
animals that constituted the wealth of the iJeople,
and until the Indian had slain the last member
of the beaver family he was in a frenzv for
liquor. The impoverishment of the countrv in
this natural source of wealth was the eventual
means of redeeming the Sioux. When thev had
no more jjcltries they got no more liquor. The
generation that bad developed the thirst fur whis-
key died of its vices and the children were com-
pelled to seek new hunting grounds and go with-
out the firewater tliat had bei'n the umlning nt
their fathers. The dreadful state to which these
pe(j])le had been reduced bv a single generation
of contact with the white traders is demonstrated
in the indubitable fact that nearly every individual
in the village of Kaposia was drunk the night
before the bailie with the ('hip]iewas. It is proli-
able that there were lietween two and three Inm-
<lred adult Indians in Little Crow's village and
the e.xtent of the debauch is ratlier to be imagined
than described. But from the day of Kaposia a
change, gradual but certain, took i)lace in the
state of the Indian. He fell otit in drunkenness
and his resources failed in just the same propor-
tion. Years afterwards, even after St. Paul had
so far evolved from the state of nature as to
have streets, drunken Indians prowled those
streets. The traders of the town had larger and
more varied stocks than the earlier Indian traders
and the Indians came from great distances to
reach the metropolis and get access to the gaudy
gear of the traders. And the Indians got quite
as fair a deal here as elsewhere. A pile of skins
that would reach to the height of a gun liought
the gun and carried just as good a title to the
weapon as in earlier days. And the successors
of Pig's Eye Parrant were quite as willing to
dicker with the red man and gave him red liquor
in exchange for his peltries, or cash, as was the
father of their trade in these parts.
The Indians had even more license here than
with the district Indian traders. It had been the
custom of the traders from time immemorial to
give the Indians tokens when cash was lacking.
These tokens had a specific value and could be
traded for goods. Later when the Indians were
paid in silver by the traders at St. Paul the money
was accepted as the tokens had been. Silver
luoney was insisted du, but so little did the red
skins understand the meaning of it that they
adopted a colloquialism that is still current with
the Sioux: "I am going to sell some money."
The unit of value was probably the dime, and liv
reason of his deficiency iu' education the Indian
was wimt to jirotect himself against fraud b\'
buying on the basis of the unit of value. If lie
wanted a dollar's worth of sugar he would buy
ten cents' worth ten times. Dealing with such
custiimers the early merchants were perhaps
justiiit-d in taking a long profit, which the\- as-
suredly did, but a|)p;irently without laving up
nnicli gear to themselves, for it is not ap])arent
tliat the first .shopkeepers acquired riches to any
great extent.
.\fter the affair at Kaposia the Tnrlians offered
no menace to the settlement as a whf)le. Occa-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
39
sionall\ dninken Sioux would make a demonstra-
tion. \ etal Guerin, a man of peace, was marked
as the object of many (if these drunken outbreaks.
He was wont to tell in later years of liair-
breadth escapes he had at the hands of some
of the red gentry, gently stimulated to the fight-
ing pitch by imbibing the whiskey of Pig's Eye.
Benjamin CJervais lived rather nearer to Parrant's
resort than Cjuerin. but he was not moksted so
often. On one occasion (nierin was standing in
his door when a bullet whizzed past his head and
embedded itself in the door. Again, as he came
out of his house one morning to protest to a
bunch of Indians who had been howling in his
backyant all night, an arrow was shot at him
and stuck in the door post. It may have been
the non-combativeness of Guerin that prompted
the Indians, or it may have been the vindictive
disposition of I 'arrant that was at the bottom of
the trouble, but Guerin was made the particular
mark of Indian hostility. At least once the In-
dians deliberately attempted to wipe out the
tiuerin family. A dozen Siou.x had been on a
spree at Parrant's. The drunken orgie was pro-
tracted to the extent of the capacity of the Indian.s
to buy whiskey, and when they were at the end
of their resources they hit upon the happy idea of
robbing and killing Guerin. The Frenchman was
supposed to have money concealed. Pig's Eye
retained this impression because Guerin had come
amongst the people as a sort of capitalist, the as-
signee of a mortgage.
Guerin was in his garden when the attack was
made on his house. He raced with the Indians
to the door, escaped a flight of arrows, wildly shot
by the crazy reds. Mrs. Guerin had' a voung
baby at the time, but she helped to barricade the
door, then hid under the bed. But Guerin in
making fast the door forgot the window. The
Indians, having fired a volley at the house, at-
tempted to rush the fortress and. finding this
impossible, and one, being altogether indifferent
to the valor of Vetal, proceeded to climb in bv
way of the window. Brandishing an ax. Guerin
was making ready to si>lit the skuU of the in-
truder so soon as he should succeed in forcing
himself through the tiny aperture which af-
forded light to the interior of the Guerin man-
sion, when there came a cessation of the yelling
without and the Indian stuck in the window was
dragged back into the open by the heels. Hawk's
liill. a minor chief and a man of influence, had
heard the row and, suspecting the object of his
drunken fellows, had hurried to the scene of hos-
tilities and made a diversion in Guerin's favor.
The Indians were not too drunk to listen to a
speech from one of their own chiefs, however
deaf they might have been to the reasoning of
Guerin, They sat down by the window for a
smoke and a council and Mrs, Guerin with her
baby escaped through the door unseen and ran
to Gervais' house. Before the council was over
Gervais had brought together the men of the set-
tlement and what with such show of force as
they could make, conil)ined with the eloquence of
Hawk's Bill, the siege of the Guerin house was
presently raised.
The first pig in St. Paul died in an immature
state as to age, weight and condition at the hands
of these same Indians, Guerin had imported the
pig at great expense from the fort and indulged
in many pleasurable dreams of the coming winter,
when the pig would grace the pea soup pot and
enrich its contents. One morning the pig took
a little walk down toward Parrant's and was
found by its distracted owner later, so stuck full
of arrows that the surgerv of Guerin was quite
unequal to the task of extracting enough arrow
heads to leave any meat whatever. Guerin's cow-
met a like fate, and there being nothing left in
the way of live stock on the Guerin place but his
dog, the Sioux killed the dog and made a feast
under the very nose of the owner of the canine.
These petty persecutions, supplemented by a
line of thievery that was as annoying as it was
trifling, bore evidence of the presence of the
Indian for years. The EngHsh-speaking popula-
tion suffered rather less than the French, for the
latter were easy going. The Sioux had little fear
of lethal weapons, but they did not understand
and could make no reprisals when Clewett gave
a beating to two of them whom he caught carry-
ing off the washing Rose Pcrrv had lumc: on
40
PAST AXl) I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
the line ; and Henry Jackson had a habit of taking
a tliievish redskin by the scrutT of the neck and
kickint; him to the edge of the bUitif and there
kee])ing up the kicking; process until the Indian
begged for mercy or jumped off. This was the
most etfective method of curbing the vicious pro-
pen.sities of the Indians and they grew to respect
the whites in proportion as they were punched
or kicked. They were eventually thumped into
a state of comparative decency.
During the summer of 1842 the addition to
the population to St. Paul went no farther than to
embrace Stanislaus Belateski. a Pole, and the
families of Jackson and Mortimer. Denis Cher-
rier also moved over from the west side. There
were undoubtedly some transient pioneers — some
of the birds of passage, who. seeking new homes,
found nothing to suit them and kept pressing
ever to the west until stopped by the Indians or
the Pacific. Of those who reached the Pacific
and raised families during their progress thither
uiicnuntcil numbers took the liack trail and their
children are still looking for a location.
St. Paul in 1842 had nothing to commend it
to the speculative eye of the vagrant pioneer and
it re(|uired courage and confidence in man 01
woman to induce one to make an attempt at a
home here. Jackson had ciinvictions, or it may
In- that he wanted company, for he had no sooner
gijt himself established before he opened com-
munications with the people he had known at
Galena and in tlie east, with a view to inducing
them to cr)me to the head of navigation and giv
themselves a chance to expand. He was reall)
the first emigration agent the place had and his
work was effective, as will presently be shown.
.Some of the houses in the settlement had beeri
enlarged and improve<l b\ tlu- addition of ])cr-
manent roofing, but .Sergeant Alortimer's resi-
dence continued to hold a distinguished place as
boasting a shingle roof.
Several boats came up the river during the
season and there were rather more goods for sale
here than there was demand for. Tiie stock laiii
ill by Mortimer was the undoing of that good
man and his death was precipitated by his losses.
CH.M'TRR I\".
IX Wimil IT -MAY I!E SEEN THAT TIIE Sl'IKIT OF
THE TIMES IS CHANGING .\ND THE ATTRAC-
TIONS OF ST. PAl'L ARE MADE MANIFEST TO
SUNDRY WHITES THE SETTLEMENT TAKES
FORM AM) ORGANIZ.NTION IMPENDS.
1843-184;.
If scenery had been the marketable commodity
in 1843 that it is today .St Paul must needs have
been a valuable asset for the original town site
owners. N'enturesome and literary travelers by
the river steamers were in the habit of going
back to civilization and indulging in rhapsodies
about the loveliness of this spot. It is true that
most of them refrained from landing at Pig's
Eye and looking over the blutls into the settle-
ment. They were rather in the habit of going
up to the fort, crossing to Mendota and coming
down the river to the heights above the high
bridge and there indulging in their ecstasies.
Even in steaming u]) the river they were im-
pressed by the grandeur of the white bluffs with
their fringe of green at the crown. rienr\- Jack-
son, who really seems to have had a proper re-
gard for the place, was in the habit of cross-
ing the river and looking over and arlmiring the
beauties of St. I'aul. From the opposite bluffs
there was no evidence of settlement on the east
bank of the river. In the winter Parrant's shanty
down on the levee might be made out, a black
blotch on the snow. Jackson's own house might
r\en be seen, for it A\as ])erched on llic liench
of tile l)lufF and was c<inspicuous enough when
not hidden l)y the thick foliage. P.elieving that
it paid to advertise Jackson cut down the trees
about his place with what speed he could, to
the end that his store might be visible to peo-
|)le on the steamboats coming up the river. He
had an assistant in the person of one who lives
in historv as "Old Phelon," a Frenchman who
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
41
came down out of the wilderness and \vi)rke<l for
Jackson for a time, then, oppressed by the tram-
mels of civiHzation that was embodied in a couple
of scores of whites, betook himself a,£^ain to the
wilderness, "( )ld Plielon" was the dean of the
bartenders in this region — for it is not recored
that Parrant's establishment ever attained to the
dignity of a bartender. Incidentally he did what
other work Jackson indicated, so that it was not
too arduous, lletween them Jackson and Phclan
built a stage at the landing, a floating invitation
to the passerby to step ashore and refresh him-
self. This landing, which later expanded into
the levee, was the cause of many a traveler stop-
ping to investigate but it is not recorded that any
of the transient trade thus obtained resulted in
permanent good to the town.
The settlement was slow for a man as ambi-
tiiius as Jackson and in February, 1843, 'ic start-
ed off down the river with a dog train, intent
on exploiting the good thing he had located
at the head of navigation and seeking for re-
cruits for the settlement. The distance from St.
Paul to Prairie du Chien, whither Jackson was
bound, was something like three hundred miles
and there were but two or three habitations be-
tween St, Paul and that place. But Jackson's
courage was not to be tried by such a trivial as
a trip with an Indian for company and a train
of dogs for packing. The country was utterlx'
wild but here was little danger from the Indians
unless a traveler ha]ipenefl to have excess of
whiskey — and Jackson took none with him. He
was wise in his generation. At Prairie du
Chien he met John R. Irvine, whom he had
known before. The two had journeyed west from
Buffalo, New York, to Green I'.ay together. Ir-
vine was in the grocery business at Prairie du
Chien but he was not making his fortune so fast
that he was deaf to the blandishments of Jackson
The latter, a born boomer, told him what he had
disccn-ered at the head of navigation and cheer-
fully offered to let Irvine participate in his pros-
perity. Kow as it is very certain that Jackson
was fully equal to the task of selling all the
provender, liquor and clothing that St. Paul
could by any possibility buy, it must be undei'-
stood that his work as an aiiigration agent must
have been due to a spirit of civic pride. He
was so insistent on the bringing of Irvine up the
river that the latter permitted himself to be pre-
vailed upon and that every winter he piled a
load of goods on a sleigh and came up to St.
Paul.
Jrjhn R. Irvine liked the place. lie must have
been led by instinct for it had little to commend
it to his business sense when he arrived at the
close of the winter. He was convinced that there
must sometime be a town at the head of naviga-
tion and he staked his all on the event. He
was the first luan to arrive in St. Paul with
a set plan that he had strength of mind enough
to adhere to. Jackson was enterprising but he
lacked the staying qualities of Irvine and the
latter may well be regarded as the first man
to arrive in St. Paul who, by his capacity and
business judgment, contributed in a large way
to the advancement of the interests of the city.
From within a week of his arrival to the day of
his death he was one of the largest property
holders in St. Paul, and he was by no means in-
clined to wait for somebody else to improve the
value of his holdings. Of the other earlier Eng-
lish-speaking settlers few left any impression on
the city — Phelan left nothing but his name. The
French were easy going and of bucolic dispo-
sition. They were not for the strenuous life ac-
cording to the moderns.
Irvine made no ado about making up his mind
that the place suited him. Joseph Rondo was
living on that portion of the Phelan claim that
was left after disposing of a tract to Mortimer.
Irvine made him an oii'er of $300 for the place
and got it. The lines were very indefinitelv
fixed l)ut the claim ran from the bench of the
river in a strip out to near Como avenue. Air.
Irvine thought the tract contained about three
hundred acres, from which it would ap])ear that
the earlier settlers did not limit themselves much
in the dimensions of their claims. Rondo had
built about the present intersection of Third and
h'ranklin streets and Irvine took possession of
this house and lived in it for some years. The
land involved in the sale had no particular value
for farming purposes for there was a morass
skirting the base of the hill from Seven Corners
AST AXD l'RI-:SK.\'r (,)F ST. PAUL.
and strctcliinsj between Snnimit avenue and
Tliird street, rievoiid, where I'niversity avenue
now is, there was another swani]) thai ran over
nearly or quite to Conio avenue. Tlie groimd
was so lig^htly regarded that wlieii, some years
afterwards, the Hnes were run and it was tound
that Josejih Rondo's new claim — which lie took
immediately after selling to Irvine, extended
well into that which Irvine claimed, there was
no contention about the ownership and the matter
was easily adjusted. It is in fact evidenced by
the total of the claims estimated by the early set-
tlers that they claimed many more acres than
could be crowded into the area involved today,
but they were all happy enough in their ignor-
ance. But the irregularity of the claims and the
divisions made incident to the sale of some of
the land before the government survey, had a
most unhappy effect upon the city. The maze of
streets below Seven Corners, so puzzling to the
newcomer today, was brought aliout in an at-
tempt to adjust the old claims and their subdi-
visions to the asserted rights of the holders.
Nothing but the most complete personal inde-
pendence could have resulted in such a marvel as
is presented by a map of that portion of the
city lying between Seven Corners and \\'abasha
street. Except in a community growing out of a
settlement essentially and excitably Gallic it would
not be possible to find such a mess. And it
staggers a stranger to this day when he is told
in perfect good faith that he is standing at the
Corner of Seventh and Third streets.
Municipal topography had nothing to do with
the calculations of John Irvitie in 1843. He hur-
ried back to I'rairic du Chien before the s]iring
break up and loaded all his goods into a lioat.
He appears to have had the first thorough e(|uip-
ment for a store of tliat da\- and more of the
necessities for furnishing a home than liad been
seen in St. Paul before. lie arrived with his
boat load in June. With liiin came A. I'.. Coy,
his partner. Coy would have none of St, Paul
and left immediately, .\nollier partner in the
Prairie du Chien business who continued to co-
operate with Irvine was Christo[)her C. I'iancli-
ard. He, too, became disheartened in the course
of a couple of months and returned down the
river. He was remembered because he lirought
with him on coming to St. Paul his wife's sister,
Mrs. Matilda Rumsey, who taught the first school
in St. Paul.
.After Irvine, the deluge. There came in that
summer J. \\'. Simpson, Alexander Mege, Wil-
liam Hartshorn and others more or less obscure.
Mege, a Frenchman, became Irvine's partner
after Coy left but the arrangement was not per-
manent. He afterwards had a little store on
the Mortimer claim but had no success. If he
was not fortunate in his business ventures he
prospered in another sense for he so won upon
the good graces of the Widow Rumsey that he
married her and took her off to Iowa in 1847,
leaving St. Paul minus a school teacher. Simp-
son made a lasting impression on the community.
Porn a Virginian, he had a vocation for the reli-
gious life and was probably connected with the
mission of Red Rock. He came to St. Paul and
bought an acre of ground from Benjamin Ger-
vais — who early seems to have had the right idea
of cutting up his land into small tracts and
selling it, but who failed to hold on to any con-
siderable portion of it imtil the boom came. Simp-
son put up a cabin just east of the present loca-
tion of the citv hall and was regarded as the
second storekeeper in the lower village — for at
that time there was a marked distinction between
upper and lower towns. The conditions were
becoming distasteful to some of the older set-
tlers for neighbors were crowding each other.
The cabins were but a few hundred yards apart
below Wabasha street. Simpson later bought a
piece of property below Jackson street, running
north from the .Merchants Hotel and lived on it
I'or manv years. He madt' sonic figm"e in the
town, was county treasurer and died in 1870.
Hartshorn, born in Massachusetts, had been in
business in a large wa\ in the east but had t'ailed
and came west to recoup his fortunes, Jackson
brought him to .St. Paul to sell him some fin"s ;
then took him into ]iartnersliip. lie liad pre-
viouslv established a business in .'■^t. Louis lint
this he gave up to locate in St. r.aul, with an eye
to the fur D'ade. Mr. Ilarlhorn and Jackson
established an imdisputed claim to the distinction
of having their names on the first deed contained
in the Ramsey countv records, which instrument
shows that on .April 23, 1844, J.-ickson deeded
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
43
to Hartshorn one-half interest in the three acres
Jackson had of Ben. Gervais. The considera-
tion was $i,ooo — showing a fair profit for Jack-
son for those days. A thousand dollars would
buy several two front feet of the same property
today. Hartshorn had a broad grasp of the possi-
liilities of trade and he found that he could not
expand with Jackson as a partner. The partner-
ship was dissolved in 1845, ^"d Hartshorn estab-
lished himself in a store on the Mortimer claim
and extended his business into the surrounding
country. He had for employes many of the set-
tlers of that day who afterwards attained prom-
inence in the community and for his chief assist-
ant he had Auguste L. Larpenteur.
.SOMIi: NDTAllI.I-: Nl-'.W (.OMKRS.
^Ir. Larpenteur is the sole living link between
St. Paul of 1843 and that of today. At the
age of eighty-three it is given this venerable man
— whose activity divests the word "venerable" of
its suggestion of antiquity when applied to him —
to see the total sum of the possibilies of human
endeavor carried to fruition within the brief space
of one man's life. He saw and had a part in the
redemption of the wilderness. His keen old eyes
look today on palaces that stand where all was
morass in his youth. He has seen the jiopula-
tion of St. Paul grow from a scant two score
to 200.000. It would be a most astonishing thing
if there could be reproduced a moving picture
showing the processes of development such as
he has witnessed in St. Paul. Mr. Larpenteur
arrived here from St. Louis in .September, 1843.
He has lived here continuously ever since.
A son of that Colin Campbell whose name was
known in every Indian village from the head
of Lake Superior to the Columbia river, in the
first years of the last century, was Scott Camp-
bell, who came to St. Paul in 1843 and became
a part of its history by becoming a land owner
holding from Benjamin Gervais a small tract be-
tween St. Peter and Wabasha streets. Colin
Campbell, the scion of a great Scottish house,
was the son of one of those Ftighlanders who
came out of the northwest after the failure of
the last futile attempt to place the .Stuart on the
throne of the house of Hanover. Colin spent all
his life among the Indians and was a personage
of great influence. His son, Scott, who had prob-
ably some Indian blood, had little of his father's
capacity. He was for twenty-five years inter-
jjreter at Fort Srielling. He was married to a
liaif-blood woman and the noble strain that had
iiiade old Colin ran out completely in his grand-
sons. The Indian was strong in them. Baptiste
Campbell was so deeply embroiled as a partici-
pant in the Sioux massacre of 1862 that he was
hanged with the Indians at Mankato. His brother
Hippolyte was concerned in the same affair
and saved himself by tieeing to Manitoba. A
third son died insane. The fourth, Joseph, was
a partisan of the whites and is credited with
having been instrumental in saving many lives.
John L. Campbell, the last of the five sons of
Scott Campbell, was a turbulent and fierce char-
acter. His fighting qualities won him no honors
in the war of the rebellion and he deserted while
on furlough in St. Paul and turned renegade.
He was a leading spirit in a band of Sioux out-
laws and was hanged out of hand by a vigilance
committee after having taken a ])art in the mur-
der of the Jewett family near Mankato. Scott
Campbell preceded his ill-starred sons to the
grave, dying in St. Paul in 1850.
Alexander R. McLeod was another descendant
of a refugee from the Highlands. His father
was a man of distinction, the McLeod river in
the far Canadian northwest and Fort ]\IcLeod,
on Peace river : having been named in his honor.
.\lexander McLeod's whole life before coming to
.St. Paul had lieen passed beyond the confines of
civilization. He had never seen a town until
he came to Mendota, which was late in the '30s
— and there was not much in that settlement
to cause him astonishment. But the blood of the
Highlanders was hot in him. He was given to
telling of the antiquity of his line and deriding
the claims of the sons of Noah to be regarded
as fairly well established in the antiquity of their
house. "The McLeods had a boat o' their ain,"
McLeod would say. With the native intelligence
of a Scot grafted on to the cunning of an Indian
— his mother was probably of mi.xed blood — he
44
I'Asr AM) i'Ki':si':.\'
( )i
I'AUL
was, as befitted his _s;eneration. a smart trailer
but rather more at home in the wilderness than
in a settlement. Williams says he was remark-
able t\)r his endurance, mentionint^ one occasion
when he walked from St. C'roi.x Falls, sixty miles,
one day and then danced all nisjht at a I'Vench
ball. He bousjht a piece of land of IJenjamin
Gervais and built a log house, which formed the
micleus of the Central House, a famous hostelry.
Here his claim to a place in St. Paul's history
stops. He joined the Si.xth ^Minnesota and died
in the south.
Louis La Riviere, of Larrivier, as some of the
records have it, in 1843 took a claim north of
that held Ijy \'etal (iuerin and which includes
the property on which the old capitol was liuilt.
He held it but a short time and lived to so little
purpose that he died in the almshouse in 1873.
blind and indifferent to the fact that the property
he sold to Charles Bazille was even then wortli
a princely fortime. In that same year came .\n-
toine Pepin, Joseph Gobin and Alexis Cloutier,
all from the Red River country. Pepin was prob-
ably the first l)lacksmith in St. Paul but none
of the three made any impression on the life of
the community. Joseph Desmaris came out of
the Indian country this year, bought a piece of
ground on Third street embracing the present
site of the Merchants Hotel, and remained long
enough to establish hitnself as one of the original
holders of the town plat. His name figures in
the real-estate records but Desmarais had no taste
for the life of a white man. He was a mixed
blood and returned to the wigwams of his moth-
er's people about the time St. Paul commenced
to wake up — when another year would have
made hint rich. David Thomas Sloan's name is
preserved to futurity by reason of the fact that
he lived in St. Paul in 1843 'i''"' became ac-
quainted with the Chippewa cliicf, Hole-in-the-
Day, whose sister he married. The first butcher
shop was opened by one Gerou in that same
year — and not the least im])ortant event of 1S43
was the ac(|uisition by Norman W. Kittson of
Janus R. Clewett's claim, and wliich was later
made a part of the town site as Kittson's addition.
Louis Robert, who bore always the title of cap-
tain, and Charles Bazille IkjIIi arrived in the fall
of 1843. but did not become ])ermanent residents
of the settlement imlil the following year. Robert
brought a stock of goods u[) from I'rairie du
Chien. purely as a speculative venture, and
RolxTt came u]) with liim. lUith were of Cana-
dian l-'rench extraction, lint Robert was born in
Missouri while Fiazille came from XicoUet, Que-
bec. The possibilities of the place so im])ressed
the two friends that they returned in the follow-
ing spring and took up a residence in St. Paul.
Robert, who was thirty-two years old when
he first saw St. Paul, had hail an adventurous ca-
reer. He had been a fur trader on the up])er Mis
souri. had gained a clear insight into Indian char-
acter and came to have a keen eye for a man of
any color. Robert had means when he arrived, lla-
zille was a carpenter. Between them they ac-
(|uired title to what is now the most valuable
property in .St. Paul.
Benjamin (Nervals, who had been doing fairly
well in selling ]5ortions of his claim, was getting
uneasy. Prices were getting too high for prop-
erty and he was afraid the boom would burst.
So he accepted an offer from Robert of $300 for
the balance of his holdings, which might be
worth from six to ten millions tnday. and betook
hitnself in peace to the beautifid shores of a
lake eight miles to the north on which he
bestowed his name and the land about which he
and his sons squatted upon. There they estblished
the town of Little Canada and were not thereafter
distracted by the turbulent strenuousness of Yan-
kees who had gone mad in striving for money.
Robert was a fine sample of the empire builder
of his day. He was a good business man. he
liked ])olitics — an he generally won in his politi-
cal fights — and he was aggressive. Fi>r thirty
years he made a figure in the community, as
will be seen during the progress of this history.
He was one of the original town site owners
and left a considerable estate at his death — and
was perhaps the only one of the original town
site owners wdio left a fortune.
Bazille. who came in with Robert, was a car-
penter and a man of resources, though he was
rather too o])en-handed to la\- hold of mucli in
the wa\- of foitmie. He buill tlu' first frame
house in St. Paul, on the levee, and gave to the
PAST AXD PRF.SEXT OF ST. PAUL.
45
state the ground upon which the oUl capitol was
built, liaving acquired La Riviere's claim. He
also was one of the owners of the town site of
St. Paul, when the plat was filed in 1847.
\\'hile both Robert and Bazille came to St.
I'aul in 1843 "i"'! 'ire considered in connection
with the development for that year neither be-
came a resident until the following spring. They
both returned to Prairie du Chien in the fall of
1843 and came back to remain in the spring
of the next year.
A\'hile there was no evidence of a boom that
might make a town of St. Paul in 1844 't is not
to be doubted that the coming of Robert, supple-
menting the personality of Jackson, had a large
influence on the development of the community.
Bazille was also a factor, though his mission la)-
more along the line of specific work as a city
buikler than did that of Robert, who was es-
sentially a boomer as we know the species.
Judged by their works Jackson and Robert were
plangers. Capt. Robert was a man who was
naturally inclined to deal with big affairs.
Alonev meant nothing to him in figures. In that
da}' and age men looked for immediate results.
They were very close to the primitive conditions.
Mankind was in the raw and the empire builders
worked with the material in hand. If Robert
had had comjinnctions about his methods there
might never have been a city here. If Henry M.
Stanley hail been si|ueamish Africa might still be
the Dark Continent. Anecdote cites many in-
stances of the methods of the original settlers
in dealing with the Indians that would not make
grateful reading for the descendants of the men
who made St. Paul and we are still too near
to the date of the events to permit of their
being set forth. Xot that Henry Jackson and
Louis Robert had a lower standard of morality
than that which governs today : as a matter of
fact they were on a higher moral plane than
their successors ; but they had to work with crud-
er materials than come to the hand of their suc-
cessors in these days.
For instance there is a story told of Capt.
Robert, belonging to a later period, which illus-
trates the mental attitude of the man:
In the early days men played poker — not the
poker of today or yestertla\-, but a game that
involved something. Capt. Robert got into a
game that promised to be a tritle at the start. In
the game were several men from down the river.
It was not altogether a gentleman's game but
Robert had gotten into it and he stood for St.
I'aul. He knew that he was not set down for a
winner but there he w^as and he proposed to go
through with it. He had twenty-five hundred
dollars in .gold with him when the game started
and when he saw the approach of the finish he
asked William Pitt Murray to go to his house
and get him twenty-five hundred more. Three
times he asked Air. Murray to go on the same
errand and the lawyer had some compunctions
the last time he went to the house and told Airs.
Robert. "Don't you worry about Louis," said
Airs. Robert, (who was a Aliss Alary Turpin),
"the captain knows what he is doing." History
does not recite the object of Robert in that poker
game but it is to be doubted that Louis Robert
was losing his money to those down river sports
without a particular object. It is distinctly prob-
able that they went away with title deeds to
St. Paul property that gave them a living inter-
est in the tow'n. In those days the newspapers
were not the only mediums for advertising.
THE FtXISH OF PARRAXT.
Captain Robert made an end of the amiable
Parrant. He was not moved by sentimental rea-
sons at all. "Pig's Eye" had a piece of property
on the water front that would be valuable in
case there ever was a town on the site of St.
Paul. Cajn. Robert sa wthis. He saw that the
property he had bought from Gervais would
be much luore valuable if it was fortified by an
approach from the landing. Parrant did not have
nuich of a claim. His hoUling's are not described
in any of the records but it is plain enough
that he held the property that later became the
Inwcr levee, except the small portion that might
have been included in the original sale from
Gervais to Jackson. Parrant had no stake in
the town. Py this time he had several competi-
tors— for nearly all the early storekeepers sold
whiskev. Even the Indians had come to avoid
4^'
I 'AST A.Xn PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
Parrant and the times were going bcyoiul him.
He could not compete with the men who brought
in other than whiskey stocks. So that it was
easy enough for Capt. Robert to make a deal
with the whiskey trader for his bit of ground.
All locations on the river looked alike to Par-
rant and there really was a more promising set-
tlement for him on the other side of the river.
at the ("irand Marais. How much Robert gave
him for his claim is not known but it sufficed
and Parrant moved down and across the river.
And this prefigures the finish of Parrant as
an element in the building of the city. He was
bv no means bound to the soil. He had moved
so often that it was plainly apparent that he had
no idea of establishing himself. But he was
mean at heart. When he moved over to the
location to which he gave the name of Pig's Eye
— and which still clings to the place — he was
not particular about the rights of his neighbors.
He picked out a piece of ground that later
came into the possession of the Mayall family.
.And there he sat himself down with a barrel of
whiskey and waited for customers. He boasted
about the size and value of his claim and it
came to the ears of Michel Le Claire that Par-
rant was claiming some ground to which he had
established a squatter's rights. He went to pro-
test about it.
"The ground is mine," said Le Claire." "Be-
tween me and the good God there is nothing but
the Indian tile."
To which Parrant replied that he recognized
no preceding title whatever and that he took from
the Creator. It became the custom for the inhab-
itants of the (irand Marais to gather at Parrant's
place and listen to arguments between the con-
tending owners. Neither of the contesting par-
ties had anv iflea that the land had any real
value — as a matter of fact it is still hay land —
but thev were disposed to have a row about it
without regard to values. In those days the only
distinction to which an individual might attain
must he brought by the means of litigation. .\n
appeal to the courts meant fanie in such measure
as a man might find it worth his while to strive
for. The only court in the country was that over
which Joseph R. P.rown presided as justice of the
peace, at Grey Cloud Island down the river.
Le Claire appealed to Justice Brown. The na-
ture of the suit is not recorded but it appears
to have been instituted by mutual agreement
which made the justice the referee.
The entire population of Grand Marais and a
fair representation from St. Paul and Mendota
wert' ])resent at the hearing. Parrant proved by
many witnesses that he was the original claim-
ant along the river and he was entitled to con-
sideration as the oldest inhabitant. His claim to
the land in litigation was not so well established.
On the other hand it was made to appear that Le
Claire had not been very scrupulous about stak-
ing the limits of his claim until Parrant ap-
peared. .\nd it was made very apparent to the
court that there was nothing involved but a
point of honor. Neither of the claimants be-
lieved that the land in litigation was of any
value. Justice Brown was something of a poli-
tician. He was not minded to make an enemy of
either of the Frenchmen for he had an idea of
running for office. And, Solomon-like, he arose
to the situation. Moreover he was notified in
open court that any decision that he might ar-
rive at would be unavailing.
"P)V gar," swore Parrant, "she will not come
upon my land."
"The ground eet is mine," said Le Claire. "I
will shoot his ozzer eye out if he come near."
Brown decided that there had been no real
settlement ; that what had gone before was not
to be regarded, but that whichever of the two
should, starting from the court room, first es-
tablish his claim and properly stake it out should
be entitled to hold it for his own. 1 'arrant went
through the window in his an.xiety to have a
good start in the race. Le Claire went out at
tile door. Parrant was vindictive and Le Claire
persistent. Neither of them had any other means
of hurrying back to his claim than that provided
li\ nature. Le Claire had all the advantage,
lie had not led the life that Parrant had. Pig's
b've had been drinking his own whiskey for years.
Le Claire was sound of wind and limb and he
beat Parrant by half the distance in the eight
miles that stood between Grey Cloud Island and
the Grand Marais. When Parrant arrived Le
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
47
Claire had his claim staked out and it embraced
all of the desirable land to which 1 'arrant laid
claim.
'Tt ees not tit for a white man tu live here,"
said Parrant, and that night he sold or gave
away the remains of his whiskey and his claim
and started for the head of Lake Superior. What
became of him no man knows. He took with
him enough whiskey to last several days and
the Indians long afterw-ards told that he died be-
fore he reached the lake, probably as a result
of his splenetic indulgence in the firewater which
was his sole provision for the journey.
PHEL.\jN'.S -MAXV CL.\IiIS.
The flitting of Parrant recalls and makes ap-
propriate the going forth of Phelan. It is true
that this did not transpire until some years later.
]]ut in 1844 he transferred his claim on the
creek to which lie attached the distinction of
bearing his name. There was, at that time a
considerable fall of water in Phelan creek and
it was the most desirable millsite within the pres-
ent limits of St. I^uil. There w'as a beautiful
little fall on a creek that ran down from about
the location of the old capitol and emptied into
the lake south of liaptist Hill but it probably
could not be utilized industrially. The disap-
pearance, the utter obliteration, of the stream and
the lake is a sharp reminder of how profound
has been the change in the physical appearance
of .St. Paul. William Dngas, the first millwright,
bought Phelan's claim on the creek near Hamm's
brewery. He ofifered $70 to Phelan to get out
and the offer was accepted. Dugas made a com-
])lete failure of his venture. He ])Ut in a mill for
the sawing of lumber but there was no demand
for boards in a settlement where logs were to
be had for the cutting. The flouring mill was
never completed and Dugas sold out in disgust
in 1846 to .A. R. AlcLeod. Coeval with the trans-
fer to Dugas came the change in the name of
Phelan's holding. The conveyance from the orig-
inal st[uatter to Dugas was made in the form
of an assignment of rights — there was not then
any title but by squatter sovercigntv to anv
property in St. Paul. J. W. Simpson appears
to have drawn the papers. ' He did not know
I'helan very well — which is not to be reckoned
to the discredit of Mr. Simpson. And he was
not familiar with the peculiarities of the brogue
that was the best thing about the ex-soldier.
Phelan pronounced his name "Faylin" and Simp-
son wrote it as he heard it. Long afterwards
wdien the transfer was filed in the old book of
records of St. Croix county the land was de-
scribed as "160 acres on Falin's Creek and Falls."
Later settlers accepted Phelan's pronunciation of
his name and so it came about that the name of
the lovely lake which is a source of St. Paul's
water supply, as w'ell as the creek wdiich flourished
in Phelan's day but is now a thoroughfare, came
to the present spelling. And this is not alto-
gether an undesirable result for there is very
little that can be said to the credit of Mr. Phelan,
That is not altogether a sound reason for deny-
ing to him that meed of perpetuity in remem-
brance that is the portion of discoverers. Very
much more reprehensible characters in history
impressed their titles upon much more prominent
places than Phelan's Creek. But, of there is any
credence to be placed in tradition, Phelan never
attained to that degree of eminence in the re-
gard of his fellow citizens wdiich might be indi-
cated by having a street named after him.
According to his contemporaries Phelan was
not even entitled to have an alley named after
him — if he had lived today and had made the
same record he would not even have been distin-
guished to the extent of having a cigar named
in his honor. Phelan had an excellent nose for
the location of a town site but that is as far as
he could be depended upon. Like Parrant, he
was much given to the drinking of whiskey,
though he does not appear to have been engaged
in the sale of it when that occupation pointed
the road to competency. He was quarrelsome
and vindictive. Fortunately for those who might
have been compelled to live as neighbor to him
he was inclined to be morose and retire from
association with man. He went as far as he
could get when he moved out to his creek. When
he sold out to Dugas he did not leave that neigh-
borhood but made another claim to what is now
known as Arlington Hills, and, in turn disposed
4S
I'AST AM) I'RESEXT OF ST. V.WL.
of that tt) llcnry Jacksmi. \\ hen this sale IsHik
place is not known but it was early in the history
of the settlement for it is known that Jackson
sold the claim to Alexander Wilkin in 1849 ''"'^
it was laid out as an addition by this last owner.
In the last mentioned year Phelan sold his last
claim to St. Paul realty, a piece of land extending
out east of his former locations, Edmund Rice
being the purchaser and the holder of the first
title from the government. It was afterwards
laid out as Rice's addition.
Phclan's end is a matter of speculation but is
recorded as a bad one by his contemporaries
who w'cre glad to rid of an undesired neighbor.
He went about railing and swaggering in such
fashion as to put every man against him and
was regarded as the Thersites of the heroes of
that early day. The instinct that guides fools to
places where wise men will not venture, rather
than any capacity in himself, led Phelan to settle
upon the most desirable property in a wilderness
that became a great city in the course of a few
years. But he came out of it with nothing. And
even as he was the first to be apprehended for
crime in the new settlement, so he was in the
very van of the long line of criminals who fled
from justice when courts were organized and
an attempt made to administer the law in form.
The first grand jury that sat in Ramsey county
framed its first bill against Edward Phelan. in-
dicting him for perjury in some forgotten con-
nection. A fear of the law or a disposition to
get him from the haunts of civilization, made a
fugitive of him. I le is said to have fled to
the west, joining a ]iarty traveling overland to
California and to have met his death on the plains.
Williams, who would admit no redeeming fea-
ture in the man, says he acted willi such a vicious
disregard for the rights of men in whose com-
company he was traveling that ihey delilierately
put him lo death.
In the year 1845 '^'"'^ dominance of the French
language began to give way before an appalling
influx of English-speaking people — ajjpalling
from the fact that French was still the com-
mercial language of the country and the settle-
ment. There were six or seven English-speaking
families in the settlement at the bes.;'innin<r of
the year and the storekeepers, Robert, Jackson,
I lartshorn, Irvine and Simpson used English very
nnich less in their business than they did I'rench.
The trappers, voyageurs, traders and Indians
from the west knew French or some aboriginal
tongue only, the English was spoken by those
who came up the river.
J'KOPKirrV \-.\LUES INCRE.VSE.
Inside values in property began to look up that
year and L. 11. La Roche, a newcomer, was in-
duced to pay AI. Belland $165 for a tract that
included the property upon which the Merchants
Hotel stands today — inasmuch as the hotel grew
out of the log cabin he put up, in which travelers
were housed at the time. There have been deals
made in property' which probably marched with
this tract — deals made in the early part of this
year, (IQ06), — which involved a price approxi-
mating $800 a front foot. The fact is stated
without prejudice to the intelligence of M. Bel-
land, who probably needed the $165 more — and
got more good out of it — than did the holder of
the property who sold a moiety of it for tens of
thousands. Indeed it required more shewdness
in 1845 to make a deal whereby an opulent
citizen might be induced to yield $165 for any
part or all of the site of St. Paul than is re-
ciuired for the consummation of any sort of realty
deal today, based on prospective values. The man
who paid $800 a front foot in 1906 is nutch more
like to take a profit in proportion to his invest-
ment than was LaRoche in the old days.
\\'. (1. Carter, who filled out the balance of his
days in St. Paul, dying in 1852, arri\-e(l in 1845,
as did Francis Robert, brother to tlie ea|)tain,
David II. I'enoit, Augustus and David I'.. Free-
man, Charles Cavilier, Francis Chenevert and
some others. Cavilier had the temerity to open a
saddlery shop in the settlement. Chenevert and
Bcnoit bought the claim of Pierre Bottineau, but
neither remained to profit by their holdings.
David 1"). Freeman went into trade and died in
1850 and Augustus Freeman went east and died.
Cavilier has some descendants living in the city
still.
.Mrs. Matilda Rnmse\-.lhe widow referred toas
PAST \\n PRESENT OE ST. PAUL.
49
having come up the river with Ijlanchard a
couple of years earlier, essayed the first school
in St. Paul that year. She instantly became the
object of solicitude on the part of the bachelor
population and was married and closed the school
so soon after opening it that there is some doubt
if it ever was got under way. In any event no
impression was made on the proportion of illit-
erac\- in the town. It has been said that one S.
Cowden tried to take up the thankless task
of imparting some education to the community
that needed it quite as badly as it did not want
it. There is no scholar of Cowden's alive to
prove the tradition and the pedagogue remained
but a short time in the community.
In 1S46 the settlement ab(.)ut St. Paul had gone
so far on the road to civilization that the residents
had dreams that bore promise of realization and
which included a postoffice. a ])ernianent school
antl some sort of autonomous government. The
dream of a government was jirobablv evokeii
by the action of the territory of Wisconsin in
fixing its bounds for statehood by cutting off ah
territory to the west of the St. Croi.x and the
.Mississipjii. The enabling act for the state of
Wisconsin was passed August 6, 1846, and a state
constitution was framed December i6th of the
same year, lluilding u|ion the assumption that
the people of Wisconsin would ratify the consti-
tution, the settlers living west of the St. Croix
and west of the .Mississipiii below the mouth of
that river began to talk politics with a view to
l>rcparing themselves for the strenuous life. Ami
their interest in the game that now occu])ies the
sole attention of so many self-sacrificing citizen^
was stimulated by the fact that their hopes of a
postoffice were realized by the issuance of a com-
mission to Henry Jackson. April 7th. There does
not appear to have been a fight for the post-
mastership, and it is recorded that the duties of
the office were not made too onerous for Mr.
Jackson. He received what mail came up the
river and distriluited it in properly labeled
pigeon-holes. The natives and the loafers at-
tended to the distribution. The original post-
office equipment is still preserved by the State
Historical Society. St. Paul was the name given
to the postoffice and, though it sujiplied the facili-
ties of the United States mail to a considerable
territory, it was by no means the first office in
what later became Minnesota territory, the post-
offices at Lake St. Croix ( afterwards Point
Douglas) and St. Croix Ealls having been estab-
lished in 1840 — wherein may be discovered the
e.xercise of those activities which in other years
distinguished Joseph R. Ilrown as a resident of
St. Paul.
St. Anthony Ealls that year gave a first sign
of future life and beguiled one settler from St.
Paul : Pierre Bottineau, who sold his claim on
Baptist Hill, lying west of Eighth street, for $300
and betook himself to the settlement up the river,
\\ here he lent his name to an addition. The utter
impossibilit}' of reconciling the claims of the earlv
settlers to the area of the city is demonstrated in
the fact that the claim sold by Bottineau was de-
scribed as being "bounded east by Kittson, north
by Clewett, west by Hartshorn and Jackson and
south by Louis Robert." The tract could not
possibly have included one hundred acres.
.\mong others who came in that year were
William H. Randall, who became the first mil ■
liiinaire in St. Paul — a cr)ndition that did not save
his fortune in the crash of 1857 — James M. Boal.
Thomas S. Odell, Harle.v D. White, John Banfil,
David Faribault, Louis Desnoyer, Joseph Mon-
teur, Charles Rouleau and William Randall, Jr.
The elder Randall, who had been a merchant
in New York, was such a man as the young
comnnmity needed. Broad-minded with busi-
ness abilit}' of a high order, he had a profound
conviction in the future of the village and went
into ventures that would have been impossible to
a timid man. He bought property freely ; was
one of the owners of the town site : made pulilic
improvements at his own expense and acted the
part of a man of sincere convictions and confi-
dence in the future of the place. In converting
the levee landing into something more than a
mere landing stage at the river side and making
it possible for steamlioats to debark their cargoes,
he undoubtedly did much to impress on the river
men the growing importance of St. Paul. He
died in 1861. leaving two sons. John H. Ran-
dall and E. D. K. Randall. William Randall.
Jr., a son who accompanied the elder Randall to
5°
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
St. I'aul, was marked as ti genius, but ditl not
live to attain the tiower of his capacity as an
artist, dying in 1851. That he had a niarkeil
gift in caricature was evidenced by the clever-
ness of some of the sketches he contributed to
early political literature.
Boal was also disposed to be an artist, but the
conditions under which he lived were not exactly
calculated to foster his talent and, alas, he was
compelled to turn his gift to the painting of
houses — and tiiere was scarcely enough demand
for his services at that humble branch of art to
keep him alive. He w'ent into politics, became a
member of the territorial council aii<l was the
hrst adjutant-general of the territory by appoint-
ment from Governor Ramsey. He went over to
the west side and engaged in trading in partner-
ship with Thomas S. Odell, dying there. He left
a souvenir of his residence in St. Paul in a street
which was called "Mc" Boal for him, it being
commonly thought that was really his name. It
was a sobriquet which liad attached tn him in his
earlier years.
Odell had been in the army and located in St.
Paul when he left the service.
Louis Desnoyer got him a wife in St. Paul,
in the sister of Captain Robert, then moved hence.
One of his daughters married J, \\', Simpson
and his descendants through this line are mem-
bers of a well known St. Paul family today.
David Faribault, son of that Jean Baptiste
T'"aribault, who has been referred to in an earlier
chapter as a very early trader on the Minnesota
and Mississippi rivers, came to St. Paul as a man
of some substance, evidently. He was of mi.xed
bl(X)d and his family has been and is still distin-
guished as a connecting links between the whites
and the Indians. .\ cousin of this David Fari-
bault, who was a quarter-blood, becanie the wife
of Major Forbes, and in many of the iirominent
families of the northwest the lilood old Jean Bap-
tiste Farilianh still runs, David l)Ought some
land tile year he arrived and erected a frame
hotel, which was known as the Xew England
House, l)Ul the location nf wliicli is lost. He sold
much property to H. H. ."^iljley and others so
early as 1847, and made no permanent impres-
sion on the town, leaving for IJie Indian country.
Uf Charles Rouleau there are numerous de-
scendants in St, Paul, the best known perhaps
being Captain Charles Rouleau, formerly of the
police service and now in the employ of the
state capitol commission. The elder Rouleau was
the first Cooper in St. Paul and had a numerous
progeny, including fourteen children and some
scores of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The only relic of Joseph Monteur lives in the
person of his aged widow, who lives, at the age
of ninety-four, in a little house at Cedar and
Eleventh streets with her daughter — who is the
widow of one of the sons of the elder Rouleau,
This year of 1846 was notable in that it saw
the inception of a movement for temperance
among the Indians which resulted in bringing
into this neighborhood Dr. Thomas S. William-
son, whose missionary work had previously been
in the west. Little Crow had been on a sprte
and had been shot in the neck — literally. That
convinced him that it was time to reform and he
asked tlie Indian agent at Fort Snelling to get a
missionary for his people, or so the story goes.
The Indian agent invited Dr, Williamson to look
into the state of affairs at Kaposia, Incidentally
l)r, Williamson had a look at .St, Paul and was
in.spired to write to President Slade, of the
National Popular Educational Society, asking
that a teacher be sent to St. Paul. That letter
gives us the only known contemporary descrip-
tion of St. Paul in 1846. and it is to be regretted
that it did not go more into detail. ( )f course
Dr. Williamson did not know he was writing a
historical record :
"My present residence is on the utmost verge
of civilization," wrote Dr. Williamson, "in the
northwestern ]iart of the Ignited States, within a
few miles of tiie iirincipjil \illage of white nun
in the territory that we sujipose will bear the
name of Minnesota, which some would render
'clear water," though strictly it signifies slightly
tni'liid nr whitish water,
"The village referred to has grown up within
a few years, in a romantic situation, on ,-i high
bluflf of the Mississi|)pi, and has been baptized
by the Roman Catholics, by the name of St. Paul.
T]u'\ have erected in it a small chapel and con-
stitnti' niucli the larger portion of the nihaliitants.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
51
The Dakotas (Sioux) call it Tiii-ni-ja-ska"
(White Rock), from the color of the sandstone
which forms the bluff on which the village stands.
This village has five stores, as they call them, at
all of which intoxicating drinks constitute a part,
and I suppose the principal part, of what they
Sell. 1 would suppose the village contains a
dozen or twenty families living near enough to
send children to school." Dr. Williamson says,
in continuation, that the population is probably
more than half French, that he saw twenty-three
children of school age in seven families and was
told of twelve more. But he gives no specific
indication as to the number of fixed inhabitants
there were in the place.
CHAPTER V.
REL.\TING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF .ST. P.\UL
FROM THE BEGINNING. OF THE END OF .ST.VGNA-
TION TO THE ASSUR.^NCE OF A CITY BY THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
1 847- 1 849.
Had a denizen of St. Paul turned a speculative
eye on the site of the town^ — say from the emi-
nence now dominated by the \\'ilder residence at
the summit of Selby Hill — in the winter of 1846-7
and dreamed a dream of a future city, he must
have comforted himself on coming out of his pro-
phetic trance by referring himself to the somewhat
superfluous statement that Rome was not built in
a day. Tn truth there had been but little progress
made in city building as yet. Dr. Williamson
rather under than overstates the number of
houses in the settlement. There must have been
upwards of twenty spirals of smoke shooting
straight to the sky from as many chimnevs on a
winter morning in 1847. And, incidentally, the
writer may remark here and now that nearly
every old settler proves his point that the win-
ters were more rigorous in those lusty times than
they are now, by saying that what impressed him
most of a winter morning was the fact that,
though it might be many degrees below zero — he
would not hazard his reputation for veracity by
saying how many — the cold was not immediately
perceptible and the smoke ascended from the
chimneys in so many columns, as though carved.
That was a fierce winter — the winter of 1846-7.
Mr. Larpenteur, who remembers it vividly, says
the weather was frightfully severe. So, too, does
Madame Monteur, who is still living in St. Paul.
She lived that winter in a little cabin adjoining
the blacksmith shop her husband had established
iin what is now Robert street, between Fourth
and Fifth, on the west side of the street.
Madame Monteur carries her ninety- four years
with some ease still and bids fair to see her very
numerous progeny largely increased. It is not a
very safe statement to make in view of the marked
tendency of the early settlers of -St. Paul to re-
]3lenish the earth, but there is ample ground for
the belief that Madame Monteur — who lives with
a daughter who became the bride of one of the
elder Rouleau's sons — has more descendants than
any person still living who resided in St. Paul in
1846. She was much impressed by the severity
of that winter — it lives in her mind still — and she
talks rather volubly of it in very broken English,
for, like many of the early French settlers, the
language of her age is the language of her youth.
Indeed it was not easy for those early French
]3eople to become acquainted with English and
most of them were out of the road of the deluge
of .Americans before the French language ceased
to be the dominant commercial tongue in these
parts. There was no lack of fuel that winter,
but it was not easily had, for that was before
the day when the Indian laid aside his blanket
and condescended to chop wood. And the man-
ner in which the houses were built — for the
greater part — made an enormous amount of fuel
necessary to till the great chimney and keep the
house warm.
That the winters were much more severe in
the northwest than they are now is not to be gain-
said, even making allowances for the exaggera-
tion that must be incidental to the remembrances
of discomforts attending upon a primitive man-
ner of life. There is plenty of documentary evi-
I'Asr AXD rRi-.si-:xT of st. pal'l.
dcnce that the first attempts at cukivating th-
soil in this section of the conntry were ren-
dered abortive by the earl\- frosts. More than
one writer wrote to his friends in tiie east and
soleninlv informed them that it was not
]5ossible to raise wheat in this neighborhood.
That this was not akogether true is .shown by
the fact, heretofore alhidcd to, that \'etal Guerin
raised a cnnsiek'rable crop i:>f wlieat in a field
Iving along east of Wabasha street, even so early
as the year of his marriage. Mr. Guerin was
wont to bewail the fact that the grain rotted on
his hands for he had no means of milling it and
no stock to which it might be fed. In the season
of 1847 there was a small cukivated patch sur-
rounding each residence in the settlement —
except possibly Jackson's and another which
stood below his on the bluff. J. R. Irvine tilled
a very considerable tract of ground, and that
with some success. But the utter failure of
Mortimer's earlier efforts was still remembered
and no great venture was made in the growing
of grain, for there was no large demand for
flour and the greater ])art of the population was
satisiied with bread made from flour milled in
the most primitive fashion.
But though the times were untoward and there
was not so much money in the settlement as
would stimulate the cupidity of any designing
])erson, yet the year 1847 was liig with events.
Xot only from down the river did the evidence
come that the little settlement at the head of
navigation was worth looking into, but the spirit
of progress came upon the inhabitants. Real
estate was no longer measured l)y the claim or
b\- large amomUs in acreage. There was an
undoubted demand for the property within what
is now the retail section of the city. l!ig men
in the country, II. II. .^ibjey. Commodore Kittson,
Henry M. Rice and others who were interested
in the territory in a large way, began to take an
active interest in the affairs of .St. Paul. Ann
the foundation and location of the city prope'
was determined hr.aily when, by an agreement
among the property owners, a survey of tlie first
]i]at was made and the town laid out. It is true
that it was not easy to locate the streets and no
one limited himself to tlie possession of a single
lot. if lie jiail a dollar or two to spare — but the
survey meant something.
ihat year the American Fur Comi)any, whicli
had k)ng been established at Mendota and which
had posts all over the northwest, sent William H.
F'orbes over to St. Paul and gave him charge of
tlie St. Paul Dntfit — the posts being designated
as "outfits" and located by the local appellation.
Cien. Sibley, who was in general charge for the
com]janv at Mendota, was the active agent in
sending Major Forbes to St. Paul. The latter
had been in the country for ten years or more and,
like many other of the early pioneers who left a
marked impress on the new country, he was of
gentle nurture ; a man of refinement and educa-
tion : well born and by no means fitted naturally
for the experiences which made up his middle
life — or latter end for the matter of that. The
present writer was informed by a man who was
very close indeed to Major Forbes at the time of
his death that he was in early life an officer in
the British army. Historians who were contem-
poraries of Major Forbes made no reference to
this and it is ])robabIv not true, inasnnich as he
was but twenty-two years of age when he came
from Montreal and entered the employ of the
I'^ir Compan\- at Mendota. He was very well
e(|uipped for the business of an Indian trader
when he came to St. Paul for his early knowledge
of F'rench and English had been reinforced l)y a
thorough mastery of the Sioux tongue during
his residence in Mendota.
F'rom the first he was a part of the town. l)u\-
ing property and Ijcing one of the original town-
site owners ; holding many offices ; liccoming a
liartner with .\. W. Kittson, when ilu' latter es-
tablished a liranch of his outfit at St. Paul : hold-
ing- the ]Mistmastership in the first years of the
civic life of St. I'aul : serving as president of the
territorial comicil and attaining to distinction by
his service- on the staff of General Sibley in the
Sioux outbreak of 1S62. Tlie losses she sus-
tained l)y the depredations of the Indians during
the outlireak jiractically mined him and the ,gov-
ermiunt made liim lieggarly recom]iense by giv-
ing him the aiJpointment of Indian agent at Dev-
ils Lake. Xorth Dakota. He established the
agenc\' but broke down and died in 1875. Men
PAST AXD TRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
53
of the character of .Major l-"orl)es had much t.i
do in the early days and it is (hie him and them
to acknowledge the debt that posterity owes them.
Major Forbes had in him the refined instincts to
influence a community for its good and the
sturdy qualities of the pioneer who is not dis-
heartened b\- the buffets of fortune. The com-
ing- of Forbes was not the least notable even:
of that year.
And he was one of a little crowd of men who
dated their coming in 1847 and who did things
in the way of history making.
Jacob W. Bass, to whom the St. Paul boni-
faces of today do honor as the local founder or
their honorable calling, gave the settlement a
hotel that year. He came out of the woods, hav-
ing been engaged in lumbering with Benjamin
W. llrunson in the Chip]5ewa valley for son'.c
years. He and his partner arrived at the same
time and both helped give the settlement an im-
petus in the right direction. St. Paul had lieen
slighted by many travelers from down the river
who might have stopped here but for the fact
that there was no accommodation for those of the
better sort except such as might be extended by
the hospitality of the settlers. .\nd there was
some straining of this hospitalitv at times, for
but few of the houses boasted more than a single
room.
-A story is told of one Wright, a tenderfoot
from down the river, who was put off at the St.
Paul landing for the purpose of reconnoitering
the settlement. He found refreshment at Jack-
son's place and food wherever he happened to bo
but at night he was driven to apply to Alex
?ilcLeod for a place to sleep. He could be ac-
commodated, sure. AlcLeod took Wright into
the bosom of his numerous family — a familv by
no means restricted to the landlord's own people
but which included other wayfaring men. A
place was made for \\'right on the floor and the
household went to slee|). In the morning ^IcLeod
found Wright l\ing outside the door shivering
and sleeping fitfully. AIcLeod's Highland sense
of hospitality was chafed.
"What's the matter with ye, man," he demand-
ed, "did ye not like your bed." \\Tig-ht did not
like the looks of his host. He was far from
home, he had spent a wretched night and he was
in no humor to take a chance on telling McLeod
what he thought of his accommodations. He
equivocated :
"Why, yes," he said, "I liked it all right, but
Fm superstitious and was afraid to sleep thirteen
in a bed."
The coming of Bass relieved the situation. Fie
bought the shanty that stood about the corner
of Third and Jackson streets and added a room
or two to it. It certainly did not contain more
than three rooms at first and it was by means easy
of access, being perched on an eminence that
could only be negotiated by means of a ladder
from the Third street side. And this he raised
to a two-story house and dubbed it the St. Paul
House and' it was the forerunner of the .Mer-
chants Hotel, occupying the very ground upon
which that hostelry stands today. The history
of the house proper goes Ijack of Bass, for La
Roche started the erection of it and Simeon P.
Folsom carried on the structure on rather more
elaborate lines. Bass, however, was the first
landlord of the St. Paul House and therefore the
first professed Boniface.
Simeon P. Folsom, teacher, lawyer, lumber-
man, soldier, surveyor, everything by turn and
as occasion demanded in the unset times of his
early life, still lives in St. Paul, at the age of
eighty-seven. He too came in 1847. That he
was a large factor in the life of the town for many
years after his arrival is demonstrated by the
prominent part he took in its affairs.
Dr. J. J. Dewey established his title to con-
sideration as the father of medicine in these parts
by arriving in 1847. He established the first drug
store in the following year. It is even possible
that Dr. Dewey was the first doctor to visit St.
Paul professionally, though there seems to be
some evidence that Dr. Emerson, an arniv sur-
geon, had been called here on at least one or two
occasions — and perhaps oftener, for with a doc-
tor but five miles away it is unlikelv that he would
not be sent for on occasion — though the inhabi-
tants of St. Paul at that time were even more
wretchedl}' healthy — from the point of view of
the doctor — than they are now when, as Dr. Jus-
tus Ohage is ready to prove upon the minds and
54
I'AST AXl) i'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
])ersons of all doubters at all times. St. I'aul is
held to be the most healthy city in the world.
Therefore let it go with the flat and incontro-
veritable statement that Dr. Ik'wey was the first
physician to hang out his shingle within the pre-
cincts of St. Paul.
I1.\KK1I-.TT lU.SHOP's SCHOOL.
About the Corner of 'J'hird and St. Peter
streets thert' was, in those days a little log cabin.
It was not a very sightly structure. It had been
built to meet the small necessities of Scott Camp-
bell and his husky brood. Campbell had built
a larger house and the cabin was empty. It was
desolate looking enough — for there is no more
desolate sight than an abandoned log cabin. It
was used occasionally by wayfarers, but not
enough to give it the a]3pearance of being used
as a human habitatinn. It was relniilt of tama-
rack logs, the roof was of bark, there was a split
log floor and one window made the inner dark-
ness the more apparent. Before this cabin on
the morning of July 17, 1847. '^^^'^ women stood.
( )ne. a motherly but youthful woman, looked se-
renely on at a scene that did not dismay her, for
she was of the material that gave pioneers to
the country. Her com|)anion, slenderer and show-
ing her recent arrival from the east in her garb
as well as in her manner, was obviouslv dis-
mayed. The motherly woman was Mrs. John
R. Irvine, tlie other Harriet E. Bishop, spin-
ster, lately from N'ermont. whence she had been
moved to venture to the wilderness bv the ap-
peal contained in the letter of Dr. Williamson,
sent the previous year. .She was come to be a
school teacher, a missionary, to do that wdiich
might come to her hand in the making of a citv.
TIk' two had walked over through the fields and
the brush from Mrs. Irvine's borne — b\- far the
most comfortable at thai lime in St. Paul — lo-
cated at Third and iM-anklin streets, four blocks
away, though they had no blocks to reckon bv.
"Pm afraid von will think it an awful place
for a school, my dear," said Mrs. Irvine.
"We'll make it do," said Miss Bishop. .\nd
so it was settled without the aid of an\- other
board of education aufl the first school in .'~^t. P;iul
that had anv permanency was established. The
men-folk were kindly and helpful and two days
later ^liss Pjislio]) was installed as school mis-
tress and her scholars gathered about her. They
were not numerous, those scholars, nor were the\
enamoured of the idea of submitting themselves
to the hands of a teacher. There were only four
or five at first but in a few days the attendance
had increased to nine or ten. And they were of
every shade of complexion, from the flaxen-head-
ed Irvines to the dusky scions of the house of
Campbell. And they spoke English, French and
.Sioux — rather more French though than any-
thing else and there came to be many French
children later who got their first knowledge of
English from the gentle lips of Miss Bishop.
\\'hile matters intellectual were thus being ta-
ken care of in upper town things were doing
down below in the "business" section. One could
get about through the woods in the business sec-
tion without a guide, almost, in those days. But
the woodman was about with his axe and when,
a few years later. Editor Goodhue started a cru-
sade for the purpose of having the stumps pulled
out of Third street, there were really not many
stumps to complain of. There had been meetings
at Captain Robert's and at Jackson's and it was
Iilainly evident that something would have to be
done to properly subdivide the holdings of the
various claimants to property in the h art of the
city. There were neither section nor township
lines yet — the federal survey not being made un-
til late that fall. In transfers of rights the par-
cels were described liy metes and bounds and the
claimants must all make good their rights by
])urchase or otherwise from the government later.
l)Ut it was necessary to have the most desirable
property subdivided ttJ the end that transfer.;
could be kept with .some accuracy. Captain Rob-
ert undertook- to bring the bucolic bVench citi-
zens to an understanding of the fact that there
was something more at stake than the holding
of farm lands. The good people had little of the
commercial s|)irit — a fact jirovcd 1iy the absence
of their descendants from the roll of millionaires
in mo<Iern .^t. Paul. But Captain Robert brought
them lo his \\;i\ nf seeing it and it was decided.
th;it niuelv acres sluiulil be sur\e\e<l. It was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
55
ag;ree(l that, aftc-r the plat was made deeds should
be made i)Ut to the original holders of the prop-
ertv. each deed to describe the tract by blocks
and lots. Later, when the townsite could be en-
tered at the federal land office, the power to make
entry was to be vested in trustees. The plan wa?
carried out in all its details and the plat of St.
Paul proper — as the townsite was known, was
made three months before the federal survey. Ira
B. Hrunson was the surveyor and he was assisted
li\- liis Iirother, Ben. \\^ Brunson, and Thomas S.
( )(lell. I'rom the recorded plat it appears thai
Louis Robert. David Lambert. Henry Jackson,
Bcnj. \\'. F.runsoii, Charles Cavilier, H. H. Sib-
ley, J. W. Bass. A. L. Larpenteur, W. H. Forbes,
]. W. .Simpson. Henry C. Rhodes. L. H. Lp.
Roche. J. B. Coty and Vetal Guerin were the
owners of the original plat, but three of them —
Lambert, Rhodes and Coty — accjuired their in-
terest after the survey was made and before th;
tiling. All of the others were resident ow-ners
with the exception of General Sibley, who lived
at Mendota at the time of the survey.
And while the citizens were occupying them-
selves with interior affairs the outside world wa>
beginning to take notice of St. Paul. General
.Sibley and Louis Robert — and indeed the other
merchant residents — had been trying for some
time to impress upon the river men the necessity
for the establishment of a packet line of boats, o''
a single boat that would run regularly to St. Paul.
Mendota and Fort Snelling. By this time the trad."
at St. Paul was beginning to assume proportions
that threatened to leave that of the other landings
in the lurch, but it is not to be doubted that the
government supplies sent to Snelling formed the
occasion for many of the infrequent trips of boats
iij) to this time. With the assurance that the
freight business of the upper landings would be
given to the packet line a conipanx' was formed
which included General Sibley. H. L. Dousman.
of Prairie du Chien. M. W. Lodwick. of Galena,
and some other down river men and the "Argo,"'
a boat then running to St. Paul was purchased
and a weekly service was established between
Galena and the head of navigation. Captain Rus-
sell Blakely. afterward an important factor in
river and land transportation, was clerk of tho
"Argo." The boat was milucky. for she was
sunk by a snag that very fall and was replaced
the next season by the Dr. Franklin, a larger and
nuich finer boat.
SOME SUGGESTIONS OF GOVERN M EXT.
That year, too. political order began to evolve
from the chaos that had obtained. St. Paul had
been a part of .St. Croix county since the parti-
tion of the empire that had been described as
Crawford county, but had continued to be at-
tached to that county for judicial purposes. In
1847 it was erected into a judicial district and
the county seat located at Stillwater and Judge
Charles Dunn held a term of court there.
And Henry Jackson demonstrated the univer-
sality of his genius by going out into the wilder-
ness and getting himself elected to the Wisconsin
legislature as representative from the district
which had been patched up out of St. Croix.
Crawford, Chippewa and La Pointe counties. And
this in spite of the fact that the returns froin some
<if the precincts never did get in because a jour-
ney from some of the outlying precincts would
have consumed a month's time.
In the winter of 1847-48 preparation was made
for putting the mantle of civilization on the set-
tlement. And this by means of a "Ladies' Sew-
ing Society." Now if there was one thing en-
tirely and utterly remote from the concept of
the empire builder who flourished in a raw state
in these parts in the '40s it was the possibility
of utilizing a sewing society for purposes of re-
generation. \\"hiskey was, of course, the princi-
pal civilizing influence so far as the Indians were
concerned and it is to be observed from a perusal
nf the pa,ges of the diary kept by Miss Bishop
that the whites were prone to look with some
degree of toleration upon whiskey as an element
going to qualify the disadvantages of life in the
far west. Miss Bishop's gentle and prim New
England ideas were utterly shocked by the state
of the community. It was not wdiat it should be.
of course, but it is to be presumed that ^liss
Bishop looked on through the glasses of a ten-
derfoot—and the west was never appreciated,
wdien it was in the making, until the newcomer
56
PAST A.\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
had been in the country long enough for tht-
breezes of the prairies to blow some of his preju-
dices away. Miss Bisho]) was plainly horritied
by a slate of affairs which she could not under-
stand and which simply shocked her. The men
in the Cdmnnmity were compelled {<> find some
outlet for the spirits with which they were brim-
ming over. The refining induences of the soci-
ety of woman had not made much impression on
them, for they knew nothing of it — at least a
great many of them did not. The men of fam-
ily were as men of family alwa\s have been. Rut
the male element in the community was rather
more boisterous than vicious and Miss Bishop
thought they were dreadful. ISut thev belonged
here and had a mission to perform that was quite
as necessary as was Miss Bishop's. But the or-
ganization of the sewing circle was the begin-
ning of the end. It may be that the men were
afraid that the women would talk about them
when they got together — and it is no disparage-
ment to the gentle sex to say that there might
]30ssibl}- have been some foundation for the ap-
prehension. But much as the roisterers at the
stores scoffed at the regenerating influence of a
sewing society there was not a man in the lot
who was not amenable to the argument contained
in a well-made shirt.
Writing of that winter Miss Bishop says :
"The social pleasures of the vicinity- were
merged into a weekly ball for those who enjoyed
what, according to the report of the ]^arties, was
little else than, in western parlance, a whiskey
hoe-down. What rational, social pleasure can
we devise that shall elevate the moral tone of so-
ciety? was the theme of discussion when Joseph
R. Brown, of St. Croi.x, proposed that a 'Ladies'
Sewing Society' be instituted to aid in the erec-
tiim <it tin- propo.sed sclinnlhonse, anil, for imr
encouragement, generuu.-ly pledged ten (lnll;ir>
for a commencenunt. .\ceording tlu' St. I';ir,l
Circle of Industry was organized with eight nu'in-
bers. We remember, with .-ui ;Lll(iw;il)le pride
that the first payment mi tlic Imtiber fur the
schoolhotise was made with the mune\ earned
with the needle by the ladies of this circle."
There is some evidence that the gentlemen
whose maimer of life was condenmed by the
schoolma'am were far from being inditierent to
tile blandishments of the fair sex, for Miss Bishop
boldly admits that she secured many voluntary
subscriptions to the schoolhouse fund and the
liiiilding was actualh" completed, at an outlav of
three hundred dollars, by August, 1848, and
served the purpose of a schoolroom, church and
assembly room for several years. It was de-
stroyed in the fire of 1857.
Some notable names were added to the muster
roll of the population of St. Paul in this vear
and the greatest of these was that of Henry V,.
Rice. He was one of the great figures of the
transitory period, bridging the vears and taking
part in a large way in the events that carved a
sovereign and populous commonwealth out of the
unfonixil wilderness. A student in his earlier
years ; an Indian trader later and a statesman
wdien there grew a demand for statesmanship, he
combined in himself all the various elements ordi-
narily contributed by many individuals to the
making of a community. He dominated his time,
in his sphere, and was the first man of more than
local importance to become a resident of St.
Paul. And from first to last he was an imi)or-
tant figure in the community and the country.
Born in N'ermont of a distinguished familv.
in 181 6, he read law for two years before starting
for the west. He stopped a couple of years at
Detroit, then went on to the head of Lake ;Michi-
gan and worked on the survev of the .Sault .Ste.
Marie Canal : then, leil liy fate, he made his way
through the untracked wilderness more than four
hmidred miles to Fort Snelling. In 1838 he was
an assistant to the sntk'r at the tnrt an<I there be-
gan his acquaintance with the Indians with whom
he had so large an influence l;itcr. He was a])-
pointed sutler at Fort .\tkinsnn the next year but
ininieili;itely turned his attention to trading with
the Indians and l)ecaine interested in the firm of
P. Chciteau &• Company, a concern with yvv\ ex-
tensive ramifications in all parts of the nurth-
west. .and took charge of the trading with the
t'liip])ewas and W'innebagoes. Mis i>ceupation
took him into nnrlhei'ii Miiinesot,-i and 111 irili west-
ern W iscdrsin and as one nt the comniissinners
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
57
for the L'nited States he etf'ected treaties with th.-
Chippewas of Lake Superior and the Pillager
Chippewas, and was so substantial a man in the
year he carne to St. Paul that he averted an im-
pending conflict with the W'innebagoes by produc-
ing twenty thou.sand dollars in gold — a very large
sum in those days — and paying it to the dissi-
dents on behalf of the government — taking a
much longer chance than any man dealing" with
the Indian today would. And it was his earnest
and honest liberality that made him strong with
whites as well as Indians. For the man who
was S(|uare with the Indians in those clays was a
good man indeed.
There is a stor\ told of a ver\ prominent earh
settler of St. Paul who had a bill against a band
of Indians for supplies furnished on government
contract, payment to be made wdien the Indians
were given some mone\' they had coming. The
trader's bill was large enough as it stood, but
there was money in sight that he might as well
ha\'e — it would l)e spent for whiskey if the Indi-
ans got it. which was the usual excuse wherewith
the Indian trader salved his conscience — if he pos-
sessed such an absurd inciuubrance in his busi-
ness, when he robbed the red man. This trader
looked at the bill and ordered his clerks to brace
it up. He swore he was being robbed. It was
shown him again with a profit of three hundred
per cent added. It still would not do, it did no:
cover all of the payment coming to the Indians.
r.\ doubling up the purchases and adding freight
from St. Petersburg to articles produced at CJa-
lena the amount was stretched to the last possible
cent. It ran to something over seventv thousand
dollars and the commissioners in charge of the
Indian payment trimmed it three thousand dol-
lars— the original debt was a trifle above twentv,
allowing a trader's profit. .And when the bill
was trimmed a little for decenc\-'s sake the trader
went out and swore mighty oaths that he would
never again have dealings with the government
and actuall\- presented a bill to congress for the
amount of the cut. And his fellow citizens did
not think the worse of him for it.
Put the fact that Hemw Al. Rice had lieen.
sqrare with the Indians had a large influence in
creating a place for him in the esteem of the
whites. He came down out of the north in 1848
attracted by the conviction that there was going
to be a considerable town at the head of naviga-
tion. He was, perhaps, one of the first men U>
come here iit the assurance that he was locating
on the site of a future city. He had intended to
establish a supply outfit for his company, but
when he saw the local situation, realized that
other traders as well as he must recognize the
fact that, in the event of the settlement of the
country, this place at the head of navigation must
be the distributing point for supplies for a vast
territor}', he did not hesitate. He cast in his lot
with the settlers, bought eightv acres of land
from John R. Irvine, l}ing between St. Peter
street and Seven Cornirs and, at the instant, lie-
came the central figure in the settlement by reason
of his enteqjrise and because he had the means to
do tb.ings. The settlers understood at once that
it was something to have their aspirations backed
by Rice — ])erhaps he inspired those inspirations.
In any event he fostered them. He was so pro-
foundly impressed with the necessity for immedi-
ately ]5rocuring the organization of a territory in
the country left unattached bv the admission of
\\'isconsin that he went at his own expense tc
Washington and was the first lobbvist from St.
Paul in the federal capital. And it would be vast-
ly to the credit of some of his successors in the
local lobby at Washington if they had gone tliere
with as clean heart and hands as Henry .M. Rice.
.Mr. Rice became a very large property owner, a
great builfler and promoter of enterprises, was
elected delegate to congress in 1853 and 1853 an.d
United States senator on the admission of the
state.
He was a tall, spare. scholarh- looking luan. with
an incredible fund of information for one wdio
had spent so many years of his life in the wilder-
ness : and the asjject of his was always utterly re-
moved from the ordinary conception of an Indian
trader. He was a man of parts and it was said
of him that nothing became him so well as the
thing he was doing for the moment.
In that same year came .A. H. Cavender, who
still survives at the age of ninety-one : Benjamin
V. Hoyt — whose coming had much to do with the
religious life of the community ; — William H.
:;8
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Xeibks, David Lamlxrl, Xathaii M\ rick, E. A. C.
Hatch. Lot Moffett, David Olmsted. H. C.
Rhodes, Wilhain U. Brown. WiUiam D. Phillips.
W. C. Morrison, Richard and William Freeborn.
Alden Bryant. A. R. French, Hugh oMcCann,
B. W. Lott, Hugh Glenn, Nelson Robert, A. God-
frey, David Hebert, Oliver Rosseau, William H.
Keiton, A. L. Shearer, E. B. Weld, and Albert
Titlow, together with a considerable concourse of
others who stayed only long enough to become
satisfied that they, did not want to permit them-
selves to become attached to the place. But there
were enough people in St. Paul by the fall of 1848
to make a very considerable showing of strength
and to dominate any other settlement in St. Croix
county in the matter nf numbers and political
sagacity.
EXERCISE THE RIGHT OF ASSEMBLY.
The right of assenilily was first exercised bv tli"
polyglot community at St. Paul in July, 1848,
and it was resolved that it was time for the peo-
ple who had been excluded from anv sort of as-
sociation with the union to take steps to bring
about the organization of a territory. The meet-
ing was only fnrnial in the sense that word was
passed about for the men in the settlement to
meet in front of Jackson's store and talk the
matter over. The sauie matter had been talked
over freqiientl}- that sjiring but the necessitv for
organized cfTort liecamo a])parent to the leaders
among the inhaliitants and a more formal dis-
cussion was urged upon those of the populace
who were inclined [n disregard the value of the
rights they had been (Ie])rived of as citizens of
the United States. The more indifferent of t\v
settlers were brought by the argument that their
|)riip(.Tty wdiild be made more valuable if tlie\'
lived in a state of political civilization.
l"liat meeting was of historical importance,
lull there were no minutes kept and onlv the mem-
ory of the very few survivors of the time is to
be dejjended for the record of what took place.
Many years ago an old settU-r who was preseii:
said that the meeting took i)lace in the space, not
yet a street, in front of the Jackson store. A row
of ]\vt] River carts ranged side bv side jjrovided
seats for the people. There were twenty or tvven-
t\-five men present. Louis Robert presided — if
the matter of making many speeches and assert-
ing and reasserting in very forceful language the
belief that it was time that something should be
done, constituted leadership. There was no for-
mal election of a presiding otificer. Captain Rob-
ert declared his abiding faith in St. Paul and
urged the others to do something that would
bring about a general meeting of the people of
St. Croix county. The audience was neither dem-
onstrative nor enthusiastic. The men sat about
on the Red River carts and on the barrels and
boxes provided for his customers by the post-
master and which offered resting places for some
of the most accomplished whittlers in the west.
There was a considerable delegation over from
Pig's Eye and a vast amount of tobacco and killi-
kinick consumed — nearly all the whites and es-
pecially the French who had been brought into
closer contact with the Indians, mixing their to-
bacco with the inner bark of the red willow, after
the Indian fashion. The meeting took place about
where the .St. Paul and Marine Fire Insurance
Company's building stands today. And there
was a large audience of Indians gathered to lis-
ten to the oratory. There was a fairly good view
of the river from the place and the meeting was
disturbed at its close by the sound of the whistle
of an ai)i)roaching steamer from down the river.
And it may be set down as very certain that no
more attention was paid to business when the
boat became visible down the river — for it was
an event in those <lays — the arrival of a steam-
boat.
I ill! tlic oratory of Robert and the convincing
argument of General Sibley, who had come over
from Mcndota for the occasion, was effective and
a committee was apointed to call a general meet-
ing.
The other ciimnuniities in the territory west
of the St. Croix had been ins|iired b\' the same
idea of securing .some sort of government at the
same time but it is probable that most of them
were impressed b\ the idea that the territor\- that
had been excluded from the state of Wisconsin
on the admission of that commonwealth Mav 2()lh
— and till' news of which action had been jirimar-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
59
ilv rtspunsible fur the St. Paul meeting — was
still legally the territory of Wisconsin. It was
not, therefore, difficult to procure concerted ac-
tion and, in response to a call issued by a public
meeting held at Stillwater August 5th a general
meeting of the settlers was held at the latter place
August 26th. This meeting was really a formal
convention, although no formalities attended upon
the election of delegates and it is apparent enough
from the number of men present that anybody
who presented himself as a delegate was regarded
as having the necessary credentials.
Thre seems to have been sixty-one citizens pres-
ent at the meeting for that many names were
signed to a memorial addressed to congress. The
memorial was a notable production, flamboyant
\ et earnest, a fair sample of the genius and schol-
arship of a time that subscribed to the general
belief that fluency in language was an attribute
of genius, and that conversation was convincing
in proportion to its volume. It was the opinioi!
of most of the delegates at the convention that
territorial rights as the territory of Wisconsm
would be most readily conceded to the unattached
territory by congress and the convention was con-
firmed in this assumption by a letter from Sec-
retary of State John Catlin, of Wisconsin, who
sent a letter in which he said that he believed
congress would achiiit a delegate fnorn the terri-
tory of Wisconsin. Acting on the suggestion
contained in this letter the convention elected
Henry H. Sibley as delegate from Wisconsin —
an honor that carried with it the assurance that
the delegate would have to pay his own expenses.
Later in the fall the credentials of General Sib-
Icy were made rather more formal by means of an
election. Catlin was so far convinced that the
territory of ^^'isconsin still existed and was the
legal government in the territory that had beeii
left out when the state of \\'isconsin was carved
out. then he went to Stillwater and here, acting as
governor of Wisconsin territory, proclaimed an
election for the purpose of choosing a delegate to
congress. The election was held October 30th and
General Sibley was elected, though some votes
were cast for Henry AI. Rice. There does not
appear to have been any contest and Mr. Rice
promised to support personally and as a volun-
teer any work that General Sibley might under-
take in Washington — a promise that he kept. Gen-
eral Sibley went to Washington in November.
BUVI.XG TITLE TO ST. PAUL.
Rather of more importance in the eyes of the
people of St. Paul than the steps taken to pro-
cure a form of government was the fact that op-
portunity was presented them to secure title
from the government to the lands in the settle-
ment which had hitherto been held by general
consent. The land was offered for sale in pub-
lic, subject to bids, at the land office at St. Croix
Falls. The sale continued for some time but a
specific time was set for the disposal of parcels
in various localities, the land office people desir-
ing to avoid a rush. The sale of the lands in-
cluded in the town site of St. Paul was set for
September 14th.
For the first time in the history of the settle-
ment the French settlers were aroused to the
necessity for looking out for their interests. Few
of them spoke English and there was much par-
leying as to how their rights could be conserved.
They had a proper regard for the sharpness of
Yankee speculators. The English-speaking lead-
ers in the settlement recognized the necessity
for some action that would avoid a mixing up of
titles. No one knew what might happen at the
sale and it would be impracticable for the various
owners to attempt to bid in their individual hold-
ings under the plat of the previous year. The
problem was solved by the selection of Gen. Sib-
ley, Louis Robert and A. L. Larpenteur as trus-
tees for the owners to enter the lands and make
distribution of the parcels, ultimately, to the prop-
erty owners. Gen. Sibley was chosen to bid the
land in.
The Frenchmen had every confidence in the
capacity and integrity of Gen. Sibley but they
were not sure of his ability to defend himself
against an attack in force. It was intimated that
speculators, having some appreciation of the
growing value of St. Paul property might at-
tempt to bid it in. \\'ithoHt consulting the wishes
of Gen. Sibley they arranged among themselves
to see to it that he had fair play.
6o
I'AST A\l) I'kl'.Sl'.XT i)\- ^'W PAUL.
When the sale took place every man who hail
any interest in tiie ijround was at the land office.
It has been said that on other occasions the peo-
])le of St. Paul have turned out en masse, but it
would be no figure of s]ieech to apply that term
to this occasion. Guerni, (jcrvais. Cherrier,
Kondo, with many others were on the ground
when the day of the sale arrived. They were a
])icturesque lot and sturdy, too, for all their gen-
erally peaceful disposition. It may have been
merely as a matter of assisting locomotion that
they all carried goodly clubs but there was no
(Icuiht that it was by concert that they formed
themselves into a body-guard for Gen. Sibley
and it wotdd have been a ver\' rash thing for
anybody to bid against him. It is probable that
the state of public mind was well known and, if
there were any speculative individuals in the
country who had contemplated bidding up the
])rice of lands, they evidently concluded that it
would not be a safe thing to do. There was no
opposition to the bid of Gen. Sibley and the sale
was uneventful — except that it was followed by a
celebration when the town site owners got home
that must have jarred the sensibilities of Miss
Piishop to an unwonted extent.
.\s an aftermath of the sale, and as evidence
of the confidence the simple people had in the
integrity of their trustees, it is worth while re-
marking that (ieneral Siblev had to use some
persuasion to get some of the people to accept
deeds of their property from him — thev thought
it would be safer in his hands.
Xow here were all the elements of a town : .\
townsite, several stores, twentv to thirtv
houses, store of whiskey, a doctor, a lawver —
both wanting practice very badly — a school, a
cliurch, a postofifice and every man willing to
became a real-estate dealer if he could get the
chance. There were some new houses ]nit up
during the year but they were scattered in im-
conscionable fashion and John R. Irvine was
lonesome enough up on 'i'liird street — though he
was by no means the only settler living above
^^'abasha street at the lime, as has been stated.
lie may have been the only resident above St.
Peter street. Tt is probable that there were thirtv
houses in the settlment in the fall of 1848 — there
were certainly that many in the spring of 1849.
The winter of 1848-49 was one of the fiercest
in the history of the country. The people were
closed in for months, the severity of the weather
even interfering with the travel of the couriers
who brought in the mail with dog trains. So
difficult was the trail up the river that the news
of the election of Zacharx- Taylor did not reach
St. Paul until some time in January. i84().
Thereafter there were hard winters and it fre-
(|uently oceured that St. Paul was shut out from
communication with the world for weeks at a
time but the settlement never again saw such a
season as that one. for. thereafter, the ])eople had
the means of beguilding the tedium of the win-
ter bv the interchange of neighljorly civilities
and enjoyed some of the pleasure of civilization.
Xature still dominated the settlement that last
winter of the pre-territorial days. The houses
were widely scattered — there was no cluster of
buildings even in the thickly settled part of the
town. There was nothing but the bitterness of
the weather and anxiety.
For there was much anxiety in the little set-
tlement. When the winter closed in it was
understood that the outside world was waking
up to the possibilities of great developments along
the Mississippi. The times \vere pregnant of
great events and those most concerned in what
was going on in the outer world could learn
nothing. There were the usual gatherings. The
new schoolhouse afforded opportmiity for people
to get together and many meetings of a social
character were held there. The stores were of
course haunted by the men. The usual business
of trading with the Indians and trajipers went
on but there was little of that because of the
severity of the weather. The morfe sanguine of
the peo])le were convinced that the next year
would see great events at St. Paul. The others
had no idi'a that the\- were on the threshold of a
day ih.nt wduld sei' ;i city spring up in the wilder-
ness. Anil ver\ liille of the oceiu'renees of the
winter h.is come down to us. Xext year the peo-
ple were too busy settling themselves to the new
conditions to make the record.
PAST AND PRESP:XT OF ST. PAl'L.
6i
So. St. i'aiil (it the Wilderness hibernated tor
the last time and awnke in the si)rin,s; to find
itself tanions.
While St. Paul slept and worried 1)\- turns
General Sibley was having anything but an easy
time tryinjj to break into congress as delegate
from a territory that had ceased to exist, accord-
ing to the record of congress, which had admit-
ted Wisconsin as a state during the previous sum-
mtr. It was apparent that the east did not look
with favor on the admission of a man from a
Xo-Man's Land and Sibley liad to fight his way
through the committee on elections. The sessions
of the committee were long drawn out and it was
not until January i, 1849, that a report was
made seating the delegate, and that report came
from the committee with a majority of one.
MENDOT.\ IS SELECTED FOR THE C,\riT.\L.
Sibley was not embarrassed by the narrow-
escape he had had but went to work the day he
took his seat to have a bill framed to create the
territory of Minnesota. To this there was no
objection — to the framing of the bill. The bill
was drafted by Senator Stephen A. Douglas,
chairman of the committe on territories of the
senate. He put it together without conferring
much with Sibley, for when the measure was
turned over to the delegate he found that Men-
dota was named as the capital of the new terri-
tory, provisionally. To this he inade stenuous
objection — being seconded in his objections by
Henry M. Rice, who was on the ground. Sena-
tor Douglas was inclined to be perverse about
the matter. He thought it might involve some
townsite scheme. He had been in the west and
had been impressed by the location of Mendota —
he remembered nothing about St. Paul. But
.Sibley showed him that liis own interests were
at ^fenota and the fact tha he favored St. Paul
should have weight — he also directed attention
to the explicit understanding at the Stillwater
convention that the capital should be located at
St. Paul. Then Douglas gave way and amended
the bill. Tt was introduced in the senate and
hade fair to die there. Tt was dragged and' pushed
through by Rice and Sibley and went to the house.
There it suffered the pangs nf a humiretl deaths
and was only passed finally in the last days of the
session, and that because nobody had any object
in opposing it except that it was considered as
being altogether unnecessary to establish a form
of government in a country wdiere nobody lived
and nobody was likely to want to live — according
to the general notion in the east and south. Pres-
ident Polk signed the bill ]\Iarch 3, 1849, o"^ o^
the last acts of his official career.
CHAPTER SIX.
SHOWING HOW ALEXANDER RAMSEY TOOK POSSES-
SION OF HIS CAPIT.\L AND HOW THE PEOPLE
FOr^LOWED THE FLAG TO THE GREAT INCREASE
OF VVE.VI.TH .\Nn POPULATION IN THE NEW CAP-
ITAL.
1 849- 1 850.
• Klexander Ramsey became governor of the
territory of Minnesota by an act of a political
grace that compensated for many a political acci-
dent that followed him. If President Polk had
been bound by the partisan ties that have charac-
terized inen equally eminent in public life he
would have named a man of his own party gov-
ernor of the new territory, as he was entitled to
by the rules of political warfare. He signed the
bill creating the territory March 3d and his term
of office did not expire until noon of the next
day — a w^orld of time when gubernatorial com-
missions are to be signed and party lines strength-
ened in a new country. President Polk, as a mat-
ter of courtesy to his successor, refrained from
making the appointment and his gracious act
gave to ]\Iinnesota the man wdio w'as the first
citizen of the city and state for many years.
Governor Ratnsey was appointed April 2, 1849,
though his term of office did not begin to rim un-
til i\Iay 15th, time being allowed him to progress
to his capital. His appointment may be fairly
said to have been providential. History must
needs deal kindlv with a man who had in him
62
I'AS'I' AND i'RESE.NT UF ST. PAUL.
the very elements that were necessary to the
foundation of a great state. He was a big figure
ui St. Paul from the moment he set foot in the
town — or very soon afterwards — to that day
when he was laid in the tomb in the midst of a
metropolis he had done so much to create.
Alexander Ramsey was a man to be reckoned
with l>efore General Taylor oi¥ered him the gov-
ernorship of Minnesota Territory. Born near
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. September 8. 1815. of
Scotch-German parentage, he started out an
orphan at the age of ten to make his own living.
He wrested an education from ungrudging con-
ditions, was a salesman, a clerk, a carpenter and
a lawyer by turns. He attained to some local
fame in the campaign of 1840 and the next year
was chief clerk of the house of representatives
of Pennsylvania. He was elected to congress
from his district in 1843. and again in 1847, '^^'^
in the campaign of 1848 he became a national
figure and had much to do with the election of
General Taylor. Ramsey was an ardent Whig
and he might have looked for something better
at the liands of President Taylor than the gov-
ernorship of a territory that did not promise
much, but the call of the west reached to his ears
and his heart and he made no hesitation about
accepting the place and starting for the frontier.
He was then thirty-four years old, in the full
vigor of a particularly vigorous manhood. He
had been married four years and had a son three
years old. To sum the notable events of his
life, he served four years as governor of the terri-
tory, was mayor of St. Paul in 1855. was elected
governor in 1859, made the first tender of troops
to President Lincoln on the breaking out of hos-
tilities in 1861 : was re-elected governor in 1861 :
served twelve years in the United States senate
from 1863. and lived twenty-nine years after his
retirement in 1875. the most honored citizen of
St. Paul.
The reception of the news that Minnesota had
been admitted as a territory was made the occa-
sion of a demonstration that involved the lungs
of the entire male population when it came one
stormy night— April Qth. Since March ist the peo-
ple had been without news of any sort from the
east. The conditions of the ice would not permit
of travel but it was so packed in Lake Pepin that
the boat could not get through. Yet it is evident
that some building had been got under way and
the town was in a measure prepared for the news.
r>ut the suspense was so keen that when out of
the darkness down the river came the sound of
the whistle of the "Doctor Franklin." Joseph
Rondo turned out of his bed in his cabin, Clewett
came in from his place, even Phelan, misanthrope
that he was, hurried down to join the entire male
population of the town at the landing below Jack-
son's store and wait for the tidings. The news
was shouted from the boat :
"Minnesota Territory has been admitted."
And who shall say but there was some justifica-
tion for the hilarity that ensued? There is no
doubt that there was a hilarious time and that
certain creature comforts had to do with the pro-
motion of gayety.
The boat brought more than the news of the
admission of the territory. Down the river peo-
ple had had the news for some time and a good
many adventurous spirits were infected with a
fever that became epidemic before the year was
over. From Galena and Prairie du Chien and
even more remote points there came the where-
with to increase the census of St. Paul and many
of the people brought their belongings with them.
Having no knowledge of the situation here a
good many of them were exposed to hardships
that were well-nigh unendurable for there was no
houseroom for strangers in the community, small
as the fixed population was. Fortunately there
was lumber at hand and to be had and there
started a building boom the very next morning
that did not cease for many a year.
Three weeks later. April 28th. there took place
the event that had more to do with the develop-
ment, not only of St. Paul but of the country
west of the Mississippi river to the coast, than
any other one agency whose activities were in-
volved : The first newspaper appeared.
Tt was not much of a newspaper compared
with that which daily appears now bearing its
name, and which is its lineal descendant, but it
was the harbinger of fortune to the community.
James M. Goodhue, a born newspaper man. who
coidd write to the point — and fight to the point
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
63
if need be — who did not wait for convictions to
inspire him to faith in his town ; who could and
did proclaim the eminence and opulence of St.
Paul when it required faith and imagination to
discover either wealth or promise of a future ;
who could stand adversity and give no sign of
the pangs that afflicted him the while he painted
a roseate future and wondered whether it was go-
ing to be possible for him to get out the next
issue of his paper — this pioneer of the pen and
the printing press arrived in St. Paul, April i8th.
and by his mere coming and the landing of his
outfit, gave heart to the people and brought the
assurance that all things were possible. For the
power of the press was omnipotent in those days
and in the minds of the laity there was no limit
to the possibilities of its accomplishments. Mr.
Goodhue had been running a paper at Lancaster,
\\isconsin, but he was a good judge of the com-
mercial possibilities of a new country and when
news reached him that Minnesota had been
erected into a territory he concluded that the
capital of the new territory would be good
enough for him and he lost no time in getting an
outfit and landing it in St. Paul. He printed the
first paper in Minnesota but not the first ]\Iinne-
sota paper, for April 27th of that year the Minne-
sota Register was issued in Cincinnati, by Dr. A.
Randall and John P. Owens. Randall had been
in the country the previous year, engaged on the
geological survey and had become impressed
with the situation at St. Paul. He made up his
mind to start a paper at the place in case the
territorial bill was passed and St. Paul was
made the capital. Fearing that he might be
anticipated in his venture — as he was — if he
waited to get his material together to transport it
to St. Paul, he associated with him John P.
( )wens, who afterwards became a distinguished
writer in this territory and state, and printed the
first number of his paper in Cincinnati. He beat
( loodluic on the date but the latter was on the
ground and had all the advantages and disad-
vantages appertaining to the fact. According to
( ioodhue himself the conditions were not favor-
able to the pursuit of the journalistic trade.
He arrived on the steamer "Senator" and with
him came much material for the building and
peopling of a town. He found a home for his
]ilant in the lower story of a building that had
been hastily constructed by C. P. Lull. It was
so full of holes that had any one approached to
lick the editor, the editor must have been blind
indeed not to be advised of his approach, Mr.
Lull was glad to offer houseroom to the news-
paperman— and it is evident that the newspaper-
man was not ungrateful for Lull was made
sheriff at the first opportunity. Goodhue found
a temporary home with Landlord Bass, and so
mightily cheered that individual by his report of
what he thought of the prospect of immigration
that Mr. Bass set forth to work forthwith on the
seemingly impossible task of increasing the ac-
commodations of the St. Paul House by the sim-
ple device of putting two partitions in each rooin,
thus making four sleeping apartments where but
one had existed before. For ten days Mr. Good-
hue and his assistants earnestly wrought and
prayed and in the end there was born the Pio-
neer. The genius of his craft was upon Good-
hue. His product was not for home consumption
alone and he was engaged in booming St. Paul.
Already he saw in his mind's eye what St. Paul
should and would be — and he had the courage of
his prophetic convictions. In his first issue he
said :
"This town which was but yesterday unknown,
for the reason that it then had no existence, is
situated on the east bank of the Mississippi river
about five miles south of latitude forty-five de-
grees. A more beautiful site for a town cannot
be imagined. It must be added that bilious fevers
and the fever and ague are strangers to St. Paul.
A description of the village now would not
answer for a month hence — such is the rapidity
of building and the miraculous resurrection (sic)
of every description of domiciles." Like a wise
man, Goodhue was willing to leave a description
of the village to the imagination of his readers.
Going on, he said: "Piles of lumber and build-
ing materials lie scattered about everywhere in
admirable confusion. The whole town is on the
stir — stores, hotels, houses are projected and
built in a few days. California is forgotten and
the whole town is rife with the exciting spirit
of advancement." Then he states the situation
fn
I'ASr AND 1'RP:SEXT of ST. I'ALL.
and accurately gauges the future, while assertiug
souiethiug for the present:
"Saint i'aul, at the head of river coniiuunica-
tion, must necessarily supply all the vast region
north of it to the rich plains of the Selkirk Set-
tlement and west to the Rocky mountains, and is
destined to he the focus of an immense business,
rajjidly increasing with the growth and settle-
ment of the new regions lying within the natural
circumference of its trade. That extensive region
of beautiful land bordering on the St. Peter's riv-
er, as well as all the other tributaries of the Mis-
sissippi north of us, will soon be settled and must
obtain their supplies through St. Paul. Is it
strange then that St. Paul is beginning to be re-
garded as the St. Louis of the North?" Who shall
say that there was not something divine in the in-
spiration which led this stranger in a strange land
to make such a proclamation and confession of
faith. Incidentally Editor Goodhue said:
"To Immigrants — We advise settlers who are
swarming into St. Paul in such multitudes to
bring tents and bedding, to provide for their com-
fort until they can build houses, as it is utterly
impossible to hire a building in any part of the
village, although builders are at work in every
direction completing houses."
THE BOOM ST.XRTS.
It was in fact a boom. After the sleep of
years came the deluge. Every steamboat brought
crowds, fairly crowds, of people. They did not
know what they intended to do ; they had no way
of supporting themselves ; the settlement had
hitherto existed upon the traffic in furs alone and
there liad been no increase in resources propor-
tir>ned to the number of people coming in to
share in the ])roduce of the country. But the diffi-
culties carried their own compensation. Scores
came to .St. Paul with the idea of settling in the
town and getting rich in a real-estate boom and
who, finding they could not subsist while wait-
ing for the boom to get well under way, betook
them.selves to the rich prairies back from the
town and laid the foundations of their fortunes
by going into husbandry. Had this outlet not pre-
sented itself the conditions in St. Paul must have
been frightful for the town simply had to subsist
(itl the people within it— which made a rich enough
\\\ ing lor a time Init must inevitably have brought
the community to grief if it had been persisted in.
Within six w-eeks of the receipt of the news
of the creation of the territory about one hundred
buildings were put up in St. Paul and the village
— at least that portion of it that lay within the
bounds of .St. Paul Proper — began to assume
shape along street lines. Most of the buildings
were on Third street — then called St. Anthony
avenue — but more venturesome spirits went far-
ther north and there was some building in Rice
& Irvine's addition, w-est of Wabasha street, and
rather a pretentious hotel was erected on upper
Third street, the Rice House, during the sum-
mer. The population was no longer of the pio-
neering, home-seeking class. Professional men,
lawyers, politicians, all sorts and conditions of
men came up the river with a view to making
money out of the new town. .\n immense boom
in real-estate was on and Captain Robert, Mr.
Rice, Mr. Irvine, Sibley and some of the others
]irofited materially, though prices did not soar
high, comparatively. The buildings generally
were mere make-hifts and had to be fortified be-
fore the coming of cold weather. On Third
street an executive mansion was got under way, a
simple cottage that was poor enough in fact but
rather magnificent according to the means of the
community. The .St. Paul House was the center
of activity and in front of that hostelry there
lingered all day a little crowd of strangers, men
wearing high rolling collars with flowing ties,
tall hats of strange shape, big fobs and long-tailed
coats, and they discussed projects of the greatest
magnitude with the utmost composure. They
bought real-estate — for a rise. The\' had noth-
ing to do with the ilevelojinicnt of the town l)ut
were lookers on. ready to take a profit and \.o go
back down the river if the profit was not forth-
coming. Uiil the home-makers were at work.
Carpenters were at a premium and blacksmiths
had ]ilenty to do. .And the storekeepers throve
mitil thrir numbers had so increased that the
market was overstocked.
The indulgences of the lloating poi)ulatiiin was
not to the liking of the citizens and before the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
65
territory was actually organized a moral wave
struck the town and the Sons of Temperance had
a local organization.
THE ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR RAMSEY.
The town was, therefore, very much in the raw
when Governor Ramsey arrived to take posses-
sion of the governorship. He confessed to the
writer on the fiftieth anniversary of his arrival
— May 27, 1899 — that he was not very hopeful
after he had made a very brief tour of inspection
— but he protested stoutly that it never occurred
to him to back away from the job he had under-
taken of organizing the territory.
"The boat that brought us up the river (Mrs.
Ramsey and their three-year-old son were with
the governor) landed at the lower levee very
early in the morning and there were no people
about," said the governor. "I may add that I
was rather glad that no reception had been organ-
ized for the reception of the governor. If there
had been I could not have stood it in the then
state of my feelings. I told Captain Blakely I
thought I would climb to the top of the bluflf
and have a look at the place. He said I had bet-
ter stay aboard and go up to Mendota or the fort
where there would be some accommodations for
my family. But I wanted a look first and went
up the steps and out on to Third street — or what
is now Third street. There were a number of
very new and very badly built structures in vari-
ous stages of erection. They were almost all occu-
pied, without regard to the stage of progress at
which they had arrived. The St. Paul House
was the most conspicuous of the lot and the land-
lord, who had no idea of who I was, said he ex-
pected the boom to develop properly when the
governor arrived and he was adding to the num-
ber of his rooms. This, I found to my sorrow-
later, he effected by dividing the rooms with par-
titions. I walked up Third street to about Min-
nesota and no one took any interest in my prog-
ress except a small boy, who, seeing me examine
with interest a cottage that was in course of con-
struction, volunteered the information that the
governor was going to live there. As a matter
of fact I did rent the place afterwards and some
very happy hours I spent there. But I was
rather hopeless of finding any place to put up at
and concluded I had better take Blakely 's advice
and go up to the fort. There was something of
a crowd of people on the boat and I w-as a bit
worried as to what they would do for living
quarters, but they were unconcerned enough
about it, and all delighted at having reached the
place that promised so much in their castle-
building. An enormous amount of building mate-
rial and other stuflf had to be landed but the boat
was not delayed for all the goods to be put off
and we went on up the river. I was certainly
rather depressed when the boat steamed away
from the landing but I forgot that in the beauty
of the river scenery above the city and that very
morning got the inspiration that tke place was
more promising in native materials than it was as
man had made it — and I knew it would live down
the first raw attempts at city building. At ]\Ien-
dota General Sibley came down to the boat and
when we were introduced he would have it that
Mrs. Ramsey and myself go and live with him
until something could be done in the way of get-
ting a house at St. Paul."
That same day Governor Ramsey made a more
formal entry into St. Paul and looked it over.
He received a better impression than that which
he obtained in the early morning when there was
no life to the scene. He did not get here without
difficulty, nor without being compelled to taste
the hospitality of the people. General Sibley
accompanied the governor from Mendota and
took him across the Minnesota river to Fort
Snelling. to pay a visit of courtesy to the com-
manding officer and that functionary, insisting
that a governor was entitled to all his honors,
ordered a salute of eleven guns to be fired. Gov-
ernor Ramsey compromised for the salute for a
drink of whiskey and the territory of Minnesota
was pledged in a drink which Governor Ramsey
said afterwards was pretty good whiskey and
the pledge was redeemed by the starting of a
pretty good sort of state. Ramsey and Sibley
crossed the river to the present end of Seventh
street, where horses were had and the town was
entered through the forest and swamp above
Seven Corners. And Governor Ramsev had a
(^(l
I'ASl AXL) I'Rl-lSEXT (JF ST. PAUL.
l)ettcr impression of the place and tlie people
after lie had tasted the open-handed and effusive
denizens of the town who were quite beside
themselves with joy at having- a live governor
live among them.
Governor Ramsey was the man for the place
and the times. He was off-handed in his man-
ner, bluff, good natured but forceful and withal
a good politician. His sense of humor and ready
adajitability sometimes made people forget the
indication of character contained in the progna-
thous jaw, but the governor was a good business
man at all times. He got on well enough with
the ])eople of St. Paul and that night when the
celebration over his arrival had arrived at a stage
where men say the things they mean, he was
declared to be all right and the fact stated in
song and story.
Nearly^ every day the governor came down
from Mendota, getting ready for official business
and arranging bis private affairs. June ist Gov-
ernor Ramsey, having assembled his official fam-
ily, issued a proclamation declaring the Territory
of Minnesota organized, which was supplemented
by other proclamations calling for elections,
creating election districts and otherwise provid-
ing machinery for the operation of law. The ter-
ritorial officers had not all arrived but Chief Jus-
tice Aaron Goodrich, Associate Justice David
Cooper and United States District .\ttorney H.
I^. Moss acted with the governor in draftin,g the
proclamations and, as they wanted to be alone
when engaged in the work and as admiration and
respect compelled the populace to cling close to
the officials when they apeared in public they had
to betake themselves to a bedroom — one of those
whose capacity for containing guests had been
increased by dividing the original rooms — in the
.St. Paul ?Touse. The proclamations were writ-
ten on ;i primitive washstand, according to WW-
liams.
( )f the officials a]ipointed to territorial office
with Governor Ramsey, Chief Justice Goodrich
made the most lasting impression on St Paul.
Indeed, with the exception of Moss, tliev were
essentially carpet-baggers. Charles K. .Smith.
who was secretary of state, came from Ohio, and
returned there after two stormv vears in which
he kept himself very prominently before the peo-
ple, by the aid of Goodhue and his Pioneer.
Goodhue dill not like Smith and was not chary
about saying so in rather pointed language.
Alexander M. Mitchell, United States marshal,
also came out of Ohio — which state, it will be
observed, went into the business of supplying the
country with statesmen at a rather early date.
He remained in the country only four years.
Henry I^. Moss was a resident of Stillwater when
appointed and was identified with St. Paul for
many years.
Goodrich was a man of parts. P)orn in New
York he emigrated to Tennessee and was ap-
pointed from that state. He became closely iden-
tified with the interests of St. Paul and went
into the practice of law. A man of culture and
studious habits he was also an active politician
and was for a period secretary of legation at
Brussels, was twice a delegate to the national
Republican convention and was a conspicuous
member of that party in Minnesota. He con-
tributed to literature a work entitled "A History
of the Character and Achievements of the So-
Called Christopher Columbus," in which he as-
sailed that worthy in a manner that might have
made a stir if anybody had cared anything about
the ci-devant discoverer of America. Judge
Goodrich was one of the incorporators of the
Minnesota Historical Society and was for nian\'
years secretary of the Old Settlers' Association.
While the political destinies of the territory
were being shaped in lower town Henry M. Rice
was looking out for his interests in upper town.
He was convinced that the early settlers had
been aiiistaken in settling along lower Third
street. The natural conditions hedged the town
in originally between Fifth or Sixth streets and
the river, there being a plateau that was rather
rlevatrd rnnning from about the present location
of ilu- I'ionerr I'ress building ;U Pnurth and
l\ol)rrt streets to alionl tlie location of the old
cathedral at .Sixth and .St. Peter, thence up to
I'leasant aventir. Tluri' was some swamp within
this ,-irra hut underlying it was the rock and it
w.as fjiirly dry. To the north of this plateau
was .swamp and forest to eajiitol hill. Rice's
jjroperty extended back from the river and occu-
PAST A XI) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
67
l)ii-(l part i)f the plateau alx)ve Wahaslia street.
1 le was convinced that the town ought to he built
l)etween Seven Corners, Wabasha, Sixth and the
river. He had reasons for his conviction and
plenty of courage and he went about the work of
proving that he was right. That year the fight
between upper and lower town started and it con-
tinued ioT many years, though without much aui-
miisit\- (in either side — except such as was devel-
oped in the real-estate offices. Rice built what
was. tor those days, a fine hotel on Third street,
just about Washington, and for years it was the
most important hostelry in the town. It was a
very pretentious affair and no money was spared
in rushing it t<.i completion. It was opened in
June. 1849.
Rev. E. D. Xeill. who had made himself at
once a prominent factor in the town and was
that until his death, had the distinction of build-
ing the first brick structure in St. Paul. It was
situated below Washington on P'ourtli.
June 13, 1849, there were, by actual count, one
hundred and forty-two l)uil(lings, finished or in
course of construction in the town and the place
was growing at a gait indicated by the fact, re-
corded in the Pioneer, that three steaml)(.iats
loaded with merchandise arrived in one day.
(Governor Ramsey moved into town June 25.
There were some heartburnings because he pre-
ferred to land from the birch bark canoe which
contained his family and his lares and penates
at the u])per instead of the lower landing. He
had rented the house on Third street, near Alinne-
sota, which the small boy had told him was to be
the governor's residence. There was not a wagon
in the town that could be had to move the gov-
ernor'.s household gear and he was forced to re-
tain the services of a half breed with a cart
drawn by an ox.
Into this cart he piled, with the hel]) of the half-
breed, his trunks and other impedimenta and then
he assisted Mrs. Ramsey to climb on toj) of the
pile and thus he progressed up from the flat and
to his residence, being escorted by a few dignified-
looking Tndian.s — who lost no opportunitv of at-
taching themselves to the gubernatorial person,
when once they became convinced that he repre-
sented the great father and that largesse in the
form of rations might be issued by him at any
time.
FOLRTIi OF JULY IS CELEBK.VTED.
The first Fourth of July celebration was held
lliat year and the oration was contributed by
judge B. B. Meeker, W. D. Phillips, reading the
Declaration of Independence, the entire proceed-
ing being to the great gratification of all that
portion of the Sioux nation that could reach St.
Paul in time for the event. There was a consid-
erable accession to the membership of the Sons
of Temperance at the next meeting after that
celebration.
The formal features of the day included a pro-
cession headed by a military band from Fort
Snelling, which had some difficulty in following
^^larshal Franklin Steele through the streets.
Steele was familiar with the town plat and knew
where the streets were, but the band could not
always keep him in sight through the scrub oak
and hazel bushes. The speech-making took
place in the square at Rice Park and there was a
dinner at the American House which was a stu-
])endous afifair and which was followed by a ball.
A. L. Larpenteur was one of the marshals of the
day and tells of it w-ith much reminiscent glee.
That June a census was taken, under the terms
of the organic act, and the returns — which were
probabl}- stuffed — showed that there were four
thousand, seven hundred and eighty persons in
the territory, eight hundred and forty being
found in St. Paul. The St. Paul eunmeration
might have been — probably wa.s — approximately
correct; but it is very unlikely that there were as
many whites in the territory as v\'ere reported.
( )f the St. Paul population three hundred were
females ami the fact was loudly proclaimed as
giving an air of permanency to the growth of the
city.
About that time politics began to look tip. At-
tention was called to the pleasurable uncertainty
of political life in July when Postmaster Jack-
son, wjio had served the community through the
lean years before the discovery of St. Paul by the
ambitions, and who was making |ilans to reap
(>S
PAST AXIJ rRMSEXT UF ST. I'ALL.
his reward, was removed. He went to the ex-
])eiise of huildinsj a little frame shanty on Third
street, whicli he furnished with appointments de-
clared by local connoiesseurs to be altogether
"elegant," and just before he was ready to occupy
it. before the paint was dry on the sign '"Post-
office." notice came from Washington that he
had lost his job and that J. ^^^ Bass had been
appointed in his stead. He had lived so far
removed from the turmoil of political life that
he overlooked the fact that a Whig administra-
tiim had come in. Mr. Bass was alive to the
fact, however, and he got the job by simply ask-
ing for it and announcing that he was a Whig.
This startled the citizens and made them take
some interest in the election which had been
called for the first of August, in a proclamation
which divided the state into election precincts, the
St. Paul district being known as the Third. The
jiroclamation called for the election of nine mem-
bers of the territorial council and eighteen mem-
bers of the lower house. St. Paul was entitled
to two councillors and four representatives and
ten citizens were compelled to accept nominations
and stand for election. Governor Ramsey said
that when he came he was tendered the service
of more office-seekers than he could possibly ap-
point. But when it came to a matter of trying
for election the citizens were not so enthusiastic
in their clamor for office. There were no parties
and as many eligible tnen as could be induced to
run were put into the field on personal grounds.
The new-comers as a whole declined to subject
themselves to the possible abuse that might be
indulged in. Those who did run thought they
were pretty safe on their records. The cam-
paign was devoid of interest. The candidates
were openly solicited to buy drinks and as openly
did so, if they were so inclined. But there was
little speechmaking and no fight. The election
resulted in the selection of W. TT. Forbes and
James M. Boal as councillors and B. W. Enm-
son, P. K. Jf)hnson. ITenry Jackson and Dr. J. J.
Dewey as representatives.
Justice Goodrich held a term of court for St.
Croi.x county, in St. Paul. August 12, and after-
wards made the comment that there were in at-
tendance many lawyers "of the lankest and hun-
griest description." That the new town was well
supplied with legal talent was demonstrated in
the fact that there were twenty of the lank and
hungry ones at this first term of court. It is
not related that there were any sort of satis-
factory pickings for them, for, being without
precedent over which to fight, it was almost nec-
essary for them to let justice take its course.
The ca])itol had been established at the Central
House, which had evolved from an old log
house on Bench street. With nothing but the log
walls to start with Robert Kennedy had con-
structed a rather respectable house, as to size.
AV'hy he started with the log shanty it is impossi-
ble to say for the logs were in the way of the
builders and they were practically all cut away be-
fore the many additions were finished. One of the
ground floor rooms w'as occupied by the secretary
of state and the chamber of the house of repre-
sentatives : above stairs w-as the chamber of the
council and when both houses met in joint ses-
dining room that both bodies gathered Septem-
sion the dining room was used. It was in the
her 3 to listen to the governor's message and a
I>rayer by the Rev. E. D. Neill — and a stouter
message or more appealing invocation has not
been listened to by a legislature in this state.
Governor Ramsey had a great sense of his re-
sponsibility. In his first message he indicated
the conviction he had that the legislature was
laying the groundwork for a great political edi-
fice.
The acts of that first legislature have not sur-
vived the attacks of two generations of lawyers
and lawmakers, except in so far as they went to
the naming of counties. Ramsey and nine other
counties were established, and the county in
which St. Paul was located was named for Gov-
ernnr Ramsey. St. Paul was also incorporated
as a town — so much of it as was included in the
])lat of St. Paul Proper and Rice and Irvine's
addition, west of Wabasha. The town was to be
governed by a town council and a president, a
recorder and live trustees were to compose that
bndy. They were empdwered In appoint adminis-
trative officers.
'AST A\n PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
69
As vet there were no county or town officers
and at the close of the leg-islative session which
lasted sixty days, Governor Ramsey appointed
as county officers, ad interim. C. P. Y. Lull, sher-
iff ; Dr. David Day, register of deeds ; Henry A.
Lambert, judge of probate, and Louis Robert and
Andre Godfrey, commissioners. In the election
which followed, on November 26, there were
about three hundred and ten votes cast. In the
election Dr. Day defeated W. D. Phillips for
register of deeds; C. P. \'. Lull had a clear
majority over both J. R. Irvine and Edmund
Brissette for sheriff' : J. W. Simpson was elected
treasurer without opposition ; H. A. Lambert de-
feated B. W. Lott for judge of probate and Louis
Robert, Benjamin Gervaise and R. P. Russell
were elected commissioners, beating Andre God-
frey and John Banfil. St. Anthony was then in-
cluded in Ramsey county but the men elected
were all residents of St. Paul.
A temporary organization for the direction of
public schools was effected. A\'. PL Forbes, John
Snow. Edmund Rice. Rev. E. D. Neill, B. F.
Hoyt, J. Parsons and B. K. Brunson were the
first trustees and three schools were in operation
by the first of the year. The French, who had
dominated the village up to within a year had
disappeared from the school map. But they were
still in force over in Mendota for it is related
that at the first term of court held there all but
two of the grand jurors were Frenchmen and
]\raj. Forbes acted as interpreter during the ses-
sion.
When winter closed in the town was cheerful
and fairly prosperous. It was living very largely
upon itself, apparently, for. although Williams
says the mercantile business of St. Paul in 1849
amounted to $131,000, it is not apparent that the
town shipped anything but 2,135 harrels of cran-
berries picked by the Indian squaws. Of course
the fur trade had to be reckoned with, but furs
were not exactly a product of the town of St.
Paul. But what the steamboats lacked in freight
on their down trips they made up for in coming
from below, for they continued to arrive with
great quantities of merchandise until well into
Xovember. St. Paul was provisioned for a long
hard winter and w^as independent of the outside
world so far as the necessaries of life were con-
cerned. The hibernation that winter was neither
so complete nor so prolonged as it had been in
previous winters. There was much work to be
done in making snug the houses that had been
hurriedly put up during the summer and there
were balls and parties galore.
Those early settlers, though they carried the
responsiljilities of empire builders, were not
weighted down with their burdens. They were a
hardy lot with no set purpose in life, with some
few exceptions, and they were not borrowing
trouble. When the state of weather shut them
off from the outside world they forgot the world
and lived unto themselves. They opened the year
with a ball that was long remembered as a social
event. It took place at the Central House and
there were one hundred men there and as many
women. The indift'erence of some of the men
to conventionalities was so marked that the
editor of the Pioneer was constrained in the
following issue of his journal to intimate that
moccasins were no part of the costume de
rigeur — a warning that was altogether lost on
the populace for moccassins continued to be ex-
tremely fashionable among gentlemen who had
no other footgear, and would not have felt com-
fortable if they had.
That same glad New Year provoked somebody
to poesy. Tradition does not preserve the name
of the poet, which is to be regretted, for, although
his poetry was execrable the spirit of prophecy
was strong upon him — so strong as to point to
the editor of the Pioneer as the author of the
New Year's Address which was produced. It is
quite worth while reproducing a part of that
poem, not as example of the early Victorian
style of literature but to show how close even a
bad poet shoots at the mark when he is stirred
iby the muse. The address opens w-ith the ad-
mission that the Mississippi is entitled and bound
to have three cities ; the existence of New Orleans
and St Louis is admitted and St. Paul is pointed
to as the third.
PROPHECY IN VERSE.
"The third zcil! be. where rivers confluent flow.
From the wide-spreading north through plains of
snow :
I'ASl" AND I'RESEXT ( )]•- ST. I'AL'L.
The marl of all that bouiullcss forests give,
To make mankind more comfortably live * * *
Propelled by this wide stream you'll see
A thousand factories at St. Anthony.
* * * lielow I'ort Snelling seven miles or so,
And three above the village of Old Crow.
Pig's Kye? Pig's Eye! That's the spot!
A ver\- funny name: is it not?
Pig's Eye's the spot, to plant my city on.
To be remembered by when I'm gone.
Pig's Eye, converted thou shalt be, like Saul,
Thy name henceforth shall be St. Paul.
A\'hen the \\'isconsin is wedded to the Fox
By a canal and solid steamboat locks ;
When freighted steamboats leave St. Paul one
day.
And reach the next but one Green Bay;
When locomotives regularly draw.
Their freighted trains from distant Pembina.
And o'er the bridge rush, thundering, at St. Paul ;
And, at Dubuque to breathe, scarce make a call ;
But hurry onward to the hot Balize,
By flying farms, plantations, houses, trees —
When from the Cave to Pig's Eye shall extend
A levee lined with steamboats to each end ;
When one great city covers all
The ground from Pig's Eye to the Falls.
I then will claim St. Paul for mine.
The child of 1849."
The mere reading of it should teach the skep-
tic not to scoff at the ])rophet whose verses are
ojT their feet.
The only deprivations suffered by the people
that winter came from the absence of cured meats
and soap — tlKJiigh there were always those to
complain because the weekly mail missed a week
occasionally. I Icnry \[. Rice had the eastern
mail contract and had taken it ex])ecting to be
able to make time during the winter on a road
that had been blazed and cut through from
Prairie du (hien by way of Black River Falls,
but the weather made it impossible for the mail
carriers to get through always. There were few
stopping places and the fierce blizzards wnuld
stay the dog trains for days at a time.
The complaint about the lack of cured meats
did nf)t arise from a verv serious cause for there
was plenty of fresh meat. The Inilians, a nuis-
ance almost unmitigated, in general, kept the
market well supplied with game, bringin.g in a
great deal of elk, deer and bear meat, all of which
was comparatively cheap. The Pioneer remarks
that mallard ducks were offered at twenty cents
per ]5air — probably frozen and kept that way
since the fall. But the mere fact that the Indians
kept the market supplied with fresh meat by no
means justified their existence. They did not live
in. they infested, the town. With their natural
timidity changed by usage to unwitting impu-
dence, they forced themselves into houses and
stores. If they were treated well they could not
be got rid of ; if they were ill-treated they became
revengeful and would make reprisals in small
thefts or wanton destruction of property. They
lived dreadful lives. The\- had tasted of the
fleshpots of the white man and took readily
enou.gh to his most depraved tastes. Many of
them were industrious hunters of course, but
even they, when in town, were the veriest loaf-
ers. When they had money — anil they always
insisted on having cash for their meats — they
were good customers for the storekeepers : when
they had no money they were not loth to bestow
their company on the traders. ^lany a woman
from the east was scared to the verge of hysteria
liy them. They would walk into a house and
take possession. They would ordinarily steal
nothing while anybody was looking. But their
thievery was born of want. The state of destitu-
tion in which they lived is almost incredible,
latterly improvident, they would consume in n
day what they might easily have subsisted on
for a month and the men would not work'. The
S(|uaws did all the work. Some of tluin were
tati.yht a knowledge of housework b\ the women
of the earliest settlement anil they continued to
do odd jobs in the kitchens. But it was impossi-
lile to employ many of them on account of their
filthy habits. They fairly swarmed in the town.
for their numbers had been largely augmented
by the coming of the whites. There had been
good ])ickings during the previous summer when
a ,uang of bucks might get up an imjiromplu
dance for a crowil of white tenderfeet in the
assiu'ance of getting some recom])ense. Xot be-
PAST AXD PRESEXT C)V ST. PAUL.
iiiiT able to return iv their distant lioines — perliaps
not caring to — they remained during the winter.
So Little Cro\v"s band had no monopoly of the
refuse barrels of St. I'aul. There was no way
of checking them for the town was not policed,
and if it had been it would have been the extreme
of idiocy to arrest them — they would have fairl\'
broken into a jail where they might eat and
sleep in comfort.
Their morals were not bad ; they simply had
no morals, for the most part. They were de-
bauched by contact with the whites, of course,
for iinmoralitv in a Sioux, especially in a woman,
is rare in their native state. Their immorality —
or rather their unmoral condition — was charge-
able in a large measure to their indigence. They
would resort to anything to the end that they
might procure wherewith to eat. Their horrid
condition is told in paragrajih by the editor of
the Pioneer :
"The other evening, near the upiXT landing,
we saw a revolting spectacle — a Sioux squaw,
evidently famished, knawing the head of a dog
she had found dead."
Indians of another sort than those hangers-on
about the town came in toward the end of the
winter. The Winnebagoes were dissatisfied with
their reservation — to which they had been
moved with difficulty some few years before —
sent a deputation of their head chiefs in to hold
a council with Governor Ramsey — who was.
ex-officio, Indian commissioner. They were a
picturesque lot, even in their hunger, and they
were quite as hungry at times as their less attract-
ive looking brethren of the local contingent, but
their state would not permit them to admit it.
The\ were well entertained while engaged in the
oiuncil, for it was the better policy to use them
well. The council was held at Olmstead &
Rhodes' store on Third street, between Robert
and Jackson. Governor Ramsey induced them
to return to their reservation, promising that
their complaints should have attention. P>ut their
attitude alarmed some nf the more timid of the
settlers, who foresaw an Indian war. ^^'illiams
says that Governor Ramsey made a temperance
speech at this council that lost something of its
eflfect through the necessity for literal interpre-
tation. He advised the Indians to leave whiskey
alone. "The white men have quit drinking," he
said, whereupon the Indians grunted and looked
incredulous and the governor added, "in a great
measure." Major Forbes, who was interpreting
rendered this literally, "in a large sized vessel."
L'pon which One-Eyed Dekora, a famous Winne-
bago chief, remarked : "Perhaps they have, but
most of them still use a small-sized vessel." The
governor gave up trying to reform that council.
But whatever the state of the Indians, St. Paul
was a clean town, morally, for a frontier settle-
ment. Drunkenness was minimized, there was
no open gambling, none of the violent crimes that
might l>e expected in a river town on the uppe-
Mississippi. Whiskey was undoubtedly sold and
drank and it was complained that it was not a
good ((uality of whiskey. Rattler, an Indian who
had escaped being killed by a very narrow margin
at the time of the Chippewa descent on Kaposid
some six years before, got a drink in town one
night and was found dead in the morning in his
tepee across the river — which moves W'illiams,
who was a teetotaler, to remark : "Whiskey that
could kill a Sioux Indian that quick must have
been a mighty mean article." But then Williams
was prejudiced and if the whiskey then in use in
St. Paul permitted the men to do what the pio-
neers did for this town it might not be a bad idea
to get some of the same brand for use today.
Just at the breaking up of that hard winter
there was a term of court held, the first for Ram-
sey county. Justice Goodrich sat and the number
of lawyers on the rolls had already increased to
twenty-five. There was a homicide case on th'i
docket. Alex. R. McLeod having been indicted
for having caused the death of \\'illiam r>. Gor-
don. It was shown that Gordon had attacked
McLeod. who was unarmed, and that the latter
had killed his assailant with his bare hands. Mc-
Leod was acquitted and his acquittal served to
bring Edmund Rice, who had come in in the pre-
vious summer prominently before the community
— though he had other claims on the public es-
teem than his ability as a criminal lawyer. Rice
had become a member of the firm of Rice. Hol-
linshead & Becker and to him fell the case of
McLeod. Mr. Rice was for upwards of forty
PAST AXU I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
years a prominent eitizen of St. Paul. He \va>
a lawyer of some eapaeity before he reached St.
Paul, having been master in chancery, register
of the chancery court and clerk of the supreme
court of Michigan, to which state he had emi-
grated from his birthplace in \'ermont. He was
thirty years old when he arrived in St. Paul ; a
veteran of the Mexican war ; a commanding per-
sonality and a natural leader. He practiced lav,'
until 1855 "^""J then turned his attention to rail-
roads, becoming the moving spirit in many of the
earlier road building projects ; being the president
of the St. Paul and Pacific and its successor down
to 1872. His activity, intelligence and persever-
ance paved the way for other men to interest cap-
ital in a large way in Minnesota railroads. He
was repeatedly elected to office, to the state legis-
lature, serving in both branches during several
terms : he was mayor of St. Paul several terms
and was elected to congress from the St. Paul
district.
Xot less eminently gifted for popularity wa-^
George L. Becker, of the same firm. He arrived
at about the same time as Edmund Rice, coming
from Xew York by way of ^Michigan. He did
not continue in the practice of la\v long after Mr.
Rice retired from the firm but became interested
in railroad aft'airs. an interest that he retained
in some form up to the time of his death a fev.-
years ago. He was not a good politician, lacking
in the quality of forcing his claims. He was
the leader of many a Democratic forlorn hope,
tlie last time being when he ran against Knute
Xelson in 1894 for governor. In 1857 he was
one of the three men elected to represent the
future state in congress. When it was found
that Minnesota was only entitled to two con-
gressmen Mr. Becker did not wait to discuss the
situation — he resigned his claims. The act was
typical of the man : he might have made a fight
and taken the seat. He was president of the St
Paul and Pacific for twelve years and built up-
wards of three hundred miles of road ; was ma\(i''
of St. Paul and member of l)oth the lunise anci
senate — being elected to the latter body once with-
out opposition, and was member of the railroad
and warehouse commission for many years pre-
vious to his death.
William II. 1 lollinshead, the third member of
this distinguished law firm, came from Philadel-
phia. He easily dominated the early bar as 1
trial lawyer but died before he attained his full
powers.
.\fter the winter the deluge. There was a
freshet in the spring of 1850 which was so
im])ressive that the people were, for many years,
wont to apjjroximate events by it. They would
sav that such a thing occurred two years after
the bi.g rise in the river, even as the Plibernian at
times fixes a date in accordance with its relation
to the time of "the big wind in Ireland." There
had been an immense snowfall. In .St. Paul
the thoroughfares were mere gorges cut through
banks of snow. Some of the people living in log
cabins dug tunnels to connect with their stables.
There was even more snow at the headquarters
of the Mississippi and the Minnesota. The ice
in the river was long in breaking up and the
waters came down from above where the gorges
were bn.iken. Fortunately there was little in the
way of ]iroperty on the flats that could be harmed.
Both the landing places were submerged and the
warehouses were precipitately abandoned and
given over to the flood. The flood was at its
height when the first boat of the season arrived — •
the Highland Mary. Her load added five hun-
dred inhabitants to the population of St. Paul.
And the fact relieved the anxiety of the people
as to whether the town would be forgotten down
the river during the v.-inter.
THE FIRST TOWX ELECTION.
IMay 6 the first town election was held. Di-.
Thomas R. Potts being elected president. Ed-
uiunil Rice, recorder, and \\'. II. I'orbes, B. ¥.
Hoyt, \V. II. Randall, Henry Jackson and .\. L.
Larpenteur trustees. X'o record is left of the
proceedings of that first civic body but that in the
meuini-\- of .\. L. Laqienteur and in the elusi\''
item in the current news]iapers.
The tenderfeet were brought to a realization
of the fact that they were living very close to a
state of nature, indeed by an incident that oc-
curred Ma\ 15. 1 liile-ln-The-Day. a chief of the
Chippewas. who afterwards attained to some dis-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
73
tiiiction, came down to St. Paul and took t\v:
scalp of a Sioux, an act of bravado that startled
the community. Some time prior to this a party
of Sioux had attacked and killed a number of
Chippewas who were working in the maple su-
gar bush. The wretchedness of the winter had
been forgotten by the Sioux as soon as the ice
broke u]) in the river and ducks were to be had
by an}- Indian who had time to lay in the reeds
and wait for the unwary mallard to come within
reach of his arm. Having lingered at death's
door all winter they became bloodthirsty — the
Sioux instinct leading his vagrant fancy to
thoughts of Chippewa scalps rather than to
thoughts of love in the spring. The attack on the
Chi])pewas was purely malicious. Hole-In-The-
Day was mad with rage. He said afterwards
that he wanted to show the Siou.x that thev were
old women and not safe in their own camp when
a Chippewa warrior went on the warpath. He
came down the river in a canoe with a couple of
warriors, concealed the canoe in the brush near
Parrant's first cabin, crossed the river by swim-
ming and lay in wait for a likely partv of Sioux.
They got their quarry, surprising a considerable
number of Indians from Kaposia, wounding sev-
eral of them and killing one. Hole-In-The-Dav
got off safe and held a scalp dance north of St.
Paul the next night. Governor Ramsey got the
chiefs of the bands together and talked them
into smoking the pipe of peace about the middle
of June, but the peaco treaty was never observed
to any noticeable extent.
There was a plague of cholera that summer,
brought in on the steamers from below, the news-
pajiers said, and many deaths.
The federal census showed a population ir,
Ramsey county, which included all of the state
east of the Mississippi except the .St. Croix val-
ley, of 2,197 — ^-^i?!/ uiales and 860 females. In
the county there were 384 dwellings and 45S
acres of land were under cultivation. In St. Paul
tlure were 2^j families, numljering 1,294 souls.
Williams published thirty years ago a roster
of the male adults living in St. Paul in 1850. He
calls it the "P.attle .\bbey Roll of St. Paul."' It
contains four liundred and ninety-eight names.
The flamboyancy of the orator in the early fif-
ties had its largest expansion on the rostrum and
those residents of St. Paul who had language
to put on the market did a thriving business in the
campaign of 1850. There was a degree of bit-
terness injected into the campaign that year by
business considerations and a fierce fight was
made on some of the candidates for ofSce, Henry
H. Sibley being the target of most of the verbal
great guns that were fired. An election was or-
dered for September 2 and the candidates were
Sibley and Alex. M. Mitchell. Mitchell would
have been unable to make a showing against Sib-
ley on his personal strength but he was supported,
for business and personal reasons, by the friends
of Henry M. Rice. The latter had latelv with-
drawn from the business conducted under the
name of Pierre Choteau & Company, in which he
and Sibley were both limited partners. The fur
company did have a practical monopoly of the
business in the country and Sibley's connection
with the concern was made the basis for a political
attack on him. The fight that was made on the
monopoly was a good, wholesouled, enthusiastic
affair that makes the denunciations of the beef
trust in these da}S mere puerile mouthings. Men
took their whiskey straight in those days and
they did not want their politics qualified. As a
conse(|uence Mr. Sibley had rather a bad time
during the campaign. Antl the partisans of the
contending parties had it demonstrated upon
their bodies at times that they were altogether
wrong in their attitude. Mitchell was a good
fighter and Rice had a capacity for organization
•J35jH3i3qi 3DEid pBq B .\ui3iu j3.\o luiq psdpq jEqi
Locally Mitchell had by far the best of the fight
Mendota was for .Sibley and' the Indians were for
him. too, to a great extent, but thev were not per-
mitted to vote unless they maintained the sem-
blance of civilization — which rule barred most of
them. On their merits .Siblev should have beaten
Mitchell out of hand, as it was Mitchell — or
rather the Rice strength — polled one hundred and
fift}-three votes in St. Paul as against one hun-
hundred and fifty-one for Sibley. But the out-
lying districts, where the power of the fur com-
pan\- was supreme, saved Siblev and he was
elected delegate from the territory bv a vote of
649 to 559 for Mitchell.
I'ASi' AM) iM-;i-:si-:xT ol' st. paul.
There was less acrimony in the campaign for
legislative and county offices, though the nomi-
nes ran on their personal merits, no party lines
lieing drawn. U. \V. Brunson. Justus C. Ramsey,
11. L. lilden and Edmund Rice were elected to
the legislature ; A. Godfrey and R. P. Russell
were elected county commissioners.
Ramse\- county bonds were issued that year
to provide money for the erection of a courthouse
and jail on a site given by A'etal Guerin for the
])urpose — the same site that has since been used
for the same object. Dr. Day drew the plans
for the courthouse and the building was erected
and completed in the following year and served
its pur]inse for upwards of a quarter of a cen-
tury.
In December the Pioneer threatened to resolve
itself into a dail\- and the Minnesota Democrat
appeared on the tenth of that month. Governor
Ramsey proclaimed the first Thanksgiving day
and it was observed December 26.
CHAPTER SEVEN.
IX WHICH IT I.S SHOWN TH.\T THE TIMES WERE
TRUCfEENT, REDS .\ND WHITES SPILLING BLOOD
ON THE STREETS THE TOWN PROGRESSES TO
THE ORGANIZATION OF A FIRE DEPARTMENT.
1S51-1854.
Colonel Goodhue — In those days newspajier
editors were apparently ex-officio colonels, tlic
modern re(|uirenient of an a])pointment to the
staff of the governor not being necessary to tlie
l)estowal of the title — had a vitriolic ]ien. .More-
iiver he had convictions and the cmu'age U> ex-
pre>s the sauK- in his pa])rr. lie had, at this time
two pet antijialhies. ( )ne was the ;d)sentee land-
owner and the other absentee officeholder. Tie
had some other ])et aversions whicli he aired 1 in
occasion but he never overlooked an opportunity
to indulge in splenetic attacks on these two
classes. The absentee land-owner was as un-
popular with (iooclhue as he was in Ireland, but
the man who lived elsewhere and was holding
St. Paul town lots for a raise in price was not
much disturbed by the fulminations of the edi-
tor of the Pioneer. ( )ccasionally Goodhue abused
one of these absentees so roundly that the man
was compelled in self-defense to move to St. Paul.
It was, with the editor, a sort of heroic immigra-
tion campaign.
But the absentee office-holders appeared on the
ground occasionally and stood ready to defend
their rights from attack in their own proper per-
sons. And they had always friends on the
ground, relatives and partisans who were noth-
ing loth to defend the honor and privileges of
their champions, (ioodhue was not always al-
lowed to go unrebuked after indulging in too
warm an expression of the merits and demerits of
his fellow citizens. Init he was not a man to be
attacked unthinkingly, lie was quite prepared
for an attack at almost any time and was gener-
ally fortified with an arsenal in the shape of a
cou])le of derringers, which were calculated to
put a damper on the ardor of anvbody who
evinced a disposition to "lick the editor." But
he came very near meeting his fate half way in
January, 1 851. as the consequence of a tirade he
had indulged against Alex. M. Mitchell and Judge
Cooper whom he denounced as arrant scamps and
vagabonds, using ver\- harsh terms indeed. The
peroration but faintly outlines what precedes it in
the article but it is worth quoting as a fine sample
of the vigor of pioneer journalism before the le.g-
islators put a curb on the freeck)m of the press :
"h'eeling some resentment for the wrongs our
Territiir\ has suflered." wrote (londluH'. "by these
men. ]iressing upon us like a dispensation of
wrath, a judgment — a curse, a plague mie(|iialley
since tlie hour when I'.gypt went liuisy, we sat
down 111 write this article with some bitterness,
but imr \ery gall is honey to what thev deserve."
Within ;m hcmr n\ the publieatdn of ihr ])apir
containing the article the friends of Cooper were
gunning I'or the editor. (Goodhue eviflently ex-
pected that there wnuld lie trouble but he went
TAST AXD l^RESEKT OF ST. PAL'L.
75
about his business and had had several wordy
wars with friends of the men attacked in the hall
uf the himse — which was in session in a brick
building located where the Metropolitan Hotel
now stands, at Third and Washington streets.
The editor got out of the legislature without
coming to blows or worse with anyone, but just
as he left the building where the solons sat he
met Joseph Cooper, a brother of the judge. There
were no preliminaries to the battle that ensued.
Cooper rushed at Goodhue and struck at him,
whether with a knife or with his fist it was
never known. Coodhue dodged the lilow and
drew a pistol, singk-barrelled. Cooper drew a
revolver. Fortunately for both men their weap-
ons did not act as easily as the arms of today.
While they were getting their guns into action
ihey parleyed. Cooper announced his purpose of
i)lowing Goodhue's brains out : the editor retort-
ed that he would do as much for the other if it
were possible to blow any brains out of a head
which contained none. Sheriff Lull appeared
while they were roaring out denunciations of each
other and took their pistols away from the men.
But the\' were warmed up by this time and when
the sheriff turned his back Goodhue drew another
pistol and Cooper a knife. Before Goodhue could
fire Cooper jumped on him and stabbed him in
the abdomen — an officious friend holding the edi-
tor the while. Then Goodhue got a shot at
Cooper and seriously wounded him. The men
then closed and fought viciously for a few min-
utes, before they could be separated, Cooper us-
ing his knife anil ( ioodhue the butt of his pistol.
When they were pried apart Goodhue was bleed-
ing from three stab-wounds and Cooper had to
be carried from the field.
The affair created a tremendous sensation and
it was long before the danger of a further re-
connoitre was averted. But his wotmds only fed
the flames of Goodhue's wrath and in the next is-
sue of his paper he asserted that his life was
threatened by a conspiracy formed by the friends
of Cooper and announced that he was of a disposi-
tion to defend himself, his rights and the rights
of the peo]ile as against all comer.s — adding
something personal anent the individuals.
The event and the continued and bitter fight-
ing in- the legislature dissii)ated all idea of ennui
that winter. William R. Marshall, then a hard-
ware dealer at St. Anthony Falls and later a resi-
dent of St. Paul and governor of the state, led a
fight against the location of the capitol at St.
Paul. There was twenty thousand dollars to
spend for the building under the organic act and
that was the bone of contention. Marshall made
a stout fight but was fortunate to get oiif with the
location of the state vmiversiy in his district —
which proved by far the more desirable and profit-
al)Ie institution of the two in the long run. The
capitol fight resulted in a drawn battle, but that
was not the only fight in the legislature. Some
of the members thought they were being legislated
out of office by the apportionment bill and that
was the cause of much argument, both oral and
|jhysical. The printers, Goodhue, of the Pioneer,
on the one side, and Col. D. A. Robertson, of the
Democrat, and Hennis and Vincent of the Chron-
icle and Register, on the other, between all of
wh(}m the amenities were generally strained, had
got into a fight among themselves over the job
of official printer for the territory. There were
good pickings in the place and it meant compara-
tive ease for the publisher holding the place.
( ioodhue beat the combination and put the Giron-
icle and Register out of business — that publica-
tion bearing the distinction of filling the first grave
in a cemetery for deceased newspapers that has
been comfortably filled since then.
.At the close of the legislative session things
had come to such a pass that the town was in a
state of armed hostility. Xearly every individual
who cut any figure in the community whatever
had had some pet measure disfigured or beaten
and the citizens were all fighting mad. The night
after the adjournment peaceable citizens betook
themselves to their homes and the town was
given over to a noisy crowd, all armed, largely
fired by the extent of their potations, and spoiling
for a fight. Nobody was killed.
The mails were more regular that winter than
they had been hitherto and there is an absence
of the complaining note so obvious in the papers
the ])revious s|)ring. The editors may have other
things to occupy them, but navigation opened
earlv and internecine warfare was forgotten and
76
I'ASr AND 1'R1':S1':XT Ol" ST. TAl'L.
everybody went amicably to work at city build-
ing, with the aid of a good contingent of immi-
grants from down the river. So far had the
town advanced that there was a demand made on
the town trustees that some steps be taken to put
down sidewalks on the princi])al streets — the Pio-
neer observing that six-inch planks would serve
the purpose admirably. Goodhue still complained
that the stumps had not been pulled out of Third
street.
Robert Kennedy. landli>rd of the Central House,
was elected president of the town that spring and
h'.gidus Keller, Firman Ca/^eau, William Free-
hiini. K. C. Know and J. E. h'ullerton councillors.
Henry .\. Lambert was elected recorder without
opposition.
The town was now assuming some form, the
buildings being aligned according to the plat.
Many additions had already l>een made and the
unhajjpy result of the first survey being to com-
pel all subsequent surveys to adjust themselves to
the original, the townsite was sprawling and the
streets converged at fantastic angles. But there
were few buildings above one story in height and
the log cabin scraped shoulders wdth the more
pretentious brick edifices that were becoming
more numerous as the brick-making industry was
developed. The buildings in the upper town
were rather more substantial — or rather the sub-
stantial structures were comparatively more nu-
merous— than those in the lower town. There
was constant conflict l)etween the property own-
ers in the two districts, but it had begun to dawn
on some of the people that the development would
eventually connect both ends of the town. There
were two ferries in operation, one running to the
west side from the lower landing and one from
the upper. Third street, a straggling lane run-
ning through a quagmire in its lower end. was
the principal thoroughfare but the location of
the capitol at Exchange street invited speculators
out in that direction. The general disposition
was to hug the river bank, or the bluffs over-
looking it. This disposition rendered abortive
the continual ap])eals of Colonel Goodhue for the
reservation of a parkway along the river side of
what was Bench street, between Third and the
river. .Mas, even Rench street itself has long
since disajjpeared before the encroachments of
commerce on the blutl.
There still exists a daguerrotxpe made in 1851
that shows the conditions at the corner of Third
and Robert streets. In the foreground are a cou-
ple of log houses, one occupied by L. .A. P)abcock
as a law office, the other the store and residence
of I'.artlett Presley, the pioneer fruit merchant.
To the left is a single story frame building used
as a saloon. Xext Bartlett's was a frame build-
ing. John yi. Castner's boarding house, then a
meat market, then \\'illoughby & Powers" livery
stable. J. C. Burbank had rather a pretentious
residence which shows to the rear of the other
buildings and in the distance is the First Baptist
church, standing alone on a hill. The picture con-
veys but little idea of what the town looked like
as a whole but it is the most telling souvenir that
remains of how the place loked, judging of the
\\hoIe from a piece.
That stable of Willougliby & Powers — shown
in the picture was the base of operations for land
trar.sportation in St. Paul. That year the firm
put on the first Concord coach used in Minne-
sota— the same coach was still in existence a few
years ago. Amherst Willoughbly and Simeon
Powers started the first stage line in the territory
in 1849 when they put a two-horse open wagon
into commission between St. Paid and St. An-
thony. In the fall a four-horse wagon was nec-
essary to carry the business and in the winter they
instituted a line to Prairie du Chien. They had
no opposition in the St. .Anthony business but
that offered by Robert Kennedy, which was
neither effective nor lasting, until the summer of
1851 when Pattison and Benson came in with
an outfit of coaches and made a bid for the busi-
ness, 'i'hc old line was known as the Red Line
from the color of the coaches and the other was
called the Yellow Line. W'illoughby and Pow-
ers had been charging seventy-five cents fare, but
comjietition soon brought the rates down to such
a state that it was i)ossible to travel from St. Paul
to Minneapolis in 1851 for the same price — if not
with the same expedition and comfort — that it
costs today — ten cents.
The development of the stage and express
business was a large factor in the earh' history of
PAST AXD TRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
n .
St. I'aul. CuI. .Vlvarcn Alk-n aluiK- ri.-mains a
survivur of thosL' stage coach drivers of carl}'
clays. J. C. Burbank and Allen & Chase, origin-
ally of St. Anthony, had much to do with pro-
moting the staging and express business by the
overland routes and so early as 1851 Captain
r.urbank established an express line between St.
Paul and Galena. In later years the business was
extended greatly to the west and at one time the
contract for carrying the supplies for the Hudson
Bay Company, from New York and ^Montreal to
the bay, was held by the J. C. & H. C. Burbank
Company and the freight was taken from St.
Paul to the Red River by the company and down
the river on steamers owned and managed by St.
Paul men. The vokmie of this business grew to
lae enormous, being 74.000,000 pounds a year
when it had attained its greatest dimensions.
Capt. Russell Blakely and Capt. Edwin Bell were
the early steam navigators of the Red River and
there are still in St. Paul men who had to do with
portaging the first steamboat on the river across
the heiglvt of land at Lake Traverse and setting-
it afloat in the waters running to the north. Capt.
AL L. McConnick, a well known citizen of St.
Paul, formerly secretary of state for the territorv
of Dakota, was one of the pioneer steamboat men
on the Red River and he is far from being an
old man. His service on the river was dtiring the
later years of its development.
Burbank carried the mail from Prairie du Chien
to St. Paul during the winter of 1850 and there-
after, under an assignment of a mail contract held
by Henry M. Rice. The total compensation for
the transport of all the mail was $800 a year.
The St. Paul postoffice receipts in March, 1906,
were $77,000.
THE PREDECESSOR OF THE RAILRO.^D.
One of the events of 1851 was the arrival in
midsummer of the cart train from the Red River
and an element of the picturesque was contrib-
uted to the generally sordid appearance of the
half-made town. That year saw a great devel-
opiuent of this trade, which continued to grow
until the fur-bearing animals were practically ex-
terminated— which eventuated before the iron
horse had penetrated the northern country on the
boundary.
July ly a train of one hundred and two of these
carts arrived loaded with furs for the Minnesota
Outfit, Kittson & Forbes' Company. Seven years
earlier Commodore Kittson had established a post
for the American Fur Company at Pembina, on
the confines of the Hudson Bay Company's do-
main. The big northern monopoly resented the
intrusion of the Americans and no money was
made for the first few years. But Kittson was
not the man to be balked by opposition. Pie lived
among the people in the Pembina country, he
gained their confidence and he developed the busi-
ness slowly but surely, the number of carts in the
train arriving at Mendota increasing every year
until 1849, when the outfit moved its base to St.
Paul. Commodore Kittson, operating on his own
account, then laid the foundation for the great
fortune he left at his death in 1888. The Red
River carts are described in the chapter on trans-
portation. But the conduct of the business in 1851
was a part of the comiuercial life of St. Paul that
was of great local importance. Twenty thousand
dollars worth of furs were brought down by the
Kittson train that year, and the cost of the furs
might have been half as much in goods. The out-
fit camped out west of the town and for several
days the half-breeds — there was a general under-
standing in those days that the Red River cart
was incomplete without its concomitant half-breed
driver — were at liberty to play. They were an
unruly but not a vicious lot and their coming
was hailed with joy by the storekeepers, for they
were excellent customers and would buy anything
that was novel and for which they could find no
possible use. For years the sewing machines
shipped into this country were bought in great
numbers by the half-breeds and Indians and ta-
ken into the Indian country — where they were
not used at all. The half-civilized ambition to
possess something that is not at all understand-
able had much to do with the expansion of the
sewing machine trade. The Indian today has the
same fondness for novelties. The present w'riter
saw dozens of phonographs in the wretched cab-
ins of the Sioux of the Standing Rock reservation
7S
I'AST AND I'RKSEXT UF ST. I'ALL.
last year. The owners of most of the machines
were hving along the borderland of starvation.
The train of 1851 with its one hundred and
two carts was the precursor of greatly increased
trains in after \ears until, in 1S58, there were
si.x hundred carts in the train. In 1863 the value
of the trade, in furs, amounted to $250,000. and it
was enormously profitable.
The most important event of 1851 — perhaps
the most important event in the history of the
state — was the signing of the treaty of Traverse
de Sioux, which has been fittingly commemor-
ated within the past year by the execution of La
Farge's great painting depicting the scene at the
signing and which now adorns one of the walls
of the executive chamber in the new capitol. The
event was important in that it threw open to set-
tlement the magnificent domain that made St.
Paul rich. The Mississippi, prior to the signing
of the treaty, was a barrier which the settler who
was ambitious to possess himself of the golden
lands of the northwest might not pass. The open-
ing of the country was absolutely essential to the
growth of St. Paul. The people were, in some
measure, impressed by this fact, but they did not
grasp the possibilities that lay behind the treaty.
Its efifect was to make subject to the plow all of
the country to the \vest except a reservation,
magnificent in its proportions — it consisted of
21,000,000 acres — but insignificant compared to
the rest of the territory opened.
The negotiations were conducted on behalf of
the government by Governor Ramsey and Com-
missioner of Indian Affairs Luke Lea. It is not
going beyond the bounds of verity to say that
practically every man of importance in St. Paul
and in the territory generally was present at the
treaty making. .And the Sioux nation was repre-
sented by its great chiefs and a vast concourse of
their followers, who were anxious to be parties to
the disbiu-scment of gold that was to follow the
council. The council opened lulv 2 and con-
tinued for three weeks. July 23 the treaty was
signed by the Sioux.
The effect on St. Paul was instantaneous. The
pcnplc claimed for their own the territory opened
and there was much public rejoicing in which
thr Indians took part. Recnme opulent bv reason
of the government disbursements the Sioux who
had been starving a few months before spent their
money with a total disregard for the morrow.
And they were treated with much more considera-
tion than they were wont to be accorded. Ulan-
keted individuals who had twenty-dollar gold
l>ieces tied up in dirty rags thrust into their belts
were n(jt to be despised. And it did not take long
for the red men to relieve themselves of their bur-
den of gold. St. F'aul got practically all of the
money and the storekeepers were prosperous be-
yond the expectations of the most sanguine of
them.
There was a prompt invasion of the newly
opened territory, for "sooners" were as precipitate
in those days as they were later on. The west
side of the river began to look up and there was
some speculation on the prospects of a town be-
low Mendota.
There was a contribution to gayety that season
that was more appreciated then than it would be
now. One George Holland brotight up a theat-
rical troupe from New Orleans, playing the river
towns and giving the first professional theatrical
performance in St. Paul. The company, which
was an abominably bad one, gave such bills as
might be expected: "The Day After the Fair."
"Slasher and Crasher" and other equally humble
stage jewels. But the players drew full houses
for two weeks, playing at ^Mazurka Hall — which
was located on upper Third street, near Washing-
ton. The Indians were much enamoured of the
stage and formed a considerable ])ortiiin of the
audiences.
The election that fall was not atlended bv so
nnich acrimonious discussion as that nf the ])revi-
ous year, but there was, for the first time, some
attempt at party alignment, though national poli-
tics did not figure in the caniiiaign. There were
two tickets in the field, the Old Line and The
People's. On the latter ticket a|)i)eared the
name of ^\'illialn Pitl Murray, who is still active
in his ])rofcssion in .St. Paul and who made his
first venture into politics that year. He has since
that lime occupied nian\' hnnnrable jiositions and
is a mine of information an<l reminiscence con-
cerning the early days of the city. He had
bareh landed in the town wlun lie was told bv
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Colonel Giiodhuc that he wa.s wanted on the legis-
lature and when Murray protested that he had
no political experience and was not known, Good-
hue said that would he all right — and Murray
came out of the convention with a nomination
and was elected to the house. The People's ticket
was generally elected. The Weekly Minnesotian
was established by Col. John P. Owens Septem-
ber I" and the editor went so enthusiastically into
the work I if making his paper readable that he
had to fight William !!. Dodd the day the first
issue was printed.
Municipal improvements were carried on with
such spirit that the grading of Fourth street was
well under way before winter set in and a culvert
was built across the ravine on Jackson street. The
need for some sort of protection against fire op-
[iressed the citizens. There were a good many
two-story buildings going up and a hook and
ladder company was talked about at a meeting
held in December. Some ladders were purchased
as a consequence of the meeting and the volunteer
bucket brigade was reinforced by a volunteer
ladder service for some years.
THE FIRST PROHIIUTIOX FIGHT.
The jirohibition question was a Inirning issue in
.St. Paul (luring the early part of 1852, and Min-
nesota had anextremely narrow escape from be-
coming prohibition territory. The movement was
instigated by the necessity for doing something
that would prevent the Indians from destroving
themselves with liquor. There was. too. a con-
siclerable reaction from the license of earlier days
and there were those wdio thought that a people
might be legislated into a state of beatitude. The
prohibtion forces were organized and appealed to
the legislature with such force that a law was
passed containing the most stringent provisions
against the sale of liquor. It was made a penal
offense to have liquor in one's possession — and
havi-ng extinguished the liquor dealer totalh", it
then provided that liquor dealers should be de-
l)rived of some of their civil rights. If the legis-
lators had had the courage of their convictions
the law might have become efl'ectivc. PiUt there
were wise men in the legislature of earlv davs, as
there are still, and it is quite possible that the law
was passed merely to satisfy the clamorings of the
prohibition people. In any event, having passed
the law — which was all that was necessary — the
legislatunre then submitted it to the vote of the
people. The election was held April 5th
and the law was adopted by a vote of 853 to 662
against. There was something suspicious in the
fact that Ramsey county gave a majority in favor
of the law.
The prohibition forces proceeded to the en-
forcement of the law. Ramsey county paid no
attention to the enactment but went on licensing
saloons. The law enforcement people protested
and then resorted to demonstrations. They had
knowledge that a quantity of whiskey was stored
in Constans' warehouse on the lower levee and
Sheriff P)rott was moved to seize it. A great
crowd collected, composed of warring' elements,
and there was excellence promise of broken heads
when the seizure was made. Constans refused to
give u]) the goods and Brott, supported bv a
goodly following, declared he would have the
wdiiskey. The opposition declared he would not.
Bloodshed was averted by an accident that turned
what ]iromised to be a tragedy into a joke : Col.
1). .\. Robertson had mounted a barrel to ha-
rangue the crowd and calm their passions, when
the top of the barrel gave way and the speaker
fell through. The laugh that followed turned the
tide in favor of peace and a comproinise was ef-
fected. A suit had been instituted to test the law
and it was brought on before Judge Hayner. of
the supreme court, who declared the law void be-
cause the legislature had no power to delegate
the law-making authority to the people. If the
legislature had simply enacted the measure with-
out submitting it to popular vote it would have
been constitutional.
The legislature that year had among its mem-
bers Norman W. Kittson as a member from
Pembina. He and his colleague, Joe Rolette,
came down from Pembina on dog sleds. At a
later session the members from Pembina were
compelled to walk the entire distance of 500 miles
on snowshoes. the snow not permitting the use
of dogs.
The plenitude of churches and the dearth of
So
I'ASr AXD TRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
school edificL-s stirred Goodhue's bills. There
was not a school building- in the town while there
were a half dozen chinches, which nmvcd the
candid editor of the Pioneer to remark in an arti-
cle in which he calls attention to the fact that one
wretched substitute for a school house on Bench
had recently been sold to satisfy a mortgage of
$200: "All this in an opulent town, swarming with
children, little untaught brats, swarming about
the streets and along the levee in utter idleness
like wharf rats. All this in a town, too, that
boasts of a half dozen steepled churches. If St.
Paul is not a priest-ridden town it is in a fair
way to be. This is a blunt homely truth but we
are perfectly indifferent who dislikes it."
A big hotel that was part of a plan to develop
the property at the upper landing was destroyed
by fire June 23d. June 26th the senate ratified the
Sioux treaty and the event was celebrated by the
lighting of bonfires along the bluiTs. The action
of congress had been anticipated by "sooners"
and but there was a considerable exodus to new
townsites in the Indian country, many people re-
taining the impression that the metropolis of the
northwest would be located elsewhere than at
St. Paul. A St. Paul man, Elijah S. Terry, who
had gone to Pembina to teach a mission school
was murdered by a band of Sioux. July 21st
C'hauncey Godfrey killed his wife in a drunken
fit. lie was captured, broke jail and never was
retaken.
The town election resulted in the choice of B.
W. Lott as president, Louis j\l. Olivier recorder
and Charles Bazille, Egidus Keller, Lot Alofifet
and William Freborn as councilmen.
August 27th Col. James M. Goodhue died. His
death was unexpected, resulting from what was
thought to l>e at first, a trifling ailment. The event
was a blow to the community. It was even ap-
preciated then but in the light of history it is aj)-
])arent enough that it might have been fraught
with more importance than was thought by peo-
ple at the time. Goodhue was probably the most
imjiortant factor in the development of the little
tnwn. His fearless and vigorous method was
what the place needed. He knew how to give
the necessary filip to a lethargic state of the public
mind. There was so much character in his edi-
torials that they compelled attention to the town
in quarters that might otherwise have remained
untouched. He was a fearless censor of public
morals ; he had sound ideas as to ways and means.
He was a very large figure in the comnumit)-, in-
deetl. He had filled his mission so well that it
was not difticult for his successors to take up
the work he laid down, for he had alreary done
much to check the evils he contended against. To
him, more than to any of his contemporaries St.
Paul owed its swift, early growth and there was
general mourning over his demise. He was given
a public funeral under Masonic auspices, from
the First Presbyterian church, the Rev. E. D.
Neil! officiating.
One Simon Dalton was killed in a saloon row
October 12th, but no prosecution followed the
crime — which leads the cynical ^^'illiaIus to sug-
gest that perhaps the man committed suicide.
Later in the same month a party of Sioux prowl-
ing along the Minnesota river met a party of
German immigrants. One of the Indians wan-
tonly shot and killed a woman named Keener.
The Indian was arrested and convicted out of
hand but under the territorial law he could not
be executed Uiitil a year had lapsed. The Indian
lived in comfort in jail for a year and was then
taken out on St. Anthony Hill to where a gal-
lows had been erected, about the present corner
of Dayton and Western avenues, and there
hanged to make a holiday for St. Paul.
Tlie fall election contained no particular inter-
est for the people of St. Paul, .\gain William
Pitt Murray was elected to the house and with
him were chosen to represent St. Paul. Louis M.
Oliver, B. W. Lott and J. C. Ramsey. William
R. Marshall was elected county surveyor, having
moved over froiu St. .\nth(iny the previous year.
He found that he could not take the capitol up
the river and being himself movable he did the
next best thing and moverl to the capitol. He
was for many years a priiniincnl tlgnre in the
life of the city and the state.
Born in Missouri in 1825 Gov. .Marshall spent
some ])arl of his early life in the occupation of
a miner, then worked as a surveyor and was in
Wisconsin territory before coming to the Missis-
sippi river country. He saw the falls of St. An-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
8i
thonv first in 1847 'i"*' ^^'"is ^o greatly impressed
bv the scene that he made a claim and attempted
to build a house but abandoned the claim — which
is now the heart of Minneapolis and went to St.
Croix Falls. When he returned in i84() he found
his claim still without an occupant and settled
on it himself. He was from the very first an
active and aggressive citizen of St. Anthony
and led the efifort to procure the location of the
capital up the river. He had engaged in the
hardware business and was obliged to remove
remove to St. Paul in order to have a share in
the trade. On his removal here he became as
active in forwarding the interests of St. Paul
as he had been in behalf of St. Anthony. He
established a hardware business that survives
to this day in the firm of Xicols & Dean, went
into politics, was a mem'ber of the legislature,
was active in the organization and direction of
the republican party, was a candidate for con-
gress in 1855, was the founder of the Daily Press,
which evolved into the Pioneer Press of todav :
was a distinguished soldier in the Civil war, be-
came a brigadier general general by brevet ; was
governor from 1866 to 1870 and later a member
of the railroad commission.
The fourth session of the legislature was held
before the capitol was completed, the separate
bodies meeting in a brick building at ^Minnesota
and Third streets. The new courthouse was com-
pleted and the joint sessions were held there.
Gov. Ramsev delivering his message January 5,
1853-
An attempt at roadmaking that was effective
was undertaken early this year. Captain ^^'illiam
B. Dodd laying out a road from St. Paul to
Traverse de Sioux. As early as January Cap-
tain Dodd was evidently entirely recovered from
the damages incurred in administering personal
chastisement to Editor Owens and he did so
good a job at road making that his work still
endures and is known as the Dodd Road.
St. Paul was awakened to the necessitv for
doing something to bring about a better condition
of the streets and had passed that year an act
incorporating the town of St. Paul which per-
mitted the town to grade anv street and charge
6
the cost ot the property benefited. Unfortunately
nothing could then be done to straighten out the
bungling surveys, though one of the last wishes
of Editor Goodhue's editorial life had been to
the effect that the whole town survey might be
blotted out and fresh start taken. There were
now fourteen additions to the original town site
and each had been made with complete disregard
for all previous surveys. There never was a more
complete and successful attack made on a beau-
tiful site for a town than that in which the early
surveyors and property owners of St. Paul had
a hand.
No other local legislation was passed that was
worthy of note — except that the St. Paul Fire
and JNIarine Insurance Company was given a
charter, the Baldwin school (the foundation of
Macalester College) was incorporated and acts
were passed incorporating the St. Paul and St.
Anthony Railroad Company and the Mississippi
and Lake Superior Railroad Company.
INDIANS FIGHT IN THE STREETS.
In April St. Paul people saw a bit of Indian
warfare at short range, the inter-tribal hatred
of the Sioux and the Chippewas leading a band
of the latter to make reprisals in the very streets
for an attack made on them by the Sioux of
Kaposia. The trouble originated in the killing
of a Chippewa in the neighborhood of Shakopee.
The Sioux went over to the St. Croi.x and sur-
prised a band of Chippewas, killing one man.
Little Crow, who appears to have had many sons,
as several were killed in these raids, lost two
of his family on this occasion. The Chippewas
were afraid to attack the village of Kaposia but
they had a scalp coming and they concluded
that the hair might be got by a bold sally in the
streets of St. Paul. A party of eighteen of them
came into town over night and lay in ambush
at a point overlooking the river. They counted
on seeing the Sioux coming up from Kaposia in
the morning. The first arrival from the Sioux
village down the river was a canoe containing
two women and a man : "Old Bets" — a famous
character about St. Paul for years — her sister
and her brother. "\\^ooden Legged Tim." Thev
S_'
I'ASl" AM) I'KF.SKXT Ol- ST. I'ALL.
were very strictly iion-convba'tants hut they wore
hair and that was enough for the Chippewas,
who concealed themselves in the brush along
the bluff below Jackson street while the Sioux
landed and came up Jackson street. The latter
street had been graded down and there were
high banks of dirt on each side, which pre-
vented the Chippewas from getting a fair shot at
the Sioux until the two squaws and the man
had crossed Third street and entered the store
of the Minnesota Outfit. Just as they entered
the store the Chippewas rose up and fired a
volley. There were a number of people in the
store but none were hurt but "Old Bets' " sister,
who fell mortally wounded. The Chippewas
set up the war whoop and rushed to the store
to get the scalps they thought they had coming.
Major Forbes, wbo was in charge of the place
met them at the door, with Theodore Borup and
William H. Oakes and blufifed the entire party.
It was one thing to try for the scalps of a couple
of women and a cripple but quite another to take
a chance with a few armed white men. The Chip-
pewas turned and ran down Third street.
"Wooden Legged Jim," enraged by seeing his sis-
ter fall dashed to the door and tried to shoot at
the Chippewas with a revolver that would not
work, then seized a shot gun and fired and hit the
chief of the retreating Chippewas. The warrior
returned the shot — and Williams, who knew the
value of detail in embellishing a bald and unin-
teresting narrative, says the return fire took a
splinter out of 'the leg of the wooden-legged
one.
.\ part)' of citizens ]jursued the Chippewas
but were menaced by the leader of the savages
who warned them not to interfere in the quarrels
of the red men — good advice that the whites
took to heart. Soldiers from the fort were put
on the trail of the Chij){)ewas and, catching up
with them, killed one member of the partv. The
Sioux guide with the soldiers scalped the dead
Chi])pewa and the tro|)hy went far to cmnfort
"Old r.ets."
rile fdrlnnes of political life cost Gov. I\aiiise\-
\\\> iitilice in the s])ring of 1853. Franklin Pierce
was elected to the presidency and he put Demo-
crats in office. Willis .\. (innnan, of Indiana,
was ajjpointed governor of the territory and he
brought with him a young man who had in him
the making of the best and most durable mayor
St. Paul ever had — Robert A. Smith. Mr. Smith
was twenty-six years old fifty-three \ears ago
and had already been auditor of Warrick county,
Indiana. He came with Gorman as private sec-
retary and was appointed state librarian at once
on his arrival. There have been men who evoked
more passing enthusiasm in times of stress but
the city has had no one citizen whose popularity
was so enduring as that of Robert A. Smith.
Forty years ago an editor of the opposition press
complained that the town had had enough of
Robert A. Smith — that it was time he retired
from ofiice. On that occasion he rolled up a par-
ticularly handsome majority for county treasurer
against Richards Gordon. He has had office
thrust upon him — actually thrust upon him —
more frequently than any man in St. Paul. He
served as state librarian for four years, was
county treasurer for twelve }ears, was several
times elected to the legislature and sat as alder-
man and president of the council. The people
have simply got into the habit of electing him
mayor and he was elected in the spring of 1906
for his seventh term. The hold he has on the
esteem of the people would be amazing but for
the fact that his good qualities are as well known
as his face. His tenure of office has cost him
many times the salary he has been ])aid. His
hand was in his pocket for years and it made
very little difference what the burden of the
tale of woe that was told him he never turned an
applicant for help away empty-handed while he
had a dollar liimself. Pie was a good business
man and his investments and business capacity
made him a rich man at one time. He has no
propeity wliatevcr now — a fact that testifies to
the absolute integrity of the man. He was an
officer of the Bank of Minnesota at the time that
institution went down in the financial cataclysm
of ten years ago. He was regarded as a wealthv
man at that time but he turned over every dollar
of his property for the benefit of the creditors
of the bank, refusing to take advantage of his ex-
emptions. Mayor .Smith is not a ])olitician, he
simply stands as llie most popular iiidividn.'il in
PAST AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
83
the citv and his party is not disposed to let him
tak-e the rest to which he is entitled. Under his
administration the city has taken tremendous
strides — has attained to metropolitan proportions
and instituions. And he remembers it as it was
when he and Gov. Gorman walked up from the
levee and found it a stranggling, ill-built village
with little of promise to it except in the persons
of the citizens who gave them welcome.
Gov. Gorman established the executive office
in Rice. Ilollinshead & Becker's office on upper
Third street, moving into the capitol July 21st.
The building was still unfinished but the execu-
tive chamber was made ready for the chief of
state.
William H. Forbes succeeded J. W. Bass as
postmaster that year and Williams shows the
state of the town by relating that Deputy Post-
master John C. Terry shot three prairie chickens
from the door of the postoffice, on Third street.
The chickens had roosted on a tree standing on
the site now occupied by the manufacturing de-
partment of the Pioneer Press.
Bishop Cretin, who had maintained his episco-
pal residence here since 1851, founded and built
the hospital on Exchange street which is still
known as St. Joseph's and is one of the great in-
stitutions of the kind in the northwest. The
bishop also bought the plot of ground upon which
St. Joseph's Academy stands today, at Nelson
and X'irginia avenues, devoting it to use as a
cemetery. There were but few burials in the
cemetery the large and beautiful Calvary being
accpiired by the Catholics a few years later. The
tombs in the old cemetery were emptied and the
bodies reinterred at Calvary.
Oakland cemetery was instituted the same year,
the association being incorporated by a number
of well known citizens. It is the resting place of
one entire generation of non-Catholic St. Paul
and is one of the most beautiful burial ]ilaces
in the country.
There was a brief season of theatricals given
in the court house in mid-summer.
There was a straight party alignment in the
election in the fall of 1853 '^'"^' ''^ '^ to be ob-
served that two of the oldest settlers in St. Paul,
Ben. Gervais and James R. Clewett, were se-
lected for the slaughter. Gervais ran on the
democratic and Clewett on the whig ticket, both
being candidates for assessor. William P. Mur-
ray was again elected, this time to the upper
house of the legislature. Henry M. Rice was
elected delegate to congress, defeating Alex.
Wilkin.
During the year 235 steamboats tied up at
the St. Paul levee and brought a very large
addition to the population. The vote for dele-
gate, in St. Paul made a total of 1,175, indicat-
ing a substantial growth of the citv.
CHAPTER \irr.
IX WHICH ST. I'AUI. I'.ECO.MES .\ CITY .\ND MINNE-
.SOTA IS RF.SOI,\'KD INTO .V SOVEREIGN STATE.
1854-1860.
The business community of St. Paul had at-
tained to very respectable proportions at the open-
ing of 1854. On Third street the business center
clustered, and we are assured by a contempo-
rary observer that the shops extended for quite a
third of a mile along that respectable but not very
sightly thoroughfare. There were stores on other
streets back from the river, but they were out of
the way and lightlx" regarded, lieing mere neigh-
hnrhood institutions patronizeil by people who
(lid not care to travel three or four blocks to the
dozen town emporiums. The business directory
shows that there were eight general stores in
wl'ich one might buy anything from furs to chew-
ing tobacco ; there were four boot and shoe deal-
ers ; nine dry goods stores ; three dealers in books
and periodicals ; two fur houses : three druggists ;
three hardware concerns ; one hatter ; one lumber
dealer : one furniture house : nine groceries ; two
dealers in glass and ])aints ; three stove dealers ;
one clothier : one china shop : one cigar store :
three leather dealers ; one haberdashery ; one con-
fectionery shop: four jeweler shops and two mil-
84
PAST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. PAl"L.
liiiery establishments. With all these branches
<if trade represented and a popnlation that had
long since outgrown the swadtlling clotes of civic
hfe, the town was ready for a city charter, and
the legislature bestowed the boon of municipal
incorporation on St. Paul.
The new capitol was occupied for the first
time by the legislature that met to listen to the
message of Governor Gorman and the farewell of
(iovernor Ramsey. The capitol building had
cost, first and last, some forty thousand dollars,
and the people were rather more inclined to take
a ]jersonal pride in the building than the present
generation of St. Paulites are to glory in the
crowning achievement of their day in capitol
building. Perhaps they felt a little more secure
in their capitol honors now that the building was
in evidence. And. in gratitude to the people of
St. Paul, who had done much to render the legis-
lative halls comfortable, the legislators made no
dii'ficultv about passing the bill incorporating the
city.
The act did not delegate too many powers to
the city government. In those days home rule
was not even remotely contemplated, but Coun-
cillor Murray and his colleagues from St. Paul
got a bill through that did satisfactory service
for many years. There were two thousand four
hundred acres within the incorporated city, the
chief executive function was bestowed in the
mayor and a single municipal legislative body
was provided for. Under the charter election,
which was held April 4th, David Olmsted was
elected mayor. He was a democrat and defeated
\\'. R. Marshall by twenty-one votes. The limi-
tations of the franchise must have been marked
in those days, for there w'ere but five hundred and
seven votes cast for mayor.
There was a considerable access of pnpnlatioii
that year. The boats from down the river
brought in crowds of ])eoplc — most of them set-
tlers going into the country to engage in agri-
culture and .St. Paul took a goodlv toll from this
passing throng. The fixed population increased
out of all expectations. Xew towns were founded
in all [jarts of the territory and St. Paul was
the base of snp]ilies for all those to the west and
north.
The best evidence of the prosperity of the
place is given in the development of the news-
paper press. I'Dur dailies entered the field in the
month of May. This w-as rather the result of
a scramble to keep in the front than because
tliei'e was any insistent demand on the part of
the public for four daily papers. Put the three
weeklies were fairly prosperous and Thomas M.
Newson. who later wrote a remarkable bio-
graphical comi)ilation — evidently from memory —
became convinced that there was r(X)m for one
brand new paper and he started the Times as a
daily.
The journalistic disturbance was caused by the
arrival of Earle S. Goodrich, who bought out
j\Iaj. Joseph R. Brown's Pioneer. The versa-
tility of Major Brown's genius had been proved
in many a field, but it did not shine at its best
while he was on the editorial tripod. He had
been for many years in the country and had some
success in trade and politics and he was gauged
for the strenuous life. .\nd while he had some
facilit}- in spoken language he could not cope
with some of his contemporaries when he thought
badly of a fellow-editor and tried to put his
thoughts on paper. The Pioneer was a burden to
him, and when Goodrich came out of the east and
offered to buy him out he did not haggle. He
sold. In after years he served the state well, not-
ably in the Sioux uprising, and he eventually set-
tled at Brown's Valley, in which vicinity many of
his descendants reside now.
Goodrich looked the field over and made up his
mind that the time was ripe for a daily. He
announced that the Pioneer would become a daily
May 1st. The Democrat became a daily on the
same date, the Minnesotian followed suit Alay
1 2th and the Daily Times appeared May t5th.
.Mr. (loodrich was a man of cidUu'c and a
writer of considerable force and elegance — ac-
cording to the standards of the times. He came
out of Xiw ^'ork originally, but had been in \\"is-
consin as early as 1848. He exerted a very con-
siderable influence in the city and state and con-
ducted the Pioneer successfully for ten years.
.\ notable event of 1854 was the great rail-
road excursion given to celebrate the Iniilding of
the Rock Island road to the Mississippi.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
85
Commodore Kittson built a tine hotel at .Sixth
and John streets, to boom his addition, but the
building was destroyed by fire just as it was
readv for occupation. The hotel accommodation
was out of all proportion to the fixed population
of the city, but it was not yet adequate to meet
the demands made by the immense transient traf-
fic, for in those days all roads led out of St. Paul
and the river led into it. The International hotel,
which was to cost $75,000, was started that year,
but in was not soon completed.
In the fall election the democrats elected all of
their candidates to the house, and Capt. Louis
Robert, a famously successful politician, was
beaten by a whig. .Allen Pierce, for countv
treasurer.
.\n attempt was made to protect the merchants
from loss through the handling of wildcat cur-
rency, issued by state or private banks, by the
organization of a board of trade. The currenc\"
was greatly depreciated and much of it utterly
x'alueless. The great number of strangers in
town, from all parts of the country, made it ]3rac-
tically impossible for the merchants to protect
themselves individually. The board of trade put
a partial stop to the currency frauds, but the
system of the country was rotten and only the
known frauds could be provided against. The
necessity for refusing a great deal of the paper
currency offered limited the trade of the town,
but proved the safer course. There was a con-
siderable stringency in the money market because
of the necessity for using coin in dealing with the
Indians and fur dealers, but there was so much
money afloat that the business community pros-
pered in spite of conditions that must have been
ruinous in a community restricted to pettv
operations.
There were two hundred and fifty-six steam-
boat arrivals that year and the number of people
they brought up the river may be approximated
from the fact that the Democrat announced, with-
out comment, that six boats arrived October 21st,
bringing six hundred passengers.
THE BOOM OF 1855.
Hut what had gone before was but the intro-
duction to the boom that was inaugurated in
1855 and which continued practically for three
years. The steamboats brought thirty thousand
people into St. Paul for distribution in the coun-
try to the west. The profits of the packet lines
were enormous, some of the boats earning in the
single season twice their entire cost. And the
maggot of speculation bit deep into the brains
of the .St. Paul people. If Goodhue had survived
until that year he must have gone bankrupt for
language to denounce the mania for speculation
that seized on every man who had a dollar in
money or credit. It was not in town lots alone
that the peojile gambled. There was reason for
the belief that there would be a price paid for
good farm lands and hundreds of thousands of
acres were entered by speculators, who made
great fortunes — for those days — by locating set-
tlers who chose rather to pay for land near the
market than to go into the unopened territory
and help themselves gratis. The hotels were
crowded far beyond their capacity ; there was not
room on the levees to store the enormous amount
of merchandise and household goods dumped
ashore by the boats. The streets were littered
with the impedimenta of a vast throng of immi-
grants representing nearly every state in the
union and every kingdom in Europe. St. Paul
was the outfitting point for all of these people
and the merchants worked night and day. Sun-
dreds of people who had come up the river with
the purpose of going into the agricultural regions
were so impressed by the possibilities for making
money in St. Paul that they put up houses for
themselves and went to work in their turn to
take a toll from the passing throng. Mechanics
of every sort were in great demand, carpenters
and smiths were paid prices proportioned to the
need for their services and common labor was
very highly paid. Thousands of dollars' worth
of goods were ruined because they could not be
housed and were necessarily left exposed to the
weather.
.\nd through it all .Alexander Ramsey piloted
the ship of state for St. Paul. He had been
elected mayor in the spring.
That year the St. Paul fire department had its
beginning in the organization of the Pioneer
Hook and Ladder company, the apparatus for
86
PAST A XI) 1 'RESENT OF ST. PALL.
wliicli was ])rovi(led by subscription and con-
sisted in a second hand outfit bought in
Philadelphia.
The census that year showed a ])0]3ulation of
53,oo(j in the territory; in St. I'aul 4,716 — which
must have been approxiniateh correct.
The Daily hree Press put in an appearance Oc-
tober 4th, making- the fifth daily in the field. It
was edited liy A. C. .Smith. Its birth was the fore-
runner of dissolution for the IJemocrat as a sep-
arate daily, that paper being merged with the
Pioneer. October 31st. The Free Press lasted six
months, dying in the following s])ring. The
total number of boats arriving at the port of St.
Paul during the season was stated at five hundred
and fifty-thrt-e.
It is not easy to conceive nf what the passing
of thirt\ thousand immigrants through a little
town the size of St. Paul in 1856 might mean.
'Idle utter revolution in the methods of transpor-
tation make it possible for a great volume of
tratfic to pass through a single rendezvous, leav-
ing almost no iiupression on the life of the com-
munity. As a matter of fact there were almost
exactly the same number of immigrants passed
through .St. Paul in i()o6 — fifty years later — and
the city felt the tide not the least. The situation
is worth speculating on: In 1856 thirty thou-
sand immigrants made St. Paul the busiest little
town on the continent. There was a fixed popu-
lation of about four thousand. The baggage and
outfits of the immigrants made a veritable camp
of the ])lace. I'ifty years later as manv people
passed through. These latter did not carry any-
thing like tlie amount of impedimenta that was
transported liy their predecessors, for. tlMugh
their needs were greater, they were getting into
a country well supplied with local luarkets and
it was not necessary to carry with them anv-
thing more than mere personal baggage. Hut
the flood of itnmigration in |(X)6 might hav*'
passed altogether unnoticed but I'nr the fact that
it was made the subject of passing coiument bv
the newspapers. .Vine-tenths of the later immi-
grants never got outside of the dnors of the
Pnion station. The f|uestion arises: Is the
presence of a I'liion station an unmixed
blessing to a citx? ( )f course it nnisl be admit-
ted that the present tide of immigration was set
in motion to a great extent by the fact that the
radroatls have eliminated many of the drawbacks
to travel that once stood in the way of the im-
migrant and it may be that if there were no
union station in .St. Paul there would be no such
volume of traffic.
The fiiur [jrincipal Imtels in .St. Paul in iS^f) —
the 1-uller. the Merchants, the .American and the
Winslow — entertained as many as a thousand
guests a week. It is to be doubted if the prin-
cipal— or all — of the hotels in the present city of
approximately 200,000 people had as many tran-
sient guests incident to the entire imiuigration
movement this \ear of iyo6.
The great floating population brought in its
wake a great lumiber of gamblers, tliieves and
dissolute characters. The life of the town in
1856 was more nearly like that of a frontier set-
tlement, where law and order were more hon-
ored in the breach than in the observance than
in earlier \ears. There were stringent laws
against gambling, but there was no efifective ma-
chine for the enforcement of those laws. The
river steamers were regularly patronized by
blacklegs and thieves and many of the gentry
found St. Paul to their liking and settled down
here to the plucking of the unwary. Every luan
had a handful of money and it was no great ac-
complishment for a thug to kmick a stranger on
the head and take his wealth.
Tlie luost pernicious feature of the |)ractices
of the criminal classes, and the one that promised'
to do most injury to the repute of St. Paul, was
involved in the ojjerations of curbstone real-estate
brokers. The mania for investment made it easy
enough for unscrupulous luen to sell town lots
to anybody who had the price. The\' went down
the ri\er and met the boats cnming in. Thev sold
Idts from ]>lats of towns that had no existence in
fact. Their dealings had little to do with St.
Paid ])ri)j)crty. for it was too easy for the victim
to investigate l)efore he bought. The thieves in-
vented the names of towns and made blue jirints.
These blm' prints and a few blank deeds involved
the only outla_\' necessary for a real-estate shaqier
to start in business. Tlie people liectme excited
l)\ liearin!j the talk nf fnrtunes made in a dav
TAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
87
ar.d fell easy victims to the conhtleiice men. (Jne
.Maxwell lidasted in .St. L(.)nis that he hail sold
the hlock on which the .Minnesota capitol stood
twelve times in ten days.
Of conrse the leg-itimate real-estate market of-
fered a fine field for speculative investment, and
a great deal of money was made in a purely leg'iti-
mate way — though there were many suits
hronght to set aside contracts for the purchase of
jjroperty because the price named was proof of
a dis])osition to obtain money on false pretenses —
and in many cases the property involved is worth
today a hundred times the price that was re-
garded in those times as criminal.
That year the city took advantage of the flush
conditions to prosecute municipal improvements.
The first bridge across the Mississippi was got
imder way at the location of the present Waba-
■^ha street bridge. The next year the citv appro-
priated fifty thousand dollars for the liuilding of
the structure. West St. I'aul was becoming
jiopulnus. The board of education, the founda-
tion of the ])resent school system, was organized :
a militia company, the Pioneer Guard, was
formed: "I'ill" Miller, who had stood alone as
the nucleus of the ]3olice force, was given four
policemen to assist him: the corner stone of the
Catholic cathedral, at Sixth and St. Peter streets,
was laid, as was the corner stone of the old .\s-
sum|)tion church. I'.ishop Timon, of Ijufifalo,
laid the corner stone of the cathedral, and there
was a ceremonial demonstration that surpassed
an\thing that had gone before in the northwest.
In the enthusiasm of the day no difficultv was
made alxjut starting the foundations of buildings
for the State Historical Society and for a Masonic
hall, but neither structure was ever completed.
In 1856 St. .\nthony was divorced from .St.
Paul and jjecame a part of Hennepin countv.
There was no provision for alimony, bin it was
thought for years that St, Paul was being mulcted
for the sup]50rt of its former consort. The event
left Ramsey county withoin a treasurer, as
Charles V. Stimson, who occupied that office, was
a resident of St. .\nthon\-. Robert .\. Smith was
a])pointed to the place by the county commission-
ers. Ceorge L. Becker was elected mavor, the
only democrat elected, by the wav. The opposi-
tion ticket was labeled republican for the first
time.
The Fuller House was opened tliat year and
was regarded as the finest hotel on the upper
.Mississippi. The Rice House, which was the
most pretentious of the earlier hotels, was de-
stroyed by fire and two other blocks were burned.
The town was still without adequate fire protec-
tion and insurance rates were very high.
The city took advantage of an oi)portunit\- to
]>nrrow money from a speculating capitalist, one
liaron Glahn, and built a city hall. Glahn was
interested in the development of the town and
might have been induced to put up the building
himself in the hope of being reimbursed bv an
advance in the value of his holdings.
During the year the number of Inisiness con-
cerns almost doubled and the population was just
about twice that of the previous year. The vol-
mne of mercantile business increased nearlv 150
per cent and the price of realty comported with
the general state of prosperity — indeed it was
possibly something in advance of the develop-
ment of the town, for the people had bv this time
come to the belief that there was no limit to the
])ossibilities for citv growth.
The city had taken on form and was no longer
a straggling village. There were many handsome
buildings — according to the times. It unist be
admitted that the taste of the times was deplorably
bad in the matter of architecture and there was
little to gladden the modern eve in the aspect of
the many business blocks, residences, churches
and public buildings that were constructed. The
l)uilding methods, too, were something primitive,
and the city today contains very few samples of
the architecture of the middle '50s. This was
not from lack of substantial building material,
but rather because everything was hurriedly done.
The town was not singular in this respect.
The whole country was given over to an atro-
cious exhibition of artistic taste in the buildings
of the middle of the last century. The west was
but little worse than the east in this respect —
and it was a bit more picturesque because the
architectural crudities were reheved by the near-
ness of nature. P.ut .St. Paul proper was fairlv
well Iniilt up in 1856: the topographv of the site
88
PAST AXIJ I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
was almost altogether changed and tlie town had
assumed the general form, in the business dis-
trict, that it presents today — the ditiference l_ving
in the fact that the buildings are altogether new.
Till-: iWNic 01" 1S57.
.Ml this was preparatory to the deluge. In
1857 came the awakening. Dreams of wealth and
glory were dissipated in a day. The rich became
poor and the poor were poverty stricken. The
disaster was appalling and only the most stout
hearted had any thought that the city would ever
recover.
During the early part of the year 1857 there
was a mad era of speculation. There was plenty
of money, such as it was: gold was not lacking,
but it was not plenty enough to give any sort of
foundation for the credit that was based upon
inflated land values rather than ttpon a sound
monetary system. Development plans were made
on a scale that presumed the continuance of the
good times. It was late when the ice went out of
the river and the first boat did not arrive until
May 1st, but the lateness of the season was more
than compensated for by the volume of the river
traffic when the boats were at last got running.
Within four days of the opening of navigation
there were eighteen boats at the levee and within
a week there were twenty-four Ixiats tied up at
the one time. Every boat brought a full load of
freight and passengers. Xot an inch of room
was left unoccupied and it was impossible to un-
load the boats of their freight and passengers as
fast as they arrived. There was a great dearth
of labor, though unheard-of prices were offered
by the steamboat captains for stevedores.
The tide of early immigration reached the flood
that year and the St. Paul people could see no
end to the riches that were being ])i)ured into the
city by the newcomers. The St. Paul Water coni-
])any was incorporated by the legislature and
there was so nnich )ni)ne\ read) t'nr the spending
on amusements that the St. Paul Dramatic Jnint
Stock association was incorporated — but the time
was not ripe for a modern theater trust and the
associatirin went u]) in very tliin smoke within a
few months. There were three theaters in o])er-
ation at the (HK time, all doing a gndd Inisincss.
The most pretentious of these Thespian temples
was the Peojjle's Theater, managed by H. Van
Liew. It was built at the corner of St. Peter
and Fourth streets, and later contributed to his-
tory by a sensational close, when it burned Sep-
tember 8. 1859. while Schuyler Colfax was de-
livering a political address.
John B. ISrisbin was elected ma_\i)r that spring
without opposition, and at the special election
heldjuneist for the purpose of selecting delegates
to the C(jnstitutional convention 2,820 votes were
cast. rile figures were used by the boomers to
prove that the iiopulation of St. Paul was 17,000
and by the republicans to show that there had
been frauds perpetrated in the election. The St.
Paul delegates to the constitutional convention
were all democrats : Moses Sh-erbunie, George L.
1 Seeker, Michael E. Ames, D. A. J. Baker, John
S. Prince, Patrick Nash, Lafayette Emmett, Wil-
liam P. Murray, W. A. Gorman, W. H. Taylor,
W. P). McGrorty and Paul Faber.
Two incendiary fires, one of which destroved
twenty buildings on the north sid'C of Third
street, between St. Peter and Market, while the
other cleared out an entire block between Third
and I'ourth, on the west side of Robert street,
both charged to the malice of the vicious element
in the town, lead to the organization of a vigi-
lance committee, and the citizens went with much
zest into the work of reforming the character of
the place. l'>ad men were given a few hours to
leave town; the idle were put to wurk: the gam-
blers were curbed in their industr\- and there was
a very considerable exodus of undesiralile jjarties
who chose to retreat down the river or make
their way to other frontier tnwns, the alternaiixc
being the halter.
The Washington school was o|)ened, the first
school luider the control of the board of educa-
tion, .\ugust 31st, and in September the Mercan-
tile Library association was organized and the
foundation laid for the ]iresent public library.
The first of .Vugust tlnMX' were scores of nn'n
who reckoned themselves rich in ."^t. Paul. .None
were poor. On paper there were fortimes of
magnitude and scores of citizens ci)nsidereil tli;tt
they lia<l all the money and ]iroperty the\- would
ever have ar.\ need of. ^'et so remote a thing
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
89
as the failure of an insurance cunipany in Xew
Vork — the ( )hio Life and Trust company — burst
the bubble upon which their fortunes rested and
the town literally went broke in a day. When
news of the convulsion that had seized on the
country generally reached St. Paul there was an
immediate attempt on the part of every one who
had anything at stake to realize. No one could
pay. Assets faded into thin air when an attempt
was made to turn them into cash, and there was
not enough actual money in the town to pay
more than a few cents (jn the dollar. The bank-
ing houses, with a single exception, closed their
doors and there were very few mercantile houses
that did not assign. At tirst the people had an
idea that the smash was not total. Alerchants
whose names had been synonymous with all that
was sound in commerce went about offering five
per cent a month for money — asking- others who
were reputed rich, but who had no more than
those who would borrow. The city had to have
money and had to give scrip as security and pay
interest at the rate of thirty per cent a year. The
community was utterly without resources. It
produced nothing. The very food was imported.
When the credit of the people was destroyed they
faced actual want, without any intervening periijd
of gradual decay.
The immediate effect of the crash was the flit-
ting of those who had no stake in the land and
who had the wherewith to get away. Nearly one-
half the apparent population disappeared within
a few months. Those who remained were com-
pelled to brace themselves with the knowledge
that there was nothing to do but fight it out on
the ground and create actual wealth in the place
of the fictitious fortunes that had been dissipated.
It was a distressing afifair for those who had to
go through it, but it had its good features in the
long run : The lesson it carried was so impressed
on St. Paul that tlie town never went mad over
speculation again, and in the long run lived down
the reputation it had earned in early days of being
a hotbed of speculation and the home of adven-
turers, whose enthusiasm led them into e.xtrava-
gances which sjielt ruin. And so it came into
the reputation of being, as it is today, one of the
dependable and substantial cities of the new
world. But the chastening in the fires of adver-
sity was almost killing and the mortgagee, who
came into possession of St. Paul almost as a
whole, was little better off than the party of the
first part, who no longer had any apparent assets
to worr)- about and who was starting with a
clean slate.
If a clean crecUt and money in the bank had
been the necessary qualification of a voter in the
first election of state officers, which took place Oc-
tober 13th — prior to the passage of the enabling
act — the vote would have been astonishingly
light. Piut the people cheered up and voted, elect-
ing H. H. Sibley governor, adopting the consti-
tution submitted and electing all the democratic
nominees for county and legislative offices, with
the exception of W. P. ALirray, who was de-
feated for district judge by E. C. Palmer, an
independent.
The panic ma\- have been a good thing in dis-
guise for St. Paul, for it kept the town from
carrying on a destructive warfare in politics.
The people had something else to do besides mix-
ing in politics. But that was a fat year for the
politicians. Trouble began early in the season
with the appointment of Samuel Aledary. of
( )hio. to the governorship, in succession to Gov-
ernor Gorman. Medary arrived in St. Paul April
22d, just in time to send a message to the special
session of the legislature that had been called by
Ciorman for the purpose of making provision for
the constitutional convention, authorized by con-
gress, February 6th, of that year. The legislature
ajjpropriated thirty thousand dollars for the ex-
penses of the constitutional cotivention and the
election of delegates was set for June ist.
THE CONSTITUTIOXAL CONVEXTION.
The republican party made a strong bid for
the state. Tt meant much to the new organiza-
tion and the infiuence of a state in the senp.te was
not to be passed by lightly. The democrats re-
sented the attitude of the republicans and laughed
at the pretensions of the new parly. The laugh-
ing was not justifieil, for the repulilicans im-
90
I'ASI' A XL) TRESEXT Ol- ST. I'AUL.
])orti.'cl urators of national repute, organized for
iiietliodical work and made a fast cani])aign.
Wlun the votes were counted there was a mw.
lloth parties claimed a majority of the constitu-
tional convention. The repulilican papers ctm-
tended that 59 repuhlicans and 4^:5 democrats had
heen elected. The democrats did not get down
to tignres. but held that they had a majority of
the loj members-elect. The democrats chal-
lenged the election of the four republicans who
held certificates from St. Anthony, but that did
no good. The republicans had a stout man in
the office of register of deeds of Hennepin and
he gave their certificates to his fellow-partisans.
( lovernor .Meclary removed him from office —
probably on the ground of offensive partisanship
— and the county commissioners promptiv re-
elected him. The republicans came over to St.
F'aul with their certificates and lined up with
fifty-two other gentlemen of the republican faith,
who held that they were the original and onlv ma-
jority of the constitutional convention. The con-
vention was called to meet July 13th in the capi-
tol. and the republicans got there first and took
possession of the hall of the house of representa-
tives. The democrats mustered also a majoritv
(if the convention and marched to the door of the
house, and finding it occupied, as C J. Chase,
secretary of state, puts it, "bv a bodv
of citizens of the territory," the\- betook them-
selves to the senate chamber and organized the
convention by electing H. H. Siblev jiresiflent.
Tile repi-blicans had elected Thomas J. (ialbraith
president of their convention. Tin- democrats
had tile territorial offxes and control of the jnirse
string.s and many a republican suffered ])hysical
distress for the cause he espoused, while the dem-
ucrats were about the only jieople in St. I'.-uil
who were whiill\- care free, l-'nr njiwards nf two
months the two bodies worked at the constitution,
and the denK)crats drew their ])er diem of three
dollars and the re]ntblicans drew ucithing.
As a matter of fact there was nothing of im-
])ortancc at stake in the contention. There was
no question of dominant importance upim which
tin- parties differed, for, when conference com-
mittees were ajipointed .'\ugust 1 8th, no difficulty
was made about the constitution. In nine davs
the committee had a document ready for engross-
ing and it was duly passed and signed by both
l)odies. r.ut the bitterness did not pass with the
adoption oi the constitution. A misguided demo-
crat who thought the fight was all over — the
name of him was A. E. Ames — otTered a resolu-
tion directing the state treasurer to pay fifty-three
republican members of the convention their per
diem. The democrats arose to a man and tried
for the eye of the president. Mr. Murray, of
St. Paul, was recognized, and with solemnity be-
fitting the occasion and expressing his own per-
sonal and political sense of injury, moved that
the resolution be laid upon the table — and the
motion prevailed. Over in the republican body
a resolution denouncing the democrats for bad
faith in refusing to allow the republicans to draw
their pay after recognizing them in conference
was passed and the convention adjourned.
There had been much bitterness all through
tile aft'air. The newspapers hammered each other
and the o]3])osition convention with a freedom
and cheerfulness that shows the early politicians
to have been less thin-skinned than their succes-
sors of today. If a twentieth century editor lev-
eled at the most corrupt of politicians one-tenth
of the abuse that was aimed at the best of them
in that convention he would be incontinently
jailed, if h eescaped being killed. There was
never any doubt but that the statements printed
were malicious when they were inspired by politi-
cal bias and it made little difiference whether or
not they were true. The republican organ, the
Minnesotian. printed the doings of the democratic
wing of the convention under the heading, "Bor-
der Ruffian ( 'onventiiin" — and no one tried to
shoot the editor, whicli is sufficient evidence
that the early inhahitanls of the state were a
pacific lot. r.nt there was no doubt about the
editors being truculent.
There w'ere many perst)nal encounters. Every
night or so it was necessary for mutual friends,
or mutual enemies, to pry a couple of members
of the oppositig conventions apart. The demo-
crats went to the length of presenting ex-Gov-
ernor ("iorm;in with a gold-headed cane inscribed :
"Presented to U'illis .\. Gorman by the demo-
cratic memljers of the constitutional convention
PAST A\l) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
91
for valuable services rendered the party." The
goveniur had broken his cane over the person of
Judge Thomas Wilson, as an incident to one of
the sessions of the conference committee. The
cause of the personal encounter is not clearl)-
stated, but Judge Wilson bit his thumb, and when
(rovernor Gorman asked whether he was biting
his thumb at him, the judge merely made the re-
joiner that he was biting his thumb. Then came
the necessity for a new cane. Judge Wilson de-
clared aft€rwards that he would have adminis-
tered personal chastisement for the assault, but
that C'lorman got out of the room.
Through this travail was Minnesota born into
the sisterhood of states. The panic sobered the
jioliticians a little, but the rancor remained in the
hearts of some of them for years. Poverty and
the stress of tlie titnes brought them together of
necessity and they went to work to devise some
means to tide over the diiificulties that beset them,
\ arious makeshifts were resorted to to provide
a medium of exchange, and city and county is-
sued scrip — and very bad currency it was, .\nd
the agricultural country was hard hit at the same
time. The grasshoppers had been living oi¥ the
grass since tirne began and they had something of
an appetite for wheat when they first saw it.
They devoured the crojjs of the farmers, and
other ])eoplc. who had nothing, were compelled
to create something wherewith to feed the starv-
ing settlers,
Xever was a state brought into the union in
the face of such adverse conditions, and congress
was in no hurry to confer the boon of statehood
upon the unpromising territorv. It was Mav 14,
1858, before the bill admitting Minnesota was
passed, and when the event was heard of in St,
Paul it passed unnoticed. Governor Sibley re-
lieved Governor AFedary, officially, and that was
all the local effect that was noticed.
P.ut while times were flush St, Paul had made
some substantial iiuprovements, spending $135,000
on public wcirks, while i)rivate individuals .spent
$591,000 in the construction of 343 buildings.
St. {""aul wanted railroads to such a degree that
when, .\pril 14, 1858, a special election was held
to determine whetlier the state should provide a
loan of five million dollars to promote railroad
building, the city voted for the measure, 4,051 to
183. The legislature thought there was some
division of opinion concerning the matter. The
bonds were issued for the loan, but all that ever
came of it was the issuance of some extremely
bail currency, known as Glcncoe currency, based
(in the bonds,
.Xorman W. Kittson was elected mayor in
1858, but the citizens had no heart in politics or
anything else after the arrival of the first boat
from tlown the river. Instead of bringing a load
of passengers and freight, the boat had neither ;
nor did any of the other boats that season. The
immigration boom was over for the time. Some
few people straggled in, of course, but the life
had gone out of the town. On the theory that
when "the devd was sick, the devil a monk would
be." St, Paul turned from the contemplation of
things mundane — there being nothing to be had
thereby — and turned a dull e^e on the spiritual
side of things. There was a revival that might
have been lasting if the depression had become
permanent. .\s it was. it had the efifect of a
moral wave. L"nhappil\- the starch had been
taken out of the town by the panic and there
was scared}- a sinner left that it was worth ^vhile
to reform. The fear of earthly fire was also
(lone away with to a great extent, for three fire
engines were put in commission — two having
been ordered froiu Philadelphia and the third
presented to the city by John .S. Prince. In the
fall the .-Kflams and Jefferson schools were
opened, and it was observed that the school ca-
pacit}- was adequate, for the times.
The republicaiis lost heart in the fall election
and {)ut no ticket in the field. The democrats
elected John P.. Bristiin, W. .A. Gorman, E. D.
Cobb. Williatu Van Hamm. William Pitt Mur-
ray and John S. Prince to the house — the strong-
est delegation ever sent to the legislature from
St. Paul, up to that time.
But the strength of the delegation was wasted.
Governor Sibley deemed a session of the legis-
lature unnecessary and did not call any for 1859.
1). .A. Robertson was elected mayor in 1859 and
the entire democratic ticket was elected with him.
Dr. Charles W. P>orup, who had been a promi-
nent resilient of .St, Paul since 1849. died sud-
92
I'ASr A\L) L'Ri-:Sl-:XT OF ST. PAUL.
denly July 6th. Dr. liorup was among the very
first of the Scaiuliiiavian citizens of St. I'aul —
p'erliaps the first. He was a nali\e of Denmark
and had very early come to America and engaged
in trading on Lake Superior. At the time of his
death he was the head of the firm of I'mrup &
Oakes, a well known banking house, one of the
few in the territory that survived the panic of
llishop Thomas L. Grace arrived in August
and assiuned charge of the Catholic diocese in
succession to I'.ishop Cretin.
In December a fire destroyed ten buildings on
Third street, and in the following March the
entire block on both sides of the street, between
Robert and Jackson, was burned to the ground.
Some of the business houses involved in these
fires — and there were about thirty-five altogether
— were ruined, but the general effect of these
early conflagrations was beneficial, for the prop-
erty owners found means of replacing the primi-
tive structures, dating from the earliest periods,
with substantial buildings.
In 1859 the wheat saved the city and the state.
There was a considerable acreage under cultiva-
tion in the state and the crop was bounteous. For
the first time in history Minnesota had grain to
e.xport and the people began to live of? the soil.
The crop was the salvation of the city and the
money market relaxed to such an extent that the
situation again became hopeful. There was some
increase in population and the elTect on the coun-
try was made obvious enough in the following
spring, when a new and strong tide of immigra-
tion set in that has never since been altogether
checked. Minnesota had proved its s()il and the
rest was easy.
WKST .ST. I'AtT. T.S ( )Rr,.\X IZF.n.
A child, short-lived and imfortnnate, was l)orn
of the unhappy limes following the panic of rS^/.
West St. Paul came into existence bv an act of
the legislature. March 22, 1858, as an incorpo-
rated city. There had bei'U some settlement on
the west bank of the river for years and the pop-
ulation haci increased to about four hundred.
There were in the settlement some men wlm hail
observed the growth of St. Paul and thought
thev might as well have some share in the wealth
that had been created b\ llie advance of real-
estate values on the east shore of the river. As
the first step to starting a boom the legislature
was asked for a charter, wliieh it gave readily
enough, and the little town, which was largely
confined to the flat now occupied by manufactur-
ing industries, so far as the settlement was con-
cerned, was put on the market. That was the
first object of the boomers. They wanted an op-
portunity to sell lots in a city and at cit}" ]:)rices.
Their experience was not profitable, l-'rom the
very first they were out of luck. The de])ressed
conditions made it impossilile to work up any
sort of a boom. There was not enough produc-
ing property in the place to yield revenue suffi-
cient for the maintenance of the city government.
George W. H. Hell was elected mayor of the
place and a city government was organized with
a great flourish of trumpets. The future of the
city was painted in glowing colors in the mayor's
inaugural, wdiich was printed and spread broad-
cast, but no throng was lured to the new settle-
ment. Improvements were got under way, but
there was no money to pay for them. The city
officials paid themselves in city scrip, but con-
tractors refused to accept that sort of mone_\'.
For four years West .St. Paul struggled along
luider its charter and then the legislature was
appealed to and the incorporation was revoked.
In two years of municipal life the ]iopulation
of West St. Paul increased but two hmiilred. and
the city was bankrupt from the beginning to the
end. In 1874 that portion of Dakota county
which included the old cit\ of West St. Paul was
attached to Ramsey county and became the Sixth
ward of St. Paul.
In .March, 1S60, a woman was executed in
]nihlic in the jail \ard. corner of h'ourth and
Wab.Hsha streets, .\iniie I'.ilanski. the wife of
.Stanislaus Hilanski, who loc.iled in Si. i'.inl very
early in llie '40s, had been condennied the pre-
vious \e;ir for the jioisoning of her husband. She
was the ni;m's third wife .-nid there was a story
of sordid wretchedness behind the crime. The
woman was a sacrifice to her ]3ast. There was a
strong sentiment aroused in opposition to the
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
93
lianL;ing and the legislature passed a bill com-
muting the sentence to imprisonment for life,
(iovcrnor Ramsey vetoed the bill. The woman
was hanged, and the effect on the community
was so marked that for more than thirty years
no hanging took place in Ramsey county.
John S. Prince was elected mayor and during
his term bottom was reached in the depreciation
of values. Money was so scarce that rents were
but twenty-five per cent of what they had been
maintained at four years before ; the necessaries
of life might be had for about one-third of their
present market value ; meat cost from live to ten
cents a ])ound, potatoes fifteen cents a bushel,
and whiskey twenty-five cents a gallon — which
mirves the temperate Williams to ironically de-
jilore the passing of those halcyon days.
lUit the times were bad all over the country,
and it is not to be doubted that the future emi-
nence of St. Paul as a jobbing center grew out
of the fact that eastern wholesalers could not, or
would not, extend credit to country dealers in
Minnesota and the country merchants were com-
pelled to buy in small quantities and for cash in
St. Paul. The connection thus established be-
came permanent and forced the creation of a
wholesale market here.
In the fall of i860 Alexander Ramsey was
elected governor.
CHAPTER NINE.
IX WHICH THE SPIRIT OF ST. PAUL IS AROUSED
IN RESPONSE TO THE CALL OF THE NATION
AND THE CITY PROGRESSES IN SPITE OF THE
NATIONAL CONFLICT.
1861 — 1865.
For several years, during good and bad times,
St. Paul had been a station of the "underground
railway," the institution which contributed to
the secreting of many a runaway slave. The
anti-slavery sentiment was strong in the comnum-
ity. And this sentiment had an aspect altogether
moral rather than sectional for there had been
slaves in the new country frum the ver\- first
and the traffic on the Mississippi kept the city
more closely in touch with the South, with south-
ern men and institutions, than was many a town
very much closer the Mason and Dixon line. There
are in St. Paul today many families of colored
people whose immediate ancestors came here as
refugees before or during the war. During the
winter of 1860-1 there had been much agitation
over the conditions in the nation and the city, re-
mote as it was from the national capitol, had
plenty of opportunity to indulge undisturbed in
reflections which led to the arousal of a profound
patriotic inspiration which needed but an excuse
to break forth in a flame of devotion to the Union.
The excuse and the opportunity came April 13,
1 86 1, when the Pioneer in an extra — perhaps
the first printed by a newspaper in the state —
announced that the south had taken up arms and
that the flag had been fired on at Fort Sumter.
The community had scarcely come to an apprecia-
tion of all this involved before Lincoln's first
call for troops was issued, on the i6th. Gov.
Ramsey was in Washington at the time and per-
sonally tendered the president a regiment — "or
every able bodied man in the state," — being the
first state executive to make the tender. It was
altogether informal but the governor knew bis
people and while he was offering the president
troops in Washington the people of St. Paul were
preparing to make good the tender.
Acting Governor Ignatius Donnelly, comp'lving
instantly with the requisition of the president is-
sued a call for volunteers for a regiment on
the i6th. On the i8th a mass meeting of citizens
was called to gather that evening in the hall of
the house at the capitol. All the prominent citi-
zens of St. Paul attended that meeting and
pledged themselves, their lives and their means
to the preservation of the LTnion. But the meet-
ing was limited in numbers and a general meeting
was called for Bridge Square the next evening.
Every man in town who was able to walk, with
the exception of a half dozen southern sympathiz-
ers, was present. There was no suggestion of
94
PAST A.\l) I -RESENT Ol" ST. PAUL.
flaiiiboyancy abmit the oratory that was indulged
in at Bridge Square that night. It a proposition
had been made to enhst vohniteers on the spot
the entire assemblage wotild have gone to tht
war en masse. .And even then none but a few of
*he best thinkers believed that the conflict that
every able-bodied man in the state," — being the
had been inaugurated would be of a character
to convulse the nation and to make a new start-
ing point in world-warfare.
Immediately on the issuance of the call for vol-
unteers for a regiment from Minnesota William
C. Acker resigned the office of adjutant general
of Minnesota and set to work to organize a St.
Paul company. .\lex Wilkin began to raise an-
other company. In four days Captain Acker had
his company filled and accepted as Company C of
company. Alex Wilkin began to raise another
company. In four days Captain Acker had his
company filled and accepted as Company C of
the First Minnesota. The company officers were
Wilson B. Farrell, first lieutenant ; Samuel T.
Raguet. second lieutenant. On the 22d Cap-
tain \\'ilkin had completed the roster of his
company — largely from the ranks of the Pioneer
Guard — with Harry C. Coates as first lieutenant
and H. Zierenberg, second lieutenant. Of the
field and stafif of the First Minnesota the com-
manding officer, Ex-("iovernor W. A. Gorman ;
the surgeon, J. H. Stewart, and the chaplain,
Rev. E. D. Xeill. were prominent citizens of St.
Paul. The regiment was mustered into the serv-
ice at P'ort Snclling, April 2()th anil, the members
demurring to be assigned to garrison work at
the frontier on the ground that they had enlisted
for the ])urpose of fighting, the organization was
sent to the front June 22d to make a record un-
rivaled in modern warfare.
There was, of course, no partisanship in the
spirit of the people. That spring of 1861 the
democrats had carried the city by a substantial
majorilv, John S. Prince being elected mayor.
The republicans came into their own in the mat-
ter of holding federal office and Charles Nichols
was appointed pustmaster, George W. Moore
collector of the port and Ex-Chief Justice .\aron
Goodrich was given the secretaryship of the
letration at Brussels.
Kusiness was depressed, as it was throughout
the country generally, and the community gave
itself over to the work of maintaining itself with-
out hope of material outside assistance. Fort
Snelling, which had been commandeered in
friendly fashion by Adjutant General John B.
Sanborn, was made the rendezvous for the Min-
nesota troops and the mobilization there of large
bodies of men gave the town an appearance of
militarv life that was somewhat lacking in the
point of war, for the soldiers were not all uni-
formed and the melancholy that could not but be
a part of the leave-takings was not materially
dissipated by the suggestion of martial life.
The Second Minnesota was organized and
mustered into the service June 2fith and St. Paul
contributed a company, which had been recruited
in the city as the Western Zouaves by Captain
H. H. Western. The regiment was retained at
Snelling for military instruction until October
13th, when it was sent to the front.
In midsummer congress authorized the raising
of three hundred thousand additional troops and
three more regiments were assigned to Minnesota
under the call. The Thirdi regiment filled its rolls
in October and spent the winter at Snelling drill-
ing, being sent to the front in March. The Fourth
regiment w-as organized about the end of the year
and the command of it was tendered to John B.
Sanborn, who, as adjutant general, had developed
a high order of military ability. He accepted,
took his command into the field in the spring, be-
came a brigadier general by reason of valor and
capacity displayed and was a major general by
brevet at the close of the war. This distin-
guished citizen of St. Paul served his country
well after the rebellion, being a member of the
commission which, headed by Gen. Sherman,
concluded treaties with the plains Indians. He
returned to civil life in 1868 and w^as a notable
public figure in ,St. Paul up to the time of his
death two years ago.
The Fifth Regiment was recruited during the
winter of 1861-62 but was not mustered in mitil
the s]iring. It had for its chnplain a young
priest who is one of the great living .\mcricans,
the Most Rev. John Ireland, archbishop of St.
Paul.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
95
Thoug;h St. Paul during the course of the war
sent a number of men equivalent to three-fourths
of her total number of voters in 1861 to the
front there was some apprehension felt tliat the
quota of the city would not be filled. But this
apiirehension did not take form until the next
vear. The winter of 1861 was one of subdued
alarm and apprehension rather than of disaster.
There was as vet little suffering on account of
the war. The city had made provision to take
care of the families of its citizens who had en-
listed and there was much ado in charitable-social
affairs, the women having been aroused to the
necessity for constant effort in order to keep
the wolf from the door of the homes, and some
sort of semblance of cheer in the camps of the sol-
diers.
There was little to inspire hope in the hearts
of the people of .St. Paul in 1862 — at least for
the promise of the future in a large way — yet
that was the most important year in the history
of the city and state historically for it furnishes
a new starting point — the beginning of the era
of railroad transportation. The year was mo-
mentions in other matters of great heart interest —
the gloomy outlook at the front ; the demand
for more flesh and blood to feed the maw of the
war god : the depletion of the ranks of the wage
earners. A'iewed at a distance of forty-four
years the events of 1862 loom very large indeed.
St. Paul was represented in the legislature that
year by Senators James Smith, Jr. and J. R. Ir-
vine and Representatives Henry L. Carver, Phil-
lip Rohr am! X. (iross. The legislative bodv was
overpowered by the sense of danger to the nation
but it went bravely to work to better things at
home. The state was the unhappy possessor
of the franchises it had been compelled to take
on foreclosure from the paper railroads that had
been exploited. Among the roads that had been
chartered earlier was the Minnesota & Pacific
— which became the St. Paul & Pacific and the
nucleus of the Great Northern system. From
the very beginning it was a St. Paul institution.
Edmund Rice was president and among the di-
rectors were .-Mexander Ramsey, Edmund Rice,
R. R. Nelson, W. L. .\mes, F, R. Delano and
others. Thev intended to build a railroad. Thev
even did some of the grading in 1857 but the
panic put a damper on their spirit and in 1858 —
under the inspiration of the five-millioi>dollar
loan — they very nearly complete the grading.
Jkit the road went to the state on foreclosure.
It re(|uired some courage to take it up again.
Elias F. Drake was the man for the occasion.
He had been a resident of St. Paul for only
a year but he was a financial genius. He had
plent\- of enterprise and he saw the commercial
possibilities of the railroad in Minnesota. He
interested the firm of Hirshman & Winters, of
New York. Arrangements were made to get
the iron for the road and finances were discussed
with St. Paul men who had been interested in
the original charter. Evervbody concerned seems
to have had plenty of confidence in the project
for there was no time lost.
OPENING THE FIRST R.\ILRO.\D.
March 10 the legislature bestowed the forfeited
franchises on Edmund Rice, R. R. Nelson, J. E.
Tlidnipson, E. .A. C. Hatch, making the condi-
tion tliat the road between St. Paul and St. An-
thony be completed within a specified time. The
very next day the holders of the franchise made a
contract with Mr. Drake and \'. \Mnters to
build the road. The operating company was got
into order at once and the rails were laid and
the road ready for the first locomotive that ever
ran in ^Minnesota on June 28.
The opening of the road was tlie occasion for
much rejoicing and the locomotive "William
Crooks" — whose venerable and antiquated re-
mains were still to be seen in the Great Northern
shops a few years ago — was the object of much
rcsi)ectful aflmiration. The engine had been
named for the man who engineered the construc-
tion of the road and was its chief engineer. And
history preserves gratefully the names of the
men who ran the train, Webster C. Gardner, the
engineer, and J. P.. Rice, the conductor.
That same legislature created the fifth ward
of St. Paul.
It was again demonstrated that ]Kirt\ designa-
tions meant little or nothing in those davs for
the entire democratic ticket was elected in the
96
I 'AST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
spring, the total vote for mayor being 2,050 —
of \Yliich John S Prince received 1,197, defeat-
ing D. ^^". IngersoU. The figures are worthy
of comparison in two instances. With the fact
that St. Paul sent 1,498 soldiers to the defense
of the Union and the other fact that the vote for
of which John S. Prince received 1,197, defeat-
mayor in St. Paul in 1906 exceeded 25,000.
As a matter of fact party politics in the state
was just beginning to be affected by the war
issues — and that in spite of the loyalty and pa-
triotism of the democratic leaders. In July Gen.
Sibley presided over the democratic state con-
vention, held in St. Paul, and two candidates for
congress were nominated. The nominees were
A. G. Chatfield, of Scott county, and \\'iniam
J. Cullen, of Stearns. They never had much
chance of beating Ignatius Donnelly — -who was
still at that day a republican — and William Win-
dom, and they did not. But they stood on a plat-
form that rang as right as the republican platform
declaring, "We believe it is a war forced on the
country by the ambitions of traitors : and we
pledge the democracy of Minnesota to support
the government in all lawful measures to restore
the Union as it was, and to preserve the con-
stitution as it is." Which is about as good re-
publican doctrine as though the platform had
been written by the present United States mar-
shal of Minnesota himself.
On April 19 the Fourth Minnesota, Col. John
Saniborn, was ordered to St. Louis and May 9
the Fifth Regiment left for Pittsburg Landing.
Tennessee. Then in July came the call for more
troops and preparations were made for the organ-
zation of the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and
Tenth regiments. The demand for more men was
pressing and the city took prompt action to over-
come the only possible drawback to an immediate
compliance with the call — the necessity for mak-
ing some provision for families that must be
left unprotected. July 19 the city council offered
a bounty of twenty dollars to every man who
would enlist and undertook to pay five dollars
a month to families left unprovided for. A mass
meeting was called by Mayor Prince for July 24
and it was held at the capitol. There was a tre-
mendous outi)nnring of patriotic entliusiasm —
the resolutions alone were calculated to inspire
ardor, declaring that "In this war there can be no
neutrals — only patriots and traitors." The city
bounty was increased to fifty dollars and the war
committee — composed of strong men in the com-
munity— stood pledged to see that none came to
want. Citizens of means offered private bounties
and under these guarantees weeping wives let
their loved ones answer the promptings of their
manhood.
And those of limited means had the best sort
of example from men who had some substance.
Two members of the city council, Aldermen
X'alentine and Grant, resigned and their confreres
found the means to furnish them forth with the
accoutrements of war. There was no difference
at all in the response made by the foreign and na-
tive born citizens. The German contingent was al-
ready represented by a company under A. R. Keif-
er — who was later distinguished in the civic and
political life of the community — and the Irish-
Americans organized two companies, the Sarsfield
(juards and the Corcoran Guards.
Recruiting for the war in the South was go-
ing on at a rate that promised to shortly solve
the problem of where the men were to come from
when, like a bolt from the blue, came the news
that the Sioux had gone on the war path and
that the settlements in the western part of the
state had been given over to the lirand anil the
scalping knife.
THE MINNESOTA MASSACRE.
The better part of the jiopulation of that day
liad no knowledge of the Indian other that by
hearsay and few of the people knew the red men
except as drunken loafers who had become very
much less of a nuisance than liefore the signing
of the treaty of Traverse do Sioux. With the
exception of the peacahle tribesmen wlio had
settled down to a base mitation of the life of
the white man the Indian had well-nigh disap-
peared from this vicinity and he was generally
regarded as not a very desirable but generally
pictures(|uc part of the scenery — added for the
gratiticalion of visitors from the east. The long
peace had led projile to forget the natin^al hloodi-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
97
ness of the savage character and nothing was
farther from the thoughts of the peopk of Minne-
sota than that the beggars whom they tolerated
and patronized would turn into demons in a day.
Therefore is was that the first news received
August 19. 1862, that there had been a dreadful
massacre in Meeker, Brown and other frontier
counties was skeptically listened to. But con-
tirmation came soon enough.
Within twenty-four hours volunteers were on
the wav to the relief of Fort Ridgely, which was
threatened, and New Ulm. Fortunately the town
was in a state of preparedness, so far as having
plenty of soldierly material on hand, for an occa-
sion like this. But the mass of the people was
terrorized. On the heels of the first stories of
the massacres came the intimation that the Sioux
were in such force that they would not scruple
to attack the capital itself. Indeed there was
reason for believing that Little Crow — whose an-
cestral home was by this time become practically
a part of St. Paul — had promised his braves that
they would taste life in St. Paul. It was even
necessary for Gov. Ramsey to issue a statement
assuring the people of the capital that an attack
on the city was not to be thought of: That it
was precluded by the character of Indian warfare
and rendered impossible by the remoteness of the
warring bands from the capital.
Gov. Ramsey acted promptly and with wisdom :
He appointed H. H. Sibley general in command
of the forces of the state and sent him to take
charge of the expedition against the Sioux. The
first attempts at relief for Fort Ridgely were
promptly organized. '\''olunteer cavalry was sent
out at once. Capt. M. J. O'Connor, with his
company and Capt. John Grace were promptly
afield. Sibley took the field at once himself and
undoubtedly saved the situation. He knew the
Indian character, knew how they would fight
and knew the weapons with which to fight them.
Moreover it was much more important for him
to secure the return, alive, of the hundreds of
captives taken by the Sioux than to prevent loss
in battle. There were so many volunteers in the
field that there was every hope that the massacres
would be checked at once, but it took Indian
cunning to prevent the infuriated redskins —
drunken with blood — from following their natural
bent and destroying their captives.
That the Sioux were disposed to fight and
even make a stand was demonstrated at the bat-
tle of Birch Coolie, September 2. They had an
idea of striking a crushing blow that might ter-
rorize the white volunteers — and that blow struck
at the heart of St. Paul. The white forces at
Birch Coolie consisted almost wholly of St. Paul
men. The two men who had resigned from the
council but a few weeks before, were in the
defense with their companies — Capt. Valentine
and Capt. Grant. Capt. Joseph Anderson's
Cullen Guards were there too. Twenty-three
men died that day at the hands of the Sioux and
forty-five were wounded — and a St. Paul home
was affected in every wound or death — almost.
FIGHTING THE IXDI.WS WITH FORCE.
Men were rushed into the country. Ridgely
had been relieved and was no longer in danger.
Sibley was in communication with Little Crow.
But he wanted plenty of support in case of
necessity — and he knew the value of impressing
the Indians with a show of power. And St.
Paul was called on to supply him the munitions
of war. The general government came to the
rescue. The Twenty-Seventh Iowa was sent to
St. Paul and thence into the Indian country.
The city was full of men in blue, men who
had been paroled in the South or returned
wounded. Antietam, Perrysville, luka and Cor-
inth had been fought and the First. Second,
Fourth and Fifth Minnesota regiments had all
been engaged. Their wounded must be looked
after. Gen. Pope came in to take charge of the
military district. Fortunately he did not interfere
with Sibley, but supported him with reinforce-
ments and supplies and went on to Milwaukee.
The city became for a time a great military
camp, the groans of the wounded and the lamen-
tations of the refugees mingling with the cheers
for marching men.
y8
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
After tliL- 1)atlle of Wood Lake. September 2y\.
Gen. Sihlev procured the release of more tlian two
Inindred captives held by the Indians and these
were added to the number of the refugees in St.
Paul and the resources of the town were unable
to meet the situation. Outside towns were ap-
pealed to and Chicago, Milwaukee and other east-
ern cities responded. Minnesota did all of its
share. The distress was relieved and at Mack-
ubin's Hall on October ii there was a general
distribution of clothing and supplies to the needy
in the midst of a most remarkable scene. The
pacification of the Indian country was speedily
brought about by Sibley and the treatment of
the guilt\- Indians was such that all danger of
further uprising was dispelled so far as Minne-
sota was concerned. Sibley took 2,000 of the
Sioux prisoners and brought them to speedy
trial. Four hundred were condemned to be
hanged but, by what was regarded as an act of
mistaken clemency, the death sentence of most of
them was commuted and but thirty-eight were
hanged for their crimes. The rest of them suf-
fered more than they would have if death had
been speedily inflicted on them for they were first
confined rigorously, then sent to a new reserva-
tion, still held as prisoners and what they escaped
at the hands of the hangman many found at the
hands of those who were made their guardians.
The afifair and its punishment took all the heart
for warfare out of the eastern Sioux.
While the soldiers were in St. Paul, and it was
the center of activity as the rendezvous of vol-
unteers going into the Indian coiuitry, the town
had a touch of unwonted prosperity. But the
prosperity was evanscent and passed with the
causes that brought it about.
N.'VTIONAL B.^NK ESTABLISHED.
In the midst of the Civil war tlie necessity of
the estaljlishment of some staple form of banking
became very obvious and the First National Bank
in Minnesota was organized in St. Paul, under
the title of The First National Bank of St. Paul,
with J. E. Thompson president.
In 1863 Frederick Driscoll established the
Daily I'nion which was later merged with the
Daily Press, becoming one of the numerous an-
cestors of the Pioneer Press of today.
The ]jostoiilice had not yet found a permanent
home and was moved in that year to a building
on Third street above ^Market. October 10 the
American House was destroyed by fire. July 3
Little Crow was killed by the men under Sibley
in his e.xpedition to the Missouri river. In the
fall the Seventh. Ninth and Tenth regiments
which had been operating in the immediate coun-
try went south.
In the years 1863 and i8ri4 the development of
agriculture was retarded by a drought which had
a generally bad eii'ect in the northwest but did
not wholly destroy the crops. The low stage
of water in the river interfered seriously with
river trafilic.
July 6, 1863, the city celebrated the victory
of Gettysburg.
In July, 1864, under the call for a half mil-
lion additional men for the Union army the Elev-
enth regiment was organized. Col. James Gil-
fillan commanding, the quota of St. Paul being
160 men, which was filled without much diffi-
culty. Two months after the call was issued
the Eleventh regiment left for the South. To-
wards the end of the year, there was another call
for 300,000 troops and St. Paul's quota was
fixed at 200. which was raised with some diffi-
culty as 1. 1 80 men had been supplied from this
city under the previous calls. The First regiment
of Heavy Artillery was recruited from the en-
listment under this call.
Two tragic events marked the year, both oc-
curring late in the fall. The steamer John Ruin-
sey exploded her boilers while coming into port
at the levee. Seven men were killed and manv
others injured. Just before Christmas Miss
Eleanor Stelzer, a resident of Summit avenue,
killed two of her children and committed suicide.
By an act of the legislature of 1864 the St.
Paul & Sioux City Railroad was reincorporated
under the control of E. F. Drake. John L. Mer-
rian, Horace Thompson, .\. H. Wilder, H, H.
Sibley, John S. Prince and others, and thev found
means to do some practical work in the con-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
99
struction of the road. It was opened between
Mendota and Shakopee the following year and
reached Sioux City in 1872.
The political campaign of 1864 was conducted
with considerable fervor, but in spite of the en-
thusiasm commanded by the republicans, who
were largely held responsible for the success of
the war, four of the six candidates for office in
Ivanisey county on the democratic ticket were
elected.
In January. 1865, there was given at Mozart
1 lall what was called the Sanitary Fair, the object
of which was to raise money for the maintenance
of the families of soldiers that had been left un-
provided for. The entire city went into the pro-
ject with much enthusiasm and the receipts
amounted to $13,000. leaving $10,000 to be turned
into the fund. Incidentally it might be remarked
that in the summer of 1865 Mayor Prince stated
officially that the St. Paul citizens had contributed
$225,000 for the expenses incident to the war.
.\pril 8, 1865, there was a general civic celebra-
tion in honor of the Union victories. The citv
was gorgeously decorated and the demonstration
was so well timed that General Sibley was abk
to read from the balcony of the International
Motel a telegram conveying the news of the sur-
render of Lee and his army.
That year, 1865, was marked with a series of
demonstrations in honor of the returning regi-
ments, which kept coming in from the south dur-
ing the entire summer, and to each of which en-
thusiastic reception was given. The regiments
were mustered out at Fort .Snelling.
.\ltogether, during the continuance of hostili-
ties, St. Paul contributed 1,470 men to the army,
and of this number 124 laid down their lives.
The .Second National Bank was establi.shed
April 10. The population of the city according
to the census completed in .\pril was 12,976.
The winter of 1865-6 set in very late and the
])eople of St. Paul took advantage of the weath-
crly conchtions to do a bit of advertising bv giv-
ing a midwinter steamboat excursion on the Mis-
sissippi. The excursionists wore linen dusters
and carried palm leaf fans, but the older his-
torians intimate that beneath the linen dusters
there were buii'alo overcoats, and the winter,
when it did set in, demonstrated that the climate
had lost none of its vigor.
CHAPTER X.
UN'G .\ CHRONICLE OF EVENTS FROM THE CLOSE
OF THE Cn'IL \\'.\R TO THE BOOM TlilE OF THE
ICIGHTIES.
1 866- 1 888.
With the closing of the Civil war an era of
prosperity set in in St. Paul, which was main-
tained for several years. Capital came in abun-
dantly for investment ; immigration was large
and increasing ; there was plenty of employment
for all conditions of the people, and trade and
manufactures flourished. The railroad system
centering in St. Paul was developing rapidly and
the country to the west filling up at a rate that
insured beyond question the future of the capital
of Minnesota.
In 1865 the grading of the Lake Superior &
^lississippi Railroad was completed to Wyoming.
November 8 the Daily Pioneer was acquired by
Hall c^ Davidson.
The enormous expenditures of the government
in settlement of war claims made monev verv
plenty and large projects were undertaken by
men who could see the necessity for providing
some means for the investment of the great vol-
ume of flowing wealth in St. Paul. An opera
house was projected, St. Mary's churcii was
started, and other buildings were gotten under
way. The old Jefiferson school building burned
June 30, a month later than the destruction of
the Cosmopolitan Hotel and ten other buildings.
The Minnesota department of the Grand Army
of the Republic was organized August i with
Gen. John B. Sanborn as commander.
During the year a reform school for juveniles
was instituted and provision made for the erec-
48^)743
100
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tion of a building on what was then the road
to ^^linneapohs, just north of Marshall avenue.
The project was promoted by I. \'. D. Hurd,
who was at that time city attorney, and the insti-
tution grew into what is known as the State
Training school.
December 19 the chamber of commerce, which
had been organized some ten years previously,
but had not been active in the affairs of the city,
was reorganized and continued for thirty-six
years as an institution which provided a forum
for discussion of the needs of the city and the
general means for promoting the welfare of the
civic body.
January 25 the Mansion House, the fifteenth
hotel to be destroyed by fire in St. Paul, was
burned, opening the way for the ultimate pur-
chase of the site for the custom house and post-
otifice. The early hotels in St. Paul had been
particularly unfortunate in the matter of fires
and it became a matter of constant speculation
as to which one would go next. There was no
material loss to the traveling public involved in
the destruction of most of these early hotels. iV
great many destructive fires occurred during the
year, including the car shops of the St. Paul &
Pacific road, which were destroyed, involving a
loss of $150,000; the old St. Paul House, nn
Bench street, and a number of buildings on the
south side of Third street were burned during
the month of Alay.
.\ CELEBR.\TED CRIMIN,\L C.\SE.
A case which became celebrated in the annals
of St. Paul developed in the summer of 1867.
Two years previous the body of a man had ficcn
found in the river below Dayton's Bluff. A stone
was attached by a rope to the neck of the cadaver
and there was every evidence of a murder having
been cnmniitted. In September, 1866, George L.
\"an .Solen, who had been for some time a resi-
flcnt of .St. Paul, was arrested, charged with the
murder of Dr. Henry Harcourt, of England, the
theory being that the body found in the river in
1865 was that of Harcourt. The Englishman
had met Van Solen in St. Louis and shortly after
the latter had come north Harcourt received a
letter from an unknown person offering him an
appointment as surgeon to an expedition going
into the northwest, and he was invited to come
to St. Paul. He arrived in St. Paul August 15,
1865, and was a guest at Van Solen's house.
August 19 the two went hunting in the direction
of Pig's Eye. Van Solen"s companion in this
hunting expedition was never again seen alive.
His friends in England, becoming alarmed at his
continued silence, made an investgation which
resulted in the apprehension of \'an Solen. He
was tried on the charge of murder, and C. K.
Davis, who afterwards attained such eminence in
the state and nation, first came into prominence
in St. Paul as a member of the legal profession
when he accepted a retainer for the defense for
\'an Solen. The contention of the defense was
that it had not been proven that the body found
was Harcourt's and the prosecution was unable
to demonstrate that it was in fact the bod_\- of the
missing man. There were two trials, which at-
tracted no end of attention, but Van Solen was
ultimately acquitted.
The year 1868 was distinguished by a series of
fires which made the way for some notable im-
provements. January 9 the frame building at
Third and Wabasha streets was burned, .giving
place to the Fourpaugh block, which was re-
garded at the time, and for many years subse-
quent, as the finest building in St. Paul. April
21 the Mackubin block was destroyed by fire, in-
volving a loss of $120,000. May 22 the old
Rotary Mill was destroyed, and August 8 the
old Christ Churcli structure became prey to the
flames. All these fires were followed by the erec-
tion of buildings which contributed largely to the
improvement of the appearance of the city.
Railroad communication w^as established with
^^'hitc Bear by the opening of the Lake Superior
& Mississippi Railroad in September, and in the
same month the high school branch of the public
school system was established in a small %\'^y in
(he upper story of the Franklin school. There
were 367 buildings erected during the vcar.
The year 1869 was ushered in by the usual fire,
the International Hotel being cntirelv destroyed,
with a loss of $125,000.
There was some little excitement incident to
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
lOI
the legislative session that year, when a bill was
introduced by C. H. Clark, of Hennepin county,
the object of which was to remove the capital to
Kandiyohi county. The bill actually passed both
houses, though its promoters were merely prac-
tical jokers. Governor ^larshall vetoed it.
The water works were so far completed that
water was turned on from Lake Phalen.
There was a flood in the spring of 1870, but
no material damage was done except with the
west side levy.
Joseph A. Wheelock was appointed postmaster
]\lay 4.
The Concert Hall block was burned May 19,
and a young woman, Margaret McClellan, was
burned to death. The loss by the fire was $50,000.
The census that year showed a population in
the city of 20,030.
Railroad connection with the head of the lake
was established by the completion of the Lake
Superior & ^Mississippi Railroad, which was
opened to Duluth in August.
The Old Settlers" Association laid the founda-
tion of the Merchants Hotel on the site of the
first hotel in St. Paul, June i.
The Jefiferson schoolhouse was completed at a
cost of $41,918. The Metropolitan Hotel was
opened and was regarded as a very magnificent
structure. It cost $175,000.
Williams says that the year 1871 saw more ac-
tivity in the real-estate market than any year since
1857. Great things were expected from the rapid
development, which continued for two years,
coming to a sudden stop with the Jay Cook fail-
ure and the panic of 1873, which put a stop to all
speculation throughout the country.
October 10 the city council ap|)ropriated
$20,000 for the relief of the suflferers by the Chi-
cago fire, but this contribution by no means indi-
cated the demand made upon the good feeling
and sympathy of the city of St. Paul, for the
states of Wisconsin, Michigan and some portions
of Minnesota were visited by forest fires which
were frightfully destructive and which impov-
erished thousands of people throughout the
northwest. St. Paul was a liberal contributor to
the relief of those sufferers.
The Ramsey County Pioneer Association was
organized December 15.
The e.xtent of the building boom during the
year was indicated in the report that there were
832 buildings erected.
Two miles of street railway were opened for
traffic in 1872. The Merchants Hotel was
opened, and the opening of the St. Paul, Still-
water & Taylor's Falls railroad was celebrated by
an excursion over the road.
The St. Paul Harvester Works, from which
great things were anticipated, was established in
September. Late in the fall the high school was
removed to the new Lindeke lilock at Jackson
and Seventh streets.
By the burning of the buildings at Warner's
corner. Third and Wabasha streets, a consider-
able loss w-as entailed and John H. Darling was
burned to death.
The winter of 1871-2 was exceedingly severe
and there was much sufifering, owing to a fuel
famine.
During the year 1872 there were 932 build-
ings erected at a cost of $2,346,487.
The blizzard of January, 1873, was for years
something to reckon time by. A hurricane blew
for thirty-six hours, and it was officially stated
by Governor Austin that seventy persons perished
from exposure during the storm.
January 29 Semper's block was destroyed by
fire. The Federal building, at the corner of Fifth
and \\^abasha streets, was completed early in the
year and occupied by the postoffice and federal
officials. The cost of the structure was $350,000.
"Old Bets," a notable Indian character, died
May I. From the very beginning of St. Paul
she had been a picturesque figure in the settle-
ment and about the streets of the city, and was
so much of a historic character that the chamber
of commerce made provision for taking care of
her during her last illness and for her burial.
In midsummer the opera house which had
been reconstructed, was opened by the Jane
Coombs Company.
The general failure of the crops in the western
part of the state made it necessary for St. Paul
to contribute largely to the maintenance of the
102
PAST .\.\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
people who had been deprived of Ihe means of
supporting themselves during the winter.
The year 1874 was distinguished only on ac-
count of the atrocious crimes which took place.
Barney Lamb was stabbed and killed by ^lichaul
Kelly. Airs. Joseph Lick was killed and her hus-
band badly injured in an attempt to murder them
perpetrated by Frank Rapp and his wife and
George Lautenschlager, and John H. Ross shot
and killed Patrick O'Connor, a contractor. All
of the assailants in these crimes were sent to state
prison for life.
H. R. Brill, who is still on the Ramsey county
bench, was appointed common pleas judge March
I, 1875. On April 11 the Pioneer and the Press
were consolidated to form the Pioneer-Press.
The visit of Gen. \\'. T. Sherman to St. Paul
August 1 1 was made the occasion of a demon-
stration in honor of the Civil war general.
December 21 Father John Ireland was conse-
crated bishop coadjutor of the St. Paul diocese.
There was a religious revival in the fall which
was exciting, but which apparently left no lasting
impression on the city. The First Baptist church,
at that time the finest edifice in Minnesota, was
dedicated May 30.
June I Dr. David Day succeeded Joseph .\.
\\'heelock as postmaster.
The population of St. Paul, according to the
census completed in December, was 33.178.
May 2, 1876. the Pioneer-Press and the ]\Iin-
neapolis Tribune were united, but the union
proved temporary, the Pioneer-Press securing a
divorce very shortly afterwards.
Gen. W. A. Gorman, second governor of the
territory and a notable, figure in the public life
of St. Paul, died Alay 20. J. C. ISurbank. to
whose enterprise and activity was due the first
establishment of express and stage connection
with the outside world, died June 2.
.\ great demonstration was indulged in July 4
in celebration of the hundredth anniversary of
American independence. John .S. Prince was
marshal of the day and Cushman K. Davis de-
livered the oration.
The first national convention of any importance
appears to have been held in .St. Paid this year,
when the .\merican Stuidav School I'ninn luld
a session here. The House of Hope Presbyterian
church was dedicated August 22,- and that night
four frame buildings on Wabasha street were
destroyed by fire.
.\t a mass meeting of citizens held April 4,
1877, $500,000 was donated to aid in the con-
struction of the St. Paul & Rochester Railroad.
The annual reunion of the Army of the Ten-
nessee was held September 6. October i the vol-
unteer fire department went out of existence, and
December 6 Amherst Willoughby, a pioneer
transportation manager, died.
The Park Place hotel was destroyed by fire
May 18, 1878.
The Minnesota state fair, which had been held
for several years at the St. Paul driving park,
attained to large importance this year, owing to
the visit of President Hayes, who- delivered a
speech on the third day of the fair.
Yellow fever in the south made a demand upon
the purse of the people of St. Paul, and $2,160
was contributed September 16 for the relief of
the people in the yellow fever district.
There was a considerable amount of activity in
building in 187Q, the Pioneer-Press stating that
two miles of buildings were erected during the
year.
The fire that destroyed the old flour mill on
Phalen creek ushered in the year 1880. The loss
was $15,000. The fire involved the destruction of
the first mill erected in Minnesota.
Horace Thompson, pioneer banker and founder
of the First National bank, died January 28.
Communication was established with I'ort
Snelling by the completion of a bridge which was
accepted on behalf of the United States by Sec-
retary of War Alexander Ramsey May ly.
The Farmers and Merchants Bank suspended
July 3; assets $102,000, liabilities $45,830.
The two hundredth anniversary of the discov-
ery of the Falls of St. Anthony was celebrated
July 2, speeches being made by Governor Davis,
Secretary of W'ar Ramsey. General .'^lierman and
Bishop Jolm Ireland.
.\ fire in the wholesale district destroyed the
plants of P. H. Kelly & Co. and Averill. Russell
& ('ar|)eiiter, involving a loss of $600,000.
March t, 1881. the state capitol was destroyed
PAST AXD I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
lO"
liy fire and a large portion of the State Historical
SocietA' library was included in the destruction.
April 26 the river rose to a height never before
observed and the fiats on the west side were com-
pletel\- inundated. The stage of the water rose
nineteen feet in thirty-six hours and a large
amount of property was destroyed in the sixth
ward.
The state law library was established and
opened June 5.
July 15 a reception and banquet was given for
Henry \ illard, the wizard who had found mt^ans
tor the construction of the Xorthern Pacific Rail-
road. The Union depot was oixmed August 22.
Tile election of Lucius F. Hubbard as g-overnor
was popular in St. Paul and a banquet was given
in his honor, upon his inaugural, by tlie citizens.
Herman Greve, Ansel Oppcnheim and some
others bought the street railway company's plant
Januar\' 31.
Dillon (JTirien, a pronfinent citizen and father
of C. D., T. D. and J. D. O'Brien, died.
December f> the Xichols & Dean hardwa'"e
establishment, which was the successor of the
l)usiness established by AMlliam R. Alarshall, was
Inirned at a loss of $50,000.
Rochester, ]\Iinn., was visited by a disastrous
c\clone August 21, 1884, which killed thirty-one
persons and destroyed $500,000 worth of prop-
erty. St. Paul subscribed $5,000 for the relief
of the suiTerers.
THE COMPLETIOX OF THE XORTHERX PACIFIC.
The completion of the X'orthern Pacific Rail-
road from Duluth to Portland, Oregon, was cele-
brated in imposing; fashion in St. Paul September
3. Mllard himself ha<l invited five hundred
guests, including some of the most notable men
in public and commercial life in the United States
and Europe, to be i)resent at the ceremonial inci-
dent to the driving of the last spike, and he and
his ])arty were entertained in St. Paul on thier
way to Cold Creek, ^Montana, where the union of
the two sections of the road, which had been
Iniilt frcim the east and west, was to take place.
.\mong the guests entertained in the city were
(',en. V. S. Grant, President Chester A. Arthur,
Secretary of \\'ar Robert T. Lincoln and Lieut. -
Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan. A great deal of money
was spent in the erection of triumphal arches.
There was a military and civic parade and a
really imposing" display was made. The city was
the host at a magnificent banquet which was
served at the Hotel Lafayette at Lake Alinnetonka
in the eveiung. Speeches were made by C. D.
O'Brien, who as mayor of St. Paul presided ;
President Arthur, Henry Villard, Henry M. Kel-
lar. Governor Hubbard, Gen. A. H. Terry, the
Honorable Lionel Sackville West, James J. Hill
and others, ^\'hile all this was doing in the honor
of Henry Villard, fate was making ready for his
undoing and the catastrophe which then impended
overtook the financier before he completed the
object of his journey to the west. Wall Street
attacked him and his holdings during his ab-
sence, and January 21, 1884, the chamber of com-
merce passed resolutions of condolence and sym-
pathy for the financier, who had been compelled
t(.) retire from the presidency of the Northern
Pacific.
.Alay 27, 1884, the commission which had been
appointed to arrange for the construction of the
courthouse adopted plans for the present struc-
ture.
The old Ramsey county poor farm was offered
to the State Agricultural Societv, to be used as a
permanent fair ground, and accepted in January,
1S85.
The following month the dairymen of Minne-
sota met in St. Paul and organized a movement
in opposition to the manufacture of bogus butter
— the object of which was realized fifteen years
later.
The chamljer of commerce gave a ban(|uet and
reception for the members of the legislature in
February, and the St. Paul Plow A\'orks was
destroyed by fire at a loss of $65,000.
The National German-American building was
completed in April at a cost of $275,000.
The waterways convention was held in St. Paul
and asked congress for the improvement of the
rivers and natural waterways of the northwest.
The Northwestern road entered St. Paul in Octo-
ber, and the corner stone of the new ciiurthouse
was laid in the same month.
I04
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
In January, 1886, the first ice palace was built
in Si. Paul and a winter carnival was held which
was such a tremendous social success that it was
adopted as an annual institution. George Thomp-
son, editor of the Dispatch, first suggested the
idea of an ice palace and the citizens went into
the project with such enthusiasm that great suc-
cess was attained in ever}- direction. The adver-
tising incident to the holding of the winter car-
nival was held to be not altogether desirable by
a considerable portion of the business public and
the institution was abandoned after a last attempt
to hold one in spite of changed climatic condi-
tions in the winter of 1899-1900. The first ice
palace was built in Central park, and for a month
the city was given over nightly to joyous frolick-
ing, which was participated in by literally hun-
dreds of uniformed clubs. The officers of the
first Ice Palace and Carnival Association were :
George R. Finch, president ; George Thompson,
first vice president : W'. A. Van Slych, second
vice president ; Albert Scheffer, treasurer : A. S.
Talmadge, secretary, and J. H. Hanson, assistant
secretary.
The National Conference of Charities and Cor-
rections met in St. Paul July 15. Ex-President
Hayes was a member of the conference.
July 29 work on the construction of the Illinois
Central Railroad line into St. Paul was begun,
but was not completed for many years.
l-'rank Mead, newspaper man of ilandan.
North Dakota, sliot and killed Frank Farnsworth
in the Merchants Hotel September 7. The homi-
cide was held to be justifiable.
January 17, 1887, the second w'inter carnival
opened, the ice i)alace of this year being the most
pretentious ever attempted in St. Paul. The
building was in the form of a Latin cross, occu-
pying 42,000 square feel, with a length of 271
feet and a width of 194 feet. One of the terraces
was carried up to a height of 140 feet. The archi-
tecture of the building was very elaljorate and
some of the carved figures in ice were executed
with great skill. .Sixty-five thousand blocks of
ice were used in the erection of the structure.
Adelina Patti sang in tlie Exposition building
Fel)ruary 21 .
.March 18 Richard Ireland, father of Bishop
Ireland, died. He was a pioneer of 1852. .\mong
other notable citizens who died this year were
Commodore \\'. F. Lavidson, Dr. A. G. Brisbine
and Charles .\. DeGrafT.
.\ugust 3 the walls of the St. Anthony elevator
fell and crushed to death six workmen.
Cardinal Gibbons visited the city September 30
and was given a banquet, and President Cleveland
was entertained October 10.
The ice palace of 1888, which was built in
Central park, was a structure occupying a space
200 feet square and was 130 feet high. Sixty
thousand blocks of ice were used in the con-
struction. The carnival was again a great
success.
February 13 Foote, Schulz & Company's boot
and shoe house and the Ryan Drug Company's
store were destroyed by fire at a loss of about
$300,000.
Norman W. Kittson died suddenly on a train
between Chicago and St. Paul ■May 10. Septem-
ber 27 John Ireland was created archbishop.
CHAPTER ELEVEN.
CONTINUING THE CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF
EVENTS TO THE PRESENT DAY.
1889 1906.
The building activity continued through 1888
and the first of the following January the Pioneer
Press estimated the investment in building during
the previous vear at $8,763,141 — this only includ-
ing that class of structures which might be
reckoned with as of im])ortance to the develop-
ment of the city. The same authority estimates
the manufacturing output for 1888 at $51,721,-
254-
The fourth ice carnival was held during Jan-
uary. 18S1;, beginning on the 23d.
There was a notable improvement in the char-
acter of the building done in St. Paul and the
modern sky scraper made its a])pearance as a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
105
part of the business district. The i'ioneer Press
building was completed in November. Cost,
$850,000. The new city hall and courthouse
costing $1,000,000 was completed December i.
January 2, 1890, the Grand Opera House was
opened. The building cost upwards of $175,000.
The }-ear 1890 was inaugurated by a move-
ment to unite the twin cities. The movement
came to grief and there was a wide division be-
tween the towns and a sort of interurban war
started in the summer when it was discovered
that Minneapolis was stuffing the census. The
trouble started July 17, when on the initiation of
St. Paul men, seven jMinneapolis enumerators
were arrested. Instantly the feeling between the
towns was at fever heat, the Pioneer Press going
into the matter with a good deal of vigor and
denouncing the Minneapolis people with such
vigor that it became necessary for the paper to
abandon the Minneapolis field — it had been
known as the "St. Paul and IMinneapolis Pio-
neer Press," and it took down that flag and de-
clared for St. Paul alone. No blood was shed
during the war, but it was narrowlv escaped
when Judge J. J. McCafferty resorted to sum-
mary methods in ejecting William Henry Eustis,
of Minneapolis, from his office. The feeling cre-
ated militated against the possibilitv of co-opera-
tion between the cities for many years and is but
just dying out. It put what appears to be a
final stopper upon the movement for civic union,
though there is now a resumption of better feel-
ing and a possibility of future union, though this
is remote.
June 7. 1890. the first city railway was
e(|uip])eil with electricity and operated success-
fully, though doubt was expressed as to its ulti-
mate practicability.
The registration in the spring election, under
the old system of election was 34.468. The
enthusiasm of the voters was indicated in the
fact that three thousand more names were regis-
tered than were registered in 1906 — when there
were seventy thousand more residents in the city.
Robert A. Smith defeated A. R. Kiefer for mavor
by a majority of 1,400.
July 7-11 the National Education .\ssociation
held its convention in St. Paul.
During the year some fine buildings were erect-
ed, including the Alanhattan. costing $325,oooand
the Endicott, $700,000. The Hill residence and
the Metropolitan Opera House were constructed
during the year. The first cost upwards of a mil-
lion dollars and the opera house $600,000.
The Commercial Club started and in four
months attained a membership of one thousand.
In 1 89 1 there was a considerable industrial
development and the amount invested in factories
was $4,100,000. The real-estate transfers for
the \ear were in excess of $21,000,000. Secretary
W'indom died January 30.
Mayor Smith suffered his first political defeat
in 1892, when he was beaten for mayor by F. P.
^^'right. In July of that year there was another
interurban war started when the Twin City Rapid
Transit Company, the holding company for the
local street car companies, was organized and
headquarters established in [Minneapolis. It was
thought that the move was a blow at St. Panl,
( )n July 2~ and August 3 there were heavy rains
causing a local flood that destroyed much West
Side i)roi)erty. The loss was estimated at $250,-
000.
August 3 the democratic state convention nom-
inated D. W. Lawler. of St. Paul, for governor.
He was defeated b\' ^^'. R. ^lerriam, of St. Paul,
by a narrow margin.
THE HARD TIMES OF THE NINETIES.
The year 1893 saw inaugurated in St. Paul an
era of hard times that aft'ected the entire country.
The causes of depression were by no means local
and St. Paul suffered not nearly so much as
other communities, but values fell off tremen-
dously and all investments were adversely affect-
ed. During the winter there was a considerable
demand on the part of the very poor for assist-
ance. 1894 saw a continuance of the same con-
ditions, made more oppressive by industrial dis-
turbances that resulted in great strikes. St. Paul
was very much disturbed by the strike of the
railroad men by reason of the fact that it was
widespread on the Great Northern. The first
strike on that n>ad was practically settled when
what was known as the A. R. U. strike was ex-
lofi
PAST AXI) PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
tended into the whole west. There was much
turbulence.
June 5 the national convention of the Catholic
Order of Foresters was held in St. Paul. June
13 the national convention of the Xorwegian
Lutheran church was held. June 22 J. H. Clapp
was killed at Fourth and Washington streets by
Ehle Allen, son of Col. Alvaren Allen and one of
the best known \oung men in town. .-\s a resalt
of brooding over the affair Allen killed himself.
June 24 W. F. Wheeler, who had been secretary
la Territorial Governor Medary. died in Helena,
.Montana. June 27 the last Derby held in St.
Paul was run. .\ugust 26 I). W. Tngersoll, a
prominent citizen and pioneer, died. The Pioneer
Press enumerated ^C);^ manufacturing concerns
lining business in St. Paul. Total output. $30,-
750,000.
John L. ^Merriam. one nf the foremost citizens
of St. Paul, died at the opening of the year 1895.
September 4 of the same year John S. Prince,
who had been mayor for several terms, died. On
the same date St. PauPs Seminary, endowed by
James J. Hill, was dedicated. Papal Delegate Sa-
tolli CI inducting the cerennmies, which were parti-
cipat.-d in l)y many dignitaries of the church. Ex-
(loxernnr W. R. Marshall died January 8, 1806,
in California, lie nriginally settled in St. .An-
thony Falls and ci inducted the first capital light
against St. Paul. When the attempt to dislodge
the capital failed he moved to St. Paul, was the
[jioneer hardware merchant, active in politics,
founder of a newspa])er and generally conspic-
uiius in the life nf St. Paul. The last ice palace
was held in January. It was a great success but
])ublic sentiment was in some measure opjioscd
to it fur tin- reasim that it was believed that the
outside world was given the impression through
the ice carnivals that the climate of St. Paul was
hyperborean. .\n attem])t to hold aiiutlier carni-
val in i()00 failed because here was not enough
ice to build the palace, l'. P.. Doran was elected
mayor on the republican ticket, (U'feating ( ). O.
Cullen. Four banks failed during the year. The
amount of money tied u]) was $155,000 and the
general effect on the communitx' was disastrous.
The national convention of the Crand .\rm\ of
the Reiniblic was held in SeptemVxr. the city en-
tertaining sixty thousand visitors.
The movement in favor of the consumption
of home products was started in 1897 and had a
great influence on the manufacturing industries.
.\n educational exposition was held in the Market
house and local and northwestern manufactures
experienced a boom in consequence of it. Febru-
ary 8 Martin Bruggeman, a settler of 1853, died.
February 23 Archbishop Grace died. April 21
Gen. R. W. Johnston died and October 3 S. J.
R. Mc^Iillan joined the great majority.
January 12, 1898, William J. Bryan was en-
tertained with much enthusiasm by the local dem-
ocrats. February 13 Dr. R. A. Wheaton died
suddenly. February 14 James J. Hill outlined a
plan for the capture of the trade in the orient.
It was regarded as a vision almost impossible of
realization but it is already an actuality. Ahich
28 the first enlistment in St. Paul for the im-
pending war with Spain was made. The same
day Dr. Rudolph Schift'niann was nominated for
mayor by the democrats. A. R. Kiefer was
nominated by the republicans. Dr. SchiiTman
was defeated by the introducion of a thiril candi-
date. W. \\'. Erwin, a well known criminal law-
yer, who secured enough democratic votes to
defeat .'-ichi ft matin and elect Kiefer.
In the arousal of patriotism incident to the
develo])ments that ])receded the Spatiish war St.
Paul was affected to its cetiter in the spring of
1898. War was declared in every gathering
of citizens for months before the commence-
ment of actual hostilities and there was unbound-
ed enthusiasm and volunteers for service when
affairs took on a serious aspect and the Third In-
fantry, T.'. S. .\., which had been stationed at
h'ort Snelling for many years, was ordered
south. Gov. Clough was overwhelmed with ap-
plications for commissiotis. Three regiments
were organized and equipjied. The matter is
dealt with at greater length elsewhere in Gen.
George C. l.ambi'rt's story of the citizen soldiery
of St. Paul.
January 17, 1899, Cushm:ui K. Davis was
elected to the Ignited Stales .Senate for his third
term. [ul\' 21 Col. lohn C. .Shandrew died.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
107
( icttibtT 7th an ovation was tendered to the 1 hir-
teentli Minnesota which returned covered with
glorv from the campaign in the Phihppines.
( )ctober 12th President .McKinley was the guest
of St. Paul.
^larch I, 1900, the Daily News started. The
paper should not be confounded with the old
Daily News which succumbed six years previ-
ously. March 2 the Right Reverend Mahlon
H. Gilbert, bishop of the Episcopal diocese, died.
In the city election Robert .\. Smith defeated
Chester R. Smith, republican. November 28
Senator C. K. Davis. His death was caused, pri-
niarih'. h\- an abrasion of the foot which resulted
in blood poisoning. His demise was regarded as
a national calamity and the city and state united in
pa\ing the deceased statesman mortuary honors.
January i, 191, Ignatius Donnelly, author,
orator and public character, died. He had been
])rominent in the political life of the state and
was a man of great force of character. He was
the center of a fierce political maelstrom and
conducted for years a political quarrel with the
late Joseph A. Wheelock, editor of the Pioneer
Press. Their contention — both being men of stub-
born convictions — led them to the courts. Mr.
Donnelly attained international fame by his w'ork
on Shakespeare, in which he sought to prove
that Bacon was the author of the plays ascribed
to Shakespeare. His principal works were the
"Cryptogram," ".Atlantis." and "Caesar's Col-
umn." January 14th Moses E. Clapp, of St. Paul,
was elected to the United States Senate in succes-
sion to C. K. Davis. February 22 Mrs. Abbian
Steele Potts, widow of Dr. Thomas Potts, w^ho
was married at Fort Snelling in 1847, died. Sep-
tember 17 Bishop Henry B. Whipple, of the Epis-
copal church, died. Bishop Whipple had done a
great work for the progress of the northwest
and his influence with the Indians, among whom
he had labored a great part of his life, was im-
mense. The golden jubilee of the Catholic diocese
was celebrated with much pomp July 2.
In the early part of the year the fight on the
merger of the Great Northern and Northern Pa-
cific railroads — which roads had come into the
control of the Hill interests — was started. James
J. Hill was the object of the attack that was
made by Gov. S. R. \'anSant. The fight on
the first citizen of St. Paul and the Northwest
was bitterly resented locally and in many parts
of the state but it was good politics and was
finall}- determined to be w-ell founded in law for,
after many months of litigation, the Northern Se-
curities Company, the holding corporation for the
railroads, was ordered dissolved.
At the Paris exposition the Grand Prize was
awarded to St. Paul as the healthiest city of its
class in the world. October 2, 1902, the Revs.
J. N. Stariha and J. J. Keane were consecrated
bishops at St. Paul cathedral, the Alost Rev.
Archbishop Ireland conducting the solemn cer-
emonies. December 28 the new People's church
was dedicated. Hamline University received an
endowment of $250,000.
The mutations that time brings was accented
in the spring of the year 1903 and the pioneer
residents were much disturbed when the old
Methodist church on Market street, facing Rice
park, one of the first brick buildings erected in the
city and dating from 1849, was turned into a
warehouse, and the next year became an automo-
bile garage.
.April 5 President Roosevelt visited the city
and was entertained with much enthusiasm.
April 4 saw a venerable gathering of old-timers,
when Mr. and Mrs. W. P. ]\Iurray celebrated
their golden wedding anniversary — and the bride
and groom of 1853 were the sprightliest couple
at the gathering, without regard to age.
.\pril 8 .\dmiral W. S. Schle\- was the guest
of St. Paul.
April 22 Alexander Ramsey, territorial gov-
ernor and war governor of Minnesota and the
foremost survivor of pioneer days, died. His ob-
sequies were made the occasion of a great public
manifestation of sorrow.
^Tay I i\Iayor R. A. Smith celebrated the fif-
tieth anniversary of his arrival in .'>t. Paul and
the whole town helped him to do it. He recog-
nized the event by permitting himself to indulge
in one more term as mayor and arrangements
were made for his election the next year.
June I the corner stone of the Jewish temple —
Mount Zion — located at the corner of Holly and
.Vvon. was laid.
io8
I'AST A\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
A movement was started for the puriiose of
observing the fiftieth anniversary of the founchng
of the corporation of St. Paul. The project
dragged for some time and was eventually prac-
tically abandoned.
October 13 the new Ramsey county jail
erected at Third, Fourth and St. Peter streets,
was put into service. The building cost $275,000
an<l. during the course of its construction, was
the cause of much contention and many charges
of corruption were made.
Xovember i the corner stone of the new ar-
mory, Sixth and Exchange streets, was laid.
January 4, 1904, Howard Elliott, the newly
elected president of the Northern Pacific Railroad
was given a banquet and reception at the Alinne-
sota Club. The occasion was notable for the pres-
ence of many men of distinction from all parts
of the northwest.
April 13 the Junior Pioneers proposed an en-
during monument to the golden jubilee of the
corporation of St. Paul in the form of a great
auditorium to be built by public subscription and
owned by the people.
illLLIOX DOLL.XR C.\THEDR.\L IS ST.\RTED.
Shortly afterwards Archbishop Ireland an-
nounced his intention of proceeding to the erec-
tion of a cathedral that would adequately repre-
sent the seat of the archepiscopal see. From its
inception this project was based upon a scale of
magnificent proportions, and there is now a prac-
tical certainty that the archbishop of St. Paul
will crown his great work in the northwest by
the erection of the church. The people of the
archdiocese have responded with fervent enthu-
siasm to the appeal that has been made to their
generosity, and within a few months the actual
work of construction on the cathedral of St. Paul
will begin. It will lie located on the most com-
manding site in the city, which was first given a
place in the consideration of men by the erection
of the little chapel on the bluffs of the Mississipiii
si.xty-five years ago ancl which lent the name nf
its patron .saint to the setdeinent. The archbisho])
has acquired title to the site upon which Com-
modore Kittson built his home — a palace in those
days — but a generation ago. It overlooks, from
the brow of St. Anthony Hill, the business sec-
tion of the city. P' routing on Suinniil avenue, it
is danked bv Dayton and Selby avenues. The
Kittson house was razed during the spring of
1906 and the work of construction will be begun
as soon as the site is cleared. The cost of the
cathedral will be at least a million dollars, and
the amount expended upon it and its decorations
may — probably will — far exceed that sum.
-August 20, 1904, a terrific windstorm, prob-
ably of cyclonic nature, occurring in the evening,
was the cause of a vast amount of damage and
cost three lives, besides injuring many persons.
The storm came down the valley of the Missis-
sippi, tore away the western span of the high
bridge, which crosses the river from .Smith ave-
nue at a maximum elevation of 220 feet, then
apparently divided, one death-dealing branch
striking the east shore of the river at the base of
the Wabasha street bridge and crushing the old
Tivoli Music Hall coni]")letely. Several hundred
|:)eople were in the structure at the time, but only
two of the crowd met death in the collapse of the
roof and walls. Continuing down through the
business district, the storm inflicted an immense
amount of damage in that section and in the out-
lying eastern part of the city. The other iM^anch
of the storm swept the hill district and the north-
ern part of the city, unroofing houses and destroy-
ing trees of great size. The damage was vari-
ously estimated at from one-half to a million
dollars.
.April 30, 1905, the St. Paul Glolx?, the organ
of the democracy and for a quarter of a century
one of the leading newspapers of the northwest,
suspended publication. The paper was owned by
James J. Hill, having come into his hands ten
years earher. Its suspension was ascribed sun-
ply to a lack of business patronage. Really it died
in attestation of the fact that the democracy is
as ungrateful as a republic is said to be. Pub-
lished first by H. P. Hall, whose mission in life
generally has been the starting of newspapers for
the enrichment of his successors, the Globe was
always politically influential and quite as ciMisist-
ently unsuccessful in the business field. It lived
through something more tlian a quarter century.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
109
having minierous hairbreadth escapes from bank-
ruptcy and succumbing only once when it was ed-
ited by a receiver — Judge Charles E. Flandreau —
for a brief period in the middle '90s. At the
time of its death the paper was giving some evi-
dences of a sturdy life and its suspension was re-
marked as being unique in the annals of newspa-
perdom. The suspension was announced two
weeks before the event, which came off according
to schedule, shocking the community by dying
without giving any of the usual signs of mori-
bunditv — going out of existence like a ship scut-
tled and sinking with all sails set. The New
York Sun, commenting on the suspension of the
Globe, said:
"Our late esteemed contemporary, the St. Paul
Globe, kept its promise and went out of business
on Sunday last. The terminal number of the
Globe is now before us with its full exliibit of
the news of the day. gathered with en-
teq^rise and displayed with journalistic judgment,
its editorial page crowded with able and interest-
ing comment on a variety of topics, including
the theme "There'll Be Xo Tomorrow," and its
cheerful "Good-bye"' at the bottom of the last col-
umn. \\'hile not particularly inclined to senti-
mental reflection over events of this sort, the
Sun does not mind saying that it recalls no case
in which a departure was more creditably con-
ducted and a professional duty more bravely per-
formed up to the last moment of breathing."'
Mr. J. G. Pyle, one of the most scholarly and
brilliant writers and editors in the journalistic
field, was the last editor-in-chief of the Globe.
April 2T, the new Armory, which had been
built at a cost of S175.000 was completed.
May 9 the corner stone of the Schiller monu-
ment in Como Park was laid.
July 13 Phalen Park was formally opened.
The state census completed in the summer
showed a population for St. Paul of 197.025. a
gain of 57,000 in ten years.
Tn February of the present year (1906) '\lon-
signor Augustin Ravoux died at St. Joseph's Hos-
pital. He was revered for his saintly character
and affectionately regarded as the spiritual fa-
ther of St. Paul, being the first pastor of the
mission from which the citv took its name. Fa-
ther Ravoux had lived in retirement for some
years and the younger generation did not know
him except as an amiable old gentleman who
might be seen about the down town district of
the city which he had seen gjown from the most
unpromising conditions to metropolitan propor-
tions. He was ninety-two years of age at the
time of his death.
ST. P.VUl's fiftieth AXXIVEatSARY.
March 31 the delayed celebration of the fiftieth
anniversary of the city was obser\-ed by the lad-
ing of the corner stone. The public reception at
cated on Fourth and Fifth streets between Frank-
lin and \\'ashington, and a reception at the capitol
in the evening. The Auditorium will be com-
pleted in July. It is a massive building of brick
and steel and will have a capacity of ten thousand
l)ersons. The occasion is marked in white in
the annals of the Junior Pioneers' Association,
which initiated the Auditorium scheme and which
had charge of the ceremonies incident to the lav-
in gof the corner stone. The public reception at
the capitol in the evening was verv largelv at-
tended and there was much speechmaking. Mayor
Smith and a line of distinguished citizens received
the guests ; the reception and other committees
included nearly every man of mark in the city.
Addresses were made by James J. Hill — who was,
as he generally is, the lion of the occasion and
who was referred to by the other speakers as the
man to whom, more than to any other, the growth
and progress of St. Paul is referable — C. D.
O'Brien. D. ^^^ Lawler and the Rev. Samuel G.
Smith.
The ston,- of the Auditorium is succinctlv told
in the statement deposited under the cornerstone
for the information of the wandering archaelogist
from Greenland who will explore its riiins a thou-
sand years hence. The record reads :
On the 13th day of April, 1904 the Junior
Pioneer Association of Ramsey countv adopted
a resolution relative to the commemoration of the
fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the
city of St Paul, which was incorporated ^larch 4,
1854, and that it ought to be evidenced by some-
thing permanent — the building of a memorial
no
AST AXD PRF.SFA'T OF ST. PAUL.
arcli. layini;' tlic fniiiulatiiin and corner .stone of
an auditorium or a i)ul)lic library. A committee
was ajipointed by tbc Junior Pioneer association
A]iril ij. 11)05. \\'''^ named tlie following citizens
as such committee : Edmund W. Razille. chair-
man ; R. A. Kirk, first vice chairman; J. I. H.
Field, second vice chairman; |. 11. Beek, secre-
tary : Daniel R. Xoyes. treasurer ; George
Thompson. J- Harry Lewis. Conde Hamlin, P.
W. Herzog, William Rhodes, A. H. Lindeke.
Webster Wheelock. C. W. Gordon, E. C. String-
er, J. A. Gregg, ^\"illiam Hamm, L. S. Gushing,
George Benz, G. 'SI. Tibbs. Walter Butler and
J. A, McDermott. After all the preliminary
arrangements were made and the consent of the
common council of the city was obtained that
Ijonds be issued to the amount of $130,000, a mass
meeting was called at the council chamber for
July TO, 1903, and pledges obtained to the amount
of $46,400. On Jul\- 31 the subscription list
amounted to $107,319.30; on August 8 the sub-
scription list amounted to $137,802.13. ( )n that
day the committee decided to call for a subscrip-
tion of $200,000 instead of $150,000. ( )n August
If) the subscription list amounted $175,430. .Au-
gust 26th the subscription list amounted to $i8g,-
064.93. At that point active work by the com-
mittee ceased, and in the middle of September the
sum of $212,015.75 'I'^f' been subscribed, of which
amount all has been paid in with the exception of
about one per cent loss, and the total expenses
incurred were about $2,500. The bonds were
sold, and brought a premium of about $6,616.
They were issued for thirty years at four per cent.
Dated St. Paul. Minesota, March 31, A. D.
1906.
A bright, sunshin\- day.
May 9, 1906, Joseph .\. Wiieelock. editor-in-
chief of the Pioneer Press, died. Mr. Wheelock
had been in precarious health for some time but
his demise was shockingly sudden, as he had Init
just returned from California and had enjoyed
rather better health than usual during the spring
on the coast. His death was precipitated bv the
trip across the continent, with its changes of alti-
tude and climate. The event profoundly moved
the communitv of which Mr. Wheelock had been
a moving spirit for nearly half a century. He
was the finest surviving example of the old school
of personal journalism typified in Dana, Greeley,
Medill and McCiiUagh. For fifty years he had
been identified with the newspaper press of St.
Paul and, since its foundation, had been editor-
in-chief of the Pioneer Press, which came to be
a great newspajjer under his editorial guidance.
With prodigious resources in language ; an ana-
lytical mind capable of the most minute investi-
gation ; great force and lucidity of expression,
and having withal, the conviction of every senti-
ment he uttered, he had been a power in the
newspaper world for many years. As a citizen
of St. Paul he stood in the foremost ranks of the
most aggressive and the city — indeed, the entire
northwest — owes an undying debt of gratitude to
this man, who, personally, was not known to a
great majority of the people of St. Paul.
Mr. Wheelock was born in Xova Scotia, Feb-
ruary 8, 1831, and came to ^Minnesota in 1830,
in search of health, being then afflicted with the
disorder which caused his death fifty-six vears
later. He was a sutler's clerk at Fort Snelling
for a time. He engaged in newspaper work in
1853 as editor of a real-estate publication ; was
made state statistician in i860, and produced a
work showing with remarkable force the re-
sources of the state. In 1861 he founded the
Press, in collaboration with W. R. Marshall and
continued as the editor of that paper and its suc-
cessor— formed by the consolidation of the Pio-
neer and the Press and called the Pioneer Press
— to the time of his death. In addition to the
great work he accomplished for the citv and
country by his pen he carried out another work
which will endure when his journalistic achieve-
ments have passed from the memory of man and
this was altogether a lalior of love. He planned
and jierfected, in a very large measure, the pres-
ent ])ark system of St. Paul. The scheme of the
parks was in some degree formed before he be-
came actively interested in the work in 1893. '^"t
his love and ajipreciation of the beautiful, and his
utilitarian resotirces, made it possible for him to
promote successfully great projects for public im-
])rovements in the evclojiment and adornment of
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
Ill
parks anil park\va_\s. The parks Un\ay arc large-
Iv the result of his unremitting labor as a mem-
ber of the park board.
ST. PALI. IX THE VE.\R I906.
The present year ( 1906 ) has been marked by
splendid and progressive work in the develop-
ment of the city and its resources. A movement
that was inaugurated within a couple of years
has attained great headway and more substantial
progress has been made than during any one
year in the history of St. Paul. It is worth while
recording some of the enterprises that have been
undertaken during the present year — or are now
being completed.
Th St. Paul Auditorium, built by the public.
Fourth, Fifth and Franklin streets, cost $350,-
000 : Y. M. C. A. Building, public subscriptions.
$250,000, corner Ninth and Cedar streets : Cath-
olic Cathedral, subscribed largely by the Cath-
olics of the archdiocese, $1,000,000, Dayton,
Selbv and Summit : Orpheum Theater, $250,000,
Fifth an St. Peter streets ; Elk Club House,
Washington street, $40,000 : ten builings to be
occuijied by wholesale houses that have outgrown
their old quarters, $3,000,000; a half-million dol-
lar power plant for the Twin City Rapid Transit
Company, Snelling and University avenues.
More than eight millions of dollars have been
invested in permanent building improvements
during the year up to date (]\Iay i).
CHAPTER TWELVE.
COXT.MXIN'G THE HISTORY OF THE MUNICIP.\L
BODY FROM THE IXCORPOR.XTIOX OF THE TOWN
OF ST. PAUL — TOGETHER WITH .\ COMPLETE LIST
OF THE TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS.
The town of St. Paul was incorporated by an
act of the first Legislative Assembly of Minne-
sota territory, the bill being entitled, "An Act to
Incorporate the town of St. Paul in the County
of Ramsey." The original incorporation in-
cluded only the original plat of the town together
with Irving's and Rice's addition.
Prior to the incorporation there had been no
local form of government whatever. \Mien it
was necessary, for the suppression of crime or
the preservation of the peace, to act in form of
law the citizens were a law unto themselves. The
place was still a settlement in the wilderness and
it was not until the coming of Ramsey and the
organization of the territory that any need was
felt for what the early inhabitants regarded as
the frills of civilization.
The administration of the government was
vested, under this incorporation, in the town
council composed of a president, a recorder and
five trustees and on the 6th day of IVIay, 1850, an
election was held. Dr. Thomas R. Potts was
chosen president ; Edmund Rice, recorder, and
W". H. Forbes, P.. F. Hoyt, Wm. H. Randall,
Henry Jackson and A. L. Larpenteur, trustees.
There was no contention over the offices.
This first council, having due regard for its
responsibilities to the embryonic city, went rather
beyond the limit in framing ordinances for the
police regulation of the town. The laws under
which the puritan settlers of New England
struggled during the early settlement of that
coast were liberal compared to the drastic meas-
ures enacted into the laws by the first council of
the town of St. Paul. Perhaps because they
were familiar with the misdemeanor of drunken-
ness they declined to define intoxication as a
crime, but nearly every other human peccadillo
was put under taboo and heavy fines and penalties
prescribed for the infraction of these ordinances.
Apparently the town fathers had been sub-
jected to having their rest disturbed by the In-
dians and other transient visitors and they passed
stringent laws imposing drastic punishment for
disturbances of the peace of every character, par-
ticularly the blowing of horns, trumpets or other
instruments; or by the beating of drums, tam-
bourines, kettles, pans, or other sounding vessels;
or by singing, bellowing, howling, screaming,
scolding, hallooing, or cursing. The lilue laws
ordinances of St. Paul affecting the observance
of Connecticut were not to be compare with the
112
I 'AST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
of Sunday. Games and amusements of every
sort on that day were prohibited. It was a mat-
ter of criminahty almost to make any unusual
noise, and vinous, spirituous, or mak h((Uors
must not be given away or sold under penalty of
law. Even the steamboats landing at the port
on Sunday were required to tie up at the land-
ings without tooting the whistle or making any
of the usual demonstrations. No freight could
be landed at the port.
These laws were uni(|ue in their way. For
instance. li(|uor licenses were fixed at $5.00 for
months. Theatre, show and circus licenses were
fixed at $50. The town pump appears to have
been the single municipal institution of St. Paul
for a time an came in for an unwonted degree of
attention on the part of the council and a pen-
alty of $5 was imposed upon any person or per-
sons who watered horses or cattle at that pump.
It may be here remarked that according to the
reminiscences of the earliest settlers, the pump
was the source of the town water supply for
drinking purposes and furnished the means for
bathing to many a pilgrim from down the river
who in his later years attained to the dignity of
a marble bath-tub of his own. The French and
half-breed families had been isposed to indulge
in the ownership of dogs, perhaps with a view to
guaring against possible famine among the
Indians, and one ordinance prohibite any one
person or family within the corporation to keep
more than one dog unless fifty cents per annum
for each additional dog was covered into the
treasury.
The fire department was provided for by an
ordinance which required every householder to
keep on his premises, in god repair and in readi-
ness for constant use, at least two buckets with
the \Vdrd "fire" painted on them.
Plowever, with all these mighty provisions in
the way of legal enactment, there was very little
attempt made during the first year of the town
organization to put the ordinances into effect.
In the election in May, 1851, Robert Kennedy
was elected president and Egidus Keller, J. E.
Fullerton. \\'illiam Freeborn, Firman Cazeau
and R. C. Kno.x were elected trustees, and
Henry Lambert recorder. John F. Tehan, who
was appointed marshal by the council, was in
fact the outward evidence of law andorder, em-
liiiilying ill himself the functions of the police
department, town treasurer, and collector of
taxes. Public improvement proceeded beyond the
tiiwn ])nnip stage thai year and an attempt was
made to clear Third street of brush and stumps
and grade it and some work was done on Fourth
street. In December an attempt was was made
to organize a hook and ladder company but was
(abandoned inasmuch as the council had no
authority to appropriate funds and no funds from
which to make an appropriation for the purpose
if it had the authority. In the election of 1852
11. W. Lott was elected president. That year
there was a contest for the chief magistrary of
the town, Lott defeating Robert Kennedy by a
vote of 227 to 183. Louis M. Oliver was elected
recorder, and Charles Bazille, Egidus Keller, Lot
Moffet and William Freeborn were elected trus-
tees. The province of the council under the in-
corporation act was such as to preclude the possi-
bility of much work being done and what im-
provements were made were insignificant and
largely brought about by private enterprise.
St. Paul yas incorporated as a city in 1854 and
the ordinary privileges possessed by city corpora-
tion were covered under the charter. The city
was limited in its boundaries under this act as
follows :
Beginning at a point on the Mississippi river
where the line between section 4 and 5 intersects
said river ; thence north on said line to the town-
shp line of township 28. range 22 ; thence north
on the section line to the quarter section post lines
of sections 32 and 33 ; thence west 20 chains ;
thence north 40 chains to the lines of sections 29
and 32 ; thence west on said section line to the
township line of township 29, ranges 22 and -23 ;
thence south to the quarter section post; thence
north 20 chains: thence south to the south line
I if townshi]) _'(), range 23: thence west 60 chains
to the .section corner of sections i and 2 of town-
shif) 28, range 23 ; thence south to the Mississippi
river : thence down the middle of said river, in-
cluding the islands, to the place of beginning.
Tlic original political subdivision of the citv
provided for three wards.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
II-
liefore this charter became operative it was
necessary to amend it and the elective offices un-
der the amendment wer mayor, marshal, and jus-
tice of the peace for the city at large, and three
aldermen, one assessor, one constable and one
justice of the peace for each ward. The election
was fixed for the first Tuesday in April of each
year. The incorporate act provided rather fidly
for home rule g"overnnient and the limitations of
the town incorporation having been taken oiif,
the \(iiuig city was in a fair way to g obriskly
into the work of making the improvements neces-
sary to the growing conditions. Prior to the
amendment of the original charter, an election
was held Tuesday, April 6. 1854, and the offices
were divided between the democrats and the
wliigs. David Olmstead, democrat, was elected
mayor; W. R. Miller, democrat, city marshal;
Dan Rohrer, whig, was elected treasurer and Or-
lantlo Simons, whig, justice. The original alder-
men were R. C. Knox, H. E. Chamblin, Richard
Marvin. A. L. Larpenteur. Thomas Marvin,
('harles S. Cave, George L. Becker, John R. Ir-
\\n and J. M. Stone. The council organized
April II by the election of George L. Becker as
president and Sherwood Hough as citv clerk,
l-'indley McCormick was appointed comptroller.
D. C. Cooley surveyor and S. P. Fulsom sur-
veyor. Mayor Olmstead was the editor of the
Democrat at that time and having the appoint-
ment of the official printer he was constrained
as a matter of courtesy to name his rival paper,
the Daily Minnesotian as the official publication.
Alexander Ramsey, who had retired from the
territorial governorship, was elected niavor in
1855 by a combination of the whigs and niemliers
of the then new republican partv. Rohrer and
Miller were re-elected treasurer and marshal re-
s]iectively. The fire department was created bv
th council of that year but nothing was accom-
plished in the matter o fequipping it. George
L. P.ecker, democrat, became mayor in 1836 and
liolirer. republican, was re-elected treasurer. O.
Simons, republican, was elected to the justiceshiji
and Miller, democrat, continued as marshal, his
election being unopposed. Approximately 1.250
votes vi^ere cast at the election. That vear the
necessity for a police department became so mani-
fest that the council appointed at first four police-
men and later increased the number to twelve.
STARTED IN WITH A DEBT.
(Officially the city began May 2, 1854, and start-
ed in business with an indebtedness inherited from
the town incorporation approximating $7,000,
which might have been increased, by contingent
liabilities, to about $10,000. After two years of
city administration the liabilities were apparently
taken care of for there was $7,794 in the treasury
May I, 1856. During these two years there were
several streets graded and the levee was improved,
as indeed it was the first care of the city. The
city was almost entirely dependent at that time
u]ion the river traffic and all of the available
money was spent to facilitate the handling of
freight and passengers incident to the steamboat
trade. Sidewalks had been laid on Third, Fourth
and part of Wabasha streets and were being ex-
tended in other directions rapidly and public
credit was on a substantial basis. With a popu-
lation of about 6,000, by no means fixed, the total
assessed valuation of the city was $3,740,230.
In spite of the decided prosperity of the city
generally, in the middle '50s the care of the poor
was a large item in the municipal expenditures
and there was a contention between St. Paul and
Ramsey county as to the disposition of the pau-
pers. The city was assessed for county purposes
in the sum of $27,000 as early as 1855 and Mayor
Becker was of the opinion that the county should
make proper provision for paupers. This was ul-
timately made a part of the county's business
by law and the contention was disposed of. In
August a lot was purchased on the corner of
Fifth and Washington streets to be used as a site
for the city hall and jail and contracts were en-
tered into for the construction of buildings for
the inu'i^ose and the structures were completed in
May of the following _\ear. The monied interests
were quite willing to invest in the future of St.
Paul at that time as it was demonstrated by the
fact that when $30,000 in municipal bonds were
offered to the public, they were taken by A. \'an
Glahn to the extent of $12,000 at par, and by
A\'. M. Cochran to the extent of $18,000 at 98J/2.
I.I4
I'AST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Modern financiers would be rather perplexed over
trying to find a means for meeting the interest nn
those bonds, however, as they carried 12 per cent.
which was not excessivc% however, in view of the
fact that ilie rate generally in the territory was
from 3 to 5 per cent a month on public secu'-i-
ties.
John P). Prisbin was elected mayor in 1857.
The comptroller's report for the year ending
.^^Vpril 30, 1857, shows a sound financial condition
with a balance in favor of the city for $17,000.
\arious sources of practically fi.xed revenue had
been found that were not burdensome to the peo-
ple, the wharfage fees for steamboats aflfording
very considerable revenue in themselves.
In the fall of 1857 the building of a bridge
across the Mississippi was agitated and the coun-
cil petitioned the legislature for power to en-
able the city to contribute $50,000 to a company
organized for the purpose of constructing the
bridge, which had been undertaken by private en-
terprise.
In 1857 and 1858 the fire department was suf-
ficiently organized but was seriously handicapped
1)\- the lack of water supply and this lack of wa-
ter was made manifest in a number of expensive,
almost disastrous, fires which occurred within a
few years.
The comptroller's report for 1858 is striking
evidence of the rapid growth of the city, the re-
cei])ts amounting to $156,419. The growth of re-
ceipts. Iiowever, by no means kept i)ace with the
capacity of the city to devour the income and the
exi)enditures were $30,000 in excess of the in-
come and liabilities to the extent of $128,737 ''■'"'
been accumulated. The heavy liabilities were of
Cfiurse unavoidable, owing to the panicky condi-
tion of the money market and tlie depreciation of
the currency.
Xorman W. Kittson, democrat, was elected
mavor in 1858, and for the first time the German
element in the population made itself felt in the
election, as was evinced in the action of the
council whicli made the National Demdkrat one
of the official jiapers.
The legislature of 1858 re-incorporated the
city of St. Paul and greatly ex|)anded its terri-
torial limits. .X contention was precipitated be-
tween the legislature and the municipal authori-
ties when the state law-making body insisted on
adding another ward to the city and that in spite
of the protest of St. Paul. In would appear that
there was a general objection on the part of the
people, and certainly on the part of the municipal
authorities, to this re-incorporation, but the mem-
bers of the legislature from the country were
subjected to interested influences and tlie new
charter was thrust upon the town.
After the making of the treaty of Traverse
DeSioux, there had been considerable settlement
on the West Side of the river and on March 22,
1858, the city of West St. Paul w-as incorporated,
including the territory represented by the sixth
ward.
The Democrats carried the city in 1859, elect-
ing D. A. Robertson mayor. Again in i860,
when J. S. Prince was elected, and in 1861, when
Mayor Prince was re-elected, and again in 1862,
Mayor Prince being the successful candidate in
this election also.
During the early war period the resources of
the city were strained to respond to the demands
made upon the treasury by the patriotic impulses
of the people and the necessities of the nation.
The municipality as a body took part in the work
of organizing the first two Minnesota regiments
and a considerable sum of money was expended
in taking care of the families of the volunteers
who had gone to the war and in maintaining re-
cruits who had enlisted at the solicitation of the
city. The demands upon the council and the in-
adequacy of the available funds made it neces-
sary that some provision should be made to curb
the unthinking enthusiasm of some of the city
fathers and a resolution was adopted wliich pro-
vided that after the first of .Vjiril. i8l)2. no stated
aid should be furnished the family of a volun-
teer unless the soldier had made provision to set
aside $8.00 per month out of his jiay to be used
for the maintenance of his family.
The necessity for good roads as an adjunct to
the developing commerce of the city was so far
appreciated at that time that in the fall of 1862
bonds to the extent of $6,600 were issued in aid
of the construction of a wagon road between St.
Paul and Owatonna.
PAST AXD I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
Ii:
It became impossible to curb the impetuosity
of the patriotic policemen of St. Paul in 1862,
almost all of whom volunteered for the army,
aiu! the fire department was eft'ectually depleted
by the loss of thirty-nine men who went to the
war. Inspired by the knowledg'e, however, of
the necessity for retrenchment in municipal expen-
ditures, ]\Iay(.)r Prince recommended to the coun-
cil that the entire police force, with the excep-
tion of the chief and one captain, be dismissed
and that a patrol of volunteer police be organ-
ized. This suggestion was adopted and for
many months the city was guarded at night by
this organized vigilance committee, which was
manned by citizens of all conditions and officered
by men who were then, or afterwards became,
eminent in public affairs in St. Paul.
Mayor Prince retired in 1863 in favor of John
Esaias \\'arren. a democrat, who defeated Dr.
J. H. Stewart.
Some of the members of the council becoming
alarmed at the state of municipal finances, passed
a resolution in the spring of 1863 which practi-
cally repudiated the responsibility assumed by the
city to the families of the volunteers. Mayor
Warren vetoed the resolution, taking the posi-
tion that a solemn contract had been entered into
on the part of the city which engaged the author-
ities to care for the wives and little ones of the
men who had gone to the front and veto was
sustained.
In July after the battle of Gettysburg, Mavor
Warren urged the council to make provision for
the erection of a monument to the memory of the
men of the First Minnesota who had died at
(lettysburg, and the council adopting the sugges-
tion, appointed a committee to carry it into ef-
fect. The project was abandoned, the committee
taking the broad ground that the resources of the
city would be insufficient to meet the demands
made by the living and, while acknowledging the
])atriotic services of those who gave up their lives
iin the battle-field, they recommended that the
building of tile monument be temporarih aban-
doned. Incidentally, it might be remarked that
this tem])orary abandonment lasted for sume thir-
ty-five years, for it was not mitil 1898 that the
liroject was again undertaken and this time car-
riLcl to a successful issue bv the erection of a
shaft at Sunmiit Park, dedicated to the memory
of the L'nion soldiers.
The city was disturbed in midsummer of that
year by apprehensions of possible resistance to
the draft which it was thought would be neces-
sary to fill the city's quota under the new call for
troops and provision was made against riotous
demonstrations. This alarm, it was later appar-
ent, was uncalled for as the city's quota was
filled without resort to draft by an appropriation
providing for $100 bounty and the necessary
number of volunteers was procured. Up to April
4, 1864. according to report of the adjutant gen-
eral of the state, St. Paul had contributed 1,180
volunteers.
A bonus in the sum of $250,000 was granted to
the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Com-
pany and another of $50,000 to the Minnesota
Central Railroad Company to aid that corpora-
tion in building a bridge across the river.
.\n additional sum of $30,000 was granted to
the last named company to aid in the purchase of
ground for its shops in St. Paul. Bonds were
issued to provide for these appropriations.
Dr. J. H. Stewart, Republican, was elected
mayor in 1864. the war spirit having made the
term Republican effective. Thirt\- thousand dol-
lars in bonds were issued in July to provide
means for defraying the expenses incident to sup-
plying the men needed for the army under the
last call and in September, $22,000 one year
b(!nds were authorized and the proceeds used for
the payment of bounties to recruits.
In April, 1865, with the knowledge of the
success of LTnion arms strong upon them, the
democrats of the city rallied again and elected
John S. Prince mayor. Mayor Prince had but
barely taken his office when the city was pro-
foundly shocked by news of the assassination of
Abraham Lincoln and preparations were made
for mortuary honors to the dead president, the
city sending as a representative, .Vlderman Peck-
man, to attend the obsequies of the dead presi-
dent at Springfield.
In August the city officially entertained Gen-
eral Grant.
In September the car of progress, to-wit the
ii6
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
street car, ,q;ave promise of putting in an appear-
ance and a franchise was granted for tlie con-
struction and operation of certain horse car lines
in November.
The assessed valuation of city property the i st
of January, 1866. was $1,632,431 ; the city del:)t
was $420,227. The salary list for city officials,
policemen, and other employees for that year
amounted to $18,450, and the total revenue was
$166,350. The assets of the city were but a frac-
tion of its liabilities but the promise of rapidly
increased growth was so strong that there was
no alarm felt for the future.
^layor Prince was re-elected in 1866 and in
the spring of that year Gen. Wm. T. Sherman
was officially entertained.
( leorge L. ( )tis, democrat, was elected mayor
in 1S67, and in May of that year the Hope
Mngine L'umpan}-, which had been the jiionvcr
company having a steam engine, was disbanded.
St. Paul Hose Company Number i took its place
in the fire department organization which had by
this time become fairly effective, having about
one hundred members.
An exclusive street railway charter was
granted December 16, which was thought to
carry with it valuable rights inasmuch as it was
given the privilege of utilizing all the streets of
the city and might run on any street except on
Jackson. It took the council a year to decide
what the maximum limit of street car fare should
be, and it was finally settled at seven cents.
THE CII.\RTER IS RR0.\DENED.
Tile city having attained a pi iinilatinii of about
15,000 and the indications being good for an im-
mediate and considerable increase in the number
of inhabitants, it was made manifest to the
authorities that some amplification of charter
rights should be acquired and a committee on
charter amendments consisting of George W.
Moore, Patrick Nash, James Maxfield, J. K.
TTofTinan and Harvey Officer, who was at that
time city attorney, was apointed to do the work,
("o-operating with a committee of the Chamber
of Commerce, a charter was produced which was
])resented to and adojjted by the legislature on
March 6, 1868. The territory within the incor-
poration was largely increased again and a con-
siderable enlargement was made in the power of
the city government. There was no material dif-
ference made in the administrative officers or
their functions but the mayor and comptroller
were to be elected for one year, the treasurer,
attorney, street commissioner and justice for two
years, and surveyor for three years. Each ward
was given three aUlernien to hold ofifice for three
years, continuity in office being provided for by
the election of a new man each year.
The power of the city to increase its indebted-
ness was limited; nn Ixmds could Ije issued ex-
cept to meet existing obligations; no money or
credit could be advanced as a contribution or
donation without the consent of two-thirds of
the voters ; the council was prohibited from ap-
])ropriating any money for special purposes, such
as receptions, parades, or celebrations except $200
for the annual parade of the fire department. The
power of the authorities was greatly extended in
the field of finance and taxation and the exercise
of tlie right of eminent domain. The linntations
of this charter were so marked that it was felt
necessary to procure several amendments in i86g
which would permit the municipality to issue
$100,000 in twenty-year bonds to pay otif $51,000
of bills payable ; provide money for the construc-
tion of an engine house; to establish a sewerage
system ; to permit the construction of sidewalks
and other minor matters. The charter was never
satisfactory but it remained the governing law
of the cit\- until 1874, when a new charter was
adopted.
Dr. j. H. Stewart was elected mayor in 1868
I in a " 1 'eople's" ticket.
In Ma_\' of that year llie efficiencx' of tlie lire
de])artiiient was increased by the extension of the
water works system and a contract was made for
the ]inlling in of It'll fire hydrants.
The necessilN nl' |iroviding some separate ])lace
of detention for wdnieii prisoners, aside from that
afforded b\ llie cuiiinion jail, became imperative
and ill the winter of i868-6y an arrangement was
made wiili the Sisters of the House of the Good
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
117
Shci)lieril to receive the female (leliiii|uents trniii
the pohce court and keep them in restraint — an
arrangement which remained in satisfactory op-
eration for nearly thirty years.
At the spring election in 1868 the proposition
was submitted for the issuance of $100,000 in
thirty-vear, six ])er cent lionds to be given as a
bonus to the St. Paul & Chicago Railroad Com-
pany, conditioned upon the construction of a road
between St, Paul and Red Wing, and was
adi'ined by practically a unanimous vote.
[. T. .Maxfiekl was elected mayor and his in-
augural called attention to what was considered
an extremely healthy condition of the city
finances, the total debt lieing $809,500 and the as-
sessed valuation $8,000,000,
The material obstruction to the carrying for-
ward of citv improvements was removed by the
legislature of 1869, when an amendment to the
constitution was submitted wdiich would elimin-
ate the constitutional objection to the levying of
special assessment for local improvements. The
adoption of this amendment permitted a great
deal of building of sidewalks and sewers which
might be paid for by levying special assessments
against adjacent property.
The .Sundav blue laws which had been passed
bv the original town council had remained in
l)ractical effect in the succeeding charters, but
tliev were just as dead in 1869 as they were in
1849, .\n attempt was made in that year to pro-
cure the enforcement of the law preventing the
sale of liquor on Sunday and the mayor declared
himself quite ready to enforce the ordinances in
case information would be laid. No prosecutor
was forthcoming and the matter remained in
statu quo, as it has ever since.
\\'illiam Lee was elected mayor in 1870 and
there was no contention in the election.
The statement of the financial condition of the
cit\- in April, 1871, shows about what the exist-
ing conditions were : The treasurer received in
the year $226,637, about $124,000 from the
cotmty treasurer. During the same period he
disbursed ,$163,023. The assessed valuation of
real estate in the city was $6,620,178 and per-
sonal property $2,243,985, The rate of taxation
was twenty-three mills. The revenue from liquor
licen.ses was Sii,39<j, there being 157 issued at
the rate of $75 per annum. The population was
20,030.
-Mayor Lee was re-elected in 1871. The council
of that year appropriated $20,000 for the relief of
the fire sufferers in Chicago. The proceedings
of the municipal legislative body included the ex-
pulsion of Alderman Michael Cummings and the
granting of another charter for a horse car sys-
tem to J. C. Burbank, J. L. Merriam, \\'illiam
Dawson and others.
Dr. T- H. Stewart, republican, came into oftice
in 1872, defeating Ex-Mayor John S. Prince by a
large majority, and evidently upon political
grounds, for Prince had long been one of the
most popular men in St. Paul. The defeat of
Prince may be possibly accounted for, however,
on the ground that he was known to be in oppo-
sition to the issue of the Lake Superior Railroad
bonds.
The legislature of 1872 did some more tink' r-
ing with the St. Paul city charter anil enlarged
the boundaries of the city and changed time of the
municipal election from April to the first Tuesday
after the first Alonday in November; made the
city one school district, and authorized the issu-
ance of $100,000 in bonds for the purpose of ac-
quiring public park grounds.
In June, 1872, the old Wabasha street bridge
was condemned as unsafe and preparations were
made for the rebuilding of it. In .Vpril, 1873, the
parkways of the city were amplified by the dona-
tion to the city by John R. Irvine of Irvine Park
and at the same time the right of way was granted
through the streets to the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railroad, In that same year Dr. J. IT.
Stewart sold the site of the city hospital to the
munici]iality. accepting ]5ayment in bonds.
The donation of Irvine Park stimulated inter-
est in the development of the park system and
a few months after that event the tract of land
which formed the principal part of Como Park
was purchased from W. R. ^farsliall, Frank E.
Clark and \Y. B. .\ldrich. There were 319 acres
in the original tract and the price paid was $100,-
000. The purchase was not made without opposi-
tion on the part of a considerable element of the
jniljlic who could not foresee the growth of the
ii8
I'AST A.\l) I'RKSEXT OF ST. PAUL.
city and it was only b\- the most pertinacious ef-
fort that tile supporters of the nicastire were
enablcil to hrini;' about the ratification of the jnu"-
chase.
The city election was held in Xoveniber of that
year when Mayor Stewart was re-elected. The
charter was further amended by the legislature
in 1S74 and the various acts under which the city
was operated were consolidated. West St. Paul
was annexed to the city and the total acreage in-
eluded within the incorporate limits was raised
to 16.583 acres — something less than one-half of
the present area. The time of election was again
clianged to the second Tuesday in December —
the oliject of the change being to fix a date for
the election wlien the entire resident population
would be here to vote. The mayor's term was
fixed at one year; the city attorne}-, justice and
treasurer two years, and comptroller four years.
Th.ere were three aldermen as before, from each
ward, each to serve for three years and each
ward had also a justice of the peace and a con-
stable for two years. The board of public works
was reorganized and made effective. It was to
consist of five members who were to take office
from the mayor with confirmation by the council.
The board of health was composed of the health
officer and the senior alderman from each ward ex
officio.
^■^r^■ oi-i'ici-.rs mi"st .sr']:.\K kxcllsh.
It also became iiecessar\- to incoriiorate in the
cliarti r a i)rovision re(|uiring that aii\' ]5erson
holding office should be able to s])eak. read and
write the English language. This charter was
prepared iMu'cr the direction of 1, \'. lliird,
'leorge L. ( )tis. H. J. Horn ar.d (ieii. W. .A. (ior-
man. cit\- attorney. At tlie first election under
the iH w eharti'r, j. T. Maxfield was elected ni;iyor
and there was no opposition to the ticket which
he headed.
That year the assessed valuation of real and
personal property in St. Paul was $26,444,047.
The total amount of bonded indebtedness was $1,-
240.253 and of this amount .$350,000 was due on
bonuses to the railroads. The receipts of the
treasurer's office amounted to $510.10' and the
<lis1)iirseirents $500,061.
nX ANCKS AKK SVSl K.M ATIZED.
Again in 1S75 the time of the annual election
was changed and fixed at the first Tuesday after
the first Monday in November. At the beginning
of tliis vear it became apparent that something
must be done to systematize and regulate the
financial affairs of the city with a view to sus-
taining the credit of the numiciiiality. The banks
formed a syndicate and took the matter up seri-
ously with a view to protecting the municipality's
credit and demanded :
"1. That the debt of the city should not under
an\' circumstances be increased during the cur-
rent year. 2. That the amount of income then
raised by taxation was as large as the condition
of the business and the taxpayers would justify,
and ought not to be increased. 3. That the ex-
penditures of the city, including the interL'st on
the city debt, should be carefully kept within its
income: and. 4. That in order to acconi]>lish this
result all unnecessary expenses of every sort
should be rigidly cut off, and all new improve-
niLiits involving expenses to the city should as
far as possible be postponed, and all necessary
expenditures should be conducted with the strict-
est possible view to economy and retrenchment."
That the affairs of the city were in a state
requiring careful consideration and a conservative
administration was demonstrated by this action
and in the practical carrying out of these sugges-
tions a position of safety was eventually attained.
That these measures of economy did not ])re-
clude the carrying on of necessary im])rovements
is demonstrated in the fact that was (^.22,^ feet of
sewerage built at a cost of $41,706.
The legislature had gotten in the habit of
amending the St. Paul charter by this time and in
1S76 that matter was again the subject of legis-
lation. Tlu' time of the annual election was
changed to the first Tuesday in May, as it is now.
The citv was divided iulo twelve aldernianic dis-
tricts and the city officers remained the same with
the addition of a judge and two special judges
of the nnmiciixil court, the nunibei of aldermen
being fixed at twelve.
The compensation of the mayor was fixed at
$200 per year : that of the treasurer $3,000. out of
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
119
which he was required to pay his own clerical
hire ; the comptroller's salary was fixed at $2,500,
inchuling clerk hire : and the city attorney \vas
given $2,500 per annum, out of which he was
required to provide all necessary clerical work and
hire counsel when necessary. The aldennen were
paid $100 per year; the city clerk $2,300, out of
which he must provide clerical assistance ; the
janitor $600: members of the public works board
S200 : clerk of the board, $1,200; city engineer,
$2,500: street inspector, $1,000.
The necessity for intrenchment was obvious in
1876 and no new public work was contracted for
except a small piece of sewer. Li July, 1876,
the new Wabasha street bridge was completed.
In Jiwu of that year the city refused to take ad-
vantage of an opportunity to acquire the property
and franchise of the gas company. The com-
pany had been chartered in 1856 for twentv years
and the city was given an option to purchase at
the expiration of the franchise period.
Gen. W. .\. Gorman, city attorney, ex-gover-
nor of the territory, and a distinguished citizen
of St. i'aul, died in .Ma\". William P. .Murray
was elected to fill the unexjiired term of General
( iorman.
The treasury receipts that year amounted to
$454,456 and the disbursements were $356,537.
The Hquor license had been increased to $100
and the revenue from this source was $20,251.
There was a distinct license for beer selling,
which yielded .$632.
J. T. .Maxfield was re-elected mayor in 1877.
The paid fire department was established Sep-
tember 5, 1877. -"^11 the volunteer companies
were disbanded and under the ordinance, the de-
partment was made to consist of one chief engi-
neer, four engineers, four firemen, four drivers
of steamers, four drivers of hose carts, ime driver
of hook and ladder truck, sixteen pipemen, six
laddermen, one tillerman and one superintendent
of telegraph. The pipemen and laddermen were
paid $20 per month, the foreman $25. The vol-
unteer fire department had become a powerful or-
ganization and it w^as something of a distinction
for a citizen to attain to membership in the de-
partment and when the paid department was or-
ganized, there was a tremendous row, which
came very near resulting in an effective protest
against the new department.
In .May, 1878, Mayor Maxfield died and Wil-
liam Dawson, who had been acting mayor during
the illness of Mr. Maxfield, was elected to the
place by the council. In the following year, 1879,
Dawson was elected at the annual election. At
that same electoin a proposition was submitted for
the establishment of a high school and was defeat-
ed. James S. Piuras was given a contract for the
erection of a new market house at Seventh and
Wabasha streets that year, the contract price be-
ing $58,516.
Thomas A. Pendergast was elected city clerk, a
position which he held for nearly twenty years.
His original salary was fixed at $1,200 per year.
The position of the city had so far improved in
1879 that Mayor Dawson in his inaugural pointed
out to the authorities the improved condition and
the fact that the taxes had been reduced to fifteen
mills and said that the cost of government was
less than in any city of equal size in the United
States. There had hitherto been a ta.x on the
fuel trade which was repealed and Mayor Daw-
son urged the repeal of all licenses for special
ta.xes on dealers in fruit and vegetables. He
called attention to the advisability of using ma-
cadam for street improvements, a suggestion that
has found favor in the building of roads at a
very much later date.
Mayor Dawson retired in favor of Echnund
Rice, who w'as elected at the municipal election of
1881, and Alayor Rice in his inaugural fore-
shadowel the location here of large commercial
and industrial enterprises. He indicated very
clearly what the future policy of the city toward
the northwest must be ; he called attention to the
high financial standing of the city, indicating that
the measures taken by the banks for the protec-
tion of the city's credit had been effective. He
asked that the police force be largeh' increased.
There was a flood of the iMississippi river that
spring and it was necessary for the city to appro-
priate $6,000 for the relief of sufferers by the
flood and froni storms in Brown and Xicollet
counties.
120
I'AST AXD I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
The erection of a bridge across the river at
Kobert street was (jroposed tirst in November,
iS8i, and Gen. J. W. Bishop, L. W. Rundlet and
W. S. Alorton were appointed commissioners to
decide upon the location of the bridge and to get
estimates of its possible cost.
The treasury receipts for this year indicated
a considerable increase in the city's business and
resources, amounting to $626,760 ; disbursements
$587,453. Of the receipts $29,430 was received
from liquor licenses and $945 from beer licenses.
There was spent for sewers $39,500, $51,859 for
grading streets and $21,912 for opening new
streets.
A])ril 19, 1882, the franchise and propert\- of
ilie St. I'aul Water Company was purcha.sed by
the city. The tenns of this purchase are covered
in another chapter.
In 1882 there had been apparently some shrink-
age in the acreage included in the city limits, the
area then being about 12,880 acres. The num-
ber of additions and subdivisions was 334. Evi-
dence of a real-estate boom approaching was
given in the fact that eighty-two of these subdi-
visions were recorded during the year.
The total mileage of streets was 365 miks and
no less than forty-six miles were added during
that one year. About fifty miles of streets had
been improved and there were expended in street
improvements — paving, curbing and macadamiz-
ing $263,643. There were four and a quarter
miles of sewers built at a cost of $89,758.
The park commission was giving evidence of
activity and $3,000 was expended by the city
during the year in improving Rice and Irvine
parks.
C. D. O'J'.rien was elected mayor in the spring
of 1883, when the bonded debt of the city was
.$2,143,040 and the population of tlie city was
placed at 90,000, an estimated growth of 15,000
in one year. The total assessed valuation was
840,000.000 and tlie tax levy was 21 mills.
In August the city spent $20,000 in magnifi-
cently celeljrating tlie completion of the Xorthern
Pacific road. August 30 the council set aside
$10,000 to aid in the relief of the sufferers from
the cyclone at Rochester.
The receipts of the treasury ending December,
1883, amounted to $1,810,000; the disbursements
$1,786,924. The receipts from liquor licenses
were $47,900.
In 1884 the llush limes inspired the council to
the issuance of bonds to the extent of $600,000 ;
$95,000 for the construction of sewers, $400,000
for the purpose of extending and improving the
water works, $100,000 for the construction of
new works, and $5,000 for the ])urpose of im-
proving Dakota avenue.
The showing made by the comjitroller for the
year ending June i. 1884, indicates that the fire
department had cost for the year $115,511, the
force consisting of ninety-three men. The fire
loss during the year amounted to $597,337.
r.RKAT BUILDING ACTI\"ITY IS SHOWN.
That the boom was fairly imder way was indi-
cated by the number of building permits issued,
which was 2,343, estimated cost $4,054,624. The
city engineer's department spent during the year
1884 $837,999. Of this amount there was spent
in the grading and paving of eighteen miles of
streets $514,714, and $92,754 was expended -n
the construction of four and one-half miles of
sewers. Six miles of water pipe was laid during
the year and the expense for maintenance of the
iniblic library began to be a factor. It amounted
to $5,175 that year.
That the acquisition of the water works was a
good business proposition was demonstrated in
the receijits, which amounted to $1,023,533 as
against disl)ursenients. $626,164.
liut the bonded indebtedness of the city was
climl-.ing and amounted June i, 1S85, to $3,035.-
440.
.Ma\iir Rice was re-elected in the spring of
18S5. In his inaugural the mayor stated that the
l)opulation might fairly Ije estimated at 125.000
and that there were then in the course of con-
struction buildings exceeding .$8,000,000 in value.
.\ugust 14, 18S6, the St. Paul City Railroad
Com]5any was given its first ch.ark'r. In I'ebruary
I if that M'ar, tlie council felt called upon to fix
ilie niinininm wages for day laborers, the amount
fixed being $1.50 per day.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
121
The treasury receipts for the year ending No-
vember I, 1886, were $3,046,914 and the dis-
bursements $2,905,021.
The continuance of the boom was evinced in
the amount of money spent for improvements.
51,925,468 being expended in public works con-
sisting of grading and paving streets, laying of
sewers, building of sidewalks and opening of
streets. Robert street bridge was opened in No-
vember of that year. The cost of the structure
was— for sub-structure $126,998, superstructure
8191,512. There were 3.570 buildings erected in
the cit\- that }ear at a cost of over $6,000,000 ; the
estimate of the building inspectors department Ije-
ing nearly $10,000,000.
So long ago as 1886 St. Paul had established
a record as the healthiest city in the United States
of its size, the death rate per thousand being less
than in. an\- twenty-six of the leading cities of the
country.
There was a considerable increase to the area
of the cit\ made by an extension of the corporate
limits liy the legislature of 1887 and the city
was divided into eleven wards, practically as they
are at jiresent.
The boundaries of these wards were as follows :
First \\'ard — On the north by the northern
bcundarv of the city, on the east by the Second
ward, on the west by the Ninth ward, and on the
south by the center hne of Grove street.
Second Ward — All that portion of the city
hing east of the St. Paul & Duluth railroad
tracks to the intersection of the track with Brook
street extended from the point of intersection to
the river.
Third Ward — On the north by the First and
Ninth wards, on the east by the Second ward, on
the south by the Mississippi, and on the west by
the center line of Jackson street.
Fourth Ward — On the east by Jackson street.
on the north by the Eighth and Ninth wards, on
the west by the Seventh and Fifth wards, and on
the south by the Mississippi river.
Fifth Ward — Commencing at the intersection
of Thirtl street with College avenue, thence
southeasterly along the center line of Third
street to Eagle street, thence along the center line
of Eagle street to the river. The southern bound-
ary was declared to be the .Mississippi river, the
western boundary a line commencing at the
southwest corner of the Seventh ward and run-
ning thence south to the river, and the northern
boundary the Seventh ward.
Sixth Ward — All that part of the city lying
south of the center of the Mississippi river —
West St. Paul.
Seventh Ward — Commencing at the intersec-
tion of West Third street with College avenue,
thence southwesterly to the intersection of Irvine
avenue and Walnut street, thence along Irvine
avenue to western avenue, thence along the cen-
ter of Irvine aventie to Pleasant avenue, thence
along Pleasant to the center of St. Clair street,
thence west along the center of St. Clair and the
center line protracted to the southwest corner of
the southeast quarter of section 3, township 28.
range 23 : thence north to the corner of Marshall
avenue, to Lexington avenue, thence north to
Carroll street, thence easterly to Summit avenue,
thence southwest along Summit avenue to west
Third street to the place of beginning.
Eighth Ward — Commencing at the northeast
corner of section 22, township 29, range 23 ;
thence south to Carroll street, thence east to
Farrington avenue, thence south to Marshall
avenue, thence east to Louis street, thence south
to Nelson avenue, thence east along Nelson ave-
nue to Summit avenue, thence northeast to Rice
street, thence north to the northern boundary of
the city, thence west to the beginning.
Ninth Ward — ^On the north by the northern
boundary of the city : on the east by Mississippi
street and its extension to the northern boundary
of the city : on the west by Rice street ; on the
south bv a line commencing at the intersection of
Rice street and Summit avenue, and running
thence northeasterly to Wabasha street ; thence
northwest to east Summit avenue, thence along
east Summit avenue to Robert street, thence
northwest to Thirteenth street, thence northeast to
Jackson street, thence southeast to Grove street,
thence east to the point of intersection of Grove
street, and Broadway and Mississippi streets.
Tenth ^^■ard — All that portion of the city lying
west of the Eighth ward, and north of the center
of University avenue.
122
I'AST AXD l'Rl-:SF.XT OF ST. PAUL.
Eleventli Ward — All that part of the city lying
west of Fifth ward and Seventh ward, and .south
of the center of University avenue.
By the same act, the general election for city
offices was to be held on the first Tuesday in
May. the official year to begin the first Tuesday
in June. The town council was made to consist
of seventeen aldermen, one from each ward and
six at large. Each alderman was to hold his of-
fice for two years.
In February, 1887. the city conveyed to the
United States lots three, four and five of block
eight. Rice and Irvine's addition, which had
been the site of the old City Hall, as a site for the
location of the federal building.
The council did some more plvmging in bond
issuing, oft'ering and selling $200,000 worth of
bonds to be used in the construction of a wagon
bridge across the Mississippi from the foot of
Forbes street ; $100,000 sewerage bonds, and
later $14,000 additional sewerage bonds, .^n is-
sue of $50,000 in bonds was antlnirizcd — the
money to be used in the erection of public build-
ings: and $225,000 in bonds were issued for park
|)nrposes.
Mayor Rice retired on the 15th of February,
liaving been elected to congress at the previous
ekction, and Robert A. Smith was elected by the
council to fill out the unexpired term.
The entrance of Robert A. Smith into the
office of mayor marked the adxance to this office
of a man wlio had long been conspicuously iden-
tified with the city and county and who has had
a remarkable carter of office holding at the hands
of the ]3eo])le. He came to St. Paul fifty-three
years ago and to(lay. at the age of seventy-nine,
is still the cit_\'s chief executive, and has occupied
public office of some sort for practically the en-
tire time of his residence in the city and has sus-
tained but one absolute and a few trilling defeats
in his candidature. He was originally private
secretary to Territorial Governor \V. .A. Gor-
mar : then state librarian; then wharf master;
was a])])ointed to the office of county treasurer
and re-elected for six two-year terms; was re-
peatedly a menibi'r of the mimieipal legislative
bofly; was elected once to the mayr)ralty by the
council and seven times by poj)ular vote. Tlis
popularity is not founded upon political presci-
ence for there is nothing of the politician about
Robert .\. Smith. He simply embodies those
elements of popularity which go to inake a man a
public idol and his administrative capacity, his
personal integrity, and his ability to surround
himself officially with men of capacity, has served
to convince the public that he is an ideal public
servant. His last campaign for mayor was un-
dertaken under circumstances which brought out
a remarkable degree of reserved strength in this
veteran and the business community generally
endorsed his candidacy ; and he was elected by a
majority of about 1,500, despite the fact that the
party for which he stood had no representation
in the daily press.
Mavor Smith has been bitterly assailed by
political antagonists in many campaigns and has
apparently thriven on this antagonism. So long
as forty years ago, an editor who was bitterly
opposed to Smitli, declared that it was time to
retire him from public life; that the public was
getting too much of Smith : that he had been a
candidate for office too frequently and that it
was time to give him his quietus. That editor
has long since gone to his reward and Robert
A. .Smith in i()o6 continues to be the object of the
same sort of attack and ]iromises to go on indefi-
nitely running and being elected to office in spite
of the recurrence of the biennial declarations that
this town has had enough of Smith and it is
time to retire him to private life.
The charter that had recently been jnit into
effect when ?^layor !>mith first took the execu-
tive office had amplified the resources of St.
Paul for self government and had i)laced some
wise restrictions u]i(in the administration of nni-
nicipal affairs. The ])olice de])artment, which
had been growing in strength for some years,
was placed under certain restrictions calculated
to promote its efficiency, and other departments
were provided for that have cut a very large fig-
ure in the development of the municipal scheme.
February 25, 1887, the board of ])ark com-
missioners was created by an act of the legisla-
ture to consist of seven members to be appointed
by the mayor after the first board, which was
named in the act and was to serve for two vears.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
123
This board was given large discretionary powers
and that these powers have been invoked to pro-
mote the general welfare of the city is demon-
strated today by the fact that St. Paul has a park
system unequaled in the United States.
The reorganization of the board of public
works which was provided for in the same char-
ter went far to put on a working basis that arm
(if the city government which has to do with
public improvements and its powers have not
been materially changed by the later charters.
Bonds to the amount of $589,000 were author-
ized in the year 1887. and of this bond issue,
$200,000 worth was to be devoted to the con-
struction of the high bridge across the Missis-
sippi river: $100,000 sewerage bonds; $14,000
for the construction of the approach to the
Third street railway bridge ; $30,000 for the
erection of public buildings : and $225,000 to be
devoted to the development of the park system.
That year the department of health was reor-
ganized and made executive in its functions, and
tlie health commissioner given large powers
which have since been utilized so effectively as to
give the city a wide reputation for its sanitary
administration. There had hitherto been some
provisions for a city hospital but by an act passed
in February, 1887, the city and county hospital
was established and continues to flourish under
the direction of the board of control. An issue
of bonds to the amount of $50,000 for the con-
struction of the necessary buildings was author-
ized.
A large increase in the revenue of the city was
evidenced by the fact that between November,
1886. and January i. 1888, the receipts of the
county treasurer amounted to $5,216,995, indi-
cating that the city had arrived at the period of
metropolitan development and putting it prac-
tically upon the plane it occupies today — natural
development being allowed for. The increase of
the former licjuor license to $1,000 largely in-
creased the revenue of the city.
In the election held in May, 1888, Mayor Smith
was elected by practically a unanimous vote and
at tlK- same election a proposition to issue ,$200,-
000 in bonds for the Broadway bridge was
adopted. This project was never carried out. In
1890 Alayor Smith was re-elected without oppo-
sition. In 1892 a bitter fight was precipitated in
the mayoralty election and Mayor Smith sus-
tained the only practical defeat of his career,
when F. P. Wright was elected over him and
held he office for two years. The Wright ad-
ministration, particularly in the matter of the
police department, did not appeal to the people
and in 1894 Mayor Smith went back to the exec-
utive office, defeating F. B. Doran. Much bit-
terness was developed in the campaign and the
rancor it remained during the entire life of the
administration. Mayor Smith being practically
alone as a democrat in the midst of a legislative
and administrative family that was opposed to
him politically.
Those years in the '90s were lean years for
the municipality of St. Paul. The bonds that
had been so lavishly issued for the purpose of
making the necessary improvements in the *8os
and earlier, were falling due and although provi-
sion had been made for a sinking fund to take
care of them, the necessity for retrenchment in
civic affairs was so obvious that little was done
in the way of materially improving the facilities
of St. Paul for doing business. In the later
years of the decade, the tax levy was reduced to
a minimum and the income of the city was inade-
cjuate to the demands made upon it for the main-
tenance of the ordinary functions of municipal
government.
In 1896 Frank B. Doran, republican, was
elected mayor, defeating O. O. Cullen. The
hard times incident to and following the panic
of 1893 effected the niatcrial jirosperity of St.
Paul, as in the case of every other city in the
country, and the political upheaval was a neces-
sary concomitant of the changed conditions.
Mayor Doran was defeated for renomination
by Ex-Congressman A. R. Kiefer. who became
the republican candidate. Dr. Rudolph Shift'man
opposing him on the democratic ticket. Kiefer
was elected.
In 1900 there came another ]iolitical revulsion
and a general demand for the return of Robert A.
.^niith to political life. He was nominated by
the (iLmocrats and elected over .Mnynr Kiefer.
Again in r(j02 he was nominated and this time
124
I'AST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
opposed by !•'. [>. Doran, but willimit avail, being
again elected.
In iyo4 tbe reiniblicans ii(iniiiiati.(l Ex-Mayor
Wrigbt t(.) oppose Mayor .Smith and at the close
of a bitter contest Smith was elected bv a major-
ity of ])ractically 3,500. A (lepli irable incident of
this campaign was tbe sndden death of Ex-Ma}or
Kiefer. who was a candidate for comptroller on
tbe re[)ublican ticket ami who died in the midst
of the campaign.
In 1906 .Mayor .^mitb was ])revailed upon to
accept a renomination and it was opposed by
Louis (]. Hoffman, a new man in politics, only
known in public life as a former president of the
L'ommercial Cbd). .\notber campaign followed
in which Smith show^ed his vote-gettuig capacity
and he was elected mayor of St. Paul for the
seventh time.
In 1900, under the provision of a legislative
enactment, a charter framed by a permanent com-
mission, known as the charter commission, was
submitted to the people and adopted. It greatly
enlarged the powers of the munieipalitv for home
government and provided for practically home
rule. The permanency of the commission permits
some elasticity inasmuch as amendments to the
charter may be submitted at anv general election.
.As at present organized, the city government
is administered by a mayor, holding office for two
years : the city council composed of two bodies,
the assembly with nine members elected at large,
and the board of aldermen, consisting of eleven
luembers, one from each ward; a comptroller; a
treasurer — all holding for two years; — an as-
sessor who is at once an official of the citv and
county and is elected by the mayor, the presi-
dent of the assembly, and the county auditor ; tbe
corporation attorney is elected bienniallv in ^March
of the odd numbered years by the citv conned ;
the commissioner of ]iublic works is ex-officio
city engineer, is a])i)ointed by the mayor and the
public works are directed by this official in con-
junction with the board of public works, con-
sisting of tliree members holding office for two
years, and rotating in office. TIh' police depart-
ment is administered by a board of police com-
miissioncrs, consisting of five members, appointed
by the mayor, each holding office for three years ;
to this body chief of police is directl}' responsible.
The |)ark board consists of five members ap-
poir.ted. by the mayor; the board of education con-
sisting of seven members is filled by the mayor ;
tbe fire board, having five members, who take of-
fice from the mayor ; the public librar_\- board with
an equal number of members is also appointed
])\ tb.e executive. The city and county hospital
and general care of the indigent is in the hands
of a board of control, consisting of three mem-
1)ers wlio are appointed by tbe judges of the
tlistrict court. The direct control of the city and
county hospital is delegated to a resident physi-
cian will) is city physician. The health dc]jartment
is directed by a commissioner, taking appointment
from the mayor. The w-ater board consists of
five members with an executive officer wdio is sec-
retary of the board. The building inspectors'
department is attached to the office of commis-
sioner of public works and is directed by an in-
spector appointed by the mayor. The numicipal
court, which has a limited jurisdiction in civil
cases and is a trial court for misdemeanors, is
presided over by two judges elected by the people
for a period of four years. The workhouse
board, holding office under the ma_\"or, consists of
five members.
CITY OI"FICKRS l-'KOM 185O TO I906.
The following is a complete list of the town
and city officers of St. Paul from 1850 to and in-
clusive of the year 1888:
Presidents of the council under town incorpora-
tion: 1850. Dr. Thomas R. Potts: 1851. Robert
Kennedy ; 185J. I'.. \\'. Pott.
Recorders: 1850, Edmund Rice: 1831, Henry
.\. Lambert; 1852, Louis M. Oliver.
Trustees: 1850, W . II. b'orhes, I'., b'. llo\t.
William 11. kandall, Henr\ jaekson, .\. L. Lar-
penteiu'. 1851. Edigus Keller, l''irman L'azeau,
W'illi.am I'reeborn. R. C. Knox. J. b". I'ullerton ;
1852. ('harles Razille, EcHgus Keller. Pott Mof-
fett, William Ereeborn, John Rogers.
Marshals: 1851, John E. Tehan.
Mayors undtr city incorporation: 1854, David
Olmsted; 1855, .Mexander Ramsey; 1856, George
rAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
12 =
L. llecker; 1857, j. I'.. J'.risbin; 1858, X. \V.
Kittson: 1850, D. A. Robertson; i860. John S.
I'rinct; 1863. John Esais Warren: 1864, Dr. J.
H. Stewart; 1865, John S. Prince; 1867, George
L. Otis: 1868. Dr. J. [I. Stewart; i8fxj. J. T.
.Alaxfield: 1870, Wiiliani Lee: 1872, Dr. j. H.
Stewart: 1875. J. T. .Maxtield; 1878, WilUani
Dawson: 1881, Edniiuul Rice; 1883, C. D.
()'r.ricn: 1885. Edmund Rice; 1887, Robert A. _
Sniitli; i88y. R. A. Smith; 1890, R. A. Smith:
1892, ]•■. P. Wrio-ht; 1894, R. A. Smith; 1896,
F. r.. Doran ; 1898, A. R. Kiefer ; 1900-1902-
i(j04-i9o6, Robert A. Smitli.
City Council : 1854, Charles Bazille. George L.
liccker. Charles S. Cave, A. T. Chamblin, Thomas
I'^anning, John R. Irvine, R. C. Knox, Richard
.Marvin ; 1855, Charles Bazille, George L. Becker,
William Branch, Charles S. Cave, A. T. Chamblin,
John R. Irvine. R. C. Knox, A. L. Larpenteur,
Richard Marvin, William H. Nobles; 1856,
Charles Bazille. George L. Becker, Charles S.
Cave, A. T. Chamblin, Charles M. Emerson, John
R. Irvine. Richard Marvin, W. H. Nobles, Pat-
rick Ryan; 1837, L. Marvin, William Branch,
C. H. Schurmeier. A. L. Larpenteur, W. B. Mc-
Grort\-. X. W. Kittson, H. J. Taylor, C. L. Emer-
son, Patrick Ryan; 1858, C. H. Schurmeier, L.
Marvin, William Branch, Pat O'Gorman, A. L.
Larpenteur, \\'. B. McGrorty. Nicholas Gross,
\\'illiani H. Wolff, Thomas Grace, H. M. Dodge.
H. J. Tavlor. C. L. Emerson; 1859, William
Branch, C. H. Schurmeier, Luke Marvin, M. J.
O'Connor, Pat O'Gorman, A. L. Larpenteur. R.
C. \\"ile\-, Nicholas Gross, W. H. Wolff, Peter
I'.erkey, H. M. Dodge, H. J. Taylor; i860, Wil-
liam Branch, C. H. Schurmeier, R. H. Fitz. AI. J.
O'ConiKir, Pat O'Gorman, H. P. Grant, R. C.
A\'iley, Nicholas Gross, C. M. Dailey, Peter Ber-
key, H. M. Dodge. W. M. Corcoran; 1861, Wil-
liam Branch, resigned : James Thompson, R. H.
Fitz, :M. J. O'Connor, ^\'. P. Murray, H. P.
Grant, Xicholas Gross, C. M. Dailev, Peter Bcr-
key. L. H. Eddy. William M. Corcoran, R. C.
^\ ile\ , John .'>teele, vice Branch: 1862. John
Steele, L. F. Reed, Parker Paine, D. H. Valen-
tine, J. E. Thompson, R. H. Fitz, R. C. Wiley,
W. V. Murray. II. P. Grant, Adam Finck, Nich-
dlas Gross. C. .M. Dailev. resigned, I. R. Livinsr-
ston, L. H. Eddy, W . M. Corcoran, 1. 1'. Wright,
Charles Lienau ; 1863, John Steele, L. E. Reed.
Parker Paine, D. H. N'alentine, J. E. Thompson,
J. (i. l;etz, R. C. Wiley, resigned, W. P. Mur-
1. I'. Wright. J. R. Livingston, L. H. Eddy.
James King, .^. K. I'utnam. vice Wiley; 1864.
John Steele, L. E. Reed, Parker Paine. D. H.
N'alentine, W. P. Murray, M. Dorniden, Nicholas
Gross, J. H. Peckham, I. P. Wright, Peter Ber-
ke\', J. G. Betz. J. R. Livingston, S. K, Putnam,
J. \'. Slichter, James King; 1865, J. I. Beaumont.
L. E. Reed, Parker Paine, M. Dorniden, W. P.
.Min-ray, D. H. \'alentine, S. K. Putnam, Xich-
olas Gross, I. P. Wright, William Dawson, Peter
ISerkey. J. G. Betz. R. H. Fitz. J. B. Slichter.
James King; 1866, L. E. Reed. J. I. Beaumont,
Patrick Xash, W. P. Murray, M. Dorniden, James
King, Nicholas Gross (resigned), J. M. Keller
(contested), S. C. Madden (vice Keller), S. K.
Putnam, William Markoe, John Holland, Will-
iam Dawson, G. W. IMoore, J. B. Slichter, R. H.
l'~itz. William Gies (vice Gross) : 1867, L. E.
Reed, C. L. Grant, Pat" Nash, W. P. Murray, M.
Dorniden (died), James King. George Mitsch,
S. K. Putnam, William r\Iarkoe (resigned),
Richard Slater. William Dawson, George W.
Moore, R. H. Fitz (deceased), J. V. Slichter (re-
signed), S. C. Madden, Thomas Shearan (vice
Dorniden, J. T. Maxfield (vice Markoe), J. K.
Hofifman (vice Slichter) ; 1868, L. E. Reed, Pat-
rick Nash, Tim Reardon, W. P. Murray (re-
signed), James King, Thomas Shearan, George
:\ntsch. j. T. Maxfield, Peter Berkey, G. W.
Moore, Frank Jansen, J. K. Hoffman, S. C. Mad-
den. William Rhodes, M. Cumniings (vice Mur-
ray) : 1869, L. E. Reed, Tim Reardon, John
Steele, M. Cumniings, Thomas Shearan, W. B.
Litchfield. George Mitsch, Peter Berkey, Thomas
Grace, Richard Slater (resigned), Frank Jansen.
L. H. Eddy. J. K. Hoffman, William Rhodes. F.
Wilks, X. D. Farrell (vice Slater) ; 1870, Tim
Reardon, John Steele, B. Presley, Thomas
Shearan. ^^'. M. Litchfield, M. Cummings, Peter
Berkev. \\'. P. Murrav. Thomas Grace, F.
Breuer. Frank Jansen. L. H. Eddy. H. J. Taylor.
William Rhodes (resigned), F. \\'illes, J. K.
Hoffman, W. B. Murray (vice Litchfield), W. E.
Hartshorn (vice Rhodes) ; 1871, L. Krieger,
126
I'ASr AXO I'RKSEXT OF ST. PAUL.
John Steele, 1>. Presley. W. P. .Murray. M. Cuiii-
miiijjj^. Thoiiins Shearaii (died). Thomas Grace,
F. I'.rewLT. J. r. Maxfield. L. H. Eddy. H. J.
Taylor, (i. A. Johnson, !•'. Willes. J. K. Hoff-
man, J. W. iMsher; 1872-3, IJ. Presley, L. Krie-
ger, J. (.'. (Juinihy. Xelson Roberts, William Gol-
cher. W. !'. Mnrnn, !•". Prewer, J, T. Maxfield,
Thomas (iracc. 11. J. Taylor, G. A. Johnson, F.
Richter, J. K. llnffman, J, W. l-'isher, F. Willes;
1874, L. Krieger, J. C. yiiinihy, John Dowlan,
\\'illiam Golcher, William P. Murray, Louis
Demeules, J. T. JMaxfield, Thomas Grace, J. Metz,
dorf, G. A. Johnson, F. Richter. Frank Werner.
J. W. Fisher, F. Willes. F. Knauft : 1875, G. C.
Quimby, John Dowlan, J. H. Reaney, W. P. Alur-
ray, Louis Demeules, John O'Connor, Thomas
(jrace, J. Metzdorf, Charles A. Morton, F. Rich-
ter, Frank Werner, G. A. Johnson, F. Willes,
F. Knauft, J. W. Fisher (removed), J. Alinea,
E. Langevin, J. C. McCarthey, T. Heathcote
(vice Fisher, removed) : 1S76, Jnhn Dowlan, J.
H. Reaney, J. C. Ouinib_\, L. Demeules (re-
signed), John ( )'Connor, W. P. Murray, J. Metz-
dorf. Charles .-\. Morton, Thomas Grace, Frank
Werner, G. A. Johnson, James Cleary, F. Knauft,
Thomas Heathcote, Thomas Brennan, E. Lan-
gevin, J. C. McCarth)-, E. H. Wood, William
Dawson (vice Demeules); 1877, A. Allen, John
Dowlan, John ( )'Connor, William Dawson,
Thomas Grace, T. J. Dreis, James Clearey, D. C.
Shepard, C. W. Griggs, H. M. Smyth, William
Rhodes, J. C. McCarthy; 1878. John Dowlan. A.
Allen, William Dawson, ]u\m ( )'Connor, P. J.
Dries, Thomas Grace, D. C. Shepard (resigned),
C. W. Griggs, W. H. Sanborn, H. :\L Smyth,
William Khodcs. J. C. .McCarthy, Pascal Smith
(vice .Slu'panl), X. W. K'iKson (vice Dawson),
E. C. lielote (vice Smith) : 1879, A. Allen, John
Dowlan, John ()'C<inniir, X. W. Kittson, Thomas
Grace, M. Preen, ('. W. (iriggs. W. H. Sanborn,
Pascal .Smith, William Rhodes, Thomas ]'>ren-
nan ; 1880, .\. Allen, John Dowlan, John O'Con-
nor. X. W. Kittson. Thomas Grace, C. W.
Griggs, W. H. .Sanliorn. Pascal .Smith. \Mlliam
Rhodes. Thomas Prennan. Joseph Minea; 1881.
A. Allui, Jdhii Dowlan, John O'Connor, Joseph
Robert. Thomas Grace, Charles E. Otis, C. Ring-
wald, W. D. Cornish, C. W. Griggs, Herman
Trott, I-;. C. Slarkey, J. C. McCarthy; 1S82, A.
Allen, Jcihn Dowlan. John O'Connor, Joseph l\ob-
erl, (,"h:irles I".. ( )tis, Louis Fisher. W. 1'.. Ci>rnish,
Robert A. Smith, D. A. Johnson, E. C. Starkey,
William A, \an Slyck. J. C. McCarthy; 1883, -V
Allen, John Dnwlan, R. T. O'Connor, Joseph
Robert. Charles E. Otis, Louis b^isher. W. 1^.
Cornish. Robert A. Smith, G. A. Johnson. E. C.
Starkey, William \'an Slyck, 1. 1'.. St. Peter;
1884, C. H. Cummings, John Dowlan. R. T.
O'Connor. Joseph Robert, Charles E. Otis, U. O.
Cullen, W. D. Cornish, Robert A. Smith, Gates
A. Johnson, E. C. Starkey, William \'an Slyck,
T. P>. St. Peter: 1885. C. H. Cummings. .Vndrew
Simpson. R. T. O'Connor. C. H. Petsch. O. O.
Cullen. C. D. Kerr, Joseph Alinea, R. A. .Smith,
W. H. .Sanborn, G. .A. Johnson, \V. .A. Van
Slyck, M. F. Kain, E. R. Bryant, E. Starkey, E.
C. Long; 1886, P. Conley, John Dowlan, R. T.
O'Connor. Charies H. Petsch. ( ). O. Cullen, C.
1). Kerr. Rubert .\. Smith. W. H. Sanborn. T.
Kenny, Henry Weljer, AL F. Kain. E. C. Starkey.
E. R. llryant, Joseph Minea. E. C. Long; 1887.
P. Conley, John Dowlan. R. T. O'Connor,
Charies H. Petsch, O. O. Cullen, C. D. Kerr,
Bernard l\\an, W. H. Sanborn, Henry Weber,
T. Kenn\. William I'.ickel, William Hamm, A.
Yoerg. Jr.. ( ). O. Collen, Joseph Minea, John
Fisher. John P.lom. Matt Leithauser, P. Conley.
P. T. Kavanagh, Walter L Bock, James Melady.
W. 11. Sanborn, Henry Weber. John F. Gehan,
IC W Pratt. D. M. Sullivan.
Cumicilnien since the adoption of the Bell
charter: .Xssemblymen^ — W. P.ickel, ( ). ( ). Col-
len, William Hamm, John Fisher, A. Yoerg, Jo-
seph I liiRi', .Mark Co.stello, C. E. Flandrau, J. J.
McCaft'erty, A. Oppenheim, \\'. A. \'an Slyke,
R. S. ^McXamee. William Banholzer, W. 1\ Mur-
ray. I. (1. l':im(|nist. F. P.. Doran, M. J. Daly.
^^■. R. Johnson. W. H. Liglitner. F. .\. Pike
(resigned). Timotln Rvardon, John .'^andell, J.
11. Wnlterstorf. II. V.. W . Schuctte, O. II. .\ro-
sin, J. J. Parker. II. 1. Strouse. John Copeland.
O. B. Lewis, C. I',. Robb. E. L. Mabon, W. T
Kirke. Josci)h R. Thom]isin. V.. G. Krabnu'r, M.
Gordon Graig. George F. Dix. .\. .\lbi-eclit, .\. S.
Larson. C. J. Xelson. C. S. Benson. 11. R. Denny.
1". G. Warner, IT. (i. Haas. Howard Wheclerj
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
127
E. H. Whitconib, Frank Arnold, AL Doran, Jr.,
A. T. Rostn, H. C. Schurnieier, Rudolph Schiff-
mann, H. P. Keller, R. D. O'lirien. Winn Pmv-
er.-;, J. |. Regan, Patrick Conley.
.Mdernicn — John liloom. A. Lindahl, Jnb.n
P.looniqr.ist. J. F. Holt. U E. Nvberg, Matt Leit-
hanser. F. \\ . IWitt, V.. ( ). Zinniiermann, Charles
Kartak. \\". I-'. Stutznian, I!. I*". Knanft, W. E.
lUischniann, Juseph Ehrmantrant, Jr.. Teivncc
Kenny, A. r)ahli|ui.>;t, V. J. Hebl. 1'. T. Kava-
naoh, F. (1. lirady, W. J. Donhower, !•'. J. ilu-
ber, Walter I. ISuck, C. j. Dorniden, W. H. Ull-
iner, H. E. I'.igelow, S. H. Reeves, Otto W. Rnh-
land, James Melady, Harry l'"ranklin, I'aul Oiielil
R. .\"". Hare. J. F. Krieger, Al. J. I'.ell, Al. J
Aloriart\, W. H. Sanborn, !■". d. Ingvrsull, J. I-^
Markhain, E. P. Sanborn, J. W. L. Corning, F
P.. Tiffany, Henry \\'eber, H. Bielenberg, C. I
\\'arren. J. A. Wolf, A. Kaldnnski, Matt Bantz
Charles H. Gerber, J. F. (jehan, H. P. Jensen
E. L. Murphy. John Larson, J. W. Hinkens. J. J
Brennan. \\'. J. Troy, R. \'. Pratt, L. J. Dobner
Thomas Montgomery, E. L. Allard. J. M. Hack-
rev. D. M. Sullivan, A. C. Hichman. E. H. MiF
ham. J. W. Shei)ar(l. C. J. Hunt, D, R, Elder.
F. 11. Lynch.
Superintendent of schools: 1856, E. D. Neill :
1850. B. Drew: i860, John Mattochs : 1872,
George M. Gage; 1874, L. M. Barrington ; 1878,
B. F. Wright; 1888, C. B. Gilbert; 1896, A. T.
Smith.
Chiefs of police: 1854, William R. Miller;
1856, John W. Crosby: t86o, John 0"Gorman :
iH(n. H. H. ^^"estern ; 1862, James Gooding:
1863, Michael Cummings, Jr. ; 1864, J. R. Cleve-
land ; 1865, C. W. Turnbull, resigned Julv, 1866:
iSfi6, John Jones: 1867, J. P. McElrath ; 1870.
L. H. Eddy: 1872, J. P. McElrath: 1875, Ja'^es
King; 1878. Charles Weber; 1882, John Clark:
i8<)2, .Mb^-rt (larvin; 1896, M. X. (loss; i89().
P. L. Getchell ; 1900, John J. O'Connor.
City Justices and Judges of the ^Municipal
Court — 1854, Orlando Simons; i860, Xelson
Gibbs: 1864, E. McElrath; 1875. ^- ^I- "I^Unt ;
1881, W. T. Burr: 1885. FT. W. Cory; John
Twohy. Grier M. ( )rr, C. F. Fline, John Finc-
hout, A\'illiam O. Hauft.
City Clerk.s — 1854, Sherwood Hough; 1856,
L. P. Cotter: 1858, A. J. Whitney (resigned);
1858, Isaac H. Conway; 1859, John H. Dodge;
1861, L. P. Cotter, died September 12, 1862;
1862, Kennedy T. Friend, to October, 1866;
1866, B. W. Lott, 1868, John \V. Williams: 1870,
M. J. ()'Connor; 1879, Thomas A. Prendergast ;
1898, Matthew Jensen; n;04, George T. Reding-
ton.
Comptrollers — 1854, Findley McCormick;
1856, G. W. .Armstrong; 1857, A. T. Chambl'n,
declined: 1857, Sherwod Hough, resigned July
2ist; 1857, T. M. Metcalf; 1859, William Von
1 lanim : 1863, C. FT Lienau ; 1864, Henry Schifif-
bauer: 1865, John W. Roche; 1890, Swan Pou-
tlian : 1892, J. J. AFcCarthy; 1902, Louis Betz.
Treasurers — ■ 1854. Daniel Rohrer; 1859,
Charles A. Morgan J 1864, C. T. WHiitney ; 1866,
Nicholas Gross; 1870, M. Esch, to July loth,
1873: 1873, F. A. Renz ; 1882, George Reis ;
1892, C. W. Miller; 1894, John Wagener; 1896,
C. L. Horst ; 1900, Otto Brenner.
Attorneys— 1854, D. C. Cooley ; 1855, J. P.
Brisbin ; 1856, L V. D. Heard ; 1857, C. J. Pen-
nington, resigned; 1857. Henry J. Horn; i860,
S. R. Bond;'i86i, S, M. Flint; "1865, L V. D.
Heard: 1867, Harvey Officer; 1866, Willis A.
Gorman: 1876, William P. Murray; 1891, L. T.
Chamberlain; 1898, E. J. Darragh ; 1897, E.
Markham ; 1903, J. C. Michael.
Engineers — 1854, Simeon P. Folsotn ; 1855.
J. A. Case; 1857, J. T. Halsted ; 1858, D. L. Cur-
tice; 1859, F. Wipperman ; i860. Gates A. John-
son: 1861, Charles .\. F. Morris; 1863, Charles
M. Boyle ; 1866, D. L. Curtice ; 1874, D. L. Well-
man ; 1876, J. S. Sewell: 1881, L. W. Rundlett;
1884. ^^■. A. Somers; 1885 L. W. Rundlett;
1897, Oscar A. Claussen ; 1900 L. W, Rundlett.
Chief F'.ngineers of the Fire Department —
i85.i. W AL Stees; 1855. C. FL Williams: 1859,
J. I!. Irvine; i860, L. E. Missen ; 1862, W^ T.
Ddnaldson: 1863. L. H. Eddy: 1864, C. A. Pick-
ett; 1865. C. H. Williams; 1866, B. Presley;
18(18. Frank Brewer; 1870, J. C. Prendergast;
1872. R. O. Strong: 1873. Al. R. Ferrell : 1875,
R. (). Strung; 1885, John T. I'.lack ; 1889, John
lacks..!;; H, N, Cook, J, J, Strapp.
128
PAST A.XIJ I'RKSEXT OF ST. PAUL.
THE OFFICIAL BOfNDAKIKS OF ST. I'AL'L.
Fiillowint;- is an accurate description df the
lioundarics of St. Paul in 1906. The corporation
inchides an area of 35,000 acres:
Beginning at tlie northeast corner of section
twenty-three, township twenty-nine north, range
twenty-two west ( twenty-two west (Sec. 23,
t\veuty-tw(i west of the Fourtli Principal Mer-
idian, thence west seven and one-half (714) miles
to the northwest corner of the northeast quarter
of section twenty-two, township twenty-nine
north, range twenty-three west (N. E. 14 Sec.
2J, T. 29 X., R. 23 ^^■.) ; thence south one-quarter
( J^ ) mile to the northeast corner of the south-
east quarter of the northwest quarter of section
22 (S. E. '4 of X. W. '4 Section 22):
thence west one-half ('2) mile to the
northwest corner of the south.west quarter of the
northwest quarter of said section twenty-two
( S. W. 34 N. W. J4 Sec. 22) ; thence south three
quarters (^) mile to the northwest corner of
section twenty-seven (27); thence west one (i)
mile to the northeast corner of section twenty-
nine (29) : thence north three-quarters (%) mile
to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter
of the northeast quarter of section twenty (S. E.
yi N. E. }i Sec. 20) ; thence west one (i) mile
to the northwest corner of the southwest quarter
of the northwest quarter of said section twenty
(S. W. yi N. W. J4 Sec. 20) ; thence south about
two and one-half (2i/<')miles along the township
line to the center of the westerly channel of the
Mississippi river; thence southerly along said
channel to the west of all islands on this course,
about three (3) miles, to the mouth of Minneha-
ha creek ; thence easterly along the center of said
river channel and south of Pike's island to the
easterly end thereof; thence northeasterly along
the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi
river about two (2) miles to the north line of sec-
tion fourteen, township twenty-eight north, range
twenty-three west (Sec. 14, T. 28 N., R. 23 W.) :
thence east about one and five eighths (i 5-8)
miles to the southeast corner of the southwest
quarter of section seven, township twenty-eight
north, range twenty-two west (S. W. 54 Sec. 7.
T. 28 X., R. 22 \\'.) ; thence north one-quarter
( ■.•4 ) mile to the southeast corner of the north-
east quarter of the southwest c|uarter of section
seven ( X. E. J,^ of S. W. ',-4 Sec. 7 ) : thence east
(Mie-quarter (34) n\i\e to the southwest corner of
the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter
of said section seven (X'. E. 34 S. E. 34 Sec. 7) ;
thence south one-quarter (34) niile to the south-
west corner of the southeast quarter of the south-
east quarter of said section seven (S. E. 34 S. E.
34 Sec. 7) ; thence east about two (2) miles to
the middle of the main channel of the Missssippi
river ; thence southeasterly about two and one-
half (234) miles along the middle of said channel
to the south line of said section twenty-three,
township twenty-eight north, range twenty-two
west (Sec. 23, T. 28 N., R. 22 W.) ; thence east
about three-quarters (•)4) mile to the southeast
corner of said section twenty-three (23) ; thence
north seven (7) miles to the point of beginning.
F.XPENDITURES OF THE CITY FOR IQ06.
The budget for the year 1906 as adopted by the
city council and the disposition of the money
received is shown in the report of Comptroller
Louis Retz in his rejjort for the current vear, as
follows :
Interest Fund $445,500.00
Sinking Fund 48,000.00
Fire Department Fund 245,000.00
Police Department Fund 214,000.00
Lighting Fund 190.000.00
Water Supply Fund 33,000.00
Board of Control Fund 53.633.00
School Fund 710,000.00
Court House and Cily II;ill Main-
tenance Fund 30,560.00
Workhouse Fund 20,000.00
Commissioner of Public Works
I'und 30.000.00
I'.oard of Public \\'orks Fund 12.000.00
City Officers' Salary Fund 46,500.00
Street and Sewer P'und 200,000.00
Pridge Building and Rep.iii- I'nnd . 25,000.00
Jud.gnient P'und 23,500.00
Printing and .Stationery I'uud 35.000.00
AFunicipal Court Fund 16,175.00
Lil)rary Fund 49,500.00
Park Inuid rp.ooo.oo
( leneral Fund 366,600.00
PAST AXl) I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
129
Health DepartiiK-iit I'und 12.000.00
Sprinklincj Fund 40.000.00
Garhasje Fund 25.000.00
Total $2,960,96^.00
These anmunts are provided for as follows:
Water Department Interest on Bonds
$108,925.00
State and County School Tax . . . 200,000.00
Miscellaneous Receipts 420,000.00
Lilirary Receipts 18.500.00
Board of Control Receipts 6.633.00
I'nexpcnded Balances 15,000.00
Tax Levy 2,191,910.00
Total $2,960,968
The tax rate for all purposes in 1905 was 36
mills.
CHAPTKR THIRTEEN.
SETTING FORTH THE Cf)Nl)ITI0NS OF SOCIETY IN
ST. P.\UL PRIOR TO THE ORG.VNIZ-'VTION OF A
POLICE DEP.\RTMENT .\ND SHOWING THE PRO-
GRESS FROM THE ADMINISTR.\TION OF FRON-
TIER JUSTICE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
FINEST POLICI". SYSTE.M IN THE WORLD — THK
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
1840 1906.
In the hes'inning- there was a sherifif. The
name of him was Lull — C. P. V. Lull. At least
that is where the record begins, but before Lull
there must have been some peace officer or offi-
cers, for it is related that so long ag'o as 1840,
Edward Phelan was ap]3reheu(led for the murder
of Sergeant Hays and taken to Prairie du Chien
for trial. At that time, and for many years after,
the administration of justice was in the hands
iif the federal officers. It does not a])])ear that
there was any local organization of the settlers on
the lines of a vigilance committee, but there re-
ni;iin some indistinct remembrances of attempts
being made to reform b)^ force that portion of
9
the red ]iopulation which was inclined to become
disorderlv under the influence of liquor. It is
also remembered that the red population, on one
occasion, rose in its might and drove the represen"
tatives of law and order to the timber. It oc-
curred not infrequently in the \ears between
1837 and 1848 or 1849 that the redskins became
so turbulent and so demonstratively vicious, when
inspired by Parrant's whiskey, that they took
arms, in which event no attempt was made by
the whites to enter into a debate. It was merely
a matter of taking to the swamp over near the
Como road and waiting until sleep had reduced
the turbulent aborigines to their ordinary state
of waiting for another "jag" to turn up.
Long prior to the organization of the city of
St. Paul in 1854, there was a town corporation,
and some rude but effective attempts were made
at policing the little settlement. As the seat of
a governor bearing terrirtoral honors it was fit-
ting that there should be a police department
and the first town organization designated one,
Alexander Marshall as constable with plenarv
powers. Marshall wa3 primarily a carpenter
and only a policeman incidentally. He had a
shop in Lower town, and about the onlv time he
exercised his police powers were when they were
formerly invoked by process of law or when a
drunk ventured too close to his improvised police
station. SherifT Lull continued to be the domin-
ant factor in the administration of criminal and
civil law all through Marshall's term of office and
even be\nnd that. \'cry soon after the organiza-
tion of the territory there was built, near the
corner of Washington and Fifth streets, or adapt"
ed from an old cabin, the town jail, but the
military prison at Fort Snelling was the strong
place to which Sheriff Lull conducted those male-
factors that fell into his hands. The first elec-
tion of constable by the town council resulted ir^
the designation of Warren Chapman and Warren
Woodbury, but they appeared to have received
very little compensation and only to have exer-
cised a restraining influence upon the criminal
tendencies of the bad men by physical force,
^fichael Cumniings and John McKastner, their
successors, made no farther impression upon his-
tory than did the first constables.
y.\o
I'ASr A\D i'KKSEXT Ui' ST. PAUL.
With the organization of the city in 1854 and
the elcctoin of ]\iayor Oimstead. William R.
^Filler was elected town marshal, and the council
provided him with four assistants, William Spitz
er, Smith McAuley, Joseph Fadden and John
Xaglor, and these four, lacking in uniform, but
sufficiently provided with firearms, maintained
the peace without any superfluous show of civic
dignity. In that same year of 1854 occurred the
first legal execution in St. Paul, when an Indian,
Ytt-Ha-See, who had killed a Mrs. Keener, was
executed by Lull. The execution took place
December 29, and in the midst of such a throng
as might be gathered in a place the size of St.
Paul, on a gallows that had been erected on St.
Anthony Hill. The populace made a holiday of
the occasion and Yu-Ha-See was given such a
send-ofif as must have excited his sense of ap-
preciation of the honor that was being done him
by the white man.
Within a month after the organization of the
city and election of the marshal the first murder
requiring the offices of the police department
occurred. The stated facts are that William W.
Hicko.x. who had a drug store about the corner
of Robert and Sixth streets, was killed by a
man named Peltier. Peltier, it appears, was a
drayman and had not used that expedition in de-
livering goods from the wharf to Plickox which
the latter thought llie importance of the ai¥air
demanded. Hickox was struck over the head
with a club and died instantly. Peltier was be-
seigcd in his house by the police force and cap-
tin\('. Although history retains a vivid descri])-
tiun of the killing the evidence offered and col-
lated by the police department was not considered
sufficient to warrant his conviction by the jury
and Peltier was acc|uitted.
The functions of the city marshal d(i not ap-
pear to have impressed the city fathers to any
great ext-ent for, during his first term of office,
an attempt was made to reduce his salary from
$400 to $300 a year. Wherefore it may be pre-
sumed that the mere policeman paid for the
privilege of occupying his office. As another
evidence of the .slight regard paid to the adminis-
tration of justice in those unformed times, it is
worthy of note that Orlando Simons, the city
justice received the princely compensation of
$250 per year and discharged all the functions
now devolving upon the municipal court together
with some others of a purely personal and extra-
judicial character. Justice Simons held his court
in the upper story of a building on Seventh and
Wabasha, which was even tlicn known as the
Market building.
FIRST ,\TTEMPT .^T SYSTEM.
Under the mayoralty of George L. Becker,
there seems to have been an intelligent effort
made to properly police the growing town, for
on May 30. 1856, the force had materially in-
creased and the city was divided into three dis-
tricts with a chief of police in general com-
mand and a captain the principal officer in each
district. In that year the membership roll of
the ]5olice department included W. R. Miller,
chief : Solomon Waters, captain first district ;
William H. .Spitzer. Smith MacAuley and Jo-
seph Fadden, patrolmen ; second district, Burt
Miller, captain ; William Tonika, Andrew Sand-
berg and A. Cornwall, patrolmen ; third district.
James Gooding, captain ; M. C. Hardwig, Henry
Galvin and Edward Mayher, patrolmen. There
are no living survivors of that first organiza-
tion. There were two murders in that year:
(ieorge McKinzie. the landlord of llu' Mansidu
House, was killed and his body found in the riven
and Robert Johnson was stabbed to death. In
neither case was the police able to fix the respon-
sibility for the crime. Coincident with the estab-
lishment of this force additional jail room was
provided in the City Hall which was erected
at Fifth and Washington streets, occupying the
silr III' the old jail.
There was a considerable lloating ])opulation
incident to the large river traffic in those days
and bad men were numerous enough. There was
a land boom on and the gamblers and thugs
came in the wake of the speculators drifting
down the river. .St. Paul was assuredly the fast-
est town on the u|>i)cr Missisippi and the police-
men had no sinecure. W. R. Miller retained the
position iif chief until 1858. when he was dis-
placed 1)y J. W. Crosby under the mayoralty of
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
131
Norman W. Kittson. In this year, which saw
tiie admission of Minnesota as a state there were
some changes in the official aspect of St. Pan!
and for the first time the head of the police
department was officially designated as chief and
his salary fixed at $1,000 a year. And even so
earlv in the history of St. Paul the c|uestion
of nationality, in its representation on the police
force, had obtruded itself and it was complained
that the German element had not been s^iven suffi-
cient recognition. This complaint would appear
to have been in some measure justified as, ac-
cording to a report made by a special council
committee, it was shown that the force consisted
of three .\mericans, two Frenchmen and si.K
Irishmen. The efficiency of the German in se-
curing political recognition had not apparently
as yet developed.
The changed conditions at¥ecting the popula-
tion consequent upon the bursting of the boom
in 1857 was apparent in the falling otT of the
need for activity on the part of the police. The
gamblers and thieves had no use for the town
that was essentially if not actually broke, and
the evil element of the population disappeared
during those years either by emigration or en-
forced abstinence from crime. During the year
1859 Stanislaus T!ilanski was murdered by means
of poison. Bilanski was one of the earliest set-
t;ers, having arrived in St. Paul in 1841. His
penchant for matrimony was the undoing of Bi-
lanski, for he came to grief at the hands of his
third and last wife. This wife, Fannie P.ilanski,
was convicted of the nnirder and executed in tlie
courthouse }-ard March 2S. 1S60. The execution
was the sole occasion upon which a woman's
life was taken in the state of Minnesota by form
of law.
WIIEX THi; POI.irr.NrEN' WENT TO WAR.
In 1862 St. Paul presented the entirely unique
situation of a town containing upwards of 12,000
inhabitants with no organized police department.
The policemen, to a man, had volunteered for the
army and John S. Prince, at that time the mayor,
was so moved by the needs of the country that
he suggested to the council that, inasmuch as
the patrolmen and officers of the department
were daily resigning with a view to enlisting the
entire force be dismissed from duty. In the
interim, H. H. Western and James Gooding had
been chiefs of the department, and upon the re-
tirement of Gooding and all his men, a vigilance
ciimmittee, consisting of si.xty young volunteers,
was organized for the purpose of guarding the
city. This volunteer guard was latterly increased
to nearly two hundred men and divided into four
companies by wards, there being at that time
three wards that required policing, and another
minor organizatoin, guarded the lower town. All
were known as guards. Some of the most distin-
guished of St. Paul's citizens, or men who at-
tained distinction in later years, were included in
this guard, and it is a noticeable fact that their
functions were so well discharged that thev may
he regarded as having formed a most efficient
police deiiartnient.
.\t the conclusion of the war, under the may-
oralt}- of John E. Warren, the regular police or-
ganization was re-established on a modest basis,
Michael Cummings, who was named chief, being
allowed a salary of $600 a year, and George Mor-
ton, the captain, $500. The patrolmen were ten
in number and were paid $480 a year. With the
cessation of hostilities there was a resumption of
up-river travel, and the modest police force of St.
Paul was fully occupied in preserving the peace ;
and for the reason that it was much more econ-
omical and. pej-haps, more efl:'ective, to visit con-
dign punishment upon a minor ofifender without
l)utting the city and county to the cost of keep-
ing him incarcerated, there was an understanding
in the police department that a stout club properly
wielded, contained within itself the elements of
a moral force calculated to appeal to the tough
citizens with whom the police came in conflict.
Mayor James T. Maxfield was the first execu-
tive of St. Paul to consider, in an official aspect,
the necessity for regulating that element of so-
ciety which belongs to the half-world. It is not
to be doubted that prior to the mavoraltv of
]\Iaxfield some such effort had been made, but in
1869, inspired by the influence of a reform as-
sociation, active steps were taken to sequestrate
the disorderly contingent, and regulate Sundav
132
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
closing. The necessity tVir i)lacing at the head
of the (kjiaitment a man who would receive a
sufficient salary to command all his time and
intelligence was then recognized and the salary
of the chief of police was raised to $1,200 a year,
an increase that was first enjoyed by Luther
H. Eddy. In 1871, when Dr. J- H. Stewart was
again elected mayor. Captain John Clark became
a niemlxT of the force as patrolman. The onl>
other member of the force of 1871 surviving anfl
in service today is James King.
Captain Clark says that there were fourteen
men on the force when he joined it ; that the only
signia of authority was the star, and the most
effective means of argument with refractory
prisoners the club or nature's weapons. The
town was full of tough men and it was rarely
that a policeman took a prisoner without win-
ning a fight. In 1874 the iorce had materiall\-
increased in numbers, the salary of the chief
was raised to $1,500 and that of patrolman to
$840 a year. The population of St. Paul then
was about 30.000 and the city was policed by
twenty-four patrolmen, a force altogether in-
sufficient to cope with the criminal population of
a river town such as .St. Paul' was, essentially.
But the force appears to have been efficient for
of three murders committed during the year the
murderer was in each case convicted.
In 1875 steps were taken to place the policing
of the city on a metropolitan basis by increasing
the force of thirty men and making provision
for the establishment of a court having com-
plete jurisdiction of misdemeanors, and which
might, at the same time, act as a court of first
instance in more serious offenses against the
law. As a result of this effort to amplify the
and S. Al. Flint became judge of the court with
established with civil and criminal jurisdiction
and S. M. Flint became pudge of the court with
alternates in the persons of Thomas Robinson
and lames F. O'P.rien. At the same time, and
as a com[)lemcnt to the municipal court, a work-
house was established as a ]wrt of the county
jail. Provision had jjrcviously been made for
the segregation of female offenders by commit-
ing them to the House of the Ciood .Shepherd, a
practice that was continued for many years with
benchcient results.
James King, who had been chief of the police,
was retired in 1879 and Charles Weber appointed
to the place, and comcident w-ith this change in
the head of the force there took place a cut in
the salaries of the members of the department
which undoubtedly had some effect on its effi-
ciency. Weber's salary was fixed at $1,200 a
year and the pay of patrolmen reduced to $780 a
year.
The police annals of St. Paul show that Pa-
trolman Daniel O'Connell was the first member
of the department to meet a violent death in
the immediate discharge of his duty. He was
killed while chasing a couple of escaping burglars
and his body was found some time afterwards
in a hn on lower Summit avenue. The efforts
of the police to locate the responsibility for the
crime were unrelenting and became successful
late in the fall of 1881 when George Washington
and Albert Underbill, both colored, were appre-
hended and convicted of the murder of O'Connell,
being sent tn Stillwater for life.
J0H.\ Cr,.\RK BECOMES CHIEF.
John Clark became chief of police in 1882 and
for ten years dominated the fortunes of the de-
partment. It may pe fairly said that the present
almost military discipline and undoubted effi-
ciency of tlie department was aimed at and
in a large measure attained by Clark. .\ big
man physicall\ . utterly fearless, knowing the duty
of a patrolman — a lesson learned during the
many years he walkel a beat and took chances sin-
gle-handed with the tough customers along the
river-front — he went into the office of chief of po-
lice with certain fi.xcd ideas of what was required
iif him and his men. Recognizing the futilitv of
working with defective tools, Chii^f Clark de-
manded that he be given a sufficient force and
nmney enough to command the services of men
of intelligence and capacity. He asked for and
was given thirty additional jiatrolmen, and by
1S85 the force consisted of ninetv men. properlv
officered and with a detective department with
John J. O'Connor at its head, was in working
PAST AND PRESEiMT OF ST. PAUL.
133
order and for the first time St. Paul was ade-
(|uately policed. The salary of the chief at that
time was $2,200 a year, John B. Brisette, who
was captain, received $1,700 per year, and the
office of lieutenant was created, carrying a salary
of $1,200 per year. To the lieutenancies I. D.
iMorgan and Thomas \A'alsh were first appointed.
In 1883, under the mayoralty of C. D. O'Brien,
St. Paul became a closed town, and a most de-
termined effort was made to stamp out crime
and restrict vice. The character of the ma_\'or
was well known and every eiifort was made to
cnm])h- with the stringent orders he issued — for at
that time the mayor was dcjure the head of the
police department. In 1886 Chief Clark organ-
ized the mounted police patrol with six men and
Ml the same year a teleijhone system, since ampli-
fied into the police signal system, was installed.
There were only thirty-two alarm boxes and a
telephone connection at each station, but the
work of the department was tremendously ex-
pedited by the innovation. In 1886 the four
sub-stations were established and. by the close
of the term of Mayor Rice in 1887, the police
department was in a state of efificiency that fitted
it to cope with the duties that might confront
it, and already had some reputation throughotit
the West. In that year, 1887, Robert A. Smith
came into his own. and the mayoralty.
A change in the law affecting the amount of
license paid by saloons was effected in 1888 and
the revenue of the city from this source in-
creased from $18,000 in 1887 to $353,000 in
1888. With this increase of municipal wealth
another determined effort was made to bring
th.e strength of the police department up to a
size that would comport with the largely in-
creased population, and the force consisted in
that year of 160 men.
With the adoption of the Pell charter a specific
maximum appropriation for the maintenance of
the police department was fixed at $183,000. This
took place in 1891, and the fact that the cost
of administering the department is still limited
to practically the same amount, and this in spite
of the tremendously increased population of the
city and efficiency of the department is, in itself,
a striking testimonial to the surpacitv of the
administrative officers. The present police head-
quarters on West Third street were established
together with the Rondo, Margaret, Ducas streets
and Prior avenue sub-stations in 1891 and is still
the working quarters of the force.
Frederick P. Wright was elected mayor in
i8c)2 and removed Chief Clark, naming Albert
Garvin as his successor, and displacing Chief
of Detectives Jnhn J. ( )'Connor for John C.
IMcGinn.
During the incumbency of Clark and C)'Connor
the department had progressed far in the estima-
tion, not only of good citizens, but also of those
whose method of life made them to appreciate
the capacity of a police system, and the city
had been free from crime of a startling nature.
John J. O'Conrior had come to be recognized
all over the country as one of the shrewdest
living detectives, and professional crooks re-
frained from operating in St. Paul because of
certainty that arrest and conviction would fol-
low. \\'ith Carvin and McGinn at the head of
the police department the crooks took a dififerent
view of St. Paul as a field of operations. Garvin,
who later became well known as a criminoligist,
was essentially a prison manager — a good man,
but having no experience which might fit him to
cope with the problems that must present them-
selves to the head of a metropolitan police force.
John C. AIcGiim. the new chief of detectives,
was no better fitted for his position than was his
chief. It must not be understood that they
were inefficient, but they were new to the situa-
tion. The big crooks of the country, appreciat-
ing the fact that the rich field which they had
not been permitted to cultivate in St. Paul was
no longer guarded by the argus-eyed O'Connor,
began to look about them with a view to making
the best of what looked like a good opportunity.
And in 1893 a mob of crooks of the most ac-
complished class descended on St. Paul and held
up in broad daylight Renaldo Lares, a messenger
of the jMerchants' National Bank, as he stood in
'he corridor of the First National Bank with a
l)ag containing $20,000 in gold beside him. The
boldness of the robbery insured its success, and
the fact that it was carefully planned w^as demon-
strated in the facilit\- with which it was carried
134
PAST AX I) I'RKSKXT OF ST. PAL'L.
out. The men in the gaiii;' were all Engiishmen
and all had criminal records. They had come
to the Twin Cities with the avowed intention
of making a big killing. On the morning of
August I4, Lares stood in the corridor of the
bank and put the bag containing the gold down
beside him for a moment. Jim Howard, con-
cealed by a pillar, reached out, picked up the
bag and handed it to James ■Miller, who, in his
turn, stepped to the door and passed it over
ti) Henry Morris. He concealed the gold under
his coat and walked calmly up Fifth street.
James J. Meigs and Thomas Fleury did their part
by interfering v\-ith the attempt of the people
in the corridor to give immediate pursuit. The
men got clear away at the time l)ut Howard was
arrested that same day and was identified as one
fo a gang of five men who had been photo-
graphed as suspects on the previous day in Min-
neapolis. With this clue to the identity of the
men and their known criminal records and
liaunts, the Pinkertons and Inspector r)\rncs
captured the other four and all of them, with the
exce])tion of Morris, were arrested and convicted.
\\'itli the return of Robert A. Smith to the
mayoralty in 1894 John Clark was reappointed
chief of police and John J. O'Connor returned
to his position as chief of detectives, a situation
that lasted only two years, for, before the plans
of the chiefs could be fairly put into effect Frank
B. Doran came into the mayoralty in ^Sqf), and
made such sweeping changes in the police de-
partment that it was utterly unrecognizable in
its personnel. M. N. Goss Ijecanie chief of police
and brought to the administration of an office
a degree of intelligence that carried him over
many a rough step in a mad that was badly
cut up by the wheels of politics. Chief Goss had
been a railroad con.ductor and was a man of con-
siderable ]iersniial pi ipul.irii \ . The exigencies of
politics, however, made it necessary to put a
great many untried men on the force and that his
administration was as successful as it has been
deemed was due, in a very large measure, to
the capacity of the head of the department. He
was a man of such force of character, and Mayor
Kcifer. who succcded Alayor Doran, was also
of such temperament that it was inevitable that
a collision must follow. There was much strife
between the mayor and the chief of police, and
Goss eventually resigned in disgust, his chief of
detectives, Phil Schweitzer, going otit of office
with him. Mayor Kiefer made Lieutenant P.
L. Getchell chief of police and M. L. Mclntyre
chief of detectives, and this organization was
maintained until after the inauguration of Mayor
Smith in i8(jO. The ])revious election had been
carried on with such an excess of vigor and the
police department was so much the bone of con-
tention, that the first official act of Mayor Smith
after taking the oath of office, was to remove
Chief Getchell and appoint John J. O'Connor
chief of police — this, however, being but an ap-
pointment ad interim, from the fact that, under
the new charter, which was adopted at the spring
election — control of the police was given into
the charge of a board of police commissioners.
The membership of this board, appointed by
Mayor Smith, consisted of R. T. O'Connor, L. L.
Mayor, William Foelson, Daniel W. Lawlcr and
Charles L. Hall. The board had complete power
over the department, and the chief was made
directly responsible to the board. John J. (r)'Con-
nor was appointed by the board at its first meet-
ing ; the office of chief of detectives was abol-
ished, and that of senior captain created and
given to John Clark. The sub-stations were put
in charge of lieutenants and the power and re-
sponsibility of the dejiartment officials central-
ized the machinery and rendered it less cum-
bersome. The effect of the new methods of ad-
ministration were early made apparent, and have
come to be more fully apjjreciated as economical
administrative measures during the past six
years.
Chief O'Connor was given a free hand : the
board retaining all of its powers, but, in all cases,
following closelv the judgment of the chief. The
detective department was immediately reorgan-
ized, and the men on the force brought to a
smart stale of discipline.
The ])ermanency of place assured by the es-
tablishment of the ])olice commission gave Chief
O'Connor opportunity to select the best tnaterial
for his force and the coiuniission awarded pro-
motion in proportion to the merits of the men.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
135
The consequence of this state of affairs has made
itself pecuHarly manifest in the vastly improved
appearance of the men and the efficiency with
which the work of the department is carried on.
And that this efficiency is ahnost complete is
demonstrated hy tlie facts set furtli in the fol-
lowing abstract of the report of the department
for the year 1905 :
Number of police conimissioners, all serving
without comi)ensation, 5.
Number of officers, patrolmen and employees,
217-
Number of police stations, 5.
Number of arrests, 5.261 ; male, 4,578 ; fe-
male, 683.
Number of murders, 4.
Annual appropriation, $214,000.00.
Amount paid out for salaries in 1905, $187,-
691.74; amount paid out for all other purposes,
$20,354.25 ; total, $208,045.99.
Amount of stolen property, $28,075.00.
Amount of stolen property recovered, $20,-
125.00.
.Amount of fines collected, $25.3<ji.oo.
There is less crime in .'>t. Paul, in proportion
to the population, than in any city in the United
States, probably in the world. The efficiency of
the department and the popularity of its chief
was demonstrated in the city campaign of 1906
when, in response to a demand on the part of all
the newspapers and the public generally, both
candidates for mayor were committed to the dec-
laration that there would be no change made in
the head of the police department.
A complete and elaborate signal system, em-
bracing every device known to the men who are
engaged in the prevention and detection of crime,
has been installed ; a mounted patrol system ap-
jilying to the city generally has been evolved,
and sixteen men are detailed for this duty. There
i> an obvious lack of room at the police head-
(|uarters. Imt with this single defect, if it can
he called a defect, the dc])artnient may lie com-
pared with any in the cmmtry in this vear of
1906. The present personnel of the police board
is: Charles L. Haas, Lewis L. May, Richard T.
I )"C(innor, ^^■. A. Plardenberg and William Foel-
sen. Charles W. Copley is secretary and James
Nugent messenger of the board. The executive
officers of the department are John J. O'Connor,
chief ; John Clark, captain ; Joseph MacAuley,
superintendent of police alarms ; Joseph N.
Mounts, secretary. Lieutenants Henry Meyer-
ding and William Hanft are in local charge of
the central station. Lieutenant Frank Horn is
court officer ; the Rondo station is in charge of
Lieutenant William lioerner; Ducas station.
Lieutenant Edward Sexton; IMargaret station.
Lieutenant Michael Gebhardt ; Proir station, Ser-
geant Christian. Lieutenant William Budy, for
nianv vears in charge at Prior avenue, is assigned
to headquarters in general command of the
mnunted S([uad.
THE ST. PAUL FIRF, DEP.\RTMENT.
The "bucket brigade" was established by or-
dinance in St. Paul fifty-six years ago, after fire
had destroyed the most substantial church build-
ing in the village, the Presbyterian church on
Washington street, facing Rice Park. It was
required by law that every owner of a building
should keep "two substantial and sufficient"
buckets" in a proper state of repair for use in
event of a fire. Having made this provision
against the fire fiend the town fathers sat down
and waited for an opportunity to test its efficiency.
The test came when the Daniels House, on Eagle
street, liurned to the ground in spite of the bucket
brigade which formed down the river and la-
bored strenuously. Then R. C. Knox, who be-
came known as the father of the St. Paul fire
department, interested a number of citizens and
ladders were provided in addition to buckets. \
volunteer organization regularlv officered was
also formed and when the city was incorporated
in iS'54, this embryonic departnu'iit was reorgan-
ized into a volunteer corps and snme apparatus
provided for it.
The Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, or-
ganized under the ordinance of the city, came
into existence in November, 1854. The members
of the company and the other companies which
were later added tn the vulunteer department
'36
I'AST A\l) PRESENT Ul" ST. I'AUL.
were not compensated in money but ihey were
exempt from ])oll tax. jury duty, road work and
state military service. Isaac Banker was the
first foreman of the voluntter company. There
were twenty members of the company but the
membership w-as increased by ten the following
\ear and some equipment purchased and the
name of the company was changed to the "Hook
and Ladder Company of St. Paul." The equip-
ment was kept in h'ourth street, near Wabasha.
When a chief engineer was placed at the head
of the volunteers Washington Stees was given
the place and a fire warden was appointed from
each of the three wards. Running with the ma-
chine became at once a diversion and a distinc-
tion and a place mi the fire department was
coveted. It became a powerful political machine
in time and the social functions it directed were
the social events of every season for years.
In 1857 a number of disastrous fires, including
the burning of the Rice House with a loss of
$60,000, prompted the city fathers to make some
further provisions against fire loss and Robert A.
Smith was sent east to negotiate some bonds and
buy apparatus. He succeeded in his mission
and two suction engines, two hose carts and
five hundred feet of hose were added to the
equipment of the department. The Hope and
Minnehaha Engine companies were organized
and the number of regular volunteers largely
augmented. Charles H. Williams succeeded
.Stees as engineer in 1858 and he was succeeded
by W. T. Donaldson in i860. The officers were
elected I)v the members of the department and in
tlie '60s there was (|uitc as much excitement over
the fire department election as over the munici-
pal elections. Indeed it meant a grt'al deal in tlic
way of proving a man's political ini|)i)rtaiiee if he
could get himself elected chief of the department.
J. E. .Mission followed Donaldson as chief and he,
in turn, gave way to Luther PL Eddy, among
\vhose assistants were Timothy Reardon. In
\X('>4. when Charles PL Williams was elected
chief, a salary was attached to the office — the
sum of $200 a year being apjiropriated for the
])urpose bv the council. It was while I'.artlett
Presley was chief, in 1866, that the first steam
engine was bought and put into service. There
was a celebration on the day of its arrival; the
department ])araded and the machine was christ-
ened the "City of St. Paul" and installed in
the l-'ourlh street engine house. A subscription
was started that very day to purchase a team of
horses. Frank Brewer, who was chief in 1867,
made a report in which he stated that the strength
of the department mustered 138 men. In the fol-
lowing year a hose company with forty men and
an engine company with 80 men were added
to the department. J. C. Prendergast became
chief in 1870, was succeeded the next year by
R. ( ). .'strong, who gave way to M. 1!. h'arrell,
who was defeated by Strong again in 1876. In
1872, while it was still a voluntary department,
a hre alarm signal system with 18 boxes was
installeil.
In 1S77 the necessit)' for a regular ])aid de-
parlnient had become so obvious that not even
the great political strength of the volunteers could
longer delay its organization, and October I of
that \ear the paid department took the place of
the volunteers. There were eight companies of
the volunteers when the department was dis-
banded and these were substituted by five paid
companies. The men did not give all of their
time to the dey>artment, living at home and tak-
ing dutv by assignment. They were only ])aid
at the rate of $20 for laddermen and pipemen
and $35 for foremen. R. O. .Strong was the first
chief of the paid department. In 1881 the de-
partment was ])laced under the control of the
l!r:ard of fire commissioners and its affairs are
mow dirccU'd l)\- this Iward. The deiiartment has
been brought to a .state of high efficiency and is
now a large and verv effective machine. The
chiefs that lia\e succeeded to the office originallv
held by Strongf are : T. T. Black, who held office
from 7883 trp 1880, giving wav to John T.-ickson.
lie held until 1808, when he went out to niake
room for PL X. Cook, who in his turn, went out
in 11)00. and Jackson was again placed at the
head of the deiiartment. TPe was retired in i(;o4
.•nid lerr\- J. Slr.app was ma<le chief.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
CHAPTER XIV
SETS FORTH THE STORY OF HOW ST. PAUL S W.\TER
SUPPLY WAS SECURED FRO.M THE L.\KE COUN-
TRY— THE PARKS AXD PARKW.-VY'S — THE HIS-
TORY OF THE REALTY MARKET.
The franchise fur the St. Paul Water Works
was first held by a private corporation. The first
charter was given by an act of the legislature in
1857. This charter was e.xtemled from time to
time until 1868, when actual work was first com-
menced, and water was turned on a small portion
of the city in i86(j. The original incorporators
were Roswell A. Fish, William H. Leonard, Wil-
liam Devier, Justin (.". Ramsey and William L.
Banning. There was an e.xtension- granted in
1 80 1 b_\- the legislature, and in 1865 the act was
revived with the following incorporators : H-enry
,M. Rice, George L. Otis, Peter Berkey, William
Lee. Xathan ^^lyrick, C. D. Gilfillan and Robert
.\. Smith. This act was further revised in 1866,
1868 and 1869 under the same articles of incor-
poration. C. D. Gilfillan was the president, gen-
eral superintendent and financial manager during
the construction of the work, and up to the time
the works were purchased by the city, and it was
entirely owing to his energy that the money was
raised and the work prosecuted. John Caulfield
liecame cunnected with the company in 1870, and
in 1874 was elected secretary, which position he
held until the works were sold to the citv in 1882,
when he was elected secretary of the hoard, which
office he still retains.
The .source of su|)ply was Lake Phalen, about
three and one-half miles distant from the citv and
the water was first Ijrought in in a iri-inch
cement pipe, which in 1877 was supplemented by
a 24-inch vitrified conduit for the first 9,000 feet
from the lake. From 1869 to 1882 extensions
were made under the water company, ami in the
year last mentioned there were about twentv-four
miles of ])ipe connected with the system. During
this time the city had commenced to grow with
great rapiflity, and the nccessitv of the citv own-
ing its own water works became apparent, and in
1881, liy an act of die legislature, a commission
was appointed to consider the qitestion of the
water supply and if found expedient to purchase
the plant of the water company. This commis-
sion was appointed by the judges of the district
court and comprised Henry H. Sibley, Joseph P.
l'"rizell, Patrick H. Kelly, George L. Otis and
John D. Ludden. They submitted their report to
the common council February 21, 1882, recom-
mending the inirchase of the St. Paul Water
Works. The (|uestion was submitted to a popu-
lar vote and was carried almost unanimously.
.\n examination of the character of the water was
made at that time, and Dr. Hewitt, then secretary
of the board of health, submitted a very impor-
tant re])ort on that subject, giving an analysis of
the lake water and also analvsis of the river water
at various points.
.\fter the purchase of the plant the control
went into the hands of the board of water com-
missioners, appointed by the judges of the dis-
trict court, and was composed of the following
members : C. D. Gilfillan. C. H. Boardman, Ed-
mund Rice, C. W'. Griggs and P. H. Kelly. The
commission appointed to consider the source of
supply and purchase the plant had made a very
careful examination and had decided by report
submitted February, 1882, upon adopting the lake
system. In 1882 L. \\'. Rundlett was elected as
engineer and the work of construction com-
menced.
X'aclnais Lake, lying in the same watershed as
Lake Phalen. but at an elevation of about ten feet
higher, was taken as the source of sujiply. A
brick conduit five and one-half by six feet was
constructed from this lake for four and one-half
miles to a point near ^NFcCarron Lake, and from
the terminal chamber of this conduit a 30-inch
main was laid into the city for the low service,
and a pumping station was constructed for the
high service. This work was completed in the
fall of TS84 and the water was turned on the high
ser\ice the ist of December of that year. For
several years the high sen'ice was maintained l)y
pumjiing direct, but in 1888 a high sendee reser-
voir was constructed about one and one-half
miles west of the pumping station with a ca]i;icity
I>«
I'AST AND I'RESEXT UF ST. PAUL.
of 18.000,000 ,trallons. During- this time the work
of extending the mains had progressed very rap-
idly and the amoimt of consumption on the high
service was ahoiit equal to that of the low. The
years 1887 and 1888 were very dry years, and the
drainage of the \'adnais Lake system began to
I)rove insufficient for the increasing demands for
the water, and in i88() the supply was farther
augmented by putting in a ])uniping station with
a daily capacity of 10,000,000 gallons at Bald-
win Lake, the knvest of the Rice Lake system
of lakes. In i8<)0 the question of still further
augmenting the supply from artesian wells was
discussed and some experimental wells were put
down at X'adnais Lake and a temporary' pumping
plant was established. The amount obtained from
that source of supjily at that time was about
2.000,000 gallons, 'i'his plar.t was not very effi-
cient as far as economy was concerned and has
only been run on an average of six months in the
year.
OUAI.nV OI' W.XTF.R SUPI'IA'.
The (juality of the water derived from the lake
supply is excellent for domestic purposes. Occa-
sionally there has been trouble with an unpleasant
taste arising, probably fn.ini decayed vegetable
matter in the pipes, but this difficulty has never
lasted long and has generally been obviated by
blowing out the mains. This is a very common
trouble where the water supply is taken from
lakes and is difficult to obviate entirely without
large expenditures. In the Boston supply, when
the immense storage basins were made on the
.Sudbury River drainage area, on some of the
storage reservoirs all the vegetable material was
removed from the basin before the water was
stored, and in those there has been no difficulty ex-
perienced from the h^d taste in water — very often
described as a cucumber taste. The lakes and
the streams wliich supply the lakes of the whole
drainage area from which the water is collected
apf)ear to be entirely free from all organic animal
matter, and there has never been any sickness or
epidemic in .St. Paul whose origin can be traced
directly or indirectly to the water su]iplv. al-
though the well water has in many instances on
careful examination been found to be a prolific
source of disease. Fortunately, however, the
water works system has been so extended that
the use of well water is entirely unnecessary in
the thickly settled portions of the city. The arte-
sian water has also been found to be of a very
e.xcrlleiit (juality. The wells at V'adnais Lake
pumping station are pumped directl) into the
conduit, and as the temperature of the water from
the well in summer time is considerabl\- below the
temperature of the lake water, it has been thought
that the mi.xing of the artesian water with the
lake water in summer time, by lowering the tem-
perature, has a tendency to improve the quality
of the water delivered in the city main,
.ARTESI.\N WEI.LS .\T V.\DNAIS L.\IvE.
Diu-ing the past year new and impr<_)ved [jump-
ing machinery has been put in mi the Vachiais
Lake wells with a capacity of five million gallons.
Experiments were made previously to ascertain
Imw much water could be obtained from these
wells, and in accordance with these experiments
it was lliiiught that a constant supply of five
million gallons could be had. The pumps have
now been in operation about a year and the ex-
pectations verified as to the amount of water that
is being verified.
The wells are seven in nnml.ier, and with one
exception are ])ut down in a straight line in a
distance of about 340 feet. The one exception
is a well abniU 30 feet distant from the straight
line. 'J"wo of the wells are deep wells, one being
726 feet deep and 10 inches in diameter, and the
other 865 feet deep and 10 inches in diameter to
the roL'k and 8 inchi'S below the rock. Tin- niher
wells are from 100 to ir2 feet deep, being i^iit
down to a sand and gravel water-bearing slralmn,
having at the end of tlie iron pipe a Cook strainer
about 20 feet long, .All these wells are 8-inch
wells. The wells are all connected up to a nuun
pipe, which is connected to the puni])ing engine,
and valves are so placed that anv well can be
shut off if desired. Provisions are also made (o
put down additional wells in connection witli the
main pipe should the occasion require, and it is
l)robabIe (hat to maintain five million g,-dlons'
output one or two additional wells will be re-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
139
(|uireiJ. I'umping from any one of the shallow
wells affects the water in the other shallow wells,
and also pumping from one deep well affects the
water in the other deep well. On pumping from
IJK' wells for some time the level of the water is
reduced, hut after a rest the wells return to their
former level. The result of our pumping so far
seems to demonstrate that it would not be ad-
visable til attempt to derive a greater supply
than live million gallons from this location, and
exiJeriments have been made in sinking wells in
several other localities. The most favorable lo-
cation found yet is on the shore of Centerville
Lake, which belongs to the Rice Lake system
of lakes. A 12-inch well sunk in this locality to
a de])th of 400 feet gave a Bowing well of about
a half million gallons in 24 hours, l^umping the
well down to about 1 1 feet below the surface a
discharge of a little more tlian a million gallons
was obtained, and it was estimated that by put-
ting down a series of wells at this ]:)oint within
a distance of about 2.000 feet that a supply of
fifteen million gallons in 24 hours coidd be ob-
tained. .\ ]nmiping plant was put in at this point
consisting of one fifteen million gallon compound
condensing pumping engine connected w itli a s\ s-
tem of artesian wells consisting of ten 12-inch
deep wells and eighteen 8-inch shallow wells, from
which an additional sup|)ly of about fifteen mil-
lion gallons was had. I'rovision was also made
t(i connect with Centerville Lake, which is one of
the T-iice Lake system, from which svstem, b\-
improving the lakes and impounding the water,
a supply of twenty million gallons a dav is now
obtained. This improvement involved about two
miles of conduit, and a total expenditure of about
$100,000. In sinking the 12-inch well an excel-
lent liow of water was obtained at 72 feet, rock
was struck at 127 feet, and sand rock at a depth
(if 261 feet. Going into the sand rock about 87
feet, at the depth of about 348 feet, the present
flow was obtained. The well was sunk to a
depth of 427 feet without pcrceptilily increasing
the flow. This artesian water has also been care-
fully- analyzed by Dr. Hewitt, as president of the
state lioard of health, and pronounced to be a
very excellent (|uality of drinking water.
A 30-inch concrete conduit about S.ooo feet in
length has been built from Pleasant Lake to Otter
Lake, which has made available an emergency
storage of about five hundred millions.
The drainage area from wdiich the lakes are
supplied from which St. Paul oljtains its water
supply is on the dividing line between the Alis-
sissippi and the St. Croix valley. The water of
Pleasant Lake and Vadnais Lake flows south
through I^halen Creek into the Mississippi river
at the town of Fridley, wdiile the outlet of Forest
Lake is towards the northeast into the St. Croi.x
river. With a very little expenditure the outlet
of Forest Lake can be turned into the Rice Lake
svstem. It wiiuld only be necessary to build
about 1,000 feet of conduit, in the construction of
which no difficulties would be encountered. The
tlrainage area being on the tiip of a divide, the
amount that can be collected and impounded on
this drainage area is small in comparison with
that nbtained on the drainage areas like the Sud-
bury river of Croton valley. The result of ob-
servation for the past ten years shows that on
the A'adnais Lake system, which has a drainage
area of about 22 square miles, not more than four
millions daily supply can be depended upon,
which would only be about eight per cent of the
rainfall.
W.VTKR CON.SUMPTION.
St. Paul has always been very conservative in
the use of water and every possible means taken
to prevent waste. Special rates are given to in-
duce consumers to take water by meter measure-
ment. We have in use at the present time 9,000
meters. This makes each consumer using a me-
ter very careful to see that there is no waste.
No w-ater is sold for running elevators by water
or for power. All plumbers doing any work of
water connections are obliged to be licensed and
their work is rigidlv inspected to see that everv-
thing is properly done in conformance with the
rules of the water lx)ard. In this way the rate
of consumption per capita is kept low. During
the ]iast year the average dailv amount used was
ten million gallons. This gives a rate of con-
sumption per capita of 50 gallons, figuring the
population in accordance with the last census.
All .services in the street are put in by the water
140
PAST AND TRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
board, for which a charge is made. This has
been the custom both by the company and the
board for the jJast 35 years. None but lead serv-
ice is allowed under ground.
.More than half the water is used on tht high
service and has to be pumped. All the business
]3art of the city and everything below an eleva-
tion 150 feet above the river is supplied by grav-
ity. The water of the high service is pumped
from the conduit at N'adnais Lake pumping sta-
tion into the high service reservoir. The eleva-
tion of the water in the reservoir being 310 feet
above the elevation of the river, this readily sup-
])lies all the remaining portion of the city. Sum-
mit avenue at Western being at an elevation 230
feet above the level of the river, it can readily
be seen that an excellent pressure is maintained
all over the residence portion of the city. There
is an au.xiliary high service on the west side
which takes the water from the low serv-ice at
the intersection of State and Page streets and
])umps it into a tank at an elevation of 343 feet,
CJnly a very small portion of the service is sup-
plied in this way. a million-gallon pumping engine
working four or five hour^ each day being suffi-
cient to supply the demand of this section.
The pumping ])lant at McCarren Lake is of
the highest type and consists of one six million
triple expansion condensing engine, one four mil-
lion compound condensing engine and one two
million compound condensing engine. The aver-
age duty for the year for the whole plant pump-
ing under various conditions was 74,451,000 foot-
pounds. The plant recently installed at Vadnais
Lake is expected to double the work with half
the amount of fuel as the old plant.
The total cost of the water works up to date
is $4,395,347.35, of which ,$2,460,000 has been
l>aid by bonds issued for the purpose, and the
difference, $1,935,347.35. has been paid out of the
various sources of income received by this de-
partment. There has also been placed in the
sinking fund (to pay lionds upon maturity")
$705,261.56. In addition to this surplus amount-
ing to $1,935,347.35. tlie water rates have been
reduced mr>re than 50 per cent since the citv pur-
cliascd the work';.
Xumber of miles of water main laid to date,
276.
Xumber (jf tire hydrants. 2.^><j.
Present members of the board and its officers:
.Michael Uoran, president; John J. Dwyer. vice
president; Isaac Ledever. George Michel, John
W. Lux: John Caulfield. secretary: John Lind-
i|uist, superintendent ; L. W. Rundlett, engineer
of the board.
ST. V.WL I'ARKS AXU I'ARKWAVS.
In a citv distinguished for its landscape beau-
ties the park system of St. Paul makes large
figure. .\'i) city in the country of equal size has
anything like the same acreage in parks and
]jarkways. and there are few parks in cities of
whatever size that can compare for natural
beauty with lovely Como. Como I'ark, in its
acquisition, formed the basis of the city's park
sv^tem. though prior to its purchase and the or-
ganization of the park board, the city was already
in possession of other minor parks. These, were
in the nature of squares, and had come to the city
through donations and bore the names of the
donors, as Rice Park, Irving Park and others.
In 1872 an act of the legislature provided for
the creation of a commission for the acquisition
of park property. The first commission, appoint-
ed by Judge \\'cstcott Wilkin, was composed
of H. H. Siblex-, J. A. Wheelock, Samuel Cal-
houn, W. P. jMurray and J. C. Burbank. They
bought the site of the present Como Park from
ex-Gov. W. R. Marshall and W. B. Aldrich for
approximately $100,000. There was a great ado
made about the expenditure of the. money and a
clamor was made to sell the property when a real-
estate firm olTered the purchase to the city. The
vigor with which the commission defended the
project and the courage of its members defeated
the short-sighted policy that tnight have led to
disastrous results, and the work of improving
the property was undertaken, with the result that
the ])eople have long since been reconciled to, and
heartily in favor of, the development of the park-
system, and its promoters have been regarded
as [jublic benefactors. The ])ermanent ])ark com-
mission was created b\- an act of the Icsrislature
PAST AXU PRESENT OF ST. PAUL. 141
of 1887. with suhstqueiU anKiKlnicnts. The orig- and divt-rsity of lieautit-s and attraction-s as to
inal hoard and its successors had anything but give the St. F'aul park system a unity and coni-
an tasy time of it, but many distinguished citi- pleteness which is rarely to be found m any other
zens sat upon the board at various times. It is, city. The quiet rural beauty of Como Park ; the
however, conceded that the late Joseph A. Wheel- acjuatic allurtments of Phalen's triple lake ex-
ock was the father of the park system as it exists pause, with the primitive wildness of its woodland
today. To his enthusiastic love of beauty and setting ; the magnificent panorama of river and
his keen appreciation of the possibilities for beau- valley prospect cunnnanded by Indian Mounds,
tifving the surroundings of St. Paul may be with its own picturesque contours and the ex-
ascribed the development of that enthusiasm for cjuisite detail of the scenery of the Mississippi
the parks which has come to be characteristic River lloulevard with its park adjimcts, present
of St. Paul. A review of the processes whereby an assemblage of diversified beauty which would
the parks were acquired and improved would be seem adapted to every mood of the lover of nature
a mere detailing of the work that Air. Wheelock and to the satisfaction of every variety of taste."
and his associates carried out as a labor of love ; To this it may be added that St. Paul stands
but the present state of the parks is something first among the cities of the country in the per
that appeals to the e}'e and heart of every citizen capita acreage of its park lands and that Como
of St. Paul. They may be described in the Ian- Park is much the largest park in the northwest,
guage of the late fVesident \\'heelock. of the exclusive of the water surface.
]iark board, in a recent report, which deals par- The parkways that have Ix'en acquired and
ticularly with the four landscape or scenic parks. completed are :
Air. Wheelock said: Miles. Acres.
"The landscape parks of St. Paul are Como Summit Avenue lloulevard 25^ 60.
Park. 424 acres ; Phalen Park. 469 acres ; Indian River P>oulevard 2 74-67
.Mounds, 76 acres : Shadow Falls Park, 35 acres Como Parkway }4 6
— which is included in the more general designa- Midway Parkway Y^. 12
tion of the Riverside Park. Besides these exten- West .Side Boulevard 1-3 10
sive scenic parks. St. Paul has twenty-five neigh- Lexington Parkwav, acquired but
l)orh(Xid parks, of which fifteen are improvided ; not completed 2jX 44.40
the largest and most important of which are
Langford Park. 9 3-10 acres, and Merriam Ter- Total 81-3 207.07
race. 7 7-10 acres. Among others, mostly The present area of parks and parkways in
sc[uares, which their situation in the heart of the St. Paul is :
city renders peculiarly important, are Rice, Acres of land in parks 693.58
Smith, Irvine, Central and Summit Parks, and Acres of water in parks 351
Outlook Park, formerly Carpenter Park, in a
commanding situation on Summit avenue. Acres of land in parkwavs 207.07
"These four scenic parks, two of them popu- Total acres in parks 1,044.58
lar lakeside resorts, the other tw^o fronting on the
Mississippi river at the opposite extremes of 1,251.65
its double horseshoe course through the citv.
form a system which unites all the diverse cle- hi.story of the realty m.\rket.
nients in a harmonious whole. Thev all differ
widely from each other. Each has a dififcrent The history of St. Paul is so bound up with
and characteristic ph>'siogomy and functions of the history of the real-estate market that a re-
its own : but each supplies something which the view of the development of realtv as the basis of
otliers lack and is the complement of all the rest. all wealth inhcritant in the citv covers prettv
Taken together they embrace such a large range well the process by wdiich St. Paul grew to met-
142
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
rupolitaii condition. .\. few years ago H. S.
Fairchild, the Nestor of St. Paul real-estate men,
brought up from the recesses of his memory a
series of the most interesting reminiscences of the
real-estate business of St. Paul, and the historian
is compelled to draw upon Mr. Fairchild's mem-
ory- for information regarding the real-estate
market of St. Paul, and really there could be no
better source of information, for the veteran
dealer and promoter not only has a remarkably
good memory, but he has had access to records
and personal knowledge of large transactions.
Many of the facts herein stated are accredited
to Mr. Fairchild and his review — which has been
freely drawn upon for figures and incidents.
The first real-estate transaction in St. Paul
took place in 1839 ''"d 1840, when Pierre Per-
rant (Pig's Eye) sold his second claim to Ben-
jamin Gervais for ten dollars. The claim in-
cluded some of what is now the most valuable
of the property in the wholesale district, em-
bracing a part of East Third street. Prior to
this Parrant had indulged in a little real-estate
venture which might not be regarded as a sale,
for the reason that there was no conveyance of
the property : Parrant had settled above the
upper levee in 1838 and acquired a squatter's
title to the claim, which claim he, as is recorded
elsewhere, mortgaged for $90 and abandoned to
the mortgagee, who, however, never obtained
possession, the United States government oust-
ing the squatters from that part of what is now
the city of St. Paul on the contention that it was
a portion of the Fort Snelling military reserve.
Of neither of these transactions is there any offi-
cial record, nor indeed is there any official record
of the transfer by Xavier DciMair of his claim
on University avenue, for which he received a
horse and wagon.
In the early '40s they were rather reckless
about the disposition of large tracts of land, and
as much as 160 acres, now included in the cor-
porate limits of St. Paul, were sold for a barrel
of whiskey and two guns.
Tn 1843 ]<ih\\ Ti. Irvine bought the Mortimer
claim, part of which was afterwards known as
Rice and Irvine's addition, and which included
some 300 acres, for $300. Of course no recorded
title passed with any of these transfers, there be-
ing no government survey — the claims being in-
dicated by metes and bounds.
Henry Jackson, who came here very early in
the '40s, was the grantor in the first deed of rec-
ord and he got what was regarded as a large price
for one-half acre of land to which he had made
claim at St. Paul's Landing, William Hartshorn
paying him $1,000 consideration. There were
some buildings on this tract and it embraced
about three acres. As indicating the conditions
under which transfers were made, it may be re-
marked that the next recorded sale of a claim
was the transfer of 100 acres from Pierre Botti-
neau to Francis Chenevert and David Benoit,
which was described as being bounded on the
east by Kittson, on the north by Clewitt, on the
west by Hartshorn and Jackson and on the south
by Louis Robear. Bottineau received $3 per acre
for this property, which embraces a considerable
portion of what is now the wholesale district,
running from Jackson to Broadway and over to
Eig-hth street.
The demand for some fixed boundaries became
so apparent that in 1847 Ira B. Brunson was en-
gaged to survey and plat that portion of the city
which formed the original town site of St. Paul,
but inasmuch as there was as yet no government
survey, the bounds of the plat could not be spe-
cifically described and were of no avail, except
as providing descriptions for lots and blocks,
until after the government survey was made in
the following fall.
It is recorded that .A-lex McLeod sold to W. C.
Renfro 60 feet on Third street, between Cedar
and .Minnesota, for $200, and a few weeks later
McLeod sold to William Hartshorn the south-
west corner of Third and Minnesota for $200.
Mr. Fairchild calls attention to some queer
samples of descriptions of land involved iu' those
earlv sales, and there is a particularlv good thing
in i>iic (Iced recorded from David I'aribanlt to
A. M. Larpenteur, in which there was transferred,
for the sum of $62.50. ".A piece 22 vards, froiit-
ing 1)11 ilir l)ack of Jackson's fence and adjoining
LaRnche on the north and E. Faribault on the
soutli, running to the middle of the ravine on
ilaiisliorn claim, being 22 wards front ami 21
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
143
yards back, containing one acre, more or less.
There was no reference to the town, county or
state in which the property was located. This
property, upon which stands the Hale block, was
bought by iMr. Hale 18 years later. In the ex-
planation of this deal, Mr. Fairchild says that it
is a matter of fact that for this property, which
is now worth upwards of $100,000, Larpenteur
traded Faribault a horse, representing a value
of $80, and got the property and $17.50 in cash
for the beast — and Laqjentcur survives to tell
of the transaction.
lu 1848 the real estate market became fairly
active and there were thirty-five sales, but that
there was no boom on was evidenced by the fact
that in mid-summer 1848, Louis Robert sold to
B. W. Bronson three lots on the northwest cor-
ner of Robert and Fifth streets for $10 per lot.
The tract today would probably be worth up-
wards of $150,000.
-Mr. Fairchild writes of and draws a lesson
from one sale that took place in 1848, when
Richard Freeborn sold to Henry Jackson 48 acres
near where the Omaha shops are now located for
$100, about $1.25 per acre. The property is
worth now upwards of $2,000 per acre, but it has
been sold and mortgaged so many times and in
so many parcels that the abstracts and attorneys'
fees for examinations in the transfers have cost
much more than the property is now worth ; from
which fact ]\Ir. Fairchild deduces a potent argu-
ment in favor of the application of the Torrens
system.
r.eginning in 1848. the transfers made and
deeds recorded began to carry names tliat do all
not suggest a Gallic ancestry, although the orig-
inal grantors were nearly all Frenchmen. John
R. Irvine that year sold to H. M. Rice 80 acres
on the west side of St. Peter street for $3 per
acre, wliicli yielded a fairly good profit, for it
was platted the next year and sold at from $300
to $500 per acre. That was during the boom of
1840. The record price up to that time for prop-
erty was paid by David Olmsted and H. C.
Rhodes, who bought two lots on the corner of
Fourth and Robert streets for $200, or $roo per
lot. The same property would now bring
$125,000. The land upon which the Germania
Life Building stands toady, at the corner of Min-
nesota and Fourth streets, was sold by Louis
Robert, in January, 1849, to Stephen Desnoyer
for $100. During the present season, 1906, the
corner diagonally across from the Germania Life
was sold for $800 per front foot. About the same
time, in January, 1849, John R. Irvine bought
from James A. Boal a tract of land on Siunmit
avenue, about 56 acres, for $500, which sum rep-
resents about its value per front foot for jxirtions
of Summit avenue today.
The large access of population in 1849 resulted
in considerable activity in the real-estate market,
and 175 sales were recorded, la}-ing the founda-
tion for a fine crop of lawsuits to come later.
This activity compelled, of course, a considerable
increase in prices, and in the fall of 1850 Louis
Robert sold one-half a lot in the city of St. Paul
proper for $350.
The records of the office of register of deeds
of Ramsey county go back to 1849, when the
]:>lat of St. Paul proper was filed, which shows
Louis Robert, Henry Jackson, Charles Cavalier,
Henry H. Sibley, Vetal Guerin, J. W. Bass, A. L.
Larpenteur, \\'illiam H. Forbes, A. C. Rhodes,
L. H. LaRoche and J. B. Coty as owners. This
plat was part of the records of St. Croix county,
W'isconsin, of which county what is now Ramsey
then formed a part. Inasmuch as the plat as it
was filed did not carry a proper description of
the property mapped, it was of little avail for
legal purposes, but a vast amount of possible liti-
gation was averted by the selection of a board
of trustees to handle the rights of the various
owners, and even then it would have been diffi-
cult to maintain the record if it had not been
strengthened by a legislative enactment of 1866,
which practically legalized the early plats.
EVERYBODY DE.\LT IN REALTY.
In 1849 every resident of St. Paul was in the
real estate business. The original French pos-
sessors of the soil went into the business of sell-
ing lots with enthusiasm not to be expected of
men so recently rescued from a life of Arcadian
simplicity. They were not good business men
by training, those early Frenchmen, but thev
144
PAST AX I) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
were a tliritiy lot. and if their horizon had been
a Ijit broader their descendants might now be oc-
cn])yini;- palaces on Summit avenue instead of
tilling the soil, as many of them do, in the neigh-
borhood of Little Canada, for in 1849 there began
a IxKJm and prices were forced, or grew of the
state of the market, to a condition where as much
as $150 was paid \'etal Guerin for a lot on Third
street, between Wabasha and Cedar streets — an
increase in selling value of 1.500 per cent in a
single year.
Edmund Rice was doing literally a land office
business in the sale of lots in the addition which
he and Irvine had platted, and the newcomers
were not slow to get into the real estate game.
Whitney and Smith's addition was added to the
town site in July. 1849: Leech's addition in
August of the same year ; Bazille and Cuerin's
in Xovember, 1850. \\'hen Bazille and Cuerin
came on the market the city was platted from
(iooilrich street down to the foot of Dayton's
T'lluff and north to Capitol Hill. Some of the less
enthusiastic of the Ixiomers were inclined to the
idea that too much territory had been taken in
and that disaster was impending. Editor Good-
hue took more than one opportunity to warn the
lioomers that prices were inflated beyond the
legitimate stage and disaster would surely follow
unless the people restrained their impetuous de-
sire to sell lots on Third street for upwards of
$200 apiece ! Goodhue's faith in the city was
profound and prophetic, but he labored under
the limitations of an editor whose conception of
the magnitude of sucli a sum as $200 rattled his
judgment.
In 1851 there were platted Hoyt's addition:
A'anderlierg's addition to Hoyt's addition ; Ir-
\-ine's enlargement of Rice and Irvine's addition :
Patterson's addition ; Wille's addition : J'lel Whit-
ney's addition : Winslow's addition — in all. seven
additions to the town plat as it stood in 1850, and
the end was not yet. for in 1852 the boomers took
up the work of platting additions with so much
enthusiasm that a considerable portion of the
work-a-day population was engaged in the busi-
ness of surveving. In that \'cnr. Whitncv's addi-
tion, lirunson's addition, Bass' addition, Hoyt's
outlots and Robert and Randall's adelition were
sm-veyed. In 1853 there were six additions plat-
ted; in 1854, eleven ; in 1855, si.x ; in 1856 — when
the boom culminated and approached the bursting
point — twenty-nine additions were platted and put
on the market. In 1857, before the panic struck
the town, twenty-five additions were platted and
then the surveyors were turned out to grass. In
two xears there had been fifty-four additions
platted. That ought to hold the real estate deal-
ers who, in this year of grace, are awed by the
sudd(?n development of the market and rise in
prices.
The first lioom culminated in 1856, when 2,798
sales were registered. In 1857, when the panic
overtook the boom, there were 790 sales.
.Mr. h'airchild inclines to the idea that David
Lambert was the first real estate agent in St.
Paul, although the contention has been made
that Charles R. Conway was the first man to en-
gage specifically in the business.
The first issue of the Minnesota Pioneer, in
April. 1849, contains the advertisement of I^m-
bert, printed in I'^ench — ".A.vocat en droit et
agent des terre" — he was a lawyer and land
agent.
B. \V. Lott got into the business very shortly
afterwards and was agent for the sale of Whit-
ney's and Smith's property. Then B. F. Irvine,
^^'. D. Phillips, \N'. ]'. Murray, as lawyers and
land agents, went into the lucrative business of
flealing in St. Paul realty. \\'. P. Murray is
the only survivor of those early-day lawyers and
land agents, and he is still practicing law and
occasionally doing such land business as is inci-
dent to his |)rofession in the examination of
abstracts.
The real estate men organized rather a hot
fight in the early fifties between the upper and
lower towns, the subdivision indicating the prop-
erty adjacent in each case, the upper or lower
levee. The fight continued for several years, or
until the town had grown to such an extent that
it was demonstrated to the people that thei-e was
plenty of room for .-dl of tbcm. It is easih' ap-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
M5
parent, though, that in the early days the people
who built their hopes and expectations upon the
ultimate location of the business center in the
vicinity of the lower levee had at all times rather
the best of the argument. But the fight made
business good for the land agents, and they were
in no hurry to compromise on what was appar-
ently a good thing.
m'kexty's big deals.
By all accounts, one Henry JNIcKenty was the
biggest man in the real estate crowd of those early
days. He was know-n as "Broad Acres" Mc-
Kenty and dealt in agricultural as well as city
lots, and that in a very large way for those times.
He was a typical land agent and boomer and
made no difficulty about carrying on deals that
might stagger some of his successors. It is true,
he did not go into the million-acre deals, but in
those days there were no ioo,ooo-acre farms.
AIcKenty had a large share of the business of
selling the holdings of speculative investors to
actual settlers.
Before the town had recovered from the col-
lapse in values incident to the panic of 1857,
the Civil war had set in and restricted specula-
tion in realty, but during the war the growth of
St. Paul was steady in point of population and
there was a general increase in land values. It
was, however, nothing like a boom, although the
land owners were fairly prosperous through the
later sixties and seventies. In the early eighties
came the boom in land values, based upon an in-
creased population and the developments of the
city, and during this boom prices were attained
which have gradually marked the maximum limit
for city property. Indeed for some years during
the nineties a considerable discount from the
prices of the eighties was necessary if a man
sought to sell a piece of property.
Those were starving days for the land agent,
those days of the nineties after the panic of 1893,
and there was little activity in the real estate
market until the twentieth century had been
oj)cned by a couple of years. In the last two
years there has been an awakening of the realtv
men and a great enhancement in propertv values
10
incident to the manifest growth of the city in
all directions, but it is a noticeable fact that the
prices of property in St. Paul in 1906 are not as
high, except in some few choice locations, as
they were during the period of inflation in the
eighties.
In the spring of 1905 there was an awakening
of the spirit of St. Paul, aroused by the pertinent
inquiry made by the St. Paul Globe, now de-
ceased, which insisted on having an answer to
the clamorous question which it put, "What is
the matter with St. Paul?'" The business men
arose and answered that by making provisions to
give the city some metropolitan attributes which
it had not before possessed. Under the impetus
of the enthusiasm suddenly awakened, provision
was made for the building of an auditorium,
which is one of the largest in the west and the
expense of building which was provided by pub-
lic subscription. While they were at it, the peo-
ple also contributed liberally, to the extent of
something like $200,000, for the erection of a
magnificent home for the Y. M. C. A.
Archbishop Ireland, being observant of the re-
generation of the spirit of St. Paul, promptly
proceeded to the accomplishment of the project
which he has long held at heart and made pre-
liminary arrangements for the erection of a mag-
nificent cathedral, which is to be the seat of the
archdiocese. The property upon which Commo-
dore Kittson had built his residence at the sum-
mit of Selby Hill was acquired for the purpose,
and the Kittson house has already been razed in
making ready the site for the erection of the
cathedral. It is proposed that the structure will
cost not less than $1,000,000.
With these evidences of an awakened spirit to
inspire them, the real estate men got busy this
year of 1906 and there have been many transfers
of property downtown at prices that would stag-
ger the old-timers. A great deal of property
on downtown corners have been transferred at
prices never before reached, and this will be
utilized for sites for buildings to be occupied by
large commercial and financial institutions. Up
to April. 1906. the real estate transfers in St.
Paul exceeded in volume and value those of any
one vear since 1886.
146
PAST A.\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
CHAPTER X\'.
IN WHICH IS -SET FORTH THE PROCESSES WHERE-
BY THE METHODS OF TR.ANSPORTATION WERE
DEVELOrED, AND SHOWS TR.'\NSPORTATION
FACILITIES AFFORDED BY A TOTAL TRACKAGE IN
THE STATE OF 6,250 illLES OF RAILWAY, SUB-
STITUTING THE TRAIL OF THE RED RIVER CART.
1 849- 1 906.
In 1823, foiirtten years after P'ulton's first suc-
cessful experiment with the steamboat on the
Hudson River, the development of steam trans-
portation Oil the waterways had progressed so far
that the scream of the steamboat whistle awoke
the echoes of the bluft's at the head of navigation
on the ]\Iississippi and properl_\- marked the com-
mencement of the era of steam in the far west.
The steamer A'irginia. of St. Louis, arrived
at the present site of St. Paul some time in the
summer time of 1823. It is unlikely that a land-
ing was effected on the cast bank of the river,
as the vessel was loaded with supplies for Fort
Snelling and discharged her cargo on the west
shore at the mouth of the Mississippi River.
History leaves no record of the dimension of
the Mrginia. and it is unlikely that she was in
any sense to be identified with the magnificently
equipped boats that were used in the passage of
service on the Mississippi a few years later and of
which liishop Loras speaks with profound ex-
l)ressions of astonishment that are and industry
could produce such magnificent vessels. In that
day the river had not been cleared of snags, and
there was a very considerable impediment to nav-
igation at Rock Island. The log of the Virginia
showed Ihat four days were consumed in nego-
tiating the rapids at that point.
But it is not to be assumed that the arrival
of a steamboat at tlie head of navigation made
any material impression upon the methods of
transportation inland from the great waterways.
At that time and for many years thereafter the
traders were wont to transport their goods over-
land by means of either pack-horses or by the use
of travois — the most primitive sort of substitute
for a wheeled vehicle, consisting of a couple of
poles bound together, attached to the horse, and
dragged along after the fashion of a sled. It
is possible that even at that early day the wretch-
ed travesty on the wheeled vehicle known to
contemporary fame as the "Red River Cart" was
already in use ; if it was not, it soon thereafter
came into general use on the prairies of the
northwest. This Red River cart was born of the
necessity of the traders in the Red River Valley,
who were compelled to traverse great distances
in bringing the product of the chase and the tak-
ings of the trapper to the central depot at Fort
Garr}-. For nearly two hundred years the French
vovageurs and couriers des bois had been content
to drag their canoes over portages by main
strength or cache their goods in such fashion as
to permit their being hauled in the winter by
means of dog trains.
The ingenuity of the Scotchmen, who formed
so large an element of Selkirk's colony in the
Red River Valley, evolved the Red River cart,
which was so simple in its construction that no
other tool than an ax was necessary in the making
of it. Originally, the carts moved on wheels cut
from great trees and which were solid. Some
knowledge of the theory of transportation seems
to have entered their minds at a later period, and
the wheels of the carts in the thirties were five
feet in diameter, contained spokes and felloes and
were fitted on wooden axles, upon which no grease
was used. As a consequence of this want of
lubrication, a train of Red River carts, well load-
ed with furs, would announce its approach to a
trading post or settlement by strains of melan-
choly music that were agonizingly discordant. .
P>ut the Red River cart served the purpose of
those pioneer traders, who annihilated distance
in (he interests of commerce and brought their
1 rains of carts from the Great Slave Lake, from
the confines of the Arctic Ocean, even from the
suniinit of the Rocky Mountains, and this in such
a large-handed manner as to lay the foundations
for the immense fortunes that rewarded the ef-
forts of the men who exploited the northwest he-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
147
fore St. Paul was. In the exodus from the Red
River colon)- which led to the settlement in the
wilderness in the neighborhood of Fort Snelling,
the Red River cart was a considerable factor,
and, as an institution, it was introduced in these
parts by the Red River refugees, and for twenty
years it maintained its position in the van of
the transportation methods of the country, at-
taining its highest degree of efficiency when di-
rected b}" the master mind of one who in his day
and generation was a captain of the transporta-
tion industry. Norman W. Kittson used the Red
River cart as James J- Hill uses his trains of
cars today. Of course there is no comparison
between the efficiency of a freight train for trans-
porting goods and the train of Red River carts,
but it is nevertheless a fact that Commodore
Kittson did so increase the efficiency of the Red
River cart by his capacity for organization that
he moved what was regarded in those times as
a tremendous volume of freight betw'een the sta-
tion at Pembina and the head of navigation on
llie Mississippi. But it was well into the '40s
before Kittson and the other managers of supply
companies brought the Red River cart to its
hig'hest state of efficiency as a factor in transpor-
tation. The waterways were still regarded as
the solvent of the transportation problem. The
redemption of the west and its subjugation to the
uses of commerce were not yet contemplated by
the men who dominated such commerce as there
was. The invention of the steamboat had so sim-
plified, cheapened and expedited the means of
transportation that all settlements followed the
waterways very closely.
THE EARLY MISSISSIPPI STEAMBOATS.
In the forties there were some truly regal craft
engaged in the Mississippi traffic. Even in the
upper reaches of the river, men who had engaged
in trade made money very rapidly and spent it
like nabobs. Vying with the rich planters of the
south in their lavish expenditures, they demanded
and were quite willing to pay for the best accom-
modations that the times afiforded. And really it
would appear that some of the earlier steamboats
were equipped with a degree of magnificence that
was so far foreign to the ordinary surroundings
of these men, whose riches were wrested from
nature in its ugliest mood, that they were in the
habit of spending thousands when they made a
trip on the river. It was quite the custom for
a rich trader to come down from the headwaters
of the Alissouri, spend a fortune and an entire
season in lolling about amidst the unmounted
magnificence of the river steamer, and go back
to the wilderness in the fall, broke, but happy in
the knowledge that there was nothing left for
him to see in the development of civilization.
In the twenties and thirties Fort Snelling was
a sort of show place at the head of navigation.
It was worth while for an adventurous traveler
from the east to journey to the end of navigation
on the Mississippi that he might boast of the
extent of his travels. The officers at Fort Snell-
ing kept open house with a lavish hospitality that
was the undoing of more than one of them, and
many an army man secured a transfer from the
post because it was impossible for him to main-
tain the state which the methods of life at the
time demanded of him. Up to 1826 this hospi-
tality did not greatly tax the resources of the
officers of the fort, for in the three years follow-
ing the arrival of the Virginia, but fifteen steam-
boats landed at Fort Sheridan. And there ap-
pears to have been some falling off in the river
traffic after 1826, in spite of the fact that there
was at that time a considerable addition to the
white population about the confluence of the Min-
neosta and the Mississippi. While the novelty of
steamboating still held the owners of the boats,
they made many trips that were not justified by
the requirements of passenger or freight trans-
portation. Occasionally a rich man would hire
a boat, as the nabobs of today hire a special train,
but even that custom seems to have fallen into
disuse when the boats were built on the larger
scale and the novelty of the river trip had worn
ofif. From 1826 to 1838 there was no growth in
the river traffic. The settlers who had come in
from the Red River country lived vers* close to
and on the soil ; their manner of life was ex-
ceedingly primitive and the\- neither had the
money to buy. nor the disposition to crave those
articles of comfort and luxury which the coming
148
I'ASr -VXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
of the steamer had made it possible for them to
obtain. Their houses were without furniture,
save such as might be produced with an ax, adze
and saw ; and they bought no food suppUes what-
ever except, as a rare treat, tea and sugar. Their
clothing they stripped from the fur-bearing ani-
mals in which the country abounded. Such small
store of linen and cotton goods as they required
were obtained by barter at the trading post and,
although it is probable that there were five hun-
dred people living at Snelling or within a few
miles of the fort in the late twenties, they con-
tributed nothing at all — or practically nothing —
to the expansion of river commerce — at least so
far as the up-river traffic was affected. On the
down trips the steamboats carried immensely val-
uable cargoes of furs, but it is not to be doubted
that a single vessel would suffice to move the
entire takings of the traders in a year.
Indian Agent Talliaferro — who is to be re-
garded as the Pepys of Fort Snelling, and who set
down with much fidelity those occurrences which
came within his ken — intimates that whiskey
formed a considerable portion of the up-river
freight and declares that in 1838 — that year which
first saw the settlement of St. Paul by whites —
six or nine barrels of whiskey were delivered at
Pig's Eye Landing.
The development of steamboating on the Miss-
issippi is hardly to be regarded as coeval with
the settlement of St. Paul. In fact, it appears
to have lagged until the enterprise of Henry
Jackson had enduced the settlement at Pig's Eye
of those men who became traders in a large way,
considering the time — a list that might include
beside Jackson, IMortimer, Robert, Simpson and
the others who came in in 1842-3 and 1844. It
is certain that many steamers came up to St. Paul
and ended the trip there instead of going on to
Fort Snelling. But no official record was kept
at the settlement ; the record at the fort shows
that in 1844 forty-one boats arrived: in 1845,
forty-eight: in 1846, twenty-four: in 1847, f"rty-
.seven : in 1848. sixty-three: in 1849. ninety-five.
From which it would appear that there was
rather less doing in the way of commerce in 1846
than in 1844, but the number of boats arriving
in 1841; points positively to the fact that the awak-
ening had come at this outpost of civilization.
These steamboats that in the middle of the last
century made the connecting link between St.
Paul and down-river points, had gone far to real-
ize the possibilities of transportation development.
In twenty-five years the country had progressed
from the primitive birch-bark canoe to a palatial
vessel that realized quite as fully the possibilities
of the marine architect who devoted himself to
the construction of river steamers as those possi-
bilities are realized today. And this was a tre-
mendous advance. Only twenty-two years before,
in 1828, Sir George Simpson wrote a graphic
description of the craft in use by the traders and
^'oyageurs with whom he came in contact in his
trip to the Pacific Coast. Describing these ves-
sels of the earlier period Sir George writes :
"They are generally from twenty to thirty-five
feet from stern to stern and from four to five
feet wide in the center, gradually tapering to a
point at each end, where they are raised about a
foot. The larger could stand any stonn on Lakes
Huron and Superior. Their ordinary load was
120 packages of fur of ninety pounds each. Say
five tons, with sixteen to eighteen of the crew
and from four to eight passengers with baggage.
I never heard of such a canoe being wrecked or
upset or swamped. They swam like ducks. If
overtaken by a storm, as was often the case in
their long traverse from point to point, or across
large bays in the big lakes, the heavy parla, or
red canvas oil cloth, used to be thrown over the
goods as a storm deck, and then skill, strength
and pluck, with the trusty bark, did the work.''
This beautiful and graceful craft was substi-
tuted in the middle of the century by a boat up-
ward of 200 feet long, unlovely in its lines, of
very light draft, but of large carrying capacity.
In the estimation of those who had become con-
firmed in the idea that the waterway was to re-
main the great highway of commerce, the ulti-
mate had been achieved in transportation possi-
bilities. In 1850 came the finst suggestion, so
far as St. Paul is concerned, of a railroad that
might in some remote day extend to the Pacific
Coast.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
149
THE RAILROAD IS SUGGESTED.
But ill the previous year, when the territory of
jNlinnesota was organized, the iron horse had not
even reached the Mississippi River, there was not
a mile of railway within the boundaries of the
territory, and no improvement had been made on
the natural wagon roads. Une of the most im-
portant recommendations in the first message de-
livered by Governor Ramsey to the territorial
legislature was that a military wagon road should
be constructed from Fort Snelling to the Mis-
souri River. He also points to the necessity for
the construction of roads from St. Paul to Lake
Superior and up and down the river. He was
convinced that congress would give favorable
consideration to legislation providing for the con-
struction of such roads as would increase the
mail facilities. And there was plenty of room
for improvement in the mail service which then
consisted of one mail a week, and that not always
to be depended upon. This same territorial legis-
lative assembly indicated a proper appreciation of
th<? necessity for other improved methods of
transportation by granting a charter to the St.
Paul & St. Anthony Plank Road Company and
passed a bill which provided for the survey of
territorial roads.
In 1850 Editor Goodhue felt the moving of the
prophetic spirit and wrote, in an editorial : "There
is some probability that a railroad will be made
from St. Louis westward to San Francisco at no
very remote period. We now wish to turn your
attention to another overland route, in the north,
which we believe to be far easier and safer." And
then he goes on with an enthusiastic disregard
for flifficulties that demonstrated the "boomer"
spirit, to lay out a route from the Red River to
the Columbia River, pointing to the fact that
there was already a trail between those widely
separated streams that was used for the transpor-
tation of mail. Goodhue says that these mails
were transported over this route with "safety and
ease," a condition which did not obtain some
years later when the savage hostility of the Indi-
ans closed the route west of the Missouri to the
mail carriers. In 1851 there was no develop-
ment or promotion of raihvav projects as affect-
ing St. Paul, but in that year congress appro-
priated $40,000 to be expended in the improve-
ment of territorial wagon roads. There was
also some agitation looking to the construction of
a telegraph line from St. Paul to the nearest sta-
tion, then some two hundred miles away.
Governor Ramsey, in 1853, officially called at-
tention to the wisdom of some governmental ac-
tion that would give substantial encouragement
to the construction of railways. He appears to
have had in mind as a primal necessity the build-
ing of a railroad that would connect the navigable
water of the Mississippi with the navigable
waters of the Red River of the North. The in-
terest of St. Paul in the country to the north-
west was in that day, as it is today, dominant,
and Governor Ramsey's idea of building a rail-
road to connect the two great rivers was regard-
ed as a master-stroke of policy by the men who
were in the saddle at the time. But the project
was not realized for many years — not. in fact,
until the decadence of the waterways as a factor
in transportation was well under way. In that
same year a road was projected from St. Paul
to Green Bay, but it got no farther than the pro-
jected stage. Though the time was not vet ripe
for the genius of James J- Hill to assert itself
it would appear that his theory that a railroad
might be built in advance of the settlement of a
country was already being considered. In Gov-
ernor Ramsey's fourth message to the legislature,
he says :
"The experiment of building a road in order to
settle a country and make a business is yet to
be tried. Mr. Whitney proposed such an experi-
ment in his Pacific scheme and if we reflect
what the Erie canal and the railroad upon its
banks has done for the settlement of the North-
west, we have a significant hint of the efficacy
of such means." Putting on the mantle of proph-
ecy Governor Ramsey continues : "That which
is written is written. The life of a short gener-
ation will realize it. Steam on the water and
steam on the land everywhere fills the ear and
the sight. Steamboats crowd our waters and rail-
roads intersecting in every direction, interlink
remotest points within and without our territorv-
The Ijlue waters of Lake Superior and the red-
ISO
TAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tinged floods of tlie Mi.ssissippi are united by iron
bands and southeastern lines connect St. Paul
with Lake Alichigan. Let none deem these vis-
ions improbable, or their foreshadowing imprac-
ticable. Min\ in the present age disdains the an-
cient limits of his career arid in this countrj- es-
pecially all precedents of human progress, growth
of states and march of empires, are set aside by
an impetuous originality of action which is at
once both fact and precedent." Which argued
on the part of the governor the possession of lit-
erary qualifications quite in keeping with the mag-
nificence of his prophecy.
On ]\Iarch 3. 1853. there was incorporated,
under the title of the Minnesota Western Railroad
Company, the first coqjoration organized for the
purpose of constructing a railroad in Minnesota.
A capital of $2,000,000 was authorized and the
company was given six years to build a line from
St. Croix Lake to St. Paul. This road eventu-
ally became the Minneapolis & St. Louis. Gov-
ernor Gorman, in his first message to the terri-
torial legislature, following the footsteps of his
predecessor, lay great stress upon the necessity
for railroad building and congratulated the peo-
ple upon the action of the last congress which
made appropriations to prosecute surveys and
explorations of the different routes then being ex-
ploited as possible for railroad construction to
tJie Pacific. The Afinnesota & Xorthwestern
Railroad Company was given a charter in 1854
by the terms of a bill introduced in the council
by Joseph R. Fitown. This cor]3oration contem-
plated the construction of a railroad from the
mouth of Left Hand River, on Lake Superior,
by way of St. Paul to the Iowa line. The legisla-
ture committed itself to this project in such
form as would endorse action by Congress grant-
ing alternate sections of kind for six miles on
each side of the road to the incorporators. On the
same day, March 4, 1854, a charter was granted
to the Transit Railroad Company and during the
same session of the legislature bills were intro-
duced providing for the incorporation of the
Central Minnesota, the La Crosse & Minnesota
and the St. Paul & Iowa State Line Railroads.
Congress did on June 29. of that same vear,
grant a concession of each odd section of six
miles on each side of the track for a line to be
constructed from the southern line of the terri-
tory between Ranges 9 and 17. thence by way
of St. Paul by the most practicable route, to the
eastern line of the territory in the direction of
Lake Superior. Incidentally, it is worthy of note,
that the Chicago-Great Western Railroad of to-
day now operates in }ilinnesota as a lessee of the
rights conferred under the charter granted to the
Minnesota & Northwestern road.
THE R.VIL.S RE.VCH THE MLSSIS.SIPPI.
The iron horse reached the Alississippi in June,
1854, and although the railroad was still several
hundred miles from St. Paul the event was made
the occasion of great rejoicing and an excursion
of magnificent proportions was conducted to St.
Paul. The Chicago & Rock Island Railroad had
been constructed by Messrs Sheffield and Farn-
hani. and they took advantage of the opportu-
nity to celebrate on a scale that would appall mod-
ern contractors engaged in railroad construction.
They invited a thousand guests, very largely
from the eastern states, and the party met in Chi-
cago, was taken to Rock Island over the new-
road and five steamers were hircfl for the trans-
portation of the people to St. Paul. The accom-
modations of the city were titterly inadec|uate to
the entertainment and housing of the guests, but
the (|uality of the hospiality offered was not
strained. \ grand ball and rece])tion was given
at the eapitol on the evening of June 8. The
hall of the house of representatives was used
as a supper room and the supreme court cham-
ber for a ball room. In the party were Ex-Presi-
dent Fillmore, George Bancroft, the historian, and
many other men of eminence in the cotmtry.
The festivities were by no means restricted to
the gametics included in the celebration at the capi-
tal and minor excursions were organized for the
purpose of educating the guests in a knowledge of
the resources of .Minnesota. An add commentary
on the event and esjiccially as showing the atti-
tU(k" of tlial di'itinguislied preacher. Rev. D. D.
Neill — a sturdy i^'csliyterian father wliose a]ipre-
ciation of the possiliilities of this new country
was based on biblical as'-urances of realization —
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
151
is indicated in a sermon delivered by Air. Xeill on
the Snnday following the entertainment given the
excursionists. In the course of an extremely in-
teresting article on the railroad development of
Minnesota written a few years ago by Moses Fol-
som, the text which fed the inspiration of the
preacher was ([noted:
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness,
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight
in the desert a highway for our God.'
"Every valley shall be exalted and every moun-
tain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked
shall be made straight and the rough places
|)lain." — Isaiah, xl., 3.
'In the days of Sliamgar, the son of Joel, the
highways were unoccupied and the travelers
walked through byways." — Judges v.
While all railroad legislation or incorporation
had a material bearing upon the future of .St.
Paul, comparatively very few of the roads then
or later projected ever touch the city — as a mat-
ter of fact but very few of these projects ever
got byond the paper stage. And, as showing that
the pioneer railway organizers were not alto-
gether lacking in refined knowledge of the possi-
bilities of unheeded legislation, the odd fact
may be cited that the first act passed granting a
charter to the Minnesota & Northwestern Rail-
road, and which carried with it a land grant bv
congress, was so "doctored" in its passage as to
evoke general condemnation and congress used
the fact that the text of the bill had been changed
in some j^articular as the basis of an action look-
ing to the repeal of the land grant. ,\.nd these
grants were, in fact, repealed, the repealing act
passing both the house and senate on the same
day. This charter was not etiective in causing
the immediate construction of a raifwav, although,
under the charter requirements, the companv was
obligated to accept the act within six months
and deposit $150,000 with the territorv as a guar-
antee of good faith. Failing in this, the propertv
and franchises of the company were to be for-
feited to the property. It does not appear that the
obligation was complied with or that the act
of forfeiture was made operative. Governor Gor-
man who seems to have been inspired with some-
thing of the genius of the railroad builder, con-
tinued to urge upon the legislature the necessity
of taking such action as would secure from con-
gress liberal land grants and specifically expressed
himself as favoring a project which would in-
clude the extinction of the Indian title to some
800,000 acres of land at a cost of twenty cents
an acre, these lands to be utilized as bounties for
the railroad builders. What was regarded as the
most desirable and most important railroad work
was the construction of a road which would give
an outlet to the East during the twelve months
of the year. While the original object of the
railroad promoters had been to seek an outlet
from St. Paul to tidewater by w'ay of Lake Super-
ior, this was not pressed with the enthusiasm
that was evoked by the proposition to get a rail
connectiiin to the East.
THE FOUND.XTION OF THE GRE.\T NORTHERN.
In 1856 there were projected railniads from
(_;reen Bay, Manitowoc and .Milwaukee to La
Crosse ; to Prairie du Chien ; and one from the
Iowa line to Lake Superior. It was thought then
that the roads to Prairie du Chien and La Crosse
would be pushed forthwith and connection with
these terminals on the river was much desired in
St. Paul. In that same year, urged by the gov-
ernor, a charter was granted to the Minneapolis
.St. Cloud Company to build a road from Min-
neapolis to St. Cloud, and provision was made, on
paper, for a main line by the way of Mille Lacs
to Lake Superior. This charter goes back to the
actual foundation of the series of chartered roads
which formed the nucleus of the Great Northern
Railroad of today — though it was a connection of
the ^linneapolis & St. Cloud Companv with the St.
Paul & Pacific that furnished the original link
in the great chain of rails with which the genius
of James J. Hill eventually grid-ironed the North
Star State.
The Minnesota & Pacific company, which filed
articles of incorporation May 27, 1856, was dis-
tinctly a St. Paul institution, the original incor-
porators being St. Paul men of prominence in that
day and for many years later. The officers of
the company were Edmund Rice, president ; R.
R. Nelson, vice president ; James W'. Taylor, sec-
1=;^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
rctar}- ; J. .\1. Sliiie, treasurer, and John U. Dris-
bin, attorney, .\notlier company was incorporated
that year which actually left some impression
on the railroad map in later years — the JNlinneap-
olis & Cedar \'alley Railroad, which afterward
was changed in name and purix)se, nd merged
with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul.
In his last message to the legislature Gover-
nor Gorman demonstrated the possession of a
grasp of what afterward became the inspiring ob-
ject of the greatest transportation promotion pro-
ject which the world has seen — the subjugation
of the Orient to the highest development of
American commercial and indtistrial activity. I
quote from Governor Gorman's message :
"A Pacific railroad will be a road to India. It
will bring us in contact with 6oo,cxx),ooo of peo-
ple, with a portion of whom we will ultimately
open a trade, receiving their commodities and
supplying them with beef, pork, corn and bread-
stuffs of ever}^ kind."
Twenty-four years earlier, a Massachusetts
Yankee had evolved that idea, but it took the
commercial enterprise of the last decade of the
nineteenth century to bring about, even approxi-
mately, a realization of the idea that had been
incubating in master minds for nearly three gen-
erations.
The first actual construction work on a railroad
in Minnesota was performed by Selah Cham-
berlain for the r^Iinnesota & Pacific company be-
tween St. Paul and St. Anthony, but money failed
within a month and very little was accomplished.
The difficulty of raising money for railroad
construction in the new cotmtry was so great
that the promoters of the four corporations then
organized under the state laws, and which might
become entitled to grants of lands by prior con-
gressional action, made a proposition to the peo-
ple for an amendment to the constitution which
would permit them to borrow $5,000,000 from
Minnesota to be expended in railroad building.
There was a notable fight on that amendment and
a tremendous vote — considering the population of
the state — was cast in its favor. Bonds of the
state were issued to the companies and their pay-
ment secured by first mortgage bonds on the rail-
road properties. Promptly nprm the presentation
of the first opportunity the railroad companies de-
faulted in the payment of interest and the state
became the owner of the franchises which ap-
pear to have been almost the sole asset of the
railroads and the charters were extinguished or
transferred to other companies. Still, in the fall
of 1858, the railroad had not approached any
nearer to St. Paul than La Crosse.
Two years later the executive and legislature
became involved in the necessity of removing the
incubus assumed by the state when it went into
the business of loaning money to railroads. The
relations of the state and the railroads became in-
volved, too, in such perplexing fashion that the
people were disposed to regard the railroad ques-
tion as a nuisance which should be eliminated
rather than encouraged. The solution of this
railroad problem, so far as affected the relations
of the state of Minnesota to the companies, was
made possible by the ultimate granting by con-
gress of the swamp lands within the state to the
state government, and from the lands so acquired
^linnesota has made at various times nine grants
to railroads and other corporations engaged in the
improvement of the country. In these grants
there was incltided something like 3.000,000 of
acres. And after all this strenuous effort to util-
ize the advantages of the iron horse, the first rail-
road engine was brought to Minnesota and up
to St. Paul on a barge. It was known as the
William Crooks and has been the subject of much
curious comment and criticism for these many
years.
Another infant company, wliich afterward fig-
ured as a factor in the railroad systems of IMinne-
sota, born in 1861, was the Lake Superior &
i\Iississip])i Company, which later liecamc the St,
Paul & Duluth road and is nmv a part of the
Xorthern Pacific system, and which was granted
seven sections of land to the mile for 155 miles.
The .same concession per luile was granted to the
Taylor's Fall & Lake Superior Company, after-
ward absorbed by the St. Paul & Duluth for the
building of a line twenty and one-half miles
long.
The .St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company,
which had succeeded to the rights of the Min-
nesota & Pacific Compatiy, under the guidance of
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
153
E. ]''. Drake, actually built ten miles of track
between St. Paul and St. Anthony in 1862. In
those days it appears to have taken cash for tiie
construction of railroads in the west and it is
related, as a matter of fact by a railroad authorit>-,
that more persevering endeavor was required tu
bring that ten miles of trackage into being than
was expended by ;\Ir. Hill in building his coast
line. The first excursion train run over this St.
Paul-St. Anthony line was taken thrcnigh the
grain fields on a sort of exploratory trip through
the more or less unknown territory now included
between the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis
on July 2d of that year. The ten miles of track
referred to appears to have given confidence to
the cajjitalists who had hitherto held aloof from
railroad-building projects in Minnesota and the
line was extended with considerable speed almost
immediately, reaching Elk River. fort\" miles
away, in 1863, and work was pushed to such good
puqjose that in the next year the main line from
St. Paul to Breckinridge was described as the
"first division of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad
Company." with George L. Piecker as president,
and the company completed construction to Sauk
Rapids in 1886. It took, however, until 187 1 for
the main line to reach Breckinridge. The rights
of the original St. Paul & Pacific Company were
not rendered operative until 1869, and then, when
surveys were made from Crow Wing toward
the northern terminal, it was found that the line
would parallel the Northern Pacific. This difti-
cult\' which might have been serious in such a
sparsely settled country at that time was obvi-
ated by the St. Paul & Pacific obtaining from
congress the right to build a new line which
would not conflict with the continental route, and
two lines were built north from St. Cloud instead
of one.
In 1873 railroad Inn'lding in the northwest
came to a standstill and financial chaos was pre-
cipitated by the failure of Jav Cook, who was
the financial backer of the Northern Pacific. .\11
work on ])romotion and construction was sus-
pended and so dire was the disaster brought about
by the collapse of the Cook operations that the
"First Division" of the St. Paul & Pacific went
to smash with the Northern Pacific and a condi-
tion was brought about which made the entrance
into the field of transportation of such a man
as James J. Hill an imperative necessity to the
carrying out of the work of connecting the lake
waterways with the Pacific coast.
A digression is necessary here to the setting
forth of the conditions which ultimately brought
Mr. Hill as a dominant factor into the railroad
field: Both the Northern Pacific and the St.
I'aul & I'acific bonds were owned in Holland,
but the stock of the St. Paul & Pacific was owned
by the Northern Pacific and that of the "First
Division" company by the contractors engaged
in building the road. Jesse P. Farley, of Du-
ljuc|ue, came into the control as receiver and be-
came associated in transportation affairs with
James J. Hill, wdio was then station agent at St.
Paul and interested in steamboating on the Red
River of the North. Prior to this time Mr. Hill
had, in a large way for that day, been agent at
St. Paul for rail and river transportation compa-
nies, and had come to a realization of the fact
that there were great possibilities involved in the
property controlled by the St. Paul & Pacific.
Piut the situation was rendered well-nigh hopeless
from the fact that he found that the outstanding
Ijonds of the companv — that is the First Division
company and the St. Paul & Pacific — aggregated
$25,000 — a stupendous sum in those days. Only
one man in St. Paul had attained sufficient busi-
ness stature to be reckoned with as a financial fac-
tor and that was Norman ^^'. Kittson, wdio was
already and had been for some years engaged
in promoting primitive and steamboat transporta-
tion in the northwest. In eastern Canada, how-
ever, there were men of large means with ex-
tensive European connections who might be con-
vinced of the existence of the possibilities which
were plain enough to the speculative eve of Air.
Hill. Among these were Donald A. Smith ( Lord
Strathcona), and George Stephens (Lord Mount
Stephen), and these, with Mr. Kittson and Air.
Hill, became associated in a syndicate, which, in
spite of difficulties that might have been regarded
as almost insuperable, went on with the con-
struction of some sections of the railroad, even
wdiile they were engaged in getting possession of
the securities. When, bv foreclosure decrees.
'54
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
they secured possession of tlio property in jun-e,
iSji). the indebtedness amounted to ,$39,000,000,
and tliere were 632 miles of tlie railroad in exist-
ence. To administer tliis road the St. Paul, Alir.-
neapolis & .\lanitiil)a Railroad Company was or-
ganized with George Stephens, president; R. 1!.
Angus, vice president ; Edward Sawyer, secre-
tary, and jauKs j. ilill. general manager. Three
years later AJr. Hill became vice president of the
company, being succeeded by Allen Manvel as
general manager, and became de facto, the con-
trolling spirit of the railroad, as he had been its
inspiring genius in the time of trial between
1S73 and 1879.
hill's illGHTY PLAN'S.
^^'hen yiv. Hill found himself secure in the sad-
dle he made it manifest that his horizon was
much l^roader than that which had limited the vis-
inn of his predecessors, or which then Ijounded
the survey of his contemporaries. Hitlierto the
operations of railroad promoters had been con-
fined to the solution of problems in finance rather
than to the construction and operation of rail-
roads. Hill personified the happy and unusual
combination in himself of a railroad operator, a
master of construction and a genius in finance.
And his financing- was not of the order with
which we commonly associate railroad projects.
When he came to the presidency of the St. Paul,
Minneapolis & ^lanitoba in 1884, he saw before
him limitless possibilities in the wax nf a rich,
fertile, but unexploited territory. In. the raw he
had the material for the making of a million
homes and he had sufficient confidence in himself
and courage in his convictions to bring forth from
its hiding jjlace the capital necessary to a realiza-
tion of plans drawn on so gigantic a scale that
they were world-wide in their scope. The pro-
cesses whereby tliese plans were realized cannot
be well set forth in a history of St. Paul. They
belong to the progress of the world and. although
the development of James J. Hill's transportation
.schemes involves the greater ])art of the material
history of St. Paul's progress, they may nf)t be
set down here in analysis. In twenty-two vears
Mill ha> bridged llie L;ap iK'lwien tlu' weslrrn
Imundaries of the state of .Minnesota and the ports
of the north Pacific coast, literally with steel. .\nd
the realization of his original project of running
hrs trains to tidewater on the Pacific did but in-
spire him to disregard natural limitations and
bridge the Pacific with carriers of such enormous
I)ower and capacity as to compel the attention of
the people of the orient to these vehicles for the
exchange of commodities between two continents.
Having undertaken and carried to completion his
original and untried project of peopling a country
bv providing it first with modern methods of
transportation, he at once saw the necessity for
developing the resources of that country in tim-
ber, mineral and other natural wealth and he ap-
plied, in a large way, common sense, to the theory
of how to produce a profit on a proi)erty that as-
suredly would not bear the burden of yielding
any recompense on the single haul ; he figured
that the railroad would not be self-sustaining
if he located a settler in Xorth Dakota, set him
to work producing grain, and had no farther hope
of compensation from that settler than was af-
forded by the certainty that his railroad would
carry the wheat yield to market. Something must
be provided to yield a profit beside the man bound
to and engaged in the culture of grain. There
was no money for the railroad in the one-way
haid, whereupon Mr. Hill bent the resources
of his keen intelligence to the exploitation of the
lumbering and other interests on the Pacific coast.
He found sufficient use for his cars in carrying
commodities to the coast and there was lumber
there to be brought to the markets of the east.
The lumbermen complained that they coidd not
operate at a profit because of the high railroad
tarifl:. Mr. Hill inquired what rate they could
afford to pay ; tliat he reiluced his schedules
lo less than that rate and almost instantly the
lumbering industry of the coast states became
rich as the\ had been [loverty-stricken. and the
future of the Great Northern Railwa}- was as-
sured. For many years Mr. Hill has been the
most eminent citizen of St. I'aul as he Ins lieen
the dominant factor in the railroad world. In a
little better than twenty years he has built by the
e.xercise of his constructive genius nearly 7,000
miles of railroad and has acquired control of up-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
^30
wards of 20,000 miles of allied lines. When to
this enormous mileage of railroads is added the
great ocean and lake carriers which sail under
the Hags of Mr. Hill's companies — all these var-
ied interests centering and having their heart in
St. Paul — when this stupendous accomplishment
is contemplated it requires no stretch of the im-
agination to take one the length of the concession
that, in the attainment of his tremendous projects,
James J. Hill has accomplished a vast work in
the huilding of the city.
Going hack to the consideration chronologically
of the further development for railroad projects
involving St. Paul, it is observed that the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company
became an active factor in transportation as af-
fecting this city, on May 5, 1863, when the com-
pany was organized, and foreclosed on a portion
of the old La Crosse & 3i[il\\aukee Railroad. That
\ear a grant was made to the company of seven
sections of land per mile between St. Paul and
Winona.
THE TR.\NS-CONTIXENTAL C( )M P.VNIES.
President Lincoln, on July 2. 1864, signed the
bill which bore in its construction the outcome of
many years of agitation for a transcontinental
railroad and which created the Xortherti Pacific
Railroad Company, endowing it with a land
grant embracing every alternate section for
twenty miles on both sides of the road in the
states through which the road ran and for forty
miles in the territories. The Northern Pacific
project was the lineal descendant of the idea pro-
moted by Dr. S. B. Barlow, of Alassachusetts, so
long ago. certainl}-, as 1834. At intervals from
that time forward this Xorthern Pacific route was
exploited and its advantages asserted. Asa Whit-
ney formulated a scheme for the utilization of a
government grant in the preliminary work of con-
strtiction, and there was much discussion and a
vast amount of printed matter produced in the
limiiaganda thought to be necessary to the com-
pletion of the work. Tn 1845-47 and 1849 the
same project was widely exploited, but the ear-
lier preliminary surveys were inconclusive in
spite of the fact that the reports of the
explorers sent out to survey the proposed
Northern route filled thirteen large volumes.
Jeflferson Davis, who was then secretary of war,
made a report based upoiv these surveys, favor-
ing a southern route, and this might have re-
sulted in some action if the Civil war had not
intervened, compelling congress to take into
serious consideration the proposition for a north-
ern route. In fact, the first of the congressional
enactments endorsed Thomas H. Benton's proj-
ect for a road to San Francisco from the Mis-
souri river by way of Salt Lake.
Notwithstanding the tremendous grant of land
to the Northern Pacific Company the flotation of
the securities necessary to construction was not ac-
complished without tremendous and sustained ef-
fort and was finally affected liy Jay Cook only
to carry the project as far as the stupendous crash
of 1873. Cook placed the bonds in an American
market, using the same advertising methods that
he had used in selling government bonds during
the Civil war, and in 1872 the line was built and
completed between Duluth and Fargo and some
track laid along the Columbia river. The North-
ern Pacific was built both ways frcmi the head
of Lake Superior and the Pacific coast and was
completed by the meeting of the lines east and
west September 8, 1883. The celebration inci-
dent to the completion of the road was carried
out with a degree of magnificence that brought
'\[t. X'dlard world faine and profoundly im-
pressed St. Paul — not because of the successful
conclusion of the great undertaking so much as
for the reason that V'illard's enemies were at
work in Wall Street while he was conducting the
great men of America and Europe to the north-
west and oui the very day that the golden spike
was driven Northern Pacific stocks were subject-
ed to a raid in New York tliat very nearly wiped
out the Villard interests.
THE MILEAGE GROWS RArinLY.
At the end of the Civil war Minnesota had
210 miles of railroad, and the next year there
were three railroads in St. Paul — the St. Paul &
Pacific, the Lake Superior & Mississippi and the
Minnesota Valley, having offices so firmly estab-
lished that they were entitled to a place in the
city directory. In 1870, the year which saw
156
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
the completion of tlie Lake Superior & .Mississippi
(St. Paul & Dukith). there was 1,092 miles of
railroad track in Minnesota. It was four years
later before the first railroad spanned the upper
Mississippi, when the Giicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul crossed the river at Hastings. Another im-
portant addition was made to the railroads enter-
ing St. Paul in 1880 when the Chicago, St. Paul,
^Minneapolis & Omaha was organized by the con-
solidation of the Chicago, St. Paul & Alinneapolis
and the North Wisconsin railroads. The Chicago,
Burlington & Northern was incorporated October
21. 1885, and in that year there were 4,226 miles
of railway in the state. The Eastern Minnesota
Railway Company, now a part of the Great
Northern system, was organized in 1887, as was
also the Wisconsin Central Company. Bv the
consolidation of five companies the Minneapolis,
St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie road was organized
in 1888 : in 1889 the name of the Great Northern
Railway first appeared as a factor in the rail-
road world. The Chicago Great Western Rail-
way Company was created by the absorption of
the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City, which
had previously absorbed the Minnesota & North-
western Railroad and some other lines. The sec-
ond St. Paul line to the Pacific coast was com-
pleted January 6, 1893, when the last spike was
driven near Madison. Washington, on the line of
the Great Northern Railway, and the event was
made the occasion of a monster celebration in
St. Paul in which the citizens joined with man\-
distinguished guests from all m-er the world in
testifying its appreciation of the accomplishment
of the great work undertaken fourteen vears be-
fore Ijy James J. Hdl — though actual work on
the trans-continental line had consumed hut a
small portion of this time.
This brief review necessarily excludes the de-
velojjment of railroad Iniilding in Minnesota and
has liecn held in a general wav to statements of
fact concerning railroads in which St, Paul was
interested. .As a matter of fact St. Paul now
has a living and vital interest in each of the 7,000
miles of railroads which interlace on its pi-;iiries
and in its forests, even as it had in the arri\al
of the solitary river steamer or the train of Red
River carts which rei)resented its contribution
to commerce sixty years ago. St. Paul is today
one of the great railroad centers in the United
States. Through its union depot there passes
every year a multitude of many miUions. The
general offices of the Great Northern, Northern
Pacific, Chicago Great Western, Chicago, St.
Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, Chicago, Burlington
& Northern, with their numerous subsidiary com-
panies and thousands of clerical employes are lo-
cated here, in what is and must always be the
principal entreport of the opulent northwest.
TREMENDOUS MILEAGE CENTERS HERE.
It is now forty-four years since E. F. Drake
laid the first rail on a railroad connecting with
St. Paul and today the roads running into the
Union Depot represent a mileage of not less than
50,000, in lines operated or controlled. These
roads are :
The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, operating
in eleven states, and controlling and operating by
the consolidation of some forty companies, prac-
tically 9,000 miles of lines.
The Chicago Great \\'estern has upward of i,-
500 miles of track in five states, anl is a very
prominent factor in the railroad situation, owing
to the dominant energy of its president, A. B.
Stickney, and the masterly strategical situation
of the road. The present company is based upon
the charter granted the Minnesota & Northwest-
ern in 1854, and numerous other roads which
have been absorbed.
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul has 7,000
miles of track running into practically all of the
n<irtlnvestern states and is at present engaged in
establishing a coast conn.ectiou which will vastly
increase its importance in the railroad world. The
Milwaukee has always been a large factor in the
transportation proposition as affecting St. Paul,
and was. in fact, for many years, the nearest
railriiail to St. Paul from the east before the iron
horse reached this city. The company now con-
trols and operates at least fifty leased or pur-
chased lines.
The C'hicago & Northwestern Railway has 9,-
000 miles of track in the west and middle west,
and is largely represented in St. Paul by the gen-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
157
eral offices of its ally, the Chicago, St. Paul. Alin-
neapolis & Omaha Railroad.
The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific system
has 8.0CXD miles of line in the middle west, and is
rapidlv becoming an important factor in local
traffic.
The Great Northern Railway has upward of
6,000 miles of track between Minnesota and the
coast.
The iNIinneapolis & St. Louis operates, itself,
some 700 miles of line in the Mississippi river
states, and has close working connection with
other great lines which makes it one of the most
important railroads in the Mississippi valley. The
road bases its corporate existence primarily on
a charter issued as stated, in 1853, to the first
railroad company organized in the state.
The Minneapolis. St. Paul & and Sault Ste.
]\Iarie Railway has within a few years developed
tremendously in importance in the railway world
and, besides the 2,000 miles of track it owns and
controls in the American northwest, it has a
close operating connection with the Canadian Pa-
cific, and is essentially a transcontinental railway.
It was organized by the consolidation of five
minor companies in 1888.
The Northern Pacific Railway, essentially a
St. Paul road, has its terminals and general offices
in St. Paul, and operates 5,000 miles of line in
a magnificently rich country.
The ^^'isconsin Central Railway has about i,-
000 miles of track in Miimesota, Wisconsin and
Illinois, and was formed by consolidation of the
Wisconsin Central and the Minnesota, St. Croix
& \Msconsin Railway.
The Illinois Central is one of the great mid-
continent roads.
It is quite impossible to segregate the railroal
business of St. Paul from that of the state, but
it is easily perceivable that St. Paul is the domi-
nant center of the railway system of JMinnesota.
the value of whose lines in the state is estimated
at $2,500,000,000.
The importance of the railroad to ]Minnesota
lies not alone in the facilities afiforded for trans-
portation, but in the tremendous revenue the state
obtains bv the taxation of these railroads, which
anidunts to such magnificent proportions that
more money has been paid by the railroads to the
state since 1865 than has been expended in the
maintenance of all the state institutions since
there were any institutions to maintain. Incident-
ally, the railroads give employment directly to
about 24,000 residents of St. Paul.
COMMERCE .\XD M.\X CF.VCTURES.
In the '40S an adventurous pioneer bought a
claim from the ubiquitous Phelan which in-
cluded a promising millsite on the creek which
took its name from the original claimant and
put up a mill for the sawing of lumber and the
grinding of flour. Some lumber was sawed, but
the burrs were never put in for the flouring
mill. The venture was not a success. And that
was the beginning of the manufacturing indus-
try in St. Paul. Some time prior to that Indian
traders had established themselves at Mendota
and when St. Paul was founded Henry H. Sib-
ley was largely in control of the trade with the
Indian country. The Indian traders made ven-
tures into the Indian country and when St. Paul
was started they located "outfits" here. And
that was the beginning, remotely, of the jobbing
trade.
Today the manufacturing industries of St.
Paul send their products all over the world. The
value of their output last year was $225,000,000.
The Indian trade in St. Paul in 1853 — a cash
trade, the goods going almost directly into the
hands of consumers — was worth about $24,000.
In 1905 the jobbing and wholesaling trade of
St. Paul had attainel a volume of $275,000,000,
In both manufacturing and wholesaling St.
Paul was for many years behind the country
which afiforded it a natural market. Whether it
was the indiiTerence of the merchants and man-
ufacturers to the market that was open to them
that was responsible for their want of enter-
prise— a presumption untenable in view of the
undeniable enterprise of the pioneers — or be-
cause they feared to venture into competition
IvS
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
with the weahh of the eastern manufacturers and
jobbers, is a matter for speculation. But it is cer-
tain that the jobbing trade of St. Paul grew out
of the fact that the financial stringency follow-
ing the panic of 1857 caused the Chicago and
eastern jobbers to restrict their credits to fron-
tier dealers. The small merchants were com-
pelled to come into the St. Paul market and buy
for cash in small quantities. The merchants
seeing the great profit to be made in the trade
made sacrifices to hold it — and the wholesale
market of St. Paul was at once established.
At least one grocen,' house was doing some
wholesaling in a limited way in 1855. and by
the time the panic came on two years later it was
crippled. Then there were little attempt at
wholesaling until the country to the west had
settled up to a great extent by the inpouring of
settlers and the people had to be supplied. The
Civil war with its large dealings in contracts
gave the local dealers more confidence in them-
selves and the business extended rapidly in the
'60s. Before the day of the railroad it was a
very common occurrence for great wagon trains
to start out from St. Paul loaded with supplies
for the outlying towns. No information is ob-
tainable as to the actual beginning of the jobbing
trade, but in 1865 there was a fairly well estab-
lished trade and there were three crockery
houses, two dry goods concerns and four gro-
cery firms engaged in the wholesale trade that
>ear. They sold goods amounting in value to
$7,500,000. In the following fifteen years the
trade increased quite in proportion to the growth
of the town and in 1880. according to the esti-
: nates and report of the Chamber of Commerce,
It was valued at $40,000,000. In the two follow-
ing decades the trade increased enormously.
The immense immigration into the whiat grow-
mg ccuntry to the north and west and the
fact that there was plenty of capital available
for the exploitation of the growing trade and—
what was of even greater importance — the activ-
ity of the railroad builders on lines centering in
St. Paul, all these were potent influences in fos-
tering the growth of the wholesale trade and in
1900 the jobbing and wholesaling business of
St. Paul was worth $240,000,000.
This trade is now by no means restricted to
the northwest. St. Paul wholesalers sell in
every market in the world, literally, though the
bulk of the trade is in the country naturally trib-
i tary to the city. There are no official figures on
the trade of last year for there is no bureau
tluiL concerns itself with the collation of figure-;,
since the Chamber of Commerce went out of ex-
istence. There is a Jobbers' Union, but the
secretary of that body says he has no figures on
the state and volume of trade. A close estimate
of the wholesaling and jobbing trade puts a
value of $275,000,000 on last year's business.
There are fifty-two concerns engaged in the job-
bing and wholesaling business.
According to the report of the Chamber of
Commerce there were 120 manufacturing con-
cerns in St. Paul in 1870. but this number in-
cluded every sort of industry turning out a man-
ufactured product. In 1880. according to the
same authority, there were 712 manufacturing es-
tablishments in the city, employing 7.240 persons
and turning out products worth $10,000,000. In
i8go the Chamber of Commerce found 1,500 fac-
tories producing $50,000,000 worth of manufac-
tured articles. The first accurate report, made
oflicialh', by the state labor bureau puts another
aspect on the development of manufactures. It
shows that there were in the city 546 plants op-
erating with steam or electric power, employing
15,120 hands. The value of the output was
approximately $120,000,000. Last year 735 fac-
tories, employing 35.000 operatives, produced
S225.000.000 worth of manufactured articles.
The diversity of these manufactures makes
the strength of the industry. The industrial com-
munity is not bound to any one line of products,
which if affected by adverse conditions might
crijjple the manufacturing interest. 'Ihc prod-
ucts include everything in the wide range be-
tween furs and tin pails — and in both these arti-
cles St. Paul leads the worlds.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
159
CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
HOW THE CAPITAL WAS KEPT ON WHEELS PRO-
VIDED BY EARLIER LEGISLATORS \\H0 WERE
A.VXIOUS TO MAKE HAV EFFORTS TO REMOVE
THE LOCATION FROM ST. P.AUL WERE NEVER
GIVEN UP UNTIL THE PRESENT MAGNIFICENT
BUILDI.XG WAS PUT LP ON CAPITOL HILL.
There will always remain some doubt in the
minds of St. Paul people as to whether responsi-
bility for the presence of the magnificent struc-
ture which tops Capitol Hill should be charged,
primarily, to the impudent independence of old
joe Rolette, to \\'illiam B. Dean, who introduced
the bill for the latest new capitol, to P. H. Kelly,
whose powers of persuasion and personal
force defended the new capitol project
against the attacks of the enemy, to Cass
(Gilbert, whose mast<?rly genius gave birth
to plans upon which the building was con-
structed, or, to the enthusiastic and unflagging
perseverance of the members of the capitol com-
mission which directed the Messrs. Butler in the
construction. One thing is certain : St. Paul
did not retain the capitol without resorting to
all the tactics that are employed in the defense
of a darling project and a rich inheritance. From
the da}- in which the first territorial legislature
met in a tavern on the river front until the year
1898, when the corner stone of the new capitol
was anchored in its present location, there was
a more or less constant standing to the guns on
the part of the defenders of St. Paul and a con-
stant recurrence of attacks, more or less furtive
or open, made with a view to spiking those
guns. And it is something to the credit of the
people of St. Paul that they have today the
most beautiful, if not the most expensive, capi-
tol building of any capital city in the United
States. If the honor roll of men who defended
the claimed rights of St. Paul to the capitol
could be called it would embrace the names of
many a man whose fame is already established,
but it would also include names of men obscure
enough in themselves but who would be entitled
to a niche in the hall of fame bv the streiuiosit\-
and intelligence with which they stood in the
breach through many years.
The battle for the retention of the capital in
St. Paul — or rather the necessity for defending
the claim of St. Paul to the title of Capital City
— commenced even before the organization of
the territory. That St. Paul was ever regarded
as a possibility for the location of the capital was
due primarily to the self-sacrificing ettort of a
man who, though at the time not a resident of
St. Paul, was honestly convinced that the seat of
government of the new territory of ^linnesota
should be located on the east side of the river.
General H. H. Sibley, first delegate in Congress
from the territory of Minnesota, was not a resi-
dent of St. Paul, but of 3iIendota, at the time
of his selection. Stephen A. Douglas, chairman
of the Senate Committee on Territories, thought
he was doing his friend Sibley a good turn
when, in his draft of the bill for the organization
of the territory, he indicated ]\Iendota as the
provisional seat of government. General Sibley,
in defiance of his own interests, protested to
Senator Douglas that the large proportion of the
population of the new territory lived on the east
side of the river and that there was every pros-
pect that that center of population would not be
disturbed for many years. He insisted that, as
a matter of justice to the greater number of peo-
ple involved, the first seat of government should
be located at St. Paul. It would appear that
Douglas himself was familiar with the locality —
and, indeed, it is known that he was well in-
formed of the conditions in this part of the coun-
try— and that he was insistent that the bill should
stand as it was, declaring that there was no more
fitting place near the confluence of the r^Iississippi
and the Minnesota than beautiful Pilot Knob
upon which to locate a capitol building.
Sibley was not a man to be impressed bv scen-
ery as opposed to commercial interests and he
eventually moved Douglas from his positioiL but
it was no doubt the intention of the federal legis-
lature that the question of the permanent location
of the capital shoidd ultimately be settled by the
electors of the territory. The organic act indi-
cates that the legislature could designate its tem-
porary home, but that was as far as its power
went, probabl\-.
i6o
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
\\'hen. on September 3cl. 1849. tli*^ ^rst legis-
lature met in St. I'anl. it held its deliberations
in that famous tavern called the Central House :
which then and for long- afterward was the cen-
ter of social anl political life in St. Paul, and
wliich was located on the bench overlooking the
river at the foot of Minnesota street. Where
the legislature sat — there was the capitol. And
we can conceive, even at this late day. that the
Indians and whites who gathered at the hotel to
see the national emblem hoisted over the halls of
legislation were properly impressed. No record
remains of any attempt being made at that first
session to establish a capitol site. Ijut the fight
that was continued for so many years was inaug-
urated during the second session of the legisla-
ture which was held in a building on Third
street, between \\^ashington and Franklin, just
above the present site of the Metropolitan Hotel.
On January 16. 1851, INIr. Trask introduced in
the house a bill for the election of four commis-
sioners to supervise the construction of a capitol
building at St. Paul and a prison at Stillwater.
This early inauguration of the legislative pro-
ceeding whereby the ambitions of one commu-
nity are made to bolster the needs of another was
the beginning of a long series of combinations
formed for or against the aims of the people of
St. Paul. Parliamentary log-rolling was pre-
cipitated at once and efiforts made to kill the bill
lay proposing ridiculous amendments. It was
moved that Stillwater be stricken out and Point
Douglas inserted, and that for St. Paul, Little
Six's Village, in Benton county, be substituted.
There vv^as a fierce fight in the house and a no
less sharper battle in the council, but the bill
passed and was approved by Governor Ramsey
on February 7th. Even before the passage of
this measure, the people of St. Anthony arose
to the situation and, with the spirit that has
marked their successors in Minneapolis, declared
themselves in with the distribution of good things,
and an act was passed providing for the location
of the University of Minnesota near the Falls
of St. Anthony.
As W. B. Dean has intimated in a compre-
hensive paper on "Capitols of Minnesota," and
to which the present writer confesses himself in-
debted, there is no doubt that an agreement ex-
isted between the representatives of St. Paul,
Stillwater and St. Anthony. St. Paul has never
evinced a disposition to violate the terms of that
agreement, whereas St. Anthony, and later Min-
neapolis, has frequently attacked the capital loca-
tion.
B.\ZILLE DONATES A SITE.
L'nder the first capitol act D. F. Brawley,
Louis Robert, J. McKusic and E. A. C. Hatch
were elected capitol commissioners and proceed-
ed to the selection of a site for the capitol build-
ing. The first site chosen was in the block
bounded by Cedar, Minnesota, Ninth and Tenth
streets, about the site of the Central Presbyterian
church. It was intimated that the title to this
pro])erty was imperfect, and a second site was
proposed in the block opposite the new postoffice,
bounded by Washington, Franklin, Fifth and
Sixth streets, but the proposition was rejected
and Charles Bazille's ofl^er of that block bounded
by Wabasha. Cedar. Exchange and Tenth
streets, on which the old capitol stands today,
was accepted. About eighteen months were con-
sumed in the construction of an eminently and
hideously ugly structure, 139 feet front by 53^4
feet deep, with a wing, 44 by 52 feet. The ex-
treme plainness of the structure was rather ac-
cented by the addition of a porch which gave on
Exchange street, and the Greek columns of which
served to illumine the entire lack of architec-
tural beauty in the whole structure. Before the
completion of the building two legislative ses-
sions were held, one on January 7, 1852, which
met in what was known as the Goodrich Block,
and which was afterwards incorporated in what
is now the Merchants Hotel ; the other being
organized January 3, 1853. in a two-story brick
building at Third and Minnesota streets.
The legislature which organized for the fifth
session. January 4, 1854. in the new^ capitol, found
the structure complete, with the exception of the
supreme court room, and the total cost of con-
structinn li;ul been about $31,000.
THE FIGHT FOR ST. PETER.
No organized attack was made on the capital
location until the legislative session of 1857, when
there was an onslaught made that had for its
object the removal of the seat of government to
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
i6i
St. Peter, and had behind it the ambitions for
wealth of a coterie of men who seem to have had
the courage to make the attack unblushingiy in
the hope of advancing their own material wel-
fare. For it may be conceded now that the at-
tempt to remove the capital from St. Paul to
St. Peter was merely part of a plan to boom the
sale of town lots. At that time, even as later,
men retained the impression that the flag of
commerce was likely to follow the flag of gov-
ernment and the St. Peter Land Company, or-
ganized to boom the townsite at that point, went
deliberately to work to procure the removal of
the capital by such means as would, in these days
of political regeneration, inevitably result in the
entire combination being committed to the peni-
tentiary. Times change and, with the times, the
manners, and a practice that would be held not
only reprehensible, but punishalile, in these
days, went without more than passing comment
in 1857. Governor Willis A. Gorman, who had
succeeded Governor Ramsey as executive of the
territory, made no attempt to hide the fact that
he was a principal stockholder in the company,
nor did he try to dodge any of the responsibilities
through the exercise of which he could promote
the interests of his partners.
From the opening of the session there was a
feeling in St. Paul that a powerful organization
was being formed in the legislature, the object
of which was the passage of the bill providing
for the removal of the capital to St. Peter. St.
Paul was not entirely helpless, but there were
so many interests involved that it was not prac-
ticable to form an opposing organization, involv-
ing interests which could be so materially ad-
vanced as would be the interests concerned in the
removal. It may be, and we may assume, that
the code of morals of St. Paul was on a higher
plane than that of St. Peter, but St. Peter had
everything to gain and nothing to lose, and St.
Paul everything to lose.
H. P. Hall, in his "Observations" — and it must
be granted that Mr. Hall observed a great many
entertaining though extremely personal good
things — says :
■'While, of course, there is no such official
record, it was stated at the time, and undisputed
by the persons accused, that every member of
II
either branch of the legislature voting for the
capital removal had deeds for St. Peter property
already in his pocket. If there was anyone omit-
ted, it was certainly because he lacked legislative
acumen." But to the story:
On the fifth of February, a member of the
House, one Thomas, of Steele county, gave no-
tice of the bill for the capital removal. This
bill was never introduced because W. D. Lowry,
of Rochester, introduced in the council a bill for
the removal, and about the passage of this meas-
ure centered all the interest in the fight. The ap-
pearance of the bill jolted the popl of St. Paul
out of the state of security into which they had
lapsed in the confidence that the St. Peter boom-
ers would not be able to muster sufficient
strength to control the legislature. But they had
underestimated the strength of the opposition.
To be sure, there was little money in circulation
in political circles in those days, but the St. Peter
townsite boomers could show that there was mil-
lions in their scheme, and it did not make a man's
clothes bulky to carry around title deeds which
insured participation in the distribution of the
prospective millions. When the bill came before
the legislature St. Paul protested most vocifer-
ously, but the people of the town had neither the
weapons to fight with nor the disposition to enter
with much spirit into the game, for the finances
of the community were in a bad state owing to
the panic into which the country had been pre-
cipitated.
Therefore it was that in a state of assurance
born of their own sense of security the St. Peter
men dallied with the bill to their own eventual
undoing. On the twelfth of February the bill
for the removal passed the council In- a vote of
eight to seven, and on the eighteenth passed the
house by a vote of twenty to seventeen. During
the discussion in the house. St. Paul filibustered
and Mr. Hall recalls the fact that William Branch
moved to amend the title to read, "A Bill for the
Sale of Town Lots in St. Peter," The filibuster-
ing neither retarded the passage of the measure
nor affected the spirits of the townsite boomers
and Governor Gorman had given them assurance
that he would sign the bill when it came into his
hands. Still, there was some delay and so much
talk while the bill was on its way through the
lh2
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
legislative ])rocesses that tlie house a])])i_>iiited a
C(.)niniittee to investigate the matter — in the full
knn\vle(li;e that the report of the committee, if it
ever came — which it did not — would not be cal-
culated to chafe the feelings of the majority.
In the senate there were specific charges of fraud
and on February 26th Councilman H. N. Setzer
offered the following resolution :
"Whereas, suspicions of fraud exist in regard
to the passage of No. 62, Council File, of Bill for
Removal of the Seat of Government of the Ter-
ritory of Minnesota, therefore be it resolved that
the Committee on Enrolled Bills be and are here-
by instructed to retain in their possession No. 62
Council File, of Bill for the Removal of the Seat
of Government of the Territory of Minnesota,
until otherwise ordered by the Council."
The resolution caused no end of a row, but
was defeated, of course, for, as Mr. Hall says :
"those members of the legislature receiving
deeds for town lots put them on record at the
Register of Deeds in office in Nicollet County ;
but the legislature did not propose to incriminate
itself."
ENTER, JOE ROLETTE.
Then api^eared the savior of St. Paul in the
person of Joe Rolette, of Pemlnna. Unlike the
geese who saved Rome, Rolette was by no means
foolish. He was a smart Frenchman of pure
blood, and this may be regarded as certain in
spite of the fact that he was generally supposed
to be of mixed Indian blood. Spending his life
as he had among the Indians of the far north-
west, he had attained a habit of mind and life
peculiar to the redmen and wore, almost invari-
ably, an elaborate Indian costume of skins and
beadvvork — in which co.stume he is depicted in
the picture which adorns the walls of the capitol,
an enduring testimonial of the esteem with
which Rolette was regarded by the people of St.
Paul. Rolette was a character peculiar to his
times ; he was not uneducated, and had some fa-
cility in language and undoubted capacity in
dealing with the Indians. And the event which
brought him into the limelight of publicity
proved very conclusively that he was bv no means
lacking in capacity to deal with the white man on
his own basis. Historians generally have been
prone to regard Joe Rolette's action in saving the
capital to St. Paul as a joke, but, as a matter of
fact, it is probable that he was inspired to it on
the spur of the moment by some friend to the
interests of the city. It is an undoubted fact
that he was on the closest terms of friendship
with Henry M. Rice, Coinmodore Kittson, and
other men whose interests in St. Paul were bound
up with other and larger interests in the remote
home of Rolette at Pembina. That he was a
man of importance in his own country was dem-
onstrated, not only by the fact that he appeared
unfailingly and with proper credentials to take
part as a member in the proceedings of the terri-
torial legislatures, but his influence even went
bevond this, for after the organization of the
State, when Pembina was no longer entitled to
representation in the legislative assembly, it
made no difference to him ; he appeared on time
with credentials showing that he was duly elected
and was vastly disappointed when he found that
his constituency was without the confines of the
state.
He was in the habit of enjoying himself in
St. Paul during the legislative sessions and did
honor to his function by wearing the garb of the
white man cut in the extreme of fashion and
which he promptly doffed and took to the woods
so soon as his nerves had recovered their tone
upon the adjournment of the legislature.
Now, that providence which was looking out
for the interests of St. Paul had in its wisdom
directed the president of the council to make Joe
Rolette chairman of the Enrollment Committee.
It appears nowhere that Mr. Rolette had partic-
ularlv adorned this office, but perhaps, he was
simply waiting for his opportunity. As chair-
man of the committee on enrolled bills he came
into possession of the capitol reinoval act. The
bill was turned over to Rolette February 27th.
He had hitherto been very consistent in standing
by St. Paul with his vote and whatever influ-
ence he had, but this had been without avail.
When the bill was turned over to him a great
white liglit illumined the mind of the niemlier
from Pembina and he proceeded to the execution
of an ins])ire(l project. Suliseqnent events go to
show that it would be absurd to propose that
Rolette acted without the connivance of his fel-
low-members.
PAST AND PRESENT OE ST. PAUL.
163
He left the capitul at the close of a strenuous
day and went to his hotel with the removal bill
in his inside pocket. The Euller House was the
leading hotel in the city and was located at the
corner of Seventh and Jackson streets. It was
much atTected by rrentlemen of convivial or po-
litical frame of mind and Joe contributed largely
to the promotion of gayety at that hostelry by
bestowing himself and his goods there during
the legislative session. There was a bank on
the ground floor of the building conducted by
Truman M. Smith, and Joe deposited with jNIr.
Smith a package which he said was of consid-
erable value and which he desired Smith to keep
until he called for it. In the package was the
bill which controlled the fortunes of St. Peter
and St. Paul. After leaving the bank Rolette
disappeared into the hotel and was seen no more
ill public until his fortunes had so shaped them-
selves that he was entitled to and was accorded
such measure of public acclaim as had not hither-
to been vouchsafed any sojourner in the city of
St. Paul. He changed his room to a remote lo-
cation on the top floor and ordered that it be
stocked with such creature comforts as might be
most affective by an active man compelled to lie
perdue.
When the council was called to order the next
morning there were fourteen members present,
Rolette being the only absentee. Sergant-at-
.\rms John AI. Lamb, was sent out to find Rolette
and there is ground for the belief that he found
the member from Pembina, but evinced no par-
ticular anxiety to hail him from his hiding place.
The call of the council which resulted in Lamb
going forth on the errand, which he reported as
futile, resulted in the undoing of the St. Peter
townsite boomers. John B. Brisbin, of St. Paul,
was in the chair, and when the opponents of the
bill sought to dispense with the call, and the
motion was supported by a vote of nine to five,
the chairman ruled that it required a two-thirds
vote to dispense with the call, and that nine was
not two-thirds of fourteen. Under ordinarv leg-
islative rules no other business than that in hand,
when a call of the house is ordered, can be under-
taken until the call is dispensed with, and this
motion to be elTectivc must be supported bv two-
thirds of the members present. It is probable
that Brisbin had foreseen what would occur
when Rolette's presence with the enrolled bill
was required. In any event, the St. Peter men
were trapped by their own proceeding, and if
Rolette remained absent and the call in force
until the expiration of the assembly by limitation,
their bill was hopelessly lost.
NINE IS NOT TWO-THIRDS OF FOURTEEN.
IJalcombe, of Winona, spent many hours in
trying to prove to the satisfaction of Brisbin that
nine was, in fact, two-thirds of fourteen. Bris-
bin was as obdurate as Balcombe was persistent
and nothing came of the argument. Balcombe,
who appears to have led the fight on that partic-
ular day and occasion, presented a resolution
calling upon the chairman of the enrolling com-
mittee to return the bill, and, in case he did not
comply with terms of the resolution, empowering
Mr. Wales, of St. Anthony, to secure another
enrolled copy and report it to the council on
Monday, the resolution being offered on Satur-
day, February 28th. This was supplemented by
another resolution directing Wales to have the
substitute copy signed by the speaker of the
house and the president of the council and pre-
sent it to the governor. Balcombe over-reached
himself in this by reading the resolutions him-
self, and submitting them to a vote; whereupon
Brisbin ruled that the resolutions were not before
the council. When Balcombe offered to with-
draw the resdlutions, Brisbin ruled that they
could not be withdrawn, not having been pre-
sented. The council then settled down to a
siege which might onl\- be raised b\' the failure
of Rolette to remain in hiding, and the session
continued for 123 hours. No member could
leave the capitol, except by consent, and this, of
course, was not forthcoming; and outside of the
capitol the populace of St. Paul jeered at the St.
Peter members of the legislature and rejoiced in
the absence of Rolette. Food was carried to the
ca|)itol in baskets and hampers and the members
slept on improvised beds beside their desks. And
so it continued until ^larch 5th, when an adjourn-
ment was had bv nnitual consent under an agree-
i"4
PAST A\|) I 'RESENT OF ST. I'AfL.
nunt that wlien the Ijody met again, the call would
still be in force. The adjournment was taken
until March 7th, when the session would expire
by limitation.
For Rolette, there was not a dull hour in any
of the 123 during which his colleagues awaited
his appearance. There was not, as has been re-
marked, much loose political money in St. Paul,
but there was forthcoming quite enough to keep
Joe supplied with liquid and solid provender ; he
had company at all hc^urs, and John M. Lamb,
the sergeant-at-arms, who was so assiduously
seeking him. spent many an hour in playing
cards with the voluntary prisoner. Just before
noon on jMonday, as the life of the council was
about to expire, Rolette, who had been auda-
ciously smuggled into the capitol building,
walked into the council chamber and uncon-
cernedly announced that he desired to report the
bill. Amidst the clamor made by th-e St. Peter
men Joe liad no immediate chance to make him-
self heard, and before he secured the attention
of John B. Brisbin. who had his eyes on the
clock, the hands of that honored aid to legisla-
tion were blushingly covering the figure twelve
and Brisbin urbanely announced that the session
was adjourned without day. As evidencing the
sense of humor of those who had the better end
of the Rolette joke, it is worthy to note that the
report which Rolette offered to make declared
that the committee had been unable to report be-
cause of the absence of the chairman — and this
report was signed by the chairman, personally.
The defeat of the legislation did not altogether
kill the hopes of the St. Peter rnen. It was
known that Governor Gorman would go a long
way to legalize the capital removal, and an at-
tempt was made to make it appear that the bill
had really jjasst-d through all the legislative
phases, and a co])y of the bill was signed by Gor-
man. But T^.risbin, as president of council, had
a check for Gorman and declined to sign the
copy, giving seven reasons for his declination.
Of these seven reasons it is sufficient to quote
two :
"I have no evidence that any bill of the con-
tents of the accompanying ever passed the coun^
cil."
"The bill had been out of the hands of the en-
rolling committee and in the possession of two
other members of the council to the personal
knowledge of the president."
Mr. Brisbin had five other reasons, but it will
be seen that it was scarcely necessary to cite
them.
But Governor Gorman was not to be balked.
He appointed a commission, composed of W. A.
Davis, of Scott county; M. (jrover, of Winona
county, and D. A. Secomb to erect a capitol
building at St. Peter. But the project was never
carried out, even though an appeal was made to
the courts for a writ of mandamus to compel the
removal of the officers from St. Paul to St.
Peter. Judge R. R. Nelson, of the territorial
court, put a quietus to the St. Peter project in a
decision which he concludes as follows :
"We are of the opinion, therefore, that there
has been no law passed by the legislative power
of the territory removing the capital from St.
Paul to St. Peter. The application or mandamus
is therefore refused."
But the fate that was the undoing of the St.
Peter boomers led Joe Rolette to the places of
the mighty, ^^'hen the legislature adjourned he
was the hero of the hour, and the people of St.
Paul raised for him a purse of $2,500 — which
they got back with so much speed as Joe could
properl)- exercise in getting to a place where it
could be spent for the entertainment of the citizens
who bad bestowed it. And to the end, that honor
may fall to whom it is due, it must be here stated
that the distinction of saving the capital to St.
Paul on that occasion must be shared by Rolette
with John B. Brisbin, of St. Paul ; Plenry N.
Setzler, of Taylor's I-'alls ; John 1!. I). Luddcn,
of St. Paul : William Pitt Murra>-, of St. Paul,
and some others, who by the countenance and
companionship they gave Rolette, and their ca-
pacity in debate, made his humble effort to be
successful.
The capitol that was erected in 1854 endured
until ATarch i, 1881, when, during a legislative
session, it was destroyed by fire. It had served
its purpose during the primary processes of
state-making, and its destruction was the signal
for another attempt to remove the capital from
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ific
St. Paul. At that time the cit\- had just com-
pleted the erection of the market house at Seventh
and Wabasha streets, and there was no difficulty
about supplying a place for the immediate re-
sumption of the legislative session and temporary
offices for the state officials. The ambitions of
the people of St. Anthony, who had became the
people of Minneapolis, for capital honors, had
been stimulated by the fact that in the fight
incident to the attempts to pass the St. Peter re-
moval bill, William Pit Murray, a member from
St. Paul, had, in the debate on the bill, offered an
amendment striking out the hill wherever there
occurred the word St, Peter and inserting Nicol-
let Island, between ^Minneapolis and St. Anthony."
While this amendment was undoubtedly made in
good faith, it was, of course, inspired by a desire
to defeat the aims of the St. Peter crowd. Con-
sidering that the capital was lost to St. Paul, Mr.
^furrav simplv aimed at indicating where it
should be located. The house voting on Mur-
ray's amendment cast eighteen votes for and
nineteen against it, and if the four representa-
tives from St. .Anthony and Minneapolis, who
voted in the negative, had voted for the amend-
ment, the capital would probably have gone to
Nicollet Island, as there were two men in the
council. Wells, of St. Anthony, and Bassett, of
Minneapois, who had voted for St. Peter, and
who would assuredly have voted for the amend-
ment had they had the opportunity in their sec-
tion of the assembly. The consequence of this
action was the precipitation of a rabid fight in
Minneapolis and St. .\nthony in which the mem-
bers who voted against the Murray amendment
were anathematized, enthusiastically and un-
thinkingly.
MINNE.\POI.IS 1I.\KES .\ EID.
After the fire of i88r, IMinncapolis made a set
effort to secure the removal of the capital accord-
ing to the terms of the Murray amendment of
1857, practically. Loring Park was tendered by
Minneapolis for the capitol site, and a sharp
campaign started in which the sinews of war
were not wanting. Indeed, it may be said now
that the attempt might easily have proved suc-
cessful if it had not been for the firm stand taken
by Governor John S. Pillsbury, whose position
was that it would be despicable to take advan-
tage of the unfortunate calamity which had des-
troyed the capitol building in St. Paul. With the
governor supporting the measure an act was
easily passed appropriating the sum of $75,000
for the purpose of rebuilding the capitol, it being
assumed that the old walls could be used. But
these being found unsafe, an extra session, held
in September, 1881, in the Market House, made
an additional appropriation of $100,000 for the
building of the capitol. Ultimately there was ex-
pended on this capitol, which did service until
the completion of the present structure, $275,000.
It was first occupied by the legislature of 1883,
Within eight years of its construction the old
capitol building was found to be inadequate to
the requirements of the enormously increased
business of the state and a menace to the health
of the people compelled to use it, and steps were
taken looking to the construction of a new capi-
tol in another location — a project in which there
was involved the ambition that was still dormant
in Minneapolis. As to the events leading up to
the construction of the new capitol the present
writer can do no better than to quote from the
paper written by Mr. W. B. Dean on '"The Capi-
tols of Minnesota," and read before the State
Historical Society in January, 1906:
"One day in March, 1891, during a session of
the senate, the Hon. F. G. Mc^Millan. represent-
ing the thirtieth senatorial district, in Hennepin
countv, adjoining the Ramsey county boundary,
and a member of the majority party, came to the
writer and submitted the following resolution,
with a recjuest to read and give him an opinion
on it.
"Resolved, That a committee of three be ap-
pointed by the president of the senate to investi-
gate and report its findings to the next session
of the legislature, as to what in their judgment
is the most desirable capital site, and if the pres-
ent location is not of sufficient size for said capi-
tol building, and also to report if the best inter-
ests of the state could be better served by the
removal to a new location where larger and bet-
ter accommodations could be obtained, and a
I ( )6
I'AS'l" AXl) J 'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Capitol building erected commensurate with the
dignity of a great and prosperous state, to the
end that the state at large may be informed as to
merits of the different proposed sites, and that
the next legislature may, if thought advisable,
aduin a site and create a commission and instruct
them in an intelligent manner as to the wants of
this state, and the amount that will be required
t(i erect a suitable capitol building. Also to oli-
tain information as to size, style, material used,
and cost of capitol buildings of other states, if
thought advisable, together with an estimated
statement of their cost, and the sum total of the
complete building, and all other information that
may come to them in this investigation of this
subject, with the view that this state may avoid
the errors and mistakes of other state commis-
sions, who are known to have in a great many
cases exceeded their authority, and spent large
sums of money in excess of the amount originally
set apart for that purpose, and that a commission,
when appointed, shall enter knowingly into a
contract for a building complete in every respect,
to be built in a reasonable length of time, and for
a definite sum of money, and also held to a strict
accountability and a distinct understanding that
for the sum named and set apart to be expended
for a capitol building, the state expects a com-
pleted building, ready for occupancy, and all
within the limits of the amount appropriated for
that purpose.
■'It seemed like a gift from the Greeks, and it
was not possible to exclude from one's mind the
susjjicion that beneath lurked another plan, for
an agitation of the whole capitol question. There
is now no doubt of the sincerity of Senator Mc-
Millan's purpose, but the writer after reading the
resolution handed it back with the remark that
its purpose was not then practicable.
"Mr. McMillan, however, ofl'ercd his resolu-
tion, when notice of debate was given, and later
upon motion of Senator Crandall, of ( )watnnna,
it was promptly laid upon the table. A quiet
conference of the Ramsey county senators was
held soon after, when it was determined to en-
courage Senator McMillan to make another ef-
ffjrt for the favorable consideration of his reso-
lution, and on Afiril 3d he olTcrccl it again, and
favorable action was secured by a vote of
twenty-five to eighteen, Senator Crandall. ujwn
whose motion it was laid upon the table, voting
in the affirmative. On April 13th the president
of the senate, G. S. Ives, of St. Peter, announced
the committee to be appointed under resolution
as follows: Senators F. G. Mc^Iillan, of Min-
neapolis ; William B. Dean, of St. Paul ; and Jay
Le Rue, of Luverne. A few days after, upon mo-
tion of Senator Oscar Ayers, the number of the
committee was increased to five, and Senators
Ayers, of Austin, and Henry Keller, of Sauk
Center, were added. As developed afterwards,
all the members of the committee were found to
be favorable to a new capitol building, and all
excepting Senator McMillan, that it should be
located at St. Paul, not far from the site occupied
by the old capitol.
"On the same dav that the committee made its
report to the senate, the writer introduced a bill
for the construction of a new capitol. It must
be confessed that the bill was introduced with
considerable trepidation. For it seemed like the
wildest flight of fancy to suppose that with the
republicans in control of the house, and the dem-
ocratic alliance members of the senate, such a
bill from a minority senator should be consid-
ered with any favor. The majority of the senate
had been elected upon a widely heralded platform
of economy and reform, and it seemed almost in-
credible to believe that the senate majority would
permit a bill to be passed, appropriating the un-
precedented sum of $2,ocHD,ooo, besides at the
same time, forever settling the burning question
of the permanent capitol of the state. It was the
first time within the history of Minnesota legis-
lation that the St. Paul delegation assumed an
aggressive attitude on the capitol question.
"But the prize was worth the fight : for if suc-
cessful it would forever settle the location of the
seat of government, besides releasing the St.
I'aul delegation from the const;mtly recurring
fears of removal, which had often in times past
made it so subservient to the most unworthy
demands. .Xs soon as the act became law. Gov-
ernor Nelson advised with Mr. Kelley and the
writer, as to suitable persons to be aiijiointed the
cnminissioners, for which the law provided.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
167
Channing Seabury, of St. Paul ; H. W. Lamber-
ton, of Winona ; George A. Du Toit, of Carver ;
John De Laitre, of Minneapolis; C. H. Graves, of
Dulntli, and James McHench, of Martin county,
were appointed and confirmed by the senate.
Mr. Edgar Weaver, of Mankato, occupied the
place of Mr. McITench, who died not long after
his appointment. The remaining six members of
the board are the original appointees of Governor
Nelson.
"The plans and designs submitted by Mr. Cass
Gilbert, the architect, and accepted by the com-
missioners, were for a building of the most state-
ly and dignified character, well befitting the offi-
cial home of a prosperous and cultured people.
The architecture is the Italian renaissance. It
commands admiration at once by its classic sim-
plicity, and, surmounted by a superb and majes-
tic dome, recalls to the beholder those celebrated
structures of Europe that have been the study of
lovers of the beautiful in architecture, since the
days of the great masters created them. As
Dante sat on his famous seat, sat for hours lost
in contemplation of the beautiful cathedral of
Florence, so may we and our children for gen-
erations to come sit and study and learn what
is most beautiful and classic in art in our admira-
tion of Mr. Gilbert's great creation."
THE XEW STATE CAPITOL.
In pursuance of the legislation enacted there
was erected and completed in less than fourteen
years after the inauguration of the project a
magnificent structure which is concededlv one of
the finest representative public buildings in the
country. Good judgment and taste, as well as
discretion in the expenditure of money marked
the entire proceeding and no breath of scandal
attached to the work in anv particular — a fact
unhappily too unique to be allowed to go unre-
corded. The Capitol occupies the most eminent
site in the city, commanding a magnificent pros-
pect, and its architectural beauties are displayed
to the greatest advantage.
Ground was broken for the structure in 1894
and the corner stone was laid July 27, 1808, with
due solemnity. Seven years later the building
was completed and occupied. While it was in
state of unreadiness. Governor Van Sant in the
expiring days of his term of office took posses-
sion of the executive offices but the building was
really occupied first by Governor John A. John-
son and the officers elected with him in the fall
of 1904, and taking office the first of the follow-
ing year.
Cass Gilbert, of St. Paul, was the designer and
architect of the building and the construction
work on the foundation was done by Grover J.
Grant and on the superstructure by Butler
Brothers and Ryan Company. The total amount
expended on the building was $4,337,849, which
includes the costs of the grounds. This expendi-
ture might be increased by the appropriation
made by the city of St. Paul for bettering the
surroundings and it is proposed to further in-
crease the expenditure on the part of the city by
the laying out of elaborate parkways as ap-
proaches to the buildings and grounds. The di-
mensions of the building are :
Ground to top of ball on dome, 224 feet ;
length, 435 feet; depth in center, 230 feet; east
and west pavilions , 135 feet. Diameter of interior
of dome, 60 feet; ground to dome platform, 91
feet, 9 inches ; platform to top of ball, 132 feet,
3 inches. The beautiful symmetry of the build-
ing has appealed to the entire country and its
interior appointments and equipment are quite in
keeping with its magnificent proportions.
While the resources of the United States were
held to be sufficient to yield the building material
and a great part of the heavy structural mate-
rial was taken from the quarries of Minnesota,
no narrowness of view bound the commissioners
or the architect in selecting the materials neces-
sary to the completion of the splendid whole.
The quarries of the old world were drawn upon
where it was necessary and the most accom-
plished artists of the world gave of the best in
them in embellishing the structure.
The foundation walls are of Winona lime-
stone ; the basement St. Cloud granite. The ex-
terior is of Georgia marble ; the foundation of
the dome is of Kettle River, Minnesota, sand-
stone ; the dome is of Georgia marble and the
steps of St. Cloud, JNIinnesota, granite. A brief
1 68
PAST AXl) I'RESEXT OF ST. PAL'L.
but intimate and lucid description of the interior
of the building may best be given in the language
of the architect, Cass Gilbert :
First Moor. — The facings of walls, arches in
rotunda and facings in corridors and rotunda are
Kascita ami Mankato ( .Minnescita ) limestone, pol-
ished.
The two niarlilc benches, placed one on each
side of the central door of main entrance, were
presented to the state, for this building. l)v ^Ir.
John De Laittre. of Minneapolis, who has been
a member of the Board of State Capitol Commis-
sioners since the appointment of the commission
in 1893. These benches were imi)ortel from Italy
and are very old and rare.
(jovernor's Reception Room. — The wainscot of
this room is of oak, elaboratelv carved, and orna-
mented in dull gold. The walls above wainscot,
and the ceiling, are heavily gilded. A painting
by Mr. F. D. Millet, "The Treaty of Traverse des
Sioux," and one by Mr. Douglas Volk, "Discov-
ery of the Falls of St. Anthony by Father Henne
pin." are jilaccd at the east and west ends of
this room. Four other pictures, depicting Minne-
sota's [jart in the Civil war. are to lie placed in
the four large panels.
(irand Staircases. — The stair-treads, rails and
liases arc of Hauteville marble (from France.)
The balusters are Skyros marlile ((jreece). The
oval panels, in marble, are Breche \'iolette ( Italy ),
and the dark yellow are Old Convent Siena ( It-
aly ) . The carved designs around the oval panels
are Kasota (Minnesota) stone.
Second Floor. — The facings and arches in ro-
tunda are of Kasota and Mankato (Minnesota)
stone; railing of Hauteville marble; the liulusters
and benches of .Skyros marble. The border of
red stono in rutimda is l'i])estone (Minnesota)
jasper. The dark \c!low ])anels are Siena mar-
ble. The fnur columns (two north two south)
are of Ortonville ( Minnesota) granite, and tin-
four columns (two east and two west) are St.
('loud (^linnesota) granite. The thirty-six col-
umns in east and west stair corridors are of Breche
X'iolctte marble (Italy). The casings of the
doors and windows arc ludiaillon marble
(France.)
In the floors. Inliel flllinois) stone and Ten-
nessee marble ])revail. Inn other marbles, such
as the Xumidian (Africa) Siena and while \'er-
mont are used, to give proper designs and color-
ing.
The general decorations of the entire building
are bv Mr. Elmer E. Garnsey, of New York. The
picture at the cast end of the east corridor is by
Mr. KeuAon Cox. The central figure repre-
sents "Contemfilation" or "Thought." The fig-
ures to the right and left represent "Law" and
"Letters," respectively. At the corresponding
place at the west end of west corridor, over en-
trance to senate, is a pairting by Mr. H. O. Walk-
er. "The Progress of the Flame" ( or the Trans-
mission of Knowledge from the Past, through the
Present, to the Future. ) The twelve smaller
paintings (by Garnsey) in the corridors, are as
follows: East — Milling, Stone Cutting, Win-
nowing, Commerce, ^Mining and Navigation.
West — Hunting, The Pioneer, Sowing, Dairy-
maid, Logging, Horticulture.
The four large panels in the rotunda, by Ed-
ward Simmons, represent "The Civilization of
the Northwest."
1. Southeast panel — The .\merican Genius —
a young man — leaves home.
2. Southwest panel — Led bv Wisdom and
Hope, he banishes savagery.
3. Northwest panel — Still le<l by Wisdom and
Hope, he breaks the soil.
4. Northeast panel- — Having now acquirec'.
Wisdom, he distributes Minnesota products.
Supreme Court Room. — The marble used is
white \'ermont ; the furniture mahogany.
The four pictures in the supreme court, by b Im
La Farge. represent "Tlie llistorv or 1". volution
of Law."
T. Fast wall — Moses receiving the law on
^loutit Sinai.
2. \\'est wall — Socrates discussing Greek law
with his friends.
3. North wall — Confucius, tln' ('liinese ]iliil-
osopher, examines manuscripts.
4. South wall — Count Raymond, in Rome,
lakes the oath of allegiance.
Senate Cliamber. — The marble used in this
chamber is Fleur de Pcche (from France). Tlie
two iiaintings in the large lunellcs are 1)\ Mr.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
169
Edwin H. Blashfield. The title of the lunette in
the north wall is "The Discoverers and the Civil-
izers led to the Source of the Mississippi." The
title of the lunette in the south wall is "^Minne-
sota, the Grain State." The four decorative com-
positions, "Courage," "Equality," "Freedom" and
"Justice," and the general decorations of the
chamber, are the work of Mr. E. E. Garnsey.
The furniture is mahogany.
Senate Retiring Room. — The ceiling of this
room is in dull gold with panels of gray-blue.
The wall panels are deep crimson, covered with
\'enetian patterns in dull gold, mantels of oak.
Fireplaces and hearths of red Xumidian marble
( Africa. )
House of Representatives. — The marlile used
in this chamber is white Vermont. The decora-
tions are by Mr. E. E. Garnsey. The furniture
is mahogany.
House Retiring Room. — The beamed ceiling is
decorated in colors and dull gold. The walls are
wainscotted with oak, and above the wainscot is
painted a continuous frieze of tree trunks, foli-
age and wild flowers. The mantel and fire-place
are red Numidian marble (Africa.)
Third Floor. — On this floor are located the gal-
leries of the senate and house. The decorations
in the dome corridors are h\ Mr. E. E. Garn-
sey. Opposite each of the arches are circular
panels (by Garnsey), representing the Four Sea-
sons. The large lunettes on the north and south
walls (by Garnsey), represent the Farmer, Shep-
herd, Woodman and Sailor.
General Constructinn. — The entire building is
thoroughly fireproof throughout. The exterior
marble is backed by brick walls two to four feet
thick. Division walls are of brick. Partitions
are of hollow tile. Floors are of same material,
arched and resting up steel beams. The walls sup-
porting the dome (above the piers) are of brick,
seven feet thick over the arches. Wood floors (in
rooms) are nailed to narrow strips, bedded in
concrete. The rnni is of liollou' tilt and concrete,
resting on steel beams and faced with glazed tile
on the exterior. All plastering is done on ex-
panded metal lathing.
The heating and lighting plant is built on Au-
rora avenue, about three hundred feet east of the
main building, and is connected with it by an
underground tunnel (two hundred and seventy-
six feet long), twenty feet below the surface of
the ground.
CHAPTER XVn.
THE MINNF.SOT.V HISTURIC.M- SOCIETY
By Warren Upham.
The first legislature of Minnesota Territory,
by an act a]iproved by Governor Ramsey on Oc-
tober JO. 1 1*^49, incorporated the Minnesota His-
ter members, nameh' : C. K. Smith, David Olm-
sted. H. H. Sibley, Aaron Goodrich, David Coop-
er, B. B. Meeker, A. M. Mitchell. T. R. Potts,
J. C. Ramsey, H. M. Rice, F. Steele, Charles W.
Borup, D. B. Eoomis, M. S. Wilkinson, L. A.
Babcock, Henry Jackson. W. D. Phillips, Wil-
liam H. Forbes and Martin McEeod. The ob-
ject of the society was defined to be "the collec-
tion and preservation of a library, mineralogical
and geological specimens, Indian curiosities, and
other matters and things connected with, and
calculated to illustrate and perpetuate the history
and settlement of said territory."
On November 15, 1849, this society was for-
mally organized in the office of Charles K. Smith,
the territorial secretary, to whose zealous eflforts,
chiefl}', the passage of the act and the earliest
work of the society in promoting immigration
and other interests of the new territory were due.
In his first meeting. Governor Alexander Ramsey
was elected as president ; David Olmsted and
]\Iartin ^TcLeod. vice presidents; William H.
Forbes, treasurer ; and C. K. Smith, secretary.
The office of Afr. Smith, where the meeting was
held, was in' the southeast front room on the first
floor of a two-story clapboarded log house on
Bench street, called the "Central House," occu-
pied then and later as a hotel and boarding house.
OFFtCER.S .-XNn EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Governor Ramsey continued as president of
the society fourteen years, until in 1863 he went
I70
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PALX.
to \\ashingtun as senator, and he was again its
president during the last twelve years of his life,
from 1891 to KJ03. Secretary Smith left the ter-
ritory in 1851, returning to his former home
in (Jhiu ; and Xovemher 18, 1851, Rev. Edward
D. Neill was elected secretary. This position he
held twelve years, meanwhile publishing in 1858
the first edition of his '"History of Minnesota."
During the interval of twenty-eight years, from
1863 to 1891, between the long terms of presi-
dency of Governor Ramsey, the following were
successively presidents of this society : Hon.
Henry M. Rice. 1864-66: Gen. Henry H. Sibley,
1867; Gov. \\illiaiu R. .Marshall, 1868; George
A. Hamilton, i86q; Rev. John Mattocks, 1870;
Captain Russell Blakeley, 187 1 ; Charles E. Mayo,
1872; Hon. Elias F. Drake, 1873: Hon. George
L. Becker, 1874: Dr. Robert C). Sweeny, 1S75 ;
Gen.H. H. Sibley. 1876; Rt. Rev. John Ireland,
1877 and 1878: and General Sibley for the next
twelve years, from 1879 until his death in 1891.
The long terms of Sibley and Ramsey as presi-
dents, each holding that office, by re-elections for
twelve years, were followed by the presidency
of Gen. John B. Sanborn one year, from May,
1903. until he died, May 16, 1904. Hon. Green-
leaf Clark was next elected president in Septem-
ber, 1904, and died December 7th of that year.
In February, 1905, Nathaniel P. Langford was
elected president, and was re-elected in February,
1906, for the ensuing triennial term.
After Dr. Edward L. Neill's long term as sec-
retary that office was held a short time by Wil-
liam H. Kelley ; during the next three years,
1864-67, by Charles E. Mayo ; during the follow-
ing twenty-six years, to September, 1893. 1)\-
John Fletcher Williams; from October. 181)3, t"
March, 1895, by Gov. W. R. Marshall ; and for
the last ten years, since November. 1895. bv War-
ren Upham.
This .society's duties were extended 1)\- an act of
the seventh territorial legislature, approved March
I, 1856, of which the third section says: "The
objects of said society, with the enlarged powers
and duties herein provided, shall be, in addition
to the collection and preservation of publications,
manuscripts, antiquities, curiosities, and all other
things pertaining to tlic social, ])olilical and nat-
ural history of Minnesota, to cultivate among the
citizens thereof a knowledge of the useful and
liberal arts, science and literature."
The same act required the election of an exec-
utive council, consisting of not more than twenty-
five members of the society, to serve during three
years, with elections of their successors triemiially
thereafter. The duties of the council were de-
fined as follows: "The executive council shall
elect and appoint all officers and such agents and
collaborators of the society, resident and non-resi-
dent, as they may deem necessary or useful, and
the executive council shall have the custody of
all the property, real and personal, of the society,
and shall frame such by-laws and constitution
for their government as they may deem expedi-
ent, and do all other things not inconsistent with
this act, essential to the prosperity of the soci-
ety."
In 1874 he state legislature increased the exec-
utive council to thirty elective members, and add-
ed as ex-officio councilors the six principal ad-
ministrative officers of the state, namely, the gov-
ernor, lieutenant governor, secretary, auditor,
treasurer and attorney general.
MEETING.S AND WORK OF THE SOCIETY.
.\ccording to the by-laws of the society, adopt-
ed in 1879, its annual meetings are held on the
second Monday succeeding the assembling of the
legislature, in years when a session is held, and
in other years on the second Monday of January.
Meetings of the council are held on the second
Monday of each month, excepting omission in
Jiuif. July and .\ugust.
I'rom a ])aper entitled "Homes and Habitations
of the ^linnesota Historical Society," by Charles
E. Mays, in the eighth volume of the society's His-
torical Collections, the following brief history of
its work is sunnuarized, ni) to 1883, when '.ts
rooms in the second capitol, tluii new. were first
occupied.
An ;innual meeting was held January r. 1850,
in the Methodist church on Ahirket street, witli an
address by Rev. F.dward 1). .\eill, on "The
French Voyageurs to Minnesota During the Sev-
enteenth Centurv."
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
171
In an adjourned meeting two weeks later, a
constitution and b^'-laws were adopted. The con-
stitution made the officers, five in number, an ex-
ecutive council. In 1856, as already noted, a
legislative act provided triennial elections of the
council, with permission to increase its member-
ship to twenty-five.
The second annual meeting of the society was
held January 13, 1 85 1, in the same church as the
year before, and President Ramsey delivered an
address entitled "Our Field of Historical Re-
search." Papers by Rev. Stephen R. Riggs on
"The Dakota Language," ana by Henry R.
Schoolcraft on "The History and Physical Geog-
raphy of Minnesota," were read by Martin Mc-
Leod and George L. Becker, and were published,
as well as the addresses previously mentioned, in
the society's annals.
January 29, 1851. a meeting was held at the
brick building, known as the "Rice House," in
the council chamber, on Third street, between
Washington and Franklin streets, when a resolu-
tion was adopted, approving the project of pub-
lishing a Dakota lexicon, and a committee was
appointed to procure subscribers. The work was
prepared by Rev. S. R. Riggs and was published
by the Smithsonian Institution under the patron-
age of this historical society. It was highly ex-
tolled by literary and scientific men at home and
abroad, and served a good purpose in making a
name and reputation for the young society in lit-
erary circles.
January ig, 1852, Lieut. J. 11. Simpson deliv-
ered the annual address in the Methodist church.
Ftbruary 7, 1853, the annual meeting was held
in the hall of the house of representatives in the
capitol. Martin ]McLeod read a paper prepared
by H. H. Sibley on "The Life and Services of J.
N. Nicollet ;" and William H. Forbes read an
essay, written by Rev. George A. Belcourt. on
"The Department of Hudson's Bay." At this
meeting the thanks of the society were tendered
to Hon. H. S. Geyer, of ^Missouri, for the great
interest he had taken in increasing the library of
the society. This is the earliest mention, in the
records, of a library.
.At the annua! meeting of January 17, 1854, a
committee was appointed to secure a room in the
capitol for the use of the society. No mention is
made, in the records, of rooms occupied by the
society up to this date ; and there is no record of
occupancy of a room in the capitol until Novem-
ber 27, 1855, wdien it is recorded that the society
"met for the first time in the hall set apart in
the capitol for their use, and properly furnished
with shelves for the reception of books and other
donations."
Four days later, on December ist, another
meeting was held in this room in the capitol, when
the secretary. Rev. Mr. Neill, reported as a
motto, for the society's seal, the words "Lux e
tenebris." There was a large attendance, many
donations and deposits were made, and fifteen ap-
plications were received for membership.
In the annual meeting on January 15, 1856,
Col. D. A. Robertson reported the sale of sixty-
two life memberships at twenty-five dollars each,
the proceeds of which were to be applied to pav-
ment on two lots at the corner of Tenth and Wa-
basha streets, purchased from \'etal Guerin for
fifteen hundred dollars. A committee was ap-
pointed to arrange for laying the corner stone of
a hall to be erected on the society's lots, and, if
possible, to procure an address on the occasion,
from George Bancroft, Lewis Cass, or Thomas
H. Benton. Mr. Neill read a paper on the life
and writings of Hennepin.
February i, 1856, Hon. H. H. Sibley delivered
the annual address, entitled "Reminiscences, His-
torical and Personal," in which he paid honorable
tribute to the character of the Indian traders.
.\t a special meeting March 21, 1856, the char-
ter having been amended by an act of the legisla-
ture, a council of twenty-five members was elect-
ed, eight of whom resided in parts of the state
outside of St. Paul.
The corner stone of the projected building for
the use of the society was laid June 24. 1856,
with a grand celebration and Masonic ceremonies.
.\ procession was formed at the Winslow House,
on the corner of Fort and Eagle streets, and
marched to the grounds, preceded by a band and
accompanied by Sherman's Battery from Fort
Snelling, which had won distinction in the Mexi-
can war under the name of the "Flying Artil-
lery.'' An address was delivered in the open air
172
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
by the mayor, Hon. George I.. Llecker, followuil
hy an address from Lieut. M. !•". .Maury of the
I'nited States Coast Survey. The expense in-
curred on the excavation and foundation wall
having absorbed the available funds of the soci-
ety, further prosecution of the work was shortly
afterward abandoned.
During the year 1856 two meetings were held
in the ISaldwin schoolhouse, which stood on the
site of the new postofifice building fronting on
Rice Park.
At a meeting of the council January 13, 1858,
William H. Kelley was appointed actuary, and
continued to serve in that capacity until Julv,
1859, during which period he did good service in
arranging and classifying the collections of the
society. At about this time, the society's room
in the capitol being required for the use of the
state auditor, it became necessary to remove its
])roperty into a smaller room suitable only for
storage.
Few meetings of this society were held during
the troubled period of the Civil war. (Jne is re-
corded as held April 11, 1864, about two months
after the election of Mr. Mayo as secretary, when
it was voted to rent a small room adjoining the
St. Paul lil^rary room, in Ingersoll's Block, and
that such portion of the collection as was thought
desirable for exhibition should be moved to the
new quarters, which was accordingly done. The
society continued to occupy this room for aliout
four years.
May 19, 1S66, a committee of the society, im-
der the direction of William H. Kelley and Alfred
J. Hill, excavated some of the mounds on Day-
ton's liluff. and an elalinratc refxirt was made at
the next monthly meeting.
January 21. 1867, J. Fletchei' Williams was
elected secretary, and served in that capacity
through a period of twenty-six years.
May I. 1867. members of the society and sev-
eral invited guests celebraterl the centenary of
Carver's treaty with the Indians, by a visit to
Carver's cave in the afternoon and a meeting at
the society's room in the evening, when Rev.
John ATattocks read a paper on the life and trav-
els of Captain Jonathan Carver.
.\la\ 15, 1807. the reniain<ler of the library
was removed from the capitol to the room in In-
gersoll's Block.
September 26, 1867, the society had a field
meeting at Lake iNlinnetonka for excaavting some
of the mounds in that region. Two mounds were
o])ened, and a number of skeletons were e.xhumed.
The skulls, which were in a good sUite of pres-
ervation, and some pieces of aboriginal pottery
were placed in the museum.
Rooms in the basement of the capitol liaving
been provided for the society, the council met
in their new quarters for the first time, Novem-
ber 9. 1868, and the president, Hon. William R.
Alarshall. made an address appropriate to the
occasion.
December iC'i, 1873. a special meeting was held
to celelirate the one-hundredth anniversary of the
destruction of tea in Boston Harbor. Rev. John
Mattocks and Hon. Aaron Goodrich read original
papers relating to that event.
In the council meeting on November 8, 1875,
Rev. John Mattocks announced the death of Rev.
Sterling V. McMasters, a member of the council,
and paid a just and touching tribute to his per-
sonal worth and his services for the society. .\t
the next monthly meeting, December 13th. (ien-
eral Sibley announced the death of Rev. Mr. Mat-
tocks, who had been a member of the council
for nearly nineteen years, and read a pa])er re-
citing his eminent and faithful services to this
society and the community. These deceased coun-
cilors had been warm personal frieirds. anfl were
very highly esteemed as valuable members of tin'
society.
November 13, 1876, an acrimonious contro-
vers\- was begun in the cmmcil meeting, relative
to the rights of the cotmcil in its control i>f the
property and management of the business of the
society. This contention, inaugurated by Judge
.\aron Goodrich, extended through two years,
anfl finally culminated in the complete vindica-
fidii (if the society as represented by the executive
council, through a decision of the stale supreme
court.
lOecember 9, 7878, the cotmcil met in the new
ai)artnicnts in the baseinent of the capitol, cspe-
PAST AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
1/3
cialh" prepared for the society in an addition to
this liuilcHng just erected.
Jidy 3, 1880, the society celebrated, at Minne-
apolis, the two-lnnidredth anniversary of the dis-
covery of the Emails of St. Anthony by Louis
Hennepin. Hon. C. K. Davis delivered a schol-
arlv oration, and A. P. Miller read an original
poem, followed by addresses by Governor Ram-
sev, Gen. William T. Sherman, and Bishop Ire-
land. A number of military celebrities and dig-
nitaries of the Roman Catholic church from
abroad were present, and gave to the celebration
a national and international character.
The capitol was burned on the night of March
I, 1881. The greater part of the museum of the
Elistorical Society was destroyed, but most of the
library was saved, though many of the books were
damaged by being thrown out into the snow.
The property was carried across the street and
deposited in L'nity church ( now the Erench
Catholic church).
A special meeting was called at the office of
the president. General Sibley, on March 3d, when
it was voted to remove the property saved to a
room in the southeast corner of the Market House
basement. The society continued to occupy this
room for a library and for meetings until the
completion of the second capitol, when the rooms
in the basement of its west wing, afterward occu-
pied by the society during twenty-two years, were
provided by the state authorities.
The council met for the first time in these new
rooms in the second capitol on April 9, 1883.
Governor Ramsey and other members of the
council made remarks on the gratifying fact that
the society had again resumed work in permanent
and comfortable quarters. Judge Elandrau intro-
duced the following resolution, which was adopt-
ed: "Resolved, That the Minnesota Historical
Society congratulates its friends and patrons on
resuming its former quarters in the rebuilt capi-
tol after two years, dtu-ing which time its work
has been much embarrassed, and on the fact
of our securing such spacious and safe apart-
ments.
Among the most notable meetings of tlie coun-
cil and society held in the second capitol, continu-
ing from the end of the period thus reviewed by
Mr. Aiayo, the following may be mentioned.
February 8, 1887, a large meeting of this soci-
et_\- was addressed by Gen. James H. Baker, on
"The Sources of the Mississippi, Their Discov-
erers, Real and Pretended." This address, which
was the report of a committee appointed two
months before by the council, demonstrated the
falsity of the claim of Captain Willard Glazier,
that he had discovered a lake, named Lake Glaz-
ier by his part}-, situated above Lake Itasca and
entitled to the distinction of supplanting that lake
as the chief and highest source of our great river.
It was shown by General Baker that this small
lake had been visited and mapped by other par-
ties earlier than by Glazier, and had been named
Elk lake on the plats of the United States gov-
ernment survey.
Three years later, at a meeting of the council
I'^ebruary 10, 1890, Hon. J. V. Brower presented
a report, with maps and photographs, of a sur-
vey of the basin of Lake Itasca, inadfe by him
during the previous summer under a commission
given by the society. The report and the history
of establishment of the Itasca State Park, under
an act of the legislature in 1891, were published
in 1893, with collaboration of Alfred) J. Hill, as
the seventh volume of the society's "Historical
Collections."
Alarch 10, i8go, in the council meeting, a chair
that was owned and used by George Washington
at I\Iount \'ernon was donated to the society by
]\[ajor George B. Clitherall, of Mobile, Alabama,
in whose absence a presentation address was made
by his friends, Hon. Henry M. Rice and Hon.
Charles E. Elandrau, with response by Mr. H. P.
L'pliam for the society.
April 13, 1 891, Judge Ekuulrau addressed the
council in a eulogy on the life and character of
Gen. Henry H. Sibley, who died February i8th,
having been long the ]iresident of tlie society and
one of the most prominent citizens of Minnesota.
A part of the library of General Sibley was be-
queathed In- hin-i to this society, and it received
from his familv by donation a very extensive and
valuable collection of more than 3,000 letters and
'74
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
many manuscript papers, covering the period of
our territorial and earh' state history.
In commemoration of the four-hundredth anni-
versary of the discovery of America by Colum-
bus, this society held a meeting October 21, 1892,
in the hall of the house of representatives. An
original poem was read by Hon. Hanford L. Gor-
don, anl a historical oration was delivered by Hon.
Henry W. Childs.
The fiftieth anniversary of the organization
of this society was duly celebrated in the hall of
the house of representatives on November 15,
i8yy, when addresses were given by Governor
John Lind, by Governor Ramsey as president of
the society, by Gen. William G. Le Due, Nathan-
iel P. Langford, Bishop Henry B. Whipple, Hon.
Charles E. Flandrau, Hon. John S. Pillsbury, Cy-
rus Northrop, president of the State University,
Hon. Cushman K. Davis, United States senator.
Gen. John B. Sanborn, and Col. William P.
Clough. These addresses reviewed the work and
growth of this society, the development of Min-
nesota as a territory and state, and the progress
of the United States, through half a century.
The death of Bishop Whipple, September 16,
1901, was followed by memorial tributes on his
life and work at the next meeting of the council,
October 14th, the addresses being given by Judge
Flandrau, Rev. George C. Tanner, Hon. (jreen-
leaf Clark, General Sanborn, and Rev. William
C. Pope.
.\ memorial meeting of the society was held in
honor of its deceased president, Alexander Ram-
sey, September 3, 1903, when an eloquent eulogy
was delivered by Gen. James H. Baker; and in
the council meeting on September 14th several
f)ther members of the council and society gave
short memorial addresses and personal reminis-
cences.
November Q, 1903, the late Judge Giarlcs I""..
I'"lan(lrau was similarly honored in a memorial
meeting, with addresses by the president. General
Sanborn, and by Judge Grcenleaf Clark, Major
Salmon .\. l^iuell, and \\'illiam H. Lightncr.
( )ctolKr 10, 1904. a meeting of the society thus
commemorated its late president, Gen. John B.
Sanborn, addresses being given by his successor.
Judge Greenleaf Clark, and by Gen. Henry W.
Childs.
Again on May 8, 1905, the society paid menior-
rial honors to Judge Clark, who had died within
three months after his election to the presidency.
The addresses were by President Cyrus Northrop,
of the State University, Charles W. Bunn, Hon.
John 1'.. Gilfillan, Hon. William H. Yale, and
Warren Upham.
November 13, 1905, at a meeting of the council,
such lasting tributes of respect and affection were
given in addresses by Gen. Henry W. Childs,
(jov. John A. Johnson, Gen. L. F. Hubbard, Gen.
James H. Baker, and Hon. Mark D. Flower, in
memory of two governors of thi sstate, Horace
.\ustin and .Andrew R. McGill, who had died re-
spectivel}- one and two weeks before this meet-
ing.
At all the annual meetings of the society, and
at nearly every monthly meeting of the council,
valuable historical papers and addresses on Min-
nesota history are presented.
PUBLIC.VTIONS.
This society has published annual and biennial
reports of its work, progress and needs, addressed
to the state legislature ; a catalogue of its library,
in two volumes, issued in 1888 ; and a series of
eleven volumes called ".Minnesota Historical .So-
ciety Collections."
\'olume I\' in this series is the "History of the
City of Saint Paul, and of the County of Ram-
sey, Minnesota," by J. Fletcher Williams, con-
taining 475 Images, published in 1876.
Volume \' is the "History of the Ojibway Na-
tion," by \\'illiani \\'. Warren, in 535 pages, [nib-
lished in 1885.
\iihiine \ II, "The Mississippi River and its
.Source" (360 pages, 1893), by Hon. J. \'. Brow-
er. has been before mentioned ; and another work
of the same author forms X'olnme XI, "Itasca
State Park, an Illustrated History." in 285 pages,
witli many maps and other illustrations, which
was issued in I'ebruary, 1905.
The other volumes of this series contain the
miscellaneous papers and addresses which have
been ])resentcd at the society's meetings from
1850 to the present time, comprising a very wide
range of subjects, historical, biographic, and de-
scriptive, concerning Minnesota as a territory and
state.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
175
The secretary of the society, working on themes
of Minnesota history in the intervals permitted
bv i)ther duties, with Airs. Rose Barteau Dunlap
as Hterary assistant, has three voknnes in prepara-
tion for the same series, namely, first, "Minnesota
Biography," an alphabetic list of biographies of
the pioneers and chief citizens of the territory
and state during its first half century ; second,
"Minnesota Geographic Names," giving the ori-
gin, meaning, and date, so far as can be ascer-
tained, of all these names, as of the state, its coun-
ties and townships, cities, villages, railway sta-
tions, postoffices, creeks, rivers and lakes, hills
and mountains, and the streets and parks in cit-
ies ; and, third, a history of this society in its work
for the state, its library and other collections, and
its membership, with catalogues of the portrait
collection and of the departments of local histor-
ies and genealogies, and a bibliography of the
state publications and of the history and literature
of Minnesota.
On the first and second of these volumes a large
amount of work has been done. The compilation
of the "Minnesota Biography," now nearly ready
to be published, has been carried forward to the
extent of about 12,000 biographic sketches, vary-
ing in length from two to ten lines. Each gives
references, at the end. to the works from which
it is derived, as former collections of biographies,
the state and county histories, the legislative man-
uals, this society's publications, its scrapbooks,
other books and pamphlets, newspaper files, etc.
Two hundred or more sources of information are
thus compiled into one alphabetic series, which
gives very concisely the principal dates and facts
about each person, with citation of all other works
where more full details of the biography mav be
found. Tt is believed that this careful coiupila-
tion will be of very great and permanent value
for frequent reference by all classes of our peo-
ple who care to ac(|uaint themselves with our
state historv.
\\ ork has also been well begun on a volume
narrating the life and public services of Alex-
ander Ramsey, foremost in statemanship for pro-
motion of this commonwealth, designed to be pub-
lished in this series of historical collections.
LIBR.SRY.
The society has gathered a most useful library,
which stands in the front rank, as to its extent
anl value, among the historical libraries of the
L'nited States. It was removed last year from
the old ca]:)itol to more spacious rooms in the
beautiful and fireproof new capitol, where it is
open daily to the public, as a free reference li-
brary, from 8 130 a. m. to 5 p. m. The secretary
of the society is also its librarian.
The yearly increase of this library during the
last ten years has averaged about 2,400 volumes,
and in the year 1905 3,850 volumes ; at the begin-
ning of icjof) the library numbered 47.035 bound
books, and 34,733 pamphlets, in total of 81,768
titles.
In a larger proportion the accessibility of this
great collection of books and pamphlets has been
increased by its card catalogue, which at the be-
ginning of the year 1895 numbered 54,847 cards,
anl now slightly exceeds 100,000. The cata-
loguing has been done by Air. D. L. Kingsbury,
assistant librarian, with the aid of Miss Annie E.
\'ose ; and they also supply the books inquired
for by users of the genera! librarv.
The Minnesota department, including books re-
lating particularlv to this state, is very extensive
and of great interest to all our people. It com-
prises the journals of the legislature, and the laws
enacted ; reports of the supreme court : messages
and reports of executive officers and departments
of the state government ; reports of the state uni-
versity, normal schools, and institutions of cor-
rection and charity ; catalogues of our colleges
and academies : reports of the state geological
survey : of county, city, and town officers, boards
of trade, railway and other corporations : state,
county, city and town histories, atlases, and busi-
ness directories ; the published proceedings and
records of the numerous religious, charitable, and
social organizations : and many historical, descrip-
tive, biographical, and statistical works, beginning
with the narratives of the earliest explorers of
the area of Alinuesota. This collection numbers
1,475 honks, and about 1.550 pamphlets.
Two other departments to which constant at-
170
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
IciUion fur their increase has been given during
many years, and in which this Hbrary is scarcely
^n^lJassed by any other in the United States, are
local history and American genealogy.
Uf township and strictly local histories (but
not including county and state histories, biogra-
phies, and publications of societies), the number
of bound vcjlumes in the library at the beginning
of this year, njo6, was, for Maine, 1 19; New
Hampshire, 158; Vermont, 45; Massachusetts,
/2>i: Rhode Island, 65; and Connecticut, 156;
with considerable numbers for New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and all the states, so far
as these special histories have been published.
Of American genealogies, this library has
about 1 ,700 bound vohtmes and 850 pamphlets,
besides many bonks in this class published by so-
cieties, others giving genealogies of many famil-
ies collectively, and the genealogical portion of
township histories. These collections are much
consulted for tracing lines of ancestry.
Another department which is much consulted
is the complete series of reports of the United
States patent office. All the publications of our
national government are leceived gratuitously,
this being a designated depository library. About
a sixth ].)art of the entire library consists of these
national reports and public documents, which are
of the very highest importance and usefulness.
The most unique department, and the one his-
torically the most valuable, comprises the news-
papers of Alinnesota, which numbered at the be-
ginning of this year 7,160 bound volumes. Files
of nearly all the newspapers published in the ter-
ritory and state since 1849 have been gathered
and jireserved by this society. Its number of
Minnesf)ta newspapers, daily, weekly, and month-
ly, regularly received, is now 485, these being do-
nated by the editors and publishers, who appre-
ciate the importance of having them placed on file
where they will be ])reserved for all coming time.
This department is a vast treasury of material for
future historians, showing the development of
Minnesota, of its counties, and of its .separate
townships, from their beginning to the present
date. Tt is accessil)le to all who wish tf) consult
it, and is so arranged that any paper of any date
can be readily found. About a hundred newspa-
per issues are here received on the average for
every working day by Mr. J. 1!. Chaney, assist-
ant librarian with .Mr. Harry M. McLean as his
assistant.
Thirty-two quarto scrapbooks, each of lOo
pages, well indexed, have been filled during the
past twenty-tive years, by the secretaries and as-
sistants of this societ}-. Within the recent years
increased attention has been given to this work,
which is now being carried forward, with other
librar\ duties, by Miss Emma E. Vose, at the
rate of three or four books yearly.
Seven additional volumes are now being filled,
receiving as many special classes of newspaper of
news])aper items and articles, with their accom-
panying illustrations. The general subjects thus
separately classed for more convenient reference
are: i. This society, its meetings, papers read,
donations, etc. ; 2. The city of St. Paul ; 3, Alinne-
apolis : 4. .Minnesota, outside the Twin Cities; 5,
Other states, and especially the adjoining states
of the northwest : 6, r)bituary biographers, chiefly
of Minnesota people: and 7, The Civil war. re-
unions of former soldiers, the (Irand .Vrniy and
the Loyal Legion.
These scrapbooks present a great amount of
historical and biographic information, pertaining
mostly to Minnesota, which could not otherwise
be so conveniently obtainable. It should be added
that the files of the state news]ja]3ers donated to
the library by the editors and publishers are never
used for clipping to make these books : but that
extra copies of all papers required for this use
are ]nn"chased.
In the old capitol the general library of the soci-
ety had been arranged to a large degree in the
chronologic order of its growth, a few additional
bookcases being supplied and fiUetl each year.
Therefore, since the removal to the new capitol, a
reclassification is being done bv ]\liss Emma .\.
Hawley. who has had long cx|)erience in such
work for the Wisconsin Histtirical .Society. The
books are thus grouped and marked, and also the
al]>habetic catalogue cards are marked, according
to their subjects, or by the various states and
other countries to which they relate, making the
lilirary more convenient for consultation and rc-
searcli.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
1/7
PORTRAIT COLLECTION.
The society has received by donation many por-
traits of pioneers and founders of Minnesota, and
of citizens who in later years have had a promi-
nent part in the history and development of the
state. These are mostly displayed in the old capi-
tol, where the former governor's rooms are used
as a state portrait gallery. It contains about 300
individual portraits, besides forty group pictures,
which together comprise about 1.500 portraits.
There are also about 150 other pictures, as of
ancient buildings, monuments, paintings of his-
toric scenes, etc., and many framed historic docu-
ments.
After those rooms in the old capitol were thus
filled, nearly a hundred portraits and other pic-
lures belonging to the society remained and are
displayed in the reading room of its library, and
in its museum, in the new capitol ; but sufficient
sjiace could not be allotted to the society there for
the whole, or even for the greater part, of this
extensive portrait collection.
The monthly council meetings, since the re-
moval from the old library rooms, are held in the
main portrait gallery at the old capitol. Alany of
the founders and early members of the society,
though dead, thus look down from the framed
canvas and seem to share silently in its present
deliberations.
MUSEUM.
By the burning of the first capitol, in 1881, the
society lost nearly all its museum collections.
Afterward it again brought together many his-
torical relics illustrative of the conditions of the
pioneer settlement of Minnesota, of the Sioux
war and the Civil war, of the people who built
the thousands of prehistoric mounds in this state,
and of their tribes, the Sioux and Ojibways, who
were living here when the first white men reached
this region. Before the removal into the present
new capitol these collections filled five cases.
They are now well exhibited in the main corri-
dor of the society's rooms, adjoining the library,
and are of great interest to all visitors.
12
In the same large corridor are also exhibited
the chair once owned by George Washington,
previously mentioned as presented to the society
in 1890; the steering wheel of the old frigate
Minnesota, which was built in 1855 and did good
service in the Civil war ; a large collection of
Philippine weapons, presented by Governor Lind ;
a Spanish garrote, wdiich was long used for exe-
cutions in a ]\lanila prison, presented by Maj.
Edwin S. Bean; an Ojibway birch canoe; the
very large mounted head of a buffalo that was
killed by Governor Marshall and others ; and a
fine head of a moose killed by Governor Nelson.
In the newspaper room is the first printing
press used in Minnesota, presented by the Pio-
neer-Press Company, on which James AI. Good-
hue printed the Minnesota Pioneer, issuing its
first number April 28, 1849.
The society's archaeological museum is its
southeast corner room, in which the very exten-
sive collections recently donated by Rev. Edward
C. Mitchell, D. D., a member of the council, are
displayed in fourteen large glass cases. These
collections of aboriginal implements, weapons and
ornaments had been gathered by him at his home
in this city during many years, from nearly every
state and territory of the union, and in less num-
bers from many foreign countries. His donation
comprises 21,500 pieces, or relics, made of stone,
bone, shell, horn, copper, pottery, and a very few
of brass, lead, iron, glass and wood.
Dr. Mitchell's collections from Minnesota are
in two cases, at the west side of the room, pre-
senting a very great variety of stone axes,
hatchets, chisels, knives, spearheads, arrowheads,
etc. : a fine series of pottery vessels ; bone and cop-
per implements, and fifteen skulls, exhumed from
aboriginal mounds.
From Wisconsin he has also filled two cases,
placed next east of his Alinnesota cases, and con-
taining, besides many stone implements, a vers'
large number of copper implements and orna-
ments. Masses of copper are exhibited as mined
by the Indians in the region of Lake Superior,
or as found by them in the glacial drift or on its
surface : and various specimens illustrate the pro-
cess of working the copper from its original
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
masses until it formed a tinished knife, s])earhL'a(l
or other article of use or ornament.
In the Ohio case, the visitor will be especially
interested to observe a remarkable cache, or hid-
ilen hoard, of 192 thin, finely chipped, flint spear-
heads or knives, nearly alike in form but diiifering
in size, which were found together in Fulton
county, buried near a tree.
From Arkansas and from Arizona are many
fine specimens of Indian pottery, as bowls, vases
and bottles ; and from Alaska, very interesting
articles of horn, ivory and bone.
Other great archaeological collections had also
been brought together for this society by the late
Hon. J. \'. r)rower, a member of the council and
chairman of its museum conmiittec, who died
June I, 1905. This material comprises a vast
number of specimens, in total exceeding 100.000,
of stone implements and weapons, flakes from
their manufacture, bone and copper ornaments,
pottery, etc., partly from the modern Indians and
partly from the ancient mounds, throughout Min-
nesota and a large region reaching west to the
Rocky mountains and south to Kansas.
The collections thus made b}- Mr. Brower,
and his field notes, witli the large series of field
notes and maps of the late Alfred J- Hill, aided
by Prof. T. H. Lewis, relating chiefly to the abo-
riginal mounds of Minnesota and adjoining states,
are now being worked over by Prof. N. H.
Winchell for this society, in laboratory rooms
which were fomierly used as the office of the
state auditor in the old capitol.
The most noteworthy portions of these collec-
tions are desigfned to be displayed in five cases
reserved for this use in the archaeological nni-
seum at the new capitol ; and from the notes and
maps Professor Winchell has in preparation a
volume on "The Archseology of Minnesota,"
which had been j^lanned by Mr. IJrowcr, to be
])ublishcd by this society in its series of historical
collections. It should be added, also, that con-
siderable ])arts of Mr. Brower's archaeological ex-
plorations and studies had been pul)lishcd by him
in a series of (|narto volumes, entitle d"Memoirs
of Explorations in the T'asin of the Mississippi."
These munificent contri1)utions from Council-
ors Mitchell and Brower give tf) this museum a
national importance surpassed by only very few
other archaeological collections in this country.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
XAMi-; TO Till-: cirv — thic co.mixg of the
WHITE MEN BORE THE CROSS — HOW THE FIRST
CHURCH IN ST. PAUL WAS BUfLT AND GAVE ITS
PROTESTANT MISSIONARIES AND THE CHURCHES
OP .ST. PAUL TOD.W THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
The missionary zeal of the French of the sev-
enteenth century carried the gospel to the sav-
ages of the country that is now included in the
state of [Minnesota in advance of the coming of
the adventurers who exploited this portion of the
new world for profit. Radisson and Groseillers
were undoubtedly the first white men to set eyes
upon the site of St. Paul, but it is possible that
missionary priests had hitherto been in touch with
the Sioux. The advance guard of the La Salle
expedition was headed by a priest. The spirit
that moved Hennepin was the zeal of the mis-
sionary, and the story he carried back to France
inflamed the young men — and the old men, too —
of the church, and the "black gowns" made the
w'ay for the French traders who followed them
and flourished even after the withdrawal of the
French protectorate in 1763, comparatively safe.
That the French missionary movement for prose-
lyting among the Indians was not undertaken
without due regard for the mental attitude of
the people whom they sought to win from pagan-
ism is demonstrated in the fact th.Tt they were
rarely misused by the Sioux. That the Indian
was met upon his own ground, and that it was
not sought to treat him as other than a child
in mental stature, is shown in the veneration with
which the Sioux — at least — regarded the "black
gowns," not only while the French missionaries
were amongst them, but for years after thev had
practically withdrawn from the territory. And
the black gown was but a tradition during the
years wlicn the British dominated the northwest.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
179
and remained but a venerated name until the
nineteenth century was well advanced and time
had ripened for the white man to claim the in-
heritance which the Indian had been holding for
him for centuries. So it was fitting- and proper
that, in the progress of events, the "black gowns"
should come again into the vineyard whose riches
had been appreciated by their predecessors of an
early day, and should lay the foundation of the
church on the site of a metropolis that had been
appointed by nature and the trend of empire.
And who shall say how long the building of the
city might have been delayed if Father Galtier
had not been providentially guided in establish-
ing his little church — the symbol of civilization —
in the heart of the St. Paul of today? What a
difference it might have made in the development
of the town if he had chosen the site that was
oft'ered him down at Pig's Eye or the other site
that he might have selected on what is now Day-
ton's Bluff'! For it is certain that the growth
of the settlement was promoted to a very large
extent by the building of the missionary church
on Bench street in 1841. The church even gave
the settlement a name antl at once set aside the
claims of Mendota and Pig's Eye to pre-emi-
nence among the settlements of the upper Mis-
sissippi.
Piefore the coming of Galtier. before the first
visit of the missionary Bishop Loras to the out-
posts of his diocese, missionaries of the Protest-
ant faith had gone into the wilderness, and Wil-
liamson and Riggs were at work among the In-
dians. But St. Paul was first of all a mission
station of the Catholic church and its foundations
were rooted in families of that faith.
The beginnings of the church in St. Paul are
traceable to the visit paid by Bishop Loras to
Mendota (known as St. Peter's from the name
origin-ally bestowed upon the Minnesota RiverV
The prelate came up the river from Dubuque in a
steamboat carrying supplies to Fort Snelling and
the traders at Mendota, in June, 1839. The good
bishop wrote of his visit that his arrival was the
source of great joy to the people, who had never
seen "a priest or a bishop in these remote re-
gions," He remained for some weeks among
the people, administering the offices of the church,
and estimated the Catholic population in the vi-
cinity of Mendota at 185 souls. This estimate
must have been based largely upon hearsay, and
it is probably too high. But they were suffi-
ciently numerous to impress Bishop Loras with
the necessity for establishing a mission at the
mouth of the Minnesota and he returned to
Dubuque keeping that purpose in mind. It is
worthy of note that he makes no comment upon
the settlement in what is now St. Paul.
The next year, in pursuance of his plan, he
sent the Rev. Lucian Galtier up the river to min-
ister to the people in the mission field. This
pioneer priest had the cure of souls in a territory
which — if it had any boundaries at all — might be
said to include the vast country l\ing between
the 3,Iississippi and the Missouri rivers and the
British possessions and Iowa. He was inspired
rather than appalled b}- the task that lay before
him. and for years he labored here, making his
headquarters at Mendota. In a statement of the
causes that led him to build his chapel at St.
Paul, written some years afterwards, at the re-
quest of Bishop Grace, Father Galtier recalls the
eviction of the refugees from the military reser-
vation and refers to the fact that he found it
necessary often to visit them, and deemed it his
duty to make provision for a church. There
were three divisions to the settlement : One
straggled about the present business section of
St. Paul ; another — and a quite numerous one —
clustered about Pointe Le Claire (Pig's Eye),
and the third was at Dayton's Bluff. Father Gal-
tier was offered sites on all three locations, and
was much put to it to decide which he should
accept. He says :
FATHER GALTIER WA.S LOOKING ALIEAD.
"Three different points were offered. One was
called La Pointe Basse, or Pointe Le Claire, but
I objected because that locality was the verv ex-
treme edge of the new settlement and, in high
water, was exposed to inundation. The idea of
building a church which might, at any day, be
swept down the river to St. Louis did not please
me. Two miles and a half farther up on his
i8o
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
elevated claim (Dayton's Blutt) .Mr. Charles
Mousseau offered me an acre of his ground, but
tile place did not suit my purpose. I was truly
looking ahead, thinking of the future as well as
the present. Steamboats could not stop there ;
the hank was too steej) : the place on the summit
i)f the hill too restricted ; communication too diffi-
cult with the other parts of the settlement up
and down the river. After mature reflection I
resolved to put up the church at the nearest point
to the cave (the Fountain cave, not Carver's, as
has been assumed by some writers), because it
would be more convenient for me to cross the
river there when coming from St. Peter's, and
because, also, it would be the nearest point to
the bead of navigation otitside of the reservation
line. Mr. \'etal Guerin and Mr. B. Gervais, two
good, quiet farmers, had the only^ spot that ap-
peared likely to answer the purpose. They con-
sented jointly to give me the ground necessary
for a church site, a garden and a small grave-
yard. I accepted the extreme eastern part of
Mr. Guerin's claim and the extreme western of
Mr. Gervais. Accordingly, in the month of Oc-
tober, 1841, logs were prepared and a church
erected^ — so poor that it would well remind one
of the stable at P.ethlehem. On the ist day of
November, in the same year, I blessed the new
l)asilica and dedicated it to St. Paul, the Apostle
of Nations. I expressed a wish, at the same
time, that the settlement would be known by the
same name, and my desire was obtained. * * *
When Mr. \'etal Guerin was married, I pub-
lished the bans as being a resident of St. Paul."
In this simple and naive narrative the mis-
sionary priest told of the building of the church.
That he looked to the future is assured by the
event. I'.ut it is worthy of remark that Father
Galtier continued to live at Mendota, though he
ministered to the church at St. Paul until t8-14.
and never really became a resident df the new
settlement he named. A poor enough church it
was this basilica which was destined ])rescntly to
be the cathedral of a bishop and the mother church
of an ecclesiastical province containing 400,000
Catholics. A few years ago the present writer
had several inter\'iews with an aged man, a
"■iant gone to wreck on the shores of time, one
Isaac Labissoniere, who was one of the eight
volunteers engaged in the erection of the chapel.
Sixty-two years after the event he told me, with
much difficulty and with many exploratory voy-
ages in the bypaths of memory, of the work he
helped with. The walls of the chapel were put
up in a single day, as he remembered — a not too
arduous task for eight men accustomed to work
with the axe. The present writer's memory is not
clear as to the relation of Labissoniere — and his
relation was not of the clearest. The Rev. .Am-
brose McNulty had many interviews with Labis-
soniere and put his story into form, making it
a part of a paper on the Chapel of St. Paul, read
in 1902 before the council of the State Histori-
cal Society, as follows :
'T remember well the circumstances attending
the building of the log chapel in 1841. Perhaps
by general consent, rather than the appointment
of Father Galtier, my father held the office of
general superintendent of the building. Eight of
us at first volunteered for the work : others of-
fered themselves later.
"The ground selected for the site of the church
was thinly covered with groves of red oak and
white oak. Where the cathedral stands was then
a tamarack swamp. The logs for the chapel were
cut on the spot, and the tamarack swamp in the
rear was made to contribute rafters and roof
pieces. We had poor building tools in those
days, and our work was not beautifully finished.
The logs, rough and undressed, prepared merely
by the ax, were made secure by wooden pins.
The roof was made of steeply slanting bark-cov-
ered slabs, donated by a mill-owner of Stillwater.
The slabs were carried to .St. Paul by a steam-
boat, the captain accepting in payinent a few
days' service of one of the men. These slabs
were landed at Jackson street, and were drawn
up the hill by hand with ropes. The slabs were
likewise put to good use in the construction of
the floor and of the benches.
"The chai^cl, as I remember it, was about
twenty-five feet long, eighteen feet wide, and ten
feet high. It had a single window on each side
and it faced the river. It was completed in a
few days, and could not have represented an ex-
penditure in labor value of more than $65."
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
i8i
THE BISHOPRIC IS CREATED.
It was ill this chapel that the late Rt. Rev.
Augustin Ravou.x — whose beautiful character to
the end of his days was a constant reminder of
the -Arcadian period of the development of St.
Paul, in which he took part — set up his
altar as the first resident priest of St. Paul, tak-
ing up the work laid down by Father Galtier,
when in 1844 the latter was called to another
field. Father Ravoux, who had been laboring
among the Sioux, went with ardor into his new
field. In 1846 he made permanent hume here
and foimd it necessary to make an addition to
the chapel in 1847. Even then the building was
inadequate, for the congregation included people
from Mendota, St. .\nthony and other places even
more remote. In 1849 the needs of this new ter-
ritory appealed to the Catholics of the east and
the Council of Baltimore recommended the crea-
tion of a new diocese. July 19, 1850, the dio-
cese was created and the Rt. Rev. Joseph Cretin
was consecrated bishop placed in charge. After
recruiting for missionaries in France, Bishop
Cretin directed his way to the seat of his bishop-
ric on the frontier, and July 2, 1851, Father Ra-
voux was relieved of the charge in which he had
been bishop and ]iriest for many years. Bishop
Cretin found little of the state of the see of a
bishop on his arrival in St. Paul. The little log
chapel which stood him in the stead of a ca-
thedral was not calculated to impress one who
had newly arrived from the land of many and
magnificent fanes : the episcopal residence, an-
other log house in which Father Ravoux made
his home, was quite in keeping with the homely
little chapel. Bishop Cretin was compelled to
find a place to board and took up his quarters
with Mrs. Amabale Turpin. Thus was the see
of St. Paul established and a bishop came into
his own in a diocese which was of vast e.xtent,
but which contained no other Catholic priests
than Father Ravou.x at St. Paul and two clergy-
men serving the half-breed missions at Pembina.
But the field was not without proiuise.
Father Ravoux, with a business foresight that
always stood behind his simple and direct char-
acter, had obtained a contract for deeds of twentv-
two lots and these were bought by Bishop Cretin
for $800 and formed the basis of the wealth of
the diocese in later days. A three-story building
that was cathedral, school and episcopal residence,
was erected at once on Wabasha street, and a
few years later the bishop proceeded to the erec-
tion of the cathedral of St. Paul on the site it
occupies today. The corner stone was laid in
June, 1856, but Bishop Cretin did not live to
see it completed, dying February 22, 1857, a mar-
tyr to the duties he imposed upon himself in his
zeal. Father Ravoux resumed charge of the dio-
cese and went on with the building of the cathe-
dral, and June 13, 1858. while it was still un-
finished, it was first used for divine service. July
24, 1859, the Rt. Rev. Thomas Langdon Grace
was consecrated bishop of St. Paul and he ac-
complished a great work in forwarding the in-
terests of Christianity in the northwest.
December 21, 1875, ^^^ Rev. John Ireland,
who had already become a conspicuous figure in
the life of the city, was made coadjutor to Bishop
Grace, with the right of succession, and entered
upon the great undertaking which he has car-
ried on with such enthusiasm and fidelity. In
1888 the diocese of St. Paul was raised to the
dignity of a province of the church and Bishop
Ireland liecaiue its archbishop. Under his wnse
and able guidance the church has thriven w-onder-
fuUy, not alone in St. Paul, but throughout the
province. Where Father Ravoux labored alone
and unaided in the '40s there are now six
bishoprics and 600 priests minister to the spir-
itual comforts of 400,000 Catholics. In St. Paul
the Catholic institutions are many, including one
of the finest hospitals in the country — St. Jo-
seph's ; a theological seminary — St. Paul's ; a
preparatorv college for boys — St. Thomas' ; two
academies for girls and parochial schools which
are attended by upwards of eight thousand pupils.
The Catholic population of St. Paul may be safely
placed at upwards of 65,000.
COMING OF THE PROTEST .\NT MISSI0N.\RIES.
The first Protestant service held in St. Paul
was conducted by a Rev. Mr. Hurlburt. a circuit
rider of the Wisconsin Methodist conference.
1 82
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
who had been assigned to tlie mission at St. Paul.
The service was held in the fall of 1844 ''^ the
store of Henry Jackson, the pioneer merchant.
The congregation was necessarily very- small, for
the population was almost wholly Catholic. Mr.
Hurlburt's field was extensive, taking in both
sides of the river from Lake Pepin to St. Croix
Falls, and his visits to St. Paul were rare in-
deed. He was succeeded in the mission by the
Rev. J. W. Putnam, in 1846, and he, in turn.
gave way to the Rev. Benjamin Close. In 1848
there were several Methodist families in the set-
tlement, and Mr. Close organized a church —
probably the first organized Protestant church in
Minnesota, though missions had been long estab-
lished. There were eighteen members of this
first church and among them was B. F. Hoyt,
who was long a prominent figure in church work
in the city. That same fall the building of a
place of worship was undertaken, but the struc-
ture, which was located on Jackson street, was
never finished. The first quarterly conference
was held in it, however, by the Rev. Henry Sum-
mers, the presiding elder of the district. During
the next year the little brick church which still
stands on Market street, opposite Rice Park — and
which is now used as an automobile garage — was
built and occupied. It was the first Protestant
church in Minnesota. The first quarterly con-
ference was held in St. Paul in 1849, t)ut it was
not until June, 1851, that the Minnesota dis-
trict of the Wisconsin Methodist Conference was
organized and the Rev. Chauncey Hobart ap-
pointed to the charge. He resided in St. Paul,
but after 1851 was employed in the entire district.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Leonard Dickens,
and he by the Rev. Thomas FuUerton. The Rev.
David Brooks became the presiding elder of the
district and the Rev. John Kerns was given a
residential charge in St. Paul. Mr. Kerns was
followed by the Rev. John Penman, a notable
character in early days. He was something of
a politician and it is not known whether he was
an ordained minister. .'\ second church was built
by the denomination on Jackson street in 1855-6,
and the Rev. E. J. Kinney was made pastor.
By the union of the Jackson and the Market street
churches in 1857, one organization was main-
tained for some time, but the churches were sep-
arated again in 1858, the Rev. Cyrus Brooks be-
coming the pastor of the Jackson street church
and the Rev. William S. Edwards the pastor of
the Market street organization. The church
throve with the growth of the city and was a
considerable factor in its development. It has
now many houses of worship and its member-
ship is very large.
The Rev. E. D. Neill, one of those splendid
figures that loom so large in the vista of years,
was the first Presbyterian minister in St. Paul
and organized the first church of that denomina-
tion. He was a missionary of the American
Home Missionary Society; a man of great force
of character and a genius in church pioneering.
He presided over a meeting held November 26.
1849, the object of which was the organization
of a church, and December 12th following the
church was organized, Mr. Neill becoming the
pastor and W. H. Tinker and J. W. Selby eld-
ers. Mr. Neill went vigorously at work to erect
a church building and erected a structure at
\\'ashington and Fourth streets, but it was de-
stroyed by fire, May 16, 1850, soon after its com-
pletion. Nothing daunted, and taught a lesson
by the fire, ]\Ir. Neill proceeded to the erection
of another church at St. Peter and Third streets,
this time using brick. This was probably the
first brick building in St. Paul. It was com-
pleted and occupied November i'>th. In 1865
Mr. Neill left the First Church to organize the
House of Hope, which has since become the
most important of the Presbyterian churches of
St. Paul. The Rev. J. K. Barnes and the Rev.
John Mattocks were among the early and influ-
ential ministers of the Presbyterian church in
St. Paul. The denomination has grown in num-
bers and influence until it became a great force
in the community, which it is today, and among
its ministers have been found some of the learned
and pious men who did so much for the welfare
of the commiuiity. It has many fine churches
and an educational institution of high rank — Mac-
alcster College.
The First Baptist church of .St. Paul was or-
ganized verv close u]ion the organization of the
Presbvtcrians, the socictv beincr formed at a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
183
meeting held December 30, 1849, and the follow-
ing day the formal "recognition service" was
held. Since the previous May the Rev. John P.
Parsons had been in the field as a missionary of
the Baptist Home Mission Board. The pioneer
of the Baptist faith — to whom was due the move-
ment that resulted in the assignment of Mr. Par-
sons to this station — was Miss Harriet Bishop,
the first school teacher in the settlement. In
1850 Henry M. Rice gave the society a building-
lot for a church on Third street and the next year
the edifice was erected — the funds being largely
obtained by the pastor from churches in the east.
The church had ben built by the contractors on
the strength of the forthcoming payment when
j\lr. Parsons should return to St. Paul. He had
collected the money and was in New York on
his way to St. Paul when he was drugged and
robbed. The unfortunate man never recovered
from his experience and died on the Mississippi
river while returning to his charge. The fu-
neral services over his remains were the first re-
ligious exercises conducted in the First Baptist
Church, which was left with a large debt and
no means of meeting it. The finishing of the
structure lagged until 1854. The second pastor
of the Baptist church in St. Paul, the Rev. T. R.
Cressy, coming in 1852, and his successors '.n
early days were the Rev. A. M. Torbit. 1854.
and the Rev. John D. Pope, 1857. In 1862 a
stone chapel was built on Wacousta street and
the Rev. Mr. Pope was its pastor, and in 1875
one of the finest church edifices in the state was
built at the corner of W'acousa and Ninth streets
at a cost of $118,000.
The Episcopal church came into the religious
life of St. Paul in 1850, when the Rev. J. L.
Breck. the Rev. J. \'. Merrick and the Rev.
Timothy \\'ilcoxson arrived and held services in
the schoolhouse on West Third street, June 30.
That same summer arrangements were made for
the erection of a church and an edifice was put
up at Fourth and Cedar streets and occupied
December 8, 1850. It was dedicated as Christ
Church June 20, 1851, by Bishop Jackson Kem-
per and was the mother church of the Episco-
palian diocese. A second church was erected in
1871, but was destroyed bv fire before its com-
pletion, and the stone church now in use by the
parish was put up at the corner of Franklin and
P'ourth streets. Many distinguished clergymen
have been identified with the church in St. Paul
and the lamented Bishop Mahlon H. Gilbert was
at one time the rector of Christ Church. Among
the fine church edifices in St. Paul the Episco-
palians have several, notably St. Paul's, the
Church of St. John the Evangelist, Christ Church
and others.
The Catholic, the Methodist, the Presbyterian,
the Baptist and the Episcopal churches were the
pioneers in St. Paul of the gospel, but they were
followed in the good work by many other de-
nominations. The Congregatinal church was es-
tablished in the city in 1858, the Plymouth being
the first church and the Rev. P. W. Nichols the
first deacon and leader of the organization. The
Rev. Burdett Hart was the first pastor and the
first church building was a little chapel put up
on Temperance street. The denomination now
has some fine buildings and includes in a recently
organized conference the independent People's
Church on Pleasant avenue, one of the great re-
ligious institutions of the city.
The Lutherans came into the city in 1855. when
services were held in the courthouse by the
Rev. F. Weir, but the congregation was without
a house of worship until the large accession of
German citizens of the Evangelical persuasion
warranted the erection of a church building and
Trinity Church was undertaken. This was com-
pleted in 1863. The mission of the Rev. C. F.
Hyer having been completed with the erection of
the church, he gave way to a regular pastor, the
Rev. G. Fachtman. Trinity Church member-
ship became so large that it was divided in 1871
and St. John's Qiurch formed. The great num-
ber of German and Swedish people of the Evan-
gelical faith who have come into St. Paul has
made the Lutheran church one of the first in de-
nominational importance. The Lutherans have
many churches and missions in which the gospel
is preached in English. German. Swedish and
Norwegian.
Emanuel Church Evangelical Association was
organized in 1856 and in 1857 the first church
was built at Pine and Eleventh streets and dedi-
iS4
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
cated Uctober nth by the Rev. A. Blank, pre-
siding elder of tiie .Milwaukee district. The as-
sociation has several important churches.
The first Jewish congregation was organized
February 26, 1857. There were few Hebrews in
St. Paul in those days, but the foundation was
laid for the Mount Zion congregation, which is
so magnificently housed today at Holly and Avon
streets. H. Cole was the first president; J. Men-
delsen, vice president ; L. Philips, secretary ; Ja-
cob Neuman, trustee. In i860 the organization
was allowed to lapse and was not reorganized
until 1868, when Jacob Xeuman was elected pres-
ident; Joseph Bergfelat, vice president; J. Rose,
secretary, and A. Bloom, S. Lobenstein and A.
Sternberg, trustees. The synagogue at Tenth
and Minnesota streets was built in 1871. This
congregation has grown to great proportions
and has one of the finest temples in the west on
Holly avenue. The Rev. Dr. Rypins is in charge.
The Congregation of the Sons of Jacob was or-
ganized in 1875 ^'icl the great access of Hebrews
in the west side settlement has of late years
largely increased the local membership of the
Jewish faith.
The I'niversalists came into St. Paid in 1865:
the I'nitarians held services here as earlv as 1858;
the Swedenborgian church was established in St.
Paul by the Rev. Edward C. Mitchell in 1872.
THE CHURCHES TOD.\Y AND THEIK LOC.VTION.
There are four thousand times as many people
in St. Paul as there were when .St. Paul's first
church was built, but there arc only one hundred
and fifty times as many churches. This argues
no falling from grace on the jiart of the inhabit-
ant.s — the churches are larger. In 1841 the popu-
lation was Catholic, with in-rhaps a single ex-
ception. Now every considerable division of
Christianity is represented, though the Catholics
still have the largest dcnomiuatidnal representa-
tion. To trace the history of the various church
establishments would be a difficidt task and un-
profitable in a lay history. But the enumeration
of the churches in St. Paid in IQ06 and their
location may he of future interest and value.
There are 150 churches and missions in the citv.
Their descrijilinn and location follows:
Advent — Seventh Day Adventist (English j,
Greenbrier, between Jenks and Lawson ; Seventh
Day Adventist (Scandinavian), Greenbrier, near
Jenks.
Baptist — Burr Street, Burr street, corner York ;
First, Ninth, corner \N'acousta ; First German,
Fifth, corner Mendota ; First Swedish, Payne
avenue, corner Sims ; German of West St. Paul,
George, corner Stryker : Hebron, Robie, corner
Ada ; Hebron Mission, Uakdale avenue, near An-
napolis; Immanuel, 1047 ^^ est Seventh street;
Norwegian-Danish, Woodbridge, corner Milford ;
Park Avenue Mission, Park avenue, corner Cook ;
Philadelphian. Reaney, corner Cypress ; Pilgrim,
Cedar, corner Summit : Second Swedish, Rice,
corner Fuller; Woodland Park. .Selbv, corner
.\run(lel ; Woodland Park Mission, 100 North
X'ictoria.
Catholic — Cathedral of St. Paul, Sixth, corner
St. Peter; Assumption Church. .Vinth. corner
Franklin ; St. Agnes, Thomas, corner Kent ; St.
James, Mew and Juno: St. Louis (French),
^^'abasha and Exchange; St. Mark's. DaAtoii and
Moore; Sacred Heart (German), .\rcade and
.Sixth; St. Adelbert (Polish). Charles and Gaul-
tier; St. .Andrew's, Churchill and Hatch; St.
Bernard's. All)€marle and Rose ; St. Casimir's,
Jessamine and Forest : St. Francis de Sales,
James, corner Daly ; St. Joseph's, Carroll and
\'irginia ; St. Luke's, \'ictoria and Portland ; St.
Mary's. Ninth and Locust ; St. Mathew's. Hall
and Robie; St. IMichacl's, Parnell and Colorado;
St. Patrick's. Mississippi and Case; St. Peter
Claver's. .\urora and Farrington ; St. Stanislaus,
Western and Superior ; St. N^incent's, Virginia
and I'.lair.
Christian — Central Church of Christ, Leech
and .\lcBoal; First Christian Church. .Nelson and
Farrington.
Christian Science — First Church of Christ,
Odeon Hall; Second Church of Christ, Holly
and .St. .Vlbans.
Congregational — .\tlantic, LSatcs and Conway ;
Bethany. Winnifred and Stryker ; Cyril, Erie and
Grace : Desnoyer Park Mission, St. Anthonv ;
Forest .Street Mission, Case and Forest; Olivet,
Prior and Rondo; Pacific, .\ckcr, between Mis-
si])pi and BulTalo; P;irk, Mackubin and TTolly;
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
185
People's German, Congress and Clinton ; PI3-
niouth, Summit and Wabasha ; St. Anthony Park,
Raymond and Wheeler avenue; Tatum, Chelton
and Tatum ; University Avenue, Sherburne and
Avon.
Episcopalian — Chapel of the Resurrection,
Stellar and Atwater ; Christ Church, Fourth and
Franklin ; Church of St. John the Evangelist,
Portland and Kent; Church of the Ascension,
Isabel and Clinton ; Church of the Good Shep-
herd, Twelfth and Cedar ; Church of the Mes-
siah, Fuller and Kent; Church of the Epiphany,
Hamline ; St. Clement's, Milton and Portland ;
St. James', De Soto and Lawson ; St. Mary's,
Prior and Iglehart ; St. Matthew's, County Road,
near Knapp ; St. Paul's, Ninth and Olive ; St.
Peter's, Fourth and Maple ; St. Philip's Mission,
Mackubin and Aurora ; St. Siegfried's, Eighth
and Locust ; St. Stephen's, Randolph and 'V'iew.
Evangelical — Emanuel Church, Evangelical
Association, \'an Slyke and Pine ; St. Paul's,
Eleventh and Minnesota ; Swedish Evangelical.
Payne and Jessamine ; Zion Church of the Evan-
gelicaii Association, Winnifred and Bancroft.
Evangelical Reformed Church in the L'nited
States — Reformed Friedens (German). Reaney
and Forest.
German Reformed Evangelical in the L'nited
States — St. Paul's United Evangelical Church,
Thirteenth and Mississippi.
Hebrew — Sons of Jacob Congregation, College
near Wabasha ; Sons of Zion Congregation,
State and Texas ; Temple Mount Zion Congrega-
tion, Hollv and Avon.
Lutheran — Bethlehem, Margaret and Forest ;
East Emmanuel Norwegian Evangelical. Jessie
anil Lawson ; Elim Chapel (Swedish Evangeli-
cal Mission), Woodbridge and Milford ; Em-
manuel Norwegian Evangelical, Canada and
Fourteenth ; English Evangelical Church of the
Redeemer. Lafayette and Woodward : First Swe-
dish, \A"ood\vard and John ; German Evangelical
Emmanuel. Gofif and Dearborn ; German Evan-
gelical Salem. Robert and Bunker : German Evan-
gelical Trinity. \\'abasha and Tilton : Gustavus
Adolphus Swedish Evangelical, Sims and Weide ;
Memorial English Evangelical Lutheran, Sixth,
near Exchange : Norwegian Evangelical. Thir-
teenth and Canada ; Norwegian Evangelical
Bethany, Forest and Jenks ; Norwegian Trinity,
Farrington and Sherburne ; Our Saviour's Nor-
wegian Free, Dale and Sherburne ; St. James'
English Evangelical, ^Marshall and Grotto ; St.
John's Gennan Evangelical, ^Margaret and Hope ;
St. John's Norwegian Lutheran Mission, Reaney
and Earl; St. Marcus' German, St. Clair and
Richmond ; St. Alatthew's Evangelical, Dale and
Sherburne ; St. Peter's Evangelical, Armstrong
and Victoria ; St. Stephanus' German Evangeli-
cal, Lafond and Grotto ; St. Stephen's Danish
Evangelical, Orleans and Stevens ; Swedish
Evangelical Emanuel, Matilda and Hatch ; Swe-
dish of Merriam Park, Fairview and Thomas ;
Swedish Tabernacle, Minnehaha and Edgerton ;
Trinity English Evangelical. Robie and Ada ;
Zion German Evangelical, Cortland and Syca-
more.
Methodist Episcopal — Asbury, Ross and Frank
streets; Bethlehem (German), Alatilda and Law-
son ; Central Park, Minnesota and Twelfth : Clin-
ton Avenue, Isabel and Clinton ; Cook Street
(Swedish), 701 Cook: Dayton's Bluff (Ger-
man) , Fourth and Maple ; First, Dayton and
Third; First German, Olive and Van Slyke;
First Norwegian-Danish, Thirteenth and Broad-
way : First Swedish, Tenth and Temperance ;
Free Methodist, University and Lyndhurst ;
Grace. Burr, between Beaumont and Minnehaha;
Hamline. Capitol avenue and Asbur\" ; Hohnan
Memorial, Bates and Euclid ; King Street, 324
King: St. .Anthony Park (First), Raymond and
^lanvel: Trinity, Carroll and Dewey; Wesley
Chapel, Rice and Jessamine ; AA^est Side German.
George and Bidwell.
Missions — Swedish Free Mission Church, 876
Payne avenue. .
People's Church — Pleasant avenue and Chest-
nut.
Presbyterian — Arlington Hills, Case and Ed-
gerton ; Bethlehem German. Pleasant and Ram-
sey : Central, Cedar, opposite Exchange ; Dano-
Norwegian, 196 Thomas ; Dayton Avenue, Day-
ton and Mackubin : East, Ross and Seventh ;
First, Lincoln and Grotto ; House of Hope. Fifth
and Exchange ; House of Hope Chapel, Bradley
and Partridsre : Knox. Asburv and ]\Iinnehaha ;
I So
PAST A XT) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Alacalester, Summit and Cambridge ; JMerriam
Park, Iglehart and Moore ; Xinth, Edmund and
I'arrington ; W'arrendale, Cross and Oxford ;
Westminster, Greenwood and Winnifred.
Swedenborgian — Virginia and Selby.
Unitarian — Unity Church, Grotto and Port-
land.
Universalist — St. Paul's, Ashland and Macku-
hin.
Young .Men's Christian Association — 25 West
Fifth.
THE SCHOOLS OF ST. PAUL.
The school system of St. Paul is in a state of
development that is adequate even to the exac-
tions of a community that is very far advanced
among American cities in the demand for a com-
]ilete public school system of such character as
to give the child the broadest possible grounding
in education. If there is a fault in the system —
and this is a matter of opinion — it lies in the fact
that the curricuhmi is too comprehensive — that
it goes so far that it interferes with the primary
purpose of the puljlic school : to provide the child
with the rudiments of an education. WHiatever
room there is for difference of opinion as to the
accomplishment of this primary object, it is not
to be doubted that the physical evidences of a
complete provision for the education of the young
are numerous and sufficient.
.\ history of the development of the school sys-
tem of St. Paul must some time be written, but
it should be specialized, and it is no part of the
intention of the present writer to record the
growth of the public schools from their institu-
tion under the trustees who assumed the duties
of organizing the schools in the early days of the
history of the town of St. Paul — when it was
declared by a contemporary editor (Goodhue)
that the conditions surrounding the educational
institution were disgraceful — on through the
years that saw the reversal of those disgraceful
conditions down to the time when the system
became a source of pride to every citizen. The
subject is one that demands special investigation
and the records are by no means complete.
Fifty-nine years ago Aliss Bishop — whose
work is treated of at greater length elsewhere —
opened a school with an attendance of four or
five scholars. In a remote way that school might
be regarded as the beginning of the public school
system, in that it was a volunteer institution.
Today the enrollment of the public schools of
St. Paul exceeds 27,000, and the facilities are
adequate to the attendance. The official figures
are available for 1904 and they show that the
whole number of pupils admitted during the year
was 27,392, and that the average daily attend-
ance was 22,013.
The schools are under the control of a board
of school inspectors, seven in number, appointed
by the mayor for three years, receiving no sal-
ary. They have entire charge of the schools and
are resp(.)nsible to the people for their conduct.
They appoint an executive in a secretary for the
l)oard, and a superintendent, who is the adminis-
trative and executive authority in the direction
of the schools, and one assistant. The board ad-
ministers the finances, provision being made by
the city council in the yearly appropriation of
the amount indicated as necessary to the main-
tenance of the schools. The school board in 1906
is composed of O. E. Holman, president ; Chris-
tian Fry, William H. Egan, William E. P)Oerin-
ger, N. P. Rogers, C. W. Gordon, .Mexander
I^indahl. inspectors : Octave Savard, secretary :
A. J. Smith is superintendent and J. D. Bond as-
sistant superintendent.
The city budget for 1905 carried with it an
appropriation of $775,000 for the maintenance of
the schools, but the figures available deal with the
finances of the schools for the year ending June,
1904, and they show^ total disbursements for
maintenance amounting to $639,545. The teach-
ing stafif consists of 633 teachers and the total
outlay for salaries paid them was $479,0(X).
There are fifty-one school buildings and the
value of the property administered by the school
board is $2,296,150. The following table shows
the name and location of the schools, the ninnl;er
of rooms and sittings and the value of the proD-
erty held as a part of the school system, and con-
clusiveh- tells the story of the public school sys-
tem of St. Paul, bronghi practically n|i to date;
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
187
INX'EXTORY OF SCHOOL PROPERTY.
Location.
Street nr Avenui'
Valhations.
Furniture
Biiildiu^. and
Fittings.
Total.
1st.-
1st-
1st ..
1st..
1st..
Isi..
1st..
2d...
ad-
ad-.
2d-.
2d...
2d...
2d...
3d...
4th..
5th..
Bth..
5th..
oth..
6th..
6th..
8th..
6th..
6th..
6th-
7th..
7th..
7th..
8th..
8th..
8th-
8th..
8th.-
8th-.
8th-
8th-.
8th..
9th.-
9th..
9th-
10th..
10th..
10th-
10th--
11th--
11th--
11th--
Uth..
3d.-.
9th..
Collins St net, mar Bedford-
Walsli av» nuf and .Ii-nks street..
Mai,'nolia and Arkwri^^lit streets
]\Iat:nolia and Forrest streets
Nash sti t. nt-ar llississii)pi
Ed!,'erton and .Tenlis stnets
Rosf strret and Payni' avenue
Bates avenuf and ('onway street
Mart,'aret and Franlt streets
Paeitie avenuo and ('v]iress street
Traey avenue and Brand street .-.
Stilhvater avenue (Hazel Park)
N<'\\|tort avt-nuf i Bnrlin;.'ton Heights) — -
Si«ol and Heinc-inajl strec-ts
Broadwav and Tc nth streets
Tenth anil Mumesota streets
Sliorinan str.et an<l Pleasaiit aveuue
Arnistniiij; and Viow strc'ets
(4 Uute anil Wi-storn avenues
Toronto and .Tefferson avenues
Kentui-ky and Font' in streets
Tjivint-'stoni- avtlute and Dilos street
South Koliort and rulnrado stl'eets
GiorL,'!- striet and (Toniian avenue
Orlraiis and Strvi-ns streets
Midway and Brow 11 aviiiues
Laurel and FaiTin^'tou avenues
Lalti-el a\enue and IMai-kuliin street
(irand a\i-iun' and (4ri itto street ...
Carroll and Maeknl.in stn-ets
MeCubin streit and Sherburne avenue
"Western avenue and Front street ,__
Stinson and ( ►.\ford streets ---
Northeast of Lake ( 'onio ---
Marl' in and Thomas streets --
St. Anthony avenue and Avon street
Avon and Lafond street.s
Albermarle and Wayzata streets
Central and Park av'eniies
Granite and .\^'ate streets
(-TiranittTn ;ind Syhan streets
Snilliiii; avi'iiue iHamlinel
Raymond aviaun- (,st. -Anthony Park)
Lam,'foril avi iiue iSt. Anthony ParkN.).
Albany and Aurora avrnues -
Prior avenue (Merri.am Park I
Oxford avenue (Maealester Park)--
Montreal avenue I near Snelling avenue) -
Snollin^' avi'iute and Randolph street
Olivo and Eighth streets
On Madi.Min site
1116
1,(H)9
481
373
367
500
794
1,116
723
455
90
118
81
68
946
1,598
1,054
792
715
374
510
873
2X0
4.:»
621
681
454
1,039
660
904
507
520
384
31
380
366
526
431
1.022
623
485
372
384
220
84
692
196
30
40
472
597
$5,01X).00
3,1100.00
5,000.00
2,.500.00
3,000.(H3
2,500.00
3,000.00
)O,00O,00
2,500.00
3,300.00
.=■00.00
1,. 500.00
•tOO.OO
.3(10,00
12,O0O.lKl
20,000.00
10,000.00
4,ooo.mi
7,000.00
8,000.00
2,000.00
4,000.00
10,000.00
1,600.00
3,000.00
S,OIX),00
7,.500.00
7,500.00
4,500.00
13,000.00
2,.500.00
4,500.00
1,800.00
1,000.00
2,400.0«
2,.500.0O
1,. 500.00
1,. 500.00
6,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
2,500.00
2,.50O.0O
3,000.00
600.00
4,500.00
2,.500.0O
.500.00
500.00
0,000.00
3,000.00
2,800.00
26,285
$53,000,011
l'iN,000.00
34,01X1.00,
34,000,00
38,000.00
30,000.00
62.000,00
72,300.00
45,000.00
24,000.00
3,000.00
17,500.00
5,.500.00
5,000.00
87,000.00
185,000.00
66,000.00
49,000.00
55,000.00:
:«,ooo.oo
22,1X10.00!
60,000.001
20,000.00
23,;;oo.ool
62,000.001
42.000.00l
28.000.00
64,000.00
48,000.00
55,00(1.00
34.000,00!
33,000.001
33,000,001
500.00
34,000.00'
27,000.00
16,000.001
21,000.00
.57,000.00
42.000.00
32,000.00
3;i,000.00
21,000.00
18,000,00
25,000.00
.58,000.00
16,00(.l.00
2,oai.oo
1,000.00
34,000.00
51,000.(KI
$207,800.00 $1,984,800.00
J2,750.00
3,800,00
1,400.00
1,2.50.00
1,3(X).00
1,600.00
i.OOOM
4,000.00
2,200.00
2.800,00
300.00
500.00
300.00
300.00
3,000.00
7,000.00
3,000,00
2,500,00
2,500.00
1,200.00
2,C«X).00
4,500.00
1,000.00
1,. 500,00
4,000.00
3,000.00
l.KXl.OO
4,4(HI.OO
2,500.00
4,50(1.00
1,900.00
1,.500.00
1,21X1,00
200.60
1,300.00
2,000.00
1,4.50.00
1,.500.00
3,500.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
1,800.00
1, .100.00
550.00
300.00
2,000.00
500.00
125.00
125.00
LOOO.iXI
2,500.00
$60,6.50.00
74,,SOO.O(I
40,400.00
37,7.50.00
42,200.00
34,100.00
69,000.00
,S6.300.(I<-I
49,700.00
30.100.00
3,800.00
19,.50O.0O
6,:«).00
5,600.00
102,000.00
212,000.00
79,(KIO.OO
55,."iO0.lKI
64,.500.(K1
37,200.00
26,(Hk:I.0O
68,.5t»l.0O
31,(HX1.00
26,1UO.OO
69,000.00
48,0O(-l.0O
35.900.00
75,900.00
55,(KX).0O
72,.50O.OO
38.460.00
39,0(ltl.90
36,000.00
1,700.00
37,700.00
31,500.00
28,9.50.00
24,000.00
66,.500.0tl
45,000.00
35,000.00
37,500.00
24,700.01,1
5,350.00
25,900.00
68,500.00
18,000.00
2,6.50.00
1,625.00
41,0(XI.0O
56,.500.00
$103,650.00 $2.296.1.50.00
In the parochial schools of St. Paul nearly lo,- versity, St. Paul's Seminary. St. Joseph's Acad-
000 children are enrolled and amoiit^ the institu- emy, Msitation .\cademy, St. .Agatha's Academy,
tions devoted to the higher education are : St. These institutions are elsewhere treated at greater
Thomas and Maealester colleges, Hanilinc Uni- length.
i8S
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
CHAPTER XIX.
'THli NEWSPAPER PRESS— THE COMING OF GOOD-
HUE AND THE FOUNDING OF THE PIONEER
MORTALITY GREAT AMONG EARLY PUBLICATIONS
THE SUR\I\ORS — 1849-1906.
'I'liere are no new spajier derelicts in St. Paul.
The wrecks were sunk and gotten out of sight.
And for a city that has been so uniformly pro-
gressive and which owes so much to the enter-
prise of publishers and the ability of editors, St.
Paul has rewarded journalism but meagerly. Of
course, the law of the survival of the fittest has
operated in the newspaper world as in other
things, but the men whose enterprise went un-
recognized and whose journalistic ventures
occupy unmarked graves have always had their
iiwn (jpinions about the standards of the fittest
that obtained.
As with men in the world the great majority
of the newspapers that were born in St. Paul
have gone to the limbo of the forgotten. The
first newspaper to be printed with a Minnesota
date — the Minnesota Register — met an early and
sudden death. The second — the Minnesota Pio-
neer— survives in a lineal descendant, the Pio-
neer-Press. It has seen scores and scores of
rivals absorbed, killed, sold out by the sheriff —
though not many went the latter way, for it has
been characteristic of the publisher who went to
smash to go eternally to smash and leave nothing
for a receiver or sheriff.
Yet the city is well supplied with newspapers
today. It is true that the local political condi-
tion is unique in that the democratic party, which
is in power in municipal affairs, has no organ
and seems to he able to get along without one.
The Daily Glol)e, for twenty-eight years the local
organ of the democracy, was suppressed and sold
piecemeal by its owner, James J. Hill, April 30,
H>o5. Since then there has been no daily demo-
cratic paper. It may be added that there is no
prospect of one. The surviving dailies, the Pio-
neer-Press, the Disjjatch and the Daily News — the
last two republican and the last mentioned in-
dependent— are all out of the woods financially
and give every indication of lasting forever.
The Pioneer-Press traces its ancestry back to
April 28. 1849. when James 'S\. Goodhue started
the ^^linnesota Pioneer. Goodhue conducted the
paper until his death in 1852, when it passed into
the hands of Joseph R. Brown. Earle S. Good-
rich saved the paper from disaster by taking it
over in 1854 and turning it into a daily. In 1855
the Pioneer absorbed the Daiy Democrat — which
had been started as a weekly in 1850 by D. A.
Robertson — and for nine years the paper was
known as the Pioneer and Democrat. In 1864 it
became the Pioneer again. In 1865 the firm of
Davidson & Hall bought out the Goodrich in-
terest. In 1866 it was sold to Henry L. Carver,
Charles W. X'ash and others in a company known
as the Pioneer Printing Company. In 1872 the
])aper was sold to E. E. Paulding, who died, and
the estate sold the paper to David Blakely. It
went into the hands of the owners of the Pre^s
Printing Companv and was consolidated with the
Press, as the Pioneer-Press, in April. 1875.
The Minnesota Register first saw the light in
Cincinnati. April 15, 1849. Long before the
paper and the plant arrived in St. Paul Goodhue
had occupied the field with the Pioneer, and Mav
1st of the same year Col. James Hughes pub-
lished the first number of the Minnesota Qironi-
cle. Thus, in June, 1849, there were three papers
in the town of St. Paul. That was obviously
too many, and in August the Chronicle and Reg-
ister were consolidated under that title. The
Minnesota Democrat was jnit into the field bv
Col. D. A. Robertson, Decemlx'r 10, 1850, and
shortly absorbed the Chronicle and Register. The
weekly .Minnesotian appeared in September. 1851,
owing its birth to the necessity for a whig paper.
John P. Owens was editor. May 11, 1854. the
Minnesotian became the Daily .Minnesotian, and
in 1S57 Dr. Thomas Foster — who appears to have
had more than his share of the pugnacity that
was required, instead of aggressiveness, in a
newspai)er editor in those days — secured Colonel
Owens' interest in the Minnesotian. The Daily
Times, which had been established May 15, 1854,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
189
was biddinc;' for the same patronage that Dr.
Foster needed in his business, and December 14,
1859, the warring interests controlHng the two
papers united and consolidated the journals. In-
stead of bringin"' peace to the journalistic family,
this union simply served to bring the contending
partners into closer relationship, where thev
could fight without .going out to look for trouble,
and the union was dissolved in six month<-
Thomas M. Newson was the principal owner of
the Times and he found a purchaser for his paper
in a firm composed of \\'illiam R. Marshall, Jo-
seph .\. W'heelock and Newton Bradley. Tlie
new men had the Associated Press franchise and
capital. They changed the name of the Times
to the Daily Press, January i, 1861. That set-
tled the chances of the Daily ]\Iinnesotian. and
Dr. Foster gave up the fight and suspended pub-
lication January 25, 1861.
The St. Paul Daily Free Press struggled
against fate for six months in 1855 and was de-
cently interred — there being no possibility of
dodging the grave by a timely consolidation.
There were numerous short-lived journals start-
ed (luring the war period — the North Star, wdiich
was started in i860 to cary on the r)reckenridge
boom, did not even last until election day — from
time immemorial the day u])iin which newspapers
die. The St. Paul Journal was started in 1862
and never saw the first anniversary of its birth.
The St. Paul Daily Union, a morning paper,
appeared in November 3, 1862. It was short-
lived, but its birth and final passing into the hands
of the owners of the Press, by the process of ab-
sorption in six months, was worth while, because
it first furnished occupation, in St. Paul, for the
activities of H. P. Hall. This is set down here
as a fact and to controvert the widespread belief
that H. P. Hall first came into prominence in the
northwest as chairman of the committee that re-
ceived the Indians. The St. Paul Evening Demo-
crat, by J. L. McDonald, of Shakopee, came out
in September, 1863. and died election day. The
St. Paul Commercial, by David Ramaley and H.
P. Hall, lasted from September. 1866, to th.e
following summer. The Northwestern Chroni-
cle, a Catholic weekly, started in 1866 by John
C. Deverenx, still survives. The St. Paul Regis-
icr, appeared in Jmic, 1867. and lasted a few
months. The Rural Minnesotian was printed for
a brief period in 186", and in January. 1869, the
Minnesota Monthly was issued and continued io
exist for thirteen months.
THE BIRTH OF THE DISPATCH.
February 29, 1869, H. P. Hall, in association
with David Ramaley and John \\". Cunningham,
started a permanent contribution to the daily
press of the city in the St. Paul Daily Dispatch.
Cunningham soon dropped out of the combina-
tion and Ramaley left in 1870, Mr. Hall becoming
editor-in-chief and publisher. His mental and
physical activity served to carry the paper
through many a storm and it was fairlv well
established^ — though Hall had not been laying up
any fortune — wdien in 1876 a company was or-
ganized by Henry A. Castle and the plant was
bought from Hall. In 1880 the Dispatch was
sold to W. R. Marshall and C. C. Andrews and
run b\- them for a year. September 18, 1881,
Henry .\. Castle took the paper again and pub-
lished it until February, 1885, when he sold to
George K. Shaw, who, a few months later, sold
it to George Thompson, the present proprietor
and editor-in-chief.
Mr. Thompson inaugurated an aggressive pol-
icy that won out. He made no monev for some
years, but he ran a newspaper that was certain
to attract attention, and he was largelv influential,
through his paper, in bringing about the change
in the public attitude which has made the evening
pajier to be the most in demand of the general
public. In the early 90's the Dispatch got
well started on the high road to prosperity, and
in 1895 Mr. Thompson erected the block known
as Newspaper Row, at Fourth and Minnesota
streets, for the home of his paper. Since then
the progress of the paper has been remarkable
and is now regarded as one of the best newspaper
properties in the state. It has now a magnificent
physical equipment, with a press capacity of
200,000 eight-page papers an hour, and a circu-
lation well up to the fifty-thousand mark. Mr.
H. T. Black has been managing editor of the
paper for eleven years, and Walter J. Driscoll is
business manager.
i(;o
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
.-£.. -!_- a.
THE PIONEER-PRESS.
The history of the St. Paul-Pioneer Press is
the history of Minnesota and the greater empire
of the northwest. Tens of thousands of news-
papers exist as business or political ventures ; to
few, indeed, is it granted to be looked upon as
the natural organs of the domain in which they
exist. Among this fortunate few is the Pioneer-
Press, which is conceded to be essentially rep-
resentative of the northwest, a territory reaching
from the head of the Great Lakes to the Rocky
mountains, and embracing a half dozen states
whose demands it voiced for admission into the
L'nion.
Since the paper was established it has absorbed
over thirty rivals, so that if there is any truth in
the proverb that in union there is strength, its
foundations are laid deep and sure. The terri-
tory of Alinnesota was organized by congress on
March 3, 1849. O" April 28th of the same year
the Weekly Pioneer made its appearance in St.
Paul.
From this day, even before the officers of the
new territory had been named, the Pioneer-Press
dates its nativity. The Weekly Pioneer was the
first paper published within the limits of Minne-
sota, and the first printed within the far greater
territory in which its descendant now circulates.
It is, of course, assumed that its founder believed
that the new weekly, a six-column folio, printed
in brevier and minion, "filled a long-felt want,"
although the fact is recalled that St. Paul was a
little settlement of less than one thousand people,
most of whom were French voyageurs and half-
breeds.
The Pioneer newspaper, like the ]5ioncer set-
tler, had experiences, some of which were any-
thing but pleasant, save when they had become
dim reminiscences. The first four numbers of
the new weekly were issued from a carpenter's
shop on Third street, "as open," wrote the editor.
"as a corn rick." So comfortless was it at that
season of the year that the compositors had fre-
quently to pause in their work to breathe ujidu
their benumbed fingers.
The editor was stabbed as a penalty for sduio
of his vigorous utterances, but i)rovcd that he
was equal to his editorial responsibility by
promptly shooting his assailant. Even at that
early day the paper was a vigorous advocate of
what it believed to be the best interests of the
community, a policy which the Pioneer-Press has
perpetuated, and also enlarged, to meet the
broader domains of the state and the northwest,
and to this loyalty its fame and poularity are
largely due. The Weekly Pioneer urged the
building of a railroad to St. Anthony (now a
part of Minneapolis), the establishing of a free
high school and the improvement of the Missis-
sippi, in early years the highway of travel and
traffic.
On Alay i, 1854, about five years after its first
appearance, the Pioneer blossomed out as a daily,
a six-column folio, printed in brevier, nonpareil
and agate. The population of St. Paul was
then 5,000 — a large increase since 1849, t*"' ^
number hardly justifying such enterprise had it
not been for the rajiid and exciting events of
the war.
January i, 1861, the first issue of the Press
had appeared. While there were republican
papers in the local field, it was believed by the
leaders of the party that a new journal of a
higher character, free from factions and cliques,
would be both successful and influential. The
opportunity was clearly seen by Joseph A. Wheel-
ock, who, with the assistance of friends, estab-
lished the Press, of which he became the editor.
During the Rebellion the Press stanchly sup-
ported the national administration. Its vigorous
conduct and excellent news service secured it a
circulation which soon exceeded that of its older
and more sluggish rival.
In the fall of 1862 the Daily Union was estab-
lished Ijy I'rederick Driscoll. It was strongly
rciniblican in jiolitics, but opposed the Press in
some i)olitical matters. Early in 1863 Mr. Dris-
coll discontinued the Union and became an eijual
owner with .Mr. Wheelock in the Press on .March
tst. and the partnership thus begun has lasted
thirty-four years.
l'"roni 1863 to 1875 the I'ioneer and the Press
existed side by side, the latter staimchlv repub-
lican, the former democratic, as it had been from
its earliest issue. In a section inlcnselv rcpub-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
191
lican in its political sentiments, it was only natu-
ral that the organ of that party should be more
prosperous, even were the papers of opposite
faith of equal merit. After experiences of a
varied character, the most striking of which was
the institution of a lottery to increase its sub-
scription list (the capital prize being a valuable
residence, and grounds three acres in extent, with
lesser prizes of pianos, organs, watches and
greenbacks), the failing Pioneer was absorbed
by the energetic and prosperous Press. The Pio-
neer-Press made its appearance April 11, 1875,
to the amazement of the readers of both papers,
so quietly had the transfer been discussed and
executed.
It is nothing unusual to find subscribers who
have read the paper for a quarter of a century ;
indeed, there are employes in the editorial and
mechanical departments who have been in the
service of the paper for a longer period. Whde
the Pioneer-Press is a loj'al republican news-
paper, reserving the right of independent action
in local numicipal affairs, it has a large number
of readers among believers in different political
faiths. It has not been content to depend upon
the prestige of its history, but has sought and re-
ceived its support through its progressiveness.
It would be impossible for a paper of the moral
strength which characterizes the Pioneer- Press
not to have an eventful history. To sum up in
a sentence, it has always been a leader in the
northwest. It was the first paper to stereot}-pe
its forms ; it was the first paper to have a leased
wire between St. Paul and New York ; it was the
first to introduce the cylinder and to use linotype
machines. It has been not only a power in north-
western politics, but in all other matters in that
section.
Conde Hamlin is the vice president and gen-
eral manager of the Pioneer-Press Company, hav-
ing been promoted from assistant city editor
through the various steps to the highest place in
the organization. The position of editor-in-chief
was held from the birth of the Press to his la-
mented death. ]\Iay 9, 1906, by Mr. Joseph A.
\\'heclock. His life work, with its immense in-
fluence on St. Paul and the northwest, is treated
of elsewhere.
January 15, 1878, H. P. Hall, in his capacity
of official starter of newspapers, to which he
was becoming used now, invented and started die
Daily Globe. He had a fight before he secured
the Associated Press franchise that he needed,
but he had the city printing in sight, and that
was an inspiration. Hall ran it and made a good
newspaper of the Globe until 1882, when the in-
gratitude of the democracy drove him to seek
financial assistance that might be relied on. A
stock company was organized, taking over ^Mr.
Hall's interest, but he was retained as manager
and editor and for the punishment of the sins
of politicians. In 1885 Mr. Hall and his com-
pany gave up the struggle and a new corporation
headed by Lewis Baker took the paper. In 1894
Mr. Baker took an appointment as minister to
Nicaragua, getting as far as he could from the
Cilobe office. The Kittson heirs owned the paper
for a while and then a receiver, Judge C. E. Flan-
drau, edited and published it under the direction
of the court. The Dawsons, of the old Bank of
Minnesota, took the paper when the receivership
was closed out, and eventually James J. Hill had
to take it. A company was organized, of which
R. T. O'Connor was president for some years,
and the paper was edited and managed by J. G.
P}ie, previously associate editor of the Pioneer-
Press ; J. S. Spinney, formerly editorial manager
of the New York Times ; then by F. M. Luxton,
who had been editor of the Winnipeg Free Press ;
later by H. W. Sikes, of Butte, Mont. Its last
general manager and editor-in-chief was J. G.
Pyle, who made it a great newspaper, but inexor-
able fate was in the way. The paper went out of
business April 30, 1905.
The Daily News — a title that appeared to be
ill-fated until the present paper of that name was
established — first appeared in the form of a news-
paper in St. Paul in June, 1879, Ramaley & Cun-
ningham being responsible for it. It lasted eight
months. In December, 1887, a Dailv News Pub-
lishing Company was organized in defiance of
the hoodoo, and another Daily News occupied the
evening field. For seven years a variety of man-
ager.s — including for a time H. P. Hall — tried
unsuccessfully to meet the printers on pay day.
but it became an impossibility in the end. Tues-
UJ2
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
day was referred to, jocularly, among the print-
ing fraternity as being the day upon which the
News' young men did not get paid. There was
a tradition that Tuesday was pay day. That
Daily News went out of existence in 1894.
About the time of the demise of the Daily News
H. P. Hall started the Daily Call. His indefati-
gable industry kept it alive for some months and
it was a very creditable publication. But it was
too much for even the resourceful Hall. He was
editor-in-chief ; he read all the copy : he wrote
all the editorials and he refreshed himself with a
nap while the paper was being made up — then
he superintended the mailing of it. This he might
have got along with, but when it became neces-
sary fir him to spend all his time during daylight
in a vain attempt to finance the paper he broke
down. When the Call died, Mr. Hall refused to
start any more daily papers.
THE DAILY NEWS.
The St. Paul Daily News made its first a]i-
]>earance on May i. 1900. St. Paul at that time
had long been known as a graveyard! of news-
paper ventures, and an early death was predicted
for the new arrival.
.Six years of news])apcr history have failed to
justifv these gloomy [)redictions. The Daily
News is not only still in the field, but, from the
day of its first issue, has shown a constant and
substantial growth.
Its beginnings were of the humblest. It was
printed upon an old-fashioned Potter press, and
its equipment and (|uarters were of the most lim-
ited character, A four-page paper, it was sent
out to compete with thoroughly established news-
papers of from ten to twenty pages. Against
this handicap of facilities and product was only
the faith of the publishers that the public would
interest itself in a newspaper giving the news in
a clean, condensed and reliable way, and support-
ing the great mass of the people when their inter-
ests clashed with the special privileges of the few.
Now, after six years of endeavor, this faith on
the part of those who founded the St. Paul Daily
News is fully justified in wliat it has accom-
plished. Tt is read in more than 40.000 house-
holds. It is issued from an office and with an
equipments adequate and modern in every detail,
and which are being added to almost from day
to day.
In a most essential respect the Daily News was
a radical departure from anything journalistic
which St. Paul had never known. The new
paper entered a field which had been peculiarly
one of personal journalism. It aimed to reach
and to attract people who had been trained to
believe in the personality of an editor rather than
in the individuality of a newspaper.
The Daily News was founded, and has been
consistently edited, in the belief that the day of
the editor as opposed to character in the news-
paper itself, if not already passed, is rapidly
passing. So its aim has been, not to make the
name of any man or men familiar to its readers,
but to attach them to the character of the news-
paper in its own individuality as expressed in
its news and its editorial columns.
In its editorial policy it has endeavored to estab-
lish a personal relation for itself, and not for its
editor, with its readers. To accomplish this, it
has avoided, as far as possible, discussions of
minor political questions, and has devoted itself
to the broad and fundamental problems of private
and civic morality. In the space which it has
given to politics, it has addressed itself very little
to partisan questions or party victories, but has
urged what it believed to be right, and opposed
what it believed to be wrong, irrespective of or-
dinary lines.
The Daily News is published at 92, 94 and q6
East Fourth street, by the Daily News Publishing
Company, of which L, V. Ashbaugh is president.
Mr. Ashbaugh, while still a young man, has
scored a signal success in the newspaper world.
He came to St. Paul after successful experience
in Kansas City and Omaha. He has other news-
paper activities and controls newspaper publica-
tions having a circulation in the aggregate of
more than a quarter of a million copies a day.
The vice president and general manager of the
Daily News Publishing Company is J- Harry
Lewis, who also has had a varied and successful
newspaper career. Mr, Lewis had been associated
witli Mr. Ashbanc'h in Kansas Citv. and when
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
193
the St. Paul paper was established, came to this
city to take charge of its advertising and its busi-
nes. A great part of the success which the Daily
News has won is due to the strong personality
and to the tireless activity which Mr. Lewis has
shown in its promotion.
F. E. Crawford, the editor of the Daily News
since its inception, is a fine type of the modern
newspaper editor. In spite of the avowed policy
of the Daily News to eliminate the personal ele-
ment in the editorship, Mr. Crawford's person-
ality stands out in every column of the paper.
He is alert, forceful, quick and safe in judgment
and a rapid worker. He has, moreover, resolved
the noble and notable art of condensation to a
science. A graceful writer and possessing a fine
sense of the value of the human element
in a newspaper he has accomplished an
immense work in evolving a journal that appeals
to a large constituency whose taste for the news
condensed had to be created. His work has been
educational in other respects, for he had to find
means to educate a stafif to the new ideal aimed
at by the Daily News. Among the editors of
the modern cult, 'Sir. Crawford has attained a
high place as one who has tremendous initiative
capacity, and he will go far in the new field in
which the newspaper man has taken the place of
the journalist.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Crawford has spent his
entire newspaper career in Minnesota — save a
brief period of labor in Wisconsin. He rose to
to the managing editorship of the Globe and left
that position to take editorial charge of the News.
THE VOt.KS ZEITUNG.
The Daily Volks Zeitung traces its ancestry
directly to the first newspaper published in the
German language in St. Paul, the Minnesota
Deutsche Zeitung, established in 1856 by Fred-
erick Orthwein. In Jtdy, 1858, the name of the
paper was changed to the Minnesota Staats Zei-
tung. In September, 1877, the Volksblatt and
the Staats Zeitung were consolidated under the
name of the Volks Zeitung, and in April, 1878, a
daily edition was started. The daily took the
paper into bankruptcy and it was taken over by
13
Charles Lienau and later became prosperous. It
has been a daily and influential for many years.
It was managed by F. W. Bergmeier up to the
time of his death in 1905.
Innumerable weeklies, monthlies and special-
ized papers have been started and strutted fitfully
in the journalistic arena of St. Paul. To enu-
merate them would be unprofitable. Most of
them have been decently buried ; some of them
were executed on election day and left unburied.
The weekly field is fairly well occupied by Der
Wanderer, a German publication of large circu-
lation and much influence; the Union Advocate,
by Con. C. Guiney; the St. Paul Herald, by
James A. Burne ; the Appeal, the organ of the
colored people ; the West St. Paul Times, the
East Side Star, the St. Paul Review, the Trade
Journal, and a number of publications in foreign
languages.
CHAPTER XX.
DEALS WITH WARLIKE AFFAIRS, RELATING THE
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF ST. PAUL
AXD TELLING THE STORY OF HISTORIC FORT
SNELLING.
The state militia, or National Guard, has been
linked to the early history of St. Paul, but its
organization did not assume definite or permanent
shape until the year 1880, when under state and
federal legislation the present, or modern. Na-
tional Guard was developed .
The first company of infantry of the Minne-
sota National Guard in St. Paul was mustered
into the service of the state on April 5, 1880, as
the St. Paul Guards, now Company C of the
First Infantry. It was soon followed by a bat-
tery of artillery, organized February 21, 1861,
and mustered in the service of the state March
29, 1881, as the Emmet Light Artillery, now Bat-
tery A, First Artillery. At about the same time
the Allen Guards, another infantry company, was
organized (February 10, 1881), and was mus-
tered in the service April 24, 1881, bemg now
194
PAST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
known as ConiiJUiiy D, 1-irst Intanlry. (Jther
companies followed, of which there remain Com-
pan\' E. First Infantry, mustered in the service
April 24, 1882 ; Company E. Third Infantry,
mustered in on April 10. 1895, and the company
of engineers mustered in June 17, 1901.
The six companies of the National Guard are
quartered in a well equipped armory erected by
the city and completed in 1904.
The new armory of St. Paul is a three-story
stone structure, 150x180 feet, with full basement,
located at the southwest corner of Sixth and
Exchange streets. The site was partly donated
by a local military association and the balance
purcliased from the late Governor Ramsey. The
building covers the entire site and is built of
the best quality of Portwing reddish brown stone.
It is occupied by six companies of the ^Minnesota
National Guard, besides artillery and infantry
headquarters.
The drill hall on the first floor, about five feet
above street level, measures 120x140 feet in the
clear, without posts or columns, the ceiling and
roof being equipped by immense steel trusses of
150 feet span. This hall is provided on three
sides with a spacious gallery suspended from the
trusses.
The building is absolutely fire-proof and em-
bodies some of the latest features of construc-
tion and engineering. All floors from the base-
ment to the top story are made of reinforced
concrete, resting on steel beams. The total cost
of the armory building completed, including site,
was $173,000. The St. Paul armory is perhaps
the best adapted building for its purpose west
of New York.
TIIIC W.M< wrni SPAIN.
The city of St. Paul contributed liberally to
the quota of the state of Alinnesota upon the call
of the president at the oj)ening of the Spanish-
American war, furnishing eight companies, in
addition to several staff officers, non-commis-
sioned officers and band. The St. Paul com-
panies were assigned as follows : Company T to
the Twelfth Infantry : Companies C, D, E, and TT
to the Thirk'cuth Tnfanlrv; Comjianies E and I to
the I'durteentli Infantry, and Company 1'. tn the
l-'ifteenth Infantry.
Twelfth .Minnesota \olunteers (Second Infan-
try, AI. N. G.) — Twelfth Regiment Minnesota
N'ulunteer Infantry was enholled on April 29,
iSc;8, and mustered into the service of the United
States at Camp Ramsey, St. Paul, Minnesota, on
Alay () and7, 1898. The regiment left Camp Ram-
sey May 15, 1898, for Camp Thomas, (Borgia,
arriving May 19, 1898, and was assigned to the
F'irst Brigade, Third Division, First .\rmy
Corps. Leaving Camp Thomas, Georgia, August
23, 1898, Camp Hamilton, Kentucky, was reached
August 24, 1898. Under orders to return home,
the regiment left Camp Hamilton, Kentucky,
September 15, 1898, arriving at New Ulm, Min-
nesota, September 17, 1898, where it entered
camp the following day. Pursuant to General
Orders No. 130, A. G. O., 1898, and General
Orders No. 17, Regimental Headquarters, the
regiment was furloughed for thirty days from
September 21, 1898, and w-as mustered out of
the service November 5, 1898.
Thirteenth Minnesota Volunteers (First Li-
fantry, M. N. G.) — The Thirteenth Regiment
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was enrolled on
April 29, 1898, and mustered into the service of
the United States at Camp Ramsey, St. Paul.
l\Iinnesota, on May 7, 1898. On May i6th the
regiment proceeded to San Francisco. Califor-
nia, to prepare for service in the Philippine
Islands, arriving at Camp Merritt, San Francisco,
California, May 21. 1898. On June 26th it em-
l^arked on the steamer City of Para and on June
27th sailed for Manila, Philippine Islands, arriv-
ing at Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, June 5th. de-
parting July 9th, arriving at Manila Bay July
31, disembarking and landing at Paranqua.
Philippine Islands, August 7th, marching to
Camp Dewey the same day.
On August T3, 1898, the regiment participated
in tile liattle before Alanila as a part of the First
brigade. .Second Division, under the command
of Brigadier General Mc.Arlhnr. On August 22(1
il was assigned to duty as Provost (iuard of Ma-
nila. Philipi")ine Islands, forming a jxirt of the
Second Brigade, F.i.ghth .\rmy Corps, under com-
mand of Brigadier General Hughes, provost mar-
PAST AND TRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
195
shal yxncral, and remained charged with this duty
until March 19, 1899, when i*- was relieved. On
March 20, the regiment was ordered into the
field and assigned to the Third Brigade, Second
Division, under command of Gen. R. P. Hall, and
on Alarch 25th and 26th was engaged with in-
surgents in the Mariquina valley.
From March 29th to August 4th it was placed
on duty guarding the line of communication
along the Manila and Daguapan Railroad from
Mariloa to San Isabel. During this time the regi-
ment had numerous engagements with the insur-
gents, among which was the attack on the rail-
road April loth and nth and the battle of Santa
Maria April 12th.
On April 23d, the Second and Third liattal-
ions, consisting of Companies C, D, E, H, K. L,
M and G, forming part of the Provisional Brig-
ade under command of Colonel Summers, became
a part of Lawton's expedition to the interior, re-
turning to duty along the railroad on May 25th.
During this time the First Battalion, consisting
of Companies A, B. F and I, remained on duty
guarding the line of communication from Bigaa
Bridge to San Isabel. Philippine Islands.
On l\Iay 25th the Second and Third Battalions
were relieved from service with the Provisional
Brigade, and on May 26th they resumed duty
abng the line of the Alanila & Daguapan Railroad
from Caloocan to Guiguinto, guarding, protect-
ing and patroling the towns of Malabon. Polo,
Meyecanayan and Guiguinto. On August 4th.
being relieved from further duty in the Philip-
pine Islands, the regiment returned to Manila,
Philippine Islands, for embarkation to the United
States and final muster out.
On August loth the Thirteenth Minnesota
Volunteers embarked on board the United States
army transport "Sheridan," sailing from ^Manila
Bay on the morning of August 12th. It reached
Yokohama. Japan, (by way of the inland sea),
and Nagasaki . on August 22d, thence leaving on
.-\ugust 24th, bound for the I'nited States. San
Francisco. California, was reached .September
7th : the regiment disembarked September 9th.
marching to the Presidio Camp, where it re-
mained until mustered out. October 3. 1899.
Fourteenth IMinnesota Volunteers (Third M.
X. G.) — The F'ourteenth Regiment Minnesota
\'olunteer Infantry was enrolled on April 29,
1898, and mustered in the service of the United
States at Camp Ramsey, St. Paul, ^Minnesota, on>
May 8, 1898. The regiment left Camp Ramsey
on ^lay 16, 1898, proceeding by rail to Camp
Thomas, Chickaniauga Park, Georgia, wdiich was
reached Alay 19, 1898; distance traveled 1,106
miles. On August 28, 1898, it left Camp Thomas
marching eight miles to Rossville, Georgia, where
it embarked for Knoxville, Tennessee, arriving on
the same day, and went into camp at '"Camp Po-
land :" distance traveled by rail 112 miles. On
September 20, 1898. the regiment left Camp Po-
land for St. Paul, arriving at "Camp Van Duzee,"
St. Paul, Minnesota, September 23, 1898. Under
General Orders, Xo. 130, A. G. O., 1898, it
was furloughed for thirty days, commencing Sep-
tember 30, 1898. and was mustered out Novem-
ber 18, 1898.
During the period of regimental furlough, the
h'ourteenth Minnesota A'olunteer Infantry was as-
sembled, under authority of the War Depart-
ment, and stationed at various points along the
Great Northern Railway, north of Leech Lake
to assist in the protection of the settlers during
th.e Indian outbreak referred to elsewhere in this
report. Several companies participated in the
operations as a part of General Bacon's forces,
returning in the afternoon of October 23, 1898.
I'ifteenth Minnesota \'olunteers. — The Fif-
teenth Regiment ^Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
was mustered in the service of the United States
at Camp Ramsey, St. Paul, Minnesota, on JlUv
9 to 18. 1898. under the second cal of the presi-
dent for volunteer troops, rernaining at Camp
Ramsey until August 24, 1898, when it was
moved to Camp Snelling. a distance of eight
miles. On September 15. 1898. the regiment
left Camp Snelling, proceeding by rail to
Camp Meade, Pennsylvania, arriving on Septem-
ber 18. 1898. Companies B, E, F and L partici-
pated in the peace jubilee at Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania. October 27, 1S98. On Xovember 15th,
the regiment proceeded by rail to Camp Mac-
Kcnzie. Pennsylvania, arriving XTovember 17,
196
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
i8y8, whti'c it remained- until inustLTcd out
March 27, 1898.
First Artillery, M. X. G. — In the latter part
of September, 1898, owing to some grievances,
real or fancied, in the matter of disposing of
"dead and down" timber and in the treatment
they received at the hands of the federal authori-
ties, the Bear Islanders of Pillager band of the
Chippewa Indian tribe at Leech Lake, Minnesota,
became discontented and restless. Matters grew
worse until October 4th, when a detachment of
the Third United States Infantry, under com-
mand of Capt. Melville C. Wilkinson, was sent
to Walker, Minnesota, to assist in the arrest of
some Indians under warrants issued from the
United States courts. In the morning of the fol-
lowing day, the detachment, under Brigadier Gen-
eral John M. Bacon, LInited States Volunteers,
then in command of the Department of Dakota,
landed upon a peninsula, known as Sugar Point,
extending about five miles into Leech Lake, aver-
aging about tw'o miles in width and lying about
two miles north of Bear Island. At about 11 :30
a. m. of that day, owing, it seems to the accidental
discharge of a gun in the hands of one of the men,
a general engagement was precipitated between
the detachment numbering seventy-seven men,
and a number of Indians concealed by the under-
brush and other natural obstruction. The engage-
ment resulted in the loss of one officer (Captain
Wilkinson) and six men killed, and fourteen
wounded. The Indian loss, if any, was never
definitel}' ascertained.
The governor, in this emergency, telegraphed
to the war department for authority to use some
companies of the Minnesota Volunteers, en-
camped in the state, for the protection of the set-
tlers in the threatened districts. His request was
at first granted, but subsequently denied. There-
upon the First .Artillery, N. G. S. M., was ordered
to assenible and immediately proceed to Deer
river and Cass lake. The orders were received
by the battalion and battery commanders late in
the evening of October 7th. At seven o'clock the
next morning, the whole command was on its
way, equipped wdth Springfield rifles, two Gat-
ling guns and the necessary ammunition, and
reached its destination in the evening of the same
day.
After a number of conferences between the
commissioner of Indian affairs and the Indian
chiefs an agreement was finally reached and hos-
tilities ceased. The volunteer troops were with-
drawn and the First Battalion of Artillery, N. G.
S. ^I., was recalled, arriving at St. Paul and
rylinneapolis in the afternoon of October 23. iSyS,
after seventeen days' service.
HISTORIC FORT SXELLIXG.
Fort Snelling was the nursery of St. Paul.
When in 1805 Lieutenant Pike met the Indians
on the island which now bears his name, and de-
cided that the bluffs on the west bank of the
Mississippi at the mouth of the Minnesota, was
the most fitting place for the establishment of a
military post in these parts, he judged with an
accuracy that has been endorsed by the experi-
ence of a century. At that time the location of
Fort Snelling had been but for two years a por-
tion of the territory of the LTnited States.
There was in the country no outward evi-
dence of American occupation, and the few
traders engaged in the fur business were
either French or British and all utterly
indifferent or ignorant of the fact that
the flag of France no longer waved over Louisi-
ana. Primarily the object of Pike's expeditio;.
was to make these disfranchised adventurers
understand that the United States had come into
possession of the country in which they lived,
and to gather some accurate knowledge of the
conditions obtaining about the headwaters of the
Mississippi. Incidentally, it may be presumed,
he was to locate a site for a military establish-
ment hereabouts.
There was no settlement at Fort Sneling or
in it's neighborhood, except the trading post
across the Minnesota river about wdiere Men-
dota now is. But it did not require any keener
eye that Lieutenant Pike brought to bear upon the
situation to demonstrate that here was the place to
locate a fortress which would maintain the flag
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
197
at this outpost and afford opportunit_v to control
the savage bands that peopled the country. Pike
made a treaty for a military reservation and
founded the base upon which later arose the edi-
fice that stood for the power of the nation in this
territory. But his educational campaign was
largely spoiled from the fact that no steps were
taken to follow the suggestions made by this dis-
creet soldier and explorer, and the country was
still essentially pro-British when the War of
1812 came on, and made it practically impossible
for the United States to carry out any plans in-
volving the expenditure of money or the location
of troops in this section of the wilderness until
tile national treasury' had been somewhat replen-
ished.
The lands acquired for the reservation by
Lieutenant Pike were estimated by him to be
about 100.000 acres in extent, and to represent a
value of about $200.000 ; and the lieutenant ex-
hibited some little pardonable pride in his capac-
ity in dealing with the Indians, in making his
report, by saying: "T gave them presents worth
about $200, and allowed the traders to present
them with sixty gallons of liquor."
A\'hen, in 1819, Colonel Leavenworth came up
tlie ]\rississip])i river with an equipment calcu-
lated to carry out the plans inaugurated fourteen
years earlier by Lieutenant Pike, the Indians had
practically forgotten that a treaty had been
made. Their memory was easily refreshed by
Colonel Leavenworth who brought with him
some of the goods that were contracted for in the
original treaty, but neither the Indians nor the
commander of the expedition had any very clear
idea of where Pike had proposed to establish the
fort. In would appear that Leavenworth, who
came up the Mississippi river in a keel boat —
because it was supposed that the river was not
navigable for a steamboat — landed first on the
east side of the Mississippi and established a
temporary camp there ; but there is some conten-
tion about this and it is only known for a cer-
tainty that he established winter cantonments on
the site of Mendota, moving up the river in the
spring and being, in the meantime, made familiar
with the situation, he had no difficulty at all in
concluding where he should locate the fort.
The valleys of the Mississippi and Minnesota
are dominated from the magnificent heights on
ilie west shore of the Mississippi exactly at the
mouth of the Minnesota. The blufif at that point
is about one hundred feet above the water-level,
and unapproachable, directly, from the water.
Its location made it easily susceptible of defense
against any force or armament that the Indians
might bring to bear against it, and it was bounti-
fully supplied with water and the other neces-
sary natural resources of a strong place. Dur-
ing the winter of 1819-1820 the ninety-eight men
who constituted the detail under command of
Leavenworth got out the necessary logs and tim-
bers for the construction of some of the build-
ings, but the actual work of building had not
proceeded far when Colonel Snelling relieved
Colonel Leavenworth ; changed the plans for the
fortifications to some extent, and went into the
work of actual building. In September, 1820,
the corner-stone of the old Round Tower was
laid with much military pomp, and within two
years the original plans for the fort were com
pleted and the barracks occupied. Mtich of the
romance of Fort Snelling clusters about this old
Round Tower which stood for three-quarters of
a century a fine type of border military archi-
tecture, only to eventually fall into the hands of
the modern vandals of the quartermaster's de-
partment of the army and be subjected to such
a modernizing as to almost completely destroy
the suggestions and reminiscence's associated
with the hoary structure.
During the first twenty years of its existence,
Fort Snelling cut a large figure in the control of
the Indians in the surrounding country. In-
numerable expeditions were sent out in restraint
of the savages or to inflict chastisement for out-
rages perpetrated on settlers or traders, but the
warfare was all of a petty nature, and has scarce-
ly been preserved even in military history. There
were plenty of Indians in the country, but they
were largely in the control, if not in the employ,
of the traders, and they were generally peace-
able when sober. Major Taliaferro, the Indian
agent at the fort, who kept a voluminous
diary, relates one horrifying aft"air affect-
ing the Indians which occurred in 1826.
lyS
I'AST AXD i'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
The winter was a frig^htfully severe one, and a
band of Siou.x. consisting of thirt_v lodges, was
cut off in a blizzard on the prairie to the west of
the fort. The band literally starved to death,
and when found there were but four survivors
and these had subsisted only by devouring the
bodies of the dead. Several years afterward a
squaw, one of the survivors, who had been kept
at the fort, being insane, suddenly regained her
mind and memory and, remembering that she
had devoured her own child, threw herself from
the bluft' into the Missisippi river.
In that same year a band of Sioux entertained
a party of traveling Chippewas. There was some
firewater in the camp and the Indians got drunk,
the visitors retaining some power of movement,
while their hosts became stupid. Under the cir-
cumstances there was nothing for a drunken
Indian to do but commit murder, and the Chip-
pewas slew their hosts. The soldiers from the
fort went in pursuit of the murderers and cap-
tured a number of them, bringing them to the
fort. Demand was made upon Colonel Snelling
by the Sioux for the bodies of the prisoners, and
he. accommodating hiniself to the conditions of
the Indian country, and not knowing what to do
with his prisoners, agreed to let them go if the
Sioux would permit them to run the gauntlet.
One morning in July the Sioux of the Little
Crow band ranged themselves in two lines, ex-
tending from the old tower down towards the
bluff west of the present Fort Snelling bridge,
and the hapless Chippewas accepting, with In-
dian fortitude, their fate, dashed out of the tower
and tried to run through between the lines of
Sioux. It was understood, and, indeed, was a
point of honor with the Indians, that any who
might succeed in escaping death by running the
gauntlet, should be permitted to go his way.
The Sioux were armed with rifles, clubs, knives
and hatchets, and the Chippewas were in hope-
less case from the start. There were twelve of
the doomed men, and near two hundred Sioux.
.\11 the Chippewas died with the single exception
of the man who issued first out of the tower, and
who dashed, boimding and howling through the
ranks of the .Sioux, receiving manv wounds, litit
none so deadly as to stop his progress. He got
into the brush at the top of the river bank and
was not pursued, but his body was found the
ne.xt day at the brink of the river. He carried
no less than seventy distinct wounds, and cTied
from loss of blood.
This same Major Taliaferro, to whom we are
inde1)ted for what knowledge we have of Fort
Snelling in early days, seems to have had an
opinion of his own about trusts, for he wrote of
the American Fur Company, the Astor trading
concern : "This company in the aggregate is the
greatest scoundrel the world ever knew."
The fort which had been originally designated
as Fort St. Anthony was ofificially called Fort
Snelling first in 1824, at the suggestion of Gen-
eral Winfield Scott, who inspected the post in
that year and reported to the department, rec-
ommending "the propriety of changing the name
to Fort Snelling as a just compliment to the
meritorious officer under whom it has been
erected." The military history of the fort, inci-
dent to the various organizations that have gar-
risoned it, would be no part in the history of
St. Paul, though the social life of Snelling and
that of St. Paul has been much bound up since
there was any society in the latter place. In fact,
for many years recognition in the social life of
the fort was the cachet of approval most desired
by the ambitious dames living in the vicinity
of Snelling.
Many distinguished men have commanded or
been in garrison at Fort Snelling, and among
these perhaps the most ])rominent was Lieuten-
ant Colonel Zachary Taylor, who relieved Colo-
nel Snelling in 1828, remaining there for one
year. Colonel Taylor had four daughters, all of
whom married in the army, one of them making
a runaway match with Lieutenant Jefferson
Davis, afterwards president of the Confederacy,
who was stationed here about the same time.
I'lie remoteness of the garrison fnjm civiliza-
tion made it incumbent upon the officers to offer
hos]iitality to sojourners in the country, and so
famous did the post became for this hospitality
that many distinguished and adventurous travel-
ers journeyed up the Mississippi to explore and
PAST- AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
199
exploit the northwest, using Fort SneUing as a
base of operations. Among the most distin-
guished of these visitors was the French Count
Beltrami ; George Catlin, the painter of Indian
life ; the French savant, Nicollet ; Featherstone
Hall, the English geologist, and Captain iMarry-
att, who was traveling in search of adventures
to incorporate in the novels which made him
famous. Dred Scott, the slave whose case be-
came a national issue, leading to the famous deci-
sion, "that a negro had no rights that a white
man was bound to respect," was a slave at the
post. He belonged to Surgeon Emerson. ]\Iajor
Taliaferro owned a negro girl named Harrriet,
and Emerson bought her from the Major and
gave her to Scott for a wife. They were mar-
ried at the post in 1836. . Slaves were common
at Fort Snelling, for the army was very largely
officered from the south, but it does ont appear
that there was much trading in human beings.
The Indians got on rather better with the ne-
groes than with the whites and never lost their
interest in the kinky hair of the slaves whom
they called "black Frenchmen."
Fort Snelling was actually abandoned as a
military post in 1858, in consequence of a deal
whereby John B. Floyd, the secretary of war,
agreed with a syndicate, headed by Franklin
Steele, to sell the reservation for the sum of $90,-
000. There was at that time included in the res-
ervation some 6,000 acres of land, the original
reserve having been diminished first to 7,000
acres, and then, in November, 1853, to 6,000
acres. It was represented to the war depart-
ment that troops were no longer necessary at
this point, and the sale was consummated inso-
far that the first payment was accepted from Mr.
Steele in July, 1857, and on May 2.J, 1858, the
troops were withdrawn and the fort abandoned.
There was, however, a flaw in the deal provid-
ing for the transfer and some member of con-
gress who had not been, as he thought, properly
treated in the matter, made a row about the
affair. A congressional committee visited the fort
and concluded that the land was still necessary
for military purposes. Further payments under
the deed of sale were refused, but Steele held
possession until the breaking out of the Civil
war, when the late General John B. Sanborn
prevailed upon him to allow the state to use the
fort as a military rendezvous. Steele made the
exception only in favor of the state government,
and at the conclusion of the war insisted on
retaining the property he had bought. As a
compromise measure General Sanborn procured
the passage by congress of a bill by which 1,531
acres, including the post, were retained by the
government and Steele was given the balance in
settlement of his claim. Within a few years it
has been necessary to purchase a considerable
portion of the original tract in carrying out the
plans for the expansion of the military organi-
zation at Snelling, at an enormously increased
price. The post was again garrisoned in 1870,
and was utilized largely for the recuperation of
regiments decimated by service in the far west,
but it cut no considerable figure in the military
organization of the United States until the inaug-
uration of the policy of mobilizing the troops at
large depots, instead of having the soldiery scat-
tered and maintained at great expense at small
posts in a country which no longer needed de-
fense against the Indians. \Mth the close of the
Spanish war the military authorities went into
the work of making large depots at centers of
transportation, and Fort Snelling benefited in a
very large way as the result of this policy.
Congressman Fred C. Stevens, by his indefa-
tigable work as a member of congress, had suc-
ceeded in securing appropriations for the devel-
opment of Snelling upon lines which will ulti-
mately make it the big military depot of the^Iis-
sissippi valley. Practically $2,000,000 have been
spent in improvements in the last six years and
the end is not yet. The post is now garrisoned
by the Twent3--eighth Infantry, two batteries of
field artillery and two squadrons of cavalry. The
salubrity of the climate has indivced the war de-
partment to continue the old practice of using
.'duelling as a ground for recuperation of troops
exhausted b\- field service, and it is likely, indeed
certain, that the development of the post will con-
tinue until it has barrack capacity equal to that
of the largest in the coiuitr\'.
200
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE.
COXTAIXING CERTAIN- INFORMATION AS TO THE
MEANS WHEREBY ST. PAUL BECAME FAMOUS AS
THE HEALTHIEST CITY IN THE WORLD — DR.
OHAGE AND THE PUBLIC BATHS VITAL STATIS-
TICS.
St. Paul is now and has been for some years
the healthiest city of its class in the United
States — and that gives it supremacy over the
whole world in this respect. It was so pro-
claimed by the Paris Exposition, which awarded
it the grand prize ; and the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition in 1904 made good the award of the
Paris judges by giving it first prize. In 1903 re-
turns from twenty-five cities in the United States
were compiled showing the death rate per 1,000.
The percentage was based on actual and esti-
mated population ; the figures furnished by the
other cities were accepted as being accurate. St.
Paul had the lowest death rate in the compila-
tion, 8.92 per 1,000. Minneapolis stood second
with a death rate of 9.79.
Salubrity of climate has much to do with this
condition of affairs ; a maximum of sunshine, fine
air, pure water and a good sewer system are to
be reckoned with as factors in reducing the death
rate. But if you should ask the average citizen
of St. Paul who or what is mostly responsible
for the low death rate in this year of igo6 he
would very likely tell you Dr. Justus Ohage, the
commissioner of health. And he would be, in a
large measure, correct. Dr. Ohage had nothing
ti) do with making the natural conditions, but he
has helped wonderfully in improving the condi-
tions that were brought about by the carelessness
of man. lie is a really great student of hygiene.
He doesn't talk science — he practices it and he is
quite able and willing to make those who will not
comport with the rules of hygiene voluntarily,
do so anyway. It is not possibe to abolish the
death rate, but that it has been reduced to last
possible factor by the intelligent exercise of the
rules of decency and hygiene is certain. .\s for
the natural salubrity of the climate, that mili-
tates against reducing the death rate any farther
just now, for there are many people dying of
old age who came here fifty years or so ago to
take a last chance on escaping death from chron-
ic disease.
The health department of St. Paul was
brought to a high degree of efficiency by Dr. A.
J. Stone, the predecessor of Dr. Ohage. He ap-
plied approved rules to the management of the
department. ^M^en Dr. Ohage came into office
the department was a force for good. He took
to the work a degree of enthusiasm that over-
rode all obstructions : that bent the municipal
body and the public will to his desires. He
framed ordinances that be believed were neces-
sary and he forced them through the council.
Fie made arbitrary rules for the regulation of
public conduct as affecting the public health — •
and he saw that they were carried out. The law
gives the health commissioner ample authority ;
under certain conditions he is a law inito him-
self. When he declares an existing condition to
to be a nuisance it is a nuisance and he can abate
it by such means as he sees fit. ^^"lu■n he was
but a few years in office — he became health com-
missioner in 1898 — a storage warehouse was
partly destroyed by fire. The partly burned food
supplies in the place became an offense to the
senses and threatened the health of the commu-
nity. Dr. Ohage declared the condition to be a
nuisance and ordered the owners to abate it, or
he would take radical measures and destroy the
building and its contents. He was told that it
would cost him some hundreds of thousands of
dollars if he attempted anything ot' the kind. He
waited until the time limit he had given the own-
ers had expired then he applied the torch and
abated the nuisance by destroying the ruin and
its contents. 'Fhat is typical of the man. He is
impulsive but his im]nilses work properly. He
has corrected the evils that lurk in contagious
diseases by isolation and a quarantine system that
means something : he has disposed of the menace
to the public health that lingers in the garbage
can ; he has made the niillc supplx ]iure by mak-
ing it clear that impure milk could not be safely
vended: he has im]iroved the meat and other
food supply by rendering it unsafe for dealers
to handle foods that are not sound.
Piut at lite bottom of all his good works is an
PAST A\n PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
20I
active appreciation of tlie fact that cleanliness is
not onlv next to godliness but that it is a condi-
tion precedent to healthfulness. In five years he
has helped the people of St. Paul to a million and
a quarter baths — not the lick-and-a-promise sort
of bath, but a good sousing in the waters of the
Mississippi river — and he has made them like it.
He has made bathing so popular that it is the
commonest diversion of those who, alas, are too
frequently properly described as the great un-
washed. Dr. Ohage believes profoundly in the
saving grace of clean water ; he is a crank on the
subject — and it is the crank that make the world
go 'round. He is the father — and the mother,
too — of the public baths of St. Paul, an institu-
tion that is at once the admiration and despair
of the whole country. He has made the public
bath as much an institution in the public life of
St. Paul as the bath was an institution in Rome.
And, incidentally, he has given to the city a play-
ground that has not its like in the country.
THE PUBLIC BATHS.
Seven years ago the health commissioner came
to the conclusion that it was a part of his duty
to promote the public health by providing means
for cleanliness and outdoor exercise for the whole
people. He planned a great public bath, with
incidental gymnasiums and playground — a place
of recreation for the masses — and the classes,
too. He found an island, a long, low desert
spot, in the middle of the Mississippi and almost
in the heart of the city. It was of no great value,
but he had no public means for its acquisition.
He found the people who claimed the island and
induced them to give him title to it. There was
about forty acres of it, with a length of about
4.000 feet. It was covered with brush but along
its entire length there was a beautiful sandbar —
an ideal bathing beach. In the fall of 1S99 he
had the island cleared and the first of the follow-
ing July he opened the public baths. He had,
out of his own resource, transformed the barren
island into a delightful wooded resort, put up
two pavilions, an office building and a bathhouse
470 feet long. His project had been neglected
of the public until he had demonstrated his idea.
Then thousands went in swimming and hundreds
opened their purses. The $12,000 he had ex-
pended in improving the island was luade up in
donations — $700 being contributed by the school
children. The youngsters owned the place — they
were taught to assume the responsibility of their
ownership and this putting them on honor had a
remarkable moral effect. There is no wanton
destruction and no transgression of the rules. In
1901 Dr. Ohage turned the property over to the
city, and the city fathers, who could not be
wheedled or driven into supporting it before, be-
came as enthusiastic as they had been indifferent.
The baths on Harriet Island became the pet
project of the city as it had been the darling
object of Dr. (Jhage's ambition.
The baths became popular not only with the
youngsters but with all ages and all conditions
of people. The bathhouse was divided and the
sexes separated; later, as the project grew, the
original building was given up wholly to men
and boys and a two-story bathhouse put up for
women and girls. The first year — when the
baths were conducted wholly at the expense of
Dr. Ohage — the enterprise showed a profit of
$15.12. The rules imposed no expense upon any
person but if one wanted a towel and soap a
charge of two cents was made. For the lux-
urious two towels, soap and a private cabinet and
locker were provided for five cents. In an ad-
joining pavilion light refreshments were sold —
at cost. The refreshment room now oft"ers ac-
commodation to 2.000 people. In the recreation
grounds there are complete outdoor gymnasiums
for men and boys, women and girls. In the
shade of the trees there are dancing platforms
and big picnics are held on the island. At the
far end of the island — which is connected with
the Wabasha street bridge by a bridge and walk
— is a day nursery, established through the ef-
forts of Dr. E. H. ^^^^itcomb, in which provision
is made for the care of children whose mothers
work during the day. In the lovely woodland
surroundings hundreds of little ones are won to
health and strength who must otherwise be left
uncared for in unhealthy rooms while their
mothers work. There are kitchens and a great
laundry where 12,000 bathing suits and 25,000
202
PAST AXD FRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
towels may be washed every day — and every arti-
cle is turned out surgically clean. Four guards
patrol the bathing beaches at all times, eliminat-
ing the element of danger : swimming instructors
teach boys and girls to swim: the gymnastic appa-
ratus is under the control of a professional in-
structor of athletics. Nothing is left undone
to promote the comfort, safety and pleasure of
the people who visit the baths — and Dr. Ohage
has so impressed on the visitors of all ages and
both sexes that the people are the owners of the
island and its equipment that there is no disorder
and police supervision is merely perfunctory. On
occasions vast crowds visit the baths — as many
as 50,000 persons in a single day. In the six
years the baths have been in operation over i,-
200,000 individuals have taken advantage of the
opportunity to use the facilities.
And it is to this magnificent philanthropical
enterprise, disguised as a free playground and
bath, that St. Paul points with pride as the source
of its well-being. That is has had a tremendous
influence upon the health — and not the health
alone, but the morals — of the city, is not to be
doubted. Dr. Ohage has accomplished a great
work in the face of the most disheartening pros-
pects and if his administration of the department
of health had nothing else to commend it than
the establishment of the public baths that would
be a sufficient monument to his energy, benevo-
lence and wisdom as a health officer. As a mat-
ter of fact the health department is efficiently
equipped in other directions and this equipment
includes a laboratory in which tests are con-
ducted under the direction of Dr. G. A. Renz, a
bacteriologist of repute who is assistant health
commissioner. The milk inspection department
is directed by F. W. Dames, second assistant
commissioner of health and the working staff
mcludes six health inspectors, six garbage in-
spectors, a smoke inspector, one meat inspector,
seven assistants in the milk inspection, two at-
tendants at the smallpox hospital, four watchmen
at Harriet Island.
Year.
1804
i8(;5
i8</)
1 8t>S
1899
HjOO
I yd
1902
1903
Births. Deaths.
Total
Increase
(leatlis
of births ovei
3.443
3,468
3.362
3.186
3,194
3-252
3,188
3.. ^01
3.472
33.o"3
1,570
1,570
1,434
1.387
1.737
1.570
1.590
1,570
1,606
1,606
15,699
17-394
^
■s^
BIOGRAPHICAL
GENERAL SAMUEL DAMS STURGIS. •
For unquestioned loyalty, for undaunted brav-
er}', for unfaltering and faithful performance of
every duty entrusted to him and for high ideals of
military honor and service, the life record of
Gen. Samuel Davis Sturgis is unsurpassed by
that of any man whose record is given upon the
pages of the war history of the country. His
last days were spent in St. Paul, where he lived
retired after forty years of military service. The
story of his career, however, belongs not to one
locality but to the nation, for his life was given
with all of its abilities to the service of his coun-
try.
A native of Pennsylvania, he was born at Ship-
pensburg, Cumberland county, on the nth of
June, 1822, and was descended from Irish an-
cestry, though for many generations he came of
a lineage distinctively American, both in its di-
rect and collateral branches. The first represent-
ative of the name in this country was William
Sturgis. who, leaving his home in County Ar-
magh, Ireland, took up his abode in the Juanita
valley of Pennsylvania about 1745. He married
a sister of the wife of Rev. John Davis, who was
the ancestor of Rear Admiral Davis of the United
States navy and his father, Hon. John W. Davis,
who for many years was a member of congress
from Indiana, also speaker of the house of repre-
sentatives in Washington and minister to China.
The military spirit seems a dominant one in the
family as displayed in the history of succeeding
generations. William Sturgis, son of the founder
of the family in America, gave his life for his
country while participating as a lieutenant in
the battle of Lundy's Lane in the war of 1812.
General Scott, who commanded the American
forces in that engagement, became interested
therefore in the nephew of his former lieuten-
ant and through his influence General Sturgis of
this review received the appointment as cadet at
large to the military academy at West Point in
Jul}', 1842. He completed the four years' course
in that institution and was graduated in 1846 —
a class which numbered many men who later won
distinction in the service of their country, in-
cluding Generals jNIcClellan, "Stonewall" Jack-
son, Foster, Jesse Reno, A. P. Hill, Pickett and
Wilcox.
General Sturgis received his military training
with the full intention of entering upon military
service and for forty years thereafter he devoted
his life to his country. The call of duty must pre-
cede every personal interest or wish and upon all
occasions General Sturgis put aside every per-
sonal consideration that interfered with an imfal-
tering devotion to the recognized terms of mili-
tary honor. Following his graduation he re-
ceived the appointment as a brevet second lieu-
tenant in the Second Dragoons and entered at
once upon active warfare as a member of the
company commanded by Capt. Charles May with
the troops of General Taylor in the Mexican war.
His service included the engagements of Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Buena Msta. in all
of which notable triumph was gained for the
American arms. Two days before the splendid
206
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
victory at Buena \'ista, on the 20th of Fcbruarx,
1847, General Sturgis volunteered to reconnoiter
the enemy from a mountain behind which the\'
were supposed to be concentrating. He proceeded
upon this self-imposed task and, being taken pris-
oner, was incarcerated for eight days. The men
who fired upon him. however, disclosed to the
others the enemy's presence and Captain May, who
escaped, returned to General Taylor's camp at
Agua Neuva, thirty miles distant, where he re-
ported the probable death of his lieutenant and
at the same time gave knowledge of the enemy's
position. This news led General Taylor to seek
a stronger position at Buena \'ista, where his
little army successfully defended the city against
a force of four times its number. Lieutenant
Sturgis, because of his rcconnoisance, received
honorable mention of his service in the history of
the battle as prepared by Carleton.
\Mien the trouble with ]\Ieixco was terminated
Lieutenant Sturgis with his command started on
a six months' trip to California, marching by way
of Chihuahua, the Cila river and the Colorado
desert, ultimately reaching Los Angeles. The
succeeding two years were devoted to frontier
service on the coast and the three following years
to active duty in the forts of New [Mexico in
suppressing the Indian outbreaks and protecting
the settlers upon the frontier of the southwest.
It was while proceeding to New Mexico that
General Sturgis received his appointment to the
position of regimental fiuartermaster and orderetl
to establish the lieadquarters of the regiment at
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, then in the Indian
Territory. He j)referre(l, however, active duty
with his command and, resigning his position as
quartermaster, started in 1852 to join his com-
pany in New Mexico. He was accompanied by
his wife and infant daughter and the trip was a
hazardous one, iu' which they frequently met de-
lay or trouble of various kind : but wlicn seventy-
two days had passed they arrived in safety at
Albuquerque. There Lieutenant Sturgis accepted
the position proffered by Col. E. V. Sumner, com-
manding the department of Mexico, of a place
on his staff as acting adjutant general and for
over a year acted in that capacity, at the end of
which time Colonel Sumner was succcederl b\'
( Icneral Garland, who brought with him a regu-
lar assistant adjutant general.
The duty of the army at that time was to sup-
press the frequent Indian uprisings which men-
aced the lives and properties of the settlers upon
the frontier and General Sturgis gained a bril-
liant victory on the i6th of January, 1855, when
commanding an expedition against the Apache
Indians. For this service he received a vote of
thanks from the New Mexico legislature that also
passed a resolution asking the president to pro-
mote him and on the 3d of March, 1855, Lieu-
tenant Sturgis was commissioned a captain in the
First Cavalry and joined his regiment at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, in the following summer.
The history of military movements in that part
of the country at that time is too well known to
need elaboration here. "Bleeding" Kansas was in
the midst of the throes of a contest concerning '.ts
admission into the Lniion as a free or slave state
and it became Captain Sturgis' duty to assist in
keeping the peace there. He also proceedefl
against the Cheyenne Indians under Colonel Sum-
ner and commanded his company in the engage-
ment of Solomon's Fork on the Kansas river,
July 29, 1857. Following- the L'tah expedition of
1858, in which he was an active participant, he
led his company on a march to Fort Arbuckle in
the Indian Nation and afterward aided in estab-
lishing a new post three hundred miles west on
the false ^^'ichita, which was called Fort Cobb.
In June, i860, with his company, he marched from
Fort Cobb against the Kiowas and Comanche
Indians, having not only his own troops but also
six companies of the First Cavalry and a consid-
erable body of friendly Indians. A column under
Colonel Crittenden and a second one under l\lajor
Sedgwick started from New Mexico on tlir same
mission, but Captain .Sturgis' command was the
only one that succeeded in overtaking the Indi-
ans. An engagement followed in which tlie red
men were scattered .so thoroughly that the secre-
tary of war in his annual report said that he
"anticipated no further froul)le in consequence
of
Sturgis' successful o|)erations against them.''
This expedition was determined by the arrival
of a scout bearing a dispatch from the secretar\-
of war directing Captain Sturgis to give over
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
207
the further prosecution of his campaign, march
his troops to Fort Smith and settle the difficulties
then existing between the Indians and the white
settlers upon what was called the "neutral lands.
This mission being succesfully terminated, Cap-
tain Sturgis returned to Fort Smith and was there
stationed at the time of the opening of the Civil
war. He had with him his wife and three chil-
dren and a small garrison of not over one hun-
dred enlisted men. Fort Sumter was fired upon
and Captain Mcintosh and Lieutenants Lomax
and Jackson resigned and went south, so that
there was not a single commissioned officer left
to assist Captain Sturgis when on the 23d of
April, 1861, Fort Smith was attacked by a large
force sent against it from Little Rock by Gover-
nor Rector. Captain Sturgis quietly prepared to
evacuate the post and save all public property
possible, recognizing that his position was no
longer a tenable one, owing to the fact that not
only were the troops sent against him from Little
Rock but that he was surrounded on the land side
of the post by the militia of VanBuren and of
the town of Fort Smith. Anticipating the out-
break of the war, the men of the town and coun-
try had been drilling for weeks past and eight
companies of them were posted on the avenue in
front of the gates ready to intercept his retreat
when he should be summoned by the river expedi-
tion which had arrived at VanBuren four miles
below. Captain Sturgis, however, determined that
he would surrender neither the equipment nor his
forces and formed his plans, which were carried
out as follows. At nine o'clock on the night of
April 23d two companies were silently mounted
and with twenty-four loaded wagons passed out
of the rear gate, crossed the Poto river and began
the march without discovery, to Fort Wachita,
one hundred and sixty miles away. The expedition
was safely accomplished and Captain Sturgis
thus saved to the L'nion all of the arms, ammu-
nitions, stores, horses and other government sup-
plies. It is not alone the men who display valor
in times of danger, for as great courage is often
n'anifested by the women of a fort in times of at-
tack and such a display of courage was made
by Mrs. Sturgis on this occasion. Recognizing the
fact that it was well to throw the Confederate
troops off their guard as to what was going on
inside the fort, Mrs. Sturgis with her children
sat quietly on the porch of the commandant's
quarters as though nothing was going on and
there she was found by the confederate colonel,
Borland, ready to surrender at discretion, but
through the courtesy of the southern officer she
was permitted to leave for St. Louis on the last
boat that was allowed to communicate with the
c(_iimtry north of the Ohio river and after a week
of travel she reached St. Louis.
In the meantime Captain Sturgis and his com-
mand joined the troops of Lieutenant Colonel W.
H. Emory and with them marched to Fort Leav-
enworth, Kansas. There Captain Sturgis was
promoted major of the First Cavalry on the 3d
of May, 1861, in recognition of his brilliant coup
in withdrawing the stores and supplies from Fort
Smith. He soon afterward organized a force of
two thousand three hundred men, consisting of
the first and second regiments of Kansas volun-
teers and some regular troops and in command
of this number marched down along the ^lissis-
sippi border hoping to intercept Governor Clai-
borne Jackson and the officials with him on their
flight to the south. Nature, however, intervened
on this occasion in the overflow of the Grand
river just after the fugitives had crossed that
stream. The bridges were burned and destroyed
and IMajor Sturgis. unable to continue in pursuit,
changed his course and joined the forces of Gen-
eral Lvon, then marching toward Springfield,
Missouri.
Reaching that city, where General Lyon took up
his headquarters. Major Sturgis was given com-
mand of the troops in a camp about twelve miles
from Springfield called Camp McClellan. The
Confederate forces in that locality far outnum-
bered the L'nion troops and General Lyon called
his officers in consultation over the situation. It
was agreed upon to make a ha.sty march, surpris-
ing the enemy with the hope of winning a battle
and scattering the troops before they should re-
cover and retreat to another position. It was
known that such a movement was attended with
great danger owing to the greatly superior num-
bers of the enemy, but the attack was made and
the battle of Wilson's Creek on the loth of Au-
208
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
gust, i8()i, ensued. General Lyon, leading the
attack, was supported by Major Sturgis, while
General Sigel conducted a tlanking movement
which resulted successfully, but the benefits of
this movement were soon lost through an error
of that officer by which his inen were routed and
driven from the field. General Lyon advanced
with his troops and while leading a Kansas regi-
ment whose colonel had fallen he was killed, so
that the command devolved upon Major Sturgis.
The position was one reciuiring great tact, keen
discrimination and undaimted bravery — qualities
which he displayed with the efi^ect of inspiring his
enemy with its superior forces was held back for
three hours, the attack being concentrated upon
their center and right until the Confederate troops
retreated in disorder. In the meantime the am-
munition of the L^nion forces had been largely
exhausted and because of this AFajor Sturgis.
realizing that he was in no condition to follow the
retreating rebels. ]_)roceeded toward Springfield,
where he was joined by Sigel, to whom, under
the belief that he was commissioned a colonel, he
accorded the command. The next da)-, however,
on learning that Sigel did not have such a com-
mission Major Sturgis resumed command and
continued the retreat to Rolla, [Missouri. For his
service in that command he was brevetted lieu-
tenant colonel in the regular army and commis-
sioned a brigadier general of volunteers dating
from August lo, 1865, the order conveying the
brevet reading, "for gallant and meritorious serv-
ice at the battle of Wilson's Creek."
The Official Records of the Rebellion jniblished
by the war department in volume three, series
one. page sixty-four, gives the report from ]\Ia-
jor Sturgis that General Lyon was killed about
nine a. m., but the battle did not cease until 1 1 130
a. m. General Lyon fell in the full belief that the
day was lost, as was .shown in the official report
of Major John M. Scofield, who was a member
of General Lyon's stafif. On page sixty-one of the
volume mentioned the account reads, "Early in
this engagement while General Lyon was leading
liis horse along the line on the left of Captain
Totten's battery * * * lie received a wound
in the leg and one in the head. He walked slowdy
a few paces tn the rear and said 'T fonr the dav is
lost." '■ .Although Lxon fell early in the combat
and with the lK>lief that defeat was certain. Ma-
jor Sturgis took command and carried the battle
on through nearly three hours of bloody work,
virtually defeating the enemy before he ordered
a retreat.* A reference to the official rports of
Major Haldeman, Lieutenant Colonel Merritt,
tain James Totten and Captain Fred Steel (both
afterward brigadier generals) clearly shows that
the hardest fighting occurred under Major Stur-
gis' connnand after General Lyon was killed.
Following the engagement at \Mlson's Creek,
General Sturgis was in command at the St. Louis
arsenal until September, when he was sent to
co-operate with General Pope, in north I\Iis-
souri against the Confederate generals, Harris
and Green, who at that time had been forced to
retreat to a point south of the ^Missouri river. With
eleven lumdred men, including the Twenty-sev-
enth and a part of the Twenty-ninth Ohio \'olun-
teers. (General Sturgis proceeded to the relief of
Colotiel Mulligan at Lexington, Missouri, reach-
ing the river opposite Lexington on September
20th just at daybreak and following the surren-
der of the gallant Mulligan. The Confederates,
knowing of his approach, sent three thousand men
across the river to attack him. General Sturgis
had no artillery or infantry and his troops were
all raw men. Knowing that he could not with-
stand the attack of the opposing forces of greater
numbers, he retreated to Liberty, Missouri, and
took the boat for Kansas City. The following
month, October, he had command of the right
wing in a movement against Springfield. ^Hs-
souri, under General Fremont and in November
he was made chief of staff to Major General
Hunter, commanding the department of Missouri
and in December started on a tour of inspection
of the Ohio and Mississippi river posts.
The winter thus passed and in the spring of
1862, with hcaduarters at Fort Leavenworth. Gen-
oral ."^turgis asstmied command of the district of
Kansas, where he systematized military arrange-
ments and operations, after which he was called
to the defenses of the national capital and made
his wa\' to \\'ashington. D. C, to assume com-
mand of fifty-eight fortifications and about twen-
ty-two thousand men. He resigned his position
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
209
there on the 25th of August following, in order
to take command of a force for the relief of Gen-
eral Popxe. who was losing ground as the enemy
advanced in Virginia. ,
Thus General Sturgis was called to active field
duty in the east and on the morning of August
27th joined General Pope at W'arrenton Junction.
Two days later the second battle of Bull Run
occurred and General Pope in his official report
says, "General Sturgis deserves high praise not
only for the valuable service rendered in the bat-
tle but also for having reached the battlefield by
passing a division which did not reach the
field at all." The second battle of Bull Run was
followed by reorganization of the army and Gen-
eral Sturgis was placed in command of the sec-
ond division of the ninth corps, Army of the Po-
tomac, and thus took part in the battles of South
Mountain, September 14th, and Antietam, Sep-
tember 17th, together with a number of skir-
mishes. With his command he was stationed on
the left of the line and there stormed and carried
the bridge of Antietam usually called Burnside's
bridge. He ordered the advance of the Second
Maryland and the Ninth New Hampshire, but
these regiments were driven back with great
slaughter. He then selected the Fifty-first Penn-
sylvania and the Fifty-first New York regiments
and. General Sturgis himself in command, they
carried the bridge at a charge under a heavy fire,
after which General Burnside was ordered by
General iMcClellan, who recognized the gallant
work of General Sturgis, to have the latter's di-
vision paraded and say to them "that by their gal-
lantry at the bridge they had relieved his right
wing and saved the day." With the Army of the
Potomac, General Sturgis proceeded on the march
along the Blue Ridge, taking part in the Rappa-
hannock campaign and in the battle of Freder-
icksburg, December 13, 1862, his service on that
occasion winning him the brevet of major gen-
eral in the regular army.
Again the field of -his operations changed to
the west when the ninth corps was ordered to
that part of the country in the spring of 1863
and he remained in central Kentucky until Jti'y
of that vear. His next service w-as as chief of
cavalry for the military department of the Ohio
and he did active duty at the time of Morgan's
raid in organizing the militia of Cincinnati. His
duties were of that character until the siege of
Knoxville, Tennessee, in September, 1863. On
the 27th of October following he was made a
lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Cavalry, United
States army, and during the wdnter of 1863-4 he
had command of a body composed of five thou-
sand cavalry and some infantry and artillery, with
which he operated in front of General Long-
street's arm}' in eastern Tennessee. He won a
brilliant victory at Mossy Creek, December 29,
1863, driving the rebel troops with which he was
engaged back uiMin their main army, antl on the
13th of January, 1864, succeeded in capturing
the Confederate general, Vance, with his com-
mand. Following the engagement at Dandridge
on the 1 6th of January. General Sturgis com-
manded his forces on the 25th of that month at
the battle of Fair Gardens, routing General Mar-
tin's division of rebel cavalry, capturing his artil-
lery and driving him across the French Broad
ri\er upon the enemy's main army under Long-
street. His next movement resulted in destroying
a camp of rebels and Indians near Onallatown,
North Carolina, on the 2d of February. Then
came a lull in the more active fighting until the
opening of the spring campaign of 1864. Opera-
tions were directed against General Forrest at
Jackson, Tennessee, General Sturgis leading the
expedition in the month of i\Tay. A battle w-as
brought on at Bolivar and the rebel forces re-
treated to Ripley, so that there were few south-
ern troops left in that part of the country. Start-
ing from Memphis on he ist of Jime, General
Sturgis proceeded southward with orders to find
and engage Forrest, who it was believed was or-
ganizing a large force for a fresh raid. He did
not have a well trained and well disciplined force
under him, for his command was made up of
fractions of regiments unknown to him and to
each other. He had the added disadvantage, too,
of obstacles caused by natural occurrences. There
was a heavv rain, rendering the roads almost
impassable and there was little forage for the
armv. as the countrv had alrearlv been laid wa,stc.
2IO
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
The troops, however, marched forward for leii
da\s and then met the enemy in a strong position
fresh from the raih^oads anil tlie battle of Urice's
Crossroads near Gimtown on the loth of June
naturally ended in defeat.
General Sturgis was in command of the Sixth
Cavalry between Jul\, 1864, and August 24,
1865, when, the war having ended, he was mus-
tered out of the volunteer service. Military hon-
ors had come to him on different occasions. He
was made colonel by brevet of the United States
army August 29, 1862, "for gallant and meritor-
ious service in the battle of Second Bull Run,
N'irginia ;" brevetted brigadier general United
Stat€S army ]\Iarch 13, 1865. "for gallant and
meritorious service in the battle of South Moun-
tain, Maryland;" and brevetted major general
United States army INIarch 13, 1865, "^°^ gallant
and meritorious service in the battle of Freder-
icksburg, Virginia."
During the two years which followed his dis-
charge from the volunteer service General Stur-
gis was engaged in frontier duty as commander
of his regiment, the Sixth United States Cavalry,
in Texas and on the expiration of that period
was called to Washington, D. C, to become a
member of the board of officers for the revision
of the tactics for the cavalry service. He was
thus engaged until April. 1869, and on the 6th of
May of the same year was appointed colonel of
the Seventh Cavalry and joined his regiment in
camp near Fort Hayes, Kansas. Having spent
the winter of 1869-70 in command of Fort Leav-
enworth, he was next ordered with his regiment
to the south for the repression of the Ku Klux,
his headquarters being at Louisville, Kentuckv,
and when relieved from that duty he proceeded to
St. Paul and afterward to St. Louis, Alissouri,
having charge of the mounted recruiting service
there and subsequently at Fort Lincoln, Dakota.
His stay in the three cities covered the period
of from Ajjril, 1873, until May, 1877, when with
his regiment he proceeded against the Sioux Indi-
ans north of the Yellowstone, but before reach-
ing his destination the order came to go against
the Xez Perces, who were then on the war path.
In an engagement which lasted during the greater
part of the day on the banks of the Yellowstone
river the red men were defeated and made their
escape northward in the night.
In October, 1877, General Sturgis was granted
a leave of absence, which continued until Febru-
ary, 1878, when, again in command of the Sev-
enth Cavalry, he had supervision of the middle
district of the department at Bear Butte, Dakota,
and selected the site of the new post of Fort
Meade. From that point he was transferred in
1 881 to the position of governor of the soldiers'
home at Washington, D. C, his appointment com-
ing from President Garfield, and he continued
in the capital city until the spring of 1885, when
he rejoined his regiment at Fort ]\Ieade, there
continuing until retired from service by the op-
eration of law on the nth of June, 1886, at the
age of sixty-four years. For forty years General
Sturgis had given his time and talents to his
country. At the opening of the Civil war he
was regarded as one of the distinguished soldiers
on the field and he maintained a reputation
throughout the struggle as a substantial officer,
ever fearless and inspiring his men with much of
his own valor and courage, yet at the same time
he was conservative to the degree of never risk-
ing the lives of his men when he knew that the
sacrifice would prove unavailing in the further-
ance of the cause. As a member of the regular
army in the service, perhaps less hazardous but no
less arduous in a way or less important. General
Sturgis was equally loyal to his cotmtry. He had
the entire confidence of his superiors and the re-
spect and afifection of those who served under him.
Perhaps no better estimate of the personal feeling
entertaind for him can be given than by quoting
from the Qiicago Times, which said: "There
was a grand turn-out of the citizens of Fort
]\Ieade and from Deadwood to witness the ceremo-
nies, and many of the old soldiers whose terms
of enlistment had long since expired, and who
are in business or on farms in the vicinity of
the post, were in to see their old commander. *
* * An occurrence took place just as the
veteran was leaving the grounds which must
have gratified him exceedingly. He had taken
leave of the officers, entered his carriage and
started on his way when, at the confines of the
fort, he found all the enlisted men of the garrison
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
211
formed in line, of their own accord, to give him a
last good-bye. General Sturgis was very much
affected by this demonstration, and when he
alighted and undertook to address them, his emo-
tion choked his utterance. He re-entered his car-
riage, and amidst a tempest of cheers and fare-
wells drove away."
General Sturgis' home life was largely ideal
in the relation which existed between himself and
family. He was married on the 5th of Jul}', 1851,
while stationed at Fort Leavenworth, to ^liss
Jerusha Wilcox, a native of Hudson, Ohio, and a
daughter of Dr. J. C. Wilcox, an old pioneer of
Western Reserve. Eight children were born unto
them, of whom four are yet living. Nina Linn
is now the widow of Hercules L. Dousman, of
St. Paul, Minnesota, who died in 1886, leaving
five children. Airs. Dousman with her two daugh-
ters, Violet Lee and Judith Wilcox Dousman,
now resides at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, their
country home. \'irginia Xoulette, married Ar-
thur Corby, of New York, son of Admiral Cor-
by of the L^nited States navy. Nina, the fourth
daughter, died when quite young. Louis de \'er-
seille Dousman graduated from Yale College in
the class of 1906, receiving the honor of skull
and bones in his class. Ella Maria is the widow
of Hon. John D. Lawler. whose father was a
prominent factor in the tlevelopment and progress
(if the northwest. Mrs. Lawler and her children
now make their home in St. Paul with her mother,
Mrs. Sturgis, and- she has four children: Elean-
or Jerusha, Katherine Glenn, Samuel Davis Stur-
gis and Nina Sturgis Lawler. Capt. Samuel Da-
vis Sturgis, born August i, i86r, in St. Louis,
Alissouri, entered West Point in 1880 and was
graduated in 1884. He became a second lieuten-
ant of artillery and is now captain of artillery sta-
tioned at Fort Douglas, Utah. He married Aliss
Rertha Tracy Piement, of St. Paul. Mary Tyler
is now a religious in the convent of the Sacred
Heart at Albany, New York. James Garland, the
eldest son, who was graduated at West Point in
the class of 1875, became a member of the Sev-
enth Ignited States Regular Cavalry and was
killed on the 25th of June. 1876, at the Custer
massacre in the battle of Little Big Horn river.
The other sons died at an early age.
14
Following his retirement from the army Gen-
eral Sturgis removed with his family to St. Paul,
where he lived retired until his death, wdiich oc-
curred on the 28th of September, 1889. He was
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic
and in early life became identified with the Ma-
fraternity. During the period of the Civil war
he was classed with the democrats in his political
faith, which was probably a disadvantage to him
in the way of promotion. Although he resided
in St. Paul for only a brief period he was well
known here and his military history was familiar
to many of the residents of this city. Aside
from his splendid military record, characterized
by loyalty under all circumstances and on all
occasions, he displayed many personal traits of
character that won him the deep regard and
friendship of those with whom he was associated.
Well trained in the art of war and with abso-
lute fearlessness in the face of danger, he yet rec-
ognized the value of human life nor risked his
men needlessly. He commanded obedience and at
the same time won esteem. His dignity was com-
bined with personal consideration and kindly pur-
pose and his many friends found him a genial,
companionable, entertaining gentleman. His best
traits of character, however, were reserved for
his home and family, to whom he was ever a de-
voted and loving husband and father. He took
great interest in chess and chess matters during
the last years of his life and was a fine though
not a prolific problem composer. His latest chess
composition was the day before he lay down for
the last time. It was afterward published by
Brownson's Dtibuque Chess Journal, where most
of his compositions were contributed. Professor
Brownson announcing, "the creations of this
gifted and lamented soldier are rare in number
and quality and worthy his great name." He was
buried at the Arlington National cemetery, his
son taking his remains to ^^'ashin.gton. They
were escorted by distinguished pall bearers and
the Fort Meyer cavalry while at the grave paid
the military funeral honors.
Mrs. Sturgis owns a beautiful home at No. 130
A'irginia avenue, where she resides with her
daughter, Mrs. Lawler. and her grandchildren
and the family are prominent in social circles in
212
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
this city, wliile the hospiiahty of their home is
one of its most attractive features.
lOHX D. Ll'DDEX.
John D. LuiMen is one of the men who liave
hel])e(l to make history in the middle west, and to-
day a venerable and honored citizen he is yet
serving as vice-])resident of the State Savings
ilank of St. Paul, although he has now passed
the eighty-seventh mile-stone on life's journey.
.Moreover, he is entitletl to representation as a
prominent citizen by reason of the fact that he
came as a pioneer to the luml^er regions of the
upper ^Mississippi valley and in the control of his
private business interests also assisted in laying
the foundation for the present prosperity and
progress of this section of the country.
Mr. Ludden was born at East Hampton in
Hampshire county, Massachusetts, in 1819, and
there made his home until twenty-one years of
age. His various removals have been westward.
On leaving New England he resided for a time in
the state of New York and afterward went to
Illinois, where he was engaged in lead mining in
Galena. Subsequently he made his way to the
St. Croix valley, then in the territory of Wis-
consin, where he engaged in the logging business.
He found great stretches of country covered with
the native forests and entered upon the arduous
task of cutting the timber and making it a mar-
ketable commodity. (July one familiar with the
task knows of its difficulties and hardships. It
was an era when those great timber regions were
isolated, being far from railroads or centers of
settlement and civilization. After devoting some
time to the logging business Mr. Ludden entered
intii partnerslii]) with J. P. Griffin and operated a
sawmill, whicli they l>uilt at I'ine City antl which,
after being successfully conducted for some
years, was finally destroxed by fire, in later years
Mr. Ludden was engaged in the lumber liusiness
under the firm name <if ( Iribbeii & Ludden with
offices at the corner of Nintli and Jackson streets
in St. Paul, where they conducted a retail lum-
ber \ard.
The extent and im])ortanee nf his operations at-
tracted to him widespread attention and his busi-
ness methods anil capability won the admiration
of his fellow citizens of Wisconsin, who, recog-
nizing his ability and fitness for leadership, se-
lected him for public service and for three ses-
sions he was a member of the territorial legis-
lature of \\'isconsin. He served as speaker of
the house through one session and was senator for
one term, but finding that public life interfered
witli ])roper attention to his extensive business
interests, which were continually growing in vol-
ume and importance, he afterward declined fur-
ther ])olitical honors, although he has ever be-
longed to that class of men who in a quiet way
do much to mold public thought and opinion and
whose inflnence can ever be counted on to fur-
ther measures for the general good and to uphold
a high standard of citizenship.
Li early manhood Mr. Ludden was united in
marriage to Miss Margaret Rhodes, who was also
a native of Massachusetts and who with her hus-
band braved the western wilds, sharing with him
in all the vicissitudes of life until called to her
final home about eight years ago. A sister of
Air. Ludden has for years made her home with
him and is now past the age of eighty.
Mr. Ludden dates his residence in St. Paul
from 1845 and his name has long been a jiromi-
nent one on commercial paper and in financial
circles of this city. He was one of the organ-
izers and is now the vice-president of the State
Savings Bank, which has proved a beneficial con-
cern and one of unquestioned financial responsibil-
ity in St. Paul, now having in its care and man-
agement over two and a i|iiarter million dollars.
Although several \ears have ])assed since Mr.
Ludden became an octogenarian he still sjicnds
several hours each dav in liis olfice or "den" re-
ceiving calls and attending to necessary business
matters. He is a member of the Unitarian
chnreh. It is safe to assert that no li\ing man
could persuade him to say that good was evil
or evil good contrary to tlie convictions of his
conscience. He has been from his early man-
hood to the evening of life a man, not of impres-
sions or opinions, but of convictions. In his pri-
vate and ]in1ilic relations his inlliiem^' has been
i) , o^-<Cc_ cU/^^' ^^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
215
given for social progress and for the elevation
and welfare of mankind. After a pure, honor-
able and useful life actuated by unselfish motives,
Iirompted by patriotism and guided by truth and
justice, John D. Ludden may in old age rest as-
sured that the people of Wisconsin and of Min-
nesota are not unmindful of those who have de-
voted themselves to their interests. "Palmam qui
meruit ferat."
KENNETH CLARK.
Kenneth Clark, president of the Merchants
National Bank of St. Paul and identified with
many corporate interests of the city, is a native
.>f Montgomery county, New York, and a lineal
descendant of Peter Schuyler, one of the early
governors of the Empire state. His father, Wil-
liam Clark, a native of New York, was a banker
He married Anna AL Neukerck, who was also
born in New York and was descended from Hol-
land Dutch ancestry.
Kenneth Clark acquired his education in New
Haven, Connecticut, and in Union College, at
Schenectady, New York, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1869. He came to St.
Paul in 1870 and took up the study of law, but
did not engage in active practice, becoming a
factor in banking circles in the city as a partner
in the firm of De Coster & Clark, bankers. He
maintained his connection with that institution
until 1892, when he became vice president of the
Capital Bank of St. Paul. His identification with
the Merchants National Bank dates from 1897.
in which year he was chosen vice president, while
the same year he was elected president of this
institution, which is one of the strong financial
concerns of the city, its position in moneyed cir-
cles being well known. Mr. Clark has also ex-
tended his efiforts to other lines of business activ-
ity and is financially interested in various im-
portant corporations of St. Paul. He is the presi-
dent of the St. Paul Cattle Loan Company, a
director in the Northwestern Trust Company, a
trustee of the INIinnesota IMutual Life Insurance
Conipanv of St. Paul, vice president of the St.
Paul Gas Light Company, a director of the Amer-
ican Light & Traction Company, a director of
the Wisconsin & Pacific Railway Company, a
director of the American Exchange Bank of Du-
luth, Minnesota, and other important concerns
which have direct bearing upon the business ac-
tivity and consequent prosperity of the city. His
name figures among those who have been most
prominent in promoting the commercial and
financial welfare of St. Paul.
Mr. Clark was married in 1872 to Miss Alice
G. Gilchrist, a native of Brooklyn, New York.
Mr. Clark belongs to the Chi Psi, a college fra-
ternity; to Summit lodge. No. 163. Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the
Loyal Legion and Sons of the Colonial Wars.
He is a trustee of the House of Hope Presby-
terian church and president of the St. Paul Bethel,
a charitable institution. His political allegiance
is given to the republican party and. like all men
of broad interests and keen discrimination who
keep abreast with the times, he is thoroughly con-
versant with the issues of the dav, but without
political aspiration. He is public spirited in an
eminent degree and through man)- years has
given his support to whatever is calculated to pro-
mote the general welfare. St. Paul has rapidly
risen to a prominent place as one of the com-
mercial centers of the new world — a result pro-
duced by the united efforts of many able men, but
few individuals have done more for the develop-
ment of the city than Mr. Clark, \et in a quiet,
unostentatious wa\'.
TAMES T. HILL
James J. LTill was born sixty-eight years ago,
in Canada — and in the nick of time. Had he been
born in another age he would have been a great
leader of some sort, but lacking essentially the
qualities of the warrior and totally in the attri-
butes of the politician it is idle to speculate on
what he would have done to achieve the eminence
that must have been assuredly his under any
conditions and in any a.ge. And if he had been
something more of a politician the function of the
historian in aiming to describe the man and his
_'i6
TAST AXn PRESENT OF ST. TAUL.
work would have been imich mure siiiil)le. lie is
no trimmer, no truckler to men, no factionalist.
AX'lien he has found conditions, political, indus-
trial or commercial, opposed to him he has not
cajoled nor pandered to the conditions or their
masters. He has upset the conditions, broken
them or bent them to his uses. He has been a
worker with materials in the raw and when he
has found it necessary to divest men of their ac-
([uired habits and prejudices and bring them
to a state of nature for his own ends, and their
own ultimate behoof, he has not much minded the
protests of the individuals. He is a moving force
provided b}' natural law to perform certain great
works in the development of mankind and is not
to be judged by the standards applied to the
man in the mob. One does not measure a mount-
ain with a yardstick.
The biographers of James J. Hill have exhaust-
ed the language in seeking for words of praise
that might express their appreciation or have
gone to the otlur extreme and impoverished
thought itself in seeking terms of denunciation
for him. The writer hereof has heard Mr. Hill
lauded to the skies by a lawyer whose attitude
of mind — if he were aiming at self-aggrandize-
ment— must have been that of one who is grateful
for favors to come, assuredly he had no personal
reason for expressing his appreciation of what
had been done for him in the past : and on an-
other occasion has listened to a farmer-orator in
a political convention denouncing the master of
transportation for trying to corrujjt the public
by bestowing pure-blooded bulls in farming com-
mimities. The last mentioned orator, by the
way. had one of the bulls himself. Politicians
iiave baited tlieir lure for votes bv inveighing
against Mr. ITill and have been more or less
siiccessfid in their fishini;- ; the framers of pane-
gyrics have wasted their eloquence in laudation
of the man — and he has been e(|ually indifferent
to both methods of attack. lie has lived down
the politicians and he is living down the others.
Yet he is not a hard man. i kre in .St. Paul
where we see him at short range it is not so
easy to get a big enough perspective to .gauge
James J. Hill in all his bigness and variety, but
it is easy enough tn see the man within and know
that his Ijrusinie manner, his short, sharp, off-
handed way of putting the individual out of the
(|uestion where there are measures instead of men
to be considered, is the armor that he wears and
within which he carries out world jirojects with-
out regard to men or their ideas of what is good
for them. The present writer was permitted a
near view of the softer side of James J. Hill some
ten or more years ago. It was on the occasion of
the dedication of the new buildings of St. Paul's
Seminary. Mr. Hill had told Archbishop Ireland
that he would contribute a half million dollars to
the erection of the buildings. At the dedication
ceremonies there were present all the great dig-
nitaries of the Catholic church in the country, ex-
cepting Cardinal Gibbons. The papal ablegate,
now Cardinal Satolli, had performed the cere-
mony of dedicating the buildings. In the evening
in the presence of this most distinguished gather-
ing Mr. Hill made a little speech in which he
turned over the deed of gift. ]\Irs. Hill, with
some members of the family, sat in the audience.
Xow, ]\Ir. Hill is not eloquent but is one of
the most effective talkers imaginable. There is
nothing more convincing of his power to bring
his hearers to his point of view than to hear him
talk to a gathering of men and expound business
details with such familiarity that the specialist is
ashamed of his own ignorance. P)Ut the man is
utterly incapable of giving conscious and eloquent
expression to sentiment. ( )n the occasion referred
to Mr. Hill had a little set speech to make. He
is not the sort of man to feel other than awkward
while appreciatii.in nl his beneficence is being ex-
pressed. He would much rather have sent a
check and let the matter end there. P)Ut he had to
make the speech and he went along well enough
imtil he began to explain that, while he was not
a communicant of the clnu-ch, he had for twenty-
li\e years liveil near one. lie lo(.)ked down to
where ^Irs. Hill and the children sat ; the phrase
of his s]xech had carried him ])eyond the mere
formal statement that the fact that Mrs. Mill was
a Catholic was ])rimarily the reason for the gift,
and instantly he was in a ilond of .sentiment. He
did not tr\' to express his re;d feeling in the !an-
PAST AND ]>RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
21;
guage of sentiment ; he undoubtedly floundered
a bit, but by the time he had conveyed to his
hearers his sense of appreciation of the virtues of
that daughter of the church whom he had taken
for his wife there were no dry eyes in that great
gathering of austere prelates, priests and more
or less eminent laymen. And Mr. Hill was not
the least moved of those present. The incident
shifted the writer's point of view of James J.
Hill. It accented the appeal that the man inside
of the armor he wears, makes to humanity more
or less remote from the magnate. He will give
scant hearing to the business representative of
interests involving millions, will decline to see
a man of national repute and will fraternize cor-
dially with some old-time friend or acquaintance
whom he knew in the '60s or '70s. He has
a fine line of these old acquaintances. I should
say they cost him rather dear, but they touch
chords in the man that it is as well should be
stirred — and after all it has been provided for
Mr. Hill that he need not be concerned what his
old personal friends cost him so that his new and
more or loss personal enemies be not too ex-
pensive.
James J. Hill in his sixty-eighth year is as
erect as he ever was. to the shoulders. His head
is bowed slightly when he is abstracted in
thought. He is very broad of shoulder, which
detracts from his apparent height. Pie walks
firmly rather than heavily. He is rarely seen
on the streets alone, his son Louis N. Hill being
his companion generally in their walk between
their adjoining homes on Summitt avenue and
the Great Northern general oflices. He is abrupt
in conversation when the conversation has to
do with business but is reputed to be most charm-
ingly affable when he is sociable and the subject
of conversation is to his liking. He has educated
tastes and it is said of him that in at least one
instance a gifted knight errant made a much de-
sired deal with him by approaching him through
a weakness he had for the German classic poets.
It is related that the errant one, who had some
culture of his own. was desirous of making an
advertising contract with Mr. Hill for a very
prominent St. Paul paper. Air. Hill could not
be got at. The railroad man could not be reached
in such a wav as to get a full hearing if the ad-
vertising man went to him with a flat business
proposition. He knew that Air. Hill was study-
ing German to the end that he might come to a
full appreciation of the beauties of Goethe and-
Schiller. So the story goes that the wily one
got himself into Mr. Hill's house on the pre-
text that he was most anxious to see Mr. Hill's
Schiller.- He talked well, he read with feeling,
his German was not bad. He even allowed him-
self to be persuaded to take something with
Scotch in it. And in the long run Mr. Hill gave
him a contract for the heaviest line of advertising
the Great Northern had ever placed up to that
time. It must have been that the fellow made
an impression on the railroad man for the stu-
dent in German gave him thirty thousand dol-
lars a short time afterward and told him to go
and buy a newspaper — and the outcome was by
no means flattering to Mr. Hill's general reputa-
tion for keenness in judging men.
Mr. Hill would be famous as a judge of pic-
tures and objects of art if his great genius had
not compelled to the occupation of a sphere in
which the essentials of life dominate. He is a
connoisseur of the cogocenti in precious gems
and is envied as the possessor of collections of
gems and pictures which have not at all been ad-
vertised, but which yield their possessor no less
satisfaction on that account.
For this most notable factor in the progress
of the world today is utterly indifferent to con-
temporary fame. He has owned many newspa-
pers— and he was perhaps more indifferent to
what they said of him than of what the others
said. Down in his heart there may have been
some appreciation of such publicity as was ap-
preciative of his motives and his works but no
man. living or dead, owes less to the newspaper
press than James J. Hill. Perhaps he made a
mistake twenty years ago when he was fairly
launched in his great work of making the north-
west a prolific source of wealth : he would have
been more appreciated in a public way, possibly,
if he had given away printing presses instead of
l)Iooded bulls — but his railroad would not have
made nearly so much money if it was engaged in
carrying the products of the print shops instead
of the excess of the herds.
His great life work, tlie tremendous task of
2It
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
building a transcontinental railway, i.s treated of
comprehcn.sively in another portion of this vol-
ume. It will endure forever as a monument to
the qeniiis that created it. Unlike other achieve-
ments approaching it in magnitude it involved
no destruction of men, fortunes or communi-
ties in the making. It has enriched every one
who came in contact wath it — except those who
had the temerity to get in the way of the master
builder. .\nd within the year this master builder
has found opportunity to so increase the obvious
and tangible possessions of the stockholders of
his railroad that the stock has attained a mar-
ket value that is at once permanent and mag-
nificent.
In fifty years, since his coming to St. Paul,
James J- Hill has progressed from the situation of
a working clerk on a steamboat dock to the place
of the most eminent citizen in an empire of his
own creation.
The Lord provided the raw material, the fer-
tile prairies, the rich virgin forests, the opulent
mountains of the six states to which St. Paul is
the gateway, and James J. Hill did the rest. He
found the means to people the prairies and make
them rich with the yield of golden grain, he
dragged forth wealth by the compelling power of
his convictions and builded a highway through
the mountains. He founded a colony a million
strong and gave that colony an empire two thou-
sand miles long and three hundred miles wide.
And having established these people he so adjust-
ed the laws of traffic as to enrich them and earn
profits for his stockholders. Discarding the an-
cient railroad axiom "all the tariff the traffic
will bear" he adopted the theory "all the traffic
the country will produce." And after having car-
ried the new country beyond even his earlier
dreams of possibilities he is going to the com-
pletion of his scheme and is surely subjugating
the trade of the orient. This is also part of
another story.
In the life of James J. Hill might be written —
it must be sometime — the story of the making of
the northwest. He is today the dominant figure
in the world of transportation. lie is distinctly
nut of llu' world fif high finance. His is not the
finance of Wall street but the genius that creates
the wealth it diffuses.
Naturally enough his wealth has not all been
diffused. Mr. Hill has used riches as a means
of creating wealth : he has not striven for the
sake of money itself. But he has, of necessity,
become very wealthy. He lives simply in the
midst of opulence. He lives in a palace that is
also a home and the repository of a store of art
accumulations that is priceless. He is surrounded
bv the members of a family that has clung to the
traditions of the simple life and he should be
happy in the attainment of ambitions that em-
brace at once the preservation of a home and
the making of an empire.
His charities are many but what they be will
not be known in his time. He is not one to give
and look for applause. And the debt that St.
Paul owes this hard-headed disciplinarian who
jokes with his old employes and shows the allied
powers of political greed and envious wealth the
door, will not be readily reckoned until the time
comes to put up a monument to him and it is
declared that St. Paul itself is a monumental tes-
timonial to his genius and capacity.
EDWIN A. JAGGARD.
A profound student and able expounder of the
law ; a wit ; a jurist of high and rising fame ; an
orator of such gifts that one hears him and re-
grets that his life work had not held him to the
tribune rather than upon the w^oolsack, genial,
frank and popular. Of these diverse and varied
parts is Edwin A. Jaggard, LL.D., associate jus-
tice of the supreme court of Minnesota, law lec-
turer on the faculty of the University of Minne-
sota, author and authority on specialized
liraiiches of the law. It is given few men to be
learned in the law, to command the undoubted re-
spect of the bench and bar because of that learn-
ing, and at the same time (o have such a Imld
cm ])ublic favor for this and other and more i.'S-
sentially human qualities as judge Jaggard un-
ilMnl)ledly has. I lis ri|)c selmlarshi]) lias hern
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
219
demonstrated in the honors that have been con-
ferred on him professionally and by an alma ma-
ter that is proud of her son ; his broad judicial
mind has been proven on the bench ; his personal
popularity has been attested at the polls. At the
age of fort}'-seven with his powers still ripening
he has attained a place that might be regarded as
the height of ambition by many a man of talent,
but it requires no profundity of prophetic wisdom
to recognize the certainty that Judge Jaggard will
go much farther in the profession he adorns.
This appreciation of the man by one who knows
him and has observed his progress is a fair in-
troduction to a brief statement of the career
which has brought him so many honors that the
casual observer might readily lose sight of the
tremendous amount of work this easy-natured,
genial man must have accomplished in order to
arrive at the high position he now occupies — and
that without straining the equipment he took to
his life work.
Judge Jaggard was born June 21, 1859. in Al-
toona. Pennsylvania, the son of Clement Jaggard,
son of Thomas J. and Matilda Clement Jaggard.
He is descended through his father from Daniel
^^'ilIs. Sr., one of the commissioners to settle
New Jersey in 1667. Judge Jaggard's mother
was Annie Jane Wright, of a notable Pennsyl-
vania family, being a daughter of Archibald
Wright, of Westchester, Pennsylvania, and a sis-
ter of John A. Wright, of Philadel])hia. Of
Judge Jaggard's brothers one, \\'illiam Wright
Jaggard, graduated with honors from the Uni-
versity of Vienna and had attained an enviable
place in the profession of medicine when he died
in Chicago ; Herbert A. Jaggard, the other
brother, is general agent of the Pennsvlvania
Railroad at Pittsburg ; and a sister, Mrs. Charles
E. Pugh. lives in Overbrook, Pennsvlvania. The
others are as follows : Clement F., Kansas City,
Kansas : Archiliald Wright. Jaggard, Kansas :
and Arthur M., Altoona, Pennsxlvania.
In these days when it is the fashion to admire
men whose minds have been roughlv fashioned in
the making of themselves it is refreshing to be
able to record that the subject of this sketch was
offered opportunity for a thorough education, of
which he took every advantage. He was pre-
pared for college, and came into an easv acquaint-
ance with what the elders were wont to call the
humanities, under the guidance of Professor
Stewart, in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, and en-
tered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
so well equipped that was the salutatorian of his
class on his graduation with his bachelor's degree
in 1879 and was made a Master of Arts by his
college in 1882. His law training was had in
the office of Edward Coppee Mitchell and in the
law department of the University of Pennsyl-
vania, from which he graduated in 1882, win-
ning the faculty examination prize for two con-
secutive years and becoming one of the founders
of the Sharswood Law Club.
With his college laurels fresh upon him Judge
Jaggard came to St. Paul in 1882 and entered
upon the practice of his profession. Unlike most
young lawyers possessing versatilitv of powers
and the gift of eloquence. Judge Jaggard devoted
himself to actual study of the law rather than to
clamoring for immediate recognition and came
to be appreciated by his brethren before the plaud-
its of the public were bestowed upon him. The
laity came to a sudden appreciation of the fact that
this young man's claims on its attention were by
no means meretricious when he succeeded, in
1887, that distinguished statesman and scholar,
the late Cushman K. Davis, as lecturer on medical
jurisprudence in the St. Paul Medical College
and when the college was absorbed by the Uni-
versity of Minnesota Judge Jaggard became a
member of the faculty of that institution, a place
he still retains. His first attempt at authorship
was in the production of a work of two volumes
on torts, which displayed such research, such
keen analxsis and such a comprehensive study of
the subject that the autlior's place was at once
fixed and secure in the estimation of the profes-
sion. Later works dealt with the judicial sys-
tem of taxation as operative in Minnesota and
the Dakotas and the summary system in Iowa.
He wrote for the last volume of the Cyclopedia of
Law and Procedure, the article, elaborate and ex-
haustive, on False Imprisonment. Ready recog-
nition was given the author of these works and a
high place in the literature of the law was given
to some of his [uiblished addresses, notably those
on tlie "Historical Anomalies of the Law of Libel
and Slander," delivered before the National Edi-
220
PAST AXD PRESEXT OE ST. PAUL.
torial Association at Omaha in 1903 — which won
from the press of the country immediate recog-
nition of the author's erudition and felicity in lan-
t^uage : "Medical Expert Testimony," delivered
to the American Academy of Railway Surgeons
in 1900. and "Public Schools and Penology." read
before the Minnesota Education Association in
li)0-'-
W hile delving in the nuisty archives of the
law and setting the gems he discovered in lan-
guage that revealed the resources of his well
stored mind. Judge Jaggard had not been unmind-
ful of other things. He was just so much of a
party man as is becoming in one whose faculties
are attuned to the judicial pitch and when he
was called to the bench by a nomination, brought
about by members of his own profession to a very
large extent, his election followed by a vote that
showed he had won the esteem of the public. He
took his place on the district bench of Ramsey
county in 1899. ^o"" '^ six-year term. His fame
as a jurist, and a growth of knowledge of the
man and judge, made the way to the most dis-
tinguished place in the judiciary of Minnesota
easy for him. He was nominated in 1904 for
associate justice of the supreme court, without
opposition, in the bitterly divided republican con-
vention of that year and was elected by a major-
ity of above ninety-eight thousand, and this in
spite of the fact that the head of the democratic
state ticket was elected by over five thousand.
After his elevation to the supreme bench — on
\\iiich he is the only member from St. Paul —
I'ebruary 22. 1906, the University of Pennsyl-
\ania conferred on Judge Jaggard the degree of
I.E.D.
In 1890 Judge Jaggard married Miss Anna
.\ia\ Averill, a daughter of General John T. Av-
crill, of St. Paul, who represented his district in
congress in the early days of the state.
.\ quaint humor that expresses itself with a
lluency as felicitous as it is appealing has made
judge Jaggard to be much in demand as a ]mb-
lic and private speaker and the exactions made
upon his time by his position carry with them a
sense of personal loss to those who know him
well in his non-professional liour^;. Tie keeps in
touch with the classical associations that early
brought him to an appreciation of the higher
walks of mental exercise. And with all his repu-
tation for learning he is essentially human and
social. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa.
Beta Theta Pi and Delta Chi fraternities ; one of
the founders of the Northw-est Alumni Associa-
tion of the University of Pennsylvania ; a mem-
ber of the Minnesota Club, of the Town ami
Country Club, and was chancellor of the Minne-
sota Societv of Colonial Wars. — W. B. H.
HEXRV S. EAIRCHILD.
Henry S. Fairchild for nearly fifty years has
licen one of the leading real-estate agents and
dealers in St. Paul. Born in \\"arren count}-,
Ohio, August 18, 1826, he is almost eighty years
of age and yet is as active in business as mosi
men wdio are twenty years his junior. In early
life he taught in the Academy at Lebanon and
\\'aynesville, Ohio, and at twenty-one he wenf
south, teaching for a few years there, after which
with L. L. Underwood, under the firm name of
Eairchild & I'nderwood. he conducted a large
mercantile business in Brandon, Mississippi.
On the i6th of June, 1857, Mr. Fairchild was
married to Miss Elizabeth Clayland, near Jack-
son, Mississippi, and in the following July came
to St. Paul and opened a real-estate office on
Jackson street opposite the old Fuller House.
After the financial crash of that year in connec-
tion with R. M. ,S. Pease, who had been at the
head of the l)anking house of R. M. S. Pease &
Company and nf Pease. Chalfant & Coni|)any.
went into the auction business as the firm of Fair-
eliild &■ Pease, wliich was the initial step toward
his large real-estate auction business, in which
he has probably sold more property than all other
dealers combined. A few years later Mr. Fair-
eliild devoted himself exclusively to real-estate
dealing and was remarkably successful, occupy-
ing the first floor of the Fire and Marine Build-
ing, .-ifterward all of the first floor of a block
at the northeast corner of Tackson and Fourth
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
221
Streets and later all of the first floor of the Cham-
ber of Commerce Building at the corner of Sixth
and Robert streets. In 1886-7 with difl:"erent
members of his family he went to the Pacific
coast, traveling also through Old Alexico and
widely through the southern states. He then
made extensive trips over Europe and took a
glance at Africa. During these trips his letters
home were sought and published and on his re-
turn he delivered several lectures on his travels
and also upon the international complications in
Europe, then threatening war between France
and Russia on one side and Germany, Austria
and Italy on the other side.
From 1857 to the present INIr. Fairchild has
been active and zealous in promoting the growth
and interests of St. Paul by public speech and
prolific writing in local and eastern papers. For
many years he has been one of the active directors
of the Chamber of Commerce and of the execu-
tive counsel of the State Historical Society. Mr.
Fairchild was active in promoting the building
of a bridge over the Mississippi at Fort Snelling
and in securing a bill passed by that legislature
for that purpose, he and John Nicols, William
Lee and D. W. Inger.wl, were appointed com-
missioners to negotiate bonds and build the
bridge, but the act was to be ratified by a vote
of the people at a special election and was de-
feated by the active efforts of those who owned
the ferry there and who had large interests at
stake.
When the capitol commissioners had selected
the present site of the new capitol they found
that it was impossible to buy it at reasonable fig-
ures, the various owners putting values that
summed up more than twice what was supposed
to be the limit which the legislature would sanc-
tion for the capitol grounds, .\fter exhausting
their diplomacy with the owners to get the right
prices, it was finally agreed that Governor Alex-
ander Ramsey, ex-United States Senator H. .M.
Rice and H. S. Fairchild would appraise each in-
terest and by their valuation the owners and com-
missioners would be goverened. Mr. Rice was
at Ashland and feeble and Governor Ramsey
could not well clamber over the rough grounds,
so that ^Ir. Fairchild alone for three days looked
them over carefully from various view points.
fixed values and changed and changed until satis-
fied and then took Senator Rice and Governor
Ramsey in a carriage to the grounds to look
them over, showing each lot with the values he
had put upon them and his reasons for such
values, after which they met at Mr. Auerbach's
residence, wheYe ]\Ir. Rice was then stopping,
and the next morning at Governor Ramsey's,
where after a few small changes thej- all signed
the schedule and made their report, a copy of
which was filed with the Historical Society, Mr.
Fairchild had taken two hundred and fifty-six
thousand dollars ofl:' the prices asked by the own-
ers ; brought it within the quarter million dollar
limit which it was understood the legislature had
tacitly fi.xed ; and so secured the desired and ad-
mirable site for the capitol. Yet the prices given
then were greater than the owners could have
gotten at any time from that day to this. Ap-
parently, without this action, the site could not
have been obtained, as each thought that the
others would make concessions and he could hold
and get his price.
When Hamline University- at Red ^^ ing was
about to fail Mr. Fairchild wrote an article for
the Pioneer Press, advocating its location be-
tween the cities and the centralization of all the
colleges in the state in the midway district.
Bishop Haven, then secretary of the American
board of education of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and Mr. Harrison, of ^Minneapolis, and
Parker Paine, of St. Paul, both trustees of the
Hamline University, went with him to look the
territory over and were sati.sfied that somewhere
on or near Snelling avenue would be a good loca-
tion. Later Mr. Fairchild initiated the move-
ment for a union fair ground between the cities
and finding it impossible to agree on a site cen-
tral to St. Paul and Minneapolis, he oflfered a
resolution looking to the acquisition of the Ram-
sev county poor farm for state fair grounds and
secured a committee, of which he was chairman,
and addressed the county commissioners on the
subject. He secured the appointment of a com-
mittee which made a favorable report, recom-
mending that it be given to the state for the pur-
poses of a state fair which, after some necessary
legislation to c|uiet all questions as to the legality
of such a transfer, was done. Thus the state be-
PAST AXU PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
came possessor of two hundred and ten acres
which now forms the finest fair grounds in tlic
L'nion and on which are held the most successful
fairs. In recognition of .Mr. i'airchild's services
in this matter the State Agricultural Society made
him an lumorary life member, entitling him and
his family to all the iirivileges of the fair so long
as he lives.
SILAS B. I-XJUT.
The varied commercial and industrial interests
which have made St. Paul a center of production
and trade in the middle west find a worthy repre-
sentative in Silas B. Foot, the ])resident of the
firm of Foot, Schulze & Compan\-, manufactur-
ers of boots and shoes at St. Paul. Basing his
conduct upon the rules which govern strict and
unswerving integrity and unfaltering industry he
has justly demonstrated his right to the title of a
representative American citizen and prominent
merchant.
He was Imrn in Xew Milfonl, Pennsylvania,
Xoveml)er 7, 1S33. His father, Belus H. Foot,
a native of N'ermont, was a shoe manufacturer
and farmer and died in the year 1841. His son
Silas, then seven years of age, was educated in a
log schoolhouse in Xew Milford and was reared
l)y an elder brother, proprietor of a general store,
in which Silas l<"oot rcmainetl until his nineteenth
year. His brother then sold his business in
Prompton, Pennsylvania, and accompanied by
his wife and Air. l-Oot of this review went to San
Antdnio, Texas, where in 1853 he embarked in
the mercantile Ijusincss. His death there occurred
in May, 1854. and Silas II. I'ViDt afterward re-
turned to Pennsylvania with his brother's widow.
For some time he engaged in the sale of patent
rights with the fnrmer partner of his brcitlier
and they traveled extensively in this conneclidn
throughout the country.
In 1857 Air. I'oot arrived in Red Wing, i\lin-
ncsota, and, having a stock of goods ship|)cd to
him at tliat point, he embarked in general mer-
chandising on Jiis own account. Later he trjuleil
his business for lots and other real-t'state and
subsequently exchanged his property interests for
a stock of shoes and opened a shoe store in Red
Wing under the firm style of Foot & Sweeny. A
year later George R. Sterling purchased Mr.
Sweeny's interest and the firm of h'oot & Ster-
ling was thereby organized. This firm was suc-
ceeded by Foot, Johnson & Company and a \ ear
later T, A. Schulze, Gustave Schurmeier and
Constantine Heinrich were admitted to a partner-
ship, while in 1881 the firm became Foot, Schulze
& Company, carrying on business in St. Paul. Air.
Foot has been a manufacturer of and wholesale
dealer in shoes in St. Paul for twenty-five years.
The companv occupies immense buildings, which
are constantly being enlarged, and they employ
between six and seven hundred operatives in the
manufacture of boots and shoes. They are ex-
clusive northwestern agents for the Goodyear
Glove rubbers. The present officers of the com-
pany are : S. B. Foot, president ; T. A. Schulze,
vice president and treasurer ; and A. P. W^arren,
secretary. The house sustains an unassailable
reputation for straightforward dealing as well as
for the quality of its products, which reach an ex-
tensive annual shipment.
On the 6th of July, 1858, Air. Foot was mar-
ried to Aliss Lydia Lorana Park, a daughter of
Dr. Ezra Park, of Montrose, Pennsylvania.
There are four sons and a daughter of this mar-
riage : Ezra P., a fine musician, who is leader of
a large orchestra in Portland, Oregon; I'red W'.,
a lawyer of Red Wing, Alinnesota ; Edwin H.,
who is engaged in business in Red Wing as a
memlxT of the firm of S. B. Foot & Company,
dealers in slioes ; Bessie Park, at home; and Rob-
ert A!., a student at Faribault.
For ur.uw vears Air. b'oot has lieen a useful
and earnest worker in Christ's Ei)iscopal church
of Red Wing, in which he has long served as ves-
tr\man. while at the present writing be is now a
church warden. He erecteil a very beautiful and
costlv cha]5el as a memorial to his deceased wife.
In coninnuiit\- affairs he has ever been deepl\ and
helpfully interested. In 1882-3 he was mayor of
Red Wing, acceding to the request of the tem-
perance element to become chief executive. He
enforced the law in regard to temperance so
(T
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
22 =
strictly that he aroused the opposition of the sa-
loon element and those who do not entertain
strong temperance principles and in consequence
was retired from the office at the end of his term.
He has, however, never ceased his activity in be-
half of Red Wing, where he maintains his resi-
dence, and of St. Paul, to which city he goes
daily for the supervision of his business. He is
a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the
consistory of the Scottish rite and the chapter
and commandery of the York rite and also to the
M\stic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the St.
Paul Jobbers Union and to various commercial
bodies. Although seventy-three years of age he
is still an active business man, possessing the
vigor and energy of many a much younger man,
while in spirit and interests he seems yet in his
])rime. Constantly enlarging the scope of his ac-
tivities through the close application and earnest
effort which are the indispensable concomitants
to success, he stands today as one of the foremost
manufacturers and merchants of St. Paul.
ELIAS FRANKLIN DRAKE.
The man that has bridged over space and
practicall}' annihilated time by the work of his
inventive and enterprising spirit deserves to be
numbered among the benefactors of the race.
'Tis an age of progress when vast commercial
transactions involving millions of dollars depend
upon rapid transportation. The revolution in
business that the past half a centurv or even
less has witnessed has been brought about by
means of the railroads and no name is more close-
ly associated with railroad building in Alinnc-
sota than that of Elias Franklin Drake. Through
this means he opened up to civilization a vast
region with unlimited resources, providing them
for all means of labor, giving homes to the miner,
the farmer and the commercial man. The ad-
vent of railroads has marked advancing civiliza-
tion in all countries and has been the means of
uniting the dififerent portions of America, making
it one and an inseparable union. He has thus been
the promoter of the prosperity and progress of
his state, but not alone as a pioneer railroad man
did he win prominence, for in political circles as
well he stood as the champion of what he believed
to be the best for state and nation, fearlessly
upholding his honest convictions and laboring
untiringly for legislative measures wdiich he
deemed would prove a potent element for good
government.
Mr. Drake was born in Urbana, Champaign
county, C)hio, December 2r, 1813. Toward the
close of the eighteenth century his grandfather,
Ithamar Drake, removed from Pennsylvania to
Warren county. Ohio, with his wife and four
children, the eldest being Dr. Henry Drake, who
on the removal of his father and other mem-
bers of the family to Indiana remained in Ohio.
Although his educational opportunities were
limited he acquired a good English education and
studied Latin, Greek and music and prepared
for the practice of medicine, upon which work
he had just entered when death claimed him and
he left four children to the care of his widow,
who bore the maiden name of Hannah Spining
and was a daughter of Mathias Spining. of New
Jersey, who fought with the continental army
in the Revolutionary war. Upon the death of
Dr. Drake about 1820 his widow and children
were given a home upon Mathias Spining's farm
in the small house built by Elias Spining, a
brother of Mrs. Drake, for whom Elias Franklin
Drake was named. When but seven years of
age Elias F. Drake began his life work. His
youth was a period of unremitting toil, for in the
spring and summer months he worked on the
farm and in the winter seasons attended school.
There was little leisure for play or other recrea-
tion. While still a boy he was employed
for several months in a printing office at Leb-
anon. Ohio, but this proved detrimental to his
health, and he returned to the farm. In 1828,
when a youth of fifteen, he accepted a clerkship
in a general store in Lebanon, Ohio, and during
the three years there passed his leisure time was
devoted to reading and study. He first engaged
in business on his own account in the winter of
1831-2, when he became partner in a general store
at Lebanon under the firm name of Jamison, Ed-
dy, Drake & Company. Soon afterward, how-
226
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ever, he sold out and after a trij) thr(iuj;ii Indiana
returned to Lebanon. About tliis time he attained
his majority and was a young man who in the
school of experience had learned many valualile
lessons, while private reading; and study had
gained him knowledge equal to that of many a
college student. In 1835 ^^ became chief clerk
in the office of the state treasurer at Columbus.
Ohio, and in the fall of 1836 was sent on official
business to Washington, where he had a personal
interview with Andrew Jackson, then president
of the L^'nited States. Although he was a whig
he was chosen for this important mission by a
democratic governor. While in the treasury of-
fice he took up the study of law and was admitted
to the Ohio bar. In 1837 he entered upon an in-
cumbency of eleven years as cashier in the State
Bank, of Xenia. Ohio, and while there was ac-
tively connected with the political and material
interests of the community and with its moral
development as well. He served in militarv
offices, was a member of the town council, organ-
ized and was captain of the fire companv, was
chief officer in two turnpike roads, was trustee
of the Presbyterian church and became president
of the Dayton & Xenia Railroad Companv and
the Dayton & Western Railroad Companv. He
was largely instrumental in the construction of
tile Little ]\Iiami & Columbus and Xenia railroads
and thus entered upon his important service as a
railroad Iniilder. He was moreover called to
represent that district in Ohio in the legislature
for three terms. In 1848 he was oiifered the posi-
tion of president of the Columbus Insurance
Company, but after a brief period retired and
following a residence of two years in Columbus
returned to Xenia, where after an unsuccessful
adventure in developing a watering resort he be-
came comiected with .\ndrew DeCrafl^ in rail-
road construction and thereafter was almost con-
linnously engaged in building and operating
railroads until his death. In company with Mr.
DoGrafif he built the Pennsylvania & Indianapolis
and tile Creenville & I\Iiami raih-oads. He or-
ganized and became president of the Davton.
Xenia &• Pclpre Railroad Compan\-. constructing
its line and also the roads of the Davton il- West-
ern, the Cincinnati, the Lebanon iV- Springfield
Turnpike Company, the Xenia & Ciilumbus Turn-
pike Company and the Xenia & Jamestown
Company.
In i860, while in X'ew York on business, he
met ]\Ir. DeGraff, who in company with Edmund
Rice and William Crooks, of St. Paul, was seek-
ing for some one to build the railroad from St.
Paul to St. .\nthony, now Minneapolis, which is
now a portion of the Great Northern system.
In July, i860, he visited this city and made an
agreement to build the road, which was completed
July 2, 1862, being the first ten miles of railroad
constructed in the state. .\11 the rails and rolling
stock for this line of road were brought up the
[Mississippi river by boat to St. Paul. He then
returned to Ohio, and after closing up his
business affairs there came with his family in
1864 to .St. Paul, where he continued to reside
until his death.
Air. Drake was married in 1841 to Frances
Mary, the youngest daughter of Alajor James
Galloway, of Xenia. She died in the spring of
1844, leaving a daughter, Sarah Frances, now
Airs. Charles S. Rogers. On August 21, 1856,
in Xenia, Mr. Drake wedded Caroline M. Mc-
Clurg, a daughter of Alexander AlcClurg. of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, one of Pittsburg's most
prominent citizens, and she accompanied him to
St. Paul.
X^ot long afterward Mr. Drake engaged in
the building of the St. Paul & .Sioux City Rail-
road, and the Sioux City & St. Paul Railroad
with their tributary lines, being associated in these
tasks with Horace Thompson, James E. Thomp-
son. John L. Merriam. .\mherst H. AA'ilder and
others. For more than sixteen years he was pres-
ident of the com])anies owning these roads and
their branches, which were the only ones in Min-
nesota that did not go into bankruptcy during
the stringency in the money market that followed
the financial panic of 1871. The lines were finally
completed and in 1880 became a jiart of the Chi-
cago. St. Paul, .Miiinea]V)lis & Omaha Railroad
system. Subsequeiitl\' Air. Drake's attenti<in was
given to the management of his various jiropcr-
ties and investments. Few men have been more
closelv coniieeteil with eoinmereial or jiiiblic life
in l^t. Paul, as be became. linaneialK' inteiu-sled in
PAST AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
227
various corporations and was for many years a
director of the ]^Ierchants National Bank, the
St. Paul Trust Company and the St. Paul Fire
and Marine Insurance Company. He was also
a leading member of the St. Paul Chamber of
Commerce and was an active and valued repre-
sentative of the [Minnesota Historical Society, of
which he was a counselor from 1868 until his
death and president in 1S73. His wise counsel
and valued co-operation proved potent forces in
the successful conduct of many business and pub-
lic interests and he displayed ability and energy
of superior order. The value of his service as
a railroad builder cannot be overestimated. It
has been said that the two most important forces
in the civilization of the world have been rapid
transportation and rapid communication and as a
pioneer railroad builder of 3iIinnesota Mr. Drake
opened up large sections of the country to trade,
commerce and agricultural development.
Nor has the name of Elias Franklin Drake
been unknown in the political circles of the coun-
try. As stated, he three times represented the
Xenia district in the Ohio legislature and in the
second term was speaker of the house, being the
youngest to hold that position in Ohio up to
that time. His early political allegiance was
given to the whig party until its dissolution, when
he became a stalwart republican. He was a dele-
gate to the national con\-ention which nominated
Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and the convention of
1880 which nominated President Garfield, on
which occasion he is credited with being the au-
thor of the resolution which broke the unit rule
and made the nomination of Garfield possible.
In the Ohio legislature he served as chairman
of the committee on incorporations and was
largely the author of the bill creating the State
Bank of Ohio, also of a general railroad law
which is substantially in force in that state today.
He favored the annexation of Texas and opposed
an amendment to resolutions relating to the Ore-
gon difficulty with Great Britain, which, had
it been adopted and enforced, would have precipi-
tated the country into war with England. He also
stood for rigid restrictions of the liquor traffic.
For the sessions of 1845-6 he was chosen speaker
and proved a most fair and impartial presiding
officer. Long before Speaker Reed in congress
gave forth his famous ruling as to counting mem-
bers present who refused to vote as a part of a
quorum Mr. Drake instituted the same ruling in
the Ohio legislature. He favored the repeal of the
state fugitive slave law and proposed an amend-
ment to the tax law which is still in force in Ohio.
During his third term he was equally active as
a member of the Ohio legislature and did much
toward framing constructive measures. Many
of the bills which he introduced or supported
became laws and time has proven their wisdom
and value. Fie never faltered in opposing his
party if he believed that its attitude was detri-
mental to the general welfare, yet stood firmly in
support of many measures which have made the
record of the republican party an honored one.
Following his removal to Minnesota, Mr.
Drake was again called to public office, being
elected to the state senate in 1873 ^"^ serving
for two years. He cast one of two negative votes
against the law regulating railroad charges and
predicted that if the law passed it would prove
unwise and be speedily repealed. His predic-
tion was realized, for the repeal followed in the
next session of the legislature. He was instru-
mental in securing to the state of Minnesota five
hundred thousand acres of land and Governor
Marshall in his annual message said, "Hon. E. F.
Drake, early last year, called my attention to the
fact that under a half forgotten law of congress
(the act of September 4, 184T), public lands to
the amount of five hundred thousand acres were
granted to certain states for internal improve-
ments ; the act provided further, that new states
thereafter admitted should receive a like quan-
tity of lands, deducting any lands granted to such
states for internal improvements during its ter-
ritorial period. I gave ]\Ir. Drake a letter to the
secretary of the interior, requesting facilities for
investigating the matter, which resulted in the
secretarv conceding the right of the state to the
lands, and .giving a letter of instructions for
their selection. I command this valuable service
to the state, of Air. Drake, to your attention for
such acknowledgment or compensation as shall
seem to vou appropriate." These lands were
duly selected, and the fund arising from the sale
228
I'ASl' AM) I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
became the basis of settlement in 1881 of the
suspended debt of the state under the five mil-
lion loan of 1858 to railroads. It is ])robably
true that no private citizen has ever rendered to
the state so valuable a material service as Mr.
Drake rendered in securing these lands.
Mr. Drake's name is also associated with the
military service, for while living in Ohio he
served as adjutant of a regiment and became
chief of the colonel's staff, while later he was
colonel of the regiment and served on the gen-
eral's staff. In the midst of pressing business
and public cares he always found time for the
society of his family and his greatest happi-
ness came to him at his own fireside. He was
survived by his widow and five children. His
elder son, Henry Trevor Drake, a business man
of St. Paul, was married in 1882 to Emma Bige-
low. Alexander McClurg Drake, who for many
years was connected with his father's business in-
terests, is now in business at Bend, Oregon.
I\Iary Drake became the wife of Thomas S.
Tompkins, and now resides at Pasadena, Cali-
fornia, while Carrie married William H. I.ight-
ner, a prominent attorney of St. Paul. In his
later years he lived retired and for the benefit
of his health went to California, his death occur-
ring at the Hoted del Coronado, February 14,
1892, his remains, however, being brought back
to St. Paul for interment in the family lot in
Oakland cemetery. His death was the occasion of
universal grief in the city where for thirty years
he had made his home. The memorial publislicd
by the Minnesota Historical Society said of him,
"He was a man of unusual executive abilitv. He
not only originated large enterprises, but he had
the ability and industry to carry them to a suc-
cessful completion. He was not disheartened bv
unforeseen obstacles and discouragements, but,
with a never failing confidence in the future, he
tenaciously adhered to his course and ultimatclv
won success. His mind was remarkablv char au<l
logical, and his judgment sound. No man was
more often applied to for advice by his fricufls
and neighbors : and many citizens of St. Paul
will bear testimony to the fact that his advice,
freely given, was judicious and IxMicficial to those
seeking it. Trained under stem religious influ-
ences, tinctured with the Puritan doctrines, he had
however a broad and liberal mind, which neither
favored nor supported fanaticism or bigotry.
Though himself not a church member, he act-
ively and liberally supported the Baptist church,
of which his second wife and four children were
members. Like all positive men, he had strong
])rejudices founded upon his honest and sincere
convictions. Yet he never allowed his prejudices
to influence his reason, and no man was more
open to conviction when in error. He was pre-
eminently a man of affairs, and during his long
life there were found no periods of idleness. Of
a most sociable character, he was entirely free
from personal vices, and was temperate in all his
habits." All who knew him or who knew of
him had the utmost confidence in him and his
public and private life w^ere alike above reproach.
His devotion to the national interests of the coun-
try were excelled only by the patriotism which
never lost sight of the highest duties of citizen-
ship. His good works live after him and will
keep his memory forever green. He was one of
those far-sighted forefathers who lay deep and
liroad the foundations upon which the men of
later days are building. He was modest in his
claims to public notice and yet he exerted an
influence of incalculable benefit, not alone in the
building of railroads, but in the building of states,
through his connection with legislative measures
and the influence which he exerted in behalf of
public progress along all lines. He lived and
labored and died like the truly great man that
he was.
GENERAL MARK D. FLOWER.
General Mark D. Flower, whose distinguished
military service and unimi)eachahle political integ-
rity, combined with strong intellectual force and
keen (lisccrnmenl, hax'e made him a leader in
republican circles in Minnesota, is now ])nstmas-
ter of St. Paul, following active and beneficial
service in various other official and business posi-
tions.
A native of Ohio, he was born at Chagrin Falls.
March 31. 1S42, his parents being AL T. C. and
',<^~^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
231
Cybele B. Flower, who came to Minnesota in
1855, while the state was still under territorial
rule. They were among the first settlers in Meri-
den, Steele county, and the nearest neighbor was
at Owatonna, twelve miles distant. The great-
grandfathers in both the paternal and maternal
lines of General Flower were soldiers of the Rev.
olutionary war, and Colonel John Brooks, the
grandfather, was a distinguished officer in the
war of 1 81 2 and a resident of Ohio.
General Mark D. Flower was a youth of thir-
teen years when with his parents he came to Min-
nesota in 1855, and is therefore numbered amon^
the pioneer residents of the state, more than a
half century having passed since he located witlim
its borders. After two years he was sent to Au-
rora, Blinois, to become a student in the Aurora
Institute, where he remained until the 13th of
April, 1861. He would have graduated in June
of that year, but he put aside all personal con-
siderations and ambitions at the outbreak of the
Civil war, his patriotic spirit being aroused by
tlie firing upon of Fort Sumter on the 12th of
April. Hardly had the smoke from the bom-
!»rding guns cleared away, when, on the 14th of
the same month he offered his services to the gov-
ernment in defense of the Union, joining Com-
pany C, of the Seventieth Illinois Volunteer Infan-
try, which was the first regiment raised in that
state for the war. Following the expiration of
his three months' term of enlistment he joined
the Thirtv-sixth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry and
participated in the important campaigns in Mis-
souri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missis-
sippi and Alabama. In December, 1863, General
Sherman organized the First Brigade of Mem-
phis (Tennessee) Enrolled Militia, consisting of
four regiments of infantry, a company of cavalry
and one battery of artillery. This force was
enrolled largely from employes of the quarter-
master, commissary and other departments of the
army stationed there, supplemented by citizens of
Memphis liable to military service, that city being
under semi-martial law at the time. Of this
force General .Sherman appointed Mr. Flower
adjutant general with the rank of captain, and
the brigade was well martialed and equipped and
proved an efficient and valuable element in the
supi^ort of the regular forces of the government,
and in repelling the raid of General Forrest it
rendered signal service as was acknowledged in
special order by General Sherman. In July,
1865, Captain Flower retired from the army, hav-
ing served continuously from the 14th of April,
1861, save the brief period spent between his terms
of enlistment. He was scarcely more than nine-
teen years of age when he entered the army, but
his youth did not prevent loyal and efficient serv-
ice equal to that of many .a veteran of twice his
years.
In August, 1865, General Flower once more
found himself in Minnesota. He turned his
attention to the hotel business in Mankato and
subsequently became interested in the manufac-
ture and sale of flour, which he carried on exten-
sively, developing an important business in that
line, in which he continued until 1869. Much of
Ills life, however, has been devoted to important
public service either of a military or political char-
acter. In March, 1870, he was appointed adju-
tant general of Minnesota, which position he
filled until November, 1875, when he resigned to
engage in the grain and transportation business.
Having become the owner of a steamboat and a
fleet of barges, he operated them with fair suc-
cess on the Mississippi and its tributaries until
1877, when all his boat properties were destroyed
by a cyclone on Yellowstone river, where he was
engaged in carrying on a government transpor-
tation contract. Thus in a moment all the sav-
ings of years were swept away. As the Yellow-
stone country at that time was engaged in war
with .Sitting Bull, no insurance could be had and
a great loss fell upon General Flower, leaving him
a financial wreck.
Returning to St. Paul, with his accustomed
energy. General Flower threw himself into the
political campaign then raging and was at once
elected secretary of the republican state central
committee, in which capacity he served for two
terms, and he was also appointed chairman of the
executive committee. When he retired from the
position of adjutant general of Minnesota it was
with the intention of never again entering pol-
itics as an active force, but this course became
necessitous on account of his heavv losses in the
PAST A\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
nurlliwcst, and iho parly, rccogiiiziny' his fitness
for leadership, his keen perception and his splen-
did managerial powers, readily welcomed him as
a factor in the leadership of the state. The polit-
ical campaigns conducted under his guidance
were marked by great energy, sound judgment
and wonderful perception and were attended with
with signal victory at the polls. He displayed
the faculty of bringing into harmonious relations
certain discordant elements, of martialing his
forces as to attain the full jiarty strength and win-
ning public confidence through methotls which
neither sought nor required disguise. In the
twentieth session of the state legislature in 1879
General Flower was elected chief clerk of the
house, to which position he was re-elected for
service in the twenty-first general assenil.ily. In
April, 1879, he was appointed deputy collector
of customs of the port of St. Paul. Before the
term expired he was appointed by President
Arthur sujicrvising inspector of steam vessels for
the fifth district, U. S. A., and acted in that
capacity until President Cleveland's first adminis-
tration, when he was removed for partisan rea-
sons. When the republicans were again in
power President Harrison appointed (ieneral
Flower to his old position, but it was declined.
He felt that he was tired of office-holding, and,
Ijy the way, it is a known fact that in his career
he has never sought office save that of chief
clerkship in the Minnesota house of representa-
tives, the other ])ositions which he has filled hav-
ing been vohnitarily conferred ujion him withmit
his solicitation.
Throughout his political career General Flower
has been a stanch republican, believing firmly in
the teachings of the party. He cast his first pres-
idential ballot for Abraham Lincoln and has never
wavered in his allegiance to the principles of that
parly. A recognized factor in republican circles
in Minnesota, he has been the warm personal
friend, confidant and ally of William Windom,
Horace Austin, C. K. Davis. A. R. Mcfiill. Henry
A. Castler and other prominent repuljlicans, and
has also fought other battles with courage, honor
and ability. His position on political questions
has never been an equivocal one, but has been
maintained wilb a nianlv courage tliat has never
left any one in dinibt as to his view of a quest i(in.
Never guilty of double dealing in any way, he
has been recognized as an able leader in the stau.-,
and seldom is a man found whose political integ-
rity is so unimpeachable.
In the winter of 1886 President A. I!. Slickney
appointed General Flower to the position of gen-
eral claim agent of the Chicago & Great Western
Railroad Company and he continued in that
capacity until 1890, at which time he was elected
president and general manager of the .St. Paul
Cnion Stock Yards Company, which remained
his business connection until his appointment by
President Roosevelt to the position of postmaster
on the i6th of December, 1905. Since entering
upon the duties of the position be has system-
atized the work and has brought about and exe-
cuted plans and methods which are of direct ben-
efit in the atlministration of the affairs of this
department of federal service. He was for vears
secretary and general manager of the South St.
Paul Belt Railway Company, and is at present
a director of the Chicago & Great Western Rail-
road and a director and member of the executive
committee of the Inter-State Commerce Trust.
In 1905 tieneral Flower represented the sev-
enth ward of St. Paul in the state legislature, and
was an ardent supporter of Senator Clapp for
re-election to the F'nited States senate, being
leader of the Clapp forces in the house and was
selected to make the nominating speech. During
the session he introduced numerous important
bills which became laws, among which may be
mentii)ned the bill authorizing a new steel bridge
across the Missisippi river at lujrt Snelling, the
cost to be divided between the United States gov-
ernment, the Twin City Rapid Transit Company
and the city of St. Paul. He also introduced the bill
to construct an additional building to the Soldiers'
Home for the widows and mothers of soldiers ot
the Civil war; the liill to give to the (^rand Armv
jjosts and soldiers of the Spanish-American war
the use of pulilic buildings, or jiarts thereof, for
iheir lodge meetings when not otherwise rei|uired.
He also secured the passage of the important l)ill
])unishing bribery in senatorial elections. He was
a radical opponent of freak legislation and stood
for cconomv and good laws. He was eliairman of
PAST A\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
233
the pure food coiiimittee, a member of the finance
committee, the railroad committee and the Sol-
diers' Home committee.
While stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, in
October, 1864, General Flower was married to
Miss Lena Gutherz, an accomplished and esti-
mable lady, who still lives to bless and brighten
the General's beautiful home. She is a sister of
the celebrated artist, Carl Gutherz. Especially
interested in community affairs and active in club
and fraternal circles in the city. General Flower
is a charter member of Acker post, the oldest
organization of the Grand Army of the Republic
in St. Paul. He is also a member of the Com-
mercial Qub and was formerly a director in the
Chamber of Commerce. His interest in behalf
of public welfare has been manifest in tangible
effort for the material and intellectual improve-
ment and progress of the city. He is an able
and successful business man and has a genial na-
ture that endears him to all with whom he comes
in contact.
HON. ROBERT A. SMITH.
Hon. Robert A. Smith, mayor of St. Paul, has
served continuously as chief executive of the city
since 1888. There is perhaps no resident of the
county who has for a more extended period been
connected with municipal and county offices and
certainly none have been more constant in service,
more fearless in action or more stainless in repu-
tation. He was born in Boonville, Warrick
county. Indiana, in 1827. His father, William
Smith, was a native of England and his mother,
Elizabeth (Graham) Smith, was a member of an
old and prominent Virginia family.
Robert A. Smith was reared to manhood in
the state of his nativity and supplemented his pre-
liminary education by study in the University of
Indiana, being graduated from the law depart-
ment in the class of 1850, for he had determined
upon the practice of law as a life work. In 1853
he v\'as appointed private secretary to Willis A.
Gorman, his brother-in-law, then territorial gov-
ernor of INIinnesota and accompanied him to St.
15
Paul, where he has since made his home. He
has long retained a foremost place in the ranks
of the leading and distinctive citizens of the capi-
tal. Soon after his arrival he was appointed ter-
ritorial librarian, which position he held until
1858. In the meantime he was called to pubhc
office by popular suffrage, being elected treasurer
of Ramsey county in 1856. No higher testimonial
of his abilit}- could be given than the fact that
he was re-elected for six consecutive terms, thus
serving until 1868. In the meantime, in 1866,
he had engaged in business in St. Paul as a mem-
ber of the banking firm of Dawson, Smith &
Reed and was one of the incorporators of the
Hank of Minnesota, serving as its vice president
for many years. While in business he displayed
those safe conservative traits essential to the
banker, also keen discernment and unfaltering en-
terprise, which were productive of a fair meas-
ure of success for the institution with which he
was connected. Mr. Smith is even better known
as a public official than as a banker. He has been
almost continuously in public view since coming
to St. Paul by reason of his varied official serv-
ice. In 1883 he was elected a member of the
city council and served by re-election for four
years. During the last three years of that period
he was president of the city council and at times
ex-officio acting mayor. In 1887 he was elected
as chief executive of the city and is still serving
in that capacity, being chosen again and again
for this high and honorable office, wherein the
practical yet progressive measures and methods of
reform which he has inaugurated have proven of
direct and immediate service to the city.
Mr. Smith was married in 1851 to Aliss ^lary
F. Stone, of Bloomington, Indiana, and unto them
five children were born. He has now passed the
seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey and is
a gentleman of patriarchal appearance, of pleas-
ing address, of genial disposition and unfaltering-
good nature — qualities which have made him a
favorite with young and old. While not without
that progressive spirit which labors for constant
advancement he at the same time possesses a con-
sen'atism that avoids useless expenditure or the
carrving out of immature plans. He is. however.
234
PAST AND FRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
constantly striving to work for the benefit of the
city and to insnre a continuance of municipal prog-
ress. He has become somewhat conspicuous as a
public officer, who is always at his post of duty
and alwaxs at work and no mayor of St. Paul has
eer been more faithful to the trust reposed in him
bv the people. His municipal characteristics are
of the solid and practical rather than of the os-
tentatious and brilliant order. He is especially
strong in intellect, and capable of reaching safe,
reasonable and prudent conclusions. He is one
of the world's workers and one who accomplishes
results.
COLOXEL FREDERICK R. WELZ.
Colonel Frederick Rudolph \\'elz. capitalist,
whose supervision is given to his valuable in-
vestments in real estate and yet he is practically
living retired, was for many years a representa-
tive of the hotel interests in St. Paul and in this
connection became widely known. Every dollar
which he possesses has been earned since he came
to .A.merica thirty-two years ago. In viewing the
mass of mankind, in the varied occupations of life,
the conclusion is forced upon the observer that
in the vast majority of cases men have sought
employment, not in the line of their peculiar fit-
ness, but in those fields where caprice and cir-
cumstance have placed them, thus exiilaining the
reason of failure of ninety-five per cent of those
who enter commercial and professional circles.
In a few cases it seems that men with a peculiar
fitness for a certain life have taken it up and
marked success has followed. Such is the fact
in the case of Mr. Welz, so long prominently
known in connection with the hotel interests of
St. Paul.
A native of Germany, he was born near llerlin
on the 19th of .September, 1833. and is indebted
to the public-school system of his native country
for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his
youth. He was a young man of twenty-four
years when, in 1857, he became connected with
manufacturing interests as proprietor of a woolen
goods factory at Finsterwalde, near P.erlin. He
made it a successful, productive industry, which
he conducted until 1873. This covered the period
of three of the German wars — that of 1864, of
1866 and of 1870. Business depression always
follows a prolonged military engagement between
countries and many business enterprises felt the
effect of these three wars, especially of the last
one. Xo other interests suffered more greatly
than manufacturing, and by reason of this Mr.
Welz suffered heavy losses. Accordingly he de-
terminetl to try his fortune in the new world,
hoping that he might find a broader field of labor
across the water.
Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874,
he carried with him letters of introduction and
recommendation from prominent people of Ber-
lin, one of which was addressed to the well known
banking house of Drexel & Company. The presi-
dent of this company offered to provide Mr. Welz
with means to purchase an interest in a woolen
mill on Chestnut street in Philadelphia, which
was doing a flourishing business, but was greatly
in need of a jiractical manager to take charge
of the manufacturing end of the concern. After
investigation Mr. \'\'elz. however, declined the
oft'er, for he was unable to speak the luiglish
language and he found only one employe among
the four hundred in the mill who could speak the
German tongue. Xecessit}-, however, combined
with his enterprising and ambitious spirit, gained
for him immediate employment and he accepted
a position with the Philadelphia Ledger, taking
charge of the carriers' department. Saving his
earnings, he purchased a restaurant and it was
here that he demonstrated his capability and pe-
culiar fitness for the work which he undertook.
From that time fonvard he was connected with
the hotel business until his retirement, winning
a measure of success that luade him a foremost
representative of this line of activity in the north-
west. In the conduct of his Philadelphia restau-
rant he met with a measure of prosperity that
gave him a good start upon the upward path.
In a little more than throe years he saved ten
thousand dollars, and seeking an advantageous
field for investment he purchased in 1878 the
Circle Park House, at Indianapolis, Indiana,
which he conducted until 1882. Disposing of
the property he had he then removed to St. Paul
//A/
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
237
and for almost a quarter of a century has been
iilentified with business interests in this city. Mr.
Welz took Lip the management of the Clarendon
Hotel, which had proven unprotitable under his
three predecessors. He brought to the business
keen discernment, unflagging enterprise and a
knowledge of the demands of the traveling public
gained through experience and keen insight. The
Clarendon became a first class hotel with a liberal
patronage, and purchasing the house he man-
aged it successfully until 1886, acquiring thereby
a considerable capital ditring the four years of
his connection therewith.
After selling the hotel Mr. Welz visited his
native country in company with his wife, re-
maining abroad for eight months and renewing
the associations and friendships of his youth and
early manhood. With a stronger and deeper at-
tachment, however, for the land of his adoption,
he returned to America in May. 1887, and in con-
nection with his son-in-law. Dr. Christian Fry,
purchased the Merchants Hotel at St. Paul, of
which he was active manager for five years. On
the expiration of that period he again visited the
fatherland, spending six months at Carlsbad,
where he was greatly benefited in health. W'hen
he again reached St. Paul he opened a wholesale
wine house on Seventh street, known under the
firm name of Welz & Mangier. Tt was his in-
tention to engage no longer in the hotel business,
but circumstances shaped his course otherwise
and the Hotel Ryan gained thereby its foremost
manager. It had up to this time been conducted
under the firm of Eugene ^Mehl & Son, who were
overtaken with bankruptcy. The creditors urged
the receiver to find a man competent to conduct
the hotel and pay off the claims, and the position
I if manager was offered to Mr. Welz. This was
in the year 1893, and as all will remember it
was the year of the beginning of the financial
panic and depression, which continued for a num-
ber of years thereafter. At length Mr. \\'elz de-
cided to accept the offer, which he did on the
30th of August, 1893, when no one else had
the courage to undertake what seemed a hope-
less task. His son-in-law. Dr. Christian Fry.
joined him as a partner and they proceeded to
place The Rvan in the foremost rank of hostel-
ries in the northwest. They made it the leading
hotel of the city, studying closely the comfort of
the patrons and managing the business with profit
to themselves. They made the name of The Ryan
famous throughout the northwest and gave to
the hotel a leading position in St. Paul. I'or
eleven years Mr. Welz conducted the business and
as trade relations were stimulated and travel in-
creased their i)atronage grew steadily until at
times The Ryan was taxed to its utmost capacity
and on all occasions enjoyed a liberal support
from the traveling public. He was not only popu-
lar with the patrons of the house but also with
the many employes, whom he had there because
of his consideration and his justice in the matter
of wages and hours. In 1904 he retired from the
hotel and in the meantime he had made exten-
sive and judicious investmetns in real estate, be-
coming owner of much valuable property.
In 1857 was celebrated the marriage of Air.
Welz and Miss Marie Theresa Golpfert. Their
only child, Marie, is now the wife of Dr. Chris-
tian Fry. Both Mrs. W^elz and IMrs. Fry were
invaluable aids to Mr. Welz in the management
of The Ryan when he had charge of the immense
establishment. Mrs. Welz died April 19, lyoC,
at the home of her sister in Germany. She, in
company with her daughter, Mrs. Fry, and her
husband, had been making a trip through Eng-
land, France, Italy and (jermany. The remains
were brought to America and interred in St. Paul.
Mr. Welz is a man of generous impulse, of
kindly disposition and is liberal in his contribu-
tions to many charitable movements and plans
for the benefit of the city. He has never had oc-
casion to regret his determination to come to
America, for in this country he has found the
opportunities he sought, which, by the way. are
always open to ambitious, energetic men.
Through the utilization of the advantages which
surround all, through close and unremitting at-
tention to business, through unabating diligence*
and unswerving business integrity he has gained
a place among the capitalists of his adopted city.
Air. AA'elz is living retired in a beautiful home
which he purchased and of which he has iriade
a present to his daughter. It is at No. 1035 5n"i-
mit avenue, the principal residence street of the
^-38
FAST A\D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
cit). Though retired from active business, lie
vet finds much to occupy his time and attention
in looking after his various investments and his
large and valuable realty holdings. He owns a
number of the extensive business blocks and much
tine vacant property in the business district, and
his realty represents a life of untiring activity
supplemented by sound business judgment and
keen discrimination.
CAPTAIN JAMES \V. TURXIJL'LL.
Business activity and commercial prosperity
are the result of merit and the endeavor of many
individuals, and among the number are always
men whose ability and worth are recognized as
somewhat superior to that of their associates and
contemporaries. This was true of Captain Turn-
Inill. who enjoyed in large measure the respect
and confidence of his business associates, while
his enterprise and activity gained for him a prom-
inent position in commercial circles. He was for
many years superintendent of the Standard Oil
Company in St. Paul, occupying that position
until the time of his death. A native of Scotland,
he was educated in the schools of that country
and was married there to Miss Elizabeth Dawson,
likewise a native of that land.
When a young man Captain TurnbuU went to
sea and was employed in various capacities on
different vessels but gradually worked his way
upward until he became captain. He was thus en-
gaged for several years, when, thinking to enjoy
better Imsiness opportunities in the new world, he
came with his family to America, settling first
in Cleveland, Ohio. Not long afterward he ob-
tained the captaincy of one of the lake vessels
and for several years sailed upon fresh water.
On retiring from the lakes he accepted a position
ill the employ of the Standard Oil Company and
his l)usiness capacity and enterprise won him rec-
ognition in consecutive promotions. In 1888 he
was transferred by the company to St. Paul to
take charge of its business here, was made super-
intendent and so continued until his death. In
the spring of 1893 the company was erecting new
buildings in this cit\ and Captain TurnbuU was
overseeing the wurk when he fell and was badly
injured, causing his death a few weeks later. He
died in July, 1893, and his wife died the follow-
ing day from the shock of her husband's death.
Their son, Douglas B. TurnbuU, was born in
Cleveland, Ohio, September 20, 1865, and there
acquired his preliminary education. He afterward
went to Hartford, Connecticut, where he obtained
a good position in a wholesale carriage manufac-
tory, where he was employed until after his par-
ents' removal to St. Paul. He then came west
and also located in St. Paul, where he accepted
a position as creditman in the large wholesale
carriage house of Quinby & HoUowell, remain-
ing in their employ for several years, or until ill
health overtook him, when he began traveling.
Finally he located in California, where he died
in October, 1894.
Douglas B. TurnbuU was married in St. Paul
to Miss Mary G. Grimshaw, a daughter of IVnja-
min J. and Margaret (Manning) Grimshaw, the
latter a native of Watertown, New York, and the
former of Jeliferson county. New York, where he
learned the trade of carpentering and building.
In an early day he came west, settling in Winona,
.Minnesota, where he worked as a contractor and
builder until 1890. He then removed to
St. Paul, where he became connected with
building operations as a contractor and in
that way erected many of the large busi-
ness lilocks of this city and all of the
state fair Ijuildings at the state fair grounds. He
likewise erected many of the fine brick residences
on .Summit avenue and in fact his work was of
important character, contributing largely to the
improvement and architectural adonmient of the
city. Fie was thus identified with building oper-
ations until his death. Since his demise his
widow, Mrs. Grimshaw, has made her home with
her daughter, Mrs. TurnbuU. There were two
sons in the family. Fred C. Grimshaw. who re-
sides near Seattle, Washington, where he is en-
gaged in the lumber business, and Frank P>.. a
capitalist of Clark. .South Dakota. In Novem-
ber, Tgo2, Mrs. Mary G. TurnbuU entered into
partnership with Newton R. Frost, now one of
the pr(iniiiicnt real-estate tnen of this citv and
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
239
tlicy imrchased the W'illard Hotel at the corner
of Tenth and St. Peter streets, which is one of
tlie largest and best family hotels in St. Paul.
^Irs. Turnbnll took full charge of the same and
was owner and manager for three and a half
years. She continued the business until March i,
1906, when she and j\Ir. Frost sold out. With
her mother she now resides at the Dakota fiats at
the corner of Selby and ^^"ester^ avenues. She
owns valuable lands in Minnesota and North Da-
kota, where she spends much of her time in super-
vising her property interests. Mrs. Turnbull is
])rominent in social circles here and is a member
of the Peoples church, while her mother is a
member of the Baptist church of St. Paul.
SIMEON PEARL FOLSOM.
Simeon Pearl Folsom, whose eventful history
covers almost nine decades, has for a longer pe-
riod than a great majority of men been a wit-
ness of the events that have shaped the country's
progress and has been closely associated with
various happenings that have had effect upon the
history of the United States. He has figured in
connection with three military movements of the
country, has traded with the Indians on the fron-
tier and aided in planting the seeds of civilization
in the northwest. He has been an interested wit-
ness of the political progress of the country, has
listened to the eloquence of Webster, Clay and
other leaders of the past as well as the men whose
names are now prominent in political circles. In
his own community, where men have known him
well, he has been honored with local offices and
at all times has been found true to the trust re-
posed in him. No more laudatory words could
be written of Mr. Folsom than the jilain narra-
ti\e of his own life, which in itself speaks
volumes.
Simeon Pearl Folsom was born in .\scot, Can-
ada East, about eighty miles southwest of Oue-
liec. December 27, 1819, his parents being Jere-
miah and Octavia (Howe) Folsom. He was a
descendant in the seventh generation of John Fol-
som, of Hingham, England, who settled at Hing-
ham, ]vlassachusetts, in 1638. Both the parents
of our subject were natives of New Hampshire,
and while sojourning temporarily in Canada their
son Simeon was born. They resided at Tam-
worth. New Hampshire, until their son Simeon
was eight years of age, during which period he
attended the common schools. He then accom-
panied his father and the family on their removal
to Bloomfield, Somerset county, Maine, where he
resided on a farm to the age of fifteen years, when
he supplemented his preliminary education by
study in the l\Iaine ^^^esleyan Seminary, at Red-
field, that state, from which institution he was
graduated in June, 1837. During the winter
months of this period he taught school, pursuing
his education through the summer seasons. His
father was a lumberman and Mr. Folsom of this
review became conversant with the business. In
the spring of 1837 he entered the employ of the
Kennebec Driving Company in the position of
paymaster and remained with that company until
the summer of 1838, when he became a student
in the law office and under the direction of the
firm of Allen & Leavitt, the senior partner being
at that time state senator, while the junior part-
ner was attorney general of Maine. Mr. Folsom
continued with the firm until January. 1839, when
an international disturbance occurred in the
northeast over the boundary line between Maine
and New Brunswick. The governor of New
Brunswick seized the land agent and one or two
state officers of Maine and confined them in a
prison at Fredericktown, the capital of that coun-
try. The governor of Maine then issued a proc-
lamation calling for ten thousand troops of the
state militia and five thousand were dispatched
to the disputed territory claimed by IMaine and
also bv New Brunswick. Among these troops
called for were three thousand from a division
commanded by Major General Charles N. Bod-
fish. Mr. Folsom was appointed major upon his
stafif and so acted for three months and most of
the orders from General Bodfish were transmit-
ted through IMajor Folsom to the chief officers
in that command, and also the general's com-
munications to the governor of the state up to
tlie time that temporary peace wa« declared by
IMajor General Scott.
240
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Ill tlic fall of 1839 ^^^- Polsoni left Maine ami
traveled through Boston, New ^'ork, Philadel-
phia, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis, New Or-
leans and thence up the Mississippi river to Prai-
rie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he arrived on the
nth of April, 1840. In the following June he
entered the employ of Henry AL Rice, late United
States senator from ^linnesota, then sutler at New
Fort Atkinson in the territory of Iowa, fifty miles
west of Prairie du Chien. Mr. Folsom acted as
clerk in the sutler's store for two years, after
which he returned to Prairie du Chien and re-
sumed his law studies in the office of Hon. Jef-
ferson P. Kidder, afterward lieutenant governor
of \'erniont. At the same time he was appointed
sheriff of Crawford county with jurisdiction over
all the territory east of the Mississippi river and
notheast of the Wisconsin river. He remained
in the office as a faithful conservator of the public
peace and a menace to all law-breakers until
March, 1844. In the summer nf 1843 he had
again taken up the study of law. this time in the
office of Hon. Wyram Knowlton. afterward judge
of the northwest district of Wisconsin under the
first state governor.
At the May term of the district court of the
territory, in the session at I'rairiL- du Chien in
1844, Mr. Folsom was acbniitted to the bar as an
attorney-at-law before Hon. Charles Dunn, chief
justice of the territory. In the meantime he had
served for some time as county surveyor of Craw-
ford county, Wisconsin. Again his military
.spirit was called fortli by the trouble between
^Mexico and the L'nited States, and on the loth
of July, 1846, he enlisted as a volunteer for one
year's service in the ^lexican war, which had
already begun. He did not reach Mexico, how-
ever, but was ordered to patrol the frontier set-
tlement of the northwest as a protection against
the Indians, and thus served until he was dis-
charged in July, 1847, completely broken down
in health.
It was then that Mr. Folsom decided to remove
to St. Paul, whicli city had not yet merged from
villagehood. He arrived at the landing, now the
foot of Jackson street, at five o'clock on Sunday,
July 25, 1847. He purchased the ground upon
which now stands the Merchants' Hotel and upon
which there was then a log house, thirty by
twenty feet, partially completed. Mr. Folsom
completed this and opened it as a hotel. In No-
vember following, however, he disposed of the
property to Jacob W. Bass and went to St. An-
thony Falls, working on the dam which was
being erected for the first saw mill at that point.
He continued to receive his mail, however, at St
Paul, as there was no other postoffice in what is
now the state of Minnesota except at Stillwater
and Fort Snelling. In the spring of 1848 he
formed a partnership with Henry M. Rice, pre-
viously mentioned, for the purpose of trading
with the Indians near the mouth of Elk river,
forty miles from St. Paul, where he remained
a year. In the spring of 1849 l^t" returned to St.
Paul, where he has continued to reside to the
present time. In the summer of 1850, as a part-
ner of Benjamin W. Brunson. he engaged in sur-
veying and dealing in real estate in a small way.
On the 4th of October, 1850. he left St. Paul for
the purpose of visiting in Maine, where he spent
two months, and during that trip in the east he
met Daniel Webster. It was during their inter-
view that the noted statesman gave utterance to
the memorable words: 'Tt is proper that Minne-
sota should be settled by New England people."
The object of Mr. Folsom's visit to Mr. Webster
was in behalf of the whig members of the leg-
islature of the territory of .Minnesota. During
his stay in Washington he also had the pleasure
of listening to speeches of Henry Clay, Stephen
A. Douglas, General Rusk, ( ieneral Samuel llmi-
ston and others.
IMr. Folsom, upon his return to .Minnesota, pur-
chased goods for a sutler's store at Fort Snell-
ing and for a store to be opened at St. .\nthony.
The goods were shijjped by way of New Orleans
up the Mississippi river, which was then the
cliea])est menus of transportation into the north-
west. \\'hile identified with the business develop-
ment of this section of the state, he also figured
l)rominently in politiral circles and in November,
1 85 1, was elected county surveyor of Ramsey
county. In 1832 he sold logs on the Mississippi
river between St. Paul and St. Louis for the firm
of P. Choteau, Jr., & Company. The following
year he formed a partnership with James A. Case
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
241
in surveying and real-estate business, and in De-
cember, 1853. entered into partnership with Louis
j\l. UHver and J. M. Stone, opening an abstract,
real-estate and surveyor's office, continuing the
business until June, 1854. On the 4th of March
of that year, in accordance with an act (A the leg-
islature approved by the governor, St. Paul was
incorporated as a city and at the first meeting of
the city council Mr. Folsom was elected city sur-
veyor, in which capacity he was recjuired to re-
survey all property described as the limits of St.
Paul. He completed the survey in January, 1855.
and on the 2Sth of April of the same year a map
which he executed was accepted by the council.
At the assembling of the territorial legislature in
January, 1852, he was elected assistant secretary
of the council of the territory and as such super-
intended the publishing of the acts of the legis-
lature and the revised statutes of 1851-52. .\t the
session of 1853 he was again elected assistant
secretary of the council and his work had direct
bearing u]ion the progress of the state and the
records which now constitute a part of its
history.
In 1854 the firm of S. P. Folsom & Company
was organized to carry on the abstract business,
the junicjr members being Isaac A. Ranker and
Daniel Roher. This relation was maintained for
five years, and the firm had the only office of this
kind in St. Paul prior to i860, at which time the
partnership was dissolved. The books of the firm
constitute the nucleus of the present county ab-
stracts. While continuously supervising private
business interests, Air. Folsom was again called
to ]niblic office, and in the spring of 1858 was
elected a member of the school board of St. Paul
for a four years' term and was chairman of va-
rious committees of the board.
On the 9th of August, 1862. in res]5onse to the
continued need of the country for troops to aid
in crushing out the rebellion in the south he en-
listed for three years' service in the United States
army as a member of Company H, Seventh Min-
nesota \'olunteer Infantry, under command of
Captain James Gilfillan, afterward chief justice of
Minnesota. On the i6th news was received of
the Indian outbreak, and the company was im-
mediately dispatched to the frontier. His com-
pany was at \\'ood Lake, Camp Release, and was
present at the delivery of the white persons who
were surrendered to General Sibley at that camp
to the number of three hundred. The troops re-
turned to Mankato, Minnesota, with four hun-
dred Indian prisoners and three hundred white
captives. The Indians were tried by court martial
and three hundred were found guilty of murder.
The sentences of all but thirty-eight, however, were
commuted by President Lincoln and the others
were executed on the same gallows on the 26th of
December, 1862. On the 14th of September, of
the same year, the regiment was ordered south,
but Mr. Folsom was commanded to remain at .St.
Paul and take command of the stragglers that
were gathered at Fort Snelling and other places in
the state. He joined his regiment again on the
25th of December, 1863, at Schofield Barracks, St.
Louis, ^Missouri. On the 25th of January, 1864,
he was detailed by General Schofield with a cor-
poral and ten men to report at draft rendezvous
at Fort Snelling, where he arrived in March, re-
porting to Lieutenant Colonel Bridolph, there re-
maining until the loth of June. He was next dis-
patched with recruits to Genera! Grant's army in
A'irginia. Four days after arriving in Washing-
ton he left for .St. Paul and reported to Brigadier
General Sibley for duty. He took charge of the
troops and stragglers then being concentrated at
Fort Snelling for the purpose of being trans-
ported to the regiment in the south. After turn-
ing over the recruits at St. Louis he was ordered
to join his regiment at Lagrange, Tennessee, and
on the nth of July, 1864, he was made orderly
sergeant. He fought in the decisive battle of
Tupelo, where several men of his regiment were
killed and wounded. Soon after the regiment
was ordered away, but Mr. Folsom remained at
camp as orderly sergeant of Company H, under
conmiand of Captain Gilfillan. .About this time
the captain was promoted to the colonelcy of the
Eleventh Regiment and ;\Ir. Folsom was left in
command of the whole company. He transported
the soldiers of his command to Nashville. Ten-
nessee, where he arrived on the 2nd of December,
1864, and was ordered to keep within the picket
lines. None of the men were well and they were
transported in January, 1865, to Eastport. JMis-
242
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
sissippi, and later to Mobile I Say. Subsequently
they were at Danby's Mills, where they arrived
.March jo. 1865. and afterward went to Spanish
,Eort. At Danhys Mills, Mr. Folsoni began
his duties as engineer at the division headquar-
ters, where he experienced many close calls, his
dul\' calling him into very hazardous and dan-
gerous positions, for the enemy were constantly
shelling the district in which he and others of
the engineer corps were working. Mr. Folsom
made a map of the enemy's fortifications and the
position of the Union forces before the enemy's
works, showing the position of the regiments and
brigades in detail, which map was furnished the
commanding general and transmitted to Wash-
ington. The last pages of the memoirs of Gen-
eral Grant contain a copy of this map. The
troops broke camp there April 13, 1865, and
marched to [Montgomery, Alabama, arriving on
the 25th of April, where Mr. Folsom remained
until the 1 0th of May, when he was ordered
across the country to Selma, Alabama, where he
went into quarters on the 14th of that month. Col-
onel Marshall commanding the po.st. On the
loth of June General Grant's farewell address to
the army was received and on the 20th of July
they left Selma.
On the 1st of September, 1865, Air. Folsom
entered the service of the Winona branch of the
St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company as engineer
under Colonel William Crooks as chief engineer
and so continued until the spring of 1866. In
the late summer of the same year he was com-
missioned by Colonel Chandler, deputy quarter-
master general of the United States army, with
orders to proceed to Fort Abercrombie, Fort
Wadsworth and Ransom, an Indian frontier dis-
trict, to survey military reservation and take ob-
servations, ascertaining the true latitude and lon-
gitude by the astronomical observations, which he
did and which was transmitted to Washington.
In 1S67 Mr. Folsom was appointed one of the
engineers on the I.ake Superior & Wisconsin
Railroad. In 1868 he was appointed engineer
and agent for the purchase of jiroperty on Trout
Brook and superintending the construction of the
St. Paul foundry. In November, 1868, he entered
the employ of the first division of the St. Paul &
Pacific Railroad Company and by President
Becker was assigned to duty as right-of-way and
claim and tax agent. He purchased all of the
property now owned by the Manitoba & Milwau-
kee Railroad Company known as the railroad
property south of Third street and east of Sibley
in the city of St. Paul. He continued in that
employ until April, 1876, and in the winter of
1877 was employed by the Western Railroad ex-
tending from Sauk Rajjids to Brainerd under
President General George L. Becker, which was
his business connection until July, 1878. In De-
cember, 1877, he was directed to prepare maps
of the company's last grant and right-of-way to
Fort Ripley for the purpose of the settlements.
In the spring of 1879 he was appointed attorney
of the St. Paul Water Company and acted in that
capacit}- until July, 1882, when the franchises and
property w'ere transferred to the city of St. Paid.
Mr. Folsom continued on the board of water com-
missioners as attorney, acting until April 20, 1891.
On the 1st of September. 1890, he was appointed
by President James J. Hill of the Great Northern
Railway Company the attorney in the general so-
licitor's office of that company, which position he
held during the remainder of his active career,
and is still retained as counsel by the company.
He has done much under Mr. Hill for the Great
Northern and had much to do with the expendi-
ture of seventeen millions of dollars for the com-
pany. He named all of the towns on this road
as far as Crookston, and through his connection
with railroad operations in various ways he has
been a tangible factor in the upbuilding, improve-
ment and settlement of the great northwest.
The foregoing are the epochal events in the his-
tory of Simeon Pearl Folsoin, and he who reads
between the lines will recognize in Mr. Folsom the
possession of qualities which are found in impor-
tant builders, the indefatigable industry, the keen
insight into situations, the understanding of possi-
bilities and the utilization of every opportunity
tli;it is presented. His name is so inseparably
interwoven wMth the history of the northwest in
its settlement and in its military and political prog-
ress that his life work forms an integral chapter
in its annals. He drafted the first charter of St.
Paul and has contributed both directly and in-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
243
directly to the sum total of accomplishment here,
and well may his name be honored as one of its
founders and builders. Few men have such a
record as Mr. Folsom. He was first in military
service in connection with border disputes and
afterward was enrolled as a member of the Mex-
ican and Civil wars. Although he did not go to
the front in the former, his military service was
at all times arduous and important. Investiga-
tion in his life history in all its phases shows that
he has been faultless in honor, fearless in conduct
and stainless in reputation.
CHARLES A. B. WEIDE.
Charles A. B. W'eide. deceased, was well known
as a real-estate dealer in St. Paul for many years
and was a pioneer resident of the city. A native
of Germany, he was a son of Bernard Weide,
who came from Germany to America during the
early youth of his son Charles and settled in Mad-
ison, Lidiana, where he lived for a short time.
He then removed to St. Paul and established a
grocery store on Third street, having iine of the
first grocery stores in that part of the city. He
continued in trade until his death and was an en-
terprising, wide-awake merchant.
Charles A. B. Weide was a public-schiml stu-
dent in Madison, Indiana, and also in St. Paul,
continuing his education until about twenty-one
years of age, when he entered his father's employ
in the grocery store. After a short time, how-
ever, he began business on his own account, buy-
ing and selling property, and was identified with
real-estate interests here until his death. He car-
ried on the business extensively for a long period,
handling nnich valuable property and negotiat-
ing many important realty transfers. He thor-
oughly acquainted himself with values and few
men were better informed concerning property
for purchase and sale in St. Paul than he.
Mr. Weide was married in this city to Miss
Louisa Schurmeier, a representative of one of the
oldest and most prominent families of the city.
Her parents were Casper and Caroline (Kor-
phage) Schumieier, who were married in Ger-
many, and Mrs. Weide was the only one of their
children born in that country. They had, how-
ever, a family of seven children as follows : Mrs.
Weide, Henry, Theodore, Gustave, all of whom
are deceased; Benjamin F., who is now living in
Schurmeier estate ; Lena, the widow of Dr. Edgar
St. Paul, j\Irs. Schmidt, now residing in this city
T. Schmidt, who was a prominent physician of
St. Paul ; Mrs. Schmidt, now residing in this city
with her three children at No. 417 Hollv avenue;
and Ida, the wife of Horace E. Thompson, a re-
tired capitalist residing at No. 808 Summit ave-
nue.
When Mr. Schurmeier came to America he
located in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was en-
gaged in the wagon manufacturing business for
about ten years. He then came to St. Paul and
turned his attention to real-estate dealing, and in
this connection contributed in large and substan-
tial measure to the substantial improvement of the
city. He built many of the fine blocks in the
business center of the city, including several store
buildings at the corner of Fifth and Jackson
streets, where the banks of St. Paul are now lo-
cated. He also erected many store buildings on
Third street and he engaged in buying land, trans-
forming unsightly vacancies into fine business or
residence property. He also sold property all
over the city and his enterprise made him one of
the foremost residents of St. Paul. He recog-
nized possibilities, foresaw the probable develop-
ment, growth and needs of the city, which he
arranged to meet, and thus when anything was
wanted he had good property to show to his cli-
ents and made many advantageous sales. He
became very wealthy and was widely recognized
as one of the most important real-estate dealers
of the city, the extent of his operations being
scarcelv surpassed or equaled. He continued as a
real-estate dealer in St. Paul from the time of his
arrival here until his death, which occurred in
1874, when he was fifty-eight years of age. His
widow survived him for a time and died at the
home of a daughter in Thomasville, Georgia. Mr.
Schurmeier always took a very deep and active
interest in politics and was a stanch republican,
whose opinions carried weight in the local coun-
cils of his party. .\t one time he was a candi-
-^44
I'AST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
date for mavor of the cil_\ , but was ik-fcalcd by a
small majority. For several years, however, he
served as alderman of his ward and held other
offices.
By the marriage of Charles .V. P.. Weidc and
Louisa Schuniieier there was born one son, ]Mat-
thew S.. who married Millie Hmneson and resides
in St. Paul. He is a traveling salesman for the
tirm of Lindeke. Warner & .Sons and is a prom-
inent resident of this city.
Mr. W'eide, like Mr. Schurmeier. was a stal-
wart republican in his political views, continuing"
to snp])ort the party until his death, which oc-
curred in July, 1900. Mr. antl .Mrs. Schurmeier
and Air. and Mrs. Weide were all members of the
.Methodist Episcopal church, to the support of
which they contributed liberally. .Mr. Schur-
meier took a very active and helpful interest in
church work and gave the grounds upon which
the house of worship of the First Methodist Epis-
copal churcli now stands. Both gentlemen fig-
ured prominently in real estate and were most
creditable and honored representatives of that line
of business. Strong purpose, indefatigable en-
ergy and unquestioned integrity characterized
each of his business relations, and both gentlemen
had a wide and favorable acquaintance in St.
Paul. .Mrs. Weide now owns a nice home at No.
820 Osceola avenue, where she resides, and she
lias long occu])ied a leading position in social cir-
cles, belonging, as she does, to one of the promi-
nent families of the citv.
HENRY G. ALLEN.
Henry (]. .Mien, president of J. 11. .Mien &
Company, wholesale grocers, was born in St.
Paul, April 18, 1872. Flis father, John H. Allen,
for many years a prominent Inisiness man of .'>t.
Paul, was bom in Illinois and came to this citv in
early life. Through a long period he was con-
nected with the wholesale grocery trade and also
with Ijanking interests as director of the German-
American bank. Interested in community affairs,
he served for two terms on the park board and
co-operated in many movements for general prog-
ress anil improvement. He died in April, 1904,
and a life of signal service and usefulness in busi-
ness and public circles made his death the occa-
sion of deep and widespread regret.
Henry G. .Mien, after his graduation from the
high school of St. Paul, continued his studies in
Notre Dame University in Indiana, and at the
age of twenty years entered his father's business
house, which is now conducted under the name
of J. H. Allen & Company, wholesale grocers,
importers and coffee roasters. The business was
founded in 1856 by P. F. .McQuillan and was
then conducted under the firm style of P. F. Mc-
Quillan & Company at the foot of Jackson street.
Later the store was removed two doors distant
into an old stone building which is still standing.
After John H. Allen became a partner the busi-
ness was removed to Third street, between Jack-
son and Sibley streets, at which time the present
building was erected, it being the first east of
Sibley street. Upon the admission of Bruno
Beaupre to a partnership the firm name of Mc-
Quillan, Beaupre & Company was assumed. In
1881 the firm name became J. H. .-Mien & Com-
pany, Mr. Allen being the sole member. In 1882,
D. H. Moon was admitted to partnership under
the style of Allen. Aloon & Company. .Mr. .Moon
retired, and in May, 1894, the old name of J. H.
Allen & Company was resumed and has been in
business to the present time. In 1904 the busi-
ness was incorporated with J. H. .Mien as the
first president, H. G. -Mien as the vice-]5resident :
Thomas D. Lovcring. secretary and treasurer;
\Mlliam Egan, manager of the country depart-
ment, and John Mc.Adam. manager of the city
dc])artment. .Since the father's death H. C,. .Mien
has succeeded to the presidency and is today at
tile head of the house, which has an extensive
local and domestic trade as dealers in wholesale
groceries. They are also manufacturers, jobbers
and roasters of coffee and imjxirters of spices and
other goods. Thev emplo\' one hun(h'ed and
twenty-five men in the house with twenty-two
traveling representatives upon the road, and
occupy a large building at Nos. 201-213 East
Third street, and ha\e a splendid record of long
standing for the quality of goods carried and for
straightforwardness in business transactions.
-^--^xv
j^'. '^.^m-.,.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
249
In August, 1899, Mr. Allen was married to
Miss Ruth Hall, of Stillwater, a granddaughter
of Mrs. Harriet T. Anderson, and they have three
children : John H., Henry G., and Harriet T.
Allen, aged respectively five, three and two years.
j\'Ir. Allen is an independent republican, belongs
to the Commercial Club, to the Minnesota Club
and to various commercial organizations of St.
Paul looking to the betterment of business condi-
tions and to the substantial growth and progress
of the city in various lines. Honored and re-
spected by all, there is no man in conimercial or
financial circles who occupies a more enviable
[josition in public regard in St. Paul than does
H. G. Allen, not only b}' reason of the success
which he has achieved, but also because of the
straightforward business policy he has ever fol-
lowed. It is true that he entered upon a business
already established, but in conducting and enlarg-
ing this many a man of less resolute spirit would
have failed. His record goes to prove again that
success is not a matter of genius, but is the out-
come of clear judgment and experience. Mr.
Allen, while still a young man, is a splendid type
of the American merchant, with many friends not
onlv in business, but also in social circles.
THOMAS HOLMES PITTS.
Among the retired business men of St. Paul is
numbered Thomas Holmes Pitts, who became a
resident of this city more than a half century ago.
He is now eighty years of age. one of the ven-
erable and honored citizens, whose straightfor-
ward business career and upright life well entitle
him to the respect and veneration imiformly ac-
corded him. He was born in the north of Ire-
land and in his boyhood days crossed the Atlantic
to Canada, where he arrived in 1837. After seven
years spent in the dominion he crossed the bonier
into the LTnited States in 1844 ^"cl through ten
succeeding years resided in New Orleans, where
he was engaged in the wholesale grocery busi-
ness. His parents, brothers and sisters also be-
came residents of Canada, but all are now de-
ceased. Leaving the south, Air. Pitts made his
way to St. Paul, where in 1855 he established a
retail grocery store at the Seven Corners, asso-
ciated with O. J. Noble, with whom he continued
until the death of that gentleman thirty years ago.
During the greater part of his business career he
has been a dealer in groceries and provisions, but
after the death of Mr. Noble, Mr. Pitts became
engaged in the hardware business in association
with his son in Niagara, North Dakota, remaining
in that line of trade until his retirement from
active business life about twenty-five years ago.
At that time he built his present residence at No.
681 Dayton avenue and has since occupied it.
On the 29th of September. 1854, occurred the
marriage of Thomas Holmes Pitts and Miss
Katherine (iibson, a daughter of Captain John
(Jibson of the regular ESritish army, who did mil-
itar\- duty in Canada until his retirement. His
entire active life was devoted to military service,
and after the McKinzie raid he retired from the
army and resided at Pictou in L'pper Canada,
where he owned considerable property that re-
turned to him a gratifying income. There he
made his home until his death in 1898, aged
ninety-seven years. Mrs. Pitts was born in Can-
ada and remained a resident of Kingston until her
marriage. L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Pitts has been
born a son, H. L. Pitts, a business man now trav-
eling for Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Company, of
St. Paul. They also lost two daughters who
died in early womanhood : Ada Isabelle, the wife
of F. M. Kendrick. and Annie E. Mrs. Pitts has
taken a verv active and helpful jiart in charitable
and benevolent work, and for eleven years was
president of the Sheltering Arms of Minnesota,
an organization of the Episcopal church.
Since becoming a naturalized .\merican citizen,
Mr. Pitts has given his political allegiance to the
democrac\-, and though without aspiration for
office for himself he has rejoiced in the triumph
of democratic principles, and in community affairs
has manifested a deep and helpful interest, co-
operating in many movements which have been
of direct and permanent good to St . Paul.
Throughout the long years of his residence in
this citv he has been recognized as a man of
strong and honorable purpose, who has performed
capablv and well the duties thiit have devolved
2 so
PAST AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
u|)on him, and thiMus^li his careful control of
business interests has wcni success that makes it
])ossible for him to spend the evening of his life
in an honorable retirement. It is certainly well
wluii tlie closing days of a man's life may be
(|nietly and happily passed, free from the difficult
task of adjusting himself to new business condi-
tions so radically changed from those of his early
years of keen perception and ready adaptability.
Such a period of rest has been vouchsafed to Mr.
Pitts, who is today one of the most venerable and
esteemed residents of St. Paul.
HOX. JOHX T. AVERILL.
No man was better known throughout the
state of Minnesota than John T. Averill, who was
twice state senator and a member of congress for
four years. He left the impress of his indi-
viduality upon public thought, action and opin-
ion, and he stood as a high type of public-spirited
citizenship and of American manhood and chiv-
alry. He was one of the pioneer residents of
.St. Paul, where for many years he engaged in
the wholesale paper business, thus contributing
in substantial measm'e to the industrial activity of
the state. He located here in 1837, when the city
contained but five thousand inhabitants.
.\ native of Alna. Maine, Mr. Averill was
born March i, 1S23. a son of John and Harriet
Averill. who were also natives of Maine. At an
early day they removed to jMontville, Maine,
wliere the father, who was a wealthy man, lived
retired until his death. His wife also passed
away in that state.
John T. Averill was a student in the public
schools of his native county and afterward at-
tended the Kent Hill College in Kennebec county,
Maine, where lie acquired a good education.
While still a resident uf the Pine Tree state he
was married to Miss Jlannah 1".. .Atkinson, a
native of Maine and a daughter of Samuel and
Clarissa (Ayer) .Atkinson. lU'r father was a
merchant and stock farmer of Montville, Alaine,
where he resided (luring the greater ])art of liis
life, both he and his wife passing away there.
In their family were three children: Emelyn is
the wife of William H. H. Stowell, of Newton,
Connecticut, and because of his ill health they
have traveled extensively for many years and
are now residing at Hotel Aberdeen in St. Paul.
They have one son, William .Averill. Mary El-
len, now deceased, was the wife of Dr. Drake,
of Knoxville, Tennessee. .Anna M. is the wife of
Hon. Edwin A. Jaggard, a prominent citizen of
.St. Paul, now associate justice of the supreme
court of Minnesota.
Following his marriage, Mr. Averill removed
to Tioga, Pennsylvania, where he purchased sev-
eral large lumber mills and there resided, en-
gaged actively in business for three years, after
which he came to St. Paul. Here he began the
manufacture of paper, building large mills in
Minneapolis and later establishing extensive
plants in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he em-
ployed several hundred men. His store, ship-
ping house and office, however, were located on
P""ourth street in St. Paul. Soon after his ar-
rival in this state he Imilt a large warehouse in
Lake City, Minnesota, for the storage of grain.
He later removed from Lake City to St. Paul,
where he resided until the outbreak of the Indian
war, when he enli.sted for service, remaining with
the troops until the Indians were subdued, and
during that time he twice crossed the plains.
He was made a brigadier general and went to
l-'ort Snelling to muster in the troops. He was
chief mustering officer and also provost martial
general of the state, with headquarters in St.
Paul. .\t Washington, D. C, he was mustered
out, after which he returned and again took up
his abode in St. Paul. Here lu' continued in the
manufacture of paper throughout his remaining
(lavs, conducting an extensive business, his being
,-unong the leading industrial enler|)rises of this
section of the country.
Mr. .Averill died October .^. iS<)o, in the Imnie
yet occupied li\ his widow. lie alwa\s took a
verv active interest in ]iolitics and became one
of the mo.st prominent leaders in republican cir-
cles in this state. In early days he was a whig
and he attended the Paris convention when the
re])ul)lican ])arty of ^Minnesota was organized,
lie afterward gave an unf:dtering supjiurt to its
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
2.t1
principles and was honored with various posi-
tions of political preferment. He was one of the
delegates to the constitutional convention to make
.Minnesota a state and he served for two terms
in congress and twice represented his district in
the .state legislature, taking an active interest in
constructive measures and in deliberations hekl
in council chambers of the commonwealth and
the nation. Socially he was connected with the
Loyal Legion, the Independent Order of Odd
Felk)ws and the Sons of Temperance — affilia-
tions which indicate his high character, his stand-
ard of loyalty and of conduct. His family are
all members of the Episcopal church here.
Mr. Averill was regarded as one of the most
successful business men of the city and of the
northwest, and in addition to his extensive and
jjrofitable industrial enterprises he owned nuich
valuable property in St. Paul, which he purchased
in an early day and which constantly increased
in value as the }ears went by and the city grew.
His widow now resides at the old home with her
son-in-law. Judge Jaggard. at No. 302 South
Exchange street, her residence being a large and
beautiful one. She, however, spends much time
in traveling, largely passing the winters in the
south, and has made several visits to Europe.
She occupies a very prominent position in the
social circles of the city. In addition to the valu-
able estate which he left, Mr. Averill also left
to his family an untarnished name. Although
his business interests were very extensive, he
ever enjoyed an enviable reputation for straight-
forward dealing, and in his political life as well
as in business circles he honored the state which
honored him.
A. L. GRAVES.
A. L. Craves was born at La Have. Lunen-
burg county, Nova Scotia, March 22, 1852, of
English parentage. He was educated in private
schools and academies in the provinces of Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick. In i86g he entered
the office of the Journal. .Summerside, Prince Ed-
ward Island, to learn the printing business. Three
years later he became one of the editors and pro-
prietors of that newspaper. Under his manage-
ment it became the most influential Liberal paper
in the province. After a successful career of
eight years he disposed of his interest in the
Journal on account of sickness and went to Mani-
toba. Besides the Gateway Express, he started
the Daily Manitoban, a morning newspaper, at
Emerson, ]\Ianitol3a, which expired with the
boom.
He came to St. Paul in 1880. In 1886 he com-
menced the publication of the West St. Paul
limes, which he disposed of in 1890. In 1891 he
was elected by the state senate as assistant secre-
tary of that body. In the fall of that year he
commenced the publication of the Broad Axe.
He was appointed deputy labor commissioner by
(Jovernor Lind in 1893, which office he held for
two years. In 1902 he was appointed chief pro-
bation officer of Ramsey county and now holds
that office. A year later he disc(_)ntinued the pub-
lication of the Broad Axe. He has always been
a resident of the sixth ward, and through his un-
tiring efforts and advocacy of the interests vi that
part of the city the sub-postoffice, the Robert
street bridge and other important public atlvan-
tages which its citizens now enjoy are mainly
due to his work thmugh his newspaper and
otherwise.
REV. P. R. HEFFRON.
The present rector, or president of the St. Paul
Seminary, is the Very Rev. P. R. Heft'ron. who
was appointed vice rector in September. i8g6. and
at the death of the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Louis
Eugene Caillet in 1897. became rector. The rec-
tor is at the head of the institution and practic-
ally has charge of both the administrative and the
educational departments and in this connection
Dr. Heffron has gained a wide reputation as a
foremost representative of educational interests in
the northwest.
A native of New York, he was born in New
York city about forty-five years ago and in child-
hood came west with his parents, who settled at
Rochester, Minnesota, where he has always re-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
sided, lie attended school in both the United
States and Canada, spending six years as a stu-
dent in the Seminary of Montreal. He was or-
dained to the priesthood in 1885, after which he
went abroad, studying in various schools in
Europe during two years spent on the continent,
most of which time was spent in Rome. On his
return to this country he succeeded the Rt. Rev.
John Shanley, bishop of Fargo, as pastor of the
cathedral. In 1896 he became vice rector of the
St. Paul Seminary and a year later was chosen
rector, a position which he still fills.
The St. Paul Seminary was founded by James
J. Hill, of St. Paul, who contributed five hundred
thousand dollars for buildings and endowments.
The seminary was opened in September, 1894,
but was dedicated a year later, in 1895. The St.
Paul Seminary is exclusively a theological school
for the ])re]5aration of candidates for the priest-
hood and the institution is well equipped and thor-
oughly modern in every respect. Originally there
were six buildings, comprising the seminary, an
administration building, two residences for stu-
dents, lecture hall and laboratory, refectory and
gymnasium. In 1904 a beautiful and spacious
chapel was erected at a cost of seventy-five thou-
sand dollars. The seminary buildings, now seven
in number, altogether cost three hundred and ten
thousand dollars and are supplied with every mod-
ern improvement and convenience. In addition to
the administrative and class buildings there is the
aula maxima, capable of seating eight hundred
with the residences and homes for students. The
gymnasium is large and well equipped and there
is a l)uil(ling which contains a kitchen and dining
hall. The ceremony of the laying of the corner-
stone of the seminary chapel took place in Jidy,
1901, the day on which the diocese of St. Paul
celebrated its golden jubilee and the building was
derlicated on the 24th of May, 1905. The semi-
nary enjoys a location for healthfulness. tran(|uil-
ily and naturaj beauty that cannot easily be sur-
passed. It is situated within the corporate limits
of .St. Paul at the western extremity of Summit
avenue, on a forty-five-acre tract of richly wooded
land, gently sloping to the Mississippi river. The
electric cars on the Groveland Park line run to its
grounds.
The St. Paul Seminary has met with marvelous
success from the beginning. Students have come
to its lecture halls from all parts of the United
States and from many countries in Europe. The
teaching facidty is made up of distinguished
scholars who are specialists in their departments
and have studied in the best American and Euro-
pean universities. The faculty consists of four-
teen regular professors and the school is under
the management of a board of trustees. It is the
l)rovincial seminary of the ecclesiastical province
of St. Paul, Duluth, .St. Cloud, Winona, Fargo,
Siou.x Falls and Lead. Its doors, however, are
open to students of other dioceses, who may be
pleased to give it their jiatronage and already,
as seen from its list of students, it has been
enabled to make this work far-reaching.
WARRKX HF.\MTT ME.\D.
Warren Hewitt Mead, who holds distinctive
prece<lence as a lawyer and a man of scholarly
attainments and who has borne himself with sig-
nal dignity and honor in legislative halls of the
commonwealth and has made a splendid record
as a soldier, has been and is distinctively a man
of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influ-
ence. .\ strong mentality and invincible courage
and a most determined individuality, have so en-
tered into his makeup as to render liiin a n.itural
leader of men and a director of opinion.
Air. Mead was born in Genoa, Cayuga count) ,
New York, in 1846, a son of Lockwood Mead,
whose ancestors settled at Genoa at the close
of the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Hew-
itt .Mead, fought for the rights of America in
the war of 181 2 and died in the service at Sack-
etls Harbor. The ancestry of tlie family can
be traced back to William Mead, who came from
England in 1635 and settled at Greenwich, Con-
necticut. The family has produced many dis-
tinguished men. including Rev. Solomon Mead.
a nnficl Presbyterian divine and ( ieneral John
Mead, who was a brigadier general under Wash-
iny-ton in the war of the Revolution. The moth-
Saa^^c^ /O. UUclcC
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
255
er of our subject bore the maiden name of Susan
Miller and was also a native of New York.
Warren H. Mead acquired a liberal education,
being gratluated from Cazenovia (New York)
Seminary in the class of 1857, after which he
went to Kentucky, where he engaged in teaching.
He spent three years as a teacher of languages
in Bradfordsville Institute in Marion county,
Kentucky, where he remained until the outbreak
of the Civil war. His sympathies being with the
Union he offered his aid to the government and
his service was one of extraordinary peril, pri-
vation and suffering, whereby his vigorous consti-
tution was seriously impaired. In 1862 he as-
sisted in recruiting the Sixth Kentucky Cavalry
and when the regiment was organized he was
commissioned first lieutenant of Company F". He
took part in various campaigns against the Con-
federates in Kentucky and Tennessee in 18C12 and
1863 and in the summer of the latter year was
with Clcneral Rosencrans in his operations against
General r)ragg. At Franklin, Tennessee, he cap-
tured two noted Confederate spies, who were
turned over to the authorities and executed. In
the last day of the battle of Chickamauga, while
with his command at Crawfish Springs, he was
captured and was held as a prisoner of war for
twenty-two months, being most of the time in
close confinement. He spent some time in nearly
every noted rebel prison held by the Confederacy
— at jMacon, Georgia, Columbia, South Carolina,
and Libb}' Prison, at Richomnd, \'irginia. He
was one of the Federal officers who were held as
prisoners and who in 1864 were placed by the
Confederate troops under the fire of the L'uion
guns at the time that General Gilmore was bom-
barding Charleston, South Carolina, from the
islands off the harbor. For three months he was
in a perfect rain of shot and shell. At this time
he also became ill of yellow fever and was in the
]irison hospital. On the 14th of February. 1865,
when being removed from Columbia on the ap-
]iroach of Sherman, he escaped with some com-
rades through a hole made with a pen knife in
the floor of the freight car. He was recaptured,
however, after two or three days wandering and
was taken befure General Joseph Wheeler, tired,
starving and almost dead with fatigue and hunger.
After a few days he again escaped and following
almost incredible hardships and dangers he suc-
ceeded in reaching the Union lines under General
Sherman in North Carolina. He rejoined his
regiment Alay 15, 1865, at Nashville, and was
mustered out on the 14th of July of that year.
His was a most strenuous military sendee, in
which he experienced all the hardships, privations
and trials of war meted out to the soldier. He
was ever brave and loyal and his own valorous
si)irit inspired the men who served under him.
When the war was over Warren H. Mead took
up the stud\- of law and was admitted to the bar
in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865, He then re-
turned to his old home in New York and in 1866
he went to Northfield, Minnesota, where he en-
tered upon the practice of his profession. He
spent three years there and in 1870 came to St.
Paul, where he formed a partnership with Cvrus
Thompson, of the firm of Mead tS: Thompson.
This relation existed until 1880, since which time
Mr. Mead has been alone in practice. He has
met with much success of a reliable and substan-
tial rather than showy character. He is counsel
for a number of important corporations and his
success in a professional way affords the best evi-
dence of his capabilities in this line. A careful
l)reparation, a thorough appreciation of the ab-
solute ethics of life and of the underlying princi-
ples which form the basis of all human rights and
privileges, combined with a thorough understand-
ing of the law, are the strong concomitants in his
success. By wise investment he has attained a
position of financial independence and wisely en-
joys and prudently directs his moneyed interests.
^Ir. ]Mead is plain and unassuming in manner.
Init is widely recognized as a man of worth and
influence. He is a gentleman of action rather
than theory and his labors in behalf of jniblic
improvement have been of a most jiractical and
resultant nature. In 1877 he was elected to the
state legislature and in 1878 was re-electcrl for a
term of two years. He has since avoided public
life, however, preferring to give his undivided
attention to his business affairs. His political
support is given to the republican jiarty and he
is thoroughly in sympathy with its princijiles.
On the 7th of ]\Iarch, 1866, .Mr, Mead was
256
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
united in marriage to Miss Prances A. Hughes, a
lUuighter of Henry C. Hughes, of Geddes, Xew
N'ork. There are two children, George il. and
Charlotte L., now ]\lrs. E. R. Sanford, who is a
most accomplished lady, having spent several
years in Europe. ]\lr. ^lead has traveled exten-
sively in foreign lands and in the United States,
gaining that experience and culture which only
travel can bring. He is a zealous Calvinist, hold-
ing membership in the Presbyterian church and
is an earnest Christian gentleman, whose intiu-
ence is always on the side of right, reform and
progress. Honored and respected in every class
of society, he has for some time been a leader in
thought and action in the public life of St. Paul,
although never seeking political preferment, and
his honorable and successful career adds luster to
the history of the city.
a large and important clientage. The wide re-
search and provident care with which he pre-
pares his cases has been one of the strong ele-
ments in his success and earnest effort, close ap-
plication and the e.xercise of his native talents
have gained for him a desirable position among
the strong and able members of the St. Paul bar.
He has been interested in many progressive meas-
ures affecting the welfare of the city and he was
also instrumental in securing the establishment
of a German consulate at St. Paul and is now ad-
viser to the official representative of the German
government in this city.
j\lr. Kueffner was married in Belleville. Illi-
nois, in 1882, to Miss Ida Ruesch, a daughter of
Dr. F. Ruesch, of Belleville, Illinois. They have
had ten children, five sons and five daughters.
Fraternally Mr. Kueft'ner is connected with the
Sons of Hermann.
OTTO KUEFFNER.
Otto Kueffner, for a quarter of a century a
practitioner at the St. Paul bar, was born in Ger-
many, June 5, 1857. His father, Karl Kueffner,
was a prominent lawyer of Germany and was
married there to Emilie Peters. Otto Kueffner
began his education in the government schools
of his native country and, coming to the United
States in 1873, completed his public school edu-
cation in the high school of St. Louis, Missouri.
He afterward attended Cornell University at Ith-
aca, Xew York, and prepared for the practice of
law as a student in the St. Louis Law School,
from which he was graduated in the class of
1870. He then entered into partnership with his
brother, General William C. Kueffner, of Belle-
ville. Illinois, who was a gallant soldier of the
Civil war, entering the service as sergeant and
winning promotion from time to time until he
returned home as a brigadier general.
Otto Kueffner practiced at Belleville fur a year
and in 1880 came to St. Paul, where he has since
remained. Advancement at the l^ar is proverb-
ially slow, but in course of lime lie demonstrated
his ability to meet in forensic combat the ablest
representatives of the law and as a result secured
GEORGE W. McCASKEY.
George W. McCaskey, who in June, 1905, was
appointed city passenger agent for the Northern
Pacific Railroad and is also acting as city ticket
agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy
Railroad, with offices at the corner of Fifth and
Robert streets, was born in New Lisbon. Wis-
consin, in 1864. During his infancy he removed
with his parents to Madison, Wisconsin, where at
the usual age the son entered the public schools,
passing through successive grades until he was
graduated from the high school with the class of
1880. He came to St. Paul in 1884 and accepted
a position in the auditor's office of the Northern
Pacific Railway Company, with which he contin-
ued for four years. Subsequently he spent nine
months as bill clerk with Farwell, Ozmtm. Kirk
& Company and on the expiration of that period
removed to Grand Forks, X^orth Dakota, where
he filled the position of ticket agent. Upon his re-
turn to St. Paul he was made assistant city ticket
agent and was afterward transferred to Butte,
Montana, as district passenger agent, while later
he occupied a similar position in Toronto, On-
tario. On again coming to St. Paul he filled the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
257
same position and in June, 1905, he was appointed
city passeng'er agent, also acting as city ticket
agent for the Chicago, Ilurlington & Ouinc}'
Railroad, with ofifices at the corner of Robert and
Fifth streets.
In 1887 Mr. McCaskey was united in marriage
to Miss Catherine Hofstatter, of Baraboo, Wis-
consin, and they reside at No, 24 Saint Albans
street. Mr. McCaskey belongs to North Dakota
Indge, No. I, K. P., and to Christ's Episcopal
church. He is likewise a member of the St. Paul
Commercial Clulj and his political support and
assistance are given to the republican party. He
has long been retained in the railroad service and
is very efficient and popular in his position, having
made hosts of friends through the courtesy and
assistance which he ever extends to the patrons
of the roads which he represents and at the same
time being ver_\' loyal to the corporations. Since
entering the railroad service every change that
he has made has marked a step in advance and the
position which he now fills is a responsible one,
St. Paul being the railroad center of the north-
west.
HARVEY R. FULLER.
Harvey B. Fuller, inventor and manufacturer,
whose success is attributable to his own efforts
and who has therefore won the somewhat hack-
neyed but altogether expressive title of a self-
made man, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, May
26. 1845. His father, Harvey C. Fuller, was also
a native of the Buckeye state, while the ninther,
]\liss Susanna (Grierson) Fuller, was a native
of Ireland. The family removed to Jacksonville,
Illinois, when Harvey B. Fuller was a }outh of
eight years, and he there acquired his education
in the public schools and in Illinois College in
that city. He was thus qualified by excellent
mental training and discipline for the practical
and resiionsible duties of a business career and
went friim Jacksonville to Chicag(3. where he
filled several ])ositions of trust with a firm en-
gaged in the iron industry. He entered that
emplov as an office bo\-, Init his readv adaptabil-
16
ity, unflagging industry and earnest effort to
master the business won him the recognition of
his employers and gained for him promotion
from time to time. With the capital saved from
his earnings he engaged in the carriage supply
business for himself in 1880, continuing his resi-
dence in Chicago until 1887, when he removed
to St. Paul and here began business in a very
humble way in the manufacture of specialties for
general branches of trade. He now makes a spe-
cialty of manufacturing several kinds of patented
pastes and wall-cleaning compositions, and has
through his study, mechanical ingenuity and ex-
periment brought out a number of useful inven-
tions which have been patented and are proving a
gratifying source of profit. His business has
grown rapidly, and although he began here in a
very small way, he now does an extensive and
important business, shipping to all parts of the
United States. He has built a commodious fac-
tory and purposes shortly to make extensive ad-
ditions in order to meet the demands of an in-
creasing trade.
Mr. Fuller was married in 1871 to Miss Ellen
Kirk, of Chicago. He belongs to the L^nitarian
church and has the interest in community affairs
of a public-spirited citizen. Prosperity has come
to him as a natural se(|uence of industry and ap-
plication, and his splendid success bears testi-
mony to his unfaltering perseverance and his rare
judgment in business affairs.
CLARENCE E. CORBETT.
Clarence E. Corbett, who is conducting an ex-
tensive railroad ticket brokerage business, was
born in New Hampshire, July 30, 1859. His
father, George Corbett, a native of Nova Scotia,
was a contractor in leather and died in 1870. His
wife, Ellen S. Burt, is now living with her son,
Clarence, in St. Paul, while the other son of the
family, George B. Corbett, is engaged in busi-
ness in New York city.
Clarence E. Corbett acquired his preliminary
education in the district schools of Chesterfield,
New Hampshire. and afterward i^repared for busi-
2.s8
PASr WIJ PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ness e.xperieiice as a student in Eastman's ISusi-
ness College of Poughkeepsie, New York. His
first efforts in the field of commerce were in con-
nection with a factory in his native city, and in
1883 he came to St. Paul, where for six months
lie was engaged in the confectionery business at
the corner of Eighth and Jackson streets. He
afterward entered the office of Edward JMulford,
a broker, for whom he managed a branch busi-
ness, and in 1894 he embarked in business on his
own account as a railroad ticket broker. His
success has been most gratifying, for his business
is today the largest of this character in St. Paul.
He has two stores, one located at No. 387 Robert
street and the other at No. 298 Sibley street.
In November, 1901, Mr. Corbett was married
to Mrs. Walter Works, of New Hampshire. He
belongs to St. Paul lodge, No. 59, B. P. O. E.,
and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and
these relations indicate something of the social,
genial nature of the man, while his large busi-
ness has developed as the legitimate outcome of
tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of
purpose, joined to every-day common sense and
guided by great will power, which are his chief
characteristics.
JOHN M. (ilLAIAN.
John M. Oilman, for many years a ])ractitioncr
at the bar of St. Paul, who is now living retired,
but owns considerable realty in this city, was
born in the town of Calais, Vermont, on a farm
about nine miles from Montpelier, September 7,
1824. His father, John Gilman, engaged during
his active business career in the practice of medi-
cine, but died when his son and namesake was
only about five months old. The mother, who
bore the maiden name of Ruth Curtis, was mar-
ried about three years later to Nathaniel Eaton,
a farmer. P.y her first marriage she had two
children, Marcus and John 1\T. The oldest
brother was for many years a wholesale mer-
chant of Chicago, but a few months prior to his
death returned to the old home at !\Tontpclier,
\'crmnnl, where he died at the as:c of about
se\ent_\"-seven years. Uy the secund marriage
there was one son, Curtis, who departed this life
when more than sixty years of age. .\athaniel
Eaton, also had two children by a previous mar-
riage. Dorman B., who was a prominent attor-
ney of New York city and the author of a num-
ber of law books, lived to be more than seventy-
seven years of age.
John AI. Gilman was reared upon the home
farm to the age of fourteen years and then went
to Alontpelier, where he spent three years as a
student in an academy. His literary course being
completed, he began preparation for his chosen
profession, entering the law office of Heaton &
Reed, who acted as his preceptors, while for three
years he acquainted himself with the principles
of jurisprudence. He was then admitted to the
bar in the fall of 1845 and in Alay, 1846, leaving
New England, he removed to New Lisbon, Ohio,
journeying by stage to Burlington, \'ermont,
thence by steamboat to Whitehall, where he took
passage on the canal boat to Troy, New York.
There he boarded the first railroad train which
he ever saw, thus making his way to Syracuse.
After spending the night there he continued by
rail to Buffalo. New York, thence to Niagara
Falls, where he remained for a day or two, after
which he returned to Buffalo. He thence proceed-
ed by steamboat to Erie, Pennsylvania, and from
that place by stage to New Lisbon, Ohiti, where
he entered upon the active practice of law, in
which he continued for eleven years. In 1849 '^^
was elected to the state legislature from Colum-
biana county, Ohio,
Leaving New Lisbon, Mr. Gilman removed to
Ohio in 1845 ^'""^1 came to St. Paul in 1857 and
entered the active practice of law with James
.Smith. He found here a city containing betw'een
eight and ten thousand poptdation. He was as-
sociated w'ith Mr. Smith in the practice of his
chosen profession for many years and then formed
a partnership with \\'. P. Clough, now of New
York. His cases were many and success rarely
failed to crown his efforts in the class of litiga-
tion entrusted to him. The complexitv of a case
never deterred him and he lirouglit to licar upon
the intricate and involved questions of law keen
discrimination and logical reasoning, residtins:- in
/ ^ . hxU^o^^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
261
correct deductions. His aim was to continue
rather in the general practice of law than to be-
come a strict specialist and early in his career he
manifested marked strength of character and a
thorough grasp of legal principles through the
ability to accurately apply these, rendering him
;i devoted advocate and safe counselor.
(_)n the 2Sth of June, 1857, Mr. Gilman was
married to Miss Annie Cornwell, of New Lisbon,
Ohio, and they became the parents of five chil-
dren : John and Marcus, who were drowned on
the 28th of April, 1867 ; Hayes, who died when
a }ear old ; Jessie, the wife of Lucius P. Ordway,
of the firm of Crane, Ordway & Company; and
Katharine, wife of J. P. Elmer, general passen-
ger agent for the Chicago Great Western Rail-
way Company. For many years Mr. Gilman has
figured prominently in democratic circles and
several times represented his district in the legis-
lature, where he framed and secured the passage
of various important measures and laws. He was
chairman of the state democratic central commit-
tee for several years and was twice a candidate
for congress. His position in professional, busi-
ness and social circles has long been a foremost
one and as he has prospered in his undertakings
he has made extensive and judicious investment
in real estate, now owning much valuable prop-
erty in St. Paul. He is familiar with the his-
tory of the city in its material development, its
social progress and its political growth and has
at all times stood for improvement.
LIBERE DISTEL.
Libere Distel, who for many years was con-
nected with the crockery trade in St. Paul, but for
a brief period prior to his death lived retired, be-
came a resident of this city about 1865. He was
a native of .\lsace. Germany, his birthplace being
I in the border line of France and his natal day
December 4, 1837. His parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Frederick Distel, remained residents of Germany
and have now passed away. In the public schools
of Germany and of France Libere Distel acquired
his education and afterward began learning the
tailor's trade in his native country. He was thus
employed until twenty-eight years of age, when
he came to the United States, making his way di-
rect to St. F'aul. Here he embarked in business as
a tailor, opening a small shop in the old Pfeifer
block on Wabasha street. His business soon in-
creased and necessitated the employment of sev-
eral workmen. He continued in the tailoring
business for about seventeen years and in 1882
established a retail crockery store, putting in a
large stock of goods. He continued in the Pfeifer
block and was engaged in the crockery business
until he retired from mercantile life. He soon
secured an extensive patronage in that line, dis-
played excellent ability in the selection of his
stock and placed upon sale a quality of goods
which found a ready market. His store was well
appointed and his thoroughly reliable business
methods and efforts to please his patrons secured
him a constantly growing trade, so that within a
short space of time his business had become very
remunerative.
In 1867 Mr. Distel was united in marriage in
.St. Paul to Miss Gertrude Schillo, also a native
of Germany and a daughter of Mathias and Cath-
erine (Hoffman) Schillo, who were likewise na-
tives of the fatherland, whence they came to
.America in 1866. settling in St. Paul. Mr. Schillo
engaged in various lines of business in this city
until he retired to private life. He now makes
his home here with his daughter, Mrs. Distel, and
has reached the very venerable a.ge of ninety-si.x
years. His wife died here in May. 1899. There
were nine children born unto ^Nlr. and Mrs. Dis-
tel, of whom eight are now living: .\nton, re-
siding in Spring \'alley, iMinnesota ; Mrs. George
C. r>antz, of St. Paul, whose husband is an un-
dertaker ; Genevieve, who is the widow of James
P). MacKenzie and resides with her mother: ^fay.
Margaret. Gertrude. Rose and Theodore, all at
liome. George died at the age of two years.
:\lr. Distel continued in the retail crockery
Inisiness until 1896 and was very successful. He
then sold out and joined his son-in-law, Mr.
Pantz, in the undertaking business for a short
time but soon retired from active business life.
He died June 26. 1905. his death being the oc-
casion of deep regret to his many friends. He
262
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
belonged tu the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Ancient Order of Lnited Workmen
and to a French lodge, L'AlIiance Francaise, all
of St. Paul. He was independent in pcilitics, be-
lieving in giving his support to the candidates
best (|ualificd for office. Coming to St. Paul
when it was a small city, he was well known to
the early settlers and business men here and he
had many friends, his life record awakening the
admiration and respect of his contemporaries, wdio
regarded him as a man thoroughly worthy of
their esteem and friendship. His widow and chil-
dren are members of the Assumption Catholic
church. -Mrs. Distel owns a nice home at No.
40 West Central avenue, where she and her chil-
dren reside, and she also has property on Grand
avenue.
leaving that institulinn he opened an office in St.
I'aul for the general practice of medicine and sur-
ger_\' and has since continued an active representa-
ti\e of the profession, having a well appointed
office in the Ernst building. He is a member of
the American Medical Association and the Ram-
sey County Medical .Society. He is also con-
nected with the Mineapolis .\lumni .\ssociation
and is examiner for the Brotherhood of .\meri-
can ^'eonien and for the Samaritans. He belongs
to the Phi Rho .Sigma, his membership being with
Theta chapter, of which he has been secretary for
two years. .Vlthough a }-oung man, he has made
a creditable record in his profession, and. keeping
in touch with the trend of modern thought and
progress, is destined tu win still greater successes
in his chosen field of labor.
GEORGE y\. DOR AN. \l. T).
Dr. George ~\l. Doran, engaged in the practice
of medicine in St. Paul, is a native of Iroquois,
Ontario, where his birth occurred May 22, 1879.
His parents, Samuel C. and Rachel ( Carmen )
Doran, were natives of Iroquois, Ontario, and
are now living in Ilrandon, to which city they
removed in 18S8, the father having for many
years followed the occupation of farming, but
he is now engaged in the real-estate business.
Dr. Doran is the fifth in order of birth in a
faniil)- of seven children and his early youth was
passed upon the home farm, where he became
familiar with the duties and labors that fall to
the lot of the agriculturist. His education was
ac(|uired in the j)ublic and high schools of his na-
tive town and he was graduated in the class of
1898, subsec|uent to which time he went to W^in-
nipeg and spent a few months as a student in
Wesley College there. He then removed to .St.
Paul and began a course of study in the Minne-
apolis College of Physicians & Surgeons, from
which he was graduated in the class of 1903. lie
afterward went to St. Joseph hospital, where he
sjient fifteen months, receiving surgical training
there, and during llint ])criod he acted ;is Imusc
surgeon, thus adding broad practical knowledge
and experience to his theoretical training. On
DANIEL E. FOLEY.
Daniel E. l-'oley, wlio for five years has con-
ducted Hotel Foley at the corner of Seventh and
Jackson streets, was born in Watertown, Wis-
consin, April I, 1864. His father was Bartholo-
mew Foley, a farmer and a native of Ireland,
who became one of the pioneer settlers of St.
Paul. He wedded Mary Hines and both are now
deceased. In their family were seven children.
In the parochial schools of his native city Dan-
iel E. Foley acquired his education and on leav-
ing his native state went to Jamestown, North
Dakota, where he conducted a hotel for several
vears. In 1886 he removed to St. Paul and pur-
chased the Clarendon Hotel, which he managed
for about thirteen years and five years ago he
ojK'ned Hotel Foley, which is located at the cor-
ner (if Seventh and Jackson .streets and is a first
class hostelrv. containing one hundred rooms.
The hotel is conducted on both the lun'opean and
.Vnuricaii ])lans and in the former the rate is from
oiu- dollar up and on the Anuvican ])lan is Irom
two dollars a day up. The hotel is comiilete in all
its apjiointnients, having a bar. barber '^ho|) and
other equipments in connection and is well located
in the business district.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
263
In 189Q Mr. Fole\ was united in marriage to
IVIiss Lilian Rogers, a daughter of John Rogers,
a prominent citizen and pioneer of St. Paul. They
have six children. Mr. Foley is a member of the
Elks lodge, Xo. 5(), and also has fraternal rela-
tions with the Lidependent Order of Foresters,
the Knights of Columbus and the St. Paul Hotel
and Restaurant Association. He has an extensive
acquaintance among the traveling public and con-
ducts a first-class hotel. He is popular with the
many patrons of his house and is a genial land-
lord wliose affability combined with his close and
unremitting attention to the wants of the hotel
and the management of the house render him
popular.
DWIGHT F. BROOKS, M. D.
Dr. Dwight I'", llrooks of the firm of Brooks
Brothers, grain and lumber dealers, at Xo. 1923
West University avenue, was born in Oswego
count}'. New York, in June. 1849, a son of Shel-
don and Janette ( Ranney ) Brooks, natives of
Xew York. They came to Minnesota in 1856,
settling in Winona county, where the father en-
gaged in the practice of medicine until his death
which occurred in 1883, when he was seventy-two
years of age. His wife died in 1894, at the age
of eighty-three years. Tn their familv were four
sons: George, who died in 1861 ; Lester R., who
died in 1902 : Dwight F., and Anson S., engaged
in the grain and lumber business in Miimeapolis.
The Brooks family was established in Connecti-
cut at an early day and is of Scotch lineage and
in the maternal line our subject also comes of
-Scotch ancestry.
Dr. Brooks was educated under a private pre-
ceptor in Latin and Greek and spent one year in
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Pre-
paring for the practice of medicine and surgery,
he was graduated from the Long Island College
Hospital at X'ew York in the class of 1876, hav-
was but seven years of age at the time of the
removal of the family to Minnesota, and subse-
(|uent to his graduation he spent a brief period in
Wabash and ^Vinona counties engaged in the
practice of medicine. In 1887 he removed to St.
Paul, where as a partner of Lester R. and Anson
S. Brooks he engaged in business as a member of
the firm of Brooks Brothers, dealers in grain,
lumber, moldings, shingles, etc. Their yards and
offices are at I'nion Park, St. Paul, and Dr.
Brooks practically gives his entire attention to this
business. He has been interested in the firm as
a partner since its organization in 1873, and has
been an active factor in the control and manage-
ment of the business since 1887, devoting only a
portion of his time to his profession. The busi-
ness interests have l)een conducted successfully
and the firm has a liberal patronage.
Dr. Brooks has never sought to figure promi-
nently in political or public circles, but is pre-
eminently a man of aft'airs, giving undivided at-
tention to his business and professional interests.
He was married in 1876 to Miss Anna G. Keyes,
a daughter of the late John Keyes. of Winona,
Minnesota, and they have three sons: Harry K.,
who is office manager for the Brooks-Scanlon
Lumber Company at Scanlon, Minnesota; Shel-
don D.. superintendent for the Minnesota and
Xorthcrn Wisconsin Railroad : and Edward, who
is with the firm of Brooks Tirothers in St. Paul.
ARXOLD KUHLO.
The German element has been an important one
in our com]iosite American citizenship, and among
the sons of the fatherlaml who have attained a
creditable position in business circles in St. Patil
is Arnold Kuhlo, a manufacturer of surveyors'
instruments, in whicli line he has Inii'.t up an ex-
tensive trade. He was born in \\'esphalia, Ger-
many, in 1862. and is a son of Ernest Kuhlo. His
paternal great-grandfather was a school teacher
in Germanv an<l the grandfather was also born in
that country. Tn his youth he served an appren-
ticeship in a large mercantile house, but was daz-
zled by the gay uniforms of the Dutch sailors
and joined the navy. His term expired while he
was on a battleshi]) in Java, and, leaving the niil-
itar\- service, he turned his attention to the grow-
264
PAS r AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ing of coffee on that island, hccoiiiing owner of a
large coffee plantation. He was very successful
in the undertaking, realizing a handsome financial
return from his labors there, and following his
return to tiermany he invested largely in real
estate, which was inherited by his son, Ernest
Kuhlo. This son was born on the island of Java
and accompanied his parents on their return to
Germany. About 1868, Ernest Kuhlo sold his
estate in that country and went to South America,
where he was largely interested in agriculture
until his death. He devoted fourteen years to
farming pursuits, which were successfully man-
aged and were productive of good financial re-
turns. He married Miss Elizabeth Weihe and
they had three sons and three daughters, who are
now living. The sons are all residents of Amer-
ica, as is one daughter.
Arnold Kuhlo acquired his education in the
schools of Germany, completing his course in the
polytechnic school, after which he learned the
trade of making astronomical, surveying and
other fine instruments. He not only had to serve
for four years without paw but in addition his
father had to give a bonus. When he had com-
pleted his trade he came to the United States in
1880 and was first employed in Xcw York in the
line of his chosen occupation. He afterward
worked at the same business in Philadelphia, Chi-
cago and St. Louis, and in 1892 he came to St.
Paul, where in 1894 he established his present
business at No. 97 East Fourth street. He man-
ufactures transits, levels, compasses and other
surveying instruments such as are in use by civil
engineers, and the product of his factories is used
by the I 'nitcd States engineering corps, also the
United States army, the Minnesota L'niversity,
the .State University of Wisconsin and numerous
city engineering de])arlmcnts. all of which goes
to show the superiority of his instruments over
others manufactured. He employs a number of
skilled workmen and his ])ractical ;uid tlmrnugh
iniderstanding of the trade in all of its details has
enabled him to so conduct his establishment as to
make the Iiusiness a very i)rofitable one.
In May, 1889, Mr. Kuhlo was married to Miss
.Adelc Kluender, a daughter of Frederick Kluen-
der, of St. Louis, Missoiu'i, and lluv li,'i\e two
(laughters, Helen and Lillian. .Mr. Kuhlo has
nut dissipated his energies over many lines of
business, but has concentrated his efforts upon a
single field of activity, and his persistency of pur-
pose is one of the strong elements in his success,
while business integrity is another salient feature
in his career.
JAMES n. HEATLEY.
James B. Heatley, well known as the president
of the St. Paul Association of Accountants and
liookkeepers, was born in Belfast, Ireland, Jan-
uary I, 1871. His father, James Heatley, who
occupied the responsible position of chief clerk for
the Fleetwood Steamship Company, spent his en-
tire life in Belfast, where he died in 1890, while
his wife, ^Irs. Margaret Heatlev, passed awav in
Reared and educated in his native country,
James B. Heatley crossed the Atlantic, becoming
a resident of Canada in March, 1888. He spent
two years in Toronto, and in the earl_v '90s went
to \\'innipeg. wdiere he engaged in the wholesale
hardware business for three years. He then be-
came connected with journalism, being for seven
years in the office of the Manitoba Free Press,
afterward doing special work in connection w-ith
that ].iaper in St. Paul. Thinking to enjoy a still
broader field of labor in the states, he came to St.
Paul in November, 1900, and compiled, in collab-
iiration with H. \'. Fleming, of this city, a book
of calculations on liquids entitled "The Fleming
Calculator," a work devoted to wine and liqum-
measurements, ])rices, etc. In June. 1901. Mr.
Heatlev. having completed his labors in connec-
tion with the compilation of the above mentioned
work, entered the service of the Fargo Creamery
& .Supply LJouse and lias been accomitant and
cashier since looi. lie is an expert liookkecpcr.
standing at the heiid of his ])r<)fession, as is indi-
cated by the fact that when the St. Paul .\ssocia-
tion of .Accountants and Bookkeepers was organ-
ized in November, i()o.^, Mr. Heatley was elected
treasurer, and in i()05 was elected president, so
that he is todav chief executive officer of the
orsi-anization. lie was also one of the organizers
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
26q
of the Mutual Building & Loan Association of
St. Paul, in which he hecame a stockholder.
( )n the i(;th of .May, 1895. occurred the mar-
riage of Mr. Heatley and Miss Jennie Murray
Heap, of Winnipeg. .Manitoba, and they have an
interesting son, Harold Montague, born June 20.
1891;. .Mr. Heatley gives his political allegiance
to the republican party, keeping well informed on
the (|uestions and issues which divide the two
great iiolitical organizations, and thus is able to
support his position by intelligent argument. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the .Vncient Order
of I'nited Workmen, .\ttracted to .\merica b}-
tiie hope of obtaining better business opportuni-
ties and privileges here than in his native land,
he has never yet had occasion to regret his deter-
mination to come to the new world, for here with
livelier competition and results more quicklv se-
cured, he has advanced to a prominent position in
business circles, and, being yet a young man, has
unddubtedlv a successful future before him.
HON. FREDERICK C. STE\'EXS.
Hon. Frederick C. Stevens, for ten years a
member of congress from the fourth district of
Minnesota and a practicing lawyer of St. Paul
bar, was born in Pioston, Massachusetts, on Jan-
uary I, 1861, a son of John Stevens, who soon
afterward removed to Searsport, ?ilaine. Mr.
Stevens attended the district school at Sears-
port, Maine, and the Rockland (Maine) high
school, from which he was graduated in 1877.
The following year he entered F>owdoin College
from which he was graduated in the class of 1881
and with the completion of a good literary educa-
tion to serve as a foundatiim upon which to rear
the superstructure of professional knowledge, he
began the study of law in the office of Hon.
\. W. Paine, of Piangor, Alaine, after which
he became a student in the law department of
the State L^niversity of Iowa, being graduated
from that department in the class of 1884. The
west with its almost limitless opportunities at-
tracted him and in the vear of his graduation he
came to St. Paul, where he has since engaged
in practice.
A few years after his arrival in St. Paul Mr.
Stevens was married in 1889 to Miss Ellen J.
Fargo and they have continuously maintained
their home in this city. Mr. Stevens, however,
has frequently been called from St. Paul to serve
in the positions of public honor and trust. He
has exerted a useful influence through his wide
acquaintance with the leaders of political and
business life. Thoroughly in sympathy with the
sentiments which gave the republican party being
he has ever acted as one of its devoted sup-
porters, and his devotion to the general good
and his fitness for leadership have been logically
followed by his selection for important political
offices. For four years he represented his dis-
trict in the state legislature and for ten years
has been representative from the fourth district
of Minnesota in congress. He is a man of strong
determination, conservative in his methods and
yet not without that desire for improvement that
stimulates progress and accomplishment. He is
recognized as one of the capable political man-
agers of the state and he was a warm friend of
the late Thomas B. Reed, so long speaker of
the national house. His devotion to his constitu-
ents, as to his clients, has ever been proverbial
and he is untiring in his efforts in behalf of the
northwest. Keeping ever in close touch with the
trend of modern thought, he has made a close
study of the great social, economic and political
(|uestions. and while he is thoroughlv in svmpathy
with his party and its policy he yet never .sacri-
fices a public measure for the general good to
partisanship nor the welfare of his district to
personal aggrandizement.
ARON DA?ILM.\X.
.\ron Dahlman. since 1887 engaged in contract-
ing in St. Paul, was born in Wenersborg. Swe-
den, in iSriQ, and at the usual age be entered
the public schools of that city, wherein he ac-
quired a good practical education. In 1882. when
2(36
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
twenty-two years of age, he began work at the
carpenter's trade, soon became conversant with
tile business in principle and detail and has fol-
lowed this pursuit to the present time. In 1887
he began contracting in St. Paul and has been
cli)sel\- associated with building operations,
wliereby he has transformed unsightly vacancies
into valuable improved property, many important
contracts for public buildings and private resi-
dences being awarded him. His fraternal rela-
tions are with the Modern Woodmen of America
and his religious faith is indicated 1)\- his mem-
bership in the Lutheran church.
ANDREW SCHOCH.
Andrew Schoch, to whom there has come tlie
attainment of a distinguished position in connec-
tion with the commercial industries of St. Paul, is
]iresident of the Andrew Schoch Grocery Com-
pany, owning and controlling the leading retail
grocery house of the city. His efforts have been
so discerningly directed along well defined lines
of labor that he seems to have realized at any
one point of progress the full measure of his pos-
sibilities for accomplishment at that point. A man
of distinct and forceful individuality, of broad
mentality and mature judgment, he has left and
is leaving his impress upon the commercial world
and has been an important factor in the develop-
ment of the mercantile interests of this city, for
i-ach successful enterprise is a source of profit
not only to the individual but also a factor in the
enmmercial progress of the city, which depends
ui^on its industrial and mercantile iMiterprises.
Mr. Schoch is a native of Germany, in which
country his birth occurred May 10, 1850. He
is therefore numbered among those who have
come from foreign lands and by inipidNing the
business opportunities nf the new world, have
become prominent in ctunmercial circles. TTis
success in all his undertakings has been so marked
that his methods are of interest in the business
world. He has based his principles and actions
upon strict adherence to the rules which govern
iiidustrv, economv and iinswervinir business in-
tegrity and his enterprise and progressive spirit
have made him a ty])ical American. By constant
exertion associated with good judgment he has
raised himself to the prominent position which
he now holds, having the friendship of many
and the respect of all who know him. He came
to America in his boyhood, in the year 1866, with
his father. Llis mother had died in 1856, when
Andrew was but six years of age. An older
brother had come to the United States in 1858
and for three years served as a soldier of the Civil
war. The father has also passed away, having
departed this life about 1874. In their family
were seven children.
In 1866 Andrew Schoch came to the United
States and in 1868 took up his abode with a
family in Carver county, Minnesota, whence iii
1870 he removed to East JNIinneapolis. In 1871
he came to St. Paul, where he has since made
his home. At that time he entered the employ of
J. H. riullsick, a grocer, and in 1874 he became
the proprietor of a grocery establishment which
was conducted tmder the firm style of Schoch &
Wechsler until 1880, when his partner withdrew.
Mr. Schoch remained sole proprietor of the busi-
ness and so continued until he admitted his sons
to an interest in the establishment. The business
was incorporated as a stock company in 1890
with Andrew Schoch as president, W. F. Schocli
as vice president and Charles Andrew Schoch,
secretary andtreasurer. The house, which has had
a continuous existence under various firm styles
since 1858, first occupied small quarters at the
corner of Rosabel and Seventh streets, and more
commodious quarters have been sought from time
to time in order to meet the growing demands
of the trade. This is today the largest retail
grocery business of the eit\ , occu])ying an ex-
tensive building owned by the company at the
corner of P>roadway and Seventh streets. Over
one hundred people are employed and the annual
sals amount to more than a half million dollars,
rhroughoul his entire business career Andrew
.Schoch has been regarded as a most progressive
and energetic man, whn has been an extensive and
clever advertiser. The motto of the house is po-
liteness, diligence and perseverance and these
c|n;dilies have undoubtedly beiii slepjiing stones
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
267
to Mr. Schoch's success, .\nother element of his
prosperity is the fact that he has personally su-
perintended the business, regarding no detail as
too unessential to claim his attention and he is
thoroughly familiar with the trade in every de-
partment, studies the demands of the puljlic and
forestalls them by giving to his patrons every
article which may be found in the various mar-
kets, carrying an excellent grade of goods. As
he has prospered in his mercantile interests Mr.
Schoch has made extensive investments in real
estate, and is now the owner of much valuable
property in St. Paul.
In 1874 }ilr. Schoch was married to Miss Ros-
alia Schmeidel, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He
is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the
Modern Samaritans. Since 1874 he has been a
member of the Evangelical church, to which he
is a most generous contributor. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party where
state and national questions are involved and at
local elections he holds himself free from party
ties. He is, however, deeply interested in every-
thing pertaining to the city's welfare and in every
movement that will propagate public-spirited cit-
izenship and fidelity to .\merican institutions.
Honored and respected by all. there is no man in
St. Paul who occupies a more enviable position
than Andrew Schoch in commercial and financial
circles, not alone on account of the brilliant suc-
cess he has achieved but also on account of the
honorable, straightforward business policy he has
ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is
quick of perception, forms his plans readily and
is determined in their execution, while his close
application to business and excellent manage-
ment have brought him the degree of success
which is todav his.
EDWARD J. MURPHY.
Edward J- Murphy, auditor for the Cummings
Commission Company, one of the most prominent
business organizations in the grain commission
and stock brokerage business in St. Paul, was
born in Ireland in iSr/j and came to St. Paul in
1877, and in 1898 accepted his present position
with .V. J. Cummings, who has been succeeded
l)y the Cummings Commission Company and who
owns memberships on all the leading exchanges,
and are members of the ^linneapolis Chamber
of Commerce, Winnipeg Grain Exchange, and
the Duluth Board of Trade, also correspondents
of prominent brokerage firms with eastern ex-
change connections. The Cummings Commission
Company's millers" account is without doubt the
largest of any firm in the business in the north-
west, as their private wire system reaches all
prominent milling centers, giving countrv millers
and customers the markets and news pertaining
thereto as quickly and accurately as enjoved
by the active trader on the floor of the exchange.
WILLIAM J. SLEPPY.
\Mlliam J. .Sleppy, who is engaged in the un-
dertaking business, is a native of Luzerne countv,
Pennsylvania, born on the 6th of Februarv. 1843,
his parents being Clinton and Catherine (\'ander-
mark ) Sleppy, natives of the Keystone stone.
The grandfather, John Sleppy, was an early
owner of coal lands in the \\'yoming valley, the
family having been established in Pennsylvania
at a primitive peril m1 in its colonization. The fa-
ther early learned the mason's trade, became a
contractor and built the courthouse at Wilkes-
barre. Pennsylvania, in connection with many
other pul:)lic and private buildings. He died in
i8g(-), at the age of eighty years, while his wife
passed away previously. In their family were
eight children, all of whom survive.
William J. Sleppy. the third in order of birth,
pursued his education in the iniblic schools of
Wilkesbarre and in early life became a drug
clerk, being thus employed until 1861. when at
the age of eighteen years he responded to the
country's call for military aid and enlisted for
active service m defense of the Union as a pri-
vate of the Eifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment.
He participated in all the engagements of the
Peninsular campaign from Xewport Xews to
Harrison Landing and was discharged in the fall
268
PAST AXl) PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
of 1862. In the spring of 1864, however, he rc-
enHsted. becomingf a member of the One Hun-
dred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment,
his service being closed at Appomattox when
General Lee surrendered to General (Irant. He
was always a brave and loyal soldier and his mili-
tary record is a creditable, one.
After the close of the war Mr. Sleppy was em-
ployed in Pennsylvania and Minnesota in the
railway business. He afterward went to Phila-
delphia, where he was engaged in the drug busi-
ness for a year and in 1867 he came to St. Paul.
He came a second time to St. Paul in 1871 and
has since remained a resident of this city, being
engaged for a long period in the furniture busi-
ness. In 1894 he opened an undertaking estab-
lishment, having his parlors at Nos. 495 and 49"
Selby avenue, where he has since continued them
and is now one of the leading undertakers of the
city with a volume of business which at once
indicates his reliability and business enterprise.
In 1865 Mr. Sleppy was married to Miss Mary
A. Stees, a daughter of Benjamin and Lydia G.
Stees, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have
one child. Katharine S. Mr. Sleppy is a mem-
ber and past commander of Acker post, G. A. R.
He also belongs to Summit lodge, No. 163, A.
F. & A. M., and to the Ancient Order of L^nited
Workmen. He is an enterprising, valued citizen.
a man of refined tastes and of sterling character
and those who have occasion to meet him fre-
quently, either socially or in a business way, soon
entertain for him warm regard which is well
merited.
ELMER H. DEARTH.
I'^lmcr IT. Dearth, now engaged in the general
agency insurance business in St. Paul and at one
time insurance commissioner of Minnesota, was
born in Sangcrville. Maine, June 6, 1859. His
preliminary stutlies were su])j)lemente(l by a high-
school course and an academic education and fol-
lowing his graduation from the academy with
the class of 1878 he taught school for two years,
at the end of which time he entered the office of
the Piangor (Maine) Daily Whig & Courier,
where he mastered the newspaper work, gaining
practical experience in the various departments
of the business. In 1883. when a young man of
about twenty-four years, he arrived in Minne-
sota, locating first in St. Paul and the following
year he became manager and editor of the Hen-
derson Inde])endent, continuing in that position
until 1886, when he transferred his residence to
Le Seuer. Minnesota, and became owner and edi-
tor of the N^ews, of that city.
Mr. Dearth was first called to public service
in 1889, when he received the appointment from
(jovernor Merriam of Minnesota to the position
of deputy insurance commissioner of the state.
He acted in that capacity for three years, at the
end of which time he voluntarily resigned to
accept a position with the E(|uitabte Life Insur-
ance Company of New York. In January, 1897,
he was appointed by Governor Clough insurance
commissioner of Minnesota and acted for two
years, or until the administration passed into thi
hands of the opposite party. At the time of his
retirement in 1899 he was president of the Na-
tional Association of Insurance Comissioners.
For the two succeeding years he was engaged in
the general and local fire insurance business. In
January, 1901, he was again appointed to the com-
missionership by Governor \'an Sant and was
reappointed in January, 1903, in which position
he remained for a third term of three years, re-
tiring in i<;05. Since that time he has been en-
gaged in general agency insurance business in
St. Paul. It would be difficult to find in Minne-
sota a man who has more intimate knowledge of
the insurance business, which he has studied from
every standpoint and his ]iresent ]iosition is a re-
sponsible one. During his incumbency in the
office of insurance commissioner Mr. Dearth
com])iled and published a very comjilete anno-
tated compilation of the insurance laws of Min-
nesota with an index anrl table statutes amended,
etc., and llie full text nf the opiniDus constituting
insurance laws. He also published a digest of in-
surance cases, both state and federal, from the
earliest reports, with a table of cases digested,
etc., and because of these works he has been
highly complimented by leading attorneys and by
members of the supreme court.
^^?^Ef^^yt^
cut/7
PASl AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL
271
Mr. Dearth is a prominent Elk and also be-
longs to the Masonic and Knights of Pythias
fraternities. He has a wide and favorable ac-
quaintance in political circles and has for _vears
been an active member of the leading business
and social clubs of St. Paul, where his opinions
carry weight and his counsel is valued.
CHARLES FRIEND.
Charles Friend, deceased, a prominent and
well knnwn Inisiness man of St. Paul was the
senior member of the firm of Charles Friend &
Son, wholesale and retail dealers in harness and
saddlery, anil the enterprise which he established
is still carried on under the same name at Nos.
343-345 Jackson street, the son now having en-
tire management. Air. Friend is likewise entitled
to representation in this volume as a pioneer citi-
zen of St. Paul, having settled' here in ."Kpril, 1856,
two years before the admissicm nf the state into
the union. Closely identified with the interests
1 if his city and county, while not seeking to figure
in public life, he nevertheless belonged to that
class of men who uphold the moral and legal
status of the community by devotion to all that is
progressive in citizenship and honorable in man"s
relations with his fellowmen.
Air. Friend was a native of Baden, Germany,
born January 24, 1829, and in the fatherland he
acquired a fair education. .\t the age of twenty-
three years he came to .America, settling in San-
dusky, Ohio, where he obtained a position in a
harness shop. He followed that pursuit there
until .\pril, 1856, when he removed to St. Paul,
making the journey by way of Dubuque, Iowa,
and thence up the Mississippi river. Here he
entered the employ of Mr. Drew, a harness-maker
and saddler, who was conducting the largest shop
of the kind in this part of the country at that
time. The present city was then little more than
a village, containing but a few business houses
and a comparativcl_\- small number of residences,
but Mr. Friend believed in its future and resolved
to identify his interests with those of the growing
town. He remained in the einploy of Mr. Drew
for two years and in 1858 began business on his
own account, renting a small storeroom at the
corner of Fourth and Roberts streets. His first
stock of gqods consisted of a roll of leather,
business. By unremitting diligence and good
workmanship he built up a growing trade and
was doing well when in i860 his store was de-
stroyed by fire and he lost all. He resumed
business in temporary quarters at the corner of
Fourth and Jackson streets and his patronage
soon began to increase, so that he found it neces-
sary to employ more help and to enlarge his facil-
ities from time to time in order to meet the grow-
ing demand of his trade. In 1869 he erected a
building at Nos. 343-345 Jackson street, where
the business is now being carried on. He contin-
ued in the retail trade alone until a few years
prior to his death, when he added a large stock
of goods in his line and engaged in both the
wholesale and retail trades.
While residing in Sandusky, Ohio, Mr. Friend
was married, in 1854, to Miss Josephine Fay, a
native of Switzerland, and a daughter of Domina
and Barbara Fay. Her father, a tavern-keeper
in the old country, came to America in 1848, set-
tling in Sandusky, Ohio, where he died of cholera
in 1849. His widow afterward married U. Borer
and died in St. Paul in 1876. Mr. and Mrs.
Friend became the parents of nine children.
Charles is the eldest. William died in 1904.
Frank R., another well known young business
man of St. Paul, is a member of the firm of
Friend, Crosby & Company, live stock commis-
sion merchants of South St. Paul, and resides
with his mother. Edward has departed this life.
Albert \'., residing with his mother, is a traveling
salesman for the firm of Charles Friend & Son.
Josephine is the wife of Frank S. Weidenborner.
a retired business man of St. Paul residing at 785
Goodrich avenue. Emma is the wife of Paul Bork,
a traveling salesman residing in St. Paul. George,
who enlisted for service in the Philippine war
and at the close of his military experience ob-
tained a position as shipping clerk with a to-
bacco firm in Chicago, is still acting in that ca-
pacity. Herman A. left St. Paul on February
17, 1906, to locate in the west.
AST A.\l) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Charles Friend, of this review, continued
actively in bnsiness until Sei)leniber, 1900. when
he became ill and after two weeks passed away
on October 9, 1900. He was always a democrat
but never an office seeker. He held member-
ship in the Assum])tion (lennan Catholic church,
to which his widow and family also belong. Airs.
I'Vienil and her son Charles now own the business
which was established by the husband and father
and which is a well established enterprise of the
city, employing over forty men during their busy
season in the store, while several traveling sales-
men represent the house on the road. Mr.
Friend was truly a self-made man and in addi-
tion to his business owned much valuable jimp-
erty. which is now in possession of his widow.
His life record stands in exemplification of the
fact that nothing is impossible to him who wills
to win and allows no thought of defeat to find
lodgment in his mind. He eagerly embraced
the opportunities which are ever prevalent in the
liusiness world, knowing that there was room at
the top and that persistent efTort also meant suc-
cessful effort. He commanded the respect and
admiration of his contemporaries in business and
in social life. Mrs. Friend now owns a beauti-
ful residence at Xo. 699 Dayton avenue, where
she and her sons reside.
Charles I'^iend, Jr., the eldest son of the family,
was born August 30, 1857, in St. Paul and attend-
ed the parochial public schools, being a student
in the German Catholic parochial school, in the
St. Paul public school and also in the St. Paul
Puisiness College. He entered into business with
his father on March 17. 1873, when a youth of
sixteen years, and is ikhv at the head of the insti-
tution. .\fter learning the business he was ad-
mitted to a ])artnership and at the present time
is the chief executive officer, dealing in all kinds
of harness, robes, horse goods, horse collars and
also doing a manufacturing and repairing busi-
ness. The enterprise has become one of the im-
jinrtant commercial and manufacturing industries
of the city and an extensive trade is enjoyed.
In 1885 Charles Friend was married to Miss
Anna Metzger, of St. Paul, who died March 13,
1898. leaving a son, \\'illiam, sixteen years of
age, who is a graduate of the Cretin high school
and is now with his father in business. On June
3, iipo, Mr. Friend was married to Miss Alary T.
Schermann, of St. Paul, and they have a daugh-
ter, Josephine, five years of age. The family
hcime is at No. 248 Carroll street. Air. Friend
is a member of the Junior Pioneers, the Knights
of Columbus and the Commercial Club. His
benevolent and philanthropic spirit are manifest
through his identification with the St. Peter's
(lerman llenevolent .Association and the German
( )rphan .Asylum.
RE\". PETER Al. JCXG.
Rev. Peter Al. Jung, pastor of St. AIatthew"s
Catholic church, was born in .Milwaukee county,
W isconsin, December 31, 1859. His father, John
Jung, was a native of Luxemburg, Germanv, and
came to the United .States in 1831, settling in
Wisconsin, where he followed merchandising. In
1(S06 he removed to Alinnesota, where his remain-
ing days were ].iassed, his death occurring in
June, 1903, when he was sixty-seven years of age.
He was a well-to-do man, having prospered in
his business undertakings. His political su|)port
was given to the democracy and he held some
minor offices. His religious faith was that of the
Catholic church. He married Aliss Alary Koh-
ner, who was born in Luxemburg, ( Germany, and
passed away in 1864, at the early age of twenty-
three years. She, too, was a communicant of the
Catholic cbiu-ch and at her death she left two
children. The father afterward married again
and had twelve children by the secinid union.
I'^ather Jung pursued his early education in the
public and parochial schools at Rolling Slonc.
.Minnesota, and afterward attended .^t. h'rancis
Seminar) from which he was ordained on the
24th of June. 18S1, by Archliishop Michael Heiss.
lie was ordained for the .^l. P;uil diocese and sent
to .St. James, Alinnesota, taking charge of the
|);u'ish and four missions. Fie remained there for
three years and three months and afterward went
to Xorlhfield. Alinnesota, where he was pastor of
the church for ,1 \e;ir. Subse(iucntl\' lie was as-
signed to the church at Le Seuer, where he con-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
2/3
tinuccl for nine years and in 1897 he came to St.
Paul, being placed in charge of St. Matthew's
church, uf which he is the present pastor. He
has foiu' hundred and twenty families in the par-
ish, the number having increased twenty-five per
cent during his administration. In 1902 St. Mat-
thew's school was erected. It is a three-story
structure with basement and was built of red
pressed brick at a cost of twenty-seven thousand
dollars. There is now an attendance of six hun-
dred pupils. The school is graded and in connec-
tion with the regular branches there is a two
years' commercial course. There are twelve sis-
ters having charge of ten schoolrooms. The par-
ish is increasing in prosperity and an addition
to the sisters' residence is being constructed at a
cost of seven thousand dollars. The church edi-
fice, the school building and the sisters' residence
occupy a whole block, situated between Hall ave-
nue and Robie street, Goff avenue and Winifred
street. The property is very valuable. The rec-
tory is a handsome and commodious residence
opposite the church on the corner of Hall and
Robie streets and during the pastorate of Father
Jung substantial advancement has been made in
all departments of the church work.
W.\LTER RASMUSSEX.
The l)usiness college is of comparatively recent
development. It has been the outgrowth of con-
ditions of the business world, where interests are
becoming more and more complicated and where
there is therefore demanded capable and efficient
service. The need for skilled employes has been
met in the commercial college of the present age
and among the institutions of learning of this
class in the northwest the Rasmussen Practical
Business School is w-orthy of attention and con-
sideration.
Its founder and promoter, \\'alter Rasmussen,
is a native of Denmark, born December 18, 1872.
his parents being Morton and ]\fary (Hansen)
Rasmussen, who were also natives of the same
country. He pursued his education in the public
schools of Denmark and in Copenhagen Univer-
sity, from which he was graduated in the class of
1890. The same year he came to the Unitea
States making his way to Kennedy, ^Minnesota,
where he was employed as a bookkeeper. In
1894-5 he pursued a course of study in the North-
ern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indi-
ana, being graduated in the latter year. Soon
afterward he came to St. Paul and entered upon
office work as stenographer and bookkeeper, but
took up his real life work in 1897, when he be-
came a teacher in a business college in Seattle,
Washington. He remained there until 1900 and
during that period pursued a special teachers'
course in the State University of Washington. He
afterward spent two years in San Francisco
(California) Business College and in 1902 re-
turned to St. Paul, where, with his brother Julius,
he took charge of the Rasmussen Practical Busi-
ness School. He and his brother also conducted
a school at Stillwater, Minnesota, and Julius Ras-
mussen yet continues that school, while Walter
Rasmussen is at the head of the school in St,
Paul at No. 524 Globe Building, as its presi-
dent. This school has an enrollment of one hun-
dred and twenty-five pupils. Practical instruction
in bookkeeping is given and the Gregg shorthand
method is taught. Mr. Rasmussen was the first
to teach this system west of Chicago and he also
introduced it into Seattle and San Francisco. The
school is located at the comer of East Fourth and
Cedar streets opposite the courthouse and city
hall in one of the largest and most magnificent
firei)roof buildings in the northwest. The school
rooms are large, light, well ventilated and kept
in the best sanitary condition. There is no dis-
tracting noise from the street and peace and quiet,
so absolutely essential to concentrated study,
reign supreme throughout the school. The
health, convenience and comfort of the students
have been considered paramount and the methods
of instruction are thoroughly adequate to meet
the demands of the times for skilled service in
the commercial world. Many of the students
have been placed in important positions and in
fact there are not enough to sujiply the demand
made bv the business public. Mr. Rasmussen
274
I 'AST A.\l) 1 'RESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
was tlio first to teach tlie tnucli niclhiul uf tvpc-
writiiig at SeallU- in i8i)7 ami this nifthod is in
use ill his school in St. Paul.
On the i6th of June, 1904, in this cil\ , Waller
Rasmusseii was married to .Margaret E. Nelson.
of San Francisco, California. He belongs to the
Xational Commercial Teachers' .Association and
has been its state secretar\ . He is a member of
the Knights of Pythias fraternit\- and is popular
.socially. A young man. alert an<l enterprising,
of intellectual force and keen discernment, he
has established an iii.stitution of which St. Paul
has every reason to be proud, it being one of
the thorough schools of this character and the
ability of his students is the criterion of its meth-
ods of instruction.
HUGH J. -McAFEE.
Hugh J. j\lc.\fee, deceased, was a business
man whose activity was felt in commercial circles
of both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Born in St.
John, New Brunswick, on the 17th of October,
1848, he was a son of Hugh and Ann ]\Ic.\fee,
who settled in that place at an early day. The
father w-as a millwright by trade and there en-
gaged in contracting and building. He erected
large lumber mills througliout that country and
continued a resident of St. John until his death,
his wife also passing away there.
Hugh J. McAfee was provided with excellent
educational privileges in the private schools of
his native city and at the age of nineteen years
entered upon his business career as an engineer
upon a steamboat that ran between St. John and
Ijoston. He was thus engaged for several years,
or until 1S71. when he joined his brother. William
John McAfee, in St. Paul. They formed a part-
nership and established an iron business, having
a large machine shop and ir(in works. Their
Inisincss was located on Wacoutah .street and they
handled and manufactured all kinds of bridge
iron. The business was continued by the brother?
for four years, at the end of which time Hugh J.
Mc.A-fee purchased the interest of William J.
McAfee and removed the plant to the corner of
.Sixtli and Sibley streets, where he enlarged it
ami carried on an e.xlensive manufacturing enter-
prise until .May, 1884. lie then sold out that
business and after living retired for ten years, en-
tered into partnership with a Mr. Leslie, of Min-
nea[)ulis, in the paper business under tlie tirni
style of Leslie & McAfee, wholesale paper deal-
ers. \\'ith this industry Air. McAfee was identi-
fied throughout his remaining days.
In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of Hugh
J. .McAfee and Aliss Jeannie K. Craig, of
Chatham. ( )iitario, a daughter of Alatthew and
-Agnes (Craig) Craig, both of whom were natives
of Scotland, whence they sailed for America, set-
tling in Toronto, Canada, in an early day. They
were married there July 7. 1846, and .Mr. Craig
there engaged in contracting and building until
1851, when they removed to Chatham, Ontario,
where he continued in the same business for about
three years. They then started westward and
from Detroit continued the journey by stage to
Galena and from there by boat to St. Paul, being
three weeks on the way between the two cities.
They arrived in St. Paul on the ist of Novem-
ber, 1854, and Air. Craig was one of the pioneers
of the city, for at that time it was a small tow^ii
of little commercial or industrial importance, hav-
ing scarcely anything to recommend it save its
advantageous location on the head waters of the
Alississippi. Believing, however, that the town
had a good future before it. Air. Craig began
contracting and building here and erected many
of the first buildings of the city. He afterward
abandoned building operations, however, and en-
gaged in house moving until 1891, when he re-
tired altogether from business life and lived in the
enjoyment of well earned rest for about twelve
years, or until his death, which occurred July 24,
1003, when lie had reached the ace of ninety
}ears and seven months. Airs. Craig resides at
No. 551 Selby avenue, which is one block from
Mrs. AIcAfee, and is now seventy-eight years of
age. The surviving members of the Craig family
are a daughter and two sons, namely : Airs. ATc-
.Afee ; M. Gordon Craig, who is residing at No.
1736 Princeton avenue, Macalester Park ; and A.
Lindscy Craig, who is now living in Portland.
Oregon, where he is general passenger agent for
the .Southern Pacific Pailroad Company.
y/l .y^^^^-e^t^ ^-' /^^"^
r^-z-
/y
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
277
.Scvt'ii childrt-n were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
.McAfee, of whom three are now hving : Agnes
Louise, the wife of Stanley Jackson, of tiie Union
Stockyards Company of South St. I'aul, where
they reside ; Allan L., a student in the University
of St. Paul, where he is pursuing a course in elec-
trical engineering ; and William Hugh, also at-
tending school. The two sons are yet with their
mother.
Mr. McAfee always continued to make his
home in St. Paul, although he controlled business
interests in Minneapolis which grew very rap-
idly. The firm is now known as the John Leslie
Paper Company, wholesale dealers in paper and
stationery at Nos. 301 and 303 South Fifth
street, Minneapolis. This is the largest enterprise
of the kind in that city. Mr. McAfee was very
successful in the conduct of the business and be-
came well to do, continuing in that line of trade
until his death, which occurred (Jctober 3, 1895.
In politics he was a republican, but was never an
office seeker. He held membershi]) in Summit
lodge, A. F. & A. AL, of St. Paul, and Mr. Craig
was also a member of the Masonic fraternity here
and at the time of his death was the oldest Mason
in the state of Minnesota. Pioth Mr. and Mrs.
Craig were members of the Central Presbyterian
cliurch, with which they became identified in
1855. so that Mrs. Craig is now its oldest living
representative, her association therewith cover-
ing more than a half century. Mr. AIcAfee be-
longed to the Goodrich Avenue Presbyterian
church and Mrs. jMcAfee now holds membership
in the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian church. He
had a very wide acquaintance among the promi-
nent business men of St. Paul and Minneapolis
and was regarded as the peer of those who stand
at the head of industrial and commercial interests
in the Twin Cities. He died in the residence now
occupied by his widow at No. 552 Dayton avenue.
In this block Mrs. McAfee now owns nineteen
fine residences, which arc located on Davton ave-
nue and Selby avenue and on Kent street, and
also has other valuable propertv here. She is
likewise one of the stockholders in the John Les-
lie Paper Company, of ]Minneapolis, and gives
personal supervision to her propertv and other
business interests, possessing excellent executive
force, keen discernment and sound business judg-
ment. She is also well known in society circles
and her attractive home is often the center of very
delightful social functions. Both the Craig and
McAfee families have long figured prominently
in this city and the husband and father of Mrs.
McAfee were recognized as leaders in business
life, being connected with interests of wide im-
portance, resulting in the acquirement of wealth.
JOHN ROGERS, Tr.
Jiilni Rogers, Jr., wlm has succeeded in build-
ing up one of the largest and most prosperous
insurance agencies in the city and whose under-
standing of the business is unsurpassed by anv
representative in this line in the northwest, is
numbered among the native sons of St. Paul, his
birth having occurred in this city, January 22,
i860. He is a son of John Rogers, who came
to St. Paul in 1849, being one of the early settlers.
He opened a hotel on Robert street, adjoining the
(ierman- American Bank and continued in the
business for thirty-five years or until 1885, being
at that time the oldest landlord in years of con-
tinuous Connection with hotel keeping in the city
or state. He was born in Ireland in 1828 and
was a young man of seventeen years, when, in
1845, lifi crossed the Atlantic to America. Four
years later he arrived in St. Paul. It was in that
year that he attained his majority, so that through-
out the entire period of his manhood he has been
a resident of this city. He found here a small
town of little consequence in its commercial or
industrial develojiment, and within its corporation
limits was comprised a comparatively small tract
of land. He purchased two lots on Robert street,
for which he gave two hundred and fifty dollars,
which are todav worth one hundred thousand dol-
lars. I'pon one of those lots he erected a frame
house, in which the family resided until 1852,
when he erected the brick building, which was
for a long time his hotel. When he arrived in St.
Paul a tract of unbroken jjrairie stretched back to
Wabasha street. The surface of the land was
more broken to the front and a stream of water
278
I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ttowctl ilown ihuUt \\lial is now kiiuwu as the
First National I'.ank lUiilding. Mr. Rogers did
not contine his attention entirely to his hotel busi-
ness but extended his labors to other fields. He
was the first butcher wdn) had a cart here, em-
barking in the business in 1850, at whicli time
he supplied St. Paul, St. .Anthony, Fort Snelling
and Mendota with fresh meat. An opposition
Hne was started but continued in business for only
a few days, owing to the fact that Mr. Rogers
had made all his morning rounds before his com-
petitors had eaten their breakfast. In his family
were fifteen children, all of whom were born in
Minnesota and nine are yet living.
John Rogers, Jr., spent his boyhood days in his
parents' home and attended the city schools, pass-
ing through successive grades until he was grad-
uated from the high school in the class of 1876.
The following year he entered business life as an
employe of the firm of Miller & Shandrew, with
whom he remained for a year. Later he engaged
with Weed & Lawrence for nearly five years and
in 1883 he opened an insurance office of his own.
since which time his success in business has been
uniform and rapid. When an employe he gained
a thorough and intimate knowledge of insurance
and he is today regarded as one of the best posted
insurance men of the northwest. His position in
business circles is indicated by the fact that he
was honored with the presidency of the St. Paul
board of underwriters and his capability in the
office was widely acknowledged. He represents
various old-line companies and his life record is
another exem])lification of that fact that "merit
and success go linked together." His offices arc
located in the Manhattan lUiilding.
In 1886 Mr. Rogers was married to .Miss Kittie
Carr, of Chicago. Illinois, and they have seven
children. laiiKS W'., who is attending St. Thomas
College and is first lieutenant of a militia com-
pany, is now nineteen years of age. Margaret,
fifteen years of age. is a student in St. [nseph
Academy. Florence, thirteen years old. is attend-
ing .St. i\Iary's school. Aiuia Louise, ten years,
Eveline, eight years, Eugene Legaye, six vears,
and Marian, four years of age, complete the
familv.
Mr. Kogers is thoroughly in touch with .St.
Paul's develoiiment and progress and is constantly
endeavoring to pronujte her interests. The city
is indebted to her younger business men for nuicli
of her advancement and substantial growth and
Air. Rogers is recognized as a leader among the
younger representatives of business interests here.
He was one of the organizers of the St. Paul
Conuniercial Club and in this connection deserves
much credit for his enterprise, keen insight and
commendable plans. Never before in the his-
tory of the city has a movement of any kind met
with such a spontaneous response and the organi-
zation now numbers a membership of one thou-
sand leading men, who are working together for
the best interests of St. Paul. His interests are
tlionnighly identified with those of the northwest
and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-
operation to any movement calculated- to benefit
this section of the country or advance its wonder-
ful devclo])ment.
P. D. SCAN NELL.
P. 1). .Scannell. one of the promising young
lawyers of St. Paul, was born in Listowel, county
Kerry, Ireland, on the 4th of July, 1865, a son of
Michael and Margaret (Daly) Scannell. His
education was acquired in St. Michael's Academy
in his native city, and in 1880 he came to the
L'nited States, being then a young man of fifteen
years. He made St. Paul his destination and
here learned the trade of a machinist and steam
engineer. He followed that ])ursuit for several
years, but not finding the occupation congenial,
he became managing editor of the Labor Echo,
and subsequently a writer and reporter on some
of the daily i)apcrs of the city, nol.ibly the .St. Paul
Dispatch, and afterward established a weekly ])a-
per. the .St. Paul Democrat. His connection with
iournalism w.as terminated 1)\ his preparation for
the bar. He studied law in St. Paul College of
Law, from whicli he was graduated on the iQtli
of Tune, ii)"3, and the same year he began prac-
tice in this city. Although one of the more re-
cent additions to the Ijar here, he has already
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
279
gained a good clientage and has won an enviable
reputation for his devotion to the interests of
those who employ his professional service.
In 1887 Air. Scannell was married to Miss
Sarah G. O'Brien, a daughter of Timothy
O'Brien, of Waterloo, Ontario, and they have
two sons and a daughter. Mr. Scannell is a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic church, and his
brother, Rev. Dr. C. D. Scannell, is a well known
Catholic divine, now located at Los Angeles, Cal-
ifornia. He belongs to the Ancient Order of
Hibernians, to the Odd Fellows Society, to the
Modern Woodmen of America, and to the
Knights of Pythias fraternity. The wisdom he
displayed in seeking America as a place of resi-
dence has been demonstrated as the years have
gone by, for he has made consecutive progress
in his business career here, and is now occupying
a creditable position at the St. Paul bar.
LEWIS S. PEARSON.
Lewis S. Pearson, proprietor of the Boardman
European Hotel at the corner of Ninth and Wa-
basha streets, was born in Canada, in 1861 and
spent the first twenty-five years of his life in Alan-
kato, Minnesota. He was educated in the public
schools there and throughout his business career
has been connected with hotel interests, acting as
proprietor of hotels in various cities, notably the
Calumet House at Pipestone and a large hotel in
Fairmont, Minnesota. He came to St. Paul two
years ago and is now the proprietor of one of
the best houses of the city — the Boardman Euro-
pean Hotel, at the corner of Ninth and Wabasha
streets in the center of the business district. It
contains one hundred fine, well lighted and well
ventilated rooms, fifty of them with bath antl all
supplied with running hot and cold water and
local and long distance telephones. There are
five floors with two electric elevators, steam heat,
electric lights and in fact all modern conve-
niences and equipments. There is a commodious
and well appointed office and lobby and the rooms
are tastefully furnished. The rates are from one
dollar a day up and the hotel has a liberal patron-
17
age. Mr. Pearson is now perfecting plans for
many extensive and expensive changes for the
betterment of an already fine hotel but in his busi-
ness he has continually worked toward high ideals
and does everything in his power to improve his
hotel and raise the standard of its excellence.
In the management of the business he possesses
many of the qualities of the pioneer, continually
working along new lines and developing new
methods. He is an ideal landlord, having the
faculty of making his patrons feel at home, for
he is careful of their comfort and is continually
studying the wishes and needs of the traveling
public.
On the 31st of May, 1900, Mr. Pearson was
united in marriage to Miss Anna Albert, of South
Dakota, who has been an important factor in the
success of the business. He is prominent in vari-
ous fraternal, social and civic societies. In Ma-
sonry he has attained the Knight Templar de-
gree, belonging to Aberdeen lodge. No. 38, A.
F. & A. M., Aberdeen chapter, No. 14, R. A. M.,
and Damascus commandery. No. 10, K. T. He
also holds membership relations with the Knights
of Pythias and the LTnited Commercial Travelers
and belongs to the St. Paul Commercial Club, the
St. Paul Retail Association, the St. Paul Hotel
and Restaurant Association and the Northwestern
Hotel Men's Association. Not so abnormally de-
veloped in any direction as to become a genius he
has nevertheless displayed those sterling traits
of character and substantial qualities which win
success and work for good friendship.
CHARLES NELSON.
Charles Nelson, deceased, was a prominent
stock broker in St. Paul for several years, deal-
ing in mining stocks. He came to this city in
1800 and won a prominent ])lace in the record
of the leading business men of the city. His
birth occurred in the lower part of Canada be-
tween Quebec and Montreal on the 17th of May,
1836. his parents being Dr. Woolfred and Fleurin
(de Flaurimont) Nelson, the latter a native of
France and the former of England. In early life
28o
I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
llic father crossed the Atlantic to Canada. He
was a graduate physician and practiced in Mont-
real during the latter part of his professional ca-
reer, his death occurring in that city. He be-
came one of the leading residents and representa-
tive physicians there and was also prominent and
influential in public affairs, acting as mayor of
the city and also as a member of parliament.
Charles Xelson acquired a good education in
the schools of ?*lontreal and then entered upon his
business career, becoming proprietor of a general
store in that city. He dealt in groceries and
other commodities there for several years.
It was while residing in Montreal that Mr.
Xelson was married to Miss Elmira LeClare, a
native of that city and a daughter of Peter Ed-
ward and Alarie (Castonguez) LeQare. Her fa-
ther was a notary of Montreal and was also em-
ployed by the government in the navigation serv-
ice between Quebec and Montreal. At a com-
paratively early age, however, he retired from
active business life. He was one of the wealthy,
prominent and honored citizens of Montreal,
where he resided until called to his final rest.
After his marriage Mr. Xelson went to Lon-
don, England, where, with his family, he resided
for nine )ears, being employed in government
offices there. He afterward returned to Montreal,
where he spent two ^-ears and then moved to Chi-
cago, where he began dealing in mining stock,
being connected with the brokerage business of
that city for six years. On the expiration of that
|)eriod he came to St. Paul, where he continued as
a broker, largely handling mining stocks until his
death. He owned much valuable property in
.Montreal but never invested in this city. He
was thoroughly informed concerning value of
mining pro]iertics and was thus enabled to assist
his clients in making iudicifius investments. His
well known reliability and enterprise secured him
an extensive and well merited ]3atronage and he
met with gratifying success in his imdertakings.
I'nto ^Tr. and Mrs. Nelson were born seven
children, of whom five are now living, namely :
W'nnlfrc'd. a resident of Seskatton. Canada, where
he is manager of a large furniture store ; Henry,
who is sujierintendent of a factory at .Salem,
Towa : /Mmina, who is at the head of the art de-
partment for Schuneman & Evans, proprietors of
the largest retail store in St. Paul ; Legina and
Grace, at home. Two of the children died in
infancy. The death of the father occurred in St.
Paul, February 7, 1902, and his remains were
taken back to Montreal for interment. \\'hile liv-
ing in that city he had been active in military af-
fairs. He made four trips to England and gained
that broad culture and experience which only
travel can bring, tie was prominent among the
business men of St. Paul, where he gained a wide
and favorable acquaintance not only by reason of
his unimpeachable business integrity and activity
l)ut also because of a genial, courteous manner
that awakened warm regard and won for him
strong friendships. Mrs. Xelson and her daugh-
ters now reside at No. 450 Dayton avenue. She
and all of her children are members of the French
Catholic church of St. Paul.
ORLAXDO A. ROBERTSON.
Orlando A. Robertson, well known as an or-
ganizer of and investor in various enterprises,
has done much for the improvement and devel-
opment of the northwest. Following the early
pioneers who have blazed the trail there have
come into this section of the country men who are
representative of the type of the builder and or-
ganizer who. recognizing the possibilities of a
district forthwith became its exploiters to its
vast renown and their own large profit, coining
its wealth of mineral, lumber, cattle and grain
and utilizing all of the natural resources of the
country. To this class belongs Air. Robertson,
who has manifested the ])ower to group and co-
ordinate plans, thus making him a man of af-
fairs. His business connections at this writing
are that of president of the Northwest Coloniza-
tion Company, of the Red Deer Lmnbcr Com-
panv and of the Elk Lumber Company, all of
which are operating in Canada.
Air. Robertson was born in Pennsylvania. Au-
gust t8, 185S, and supplemented his common
school education bv study in the State Normal
School of Pennsylvania, from which lie was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
283
graduated in the class of 1880. He then en-
gaged in teaching for a number of years in Penn-
sylvania and in Illinois and in 1883 made his way
to Minnesota, where for a short time he continued
in educational work. He then turned his atten-
tion to farming at Campbell, this state, and his
prominence and capability won recognition in his
election to the office of county superintendent of
schools in Wilkin county, Minnesota, in 1890.
He served for two terms of two years each, ren-
dering efficient aid in furthering the cause of
public instruction and upholding the standard of
the public schools of that locality. In the mean-
time he had been extending his efforts into real-
estate and insurance fields and on leaving the po-
sition of superintendent of schools he opened a
real-estate and insurance office in Campbell,
where he remained until i8gq. He then re-
moved to St. Paul and assisted in organizing the
Minnesota Land & Colonization Company, which
purchased all of the lands of the Northern Pacific
Railroad in this state, comprising six hundred
thousand acres. His attention was then given
to the sale of these lands and when they had been
disposed of he organized the Northwest Coloniza-
tion Company, purchasing a million acres of land
in Canada. Of this company he is the president.
He has made a close study of the possibilities and
natural resources of the northwest and recogniz-
ing the rich field for activity in lumber opera-
tions he embarked in the lumber business in Can-
ada, investing largely in timber land. He then
organized and is president of two of the largest
lumber companies, operating in Canada — the Red
Deer Lumber Company and the Elk Lumber
Company.
]\Ir. Robertson attends the services of the Pres-
Iiyterian church. He is a gentleman of sound
judgment in municipal as well as business affairs,
possesses great force of character and keen sa-
gacity and these qualities are manifest in the
s]5lendid success which has crowned his labors.
In manner he is genial and pleasant and im-
l)resses all with the honesty of his purpose and
his business veracity as well as with his capability
to thoroughly master every detail of extensive
business interests and so marshal his forces as to
produce desired results. His efforts have been so
discerningly directed along well defined lines of
labor that he seems to have realized at any one
point of progress the full measure for successful
accomplishment at that point. He is always
ready to assist any enterprise for the advancement
of the city and is very charitable, contributing
largely towards charitable work.
STRICKLAND-DOOLITTLE COMPANY.
This insurance, real-estate and mortgage firm
has been in existence for nine years, succeeding
to the business of W. G. Strickland, established in
the fall of 1882, and is one of the largest insur-
ance agencies in the city, representing fourteen
of the largest of the old-line companies, covering
all classes of underwriting.
The real-estate and financial branches are nearly
as important as insurance, the money end partic-
ularly, as they financed in the past twelve months
some of the largest and most important loans ever
made in St. Paul.
Mr. H. G. McCall is the junior member of the
concern and obtained his practical experience and
knowledge during ten years' service with the Min-
nesota Loan & Trust Company at Minneapolis,
for which company he is now St. Paul agent and
in charge of their interest here.
His special province is the care and handling
of property for non-residents, his knowledge of
mechanics' proper charges, coupled with what
should or should not be done for tenants, being
particularly good. He is about thirty years old,
a Mason and member of the Commercial, Boat
and Yacht clubs and Real Estate Exchange.
]Mr. A. A. Doolittle is about forty-five years of
age and has had a fine training in mercantile and
insurance pursuits. He was for a number of
\ears resident manager of the North British &
Mercantile Insurance Company in this city, after
which he broadened his sphere, taking that com-
pany with others into a large and general field
of local agency work.
He was also associated at the time with his
father-in-law, ]\Ir. Fairchild. whose rather re-
markable real-estate knowledge, having gone
284
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tliri>ugli two periods of depression, was of great
value to Mr. Doolittle, who is today one of the
best judges of prices and values in St. Paul. His
loan work is particularly good, his care and de-
tail being perfect. Both Messrs. Doolittle and
McCall never let a chance for insurance go unim-
proved, and nothing brings a better or more se-
curely held policy than that held as collateral
under a mortgage. Mr. Doolittle is married and
has a daughter at school in the east and a bov of
twelve at home. He is a member of Palladin
commandery, past master of Summit lodge and
belongs to the Minnesota and Commercial clubs.
Mr. W. G. Strickland was born in that home of
insurance, Hartford, Connecticut, in 1849, and at-
tended the common and high schools of that city
and prepared for college at sixteen. Business re-
verses of his father occurring at this time, he was
obliged to earn his own living, entering the em-
ployment of the Phoenix Insurance Companv at
Hartford, under the three years' contract of that
day, at a salary of two hundred dollars, two hun-
dred and fifty dollars and three hundred dollars.
He was the l)o_\- c:)f the limited office force of
that period, which consisted of president, secre-
tary, bookkeeper and boy, and the boy cleaned of-
fice, ran errands, worked a hand printing press,
drove the president's horse whenever his daugh-
ters wanted to go riding, carried mail to and from
the postofilice, wrote policies, and came back from
his home two iniles away every other evening, to
wait upon and copy and post letters for the presi-
dent, who regularly spent three evenings a week
at the office.
Mr. Strickland remained with the Phoeni.x until
1873, when he came west and obtained a position
with the St. Paul Fire and Marine as solicitor,
remaining with that company in charge of local
dei)artment and doing special agency and adjust-
ing work, until going into the local business in
1882 on his own account. His years of contin-
uous service make him the dean of the insurance
profession in Minnesota, and to his credit be it
said he has made money for his companies and
for himself, and his business integrity with both
companies and clients is of a high order. Mr.
Strickland was married twenty-six years ago to
Kate Seymour Backwith, an old family name in
Hartford, and has one son of twenty-one, still a
student. Air. Strickland is an original member of
the ^Minnesota, Town and County and Commer-
cial clubs, is a member of Palladin commandery
and the Elks lodge, and while fifty-seven years
of age still remains an active and hearty man of
business.
FRITZ KOCH.
Fritz Koch, president of the Twin City Brick
Company, stands at the head of one of the lead-
ing productive industries of St. Paul and in his
business career has displayed the energy and sin-
gleness of purpose which ultimately reaches the
objective point. He was born in Holland in
1859. His father, William Koch, was also a
brick mamifacturcr, living near Arnhem.
Mr. Koch of this review followed the acquire-
ment of his more specifically literary education Iiy
the mastery of the principles of brick manufac-
ture and his success is undoubtedly due in large
measure to the fact that he has persistently fol-
lowed the calling in which he embarked as a
young tradesman. He was a young man of thirty
years when he determined to try his fortune in
America, for he believed that better business op-
portunities could be secured and success could be
more readily obtained in the new world. He
made his way direct to St. Paul and has since
been connected with the manufacture of brick
here. Gradually he has worked his way upward
and is today the president of the Twin City Brick
Company, which is an extensive enterprise of
St. Paul with offices and exhibit rooms in St.
Paul, Alinneapolis and Duluth, ^Minnesota. The
works are situated on the line of the Chicago, St.
Paul, Minneapolis & Ohio Railroad between the
Twin Cities and the plant is an extensive one,
well e(|uipped with every facility for the manu-
facture of pressed and ornamental brick, includ-
ing enamel and fancy shaped brick. The business
has steadily grown since its inception and was
incorporated in 1890 on the organization of a
stock company, the present officers being Fritz
Koch, president, and W. Si wart Smith, secretary
and treasurer. This company has furnished ma-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
28s
tcrial for the construction of many of the finest
and largest buildings of St. Paul and other points
in the state, and also in \\'isconsin, Illinois, Iowa,
North and South Dakota and Canada, including
St. Luke's Hospital of this city snd the City Hos-
pital.
Mr. Koch belongs to the St. Paul Commercial
Club, to the Puilders' E.xchange and the ^lanu-
facturers" Association of St. Paul, organizations
which have for their object the development of
commercial and industrial resources of the cit}'
and the growth and extension of trade relations.
THOMAS D. O'BRIEN.
Thomas D. O'Brien, a practitioner at the St.
I 'aul bar, who is equally well known and popular
in fraternal, military and political circles, was
born in La Point, Wisconsin, on the 14th of Feb-
ruary, 1850. and is a son of Dillon O'Brien, a
pioneer of this city and a prominent and influ-
ential resident here. In fact the members of the
O'Brien family are considered leaders in the vari-
ous departments of activity. The four sons of
Dillon O'Brien are all men of aiifairs, wielding
a wide influence. C. D. O'Brien, ex-mavor of
St. Paul, is regarded as one of the tnost distin-
guished practitioners at the Minnesota bar.
Thomas D. O'Brien after attending the public
and parochial schools of this city entered upon
preparation for the practice of law as a student
in the office of the firm of Young & Newel, and
following his preliminary reading was admitted
t(i the bar on the 17th of April, 1880, after which
he opened an office for practice here. He acted
as assistant city attorney from 1882 until 1888,
serving for six years, and in 1891 and 1892 he
was county attorney. In the practice of his pro-
fession he has shown a thorough understanding of
the principles of jurisprudence and the correct-
ness in their application to the points in litigation.
He is a democrat in his political views
and for eight years has been a member
of the national committee. He is now
occupying the important position of state com-
missioner of insurance, to which position he was
assigned through appointment of Governor John-
son for a term of two years, beginning in Janu-
ary, 1905. He has offices in the state capitol. He
was also a member of the board of trustees of
the hospital for the insane in 1896 and in 1897.
Interested in militarj- afifairs ]Mr. O'Brien
served as captain of Battery A of the Alinnesota
National Guard in 1887 and 1888. He is a mem-
ber of St. Paul lodge, B. P. O. E., of the Junior
Pioneers, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and
the Knights of Columbus, in which he has served
as state deputy. He is also a communicant of
the Catholic church.
In 1888 in St. Paul Mr. O'Brien was married
to ;Miss ^lary Cruice, of Philadelphia, and unto
them have been born four children, Eleanor, Dil-
lon, Louise and William, aged sixteen, fourteen,
twelve and nine years respectively. ]Mr. O'Brien
is a man of fine bearing and is a popular citizen,
well fitted for leadership in public affairs, while
his natural talent and accjuired ability have gained
him considerable prominence -as a practitioner of
law.
HERMAN A. STONE.
Herman A. Stone, who has gained an almost
national reputation as principal of the Stone
-School of Watchmaking, Engraving and Optics
in St. Paul, is a native of Olmsted county, ]\Iin-
nesota, born May 2^. 1859. His parents were
.\nson K. and Phoebe (Compton) Stone, natives
of New York, who at an early day removed west-
ward to Olmsted county, and Stone's Corners
there was named in honor of his father. When
fifteen years of age Herman A. Stone came to
St. Paul, .\fter attending the public schools and
a business college he entered upon an apprentice-
ship to William Anderson, a jeweler, with whom
he remained for nine years, beginning in 1876.
On the expiration of that period he opened busi-
ness on his own account in 1885 on Seventh street
in .St. Paul and has been constantly identified
with the business growth of this city since that
time. In 1901 he established the Stone School
of Watchmaking for the ]nirpose of providing in-
286
PAST A\I) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
struction in the art of watchmaking and now has
live separate departments, inckiding ten thousand
square feet of floor space. This is the first and
only school of watchmaking conducted upon a
co-operative plan where students participate in
the earnings of the school. This makes the stu-
dent capable of doing any and all work that is
usually done by the average watchmaker through-
out the entire country. The school is unique in
its methods and of direct and practical benefit
to its pupils. That it receives the endorsement
of its patrons is indicated by the fact that nearly
ninety per cent of the new students are sent to
the school by former graduates. While not with-
out the laudable ambition to attain personal suc-
cess, .\Ir. Stone is a broad-minded gentleman,
whose humanitarian spirit is indicated by his help-
fulness towards his pupils and the co-operative
plan which he instituted. There are few school
principals indeed who do as much for their stu-
dents, for this school obtains emplijymeiit for
those who wish to work outside of school hours in
order to pay for their board, and after a couple
of months the students are able to earn some-
thing in the co-operative room. The methods of
instruction in the school are of a most practical
character and after a few months the student is
equipped to go forth into the business world with
an earning capacity that at once enables him to
provide for his own support. The attendance of
the school has gradually grown until it has be-
come a large institution and a successful one as
well, the average attendance being one hundred
])upils. The school not only teaches watchmak-
ing but engraving atid optics and is endorsed by
the Commercial Club, Hon. John W. Willis,
Judge Charles J. I'isk. of Grand Forks, North
Dak(jta, and the banks and leading business men
of St. Paul.
Mr. Stone was married October 21, 1881, to
Miss Nellie Troy, a daughter of William J. Tro}-,
of St. Paul. They have four children : Paul R.,
Fannie, Harold A. and Marie. Mr. Stone was
a member of Champion lodge. K. P., when this
was the only fraternal order in St. Paul. He
well merits the success which has come to him,
t(jr it has been earned through earnest, persistent
effort. He earned his living at an early day by
farm labor in Goodhue county, ^linnesota, and
when only fourteen years of age started out
among strangers. He has met difficulties and ob-
stacles, but by earnest, persistent labor has worked
his way steadily upward. There have been dark
days in his career but he has persevered and has
overcome many difficulties. Realizing what it
means for a young man to start out without capi-
tal, he puts forth a helping hand to all such as
come to him and moreover feels and manifests
that personal interest in each individual that
means so much to the youth who for the first
time is awav from home.
BISHOP HOVEY SCHRIBER.
Bishop Hovey Schriber, a practitioner at the
St. Paul bar since 1884, was born in Cleveland,
(jhii), March 8, 1863. That the name has been
established in America since colonial days is indi-
cated by the fact that his great-grandfather, Peter
Schriber, served from 1777 until 1781 as a sol-
dier in the Continental Army in the Revolution-
ary war. His father, Peter Eugene Schriber, was
born in Catskill, New York, and wedded Mary
Augusta Todd, a daughter of Alfred Todd.
Mr. Schriber of this review completed his pub-
lic school education by graduation from the high
school at Sturgis, Michigan, and prepared for
the bar in the law department of the University
of [Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was gradu-
ated in the class of 1884. He came immediately
to St. Paul, where he arrived on the 9th of .Vpril.
His mental and ])hysical activity — the only cajii-
tal that he brought with him into the new west —
combined with his lack of financial resources,
made immediate employment a necessity. .\t that
time he showed conspicuously the traits of char-
acter that have made his life successful. He per-
formed all the dulies thai devolved iipMn him,
however humble and however small the recom-
pense might lie. conscientiously and industriouslv
While a student in Ann Arbor he was impressed
with the moral a(mos])here of Minnesota as shown
in the sturdy manhood of some of his classmates
who were from the North Star state. He has re-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
287
sided continuously in St. Paul since 1884, en-
gaged in the practice of law, and has made steady-
progress. He is not an orator to the extent of
swaying juries by his elociuence or by vocalization
but rather through sound, logical argument and
analytical reasoning, which makes him both an
able advocate and safe counselor. He convinces
by his concise statements of the law rather than
by word painting and so high is the respect for
his legal ability and integrity that his assertions
in the court are seldom questioned seriously.
Mr. Schriber was married, January 21, 1891,
in St. Paul to Miss Bertha May Dorsey. They
have two children, Ruth Louise and Paul Dorsey,
aged respectively fourteen and nine years. The
parents are members of the Central Presbyterian
church, in which Mr. Schriber has served as an
elder and trustee, while for twelve years he was
superintendent of the Sunday-school. His labors
in behalf of the growth of the church and the
extension of its influences have been etfective and
his interest leads to active co-operation in all that
tends to advance the moral and intellectual devel-
opment of the conmiunity. He is now a trustee
and secretary of Macalester College. He belongs
to the Commercial Club and in politics is inde-
pendent, supporting principles rather than party.
He has voted three times for Grover Cleveland,
twice for McKinley and once for Roosevelt and
never votes a straight local ticket but sujiports
the candidates whom he regards as best qualified
to conserve the general interests of the public.
CAPTAIN GEORGE S. HAYS.
Captain (jeorge S. Hays, deceased, a well
known river man of St. Paul, who was also in-
spector of steamboat vessels for the government
here for a number of years, came to this city in
1886. He was a native of Cattaraugus count}-.
New York, born IMay 5, 1843. His parents, Ben-
jamin and Betsy (Belcher) Hays, were born in
the east and in 1844 removed to the west, settling
at .Sulphur Springs, Missouri, where they resided
until 1854. That year witnessed their arrival in
Stillwater, where thev lived for a vear, after
which they spent their remaining days in Osceola,
Wisconsin.
Captain Hays was quite young when taken by
his parents to Missouri and his education was
begun in the common schools there and continued
in Stillwater and Osceola. He was but eighteen
years of age when the war broke out, but the
spirit of patriotism was strong within him and
in May, 1861, he enlisted at Hudson, Wisconsin,
for service with Company G of the Fourth Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry. He remained with
the regiment until the close of the war and partici-
pated in many battles. He was once injured by
having his collar bone broken and in July, 1865,
he was honorably discharged and returned home
with a most creditable military record, for he had
been loyal to his country under all circumstances
and displayed undaunted valor on the field of
battle.
When the country no longer needed his aid
Captain Hays returned to Osceola, Wisconsin,
where his mother was then living. He always
had a desire to engage in steamboating on the
river and there began his career in that line. He
worked on the small boats on the river, gradually
becoming familiar with the business in all of its
phases and finally he became the owner of a ve.s-
sel. During his life he owned several boats, all
on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers.
Captain Hays was married in Clinton, Iowa,
to Miss Lucy C. Brawley. a native of that ])lace
and a daughter of Hugh and S. E. Brawley, who
were born in the east. Mr. Brawley removed to
Wisconsin at an early day, settling at Stevens
Point, where he purchased a farm and carried on
general agricultural pursuits for many years.
Eventually, however, he sold that property and
retired to private life, after which he made his
home with his children, living for a few years
in St. Paul with Mrs. Hays. He died in Eau
Claire, Wisconsin. LTnto Captain and Mrs. Hays
were born three children: Hattie M.. the wife of
Dr. Keam, a resident of St. Paul ; Eunice E., re-
siding with her mother; and Ella, deceased.
In 1886 Captain Hays removed with his family
to St. Paul and engaged in steamboating through-
out the remainder of his life. On the eve of
March 26, 1894. with a companion he made a trip
288
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
on the river to Soulh St. Paul, \vln.rc their boat
was upset ami they had to swim ashore. The
long stay in the cold water brought on a severe
cold and ^Jr. Hayes died the following day —
^larch i-j, 1894. In the meantime he had been
appointed government inspector for a term of live
years, but continued in the office for six years.
He was one of the best known captains on the
Mississippi river and had a very wide and favor-
able acquaintance in St. Paul. A man of domes-
tic tastes, he always spent his evenings at home
with his wife and children. In politics he was a
stanch democrat, interested in the success and
growth of his part_\ , and socially he was con-
nected with the ^Modern Woodmen camp in St.
Paul. He was alwajs loyal to his friends, de-
voted to his family and reliable in his business
affairs and he won a creditable measure of suc-
cess as the years went by. The family attend the
Dayton Avenue Presbyterian church and Mrs.
Hays and her daughter are now residing at Xo.
421 ^larshall avenue.
PATRICK J. TOWLE.
Patrick J. Towle, founder and promoter of the
Towle ]^Iaple Syrup Company of St. Paul, which
has become one of the leading productive indus-
tries of the city, stands as another proof of the
fact that it is the spirit of self-help which is the
source of all individual wealth and prosperity. A
native of Troy, New "^'ork, he was born on the
27th of June, 1835. and was educated in the pub-
lic schools of Troy, Xew ^'ork, and of Alilwau-
kee, \Msconsin, to which city he removed witli
his parents when a youth of fourteen years. After
completing his education he was employed in a
retail grocery store and after serving his ap])ren-
ticeship he went to Chicago, where he was en-
gaged in the wholesale grocery business for nearly
thirty years. In 1888 he removed to St. Paul,
where he began the manufacture of syrups, es-
tablishing on a small scale a business which ha^
since grown to mammoth ])riii)ortions. He had
but limited capital when he came to this city but
his reliable business methods and the excellent
liroduct of the house soon won for him a con-
stantly growing trade and today the Towle Maple
.^xruj) Company is known in every part of the
L'nited States and Canada and the Log Cabin
maple svrup. its special brand, is found in even
the most remote sections of the American conti-
nent, as well as in many foreign countries.
On the 3d of October, i860, Mr. Towle was
married to Miss Sarah .Ann Hogan, of Chicago,
and thev have three sons and two daughters. The
sons have had a thorough business training under
their father and are actively connected with him
in business. The family are communicants of St
Luke's Roman Catholic church. Mr. Towle is a
man of pleasing personality with the characteris-
tics which go to make up the successful merchant
of the present age. In the record of the life of
Patrick J. Towle there is much to learn and much
tliat may prove of value to others by adopting the
plans and methods which he has followed to win
the splendid success which has crowned his un-
dertakings. .\lthough free from ostentation and
display in manner, he should, however, find a
place in the history of the men of business and
enterprise in the great west, whose force of char-
acter, sterling integrity and control of circum-
stances and whose marked success in establishing
great industries have contributed in such eminent
degree to the solidity and progress of the entire
countrv.
WILLIAM C.\RROLL EVAXS.
\\'illiam C. Evans, whose intense and well di-
rected activity has led to consecutive advance-
men-t in 1)usiness life until from a humble posi-
tion in a newsiiaper and jobbing office he has
w(>rke<l his way steadily upward until he is now
controlling a large printing business in .St. Paul,
was born in P>oston, Massachusetts, Jidy 11, 1858.
His father. Charles C. Evans, who for many years
was engaged in the conduct of an iron and steel
enterprise in Boston, died fifteen years ago. His
wife, who Ixire the maiden name of Catherine F.
Iloskins. was a native of Maine and passed away
in 1865. In their family were five children, of
whom three are vet living-: 'Marv II., now the
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
289
widow of D. H. Darling, of Xew York city ;
Charles H., an Episcopal missionary in Japan
since 1894; and William C.
In the public schools of Boston William C.
Evans began his education, which was completed
in the high school at Portland, Maine. He
learned the printing business in the \'ermor.t
State Printery in Montpelier and his entire life
has been devoted to the trade, in wliiirh he has
made steady progress, enlarging the scope of his
activity and usefulness in this direction as oppor-
tunity has offered.
In 1883 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Gert-
rude C. Emery, of Montpelier, Vermont, and they
have two daughters, Catherine and Doris, aged
respectively nineteen and thirteen years, who are
now students in the public schools. The year fol-
lowing his marriage Mr. Evans came to St. Paul,
wliere he established a printing business and has
since built up an extensive trade. His plant is
located at Xo. 28 East Fourth street and he here
does the finest class of society and commercial
work and a liberal patronage is extended him by
the churches. He is thoroughly conversant with
the progress and improvement made by repre-
sentatives of the "art preservative" and the work
turned out by his establishment is of superior
quality, its e.xcellence being his best advertise-
ment.
Mr. Evans and his family reside at Xo. 1826
Rondo street, Merriam Park, and are communi-
cants of St. Mary's Episcopal church. He be-
longs to the Alodern \\'oodmen and to the Com-
mercial Club and has served on various commit-
tees of the latter organization. He is well known
in business circles as a man of reliability, fully
worthy of the trust reposed in him. while the
opportunities of which he has availed himself
have led to a substantial success.
WILLIAM H. WOOD.
William H. \\'ood, connected with the city
engineer's office, is a native of Sandwich, Canada,
born December 24, 1844. His grandfather was
Captain John \Miistlcr of Fort Dearborn fame.
His father, William R. Wood, was a native of
Canada and came to St. Paul in 1857. He had
been chief clerk in the surveyor general's office in
Detroit, Michigan, and for eight years was land
commissioner for the St. Paul & Sioux City Rail-
road. He died in 1871, at the age of sixty-one
years. His wife was a descendant of the Marsh
family of X"ew England and bore the maiden
name of Harriet JMarsh, her father being Captain
Marsh, one of the first graduates of the West
Point Alilitary Academy.
William H. Wood was educated in the pri-
vate schools and under private tutors in St. Paul.
He entered upon his business career by working
during the holiday seasons for railway companies,
assisting in preliminary railroad service in the
early "fios. When only a boy he was a member
of the survey party that made the survey of the
first railroad from St. Paul to St. Anthon\-. He
acted as division engineer for the St. Paul &
Siou.x City Railroad during the construction of its
line, from 1864 until 1869. He was afterward
with the government astronomical surveyor on
government explorations from 1876 and in this
capacity traveled quite extensively in Montana,
Dakota and the Black Hills in 1874. In 1878 he
was assistant engineer for the important construc-
tion work on the upper Missouri river and acted
in that capacity until 1884. From 1885 until
1887 he was engaged in office work for the Chi-
cago, Burlington & Xorthern Railroad Company
and in the latter year went to Mexico as princijjal
assistant on surveying the Tampico branch
of the Mexican Central Railroad. In 1889
he entered the services of the Mexican.
Southern Railroad Company as office en-
gineer and was thus engaged until the
completion of the line in 1892. In 1893-4 he was
superintendent of construction for the Xorth-
western Coal Railway Company, at Superior and
in 1895-6 was in the office of the St. Anthony Mo-
tor Power Company, making plans for a new
water power. In 1896 he again entered the gov-
ernment employ as assistant engineer on the upper
Missouri river, lacing thus employed until 1900.
Tn this connection he built the wagon roads
across the Shoshone mountains from Wind river
to Jackson's hole, the sunuuit being eleven thou-
290
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
sand feet. From 1901 until 1903, inclusive, he
was chief draftsman for the Chicago Great West-
ern Railway and from 1904 to the present time
has been in the city engineer's office in St. Paul.
Mr. Wood was married in 1874 to Miss Fran-
ces Guiteau, a daughter of K. N. Guiteau, for
twenty-five years marshal of the supreme court
of Alinnesota. In their family are four children :
I\Irs. E. G. Lee ; Mary ; Katherine ; and William
R., who is superintendent of the St. Paul shops
of the Great Western Railroad. The brief out-
line of Mr. Wood's service as given above shad-
ows forth its importance and is likewise indicative
of his superior ability as a civil engineer. Un-
derstanding thoroughly the great scientific prin-
ciples as well as the mechanical construction, he
has in his chosen field of labor performed an im-
portant service for mankind, ior it has been truth-
fully said that there is nothing that has contril)-
uted so greatly to the world's prosperity as rai>id
transportation and rapid communication as repre-
sented by the railroad, the telegraph and the tele-
phone. His business has called him into various
sections of this country and Mexico and he is
now occupying a responsible position in St. Paul.
EDW.VRD G. ROGERS.
Edward G. Rogers, clerk of the district court
of Ramsey county — the most important public
office in the county — is a big man in the repub-
lican party in the state, an orator whose force
and resources in langua.ge have made him a great
factor in every political campaign since he en-
tered public life, and who is recognized as being-
certain of higher preferment at the hands of his
party, was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, but has
been so long identified with St. Paul that he is
regarded as a native son and one whom the people
delight to honor.
He is a lawyer by inheritance as well as bv at-
tainments, his father, Jabez N. Rogers, having
jiracticcd at the St. Paul bar. Edward G. came
from the law department of the Universitv of
Michigan and, having been in successful practice.
was elected county attorney of Ramsey county in
1877. He went back to private practice at tlie
end of his term and built up a lar.L;e and lucra-
tive connection, retaining always his interest in
politics and doing much to strengthen his party
in the city and state. In 1887 he accepted a nom-
ination to the legislature and was elected to the
house, where his strength and force were recog-
nized. His party services were so far appreciated
that he was elected to the office of clerk of the
court in 1894 and has been re-elected twice since
then for four-year terms — a tribute to his popu-
larity and political power best indicated by the
fact that the office is most sought of any in the
county. More than once he has been solicited to
stand for election to the wider field of congres-
sional endeavor but has persistently refused to
allow his friends to use his name until this vear,
when there is a distinct probability that he will
l)e given an opportunity to exercise his eloquence
in the house of representatives.
A man of culture and wide reading, he is es-
pecially gifted for success in the domain of na-
tional politics and he is well-known thmugh the
nation from the prominence he easily attained as
delegate to the national republican convention.
And he is equipped socially — in his own jierson
and by reason of the fact that he is fortunate in
having an accomplished wife and daughter, both
of whom are well known in the best social cir-
cles at the national capital as well as in St. Paul
— to be a factor in that circle in Washington to
which only the socially elect have entrance. Mrs.
Rogers was Mary E. McCord and they were mar-
ried November 12, 1878, at New Albany. Indiana.
They have one daughter, Julia McGord Rogers,
and live in a charming house on Summit avenue.
Mr. Rogers is essentially a companionable man
and popular in his clubs at St. Paul — the ]\Iinne-
sota and Commercial. He is also a member of the
Elks, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Wood-
men and Junior Pioneers. In addition to his
other good qualities Mr. Rogers is a thorou.gh
and systematic business man and has evolved a
system for the conduct of the large establishment
which adnu'nisters the clerical business of the dis-
trict court of Ramsey county which is concedcdly
admirable and efficient. He is a big man, physic-
Sf'^--
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
293
ally and mentally, and embodies those attributes
which, in this day and age, constitute a leader of
men.
WALTER T. LE.MOX.
Walter T. Lemon, a leading representative of
St. Paul who in the practice of law has attained
more than local distinction, was born in Washing-
ton county, Minnesota, February 17, 1877. His
father, Walter J. Lemon, was born at sea when
his parents were on their way to the United
States from the north of Ireland. Having ar-
rived at years of maturity he wedded Isabelle Car-
ver, who was born in ^Minnesota and was of
Scotch parentage, ihe maternal grandfather of our
subject having been one of the prominent and
honored pioneers of this section of the country,
settling above what is now known as Burlington
Heights at an early day. Carver's Lake was
named in his honor and indicates his pioneer
connection with the district.
Walter T. Lemon began his education in the
country schools and completed a course in the
public schools of St. Paul. Determining upon
the practice of law as a life work he entered the
law department of the University of Minnesota
and was graduated therefrom with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws in 1899. His collegiate course
being completed, he became connected with the
law department of the Great Northern Railroad
and in 1902 he entered upon the regular practice
of law in St. Paul. His clientage is now large
and of a distinctively representative character.
Earnest effort, close application and the exercise
of his native talents have won him prominence at
the bar.
^fr. Lemon is also recognized as a political
worker of value and was elected to the legisla-
ture, serving in the sessions of 1903 and 1905. He
was chairman of the Ramsey county delegation
in the session of 1905 and also chairman of the
committee on corporation. He has made a close
study of many of the important questions affect-
ing the state legislature and the general welfare
of the public and is an earnest, convincing speaker
who has wielded considerable influence in the leg-
islative halls and from the public platform in be-
half of the party and the principles for which
it stands.
In June, lyor, Walter T. Lemon was married
to j\Iiss Maude Proudlock, a daughter of Oliver
Proudlock, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Alasonic order
and with several other fraternal and social organ-
izations and he is likewise a member of the At-
lanta Congregational church.
DARIUS F. REESE.
Darius F. Reese, a member of the St. Paul bar.
was born in Fulton county, Illinois, September
3, 1856, and after attending the common schools
pursued his studies in Hedding College for three
years. In June, 1880, following his preliminary
study, he was admitted to the bar at Springiield,
Illinois, and entered upon the practice of law.
He removed to St. Paul. Minnesota, in the spring
of 1883, where he continued in active practice of
law until 1894, when he was elected clerk of the
supreme court of Minnesota by the large major-
ity of eighty-two thousand, five hundred and one.
He served capably in that capacity until the ex-
piration of the term and then resumed his law
practice, which he is now carrying on in partner-
ship with F. ^^'. Zollman in the National Ger-
man-American P.ank Building. ]\Ir. Reese is a
man free from ostentation or display but public
opinion is not divided concerning his ability, which
is attested by the large clientage accorded the
firm. It has been said of him "he is always true
to his friends"' and such a fact implies other quali-
ties equally commendable.
C. T. GUTGESELL.
St. Paul is continuall}- attracting by its busi-
ness opportunities and metropolitan enterprises
men of force of character, executive ability and
laudable ambition. One of the more recent addi-
294
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tions to commercial circles in this city is C J.
Gutgesell, who in 1905 established his ])resLMU
business for the sale of cloaks, suits, waists and
furs. He has today one of the finest equipped
stores in this line in the northwest with a volume
of business that little indicates the brief period
of his stay in St. Paul, having wnn almost im-
mediate success on entering upon his connection
with mercantile interests here. He was born in
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, December 10,1857. His fa-
ther, I'Vank (iutgesell, was a native of German}-
and became a manufacturer of \\'isconsin. He
married Ellen ^\'ashington, of Albany, New
York, and his death occurred in 1893. while his
wife passed away January 10, igo6.
Reared in his native cit\ C. J. (iutgesell was
graduated both from the public schools and a
commercial college of Lacrosse. He afterward
went to Chicago, where he was for a number of
years in the employ of Sweet, Dempster & Com-
pany. Leaving there in 1883, he went to Minne-
apolis, where for seventeen years he was con-
nected with the Plymouth Clothing Company of
that city wherein he won advancement tmtil for a
long period he was secretary of the company.
Disposing of his interests there he came to St.
Paul in April, 1905. and opened his present store
at Xos, 114-116 East Sixth street, the establish-
ment Ijeing known as the "Outer Garment Shop
for Women." He has a beautiful store filled
with the finest and most elaborate apparel for
women in suits, shirt waists, coats and furs, han-
dling only mediuin and fine goods. In style, ma-
terial, workmanship and coloring the garments of
this house cannot be surpassed and the trade of
the house has already reached extensive propor-
tions.
Mr. Gutgesell was married in 1885 tn Miss
Amy Stimson. of Chicago, Illinois, anrl to them
have been born two children, Edith and Ilazel,
who are attending school. Mr. ( Iutgesell is a
prominent Mason, having taken the degrees of
the lodge, chapter, council and commandery. He
is also a member of Zurali Temijle of the .Mystic
Shrine at .Minneapolis. His political allegiance is
given to tlie reinib]ie;m party save at local elec-
tions, where he casts an indej)endent ballot, dis-
])laying that liroad outlodk that regards general
progress and improvement as above partisanshii>
and the accomplishment of practical results as
more to be desired than personal aggrandizement.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership
in .St. John's Episcopal church. .Mr. Gutgesell
is a pleasant, genial gentleman, w ho though a resi-
dent of .St. Paul for only a brief period has al-
ready built u]) a splendid business here and has
made many warm friends in social as well as
commercial circles.
WILLIAM J. HURD, D. D. S.
This is an age of progress and .\merica is the
exponent of the spirit of the age. In the begin-
ning" of the nineteenth century the country was
in its infancy and history shows no parallel for its
growth and achievements. Xo other country has
made as great advancement in lines of science and
mechanical invention. In this steady growth and
development which have characterized the age,
the science of dentistry has kept pace with the
general progress and in the profession in St. Paul
Dr. Hurd has been among the foremost. He has
not l)een content to utilize alone the old methods
but has been a leader in the work of advance-
ment, and in broader fields of usefulness and prac-
tice he has led a large following.
A native of Indiana. Dr. Hurd was bon, in
N'incennes on the 7th of March, 1856. His father.
Dr. Charles S. Hurd, was born in Geneva, Ohio,
and was both a physician and dentist. He was
the discoverer of vitalized air used in dentistry
and was a very successful practitioner with an
intirnatinnal re]nit-itii 01. lly reason of his dis-
covery and the foremost position which he occu-
pied in professional ranks he was made an honor-
ar\ nu-mlxT df almost every medical and dental
association in the L'nited States. I lis religious
faith was that of the Catholic church and frater-
nally be was cunnecled with tlu' ^lasons and
Knights of P_\thias. He served as a soldier of
the Civil war, enlisting in an Itidiana regiment
and continuing with the I'nidU ;irmy until its
final victories were achiexed. His political
allegiance was gi\en to the democracy. He mar-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
295
riecJ Elizabeth Johnston, a native of N'incennes,
Indiana. His death occurred in 1900, at the age
of seventy vears, and thus passed away one who
hail come to be known to tlie world at large as
one of the eminent dentists of his day. He was,
viewed from every side, one of the great men
whose memory the medical and dental ])rofession
will always treasure with gratitude and respect.
His widow, now surviving him, lives in St. I'aul
at the age of sevent}' years and is a member uf the
Episcopal church. In their family were three
children: ^^■i!liam J., of this review ; l-ldwin, who
was a dentist of St. Paul and died in iyo2, at the
age of thirtv-four years; and lirett, who died at
the age of three years.
Following his acquirement of the elementary
branches of knowledge Dr. Hurd of this review
attended the Western Reserve College, at Cleve-
land, ( )hio, from which he was graduated in the
class of 1876 on the completion of the dental
course, .\fter receiving his diploma he opened
an office for jjractice in Youngstown, C)hio, where
he remained for two years and then came to St.
I'aul. He opened dental offices in the twin cities
and has been highly successful in his work, rank-
ing foremost in his profession in the northwest.
He occupies a suite of eleven rooms in the second
story of the Rowe Building in St. Paul, on East
Seventh street, and makes a specialty of crown
and bridge work. He is the inventor of a system
of crown work known as the Hurd seamless
crown and bridge work. He is acknowledged as
an expert operator, original in his ideas and suc-
cessful in his methods. The old lines of usages
and prejudice he has broken down and has insti-
tuted in their stead new and improved methods,
the utility of which is widely acknowledged. He
devotes a large share of his time to perfecting pro-
cesses b\ which the teeth and the natural condi-
tions of the mouth may be preserved and has al-
ways supported the truth which is now widely ac-
cej^ted that the health of an individual depends
largely upon the condition of the teeth. This truth
he contiimally tries to impress upon the public,
urging the care and preservation of this part of
the anatomy even though it should lessen his yiat-
rnnage. Yet there is no fear that Dr. Hurd will
not always be a busy man as long as he cares
to continue his work. His reputation is a firmly
established one for he never finds idle moments —
when his service is not required professionally.
It is only when he compels himself to take rest and
recreation that his office is not filled with pa-
tients. His ability is recognized by both the
dental and medical profession and he has contrib-
uted many valuable articles to professional litera-
ture.
Dr. Hurd is married and has three children,
Marguerite, Lucy, and Charles, the son being a
steam fitter of St. Paul. Dr. Hurd belongs to
the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Wood-
men of America and is moreover identified with
the Commercial Club. His political allegiance
is given to the democracy. His pleasant, genial
manner w'ins him friends wherever he goes,
haughtiness and ostentation finding no part in his
composition. He is a typical representative of
the age in which he lives and in the city in which
he makes his home and truly his life may be
termed a sticcess for the principles he has advo-
cated and the methods he has instituted he has
seen adopted and honored — a success which is
al)Ove that of the millionaire.
LEWLS P.. XFWMAX.
Lewis B. Newman is a member of the firm of
Newman & Hoy. general contractors of St. Paul
with offices in the Chamber of Commerce build-
ing. He was born in Preston, Minnesota, in i860
and possesses much of the spirit of enterprise and
determination which have been leading factors in
the rapid and substantial upbuilding of this sec-
tion of the country. His father, Michael New-
man, was a contractor and builder of Preston,
Minnesota. He was l;)orn in Ireland, came to
America in 1855 and identified his interests with
those of the growing northwest. His excellent
workmanship secured him liberal patronage and
he contributed in substantial measure to the ma-
terial improvement and progress of the city in
which he made his home.
Lewis B. Newman was educated in the public
schools of Preston, passing through successive
296
I'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
grades and when his schoul hfc was ended he
learned the carpenter's trade under the direction
of his father and afterward embarked in business
on his own account as a contractor. In 1899 he
entered the present partnership of Xewman &
Hoy and they are now well known as general
contractors of St. Paul, employing on an average
of one hundred and fifty men. This large force
is indicative of the volume of business conducted
by the firm, who are leaders in their line in this
city.
.Mr. Xewman is a member of the Commercial
Club and, as his identification with that organiza-
tion indicates, he is interested in all that pertains
to the development and progress of the city.
BENEDICT A. COX.
Benedict A. Co.x was one of the best known
contractors of the Twin Cities and many of the
largest and finest business blocks which adurn
Minneapolis and St. Paul stand as nionimients to
his enterprise and labor. In the death of this
honorable and upright man the community in
which he lived sustained an irreparable loss and
was deprived of the presence of one whom it had
come to look upon as a guardian, beuefactnr and
friend. His connection with the city's develop-
ment and growth and with the work of improve-
ment was of the utmost benefit to St. Paul, his
efforts being an important element in architec-
tural beauty here. He took up his residence here
in 1884 after having lived for a brief period iti
.Minneai)olis. A native of New York city, he
was born March 21, 1847, his parents being Mich-
ael and Ellen ((Shannahan) Cox, both of whom
were also natives of the east. The father was a
contractor and builder and removed westward at
an early day, settling in Chicago, where he fol-
lowed his chosen vocation until his death, his
wife also passing away there.
Benedict A. Co.x attended the public sclii"il>
of New York city and ac(|uired a fair education.
.After his jjarents removed to Chicago he began to
learn the builder's trade with a Mr. .Agnew , with
whom he worked for a few years. During his
residence in Chicago Mr. Co.x built nearly the en-
tire city of Pullman, having erected over seven
hundred residences and a great numlier of busi-
ness blocks. This work was completed in 1882.
In 1883 .Mr. Cox went with .Mr. .\gnew to .Min-
neapolis and they took the contract for the erec-
tion of the West Hotel, the finest in that city.
They also built the New A'ork Life Insurance
building there and a part of the postoffice build-
ing. .After a year spent in Minneapolis they came
to St. Paul in 1884, where they entered into part-
nership with the Hennessey Brothers as contrac-
tors, under the firm name of Hennessey Brothers,
-Agnew & Cox. Mr. Cox was thus connected with
building operations of this city throughout his
remaining days and with the firm w-as engaged in
the building of the Ryan Hotel, the finest and
largest in St. Paul ; the Globe and New A'ork Life
Iluildings and the Endicott Arcade, all large ofifice
buildings, and a new postofifice, which is the
finest in the state, and the Chamber of Commerce,
Schuneman & Evans building and the elevators
between the Twin Cities. They also erected
many other public buildings of a superior char-
acter, and Mr. Co.x was likewise engaged in con-
tracting for the paving of streets and other work.
During this time the firm also took contracts for
many of the fine buildings in Duluth, Minnesota,
including the ^ilerchants" Building, the Chamber
of Commerce, the Spaulding Hotel and others.
The extent and importance of their operations in
business circles gave the firm a foremost posi-
tion as representatives of this industrial art.
^^^^ile residing in Chicago, Mr. Cox was mar-
ried to Miss Delia G. O'Xeil. a iiatixe nf that city
and a daughter of Michael and Maria (Derkin)
O'X'^eil. Mr. O'Neil was also a contractor by
trade and behmged to one of the pioneer families
of Chicago, arriving there in 1837. He was aft-
erward identified with his trade in that city until
his death and built many of the fine business
.blocks there. His wife also passed away in t'hi-
cago. Cnto Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born nine
chilcjren. Josejih T. and h'rancis J. are residing
in .Mullen, Idaho, where tliey are interested in
gdld mines, as is their mother, llenedict A., con-
nected willi the XdVlliweslern Teleplmue Cum-
' '^'m^f^^mmmmmmmmmm
T^L€^'t2>t^'
PAST AND PRFISENT OF ST. PAUL.
299
pany of St. Paul, resides with his mother. Edward
J. and Willie, both engaged in clerking are at
home. Walter and Paul are both with their
mother, and ^lary J. is now in the convent in
St. Paul. Walter J., the third in order of birth,
died in infancy.
It was undoubtedy Mr. Cox's untiring devotion
to his business that undermined his health. In
the early part of April, 1901, while at work on
the new postoffice building, he became ill and for
three weeks remained at home, but returned to
business before he was entirely well, and this
causd a relapse, so that he passed awa}' on the 3d
of Alay, 1901. He had the reputation among
the business men of St. Paul of being one of the
best contractors of the city and he had a large
circle of friends among all classes of business
representatives. He was a prominent member of
the Builders' Exchange and he belonged to the
Elks lodge and to the Knights of Columbus,
while his political allegiance was given to the
democracy. He gave with liberality to all works
of public improvement, but he never gave osten-
tatiously. He was a generous man in the liest
sense of the term, but never a lavish spendthrift.
He was pre-eminently a public-spirited citizen,
and in business his integrity was above question
and his honor irreproachable, and these qualities
were combined with a clear, sound judgment.
His friendship w-as prized most by those who
knew him best. He was a communicant of St.
Mary's Catholic church, to which his wife and
family also belong. Mrs. Cox owns a beautiful
home at No. 796 Portland avenue, where she and
her children reside, and her niece. Miss Emma
Clark, also lives with her.
• The following resolutions upon the death of
Mr. Cox were passed by the Builders' Exchange,
of which he was a member :
"Whereas, It has pleased Divine Providence
to take from our midst our honored friend and
member, Mr. Benedict .A. Cox ; therefore, be it
"Rcsolc'cd. That the Builders' Exchange of
St. Paul, J\Iinnesota, has, in the death of Mr.
Cox, lost one of its most earnest workers, a
loyal friend and citizen, whose sterling character
endeared him to all and whose untiring energy
and skill has done much to advance the welfare
of this city, where stand edifices which will always
serve as monuments to his ability and genius.
"Resoked further, That the members of this
exchange hereby extend their sincere sympathy
to his bereaved family in their great affliction.
"Resolved further, That these resolutions be
spread upon the records of this exchange and that
an engrossed copy of the same be sent to the
family of our deceased associate.
"J. W. L. Corning,
"T. A. Abbott,
"George J. Gr.\nt,
"Committee."
ANDREW T. RIES.
Andrew J. Ries, ex-president of the Retail
Grocers' Association of St. Paul and conducting
a profitable trade as proprietor of a grocery house,
was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 24, 1865, a
son of Conrad and Clara (Herold) Ries. The
father died in the year 1895. The son was a stu-
dent in the schools of Germany to the age of fif-
teen years and in 1880 he came to the United
States, residing through the succeeding five years
in Pennsylvania. There he followed the build-
er's trade, which had been the pursuit of his an-
cestors through several generations. In the spring
of 1886 he came to St. Paul, where he continued
his building operations for a number of years,
l^eing associated with his brother George, who is
a prominent contractor and builder of this city.
In 1894, however, Mr. Ries turned his attention
to merchandising and established a retail grocery
store, in which by good management and mod-
ern methods he has developed a large and profit-
able trade. So rapid was the growth of his busi-
ness that he was compelled to erect a more com-
modious building at the corner of Edmund and
.^t. Albans streets, wdiere he is now located. His
success is certainly gratifying, as it has been
based upon the rules which govern strict and un-
swerving integrity and indefatigable industry.
In 1886 Mr. Ries was married to Miss .Mary
Raskob. of ^linneapolis, a daughter of John Ras-
kob. an old and respected settler of that city.
300
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
TIk'v have four cliililreii: lulwanl, Andrew, Clara
and Isabella. In 1903 ^Ir. Ries was elected presi-
<lent of the Retail Grocers' Association of St.
I'aul. holding the office for two and a half years,
and he is connected with other commercial and
social organizations of the city. He belongs to
the hraternal Order of Fore.<;ters and is a com-
municant (if the Catholic church.
OSCAR E. HOLAIAX.
Oscar E. Holman, a member of the St. Paul
bar since 1884, was born in Allentown, Pennsyl-
vania. April 12, 1853. a son of Charles L. and
Maria Holman, the former a merchant. Lloth
were natives of Pennsylvania and the paternal
grandfather was born in Germany, while the
other grandparents were of American birth.
In the public schools of Allentown, Pennsyl-
vania, Oscar E. Holman acquiretl his preliminary
education, which was supplemented by study in
Muhlenberg College at Allentown. from which
he was graduated with the first honors in the
class of 1874. having completed the full course
of four years. While there he was a member of
the Chi Phi. a (ireek letter fraternity. Having
]>repared for the bar, he was admitted to practice
in Lehigh county at Allentown. Pennsylvania,
in April, 1876, practicing there and before the
supreme court of the state until Alarch, 1884,
when he removed to St. Paul, where he has since
been actively connected with the profession. He
has regarded the pursuits of private life as being
in themselves abundantly worthy of his best ef-
forts. Well versed in the learning of his profes-
sion and with a deep knowledge of human nature
and of the springs of human conduct, with sa-
,gacity and tact, he is recognized in the courts as
;ui advocate of power and ai)ility whom judges
and juries have heard with attention and dee]) in-
terest. He soon gained recognition at the bar of
."^t. Paul and for years has enjoyed a distinctively
representative clientage. He has not been with-
out that honorable ambition which is .so powerful
and useful as an incentive to activity in public af-
fairs and yet he has preferred to concentrate his
energies upon his professional duties. However,
he served for four years as a member of the
common council at Allentown, Pennsylvania, and
for two years, from 1889 until i8<;i. as corpora-
tion attorney at St. Paul, while since 1902 he has
been president of the board of school inspectors.
He is a democrat but not bitterly a,ggressive, his
allegiance being rather that of patriotism than of
partisanship.
Mr. Holman was married on the 12th of Sep-
tember. 1878, to Miss Annie i'lalliet. a member of
a family worthily represented in the Revolution-
ary war, one of her direct ancestors having been
a colonel in the American army in the war for in-
dependence. Mr. and Mrs. Holman are jiarents
of five children, of whom one daughter is the
wife of C. M. Hend. of St. Paul, and another the
wife of A. C. Edwards, of Minneapolis. The
jiarents are communicants of the Episcopal church
and Mr. Holman is a past grand in the (Jdd Fel-
lows lodge. He has always taken an active in-
terest in i^ublic life and has been a student of the
interests bearing upon local and national prog-
ress and welfare, but otherw^ise has confined him-
self closely to the practice of his profession, wdiile
finding his chief source of pleasure and recrea-
tion in home life.
FRANK B. DORAX.
Frank B. Doran, well known in commercial
circles in St. Paul as a dealer in coal and fuel, has
also been an influential factor in public life and
as mayor of the city from 1896 until 1898 gave a
])ublic-spirited and business-like administration
that wrought notable reforms and improvements.
He was l)orn in Illinois, May I. 1839, His father,
.Solomon Doran. a native of \'crmont, removed to
Chicago in 1835. lie was a millwright liy trade
and built the first flouring mill in the city by the
lake. Following the financial panic of 1837.
which involved many business enterprises in dis-
aster, he went to Kendall county. Illinois, and
afterward to McHenry county, where he engaged
in farming. His wife bore the maiden name of
.Mercv Wilson and was also a native of Ver-
mont.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
301
Frank B. Doran pursued his early education
in the pubhc schools at the Clark Seminary in
Aurora, Illinois. He afterward entered a rail-
road office and subsequently engaged in teach-
ing school but at the time of the outbreak of the
Civil war he put aside all business and personal
considerations, enlisting in 1861 in the Fifty-sec-
ond Illinois Infantry. With that command he
went to the front and participated in a number
of engagements, including the two days' battle of
Shiloh. Soon afterward, however, he was dis-
charged on account of illness in 1862. When it
looked as though the source of his troubles result-
ing from the war were over, they had in reality
only commenced. After his discharge he received
news that his brother, who was serving with the
army in the south, was dangerously ill and Mr.
Doran made an attempt to get to him but was
captured at Oxford, ^Mississippi, December 26,
1862, and was held as a civilian prisoner until
^larch 4, 1865. He made several unsticcessful
attempts to escape and in consequence of these at-
tempts was removed from one prison to another,
being confined at different times at Libby, Salis-
bury and other southern prisons. On his release
near the close of the war he went to Illinois,
where he engaged in farming and stock-raising
until 1881. In that year he came to St. Paul to
seek a broader field of labor in commercial cir-
cles and has since been successfully and exten-
sively engaged in dealing in coal and fuel.
Mr. Doran was married in 1865 to Miss Electa
Gilbert, of the state of New York, and they have
four children : George, who is now connected
with the St. Paul Dispatch; Will J.; Charles;
and Susan. Mr. Doran is a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity and has various commendable
qualities which render him popular in social, po-
litical and business circles. He has been presi-
dent of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Paul
and a member of the city council and served from
1896 until i8g8 as mayor of the city, elected on
the republican ticket. Coming to St. Paul com-
paratively unknown he has here established and
conducted a business of considerable magnitude
and importance, winning him a fair measure of
success. He has also won public attention by
his interest in and support of measures for the
18
general good and matters of civic pride and vir-
tue and has been called to leadership in munici-
pal affairs in the ranks of his party. The trusts
reposed in him have been well merited and he
has discharged his public duties with the same
fidelity, accuracy and promptness that have char-
acterized him in the performance of his business
cares and responsibilities.
JOHN LEWIS POST.
John Lewis Post, a photographer of St. Paul,
standing as the leader of his art in this city, was
born in Madison, \\^isconsin, on the ist of April,
1872. His father, William Post, a native of Ger-
many, came to America in his boyhood days and
settled in Wisconsin. He is now a carpenter and
builder, making his home in ^kladison. He wed-
ded Miss Ann Ware, a native of England and
she also survives. In their family were seven
children, of whom six are yet living.
John Lewis Post acquired his education in the
public schools of his native city and his choice
of a profession fell upon photography. He mas-
tered the principles and technique of the art as a
student in a gallery in Madison and nine years
ago he came to St. Paul, where he established
a studio. He was a devoted follower of his call-
ing and his understanding of the art combined
with the use of modern processes produced splen-
did work, so that his patronage comes from the
wealthiest citizens of St. Paul. His studio is lo-
cated at No. 12 East Sixth street on the ground
opposite the large department store of Schuneman
& Evans and was established in 1886. Endowed
by nature with artistic taste and appreciation,
with a thorough understanding of the value of
lines and shades as well as pose, he has executed
work that has made him a rival of the best repre-
sentatives of the profession in Minnesota.
In 1896 Mr. Post was married to Miss Luella
Ely, a native of Mauston, Wisconsin, and follow-
ing her death he wedded Miss Lily Strong.
There were two children of the first marriage,
Dorothy Luella and Mary Gladys, both of whom
are in school, while Ronald Strong is a little son
302
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Ijorn i)f the socund niarriaj^e. Air. and .Mrs. I'ust
are attendants on the services of the Cmigrega-
tional church and they occupy an enviable posi-
tion in the social circles in which they move.
Possessed of laudable ambition that has for its
ideal the greatest profession attainable Air. Post
has made steady progress in the profession which
lie has chosen as a life work and is today enjoy-
ing the success which is ever an attendant upon
capability.
JOHN FEXWTCK.
John Fenwick was born in 1869, the place of
his nativity being Seeham Harbor in the county
of Durham. England, an old and romantic site
on the seashore and the seat of the Marquis of
Londonderry. The place is chiefly noted for its
coal mines and fishing fleets and in that town
Mr. Fenwick spent his early boyhood, after which
his parents, James and Anna Fenwick removed
to Southwick. Sunderland. His father, also a
native of England, was for a number of years
with the British navy, but later retired and be-
came connected with the great Sunderland Bottle
Works, in which the grandfather of John Fen-
wick, Edward Fenwick, was interested. He was
a well known gentleman in business circles. James
Fenwick is still living, but has retired from
business. His wife, likewise a native of that coun-
try, passed away in 1886, at the age of forty-eight
years. Both were members of the Episcopal
church, and in their family were four children:
Edward, now deceased ; Mrs. Barbara Heppal-
stahl, of England ; Polly, who is married and
lives in England ; and John, of this review.
In the normal schools of his native place John
Fenwick began his education, which was contin-
ued at Greenwich, England. He also attended
the Conservatory of Music at St. Cuthbertson,
England, fnmi which he was graduated
in 1876. He afterward went to Genoa, Italy,
where he attended an English school, studying
with a French and Italian master, and on his re-
turn to his native country he was a student
under his grandfather's cousin, Professor Joseph
I'emvick, of Benshaw, Gateshead, a schoolmaster,
well known throughout the north of England.
Some of England's noted clergymen were grad-
uated under him. His voice attracted the atten-
tion of prominent gentlemen and he became the
leading soprano soloist in prominent churches,
such as St. Cuthbert's, Durham Cathedral and
York Cathedral. He became a student of Dr.
Hipkiss, a noted teacher of harmony and theory.
.\s an apt student he went to Liverpool and there
received his chief instruction from Dr. W. Best,
organist of St. James Hall, who taught him piano
and theory, completing his studies in those
branches of the art under Dr. Best. Subsequently
Professor Fenwick went with a lady to Genoa
and was placed under the instruction of an Ital-
ian governess, a pupil of Lamperti, who had pre-
viously been this lady's teacher and with her
studied breathing and placing of voice tones. This
lady devoted much time to looking after John's
interests after the death of his mother. Follow-
ing his return to England his father desired
him to enter certain fields of work, which were
distasteful to him and his inclinations were
absolutely averse to this so he left home and
without a soul knowing went upon the North Sea
for a ten weeks' "boxing." Returning home
after this strenuous experience he secured his
belongings and sailed with Captain Hicks on a
steamer bound for Canada, landing at Nova
Scotia in 1888. After roughing it for a time he
made an attempt to reach the ranch of a friend
and though deterred by many difficulties suc-
ceeded eventually in doing this. He worked on
the ranch for a time and then went to A\'innipeg.
^lanitoba, where he joined in the latter part of
the Riel rebellion with the insurgent forces.
When the war was over he spent a year among
the Sioux Indians near Fort Francis which was
under venerable Archdeacon Phair, superinten-
dent of Indian missions, but becoming anxious
to return to his musical studies he went again to
\\'inni])eg and after various hard struggles suc-
ceeded in gaining a position in .Ml Saints' church
as director of voice culture among the young
men. His work drew him the attention of some
of the prominent people of the city and he finally
Jf^-~ r^<
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
305
took charge of the students of St. John's College
in private teaching. His superior knowledge of
the art of music soon became manifest and pros-
pering in his chosen profession he was afterward
enabled to enjoy a period of rest in the moun-
tains. On returning to \\'innipeg he made a
warm personal friend of Mr. Blaikie, who was
director of Christ Episcopal church in St. Paul,
Minnesota, and whom he had known well in
Europe. Dr. Blaikie encouraged him to come
to Minnesota and he determined to take the step.
At the time of his arrival in St. Paul Professor
Fenwick had spent nearly all of his money and
found it very difficult to start in his profession.
He called upon a number of the teachers of the
city but was coldly received and he realized that
he had reached a country where every man had
to look out for himself. His determination and
energy at length enabled him to secure a posi-
tion. He became a member of St. Paul's Epis-
copal church. The Rev. Dr. Wright had only
been rector for a short time, having recently
come to the city and after becoming a member of
the church and teaching a Sunday school class
of boys, there was a strong friendship sprung up
between Professor Fenwick and Mr. Farrer, then
the assistant of Dr. Wright. Through the kind-
ness and influence of others it was not long be-
fore Professor Fenwick gained a position of
prestige in musical circles in the city. However,
he required capital and as this was a difficult
thing to secure he started to North Dakota, mak-
ing his way to the harvest fields, where he cut
bands on a harvesting machine at three dollars
per day, being in the employ of Air. Thomas, one
of the wealthy men of that state. There often
amid companions who lacked many evidences of
culture and refinement, and sleeping in barns, he
finally earned two hundred and fifty dollars with
which sum he returned to St. Paul. Reducing
his living expenses to the lowest possible mini-
mum and purchasing a second-hand piano for
one hundred dollars he began teaching music,
opening a small studio in the Schutte Block. Agam
difficulties assailed him and he was obliged to sell
his piano. Becoming discouraged in the attempt
to make a living through his art he started out
to seek employment. Possessing a native self-
reliant spirit that would not allow him to be de-
pendent upon others in the slightest degree and
with a willingness to perform any service that
would yield him an honorable living he accepted
a position in the rope factory at two dollars and
a half per night. It was this same independence
that won him prestige in his music and he knew
that if he ever attained success as a representa-
tive of a profession it would be through his own
perseverance and efforts. That his opinion was
a wise one is indicated in the history of his
career and though he now stands today as one of
the eminent members of the profession his posi-
tion was accomplished in the face of many diffi-
culties and obstacles. He worked in the rope
factory for two months and as soon as the Da-
kota harvest came on he returned to the fields,
again entering the employ of the man for whom
he had formerly worked. He also became organ-
ist in the little Methodist church at St. Tliomas,
North Dakota. The town was quite a wild vil-
lage at that time but he became popular. His
reception in St. Paul had not tended to make him
have a very favorable opinion of that city and
he remained for a time at St. Thomas but finally
returned to St. Paul, and took a room on the
Bethel boat. Again he endured hardships and
met obstacles but finally succeeded in his plans
to maintain a studio in St. Paul. He took a deep
interest in the newsboys in the city and supported
a room on Mississippi street at his own expense
for them. He was one of the first in St. Paul to
get up a Christmas dinner for the newsboys and
one of the first dinners of this character was
served on the Bethel boat to one hundred and
fifty of the little newspaper sellers of the city.
The difficulties which he had encountered and
the hard experiences which he had met led him
to feel kindly for others and even when his own
means were limited he put forth strenuous and
efifective eil'ort to assist the young lads who must
earn a precarious living in this wav.
Professor Fenwick finally formed the acquaint-
ance of Mr. Munger. a music dealer who was
one of St. Paul's pioneer settlers, and estab-
lishing his quarters at Mr. Munger's store on
Third street he did well for a time. Feeling the
need of a change, however, he removed to St.
Cloud, Minnesota, where he spent most of his
money and found it difficult to obtain a start.
3o6
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Finally after much trouble he reached the goal
he si>ui;ln and for two years successfully engaged
in teaching music in St. Cloud and was also
organist and musical director of the Baptist
church choir. The field of his activity was a
large one, embracing ^lonticello, Clearwater, Big
Lake and Little Falls. He often made his trips
on horseback in order to give music lessons and
subsequent to his return to St. Paul he again took
up teaching. The first public work which he ever
did was in a concert with Seibert's orchestra at
the jMetropolitan theater. He also became direc-
tor of the choir of the church of the Good Shep-
herd, but resigning that position opened a studio
in the Conover Building, where at first he had
quite a few pupils, Frank Benson being among
the number. Through him others came and his
fame spreading abroad he became a director of
several church choirs, which were successfully
conducted by him. The number of his pupils
also continued to increase and he became recog-
nized as a valued factor in musical circles in St.
Paul. He gained his pupils through personal
merit more than through the effort of friends and
all music lovers who heard his performances and
knew aught of his teaching recognized his super-
ior ability. Following his return to St. Paul his
life was a very strenuous one for three of four
years. He gave his first recital at the home of
Mr. Bazille, of the firm of Bazille & Partridge
and the entertainment was attended by a large
number of St. Paul's best families. From that
time forward his progress has been rapid and
satisfactory. His class soon increased from ten
to twenty-five members and he was instrumental
in instilling in many a taste for classical music
rather than for "rag time" and the so-called pop-
ular airs. His interpretation of the classic in
music and his explanation of the methods of the
composers did much to stimulate a love of real
harmony and the musical interests of St. Paul
have benefited by his efiforts. He kept faithfully
at his work, upholding the dignity of the profes-
sion, refusing to play for dances and other enter-
tainments of this character. His master had im-
pressed strongly upon his mind the desirability
of upholding the dignity of his work and he fol-
lowed this advice closelv. In time he was called
to St. Andrew's church at Minneapolis and or-
ganized its vested choir under the Rev. William
Wilkinson. This brought him renewed success
and fame, the press critic speaking highly of his
work. He was called to several prominent
churches and has taken deep interest and great
pains in building up the choirs. His efiforts in
this connection won him the attention of Bishop
(iilljert. of Minnesota, who induced him to luider-
take the task of building up several church
choirs. He was also director of St. Matthew's
Episcopal church choir at St. Anthony's Park,
which church has in its membership some of the
most prominent and wealthy people of St. Paul.
He was the organizer of St. Paul's Ama-
teur Choral Association and with fifty voices
rendered Handel's Messiah and Stainer's
Crucifixion with great success. He received the
favorable criticism from the press and thus grad-
ually he has worked his way upward to promi-
nence in musical circles, the nimiber of his pupils
increasing greatly until his class numbered forty-
three and today he is teacher of some of the best
business men of St. Paul. He has also organ-
ized several musical clubs that have done suc-
cessful work in the state. After leading a very
strenuous life for some time Professor Fenwick
went to the west for rest and recreation and upon
his return it was with nuich less difficulty that
be again established himself in his work. He is
now teaching with a studio in the Board of
Trade Building and is highly successful, being
today recognized as one of the most prominent
representatives of musical circles in St. Paul.
Professor Fenwick is a member of the Episco-
pal church and is connected with Modern Samar-
itans, the Sons of St. George and the Sons of
England. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party. In a review of his life we
note many salient characteristics and commend-
able qualities. Like many of the great masters
of music he faced difficulties and obstacles which
would have utterly disheartened and discouraged
many a man of less resolute spirit. He scorned
not hard manual labor in order to gain a start
hnl all the time had ]-)efore him high ideals
of his art and has grasped eagerly every oppor-
tunity for raising himself to that level. Trained
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL,
307
under some of the distinguished teachers of the
old world his native talents developed and quick-
ened by continued study, he stands today among
the foremost of his profession, commanding ad-
miration and respect by his ability, nor can his
influence in musical circles in St. Paul be over-
estimated. He has done much to stimulate a love
of the higher forms of music and occupies a fore-
most position as a representative of his art.
JA^IES D. ARMSTRONG.
The true measure of success is determined by
what one has accomplished and as taken in con-
tradistinction to the old adage that "a prophet
is never without honor- save in his own coun-
try'' there is particular interest attaching to the
career of the subject of this review since he is a
native son of the place where he has passed his
entire life and so directed his ability and efforts
as to gain recognition as one of the representa-
tive citizens of St. Paul. He is actively connected
with the profession which has important bearing
upon the progress and stable prosperity of any
section or community, and one which has long-
been considered as conserving the public welfare
by furthering the force of justice and maintain-
ing individual rights.
yir. Armstrong was born in St. Paul, April 8,
1866. His father, George W. Armstrong, came
from Ohio to this city in 1853 when the little
town gave but small promise of assuming its pres-
ent metropolitan proportions and position. He
held many public offices and was prominent in po-
litical life of St. Paul and Alinnesota. He was
the last territorial treasurer and was the first to
fill the office of state treasurer. He was also
comptroller of the city of St. Paul and his devo-
tion to the general good stood as an unquestioned
fact in his career, his course reflecting credit upon
the city and state that honored him. He died in
the year 1877. His wife, who was a native of
Canada, bore the maiden name of J^me Coleman.
James D. Armstrong supplemented his early
education, acquired in the public schools of St.
Paul, by a course in the University of IMinnesota
and was graduated from the law department of
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He
then commenced practice in his native city in
1889 and for eleven years was associated with the
legal department of the St. Paul & Duluth Rail-
road. His standing with the legal fraternity is
indicated by the fact that he was honored with
the presidency of the Ramsey County Bar Asso-
ciation for the year 1905. He is recognized as one
of the strong members of the bar, admired and
respected by all. He is devoted to his profession
and his allegiance to his clients' interests is pro-
verbial. He manifests untiring activity that ulti-
mately wins a high degree of success and he has
the analytical inductive traits of mind that enable
him to readily grasp the strong points of a cause
while his earnest presentation of his case never
fails to leave an impress upon his auditors and
many times wins the verdict desired. He takes
a genuine interest in public aft'airs without being
a seeker for office and gives his loyal support to
all plans and movements which are a matter of
civic pride.
Mr. Armstrong was married in 1894 to ^liss
i\Iary E. Brinckerhoff, a daughter of E. A.
Brinckerhoff, of Englewood, New Jersey. His
religious faith is that of the Episcopalian church.
Mr. Armstrong has probably not yet reached the
zenith of his powers, for he is still a young man,
and his abilities undoubtedly will be still further
developed and seasoned by experience. He is yet
a student of his profession, regarded as a safe
counselor and capable associate, and he does not
fear that laborious attention to detail which is as
necessary to success in law as in any department
of life's activities.
HOWARD L. COLLINS.
Howard L. Collins, president of the H. L. Col-
lins Company, manufacturers of colored labels
with a business which extends to all sections of
the I'nited States with the plant and headquarters
in St. Paul, was born in Lake City, Minnesota,
May 3. 1864. His father, George H. Collins,
3oS
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
was a native of the state of Xew York and in
the early ■50s removed to Minnesota hefore its
admission into the Union. He wedded Carohne
A. Eells, a native of llhnois.
Howard L. CoUins was edncated in the pnblic
schools of Lake City and afterward served an ap-
prenticeship to the printing bnsiness in the Lake
City Sentinel ofifice. Removing to St. Paul, he be-
came connected with the Brown, Tracy & Sperry
Company, which he represented until 1886, when
he assisted in the organization of the Baker-Col-
lins Company for the conduct of a general print-
ing business. The partnership was maintained for
five years or until 1891. when ]\[r. Baker retired
and the firm style of the H. L. Collins Company
was assumed with .Mr, Collins as the president.
Business was begun on a small scale and notwith-
standing the new enterprise had to pass through
the test of the financial panic of 1893 the business
has had an almost phenomenal growth, the trade
continually growing in volume and importance.
In 1900 the firm decided to retire from the gen-
eral printing business and engage only in the
manufacture of colored labels, since which time
the business has increased steadily and rapidly, so
that the products of the house are to be found
in ever}- section of the United States.
Mr. Collins was married in 1888 to Miss Leonia
Mitchell, of Zumbrota, Minnesota. He belongs to
the Masonic and other fraternal and social orders
and is also a member of the Park Congregational
church. His interest in connnunity afifairs has
led to active co-operation in many progressive
public movements and in commercial and indus-
trial circles he has won an enviable reputation as
the result of successful accomplishment which is
the (lutccjuie of straight fnrward dealing, executive
ffjrce and persistent encrgv.
PATRICK SF..\T( )X.
In the history of the past and ])rescnt of St.
Paul mention should lie made of Patrick Sexton,
whose busy life was terminated in death in 1900.
but he left behind him a commendable record in
many respects worthy of emulation. For several
years he was engaged in the cigar and tobacco
business in St. Paul and his life work proved what
could be accomplished by firm and determined
purpose. He was born in Ireland, Alay 10, i860,
a son of I'atrick and Johanna ( Dore) Sexton,
both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they
always lived. The father followed farming most
of his life. Two daughters of the family are now
residents of St. Paul — Mrs. Patrick O'Brien and
^Irs. Daniel Dore.
In the common schools of his native country
Patrick Sexton pursued his education and at the
age of twenty years sailed for America, making
his way direct to St. Paul, where he arrived in
1880. He was married in West Albany. \\'abasha
county, Minnesota, to ]\Iiss Catherine Cronin, a
native of Lake City and a daughter of Patrick
and Mary (Doody) Cronin, both of whom were
natives of the Emerald isle, where the father fol-
lowed farming until 1848, when he came to the
United States, settling near Lake City in Wa-
basha county, Minnesota. There he purchased a
tract of land and engaged in general farming un-
til his death, while his wife also passed awav in
the same county. He became one of the most ex-
tensive and wealthy farmers of that locality, own-
ing several valuable and productive tracts of land
there, these farms being still occupied by his sons.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sexton were born five chil-
dren, all of whom are at home with their mother,
namely: Patrick T., John, Mary, Catherine and
Margaret. The first mentioned is a student in
the College of St. Thomas in this cit_\-.
When Mr. Sexton came to St. Paul in 1880 he
began as a bookkeeper for the firm nf l'ic;ui])re
Keough tK: Com[)any anil was soon ])riininte(l to
the |)osition of cashier 1)\ that firm, acting in the
latter capacity for eleven years or until the fail-
ure of the firm. He had no capital when he ar-
rived here, but saved his earnings while acting as
cashier and at the time of the failure of the firm
he had saved capital sufficient to enable him to
enter into partnership with 'Wr. Powers in the
establishment and conduct of a cigar and tobacco
business at Xo. 21 West Third street under the
firm st\le of Powers & Sexton. This relation was
maintained for a year, at the end of which time
Mr. Powers sold his interest and R. T. O'Connor
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
309
becaiiK' a partner of Mr. Sexton under the tirni
style of Sexton & Company. The business was
then located at No. 313 Jackson street, where Mr.
Sexton continued in trade until his death. He
was killed in a windstorm while crossing the Dale
street bridge on the evening of May 13. lyoo.
anil his death proved a great loss to his family,
his friends and to business interests of the city.
He was verv successful in his operations here,
had made an unassailable reputation in commer-
cial circles and had won many friends through-
out St. Paul. In politics he was a stanch demo-
crat and was a communicant of St. Luke's Cath-
olic church, to which his family also belong,
]\Irs. Sexton takirig a very active and helpful
interest in church work. .She is prominent and
po|)ular in social circles and she owns a nice
home at Xo. 790 Dayton avenue, the improve-
ments there having been made bv .Mr. Sexton.
.'\LEXANDER LLNDAHL.
The rapid development and substantial progress
of Minnesota are largely attributable to the ])ro-
gressive spirit and indefatigable effort of its
."-Iwedish-.Vmerican citizens, and to this class be-
longs .Alexander Lindahl, who is now successfully
engaged in the jewelry business at Xo. 880 Payne
avenue. His birth occurred in Lund, Sweden, on
the 28th of March, i860, his father being S. J.
Lindahl, a machinist by trade. In their family
were six children, of whom four are \et living :
John and (.'liristian, who are now residents of
Sweden, and .Mexander and Christopher, who
make their home in St. Paul.
L'nder the parental roof Alexander Lindahl
spent the days of his boyhood and youth and
pursued his education in the schools of his native
country, after which he learned the trade of a
watchmaker, which he followed for six years in
Sweden. He came to .America in 1871;, and
since 1885 has been engaged in business on his
own account, conducting a jewelry and watch
repairing establishment in St. Paul. He now
has a beautiful store located at No. 880 Payne
avenue, where he carries a large and well selected
line of goods, and the success of his enterprise is
due to his capable management, executive ability,
his earnest desire to please his patrons and his
straightforward dealing.
In 1896 Mr. Lindahl was united in marriage
to Miss Hannah .Mln, of Sweden, who spent her
girlhood days in that country and was there
educated. By her marriage she has become the
mother of six children, who are yet living, while
two have passed away. Those who yet survive
are : Edith, Fritz, Olga, Enoch, Mildred and
Elmer, aged respectively ei,ghteen, seventeen,
fourteen, twelve, nine and seven years.
Mr. Lindahl and his family attend the Cook
Street Methodist church. He likewise belongs
to Montgomery lodge, Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Masons : the Woodmen of America, the
Odd Fellows Society and the United Workmen
lodge. In the last two he has filled all of the
chairs and is a worthy representative of these
organizations. He votes with the republican
party and is interested in its success and the
adoption of its principles. For three years he
has been a member of the board of education
and he acted as alderman of his ward from 1892
until 1896, doing much to advance the welfare
of the city by his advocacy of many progressive
public measures. Coming to America in early
life empty-handed, he readily adapted himself
to changed and altered conditions and environ-
ments and has become a high type of American
manhood and chivalry. By perseverance, deter-
mination and honorable effort he has overthrown
the obstacles which barred his path to success and
reached the goal of prosperity, while his genu-
ine worth, broad mind and |)ublic spirit have
made him a director of public thought and action.
JOSEPH M. HACKNEY.
Joseph M. Hackney, engaged in the conduct of
an extensive land business with offices in St. Paul
and also connected with various manufacturing
enterprises, although a young man, has thus con-
tributed to the material development and substan-
tial progress of the city in which he makes his
310
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
home. He is a native son of Minnesota, his
birth having occurred in Antrim on the 8th of
July, 1875. His father, ^^'illiam Hackney, was
of Scotch-Irish descent and after some years of
residence in Minnesota he is now living retired
in California. He was for many years identified
with farming and other business interests, but
has put aside all cares of this nature and is now
enjoying life in the midst of the sunny clime of
the Golden state. He married Miss Catherine
Bradley and they became the parents of ten chil-
dren, of whom nine are living.
Joseph M. Hackney spent his boyhood and
youth in Antrim, Minnesota, his early education
being acquired in the public schools, and at the
age of twenty years he entered Hamline Univer-
sity, where he completed his more specificall\- lit-
erary course. He took up the study of law in
the State University and his knowledge of the
principles of jurisprudence has been of the utmost
advantage to him in his conduct of business af-
fairs. He is extensively engaged in the land
business, dealing largely in farm property and
has negotiated many important realty transfers.
He has a thorough knowledge of the property
which he handles and of values in the different
sections which he represents and is thus enabled
to put his clients in touch with the kind of land
which they desire. His patronage in this line
has Ijecome extensive and as his financial re-
sources have increased he has become a promi-
nent factor in various manufacturing enterprises,
his capital being of benefit in the establislinicnt
and carrying on of such interests, while bis keen
business discernment and wise counsel prove a
valued element in the administration of different
manufacturing concerns. He has magnificent of-
fices on the bank floor of the Pioneer- Press build-
ing and is associated in business with his two
brothers.
In 1903, Mr. Hackney was married to Miss
Jennie E. Hill and they occupy an attractive home
in St. Paid. The>' are members of the Metho-
dist church and Mr. Hackney is also a member
of Summit lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party and he keeps well informed on
through the council of various inii)nrtant nieas-
the Cjuestions and issues which divide the two
great political organizations of the country. He
was elected alderman from the Tenth ward and
has been very successful in securing the passage
ures that have been beneficial to his portion of
the city and have also been of direct benefit to
the municipality at large. He is intensely public
spirited and the terms progress and patriotism
might be considered the keynote of his character,
for throughout his career he has labored for the
improvement of every line of business or public
interest with which he has been associated and
at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his
adopted city and her welfare, .\lthough yet a
young man, he has won for himself a notable
position in business circles.
GUSTA\"E LEUE.
Gustave Leue, deceased, was one of the pioneer
citizens of St. Paul, coming here in 1856. He
engaged in business as an architect and was also
connected with newspaper interests. A native of
Germany, his birth occurred in July. 1828. His
parents always resided in that country and the
father was an ofificer in the army there.
Gustave Leue acquired a common school edu-
cation in Germany and in accordance with the
laws of the land served in the army. He after-
ward began to learn the business of an architect,
studying the profession in Germany for a few
A-ears. In 1852 he sailed for America, landing
in Xew York city, whence he made his way
westward to Chicago, where he engaged in busi-
ness as an architect until he came to St. Paul in
1856. Here he oi)ened an office for the practice
of his profession and his first work was the plans
(if the cil\- hall of St. l^aul. There were many
bids and plans offered, but those of Mr. Leue
were acccj^ted above all others. He continued
in business as an architect tnitil after the begin-
ning of the Civil war, when, in 1861. he enlisted
and became second lieutenant of his regiment.
He participated in many skirmishes and battles
and remained in the service for two and a half
years. He was then taken ill, after which he
returned to his home.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
3"
Later Air. Leue went to Germany, where he
remained for a short time, and then again came
to St. Paul, where he turned his attention to the
newspaper business. He was the owner and edi-
tor of the second German newspaper pubhshed
in this city, l<nown as the Foltz Staats Zeitung.
The two German newspapers afterward com-
bined and the pubhcation was continued under
the name of the Foltz Zeitung, Mr. Leue remain-
ing as editor of the paper for many year.s. He
made it an enterprising journal, receiving a lib-
eral patronage, its circulation constantly increas-
ing. At the same time he had the agency in St.
Paul for the well known Knabe pianos.
Mr. Leue was married in Chicago to Miss
Louise \'oehringer, a native of Germany and a
daughter of Albrecht Voehringer. who was a
teacher for many years in his native land. Com-
ing to America, he lived a retired life until his
death, which occurred in St. Albans. Minnesota.
There were ten children born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Leue, but only three are now living. Ida C, the
eldest, is the wife of Frank D. Hankee, residents
of the northwestern part of North Dakota, wdiere
Mr. Hankee owns a large ranch. They have four
children. Albert, Frank. Margaret and Paul, and
the last named was the first child born in the
twentieth century. Mrs. Hankee often makes
visits to her mother in St. Paul. Pauline Leue
became the wife of Andrew Mark, of the firm
of Mark Brothers, cigar manufacturers of St.
Paul. Amanda resides at home with her mother.
Those deceased are Rose, Gustave, who was a
prominent young business man of St. Paul, and
five who died in infancy.
After being engaged in the newspaper busi-
ness for many years. Mr. Leue retired altogether
from business life, Iiut continued to make his
home in St. Paul until his death, which occurred
May II, 1886. In politics he was a stanch demo-
crat, but was never an office seeker. He held
membership with the Ancient Order of LTnited
\\'orkmen and also with the German Lutheran
church, and his widow and daughters are mem-
l)ers of the German Presbyterian church. He was
a very generous man. indulgent to his family and
was extremely successful in business. He became
one of the prominent newspaper men of this city
and enjoyed in large measure the respect, good
will and confidence of all with whom he was as-
sociated either in business or social circles. His
widow owns a nice residence at No. 317 South
Exchange street, where the family have resided
since 1871, and here she and her daughter yet
make their home.
CHARLES E. NYBERG.
A large percentage of the citizens of Minne-
sota are of Swedish birth or ancestry and to this
element in her citizen,ship the state owes much of
its prosperity and progress. ^Ir. Nyberg was
born in Orebro, Sweden, Alarch 31, 1865, and
since 1886 has been a resident of St. Paul. His
parents were Eric and Annie Nyberg, both na-
tives of Sweden. He was left an orphan when
only about three years of age. His education was
acquired in the schools of his native country, and
on coming to the LTnited States, when nineteen
}ears of age, he made his way first to Philadel-
phia. He afterward removed to W'ilkesbarre,
Pennsylvania, where he resided for two years,
working in various capacities, and in 1886 he
came to St. Paul, where he learned the plas-
terer's trade, at which he was employed for a
short time. He was afterward with the firm of
Herman & Paul and later with Deebach Brothers
in the Turkish bath business for fifteen years.
Two years ago he established a business on his
own account as a plasterer contractor and has
secured a liberal patronage, making his enterprise
a profitable one.
In 1S87 Mr. Nyberg was married to Miss
Anna Larsen, who was a native of Sweden, but
came to the Lnited States about the same time
Air. Nyberg crossed the Atlantic. They have
become the parents of seven children : Arthur.
Robert, Ernest, Elmer. William. Theodore and
Esther. The first four are students in the public
schools.
Air. Nyberg is identified with several fraternal
and social organizations, including the Alasons,
the Woodmen of .-Vmerica. the Ancient Order of
Druids, the Red Alen of .\merica and the Swedish
312
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
lli'Litlicrs. .Mr. \ybcrg is also a menihcr of the
l.ntlieraii church. In poUtics he is a stalwart
ami uncompromising democrat and his personal
popularity and the confidence reposed in him
by his fellow-citizens are indicated by the fact
that three years ago he was elected to the office
of alderman of the First ward on the democratic
ticket in a strong republican district. He is in-
deed very popular in his ward and has succeeded
in largely advancing its interests in the city coun-
cil. He gives earnest consideration to all the
matters which come up for deliberation before
that body and his devotion to the public good is
an unquestioned fact. Progress and patriotism
might well be termed the keynote of his char-
acter, for all these qualities are manifest in all
that he does, whether of a public or private na-
ture. He has never had occasion to regret his
determination to seek a home in America, for
here he has found the opportunities he sought,
which, by the way, are always open to ambitious,
energetic young men, and as the years have gone
by he has so directed his labors that he is today
a prosperous and well known representative of
industrial interests in his adopted city.
EDGAR T. SCH^HDT, At. D.
Dr. Edgar T. .'^cliniidt, deceased, was a phy-
sician of St. Paul, whf)se careful preparation and
continued study made him a leading member of
the medical fraternity, where he engaged in prac-
tice from 1887 until his death. His father. Dr.
John .Schmidt, was also a ])roniinent member of
the medical profession, having a wide acquaint-
ance and the favorable regard i:)f all who knew
him. He was a native of Germany and came to
.Vmerica at the age of seventeen years, landing
at San Francisco with but seventy-five cents ui
his ])ockct. He secured work there and while thus
engaged began studying for the ministry. .'\t an
early day he removed to St. Paid and began
preaching in the First German Methodist F])is-
copal church, devoting several vears to gospel
work. He afterward removed to Galena, Illinois.
where he continued in the ministrv for some time
and while thus engaged the study of medicine
claimed part of his attention. He afterward went
to Chicago, where he attended Rush Medical Col-
lege and was there graduated. Following the
completion of his course he removed to St. Louis,
where he treated cholera patients for some time
and then went to Quincy, where he continued in
active practice for a quarter of a century, or
mitil he retired from active professional life at
the age of seventy years. He now resides in
(Juincy and has attained the venerable age of
eighty-three years. In early manhood he wedded
Pauline Meise, also a native of Germany and
her death occurred in Quincy in 1901.
Their son. Dr. Edgar T. Schmidt, was born
August 22, 1855, in Bloomington, Illinois, and
after attending the common schools of his native
state went to Philadelphia, having determined to
follow in his father's professional footsteps. He
took up the study of medicine as a student in
Jeiiferson Medical College, from which he was
graduated when twenty-one years of age. He
then returned to Quincy, Illinois, where he en-
tered u])on active practice in partnership with
his father, during which time he supplemented
his theoretical knowledge by broad practical ex-
perience. After six years he removed from
Quincy to St. Paul and from 1887 until his death
was an able member of the medical fraternity of
this city, having a practice which in volume and
importance indicated the general trust which w^as
reposed in him.
In 1879, Air. Schmidt was married to Miss
Lena .Schurmeier, of one of the oldest and most
])roniinent families of St. Paul, who was a daugh-
ter of Casper and Caroline ( Korphagc") Schur-
meier, a complete record of whom will be found
elsewhere in this work in connectinn with the
sketch of Charles .\. 1!. A\"eide. There were four
children born unto Dr. and Mrs. Schmidt: .Mice,
who died at the age of one >-ear and six months;
Carl I".., who married Miss Effie Tighson, of
Drnver, Colorado, and lo.st everything he had in
the late earlh(|uake and tire in San b'rancisco,
since which time he has made his home in Den-
ver, Colorado; Margaret C, who is attending
the Alonticello Seminary in Godfrey. Illinois; and
Pauline, wlio is at home wilh her mother.
/
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
315
Dr. Schmidt, following his marriage, returned
to Ouincy, Illinois, where he engaged in practice
for six years, but on account of his wife's health
he came again to St. Paul, where he devoted his
remaining days to active work of his profession.
He had a very large practice here and was re-
garded as a prominent and able physician, whose
labors were attended with excellent professional
and financial results. He was a large man,
weighing two hundred and nine pounds, and his
fine personal appearance made him a notable fac-
tor in any gathering. He had just rcturneil from
a trip to California when he became ill with heart
trouble, and his death came suddenly on the 17th
of May, 1903. He was a member of the Knights
of P}-thias fraternity and the .Ancient Order of
United Workmen, both of St. Paul, and acted as
examining physician for those organizations. He
held membership in the Dayton .\venue Presby-
terian church, to which his family belong. His
friends in St. Paul were many, for he was widely
known here and his many excellent traits of
character gained him warm regard. He was al-
ways pleasant and genial and his C|ualities as
such arose from his kindly nature. His friend-
ship was prized most by those who knew him
best, and, hating sham of all kinds, in work or
in conduct, his public life was always frank and
outspoken. Mrs. Schmidt owns a nice home at
Xo. 417 Holly avenue, where she and her chil-
dren reside and she occupies a prominent iiosi-
tion in social circles.
TOHN EAGAN.
John Eagan, wdio led a very l)usy life, being
for a number of years a prominent clothing mer-
chant in St. Paul and also conducting similar en-
terprises in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin
towns, was a native of Ireland, born in 1S30.
Mis parents also lived on the Emerald isle, where
the father engaged in general labor and fanning.
Although he and his wife always remained resi-
<lents of Ireland, some of his brothers came to
this country.
John Eagan pursued his education in the com-
mon schools of his native land and in this coun-
try as well, for he was only a boy when he ar-
rived in America. He first went to Xew Haven,
Connecticut, where he began to learn the tailor's
trade, which he followed for a few years. He
then went to Rochester, Xew York, where he
was employed in a mercantile establishment and
while thus engaged he purchased a stock of
clothing, conducting his own store for a time
and also doing a merchant tailoring business.
When a few years had passed he went to Fenton,
Michigan, where he carried on a large clothing
store and in addition did a tailoring business for
thirteen years. He was very successful in both
departments and his prosperity is indicated by
the fact that during his residence in Fenton he
built the Masonic Hall and other buildings there.
He afterward removed to Manistee, .Michigan,
where he continued in the clothing business for
several vears, when, on account of ill heal'h he
removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, opening a
clothing store at Xo. 9 Canal street. There he
remained for three years, at the end of which
time he placed one of his sons in charge of the
business and removed to ^Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
where he purchased the Great Star Clothing
House, which he successfully conducted for three
vears. From Milwaukee he removed to St. Paul
in 1881 and here began in the clothing business
at Xo. 67 East Third street, where he continued
for several years. During that time he established
a clothing store in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, placing
his son-in-law in charge. He next removed to
.Ashland, Wisconsin, where he conducted a simi-
lar enterprise for si.x years, and during that time
he established two other clothing stores, which
are now in charge of his sons, one being at Cass
Lake. ^linnesota, and the other at .\ckley, this
state. From .Ashland. Wisconsin, .Mr. Eagan re-
tired to St. Paul, having in the meantime sold
out most of his stores. Deciding to live a retired
life, he placed his business interests in the care
of others and returned to St. Paul.
Mr. Eagan had been married in Xew York to
Aliss Bridget Gildea. a native of Xew York, but
of Irish lineage. Her father came to this coun-
3i6
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
try at an early day, settling in the Empire state,
where the remainder of their lives were spent,
the father devoting his attention to general agri-
cultural pursuits. ;\Ir. and Airs. Eagan became
the parents of ten children, seven of whom arc
now living, namely : Mary, Agnes and Jennie, who
reside in St. Paul with their mother ; Alichael,
who is engaged in the clothing business at Cass
Lake, Alinnesota ; Bernard, who is in the cloth-
ing business at Ackley, ^Minnesota : Thomas, wlm
is in Alihvaukee, Wisconsin, and \\'illiam, who is
engaged in farming in northern Minnesota.
Those deceased are Airs. Ella N. Hagerty, wife
of X. ^^^ Hagerty ; John H. ; and Lauretta.
Although Mr. Eagan returned to St. Paul with
the intention of living a retired life, indolence and
idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and
he could not content himself without some busi-
ness interests. He therefore began dealing in real
estate, investing in property in Ashland, Wiscon-
sin, and in Minneapolis and St. Paul, He bought
and sold property here for many years and re-
alized a good profit from his investments. He con-
tinued his real-estate operations up to the time
of his death, and he was very successful as a
merchant and real-estate operator. He died Sep-
tember 22. 1898, and thus ended a very busy, use-
ful and honorable life. \n early manhood he
was a democrat, but his political views changed
in later years and he became a stanch republican.
He was the first member and a faithful and gen-
erous contributor of St. Luke's Catholic church
of St. Paul, of which his family are also com-
municants. He donated the first one hundred
dollars toward the building of this church and was
also regarded as one of the chief sujiporters of
the church. Mr. Eagan was indeed a prominent
and worthy citizen of .St. Paul, a man lionorcd
and honorable in bis business relations and at all
times merited the respect and confidence re])osed
in him. He possessed keen business discernment
and unfaltering enterprise and to these qualities
were attributed his brilliant and well deserved
success. Mrs. Eagan now owns much valuable
real estate in St. Paul. She has recentlv removed
to Xo. 592 Iglehart street, where she owns a
Iieautiful home, where she and her daughters
now reside . While engaged in the real-estate
business, Air. Eagan erected some very fine resi-
dences in different parts of the city, at first build-
mg a splendid home at 730 Dayton avenue, which
he and his family occupied up to the time of his
death. He also built a beautiful house at 736,
the same avenue, which he sold. He built the
one now occupied by his widow and their daugh-
ters and also an adjoining house at 596 Ingleharl
street.
PHILIP GILBERT.
Philip Gilbert, senior partner of the law firm
of Gilbert & Greenman, practitioners of the St.
Paul bar, was born in Coldwater, Alichigan, in
i860, and is a son of Colonel Henry C, Gilbert,
commander of the Xineteenth Michigan Infantry
during the Civil war, or up to the time of his
death, for he gave his life in defense of his
country in the battle of Resaca in 1864. He
was also a lawyer, as was his father, Daniel
Gilbert, so that three successive generations of the
family have been represented at the bar. Henrv
C. Gilbert, a brother of our subject, resides in
Minneapolis.
In his native city Philip Gilbert spent the days
of his boyhood and youth, entering the public
school at the usual age and passing through suc-
cessive grades until he had ac(juired a good Eng-
lish education. He prepared for the jjractice of
law as a student in the University of Alichigan,
being graduated from its law department with
the class of 1885. In 1886 he came to St. Paul,
where he has since remained in practice, while
residing at \Miite Bear. For seven years he fol-
Inwed his profession as a [)artner of E. H. Alor-
phy and on the expiration of that period the firm
of Morphy, Ewing & Gilbert was formed and so
continued until December, 1900. In kjgj the
present firm of Gilbert & Greemnan was formed
and they have since given special attention to
commercial, real-estate and probate law, having
offices in the National German-.\merican r.ank
Building. Air. Gilbert is well versed in all de-
partments of jin-isprudence, being particularly
well informed, however, concerning the line of
his specialty, and in the conduct of litigated inter-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
317
csts this firm has won notable success, the law-
firm of Gilbert & Greenman being a prominent
one in St. Paul.
In i88(j. at Anoka, Minnesota, was celebrated
the marriage of Mr. Gilbert and Aliss Alcetta
Tinkham, who at that time was engaged in
teaching in .\noka. Unto them have been born
six children. In his political affiliation Air. Gil-
bert is a republican. His interest in matters of
local progress is deep and sincere and has been
manifest in tangible efTort which he has put forth
for progress and improvement. He is now serv-
ing as trustee of the White Bear school board and
the library board. Socially he is connected with
the Royal Arcanum of St. Paul and with the
Loyal Legion. He is also a member of the
Commercial Club, one of the most noteworthy
and commendable organizations of the city, and
his family attend the Presbyterian church at
White Bear.
SAMUEL G. SL(1AN.
Samuel G. Sloan, operating in real estate in St.
I'aul, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
June 30, 1834. His father, John Sloan, was a
native of county Armagh, Ireland. He crossed
the Atlantic to the United States in 1801 and
for a few vears was engaged in teaching school in
Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he wooed
and married Miss Alary Harris, who was a daugh-
ter of Colonel John Harris, of Revolutionary
fame. He then returned to Philadelphia and was
the first man to put a spade into the ground in
Market street, west of Broad street. He built
a store there and engaged in merchandising, be-
ing one of the early and leading merchants of that
part of the city.
Samuel G. Sloan was educated in the public
and high schools of Philadelphia and on complet-
ing his course of study there took up the study
of law and conveyancing in his native city. In
1855 he came tn St. Paul, where he at once en-
tered into business relations with the firm of Rice.
Hollingshead & Becker, taking charge of the con-
veyancing and real-estate department of their
business. Not long afterward, however, he en-
gaged in business for himself as a real-estate
dealer. The first deal which he made was the
selling of the lot of Ira Bidwell to John Nininger,
Df Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this being the site
now of the business of the West Publishing Corn-
pan}-. Air. Nininger was a brother-in-law of
Governor Ramsey. On this lot were erected four
one-story offices, fifteen by thirty feet, one of
which was occupied by Nininger & Sloan.
Since 1881 Air. Sloan has represented the James
Stinson estate of Chicago and negotiates in gen-
eral real-estate operations. He is thoroughly fa-
miliar with the history of the real-estate business
in St. Paul, has intimate knowledge of all impor-
tant transactions and of realty values, and has ne-
gotiated n-iany important realty transfers, having
been continuously engaged in real estate since
1855-
In 1861 Air. Sloan was married to Aliss Eleanor
Johnson, a daughter of Phillip Johnson, of Alaine,
and a sister of Eastman Johnson, the celebrated
artist. They have two children now living, Reu-
ben and Alary. Air. and Airs. Sloan are members
of the Presbyterian church and are well known
socially in the city where for more than a half
century he has made his home.
COLONEL ROBERT H. SENG.
Colonel Robert H. Seng, in charge of the Alin-
nesota agency of the Anheuser Busch Brewing-
Association of St. Louis and well known in po-
litical circles in the state and also by reason of his
valuable public service in behalf of the city, was
born in St. Paul, December 31, i860. His fa-
ther, William Seng, came to St. Paul in 1857 and
for many years was engaged in the brick and lime
business, but is now living retired. In his family
are four children, all residents of St. Paul.
Robert H. Seng of this review was a student
in the Jefferson public school of St. Paul and
afterward attended Professor Faddus' Business
College. Entering mercantile life, he was for sev-
eral years engaged in the retail boot and shoe
trade and seven years ago he took charge of the
3>>^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
-Minnesota state agency for the great Anheuser
L'.usch Brewing Association, of St. Lonis, in
which capacity he has bnilt u[) and manages an
immense business. He has offices and store
houses conveniently located on the lines of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and other rail-
roads and has developed an important commercial
enterprise which classes him with the men of su-
])erior executive ability and keen discrimination
in business circles.
K. H. Seng was married nineteen years ago to
Aliss Catherine Hardy, of St. Paul, and they have
two sons and a daughter: Arthur, a student in
the high school ; Edna, who is attending the
Academy school ; and Robert, a student in the
Jeti'erson school.
Colonel Seng is a member of the Ancient Order
of Druids, the Junior Pioneers, the United Com-
mercial Travelers, the Commercial Club and is a
trustee of the Elks lodge. No. 59. In politics
a stanch republican, he has been active in the local
ranks of the party and his opinions have carried
weight in its councils. He has served on the stai¥
of various governors for ten years and for four
terms or eight years has been county commis-
sioner, while for five years he has been assessor.
He has occupied other positions of prominence
an<l importance in connection with the govern-
ment of this city and county and wdiile thoroughly
de\'oted to his party he nevertheless recognizes
the fact that he owes a higher allegiance to the
commonwealth at large. He resides at No. 222
North Smith avenue and has a host of warm
friends, while in the community he is highly re-
spected by reason of his business ability, his pub-
lic service and his j)ersonal wurtli.
CEORCE M. TTP.P.S.
In a hislor\' devoted to the movements, meas-
ures and enterprises wliich liavc led to the sub-
stantial upbuilding and advancement of .St. Paul
and liave given the city prestige as a commercial
center, mention should certainly be made nf tlic
large wholesale dry-goods liouse of Tibi)s, 1 lutch-
ings & Company and of the men wdio are in
Control of this mammoth and growing enter-
])rise. George M. Tibbs, president of the com-
pany, is a re]jresentative business man of the
middle west, alert and enterprising, careful in
his judgment and yet making uniform progress
he has set for himself a high standard of excel-
lence and of accomplishment and is steadilv
pressing forward to its goal.
Mr. Tibbs is a native of Hightstown. New
jersey, born September 15. 1858. His father,
Thomas L. Tibbs, contractor and builder, was
born in the state of New York and died in 1883,
while his wife Anna (Stults) Tibbs, passed away
in 1905. Four of their six children yet survive.
in the public schools of his native state George
.M. Tibbs acquired his education. He entered
upim his business life in the commission house of
an importing firm in New York city, with which
he remained for si.x years. In 1881 he went to
St. Louis and from there to St. Joseph, Mis-
souri, where he \vas engaged in the wholesale
dry-goods business. He continued there untn
1886, when he went to Omaha as buyer I'or .\l.
E. Smith & Company and in 1890 was adm'med
to the firm as a partner. He was associated with
that house until December 31, 1900, when he
came to .St. Paul and with Henry E. Hutchings
purcliased the controlling interest of the Powers
Dry Goods Compan\-, at which time the present
firm of Tibbs, Hutchings & Compan\' was or-
ganized. This is today one of the large whole-
sale dry-goods establishments of the upjier Mis-
sissi|)pi valley, furnishing emplovment to over
four hundred people, together with a large num-
ber i)f traveling representatives. The house oc-
cupies a large buibling of seven lloors and car-
ries an extensive stock. An excellent re|nitation
for reliability has always been maintained and
the methods instituted by the present firm have
commended them to the confidence and support
of the trade in various parts of the country. The
house has had a cnntinuous existence under dif-
ferent managements for twenty-six vears and al-
though the present firm has been organized for
only al)out t]\e yt'ars they occu])y an enviable
position in dry-goods circles in the northwest.
Tn 1887, Mr. Tibl)s was married to Miss Mary
A. Chattle. of Li'tig Branch, New Tersev, and
'-^^,
TIBBS, HUTCHINGS & CO:\IPAXY BCILDIXG
PAST AND i'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
323
thcv have two children, George M., Jr., and
Anna 15., aged respectively fifteen and nine years
and now attending school. Air. Tibbs votes with
the republican party, keeping well informed on
the questions and issues of the day which closely
affect the welfare of state and nation. He is
identified with various commercial and social
urganizations of St. Paul, including the St. Paul
Commercial Club and the Minnesota Club, and is
also a member of the Arkwright Club, of Xew
York. He is an active member of the First Pres-
b\tcrian church, in which he is serving as one
of the elders. ( )f positive nature, of strong in-
dividuality and pleasing personality he is a valu-
able addition to business and social circles in St.
I'aul,
greater conservatism and competition, have found
in the progressive spirit of the west greater busi-
ness opportunities that yield success in return for
close application and laudable ambition, directed
by sound judgment.
CHARLES W. SOAIERS.
Charles W. Soniers, secretary and treasurer of
the Somers-Timm Lumber Company, was born in
Pennsylvania, January 10, 1870. His father,
Edward Somers, a native of England, became a
resident of Pennsylvania when a young man and
engaged in business there as a carriage-builder.
He married Margaret Fisher, a native of that
state, and their son, Charles W. Somers, was edu-
cated in the public schools there. He afterward
became a commercial traveler, representing New
York houses for two or three years. In 1893 he
arrived in St. Paul, where he engaged in the real-
estate and land business until he organizel the
Somers-Timm Lumber Company, of which he is
secretarv and treasurer, while H. H. Timm is
president. The business of the house has been
developetl along safe and conservative, yet pro-
gressive, lines and has become one of the strong
and successful commercial enterprises of the city.
Mr. Somers was married in igoo to Miss Min-
nie L. Timm, a daughter of Daniel Timm, of Wis-
consin. He is prominent in Masonic circles, be-
longing to Summit lodge, Ancient Free and -Ac-
cepted Masons ; Summit chapter. Royal Arch
]\Iasons, and Damascus commandery. Knights
Templar. He belongs to that class of representa-
tive young men, who. leaving the east, with its
JESSE E. GREEXALJ^N.
Jesse E. Greenman, of the law firm of Gilbert
& Greenman, of St. Paul, was born in 1861, at
Somonauk, De Kalb county, Illinois, a son of
Curtis S. and Eucla (Gage) Greenman, both of
whom were natives of New York. Coming west
at an early day, they settled in Illinois in 1853.
The paternal grandfather was a physician, while
Curtis S. Greenman followed merchandising in
the Prairie state. He was one of the argonauts
who went to California in 1849 in search of gold,
participating in all of the hardships and excite-
ment incident to that life in the early mining days
on the Pacific coast. He is now a resident of
Nebraska, having long survived his wife, who
died in 1864. One son of the family, Curtis S.
(jreenman, is a contractor and builder of Aurora,
Illinois, while a daughter, Emma, is now the wife
of Professor Theodore R. Hartsell, countv super-
intendent of schools in Nebraska, and a graduate
of Yale College.
Jesse E. Greenman spent the first eight vears
of his life in the state of his nativitv and then
went to Iowa in 1869. and in 1S71 he accom-
panied his father on his removal to Nebraska.
He also spent four or five years in the Black-
Hills country and in the fall of 1882 arrived in
Minneapolis. In these different places he had
attended school and in the last named city be-
came a student in the Archibald Business CcjI-
lege, also receiving private instruction fr(Mii imi-
v^rsity professors. His literary course being
completed, he entered upon the study of law in
the office and under the direction of Judge O. M.
Pond, while later he was connected with com-
mercial interests for a time. .\fter spending
eight years in the employ of R. G. Dun & Coni-
panv. he was admitted to the bar before the state
board and entered into partnership in igo2 with
324
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Philip Gilbert under the present tirm style of
(jilbert & Greenman. They make a specialty in
their practice of commercial, real-estate and pro-
hate law and have offices in the National Gennan-
American Bank Building. Their clientage is ex-
tensive and they have been accorded much im-
portant legal business in the line of their specialty.
^Ir. Greenman was married in 1892 to Miss
Thompson, of Willow Lake, South Dakota, for-
merly of Wisconsin. Her father, now deceased,
was a large landowner in South Dakota at one
time. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greenman have been
jjorn three children, Allen, Alarion and Katheryn,
who are students in the city schools of St. Paul.
The family home is at No. 565 Portland avenue
and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by a large
circle of friends. In his political affiliation Mr.
Greenman is a republican and has been an earnest
student of the questions which divide the two
great party organizations. He is practically a
charter member of the Commercial Club, for he
signed the first call when the organization of the
club was suggested. It was formed to further the
interests of the city, to study the great sociologi-
cal, economic and political questions and issues,
the trend of public thought and sentiment for mu-
nicipal progress and improvement. He belongs
likewise to the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, to the Royal Arcanum and is a chapter
Mason, while his wife holds membership in the
Davtcm Avenue Presbvtcrian church.
JOHN ENGOUIST.
John Eng(|uist, deceased, came, to St. Paul in
1876 and practically lived a retired life during
the period of his residence in this city. He was
])orn in the central part of Sweden. His father
was Andrew Johnson, but after coming to Amer-
ica he changed his name to Engquist because of
the large number of people who bore his former
surname. The year 1855 witnessed his emigra-
tion from Sweden to the new world and he set-
tled first in East Union, in Carver county, Min-
nesota, where he purchased a tract of land and
engaged in general farming, devoting his time
and energies to the cultivation of the fields and
the improvement of his property until his death.
His wife also died upon the old homestead there.
John Engquist assisted his father upon the
farm in his younger years and attended the com-
mon schools of Carver county, where he mas-
tered the elementary branches of learning. He
afterward became a student in St. Peter College
and thus acquired a good education. Having put
aside his text-books he located in the village of
Carver, Minnesota, where he secured a clerkship
in the drug store owned by Dr. Griffin. It was
while he was thus engaged that he married Miss
Caroline Borg, also a native of Sweden and a
daughter of C. G. and Johanna Borg, who came
from Sweden to the United States at an early day,
settling upon a farm in Carver county, Alinne-
sota, where the father carried on the work of till-
ing the soil until after the death of his wife,
when he removed to Redwood county, Minne-
sota, where he is still living on the farm with his
sons. He has now attained the venerable age of
eighty-four years.
Mr. Engquist continued to engage in clerking
in the drug store in Carver until 1876, when he
came to St. Paul and secured a position as sales-
man in the store of Air. Harbighorst on Seventh
street, where he remained for two and a half
years. He was afterward employed in different
ways for a few years, but on account of ill health
he gave up work and afterward lived retired until
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Engquist were born five
children, three of whom are now living. Edward,
who married Frances Bruner, of St. Paul, and
now resides in Minneapolis, has for fifteen years
held the position of traveling soliciting agent for
the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Com-
pany. He has two children, Dorothy and Charles
Edward. Andrt'w William Engquist married
Miss Peterson and they reside in a ])art of his
mother's residence. He is employed as rate clerk
in tlic local freight office of the Great Northern
Railroad, having held the position for eight vears.
Charles Arthur, who still resides with his mother,
holds a responsible position as chief clerk with
Samuel C. Stickney. who is president of the Chi-
cago Great Western Railway Company, with
nfifices in .St. Paul. The other two children, Ann
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
325
Augusta aud Esther, died in infancy. The death
of the father occurred in July, 1900. He was
deeply interested in political questions and is-
sues and was a stanch republican. He held mem-
bership in the Lutheran church in St. Paul, to
which the members of his family also belong. He
had many friends in the city and the sons are
prominent and influential here, especially in rail-
road circles. A few years ago Mrs. Engquist
and her sons built the present home where they
now reside at Xo. 788 Marshall aveiuie, having
here a nice residence.
FRANK T. HEBL.
Alderman Frank Joseph Hebl is of that sturdy
brand of citizenship which rises above the limita-
tions of party and locality and his place in the
community was well illustrated in the municipal
election of 1906, when he was nominated by the
democrats for alderman of his ward ; endorsed
by the great party organ of the opposition in
politics ; openly picked as being eiuinently fit for
office by the independent organ and elected to the
office on his previous record by a good round
majority — a majority that makes it certain that
he will have to be reckoned with in a larger field
when men are chosen for higher office.
Like so many others who have won place for
themselves in the new northwest, Mr. Hebl came
from Europe — he was born in Vienna, Austria,
May 4, 1864 — with a clean mind, a fair educa-
tion and full of determination to make his way
in his adopted country. He was but sixteen years
of age when he first arrived in Minnesota, but
he had already shown the material that was in
him by procuring for himself the grounding of
an education and so far equipping himself for
life that, at that early age, he had already had
some experience as a school teacher. And when
he came into the northwest he put his natural dis-
position for a professional life behind him and
did that which came first to his hand. As a
farmer boy he made his first dollar in Minnesota,
and by the time he had mastered the language he
19
had put in a year and a half of service in tilling
the soil and was ready to fight for a place with
his contemporaries on an even basis. Fortune
did not meet him halfway — he had to fight for
the living he insisted on winning. In Waterville,
Minnesota, he was for three years in the meat
business and found that it was limiting him to a
small community with narrow possibilities. He
went out into the world and sought work at rail-
roading. Taking a place with the Minneapolis
& St. Louis road, he worked his way in the train
service to the place of a conductor, then was
offered and for ten years held the management
of the St. Paul union depot- — a position involving
large responsibilities and demanding quick and
accurate judgment. Thence — having declined the
place of superintendent of the Minneapolis union
depot — he went into the general offices of the
Northern Pacific and retired from railroading
when there came to him a proposition to take the
management of a department in the big grocery
house of Andrew Schoch. For several years he
has had entire charge of the cigar department of
the house and his business capacity and personal
popularity have made him a valued member of
the managerial corps of the big concern.
For several years Mr. Hebl has had a proper
interest in municipal affairs, though he was never
called to office until 1904, when he was elected
alderman from the third ward — the office he was
re-elected to this year (1906) under such flatter-
ing circumstances. His position in the city coun-
cil has demonstrated his principles beyond ques-
tion and he easily survives the sharp scrutiny that
the public has maintained in branches of civil
government lately.
In addition to his business and political ac-
tivity, Mr. Hebl has found time to affiliate himself
with, and attain to prominence among, members
of fraternal orders. He belongs to the Knights
of Columbus, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights
of the Maccabees, the Catholic Order of Forest-
ers and the Improved Order of Red Men, and
for manv vears has been grand secretary of the
last mentioned order ; is local recording secretary
of the Red AFen, vice chancellor of the Knights
of Pvthias and financial secretarv of the Forest-
326
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ers. His activity in all these associations has kcijt
liini well to the front among the members ami he
is a most active and busy citizen.
His home life has been cast in pleasant places
and he has five children, his wife having been
Miss Katherine UC'onnor, of St. Louis. Their
children are Frank .M.. who is eighteen years of
age and occupied in the general offices of the
Great Northern Railway ; Adelaide Louise and
Louise Marie, twins: John Joseph; and Evelyn
\'ictoria.
HENRY E. HUTCHINGS.
Henry E. Hutchings, associated witli one of the
wholesale mercantile enterprises which have given
prominence to St. Paul as a commercial center
and a distrilmting point of trade, has been identi-
fied with luisiness circles of the city since 1901
and is well known today as vice-president of the
wholesale dry-goods house of Tibbs, Hutchings &
Company. He was born in London, England,
August 24. 1858, a son of John and Mary (Whit-
bourne) U;>tchings. The father was a horticul-
turist and died in 1905, at the age of eighty-three
years, having for about two months survived his
wife, who passed away in 1904, when eighty-one
years of age. Of their six children three are yet
living.
Henry E. Hutchings acquired his education in
tlie schools of London, England, and in 1873 emi-
grated to Canada, settling in Hamilton, Ontario.
Throughout his business career he has been con-
tinuously connected with commercial interests.
.At Hamilton he entered the wholesale dry-goods
house of D. Mclnnes & Company, where he re-
mained until 1875, when he went to Chicago,
Illinois, and went into the credit department of
K'eith r>rothers & Company, wholesale dealers
in millinery, hats and caps. He was connected
with this firm for four years and from Giicago
went to St. Josei^h, Missouri, where he became
connected with the Wyeth Hardware & Manu-
facturing Company, ultimately becoming a ])art-
ner in the concern. He was associated with that
house for seventeen years, his gradual rise to
prominence and jiower in mercantile circles indi-
cating his ability, close and unremitting applica-
tion and sound and indiscriminating judgment.
He afterward went to Kansas City, Missouri, with
the firm of Burnham, Hanna, Munger & Com-
jiany, wholesale dry-goods dealers, of which firm
he became a partner, and after spending si.x
years in Kansas City with that house he removed
to St. Paul in 1901 and joined George M. Tibbs
in the purchase of a controlling interest
in the Powers Dry Goods Company. The name
was then changed to Tibbs, Hutchings & Com-
pany and .Mr. Hutchings has since been the vice-
president. Their establishment is well known as
a leading wholesale dry-goods enterprise with an
extended patronage and a reputation for straight-
forward dealing that is miassailable. A very
conservative policy was instituted and yet the
methods of the house have also been in touch
with the most modern ideas of commercial
activity.
On February 14, 1883, Mr. Hutchings was mar-
ried to Miss Aley Turnbull, of Chicago, and they
have two daughters, Aley ^\"hitbourne and Leda
Tuniljull. The family residence is at No. 755
Summit avenue in St. Paul. Mr. Hutchings is
a member of the Commercial and Minnesota
clubs and of the House of Hope Presbyterian
church, while his political support is given to
the republican party. These associations indicate
the character of the man, showing a social nature
and a devotion to high and honorable principles.
LOUTS MEMMER.
Louis .Mcmmer. serving as cashier in the office
of the city treasurer of St. Faid, was born in
llavaria, Germany, August 19, 18C6, a son of
-Sebastian and Susanna .Memmer, both of whom
were natives of Bavaria, where they spent their
entire lives. Louis Memmer left the i)lace of
his nativity when a youth of fourteen years and
came to the Ignited States, landing in New York
cit\ on the ist of May, 1880. He attended school
both in Germany and in St. I'aul, making his way
direct to this city after landing at New York.
In his Muilh he le;irned the meat business and,
Wceic^iizii^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
329
gradually working his way upward, he was for
several years proprietor of a grocery store.
Eventually selling out, however, in 1900 he en-
tered the city treasurer's office under Otto Bre-
mer, occupying a clerical position. Later he was
made bookkeeper, and at this writing is cashier,
discharging the important duties of the respon-
sible position in a very efficient and capable
manner.
Air. Memnier is a member of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen, of the \\'oodmen of the
World, the Bavaria Benevolence Society and the
Concordia Singing Society. He possesses the
national German characteristic of a love of music,
has a fine voice and is a valued addition to musi-
cal circles. His political allegiance is given to
the democracy. He is a gentleman of genial man-
ner, cordial disposition and kindly purpose and
is very popular in political, musical and social
circles.
WILLL\M FRAXKLLX HUNT.
Few young men have gained a more favorable
reputation as a strong and able member of the St.
Paul bar than William Franklin Hunt, who was
born in Butler county, Ohio, Alarch 6, 1865, a
son of Henry C. and Catherine ( Flickinger)
Hunt, both of whom were natives of the Buck-
eye state. The father was engaged in manufac-
turing interests there and still resides in Ohio.
The son, after acquiring a public school education
in his native state, attended the Ohio State Uni-
versity at Columbus, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1887 on completing a course in mechani-
cal engineering.
He came to St. Paul in 1887 and for five vears
was engaged in teaching in a school for boys,
Init regarded this merely as an initial step to other
professional labor and entered the law office of
C. E. & Thomas D. O'Brien as a student in
1892. He devoted three years to law study under
the preceptorship of that firm and also attended
lectures at the University of Minnesota, from
whicli he won the degree of Bachelor of Laws in
181 5, while the following year the degree of
Master of Laws was conferred upon him. He
was admitted to the bar and entered upon prac-
tice in St. Paul the same year as a member of
the firm of Hunt & Prendergast. No weary no-
vitiate awaited him, for he already had a very
wide and favorable acquaintance in St. Paul and
his ability being recognized in business circles,
he was soon accoriled a liberal clientage. The
favorable judgment which the public passed upon
him at the outset of his career has in no degree
been set aside or modified in the intervening
period, but, on the contrary, has been strength-
ened by his capable manner of handling his cases,
his masterful grasp of the principles of jurispru-
dence and his correct application of precedent and
principle to the points in litigation. In 1902 he
formed a partnership with Herman Oppenheim
and since 1900 he has served as receiver of the
Allemania Bank.
.Mr. Hunt was married, in 1899, to Miss Emma
Fairchild, a daughter of Josiah Fairchild, of St.
Paul, and they have three children. Mr. Hunt
is without political aspiration and on the con-
trary devotes his undivided attention to the prac-
tice of his profession, the results of which have
been very encouraging. He is a member of Sum-
mit lodge. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
and other fraternal organizations, being past
chancelor comiiiamler of the Knights of Pythias
lodge and he also holds membership in the Peo-
ple's church.
W ILLL\A1 E. BUSCHMANN.
William E. Buschmann, a representative of
industrial interests in St. Paul as proprietor of
a blacksmithing and wagon-making establish-
ment, is also a factor in public life here, repre-
senting his ward for the second term in the
city council. He was born in St. Paul. July 6,
1858. His father, Philip Buschmami. was a
native of Germany, and in 1850 came to the
I'nited States, settling in this city in 1854. He
was a wagon-maker and horseshoer and carried
on business at the corner of Williams and Seventh
streets for a long period. He died many years
'330
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
a,i;(i. His widow, .\li>. Anna lluschniann, is now
li\iii!; at the corner of Fiftli and Maple streets
in St. Paul.
William E. IJuschniann was for si.x years a
student in the parochial schools of St. Paul and
for five years in the public schools. He learned
the trade with his father and throughout his en-
tire life has been connected with blacksmithing
and wagon-making, now conducting a plant of
his own on East Seventh street, where a liberal
patronage is accorded him, making his business
a profitable one.
In community affairs Mr. Piuschmann is
deeply interested and is now serving as ald.er-
man for the second term from the second ward.
He is very ])0pnlar in his ward and has done
much to further the interests of this section of
the cit\ as the representative of a constituency
numl)ering seven thousand people. He is socially
connected with the Junior Pioneers, with the
.\ncicnt ( )r(!er of L'nited Workmen and with
the .Modern Woodmen of America, while his re-
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in
the Lutheran church. He was married nineteen
years ago to Miss Christine Marty, of Still-
water. JMinnesota, and they have two children :
William Henry, sixteen years of age, attending
business college, and Edna, thirteen years of age,
now attending the Sibley school. Mr. Busch-
mann has always remained a resident of St. Paul
and is best liked where best known, ^^'hile there
have been no exciting chapters in his historv, it
is nevertheless the record of a man who has been
faithful to duty under all conditions, so that his
business and political record are equally credit-
able.
HON. J(.)1L\ W. WILLIS.
Hon. jcihn W. Willis, formerly judge nf the
district court of the second judicial district,
whose decisions on the bench have gained him
a place in the ranks of the callable jurists of the
state, was born in St. Paul on the 12th of July,
1854, a son of Charles L. and Anna M. (Glee-
son) Willis. In the public schools he acquired
his elementary education and was graduated at
the head of his class from the St. Paul high
school in June. 1873. Later he attended the Cni-
versit}' of Miimesota antl .Macalester College in
1873 and 1874, taking an extensive classical
course in the latter. Then he was matriculated
at Dartmouth College, New Hainpshire, where
his more specifically literary education was com-
pleted, and in 1886 he received his Master of Arts
degree from his alma mater. After his gradu-
ation from the last named institution he entered
the law office of John M. (hlman, \\'. P. Clough
and Eugene F. Lane, who were then partners in
practice at St. Paul, and began the study of the
princii)les of jurisprudence, with which he is now
so familiar, as was exemplified in his decisions,
which won the approval of the bar and have stood
the test in the supreme courts.
While studying law Judge Willis served for a
vear as instructor in Latin and Greek languages
in the high school of St. Paul. On the 18th of
October, 1879, after the required examination, he
was admitted to the bar and for some time re-
mained in the office of the firm of Gilman &
Clough. but in 1880 entered upon practice inde-
pendently, and until his elevation to the bench
continued an active representative of the busi-
ness interests of the courts. His legal learning,
analytical mind and the readiness with which he
grasps the points in an argument all combine to
make him a strong lawyer and the public and the
profession acknowledge him the peer of any mem-
ber of the St. Paul bar, where have practiced
many eminent and prominent men.
Judge Wnilis served in 1S81 and i8S_' as a
member of the board of education in St. Pan'
and has long been recognized as a leader in ilemo-
cratic circles. In 1883 he was unanimously nomi-
nated by the democratic state convention for the
office of attorney general of Minnesota and dur-
ing the campaign made an extended canvass of
the state, delivering addresses in the principal
cities and tawns. He received a large and flat-
tering vote, running ahead of the ticket, but was
defeated with the other democratic nominees for
state offices. In 1888 he was appointed by Hon.
.\ndrew R. McGill a member of the state board
of corrections and charities. On the 8th of No-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
331
vember, 1892, he was elected one of the judges
of the district court for the second ju<Hcial dis-
trict of the state of Minnesota and served for six
years from the ist of January, 1893. On the
5th of September. 1894, 'le ^^'S* nominated by the
democratic state convention by acclamation (all
the delegates rising) for associate justice of the
supreme court. He also became the candidate of
the people's party, and received one hundred and
thirteen thousand votes. In the fall of 1898 he
was the free silver democratic candidate for repre-
sentative in congress from the fourth congres-
sional district. After his judicial term expired
the judge declined renomination, preferring to
engage in private practice, and opened a law otifice
in suite 324. Globe Piuilding. He is now engaged
in general civil and criminal practice as attorney
and counselor at law. In 1880 he was admitted
to appear in the United States circuit and dis-
trict courts, the su])reme court of Mimiesota and
all the district courts of the state.
While on the bench Jndge \Mllis* decisions in-
dicated strong mentality, careful analysis, a thor-
ough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judg-
ment. The iudge on the bench fails more fre-
quenth- perha]3S from a deficiency in that broad
mindedness which not only comprehends details
of a situation quickly and that insures a complete
self-control under even the most exasperating con-
ditions than from any other cause, and the judge
who makes a success in the discharge of his mul-
titudinous delicate duties as a man of well
rounded character, finely balanced mind and of
splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge
\\'illis was regarded as such a jurist is a uni-
formly accepted fact. During his term of service
on the bench he attracted widespread public atten-
tion In- his decisions ujiholding the constitution-
ality of the statute providing for the construction
of a state elevator ; also by his decision declaring
the "ticket scalper license law" unconstitutional
upon the ground that it created a privileged class ;
and by his instruction to the grand judge of Ram-
sey county to enforce strictly the statute forbid-
ding the employment of child labor.
Judge Willis was married on the 20th of June,
1897. to Miss jMargaret Wharton, the only daugh-
ter of Alfred ^^'harton, M. D., of St. Paul. His
first wife, Eleanor Forsyth, had dieil June 22,
1894. The Judge is a member of the Sons of
the .American Revolution, being entitled to such
membership by reason of the military service of
his great-grandfather. Sylvanus Willis, and other
ancestors who served with the patriotic army in
the war for independence. He was one of the
founders of the Junior Pioneer Association, is a
member of the Elks lodge, No. 59, of St. Paul,
and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Commercial Club. He is a
member of the Ramsey County Bar .Association,
is particular counsel of St. Paul Society of St.
Vincent and is honorary president of the Italian
Catholic Society. His nature is kindly, his tem-
perament genial and his manner courteous, but
when on the bench his attitude at once indicated
the studious, earnest and scholarly judge whose
course duly upheld the majesty of the law.
RENMLLE CHIXNOCK.
Renville Chinnock, a member of the St, Paul
bar and at one time a representative of his dis-
trict in the state legislature, was born in Hudson.
Wisconsin, November 20, 1869. His father,
James T. Chinnock, was a native of Trumbull
c(^unty, Ohio, and removed to the west, settling
in Hudson, Wisconsin, in 1846, in company with
his father, James Chinnock, Sr.. who was the
first man to build a house between Hudson (then
Ruena Vista) and La Crosse. Reared amid pio-
neer environments, James T. Chinnock remained
a resident of ^^'isconsin until 1888, when he re-
moved to Red ^^'ing, Alinnesota, and there en-
tered into partnership with S. B. Foote in a
whole.sale shoe business. He now resides in Cali-
fornia. He married Elizabeth Stevens, whose
family is related to that of Thaddeus Stevens, at
one time vice president of the Ignited States.
Renville Chinnock acquired his education in
the schools of his native city, completing bis more
specifically literary course in the high school, after
whicli he prepared for the practice of law as a
student in the University of Minnesota, bein.a:
graduated from the law department with the de-
332
PAST AND TRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
gree of I'.achelor of Laws. He began practice in
1896 in St. Paul and in 1899 became associated
with Piloses E. Clapp, now United States senator.
The relation has since been maintained and the
firm is one of the strong law organizations of the
city with a liberal patronage in general practice.
Mr. Chinnock is well versed on all departments
of law and his devotion to his clients" interests
makes him a strong and able member of the St.
Paul bar. He is clear in his reasoning, logical
in his conclusion and seldom at fault in the ap-
plication of a point at law to the point in litiga-
tion. His political allegiance is given to the re-
publican party, and in its success and growth he
is deeply and actively interested. In 1902 he
was made his party's candidate for the state
legislature and was elected to represent the thir-
ty-fifth district.
Mr. Chinnock was married in 1898 to Aliss
Annie J\L O'Neill, a daughter of John O'Neill,
of Belle Plaine, Minnesota. He belongs to the
^lasonic and other societies, of which he is a
valued representative, and his social and profes-
sional prominence alike entitle him to representa-
tion with the leading; men of St. Paul.
JAMES H. DUFFEY.
James H. Duffey, a machinist and inventor of
St. Paul, whose death occurred in 1889, was a
native of Ireland and a son of ^lichael and
Bridget Duffey, also natives of the Emerald isle.
The [jarents came to America when their son was
only a year old and first settled in Canada, where
the father was engaged in the milling business
for many years. He afterward removed to Prince
Edward's Island and there carried on milling up
to tlie time of his death. The mother and her
family afterward went to Chicago, where she re-
sided for several years, on the ex]iiration of which
period she removed to Denver, Colorado, where
she died a few years ago at the extreme old age
of one hundred and four years.
While residing in Chicago James H. Duffev
was a student in the public schools and acquired
a very good education. He then began to learn
the machinist's trade, which he followed in Chi-
cago for a few years, afterward removing to
Bloomington, Illinois, where he obtained a posi-
tion as foreman in the Chicago & Alton Rail-
road shops. It was during his residence in that
city that he was married to Miss Mary A. J.
Huddleson, a native of Canada and a daughter
of Thomas and Mary Huddleson, both of whom
were born in Yorkshire, England, whence they
came to America at an early day, settling in
Champaign county, Illinois. There the father
purchased a farm, carrying on general agricul-
tural pursuits up to the time of his death, and
his wife also died upon the old homestead farm
there at the venerable age of eighty-nine years.
His brother still resides on the old honie farm in
that county.
Mr. Duffey continued to hold the position of
foreman of the Chicago & Alton Railroad shops
at r.loomington for twenty-two years, and no
higher testimonial of faithful and capable service
could be given than the fact that he was so long
retained in this position. He removed to St. Paul
in the year 1881 and began work in the railroad
shops here, but later he embarked in business on
his own account, buiUling a shop at the corner
of Fifth and Neill streets, where he followed the
machinist's trade. He was not only an expert
workman, but was also an inventor, and his re-
search, investigation and experiment led to the
invention of a valve for a locomotive engine, upon
which he secured a patent and in the manufac-
ture of this he was quite successful. He had just
completed inventions on four engines and was
preparing to do a large business in this way,
when, while standing near the tunnel on Fnurth
street, there was an explosion of an engine,
whereby he and three other men were instantly
killed. This catastrophe occurred on the fith of
June, 1889, and was a most deplorable event.
Mr. and Mrs. Duffey had become the jiarents
of twelve children, eight of whom are now li\iiig.
Airs. O'Haren, the eldest, is residing in St. Paul.
John, who is weighmaster and grain inspector in
the grain elevators of this city and is a promi-
nent politician of the west side, stanch in his ad-
vocac\' of the republican party, married Miss Per-
kins, and thev and their three children, Grace,
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
333
Frank and Stella, now reside with his mother.
Mrs. Longquish is now living in Chicago. Mrs.
Redding makes her home in St. Paul. Charles
W. is the owner of the business of the Empire
City Express Company and resides with his
mother. Agnes, Teresa and Ermine are at home.
Mr. Duftey gave his early political allegiance
to the democracy but later became a stalwart re-
publican and continued to support that party up
to the time of his death. The family are all com-
iinmicants of St. Peter's Catholic church, which is
situated near their home. In i(jo2 Mrs. Duffey
erected a residence at Xo. 917 Marshall avenue,
where she and her children are now living.
D. H. MICHAUD.
D. H. Michaud, engaged in the real-estate busi-
ness in St. Paul, was born in Canada, September
27, 1855. His father, Henry Michaud, also a na-
tive of Canada, was of French descent. He mar-
ried Josette Guilbault, who was likewise born in
Canada and the boyhood of their son was spent
in that country, his education being acquired in
the public schools. He was a young man of about
twenty-one years when in 1876 he came to St.
Paul and entered commercial life in connection
with the grocery business with the firm of
Michaud Brothers. In 1884 he turned his atten-
tion to the real-estate business, which he has
since conducted and is now one of the well known
and successful real-estate operators of the city,
thoroughl)' informed concerning the value of
property, its possible diminution or appreciation
in ])rice and its desirability for either residence
or business purposes accordng to the signs of the
times. He has thus been enabled to place many
investments and to make profitable sales for his
clients and during the twenty-two years of his
connection with real-estate interests has negoti-
ated many ini|)ortant realty transfers.
In 1887 occurred the marriage of D. H.
Michaud and Miss Julie F. Chanson, of this city.
Mr. Michaud belongs to the Real Estate Ex-
change and to the Commercial Club and is also a
cuniiiiuiiicant of the St. Louis French church.
Thoroughly identified with the interests of his
adopted city, he stands for progress and improve-
ment in municipal affairs and upholds strenuous-
ly those principles which constitute the strong
basic elements of our republican government.
L. H. FILIATRAULT.
L. H. Filiatrault, the organizer, promoter and
manager of a leading business enterprise of St.
Paul — the American Paint ]\Ianufacturing Com-
pany— was born in Faribault, Minnesota, Novem-
Ix'r 10, 1869. His father, E. Filiatrault. was a
native of Canada and of I'rench extraction. In
the public schools of his native city L. H. Filia-
trault acquired his education, and on leaving
school engaged in the hardware business in Fari-
bault as an employe until sixteen years of age,
when he went to Crookston, ^ilinnesota, where he
continued in the same line of trade. In 1889. he
left Crookston and removed to Duluth, where
he became connected with the house of ^Marshall
Wells, which he represented on the road until
1898, when, severing his connection with that
business, he embarked upon a new venture, be-
coming manager of the St. Paul branch for the
Stearns Paint Manufacturing Company, continu-
ing to act in that capacity until December, 11)04,
when he organized the American Paint Manu-
facturing Company as successor to the old Stearns
Comjjanv. Forming the new corporation, .Mr.
Filiatrault became vice president and manager,
and under his able control the business has stead-
ily grown until the trade has extended throughout
the entire northwest, while the output of the house
is extensive and returns a gratifying income.
Employment is furnished to a large number of
l)eopIe and the policy of the house toward patrons
is alike fair and just.
Mr. Filiatrault was married, in 1902, to Miss
Depocas, of Canada. He belongs to the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, the ^ilodern
Woodmen camp, the Knights of Pythias lodge
and the Ignited Commercial Travelers, and his
religious faith is that of tlie Roman Catholic
church. Each step in his business career has been
334
PAST A.\U PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
carefully and thoughtfully made and has been a
step in advance. Without special family or pe-
cuniary advantages to aid him in the outset of
his career, he has continually broadened the scope
of his labors and the possibility of success, and
as the years have gone by he has won for himself
a prominent and enviable position in commercial
circles in his adopted city.
FKAXKLIX HA.Al.MUND GRIGGS.
Franklin Hammond Griggs, an able member of
the St. Paul bar, practicing as a member of the
firm of Douglas & Griggs, was born in Faribault,
Minnesota, April 6, 1872. His father, George
Griggs, was a native of Ohio and wedded Alice
G. Smith, who was born in New Jersey. Her
father, R. R. Smith, was a prominent lumberman
of JNlinneapolis and of Faribault. The paternal
grandfather, John W. Griggs, came to Minne-
sota from Brookline, Massachusetts, in the early
'50s, when the state was still under territorial
government, and settled in Faribault, where he
became a member of the banking firm of E. W.
Dike & Company. George Griggs was also con-
nected for a number of years with the same in-
stitution, but resigned his position in the bank
and removed to St. Paul, where he became con-
nected with P. H. Kelly in the conduct of a whole-
sale grocery business. He afterwards established
the firm of Griggs & Company, wholesale grocers,
and has since been a prominent figure in com-
mercial circles of St. Paul, belonging to that class
of representative men connected with the promo-
tion of enterprises which arid not alone to indi-
vidual prosperity, but also advance the general
welfare and prosperity of the city.
Franklin H. Griggs, completing a cotirse in the
public scJiools of St. Paul, continued his educa-
tion in Williams College, from which he was
graduated in i8<)3 with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts. He studied law with Young & Light-
ner. of .St. Paul, and pursued a law course in
llu' University of Aiinnesota. where he won the
degree of i'.achelor of I^aws. He likewise pursued
l)ost-graduate work in the same institution, which
conferred upon him the degree of Master of
Laws. In iSi)5 he was admitted to the bar, at
which time he was cnnnecled with the W est Pub-
lishing Company as editorial writer. He continued
in that i^osition until 1898, when he entered upon
the active practice of his chosen profession as
junior member of the firm of Hunt, Prendergast
& Griggs. In June, 1898, he was appointed sec-
ond assistant corporation counsel of St. Paul and
the following year was made first assistant cor-
poration counsel, which office he held until July,
1902, when he resigned to enter into a partner-
ship with George C. Squires under the firm style
of Squires & Griggs, succeeding to the business
of the old firm of Flandran, Squires & Cutcheon.
Owing to the retirement of ]\lr. Squires, in
August, 1903, the partnership was dissolved, ^Ir.
Griggs succeeding to the business. In October,
1903, he was appointed special assistant to the
attorney general and was assigned to the investi-
gation of the state auditor's office in connection
with school lands. In the spring of 1904 he was
appointed special counsel to the public examiner
in connection with the same work. On the ist
of January, 1905, ]\Ir. Griggs formed a partner-
ship with Hon. W. B. Douglas, who had just re-
tired from the supreme bench, and this relation
has since been maintained. The zeal with which
he has devoted his energies to his profession, the
careful regard evinced for the interests of his
clients and an assiduous and unrela.xing attention
to all the details of his cases have brought him a
large business and made him very successful in
its conduct. His arguments have elicited warm
commendation not only from his associates at the
bar, but also from the bench. His briefs always
show wide research, careful thought and the best
and strongest reasons which can be urged for his
contention, presented in cogent and logical form
;ind illuslrated 1)\ ;i style unusually lucid and
clc;if.
( )n the jftih n\ April. i8<)i). Mr. ( iriggs was
married tn Miss Louise Dyer, a daughter of
\\". J. T^yer. of St. Paul. He is a man of pleas-
ing personalitv. whose uniform courtesy and def-
erence for the opinions of others, combined with
his loyal sup])ort of wliatevcr he believes to be
right, have made him populai'. His public service
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
335
and his private professional career are alike com-
mendable by reason of ability and devotion to the
duties devolving upon him and to the interests
entrusted to his care.
S. F. PIERCE.
S. F. Pierce, with a broad business outlook
and executive al)ility that entitles him to classifi-
cation with the "captains of industry" and whose
enterprise and recognition of opportunity have
made him a promoter, has contributed in sub-
stantial measure to the material development and
prosperity of the upper ^Mississippi valley as well
as to individual success. He was born in Indi-
ana, November 29, 1857. His parents, Rufus and
Mercy Jane (Burgess) Pierce, were natives of
New York and early residents of Indiana. Edu-
cated in the public schools, S. F. Pierce afterward
turned his attention to the lumber trade and be-
came connected with the Tarrant & Ducey Lum-
ber Company, nf Muskegon. Michigan, remain-
ing with that hrm until 1881, when he removed
to Ausable, Michigan, where he represented the
Pack Woods Lumber Company until 1890. In
that year he determined to remove to Minnesota,
made his way to Ashland and spent some time in
looking over the country. He visited Duluth and
Stillwater, seeking a favorable location, and in
1894 he decided to move to St. Paul, where as
a promoter he has gained a prominent position in
business circles, being now interested in various
profital)le mining properties. He is a practical
mining engineer and has passed on many impor-
tant mines in which large capital was invested.
His judgment is rarely, if ever, at fault in such
matters. He also possesses considerable natural
inventive genius and has invented and patented
twenty-five or thirty devices of various kinds,
principally in connection with mining and rail-
road machinery and also coal saving devices. In
this work he has in many instances been eminently
successful and his creative mechanical ])owers
have yielded large financial results.
]\Ir. Pierce is also an enthusiastic horseman,
holding membership in the St. Paul Driving As-
sociation and owninar a number of fine animals.
In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pierce
and Miss Harriet Zimmerman, a daughter of John
and Rebecca Zimmerman, of Lockport, Illinois.
He has been and is distinctively a man of af-
fairs, who has wielded a wide intiuence. His
entire life accomplishment but represents the re-
sult of the fit utilization of the innate talent which
is his and the directing of his eft'orts in those
lines where mature judgment and rare discrim-
ination lead the wav.
.M. \V. FITZGERALD.
M. W. Fitzgerald, present register of deeds and
titles of Ramsey county and one of the prime
movers in the organization of the Commercial
Club, which is proving a moving force in the up-
building and progress of the city, was born in
Chateaugay, Franklin county. New York, August
31, 1855, ^ ^o" oi Patrick and Elizabeth (Scan-
Ion ) Fitzgerald. The fanfily removed to Brown
county, Minnesota, settling near the present town
of Sleepy Eye about 1867 and the father there
improved a claim, upon which he made his home
until about twenty years ago, when he removed to
Santa Rosa, California, where he now resides.
His wife died in that city in the winter of 1905-6
at the age of eighty-five years, while Mr. Fitz-
gerald is now eighty-seven years of age.
M. \\'. Fitzgerald came to St. Paul in 1869
when a youth of fourteen years and after complet-
ing the regular course of study in Franklin school
continued as a student in the old St. Paul Business
College. Subse(|uently he engaged in teaching
school for a term in Ramsey county and afterward
became bookkeeper for a Mr. Keller, then en-
gaged in the lumber business. Soon, however,
he took up the study of law and was admitted
to the liar in the fall term of court of 1876. He
studied law with John B. and W. H; Sanborn
but never practiced. Following his admission to
the bar he entered the employ of P.. R. L. Harden-
bergh & Company, wholesale leather dealers, with
whom he was connected for several years in the
capacity of bookkeeper and credit man.
Since resigning that position he lias taken a
verv active part in local politics, recognized as
336
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
line of the leaders of his party in St. Paul and
the county. He has served as chairman of the
repubhcan city and county central ci)inniittees
for a ninnber of years. He was appointed chief
deputy clerk of the district court under E. G.
Roijers in iS()5, acting in that capacity for six
years, and in 1900 he was elected register of
deeds of Ramsey county. In 1901 the legislature
established the office of register of titles, prefer-
ring that the county register of deeds should also
fill that i)osition. Mr. Fitzgerald is now occupy-
ing the two oflices and discharging the duties thus
incumbent upon him with the assistance of seven
clerks. He has systematized the work of the of-
fice and his well formulated plans and methods
result in ready and able dispatch of business.
-Mr. Fitzgerald is connected with various or-
ganizations. He has from the beginning been
an active and valued member of the Commercial
Club and may appropriately be mentioned as the
"father" of that organization, having been a prime
mover in its inception. In politics he has always
l)een an earnest republican and possesses the nat-
ural ability of a political leader, having the power
to harmonize forces and to bring concerted ac-
tion out of seemingly chaotic movements, result-
ing til the benefit of the party.
C. C. SAMSON.
C. C. Samson, a native son of Minnesota, who
since 1900 has made for himself a prominent po-
sition in real-estate circles in St. Paul, was born
in Blue Earth county. December 12, 1857, his par-
ents being John L. and Barbara (Stock) Samson,
both natives of Pennsylvania. In the year 1855
the father came from the Keystone state with a
colony that .settled at Shelbyville. Minnesota. Tlie
son was a student in the public schools of I'lue
Earth county and completed his education in
Yankton College in .^outh Dakota. On putting
aside his text-books he settlerl in Mood^• county.
Minnesota, where he engaged in farming for four
years, after which he became connected with the
John Paul Lumber (unipanv, with which he re-
mained for eleven years, during which time he
had charge of a retail yard of the house. While
thus engaged he was elected sheriff of Kossuth
county, Iowa, where he was then living, as the
republican candidate and held that office for four
years. On the expiration of his term of service
he bought out a real-estate and abstract office
in Algona. Iriwa, where he remained for two
years, when, selling out he sought a broader field
of labor in St. Paul, arriving in this city in June,
nx^o. Here he embarked in the real-estate and
land business, in which he has since engaged. In
his undertakings he has prospered, handling im-
portant realty interests and negotiating many
large property transfers. He has extensive in-
terests in North Dakota and operates largely in
Red River valley. He is a man of genial person-
ality, very popular with friends and business ac-
quaintances, having the confidence of all who
know him as well as those with whom he has
come in contact through business relations.
On the 14th of October, 1880. Mr. Samson was
married to Miss Eva L. Louer, of .\mboy, Min-
nesota, and they have three children: Earl R.,
who is associated with his father in business ;
.\da AI. and Geneva P., both at home. Mr.
Samson is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fel-
lows and other lodges and attends the Methodist
Episcopal church. His life has been exemplar)
of the teachings of these organizations and his
genuine personal worth has brought him a con-
tinuall\' increasing circle of friends.
FREDERICK C. I'.RVA.X.
I'rederick C. Br\'an. one of the most prominent
factors in commercial circles in llie northwest,
being vice-president of the St. Paul & Western
Coal Company and of the Boston Coal, Dock &
Wharf ('(impany of .'-^l. Paul, is a native of Ral-
eigh. Xdrth Carolina, and has back of him an ;ni-
ceslry, honorable and distinguished. His father
is the Hon. Henry R. Bryan, who belongs to one
of the old families of the south and is a noted
la\\\er, who Ii.is fnr ni;in\ \ears si'rved as judge
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
339
of the superior court of that state and is still
upon the bench. He wedded Mary Norcott, like-
wise a member of an old family of that state.
Frederick C. Bryan was educated in ISingham
Military School, in the I'niversitv of North Caro-
lina and in Eastman's Business College of Pough-
keepsie, New York, and was thus qualified for
important and responsible duties in business life.
( )n tlie 4th of April, 1883. he entered the rail-
way service in the local department of the At-
lantic & North Carolina Railroad at New Berne
and thus served until the 15th of May, 1886.
From that date until the ist of Januarv, 1888, he
was joint agent of the associated raihva\s nf \'ir-
ginia and the Carolinas at Raleigh. North Caro-
lina, followed by active service from the ist of
January, 1888, until September 20, iScjo, as chief
clerk in the general freight and passenger depart-
ment of the Sea Board Air Line at Portsmouth,
N'irginia. At the last mentioned date he received
promotion to the position of general freight and
passenger agent of the same line, his connection
therewith continuing luitil the 15th of December,
1892, on which date he became general western
freight a.gent for the Norfolk & Western Rail-
road at Chica,go, Illinois, occupying the latter
place until the 15th of July, KX)3, when he was
made division freight agent for the Norfolk &
Western Railroad at Columbus, ( )hio. He thus
acted until the 1st of Alay, 1905, when he sev-
ered his connection with railroad interests. Each
change that he made was a step in advance. brin,g-
ing him larger duties and broader responsibilities.
Leaving Columbus, Mr. Bryan removed to St.
Paul, and on the ist of June, 1905, became vice-
president of the St. Paul & Western Coal Com-
pany and of the Boston Coal, Dock & \Miarf
Company of this city. He has control of all the
business for the northwest of this company and its
dock interests. The company is second in the
world in the extent of its trade in bituminous
coal, which fact indicates something of the im-
portance of Mr. Bryan's business connections.
In his varied business relations he has conducted
the interests entrusted to him with almost uner-
ring jud.gment. He brought to his duties that
uin-eniitting labor and concentration of thought
which are so [peculiarly his own. and he has de-
voted his energies to his work with a singleness
of purpose that never fails to produce results.
He stands prominent today as a representative of
the coal trade of the northwest and moreover com-
mands the respect of all as a jniblic-spirited cit-
izen. His only equipment when he started out in
life for himself was the .good education which
had been afforded him. By his own energy, per-
severence and indomitable strength of character
he achieved a creditable reputation in railroad
circles, and is today occujiying a place of prom-
inence in commercial lines due alone to his keen
foresight, honesty of purpose and untiring
energy. Calm and self-poised, he is a man of re-
fined character in whom nature and culture have
vied in making an honored and interesting gen-
tleman.
lAMES K. OGDEN.
James K. ( )gden. in an analxzation of whose
life record ener,gy, determination and diligence
are found to be salient characteristics, was born
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ^larch 7. 1868,
and since 1894 has been president of the Twin
City Varnish Company of St. Paul. His father,
Joseph O. Ogden, a native of Ohio, wedded
Esther Swain, who was Ijorn in New Jersey.
The son, James K. Ogden, was a public school
student in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 1886
came to .*^t. Paul, finding employment with the
St. Paul White Lead & Oil Company, with which
he was connected for eight years, filling various
positions with the house includin,g that of office
boy, collector and bookkeeper. In 1889 the Twin
City Japan Company, now the Twin City ^'^ar-
nish Company, was organized by Mr. Ogden and
a number of other enterprising business men, but
he is the onlv one of the original incorporators
still connected with the enterprise. Since 1894
he has occupied the presidency and has continu-
ally enlarged the business in its scope and results.
Operations were begun on a very modest scale,
the first building being a shed erected by Mr.
Ogden. Bringing to bear keen discrimination,
close application and imfaltering energy, he has
with the assistance of his associates and through
340
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
i1k- eiii])loyiiient of compctcni laJxirers grail ually
(k'vclopod a business of large and profitable pro-
l)ortions. The plant is now extensive, is equipped
with all modern appliances and the trade of the
house is yearly growing, the ])roduct being
shipped to various points in the territorv from
.Minnesota to the Pacific coast and as far south as
the Illinois border. So steadily has the business
grown that the present factory is the third in
which the work has been carried on, the others
|)roving inadequate to the constantlv developing
trade. Mr. Ogden is also connected with the
Xorthwestern Printing Company, manufacturers
of printer's ink. This is another important in-
dustrial enterprise of the city, contributing to the
reputation of St. Paul as a productive trade
center.
JOSEPH ORAIAXn PATTEE.
Josejjh O. Pattee, deceased, became a resident
of St. Paul about 1870 and was prominent among
the representatives of railroad interests in the
Twin Cities, always holding high positions with
the railroad companies. A resident of Alexan-
dria, Xew Hampshire, he was born on the 17th oi
September, 1837, his parents being William and
Frances Pattee. who were natives of Xew Hamp-
shire. They resided upon a farm there through-
out their entire lives. In the common schools of
the 1)1(1 Granite state Jo.seph O. Pattee acquired
his early education, wliich was supplemented by
an academic course which was pursued near his
iiome in Xew Hampshire. At tlie age of seven-
teen years he came west, going first to Alanches-
ter. where he learned the machinist's trade and
later went to Chicago, where he followed that
trade. He had already began learning the busi-
ness in his native state and the man for whom he
worked in Xew Hami)shire brought him to Chi-
cago. He followed that ]iursuit fur a few \ears
in the western metropolis and then entered the
iinjiloy of tlie Chicago. .Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railroad Company as an engineer on the Ea
Crosse division running between La Crosse and
-Milwaukee. W'iscnnsin. His time was thus
passed for several years, after which he was sent
by the same company to Aiinneapolis and was
promoted to the position of master mechanic of
the shops of the railroad comijany for the me-
chanical construction of the line west of the river.
This position he held for about seventeen years,
at the end of which time he came to St. Paul and
was made superintendent of motive power for
the Great Northern Railroad Companv.
In June, 1869, Air. Pattee was married in Jef-
ferson, Wisconsin, to JMiss Addie Hill^-er, a native
of Connecticut and a daughter of John Hillver.
wild was born in the east but went to Wisconsin
at an early day. There he engaged in the grain
trade for many years and while visiting at the
home of Mr. Pattee in St. Paul his death occurred.
Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Pattee. Addie became the wife of Professor John
A. Hummel, a resident of St. Anthony's Park.
Minnesota, who is professor of chemistrv in the
School of Agriculture there. Frances P., who
died in St. Louis, Missouri, in Alarch, 1903, was
the wife of J. \'. McAdam, a mechanical engi-
neer employed in the American Steel Foundry in
Xew York city. They had one daughter, Eliza-
beth, who is now making her home with Mrs.
Pattee. The third was a son who died in infancy.
Air. Pattee continued to fill the position of su-
perintendent of motive power for the Great
Xorthern Railroad Company for ten years and
then removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he
entered the employ of the Alissouri Pacific Rail-
road Company as superintendent of the locomo-
tive and car de])artmcnt. He acted in that cai)ac-
ity for two years but continued to reside in the
city for three years. He then returned to St.
Paul, where he was taken suddenly ill, (]\ing here
on the 24th of May, 1005.
Mr. I^ittee was always actively interestnl in
])olitics and gave stanch and nnfaltiring su])])ort
to the republican ])arty. While living in Alinne-
a])olis he served as alderman for one term. He
took \;irinus degrees in the .Masonic order and
was prominent in the lodge in St. Paul. He was
also connected with the Order of the Eastern
Star in this city. Air. I'attee was very pronii-
nenl ispeciall\ in railro.-id circles in (he Twin Cit-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
341
ies and his Inisiness capacity and reliability were
indicated by the fact that he was so long retained
in one service. His life was crowned with a credit-
alile and gratifying' measure of success and his
death was the occasion of deep and widespread
regret among the many friends whom he had
gained during his residence in Minnesota. .Mrs.
Pattee is a member of the Dayton Avenue Pres-
Interian church of .St. Paul and she owns a beau-
tiful home at Xo. 603 Marshall avenue, where she
is now living;.
JOHN S. JOHNSON, M. D.
Dr. John S. Johnson, a successful practitioner
of medicine and surgery in St. Paul, who is mak-
ing a sjiecialty of diseases of the eye and ear and
holds the appointment as oculist to Bethesda Hos-
pital, was born near Beloit, Wisconsin, November
29, 1856. His father. Martin Johnson, a farmer
and lumberman closely associated with the early
development of the Badger state, was interested
in building the first sawmill on Chi])])ewa river.
He married Aliss Barbara Thompson and both
are natives of Norway. They are still living and
they celebrated their golden wedding on Thanks-
giving day of 1905. In their faniil)- were eight
children, si.x of whom vet survive.
Dr. Johnson, having ac(iuired his elementary
education in the public schools, afterward at-
tended Beloit College and prepared for his chosen
profession as a student in the medical dei)artment
nf the University of Alichigan, from which he
was graduated with the class of 1880. He then
returned to Beloit. where he opened an office for
practice, remaining in that city for eight years,
his attention being devoted to medicine and sur-
gery as a general practitioner. He afterward took
up special work in the diseases of the eye and
ear and became a member of the faculty of the
University of Michigan, as teacher of diseases of
the eye and ear until 1899. In the latter part of
that year he removed to St. Paul, opening an
office in the Endicott .Arcade and in his specialty
he has attained prominence, securing also a large
and liberal patronage. He belongs to the Ramsey
County Medical Society, the Minnesota State
Medical Society and the American Medical
.Association.
In 1884 Dr. Johnson was married to Miss Em-
ily Nickels, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a member
of a prominent family there. Their two children
are : Ernestine, who at the age of eighteen years
is a student in the University of Minnesota ; and
Barbara Elizabeth, seven years of age. attending
the puljlic schools of St. Paul. Dr. Johnson is
a democrat, an Odd Fellow and belongs to the
Sons of Norway. He is secretarv and treas-
urer of the Valdris Samband, a societv of natives
of Valdris, Norway, and their descendents. The
object of this society is the promotion of inter-
course and aci[uaintance among A'aldrises and
the increase and spread of knowledge of their
activities and special interests. He is also editor
of the paper. "The \'aldris Helsing," which is
the official publication of the society and wdiich
is published C|uarterly. Dr. Johnson is somewhat
prominent in musical circles in the northwest.
He was one of the organizers of the Northwestern
Scandinavian Singers Association. He resides
in Merriam Park, one of the most attractive resi-
dence districts of the city, and has a suit of of-
fices in the Endicott Arcade. He is a recognized
leader in his profession and also among the Nor-
wegian .Americans and the value of his services in
musical and professional circles is widely
acknowledged.
CHARLES E. CARLSON.
Charles E. Carlson is proprietor of a fine jew-
elr}- store at No. 917 Payne avenue and is num-
bered among the worthy citizens that Sweden
has furnished to the new world. He was born
in that country. January 13. 1868, being one of
a family of six children, as follows: Mrs. Hannah
J. Kane, of Cork, Ireland; j\lrs. Selina Gretson,
of .Swetlen ; Mrs. Hilda M. Neylin : Charles E. ;
.Adolph \V.. of Lindstrom, Minnesota ; and .Axel
L.. w'ho is in the employ of our subject.
In the puljlic schools Charles E. Carlson ac-
quired his education and in early youth was em-
ployed at farm labor. When about fifteen years
342
PAST AM) rRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
of age he began learning ihe jeweler's trade, serv-
ing a five years' apprenticeship, during which
time he gained a thorough kncnvledge of the busi-
ness in principle and detail, .\nibitious to make
the best possible use of his time and energies,
he felt that he might have better opportunities in
the new world and came to the United States in
i8yi. He made his way to St. Paul and was
employed at his trade by Louis Finkelstein in the
Manhattan P>uilding, continuing with him for ten
years. On the expiration of that period he re-
turned to Sweden, conducting a watchmaker's
school for fourteen months, after which he came
again to St. Paul and opened a jewelry store at
Xo. 917 Payne avenue, carrying a general line of
watches and jewelry, to which he added diamonds
and silverware. He has continued to enlarge his
stock from year to year to meet the growing de-
mands of the trade and now has a fine store in
which he carries a very attractive line of goods.
On the i6th of April. 1895, Mr. Carlson was
united in marriage to JMiss Mary Johnson, of St.
Paul, and they have two children, Charles Wil-
liam and Vinette Carlin. The parents are mem-
bers of the First Swedish Baptist church and
Mr. Carlson also belongs to the Commercial Club
thus manifesting his interest in all that pertains
to the city and its welfare. A prominent lecturer
has said, after study of the different peoples and
races on the face of the globe, "Sweden is the
home of the honest man," and this statement finds
verification in the life of Oiarles E. Carlson,
whose business integrity is unassailable and who
has gained a reputation for energy and capability
which shows that he is well entitled to the success
that has crowned his labors.
TUDSOX PARKER.
Judson Parker, a prominent and leading citizen
of St. Paul, now living retired, has for nearly
a half century made his home here and for forty-
three years of the time was connected with the
mail service either in the postofficc or upon the
road. A native of Xew Hampshire, lie was born
on a farm near Concord. March is. 1829, his
parents being .Mexander and Nancy (Smith)
Parker, both of whom were natives of New
Hampshire. The father was born in the house in
which the birth of Judson Parker occurred and
in the war of 1812 he served as a soldier. He
continued to reside upon the old homestead farm
near Concord and was engaged in general agricul-
tural pursuits throughout his entire life, being one
of the respected and worthy citizens of his com-
munity. Following his death his widow came
to the west and made her home with her daugh-
ter in Cliamplin, Minnesota, where she died at the
age of ninety-four years.
Judson Parker acquired his education in the
country schools near his father's home in the old
Granite state. When twenty years of age he left
the parental roof and with the hope of bettering
his financial condition in the middle west made
his way in 1850 to St. Louis, Missouri, where
he secured a position as clerk on a steamboat and
was thus engaged for seven years. During this
time he returned to his home in New Hampshire
and was there married to Miss Elizabeth A. Mc-
Cauley, who was an old playmate of his in his
boyhood days, having been born and reared upon
a farm in New Hampshire that adjoined the
Parker homestead. Her father, David McCauley,
died there at the ancestral home when Mrs.
Parker was a young girl. His son, David Mc-
Cauley, Jr.. afterward came west and settled in
St. Paul. Mr. Parker securing him a position in
the postoflice. He remained in the employ of the
government throughout the remainder of his days
and was sent to Fort Abercrombie, North Dakota,
where he was appointed saddler of the post.
There his death occurred. He was well known in
St. Paul and had many stanch friends here. Mrs.
Parker jiassed away in St. Paul, February 18,
1888. In the famil\- were six children, of whom
three are now living. Fannie J. is the wife of
Colonel \'an Duzee and resides at No. 853 Osce-
ola avenue, St. Paul. Dana D., also of this city,
is a traveling salesman in the employ of Lindeke,
Warner & Comjiany, his territory being the entire
state of Montana, where he spends most of his
time. Nellie is the widow of Robert G. McDow-
I'll. who was born on Statcn Island. New York,
and when a voung man came to the west, settling
MyUcLb cn/v.O'aMcc.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
345
ill St. I'aul. wIktc he was successfully engaged
ill the real-estate and insurance business for sev-
eral vears. He then removed to JJrooklyn, New
York, where he conducted an insurance agenc}'
until his death, which occurred on the 15th of
March, 1902. Airs. McDowell afterward re-
turned to St. Paul and has since resided in this
city. She has three children : Robert G., Gordon
and Gretchen McDowell. The members of the
Parker family now deceased are George A. and
Charles J., who died in infancy, and Mary L.,
who passed away at the age of nineteen years.
Both before and after his marriage Mr. Parker
engaged in steamboating at St. Louis, Missouri,
until 1857, when he came to St, Paul. He was
in the detective service for nearly two years and
in 1858 was appointed to a position in the post-
office under Postmaster Charles Cave. He w'as
first assigned to the duty of distributing the mail
in old wooden boxes which were then in use, but
his abilit}' and fidelity soon won him promotion
and he gradually worked his way upward, be-
coming familiar with every branch of the post-
ofiice business and holding the most responsible
positions in connection therewith. He was con-
tinuously retained in service under successive
postmasters, including Charles Cave, William
Cochoran, Dr. Stewart, Dr. Day and Governor
McGill. In 1877 he left the postoffice but was
still connected with the mail service as railway
mail clerk, having charge of a mail car on the
old St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, which is now
the Great Northern Railroad. He was afterward
transferred to the Duluth Railroad and w-as on
the first passenger train on that line that ran
into Duluth. Later he was transferred to the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and was
actively connected with the mail service between
St. Paul and Chicago for three and a half years.
Dr. Day, who was then postmaster here, persuad-
ed Mr. Parker to resign from the railway mail
service and return to the postoffice. This he did
and remained in office until about five years ago,
(ir until 1 901, when he retired. He was a warm
personal friend of Governor McGill, who ex-
l)ressed great repret when Mr. Parker resigned
his position, but for forty-three years the latter
had been identified with the mail service and he
then determined to retire from active life. Since
that time he has made his home with his sister and
his daughter. The sister is Mrs. Elmira Bran-
der, who resides in Champlin, Alinnesota, where
he spends his summer months, while in the winter
seasons he makes his home with his daughter,
.Mrs. McDowell, at No. 992 Lincoln avenue.
When he resigned his position he was the oldest
employe in the St. Paul postoffice and certainly
one of the most trusted representatives of the
mail service of the country.
In politics he has long been a stanch repub-
lican and since 1854 has been identified with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining the
same in St. Louis, Missouri, while he is now
affiliated with St. Paul lodge, No. 2. His daugh-
ter, Mrs. McDowell, is a member of the Episco-
pal church. Mr. Parker is well known to every
pioneer resident of the city, and he well merits
the confidence w^hich is uniformly extended him,
as his entire life has been actuated by fidelity to
duty and characterized by the faithful and prompt
performance of every task that lias devolved upon
him in the government service. He has watched
with interest the rapid and substantial growth
of St. Paul as it has developed from a small town
to a city of metropolitan proportions with all of
the commercial and industrial interests that are
the real basis of a city's prosperity and growth.
AlILES H. FISHER.
Miles H. Fisher is at the head of the Fisher
Paper Bo.x Company and the almost phenomenal
growth of this business stands in incontrovertible
evidence of his ability, executive force and keen
discrimination. Born in Mas.sachusetts in Alarch,
1863, he is a son of A. B. and Julia ( Hey wootl )
Fisher, also natives of the old Bay state. The
son was educated in the public schools of his na-
tive state and in 1882 came to St. Paul, being then
a young man of nineteen years. He entered the
employ of the firm of Heywood «& Company, man-
ufacturers of paper boxes, having charge of the
St. Paul branch of their business until 1884,
when he became a partner in the concern. In
348
PAST AND TRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
in St. Paul and the sons reside with Airs. Davison
at a pleasant and attractive home at No. 650 Port-
land avenue. Throughout his entire business
career Air. Davison was connected with one line
of trade and thoroughly mastered the business,
so that his services were of the utmost value to
the tirni which he represented. When upon the
n)ad he made many friends, becoming popular b\
reason of a social nature, unfailing courtesy and
deference for the opinions of others as well as
his business qualifications, and in the city where
he long resided he enjoyed the full confidence
and trust of many with whom business relations
brought him in contact.
CHARLES A. AlOORE.
Charles .\. Aloore, w-ell known as a prominent
lumberman of St. Paul, is a native of Alassachu-
setts and a son of Alpheus and Alary R. Aloore.
the former also a native of Massachusetts. Mr.
Aloore of this review became a resident of .St.
Paul in 1865. when it was a small city of limited
proportions and business enterprises. He became
connected with the milling business as a partner
of Stephen (iardner in the nperation of a mill at
Hastings, .Minnesota, where he remained for ten
years. The enterprise proved profitable and on
the ex])iration of the decade he retiu'ned to St.
Paul in 1876. Here he established a lumberyard
and real-estate office and has continued in these
lines to the present time with a business that has
developed in jiroportionate relation to the growth
and upbuilding of the city. He has ofifices at
No. 603 Manhattan Building and operates quite
extensively in both lines which claim his atten-
tion, the extent of his business making him one
of the ])n)minent lumbermen of the northwest.
Air. Aloore was luarried in 1870 to Aliss May
(loodhue. of .St. Paul, and after her death he
wedded I'amiie Holliday, of Carlinville, lllinnis.
this marriage being celebrated in 1S84. His chil-
dren are: Harriet D., Charles H.. Christo])her C.
and Alarv Shirley Moore. The famih- residence
is at No. 580 Goodrich avenue. The family at-
tend the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs.
.Moore is a member. .Mr. .Moore belongs to the
Alasonic fraternity. His interest in community
aflfairs is deep and sincere and is manifest by the
tangible co-operation which he gives in behalf of
many |)rogressive measures that have contributed
to the intellectual, moral and material progress of
St. i'aul.
CHARLES Al. C.VNNON, Al. D.
Dr. Charles A I. Cannon, who has a verv ex-
tensive practice, especially in the lint- of surgery,
his reputation extending beyond the limits of this
city and even beyond the borders of the state,
was born in \\'isconsin. .August 18. 1861, a son
of Ephraim and Emily I. (Oviatt) Camion, na-
tives of New York and Pennsylvania, respect-
ively. I'Air many years the father engaged in
farming in Wisconsin and in Iowa and died in
1901, at the age of seventy-four years. His
widow still makes her home in the latter state.
Their son Charles is the sixth in order of birth
in a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are
yet living.
Dr. Cannon is indebted to the public school
systetn of Cherokee. Iowa, for the earlv edttca-
tional ])ri\ileges which he enjoved. thereb\' pre-
paring for a collegiate course as a student in
Drake University, at Dcs Aloines. Iowa. His
professional training was obtained in I'.ennett
Aledical College, in Chicago, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1888. He located for
[practice ;it .Aldeti, Alinnesota, where he remained
for two years, after which he S])ent a year as
I'nited .States surgeon at ^^'hite hearth, Minne-
sota. In i8i)j he came to .St. Paul and opened
an office in St. .Vnthony"s Park, where he has
since built up a very large ])raclice. his business
being exceeded by that of few members of the
profession in the Twin Cities. His specialty is
surgery, and he has ati intimate knowledge of
tln' coni]ioiient |)arts of the human body, of the
onslaughts made upon it by disease and the leg-
acy left to it by ancestry. He practices along
nifidern, scientilic lines and has successfully ])er-
formed notable operations, whicli have won for
him the admiration and attention of fellow mem-
348
PAST AND PRESENT OF ?T. PAUL.
in St. I'aul and the sons reside with Mrs. Davison
ai a pleasant and attractive home at Xo. 650 Port-
land avenue. Throughout his entire business
career Mr. Davison was connected with one line
'*' trade and thoroughly mastered the business,
liiat his sd'rvices were of the utmost value to
the firm which he represented. When upon the
road he made many friends, becoming ]>optdar by
reason of a social nature, unfaihng courtesx and
deference for the opinions of others as well as
his business qualifications, and in the city where
be lone resided he enjoyed the full confidence
::> with whom business relations
>,ontact.
CHARLES A. JNIOORE.
Lliaii'.> v. Moore, well known as a prominent
lumberman of St. Paul, is a native of Massachu-
setts and a son of Alpheus and Mary R. Moore,
the former also a native of Massachusetts. Mr.
M<x)re of this review became a resident of St.
Paul in 1865, when it was a small city of limited
proportions and business enterprises. He became
connected with the milling business as a partner
of Stephen Gardner in the operation, of a mill at
Hastings, Minnesota, where he remained for ten
years. The enterprise proved profitable and on
the expiration of the decade he returned to St.
Paul in 1876. Here he established a lumberyard
and real-estate office and has continued in these
lines to the present time with a business that has
developed in proijortionate relation to the growth
and upbuilding of the city. He has offices at
No. 603 Manhattan Building and operates quite
■nsivcly in both lines which claim his attcn-
. the extent of his business making him one
of the prominent lumbennen of the northwest.
Mr. Moore was married in 1870 to Miss May
fioodhue. of St. Paul, and after her death he
wedded Fannie HoUida). of Carlinvillc, Uiniois.
this marriage being cilebrafed in 1884. Hi.- chil-
dren are: Harriet 1)., Charles H., Christopher C.
and Mary Shirley Moore. The family residence
is at .Vo. 589 Goodrich avenue. The familv at-
tend the Presbvterian church, of which 'Irs.
^loore is a member. Mr. Moore belongs to the
Masonic fraternity. His interest in community
aflfairs is deep and sincere and is manifest by the
tangible co-operation which he gives in behalf of
many progressive measures that have contributed
to the intellectual, moral and material progress of
St. Paul.
C HARLES M. CANNON, M. D.
Dr. Charles M. Cannon, who has a very ex-
tensive practice, especially in the line of surgery,
his reputation extending beyond the limits of this
city and even beyond the borders of the state,
was born in Wisconsin, Augu.st 18, 1861, a son
of Ephraim and Emily T. (Oviatt) Cannon, na-
tives of New York and Pennsylvania, respect-
ively. For man\- years the father engaged in
farming in Wisconsin and in Iowa and died in
1901, at the age of seventy-four years. His
widow still makes her home in the latter state.
Their son Charles is the sixth in order of birth
in a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are
yet living.
Dr. Cannon is indebted to the public school
system of Cherokee, Iowa, for the early educa-
tional privileges which he enjoyed, thereby pre-
paring for a collegiate course as a student in
Drake University, at Des Moines, Iowa. His
professional training was obtained in ' P>ennett
Medical College, in Chicago, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1888. He located for
practice at Alden, Minnesota, where he remained
for two years, after w-hich he spent a year as
United States surgeon at White Earth, Minne-
sota. In 1892 he came to St. Paul and opened
an office in St. Anthony's Park, where he has
since built up a very large practice, his business
being exceeded by that of few members of the
profession in the Twin Cities. His specialty is
surgery, and he has an intimate knowledge of
the component parts of the human body, of the
onslaughts made upon it by disease and the leg-
acy left to it by ancestn'. He practices along
modern, scientific lines and has successfully per-
formed notable operations, which have won for
him the admiration and attention of fellow mem-
.^ ^
9-^^
C/4. % c
^X--(yi^n^ i/>\
k>^.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
351
bers of the profession as well as the gratitude of
many of his patients. He belongs to the Ameri-
can Medical Association and from iyo2 until
1905 was a member of the state board of medical
examiners of Minnesota. His offices are located
at Xo. 2382 Hampden avenue and are thoroughly
modern in all of the equipments, being supplied
with the latest improved instruments for surgi-
cal and medical practice. He now has two as-
sistants and his patronage is very extensive.
Dr. Cannon was married on the 3d (.)f July,
1888, to Aliss Edith Al. jMorey, a teacher of
Albert Lea. Minnesota, and their children are
Flossie M., Blossom L and Harry M. Aside from
his relations with medical societies, Dr. Cannon
is a member of the Western Star lodge, A. F.
& A. M., at Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Minne-
sota chapter, Xo. i, R. A. M. He also belongs
to St. Paul lodge, Xo. 9, P.. P. O. E. ; is past
grand medical examiner of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen and is identified with the Mod-
ern \Voodmen of America, the Royal Arcanum
and the Foresters. He is also a member of the
;\[idvva)- Manufacturing Clul) and has been in-
terested in the growth and development of St.
Paul since locating in St. .\nthony's Park, co-
operating in many measures which promote the
general welfare along substantial lines.
WTLLLVM T. McAIURRAN.
^^'illiam T. McMurran, attorney at law, was
liurn in Culpeper, Virginia, in Augu.st, 1867.
His father, Charles H. McMurran, was also a
native of the Old Dominion. His mother, Jean
Henderson McAIurran, was a native of Mary-
land. In the private schools and an academy in
Orange county, \'irginia, William T. McMurran
acquired his literary education and in 1 886 came
to Minnesota. He studied law at the University
of Minnesota. Completing the* prescribed course,
he was graduated with the class of 1893 and
located for practice in St. Paul. He has devoted
his time assiduouslv to his profession, having no
desire for office, and has found that close appli-
cation, careful preparation of cases and fidelity
to his clients' interests constitute a safe basis upon
which to build the superstructure of success. He
usually votes with the democrac}', but at local
elections casts an independent ballot.
In 1894 Mr. AJcMurran was married to Miss
Eleanor McClung, a daughter of John W. Mc-
Clung, a native of Kentucky and one of the pio-
neer settlers of Minnesota, who came to this state
in 1857. He became widely known here, took an
active interest in events which mark public prog-
ress and promote the general welfare, and left
the impress of his individuality for good upon
the public life of the state.
Mr. McMurran is a member of the Masonic
fraternit}-. the Commercial Club and the Society
of Colonial Wars. He manifests a public-spirited
interest in questions which affect municipal affairs
and national progress, and while he takes no part
in political work or office-seeking his influence
nevertheless is felt as a moving force in the direc-
tion of good government, of opposition to misrule
in public affairs and of steady advancement to-
ward high ideals of civic virtue.
JASOX W. COOPER.
There are few men in the state of Minnesota
more widely known than J. ^^'. Cooper, whose
name in recent years has become closely inter-
woven with the history of St. Paul. His efforts
toward advancing the material interests are so
widely recognized that they can be considered as
being no secondary part of his career of signal
usefulness. At the same time he has won in
commercial circles a place among the foremost,
being the second vice president of the firm of
Griggs, Cooper & Company, manufacturing
wholesale grocers. A native of X'ew York, he
was born near Plattsburg, October 17, 1843. His
father, Ezra Cooper, also a native of the Empire
state, was a lumberman, miller and financier, con-
trolling important business interests. He married
Maria Johnson, who was likewise born in Xew
York, and they became the parents of eight chil-
dren, of whom five are living. The father died
in i8i)0 and the mother in 1893.
352
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
J. W. Cooper was a student in the district
schools of Clinton county, New York, between the
ages of six and fourteen years, and afterward de-
voted his time between school and work, continu-
ing in his father's employ until the Civil war,
when, in 1861, he joined the Army of the Poto-
mac, serving with official rank for two years in
the Third Amiy Corps. Following his military
experience he entered the lumber business on his
own account, continuing in the trade in his native
state for two years. In 1864 he came to St. Paul
and began traveling for a wholesale grocery
house, since which time he has been connected
with the grocery trade in the northwest, and his
name is synonymous with its splendid develop-
ment. In 1889 he entered the house of Griggs &
Howes, wholesale grocers, and the present firm
of Griggs, Cooper & Company was then formed.
He is now the second vice president of this com-
pany, which does an annual business of five mil-
lion dollars, being the largest grocery house in
the northwest, employing six hundred people and
occupying six immense buildings. The growth of
the trade has not only been on a basis with the
development of the city and the northwest, but
has been a leader in commercial activity, employ-
ing original measures and resourceful plans for
the extension of a business which has now reached
mammoth proportions. Mr. Cooper's thorough
understanding of the trade, his practical experi-
ence upon the road, and his knowledge of the de-
mands of patrons, make him a valued addition
to the managerial forces of the house, and in co-
operation with the other officers of the company
he has achieved a result of which none of the
founders of the business perhaps dreamed when
the enterprise was established under its present
form, less than two decades ago,
Mr. Cooper was married in 1875 to Miss Sarah
Dougan, of St. Paul, who was born in Canada.
They have two daughters, Ruth and Helen L.,
who are high-school graduates. The family home
at 749 Summit avenue is the center of a cultured
circle of friends, its social functions being a fac-
tor in the life of the city. Mr. Cooper is a direc-
tor in the St. Paul Commercial Qub, one of the
leading organizations, having for its object ad-
vancement, progress and reform. He likewise
belongs to the Town and Country Club and many
other commercial and social organizations. While
he has been active in co-operation with the Com-
mercial Club and other organizations and while
his stalwart republicanism has been of great value,
his service in that direction must necessarily be
held secondary to those of much greater impor-
tance as implied in his public-spirited progressive-
ness.
PETER A. WAGNER.
Peter A. Wagner, a promoter whose labors are
of direct benefit in the development of the rich
mineral resources of the southwest through his
efforts to secure the investment of capital in min-
ing properties, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, m
1863. He was educated in the public schools of
that city, and when his course was completed
entered business life in connection with railroad-
ing, in which he continued for four years. He
came to St. Paul in 1893 and established a gro-
cery business, in which he successfully continued
until 1899, when his health failed and, placing
his business under the management of his brother,
he is now largely spending his time in Arizona
and Idaho, where his business interests are at
present centered. He is a promoter, interesting
capital in the mineral resources of the southwest-
ern territories, operating from Chicago westward
to the coast. He has thoroughly acquainted him-
self with mining conditions and possibilities in
the territory and his labors are proving of imme-
diate benefit in the upbuilding of that part of
the country as well as a source of individiial
profit.
WILLIAM HENRY BAKER.
William Henry Baker, who is conducting
Baker's Dancing Academy in Litt's Hall in the
Grand Opera House Building, was born in Mid-
dletown, Connecticut. Alarch 24, 1852. His
father, Lott Baker, a native of New Brunswick.
Canada, w-as of German lineage and was a
farmer. He came to the United States in 1848.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
353
first locating in Boston, Alassachusetts, and aft-
erwards removing to Middletown, Connecticut.
His political allegiance was given to the republi-
can party and his religious faith was indicated
by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church. His death occurred in 1887, when he
had reached the age of sixty-five and a half
years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Mary Ouinlan, was born in New Brunswick,
Canada, and is now living in Cromwell, Connec-
ticut, at the age of seventy-nine years. She, too.
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
with which he had long been identified. In their
family were twelve children.
William Henry Baker, the third in order of
birth, pursued a common-school education and
has followed various business interests, being at
dififerent times proprietor of restaurants and
hotels. He began teaching the art of dancing
in 1874 at Middletown, Connecticut, and in 1889
he came to St. Paul, where he opened The Wil-
lard, then known as the Colonade Hotel. He con-
ducted it for several months, after which he
became manager of the Albion Cafe, now known
as the .\ngus, and subsequently he went to the
Aberdeen as steward and assistant manager. He
next became steward of the Manitoba, located at
Winnipeg, ]Manitoba. and upon his return to St.
Paul he took charge of the Portland Hotel on
Broadway. In the summer of 1895 he managed
Ramaley's Pavilion at White Bear Lake and in
September, 1895, went to Fargo, North Dakota,
where he opened the Hotel Martin. In the sum-
mer of 1896 he was clerk and cashier of the Hotel
Lafayette at Lake Minnetonka. while in the sum-
mer of 1897 he became steward and assistant
manager of Hotel Lafayette at Minnetonka, and
in the summer of 1898 he took a vacation. In
the summer of 1899 he managed the Portland,
and since the summer of 1900 he has been man-
ager of the White Bear Yacht Club House at
White Bear Lake, which will undoubtedlv be in
his control as long as he desires to fill the posi-
tion. In the winter months since October, 1896.
he has conducted Baker's Dancing Academv at
Litt's Hall and has a branch academy at Ram-
aley's Hall. He also has numerous private classes
and his institution is the dancing academy par ex-
cellence of the state of Alinnesota. He has
studied under twenty-three different teachers and
is one of the prominent representatives of the art
of dancing in the northwest.
Air. Baker is a member of Elks lodge, No. 59,
of St. Paul ; Washington lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
of Cromwell. Connecticut, of which he is past
master. He also belongs to the St. Paul Chess
& \\'hist Club, and his political allegiance is given
to the republican party. In his business life he
has gained a wide acquaintance and has won many
friends among those with whom he has been
brought in contact.
HENRY T. GILLE.
Henry J. Gille, general superintendent of the
St. Paul Gas Light Company and the Edison
Electric Light & Power Company, in which con-
nection he has rendered service of inestimable
value to the city and its residents, is a native son
of Minnesota, his birth having occurred near
Stillwater on the 19th of May, 1870. His father,
Peter Gille, a native of France, was educated in
Germany, and when twenty-one years of age
came to the L^nited States. He has followed farm-
ing as a life work, but is now living retired in
Woodbury township, Washington county. His
wife Eliza Biebighauser. is of Swiss lineage, but
was born and educated in Germany. Their fam-
ily numbers seven living children.
Henry J. Gille pursued his education in the
district schools of Washington county, Minnesota,
to the age of sixteen years, and afterward at-
tended Curtiss College at St. Paul. Interested in
the electrical world his time and energies since
entering upon his business career have been con-
centrated upon occupation of this character, his
connection therewith beginning as an employe of
the Acme Electric Company. He was afterward
connected with the Columbia Electric Company,
entering the store in November, 1888. while in
January, 1889. he was transferred to the factory,
where he had opportunity to acquaint himself
with the actual workings of the business in all
its details. His readv mastery thereof won recog-
354
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
iiitioii. when in .\'c)vcnil)L-r. 18S1;, he was placed
in charge of the supply department, acting in
that capacity until June. i8yi. He afterward be-
came assistant purchasing agent and manager of
the supply department for the Northwest Thom-
son-Houston Electric Company. In July, 1892,
he was made purchasing agent and manager of
the supply department, in which capacity he re-
mained until October, 1894. when he was trans-
ferred to Chicago as assistant manager of the
supply department of the General Electric Com-
pany, filling that position until August 15, 1895,
when, on account of impaired health, he was un-
able to remain longer in Chicago and accepted the
position of engineer in the electrical department
of the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Com-
pany, with headquarters at St. Paul. During this
time he traveled as electrical engineer, covering
the entire west. In April. i8g8. he was appointed
superintendent of the electrical department of the
St. Paul Gas Light Company and the Edison
Electric Light & Power Company and in July,
1902, was made general superintendent of the St.
Paul Gas IJght Company and the Edison Elec-
tric Light & Power Company, thus having full
charge of the gas and electric departments. Dur-
ing the period of Mr. Gille"s connection with the
company the electric plants and distributing sys-
tem of St. Paul have been entirely rebuilt and
imjjroved and the pow-er of the St. Croix Power
Com])any has been introduced. His thorough
knowledge of the business in ])rinci])le and detail,
his understanding of the practical workings as
well as the great scientific principles which under-
lie electrical interests, have enabled him to so
direct the business of the companies as to con-
tribute in substantial degree to their success and
at the same time give improved service to the
general public.
Mr. (iille is a member of the .American Insti-
tute of Electrical Engineers, of the Northwestern
Electric Light Association, of the Western Gas
Light .\s.sociation and the Cihin Gas Light Asso-
ciation, and is prominent in all of these different
electrical organizations. He is likewise a director
of the Commercial Club, is a member of Triune
lodge. No. T90. .\. F. & .'\. M.. has attained the
thirt\ -^ecnnd degree of the Scottisli rite in Ma-
s(_inry and belongs to Osman Temple of the -Mys-
tic Shrine. He holds membership relations with
Trinity Methodist church and in politics is a re-
pul)lican. stanch in his advocacy of ])arty princi-
l)als, but voting independently where no issues are
involved. He was married in 1891 to Miss Min-
nie L. Garbe, of Washington county, Minnesota,
and they have one child, Madell, who at the age
of twelve years is attending school. Mr. Gille
is devoted to his family, cotmting no personal sac-
rifice on his part too great if it will promote the
welfare and happiness of the members of his own
household. His position in the business world
is now' one of prominence and has been attained
entirely through his own well directed eflforts.
In the electrical world the merit system is the only
one which counts and thorough capability is the
essential qualification which wins advancement
and gains the financial rewards which come
through the able care of large responsibilities.
LOUIS H. MAXFIELD.
Louis H. Ma.xfield. deceased, became a resi-
dent of St. Paul in 1864 and through his individ-
ual activity and enterprise in business circles con-
tributed to the commercial upbuilding of the city.
He was born in Ohio, May 27, 1852. His father,
Thomas W. iMaxfield, died in Ohio when Louis
H. was hut twelve years of age and the latter
afterward came here with his brother, James T.
Maxfield. bv whom he was reared and who was
one of the leading business men (it the city and
a prominent factor in public life, serving for sev-
eral years as mayor of St. Paul and retaining his
residence here until his death.
At the age of fourteen years Louis 1 1. .Maxfield
hc.gan attending the old Jefferson school and was
afterward a high-school student, thus acquiring
a good education. He afterward sought employ-
ment in the Briedet Stove \\^orks on Third street,
where he remained for four years, and on attain-
ing his majority he began Inisiness for himself as
a commission merchant, entering into ])artnership
with a Mr. Clififord under the firnt style of Clif-
ford & Maxfield. The\- engaged in the comniis-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
355
sion business near the old .Merchants Hotel for
four years and then removed to the corner of
Fourth and Sibley streets, the change in the firm
being brought about at that time, when a nephew
of Mr. Maxfield was admitted under the firm style
of Maxfield & Company. .\t the new location
they established a wholesale grocery business,
which they successfully conducted until 1885.
when the nephew sold his interest and the firm
Ix'came .Ma.xfield & Seabury, wholesale grocers.
Mr. Maxfield was thus identified with commer-
cial pursuits in St. Paul throughout the remain-
der of his life and from a small lieginning devel-
oped a large and important mercantile establish-
ment with an extensive trade that brought him
into intimate business relations with a large tribu-
tary district of the northwest.
In 1876 Mr. Maxfield was married to Miss
Adelaide Cathcart, a native of this city and a
daughter of .\lexander H. and Rebecca (.Mar-
shall ) Cathcart. The mother was one of the
first white children brought to St. Paul, the Mar-
shall family being among the earliest families
resident in this city. Her brother. William R.
Marshall, was at one time governor of Alimie-
sota and the |)rominence of the famih' is further
indicated by the fact that Marshall avenue, one
of the principal residence streets here, was named
in their honor. Alexander H. Cathcart came to
-St. Paul in 184CJ and engaged in the dry-goods
business with his brother. John W. Cathcart,
under the firm style of Cathcart & Com])an\-. The
brother went south in i860 and was killed there
during the period of the Civil war. Mr. Cath-
cart remained as one of the first retail dr\--goods
merchants of St. Paul, controlling an extensive
and profitable business until 1873, when he sold
out and lived retired until his death, which oc-
curred October 2, 1899. His widow, Airs. Cath-
cart. who is now seventy-six years of age, resides
with her daughter, Mrs. Maxfield. Unto our
subject and his wife were born four children.
Ale.xander Cathcart, the eldest, born July 24,
1876, is a ])artncr in the firm of Cathcart, Price
& Company. Eleanor is the next of the familv.
Louis Henry, born in 1884, is now in the naval
academy at .\nnapolis, Maryland, and will gradu-
ate in the class of 1907. .Alice comjiletes the fam-
ily. The children all yet make their home with
their mother.
Mr. Ma.xfield continued to engage in the whole-
sale grocery business up to the time his health
failed, wdien he retired from active management,
but still owned the interest in the store until his
death, which occurred May 12, 1892. He was
president of the Ice Palace Association of St. Paul
for two years and was a member of the Masonic
fraternity, in which he attained the Knight Tem-
plar degree. In politics he was a democrat. All
of the family are members of Christ Episcopal
church on Fourth street and Mr. Alaxfield took
a very deep interest in church work, while Mr.
and .Mrs. Cathcart were among the founders of
the church. The Marshall, Cathcart and 2\Iax-
field families have all been prominent in the city
and actively associated with its welfare and prog-
ress. .Mr. Marshall, Mr. Cathcart and Mr. Max-
field were among its prominent business men,
contributing to the business development and en-
terprise of the city, and all made creditable rec-
ords, attaining success along honorable lines, so
that their life records prove conclusively that in-
tegrity and business prosperity are harmonious
working forces.' Mrs. Maxfield and her mother,
]Mrs. Cathcart. together with the former's chil-
dren, reside at No. 627 Goodrich avenue.
MELBURN L. DEAN.
Melburn L. Dean, cashier of the Midway Bank,
a private banking institution, is a typical repre-
sentative of the spirit of the age which is mani-
fest in the substantial progress and upbuilding of
Minnesota. He was born in Blooniington, this
state, on the 2d of November. 1880. a son of
Robert F. and Zelah ( Tuckey) Dean, who were
natives of New York. The father, a farmer by
occupation, is now deceased, but the mother is
still living in St. Paul and their eight children
yet survive.
Melburn L. Dean, the third in order of birth,
spent his early youth on the home farm, but not
356
PAST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
content to follow the plow he sought broader op-
portunities in other fields of labor and now occu-
pies the responsible position of cashier of Midway
I Sank. He was educated in the public schools
and in the State Agricultural College of Minne-
sota, from which he was graduated in the class
of 1903. He entered btisiness life as a carpet
salesman for W. McVeigh, at St. Anthony's
Park, and continued in that position for two years,
when he went to Midway, first as accountant
and later as cashier in the bank, filling the latter
position since the ist of December, 1905. The
Midwa\- Bank was established in 1903 with A. Z.
Drew as its president. It has been a well con-
ducted institution, is now in a prosperous condi-
tion and meets the needs of the local patrons of
St. Anthony's Park and vicinity, filling a long-
felt want in commercial and mone3'ed circles here.
Mr. Dean is well grounded in business principles
and is ably qualified for his position. He has
made numerous friends among the patrons of the
bank, who appreciate his worth and recognize his
capability and alertness in business life.
SWAN B. MOLAXDER.
Swan B. Molander, a member of the St. Paul
bar, regarded as a prominent and influential fac-
tor in republican circles in Minnesota, was born
in Sweden, February 27, 1855, his parents being
B. S. and Anna (Munson) Molander. The father
is still living, his home being in Millbank, South
Dakota. In the family were five chilren : Alfred,
a resident of Anoka, Minnesota; Ludwig, living
in Harvey. Xnrth Dakota: Hilda, the wife of
Charles Lindbloom, of Stillwater, Minnesota ;
Swan B. ; and Emily, the deceased wife of Nels
[iilnisnn, cjf .Millliank. Snulh Dakota.
Swan B. Molander actjuired his elementary ed-
ucation in his native town and when fourteen
years of age came to tlu- I'liited States, the fam-
ily home being established in .Stillwater, Minne-
sota, in 1869. He then entered upon his Inisi-
ness career and his life has l)een one of activity,
his success in whatever field he has essayed his
eft'orts being attributable entirely to his enterprise,
determinatiiin and perseverance. During the
year after his arrival he was employed at rail-
road work. Becoming interested in politics, he
was accorded a position of leadership in republi-
can ranks and was elected county auditor of Kan-
abec county, ^linnesota, in which capacity he
served for ten consecutive years, from 1885 until
1895. In the latter year he was appointed deputy
clerk in the state auditor's office and remained in
that position until 1903. He was elected engross-
ing clerk in the house of representatives in 1893.
He has since engaged in law practice in St. Paul
with offices in the New York Life Building. He
earlv took up the study of law, but abandoned
it temporaril}'. In later years, however, he re-
sumed his preparation for the bar and was gradu-
ated from the St. Paul College of Law in the
class of 1903. He has secured a liberal clientage
since entering upon the active work of the pro-
fession and in his able handling of cases has dis-
played his thorough familiarity with the princi-
ples of jurisprudence and his correct adaptation
thereof. At one time he was editor of the Mora
Times, published at Mora, Minnesota, and his
able editorials were a factor in the influences
which gained republican successes and molded
]niblic opinion. He has been chairman of the re-
publican county committee and for fifteen years,
from 1885 until 1900, was a member of the con-
gressional committee. He has held local offices,
serving as a member of the board of education
for several years, as a member of the village coun-
cil, justice of the peace and as court commis-
sioner for four years. His keen insight into
political situations and possibilities, his recogni-
tion of difficulties and his understanding of meth-
ods which can overcome them have conil)iiie<l to
make him a leader in republican circles and he is
prominently spoken of as the candidate of his
party for secretary of state.
In his social relations Mr. Molander is an Odd
Fellow and is also connected with the Modern
^^"^odnu'n of .Xmerica and the Samaritans, while
his religious faith is indicated by membership in
the English Lutheran church. In September,
1876. he was married to Miss Nellie Borgeson,
a daughter of .^ndrew Borgeson, of Sweden, and
at the time of her marriage she was a resident of
Stillwater. Their children are: ^'ictor S.. who
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
357
(lied in December, 1905, at the age of tvventy-
eigth 3-ears ; Cecelia, who died in 1880, when but
three years of age ; Olga N. and Arthur Hilding,
both at home. Of genial manner and cordial dis-
position, of strong intellectual force and keen
analytical power, persuasive as well as logical in
argument and fearless in support of his honest
convictions, Mr. Molander is well equipped for
the achievement of success in the arduous and
difficult profession of the law and also well quali-
fied for political leadership, and even his political
opponents accord his honesty of purpose and ap-
preciate his sincerity.
CHAUNCEY MILTON GRIGGS.
Chauncey Milton Griggs is first vice president
of the wholesale grocery house of Griggs, Cooper
& Company, the leading establishment of this
kind in the northwest. Developed and expanded
along modern lines, in its scope the business of
the wholesale grocery house of Griggs, Cooper &
Company has been continually extended and the
executive force and keen discrimination of Mr.
Griggs of this review has been a dominant factor
in its enlargement.
Bom in St. Paul, February 19, i860, he is a
son of Colonel C. W. and Martha A. (Gallup)
(rriggs, both of whom were natives of Connec-
ticut, and the line of ancestry is traced back to
the days of the Mayflower. Colonel Griggs, of
the Third Minnesota, became a very prominent
and influential merchant of St. Paul and was the
founder of the house of Griggs. Cooper & Com-
pany, of which he still retains the presidency, al-
though he makes his home in Tacoma, Wash-
ington.
His son, Chauncey Alilton ("iriggs, was a pub-
lic-school student of St. Paul, passing through,
consecutive grades until he had completed the
high-school course, after which he entered Yale
College and was graduated in 1883 with the
Bachelor of Arts degree. While in college he was
a member of the Wolfs Head Society, one of the
senior societies, and of Beta chapter of the Psi
Epsilon. He returned to St. Paul to enter mer-
cantile life and has since been connected with the
firm of Griggs, Cooper & Company. The house
was established in October, 1882, a change in
partnership occurred in 1884, and in 1889 became
Griggs, Cooper & Company. In 1900 the firm
incorporated with Colonel C. W. Griggs as presi-
dent ; C. M. Griggs, first vice president ; J. W.
Cooper, second vice president ; T. W. Griggs, sec-
retary : R. P. ^^' arner, treasurer ; and A. ^^'ilkin-
son, credit man. C. E. Wyman and E. P. C.
Harmegnies are the other members of the board
of directors of Griggs, Cooper & Company. The
trade of the house has since expanded under the
resourceful direction of the men who have been
at its head until it is today the largest wholesale
establishment of the northwest. The company
not only deals in groceries and provisions, but also
manufactures on an extensive scale. The firm
has recently secured the Griggs & Foster Build-
ing at the corner of Third and \\'acouta streets,
formerly occupied by Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk &
Company, and hereafter this building will be the
headquarters of Griggs, Cooper & Company, their
offices and shipping departments being there.
This building has two hundred and fifty feet
frontage on Third street. The manufacturing
plant for roasting coffees, packing teas, making
spices and extracts, putting up pickles and pre
serves, is in their old plant, the Shepard Block,
at the corner of Third and Wacouta streets, with
one hundred and seventy-five feet frontage. Fac-
tory No. 2, containing the syrup refinery, the
candy plant and cracker bakery, is located at the
corner of Third and Sibley streets with one hun-
dred and fifty feet frontage. This gives the fimi
nearly six hundred feet frontage on Third street
in three separate buildings six stories high. Em-
ployment is furnished to six hundred people.
There are sixty traveling representatives and the
trade of the house in a general line of groceries
and cig:irs amoimts to five million dollars annu-
ally. They have a railroad trackage capacity of
fifteen cars per day. The business has been de-
veloped to mammoth proportions and the enter-
prise is one of the salient features of St. Paul's
commercial activity and prosperity.
^Ir. Griggs was married in ^larch, 1885. to
Miss Mary Oiafifee ^^'ells. a daughter of Hon.
358
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Calvin Wells, of Pitlsburij. Pennsylvania, who
is the owner of the I 'hila(lel])hia Press and one
of the distinguished and leading men of Penn-
sylvania. Mr. and .Mrs. (iriggs beeame the par-
ents of eight children, of whom seven are living,
namely: Calvin Wells. Aliltcm Wright, .Mary
(ilyde. Everett, P>enjaniin Clyde, Elizabeth Tag-
gart and Cliaiincey Wright ( iriggs. The family
have a winter linme at Xo. 365 Summit avenue,
the finest residence street of the capital citv. while
their sinnmer home is located on Alanitou Lsland
in White liear Lake.
Mr. Criggs is the St. Paul member of the
State .Agricultural Society, having charge of the
amusement features of the state fair. He has
always been greatly interested in amateur ath-
letics and clean sport of all kinds. Plis ancestors
have always Ijeen Congregationalists and his fam-
ily regularly atttnd the Park Congregational
church, of which he and his wife are members.
THOMAS \\'. SHEER Y.
Thiimas W. Sheehy. of St. Paul, is practically
living retired from the active management of
business interests, altliough he is president of the
b'irst State Bank of Montgomery, Minnesota, and
has invested interests elsewhere. His life record
is another proof of the fact that birth or training
count for little or naught in this land of unlim-
ited opportunities. On the contrary, it is the in-
herent force of the individual, his recognition of
opjjortunities and his adaptability to conditions
tliat enables him to rise to a position of promi-
nence, becoming a factor in commercial or indus-
trial interests which form the basic element of the
[)ros])erity. .growth and progress of everv citv or
community.
.Mr. .Sheehy was burn in Limerick, Ireland, in
1829. and was there reared to manhood. His
educational privileges were somewhat limited,
and he followed farming in the old countrv. He
came to America in 1850, locating first in Con-
necticut, where he was employed in various ways,
scorning no occupation that would yield him an
lioncst living. From New lingland he proceeded
to Louisville, Kentucky, having previously spent
a season of 1852 in Charleston. South Carolina.
In Louisville he was engaged as a clerk in a dry-
goods store, where he remained for three or four
years, and then he came to St. Paul in 1857. The
following spring he returned to St. Louis and
Louisville, wdiere he ])urchased a stock of goods,
which he brought with him to this city and estab-
lished and conducted a wholesale and retail gro-
cery and licpior house on Robert street, between
h'ourth and P'ifth streets, under the firm name of
Sheehy & Brother, being joined by his brother,
John W, Sheehy, who was associated with him
in business until 1870, when the partnership was
dissolved by mutual consent. John W. Sheehy,
however, continued a resident of St. Paul up to
the time of his death, which occurred about 1885
or 1886.
Following the dissolution of the partnership in
1870, Thomas W. .Sheehv iiurchased the building
in which they carried on business and renti-d it
to others. In 1875 he went to Faribault. .Minne-
sota, becoming identified with its commercial in-
terests as proprietor of a general store, carrying a
line of flry goods, groceries and other commod-
ities. In this enter])rise he was a partner of John
Murphy, and they continued in the trade at Fari-
bault until the .Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad
was completed, when they established a general
store in the new town of Montgomery. Mr. .Mur-
phy, now of Kilkenny, went to Montgomery to
take charge of the new enterprise, while Mr.
Sheehy remained at Faribault to close out the
business and wind up the atTairs there. He then
joined John Murjihy in the conduct of the store
at Montgomery, and they were associated in busi-
ness for six years, at the end of which time Mr.
Sheehy purchased his partner's interest and ad-
mitted his son John to partnership. The trade
has steadily increased, the store becoming one of
the leading mercantile enter|)rises of the town,
with a volume of business that is now rejire.sented
by a large figure annuall)'. In 1887 Mr. !^heehy
left tlie business in l!ie care of his sou John, while
he relui-ned to St. Paul, where he is now living-
retired. He retains, how-ever, his financial inter-
est in the business, which is conducted under tlie
firm name of T. W. ."^beehy & Compan\. In con-
oJiJrajv'^^\\Jl h.OJux
J
^4- M^^.-Jj^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
363
nection with his son he also estabHshed a private
bank at ^lontgomery, which was later changed to
a state bank under the name of the First State
Bank of Montgomery, Mr. Sheehy being its pres-
ident. This institution has weathered the various
tinaiicial storms which have swept over the coun-
try without any serious difficulty or great depre-
ciation in business, and the institution has become
one of the strong financial concerns in that part
of the state. His son John acts as manager of
the bank and is also serving as postmaster of the
city. The father now gives his attention merely
to the supervision of his invested interests. He
has been an extensive owner of real estate in St.
Paul and owns the building at the northeast cor-
ner of I^'ifth and Minnesota streets. It is fifty by
eighty feet with a frontage on Minnesota and has
recently been leased by Air. Sheehy for a term of
ninety-nine years. About seventeen years ago he
built his present fine residence at No. 580 Selb\-
avenue.
( )n the 1st of March, 1851;, Mr. Sheeh)- was
married by Father McManus in the basement cif
the old cathedral in St. Paul to Miss Cath-
erine r>. lirown, a daughter of John Brown,
oi Wheatland, Rice county. Minnesota, and they
became the parents of three sons and one daugh-
ter, the latter the wife of H. H. Kenkel. a grain
and commission merchant of Minneapolis. .Mrs.
Sheehy was born in county Limerick, Ireland,
and came to America with her parents and their
nine children in 1849, landing in Boston, Massa-
chusetts. In 1856 she came to St. Paul with her
brother-in-law, Thomas T. Hrown. Two years
previous to this her brother, Richard Brown, had
come to this city and took up government land
in Rice county.
Politically Mr. Sheehy has always been an
earnest and unfaltering democrat. He is a member
of the Order of St. V^incent De Paul and is a com-
municant of the parish of St. Joseph. He is also
a member of the Territorial Pioneer Society, to
which his wife also belongs, and the\' were among
the first members of the Associated Charities of
.^t. Paul. There are in every community men
who without anv jaarticular effort on their own
part leave an impress upon the community which
can never be effaced. Mr. Sheehv is one of these.
His business interests have been of such a char-
acter that they have contributed to general pros-
perity while advancing individual success.
^\'ith his own hand he has shaped his destiny.
-Although born across the water, he is a public-
spirited American citizen, and the terms patriot-
ism, sincerity and friendship are associated with
his name. The consensus of public opinion is
that he possesses remarkable sagacity in business
affairs — a quality in the human mind that you
can scarcely overestimate in business and in many
relations of life. He is careful, prudent and hon-
est— a man therefore favored not by chance lint
by the due exercise of his own good qualities.
CAL\ IN .\. FLEMING.
Calvin A. Fleming, engaged in the practice of
law, formerly as a member of the firm of Schoon-
maker, Fleming & Hintermeister and now alone
in business, claims Blue Earth county, Minnesota,
as the place of his activity, while the 7th of No-
vember, 1858, was his natal day. His ])arents
were Albert and Priscilla (Moon) Fleming, na-
tives of the state of New York, and in 1858 they
took up their abode in lllue Earth county, Minne-
sota, where they now reside, the father devoting
his attention to farming. In their family were
nine children, all of wdiom are yet living, as fol-
lows : Ida, the wife of Rev. Edward Hilliard, of
Australia : Calvin .\. : David, wdio is living in
Blue Earth county ; Charles, who resides on the
(lid homestead farm in that county; Lester, also
(in the home farm: Hattie, who is the wife of
Harvey Thayer, of Garden City, Alinnesota:
Walter and Ellsworth, lioth of St. Paul : and Min-
nie, who is engaged in teaching in Blue Earth
county.
Calvin A. Fleming was educated in the district
schools and in the State University of Mimiesota.
which he eutered in iSjf>. but other duties en-
gaged his attention before he had com])leted the
course. Later, however, he returned and was
graduated from the law dei)artment in the class
(if i8()T. His early years were spent upon the
old home farm in Blue Earth countv and he aft-
364
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
erward engaged in merchandising at Biiford. lie
also conducted a blacksmith shop there and took
an active and helpful interest in local affairs, pro-
moting many measures which were of direct and
innnediate serviceableness. He was postmaster
for four years during President Cleveland's ad-
mmistration and he later engaged in merchandis-
ing at Crystal Lake, this state. In 1891 he came
to St. i'aul and after completing his course in
the State University he entered upon the practice
of law, first as a member of the firm of Schoon-
maker, Pleming & Hintermeister and after two
years opening an independent office. Since 1902
he has been manager of the Dana warehouse at
^lidway and the business has grown rapidly until
it has assumed large proportions.
In October, 1881, jMr. Iteming was united in
marriage to Aliss Georgia .A. Reed, of Lake
Crystal, Minnesota, and their children are Minnie
A., Douglas A., Lou B. and Albert F. Rlr. Flem-
ing is taking a very active part in local politics
as a supporter of the democracy and is a mem-
ber of the central democratic organization, of
which he has been treasurer and chairman in the
tenth ward. He was also chairman when Mayor
Smith was first elected to office and his influence
in political circles has been a dominant factor in
establishing the course and policy of the party.
LL\L'S 1. LEE.
Linus J. Lee, a veteran of the Civil war, who
has been engaged in business as a bricklayer and
plasterer, doing a contracting business, was born
in Westfield. Massachusetts, October 16, 1838.
His parents were John and Sarah A. (Noble)
Lee. The father was born in Connecticut in
1805 and died at the age of fifty-two years. He
was a whiiimaker by trade, and coming to the
middle west in 1853 settled at Chaska, .Minne-
sota, in the midst of the forest. He was in fact
the first settler there and ])uilt the first frame
house and he first brick house of that city. He
was closely associated with its early progress and
improvement and remained a resident there until
his death in 1857. Tn the family were three chil-
dren : Clarissa A. and Caroline, both deceased ;
and Linus, of this review.
Mr. Lee, of this review, spent the first fifteen
years of his life in the place of his nativity and
acquired his education in the public schools there.
He first came with his parents to Minnesota and
has spent the greater part of his life since that
in this state. He has jnit aside all business and
])ers()nal considerations, however, at the time of
the Civil war in order to espouse the Union cause,
and on the i8th of December, 1861, enlisted as a
member of Company .\, Fourth Regiment of Min-
nesota Infantry. His command was assigned to
the Ami}' of the West and participated in all of
the battles under General Sherman and the cele-
brated march from Atlanta to the sea. Mr. Lee
also took part in the grand review in Washing-
ton, D. C, his regiment being at the head of the
army, and was honorably discharged July 19,
1865, at Louisville, Kentucky.
\\'hen the war was over 'Sir. Lee returned to
Chaska, Minnesota, where he took up the trade
of bricklaying, and in 1868 sought a more favor-
able field of lalior by removing to St. Paul, where
he followed bricklaying and plastering, continu-
ing in business for some years as a journeyman
and afterwartl as a contractor. He enjoyed a
good patronage and continued in business until
1896, when he retired to private life.
Mr. Lee wa.s married in 1861 to Miss Emeline
S. Noble, a daughter of Joel D. and Almira
(Woodard) Noble. Her father was born in
Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1805, and was
a blacksmith and mechanic who worked in rail-
road shops. He came to Minnesota in 1856. tak-
ing up his abode in Chaska, where he resided
until his death, which occurred in i8()i. Mrs.
Lee was a successful teacher prior to her mar-
riage, following the profession in Carver county,
Minnesota, for fourteen years. This union has
been blessed with one son, Linus Lester, who is
now a salesman in a hardware factory in Helena.
Montana, ^'\c wedded Mary E. Young and has
one child, Harry Linus. Mr. and Mrs. Lee re-
side at No. 68t .Selhy avenue. He votes inde-
pendently nor has he affiliated with any lodge,
and liolds menibershiii with the Presbyterian
church, and this relation indicates the character
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
365
of the man, for he is always true to its teachings
and the liigh principles which are inculcated
through its belief.
W. L. PERKINS, Jr.
W . L. Perkins & Company is a firm name well
known in St. Paul in connection with the whole-
sale liquor trade. The business was established in
1859 by George Peabody, an uncle of our subject,
and for years was conducted under the firm style
of Peabody, Lyons & Company, the name of
Perkins becoming associated therewith in 1872 on
the admission of W. L. Perkins, father of our
subject, to a partnership in the business.
W. L. Perkins was born in Oxford, New York,
and in 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold
in California, went to the Pacific coast, sailing
before the mast. He remained in the west until
1872, when he came to St. Paul to settle up the
estate of George Peabody, his brother-in-law, and
remained in this city on account of the health
of his wife. He took charge of the wholesale
liquor business which had been established by .Mr.
Peabody and has continued at the head of the
house since that time. In 1891 his son, \\'. L.
Perkins, Jr., was admitted to a partnership. His
wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Peabody and
died about fifteen years ago. In their family were
three children, the daughters being Mabel and
Mrs. Adel Gibbs, the latter of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
^^^ L. Perkins, Jr., was born in San Francisco,
California, May 29, 1868, and largely acquired
his education in the Shattuck school and the Fari-
bault Military School in Alinnesota. In 1891 he
joined his father in business under the style of
^^^ L. Perkins & Company and they have since
conducted their wholesale house, having an ex-
tensive trade, the output of which covers a wide
territory. Their leading brands are Nonpareil
rye and Gibson whiskey, the company being one
of five representatives in the L"'nited States for
this manufacture. They are also northwestern
agents for Old Crow whiskey. Their business
extends widelv throufrhout the northwest and
they have seven traveling men upon the road.
They employ twenty-two people and carry on
business at Nos. 309-311 Robert street. The
building was erected by George Peabody thirty
years ago and at that time was the finest building
on the street. A branch house is maintained in
Minneapolis.
W. L. I'erkins, Jr., is a prominent Mason,
having taken the degrees of the York and Scot-
tish rites. He belongs to Minneapolis Consistory
and to Osman Temple of the Mystic Shrine and
his father is also a ?\Iason. He likewise belongs
to St. Paul lodge, No. 59, B. P. O. E., and holds
membership relations with the Commercial Club
and the Jobbers' Linion. In politics he is a re-
publican, keeping well informed on the questions
and issues of the day, but at local elections casts
an independent ballot. His religious faith is in-
dicated by his membership in the Episcopal
church. Almost his entire life has been passed
in St. Paul and in this city he has gained place
prominent among the representative merchants
and wholesale dealers of Minnesota.
THOMAS McDERMOTT.
Thomas McDermott, attorney at law, who for
several years has been special attorney for the
water board of St. Paul and has also served as
assistant corporation counsel, was liorn in Still-
water, Minnesota, March 4. 1876. His father.
Philip McDermott, was a native of Nova Scotia
and in 1854 came to Minnesota, engaging in the
lumber business at Stilhvater. He married Eliza-
beth McGrath, a native of Stillwater. Their son,
Thomas McDermott, was educated in the public
schools, passed through successive grades until
he had completed the high-school course in his
native city with the class of 1892. He then en-
tered the LTniversity of Minnesota, where he pur-
sued a literary course and was graduated in 1896.
His professional training was received in the law
department of the State University, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1900. He im-
mediately began practice in St. Paul and has since
remained an active member of the bar of the capi-
366
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tal citv. He was assistant corporation counsel for
two vears and for several years has been special
attorney for the water board. He has given his
attention largely to civil law, but is well versed
in all departments of jurisprudence and handles
his cases in a manner that shows a mind trained
in the severest school of reasoning.
Mr. McDermott, since age conferred upon him
tile right of franchise, has been a stalwart advo-
cate of the republican party and he is a valued
representative of various fraternal and social or-
ganizations, including the Ancient Order of Hi-
bernians, the Knights of Columbus, the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, the Theta Delta
Chi, a college fraternity; the Minnesota Club and
the Town and Country Club. His entire life
having been spent in this state, he early became
imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress
which has always been the dominant factor in the
upbuilding of the state, and in his chosen pro-
fession, which demands the same close applica-
tion and persistent labor that constitute a feature
of success in industrial and commercial life, he
has won a creditable position for a man of his
vears.
LEO A. C,riTERM.\X.
Leo A. Guiterman. president of the firm of
Guiterman r)rothers. owning and controlling the
most extensive business in the line of manufac-
turing men's furnishing goods in St. Paul, has
throughout the period of his business career
been connected with the clothing trade and has
advanced from a humble |)()sitic>n in manufac-
turing circles to one of eminence, where he con-
trols some six hundred employes. His Inisincss
record is such as any man might be proud to
possess. Throngli liis entire business career he
has been looked upon as a mode! of integrit\-
and honor, never making an engagement that he
has not fulfilled and standing today an example
of what determination and force, combined with
tlie highest degree of business integrity, can ac-
complish for a man of n;itnral abilitv ami
strength nf character.
-Mr. Guiterman was born in Cincinnati. Ohio,
in 1862. His father, Alexander (iuiterman, was
a merchant of that cit_\ , but is now deceased.
The mother bore the maiden name of Lena Stern.
In the public schools of Cincinnati, L. A. Guiter-
man began his education and passed through suc-
cessive grades until he had completed the high
school course. He came to St. Paul in uSjd,
when a youth of fourteen years, and for some
time was employed in the manufacturing busi-
ness. In April, 1883, the firm of Guiterman
lirothers was established by Ambrose, A. S. and
Leo A. Guiterman. In 1898 A. S. Guiterman
retired and removed to New York. Their
first location was at Xos. 17S'Z77 Sibley street,
at which place they remained for twelve years,
when they removed to their present location at
the corner of ITfth and Sibley streets. Here
the\- have a building six stories in height with a
frontage of one hundred and forty-six feet on
h'ifth street and one hundred and fifty feet on
Sible\- street. Employment is furnished to over
six hundred salesmen and operatives in the fac-
tory. The house is conducting an extensive busi-
ness as manufacturers of shirts, pants, overalls,
duck and sheep lined clothing, mackinaws and
town and country shirts. Their Summit shirt is
a leader with an immense sale and their business
covers the territory from the .Atlantic to the
Pacific coast. Tt has been said that he who weekly
pays a large force of workmen over his counters
does more for his country than he who leads an
army forth to battle, for he furnishes the means
of livelihood to many hundreds of families. This
certainly tlie Guiterman Pjrothers are doing in
conducting tlieir mammoth enter]irise. .\ good
wage is paid and the\ maintain a liberal ])olicy
with their em])loyes, who recognize the fact that
capable and loyal service will win promotimi as
(ipportunity ofifers. The trade also recognizes
the reliabilitv of the house and the excellence of
its (inlput. Their goods are standard throughout
the west for (|ualit\' and workmanship and the
company enjoys a most enviable reputation be-
cause of its conformity to a high standard of
cduunircial ethic>. the fairness of its business
methods, its entcrjirise and promptness. This is
one of the largest establishments of the kind in
C<.-^^k^
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
369
the entire country and is the most extensive in
its line in St. Paul. The officers of the company
are: L. A. Guiterman, president; A. S. Gutter-
man, vice president, and Ambrose Guiterman,
secretary and treasurer, while L. R. Plechner is
one of the stockholders and directors, residing at
Seattle.
L. A. Ckiiterman was married ten years ago
to Miss Clare Elson. of Philadelphia, and they
have two children, Mildred and Elson. Mr. Gui-
terman was one of the original members of the
jobbers' Union and also a charter member of
the Commercial Club, organized to advance the
business interests, material welfare, improvement
and adornment of the city and to uphold its legal
and political status. He lielongs to the Syna-
gogue and to the Jobbers' Union and is a liberal
contributor to the Young Men's Christian .\sso-
ciation. the .Auditorium and to all public enter-
prises which have had direct bearing upon the
material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of
the city. What he has accomplished in the world
of coiumerce cannot be adequately told in words.
Their extensive establishment is a monument tn
their enterprise and indomitable energies — the
product of fertile brain,- ready hand and superior
working powers of the owners. Yet if one was
to seek in Mr. Guiterman's career the causes that
have led to his success they will be found along
lines of well-tried and old-time maxims — honesty
and fair dealing, promptness, truthfulness and
fidelitv — all these are strictly enforced and ad-
hered to.
FR.\XK P. SHEPARD.
Frank P. Shepard. a capitalist of St. Paid,
whose name has been closely and prominently as-
sociated with the era of railroad construction,
was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1853. He is a
son of David Chauncey Shepard, whose life rec-
ord forms an integral chapter in the history of
the northwest. The man that has bridged over
space and practically annihilated time by the work
of his inventive and enterprising spirit deserves
to be numbered among the benefactors of the
race. 'Tis an age of progress, when vast com-
mercial transactions involving millions of dollars
depend upon rapid transportation. The revolu-
tion in business that the past half century or even
less has witnessed has been brought about b\'
means of the railroads, and one of the most im-
portant factors in the construction of lines in the
northwest was David Chauncey Shepard. He
began life in the early part of the nineteenth
century and during the earl}- part of his career
was in close touch with the interests of the east.
He was born in Geneseo, Livingston countv. New
York, in 1828, and entered upon his great busi-
ness and financial career as an engineer on the
New York canals. He was a close student of the
methods of construction and the needs and pos-
sibilities of transportation, and when railroad
travel supplanted the old canal system he became
connected with the .Atlantic & Great Western
Railroad in Ohio. In 1856 he transferred the
scene of his efforts to the middle west, making
his way to Milwaukee, where he spent one vear,
and in 1857 he came to St. Paul, where he was
engaged in the wheat trade with CnJDncl
Davidson.
Turning his attention, however, to railroad
construction, Mr. Shepard became chief engineer
on construction on the Minnesota Railroad, which
later became absorbed by the Chicago, Milwau-
kee & St. Paul System. In 1871 he retired from
the railway business, but in 1876 again entered
the field of active operation as a contractor for
the building of railroads. He was from 1877 until
1891 in service or associated with J. J. Hill and
also with C. A. Stickney, president of the Great
Western Railway Company, In 1871 he was
general manager for the Minnesota Construction
Company, the Minnesota division of the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company. He re-
tired to private life in 1891. The railroad con-
struction in the northwest, however, is largely a
monument to his ability, for he has been the
builder of many lines, having builded as many as
one thousand miles of railroad in a single year.
Thus he has been an important factor in uniting
the intersecting and co-operating lines of railway
which extend from coast to coast. The advent
of railroads has marked the advance of civiliza-
370
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
lion in all countries and has been the means of
uniting the different portions of America, mak-
ing it one and an inseparable union, and in this
direction Mr. Shepard has contributed in large
and substantial measure to the upbuilding and
development especially of the northwest. The ex-
tent and scope of his operations bringing him a
merited financial return that made him one of
the wealthy men of St. Paul, enabhng him to
enjo}- in the evening of life the comforts which
come from a sojourn in difterent parts of the
country, he is now at the age of seventy-eight
vears spending the summer months in St. Paul
and the winter seasons in the south and Califor-
nia. He is a director of the First National Bank
of St. Paul and has extensive financial and in-
vested interests. He has never allowed the ac-
cnnuilation of wealth to dwarf the finer sensi-
bilities of his nature or the kindly spirit which
recognizes the brotherhood of man. On the con-
trary, his benevolence and philanthropy have
grown with the increase of his positions and he
is today a large, yet unostentatious, contributor
to charitable work. His beneficent gifts have been
many and a large number of the leading insti-
tutions for the amelioration of hard conditions o£
life for the unfortunate in body, mind or purse
have benefited by his donations. His home is at
No. 224 Dayton avenue and is one of the attrac-
tive residences of the city.
Frank P. Shepard, son of David C. Shepard,
was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1853, and enter-
ing upon business life was for many years ac-
tively associated with his father in railroad con-
struction and in other lines of activity to which
they directed their active or financial support. A
man of great attainments and resources, he has
occupied a position among the foremost in finan-
cial and social circles. He, too, has retired from
railroad construction, however, putting aside the
tremendous strain of large operations in gigantic
railroad building, giving his attention now to
the supervision of his investments. He, too. is
a director in the First National P)ank and is a
large stockholder in various corporate interests.
Mr. Shepard was married in 1880 to Miss
Anna McMillan, a daughter of S. J. R. McMil-
lan, a man prominent in the history of the north-
west. They have four children : David C, who
is with Lampher, Skinner & Company, wholesale
hat manufacturers of St. Paul; Samuel xMcMil-
lan and Roger Bulkley, who are students in Yale
College ; and Frank P., ten years of age. The
family residence is a beautiful home at No. 325
Dayton avenue, filled with magnificent works of
art, its furnishings being all that wealth can se-
cure and refined taste suggest. Mr. Shepard is
a member of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian
church, one of its most generous supporters and
one of its trustees. Like his honored father, he
responds liberally to any deserving call for aid
and has also given of his time and energies for
the promotion of interests that are directly bene-
ficial to his fellowmen. Of even temperament,
calm and self-poised, of refined character, he is
one in whom nature and culture have vied in
making an honored and interesting gentleman.
His time is now spent in the management of his
financial afifairs and in travel, maintaining his resi-
dence, however, in the city which has been his
home from early boyhood days. The career of
Frank P. Shepard has ever been such as to war-
rant the trust and confidence of the business
world, for he has ever conducted all transactions
on the strictest principles of honor and integrity.
His devotion to the public good is unquestioned
and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare
of his fellowmen.
CLARENCE E. WHITCOMB.
Clarence E. Whitcomb, a member of the Whit-
comb & Noble Company, conducting a jobbing
business in chairs and furniture, was born Feb-
ruary I, 1880, in Gardner, Massachusetts, the sec-
ond in order of birth in a family of three chil-
dren horn unto Henry C. and Susan E. (Stock-
woll I Whitcomb, who were natives of New Eng-
land. The maternal grandparents, .^mi Stock-
well and his wife, were killed in a cyclone near
Blooniington, Illinois. The father was a chair-
maker of Massachusetts. The members of the
family are Florence M., Clarence E. and Crystal
E., the last named of Gardner, Massachusetts.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
371
Clarence E. Whilconib was educated in the
public schools of Baldwinsville and Worcester,
Massachusetts, and in 1898 became a stenogra-
pher for a firm manufacturing chairs. He spent
four years in this way at Gardner, Massachu-
setts, and later took charge of the office work.
He came to St. Paul to manage the business of
the firm of John A. Dunn & Company and con-
tinued in charge of the western branch of the
business for two years. In 1904 he began busi-
ness on his own account as a jobber in chairs
and furniture and has since maintained his plant
at St. Anthony's Park under the name of the
Whitcomb & Noble Company. The business has
grown rapidly and a warehouse was established
in the present year, 1906, in a five-story building
in Minneapolis in the furniture center of the city.
Throughout his entire identification with busi-
ness life Mr. Whitcomb has been engaged in
dealing in chairs, handling the various lines manu-
factured and becoming acquainted with the busi-
ness in every department in principle and detail.
He knows the entire work of manufacturing
chairs from the log, and the various departments
of jobbing as well, and his thorough understand-
ing of the trade is a factor in his successful man-
agement.
On the 9th of December, 1902, Mr. Whitcomb
was united in marriage to Anna M. McLean, who
was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and they
have a daughter, Mildred E. Mr. Whitcomb is
a man of liberal ideas concerning improvements
and the welfare of his locality and his aid and in-
fluence can be counted upon as co-operant factors
in many measures that have had tangible efifect
upon general improvement and advancement.
CHARLES RINGWALD.
The name of Charles Ringwald, who is now
deceased, figured prominently and honorably
upon the political records of the county for a
number of years, as he was recognized as a leader
in democratic circles. He came to this city in
i860, when a youth of thirteen years, having been
born in Baden, Germany, March 10, 1847. His
parents were William and Catherine Ringwald,
21
both of whom were natives of Germany, whence
they came to America in 1849, settling first in
Detroit, Michigan, where the father engaged in
the grocery business until 1871, thus being long
and actively associated with commercial pursuits
there. In the year mentioned he removed to St.
Paul, where he lived retired in well earned ease
until his death. His widow is now an invalid in
St. Luke's Hospital in this city. She has reached
the very advanced age of eighty-five years.
Charles Ringwald obtained his elementary edu-
cation in the schools of Detroit, Michigan, and
following his arrival in St. Paul in i860 he be-
came connected with the cigar manufacturing
business, being employed by several finns in that
line. After spending a few years at work at his
trade he began manufacturing on his own ac-
coiuit at the corner of Third and Market streets,
where he conducted a good business for several
years, making a high grade of cigars which found
a ready sale on the market. He was afterward
employed in the custom house for four years,
at the end of which time he again entered busi-
ness on his own account as a custom house
broker on Fifth street, where he remained until
his life's labors were ended in death. He pos-
sessed an alert and enterprising spirit, brooking
no obstacles that he could overcome by persistent,
energetic and honorable effort.
In May, 1865, Mr. Ringwald was united in
marriage to Miss Mary A. Bork, a daughter of
John and Susan (Snider) Bork, both of whom
were natives of Germany, whence they came to
St. Paul in 1853. The father was one of the
pioneer business men of the city, establishing a
bakery business at the corner of Sixth and Wa-
basha streets, where he had a large trade, carry-
ing on his store successfully through the re-
mainder of his life. Both he and his wife died in
this city. The surviving members of their family
are Mrs. RingAvald; and Henry Bork, who is a
drug clerk in St. Paul. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Ringwald were born three children : Susan, now
at home; Fred, who is financially interested in a
New York house which he is representing on the
road as a traveling salesman ; and Carl, who is a
salesman for the wholesale house of G. Somers &
Company.
372
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
riie (Icalh of .Mr. Kingwald uccurn.'d Septem-
ber I. 1895. lie was always dee])ly interested in
politics and believed firmly in tbe ])rinciples and
policy of the democracy. His fitness for leader-
ship was recognized and he was twice chosen to
represent the fifth ward on the board of city alder-
men. In 1891 he was elected to the state legisla-
ture and gave to each question which came u])
for settlement his thoughtful consideration. He
was fearless in defense of his honest convictions
and co-operated with the leaders of the party in
securing democratic successes. He was always
successful in his business interests, which he man-
aged with aljility, realizing that industry and
perseverance constitute the keynote of i)ro.sperity.
Following her husband's death Mrs. Ringwald
sold the business and with her children is now
residing at No. 266 Goodrich avenue, .'^hc is a
member of the Catholic Cathedral and is well
known in the city where she has long made her
home.
A. F. BEHNKE.
A. I-". ISehnke, whose business career has ever
been in accord with the high standard of com-
mercial ethics, is now at the head nf the house
which he entered in 1890 as a partner, lie was
born in Prussia, Germany, October 12. 1849, a
son of Charles and Wilhelmina ( Buege ) I'.ehnke,
who were natives of Prussia, in whose family
were four children yet living. In 1856 the par-
ents came with their family to the United States,
making their way to .Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and
in the schools of that city .\. F. Behnke acquired
his education. The family afterward removed to
Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and the subject of this
review entered a general store, thus making a
start in tlie business world. In 1882 he came to
St. Paul and estaljlished a retail tea and coffee
store, which is n(.>w known as the New York Tea
Compan\'. His present business was established
in i88() by the firm of Graff & Berkey, ]iredeces-
sors to Berkey, Talimadge & Comi^any. The
next change in partnership resulted in the organi-
zation of the firm of Creelman, .\verv & Com-
pany, which was succeeded by Creelman, AlcCor-
mick & Company. In 1891 the firm became Mc-
Cormick, Behnke & Company and in January,
1905, A. F. Behnke became the head of the house
under the firm style of .\. F. Behnke & Company.
This house is one which imports and handles teas,
coft'ee, spices, Faking powders and extracts, do-
ing an extensive wholesale business. Mr. Behnke
is an expert in the grading of teas which is a
profession, being able to tell within a half cent a
pound by taste, the grade of tea. The business of
the house covers the territory of North and South
Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and parts of Iowa
and in addition to the salesmen employed in the
St. Paul establishment a number of traveling men
represent the business upon the road. The trade
has now reached mammoth proportions and has
been built upon square dealing, honesty in all com-
mercial transactions and unabating industry and
energy that never flags.
Mr. Behnke is an Odd Fellow. He was mar-
ried in 1875 to Miss Alice Leonard, of Kenosha,
Wisconsin, and they have one son, Albert, who at
the age of eighteen years is in his father's em-
ploy and resides with his parents at their beauti-
ful home at No. 25 Summit avenue. As a busi-
ness man Mr. r.ehnke has been enterprising, ener-
getic and always abreast of the times and has been
rewarded by an ample fortune.
JOHN WILKINSON.
John Wilkinson, secretary of the dry-goods
house of Tibbs, Hutchings & Company, with
which he has been connected for more than twenty
years, or during the entire period of his resi-
dence in St. Paul, is a native of Liverpool, Eng-
land. His father, George Wilkinson, was an ar-
cliitect and builder of Liverpool, who came to
the Ignited States in 1852 and settled upon a
farm near Dyersville, Iowa. Sub.sequently he
removed to Red Wing, Minnesota, where he died
March 25, 1896, and was buried there. His wife,
.\nna liank, also a native of England, died about
eleven vcars ago. They were the parents of seven
children.
iri^^ 9^iO^.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
375
John Wilkinson obtained tlie rudiments of an
education in Liverpool and continued his stud-
ies in the high school at Dubuque, Iowa, and in
Hamline University at Red Wing, ]\Iinnesota. He
became connected with the dry-goods trade as a
salesman in Red Wing and afterward went to
Chicago, where he was employed in Potter Palm-
er's dry-goods house for some time. Coming to
St. Paul in 1882 he entered the dry-goods house
now conducted under the name of Tibbs, Hutch-
ings & Company. He has remained therewith
through the various changes in the firm, winning
promotion from time to time until he is now sec-
retary of this great wholesale dry-goods house.
He is also a director of the American National
Bank.
Nineteen years ago Mr. Wilkinson was mar-
ried to Isabel Humphrey, of St. Paul, a daughter
of J. H. Humphrey, and the\- have one son,
James Humphrey, who at the age of fifteen years
is attending high school. The family are mem-
bers of the Congregational church and Mr. Wil-
kinson is a republican. He stands high in com-
mercial circles and has made a reputation which
any man might be proud to possess, steadily
working his way upward from a humble clerk-
ship, never making any business engagements
that he has not met nor incurring an obligation
that he has not fulfilled. He has had thorough
and wide practical experience in wholesale drv-
goods line and is today one of the prominent mer-
chants of the citv.
CAPTAIN OTTO DREHER.
The name of Otto Dreher figures prominently
in connection with political history in St. Paul,
for during many years he was actively identified
with the public service and was a recognized
leader of the democratic party. He took up his
aboilc in this city in 1859 and here continued to
make his home for almost thirty years. A native
of Germany, he was born in Wurtemberg on the
1 2th of February, 1839, his parents being Flor-
entine and \'incenzia Dreher, both of whom
passed away in Germany during the early
youth of their son Otto. The father died when
his son was but seven years of age. Thus left
an orphan, he went to live with an uncle, and
when a youth of fourteen years he bade adieu to
the fatherland and sailed for America, hoping
that he might win a fortune in the new world,
the advantages and opportunities of which had
been told to him through many favorable reports.
He spent some time in New York city, whence
he worked his way westward, ultimately reaching
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he had relatives
living. He was employed as a clerk in this city
and in other towns near by and finally removed
to Dubuque, Iowa, where he accepted a position
to carry the mail on horseback between Dubuque
and Peoria, Illinois. It was the period of early
pioneer development in the middle west, and as
there were no railroads this method was used to
transfer the mail between the two cities, which
were towns of considerable importance on the
frontier. Mr. Dreher performed that service for
some time and spent his evenings in study. He
had gone through the high school in Germany
and he realized the value of education as a prep-
aration for life's practical and responsible duties.
.\ccordingly he improved his evening hours and
throughout his life he remained an interested wit-
ness of the progress of the times and by reading
kept in touch with the trend of modern thought.
He finally came to St. Paul in 1859 and remained
a resident of this city until his death.
It was not long after his arrival here that Mr.
Dreher was married to ^Nliss Mary Johana G.
Leitncr, who was also a member of a pioneer
family of St. Paul, a daughter of Peter and Anna
(Rickert) Leitner, both of whom were natives
of Germany and came to this city in July, 1856.
Mr. Leitner was identified with several business in-
terests here, continuing an active factor in busi-
ness life in St. Paul until he was called to his
final rest. His wife also died here. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Dreher were born ten children : Maria,
who died at the age of nineteen years ; Carl Fred-
erick, who died in infancy; Clara, the wife of
Frederick A. Dafiel, a jeweler of St. Paul ; Otto,
who married Josephine Madson and resides in
Chicago, being treasurer of the firm of Hanna &
Hogg : Adolph. who is superintendent of rail-
3/6
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
road construction in the west ; Edwin, who mar-
ried Cora Segars and resides in St. Paul, where
he is engaged in business as a wood carver ; Karl,
who is paymaster for the Chicago Creat West-
ern Railway and resides with his mother ; Alma,
who is clerk in her brother Karl's office ; Armin,
who is rate clerk for Swift & Company at South
St. Paul ; and Eva, at home.
Following his arrival in this cit_\- Air. Dreher,
of this review, was engaged as a clerk in the
Rohr music store for some time or until after
the ciutlireak of the Civil war. He was then
twenty-two years of age and, fired with patriotic
zeal, he enlisted for service in the First Alinne-
sota Regiment for three months. (Dn the expira-
tion of that term he re-enlisted as a member of
Com]iany F. Third Minnesota Regiment, and
continued at the front until the close of the war,
his valor and loyalty winning him promotion to
the rank of sergeant, first lieutenant and captain
of his company successively. 1 le was taken ])ris-
oner at Alurfreesboro. He was discharged Sep-
tember 25. 1865. at Fort Snelling, where he had
served as drillmaster for some time.
When the war ended ]\Ir. Dreher became con-
nected with newspaper work in St. Paul and for
several years was local editor for the Folks
Blatte. He then obtained a good position in the
office of the county treasurer, where he remained
for eleven years, at the end of which time he was
chosen register of deeds for this city and for Ram-
sey county, acting in that capacity for four years,
or two terms, and was endorsed by both parties
his second term. Later he was elected secretary
of the school board, whereon he continued in
active service for five years, or until the time of
his death. He regarded a public office as a public
trust and lirought to it the same methodical habits,
care and fidelity that he displayed in the execu-
tion of ])rivate business interests. He was always
deeply and actively interested in politics and was
an imfaltcring champion of democracy. He held
membership in the Germania Society, in the Tur-
ners Society and in various other social organ-
izations. He possessed superior musical talent,
had a fine voice and also displayed considerable
histrionic ability, taking part in many local en-
tertainments in the early days. He was popular in
social circles, remaining a pleasant and entertain-
ing companion up to the last, so that the circle
of his friends was a very extensive one. He
])assed away August 29, 1889. He held friend-
ship inviolable and was always loyal to those to
whom he extended his hospitality, but the best
traits of his character were reserved for his fam-
ily and he put forth every effort in his power to
])romote the welfare and happiness of his wife
and children. Mrs. Dreher and her children now
reside at No. 187 Ramsey street in the home
which was built b)' her husband twentv-five years
ac'o.
WILL E. M.\THEIS.
\\'ill E. Matheis, representing a family long
connected with mercantile interests in St. Paul.
while since 1902 he has been president of the
Will E. Alatheis Company, general house fur-
nishers, and thus in control of one of the im-
]5ortant commercial enterprises of the city, was
born in St. Paul in 1861. His father, John
Afatheis, was a pioneer resident here, arriving in
1859. He was born in Cermany and on coming
to the new world entered business life as an em-
])love, so continuing until his financial resources
justified his embarkation in business on his own
account. His success was uniform and rapid and
he became proprietor of an extensive establish-
ment in which he dealt in carpets, draperies and
wall paper. The extent and importance of his
Ijusiness in later years may be gleaned from the
fact that he was known as the "carpet king" of
the northwest. He remained acti\ily in business
luilil 1893. thus working his way upward from a
humble position to rank with the most prominent
merchants (if the northwest. During the last
seven vcars of his life he lived in honorable re-
tirement, passing away in March, 1900, at the
age of sixty-seven years. He was a member of
a number of the ijrominent Cicrnian societies of
the citv and was a leading representative of the
German-Anu'ricau I'lemcnt in St. Paul. He was
also a member of the early fire brigade of the city
;.nd was a valued addition to musical circles, pos-
sessing splendid vocal powers, combined with a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
377
love of the art of music and superior native tal-
ent. He was for years a member of the Cathe-
dral choir. He did not care for political prefer-
ment, nor was he deeply interested in political
questions, but gave his undivided attention to
his business.
Will E. Matheis, educated in the public schools,
has been identified with mercantile interests from
his boyhood days, gaining his first knowledge of
business methods in his father's large establish-
ment. As stated, he is today the president of the
Will E. Matheis Company, general house fur-
nishers, located at the corner of Sixth and Cedar
streets, where the stock occupies three floors
and basement, covering a floor space of thirty-
four thousand square feet. The company was
incorporated April i. 1902, under the laws of
Minnesota by W. E. Matheis and William F.
Zimmerman, the former becoming president and
the latter secretary and treasurer. Owing to his
many outside business interests, Mr. Zimmerman
retired from the active management of the busi-
ness, at which time Theodore Swanson was ad-
mitted to a partnership. This was on the 1st of
October. 1905, and he is now acting as secretary
and treasurer. The business is capitalized at fifty
thousand dollars and the company carries the
finest complete stock of housefurnishing goods
in the city and is prepared to supply all things
necessary for housefurnishing in all grades of
goods, from low priced to the finest that are
placed upon the market. The compan^• emplovs
from twenty to twenty-five salesmen and the busi-
ness is conducted on both a cash and credit basis,
for they have instituted the monthlv installment
|)lan. ( )ne of the attractive features of this store
is a very handsomelv furnished flat on the second
floor, in which constant changes are being made,
giving helpful suggestions to patrons in the line
of artistic furnishings.
Mr. Matheis was married to a daughter of Mr.
Calvin Neal. an old resident of Lake City, Min-
tiesota. where he is engaged in business as a
wagon manufacturer, his plant employing one
hundred and fifty men. Mr. and Mrs. Matheis
have a pleasant home in St. Paul and attend the
Presbyterian church. He is a member of the
benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and also
i)f the Junior Pioneers Society. Connected with
mercantile interests from his boyhood days, he
has gradually advanced in his business career,
and public opinion is undivided concerning his
ability and straightforward methods, for in public
regard he holds an enviable position.
\'OL A I ER WALLM ARK.
A'olmer Wallmark, who in 1905 established
the .\rlington Shoe Store, at No. 912 Pavne ave-
nue, where he is now conducting a first class
cstalilishment in his line, is yet a young man and
the success which he has already attained argues
well for the future. He was born in Sweden,
Cictober 19, 1875, and represents one of the old
families of that country. His earlv education
was acquired in the public schools of his native
town and in the Archibald Business College at
Minneapolis in 1S93. It was in the year i88g
that he crossed the Atlantic from Sweden to
America, first locating in Chicago Citv. Minne-
sota, where he was employed by his uncle. Otto
W'allmark, proprietor of a general store, with
whom he continued for five years. He then took
up his abode in St. Paul and secured a situation
in the jobbing shoe house of Kellogg & Johnson,
where he remained until 1905. He then estab-
lished the Arlington Shoe Store and has since
carried on a good business at 912 Payne avenue,
having a large and carefully selected line of shoes,
for which he finds a ready sale, owing to his
earnest desire to please his customers, his reason-
able prices and his straightforward business deal-
ings. It therefore does not need the gift of
prophecy to foretell a still more prosperous future
for Mr. \\'allmark, as he has already displayed
the qualifications essential to advancement in
trade circles.
In May, 1900. was celebrated the marriage of
\'olmer \^'allmark and Miss Hilda Krook. of
Lindstrom. ^Minnesota. They have one child. La
Vonne. ]\Ir. Wallmark is a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity and trustee of his lodge. He
belr)iigs to the ]\fodern Woodmen camp and was
one of the orio-inators of the Commercial Club
378
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
at Arlington Hills. Ho is intcrcsteil in the prog-
ress of St. Paul and its future growth and stands
for advancement along lines of material, intellec-
tual and municipal improvement.
sa:muel \vh.\ley.
Samuel Wlialev, practicing law in St. Paul, was
born in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, May 12,
1855. His father, John Whaley, was a native of
Ireland and wlicn a young man came to the United
States. After living for some years in New York
he removed to Wisconsin and died in i8g6. His
wife. Margaret (Finley) Whaley. was a native
of St. Louis.
The family came to Minnesota in 1855, when
Samuel Whaley was only six months old. He
lived in Hastings until 1869 and then came to St.
Paul, acquiring his education in the public
schools of the two cities. He read law, with
Thomas R. Huddleston and Judge Sanborn as
his preceptors, and was admitted to the bar on
the 24th of October, 1876. He went west soon
afterward, but returned to St. Paul and began
practice in 1886. For several years he was in
partnership with John W. Pinch but has since
been alone and has the good clientage which indi-
cates that he has mastered many of the principles
of jurisprudence and is correct in their adapta-
tion to the points in litigation.
On the 2d of February, 1888, Mr. Whaley was
united in marriage to Miss Ernestine Brandt, a
daughter of Michael Brandt, a native of Ger-
many. They have a family of five daughters and
the parents are communicants of the Roman
Catholic church.
GEORGE G. WlllTXEY.
George G. Whitney, secretary and treasurer of
the Schurmcier Wagon Company of St. Paul,
certainly occu])ies a ni)taI)K' imsition for one of
his years. He was born in Detroit, Alichigan,
.\])ril 18. i8-<j. his jjarents Ijeing Frank I. and
Louise (Gilbert) Whitney, in whose family are
four children. The father, a native of Maine, is
now traffic manager for the Great Northern Rail-
way and maintains his residence in St. Paul. The
mother is a native of Michigan.
Li his earl\- school life George G. Whitney was
a student in Detroit and when ten years of age
came to St. Paul in 1889 with his parents and
continued his education in the public schools of
this city. I'ollowing his graduation from the
high school he matriculated in Harvard College
and completed the literary course by graduation
as an alumnus of 1901. He went from Harvard
to Larimore, North Dakota, where he was en-
gaged in the banking and investment liusiness for
a year. Returning to St. Paul, he became con-
nected with the Schurmeier Wagon Company,
which was established in 1852 and incorporated
in 1900. Purchasing a large share of the stock,
the business was re-incorporated in 1904 with E.
B. Kirk, president: J. ^^'. ^^'estphal. vice presi-
dent and manager ; and G. G. Whitney, secre-
tary and treasurer. This concern is a large one
with line buildings and e(|uipments for the manu-
facture of all kinds and sizes of trucks, baggage
and delivery wagons, buggies and sleds. The
plant is thoroughly modern in all a])]iriintments,
being supplied with the latest improved machin-
ery to facilitate the work and the output of the
house is now extensive, its trade extending into
many parts of the country, while the rejnitation
of the company for strict business integrity and
for promptness in the execution of orders is unas-
sailable. A large number of employes are found
in the shops and the business is conducted on
terms alike fair to eniplover and eni]il(ne. the lat-
ter recognizing that cajjable and faithful service
means a good wage and rapid promotion.
.Mr. \Miitney is a member of the Commercial
Club and belongs to .'Summit lodge. No. 164, .\.
F. & .'\. M., and Summit chapter. No. 45. R. A.
M. His political views are in accord with re-
publican principles and his religious faith is indi-
cated bv his membership in St. John's Fpisco])al
church. Trained in the oldest and most honored
university of the country, he returned to .St. Paul
well e(|uipped for the responsibilities and duties of
a business career and with recognition of the dc-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
379
mand that is made for close application, thorough
uiulerstaiiding and progressiveness if success be
attained in the business world, he has applied
himself to his task with a readiness and receptive-
■ ness that have made him a leading representative
of industrial interests here.
ROCH J. LIZEE.
One of the prominent railroad contractors of the
middle west is Roch J- Lizee, who maintains his
offices in the Endicott Building in St. I'aul. For
twenty-five years he has devoted his time and en-
ergies to this line of work and has met with splen-
did success, now furnishing emijlovnient to sev-
eral hundred workmen. He was born in the
province of Quebec, Canada, in 1857 and spent the
first twenty years of his life in his native country,
acquiring his education there. In 1877 he crossed
the border into the United States. The previous
year he had done service on the railroad in the
capacity of timekeeper and has been actively en-
gaged in all branches of construction work includ-
ing bridge-building to the present time. For a
quarter of a century he has maintained his office
in St. Paul as a railroad contractcir. having come
to this city in 1879. He has since followed this
line of business, contracting for railroad con-
struction in building grades and in buildng the
line. He has taken contracts for the Great North-
ern, the Northern Pacific, the Rock Island, the
Milwaukee and other railroad companies and em-
ploys from three hundred to twelve hundred men.
He gives his personal attention to the supervision
of the business, which requires him to spend much
time awa}- from home. He thoroughlv under-
stands the work in all its departments not only on
its practical side but also in regard to the great
scientific principles which underlie railroad con-
struction and the efficacy of his work and his
known reliability constitute the secret of a success
which is most desirable.
Mr. Lizee was married to IMiss Baudreau, a na-
tive of St. Paul, whose parents came to this city
in the '40s, and were early pioneer settlers here.
Mr. and Mrs. Lizee have six children, all of
whom were born in St. Paul, namely: Albert J.,
who is a graduate of the high school and is now
attending the State L'niversity preparing for a
career as a civil engineer ; Mrs. P. F. Ulmer,
whose husband is a stone contractor of St. Paul ;
Archie, who is attending school ; Rose Alay and
Blanche, who are attending St. Joseph's Convent ;
and Maurice.
The family residence is at No. 791 Holly street.
In religious views the parents are communicants
of St. Paul's Catholic church and politically Mr.
Lizee is a republican. While thoroughly in sym-
pathy with the principles of the party he has
never sought or desired office as a reward for
party fealty but has concentrated his time and
energies upon the development of a business which
has constantly grown in volume and importance
until he is recognized as one of the leading rail-
road contractors of the northwest, his extensive
operations proving the basis of a gratifying
prosi^erity.
JOHN J. O'BRIEN.
John J. O'Brien, filling the position of city re-
corder of South St. Paul, was born in Syracuse,
New York, August 17, 1858, his parents being
John and Bridget O'Brien, the former a native
of County Clare and the latter of County Tipper-
ary, Ireland. The mother came to the United
States in 1849 •^^'^'^ '^^''^^ shipwrecked three times
before reaching her destination. Air. O'Brien
was an engineer and was killed in a railroad acci-
dent in i860. Both he and his wife were devoted
members of the Catholic church and although
born across the water were loyal in citizenship
and faithful in their allegiance to their adopted
country.
John J. O'Brien was only two years of age at
the time of his father's death. His early educa-
tion was acquired in the public schools of Prairie
du Chien, Wisconsin, and later he attended St.
John's College, the period of his schooling ex-
tending over fourteen years. He was early trained
to habits of honesty and temperance and these
qualities have been characteristic of him through-
out his entire life. He entered upon his business
38o
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
career as a clerk in a grocery store at the meager
salary of four and a half dollars per week hut be-
coming' dissatisfied on account of the small wage
which was given him he afterward turned his at-
tention to railroading, acting as fireman for a
time, while later he took up carpenter work on the
same road and in this way made three and a half
dollars per day.
Mr. O'Brien was married in 1900 to Miss Mar-
garet Ann r.array, of Rockwell, Iowa, they hav-
ing been lovers for some years. She was born
at McGregor, Iowa, and they have three interest-
ing sons: John B., Harold A. and Raymond J.,
aged respectively four, three and two years.
In Alay, 1880, Mr. O'Brien became a resident
of St. Paul, where he was residing at tlie time
of the St. Cloud cyclone in April, 1886. He lo-
cated in South St. Paul in May, 1888. and lias
been a prominent factor in its political circles. On
national alifairs his views are in accord with demo-
cratic jirinciples, but at local elections he casts an
independent ballot, regarding the ca]:)ability of the
candidate for the duties of the office rather than
considering his party ties. He has been called to
several (jfficial positions, acting as alderman for
the third ward in South St. Paul for six years,
as city treasurer for si.x years, while for one year
he has held the office of city recorder, occup\ing
the position at the present writing and proving
himself one well worthy of the public trust.
REV. JEREMIAH O'CONNOR.
Rev. Jeremiah (VConnor, pastor of St. James'
C'atholic chtnx"h, was born in count\- Kerry, Ire-
land, in 1865, a son of John and Katherine (Ken-
nelly) O'Connor, also natives of county Kerry,
where they still reside, the father at the age of
seventy years, the mother at the age of sixty-
eight years.
In his youth Father O'Connor attended the
common and private schools of his native place
and in 1884 entered .\11 Hallows College in Dub-
lin, Ireland, from which he was graduated in the
class of 1889. The same year he was orrlaincd
to the priesthood by Bishop Murray and in the
fall of 1889 came to the United States, locating
at Faribault, ^linnesota, where he was an assist-
ant to the pastor of the Church of the Immaculate
Concqition. He there remained for a year, when
he came to .St. I'aul. where he was assistant pas-
tor of St. Mary's church for a short time and
later spent a brief period as assistant at St. An-
thony's church in Minneapolis. He then went
to Morton, Minnesota, where he was pastor of St.
John's Catholic church for ten years and in 1901
lie returned to St. Paul as pastor of St. James'
church, where he has since labored effectively
for the welfare of his people, substantial advance-
ment being made in various lines of church
activit\-.
JOHN MOLIN.
Jnhn Miilin is a contractor and builder of
lirick and stone work in St. Paul and, like a large
majority of the citizens of Minnesota, he is de-
scended from Swedish ancestry. His birth oc-
curred in Sweden. February 21. 1862. his ])arents
being Alfred and Helena Molin. both of whom
are residents of that land. There were three mem-
bers of their family, the brothers, John and \'ic-
tor, both being residents of St. Paul, while the
sister, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, also makes her home
in this city.
In the public schools of his native country John
Molin was educated, remaining in .Sweden imtil
1883, when at the age of twenty-one years, he
came to the I'nited States, reaching .St. Paul on
the 1st of .September of that year. He was en-
gaged in railroading from 1885 until 1887 anil
through the succeeding year acted as driver on a
street car line. Since that time, however, he has
been engaged in his ])rrsent line ni business as a
contractor and builder of brick and stonework
and in this connection his activity extends to all
sections of .St. Paul. lnipMrt;nn ci infracts have
been awarded him and he has become a leading
builder of the city, lie secured the contract for
the erection of the Bohemian school and liall on
Seventh and Yankee streets, also the Polish
school on Edmund street and various other im-
portant buildings here.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
381
Mr. Alulin was married in 1888 to Miss Inga
Strom, a native of Sweden, and their cliildren are:
Alfred, William, Oscar, Eddie, Olga, Frida, Her-
bert and Annie. Mr. Molin's fraternal relations
are with the Odd Fellows. He possesses what
is recognized as a national characteristic — thor-
ough reliability in business matters and moreover
displays a spirit of undaunted enterprise which
has gained him his prestige in building circles.
H. W. LANG.
H. W. Lang, now retired from mercantile life
and residing at No. 55 ^Vest E.xchange street,
dates his advent in St. F'aul from 1866. although
at that time he remained for only a brief period
of six months. From May. 1866. until November
of that year he was employed as a clerk in the
Cosmopolitan Hotel. He was born in Flesse-
Darmstadt. Gennany. March 2, 1841, a son of
Nicholas and Anna Maria ( Killien ) Lang, both
of whom passed away in their native country,
where the father had devoted his time and ener-
gies to agricultural pursuits. In their family
were eight children, four sons and four daugh-
ters, of whom Philip Lang is a blacksmith resid-
ing in St. Paul.
Reared in the fatherland, H. \\\ Lang of this
review pursued a public-school education, having
liberal advantages in that direction, as he at-
tended a gymnasium — one of the higher institu-
tions of learning in Germany — until about twenty-
three years of age. The favorable reports heard
concerning .America's opportunities, business out-
look and ready recognition of ability and labor,
led him tc seek a hoiue in the new world, and on
the 19th of August, 1863. he landed in New York
city, whence he made his way to L'^tica, New
York, where lived his uncle — his mother's 1)rother.
He was first employed at farm labor for three
months and during that period acquired a knowl-
edge of the English tongue sufficient to enable
him to get along in the world. He had previ-
ously stuilied several languages, jjossessing a con-
siderable linguistic power, and he thus rapidly
mastered the English, gaining a verv creditable
proficiency of that tongue within three months.
He afterward went to Ohio and as representative
of a publishing house traveled through that state
and Indiana for two years. In 1865 he was at
Winona, Minnesota, in the employ of a Mr. Kil-
lien, a cousin, who was there engaged in manu-
facturing vehicles. Air. Lang then came to St.
Paul to look over the city with a view of locating
here but after six months went to Dubuque, Iowa,
vrhere he continued vmtil 1870. He was from
1S66 until 1868 employed as a clerk in a store in
Dubuque, after which he embarked in business on
his own account, in 1870 he purchased a stock
of general merchandise in that city and opened
a store in St. Paul at what is now No. 379 Wa-
basha street — the first store in that block. The
old custom house was then in course of construc-
tion and building operations were being carried
on to some extent in the district.
Mr. Lang continued at that point in general
merchandising until 1879. when he removed to
a more advantgeous location at the corner of
St. Peter and Exchange streets, where he con-
tinued in business until 1884. During fourteen
years' connection with commercial pursuits in Si.
Paul he had built up an extensive trade, conduct-
ing one of the leading mercantile enterprises of
the city. He then retired from business and has
since given his attention to real-estate and com-
mission operations but is largely living retired.
From time to time he has made judicious invest-
ments in property, which, with the rise in real
estate in St. Paul has become very valuable. In
igo2 he sold at a good figure the corner lot and
store building at St. Peter and Exchange streets,
on which he had built, the structure being fifty
l)y fifty feet.
Mr. Lang was married in l)ubuc|ue. in 1866,
to Miss Theckla \\'eckemen. a native of Wurtem-
burg. Germany, who came to .\merica in 1861.
They have three sous and three daughters yet liv-
uig. Edward, in the employ of G. Somers &
Company at St. Paul, is married and has one son.
Joseph, who is with the P()|)e Publishing Com-
jianv in St. Paul, is married and has two chil-
dren. Henry, with the National German-Ameri-
can Bank, is married. Monica and Lorena are at
home. Airs. .Vnnie P.artleheim has two children.
382
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Her husbaiul is an employe of the (Sreat Xorth-
eni Railroad Company. The family residence is
ai .\'o. 53 West Exchange street and was erected
by Mr. Lang in 1896.
Politically he is a republican with a broad out-
look that recognizes the value of concerted party
action in state and national politics but disregards
[)arty ties at local elections. The family are com-
municants of the Assumption Catholic church.
The hope that led Mr. Lang to seek a home in
America has been more than realized for he
found in this country the opportunities he sought,
which, by the way, are always open to ambitious,
energetic young men and from a humble position
he worked his way gradually upward to a place
of prominence in mercantile circles in St. Paul
and now in the enjoyment of the fruits of former
toil is livino' in honorable retirement.
SHERIDAX C. CORP., M. D.
Dr. Sheridan G. Cobb, the extent of whose
practice places him in the foremost rank of the
medical profession in St. Paul and who founded
Cobb Hospital at Aferriam Park, is a native of
Cascade, Minnesota, born on the 14th of August,
1862. The Cobbs are descendants of the Cob-
dens of England, a famous famil\-. in whose
honor the Cobden Club of London, still in exist-
ence, was named. Three brothers originally came
to America on the Mayflower and one eventually
settled in l\Iaine, another in \'irginia and the
third in Massachusetts and it is from the Massa-
chusetts branch of the family that Sheridan G.
Cobb is descended.
His parents, E|)hraim Drake and .Mary (.Stev-
ens') Cobb, were natives of Massachusetts and
following their marriage came to Minnesota in
1853, settling at Cascade. Olmsted countv. The
father was prominently identified with that ci unity
during its formulative period and in order to pro-
vide for his family followed the occupation of
farming. He wielded a wide influence in luiblic
affairs and held many local political offices, the
duties of which were discharged with a prompt-
ness and fidelity that contribtUed much to the ])0-
litical and legal status of the comnumity. He
was also greatly interested in church work and
was one of the founders of the Universalist
church at Rochester, Minnesota. There was no
good w^ork either in the name of charity or the
advancement of religion which did not find in him
an earnest and material helper. His influence
was felt as a strong, steady and moving force in
the social, moral and industrial movements of the
community. He died in 1889, at the age of sev-
enty-eight years, while his wife passed away in
1866. Of their family of three children Sheridan
G. Cobb was the youngest, his sisters being Jen-
nie, now a resident of Rochester, Minnesota, and
Amanda, the wife of Courteny Martin, also of
Rochester.
Dr. Cobb pursued his early education in the
district schools of Cascade township, Olmsted
county, and afterward attended Professor Niles'
Academy, at Rochester. He left that institution
to become a teacher and taught in the district
schools of the locality for two years, entering
upon the profession when twenty years of age.
In iS/Q he made his way to the territory of Da-
kota and took up the study of medicine under the
direction of Dr. Isaac ]M. Westfall, at Water-
town. In 1 88 1 he returned to Rochester. Min-
nesota, and from 1882 until 1884. inclusive, was a
student in the office of Dr. Paul H. Denninger, in
Faribault, Minnesota. In the meantime he had
entered Hahnemann IMedical College, of Chicago,
and was graduated with the class of 1884. He
then returned to Faribault and was associated
with Dr. Denninger in practice until the fall
of the same year, when he removed to Plainview,
this state.
In 1889 he came to St. Paul and located at
Merriam Park, where he has built up a large
practice, his patronage being exceeded by that of
few members of the medical fraternity in St.
I'aul. In 1904 he erected a fine modern brick
building, fifty by fifty-six feet, in wliicli he has
offices, his sinte of rooms consisting of a recep-
tion room, private office, laboratory, liljrary, three
consulting rooms, the operating room and the
electrical room. Flis office is thoroughly modern
in every respect, being equipped with the latest
electrical appliances and ini])roved devices for aid.
-=^k:>
^ ^^i^^^^^t^— ->
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
385
in medical and surgical practice. He pursued a
post-graduate course in the Xew York Poly-
clinic, in 1894, and in the Chicago Clinic School,
in 1898, and he also did clinical work in London,
Paris, Vienna and Berlin in iqoo, thus acquaint-
ing himself with many of the methods of the
most distinguished physicians and surgeons of the
old world. In January, 1902, he founded Cobb
Hospital at Merriam Park and incorporated it
in 1905. This hospital was established because
of Dr. Cobb's desire for an institution which
would better meet the requirements of modern
practice and he has been extremely successful
in its conduct from the first. Having in mind
the future needs of the locality he chose a loca-
tion midway between the Twin cities and equally
distant from the business center of each. This
location at once commends itself to those seeking
rest and quiet and the opportunity to rapidly re-
cover from the effects of disease, for the hospital
is free from the noise of the cities, with an at-
mosphere uncontaminatecl and with an abund-
ance of sunshine, the surroundings all being con-
ducive to speedy recovery. The growth of the
patronage has been very rapid, the third annual
report showing that the admissions doubled those
of the first year and as the present amount of
room is inadequate to accommodate those seek-
ing admission, it became necessary to incorporate
and measures are now being taken to greatly en-
large the hospital in the near future. It is Dr.
Cobb's intention to erect immediately a new hos-
pital building with ample accommodations for all
who seek relief from their physical sufferings.
The increase in attendance here has been over
one hundred per cent in three vears. It is the
only homeopathic hospital in the Twin cities. The
staff is in charge of Dr. S. G. Cobb, who is clin-
ical professor in surgery in the College of Home-
opathic Medicine and Surgery. University of
Minnesota ; surgeon for the Great Northern Rail-
way Company ; Northern Pacific Railway Com-
pany ; ^\'^sconsin Central Railway Company ;
Chicago Great Western Railway Company ; Min-
neapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company ; Chicago,
P)Urlington &- Ouincy Railroad Company ; Chi-
cago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company ;
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railwav Com-
pany ; Chicago, St. Paul, Mimieapolis & Omaha
Railway Company; Alinneapolis, St. Paul & Sault
Ste. Marie Railway Company ; the ^linnesota
Transfer ; and formerly attending surgeon to the
Children's Home Society of the State of Minne-
sota. He has also been clinical professor of in-
ternal medicine and clinical professor of diseases
of women in the university, and has the unique
distinction of being the only man in the L'nited
States that is surgeon for ten trans-continental
railway lines. A training school for nurses has
been incorporated tmder the laws of the state
of ^Minnesota as a part of the hospital.
Dr. Cobb is a man of broad learning in his
profession, correct in the adaptation of his knowl-
edge and with an ability that has long since
enabled him to advance beyond the ranks of the
many and stand among the successful few. He
is a member of the St. Paul Society of Physi-
cians, of which he was at one time president. He
also belongs to the Minnesota State Institute of
Homeopathy and the American Institute of Home-
opathy. Excellent results have followed as the
direct sequence of his efforts to relieve the ail-
ments of suffering humanity and he has done
splendid work Ixith in medical and surgical prac-
tice.
Dr. Cobb's fraternal relations are with Triune
lodge. No. 190. .\. F. & .\. M. ; Palmyra chap-
ter. R. A. M. and Home commandery. No. 5,
K. T. of Rochester, Alinnesota, white in the St.
Paul consistory. No i, he has attained the thirty-
second degree of the Scottish Rite and he is also
a member of Zuhrah Temple of the ]\Iystic
Shrine at Minneapolis. He likewise belongs to
the Alasonic ^^eterans' Association and to Ivanhoe
chapter of the Eastern Star and few men have
a more comprehensive knowledge of Masonry,
while in the craft be is recognized as one of its
prominent representatives.
On the 30th of June, 1886, Dr. Cobb was mar-
ried to Miss E. Melicent Cutter, a daughter of
Robert H. Cutter, of St. Charles. Minnesota, and
their children are Francis C. and Mary Cobb. Dr.
Cobb possesses a genial manner and social na-
ture, which are valuable concomitants in a suc-
cessful practice. He has succeeded, however, be-
cause he has desired to succeed. Endowed bv na-
386
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
turc with .strong intelkctiial force, ho has care-
fully and conscientiously increased the talents
that have been given him and the profession and
the public uniformly acknowledge his ability.
WILLIAM A. AIL'STARD.
William A. .Mustard is the senior partner of the
firm of .Mustard & Rowe, proprietors of a large
j)rinting establishment devoted to the printing of
railroad folders and advertisements, .\lthough
among the more recently established enterprises
of St. Paul, their business has already assumed
extensive and jjrofitable proportions. .Mr. .Mus-
tard is a native of Ontario, Canada, his birth hav-
ing occurred in \\'oodstock countv. East Oxford,
on the i2th of Januan-, 1873. His parents were
David and Mary A. (Casler) Mustard and the
father, who was a inmip manufacturer, died in
the early "80s, but the mother is still living and
now makes her home with her son William in St.
Paul. The other sons of the family are: Delbert,
who lives in Leamington, Essex countv, ( )ntario ;
Xelson G., who died in Essex county in up.S '• '^n'l
John C, who died in Xorwich, Oxford countv,
Ontario, in the early '90s. The daughters of the
family are: Mrs. .Anna Suggitt, who is living in
^Minneapolis ; Mrs. ,\lmira McCarl, of Toronto,
Ontario: and Mrs. Melissa Weir, of Stratford,
Ontario.
\\'illiam .\. Mustard acf|uire(l his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Norwich. ( )ntario,
whicli he attended until fourteen years of age.
He became a resident of Port Huron, .Michigan,
in 1890 and entered (Icxidier P>usiness College,
from which lie was graduated in 1891. Following
the coinplrtion of his literary education be became
foreni;ni in the composing room of the Port
Huron Herald and his efificiency and capabilit\
led to bis admission to the tii'ni as a jiartner by
the ])ublisher. Jolm Murray. He owned a half
interest in the j)aper from 1 891 until his removal
to Detroit, Michigan. Some )ears later be went
to Enro|)e. traveling through 1-jigland, Ireland,
.Scotland, (lermanx', France, Switzerland, Hol-
land, P)elgiinu. Ital\- and Spain. He visited many
points of historic and modern interest and places
of rare beauty in the old world and thus added
greatly to his knowledge and culture. Returning
to the United States in 1893, in that year he
embarked in the restaurant business in Detroit
in partnership with Oliver A. Rowe. Later they
conducted a printing business in Cleveland, Ohio,
and in 1902 they came together to St, Paul, where
they established a printing business and have since
given their attention to the printing and distribut-
ing of railroad folders and advertisements. They
handle advertising for more than one hundred
railroad companies and lake and ocean steamship
lines. Their field extends all over the north and
west from Chicago to the Pacific coast. Their
business has reached extensive and profitable pro-
portions and in addition to the conduct of this
enterprise they also deal to a considerable extent
in real estate, buying, improving and selling prop-
erty. Purchasing property, they have added much
to its value through improvements made thereon
and thus contributed in substantial measure to the
city's development as well.
Mr. Mustard is connected with some fraternal
orders and in his religious faith is a Methodist.
His political support is given to the democracy,
but he has never been an aspirant for office, ])re-
ferring to devote his time and energies to his busi-
ness affairs and, watchful of opportunity, he has
steadilv worked his way upward imtil although a
young man he occujiies a position of considerable
])rominence as a representative of industrial cir-
cles in St. Paul.
CHARLES CRAAI.
Charles Cram, who as a member of the firm
of IV'dford & Cram, is conducting business at St.
Anthony's Park under the name of the Midway
Transfer Line Company, was born in Stillwater,
Minnesota, .\ugust 10, 1862, his jiarents being
Jacob and .Sarah M. (Wing) Cram, natives of
Maine. They came to Minnesota in i85ri, iliiring
the days when the Indians still lived ujion the
frontier and rendered the lives of the pioneer set-
tlers iuseciu'e. The fitber was a farnu'r bv occu-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
387
pation and died in St. Paul in 1893. ^^ the age
of seventy-four years, while his wife passed away
in 1902, at the age of eighty years. In their fam-
ily were eight children, of whom three are yet
living: Frederick and Henry, who are residents
of Sheldon, Iowa ; and Charles.
Upon the home farm Charles Cram spent his
boyhood days and worked in the fields when not
occupied with the duties of the schoolroom, his
education being acquired in the district schools
of the neighborhood. After putting aside his
text-lxxiks he chose to engage in the business to
which he had been reared and for fifteen years
he followed fanning at Woodbury, Minnesota,
but in 1901 left the farm and came to St. Paul,
since which time, at St. Anthony's Park, he has
conducted the Midway Transfer Line, in com-
pany with William Bedford, under the firm style
of Bedford & Cram. They have a good patron-
age, their business making constant demands upon
their equipment, so that they have gained a meas-
ure of success that is very desirable.
Mr. Cram was married in November. 1885. to
Miss Phebe A. Hale, a daughter of Frank Hale,
of Wisconsin, and their children are Myrtle I.
and Harold R. Mr. Cram is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and has served as
venerable counsel of the former and treasurer of
the latter. In politics he is independent, support-
ing the candidates whom he regards as best quali-
fied for office rather than regarding political af-
filiation. As forward steps in his business career
have brought him a broader outlook, he has en-
larged the scope of his activities and has now ad-
vanced to a considerable distance upon the high
road to prosperity.
SUMNER A. FARNSWORTH.
Sumner .\. Farnsworth, who since Sqitember.
1886, has been principal of the Cleveland school
in St. Paul, his entire life having been devoted
to educational work until he is today known as
a leading representative of the public-school sys-
tem of the state, was born in Bristol, Wisconsin,
November 26, 1852, his parents being Joel and
Mary (Fairbanks) Farnesworth, natives of New
Hampshire. They spent many years, however, at
River Falls, Wisconsin, and the father engaged
in business as a well driller. He is now living
retired at the age of eighty-eight years, but his
wife died during the infancy of their son Sum-
ner. In the family were six children : Martha, the
widow of Albert H. Carpenter, of Fond du Lac.
Wisconsin ; Granville O., who died at the age of
nineteen years ; Rosanna, the wife of Allen Hig-
gins, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin ; Sydney O.,
who is living in the state of Washington ; Sumner
A. ; and Mary, the wife of James R. Elliott, of
Sheldon, Iowa.
Sunnier A. Farnsworth obtained his prelimi-
nary education in the public schools of River
Falls. Wisconsin, and afterward attended the
State Normal School, from which he was gradu-
ated in the class of 1896. After leaving school
he returned for his diploma, receiving additional
instruction, and he has since pursued a course
in pedagogy in the State University of Minne-
sota. He began teaching when eighteen years of
age and has since followed the profession with
the exception of two years, when he was em-
])loyed by a mercantile firm in Red River Valley.
He devoted four years to teaching in the country
schools and was superintendent and principal of
the schools of River Falls in 1875-6. In the fall
of 1877 he went to Brainard. Minnesota, as super-
intendent of the schools, remaining there for three
years, after which he spent two years in mer-
chandising with G. L. L. Ramstad & Company
at Ada. Minnesota. Returning on the expiration
of that period to professional labors, he spent
two years as superintendent of schools at Crooks-
ton, Minnesota, and a similar period at Ada, Min-
nesota. In September. 1886. he was appointed
principal of the Cleveland school in St. Paul, a
graded school, containing eight rooms. Here he
has since remained and the growth of the school
is indicated by the fact that he now has thirty-
one teachers under his management and twelve
hundred students. In 1891 a high school was
established. In 1893 he reorganized the school
and the work has been eminently successful. He
has entire charge of the work in the building and
388
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ho has instituted many progressive measures
w hich have been of tangible benefit in the system
of public instruction.
Professor Farnsworth is widely kn^iwu as one
of the able educators connected with public in-
struction in Minnesota and was for seven years
general secretary of the Minnesota Educational
Association. During this time he secured the
first publication of the proceedings of the asso-
ciation and for ten years was chairman of the
legislation committee. He has also been presi-
dent of the association for one year and for three
years was president of the St. Paul Teachers'
Association and is president for the year 1906 of
I he Principals' Club of St. Paul. He is a promi-
nent member of the National Educational Asso-
ciation and active in society matters. He is a
])ast grand master of the state organization of
the Order of Odd Fellows and since 1896 has
been aftiHated with St. Paul lodge. No. 3, A. F.
& A. Al., and is likewise a Scottish rite Mason.
On the 20th of October, 1879. Professor Farns-
worth was married to Miss Eliza Gross, a daugh-
ter of William Gross, of .\ldricli, Minnesota.
She has also been engaged in educational work
until recent years and was a successful teacher.
For twenty years the Professor has been a resi-
dent and taxpayer at x\rlington Hills and his
labors have been a resultant factor for the im-
I)rovement of this part of the state. He is active
in all that pertains to its development and up-
building and in fact is a promoter of manv meas-
ures for the general good. He is a member of
the Commercial Qtib of St. Paul and in all things
he stands for progress and improvement, keep-
ing abreast with the best thinking men of the age
on all those questions which affect the social, eco-
nornic, political or social history of the country.
FRANK D. KETCHUM.
Frank D. Ketchum. inspector in the bureau of
animal imlustry of the I'nited States department
of agriculture, stationed at St. Paul, is a native
of Marshall county, Illinois. TTis vouth was de-
voted to the aef|uirement of an education and later
he engaged in farming and in teaching in the
district schools. Deciding to enter upon a pro-
fessional career, however, he became a student in
the Chicago \'eterinary College, from which he
was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Doctor
of Comparative Medicine. He then engaged in
the practice of veterinary surgery in Illinois until
1896, when in September of that year he was
appointed through the civil service commission
to the position of meat inspector in the bureau
of animal industry of the United States depart-
ment of agriculture and was stationed at Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin. On the 4th of January, 1899,
he was transferred to .St. Paul and made inspec-
tor in charge, which position he has since filled,
his promotion coming to him in recognition of
his abilitv and fitness for the office.
ARTHUR CHRI.STOFFERSON.
ArtluH' Christofterson, although a \innig man.
has gained a position of distinction at the St.
Paul bar, his years seeming no impediment to his
ability nor success and in addition to his law ])rac-
tice he is acting as vice-president of the Nason-
GTristofferson Company, which deals largelv in
unimproved farm lands in the northwest. He
was born in Dc Pere, Brown county, A\'iscon-
sin, January 4, 1878. His father, Hans Christ-
ofterson, was a native of Christiana, Norway,
which was also the birthplace of the mother.
Bertha (Hanson) Christofferson. The father
was a mechanical engineer and came to the I'nited
.States when twenty-two years of age. settling at
Janesville, Wisconsin. He followed his chosen
profession up to the time of his death, which oc-
curred on the 21 st of .\ugnst, 1804.
.■\rthur Christofferson was graduated from the
high school of Hudson, ^^'isconsin, and ])re|)are(l
for the ])ractice of law in the .Slate I'niversily of
Mimiesota, completing his coiu"se with the class
of ii^oi, at which time the degree of Bachelor
of l,aw was conferred u])on him. in the mean-
time, however, he had spent six years in the land
department of the Northern Pacific Railwav
Com]),'iny, entering that service as office bo\- but
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
391
wimiing pronioticui from time to tune in recogni-
tion of his abilit}- and fidelity nntil within si.x
years he had been promoted to the position of
chief clerk in the assistant land commissioner's
office. In 1902 he entered upon the practice of
law in St. Pan!, where he has secured a large cli-
entage. Although he engages in general practice
he makes a specialty of real-estate and land grant
titles and in addition is vice-president of the Na-
son-Christofferson Company.
In November, 1902, occurred the marriage of
Arthur Christoilferson and Miss Lula 1.'.. Fortune,
a daughter of George Fortune, of River Falls,
Wisconsin. Thev have two interesting children,
John Arthur and Janet, who are the light and
life of the household. Mr. Christofferson is a
Mason and belongs to the Zeta Psi and Delta Chi
fraternities. He is a prominent member of the
Minnesota Boat Club and also belongs to the Com-
mercial and the Norden and Roosevelt Clubs of
St. Paul. While not an office seeker, he takes an
active and commendable interest in public afifairs
and gives his political allegiance to the republi-
can partv. Those plans, movements and institu-
tions which are matters of civic pride receive his
endorsement and co-operation. Possessing a so-
cial, genial nature he is cordially welcomed into
the local societies to which he belongs. He has
already won a creditable place in legal and busi-
ness circles and the success of his life is due to
no inherited fortune or to any happy succession
of advantageous circumstances but to his own
sturdy will, steady application, studious habits
and tireles industry and these qualities argue well
for the future.
T. A. LAUF.ACH.
Among the representatives of the Teutonic race
who have won success and prominence in busi-
ness circles in St. Paul is numbered J. .A.. Lau-
bach, who was born in Prussia, Germany, in
1850, and in 1865 came to America, settling first
in Lima, Ohio. In 1867 he became a resident of
St. Paul, conn'ng to this city with an uncle. He
has since made his own wav in the new world
and his business advancement has resulted en-
tirely from close application and unfaltering en-
terprise. He had acquired a good education in
the schools of his native land, but his knowledge
of the English tongue has been self-acquired and
in the school of experience he has learned many
lessons of value. On the ist of November, 1867,
he became an apprentice under Adam Decker,
later of the Adam Decker Company, and was
with that firm for twenty years as apprentice,
workman and foreman. Having mastered the
trade of a sheet metal worker, he was gradually
promoted as his efficienc)' increased and as his
fidelity won him recognition until he reached the
responsible position of foreman of the workers.
He afterward embarked in the same line of busi-
ness on his own account and was for four years
foreman with Mr. Haag and also with the Karst
& Breher Company for four years. Going to the
west, he remained at Astoria, Oregon, in charge
of the business of M. C. Crosby for a year and
a half, when on account of failing health he left
the Pacific coast and returned to St. Paul, enter-
ing into partnership with Mr. Haag under the
present style of the Haag-Laubach Roofing &
Cornice Company. They are manufacturers of
roofing, cornice, breechings, smoke stacks, steel
ceilings, ,gutters and conductors, and conduct
Inisiness at Nos. 28-34 Third street. The busi-
ness was organized in the spring of 1902 and em-
ployment is now furnished to from twenty-five to
seventy-five men according to the season of the
year and conditions of trade. Their patronage
has steadily increased and theirs has become an
extensive industrial and productive enterprise.
Mr. Laubach has a sister. Mrs. Zell, who is
living in Minneapolis, but the other members of
his father's family are in Germany. He was mar-
ried in 1872 to Miss Elizabeth Peters, who when
a babe of only a few months was brought to this
country from her native land — Germany. Her
father died in 1865, but her mother is still living
in St. Paul, at the age of about seventy-eight
\cars. ?\lr. and Mrs. Laubach have seven chil-
dren : Clara, the wife of Arthur E. Gronewold,
a traveling man living in St. Paul : Helen, the
wife of F. C. Holman, of St. Paul : Florence,
the wife of Otto Ballinger ; May, Elsie. Ray and
392
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Artluir, all al home. They also lost live chil-
dren in early youth. The family residence is in
the sixth ward of St. P'aul. Politically .Mr. Lau-
bach is a stalwart republican and socially he is
connected with the Alodera Woodmen of .Amer-
ica and the Junior Pioneers, while his religious
connection is with the German Lutheran church
at the corner of GofT and South Wabasha streets.
Dependent upon his own resources from an early
age. .Mr. Laubach has gradually worked his way
upward, brooking no obstacles that could be over-
come by determined and earnest purpose and his
ability stands as an unquestioned fact in his ca-
reer, winning for him the justly merited title of a
self-made man.
DAMD A\ERY HAGGARD.
■ David Avery Haggard, practicing law as a
member of the firm of O'Brien, Donnelly & Hag-
gard, was born in Winchester, Illinois, June 9,
1870. His father, Dr. James R. Haggard, is a
native of Kentucky, while his mother, Frances
Helen Avery, was born in Illinois. In 1883 they
removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Dr. Hag-
gard is still actively engaged in practice.
David A. Haggard completed his literary edu-
cation by graduation from the academic depart-
ment of the Nebraska State University in 1891
and finished his preparation for his profession as
a student in the law school of the State Univer-
sity, from which he was graduated in 1893. He
then opened an office in Lincoln, where he re-
mained for about four years, when in 1897 he
came to .St. Paul and entered the employ of the
West Pulilishing Company in the editorial de-
l)artnient. In 1901 he resumed the active prac-
tice of law ill St. Paul and in the spring of 1905
lie liecame a member of the firm of OT;'>rien,
Donnelly & Haggard. He is without aspiration
for office, preferring to give his midivided atten-
tion to his professional duties, and the firm has
high rank in the legal circles in the cit_\'. He is
a inemlier of the Kanisey County Bar Associa-
tion.
( )n tlie Jist of August, 1901, Mi-. Haggard
was married to Miss Anna Broady, a daughter of
J. H. Broady, of Lincoln, Nebraska. They are
members of the Congregational church and are
favorably known socially in the city. In a call-
ing where advancement depends entirely upon in-
dividual efliort, .Mr. Haggard has made consecu-
tive progress, and to his sturdy will, steady appli-
cation, studious habits and sterling integrity may
be attributed his present position at the bar of
St. Paul.
STEX'ENS G. RUSSELL.
Stevens G. Russell, deceased, who was con-
nected with the Northwestern Fuel Company of
St. Paul for many years and was also associated
with the Youghiogheny & Lehigh Coal Company
for several years, took up his residence in this
city in 1888. He was born in Cambridge, Massa-
chusetts, June 27, 1861, his parents being Charles
J. and Catherine Webster (Merrill) Russell, both
of whom were natives of Plymouth, New Hamp-
shire, where the Russell family has resided for
several generations. The grandfather always
made his home in the old Granite state and was
a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who served
in the battle of Pninker Hill and in other impor-
tant engagements that led up to the final triumph
of the .'\merican arms and the establishment of
the republic. Charles J. Russell, father of our
subject, owned and conducted a general store in
r'hmouth for a time and later engaged in the
banking business at Cam1)ridge, Massachusetts,
until 1867, when he came to the middle west, set-
tling in Milwaukee, where he conducted a whole-
sale tea house for a number of years. He then
began dealing in fancy groceries in that city and
was thus associated with business interests until
his demise. His wife also died there.
Stevens G. Russell acquired a good education
in the schools of Milwaukee, having accompanied
his parents on their removal to tliat city when a
lad of six vears. He passed through successive
grades until he was graduated from the hi.gh
school with the class of 1879, after which he en-
tered upon business life as an employe of the
Steam Supply romi)any of Milwaukee. After a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
393
brief period, however, he went to Metropohtan,
jMichigan, as manager of the store, pay roll, etc.,
for the Metropolitan Iron & Land Company,
though at that time only twenty-one years of age.
His close application, energy and business skill
soon led to his promotion and within a few years
he was made manager for the company, his biist-
n€ss duties calling him to Chicago much of th.:
time as buyer for the company. He afterward
located in Chicago and occupied a good position
with the Whitebreast Coal & Iron Company, rep-
resenting that firm for three years, when he re-
turned to Milwaukee, where he became connected
with the Northwestern Fuel Company. In 1888
this company transferred him to St. Paul, mak-
ing him their sales agent in this city, and he oc-
cupied the position until his' health began to fail,
when he resigned and went to Denver, hoping
that a change of climate would prove beneficial.
For a year and a half he remained among the
mountains of the west and then returned to St.
Paul, where he became manager for the Youghio-
gheny & Lehigh Coal Company. Resigning on
account of ill health, he once more went to Den-
ver, but this time the change did not produce
the desired result of improving his health and
he passed away on the 15th of March, 1904.
Mr. Russell had been married in 1885, in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, to Miss Isabel May Dickson,
a native of that city and a daughter of Andrew
N. and Marcia Ellen (Burgess) Dickson, the lat-
ter a native of Skowhegan, Somerset county,
Maine, and the former of Dunkirk, New York.
Her father became a resident of Milwaukee in
1849, ''"'l '^'^'^s there engaged in the wholesale
clothing business for many years, being at that
time one of the largest wdiolesale clothing mer-
chants in that city. He continued in the busi-
ness until 1865, when he retired, making his Iiome
in Milwaukee, however, until his deatli in June,
1900. Mrs. Dickson still survives and is now re-
siding with a daughter in Chicago. Mr. and
Mrs. Russell had two children, Marcia Burgess
and Edgar Dickson, the latter now attending the
high school. Both are living with their mother
in St. Paul.
Mr. Russell was always well informed con-
cerning the issues and questions which divided
22
the two great political parties and was a stalwart
advocate of republican principles, but never an
office-seeker. He was a member of the Sons of
the American Revolution and Colonial Wars and
also belonged to the Park Congregational church,
of which his wife is yet a member. He was a
very successful man in business and enjoyed the
respect and admiration of his contemporaries in
commercial circles here. When his death oc-
curred his remains were taken back to Milwaukee
for interment. In that city and also in St. Paul
he had won many friends, possessing the strong
characteristics which command respect and good
will in every land and clime. He never relegated
to others the burdens of life that he should bear,
but fully bore h'^ part at all times and his life
record was in ma ly respects worthy of emulation.
Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Russell
returned to St. Paul, her present residence being
at No. 657 Goodrich avenue.
BENJAMIN F. LATTA.
Benjamin F. Latta, attorney at law, was born
in Lewiston, Niagara county. New York, a son
of Benjamin and Deborah (Stevens) Latta, both
of whom were natives of the Empire state. The
ancestry of the family can be traced back to an
early period in the colonization of the new world,
for in the beginning of the seventeenth century
JMr. Latta's great-grandfather and his two broth-
ers came from Wales to the United States and all
of the representatives of the name in this country
at the present time are their descendants.
When Benjamin F. Latta was eight months
old his parents removed to Rock county, Wiscon-
sin, where he spent his youth and acquired his
early education at Allen's Grove Academy. In
1864 he went to Racine, Wisconsin, where he
took up the study of law, with the firm of Paine
& Millett of that city as his preceptors. In 1866
he took a course in the law department of the
university at Albany. New York, and was gradu-
ated from that institution, after whicli he was ad-
mitted to the bar by the supreme court of the
Empire state in 1867. Returning to Wisconsin, he
394
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
engaged in farming for two years and then entered
the tirni of liennctt & Xorcross at Janesville, Wis-
consin, for the jiractice of hnv. Jn 1871 he Opened
an oflice and began practicing at Chnton Junction,
\\'isconsin, where he soon secured a hberal cU-
entage, tliere remaining until 1875. when he re-
moved to Dodge Center. In 1878 he was a can-
didate for the office of county attorney, running
upon an independent ticket, and was elected by a
handsome majority. He proved a capable officer,
discharging his duties without fear or favor. In
1888 he came to St. Paul and has since practiced
law in this city. He has met with a goodly meas-
ure of success and is an earnest, industrious prac-
titioner.
Mr. Latta was married in 1874 to Aliss Frances
I. Samson, a daughter of Xorvin Samson, of Or-
leans county. New York. They had two children :
Alamie, now the wife of C. J. Kelley, a merchant
of Langdon, North Dakota ; and Minnie E., at
home. Mrs. Latta died Jul}- 8. 1905, and was
buried at Clinton, Wisconsin. Mr. Latta and his
family are well known in St. Paul, where they
have gained the warm friendshi]) of many with
whom thev have come in contact.
GEORGE W. SHERWOOD.
George ^^^ Sherwood, a pioneer and prominent
business man of St. Paul, whose efiforts have made
the Sherwood Stock Farm and its products fa-
mous, was born in Greenville, Greene county.
New York, April 3, 1833, a son of Alfred and
Jane (Beg-^rdes) Sherwood. The Sherwoods are
of English descent and among the early settlers of
Connecticut, while the mother of our subject
was descended from the Begordes family who
were prominent early settlers of New York city.
The maternal grandfather served in the war of
1812. Alfred Sherwood was a sea-faring man in
early life and became captain of a sailing vessel,
but later settled in Greenville, New York, where
he remained and continued to reside up to the
time of his death.
George W. Sherwood acquired a common
school education in his native town and there
learned the carpenter's trade. Attracted by the
possibilities of the new and growing west, he
came to Minnesota in 1855, settling in St. Paul,
where he followed his trade as an employe and
eventually became a contractor and builder. In
1862 he engaged in the construction of railroad
bridges in partnership with R. H. Fitz and later
for more than twenty years was a member of the
firm of Sherwood, Sutherland & Compan_\-, pile
drivers and builders of bridges, elevators and rail-
road buildings. In this connection he was closely
associated with the substantial improvement of
the northwest, his labor having direct bearing
upon the progress and development of this sec-
tion of the country. For over twenty years he
has also been largely interested in the lumber
trade at Anoka, Minnesota, as a member of the
firm of Reed & Sherwood, manufacturers of lum-
ber, lath, shingles, sash, doors and blinds. His
enterprise has thus reached out to various lines
of activity and his business interests have been
of a character that have promoted general prog-
ress while advancing individual prosperity. About
fifteen years ago he purchased thirteen hundred
acres of choice land near Sheldon, Iowa, where
he carries on a large farm and makes a specialty
of breeding thoroughbred horses of the celebrated
families of Wilkes and Nut\vood. The Sherwood
Stock Farm has become famous as a result of
turning out several champion racers, among them
the trotter. Lockheart. and the pacer. La Belle,
which have made world records. He also makes
a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle and carries
on general farming for supplying the demands
of his stock farm. IMr. Sherwood is likewise
president of the L^nion Bank of Sheldon, Iowa.
In the building up of the city of St. Paul he has
been a prominent factor. It was he who drove
the piles for the foundation of most of the large
buildings constructed at an early day and he built
the first large grain elevators here.
On the 2ist of December. 1853, George W.
Sherwood was married to Adaline Hard, of Una-
della, Otsego county. New York, and they have
become the parents of four children : Jennie, the
wife of H. O. Hilton, of Minneapolis. Minnesota;
-Mvah E., manager of the Sherwood Stock Farm
at Sheldon, Iowa ; Addie May, the wife of W. H.
-^^ IM- ^l^.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
397
Sleeper, cashier of the Union JJank of Sheldon,
Iowa ; and George E., a practicing physician and
surgeon at Kimball, Minnesota.
In politics Mr. Sherwood is a republican but
has never sought or occupied public office. He is
of a very retiring and quiet disposition and thor-
oughly domestic in his habits, a man of the most
upright life, of sterling integrity and a worth)-
and respected citizen.
ALBERT SPANGENBERG.
Albert Spangenberg, deceased, who came to St.
Paul when a youth of fifteen years and was there-
fore closely identified with business interests in
this citv. his success resulting from his earnest
effort and close application, was born in Prussia,
Germany, April 2, 1848. His father, Frederick
Spangenberg, also a native of Germany, crossed
the Atlantic to America with his family in 1863
and made his way at once to St. Paul, where he
resided continuously for more than three decades,
or until the time of his death, on the 6th of July,
1894. His wife had died in Germany during
the infancy of their son Albert, who acquired only
a limited education in the schools of his native
country. Two of his older brothers came to
America and located in .St. Paul prior to the emi-
gration of the father and the stibject of this re-
view, who came together in 1863.
Albert Spangenberg was at that time a youth
of fifteen years. He at once began providing for
his own support by working in a meat market for
George Wenz, in whose employ he remained for
three years. He was afterwards a clerk in dififer-
ent meat markets liere for several }ears and
through his frugality and industry acquired the
capital that enabled him to embark in business
on his own account. He opened a meat market
at the corner of Tenth and St. Peter streets and
soon secured a good trade because of his hon-
esty in business, his earnest desire to please his
patrons and the good class of meats which he
handled.
It was while engaged in business there that Mr.
Spangenberg was married to Miss Catherine Hin-
kel, a native of Dubuque, luwa. Her parents
came to this country at an early day, settling in
Iowa, where they both died, their daughter being
reared in that state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Span-
genberg were born six children : Albert Frederick,
who now resides in jMcmphis. Tennessee, where
he is manager of the Hammond Packing Company ;
Henry A., who resides at home with his mother
and has charge of the meat business on West
Seventh street ; Genevieve, at home ; Arthur L.,
who is a clerk for the Northwestern Fuel Com-
pany at St. Paul ; Walter A., who is employed
with his brother in the meat market; and Annie,
who died at the age of fifteen years.
Following his marriage Mr. Spangenberg con-
ducted his business at the corner of Tenth and
St. Peter streets for several years and built up
a large trade there. In 1887 he disposed of the
business with the determination of retiring from
active life. He afterward made a trip to Cali-
fornia and spent a few years in visiting in that
portion of the country, but indolence and idle-
ness were utterly foreign to his nature and he
found that he could not content himself without
some occupation, so upon his return to St. Paul
he organized the Spangenberg Meat Company at
No. 313 West Seventh street, where his sons now
carrv on the business. He was thus connected
with the trade until his death and secured a very
large patronage and won a gratifying measure of
prosperity. This store now has the largest busi-
ness of any meat market in the southwestern
part of the city.
The death of Mr. Spangenberg occurred on
the i2th of March, 1904. He had been a suf-
ferer for several years, but he continued at his
business until about two weeks prior to his de-
mise. He was a member of the Masonic frater-
tiity and of the Sons of Hermann. In politics
he was a republican and in religious faith was
a Lutheran, belonging with his family to the Ger-
man Lutheran church. He had many friends
among the old settlers here and in business circles
sustained a high reputation for his capability and
worth. His widow owns a nice home at No. 297
West Seventh street, where she and her children
reside. Although the death of the husband and
father came as a great blow to the familv, Mrs.
39«
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Spangenberg- is liappy in the recollections of a
most pleasant married life of congenial compan-
ionship and the kindly consideration of her
husband.
HENRY CLE:\1ENT.
Henry Clement is one of the more recent addi-
tions to the ranks of St. Paul's merchants, but
during the six years of his residence here has de-
veloped a business of considerable magnitude. He
is at the head of the house of Clement, Dranger
& Company, wholesale importers and dealers in
laces, embroideries, curtains, white goods, etc. A
native of Sauk City, Wisconsin, he was born Feb-
ruary 29, 1869. His father was Florian Clement,
who when five years of age was brought from
his native country, Switzerland, to the United
States and became a contractor and builder of
Sauk City. He married Christine Vonwald and
they now make their home in Prairie du Sac. In
their family are seven children, all living.
Henry Clement attended the public schools of
Sauk City to his sixteenth year, when he went
to ?^Iilwaukee, and while employed in tb.at city
during the daytime he attended night schools and
a business college, thus becoming well equipped
for the duties and responsibilities of an active
business career through his college training and
his practical experience. He was for eight years
an employe in the house of J. & E. B. Friend,
lace importers of Milwaukee and afterward spent
seven years with Goldberg & Company. He was
in charge of the stock for a few years and even-
tually was transferred to the office and finally be-
came credit man for that house. He thus be-
came familiar with tlie business in all its depart-
ments, gaining thorougli familiarity with the
trade, and in 1900 he came to St. Paul, where
he established a \vholesale business as importers
and dealers in laces under the firm style of Cle-
ment, Dranger & Company, his partners being
Marry Dranger, Samuel Mayer and S. H. Recht.
They have built up a great l)usiness throughout
the northwest in laces, cniliroideries, curtains,
white goods, handkerchiefs, etc., having twelve
traveling salesmen niKin the road and nianv em-
ployes in the wholesale house in St. Paul, which
is located at Nos. 2i7^-i72) Sibley street, in the
midst of the leading wholesale center of St. Paul.
Their importations are extensive and thev handle
valuable goods. They have built up an excel-
lent trade and the output of the house is con-
stantly increasing to meet the growing demands
of the business, which has assumed extensive pro-
portions.
Mr. Clement was married in 1895 to Miss Ida
Mueller, of Wausau, Wisconsin, where her people
are still prominent residents. Two children have
been born of this marriage, Marie and Harold,
who are now attending school. Air. Clement is
a member of P.. P. O. E. lodge. No. 59, of St.
Paul, and he belongs to the Commercial Club, to
the Credit Man's Association, to the Jobbers'
L'nion and other business organizations and social
clubs, and is interested in tlie material, social and
moral progress of the city. His business career,
attended by none of the advantages which wealth
or influence can secure, has been marked, how-
ever, by steady advancement due to his strong
purpose, indefatigable energy and laudable am-
bition, and though one of the later accessions to
business circles in St. Paul, he has already gained
a prominent place as a representative of commer-
cial interests here.
JAMES R. HICKEY.
James R. Flickey. attorney of St. Paul, has
Iieen a student of sociological problems and eco-
nomics, in which connection he has held advanced
ideas, the value of which have been proven in
practical application, and in this connection he
has left the impress of his individuality upon the
legislation of his native state. He was born in
Scott county, Minnesota, a son of James Hickey,
a native of Ireland, who came to America when
a young man and settled in New York. He there
carried on business as a contractor until the early
'50s, when he removed to Scott county, Minne-
sota, and was afterward sent by Archbishop Ire-
land to Cracevillc, Bigstone county, as one of
the directors to locate a colony at that place.
I'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
399
He died in 1902. His wife. Catherine Roach, was
also a native of Ireland.
James R. Hicke;.' was educated in the schools
of Graceville and in Northern Indiana Normal
School at \'alparaiso, Indiana, while later he pur-
sued a special course in the University of Minne-
sota. He was graduated from the law school of
the State University in 1894, with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws, and entered at once upon the
active practice of his profession, spending a year
in the office of the law firm of Lewis & Hallam,
both members of which are now on the district
bench of the state. Mr. Hickey has built up a
very extensive and lucrative general practice, de-
voting, however, special attention to corporation
law, in %vhich line he has gained a most enviable
reputation. He is thoroughly informed on all mat-
ters pertaining to its development and has been
connected with many notable cases. His pow-
ers as an advocate, too, have been demonstrated
bv his success on many occasions and he is recog-
nized as an able lawyer of large and varied ex-
perience in all the courts. Thoroughness charac-
ttrizes all his efforts and he conducts all hii
business with a strict regard to a high standard
of professional ethics.
Recognized as the leader of the democratic
]iarty, Mr. Hickey has taken a very active and
])rominent part in public affairs, having served
for three terms in the legislature. He had full
charge of the capitol investigation and had charge
in the house of the appropriation of a million
and a half dollars. He has been chairman of
the Ramsey County Delegation, has been secre-
tary of the democratic city committee and chair-
man of the fourth ward democratic organization.
He was twdce the minority candidate for speaker
of the house and during his tenure of office he
was very active in the interests of his constitu-
ents and introduced and secured the passage of
many useful measures. His name is inseparably
associated with the bill to provide a pension for
disabled and retired policemen, which was intro-
duced by him and passed both houses. He also
introduced and secured the passage of a l)ill per-
mitting the city to issue bonds to the value of six
hundred thousand dollars for the purpose of hav-
ing this Sinn ap]ily to permanent improvements.
thereby reducing taxation. In this bill Mr.
Hicke}- introduced a new and logical system of
financing for the city, whereby future generations
assist in paying for the city"s improvements. He
also re-introduced and on this occasion secured
the passage of a bill which had been before the
legislature for four sessions, reducing interest to
the owners of school lands from five to four per
cent. His advocacy of these various measures
showed him to have thoroughly studied and mas-
tered the questions under consideration and his
reading has been broad along the lines of public
thought, relating to the welfare of the municipal-
ity and country at large. Fraternally he is an
Elk and Knight of Pythias, while his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Catho-
lic church.
WILLIAAI F. SCHOCH.
'\\'illiam F. Schoch. bearing a name long recog-
nized as a power in commercial circles in St.
Paul, has, although yet a young man, added to
the splendid record that attaches to the family
name. He was born July 18, 1874, at the corner
of Rosabel and Seventh streets, where was estab-
lished the house which has now become the great-
est retail grocery concern of the city. His father,
.\ndrew Schoch, is at the head of this establish-
ment, which is conducted under the name of the
Andrew Schoch Grocery Company. The son was
a student in the public schools and afterward at-
tended the college of St. Paul, wherein he com-
pleted a commercial course and was graduated.
Throughout his business career he has been con-
nected with the Andrew Schoch Grocery Com-
pany and is a voung man of exceptional business
talents and enterprise, who is concentrating his
energies upon the task of enlarging and develop-
ing the business which is already recognized as a
leading establishment. In busin.ess affairs he dis-
plays a keen judgment and discrimination which
would be creditable to a man many years his
senior.
Mr. Schoch belongs to St. Paul lodge. No.
50. B. P. O. E., and also the Knights of the
400
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Maccabees and to the Evangelical church — mem-
bership relations which indicate much of his char-
acter and the motives which prompt his relations
to his fellowmcn. He is likewise a member of
the Amateur Athletic Association and is a most
enthusiastic supporter of athletic sports, in the
pursuance of which he has built up a wonderful
physical development. He is indeed a superior
amateur athlete and thus has a foundation of phy-
sical endurance and capability whereon to build
his commercial success. Aloreover he possesses
superior musical talents and taste, has a splendid
tenor voice and is a soloist in a Universalist
church choir. His business enterprise, his inter-
est in athletics, his nnisical ability and a cordial,
genial, social nature combine to render him one
of the popular and leading young men of St. Paul.
diligent in research, while his devotion to his
clients' interests is proverbial. He has been presi-
dent of the Real Estate Exchange of St. Paul and
also treasurer of the Young Men's Christian
Association for a number of years.
In 1876 Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage
to ]\liss Harriet S. Clark, a daughter of A. S.
Clark, of Rochester, Minnesota. They are mem-
bers of the Park Congregational church and Mr.
Wheeler's association with beneficent interests
which have for their object the uplifting of hu-
manity, indicates much of the character of the
man and the principles which control his actions.
EMIL C. SCHROEDER.
RUSH B. ^^'HEELER.
Rush 11. Wheeler, engaged in the practice of
law and also conducting a real-estate and loan
business, began his life record at South Butler,
Wayne county. New York, on the 29th of Janu-
ary. 1844. 'lis parents being O. H. and Eve
(Tucker) Wheeler, both of whom were natives
of the Empire state. After mastering the ele-
mentary branches of learning he continued his
studies in Cazenovia Seminary in New York, and
having prepared for college entered Yale Univer-
sity, from which he graduated in the class of
1871. He came to Minnesota in 1873, settling
first in Austin, where he studied law under the
direction of his brother, E. O. Wheeler, and after
thorough preliminary reading was admitted to
the bar in 1876. He began practice in Austin,
where he remained until 1883 and then removed
to St. Paul. \Miile in the former city he was a
director of the First National Bank. Since com-
ing to St. Paul he has devoted his entire time
and attention to his profession and to the real-
estate and loan business, having a comprehensive
knowledge of real-estate law, which in all its
branches he makes his s|)ecialty. He is devotedly
attached to his profession, is systematic and me-
thodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment.
Emil C. Schroedcr. who is engaged in the un-
dertaking business and has for many years fig-
ured prominently in military circles in the state,
was born in St. Paul in 1868, a son of H. FT.
Schroeder, one of the early citizens and furniture
dealers of the city. Educated in the public schools,
on putting aside his text-books he entered his
father's store and has since been engaged in the
undertaking business, becoming the head of the
house upon his father's death in 1904. He has
a good trade and well deserves a liberal patron-
age, but is perhaps better known by reason of
his military and fraternal relations. He belongs
to Garfield camp, W'oodmen of the \\'orld : to
Eagle lodge. No. 33, and St. Paul lodge. No. 21,
K. P. He is now colonel on the stafif of the'
brigadier general of that order and a past caj)-
tain of Uniformed Rank, No. 2, of St. Paul. He
is the present state commander of the Spanish-
American War Veterans and has been comiectcd
with the Minnesota National Guard for twenty
years. For two decades he was with Company
D as private and non-commissioned officer and
after the inauguration of the war with Spain for
the liberation of Cuba he joined the Fifteenth
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned
second lieutenant and held that rank for fourteen
months, during which time the regiment w^as en-
gaged in active service in Cuba. Upon being
mustered on( he joined a company of engineers
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
401
of the First Battalion of the First Artillery, as
first sergeant, and was soon afterward elected
first lientenant of that command. He has thus
become widely known in military circles of the
state, and is popular alike with men and officers.
He belongs to the organization of Junior Pio-
neers, having for many years been a resident of
St. Paul. In fact, his entire life has been passed
here and thus for thirty-eight years he has been
a witness of the growth and development of the
city.
EDWIN RUSSELL HOLCOMBE.
Edwin Russell Holcombe, practicing at the bar
of St. Paul, was born in Galena, Illinois, Octo-
ber 24, 1857. He is descended from Revolution-
ary stock, his great-grandfather, Thomas Hunt,
having been an officer in the Colonial Army in
the Revolutionary war. His eldest daughter,
Abigail Hunt, became the wife of Colonel Josiah
Snelling, in whose honor Fort Snelling was
named. William Holcombe, the paternal grand-
father, was the first lieutenant governor of Min-
nesota, serving from 1858 until i860 with Gov-
ernor Sibley as the chief executive officer. Edwin
Van Buren Flolcombe, father of Edwin R. Hol-
combe, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and came
to Minnesota with his father in 1841. He Iiecame
a captain on the river and thus sailed until 1872.
He married Sarah Adele Soulard, a native of
Galena, Illinois, whose grandfather, Antoine Sou-
lard, was surveyor general of the Louisiana ter-
ritory, his name appearing on the proclamation
of the transfer of the territory in April, 1803.
Captain Holcombe continued a resident of .St.
Paul until called to his final rest, passing away
November 26, 1899.
It will be seen from the foregoing that Edwin
R. Holcombe is descended from ancestry honor-
able and distinguished and he is fortunate in that
his lines of life have been cast in harmony there-
with. Entering the public schools at the usual
age. he passed through successive grades until
he had completed the high-school course by grad-
uation with the class of 1876. Taking up the
study of law, he was admitted to the bar before
the supreme court in 1881 and has since been
engaged in general practice. From 1889 "'"^til
1894 he was senior member of the firm of Hol-
combe & O'Reilly, but has since been alone in
business and has made an enviable reputation as a
lawyer of learning, tact, patience and industry.
He prepares his cases with great thoroughness
and care, not confining his reading to the limita-
tions of the questions at issue, but preparing as
well for the une.xpected, so that he is well quali-
fied to parry every attack of the opposing counsel.
He has at no time been an office-seeker, but has
given his unremitting attention to his profession,
developing the latent powers with which nature
has endowed him and displaying a thorough mas-
tery of the questions involved. Socially he is
connected with the Junior Pioneers and is a mem-
ber of the Catholic church.
BENJAMIN B. CZAPSKI.
IJenjamin Bradford Czapski, a broker in rail-
way mill supplies, was born in Memphis, Tennes-
see. February 17. 1873, ^i^d '* one of the three
living children of Louis and Nora (Bradford)
Czapski, whose family numbered four children.
The father, a native of Poland, came to the United
States in i860 and located in Memphis. Tennes-
see, where he engaged in the banking business,
becoming a well known financier of that city.
His death there occurred in 1878, and Mrs. Czap-
ski, who is of Scotch-English descent, is now liv-
ing in Louisville, Kentucky.
Benjamin B. Czapski pursued his education
in public and private schools in Columbia, Tennes-
see, to his sixteenth year when he entered business
life as a representative of fire insurance at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, afterward having charge of a de-
partment there in the general offices of the Royal
Insurance Company. In September, 1901. he came
to St. Paul as purchasing agent for the American
Grass Twine Company, with which he remained
until 1903, when he resigned that j^osition to en-
gage in the brokerage business of railway mill
supplies, with offices in the Pioneer Press Build-
ing. He has built up a fine business in this line.
J02
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
having a large clientage, and the extent of his op-
erations is indicative of his understanding of the
trade, his unHagging enterprise and his ability to
interest others in the proposition he handles.
In his political views Air. Czapski is a demo-
crat. He belongs to the Minnesota Club and to
St. John's Episcopal church and resides at No.
423 Laurel avenue. He is a gentleman of broad
culture, abreast with the trend of modern thought
as well as modern business methods. He displays
business talents of superior order and the con-
census of public opinion is altogether favorable
concerning what he has done and is doing in the
business world, wherein he has worked his way
'upward through unaided eftorts and merit.
SILAS WRIGHT \^\NDERWARKER.
Silas Wright \'ander\varker, who is engaged
in dealing in coal in St. Paul, was born in Wills-
boro, Essex county. New York, May 7, 1846.
His father, James Vanderwarker, a native of
Schuylerville, New "^'ork, followed the occupa-
tion of farming as a life work and died in igoo.
His wife, Olive Doughty, was a native of Poult-
uey, \'ermont, and died in 1900. There were six
children in their family : Lydia, who for twenty-
five years was a public and capable high school
teacher in St. Paul and who died about three years
ago beloved by all who knew her; Harry W., of
\^ancouver ; Arthur, a resident farmer of Middle-
town. Alinnesota ; Mrs. Agatha Mealey, of Min-
neapolis : Helmer. who died at the age of twent\
years ; and Silas W.
Silas W. Vanderwarker attended the public and
select schools of Essex county, New York, to
the age of seventeen years, after which he went
to Port Kent, on Lake Champlain, where he
engaged in clerking for three years. He then
made his way to Minneapolis in 1866 and for two
years was engaged in the lumber business in that
city. He came to St. Paul in 1868 and for about
ten years was employed by Kreger & Keller, pro-
prietors of a large lumber business, witli whom
he continued tmtil he entered the service of the
Northwestern Fuel Company, filling important
positions with that hotise until 1903. He then
embarked in business on his own account at No.
110 East Fourth street as a dealer in all kinds of
coal and fuel and now conducts an extensive and
profitable retail trade.
Mr. N'anderwarker has been married twice
He first wedded Sarah Painter, of Cleveland,
Ohio. His second wife was Miss Boesger, whom
lie married July I, 1872. Mr. Vanderwarker
has had four children, but only one is living,
Edward, a son {.)f the second marriage, who at
the age of twenty-two years is now associated
with Iiis father in business. Mr. \*anderwarker
is very prominent in social and fraternal circles.
He belongs to Summit lodge. No. 164, A. F. &
A. M., of St. Paul; Summit chapter. No. 45, R.
A. M. ; and Damascus commandery, K. T. He
is also an Odd Fellow, holding membership re-
lations in Capital City lodge. No. 48. He belongs
to the United Commercial Travelers, the Travel-
ers' Protective Association, the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution and is a charter member of the
St. Paul Commercial Club. His political alle-
giance is given to the republican party, but at
local elections, where only the capability of the
candidate is to be considered, he votes indepen-
dently without regard to party ties. He has been
an active and helpful member of the Dayton Ave-
nue Presbx'terian chm-ch for twenty }-ears and
for twelve years has filled the ofifice of treasurer
of the church. He is a genial, warm-hearted
man, of fine character, and manifests that public-
spirited citizenship which works for material, in-
tellectual, moral and political progress.
HENRY C. P.FNTZ.
Henry C. Pentz, since February, 1901, a resi-
dent of I>t. Paid and now the secretary and treas-
inxr of the American Electric Company, was
born in Chicago, August i, 1876. His father, J.
Henry Bentz, a native of Alsace-Lorraine, is now
living in Chicago, but his mother died in 1904.
Educated in llic i)uMie schools of Chicago,
Henry C. Benlz afterward entered the employ of
the Western Electric Company, with which he
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
403
remained for ten years, acquiring knowledge of
and proficiency in the business in its various de-
partments. In February, 1901. he came to St.
Paul and is now secretary and treasurer of the
American Electric Company, which was incorpo-
rated in iSqg. The present officers are: C. D.
\\'ilkinson, president ; Edwin M. Scribner, vice
jjrtsident. The business is located at Nos. 235-
237 East Sixth street, and about twenty people
are employed. The company are carrying on a
large business as jobbers of machinery and elec-
trical supplies and install large electric plants, etc.
y\\-. I'lCntz has become thoroughly familiar with
the trade and his efforts, since 1901, have been a
salient feature in the prosperitv of the house.
l\[r. Oentz. politically, is a supporter of re-
publican principles, but without aspiration for
office. He belongs to the Central Presbyterian
church and is a Mason, holding membership in
Hesperia lodge. No. 41 t, A. F. & A. M., of Chi-
cago; the Oriental consistory, S. P. R. S., of
Chicago: and Osman Temple, A. A. O. N. M. .S..
of St. Paul. He has excellent standing in busi-
ness circles and the circle of his social acquaint-
ance is continually broadenin"'.
LEONARD I. DOr.XER.
Leonard J. Dobner, an attorney at law, who i-
serving as a member of the city council and also
on the board of education, thus being closely iden-
tified with interests which have direct bearing
upon the welfare and improvement of the munici-
jiality, is a native of Wabasha county, Minnesota,
l)orn on the i6th of February, 1862. His father.
John Dobner, was a native of Illinois, and the
year i860 witnessed his arrival in Minnesota, at
which time he took up his abode in Wabasha
county, where he still resides. His wife, wdio
■bore the maiden name of Louisa Ke^irns, is also
living.
I^. J. Dobner. having mastered the elementary
branches of learning in the public schools, com-
pleted a high-school course in Lake City with
the class of 1880. His more specifically literary
education was acquired in Hamline University.
of which he is an alumnus of 1884. He took up
the study of law in St. Paul and after thorough
and systematic preliminary reading was admitted
to the bar in 1886 and at once entered upon prac-
tice in this city. He has since followed his pro-
fession here with constantly growing success. In
no calling is advancement more dependent upon
individual merit than in the law. The attorney
must ])rnve his capabilities and powers and dem-
onstrate his thorough understanding of legal
principles and their correct adaptation in the trial
of cases before the courts subject to public criti-
cism and opinion, and if he proves himself wor-
thy success eventually comes. Such has been the
record of Mr. Dobner. who now has a good cli-
entage that has connected him with much im])or-
tant litigation. He is likewise a factor in public
life in relation to affairs of a strictly municipal
character, serving for five 3'ears as a member 01
the St. Paul board of education and for six years
as a member of the city council, his first term
covering the period from 1890 tmtil 1892, while
in T900 he was again elected, acting in that capac-
ity until 1904. His political allegiance is given
to the democracy and he is recognized as one 01
the influential w'orking factors in city politics.
In 1888 ]\Ir. Dobner was married to Miss
Eunice Allen, a daughter of John H. Allen, who
\vas United States land officer at Fergus Falls,
Minnesota.
JOHN J. COATES.
John J. Coates, proprietor of the leading hotel
in South St. Paul and also a wholesale and retail
dealer in liquors, \vas born in Ireland, November
I, 1863, a son of P. and Margaret (McDonald)
Coates, who remained residents of the Emerald
isle throughout their entire lives.
John J. Coates, reared under the parental roof
and educated in the public schools, remained in
Ireland until nineteen years of age, when, in 1882.
he came to America, settling in New York. For
a \ear he conducted a general mercantile store
there and afterward removed to Wisconsin, where
he worked for a lumber company for a short
404
PAST AXD I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
time, lie then went to Canada, where he con-
crucleil a hotel lor two years and later came to
St. Paul, where for seven years he was employed
in a hotel. He afterward assisted in the survey
of the Great Northern Railroad, heing thus en-
gaged for a year, and on the e.xpiration of that
period he spent a year and a half in the grocery
store of John Lux, of St. Paul. Subsequently
he took up his abode in South St. Paul and for
seven years rented the Exchange bar from Gen-
eral Flower. He next spent a' year at New
Brighton, Minnesota, since which time he has
been the proprietor of the leading hotel of South
St. Paul, where he is also engaged in dealing in
liquors, conducting both a wholesale and retail
business.
In 1896 Mr. Coates was married to Miss Jo-
sephine O'Keefe, a daughter of M. and Nora
(Flynn) OTveefe. They have three children,
Esperance, Herbert and Percival. Mr. Coates
votes independently. He is a member of the
Catholic church, the Foresters lodge and the
Order of Hibernians. He came to America with
little capital and entered upon what has proven
a successful career.
AUGUST S. SWANSON.
It is a common saying that there is always room
at the top, and it is a well-known fact that the
field of business is limitless. In jiolitics there
are but few positions of real prominence and there
are only a few leaders in military life, but the
field of commercial and industrial activitv has
unlimited o])]jortunities for those who have the
ability and perseverance to use the advantages
which surround all. w^nrking their wav up to suc-
cess through close application and unfaltering dil-
igence. This Mv. .Swanson has done and is to-
flay one of the prominent florists of St. Paul, who
from a small beginning has developed a business
of extensive proportions until he is now one of
the most prominent and successful representatives
in this line of trade in the city.
.\ native of Sweden, his birth occurred August
3. 1858, his parents being Peter and Helena Swan-
son, both of whom were natives of Sweden, in
which country they spent their entire lives. The
father was a gardener and florist. Their son
August received very limited educational privil-
eges, attending school for only about six months.
For eight years, between the ages of five and
thirteen, he lived on the island of Mastrand in the
North Sea and from there went to the city of
Boras, where he had the opportunity of attending
school for one term. Throughout the period of
his youth until sixteen years of age he was an
assistant of his father in the business, after which
he went to Gutenberg, where he became connected
with a large florist's establishment, which was a
semi-public institution or gardeners' school. It
w'as the leading place of the kind in the Scandi-
navian country and there Mr. Swanson remained
for si.x years, gaining thorough knowledge of the
business in all its departments, so that he w-as
well acquainted wdth the trade in principle and
detail when in 1881 he came to the United States
to seek his home in the new world.
He was first employed in Chicago and after-
ward went to Des Moines, Imva, while later he
took up his abode in St. Paul in 1883. He first
entered the employ of Mr. Kilvington, a leading
florist of ^Minneapolis, with whom he continued
for a year, and for four years thereafter he had
charge of the greenhouse department in the state
training school in .St. Paul. In 1888 he began
business on his own account, purchasing the store
of E. V. Beel in St. Paul. Soon afterward he
built a greenhouse, establishing the first one at
Merriam Park in 1800. Here he has contin-
uously made additions in order to meet the grow-
ing demands of his trade until lie now has twenty
greenhouses, covering about seventy-five thousand
square feet, all devoted to cut flowers. He has
profluccd a new rose of rare beauty and perfec-
tion, which he has named Minnehaha. He also
has two stores to supply the retail trade in St.
Paul, one in the Endicott Arcade and the other
at No. 31 East Sixth street. Ilis sales are ex-
tensive, his business reaching a large annual fig-
ure, and in addition to his St. I';uil establish-
ments he has a store at No. 618 Nicollet avenue in
.Minneapolis. He is a charter mcmlicr of the
.Xmcrican Florists' Association, of which he has
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
407
bc'L-n vice [jresidfiit, and he was the organizer of
the Society of Minnesota Florists. He has always
made a close and earnest study of the business in
its various departments, and few men are his
equal in his knowledge of the habits of j)lants,
their needs and the best methods of producing the
finest varieties. His trade extends to many of
the larger cities of the northwest and the products
of his greenhouses are unsurpassed for the size,
the beauty, form and fragrance of the flowers
which he places upon the market. Mr. Swanson
was married October 20, 1888, to Miss Selma G.
Peters, of Hector, Minnesota, a native of Swe-
den, and they have one son, Carl August. Fra-
ternally Mr. Swanson is connected with the Royal
Arcanum. His entire life has been devoted to
one line of undertaking and in this probably lies
the secret of his success, for, concentrating his
energies upon this task, he has thoroughly mas-
tered the business and has not only been a fol-
lower but has been a leader of the prominent flo-
rists of the northwest. His efforts in business
have met with decided success, and he is regarded
as one of the prominent florists of the state with
a business which in volume and importance makes
him one of the substantial representatives of com-
mercial interests in St. Paul. His life record,
too, proves what can lie accomplished through
individual effort. Although he had no educa-
tional advantages, he has through experience,
reading and observation become a well informed
man and at the same time has developed a busi-
ness along modern lines and in accordance with
high commercial ethics. Such a record should
serve as a source of inspiration and encourage-
ment to others, for on his arrival in Chicago he
had only one dollar and a half in money with
which to make a start in the new world.
FRANK T. KING.
was educated in a private school and Buffalo was
his home for twenty-five years prior to his com-
ing to St. Paul. He was engaged in the hotel
business as proprietor and manager during the
period prior to his entrance into the wholesale
cigar trade, in which he is now successfully en-
gaged. He employs two salesmen and also travels
himself, covering northern Minnesota. He has
offices at No. 134 East Fourth street and handles
among many other brands the popular El Reyo,
the William Penn and Royal Banner cigars, mak-
ing large shipments of his products to various
retail dealers throughout the northwest.
^Ir. King was married to Miss Jennie Olive
Jameson, who was born and reared in Buffalo,
Xew York, a sister of Mrs. Dennis, also a resi-
dent of St. Paul. They reside at No. 710 Selby
avenue. Mr. King is a member of the Commer-
cial Club, United Commercial Travelers, the For-
esters and the Royal .\rcanum. and both he and
his wife hold membership in the First Presby-
terian church. Mr. King is a thorough believer
in St. Paul and its future and is in hearty sym-
pathy with all movements tending toward its bet-
terment along lines of substantial progress and
upbuilding.
Frank J. Iving, a resident of .St. Paul since
the 1st of February, 1892. is successfully engaged
in the wholesale cigar business. Although a na-
tive of Wisconsin, he was reared in Buffalo, New
York, and liis people still reside in the east. He
CONRAD C. ZENZIUS.
Conrad C. Zenzius, deceased, who for many
years figured prominently in musical circles in
St. Paul both as a teacher of music and as pro-
prietor of a large music store in which he dealt
in pianos, organs and other musical instruments,
became identified with the business life of St.
Paul in 1856, when it was but a small town of
little commercial prominence. A native of Ger-
many, he was born in Prussia on the 20th of
November, 1830, and is a son of Peter Zenzius.
The mother. Barbara (Kase) Zenzius, died in
her native land when her son Conrad was a young
lad. The father resided in Germany during the
greater part of his life, but in later years came
to .America and lived retired in St. Paul until his
death, when about seventy years of age.
Conrad C. Zenzius was a gentleman of liberal
education and culture, who in his voulh attended
4o8
PAST AXl) I'RESEXT ( )I- ST. PAl'L
ilic best scliools of liis native country anil in atldi-
tion to the elementary and scientific branches
studied Latin and Greek. He also spoke both
German and English and thus possessed consid-
erable linguistic ability. He also prepared for the
priesthood in his native land, but abandoned the
plan of entering the church and instead gave his
life to the art of music. He was always a lover
of music and took up its study when quite young.
About 1853, accompanied by his two sisters and
a brother, all of whom are now deceased, he came
to America, making his way first to Galena, Illi-
nois, where he remained until 1856. He then
came to St. Paul and began teaching music, which
profession he followed for several years, being-
one of the capable teachers of the art in this city.
Subsequently he entered into partnership with
Gustave Hankey and they established a music
store, selling pianos, organs, musical instruments
and sheet music. Their store became one of the
large commercial enterprises of the city and they
conducted an extensive business.
Mr. Zenzius was married September 6, i860,
to Miss Emilie J. Larpenteur, a native of Mary-
land and a daughter of Eugene N. and Rosa
(Desvarreux) Larpenteur, the former a native
of France and the latter of Maryland. The father
came to this country when a young man and pur-
chased a farm near Baltimore, Maryland, where
he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and
in fruit-raising until 1849, when he sought a liomc
in the middle wTst and came to St. Paul. He
purchased a claim near the citv and was engaged
in farming here until he retired from active busi-
ness life, lioih he and his wife spending their last
days in tliis cil\'. The Laqienteur family is one
of the oldest in the county and one of the most
prominent. .\ complete record of the family will
be friund elsewhere in this work in connectinn
with the sketch of A. L. Larpenteur. Mrs. Zen-
zius has a brother James, who is recognized as
one of tlie finest artists of Paris and has executed
many notable works both in France and in Amer-
ica. .Seven children were born unto Mr. and
Mrs. Zenzius, of whom six are \ct living, namely:
Stella, the wife of Charles E. Robertson, a teller
in the Merchants Xational I'.ank of St. Paul :
Conrad L.. a bookkeeper "residing on Central
avenue in this city; (iustave C, who makes his
home with his mother and is a teller in the Ger-
man-American Xational Bank; Aurelia, now an
L'rsaline nun in a convent at .Sjiringfield, Blinois ;
\"iola, the widow of Charles .\. Pettingill, who
was a ])rominent business man of .St. Paul, con-
nected with the title insiu-ance l)usiness here for
many years and who at his death left two chil-
dren, Raymond and Charles, aged respectively
thirteen and six years, wlio with their mother,
Mrs. Pettingill, are residing with Mrs. Zenzius;
and Edna, who is a teacher of piano music and
makes her home with her mother.
Mr. Zenzius was connected with the music
trade in St. Paul until the death of his ])artner,
?\Ir. Hankey. when the business was sold and he
decided to retire from active life. Indolence and
idleness, however, were utterly foreign to his
nature and he could not content himself without
some active interest. He therefore engaged in
teaching music throughout his remaining days.
Many people give music the highest rank among
the fine arts. It has not the limitations of sculp-
ture nor of painting, it is not bounded by form
and color and size and therefore leaves much
greater play to the imagination. It reaches man
only through the sense of hearing and exercises
over him an intangible power, probably the more
strongly felt because indescribable. It ajjpeals
to and touches all classes of people as no other
art does. Mr. Zenzius was for many years an
acknowledged leader in musical circles here, un-
derstanding not onl\- technique but |)ossessing
that inborn love of mtisic without which no mere
skill on the keys can ever sway or move the audi-
tors. He possesseil a fine voice and was well
known as a singer in the city. He also acted as
organist in the Cathedral and in St. Mary's Catho-
lic cluireh. Pic was the first director in the Man-
nerchor .Singing Society and was a 'cellist in the
first orchestra in .St. Paul. Socially he was con-
nected with the Turners in an early day, while
his political allegiance was given to the democ-
racv. Bv reason of his art he brought enjoyment
to large mmibers. at the same lime developing the
.'esthetic nature which always comes thnnigh inti-
mate association with the higher arts.
He died Iul\' 25. 1872, his loss being deeply
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
409
regretted by many friends, but most of all in his
immediate famil)-, where he was a devoted, lov-
ing and considerate husband and father, his best
traits of character ever being reserved for his
own fireside. He resided on Exchange street for
many }ears and there Mrs. Zenzius made her
home for a long period, but is now residing at
No. 653 Lincoln avenue with her son and two
daughters. She represents one of the old and
prominent families of the city and is well known
in social circles.
FRANK W. BENDER.
Frank ^^'. Bender, manager in St. Paul of the
branch house of Butler Brothers, general mer-
chants of Chicago, was born in Albany, New
York, August 16, 1870, a son of William W.
and ]\Iaggie ( Coughtry) Bender. The mother
died in 1884 and the father is now living in El-
lensburg, Washington. Five children of the fam-
ily are still living.
Leaving his native city, Frank ^V. Bender went
to Gowansburg, New York, where he entered
the pul^lic schools and subsequently removed with
his parents to Onandaga, Michigan, where he
continued his education as a public-school student
to the age of thirteen years. He then went to
Chicago, where he entered the employ of Cough-
try, Brown & Company, wholesale dealers in
men's furnishing goods, remaining in that house
for eleven years, during which time he worked
his way steadily upward from a very humble posi-
tion until he became stock keeper and during the
last three years of his connection with the com-
pany was a traveling representative upon the road.
Subsequently he spent two years in a men's fur-
nishing goods establishment in St. Paul and for
two years was with the firm of G. Ramaheer &
Son, of Greenleafton, Minnesota. The succeed-
ing year was passed as a buyer in the hat de-
partment of the extensive wholesale establishment
of Montgomery, ^^'ard & Company, of Chicago,
on the expiration of which period he became con-
nected with Butler Brothers, prominent merchants
of Chicago, with branch houses in manv cities.
Mr. Bender has now represented this tirm for
eight years, and on the i8th of July, 1903, came
to St. Paul as assistant manager of the branch
house in this city, and upon the retirement of Mr.
Scoggin was made manager of the house. He
lives at the Brinsmaid. He is a young man of
exceptional business ability, who has perhaps in
his business career manifested none of the daz-
zling meteoric qualities which sometimes flash
across the commercial horizon, but has rather
those traits of character which shine with steady
continuity. He has been thorough and practical
ill all that he has undertaken and as the archi-
tect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and
well, gradually working his way upward to promi-
nence from a humble position in mercantile circles
and winning the somewhat hackneyed but alto-
gether expressive title of a self-made man.
S. T. PAINTER.
S. T. Painter, assistant secretary of the North-
western Fuel Company, was born in St. Paul,
July 14, i860, one of the four surviving members
of a family of ten children, whose parents were
Captain S. T. and Elizabeth J. (Higgins) Painter.
The father operated the first steamboat on the
Red River of thfe North and in i860 came to St.
Paul, although he had previously visited this part
of the state on the steamer Golden Era, May 6,
1857. He was born in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, September 4, 1821, and died in St.
Paul, January 9, 1881, at the age of fifty-nine
years, while his wife passed away November 29,
1903. Their surviving sons are: Frank M., who
is with the Northern Pacific Express Company
of St. Paul ; T. D. H., who is now with the North-
ern Pacific Railroad Company ; S. T., of this re-
view; and W. F. D., who is traveling for the
Northwestern Fuel Company.
S. T. Painter acquired his education in the
grammar and high schools of St. Paul and after-
ward spent six months in North Dakota. Return-
ing to this city he entered the employ of the
Northwestern Fuel Company in December, 1880.
gradually worked his way upward through the
4IO
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
recognition whicli his ability, enterprise and faith-
fulness gained for him and five years ago was
elected assistant secretary of the company, which
now controls one of the most mammoth businesses
of the kind in the northwest. His position is a
responsible one and he has the entire confidence
and good will of the company which he represents.
^Ir. Painter belongs to the Junior Pioneers.
He is a great lover of athletic sports, particularly
curling and bowling, and is a member of the Capi-
tal Bowling Club and Capital City Curling Club.
In politics he gives his allegiance to the democ-
racy. His many friends and business acquaint-
ances all speak of him in terms of praise and
commendation and he possesses many sterling-
traits of character.
AIAWH H. WARREN.
Alvah H. \\'arren traces his ancestry back to an
earlv period in the annals of New England. The
family is distinctively American both in its lineal
and collateral branches. Edmund Warren, his
father, a native of Maine, was a lumberman and
builder, who operated extensively in his chosen
line of business. He married Elizabeth Hall, also
a native of ]\laine, and his death occurred in Feb-
ruary, 1899, while his wife is 'now making her
home with her son Alvah in St. Paul at the ad-
vanced age of seventy-nine years. In their fam-
ily were five children who are yet living.
Alvah H. Warren, a native of Maine, was born
January 9, 1S55. He was a student in the pub-
lic school of York cnimty, Maine, until his eigh-
teenth year, when he entered upon his business ca-
reer as an employe in a dry-goods store. He
acted as a salesman in Maine unfil his twentieth
year, when he went to New York city, where he
continued in the dry-goods business for a time
and then invested his capital in a manufacturing
enterprise, giving his time and energies for nine
years to the manufacture of parasols. The busi-
ness brought him a fair measure of prosperity
but the opportunities of the great and growing
middle west attracted him and on the 4th of July.
1884, he left the eastern metropolis for St. Paul.
lie is today treasurer of the firm ot Tibbs, Hutcli-
ings & Company, owning and controlling an ex-
tensive dry-goods establishment which employs
four hundred people and is the largest enterprise
of this character in the northwest.
Mr. Warren was married in 1883 to Miss Clara
Levings, of New York city, a daughter of Dr.
Noah C. Levings and a granddaughter of Noah
Levings, Sr., a very prominent minister of the
Methodist denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Warren
have six children : Edmund L., who at the age of
twenty-one years is a student in the medical de-
partment of the University of Minnesota ; \Vi\-
liams Allen, who is pursuing the course in the
mechanical engineering department of the State
University ; Alvah Hall, in the mining engineers
department of the I'niversity of Minnesota ;
Louise L. and Phoebe A., who arc attending
Mrs. Graham's private school in St. Paul : and
.•\lice, who completes the family.
Mr. Warren gives his political allegiance to the
republican party but is without aspiration for of-
fice, concentrating his energies upon his business
interests, in which he has met with signal suc-
cess. He belongs to .St. John's Episcopal church
and is a prominent Mason, being affiliated with
the chapter, commandery and the Mystic Shrine.
He has risen unaided from a comparatively hum-
ble position in business life to one of prominence
and affluence, being today a controlling factor in
one of the leading mercantile establishments of
the northwest. Goethe has said "Alerit and suc-
cess go linked together" and the truth of this as-
sertion is abundantly verified in the life record
of Alvah H. Warren.
STAN J. DONNEI.TA'.
Stan J. Donnelly, attorney at law of the firm
of O'Brien, Donnelly i^ Haggard, who is also
well known as an influential factor in democratic
]5nlitics in Minnesota, was liorn in Dakota, this
state, August 26, 1861, and is a son of Ignatius
Donnellv, a distinguished lawyer, congressman
and author, whose pulilic career has reflected
honor and credit upon the state which has hon-
Ly
^(fnz^.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
413
ored him. The paternal grandfather was born
in County Tyrone, Ireland. Ignatius Donnelly,
a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prepared
for the bar and engaged in the practice of law in
Philadelphia until 1856, when he came to Minne-
sota. He was lieutenant governor of the state
and a member of congress for six years and ex-
erted a very wide and potent influence in state
politics. He also represented Dakota in the house
and senate of the state legislature for many years,
leaving the impress of his individuality for good
upon the laws enacted during that period, becom-
ing the champion of many measures, the value
of which time has proven. He died January i,
1900. His wife, Catherine ^McCaffrey, was a
native of Philadelphia.
Stan J. Donnelly acquired his elementary edu-
cation in the public schools and afterward at-
tended Georgetown College at Washington, D. C,
and St. John's College in Stevens county, Minne-
sota. Making choice of the legal profession as
a life work, he studied law in the office and under
the direction of the firm of O'Brien, Eller &
O'Brien and was admitted to the bar in October,
1885. He was clerk of the- judiciary committee
of the house in 1887 and of the senate in 1891,
and following the close of the session of 188"
he entered the office of the attorney general of
Minnesota, Moses E. Clapp. remaining as one of
his assistants for four years. He filled the office
of assistant county attorney of Ramsey county
for four years and since that time has engaged
in private practice of law. at present a member
of the firm of O'Brien, Donnelly & Haggard, the
senior member having been the junior member
of the firm with which Mr. Donnelly studied law.
Mr. Donnelly was married in 1887 to Miss
Jennie O'Brien, daughter of Dillon O'Brien, of
St. Paul. He is identified with the Knights of
Columbus and is a communicant of the Catholic
church. During the years that he has served the
public in an official capacity he has made an ad-
mirable record, giving equal satisfaction as clerk
of committees in the legislature, in the office of
attorney general and in connection with the judi-
cial department of ptiblic service in Ramsey
county. As a lawyer he stands high in his pro-
fession. He has sustained the honorable record
made by the family and the roster of public-spir-
ited men in St. Paul shows no truer man or
better citizen.
JOHX P. NELSON.
John P. Nelson has from a very humble posi-
tion advanced to a place of prominence in com-
mercial circles in St. Paul, being proprietor of a
confectionery and cigar store and ice cream par-
lors, which are accorded a liberal, growing and
well deserved patronage. He is one of the sons
of Sweden, who, coming to America with limited
capital, have adapted themselves to the changed
conditions of the new w-orld and through a per-
sistency of purpose and unfaltering diligence have
gained an honorable place in business circles. He
was born in Sweden, September i, i860, his par-
ents being Peter and Thora Nelson, both of whom
died in that country, where the father followed
the occupation of farming as a life work.
The son received but limited educational privi-
leges and thinking that he might enjoy better op-
portunities in this country, of whose advantages
he had heard favorable reports, he came to the
LTnited States in April, 1887, making his way
to Minneapolis. The same year he removed to
St. Paul, where he has since resided w'ith the
exception of a period of two years passed in
the state of Washington and a brief period spent
in Michigan. He was first employed as a laborer
on the sewers of St. Paul and afterward drove a
laundry wagon. Carefully husbanding his re-
sources, he at length acquired capital sufficient
to enable him to engage in business on his own
account and opened a store at No. 910 Payne
dvenue, where he has since continued, carrying a
fine line of confectionery and cigars. He also has
well appointed ice cream parlors and has gained
a good trade. That he has prospered in his
undertakings is shown by the fact that he built
and owns the present brick building in which he
carries on his store. In all that he has under-
taken he has met with success, knowing no such
word as fail. "Nothing is impossible to him who
determines to succeed and allows no thought of
414
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
failure to enttr his mind," and it has been along
this line that Mr. Xelson has made his way to a
creditable position in commercial circles in St.
Paul.
Mr. Xelson has never married and is the young-
est of three sons, his brothers Andrew and John
being yet in Sweden. He is a member of Mont-
gomery lodge, No. 258, A. F. & A. \l., and the
Eastern Star, also belongs to the Commercial
Club and is an industrious man and good citizen,
representing that class who contribute to the
public stability.
GRIER M. ORR.
Grier M. Orr, elected district judge of Ramsey
county in 1902 and now serving as the first judge
of the juvenile court at St. Paul, was born jMay
14, 1856, at Pike Furnace, in Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, his parents being Hunter and Mar-
garet L. Orr. He is a great-grandson of Captain
John Orr, who was commander of a company of
Westmoreland county volunteers in the Revolu-
tionary war and who was born in Ireland and
settled in Pennsylvania about 1764. His alle-
giance was aroused in behalf of the colonies and'
when the attempt was made to throw off the
yoke of British oppression he joined the Ameri-
can Army and fought for the establishment of
independence. Hunter Orr was born in western
Pennsylvania and was engaged in the manufac-
ture of pig iron until 1868. Removing to the
west, he embarked in the lumber trade at Oconto,
Wisconsin, vmtil 1873.
Judge Orr was a public-school student in
Oconto and afterward attended Heidelberg Col-
lege, at Tiffin, Ohio, from which institution he
was graduated in the class of 1878. Determining
upon the practice of law as a life work, he pre-
pared for the profession in the Cincinnati Law
School, of which he is an alumnus of the class
of 1883. In the meantime, however, after com-
pleting his literary course he taught school for
three years. He is largely a self-educated man,
having depended upon his own resources for the
funds necessary to the acquirement of his classi-
cal and professional knowledge. The spirit of
self-help is the source of all genuine worth in
the individual and it has been the foundation stone
upon which Judge Orr has builded his success.
He practiced law in Lima, Ohio, from June, 1883,
until December, 1884, when he came to St. Paul,
Minnesota, and established the firm of Romans &
Orr, his partner being W. J. Romans. This con-
nection continued until 1892, after which he prac-
ticed alone until 1894, when he was elected mu-
nicipal judge. In i8(;8 he was re-elected to that
office and so served until 1902, when he was
chosen by popular suffrage to the office of district
judge, in which he has since continued. The
juvenile court was organized and on the ist of
June, 1905, he was the first one of the judges of
the district court assigned in charge, his incum-
bency in this position to continue until the 1st of
July, 1906. Few men are as free from judicial
malice, and he largely has the ability of losing
all personal prejudices and views in the impar-
tialitv which should ever be a strong characteris-
tic of judicial service. He has a comprehensive
knowledge of the principles of law, is correct in
their adaptation and his course on the bench has
been distinguished by a careful grasp of every
problem that has presented itself for solution.
Judge Orr was married on the 12th of August,
1896, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Mrs. Etta S.
^^^lite (nee Soule), and they have a daughter,
Helen S., nine years of age. In his fraternal re-
lations Judge Orr is a Mason and also belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of
Foresters, the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Flks and the Samaritans. His religious faith is
that of the Presb}i;crian church. He is modest
and retiring, adhering to the old views of pro-
fessional ethics, which discountenances all man-
ner of advertising and self-adulation. He is a
public-spirited citizen, always ready to support
real reforms of existing abuses in the law or its
administration and to encourage and support in-
stitutions calculated to aid his fellowmen. He
prefers to do this modestly and there is no effort
on his part to become a leader. His tastes lead
him to choose a quiet life of work in his profes-
sion of studv ;;nd rellcction, and his reading has
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
415
covered a wide range, embracing the social and
economic questions of the times.
CHARLES iM. BENHAM.
Charles M. Benham, secretary of the North-
western Fuel Company, was born in Ashtabula
county, Ohio, January 20, 1855, a son of Allen
H. and' Sybil (Brown) Benham. The father, a
native of Ohio, was born in 1828, and devoted
his life to merchandising and died in 1896. Mrs.
Benham, however, resides with her son Charles
in St. Paul.
Charles M. Benham, an only son, was but four
years of age when he accompanied his parents on
their removal from Ashtabula county, Ohio, to
Cleveland, where he attended the public schools
to the age of eleven years. The family then be-
came residents of St. Peter, Minnesota. Upon
leaving the high school of that city he entered
upon the study of law in the law office of Salmon
A. Buell, of St. Peter, where he remained for
two years, and afterward graduated in 1875 t'l'om
the law school of Butler LTuiversity. He was
admitted to the Minnesota bar in 1876, but has
never given his attention to the active practice
of law. Instead he became a clerk in the St.
Peter Hospital for the Insane, with which he was
connected until 1881, after which he spent three
years as bookkeeper for the Northwestern Fuel
Company. He afterward went upon the road as
traveling representative for the firm and follow-
ing a period of five years devoted to that service
he spent two years in the office. He was then
made secretary of the company in 1892 and has
since been an active factor in the management
of a business which has now reached mammoth
proportions, the Northwestern Fuel Company
controlling a trade hardly second to any in this
line in this part of the country.
Mr. Benham was married in 1877 to Miss
Emma J. Rogers, of St. Peter, Minnesota. Three
of their children have passed away, while the
surviving members of the family are Allen R.,
Kenneth R. and Charles M., Jr., the last named
having been born January 20, 1906.
23
Air. Benham is a j\Iason, belonging to Triune
lodge, No. 190, A. F. & A. M., of Merriam Park,
the family home being maintained in that beauti-
ful suburb at No. 2023 Marshall avenue. His
political allegiance is given to the republican
party. He is a member of the Merriam Park
Presbyterian church and belongs to the Town
and Country Club and to the Commercial Club
of St. Paul.
FRANK W. GIBBONS.
Frank W. Gibbons, who now resides in Kan-
sas City, Missouri, but is well known in business
circles in St. Paul, was born in Chicago, Illinois,
August 12, 1856, his parents being John F. and
Mary F. (Maloney) Gibbons, both of whom were
born in the east. Mrs. Gibbons is a native of
Massachusetts. Mr. Gibbons pursued his edu-
cation in the schools of the east and there took
up the study of law, subsequent to which time
he was admitted to the bar. Believing that the
west furnished better opportunities for an ambi-
tious young man, he came to this section of the
country about 1854, settling in Chicago. Mrs.
Gibbons can well remember when that city had
but few business houses and when the entire city
covered but a small area. Mr. Gibbons there en-
tered upon the practice of law and continued an
active member of the bar for four years, at the
end of which time he became ill and passed awav
in 1858. There were two children: Frank W.,
of this review ; and Charles Carroll, who is an
invalid and has alwa}'S made his home with his
mother in St. Paul. Mrs. Gibbons has recently
erected a large new residence here at No. 847
Holly avenue, where she and her son and her
sister. Miss Katherine Maloney, all reside. They
are all members of St. Luke's Catholic church
and they have many warm friends in the city.
Frank \V. Gibbons was educated in the public
schools of Chicago and by thorough training was
well equipped for life's practical and responsible
duties. He was afterward employed in various
ways in that city until his health became impaired,
when he and his mother and brother decided to
remove to St. Paul, hoping that a change of cli-
4i6
I'ASl- AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
mate would prove bcneticial. Accordingly thc\
became residents of this city in 1882. Here Frank
W. ("libhons secured a position with the P. H.
Kellv ^lercantile Company, which was then one
of the largest firms of the city. His health began
to improve and soon afterward he went upon
the road as a traveling salesman for the above
house, his territory extending from St. Paul to
the Pacific coast. He represented that house upon
the road for many years and in 1895 he accepted
his present position and is now manager at Kan-
sas City of the branch bouse of the well known
firm of J. B. Inderrieden & Company, importers
of Chicago. Mr. Gibbons now has charge of the
western branch of their business and in this line
is controlling an extensive trade, which under
his capable management is gradually developing
and expanding until it has already reached exten-
sive proportions. While upon the road he was
regarded as a splendid salesman and many of the
men now prominent in business circles in St. Paul
today are old friends of his, being upon the road
at the same time. He has a wide acquaintance
here and the friendship of many who know him.
Air. Gibbons was married to Miss Lillian In-
galls, of Wisconsin. He is a democrat in his po-
litical views and fraternally is connected with the
Elks lodge of Kansas City. Starting out in busi-
ness life empty-handed, he has depended upon
the safe and substantial qualities of enterprise,
diligence and capability to secure him promotion.
Gradually he has worked his way upward until
his position in commercial circles in the west is
now one of ])romincnce and linnor.
.M. K. .M( KEE.
M. E. McKee, .sales agent for the Republic
Iron &: Steel Company, the headquarters of
which are at Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, has bei'ii
a resident of St. Paul since 1889. He was born
and reared at \'iroqua, \\'isconsin, where he ac-
qnirefl a high-school education. He served an
ap])renticcshii) as a machinist in the sho])s of the
Chicago. Milwaukee &■ St. Paul Railroad at La-
Crosse, Wisconsin, remaining in the employ nf
that corporation as a machinist until 1884, when
he was appointed air brake inspector on its lines
west of the r\iississi])pi river, which position he
held until he became an employe of the Great
Xorthern Railroad Company. It was as super-
intendent of the air brake equipment of the Great
Xorthern Railway Company that he came to St.
Paul in 1889, filling that position from the ist
of January of that year until 1900. He was
afterward in the railway supply business until
he accepted his present position as sales agent
for the Republic Iron & Steel Company on the
1st of January, 1904, The headquarters of this
company are at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but
since May, 1899, it has been represented with an
oflice in St. Paul, George AI. Kenyon being in
charge tintil the 1st of January. 11^4. Mr. Mc-
Kee is the company's representative in the north-
western territory and he makes such trips as
are necessary to properly cover the district, al-
though attending to much of the business by
correspondence. He has offices in the Endicott
Building and has an able assistant in Carl M.
Hijppe.
Mr. McKee married Aliss Louise Cornelius, a
daughter of P. W. Cornelius, an old resident and
prominent business man of Minneapolis. They
have a daughter fourteen years of age and a son
five years of age and the family residence is on
Aurora avenue. Mrs. McKee is a member of
the I^utheran church and Mr. McKee belongs to
the Knights of Pythias lodge. No. i, of Minne-
apolis, while his political support is given to the
republican party. The position which he occu-
pies is a responsible one, calling for keen busi-
ness discernment and executive force, (|ualities in
which he is never fnmid lackin"'.
ROBERT O. E.\K1
.\1
Dr. Robert O. Earl, surgeon of the Bethesda
Hospital and president of the Mounds Park San-
itarium .\ssociation as well as a general practi-
tioner of medicine and surgery in St. Paid, was
burn in .'\llamakee comity. Towa. on the 2~th of
August. 1872. his parents being Peter O. and
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
419
Hannah ( Anderson ) Earl, the former a mer-
chant of Minneapolis. In their family were eight
children, of whom live are living. The family
removed from Iowa to ?^Iinneapolis when Dr.
Earl was a youth of ten years and he continued
his studies in the public schools of that citw while
later he entered the University of Minnesota to
])repare for the practice of medicine. He took
the complete course and was graduated frmu the
medical department in the class of i8y6. since
which time he has continuously followed the pro-
fession and his ability has found recognitinn in
the liberal patronage accorded him. He prac-
tices along modern scientific lines and keeps in
touch with the progress of the profession by his
membership in the Ramsey County Medical Soci-
etv, the ^linnesota ^ledical .\ssociation and the
American .Medical Association. In addition to
a large private practice he is acting as surgeon
to the Bethesda Hospital and is surgeon and
president of the Mounds Park Sanitarium Asso-
ciation. In 1905 he was appointed by the legis-
lature as one of the three commissioners of the
state hospital for criijpled and deformed children.
Though a young man he occupies a ])rominent po-
sition in the ranks of the medical fraternity, be-
ing a recognize<l leader in the East St. Paul dis-
trict. His success is further indicated by the
fact that he has erected a fine modern office build-
ing at Xo. 881 Payne avenue in St. Paul, in
which he has a suite of rooms equipped witli ev-
erything necessary to facilitate his professional
work and it is in this building that the East St.
Paul State Bank, of which he is a stockholder
and director, is now carrying on business. He
is also president of the Scandinavian Savings
Rank of St. Paul and has thus become a factor
in financial circles.
On the 1st of June, 1900, Dr. Earl was mar-
ried to Miss Clara Swanstrom, of St. Paul, and
they now have one child. May Lillian, now four
\-ears of age. The parents belong to the Ilaptist
church and Dr. Earl holds membership in .Sum-
mit lodge, A. E. & A. JM. His political alle-
giance is given to the republican jiarty and he
is now a member of the St. Paul park board.
His interest in community affairs is deep and
sincere and he gives active and hearty co-opera-
tion to movements for the general good inasmuch
as the labors of his profession will permit. The
enterprise and activity which have been dominant
factors in the business life and substantial up-
building of the middle west are manifest in his
professional career, leading him onward to suc-
cessful accomplishment in a calling where "suc-
cess and merit go linked together."
JOHN E. FOWLER.
Commercial activity, depending upon individ-
ual activity and enterprise, numbers among the
young men who have contributed to the result
John E. Fowler, treasurer of the St. Paul Rub-
ber Company. He was liorn in Ontario. Can-
ada. December 27, 1876. His father, James
Fowler, a native of England, came to the United
States in 1836, and although a contractor by
trade he is now living on a stock farm near
Amery, Wisconsin. He married Isabelle Kirkup,
a native of Scotland, and of their six children
five are yet living.
In 1887, when a youth of eleven years, John
E. Fowder accompanied his parents on their
removal from Canada to St. Paul, where he was
educated in the public schools and Macalester
College. Completing his education he entered
the Minnesota Savings Bank, where he spent
three years as a bookkeeper. He then became
bookkeeper for the St. Paul Rubber Company
and in 1903 was elected to his present position,
that of treasurer of what is now a leading maim-
facturing concern of the northwest. He is a
representative young business man who has
grasped the truth of the adage that merit ancf
success go linked together and has endeavored
to make the former the forerunner of the latter.
Mr. Fowder was married, in 1903, to Miss Jo-
sephine Dickson, a native of Montreal but a resi-
dent of St. Paul at the time of their marriage.
]Mr. Fowder has various fraternal and club rela-
tions. He belongs to Ancient Landmark lodge,
No. 5. A. F. & A. M. ; Summit chapter. R. A.
M. : the St. Paul Cotrimercial Club and the
Credit ]\Ien's Association. His attitude toward
420
PAST AXL) i'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tlu- great political problems of the country is in-
dicated by the fact that he gives his support to
the republican party and his religious faith is in-
dicated in his nienibersliip in the Central Presby-
terian church.
HERAiUX W. PIllLLiPS.
Hcrmon W. i'liillips, connected with the legal
department uf .St. Paul from 1885 to 1898 and
now engaged in the jirivate [practice of law, is
a native of Clay, Washington county. Iowa, born
June 12, i860. His parents. Dr. Abel Palmer
and Elizabeth (Jones) Phillips, were natives of
Chautau(|ua county, New York, and in 1854
went to Iowa but are now living at Pear Lake,
Warren county, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Phil-
lips, is practicing his profession. He is a grand-
son of Palmer Phillips, who removed from
Connecticut to Herkimer county. New York,
in 1811 and afterward took up his abode
in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, where
he spent his life. He made the first grain
cradle manufactured in that section of the coun-
try and was closely connected with the material
and moral development of the community, devot-
ing nnich of his life to active service as a Meth-
odist minister. Joseph Phillips, his son, and the
grandfather of our subject, was born in 1806,
in Herkimer county. New York, becoming a
practicing physician and spent many years in
Chautau(|na county. New York. He died in
1881. in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. The Jones
family was established in Chautauqua county.
New York, at an early day, the ancestors having
originally lived in England, while descendants
of the family Ix-camc residents of Washington
county, Iowa.
.Mr. Phillips of this review is the eldest in a
family of four children. He attended the pub-
lic and high .schools of Jamestown, New York,
and also Chamberlain Institute, at Randiil])li,
New York. Piefore pursuing his collegiate edu-
cation he engaged in teaching to some extent but
later entered the State I'niversity of Iowa, at
Iowa City, and was graduated from the law de-
partment in the class of June, 1882. In .Vugust
of the same year he began practice in St. Paul,
where he has since remained, covering a period
of almost a quarter century. He has been con-
nected with the legal department of the city for
twelve years and in addition he is engaged in
general law practice with office at No. 432 Globe
liuilding. In politics he is a republican.
Un the 1st of September, 1886, Air. Phillips
was married to Arella Erickson Lounsberry, of
New Jersey. In 1887 he built his home in Ar-
lington Hills, one of the leading Scandinavian
districts of the city, where he has since resided.
He is a man of genial temperament and is a val-
ued representative of St. Paul lodge. No. 3. A.
F. & A. AL, the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the
Maccabees and the Modern Harvesters. What-
ever he does at the bar is for the best interests
of his clients and for the honor of his profession
and no man gives to either a more unqualified
allegiance. Thereby he has won the admiration
and respect of all who know him. He has much
natural ability but is withal an earnest student
and is never contented until he has mastered ev-
ery detail of his cases. He believes in the nia.xim
"there is no excellence without labor" and fol-
lows it closely. He is never surprised at some
unexpected discovery by an opposing lawyer, for
in his mind he weighs every point and fortifies
himself as well for defense as attack. .\t the bar
and in private life he is always the same genial,
courteous gentleman whose ways are those of
refinement.
JOEL ERNEST GREGORY.
Joel Ernest Gregory. ;i prominent rei)ublican
lea<]er of Minnesota, wlin lias left the impress
of his individuality upon the legislation of the
state, and an alilc member of the St. Paul bar,
was burn in Polo, Illinois, November 2, 1872.
llis father. William S. Gregory, was a native
of the slate of New York and wedded Helen E.
Carll. also born in Polo. In 1880 they removed
to St. Paul, where Mr. Gregory is now engaged
in the real-estate business.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
421
Joel Ernest Gregory was l)Ut eight years of
age at the time of the removal to this city and
in the public schools he acquired his preliminary
education, passing through successive grades un-
til he was graduated from the high school with
honor, being class orator. He continued his
studies in the University of Minnesota, where
he completed a course in 1896, at which time he
won the degree of Bachelor of Science and was
also class orator there. He held many other
class offices and was one of the most
popular students in the university. Com-
pleting the course in the law school, he
was graduated in i8g8 with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws and soon afterward entered
upon the active practice of his profession. In his
college days he was president of the republican
club of the university, numbering over eig'ht htm-
dred members, and in 1895 ^^ ^^''•s elected to rep-
resent the club at the national league of republi-
can clubs in Cleveland, Ohio. At the same time
he was endorsed and appointed state delegate, so
that he represented both the state and the univer-
sity in Cleveland. In 1896 he was chosen presi-
dent of the State University Republican Club,
one of the most influential political organizations
of the state, and acted in that capaciy until 1898.
]\Ir. Gregory entered upon the ]iractice of la^v
in 1899 after being for a short time on the edi-
torial stafl: of the West Publishing Company. He
has since won honors and successes at the bar,
demonstrating his capability to solve intricate le-
gal problems. He has broad understanding of the
principles of jurisprudence, keen analytical power
and laudable ambition, and these qualities have
served as the foundation upon which he has
builded the superstructure of success.
Whatever else may be said of the legal frater-
nity it cannot be denied that the members of the
bar have been more prominent actors in public af-
fairs than any other class of the American people.
This is but the natural result of causes which are
manifest and require no explanation. The abil-
ity and training which qualify one to practice
law also qualify him in many respects for duties
which lie outside the sphere of his profession
and which touch the general interests of society.
JMr. Gregory is a man who has brought his keen
discrimination and strong intellect to bear not
alone in professional paths but also for the bene-
fit of the city and state which have so long been
his home and with whose interests he has been
so thoroughly identified. He was elected in 1903
to represent the first and second wards of St.
Paul, constituting the thirty-third senatorial dis-
trict in the state legislature during the thirty-
third session thereof. He introduced many bills
afifecting the good government of St. Paul, includ-
ing one to prohibit compulsory vaccination, which
was passed. He had the privileges of the floor
given him dm-ing the consideration of this bill,
which was a courtesy extended to no other mem-
ber during the session. In 1906 he was a candi-
date for municipal judge on the republican
ticket. He is a popular member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the
Maccabees, the Woodmen of the World and the
Phi Gamma Delta, a college fraternity. Mr.
Gregory is an orator of superior ability, in whom
the adornments of rhetoric clothe but do not
enshroud the facts which he brings to public
consideration and his power in this direction is
one of the strong elements in his success at the
bar, upon the public platform and in the legisla-
tive halls of the state.
WILLIAM H. ULMER.
William H. Ulmer, who since 1881 has engaged
in the stone contracting business in St. Paul, is a
splendid type of the self-made man who without
any special advantages of education or financial
assistance has. throttgh the utilization of oppor-
tunity, combined with unfaltering diligence ad-
vanced to a position prominent in industrial and
financial circles. "Nothing is impossible to him
who wills to win and allows no thought of defeat
to find lodgment in his mind" and with a reali-
zation of this truth William H. I'lmer ranks
today as proprietor of the largest stoneyard in
the northwest.
.\ native of Camden, Maine, born in 1853. he
was educated in the public schools of Maine and
after putting aside his text-books followed farm-
422
I'AST AX I) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
injj in coniicclion with his father, devtHing sev-
enteen years of his hfe to general agricultural
pursuits. He located in St. Paul in 1881 and
for seven years engaged in the stone-contracting
l)nsiness tnuler the hrni name of I'lmer & Smith,
establishing business on the site which his yard
still occupies. In 1889 he purchased his part-
ner's interest. Under his capable management
business under the firm name of Ulmer & Smith,
owner of the largest stoneyard in the northwest,
eniploxing sixty-five men. He has erected some
Very important buildings in St. Paul and in the
state, including the courthouse at Ellsworth and
the courthouse at Hillsboro, North Dakota, which
are classed among the finest public structures of
the northwest. When he arrived in .Minnesota
his cash capital consisted of Init three dollars
and seventy-five cents and he had not a single
acquaintance between Maine and this state, but
he possessed a spirit of enterprise which brooks
no defeat and with a recognition of ojDportunity
and a realization of the fact that capability and
reliability will win in the end, he has conducted
a business enter]5rise which now makes him one
of the prosperous representatives of industrial-
ism in St. Paul.
-Mr. Ulmer is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and in the Masonic fra-
ternity has attained the Knight Templar degree,
and is a member of the ]\Iystic Shrine. For two
terms he served in the city council as alderman
from the fifth ward.
was changed to .\lichaud I'.rothers in 1877 on the
formation of the ]5resenl parinersliip l)etween the
three brothers, Achille, Charles and Adolph
Michaud. The business of the house has con-
stantly increased and has been a leader in all
that represents magnificence in this line of trade.
The store, in its central location, at the corner
of \\ aliasha and Se\enth streets, handles the
higiiest grade of canned, bottled, imported and
domestic goods, choice fruits and vegetables and,
in accordance with the quality of its goods, draws
its trade from among the most substantial citi-
zens of St. Paul. The firm also owns a large
wholesale grocery at Nos. 142 and 144 East
Third street and are large importers of choice
goods from all countries, studying the trade and
forestalling, every demand that can be made for
domestic or imported goods. Thev employ sev-
enty-two people and have a splendid delivery sys-
tem.
]\Ir. Michaud was married, in 1881, to Miss
Langevin, a native of St. Paul, and their two
children, X'ermilia and Edoward, are now stu-
dents in St. Paul Academy. The famil\- resi-
dence is at No. 699 Grand avenue. The familv
are comnnmicants of the Catholic church and Mr.
Michaud is a member of the Catholic Order of
Foresters. His business standing is unimpeach-
able. He is a courteous, capable business man,
alert and enterprising, dispatching business in a
manner indicating thorough familiarity with the
trade and a masterv of all details.
ACHir.LE MICHAUD.
ALFRED T. OBERti, D. D. S.
Achille .Midland, whu as a memlier of the firm
of .Michaud & lirothers, is one of the leading
representatives i.>f the grocery trade in St. Paul,
having one of the finest retail establishments in
this line in the northwest, is a native of Joliet
county, in the lower province of Canada. His
father, also a native of that county, died in 1876.
The son. educated in the public schools of his
native county, came to St. Paul in 1870 and in
1872 establislied the grocery business under the
firm style of Michaud (!t Compan\-, which name
Dr. .Alfred T. Oberg is one of the vonnger
representatives of the dental fraternit\- in St.
Paul with a praclice, however, that nian\- an njder
member of the profession might well envv. Like
a large percentage of the leading business and
professional men here lie comes from Sweden,
where his birth occurred on llie ijih of October.
1879. His parents, John .\nthon and Marie
( )berg, were also natives of that coimtrv and in
1882 came to the United States, settling at St.
Paul. The father was a laborer ami is now liv-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
423
my in this city. In the family were ten children,
of whiini the living are: John, a carpenter;
linima P. ; William, who is engaged in the hard-
ware business: Charles A., attorney at law and
secretary- for the St. Panl Loan i^ Trust Com-
pany ; and Alfred T. All are yet residents of
this city.
Dr. (_)berg, the youngest of the family, became
a public-school student here and passing through
successive grades was eventually graduated from
the high school with the class of 1899. Later he
was variously employed until he entered the
State L'niversity of .Minnesota to pursue a course
in dentistry, being graduated from the dental
department as an alumnus of 1902. He then en-
tered upon practice at Xo. 883 Payne avenue
and has been very successful here. His office is
well equipped with all of the latest devices and
dental instruments.
On the iith of June, 1904, was celebrated
the marriage of Dr. 01;)erg and Miss Esther T.
Xeander, a daughter of the Rev. P. Neander, of
North Dakota. Thev lielong to the Swedish
Lutheran church and Dr. ( )berg is connected
with Montgomery lodge, .\. F. & A. M. In St.
Paul, where he has always resided since coming
to Aiuerica, he is recognized as a young man
of abilitv and worth.
EDWIN (iRHU'.LE
Edwin Gribble. engaged in the practice of law
and interested in all questions of moment to the
city, was born in P)arnstable. South Devon, Eng-
land. His father. Joseph B. Gribble. was also
a native of England and was of Swiss ])arent-
age, the family being an old one of Switzerland,
the name being originally spelled (^rebel. Jo-
seph B. Gribble was an iron monger, who con-
trolled important Inisiness interests and was a
man of great intellect and force of character and
took a prominent ])art in |)ublic aiTairs in his na-
tive country. He came to the Lnited States when
his son Edwin was nine years of age and his last
ilays were passed in Cleveland, Ohio, where he
died in 1880.
Edwin Gribble acquired his education in the
schools of England, accompanied his parents to
the new world and in 1857 came to St. Paul,
where he was employed in the settlement of a
number of estates. In 1861 he went to New-
Orleans, where he did considerable business in
settling claims and in furnishing the government
with lumber to build the dock for the flagship
Susquehanna, and in 1869 he returned to this
city. Having read law, he was admitted to the
bar of Minnesota in 1872 and entered upon the
practice of his chosen profession in St. Paul,
where he has remained continuously since, hav-
ing a good clientage. He has also written a large
number of articles against prevailing wrongs in
the city government under the nom de plume of
Junius. He is opposed to misrule in all public
affairs and stands for the same adherence to high
moral principles in iniblic as in private life.
Mr. Gribble was married fifty years ago to
Miss Rosa Jackson, a native of Chatham, Eng-
land, and of their family of four daughters three
are still living, Elizabeth, Eva and ]\Iinnie S.,
while one died in infancx'. In 1857 Mr. Gribble
took up a tract of government land of one hun-
dred and thirty-one acres for two hundred and
fifty dollars on the shore of Lake ^Minnetonka
and the property is today worth one hundred dol-
lars per acre. He has wisely held it until it
has become verv valuable. Mr. C.iribble attends
the Peoples church and commands the respect
and esteem of those with whom business or social
relations or his activity in public life have brought
him into contact.
E. L. GR.\UPMAN.
The sons of the fatherland find a worth}- rep-
resentative in F. L. Graupman, who has become
a leading factor in Inisiness circles in St. Paul
as a member of the B. Presley Company, whole-
sale dealers and commission merchants, handling
foreign, domestic and California fruits. Mr.
Graupman was born in Genuany. October 31.
1863. and came to the I'nited States in 1874
with his parents. Ti>hn and ATary fRambat)
424
FAS'l AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL
Graupnian. who settled in ]\IcLeod county, Min-
nesota. The father devoted his attention to gen-
eral agricultural pursuits until his death in 1905
and is still survived by Mrs. Graupman, who is
yet living on the home farm.
F. L. Graupman is one of the nine surviving
members of the family of twelve children and
acquired his education in the district schools of
A'lcLeod county and in the city schools of St.
Paul. He has for twenty-four years been con-
nected with his present business. This is a close
partnership, the other member of the firm being
W. A. Murphy. The firm name of B. Presley
Company is one of the oldest of the city, the busi-
ness having been established in 1849. It is still
carried on under the original style, the house
conducting an extensive business as wholesale
dealers and commission mercliants. handling for-
eign, domestic and California fruits. The offices
and salesroom are at Nos. 102 and 106 East
Third street and the warehouse at Nos. loi and
103 East Second street.
j\lr. Graupman was married sixteen years ago
and has a daughter. Lilian, born Alav 4, 1892.
and now a high-school student. He is identified
w^ith various fraternal and commercial organiza-
tions, of which he is usually an active member.
He has taken the degrees of the lodge and en-
campment of the Odd Fellows society and also
the Rebekah degree and is connected with the
Sons of Hermann, the Commercial Club, the Job-
bers' L^nion.the Credit Men's .Association, the St.
Paul F>(:)ard of Trade and the Twin City Jobbers'
LTnion. Many of these arc of direct benefit to
trade relations and conditions of the citv. largely
promoting its activity through the study and im-
provement of existing conditions. Mr. Graup-
man gives his political allegiance to the repub-
lican ]iarty and is a member of the Lutheran
church. His advancement in business life is due
largely to the fact that he has continued in an
enterprise with which he became connected in
early manhood, concentrating his energies upon
its interest and successful control. Tt is the en-
terprising character of the citizen that enrich and
ennoble the commonwealth. From individual en-
terprise has sprung all the splendor and impor-
tance of this great west and tlie majority of men
who are leaders in commercial, industrial and
professional circles are those who have risen from
humble positions, building up through their own
efforts great business enterprises. To this class
belongs F. L. (iraupman who, associated with a
single partner, has developed one of the extensive
mercantile interests of St. Paul.
ALBERT FISCHER.
.-\lljert Fischer, president of the St. Paul Rub-
ber Company and vice president of the Colorado
Rubber Company, of Denver, was born in St.
Paul. i\Iay 26, i860. His father, Louis Fischer,
a native of Switzerland, came to the United
States in 1850 and settled in Minnesota in 1855.
For many years he was a well known clothing
merchant of this city, where he died in 1885, his
wife surviving until the following year. In their
family were four children, of whom two are liv-
ing.
Albert Fischer, entering the public schools at
the usual age. passed through successive grades
imtil he liad l)econie a higli-school student and
after putting aside his text-books became con-
nected with the line of business activitv which
has since claimed his time and energies. \\'(~>rk-
ing his way steadily upward, he is today the
president of the St. Paul Rubber Company, con-
trolling a large wholesale concern dealing in nil
kinds of manufactured rubber goods. The busi-
ness had its beginning in 1877 as an enterprise
established by Ranney & Hodgman. of which
comjiany George H. Ranney was the president.
This was really the foundation of tlie enterprise
lit which Mr. Fischer is today the head, although
the business was established under its present
form in 1882 and was incor])orated in 1884. The
xohinu' (if trade transacted over its counters is
;innii;dlv increasing and has long since reached
mammoth proportions. Mr. Fischer is also the
vice president of the Colorado Rubber Company,
nf Denver. He was chosen president of the .St.
Paul Rubber Company in 1895 and the other offi-
cers are .Mien C. Kreiger, vice president, and
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
425
John E. Fowler, treasurer. Employment is fur-
nished to fort}' people and the house is the largest
of the kind in the northwest.
Mr. Fischer, strong in his honor and good
name as well as in his business capacity, com-
mands the respect of all and has many friends.
He belongs to the Minnesota Club, to the Com-
mercial Club, the Junior Pioneers and to the
Elks lodge. No. 59, and is a communicant of the
Catholic church — associations which indicate
much of the character of the man and his interest
in the material progress and substantial develop-
ment of his native citv.
W.\LTER J. PATTON.
Walter J. Patton, engaged in the commission
business and in buying and making shipments
of live stock in South St. Paul, was born in Lock-
port, New York, November 21, 1856, a son of
John and Cornelia ( X'anlkiskirk ) Patton, The
father was born in \'ermont in 1826 and was a
live-stock buyer, following that pursuit through-
out the greater part of his life. In his under-
takings he was quite successful, capably managing
his business affairs, while his enterprise and in-
dustry stood as salient factors in his prosperity.
His political support was given to the republican
party and he was an exemplary member of the
Masonic fraternity in that he was in thorough
sympathy with the teaching and tenets of the
craft. In his family were four children : ^^larv.
who is living in Chicago: Martha, a resident of
St. Paul: ^^'. J., of this review: and Elmira, de-
ceased.
A\'. J. Patton spent the days of his boyhood
and youth in his parents' home and became con-
nected with the stock Imsiness in Chicago in 1873.
when seventeen years of age. He there resided
until i8qo, when he came to South St. Paul,
where he began stock-buying and since that time
has been located here in the commission business.
He also buys hogs and cattle for shipment. He
has been connected with Charles L. Haas & Com-
pany, live-stock lirokers, for some time and for
five years he purchased hogs and cattle for the
O'Leary Packing Company. He has been very
successful as a stock-buyer and was one of the
first to engage in this line of business in South
St. Paul. His operations are now quite exten-
sive and his labors are attended with a gratify-
ing measure of prosperity-.
Mr. Patton was married in 1890 to Miss Ida
Xutbahm, a daughter of Joseph Nutbahm, who
was killed in the Civil war. Four children grace
this marriage, of whom Walter, the eldest, and
Jesse, the youngest, are now deceased. The oth-
ers are Alden and John, the latter at home, while
the former married Catherine F>ertch?chneider
and is also a stock-buyer of South .St. Paid.
]\Ir. Patton is a Protestant in religious faith,
while in his political belief he is a republican.
He has always supported the party since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise. There
have been no exciting chapters in his life record,
which, however, has been characterized bv un-
faltering devotion to his duty to himself, his city
and his country, ^^'ithout extraordinarv advan-
tages or family or pecuniary assistance to aid
him as he started out in life he has battled earn-
estly and energetically, and as the vears have gone
by his thrift and enterprise have made him a
capable and successful business man.
HENRY D. LANG.
Henry D. Lang, clerk of the L'nited States
circuit court, was born in St. Paul. November
13. i860. His father, Charles Lang, was a na-
tive of Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to the
L'nited States in 1855, settling in Philadelphia,
whence he removed the following year to St.
Paul. In his youth he learned the butcher's trade
and carried on that business in tlie fatherland and
in the new world up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1869, when he was forty-two
years of age. He was a man of good business
qualifications and won a fair measure of pros-
perity for his day. He lield membership in the
German Lutheran church and gave his political
allegiance to the republican party. .\t the time
of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the
4^6
J'ASI" AXl) I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
L'nk)n army as a member of Company E, Fifth
Minnesota Infantry, and was severely wounded
in the battle of Nashville, which caused him to
be honorably discharged soon afterward. He
then returned to St. Paul, where his remaining
days were passed. He married Frederika IJeis-
wangcr, who was born in Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, and came to the United States at the same
time Charles Lang crossed the Atlantic. They
were married in Philadelphia. Like her husband,
-Mrs. Lang was also a member of the Lutheran
church. In iheir family were six children:
Frederika A., the wife of Henry Gross, of St.
Paul: Charles A., a merchant at San Diego, Cali-
fornia: Henry D.. of this review; William A.,
who is U)cal manager of the St. Paul Fire &
-Marine Insurance Company; Emma, the wife of
Henry Kinderman, who is manager of the man-
ufacturing department for Hart & ]\Iurphy, cigar
manufacturers of St. Paul : and Annie, the wife
of John Donahue, who is attornev at law and
jury commissioner for the L'nited States circuit
and district courts.
In his youth Henr\- D. Lang was a student in
the old Baldwin public school and continued his
studies in the first .State Xormal of Minnesota,
at Winona, while later he matriculated in the
State University of Minnesota. Throughout his
business career he has been associated with Judge
W. H. Sanborn. After completing his education
he entered the office of John L!. ami W. Hall
Sanborn, of the German-American insurance
Company as assistant secretary and remained
with that company until it went out of business.
Fie afterward continued with the Sanborns as
chief clerk in their law office until the ist of
Jamiary. iSf^j, when he was ai)i)ointed clerk of
the United States circuit court l)y Walter H.
Sanlxirn. now presiding judge of that court. .Mr.
Lang has since filled that position and the bar
and public acknowledge his qualifications and ca-
pable service.
Mr. Lang was married December 31, 1888. to
Miss Lucy Isabel liarnes, wlio was born in Sib-
ley county. Minnesota, August 18. 1868, a daugh-
ter of William T. and Isabel (Grant) Barnes.
Her father was a surveyor and farmer. He was
also one of the earlv settlers of Minnesota and
a veteran of the Civil war. serving as first lieu-
tenant in Company A, of the Si.xth ^linnesota
X'olunteer Infantry. He was one of the sur-
vivors of the battle of Birch Conlee. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Lang has been born a son. Walter
Barnes, whose liirth occurred September 14,
i8go.
Mr. Lang is a stalwart republican and has
been an ardent worker of his party. He is a
member of the Town and Country Club and is
])opular in social, political and legal circles in
the city where his entire life has been passed.
PROFESSOR B. W. BOEXISCH.
Professor B. W. Boenisch, founder and jirinci-
pal of the Boenisch Commercial College in St.
Paul, has given his entire life to educational work
and liis name is widely known in this connection.
He is a native of Breslau, Prussia, born in 1837.
He had excellent commercial training, in which
he perfected himself after coming to America and
he was once a bookkeeper in the l'nited States
navy yard and is today recommended as a teacher
by the United States navy department. He is
today the oldest teacher in the state of Minnesota,
having for forty-six years devoted his life to tlie
task of disseminating instruction along lines that
fit students to take up life's ])ractical and respon-
sible duties. He first engaged in teaching in
Worcester, Massachusetts, in i860, and when a
young man became president and principal of the
Commercial Academy at St. Louis, Missouri,
where he remained mitil 1874. Dm-ing that per-
iod there were many mider his instruction who
are now prominent in business life in St. Louis
and througliDUt the southwest.
Realizing the value and need of better training
for the business world that one might enter com-
mercial fields qualified to at once grasp a business
situation and carry forward the task entrusted
to them. Mr. Boenisch formulated a plan to es-
tablish a commercial college in St. Paul and did
so in i88g. The venture soon proved a success-
ful one. Pie introduced a modern system, thor-
oughly in keeping with the progress of the times.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
429
Instructiun is given in double and single entry
bookkeeping, commercial arithmetic, correspond-
ence, penmanship and the use of commercial pa-
pers, shorthand, typewriting, etc. The school is
in session throughout the year and individual at-
tention is given to pupils and when they are grad-
uated positions are obtained for them. The
courses are taught most thoroughly and practic-
ally and many graduates of the Boenisch Com-
mercial College are now filling responsible and im-
portant positions. The college is splendidly
equipped for giving instruction along commercial
lines and has the endorsement of many leading
business men of St. Paul. In order to fully test
the capacity of each student as a practical business
man, he must originate, before receiving a certiti-
cate of qualification, a complete set of books for
examination by a board of representatives from
leading business and banking houses in St. Paul.
The advisory board now consists of Hon. W. P.
Murray, Hon. Thomas Kane. Judge Willis, H.
Schetter. H. Hadlich, H. Hanft and T. Kerker.
who have served in that capacity for the past
fifteen years. The college is well equipped for
the work done and occupies commodious quarters
>>u the fourth floor of the Scandinavian-American
iiank Building at the corner of Sixth and Jack-
son streets. Professor Boenisch in his work as an
educator has been very successful and his labors
have been far-reaching and beneficial. He works
toward the ideal and inspires his pupils with
much of his own zeal. At the same time his
methods are intensely practical, as has been dem-
onstrated by the successful work done by his pu-
pils in the btisiness world.
Professor Boenisch was married April 14, 1879.
to Miss JMary Marianne Kurt, a daughter of a
well known journalist formerly of Atchison.
Kansas, but now living in St. Joseph, Missouri.
.Mrs. Boenisch was at one time a successful
teacher. They have become the parents of four
children, but Clara, their eldest daughter, died at
the age of twenty-two years. Louise is a book-
keeper in St. Paul. Helen is a teacher in this
city, and Bernard .\. is employed in a grocery
house in St. Paul.
Xot only in the line of his business undertak-
insis but in other wavs as well. Professor Boe-
nisch has contributed to the development of those
lines of life and interests which are beneficial to
the race. He was for four years president of
the Turn X'erein Association and was superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school of that organization.
He is still one of its members and his identifica-
tion therewith dates from 1858. In 1872 he was
secretary of the North American Singing Society
of the LTnited States and is now an honorary
member of the Concordia Singing Society, belong-
ing to various musical and literary societies which
are formed for the dissemination of a knowledge
of the ennobling arts. He has been a liberal con-
tributor to German literature in the way of Ger-
man poetry which has appeared in many of the
prominent German newspapers of this country.
He still continues to write and many of his poems
have been translated into English. During the
Civil war he was correspondent for R. Le.xow's
Belletristio Journal, of New York city. He is
ex-noble grand arch of the U. -A.. O. D., of Min-
nesota, and he was the founder and first presi-
dent and now honorary president of the German-
.\merican Central Bund of Minnesota. He was
also founder and first president of the Teutonia
Relief Association of which he is now honorary
president. He is selected to make addresses be-
fore many German gatherings. Deeply interested
in all that tends to elevate mankind, to broaden
nature, to add to intellectual riches and aesthetic
enjovment, his influence has been a potent one
for "-rowth along these lines in St. Paul.
MATTHEW TAYLOR.
Matthew Taylor, a prominent contractor, who
has been closely identified with building opera-
tions in St. Paul as well as in various parts of
Minnesota and adjoining states, was born in
Johnston, Scotland, in 1841 and was educated
in the public schools of Glasgow. In 1857, when
a vouth of sixteen years, he began learning the
carpenter's trade, which he thoroughly mastered
in principle and detail and which he has fol-
lowed to the present time. He came to .\merica
in T86fi, attracted bv the better business oppor-
430
I'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tunities of the new world and at once came to
St. Paul, where he has since maintained his
home. Here he entered upon building operations
and the scope of his labors has continually broad-
ened until his name is today associated with the
construction of many of the most important
structures of this city. In 1880 he was the presi-
dent of the Taylor Craig corporation, at that
time eniployinp.- seven hundred workmen and dn-
ing a larger volume of business than any other
firm in St. Paul. Among the important contracts
which have been awarded to .Mr. Taylor was that
for the construction of the Central Presbyterian
church at a co:^t of one hundred an dtwenty thou-
sand dollars. He superintended the construction
of the largest bird cage in the world at the Louis-
iana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, Missouri,
in 1904, the St. Paul Steel Foundry having the
contract. He stands today as one of the most
prominent operators in his line of industrialism
in St. Paul with a business which in volume and
importance ranks him with the most prominent
men in business circles of the city. He is a mem-
ber of the Commercial Club of St. Paul and was
for years a trustee of the Central Presbyterian
church.
NORMAN W. FOSTER, M. D.
Dr. Xornian W. Foster, physician and surgeon
of St. Paul, was born in Fulton, New York, Au-
gust 3, 1874, his parents being James Alvah and
Cornelia (Earl) Foster, natives of Canada and
of Boston, Massachusetts, res]K-ctivel\-. Thev are
now living at Fulton, New York.
Dr. P'ostcr acquired his preliminarv education
in the public schools of his native citv and ])ursued
a three years' course of studv in St. Lawrence
University, at Canton, New York. He then en-
tered Syracuse L'niversity, at Syracuse, New-
York, and was graduated froni the medical de-
])artment in the class of 181 ;S. In ()ct()ber of
the same year he came to St. Paul and i)])encd an
office, sirce which time he has engaged in prac-
tice, being located at No. 8g6 Payne avenue.
Tie practices along modern scientific lines and is
recognized as a young man of good ability, who
finds in the faithful performance of each day's
duty inspiration and encouragement for the labor-
of the succeeding day. He maintains a high
standard of professional ethics and his correct
adaptation of scientific principles to the practical
work of his profession is manifest in the excel-
lent results which attend his services.
Dr. Foster was married in 1892 to Miss Ella
Keenan, a native of Wisconsin but at that time
a resident of St. Paul. Fratcrnall}- he is con-
nected with ^Montgomery lodge. No. 258, A. F,
& A. M., of which he is junior warden. Fie is
medical examiner of Arlington camp, No. 5453.
M. W. A., and belongs to Apollo council. No. 69.
Modern Samaritans, and to St. Paul tent. No. 24,
K. O. T. M., and the Order of the Eastern
Star.
EDWARD C. CAMMACK.
Edward C. Cannnack, president of the Cres-
cent Creamery Company, is the pioneer repre-
sentative of the creamery interests of Minnesota,
He was born in Chicago, January 20, 1855, a son
of John and Sarah (Moody) Cammack. The fa-
ther, who was a merchant of Chicago, is now de-
ceased, but the mother yet lives in Rochester,
Minnesota. Mr. Cammack was educated in the
grammar and high schools of his native city and
entered upon liis business career as an employe
in the wholesale grocery house of Hoyt & Com-
pany, of Chicago. In 1878 he removed to Ro-
chester, Minnesota, where he established the first
creamery of the state, and in 1884 he came to St.
Paul, where he established a creamery business.
He has constantly enlarged this enterjirise by
()])cning depots for the purchase and shijiment
of cream and milk all along the line of the (ireat
Western and other railways. 'I"he business has
now been incorporated under the name of the
Crescent Creamery Company with Mr. Cam-
mack as president. They are wholesale manu-
facturers and dealers in Initter, cheese and eggs,
furnish cmjiloyment to two hundred peo|)le and
d<i an immense business witli offices ;ni(l ware-
houses at No. 80-90 East Third street, St. Paul.
Tlie enterprise has been developed along modern
I'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
431
business lines and in accordance with methods
whicli neither seek nor require disguise. A close
study of trade conditions and public needs has
led Mr. Cammack to enlarge his busness in ac-
cordance therewith and the excellent service
which he gives the patrons of the house insures
a continued public spirit.
In 188S Mr. Cammack was niarrieil to Miss
Hinchliff, of Chicago, and to them have been
born five children : William. Gertrude and Ar-
thur, who are students in the high school ; How-
ard and Margaret, who are attending the gram-
mar schools. 3.lr. Cammack is recognizetl as a
valued factor in organizations for the promotion
of trade interests of the city and in political and
church circles. He belongs to the Park Congre-
gational church and to the Roosevelt Republican
Club. He is in thorough sympathy with the prin-
ciples of the party, but at local elections where
no issue is involved votes an independent ticket.
He belongs to St. Paul's Commercial Cluli. the
St. Paul Board of Trade and the St. Paul Job-
bers' Union and has become a moving force in
commercial circles, having instituted a business
which has grown in extent and importance until
it is today one of the large sources of income
to the state, having its representatives in almost
every town throughout Minnesota. Mr. Cam-
mack is the pioneer of this industry and as the
builder of a large individual business certainly
deserves prominent mention.
PETER REGELSBERGER.
On the roster of pioneer citizens of St. Paul
appears the name of Peter Regelsberger, now de-
ceased, who took up his abode here in 1852. He
owned a large farm in Ramsey county and also
valuable tracts of land in North and .'^outh Da-
kota and throughout his entire life his attention
was devoted to agricultural pursuits. A native
of Germany, he was born on the 2[st of Febru-
ary, 1831, his father being Anton Regelsberger,
who was also a native of that country. The fa-
ther was born in 1801 and at an early day
came to .\merica with his family, settlingf in
Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming until
1852. He then removed to St. Paul and both he
and his wife were residents of this city until
called to their final rest.
Peter Regelsberger was reared to farm life in
Wisconsin. His education was limited to at-
tendance at the common schools of that state and
when not busy with his text-books he worked in
the fields, early becoming familiar with the best
methods of tilling the soil and harvesting the
crops.
While still living in Wisconsin, Mr. Regels-
berger was married in that state to Miss Amelia
Hubner, who was born in Germany and is a
daughter of Frederick William Hubner, who
came to St. Paul at an early period in the devel-
opment of this city and was engaged in the busi-
ness of manufacturing shoes here until his death.
Mr. and Mrs. Regelsberger became the parents
of eight children. The eldest, George, wedded
;\Iary Smith, who is now deceased. He is en-
gaged in the plumbing and gas-fitting business ac
the Seven Corners and resides with his mother.
Emma is the widow of Dr. Warren B. Robb, who
was a native of ^Martinsville, Indiana, born Au-
gust 14, 1852, his parents being John and Mary
Ann (Wilson) Robb. His father was a cabinet-
maker by trade and died in Indiana in 1861, in
which year Dr. Robb came to St. Paul, being
then a young lad of eleven years. After work-
ing at odd jobs in this city for a number of years
he took up the study of medicine with the inten-
tion of engaging in its practice as a life work
and later went to the east, becoming a student
in the Medical Cniversity in New York city, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1883.
He then located for the practice of medicine in
North Branch, Minnesota^, where he resided for
a few years and subsequently he took up his
abode in Litchfield, Minnesota, where he also
remained for several years. Becoming ill, he re-
turned to St. Paul and never fully recovered his
health, passing away here June 23, 1901. He
was a capable physician who studied closely any
subject which bore upon his profession and pro-
moted his efficiency and the strong and sterling
characteristics of his manhood won him high and
unqualified regard. Louis Regelsberger, the
43^
I'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
third member of the family, was formerly en-
gaged in the grocery business in St. Paul, but i^
now conducting a cigar store in Seattle. Wash-
ington. Lizzie is the wife of Henry Blume. the
owner of the Peerless Laundry in Duluth, .Min-
nesota. Amelia is the wife of D. G. Traphagen.
a resident of Honolulu in the Hawaiian Islands.
Fldward is city salesman for the (jcdney Pickle
LompaiiN- and resides with his mother. Hattie
is the wife of Elmer E. I'axton. also a resident
of Honolulu and the owner of a sugar plantation
there. Frederick died in nuluth. .Minnesota, at
the age of nineteen years and ten months.
St. Paul was a small town wdien Peter Regels-
berger took up his abode here in 1852. He pur-
chased a farm on the west side of the river in
what is now West St. Paul, which is all built up
with residences at the ])resent time. There he
carried on general agricultural pursuits for many
vears and during that time he went to South Da-
kiita and also to North Daknta, purchasing land
in each state and improving his farms. He after-
ward removed to his farm in South Dakota,
where he resided for a few \ears, Init eventually
returned to St. Paul. His time was afterward
divided between this city and South Dakota and
liis entire life was devoted to general agricultural
]jursuits. His last farming was done on his land
in .^outh Dakota, after which he gave up agricul-
tural jnirsuits and returned to St. Paul mi ac-
count of his health, living retired until his death,
which occurred January 28, 1S88. He was a
very successful agrieultiuMst and carefidly man-
aged his farming interests, keeping abreast with
the progress of the times in all matters ])ertain-
ing to the impnjvement of his land In ])olitics
he was a democrat and in religious faith was con-
nected with the ( "icrman Catholic church. Dr.
Robb was a re|)ul)lican in |)olitics and was a
member of the ^lasonic fraternity and the \\'ood-
nien camp, both of Litclitield, while be and his
wife held membershi]) in the I'.aptisi church, lie
enjoyed a good practice and felt deep interest
in his profession from the liumanitarian and sci-
entific standpoints. Both Mr. Regelsberger and
Dr. Robb had many friends in St. Patd and the
death of each was deejily regretted by tliose who
knew him. Following her husband's death Mrs.
Regelsberger sold his farming pro])erty and has
resided continuously in .St. Paul, making her
home at 244 East Tenth street, where she is liv-
ing with her two sons and her daughter, .Mrs.
Robb.
FREDERICK XCSS15ACMER.
h'rederick Xussbaumer. who since i8yi has
been superintendent of the city parks of St. Paul,
was born in IJaden, Germany, November 7, 1856,
his ]>arents being Frederick and .Mary 1 Schillin-
ger) .Nus.sbaumer. who were likewise natives of
the fatherland, where they always resided. Fred-
erick Nussbaumer. Sr., was a nursery man. car-
rving on business in support of his family
throughout his entire life. He died in 1900, at
the age of sixty-eight years and his widow is now
living at the age of eighty-four years. In their
family were four children.
Frederick Xussbaumer, the second in order of
birth, was educated in the ])ublic schools of Frei-
Inirg, liaden, Germany, and in a technical school,
completing courses in botany, Latin and both
ci\il ;md mechanical engineering. He Ijegan land-
scape gardening in the city of iladen I'.aden and
was also employed in Paris as representative for
a firm of landscape architects of Carlsruhe. He
was sent by the same firm to several other places
and for two years was in Moscow. Subse(|uently
he assisted his father in the nursery business, in
laving out estates, etc., and gained a thorough fa-
niiliarit\- with his chosen field of labor. In 1870
he rendered military service to his country as a
(lerman soldier in the I'"rench campaign. In 1876
he came to the L'nited .States and made his way at
once to .St, Paul, but afterward went to llig-
stone county. .Minnesota, where he took up a
claim of one hundred and sixt\- acres of land,
devoting his time and attention to its improve-
ment and cultivation foi- three \ears, when he
sold that ])ropcrt\ and returned to .St. Paul,
wlu're for a ])erio(l he engaged in market gar-
(U'liing. In 1887. when tlie work of developing
Como I'ark was begun, he secured employment
there as a laborer by reason of his knowledge
PAST AXU PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
435
of landscape garck'ning- and his aljility sunn won
recoj^nition. for in the second year he was made
foreman, acting Ijoth as gardener and foreman
until iSyi, when he was elected superintendent
of the city parks and by re-election each succes-
sive year has been cnntinued in the offica to the
present time.
Mr. Xussbaumer was married July 7, 1882, to
Miss Rosa T^Iattniuller, of St. Paul, who is a
native of (Germany. Their children are Anna.
Alfred. Lillian C. and Arthur W. Air. Xuss-
baumer is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
the Elks, the Ancient (Jrder of United Workmen
and the Sons of Hermann. He is a very efficient
man in his position and the beauty of St. Paul's
jiarks, which are certainly an adornment to the
citv. is largely attribntal:)le to his efforts and skill.
He is popular among his associates and is re-
garded as one of the worthy German- American
citizens of St. Paul. He has never had occasion
to regret his determination to seek a home in
America, for he has found here the business op-
portunities which he sought and through their
utilization has advanced to a prominent ]ilace in
the line of his chosen profession.
LOUIS KRIEGER.
.\mnng the names that appear prominently
upon the pages of pioneer history in St. Paul is
that of Louis Krieger, who came to this city
in 1852. He was engaged in the retail and
wholesale grocery business and also in the lum-
ber trade and moreover he wielded a wide influ-
ence in political circles. He was particularly act-
ive, however, in laying the foundation for the
present commercial prosperity of the city. His
birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, on the 3d
of June. 1828, his parents being Frederick Wil-
liam and Charlotte W. (Frowitter) Krieger. both
of whom were natives of Germany, where the fa-
ther engaged in farming throughout his entire
life. P.oth he and his wife passed away in that
countrv. Louis Krieger attended the common
schools of Germany, acquiring a fair education,
and was but seventeen vears of age when he
came to America with some friends. He had
heard favorable reports concerning business op-
portunities in the new world and believing that
he might more rapidly gain advancement he re-
solved to seek his fortune in .America and bade
adieu to friends and native land. Locating in
St. Louis, Alissouri, he w-as employed in various
ways for a few }ears, accepting any work that
would yield him an honest living.
It was during his residence in that city that
Mr. Krieger was married to Miss Caroline Tepe,
who has been to him a faithful companion and
helpmate on life's JLUirney. She was also a na-
tive of the fatherland, as were her parents, John
Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Kirksiek) Tepe,
who came to the L'nited States in 1840, settling
in St. Louis, Missouri, where they resided until
1854, when they removed to St. Paul. Here Mr.
Tepe secured a ]Msition in a foundr\- and his
capability and trustworthiness led to his pro-
motion from time to time until he became one of
the managers of the foundry. He was thus en-
gaged for many years and eventually was em-
l>lnyed by Mr. Krieger for a few years. He aft-
erward gave up all business and lived retired,
spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of
a well earned rest. Roth he and his wife died in
St. Paul. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Krie-
ger were thirteen children, eight of whom are
now living: Allen C. who is one of the promi-
nent business men of St. Paul and is now vice
president of the St. Paul Rubber Companv :
Charles O., a salesman for Lindeke, Warner &
Company, of St. Paul : Franklin, a teacher of mu-
sic with office in the Chamber of Commerce ;
Xettie. the wife of C. J. Ness, of this city: Ade-
line, the wife of Omer W. Scott, of St. Paul ;
Caroline, a teacher in the public schools of this
city : Xina. the wife of Edwin G. Spindler, a
traveling salesman residing in St. Paul : and Flor-
ence, the wife of Harry E. George, an insurance
agent and noted singer of St. Paul, by whom .she
has one child, Caroline. Of those who have
l^assed away two died in infancy, while Edward.
Henry and Louis are also deceased.
Following his marriage Mr. Krieger resided
in St. Louis, Missouri, until 1852, when he came
to .St. Paul. Here he formed a partnership with
436
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Mr. Haas and they established a retail grocery
store at the corner of Fifth and Robert streets,
where they remained for a few years. Later Air.
Krieger engaged in the same line of business on
his own account at the corner of Third and Min-
nesota streets and his trade steadily increased
there, reaching such proportions that he at length
determined to embark in the wholesale trade as
well. He therefore erected a large brick build-
ing un the same corner and conducted both a
wholesale and retail grocery house, for about ten
_\ears. On account of ill health he began travel-
ing, going upon the road as a salesman for a
wholesale grocery house, in which position
he continued for a short time. He afterward,
however, turned his attention to the milling busi-
ness buying grain at the old Schafer mill in St.
Paul for a short time. Later he entered into
partnership with a Mr. Keller and they became
retail lumber merchants of this city, conducting"
the business with success for several years, after
which Air. Krieger gave up all business interests
and lived retired for about a decade. During the
period of his connection with commercial and in-
dustrial interests here he had displayed excellent
business qualifications, thorough reliability and
undaunted energy, and as the years went by he
won a gratifying measure of success, which en-
abled him to spend his last days in retirement
from further labor. He passed away February
7, 1885, and his death was the occasion of deep
regret to many friends. He always took a very
active interest in politics, read broadly upon the
questions and issues which divided the two great
parties and was a stanch republican. He served
as alderman of the city for more than five years
and gave to each question which came up for set-
tlement in regard to municipal affairs his careful
consideration. He stood for progress and ad-
vancement in all lines of life and was always
loval to .-Xmerican institutions and opposed mis-
rule in all municipal affairs. At times he was
very prosperous in his business and again met
with some reverses, but altogether he was quite
successful and under all considerations was
known for his close adherence to a high standard
of business ethics. He was well known to all of
the old settlers of the city, being one of its pio-
neer merchants, establishing his first grocery
store here when St. Paul was a small and some-
what insignificant place, giving little promise of
the growth and development which it has since
attained. He belonged to the German Alethodist
Episcopal church, of which his widow and chil-
dren are also members. Since her husband's
death Airs. Krieger has continued to reside in
St. Paul, but has spent some time in traveling,
making frequent visits to California, where she
has passed several winters. She is now residing
with her children in this city and at the present
time is making her home with her daughter. Airs.
George, at Xo. 382 Alaria avenue. Numbered
among the old settlers of the city, she has wit-
nessed its many changes, its growth and improve-
ment through more than a half centurv and can
tell many interesting incidents of the early days.
CHARLES \\EINHAGEN & COMPANY.
Charles Weinhagen & Compan)', prominently
identified with industrial interests in St. Paul as
a manufacturer of paper boxes, folding boxes,
druggists' boxes and stationery and labels, is car-
r}ing on business at Nos. 480, 482 and 484 Jack-
son street. The company w'as organized in 1886
under the style of Charles Weinhagen & Com-
pany and was incorporated under the same name
m November, 1903, with Robert Hartman as
president, Arthur T. Strauss, vice president and
Charles \\'einhagen, secretary and treasurer.
About one hundred and twenty operatives are em-
jiloyed in the conduct of the business and the
trade extends throughout the northwest and is
largely represented on the road by commercial
travelers. The plant contains about thirty thou-
sand square feet of floor space and is thoroughly
e(|uippcd with the latest improved machinery
needed in this line of manufacture. The business
is now large and successful and is capably con-
ducted by Mr. Hartman and Mr. Weinhagen,
who are the active managers of the concern and
arc thoroughly acquainted with all the details of
the business. The tr.ndc has increased with re-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
437
niarkablc rapidity and in fact has increased more
than fifty per cent in the past three years. Dur-
ing the first year the business was conducted on a
floor space of twenty-five by eighty feet or about
two thousand square feet and the employes were
but five in number, but the force has been grad-
ually enlarged and is still being increased as the
growing trade demands greater facilities and
larger output from the house. Air. Weinhagen
and J\Ir. Hartman have been connected with the
company from the beginning and were active in
its organization. For twenty years they have
been residents of St. Paul, having formerly been
connected with a similar business enterprise in
]\filwaukee and at the present writing the firm
is opening a plant in Duluth, Minnesota. They
are thoroughly conversant with the trade in all its
departments, considering no detail too unessential
for their supervision and at the same time enlarg-
ing the business along modern lines of enterprise
and activitv.
JOHN D. HYLAND.
John D. Hyland, conducting a plumbing, heat-
ing and electric fixture business at No. io6 East
Fourth street, is a native son of Minnesota, dis-
playing good business ability in the conduct of
his present enterprise. He was born in Farm-
ington in 1872 and is a son of Frank and Mary
E. Hyland, both of whom came to this state
in 1848. The mother was from New York and
died about eighteen years ago. Frank Hy-
land arrived in St. Paul in 1848, but
two years later purchased a farm near
Barnesville, Dakota county, IMinnesota, where he
made his home for eight years. He then removed
to Farmington, where he purchased a tract of
land, upon which he resided until a few years
prior to his death, which occurred in St. Paul in
1897. In politics he was a stanch and unfalter-
ing democrat. In the family were two sons, both
residents of St. Paul and a daughter. Mrs.
Giessel.
John D. Hyland was reared in Dakota county
and pursued his education in the graded and high
24
schools- of Farmington. He afterward learned
the plumbing trade, with which he has been con-
nected for the past eighteen years. He thor-
oughly mastered the business in every detail, gain-
ing broad and practical experience and in the
employ of others he gradually won promotion
as his efficiency and capability were demonstrated.
Three years ago he embarked in business on his
own accotnit and is today conducting an estab-
lishment of plumbing, heating and electric fix-
tures at No. 106 East Fourth street. Within a
brief period he has built up a fine trade and has
a thoroughly up-to-date business. He employs
from twenty-eight to forty men and is constant!)'
enlarging his business both in its scope and facil-
ities. He employs two or three assistants in the
office and gives personal attention to all of the
aiTairs of this growing enterprise.
Mr. Hyland was married to Miss O'Rourke,
of St. Paul, a graduate of an academy of this
city. Her mother, Mrs. O'Rourke, a widow, is
residing in St. Paul, as are two of her brothers.
Air. and Airs. Hyland have one child. Gladys M.,
and they are communicants of St. Michael's
Catholic church. Their residence is at 382 Wins-
low avenue and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed
by their many friends. Politically Air. Hyland is
a democrat, active in the local ranks of his party
and is now a candidate for alderman in the sixth
ward. Socially he is connected with the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, the Red Alen,
the Hibernians and other fraternal and benevo-
lent institutions.
EDWARD J. RYAN.
It is the character of its citizens that enrich
and ennoble a community, it is the aggregate ac-
tivity of the business men that produce prosperitv
and therefore, as AlcCauley has said, "the his-
tory of a nation is best told in the lives of its
people." On the roster of enterprising and suc-
cessful merchants of St. Paul appears the name
of Edward J. R)'an, the secretary and treasurer
of the wholesale commission house of Alulrooney,
Rvan & Clark.
438
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
A young man, lie was horn in Rochester, Min^
nesota, Noveniher 29, 1870. Jlis father, Edward
J. Ryan, Sr., was a native of Tipperary, Ireland,
who in 1S48 came to the United States, settling
in St. Paul. He afterward removed to Rose-
mont, ^Minnesota, and in the spring of 1864 took
up his abode in Rochester. For many years he
carried on business as a contractor and builder
and his death occurred in December, 1886. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Anne Cam-
pion, was also a native of county Tipperary, Ire-
land, and died in 1902, Of their family of nine
children five are yet living.
Edward J. Ryan of this review acquired his
preliminary education in the public schools of
Rochester and in 1884 came to St. Paul, where
he continued his studies in the Christian Brothers
school. He entered upon his business career as
an employe of the firm of Foot, Schulze & Com-
pany, whom he represented upon the road as a
traveling salesman for fourteen years, his territory
being northeastern ]\Iinnesota. Resigning that
position to enter upon an independent business
career where his labors would more directly ben-
efit himself, he became a stockholder and officer
of the firm of Mulrooney, Ryan & Clark in 1903
and is now secretary and treasurer. The success-
ful conduct of this enterprise in recent years is
attributed in no small degree to his active and
able management, his thorough understanding of
trade conditions and the readiness with which he
adapts his business interests to the needs and de-
mands of the public.
In 1901 Mr. Ryan was married to Miss Lulu
M. Woodward, of Bemidji, Minnesota. He lie-
longs to the Union Commercial Travelers and to
the Iowa State Traveling ]\lcn"s Association, is
identified with lodge No. 59. B. P. O. E., and
with the Catholic church. In politics he is an
independent republican, being too broad-minded
for strictly partisan measures if the interests of
the general public are to be sacrificed. Piecoming
imbued in boyhood with the spirit of enterprise
and progress which have been dominant factors
in the upbuilding of the northwest, he has so
discerningly directed his efforts along well de-
fined lines of labor that difficulties and obstacles
have given way before him and he occupies to-
day a position in commercial circles that man_\- an
older man might well envy.
GENERAL A. J. EDGERTON, LL. D.
Cieneral Ali_)nzo jay Edgerton, legislator, law-
yer and jurist, who also won distinguished mili-
tary honors, was a prominent facinr in the devel-
opment of the northwest, especially in upholding
its legal and political status. His name is insep-
araljly interwoven with the history of this por-
tion of the country and although he never resided
in St. Paul he had a wide and favorable acquaint-
ance among its prominent citizens. He was for
a number of years a resident of the state and his
official acts in the northwest were of such signal
service and breathed such a spirit of lofty patriot-
ism as to make his history of universal interest.
General Edgerton was born in Rome, New
York, June 7, 1827, a son of Lorenzo and Mar-
garet ( Palmer) Edgerton, who were also natives
of Rome, whence they removed to the west in
1855. The father purchased a farm near Mantor-
ville in Dodge county, ^Minnesota, where he car-
ried on general agricultural pursuits until his la-
ter years, when he became an invalid and retired
from active business life. Both he and his wife,
however, remained residents of Mantorville until
called to their final lionie.
General Edgerton was indebted to the ]niblic
school .system of his native city for the early edu-
cational ]irivileges he enjoyed. He afterward at-
ten<led college in Lowville, New York, and sub-
sequently entered the Wesleyan I'niversity ;it Mid-
dletown, Couneclicut. where he pursued the study
of law and was admitted to the bar in the east,
hut he completed his law studies, however, in the
west. After leaving the university he went south
and spent four years in teaching school in difler-
ent places in that section of the country. In the
year 1854 he was in Mississippi and in 1855 was a
resident of the state of Illinois. Pie then came to
Minnesota, settling in Mantorville. the county
seat of Dodge county, where he entered upon the
practice of law, remaining an active mctnbcr of
the bar there for twentv-three vears. During that
A. I. EDGERTON
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
441
period, however, he put aside all personal con-
siderations, business interests and ambitions in
order to respond to the country's call for mili-
tary aid. The Civil war having been inaugurated,
he enlisted on the 14th of August, 1862, as a pri-
vate of Company B, Tenth Alinnesota Infantry.
Seven days later he was promoted to the rank
of ca]3tain of the same company and on the 22d
of Jainiary, 1864, was made captain of the com-
pany. Three days later he • was promoted to
colonel of the Sixty-seventh United States Col-
ored Infantry and thus served from January 25,
1864, until the 8th of January, 1867. He was
made brevet brigadier general of United States
volunteers on the 13th of March, 1865, ™ New
r)rleans and had command of the northern dis-
trict of Louisiana for two years with headquar-
ters at Baton Rouge. He was mustered out in
January. 1867, after a most creditable military
service covering a period of four and a half
years. His promotions came to him in recogni-
tion of gallant and meritorious conduct on the
field of battle. He was a brave and fearless sol-
dier, inspiring his men with much of his own
courage, yet never needlessly exposing the troops
who served under him.
After being mustered out of the arnn ( leneral
Edgerton returned to ^lantorville, Minnesota,
and in 1871 was appointeil by Governor Austin
to the newly created office of railroad commis-
sioner, in which capacity he capabl}- and faithfully
served for four years. In 1S78 he removed to
Kasson, Minnesota, where he engaged in law
practice for three years, \\niile at Kasson he
was appointed by Governor Pillsbury to fill out
the unexpired term of William Windom in Presi-
dent Garfield's cabinet. In 1881 he removed to
Yankton. South Dakota, and was chief justice of
the territory for four years or during the period
of his residence there. In 1885, when the adminis-
tration changed, he removed to ^Mitchell, South
Dakota, where he practiced law for four years.
He also engaged in the private practice of law
there and during that time he was president of the
constitutional convention of South Dakota, for
in the meantime the territory had been admitted
to the Union after a division into two states.
While there he was appointed by President Har-
rison to the position of United States district
judge of South Dakota and remained upon the
bench for six years or until his death. His decis-
ions indicated strong mentality, careful analysis,
a thorough knowledge of law and an unbiased
judgment. The judge on the bench fails more
frequently perhaps from a deficiency in that broad
mindedness which not only comprehends the de-
tails of a situation ([uickly and that insures a com-
plete self-control under even the most exasperat-
ing conditions than from any other cause ; and
the judge wlm makes a success in the discharge
of his multitu.dinous delicate duties is a man of
well rounded character, finely balanced mind and
of sjilendid intellectual attainments. That Judge
Edgerton was regarded as such a jurist is a uni-
formly accepted fact. In 1881 he was appointed
to the Lniited States senate and was an able mem-
l:)er of the highest legislative department of the
nation. His early political support was given to
the democracy and in i860 he was a member of
the democratic national convention held in
Charleston, South Carolina, but after the war he
became a very stanch and luifaltering republican,
doing all in his power to promote the growth
and insure the success of his party because of a
firm lielief in its principles. He was one of the
presidential electors on the republican ticket in
1876. He was a warm personal friend of Gov-
ernor Pillsbury, of Minnesota, and of other dis-
tinguished leaders of the republican party in this
state.
Judge Edgerton was married in New Britain.
Connecticut, to Miss Sarah Curtis, a native of
Middletown, that state, and a daughter of Asahel
and Emily ("Hubbard) Curtis, both of whom
were natives of Connecticut. The father was a
merchant of Middletown and both he and his
wife resided there until called to their final rest.
In the family of Judge and Mrs. Edgerton were
nine children, of whom seven are now living:
Edward G., who married Elma Beatty and is now
])ostmaster at Yankton, South Dakota; George
B.. who married Josephine Godwin and is a lead-
ing attorney of St. Paul ; Henry, a traveling agent
for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany, residing in Salt Lake City, Utah ; Emma
and Margaret, living with their mother; Dr. Wil-
44-'
PAST AXU I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
liaiii M. Edgerton, who niarrietl .A.Ita Antlrews
and resides in Faulkton, South Dakota, where he
i.s engaged in the practice of medicine ; and
Alonzo J., wlio married Olive Xewton and resides
in Xew Fragile, 2^1innesota, where he is fiUing
the position of county attorney for LeSeuer
county. Those deceased are: Asahel Curtis,
who died at the age of eleven vears and eight
months : and Thomas Seldon, who died at the
age of one year.
The death of General Edgerton occurred at
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, August 9, 1896. He
was a member of the Grand Army of the Re-
public and of the Masonic fraternity and those
organizations conducted the funeral services.
many of his Masonic friends from St. Paul being
in attendance. Thus was ended a life of great
activity and usefulness. General Edgerton was
a man of broad reading and scholarly attainments.
He possessed a library of two thousand volumes
which he left to his children. With the contents
of this library he was largely familiar and he
continually supplemented his knowledge by read-
ing, study and investigation. He was a man of
deep thought and discriminating mind and his
intellectual force well qualified him for the re-
sponsible positions which devolved upon hirn.
His course in every office to which he was called
was characterized by unswerving loyalty and dis-
tinguished ability and awakened the admiration
and commanded the respect of all with whom he
came in contact. In the resolutions passed by the
Minnesota Commandery of the Loyal Legion, of
which he had been a member from the 28th of
X'ovember, 1887, it was stated. "The duties and
resiionsibilities which have devolved upon him in
every office and in every position of life, have
been discharged with entire faithfulness to the
puljlic and with great credit to himself. He was
a good teacher, lawyer, legislator, commissioner,
I'nited States senator and judge, a good private,
captain, colonel and general. No stain has ever
attached to his reputation, and no faihu-e has
marked any portion of his career. He was earn-
est in the discharge of every duty, and in every
position occupied, and in every roninuuiity in
which he lived he made his influence felt, and al-
ways used all his faculties and all his powers for
the promotion of the welfare of his neighbors
and associates, and of mankind in general. ^\s a
military officer he was distinguished for implicit
obedience to the instructions and orders of su-
periors and for the care and protection of those
under his command. As civilian he was always
most active in the adoption of such policies and
principles, by communities and states, as would
work out the greatest equality and most beneficial
results to all. He has left the deepest impress
of his life and views upon the institutions of the
state where he died, having been a most active
and useful member of the constitutional conven-
tion that framed the fundamental laws of that
state."
EDGAR F. GOULD.
Edgar F. Gould, who is filling the position of
postmaster in South St. Paul, was born in Belvi-
dere, Illinois. July 22, 1855, his parents being
Lucius T. and Esther Ann (Whitney) Gouid.
The father, a native of Fredonia, New York, was
born in 1829 and became a minister of the Wcs-
leyan Methodist church, devoting the years of
his manhood to the work of the gospel. He died,
however, in early manhood, at the age of thirty-
two years, at Belvidere. Illinois. His wife, a
native of Fredonia, New York, died in St. Paul
Park, at the age of sixty-seven years. In their
familv were the following children : Charlotte
A., who is now living in Milford, Iowa ; Harriet
B., a resident of Rockwell, Iowa ; Mary C, whose
home is in Chico. California; and E. F., of this
review.
Mr. Could was reared in Illinois and Iowa and
acquired a public-school education. In 1865 he
went to Fillmore county, ^linnesota, where he at-
tended school and made his home until 1870. In
his early business career he engaged in the con-
duct of a livery business at Rockwell. Iowa,
where he remained until 1892, when he removed
to St. Paul. Minnesota, where he has since been
a resident, and for nine years he has filled the of-
fice of po.stmastcr of South St. Paul, to which
]>osition he was appointed in 1897. ITis continu-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
443
ancc in the position has come through re-appoint-
ment, a fact whicli indicates capable service. He
is giving a business-hke administration and has
the uniform confidence of the public.
On the 4th of March, 1895, ^^i'- '"'"'cl was
united in marriage to Miss Stella Gould, who
was born in iMllmore county, Minnesota, a daugh-
ter of Rev. John and Emogene (Riley) Gould.
Her father, a native of the state of New York,
removed in early manhood to Iowa and was con-
nected with the \Vesle_\an Methodists of Minne-
sota initil his removal to Fillmore county, Min-
nesota. Several years later he went to Dodge
count\". Minnesota, where he was treasurer and
trustee of \\'esleyan Seminary and pastor of the
chm-ch until ill health caused him to resign.
He died in that county at the age of sixty-three
years. His widow still survives him and is yet
living in St. Paul, at sixty-nine years of sge.
Two children grace the marriage of Mr. and
^Irs. Gould, Esther E. and Daniel E., both of
whom are at home.
Mr. Gould is a member of the Foresters lodge
and has membership relations with the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
has made his own way in the world, having been
left an orphan at an early age. He has thus
been dependent upon his own resources and what-
ever success he has achieved is attributable to
his industry, perseverance and capable manage-
ment. He now owns property in South St. Paul,
where he makes his home. He is a genial, so-
ciable gentleman, whose many good qualities have
made him popular, and he has a large circle 01
friends in St. Paul.
ISIDOR ROSE.
Isidor Rose, who for fifty-two years has been
connected with the Joseph Ulmann fur house and
since 1866 has been manager of what is probably
the leading enterprise of this character in the
world, is also well known and honored in St.
Paul because of a benevolent spirit and a broad
Inmianitarianism which have prompted him to
extend a helping hand in the amelioration of the
hard conditions of life. He was born in Ger-
many, October 9, 1832, and when a young man
of eighteen years came to the United States,
settling in New Orleans in 1850. Five years la-
ter he came to St. Paul. In 1854 he entered the
employ of the Joseph Ulmann fur house, with
which he has since been connected and his fidel-
ity, capability and readiness in the mastery of
anv task assigned him led to his rapid promotioi:
imtil in 1866 he became manager. This house
probably deals more extensively in raw hides and
pelts than any other in the world, having branch
hciuses in the principal cities of Germany, France,
.Australia, England and many other countries as
well as at various points in America and Canada.
Its operations are most extensive and in the con-
trol of its mammoth business many men are em-
])loyed. Having acquairited himself thoroughly
with the trade in all of its departments, 3i[r. Rose
was made manager forty years ago and has since
continued in control of the business, which owes
its growth and development in no small measure
to his executive force, keen discrimination and
close application.
Mr. Rose is a member of the St. Paul Com-
mercial Club, the Standard Club, a Jewish social
organization, and the Independent Order of
H'nai Brith, a society formed for benevolent pur-
poses. He is especially interested in charitable
work and his benefactions in this direction have
been many. He has not allowed the accumula-
tion of wealth to warp his nature or in any way
effect his conduct to those less fortunate in a
financial way. but on the contrary has always
been willing to assist others and young men
have found him especially encouraging as they
have started in l)usiness life. Different charitable
organizations have received his substantial aid
and vet he is unostentatious in his giving. In con-
nection with other organizations with which he
is associated ma\- be mentioned the Junior Pio-
neers. Politicallv he is an independent democrat.
On May 14, 1865, Mr. Rose was united in mar-
riage to Miss Nannie S. Levi, who is of German
birth. They have three sons, Albert Napoleon,
Isaac E. and Nathan S.. aged respectively thirty-
nine, thirtv-thrce and thirty years and all occupy-
444
'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ing good positions in connection with the L Inuuin
business. Albert X. and Isaac E. are members
of the Commercial Ckib and all three sons are
members of the Minnesota Club. The family
residence is at No. 513 Summit avenue, one of
the beautiful homes of the city, and its generous
and warm-hearted hospitality is one of its most
attractive features. Public spirited in citizen-
ship, loyal in friendship and devoted to home ties,
Mr. Rose commands the uniform confidence and
respect of all with whom he has been associated.
JESSE FOOT.
ively. On April 9, 1905, Air. Foot was married
to the widow of the late George Seibert, a promi-
nent musician of St. Paul.
Fraternally Mr. Foot is connected with the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, with the Knights
of Pythias, Sons of Hermann, Loyal Americans,
Good Samaritans, Foresters of America, the
Knights of the Maccabees and the Royal Arca-
num. He is a valued representative of these dif-
ferent organizations, exemplifying in his life their
beneficient principles. A creditable business rec-
ord has been followed by one equally creditable
in office and as custodian of public funds in
Ramsey county he has given uniform satisfac-
tion that has wen him high encomiums from all
concerned.
On the roster of county officials of Ramsey
countv appears the name of Jesse Foot and in
the discharge of the duties of county treasurer
he is proving a capable official, whose service
has won high encomiums. He was elected on No-
vember 8, 1904, and on January ist following en-
tered upon the active work of the position. Born
in Pennsylvania, he came to St. Paul with his
father's family in 1880, when but eight years of
age and is a product of the public-school sys-
tem here, having pursued his education in the
grammar and higher grades. From early youth
he has been engaged in the watch-making and
jewelry business, for on putting aside his text-
books he qualified for active service in those lines
by entering a jewelry house, in which he was
employed for some time, thoroughly mastering
the business. His reputation in social circles was
ever a creditable one and he continued his con-
nection with trade relations in St. Paul until his
election to his present office. Prior to this time
he had never accepted any place of political pre-
ferment. Being a republican his successful cam-
I^aign for this office shows the esteem in which
he is uniformly held and his popularity among
his fellow townsmen.
Mr. Foot was first married when but nine-
teen years of age, wedding a young lady from
Denver, Colorado, who died on ,\])ril 23, 1903,
leaving two children. Jesse Melvin and James
Lester, then ten and six years of age respect-
JOHN H. MITCHELL.
John H. Mitchell, practicing at the St. Paul
liar, was born in Pennsylvania, Januarj- 27, i860,
a son of John H. and Sarah (Hoon) Mitchell,
who were also natives of the Keystone state.
The father removing to the northwest, settled
in Portland, Oregon, where he died in 1905. John
H. Alitchell, Jr., attended the public schools of
Pennsylvania and the Mount LTnion College at
-\lliance, Ohio. He was graduated in 1878 on the
completion of a four years' course and afterward
devoted two years to the study of law in the L^ni-
versity of IMichigan at Ann ,\rbor, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1881. He opened
an office for practice in Seattle, Washington,
where he remained for si.x years, becoming a
nieml)er there of the firm of McNaught, Ferry,
McNaught & Alitchell. While in the northwest
he was connected with the legal department of
the Northern Pacific Railroad and in 1887 was
transferred to Tacoma. \\'ashington, to succeed
James Mc.\;uight, .Sr., as counsel for the western
divisions of the road, in which ca])acit\- he served
for five years. He was then sent to .St. Paul
again to succeed Mr. McNaught, who had been
appointed general counsel for the road, and re-
moved to New York. Mr. Mitchell came to this
citv as counsel for the entire s\slem an<I thus
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
445
represented the railroad interests until lyoo,
when he severed his connection with the North-
ern Pacific and entered upon the private practice
of law. He is regarded as one of the distin-
guished members of the St. Paul bar. Early in
his professional career he resolved never to seek
office and he has adhered strenuously to that de-
termination. He has therefore won the success
which comes from undivided attention, close ap-
I)lication and a thorough understanding of legal
principles. He is well versed in all departments
of law, but practices civil law, advancing rapidly
and steadily in his profession until he is today one
of the most widely known and popular lawyers
of the St. Paul bar. Fraternally he is connected
with Summit lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while
his religious faith is indicated b}' his member-
ship in the House of Hope Presbyterian church.
HUGO STEIN?\1UELLER.
Hugo .Steinmueller. who has won a foremost
place among the men of business activity and en-
terprise who are promoters of the commercial
prospcrit}- of St. Paul, was born in Germany.
Mav 2. 1868. His education was acquired in
public and ]iri\'ate schools of his native country
and after putting aside his te.xt-books he learned
the cigar and tobacco business, being employed
in various places in his native land. Crossing
the .Atlantic to the United States, he came direct
til St. Paul in 1894 and for a year was associated
with George ?\Iaeller, a cigar manufacturer. He
afterward entered the employ of .August Peck
& Company and he began business on his own
account in his present location as a wholesale
dealer in cigars and tobacco. He also manufac-
tures various popular brands of cigars and his
trade has already reached very extensive and
[irotitable proportions and is constantly growing.
The output of the house is now large and the
(product is shipped to various localities, while a
liberal local trade is enjoved.
Air. Steiimiueller is a meiuber of the .Ancient
Order of United \^'orkmen. c;nup No. 86. and to
lodge No. 59, B. P. O. E. In politics he is an
independent democrat. Coming to America with
the hope of benefiting his financial condition, he
has here found the opportunities that he sought
and through utilization of the advantages which
surround all he has gradually luade his way to
the front rank of business men in his adopted
citv.
THEOPHILUS BOWMAN.
Theophilus Bowman, residing in Alerriam Park
and who has controlled in an active business ca-
reer various agricultural, mercantile and other
interests, was born in Chester county, Petuisyl-
vania. His parents were Harrison and Alice
(Burt) Bowman, of German and Irish descent
respectively. The father was killed in a flouring
mill at the age of twenty-seven years and his
willow survived for some time. Thgte were but
two children, the Ijrother being Williaiu Bow-
man, who is now living in Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania.
.At the usual age Theophilus Bowman began
his education which was continued in the public
and private school to the age of seventeen years,
when he began learning the luilling business,
serving a three years' apprenticeship in his hoiue
town. .Attracted by the growing business oppor-
tunities of the west, in the fall of 1856 he made
his way to Wisconsin, wdiere he lived with an
uncle and was employed in a flouring mill at
Rochester, that state. .After a few months, how-
ever, he removed to Faribault, Aliiniesota. in
Alarch, 1857, and operated a sawiuill and flouring
mill for the firm of Gibson & Skinner, in whose
service he was retained for some time. After
about two years, however, he went to Hastings,
Alinncsota, and operated a sawmill through the
summer season. He then went to Goodhue
county, where he purchased a farm, which he
improved, making it his home until the spring
of 1879, when he took up his abode in North-
field, Minnesota, where he was engaged in deal-
ing in farm machinery. In 1882 he made his
way to the Red river county, settling at Fisher,
where he opened a general store and from De-
446
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ccmbcr. 1882. until December, 1891, he con-
ducted a successful mercantile enterprise there.
At the latter date, however, he closed out his
business and came to St. Paul, since which time
he has made his home in Merriam Park. He has
had various interests, including- farm and mer-
cantile business concerns and is recognized as a
man of sound judgment, who has won success
in his undertakings and is now enjoying the fruit
of his former toil.
Mr. Bowman was married, .Septemlxr 4. 1883.
to Miss Adele Parks, a claughtei- of Moses Parks,
originally from New York and a pioneer of Min-
nesota. ]Mrs. Bowman has a sister, Mrs. \'iola
Ikirlock, also living in Merriam Park, while
their brother. Stiles Parks, is a resident of \'ir-
ginia. Minnesota.
In his political views Mr. Bowman is a repub-
lican and his ability and worth have won recog-
nition through elections to public office. While
living in ( irTiflhue county he was called to vari-
ous positions of public trust and responsibilitv,
acting as assessor and justice of the peace for a
period of twelve years and in 1870 he also repre-
sented his county in the state legislature. He
is spoken of as a kind neighbor and good citi-
zen and is a man who has wielded a wide influ-
ence in the various localities in which he has re-
sided. Wherever found he is the same genial,
courteous gentleman whose ways are those of
refinement and whose word no man can ques-
tion.
SCPIROEDER I'.ROTHRRS.
Schrocder lirothers are partners in a general
hardware business in East St. Paul and as mer-
chants have wrotight along modern lines, devel-
oping their trade interests in harmony with a
high standard of commercial ethics. They are
sons of .Mathias and Eva fSeiglc) Schroeder, na-
tives of Germany. They were married in Mobile,
Alabama, after which they came to Minnesota in
1856, settling in Winona. The father, a carpen-
ter by trade, was closely connected with l)uilding
operations in that city for many years and he
died in iSyj, at the advanced age of eighty-three
years, while his wife passed away in 1895, when
sixty-five years of age. In their family were
four children : Lena, now the wife of T. J.
Heller, of Winona, Minnesota ; Henry R., a mem-
ber of the firm of Schroeder Brothers ; Mary, the
wife of Oscar Schneider, of Winona, Minnesota ;
and Mathew, also of the firm.
Mathew J. Schroeder was l)orn in this state,
February 13, 1862, and was educated in the pub-
lic and parochial schools. Entering upon his busi-
ness career he pursued a clerkship in the hard-
ware store of The R. D. Cone Hardware Com-
pany at \\'inona and was thus engaged for eight
years, during which tiiue he gained comprehen-
sive and accurate knowledge of the business in
principle and detail. He spent a year and a half
ii|)on the road as a traveling salesman and in
1889 located in East .St. Paul and opened his
present store at 902 Payne avenue by buying
out an established business. The firm of
Schroeder Brothers was formed and enlarged
and put in an extensive stock of goods, now car-
rying a large line of general hardware and doing
a ])rofitable business.
Mathew J. Schroeder was marrieil in i8i)6 to
Miss Annie Lenharts, of Winona, ]\iinnesota,
and they have a daughter, Marie Margaret
■Schroeder. He is a member of the Catholic Or-
der of Foresters and is connected with the I'tnireh
of the Sacred Heart and with the Improvement
.\ssociation of St. Patil.
Henry R. .Schroeder was born in Muliile, .\la-
bama, November 5, 1854, and ac(|uired his edu-
cation in the public schools of Winona, Minne-
sota. In early life he worked .-it the carpenter's
trade with his father and in 1882 he came to
Minneapolis, where he was identified with build-
ing o])erations until 1889. when he came to East
St. Paul and with his brother purchased the hard-
ware store which they have since conducted un-
der the firm style of .Schroeder Brothers. They
are members of the Retail Hardware Dealers
.'\ssociation and Henry R. Schroeder is connected
with the Modern Woodmen of .America and with
the Commercial Club. Their strict integrity,
business conservatism and judgiucnt have been
miiformly recognized, so that they have enjoyed
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
447
public confidence to an enviable degree and nalur-
ally this has brought them a lucrative patronage
so that there has been a steady increase in their
business, which is now one of the prosperous
mercantile concerns in their section of the state.
FREDERIC A. PIKE.
Frederic A. Pike, lawyer and democratic
leader, was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Jnly i6,
1863. His father, Charles E. Pike, was a native
of Maine, prepared for the bar, entered upon the
practice of law and was also a recognized leader
in public affairs in the various communities in
which he lived, representing his district in the
legislatures of both Maine and Massachusetts
while residing in those states. Removing west-
ward to Wisconsin, he founded in 1859 the Osh-
kosh Northwestern and thus became an active
factor in journalism. He was also the first so-
licitor for internal revenue, being appointed im-
mediately after the Civil war. Well qualified
for leadership, he left the impress of his individu-
ality upon public thought and action and wielded
a wide influence in public affairs in the various
communities in which he resided. He died in
St. Paul in i8gi). at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Mary Bowles, is a descendant of John
Eliot, the famous Indian apostle and missionary,
whose labors were so effective in promoting civ-
ilization among the red men in colonial days.
Frederic A. Pike was a public-school student in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, completing the high-school
course b}- graduation with the class of 1880. He
further ])ursued his studies in the I^niversity of
Wisconsin, where he was graduated in 1885, and
with broad literary learning to serve as the foun-
dation upon which to rear the superstructure of
professional knowledge he matriculated in the
law school of the same institution and was gradu-
ated in 1888. The same year he removed to St.
Paul and entered upon the practice of law, and
the favorable judgment which the public passed
upon him at the outset of his career has not been
set aside or modified but on the contrarv has
been strengthened as the years have gone b)' and
he has demonstrated his ability to handle impor-
tant litigated interests and solve the intricate
problems of jurisprudence. His clientele is large
and his business is of a distinctively representa-
tive character. His briefs are characterized by
clearness and conciseness, his arguments by force
and logical deduction and the many notable ver-
dicts he has won are indicative of his thorough
understanding of legal principles.
Moreover Mr. Pike has exercised a wide influ-
ence in public affairs and in 1892 was chosen a
member of the assembly, the upper branch of the
St. Paul common council, elected by the city at
large. The following year he was appointed as-
sistant city attorney and held that office until
1895. ■^''"- Tike was then a republican, but since
1896 he has affiliated with the democratic party
upon the national issues arising at that time. He
assisted in the formation of the present city and
county democratic organization and was vice
chairman thereof until 1904, when he became
chairman for tlie term of two years.
Mr. Pike was married in 1895 to Miss Stella
Sheldon, a daughter of Philo J- Sheldon, of Owa-
tonna. ^Minnesota. Their children are Frederic,
rieatrice, Robert and Marian Pike, and the fam-
ily- is prominent socially. Mr. Pike belongs to
the Chi Psi fraternity, a college organization, of
which he was the national president in 1890.
HENRY A'ON DER WEYER.
Henry Yon der Weyer, in an analyzation of
whose business career, shows consecutive ad-
vancement and steady progress in recognition
of capability, resulting from a mastery of everv
task and duty assigned him, is now the assistant
cashier of the National German-American P.ank
of St. Paul, which position he has occupied since
February, 1903. He was born October 23, 1866,
in the city which is still his place of residence,
a son of William Von der ^^''eyer. who in 1865
came from Cologne. Germany, to the new world.
After traveling through the southern part of the
United States he decided upon St. Paul as a fa-
44cS
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAIL.
vorablc location ami was a prominent factor in
l)usiness circles of this city from that time to his
death in u)oo. He became widely known as a
capitalist and landholder, making judicious and
prafital)le investments and at the same time
throuo-h the promotion of his individual pros-
perity contributed in large measure to the devel-
opment of St. Paul. His property holdings in-
cluded the quarter section now owned by the
Ramsey county poor farm, which is one of the
finest tracts of land in the state of Minnesota. His
co-operation could be counted upon to further
all movements for general progress ami improve-
ment here. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Anna Maria Rath, was a native of Paderborn,
\\'estphalia, Germany, and died in 1877.
Henry ^^on der Weyer. an only son, pursued
his early education in the parochial schools of
St. Paul and afterward attended St. John's I'ni-
versity at Collegevillc, Minnesota, where he
graduated and was awarded a gold medal for
proficiency. Throughout his entire business ca-
reer he has been identified with the National
German-American Piank, which he entered in
1884 in a humble capacity. Thoroughly acquaint-
ing himself with every task assigned him and
displaying efificiency in tlie discharge of his du-
ties he has gradually won the promotion which
comes in recognition of fidelity and worth and
since February, 1903, has served continuouslv as
assistant cashier of this institution, which is one
of the strong financial enterprises of the citv.
^fr. Von der \\^eyer was married in 18S8 to
Miss Josephine Stathel. of St. Paul, and they
have an interesting son. Williaiu, thirteen vears
of age, who is now attending St. Francis school.
ATr. Von der Weyer is affiliated with various
fraternal. Iicnevolent and social organizations, in-
cluding the Catholic Tlrder of Foresters, the
Knights of Columbus, the National Union, the
Junior Pioneers and the Commercial Club. In
his political \'iews he is an independent democrat
and his religious faith is indicated bv his mem-
bership in the Catholic church. He is also a
member of the Charter Commission nf St. I 'aid
and the city of his nativity claims his lovaltv and
allegiance, his devotion to itr welfare being mani-
fest in active co-oijerrition and tangible effort for
general improvement and advancement. He is a
man of fine personal appearance and of good busi-
ness qualifications but it is his personal traits
of character — his discriminating mind, his genial
disposition and courteous and approachable man-
ner that have won him his wide circle of friends.
LUCIUS FREDERICK HUP.l'.ARD.
In affairs of state, as taken aside from the ex-
traordinary conditions of warfare, there are de-
manded men whose mental ken is as wide and
whose generalship is as effective as those which
insure successful maneuvering of armed forces by
the skilled commander on the field of battle. The
nation's welfare and prosperity may be said to
hinge as heavily upon individual discrimination
and executive ability in one case as the other.
Lucius Frederick Hubbard has long been recog-
nized as one of the leaders of the re-
])ublican party in Minnesota and his loy-
alty to American institutions stands as an
unciuestioned fact in his career, his patri-
otism finding tangible evidence in the prac-
tical efforts which he has put forth for move-
ments and measures that have been of direct and
immediate serviceableness to the commonwealth.
In the general assembly of the state, as chief ex-
cutive of Minnesota and in legislative councils
of the nation, he has stood fearlessh' in support
of his convictions and has taken an active part in
legislation which has ])rovided for wise and hon-
est government.
General Hubbard is a native of Troy, New
York, born January 26, 1836, and is the eldest
son of Charles T". and .Margaret ( \ an \ alken-
burg) Hubbard. Tn the paternal line he is a lin-
eal descendant nf George and Mar\- ( llishop)
ihihhard. w h< 1 lieoame residents of \ew iuigland
in the seventeenth century, while in the maternal
line he conies of Holland Dutch ancestry that has
occupied the v;illc\ nf the llndsnn ri\er since the
earliest development of that portion of the Em-
])ire state. General llidibard was but three years
of age when he lust his ])arents. Mis district
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L. 1'. JIUBBARD
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
451
school education was supplemented b_v three years'
study in an academy at Clranville, New York, and
he entered upon the stern realities of life at the
age of fifteen, when he became a factor in the
business world. Through the succeeding three
years he served an apprenticeship at the tinsmith's
trade and three years were passed as a journey-
man in Chicago, Illinois, whence in 1857 he came
to Minnesota. Abandoning his trade, he began the
publication of the Red Wing Republican, having
announced himself as a champion of the new po-
litical organization which had been established
only a year or two before. He was thus identi-
fied with journalism until after the outbreak of
the Civil war and in the meantime he filled the
position of register of deeds for Goodhue county
for two years. He had also received the nomina-
tion of the republican party for state senator, but
was defeated in his race for that office.
General Hubbard was a close and earnest stu-
dent of the great questions preceding the out-
break of the Civil war and in December, 1861,
he became a follower of the flag, joining the h'ifth
Minnesota Infantry as a private. His militar}-
service was characterized by consecutive promo-
tion. He became captain February 5, 1862 ; lieu-
tenant colonel on the 24th of March following ;
and Colonel on the 31st of August of the same
year. He was brevetted brigadier general Decem-
ber 16, 1864, for "conspicuous gallantry in the bat-
tle of Nashville, Tennessee." He commanded a
brigade for nearly two years and participated dur-
ing his service in thirty-one engagements and all
the important campaigns of the southwest. Some-
thing of the character of his service is indicated
b\- the fact that on the list of battles in which he
participated appears the names of Corinth, Farm-
ington, luka, \'icksl.)urg, Jackson, Pleasant Hill,
the Red River expedition. Yellow Bayou, Nash-
ville, the Mobile campaign and the siege and cap-
ture of Spanish Fort. Early in his military ca-
reer he displayed the soldierly qualities which
won him promotion. In his official report of the
battle of Corinth, fieneral D. S. Stanley said :
"At this instant I sent the Fifth ^linnesota to at-
tack the flank of the second column of the enemy
counting from his right, and I am happ}- to bear
testimon\- to the s-allant fiyht of this little retri-
ment, commanded by Colonel Hubbard. Few
regiments on the field did more effective killing
than they." General Mower in a letter dated
January 25, 1864, wrote: "I have been acquaint-
ed with Colonel L. F. Hubbard, Fifth Regiment
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, nearly two years,
and know him to be a man of high moral charac-
ter, an efficient oflicer, and a gentleman, always
at his post in action, and faithful and prompt in
the discharge of his duties. He has, at times,
been in temporary command of this brigade and
has filled the position with ability and with credit
to himself. On assuming command of the regi-
ment of which he is now colonel, he found it in
a low state of discipline, but by strict attention
to his duties as commanding oflicer, has made it
one of the most efficient regiments in this brig-
ade." General Hubbard was wounded at Cor-
inth, May 28, 1862, and at Nashville, Tennessee,
December 16, 1864. In the official report of the
operations of his command at X^ashville, Ten-
nessee, December 16, 1864, .Major General A. J.
Smith, conmianding detachment. Arm_\- of the
Tennessee, states as follows : "Colonel L. F.
Hubbard, Fifth ^Minnesota, commanding the Sec-
ond Brigade, First Division, had tlyee horses
shot under him on the i6th. (ioing into action
with a total of one thousand four hundred twenty-
one muskets in his brigade, he captured over two
thousand prisoners, nine pieces of artillery, and
seven stand of colors, and the casualties in his
brigade number three hundred fifteen." His
health was impaired l)y his arduous service and it
was sometime after being mustered out at [Mobile,
Alabama, September 6, 1865, that he was able to
resume l)usiness life following his return to Red
W^ing, Minnesota.
In 1866, however, General Hubbard became
connected with the grain and milling trade and
developed a business of large proportions. A
man of resourceful ability and enterprise, he also
extended his efforts to other lines of activity and
in 1866 completed the Midland Railroad from
Wabasha to Zumbrota. whicli line was afterward
purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railroad Company. Subsequently Mr. Hubbard
was the promoter of the line of the Minnesota
General from Red Wine to ^faukato. which was
452
AST AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
constructed under his direction and nmre recentlx
he projected the DuUith. Red \\ int^ iS: Southern
Railroad, which was under his management until
1902. As a railroad builder he has contributed in
substantial measure to the industrial, commercial
and ai^ricultural progress of the state through af-
fording rapid means of trans])ortation.
Aside from his private business interests,
which have been of considerable importance and
magnitude, General Hubbard has been recog-
nized as a leader in political circles in the state
and his official record has become a matter of
history. He is an honor to the commonwealth
which has honored him. Xo public official has
a record without mistakes, but there are few men
who have accomplished greater or more practical
good in office than has Lucius I'. Hubbard, whose
first position of importance was that of state sen-
ator, to which he was elected in 1872. He had
been nominated on the re]jublican ticket for con-
gress in 1868 from the second district of Minne-
sota, but a question of regularity having arisen
he declined to stand as a candidate. However, in
1872, he was chosen to represent his district in
the senate and was re-elected in 1874, while in
1876 he declined nomination for a third term.
In 1 88 1 he was chosen as the standard bearer for
his party in the state election and was chosen
govrnor by a majority of twenty-seven thousand
eight hundred and fifty-seven votes, the largest
ever received by any candidate for office up to
th.at time, and a re-election continued him in the
position for five years. It would be impossible
to give a detailed account of his public service.
He was ever watchful of the general interests,
discharged the important duties of his position
with noticeable freedom from ])arty lies and stood
for reform and improvement in every department
of the state's service. Among the important
measures of hisadministration secured in response
to his recommendation were: the ])resent railway
and warehouse commission : the existing system
of state grain inspection ; state ins|)ection of dairy
jjroducts ; the present state sanitary organization
for protection of public health ; the state board
of charities and corrections ; the establishment o:'
the state public school at Owatonna ; the organi-
zation of the state national trn.ard, and tlie change
from annual to Ijiennial elections. The state
finances were also administered on business i)rin-
ciples of a high order. During the five years
(jovernor llul)l)ard was in office the taxes levied
for state purposes averaged less than for the ten
preceding years or for any period since. The rate
of taxation was largely reduced, while the pub-
lic debt was materially decreased, and at the same
time the trust funds were increased from $6,278,-
911.92 to .$9,001,637.14. A political position pre-
supposes opposition. It is a part of the policy
of any organization to attack the position of its
opponents and (iovernor Hubbard was not free
fnim the criticism of the ultra ]iartisans, but
there are no imbiased citizens who do not ac-
knowledge his loyalty to his honest convictions,
his devotion to the general welfare and his earn-
est and untiring cti'orts in behalf of the state at
large.
Through appointment by Governor Marshall
in 1866. ]\Ir. Hubbard had been appointed on the
commission to investigate the status of the state
railroad bonds and to ascertain the terms on
which holders would surrender them. He was
also named a member of the commission appoint-
ed by the legislature in 1874 to investigate the
accounts of the state auditor and state treasurer.
He served on the commission of arbitration a.p-
pointed by the legislature in 1879 to adjust dif-
ferences between the state and the state ])rison
contractors and on the commission appointed by
the legislature in 1889 to compile and publish a
history of Minnesota military organization in the
Civil war and the Indian war of 1861-65. He
was a member for ^Minnesota of the republican
national committee from 1896 until 1900. He
again entered military life when, on the 6th of
lune. iSijS, he received the apijointnunt from
President McKinle\- as brigadier general and
served tliroughout the Spanish-American war in
command of the Third Division, Seventh Army
Corps.
Gi-neral Hubbard was married in 1868 at Red
Wing, .Minnesota, to Miss Amelia Thomas, a
daughter of Charles Thomas and a lineal descend-
ant of Sir John Moore. They have three cliil-
(Iren: Charles F., Lucius \'. and Julia M. Hub-
liard. The familv residence was maintained in
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
453
Red Wing fruni 1857 until lyoi and since that
time has been in .^t. Paul.
General Hubbard is a valued and prominent
representative of various fraternal and civic or-
ganizations. He belongs to Acker Post, G. A. R..
of St. Paul ; the Alinnesota Conimandery of the
Loyal Legion ; ^Minnesota Society of the Ameri-
can Revolution ; Society of the Army of the Ten-
nessee ; the Military Order of Foreign Wars ; the
Society of American Wars and is a Knight Tem-
yAar Mason. He has resided continuouslv in this
state for almost a half century and is a typical
citizen of the northwest, continuouslv progressing
abreast with the rapid development and growth
of the northwest. In fact he has been a leader
in the onward march and business interests, the
political sA'stem, the state institutions and meas-
ures for general advancement have felt the stim-
ulus of his co-operation. He has been a student
of the signs of the times and has kept in touch
with the best thinking men of the age. His read-
ing and research have compassed the great ques-
tions that provide not only for exigencies of the
moment but look forward to the possibilities of
the future. In his methods he has combined the
practical and the ideal in utilizing the means at
hand for the betterment of advanced measures and
results. On the long list of eminent men of
whom Minnesota has everv reason to be proud
the name of Lucius I'Vederick Hubbard stands
among the foremost.
ALEXANDER SIIA'ER.
Alexander Silver, now engaged in the real-es-
tate business, was for some years connected with
manufacturing interests in St. Paul, and not only
his success in business but his philanthropy en-
titles him to prominence and mention among the
leading residents here. His birth occurred in
West Poland. March 23. 1866, a son of David A.
and Sarah Freide (Gottstein) Silver, who always
remained residents of their native land. .Alexander
Silver, however, caine to America when fifteen
vear.s of age, landing at New York city and
making his wa\' direct to St. Paul. He then at-
tended school- for one year, after which he went
to Deadwood, South Dakota, where he engaged
in keeping books for an uncle. After some
time, however, he returned to St. Paul and for
one year was engaged in the boot and shoe trade.
At the expiration of that period he sold his store
and tm-ned his attention to real-estate dealing but
when a year had passed he traded his real-estate
interests for the Kimball & Lewis wholesale no-
tion house, which lie conducted successfully for a
few years until the financial panic of 1894. Start-
ing again in business he once more became a
<lcalcr in real-estate, in which line he continued
for five years and in 1899 he became connected
with the manufacturing interests of the citv un-
der the style of the Eagle Pants Manufacturing
Conipan\-. He was with that establishment as a
partner until 1905, when his health failed and
he retired to put aside the more arduous cares of
Inisiness life. Through his business career he
has worked steadily and energeticallv to achieve
success. He came to the new world without cap-
ital but his natural industry served as a basis upon
which to build the superstructure of his pros-
perit}'. It is true that like other business men
he has not found all the days equallv bright. In-
deed in his commercial experience he has seen the
gathering clouds that threatened disastrous
storms but on many occasions he has through his
rich inheritance of energy and pluck been en-
abled to turn defeats into victory and failures into
success and his strict integrity, business conserv-
atism and sound judgment have been widelv rec-
ognized. He now has valuable propertv inter-
ests, including a fine home on Iglehart street, and
also owns the building now occupied by the L. L.
^letzger wholesale liquor house at No. 140 Third
street.
]\Ir. Silver was married in 1894 to Miss Edith
.Silberstein, and unto them have been born four
children, Florence, Oswald, Sherman and Mel-
vin. 'Sir. Silver votes with the democracy and
belongs to the congregation of the Sons of Jacob,
of which he has been a member for twenty-five
years and president for six years. He has been
verv active in charity and his efforts in this direc-
tion have been of a very jiractical character, man-
ifest in the fact that he has alwavs seen to it that
454
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
none of his employes were ever in want. Through
his efforts the synagogue has been built up from
a membership of fifty to one hundred and fiftv
and he has been instrumental in paying off a
thirteen - thousand - dollar mortgage upon the
church property. Xo appeal for aid in anv
worthy cause was ever made to him in vain and
vet he is always unostentatious in his beneficence,
giving' from a broad humanitarian spirit rather
than a desire for the praise of men. He is hon-
ored for what he has accomplished in the business
world and for what he has done for his fellow-
men and yet wears his honors with becoming
modestv.
GENERAL MICHAEL R. MORGAN.
General Michael P. Morgan, who was the first
to proclaim peace to the army after the surrender
of Lee and whose brilliant military record en-
titles him to more than passing mention in any
volume which emphasizes good citizenship and
pays its tribute to acquire a loyalty, was born
in Nova Scotia, January i8, 1833, but in earlv
life became a resident of New Orleans, Louis-
iana. He there attended a private school and in
1850 became a cadet in the military
academy at \\'est Point, from wliich he
was graduated on com])letion of the course
in 1854. when he was ordered to Cali-
fornia and a year later to Fort Snelling, Minne-
sota, where he arrived in .September, 1855. In
December, 1856, having been promoted to first
lieutenant, he was ordered back to California,
where he assumed command at the military res-
ervation (Indian) at Nome Lackee. In 1858 he
went with his company to Washington territory,
where he was engaged in a campaign against
hostile Indians, remaining until November of that
year, when he, with his company, was ordered to
the artillery school at Fortress Monroe for prac-
tice, being there at the time of the outbreak of
the Civil war.
When the country became involved in inter-
necine strife Lieutenant Morgan was promoted
to the rank of captain and ordered to report to
CkMieral Thomas W. Sherman as his chief com-
missary in the expedition to take Port Royal, in
conjunction with the navy, under Flag Officer
Dupont. In the spring of 1864 he was ordered
to \'irginia for duty on the staff of General B.
F. lUitler and when General Grant took com-
mand of the armies Colonel Morgan was ordered
to report to him as chief commissary of the
armies operating against Richmond and he re-
mained with him until the close of the war. As
stated, he was the first to proclaim peace to the
armv after the surrender of Lee on the 9th of
.\pril, 1865. A St. Paul publication speaking of
this said : "For some of the very early days of
.\pril there was a big race going on froiu Rich-
mond and Petersburg to the south. General I-ee
with his gallant, hard-pressed forces, pushing
down to join Johnston and Grant with Meade,
Ord and Sheridan pushing after him. For days
before the surrender took place General Grant
expected a message from General Lee, express-
ing a desire to surrender. Grant had abandoned
liis camp and with the members of his staff
pushed on, keeping close up with the fighting
line, eating where friends better provided than
they oft'ered a bite and sharing a friend's blanket
on the grass wherever night found them. The
message of surrender finally came and the two
great generals met at Appomattox Court House.
Then at the McLean House General Lee with
one aid-de-camp. Colonel Marshall, had arrived
in advance of General Grant and when (irant
came up complained that he had been kept wait-
ing, as he had been ready to surrender at an
earlier date, .\ftcr Grant's officers had been in-
troduced to General Ta'c by General Setli Wil-
liams and a few moments' conversation between
the generals in which the terms of surrender
were agreed upon. General Grant directed his
adjutant general. Colonel Bowers, to write the
terms of surrender. Colonel Bowers was so
overcoiue with excitement that he was tmable to
j)rocecd and turned over his pen to one of Grant's
military secretaries. Colonel Fli .S. Parker, who
was a full-blooded Indian and chief of the Five
Nations. He continued and completed writing
out the terms. When this was done General
Lee asked General Grant to feed his armv. Gen-
/^ / if-LA^u^ _^^y -t.n^
. ^POi^C^i^^t^'-i'^^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
457
eral Grant turneil to Colonel Morgan, his chief
commissary, and ordered him to feed the "Army
of Northern \'irginia," The colonel asked
"How many men are there to be rationed?"
General Grant turned to General Lee, saying:
"Yes, General Lee, how many men have yon?"
General Lee replied : "We have nothing but
what we have on our backs, our books are all
lost, our companies are mostly commanded by
non-commissioned officers ; we have nothing.''
Colonel Morgan suggested: "Say twenty-five
thousand men. General." General Lee assented,
saying: "Yes, say twenty-five thousand men."
Colonel ATorgan left the room and finding one
of his assistants. Colonel Alichael Peter Small,
asked him if he could feed General Lee's anny.
The running of the two arinies had been very
rapid and Colonel Morgan did not feel sure that
the supply trains with the beef on the hoof had
been able to keep up with the troops. Small re-
plied : "Yes. I guess so. How manv men have
they "?" ]Morgan answered : "Twenty-five thou-
sand. Give them three days' ration of beef, salt,
hard-tack, coffee and sugar." Colonel Small
jumped on his liorse. saying, "All right." Thus
ended the conference between Generals Grant and
Lee. The latter left for his headquarters with
his aid-de-camp. General Grant with his staff
mounted and left for his headquarters. On the
way Colonel Morgan riding bv the side of Gen-
eral Grant at the head of the column of officers
discussed with the General some of the events of
the day. among others that he did not believe
that General Lee had been waiting to surrender,
but that he had been doing his very best to
escape and join Johnston and only gave up when
he saw our bayonets in front and confronting
him. General Grant said this was also his view
of the matter. The column was riding between
the two armies ; it was dusk, the hour being
about six o'clock: and when presently the col-
umn was halted by the LTnion Pickets, General
Grant made no reply. Colonel Alorgan, taking
off his hat and waving it, cried out : "There
is no more fighting men. The war is over."
The men lowered their muskets and yelled with
joy. The officers passed into General Grant's
headquarters. The next day, April loth. Gen-
eral Grant having assigned to General Gibbon of
the .\rmy of the Potomac the details of prepar-
ing the parole rolls for the surrendered army,
started back with his staff for City Point, which
he reached early on the morning of .\pril 1 2th.
On the afternoon of the 12th General Grant
went to Washington on his boat and on his arri-
val there was invited by the president to accom-
pany him to Ford's theater on the night of Fri-
day, April 14th. On the plea of important
pressing business in New York, General Grant
excused himself from attendance at the theater
and that night President Lincoln was assassi-
nated."
After the close of the war General Morgan
was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where
he remained until 1873, when he was ordered to
New York city and later to St. Paul. While
residing here he was married. He was next
transferred to San Francisco, went to Chicago
in 1888 and to Washington, D. C, for military
dutv in 1892, being there made commissary gen-
eral of the L^nited States .\rmy in 1804. I" 1897
he was retired under the statutes, as brigadier-
general, being them sixty-four years of age.
General Morgan afterward came to St. Paul,
where he took up his residence and now enjoys
home life in the midst of pleasant surroundings.
He was brevetted major, lieutenant colonel and
colonel, for distinguished services and brigadier
general of the United States Army for gallantry
in the campaign ending with the surrender of the
Confederate Army under General Robert E. Lee.
The trips which he made on military duty were
made by way of the Isthmus route.
General Morgan was first married in i860 to
Miss Judith Porter Adams, a native of
Charlestown. Massachusetts, who died in Janu-
ary. 1877, leaving three children, Marian. Wil-
fred and Mabel. For his second wife he chose
Antonette Prince, a daughter of the late Hon.
John S. Prince, of St. Paul. He is a member of
the Loyal Legion. His busines connection is
that of vice president of the St. Paul Security
Trust Company, but he is practically retired and
enjoys the rest which should be vouchsafed to
those who have spent many years in their coun-
try's service, displaying a loyalty and valor that
45^
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
had been recognized by consecutive promotions
until he gained high rank in military circles.
ALSON E. WAY.
.Vlson E. Way, whusc business career has been
marked by steady advancement, each step being
carefull}- and thoughtfully made, is now the sen-
ior partner in the firm of A. E. Way & Sons,
cunducting a wholesale and retail creamery busi-
ness. A native of Indiana, his birth occurred in
Boone county, January 29, 1853, his parents be-
ing Henry O. and Anna M. (Frazier) Way, the
former a native of Indiana and the latter of
North Carolina. Mr. Way was of English de-
scent and his wife of Scotch lineage and the Way
family was established on Nantucket Island, mak-
ing one of the original settlements there. He
was a farmer and also a minister of the Friends
church and his life was actuated by the princi-
ples characteristic of the people of that sect, who
believe in bringing into daily life the spirit of
mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He
died at the venerable age of eighty-four year>
and his widow passed away at the very advanced
age of eighty-seven years. In their family were
nine children, of whom eight are yet living, l)ut
Alson E. Way is the only one now in ^Minnesota.
The others are all in California, namely: Hulda,
the wife of J. Johnstone ; Mary ^L, the wife of
W\ P. Brown: Elma T.. the wife of D. L. Lee;
Curtis E. : Jane A., the wife of W'illiam Sharp-
less, and ]\lclinda L., the wife of Cyrus Frazier.
Mr. W'ay of this review pursued his education
in the public schools and in early life followed
farming and stock-raising, becoming familar
with the business through the assistance which
he rendered to his father in his boyhood days.
WHien a young man he learned the carpenter's
trade, wliirh he followed for six years, and ui
tSqo he became a factor in business life in the
Twin Cities through the establishment of a retail
store for the sale of butter and eggs in Minne-
apolis. He conducted the business with success
for twelve years, after which he was employcil
for two vears in the same line in Des Moines,
luwa, and St. Louis, Alissouri. In October, 1903,
he began business at Merriam Park, opening the
Iva Dell creamery and conducting a wholesale
and retail business. His plant is equipped with
all modern appliances and he uses every facility
fur ])romoting cleanliness and sanitation. He
handles the finest butter in a state celebrated for
its dairy products and he also handles large quan-
ties of eggs, having a business of extensive pro-
portions, his trade constantly growing in both de-
partments. He established an entirely new busi-
ness in 1903 and in the brief period which has
since elapsed has built up a very gratifying trade,
having now a liberal patronage, while the finn
of .\. E. Way & Sons is recognized as a strong
business combination in ^Merriam Park.
On the 13th of November. 1877, ^^^- ^^ ay was
married to Miss Sarah J. Moody, a daughter of
Edward and Mary Moody, of St. Paul, and their
children are Clififord ^L, Arthur E., Curtis C,
Raymond S. and Gilbert E. ^^fr. ^^'av is a mem-
ber of Minneapolis lodge, No. 19, A. F. & A M.,
having been initiated into the order in 1879 ^"
Newburn lodge at Laconia, Iowa. His is a well-
rounded character, in which due attention is
given to public affairs and the interests of citi-
zenship, to social relations and to business life
and in trade circles he has gained a reputation
for business integrity and reliability that justly
entitles him to the success which he is now en-
joying. Like their father, the sons are all strictly
temperate and are good straightforward business
men.
CYRUS R. HENTON.
Cyrus R. Hcnton. a retired farmer residing
in St. Paul and an honored veteran of the Civil
war, was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, September
17, 1842. His youth was passed without event of
special importance and his educational privileges
were those afforded by the public schools. In
1862, however, at the age of twenty years, he re-
sponded to the country's call for aid to crush out
the rebellion and enlisted in the .Seventh Wiscon-
sin \'olunteer Infantrv, with which he served nn-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
459
til August 28, 1862. He was then wounded at
the battle of Gainesville, being shot through the
right lung. On the following morning he was
captured and was held as a prisoner of war for
seven days, during which time he had to sleep
on the ground without a blanket or any covering
save his uniform. At the end of a week, how-
ever, he was paroled and walked a distance of
thirtv-one miles in his wounded condition in or-
der to get to the Union ranks. He was then
discharged on account of his disability resulting
from his injury in December, 1862. In 1865 he
re-enlisted in the Forty-fourth Wisconsin In-
fantry, becoming sergeant major of the regiment
and in June of the same year was promoted to
the rank of first lieutenant of Company B, so
continuing until the close of hostilities.
Throughout his active business career Mr.
Henton carried on general farming. He was a
resident of Wisconsin until 1872, when he re-
moved to ^Minnesota, settling in Rock county,
where he followed farming until 1888. In that
year he was chosen sheriff of the county and
served for a term of four years — retiring from
the office as he had entered it, with the confi-
dence and good will of all concerned. He con-
tinued a resident of Rock county until 1898,
when he removed to St. Patil, since which time
he has lived retired, enjoying in well earned ease
the fruits of his former toil, having acquired
through persistent and earnest effort a very de-
sirable competence. At all times he has been as
loyal to his country and to duties of citizenship
as when he followed the old flag upon southern
battle-fields.
CHARLES A. BETTINGEN.
Charles A. Bettingen, treasurer and credit
man of the Western Supply Company, carrying
on business in St. Paul as dealers in plumbers,'
steam and gas fitters' supplies and pumps, has
throughout his entire life resided in this city,
where his well directed labors have won recog-
nition in creditable prosperity. He was born
here January 16, 1864, a son of Anthony and
25
Margaret (Gardiner) Bettingen. The father, a
native of Germany, was for a long period actively
engaged in the milling business in Larimore,
North Dakota, and in his later years was well
known as a capitalist. He died in 1904, while
his wife passed away about a decade ago. They
were the parents of five children who are yet liv-
ing and one who is deceased.
Charles A. Bettingen acquired his education
in the public schools of Faribault, ]Minnesota,
putting aside his te.xt-books at the age of sixteen
years. He was afterward employed for some
time by the firm of Crippen & L'pson, of St. Paul,
and in 1882 went to Larimore, North Dakota, be-
coming manager of the Larimore rolling mills,
of which his father was proprietor. In 1889
he returned to St. Paul, and engaged in his pres-
ent business and was elected to the position of
treasurer of the Western Supply Company, of
which J. L. Sullwold is president and manager
and D. Craig, vice president and secretary. The
company are jobbers of plumbers', steam and
gas fitters' supplies, pumps, iron pipe and fittings,
sanitary specialties, radiators and hose goods.
They started in business in a small building back
of the Dispatch office and a year later took one-
half of the Jamison & Hevener Company's
Building on East Sixth street, which they occu-
pied for four years. They then removed to their
present quarters at Nos. 348-350 Wacouta street,
where they have been for eleven years, but the
Nicols & Dean Building is being remodeled for
their accommodation and they will take posses-
sion in January, 1907. This building is located
on the northwest corner of Fifth and Sibley
streets, is five stories in height with basement,
and has a floor space of about fifty thousand
square feet. The success and growth of this house
has been almost phenomenal as is shown in this
article, for they started with small capital and
strong competition but have surmounted every
obstacle and now rank among the leading houses
of the kind in the northwest.
Mr. Bettingen is a man of excellent business
capacity and is distinctively a man of affairs.
He possesses the strong and stalwart purpose
that enables him to carry forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes and he has
460
PAST AXn PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
bent his energies toward enlarging and promoting
his business interests with the result that the es-
tablishment is one of the foremost enterprises in
this line in the northwest.
Mr. Bettingen was married about fifteen years
ago to Mrs. i. \'. Hier, of Syracuse, New A'ork,
and they have a son, Phillip Hier, who at the age
of fourteen years is attending school in Califor-
nia. Mr. Bettingen exercises his right of fran-
chise in support of the men and measures of the
republican party. He belongs to the Episcopal
church and is a Scottish Rite Mason and a mem-
ber of Osman Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
Many of his warmest friends are those who have
known him from boyhood days, a fact which in-
dicates an upright life.
REUBEN W.VRXER.
^^'ith the lasting work of his great father before
him. himself a witness of its wonderful extent
and magnificent results, it is small wonder that
Reuben Warner has continued in the field of
mercantile activity, developing the business on a
more magnificent scale, if possible, and a broader
plan in keeping with the onward march of com-
mercial progress. As a partner in the largest
wholesale dry-goods house of St. Paul — that of
Lindeke, Warner & Sons — he is too well known
to need special introduction to the readers of this
volume. His birth occurred in St. Paul. Octo-
ber 15, 1870, his parents being Reuben and Mary
(Robertson ) Warner. His mother, a native of
.St. Cloud. Minnesota, is now living on College
avenue, while the father, now deceased, left be-
hind him a monument to his enterprise, activity
and worth in llic extensive commercial enterprise
which constitutes one of the most important fac-
tors in the city's business activity. The father's
death occurred I'ehrnary 28, 1905.
Reuben Warner, the eldest of a family of eight
living children, is a product of the public educa-
tional system of .St. Paul, having graduated from
.Shattuck school in 1880. The following year
he became connected with business life a? an em-
ploye in the house of which he is now a [lartner.
having been admitted to the firm in HJ04. Fhe
business was established in 1878 under the firm
st\le of Lindeke, Warner & Schurmeier and was
thus continued until the death of William Lin-
deke, in 1893. The three stirviving members re-
mained as managing partners until 1904, when
Mr, Schurmeier withdrew, and in 1904 the firm
of Lindeke, Warner & Sons was established. Its
trade covers the entire west and the St. Paul
house, whicli is the largest wholesale dry-goods
emporium in the city, has a floor space of eighty
thousand square feet. In addition there are ex-
tensive warehouses and there are between five and
six hundred employes. Justice has ever been
maintained in their treatment of those who are
in their service and the principles of business in-
tegrity to which the firm has ever adhered are
unassailable, being in conformity with the highest
standard of commercial ethics.
Mr. Warner was married in 1892 to Miss Ga-
briel Hutchins, a daughter of Dr. E. A. Hutchins,
of Minneapolis, and they have two children :
Elizabeth, twelve years of age, and Reuben War-
ner, third, eight years old. Both are now in
school. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are communicants
of Christ's Episcopal church and he has mem-
bership relations with St. Paul lodge. No. 59,
B. P, O. E. : the Junior Pioneers, the Commer-
cial Club and the Automobile Club. He is a
democrat in his political affiliation and is a citizen
whose interest in public progress is deep and sin-
cere. He was appointed December 31, 1900, as
president of the board of fire commissioners and
has since been successively re-elected to the office.
He is a splendid type of a successful son of a
strong man. His entire life has been one of
unusual activity and industry in relation to the
welfare and material interests of his city as well
as of in(li\iilu;d business concerns. His control
of vast commercial interests speaks louder than
words of his executive and business ability, llis
methods liave always been in keeping with the
highest principles of honorable and fair dealing
and with conscious regard for the rights of others.
He h;is a clear and cuniprehenyivc mind and is
able not only to conceive great jirojeels but also
to execute well directed plans. Although he lias
been closelv identified with a mamnnith commer-
RI':LMlb:.\ W AKXl'.K, \\<.
REL'BEN WARNER, SR.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
465
cial enterprise, his time and attention have not
been wholly given to it. He has rare social quali-
ties, delights in good fellowship and lacks none
of those personal traits of character which are
indicative of the warm-heartetl and high-minded
gentleman.
HENRY C. HENKE.
Henry C. Henke, one of the representative
young business men of St. Paul, is secretary and
treasurer of the firm of Griggs & Company,
wholesale grocers, his connection with the house
covering a period of six years. He was born
in this city, January i, 1878, a son of Frederick
Henke, one of the oldest business men of St.
Paul, engaged in the book business agency at
No. 124 Sherburne avenue. Henry C. Henke
was reared in this city, attended the public
schools and was graduated from the high school
in the class of 1899. He afterward attended a
commercial college, pursuing a general business
course and six years ago became connected with
the wholesale grocery house of Griggs & Com-
pany, in which he has been advanced bv gradual
promotion in recogniton of his capability and
fidelity luitil he is now secretary and treasurer
of the firm and for the past six months has acted
as cashier. He is prominent among the younger
business men of the city and has given proof of
the possession of business qualifications which
promise well for a prosperous future. Politically
he is a republican and is "a member of the Ger-
man Lutheran church.
It will be interesting in this connection to note
something of the history of Frederick Henke,
father of Henry C. Henke, who is now engaged
in the book and stationery business at No. 124
Sherburne avenue. He was born in Hanover,
Germany, in 1833, and when eleven years of age
came to .^merica with his mother and her family,
locating first in .St. Louis, Missouri. Two years
later tlie family removed to Cleveland. Ohio,
where he resided until 1865, when he came to St.
Paul. He here accepted a clerkship in the em-
ploy of Air. Lee, who then conducted a dry-goods
store, remaining with him until 1869, when he
embarked in business on his own account as a
contractor in house and sign painting. He was
thus engaged until 1876, since which time he
has been in poor health yet has continuously
conducted his book and stationery business. He
handles the school books and publications of the
German Lutheran church in addition to all i)ub-
lications of a general nature and has one of the
old established and most reliable book houses
of the city, conducting a large and prosperous
business which has constantly grown in volume
and importance.
Mr. Henke was married in St. Paul in 1869
to Miss Christina Kempf , who was born in Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, in 1846, and came to
America when seven years of age, the parents
settling first near Lafayette, Indiana. In 1865
they removed to Minnesota, taking up their
abode on a farm near Stillwater and soon aftei-
ward Mrs. Henke came to St. Paul, where she
has since made her home. By this marriage
have been born two sons and a daughter, w'ho
are yet living: J. H. Henke, who is with the
Hartin Coal Company of St. Paul ; Henry C. ;
and Lizzie, the wife of Theodore Buegel, a
teacher residing in Carver county, Minnesota.
The parents are members of the German Lutheran
church and Air. Henke is among the older repre-
sentatives of business life in this city, wdiere for
more than forty years he has been connected
with industrial and commercial interests, making
a business reputation throughout the entire per-
iod that any man might be proud to possess.
DA\TD I. ALLIE, Sr.
David J. Allie, .Sr., living retired in .St. Paul,
whose career has been one of unvarying success
liecause of persistent, earnest and indefatigable
effort, was born at St. Francis. Canada, March
2~, 1828, his parents being John and Mary .Allie.
The father, a native of Canada, was a carpenter
by trade and coming to the LTnited States estab-
lished his home at Green Bay. Wisconsin, in
1835. He found tlicrc a small town in the midst
466
PAST AXI) I'RESENT OF ST. i'AL'L.
of a state as vet largely unimproved, its vast for-
est tracts being uncut and its lands uncultivated.
He continued a resident tliere until his death,
which occurred in 1870. In his family were nine
children, seven of w'hom are yet living. He was
a cunnnunicant of the Catholic church.
1). J. Allie was a youth of only about seven
years when the family removed to Green Bay,
Wisconsin, where he was reared and educated.
In early life he learned the baker's trade, which
he followed continuor.sly for twent_v-two years.
He afterward liecame a cooper and again industry
antl enterprise were characteristic of his busi-
ness life, leading to the prosperity which now en-
al:)les him to live retired in the enjoyment of the
fruits of his former toil. Such in brief is the
history of his business career but those who read
between the lines recognize the fact that it takes
persistency of purpose, close application and im-
faltering industry to win in trade circles the suc-
cess which places one on the plane of affluence.
In 1856 Mr. Allie was married to Miss Ada-
line IJoutin, whose parents were residents of De-
troit. Michigan, whence they removed to Wis-
consin at an early day. Her father was a fisher-
man by occui)ation. I'nto ]\Ir. and ]\lrs. Allie
have been born nine children: David J., jr..
Arthur, James. Rebecca, Lucy, Clara, Ella, Ad-
die and Ray. In his political affiliation Mr. Allie
has always been a democrat and has held some
local offices, serving officially in connection with
the schools and also as town treasurer of his
township. The family are communicants of the
Catholic church. Mr. Allie has been a resident
of St. Paul since 1884 and in the years of his
connection with his business life has made an
honf)rable name simultaneously with the success
which has crowned his labors.
CHARLES BROWN.
Cliarles Brown, who became known as one
of the extensive horse-dealers of St. Paul, where
he owned several sale stables, took up his abode
in this city in May, 1880. He was born in Dan-
ville, Vermont, May 4, 1826, a son of Asa and
Susan (Moser) Brown, who were likewise na-
tives of the Green ^lountain state, whence they
removed to the western part of New York, set-
tling in Wyoming county, where the father en-
gaged in farming until his death. His wife also
passed away in that locality.
Charles Brown was educated in the common
schools of Jayville, Wyoming county. New
York, and at the age of eighteen years entered
upon business life as a clerk in a dry-goods store
in Jayville, where he worked for some time.
He then came to the west, locating in Michigan,
where he again occupied a position as salesman in
a dry-goods store, his services there covering
six years. r)n the expiration of that period he
returned to his old home in Jayville, where he
began buying and selling horses and stock, to
which business he gave his attention until after
the outbreak of the Civil war, when he was em-
ployed by the government to buy horses, which
service he performed in New York state through-
out the period of hostilities.
Following the period of the Civil war Mr.
Brown purchased a farm in \\'yoming county.
New York, and devoted his attention to general
agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. While
living there he was married to Miss Lucina Rice,
a native of that county and a daughter of Ben-
jamin and Eleanor Rice. Her mother died in
New York state and Mr. Rice afterward removed
to the west, settling in Winnebago county, Wis-
consin, where he engaged in the grocery busi-
ness until his death.
In 1878 Myron Brown, a brother of our sub-
ject, came to Minnesota, settling in St. Paul,
where he engaged in the insurance business until
his death. Mr. Brown of this review continued
farming in New York state until May, 1880,
when, on account of the fact that his brother
was living here, he sold the farm and removed
to St. Paul. His health was somewhat impaired
and for two years after his arrival he engaged
in no active business. He then turned his atten-
tion to dealing in horses and established a sales
stable near the postoffice, where he engaged in
business for a few years. He afterward removed
his stable to Rosabel street, where he continued
business for several years and later he pur-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
467
chased the sales stables at the corner of Third
street and Maria avenue, and between Maria and
Bates avenues, where he engaged in bu3'ing and
selling horses for sixteen years, or until the time
of his death, which occurred August 30, 1902.
While in the Empire state he held many minor
offices but after coming to St. Paul manifested
no desire for political preferment. He was, how-
ever, a stanch republican and took an active in-
terest in the growth and development of the party.
In the east he held membership with the Ma-
sonic fraternity but did not unite with the lodge
here. His attention was centered upon his busi-
ness interests. He was a great lover of horses,
as was well known by all stockmen in St. Paul and
was very successful in his business undertakings
here. In manner he was genial and affable and
won many friends.
Following the death of her husband, Mrs.
Brown continued the business for three years and
then sold the stables in 1905. She is a member
of the I'niversalist church. She owns a beautiful
and commodious home at No. 400 Bates avenue,
where she resides, and one of the most attractive
features of this home is her extensive library with
the contents of which she is largely familiar, for
she has always been a great reader and has found
one of her chief sources of pleasure in commun-
ion with the master minds of all ages.
WILLIAM B. GEERY.
William B. Geery, well "known in financial cir-
cles of the northwest as cashier of the St. Paul
National Bank, was born in ^ledina. Ohio, Au-
gust 23, 1867. His father, Joseph ^l. Geery, a
native of New York, was for many years a col-
lege professor in Ripon, \^'isconsin, and died in
1884. His mother, who in her maidenhood was
Mary Beckwith, is a native of ^Medina, Ohio, and
is now living with her son in St. Paul. The only
daughter of the family, I\Irs. H. E. Smith, is like-
wise a resident of this city.
\Mlliam B. Geery, the only son, was but a year
old at the time of his parents' removal from
Ohio to Ripon, ^^"isconsin, where he attended the
public schools and Ripon College. Throughout
his business life he has been identified with bank-
ing interests. He acted for five years as teller in
the First National Bank of Ripon and in the fall
of 1889 removed to St. Paul, at which time he en-
tered the St. Paul National Bank as teller. He
was afterward promoted to the position of assist-
ant cashier and since 1902 has been cashier of
this institution.
Mr. Geery is treasurer of the St. Paul Com-
mercial Club and is a thirty-second degree Scot-
tish rite Mason. His study of the political is-
sues and questions of the day has led him to
become an independent republican. For ten vears
he has been a trustee in the Park Congregational
church, in which he is an active worker. Though
a young man he has gained high standing in
financial circles and is both efficient and popular.
\MLLIAM P. WESTFALL.
William P. \\'cstfall. actively engaged in the
practice of law in St. Paul, was born in Onon-
daga county. New York, July 17, 1866. His fa-
ther, James Westfall, was also a native of the
Empire state, as was the mother, Amanda (Plais-
ted) A\^estfall. In the common schools William
P. Westfall acquired his preliminary education,
which was supplemented by study in Syracuse
University of New York, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1888. He came to
St. Paul the same year and took up the study of
law in the office and imder the direction of C. D.
& T. D. O'Brien, being admitted to the bar in
1891, in which year he opened an office in the
Globe Building, where he has since continued
to attend to the duties of a large and increasing
clientele. He devotes his time untiringly to his
profession, eschewing all public office save that
in direct connection with his chosen calling. He
was examiner of titles under the Torrens system
of land registration, being appointed by district
jud.ges in iQci. His political allegiance is given
to the republican party.
Mr. \\'estfall was married in 1893 to Miss
Sophia S. Gere, a daughter of George C. Gere, of
468
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Syracuse, Xew York, and they have one son,
William Ci. W'estfall. Mr. Westfall is an attend-
ant and trustee of the First Alethodist Episcopal
church and his interest in the welfare and prog-
ress of his city is indicated by his membership
in the Commercial Club. During the years of
his active connection with the bar he has remained
a close, earnest and discriminating student of the
law and prepares all of his cases with great thor-
oughness and care. The success of his life is due
to no inherited fortune nor to any happy succes-
sion of advantageous circumstances but to his
own sturdy will, steady application, studious hab-
its, tireless industry and sterling integrity.
JAMES C. MICHAEL.
James C. Michael, corporation counsel of St.
Paul, is one of the ablest lawyers practicing in
the city and there stands to his credit various no-
table verdicts favorable to the municipalit\- and
of far-reaching benefit to the residents of St. Paul.
He has that mental grasp which enables him to
discover the salient points in a case. A man of
sound judgment and Ijroad legal learning, he
manages his cases with masterly skill and tact,
is a logical reasoner and has a ready command of
English. As corporation lawyer he has studied
from every possible view point the great ques-
tions aiTecting the welfare of the city and his
labors have been of direct and ])ernianent good
in many instances.
i\Ir. Michael was born in X'irginia, March 19,
1863. His fatlier. John A. .Michael, was like-
wise a native of the Old Dominion and married
Nancy H. ( )rmond, who was born in Pennsyl-
vania. He devoted bis life to the work of the
educator and passed away in 1863.
In the common schools James C. Michael ac-
quired his early education and when onh- fifteen
years of age started out to make his own wav in
the world. He taught school through the winter
months and at the same time attended the West
Mrginia I'niversity. keeping up with bis classes.
It was his intention to become a lawyer and in-
stead of working for a degree he followed cer-
tain lines of study which he believed would be
more useful in his intended career. Some years
passed, however, before there came to him the
realization of bis hopes in a business way, as
financial reasons made it necessary that he fol-
low various pursuits before concentrating his
energies upon the study and practice of law. Go-
ing to La Salle, Illinois, he was for several years
engaged there in business, but during that en-
tire period his leisure hours were devoted to read-
ing law and the mastery of the great legal prin-
ciples as set forth in the commentaries and other
te.\t-books. In 1884 he removed to Red Wing,
Minnesota, where he devoted himself exclusively
to law study, and in April. 1885, he was admitted
to the bar. Immediately thereafter he opened an
office for practice in Red Wing, where he re-
mained until 1889, when he removed to St. Paul.
He entered upon the work of his chosen profes-
sion in this city and won almost immediate recog-
nition as a capable lawyer of wide erudition, al-
ways correct in his application of legal principles
to the points in litigation. For several terms lie
served as city attorney for South St. Paul, enter-
ing upon the duties of that office in 1894. Tn
1903 he was elected corporation counsel for St.
Paul and won such favor with the public that
in Marcli, 1905. he was re-elected to the office.
During his incumbency he has been called upon
to act in several matters in which the interests of
the city were deeply involved, notably the gas
light franchise. This company applied for a new
franchise and Mr. I\fichael drew up one. There
was nuich excitement over the matter, but the
ordinance which was passed ])roved of direct and
immediate serviceableness to the city, lie was
also activelv concerned in street railway litiga-
tion, involving the franchise which had been
granted \'ears ago. This matter under Mr.
Michael's careful management was also settled
on terms favorable to the city, and other in-
stances could be cited of his <levotion to the
general good and the effective work which he
has done through his superior ability, which has
attracted wides]n-ead notice.
Mr. Michael was married, September 3. 1890,
to Miss Jennie M. Crandall and they have one
dau,ghtcr, Genevieve. iMateni.'dly be is connected
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
469
w ith tlie lifuevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of Pyth-
ias and he also belongs to the Commercial Qub,
while in the line of his profession he is a mem-
ber of the local, state and national bar associa-
tions. He is also a member of the charter com-
mittee for the city. He is recognized as a popu-
lar and valuable public official, unswerving in
his loyalty to the interests of St. Paul — a fact
which is indicated by his re-election to the impor-
tant position which he is now filling. A man's
reputation is his chief possession and the repu-
tation of Air. Michael is one which reflects credit
upon him. His powers as an advocate have been
demonstrated by his success on many occasions.
He is an able lawyer of a large and varied experi-
ence in the courts. Thoroughness characterizes
all his efforts and he conducts all of his business
with a strict regard to a high standard of profes-
sional ethics. A broad-minded man, possessing
a wide fund of general information, he is not only
practical but above all is progressive in his meth-
ods in relation to the city and all the interests
with which he is connected.
DANIEL CRAIG.
Daniel Craig, vice president and secretary of
the Western Supply Company of St. Paul, is a
native of Scotland, born in 1850. His father,
Andrew Craig, a farmer of that country, died
forty years ago, while the mother, Mrs. Mar-
garet (Guthrie) Craig, of Scotland, died in 1894.
There were twelve children, eight of whom are
living. At the age of twenty-three years, after
having acquired a liberal education in the
schools of Scotland, Daniel Craig came to the
L'nited States, settling in Xew York city in 1873.
He remained for twelve years, a resident of the
eastern metropolis, where he was engaged in
the dry-goods business, continuing in that line
until 1890. when he became a member of the
present firm of the Western Supply Company, of
which he is the vice president and secretary. This
company are jobbers of plumbers' and steam and
gas fitters' supplies and also handle ptunps. iron
pipe and fittings, sanitary specialties, radiators
and hose goods. The enterprise and reliable
methods of the house are indicated by the unas-
sailable reputation which it bears and by the vol-
ume of its trade, which is second to few estab-
lishments of this character in the upper Missis-
sippi valley.
Air. Craig was married in 1902 to Miss \'ic-
toria Hoyt, of Kansas City. They are members
of the House of Hope Presbyterian church and
in his political views Mr. Craig is a republican.
In his active business career he has been watchful
of opportunities pointing to success and by the
utilization of advantages that surround all he
has gradually worked his way upward, making
for himself a creditable name in conmiercial cir-
cles and contributing to the business activity of
his adopted city as well as to his individual
prosperity.
AIA.WHEIMER BROTHERS.
Alannheimer Brothers is a name well known
in commercial circles in St. Paul and is typical of
business activity, of indefatigable energy and suc-
cessful accomplishment. The firm are dealers
in dry goods and are also importers and their
house is the largest of its kind in the northwest,
now occupying a fine business block located at the
corner of Robert and Sixth streets. The firm be-
gan business in St. Paul on the 2d of May, 1871.
since which time its prosperity has been remark-
able. The stock is valued approximately at three
quarters of a million dollars and the annual sales
exceed two million dollars. There are over five
hundred employes and the volume of business
annually transacted over the counters has made
this one of the most important commercial con-
cerns of the city. They are the most extensive
forei.gn buyers in St. Paul, importing all linens
direct from Ireland and Scotland, ladies' cloaks
and costumes from Paris and Berlin, laces, silks,
velvets, dress goods and hosiery from France and
dress goods and wash fabrics from England and
.Scotland. An office is maintained in New- York
and also in Paris, with a resident Ijuycr in each.
and anv new product placed upon the market
4 JO
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
of the old countries is ultered for sale in St. Paul
practically as soon as it appears in the old world.
The firm has a large mail order business and
publishes and distributes twenty-five thousand il-
lustrated catalogues with price lists semi-annu-
ally, sending these throughout the northwest
They also issue weekly slips and bulletins to mail
order patrons and even oftener when special
sales are in progress, thus giving non-residents
the same purchase privileges as those who can
call at the store. They carry a magnificent line of
Japanese bronze, brass lamps, imported silver
novelties and Japan linen drawn work, fine Japan
embroidery, parasols, shirtwaists, handmade ki-
monas, etc., Leo Goodkind .going annually to
Japan and making the necessary purchases of
these goods.
The firm of Mannheimer Brothers was for
years composed of Messrs. Robert, Emil and Ja-
cob Mannheimer and Benjamin Goodkind, who
were- engaged in the dry-goods trade in Chicago
prior to 1870, in which year they began opera-
tions in St. Paul. The firm will continue per-
manently under the name of Mannheimer Broth-
ers for there are no stockholders save members
of the Goodkind and Mannheimer families and
on the 30th of March, 1903, the business was
incorporated with the following officers : Robert
JNIannheimer, president ; B. L. Goodkind, vice
president ; W. L. Goodkind, secretary and treas-
urer ; and Leo Goodkind, assistant secretary.
Since the death of Robert Mannheimer the officers
are Benjamin L. Goodkind, president ; Leo Good-
kind, vice president ; William L. Goodkind, sec-
retary and treasurer, and Maurice Mannheimer,
assistant secretarv.
THOM.XS JF.FFERSO.X M(DFRMOTT.
Thomas Jefferson McDermott, whose careful
pre])arati(in, deep interest in his profession and
fidelity to the interests of his clients has mafic
him one of the most able of the younger mem-
bers of the St. Paul bar, was born in Kasota,
LeSeuer county, Minnesota, November 17.
1801, his parents being Paul A. and Rose (Aic-
Namee) McDermott. After acquiring a good
common-school education he was given the ad-
vantage of business training in a commercial
school in Minneapolis and supplemented it with
a course in the law school of the State Univer-
sity, from which he was graduated, winning both
the Bachelor and Master degrees. He was also a
student in the office of Eugene M. Wilson and
likewise of Judge William Lochren, of Minneap-
olis, now L'nited States judge, and thus gained
I)ractical knowledge of the tasks which are ne-
cessities to the capable practice of law. He was
admitted to practice before the supreme court of
Minnesota in April, 1892, and the supreme court
of the United States, March 4, 1895.
Entering upon the active work of the profes-
sion, Mr. McDermott met with prompt recogni-
tion by reason of his vigor and energy. No dreary
novitiate awaited him. Almost immediately he
gained a large clientage that has constantly
brought him legal business of much importance.
His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial
and that he has been very successful during the
ten 3fears of his practice is seen by a casual glance
at the records, which show him to have been the
counsel in the following cases, which were of
paramount importance: State of Minnesota vs.
Charles A. Hawkes ; same vs. John Adler, who
was indicted for murder and owes his acquittal
to the untiring zeal, shrewdness and unanswerable
eloquence of Mr. McDermott ; Hebner vs. Great
Northern Railway (a blacklisting case) ; McDer-
mott vs. L'^nioii Credit Company (libel case) ;
LaRocque vs. Chappie (cost for foreclosure of a
mortgage) ; Singer Manufacturing Company vs.
Flynn (power of an agent) ; Lamotte et al. vs.
.Mohr (power of trustee or referee). He has
been for some time the special attorney of the
Singer Manufacturing Company, the Western
Snpplv Company, assistant general attorney of
the Chicago Great Western Railway Com]5:\ny for
three years, and other companies.
Mr. McDermott was married in 1887, in
Mar\sl)tn-g. Minnesota, to ]\Tiss Caroline T. Do-
ran, and to them have been born five children,
four sons and a daughter : Sylvester, Paul, John,
("leorge and Helen Grace McDermott. A pmnii-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
471
iient member of the Independent Urder of For-
esters, he was international representative from
Minnesota at Toronto, Canada, in 1901-2 and at
Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1904-5, while in
the recent state convention he was nominated and
unanimously elected high counsel for the order in
Minnesota, which position he is holding at this
writing, in 1Q06. He belongs to the Catholic
church and gives his political allegiance to the
democracy.
In 1904 he received the nomination of his
party to the office of attorney general of Minne-
sota and with one or two exceptions ran several
thousand votes ahead of every candidate on the
ticket — a fact which indicates his personal popu-
larity and the confidence which is uniformly re-
posed in him by those who know him. He has a
wide and favorable acquaintance throughout
Minnesota and is recognized as a prominent and
influential leader of the democracy. He has been
chairman of the state central committee, has
served on the executive committee for four years
and has been an important factor in harmonizing
the part}' with which he affiliates. His genial
and companionable ways have made him a uni-
versal favorite among all classes and his influ-
ence, which is potent and far-reaching, is always
exerted in sustaining the cause of the masses
and bettering their condition. He adheres to the
old views of professional ethics which discounte-
nance all manner of advertising and self-adula-
tion. He is a public-spirited citizen, always
ready to support real reforms of existing abuses
of law or its administration and to encourage and
support institutions calculated to aid his fellow-
men. His home, his profession and the ques-
tions of the day, covering a wide range of study,
absorb him, and in these he finds his greatest en-
joyment. Few men have a more intimate knowl-
edge of the history of the country or its public
men or have devoted more time to the study of
the social and economic qtiestions of the times.
He has sought no office outside of the direct
path of his profession, to which he is thoroughly
devoted. He takes high rank as an able and
successful lawyer and is known as the champion
of the interests of the people. In the prepara-
tion of his cases he is very thorough and ])ains-
taking and displa}s keen anal)tical power, logical
reasoning and careful deductions. Few men are
his equal as a brilliant and effective speaker,
which fact has been demonstrated times without
number in the presentation of his cause to the
jury. His use of argument, of humor and of
pathos are equally effective. Many times he has
brought tears to the eyes of his auditors by the
realistic and touching manner in which he has
presented the cause of a client. His oratorical
power enables him to "play upon the harpstrings
of human emotion." He carries his hearers with
him in thought and is justly regarded as one of
the most able and eloquent speakers of toda)- at
the bar.
CHARLES CHANDLER UPHAM.
Charles C. Upham, treasurer of the Hackett-
Walther-Gates Hardware Company, was born in
Woodstock, New Bnmswick, September 1,9,
1866. His father, George B. Upham, also a
native of New Brunswick, was a merchant and
married Celia Spurr, of the same country. His
death occtirred in 1897, while his wife passed
away in 1903. In their famih- were nine chil-
dren, all of whom are yet living. In 1870 the
parents went to jMinneapolis, Charles C. Upham
being at that time only four years of age, but
soon afterward the family removed to Elk River,
Minnesota.
In the last named place Charles C. Upham
attended school and after completing a high-
school course entered the Meeker County Bank,
at Litchfield, Minnesota, where he remained for
three years. He came to St. Paul in 1889 and
entered the employ of the Hackett-Walther-Gates
Hardware Company, wholesale dealers, as cash-
ier. In 1903 he was made treasurer of this great
house and is today regarded as one of the active,
progressive young business men of St. Paul,
whose study of the business conditions of the
country and the possibilities of trade in the line of
his operations have made him a valued factor in
the successful conduct of the establishment whicli
he is now representing.
4/2
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
.Mr. rpliani in his political relations is a re-
publican. He is a communicant of the Episco-
ual church and a member of the (.'omniercial
Club, which indicates his interest in the welfare
and progress of St. Paul along the lines of civic
improvements.
J. WATSOX S.MITH.
J. Watson Smith, general agent of the Provi-
dent Life & Trust Company of Philadelphia,
who since 1888 has resided in St. Paul, was born
in Phillips, Franklin county, Maine, on June 3,
1855. He represents one of the old Massachu-
setts families engaged in various lines of busi-
ness in Xew England. His father. Linus Smith,
died about six years ago and his wife, who bore
the maiden name of Eliza F. Cook, survived him
for only ten days. Her mother in her maidenhood
was a Wheeler, belonging to the old families of
.Alassachusetts.
j. Watson Smith was reared in the Pine Tree
state, where he remained until twenty-two years
of age. His mastery of the liberal educational
advantages afforded him enabled him to accept
the principalship of the schools at Toledo, Ohio,
and he also taught for a time in New Jersey.
He had graduated from Bates College in Lewis-
ton, Maine, and after several years devoted to
successful teaching he withdrew from that pro-
fession in order to devote his attention to the
insurance business and has since continued with
the Provident Life & Trust Company, wdiich
he has represented for twenty-six years, his con-
nection therewith beginning in i88o. Pie estab-
lished his office in St. Paul in 1888 and has since
acted as general agent, during which time he has
l)ren instrumental in establishing a business of
some four million dollars. His was the first agencv
of the comjiany to be established in the state ot
Minnesota ;nid lie now has well appointed offices
in the Chamber of Commerce Building, from
whicli he directs extensive and important l)usiness
operations. lie is regar(k-d as one of the best
informed insurance men in tliis part of the coun-
try and lias developed a splendid and successfid
insurance system in connection with the work in
the territory under his jurisdiction.
.Mr. Smith was married in Maine to Miss Min-
nie G. lieal, a native oi that state and a representa-
tive of an old New England famil\ . They have
two children: Harold B.. who is attending the
Pennsylvania Military College at Chester, Penn-
sylvania : and Nathalie, who is a student in the
public schools at St. Paul. The family have an
attractive home at No. 801 Goodrich avenue at
the corner of Avon street. Poli'ticallv Mr.
Smith is a stalwart republican, who for some
years has taken an effective part in political
work, serving for several years as a member of
the campaign committees. Socially he is con-
nected with the Masonic lodge, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and other fraternal orders
and his religious views are in accord with the
teachings of the Congregational church. In the
prosecution of his business there has been mani-
fest one of the most sterling traits of his charac-
ter— his desire to carry forward to the highest
perfection attainable anything that he undertakes.
This has marked his social and business career
and has been one of the most important factors
in his success. Not content with mediocrity in
any line of life, he has given deep and earnest
thought to the study of perfecting a system of
enlarging the insurance business of the com-
pany which he represents and his labors have
been a resultant factor in its accomplishment.
AUGUST LOUIS LARPENTiaR.
There are few, if any. residents of St. Paul who
arc more familiar with the history of the state
than August Louis Larpenteur, who arrived here
on the 13th of .September. 1843, and has since
been ;ictivel\' identified with its interests, being
particularly active up to the time of his retire-
ment from business in 188;
Although born in
1823, he is a remarkably well ))rescrved man ;uk!
his splriidid nieiiiorx renders Iiiiii oiie of the best
posted men conceniing .St. Paul's history, for he
has Ijcen a keen observer of passing events, and
Mk. AXI) .MRS. A. L. LARl'EXTEUR
\
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
475
his retentive niin<l inai<es him thtiruughly in-
formed concernini;' those interests and affairs
wliich have promoted the growth of the city and
molded its pubhc policy.
-Mr. Larijcnteur was born in Bahimore, Mary-
land, Alay i6, 1823. a son of Louis Augustus and
Melinda (Simmons) Larpenteur, the latter a na-
tive of Baltimore and the former of France. The
paternal grandfather, Louis Benoist Larpenteur,
called his home on the banks of the Seine, about
fort_\'-five miles from Paris "Tholery." He was
a friend and great admirer of Napoleon and of
the Empress Josephine, having an acquaintance
with both prior to their marriage. After the fall
of the empire, like many other Frenchmen, Louis
B. Larpenteur left France in 1816, his real pur-
pose being to search for Napoleon as did manv
other patriotic followers of the "Little Corporal."
He left his family in France and upon reaching
Philadelphia met many of his brother officers and
refugees. There he also learned that his beloved
Napoleon had been exiled to St. Helena. He
assisted in securing the petition to the L'nited
States government asking for two vessels with
which the Frenchmen fondly hoped to rescue
their hero. Better counsel prevailed, however,
as history records, and the French patriots scat-
tered, many, however, remaining in this country.
Mr. Lariienteur returned to France for his wife
and four children, Louis .\., Eugene, Charles and
Augustine, and located in Baltimore. Maryland.
Of this family Eugene became the father of ?\Irs.
J. AL Lefebvrc, a resident of St. Paul. Charles,
who spent many years in the wilds of the north-
west among the Indians and in the employ <if the
fur company, built a fort at the mouth of the Yel-
lowstone, then called Fort Union, but now Fort
Buford. He left Baltimore in 1828, going to St.
Louis, Missouri, where he entered the services of
the fur company and thus started for the north-
west. Augustine married a IMr. Morris, who
died in Baltimore, leaving two daughters, both of
whom are now married and are residents of St.
Paul.
The mother of August L. Larpenteur died
when he was but four years of age and he was
then adopted by his grandparents. Not long aft-
erwarfl his grandmother passed away, but he con-
tinued to reside with his grandfather until eight-
een years of age. His uncle Charles visited L'.al-
timore at that time and gave such vivid descrip-
tions of life in the wild west that Mr. Larpen-
teur's enthusiasm was fired and he determined to
start for the Rockies. Arriving at St. Louis,
Missouri, he there engaged with the fur com-
pany and at their urgent request decided to go
to St. Paul, and thus his activity was centered in
this section rather than in the western mountains.
In 1847-8 he was one of a party who assisted the
engineer in the survey and laying out of the town
of St. Paul, the plat being completed in .Vugust,
1847. On the 22d of September of the same year
his daughter Rosa was born and thus had the dis-
tinction of being the first white child born in St.
Paul after the town was laid out.
John R. Irvine, who came to what is now St.
Paul in P'eljruary. 1843. from Prairie du Chien,
Wisconsin, purchased a claim at what is now the
Seven Corner from r\Ir. Rondo, and in Augurt of
the same year brought his family to the new pur-
chase. In 1844 a daughter was born to Mr. and
Airs. Irvine, to whom they gave the name of Cle-
opatra. The land at that time was unsurveyed,
and, as stated above, St. Paul had no existence
until 1847. After arriving here Mr. Larpenteur
acted in the capacity of clerk for the fur company.
his services being particularly valuable because of
his knowledge of the French language and also
because he soon acquired the Indian tongue, which
greatly facilitated trade. He brought goods with
him from St. Louis to the trading house of Harts-
horn & Jackson and made several subsequent
trips between the two cities. He remained with
the firm until its dissolution in 1846. In 1848 in
connection with Messrs. Freeman and Randall,
who had also been clerks in the employ of Flarts-
horn & Jackson, he accepted the liabilities of the
old firm and established the house of Freeman,
Larpenteur & Company. They completed and
moved into a building at the foot of Jackson
street in 1848. In that year the surveys were
completed and a land office was established at -St.
Croix Falls. ]\Ir. Larpenteur. General Sibley
and Captain Roberts attended the land sales and
made entry of the land which is now the site of
the city of St. Paul. Mr. Larpenteur's one hun-
476
PAST .\XD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
drcd and sixty acre tract inckuled the site of the
magnificent state capitol.
The firm of F"rccman, Larpcnteiir & Company
was dissolved in 1850, the business being con-
tinued by A Jr. I.arpenteur. He engaged in gen-
eral merchandising as well as fur trading and con-
ducted the enterprise tnider his own name until
i860. He then connected himself with J. C. &
H. C. Burbank & Company, doing a wholesale
grocery and transportation business, located at
Sibley street and the river. This partnership con-
tintied until 1866, when the firm became A. H.
Wilder & Company, a relation that was main-
tained until 186S, and Mr. Larpenteur alone em-
barked in the commission business, in which he
continued until his retirement from commercial
circles in 1887.
In 1845 in St. Paul was celebrated the mar-
riage of Air. Larpenteur and Miss Mary Joseph-
ine Presley, who was a native of Germany, but in
her early childhood was brought to America by
her parents, who crossed the Atlantic in 1833.
Her brother, Bartlett Presley, is remembered as a
most highly respected merchant of St. Paul, where
he amassed a fortune. There is a touch of ro-
mantic interest in connection with the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Larpenteur. They became ac-
quainted in St. Louis and Mr. Larpenteur after-
ward came to St. Paul, where he gained a start
in business, then deciding to remain here. He
sent for Aliss Presley to join him and she made
the trip alone in what was then a wild country.
The yotmg couple were married here, thus sav-
ing the expense of Mr. Larpenteur going for his
bride. They took up their residence at the cor-
ner of Third and Jackson .streets, where in 185-I
he liuilt the first brick store erected in St. Paul.
In i860 they removed to the present home which
he called "The .\nchora,gc." It was be.gun in 1856,
but not completed until i860. In 1891 he remod-
eled his home, installing a plumbing system and
all modern conveniences. Here the cou|ile lived
happily together for more than forty-two }ears,
when, on the 6th of November, 1002, Mrs. Lar-
penteur was called In her final rest, her death
being deeply deplored by many relatives and
friends, who entertained for her the warmest re-
gard and most kindly feeling because of hei- many
excellent trails of heart and mind. L'nto the mar-
riage had been born ten children, five sons and
five daughters, all of whom are yet living, namely,
Mrs. Rosa Harrison ; Samuel B. ; Mrs. Teresa
Emma Briggs ; Mrs. Stella Nolan ; George Al-
bert ; Mrs. Martha Smith, of Plancock, Michigan :
August L., Jr. ; Mrs. Clara Josephine Sutter, who
is residing in New York city ; \\'illis Amherst ;
and Paul. Eight of the number are residents of
St. Paul.
Politically Mr. ],ari)enteur was a democrat until
the non.iination of William McKinley for the
presidency, since which time he has been a stanch
republican. In early days he served as a member
of the city council, and he was an active Odd Fel-
low until his affiliation with the Catholic church,
of which Airs. Larpenteur was such a devoted
member. He assisted in building the old Catho-
lic church at Sixth and St. Peter streets, where
he has had a pew for many years. No history of
St. Paul would be complete without his history,
for his life record is closely interwoven with the
annals of the city from its establishment to the
'present time and his labors have been of direct
and permanent benefit, contributing to its mate-
rial growth and at the same time promoting its
intellectual, legal, political and moral status.
In 1846 after the admission of Wisconsin as a
state, the territory now included within Minne-
sota and the Dakotas was without a postmaster,
and James K. Polk, then president of the Lhiited
States, apiMinted Henry Jackson, of the firm of
Hartshorn & Jackson, as postmaster. Mr. Lar-
penteur then acted as deputy ]50stmaster, though
without any ajipointmcnt, and while filling that
position built a small crib or receptacle contain-
ing sixteen pigeon holes for the distribution of
local mail at St. Paul. This crib is now on exhi-'
bition in the halls of the Minnesota Historical
.Society at .St. Paul. The first annual report of
this office shows the amount of business done was
only three dollars and eight\-three cents, although
the postage on a letter at that time was twenty-
five cents. In connection with General Sibley and
H. L. Moore, Mr. Larpenteur was instrnment;il
in electing their first delegate to congress. He
had ofifered a resolution that caused Governor
Catlin. of Wisconsin, to give them permission to
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
477
call an election for that purpose. General Sibley
was elected and sent to \Vashington, and it has
become a matter of history the way he had to
tight for his seat in the halls of the nation, but he
tinall}- succeeded, and in 1849 t'""^ appointment
was made and Alexander Ramsey was appointetl
territorial governor.
EMIL C. MUENCH.
Eniil C. Aluench, numbered auKjng those who
at one time were active in business life in St.
Paul but have now been called to their final
rest, took up his abode in this cit}' about 1870 and
was engaged in contracting. He finally became
manager of one of the largest lumber firms of
Carlton, Alinnesota, but made his home in St.
Paul. He was thus serving at the time of his
demise. A native of Switzerland, he was born
April 25, 1857, a son of Gustave and Marie
jNIuench, who were natives of Europe and came
to America, settling first in Pine City, Minne-
sota, and thence coming to St. Paul in 1870. Here
the father was connected with the lumber trade
throughout his remaining days, passing away in
1880, while the mother is now living at No. 665
East Fifth street in St. Paul.
Emil C. Muench, their only child, was very
young when brought by his parents to the new-
world and was a youth of only thirteen years
when the family came to this city. He attended
the public schools here, acquiring a good educa-
tion, and afterward began to learn the carpen-
ter's trade, which he followed for a few years.
He then became contractor and as such went to
Chicago, where he continued in business for a
few years, and also did contracting in Kansas
City and other cities of the west. Returning to
St. Paul, he accepted a position with tiie Bohn
Manufacturing Company and was soon made su-
perintendent of its large manufacturing plant,
occupying that important position for eighteen
years, a fact which is indicative of his capable
and faithful service and of the confidence reposed
in him. On the expiration of that period he be-
came manager for Sauntry, Kane & Companv,
one of the largest lumber firms located at Carl-
ton, Minnesota, occupying that position until his
death.
\\'hile with the Llohn Manufacturing Com-
pany ]\ir. Muench was married in Winona, Min-
nesota, to Miss Emilie Nockin, a native of Wis-
consin and a daughter of Charles Nockin, who
was a cigar manufacturer and owned and oper-
ated a cigar factory in Winona, Alinnesota. He
finally removed to St. Paul, where he lived re-
tired until iiis death. There were three children :
Carl, who was graduated from the high school
in the spring of 1905 and is now holding a good
position with the White Enamel Refining Com-
pany of this city ; Marie and Margaret, at home.
The husband and father died February 13, 1903.
His political allegiance was given to the repub-
lican party. He was a very successful business
man and at one time owned much property, in-
cluding building- lots and improved property but
sold the greater part of this a few years prior to
his death. He was well known among the lum-
bermen of St. Paul and his opinions were re-
garded as authority concerning matters relating
to the trade. An analyzation of his character
shows that unfaltering perseverance, unabating
industry and energy that never flagged were
concomitants of success in his active career. His
wife is a member of the St. John's Lutheran
church and owns a pleasant and attractive home
at Xo. 787 East Fourth street, where she and
her children reside, the improvements here having
all been made bv Mr. Muench.
S. P. SPATES.
S. P. Spates, an extensive dealer in building
materials, was born in Fond du Lac. Minnesota.
March i, 1848. His father, the Rev. Samuel
Spates, was a native of Kentucky and became a
Methodist minister. He was assigned by the
conference to missionary work among the Chip-
pewa Indians and making his way to the north-
west arrived at St. Paul, which was then a mere
trading post on the frontier, in 1839. His first
mission was at Sault Ste. Marie. In 1846 he
478
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
married .Miss Sarah A. Pope, also a native of
Kentucky, and following his marriage removed
to Fond du Lac. He afterward took up his
abode at Sandy Lake, Minnesota, where he re-
sided for a number of years. His entire life was
devoted to the work of the ministry cither among
the red men or as pastor of churches among the
people of his own race. He was a prominent fig-
ure in the early history of Minnesota and did
much not only to spread the gospel but to ad-
vance the civilization of the northwest and his
influence was a potent one with the Indians, who
recognized his entire trustworthiness and gave
him their confidence and allegiance. His labors
were fruitful and he was accorded the aftermath
as well as the bounteous harvests of the seeds of
truth which he sowed. A man of scholarly at-
tainments, of consecrated zeal and earnest ]nn--
pose, his influence, too, was widely felt and ac-
knowledged by the white people and his labors
were most efifective in promoting the moral de-
velopment of this part of the country. He died
at Red Wing, Minnesota, in iScSj, at the age of
seventy-three years.
S. P. Spates was reared to manhood upon a
farm and acquired his education in Hamline
University. In iS~i he entered a drug store in
Red Wing, where he remained as an employe
for two years, on the expiration of which period
he turned his attention to the grain l)usiness. In
iS8i he removed to St. Paul and during the first
three years of his residence in the citv he was
connected with a grain firm, but in 1884 became
a dealer in building materials and has since con-
ducted the business with marked success, his
trade steadily growing until he is now one of
the extensive dealers in his line in the citv.
Mr. Spates has long been prominent in public
affairs and is a stalwart advocate of the repub-
lican party. .Mthough never a candidate for of-
fice he has exerted considerable influence, his
opinions carrying weight in the councils of his
party. In 1897 and again in T905 he was ap-
pointed expert accountant for the committee on
public accounts and expenditures for the house
of representatives in the Minnesota legislature.
Mr. Spates was married, September 17, 1870,
to Miss Marv A. Wliitehead. a daughter of lames
W hiteheail, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and they
have two children, C. Don and C. Marjorie. Mr.
Spates is a member of Summit lodge, A. F. &
A. JM., and of the Royal Arcanum. He is a
typical representative of the middle west — alert
and diligent, basing his success upon earnest and
persistent labor. His position in the business
world is attributable entirely to his own eflforts
and he is also regarded as a forceful factor in
public affairs, his influence being ever on the
side of progress and improvement.
PHILIP CROWLEY.
A pioneer in learning in a da_\' when accom-
plishments I if the mind were valued for their rar-
ity : a man who wrought with his hands and
lirain in rendering the raw material provided by
bounteous nature into products that were market-
able ; whose ambitious spirit kept him in the
van of progress in more than one virgin field,
and who, dying, left behind a name revered of
his fellows and an inheritance to his children ;
such was Philip Crowley, whose memory still
moves those who knew him to speak with admir-
ation and affectionate reverence of a good man
who carved out a place for himself in the mak-
ing of Minnesota.
Born of a time rich in the production of those
strong characters whose vigorous minds and
sturdy bodies were essential to the tremendous ac-
complishments of the nineteenth century, Air.
Crowley felt from earliest manhood the prompt-
ings that were part of the world movement in the
middle of the last century. His face was turned
to the setting sun, following the .Star of Empire
even when, as a very young man, be was tendered
an aijpointment in construction work on the first
■railroad in Ireland — what is now the Great West-
ern Railway; he heard the call fnnn .\nierica
for the bone and brawn and lirain of the old coun-
trv and like thousands of his countrymen, he re-
sponded to the call. He was born in Lougbmore,
cnuntv Tipperarv. Ireland, and educated to the
profession of a surveyor. He was barely thirty
vcars of age when he left Ireland and came to
PllILll' CROWLEY
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
481
New York, arriving there July 3, 1849. Even
as he had eng"aged in pioneer railroad building
in Ireland so he naturally went into a new field
in this country and practically all his life was
given up to the exploitation of new fields. With-
in a few weeks of his arrival in the new world he
was engaged in the building of a telegraph line
at Poughkeepsie, New York. Before the end
of the year he had made his way via the old Balti-
more and Ohio canal, to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
and had become the principal of a school there,
and turned his knowdedge of accounts to advant-
age by keeping books in his spare hours for the
Joseph Keeling Coal Mining Company. In 1852
he married, at Pittsburg, Catherine O'Shaugh-
nessy, also a school teacher and woman fitted
by nature and accomplishments to be-the helpmatt
of a pioneer. For seven years Mr. Crowley
worked with such persistent energy that the strain
toll] on him and his health became impaired.
At that time little was known of Minnesota
in the east. In an indefinite way it was known
as a land of great promise, where there was
health and wealth for all. And to this new land
the stout heart of the man with the tired brain
and broken body turned. His prompting to travel
to the far west came as an inspiration one morn-
ing while on his way to school. A boat was leav-
ing that day at four o'clock for the Mississippi
river and Minnesota, by way of the Ohio river.
He turned the school over to an assistant, went
back home and asked Mrs. Crowley if she coidd
be ready to leave that afternoon for St. Paul.
The answer was a response to his own prompting
and a few hours later the little family was en
route with as much of the household goods as
could be packed.
Mr. and Mrs. Crowley arrived in St. Paul, May
12, 1857, and rented a house at Grove street and
Lafayette avenue. He got a position in the city
engineer's department but the catastrophe that in-
volved so many in ruin in the little city during
the panic of 1857 warned him to push his for-
tunes in a field closer to nature and that fall he
moved on again to the front, took a claim in Car-
ver county (the town of Norwood was later
liuilt on the claim) and was forthwith elected
countv survevor. In i8s8 ATr. Crowlev settled
at Fort Snelling and was assistant engineer on
the survey of the Minnesota Central Railway ;
was elected city engineer of West St. Paul, which
then included all on the west bank of the Missis-
sippi river, then settled in Mendota at the solici-
tation of General Sibley. There he occupied the
log house belonging to Father Ravoux, and for
eight years taught school, engaging in surveying
Saturdays and during vacation. A busy and use-
ful life he spent and in his indefatigable industry
he even found time to perform the duties of
freight clerk at Mendota for the Minnesota Val-
ley Railroad Company, and in those days the
freight business of Mendota was to be reckoned
with.
In 1 868 the promise of West St. Paul attracted
Mr. Crowley to remove thither and there he and
his wife taught school. His capacity as an edu-
cator brought him a call to the office and in
1870 he was elected superintendent of schools of
Dakota county and held the position for eight
years. He served as a member of the city council
of South St. Paul and after the separation of
South and West St. Paul, due largely to his ef-
forts, he was unanimously elected mayor of West
St. Paul at the first election. In 1881 the death
of a beloved daughter led him to retire from pub-
lic life and he died full of years and honors in
1902.
Philip Crowley was a man of intellectual at-
tainments of a character that made him respected
of his contemporaries and he numbered among his
intimates Ignatius Donnelly, whose scholarly ac-
complishments brought him world-wide repute.
Mr. Crowley had a great gift in his knowledge
of the English language, and was considered an
authority in grammar. He was a man of grave
and contemplative habit in his later years and
this fact coupled with his retirement from active
life left him little known of a generation that
might have profited by a more intimate knowledge
of a man whose mind was a mine of substantial
wealth garnished by a fine appreciation of the
higher things of life. He graced the sphere which
he had helped from the stores of his knowledge
and died in the midst of a community he had en-
riched by the manner of his living. His high
moral courasre and firmness of character is still
482
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
a revered nieinory among- the men and women
of his day.
Cornelius M. Crowley, the eldest living son of
Philip Crowley, horn in I'illshurt;', I'emisylvania.
is well and very favorahly known in Si. Paul.
L'nder Captain II. A. Castle he had charge of
the business department of the St. Paul Evenini;
Dispatch, resigning to become credit man and
bookkeeper for Breuer & Budd. In 1883 he be-
came assistant secretary of the board of water
commissioners, which position he still retains. He
is an active member of the Territorial, Junior
Pioneers, and other associations.
John Philip Crowley, the youngest son, was
born in Alendota in what was once the old log
cabin occupied by Monsigneur A. Ravoux ; was
accountant for the wholesale firm of Pireuer &
Rhodes, and for a number of years secretary and
treasurer of the Edison Electric Light & Power
Company of St. Paul. He is now secretary and
treasurer of the St. Paul Gas Light Company :
also a member of the Commercial Club. Islr.
Crowley was married June 21, 1905, to Alary
Eleanor Grathwol, daughter of Louis and Cath-
erine Grathwol, old and highly respected citizens
of St. Paul. " ' W. B. H.
JAMES S. HOUGH.
In the front ranks of the columns which have
advanced the civilization of the northwest leading
the way to the substantial development, progress
and upbuilding of St. Paul, stands James S.
Hough, who has been jjarticularly active in the
growth of this city, where he still makes his
liome. He is numbered among the pioneer set-
tlers of Minnesota, his memory going back to
the times when this entire state was sparsely
settled, when the Indians were more numerous
than the white men and the land had not been
reclaimed for the purpose of cultivation but re-
mained in the primitive condition in which it
came imm the hand of nature. He came to Min-
nesota on April 19. 1850. making his way up
the Mississippi on the steamer "Yankee," the
first Ixjat that proceeded to this point, being nine
days in coming from Galena to St. I'aul, which
was then a small town of only two hundred and
fifty inhabitants. It is therefore connnensurate
that the history of James S. Hough be given in
this volume devoted to the builders and promot-
ers of St. Paul.
Mr. Hough was JKini in Windham. Greene
county, Xew York, March 22, 183 1, and is a son
of Thomas and Alahala (Strong) Hough and a
descendant of Josiah Strong, who was a soldier
of the Revolutionary war and crossed the Dela-
ware with Washington. The father, also a na-
tive of Greene county. New York, was a black-
smith by trade and in 1S43 niade his way
westward to Carroll county, Illinois, where he
followed farmin,g. He had a family of five
children by his first marriage, namely : Sher-
wood; ^^'illiam H. ; James: .\daline ; and one
who died in infancy. Following the mother's
death the father married Margaret Snvder, also
of the Empire state, and they became the parents
of five children, as follows : Albert, .A.delia. Hel-
en, Frank, and Martin, of whom the last named
died in youth. The father was a whig in his
early political affiliations and afterward became a
republican, but never aspired for office. His
life was upright and honorable in consistent har-
mony with his professions as a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1870.
James S. Hough spent the first twelve years
of his life in the state of his nativity and then
accompanied his father on his removal to Illinois.
His education was acquired in the schools of the
two states and when a young man of nineteen
years he came to St. Paul, as before stated, ni.ik-
mg nis wav up tlie Missisipjii river on the firs-,
boat that reached the little village that was
destined to become an important commercial cen-
ter of the coiuitr\-. Mr. IIou,gh aided in survey-
ing nuich of tlie district which was originally
comprised in St. I'aul and he helped to build the
first sidewalk in 1853, which was built by a few
young men in the evening after the day's work
was done. He has been connected with the work
of improvement in various ways and almost from
the beginning has watched the development and
growth of the city, witnessing its transformatiou
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
483
from a littlevillageintoanietropolitaii center with
ramifying trade interests reaching ah sections of
the northwest. He was for a namiber of years en-
gaged in farming", also at ditTercnt times served
as bookkeeper and his life was busy and useful,
his labors resulting in the acquirement of his en-
viable success. With a very desirable compe-
tence he retired from private life about twenty
years ago and is now living at No. 135 Iglehart
avenue.
Mr. Hough was married on .\pril 28, 1859, to
Miss Eliza M. Penfield, a daughter of Horace
and Sarah A. (Budd) Penfield. The father was
born in New Britain, Connecticut, and removed
to Utica, New York, where he engaged in car-
riage-making. He arrived in St. Paul in August.
1854, and here followed his trade for about four
years, when he turned his attention to farming,
giving his time and energies to agricultural pur-
suits up to the time of his death, wdiich occurred
when he w-as si.xty-six years of age. He had a
family of five children : Mrs. Hough. Horace,
Sarah, Julia and Mary J. Penfield. In his po-
litical views the father was a republican and his
religious faith was that of the Presbyterian
church. The chiUlren of Mr. and Mrs. Hough
are as follows : Nettie, the wife of W. H.
Chase, a railroad man living in .Albany, New
York ; Bertha F., a teacher in the Cleveland
school of St. Paul ; Seymour, an electrician at
Eveleth, Minnesota ; Laura M., wdio is also
teaching school ; and Catherine, who is superin-
tendent of the Provident Funds charity.
Mr. Hough has long advocated the principles
of the republican party and served as clerk of
McLaiu township, Ramsey county, and is exam-
iner for the board of supervisors. He also held
school offices and has been closely identified with
various movements and plans for the material,
intellectual and moral development of the city
and county. He holds membership in the Congre-
gational church, with the Sons of the American
Revolution and with the Territorial Pioneers.
The history of the pioneer settlers of St. Paul
would be incomplete without his record, for from
the earliest founding of the town he has been
a resident here and a prominent factor of its
earlv substantial growth and improvement. He
'26
hauled one of the first loads of brick in 1853 for
the old territorial capitol. He braved all the trials
and hardships of pioneer life in order to make a
home in the northwest, rich in its resources, yet
unclaimed from the dominion of the red men.
Widely known, his life history cannot fail to
prove of interest to his many friends and it is
therefore with pleasure that we present this rec-
ord of his career to our readers.
JOHN L. SULLWOLD.
John L. Sullwold, the president and manager
of the Western Supply Company of St. Paul, is a
typical citizen of the upper Mississippi valley,
alert and enterprising and possessing the domin-
ant spirit which has led to the rapid and substan-
tial upbuilding of this section of the country. He
was born in Oneota, Minnesota, May 23, i860.
His father. Herman Sullwold, for many years
engaged in the milling business, is now living
retired in St. Paul, at the age of seventy-nine
years. His wife, in her maidenhood Maria
Gronewold, also survives. In their family are
si.x children yet living.
John L. Sullwold was only a year old when
brought by his parents to St. Paul and at the
usual age he entered the public schools. Compl'et-
ing his education, he entered the retail grocery
business, with which he was connected for a year
and afterward spent a year in the hardware busi-
ness. He next entered the employ of H. P. Rugg
& Company, dealing in plumbing and steamfit-
ting supplies, and remained with that house for
two years, during which time he gained an inti-
mate knowledge of the business. He afterward
entered the service of the firm of Wilson & Rog-
ers, dealers in the same line, with whom he re-
mained for twelve years as a most trusted and
capable representative of the house. In i88g he
was one of the incorporators of the companv of
which he is now president — the Western Supply
Company — of which he was first chosen vice
president, while fourteen years ago he was elected
to his present position as chief executive officer.
The business has now been established for seven-
teen years and is conducted by a stock companv.
484
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
They are jobbers of plumbers', steam and gas
litters' supplies, pumps, iron pipe and fittings,
etc. The other officers of the company are D.
Craig, vice president and secretary, and C. A.
Bettingen, treasurer, and the business is con-
ducted at Xos. 348-350 Wacouta street.
Afr; Sulhvold was married in 1882 to Miss
Clementine Rank, of St. Paul, and they have four
children : Herbert A., twenty-two years of age,
now studying in the School of Technology in
Boston, Massachusetts ; Ada, twenty years of
age, a graduate of the St. Paul high school ;
George A., eighteen years of age, now in busi-
ness with his father : and Harold, a youth of six-
teen years, a student in the high school.
Mr. Sullwold has attained the thirty-second de-
gree of the Scottish rite in Alasonry and is a
member of Osman Temple of the Mj^stic Shrine.
He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and is identified with the Com-
mercial Club, the Junior Pioneers and the United
Commercial Travelers. Politically he is a stal-
wart republican but without personal aspiration
for office. He is recognized as a very active, en-
terprising business man, a member of St. Paul's
commercial associations and the head of one of
the largest houses of the kind in the middle west,
having established a business which in the seven-
teen years of its existence has continually grown
in volume and importance until it is a leading
commercial and productive concern.
HON. PETER BERKEY.
From canal driver to capitalist, such has been
the record of Hon. Peter Berkcy. A life of ac-
tivity has been crowned with success and each
stcjj in his business career has been one in ad-
vance. At the .same time his labors have been
of a character beneficial to the localities in whii-li
he has made his home, St. Paul profiting Ijy his
efforts along various lines. He now maintains
offices in the Germania Life Building, givmg his
attention exclusively to the supervision of his
extensive real-estate interests in St. Paul. He
was born in Somerset countv, Pennsvlvania, on
the 14th of .September, 1822. and has therefore
passed the eighty-third mile-stone on life's jour-
ney. He lust liis mother when hut six vears of
age and when a youth of fourteen years began
work on the Pennsylvania canal as a driver.
His educational privileges were extremely limit-
ed, Ijut in the school of experience he has learned
many valuable lessons. He followed the canal
for four years, or until eighteen years of age.
when he became an agent, and in 1845 he became
captain of a "fast" packet, the schedule being
three and a lialf davs from Pittsljurg to Johns-
town and Philadelphia. This was considered
rapid transit for that time and the packet because
of its speed carried the .\dams e.xpress. Mr.
Berkey continued as captain on the packet until
the Pennsylvania Railroad was completed and the
business of the canal thereby decreased. He after-
ward gave his attention to staging between Pitts-
burg and Clarion for the (ireat ^^'estern Iron
Works.
In 1853, feeling that his financial position now
justified him in establishing a home of his own,
he was married in the month of June. Soon aft-
erward he sold his Pennsylvania interests and
came to St. Paul, arriving in this city on the 27th.
of the same month as a passenger on the steamer
Lady Franklin. Locating here, he has been al-
most continuously connected with the interests
of the city from that time to the jiresent. In De-
cemljer, 1853, he was eleven days in making the
trip from Chicago to St. Paul b\ rail and for two
days he walked. Few men have more intimate
knowledge of the history of improvement in the
methods of transportation, for in early life he was
connected with such and he has watched the ad-
vent of the steam cars and all the changes that
have been made which ha\e Avorked the marvel-
ous revolution resulting in the pn.-.'-ent superior
system. In 1855, in connection with Colonel John
Xicols. Captain Berkey purchased the .Slago
iron store from Marshall Brothers and they began
business under the firm style of Nicols & Ber-
key, which business is today conducted imder the
name of Nicols, Dean & Gregg. Captain I'.er-
key continued his connection therewith mitil
i860, when he sold out. In the meantime, in 1858,
he went to California with a view to locating after
PETI'lR r.KRKEY
^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
487
haviny sold his house and other interests in St.
Paul, but on arriving in California he was not
pleased with the country and conditions which he
met there and in consequence returned to St. Paul,
where he has since made his home. In 1862 there
came the Indian outbreak upon the western fron-
tier and Governor Ramsey, of Minnesota, ap-
pointed Captain Berkey as refugee agent. Later
he was appointed commissioner to adjudicate the
claims which arose because of the depredations
which the Indians committed in the white settle-
ments. The commission consisted of Judge iMc-
Clure, of Stillwater, Matthew Donohue, of Hen-
derson, and Captain Berkey, who was chairman.
This duty claimed his attention for about a year,
after which he resumed operations in the hard-
ware business under the firm name of Nicols &
Dean, continuing a partner in the enterprise un-
til 1868, when he again, sold out. In 1865, in
connection with J. C. Burbank and John Nicols.
he organized the St. Paul Fire & Marine Insur-
ance Company. He is the only one of the or-
ganizers now living and for thirty years he has
been the vice-president of the company, the stand-
ing of which is too well known to need comment
here.
A man of resourceful business ability, ever
watchful of opportunities and noting also the
signs of the times, Captain Berkey in 1872 built
what was known as the St. Paul, Stillwater &
Taylor Falls Railroad, acting as president of the
same until its consolidation with the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad, when he disposed of his
holdings to the latter corporation. In 1883 he
organized the St. Paul National Bank and was
its president for ten years. He also assisted in
the organization of the Second National Bank
and in the early days was associated in this finan-
cial enterprise with Erastus Edgerton. In con-
nection with others he also organized banks at
St. Peter and Stillwater. ^Minnesota, and became
a recognized power and valued factor in financial
circles in the state. Since 1893 his attention has
been devoted principally to his real-estate hold-
ings, which are very extensive, including much
valuable property in St. Paul. He has always
had firm faith in the city and believes that it
still has a splendi<l future before it.
.\ man of forceful individuality and broad ca-
pacity. Captain Berkey has rendered valuable
service to his city in an official capacity. He
served for six or seven years as a member of
the city council and for three or four years was
chairman of the board of county commissioners.
In 1872 he was called to represent Ramsey coun-
ty in the state legislature and in that position, as
in local office, his interest centered in the gen-
eral welfare and the adoption of principles and
measures for the public good. He has always
been a republican, the party platform embodying
his views upon questions of good government.
.-Vs stated above. Captain Berkey was married
in June, 1853, the lady of his choice being Miss
.\iina E. Porter, also a native of Pennsylvania.
She is now seventy-three years of age and for
more than a half century they have traveled life's
journey together, sharing with each other its
joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity and
in the evening of life they are now surrounded
by many comforts and luxuries that go to make
life worth living. They have one son, John A.
Berkey. of St. Paul. Both are members of the
Plymouth Congregational chtirch, Mrs. Berkey
having been identified therewith since 1858. Len-
til 1875 'tl'^^y resided near their present home and
for forty years have lived within a block's radius.
Captain Berkey has always held to high ideals of
citizenship and in business and social life as well.
To him there has come the attainment of a dis-
tmguished position in connection with important
business enterprises of the state and his efforts
have been so discerningly directed along well de-
fined lines of labor that he seems to have realized
at any one point of progress the full measure
of his possibilities for accomplishment at that
point. Honored and respected in everv class of
society, his name is inscribed high on the roll nf
St. Paul's prominent men.
The captain is today one of the oldest living
residents of St. Paul and when asked by Dr. E.
H. Whitcomb the secret of his long life and a
new recipe for keeping off old age, he replied :
"Doing right to everybody at all times, living-
right, acting right, never doing a man an injus-
tice and if by chance you do a man an injustice
and discover your error, go to him at once and
488
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
rtctify it like a man. That has been my ])iilicy
and il has kept me yonng through all these
years."
OJLO.XEL ALNAREX ALLEX.
Colonel Alvaren Allen, living retired in St.
Paul, is one of the pioneers of the upper Missis-
sippi valley. Few men have more intimate knowl-
edge of the events which have shaped the his-
tory and constitute the annals of this section of
the country. His understanding thereof has
come to him as a matter of experience and his
memory forms a connecting link between tlv-"
primitive past and the progressive present. He
has now passed the eighty-fourth milestone on
life's journey, liis birth having occurred in St
Lawrence county, Xew "^'ork, near Ogdensburg,
on September 25. 1821.
His parents were Aaron and Elizabeth (Gould)
Allen, the latter a distant relative of the Goulds
of "Xew York, The father was a farmer of the
Empire state and in 1836 removed westward to
^^'isconsin. He used his influence for the estab-
lishment of a capitol at Aladison and for a num-
ber of _\ears was identified with agricultural inter-
ests in that state. Accompanied by his son.
Colonel Allen, he left New York in 1836, travel-
ing westward to the Mississippi valley, making
the journey by steamer up the St. Lawrence to
Lewiston, Xew York, by a team from Buffalo
to Erie, thence by steamer to Detroit, and from
there by team to Michigan City. They followed
the beach of Lake Michigan around to Chicago,
for the woods were too dense to permit of travel
through the forest and there were no blazed
trails. Aaron Allen was a stock farmer and
was killed by a bull in 1857. He had a familv
of eight children, namely: .Mvaren, of this re-
view ; Moses, who is living in Kansas City, Mis-
souri : William Quincy, who was engaged in the
livery business, but is now living retired at No,
360 Ashland avenue, St, Paul ; Lewis, who was a
well-to-do miner of California, now deceased; Al-
fred, who died in California ; Dallas, who was
killed in 1849 when on his way to the gold fields
of California ; .Angelina, the deceased wife of Hal-
sey Thrasher, of Hudson, Minnesota ; and Zydia,
the wife of Rev. John Bennett, a minister of the
Episcopal cluuch at Kansas City.
Colonel Allen spent much of his boyhood and
youth in llu- Fmpire state, lu'ing fifteen years
of age when with his family he made the over-
land journe\ to Wisconsin, '{"here he resided
until 1851, when he came to .Minnesota and foi
some time was engaged in the livery business av
St. Anthony, now East Minneapolis. He estab-
lished the first livery barn in that section and
in 1853 added a staging business. In 1856 he
admitted to a i)artnership C. L. Chase, a banke'"
of St. .Anthony, and the same year purchased the
Ixed and Blue Stage Line of St, Paul. Later
he added the business of the express companv
and continued under the name of the Minnesota
Stage Company, thus operating until 1869, Thj
traveler of today visiting St, Paul, which is one
of the most prominent railroad centers in all the
country, scarcely realizes that less than half a
century ago all travel in this section of the
northwest was done by stage. In 1869, how-
ever, as railroad building was being carried <:in
quite extensively. Colonel Allen sold his stage
business and turned his attention to railroad con-
tracting, in which connection he built the ( )niaha
Railroad from Mankato, Minnesota, to Sioux
City, Iowa, through what was then a wilderness.
He also Iniilt a portion of the Northern Pacific
Railroad from Brainerd west and afterward a
portion of the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad. He
thus kept in touch with the advancement of trans-
portation and through his stage interests an(!
later through his railroad building contrilnUed
in substantial measure to the develojinient of
the northwest. Later he lived retired for a year
and then rented the Merchants Hotel, which he
conducted for two years, and in 1873 he |)ur-
chased the hotel of which he has since been
owner, although in hjdo he retired from iis
active management. He had developed a splendid
business, had made additions to the property and
always ke])t in touch with the most modern ideas
of hotel keeping, making il one of tlie relial)le
and leading hostelries of the cif\.
In 185 1 Colonel .Mien was married to .Miss
Louise Soula, who was of French lUsccnl, her
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
489
fatlier being a sailor of France. Unto Air. and
]\Irs. Allen were born four children, but the eld-
est died in early childhood. George, who mar-
ried and had a family and was an office holder
in St. Paul, is now deceased. John E.. also
deceased, was clerk in his father's hotel. A
daughter also died in early childhood.
Colonel Allen has always been a stanch dem-
ocrat in his political views. He served as a mem-
ber of the city council for seven years and was
its president for a long period. He was severai
times solicited to become a candidate for mayor,
hut always declined the honor. He is the oldest
and now the only living charter member of Catar-
act lodge. No. 2. .\. F. & .\. M., of East Minne-
apolis, and is an honorary member of Palladin
commandery.
Colonel Allen owes his success entirely to his
own efforts, for he started out in youth without
capital or the assistance of influential friends and
has depended entirely upon his own resources
for what he has accomplished. For many years
he led a very busy and useful life. In the early
days he covered the whole state with his stage
lines and now the same courses are traversed by
the main railroads. The company of which he
was organizer and a member had about eighteen
hundred horses and a similar number of wagon.;
and Colonel Allen had charge of the stage.
While this was a frontier district he had mnnx
narrow escapes from the Indians, from wild ani-
mals and from high water. He took an active
part in the Indian fighting of those times and
carried the first knowdedge of tjie .Sioux outbreak
in 1862. On this occasion he left by stage at
one a. m. and arrived in .St. Paul at two p. m. in
order to deliver a message to the governor.
.\fter securing the aid of twn hundred soldiers
to assist in defending the frontier, he mounted
a horse and rode to St. Cloud, where he arrived
at nine o'clock that night, changing horses about
every fifteen or twcntv miles and alarming the
settlers along the wa\". It is said that such time
was never before known to be made on horse-
back, for he covered a distance of nearly two
luuidred miles and several of the horses which
carried him on his mission died, having been
ridden to death. Once when attempting to cross
Cannon river during high water the coach and
horses were swept ofif the road and were lodged
on a post and rail fence, four horses being
drowned and the mail and express lost, but the
passengers were finally saved. On another occa-
sion when the Zumbro river and bottoms were
nearly half a mile in width and the water had
raised some twenty feet, he attempted to cross
while the ice and logs were floating down the
road. He hitched a line sixty feet long to the
end of the coach pole and with four horses at the
end of the line steered the coach for half a mile
and prevented it from being tipped over by the
floating ice and logs. On reaching high land
thev met another coach, and Mr. Allen then guid-
ed it over in the same manner, being in the cold
water for half an hour.
The days of chivalry and knighthood ir
Europe cannot furnish more interesting or ro-
mantic tales than our western history, for into
the unexplored west went brave men whose cour-
age was often called forth in encounters with
hostile savages. The land was rich in all natiu'al
resources and in agricultural and commercial
possibilities and awaited the demand of man to
yield up its treasures, but there were great diffi-
culties and hardships to be met and dangers to be
faced in the work of reclaiming the region for
the purposes of civilization. Today, however,
the northwest is one of the most productive sec-
tiiins of the entire country and that this is so is
due to such men as Colonel .Mien, whose name is
inseparably interwoven with the history of this
region. No story of fiction contains more ex-
citing chapters than may be found in his life
record would space permit an extended account
of these. He is now resting in the enjoyment of
well earned ease, an honored and venerable citizen
whose life has been crowned with success.
FRANK TANSEN.
Frank Jansen, dealer in coal and wood in .'>t.
Paul, is among the enterprising bu.siness men
that Germany has furnished to this city. He was
born in Prussia. January 23. 1830. a son of
490
I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Antoine ami Maryucrile (Liven) Jaiiscn. who
were natives of Prussia. The fathi.r. who was
born in 1800, died in 1878, while the mother's
death occurred in 1874, when she was about
seventy- four years of age. Having crossed the
Atlantic to the L'nited States, they settled in
Chicago in 1852, where in his later years Antoine
Jansen lived a retired life. However, for a con-
siderable period he controlled a lucrative business
as a fish merchant. In the famil_\' \\^ere seven
children, of whom five are yet living.
Frank Jansen pursued his early education in
the schools of Prussia, and when a youth of thir-
teen accompanied his parents to America, after
which he attended night schools in Chicago
Leaving that city in the spring of 1858 he came
to St. Paul, arriving on April 28th, thirteen days
before the admission of Minnesota to the Lnion.
He worked for a time as a painter and was after-
ward employed in the factory of Kohl & Galley,
chair manufacturers. Later he bought the busi-
ness and established the firm of Gallev & Jansen.
conducting a chair factory from 1862 until 1865.
In the latter year he purchased Air. Galley's in-
terest and admitted to a partnership his brothers,
who had recently come to St. Paul, the firm of
Jansen Brothers being thus formed. They con-
ducted what was known at the Steam Chair Fac-
tory on Eagle street, which they carried on until
1871, employing thirty-five men and doing a
large business, but on account of eastern compe-
tition they retired from the trade. Mr. Jansen
was later connected with various business enter-
prises and in 1894 he began dealing in coal and
wood, attending to both large and small orders.
He has an office at No. 302 West Seventh street
and from this point is controlling a large and
profitable trade.
Ill 1864 Mr. Jansen was married to Miss
Katherine .Mathies, of St. Paul, and to them
were born five daughters and two sons, namely :
Frank H. ; Katherine ; Charles R. ; Mrs. Ger-
trude Alooney, of Tennessee; Mrs. Mary Sim-
mer, of St. Paul ; Laura C. an expert stenogra
pher : and Ida M., at home.
For many years Mr. Jansen has been deejily in-
terested in the welfare and progress of .'^t. Paul,
having for almost a half century made liis hnme
in this city, iiefore the establishment of the paid
fire deparment he served for fifteen years as a
member of the volunteer fire department and was
an alderman from the fourth ward from 1868
until 1871. His political allegiance is given to
the democracy and his social relations connect
him with the Junior Pioneers and the Territo-
rials. He is a communicant of the Assumption
Catholic church and a member of the church
committee. He resides in his own home at No.
237 Sherman street and is a gentleman of cordial
manner, an active upright man of business and
popular with many friends.
FREDERICK M. CATLIN.
Frederick 'SI. Catlin. who has practiced law at
the St. Paul bar since 1887 except for a brief
interval during his services in the Spanish-
American war, was born in Erie. Pennsylvania,
in 1859. His father. Henry Catlin. was editor
of an abolition paper in antebellum days, being
one of the leaders in the movement that opposed
slavery and awakened sentiment throughout the
north in behalf of the cause of liberty.
Frederick M. Catlin acquired his more specific-
ally literary education in Cornell University,
from which he was graduated in the class of 1882
with the degree of Bachelor of .Arts. Taking up
the study of law, he was admitteil to the bai-
in Pennsylvania in 1884 and the same year came
to St. Paul, where he has practiced ctmtinuously
since with the excepton of his term of service
as adjutant of the Fifteenth Regiment of Minne-
sota \'olunteers in the Spanish-.Vmerican war.
His military record covers an association of
fourteen years with the National (hiard. At the
bar. where advancement is proverbially slow he
has made steady progress and ilie litigated inter-
ests which are today entrusted to his care indicate
favorable public ()])inion concerning his ability as
advocate and counselor and his success in the
trial of important cases before the courts, for he
has a large and distinctively representative cli-
entatre.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
491
Mr. Catlin was married in St. Paul, August
4, 1898, to Miss Bertha Crosman, and his club
and fraternal relations are with the ]\Iinnesota
Club, the State Historical Society, Colonial Wars
Society. St. Paul lodge, oN. 59, B. P. O. E., and
he is also a member of the St. Paul Charter Com-
mission. With well developed mental powers he
is qualified to become a moving force in com-
munity interests and he withholds his co-opera-
tion from none of the plans and measures which
have direct bearing upon social and intellectual
progress, business or professional activity, or the
advancement of the city along the lines which are
a matter of civic pride.
On August 24, lyoi, Mr. Walther was mar-
ried to Clara Burr, of St. Paul. Mr. Wal-
ther belongs to the Commercial Club, to the
Amateur Athletic Club and to the Minnesota
Boat Club. His political support is given to the
republican party and in religious faith he is a
Baptist. He is recognized as a young man of
superior business ability and integrity, whose
circle of friends is constantly growing and he
is popular in social circles.
ALBERT R. MOORE.
W 11. LARD C. WALTHER.
W'illard C. Walther, department manager and
buyer of the Hackett-\\'alther-Gates Hardware
Company of St. Paul, was born in this city
June 12, 1875. His father. Theodore G. \\'alther,
a native of ^Milwaukee. Wisconsin, is now vice
president of the Hackett-Walther-Gates Hard-
ware Company. His mother, whose maiden
name was Harriet F. Darling, is a native of She-
boygan, Wisconsin. They had five children, but
only two are living, the daughter being Grace,
wife of W. H. Davies, of Boston, Massachu-
setts.
Willard C. Walther acquired his preliminary
education in the public schools of St. Paul and
pursued his more specifically literary course in
the University of Minnesota. He then entered
the retail house of the St. Paul Hardware Com-
pany and devoted two years to a thorough mastery
of the trade in every department. He then en-
tered the present firm of the Hackett-Walther-
Gates Hardware Company, with which he has
now been connected for eleven years and his pro-
niotions from time to time have gained for him
the present position of department manager and
buyer. He is a very active young business man
with large responsibilities in connection with
the interests which is one of the oldest and larg-
est commercial houses of the citv.
Albert R. Moore is practicing as a member of
the law firm of Durment & IMoore. He was born
in Brooklyn, New York, September 14, 1869, a
son of James E. and Eliza A. (Randell) Moore,
both representatives of old New York families.
In 1878 James E. Moore removed with his fam-
ily to St. Paul, where he died in 1894.
.\lbert R. IMoore, nine years of age at the
time of the removal, continued his education,
begun in New York, by study in the public
schools of this city, being graduated from the
high school in the class of 1887. He was a
student within the classic walls of old Harvard
from 1887 until 1889 and afterward matriculated
in the law department of the University of Minne-
sota, at the same time pursuing his reading in the
law office of Cole, Bramhall & Morris. He won
his Bachelor's degree in 1891, his Master's de-
gree in 1892 and later the degree of Doctor of
Civil Laws.
Mr. Moore entered upon the active practice
of his profession in 1891 as a member of the firm
of Stryker & Aloore. which partnership main-
tained an existence of five years, after which Mr.
]\Ioore practiced alone for a year. For three
years he was a member of the firm of Markham,
Moore & Markham and in 1899 entered into his
present partnership under the firm style of Dur-
ment & Moore, the extensive and important cli-
entage of the firm indicating the standing of the
partners in legal circles in the city.
In 1898 Mr. Moore was married to Miss Caro-
line E. ^^'eed. a daughter of lames H. Weed, of
492
PAST AXl) I'RESEXT OF ST. PATL.
St. Paul, an old resideiU of the city and a niciii-
ber of the insurance firm of Weed, Parker &
Company. He is an attendant at the Mouse of
Hope Presb}terian church, and a republican in
political belief. He is a member of the Colonial
AA'ar Society, the Harvard Minnesota Club, the
Commercial Club and the Minnesota Club, while
in professional lines he is connected with the
County, State and Anterican Par Associations.
S. S. HESSELGRA\'E, M. D.
Dr. S. S. Hesselgrave, physician and surgeon
in St. Paul, has resided continuously in this
city since 1872, and in a profession where ad-
vancement depends entirely upon individual merit
has gained a creditable place and favorable re-
gard, the consensus of public opinion according
him high rank as a member of the medical frater-
nitv. A native son of Minnesota, having been
born in Sibley county in 1872. he was Ijroughl
the same vear to St. Paul by his parents. R. \'.
and A. L. (Livingston) Hesselgrave, who
maintained their residence here until 1877. The
father was a compositor on the Pioneer Press
during that time and since 1877 he has lived in
\\'innebago City. ^Minnesota, where he is now
retired from active business, enjoying a well
earned rest. The memljcrs of his family are as
follows: \\'. T-"... who resides in Winnebago City
and owns a farm in that vicinity : Mrs. J. H. Saw-
ver, of Minneapolis, whose husband is an engi-
neer on the Chicago, AHlwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
nia<l ; Mrs. H. L. P.ullis, whose husband is count\'
attorney at I'.liu- l^arth, ATinnesota ; Emma, the
wife of \\ . A. Xichols, assistant secretary of
state, residing at Olympia, Washington; Frances,
the wife of C. C. Tves, a farmer residing in Pine
Citv. Minnesota: and i\Iinnic, who is a stenog-
rai)her in the eiiiplox nf the editor of the Minne-
a])olis Tribune.
Dr. Hesselgrave conijileted his literary cnu-
cation by graduatinn fnim the high school of St.
Paul in the class of i8gi and immediately after-
ward began preparation for tin- medical profes-
sion, entering the medical dcpai'linent nl the
L'nivcrsity I't Miiniesnta. from which he was
graduated with the class of 1894. He then
opened an office and entered upon a successful
professional career in St. Paul. He makes a
specialty of surgery and has intiiuate knowledge
of anatomv. the component parts of the human
body, and the onslaughts made by disease. Com-
bined with his scientific knowledge is a precision
and care in the practical operative work of the
surgeon that has gained him recognition and won
him success in his chosen department of labor.
Dr. Hesselgrave was married in 1897 to Miss
Marie E. Greget, a native of France, born near
St. Germain. She came to America when seven
years of age with her parents. Her father was
organist for twenty years of the St. Louis
Catholic chiu-eh. Mrs. Hesselgrave is a soprano
soloist, singing frequently in St. Luke's church.
The family home is at Xo. 1009 Lincoln avenue
and its hospitality is a most enjoyable feature in
the social circles in which they move, i-'ratcr-
nallv Dr. Hesselgrave is a prominent Mason, hav-
ing attained various degrees in the craft, in-
cluding the thirty-second degree. He is also
a member of the Osman Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. Of genial nature and friendly disposi-
tion he enjoys the favorable regard of many
of his fellow townsmen : but his chief interest
centers upon his chosen profession and he keeps
in tintch with its progress through his member-
shi]i in the Ramsey County Aledical Society, the
Minnesota State Medical Society and the Ameri-
can Medical Association.
WrLLL\Ar J. DEAN.
William [. Dean, who since 1887 has been act-
ive in the wholesale hardware business of Nic-
ols. Dean & Gregg in St. Paul, was born in this
city in September. 18^19. a son of William B.
Dean, who is at the hea<l of the business and
who is mentioned on another page of this volume.
I lis preliminary education was ac(|uired in the
I)ublie schools and he afterward entered the Hill
school of Pottstown. Pennsylvania. His cduca-
ti(in cnniiilrted. he entered, in 1887. at the age of
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
493
eighteen years, the house of Xicols & Dean
wholesale dealers in hardware, and has since re-
mained in this institution.
In i8()4. .Mr. Dean was married to Miss
Laura Winter, a daughter of E. W. Winter, and
they have four children : William, Elizabeth,
Winter and Lairra. .Mr. Dean belongs to the
House of Hope Presbyterian church, to the S.ons
of the .American Revolution and to the Minnesota
Club. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party. He is a young business man
of excellent ability, who has thoroughly mas-
tered all the branches of the business, both in
principle and detail and is prepared to carry on
the enterprise which his father helped to estab-
li^ll. lie has given close and discriminating at-
tention to his mercantile interests, keeping in
touch with lines of modern development and prog-
ress in mercantile circles and his efiforts in
recent years have been an acknowledged impor-
tant factor in the successful control of the large
hardware house of Xicols, Dean & Gregg.
HOW^ARD LANKESTER, M. D.
Dr. Howard Lankester, a distinguished physi-
can and surgeon of St. Paul with ofifices in the
I^owry Arcade, is a native of England. He was
educated in London and came to America in
1887, practicing first in Grand Forks, North Da-
kota, and later in northwestern Minnesota. In
1895 li^ joined Dr. Stone, of St. Paul, forming a
partnership under the style of Stone & Lankester.
Dr. Stone, who was formerly city health commis-
sioner, is one of the oldest and best known sur-
geons of St. Paul and Dr. Lankester was associ-
ated with him in his commissionership as bacteri-
ologist. In the private practice of medicine their
patronage is extensive and they rank among the
foremost representatives of the medical frater-
nity in this city. Dr. Lankester belongs to the
county, state and .\merican medical societies and
keeps in touch with the most advanced thought
of the profession while jiracticing along modern
scientific lines.
Dr. Lankester is a prominent Mason and is a
member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a past
grand and master and past grand representative
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Min-
nesota, these being the highest positions within
the gift of the order in the state. He was reared
an Episcopalian, and with his family he resides
at The .Marlhiirmigh in St. Paul.
WILLIS K. JACOBS.
The commercial interests of St. Paul find a
worthy representative in Willis K. Jacobs, man-
ager for the American Tent & Awning Company.
He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July
9, 1859. His father, John Jacobs, was killed
while serving in the L'nion army. He became
a member of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth
Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, was cap-
tured at the battle of the W^ilderness and was
afterward confined in Libln prison. He married.
Elvina Spriggle, who is now living in Pennsyl-
vania. In their family were seven children, four
of whom survive.
Willis K. Jacobs pursued his education in the
schools of Andersonburg, Pennsylvania, and in
the Soldiers' Orphans' School. In 1876. when
sixteen years of age, he went to Illinois and for
two years was engaged in farming in Winne-
bago county near Rockford. He afterward went
to Kansas, where he carried on agricultural pur-
suits for two years and in 1880 he became a resi-
dent of Omaha, Nebraska, where he resided until
1902, being in the government employ as cattle
inspector. He was elected deputy sheriff of
Douglas county and served for five years. In
igo2 he came to St. Paul, where he established
business as a manufacturer of tents and awnings,
building up a large and jirosperous trade in this
line. He organized the American Tent & Awn-
ing Company, of which he is mana.ger and the
business is located at No. 16 West Third street
in St. Paul. He is there enga,ged in the manu-
facture of various kinds of cotton goods besides
awnings and tents, including flags, umbrellas,
window shades as well as cotton duck, oiled
494
AS'I' AND I'RESEXT Ol" ST. I'AL'
clothing, etc., and from a small beginning- has
developed an important enterprise which fnr-
nishes employment to many people.
In 1884 yir. Jacobs was married to Aliss Alin-
nie Keeler, of Nebraska, and to them was born
a son. Harry, whose birth occurred September
24. 1885. On the 1st day of October, 1903, he
was killed by the street cars in St. Paul. At the
time he was attending the Mechanic Arts high
school and was a very intelligent youth, whose
death proved an almost unbearable blow to the
parents. Mr. Jacobs is connected with the Sons
of \'eterans and the Royal Arcanum. He be-
longs to Summit lodge. No. 63. A. F. & A. M.,
Summit chapter, Xo. 45, R. A. ]\I., St. Paul
council, Xo. I, R. & S. .M., l^alladin commandery
No. 21. K. T. and Osman Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. He is also a member of the Presby-
terian church and his political allegiance is given
to the democracy. Mewed in a personal light
his life may be said to be a success, for from a
humble position in the business world he has
gradually worked his way upward until he is the
owner of a large lousiness and commands a
profitable trade. He has won hosts of business
and social friends and he belongs to that tvpe of
representative American men, who, while ad-
vancing individual success also ci.intrilnite to the
general prosperity.
ALBERT WILLIAM LIXDEKE.
Albert William Liiidekc, who as a member of
the firm of Lindckc, Warner & Sons, is well
known as a wholesale merchant of St. Paul, was
horn in this city March 7, 1873. His father,
Albert H. Lindeke, was a pioneer of St. Paul
and became one of the prominent merchants, be-
ing a member of the firm of Lindeke, Warner &
Sons, wholesale dealers in drv goods, their es-
tablishment being the largest in the city.
Albert William Lindeke was educated in the
public schools of St. Paul and was graduated
from the high school in the class of 1890. His
preparatory course completed he entered Yale
College, from which he was graduated in tin-
class of i8i;4. and while in college he became a
member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon. He then
spent a period in travel abroad, and upon his
return to St. Paul in the fall of 1894 he entered
the house of Lindeke, Warner & Company. He
is also a graduate of the St. Paul Law School
of the class of 1900, in which year he was ad-
mitted to the bar. He has never engaged in
practice, but his knowledge of the law has proven
of much value to him in his business career.
In 1898 he was admitted to the firm and acted as
department manager. He is now a partner in
what is the most extensive wholesale dry goods
house in St. Paul, and brought to his duties a
mind well trained to think logically, to reach
rapid conclusions and to meet the ever rising
issues with the power that enables one to readily
solve intricate business problems. He is recog-
nized as a force in wholesale circles in the city
and his life stands in contradistinction to the
fact that many people are urging that it is only
under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus
of opposition that the best and strongest in men
is brought out and developed.
Mr. Lindeke is a member of many prominent
social organizations of the city, including the St.
F'aul Commercial Club, the [Minnesota Club, the
Town and Country Club, the \\'hite Bear Yacht
Club, the Amateur Athletic Association and
others. He is a republican and became the first
president of the Roosevelt Club of St. Paul, with
a membership of five hundred. He belongs to
St. John's Episcopal church and resides at No.
295 Summit avenue. He is a man in whom
culture and experience have united in making
an interesting gentleman, while through his in-
herent force of character he has developed those
qualities which make him a leading business man.
GEORGE W. ^lAGEE.
( leorge W. .Magxe. who eight years ago estab-
lished llie Magec Hotel, was born in New York
August 15, 1835. His father, William Magee,
was a native of New York but has long since
passed awaw The son was educated in the east-
A. w. li.\I)I':ke
A. H. LINDEKE
PAST AX I) I 'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
499
ern metropolis and spent his early manhood in
mercantile business in that part of the country.
He was for a number of years engaged in the
railroad and express business in various parts of
the west and in 1874 came to St. Paul, where he
established an oyster house, which he conducted
for a number of years, receiving the patronage
of the leading residents of this city. Eight years
ago he established the Magee Hotel conducted
on the European plan at the corner of Robert
and Fourth streets, opposite the Pioneer Press
Building. It is exclusively for men with a cafe
in connection and caters principally to the tran-
sient traveling trade. There is also a ladies' cafe.
Mr. Magee possesses the qualities of an ideal
landlord, carefully considering the needs and
wishes of his patrons and he has won a host of
.stanch friends among the traveling public and
also local patrons.
Mr. Magee belongs to Ancient Landmark
lodge, No. 5, A. F. & A. AL, and during a
residence of almost a third of a century in St.
Paul is well known as a leading business man,
particularly prominent in hotel circles.
HUMPHREY BARTON.
Humphrey Barton, an attorney at law. was
born in Pennsylvania, May 6. i8s7. ^ son of
P.altzer Enoch and Nancy (Chilcott) Barton,
the former a native of Pennsylvania and of Eng-
lish extraction. The son was a public-school
student in the Keystone state and also attended
the State Normal School. His preliminary read-
ing was done in the office and under the direc-
tion of John Cessna, one of the most renowned
lawyers and distinguished public men of the
Keystone state. Hying in Bedford, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Barton was admitted to the bar in February,
1885, and for a brief period practiced in the east
before his removal to St. Paul, in May of that
year. Here he opened an office for practice and
has since remained, winning success which is ac-
corded only in recognition of merit and ability.
He is fortunate in possessing those qualities,
natural and acquired, which are indispensable to
the lawyers — a keen, logical mind, plus the
business sense, and a ready capacity for hard
work. He brought to the starting point of his
legal career certain rare gifts — eloquence of lan-
guage and a strong personality, and combined
therewith there is an earnest dignified manner,
marked strength of character, a thorough grasp
of the law and ability to accurately apply its
principles, all of which are factors in his efifec-
tiveness as an advocate. His practice has not
been restricted to any one branch of the profes-
sion and he has intimate knowledge of the law
in its various departments.
In November, 1885, Mr. Barton was married
to Miss Lillian Rupp, of Ohio, and unto them
have been born three children, Cornelia, Dorothy
and Robert. Mr. Barton possesses the qualities
which win strong friendship and personal regard
and also has a well developed public spirit, mani-
fest in his advocacy of affairs connected with the
city's welfare and upbuilding and at the same
time disassociated from any desire for political
preferment. His study of the questions and
issues of the day has led him to give his alle-
giance at the polls to the democracy. He partici-
pates earnestly in any effort to propagate a spirit
of patriotism and of loyalty to American insti-
tutions and wherever there is a public-spirited
attempt to drive corruption and other unworthi-
ness out of office he is found to be working with
the leaders of the movement. His trial of diffi-
cult law cases and the brilliant record of results
attained leave room fnr no question as to his
ability.
JOHN STEARNS CROOKS.
Jcilni .Stearns Crooks, attorney at law at St.
Paul, with a lucrative practice and higher repu-
tation, was born in Detroit, Michigan, July 10,
1S76. His ancestry, both in the lineal and collat-
eral lines, has long been represented in America,
for the progenitors of the Crooks family, of
Scotch extraction, came to the new world about
1680. In the maternal line Mr. Crooks is of
Pennsylvania Dutch and English lineage. His
father. Samuel Stearns Crooks, was a shoe man-
SOO
PAST AXD PRESENT Ol- ST. PAUL.
iifactiirer, who for over twenty years was a mem-
ber of the firm of Sharood & Crooks, of St.
Paul. Init ill 1903 he retired from that firm and
is now president of tlie American Sectional Fur-
niture Company, of Minneapolis, having through
his business enterprise contributed in substan-
tial measure to the commercial prosperity of the
Twin Cities.
John Stearns Crooks was a lad of but seven
years when the family removed from Detroit,
.Michigan, to St. Paul, and he pursued his liter-
ary education in the public schools, after which
he took up the study of law in the office of
KuelTner & Fauntleroy, attorneys of this city,
and later with Clapp & Macartney. He was
graduated from the law college of the University
of Minnesota in the class of 1898 and the same
year entered upon the active work of the profes-
sion in St. Paul, where he has built up a lucra-
tive and growing practice, his clientage being
of a dstinctively representative character. His
law offices are in the New York Life Building
and he is regarded as an able member of the
profession, possessing comprehensive general
information in addition to an analytical mind and
thorough familiarity with the law and practice.
He prepares his cases with provident care and
his presentation shows wide research and sound
logic.
Mr. Crooks was married in 1899 to Miss Grace
W. White, of St. Paul. His interest in municipal
affairs is indicated by his membership in the
Commercial Club, while his religious belief is
manifest in his membership in the House of Hope
Prcsbvterian church.
JOHN j. LEONARD.
John J. Leonard, deceased, who came to St.
Paul in 1878 and was well known among the
railroad men of this city, occupying several good
]jositions in railroad circles here, was born in
Xew York, in June, 1853. His parents. Thomas
and .Mar\' Leonard, were al.'^f) natives of that
state and in an earlv dav came to the west, settling
in Wisconsin, where the father purchased a tract
of land and engaged in farming for several years.
He then remox'ed to St. Paul, where he lived re-
tired until called to his final rest, and his wife
likewise passed away in this city.
John J. Leimard attended the public schools 01
Xew York and Wisconsin and was reared to
farm life but at the early age of twelve years
began his railroad service in the Badger state,
doing various kinds of work for the railroad
companies. Following his removal to St. Paul
in T878 he accepted a position with the old Duluth
Railroad Company and gradually worked his way
upward until he became a passenger conductor on
that line, acting in that capacity for fourteen
vears with a regular run. He was very faithful
to the corporation which he represented and
proved a courteous official of the road, doing ev-
erything in his power for the comfort and wel-
fare of the patrons of the line. He afterward en-
tered the employ of the Chicago. Burlington &
Ouincy Railroad Company as passenger conduc-
tor between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisconsin,
remaining on that run for three years.
It was during that time that Mr. Leonard was
married in St. Paul to !\Iiss Catherine Tobin. a
native of X'ew Orleans and a daughter of ^lar-
tin and Mary (Landy) Tobin. Her father was
a pioneer resident of St. Paul. In the early days
he was a miner in California and afterward re-
moved to X'ew Orleans, where he lived for a brief
period, coming first to this city, where he ac-
cepted a position as watchman in the railroad
shops of the Great X^orthern Company. He filled
that position for thirty-five years and is now re-
tired, residing at Xo. 252 Commercial avenue.
Altliruigli quite aged he takes a very active inter-
est in politics and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day. His wife has
now passed away. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Leonard
were born two daughters and a son, Stella, John
and Mary, all of whom are with their mother.
After being engaged as passenger conductor on
different railroads entering St. Paul Mr. Leon-
ard took charge of the construction work for the
I'nion Pacific Railroad and thus served for a few
\cars. lie afterward tciok charge of the con-
r
x
O
r
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PATL.
503
struction work for the Great Northern Railroad
Company and was sent west to look after the
building of its line. He had been superintendent
of the construction of a railroad bridge in the
state of Washington and was on the first train
to cross the bridge, when it went down and he
was killed, the date of his death being October
24, 1892. His remains were returned to St. Paul
for interment.
Sociall}- he was a member of the Order of Rail-
way Conductors of St. Paul anil in his political
views he was a democrat. Both he and his wife
were members of St. Mary's Catholic church but
Mrs. Leonard has since transferred her member-
ship to St. John's Catholic church. Mr. Leon-
ard had a very wide acquaintance among the rep-
resentatives of railroad interests in St. Paul and
was well known among all classes of railroad
men in the northwest. Starting out upon his
business career at the early age of twelve years in
the employ of a railroad company his entire life
was given to that service in one department or
another and he gradually won advancement until
he occupied a very proiuinent position with large
responsibilities. Since her husband's death i\Irs.
Leonard has purchased a pleasant and commodi-
ous residence at No. 726 East Fourth street in
St. Paul, where she and her children now reside.
HERBERT L. JENKINS.
ITerbert L. Jenkins, engaged in the real-estate
business and in the care of large properties as a
member of the firm of Frye & Jenkins, of St.
Paul, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June
22, 1858. His father. Charles T. Jenkins, who
for forty years acted as postmaster of East Bos-
ton, is now living' retired in St. Paul at the age
of seventy-four years, but his wife who bore the
maiden name of Josephine Strong, passed awav
about forty years ago. She was a daughter of
C. D. Strong, a very prominent wholesale hard-
ware merchants of St. Paul, now deceased. In
the family were two sons and a daughter : Her-
bert L. ; Alfred H., of this city; and Mrs. Hattie
E. Sanders, of Wheeler, Washington.
Herbert L. Jenkins aciiuired his education in
the public and high schools of Boston and after
completing his school life was for nine years con-
nected with the great house of Belding Brothers
& Company, silk manufacturers. He then came
to St. Paul in 1883 and connected himself with
Strong, Hackett & Company, wholesale hardware
merchants, remaining with that firm for six
years. He afterward went to Tacoma, Wash-
ington, where he engaged in the wholesale paint
business on his own account for seven years. On
the expiration of that period he returned to St.
Paul, where he accepted a position as assistant
credit man with the wholesale hardware house of
Farwell, (Jzmun, Ivirk & Company, with which
he was connected until 1900. Since that time he
has l)een engaged in the real-estate business and
the care of large properties. The firm is now Frye
^- Jenkins and they manage between twenty and
thirt\- large buildings, including the Globe Build-
ing and the Marlborough, a large apartment
house at Sixth street and Summit avenue. Mr.
Jenkins is a man of marked enterprise, alert and
energetic, watchful of opportunities and con-
stantly utilizing the advantages which come to
him.
In 1900 Mr. Jenkins was married to Miss Jes-
sie Strong, of St. Paul, and they have two sons,
Lloyd W. and Clifford H.. aged respectively five
and three years. Mr. Jenkins is connected with
the Knights of the Maccabees and is a member
of St. Paul's Commercial Club. He also attends
.St. Clement's Episcopal church and is an advo-
cate of the republican party, manifesting his loy-
alty to its principles through the support of the
ballot. He is a gentleman of thorough culture
as well as considerable business capacity and
executive force, so that he has a wide and favor-
able ac(|uainiance both in social and business
circles.
EDWARD HYDE.
Edward Hvde, vice president of the firm of
Griggs & Company, wholesale grocers of St
Paul, whose long and varied experience in this
line nf commercial activit\- has made him tho""-
504
I 'AST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
oiii;hly acquainted with the trade, stands today
among those whose energy and enterprise have
contributed to the commercial prosperity of this
city in more recent years. He was born in Leba-
non, Connecticut, December 2^, 1857, a son of
Henry and Lydia (WilHams) Hyde. The father,
an officer in the United States army, died while
in the service, and the mother survived until
1905. In the family were four sons and three
daughters, of whom three sons and two daugh-
ters are yet living.
Edward Hyde was a public-school student iii
Lebanon, Connecticut, until his sixteenth year,
during which time the periods of vacation were
devoted to farm labor. He afterward engaged
in clerking in the general store of X. C. Barker,
of Lebanon, Connecticut, for a short time and
subsc(|ui.ntly Avent to \'irginia City. Nevada,
where he entered the store of T. R. McGurn, a
grocer, with whom he continued for five years.
On the last of February, 1883, he arrived in St.
Paul and soon became a traveling salesman, rep-
resenting the house of Glidden, (iriggs & Com-
pany, whiik'fale grocers, now Griggs, Cooper &
Company, for twenty years, during which time
he gained a wide and favorable acquaintance in
trade, a fact \vhich resulted beneficiallv to bin;
when he embarked in business on his own ac-
count. In January, 1905, I\Ir. Hyde was admit-
ted to a partnership in the wholesale groccr\
house of (iriggs & Company, incorporated, be-
coming vice president. He has had a long and
varied experience in connectiDu with the grocerv
trade, with which he is thoroughly conversant
in every department and his efforts have con-
tributed in no small degree to the success of the
enterprise. The members of this firm are old ex-
perienced grocers and the house enjoys a large
city trade as well as an extensive business drawn
from other parts of the country. They are lo-
cated in commodious quarters on East Third
street and the present officers are : J. W. Griggs,
president: Edward Hyde, vice president; and 1!.
C. Henke, treasurer. The business has had a
continuous existence of thirty years, having its
foundation in a retail grocery store which was
established in 1875, I'he business is growing
rapidly and substantially year by year and is rec-
ognized as one of the leading commercial enter-
prises of St. Paul and the northwest.
In 1886 Mr. Hyde was married to A'liss Cyn-
thia Friend, of Newport, Rhode Island, and they
have three children : Alice and Luther, aged re-
spectively eighteen and sixteen years and now
students in the high school ; and Helen, who at
the age of thirteen years is a grammar-school
student. Air. Hyde is a member of the New
Richmond (Wisconsin) lodge of Masons, and of
St. Paul lodge, No. 2, K. P., in which he has held
many of the chairs. He is also connected with
the Modern Woodmen of Stillwater. Minnesota,
and with the LTnited Commercial Travelers of
St. Paul. In politics he is an independent repub-
lican and he attends the Bethany Congregational
church. Political, social and church relations re-
ceive due interest and co-operation from him and
at the same time the major part of his attention is
given to his business affairs, which, characterized
liy well-directed management and keen discern-
ment, are bringing the sufistantial rewards of
prosperity.
AlAJOR 15ENTA.MIX F. WRIGHT.
Major Benjamin F. Wright, an iKmored vet-
eran I if the Civil war, whn fm- many years was a
prominent factor in educational circles in St.
Paul, contributing in large measure to the im-
provement of the schools, was l>orn in LTica, New
York, June 6, 1840. His father was of Scotch
birth and died soon after coming to .\merica. The
son ac((uired his early education in thr ]iulilic
schools of his native city and afterward attended
Union College at Schenectady, New York, from
which institiiliiin lie was graduated in the class
of iH('i2. In the same year, in response to the
country's call for aid, he joined the One Hundred
and Forty-sixth New York \'olunteer Infantry.
(if which he was commissioned sergeant major on
the toth of October, iHCtz. He was promoted to
the rank of first lientt'nant in December of the
same year, was made captain ^larch 2S, 18(13, and
was nnistered out with his regiment on the T6th
nf |ul\, iSr^i^. He liad lieiii brevi'tted m.-ijur of
I'. \\'RI(;UT
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
507
Unitetl States volunteers Alarch 13, 1865, for
'■gallant and meritorious service during the war."
He was in a number of the celebrated battles in
which the Army of the Potomac was engaged.
At the time of his death Minnesota Commandery
of the Loyal Legion published a memorial in
which, speaking of Major Wright's military rec-
ord, the following is given : "On the first day of
the great battle of the \Mlderness he was taken
jirisoner while charging with his regiment against
Ewell's corps through almost impenetrable
woods. He was soon taken to Alacon, Georgia,
and held in captivity almost a vear. A verv in-
teresting account of his capture and imprison-
ment will be found in his paper. 'From the Wil-
derness to Richmond,' read by him before this
commandery the evening of October 5, 1887, and
printed in its second volume. From his sketch
we learn that at Macon were twelve hundred
commissioned officers as prisoners of war, among
them a University professor, also teachers from
some of the best schools, that many interspersed
stud}' with diversions, and that he took lessons
in French and mental science. In August he was
removed with the rest of the prisoners to Charles-
ton, where for some weeks he was seriously ill.
but was kindly nursed by the Sisters of Charity.
Yellow fever prevailing at Charleston, the pris-
oners were removed — on grounds of humanity it
should be presumed — to Columbia, South Caro-
lina, where they spent the winter. Shortly after
reaching Columbia he was one of four who
escaped and wdio, after about five weeks' wander-
ing, were recaptured. February-I5th or i6th with
what emotion they heard the guns of Sherman in
the rear of Columbia ! Confusion followed. They
were hurried to Raleigh, then to Goldsboro, then
back to Raleigh, then the last of February again
to Goldsboro, and then — most happy day — to
\Mlmington and liberty I May 5. 1865, just a
}'ear after his capture, he resumed command of
his company at Richmond. His company had
been filled with new men. Only two were there
of the sixty-nine who had charged with him
through the tangled maze of the Wilderness."
In 1868. Major Wright arrived in Minnesota
and for a year was a principal of the Washington
school in .St. Paul, after which he became prin-
cipal of the high school, serving in that capacity
until 1881, when he was chosen superintendent of
the public schools. Fie was connected with the
system of public instruction in this city alto-
gether for twent_\--three years and did much to
uphold the standard of education. He was inter-
ested and zealous in his work and had the faculty
of inspiring the teachers and pupils under him
with much of his own zeal and enthusiasm. Fie
realized that the work of the schoolroom is but
a preparation for the responsible duties of after
life and he made it his earnest endeavor to pre-
pare those who came under his instruction for
any and all duties that might come to them. He
was also one of the founders of the St. Paul pub-
lic library and. was serving as secretary of its
board at the time of his death. He was like-
wise one of the founders of the manual training
school and was called the father of that institu-
tion. During the last sixteen years of his life
he was connected with business interests as gen-
eral agent in life insurance, becoming state agent
for the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
at St. Paul.
Major Wright was married to Aliss Olivia Car-
gill, who died in St. Paul, leaving a son and a
daughter : Dr. A. B. Wright, now a practicing
physician of Xew York city, and Kate, the wife
of \\'illiam H. Farnham, of St. Paul. In 181)0,
Major Wright was married in St. Paul to Miss
Flora Taylor, daughter of William Taylor, a re-
tired clothing manufacturer of I'tica, Xew York,
where he is now residing. There were four chil-
dren born of the second marriage : William Tay-
lor, Dorothy, Marion and I'.enjamin F.. jr.. all
residing with their mother.
Major Wright was a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic and took a very active and
helpful interest in the Loyal Legion, being affil-
iated with the Minnesota Commanderv. He was
also a Knight Templar Mason. In politics a
stanch republican, he was chairman of the com-
mittee in his ward, and his devotion to all inter-
ests of a helpfid public nature stood as an unques-
tioned fact in Ills career. He held membership in
Dayton Avenue Presbyterian church, to which
his wife also belongs. She and her children re-
side at No. 538 Dayton avenue, the house having
SoS
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
been built by Major \\ riglit twenty years ago.
At his demise the Minnesota L'ommandery of the
Loyal Legion passed and published resolutions of
respect and condolence and perhaps no better esti-
mate of his character and worth can be given
than the closing words of that article: "His fine
personal (|ualitics — kind and just spirit, unruffled
temper, and cheerful disposition — endeared him
to all wild knew him. He left a beautiful record
as a citi;:en and as a soldier. The simple facts
in his life are his eulogy."
JULIUS STOL'GAARD.
Julius Stougaard, who has developed one of
the leading grocery establishments in his part of
the city, is a native of Denmark, born January
27. 1868. His educational privileges were mea-
ger, as it was necessary that he provide for his
own support in his boyhood days. He began
clerking in a store in his native town, serving
a regular apprenticeship to the business, and in
1887, when a youth of nineteen years, he came to
the United States, locating in St. Paul, where he
entered the employ of ^^'. H. De Savyny. with
whom he remained for five years, at the end of
which time he purchased the business in 1893.
He has since been connected with the grocery
trade and conducted his store in the Woodruff
Block until 1905, when he erected a building on
the opposite side of the street at a cost of
eighteen thousand dollars. In 1906 he made other
additions in the shape of a bakery and he is now
conducting the largest grocery trade in his local-
itv, having an extensive business which has been
developed through his unfaltering application to
his work and his keen business discernment and
enterprise. His new building contains a store
room, sixty by sixty feet, in addition to the sales-
rooms, and the store presents a fine appearance,
being thoroughly modern and up-to-date in every
particular. Me carries all lines of goods known
to the grocery trade and his business is a pros-
perous one.
Mr. Stougaard was married in 1891 to Miss
Annie Ericksen, of Volga, Wisconsin, and their
children are Lee Raymond, Roy Andrew, Grace
and Elsie. Mr. Stougaard is a member of the
Alasonic fraternity, belonging to Triune lodge,
No. 190, A. F. & A. M., at Merriam Park,
Palmyra chapter, R. A. M., Palladin command-
ery, K. T., and the Mystic Shrine. His enter-
prise and thrift constitute the secret of his suc-
cess. His energy and careful management stand
as salient features in his career and he regards
no detail of his business as too unimportant to
claim his attention. It has been his careful in-
sight and close study of the trade that have made
him one of the leading retail merchants of the city
and his life stands in exemplification of what a
young man of foreign birth possessing energy
and determination may accomplish in the new
world.
JAMES MAGUIRE.
In this age where the spirit of money-making
seems to be the dominant motive in the lives of
most men, it is refreshing to find a man whose
actions have been largely prompted bv a spirit
of helpfulness — a man whose every act is not
weighed in the balances of profit and loss, but
who willingly embraces the opportunity to aid
his fellowmen on the highway of life. That Pro-
fessor James ]\Iagiure has done this is attested by
hundreds all over the cotintry who have come
under his instruction and have carried away from
the schoolroom something besides what is learned
in book.s — the remembrance of aid patiently given,
of advice kindly bestowed and of wise and help-
ful counsel.
The life record of Professor Maguire began
May 22. 1849, in Jo Daviess county, Illinois,
upon a farm near one of the battle-fields where
fought the celebrated Indian, Black Hawk, who
opposed what he regarded as the intrusion of the
white man upon the hunting grounds of the red
race. James ^ilaguire was a son of John and
Elizabeth (Cassidy) Maguire, both of whom
were born in the county of Fermanagh, Ireland,
lie comes of a family of educators both on the
father's and mother's side, thus represented in the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
509
educational development and progress uf Amer-
ica and Europe as well, one member of the fam-
ily being now a member of the British parlia-
ment and prominent in educational circles for
over forty years.
Fortunate is the man who has back of him an
ancestry honorable and distinguished and happy
is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony
therewith. In person, in talent and in charac-
ter, Professor Maguire is a worthy scion of his
race and has fully sustained the family reputation
for work in the educational field. Under the
watchful care of a loving mother and the wise
and prudent discipline of his father, his boyhood
days were spent on the farm where his birth oc-
cured and where the principles that went to build
up the man of enterprise and progress were
planted deep and strong in his nature by those
who molded his pure, noble character. His edu-
cation was gained at an early age in one of the
rustic log schoolhouses of that time, in which
the benches were slabs of oak logs, with the
sawed side up, while the under side was still
covered with the native bark. Auger holes were
bored through the ends of these slabs and wooden
pins were driven into them for legs. The door
swung on creaking wooden hinges with the neces-
sary latch string on the outside. Not a single
nail appears to have been used in its construc-
tion. One small window gave a limited amount
of light to the rude structure. Here Mr. Ma-
guire sat with feet swinging to and fro, learning
the lessons of his young life under Mary A.
Doogan, who was his first teacher and his cousin.
The rapid development of the country soon gave
schools of the best type, in which he received
a very liberal education and finally he was gradu-
ated from the state normal school of Illinois, re-
ceiving the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
He at once entered the public schools as a teacher
in the fall of 1868, or thirty-eight years ago, and
rose to w^ell earned distinction as one of the
foremost educators of his state.
Wishing to obtain a business education in con-
junction with his classical knowledge, he en-
tered Baylies Business College at Dubuque, Iowa,
one of the foremost and best of the northwest.
There he gave the work in hand the whole at-
27
tention and energies of his mind until he fully
mastered every detail of the work in all its bear-
ings. There he won honorary degrees and re-
ceived his diploma June 6, 1879, with the high-
est record of any student passing through up to
that time. This was highly gratifying to him
and to all the faculty who were connected with
his education and this preparation fitted him re-
markabh' well for the work of his after life.
Seeking a change of occupation for a time he,
together with his brothers, Philip and Henry,
engaged in the mercantile line, locating in the city
of Galena, Illinois. His enterprise at that place
}-ielded him financial returns far Ix'vond his ex-
pectations. His friends, observing the unswerv-
ing principles of right and justice in his nature,
prevailed on him to become a candidate for su-
pervisor and represent the city of Galena on the
county board. He was elected to the office with
a large majority and continued to fill the office
for years. Seeing the rapid growth of St. Paul,
he was attracted hither, arriving on Tuesday,
May 4, 1886, on the steamer Sidney, commanded
by Captain Corbet, landing at the foot of Jack-
son street at 9:30 o'clock in the morning. With
his keen foresight he saw the future greatness of
St. Paul and the vast virgin empire stretching far
to the west tributary to the capital city of ^linne-
sota. He began to make extensive investments
in real estate, both in and out of the city. His
earnest, faithful work has done much to aid in
making the city what it is. The great activity in
real estate quieting somewhat, he determined to
enter once more the field of educational labor and
has been so closely and prominently connected
with the educational and moral interests of the
city in succeeding years that no history of the
community would be complete without the record
of his career. It is a widely acknowledged fact
that the most important work to which a man can
direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it
he from the pulpit, from the lecture platform or
froin the schoolroom. Its primary object is ever
the same — the development of one's latent powers
that the duties of life may be bravely met and
well performed. It is to this work of thus in-
structing the young that Professor Maguire now
devotes his time, energies and thought. On the
510
PAST A.XD I'RESEXT ()!• ST. I'AL'L
_'8lh of -May, i8y6, he and his brother I'hihp
imrchased the St. Paul Business College, one of
the most progressive institutions of business
learning at that time. This noted college was es-
tablished in 1865 by Bryant. Stratton. Berkley
& Company. This college, of forty-one years'
standing, has absorbed the best talent and ener-
gies of James Maguire. Here lay the crowning
work of his useful life. Never has he sent forth
a claim or made a promise to the student or the
business man that has not been fulfilled in spirit
and in letter. Every department of his work
he has kept as perfect as possible. .Vlways in
touch with the best and most advanced thought
of the business world, his aim is and has been
to train young men and women to be honorable
and independent members of the business com-
munity, to ini])art a thorough, theoretical and
practical business education, using systems and
facilities as perfect as the most advanced and
the brightest educators have been able to devise.
Thus year by year he raised his work to that
peerless record, as the city and surrounding
country developed to prosperity.
On Thanksgiving day of igoo. Air. Maguire
married ]\Iiss Ouain, a young lady of admirable
<|ualities of mind and heart. To them have been
born three bright children to gladden their home :
Mary Agatha, born Friday, October 4, 1901 ;
Margaret Annie, born Thursday, December 18,
1902 ; and James William, born Friday. October
6, 1905. He owns and resides in his pleasant
home at 585 Cedar street in full view of the old
and new capitol buildings. Three of his broth-
ers are still living: Thomas and John, of East
Dubuque. Illinf)is : and Francis, of Mitchell.
South Dakota.
Tn politics Mr. Maguire is a democrat of liberal
views and in religious faith a practical Catholic.
Socially he is warm hearted and a gentleman of
culture. He is of that class of men who live to
benefit htnnanity and the spirit of self-sacrifice
has many times been noted as he has ])erformed
the daily duties of life. In the schoolroom he has
not considered his work done when the regula-
tion school hours of the day were passed, but
has oftentimes put aside personal wishes in or-
der to give extra time to his pupils who liave
needed his assistance. Thousands of pupils who
have formerly been in attendance at his business
college are now scattered all over the world and
are giving evidence in able service of his careful
instruction and the fact that he instilled into
their minds principles of business integrity as
well as correctness of business form. He sees the
fruit of his labor in successful business careers
throughout the land and many of his pupils keep
in touch with him, expressing to him their grati-
tude from time to time for what he has done in
their behalf. Professor Maguire has so closely
applied himself to his work that he has to some
extent undermined his own health. His love
for his profession has far overbalanced any
thought in regard to himself and he has estab-
lished in St. Paul an institution of which the city
may well be proud and which has been of utmost
benefit to his fellowmen. The real s])irit of re-
ligion is thus manifest in his daih' life and like
the
"Echos which roll from soul to soul
.\nd grow forever and forever"
his iniluence is constantly reaching out and ex-
tending to other parts of the world through the
effect he has upon the habits and lives of those
who come under his instruction and guidance.
JOSEPH C. flEXRY.
Joseph C. Henry, one of the must prominent
representatives of commercial interests in St.
Paul, was born in Eockerbie. Scotland, July 2,
1856. His father was George Henrv, a farmer of
.Scf)tland, whci died in 1898, and the mother, who
in her maidenhood was Jane Jackson, is still liv-
ing in T,ockerbie, .Scotland.
Tn the schools of his native conntry Josejih C.
Henry was educated and in 1878. when twenty-
two years of a.ge. he came to the Ignited States.
Throughout his entire life he has been connected
with the hardware trade. On reaching the new
world he entered the employ of the hardware
firm nf I'rank & Ramsev, of Madison. Wisconsin,
JOSEPH C. HENRY
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PALL.
513
with whom he reniainud until 1880, when he
came to St. Paul. Here he entered the hardware
liouse of Strong, Hackett & Compan)-, which later
became the Strong-Hackett Hardware Company
and he became a member of the firm when the
Inisiness was incorporated under the stvle of the
C W. Hackett Hardware Companv. The present
firm name is the Hackett-W'alther-Gates Hardr
ware Company, of which Mr. Henrv is secretary.
To those familiar with commercial interests of
St. Paul this house is well known, being one of
the leading commercial concerns of the north-
west with a volume of trade which in extent and
importance brings the house into contact with
many business centers of the country.
In 1883 in Madison, Wisconsin, Mr. Henr\
was married to Miss Maggie Sutherland, a native
of Edinburgh, Scotland, and they have two chil-
dren : Marguerite, sixteen years of age now at-
tending the high school : and \Mlliam Thompson,
a public-school student at twelve years of age.
IVominent in Masonrw .Mr. Henry belongs to
Damascus commandery, K. T., has been identi-
fied with Minnesota consistory for fifteen ^-ears
and belongs to Osman Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. He is likewise connected with the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks and holds
membership in the House of Hope Presbyterian
church. He stands as one of the strong and
forceful factors in commercial circles in St. Paul,
where for more than twenty-six years he has been
connectedi with business interests, his career be-
ing marked by steady advance and gratifying suc-
cess. He has a beautiful home at Xo. 1895 ^S^^'
hart street and his circle of friends is an exten-
sive one owing to his unquestioned business in-
tegrity and genuine personal worth.
Dakota, and was for a number of years very
successful!}- engaged in the stock business, so
that he is now enabled to live retired, making his
home in St. Paul. His wife also survives and
there are two daughters, Mary and Katherine,
also residents of this city.
Dr. Staley was practically reared in North
Dakota and is a graduate of the Bismarck high
school. He also attended the Valley Citv Nor-
mal School and thus acquired a good literary
education to serve as the foundation upon
which he reared the superstructure of profes-
sional learning. Pie pursued his medical studies
in the L'niversity of Minnesota, where he com-
pleted his course with the class of 1903 and he
then added to his theoretical knowledge the prac-
tical experience of one year's service in St.
I.uke's Hospital. Since that time he has been en-
gaged in regular practice and has entered upon a
promising career in his chosen profession. He is
a member of the Ramsey County Medical Society,
the Minnesota State Medical Society and the
American Medical .Association and he keeps in
touch with the trend of modern thought, re-
search and investigation along lines of medical
and surgical knowledge and practice. His office
is located at the corner of Arundel and Univer-
sity avenues and his business is now of an ex-
tensive and important character.
In his political affiliation Dr. Staley is a repub-
lican, but without aspiration for office. Socially
he is connected with the Royal Arcanum and in
Masonr_\- has taken the degrees of the blue lodge
and attained the fourteenth degree of the Scottish
rite. He is a young man of laudalile ambition
and commendable purpose, who has become pop-
ular socially and is fast making his way to a
position of professional jirominence.
J. C. STALEY, M. D.
Dr. J. C. Staley, one of the well known of the
younger physicians and surgeons of St. Paul,
was born in Bureau county, Illinois, in February,
PHILLIP BUSCHM.WN.
.\mong the pronu'nent ( ierman-.\merican citi-
zens of .St. Paul was numbered Phillip Busch-
1875, his parents being early residents of that mann, who for many )ears was connected with
state. His father. T. C. Staley, Sr., removed with the wagon manufacturing interests of the city and
tlie family from Illinois to Bismarck, North became the owner of what is now the most ex-
5H
I'AST AM) i'Ri':si-:.\'r oi" st. tai'l
tensive plant of the kind in St. Paul. He became
identified with industrial interests here in pio-
neer times, taking up his abode in St. Paul in
1855, when the town was one of little prominence
of commercial or industrial importance. He was
born in Germany, December 26, 1824, a son of
John Buschmann, who was a native of that coun-
try, in which he followed farming throughout his
entire life, both he and his wife passing away
there.
Phillip Buschmann acquired a conimon-sclmol
education in his native country and when a
young man began to learn the blacksmith's trade.
While thus engaged he was taken ill with
typhoid fever, which resulted in trouble with his
eyes. It was thought that he might lose his eye-
sight and he decided to come to America. He
landed in New Orleans in 1853, began taking
treatment for his eyes and soon became better.
Not long afterward he began working at common
labor, which he followed for two years and then
became ill with yellow fever. This decided him
to leave the south and as his money had all been
expended on account of the exigencies of his ill-
ness he borrowed enough to pay his fare from
New Orleans to St. Paul and accordingly arrived
in this city in 1855, remaining one of its residents
until his death.
Mr. Buschmann was first emplo)'ed as a gen-
eral laborer here, being largely engaged in dig-
ging wells. Soon, however, he began working at
the blacksmith's trade for the well known Schur-
meier Wagon Company and continued with that
firm for several years. With the capital secured
from his own earnings, resulting from his dili-
gence and frugality, he was enabled to embark
in business on his own account and built a shop,
after which he worked at the trade of wagon-
making until 1866, when he entered into partner-
ship with Mr. Damkroeger under the firm name
of Damkroeger & Buschmann. They engaged in
wagon-manufacturing and blacksmithing for
three j-ears, on the expiration of which period
Mr. Buschmann sold out and returned to the
Schurmeier Wagon Company. He continued in
the employ of that firm for a few years, saving
his earnings, and then entered into partnership
with Messrs. Schroeder & Weyh in the wagon-
manufacturing business under the firm style of
I'.uschmann & Company. They built a large
plant, equipped it with modern machinery and
began its operation, the firm of Buschmann &
Company conducting an extensive and important
business for ten years, having a large output and
making extensive annual sales. When the decade
had passed Mr. Buschmann sold his interest but
the business is still carried on under the firm
style of Schroeder & Weyh and is one of the
largest wagon-manufacturing enterprises of the
city. After disposing of his share in the business
Mr. Buschmann lived retired until his death,
enjoying a well earned ease.
]\Ir. Buschmann was married first in New
Orleans but his wife died there a year later leav-
ing a little son, Plenry, who now resides in St.
Paul, being in the employ of the Great Northern
Railroad Company. In 1856 Mr. Buschmann was
married in St. Paul to Miss Annie Smith, also a
native of Germany and a daughter of Ludwig
and Annie (Eorkhord) Smith. The father was
a farmer of Germany and came to America in
1853, settling in Cincinnati, where he lived for
several years. In 1855 he came to St. Paul,
where he lived retired until his death, arid his
wife also passed away in this city. Mr. and Mrs.
Buschmann became the parents of seven children,
of whom five are yet living. Emma became the
wife of August Willie, of Indiana, who was a
carpenter, bricklayer and contractor in St. Paul
for a considerable period. He died in 1888, leav-
ing a family of five children, namely: Ida, the
wife of L. W. Steadman, a mine owner, residing
at Murray, Idaho; Ella, the wife of Edward
Strong, of St. Paul, and it is with them that Mrs.
Buschmann resides; Carrie, the wife of Ernest
Malander, of St. Paul ; Edward, who is working
for his brother in Murray, Idaho; and Herbert,
who is with his mother in this city. After losing
her first husband Mrs. Willie was married to
-August Schmidt, who is a painter and resides at
No. 891 Congress street. William A. Busch-
mann, the second member of the family, married
Christina Marty and resides in this city. He is
a blacksmith by trade and is one of the leading
politicians of St. Paul, now filling the positon of
alderman. Louis Buschmann, who is a shoe-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
.■)ij
maker by trade, married Airs. Emma Butler and
resides in Red Wing, Minnesota. Anna is the
wife of John Koch, who is mentioned elsewhere
in this work. Charles married Mamie Cunning-
ham and resides in Oakland, California, where he
follows the painter's trade. The two members of
the Buschmann family now deceased are Ella
and Herman.
Mr. Ruschmann was a stalwart republican in
his political views. He held membership in the
German Lutheran church, to which his widow
also belongs. He w-as very successful in his
business and was known to all of the pioneer resi-
dents of St. Paul. He came to this city when it
was a small and unimportant town and largelv
witnessed its growth to a commercial center of
metropolitan proportions. He died June 19. 1883,
and his death was deeply regretted by many who
had known him from an early period in the devel-
opment and upbuilding of the city as well as by
the acquaintances of his later years. ]Mrs.
Buschmann has also resided in St. Paul from
pioneer times, the period of her residence here
covering over fifty-one years. Since her hus-
band's death she has sold most of the property
but she still owns the residence where she re-
sides with Mr. and Mrs. Strong at Xo. 358
IMaple street.
JOHN KOCH.
In the history of the world's progress it will be
found that the Teutonic race has been an impor-
tant element in civilization. The sons of the
fatherland have gone forth to almost every land
on the face of the globe, carrying with them the
culture and improvement of their native country
and the ready adaptability and enterprise so
characteristic of the race and the seed which they
have sown has brought fprth rich fruit in prog-
ress and advancement. St. Paul owes much to
her German-American citizens and among this
number is classed John Koch, who for many vears
was a retail shoe merchant, but spent his last
years in honorable retirement from liusiness
cares.
A native of Germany, he was born April 26,
1854. a son of Jacob and Susan Koch, who were
also natives of Germany, where they always
lived. They came to America on a visit and Mr.
Koch of this review attempted to persuade them
to make their home in this country, but old
people find it difficult to change their ways of
living, and they returned to their native land,
where they spent their last days.
John Koch attended the schools of Germany
but his educational privileges were somewhat
limited, for at the age of fourteen years he left
home and came to America, the year 1868 wit-
nessing his arrival. He first located in Phila-
delphia, where he began to learn the shoemaker's
trade, which he followed in that city for a short
time and then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where
he also engaged in shoemaking for several years.
He afterward came to St. Paul, where he pur-
chased a stock of shoes and thus, on Seventh
street, became a retail merchant of this city. He
continued at his first location for several years
and then removed his stock to a store at the cor-
ner of .Seventh and Rosabel streets, where he was
engaged in the general retail shoe trade until
1895, when he sold out his business and lived re-
tired from furtlier mercantile cares until his
death.
Soon after coming to St. Paul Air. Koch was
married to Miss Anna E. Buschmann, a native
of St. Paul and a daughter of Phillip and Annie
f Smith) Buschmann, natives of Germany, who
came to St. Paul at an early day in the develop-
ment of this city, and here the father conducted
an important wagon-manufacturing enterprise
until his death, becoming a leading representa-
tive of industrial interests. His widow still re-
sides in this city and a complete history of this
worthy couple is given elsewhere in this volume.
LTnto Mr. and Mrs. Koch have been born four
children, Etta, Louise, John and Aiuia. all of
whom are residing with their mother. The hus-
band and father died June 30, 1896.
He was never an office seeker nor did he hold
positions of political preferment, but he gave his
su[)port to the republican party, and as a private
citizen labored for the general good. He held
membership in St. John's German Lutheran
5i6
PAST AX I) PRRSF.XT OF ST. PAUL.
church and his Hfe was in consistent liarniony
with his professions. He was a successful mer-
chant and occupies a kadiui;' ])i)sition in business
circles here, and his prosjjerity was creditable
and ijratifving. bcins; the legitimate result of
well directed effort, straightforward liusiness
methods and diligence. Airs. Koch also belongs
to the St. John's German I^uthcran church. She
owns and nccu])ies a large residence at Xo. 859
East Fifth street, where she and her children re-
side and the improvements on the property were
made by her husband. She has recently sold
some valuable realty here but still owns property
in the state of Washington and also at South
Park in St. Paul.
CASPAR SAP-ER.
Caspar Sauer. who is now living retired in
St. Paul, is a self-made man. to whose enterprise
and business activity are attributable his success.
He has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone
on life's journey, having been born in P.avaria,
Germany, in 1830. The days of bis lioyhood
and youtli were spent in his native country and
in 1853. when twenty three years of age, he
sought a home in the new world with its broad-
er business opportunities and greater advan-
tages. Pie landed at Xew York and after a brief
period there spent made his way to Chicago,
where he also remained for a short time. He is
a harness maker and saddler bv trade, having
acquainted himself with that line of business
while still in Germany by jiractieal \\(]rk in the
shojis. Coming from Chicago to Alinnesota, he
became connected with harness making in St.
Paul and for many years conducted a successful
business on Third street, developing a large trade
and gaining therefrom a very desirable income.
V,y the careful husbanding of his resources he
secured a competence that has enabled him to
live retired for the last fifteen or twentv vcars.
He made his Imme in West .St. Paul fur snnu' time
and afterward removid tn Minnesota street,
while later lie took up his .ibofle at his present
])]ace of residence on Daytnii a\enuc. which is
one of the principal residence streets of the citv.
.\s his financial resources increased in former
\ears he made careful and judicious investment
in real estate and is now the owner of several
])ieces of valuable property in the city, including
two lots on Minnesota street and several lots in
West St. Paul in addition U< his Davton avenue
home.
Mr. Sauer was married in 1858 to Miss Cath-
erine Kessler, a daughter of Jacob and .\gnes
(Wack) Kessler, lioth of whom were natives of
( iermany. Three children have been ])orn of this
union : Bertha, at home : Otto K. : and J. Cas-
par, who is an attorney for a real-estate firm of
Chicago.
Mr. Sauer votes an independent ticket, having
never allied himself with any party. He has.
however, kept well informed on the questions and
issues of the day and in local affairs is deeply
interested in those matters pertaining to the citv's
development and jirogress. He has never had
occasion to regret his determination to come to
America, for the hope that led him to seek a
home here has been more than realized and
through his utilization of l)usiness opportunities
combined with unremitting diligence and perse-
verance he has gained for himself a creditable
jilace in business circles and is now living in well-
earned ease.
CHARLES .\l. LEH'.ROCK.
Charles Leibrock, popular, with a wide ac-
quaintance in business circles in .St. Paul, where
as a member of the firm of Leibrock & Da\ . be i.-
rejiresenting fire insurance interests, was born in
.Milwanlcee, Wisconsin, February 26, i860. His
parents. Jacob and Elizabeth ( Rlatt) Leibrock,
were natives of Germany and came to America in
'^35- settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while
later they removed to Mankald, .Mimu'snta. where
the father engaged in coopering, lie died in the
\ear 1865 and was survived by bis wife until
18S1. They were the parents of five children, of
whom foin- are yet living.
Charles M. Leibrock attended the ])nblic
schools of Mankalo td the age of nineteen vears.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
517
wlu-ii. in 1879. he removed to St. Paul. He had
for a brief period been connected with the hard-
ware business in the former city. Subsequently
he was appointed an officer in the State Reforma-
tory School, where he remained for eight years,
and on the expiration of that period accepted a
position with the Theodore Hamm Brewing Com-
pany, the largest brewery between the Mississippi
river and the Pacific coast. He remained with
the house for seventeen years in various capaci-
ties, his capability gradually winning him promo-
tion until before long he was in charge of the
business of the firm in this city. In igo2 he left
the brewing com])any to enter the field of fire
insurance as a member of the firm of Knauft &
Leibrock, which relation was maintained until
Xovember, 1904, when the present firm of Lei-
brock & Day was formed. They conduct a large
fire insurance business, having a fine suite of
rooms in the Lowry .Arcade.
In 1884 Mr. Leibrock was married to Miss
Pauline Hauser. of Fond du Lac, W'isconsin,
whose father i^ at the head of the Hauser Malt-
ing Company, of St. Paul. Mr. Leibrock belongs
to St. Paul lodge. No. 59, B. P. O. E. He has a
wide acquaintance in business circles and his
genuine personal worth and well known business
integrity have rendered him popular, while his
business capacity has gained for him a clientage
in his present line that makes him one of the pros-
perous representatives of fire insurance interests
in his adopted city.
JESSE A. GREGG.
Jesse A. Gregg, who. since entering business
life has made consecutive advancement until he
is today the vice president of the firm of Nicols,
Dean & Gregg, owners of the oldest wholesale
liardware business of St. Paul, was born in Mor-
.gantown, X'irginia, March 14, 1853. His father,
Cephas Gregg, was a native of Pennsylvania, fol-
lowed the profession of teaching as a life work
and died in the year 18(14. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Mar_\- Newton, long survived
him and died in Merriam Park, Minnesota, in
1898. There were seven children, all of whom
are living.
Jesse A. Gregg left the i^lace of his nativity
when a }outh of eleven years and went to Decor-
ah, Iowa, where for eight years his attention was
devoted to the duties of the schoolroom and to
farm labor. In 1872, at the age of nineteen years,
he came to St. Paul and entered the employ of
Nicols & Dean, proprietors of one of the oldest
wholesale hardware houses of the city. He has
since continued with this enterprise, his capability
winning ready recognition in promotion from one
responsible position to another and on the ist of
May. 1901. he was admitted to a partnership un-
der the firm style of Nicols, Dean & Gregg. For
ten years he represented the house upon the road
as a traveling salesman and built up an immense
trade through his earnest and persistent efforts,
gaining at the same time a wide and favorable ac-
quaintance among his patrons. He is thorotighly
conversant with the hardware trade and his posi-
tion and reputation in commercial circles is indi-
cated by the fact that in ic)03 and 1904 he was
honored with the presidency of the National
Heavy Hardware Association.
In 1882 Air. Gregg was married to Miss Ella
Bradish, of Decorah, Iowa, and they have one
son. Dean B., twenty years of age, who is now
pursuing the literary course in the L'niversity of
Alinnesota. The family residence is at No. 483
.\shland avenue. Mr. Gregg was president of
the St. Paul Commercial Club in 1898. and is one
of its active and prominent members. He is also
vice president of the Sons of the American Revo-
lution and belongs to the Ancient Order of
I'nited ^^'orkmen. His political allegiance is
.given to the republican party which embodies
his views upon the important questions, wliicl;
divide the two great parties. For many years
he has been a trustee of the Dayton .Avenue Pres-
byterian church and is active and earnest in its
work, doing all in liis ])rnver to promote its
growth and extend its influence. He has made
a business record which any man might be proud
Si8
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
to possess. Coming to the city a mere boy he has
worked his way steadily upward undeterred by
any obstacles or difiiculties in his path, using
these rather as a stimukis for renewed effort and
closer application and today he stands among the
prominent merchants of his adopted city.
LUTHER S. CUSliLXG.
Luther S. Gushing, prominently identified with
the real-estate interests of St. Paul, maintains of-
fices in the Endicott Building and therein handles
and controls a large amount of valuable business
property. He is extensively interested as a stock-
holder in the Boston Northwest Real Estate Com-
pany and has charge of its holdings in St. Paul.
Among the properties of this company may be
mentioned the Metropolitan Hotel ; the building
at Eighth, Ninth and Cedar streets occupied by
I\IcGill-Warner-Whitehead and People's Stor-
age Company ; Hotel Fey at the corner of Sev-
enth and Cedar streets, the lower floor stores be-
ing occupied by Jacob Esch, the Minnesota Pho-
nograph Company and others : the building on
Seventh street, occupied b\- the California Wine
House, Huber's Cafe and the Weiskopf paint
store; the T. L. Blood building at Nos. 413-15
Wacouta street ; the Mannheimer Building at the
corner of Sixth and Robert streets ; the buildinc
at No. 144-148 East Sixth street, occupied by
Allen Black ; and the building at No. 371-73 Rob-
ert street. He also has charge for eastern par-
ties of the building at No. 375-379 Robert street,
in which are located stores, also the old Columbus
Hall. For Boston parties he has charge of the
Borg Building at No. 415 Robert street, occu-
pied by George R. Holmes; also for other Boston
jjarties the building at 374-384 Robert street, oc-
cujjied by Pease Brothers, the Regal shoe store
and others, with offices above. He also handles
the property occupied by the Northern Pacific
offices at the corner of Fifth and Robert streets ;
the Milwaukee corner at 365-367 Robert street .
tlie St. Paul Commercial Building at Sixth and
Cedar streets, the corner occupied by French &
Tngersoll and the Singer Manufacturing Corn-
pan v ; the Endicott Building; the Endicott Ar-
cade; the Essex Building on Si.xth street; the
Matthews Building at Sixth and Cedar streets ;
and the new building adjoining on Cedar street
now occupied by the Knights of Columbus, J. P.
Crotty & Company, C. J. Conway, the Grand
L'nion Tea Company and others. The Hotel
Aberdeen beside many other properties are also
handled by Mr. Gushing, who has one of the
oldest established offices of the kind in the city
with an office force numbering seven employes.
He gives his personal attention to the business
and also has an able corps of assistants. He has
been a resident of St. Paul for fifteen years, is
recognized as one of its most enterprising busi-
ness men, is a member of the Commercial CUiii
and a most ]5ublic-spirited citizen.
FRANK A. MARON.
Frank .\. Maron, whose activity has touched
many lines with equal success and who is today
one of the representative men of St. Paul, whose
labors have contributed in substantial measure to
its prosperity and upbuilding as well as to his
individual success, was born in Prussia, Ger-
many, March 25, 1863. His father, Ludwig
l\Iaron, was a merchant, who spent his entire
life in his native land and died there in 1901.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sophia
Krawitz. is still living in Germany. In their
family were two children.
Frank A. Maron as a student in the schools
of Germany acquired a splendid classical educa-
tion and is a fine linguist. In early life he
learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he fol-
lowed in his native country and also in Water-
town, Minnesota, after coming to the L^nited
.Stales in 1882. Landing on the shores of the
new world he made his way at once to St. Paul
but was later connected with industrial pursuits
in Watertown and later worked for a time for
the St. Louis Railroad Company. In 1884 he
learned telegraphy and in 1885 purchased from
n. M. Stone the School of Telegraphy. He then
founded the Globe Business College, which he
successfully conducted until tqoi. lie is a prac-
tical telegraph operator, sending messages with
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
519
cither or bolli hands. He is also an expert short-
hand reporter and with ease jnd dehsjht reports
speeches at the rate of one hundred and sixty
words per minute. The Globe Business College,
of which he was founder and principal occupied
large space in the Davidson Block and graduated
hundreds of students capable of filling respon-
sible positions with large business houses. The
school that Mr. Maron established was vcrv suc-
cessful and was capably conducted until igoi,
when he sold out, signing a contract not to teach
in Minnesota. He then took up the study of
law in the Universit)- of Minnesota and was
graduated in 1904 from the law department.
While pursuing this course he conducted a real-
estate and insurance business and he is now
carrying on an office for the practice of law in
connection with his real-estate operations. A
man of resourceful business ability, readily recog-
nizing and improving opportunities lie is in con-
nection with other interests owner and manager
of the finest hotel in St. Paul. The building was
begun on the ist of April, 1905, and completed
on the 30th of October following. It is beauti-
fully fm-nished in every detail ind absolutely
modern in all appointments. It contains seventy-
five rooms, of which fifty rooms have a bath in
cnnnection and there are elevators and other
modern equipments. There is hot and cold water
and telephone service in every room and the fur-
nishings are all in mahogan\-. There is a first-
class barber shop and splendid cafe conducted in
connection with the hotel, which is opposite the
main entrance of the St. Paul postoffice on Sixth,
Seventh and Washington streets. The building
is a four-story structure and is certainly a credit
to the city of St. Paul. It was erected at a cost
of fifty-five thousand dollars and furnished at a
cost of eighteen thousand and is now conducted
under the capable and courteous management of
A. L. Hazer, who is well known to the traveling
public.
In 1897 Mr. Maron was married to I\Iiss Mar-
garet Mitsch. the second daughter of George
Mitsch, of St. Paul, and they have one child,
!Mary Sophia, now in her third year. Mr. Maron
is a member of the Commercial Club, thus asso-
ciated with the representative men of the city in
a movement for the advancement of municipal
interests. He likewise belongs to the Knights of
Columbus and to the Catholic church. He is
treasurer of council No. 2, of the .\ncient Order
of Aztecs, and A. O. U. W., of St. Paul, belongs
to St. Clement's Society and is a member of the
Young Men's Christian Association. In the
midst of a busy life fraught with many cares and
responsibilities by reason of the extent of his
operations in varied lines Air. Maron has never-
theless found time and opportunity for the dis-
charge of his duties in relation to his fellowmen
along lines tending to ameliorate the hard condi-
tions of life. His business enterprise is of that
indomitable character which leads to the object-
ive point, overcoming all obstacles and difficul-
ties by determined energy and earnest purpose.
With no advantage at the outset of his career
save a good education Mr. Maron has since com-
ing to America worked his way steadily and rap-
idly upward. He has ba^ed his business princi-
ples and actions upon the rules which govern
strict and unswerving integrity and indefatigable
energy and has come to be recognized as a typ-
ical American citizen, possessing the spirit of the
age which has led to the substantial and rapid up-
building of the middle west.
CHARLES E. LARSON.
Charles E. Larson, who since February, 1902,
has been grand recorder of the grand lodge of
the Ancient Order of United \\'orkmen in
Minnesota, is a native of Sweden, born on the
25th of January, 1866. His father, Charles E.
Larson, crossing the Atlantic to the new world,
settled in Chicago and was for many years em-
ployed as landscape gardener at Lincoln Park in
that city. He died in 1873 and his widow is now
living in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Charles E. Larson, one of a family of three
children, acquired his early education in the pub-
lic schools of Chicago, having been brought to
the L'nited States when a young lad. In 1880
he removed to Pippin county, Wisconsin, with
his stepfather, who engaged in farming there and
5-0
I'AS'l" AND
■'.SI'.XT ( )I" ST. I'AUT,.
he continued his studies in the scliools of that
locahty. On leaving Pi])pin connty he came to
St. Paul in 1889. remaining in this city for al)out
a year, when in 1890 he went to Wilmar, Alinne-
sota. in the employ of the Ancient Order of
United \\"orkmcn as clerk in the office of the
grand recorder, in which capacity he served vmtil
February, 1902. At that date he was elected
grand recorder of the grand lodge for the state
of Minnesota and has since occupied the position.
He has a large suite of rooms in the Scandi-
navian-American ISank lUiilding. where he has
supervision of many employes. There arc
thirty-four thousand members of the society in
Minnesota alone and four hundred thousand in
the United States. The order is under United
States jurisdiction and the duties of Mr. Larson
are many and varied, including the collection and
disbursement of beneficiary funds. The order
has grown rapidly under his regime and his exec-
utive force, keen discrimination and study of
possibilities have been salient features in the
development of this fraternity.
In 1896, Mr. Larson was married to ^liss Rose
Xielson, of \\'ilmar, Minnesota, and they have
three children: Robert, who is eight years of
age and is attending school ; and Edmund and
\rtluir. aged respectively four and two years.
^Ir. Larson belongs to the Knights of Pythias
fraternity and attends the Norwegian Lutheran
church. Llis time is largely concentrated upon
the formation and execution of plans for the ex-
tension of the w irk of the .Ancient Order of
L'nited Workmen and his lalxirs have been most
effective. The Swedish element has been a val-
ued factor in our composite national life and of
this class Mr. Larson is a wortln- representative.
CHARLb:S (i. L.WVRICXCE.
Charles (j. Lawrence, treasurer of the .St;ite
Savings liank, one of the strong financial insti-
tutions of St. Paul, came to this city in the spring
of 1882 and for more than twent\' years there-
after was engaged in the active ])ractice of law.
Me was born in TTomer, Xew York, and at the
age of sixteen years entered u])on his business
career as an emi>loye in a bank at St, Albans,
Vermont, where he remained until twenty-five
years of age, gaining a good knowledge of the
banking business and winning promotion in rec-
ognition of capability and merit. Desirous to en-
ter professional life, he took up the study of law
at .\nn .Arbor in the University of Michigan,
where he completed his course in the spring of
1882, He then located for practice in St, Paul,
entering the law office of Warner & Stevens, and
was engaged in active practice with W. !'. War-
ner until the death of Mr. (loklsmith, treasurer
of the State Savings Bank, in May, 1904, when
Mr. Lawrence succeeded Mr, Goldsmith in his
present position.
In 1890 Mr. Lawrence was united in mar-
riage to Miss Clara L. BuUard, a sister of the
])artners in the firm of Bullard Brothers, jewel-
ers of St. Paul. They have two sons and the
family residence is at No. 900 Goodrich avenue.
The parents are mem.bers of St. John's Episcopal
church and both Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence occupy
an enviable social position.
The State Savings Bank, of which ^Ir. Law-
rence is now treasurer, is a distinctively mutual
institution. The Minnesota law of banking,
passed in 1879, was practically a copy of the New-
York law. the best and most successful for the
o]-)eration of savings banks in the United States,
The incorporators of the institution were General
jdhn P.. Sanborn, Hon. Greenleaf Glark, Ernest
11. \\'ilder, Ferdinand Willius, Gustav Willius,
John 1). Ludden. Joseph Luekey, William Con-
stans, Albert H. Lindeke, Harris Richardson and
lulius 'SI. Goldsmith and the finest officers chosen
were: Greenleaf Clark, president : lA-rdinaml \\ il-
lius, vice-president: and Julius M. ( ioldsmith,
treasurer. The bank opened its doors for busi-
ness on the 1st of November. i8i)0. The present
officers are: Charles P. Noyes, iiresident : John D,
Ludden, vice-president: Charles G. Lawrence,
Ireasurer: and they together with Thumas Fitz-
patriek, (iustav Willius, William Constans, Ken-
neth Clark, William B. Dean, hA'rdinand Willius,
John D. O'P.rien, J. ,M. llannaford and Harris
Ricliardson con.stitnte its board of trustees. The
bank, as before stated, was organized in Novem-
CHARLES G. LAWRENCE
PAST AXD PRESFA'T ()F ST. I'AL'L.
523
ber, i8yo, and on the ist of January, 1891, the
deposits amounted to twenty-one thousand dol-
lars, while on the 1st of January, 1906, the de-
posits amounted to two million four hundred and
fifty-nine thousand dollars, a fact which shows the
confidence of the peojile and the success of the
institution, which has paid to its depositors in
thirty semi-annual interest periods four hundred
and hft\-nine thousand seven hundred dollars.
FREDERICK A. CHAP.MAX.
Frederick A. Chapman, mirthwestern sales
agent for the Lehigh \ 'alley Coal Company of St.
Paul, which position he has occupied since 1902
and in which capacity he is the executive head
of the company in the northwest and the repre-
sentative of the most extensive anthracite inter-
ests in this portion of the country, was born in
Trumbull county, Ohio, Alarch 17, 1857, 'li^
parents being Dwight R. and ^larie (P.ond)
Chapman, the former a native of Herkimer
county, Xew York, and the latter of Genesee,
New York. The father was formerlv identified
with coal production in Ohio and Illinois anci
later in life removed to St. Paul, where he lived
retired until his death, which occurred in 1903,
when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife
])assed away in 1902, at the age of seventv vears.
In their family were five children : Louisa M., the
wife of ^^^ J. ^IcCleran, of Brookline, ]\Iassachn-
setts ; Catherine M., a resident of Chicago ; Fred-
erick A., of this review ; Elizabeth, the wife of
R. E. Seymour, of St. Paul ; and Lucv B., who
is supervisor of drawing in the pulilic schools of
Des ^loines. Towa.
Frederick A. Chapman acquired his earlv edu-
cation in the public schools of his native town
and afterward attended Hartford Academy, of
Hartford, Ohio, and the \\'estern Reserve Sem-
inary of that state. His education completed,
he entered business life as a bookkeeper at
Youngstown, Ohio, l)ut prior to this time read
law at home. He then accepted a position with
Andrews, Hill & Company, of Youngstown. and
later went to Illinois as secretarv and treasurer
of the Buckeye Coal & Coke Company at Peoria,
that state, where he remained for five years, when
the company sold out and in 1893 Mr. Chapman
became identified with the Lehigh \^alley Coal
Company. He has been northwestern sales agent
since ic;02 and is the real executive head of the
company for the northwest, in which connection
he is the largest representative of the anthracite
interests in this portion of the country. The ca-
pacity of the "wigwams" or store houses at Su-
perior is one hundred thousand tons of anthracite
coal and an equal amount of bituminous or soft
coal.
On the 7th of August, 1884, Air. Chapiuan was
united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Case, a daugh-
ter of George S. and Alary H. (Hogland) Case,
of Burg;hill, Ohio. They have four children:
Louise, Dwight R., Ellen AI. and Walter C. The
family have resided continuously in St. Paul since
Tqo2. Mr. Chapman is a prominent representa-
tive of the coal trade of the country and his pro-
motion to -a responsible position has been through
the "merit svstem."
JAAIES E. TRASK.
Tames E. Trask, engaged in the practice of
law in St. Paul since his admission to the bar in
1888, is a native of Maine and comes of New
England ancestry, re]-iresented in that section of
the country through many generations. His
great-great-grandfather. Rev. Nathaniel Trask,
was pastor of the Congregational church in
l!n.ntwood. New Hampshire, as early as 1760.
His parents, Robert and Zelpha (Drew) Trask.
were both natives of Maine.
James E. Trask acquired his preliminary edu-
cation in the public schools and was graduated
from Colby College, at Waterville, Maine, in
1880, on the completion of a classical course. He
then entered upon the profession of teaching,
which he followed successfully for ten years,
occu]:iying the position of teacher of natural
science in South Jersey Institute at Bridgeton,
New Jersey. In the meantime he took up the
studv (if law, devoting his leisure hours to the
524
AST AXD I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
mastery of the principles of jurisprudence and in
June. 1888, was admitted to the bar. Xot long
afterward he came to St. Paul, where he has
since followed his profession and has Q'ained a
reputation for possessing substantial qualities
and thorough devotion to his clients" interests.
Air. Trask was married in 1897 to Miss Har-
riet Feagles, of Minnesota. They have many
warm friend in the Twin Cities. Air. Trask is a
member of the Royal Arcanum and the Modern
\\oodmen of America, while his religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Baptist
church. He has never been an office seeker, being
without political aspiration, and his attention has
been given in undivided manner to his profes-
sion. Clients with both civil and criminal cases
soon came to him and in various notable incidents
he has won success in the presentation of his
cause.
EDMUND S. DURMENT.
Edmund S. Durment, practicing at the bar of
St. Paul for twenty-one years, and now a mem-
ber of the firm of Durment & ■\Ioore, was born
in Indiana, March 19, i860. His father, George
\\'. Durment, was also born in Indiana and be-
came a minister of the Methodist church, devot-
ing a number of years of his life to his holy call-
ing. His health failed and he then took up the
study of medicine, afterward practicing until his
health was restored, when he again resumed his
ministerial duties, so that practically his entire
life was given to the work of the church. He
died in 1878. His wife, Henrietta Hoggatt, was
also a native of Indiana.
Edmund S. Durment because of his father's
removal to various places in connection with his
ministerial duties pursued his preliminary educa-
tion in different towns but eventually became a
student in the School of Mines and Metallurgy in
Rolla, Missouri. T-Te also attended Drury Col-
lege, a Congregational school at Springfield, Mis-
souri, and took up the study of law in Columbia
University, now the George Washington Univer-
sity in Washington, D. C. from which he was
graduated in 1884. For a year thereafter he was
in the government service in Kentucky as pen-
sion e.xamincr. In 1885 he was admitted to the
Alinnesota bar and located for practice in St.
Paul, since which time he has engaged in the
general practice of law in Minnesota and adjoin-
ing states and in all the state and federal courts.
Success in any undertaking is methodical and
consecutive however much we may indulge in
fantastic theorizing as to its elements and execu-
tion in any isolated existence, yet in the light of
sober investigation you will find it to be but a
result of determined application of one's abilities
and powers along the rigidly defined lines of
labor. This is as true concerning the fdllowers
of the legal profession as in any other department
of business or professional activity and therein
lies the secret of Mr. Durment's rise to promi-
nence as a member of the bar.
In 1887 occurred the marriage of Mr. Dur-
ment and Miss Rose Smith, a native of Iowa and
a sister of the Rev. Samuel G. Smith, pastor of
the People's church at St. Paul.
In his political views Air. Durment is a repub-
lican and for one term was a member of the
state board of corrections and charities, but
while manifesting a public-spirited interest in
matters relating to the welfare of the munici-
pality and commonwealth he has no ambition in
the line of office holding. He has always pre-
ferred to concentrate his energies upon his law
practice and his devotion to his clients' interests
is proverbial. Success came to him soon be-
cause his equipment was unusually good for he
brought to the outset of his career a ready capac-
ity for hard work plus a keen, logical mind,
combined with an eloquence of speech and strong
personality.
REV. EDWARD C. MITCHELL.
Rev. Edward C. Mitchell, pastor of the .\ew
Jerusalem church of St. Paul, scientist and ])hil-
anthropist and the originator of the free kinder-
gartens of St, Paul and the organizer of the St.
Paul day nursery, was born in St. Louis, Mis-
souri, July 21, 1S36. He was the second of the
three sons of Edward Phillips Mitchell, of Salem.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. I'AL'L.
525
Roanoke county, X'irginia, and Elizabeth (Tyn-
dale) Mitchell, who was a native of Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania. All four of his grandparents were
of English descent. The father's family has
been represented in \'irginia through six genera-
tions, while the mother is descended from a
brother of William Tyndale, the author of the
first English translation of the New Testament,
who suffered martyrdom for his work. To the
same family belongs the late John Tyndale, the
noted scientist.
In 1 841 Edward Phillips Mitchell removed
with his family to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and
was also president of the Commonwealth Bank of
Philadelphia. His eldest son, Judge James Tyn-
dale ^Mitchell, of Philadelphia, is now chief jus-
tice of the supreme court of Pennsylvania, and
was for many years editor of the American Law
Register.
Rev. Edward C. Mitchell was educated in Phil-
adelphia, attending the Central high school and
the University of Pennsylvania. Having pre-
pared for the practice of law, he was admitted to
the bar in Philadelphia in 1859, but in i860
abandoning the legal profession, he entered upon
the active work of the ministry, preaching in
Philadelphia until 1863 and from 1863 until 1866
in Providence, Rhode Island. During the three
succeeding years he was pastor of a church at
North Bridgewater, now Brockton, Massachu-
setts, and from 1869 until 1872 had charge of a
church in Detroit, Michigan. In April of the
latter year he removed to Minneapolis, Minne-
sota, and in 1876 took up his abode in St. Paul.
From 1872 until 1880 he officiated in churches in
both cities, and since 1880 has been pastor of the
New Jerusalem (or Swedenborgian) church of
St. Paul, his pastorate here covering thirty-three
years. In St. Paul his first preaching was in the
lecture room of the Young Men's Christian As-
sociation, now on Third street. In 1876 the so-
ciety purchased and refitted the old First Metho-
dist church on ]\Iarket street, between Fourth and
Fifth streets, which had been built of the first
bricks made in St. Paul. In 1887, however, his
congregation built the new picturesque church
at the corner of X'irginia and Selby avenues,
where they are now worshiping.
Rev. Mitchell's addresses are of the logical
rather than the rhetorical style. His aim is to
help his hearers, and to open their minds to spir-
itual truths, applying the teachings of the Word
to the practical walks of daily life. It is his
earnest belief that all religion relates to life, and
that religious life comes from well defined reli-
gious principles. It has been said that his dis-
courses, which are clear and forcible, are "writ-
ten from the head and spoken from the heart."
He is a student of broad scholarly attainments
and superior intellectual force, and yet he ad-
tlresses his people with such simplicity of Ian-
gauge that his complex thought, the result of
broad research and study, is made clear and plain
to all his hearers. He might well be termed a
theologian, a literateur, a profound scholar and
accomplished gentleman. Indeed he is all of these
and yet his manner is marked by a simplicity and
earnestness which places all people at ease in his
presence. His daily life exemplifies his views
and beliefs and won for him the highest respect
and regard of people of all denominations. Hi;
bibliography is considerable. In addition to his
sermons and lectures he has published three oc-
tavo works, one, The Parables of the New Tes-
tament Unfolded, being an interpretation of the
spiritual meaning of forty parables of the New
Testament. He is also the author of a work on
Parables of the Old Testament Explained and
a third work on Scripture Symbolism, being an
introduction to sciences comparing- the spiritual
and natural counterparts. He has found pleasure
and recreation in pursuing scientific investigation
and has been the possessor of one of the most
valuable archaeological collections possessed b}
any private individual in the country. Recently
he gave this valuable collection to the historical
society. It contains fourteen cases of relics col-
lected between the years 1847 and 1906 — years in
which Mr. Mitchell has delved for this mute
testimony of human life, historic and prehistoric,
gathering together an inestimable contribution
to the society's treasury of information on the
remote past. The collection contains stone, bono
;2t.
I'AST AXD I'KI'.Sl-.XT ( )1" ST. I'AfL.
and sliell implements, ornaments and weapons,
also wood, copper, brass, bronze, glass, silver,
iron, lead and pottery and four Innulred and fitly
ancient coins. ThirleLn nl" the cases contain ex-
hibits picked np within the United Stales, while
the other is filled with articles from all over the
world, including four lumdred ancient coins
from one to two thousand years old. There is a
fine collection of polished stone implements from
Denmark. Xot the least interesting' are the two
cases filled with .Minnesola relics, one ccMitaining
mostly relics picked up in Ramsey county and
vicinity.
^Ir. Alilchell was married May 9, 1865, to Miss
Louise C. Fernald, of Portland, Maine, and it
was for the benefit of her health that he removed
to Minnesota, but she did not survive long. In
July, \Sj(>. he married .Annie Tnngerich. a daugh-
ter of Louis C. lungerich. of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, a well known mercliant and banker.
Mrs. ]\'Iitchell died in i8<;8, at the age of sixty-
iwo years. Their only son is Walton L. born
December 26, 1877, now a practicing physician
of Galveston, Texas.
-Mr. Mitchell's philanthropy has made him
widely known in charitable and benevolent cir-
cles. He is a member of the l)oard of managers
of the .Minnesota Historical Society and a mem-
])er of the St. Paul society for the relief of the
l)oor and was for several years its vice president
and chairman of the executive committee. He
was the originator of the free kindergartens of
.St. T'aul and was president of this movement dur-
ing its existence, or until it was transferred to the
iniblic schools. He also organized the St. Paul
day nursery or creche. He was for many years
vice president of the Humane Society for the pre-
vention of cruelty to children and animals ; is a
charter member of the Sons of the .\mericaii
Revolution and for some years was chaplain. He
is also a member of the Society of Colonial
Wars (jf the state of Minnesota, of which he has
also been chaplain, and he belongs to the Society
of .\merican Wars. He is likewise a member of
the American Institute of Civics and president
of the St. Paul Academy of .Science. PTe has kept
abreast with the world's thought, not only in the-
ological lines but in .scientific development and
Ijrogress and in the great sociological and eco-
nomic questions which awaken public attention
and discussion. It would be alnidst tautological in
this connection to enter intt) any series of state-
ments as showing Rev. Mitchell to be a man of
broad scholarly attainments and intellectual
force, for these have been shadowed forth be-
tween the lines of this review. While his learn-
ing and research make him a congenial and enter-
taining companion of distinguished men, there is
in him at the same time an unabating sympathy
and an abiding charity which have won for him
the honor and respect of all.
HARRY W. P.\RKKk.
Harry \\'. Parker, cashier of the Merchants
Xational Pank of St. Paul and widelv and favor-
ably known in financial circles, was born in Sea-
forth, ( )ntario. January 2;^,. 1868. His father
was Captain Joseph Parker of the Pritish army.
Although born in Dublin he was of English ex-
traction and he died in Belleville, Canada, in kioi.
His wife bore the maiden name of Samantha J.
.Simmons and is now living in liclleville, Canada.
They have six living children and have lost four.
Those who still survive are : Josejjhine Parker,
a resident of Belleville. Canada ; Frederick Parker.
of Chicago ; Sir Gilbert Parker, the famous au-
thor and member of Parliament of London, luig-
land : Lionel M., of Chicago: .\rtlnn- G. Parker,
a banker of Montreal ; and Harry W. Parker.
In the district schools of Canada Harr\ W.
Parker began his education, which he continued in
lielleville and he entered uptm his business career
as an employe in Molson's Bank- of Alontreal.
where he remained for five years, from 1885 until
iSgo. In 1892 he came to .St. Paul and entered
the Merchants National Bank ;is bookkeeper, since
which lime he has gradually risen through suc-
cessive promotions until he is tod;iv cashier of this
iustittnion, which is one of the strong financial
(•oncerns of Minnesota. His comiection with bank-
ing interests thniughout his entire business career
has given him broad and com]nThensive knowl-
edge of the business and the success of the insti-
H. W. TARKER
I 'AST AND PRESEXT OE ST. PAUL.
5^9
tution is attriljutablc in no small degree to liis
close application, keen discrimination and sound
judgment.
In 1904 ^Ir. Parker was married to Edna Coon,
of Xorthfield, Minnesota, and they have a beauti-
ful little daughter, Kathleen, about one year old.
j\lr. Parker is an independent republican. He
belongs to the Episcopal church and to the Com-
mercial Club. A man of fine appearance and
strong personality, he is po])ular in both financial
and social circles.
FREDERICK de HAAS.
Frederick de Haas, who at the time of his
death was the northwestern agent for the Ger-
mania Life Insurance Com]3any of St. Paul and
who was for a number of years a representative
of newspaper interests, was born in lUiffalo, New
York, August 28, 185 1, his parents being Dr.
Carl and Catherine ( Durg) de Haas, both of
whom were natives of Germany. They came to
America in 1848 in company with the paternal
grandfather of our suliject, who died in Fond
du Lac, Wisconsin, where the family settled on
their arrival in the new world. Mr. de Haas
started out in life as a newsboy and laudable am-
bition and strong purpose enabled him to .gain dis-
tinction in the field of literature. He became a
Doctor of Philosophy and a writer of superior
ability. Removing to Buffalo, New York, he
there purchased the Buffalo Democrat, a German
newspaper, of which he was editor for many
years. Subsequently he took up his abode in
Davenport, Iowa, where in connection with his
son Frederick he was engaged in the newspaper
business for several years. He afterward re-
turned to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he
niaile his home until his death, which occurred
when he had reached the age of seventy years.
His wife also died there.
Frederick de Haas was indebted to the public-
school system of Buffalo, New York, for the edu-
cational privileges he enjoyed. The printing of-
fice has been spoken of as the poor man's college
and 'Sir. de Haas in that school learned many
valuable lessons, constantly broadening his
kniiwledge by experience, reading and investiga-
tion. He became his father's assistant in the
newspaper office in Buffalo and was associated
with him there until the_\- removed to Davenport,
Iowa, where he was with his father in the estab-
lishment and publication of a German newspaper,
continuing his labors in that field for several
years. They afterward went to P'ond du Lac,
Wisconsin, where Mr. de Haas was again inter-
ested in newspaper publication with his father
for several years.
It was while residing in that city that Freder-
ick de Haas was married to Miss Johanna
Hauser, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and
a daughter of Paul and Johanna (Shaffer)
Hauser, both of whom were of German birth
and came to .America in early life, settling in
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where the father car-
ried on business until after the death of his wife,
when he removed to St. Paul, where he organ-
ized the Hauser Malting Company, being con-
nected with this business until his own demise,
June 13, 1896. He was a prominent and wealthy
business man of this city. Unto ^Ir. and Mrs.
de Haas were born six children, of whom four
are yet living : Paul, who married r\Iiss Mar-
garet Mitcheson, of St. Paul, now resides in
Portland. Oregon, where he is engaged in the
wholesale shoe business : A'irginia, wdro is a grad-
uate of the Minnesota State University, is now a
teacher in the schools at Stillwater, this state ;
Elsa resides with her mother and is one of the
fine singers of this city ; Louise is also at home,
attending high school. Those deceased are Car!
and Leone.
Mr. de Haas continued his connection with
newspaper interests in Fond du Lac until 1879,
when he removed to St. Paul. Here he and oth-
ers organized a stock company and established
a German newspaper known as \'olks. He was
thus identified with newspaper publication here
for several vears, becoming manager of the pa-
per but ultimately retired from the field of jour-
nalism and became interested with the Germania
Life Insurance Company of St. Paul, being made
its general northwestern agent with offices in this
citv. He continued to discharge the responsilile
530
PAST AXD PRESEXT OE ST. PAL'L.
duties devolving upon him in that connection
until his life's labors were ended in death on the
27th of l-'ebruarv, 1891.
Mr. de Haas was frequently solicited to be-
come a candidate for public office but always
refused. He voted with the democracy and was
desirous of the success of his party but was
without political aspiration for himself. He was
well known as a thoroughly reliable and enter-
prising business man here as was Mr. Hauser,
the father of Mrs. de Haas. The interest of Mr.
de Haas centered in his family and he found his
greatest pleasure in spending his evenings at
home with his wife and children, enjoying the
delights of his own fireside and the companion-
ship of those who were nearest and dearest to
him. All of the children are members of the
Episcopal church of St. Paul. The two daugh-
ters reside with their mother at Xo. 774 East
Sixth street, where Mr. de Haas owns a large
residence, the improvements thereon having been
made bv her husband.
HENRY MARTIN.
Not so abnormally developed in any line as to
be called a genius. Henry IMartin nevertheless
has been an influential factor in many de-
partments of activity. Viewed in a business light
he may well be accorded a position among the
successful citizens of St. Paul. Moreover, he
is exceptionally prominent in athletic circles, be-
ing a lover of all clean sports such as develop a
vigorous and strong manhood.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, lie was
born .September 12, 1865, and is a son of George
and Mary Martin, both of whom were of German
birth. In the year 1852 the father left his na-
tive land and came to America, making his way
to Milwaukee, where he resided for many years.
He establishd and conductd a tannery there and
was thus connected with industrial life of the
city through a long period. His residence in
Milwaukee covered forty-seven years and he died
there in 1899, respected and honored by all who
knew him. In his business affairs he had advanced
by reason of his close application and indefati-
gable energy and his record might well serve as a
source of inspiration and encouragement to others
who are forced to begin life as he did without
capital, but he found that industry and perse-
verance are a sure foundation upon which to
build the superstructure of success. His wife
passed away in 1896 and they are survived by
seven children.
Henry Martin acquired his preliminary educa-
tion in the Lutheran parochial schools of his na-
tive city and after putting aside his te.xt-books
he learned the tanner's trade under the direction
of his father, working at that pursuit in Mil-
waukee for five years. In 1884 he came to St.
Paul and joined his brother in the conduct of a
real-estate and insurance office, conducting the
dual pursuit until 1891, since which time Mr.
Martin has given his attention exclusively to in-
surance. In January, 1898, he accepted the man-
agement of the Gcrmania Eire Insurance Com-
pany of New York for St. Paul and he has a
fine suite of offices in the Manhattan building.
He is likewise secretary of the St. Paul Alanu-
facturing Company engaged in the manufacture
of a patent dust guard used on car trucks. This
business is destined to become a very extensive
one, for already it is growing rapidly.
Those who see Mr. Martin in the office rec-
ognize the fact that he is an alert, enterprising
and progresive business man, who makes every
movement count, while he also forms his plans
readily and is determined in their execution. It
is not difficult to the student who is familiar with
the human organism to recognize that this alert-
ness comes in large measure from the fact of his
well developed physical manhood. He is much
interested in athletics, is identified with various
bowling clubs, is vice president of the St. Paul
City League (bowlers) and is also secretary of
the State Bowling Association. He was treasurer
and manager of the Pickett base ball team and he
organized the west side club, which is a social
organization, of which he is treasurer. He is
likewise umpire of base ball at the Stillwater
State Prison and few men are better informed
concerning the rules and scientific plays in base
ball and in bowling than Henrv Martin.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
531
In 1S87 occurred the marriage of Mr. Martin
and Aliss Cora J. Prescott, of St. Paul. They
became the parents of seven children : Henry
Prescott, who at the age of fourteen years is at-
tending tlie high school ; Athena May, who,
twelve years of age, is a student in the public
schools ; Dorothy Dee, ten years of age ; Cora
J., eight years old ; and Marguerite Ray, five
years old. Those deceased are Hattie J\lay and
Raymond. Fraternally Mr. Martin is connected
with Gopher tribe. No. 21, of the Red Men of
America. The family have a pleasant home at
No. 760 Riverview avenue. Perhaps one of the
salient characteristics of Air. Martin is his per-
sistency in acomplishing whatever he undertakes.
He is not only a capable but is also a genial man
of large personal as well as business acquaint-
ance.
AMLLIAM EDWARD BOERINGER.
William Ed\vard Boeringer, connected with
the manufacturing interests of St. Paul with the
firm of Boeringer & Son, makers and repairers
of surveying and precision instruments, was born
in St. Louis, Missouri, July 27. 1868. His fa-
ther, Peter Boeringer, a lifelong optician and a
leader in his profession, is now deceased. The
son was only six years of age when his parents
removed to St. Paul and his education was ac-
quired in the public schools of this city. He is now
connected with the business which was instituteci
and built up by his father. The old firm name of
Boeringer & Son has always been continued and
the house and its goods have a high reputation
throughout the northwest. The firm, with head-
quarters at No. 61 East Fifth street, is engaged
in the optical business. .Mthough Mr. Boeringer
nf this review entered upon a business already
established he has displayed excellent business ca-
pacity and enterprise in enlarging and developing
this and extending the trade to all sections of the
northwest, with a constantly increasing patron-
age.
In 1905 he was appointed a member of the
board of edncation bv Mayor Smith for a term
28
of three years and is doing valuable service in
that capacity. His residence in the city dates
from 1874 and throughout the period of his busi-
ness activity he has been connected with its man-
ufacturing interests. His progressive citizenship
is also a salient feature in his career and he has
lent active and practical co-operation to many
plans and movements for the public good.
CHARLES A. HART.
Charles A. Hart, engaged in the practice of
law at the bar of St. Paul, is one of the younger
representatives of the profession who has already
attained a notable position for one of his years,
while the future seems bright with promise. He
was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, on the 9th of
January, 1880, his parents being L. J. and Jeanne
( Lepper) Hart. The father was a native of
Nova Scotia and, coming to St. Paul, he served
as secretary of the board of trade here, a position
indicative of his prominence in business circles.
He died in the year 1903 and is still survived by
his widow, who yet lives in St. Paul.
Charles A. Hart was a youth of eight summers
when he left Nova Scotia and came with the fam-
ily to Minnesota. His education, which was be-
gun in his native country, was continued in the
public schools and passing through successive
grades he eventually became a student in the
Central high school, wherein he completed his
education. Having put aside his text-books, he
entered business life as an employe in the offices
of the Great Northern Railroad Company, where
he remained until the fall of 1903. His leisure
hours during that period were devoted to the
private reading of law and also to work done as
a student in St. Paul College of Law, subse-
quent to which time he was admitted to the bar
in June, 1903. He then entered upon active prac-
tice here and has been accorded a liberal client-
age which many an older practitioner might well
envy. He is well versed in the principles of his
profession, and he has offices in the New York
Life Building. Mr. Hart is a member of the
53-'
I'AS'C AM) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Commercial Club of St. Paul, one of the more
recent organizations of the city formed of a
large number of prominent men whose object it
is to further the welfare, growth and jirogress of
St. Paul. His political views are in accord with
the principles of democracy, while his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Pres-
bvterian church.
WILLI AM CHALMERS EDWARDS.
William Chalmers Edwards, throughout a
long and active business career connected with
the life and productive industries which work
for upbuilding, development and substantial
progress, is widely known as one of the leading
men of the northwest. Residing in St. Paul
from this place he directs his various lumber in-
terests of Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska and
\\'ashington and the passing years have de-
veloped a business which in its scope and im-
])rovement makes him one of the foremost fac-
tors in the lumber trade. His success, however,
does not represent the aim and end of his life
for his activity has touched many lines that have
been of assistance to his fellowmen, but from
which no financial benefit has accrued for him-
self, and a realization of the opportunities that
come with wealth and a utilization of the same
are numbered among his salient characteristics.
The ancestral history of ^Ir. Edwards has
been distinctively American both in its lineal
and collateral branches, through various gener-
ations. His father was Rufus Edwards and the
ancestry in the paternal line can be traced back
for more than two centuries and a half, to Wil-
liam Edwards, who settled in East Hampton,
Long Island, in 1650, and died there in 16S5.
The family came to this country from Maid-
stone, Kent county, England. His mother, who
bore the maiden name of Harriet O, Hart, was
a direct descendant of Stephen Hart, who was
born at P)raintree, Essex county, England, in
1605, and came to America in 1632. Three years
later he settled at what is now Hartford, Con-
necticut, and the city which sprung up there was
named in his honor, being called Hartford, from
the fact that a ford on the Connecticut river was
upon his farm. The name was originally
spelled Hart's ford. Ilis ancestors in both the
l>atcrnal and maternal lines were represented in
the Re\'oluti(>nary war and upon the pages of
family history appear the names of tjovernor
Winthrop and other distinguished men of colo-
nial times. Mr. Edwards has in his possession
some valuable and interesting documents, in-
cluding the list of his paternal ancestors for
four generations. His grandfather, Jonathan
Edwards, removed from New England to A^ir-
gil. New York, to settle upon a section of land
which was given him in recognition of the aid
which members of his family rendered to the
newlv formed government at the time of the
war for independence. The removal was made
in 1805 and Jonathan Edwards became an im-
portant factor in the improvement and progress
of that section of the state. His deep interest
in his church — the Presbyterian — was shown by
the fact that at his death he gave one-half of his
property to the church of that denomination in
\'irgil. Through long years both the Edwards
and Hart families have been adherents of the
Presbyterian faith and ]\Ir. Edwards of this re-
view was named in honor of the great Scotch
divine. Dr. Chalmers. He is also related to the
Rev. John Eliot, renowned in history as the
"Apostle to the Indians," and to Mrs, Emma
Willard, the author of "Rocked in the Cradle of
the Deep," who is equally famous for her influ-
ence in securing the passage of the law in the
New York legislature of 1818 for the founding
of female seminaries — the first law of the kind
ever passed by any legislature,
^^'i^iam Chalmers Edwards is a native of \'ir-
gil. New York, born on the 23d of August,
1846. His preliminary education was supple-
mented l)y study in Cortland Academy, At-
tracted by the o]:)portunities of the great and
growing west he left the Empire state when
twenty years of age, making his way to Chicago,
where he secured a position in a wholesale lum-
beryard. His success is undoubtedly due in a
considerable degree to the fact of his eontimied
connection with a business in which as a young
tradesman he embarked. His business talents
W. C. EDWARDS
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
535
and energy won almost immediate recognition
so that his second year in the west was spent as
superintendent and general manager of a saw-
mill on Grand river, Alichigan. He made it his
ambition to thoroughly master every detail of the
business which came under his supervision and
direction and his keen insight and thoroughness
have constituted the rounds of the ladder on
which he has climbed to success. When twen-
t_\-two \ears of age he found that he was justi-
fied in embarking in business on his own ac-
count and opened a small retail lumberyard in
New \Mndsor, Illinois, where he remained until
1870, when he became a factor in the lumber
trade of Kansas. There he has continually
broadened his business interests until he is todav
owner of a large number of lumberyards not
only in Kansas but also in Nebraska and he has
at the same time been interested in the manu-
facture and sale of lumber to the wholesale
trade. While in Kansas he was actively asso-
ciated with the improvement and upbuilding of
several of the leading towns of the state, includ-
ing Hutchinson, Sterling and Kinsley, and his
prominence is indicated by the fact that when
Edwards county was organized in 1874 it was
named in his honor and he has the distinction of
being the youngest man in the I'nited States
that ever had a county named in his honor, be-
ing only twenty-seven years of age when this
county was organized and named.
His residence in St. Paul dates from 1883. at
which time he removed from Topeka, Kansas.
to this city. From this town he works his ex-
tensive business interests in the lumber trade.
He has been the promoter of a number of lum-
ber companies, in which he became a large stock-
holder, including the Kansas Lumber Company,
which has been in existence for nearly thirty
years, the Edwards Lumber Company and the
Edwards & Bradford Lumber Company. He
is watchful of every indication pointing to suc-
cess, is notably prompt, energetic and reliable,
and has a genius for devising and executing the
right plans at the right time. His business meth-
ods would ever bear the closest investigation and
scrutiny and his life work has been of a char-
acter that has promoted commercial activity and
consequent prosperity in the various communi-
ties where he has concentrated his efforts.
One of the notable elements in the life record
of Mr. Edwards is his deep interest in young
men and the helpful spirit which he has mani-
fested toward them. He does not believe in
indiscriminate giving which often fosters va-
grancy and idleness, but he is ever ready to re-
ward one who is faithful in his service ; who dis-
plays good business capacity and laudable ambi-
tion to rise. ]\Iany young men acknowledge their
indebtedness for his timely aid, and he has
made it possible that a number of such should
be equipped for life's practical and responsible
duties by thorough business training. The en-
rollment of Alacalester College of St. Paul has
been increased to quite a considerable degree
through the fact that Mr. Edwards has provided
the means of education for a number of its pu-
pils. He it was who donated the principal part
of the funds necessary to the founding of the hall
which was erected on the campus in 1904 and
bears his name. Many worthy students have
been furnished a home in this building.
On the 20th of ]\Iay, 1874, was celebrated the
marriage of A\'illiam Chalmers Edwards and
Miss Nettie E. Johnson, whose girlhood days
were passed at New Haven, Connecticut, and
who comes of an ancestry equally remote and
distinguished as her husband's. They have be-
come the parents of two sons : \Mlliam Rufus,
who was born July 24, 1875 ; and Benjamin Kil-
bourn, born April 7, 1880, who are now asso-
ciated in business with their father. The fam-
ily home is one of the most attractive residences
of St. Paul, located at No. 1325 Summit avenue
and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by their
many friends. Both j\lr. and ^Irs. Edwards are
pre-eminently companionable and his rise in the
business world has not served to shut him off
from his fellownien but on the contrary seems
to have created in him a deeper interest in those
who are factors in the great movements which
are promoting material and intellectual progress,
and sesthetic and moral culture. Interested in art,
music, literature and philanthrophy, the home of
]\Ir. Edwards is the center of a cultured society
circle, and his labors have been far-reaching for
536
PAST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
the benefit of his fcllowmen. Mr. iulwards is a
member of the Masonic order. Local advance-
ment and national progress are both causes dear
to his heart. He stands today as a representative
of onr highest type of .American manhood.
ETHER L. SHEPLEY.
Ether L. Shepley, first vice president of the
North Western Fuel Company and thus con-
nected with one of the most important commer-
cial enterprises in this section of the country, w^as
born in Portland, Maine, on the 29th of Septem-
ber, 1862. He is the son of Leonard Downs and
Frances Ellen (Chase) Shepley, and grandson
of Chief Justice Ether Shepley, all of whom were
natives of !Maine, where they spent their entire
lives. In the family were five children, of whom
three are living: Louise, the wife of William
F. Duflf, of St. Paul; Sarah, the wife of Dr.
James A. Spalding, of Portland, Maine ; and
Ether L.
Mr. Shepley pursued his education in the pub-
lic schools of Portland, ]\Iaine, and at St. Augus-
tine Academy, remaining a resident of that city
until 1879, when he entered upon his business ca-
reer in the office of E. D. Bangs & Company,
brokers of Boston, ^Massachusetts. His identifi-
cation with St. Paul dates from 1886, in which
year he left Boston to accept a position as book-
keeper in the German-American Bank of this
city. There he continued until November, 1891,
when a more advantageous opening was pre-
sented and he became assistant treasurer of tho
Xorth Western Fuel Company, acting in that ca-
pacity until 1896, when he became treasurer and
was also made a director of the company. In
i9or lie was chosen a member of its executive
committee, in 1903 was made assistant to the
I)rcsident and in 1905 was elected first vice presi-
dent, wliich position he now fills. Therefore
during the fifteen years of his connection witii
this business he has steadily worked his w^ay up-
ward, making rapid progress when we consider
tlie extent and importance of the enterprise with
which lie is connected. The volume of business
transacted by the company is second to no other
company of the middle west and as one of its
chief executive officers Mr. Shepley is now well
known in trade circles, especially in the line in
which the company is operating. From 1893
until 1901 he was also connected with the North-
western Coal Railway Company as secretary,
treasurer and director. The North Western
Fuel Company has been engaged in business in
St. Paul for a quarter of a century and is capi-
talized for three million dollars and within the
past ten years it has more than doubled the ex-
tent of its business and the field in which it is
operating. The Northwestern Coal Railway
dock was built under the supervision of Mr.
Shepley and was controlled and owned by the
fuel company. The business in its various
branches has claimed his close attention through
the past decade and a half and his executive abil-
ity, keen foresight and reliable judgment have
proven important factors in the successful con-
trol and the enlargement of the enterprise.
In 1889 Mr. Shepley married Aliss Sophia
Perin, a daughter of Dr. Glover Perin of the
United States arni}- and medical director of the
Department of Dakota with headquarters at St.
Paul. They have one child, Leonard. He is a
prominent and valued' member of various busi-
ness and commercial clubs, as well as the Min-
nesota Club and the Town and Country Club and
for one year he was president of the St. Paul
Credit Men's Association. Each step in his
career has been thoughtfully ]>laiined and care-
fulh' made and has been a forward one, giving
him a broader outlook and wider opportunities
in the business world.
CHARLES W.VLLBLOM.
Charles Wallblnm, one nf the distinguished rep-
resentatives of the Swedish-AnuM-ic;m citizen-
ship of St. Paul, who has advanced from an ob-
scure position in the business world to rank with
the leading merchants of the city, is distinctively
a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide
and beneficial influence. His enterpri.se. intelli-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
537
gence and public spirit have gained him leader-
ship in many movements for the general good
and as a member of the state legislature he made
a creditable record, characterized by tangible and
effective support of many plans and movements
that liave been of direct and permanent benefit to
the commonwealth.
^Ir. ^^'allblom is a native of Sweden, born
]March 5, 1842. His father, Peter Olson, was
born on Now Year's evening of 1799 and was a
farmer by occupation. He married Annie
Helena Ecklnnd, who was born in Sweden in
1S03. Both were members of the Swedish Luth-
eran clmrch. ]\lr. Olson died in 1870. while his
wife passed away at the age of eighty-two years.
They had eight children, four sons and four
daughters, and of this number the sons and one
of the daughters came to St. Paul. Charles Wall-
blom and two brothers crossed the Atlantic to the
United States in 1852, arriving in this country on
the 5th of July. Air. Wallblom remained for a time
in Indiana and afterward came to Minnesota,
while in ilarch, 1867, he took up his abode in
St. Paul. His brother, L. F. Peterson, followed
farming in \\'aseca county, Minnesota, but is now
deceased. John, who has also passed away, was
a farmer of Waseca countv. Isaac, who was a
carriage-maker by trade and worked in a sash
and door factory for about twenty years, after-
ward established a shoe business, in which lij
continued for five or six years. On the expira-
tion of that period he sustained a sunstroke, and
retired. One daughter, Carolina, died while
crossing the Atlantic to Anierica. A younger
daughter, Charlotte, is now the wife of P. A.
Winholtz, a carriage-maker, who is with the
Schurmeier Carriage Manufacturing Company in
St. Paul. Elizabeth became the wife of John
Pdonquist. a shoemaker of Sweden. Mary is
the wife of August Barstrom, a furniture manu-
facturer in Sweden.
Charles \\'allblom pursued his education in the
schools of his native country and was reared to
farm life, but thinking that he wouI<l find other
pursuits more congenial than that of following
the plow, he began learning the trade of carriage-
making in his native country, serving an appren-
ticeship of three or four years without pay. Hear-
ing favorable reports concerning the business op-
portunities of the new world, he determined to
try his fortune in America and, as stated, came
with his brothers, L. F. and Isaac, to the
United States, making his way to Minnesota after
a brief residence in Indiana. He has resided in
St. Paul since 1867. He was for a short time em-
ployed in a carriage-making establishment, after
which he secured a situation in a sash and door
factory, where he remained for about nineteen
years, working his way steadily upward until for
a long period he occupied the important position
of foreman for Corliss, Chapman & Drake. In
1886 he went to Europe with his family, return-
ing in 1887 after a most pleasurable trip to his
native land and other portions of the continent.
In the fall of that year he engaged in the furni-
ture bu.siness, organizing the Wallblom &
Horsell Furniture & Carpet Company. In 1893
he lost all that he had made and in 1894 he em-
barked again in business, making a new start
when the Wallblom Furniture Company was or-
ganized. He is now at the head of one of the
largest concerns of this character in the citv. for
success has attended his efiforts owing to his
capable management, close application, unfalter-
ing perseverance and modern business methods.
He has developed his business along progressive
lines and the extent and volume of his trade makf
him one of the prosperous merchants of the city.
Mr. Wallblom was married in 1870 to Miss
T^Iatilda Swenson, of St. Paul, who was born in
Sweden in 1846. They now have four children.
David, born in 1872, is the secretary and treasurer
of the Wallblom Company and is a representative
young business man. He married Gerda M.
Lund, a native of Sweden, the wedding being
celebrated in St. Paul in 1901. They have a
daughter, ^Margaret, who was born December i,
1903. Mrs. David \\'allblom is a member of the
Swedish Lutheran church. David Wallblom
belongs to various fraternal organizations,
being an Elk. Mason. Knight of Pythias,
^Modern \\'oodman. Workman. Knight of
Honor and a Red Man. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party
and he served on Governor ^'anZandt's staff for
three years, while at the present writing he is
538
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
serving on the staff of Governor Johnson with
the rank of major. Jonathan W'allblom, the second
of the family, born May 25, 1875, died September
2j, 1877. Jonathan, the third in order of birth,
born Ajjril 21. 1880. is now advertiser for the
company. Paul, born April 14, 1884, is also with
his father in business.
^Ir. Wallblom is a member of the Swedish
Lutheran Mission church, of which he has been
president and trustee since 1874. He was one of
its organizers, has been a contributor to its sup-
port and has done all in his power for the up-
building of the church and the extension of its va-
rious activities. He is now chairman of the board
of trusteees, with which board he has been con-
nected continuously since 1874 and it was through
his efforts that a new house of worship was
erected in 1903 at a cost of thirty thousand dol-
lars. He has at different times been president of
a number of societies and still holds membership
relations with several civic and social organiza-
tions. He has been chairman of the Swedish
Old Settlers' Association, of which he was one of
the organizers and he has been instrumental in
promoting the welfare of his fellow countrymen
who have become residents of the new world. Mr.
\\'allblom is president of the Swedish Bethasta
r,enevolent .Society, chairman and organizer of
the Englebrodt Benevolent Society, chairman of
the ilinnehaha College, which is soon to be built,
and was president and organizer of the Swedish
Cemetery Association. In politics Mr. W'allblom
has always been a republican since becoming a
naturalized American citizen. In 1 892 he was
elected to the legislature, representing the thirtv-
third district of Minnesota in the lower house.
Lie was filling the office when the new capitol bill
was passed and he favored the bill against strong
opposition, IK- helped elect Senator Cushman
K, Davis, who was elected by one vote and who
afterward personally thanked Mr. W'allblom for
liis support, .Mr, W'allblniu lias made a notable
record, sluiwing that (he accident of birth or
nationality has little to do with shaping a man's
career and that success and honor ma\' lie won
in this land of free opportunity- In- all who have
ability and determination. The public is a dis-
crimin.'iting factor. (|uickly realizing ihc \-alne be-
tween the true and the false and the men who are
the real leaders in commercial, industrial, profes-
sional or political life are usually the men who
merit their prominence and have attained through
their own efforts the positions which thev occupy.
This certainly is true in the case of JNIr. Wallblom'
who has had some dark days and has met obsta-
cles and difficulties, but these he has overcome
through determined effort and laudable ambition,
and the hope that led him to seek a home in
America has been more than realized, for as the
years have passed he has worked his way stead-
ily upward to a prominent position in commer-
cial, social and political circles, his record proving
that prosperity and an honored name may be won
simultaneouslv.
JUSTUS OH AGE, .M. U.
Dr. Justus Ohage, commissioner of health of
the city of St. Paul, entered upon the duties of
this office in March, 1899, through appointment
of A. R. Kiefer, then mayor of the city, and since
that time no man has done more for the improve-
ment of sanitary and health conditions here. In-
vestigation into his work shows not only a thor-
ough familiarity with the subject but also most
practical and eft'ective effort, resulting bencficiallv
in public health conditions and his labors have
won an appreciation and ap])roval of the large
majority of his fellow townsmen.
Dr. Ohage was born in Germany in 1849 and
has resided in St. Paul for the past twenty-five
years. He is a graduate of Gottingen and the
L'niversity of the State of Missouri, at Columbia,
of the class of t88o. Throughout the years of
his connection with the profession he has ntade
steady advancement, his study and experience ex-
tending the field of his usefulness and also gain-
ing for him a prominent international position in
the ranks of the medical fraternity. The service
he has done for St. Paul alone would entitle liim
to j)rominent representation in iliis \-olnnie even
had his ])rivatc jiractice called forth no apjirecia-
tion. .\s before stated, he was ap])ointed to the
office of commissioner of health of St. Paul for a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
539
four years' term in 1899 by Mayor A. R. Kiefer.
After a short term in the office he noted that there
were a larger number of deaths due to accidental
drowning, and it therefore occurred to him that a
proper bathing place should be provided that
the death rate from this source might be de-
creased. He reviewed the situation relative to the
possible location of such a place and after a care-
ful investigation of the matter established the
public baths on Harriet Island. This result was
effected entirely through the efforts of Dr. Ohage
with the aid of various public-spirited citizens,
whose help he solicited. The school children, too,
took up the project and assisted by the contri-
bution of their pennies. Following their estab-
lishment when they were still in his possession,
before any assistance had been tendered him and
while he was the sole owner. Dr. Ohage refused
an offer of fifty thousand dollars from a brewing
company who wished the site for its plant. After
much hard work, during which time he received
assistance from many public-spirited citizens, Dr.
Ohage turned over to the city authorities the
site, which includes the island of fortv acres
equipped with bath houses, tennis courts, a me-
nagerie and picnic grounds, on the ist day of
August, iQoo, with a provision that the place was
always to be used for public baths and to be al-
ways under the jurisdiction of the department
of health. In establishing these it was his desire
to make all of the citizens part owners in the
project that they might be interested therein. His
work was crowned with splendid success and the
value of the movement cannot be overestimated.
The site of the baths is in the center of the city
but eight minutes' walk from the courthouse and
city hall.
Other work of Dr. Ohage in the office of health
commissioner is equally notable and commend-
able. Shortly after assuming his office the whole
country suffered from an epidemic of smallpox,
doubtless due largelv to the return of the sol-
diers from the Philippines and from the 21st of
February, iSqg, to the present date, 1906, there
have been reported six hundred and fifteen cases.
These have invariably been taken to tlie quaran-
tine hospital, which has been entirely remodeled
under the direction of the commissioner of
health. There the patients have been cared for
and extended the comforts of any first class hos-
pital. It is also due to the efforts of Dr. Ohage
that the collection of garbage was taken out of
the hands of contractors and that a competent
superintendent was appointed to oversee this
work, hiring the men who should do the actual
service in this connection. In this way more ac-
tive interest was taken in the cleansing of the city
in this manner and the funds paid out went direct-
ly to the men who earned it, thus eft'ecting also a
very material saving to the city beside securing
better service. Dr. Gustav A. Renz, first assistant
commissioner of health, is in charge of the bac-
teriological laboratory and all contagious dis-
eases and through his eft'orts the laboratorv has
been increased in size and equipment, so that
it now compares favorably with any in the north-
west.
Dr. Ohage originated a severe meat inspection
and was instrumental in starting the inspection
of cattle for tuberculosis and appointed two as-
sistants to do the testing and also to look after
the sanitary condition of the dairies. In 1901
the ma}'or ordered the enforcement of the smoke
nuisance to be turned over to the department of
health. It hacl formerly been under the police
jurisdiction. Before Dr. Ohage, commissioner of
health, took action upon the matter he discussed
the subject with the national union of engineers
and firemen and after they had convinced th:
Doctor that the nuisance could be abated with
no material detriment to owners of plants he be-
gan the enforcement of the law and carried on
the work systematically and energetically from
1901 until January i, 1906. During this time
he raised a continual fight with corporations and
individuals and the question of the legality of
the ordinance was finally passed upon and upheld
by the supreme court of the state, and today the
only opposition is from corporations. .\t the St.
Louis Exposition in 1904 the exhibit of the health
department of St. Paul, demonstrated by charts,
photographs, tables, etc., received the grand prize,
competing against the world, and Dr. Ohage as
commissioner of liealth received the gold medal
for health work.
( )wing to unwarranted opposition in 1901
540
PAST \\1) I'kRSENT OF ST. PAUL.
through his public baih project Ur. Uhagc ten-
dered his resignation to Mayor Smith, the suc-
cessor of JMayor Kiefer, hut it was not accepted
and in 1903 he was re-appointed by Mayor Smith
for a second term of four years. In 1900 the
health department was awarded a prize medal a'
the Paris Exposition. The extremely low death
rate of St. Paul and the bountiful supply of pure
water, comt«ned with the excellent work carried
on under the health commissioner, places this city
as the most healthful one in the world.
Dr. Ohage is prominently identified with vari-
ous important organizations among the medical
fraternity and at one time was honored with
the presidency of the Minnesota State Medica'
Society and he was also president of the Minne-
sota State Medical Examining Board. He was
twice ])resident of the Ramsey County Medical
Society and is an honorary member of the Wis-
consin State Medical Society. He is the first
surgeon in America who introduced liver-sur-
gery and made the first series of successful gall-
stone operations in this country. He published
a work on this subject which has become clas-
sical and is recognized as the pioneer work in this
branch of modern surgery. In appreciation of
this, he was elected a life member of the Ini-
]ierial (lerman Society of Surgeons — the highest
medical society in the world, Dr, Ohage is alsf)
jjrofessor of surgery in the medical ilepartment of
the University of Minnesota. His work has at-
tracted widespread attention and his plans and
metlidds have received the endorsement of many
of the most prominent men in the country.
GEORGE L. LVri-E.
With a clear conception of both the difficulties
and jKjssibilities for the dcvelo])mcnt and im-
])rovement of tlie city through llu- mi-dium ni
real-estate transactions, George L. Lytic, a prac-
tical business man with keen forcsiglit and execu-
tive ability, has worked up an extensive and prof-
itable real-estate business and through his oper-
ations in this direction has not only promoted
his (iwii success, but also become a beneficial fac-
tor in the progress and upbuilding of South St.
Paid, and moreover his labors have been of direct
benefit to the city in public office, where his devo-
tion to the general good has been manifest in
tangible effort along lines of reform and im-
[jrovemcnt.
A native of Ireland, be was born in the town
of Maghera, county Derry, his parents being
John S. and Elizabeth M. (Lowry) Lytle, like-
wise natives of that country. On leaving Ire-
land they became residents of Regina in the
Northwest Territory, where they are now living.
The father engaged in business in the north of
Ireland, then went to the south of Ireland in
1 868, going to the Northwest Territory in 1882.
He followed the occupation of farming, both in
the south of Ireland and the Northwest Terri-
tory.
After attending the public schools of his na-
tive town Goerge L. Lytle went to Belfast, where
he entered the Royal Academical Institute and in
Dublin attended a private academy. Snl)se-
(|nently he returned to the home f;u-ni, where he
remained from 1875 until 1881, when he went
to Chicago and was with the Anglo-American
Packing & Provision Company for fifteen
months. He afterward engaged in farming in
the Northwest Territory and gave considerable
attention to contracting until May, 1889,
when he came to South St. Paul, spend-
ing a few months in the employ of the
old Minnesota Packing & Provision Com-
panv. He was afterward with the Union Stock
^'ards Company for a year, on the expiration of
which period he engaged in the live stock busi-
ness with William M. Raeburn, under the firm
style of Lytic & Raeburn, after having carried on
an indi\idnal enterprise in this line for three
vears. Following the dissolution of the partner-
ship in 1902 he began in the real-estate business
in South St. Paul. 1 le bad since T900 operated to
some extent in the purchase and sale of property
and for a few months had been the president of
the William Campbell Commission Company, but
is nnw devoting lii- entire attention to his real-
estate dealing, with ;i large clientage that ha>
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
541
liroiiylit him into connection with important
realty transfers and made him one of the lead-
ing representatives of this line in South St. Paul.
^Ir. L_\-tle is actively interested in public af-
fairs and participates earnestly in every effort to
[jropagate a spirit of patriotism and of loyalt}
to American institutions ; and wherever there is a
public-spirited attempt to drive corruption or un-
worthiness out of public ofifice, he is to be found
working with the leaders of the movement — for
which statement ample verification is found in
his admirable political service, which is now a
matter of record. He votes with the republican
party and was elected mayor of South St. Paul
in i8y9 and by re-election was continued in that
office until 1905. when he was defeated, the
cause thereof growing out of incidents connected
with the strike in the packing houses in 1904, at
which time he refused to call out the militia. He
believed that he could maintain order and did
so without bloodshed or loss of propertv, but
Swift & Company, resenting his independent
course, resolved to defeat him, and this was done-
through money, intimidation and coercion. Mr.
Lytle stood firmly by the course which he be-
lieved to be right and avoided all trouble such
as is often incident to strikes. The corporations
also opposed him because of his attitude in sup-
port of electric car lines, waterworks and other
improvements of a public nature which SoutI;
St. Paul now enjoys. His long retention in the
office of mayor is indicative of the concensus of
public opinion in his favor and the municipality
of South St. Paul is largely- indebted to him for
effective and beneficial administration. Since the
electric car lines, waterworks and other improve-
ments have been made, the population has iir-
creased from twenty-two hundred and eighty to
five thousand, and one hundred new houses have
been erected in the past fifteen months. Another
commendable act of his administration was hi>
suppression of gambling in his part of the city —
a course which won the approval of the best ele-
ment of the city. He is a man of firm convic-
tions, unfaltering in his support of what he be-
lieves to be right and no man questions the hon-
esty of his motive or his devotion to the ]iublic
good.
Air. Lytic has various fraternal relations. He
belongs to Mizpah lodge, A. F. & A. M., of
South St. Paul, of which he was master in 1905 ;
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Ancient
( )rder of LTnited Workmen ; Modern Woodmen
of America ; Order of Eastern Star ; Royal
Xeighbors : United Order of Foresters ; and the
Xorth Star Benevolent Association. He was
married December 10, 1890, to Janet H. Raeburn,
a daughter of the late James Raeburn, who was
a grain merchant of Glasgow, Scotland. Their
children are Lowry R,, Ruth, Agnes, Elizabeth
and George D.
Mr. Lytle's interest and co-operation in benev-
olent societies, his devotion to the public good.
his successful accomplishments in business leave
no doubt as to his motives nor his ability and he
deserves and is already given classification with
South St. Paul's prominent and useful citizens.
JOHN S. GRODE.
John S. Grode. whose nuisical talent, business
capacity and political activity have made him a
representative resident of St. Paul, his labors thus
touching many lines of development, was born
in Mainz, Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 22d of Sep-
tember, T845. His father was a farmer, who
came to the United States from Germany and
settled upon a tract of land in Washington
couTity, Wisconsin, aliout twelve miles from Mil-
waukee. The year of his arrival was 1846 and
for twenty years he continued a resident of the
Badger state, his attention being given to the
tilling of tlie soil. Flis study of the political
situations, questions and issues of the day led him
to a belief in the principles of democracy and he
always voted with that party. He died in 1866,
while his wife, who bore the maiden name of
Amia Judith, passed away in 1857.
John S. Grode was only six months old when
brought by his parents to the new world. He at-
tended jirivate schools in Washington comity,
Wisconsin, and wlun but twehe years of age he
lost his mother, ^^^len yet but a boy he entered
railroad work, which he followed until 1883, first
54^
•AST AX I) I'RF.SEXT OF ST. PAUL.
entering the employ of the Minnesota A'alley Rail-
road Company in 1868. His close application,
natural capability and earnest purpose won him
recognition in well merited promotions from
time to time and eventually he was assigned to
the position of division road master. After fill-
ing the office for two years he resigned in order
to enter the commission business on his own ac-
count in St. Paul and has since been a dealer in
provisions here. He has secured a large patron-
age, so that his annual sales are represented by
an extensive figure. He has a number of patrons
with whom he has had business dealings contin-
uously din-ing the years of his connection with
the trade and his success is gratifying, for the
number of his customers is annually increasing
and the volume of his business is constantly
growing.
In 1875 Mr. Grode was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Josephine Plein. of St. Cloud, ]\Iinne-
sota, and they have three children: Anna J.,
Oscar and John, who are yet with their parents,
and Conrad, who died November i. 1888. Mr.
Grode is a member of the Knights of Columbus
and was an officer in the St. Clemens Benevolent
Society. Tie likewise belongs to St. Peter's
Benevolent Society and the Good Shepherds and
the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is a director
and member of the executive committee of the
German Roman Catholic Aid Association of
Minnesota, of which he served as secretary from
1887 until i8q8. In politics he is a stalwart and
unfaltering democrat and in March, 1901, was
appointed a member of the board of public works,
and since 1902 has acted as president, in which
capacity he has given very efficient service. He
is a musician of rare gifts and accomplishments
and has lieen a pmniinent factor for a number of
years in musical circles in St, Paul, acting as a
director of many musical organizations. He like-
wise belongs to the German Singing Society
and was musical director of the Arion Singing
Society from 1879 until 1889, while from 1898
until iijn4 he was conductor of the choir in the
German .\ssumption clnu-ch. His great natural
love of music lias been supplemented by a thor-
ouerh stud\- of the art and his labors have been
effective in promoting a love of music among
the people with whom he has come in contact.
He is a gentleman of broad humanitarian prin-
ciples, who in the midst of a busy life finds time
and opportunity to ameliorate the hard conditions
which surround his fellowmen. An advocate of
the true, the just and the beautiful, possessing a
benevolent spirit and an aesthetic cultured taste,
Mr. Grode has won confidence and trust in the
business world and in social circles warm per-
sonal resrard.
GUSTA^■E T. SCHURMEIER.
Gustave T. Schurmeier. deceased, was for
many years one of the prominent wholesale mer-
chants of St. Paul. He possessed a conservatism
that made no mistakes in business and yet was
not without that progressiveness which reaches
out to broader fields and greater activities. A
man of strong character, of laudable ambition
and determined purpose, he exercised his talents
and powers in a manner that contributed to a
most desirable result. Such a history serves to
inspire and encourage others and the life rec-
ord of Mr. Schurmeier contains many wholesome
lessons. He displayed in his life many strong and
salient elements that marked him as one of na-
ture's noblemen and he attained a foremost po-
sition as a representative resident of St. Paul. A
native of St. Louis. ^Missouri, he was born on
the 27th of March, 1851, his parents being Cas-
per and Caroline (Korphage) Schurmeier, both
of whom were natives of Germany, where they
were married. Soon afterward they came to the
I'nited States, settling first in St. Louis. Mis-
souri, but they remained there for only a sh(irt
time, removing to St. Paul. Minnesota, about
1852. They were therefore pioneer residents of
the city, finding upon their arrival a small town
of little commercial or industrial prominence, yet
having the elements in it of future greatness and
advancement. The father was engaged in va-
rious lines of business and was successful in his
undertakings, carrying forward to properous
com])letion whatever he imdertook.
^yi**-^-'^*--!.^^;^^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
545
Upon his arrival in St. Paul he turni'd his at-
tention to real-estate dealing, and in this con-
nection contributed in large and substantial
measure to the improvement of the city. He
built many of the fine blocks in the business cen-
ter of the city, including several store buildings
at the c<jrner of Fifth and Jackson streets, where
the banks of St. Paul are now located. He also
erected many store buildings on Third street and
he engaged in buying land, transforming un-
sightly vacancies into fine business or residence
property. He also sold property all over the
city and his enterprise made him one of the fore-
most residents of St. Paul. He recognized pos-
sibilities, foresaw the probable development,
growth and needs of the city, which he arranged
to meet, and thus when anything was wanted
he had good property to show his clients and
made many advantageous sales. He became
very wealthy and was widely recognized as one
of tlie most important real-estate dealers of the
city, the extent of his operations being scarcely
surpassed or equaled. He continued as a real-
estate dealer in St. Paul from the time of his
arrival here until his death, which occurred in
18/ 4. when he was fifty-eight years of age. His
widow survived him for a time and died at the
hiinie (if a daughter in Thomasville, Georgia.
'Sir. Schurmeier always took a very deep and
active interest in politics and was a stanch re-
publican, whose opinions carried weight in the
local councils of his party. At one time he was
a candidate for mayor of the city, but was de-
feated by a small majority.* For several years.
however, he served as alderman of his ward
and held other offices.
Gustave T. Schurmeier was only about a year
old at the time of the removal of the family to
St. Paul, so that his early education was ac-
quired in the public schools here. He was after-
ward sent to Curia. Wisconsin, where he at-
tended college, acquiring an excellent education.
Upon his return to St. Paul he accepted a posi-
tion in the office of the wholesale grocery house
of Holl & Parr, where he was employed for a
few years, acting as office man and assistant
bookkeeper. He received a goodly inheritance
from his father but wished to acquaint himself
with business methods and to also have time to
look about him in order to make wise invest-
ments of his capital. He then decided to turn his
attention to agricultural pursuits and entered
into partnershi]! with a 'Sir. Thompson, with
whom he went to Windom, ^linnesota. They
purchased large farms all over that part of the
country and Mr. Schurmeier resided there for
several years, giving his time and energies to
the supervision of the property and to practical
farm work. On the expiration of that period he
returned to St. Paul and accepted a position as
assistant bookkeeper, in which capacity he re-
mained for three years. He afterward became a
partner in the firm of Foote, Schulze & Com-
pany, wholesale manufacturers and dealers in
boots and shoes. This is also the largest con-
cern in this line in the city. ^Ir. Schurmeier w'as
furthermore a partner and the creditman in this
house throughout the remainder of Iiis days and
his wise council, business sagacity and enterprise
contributed in substantial measure to the position
which was won by the firm in business circles.
In this city, in 1886, Gustave T. Schurmeier
wedded Miss Rose Lindeke, a native of St.
Paul and a daughter of A\'illiam and Rose Lin-
deke. Her father was also a pioneer business
man of St. Paul and a very prominent citizen,
who was connected with mercantile and milling
interests here until his death. A more complete
record of the Lindeke family is given on another
page of this volume. Mr. Lindeke died in St.
Paul and his widow now makes her home with
her daughter, ^Irs. Schurmeier. There were
three children born uuti) Mr. and Airs. Schur-
meier : Caroline : Gertrude, attending Bryn
Mawr College ; and Gustave Benjamin, now at-
tending college in St. Paul. The husband and
father died July 27, 1898. He spent the last five
years of his life to a great extent in traveling,
visiting all points of this country and foreign
lands as well. He was a great hunter and fisher,
was interested in birds and had a fine collection
of feathered specimens, which he donated to the
public school. He also took a great interest in
framing and enforcing game and fish laws, rec-
ognizing that the denizens of the various streams
must be protected or extermination would fol-
54fi
I 'AST AX I) I'RESEXT OF ST. I'AL'L.
low. He was without political aspiration but
was a stanch republican and, as every true Amer-
ican citizen should do, kept well informed on
the questions and issues of the day, feeling it
an obligation as well as a ])rivilege of citizenship
to exercise his ri.ght of franchise. He was espe-
cially interested in the growth of St. Paul and
gave a helping hand to many public enterprises
that redounded to the credit and improvement
of the municipality. .\t the same time he con-
tributed generously to advancing measures and
movements. He was one in whom education,
travel and culture united in making an inter-
esting gentleman and his inmate refinement was
manifest in his tactfulness in meeting all
classes of people. As a business man he was
enterprising and always abreast of the times and
his labors were rewarded with an ample fortune.
He attained to a position of prominence through
his own resources and his family may justly he
proud of wliat he wrought. Hoth the Lindeke
and Schurmeier families are among the most
prominent and well-to-do of the city, for both
!\Ir. Lindeke and ]\Ir. Schurmier left large es-
tates, comprising valuable property as well as
commercial interests. Airs. Schurmeier resides
at No. 77 East Central avenue, at what is known
as the Lindeke home, located near the city cap-
itol. This is one of the finest and largest resi-
dences of the city and here she resides with her
children and her mother. Her home is justly
celebrated for its gracious and attractive social
functions and she and her family are commu-
nicants of the Episco])a! church.
STL1'111',.\ !•:. WILLI.VAIS, Al. D.
Dr. Stephen Ellsworth Williams, one of the
younger members of the medical profession '.n
St. Paul, who, however, lias obtained a large pat-
ronage in the general practice of • medicine
and surgery. was born in Whitewater.
Wisconsin, June 15. 187S, his parents being W,
H. and Alary H'oyle) Williams, natives of Alas-
sachusetts and Xew York respectively. They
spent mucli fif tlieir married life in Whitewater,
Wisconsin, and are now living at River Falls,
that state, the father having devoted his energies
in a business career to farming. In the family
were si.x children : Lulu, the wife of John Had-
dow, of River Falls, Wisconsin ; Mamie, the wife
of Professor (j. W. Swartz, snperintendent of
schools at Alonroe, Wisconsin : Stephen E. ; Ray-
mond L., of the firm, of Shipman, Williams &
Coni]iany. of Aliniieapolis ; Eva, who is attending
the L'niversitv of \Msconsin ; and William J.,
of River Falls, Wisconsin.
I^r. Williams at the usual age became a student
in River Falls public schools and was graduated
from the high school with the class of 1899. He
further continued his studies in the L'niversity of
Wisconsin, where he took one year pre-medic
work, after which he matriculated in the L'niver-
sit}- of Alinnesota in 1900 and was graduated from
the medical department with the class of June,
1904. He spent the following year in St. Joseph's
Hospital as resident physician and surgeon, and
pathologist and thus added to his theoretical
knowledge a broad practical experience, which
brought him a high degree of proficiency. Me
afterward did post-graduate work in Rush Aled-
ical College, in Chicago, in the fall of 1905 and
then located for practice in St. Paul with an of-
fice at <-)22 Raymond avenue and another one at
490 Endicott Arcade, He has a general practice
in merlicine and surgery and is also assistant to
Dr. I'londke, of St. Paul.
Dr. Williams belongs to St. Paul lodge, X'o. 3,
.\. F. \- .\. A!., the Alodern Woodmen i)f Amer-
ica and the Royal Arcanum. He is a meml)er of
the Nu Sigma XTu, a national medical fraternity,
and the .Sigma Delta of the University of Wis-
consin. His religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Congregational church. He is
trulv a self-made man in tlie limadesl and lust
sense of the term, early dis|)laying the elemental
strength of his character by earning the money
with which to jirovide for his own education.
Wliile in college he not only made his expenses,
but also put four hundred dollars in the bank. He
is an earnest, thorough-going man with a lull
realization of the duties and responsil)ilities of his
profession, which lie never neglects in the slight-
est degree. His mind has strong, scholarly ten-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
547
dencies ami he will remain throughout his con-
nection with the profession a student of the prin-
ciples and practices of medicine and surgery. He
moreover possesses a social nature and is popular
where the ties of friendship and of business have
made him known.
WARREX UPHA-M.
Warren Upham. scientist and author, was born
March 8, 1850, in Amherst, New Hampshire, a
son of Jacob and Sarah ( Hayward ) Upham, the
former a farmer by occupation. He is of the
eighth generation in line descended from John
Upham. the first immigrant of the name to Amer-
ica, who came from Devonshire. England, and
settled at Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1635.
Mr. Uphaiii pursued his college education at
Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hamp-
shire, from which he was graduated in the class
of 1871. His life has been devoted to scientific
and literary work. He was assistant on geolog-
ical surveys in New Hampshire, ]\Iinnesota and
other points of the United States from 1874 until
1895. and from April until October in the year
1895 he was librarian of the Western Reserve
Historical Society, at Cleveland, Ohio. On the
1st of November following he became secretary
and librarian of the Alinnesota Historical Society
and has occupied this position for eleven years.
He is the author of many reports for the geo-
logical survey of New Hafnpshire, Minnesota
and the United States, including the United
States Geological Survey Monograph XXV ;
The Glacial Lake Agassiz, describing the basin
of the Red River of the North in Minnesota,
North Dakota and Manitoba ; he was editor of
Volumes VHL IX and X, of the Minnesota His-
torical Society Collections, published 1895-1905 ;
and the author in Volume X, of Groseilliers and
Radisson, the First White Men in Minnesota,
1655-36 and 1660.
In his political views Mr. Upham is a repub-
lican and his religious faith is indicated by his
membershi|) in the Congregational church. He
is regarded as the peer of many of the ablest
men, carrying on investigations along the lines of
scientific research and is a member of the Amer-
ican Association for Advancement of Science, the
Geological Society of America, the National Geo-
graphic Society, the Minnesota Academy of
Science, and the ^Minnesota Geographical
Society. He is also counselor and secretary of
the Minnesota Historical Society ; corresponding
member of the Historical Societies of Kansas and
^Missouri, of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory, and of the Victoria Institute of London,
England.
Mr. L'pham was married October 22, 1885, in
.\urora, Minnesota, to Miss Addie M. Bixby,
whose father, John Bixby, was one of the first
settlers of that township, in Steele county, Minne-
sota. Their only child, a daughter. Pearl, was
born and died September 26, 1887.
FRANK E. BALCOME, M. D.
Dr. Frank E. Balcome. practicing at St.
Anthony's Park, in association with Dr. C, M.
Cannon, under the firm style of Cannon & Bal-
come. is a native son of Minnesota, having been
born at Delano, May i, 1872. His parents. Dr.
Edwin and Sarah (McBryan) Balcome, were na-
tives of ^Massachusetts and on coming to Minne-
sota first located at Clearwater and afterward at
Delano, whence they went to Howard Lake and
from there came to St. Paul in 1892. Dr. Edwin
Balcome engaged in the practice of medicine
until fifty years of age, when he turned his atten-
tion to farming and was thereafter associated
with agricultural pursuits until his retirement
from business life. He died in 1897. at the age
(it seventy-two years, and his wife passed awav
in 1904, at the age of sixty-six years. There is
one surviving daughter, Sarah L. Balcome.
Dr. Balcome of this review was educated in the
public and high schools of Howard Lake and in
Macalester College, in which he matriculated in
1891. pursuing a classical course covering four
years. He was graduated in 1895, and then pre-
pared for the medical profession as a student in
the medical department of the State University
548
AST AXD PRESENT (W ST. PAL"L
of Minnesota. He afterward attended the Eclec-
tic Medical Colkt;e. at Cincinnati, Ohio, from
which he was irraduatcd in 1899. Coming to St.
Paul he located at St. .Anthony's Park and be-
came associated with Dr. C. i\I. Cannon, since
which time he has continued as a member of the
firm of Camion Ot jlalcome with marked success.
His attention is devoted to general practice and
he has broad and comprehensive knowledge of
the |)rinciiiles of medicine, while his efficiency is
being continually jiromoted by his ever widening
experience. He belongs to the Ramsey County
^ledical Society and to the State Medical Society.
Fraternally Dr. Balcome has membership rela-
tions with Tressler lodge, .A. F. & A. M., the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Degree of Honor, the
Roval Neighbors, and the Ancient Order of
United Workmen. Politically he is a republican.
He was married October 3, 1900, in San Fran-
cisco, California, to Miss Annie M. Lutz, a
daughter of Peterson Lutz, of that city, and they
have one child, Ruth ]\Iarian.
BENJA)>HX S. OSGOOD.
Benjamin S. 0.sgood, president of the Osgood
& Blodgett Manufacturing Company, is one of
the representative old-time business men of the
city, who in the legitimate channels of trade has
wrought along successful lines and stands todav
as a prominent representative of the lumber and
kindred industries in the nfirtlnvest. He is thor-
oughlv famili;ir with tlie himbir trade from the
days of his early experiences in lumlier cam])s
and has watched its develo])ment in this section
of the country, being a promoter of its interests
until today he stands at the head of an impor-
tant and extensive enterprise as a retail and
wholesale dealer in lumber of St. Paul and as
a member of the firm which also o])erates a box
factory and is engaged in the manufacture of
sash, doors and hardwood hnnher. .\ knowledge
of the extent and scope of his business interests
would indicate to one miacquainted with Mr.
Osgood that he is a man still in the prime of
life and indeed such is the case, for though in
his eighty-first year, in spirit and interests he is
\et in his |)rime and manifests in his business
career the enterprise, activity and ability of a
man of much younger years.
'Sir. Osgood was born near the town of Co-
lumbia, in eastern Maine, October 9, 1825. His fa-
ther, Stephen Osgood, also a native of the Pine
Tree state, was born at Orono, near Bangor, on
the 30th of March, 1786, and died February 12,
1834. The ancestral history of the family can
be traced back to the year 1638. when his an-
cestor, John Osgood, as a passenger on the ship
Confidence sailed from England to the new
world. He was a soldier in the colonial wars and
the familv name figures in connection with many
important epochal events in the history of New
England in colonial days and in later periods.
It was John Osgood, the progenitor, who built
the first mill in the United States. He was born
Julv 23, 1595, in Hampshire, England, and died
at Andover Massachusetts, October 24, 1651.
Still farther back the ancestry can be traced to
the Xormans of England and that they were a
familv of prominence is indicated by the fact
that they possessed a coat of arms.
Benjamin S. Osgood spent his boyhood days
at his father's home and was educated in the
]3ublic schools to the age of eight years, when
his father died and he then went to live with an
uncle. I'enjamin SiLsby, on a farm. He was then
coimected with farming and also with lumbering
interests until twenty-one years of age, assisting
liis imcle in the shingle and clapboard mills,
whiclt lie owiH'd and operated, and in the lumber
woods. Ciu attaining his majority he began
working at the carpenter's trade for his brother
and devoted three or four years to that pursuit,
after which he engaged in business as a mill-
wright until 1856.
'I'hat vear witnessed his removal to the middle
west. He made his way to Hudson. Wisconsin,
tlien in a new and undeveloped comitry, and
from Hudson crossed the Mississippi river into
Minnesota, and with two others built a saw-
mill, but the hard times of 1857 came on, in
which the countr\- was involved in a financial
dc.
^-'^'^>t-^/H.,^^^(^ (cJ C^ ^^^f-^^-^C^
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
551
panic and the new enterprise was larsjely at a
standstill. After a brief period also the mill was
destroyed by fire and Mr. Osgood, facing the
necessity of providing for his own support, be-
gan working by the day for D. A. Baldwin, who
built the Omaha Railroad. In the employ of
Mr. Baldwin Mr. Osgood built and operated a
sawmill for several years and afterward built
a flouring mill for him at Hudson, Wisconsin,
continuing in his employ until 1871, when he
went to Canada to take charge of a large saw-
mill, which he conducted for three years.
In March, 1874, ^Ir. Osgood came to St. Paul
where in connection with his brother-in-law,
Harvey Blodgett, he purchased a small box fac-
tory and planing mill. The partnership was con-
tinued for nine years, or until the death of Mr.
Blodgett in 1883. when Mr. Osgood admitted
Mr. Blodgett's son and his own son to partner-
ship and the relation has since been maintained,
the stock of the concern being nearly all owned
by the two families. The enterprise has con-
tinually grown in keeping with the rapid devel-
opment and progress in the northwest and is now
an extensive productive industry, furnishing em-
ployment to about two hundred and fift}- work-
men, its output being shipped to Chicago. Omaha.
Kansas City and other important commercial
centers. Mr. Osgood's knowledge of the lum-
ber trade and kindred industries dates from his
youth and is founded upon practical experience.
He has personally superintended the operation
of the factory and has set "up every machine
therein. He has drawn the plans for the yards
and factories, possessing natural mechanical in-
genuity and though he has passed the eightieth
milestone on life's journey he still has entire
charge of the mills and the outdoor work and the
business is the most extensive of the kind in St.
Paul. It may seem trite to those familiar with
his life to say that Mr. Osgood is a self-made
man and that he has risen from a humble posi-
tion to rank among the successful manufacturers
of the northwest, but in a history that will de-
scend to future generations it is but ju.st to say
that his record has ever been such as any man
might be proud to possess. Commencing at the
lowset round of the ladder, he has steadilv
climbed upward, long since leaving the ranks of
the many to stand among the successful few.
His business has grown with the passing years.
He has manufactured building materials on an
extensive scale and has erected many buildings
in St. Paul. His life has been one of unremit-
ting industry and although classed with the
prosperous men of St. Paul an analyzation of his
life record will show that what he possesses has
been made through industry and honest business
methods and not through speculation. He has
enjoyed the full respect, confidence and admira-
tion of his business associates and contempo-
raries and his name is regarded as a synonym for
straightforward dealing.
Mr. Osgood was married in early manhood
to Miss Lucinda Silsby, a native of Maine, who,
at her death. January 29, igoi, left one son,
Henry Everett, now interested with his father in
the business. Frederick Benjamin, the second
son, was drowned eighteen years before this in
White Bear lake, when in his twenty-third
year. For his second wife Mr. Osgood chose
Miss Ella S. Brown, a native of Massachusetts.
In his political views, where national issues
are involved, Mr. Osgood votes the republican
ticket and is a stalwart advocate of its principles
having been one of the founders and promoters
of the party in this section of the country. In
local afifairs, however, he cast an independent
ballot, believing in municipal honor and opposed
to misrule in all municipal affairs, so that he
gives his vote to the candidates whom he thinks
best qualified for efficient and trustworthy public
service. He has always been too busy to wish
for office for himself but while living in Hudson,
Wisconsin, served for a time as alderman. He
has labored, however, in the interests of his
friends who have sought public office and his
influence has been felt in this direction. He is
a member of the Central Presbyterian church
and for fourteen years has served as a member
of its board of trustees, acting as chairman of
the board for eight years of that time. He was
serving in that capacity when the present church
was built at a cost of one hundred thou.sand dol-
lars and he contributed most generously to its
support and to other churches as well. Possess-
552
AST AXD PRF.SEXT 0¥ ST. PAUL.
ing a fine bass voice, he has sung in diiYerent
cliurch choirs for forty-two years and his serv-
ices in this direction have been in frequent de-
mand on the occasion of funerals. JTe has lived
a life of uprightness and integrity. Strictly
temperate, he has neither used tobacco nor liq-
our in any form and he stands as one to whom
nature has been kindly because he has never
abused her laws, but has lived in harmony with
all that develops a strong, sturdy and honorable
physical, mental and moral manhood. He now
occupies a beautiful home at the corner of Sixth
and Eichenwald streets, where he is surrounded
by the comforts and luxuries that go to make
life wortli living and that his position of ease is
well merited none dispute and the most envious
cannot begrudge him his success, so worthily has
it been won and so wisely used.
SVLXESTER MATHEWS GARY.
Sylvester Mathews Gary, who died in 1905.
was one of the prominent and well-to-do busi-
ness men of St. Paul, being well kiiown as a
member of the Robinson & Gary Gompany, own-
ing and controlling the largest railroad suppb"
house in the state. He came to St. Paul in 1873,
and from that time until his death was an active
representative of its business interests. His birth
occurred in Houlton, Maine, January 8, 1845,
his parents being William H. and Cordelia
(Mathews) Gary. The mother died in Houlton,
Maine, when her son was five 3-ears of age.
\\'illiam H. Gary was horn in Massachusetts "n
1812, and when a young man removed to Houl-
ton, Maine, where he engaged in lumbering and
in other business interests, spending the greater
part of his life there.
Sylvester Mathews Gary pursued his education
in Houlton .Academy in his native town and in
Canada. He also attended the Institute of Tech-
nology at Troy, Xcw York, and in 1866 became
a student in the Massachusetts Tn.stitute of Tech-
nology at Boston, from which he was graduated,
being thus well equipped for life's practical and
reponsible duties. He had studied civil en-
gineering and for a time devoted his energies to
that profession. In 1870 he went west and was
engaged in the banking business in Kansas City.
In 1872 he entered the employ of the Alissouri
River ]\ailroad as a civil engineer, being assigned
to duty in the mechanical department, but soon
abandoned that business and came to St. Paul,
arriving here in 1873. Upon locating in this
city, Mr. Gary associated himself with C. H.
Robinson in the establishment of the firm of
Robinson & Gary, dealers in railway supplies
and machinery, at the corner of Fourth and W'a-
couta streets. They dealt in all kinds of railway
and machinery supplies, and the business is still
carried on under the original name, although it
has been incorporated. Mr. Gary becoming presi-
dent of the company at the time of its incor-
poration and holding that position until his death,
while E. F. Sands was secretary and treasurer
and Albert Dreher assistant treasurer. The firm
does the most extensive business of any house in
this line in the state.
On the 30th of October, 1877, 'Sir. Gary was
married in St. Paul to }tliss Theodosia P. Hunt,
a daughter of William E. and Catherine E.
(Stees) Hunt, both of whom were born in the
east and are representatives of pioneer families
of this city. William E. Hunt came from Tren-
ton, New Jersey, in 1851, and was married in
Philadelphia. He engaged in the furniture busi-
ness and other commercial enterprises until his
death, which occurred in 1877. Mrs. Hunt is
now seventy-seven years of age and makes her
home in St. Paul with her daughter, Mrs. Gary.
She was one of the first members of the old St.
Paul's church and is one of the prominent pio-
neer women of the city. Unto ]\Ir. and Mrs.
Gary were born three children : Mrs. Nathaniel
P. Langford, Jr., of St. Paul; Louise M., at
home : and Alcn G., who occupies a good position
with the Robinson & Gary Gompany and makes
his home with his mother. I\Ir. Gary continued
in business until his death, but was in ill health
much of the time during the last few years of
his life, and in the spring of 1905 rapidly grew
worse, passing away on the 1st of .Xpril of that
\ear at the age of sixtv.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
553
In his pulitical views Air. Lary was a republi-
can ami, as every true American citizen should
do, kept well informed on the questions and is-
sues of the day, but he did not seek office as a
reward for party fealty. He was one of the
charter members of the Minnesota Club and of
the Town and Country Club and a member of
the Jobbers" Union. He and his family were
meniber.s of the church of St. John the Evan-
gelist. He was successful in business and, more-
over, won and retained the respect, confidence
and admiration of his contemporaries in business
circles. Without recourse to speculation, but ni
the legitimate lines of trade he won a gratifying
measure of prosperity, eagerly embracing the op-
portunities for advancement and enlarging his
business in harmony with modern methods and
ideas of commercial progress. Mrs. Cary owns
a residence at No. 29 Summit Court, where, with
her mother and children, she resides. This was
built bv Mr. Carv in 1888.
CHRISTIAN FRY, iM. D.
Dr. Christian Fry, a capitalist, who has long-
since retired from any active professional or busi-
ness connection, but gives his attention to the
management of his properties and to service
wherein he has become recognized as one of the
most valued citizens of St. Paul, is a native of
Allegany county, New York, born January 16,
185 1. His father. John Fry, also born in the
Empire state, was a farmer by occupation and
died about twenty-five years ago. He had mar-
ried Alargaret Smith, who. surviving her hus-
band, now makes her home with her son at a
very advanced age. The Fry family was estab-
lished in Pennsylvania in colonial days and the
name has long been a prominent one in the Key-
stone state and other sections of the east. Unto
John and Margaret Fry were born five children
and with one exception all are yet living.
Dr. Christian Fry in his boyhood days was a
student in the district schools, and through the
periods of vacation and after completing his edu-
cation he assisted his father upon the home farm
29
for a number of years. When a youth of eigh-
teen years he went on a farm in Perry count v,
Indiana, wdiere he spent one year. Later he took
up the study of medicine at Alton, Indiana, under
the direction of Dr. Murphy, whom he also as-
sisted in his practice, and following his prelim-
inary reading he matriculated in the University
of Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1874. As a member
of the regular school, he practiced medicine at
Tell City, Indiana, for a time and, seeking a
broader field of labor, afterward removed to In-
dianapolis, Indiana, where he was engaged in the
drug business for three years. In the spring
of 1883 he came to St. Paul, and for a consider-
able period w-as proprietor of a drug store in
this city. He afterward assisted his father-in-
law, F. R. Welz, in the management of St. Paul's
Icailing hotel. The Ryan, until about two years
ago, when, in June, 1904, he sold out. Dr. Fry
had previously been connected with Mr. Welz
in the conduct of the Alerchatits Hotel for five
years, after which they assumed the management
of Hotel Ryan.
Dr. Fry was married in 1880 to Miss Marie
Theresa Welz, a daughter of F. R. Welz, the
well known capitalist of St. Paul. They have nine
children: Aida Margaret Helen, now Mrs. West,
of Chicago ; John Rudolph, twenty-three years
of age, who has a half interest in the Welz, Man-
gier Company, of St. Paul ; Clarence \\'alter,
twenty-one years of age, who is with the whole-
sale shoe house of C. Gotzian & Company ; Henry
Welz, who at the age of nineteen years is attend-
ing high school ; Marie Hortense Rubv. sixteen
years of age ; Harold Christian, fourteen years
old : Amherst Andrew, V'irgil Ernest, and Ma-
litta Helen Wenita, aged, respectively, eleven, six
and four years. The family home is one of the
palatial residences on Summit avenue and its
hospitality gives rise to some of the leading social
functions of the city.
Dr. Fry is a past master of the blue lodge of
Masons of St. Paul and likewise belongs to the
F>enevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His
political allegiance is given to the republican
party, and his interest in movements and meas-
ures relating to the welfare, progress and up-
554
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
building of St. Paul is deep and sincere, as mani-
fest by tangible effort for public good. He was
appointed by JMayor Keefer to a position on the
school board and by Mayor Smith was reap-
pointed to the office for three terms. The chief
executive refused to accept his resignation be-
cause of his efficient service. He gives much of
his time, thought and attention to the work, and
the public-school system of St. Paul has been
directly benefited by his labors. He has traveled
extensively and at this writing is making a tour
of Europe. Having retired from active busi-
ness, he is giving supervision to the management
of his property interests, which are extensive in
St. Paul, and to service in behalf of the city. He
is a man of fine personal appearance, of hearty
manner and courteous bearing, one of those
whole-souled men who are typical representatives
of our American manhood and chivalry, so that
the circle of his friends is almost co-extensive
with the circle of his acquaintance.
HORATIO G. COYKENDALL.
Horatio G. Coykendall was born December 7,
1840, in Trivola township, Peoria county, Illi-
nois. At the age of eighteen years, having laid
the foundation for a vigorous constitution and
acquired a preliminary education at a district
school, he left farm life to attend an academy
at Elmwood. Illinois, where he made rapid prog-
ress. During the winters of 1859-60 and 1860-
61 he taught a country school. But the narrow
field of country school work held out no perma-
nent inducements to him, and early in 1861 he
went to Chicago to enter a commercial college.
Then came the Civil war with its appeal to
young men of energetic disposition, like Mr.
Coykendall.
On the first call for troojxs Mr. Coykendall en-
listed and went into camj) at Springfield, Illi-
nois. At camp, however, his company was di-
vided, one part being mustered in and sent to
the front and the other being sent home as the
gnvernmenl supposed it had all the troops it
would need. Mr. Coykendall was one of those
sent home. But he was not to be denied a part
in the stirring events of the time. July 5, 1861,
he mounted his horse and rode to Quincy, Illi-
nois, ninety miles away, and enlisted in Company
F, First Illinois Cavalry. Two months later his
regiment was ordered to St. Louis and thence
to Lexington, Missouri. Here he got his first
taste of real war. After a three days' battle, in
which seven companies of his regiment, armed
with sabers and horsepistols only, participated,
his force, together with the Twenty-third llinois
and the Thirteenth Missouri Infantry, was cap-
tured. They were released on parole, however,
and sent to Springfield, where they were mus-
tered out November 29th and sent home.
Through the succeeding winter Mr. Coyken-
dall again taught school, but in the spring of
1862, his interest in the war increasing rather
than abating, he raised a company of infantry
and was mustered in as captain of Company D,
Seventy-first Illinois Infantry, for three months"
service. Captain Coykendall was in command
of the post at Mound City, Illinois, through the
entire period for which his force had enlisted,
after which he again returned home. Not long
afterward, however, being in Milwaukee, he en-
listed in Company H, Eighteenth Wisconsin In-
fantry, joining his regiment at Lake Providence,
Louisiana, soon after.
It was as a member of this company thai Mr.
Coykendall fought through the remainder of the
war, except during the campaign and siege of
Vicksburg, during which he was detailed to
Battery C, First Missouri Light Artillery. After
\^icksburg, having rejoined his own regiment in
March, 1864, he was promoted in July, 1864,
quarUTiiiaster sergeant. He participated in the
campaigns of Chattanooga and Atlanta, was with
his regiment under General Corse at Allatoona,
anil was with Sherman on his triumphal. Ilimigh
strenuous, march to the sea. yVfter a brief fur-
lough he joined his regiment at Kingston, North
Carolina, marched from there to Raleigh, thence
to Richmond, and thence to Washington to "the
great review." He was promoted first lieuten-
anl and adjutant in A]iril. 1865, and was nnis-
tered ciut at Louisville, Kentucky, August iS,
1865.
^^^(W'^w^^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
557
After the war "Captain" Coykendall, as he
was generally known, again took up the work of
teaching, but this was only as a temporary ex-
pedient. A more active life was calling, and in
1866, in answer to that call he went westward,
going as far as Salt Lake City and becoming
engaged in railroad construction on the Union
Pacific, then being pushed across the continent.
After leaving the Union Pacific at its comple-
tion, Mr. Coykendall's next important railroad
work was as a contractor on the Northern Pa-
cific with headquarters at Brainerd, Minnesota,
and later at Bismarck, North Dakota. It was
during this early period of residence in the north-
west that Mr. Coykendall had a part in Gen.
George A. Custer's famous expedition, though he
was not at the battle of the Big Horn.
From Bismarck Mr. Coykendall went to Win-
nipeg, Manitoba, which he made his home while
he was engaged in building parts of the Canadian
Pacific line westward. Thence in the fall of 1885
he moved to St. Paul, which he made his home
until the time of his death. During his resi-
dence in St. Paul, however, he did some of his
most important railroad work, having contracts
for much of the heavy work on the Great North-
ern Road through the mountains westward.
<3ther contracts less important also engaged
much of his time.
For several years before his death, which oc-
curred at Rochester, Minnesota, March 22, 1906,
as the result of complications following a surgi-
cal operation, Mr. Coykendall was deeply inter-
ested in war and pioneer history, reading with
avidity both official documents relating to the
war and history relating to the war and to the
early days of the nation and of the west. He
was also greatly interested in old soldier organi-
zations, especially the Loyal Legion whose meet-
ings he attended regularly. He was also a Mason
and a member of the Presbyterian church, hav-
ing entered the latter in later years, but for years
being a regular attendant, a consistent giver and
an active worker in his capacity as a trustee of
the church at Merriam Park, St. Paul.
^Ir. Coykendall, on February i. 1871, in Farm-
ington, Illinois, married Lyda \^andersloot,
daughter of Gustav .\lbert Vandersloot, whom
he survived only about three months. Three
children survive him — Gustav Albert Coykendall.
Horatio G. Coykendall, Jr., and Mrs. Besse Coy-
kendall Stevenson.
i\Ir. Coykendall was a man little given to ex-
ploiting his private affairs. On the contrary he
was disposed to be reticent. But of his work he
made a praiseworthy success and by it he won a
name for painstaking thoroughness and sterling
honesty, characteristics which were his in every
relation in life.
SAMUEL G. SMITH.
Samuel G. Smith is a man whose broad views
and strong personality have made not only a
marked impression on our community of todav,
but whose influence and achievements will be
felt long after the present generation have passed
away. In his busy life he has had no time to
provide for a personal review of his work, nor
a personal biography. The results he has ac-
complished must speak for themselves.
He is a native of England, being born in Bir-
mingham, March 7, 1852. AMien a child of six
year, he came with his parents to the United
States and was brought up on the wide prairies
of the west.
He attended Cornell College. Iowa, and was
graduated from that institution in 1872. He en-
tered the ministrj' of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and his breadth of view, earnestness and
eloquence soon made him a marked man in his
denomination, and city pulpits eagerly sought his
services. As the three-year rule then prevailed
in the Methodist church, the parish where he
established such a successful work could not re-
tain him. From 1879 to 1888 he was connected
with the Methodist churches of St. Paul, part
of the time being the presiding elder of this
district.
In 188S he established an indcjicndent church,
to which the name of the People's Church was
given. At first it met in an opera house, but
later the magnificent building on Pleasant ave-
PAST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. I'AUL.
luic was LTuctcil. and thv organization Ijccame
connected with the Congregational denoniinaticn.
Dr. Smith has received many tempting calls
to other fields, both in this country and in luig-
land. but his heart is bound up in the church
that he has founded, and in tlie wide field of phil-
anthropic and educational undertakings in wliicli
he is interested. St. Paul could ill afford to lose
a man of his influence and renown. Dr. Smith
is also professor of sociology in the L'niversitv
of .Minnesota.
RICH.VKD 11. WUULPOLK.
Richard H. W'oolfolk, holding the responsible
position of manager of the St. Paul branch of
tlie Northwest Telephone Exchange Company, is
a native of Indiana, having been born in lied-
ford, that state, in August, 1866. He belongs to
an old Kentucky family. His father, Charles T.
W'oolfolk, w'as a native of the Blue Grass state
and married Caroline Culbertson, who was also
born in Bedford, Indiana. When the Civil war
broke out, dividing so many families who lived
upon the border, Charles T. Woolfolk removed
to Indiana, being opposed to the policy of seces-
sion, although several of his brothers fought in
the Confederate army. He was unable to take
an active part in the war on account of ill health,
and he died when his sdu Richard was but twelve
years of age.
The latter was educated in the puljlic schools of
his native town and a few years after leaving
school received an appointment in the railway
mail service through the interest and influence
of Walter 0. Gresham, who was an old friend of
ills father. ^Ir. W'oolfolk remained in that serv-
ice for six years and afterward was appointed to
a position in tlie postofficc department of the
hou.sc of representatives in Washington. D. C,
where he remained for five years. In i8(;r)
be became connected with the Xorlhwest
Telephone Exchange Company, first in .Min-
nea])olis in the construction dei^artment, where
he remained for four years. He afterward sjient
a similar period in Stillwater. Minnesota, as man-
ager, and in 11J04 came to St. I'aul as manager
of the branch of this city. The business of the
company has grown enormously and large re-
sponsibilities devolve upon Mr. Woolfolk in this
connection. He -is a capable manager and courte-
ous gentleman, who has thoroughly acquainted
himself with the business in every department,
and in his present position is constantly studying
to develop the business and at the same time
give to the public an eminently satisfactory
service.
In i8y7 -Mr. Woolfolk was married to Miss
Avelyn Hall, of Superior, Wisconsin, and they
have two children, Helen and Lillian. They are
members of the Presbyterian church and have
gained many friends during their residence in
this city. i\Ir. Woolfolk's business life has always
been to a great extent in the line of public or semi-
public service, and that he has uniformly won
commendation and respect is the result of his
earnest effort to meet all demands combined with
practical business methods and keen foresight that
produce results. He owes his advancement- en-
tirely to his own efforts, and his history illus-
trates in no uncertain manner what it is possible
to accomplish when perseverance and determina-
tion form the keynote of a man's life. Depending
u])on his own resources, looking for no outside
aid or support, he has risen from comparative
obscurity to a place of considerable prominence
in business circles in his adopted state.
VICTOR M. WATKIXS.
N'ictor IM. Watkins, one of .St. Raid's l>usiness
men, has been and is connected witli a number
of the leading moneyed enter])rises of the city,
which contribute not alone to intlividual pros-
perity, but also to public advancement and busi-
ness activity, was born in Newburgh, New York,
June 17, 1838, a sori of \'ictor M. and Juliet
(Egbert) Watkins. llis father, a native of New
^'llrk. was a b;inker in Xewburgh and died in
1844. Ilis widow, surviving for many years,
passed away in i88(). Of their family of five
children two are \et living.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
559
X'ictor M. Watkins, educated in the public
schools of Newburgh and the Newburgh Acad-
emy, devoted a few years of his early business
career to the book trade and afterward became
a factor in banking interests in his native city.
Arriving in St. Paul in iSjy, he entered the Mer-
chants National JJank, where he remained for
two years, after which he entered the office of
A. 11. Wilder, a very prominent capitalist of St.
Paul. He occupied a responsible position with
him and at the death of Mr. Wilder took charge
of his vast estate as managing" executor. This
is one of the large estates probated in Minne-
sota, and Mr. Watkins successfully controlled it
for many years, capably managing the various
investments and business affairs associated there-
with, so that the value of the property has been
continually increasing. He is a director in the
Merchants Xational Bank and of the St. Paul
Fire and Marine Insurance Company, has been
president of the Sioux City & St. Paul Railroad
Company, and has been and is a director of man\'
moneyed interests.
.Mr. Watkins was married in 1865 to Miss
Cecelia lluckhout, of Xew York, and thev have
a daughter, ;\Irs. XX'illiam T. Wilder, the wife
of Captain Wilder, of the I'nited States Arniv.
Connected with the leading commercial and so-
cial organizations of the city, Mr. Watkins is
now a member of the Minnesota Club, St. Paul
Commercial Club. Ancient Landmark lodge,
A. F. & A. M.; Minnesota Chapter, R. A. M. :
Paladin commandery. Xo. 21. K. T. In politics
he is an independent democrat, having the breadth
of view which transcends party ties where no is-
sues are involved, yet giving loyal support to the
principles which he believes embodies the best
rules of government and national conduct.
EDWARD I. SCHl'RAIEIER.
The name of .Schurmeier is svnonvmous in St.
Paul with enterprise and commercial progress.
W'hen the city was an inconsequential town with
little business prominence or prospects, the name
of Schurmeier became identified with business
interests and has since been closely interwoven
wdth the substantial and rapid development of
the city. Honored and respected by all, there is
no resident of St. Paul wdio occupies a more
enviable position in industrial and financial circles
than Edward J. .Schurmeier, yet his position is
not due entirely to his success, but to the hon-
orable, straightforward business methods he has
ever followed. It is true that he entered upon
a business already established, but in controlling
and enlarging an enterprise of this character to
its present mammoth proportions many a man
of less resolute spirit or of limited business ca-
pacity would have failed. His career shows that
success is not a matter of genius, as held by
many, but is the outcome of clear judgment, ex-
perience and keen business sagacity.
His father, John H. Schurmeier, was born in
Prussia in 1S28, and when a youth of eighteen
years came to the L'nited States in 1846, settling
first in St. Louis, Missouri, where he and his
brother, Casper H. Schurmeier, worked at the
trade of wagonmaking. In fact, he there learned
the business under the direction of his brother,
and they were engaged in that line of industrial
activity until the spring of 1 851, when John H.
Schurmeier came to the little but growing city
of St. Paul. W^ith wonderful prescience, he be-
lieved in the development of the northwest and
felt that he had found advantageous business op-
portunities in the embryo city. He therefore
established a wagon shop in a small frame build-
ing at the southeast corner of Seventh and Rosa-
bel streets. His residence was on the same lot,
facing on Rosabel street. It was here that he
obtained his real start in the wagonmaking busi-
ness in St. Paul and here he remained for many
years or until he built a shop on the southwest
corner of Seventh and Rosabel streets, opposite
his first shop. XMiile he was conducting busi-
ness on the first site, the Indians would come into
his paint shop and decorate their faces with the
paint. They were of the Chippewa and Sioux
tribes, and it was no unusual thing in that day
to see many representatives of the red race upon
the streets of this city. From the beginning Mr.
Schurmeier prospered in his undertakings, his
trade "raduallv incrcasiu"', and in (irdcr to secure
560
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
greater facilities for carrying on the business he
erected on Rosabel street at the rear of the new
shop a five-story brick building, one hundred
and fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, on Rosa-
bel street, and also another one fifty b_\- one hun-
dred and fifty feet for factory uses. In the
spring of 1900 he incorporated the J. H. Schur-
nieier Wagon & Carriage Conijjany, of which he
became president, while Edward J. Schurmeier
was secretary and treasurer. At the same time
the J. H. Schurmeier Realty Company was in-
corporated with the same officers. It was on the
1 6th of July of that year that John H. Schur-
meier died. Soon afterward Edward J. Schur-
meier reorganized the wagon company. Alore
stock was issued and the capital increased in
order to improve the plant with new buildings.
A new factor}- was erected and completed on
East Ninth, between Pine street and Broadwav.
The buildings that constitute the plant are very
modern in style and are supplied with all the
latest conveniences and appliances for carrying
on the work. The main building is one hundred
and fifty by one hundred feet and has a fine
yellow brick front.
When John H. Schurmeier came to the United
States he was a poor boy, having no capital, but
possessing energy and determination. On com-
ing to St. Paul he established business on a small
scale, and as the years passed by he developed the
enterprise until it became the largest of this kind
in Minnesota. His trade grew in proportion 10
the growth of the city and of the northwest and
he later made a specialty of the manufacture of
express and business wagons. He had the fac-
ulty of knowing how and when to do the right
thing. In other words, he recognized his op-
jjortunity and improved it. lie possessed ke<'n
discrimination, undaunted perseverance and excel-
lent executive force and was widely recognized as
one of the most progressive business men of St.
Paul, who in the course of his active life here
not only developed one of its most important
productive concerns, but also erected seven large
business blocks and several residences. P)etween
1880 and 1889 he built the Schurmeier block, ex-
tending from the .southwest corner of Seventh
and Rosabel streets one luuidi'ed feet west on
Seventh street. He also erected business blocks
of prominence and value on Third and other
streets. He was at one time interested in the
wholesale woolen and tailors' supply house con-
ducted under the firm style of Alathes, Good &
Schurmeier. He was a stockholder and director
of the Second National Bank and one of its or-
ganizers. He was also one of the organizers of
the Peoples Bank, of which he became a director.
At his death he w'as one of the wealthy men of
St. Paul, a position he had attained entirely
through his own eft'orts, his life standing in
splendid exemplification of the fact that deter-
mination and enterprise constitute the real basis
of prosperity. A prominent member of the
JMethodist Episcopal church, he served as one of
its stewards for many years and was a most gen-
erous contributor to its support. He was one
of the original organizers of the German First
Methodist Episcopal Church, became one of its
stanch advocates and did all in his power to pro-
mote its activity along varied lines of religious
progress. His home was alwa}-s open for the
entertainment of visiting ministers, and as his
wealth increased his benevolent spirit was mani-
fest in his many generous gifts to charitable in-
stitutions. His political allegiance was given to
the republican party where national issues w^ere
involved, but locally he voted an independent
ticket, regarding only the capability of a can-
didate to faithfully take care of official duties.
John H. Schurmeier was married to Caroline
Wenzel. who was born in Prussia, in 1828. and
died July 13, 1890. She came to the United
States with her si.ster, Fredericka WoIterstorfF. in
1846, and located in St. Louis, where she gave
her hand in marriage to Mr. Schurmeier in 1849.
She, too, was a member of the First German
Methodist Episcopal Church and her father and
her grandfather were both ministers of the Lu-
tluTan faith in Prussia. Unto John II. and Caro-
line Schurmeier were born eight children. Ma-
thilda, who became the wife of John P.. Muller,
a merchant, died in Ai)ri1, 1883. at the age of
thirty-two years. W'illiam H., died in Los An-
geles, California, in March, 1886, at the age of
thirty-two years. Lydia died in infancy. Ed-
ward T. is the fourth of the family. Emma A.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
561
is the widow of George Miller, who was paying
teller in the First National Bank and a brother
of William .\. Miller, the present cashier. Al-
bert F. died Jannary 31, 1898, at the age of thir-
ty-six years. Hubert C, interested in real estate
in St. Paul, was at one time a member of the city
council and formerly a member of the school
board and has been actively interested in many
matters of public progress. Charles was killed
in a cyclone in 1890, at the age of twenty-two
years. On Friday, the nth of July, 1890, Rev.
William Pfaeffle and his wife, formerly of St,
Paul, came to visit their old-time friends, Mr.
and Mrs. John H. Schurmeier, at their summer
home at Lake Gervais, a few miles north of the
city limits. The following Sunday Rev. Pfaeffle
and his wife, together with Mr. and Mrs. Schur-
meier, drove into St. Paul and attended church.
They returned to the lake and had barely entered
the house when a terrible cyclone struck the
building and demolished the structure, and in its
mad fury Rev. Pfaeffle, 3\Irs. Schurmeier. her
son Charles and son-in-law and a hired man
lost their lives. This terrible disaster cast a
gloom over the city. It was ten years later that
Mr. Schurmeier passed away. He was one of
the most honored and respected citizens of St.
Paul, whose success was attained in harmony
with the highest commercial ethics and whose life
was characterized by motives that neither sought
nor required disguise.
Edward J. Schurmeier obtained his preliminary
education in the public schools of St. Paul and
pursued a scientific course of five years at Berea
(Ohio) College, from which he was graduated
in 1879 with the degree of Bachelor of Science.
He then returned to St. Paul and entered the law
office of Judge Reuben B. Gulusha, with whom
lie read for a year. He afterward spent a year
in the law department of Columbia College in
New York city and two terms in the L^niversity
of ]\lichigan. where he completed his law studies.
.Subsequentlv he joined Col. Andrew Kiefer in
a partnership for the purchase and sale of city
propertv and farm lands under the firm name of
Kiefer & Schurmeier. This connection continued
until the fall of i8S,^. when his elder brother be-
ing incapacitated for business by illness, Edward
J. Schurmeier took charge of the interests of
the Schurmeier Wagon Company as manager of
the concern, continuing as such for the succeed-
ing nineteen years. He reorganized the company
in 1904 and is now manager of the John H.
Schumieier estate and of the J. H. Schurmeier
Realty Company, with offices in the Schurmeier
block, at the corner of Seventh and Rosabel
streets.
Edward J. Schurmeier was married in the
fall of 1883 to Miss Adele B. Blackford, who
was born in Indiana in 1865 and is a daughter
of Dr. Samuel H. Blackford, a native of Lon-
don, England. For some years Dr. Blackford
lived and practiced his profession in St. Paul.
Mr. and Mrs. Schurmeier have one child, Gor-
don Blackford, who was born in 1885 and is
now a member of the realty firm of his father.
Edward J. Schurmeier holds membership in
the Knights of Pythias fraternity and with the
Junior Pioneers and has been a director in the
Chamber of Commerce. His position in regard
to political issues is no equivocal one. He stands
firm in support of his honest convictions and
is known as a leader of the democracy in this
city. He was a member of the legislature for
one term, being elected in 1895 over four op-
ponents. There he was the author of a bill
passed to allow the "piece price" system to be
employed, and limiting the number of convicts
engaged in any industry to twenty-five per cent
of those confined in the institution. This bill
had been kept before the legislature by the labor
unions for twenty years, and the workingmen of
the state held mass meetings throughout Minne-
sota in jubilation over the passage of this bill,
so vital to their interests. It was through Mr.
Schurmeier's indomitable effort and untiring in-
dustry that the measure became a law. He was
also the author of a bill passed requiring full
citizenship of aliens to entitle them to the right
of suffrage before being qualified to hold a public
office. This bill was a popular one in the legisla-
ture and was passed by practically a unanimous
vote. ]\Ir. Schurmeier was for years chairman
of the third ward democratic organization. ."K-s
a legislator he demonstrated his worth, his civic
zeal and his abilitv to protect the interests of the
5(32
PAST Axi) i'Ri-:si:\ r of st. rAi;L.
laboring men, of w lioni he has always been a
champion. He is the author of a law prohibiting
the contract system in [K-nal institutions : the
author of the full citizenship bill, and secured the
passage of the law re(iuiring candidates wishing
to run for office independently to secure the sig-
nature of a fixed jx^rcentage of the voters of their
district, which residied in greatly simplifying
Minnesota's elections. He was a party worker
before reaching his majority and has been a
jiopular speaker in campaigns. His career has
ever been such as to warrant the trust and con-
fidence of the business world, for he has ever
conducted all transactions on the strictest prin-
ciples of honor and integrity. In political life he
has won a reputation for strict adherence to prin-
ciple that is above question. His devotion to
the public good is unciuestioned and arises from
a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowmen.
What the world needs is such men — capable of
managing ext-ensive. gigantic commercial con-
cerns and conducting business on terms that are
fair alike to employer and employe, men of genu-
ine worth, of uiililemished integrity and honor —
and then the questions of oppression by capital-
ists and resistance and violence b_\- laborers will
be forever at rest.
CHARLES W. CLARK.
Charles W. Clark, engaged in the real-estate
l)usiness in .South St. Paul, and giving proof of
his loyal and [jrogressive citizenship in public
office, was Iwrn in Piaraboo, Sauk county, Wis-
consin, on the 24th of .September. 1853. his
parents being William F. and Mar\- P. Clark.
the former a native of New Haven county and
the latter of Litchfield county, Connecticut. The
father was a carriagemaker and served' for three
years in the Civil war as a uu'Uilx'r of the Tliir-
tieth Wisconsin Infantry.
In the country schools at I lannnond. Wiscon-
sin, Charles \\'. Clark pursued his education,
supplemented by five montlis' study in the Frank-
lin School of .St. Paul, his parents having re-
moved to this city in \ovembcr. 1861). ]]v was
only four years of age at the time of his ])arents'
removal with the family from IJaraboo. Wiscon-
sin, in 1857, to Hammond, St, Croix county, and
was a youth of sixteen at the time of the arrival
in St, Paid. His public-school education com-
pleted, he entered the St. Paul Business College,
from which he was graduated in 1871. after
which he followed bookkeeping in .St. Paul until
1883. acting successively in that capacity in the
em])loy of Corning & Depew, W. A. \'an Slyke
& Company, Lindeke, \\'arner & Schurmeier and
Commodore Davidson from 1871 until 1883. He
then entered the real-estate business, in which he
has since continued. He was one of the original
prtjuioters of South St. Paul, in January, 1886,
and removed to that city in 1891, since w;hich
time he has made his home there, carrving on
his real-estate operations and .securing a large
clientage by reason of his well known enterpris-
ing- and reliable business methods. He has in-
formed himself thoroughlv concerning realty
values, the possible appreciation or diminution of
real-estate prices, and as the years have gone by
has placed many important property investments.
He has at the same time been actively interested
in the city's welfare as wrought through political
sen-ice and jjarty movements. He sen"ed as city
recorder of South St. Paul four terms of two
years each, acting in that capacity from 1897
until 1905, He w-as alderman from the first
ward ot South St. Paul from July. 1893. ""til
July, 1895, ''"fl ^s "^ member of the citv council
stood for reform and substantial improvement.
On the 8th of December. 1885. ^Ir. Clark wed-
ded Aliss Emma L. Day. of St. Paul, who died
in April. 1888. In August. 1893, Air. Clark
was again married, his second luu'on being with
Lucy Larcom Spaulding. a daughter of Kev.
George Spaulding, and they became the parents
of one daughter. Fmilic, now eleven vears of
age. Mr. Clark belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, with which he has affili-
ated since }^()('\ and in that organization he has
filled all of the chairs. Tie likewise belongs to
the Ab)dern Woodmen camp and to the .\ncient
Order of I'^nited W'orkmen. and is a.'isociatcd
with the Rebekah degree in Odd Fellowship. He
has likewise served in various official capacities
PAST AXL) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
563
in the Workmen lodge and has been a delegate
tu the grand lodges of that organization and of
the Odd Fellows. In his political views he is a
stalwart republican, mifaltering in his advocac}'
of the party and yet placing the general good
before partisanship and the welfare of the city
before personal aggrandizement. He was for-
merly connected with the Plymouth and the Pa-
cific Congregational churches of St. Paul and is
now a member of the South Park Congregational
church. He also belongs to the Sons of the
American Revolution, being a descendant of Hez-
ekiah Clark, who served in the Revolutionary war
from Connecticut. Residing in St. Paul from
the age of sixteen years, this city has been the
scene of his business activity, and the progress
that he has made has come as the direct result
of the close application and determination that
have brooked no obstacles that could be over-
come by earnest and honest effort.
MAGLOIRE COUCHOIS.
Magloire Couchois was born in Chebovgan.
Michigan, September 30, 1870. His father, John
B. Couchois, of (jrand Rapids, Michigan, was a
rontractor and builder in that citv for many
(•ears and erected a large number of the substan-
:ial structures there. He died in Cheboygan,
Michigan, in 1873. having for about a year sur-
i^ived his wife, who passed awav in 1872. She
3ore the maiden name of Alise Graverwood and
ivas born on the beautiful island of Mackinac,
[n their family were four children, all of whom
ire living: G. J-. who is a composer of music m
\ ew York city : Rose, living in Chicago : ]\Irs.
Xellie Barcume, of Chicago : and Magloire.
.\fter attending school in Cheboygan. Michi-
gan, to his sixteenth year. Mr. Couchois in 1886
ivent to Chicago, where he completed his edu-
:ation by attending night school. During the
lay he was employed in the piano factorv of
Fulius P.auer & Company, where he learned the
trt of piano tuning and the setting and regulat-
ng of piano actions, and in that connection was
dentificfl whh sonie of the largest music houses
in Chicago. His profession compelled him to do
some traveling and for two years he was a resi-
dent of Columbus, Ohio. In i8y6 he came to
St. Paul, where for a number of years he was in
the music store of Howard Farwell. In June,
1904, he entered the service of Kalscheuer &
Company, proprietors of one of the largest music
and piano business houses in St. Paul. He is an
e.xpert in his profession and takes great pride in
it, his superiority in this line securing him ex-
cellent positions, and he has an unsohcited testi-
monial from the world renowned pianist, Emil
Liebling, which speaks volumes.
In 1904 Mr. Couchois was appointed to look
after the pianos in the St. Paul public schools,
which position he holds at the present time.
In the year of his removal to St. Paul, Mr.
Couchois was married in 1896 to Miss Lotta
Dell Branch, of Portsmouth. Ohio, and they have
two children : Xellie Graverwood, eight years of
age, and Maxim, a boy of three years. Mr.
Couchois was born and brought up a Catholic,
his views in religious matters are very broad and
follow no special creed. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Knights of the Maccabees and
])cjlitically with the republican partv. Well quali-
fied for his chosen work, he has made in this con-
nection an enviable reputation.
HEXRV C. ^^IcXATR.
Descended on his father's side from the first
governor of Missouri and on the mother's side
from the first governor of Ohio, Henrv C. Mc-
Xair has in him blood that should tell, as it has,
in his case, told a tale of success — not the suc-
cess that is voiced by the brazen trumpet of fleet-
ing political fame, but the substantial and en-
during success that is the trend of right living
and fair striving with one's fellowman. Few
of his fellow-citizens are aware of Air. McX'air's
distinguished ancestry. His paternal grand-
father. .Alexander McXair, was the first occu-
pant of the gubernatorial chair now held by
Governor Folk. His father, Antoine Reihie Mc-
X'air. a native of St. Louis, was for man\- vcars
564
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
a well known nienibcr of the business community
of his native city. The mother of Air. McNair
was Cornelia Jane Tifhn McXair, coming of an
old French family. Her grandfather was the first
governor of Ohio. And not alone in the arts and
avenues of peace have the members of the family
been distinguished, for of Mr. McXair's imme-
diate family one cousin is Rear Admiral Fred-
erick \". McNair, United States Navy, and a
brother is Lieutenant Commander A. R. AIcNair,
United States Navy, retired. The family con-
nection is among the most notable in thQ middle
west.
H. C. McNair was born in St. Louis, Decem-
ber lo, 1853, educated in St. Louis and St. Gene-
vieve, and all his business life has been connected
with the steel and iron trade. Entering the busi-
ness with the house of D. Hillman & Sons, of
St. Louis, he continued with that firm and its
successor, the Ewald Iron Company, for some
years. In 1884 he came to St. Paul and estab-
lished himself as agent for large eastern manu-
facturers of iron and steel. He has built up a
large business, particularly in railway supplies
and is held to be one of the big men in the steel
sales trade in the west. His business connec-
tions with corporations and real-estate interests
are also extensive.
To the general community Mr. McNair is
rather better known by reason of the fact that he
has left a greater impress on the social and civic
life of the city, than because of his extensive busi-
ness connections. Tie is regarded as a high-
minded and enthusiastic citizen, who has given
of the best of a trained intelligence to promoting
the welfare of the city. Appointed to the school
board by Mayor Wright in 1892, he was suc-
cessively reappointed by Mayor R. A. Smith and
Mayor A. R. Kiefer. Flis devotion to the schools
and his efforts to improve the system may be
fairly said to have been productive of really bril-
liant results in the present improved conditions.
For eight years he gave unsparingly of his valu-
able time to this work. Three times Mr. McNair
has been a member of the charter commission of
St. Paul and he is now a member of the perma-
nent commission, to which the present organic
law is to be credited. Much of the businesslike
good sense that characterizes the operation of
the charter is ascribed to the initiative of Mr.
AIcNair, and he is known to have been unsparing
of his time in the work of the commission.
Mr. AlcNair is a republican, a sound party
man in national affairs. He is a member of the
jMinnesota and Commercial clubs and is actively
and prominently engaged as a member of the St.
Paul Cathedral committee, the great building
project to which Archbishop Ireland is devoting
himself, and is one of the trustees of St. Joseph's
Catholic church.
Mr. McNair was married in 1890 to Miss Ella
Harvey, of St. Louis, and there are three sur-
viving children of the marriage : Harvey, Reihlo.
and Marie, who is being educated in the Visita-
tion Convent.
In himself and in his family H. C. McNair rep-
resents all that is best in American life in which
pride of blood makes for high ideals and devotion
to the better things of life, an aristocracy of cul-
tivated intellect. The community will l>e the
richer if some day Mr. ATcNair permits himself
to take a larger share in the direction of public
affairs, a vocation for which he is peculiarly well
equipped temperamentally, and by reason of his
having traveled far in the study of civic and
economic questions, as attested by his attitude
on the school board and charter commission.
W. B. H.
LESLIE S. HACKNEY.
The life history of Leslie S. Hackney is a rec-
ord of unitaralleled success. The story of his
early poverty and his endurance of pioneer hard-
ships during the first years in the development
of the great state of Minnesota, could be profit-
ably read by every .•\merican youth who desires
to achieve success through his or her own indi-
vidual efforts.
.Some men are born great, others have great-
ness thrust upon them, but the only really suc-
cessful and truly great men are those who have
learned through life's bitter struggles, to over-
come olistaclcs, turn personal defeat into victory.
])oyerty into wealth, and to change conditions so
564
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
a well known member of the business community
of his native city. Jhe mother of Mr. McNair
was Cornelia Jane Tiffin McNair, coming of an
old i-'rench family. Her grandfather was the first
governor of Ohio. And not alone in the arts and
avenues of peace have the members of the family
been distinguished, for of Mr. McNair"s imme-
diate family one cousin is Rear Admiral Fred-
erick V. McNair, United States Navy, and a
brother is Lieutenant Commander A. R. McNair,
United States Navy, retired. The family con-
nccii' a is among tlte most notable in ths middle
- born in St. Louis, Decem-
Louis and St. Gene-
- ijc has been connected
.•:ile. Entering the busi-
n. Hillman & Sons, of
:<:■-' with that firm and its
: '■ Iron Company, for some
ame to St. Paul and estab-
! ,1^ agent for large eastern manu-
iron and steel. He has built up a
large busmess, particularly in railway supplies
and is held to be oiie of the ' 'n the steel
sales trade !n the west. '■'. ss connec-
tions with cbrporat: estate interests
are also extensive.
To the general I v Mr. McNair is
rather better )cnowi1 by r the fact that he
has left a greater impre- social and civic
life of the city, than beca , extensive busi-
ness connectiipns. ,He is r- as a high-
n:inded and enthusiastic ' 'n^ given
of the best of a trained ii.: inoting
the welfare of the city. Apf school
board by M Vright it'
cessively re ij i by Ma\
Mayor A. R. Kiefer. His devoti.
and hi '" ive the av be
fairl) • ;iroductiv iy bril-
liant results in thr present improved conditions.
Fr>; ■ 'inringly of hi? valu-
alil -<■ times Mr. McNair
ha- ^f the charter commission of
St. J v. ' '• of the perma-
nent c 1 present organic
law i- to I. he businesslike
good sense that characterizes the operation of
the charter is ascribed to the initiative of Mr.
McNair, and he is known to have been unsparing
of his time in the work of the commission.
Mr. McNair is a republican, a sound party
man in national affairs. Pie is a member of the
Minnesota and Commercial clubs and is actively
and prominently engaged as a member of the St.
Paul Cathedral committee, the great building
project to which Archbishop Ireland' is devoting
himself, and is one of the trustees of St. Joseph's
Catholic church.
Mr. McNair was married in 1890 to Miss Ella
Harvey, of St. Louis, and there are three sur-
viving children of the marriage : Harvey, Reihle,
and Marie, who is being educated in the Visita-
tion Convent.
In himself and in his family H. C. McNair rep-
resents all that is best in American life in which
pride of blood makes for high ideals and devotion
to the better things of life, an aristocracy of cul-
tivated intellect. The community will be the
richer if some day Mr. McNair permits himself
to take a larger share in the direction of public
affairs, a vocation for which he is peculiarly well
equipped temperamentally, and by reason of his
having traveled far in the study of civic and
economic questions, as attested by his attitude
on the school board and charter commission.
W. B. H.
LESLIE S. HACKNEY.
The life history of Le.slie S. Hackney is a rec-
ord of unparalleled success. The story of his
early poverty and his endurance of pioneer hard-
ships during the first years in the development
of the great state of Minnesota, could be profit -
abi> read by every American youth who desires
to achieve success through his or her own indi-
vidual etTorts.
Some men are born great, others have great-
ness thrust upon them, but the only really suc-
cessful and truly great men are those who have
learned through lift's bitter struggles, to over-
come obstacles, turn pefsonal defeat into victory,
poverty into wealth, and' to change conditions so
^ ^s^L
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
567
as to bring general prosperity, usefulness and
happiness to themselves and those about them.
To this last class belongs the subject of this
sketch, Leslie S. Hackney.
Mr. Hackney was born in Edwardsburg, Can-
ada, September 17, 1859. His father, William
Hackney, having removed to Canada from Dun-
dee, Scotland, in 1847, settled on a farm near Ed-
wardsburg. Here William Hackney was mar-
ried to Miss Catherine Bradley, a native of Can-
ada, and of German and Irish descent. This
union was blessed by a family of ten children,
nine of whom are still living, Leslie S. Hack-
ney being the oldest.
In the early '60s Mr. Hackney's father moved
again, coming to the United States and taking up
a homestead in Watonwan county, in southern
Minnesota. Here it was that Leslie S. Hackney
was put to the test in early life of enduring pio-
neer hardships and at the same time winning
bread for a large family, as his father was in
poor health a great part of the time. The
move to southern ]\Iinnesota was shortly after the
Indian massacre, and at the time that crops were
(>ften completely destroyed by the grasshoppers.
The suffering and hardships endured in those
days can be known only by those who have expe-
rienced them. During these years Mr. Hack-
ney— considerably under twenty years of age —
would frequently have to leave the home fields
(devastated by the grasshoppers or killed by
drouth) and with his father seek dav labor in the
harvest fields elsewhere. Although nothing but
a boy at this time, he knew wliat it was to follow
the drop reaper, take his station behind the old
self rake or the Dewey Hand Binder, and do a
man's work day after day. Under these condi-
tions and circumstances Mr. Hackney's educa-
tional advantages were exceedingly limited. He,
however, used all the time he could spare in be-
coming acquainted with the larger opportunities
offered in the business world and getting in
touch with men and organizations which later
helped him to a successful business career.
At the age of about thirty years, he went to
Madelia, Minnesota, to engage in the business
of selling farm machinery, .After one }'ear at
^ladelia he moved to St. James, Minnesota, and
opened up his first land office. Here the story
of his success begins to progress rapidly. Only
a few years were spent at St. James, and the
business had grown to such proportions that it
was necessary to find a more central location and
a field for larger operations. St. Paul, Minne-
sota, was selected for ofifice headquarters, and the
business conducted under the firm name of the
L. S. Hackney Land Company was extended bv
local representatives throughout the entire north-
west. The business done by this company soon
ran into hundreds and thousands of dollars, and
a new and larger company, known all over the
United States as the Hackney-Boynton Land
Company, was organized and incorporated by
Mr. Hackney. This latter company, with Mr.
Hackney as it president and general manager,
purchased of the Northern Pacific Railway Com-
pany over one million two hundred and fifty
thousand acres of land in North Dakota. The
emigration work done by the Hackney-Boynton
Land Company in settling up this immense tract
of land (nearly one hundred miles square)
would be a credit to any railroad company in the
country. Mr. Hackney's brains and hands were
at the head and helm of the concern at all times.
Retail sales averaged a little over one thousand
acres a day for two years, and thousands of new
settlers for North Dakota was the result.
In August, 1904, the Hackney brothers, Les-
lie S. Hackney and Joseph M. Hackney, with-
drew their holdings in the Hackney-Boynton
Land Company and incorporated the Hackney
Land Company with Leslie S. Hackney, presi-
dent; \\'illiam L. Hackney, vice president; and
Joseph M. Hackney, secretary-treasurer. This
company has opened up on the second floor of
the Pioneer Press building, St. Paul, Minnesota,
the finest suite of offices in the northwest, and
are now operating extensively in the land busi-
ness. While their holdings are principally con-
fined to the states of Minnesota and North Da-
kota, their clientage reaches from Elaine to Cali-
fornia.
Leslie S. Hackney has accumulated a fortune
in the land investment business, and today is
probably the largest individual land and cattle
owner in the ni>rthwest.
570
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
Frederick R. Cutchcoii pur.sucd his education
in the public schools of his native town, in Wash-
ington, D. C, and in Grand Rapids, Alichigan,
also in the University of Michigan, where he
was graduated with the class of 1896. He after-
ward engaged with the Western Electric Com-
pany, and in 1897 canie to St. Paul, where he
entered the service of the St. Paul Gas Light
Company. In 1898 he enlisted in the army for
active duty in the Spanish-American war and be-
came sergeant of Company G of the United
States Engineer Corps of Volunteers. He was in
the service for four months and after receiving
his discharge returned to St. Paul and again en-
tered the employ of the Gas Light Company,
with which he has since been associated, acting
as its superintendent since 1901, up to which
time he had been assistant superintendent. He
is also general superintendent for the St. Croix
Power Company in St. Paul and had charge of
putting in a sub-station with steam and other
equipment in 1901. He is a man of afifairs, en-
ergetic and enterprising, his duties engaging
almost his entire attention. He is recognized as
a man of push, energy and marked capability
and in his present connection displays excellent
business qualifications.
On the 27th of December, 1902. ]\Ir. Cutcheon
was united in marriage to Miss Zoa M. Ritter,
of Cincinnati, Ohio, and their children are Byron
M. and Fredericka R. Mr. Cutcheon is a young
man of strong purpose and laudable ambition,
capably filling the position which is his, and the
responsibilities though great are none too heavy
for him, as educational training and native talent
have well prepared him for the duties which now
devolve upon him.
EDWARD T. HODGSON.
Edward J. Hodgson, deceased, was one of the
most prominent business men of St. Paul. He
organized the Security Trust Company of this
city, of which he remained president until his
death and also organized the London & North-
western Mortgage Company of St. Paul. He
likewise operated extensively in real estate and
his business interests increased in volume and
importance from the time when he took up his
abode here in 1875 until he was called to his
final rest, Septemlier 21, 1903. He was born on
the Isle of Man which is equidistant from the
shores of England, Ireland and Scotland, his na-
tal day being October 5, 1841. His parents,
Thomas and Charlotte (Corrin) Hodgson, were
also natives of that isle and in 1843 t^hey came
to America, making their way to Illinois. The
father purchased land near Galena and was there
engaged in mining and farming until 1855, when
he removed by wagon to Greenville. Alinnesota,
settling upon a farm near that place and there
carried on general agricultural pursuits up to
the time of his death, which occurred in 1874.
His widow afterward made her home with her
children, residing with Edward J. Hodgson for
fifteen years. She died, however, in Hastings,
Minnesota, in 1901, at the advanced age of eigh-
ty-six.
Edward J. Hodgson was brought to America
by his parents when not yet two years of age and
his preliminary education was acquired in the
public schools of Illinois and of Minnesota. In
the fall of 1859 he entered the Hamline L'niver-
sity at Red Wing, Minnesota, where he pursued
the full course, remaining a student in that in-
stitution until the spring of 1862. After leaving
the university he enlisted for service in the Union
army, becoming a member of Company F. Sixth
Minnesota Regiment, but his military experience
covered only a brief period, for he became ill with
an affection of the throat and because of this was
honorably discharged. He then went abroad to
visit relatives, traveling for two years in Europe
and visiting many points of modern, historic and
scenic interest. LIpon his return to Minnesota
he entered upon the study of law in Hastings,
where he studied and practiced until July, 1866.
In that year he removed to Red Wing, Alinne-
sota. where he continued in the active ]5ractice
of law until 1875. when he came to St. Paul and
turned his attention to the real-estate and loan
business, retiring altogether from law practice
save in the management of his own cases. He
operated quite extensively in real estate, uegoti-
^.^■1p-t:?--i^^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
573
ating many im[)ortant property transfers and
placing many loans. He had a large clientage
and won success in his undertakings. In 1886
he again went to Europe, where he organized the
London & Northwestern Alortgage Company,
with which he was connected up to the time of
his death. In the early '90s he organized the
Security Trust Company, of which he remained
president until his demise, a general banking
business being carried on. Thus his attention
was given to several business enterprises, which
he conducted successfully, showing marked re-
source and capability in the management of his
varied interests.
On August 9, 1868, in Red Wing, Minnesota,
Mr. Hodgson was married to Miss Mary Sta-
ples, a daughter of Xelson and Sally Ann Sta-
ples, residents of Pennsylvania, who in 1850 re-
moved to Florida and afterward to Alabama,
where the father engaged in the lumber busi-
ness for several years. He then came north, set-
tling in North Dakota, where he turned his at-
tention to fanning and also carried on stock-
raising extensively until his life's labors were
ended in death, on June 26, 1891, when he was
sixty-eight years of age. Mrs. Staples now
makes her home with her children and is at pres-
ent residing with her daughter, ]\Irs. Hodgson,
in St. Paul at the age of eighty-three years.
Mr. Hodgson gave his political allegiance to
the republican party but was never an office
seeker nor did he hold political preferment. He
belonged to the Grand Armv post at St. Paul and
both he and his wife were members of the Peo-
ples' church. He was president of the Commer-
cial Club and also of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Hodgson was a great student and a ntan
of literary ability, contributing articles to the
Century and other magazines entitled "The
American View of the Boer War." He was a
very active and industrious man, devoting much
of his time each day to his business interests and
his concentration, close application and unfalter-
ing diligence formed the basis of a very creditable
prosperity. He became well known in commer-
cial and financial circles in St. Paul and his ca-
reer won the respect while it excited the admira-
tion of all who knew him. He enjoyed the full
regard of his business contemporaries and in
social relations displayed those sterling traits of
character which gain warm friendships. Mrs.
Hodgson is prominent in society circles in St.
Paul and she and her mother reside at No. 518
Dayton avenue, where she owns a nice home
which has been the family residence since March
1876.
EDWARD G. KRAHMER.
Edward G. Krahmer, county auditor of Ram-
sey county, was born in New Ulm, Minnesota,
January 31, 1858. His father, Edward F. Krah-
mer, was one of the old residents of St. Paul
and a pioneer settler of Minnesota, who died on
the 27th of February, 1905, after a residence of
fifty years in this state and forty-three years in
this city. He was born in Neustadt in the duchy
of Saxe- Weimar, Germany, December 11, 1831,
and after acquiring a common-school education
learned and followed the tanner's trade, being
thus engaged up to the time when he came to
America at the age of twenty-one years. The
possibilities for success in the new world at-
tracted him, and in 1852 he sailed for New York.
After residing there for a brief period he made
his way westward to Chicago, then a small place
of little industrial or commercial prominence.
The town, however, was entering upon a period
of rapid growth and this induced him to turn
his attention to the painting trade, which he soon
mastered and followed in Chicago until 1855,
when he joined a party of Germans organized in
that city for the purpose of establishing a colony
in the Minnesota Valley, and with that party he
located in the same year on the site of New L^lm.
Minnesota, and participated in the founding of
that historic town. He gave his attention to
farming, but abandoned that pursuit in order to
take up his chosen trades of tanning and painting,
in which he continued until the very memorable
Indian massacre of 1862, which left New Ulm
largely a heap of ruins. He was one of the
heroic band who volunteered their services in
defense of the terror-stricken settlers during the
574
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
massacre. The tannery which .\ir. Krahnier had
established in 1S57 was wrecked in the destruc-
tion of Xew Uhn and, leaving the scene of Indian
attack, he removed to St. Paul, where he devoted
his attention alternately through the summer and
winter seasons to painting and tanning until the
year 1865. He established a tannery of his own
in that year, conducting it successfully until it
was completely swept away in the ^Mississippi
flood of 1867. He afterward concentratel his en-
ergies upon the painting trade, which he fol-
lowed with marked success, becoming a contrac-
tor in that line in 1871 with an associate, imder
the firm style of Krahmer & Athey. In the fol-
lowing year he became sole proprietor and was
alone in business until he admitted his son, E. G.
Krahmer, to a partnership under the firm style of
E. F. Krahmer & Son. In 1884 he retired from
active business life, but he was a man of such
energetic nature that he could not content him-
self without occupation, and in 1887 he began
business as a dealer in fuel, which enterprise he
personally conducted until 1903, when he retired.
In 1857 Air. Krahmer was married in New
Ulm to Miss Phillippina Pfafif, the oldest daugh-
ter of Andrew and Carolina Pfafif, who were also
numbered among the early settlers of that place.
They became parents of four sons and a daugh-
ter: Edward G., Adolph G., William G., Charles
A. D.. and Mrs. Max E. R. Toltz. all of St. Paul.
Mr. Krahmer was connected at various times
with a number of business, social and religious
organizations of the city, in which he was ac-
tively interested until his last years, and he be-
longed likewise to the Territorial Pioneers, but
never took an active jiart in politics. He was a
man of splendid character, held in high esteem
by all who knew him.
Edward G. Krahmer. the subject of this
sketch, was only four years of age at the time
of his parents' removal from New Ulm to St.
Paul, where he acquired his education in the
public schools and the commercial college. He
received his early business training under his
father's direction, being associated with him in his
painting and contracting business. Upon the
father's retirement in 1884 the son Vccanic his
successfir and continued in the same business
until i8yi, when he engaged in the real-estate and
renting business, to wliich he has since given his
attention, and at the same time has figured promi-
nently in local political circles. In 1896 he was
elected a member of the city council as assem-
blyman, and in the fall of the same year was
chosen by popular suffrage to the office of regis-
ter of deeds, fitting the position for two terms
by re-election in 1898, his second term expiring
January i, 1901. Through the two succeeding
years his attention was given to the real-estate
business, and in the fall of 1902 he became a
candidate for the office of county auditor, to
which he was elected, and in 1904 was re-elected,
now serving for the second term,
]\Ir. Krahmer was married in St. Paul in Sep-
tember. 1884, to Aliss Emma Albrecht, a daugh-
ter of Ernst Albrecht, of St. Paul, and they have
an only son, Clarence, wdio is now twenty years
of age. Mr. Krahmer belongs to the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, the L'nited Order of
Foresters and St. Paul Lodge of Elks, No. 59.
He is likewise connected with the Modern
Samaritans, the Junior Pioneers and the Terri-
torial Pioneers, for his residence in the state an-
tedates the admission of Minnesota into the
Union. His business and professional career
have alike been successful and marked by steady
advancement, wdiich has come through close ap-
[ilication and untiring industr\- in the fonner and
throug-h devotion to duty in the latter.
HENRY P.. FARWELL.
Henry P). Farwell, whose excellent qualifica-
tions and laudable ambition gained him promi-
nence as one of the leading attorneys of St. Paul,
engaged in law practice in this city for more
than twenty years. He came in 1883 and was a
member of the bar until his demise. Porn in
the middle west, he i)ossessed the spirit of enter-
prise and determination that results in success-
ful accomplishment and that has been character-
istic of the raj)id and sul)stantial progress of this
section of the coimtry. His birthplace was Ste-
ijhcnson coimtx', Illinois, and his natal dav, Octo-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
575
ber I, 1845. His father, Eldridge Farwell, en-
gaged in farming in Stephenson county, where
both he and his wife made their home for many
years and passed away there.
Henrv B. Farwell acquired his early education
in the public schools of his native county and
when a voung man determined to become an at-
torney. \Vith this end in view his father sent
him to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he pursued
a full course in the law school of the State Uni-
versity. He then returned to Pecatonica, Illi-
nois, where he began his practice, well equipped
for his chosen profession, in which he attained
considerable prominence.
While living in that county ^Ir. Farwell was
married to !Miss Annette Fleming, a native of
Winnebago county, Illinois, where her parents
always made their home, but both have now
passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Farwell was
born one child, Birdena L., now the wife of
E. L. Merritt, a resident of Chicago and a mem-
ber of the firm of W. H. Alerritt & Company,
who are connected with the Chicago board of
trade.
After the marriage Mr. Farwell continued in
practice in Pecatonica, Illinois, until January,
1883, when he went to Devil's Lake, North Da-
kota, for one summer. He then came to St. Paul
entered into partnership with Judge Brisbine
They continued in the practice of law together for
about two years, after which Mr. Farwell be-
came a partner of John B. Olivier, still a prac-
ticing attorney here. They were associated for
a few years, after which Mr. Farwell entered
upon the independent practice of his profession,
a liberal clientage being accorded him. He pre-
pared his cases with great thoroughness and care
and was strong in their presentation. He won
many notable forsenic triumphs, as is indicated
by reference to the court records. In the latter
part of x\prfl, 1902, he became ill, and after
being confined to his home for three months
passed away April 20, 1903. His remains were
taken to Pecatonica, Illinois, for interment, and
the funeral services were there conducted by the
Masonic, order. He was never an officeseeker,
but gave his political support to the democracy.
He held membership with the Masonic lodge and
30
the bar associations and he belonged to the Uni-
tarian church of St. Paul, of which his wife is
also a member. He was very quiet in manner,
fond of his home, and he had many friends all
over the city, his sterling worth of character and
freedom from ostentation gaining him the good
will and friendly regard of those with whom
he was associated. His widow still resides at No.
821 Selby avenue, and in addition to this property
is also interested in farm land at the old home
of both her parents and Mr. Farwell's parents,
in Winnebago and Stephenson counties 'of Illi-
nois. Since her husband's death she has spent
much time in traveling through the south and
west, but still regards St. Paul as her home.
IGNATIUS A. O'SHAUGHNESSY.
Ignatius A. O'Shaughnessy, secretary of St.
Thomas College of St. Paul, was born in Still-
water, Minnesota, July 31, 1885. His father,
John O'Shaughnessy, was a native of Ireland and
came to the United States in 1846, locating first
in Milford, Massachusetts, where he engaged
in business as a manufacturer of boots and shoes.
He remained there for about twenty years and in
1865 he removed to Stillwater, where he has
since engaged in the same business, being one
of the leading representatives of manufacturing
interests in his city. He has a splendid business
and the output of the house is extensive, bring-
ing to him a gratifying success. In his political
views he is independent and he and his family are
communicants of the Catholic church. He wed-
ded Miss Mary Miland who was born in Boston,
Massachusetts, and is living with her husband in
Stillwater. They became the parents of thirteen
children.
Ignatius A. O'Shaughnessy, youngest of the
family, was a student in the public schools of
Stillwater, and afterwards attended St. John's
University at Collegeville, Minnesota. He then
matriculated in St. Thomas College, of St. Paul,
from which he was graduated from the class
of 1903 and his business capacity won him recog-
nition in an appointment to the position of secre-
570
PAST AXU I'RESEXT OF ST. I'ALL.
tary of the college in the same year. He has
since acted in this capacity and is one of the
representative young men of the city, alert and
energetic, who is now well known in educational
circles and is popular socially. Fraternally he
is connected with the Order of Hibernians and
with the Knights of Columbus.
JOHN A. RYAN, D. D.
John A. Ryan, professor of moral theology
and economics in St. Paul Seminary, was born
in W-rmilioii. Dakota county. Minnesota, May
25. 1869, a son of William and Mary (Luby)
Rvan, both of whom were natives of Ireland.
The father came to the United States in 1855.
settling on a farm near Vermilion, Minnesota,
where for many years he carried on agricultural
pursuits. He was active and energetic in the
(k've!o])mciU of his land, possessed good business
ability and prospered in his undertakings. He
retired from the farm in 1900 and he and his
wife are now living in San Diego, California.
He is now sixty-five years of age, while his wife
has reached the age of fifty-eight years. Both
are devoted members of the Catholic church.
Mrs. Ryan came to the United States in 1850
with her parents, who located in FTennepin coun-
ty, Minnesota. Her father was Michael Luby,
one of the pioneer residents of the county. Unto
Mr. and ATrs. Ryan were born eleven children.
Of this family John A. Ryan is the eldest, and
after acquiring his ])reliminary education he en-
tered St. Thomas College at St. Paul, while sub-
sequently he was graduated from St. Paul Sem-
inary in the class of i8q8. The same year he was
ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John
Ireland. He further prepared for his chosen life
work by pursuing a ijost-graduatc course of four
years in the Catholic University of Washington,
D. C, after which he returned to the .St. Paul
Seminary as professor of moral theology and
economics, which position he is still filling and is
an able teacher, imparting clearly and readily to
others the knowledge that he has acquired. He
is a man of broad scholarly attainments and is
a deep student, not only of the branches bearing
directly upon theology, but also of the great so-
cial and economic questions affecting the welfare
of the country and of the race. He is the author
of a w<irk entitled. ■■.\ Living Wage." which
is a discussion of the rights of the laboring man
to obtain at least a minimum wage that will en-
able him to live decently. This volume was pub-
lished by the McMillan Company of Xew York
in 1906 and is a clear and forcible treatise of
the subject. This work was written in part ful-
fillment of the condition for receiving the degree
of Doctor of Theology at the Catholic Univer-
sity of America, which was conferred on Father
Ryan on June 6, 1506.
THOMAS E. SIME.
Thomas E. Sime, engaged in the real-estate
and land business, is one of the more recent ac-
quisitions to the commercial circles of 'St. Paul,
which city is constantly attracting men of strong
character and earnest purpose, who recognize,
utilize and improve possibilities. He was born
in Madison, Wisconsin, April 27. 1861. His
father, Lewis T. Sime, was a native of Bergen,
Norway, and when about twenty years of age
came to the United States. In the early days
of the gold excitement in California he went to
the Pacific coast, where he remained for a few
years, and then returned to Wisconsin. He aft-
erward removed to Illinois, where he followed
farming for a few years, and was later engaged
in luercantile business in Northwood. Iowa, until
called to his final rest in 1900, at the age of
seventy years. His wife, who bore the luaiden
name of Rhoda Anuuidson. was also born in Nor-
way and is still living at Northwood. Towa.
During his boyhood and youth Thomas E.
Sime attended school in Decorah, Iowa, North-
wood. Iowa, and Iowa City, and sui)plcmentcd
his literary course by preparation for the practice
of law as a student in the law (k']iarlnicnt of the
Towa .State ITniversity, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1889. From June of that year until
c%
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
579
xMarch, i8yi, he practiced his profession at Albert
Lea, Alinnesota, and then removed to Windom,
this state, where he carried on business as an
attorney, land, loan and investment broker for
ten years, being recognized as an authority on
land law. He sold thousands of acres of land
in that vicinity to actual settlers and placed thou-
sands of dollars in loans upon lands for individ-
uals and corporations in the east. Seeking a
broader field of labor, JMr. Sime came to St. Paul
in igoi and here engages in the real-estate and
land business. He has secured an extensive cli-
entage in this direction and his business covers
IMinnesota and the northwest. He purchased
about fifty thousand acres of land in central Min-
nesota, which was a part of the Northern Pacific
Railroad grant. He has sold a part of this and
is now concentrating his energies upon the work
Df colonization there. Success has crowned his
sfTorts and he has outlined work for a great
many agents in real estate.
Mr. Sime was married in 1890 to Miss Eliza-
jeth Sweet, of Nora Springs, Iowa, who died in
1901, leaving three children: Louis S., Marjorie
H. and Theodore L. Fraternally he is a Mason,
jelonging to Triune lodge, No. 190, A. F. &
A. M., and to Palmyra chapter. No. 55, R. A. M.
He is also connected with Capital Citv lodge, No.
i8. 1. O. O. F. ; the Elks lodge. No.' 59, and the
"ommercial Club, all of St. Paul. His entire life
las been spent in the middle west and in his pro-
fessional and business duties he has ever been im-
Ducd with the spirit of enterprise and progress
ivhich have been the dominant factor in the rapid
.ipbuilding of this section of the country. Recog-
lizing the possibilities for development in the
northwest, he has devoted his energies to its up-
building and has materially aided in its advance-
nent and prosperity.
RICHARD T. O'CONNOR.
He is a big, broad-shouldered figure of a
man that people look at twice on the street : his
hair is white, but he is young enough to retain
a waist-line — his hair went white from wrestling
with big problems at an age when most other
men are thinking of pleasures : his clean cut face
shows plenty of character and he is abrupt in
his language, because he is afraid people will
know that his heart is within reach of any sort
of appeal on behalf of humanity : a man who
dissembles his better qualities because he really
fears that those for whose regard he professes
not to care will know that he is keenly solicitous
to be thought well of : a hard fighter, a good
general and one who engages in no losing bat-
tle. Such is R. T. O'Connor, the Warwick of St.
Paul. Some people hate him without knowing
anything about him and many more admire and
swear by and vote with him. He is the most
thoroughly hated and best liked man in St. Paul,
for he is more than a mere citizen, — he is an
issue — a biennial red rag waved in the face of
the bull who rages on behalf of those who are
not in power in municipal politics.
Politically, Mr. O'Connor dominates the city,
there can be no doubt of that. He bends men to
his wishes, or beats them out of the field. He
fights his enemies frankly and ojienlv in the
field, keeps up the fight until the ballots are
counted, and then forgets his enemies and remem-
bers his friends.
He is succesful in politics and business, be-
cause he has convictions and the courage of
them and he never overlooks a detail. He is
in the brokerage business. During the last cam-
paign, of which he w-as the leading spirit and
practical manager, the market went to smash.
He has large stock interests. He sat by the
ticker in his private office and watched the tape.
■'\\'ow !" he exclaimed, "if this raid doesn't
let up, it won't make nnich difference who's
elected." Then, without taking his eyes of? the
tape: "Say. telephone, and see if the banners
have been ordered for the band wagon and tell
that he had better go out and get busy
in the third of the — ^th. I hear its all wrong —
now look at that N. P. ! Off six points in
twelve minutes !" Then he went out and refreshed
himself by giving utterance to a few frank re-
marks to one of the horde of harpers, who flour-
ish in a campaign. He is great for detail, is R.
T. O'Connor.
58o
I'AST AXi:) PRESENT OE ST. PAUL.
He likes the political life ; it brings him no
profit — not the bitterest of his political enemies
has ever sn™ested thai Mr. O'Connor was in
politics for anything else than for the love of
a fight and a la.-^te for the fruits of victory. And
he never warms up to his work until the oppo-
sition makes it a personal matter. The opposi-
tion should know better now, should have learned
in the school of adversity that when R. T. O'Con-
nor really fights he will certainly win. liis po-
litical career show's it.
In 1878 — he was born in St. Paul. June 21.
1857, — ^^^- O'Connor made his essay into public
life as deputy in the city clerk's office. He
had been fairly w-ell equipped for getting on,
being the son of Alderman John O'Connor to
start, having had a rather thorough grounding
in education in the St. Paul schools and at
Notre Dame, Indiana, and then being permitted
to work directly under the eye of James J. Hill.
Mr. Hill was in the fuel business then, as well
as being eng'aged in transportation atYairs in a
modest way. It was a liberal education to work
for him. But young O'Connor was destined for
the political life. He beat some other candidate
and became deputy clerk under the late Thomas
R. Prendergast. He was still in that office when
he became alderman for the fourth ward. That
was in 1883. At that time the office of clerk of
courts was the best in the county and was most
eagerly sought. Many men sought it in 1867,
but Mr. O'Connor was elected. By this time,
he needed no introduction to the public of St.
Paul. Combining political sagacity with more
than ordinary business ability and untiring ener-
gy, he came to be recognized as a leader by the
democrats and to be acknowledged a foe worthy
the best attentions of the republicans. And he
knew men intuitively. He caine to esteem Rob-
ert A. Smith personally and saw in him a man
for the democrats to tie to. Mr. O'Connor was
in the leadership, not altogether undisputed, in
1890, when Mayor Smith was elected without
opirosition. He was not at the hearl of the organ-
ization when Smith was defeated in 1892, and
he was in full tide when Mr. Smith was again
elected in 1894. In 1895 lie left the office of
clerk of the courts and was a]5pointed United
States marshal for Alimicsbta by President Cleve-
land and Robert A. Smith was made postmaster
of St. Paul. In 1896 and 1898 Mr. O'Connor
had no hand in the city campaign and on both
occasions the democrats were beaten. In 1899
he left the marshal's office and went into the
brokerage business. He was forced into the lead-
ership and reorganized the democracv. Mr.
Smith left the postoffice in 1900, accepted the
nomination for mayor; the opposition was fat-
uous enough to make a fight on "Dick" O'Con-
nor and Smith was elected.
In 1902, 1904 and 1906 there was the same
nomination, the same fight and the same victory.
That record of political success ought to satisfy
the enemy that the people are rather in favor of
Mr. O'Connor. His influence in municipal affairs
is undoubted and that it is intelligently and be-
nignly e.xerted is demonstrated by the fact that
St. Paul was never so prosperous nor so well
governed as it has been during the past six
years, and that this fact is appreciated by the
people was shown by the substantial majorities
given for practically all of the candidates sup-
ported by Mr. ( )'Connor, and that in spite of the
opposition of all the dailies of St. Paul.
Incidentally Mr. O'Connor has had other suc-
cesses. Plis devotion to his friends has forced
him into other than local fights but he has been
at e\'cry democratic national convention since he
got the habit twenty-two years ago ; twice his
influence has gone far in electing democratic
governors and his counsel and advice is now
eagerly sought in his party in the state and na-
tion. He is now on excellent terms with the big
men in politics and in finance. He is known
to be highly esteemd by his first employer, James
J. Hill, and there is no man in St. Paul, politics
aside, who has an equal number of powerful
friends in ihe district between the railroad gen-
eral offices and the Federal building.
Mr. O'Connor has been very successful in busi-
ness. He was for some years president of the
Globe Company, but the fact was not generally
PAST A\l) I'RRSKXT OF ST. PAUL.
581
known and he is living it down. His only offi-
cial connection with the city government is in the
unsalaried position of police commissioner.
He is whole-souled ; fond of a joke ; the friend
of whoever feels the pinch of necessity ; he has
got more jobs for men out of work than all the
employment agencies in the state ; is a contribufor
to every worthy object and a citizen whom all
of his contemporaries will be glad to honor when
he retires from politics. And, it may be added,
his friends love him most for the enemies he
has made. W. B. H.
WILLIAM B. DEAN.
So long as the magnificent marble pile which
now surmounts Capitol Hill and represents the
majesty of the sovereign people of ^Minnesota
shall endure, so long will the name and memory
of William B. Dean be preserved and esteemed
by the people of St. Paul as that of the man who
was above and beyond all others, responsible
for the legislation that resulted in the construc-
tion of the state capitol as it exists today. Mr.
Dean was the father in fact of the new capitol
project. Others have been lauded for their work
in bringing about the construction of the beau-
tiful building in which the state government is
housed ; lawyers, legislators, editors, architects,
contractors and artists have in their turn contrib-
uted sxDmething to the splendid whole and with-
out the contribution of each there would be
something lacking in the symmetrical achieve-
ment in constructive art. But if William- B.
Dean had not appreciated the psyschological mo-
ment one day in March, 1891, had not recognized
the opportunity and properly estimated the state
of mind of the legislators among whom he sat,
or if he had lacked the iniative without which
his keenness of perception might have gone for
nothing, the new capitol might, proliably would —
still be a castle in the air. The building stands
today an enduring monument to the business sa-
gacity, the keen judgment and the personal force
of this modest business man, whose choice led him
to the honors of a successful mercantile career
rather than to gathering certain fame of a more
noisv sort into the broader domain of public
afl"airs, in which he has achieved distinction on
the few occasions when he felt impelled to re-
spond to a call to enter public life.
William B. Dean's career should stand as an
inspiration to a generation whose conception
of possible achievements in business and duty
to the state mtist be based upon the accomplish-
ments of men who stand in the front rank of solid
citizenship today. He has succeeded in busi-
ness by devotion to the best ideals and by hard
work; he has succeeded in the duties that fell
to him as a citizen without looking to personal
aggrandizement or compensation. The story of
his life is simple enough but singularly instruc-
tive in its simplicity.
He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Sep-
tember 26, 1838. His parents were Captain Wil-
liam and Aurelia (Butler) Dean, and he was of
Revolutionary stock on both sides of the house.
He was educated in the schools of his native city
and had so much of an academic training as
might be acquired by two years' study at Bol-
mar's Academy, — a good old-fashioned institu-
tion which flourished at \\'estchester, Pennsyl-
vania. At the age of eighteen he began his life
career in St. Paul as a bookkeeper for the firm
of Nicols & Berkey, successors to ex-Governor
AW R. Marshall, the first hardware merchant in
the state. Four years later he became a partner
in the house, Mr. Berkey retiring and the firm
style being changed to Nicols & Dean — a title
that for forty years stood at the head and front
of the wholesale hardware trade in the north-
west and still, modified to conform to the admis-
sion of William J. Dean and Jesse A. Gregg as
partners, liolds its rank. For fifty years Mr.
Dean has been engaged in the exacting duties
that fall to the lot of a great merchant. Had
he been deaf to the demands made on his citizen-
ship the character and importance of the enter-
prises he was engaged in might well have ex-
cused his acceptance of other duties, which con-
sumed much of his time and which, from their
very nature, must be their own reward. He
has been first and last a St. Paul man. The
wealth that came to him he invested in St. Paul.
He is even now a director in the Great Northern
Railway, in the Second National Bank and the
State Savings Bank. The business wisdom he
5^-'
PAST AXD I'RRSKXT OV ST. PAL'L.
acquired he shared with the community l)y ser-
vice— active and painstaking- service, on the hoard
of education, the hoard of fire commissioners, tlie
hoard of water commissioners and as a mem-
ber of the cliamher of commerce and the jolibcrs'
iniion. His business aptitude so long- ago as 1885
impelled President Arthm- to ap]>oint him special
examining commissioner on the construction of
the Xorthern Pacific Railroad in Idaho. He was
a presidential elector on the reiniblican ticket in
ICSS4. In those days when the country was
shaken to its financial center by the contention
over the monetary system, he was sent as a dele-
gate from St. Paul to the Indianapolis monetary
convention and in 1897 his capacity was recog-
nized in his choice as a member of the monetary
commission wdiose report is still regarded as the
last word on the subjects of monetary standards,
currency and banking.
His most important public service to St. Paul
and the state was rendered during his term as
state senator. He was sent to the senate from
Ramsey county in 1890, when there was a feel-
ing that St. Paul wanted strong men in the halls
of legislation. It was during the first session
of the legislattire in which he sat that he ren-
dered the signal service to his city involved in
the introduction and passage of the act which se-
cured the capitol to St. Paul for all time by pro-
viding for the construction of the new capitol
liuilding. Tlie means by which this was accom-
I)lished in the face of almost hopeless conditions
are set forth at length in the chapter on capitols
in this work.
That ]\Ir. Dean might have attained the high-
est political honors at the hands of his fellow
citizens is certain had he coveted such distinc-
tion. The sup])ort of St. Paul's business com-
munity has been tendered him for the United
States' senatorship more than once, but his nat-
ural prompting has been for private life and
trom this he has only emerged in response to
an imperative demand.
In i8fio. Air. Dean was married to Miss Mary
C. Xicols, the daughter of his first business part-
ner, and of the union tlure were liorn six daugh-
ters and two sons. The family home on Summit
avenue is a handsome one and the center of a re-
fined social circle. lie is a member of the .Min-
nesota and Commercial clubs, and is united with
the Presbyterian church.
At the age of sixty-eight. .\lr. Dean is an alert,
active business man, who can look back on a ca-
reer of large accomi)lishments and forward to a
future secure in the honor and respect of his fel-
lows.
(iEORGE P. ZIEGLEK.
( ieorge P. Ziegler. secretary, treasurer and
local manager at St. Paul for the Ziegler-Egan
Candy Company, manufacturing confectioners,
was born in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, ]\Iarch 3,
1852, and without special advantages at the out-
set of his business career has advanced through
l)rogTessive stages to a place ]3rominent in trade
circles in the northwest. His father, George
Ziegler. coming to the l/nited States from Ger-
many, settled in ^Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when
but twelve years of age and for forty-eight years
was engaged in business there as manufacturing
confectioner. He died tw-o years ago at the age
of seventy-five. His wife, Barbara Boll, was a
native of Germany, and passed away about a
(|uarter of a century ago. In their family were
nine children, of whom seven are yet living.
George P. Ziegler attended tln' ])arochial and
pulilic schools of .Milwaukee and afterward
pursued a course in Spencer's Business College.
He became fairiiliar with his present line of
business through association with his father and
is today secretary and treastu'er of the Zicgler-
Egan Candy Company, manufacturing confec-
tioners, doing business at Nos. 55-59 East Third
street, St. Paul. The parent house in Milwaukee
has had a continuous existence for fifty years.
.Mr. Ziegler came to St. Paul in ii)02 and is now
local manager for what is one of the important
productive industries of the city. The volume
of business transacted is indicated by the fact
that one hundred anrl ten jieople are employed
in the manufacture and packing of confectionery
for the trade. There are also eight traveling
representatives of the house and three citv sales-
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
383
men. The business has been incorporated as a
■-tdck company with Charles I. Ziegler, of Mil-
waukee, president. Frank P. Ziegler, of Milwau-
kee, as vice president, and George P. Ziegler, of
St. Paul, as secretary and treasurer. A well
equipped plant, improved processes of manu-
facture and reliable business methods constitute
ilie basis of the success which the house enjoys
and which has made the St. Paul establishment
a very profitable source of income.
.Mr. Ziegler was married in Alilwaukee in
1874 ti) Miss McLean Weiser. of Milwaukee.
They had six children : Frank George, Maria
Reinertsen. George A. and Eleanor ; and John
and Annette, deceased. The family are commun-
icants of the Catholic church and Mr. Ziegler
gives his political allegiance to the democracy,
lie belongs to the St. Paul Commercial Club
and is deeply interested in the movements and
plans which are formulated for the development
of business conditions in the city and for the
work of progress along all lines of general im-
provement. An analyzation of his life work
displays a strong and resolute spirit, an expedi-
ency in forming plans and a resolution in carry-
ing these forward to a successful conipletidn.
ARTHUR W. DUNNING, M. D.
Dr. .\rtlini" W. Dinuiing, physician and sur-
geon with offices in the Endicott Arcade, was
born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, February 12,
i860, a son of Orson B. Dunning, who passed
the last months of his life in St. Paul, and died
in 1904, at the age of eightv-one years.
Dr. Dunning was reared in his native city,
where he attended the public schools and Fond
(hi Lac lUisiness College (class of 1882). He
prepared for the practice of medicine in the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago,
from which he was graduated in 1885. He is
also a post graduate of Johns Hopkins College,
at Baltimore, Maryland ( 1900), and of the Har-
vard Medical .School (1902). In June, 1888,
he came to St. Paul, where he has practiced
continuously since, occupying the same offices
for the past fifteen years. For seven or eight
years he has devoted special attention to mental
and nervous diseases and has attained superior
proficicnc\ in those lines of practice. In con-
nection with his private practice he is an in-
structor in the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Minnesota, delivering lectures on ner-
vous and mental diseases.
Dr. Dunning was married in 189 1 to Miss
Emma Holman, a New England lady, but well
known in St. Paul, where she had resided for
three years prior to her marriage. She is a sister
of the Rev. F. O. Holman, a prominent clergy-
man and pastor of the Hennepin Avenue iMetho-
dist church in .Minneapolis at the time of his de-
mise in 1898. Dr. and Mrs. Dunning reside at
No. 807 .\shland avenue with their two daugh-
ters. Ruth and Frances, aged respectively thir-
teen and ten years.
Dr. Dunning is an active member of the Com-
mercial Club, organized for the betterment of
social, economic, business and political conditions
in St. Paul, and has been prominently identified
with the public playground movement which
originated in that club. He was made a chair-
man of the first committee which installed the
first playground. Later he was appointed by
Mayor Smith one of a committee of three to act
in connection with the park board to conduct the
various playgrounds for the years 1905-6. This
movement has met with the cordial support of
the citizens and the beautiful and well equipped
grounds provided are a boon to the children in
the crowded quarters of the city.
Dr. Dunning socially is connected with Sum-
mit lodge. A. F'. & A. ,M.. and the Royal Arch
chapter. He manifests dee]) interest in all ques-
tions relating to the physical, intellectual and
moral development of man and in the last men-
tioned connection he is a member of the board
of directors of the Young Men's Christian As-
sociation of St. Paul and is a steward in the
First Methodist Episcopal church. In the line
of his profession he was president for the year
1905 of the Ramsey County Medical Society and
also a member of the State and .American Med-
ical associations. His humanitarian princi])les
584
PAST AXD I'RESEXT OF ST. PAl'L.
and breadth of view make him a factor in the
welfare and progress of the city along many
lines and at all times he is actnated by the spirit
of direct and immediate serviceablcness.
T. A. SOUCHER.VY.
J. A. Soucheray, vice president and manager
of the Si. Paul Abstract Company, which he or-
ganized in 1892, and also of the Ramsey County
Abstract Company, which was formed in 1889.
these two constituting the two most important
companies in St. Paul, came to St. Paul in 1879
and engaged in farming for three years, after
which he organized the St. Paul Abstract Com-
pany and found that he had met with genuine
success in the undertaking. This has continued
to grow until several employes are in the office
engaged in making researches along the line of
business. He has worked steadily upward to his
present standard until his books are received as
authority upon all titles in St. Paul. In the busi-
ness he is associated with Alfred F. Soucheray,
as secretary, and Henry C. Soucheray as treas-
urer of the St. Paul Abstract Company, with
offices at No. 36 East Fourth street.
yir. Soucheray is a typical business man, alert
and enterprising, giving his undivided attention
to his business affairs. During his three years'
residence at Currier, Minnesota, he acted as post-
master of the town and in his political views is
a democrat.
PETER M. KERST.
Peter M. Kerst, public examiner and su]XM-in-
tendcnt of banks, with offices in the state capitol,
was born in St. Paul, .March 4, 1864, and has con-
tinuously made this city his home. His father,
Peter Kerst, Sr., was a native of Prussia, Gcr-
bany, having been born in the Rhine province,
where he was reared and educated. He learned
the back-smith's trade, which he followed until
1854, when he came to the new world, scttlini'
in St. Paul. Here he followed blacksmithing for
four years and then began the manufacture of
wagons and sleighs at the corner of West Sev-
enth and Ramsey streets, renting the ground
from Governor Ramsey. He continued in busi-
ness until 1890, his output steadily increasing
in order to meet the growing demands of the
trade and for many years this was a most profit-
able enterprise, bringing him a measure of pros-
perity that enabled him in 1892 to retire from
active business life. He continued a resident
of St. Paul up to the time of his death, which
occurred Alay 11, 1900, when he was sevent)'
years of age. He was a man of benevolent spirit,
of kindly purposes and of generous impulses.
He held membership in the Assumption Catholic
church, was an active worker in the various be-
nevolent societies, giving freely of his means to
aid his fellowmen, the poor and needy finding
in him a warm friend. He married Josephine
Rapp, a native of Bavaria, Germany, who came
to the United States with her parents, seven sis-
ters and four brothers in 1855. Her father, Jo-
seph, was a tailor by trade and followed that
pursuit for many years, or up to the time of his
death, which occurred when he was fiftv-six
years of age. His wife died in St. Paul, at the
age of seventy-four years. Their daughter, Mrs.
Kerst, was about fourteen years of age when
she came to the United States with her parents.
She was married and spent the remainder of her
life in St. Paul, where she passed awa}- on May
26, 1896, at the age of fifty-six years. She, too,
was an active and devoted member of the As-
sumption Catholic church, and was connected
with the ladies' societies of the parish, which
have for their motive influences a spirit of benev-
olence or of helpfulness along their intellectual
and moral development, l^nto Mr, and Mrs.
Peter Kerst, Sr., were burn three chidren, of
whom the eldest is the subject of this review.
Lena is the wife of Henry Schreincr. now a resi-
dent of St. Paul, and Mary is the wife of Eugene
T. \'inaumc, of St. Paul. The father was one
of the worthy pioneer setllers of the city, coming
to St. Paul when it was a small village, giving
little evidence of future growth or improve-
ment. He was a successful man. self-ni;ide, his
I'AST A\l) l'kESI':XT OF ST. PAUL
585
enterprise, determination and laudable ambition
lieinjj the salient elements in his success. He
t(H)k an active interest in [irilitics. in church \vi )rk
and in benevolent societies, and his labors were
of direct and immediate benefit to his fellowmen,
winnins: for him the admiration and respect of all
with whom he came in contact.
Immediately after leaving' college, in 1880,
Peter M. Kerst became identified with the bank-
ing business, with which he was continuously
connected until 1898, when he became associated
with the department of public service, of which
he is now the chief. He was appointed to the
office by Governor John A. Johnson, January
24, 1905, and on February i of the same year
entered upon the duties of the position, which
included periodical examination of all state insti-
tutions, the state and county offices and an annual
examination of the banks, including savings
banks, trust companies and building and loan
associations. He also has to examine into the
accounts of the gross earnings of corporations,
which pay tax to the state, for the purpose of
ascertaining whether or not the proper tax has
been paid by the companies. He is giving sat-
isfaction by the prompt and able manner in which
he is discharging his duties. He had intimate
knowledge of the work of the office before re-
ceiving his present appointment and brought
to his task broad, practical experience.
On September 3, 1895, Mr. Kerst was mar-
ried to Miss Anna Koliout, who was born in St.
Paul, where she was reared and educated, at-
tending the parochial schools and also a young
ladies' seminary at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
One child has been born of this marriage, Harry
J. Kerst, now seven years of age.
In his political views Mr. Kerst has always
been a staunch and unfaltering democrat, tak-
ing an active interest in the party and its success.
For eleven years he has been the president of
the Federation of German Catholic societies, with
a membership of ninety-five hundred. This is
continually growing and Mr. Kerst is proving
a most active, energetic officer, whose labors are
a benefit to the association. He is most deeply
interested in benevolent work, and for the past
eight vears has been treasurer of the German
Catholic Aid Association of Minnesota. This
is an insurance company formed upon the assess-
ment plan and has a membership of nine thou-
sand. His interest in various associations shows
him to be a man of broad humanitarian principles
who recognizes man's duty to his fellowmen
and he is always quick to respond to any call
for aid or to embrace any opportunity that will
enable him to alleviate hard conditions in life
of those less fortunate than himself. Added to
his deep sympathy is a genial disposition and
warm-heartedness that renders him popular with
all.
DAN ^lALACHI CLARK.
Dan Malachi Clark has for a half century
been a resident of Minnesota and maintains prom-
inent business interests in St. Paul as the vice
president of the firm of Mulrooney, Ryan &
Clark, wholesale produce merchants. A native
of Albany, Xew York, he was born on Xo-
vember 7. 1852, of the marriage of Malachi and
Jane (Welch) Clark. The father came from
County Longford, Ireland, to America in 1848.
He enlisted in the regular army in September
of the same year at West Troy, New York, at
the age of twenty-three years, served until 1851.
when he was honorably discharged. He then
married Jane Welch, who was born in West
Meath, Ireland.
Dan M. Clark was in his third year when in
April, 1855, he was taken by his parents to
Hastings, Minnesota, where he resided until
eighteen years of age, attending the schools of
that city. From Hastings he removed to Brain-
erd and established a .general mercantile store
in that ])Iace. He has since maintained his resi-
dence there but, seeking a broader field of labor
and business activity, he has become identified
with commercial interests in St. Paul as a mem-
ber of the firm of ^lulrooney, Ryan & Clark,
wholesale produce merchants, doing business at
No. 79 East Third street. He is now vice pres-
ident of the company, which is conducting an
extensive trade, while the house sustains an unas-
=;8ri
I'ASr AND l'RI-:.SE.\T OF ST. I'AUL.
sailable reputation by reason of its honorable
business policy and straightforward dealing. The
firm conducts an extensive business in fruits and
vegetables.
In i8c;o, yir. Clark was married to Rose Fasch-
ing, of Winona, Alinnesota, and they have five
children: ^lalachi Dan and Robert Emmett,
who are students in the high school at Brainerd ;
?ilarie (">ertrude. Jennie and Dan Alalachi, who
are attending the grammar schools. Mr. and
ilrs. Clark are active in the Catholic church at
Urainord. where he has lived for the past twenty
three years. He is a man of wealth and stand-
ing in that city and is connected with its social
an<l ])uhlic interests. He belongs to the Knights
of Columbus and the Ancient (3rder of Hiber-
nians and gives his political allegiance to the de-
mocracy. Seen in his office he is recognized as
])rc-emin€ntly a man of afifairs and yet his business
is not an all-absorbing interest in his life, but is
regarded by him as a means to an end, for he
ha-; never allowed his duties In his chosen call-
ing to dwarf his finer sensibilities or thwart his
generous ambition. He is genial, courteous and
chivalrous and a fast friend to those who enjoy
his confidence. In his business enterprises, how-
ever, he has been eminently successful and is re-
garded hy all who know him as oxceptionalh-
sure and conservative.
FERDIXAXD HI.XRICHS.
Ferdinand Hinrichs. deceased, who was one of
the prominent business men in wholesale circles
in St. Paul, became identified with connnercial
interests here in 1S85, and was one of the found-
ers and promoters of the wholesale grocery estab-
lishment of Koehler & Hinrichs, still a leading
entcrj)rise of the city. .A native of Germany, Mr.
Hinrichs was born .\ugust 13. i860, unto the
marriage of Henry W. and Dora ( Bengen) Hin-
richs, who were also natives of that country, in
which they spent their entire lives. The fatlur
owned lumber mills and was engaged in their con-
duct mitil his life's labors were ended in death.
The mother is still residing in Esens. ( iermany,
and is now eighty years of age.
Ferdinand Hinrichs began his education in the
public schools of his native country and after-
ward pursued a university course. Attracted by
the business opportunities and possibilities of the
new world, he came to America in 1877 in com-
pany with five of his brothers. All settled in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, and Ferdinand Hinrichs was
employed there as a bookkeeper in a leather and
harness establishment until 1885, when he re-
moved to St. Paul and engaged in the wholesale
grocery business. He formed a partnership un-
der the firm style of Koehler & Hinrichs and they
began on a small scale, but soon built up a large
trade and employed a large number of men both
in the house and as traveling salesmen upon the
road. The enterprise was steadily developed
along safe lines and is now one of the large whole-
sale grocery houses of the city, business being
carried on at Nos. 255-265 East Third street. Mr.
Hinrichs was active in the management of the
store until his death, when his brother, Henry
Hinrichs, became a partner, and the house is still
conducted under the old firm name of Koehler &
Hinrichs. The present junior partner, however,
resides in ^Manitowoc. Wisconsin.
In 1887 Ferdinand Hinrichs was married in
St. Paul to ^liss .Mma Munch, a native of Min-
nesota and a daughter of Adolph and Anna
(Meineke) Munch, both of whom were natives
of Germany, whence they came to .\merica in
1848, settling in a small town near Duluth, Min-
nesota, wdiere Air. Munch engaged in the conduct
of a lumber mill until 1870. He retained his in-
terest in the hnnber mills near Duluth, Minne-
sota, but in the year mentioned removed to St.
Paul, where for many years he conducted a real-
isiate business, handling considerable valuable
l)roperty. He afterward retired from active busi-
ness life and in well earned case spent his remain-
ing (lavs until called to his fin;d rest in i<)Oi. Mis
wife had passed away in i8(/). The Munch fam-
ily is an old and ])ronn'ncnt one in St. Paul, (ius-
tave .Munch, brother of .\dolph .Munch, wlio
was also a [noneer of this city, was engaged in
the lumber business here until his death and be-
came a very prominent and wealtliy man. lie
built the fine residence which is now occupied by
Mrs. Hinrichs. Two Ijrothers and two sisters of
Mrs. Hinrichs are now residing with her: Ar-
FERDINAND IIINRICHS
PAST A\l) PRESENT ( )[• ST. P.\l"L.
589
thiir i\Iunch, who is foreman of the machine shops
of the Dmaha Raih-oad at St. Paul : Bernard
Rlnnch, who is holding a good jiosition with Far-
well. Ozmun, Kirk & Company ; Teresa, a private
German teacher of this cit\' : and Olga.
-Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Hinrich.s, of whom two are living, Helen and
Doroth)-. Those deceased are Anna, who died at
the age of four years, and Herbert, who died
■when a year old. Mr. Hinrichs passed away De-
cember 28, 1903. He was never ambitious for
public office nor did he fill any ]i(jlitical positions.
On the contrary, he concentrated his energies up-
on his business affairs with the result that he
developed an important corinnercial enterprise and
was enabled to leave his family in excellent finan-
cial circumstances. He voted with the repub-
lican party and adhered to the religious faith of-
the family — that of the German Lutheran church.
There were no exciting chapters in his life rec-
ord, but his history is another proof of the fact
that birth, nationality and early environment ac-
count for little or naught in the attainment of
success and prominence in commercial life. It is
the inherent force of character in the individual,
his close adherence to well defined lines of labor
and his laudable ambition and perserverance
which constitute a safe and sure foundation upon
which to build prosperity. Mrs. Hinrichs now
owns a fine residence at No. 652 East Fifth street,
where she resides with her children and brothers
and sisters.
CHARLES WESLEY HACKETT.
Charles Wesley Hackett. whose death occurred
March 21. 1903. was a representative of the
class of substantial l)uilders of a great common-
wealth who have served faithfully and long in the
enterprising west. A pioneer of Minnesota, he
nobly did his duty in establishing and maintain-
ing the material interests, legal status and
moral welfare of his community. He won dis-
tinction as a foremost representative of commer-
cial and financial interests, maintaining at all times
an unassailable reputation while enlarging the
scope of his activities until the extent and im-
portance of his business interests were exceeded
by few of those who have operated in the north-
west and thus contributed to its progress and
prosperity. At the time of his demise he was
president of the Hackett. Walther, Gates Hard-
ware Company, the largest wholesale hardware
house of St. Paul, and was also vice president of
the St. Paul National Rank, besides being con-
nected with man)- other business enterprises
which have had direct and important bearing
upon the commercial history of the city. He
came to St. Paul in 1872. having, however, for
two decades previous made his home in Minne-
sota.
A native of Lyndeboro. New Hampshire,
Charles Wesley Hackett was born on July 23.
1 83 1, a descendant of one of the old families
of Xew England. Manv of his ancestors were
engaged in the war of the Revolution and two
at least in the colonial wars. His parents were
Ephraim and Iconise (F)Urnham) Hackett, both
of whom were natives of New Hampshire and
after residing in Lyndeboro a few years they
removed to W'ilton, Xew Hani|)sliire. a small
town picturesc[uely situated in the midst of a
country of high hills, granite rocks and clear
streams. The father jiurchased a country store
and was there engaged as a general trader until
his death, while his wife also passed away at
Wilton.
At the usual age the son was sent to the public
school and after mastering the branches of its
ciuTJculum continued his education in the acad-
emy at Flancock. New Flampshire. His business
career began in Boston. Massachusetts, where he
accepted a clerkship in the retail dry goods store
of Chandler & Company, which firm is still in
existence there. He was thus employed for sev-
eral years, after which he went to Lowell, Massa-
chusetts, where he engaged in the dry goods busi-
ness on his own account for a short period.
It was (luring his residence in Lowell that Mr.
Hnckett was married on December u. 1853. to
Miss Myra T. Flolt, of Fitchbnrg, Massachusetts,
a daughter of Ira and Hannah Elliott (Rob-
590
PAST AXn I'RF.SF.XT OF ST. PAUL.
ins) Holt, the latter a native of Greenville, New
Hampshire, while Mr. Holt was born in Town-
send. .Massachusetts, and was descended from
the first settlers of Andovcr. Alassachnsetts. He
and his wife spent much of their lives in Fitch-
burt^. where he had extensive real-estate holdings
and cnjjaged largely in real-estae opera-
tions, remaining in that place until after his
children had left home, when he and his wife
removed to .Arlington Heights, near Boston,
^Massachusetts, where he lived retired until his
death, the activity of his business career in for-
mer years having brought to him the substantial
reward that enabled him to spend the evening
of his life without recourse to labor. His widow
afterward passed away in West Newton, Massa-
chusetts. In their family were four children :
Mrs. A. K. Tolman, who is living in West New-
ton, Massachusetts, Mrs. T. A. Jernegan. of Ar-
lington Heights, Massachusetts ; Mrs. Hackett ;
and Henry H.. who is now living retired on a
small farm near Tacoma, W'ashington.
Following his residence in Lowell, Massachu-
setts, Mr. Hackett sought a home in the west.
attracted by the broader business opportunities
of the new but rapidly developing section of the
country where competition was not so great but
where opportunity was limitless. Accordingly,
having decided upon Minnesota as a favorable
location, he settled at Lake City, where he pur-
chased a store and engaged in general merchan-
dising for a few years. While residing there he
was also elected register of deeds of Wabasha
county. The outbreak of the Civil war ])roved
a turning point in his life, for when under Lin-
coln's call for 600,000 men, putting aside the
quiet pursuits of peace, he joined the army in
defense of the stars and stripes. About forty-
five men from the farming district adjacent to
the towns of Lake City and Wabasha came to
Mr. Hackett and offered to enlist if he would
serve as captain, which he consented to do. On
the very day of the Sioux Indian outbreak,
.\ugust 18, 1862. he was taking these men to St.
Paul to be sworn into service. As a conse-
quence of this massacre. Captain Hackett's com-
pany was put into immediate service on the fron-
tier. This service was prior to the organization
of the Tenth regiment, which took place in Oc-
tober. Captain Hackett's company being Com-
pany C in that regiment. In 1S63, in command
of his company, he marched with that regiment
against the Sioux Indians with the column under
General Sibley, to the Missouri river, and was
in the various actions of that arduous expedi-
tion. He returned with seriously impaired
health, and was honorably mustered out of the
service in February, 1864. He took a deep inter-
est in his regiment, served one year as president
of the association of its survivors, and between
him and them, especially his own company, were
the most kindly relations.
When the war was over Captain Hackett re-
turned to Lake City , Minnesota, his health
greatly impaired through the hardships and
rigors of his military service. P.ecause of this
he retired from business, but his health grew
worse and he entered upon a course of treat-
ment with an eminent physician of Boston, ^las-
sachusetts, who at the end of three years effected
a cure. Before the expiration of that period,
however, he was enabled to resume business and
conducted a hat and cap store in Lake City for
a short time. Disposing of his commercial inter-
ests, he established a private bank under the name
of the Lake City Bank, owned by C. ^^'. Hackett
& Companv, the silent partner being his wife.
To assist him in the bank he secured the ser-
vices of C. A. Hubbard, who is now cashier of
that financial institution. Captain Hackett con-
tinued the banking business at Lake City for
several years and was very successful, his patron-
age steadilv increasing and his institution winning
a foremost place in the public confidence because
of the safe, conservative policy which he in-
augurated.
Seeking a broader field of labor, however.
Mr. Hackett came to St. Paul in 1872 and
formed a partnership for the conduct (jf the whole-
sale hardware business under the firm name of
Strong, Hackett & Chajiin. Mr. Clii|)in died
soon afterward, and several years after Mr.
Hackett bought out Mr. Strong's interest and
the firm became the C. W. Hackett Hardware
Company and continued under that style for sev-
eral vears, after which the present firm style of
PAST AND 1 'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
591
the Hackett, ^^'alther. Gates Hardware Com-
pany was assumed. The house is situated at
from 268 to 280 East Fourth street and is the
larg'est wholesale hardware enterprise in St. Paul.
Mr. Hackett became president of the company
and so continued until his death. The great mer-
chants have developed from the humblest origins
and' the verification O'f this .statement is found
in the life record of such men as Captain Hackett.
Emerging from a humble clerkship into the
broader field of individual merchandising, he
constantly enlarged the scope of his activities,
each step in his business career bringing him
onto a higher plane with wider possibilities and
advantages until eventually he became the head
of the most important hardware enterprise of
this section of the northwest. Nor did he confine
his attention entirely to this trade, for upon the
organization of the St. Paul National Bank, he
was made vice president and filled the position
until his death, while his son-in-law, Mr. Gates,
is now vice president. For many years Mr.
Hackett was a member of the chamber of com-
merce and in 1892 and 1893 acted as its j^residcnt.
He was deeply interested in all that pertained
to the business development and possibilities of
the cit}- and his efforts along these lines were
of direct and immediate serviceableness. He was
also a member of the Jobbers' Union and in 1885
and 1886 was its president. His life was indeed
a busy and useful one and through the hours
of business he was always found at the bank or
in his wholesale house, spending the greater part
of his time in the latter, seldom returning to his
home before six o'clock in the evening. He was
one of the most prominent business men of St.
Paul and an analyzation of his life record shows
that no specially favorable circumstances or for-
tunate environments aided him. his prosperity
resulting from the close application and diligence
which are always indispensable concomitants of
success. He was thus enabled to leave a large
estate.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hackett were born four
children. Jessie is the wife of Horace B. Gates,
now the president of the Hackett, Walther, Gates
Hardware Company and the vice president of the
St. Paul National Bank. Florence A. is the
wife of Marshall De ^lottc, a fruit ranchman
residing^ at Corning, California. Those deceased
are: Charles, who died in infancy; and Fred-
erick, who died at the age of two years and
seven months. Mrs. Hackett and her daugh-
ters own much valuable property in St. Paul
and in Lake City, Minnesota, and her home in
this city is a splendid brown sandstone residence
of palatial proportions at 350 Summit avenue.
She still owns an interest in the hardware busi-
ness and stock in the St. Paul National Bank.
-Mrs. Hackett and her daughters have incorpor-
ated a realty company, of which Mrs. Hackett
is president. They own valuable boulevard prop-
erty in which i\Irs. Hackett invested her inher-
itance from her father's estate.
Mr. Hackett gave his political allegiance to
the republican party from the time of its organi-
zation but was never an aspirant for office. In
the early days he was a member of the Masonic
fraternity of Lake City, Minnesota. Lie belonged
to the Loyal Legion of the United States and in
1894 and 1895 was president of the Minnesota
Commandery. His interest touched all those in-
fluences which effect the general interests of
society. For eighteen years he was a trustee of
the Carleton College at Northfield, ^linnesota.
Although a business man in every respect, he
was neither austere nor selfish. He always had
a lively interest in and helping hand for young
men just beginning the battle of life — -never
forgetting his own early struggles. He was of a
deeply religious nature, unobtrusive and yet
strong in its personification of the highest integ-
rity and untarnished honor. His life as a man
of affairs was to him only a means to an end.
He never allowed the duties of his business life
to dwarf his finer sensibilities or to thwart his
generous ambition. There was probably no man
in .St. Paul who took a more helpful interest
in the religious work of the city than he. In the
early days he and his wife joined the Plymouth
Congregational church an<l afterward became
members of the Park Congregational church. He
was president of the society that built all of the
Congregational churches in St. Paul, except the
first. For four and a half }"ears he was superin-
tendent of a Sundav school on Da\-ton's Bluff,
59^
AS'I' AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
conducted under the aus])iccs of the Young-
> Fen's Christian Association, and he miss<.'d
tew if anv of tlie sessions of the school
during: that period. I'or many years he
was president of the Youn,^- Men's Chris-
tian Association ami he took a mo.st earnest
interest in its work, doins; evcrylhinsj in his power
to develop among young men those traits of char-
acter which lead to upright, honorable manhood
and a recognition of man's duty to his Maker.
As his business afforded him opportunity he and
his wife traveled extensively both in America
and Europe, gaining thereby the knowledge and
culture which only travel can bring. He recog-
nized the universal brotherhood and was always
ready to extend a hel])ing hand. His whole
career, both business and social, served as a model
to the young and as an inspiration to the aged.
He shed a brightness around everything with
which he came in contact. By his useful-
ness and general benevolence he created a mem-
ory whose perpetuation does not depend upon
brick or stone but upon the spontaneous and
free will offering of a grateful and enlightened
people.
CHARLES D. MACLAREX.
Charles D. Maclaren. uccujjying a responsible
position as manager of the credit department for
Farvvell. Ozmun, Kirk & Company, probably
the largest wholesalers of shelf hardware in the
northw'est, was born on Prince Edward Island,
Canada, October 22, i860. His ])arents, William
and' Elizabeth (Stewart) Maclaren, were also
born there and the father followed the occupa-
tion of farming. He died in 1903. while the wife
and mother passed away in i8g6.
Charles D. Maclaren acquired his early educa-
tion in the district schools of Prince Edward Is-
land and in his youth also worked on the home
farm. A\'hcn a boy he entered upon liis business
career as a clerk in a general store, where he was
employed for two years. Pie afterward devoted
three years to a sea faring life on a coast trader
and in 1883 he came to the midde w-est, settling
in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he entered the
employ of Farwell, Ozmun & Jackson. He ac-
cei)ted the position of order clerk and worked up
through the bookkeeping department, promotion
coming to him in recognition of his close appli-
cation, his ability and earnest efforts to advance
the interests of the house. Fifteen years ago he
took charge of the credit department and he is
now assistant treasurer and manager of this de-
partment for Farwell, ( )zmun. Kirk & Comjiany,
doing an extensive business as wholesale dealers
in shelf hardware with immense warehouses and
offices. Mr. Maclaren is an excellent judge of
men, a qualification necessary in the important
position he occupies ; and he also displays the in-
dispensable traits of the capable financier.
In 1887 Mr. Maclaren was married to Miss
Carrie Drewry, of St. Paul, and they have two
children, Helen Gertrude and Charles D. They
are members of the Episcopal chtirch and Mr.
Maclaren is a member of Summit lodge. No. 112,
A. F. & A. IM., and also the Knights of Pythias
fraternity. In politics he is an independent re-
publican and socially is connected with St. Paul's
Commercial Club and the Minnesota Club. A
fine man of pleasing appearance, he has many
friends and his life stands in exemplification of
the fact that advancement comes in recognition
of merit and that in a country tuihampered by
caste or class one may rise from a humble posi-
tion to prominence and leadership.
ADOLPH E. MICH.AUD.
Adolph E. !\Iichaud, whose name is one well
known in trade circles in St. Patd, was born in
Quebec, Canada, February 13. 1863. His father.
Xarcisse Midland, a native of Quebec, was of
French lineage and died in 1876. The son wa.s
educated in the schools of Canada and came to
St. Paul in J878, Ijeing at thai time fifteen years
of age. Throughout his business career he has
been associated with mercantile interests in this
city aufl in connection with his two brothers is
conductinsj- the leading retail grocerv house of
C. D. MACLAREN
PAST AXD I'RESEXT UF ST. PAUL.
595
the city, carrying also high grade bottled and
canned goods, both imported and domestic. The
store is located at the corner of Seventh and
Wabasha streets and they also conduct an ex-
tensive wholesale establishment on East Third
street, where the}' sell exclusively to the trade.
Mr. Michaud was married February 15, 1898,
to ]\Iiss Alice Yallee, of Portland, Maine, and
they have two children: Alice, seven years of
age, now in school ; and Helene, born February
15. 1905. Mr. Michaud is a member of Elks-
lodge, Xo. 59, is a charter member of the Com-
mercial club and belongs to the Retail Merchants'
Association. Pie is likewise connected with the
Minnesota Club, the Junior Pioneers and is a
communicant of St. Luke's Catholic church. The
brilliant record of results which he has attained
in his business career leaves room for no ques-
tion as to his abilit}'. He well deserves and is
given classification with the leading merchants
of St. Paul.
HERBERT P. KELLER.
Having been elected at large a member of the
assembly of St. Paul, the only survivor of a field
of nine republicans in 1904. having served two
years as the sole representative of his party in
one branch of the council and then having again
headed his ticket in the election of 1906, Herbert
P. Keller may be fairly regarded as a man who is
entitled to consideration in his party councils.
He is but thirty-one years of age and his capacity
to make .good politically has been proved to the
entire satisfaction of the community. That his
popularity is not based on meretricious grounds
is demonstrated by the fact that some of the best
men in his party went down to defeat in the two
elections in which Mr. Keller went through to
ofificie ; that he has capacity beside popularity was
shown by the fact that his political opponents
coud find no flaw in his record, though he was
alone as a representative of his party in a de-
liberative body. Herbert P. Keller is one of the
the young men of whom St. Paul expects much.
He comes of a family that has made good, that
has left its mark already in political and social
life. He was born in St. Paul, l-'ebruary 7, 1875;
his father was a well known and successful lum-
ber merchant. Old-timers well remember his
place of business at Seventh and Minnesota
streets. Jc_)hii M., the founder of the family in
.St. Paid, \vas a native of Saxony, who came to
the L'nited Slates in the '50s, married Annice E.
Scott, and had a family of eight children. The
father and mother are dead ; the children all
survive and are well-to-do. They are Charles E.,
well known as chief deputy auditor of Ramsey
county ; Louis S., a dentist, at one time state sen-
ator in Idaho, now mayor of Skagway, Alaska ;
George \V.. deputy state grain weigher of JNlin-
nesota ; Mrs. Theodore S. Cogswell, of Seattle,
Washington ; John M.. assistant general adver-
tising manager for the Great Xorthern Railway ;
Mrs. Percy Vittum, of St. Paul : Herbert P. ;
and Mrs. Edward W. D. Taylor, of St. Paul.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
grammar and high schools of St. Paul and the
University of Minnesota, graduating with the
law class of 1896 and entering at once into prac-
tice here. "Herb," as Assemblyman Keller is al-
most universally and affectionately known, took
to iJolitics, as incidental to law, naturally enough,
and bettered his equipment for the practice of
his profession by a term as assistant corporation
counsel, an office he administered with such in-
telligent discretion that his party selected him to
run at large for the assembly in 1904, when he
made his remarkable record of reaching the goal
while all his associates on the assembly ticket
were defeated. That assured his standing with
his part}- and he is certainly marked for hi,gher
honors if he can make the exigencies of public
life comport with the demands of a profession
that is bringing him an extensive connection.
His voice is listened to in important councils and
his standing at the bar is assured.
F)eing essentially a companionable man. he is
also a fraternity man and is a Mason, a past
chancclor of the largest Pythian lodge in the
country and a past grand representative to the
grand lodge of that organization, and an Elk.
A man of broad ideas, but with fixed views re-
garding the obligTition of the citizen to the com-
nnniitv, he is a leader in movements for civic de-
596
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
velopnient. He has outlined and is living up to
a course of life that will give him a large place
when the progress of St. Paul is chronicled a few
}ears from now.
Assemblyman Keller was married in 1905 to
Miss Carrie S. Johnston, of Wabasha, Alinnesota.
the cathedral. In February, 1906, the church was
incorporated under the laws of the state of Min-
nesota, the congregation numbering more than
two hundred families. Under his guidance the
church has had, under the circumstances, a sub-
stantial growth and its various societies are in
flourishing condition. The influence of the la-
bors of Father Odone are widely felt and his
parishioners entertain for him warm regard.
REV. SIMON NICHOLAS ODONE.
Rev. Simon Nicholas Odone, pastor of the
Holy Redeemer Italian congregation in St. Paul,
was born at Sestri Ponente, on the West Riviera,
near Genoa, Italy, in 1869, a son of Luigi and
Agnese (Ravera) Odone, who were also natives
of that sunny land. The father was a leather
dealer and merchant. The family numbered nine
children, of whom Father Odone was the third
in order of birth. He acquired his early educa-
tion in the municipal schools and afterward en-
tered the college at Brescia, Lombardy, for the
purpose of pursuing his ecclesiastical studies, re-
maining in that institution for six years. On the
expiration of that period he became a student in
St. Mary's of Nazareth, at Venice, where he re-
mained for a year, after which he went to Genoa,
where he completed his studies in St. Anne's Col-
lege, O. C. D. He was ordained to the priest-
hood ]\Iay 8, 1892, by Monsignor Gerolamo Gotti,
archbishop of Petra, now cardinal and prefect of
the Propaganda Fide. Some time after his ordi-
nation he was appointed assistant pastor of St.
Charles' church, of Genoa, where he remained
for a little more than three years.
In 1897 Father Odone came to the United
States and remained with an uncle while having
temporary charge of an Italian church at Coal
City, Illinois. He returned to Italy after a few
months, however, and there remained in charge
of a church in Zinola, a suburb of Savona, on the
West Riviera. Returning to the United States,
he came to St. Paul in July, 1899, and was made
pastor of the Holy Redeemer Italian congrega-
tion, which charge he still holds, having his resi-
dence in the old bishop's house, adjoining the
cathedra), on Sixth street, and as a temporary
place of worship the large basement chapel of
W. H. FOBES.
W. H. Forbes, assistant treasurer of the North-
western Fuel Company, is numbered among the
men who have sought the advantages to be found
in the great and growing west, and by adaptabil-
ity to conditions which here exist have made
consecutive and gratifying advancement in the
business world, contributing also to that com-
mercial activity which is the basis of all growth
and prosperity in the commonwealth. Born in
Brooklyn, New A^ork, on the 5th of January,
1870, Mr. Fobes is a son of Nathan and Eliza-
beth (Keith) Fobes, both of whom were natives
of Massachusetts. The father was for many
years a wholesale dry-goods merchant of New
York city, but died in 1899. The mother is still
living in the eastern metropolis.
W. H. Fobes attended public and private
schnols in Brooklyn and was a student in the
high school at Orange, New Jersey. He entered
upon his business career in New York city as
an employe in the wholesale house of H. B.
Claflin & Company, dealers in dry goods, with
whom he remained from 1880 until 1890, when,
attracted by the possibilities of the west, with its
greater competition and advancement more
quickly secured, he came to St. Paul and enteretl
the services of the Northwestern Fuel Compaiy.
He has been connected with this corporation
since 1893, and in 1900 was elected assistant
treasurer. His close application, unfaltering pur-
])ose and untiring energy have been a valued fac-
tor in the conduct of the extensive business now
conducted by the house.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
597
Mr. Forbes was married in 1905 to Miss Ger-
trude Allen Kirk, a daughter of R. A. Kirk, a
prominent hardware merchant of St. Paul. They
have a beautiful residence at Xo. 307 Laurel ave-
nue, which is the center of a cultured society cir-
cle. Air. Forbes is prominent both socially and in
business life and is a valued representative of the
White Pear Yacht Club. He also belongs to the
Swedenborgian church and in politics is an in-
dependent republican, interested in the great
(juestions which alTect the welfare of the nation
in its policy and progress, but without any form
of partisan feeling so often manifest in local polit-
ical circles. He is a gentleman of fine personal
appearance, excellent business ability and keen
foresight, who has already made an enviable rec-
ord in trade circles in the northwest, although
he has not yet reached the zenith of his powers.
AXSEL OPPEXHEHL-
Ansel Oppenheim is a native of Xew York
city, born January 5, 1847. His father, Isaac
( )ppenheim, was a merchant of Xew York and
gave his son an academic education and fitted
him by liberal intellectual training for his profes-
sion. Taking up the study of law, after thorough
preliminar\- reading he was admitted to the bar
of Minnesota in 1878 and entered upon practice
in .St. Paul, forming a partnership with Hon.
John B. Brisbin. He was well fitted for advance-
ment at the bar and his analytical mind, leading
to logical deductions and conclusions, was mani-
fest in his strong and able presentation of vari-
ous litigated' interests. He recognized, too, that
there were remarkable chances for the real-estate
dealer in investment in property, which was rap-
idly rising in value, and this led him to abandon
an extensive law practice and engage in the real-
estate business. His judgment proved accurate
and he attained a high measure of success during
the succeeding ten or fifteen years, which was
devoted to his real-estate dealing. While carry-
ing on his individual interests, he also had oppor-
tunity to do much for the city and his labors were
of direct and immediate serviceableness in behalf
31
of St. Paul. It was to iNIr. Oppenheim that St.
Paul is largely indebted for the .establishment of
the union stockyards in South St. Paul, also for
the building of the Metropolitan Opera House
and for several other large enterprises which have
been of value and benefit here. Mr. Oppenheim
was, moreover, one of the leading promoters of
what is now the Chicago & Great Western Rail-
road, the first railroad to enter St. Paul from
the west side of the river. He has acted as vice
president of the company since its organization
and was most diligen and enthusiastic in the pro-
motion of this enterprise. During the construc-
tion of the union stockyards he acted as presi-
dent of the company and has been identified with
many leading financial and commercial enter-
prises of the city. One of the salient elements
in his success has been his ready appreciation of
existing conditions and their possibilities and the
utilization of the means at hand, in co-ordinating
which he has produced results at once beneficial
to the individual and the city at large. The ex-
tent and scope of his business operations have
won for him recognition of his powers and abili-
ties and led to his selection for positions of public
trust. In 1880 he was appointed by Governor
Hubbard a member of the state board of equal-
ization and for one term was assemblyman of
St. Paul, conspicuous in this capacity as an ac-
tive promoter of the city's welfare. He has large
and important acquaintance with foreign capital-
ists, which has lieen useful to him in his great
enterprises.
In i86g Mr. Oppenheim was married to Miss
Josie Greve, a daughter of Herman Greve, one
of St. Paul's prominent citizens. He was a na-
tive of the province of \^'estphalia, Germany,
and came to this city in 1855. Here he invested
in real estate, but much of his life was devoted
to farming in Vernon county, Wisconsin. In
1880 he removed to St. Paul, where he was en-
gaged actively in business and at the time of his
death was one of the largest holders of real-
estate in this city. Mrs. Oppenheimer is promi-
nent in St. Paul society as a writer of ability and
pleasing literary style. She was educated in a
convent and has added to the knowledge thus
obtained the culture which is gained through ex-
598
PAST VXD PRESENT OE ST. PAUL.
tensive travel, for years being the companion of
her father on his various trips. .Mr. and Mrs.
Uppenheini have three sons : Herman, Lucius
and Greve. 2\ir. ( )])pi.-nheini is a memix-r of the
?iIinnesota Club antl a Alason in good standing,
while his political allegiance is given to the democ-
racv. A residence of twenty-eight years in this
citv has made him conversant with epochal events
in its history during that period. Possessing
managerial ability of a superior order, he has
taken cognizance of the opportunities which are
always to be met in a rapidly developing district
and has wrought along lines that have had direct
effect upon public progress and at the same time
have paid gratifying tribute to his ability and en-
terprise. This is a utilitarian age, in which the
prodtictive va-lues of all materials, conditions and
circumstances are taken into account, and he be-
comes a leader who recognizes the advantages that
may accrue from utiHzation of existing forces or
the co-ordination of powers. Such capacity is
possessed by Mr. Oppenheim, and while in his
earlier manhood he won prominence as a lawyer,
as a railroad man his labors have perhaps been
of more signal service to the city and a source of
greater income to himself.
LEWIS H. SCHNABEL.
Lewis H. Schnabel, who in January. 1905, to-
gether with E. M. Rosenc|uist, organized the Da-
cotah Manufacturing Company, already recog-
nized as an important productive industry of the
city with a trade extending throughout the
northwest, was born in Norwich, Connecticut.
August 10, 1872, and his life history is another
illustration of the fact that it is the \'oung men
who are today largely ruling important business
interests and managing the veins and arteries of
trade and trafific. His fatlier, George E. .Schnabel.
was born in Constantine, Michigan, and in 1857
became a resident of St. Paul, conducting a trad-
ing post here in territorial days upon the present
site of the First National Rank-, lie was thus
closely associated with tlu' iiioneer development
f)f the city and for years was prominent in the
hre insurance business here. He wedded Mary
Eunice Stedman, a native of Norwich, Connecti-
cut, who was reared by her grandfather, Thomas
Stedman, as was also her cousin, the renowned
Edmund Clarence Stedman.
Lewis H. Schnabel supplemented his early edu-
cation l)y study in Phillips Academy at Andover,
Massachusetts, and also pursued a business course
in Newark, New Jersey. His education com-
pleted, he accepted a position as traveling sales-
man for the Racine Woolen ]\lills, which he rep-
resented u]3on the road for seven years. He aft-
erward became identified with the Grand Forks
Woolen IMills at Grand Forks, North Dakota,
his connection with that house continuing for nine
years. He then invested his capital — the re-
sources of his labor — in the purchase of the plant
which is now being operated as the Dacotah Man-
ufacturing Company with Mr. Schnabel as presi-
dent and treasurer and E. M. Rosenquist as vice-
president and secretary. They bought the gar-
ment manufacturing business of the Grand Forks
Woolen Alills and in January, 1905, organized
the company. The firm does an extensive and
constantly increasing business, its trade extending
over the entire northwest and the sticcess of the
enterprise is largely due to the able management
and careful supervision of Mr. Schnabel. who is
thoroughly acquainted with the conditions of
trade in this line. When the company first began
business they operated a six machine plant and
the growth which has attended the enterprise is
indicated by the fact that at present they operate
a ])lant of sixty machines with a prospect of fur-
ther increase. Success is the attainment of a maxi-
mum result at a minimum outlay of capital and
labor. Mr. .Schnabel has eagerly availed himself
of every opportunity for the management of his
business upon an economical basis and yet he is
always fair in his treatment of his emjiloyes, who
kniiw that faitliful service will win rec()gnition
in ])romotion as op])ortunitv oti'ers. A portion
of tlie stock of this company is reserved for the
emi)loyes, so that each man not only gets his reg-
idar salary but also dividends on the shares which
he owns. Mr. Schnal)el is a self-made man, whose
ach-aucenunt has come as the reward of his ])er-
sisteut labor. He seems to ])ossess peculi;ir fit-
[.[■:\\ IS II. sciixAUia,
PAST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
6oi
ness for this line of business activity and marked
success has followed his efforts.
On the I2th of October, 1893. Mr. Schnabel
was married to Miss Catherine X'alentine Drake,
of Woodbridge, New Jersey, and they have two
children, Dudley Carlisle and Ina Schnabel. b'ra-
ternally Mr. Schnabel is connected with the Ala-
sonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-
second degree of the Scottish rite and the Knights
Templar degree of the York rite. He is also a
member of the Mystic Shrine and of the Presby-
terian church and in the midst of an active and
useful business career he has yet found time and
opportunity for the discharge of the social and
moral obligations which rest upon the individual.
and only the capability of the candidate for the
discharge of the business interests of the city
is the subject for consideration.
Wir.LIAM F. ALTHEX.
William F. Althen, buyer for the large gro-
cery house of the Andrew Schoch Grocery Com-
pany, was born in St. Paul. January 26, 1873,
a son of Frederick and Katherine (Bonn) Al-
then, the former a native of Germany and the
latter of the I'nited States. They are residents
of St. Paul, where the father is engaged in busi-
ness as a contractor and builder. They have a
daughter and two sons : Katherine, who is cash-
ier with the Andrew Schoch Grocery Company :
and Henry, who is with his father in business.
William F. .Vlthen, the other member of the
family, having acquired his education in the pub-
lic schools of St. Paul, became connected with
the grocery business in the house of which he is
still a representative, and his fidelity, capability
and diligence have secured his promotion from
time to time. For the past eight years he has
been buyer for the house and displays keen and
discriminating judgment in the value of produce.
His ability as a buyer has been of no unimpor-
tant factor in the success of the firm.
Mr. Althen was married in 1903 to Miss Lil-
ian Snvder, of St. Paul. They are members of
the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the
Knights of the Maccabees, while his political al-
legiance is given to the republican party save at
local ek>ctions, where there is no issue involved
TOHX F. SELB.
Ji_>lm F. Selb, whose influence in political cir-
cles has made him one of the leaders of the re-
publican party in St. Paul and whose practice
at the bar gives him a position of prominence
among the representatives of the legal frater-
nity, was born in this city, December 12, 1872.
His father, Alexander Selb. a native of Germany,
came to the United States in 1855, settling in
St. Paul, where for several years he was in the
employ of Gen. Henry H. Sibley, one of the
pioneer merchants of this city. He acted as
trader with the Indians and afterward conducted
a grocery business on his own account. In 1866
he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits,
beginning the improvement of a farm between
St. Paul and Fort Snelling, which he continued
to cultivate until his death in 1886. His wife,
who bore the maiden name of Caroline Karcher,
was a native of St. Louis and a daughter of John
Karcher, who in partnership with Frank G.
Renz, conducted the tirst confectionery business
in St. Paul.
John F. Selb was educated in the public schools
of his native city and completed his professional
course by graduation from the St. Paul College
of Law in the class of 1902. The same year he
began practice here and has won notable success
as a young attorney. He is, moreover, well known
as one of the active and influential workers in re-
publican ranks and has been honored with a
number of positions of public trust. He was as-
sistant coqioration attorney of the city of St.
Paul and deputy clerk of the district court of
Ramsey county. In 1904 he was elected to the
state legislature from the thirty-fifth district and
served in the thirty-fourth session of the general
assembly.
In 1904 IMr. Selb was married to Miss Grace
G. Rosenkrans, a daughter of Henry Harrison
Rosenkrans, of Bvron, AFichigan, who died about
602
PAST A.\D PRESENT Ul'" ST. PAUL.
eight years ago. The ancestry of the family can
be traced back to colonial days in New York and
representatives of the name were prominent dur-
ing the period of the Revolution and aided in the
military service which won national independence.
]\lr. and .Mrs. Selb have a son, Donald Rosen-
krans. I'Vaternally ]\Jr. Selb is connected with
the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a
member of the Episcopal church and his frater-
nal, church and political relations indicate much
of the character of the man and the principles
which underlie his conduct, forming the motive
power of his actions. His wide-felt influence and
his untiring efTort for the progress and advance-
ment which are secured through political action
marks him as a public-spirited citizen and St. Paul
honors him as one whose life, known to all by
reason of the fact that he has ever been a resi-
dent of this city, makes him w-orthy of general
regard.
JOHN E. HAAS.
John E. Haas, pruminent in banking circles
as vice president of the State liank of St. Paul.
was born in St. Paul, April 20, 1877, his par-
ents being Henry G. and Jennie E. (Cramsic)
Haas, both of whom were natives of Pennsylva-
nia. In the year 1857 the father came to St.
I'aul, where he has since been engaged in the
meat packing Inisiness as a wholesale and retail
dealer. His wife died March 14, 1905. and nf
their five children two have passed away.
In the public and ])arochial schools John I..
Haas pursued his education, attending for some-
time the Uretin scliool conducted by the Catholic
r.rcitbers, from which institution he was gradu-
ated. Pie entered lousiness life as an emplove in
the office of H. T. Ouinlan, a merchandise broker
nf .St. Paul, with wliom he remained for a year
and a half. He has been an active factor in
l)anking circles since September, 1896, when he
entered the new State P.ank of St. Paul, of which
be is now the vice president. This bank was in-
cor])orated September 22, 1890, w'ith the following
officers : Charles Joy, president ; J. C Freeman,
vice president; H. J. Freeman, cashier; directors,
U. E. Humphrey, M. P. Ryan, George Michel,
George U. Freeman and Henry G. Haas. John L.
Haas succeeded to the vice presidency about
eight years later and has for two years occupied
the position. A general banking business is con-
ducted and a new bank building is soon to be
erected at 758-760 Wabasha street. Air. Haas is
also treasurer of the Citizens Savings Bank and
is accounted one of the leading representatives of
financial interests in this city.
In 1902 was celebrated the marriage of John
E. Haas and Miss Clara M. Broderick, of Du-
buque, Iowa. They have a daughter, Mary Gene-
vieve, three years of age, and lost a son. John
Henry. Air. Haas is a charter member of the
Knights of Columbus lodge in St. Paul and is
connected with the Independent Order of Forest-
ers, the Sons of Hermann and the Catholic Ca-
thedral, affiliations which indicate much of his
character and the motives which govern his ac-
tions. He is a fine type of the progressive young
business man, possessing the executive force and
keen insight wdiich insures safe investments. He
readily comprehends intricate situations and his
stud}- of the business conditions of the country
has gained liini l)roa(l knowledge of a practical
and effective character.
JAMES EDWARD MLl.ROONEY.
James Edward Mulrooney, whose intense and
well directed activity has been the liasic element
upmi wbieli has been builded the superstructure
of his success in tlie business world, making him
today one of the prominent wholesale merchants
of St. Paul — the senior jjartiier of ijic lirm of
Mulrooney. Ryan & Clark Compan\-, was born
in Roseniount. Dakota county, Minnesota, on the
4tli of September, 1857. His father, Dennis Mul-
rooney, was a native of Ireland and came to the
Ignited States in 1848, settling in New Jersev.
.After six years spent in the east lie came to Alin-
nesota in 1855. arriving in St. Paul in the month
of .April, at which time the commonwealth was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
603
still under territorial rule. He devoted his atten-
tion to farming in Dakota county, successfully
following general agricultural pursuits until, his
death on the 20th of April, 1879. In early man-
hood he married Anastacia Hays, who died about
four years ago and is survived by five of their
six children.
James E. .Mulrooney acquired his education in
the Rich X'alley district schools and St. John's
College at Collegeville, Minnesota, from which
institution he was graduated in the class of 1880.
Thus fitted by a liberal education for life's prac-
tical and responsible duties, he entered upon his
business career in the general mercantile estab-
lishment of J. C. Geraghty, of Rosemount. with
whom he was associated as a partner for ten
years. Success attended the enterprise and, de-
sirous of having still greater scope for his busi-
ness activity and energy, Mr. Mulrooney came
to St. Paul in 1890, and the firm of McGuire &
Mulrooney. whi.ilesalc dealers in produce and
fruits, was formed. A change in the partnership
led to the adoption of the firm style of J. E. Mul-
rooney & Company, and in 1903 the name of Mul-
rooney, Ryan & Clark Company was assumed.
The business is today carried on under the style
of Mulrooney. Ryan & Clark Comi^any, general
wholesale dealers in produce and fruit, at Nos.
77-79 East Third street and Nos. 31 r-315 Minne-
sota street. The business of the house has now
reached extensive proportions and the firm is
a prominent one in commercial circles in St.
Paul.
Mr. Mulrooney was married in Rochester,
.Minnesota, in 1884, to Mary E. Ryan, who died
^ larch i-j, 1905, leaving a son. Norbert James,
who at the age of twelve years is attending school.
Mr. Mulrooney is independent in political views.
He is a cdmiiumicant of the Catholic church and
a charter member of the Commercial Club and be-
longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He
stands high in business circles, demonstrating his
ability to handle important and extensive interests
and at the same time winning an unassailable rep-
utation by his straightforward methods and
strong dfetermination. His life has been one of
continuous activitv. in which has been accorded
due recognition of labor. His interests are thor-
oughly identified with those of the northwest, and
at all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-
operation to any movement calculated to benefit
this section of the country or advance its wonder-
ful development.
WIXX 1'()WI-:RS.
Winn Powers, one of the most prominent rep-
resentatives of Odd Fellowship in Minnesota,
and the publisher of The Odd Fellows' Review,
was born in Wilhams county, Ohio, April 29,
1861, a son of Edwin and Clara (Jones) Powers,
the former a native of Allegany covmty. New
York, and the latter of Ohio. The father was a
farmer by occupation. When a youth of seven
years he accompanied his parents on their removal
to Steuben county, Indiana, At the age of seven-
teen he purchased a farm across the state line
in Williams county, Ohio, and became one of
the most prominent and successful farmers in
iiiirthwestern Ohio.
Winn Powers began his education in the dis-
trict schools of his native county and continued
his studies in a high school in Fremont, Indi-
ana, afterward graduating from the business de-
partment of Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela-
ware, Ohio. Entering the commercial field he
acted as publishers' agent with headquarters at
Chicago until the fall of 1884, when he came to
St. Paul, and in 1889 established the Northwest-
ern Odd Fellows Review, a monthly publication
with an international circulation. The magazine
is eleven by fourteen inches and is the official
organ of the Odd Fellows society of several
northwestern jurisdictions. Five years after be-
ginning its publication. Ww Powers purchased
a similar paper, published in Chicago, and com-
bined the two and still pubhshes under the name
of The Odd Fellows Review. It has an exten-
sive circulation, and is one of the best journalis-
tic and representatives of fraternal interest in the
country.
Mr. Powers was married in 1887 to Miss Kate
Pates, the oldest daughter of Dr. Orson Bates,
T^lrs, Powers also being a native of Ohio. They
6o4
PAST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
have three children, Harry, Orson and Kathryn,
aged respectively eighteen, thirteen and nine
years. The elder son is a high-school graduate.
while the younger children are attending the
grammar schools. The family are members of
the Merriam Park Presbyterian church, and Mr.
Powers is a valued representative of several fra-
ternal organizations, including tfie Knights of
P_\thias and the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. His local connection with the Odd Fellows
is Capital City lodge. No. 48, I. O. O. F. He be-
longs to all branches of the order, and is a past
grand master, while at the present writing he is
representative to the sovereign grand lodge.
Thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and
purposes of this great order which numbers one
million five hundred thousand throughout this
country and in foreign lands as well and which
stands for a recognition of the brotherhood of
mankind ; he has done much to further the inter-
ests and promote the work of the organization.
He has a well equipijed office and the paper
stands for the best in the printer's art, as well
as for all that is highest in connection with jour-
nalism of this character. Mr. Powers has also
manifested a sincere and genuine interest in af-
fairs relating to the city and its progress and has
done eflfective service for general improvement,
reform and upbuilding in relation to municipal in-
terests in his service in the city council. At the
present time he is vice president of the assembly.
He has shown a statesman's grasp of affairs in
many matters relating to municipal progress and
the welfare of the commonwealth and is an ac-
knowledged champion (if many matters relative
to reform and improvement.
Rl'IX )l.l'll SCIIil'I'.MA.V.V. M. D.
Public-spirited citizens are b\' no means rare
in St. Paul but it is an mifortunatc fact that we,
as a people, are rather prone to applaud and re-
ward that citizen who, with his voice alone, pro-
claims the spirit that abides in him and urges
others to give of their suljstance to material bene-
factions than to accord the nreed of approbation
to the man whose modestry restrains him from
])roclaiming his contributions to the public wel-
fare. The pen that writes the check which pays
for a benefaction does not make nearly so much
noise as does the orator who raises his voice in
urging the benefaction — and the applause gener-
ally follows the noise. Hence it is that many
men who have done much to the furtherance of
the public welfare have been permitted to go un-
rewarded, their names written in minor charac-
ters on the local roll of fame while others — oc-
cupying the position of the man who was enthus-
iastic on the subject of having his wife's relatives
go to the wars — have succeeded in having their
titles and deeds written in flaming letters on that
same roll.
Among the men whose purses have been open
at all times to the demands made on their citizen-
shi]) there is none wdio deserves better at the hands
and in the memories of the people of St, Paul
than Dr. Rudolph Schiftmann. And in his case
there has been no flaunting of his good deeds,
preaching about his high motives, no strenu-
ous proclamation of his giving. While he has
been and is appreciated as one of the men who
have done much for St. Paul he has made no
noise in the community, for he neglected the
fireworks which have come to be part of the
stock in trade of some of the self-proclaimed jihil-
anthropists. His wealth, his time and his best in-
te'lligence have been drawn on without stint and
have been given without hope or expectation of
reward.
Dr. Sehift'mann is one of the self-made men who
made a complete job of it in the making of them-
selves. He did not overlook the Ix-tter things
of life in the making. \\'hile he was attaining
wealth he was not unmindful of other things and
when he came tfi that period of his life when he
could retire, otium cum dignilate, he remained in
])ossession of those attributes which make life
worth the living — with a cultivated appreciation
of the beautiful, an e.\i)ansive knowledge, other
occujiations than the sordid pursuit of wealth and
the mental and physical capacity to surround him-
self with those things that bespeak a refinement of
the senses altogether too rare in these days. His
life storv is not uninstructive:
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
605
Rudolph Scliiffmanii was born in St. Louis, of
German ancestry, in 1844. Educated in the com-
mon schools of his native city he received his aca-
demic and professional training in Washington
and St. Louis Universities, but volunteered for
the war before taking his degree in medicine.
Enlisting as a private he served in Company D,
Eighth Missouri Cavalry, and saw service at the
battle of David's Bluft, Arkansas, one of the
hottest minor engagement of the war, and was
present at the capture of Little Rock. At the
close of the war he resumed his medical studies
and took his degree in medicine at St. Louis \jm-
versity in 1807. He was at once appointed assist-
ant surgeon in the regular army and was assigned
to Hancock's expedition against the Kiowas, Co-
manches, Arapahoes and Cheyennes. Tlie Indi-
ans had been ravaging the frontier and the expe-
dition accomplished a great work for civilization
in ])utting them down. When peace had been
established on the frontier and the army was
destined, apparently, for garrison service Dr.
Schiffnian had no mind for the inactivity of such
a life and resigned in 1868, coming at once to
St. Paul to enter upon the practice of his pro-
fessi<in. As the result of his experiments in
special practice Dr. Schiffman produced a medi-
cine which became celebrated as a specific and
leaving his general practice he went into the pro-
prietary reinedy business. So successful was he
in this field that his name became well known over
the civilized world, and he attained a very large
measure of substantial success. Since 1879 he
has not been in general practice.
Dr. Schiffman has been active in public affairs
in St. Paul for many years, holding offices when
required to but always places that carried no
compensation, except such as might come to a
conscientious citizen from the performance of a
duty. He was a member of the park board cre-
ated by the legislature and which had to do with
the planning of the park system which has since
been realized to the utmost. From the first he
was intensely interested in the park system and,
being possessed of a nice aesthetic sense, he was
able to contribute very largely to bringing to the
fullest fruition the aims and ]ilans of the park
promoters. The licautiful fountain which makes
one of the principal attractions at Como Park was
the gift of Dr. Schift'mann. While traveling in
Europe his fancy was caught by the classic beau-
ty of a fountain he saw in Portugal. He had the
fountain duplicated in Paris and presented it to
the city. In 1905 he offered to make a large
money gift to be used in the erection of a hand-
some pavilion at Como but an unfortunate situa-
tion arose which compelled the Doctor, in jus-
tice to himself, to forego his intention and the
people lost the benefaction. He enriched the
flora of Como by many gifts from his private
collection and was one of the most liberal and
judicious promoters of the adornment of this
beauty spot.
As a member of the school board when the
schools of St. Paul were in a formative state he
did much to bring about their present efficiency.
In 1898 Dr. Schiffmann, during his absence from
the city, was unanimously nominated for mayor
by the democrats but was defeated'by A, R, Kief-
er by a bit of political sharp practice which took
the form of a third candidate bidding for the
democratic vote. In 1900 he was nominated by
the democrats as alderman from the seventh
ward^ — a forlorn hope, as no democrat was sup-
posed to have any chance of carrying the ward
in the face of a normal republican majority of
about one thousand five hundred. His standing
with his neighbors and friends was demonstrated
in his election to the office. In 1902 and again in
1904 he was elected on the democratic ticket to
the assembly and his service in that body was of
a character to appeal to the entire community.
He resigned from the assembly in itjo.v when he
bought a beautiful home in Pasadena, California,
where he now resides.
In his private life Dr. Schittniann carried into
jiractice the theories he stood for in public life.
As an employer of labor he, for many years,
shared with his employes a part of the profits
of a business which has its ramifications all over
the world. He was a substantial contributor to
all ])ublic movements and his name generally
headed subscription lists for public puqioses. His
]irivate benefactions cannot be reckoned with but
they were known to be many. Of late years he
has been a great traveler and his broad culture
r3o6
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
\va< the result of acquiring knowledge at first
hand by association with the people of many
countries. An enthusiastic collector of orchids
Dr. Schiffmann had. personally or through his
agents, ravaged the forests of the tropics for
rare specimens and his conservatories at his Sum-
mit avenue home contained one of the finest col-
lections in the country. The high character of
the collection was demonstrated by the fact that
his exhibit at the flower show at Los Angeles last
winter was the central feature of the exhibition
and took all the prizes.
Dr. SchifYmann was married in St. Louis, in
]868. to Aliss L^abella Johnson and there are four
children of the union : Rudolph J., now directing
the business of the SchifYmann Company and re-
siding in the family home on Summit avenue ;
Frederick C, formerly active in Minnesota poli-
tics in which he was a considerable factor in
the republican organization : Minnie, the wife of
J. Alan MacLeod, a well known St. Paul archi-
tect; and Florence A., who n:arried C. ]M. Stew-
ard, of Piano, Tllintiis.
ludwk; h. sutmar.
After long and active connection with busi-
ness interests in St. Paul as a wagon manufac-
turer Ludwig H. Sutmar is now living retired
save for the supervision which he gives to his
invested interests that the financial return there-
from may increase and supply him with the com-
forts and luxuries of life. A native of Germany,
he was born June 20, 1830. his jwrents being
P'redcrick and .Minnie Sutmar. who spent their
entire lives in (jermany. where the father fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. In their fam-
ily were six children and those still living are:
Ludwig H. ; Charlotte, the wife of Jacob Richter.
of Los .Angeles, California ; and Herman, of Ger-
many. Those who have passed away are: Henry,
who died in Germany : Caroline, who became the
wife of Frederick Lindeke and died in St. Paul ;
and Frederick, who passed away in St. Paul.
Ludwig TT. .'^utmar was reared upon the home
farm and acquired his education in the parochial
schools of his native country. When eighteen
years of age he began learning the wagonmak-
er"s trade, at which he continued to work until
the fall of 1855, when he crossed the Atlantic
and made his way to St. Louis, Missouri, and
afterward to Warrington, that state, where he
worked at his trade until 1857. That year wit-
nessed his arrival in St. Paul, then a small town
of little industrial or commercial prominence,
which was, however, constantly attracting to it
men of enterprise and determination, who have
been its upbuilders and promoters. On arriving
in this city Mr. Sutmar entered the emplo\- of
Henry Schurmeier, after which he worked at
his trade for seven years. He then removed to
Eighth street, where he began business as a wagon
manufacturer as a member of the firm of Kasey,
Mahle & Sutmar. On the death of the senior
partner the firm continued as Mahle & Sutmar
until six years ago, at the end of which time Air.
Sutmar retired after thirty years devoted to wag-
on-making in this city. He now looks after his
various business interests and his rest from la-
bor is well merited, for through many years he
was active and energetic, gaining a large nu-asure
of prosperity. He built up a paying industry in
his wagon manufacturing, the firm employing
several wagonmakers, blacksmiths, painters and
trimmers. Success attended the enterprise and
Mr. Sutmar is now enjoying the result of his dili-
gence and energy, which are indispensable ele-
ments to success.
On the 4th of May, 1862. occurred the mar-
riage of I^udwig H. Sutmar and Miss Augusta
Lindke, a daughter of Frederick and Johanna
(P.artle) Lindeke. Mrs. Sutmar died .\ugust 30,
ii;o4. at the age of sixty-two years. The children
iif the familv are as follows: .Mliert, who is livin.g
in ( )akes. North Dakota: \\'illiam, of St. Paul:
Louis (1., of this city: I'.mma. the wife of Julius
Reim, of Mimieapolis: Frederick. Minnie, Paul-
ine and Herman, all of St. Paul. 0\ this family
Louis G. Sutmar m;u-ried Jessie Lambie and they
have one child. Russel L. Mrs. Emma Reim has
three children. .Mice M.. Otto F. and Annin.
William, who married Minnie Ruppe, of Rush
City, Minnesota, has two children, Clarence G.
ami Louis J. Mr. Sutmar takes great interest in
PAST AXD TRESEXT UE ST. I'AEL.
607
these grandchildren, spending many pleasant
honrs in their company in watching their growth
and development.
A member of the German Lutheran church.
Mr. Sutmar has shaped his life according to its
teachings anil principles. He was one of the
founders of the church, has occupied all of its
prominent offices and has done everything in his
power to promote its growth and substantial im-
provement. In seeking for the causes which
have contributed to his success we find them
not scT much in their rarity as in their harmonious
union and they may be briefly stuiimed up by
saying that he has the manners of a gentleman
and the habits of a man of business — a combina-
tion of qualities that are bound to jjroduce the
highest results. It is no very rare thing for a
]50or boy in our countr_\ to become a prosperous
man and occupy a commanding position in the
l)usiness world, but many who have fought their
way from poverty to wealth, from obscuritv to
]>rominence, retain some marks and scars of the
conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping,
lint Air. Sutmar is an instance of a man who has
achieved success without paying the price at
which it is so often bought, for his prosperity has
not removed him farther from his fellownien but
has brought him into nearer antl more intimate
relations to them. The more means he has had
the more he has done for those around him ani! he
is numbered among St. Paul's prominent citiz^'ns,
who for many years active in business is now en-
joying in honorable retirement, the results of his
former labor and concentration of purpose.
REW AI.PHOXSE \'AXDEX 1U)SCH.
Rev. .\lplionse \'andenI!oscli. assistant pastor
of St. John's church of St. Paul, was born in
France in 1869. His father, Adolph \'an don-
Bosch, was born at Eecloo, Relginm, and for
some }ears he occupied a responsible position
with the gas company. He is now living in
Erance at the age of eighty-one years, while his
wife, Mrs. Adelaide \'andenP>osch, has reached
the age of sixty-five years.
Father X'andenllosch of this review was the
fourth in order of birth in their family of twelve
children. He attended the common schools of
his native country and the College of Rosmini at
Domodossola in the diocese of Xovara, Italy,
where he was ordained to the priesthood on the
30th of Alay, 1896, by Bishop Eduardo Pulci-
ano. He then went to Belgium, where he had
charge of a parish and school, remaining at that
place for two years. He afterward returned to
France, where he was appointed chaplain of an
orphan asylum near Lille, occupying that posi-
tion for two years. In 1901 he came to the Unit-
ed States, making his way to Louisiana, where in
the diocese of Xatchitoches. he spent five months
and on the ist of September of the same year he
came to St. Paul, spending several weeks at the
Cathedral. He afterward went to Centerville,
Alinnesota, where he was pastor of the Catholic
church for two years and he was transferred to
■St. Paul as assistant pastor of St. John's church,
which position he has since filled.
GILBERT HEXRY.
(/lilbert Henry, well known in \rade circles and
a native son of St, Paul, born July 4, iB/y, ac-
([uired his elementary education in the public
schools anrl afterward attended the L'niversity of
Minnesota, matriculating in the law department,
from which he was graduated as a member of
the class of 1901. He entered upon the active
practice of the profession in the office of the
law firm of How, Taylor & Mitchell, where he
remained for a few years and then turned his
attention to the shoe trade as secretary and treas-
urer for the firm of French, P'inch & Henry,
extensive jobbers and wholesale dealers of boots,
shoes and rubbers. This house is one of the
leading enterprises in this line in tlie northwest
with a volume of trade that indicates the jirogres-
sive methods, thorough reliability and enterprise
that form the salient features of its commercial
polic}'.
Mr. Henry is a member of the Commercial
Club and of the Lutheran church. He is widelv
6o8
PAST AND I'RF.SEXT Ol- ST. i'ALL.
known in business circles as one of the young
men of St. Paul who is rapidly advancing to a
foremost position here, while socially he is popu-
lar, having- an extensive circle of friends.
BAXXOX & COMPAXY.
The two brothers, George and William Ban-
non, constitute the well known firm of Bannon &
Company, proprietors of the People's Department
Store at the southwest corner of Minnesota and
Seventh streets in St. Paul. The business is one
of the leading mercantile enterprises of the city
and owes its development and substantial growth
to the enterprise, business discernment and keen
discrimination of the owners. The brothers are
natives of Abbeyleix. Queens county, Ireland, and
deorge Bannon came to America in 1882 and
William in 1886. Coming to St. Paul in the lat-
ter year, they opened their store in November, at
first occupying the first floor and basement of a
building twentv-five by one hundred feet, at which
time they employed only fifteen salesmen. The
fact that they today employ from two hundred to
three hundred and fifty — the latter number during
the holiday season — indicates the remarkable
and gratifying growth of their business during
the past twenty vears. They had formerly been
engaged in merchandising in Indianapolis. Indi-
ana, having opened a store there in 1883. In 1900
they removed to St. Paul and today their present
extensive establishment occupies thirty thousand
square feet of floor space, in which is carried a
very full and complete line of general merchan-
dise. They began business on a capital of less
than five thousand dollars. Today they are own-
ers of the fine business block at Nos. "2 and 74
East Seventh street, which they occupy in con-
nection with the adjoining store rooms utilized
in their trade. This block was recently jiurchased
by them at a cost of one Inmdred and twenty
seven thousand five hundred dollars.
George Bannon was married in lioston. Alassa-
chu.setts, to Miss K. M. Warren, of Dublin, Ire-
land, who came to this country a year after his
arrival and they reside at X'o. 793 Osceola avenue.
They have seven children all living, namely : Wil-
liam Richard, who is engaged in business in Flor-
ida : Lillian, a vocalist of note, who is now a
member of a church choir in Chicago ; Bella, the
wife of Frank Rowland, manager of the Minneap-
olis branch of the store of Bannon & Com])any ;
Addie, the wife of George A. Bigler, nf the
American National Bank of Indianapolis, Indi-
ana ; Lena, Emily and George, all at home.
William Bannon was married in St. Paul to
Clara Frances Hawk, of Canton, Ohio, and they
have one daughter, Dorothy, who is with them
in their attractive home at No. 1009 Summit
avenue.
(jeorge Bannon is a member of the Episcopal
church, thus adhering to the faith of his fore-
fathers. His political allegiance is given to the
democracy and he is a member of the Royal Ar-
camini. \\"illiam I'.annon also belongs to the
Royal Arcanum and to the Commercial Club and
he and his wife attend the ^lethodist Episcopal
church. The brothers are representative mer-
chants of St. Paul with a business record that any
man might be proud to possess. It would seem
trite to those familiar with the commercial his-
tory of the city to say that they have risen un-
aided from a comparatively humble ])osition to
rank with the foremost merchants here and yet it
is but just to say in a history that will descend
to future generations that their business record
is such as au\- man might be proud to possess.
Thev have never made engagements that they
have not filled i>r incurred obligations that they
have not met and the\ have won the admiration
and entire respect of their contemporaries.
LOUIS EISEXAil'IXC.lCK.
In the early days of St. Paul's business devel-
opment Louis Eiscnmenger, now deceased, came
to this city, the year of his arrival being 1858.
lie was engaged in the wholesale and retail meat
business here throughout the remainder of his
life, ami tlie business which he established and so
long conducted successfully is now being managed
bv his son and .son-in-law under the firm stvle of
willia:*! bannon
GEORGE BANNOK
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
613
the L. Eisenmenger Meat Company. This is one
of the largest wholesale and retail markets of the
city. Mr. Eisenmenger was a native of Germany,
bom June iG, 1838. His parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Louis Eisenmenger, Sr., came to America at an
early da_\-, first settling in Milwaukee, Wiscon-
sin, where they lived for a few years, coming
thence to St. Paul about 1858. Here the father
lived retired until his death. Init the mother de-
parted this life in Milwaukee.
Louis Eisenmenger acquired a limited educa-
tion in his native countr}-. but was only fourteen
years of age when his parents crossed the Atlan-
tic to America. While living in Milwaukee he
obtained a position in a small grocery store,
where he worked until the removal of the family
to St. Paul. Here he secured employment in a
meat market as general helper and was thus en-
gaged until after the outbreak of the Civil war,
when his patriotic spirit being aroused in sup-
port of his adopted country, he enlisted on the
15th of August, 1862, as a member of Company
G, Sixth Minnesota Infantry. He first served
under Captain Valentine and afterward under
Captain Stees, while Colonel Crooks commanded
the regiment. He served as a private throughout
the period of warfare with the south and with the
Indians on the frontier and was in several bat-
tles of note, but was never injured and was hon-
orably discharged in the south on the njth of Au-
gust, 1865.
Following his return to St. Paul Mr. Eisen-
menger embarked in business on his own ac-
count as a retail meat merchant in what is known
as the old market on Wabasha street. His busi-
ness soon increased and justified his removal to
the Pfeifer Block, where he conducted his store
for six years. He then removed his business to
to Nos. 455 and 457 Wabasha street, where it has
since been conducted on both wholesale and retail
lines.
ilr. Eisenmenger was married in St. Paul to
]\Iiss Mary Hoffman, a native of Ohio and a
daughter of George and Margaret Hoffman.
The}' came to .\merica from the fatherland and
settled in Ohio, where they resided for several
years or until the mother's death. Mr. Hoffman
afterward removed to St. Paul, taking up his
abode here during the period of early progress.
He lived retired in this citv luitil his death. His
son. Philli]) llnft'man. who for man_\- years was
engaged in the grocery business on Seventh street,
has recently disposed of his store and is now liv-
ing retired, making his home with his sistef, Mrs.
Eisenmenger. He arrived in St. Paul in 1855.
I'nto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eisenmenger
there were born six children. Mrs. Charles Tru-
deau. who resides in St. Paul and whose husband
is a partner in the meat business under the firm
style of the I.. Eisenmenger Meat Company;
Louis P., who is employed as a cutter by the com-
pany and resides with his mother ; Charles W'.,
who is a partner in the business and is at home ;
Anna. Louise and ( )ttilie. who arc also with their
niotlier.
As the years passed by Mr. Eisenmenger's
trade increased rapidly and finally led to his en-
.gag'ing in the business as a wholesale as well as
retail dealer. He afterward organized what be-
came known as the L. Eisenmenger Meat Com-
pany at Nos. 455-457 Wabasha street with his
son and son-in-law as partners. This is the lar-
gest business of the kind in the city and several
branch stores or markets are conducted by the
firm in St. Paul. The founder of the business
continued actively in its management until the
early part of igoo, when he withdrew and lived
retired until his death, well meriting the rest
which he enjoyed. He passed away March 9,
1901. after a residence in the city of almost fort)--
five years. He was well known and was promi-
nent among the early settlers of St. Paul; hav-
ing been identified with many of the early inter-
ests of the city. He was a member of the first
hook and ladder company of St. Paul and was
always interested in everything pertaining to gen-
eral progress and improvement. In politics he
wa= an independent, supporting candidates rather
than party and he belonged to the Grand
Army post. He was also a charter member of
the Druids German Society. He was also a mem-
ber of the St. Paul German Lutheran church, of
which his wife and children are likewise com-
municants. Mrs. Eisenmenger has business prop-
erty here, together with a beautiful residence
which was built b\ Mr. Eisenmenger and which
014
I'AST Wn I'RESF.XT OF ST. PAUL.
is situated at Xo. 575 West L'niversity avenue,
where his widow and her children are now resid-
ing. The long years of active connection with
the meat trade of the citv. combined with his
marked enterprise and sound judgment, made
Mr. Eisenmenger one of the successful merchants
here and enabled him to leave his family in very
comfortable financial circumstances, so that they
arc enabled to enjoy the comforts and luxuries
which wealth can secure and refined taste
suggests.
THE .MIXXESOTA :\1UTUAL LIFE
SURAXCE COMPAXY.
IX-
The Minnesota .Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany of St. Paul had its beginning in .\ugust
1880. when the company was organized under the
laws of the state as an assessment company, bear-
ing for corporate name the Bankers' Life Associa-
tion of Minnesota. In iSgg. at a time when the
company was promptl}- paying ever\- death loss
and all other obligations and had an accumulation
of funds amounting to several hundred thousand
dollars, it was deemed advisable for the board
of trustees and members to go over to a legal
reserve (commonly spoken of as "old line"")
basis. It was learned that there was no law in
Minnesota providing the wa\' for reorganization
of legal reserve companies and therefore that
complete reorganization must await the next ses-
sion of the legislature to lie held in ii)oi. for an
enabling act. The legislature passed the desired
law and a reorganization was eflfected and the
name changed to the Minnesota Mutual Life In-
surance Company. The growth of business may
be indicated by the fact that on the 31st dav of
December. 1901. there were five thousand, three
hundred and forty-eight ])olicies in force, rejjre
senting in.surance to the amount of fourteen mil-
lion, one hundred and sixty thousand, six hun-
dred and twenty-nine dollars and on the ,^ist of
December. 1905, there were nine thousand and
seven policies in force, representing insurance to
the amount of twenty-five million, three hundred
and six thousand, eight hundred and ninety-seven
dollars. On December 31. 1900, the admitted as-
sets of the c(inipan\ amoimled to one million.
four hundred and seventy-two thousand, one
hundred and seventy-seven dollars and on De-
cember 31, i«K'5. to two million, forty-eight thou-
sand, three himdred and twenty-nine dollars. ( )n
January i. igo2. the company had in the field
not to exceed ten agents. Today it has twenty-six
established agencies in twenty-one states in
charge of local agency managers under whom
are em]3lo_\'ed not less than one hundred and
fort\' sub-agents. The business of the office
is conducted in most careful and painstaking
manner and at the close of each year an inde-
pendent public accountant of established reputa-
tion having no connection whatever with the
company or any officer or trustee is called in to
check and audit every account, every cash trans-
action, every voucher and every entry on the
c^.rds. books and records and make a full, de-
tailed, specific report of every error, etc.. if any
be found, and likewise to inspect, check, count
and report on each and every security held liy
the company.
C. P.. SCHMIDT.
C. P>. Schmidt, an attorney of the St. Paul
bar, practicing as the senior member of the
firm of Schmidt. Xewman & Olson, was born in
^lanitowoc. Wisconsin, January 20. 1872. His
father. Carl 11. Schmidt, was a native of Ger-
manv and came to the L'nited States when nine-
teen years of age. settling in Wisconsin. He is
well known in journalistic circles in that state,
having published the X'orthwestem in Manito-
wiic since 1858. He has moreover aided in mold-
ing the public policy and shaping the destiny of
the commonwealth because of the prominent and
induentiid ])art which he has taken in public
altairs. He serxed for nine years in the state
senate and as a member of the general assembly
and was connected with much important con-
,-truclive legislation, the value of which time has
|)roven. .\t his death he was serving as judge
of ])robate. His loyal citizenship was likewise
manifest in active service in the Civil war. for
STORE UK BANNON & COMPANY
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
617
following the inauguration of hostilities between
the north and the south he enlisted as a private
of Company P), Ninth Wisconsin \'ohinteer In-
fantry. He won ])romotion to the captaincv of
Company J, Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infan-
try, and took part in many important campaigns
and military movements which contributed to the
result that finally crowned the Union arms. His
wife bore the maiden name of Bertha Naas and
was also a native of (Germany.
C. B. Schmidt is indebted to the public-school
system of his native city for the early educa-
tional privileges he enjoyed, there obtaining his
more specifically literary knowledge. Preparing
for the bar, he was graduated from the law de-
partment of the University of Minnesota in the
class of 1901 and began practice in St. Paul,
remaining alone in his professional work until
1905, when he formed a partnership with T. J.
Newman and C. L. Olson under the firm name
of Schmidt, Newman & Olson. This is regarded
as one of the strong and able law firms of the
city and with a good clientage and public opinion
regarding their ability is indicated by the large
number of important cases that have been en-
trusted to them.
Air. .Schmidt was married in 1893 to Miss
Clara ( )hst, a daughter of August Obst, of St.
Paul. His fraternal relations are with the Wood-
men of America, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Order of Hermann's Sons,
while his religious faith is that of the German
Lutheran church. He is yet a young man hut
earnest cfhirt, close application and the e.xercise
of his native talents have won him considerable
prestige as a lawyer.
REV. JOFIN RYNDA.
Rev. John Rynda. pastor of St. Stanislaus
church in St. Paul since 1886, was born in i\Io-
ravia, .Austria, in i85i>, a son of Joseph and Fran-
ces ( Stastnik) Rynda. also natives of Moravia,
where they spent their entire lives. The father
was a farmer by occuijation and died in 1885,
at the age of sixty-five years. They had but two
children, the vounger being .\ntonia.
Father Rynda attended the common schools
of his native place and pursued his classical and
philosophical courses in Olmitz, Moravia, study-
ing theology in the .American College at Louvain,
Belgium. He was ordained to the priesthood in
1883 for work in America and came to the United
States in the fall of 1884, being assigned to the
diocese of St. Paul. His first charge was at
Delano, Minnesota, where he remained for six-
teen months and built a large Catholic school,
and in 1886 he came to this city, taking charge
of St. Stanislaus parish, where he has remained
to the present time. He established this parish
with sixty families and during his pastorate the
number has increased to three hundred families.
In the year of his arival he built a brick house
of worship which sup]3]anted a little frame
church. The new edifice is one hundred and
twenty by fifty-four feet and was erected at a
cost of ei.ghteen thousand dollars. In 1886,
Father Rynda also built a parsonage at a cost
of three thousand dollars, which has since been
greatly improved, and the Sisters' house was
erected in 1890 at a cost of twenty-six hundred
dollars. In 1902 he was instrumental in erect-
ing a parochial school building, ninety by forty-
five feet, two stories in height with basement.
There are now two hundred and fifty pupils and
six teachers, who are Sisters of Notre Dame.
The same year he erected a hall of brick, Katol-
icka Beseda (Catholic) circle, one hundred by
fifty feet, one story with basement. These build-
ings are all modern structures and the total cost
of these buildin,gs is thirty thousand dollars. The
parish is practically Bohemian and has been
increasing in prosperity and in the extent of its
church work. The present year the church was
artistically decorated by two artists from Prague,
Bohemia, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars
and is one of the finest decorated churches in
the city. The pastor's study is commodious, is
handsomely furnished and was beautifully dec-
orated by the same artists who decorated the
church. The parish has a large number of benev-
olent societies among both sexes and these include
children's societies, young people's societies and
also societies for the older members. There
are now one thousand communicants of the
6i8
I'AST A\D TRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
church, while the society membership numbers
seven hundred. Father Rvnda has indeed ac-
complished a great work since taking charge of
St. Stanislaus parish and his labors have been
a potent element for Catholic development and
progress in this city.
IIAYDX S. COLE.
Haydn S. Cole, vice president and counsel for
the Northwestern Trust Company, with which he
has been identified since its inception in 1903,
became a resident of St. Paul in 1888. He is a
graduate of ^^'est Point of the class of 1885. and
three years later as an officer of the L'nited
States army came to this city and served as a
member of the staii' of General Ruger and after-
wards on the staff of General ]\Ierritt. While
thus engaged he took up the study of law and
on leaving the army passed the necessary exam-
inations which secured his admission to the bar.
In 1892 he became a member of the law firm of
Stevens, O'Brien, Cole & Albrecht. which,
through the consensus of public opinion, was
accorded a prominent place among the represen-
tatives of the legal fraternity in .St. Paul. 'Slv.
Cole continued actively in practice as a member
of the firm until 1903, when, upon the inception
of the Northwestern Trust Company he became
the vice president and counsel. This company
is conducting a trust and agency business and
was organized in May, 1903, by bankers of St.
F^aul. the first officers being E. H. Bailey, presi-
dent: Ha\dn S. Cole, vice president; and R. R.
Dunn, secretary. The officers at the pres-
ent time are: E. TT. Bailey, president;
i laydn S, Cole, vice president and counsel : Fred-
eric .\. Fogg, vice president ; Ira C. ( )ehler, sec-
retary ; and John Townsend, treasurer. The com-
pany is capitalized fnr two hundred thousand dol-
lars aiifl has offices in the Endicott .\rcade and
is transacting a distinctively trust business. The
con-pan\- also transacts a safety dcjiosit business,
having twelve hundred bo.xes. These safety de-
|)osit l)o.xcs vary in size and price to suit the
needs of all and afford absolute safetv in the
keeping of valuable papers, jewelry, money, etc.
Watchmen on duty day and night, an electric
alarm system and massive construction make the
vaults a marvel of safety and beauty built at
great cost and absolutely secure from fire and
burglary. Mr. Cole is the active manager of
the business and his knowledge of the law relat-
ing to property and trusts combined with his
executive force and keen discernment have been
a valued factor in gaining for the companv its
present enviable position in financial circles in
St. Paul.
WILLL\M RUFUS EDWARDS.
\\ illiam Rufus Edwards, occupying an envi-
able position in business circles as president of
the Edwards & W'estmacott Lumber Com-
pany and as an officer and director in many other
corporate and financial institutions, seems to
have entered upon a field of constantly enlarging
business activity. It is true that in earlv man-
hood he became connected with an enterprise al-
ready established but in controlling and enlarg-
ing this many a man of less resolute spirit would
have failed. Mr. Edwards, however, has directed
his labors in accordance with ideas of modern
business progress, showing rare discrimination
in his selection of business concerns in which he
wishes to become either an active or infiuencing
factor. The name Edwards has long been con-
nected with the lumber trade in .St. Paul. His
father. William Chalmers Edwards, a pioneer
lumberman, has been for many years a leading
factor in the industrial and commercial life of
St. Paul and his business in its ramifying
branches reaches out to many ])oints in the west.
^^'illiam Rufus Edwards was burn JuK 24,
1875. in Hutchinson. Kansas, and was eight
\ears of age when brought to St. Paul bv his
parents in T883. .\fter attending the public
schools he pursued a course in the Macalester
College and put aside his text-lK>oks in 1893 to
learn the more difficult lessons in the school of
experience. He l)ecame associated with his fa-
ther in the lumber trade and resolutelv undertook
m"
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W. R. EDWARDS
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
621
the task of mastering the business in principU-
and detail. He has extended his efforts to other
lines of trade and commerce, becoming an officer
and director in various companies and financial
institutions. Mr. Edwards is only thirty-two
\-ears of age. yet he has assumed and conducted
large business responsibilities with credit and
profit.
Prominent socially. William R. Edwards be-
longs to the Ancient Landmark lodge. No. 5,
A. F. & A. M. and has attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish rite in the Minnesota con-
sistory. He likewise belongs to Osman temple.
A. A. O. N. M, S„ and to'the Elks lodge, No.
59. He is a member of the Commercial, Auto-
mobile and various other social clubs and busi-
ness organizations. His political allegiance is
given to the republican party. He is a man of fine
personal appearance and excellent physique, and
a cultured, genial gentleman in whom the press
of business obligations and responsibilities has
not dwarfted the elements of personal considera-
tion for others either in business or social life.
There have opened up to hiiu excellent oppor-
tunities in the management of important indus-
trial and commercial concerns and he has not
been found wanting in those strong qualities
which recognize and improve opportunities and
enlarge the scope of undertajkings.
CHARLES LYALAN GREENE.
Charles Lyman Greene, consulting physician,
of St. Paul, was born September 21, 1862, a son
of Dr. William Warren Greene and Elizabeth
Lawrence, both natives of Maine, and for many
years residents of Portland, Maine. The father
was the distinguished surgeon who first demon-
strated that goitre could be successfully removed.
He was professor of surgery in the University
of Michigan ; in Berkshire Medical College, at
that time the medical department of Williams
College ; and at the time of his death, which
occurred in 1881, was professor of surgery in
Bowdoin College.
Dr. Charles Lyman Greene acquired his pri-
mary education in the schools of Portland, Maine,
entered the class of 1885 at the University of
Michigan, his father's alma mater, and after an
interruption of several years, necessitated by his
father's death and spent in the service of the
Northern Pacific Railway Company at St. Paul,
returned to Michigan to take up the study of
his chosen profession, returning finall\- to take
his degree in medicine from the university of his
adopted state, ^Minnesota, in 1890, He was ex-
terne in the Great Ormond Street Hospital for
chilflren, in London, England, in the summer and
fall of 1890-1, did post-graduate work in Johns
Hopkins University at P.altimore. Maryland,
in 1893, and in Harvard in 1894, 1895 and 1897.
fall of 1890-1, did post-graduate work in Johns
and Paris in 1902, and in Heidelberg, Germany,
in 1906. His first active work in the profession
was as house physician in the City and County
Hospital at St. Paul in 1889 and i8yo, and first
assistant city physician (1891-2). He has de-
voted much tiiue to teaching in the middle west
and was appointed instructor in applied anatomy
in the University of Minnesota in 1891 and was
clinical professor of medicine and physical diag-
nosis from 1897 to 1903. In the latter year he
became professor of theory and practice of medi-
cine, in the department of medicine, assuming the
headship of that chair. He is the author of a
"Manual of Medical Diagnosis" for students and
practitioners and also of "The Medical Examina-
tion for Life Insurance and its Associated Clin-
ical Methods." He was formerly medical director
of the Minnesota ]\Iutual Life Insurance Com-
pany, holding that position from 1892-1904, has
been a member of the state board of health, pres-
ident of the Minnesota State Medical Associa-
tion, president of the National Association of
Life Insurance Examiners, is an attending phy-
sician at St. Luke's Hospital, the City and County
Hospital and the St. Paul Free Dispensary, and
likewise a trustee of St. Luke's Hospital. His
reports of original investigations won for him
a membership in the organization known as the
.Association of American Physicians, and he is
a member of the .\merican Medical Association,
622
I'ASr WD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
the Xational Association for the Study and Pre-
vention of Tiiherculosis. the American Associa-
tion tor the Advancement of Science, the Minne-
sota Academy of Medicine and the state and
county societies. He has written many articles.
including, "A Xew Aletliod of Controlling Per-
nicious A'omiting," "The Widal Reaction, includ-
ing a Xew .Microscopic Test." "The Diazo Re-
action with a description of a New Modification,"
"A Xew Fluoroscopic and Percussion Sign of
Unilateral Pleuritic Effusion," "The Early Diag-
nosis of Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch," etc, etc.
Dr. (ireene is a member of the Minnesota
Club and the Town and Country Club, and also
belong:s to Summit lodge, A. F. & A. 'SI. He
was married October 6, 1886, to j\Iiss Jessie Rice,
a daughter of Justus liurdick Rice and Eliza
Garland, of St. Paul, and there are two children.
Jessie Rice Greene and Dorothy Lawrence
Greene.
JOHN W. GAVER.
John W. Gaver, vice president of the Konantz-
Gaver Company, manufacturers of harness, sad-
dlery and similar goods in St. Paul, was born in
Franklin Grove, near Chicago, December 28,
i860. His parents were Martin Luther and
Sarah (Feaster) Gaver, both of whom were na-
tives of Maryland and are now deceased. The
father, who was a harness manufacturer, died
about four years ago and is survived by four of
the children of the family.
In the public schools of Franklin Grove John
^^'. Gaver began his education, which he contin-
ued through successive grades until he had com-
jilcted the high-school course and was graduated.
He then prepared for a business career by learn-
ing the harnessmaking trade under the direction
of his father and has been connected with this
line of business in Chicago and other places in
various capacities in connection with the sales
and management of offices. Pie took up his
abode in Chicago when twenty years of age and
there resided until 1901, when he removed to St.
Joseph. Missouri, and was secretary of the sad-
dlery department of the Wyeth Hardware
Manufacturing Company, also acting as manager.
He came to .St. Paul in 1905 and as a partner
entered the Konantz .Saddlery Company, at which
time the name was changed to the present style.
He is now vice president of the Konantz-Gaver
Company with E. A. Konantz as president ; A.
X'. Stacy, secretary; E. S. Konantz, treasurer;
and W. E. Zeller, superintendent. The business
was incorporated on December i, 1905. and is
one oi the most important wholesale concerns of
the city, employing about two hundred people
and occupying two large buildings of their own
for the manufacture and sale of their goods,
which are shipped throughout the entire west and
southwest. They sell only to the wholesale trade
and the orders make close demand upon the full
capacity of production.
In 1883 Mr. Gaver was married to Miss
Amelia C. Klein, of Amboy, Illinois, and they
have three children, Carl L., Dorothy C. and
Donald P., who are in school. They are members
of the First Presbyterian church and the family
residence is at No. 635 Grand avenue. In poli-
tics Mr. Gaver is a republican but has never
sought the rewards of office in recognition of
party fealty. Although one of the recent addi-
tions to business circles in St. Paul he is regarded
as a strong business man, W'hose influence and
efforts have already been felt as a moving force
in manufacturing and trade circles here. Fie
came to the business well equipped by thorough
knowledge and broad practical experience and his
great consideration of business duties and his
solution of business difficulties have contributed
in large meaure to the success of the house.
JOSEPH ^1. LEFEBVRE.
Joseph M. Lefebvre, president of the Lefebvre-
Deslauriers Roofing & Cornice Companv of St.
!';inl, has been a resident of this citv since 1854.
He came from Canada east, where he was born
in 1839 and spent his boyhood days. The
family is of French lineage and his father was
also a native of Canada. His great-grandfather,
iiowever, was born in France and emigrating to
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
623
the new worlil settled in Oucbec. Bazille Le-
febvre, tbe father, was a farmer and in his
bo\hood days Joseph ]\I. Lefebvre was reared
to that life, early becoming familiar with the
work of tlie fields. He came to St. Paul with an
elder brother in the fall of 1854 and the brother
with others went into the pineries for the winter.
Joseph M. Lefebvre, however, remained at Still-
water, Minnesota, through that winter and the
following year was left alone, his brother being
drowned. He worked at various employments
that would yield him an honest living and grad-
ually advanced in his position and in the control
of financial interests until some years later he
was enabled to engage in the conduct of a music
store, handling pianos, musical instruments and
musical merchandise for sixten years on Third
street in St. Paul. He so continued until he
turned his attention to the roofing business and
lit is now president of the Lefebvre-Deslauiers
Roofing & Cornice Company. This company-
was organized in 1886. His brother, L. T. Le-
febvre, entered the business in 1885 and is now
manager and treasurer of the company, while P.
A. Deslauriers is the vice president. Joseph
M. Lefebvre became a partner in 1887, the firm
being then known as the St. Paul Roofing & Cor-
nice Company. The Lefebvre-Deslauriers Com-
pany was incorporated in 1899 under the present
name, at which time the present officers were
elected. The business has since been continued
under the same management and has become
an important industrial and productive enterprise
of the city, the trade having reached extensive
and profitable proportions.
Mr. Lefebvre was married to Mrs. Louise
Guerin, a daughter of Eugene N. Larpenteur,
and was four years of age when she came with
the family from Baltimore, Maryland, to St.
Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Lefebvre have an adopted
daughter, Emily L., who is residing at home.
Mrs. Lefebvre has been married twice, having
been the widow of David Guerin, a son of the
prominent Guerin family of this city. His father
gave the ground upon which the courthouse was
built and was one of the first settlers in this
part of the state, while his son was the first white
32
male child born in St. Paul. David Guerin died
about thirty-two years ago, but his mother is
still living on Rice street near Rondo and his
brother is a member of the St. Patil police force.
Politically Mr. Lefebvre is independent and has
never accepted office, preferring to concentrate
his time and energies upon his business interests,
in which he has made siibstantial advancement,
embracing each opportunity for the enlargement
of his business interests, which are capably and
successfully conducted. In his religious views
he is a Catholic, being a communicant of St.
Louis church.
PHILLIP C. JUSTUS.
Phillip C. Justus, dealer in hardware and
stoves, is a native of St. Paul, having been born
May 5, 1865, his parents being Henry and Eliz-
abeth (Geyer) Justus, both of whom were na-
tives of Germany. They came to St. Paul in
1853 and the father worked at his trade of car-
riage-making. He was a member of the volun-
teer fire department in the early days and was an
interested witness of the development and growth
of the city from pioneer times to the period of
later-day progress and improvement. His politi-
cal allegiance was given to the republican party
and he remained a resident of this city until his
death, which occurred in 1906, when he was
seventy-eight years of age. His wife passed away
in 18S3, when fifty years of age. In their family
were six children : Christian, deceased : Louise,
the wife of F. W. Kraes. of St. Paul ; Barbara,
the deceased wife of Robert Spangenberg, of St.
Paul ; Amelia, the widow of A. W. Schwabe, of
St. Paul ; Henry, of Chicago ; and Phillip C.
In the public schools of this city Phillip C.
Justus acquired his preliminary education and
afterward attended Faddes Business College.
When eighteen years of age he entered upon a
two years ai)prenticeship to the tinner's trade
and afterward began in the hardware business at
No. 314 Rice street, where he is now located.
He established the store in a small way but has
steadily increased his stock to meet the grow-
ing demands of the trade and is now at the head
624
[•AST AX'D PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
of a prosperous business as a dealer in liardware
and stoves, tin sheeting and galvanized iron
work. This is today the leading hardware es-
tablishment in his section of the city and a liberal
patronage is accortled him. The secret of his
success lies not in any fortunate combination of
circumstances but is based upon close applica-
tion, a close study of the trade and corect business
principles.
In 1887. Mr. Justus married ]Miss Caroline
Decker, daughter of Adam Decker, a wholesale
and retail hardware merchant. 'Iheir children
are Elmer 11. and Arline L. In his political
views Air. Justus is a republican, active in the
partv, and has been a member of the board of
public works, having been appointed to the office
bv Mayor Frank B. Doran in 1897. He served
in that capacity for two years and in 1900 was
elected sheriff of Ramsey county, in which office
he discharged his duties with such promptness
and fearlessness that at the end of his two years'
term he was re-elected by an increased majority.
His administration of the duties of his position
was most efficient and he stood as a safe con-
servator of law and order, reducing the record
of crime in the city and giving an efficient police
rule. He has been active in ])cilitics since at-
taining his majority and has been chairman of
both the ward organizations of his party.
Socially he is connected with the Junior Pioneers,
with Minnehaha camp of the .\ncient Order of
United Workmen, with the Samaritans and the
Maccabees. His activity in fraternal, political
and business circles has made him a man of con-
siderable local influence, and viewed from various
standpoints his life record is creditable to the
citv of his liirth.
AK )Rti.m1':r I''( )Rfst.
.Mortimer h'orest, deceased, who was buyer for
the well known firm of Lindeke, Warner & Sons,
wholesale dealers in dry goods and notions in St,
Paul, was widely known in business circles here
and represented one of the old and prominent
families of the citv. He was born in Hrooklvn,
New York, October 26, 18O1. his parents being
Samuel A. and Lydia (Mortimer) Forest, both
of whom were natives of Brooklyn, where his
father was engaged in the wholesale clothing
business for many years. Ultimately he retired
from active business life and removed to the west
in 1890, making his home in St. Pa\il until his
death in December, 1905. Mrs. I'drest still
resides in St. Paul, her home being on Port-
land avenue. There were four sons of this mar-
riage, all of whom became prominent in business
life, namely: Eugene, a traveling salesman, who
is now residing in St. Paul ; Samuel, a banker of
South Dakota: Mortimer, of this review: and
Frederick, who is superintendent of the Montana
Central Railroad and resides in Great Falls. .Mon-
tana.
When a voung man >,lortimer Forest, who had
acquired a good education in the schools of the
east, came to Minnesota, settling first in Winona,
where he remained for a short time. He then
returned to I'rooklyn to complete his education,
attending a college, from which he was later
graduated. While in the east he had gained
the friendship of Mr. Warner of the firm of Lin-
deke, Warner & Sons and this led to his removal
to the west in 1878, at which time he took uj) his
abode in St. Paul. The firm mentioned was just
establishing its business and Mr. Forest accepted
a position as general helper and in fact opened
the first box of dry goods which was shipped
into what is now one of the most extensive .stores
of the city. Gradually he worked his way u])-
ward as his ability and business capacity were
recognized until he became a buyer for the house,
which ])osilion he filled for ten years. This is
one of the most important positions in connec-
tion with the successful conduct of any large
commercial establishment and .Mr. I'orest dis-
plaved (|ualifications that well entitled him to the
tru.st which the firm reposed in him in this con-
nection. In 190J he became ill with heart trouble
and for three years was in failing health, but
never gave up his business until the last few
months of his life.
Mr. Forest was married in St. Paul to Mrs.
Laura (Chandler) Turner, a native of Wisconsin
MokTI.Ml'.R l'(.)KEST
P.\ST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
627
ami a ilaughtur of Jiulgu John Aloiizo ami Ara-
belle (Davis) Chandler, of Wisconsin. Her father
was graduated from an eastern school and studied
law. He becaine a resident of St. Paul at a very
early period in the develojiment of the city and
was general agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railroad Company for fifty years. He
was very prominent here, where he was always
known as Judge Chandler. His death occurred
in this city ami his widow, Mrs. Chandler, is
now residing with a daughter in San I-'rancisco,
California.
The death of Mr. Forest occurred in this citv,
January 8, [ijo6. He had attained the Knight
Templar degree in Masonry and was a worths-
exemplar of the craft. In ]5olitics he was a demo-
crat. He had man\- friends among the whole-
sale merchants of St. Paul and in his death the
firm which he represented lost one of its mo.st val-
ued and trusted employes. In Inisiness life he
was thoroughly reliable and trustworthy and in
all relations enjoyed the confidence and good will
of those with whom he came in contact, winning
friends wherever he went. His death was there-
fore the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
In his home he was a devoted husband, his inter-
ests centering in his own household. Mrs. For-
est yet makes her home in St. Paul, residing at
No. 534 Holly avenue.
FERDINAND BARTA.
Ferdinand Rarta, who early displayed the ele-
mental strength of his character in that he pro-
vided for his own education and who as the
years have passed lias fulfilled in his professional
and political career the promises of his youth,
was born in Union, Vernon county, Wisconsin,
September 8, 1857. At the usual age he entered
the public schools and continued his education
therein until he harl completed a high-school
course in his native town, being graduated with
the class of 1879. His choice of a life work
falling upon the profession of law, he became a
student in the office of Howe & Turtelotte. at-
torneys of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and in 1882 was
admitted to the La Crosse bar. P.etween the ages
of seventeen and twenty-two he had taught
school and by applying himself to this work
had earned the means whereby he was enabled to
prosecute his law studies. His early ambition
— a most laudable characteristic — has continued
with him and has been a motive element in his
later success. In 1883 he came to St. Paul, where
he entered upon the practice of law and soon
built up a profitable business, securing a large
clientage of a distinctively representative char-
acter.
In 1894 he was prevailed upon to enter the
political arena and was nominated at the county
convention for representative to the state legisla-
ture from the fifth ward of St. Paul, which is
a recognized democratic stronghold and although
Mr. P.arta is a stalwart republican he was elected
by a substantial majority, which is a proof of
his personal popularity and the confidence reposed
in him l)y the general ])ul:)lic. That his service
was highly commendable and furthered the inter-
ests of the commonwealth is indicated by the
fact that he was re-elected in 1896. He is a
man of extensive reading and broad general in-
formation and a linguist of considerable power,
speaking fluently the Cerman, English and Bo-
henu'an tongues. He is thus enabled to address
audiences of the different nationalities in their
own language u])on the questions and issues of
the day and he presents his cause with a force
and logic that never fail to leave an impression
on the minds of his auditors and seldom fail to
produce results.
]\Ir. Barta W'as iiiarried in St. Paul in 1888 to
Miss Lena Brings. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity and socially as well as profes-
sionally and politicaly he is popuar.
1-RAXK DAXZ. Ik.
Frank Danz, Jr.. who has been a member of
some of the most prominent musical organiza-
tions of the country and the leader of various
festivals that have contributed to the musical
culture of the cities in which they have been
held, has gained more than state-wide reputation
628
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
in his profession. A native of New York city,
he was bom May ii, 1851, his parents bcinj;
IVank and Helen (Seibert) Danz, who were na-
tives of Cierniany and in 1851 came to tlic Ignited
States. In 1866 they estabhshed their home in
St. Paul, where the lather still resides. The
mother, however, passed away in 1894, at the
age of sixty-four years. In the family were
three children, of whom Jacob and I'rank are still
living.
In the parochial schools of his native city
Frank Danz began his education, which he con-
tinued in the Manhattan Christian College, from
which he was graduated in 1864. He began his
musical education in New York and since 1867
has been a teacher of music. He continued in
the eastern metropolis until 1883, when he re-
moved to St. Paul, becoming connected with
the orchestra and military band of Minneapolis.
He likewise engaged in teaching violin music
and in this direction has gained wide reputation.
He formerly taught to some extent in Minneapo-
lis, but is now largely teaching in St. Paul. He
has been the leader of the Metropolitan Opera
House band in Minneapolis for twenty-four
years and for twelve years was with the celebrated
Thomas Orchestra of New York city. He was
also connected for a time with the Mapleson
Opera Company, of London, England, and for
seven years was a member of the Dam-
rosch Concert Company and for thirteen
years of the Philharmonic Society of New
York city. He has been the conductor
of sangerfests in different cities and the con-
ductor of the band of thirty members at Como
Park. He took part in the first festivals held
by Theodore Thomas at Cincinnati and was
with him in other places. His connection with
some f)f the most celebrated musical organiza-
tions of the entire country indicate his position
in the art and he is today recognized as one of
the most prominent representatives of musical
circles in the Twin Cities.
In 1871 ATr. Danz was married to Miss Susan
Hoffman, a daughter of Frank Hoffman, of
St. Paul, and their children are: George J., who
is living in .Seattle, Washington ; .Xdella, the
wife of A. Soucherav, of St. Paul : .Vurelia, the
wife of Charles .Schrants, of St. Paid; Helen
Grace, the wife of Hans Koenig, of Wauwatosa,
\\'isconsin; Edward, Ilerbert M., Frank and Eu-
gene, all at home. Socially }^Ir. Danz is con-
nected with the Elks, the Druids, and with St.
Peter's Society. Gifted b\- nature with supe-
rior musical taste, he has continually developed
his talents through his close and unremitting
study and has gained a pr(_)ficiency in the art
which makes him one of the valued representa-
tives of musical circles in Minnesota and has
gained him a prominence that is not limited by
the borders of this state.
WILLIA.AI GARDNER \^•H^rE.
William G. \\'hite, wdio in the practice of his
profession has made a specialty of real-estate
and corporation law, representing as counsel a
number of the most important corporations of
the capital city, was born in South Hadley, Mas-
sachusetts, September 30, 1854. When he was
quite young his parents removed to Chicopee.
Massachusetts, where he resided until he sought
a home in St. Paul May 10. 1884. In his youth he
benefited by the excellent educational system of
Massachusetts and following his mastery of
those branches of learning taught in the public
schools he entered the Harvard Law School,
from which he was graduated as an alumnus of
the class of 1875. He then located for practice
in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he re-
mained for about nine years, or until 1884, when
he came with his family to St. Paul. He has
built up a large practice here, principally in the
line of real-estate and corporation law. of which
he makes a specialty. He has comprehensive
and accurate knowledge of the legal principles
bearing upon these two departments and his
ability has found reco.gnition in that he has been
chosen counsel for several large and important
corporations, banks and trust com])anies. He
has never been active in politics, although he
usually votes with ihr republican party, his
judgment endorsing its principles. He has
neither sought nor held office, but has devoted
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
629
himself entirely to his profession and has mani-
fested in his career the requisite qualities of the
successful lawyer, who, devoted to his clients"
interests, shows a mind trained in the severest
school of logic and to whom close reasoning is
habitual.
Mr. White was married on the 22d of May,
1878, to Miss Carolyn E. Hall, of West Hart-
ford, Connecticut. Their children are: Marion
L. Gilbert ; Edwin White, who graduated from
Yale College in igo6 ; and William Preston, who
was graduated from Phillips Andover Academv
in June, igo6. Mr. White is secretary of the
Society of Colonial Wars, his ancestral history
embracing the names of many who took part in
early military struggles of the country. He is
also a member of the Sons of the .American Rev-
olution and of the Society of Mayflower De-
scendants of New York and Minnesota. He like-
wise is a member of the council of the Minne-
sota Historical Society and takes an active part
in the work of the Park Congregational church.
He is deeply interested in all of those organiza-
tions that inculcate a love of historic research
and perpetuate the patriotic spirit that permeated
the early residents of the country who fought
for national in(le])endence and for the mainte-
nance of our republican rights. His social rela-
tions are with the Minnesota Club and with the
Grolier Club of New York.
WTTJJAAr COIJJNS.
William Collins, a prominent representative
of the coal trade of the northwest, being a part-
ner in The M. A. Hanna Coal Company, incor-
porated, was born in Cedar county. Iowa, Octo-
ber 2, 1869, and was educated in the public
schools of Iowa. He engaged in the coal trade at
What Cheer, Iowa, in 1885. and in 1889 came
to St. Paul, where at different times he was
connected with several c<mi])anics in the coal
Inisiness. He then became a factor in the busi-
ness in St. Paul, establishing the William Col-
lins Coal Company. He conducted an exten-
sive wholesale business, but on the ist of June.
1905, was re-organized under the name of The
M. A. Hanna Coal Company, incorporated, of
which D. R. Planna, son of the late ^Marcus A,
Hanna, is president, with ?^Ir. Collins, as vice
jjrcsident and R. A. Johnson, secretary and
treasurer. They are conducting an extensive
wholesale business in coal with offices in St.
Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth, and have large
docks at Superior and Milwaukee. Under con-
tracts they ship e.xtensively to all parts of the
northwest and the business is managed from
I offices in the Pioneer Press building. The com-
l>any occupies a foremost place in trade circles
in St. Paul because of the extent and importance
of its operations.
F. J. ROMFR & SON.
F. J. Ronier & .Son is a business title well
known in St. Paul because of the extent and act-
ivity of the firm in building operations here. The
partners are Frederick J. and Frederick H. Ro-
mer. The latter was born in St. Paul, January
5. 1875, while the father was a native of Ger-
manv. The son pursued his education in the
public schools of this city and also attended a
manual training school. He pursued a course
in the National Correspondence School along the
lines which fitted him for an active business ca-
reer as a contractor and builder. He spent one
\ear in the office of Cass Gilbert, a prominent
architect of -St. Paul, and entered into partner-
ship relations with his father in 1 89 1 as a junior
member of the firm of F. J. Romer & Son. He
gained a thorough knowledge of the practical de-
tails of the business under his father's direction
while his technical training was received in col-
lege and thus he was well e(|uipped to undertake
the important tasks which devolved upon him
in connection with the builder's art. The busi-
ness was established by the father in 1871 and
the name of Romer has since been closely and
actively associated with the imjjrovement of St.
Paul in the line of their trade. They have erected
manv of the finest structures of St. Paul, in-
cluding the Chamber of Commerce, the Hamni
A^o
PAST AND I'Kl'.SKXT OF ST. PAUL.
brewery, St. Clement's and St. John's Catholic
churches, the Park Congregational church, the
L'nitv church, the residences of George W. Free-
man, Charles Schlick, Samuel C. Stickney,
George W. Gardner and many others.
The firm are general building contractors of
stone, brick and carpenter work and in fact all
branches of building. They are now erecting
the great new Auditorium of St. Paul, which
is being built at a cost of a half million dollars
and which will cover an entire block from Fourth
to Fifth street. Employment is furnished to a
large nuniber of skilled workmen, who under
competent foremen, render valuable service.
Frederick H. Romer is a member of the
P.uilders' Exchange and also with the Business
]\Ien's League. He belongs to Praden lodge,
No. i68. A. F. & A. M., ^Minnesota chapter, No.
I, R. A. M.. Damascus commandery. No. i,
K. T.. to the St. Paul Turn \'erein and
the Knights of the Maccabees. His religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Luth-
eran church, while in politics he is independent.
Although yet a young man, Mr. Romer is de-
voted to his business and has wide technical and
practical experience in his chosen line. He has
brought to his duties laudable ambition, keen
• discrimination and good executive force and has
contributed largely to the splendid reputation
which the firm enjoys as building contractors
of the citv.
COLONEL TIMOTHY J. SHEEHAN.
Colonel Timothy J. Sheehan, deputy United
States marshal of Minnesota, is one of the best
known men of the northwest. He was born in
the county of Cork, Ireland, December 21, 1835,
a son of Jeremiah and Ann ( .McCarthy) Sheehan,
who were farming people of county Cork, and
died when their son was but three years of age.
■ He was reared by his paternal .grandfather and
acc|uired a good comnion-Jschool education in
Ireland. Tn 1850 he came to the United States,
landing in New York in November, of that year.
and troinL; direct tn ( ilcn I'alls, Xrw 'S'lirk, wlurr
he attended school for a time and where for two
years he was a mechanic's apprentice. In 1855
he removed to Dixon, Illinois, where he worked
in a saw-mill through the summer seasons for
two years and in the winter months attended
school. In the spring of 1857 he came to what
was then the territory of Minnesota, arriving in
Albert Lea on the ,^d day of May. He found
there a frontier village which had had an ex-
istence of but one year. In that locality he took
up a homestead, which he cultivated and im-
proved for several years, and he likewise became
a factor in public affairs there. He was elected
township clerk in i860 and was re-elected in
1 86 1, serving until his enlistment in the Union
army. On the nth of October, of that year.
Mr. Sheehan became a private of Company ¥,
Fourth Alinnesota A'olunteer Infantry, and was
made corporal. Displaying remarkable fitness
for military life, he was recommended for a com-
mission by Gen. John B. Sanborn, and on the
15th of February, 1862, at Fort Snelling, was
discharged by order of General Halleck, in order
that he might accept a promotion. Three days
later, on the i8th of b'ebruary. he was commis-
sioned bv Governor Ramsey, first lieutenant of
Companv C. Fifth Regiment of ^[innesota \'ol-
unteers, then being organized. L'pon its forma-
tion ^larch 20, 1862. Company C was ordered
to Fort Ripley, Minnesota. The capable serv-
ice of Lieutenant Sheehan in 1)ehalf of the slate
in 1862 is so fully set forth in other histories that
it would be useless repetition to attempt to give
in detail here an occount of that service, but it is
onlv fair to say that no man has a more honor-
able record for valor, fidelity and ability. ( )n
the i8th of June, 1862, Lieutenant Sheehan. with
fiftv men, was ordered to Fort Ridgely. His
defense oi b'ort Ridgely during this eight-day
siege is one king chapter of heroism and lira very.
He was promoted to the captaincy of his com-
pany .\ugust 31, 1862. and after the Sioux mas-
sacre in November of the same year Comjianics
C and 1! were sent south to rejoin their regi-
ment, from which they liad been se]>:trate(l since
its organization. They reached the Ml'th Min-
nesota on the iJtli (if December, neai- ( i\ford.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
631
Mississippi, and Captain Slieehan served in com-
mand of his company from that day until Sep-
tember, 1865, when he was commissioned lieu-
tenant colonel. He participated in many im-
portant battles and skirmishes, including the as-
sault on \'icksburg- and the battle of Tupelo.
Mississippi, where he was in command of a de-
tachment of the Fifth Minnesota and the Eighth
Wisconsin regiments. Fie was also in Price's
campaign through Arkansas and Missouri, the
battle of Nashville, the siege of Mobile and
manv others and was frequently mentioned in
orders and on many occasions distinguished
himself by able service and the keen discrimina-
tion which he showed in military movements. In
the charge of General Hubbard's brigade at
Nashville, which swept away a part of Hood's
strongest line. Captain Sheehan was among the
foremost. His was the "color company" of the
regiment. Six color bearers were shot down an<l
Captain Sheehan, seizing the flag, charged with
his companv over the breastworks, commanding
the Confederates to surrender. He was hon-
orablv mentioned in reports for his conduct on
this occasion. The tine substantial monument
erected by the state of Minnesota in 1896 on the
former site of Fort Ridgely to commemorate its
defense in 1862, bears upon it a brief history of
the memorable engagement and a life size bronze
medallion of Lieutenant Sheehan, the comman-
der, as he appeared at that time. The dedicatory
inscription reads : 'Tn memory of the fallen, in
recognition of the living and for the ennilation
of future generations."
After his return home Colonel Sheehan again
engaged in farming at Albert Lea, Minnesota,
and in 1871 was elected sherifl:' of Freeborn
county and was re-elected five times. He was
appointed by President Arthur, February 25.
1885, agent for the Chippewa Indians of the
White Earth Agency and served until June,
1889. Fie took a prominent part in making what
is known as the Bi.shop Whipple treaty in 1886
and the Henry M. Rice treaty in 1889. with the
Chippewas of Minnesota. In May, 1890, he was
appointed deputy United States marshal by Co!.
J. C. Donahower and has been re-appointed
through the various administrations since. Whil"
acting in that capacity in 1898, under ^larshal
O'Connor, Colonel Sheehan took an active part
in the battle of Sugar Point against the Chippe-
was and it was he who arrested the first lawless
Bear Islanders. He was thrice wounded in this
engagement, making seven wounds that he has
sustained in battle, two being received at Ridgely
and two at Nashville. By various writers well
informed concerning the history. Colonel Shee-
han has been given credit for saving the com-
mand of General Bacon from annihilation or,
at least, from utter defeat at the battle of Sugar
Point. Governor McGill and many others
wrote him very complimentary letters, the Gov-
ernor saying, "The lapse of time seems neither
to cool your blood nor modify your courage,
since 3'our gallant defense of Fort Ridgely in
T862."'
Colonel Sheehan was married in November,
1866, to Miss Jennie Judge, who was also born
in Ireland. They have three sons: Jeremiah,
George W. and Edward. Mrs. Sheehan is promi-
nent in church and social circles in St. Paul and
both are greatly admired and esteemed. His
career demonstrates in the highest and broadest
sense that nationality or birth does not deter-
mine in this country, either in spirit or degree,
the future .standing of any one. either in finance,
patriotism or society — the .\merican idea of the
"common brotherhood of man."
Judge Charles E. Flandreau. wlio has long
and continuously known Colonel Sheehan, said
of him in writing his biography :
"All the world admires a hero. And when he
has been brave and imperiled himself in a right
cause and the fruit of his courage is a substan-
tial benefit to his fellowmen, he is to be honored
for all time. With true courage came the other
qualities and elements which constitute right
manhood and make a man worthy of right dis-
tinction, .^s one who fills this measure — as one
who has fought the battles of his state and his
country, and by his invincible courage and fi-
delitv saved hundreds of valuable lives and a
great area of territory from destruction, and as
one who, as a citizen, soldier and public official
has made an unblemished record. Colonel Shee-
han well merits his place among Minnesota's
632
AST A\l) I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
most honorable and distinguished men. And it
is gratifying and good to say tliat. with the
blessings of Providence, there are many more
years of distinction and usefulness before him.
Well does Colonel Sheehan deserve the gold and
bronze medals which adorn his breast."
FREDERICK L. McGHEE.
Frederick L. McGhee. a lawyer of the St. Paul
bar. was born in IMonroe county, Mississippi, Oc-
tober 28, i86t, of slave parents. His father,
Abraham McGhee. was born in east Tennessee,
and his mother, .^arah ^\'alkcr. was a native of
Mississippi, his maternal grandmother being a
native .African. His father was a blacksmith
by trade but became a Baptist minister during
slavery and continued working at his trade and
following his vocation after emancipation. He
was one of the few negroes of the south who
could read and write at emancipation and taught
young Fred his letters. After emancipation he
moved with his family to Knoxville, Tennessee,
where at the age of twelve, Mr. McGhee was left
an orphan. He acquired his education in a Pres-
bvterian school, and afterwards at Knoxville
College.
In 1879 he went to Chicago, Illinois, where in
1882 he entered upon the study of law and in
1885 was admitted to the bar of that state and
for three years practiced in the city of Chicago.
Coming to St. Paul in 1889 he entered upon the
practice of his profession, being the first lawyer
of his race in the country west of Illinois. In the
course of his practice he has successfully de-
fended men charged with must atrocious iinir-
ders known to the northwest, among which were
the Italian murder case in Minnea])olis. and the
State vs. Harry Laramie ami James K. Eagan,
commonly known as the Raflferty murder case in
St. Paul. He is today considered one of the
best criminal lawyers in the state and has the con-
fidence of the bench and bar of the state. His
manner of cross-examination and addressing the
jury are peculiarly his own; his style of address
is engaging and his eloquence has all the softness
and tragic characteristics of his race. ITe has
won many cases that were regarded as hopeless
by the captivating force of his closing argument.
His position in politics is unique. In 1879
when Harrison was a candidate i' ir president
for a second term. .Mr. .Mc(jhee was named as
the head of the electoral ticket. Since then he
has affiliated with the democrats and has the con-
fidence of men high in the coimcil of that party.
He is an ardent champion of its principles and
is firm in the belief that the future welfare of
his race will be best conserved by dividing the
vote of the colored people. He is regarded as
one of the distinguished representatives of his
race and has a national acquaintance. He was
for eight years director of the Legal Bureau of
the National Afro-American Council, but when
that organization went into politics he severed
his connection therewith. He is the founder of
the Niagara Movement, a national organization
for the advancement of race interests, seeking
to obtain for the negro perfect civil and political
equality. Prof. ^^'. E. B. DuBois is the national
head of the movement while Mr. McGhee is head
of the committee having charge of the civil and
political rights. He has been for many years
a co-laborer with many of the most distinguished
men of the country, as well as a promoter of race
activities.
In 1886. in Chicago, ^Ir. McGhee was mar-
ried to Miss Mattie B. Crane, of Louisville, Ken-
tucky, an under graduate of Fisk L^niversity,
Xashville, Tennessee. They have one daughter,
Ruth Lamar, attending the Mechanics' Art
high school. Their commodious home on West
University avenue is the center of influence. He
is a member of the Commercial Club and an
ardent Roman Cathnlic.
XORM AX KTTTSnx.
Tile name nf Kittson is closely associated with
the develo|jment anil im])rovement of St. Paul and
the northwest. Commodore Kittson, father of
our .subject, was a well known ]iioneer of St. Paul
— one of the fearless strivers toward the ever re-
ceding west, fascinating for its untried dangers
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
C^33
as well as for its business opportunities. He
also belonged to that type of the builder and or-
ganizer who followed the trail blazed by the
early pioneer and converted its natural resources
into marketable commodities. Norman Kittson
was born in Fort Snelling. near Coldwater, ^lin-
nesota, and became a resident of St. Paul in 1840.
He spent many years in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
and for many years was in the employ of the
Hudson Bay Company, during which time he was
located at various places and performed varied
business duties. He has been fortunate in his
investments and business undertakings and is
now living retired from active business. In 1878
he returned to St. Paul, where he made a perma-
nent location. He is a manber of the Commer-
cial Club and is a democrat in his political views.
REV. CASIMIR M. KOBYLINSKI.
Rev. Casimir M. Kobylinski, who since June,
1899, has had charge of St. Casimir's Catholic
church, was born in Schroda, Poland. Januarv
29, 1856. His father, Francis Kobylinski, was
born in Poland and was a man of broad culture
and scholarly attainments who for many years
was a professor in a college. He served in the in-
surgent army in the insurrection against Prussia
and he is still living in Poland at the venerable
age of eighty-five years. His wife, Tcopila
Burkowska, was also a native of Schroda and
died in 1888, at the age of sixty-two years. Like
her husband she was a communicant of the Cath-
olic church.
Of a family of twelve children Father Koby-
linski was the sixth in order of birth and he ac-
quired a common-school education in his native
land and attended college at Posen. He pur-
sued a classical course at Schrunn, Poland,
where he remained for eight years. He taught
in a private school for some time and afterward
spent three years in Louvaine Seminary, at Lou-
vaine, Belgium, where he was ordained to the
priesthood, June 24, 1887. by Bishop Mctor
Maria Van Den Brenden De Reeth.
In 1886 Father Kobvlinski came to the L^^nited
States making his way to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
His first appointment made by Bishop Dwenger,
of the diocese, was to North Judson and the mis-
sion of Kontz, where he officiated for four years,
doing splendid work as a pastor there. In 1891
he was appointed pastor of St. Casimir's parish
at Hammond, Indiana, and during the time he
had charge there the membership was increased
from seventy-five to two hundred families, while
a parochial school was estabhshed with seventy-
five pupils. His labors were untiring and his
zeal unfaltering in behalf of the work of the
church and its kindred activities and the parish
greatly benefited by his labors. He came from
Hammond, Indiana, to St. Paul in June. 1899,
to take charge of St. Casimir's church of this
city and since his arrival here the number of
families in the parish has increased from one
hundred and thirty to two hundred, while the
attendance at the parochial school has been in-
creased from two hundred to two hundred and
fifty pupils. In 1904. the cornerstone of the new
church was laid and in 1905 the handsome new
edfice of St. Casimir was erected. It is of the re-
naissance style of architecture and cost forty thou-
sand dollars. The parish is a prosperous one
and good work is being carried on along all lines
of church activity. The school building was
erected about twelve years ago and was used
both for church and school purposes until the
erection of the present house of worship. The
sisters of St. Francis are in charge of the school.
There are four church societies conducted in
connection with the church and they use the hall
in the school building for their meetings. The
sisters' house was built in 1902 at a cost of four
thousand dollars and the rectory was built in
1888 at a cost of four thousand dollars.
GEORGE RATHGEB.
George Rathgeb. eng'aged in the wholesale
cigar and tobacco business, was born in \\'ur
temberg, Germany, a son of George Rathgeb,
Sr.. who is still living in the fatherland, at the
age of eighty-five years. The mother, however.
Cm
I'ASI' AXl) I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
has departed this life. The .son came to the
I'nited States in 1882 and for several years was
employed in different places and in varions ways
in Pennsylvania. In 1883, however, he arrived
in St. Paul, where he engaged in the grocery
business on his own account, being thus identi-
fied with the trade relations of the city for sev-
eral vears. He then turned his attention to the
wholesale cigar and tobacco business and has an
extensive trade in St. Paul among the retail
dealers.
In 1884 ]\Ir. Rathgeb was married to Aliss
Juliana Swartzbauer. a native of Germany, and
they have three children. ^Ir. Rathgeb is a
member of the Catholic Order of Foresters anrl
.St. Clement's German society and is a communi-
cant of the Assumption Catholic church. His
business is conducted at No. 24 West Third
street under the name of George Rathgeb &
Companv and he has a large jobbing trade to
dealers in tobacco and cigars. He has never had
occasion to regret his determination to seek a
home in America. He found a welcome in this
country and in her avenues of commerce found a
field for his abilities. \\'hile he has achieved suc-
cess in the field over which he has engaged his
best thought and the greater part of his time
he has also demonstrated in the highest and best
sense, by his loyalty to his adopted country and
her institutions, that nationality or birth does
not determine, in this country cither in spirit or
degree, the loftiest ])atriotism and the truest con-
ception of the American idea of the "common
brotherhood of man."
THEODORE WRIGHT GRIGGS.
Theodore Wriglit (iriggs, who is concentrat-
ing his energies upon the development of a
business of considerable magnitude, being secre-
tary of the wholesale house of Griggs, Cooper
& Company, was born in St. Paul, September 3,
1872. His father. Colonel C. Griggs, was a pio-
neer merchant of this city and the northwest and
now resides in Tacoma, Washington. He was
one of the leaders in business life here, his efforts
contributing in substantial measure to the com-
mercial development and to the social history of
St. Paul. He still has invested interests in this
city, being president of the corporation of Griggs.
Cooper & Company, wholesale grocers.
Having acquired his elementary education in
the public schools of St. Paul, Theodore W.
Griggs became a student in Carleton College and
afterward continued his studies in Washington
College at Tacoma, Washington, from which he
was graduated in 1890. During the early part
of his business career he was for one year in the
employ of the St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber
Company. After working for one year in Ta-
coma, Washington, he went to N'ew York, where
he attended Dwight's school for about one term.
He afterward entered the Sheffield Scientific
School of Yale University from which he was
graduated in the class of 1895. '""' "" t'""-" '5'^'''
of July of the same year he embarked in the
grocerv business. He is now well known in con-
nection with the wholesale grocery house of
Griggs, Cooper & Company, of which he is the
secretarv. This enterprise is accounted a valu-
able factor in trade and commerce in St. Paid,
growing proportionately with the development of
the northwest, from which territory it draws a
large and increasing patronage.
.Mr. (rriggs is prominent and popular in social
and club circles and also as a representative of
mu.'^ical and military interests in the city. He
belongs to the Cloister Society of Yale, at New
Ilaven. Connecticut, and to the Commercial Club.
the Minnesota Club, the White Bear Yacht
Club, the .\mateur Athletic .\ssociation and the
Travelers" Protective .\ssociation. He is a mem-
lier of numerous other athletic organizations and
is an enthusiastic automobilist. having twn ma-
chines. At the present writing he is secretary of
'he .\ntomobile Club and he belongs to the St.
r.-nd Choral Club and is a director <>\ the Minne-
sota Boat Club and likewise a member of the
Town and County Club, the St. Paul Club and
•I nu'mbt'r of the house committee of the .Minne-
sota Chdi. He has been particularly promitient
in boating circles, having attained more than
local reputation as an oarsman. Possessing su-
perior musical talent and taste, he has a fine bass
voice, which renders him popular in the homes
'i'iii-:( )i)( iki-. w . (ikiccs
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
^n
and organizations where music forms a feature
of entertainment. He is equally interested in
athletic sports, in which he has attained profi-
ciency. His connection with military affairs cov-
ers a service as first lieutenant of Company L of
the Fifteenth Minnesota National Cniard. Fie
served as aide on the staff of General Gohin and
brigadier quartermaster in the Spanish-American
war, and thus added military experience to a his-
tory which has touched various phases of life
although he is vet a voung man.
CHARLES H. PETSCH.
Charles H. Petsch, to whom St. Paul is largely
indebted for material improvement and adorn-
ment in the development of its park system, has
been a resident of this city for thirty-five years
He was born in Logansport, Indiana, but the
greater part of his business career has been em-
braced within the period that St. Paul has been
his home. Here he has been closely associated
wnth building operations as a speculative builder
and has erected over twenty houses in different
parts of the city, together with a number of store
buildings and business blocks. Watching the
growth of the city, noting its possibilities and
needs, he has forestalled the latter and anticipated
the former and by careful and judicious invest-
ment in property and the instituting of valuable
improvements has contributed to the welfare and
adornment of the city and at the same time great-
ly promoted his individual success.
Called to public office he became a valued
member of the city council, where he served for
two terms in the latter '80s. He was for three
terms a member of the park board and acted
as its president. He was also a member of the
workhouse board and one of the directors of the
institution for twelve years. Mr. Petsch was
largely responsible for the construction of the
Jackson street bridge to Oakland cemetery, hav-
ing introduced the matter into the council and
fathered the measure until it was carried for-
ward to successful completion. He was one of
the originators of the plan and one of those who
laid out Central Park, which is indeed a credit
to the city as well as one of the most important
features to its beauty. He also made the im-
provement of Merriam Hill, grading the streets
and otherwise contributing to the work of pub-
lic progress and he planned the Lookout Steps
north of the capitol. ^\'hile a member of the city
council he exercised his official prerogatives for
the support of every measure which he deemed
would prove of direct benefit and many valuable
measures received his endorsement and were car-
ried forward to success through the influence
and eft'orts which he exerted in their behalf.
In politics he has always been a democrat,
recognized as one of the prominent and leading
workers in the local ranks of the party. Aside
from this his activity has been concentrated upon
his business aft'airs and as a real-estate dealer he
is prominent in St. Paul.
HARRY H. CHAPMAN.
Harry H. Chapman, tobacconist and cigar
dealer of St. Paul, owning and conducting two
well appointed stores, was born in Xiles. Michi-
gan. November 7, 1862. His father, Nerval Eu-
gene Chapman, who was born at Niles, ]\Iichi-
gan, in 1838. was the son of Ezra Smith and
Clarisa (Thompson) Chapman. After reaching
mature years he was married to Helen Sophia
Perkins, who was born at Oakland. Michigan,
in 184T. their marriage taking place in Niles,
Michigan, in i860. Mrs. Chapman was the
daughter of \\'arren and Lucretia (Mowry)
Perkins. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
N. E. Chapman resided in Niles for several years
and in 1 861 their twin daughters. Rosette and
Lusette. were born, but they lived only a short
time. In 1862 their son. Harry Howard Chap-
man, was born and in 1866 the parents with
their young son removed to Minnesota, making
their home in St. Paul until 1867, when they be-
came residents of Minneapolis, wliere their
daughter, Delia Lee Chapman, was born the
same year. In 1869 they returned to St. Paul
and in 1870 their son. Charles Ezra Chapman,
638
'AST AM) I'RESEXT Ul' ST. I'AL'L.
was born but died the following year. In i8S-|
the parents returned to MinneapoHs, wliere they
now reside. Their dau,s;hter, Delia, now the wife
of -H. T. TTam. resides in Canada. The father
is a decorator by trade.
Harry H. Chapman was only four years of age
at the time of the removal of his parents to Min-
nesota and when eight years of age he went to
Cokato. this state, where he lived im his uncle's
farm until he reached the age of twelve years.
He next went to Red Wing, Minnesota, where he
remained tmtil seventeen years of age, when he
returned to St. Paul. He afterward went to
Minneapolis, where he became connected with
the cigar and tobacco trade, being employed by
E. H. Chandler, manufacturer of cigars, and also
Henry J. Lewis, jobber of cigars. His identifi-
cation with the business dates from 1885 and on
the 15th of November. 1890, he established a
business on his own account in St. Paul. He
now has one of the fine stores of the city at the
corner of Fourth and Jackson streets, where he
handles a fine line of cigars and all kinds of to-
baccos, dealing exclusively in non-trust goods.
He recently opened a beautiful store in the lobby
of the Xew' York Life P)uilding, where he em-
ploys two assistants. His trade has steadily
grown from the beginning and has asstnned ex-
tensive proportions. He is widely known for his
business ability and integrity, which are the sa-
lient features of his prosperity. He does not be-
lieve in controlling any trade or business interest
by a corporation and therefore handles non-trust
goods, thus exemplifying in his business career
the principles which he advocates.
Air. Chapman was married in 1886 to Miss
Alary .A. Purchase, of Flushing, New York. Her
father. Scaham William Purchase, born in Eng-
land, July 27, 1833, died at hlushing. Long Is-
land, New York, in June, i8f)8. He had been
married there October 8, 1857, to Susanna Cut-
ter, who was born at Flushing. Long Island, No-
venilier 14, 1837. Their daughter. Mary .A., was
born there September 27, 1859. and in t886 gave
her hand in marriage to Harry Howard Chap-
man in Alinneapolis, Minnesota. They resided
in Minneapolis for twenty-two years and the\-
became the parents of two children : Ethel Pur-
chase, born November 13, 1886; and Flelen May,
born Alay 25, 1888, both of whom are in school,
Mr. Chapman is a member of Braden lodge. No.
168, .A, F. & .A. AL, the Royal League, No. 150:
L'nited Commercial Travelers, No. 50 : the Iowa
State Traveling Alen's Association, No. 169: and
the .St. Paul City Salesman's Association. His
family attends St. Clements Episcojjal church
and one of the visible evidences of his life of
business activity and enterprise is the fine resi-
dence which he owns at No. 857 Alarshall ave-
nue. Watchful of opportunities and embracing
all the advantages of honorable advancement
in business he today occupies a creditable place
in mercantile circles and is controlling a trade
of considerable extent and importance.
RANDOLPH A. WILKINSON.
Randolph A. Wilkinson, general solicitor for
the. (ireat Northern Railroad Company with of-
fices in St. Paul, is a native son of England, born
December 26, 1846. His parents were Samuel
and Alartha (Alitchell ') Wilkinson, who in the
early '50s emigrated to \^'isconsin. where the fa-
ther engaged in farming. Thus it was that the
son acquired his early education in the public
schools of the Badger state, while later he at-
tended the Baraboo Collegiate Institute, With
a good literary knowledge to serve as the basis
of advanced professional learning he began read-
ing law in the offices of S. S. Wilkinson, an at-
torney of Prairie du .Sac, Wisconsin, and was
admitted to the l)ar in i8fi8. He began practice
in Alauston, Wisconsin, wliere he remained for
twelve years and in 1880 he came to Alinnesota,
settling at Crookston, where he followed his pro-
fession until the 1st of January, 1888. He theti
acce])ted a ]iosition with the Great Northern
Railway Company as ri.glit of way a.gent. sub-
se(|iiently was attorney for the com])aii\' and af-
terward acted as right of way and tax commis-
sioner for the corporation. The ability which he
disiilaved won him recognitidn and promotion
and in 1903 he was a]ipointed general solicitor
fcir the Great Northern Railroad Company.
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAVL.
639
Mr. Wilkinson was married when twenty-one
years of age to Miss Mary J. Lycan, of Wiscon-
sin, in which state the wedding was celebrated.
They had three sons and two daughters and the
mother died in December. 1902. Mr. Wilkin-
son was a Mason, belonging to Crookston lodge.
Otherwise he has no fraternal relations and his
attention is largely given to the arduous and re-
sponsible duties of the important position which
he is filling. This position demands comprehen-
sive legal knowledge especially bearing upon
corporation, real-estate and railroad law and he
is regarded as one of the strong and able railroad
attorneys, his labor in this connection winning
him the favorable opinion of those who are ca-
pable to pass judgment upon such work.
RICHARD A. CARRINGTON.
Richard Adams Carrington, superintendent ot
the yards and shipping for the North Western
Fuel Company, has been a resident of St. Paul
since June, 1875. Fortunate is the man who has
back of him an ancestry honorable and distin-
guished and of such Richard Adams Carrington
can well boast, for he is descended from one of
the prominent old families of Virginia that has
been represented in various wars of the country
by those that have made brilliant military rec-
ords. His father. Major Theodore Carrington,
was born in the Old Dominion but became a resi-
dent of St. Paul in 1850, when this was a small
inconsequential town. For several years there-
after he was identified with its business inter-
ests, forming a partnership with Henry ]\I. Rice
in the mercantile business but later returning to
his home in Virginia. His last days, however,
were spent in ^^'isconsin, where he died in 1875.
His wife, Anna Elizabeth Whitehall, who was
born in Rome, New York, died in Ashland, Wis-
consin, in 1900, having for a quarter of a cen-
tury survived her husband.
Richard A. Carrington acquired his educa-
tion in the private schools of Virginia, after
which he located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, and
as assistant civil engineer entered the service of
the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company, as-
sisting in locating the first railroad into Ashland,
that state. He removed to St. Paul n 1875 and
accepted a position in the freight department of
the St. Paul & Pacific and St. Paul, Minneapolis
& Manitoba Railroad. He was also foreman
of the freight warehouse and chief bill clerk,
filling these various positions for about seven
years. On the expiration of that period he en-
tered upon his present connection with the North
W'estern Fuel Company.
Mr. Carrington was married in February,
1882, to Miss Emilie Crooks, a daughter of Col.
William Crooks, of the Sixth Minnesota Regi-
ment of Volunteers. Mrs. Carrington passed
away about eight years ago. There are three
children of this marriage: Arabella Crooks, the
wife of Horace G. Benedict, traveling freight
agent for the Frisco System at Kansas City ;
Richard Adams, who at the age of sixteen years
is a student in the St. Paul high school ; and
Margaret, attending school in Ashland, Wiscon-
sin, at the age of twelve years.
]\Ir. Carrington is a member of St. Clement's
Episcopal church and he holds membership rela-
tions with the Royal Arcanum, while his political
allegiance is given to the democracy. In person,
in talents and in character, he is a worthy scion
of his race. His keen intellectuality, laudable
ambition and unfaltering enterprise, have been
the concomitants in his success since entering
business life and the position which he holds to-
dav is one of great responsibilitx'. ^Moreover he
has the affability and genial nature which ren-
der him popular with a large circle of friends.
PHILIP S. H.VRRIS.
Philip S. Flarris, now living retired in St.
Paul, whose efforts have been a tangible factor
and of direct benefit in the settlement and up-
building of the northwest, came to this city in
the summer of 1867, and for many years la-
bored untiringly for the development and prog-
ress of ^Minnesota. A native of Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, his natal day was October 6, 1834.
640
PAST AND PRESENT Or ST. PAUL.
In tiia; ciiv his father, grandfather, great-grand-
father and great-great-grandfather all lie buried.
The ancestry of the family is traced back to John
Harris, who, in 1682, came from England with
William Penn and aided in establishing the col-
ony of Pennsylvania. He ]nnxhased land from
the founder and leader of the colony in what is
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and his son John,
great-grandfather of our subject, laid out the
cit\-. which is now the state capital and which
in his honor was named Harrisburg. Repre-
sentatives of the name aided in planting the seeds
of civilization on .American soil and in subduing
the wilderness and in extending the frontier in
Pennsylvania and also served in the Indian wars
of the earlv davs, which resulted in establishing
the rule of the white race in Pennsylvania. The
grandfather and father of Philip S. Harris were
both soldiers of the war of 1812 and the subject
of this review is the first of the name to make his
way westward to the ^Mississippi river.
Reared in his native city, Philip S. Plarris ac-
quired his education there and was engaged in
merchandising imtil his removal to St. Paul in
if^fij. In June of the following year he accepted
the position of private secretary to William L.
Banning, then president of the Lake Superior
& -Mississippi Railroad Company, now the
St. Paul & Duluth Division of the North-
ern Pacific Railroad System. The road
was completed in 1870 and Mr. Harris
then became land commissioner, acting in that
capacity continuously for ten years. In 1872
he made an exhibit of products raised along that
road at the fair of the American Institute at
New York. This exhibit demonstrated that the
specific gravity of Minnesota apples was thirty
per cent greater than that of Kansas or other
southern grown apples and secured the first
premium at the exposition. The land grant of
the road was about one million seven hundred
thousand acres, including the government and
state grants, and as land commissioner Air. Har-
ris had charge of this extensive holding and was
also entrusted with the work of inducing set-
tlers to locate along the line of the road and also
to dispose of the swamp lands owned by the rail-
road company. During his ten years' term as
commissioner he established settlements all along
the line, since which time the development of
the country has been a natural sequence of
the work which he inaugurated. In 1881 he was
made secretary and treasurer of the railroad
company, which had been re-organized as the St.
Paul & Duluth Railroad Company and continued
in that capacity until 1890. when failure of health
caused his resignation. Since that time he has
traveled extensively throughout the United
States, Mexico and the \Vest Indies. He has
also transacted many important business inter-
ests but has not engaged in steady or wearisome
occupations.
Mrs. Harris in her maindenhood bore the
name of Cecelia S. Stephenson and was a native
of IMaryland, where her ancestors had located in
pioneer times, being descendants of the Douglas
familx' from Scotland. Socially Mr. Harris is
a thirty-second degree ]Mason, who was led to
his interest in the craft from the fact that his
father was for many years a Master Mason. Po-
litically he has always been a republican al-
though he has never taken an active or conspicu-
ous part in public matters. He has written many
articles of literary merit, especiallx" concerning
the northwest, its resources and possibilities and
while conducting business affairs in the interest
of the corporation which he represented and for
his own personal benefit he nevertheless belongs
to that class of citizens who, while promoting in-
dividual success, also contribute to the general
prosperity.
JOSEPH J. ERMATINCER.
Jose|)h J. h-rmatinger, senior partner of the
law firm of Ermatinger it h'rundt, was Ijorn in
Ltica. New York, Jtdy ,^1, 1876. His father,
jnhn 1, I'.rmalinger. was a native of Switzerland,
an<l in his \(iuth came to the United States, He
wedded .Mar\- I'.. Nelbaeh, a native of the state
of New Ynvk. in the public schools of Roches-
ter, Xew \'ork, their son Joseph ac(iuired his prc-
liininar\ education and afterward atteTided the
J. J. KR.MATIx\GER
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
643
L'r.iversity of Rochestc-r. Thu family removed to
the west in 1899, ami Air. Ermating'er of this
review completed his law course in the Univer-
sity of .Minnesota, from which he was graduated
in 1902. The same year he was admitted to the
liar and began practice in St. Paul, since which
time he has been an acti\e member of the pro-
fession. In January, ic;o6, he entered into a part-
nership with H. J. Frundt under the firm style of
Ermatinger & Frundt. and they have a good cli-
entage. As a la\v\er he is sound, clear-minded
and well trained, felicitous and clear in argument,
thoroughly in earnest, full of the vigor of convic-
tion, never abusive of adversaries, imbued with
highest courtesy, and yet a foe worthv of the
steel of the most able opponent.
Mr. Ermatinger takes a deep and active inter-
est in public a.Tairs and is a stanch advocate of
the republican party and its principles. For
three years he has been secretary (if the Roosevelt
Club and has been chairman of the eighth ward
republican organization. He is a member and
secretary of the charter commission and is also a
member of the bar committee which was ap-
pointed to secure improvements on the court-
house. His interest in conimunity affairs is that
of a public-spirited citizen and his co-operation
has been heartily given to many movements and
plans which have had direct and immediate bear-
ing upon the welfare and progress of his adopted
citv.
FREDERICK J. ROMER.
To no single line of business or to no indi-
vidual is due to upbuilding of a city but perhaps
there is no other agency that has contributed so
largely both directly and indirectly to the im-
provement and progress of any city as its build-
ing interests and in St. Paul Frederick J. Ro-
mer is prominently known in this connection.
His ability, talent and the extent and scope of
his activities has gained him a foremost place
in building circles, and the name of Romer is
largely synonomous with public improvement.
A native of Germanv his birth occurred in Fal-
lingbostel. Flanover. on the 21st of November.
1840. His father. Court Romer, who was also
born in Fallingbostel, Hanover, is now deceased
and the mother, who bore the maiden name of
Sophia Spango, has also passed away.
Frederick J- Romer is indebted to the public-
school system of his native land for the educa-
tional privileges that he enjoyed in his youth. He
worked upon a farm in Germany and afterward
learned the trades of cabinet-making and car-
l^entering, which he followed in various cities of
the fatherland. Coming to the United States in
1870 he made his way direct to St. Paul and
worked at his trade. In 1871 he embarked in
business as a contractor and builder and his
patronage has constantly grown to very exten-
sive proportions, owing to his superior ability
and through practical knowledge of his calling.
His business integrity and strict conformitv to
a high standard of industrial ethics have also
contributed to his success. The business was for
many years carried on under the name of Fred-
erick J. Romer but more recently he has ad-
mitted his son to a partnership under the firm
style of F. J. Romer & Son. This forms one of
the strong combinations in building circles in St.
Paul, the enterprise, ambition and undaunted
energy of the junior partner ably supplementing
the broad experience and thorough knowledge
of the senior partner. They have erected some
of the largest office and store buildings in St.
Paul together with many (if the fine residences
and are now builders of the mammoth new St.
Paul Auditorium, which is not only to be a mon-
ument to the public spirit of the city but is cred-
itable alike to its contractors and designers. The
offices of the firm are at No. 200 Ramsey street.
\\'ith the passing years the growth of their busi-
ness has placed the firm in a very enviable po-
sition in trade circles and as representatives of
the industri;d art they stand second to none in
St. Paul.
In 1874 .Mr. Romer was married to Miss So-
phia Wilken. of New Ulm. Minnesota, a native
of Mechlenberg, Germany, who came with her
parents to this state in her childhood days. This
marriage has been blessed with three sons and
two daughters: Fred II.. who is in partnership
644
I'ASr AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
with his father: Carl, Ida, Ernest and Lillian, all
at home. Mr. Romcr is a member of the Society
of Druids and belongs to the lUiildcrs Exchange
of St. Paul. He is also identified with the Luth-
eran church and those princi])les which work for
honorable manhood, for loyal citizenship and for
strong and commendable character development
find exemplification in his life.
RE\'. EXGELBERT WILBEE.
Rev. Engelbert W'ilbee. secretary to Arch-
bishop Ireland, was born in Hamilton, Canada,
in 1875, a son of Frederick and ^lary (O'Neil)
W'ilbee. In their family were seven children,
of whom Father Wilbee is the sixth in order of
birth. He attended the parochial schools of Ham-
ilton and St. Jerome's College at Berlin, Canada,
after which he entered St. Paul Seminary, this
city, in the fall of i8g8. Completing a four
years' course he was graduated in May, 1902,
and was ordained to the priesthood by Arch-
bishop Ireland. He began his pastoral work at
St. Mary's church as assistant to Father Gibbons,
remaining there for two years, when he was ap-
pointed to his present position as secretary to
Archbishop Ireland.
JACOB DAXZ. II.
Jacob Danz. II.. who for many years figured
prominently in commercial and musical circles in
St. Paul but is now living retired from active
business, occupies a beautiful home at No. 982
Laurel avenue, which he has recently erected.
He first came to this city in 1866 but the period
of his residence here at that time covered only
nine months. He was born in New York city
in 1852, a son of Frank and Helen (Seibert)
Danz, the latter a sister of George Seibert, the
late renowned leader of the Great Western
Band. For a number of years they were resi-
dents of New York city and later took up their
abode in Minneapolis, where Mr. Danz soon
became recognized as a most valued addition to
musical circles. For a number of years he was
the leader of the Danz Band of that city but
resigned his ]josition when his son Frank went to
Minneapolis from New York city about 1876,
since which time he has been a leader of that
nuisical organization. He studied for six years
under Theodore Thomas, one of the greatest
musicians America has produced and for four-
teen years was first violinist in the Thomas or-
chestra. Another son of the family, George
Danz, died in St. Paul a number of years ago
at the age of twenty-four years. The mother
is now deceased, having passed away several
years ago. The father, however, who is a na-
tive of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, now makes
his home in Los Angeles, California, at the asfe
of seventy-si.x years.
Jacob Danz, whose name introduces this rec-
ord, began his education in the schools of New
York city and for three years was a student in
Manhattan College, prior to 1866, when he came
with his father to St. Paul. He afterward re-
turned to the eastern metropolis, but again came
to St. Paul on Jul>- 6, 1870, and has
here since made his home. Inheriting the
musical taste and talent of the family, he was
proficient in that art and for twenty years was
trombonist and baritonist in the Seibert organi-
zation. In business life he was for two decades
a member of the Florne & Danz Company, being
thus connected until 1901, when he sold out to
the American Can Company with headquarters
in New York city. He was one of the organizers
of the company and acted as its superintendent
for twcntv years, the business being carefully
conducted, developed and enlarged under his
management, thereby becoming one of the strong
commercial enterprises of the city.
Mr. Danz was married in St. Paul to Miss
Louise Esch. Flis present wife was a Miss
Krank, a sister of .Al Krank, a leading dealer in
cutlery in this city. The six children of Mr.
Danz are: Mrs. M. E. Defiel, whose husband
is a leading and successful dealer in ice; Frank.
l.niiis, Alfred, Rudolph and William, all at home.
In his ])olitical allegiance Mr. Danz is an
earnest and unfaltering democrat and served as
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
645
vice president of the ga.me and fish commission
under Governor Linn. Socially he is connected
with the Junior Pioneers and also with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. For
six years he was a member of the choir in the
old Cathedral and has ever figured prominentl\-
in musical circles, doing much to inculcate a
love of the art and promote a higher standard
of musical education in the city. In his business
affairs he was energetic and enterprising and,
concentrating his efforts upon the management
of the business house which he founded, he won
as the years went by a creditable and gratifying
success that now permits him to live a life of
well earned ease in the enjoyment of the fruits
of his former toil.
EASTON EARL MADEIRA, M. A.
To the church St. Paul owes much. When, as
an otitpost of civilization, it was first fixed upon
by the devoted men who carried the gospel to
the red man and the white as a base upon which
the foundation of Christianity might be built in
the wilderness, it owed its redemption from
frontier outlawry to the missionaries of many
denominattions who gave their lives to minis-
tering to the spiritual wants of the people.
Through all the years of its development it was
led, step by step, to the better things of life by
men of scholarly and pious attributes who, shoul-
der to shoulder with the laity, strove for the
physical, moral and spiritual advancement of the
community. And in these latter days, when the
formative work is done and the city has an en-
viable reputation for culture and social distinc-
tion it is the men of the cloth that form the warp
of the social fabric, who march in the advance
guard of the progress of the city. In every
generation the sons of the church have been
adapted to the work that was before them. The
gentle and pious Bishop Whipple, of revered
memory, formed by nature to win the love and
esteem of the red men and guide them in ways
that permitted the white to pursue his way un-
molested ; the saintly Fathers Ravoux and Gal-
33
tier, whose inspired enterprise gave even its
name to St. Paul ; the sterner men of the middle
era who rebuked immorality and checked it in
the name of divine and human law, and the schol-
arly and forceful men of today whose ministra-
tions appeal to the moderns who require that
they be led by their intelligence — all these have
had to do with the growth in spiritual things
of St. Paul. And history shows that Christ
Church has, tlirough her ministers, had a large
share in bringing the community to its present
state of advancement in the better things of
life.
Christ church is the mother church of the
Episcopal diocese. For fifty-six years the min-
istrations of the godly men who have adminis-
tered the parish have been influential in mould-
ing the community. Organized, as is set forth
at greater length in another chapter of this work,
in 1850, it had for its first rector the Rev.
J. Lloyd Breck, who was one of the organizers
of the parish and who was succeeded by the
Rev. Timothy \\'ilcoxson. Rev. Dr. J. V. Van
Ingen did a great work for the parish and re-
signed the rectorship to enter the Union army
and was followed in the charge by the Rev. Dr.
S. Y. McMasters, whose ministry for fourteen
years, during a crucial period of the city's his-
torv, was profoundly helpful to the community.
The Rev. W. P. Ten Brocck assumed charge
upon the retirement of Dr. McMasters and gave
way later to the Rev. ]\Iahlon H. Gilbert, who
became the honored coadjutor bishop of the dio-
cese, and the Rev. Dr. C. D. Andrews became the
rector and remained for eighteen years. His re-
cent death resulted in the call to the rectorship
of the Rev. Easton Earl Madeira, whose natural
gifts and cultivated mind make him worthy of
the great charge that has been given him and a
proper successor to the men whose learning and
piety have made Christ church to be regarded
as one of the most potent forces for good in St.
Paul.
The Rev. Madeira came to the rectorship at
the first of the present year at the age of thirty-
eight, in the fullness of powers that grace the
distinguished pulpit he fills and with all the ca-
pacity and resources of a young and courageous
646
PAST A\n PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
minister of ilie gospel. He was not called to
the clnirch as a stranger but for two years be-
fore the death of the lamented Dr. .Andrews he
was assistant to that divine.
The son of the Rev. Dr. D. Madeira, the pres-
ent rector of Christ church was born in St.
Louis, Missouri. January 8. 1868. His father
had been a distinguished lawyer early in life
and was well known at the bar in Cincinnati,
where hewas born, but he forsook the profession
of law to take up the ministry and is now living
retired in Kansas City. Missouri. Dr. Madeira
married Miss ]\Iarie Louise Isette, a descendant
of Benjamin Logan, of Kentucky's early history,
and of this union was born the subject of this
sketch, one of nine children.
From his early life Mr. ^ladeira had a voca-
tion for the church and though after graduating
from the public schools of Kansas City he fol-
lowed a business life for some years, he after-
wards entered college in the east and in 1891
matriculated in the general theological seminary,
X'ew York city, and was ordained by Bishop
Potter in 1894. He was a prize essayist and
honor man of his class and received his M. A.
degree at the hands of his alma mater in 1900.
His first charge was in Chillicothe, Missouri,
then in Waterloo. Liwa. and he ministered to a
parish in Elizabeth, New Jersey, before coming
to St. Paul as assistant to Dr. Andrews in 1903.
His election to the rectorshi]) of Christ church
took place the first of this year and was an
acknowledgement of his capacity, for Christ
church is one of the big churches of the west,
having among its parishioners many of the
most influential, cultured and wealthy people in
St. Paul.
Mr. Madeira, holding to the best traditions of
the ministry in which he officiates, has sought
to cultivate his mind in those things that are
most desirable in a clergyman. He is eloquent
and scholarly, his attainments are such as to
equip him for the intellectual and spiritual lead-
ership of such a congregation as he is pastor
of. He is a gifted musician and his compositions
in the school of sacred music have already
brought him distinction. His personality is cal-
culated to increase his jjopularity and earnest-
ness in his work and capacity for accomplish-
ing things are elements that are bound to make
themselves felt in a large metro])olitan parish
such as he presides over. A long and ])rospcrous
career in the rectorship of Christ church is looked
for for him with certainty, for he has already
proven himself worthy of the charge to which
he has been called.
The Rev. Mr. Madeira was married ten years
ago to ^liss ]\Iarie Louise L^eland. daughter of
John P.. and Adel S. (Pell) Ireland, the father a
well known resident of New York. Mrs. Ma-
deira is a direct descendant of Lord Livingston,
James Duane. Jonathan Lawrence and Colonel
Throop. all of Revolutionary fame. They have
two sons, Dashiell Livingston and Aston Floyd.
\\TLLLAM Fe^L'LKE.
William Fouike, practicing at the St. Paul bar,
where he is recognized as one of its eminent rep-
resentatives, while his close study of many of the
great problems, affecting the nation's welfare
have given hiiu a statesman's grasp of affairs,
was born in .Morgan county, Ohio, over a half
century ago, his parents being ^\'illiam and Eliza
( Walker) Fouike, the former a native of Penn-
sylvania and the latter of Ohio. After attending
the public schools he continued his studies at Mt.
Pleasant Academy, Alt. Pleasant, Ohio, and
at ^^'esttown .Kcademy in Chester countv,
Pennsxlvania. Tn earl\- life he worked on
the home farm and (hiring his leisxn-e hours
read and studied law. While thus en-
gaged he tauglit school during the winter
months, while the summer seasons were given
to the work of the fields. He was studious, in-
dustrious and ambitious and manifested particu-
lar aptitude in the mastery of the jirinciples of
jurisprudence because of his close application and
earnest purpose. He was admitted to the Ohio
l)ar in 1868 and began practice at McConnelsville,
that state, where he remained until 1883, being for
several years a partner in his law practice of Gen-
eral Pond, who was for a number of years attor-
ney general of the state. During his residence in
( )hio. Mr. Fouike was twice elected state's attor-
WILLIAM [■OULKE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
649
ncy for Morgan county and was mayor and ex-
officio municipal judge of }.lalta, in which town
he resided while practicing his profession in ,Mc-
Connelsville.
In June. 1883, Mr. Foulke came to St. Paul
and later admitted to partnership in his law prac-
tice W. C. Sprague, who had been a student in
his office in Ohio. This partnership continued
mitil Mr. Sprague returned to the east, since
which time Mr. Foulke has been in practice alone.
He has had a liberal patronage connecting him
with important litigation and he is regarded as a
wise counsellor and able advocate.
?\lr. Foulke was married in Ohio to Aliss Mar-
garet J. Dewees, of Morgan county, that state,
and they became the parents of three children :
Edith, Elsie and Robert W. ^Ir. Foulke is a
^lason and an Odd Fellow, being a charter mem-
ber of Summit lodge, A. F. & A. M., and he is
also a member of the Park Congregational
church. He has always taken a deep and active
interest in public affairs, but has never been an
office seeker, preferring to concentrate his ener-
gies upon his law practice and perform his public
service as a private citizen. He belonged to the
Chamber of Commerce and when a member of its
board of directors the cjuestion of extending the
powers of the street railway company, then op-
erated by horse power, arose. The company de-
sired, under the then existing charter, to experi-
ment on other streets with electricit}' which, as
Mr. Foulke contended, would practically have
given them possession of the city. He vigorous-
ly opposed extending their powers in this way
and fought the matter so persistently before the
Chamber of Commerce and the council commit-
tee on streets that the committee, through Judge
Sanborn, its chairman, requested Mr. Foulke to
|)ropare an ordinance and submit it at their meet-
ing on the following day. He did so and the or-
dinance drawn up by him was in substance the
charter adopted by the cnmicil and accepted b\'
the street railway company. .\t this time there
was an ordinance pending which, had it been
adopted, would have resulted in great loss to the
city. This work was done by Mr. Foulke as a
citizen who deeply desires the best interests of
St. Paul.
He has given much attention to the banking
problem, which is one of the most serious ques-
tions before the public today and as early as 1897,
when the question was first coming under general
discussion, he prepared and sent to the senators
and representatives in congress a statement con-
cerning banking and currency with a plan show-
ing that there could by a system devised so that
there would be no loss to depositors in national
or other banks. His idea was to assess the banks
in proportion to their capital stock, surplus and
average deposits (exclusive circulation) and with
the funds arising from such assessment he would
establish and maintain a depositors' guarantee
fund to be in the custody of the government, fed-
eral or state. Upon the failure of any bank he
would require the officer or receiver taking charge
to ascertain as soon as practicable the amount due
depositors and draw from this fund and pay
them in full and then require each suspended bank
to pay into this fund what would otherwise be
]3aid to its depositors. He argues that if this plan
were adopted it would insure depositors against
loss, that many millions of money now hidden
away would be brought forth and deposited and
be brought into actual circulation. It would avoid
all danger of a run on the bank and then large
sums held as reserves could be put into circula-
tion. Other questions aside from banking have
elicited the attention, interest and study of Mr.
Foulke and while inclined to be safely conserva-
tive he vet holds many advanced ideas on ques-
tions of governmental jiolicy. The soldier on the
field of battle has displayed no greater loyalty
than has Mr. Foulke in his support of American
institutions and his condemnation of political in-
trigue as practiced by both parties.
T. T. McMillan.
T. T. iMc^Iillan is one of the largest independ-
ent packers of the country, in wdiich connection
he deserves much credit, standing as he does, for
the rights of individuals against the monopolies.
J. T. McMillan engaged exclusively in packing
pork and its products, is now controlling an
6:;o
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
extensive and profitable enterprise and althoui::h
not now actively connected with its management
yir. McMillan of this review was its founder
and promoter. He was born near Belfast, Ire-
land, Jul)' 14, 1839. He was aflforded liberal ed-
ucational privileges, attending the Belfast Acad-
emy, and came to the United States in i860,
when a young man of twenty-one years. He set-
tled first in Cincinnati. (Jhio, where he occupied
a position as manager of a packing house and
afterward went to New York city in the same
capacity. In 1870 he removed to St. Paul,
where he established a packing plant and from
a small beginning has developed an extensive
business. The plant is thoroughly equipped with
all modern devices and machinery for the suc-
cessful conduct of the trade, and employment is
given to a large force of workmen, so that the
enterprise is of direct benefit to the industrial
and commercial development of the city as well
as a source of profit to the individual stock-
holders. The business was incorporated in Feb-
ruary, 1906, under the name of J. T. McMillan
& Company.
In the year 1879 Mr. McMillan was married to
a Miss Myron and they have become the parents
of three sons and three daughters, all living.
ilyron was born in St. Paul in 1880, and is a
graduate of the St. Paul high school and at-
tended the University of Minnesota. He entered
business with his father and is now secretary and
treasurer for the company, while his younger
brother, J. T. ^Mc^fillan, Jr., is vice president,
the father retaining the presidencvy. ]\Iyron
IMcMillan is a member of the Commercial Club
and also of the Roosevelt Club. J. T. McMillan,
Jr., was born in St. Paul in 1884, and both are
enterprising young men, alert and energetic, who
are watchful for opportunities of extending the
scope of their business, adding to its prosperit)
as one of the large and important productive
concerns of St. Paul.
In his political views Mr. McMillan has al-
ways been a stalwart republican, unfaltering in
his advocacy of the principles of liis party. He
belongs to the House of Hope Presbyterian
church, and he occupies a beautiful residence
near the state capitol, which together with his
extensive manufacturing enterprise constitutes
a visible evidence of his life of business activity
and successful accomplishment.
RFA'. PATRICK FRANCIS O'BRIEN.
Rev. Patrick Francis O'Brien, senior professor
of Latin in St. Thomas College, was born in
county Tipperary, Ireland, in 1865, a son of Cor-
nelius anil Katherine (Ryan) O'Brien, also na-
tives of county Tipperary and now deceased.
Of their family of five children Father O'Brien
is the youngest. He obtained his early education
at Rockwell College in county Tipperary and
entered Trinity College at Dublin in 1883. He
was graduated therefrom in 1887 with the de-
gree of Bachelor of Arts and in the summer of
1905 he won the degree of ^Master of Arts in
classics. He became an ecclesiastical student
at Thurles College in county Tipperary and was
graduated therefroin in 1891, after which he ac-
cepted a professorship in Carlow College, where
he remained for four years, occupying the chair
of ancient classics. For a time he did mission
work and in 1901 on the invitation of Arch-
bishop Ireland he came to the United States and
has since been senior professor of Latin in St.
Thomas College, his scholarly attainments,
strong intellectuality and ability as an educator
enabling him to add to the efficiency of the
institution which he represents.
CHARLES F. MAHLER.
Charles F. :\laliler was born June 28, 1836.
at LaulTen on the Neckar river in Germany,
and died in St. Paul, February \f\ i()00, at the
age of sixty-four years. When he was eleven
years of age his family emigrated to this country
and located on a farm near White House, Ohio.
There Charles F. Mahler remained for six years,
attending the common schools and entered upon
his business career in 1853 in a general store at
\\'aterville. Ohio. Three years later, in 1856,
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
651
he being then just twenty years of age, he started
out in search of fortune and determined upon
the then new territory of Minnesota as his field
for future operations. He had saved sixty dol-
lars during his three years' work, which repre-
sented his available capital upon leaving" Ohio.
His boat trip up the Mississippi was as a passen-
ger on the Lady Franklin, which vessel was
wrecked in Lake Pepin, so that Mr. Mahler's
trunk and personal effects were lost except the
clothing that he wore and his money. He com-
pleted the arduous trip to St. Paul, where he im-
mediately secured employment with the dry-goods
house of D. ^^^ Ingersoll on Third and Wabasha
streets. Mr. Mahler devoted himself diligently
to the business and secured the confidence of his
employer, who three years later admitted him
to a partnership, together with T. C. Field, the
new tirm becoming known as D. \\'. Ingersoll &
Company, which name was retained until ;\Ir.
Ingersoll retired in 1881, when his interest was
purchased by the two junior partners and the
firm became Field, Mahler & Company,
which name was retained until the re-
tirement of Charles F. Mahler in 1896. Dur-
ing the last two years of his life Mr. Mahler
was more or less connected with banking duties
and for several months was acting president of
the Second National Bank. He held considera-
ble stock in banking houses and his investments
in this direction proved to him a remunerative
source of income.
His membership in the board of control,
where his duty was to look out for the city's
poor, was the only official position that he ever
sought or held. His fraternal relations were
confined to the ]\Iasonic order and he was at one
time eminent commander of Damascus com-
mandery, K. T. In 1871 Islr. Alahler married
Mrs. Amanda Miller, previously Miss Dodd, of
Waterville, Ohio. She and their only children,
two sons, Charles ^^'alter and Frederick E., re-
side at St. Paul.
Mr. Mahler's life after his retirement was
particularly happy. He keenly enjoyed travel
and also took great delight in hunting and fish-
ing. He was a thorough believer in outdoor
life and an active and interested participant in
such wholesome recreations. During his last
twelve years he made several trips to his birth-
place and during the period of his retirement
from business life he enjoyed many of the pleas-
ures and advantages from which he had formerly
been withheld by the strenuous duties of an
active mercantile career.
LOUIS C. SCHWEIZER.
Louis C. Schweizer, manager at St. Paul for
the Jung Brewing Company of Milwaukee, was
born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, October
24, 1864, and as the family name indicates is of
German lineage. His parents were ]\Iichael and
Katherine (Hellrich) Schweizer. the latter
now deceased. The father, however, is still liv-
ing and is engaged in the shoe business in Post-
ville, Iowa.
In the public schools of his native city Louis
C. Schweizer acquired his education and for
twenty years was an employe of the United
States and American Express Companies in va-
rious capacities, spending eight years as agent
for the American Express Company in Still-
water, Minnesota. He came to St. Paul twentv-
six years ago and for five years has been occupy-
ing his present position as manager of the Jung
Brewing Company, of Milwaukee, for St.
Paul and the northwest. This company
has a large branch in St. Paul and its
product is very popular. The olifices and
space for various departments of the business
are located at the foot of Chestnut street near
the tracks of several of the principal railroads
and also convenient to the center of the city, so
that the city trade is easily supplied and excellent
shipping facilities are also enjoyed.
]\Ir. Schweizer was married nineteen years ago
to a Miss Franey, a native of Montrose, ^linne-
sota, and they have four children. Mr. Schweizer
belongs to Stillwater lodge. No. 179, B. P. O.
E., to the Sons of Hermann and to the United
Workmen. Like most peo])le of the German
race, he has a love for music and a considerable
natural gift in that direction and is a member of
652
]'.\ST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
the ^lozart Singing Society. His family attend
the CathoHc church. Mr. Schwcizcr is a great
lover of duck and chicken shooting and the
owner of several very high grade dogs. In
this city, where he has now long resided, Mr.
Schweizer is known as a genial, popular gentle-
man and an efficient 1)iisincss man.
:\IATHIAS HECK.
Mathias Heck, whose residence in St. Paul
covers the period from 1883 to the present time
(1906), has throughout his business career been
connected with industrial interests, becoming
a member of the firm of Mitsch & Heck Wagon
Company in 1892. With laudable ambition that
promotes steady progress he has found a con-
stantlv enlarging scope for activity and embrac-
ing his opportunities, stands today as a prom-
inent representative of the line of business with
which he has now long been associated.
A native of southern Germany he was born in
i860, acquired niucli of his education in the
schools of his native land and pursued a special
course in the schools of St. Paul after coming
to this city in 1883. His present line of business
has been his life work and he has a splendid
technical and working knowledge of wagon
builfling in all its deiiartments. He was made
a partner on the organization of the present firm
of Mitsch & Heck in i8q2. although the business
was established many years before by George
Mitsch. who in 1854 opened a wagon shop. He
was an tuiclc of Lorcnz Mitsch, the present
representative of the family in the firm. The
house bears an excellent re]nitation in business
circles and has an immense trade in .St. Paul.
The plant is equip|)ed willi all the latest and
best machinery and accessories for the manu-
facture of special wagons and for expert rcjiair
work. There are thirty skilled wurknien in their
employ and the house enjoys the patronage of
the largest firms using wagons in St. Paul.
They have made special wagons fur the jiolice
and fire de])artments, ambulances for the hos-
pitals and various other kinds of special wagons.
They are reliable builders and repairers of all
kinds of vehicles, including automobiles, jobbers
in iron and likewise do carriage painting and
trimming. Their business is located at Nos. 201-
211 West Fifth street and the enterprise has
grown from a small beginning to one of large
proportions, so that the proprietors rank among
the substantial business men of the city.
.Mr. 1 Icck was married in 1887 to Miss Eliza
i\Iitsch, a daughter of George Mitsch. the found-
er of the present business of ?ilitsch & Heck
Wagon Company. They have five children, who
are attending school. Mr. Heck is a member of
St. Francis De Sales Catholic church. Like the
great majority of people of his nationality he has
pronounced musical taste and talent and is a
member of St. Peter, St. Clements and St. Fran-
cis De Sales Singing Societies. He is likewise
one of the directors of the German Catholic
Orphan .\sylum and his spirit of philanthropy
is strongly marked, making him responsive to
manv calls for assistance. His political views en-
dorse the national issues advocated by the democ-
racy but at local elections he casts an independent
ballot. His citizenship is of a practical, pro-
gressive character that produces immediate and
beneficial results working not toward ideals
along theoretical lines, but using the means at
hand to accomplish results that redound to the
benefit and improvement of the city.
L( )R1':XZ MITSCH.
Lorenz Mitsch, a nieni1)er of the firm of
Mitsch & Heck Wagon Company, is a native of
( icrmany, born in 1851. His education com-
jilcted. he came to the I'nited States in 1870,
when a \-oung man of about nineteen years. He
]i;iii learned the wagon-making trade in Ger-
niaiiv and has followed it throughout his entire
lil'e, his success being attributable in large meas-
m-e to his ])ersistency of purpose as manifested
in his adherence to the business in which as a
voimg tradesman lu' inibarked. In the year 1892
the Mitsch & Heck Wagon Company as it now
exists was formed and entered upon a prosperous
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
653
epoch. Mr. Alitsch is the practical manager of
the factory while l\Ir. Heck supervises the office
and business interests.
In 1873 was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Mitsch and a Miss Rickert, a native of Germany.
They have nine children and two of the sons,
Henry and John, are now in their father's ent-
plo)'. Air. Mitsch is a member of the Junior
Pioneers, gives his political allegiance to the
democracy and is a communicant of the Assump-
tion Catholic church. The family residence is
at No. 197 Rondo street.
GEORGE HERBERT FAIRCLOUGH.
George Herbert Fairclough is one of the lead-
ing church and concert organists of Minnesota.
Besides being an organist and choirmaster of
the Church of .St. John, the Evangelist, St. Paul,
the largest and wealthiest Episcopal parish of
the diocese, where he has charge of a fine choir
of sixty-five boys and men, he is also organist
and director of the Mount Zion Hebrew Temple.
Mr. Fairclough is a Canadian by birth, having
been born in Hamilton, Ontario, in January,
1869, of English parents. His first teacher in
music was his oldest brother, William E., who is
now organist and musical director of one of the
leading Episcopal churches in Toronto, Canada.
The subject of this sketch first began playing
the organ at the age of eleven, when he occasion-
ally assisted his brother, who was then organist
of Christ Church Cathedral at Hamilton, leav-
ing his place as a chorister in the choir to play
the organ at rehearsal. At the age of thirteen he
was appointed organist of St. Mark's Episcopal
church, Hamilton, at that time the most ritual-
istic church in that diocese. Two years later he
was appointed organist at tlie aristocratic
Church of the Ascension, where he had a fine
three manual organ at his disposal. Dm-ing
this time he was attending the public schools,
and studying diligently the piano, organ and
theory from the best teachers of the city. After
graduating from the high school at the age of
seventeen he was desirous of entering the Toron-
to University. His brother, Henry Rushton, was
at that time lecturer in Greek at the University.
This brother is now professor of Latin at the
Leland Stanford University, California. Upon
his arrival in Toronto to enter the University,
Mr. Fairclough was immediately offered the post
of organist at the Church of the Redeemer, one
of the largest up-town churches in Toronto.
After being there a little over a year he was
appointed organist and choirmaster to All Saints
Episcopal church, where at the age of eighteen
he had full charge of the choir of boys and men,
had a fine large, three manual organ and was
looked upon as one of the leading organists of the
city. He had not yet quite entered wholly into the
musical profession, as he was still an under-
graduate of Toronto University, and also a stu-
dent at the Toronto Conservatory of Music.
But in 1890. when but twenty-one years of age,
he received the flattering offer of the musical di-
rectorship of the Ladies College at Brantford,
Ontario, and organist and choir director of the
leading Presbyterian church of that city. He
accepted and moved to that city, abandoning his
university course. .Vfter a most successful two
vears in Brantford, ]Mr. Fairclough decided to
go to Europe to study. He went to Berlin in
January, 1893, and spent three years abroad. He
succeeded in entering the Royal High School of
Music, as a student of piano. Out of a class
of sixty students from all over the world compet-
ing for entrance, Mr. Fairclough was success-
fid with eleven others. Only a limited num-
ber of pupils are received each year at the Royal
High School, and a certain number of vacancies
are open twice a year. j\Ir. Fairclough received
a thorough training in piano, organ, theoretical
work, etc., and had for his teachers some of the
best known professors in Berlin. including
Heinrich Barth, Georg von Peterson, Charles E.
Clemens, Waldemar Bargiel, Reinhold Succo
and Ernest Schelling. On leaving Berlin, after
two and a half years' stay he went to Paris and
London for a few months' study in each place.
In London he was associated for several weeks
with Sir Frederick Bridge, organist of West-
minster .\bbey. He holds a certificate from the
Roval High Sciiool signed bv [osef Toachim.
654
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
the world famous violinist, who is clirector-in-
chief of the school, for two years good work
done there, and also has numerous letters of
recommendation from his teachers abroad.
While in Berlin, i\Ir. Fairclough had two of his
songs accepted for publication, which have had
quite a successful sale.
On his return to America Mr. Fairclough de-
cided to locate in the states and his first appoint-
ment was as head of the musical department of
a college in Kalamazoo. Michigan, where he
was also organist and choirmaster of St.
Luke's Episcopal church. After a very
successful and busy four years he was
called to his present position in St. Paul,
coming here in January, 1900. For a compara-
tively newcomer Mr. Fairclough has had a re-
markably successful career in the capital city.
Besides his two important church positions he
is very busy with a large class of piano and or-
gan pupils. He gives numerous organ recitals
in St. Paul and throughout the state and has
been invited three times to give organ recitals
before the State INTusic Teachers' Association.
He gave two recitals at the World's Fair in St.
Louis in 1904. Two years ago he was made
conductor of the St. Paul Choral Club. Under
his direction the club (a chorus of two hundred
mixed voices) has given highly successful con-
certs, including a fine performance of Elgar's
"Dream of Gerontius." He conducted a chorus
of three hundred voices in Haydn's Creation at
the Northwestern Saengerfest in igo6 and also
a chorus of fifteen hundred school children on
the same occasion.
Mr. Fairclough is a hard and enthusiastic
worker in his profession and is one of the most
progressive nnisicians in tlie northwest.
CORDENTO ARNOLD SEVERANCE.
Time was. and that not so very long ago, that,
when a .St. Paul man attained to pre-eminence
in the learned professions an inf|tiiry into his an-
tecedents was necessarily premised by a query
as to what stale he came froni — the assumption
being that the attainment of distinction in the
higher walks of life presupposed the importation
of the gifted or fortunate individual. It is a
gratifying sign of the times that this assumption
no longer obtains in the public mind. Minne-
sota men, sons of the soil, have come into their
own. In St. Paul they dominate commerce ;
they have gone far in the field of learning and
their accomplishments are written in the courts
of law. in the hospitals, the schools and the
churches. And this not at all because of the ex-
istence of any preference for native sons but be-
cause the sons of Minnesota have found the
strength in themselves to compete with the im-
ported citizens in that arena in which the law
of the survival of the fittest is applied by the
hard and fast rule that nothing succeeds like
success. And in no sphere of action have Minne-
sota men developed so rapidly as in the practice
of the law. The ivy has not yet attacked the
walls of their foundations of learning, yet they
have fotmd the means to impress not only their
fellow citizens with their capacity, but their at-
taimnents have made their services to be in
demand in all sectimis of the country and the
highest courts in the lands have been swayed
by their forceful pleading and knowledge of the
law.
In St. Paul there is no better exemplar of
this new school of home-bred lawyers than Cor-
denio Arnold Severance, a son of the soil ; a
law partner of that distinguished statesman and
lawver, the late Cushman K. Davis, and who,
at an age when most men have their way to
make in the law, has attained to a degree of
success that has put him well at the front of his
profession, mil (inlv in .St. Paul but in the slate
and nation. .\nd there is nothing imported about
ATr. Severance but the laiu-els he has won. Born
in Mantorville. Dodge cmmty. June 30, 1862,
he was educated in the common schools of his
native town and given an academical training
in a career of three years at Carleton College.
He read law in that best of all schools — the office
of a distinguished and successful lawyer, the
Hon. Robert Taylor, of Kasson. His apti-
tude for the law was demonstrated by the fact
that he took his examination at an age when it
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
655
was necessary for the court to make an order
that he should be admitted to practice when he
reached his majority and was thereby enabled to
take the oath. That occurred in 1883 and two
years later he entered the office of Cushman K.
Davis in St. Paul, there coming into contact
with his present law partner, Frank B. Kellogg.
^^l^en Mr. Davis was elected to the United
States senate in 1S87 the firm of Davis, Kellogg
& Severance was formed, the senator practically
turning over the business of the firm to the junior
partners. This partnership, dissolved by the
death of the head of the firm, but not otherwise
afifected except in the increase of a practice that
has its ramifications all over the country, stands
whhout any doubt, at the head of the legal pro-
fession in St. Paul. The lamented death of the
head of the firm called into full play the per-
sonalities that had been responsible for its ac-
tivity for some years previous and Mr. Kellogg
and Mr. Severance have been and are accorded
high rank in their profession. The firm has
been extremely successful in the direction of
litigation involving the greatest interests in the
country — and this not only in the state courts
but in the courts of the nation. A record of
the successes of the partnership would include
a very considerable share of the important liti-
gation involving large interests that has made a
noise in the legal world f(5r ten years or more.
This reference to the firm is inseparable from a
record of the career of Mr. Severance.
In the score of years that Mr. Severance has
been devoting himself to the building up of the
enviable practice he enjoys now he has not per-
mitted the dust of his library ( the Davis, Kel-
logg & Severance library, by the way, is the
finest private law library in the state) to settle
upon him socially. Restraining a natural bent
for politics — his father, the Hon. E. C. Sever-
ance, senator from Dodge county, was a man
of political importance — he has never been a
candidate for public office and has never accepted
the preferment that has come to him. As a
partv man he has bestirred himself at times in
the interests of his friends but he has not been
active since the death of Senator Davis. Essen-
tialh' human — as it is sometimes given a lawver
to be — -he is socially popular, a popularity to
which he has been helped by a charming wife
who presides over a home that is the center of a
cultured circle which includes all of the musical
ililettanti in St. Paul society. A critical patron
of music Mr. Severance has been the president of
the St. Paul Choral Club and is a most enthu-
siastic devotee of this form of art.
On June 26, 1886, Mr. Severance was married
to Miss Mary Frances Harriman. daughter of
General Samuel Harriman, of Wisconsin. The
family belongs to the Church of St. John, the
Evangelist (Episcopal).
Mr. Severance is a member of the Minnesota
and Town and Country Clubs, of St. Paul ; the
Gitchi Gammi, of Duluth ; the Metropolitan, the
Lawyers and the Strollers, of Xew York : and
the Pirooklyn Club, of Brooklyn. Flis city home
is on Summit avenue, St. Paul, and he has a
summer residence at Cottage Grove, \\'ashington
countv. W. H. B.
CHARLES E. DAXXEBERG.
Charles E. Danneberg. retailer of fine furs,
whose connection with the commercial interests
of St. Paul covers a ciuarter of a century, is a
native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born
in March, 1840, his parents being Louis and
Agatha (Schunemann ) Danneberg. both of
whom are deceased. In the public schools of
his native country Charles E. Danneberg pursued
his education and entered' upon business life
there, so that he had some preliminary training
before he sought a home and fortune in the
United States. The year 1865 witnessed his ar-
rival in the new world and he lived successively
in P)altimore. Xew York, Detroit and Indianap-
olis, spending a few years in each city as a dealer
in furs. About twenty-five years ago he came to
St. Paul and has continued in the same line of
trade which has occupied his attention through-
out the years of his connection with mercantile
interests. He now has a fine store and is one of
the old reliable fur dealers of the city, receiving
an extensive patronage from among the best
class of St. Paul's citizens. His store is large
6^6
PAST AXU I'RESEXT UF ST. PAUL.
and well stocked with rare and costly furs. His
knowledge of the business gained through years
of practical experience enables him to make care-
ful selections in his purchases and his customers
reap the benefit of his knowledge and long train-
ing. He has, too, that power of co-ordinating
forces and utilizing o])iK)rUinilies which consti-
tute a strong element in business success and
his operations have ever been in harmony with
a high standard of commercial ethics.
About thirty-three years ago Mr. Danneberg
was married to Miss Amelia Betcher, a native of
Germany. They lost their only child. They are
members of the Christian Science church and
?ilr. Danneberg belongs to the St. Paul ^Nlusic
A'erein, while his political allegiance is given to
the republican party. The family home is at
Xo. 75 Iglehart street and the business is car-
ried on at X'o. 76 East Fifth street. His per-
sistency of purpose that has enabled him to con-
tinue in one line of trade throughout his busi-
ness career is one of the strong elements in Mr.
Danneberg's success. He found, too, in the
business conditions of the new world the oppor-
tvmities which bring advancement and each for-
ward step he has made has given him a broader
outlook and a wider scope of activity and in re-
tail mercantile circles in St. Paul his position
is that of a leader of his line.
W. W. DL'XN.
W. W. Dunn, slate senatur from St. Paul and a
distinguished member of llu- .Minnesota bar, was
born in ^^'asllillgtlln count)', this state, August
7. 1862. His father. T.ucius C. Dunn, was a na-
tive of Maine. The family is of English lineage,
the first representatives of the name coming from
England to America in the early yiart of the
eighteenth century and settling in Xew York. The
mother. Arabella Dean, was a lineal descendant
of John Alden, of Mayflower fame and was born
in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn became
pioneer residents of Minnesota and the father
was identified with the substantial improvement
and upbuilding of Ramsey county.
W. \\ . Dunn was educated in the pulilic
schools and afterward engaged in teaching for
five years in the district schools of Ramsey county.
During this period he devoted his leisure
hours to the study of law and entered
the ofiice of John P. and W. H. San-
Ijorn, who tlirected his reading until he was
admitted to the bar on examination before the
supreme court in 1885. The same year he located
for practice in St. Paul and has since been an able
member of the bar of this city. His abilities both
natural and acquired seem to fit him for his pro-
fession and though competent to enter various
other fields of labor, had he done so the legal pro-
fession of Minnesota would have lost one of its
eminent members. As an advocate he is devoted
to the best interests of his clients. That he is al-
ways master of the situation is shown by his
ready replies, his ability to cite authorities and
]3recedents, and by his earnest and fluent words.
He is elocfuent, possesses a good delivery and has
long been recognized as one of the most able
members of the bar of Ramsey county.
He has not concentrated his efforts upon the
practice of law alone, however, but has given
careful consideration to the great political ])rob-
lems affecting the welfare of his state and his
fitness for leadership has led to his election to
prominent official positions. In 1896 he was
chosen to represent his district in the lower house
of the legislature, where he served continuously
until elected to the state senate in 11)02. He has
lieen imtiring in looking after the interest of his
constituents and nuich beneficial legislation has
resulted. Hv secin-cd the estalilislinient of the
state fish hatchery at St. Paul and in the la.st
session of the senate he took the preliminary stejis
f(ir the .'ippoinlnient of a committee to re]iorl on
the most desirable site in Ramsey county for the
])ermanent location of a state hos]iital for indi-
gent cripples and deformed children, which he
ho]x-s to have located in the first ward at the next
session of the legislature. He has been con-
nected with nnich imjiortant constructive legisla-
tion lookint;' to the general interests of the state
W. W. DL'XX
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAl'L.
659
as well as home locality and has been the cham-
pion of many bills which have become laws and
the value of which have already been prtnen in
their enforcement.
Air. Dunn was married in 1886 to jMiss Alary
C. AlcCoy, a daughter of Samuel JNIcCoy. of St.
Peter. Minnesota. He belongs to the Royal Ar-
canum, to the Foresters and the Junior Pioneers
and has the agreeable manner, unfailing courtesy
and deference for the opinions of others which
make him popular in fraternal, social and political
circles. He stands as a high type of our Ameri-
can manhood and citizenship, who, while recog-
nizing the value of party organization as a force
for accomplishing results, yet places the public
good before mere partisan measures. He is a
student of the signs of the times and has a states-
man's grasp of affairs, combined with the ability
to present forcibly and logically his views whether
upon points of law or intricate political problems.
He is known as an eloquent and able speaker and
beneath the adornments of oratory and rhetoric
there is a stratum of sound logic that holds the
attention of his hearers and expresses thoughts
that are not easily forgotten.
WILLIAM HAMM.
.\ papyrus found in a royal tomb in the ruins
of Luxor, in the valley of the Nile, relates the
story of one Mnetops, a king of Egypt who was
probaljly a contemporary of Saul, of Israel, and
sums his virtues in the statement: "He brought
the art of brewing beer to a state of perfection."
There is no disputing matters of taste and it is
possible that the beer of Mnetops was perfect
according to the canons of taste obtaining in the
time of the Sixteenth Dynasty, but there is room
for doubt that the beer brewed in perfection
would have been held perfect if judged by mod-
ern standards. The Egyptians assuredly had
some advanced knowdedge of brewing, for it is
certain that as soon as man developed enough
sense to look about him and marvel at the works
of nature he at once, and instinctively, became
aware of the fact that certain elements in na-
ture when subjected to the process of fermenta-
tion, evolved qualities that were gently stimula-
tive and good for the stomach of the human.
In all grain growing countries beer has been
made in all ages. The centra! African savage
of today makes his own beer and drinks it to his
own satisfaction — considering it. no doubt, quite
the perfect article. On the other hand the most
progressive scientists of the old and new worlds
are constantly experimenting with a view to the
elimination of all possible elements of contami-
nation from the process of brewing and they
view the result of their labors with very much
the same complacency that Mnetops looked upon
his. .\nd though the end of the development
of the art of brewing is not yet, still it mu.st be
conceded that some of the moderns have ap-
proached very near to perfection in the produc-
tion of a beer that is stout in body, yet light on
the ]ialate, nutritions and gently stimulating and
from which deleterious substances have been
eliminated without destroying the food value of
the product. And though the brewer has been,
in all times, liighly esteemed of his fellows, it
must be admitted that it is only in later days
that he has gone so far in his work as to com-
mand the admiration of his kind for the good
he has accomplished in applying scientifically
accurate formulae to the processes of brewing,
and in reckoning with the public health as well
as with the public thirst and taste in the effort
to produce a marketable commodity. If King
Mnetops, of wdiom the panegyrist said that he
had "brought the art of brewing to a state of
perfection", coidd avail himself of the privilege
which is free to any citizen of St. Paul and
make a study of the methods by which the beer
of the Theodore Hamm P>rewing Company is
really brought to a state of perfection today he
would probably take some action to have that
])apyrus record destroyed. In any event he
would stand aghast at the size of a plant that
produces yearly enough beer to quench the thirst
of all Egypt and which in this year of igo6
stands at the top of the list of St. Paul institu-
tions in the number of people it gives employ-
ment to, directly and indirectly — a fact which
entitles it and its principal owner and guiding
si)irit to ;i place in any record of the existing
66o
I'AST AXD PRESENT Ol- ST. PAUL.
conditions in St. Paul. For while there are
other men who stand at the head of corporate
interests of relatively greater importance in St.
Paul than Hamm's Brewery, there is no man
in St. Paul who has built up a business in a
few years from comparatively insignificant pro-
portions to the size of the institution over which
William Hamm presides today, with its million-
dollar plant, its scores of private cars, its wide-
spread connections and its eight hundred em-
ployes.
Fifty-two years ago Theodore Hamm came
from his home in Baden, Germany to the United
States. Xine years later he began the brewing
of beer in a modest way. He made good beer
and he made about five hundred barrels the first
vear. Twenty-eight years later the Hamm Brew-
ing Company made forty-three thousand barrels
of beer and had grown to be an important St.
Paul institution and the repute of its product
was growing fast. But breweries are not built
in a day. In Germany and England it is gener-
ally held that brewers are born, not made, and
some families have been devoted to the business
for generations. The theory held good in the
house of Hamm for as the founder of the busi-
ness withdrew from its active direction, his place
was taken by his son, William, who came into
the management of the brewery in the early '80s.
To an instinctive knowledge of the art of brew-
ing, developed by intimate acquaintance with the
methods that had made famous the product of
his father, \\'illiam Hamm brought the addi-
tional weight of an appreciation of the fact that
a new era was dawning in beer-making — that
it was no longer sufiicient to produce a beer that
was sound in body and palatable, but that it must
be chemically pure, tested in the lahratory of
unwavering science, made in sufficient quanti-
ties to permit of the smallest possible margin of
profit and put on the market only in a condition
of unvarving excellence, if the most satisfactory
results were to be obtained. Perfect sanitation in
all the processes of brewing, storing and pack-
ing was efifected. There was no sparing of ex-
pense in the erection of buildings, in the installa-
tion of machinery, in the retention of the ])rod-
uct in the storage vats until it was perfectly
ripe for the market. The most perfect hops are
grown in Europe — the hops were imported : the
finest barley in the world is grown in Minnesota
and the best of the Minnesota jjroduct was
bought in for Hamm : the brewery is built over
a great artesian basin and three wells were sunk
to a depth of a thousand feet and the water
brought up out of the porous sandstone, through
which it filtered, to be filtered again before being
used. The air that came in contact with the
grain, the hops, the extract of hops and the malt
was sterilized : the yeast used in the process of
fermentation, grown under glass, was tested
before each brew ; the product of the brew
stored in vats in rooms kept at a temperature
of one degree above the freezing point :
the bottles and kegs in which the beer was
packed for the market were sterilized. Within
the brewery no microbe had a chance for his
life. The result was pure beer — and that would
not have been enough if the brewmaster had
been lacking in a knowledge of his business.
But the beer was sound, not only scientifically
but according to the formula of the best brewers
to be had in this country or Europe and up to
the standard set by the elder Hamm in the old
davs and maintained by his son later.
All this was not accomplished in a day. It
required unremitting toil and large outlay. In
1896 the Theodore Hamm Brewing Company
was incorporated with Theodore Hamm as pres-
ident and treasurer and William Hamm as vice
president and secretary, and upon the latter de-
volved the task of directing the plant which had
grown and was growing to great size. Mr.
Hamm's development of the business his father
had established did not stop at the door of the
brewery. He engaged in extensive publicity, he
established agents everywhere. He was in ad-
vance of the other moderns in evolving modern
methods. There was no use making a fine article
and allowing the fact to remain hidden. Hamm's
\kvv became famous and famous to such a good
Ijurjioso that in 1901 the output of the brewery
was two hundred and fifty thousand barrels and
in 1905 it was three hundred thousand barrels.
The ]5resent capacity will permit of an annual
output of five hundred thousand barrels and the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
66i
storage capacity is one hundred thousand bar-
rels— permitting every gallon of product to be
thoroughly matured before it is marketed.
Theodore Hamm died in 1903, respected by
the community in which he had become so im-
portant a figure. William Hamm, the present
president of the company and its active and act-
ual manager, is an indefatigable worker. Person-
ally directing the operations of an institution
that does business in a territory extend-
ing from ^lissouri to the northwest ter-
ritories and from Wisconsin to the Rocky
^Mountains he still finds time to take an
active part in all public affairs in St. Paul and
his advice is eagerly sought and followed in all
movements aiTecting the welfare of the city. To
his energy is to be attributed much of the suc-
cess that attended the progress of the Auditorium
project; for many years he has given his services
to the development of the park system, as a mem-
ber of the board of park commissioners. He is
engaged in numerous enterprises aside from
that involved in the management of what is un-
doubtedly the largest brewery in the northwest
and his energy and spirit are ■ characteristic of
the man and his accomplishments. Air. Hamm
is in the full tide of his maturity and having ac-
complished so much may be expected to go
much farther.
In 1893 Mr. Hamm was married to Miss
Marie Schefter and lives in a beautiful home
on Cable avenue. W. B. H.
COLONEL R. P.. C. BEMENT.
Colonel R. B. C. Bement, who is closely asso-
ciated with the civic interests and commercial
activity in St. Paul, being now president of the
Robinson & Cary Company, wholesale dealers
in railway materials and supplies, was born in
Saratoga county. New York, July 3, 1848. His
father, a native of the Empire state, was born
in Albany in 1816 and was a direct descendant
of John Bement, who settled in Connecticut in
1632. A prosperous merchant and a man of
affairs in New York, he wielded a wide influence
in public life, especially in commercial circles.
His wife, Katherine Lewis, was a descendant
of ancestors who came to America on the May-
flower. His death occurred November 5, 1882.
while Mrs. Bement passed away in 1876. In
their family were nine children, but only three
are now living.
Colonel Bement, enjoying the advantages of
superior educational training, spent two years
at the New York University as a member of the
class of 1868 and then entered the Renssalaer
Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, where
he graduated as a civil engineer in the class of
1869. Entering upon his business career, he
became assistant engineer on the Burlington Rail-
road in Nebraska and subsequently went to
Dubuque, Iowa, as chief engineer of the Chicago,
Dubuque & Alinnesota and the Chicago, Clinton
& Dubuque railroads, constructing both lines.
That task accomplished, he removed to Trov.
New York, as chief engineer of the Troy & Bos-
ton Railroad, now the Fitchburg division of the
Boston & Alaine Railroad. For three years he
was engaged in manufacturing interests at Buf-
falo, New York, as a manufacturer of railroad
supplies, while later he devoted four years to
the conduct of a similar enterprise in Boston.
Massachusetts.
Colonel Bement came to St. Paul in 1886 and
here began contracting on a large scale, establish-
ing water works and other public works in the
cities and towns in the northwest and also manu-
facturing hydraulic engines. In 1890, upon the
election of \\'illiam B. Dean to the state senate,
he was appointed a member of the board of
water commissioners of St. Paul and in 1892 he
was elected president of the board, which posi-
tion he occupied for six consecutive years, or
until 1898, when he was appointed to the United
States army, and went to the Philippines as
major of United States volunteers on the staff
of General Wesley Merritt, serving throughout
the Spanish-American war. Returning to St.
Paul, he engaged in engineering and contracting
until April, 1905, when, upon the death of S. M.
Cary, he was elected to the presidency of the
Robinson & Cary Company, wholesale dealers
in railway materials and supplies, construction
662
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAEL
materials, heavy railroad iron. etc. His previous
connection with railroad building and with
trade in his present line well qualified him for the
duties of the position which ho assumed, and to
which he now devotes his entire attention with
marked cai>ability.
Colonel Bement was married December 31,
1872, to Miss Mary E. Tracy, of Troy, New
York, and they have two children. The daugh-
ter. IJertlia Tracy Bement, is the wife of Colonel
S. D. Sturgis, twelfth Battery Field Artillery.
ETnited States regular army, a son of General
Sturgis, formerly of St. Paul, who is represented
elsewhere in this volume. Lansing Tracy, the
son. is in the office of the West Publishing Com-
pany of St. Paul. Colonel Bement is a thirty-
second degree Mason, and is recognized as one
of the local leaders of the republican party. An
analyzation of his life work shows him to be
pre-eminently a man of affairs and one who has
wielded a wide influence, leaving the impress
of his individuality upon the material develop-
ment of various sections of the country and also
upon the political activity and municipal inter-
ests of St. Paul. \\'ith ca])abilities that enable
him to plan and execute large undertakings, he
has attained prominence in industrial and com-
mercial circles of the northwest and has, more-
over, been a guiding factor in shaping the polit-
ical history of his adopted city through the last
decade or more.
AXDRE\\- D. IIASEETT.
Andrew D. Haslett, a wholesale merchant nf
St. Paul, was born in Danville, Pennsylvania, Feb-
ruary 6, 1824, his parents lieing John and Eetitia
(Dunlap) Haslett. The father, a farmer by oc-
cupation, was born in 1784 and removing to the
west in 1836, died in St. Jose|)h county. Indiana,
in T837. He was a farmer and stockman, carry-
ing iin Inisiness along those lines in order to ])ro-
vidc for his family, which numl)cred seven chil-
dren, of whom Elizabeth, William and Eydia are
now deceased, while Phoche resides in Eos .An-
geles, California, anfl Margaret and Mary have
also passed away.
Andrew D. Haslett, the ftnirth in order of birth
in this family, spent his early life at farm labor,
remaining under the parental roof until sixteen
years of age. He had mastered the elementary
branches of learning in the subscription schools
and when a youth of sixteen went to DoVlestown,
Pennsylvania, where hr i>ursued an academic
course. He afterward removed to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the dry-goods
commission business for a year and in 1848 he
became a wholesale dealer in cloth. He has con-
tinued in this line of trade throughout his entire
life and removing to St. Paul in 1855 estaljlished
business here, since which time he has conducted
one of the leading and reliable wholesale houses
of the city. He also liad a retail store at Tliir<l
and Wabasha streets. In 1894 he sold out and
retired from business. For more than a half
century he had been connected with commercial
interests here and occupied a most enviable posi-
tion in the regard of his business contemporaries
and associates.
At the time of the Civil war, however, j\E'. Has-
lett returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and
enlisted with the blue reserves — the Seventh Regi-
ment of A^olunteer Infantry — subject to the gov-
ernor's call for emergencies. This command was
called out at the battle of .\ntietam, at Gettysburg
and also participated in other important engage-
ments. Mr. Haslett returned to St. Paul in 1869
and resumed business as a wholesale merchant
here. He has thus continuously been connected
with commercial interests and has maintained a
foremost place among the leading merchants, his
business record being such as any man might lie
proud to possess. Fair and just in his treatment
of his employes, always courteous to patrons, reli-
able in his dealings and progressive in his busi-
ness methods he has won success and an linnored
name and in ailditiim Id liis business interests
owns a desirable residence and other ])roperly in
the city. All he possesses has come to him
through his earnest labor and his entire career
has been an exemplification of the old-time adage
that "Honesty is the best policy."
On the 14th of November, 1S48. Mr. Haslett
was married to Miss Mary P. Walter, a daugh-
ter of Joseph S. and DelxM-ah Walter, of Phila-
ANi)Ri':\\ 1). iiASLi'yrT
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
665
delphia, Pennsylvania. Her father was a con-
tractor and builder of prominence in that city.
In 1864 .Mr. Haslett was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife, who died in Philadelphia on
the i8th of December of that year. There were
three daughters of that marriage: Allie W., the
wife of George L. Oaks, of Canon City, Colo-
ratio; Mary M., living with her father; and ^lar-
tha, deceased.
In his political views Air. Haslett is a stalwart
republican, but has had no aspiration for office,
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business affairs, in which he is meeting with sig-
nal success. He has been a member of the Bap-
tist church for fifty-six years and is now serving
as deacon. He resides at No. 681 Selby avenue.
He has never been a public man in the ordinary
sense, never an office holder, nor an office seeker,
having no taste for official or political life but
during all his business career he has held impor-
tant relations to the public interest through the
business enterprises he has conducted, for in these
the public has been a large and indirect benefic-
iary. His influence has been felt rather than seen
as a strong, steady moving force in the social,
moral and industrial movements of the commu-
nitv.
LOUIS G. HOFFFMANN.
Louis G. Hoffmann, president of the Com-
mercial Club, a prominent Mason, a leader in
republican ranks and a successful merchant of
St. Paul, was born at Port Dover in Ontario.
Canada. February 12. 1858, a son of Ludwig and
Christina (Bilger) Hoffmann, both of whom
were natives of Germany. The father was born in
Heidelberg, Baden, Germany, and leaving his na-
tive country sailed for the United States, where
he resided until 1852, when he removed to Port
Dover, Canada. There he was extensively en-
gaged in business as a furniture manufacturer,
his death occurring in Grand Rapids, Michigan,
in 1900. His wife, a native of Stuttgart, Wur-
temberg, died in 1890. Of their four children
three are yet living.
At the usual age Louis G. Hoft'mann entered
the public schools of Port Dover, where he
passed through the successive grades until he
was graduated from the high school. He after-
ward continued his studies in the University at
Toronto and subsequently returned to Port Dov-
er, where he spent a year in a general store.
He afterward joined his father in the furniture
manufacturing business, being actively engaged
in its conduct for five years, on the expiration
of which period he crossed the border into the
I'nited States and for one year resided in Chi-
cago and the state of Illinois. He became con-
nected with the clothing trade in Streator. Illi-
nois, and in 1882 removed to St. Paul, where for
five years he was manager of the T. A. Bartlett
clothing store. Subsequently he spent three
}"ears as assistant manager of Browning. King
& Company, on the expiration of which period
he established a clothing store of his own on
Seventh street. He afterward removed to the
corner of Seventh and Robert streets in the old
Hudson building and at this writing he is con-
ducting his mercantile interests at No. 400 Rob-
ert street in the Ryan Hotel building. His
business interests have been attended with grat-
ifying measure of prosperity, the development
of his trade and the scope of his undertakings
bringing to him very desirable success, so that
he is today recognized as one of the foremost
merchants of the city.
TV^rhaps no better evidence of his position in
the regard of his contemporaries in business cir-
cles can be given than the fact that he has been
twice chosen to the office of president of the
Commercial Chili. He was first elected in De-
cemlier, 1904, and in 1905 was unanimously re-
elected. He has attained K. C. C. TI. rank in
.Scottish rite ^Masonry and M. of K. of the Min-
nesota consistory. No. i, while for five years
he has been potenate of Osman temple of the
Mystic Shrine. He has filled all of the offices
in the Knights of Pythias lodge and is a mem-
ber of Hiawatha lodge, .\. O. LT. W. On the
23d of February, T0o6, he was nominated as the
republican candidate for mayor. Since age con-
ferred ui)on him the right of franchise he has
been interested in the great political problems
ri66
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
of the country and has been a worker in behalf
of the i)rinciples in which he beheves. His pub-
He spirit and e.xeellent executive force promise
a businessHke. practical and progressive admin-
istration should he be chosen for the office.
Mr. Hofifmann was married on the 3d of Feb-
ruary, 18S7, to Miss Carrie L. Bort, of North-
east, Pennsylvania, and they have a daughter,
Pauline, who was graduated with honors from
the Central high school. The family residence is
at No. 937 Lincoln avenue and the famil\- are
members of the First Presbyterian church. While
an intensely practical man and giving utility its
proper place in the history of St. Paul, he is a
strong believer and advocate of all the influences
that work for refinement and education. It is
difficult to analyze the life of such a man as Mr.
Hoffmann, whose character seems so completely
rounded out. As a citizen he meets every require-
ment and manifests a commendable interest in
everything that is calculated to promote the city' 5
welfare in any line. In private life he is sym-
pathetic and generous, extending a helping hand
to the poor and needy, always ready to aid those
less fortunate than himself and according sincere
and genuine friendship to many congenial spirits.
In manner he is pleasant, genial and approachable
and all who know him esteem him highly for his
genuine worth, recognizing his capability for the
leadership which is accorded him in the varied
walks of life.
JACOB EVANS SCHADLE. M. D.
Dr. Jacob Evans Schadlc, who in his practice
has won distinction as a specialist in lar3'ngology
and rhinology, was born near Williamsport.
Pennsylvania, June 23, 1849. His father, Mi-
chael Schadle, was of German descent and was a
well-to-do Pennsylvania farmer. He married
Phoebe Sallade, of German-Swiss extraction.
Dr. Schadle acquired his early education in
the common schools, which he attended through
the winter months, while the summer season.s
were devoted to work. Ambitious to acquire an
education and prepare himself for teaching he
attended the State Normal School at ^lillers-
ville. Pennsylvania, and while in college was a
member of the Page Society. He was graduated
with the class of 1871 but two years prior to that
time, in 1869, had entered upon the teacher's
profession, being thus engaged in public and pri-
vate schools until 1876, when he accepted the
position of superintendent of the public schools
in Alifflinburg, Pennsylvania. The same year he
took up the study of medicine in the office and
under the direction of Dr. Sheppard Van Val-
zah, of that city, who directed his reading for
five months. Fie afterward studied for two years
with Dr. John S. Crawford, of Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, as his preceptor and to him Dr.
Schadle generally attributes much of his success
by reason of the careful instruction he received
and the inspiration which Dr. Crawford gave
him for the attainment of thoroughness and
efficiency. In the fall of 1877 he entered the
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, from which he was graduated on the
completion of the regular four years' course with
the class of 1881.
Dr. Schadle immediately located for practice
in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. In 1883 an epi-
demic of smallpox broke out there in the anthra-
cite coal district and the city authorities appointed
him "lozaretto ph3'sician.'' It was a trying
place for so young a man but he resolutely
undertook the difficult task that devolved upon
him to check the ravages of this disease. He
succeeded in inducing the authorities to build an
isolation hospital on the side of the mountain
and through the rigid quarantine which he estab-
lished he succeeded in e.xterminating the disease
after three months and out of forty-nine cases
lost but ten, which at that time was a remark-
able percentage. His efficiency in this connec-
tion won him immediate prominence among the
physicians and surgeons of Pennsylvania. In
1885 he pursued a post-graduate course in the
Jefferson Medical College to prepare himself for
the study of laryngology and rhinology, his pre-
ceptor being the distinguished Dr. Charles E.
Sajons, of Philadelphia.
Dr. Schadle returned to Shenandoah and al-
PAST AND r-RESEXT OF ST. PAL'L.
667
though there were demands made upon him as a
general practitioner he endeavored to concen-
trate his attention upon his study and on the 1st of
January, 1888, came to St. Paul, wliere he opened
an office and entered upon the treatment of dis-
eases of the nose, throat and ear. He has been
extremely successful as a specialist in this line
and his opinions are largely accepted as authority
with the medical fraternity. He spent the year
of 1897-8 in study abroad, directing himself
in the line of his chosen work in European cen-
ters, and in 1899- 1900 he was again abroad,
traveling through the orient, Russia and Europe.
He gained familiarity with the methods of prac-
tice of the most renowned laryngological and
rhinological specialists of the old world and his
prominence in St. Paul is indicated by the ex-
tensive patronage accorded him. In 1886 Dr.
Schadle attended five cases of "mushroom pois-
oning" and through study and experiment he dis-
covered what is now recognized as the only anti-
dote for such poisoning. The remedy is sulphate
of atropine. An account of the cases and full
report of the treatment was published in the Sur-
gical Reporter of Philadelphia in 1886 and in
the works of Gibson and Jilcllvaine on toad-
stools. Dr. Schadle has been an extensive con-
tributor to the literature of the medical profes-
sion and his written articles have been well
received not only in this countrj^ but in foreign
lands as well. One of these, an illustrated article
on leprosy in Palestine from the standpoint of
personal experience, attracted universal attention.
He has also invented a number of surgical in-
struments for work in the treatment of the dis-
eases of the nose and throat. His position is
tiniformly recognized as among the most promi-
nent physicians of the northwest and he is a
valued member of the American Rhinological,
Laryngological and Otological Association and the
Ramsey County Medical Society. He is also
chemical professor of laryngology and rhinology
in the University of Minesota and is a member
of the stall of St. Luke's Hospital of St. Paul
and chief of the stafif of St. Paul's Free Dispens-
ary. He is also ex-president of the western sec-
tion of the American Rhinological, Larynogical
and Otological Association, having filled the po-
sition in 1898.
34
Dr. Schadle was married October 15, li
to Miss Jennie Ray Miller, a daughter of Dr.
David H. Miller, of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.
He was reared in the Lutheran church and he
belongs to the Minnesota Club and the Town
and Country Club. He is socially as well as
professionally prominent. The world instinc-
tively pays deference to the men whose success
has been worthily achieved and who have accom-
plished for the world a work in advance of any-
thing heretofore done. In this regard Dr. Scha-
dle well merits the honors which have been con-
ferred upon him in connection with his profes-
sion and the prominent position which he occu-
pies in the regard of the medical fraternity and
the general public.
JOHN DALE.
John Dale, of the firm of Dale & Bumgardner,
contractors for roadbed building and grading for
railroads, was born in ^Manchester. England, Oc-
tober 23, 1844, and in 1866 came to the United
States. He was educated in the schools of his
native country and following his arrival in
America made his way to Burlington, Iowa,
where he engaged in hauling freight. He came
to St. Paul in 1870 and the business in which he
is now engaged was established under the pres-
ent firm name twenty-two }-ears ago. The firm
has handled many very large contracts for all
the railway lines operating in the northwest
with the exception of the Wisconsin Central.
The business requires the employment of many
men and large capital and the firm has an envi-
able reputation for business integrity and ability
to successfully carry out the extensive and im-
portant contracts awarded them. \\"\t\\ thor-
ough understanding of the scientific principles
which underlie the work Mr. Dale has proved
himself a capable manager and executive officer
of the firm and is now enjoying a period of pros-
perity in his business career that indicates some-
thing of the extent and importance of his indus-
trial relations.
Mr. Dale was married in 1893 ^^ Miss S. E.
I'eabod)-, of \\'isconsin, and they have three
668
l'\S'r WD TRESEXT ()!• SI". I'AL'L.
children. The family residence is at Xo. 272
Prescott street. Mr. Dale 1)clongs to Shckinah
lodge, No. 171. A. F. & .\. M.. of which he
is a charter member and of which he served three
vears as worshipful master. He also holds mem-
bershi]) in Minnesota chapter, Xo. J, R. A. M;
Damascus commanderv. Xn. 1, K. T. ; and in the
Scottish rite has attained the thirty-second de-
gree. In politics he is independent and his re-
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in
the Ascension Episcopal church, in which he is
serving as vestryman. Not so abnormally devel-
oped in any direction as to become a genius, he
has nevertheless displayed in an active life excel-
lent business qualifications, executive force and
keen discernment and is today at the head of
an important industrial enterprise with offices in
the Scandinavian-American Bank Building. He
has a wide and favorable acquaintance both in
business and social circles and he is a man of
splendid proportions physically and mentally, be-
longing to that class of citizens who would be
a credit to any community, displaying traits
which work for good citizenship and for public
progress as well as individual prosperity.
rel:bex d. egglestox.
Reuben D. Eggleston, who became a resident
of St. Paul in May, i86g, and was one of the
pioneer men of the city, passed away April 15,
1904. at the age of seventy-two years, for his birth
had occurred in Essex county. New York, Feb-
ruary 10, 1832. His father was Ransom Eggle-
ston, who always lived in the l"".m])ire state, fol-
lowing farming in Essex count}- until his death
in i860. The son ol;taincd his education in the
public schools of his native county .-ind also jiur-
sued a French course there. He thus obtained an
excellent education and was a fine iienman. He
assisted his father in the njieratinn anil improve-
ment of the home farm up to the time of his mar-
riage, which imiKirtant event in his life was cel-
ebrated on the 1 6th of Octolier, 1856. in Lewis,
New York, the lad\- of his choice being Miss Car-
rie C. Merriam, who was also a native of Essex
county and a daughter of \\'illiaiii S. Merriam,
of Esse.x count)-, who was an iron molder by
trade and followed that pursuit in early lite, but
afterward engaged in general agricultural pur-
suits in Essex county until his death, which
occurred in 1854. Some of his children came to
the west and settled in St. Paul and the sons be-
came verv pron-iinent here, holding positions of
political preferment and exerting a strong and
beneficial influence in political life and public
aft'airs in this city. I'nto 'Sir. and Mrs. Eggle-
ston were born three children : William R., who
was born September 9, 1857, and died at the age
of two months ; IMary Ellen, who was born Feb-
ruary 15, i860, and died at the age of five years,
and Nellie JNL, who was born in 1867 and died in
1869. Following his marriage Mr. Eggleston
resided in the east until about 1859, when he
came to the middle west, settling near De Witt in
Clinton county, Iowa, where he purchased land
and engaged in general farming for about three
vears. It was during that period that the Civil
war broke out and in 1862 he responded to the
country's call for aid. enlisting in Con-ipany H,
Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He was in the
service until the close of the war and was on de-
tached duty n-iost of the time, but participated in
a i-iumber of engagements. He received an hon-
orable discharge at Indianapolis. Indiana, in 1865.
]\Ir. Eggleston afterw^ard returned to Essex
county. New York, where he remained until May.
1869, when lie came to Minnesota and accepted a
position as station agent at ]\Iankato for the old
Sioux City Railroad, which is now the Chicago
& X'orthwestcrn Railroad. He filled that position
for three years and was then n-iade baggageman
for the Sioux City Railroad, in wd-iich capacity
he served for several years. He afterward was
made collector for Commodore Davidson, of St.
Paul, with whom he continued for three years,
when he entered the employ of the grocery house
of l.indcke, Warner & Company, of St. Paul, as
timekeeper in their store, filling that position fnr
several vears. He next became connected \\itli
the St. I'.uil l-'oundry Compan\-, where he served
as collector and ])ayniaster up tn the time of his
R. D. EGGLESTUX
PAST A\D I'RESIiXT (,)!• ST. PAL'L.
671
death. He was a member of the X'eterans" Union
of St. Paul, also Garfield post, G. A. R., of this
city. He had many friends here, especially in the
ranks of the ( jrand Army and he was known as
a faithful, honest and upright man, enjoying in
large measure the esteem and good will of those
with whom he came in contact.
;\Irs. Eggleston still makes her home in this
city and with her lives Mrs. Stower, who was an
old friend in Xew York, where they spent many
years together. Airs. Stower is the widow of
Eugene M. Stower, also of Essex county, New
York, who removed to the west a number of
years ago, residing in Miles City, Minnesota, for
some time. He was also station agent at Alan-
kato. Alinnesota, for several years and died in
Miles City. Mrs. Stower owns a nice home at
Mankato, but during the past two years has made
her home with Airs. Eggleston. She has three
sons, namely : Eugene L., who is living in Min-
neapolis: Fred T-. who resides in Frederick, Wis-
consin ; and Richard, of Omaha, Nebraska. Mrs.
Eggleston owns an attractive residence at No. 231
Grove street, where she and Airs. Stower reside.
\MLLTAAI FIGGE.
^^'ilIiam Figge. brew master of the Theodore
Hamm Brewing Company, a responsible position
for which he is well qualified by practical training
and ex]ierience, was born in Madison, Wisconsin,
September 5, 1875. His father. Christian Figge,
was a native of Germany and throughout his
entire life was a brew master in various brew-
eries of his native land and of this country as
well. Pie is now with his son in the brewing
department of the Theodore Hamm Brewery.
He removed with his family from Aladison, Wis-
consin, to Alinneapolis when ^^^illiam Figge was
five years of age and the latter attended the
public schools of that city to the age of eleven
years, when he became a student in the Alechan-
ics' Art School in St. Paul. He also attended
the St. Paul high school, of which he is a grad-
uate. His parents desired him to take up the
study of law or medicine but he preferred to fit
himself for the position of brew master and to
this end went to Chicago, where he took up the
scientific study of brewing, yeast culture, chem-
istry and kindred branches in a school which
is conducted for that purpose. Following his
course there he returned to St. Paul and owing
to his scientific training and the practical knowl-
edge acquired through the direction of his father,
he accepted the position of brew master for the
Theodore Hamm Brewing Compan\'. This is
a position of great responsibility and the duties
are well performel by Air. Figge, who thoroughly
understands the business in every department
and is acquainted with the great mechanical
principles which un<lerlie the manufacture of
beer. He displays excellent executive force and
keen discernment in the management of the work
and in planning the labors of those who are em-
ployed in his department and he has thereby
contributed in no small measure to the success
of the company.
On the i6th of October, 1902, Air. Figge was
united in marriage toAIiss Ella Dahl.of St. Paul,
and they have two children, Helen Alarie and
\\'illiam Chester. Air. Figge is a member of St.
Paul lodge. No. 3. A. 1*". & A. AI., and his reli-
gious faith is indicated by his membership in
the Lutheran church, while he gives his assist-
ance and support to the democracy and thus
manifests his attitude in regard to the political
questions which affect the welfare of state and
nation. He resides at No. 402 Eichenwald
street and finds his chief source of recreation
in hunting, being an ardent sportsman. He is
very fond of outdoor life and has made a cred-
itable record by his skill with the rifle. .V good
husband and father, a good citizen and neighbor,
Mr. Figge has the esteem and respect of his
employes and all who know him.
JOHN KALSCHFUER.
John Kalscheuer. president and treasurer of
the firm of J. Kalscheuer & Company, wholesale
and retail dealers in pianos in St. Paul, has led a
ver\- active and useful life, his enterjirising spirit
672
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
being manifest not only in business but also in
political and church circles as well, and the in-
terests and enterprises with which he has been
connected have felt the stimulus of his indomi-
table spirit and unfaltering energy.
Mr. Kalscheucr was born in Cologne. Prus-
sia, Germany, October 19, 1848. His father,
Henry Kalscheuer, was a farmer of Germany
and in the year 1854 came to the United States,
landing at New York city in June. He went at
once to ^ladison. Wisconsin, and soon after-
ward settled upon a farm near that city. His
death occurred in the year 1893, ^"^ his wife
has also passed away. They were survived by
four children, all of whom are living in the
United States.
John Kalscheuer was but six years of age
when he came with his parents to America and
upon the home farm near Madison spent his
boyhood days, attending the district schools for
several years. He engaged in farming from
1874 until 1880 on fine productive land near
]Madison and in the latter year he removed to
Manakee, Wisconsin, where he remained until
1882. In that year he went to Spink county.
South Dakota, where he engaged in farming for
two years and in the spring of 1884 he embarked
in general merchandising at Frankfort, South
Dakota, conducting his store until 1888, when he
became a representative of farming interests in
Frankfort. The following year he purchased a
flour mill and formed a company for its con-
duct, of which he was president. In connection
with the operation of the mill he also conducted
at the same time a grain elevator and managed
his farming and mercantile interests. From 1888
until 1897 he conducted the State Bank at Frank-
fort, South Dakota, of which he was the owner.
In 1897 he formed a stock company and re-
tained the controlling interest and for four years
acted as the president of the bank, which was
known as the James River Bank. He is still a
stockholder and is also connected with several
other banks. In 1898 he organized a bank at
Faulkton, South Dakota. In 1891, however, he
sold his store and in 1897 retired from business
in Frankfort and removed to St. Paul, where
he lived retired for two years. He then engaged
in the brokerage business with offices in the
Germania Life Building and on the ist of Au-
gust, 1903, he became connected with his pres-
ent line of trade as a dealer in pianos and musi-
cal merchandise. Later he removed to his present
location in the library building, where he has
immense salesrooms and offices. The firm of J.
Kalscheuer & Company was organized with John
Kalscheuer as president and treasurer ; A. F.
Labrie, secretary : and H. AI. Kalscheuer, vice
president. They conduct a wholesale and retail
business, handling the best makes of pianos and
also the Krell Auto Grand and the Auto pianos.
Theirs are probably the largest piano salesrooms
in St. Paul and the business is admirably located
in the very center of the cit}'.
On the 22d of August, 1874, ]\Ir. Kalscheuer
was married to Miss Annie Michels, a native of
Germany, who came to the United States with
her parents in i860. She died ]May 19, 1890,
leaving two sons and three daughters, Henry M.
Mary, Ellen, C. F. and Matilda. The eldest
daughter is the wife of R. E. Callender, of St.
Paul. The eldest son, Henry M. Kalscheuer, is
with his father in business, being now vice presi-
dent of the company. He is an enterprising
and active young business man and popular citi-
zen, belonging to the St. Paul Commercial Club,
to the Knights of Columbus, the German Benev-
olent Central Society and the Catholic church.
In 1801 Mr. Kalscheuer was married to
Miss Rose Engleman, of Constantine, Michigan,
who died August 13, 1902, leaving four children:
Agnes M., fourteen years of age ; Leo, twelve
years of age ; Raymond, a youth of eleven years ;
and Albert, eight years old.
^^'hile residing in Frankfort Mr. Kalscheuer
was appointed postmaster of that town by Grov-
er Cleveland and was recognized as a leader in
democratic circles there. He acted as chairman
of the democratic central committee and was
verv active in organizing the party in South Da-
kota in 1884, the central committee being formed
in his store. He has led a very active and useful
life, upholding the legal and political status in
the communities in which he has resided and
being ecpially consistent in his support of the
Catholic church, of which he has long been a
PAST AXD PRESEXT UF ST. I'.VL'L.
673
communicant. He is a conservative, young, pro-
gressive and prosperous business man, keeping
in touch with the modern ideas of advancement.
He is genial in manner, a thorough gentleman
whose unfailing courtesy is one of his attractive
qualities.
JA^IES WALLACE, Pii. D.
Dr. James Wallace, president of ^Lncalester
College, in which connection he has become rec-
ognized as one of the distinguished educators
of the northwest, is of Scotch-Irish descent. He
is a son of Benjamin Wallace, who came to
America with his father, William Wallace, from
Cookstown, in the north of Ireland in 1812, and
settled in Juniata county, Pennsylvania. In
1825 Benjamin Wallace removed from the Key-
stone state to W^iyne county, Ohio, where for
many years he was successfully engaged in farm-
ing, his death there occurring when he was
eighty-seven years of age. For over half a cen-
tury he was a leading elder of the LTnited Pres-
byterian church of Wooster, Ohio, and his liberal
support of the church and his active co-opera-
tion in its various activities proved important
elements in its growth and development. In
ante-bellum days he was an ardent abolitionist
and upheld the government policv during the
Civil war by his liberal contributions of money
and his efforts to secure the full cjuota of men
for his county. He was ever opposed to oppres-
sion, intrigue and dishonor and was actuated
throughout his entire life by high motives which
were exemplified in his daily conduct. His wife,
Janet (Bruce) Wallace, came from Scotland
with her parents in 1840. the familv home being
established at W^ooster. Ohio. LTnto Benjamin
and Janet \'\'^allace were born seven children,
five sons and two daughters.
Dr. Wallace of this review was born near
Wooster, March 12, 1850, and acquired his early
education in one of the old-time log school-
houses near his home. He was an apt student,
readily mastering the branches of learning taught
in the public schools, and aiubitious for further
education, at the age of seventeen years he en-
tered Canaati Academy, of which institution his
cousin, W. ^^^ Wallace, an experienced and suc-
cessful educator, was then principal. Two years
later Dr. \\'allace became a student in the Ohio
Central College and completed the four years'
preparatory course. In 1870 he matriculated in
the freshmen class at Wooster L'niversity and
was graduated four years later with honors,
delivering the valedictory address. He made a
specialty of the classics but nevertheless main-
tained a high standard in all the branches of the
regular course. Following his graduation Dr.
Wallace was elected instructor in Greek and
history in his alma mater and filled that posi-
tion for two years, at the end of which time he
secured a leave of absence and devoted one year
to study and travel in Greece. Being very famil-
iar with the modern Greek pronunciation and
having made a specialty of classical Greek, he
rapidly gained such a knowledge of modern
Greek as few Americans ever attained. In com-
pany with Professor Thomas Davidson, the dis-
tinguished scholar, he made the entire circuit of
central Greece and the Peloponnesus, including
also in his travels the islands of Euboea, Salamis,
Aegina, Syra, Delos, Tenos and Corcyra.
Following his return home Dr. A\'allace was
made professor of Greek in Wooster University
and made the department one of intense interest
to the students, filling the chair to the entire
satisfaction of the faculty until 1887. In that
year upon the recommendation of several of his
former students who were in the northwest he
was elected to the chair of Greek and Old Eng-
lish in !Macalester College. A vacancy afterward
occurring, he was made dean or acting president
in 1890 and in 1894 upon the recommendation of
the Presbyterian synod of Minnesota was elected
president. The difficulties of the position were
almost insurmountable by reason of a heavy debt
of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dol-
lars that had rested on the college almost since
its organization and had been growing, owing
to the long financial depression which rested
upon the country from 1893 until 1897. ^^■
Wallace, however, entered upon his task with
674
I'AST AM) I'Kl'.SEXT ()!• ST. rAll.
enthusiasm and being splendidly supported by
his colleagues in the faculty the standard of
scholarship was maintained and its debt finally
liquidated. Macalester ranks with the leading
educational institutes of the northwest and has
graduated many students who have gained dis-
tinction largely through their careful collegiate
preparation. In 1887 on the completion of a
course of Greek philology Dr. Wallace received
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and at the
commencement of 1898 his alma mater conferred
upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws
a title which his modesty restrained him to de-
cline. From 1891 until 1893 at tlie request of the
late President W. R. Harper of the Chicago
University he edited the Anabasis of Xcnophon
for his series of classics.
In 1879 Dr. Wallace was married to Ja.net D.,
the second daughter of the Rev. T. K. Davis,
D. D., a graduate of Yale and Princeton Uni-
versities and for twenty years librarian of Woos-
ter University. Dr. and Mrs. Wallace had seven
children, of whom five are living, Helen, Benja-
min. Robert, William De Witt and Miriam.
I'.enjamin was chosen in 1904 the first Rhodes
scholar to ( )xford from Minnesota.
.\s president of the college Dr. ^\'allacc has
commanded the esteem of both professors and
students, though in the interests of study and
research he resigned the presidency of the col-
lege in 1902. but his resignation was not accepted
imtil njoT).
DWTGHT P. GARY.
Dwight P. Gary, ex]icrt auditor and accountant
with the .Viirtli Western I'ucl Gompanv of St.
Paul, was born in Princeton, Illinois, .\ugust 31,
1866. His father. Horace H. Gary, a native of
Gonnecticul. went tn Illinois in 1S47 and settled
in Princeton, where he engaged in business as
a contractor and builder. He died in January,
1896. The mother. ^Irs. Gornelia E. (Hrown)
Gary, also a native of Gonnccticnt. passed away
in 1898. and of their eight children, one is
deceased.
.\t the usual age Dwight P. Gary entered the
pul)lic schools of his native city and when a
youth of nine went to Joliet, Illinois, where he at-
tended the public schools and a business college.
His initial step in the business world made him
assistant bookkeeper for the Joliet Paint & Oil
^Vorks, in which capacity he served for two
years, after which he occupied a clerical position
with the Illinois Steel Gompany until July, 1898.
1 le was afterward with the .\merican Steel &
Wire Gompany as accountant, with headquarters
at Gleveland, Ghio. until July, 1903. when he
came to St. Paul and has since been auditor and
accountant for the North Western Fuel Gom-
pany, a responsible position for which, however,
he is well qualified.
Air. Gary is married and has five children.
The family home is at Xo. 2177 Knapp street.
He belongs to St. Anthony Park Gongregational
church and votes with the republican party. Al-
though a resident of St. Paul for only three
years he has made many warm personal and
business friends here.
JOSEPH A. Rt)GERS.
Joseph A. Rogers, whose name has figured
in insurance circles in connection with an ex-
tensive business in this line, was born in St.
i'aul at Xo. 343 Roljert street on the 14th of Sc])-
tcmber, 1865. He is a son of John Rogers, a jiio-
neer of whom mention is made elsewhere in this
work. His boyhood days were without incident
of special importance, his education being ac-
c|uired in the ]3ublic and parochial schools. En-
tering upon his business career, he became clerk
in the freight cle])artnient of the St. Paul & Oma-
ha Railroad Gompany and is today one of the
|)roniin(.-nt rc]iresentatives of the insurance busi-
ness, in which he has secured an extensive cli-
entage, liandiing fire and tornado insurance and
re])resenting five companies. He is also the pres-
ident of the St. Paul Fire Insurance Patrol and
a director of the St. Paul lioard of l^nderwriters.
Mr. Rogers was married in June. 1888, to
Miss Eily .\. Dowlan. of St. Paul, a daughter
of John Dowlan, for nianv \ears an alderman
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
67;
of the city and a leader in public life, leaving
the impress of his individuality upon public
thought and action here. Air. and Mrs. Rogers
are the parents of eight living children : Alarcus
Joseph, Marie. Genevieve, Francis Stephen,
Gertrude, \'irginia, Elizabeth and Joseph. The
family residence is at Xo. 849 Fairmount street.
Mr. Rogers holds membership relations with the
Knights of Columbus, with the Junior Pioneers,
and with the Commercial Club, his association
therewith indicating his fraternal spirit, his in-
terest in the early historical progress of the
city and his co-operation in plans and movements
which are formulated to advance the material
welfare and prosperty of the city and uphold its
legal and political status.
HEXRY \\\X VLECK.
Henry Van A'leck, assistant cashier of the
Merchants Xational Bank of St. Paul and well
known in nnisical as well as business circles, was
born in Syracuse. X'ew York, January 22, 1861,
a son of Henry and .\lmira B. (Williams) Van
Meek, both of whom were natives of New York.
The father was a civil engineer, who died in Man-
dan, X'orth Dakota, in 1887, while the wife
passed away of yellow fever in Jackson, Alissis-
sippi. in 1S71. In their family were eight chil-
dren, of whom five are living.
Henry Van A'leck pursued his education in
various cities as his father's business caused a
change of residence in the family. He was for
six years a student in Burlington, \'ermont. at-
tending the A'ermont Episcopal Institute — a mil-
itary school. Entering business life he became
an employe of S. J. Macy & Company, coal
shippers of Sodus Point, New York, with whom
he continued until 1881. He then went to old
Mexico with his father, who as a civil engineer
in the railroad service made his way to that
country. Mr. \'an \leck of this review spent
a year there and in the spring of 1882 went to
Mandan, North Dakota. In that town he be-
came connected with the banking business as
assistant cashier and afterward as cashier of the
h'irst Xational Bank, with which he was asso-
ciated until 1890. On the 15th of Janu-
ary, of the later year, he came to St. Paul
and entered the Alerchants Xational Bank
as bookkeeper, while for the past three years
he has been assistant cashier. He has had broad
experience in the banking business and his ability
and unfailing courtesy have made him a popular
officer with the patrons of the bank and a trusted
employe of the corporation.
On September 6, 1898, Mr. \'an X'leck was
married to Miss Julia \\'. Fisher, of St. Paul,
whose family were Michigan people. They have
two daughters, Myra and Julia, aged respectively
three and two years. Mr. \'an Meek is a mem-
ber of the Commercial Club and gives his polit-
ical support to the republican party. He pos-
sesses a fine baritone voice and is a valued addi-
tion to musical circles of the city. He belongs
to the Choral Club and is identified with the
choir in St. Clement's Episcopal church, in which
he holds membership. He is popular socially,
the hospitality of many of the best homes of the
city being cordially extended to himself and
wife and, possessing those traits of manhood
which always insure warm and unfaltering re-
gard, the circle of his friends is constantly in-
creasing.
H. G. HA.KS.
Henry G. Haas, connected with one of the
sources of St. Paul's commercial activity, was
born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, in 1848.
His parents were of German birth and on com-
ing to the Uinted States settled in Pennsylvania,
where they engaged in the hotel business. They
removed to St. Paul in 1858. The son, Henry
G. Haas, was one of the early scholars of the
parochial schools first attending the Sisters' and
later the Christian Brothers' schools.
In 1876 the firm of Haas Brothers was estab-
lished as general meat dealers and has contin-
ued since that time. Ten years ago the firm was
incorporated as Haas Brothers Company, as
packers of iiork and beef and general meat deal-
676
I'AST AXI) PRESEXl" OF ST. PAUL.
ers. They are now extensive packers of meats,
pork and lard and have an immense retail trade,
conducting an estabhshment on St. Peters street,
where they occupy an extensive building and
employ twenty people. As is indicated, the busi-
ness has long since reached profitable propor-
tions and is one of the leading enterprises of
this kind in the city.
'Sir. Haas was married in 1876 to Jennie E.
Cramsie, a teacher in the public schools. They
have had five children, three sons and two daugh-
ters, but Katherine and .Albert are now deceased.
John L. Haas, who is now vice president of the
State P.ank of St. Paul, Harry J., an attorney
at law, and Genevieve, a teacher in the schools
of the city, complete the family.
^fr. Haas is now serving his fourth term as
assemblyman and has been president of the com-
mon council three times. He has been a mem-
ber of the Commercial Club for fifteen years, is
also a Junior Pioneer and a Knight of Columbus.
Pie has had several appointments from the mayor
previous to his election to the assembly and he
has also been a member of the school board.
SAMUEL CUMMINGS.
Samuel Cummings, who since the fall of 1882
has been actively and successfully connected with
the produce business in St. Paul, was born in
Bunker Hill, Illinois, November 23, 1856, one
of the two living children of J. W. and Frances
M. (Hutchinson) Cummings. The father, a na-
tive of Antrim, New Hampshire, removed to
Illinois in 1835 and followed the millwright's
trade until his life's labors were ended in death
in 1863. PTis wife, a native of Vermont, died
in Zumbrota, Minnesota, in 1876.
Samuel Cummings acquired his prcliminarv
education in the schools of his native town and
in 1873 accompanied his mother on her removal
to Zumbrota. He was afterward emjjloved for
a time in a general store and subsequently learned
the carpenter's trade. In 1880 he went upon
the road for the St. Paul notion and white goods
house of Arthur, ^^'arren i\.- Abnort anrl in the
fall of 1882 entered the wholesale produce trade,
founding the firm of Cummings & Fillebrown.
He has since been connected with the produce
business as president of the present company
— the Samuel Cummings Company. The growth
and development of the trade is indicated by the
fact that recently the)- have removed into new
and larger quarters in order to enlarge their
facilities and meet the growing demands of the
business. The firm deals extensively in fruit
and produce, selling to the wholesale trade, their
location being at No. 103 East Third street.
Mr. Cummings has thoroughly acquainted him-
self with the trade in every department both in
principle and detail and his watchfulness of the
market, his executive force and readiness in for-
mulating plans to meet the conditions of trade
have been strong and essential elements in his
success. Pie is a member of the Produce Ex-
change of the Northwestern Fruit Jobbers As-
sociation and of the St. Paul board of trade.
On June 7, 1884, Samuel Cummings was mar-
ried to Miss Phoebe Emory, of Winona. Min-
nesota, a native of the state of Vermont. They
have two children : Mary Frances, who is a
graduate of the high school of St. Paul : and
Robert Emory, who at the age of seventeen years
is attending high school. The family home is
at No. 699 Hague avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Cum-
mings are active and influential workers in the
Park Congregational church, in which he has
held various ofiices. He contributes generously
to the support of the church and does all in
his power to promote its growth and extend
its influence.
c. c. e:\ierson.
Wnth the advance of the world there have
come constantly changing conditions in business
life brought by greater and more exacting de-
mands on the part of the public, so that more
efficient service has been necessary in each de-
partment of activity. The successful men of the
day are they who have recognized the chances
fnr the enlargement of their business interests
alr)ng new lines and in bringing to the jiublic
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
677
results hitherto unattained. Such a course finds
exempHtication in the commercial history of C.
C. Emerson, conducting an extensive produce
business in St. Paul under the style of C. C.
Emerson & Company, the annual sales amount-
ing to a million dollars. He was born in Han-
over, New Hampshire, February 4. 1850, and
came to St. Paul in February, 1888. His early
school life was passed in Hanover and later he
continued his studies in western Minnesota. In
1877 he embarked in general merchandising and
for nineteen years has been connected with the
wholesale produce trade of St. Paul. He is the
founder and promoter of the extensive wholesale
house of C. C. Emerson & Company, which to-
day employs fifty people in St. Paul and else-
where in the country, conducting fifteen depots
for the purchase of supplies. The firm are large
buyers of potatoes and apples, shipping hun-
dreds of car loads of those products annually
to every state in the union and to foreign coun-
tries as well. The produce business as con-
ducted today is an evolution from modern con-
ditions of life. The epicurian and even the
people of moderate means are continually de-
manding upon the table delicacies in and out
of season and the purchase, storage and trans-
portation of these commodities have led to the
rise of a business which is today an important
and essential factor in commercial life. The
produce merchant of today was an unknown
factor in the business circles of a comparatively
few years ago when only such commodities were
shipped as could endure a change of tempera-
ture and the destroying tendencies of transpor-
tation. Today the refrigerating cars, the storage
houses and other factors are brought into requi-
sition and the produce merchant now places upon
the "market every edible that is produced through-
out the world. Keeping in touch with the ad-
vance in modern business life, Mr. Emerson
is today recognized as a leader in his line of
trade in the northwest with a business which in
volume and importance is hardly equaled and al-
most entirely unsurpassed in this section of
the country.
A man of resourceful business ability, he has
extended his efforts into other lines nf activity
as well, is interested in considerable real estate
in St. Paul, is a director of the American Na-
tional Bank and the president of the Northern
Savings Bank. He is today one of the leading
factors in trade circles in St. Paul, is a member
of the Commercial Club, of the board of trade,
of the Produce Exchange, the National League
of Commission Merchants and the Western
Fruit Jobbers' Association.
'Sir. Emerson was married in 1872 to Miss
Ingalls. of Hanover, New Hampshire, and they
have one son, Robert C, who is a high-school
student. Mr. Emerson is an Odd Fellow, be-
longs to the Bethany Congregational church,
of which he is a trustee, and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He has
evinced an unusual business capacity and, believ-
ing that he promotes his own interestts when he
serves the best interests of his customers and
fellow townsmen, he has directed his efiforts
toward the latter end.
GEORGE W. KOEHLER.
George \\". Koehler. a wholesale merchant of
St. Paul, has done much to promote the com-
mercial activity, advance the general welfare and
secure the material development of his adopted
city and as a business man is enterprising, ener-
getic and always abreast of the times, his labors
being rewarded by an ample fortune. His life
record began in Manitowoc, \Msconsin, on
the nth of November, 1862. His father,
J. F. A. Koehler. was a native of Ger-
many and became one of the early set-
tlers of A\'isconsin, having arrived in the
L^nited States in 1842. For many years he was
a general merchant, carrying on a business which
owing to his closje application and executive
force proved a successful venture. He died in
the \ear TO03 and is still survived by his wife,
who bore the maiden name of Frcdcricka Kans-
ier and is now living in Manitowoc. Wisconsin.
Five of their children also survive.
George W. Koehler was educated in the
public schools of Manitowoc and entered upon
his business career in the employ of his father.
678
TAST AXn PRF.SF.XT OF ST. PAUL.
lie came to St. I'au! in 1S85, when a youni;' man
iif twenty-three years, and entered commercial
circles on hi.s own account as a partner of Fer-
dinand TT. Ilinrichs, now deceased, under the
firm style of Koehler and Hinrichs. The busi-
ness of the firm constitutes one of the great
commercial activities of St. Paul, occuping large
buildings and employing about eighty people.
The princi])al building, si.x .stories in height, is a
brick and stone structure containing one hun-
dred thousand srjuare feet of floor space, every
incli of which is utilized for the storage and
display of their extensive line of goods. The
business was established in 1SS5 on a compara-
tively small scale but has steadily grown to its
jiresent proportions through the energy, business
ability and irreproachable commercial standing
of its proprietors. The trade of the house cov-
ers the territory from St. I'aul to the coast.
There are departments of fancy groceries, in-
cluding all the higher grades of imported and
domestic canned and bottled delicacies ; butchers'
and packers' supplies ; bar and glassware sup-
plies; billiard and pool tables (which they man-
ufacture on a large scale), bowling alleys; coin
operating machines ; hotel supplies : soft drinks ;
artificial flowers and palms ; music boxes and
talking machines and other commodities for the
wholesale trade. The house is noted in -St. Paul
for the loyalty of its employes and for the respect
which is uniformly accorded by the public to its
prf)prietors. Upon the death of Ferdinand H.
Ilinrichs about two years ago. Henry FTinrichs
became his successor in tin- firm and is now a
l)artner of \W. Koehler in the enterprise. They
issue annually an immense illustrated catalogue
of their goods and have a very large mail order
business throughout the entire west.
ATr. Koehler is an enthusiastic member of
Flks lodge. No. 59. He also belongs to the
St. Paul Commercial Club and to the Minnesota
Club and is prominent socially in St. Paul. He
was married about twenty years ago to Miss
Hattie Peyer. and they have two daughters. Ade-
line and ]\Iimi. In religious faith the family
are Fpiscopalians and Mr. Koehler's ])olitical
belief is inrlicatcd by the assistance and support
which he gives to the repulilican party. He is
a courteous, aflfable gentleman of personal charm
and magnetism and of high business qualities,
lie is emphatically a man of enterprise and posi-
tive character, of indomitable energy and lib-
eral views and is thoroughly identified in feeling
with the growth and pros])erity of his adopted
cit\-. His social, genial nature has made him
an interesting companion and he is a stanch
and loyal citizen, fond of good fellowship and
devoted to those who have his confidence.
JOHN C. A'AXDF
P.TE.
While there are a few men who stand pre-
eminent bv reason of controlling a greater amount
of business than others in their line, it is the ag-
gregate endeavor of the majority of the success-
fid business men who constitute the real source
of a city's upbuilding and progress. In this con-
nection Mr. A'ander Bie is well known, now con-
trolling an extensive manufacturing enterprise.
He was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, August
-,S. 1859, a son of Engle and Alary (Kolb) Van-
der Hie. The father was born in Holland in 1821
and was a large inanufacturer of furniture. He
became an early settler of Platteville. ^^'isconsin,
and died in 1880, while his wife, a native of Ger-
many, passed away in 1881. In their family were
eleven children, of whom only si.x are living.
John C. \'ander Bie was educated in the i)ublic
schools of Platteville, Wisconsin, and at the .State
Normal. He entered upon Ijusiness life in con-
nectiiin with the dry-goods trade in Dubuque,
Iowa, where he continued for ten years, being
with \arious firms in dilTerent capacities. He
came to St. Paul June 13, 1S87, and entered the
confectionery and ice cream business here. He
has been at his present location at No, c,i)^ Fast
Seventh street since 1889 and has a \ery large
])lant for ihe manufacture of ices ;iud ice cream
at the cnruer of Partridge and llronson streets,
where are employed seventeen expert men. 'idie
output is two thousand gallons of cream ])er day.
He supplies all of tine soda fountains, drug stores
and similar business interests in St. Paul and his
palnmage is very extensive and desirable.
J. C. VANDER BIE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
68i
Mr. \ aiuler Hie was married fourteen years
ago to ?iliss Anna Johnson, of Caledonia, Minne-
sota, and they have one child, Evelyn Marguerite,
thirteen years of age. The family attend the
Congreg-ational church and Mr. X'ander Hie is a
member of Braden lodge, Xo. i68, A. V. & A.
^I. ; ^linnesota chapter, Xo. i, R. A. .M. ; Damas-
cus commandery, Xo. I, K. T.. and (Jsman Tem-
ple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to
the Modern \\'oodmen Camp, to Franklin lodge.
No. 2, A. O. U. W. ; to the Independent Order
of Foresters and the Odd Fellows society. His
political allegiance is usually given to the repub-
lican i)arty, but he does not consider himself
bound by part}' ties. He is uniforml)- known
and respected as a fine business man and has been
very successful. He enjoys the well earned dis-
tinction of being what the public calls a self-
made man. It requires something beyond ordi-
nary business ability to manage a large force of
employes, to place the products of the house
upon a market upon advantageous terms and to
secure therefrom a profitable income. This ^Ir.
A'ander Bie has done and is doing. He has a
thorough insight into the business, combined
with natural ability and unfaltering energy. His
business claims the greater part of his time and
attention and has become an important product-
ive industry of the city, while in its enlargement
and control he has won the admiration and respect
of all who know him.
EI)\\'ARD II. Jl'DSOX.
Edward II. Judson, who, retired from active
business life, is devoting his time and energies
to the public service, having been called from
retirement to the position of chairman of the
board of control of St. Paul, to which -he has
now been elected for the fifth term, has ren-
dered efficient aid to the city through his faith-
ful and loyal care of the duties that devolve upon
him in this connection. Born in Boston, Alas-
sachusetts, on the 4th of September, 1842, he is a
son of Charles C. and Susan (Drue) Judson.
The father, a contractor and builder, came to St.
Paul in 1857 and has taken an active part in the
upbuilding of the city, which at that time was
just emerging from villagehood to take on
metropolitan conditions and proportions. His
wife passed away in 1844. while the family were
still residents of the east. There were eight
children but only three are now living.
The early educational advantages which Ed-
ward Id. Judson received were those afforded
by the excellent public-school system of Boston
and he completed his school life in St. Paul.
On leaving the public schools he entered the
army, enlisting in 1862 for active service with
the boys in blue of Company Cj, Sixth Minne-
sota Infantr}'. He joined the command as a
private and was promoted to the rank of ser-
geant, serving for about two and a half years, af-
ter which he was honorably discharged for dis-
ability. He saw much active duty and was a faith-
ful follower of the old flag, taking part in a num-
ber of important engagements and participating
as well in the long hard marches and arduous
campaigns.
Following his return from the war Mr. Jud-
son engaged in the painting business as the senior
partner in the firm of Judson & Brack, which had
a continuous existence of twenty years and en-
joyed a large and gratifying patronage that
brought to the proprietors a very desirable com-
petence. Retiring from active business life, Mr.
Judson spent two years in the enjoyment of well
earned rest and was then called to public life,
being appointed to the position of chairman of
the board of control of St. Paul. He is now
serving for the fifth term in that position, the
terms covering three years each, so that his in-
cumbency to the present has extended over four-
teen vears. He has been an efficient officer,
doing splendid service, and the record of his
public acts in this connection is given in the
history of the board, wdiich is to be found else-
\vliere in this volume.
In October. 1871, Edward H. Judson was
married to Aliss Jennie Morri.son, a native of
682
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Xew York city, and he resides at Xo. 405 Day-
ton avenue. ^Irs. Judson passed away April
26. 1905. He belongs to Summit lodge, No.
163. A. F. & .\. M. Tie is highly esteemed by
the public for his personal qualities and capable
public service. He is a man of generous im-
pulse and gives liberally of his time and means
to all worthy causes.
HANS WEISS.
Hans \\'eiss. brew master of the Schmidt
Brewery, of St. Paul, was born in Bavaria, Ger-
many, November 28, 1862, his parents being
Mack and Marie (Opferman) Weiss. The par-
ents reside in Germany, where the father is con-
ducting a restaurant and their family numbers
three living children.
Hans Weiss learned the brewing business in
Bavaria, Hamburg and ^lunich, working at his
trade in all those cities in large breweries. He
was also employed in the same line in Austria and
in 1892, at the age of thirty years, he came to
the United States, making his way to Chicago,
where he entered the service of the Seipp Brew-
ing Company on the west side of the city. He
afterward entered the employ of the Kelly
Brewing Company, and was for a time a student
in a school in Chicago, where he took up the
study of chemistry as well as the dififerent
branches bearing upon the brewing business. In
fact, this institution graduates men who have
qualified for the business, gaining a knowledge
of the scientific principles which underlie the
work as well as practical training in the actual
labor of a brewery. Mr. Weiss, since coming
to .\merica, has served as Imtw master in Cali-
fornia, in IMichigan, in Superior, Wisconsin, and
other places and in 1900 he came to St. Paul,
in which year he accepted his present position as
brew master with the Jacob Schmidt Brewing
Com])any. Tliis is one of the largest product-
ive industries of the city, having an annual ca-
pacity of two hundred thousand barrels of beer.
Mr. Weiss has had charge of the building of
the l)ottling department and the installation of
new machinery and no brewery is better equipped
in the northwest. There are twenty-eight tanks,
together with all of the most modern facilities
for the manufacture and care of the product.
In 1895 -^f'"- ^^ eiss was united in marriage
to Miss Ennua Schmidt, of Baden, Germany,
and they have three children, two sons and a
daughter. He belongs to the Catholic church,
to Waldeck lodge. No. 674, A. F. & A. M., and
to the German Verein, while his political views
are in accord with the principles of democracy,
to which he gives his aid and support on election
days. yir. Weiss, while not an old resident of
St. Paul, has already made many friends in the
city and is esteemed by those who know him as
a good father, a good citizen, and a man of ster-
ling character. The family residence is at No.
436 Oneida street.
FREDERICK ^^1. PARKER.
Frederick M. Parker, a druggist of St. Paul,
was born in Bay City, Wisconsin, June 23, 1858.
His father, Abner W. Parker, a native of Massa-
chusetts, removed from New England to the mid-
dle west in 1854 and established his home in
Ripon, Wisconsin, where he remained for two
years. He then removed to Bay City, where he
took an active interest in public affairs, co-operat-
ing in many feasible plans for the welfare and
upbuilding of his adopted city. He acted as clerk
of the town board and was also justice of the
peace for a number of years, his decisions being
strictly fair and impartial. He now makes his
home with his son, Frederick M., at the age of
eighty-six years and is still an active man, who
m spirit and interest seems yet in his prime, keep-
ing well informed on the questions and issues of
the day and upon all current topics. He married
Miss Emily Griswold, a native of New York.
Frederick M. Parker pursued a public-school
education in his native state and afterward en-
gaged in teaching for five years, but desiring to
enter fithcr fields of labor, he then prepared
for a Ijusiness career as a student in the Chicago
College of Pharmacy, from which he was gradu-
ated in the class of 1883. Removing to Red
Wing, Minnesota, he established a store there on
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
68s
his own account and conducled it with a fair
measure of success for fifteen years, but desirintj
a stih broader field of activity, which he believed
the city would present, he removed to St. Paul in
1898 and began business at his present location,
being very advantageously located at the corner
of Wabasha and Fifth streets. Here he has a
well appointed store, carrying a large and care-
fully selected line of drugs and kindred goods
and his attractive stock, combined with his earnest
desire to please his patrons and his well known
reliability, have secured to him a constantly grow-
ing patronage, which has already reached very
desirable proportions.
Mr. Parker is a member of the Royal Arcanum
and of the Commercial Club. He has a wide and
favorable acquaintance in St. Paul in social and
business circles, and although one of the later
acquisitions to the business ranks of the city, has
already made for himself a place in commercial
circles of the metropolis of the northwest.
ARTHUR P. lAlOORE.
Arthur P. Moore, although a resident of St.
Paul for only a brief period has already become
quite widely known in official circles here, occu-
pying a good position in the office of the commis-
sioner of public works. He was born in Dubuque,
Iowa, in 1878. His father. Joseph G. Moore,
was a native of New' Hampshire and for some
years was a locomotive engineer. Removing to
Iowa in 1866 he located in Dubuque, where he
resided imtil his death, which occurred in Jtinu-
ary, igo6, when he had reached the advanced age
of seventy-eight years. Some years prior to this
time he had engaged in the transfer business and
also became a dealer in coal and wood and to that
line of activity devoted his energies until his life's
labors were ended in death. He was identified
with the Methodist Episcopal denomination and
was veiy active in church work. He also be-
longed to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi-
neers and gave his political allegiance to the re-
publican ]iarty. His wife. .Anna D. Nichols, is a
native of New York and is miw living in Du-
l)uque at the age of sixty-six years. She. too,
is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. In their family were five sons : Fred,
who is foreman of the Peoria (Illinois) Journal;
Frank, who is with Martin Strealan & Company,
of Dubuque; Arthur P., of this review; Herbert
S., who is a court reporter at Dubuque, Iowa,
having returned to that city in the fall of 1905
after eight years' service as secretary to Com-
missioner Rundlett in St. Paul ; and Eugene B..
who is with the Peoria Journal.
In the public schools of his native city Arthur
P. Moore acquired his education, also attending
a business college there. He afterward accepted
a position as bill clerk in a mercantile concern,
and later was stenographer in a store there. Sub-
sequently he became secretary in the office of the
commissioner of public works at St. Paul, com-
ing to this city from Dubuque in October, 1905,
since which time he has capably filled this posi-
tion in connection with the public service.
Mr. .Moore was married to ]\Iiss Alathilda
Graessle, who was born in Germany, in 1877,
and came to the United States in 1883 with her
parents, who located in Dubuque, where her fa-
ther, John Graessle, engaged in business as a
mechanic. One son graces this marriage, Joseph
G. Moore. Air. Aloore is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and his w-ife of the Luth-
eran church. He is a democrat in his political
affiliation and was appointed to the present posi-
tion by Commissioner Rundlett. He is a young
man of enterprise and ability, capably filling an
important position, and already he has become
favorably known to many of the men in public
office in St. Paul.
TOHX B. OLINTER.
John B. Olivier, a member of the St. Paul bar
with a large clientage in the line of general prac-
tice, has gained public attention and respect
through capable performance of various official
duties that have been entrusted to him. He was
horn in lierthier in the jirovince of Quebec, Can-
ada, December 8, 1836. a son of Maxime and
686
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
Genevieve (Laferriere) Olivier, who were na-
tives of Canada and came of ancestry long con-
nected with that country and of French lineage
as the names indicate. The father was a farmer
by occupation, a pursuit which had been followed
by his ancestors through many generations. He
died in 1855 at the age of sixty-four years, while
his wife passed away in 1874. when seventy-four
years of age. In their family were seventeen
children, of whom five are living, three sons and
two daughters. Louis AL Olivier, a brother of
our subject, served as register of deeds of St.
Paul from 1854 until 1857. He resided in this
city from 1848 until 1858 and his death occurred
in P)erthier in 1862. when he was forty years of
age.
John B. Olivier was educated in the place of
his nativity, attending the public schools and also
Berthier Academy, from which he was graduated
in 1854. The same year he came to St. Paul and
secured a clerkship in the office of the register
of deeds, while later he became deputv in that
office. He thus continued until 1858, when he en-
gaged in the abstract and title business, giving his
attention closely to that work until after the out-
break of the Civil war, when, his patriotic spirit
being aroused by the attempt of the south to over-
throw the Union, he enlisted as a private of Com-
pany C, Eighth Minnesota Infantry on the 15th
of -August. 1862. He was mustered out July 10.
1865. having served on detached duty most of
the time during his three years' period of enlist-
ment.
In the autumn following his discharge from
the army Mr. Olivier returned to St. Paul and
became a clerk in the county auditor's office. He
al.so entered into partnership with Jacob Manizer
in the abstract business under the firm style of
Manizer & Olivier, which connection was con-
tinued until 1872. when he was elected county
auditor. He entered upon the discharge of the
duties of the office but the following year re-
signed in order to take charge of the abstract
office, which was created by the legislature, re-
maining in tliis position for ten years, or until
i88_^. when he resigneil and turned his attention
to the real-estate business, in which he continued
until the fall of iSgo. At that time he was elected
judge of the probate court and filled the position
for a four years' term, or until 1895, since which
time he has devoted his attention to the practice
of law, having been admitted to the bar of Ram-
sey county in September, 1873.
From 1883 until 1889 he had also been engaged
in real-estate dealing in St. Paul in connection
with H. B. Farwell under the firm style of Oli-
vier & Farwell and during the succeeding years
was alone in business but closed up his real-estate
office when elected judge of the probate court in
order to give his entire attention to the duties that
devolved upon him in that connection.
Mr. Olivier was married September 20, i860,
to IMiss ]\Iary Louise Capistrand. a daughter of
S. K. and .\ngelique (Beaudreau) Capistrand. of
Centervillc. .Anoka count), Minnesota. Mr. and
Mrs. Olivier have eight living children: Mary
Louise : Emma E.. the wife of Harrv F. Farwell,
of .Salt Lake City. Utah : Genevieve, the wife of
\\'illiam ^^^■man. of Los Angeles. California : Eu-
gene E.. Jnlm S.. Robert ^^'., .Vrtluir A. and
George E.. all of St. Paul. Three children of the
family have passed away : Louis .\., who died at
the age of twenty-one \ears : and John B. and .\r-
thiir. who died in infancy.
Mr. Olivier is a member of Garfield post,
G. .-\. R.. with whicli he has been identified during
almost the entire period of its existence, and he
belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic church. He is
a gentleman of afifablc manner, of unquestioned
business integrity and thoroughlv reliable in the
public service and in connection with official life
in St. Paul has made a most creditable record.
CHARLES W. Rr^BTXSOX.
Charles W. Roliinsdii. who owns valuable farm-
ing interests in Miiuie.sota and a large sheep
ranch in Montana, makes his home, however, in
St. Paul, where he is now engaged in the real-
estate business. He was liorn in Howard county,
Indiana, in 1S61. His father, .\ddison G. Rob-
inson, was born in Maine and is living near Roch-
ester. Minnesota, at the age of .seventy-four years.
On leaving the Pine Tree state he removed to
H9
■
C". W. RUBIXSUX
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
689
Iiifliana at an early day ami there engaged in bus-
iness as a master nieehanic in the railroad simps
at Kokomo, Indiana, where he lived for several
years. Subsequently he removed to Wisconsin
and shortly afterward, in 1864. came to .Minne-
sota, locating- on a farm in Olmsted county,
where he is still living. He yet owns a portion
of the farm which he entered from the govern-
ment upon his arrival in this state and which he
developed from a wild and unimproved tract to
one of rich fertility. .\t the ]5resent time, how-
ever, he is retired from active business cares. He
has long been a member of the .Methodist Epis-
co])al church and takes an active and helpful part
in its work. In politics he is a republican, a man
who stands high in the regard of his neighbors
and friends, being highly honored for an upright
life and manly principles and admired for the
success which he has accom])lished in an active
and useful business career. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Melissa C. Harriman, was
born in IMassachusetts and is now living at the
age of seventy-one years. F)0th she and her hus-
band are descended from ancestors wdio came to
America on the Mayflower, and Mrs. Robinson is
a member of the Methodist church. In their fam-
ily were eleven children, of whum Charles W. is
the fourth in order of birth.
Frought to Minnesota in his early boyliood.
Mr. Robinson of this review pursued his educa-
tion in the district schools and was reared to
farm life. He carlv became familiar with all the
duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri-
culturist, for he worked in the fields from the
time of early spring planting until cni])s were
harvested in the late autumn. After attaining his
majority he gave his attention to agricultural pur-
suits until 1898, when he left his farm, having
carried on the work of the fields upon a good
farm property in Redwood county, where he
stills f)wus three luuulrcd acres of rich and pro-
ductive land. Removing to St. Paul, he opened
a real-estate office in the Daily News building and
has been very successfid in his operations here,
negotiating many important realty transfers. Few
men have more thornugh knowledge of property
value or of the real-estate that is for sale and he
is thus enabled to make investments for his clients
to good advantage. In connection with his
brother, Russell Ci.. he owns an extensive sheep
ranch in Montana, embracing fifteen thousand
three hundred and sixty acres, and he also has
tracts of laud in other jiarts of the country.
In i88y occurred the marriage of Charles W.
Robinson and Miss Mary S. Sanders, who was
born in Indiana in 1862. They have four chil-
dren, G. Gregory, Burton B., Wallace H. and
M. Euphemia. The parents are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Robinson
belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America.
In his political allegiance he is a republican, but
is without aspiration for ofiice, preferring to de-
vote his time and energies to his business affairs.
Recognizing the trend of progress and rapid
improvement in the northwest, he believed that
the field of real-estate operation was a promising
one and wisely connected himself with the busi-
ness which is now bringing him a gratifying
financial return.
J A RED HOW.
Jared How, practicing at the St. Paul bar as
a member of the firm of How & Taylor, is re-
garded as one of the leailing rejiresentatives of
the legal fraternity, bearing a most enviable rep-
utation as a learned lawyer, safe counselor and
forcible and con\inciug advocate. A native of
Massachusetts, he was born in Haverhill, Decem-
ber q. 1867. a son of Phideas Berkeley and .'Vbby
( Clark ) How. He is descended in the paternal
line from a family that has figured prominently
in commercial and legal circles in Massachusetts
and which was founded in Ipswich, that state,
probably in 1630. On his luother's side he is
descended from a family of which Judge Green-
leaf Clark is a member. Educated in private and
public schools until 1874, he then entered the
Highland Military Academy at Worcester, Mas-
sachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1876.
In October, 1877, he began preparation for Har-
vard College and completed his preparatory work
in eigiit months, after which he matriculated in
Harvard and on completing the regular course
690
PAST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. I'ArL.
was graduated within the classic walls of that
old institution with the degree of Piachelor of
Arts in 1881. In December of the same year he
entered the Harvard Law Schot)l as a special
student and his first year's work qualified him as
a regular student for the second year, but at the
close of the second year he left that institution,
applying for a degree, and came to St. Paul in
August. 1883. He studied law here in the office
of Bigelow, Flandreau and Squires until 1885.
when the firm of Clark, Eller & How was
formed, the partners being Greenleaf Clark, the
late Homer C. Eller and I\Ir. How. The dis-
solution of this firm occurred January i, 1888,
through the withdrawal of Judge Clark, who re-
tired from active practice, and through the ad-
mission of Pierce Butler the firm of Eller, How
& Butler continued in practice until i8g6, or un-
til the death of the senior partner. Soon after-
ward the firm of How & Butler was duly organ-
ized and so continued until September, 1899,
when it was dissolved by the w-ithdrawal of Mr.
Butler for the general practice of law. Mr. How
is now senior partiier of the firm of How &
Taylor, his associate being Carl Taylor, who,
when admitted to a partnership w'as first assist-
ant corporation counsel of St. Paul. Mr. How
has long been regarded as one of the ablest prac-
titioners at the St. Paul bar, of wide and accu-
rate knowledge of legal principles and strong in
his presentation of his cause. His mind is clear
and discriminating and his power of applying the
law to the facts of a particular case is singularly
unerring. He is retained on many of the most
important cases tried in the courts of the state and
enjoys the respect and confidence of the judges
to an unusual extent. His practice is now very
extensive and of a most important character.
His professional and personal integrity are
above question. Intolerant of deceit in others, he
is a foe to dishonesty and meanness in every
form and measures others by his own high stand-
ards which he sets up for himself. He stands for
righteousness and tnith and believes that it is
always the dut}- of the lawyer to aid the court in
arriving at a just and impartial decision, never
to shroud his case in ambiguity. He takes his
pleasure amid his books and in his clubs and his
library is one of the best in St. Paul. He belongs
to the ^linnesota Club and the Town and Coun-
try Club of St. Paul and also to the University
Club of Xew York.
MARTI X ALFRED BECKMAN.
AL A. P)eckman, who has long been connected
with public office in St. Paul, making a creditable
record by his fidelity and capability, is a native
of Sweden, born June 27, i860, his parents being
Carl Magnus and Charlotte (Hjort) Beckman,
also natives of that country. The father was a
minister of the gospel and the family has continu-
ally been represented by active members of the
ministry since 1786. Educated in the schools of
his native country, M. A. Beckman when a young
man of twenty-one years came to the Cnited
States to try his fortune in the new world, hav-
ing heard favorable reports concerning business
opportunities and advantages. He arrived in St.
Paul on the 26th of September, 1881, and for
five years, beginning on the 15th of April, 1882,
and extending to 1887, was connected with the
firm of Noyes Brothers & Cutler as clerk and
foreman of the packing department. On the ex-
piration of that period he accepted a position in
the county abstract office, and in 1888 entered the
city comptroller's office, where he served con-
tinuously for fourteen years, or until June i,
1902. He has recently been nominated by the re-
publican party for the position of city comptrol-
ler and is splendidly qualified for the duties of the
position because of his active service covering ten
years as the principal assistant of Mr. McCardy,
who was then city comptroller. He is thoroughly
familiar with the office in every detail and will
]3rove a most competent official.
Mr. Beckman was married in 1900 to Miss
Elsie Peterson, of Center City, Minnesota, who
was a lady of most beautiful character, so that
her death, which occurred in 1902, was the occa-
sion of deep and w-idespread regret. The death
of their only son. Merlin, occurred two months
after the mother's demise. Mr. Beckman resides
at Xo. 311 Olmsted street. He is prominent in
M. A. 15F.CKMAX
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
693
various fratt-rnal and social organizations of tlic
city, holding membership in Summit lodge, No.
163, A. F. & A. M., and also in Alinnesota Con-
sistory of the Scottish rite, in which he has at-
tained the thirty-second degree. He likewise be-
longs to Osman Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He
is a man who stands four square to every wind
that blows, of a genial, jovial nature, kindly dis-
position, cordial and affable manner. He is thor-
oughly reliable in all business and political rela-
tions and is popular throughout the city, the cir-
cle of his friends being almost co-extensive with
the circle of his acquaintances:
E. A. WEBB.
E. A. Webb, who in the development of one
of the important industrial enterprises of St.
Paul has shown recognition of opportunity in
formulating and executing plans, now stands at
the head of the Webb Publishing Company as
president and treasurer. He was born in Din-
dagul, East India, March 5, 1852. His father,
the Rev. Edward Webb, a minister of the Con-
gregational church, was sent to the orient by
the American Board of Missions and for many
years devoted his life to service in the missionary
field, while later he became financial secretary
of the Lincoln University, which position he
occupied for twenty-five years.
E. A. Webb remained in India until 1859,
when, at the age of seven years, he accompanied
his parents on their return to the L^nited States,
the family home being established in Delaware
and later in Massachusetts. He attended the
public schools and was graduated from the high
school of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His entire
life has been devoted to the publishing business,
which he entered in early manhood as a publisher
of histories of cities and counties. Leaving
New England, he went to Pennsylvania, where
he engaged in the publication and sale of maps.
His identification with the northwest began at
Fargo, North Dakota, where for seven years he
was connected with the Argus, a daily paper.
There he established The Farmer, a journal of
35
agriculture, beginning the business on a smal)
scale. Later he removed the paper to St. Pau)
and as the years have gone by he has promoted
a business which in extent and importance makes
The Farmer the leading agricultural journal of
the northwest, having a very extensive circula-
tion of over one hundred thousand copies. It
is a semi-monthly paper and the oldest farm
publication in the state. The regular edition
contains forty-eight pages, is beautifully illus-
trated and is divided into departments, each
under the care of a competent editor, embrac-
ing all subjects of interest to the farmer and
breeder. The Webb Publishing Company was
organized in 1890 and was incorporated in 1901
with E. A. Webb as president and treasurer, W.
P. Davidson as vice president and R. C. Bross,
secretary. The same company publishes The
Farmer's Wife, a monthly paper for women of
the farm, which also has an extensive circula-
tion. Another product of their presses is the
Poultry Herald with a circulation of fifteen
thousand copies, published monthly in the inter-
ests of poultry raisers. Coming to St. Paul in
1890, Mr. Webb established a publishing and
printing business, which has grown to mammoth
proportions, giving employment to over one
hundred people. The company today has a splen-
did plant and equipment and not only issues its
own publications but does a large publishing and
printing business for others. During all the
years subsequent to the arrival of Mr. Webb in
this city his business has had a steady and mar-
velous growth, requiring the annual addition
of shop room, men and machinery. Of him it
may be truthfully said that he is the architect
of his own fortunes, his prosperity being ac-
quired by his individual effort and industry. He
is prepared to speak upon the varied subjects
on which he writes in connection with farming
and stock-raising, for he is the owner of a model
farm of two hundred and eighty acres at Farm-
ington, a short distance from St. Paul, whereon
are conducted experimental and high class farm-
ing and stock-raising in keeping with the most
practical and scientific ideas relating to these de-
partments of labor. There is also a large dairy
of sixty selected cows and he likewise raises
694
I 'AST AX I) PRESENT OF ST. I'AL'L.
sliorthoni cattle. I'.frkshiri.' hutjs and oiIkt
stock. The printinsj and publishino; bn.sine.ss is
now conducted in a large building near the corner
of Fourth and Cedar streets, but the company has
recently aci|uircd a fine site at the corner of
Ninth and Minnesota streets, where a model
new structure will be erected uimn jdans already
perfected.
Mr. Webb was married in 1882 to Miss Luella
Sinim'ons, a native of Illinois. He is a valued
member of the St. Paul Commercial Club and
he holds membership in the Central Presbyterian
church, in which he is serving as an elder. He
is a liberal contributor to its support and a co-
operant factor in many of its activities, while
his deep and sincere interest in progressive citi-
zenship marks him as a man of well rounded
character. His success in life may be ascri1)ed
to positive, determined pursuit of business and
the fact that he is a man of honesty and integ-
rity.
EDWIN .M. KOSENOL'IST.
Edwin Al. Rosenquist, vice president and sec-
retary f)f the Dacotah Manufacturing Company
of St. Paul, is another notable example of the
fact that business interests are being controlled
more and more largely by young men. Whether
it is the superior educational facilities of the pres-
ent time, greater ambition or a venturesome spirit
which leads men to dare and to do (usually with
successful results ) as never before, it is impos-
sil)le to determine. Perhaps it is a combination of
all these qualities, but it is an indisputable fact
that it is largely the young men of tlie country
who are now controlling the veins and arteries of
trade and traffic, and of this class in St. Paul Mr.
Rosenquist is an excellent representative. I'.orn
in this city on the fith of January, 1874, he is a
son of Swan P. and Ellen (Mattson) Rosenquist.
who were natives of .Sweden and became ])ioneer
residents of the northwest. The father is a mer-
chant tailor and he and his wife are yet residents
of St. Paul. They h:\\v three living children.
DuriniJ the bovhood (la\> of I'.dwin M. Rosen-
c|uist the famil\- removed to Langddn. Minnesota,
where his early childhood was passed. He at-
tended school there for a short lime, but after-
ward returned with his parents to St. Paul and
completed his education in the Lincoln jjublic
sch'ool and in a business college in this cil_\".
Thus well e<|uip])etl for entrance into C(.>mmer-
eial circles, he became connected with the jewelry
business with (.'. C. Herg and was afterward with
A. S. Wilier, continuing in that line for five years.
He then turned his attention to the clothing busi-
ness, becoming a cutter for the firm of Kuhl,
Cummings & Company, of St. Paul. In 1893 '^c
entered the great clothing manufacturing estab-
lishment of ( iuitermann Prnthers, with whom he
remained for three years, and on the expiration
of that period he became superintendent of the
nianutacluring establishment (if the (Irani! I'orks
Woolen Alills, acting in that cajjacity for five
years. It will he seen that every change made in
his business career was a step in advance, and in
the ditYerent positions which he occupied he
gained a thorough and practical knowledge of the
trade in all its departments.
Returning to St. Paul, he joined Lewis H.
.Sehnal)el in organizing the Dacotah Manufactur-
ing Companx', an incorporated stock company on
the 25th of I-'ebruary, 1905. Mr. Sehnabel lie-
came ]5resident and treasurer and Mr. Rosenquist
vice president and secretary. The firm employs
eight men upon the road, selling the output to the
trade, while eighty-five operatives are employed
in the factor}-. The business is located at Nos.
97-101 East Fifth street. The Dacotah Manu-
facttiring Company purchased the Crand Forks
Woolen Mills, garment manufacturing and
wholesale business. Mr. Schnabil had been a
general salesman with the house for a number of
\ears. while Mr. Rosenquist. as before stated,
was superintendent, so that they entered u])on the
work with broad, practical experience to serve as
a basis fur success. They are now engaged in
the mamifacture of the Dacotah brand nf maek-
in.iw clothing, ])ants, shirts, underwear, ihick and
shee])-Iined coats, overalls, jackets, etc. They
have exclusive ])atterns in niaekinaws, tweeds,
meltons, flannels and other goods. Since pur-
E. M. ROSEXOUIST
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
697
cli:isin,i; th.e plant th^y have lari^ely increased and
remodeled the line throughout by impn.)vement in
patterns, sizes and workmanship. Thoroughly
acquainted with the trade both in line of manu-
facture and in the demands of the purchasing
public, they have set out to meet all the require-
ments and are placing upon the market an output
which finds a ready sale, owing to quality and
price. The com]5any has an unassailable reputa-
tion for business integrity as well as enterprise.
Air. Rosenquist was married in St. Paul in
1806 to Miss Ellen Pagett, a native of England,
and they have four children : Horace AL. Ruth,
lone and Hazel. .Mr. Rosenquist is an independ-
ent republican, in sympathy with the leading prin-
ciples of the party, yet not considering himself
bound by party ties at local elections. He is a
member of the Ancient ( )rder of United Work-
men, the \\'oodmen of America, and the Com-
mercial Club, and his religious faith, which is
a permeating influence in his life, is indicated by
his attendance at the Methodist church. A laud-
able ambition to attain success without the sacri-
fice of any essential element of real manhood has
been a salient characteristic in the life of Mr.
Rosenquist, who stands today as a representative
young business man of St. Paul, alert and
enterprising, accomplishing what he undertakes
bv indefatigable energy and straightforward
methods.
OWEN H. O'NEILL.
Owen H. O'Neill, appointed first assistant
county attorney in 1 901, was born at Belle Plaine.
Minnesota, June 28, 1863. His parents, John
and Anna (Larkin) O'Neill, were natives of
county Sligo, Ireland. The former came to the
United States when eighteen years of age and
in 1859 made his way to Minnesota, settling at
Belle Plaine, where he was engaged in merchan-
dising up to the time of his death, which dccnrred
in 1867.
In the public schools of his native city, Owen
H. O'Neill acciuired his literary education and
subsequently took up the study of law in St.
Paul in the office and under the direction of the
firm of Rogers & Hadley. He also read with
C. D. O'Brien as his preceptor, and in April,
1887, was admitted to the bar and entered upon
active practice in this city. In 1894 he was ap-
pointed city attorney of West St. Paul, filling the
position for several years, and in 1901 was ap-
pointed first assistant county attorney. In his
law practice he has shown thorough familiarity
with the i^rinciples of jurisprudence in its various
departments, also a comprehensive familiarity
with precedent and in the presentation of his
cause has displayed analytical power, illustrating
in logical deductions and forceful argument.
Mr. O'Neill was married on the 15th of Octo-
l)er, 1891. to Miss Alargaret E. Buckle)-, a daugh-
ter of Timothy and Alar}- ISuckley, of Alankato,
Alinnesota. His jxjlitical allegiance is given to
the democracy and his religious faith is that of
the Roman Catholic church. He is a member
of the Commercial Club, of the Knights of Co-
luiubus, the Independent Order of Foresters and
other societies, and he has attained a creditable
position at the St. Paul bar among luembers who
are manv vears his senior.
GEORGE H. DUNNA\-AN.
George H. Dunnavan, whose name is well
known in con-miercial circles in connection with
the wholesale produce business, was born in
Steuben county, Indiana, January 8, 1863. His
father, George W. Dunnavan, was a native of
Ohio, who followed the occupation of farming in
order to provide for his family. He died twenty
years ago, while his wife, Alargaret Flathaway, a
native of Pennsylvania, departed this life about
eighteen years ago. Of tiieir five children four
are now living.
George H. Dimnavan attended successively
the district, grammar and high schools of Steu-
ben county. He afterward engaged in teacliing
school for a time and entered coi-nniercial life as
a dealer in furniture in Fremont, Indiana. He
afterward, however, engaged in buying apjiles
and became an expert in the commission busi-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PALL.
ness, buying and selling; all kinds of produce,
lie has since continued in this line of commercial
activity and in January. 1889. came to St. Paul,
where he was for some years employed by Hox-
sie & Jaggar as cashier and bookkeeper and
later by J. B. Hoxsie until 1895, when he suc-
ceeded him in business. He purchased the busi-
ness in 1S95 and under the name of G. H. Dun-
navan conducted a wholesale produce house and
the firm does an immense business in produce
and makes a specialty of berries and small fruits.
This is one of the oldest, most reliable and best
known houses of the kind in St. Paul and the
extent of its trade interests places it in a most
prominent position among the more successful
commercial enterprises of the city.
Mr. Dunnavan was married in 1886 to Miss
Kate IMcCuin. of Fremont. Indiana, and they
have four sons : Harold, sixteen years of age,
now a high-school student ; Paul and Ralph, aged
twelve and seven years, now students in the
grammar schools ; and Floyd, four years of age.
The parents hold membership in the Dayton ave-
nue Presbyterian church and the family home
is at No. 670 Laurel avenue. Mr. Dunnavan
is a republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of
party principles, yet he does not seek nor desire
office as a reward for party fealty. He is a
member of the board of trade and his position in
commercial circles is indicated by the fact that
for five years he has been honored with the office
of treasurer of the St. Paul Produce Exchange.
Watchful of opportunities pointing to success
and with ready recognition of business chances,
he has directed his labors along well defined
lines and has made a business record which has
excited the admiration and won the respect of
his contemporaries.
ADOLPH THEODORE ROSEN.
From small beginnings have been developed
large enterprises and from humble clerkships have
sprung many of the mo.st prominent merchants of
the country. In a land where labor and ability
are unhampered by caste or class the opportuni-
ties are limitless and it is merely a question of in-
dividual merit and determination whether one oc-
cupies a mediocre position in the business world
or leaves the ranks of the many to stand among
the successful few. To the latter class Air. Rosen
belongs and his life record contains many valu-
able lessons. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, on the
loth of November. 1856. he attended the ])ublic
schools of his native land and afterward a naval
school of Sweden. His next step was to put his
theoretical knowledge to the practical test and he
spent several years as a sailor, during which time
he saw nnich of the world, as the vessels on which
he sailed visited various foreign ports. Coming
to the United States in 1880, he made his way
direct to St. Paul and was employed by a fur
dressing house. In this way he gained an inti-
mate knowledge of the business in principal and
detail, learned the best processes of preparing furs
for the market, also to appraise correctly their
value and to place on sale goods which could not
fail to command public attention and patronage.
In 1885 lie established a business of his own on a
small scale in dressing and curing furs of all
kinds and with the passing years his enterprise
has grown until it has now reached very large
proportions, employment being furnished to some
sixty skilled workmen. The business occupies
large buildings and is the most extensive industry
of this kind in the United States, its development
being due to the close application, unfaltering-
diligence and sound business discernment of its
founder.
In 1876 Adolph Theodore Rosen was united in
marriage to Charlotte Josephine Rosen, a native
of Sweden. Mr. Rosen has two children : Gus-
tave Theodore Frithsjaff, who is now in his
father's employ in the fur business ; while the
daughter, Jennie Wilfrieda, was born of Mr. Ro-
sen's second marriage, which was celebrated about
twenty-four years ago. Miss Anna Sophia Flink
becoming his wife. The family home is a beau-
tiful residence at No. 334 Cherokee avenue.
Mr. Rosen is a Mason and belongs to Minne-
sota chapter. No. i, R. A. M. ; .Mimiesota com-
mandery, No. i, K. T., and Osman Temple of the
Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership rela-
tions with St. Paul lodge, No. 59, B. P. O. E.
A. T. ROSEN
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
70 r
He is presulent of the Xorden Club, a very strong
organization in St. Paul, and also ])residenl of
the Union cemetery. He is first warden in tlie
Swedish Episcopal church and has been a most
active and untiring worker in behalf of the
church, contributing generously to its sttpport and
co-operating untiringly in its various activities.
Municipal interests, too, awaken his attention and
he regards it the duty as well as the privilege of
the American citizen to exercise his right of fran-
chise and to support the various movements and
measures that have direct bearing upon the public
welfare. He votes with the republican party, has
served as a member of the city council of St. Paul
for two years, in the assembly in 1902 and 1903,
and as alderman of South St. Paul for six years.
He stands for integrity and progress in citizen-
ship as well as in business life and is recognized as
a thorough business man of undoubted veracity
and of indomitable diliErence.
ROBERT E. WITHY.
Robert E. \Mthy. president of the Railroader
Printing House, wdiich business was established
in i8go and incorporated in 1903. was born in
Worcestershire. England. February 24. 1868.
His father, Robert E. A. Withy, also a native
of England, came to the United States in 1869
and. settling in St. Paul, engaged in the printing
business in connection with the H. M. Smyth
Printing Company. They developed their busi-
ness from a small lieginning to one of large
and profitable proportions. Mr. Withy was like-
wise a co-operant factor in many measures which
had direct bearing upon the welfare and progress
of his adopted city, was a school inspector of
St. Paul, held membership for some years in
the Baptist church and was afterward for twelve
vears an active and influential member in Clin-
ton Avenue Methodist church. His death oc-
curred in 1884 and he is yet survived by his
widow. l\Irs. Emma Withy, who is vice presi-
dent of the Railroader Printing Company.
Reared in St. Paul and educated in the city
schools, Robert E. ^^'ith\• has throughout his
entire business connection been a representative
of printing interests and for six years has been
active in the management and control of the
business of which he is now the head, while his
brother, George T. Withy, is secretary and treas-
urer. The house is situated at No. 244 East
Fourth street and does the greater part of the
special printing for the important railroad lines
of the northw^est, making a specialty of circular
tariff work. Employment is furnished to thirty-
three people, wdiich fact is indicative of the vol-
ume of business annually turned out.
I-iobert E. \\"ithy was married in 1889 to ^liss
Carrie I. White, of New York, and they have
three children : Hazel I., a high-school student ;
and Donald W. and Robert Charles, who are
also in school. ]\Ir. ^^^ithy is a member of
Shekinah lodge, A. F. & .\. M.. St. Paul lodge.
No. 2, K. P., the Royal .\rcanum, the Modern
Samaritans and the Junior Pioneers. As every
true American citizen shoidd do. he feels an in-
terest in the political situation of the country, re-
garding it the privilege as well as the duty of
every man to support his honest convictions and
his allegiance is given to the republican party.
His religious faith is indicated by his member-
ship in the Baptist church. These various inter-
ests are not merely side issues with him but claim
his time and attention in conjunction with a busi-
ness A\-liich is constantly growing, and in an ana-
lyzation of his life work it is seen that he pos-
sesses untiring energy, is quick of perception,
forms his plans readily and is determined in their
execution.
PETER SCHOLLERT.
Peter SchoUcrt. who from a humble position
in the business world has worked his way stead-
ily upward until he is today one of the largest
contractors for all classes of paper hanging and
decorating in .St. Paul and is also the owner of
the new and artistic building in which his busi-
ness is carried on, was born in Denmark in 1848.
Having acquired the usual common-school edu-
cation he took up the trade of decorating in his
702
I'AST AXI) PRKSl'.X'l" ()!•' ST. I'ALL.
native country and made continuous advancement
in his proficiency there. A young man of twenty-
four \eprs when he came to the I'nited States, he
made his way (hrect to St. I'aul. white he se-
cured employment in the Hue of his chosen occu-
pation. His superior ahihty and enter])rise were
rewarded with constant success, permitting of his
embarkation in Jiusiness on his own account at
a later date and the gradual enlargement of his
trade interests imtil totlay he is one of the most
prominent contractors for all classes of paper
hanging and decorating in St. Paul. His decor-
ating covers all branches of this wurk anil his
patrons are sure of high class, artistic execution
of any contracts accorded him. In 1905 he erect-
ed at the corner of St. Peter and Exchange streets
a three-story, cream color, pressed brick Ixiilding
the entire lower floor and basement of which are
occupied by his business as large show rooms
for wall paper and art decorative work and for
office and storage ptirposes. The two upper floors
are beautiful apartments. The front of the store
is a great expanse of plate glass show windows
and the entire structure is a model of the build-
er's art for the purpose intended. ]\Ir. SchoUert
now employs some sixty skilled workmen in his
business and the financial returns have reached
a large annual figure.
In 1878 yir. Schollert was married to Miss
Christensen and they have three children : Me-
ter, twenty-three years of age. and .\rthur, twen-
ty-one years of age, both in their father's em-
ploy, and Mrs. Lille Weber, wife of \\'illiam L.
Weber, of St. Paul. Politically .\lr. Schollert
is a republican with independent tendencies at
local elections, but fearless in su])port of his hon-
est convictions when matters of state and national
importance are at stake, lie belongs to St. Paul
lodge, Xo. 59. R. P. (). E., and has obtained high
rank in Masonry, being affiliated with Ancient
Landmark lodge, Xo, 2, .\. I". & .\. M.. the chap-
ter, the commandery, the consi^^tory and Osman
Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
The career of such a man as Mr. Schollert is
creditable alike to the land of his birth and the
land of his adoption. Hearing favorable reports
concerning business advantages in the new w<irld
he did not. however, come to .America with the
expectation of securing a fortune for the asking,
but recognized the fact that labor and enterprise
find their due reward here and through unremit-
ting diligence and energy that has never flagged
he has placed himself in the foremost ranks among
the representatives of the trade in St. Paul. He
possesses real artistic taste in decorative work and
in recognition of the results that can be obtained
through color and design in wall pajjer and the
contracts that he has executed have given uniform
satisfaction. He is a gentleman whose kindliness,
sym])athy and generosity beam forth in his eye
and are substantially manifest in his actions and
his cordial, jovial nature has gained him a host
of warm friends.
ADOLPH STIERLE.
A(lol])h Sticrle, druggist at the corner of llroad-
way and Seventh street, was born on the 1st of
October. 1833, at Ruchsen in the district of Adel-
sheim in the grand duchy of Baden, (lermany,
his parents being George and Elizabeth Stierle,
the former a native of Sinsheiin and the latter
of ^Meckesheim. The son learned the druggist's
business at Hanan near Frankfort-on-the-Main
and in March, 1853, crossing the Atlantic to the
iiew world, located in Cincinnati, Tlhio, where he
served as a drug clerk until 1857. With the capi-
tal he had ac(|uired through his industry, econ-
omy and capable management during that period
he then embarked in business on his own account.
In 1865 he visited Minnesota, spending the sum-
mer at LeScner. The next year he passed some
time in St. Paul aiul in 1867 he disposed of his
business interests in Cincinnati and removed to
this cit\-, where he has since resided. From 1868
mnil 1S73 he was engaged in the lumber busi-
ness, at the end nf which time he returned to the
drug trade, purchasing the store of G. Stein at
the corner of Rosaliel and Seventh streets. In
1875 he removed to his present location at the
corner of Broadway and Seventh street and has
here carried on Inisiness continuously since, cov-
ering a period of thirty-one years. His trade has
grown with the dcvelo])mcnt of the city and he
ADOLPH STIERLE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
705
has a good retail e.stal)Iishment situated on an
advantageous corner with a business which is at
once indicative of his straightforward deaHng. his
carefully selected stock and his earnest efforts to
please his patrons.
Mr. Stierle was married on the 6th of March.
1869, to Miss Elise Seeger, who was born in Mor-
cau, Russia. They have resided continuously in
St. Paul, where they have a wide circle of friends
and Mr. Stierle is a worthy representative of the
( ;ernian-.\merican element in the citizenship of
Alinnesota. Possessing a worthy ambition to
make the most of his opportunities and feeling
that he might more readily attain success in "the
land of the free," where eft'ort is not hampered
by caste or class, he came to .America in early
manhood and has found a realization of his hopes
in a large and profitable business, while the pleas-
ure of his residence in his adopted country has
been supplemented by the warm friendships here
formed.
MICHAEL W. PEIL.
manager of the large gro-
AJichael W. Pei
eery house of Andrew Schoch. of St. Paul, was
born in Racine, Wisconsin, May 19, 1858. His
father, Louis Peil, was a native of Germany and
became a pioneer settler of Racine, where he en-
gaged in business as a contractor and builder
until his life's labors were ended in death in De-
cember, 1894. He had married Susan Soens, also
a native of Germany, who survived him until
1902. They became the parents of seven chil-
dren, all yet living, namely : Rev. W. J. Peil, a
Catholic priest of Manitowoc, Wisconsin ; Joseph
M., 'a contractor and builder of Manitowoc;
Katherine, who is acting as housekeeper for her
eldest brother: Airs. Agnes Cecil, of Manitowoc;
Mrs. Josephine Phelan, whose husband is a trav-
eling salesman of Xew York city ; Mary, the
wife of Joseph Schroder, a contractor of Mil-
waukee ; and Michael W.
In the parochial and private schools of Racine
and in .AlcMinn's .\cademy of tliat city. Michael
W. Peil ac(|uired his early education, while his
college course was pursued in the College of St.
Francis in .Milwaukee. He then entered the store
owned by his brother. Leo A. Peil. with whom
he remained for eight years, and about eighteen
years ago he came to St. Paul, where he entered
the large grocery house of Andrew Schoch, be-
coming connected with the enterprise in a hum-
ble capacity, but gradually working his way up-
ward from one responsible position to another
until he is now manager of this important and ex-
tensive establishment, which does a business of
over one million dollars annually. He has made
a record which any man might be proud to pos-
sess, gradually working his way upward until he
is a well known and valued factor in commercial
circles, his course winning him the admiration
and respect of his business contemporaries and
associates.
Mr. Peil was married seventeen years ago to
Miss Mary E. Weiskopf, of St. Paul, and they
have three children : Roman \l.. fifteen years of
age ; Cleopha, eight years of age ; and Consuella,
two years old.
Mr. Peil is a communicant of St. Luke's Cath-
olic church and belongs to the Catholic Order of
Foresters, while his political allegiance is given
to the democracy. He possesses a .spirit of un-
bounded enterprise and perseverance and his uni-
form courtesy to the trade combined with his
honorable business methods, have made him pop-
ular. For eighteen years he has participated in
the business life of the city and during this en-
tire time has so conducted all afTairs entrusted to
him as to merit the confidence and esteem of the
entire community, no word of censure being ut:
tered against his actions.
ERIC P. STROM.
Eric P. Strom, a contractor and builder of St.
Paul, was born in Sweden in 1865, and came to
.\merica in 1886, when a young man of twenty-
one years. He had acquired a good public-school
education in his native country and after putting
aside his text-books was engaged in the lumber
business in .Sweden, thus acquiring a knowledge
7o6
AST AXD PRESENT OF ST. I'AUL.
that lias been of material benefit to him since he
entered his present line of business activity.
After remaining in the employ of others for
about ten years he began contracting antl build-
ing on his own account in 1896, and has secured
a good patronage, making him one of the pros-
perous representatives of the builder's art in St.
Paul.
In 1 891, Mr. Strom was married to Miss Hen-
rietta Budwe and to them have been born four
children : Florian \V., \'idet P.. Milford E. and
Sylvana H., all attending school. Mr. Strom is
a member of Modern \\^oodmen camp, Xo. 8603,
of St. Paul. By individual effort, close appli-
cation and capability he has steadily advanced
upon the highroad to success and has never had
occasion to regret his determination to seek a
home in the new world, for he has found here
substantial reward for his labor and also gained
the warm regard of nian\' friends.
GUSTAV REIFEER.
Gnstav Reifler, whose recent death deprived
the city of a capable business man, who for many
vears was engaged in general contracting and
Ijuilding in St. Paul, became a resident of this
city in 1888 and was connected with the con-
struction of some of its large business blocks.
A native of Posen, Prussia, he was born on the
8th of April, 1850. His parents, Mr. and Mrs.
John Reifler, were also natives of Germany and
on leaving Posen emigrated to America in 1882.
The father purchased a farm near Delano, Min-
nesota, where he carried on general agricultural
pursuits and upon that place both lir and his wife
jiassed away.
(iustav Reifler ac(|m'red only a common-school
education in his native country and when still a
\oinig man he began learning the trade of con-
tracting, which he followed in Germany until the
removal of his ])arents to the new world. After
removing to the I'nited States he remained for
a time in \'ew York city, while his father and
motlicr at once contintK'cl tlu-ir journey to Min-
nesota. The son was em])loyed as a brick mason
in the eastern metropolis and then came west, set-
tling in St. Paul, where he became identified with
building operations. Following his marriage he
returned to New York city, where he worked at
his trade for about seven years and then again
came to St. Paul, where he began business on his
own account as a contractor and builder. He at
first had his office in his home but his patronage
soon increased and he entered into partnership
with a Mr. Porton, with whom he carried on
business until 1896, He next formed a partner-
ship with John A. Hoftman and they opened an
office in the Scandinavian-American Bank Build-
ing, where they continued together until the
death of Mr. Reifler. While at work on a build-
ing at the corner of Seventh and Rosabel streets
]\[r. Reifler was struck by a falling timber, which
crushed his skull and he died twelve hours later,
his death occurring on the 30th of January, 1905.
To him had been awarded various important con-
tracts and many evidences of his skill and handi-
work are seen in the substantial and fine struc-
tures in this city.
Mr. Reifler was married during the early years
of his residence in St. Paul to ^liss Otilie ^^'ag-
ner, of Minneapolis, who was also born in Posen,
Prussia, and is a daughter of Michael and Min-
nie Wagner, who on coming to America settled
on a farm near Delano, Minnesota, wdiere the fa-
ther engaged in farming and where he and his
wife spent their remaining days. Mr. and Mrs.
Reifler became the parents of seven children, all of
whom are residing at home witli their mother.
William, the eldest son, is a prominent young
business man, who is now a mason contractor.
The others are Tlu'odore, GiustHv. John, Otilie,
( ieorge and Louis.
Mr. Reifler belonged to the Masonic lodge in
St. Paid and his political supi)ort was given to
the rcpulilican ]);u1y. He did not seek nor desire
office, however, finding ani|)le opportunitx for
the exercise of his talents and industry in his
business career and the success that he achieved
was attributable entirely 10 liis (^wn efl'orts. His
widow and tlie famil\- are all mem1)ers of the
.St. Tames Eutheran clnu-ch, which is located near
their home. Mr. Reifli'r made judicious invest-
ment of his c'liiital in real estate and liis widow
GUSTAX' REIFLER
PAST AXD PRESENT (JF ST. PAUL
709
now owns four nice brick residences on Marshall
avenue, which were erected by her husband, she
and her family occupying one of these at Xo.
~j:,S Marshall avenue.
JA.MES J. RECiAX.
James J. Regan, president of the Engineers'
Supply Company, with office at No. 360 Jackson
street, is a native of County Roscommon, Ire-
land, born July 10, 1867, his parents being Wil-
liam and ^lary (Flannigan) Regan, who came
from Ireland to St. Paul in 1885. Both are
now deceased. In the family were five children,
the surviving members being: jNfarv, the wife
of J. G. Coughlin, of St. Paul ; James J. : Patrick
J., of Seattle, W'ashinglon ; and \\'illiam T-. who
is teller in the Merchants Bank, at St. Paul. One
daughter, Catherine, became the wife of James
Xightingale, of St. Paul, and died in 1886.
James J. Regan acquired his education in his
native town and afterward engaged in teaching
school before leaving for the United States in
1883. He located first, however, at ^Montreal,
Canada, where he was employed in a hotel, and
in 1885 he came to St. Paul, where he secured
a position in the St. Paul National Bank, in
which he worked his way upward from office
clerk to paying teller, being thus engaged until
11J03. He then began business on his own ac-
count and became president of the Engineers"
Supjjly Company, with office at No. 360 Jackson
street. He organized the business and has been
(|uite successful in its conduct. He is a man of
stanch integrity, watchful of opportunities for
the enlargement of his commercial enterprise,
and in the control of his interests is displa\'ing
the strong and salient qualities which ever lead to
success.
In i8i)2 -Mr. Regan was married to Miss Mary
Nolan, of St. Paul, a daughter of P. H. Nolan.
Their children are Zita. Marie, William P. and
Nora. In his political views Mr. Regan is a
democrat and in 1904 was elected an assembly-
man, discharging his duties with such ability that
in igo6 he was re-elected liy an increaseil major-
ity. He is popular with his fellow townsmen and
with all with whom he has come in contact
through business, political or social relations. He
is state president of the Ancient Order of Hiber-
nians and a member of the grand lodge of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He like-
wise belongs to the grand council of the Royal
Arcanum and is a member of the Indqjendent
Order of Foresters. He is also affiliated with
the Maccabees and is a member and was one of
the organizers of the Knights of Columbus in
.St. Paul. His religious faith is indicated by the
fact that he is a communicant of St. Luke's Cath-
olic church. Coming to the new world in early
manhood he has through the force of his char-
acter and the strength of his good qualities and
business ability won a prominent place in com-
mercial, political and social circles.
MATHIAS I'.AXTZ.
ilathias Bantz, engaged in the tailoring busi-
ness in St. Paul, has been dependent upon his
own resources from the age of twelve years and
is honored and respected by all. not only by reason
of the success he has achieved, but also because
of the straightforward and reliable business meth-
ods he has ever ])racticed. He has based his
business principles and actions upon the rules
which govern strict and unswerving integrity and
industry and is today enjoying a large and grow-
ing trade.
!^[r. Bantz is a native of Erie county. Xew
York, born on the iitli of July, i860. He was a
son of John Bantz, who died twenty-six years ago.
The father removed with his family to Xaperville,
Illinois, when Mathias I5antz was but four years
of age and he acquired his education in the pa-
rochial schools. .\t the early age of twelve years
he started out in life on his own accoimt. spend-
ing the succeeding eight years in farm labor but,
ambitious to enter otiier departments of business
activit\. which ho believed would offer him
broader scope for successful accomplishment, he
came to St. Paul in 1878 and here learned the
tailor's trade. He became familiar witli the busi-
•10
I'AST AM) rUESKXT OK ST. I'Al'L
iiess in all of its details and about fifteen years ago
opened a tailoring estahlishiiient of his own, since
which time he has enjoyed rapiil and uniform
success. In i8(j6 he formed a partnership with
S. Keisman and for eight years they were the only
firm in St. I'aul w Im nsetl the union label of the
Joint Trade L'nions of America. They have been
at their present location at Xo. i6 West Si.Kth
street for seven vears. .Mr. Ilantz's business in-
terests have been carefully managed and, realizing
that success depends upon the accomplishment of
maximum results through mininnun effort, he has
so utilized and directed his forces as to produce
the best results attainable. In all of his business un-
dertakings he has been found thoroughly reliable
and this, combined with the excellent workman-
ship of his establishiuent, constitutes the secret of
his present prosperity.
On the i/th of September, 1889, Mr. Bantz
was united in marriage to ]\liss Louisa Kamman,
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and unto them
have been born two children, Genevieve and Fred-
erick, who are both in school.
^[r. Bantz has figured prominently in local po-
litical interests and is a stalwart advocate of the
democracy. He served the city as alderman of
the eighth ward for eight years. This is the
largest ward in the city and he received flattering
majorities, his re-election being an indication of
his personal popularity and the confidence re-
posed in him by his fellow townsmen. .As a mem-
ber of the city council he did effective service
along many lines of progress and improvement,
showing a public-spirited devotion to the general
good. It was through the per.sonal efforts of Mr.
Mantz that the fast express electric line between
the Twin Cities, intended to run out University
avenue, was prevented by his openly fighting the
measure on the floor. Through repeated efforts
he also succeeded in having the pay of the street
sweepers raised. They formerly received from
four dollars and seventy cents to seven dollars
and twenty cents per week, but .Mr. llantz put in
a resolution to raise their wages to one dollar
and a half i)er day, which was finally adopted and
that amount has since been paid. Tie has been a
member of the Journeyman Tailors' Union of
-America, was president of the same for two
years and was appointed a delegate to the con-
vention at Columbus, ( )hio, where he was elected
organizer for seven slates. While serving in that
position he organized unions in Mankato, Minne-
sota; Milwaukee. Wisconsin; (Juincy. Illinois;
Toledo, Ohio; Cleveland, (Jhio; and Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. Later he was elected president of
the St. l^aul Trades and Labor Assembly, serving
one term. He is likewise an active member of
the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and
of other fraternal orders and in religious faith
he is a Catliolic, belonging to the Church of the
Assuni[.)tion. He has now for twenty-eight years
made his home in St. Paul and his breadth of vis-
ion in connection with public affairs coml.)ined
with his activity in fraternal and business circles
have made him a representative and valued citizen
here.
JOSEPH G. HODGKLXSOX, M. D.
Dr. Joseph G. Hodgkinson, a leading physi-
cian of South .St. Paid, was born in (Ontario,
Canada. June 3, 1845, and is a son of Philip and
Elizabeth (Springall) Hodgkinson. The father,
also a native of Canada, was a merchant and in
addition to carrying on his business interests he
served in several official positions, acting as mag-
istrate and also as postmaster at Aylmer, Ontario.
Canada, for forty-one years when he retired. He
died in 1883, at the age of eighty-one years, and
was survived for several years by his wife, who
passed away in i(;ot, at eighty years of age. In
their family were eight children, namely : Har-
riet : J. G.. of this review; Emma; Philip;
("harles ; Augusta, ileceased ; Arthur, and Maggie.
In his political views .Mr. Hodgkinson was a
Tory. He held membership with the .Masonic
fraternity and was also a communicant of the
E])iscopal church.
Dr. Hodgkinson was reared under the ])arental
roof and supplemented his early educationiil
|)rivileges bv a course of study in medicine in
Canada. He afterward went to Detroit, .Michi-
gan, where he attended two medical colleges, and
later coming to St. Paul he entered the .St. Paul
DR. I. Li. llUlJiiKl.\S( ).\
PAST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
■'3
Medical College, from which he was graduated
witli the class of 1886. He located for practice at
Taylors Falls, Minnesota, but in the meantime
had practiced to some extent at Cattle Lake, this
state. On leaving Taylors Falls he came to
South St. Paul and soon won recognition here
by reason of his skill and capability, being today
regarded as the leading physician of South St.
Paul witli a practice that is at once indicative of
his comprehensive knowledge and of the confi-
dence reposed in him by the general public. He
was appointed superintendent of the citv hospital,
which position he filled for two years while liv-
ing at Taylors Falls.
In 1884, Dr. Hodgkinson was married to Miss
Sadie Cummings, a daughter of John and Eliz-
abeth (Dabney) Cummings, of Tavlors Falls,
Minnesota. Dr. and Mrs. Hodgkinson have one
son, Joseph Guy, who is now clerk in Powers' de-
partment store at Minneapolis. In his political
views the Doctor is an earnest republican, keeping
well informed on the questions and issues of the
day. but has never sought or desired office, pre-
ferring to concentrate his attention upon his pro-
fessional duties. He is recognized as a leading
l)hysician, who is correct in his adaptation of
medical principles to the needs of suffering hu-
manit}-. He is seldom at error in diagnosing a
case and maintains a high standard of profes-
sional ethics.
REV. THO.MAS ANDREW PRLVTO.V.
Rev. Thomas .-\ndrew Printon, who for nine
_\ears has been pastor of St. Peter Claver's
church, was born in county Cork, Ireland, in
1871. His father, Robert Printon, a native of
England, made his home for some time on the
Emerald Isle and was there married to Catherine
Bagley, whose birth occurred in county Cork.
He engaged in business in Ireland as a butter
merchant and in 1877 came to the United States,
liicating in Cambridge, Massaclnisetts. In his
liusiness aiifairs he was quite successfid and had
acquired a handsome competence, when, in 1891,
at the age of seventv vears, he was called from
this life. His wife died .March 16. 1905, at the
advanced age of seventy-nine years. They had
ten children, five sons ami five daughters, of
whom Thomas .\. was the ninth in order of
birth.
I'^nther Printnn acquired his early education in
the parochial schools of Cambridge, Massachu-
setts, and afterward attended St. Thomas Aqui-
nas College there, from which he was graduated
in i8gi, on the completion of a classical course.
In September of the same year he came to St.
Paul and luatriculated in what was then knnwn
as St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, now the St.
Thomas College, where he spent two years in
stud\ing philosophy and a year in studying the-
ology. He completed his theological course in
St. Thomas Seminar}- and was ordained Mav 30,
1897, by Archbishop John Ireland, after which
he was assigned to St. Peter Claver's church,
where he has remained continuously since, the
church making rapid and substantial growth un-
der his guidance. The parish is prosperous and
out of debt. In igo2 he purchased a rectorv at
the corner of Fuller and Farrington streets,
while the church is located at the corner of Au-
rora and Farrington. .Since coming to the par-
ish I'ather Printon has remodeled the house of
worship and in 1906 he repainted the exterior
and re-decorated the interior, while the contract
has been let for a fine new jjipe organ. His own
zeal and devotion to the work has inspired and
encouraged his parishioners and he has the re-
spect and love of those to whom he ministers
spiritually.
R. P. WARXER.
R. P. Warner, treasurer of the firm of Griggs,
Cooper & Company, owning and controlling one
of the largest wholesale grocery houses of St.
Paul, is a progressive young business man, whose
present enviable position has come in direct and
merited recognition of ability, enterprise and
close application, which well ([ualify him for the
responsbilities that devolve upon him in this con-
nection. He was born in .St. Paul, .\ugust 26,
"14
I'AST AND I'RMSEXT l)F ST. I'AfL.
1 871. His father, W. P. Warner, a native of the
Empire state, beeame one of tlie early residents
of St. Paul, and is a prominent i)racticing attor-
ney at the Minnesota bar. He married Anna
W. Richmond, also a native of Xew York, and
they are now living in this city.
R. P. Warner, the only son, was educated in
the private schools of St. Paul and after acquir-
ing his education, entered his father's law office,
hut, believing that he would find commercial pur-
suits more congenial he, two years later, entered
the service of the large shoe house of Foot,
Schulze & Company, where he continued for
about three years, working first in stock and dur-
ing the last two years as one of their traveling
salesmen. His connection wnth the house of
Griggs, Cooper & Company dates from the ist
of January, 1899, and his ability won promotion
until on the ist of January, 1901, he was chosen
treasurer and has since been an active factor in
the management of what is one of the largest
wholesale grocery and manufacturing establish-
ments in this country. He resides at the family
home at Xo. 315 Summit avenue and is a mem-
ber of the Alinnesota, Mineapolis, X^ushka. Town
and Country and White Bear Yacht Clubs. His
political allegiance is given to the republican
party. Alert and enterprising, with a mind re-
ceptive for impressions from the business world
that bear upon trade conditions with which he is
connected, he has utilized his forces and oppor-
tunities to the best advantage, making for him-
self a creditable place in the business and social
world.
CAPTAIX J(_)HX C. SMITH.
Captain John C. Smith, owner i>f the (iracie
Moore and the Hiawatha, makes a business of
passenger traffic lietween St. Paul and Miimehaha
l-'alls and also holds his steamers for charter by
pleasure parties. He is one of the oldest river
men in St. Paul and very jiopular and moreover
he is known from one end of the Mississippi to
the other. He was l)orn in Wayne county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1842. His father, Isaac Smith, was
born near Honesdale, Wayne county, Pennsyl-
vania, and became a farmer and lumberman. He
was successful in his varied business pursuits and
as the years passed acquired a handsome com-
petence. His political allegiance was given to
the democracy. He married Marilla Young, also
a native of Wayne county and a member of the
ISaptist church. His death occurred in 1902, when
he had reached the age of eighty years, while his
wife passed awa}' in 1904 at the age of eighty-
seven years. In their family were eight children :
John C, of this review- ; Katherine, the wife of
Porter Smith, a glass worker of I\IcKean county,
Pennsylvania ; Tracey, a farmer of Wayne
count}-, Pennsylvania ; Lucinda, the wife of
Hiram Slack, the owner of a sawmill and lumber
contractor in ]\IcKean county, Pennsylvania ;
Henry, who is an engineer in Honesdale, Penn-
sylvania ; Mrs. Lizzie Bedford, a widow living
in McKean county ; Emma, who is living in
Wayne county, Pennsylvania ; and Isaac, a resi-
dent farmer of that county.
Captain Smith was reared upon a farm and
attended the district and town schools. He aided
in the farm labor until about twenty years of age,
when he learned to be an engineer and in that
capacity was employed on different steamers on
the Kalamazoo and Grand rivers in Michigan.
He afterward went upon the Mississippi from
one end to the other and also upon its tributaries
and has a most extensive accjuaintance among
river men. He came to St. Paul in 187 1 and be-
gan steamboating on the ]\Iississippi in connec-
tiiin willi which he followed farming. He also
owns a lumber mill in Wisconsin, where he
spends his time after the boating season is over.
In iSjr he .-uid his father-in-law built the .\unt
i')etse\-, which they brought to St. Paul from the
Kalamazoo river, operating it on the Mississippi
f(ir ten years, at the end of which time Captain
Sniitii built the City of St. Paul, a |)assenger and
freight vessel, which was sunk at Island No. 9
ill i8()3. He afu-r\v;ird biuight the (^racie Moore,
whicli he still owns, and in 1904 he built the Hia-
watha and to each steamer he connects a barge in
l)usy seasons. He makes a business of passenger
traffic between .St. Paul and Minnehaha Falls and
his vessels are also chartered by pleasure parties.
J. C. SMITH
PAST AXD I'RESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
717
In 1868 Captain Smith was married to Miss
Mary Chatlec, who was born in Allegan, Michi-
gan, in 1846, a daughter of John Williamson and
an adopted daughter of Ira Chaff'ee, a merchant
lumberman and vessel owner of the Great Lakes.
Tlie onl}- child born unto Captain and Mrs. Smith
is deceased. In his political views the Captain
is independent nor has he sought or desired of-
fice, preferring to give his attention to his busi-
ness affairs, in which he has prospered. He owns
a residence on West Third street, where he re-
sides and has a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, also a farm
of forty acres in .Vllegan county, Michigan. He
owns two hundred acres of timber land in Wis-
consin and has two steamers and two barges,
which property is the visible evidence of a life
of thrift and enterprise and judicious management
and investment. In manner he is genial and
approachable and it is safe to say that few resi-
dents of St. I'aul have more friends than Captain
Smith, who has a wide acquaintance all along
the Mississippi from St. Paul to the gulf.
EDWARD D. ( ;RUENHAGEN.
Edward D. Gruenhagen is a representative of
the trade interests of St. Paul, where he is en-
gaged in dealing in builders' hardware, cutlery
and paints and oils. He also installs heating and
veuitilating systems and has won success in his
capable management of a business which under
his direction has developed to gratifying propor-
tions. A native of Carver county, Minnesota, he
was born October 6, 1872, and is a son of Fred-
rick and .\ugusta Gruenhagen, natives of Ger-
many. On coming to the L^nited States the fa-
ther began farming in Carver count}-, Minne-
sota, where he yet makes his home and he and
his wife will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of
their marriage in 1907. In their family were nine
children, seven of whom are yet living, namely:
^^'illiam H., who is engaged in the w-holesale
stove and furniture business in St. Paul ; Adolph,
a farmer of Carver county, Minnesota; Fred PL,
a hardware merchant of Brainerd, Minnesota;
Emma. the wife of (iottfriedTaborg.of McLeod,
.Minnesota ; Augusta, the wife of H. C. Harms,
of Norwood, Alinnesota ; Edward D. ; and Ber-
tha, the wife of Geritt Schnavind, of Waconia,
^Minnesota.
Edward D. Gruenhagen acquired his education
in the district schools and in a school connected
with the German Lutheran church. He re-
mained upon the home farm until seventeen years
of age. aiding in the labors of field and meadow,
and then left the parental roof to learn the tin-
ner's trade in St. Paul, following that pursuit con-
tinuously until 1896, when he entered into part-
nership with his brother, W. H. Gruenhagen, in
the establishment of the firm of Gruenhagen
Brothers, hardware dealers. This relation was
maintained until 1901, when the partnership was
dissolved, the brother continuing in the whole-
sale trade, while Edward D. Gruenhagen retained
the retail branch of their business, locating a
hardware store at 1948 University avenue in
Alerriam Park on the ist of January, 1903. He
carries a well selected line of general hardware,
paints and oils and is also making a specialtv of
heating and ventilating systems. Throughout his
entire business career he has been connected with
this branch of trade and is thoroughly conversant
with the hardware business, while his keen dis-
crimination and ready solution of intricate
business problems have enabled him to win grati-
fying success in his undertakings.
On the loth of June, 1896, was celebrated the
marriage of Air. Gruenhagen and Miss Augusta
Jabe, who w-as born in Wisconsin but was reared
and educated in Miimesota. Her parents were
Hans and Matilda (Jens) Jabe, natives of Ger-
many, who came to the United States when
young. Her mother died December 8, 1904, at
the age of sixty-four years, but her father is still
living at the age of sixty-four and makes his
home in Crow Wing county, Minnesota. P.dth
were members of the Lutheran church. Mr. and
Mrs. Gruenhagen have one child living. Pearl,
and lost a daughter, Ethel, who died December
19. T904, at the age of four years. The parents
are members of the Engli.sh Lutheran church of
the Redeemer. They have a nice liome at Xo.
1832 Feronia avenue, Merriam Park.
■i8
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ST. PAL'L.
Mr. Gruenhagen has made his own way in the
world and by earnest effort and perseverance has
gradually ad\-anced in business circles until his
position is a creditable one and his trade is now
gratifving. There have been difficulties and ob-
stacles in his path, but he has regarded these
rather as an impetus for renewed effort and
closer application and they have therefore van-
ished as mist before the morning sun.
C. T. ERTZ.
C. J. Ertz. well known in business circles in
St. Paul, established his present commission
house in 1877 and now receives extensive ship-
ments of poultr} and eggs from Minnesota.
North and South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
He employs from eight to ten salesmen and is
conducting an extensive business, which has con-
stantlv grown as the years have gone by until
the volum.e of trade makes this an imf)ortant com-
mercial enterprise of the city. Mr. Ertz in reli-
gious faith as a Catholic.
EDWARD L. REAM.
Edward L. Ream, general manager of the
.\merican Grass Twine Company, in which he is
prominently connected with one of the leading
productive industries of St. Paul, was bom in
Eureka. Wisconsin. April 26. 1876. His par-
ents were Julius J. and Margaret A. ( Rounds )
Ream, who removed with their family from Eu-
reka to Oshkosh. Wisconsin, when their son Ed-
ward was but one year of age. He attended the
public schools of that city and was there gradu-
ated on the completion of the high school course.
He then entered his father's flouring mill, where
he remained for a year and in 1898 he entered
the employ of the American Grass Twine Com-
pany, which had recently been organized. He
first occupied a clerical jMSsition in the office,
where his ability, fidelity and close application
won him promotion from time to time imtil he
became assistant manager of the plant. In 1899
they bought the works of the Northwest Cordage
Company in St. Paul, which they remodeled and
in 1903 Mr. Ream was placed in charge of the
St. Paul works as assistant manager and on Mr.
Brigham's retirement from the firm in August,
1905. he was promoted to the position of general
manager of the w^orks. in which responsible ca-
pacity he is still ser\-ing. The plant is an exten-
sive one, the main building being four hundred
and t\venty by seventy-five feet and three stories
in height. It is built of brick and in addition
there is a warehouse seven hundred by seventy-
five feet and a second one two hundred by eightv
feet. There is also a second mill three hundred
and twent}- by sixty-five feet, together with other
buildings, so that the plant is very large, covering
considerable space. There are power houses and
offices and in every department the plant is thor-
oughly equipped with machinery of the latest im-
proved patterns, especially designed for the uses
to which it is put. This is one of the leading and
important productive enterprises of the north-
west and the fact that Mr. Ream is acting as man-
ager indicates superior business capacity and abil-
ity, executive force, sound judgment and keen
discernment. He has attained a place that many
an older business man might well envy and it
does not need the gift of prophecy to foresee that
the future holds in store for him still greater suc-
cesses, for he possesses the ambition and energy
which continually bring advancement. The plant
under the management of Mr. Ream has been en-
larged and the business rapidly advanced and he
expects soon to employ five hundred men. The
company runs camps for cutting their own grass
at White Bear and Wyoming. Minnesota, and also
is cutting near Madison and Fond Du Lac, Wis-
consin.
On the i8th of September. 1902. Mr. Ream was
united in marriage to Miss Jennie N. Brown, of
Oshkosh. Wisconsin, a daughter of Mrs. Mary
A. Brown. In his social relations Mr. Ream is
an Elk and Mason, belonging to St. Paul lodge.
No. 3. A. F. & .A. M. He also belongs to the
Oshkosh Yacht Club and has ever taken an ac-
tive interest in yachting. His social qualities
have gained him manv friends and while he is a
EUW AkiJ L. RKA-M
PAST AND PRESENT UF ST. PAUL.
721
typical business man of the age, alert and ener-
getic, realizing that absolute devotion to business
brings steady advancement, he is not without an
appreciation for the amenities and social inter-
ests of life. He is uniformly spoken of as a
vouiig man of marked ability and sterling char-
acter.
ARCHP.ISHUP JOHN IRELAND.
Xo man in Alinnesota wields greater influence
nor receives a higher tribute of confidence and
admiration from all classes of her citizens, than
the man whom all delight to honor, John
Ireland, Archbishop of the Catholic church.
He was born in Ireland in 1838, and with his
parents came to the United States in 1849, living
in \'ermont and Illinois for a few years. St.
Paul became his home when he was fourteen
vears of age, and he remainetl here a year before
going to France to pursue the studies that would
tit him for his sacred calling. He returned eight
vears later, and was ordained a priest b}' 15ishop
Grace, December 21. 1861.
The voung priest found a community full of
life and excitement, every man alert and eager to
share in the great duties of the time — the up-
building and protection of our commonwealth,
and the defense of the nation from the Southern
rebellion.
John Ireland was of no passive nature, and his
heart glowed with ardent patriotism and courage.
His vows left him but one way to serve his coun-
try at the front, and he took that one way. In
1862 he became chaplain of the Fifth ^^linnesota
Regiment.
He was present at the bloody battle of Corinth,
but a severe illness compelled him to resign in the
spring of T863. Again returning to St. Paul, he
was assigned to the charge of the cathedral par-
ish.
At the recjuest of liishop (irace he was ap-
]" tinted his coadjutor in 1875, and' was conse-
crated to this office just fourteen years after his
ordination.
His life work is shown in the wonderful pros-
perity and extension of the Catholic church in
this state. Its great schools and colleges, its sis-
terhoods and its hospitals, its churches, standing
in almost every hamlet, its coming glorious cathe-
dral, all speak of his unremitting labors, his wise
judgment, and the public esteem in which he is
held.
As a writer, a lecturer, a close student ol the
economic and social questions of the age, he has
few equals in the world. He has been called to
the presidential mansion for advice, and he has
interested himself in whatever makes for the
progress and the betterment of humanity. He
stands for temperance, for free education, for
loyalty to American principles and institutions,
for righteousness in private life and fidelity to
l)ublic trusts, and as such a man both Protestan''
and Catholic unite in saying, "God bless and pre-
serve Bishop Ireland."
CLYDE M. DARLIXG.
Clyde M. Darhng, manager of the State Steam
Laundry at No. 222 West Seventr street, is a
native of Little \'alley, Minnesota, born (jctober
-/■ iS/S- His parents were George M. and Emma
( Kepner ) Darling, natives of Illinois and Penn-
sylvania, respectively. They came to Minnesota
in 1851, settling on a farm in Little \'alley and
they are now residents of Rochester, JNIinnesota.
In their family were five children, all of whom
are yet living.
Clyde M. Darling attended the public schools
in his native town and was graduated from the
high school at Redwood Falls, Minnesota, in the
class of 1893. He also spent one year as a stu-
dent in Hamline L^niversity and during the pe-
riod of his youth when not bus\- with his text-
books engaged in farm labor. He made a perma-
nent location in St. Paul in 1894, and entered the
employ of the Electric Car Company, while later
he was employed by J- W. Shepard as bookkeeper
for six years. He afterward spent two and a
half years as city salesman in the employ of the
Ward Connelly Company and in February, 1906,
I 'AST AND I'RESEXT ()!• ST. I'ALr..
became manager for the Stale Steam Laundry
for the Paris LaundTv Compan} . which position
he now holds. This laundry was established in
1888, and is one of the oldest of the moderate
sized laundries in the city of St. Paul. In the
capacity of manager 2ilr. Darling is displaying
good business ability, developing the business
along modern lines that bring the desired re-
sults.
On the 26th of June, 1896, was celebrated the
marriage of Clyde M. Darling and ]\Iiss Mola
Gregory, a daughter of the late Henry F. Greg-
ory, of St. Paul. Fraternally he is connected
with fhe Ancient Order of United Workmen.
.Since completing his education and entering
business life he has made steady advancement,
each change being a step forward in his business
career and the position which he now occupies is
one of responsibility, in which he is displaying
excellent business qualifications.
FRANKLIX H. ELLERBE.
The Ellerbes came originally from England
and are of an old family of that country. Repre-
sentatives of the name have been prominent in
pubhc hfe both in that country and in America.
Thomas F. Ellerbe, father of Franklin H. Eller-
be, was a native of southern Canada and married
Anna Bishop, who was born in the Empire state,
her people living in Jefferson county. New York,
having removed to that locality from New Eng-
land, where their ancestors had located at an
early period in the colonization of the new world.
I'ranklin H. Ellerbe was born in Mississippi,
June 20, 1870, and was educated in the city
schools of St. Louis, Missouri, and in Washing-
ton University, from which he was graduated
with the class of 1868. Having completed his
education he came to St. Paul and for four years
was engaged in railroad business. For ten years
he was connected with the St. Paul Trust Com-
])any and subsequently devoted four years to the
manufacture of engineering instruments. In
1902 he was appointed deputy inspector of public
Iniildings and is now filling the position.
In i8yo occurred the marriage of Franklin H.
Ellerbe and Mabel G. Green, a daughter of J. C.
Green, a pioneer of St. Paul, and their children
are Bertha E., Thomas G. and Rachel B. Ellerbe.
Mr. Ellerbe takes a deep interest in local politics.
He is, however, a man of rather retiring nature
but the genuine worth of his character is recog-
nized by his friends and those who are associated
with him in offical circles.
FRANK H. HENRY.
St. Paul in recent years has liecome the center
of the wholesale trade of the northwest and a
prominent representative of this department of
activity is Frank H. Henry, junior member of
the firm of French, Finch & Henry, jobbers of
and wholesale dealers in boots and shoes. He
is one of St. Paul's native sons, born February
25, 1871. His father, Constantine Henry, is a
native of Germany and in the early '60s came to
this city, where he engaged in the retail and
wholesale shoe business. He is now financially
interested in the house of Foot, Schulze & Com-
pany, shoe manufacturers, but is living retired
from active business.
Frank H. Henry is indebted to the public school
system of St. Paul for the educational privileges
which he enjoyed. He completed his course by
graduation from the high school in 1888 and en-
tered upon his business career as an employe of
Foot, Schulze & Company, of which firm his
father is a member. For seventeen years he was
with that house, serving in various capacities in
the city or as its representative upon the road.
He is thoroughly conversant with the shoe trade,
both in the line of manufacture and sale, and
is now vice president of the firm of French, Finch
& Henry, extensive jobbers of boots and shoes.
The company was established in 1882, and the
other officers are L. W. French, president, and
Gil])ert Henry, secretary and treasurer. The firm
is conducting an extensive business throughout
the northwest, its product going to the leading
towns and cities throughout this section of the
countrv. When Mr. Henrv became identified
F. II. llh:NRY
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
725
with the company, in December, 1904, he brought
to his new duties splendid qualifications because
of his i)revious broad experience in the shoe
trade.
Mr. Henry holds membership in the Commer-
cial Club. It is a noticeable fact that it is the
young men who are controlling the veins and
arteries of trade and managing the traffic and ex-
changes of the country, and in his native city
Mr. Henry has won a position of distinction in
manufacturing and commercial circles, his re-
sourceful ability, strong purpose and unfaltering
diligence being recognized as the concomitants of
a career which is as creditable as it is successful.
A. \V. .MILLER, :M. D.
Dr. A. W. Aliller, ph_\sician and surgeon of
St. Paul, who is now serving for the third term as
coroner of Ramsey county, having entered upon
the duties of the office in January, igoi, was born
in Bushnell, AIcDonough county, Illinois, in
1870. His father, the Rev. C. C. Aliller. was a
minister of the Gennan Methodist church and at
one time was a preacher in this city. His death
occurred May I, 1886. He married Miss Eliza-
beth Gwenzell, who yet resides in St. Paul. In
his family were the following named : Ed-
ward, of St. Paul, who is engaged in the in-
surance business with the firm of Weed, Parker
& Company : Walter K., a clerk in the ^Merchants
National Bank of St. Paul : iMrs. E. B. Strate, of
this city ; Eveline, assistant cashier of the St.
Paul Gas Light Company ; and A. W., of this
review.
Dr, Miller was brought to this city by his par-
ents in 1872, so that he was practically reared
here. At the usual age he entered the public
schools, passing through successive grades until
he had acquired a good literary education, after
which he began preparation for the practice of
medicine as a student in the medical department
of the Minnesota State L^niversity, from which
he was graduated in 1897. He was afterward
assistant to the city bacteriologist. Professor F.
F. Westbrook. for two vears and was appointed
36
assistant health commissioner of St. Paul bv Dr.
A. J. Stone and had charge of the city laboratory
for a year. In 1900 he was elected coro-
ner and has twice been re-elected, so that he
is now serving for the third term in that office.
In his private practice he has been accorded a
liberal patronage and the general public recog-
nizes his capability in solving the intricate prob-
lems which continually confront the physician in
his efforts to alleviate suffering and restore
health.
Dr. Aliller was married to iNIiss Alice Billings,
of Kasson, JMinnesota, whose people were
among the early settlers there. The Doctor and
his wife now have one son, Arthur B. Thev re-
side at No. 767 East Fifth street on Dayton's
bluff. Socially Dr. ^filler is a IMason, belonging
to Braden lodge. No. 168, A. F. & A. U., and
he also holds membership relations with the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Inde-
pendent C)rder of Foresters and Imperial lodge,
No. 94, of the Columbian Knights. Politically
he is a democrat and upon the party ticket was
chosen to the office which he is now capably fill-
ing. His professional membership relations are
with the Ramsey County Aledical Societ)-, the
Minnesota State Medical Society and the Amer-
ican Medical Association. In the years of his la-
bors since his^ graduation he has kept in touch
with the progress made by the medical fraternity
and b}- reading, research and investigation has
continually broadened his knowledge and pro-
moted his efficiency, so that the liberal private
patronage which is accorded him is justly
merited.
OTTO BREMER.
The civic history of St. Paul shows no more
capable service than that which Otto Bremer has
rendered during his incumbency in the office of
cit}' treasurer, wherein he is now serving for the
third term. He was born in Seesen amid the
hoary mountains of Germany on the 22d of Octo-
ber, 1867. His father, Edward Bremer, also a
native of Germany, was a banker and died on the
24th of December, 1893, having for many years
726
J 'AST AXD PRESENT OF ST. I'AUL.
survived his wife, who in her maidenhood bore
the name of Matilda Maeder. She passed away
in 1877. In their family were nine children.
Otto Bremer attended the common schools of
Germany and was afterward graduated from a
preparator}' school to the university. His early
business career gave him three years" experience
in farming in Biskirk, Germany, and in Novem-
ber, 1886, he came to the United States, making
his way direct to St. Paul. Desiring to acquaint
himself with business methods in the new world
he entered the employ of Farwell, Ozman-, Kirk
& Company, wholesale hardware dealers, in a
humble capacity and continued with that house
for six months. After applying for a position he
was told to report at seven a. m. the next day.
He did so and sat upon the doorstep in the cold
until nine o'clock, when some member of the firm
coming along wanted to know what he was doing
there. He replied that he came to work and was
informed that it was Thanksgiving day and
therefore the store was closed. It was his first
acquaintance with the November holiday. His
ability was quickly recognized and he worked in
various capacities in the house, winning rapid
promotion. He then entered the National Ger-
man American Bank, where he remained from
1887 until 1900, during which time he had risen
to be chief clerk of the institution. He is now a
director in the American National Bank, is a
heavy stockholder in the National German Amer-
ican Bank and a director of the Northern Trust
Company, being thus closely associated with lead-
ing financial concerns of the city. He is also
secretary and treasurer of the Schmidt Brewing
Company, controlling one of the extensive enter-
prises of that character in St. Paul. He resigned
his position as chief clerk in the German-Amer-
ican National Bank to enter upon the duties of
city treasurer, to which he had been elected. He
has twice been re-elected as the democratic candi-
date and is now ser\-ing for the third term to the
benefit of the city, the satisfaction of his constitu-
ents and with honor and credit to himself. He is
now a candidate for the fourth term and will no
doubt be re-elected to the office. It has been said
that there ha? been no more capable, efficient or
relialile incumbent in that position than Mr. Bre-
mer, while many claim that he has had no equal
in the office.
Air. Bremer belongs to the Elks lodge, No. 59,
to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to vari-
ous singing and German societies. He resides
with his sister and stepmother at No. 738 East
Fourth street. He is a popular man, well known
as a loyal friend and a man of his word. He pos-
sesses splendid business and executive ability and
has developed the talents with which nature en-
dowed him, using his powers for the mastery of
every task which has devolved upon him and thus
passing on to a larger realm of activity and ac-
complishment. Strong and positive in his democ-
racy, his party fealty is not grounded on partisan
prejudice and he enjoys the respect and confi-
dence of all his associates, irrespective of partv.
Of the great issues which divide the two parties
with their roots extending down to the verv bed-
rock of the foundations of the republic, he has
a true statesman's grasp. Well grounded in the
political maxims of the schools he has also stud-
ied the lessons of actual life, arriving at his con-
clusions as a result of what may be called his
post-graduate studies in the schools of afi'airs.
Such men are a power in office or out of it and
are the natural leaders of whatever party they
may be identified with.
WILLIAM O. ^^TLLTA]\IS.
^^'illiam O. \Mlliams, who has prospered in his
business undertakings in St. Paul, was born in
Indiana, October 31, 1867, and was educated in
Red Wing, Minnesota. He came to this city in
1892, when a young man of twentv-fivc vears
and has since been connected with the restaurant
business, in which he now eniplo\s about seventv-
five men and women. He is secretary and treas-
urer of the Rockaway restaurant at Nos. 404-408
Jackson street and is ]iroprietor of the delicatessen
restaurant at Nos. 321-325 Robert street. Both
have a large patronage and Mr. ^^'illiams' long
connection with the trade lias thoroughly quali-
fied him for the management of such enterprises.
He conducts establishments thoroug!d\' n])-to-
W. O. WILLIAMS
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAL'L.
date in every regard and the volume of business
done is indicated by the large force of employes.
Air. Williams was married in 1895 to ]\Iiss
Julia Courtney, of Rochester, Alinnesota. He be-
longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, to the
Alaccabees tent, to the Modern Woodmen camp,
and St. Paul lodge, No. 59, B. P. O. E. What-
ever success he has achieved is due entirely to his
own efforts, for he started out with limited capi-
tal and has worked his way steadily upward, over-
coming all difficulties and obstacles in his path
1)\ determined and earnest purpose and honorable
business methods. His earnest desire to please
his patrons has been a salient feature in his suc-
cess and he is now a leading representative of his
line of business in St. Paul.
W. D. KELLY, AI. D.
Dr. W. D. Kelly, a distinguished surgeon of
the northwest, whose practice along modern
scientitic lines has gained him prestige among the
prominent members of the profession in this
country, was born August i, 1864, in St. Paul,
and is a son of Daniel Kelly, represented else-
where in this work. He passed through succes-
sive grades of the public schools, after which he
completed the high-school course and later he
entered the St. Paul Business College. Follow-
ing his graduation he took up the study of phar-
macy in Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from
which he was graduated in the class of 1886.
During this period in the summer months he was
in a drug business at Key East. Avon Inn, on the
Jersey coast. Following his graduation he en-
tered upon the study of medicine in Jefferson
Alcdical College in Philadelphia, of which he is
an alumnus of the class of 1887. having studied
medicine and pharmacy at the same time. He
then became interne at Cook Hospital in Camden,
New Jersey, where he remained for a _\ear, when
in the spring of 1888, he located for practice in
St. Paul, where he has since remained. He has
made a specialty of gynecology and is surgeon of
the St. Paul Free Medical Dispensary, pathol-
ogist of St. Joseph's Hospital and gynecologist
of the City and County Hospital. He belongs to
the American Aledical Association, the [Minne-
sota State Medical Society, the Ramsey County
Medical Society and is an honorary member of
the Crow River Medical Society. Pie is medical
examiner for a number of life insurance compan-
ies, in addition to which he has an extensive pri-
vate practice. He has taken post-graduate work
in the L'niversity of Minnesota, also in the Johns
Hopkins University at Baltimore, the Edinburgh
L^niversity and Royal Infirmary, at Edinburgh,
Scotland, at \'ienna and other points in Europe,
where he spent two }ears in study and investiga-
tion, thus gaining an intimate knowledge of the
methods of medical and surgical practice of the
most renowned representatives of the profession
of Europe. He has been a frequent and valued
contributor to the medical literature of the coun-
try and has been very successful in his work,
making a study of gynecology and surgery and
in both departments of practice he has gained
high rank. Fraternally he is a member of the
Elks lodge. No. 59, the Junior Pioneers and two
college societies, the Alpha Kappa Kappa and
the Zeta Phi Alpha.
WILLIAM T. RICH.
William T. Rich, member of the firm of Miller
& Rich, proprietors of a printing, job work and
engraving establishment in St. Paul, was born
in London, Ontario, in 1846, and is indebted to
the public schools of that city for the educational
privileges he enjoyed. After leaving school he
took up the printing business wlien but fifteen
years of age, mastered the trade in all of its de-
partments and has ever kept in touch with the
progress that has largely revolutionized the
business in its methods and results in the inter-
vening years. He started in business on his own
account in 1873. in East Saginaw, Michigan, and
came to St. Paul n 1877, seeking a broader field
of labor here. In this city he formed a partner-
ship under the firm name of Miller & Rich and
the relation has had a continuous existence to
the present time. The firm are engaged in print-
730
PAST AXU PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
ing, job work of all kinds, ami engraving and
has been accorded a gratifying patronage.
Mr. Rich has been married twice. He wedded
:\Iiss Mary L. De Mars who died, and he after-
ward wedded Mrs. W. M. Woodley, of Lehigh,
South Dakota. He has two children, Edward A.
Rich, the elder, is a physician, who has recently
relnrned from Berlin, where he has been pursu-
ing a post-graduate course in medicine and sur-
gery and is now located in Brigham City, Utah,
where he enjoys a large practice. He married
Miss Ethlyn Enhis, of PLimline, Minnesota. The
second child is now 2^1 rs. Charles E. Collett,
whose husband is engaged in the practice of law
in St. Paul.
Mr. Rich is a prominent ]\Iason and now past
master of Midway lodge. No. 185, A. F. & A.
M. He belongs to the Methodist church and is
true to the teachings of the latter and the tenets
of the former and thus are exemplified in his
life high principles and benevolent purposes.
MICHAEL nORAN, Jr.
If the old saying, "Blood will tell," needs an-
other illustration, a good one will be found in the
career of that rising and popular young lawyer
of St. Paul, ^lichael Doran, Jr. His father is a
native of county Meath, Ireland, and was born
in 1827. AMien he was twenty- three years old
he came to America, and in the early '50s settled
in Le Sueur county, Minnesota. There he at first
engaged in farming, but his enterprising spirit
and rigid integrity soon made him a ]wwer in the
community. He was county treasurer many
years, and established a large banking and bro-
kerage business there and also in St. Paul. The
latter city was his home after 1877.
He was prominent in politics as well as in
business circles. In 1875 he was elected to the
state senate, and served until 1879. He was also
a member of the national democratic state com-
mittee many years.
The sterling qualities of push and foresight
that distinguished his father, are inherited by the
son, Michael Doran, Jr. He was born in Le
Sueur county in this state, in 1872, and enjoyed
fine educational advantages in New York city.
There he was graduated from St. John's CoUege,
and studied law in the Columbia Law School. In
i8y8 he was admitted to the bar in St. Paul, and
has since practiced his profession there. He was
elected to the city assembly in 1902.
In social circles he is well known and always
welcome. Like his father, he is a member of the
Catholic church.
HAXNS E. GRUXOW.
Hanns E. Grunow, imperial German consul at
St. Paul, was born in Berlin, September 21, 1865.
His father, C)scar Grunow, also a native of Ber-
lin, was a member of a government board and
prominent in official circles of the German cap-
ital. He married Elise Kuehlstein, and both
were descended from old and prominent families
of Berlin. Mr. Grunow of this review acciuired
his education in the gymnasium of his native city
and at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
He studied law in the L'niversity of Berlin,
passed liis final examination in 1889 and for four
vears thereafter was connected with ditiferent tri-
bunals, following which, in 1893, he passed his
examination as judge. He was for two years
judge of a minor court and the court of appeals
in Berlin, and afterward became identified with
the diplomatic service. In 1895 'i^ entered the
foreign ofSce, where he remained until 1897, when
he went to Samoa, first as vice consul and after-
ward as acting consul. In 1900 he was sent to
Sydney, Au.stralia, as acting consul general, and
during the years of 1902 and 1903 w-as in the
foreign office in Iterlin. In 1903 and 1904 he was
first vice consul and acting consul general in
Constantinople, and nn the 14th of September.
1904, he came to St. Paid, having been appointed
to the first German consulate established in this
city.
.Mr. Gnmow was married in 1893 in Lanzanne,
Switzerland, to Miss La Combe, a lady of French
descent, and the\- have two sons : Werner, who
is attending school in the fatherland, and Edward,
H. E. GRUNOW
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
7Zl
who is with his parents. Mi;. Griinow is a broad-
minded and polished gentlenian. whose broad ex-
perience in diplomatic service in varions countries
has eminently fitted him to represent the inter-
ests of the great German empire. He is a genial
gentleman and interesting conversationalist and
possesses a rare fund of valuable information.
He is, moreover, a gifted linguist, expressing his
thoughts with case and fluency and under a pleas-
ing, cultured address there are the sturdv quali-
ties of a student and statesman who has made a
thorough study of international law and relations
and stands for just and cordial relations between
the empire which he represents and the American
republic.
GEORGE JOHXSTOXE GRANT.
George Johnstone (irant is a contractor and
the e.xtent and importance of his operations
places him in a foremost position in business cir-
cles in St. Paul. He was born in Picton, Nova
Scotia, January lo, 1841, a son of George and
Katie { Matheson ) Grant, natives of Dumfries-
shire, Scotland. His youth was spent upon his
father's farm, during which period he acquired
a common-school education. At the age of
eighteen years he became a carpenter's apprentice
and learned the trade thoroughly, following that
pursuit in his native province for a number of
years, during which time he became a master
I)uilder and erected an extensive iron and steel
manufacturing jjlant at Londonderry, Nova
Scotia. Like many other brainy, energetic young
men who have left their impress u]ion the mag-
nificent development of the western continent he
did not wait for a specially brilliant opening. His
mental and phvsical activity, the only capital that
he brought to his business career, have l>een the
foundation of his success and he early displayed
conspicuously the traits of character that have
made his business Hfe a prosperous one. In the
early days he performed all the diities that de-
volved upon him, however humble and however
small the recompense might be, conscientiously
and industriousK, and from then to now his
progress has been consecutive. Li 1877 he en-
gaged as contractor on the Canadian Pacific to
construct a section of that line between the Lake
of the Woods and Eagle River, a distance of
siixty-two miles, and soon after its completion in
1880, he came to St. Paul, where he has since
resided. He is today one of the best known con-
tractors of the northwest and has erected some
of the most notable buildings in the city, includ-
ing the Pioneer Press liuilding, the Farwell, Oz-
mun & Kirk Building and some of the beautiful
and palatial residences of St. Paul. His strict
integrity, business conservatism and judgment
have always been so uniformly recognized that he
has enjoved public confidence to an enviable de-
gree and naturally this has brought to him such
a lucrative patronage that through times of gen^
eral prosperity and general adversity alike he has
witnessed a steady increase in his business until
today his positon as a contractor in the northwest
is among the foremost. He was the first vice
president of the Contractors & Builders Board of
Trade and has been one of its active and influen-
tial members.
Mr. Grant was married, in 1867, to Teresa
Thompson, a native of Canada and they have five
living children. Their membership is with the
Dayton Avenue Presbyterian church. Energetic,
far-seeing, honest and public-spirited, he has op-
erated extensively and continuously and by the
stimulus of his exertions has aroused the enter-
prise of others and through this he has added to
his own labors and furnished hundreds of labor-
ers lucrative employment. He has never been a
public man in the ordinary sense, having no taste
for political or official life, yet his influence has
been felt as a strong, steady, moving force in the
.-iocial, moral and inchistrial advancement of his
communitv.
JEREAHAH J. STR.XPP.
Jeremiah J. Strapp. who is chief of one of the
most efficient fire departments of the country, is
a native son of St. Paul, born April 3, i860. His
father, John Strapp, was a merchant of this city,
734
I'ASI' AXI) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
who settled here in 1857 and remained a resident
of St. Paul until his death, which occurred in
1894. His wife. .Mrs. Johanna Strapp. died in
igoo. In their faniil}- were six children, of wlioni
five are livinsj.
Jeremiah J. ."^trapp pursued his education in the
Jefferson public school and in the parochial
schools of this city. On November 14. 1879. he
entered the St. Paul fire department and by con-
stant attention to his duties and bravery and
through the intelligence which readily masters a
situation and produces the best results, he has
won promotion from time to time until he is now
chief of one of the best fire departments of the
country. He is a thorough disciplinarian and' is
beloved by his men. He himself possesses great
courage in the face of danger and moreover an
undaunted presence of mind which enables him
to accomplish the best results in the least time.
His own courage has inspired his men to deeds of
valor and his service in behalf of the city and
state is such that every resident of St. Paul
should feel a sense of pride in its fire department.
Air. Strapp is a member of the Junior Pioneers,
of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of the
Knights of Pythias and of the Catholic church.
He has a wide and favorable acquaintance, being
well known in the city in which he has always
made his home and warm friendship is e.xtended to
him by many who have known him from his boy-
hood days to the present time.
M. J. MORIARTY.
M. J. Aloriarty, inspector of the office of the
state pure f(X)d commission, was born in St.
Paul. September 29, 1866, and is a son of John
and Julia (Galvin) AToriarty. The father, a na-
tive of Ireland, became a resident of St. Paul in
1856 and for many years carried on business as
a dealer in live stock. He also took an active
interest in public affairs and gave his influence
to many imprjrtant measures having direct bear-
ing upon the welfare and jjrogress of the city.
He died about fourteen years ago. His wife,
who was also a native of Ireland, is now living.
In their family were ten children, nine of whom
yet survive.
M. J. Aloriarty was reared in St. Paul and
acquired a ]niblic-school education. About eight
years ago he was married to Miss Ruth Lawler,
of Rochester, Minnesota, and they have one
daughter, Lucille.
In his political views Mr. Moriarty is a pro-
nounced democrat, unfaltering in his advocacy
of the principles of that party, and has been rec-
ognized as a leader in its local ranks. He has
served as alderman of the si.xth ward and is now
inspector in the office of the state pure food
commission. In addition to the duties of that
position he is also engaged in the real estate
business and has a good clientage in that con-
nection. Socially he is connected with the
Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of
Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and
is a communicant of St. Michael's church.
A. HIRSCHMAN.
Among the representatives of the wholesale in-
terests of St. Paul is numbered A. Hirschman,
who is conducting a wholesale liquor establish-
ment at the corner of Third and Jackson streets.
He came to this city in 1882 and has since been
engaged in this line of business. Born in Prus-
sia, he crossed the Atlantic to America in 1871.
when sixteen years of age, and after residing for
a time in New York took up his abode in Savan-
nah, Georgia, where he entered the employ of Sol-
omon Brothers, wholesale grocery merchants in
the capacity of a traveling salesman. Later he
formed a partnership in the wholesale liquor busi-
ness with N. E. Solomon, one of the members
nf ilu' wholesale firm of Solomon Brothers, enter-
ing upon this relationship in 1882. Subsequently
he ])urchased his jiarlner's interest and has since
operated in St. raul. The business has increased
rapidly until the trade extends over the entire
northwest. His son, B. M. Hirschman, was ad-
mitted to a partnership in 1904, so thai the busi-
ness is now carried on under the firm style of .\.
Hirschman & Company. This is one of the larg-
'B
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A. HIRSCHMAN
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
7Z7
est wholesale liquor houses iu this part of the
country. Mr. Hirschman employs eight travel-
ing men, representing the house upon the road
and he also has a considerable local trade in St.
Paul and Minneapolis. He is likewise interested
in one of the most valuable iron mines in Minne-
sota and is a man of commercial and financial
prominence and reliability
Socially Mr. Hirschman is connected with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Ma-
sonic fraternity, the Sons of Hermann and various
other organizations. The family are members of
the Jewish church and the residence is located
at the corner of Avon street and Grand avenue.
Entering business life in a humble capacity, Mr.
Hirschman has made gradual advancement along
several lines and is today one of the substantial
business men of St. Paul, enjoying gratifving
prosperity.
JOHN C. HARDY.
John C. Hardy, secretary of the St. Paul Lake
Ice Company, and well known in business circles,
wa,s born in St. Paul in 1868. His father, Nich-
olas Hardy, now sixty-four years of age, was a
native of Germany, and crossing the Atlantic
came direct to St. Paul. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Elizabeth Shindler, is a native of
Ohio and in the fall of 1857 drove across the
country with her father's family, the journey be-
ing made with ox-team from the Buckeye state
to Minnesota. Her father, who was a member
of the Fifth jMinnesota Infantry, died in the army
during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy have
become the parents of fourteen children, eight
sons and six daughters, of whom nine are still
living, and all are residents of St. Paul, the three
brothers, John, Nicholas and Charles being con-
nected with the ice company. Martin is with the
Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. Frank is
with the Omaha Railroad Company. Albert is a
graduate of the class of 1906, of the Cretin high
school. Catherine is the wife of Robert H. Seng.
Lena is the wife of Herbert Wallace, an engi-
neer on the Omaha Railroad. Stella is at home.
John C. Hardy acquired his education in the
public schools and in St. John's University at
Collegeville, Minnesota. In early manhood he
spent six years in the sheriff's office, being for
four years under Ed. S. Bean and for two years
under Charles E. Chappel. He then turned his at-
tention to the ice business, with which he has
since been connected. The St. Paul Lake Ice
Company is a successor to the St. Paul Ice Com-
pany, which had its inception about twenty years
ago, the business being carried on by the firm of
Selby, Harris & Norton. The St. Paul Lake Ice
Company was formed by Nicholas Hardy, Rob-
ert H. Seng and Paul A. Lavelle and the present
personnel of the company is Messrs. Nicholas
and John C. Hardy. The ice is taken from \Miite
Bear Lake and Bass Lake, or Lake Owasso, as
the latter is sometimes called, and was .formerly
teamed from McCarron Lake and the river. The
growth of the city, however, compelled the aban-
donment of river ice by all the ice companies and
the product now handled is freighted into the
city, ice houses having been erected on both the
lakes and in the city. The increase in business
has been in proportion to the growth of St. Paul's
population. Nicholas Hardy is one of the pio-
neer ice men of St. Paul, having come to this city
in 1857, and during the greater part of the time
he has been connected with the ice trade. He is
still an active and enterprising business man.
.Some years after his arrival here he was engaged
in the shipping of horses. Later he was asso-
ciated with Michael Defiel, C. D. Gilfillan and a
Mr. Hinkel in organizing the People's Ice Com-
pany, which is still doing business. For four-
teen years it was conducted by Messrs. Defiel and
Hardy, but about eighteen years ago Mr. Hardv
sold his interest to his jwrtner, who with his sons
is still conducting business under the name of
the People's Ice Company. Nicholas Hardy then
resumed bu.siness as a horse dealer, in which line
he continued for about five years, when he pur-
chased an interest in the St. Paul Ice Company
and re-organized it as the St. Paul Lake Ice Com-
])any, which was incorporated at that time. The
officers at this writing are: Nicholas Hardy.
president and general manager ; and John C.
Hardv. secretary and treasurer. The offices of
-38
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tlic company arc in tlio (llohe P.uilding- and in the
winior months about two hundred men are em-
])loyed, while in the summer tliere are about fifty
employes for the care and delivery of the ice.
They handle eighteen teams and the capacity is
about fifty thousand tons. The senior partner is
one of the pioneer ice men of the city and since
the establishment of the present firm success has
Attended the enterprise, the ])atronag-e constantly
growing.
John C. Hardy was married to Miss Catherine
I. Roche, of St. Paul, a daughter of Michael
Roche, an old resident and contractor, now de-
ceased. Their children are Ethel and William J.,
both in school. The family residence is near
Seven Corners. Politically Mr. Hardy has al-
ways been a democrat and in 1901 he was elected
state senator, in which position he sensed through
two sessions of the legislature, making a credit-
able member of the ujjper house. He is socially
connected with the Knights of Columbus and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and his re-
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in
the Cathedral. He served for fifteen years on
the National Guard and is now a member of the
governor's staff. He is thus widely known in
business, political, social and military circles and
in all the different phases of life has manifested
those sterling traits of characterd which ever
command respect and awaken admiration.
JOSEPH ELLES.
Joseph Elles, deceased, spent his entire life in
.St. Paul, his native city. He was born January
10, 1856, a son of Frank Joseph and Catherine
\. (Smith) I'^lk's, both of wlinui were natives
of Prussia, Germany, the former born January
4, 1822, the latter .'^eptemljer i, 1829. They came
to America about 1853. settling in St. Uouis,
Missouri, where they lived for a year, and then
came to St. Paul, where the father worked at the
carpenter's trade for several years. He also en-
gaged in general work at various times, including
carpenter work on the old benches in the first
German Catholic church nf the city, located oppo-
site St. Joseph's Hospital. He finally secured a
good position in the railroad shops here and acted
in that capacity up to the time of his death. His
widow still resides in St. Paul at No. 545 Capi-
tol boulevard and is now seventy-six years of
age. Four of their children are now living ;
Frank Joseph, a painter of St. Paul ; Mrs. Mary
I<"unke. Mrs. Katie Francois and ?^Irs. Anna Phil-
lipps, all of St. Paul.
Joseph Elles acquired a good education in the
parochial schools and when eleven years of age
started out in life on his own account. He was
trulv a self-made man, owing his success entirely
to his own eft'orts, for from that early age he
had no financial assistance in his business career.
He obtained a position on The \\'anderer, which
was the first German newspaper of St. Paul, work-
ing on the first copy of that paper. There he
learned the printer's trade and soon became busi-
ness manager, being identified with its publica-
tion for several years. For a few years he was
also connected with the grocery business.
On the 19th of June, 1879, Mr. Elles was
united in marriage to Miss Maria Pfeifer, who
was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 4, 1855.
Her parents were Peter and Catherine (Fritz)
Pfeifer, both of whom were natives of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany. They came to this country
in 1853, settling in Canada, where they were mar-
ried. Afterward they came to St. Paul, where
.Mr. Pfeifer worked as a general laborer but he
lived economically and frugally and, saving his
earnings, was finally enabled to purchase a distil-
lery and for several years continued its operation.
He formed a partnership with Jacob Heck and
Joseph Elles and they engaged in the wholesale
and retail liquor business for a number of years,
at the end of which time Mr. Pfeifer sold his in-
terest to Mr. Elles and lived retired until his
death, passing away on the ist of October, 1892.
He was one of the prominent and successful busi-
ness men of St. I'.iul and built the well known
Pfeifer business lilock at the corner of Eighth
and Wabasha streets. He borrowed fifty dollars
in Germany to pay his passage to America and
thus handicapped he started life in the new world
l)ut gradually worked his way u|)ward and be-
came owner of v.aluable i)roperty in this city. The
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JOSEPH ELLES
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
741
Pfeifer block is still in possession of his widow
and daughters and in addition t(j this he left them
other real-estate. Airs. Pfeifer still resides with
her three daughters at the family homestead. Xo.
II Summit avenue West. Her children are : Airs.
Elles ; Airs. Louisa K. Aletzger. who has three
children, her husband being in the employ of
Griggs, Cooper & Company, a wholesale grocery
house of St. Paul ; and Airs. Rosina F. Seifert,
whose husband is a partner in the firm of H. P.
Alanifold & Company, engaged in the tea antl cof-
fee business at Xo. 446 \\'abasha street. They
have five children. There were two children
born unto Air. and Airs. Elles : Alaria. who died
at the age of two years ; and Louisa Anna, who
was born in St. Paul, October 25, 1881, and re-
sides with her mother.
After retiring from the newspaper business Air.
Elles entered into partnership with his father-in-
law and Captain Heck under the firm style of
Pfeifer, Heck & Elles and together they conducted
a wholesale and retail liquor business in the
Pfeifer Block at the corner of Eighth and AA'a-
basha streets for several years. Air. Elles then
purchased his partners" interests and carried on
the business alone for a number of years, or until
his health failed, when, in 1S87, he sold out and
in June of that year he and his wife and child
went abroad for the benefit of his health. They
visited in (iermany for a few months and while
returning to America Air. Elles was taken very ill
on the ship and died August 28, 1888, his re-
mains being buried at sea.
In politics he was a democrat but without aspi-
ration for office. He belonged to several Cath-
olic societies here and he and his wife and family
together with all the members of the Pfeifer fam-
ilv were comnnmicants of the Assumption Ger-
man Catholic church. Air. Elles was a self-made
man and deserved nuich credit for what he ac-
complished, for he started out to earn his own
living when only eleven years of age. Both he
and Air. Pfeifer were among the leading and
successful business men of the city.
While engaged in the newspaper business Air.
Elles was a member of the Typographical L^nion
and he also belonged to the Columbia Association
of St. Paul. He was a member of a number of
Catholic societies, being president of the Young
Alen's Sodality. He was a member of the choir
of the Assumption Catholic church and belonged
to the Liederkranz. St. Clements Society and St.
Joseph's \Msen W-rein. In 1SS4 he was a dele-
gate to the convention and corresponding secre-
tarv of the Catholic Central \'erein of America.
J. AI. AIACXIDER.
J. AT. Alacnider. dealer in men's furnishing
goods in St. Paul, was born in Xew Richmond,
\\'isconsin, July 15, 1866. His father, John M.
Alacnider, was a veterinary surgeon, who died
in 1882, while his wife, who in her maidenhood
was Aliss Johnson, died in 1875. J. AI. Alac-
nider, the youngest in their family of ten chil-
dren, five of whom are now living. began his edu-
cation in the public schools of his native city,
where he passed through successive grades until
he had completed the high-school course. He
afterward accepted a position in a bank of New
Richmond, where he remained for two years and
then went to Bismarck. Xorth Dakota, where
for two years he occupied a position in the
First X^ational Bank of that city. After a long
illness he jiroceeded to Fort Yates and there
among the Indians became connected with a gen-
eral store. Subsequently he went into the moun-
tains of Montana for the X^orthern Pacific Coal
Company, being manager in their offices, accept-
ing this position largely on account of his
health. On severing that connection he went to
Alinneapolis in 1889 and entered the employ of
the Palace Clothing Company, with which he
was connected until he secured a position in the
Plymouth Clothing House at St. Paul. He was
afterward with George D. Lcnnon. when he
opened his clothing store here. When Air. Alac-
nider had capital sufficient to justify his embark-
ing in business on his own account he opened a
line of clothing and men's furnishing goods.
He had continued with Air. Lennon until Sep-
tember, 1903. when he opened his own place of
business at X^o. 396 Wabasha street, at the cor-
ner of Sixth street. This is one of the best
74-'
PAST AXI) I'RESEXT OF ST. I'AUL.
corners of the city and he ha< a well aiuipped
Store, carrj-ing a large and carefully selected
line of goods, being exclusive agent for the Al-
fred Benjamin Company, clothing manufacturers
of Xevv York. He deals in a very high class of
furnishing goods and has a liberal patronage.
His store is opposite the large department store
of Schuneman & Evans.
^Ir. Macnider was married eleven years ago
to Miss Anna J. Taylor, of Watertown, New
York. He is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, being identified with
St. Paul lodge, No. 59. His business career has
been marked b\' consecutive advancement and
from a humble clerkship he has worked his way
steadily upward to a prominent position among
the representative merchants of St. Paul.
Throughout his entire career he has never in-
curred the obligations that he has not met nor
made engagements that he has not filled and he
enjoys the trust and confidence of his contempor-
aries and has won their admiration and respect
by his honorable methods and well won pros-
perity.
B. A. LEDY.
B. A. Ledy. president of the ^Minnesota ^lutnal
Casualty Company, is a native of Hamburg, Ger-
many, and acquired his education in the gym-
nasium, which is equivalent to a high school in
America, finishing in the University. He came
to the United States in 1892, and a few years
later, in 1894, located in St. Paul, ^Minnesota.
where he has gained a wide acquaintance in in-
surance and other business circles. His identifi-
cation with the insurance business dates from
1S98. when he became an incorporator and also
the first president of the Minnesota Mutual
Casualty Company, since which time he has re-
mained as the chief executive officer of the cor-
poration. The company was organized by him
at which time a novel and new plan of issuing
policies of sick, accident, life and endowment in-
surance, mostly adapted to the wage-earning and
labriring classes of the northwest had its incep-
tion. The policies issued were something novel
in the field of insurance operation and the plan
in itself presented absolute safety and security
with it, so that from the beginning the company
enjoyed a successful career, and has made a cred-
itable name and position in insurance circles, win-
ning and retaining the public confidence. In
addition to Mr. Ledy the managing officers and
promoters are : A. Duevel, of Minneapolis, own-
er and publisher of the Freie Presse Harold;
F. C. Xeumeier, of Stillwater, publisher of the
Jl'ashington County Journal; Colonel J. M.
Hawthorne, of St. Paul, a well known attorney ;
and Dr. F. H. Odendahl. a physician and sur-
geon of St. Paul.
Air. Ledy was married in Germany to Miss
Elise Meyer and they have two sons. Jay F. H.
and Herbert, both born in St. Paul. The family
residence is at No. 712 Osceola avenue and the
parents are members of the First Presbyterian
church of St. Paul. Mr. Ledy has gained a ver\-
wide circle of warin friends during his connec-
tion with this city. He has never taken any act-
ive part in politics but belongs to a large number
of fraternal orders and commercial organizations.
He is an ardent automobilist and was secretary of
the Automobile Club of St. Paul during 1905.
Under his leadership was held the great 1905 St.
Paul Automobile Carnival and Tour and in con-
nection with this there occurred the famous auto-
mobile races. There is nothing narrow or con-
tracted in his nature. He looks at the world from
a broad and liberal standpoint, interested in the
progress in every direction and his adaptabilty
in the field of business has gained him a promi-
nent position in financial circles, while a genial
nature and uniform courtse_\' have made him so-
cially pi)])ular.
OLE H. XEGAARD.
Ole H. Ne.gaard, superintendent of mails in the
postoffice of St. Paul, which position he has occu-
pied since May 17, 1887, was born in Norway,
Ajiril 25. 1S58, and ac(|uire(I his educition in the
schools of that country. Tie came lo .America,
however, in 1870, locating in Kandiyohi county,
Alinncsota. wIutc he tonk ii]! farming in connec-
O. H. XEGAARD
TAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
745
tion with his father, Halvor O. Xegaard, who died
in 1876. Following his father's death he took
charge of the farm and was identified with gen-
eral agricultural pursuits until April, 1882, when
he entered the United States railway mail serv-
ice. After five years spent upon the road he was
appointed superintendent of mails in the post-
ofifice of St. Paul in 1887 and has since occupied
the position covering a period of nineteen consec-
utive years. The business of that office has grown
greatly during this time and he now has forty-
four men under his direction. That he has proven
most capable and efficient in the position is indi-
cated by his long retention therein.
Mr. Negaard was married in 1883 to Miss M.
A. Rosly, a native of Iowa, who came to Alinne-
sota with her parents in 1872. Their children
are Horace, Clarence, Mabel and Emily.. The el-
der son attended the Mechanics' Art School and
also an agricultural school, but is now with the
Northern Pacific Railroad. The elder daughter is
a student in the high school and will graduate
with the class of 1008. Mr. Negaard owes his
success in Hfe entirely to his own well directed
efforts, for without special advantages at the out-
set of his career and with but limited educational
privileges he has worked his way upward and has
developed his latent powers and energies until he
has become well qualified for the important posi-
tion which he is fillinsf.
Henry E. Whaley was only three )'ears of age
when his parents removed from Wisconsin to
Hastings, Minnesota, where he attended the pub-
lic schools, acquiring a good i)ractical education.
On putting aside his text-books he entered the
dry-goods business in Hastings and in 1869 re-
moved to St. Paul, where he engaged in the dry-
goods business on his own account until 1879.
In that year he entered upon the business world
with the firm of Gordon & Ferguson, propri-
etors of the most extensive fur house of the
United States, having established business in
1 87 1. Mr. Whaley has been continuously con-
nected with the firm through twenty-seven years,
representing this great house in the eastern states
and spending much time in the east, although
he makes his home in St. Paul. He is very
successful in obtaining business and has the
faculty of holding the patronage of those whose
support is once secured, and he has a very wide
and favorable acquaintance in commercial cir-
cles, both in the east and middle west.
Mr. Whaley is a member of the Catholic
church. He belongs to the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks, to the Commercial Club
and to the Minnesota Club, all of St. Paul. He
is a gentleman of fine personal appearance and
commanding presence, very popular in club cir-
cles, and has a host of warm friends to whom he
is endeared by reason of his sterling traits of
character, genial manner, unfailing courtesy,
and deference for the opinion of others.
HENRY E. ^^'HALEY.
Henry E. Whaley, representing the firm of
Gordon & Ferguson, proprietors of the largest
fur house in the United States, is a native of
Wisconsin, born August 16, 1B51, His father,
John Whaley, was a lumberman of Hastings,
Minnesota, who also lived in St, Paul for many
years, carrying on the same line of business.
He married Margaret Finley. of Missouri, and
of their children all arc yet living. The mother
however, died in 1803 '^"^ t^^ father in 1896.
JOSEPH II A AG.
Joseph Haag, of the Haag-Laubach Roofing
& Cornice Company, was born in Wurtembcrg,
Germany, ^larch 12. 1853, and when a child
came to St. Paul in 1855 with his parents, \'al-
entine and .\nnie (Drager) Haag. The father,
now deceased, was a dealer in wood for man)'
years and died in St. Paul about 1890. His
widow still resides in this city and has passed
the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey.
Both were natives of Germanv. In the family
74^>
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
were three sons, the brothers of our subject
being : Andrew, a carriage painter in St. Paul ;
and George, who is in a sheet metal shop on
Seventh street. There are also four sisters:
Frances, the widow of Otto Hund, of St. Paul,
who with her seven children resides on Snelling
avenue at the corner of Randolph street ; Ter-
esa, a dressmaker residing with her mother on
Leech street; .\nnie, the wife of William Heis-
Icr, of St. Paul ; and Ida, the wife of Henry
\\'uben, who is engaged in the wood and coal
business on West Seventh street and \\'ebster
avenue in St. Paul.
Mr. Haag was practically reared in this city,
being but two years of age when brought by
his parents to America. He attended the public
schools and afterward took up the trade of sheet
metal worker. He had. however, Sipent .'two
years as an employe in the plant of the St. Paul
Broom Company. He served an apprenticeship
as a sheet metal worker beginning in 1872 with
Coon & P)0utell at St. Paul and has since con-
tinued in the business. lie was for eleven years
with the St. Paul Roofing & Cornice Company,
of which he became president, occupying that
position until the spring of 1902, when the pres-
ent partnership was formed with ]Mr. Laubach
under the style of the Haag-Laubach Roofing &
Cornice Company. The business has constantly
grown along safe and conservative lines and is
mentioned more fully on another page of this
work.
Mr. Haag was united in marriage to Miss
Frances Holl, a native of Bavaria, Germany,
who was brought to America by her parents
about 1857, the family settling in St. Paul. Her
f.'ither engaged in farming and later in gardening
but died about twenty years ago. Her brother,
John Holl, is a farmer residing three miles west
of Forest Lake. There were four other members
of the family: Maggie, the wife of Peter Hahn,
of Charles street, St. Paul ; Annie, who became
the wife of .Xndrew LTaag, but both are deceased:
Mary, the wife of John Farber, who is engaged
in the grocery business at the corner of Seventh
and Duke streets in St. Paul ; and Josephine,
the wife of L. B. Lindsey. who is engaged in
the newspaper business in a town not far from
San Diego, California. L'nto Mr. and Mrs.
Haag have been born three children : \\'illiam,
engaged in the hardware business on West Sev-
enth street, where he succeeded his father, who
had conducted the trade there for fourteen years ;
Antoinette, a stenographer who resides at home ;
and Alma, who is also a stenographer and makes
her home with her parents, but is now visiting in
Los Angeles, California. The family residence
is at No. 118 Leech street at the corner of
Goodrich.
Politically Air. Haag is a democrat and was
candidate for the assembly from the fifth ward.
Socially he is connected with the Junior Pioneers
of St. Paul and with St. Peter's Benevolent So-
ciety, while his religious views are indicated by
his membership in the Assumption Catholic
church. . He is respected and honored by all not
only by reason of the success he has achieved
but also by reason of the straightforward busi-
ness methods he has ever followed and tlie house
in which he is now leading partner bears an
unassailable reputation owing to the safe, con-
servative and honorable policy instituted by Mr.
Haag and his associate in the enterprise.
ORRIX KIPP.
Orrin Kipp, attorney-at-law and real-estate
agent, dates his residence in St. Paul from 1886
and in the years of bis cimncction with the bar
has demonstrated his capability in solving intri-
cate legal problems, although at the present time
his attention is more largely concentrated u]ion
his real-estate operations. He was born in Dela-
ware county, New ^'ork, and was there reared
and educated. He came west in i86y, locating in
Henderson, Minnesota, and the following year
was admitted to the Minnesota bar. His brother,
Sylvester, had been admitted to the New York
bar. In 1886 they came from Henderson to St.
Paul. They had previously been engaged in the
active practice of law in the former city and
Ihcir business connection continued in St. Paul
until 1904, when Sylvester Kipp removed to
Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is now living re-
ORRIX KIl'P
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
749
tired. Urrin Ivipp has since continued the real-
estate business not on commission but as an inde-
pendent dealer, largely buying and selling farm
lands, his operations being mainly in Alinnesota
and North and South Dakota. He has an inti-
mate knowledge of realty values in the north-
west, is watchful of opportunity and has thus
been enabled to make judicious investments and
profitable sales.
iMr. Kipp was married in Henderson, Minne-
sota, to Miss Carrie A. \A'elch, a native of that
place and a daughter of the Hon. Thomas Welch,
who was state senator from Henderson for eight
years and was a prominent banker of that city.
For a year prior to his death he resided in St.
Paul and subsequently his family erected a resi-
dence at the corner of Dayton anl Avon ave-
nues. His son, E. L. Welch, now occupies the
family home. Air. and Mrs. Kipp have two chil-
dren : Ivan J., who is attending the Shattuck
College at Faribault, Minnesota ; and Dorothy,
who is now seven years of age. The family resi-
dence is at No. 856 Dayton avenue. The par-
ents are members of St. Clements Episcopal
church, of which i\Ir. Kipp is junior warden. Po-
litically he is a democrat and socially is connected
with Henderson lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. Al.,
of which he has been a member for more than
thirty years. He thoroughly enjoys home life
and takes great pleasure in the society of his fam-
ily and friends. He is always courteous, kindly
and affable and those who know him profession-
ally have for him warm regard. A man of great
natural ability his success in business from the
beginning of his residence in St. Paul has been
uniform and rapid.
E. A. YOUNG, Jr.
E. A. Young, Jr., credit man with the firm of
Finch, Young & McConville, wholesale dry-
goods merchants of St. Paul, was born in this
city, June 24, 1882, a son of E. A. and Sarah J.
(Sibley) Young. The father is a member of the
firm of Finch, Young & McConville, proprietors
of an extensive wholesale drv-s;oods house of
St. Paul, and the mother belongs to the promi-
nent Sibley family of this city. The son acquired
his education in Baldwin school at St. Paul, a
select private institution, and after putting aside
his text-books entered the employ of the firm
of which his father is now a partner. This was
on the 2th of September, 1900, and he has since
largely devoted his time and energies to master-
ing the business in its various branches, studying
both principle and detail and advancing from one
important position to another as he masters its
difiticulties and acquaints himself with its duties.
Fie is now occuping the position of credit man
and in this connection has charge of one-half
of the office force. Air. Young is popular so-
cially, for he has many friends here, including
a large number of those who have known him
from his boyhood to the present time. He is
therefore a valued representative of the Town
and Country Club and also of the St. Paul Club,
in which organization he holds membership.
FREEMAN P. STRONG.
Freeman P. Strong, merchant of St. Paul, was
born in Boston, Alassachusetts. January 15, 1847,
a son of Charles D. and Abigail S. (Jefferson)
Strong. The father, who was a merchant, died
in January, 1890, and the mother's death oc-
curred in 1903. Of their family of fourteen
children only five arc yet living.
Freeman P. Strong accompanied his parents to
St. Paul in August, i860, when a youth of thir-
teen years. Flis father became the head of the
Strong-Hackett Hardware Company, now the
riackctt. ^^'aIther, Gates Hardware Company, one
of the wholesale hardware houses of the city.
Having completed his education the son entered
this establishment to acquaint himself with the
trade in every particular. He afterward sold out
of this company and purchased a large interest in
the house of Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Company,
wholesale hardware dealers, and was its president
for several years, but on the ist of January, 1906,
sold his interest in this enterprise. He is the vice
]ircsident of the Sharood Shoe Company, large
/:>"-
PAST A.\l) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
mamifaclurcrs of and dealers in shoes in St. Paul,
and at diii'erent times has been connected with
various corporate interests here, but has disposed
of most of his holdings and given up active par-
ticipation in the management of large business
concerns. He is practically a retired capitalist,
giving his time to travel and the management of
his invested interests, but not active in the control
of an\- industrial, commercial or financial enter-
prise.
.Mr. Strong was married in 1872, and by his
first wife has a daughter, A. Margaret Strong,
now the wife of Philip M. Brett, of New York.
There is one son of the second marriage, War-
ren 1'... who at the age of nineteen years is now a
student in Harvard College.
Mr. Strong is a member of the Minnesota and
Commercial Clubs. Since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise he has been a support-
er of the republican party. His office is in the
Globe Building and his residence at No. 651 Fair-
mount avenue. Fie is a broad-guaged man, who
has been a moving factor in the commercial inter-
ests of St. Paul and the northwest, his activities
and investments reaching out to many lines of
trade and contributing to general business prog-
ress and prosperity. He is a man of even tem-
perament, calm and self-poised, oi refined char-
acter, in whom nature and culture have vied in
making an honored and interesting gentleman.
JOHN KUNZ.
Jiihn Kimz. su])crintendeiit of the bottle de-
partment of the Theodore Hamm Brewing Com-
pany at St. Paul, is one of the citizens of foreign
birth who. taking advantage of the improved busi-
ness oi)])ortunities and conditions of the new
world, have made a creditable name and gained
a gratifying measure of success on this side of
the .Atlantic. Fie was born in Switzerland. Xo-
\ember 20, i860, a son of Jacob and Elizabilh
( i'.oUinger) Kunz. The father devoted his life
to contracting and Intilding and died in (lie year
1861J. His widow still survives and is living in
Switzerland. The son, John Kunz, obtained his
education in Zofingen and was a high-school stu-
dent in the canton of Aaragau. Having com-
pleted his education he secured a position in the
city clerk's office in his native city and had
charge of farms for the city clerk. When a
young man of twenty-six years he made arrange-
ments to leave Switzerland and came to the
Cnited States, arriving in St. Paul in 1886. Here
he secured the situation of superintendent of the
bottle department with the Yoerg Brewing Com-
pany, with which he remained until May i, 1895,
and since that time he has been with the Theodore
Hanun Brewing Company as foreman of the bot-
tle department, having one hundred people under
his supervision at all times and two hundred peo-
ple in the busy season. This department covers
a space of two hundred and forty by two hun-
dred and eighty feet and the building is equipped
with the latest machinery and facilities for carry-
ing on the work. Everything in the department
moves like clock work under the able direction
of Mr. Kunz, who is a man of great executive
force, who has had an intimate and lifelong
knowledge of the business.
On the 28th of June, 1882. Mr. Kunz was
married to Miss Elizabeth Hunzeker. also a native
of Switzerland, and they have become the parents
of three daughters and two sons : Ililda. who is
now occupying a position as bookkeeper; Lena,
at home ; Mary, who is a student in business col-
lege ; and John and .\lbert. wIkt arc attending
school.
Mr. Kunz is quite prominent in several frater-
nal organizations and on the 25th of January,
1906, was elected grand president of the Sons of
Hermann of the state of Minnesota. He had also
served as a member of the board of directors for
ten years. He represented the grand lodge at
.Seattle, and was elected in the convention grand
guide of the LTnitcd States. He is likewise a
meml)er of the Ancient Order of I'^nited Work-
luen and of the Swiss Society. He holds member-
ship in the Reformed church and is a republican
where national issues and questions arc involved
but at local elections casts an independent ballot
regarding only the capability of the candidate for
the discharge of municiiwl business. Fie pos-
sesses stronsf musical taste and talent and has a
lOll.X Kl'XZ
PAST A\D PRESEXT OF ST. PAUL.
'53
fine bass voice. The family home is at Xo. 598
Rainey street and Air. Kunz is devoted to the
welfare and happiness of his wife and children,
regarding no personal sacrifice on his part too
great if it advances the interests of his family. He
has a host of warm social friends and enjoys
the respect and confidence of the large nnmber
of employes who serve under him. He has made
a creditable record in business and his connection
with the manufacturing interests of St. Paul is
one which brings him a gratifying financial re-
turn.
JOHX J. O'CONXOR.
That individual who accomplishes most to pro-
mote the peace and morality of the conimunitv is
most highly to be regarded as a citizen. When
such an individual embodies in himself elemental
powers that make him an organized force for the
promotion of righteousness bv the restraint of
the human passions for violence and crime he
deserves more at the hands of his fellows than
the mere specialist in any of the branches of or-
ganized protection for society. Scotland Yard
has done more for the promotion of social safety
in England than the Established Churcli has ac-
complished— and yet the Established Church is
not to be lightly esteemed as a policeman. Fouche
did more to preserve organized society in France
than any of his contemporaries — and Fouche was
a policeman. The policeman is the highest type —
certainly the most effective — of force expressed
in society. Other forces, moral or educational,
are simply the police in another form. When
the millenium arrives the policemen will disap-
pear, giving place to the other forces. Wherefore,
the police official who has furnished society, or
so much of it as he has had to do with, such pro-
tection from the predator}- classes as to permit it
to pursue, unhampered by fear of molestation, the
paths of peace to the goal of prosperity, is to be
regarded as occupying the same high plane as the
great performers in other lines of social and in-
dustrial endeavor.
The average St. Paul man, asked what he
thought the greatest power for good in this coin-
nuniity. would say "Chief of Police O'Connor" —
pointing to the individual as symbolizing the
power. The St. Paul man would state a conclus-
ion derived from personal ob.servation — for the
police power to him means John J. O'Connor. He
is to St. Paul what Scotland Yard is to London
and something more. He deters the criminal by-
showing him the practical certainty of punish-
ment. He stands for a police force that was
created by his genius and is inspired by his cour-
age in the performance of a iluly the whole bur-
den of which he understands. This is analvsis —
not laudation. In the ca.se of Chief O'Connor
laudation takes exceptional form that all candi-
dates for municipal office declare, as a necessary
preliminary to the campaign, that they stand for
non-interference with the police administration.
\\'hat need of laudation in the case of a police of-
ficial who has this public testimonial offered him
biennially?
John J. O'Connor stands as evidence that police-
men, like poets, are born, not made. He would
undoubtedly have made a capable directing heail
for any large organization for he is a big man,
with a big brain — and he has personal force
enough to command obedience. But as a chief of
police, a director of the protective and punitive
forces of society, his reputation is as broad as the
continent.
He has been eiuinently successful in the ap-
prehension of oft'enders against the laws, but the
strength of his administration is in tlie certainty
of his preventive measures. The late Editor Mc-
Cullough, of St. Louis, was asked what was the
principal attribute of the successful editor. "To
know when h — 1 is going to break loose next and
have a reporter there," said Air. McCullongh.
Chief O'Connor applies the same theory and has
a policeman there.
Yet as a young man nothing was fnrtlier from
In's tlioughts than to devote his life to the police
profession. Twenty-five years ago — when he was
twenty-six years old — he had a clerical position
in P. H. Kelly & Company's wholesale grocerv
house. He had been there for ten years and he
might have remained there, and one of the great
754
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
police officials of the country woukl have been
lost to history, if he hatl not inherited a taste for
politics, lie was born of Irish parentage in Lou-
isville, Kentucky, his father the elder John O'Con-
nor had been active in St. Paul politics since his
coming here in 1856 — when young John was a
year old — and was an alderman in the "70s. In
1881 John J. O'Connor accepted an appointment
to the detective force, more because he could have
it than because he wanted it.
In those days detective work was not what it
is now. Young O'Connor had brains : he saw
the necessity of opposing organized crime with or-
ganized intelligence. In four years he was chief
of detectives ; in ten years he was one of two or
three men standing at the top of the profession in
the country. Organized intelligence rather than
brilliant individual effort was his system. But
although he had a national reputation he was not
regarded as a municipal necessity in St. Paul and
he lost his official head in the political upheaval
of 1892 ; was called back to office in 1894 as chief
of detectives and again w^ent back to private life
in 1896 — and this was a disguised blessing to the
community for, during four years, he was able
to devote himself to independent detective work,
co-operating w'ith the great detectives of the coun-
try and developing a registry bureau for the iden-
tification of criminals that has been of iiicalculable
value to St. Paul since 1900. In those four years
he worked out, too, a model police scheme, and
when he was appointed chief of the entire police
and detective department six years ago he w'as
fully equipped to bring to its present state of per-
fection the police system of St. Paul. The effi-
ciency of the force as it stands is nowhere chal-
lenged,— and that efficiency stands for the spirit,
the capacity and the personality of John J. O'Con-
nor.
He is of a complex personality, this chief who
is a profound criminologist without professing it ;
who maintains a degree of discipline that is mil-
itary without its pomp ; who directs two hundred
and fifty-five men with machinelike precision
without destroying personalities ; who allows no
crime to go unpunished and thereby prevents
many crimes. He is, as was said, a big man w-ith
a big head ; an eye that twMnkles in jest ordinar-
ily but terrorizes the wrong-doer ; a jaw drawn
in lines that show the force and doggedness be-
hind the easy-going manner; he is alert and quick
in motion, and sharp and decisive in action. He
believes profoundly in intuition, but never over-
looks the force of logic. His judgment of men is
rarely wrong, and his knowledge of the motives
tliat move men is marvelous. And withal a
stranger, asked to guess at his profession would
never dream of connecting him with the identity
of a functionary whose name, mentioned in the
hearing of any criminal in the countr\-. will
evoke the comment: '"St. Paul is not a healthv
town for me."
He is fifty years old and doesn't look it ; he
represented a St. Paul district in legislature in
1899 and does not look that, either. \\'ith a
sound, vigorous mind in a sound, vigorous body,
a thorough liking for the work he has been so
successful in, and the absolute confidence of the
public, and the unbotmded esteem of both po-
litical parties. Chief O'Connor bids fair to re-
main at the head of the St. Paul police until that
halcyon day which is foretold to us "When the
wicked cease from troubling, and the weary be
at rest.'"— W. B. H.
WORRELL CLARKSON.
\VorrelI Clarkson, president of the Clarkson
Coal & Dock Company, of St. Paul, and thus con-
trolling an extensive and important business con-
cern, was born in Middletown, Delaware, Feb-
ruary 12, 1870. He is a son of James B. and
Helen (Worrell) Clarkson, natives of Delaware.
The father is a banker living in Wilmington, and
they have a daughter, Mrs. Helen McCloy, who
resides in New York city.
Worrell Clarkson, educated in the schools of
Wilmington, Delaware, came west in 1889 and
engaged in the real-estate business in Duluth,
associated with Luther ATendenhall. This part-
nership was maintained for five years, or until
1894, when Air. Clarkson transferred the field of
his operation to St. Paul and w'as associated with
the Lehigh Valley Coal Company from that time
WORRELL CLARKSOX
PAST AM) I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
o7
until 1900. He was afterward engaged in the
coal business on his own account until May, 1905,
when he incorporated a stock company under the
firm style of the Clarkson Coal & Dock Company
with the following officers : Worrell Clarkson,
president ; Hugh Alunro, of St. Paul, treasurer ;
and C. E. Sullivan, of Cleveland, Ohio, secretary.
The company does a wholesale coal business with
mines in eastern Ohio, docks at Ashland, Wiscon-
sin, and offices in the Pioneer Press building in
St. Paul. Its operations are now extensive,
handling fuel in large quantities and making
shipments to various points. The business has
grown along safe, conservative lines and yet in
harmony with the spirit of progress, which has
been the dominant factor in commercial and in-
dustrial upbuildmg of the middle west. Mr.
Clarkson is hardly yet in the prime of life and
probably has before him a career of usefulness
that will equal the marvelous development of the
metropolis with which he is now identified and
whose efforts becoming known and valued form
the maintenance of industries which have ad-
vanced the material prosperity of the city and
afforded to many workers a means of livelihood.
Mr. Clarkson was married in 1893 to Miss
Sarah Bowne. of Duluth, Minnesota, and they
have three children, Worrell, twelve years of age ;
Elizabeth, nine years of age ; and Helen, a little
maiden of five summers. The family residence
is at No. 2024 Iglehart street. Mr. Clarkson is
identified with Summit lodge, Xo. 164, A. F. &
A. M. : Palmyra chapter. R. A. M. : Paladin com-
manderv, K. T.. and Osman Temple of the .Mystic
Shrine. He is also a member <if the Commercial
Club, the Minnesota. Town and County, and Bear
Yacht and Automobile Clubs, and gives his polit-
ical allegiance to the republican party.
WILLIAM W. V\<y
William W. Fry. attorne\ at law. was burn in
Liberty ville. Iowa. January 7. 1871. His father,
facob C. Frv, was born in Harrisbun;', i'cnnsyl-
vania, and in 1856 removed to Towa, where he
made his home until 1004, when he came to St.
37
Paul, where he is now living — a venerable and
respected citizen of eighty-two years. His wife
bore the maiden name of ksabelle Anderson and
was a native of Ohio.
William W. Fry at the usual age began his
education in Iowa's public schools and was gradu-
ated from Parson's College at Fairfield, Iowa,
with the class of 1895. After preliminary read-
ing- he successfully passed the state board exami-
nation and was admitted to the Iowa bar in
1898. He at once entered upon the practice of
his chosen profession in Fairfield in connection
with the firm of Leggett & McKemey and three
years later, in 1901, came to St. Paul. He was
a member of the editorial staff of the West Pub-
lishing Company for a brief period and then, de-
termining to resume the active practice of law,
opened an office in July, lyor. in partnership
with John S. Crooks under the firm style of
Crooks & Fry. Since 1904 he has been alone in
practice. The story of his life, while not dramatic
in action, is such a one as offers a typical exam-
ple of that alert American spirit which has en-
abled many an individual to rise from obscurity
to a position of influence through native talent,
indomitable perseverance and sin,gleness of
purpose.
ALLAN C. KRIEGER.
Allan C. Krieger, vice president of the St.
Paul Rubber Company, and a native son of this
citv. was born .\pril 30. 1858. His father, Louis
Krieger. now deceased, a native of P.lasheim.
Germany, came to St. Paul about 1848 or 184O
and was identified with varinns business enter-
prises of St. Paul, including merchandising, mill-
ing and the lumber trade. In the family were
nine children, nl whom eight are still living.
As a student in the Franklyn and high schools.
Allan C. Kreiger accjuired his education and on
the 17th of ]\Iarch, 1873. when about fifteen
vears of age. entered u])on his business career as
an employe in the shoe house of C. Gotzian &
Company, remaining with that firm for twenty-
three consecutive years, promotions coming from
75^
AST AND PR1':SEXT Ol" ST. PAUL.
time to time in recognition of his mastery of the
trade, his fidehty to the interests of the house and
his jiuhciously exerci.sed in(histry. lie became
connected witli his present l)usiness on the lOth
of Jinie. 1900. and is vice president of the St.
Paul Riil)l)er L'()m])any, controlling one of the
most extensive ])rodiictive enterprises of the
city. His previous business experience well
qualified him for added responsibilities and his
rating in business circles, by reason of his execu-
tive ability and foresight and the strength of his
commercial paper, is very high.
On the 23d of February. 1887. Mr. Krieger
was married to ]\Iiss Hattie Johnson, of St.
Louis, Missouri, prominent in musical circles as
the possessor of a well cultivated contralto voice
of rare sweetness and ])o\ver. Mr. Krieger is a
member of Braden lodge, Xo. 168, A. F. & A.
M., in which he has attained the Royal Arch
degree. He belongs to the society of Territorial
& Junior Pioneers, and is a member of Elks
lodge. Xo. 59. also a member of Okada lodge
K. P., of St. Paul. He belongs to the Holman
^lemorial Methodist church and in politics is
an independent republican. His identification
with these various organizations indicate much
of the character of the man. while his steady
progress in commercial circles is the best evi-
dence of his business abilitv.
THEODORE HEXXL\"( iER.
Tlicodore Hcnninger has a wide and favorable
acf|uaintance throughout the city in both busi-
ness and musical circles. His life record began
on the nth of September, 1840, in Tanberbischof-
sheim, Baden, Germany. His parents were Adam
and Margaretha (Mittnacht) Henninger, who
were likewise natives of the fatherland. The
former was a locksmith and bell-founder. Hl-
died, however, from the effects of a severe cold
contracted while engaged in the arduous labor of
placing a large bell in the church tower, when
his son Theodore was but one year of age. There
were nine sons and two daughters in the family.
Theodore Hemiinger liegan his education in
the schools of tiermany and came to the I'nitetl
States, together with his mother and the rest of
the familly, in 1850, when but ten years of age
and took up his almdc with them in I'lutfalo. Xew
York. They removed one _\ear later to Cincin-
nati. ( )liiii. whence, early in 1854, he started for
Indianapolis, Indiana, to take a position as ap-
prentice in his brother Richard's printing office
and news])aper establishment.
In 1861. after the disastrous battles of Bull
Run and Wilson's Creek, Mr. Henninger es-
poused the cause of his adopted country and en-
listed as a Union soldier in the band of the fa-
mous Eleventh Indiana (Zouave) Infantry Regi-
ment, whose originator and first colonel was the
distinguished warrior and celebrated literan,' writ-
er. General Lew Wallace, whom Mr. Henninger
knew well. At Fort Donelson, early on the
morning of February 16, 1862, and just before
the surrender of the fort, he went over the battle
ground in search of wounded soldiers who might
have been missed when the search wfis madf
the day before. It was over the same district
which his own regiment, the Eleventh Indiana,
Colonel Lew \\'allace's, had fought the previous
day. Mr. Henninger detected a wounded sol-
dier of the Eleventh Illinois Regiment ( Colonel
\\'. H. L. \A'allace — a remarkable co-incident),
which had fought over the same ground two days
before. The poor fellow had been left there in
the .snow and cold for two days and three nights,
suffering indescribable misery. Hardly had .Mr.
Henninger and his comrades returned with him to
the hospital when the news of the siuTendcr of the
fort burst in upon them and there was great
cheering among the Union troojjs, all else being
forgotten in the general outbreak of joy. .\t the
end of the two days' battle of Shiloh, wliilc .it-
tending to his duty of bringing in the woundrd.
Mr. Henninger also brought iti a prisoner from
a Tennessee reginu-nt who surrendered to him.
gim and all.
r^Ir. Henninger was married at Incli.mapolis in
1865 to Miss I'.erth.a Knester, daughter of Rev.
C. E. Knester, one of Indianapolis' earh and
most highly esteemed ( lerman ministers, and
their children are ;is follows: Arthur T.. who
THEODORE IlEXXLXGER
PAS'l' .WD PRESENT OF ST. P.\L'L.
761
died in 1884, at the age of seventeen years; Paul
E. ; Laura 11. : Hermann L. ; Julius \\'.. who died
in 1901, at the age of twenty-tive years; Rudolph
C. ; Edwin G., who died in 1886, when five years
old ; Ella A. ; and Dora .\. The family attend the
St. Paul German Evangelieal ehurch. in which
Mr. and Mrs. Henninger hold niemher.ship. He
also belongs to the ( )rder of the Sons of Her-
mann and to the Grand Army of the Republic,
the L'nion A'eterans' Union and the (iernian-
American X'eterans' Union Association, thus
maintaining pleasant relations with the "boys in
blue."
Mr. Henninger, who comes from a ver_\- ])ic-
turesque and romantic part of southern Germany,
with a splendid cliiuate, could find neither in In-
dianapolis, and from what he could learn h\ a
study of the subject and by way of inilividual in-
quiries he came came to the conclusion that the
then remote capital of Alinnesota, the r(.)mantic-
ally situated city of St. Paul, with its nearby wa-
terfalls of St. Anthony and Minnehaha and thou-
sands of fine lakes, would be the |ilace for his fu-
ture home. In 1867 therefore he left his Hoosier
abode and with his little family arrived at St. Paul
bv steamboat, finding in this cit\' the realization
of his dreams. Here he has now lived for thirt)-
nine consecutive years and is today as enthusias-
tic about the beauties of the city and state and
their resources as he was at the beginning.
During his early residence here Mr. Henning-
er became connected with the printing l)usiness.
He is also a musician and since 1867 has been a
member of the old Great Western Band, then tin-
der the direction of the well known but now la-
mented leader. Professor George Seibert. Surviv-
ing participants of numeruos pleasant ex-
cursions of representative residents of this
city, as well as the state at large, will
cheerfullv testif>- to the band's musical ef-
ficiencv as well as the esteemed charac-
ter of its members. This famous band also, on
Mav 7, 1870. inaugurated the so jiopular open
air concerts at Rice Park, whicli were enjoyed
bv thousands of the music-loving people of .St.
Paul and vicinity, old and young, and continued
for almost twenty-five years. Mr. Henninger is
verv ])rominent and widely known in musical cir-
cles, having been a director of the Liederkranz
and (.ierriiania Singing Societies in the '70s and
'80s, while also director of the Cathedral choir
and singing teacher of the ])arochial schools of
the Cathedral parish and .St. Joseph's Academy.
He was also a member of the old and, in its time,
highly regarded and revered St. Paul Musical
Society. He has the love for the art so charac-
teristic of the people of his race and his ability,
too, is of superior order, while his children fol-
low closeh" in the same sphere.
For nearly twenty years Mr. Henninger has
been engaged in the real-estate and fire-insurance
Imsiness. He annnalK writes ])olicies represent-
ing a large figure, and in his real-estate opera-
tions has negotiated many important property
transfers. He is thoroughly informed concern-
ing values in this city, and in this direction has
secured a large clientage. As a real-estate oper-
ator he has become very widely known in St.
Paul and the consensus of public opinion is undi-
vided regarding his business ca|)acity. ability,
honest\- and trustworthiness.
DUDFFV P.. FIXCH.
Dudley 1!. Finch, a cai)italist whose business
sagacitv and keen insight are manifest in the
placing of his investments, is a native of Ohio.
He was born in Delaware, Xovember 9. 1852,
a son of Sherman Finch, who was a native of
\'ermont and after a number of years' residence
in (_)hio came to St. Paul. .\t the bar he attained
distinction and upon the bench made a record
as one of the learned. al)le and imixirlial jurists
of the state. He was a ver\- prominent and in-
fluential citizen of .'■it. Paid, where he dieil in
1875.
Dndlev P.. I'inch began his education in the
])ublic schools of ( )hio and continued his studies
until he was graduated from the high school of
.Mount A'ernon. that state. He came to St. Paul
in 1 86 1 and was also a student in this city. Ho
entered upon his business career in the dry-goods
trade in connection with his brother and has ex-
tended the field of his operations by investment
762
PAST AXl) PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
in various business interests and corporations.
many of which have felt the stimukis of his co-
operation, wise counsel and keen discernment.
He figured in commercial circles as a member of
the firm of .\lbrecht. Lanpher & Finch, prede-
cessors of the firm of Lanpher, Finch & Skinner,
which had its organization in 1901. He was
formerly president and is now a large stock-
holder in the firm of French, Finch & Henry, ex-
tensive manufacturers of and wholesale dealers
in shoes, rubbers, boots, etc. His extensive busi-
ness connections show him to be a man of wealth
and his capability and executive force are ac-
knowledged b\' many of his contemporaries in
trade circles. He possesses a progressive spirit
which prompts the extension of his business con-
nections and the advancement along modern lines
of the various interests in which he is a stock-
holder. It is such men — men capable of recog-
nizing possibilities and opportunities — that are
the real promotors of the prosperity of the coun-
try, placing its funds in circulation and contrib-
uting to the unceasing activity which is the basis
of all success.
Mr. Finch was married in 1878 to Miss Mary
Dexter, of Hudson, Wisconsin. They have two
daughters : Mrs. L. S. Andrews, of Minneapo-
lis ; and ?tlrs. Florence D. Holbert, of St. Paul.
Mr. Finch is a member of the Minnesota Club
and also of the Commercial Club.
GABRIEL M.AX STERX, D. O., D. E. C. M.
Dr. Gabriel Max Stern, osteopathic physician
of St. Paul, whose practice exceeds in extent and
importance that of any other representative of
the profession in this city, was born in Bottosai,
Roumania. February 25, ■1865. His youth was
spent at his father's home and he was educated
in the jjublic and i)rivate schools. When about
sixteen years of age he entered the hospital at
Charnovitz and was graduated as a nurse. He
was then drafted to serve in the army, and to
escape that came to the United States in 1884,
being then a young man of nineteen years. An-
other element in his emigration was his dislike
for the form of government that existed in his
native land and the favorable opinion which he
had for the republicanism of the new world.
Landing at New York with only ten cents in
his pocket, a stranger, unfamiliar with the lan-
guage and the customs of the people. Doctor
Stern must have possessed a strong, courageous
purpose to fearlessly face these conditions and
the necessity of providing for his immediate sup-
port. He worked at several different trades and
also attended night school but found this very
hard, giving so many hours to business activity
and mental labor. He then conceived the idea
of learning the barber's trade for the reason that
it offers the best opportunity to acquaint one
with the English language and also to study dur-
ing business hours, as there are leisure moments
which one can devote to bcKjks. As this seemed
to ofifer the feasible means of earning a living
he secured employment in a barber shop in New
A'ork city, but his ambition was too great to
allow him to confine his attention to that line and
he sought means for advancement. Realizing the
necessity of a knowledge of the English lan-
guage, while working at his trade he attended
night school and thus soon familiarized himself
with the English tongue. .After two years he
started westward and spent the succeeding three
years in Chicago, where he worked at his trade.
He next went to Traverse City, Michigan, and
after residing there for a brief period, in 1892
removed to St. Paul, where he opened and con-
ducted a small barber shop until about 1893. He
then entered college, employing a man to con-
duct the shop. In the meantime he had made
a home for himself and got a little money.
He entered the St. Paul College and In-
firmary of Osteopathy, and was graduated
therefrom in 1900. He then opened an office but
further continued his studies in the Northern
College of O.steopathy and Surgery in Minne-
apolis, from which he was graduated. That col-
lege afterward consolidated with and became a
part of the Dr. S. S. Still College of Osteopathy
in Des Moines, Iowa.
While attending college Doctor Stern contin-
ued to carry on the barliering business in order
to provide a means of living and even after en-
DR. U. -M. STERX
PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ST. PAl'E.
765
tering upon the profession for a time in order
to gain a good start in his practice. He has
been continuously in practice here for about five
years, having a fine suite of rooms at from 309-
310 in the Baltimore Block at the corner of
Seventh and Jackson streets. He has built up
a very large and profitable practice and his of-
fices are well equipped, having a static and X-
Rav machine wherewith to make examinations.
He has published a most attractive pamphlet, in-
dicating the belief of osteopathic practitioners
and setting forth their claims and has quoted ex-
tensively from distinguished men throughout the
country who have been benefitted by osteopathic
practice. The success which has attended the
new school of progress is most remarkable but
the results which have followed the efforts of the
followers of this school cannot be refuted and
Doctor Stern in his practice has shown a thor-
ough understanding of the principles of the pro-
fession and a correctness in their adaption that
has gained him the most extensive and best class
of practice of any osteopathist in the city. He
is a most industrious and enthusiastic representa-
tive of his profession and a hard worker, whose
success is well merited and will undoubtedly at-
tain still greater prosperity and prominence in
the near future. He is a member of the Amer-
ican Osteopathic Association and of the Minne-
sota State Osteopathic Association. He pre-
pared for bis profession with great thorough-
ness and care and his intimate knowledge of
anatomy and the component parts of the human
body constitute a strong and essential element
in the enviable position to which he has attained.
On the 15th of May, 1892, Dr. Stern was
married to Miss Sarah Sboell, a native of Rus-
sia, who came to the United States with her fa-
ther in 1802. and settled in New Plaven, Con-
necticut. Her father died soon afterward and
Mi-s. Stern continued on her way to St. Paul,
where she had a brother living. Four children
have graced this marriage, Jacob H., Samuel,
Marie and Phillip, all in school. Dr. Stern is a
member of Triune lodge, No. 91. .\. F. & .\. M.,
of St. Paul and he and his family are commu-
nicants of the (Hebrew) Monnt Zion Temple.
His political allegiance is given to the repub-
lican party where national issues are involved
but at local elections he casts an independent
ballot. He has been a close and interested stu-
dent of political economy and the sociological
and economic questions bearing upon the welfare
of the country and has a fund of knowledge upon
these subjects that is astonishing in a profes-
sional man, who takes no active part in political
work nor has aspiration for office. He organized
the Ladies and Gentlemens Benevolent Society
of St. Paul in 1893, and has since been at the
head of the organization and one of its most
active workers. He also became connected with
the Co-Operative Colony of twenty-five members
to establish in Washington the Columbia colony.
After getting some of the number located there
Dr. Stern resigned. He was one of the organ-
izers of the St. Paul Debating Society and held
meetings at his own home, in which he took an
active and interested part as an able debater.
Starting in life in America handicapped by mea-
ger financial resources and a lack of a knowledge
of the language, he became imbued with the de-
sire to attain something better than he could then
command and has steadily advanced in those
walks of life demanding intellectuality, business
ability and fidelity, and today commands the re-
spect and esteem not only of his community but
wherever known throughout the state.
JACOB SCHMIDT.
Jacob Schmidt, at the head of the Jacob
Schmidt Brewing Company, came to the United
States from his birthplace. Bavaria. Germany,
in the year 1865. Plis natal day was October g.
1845, 'I''""' '1^ ^^'-^^ therefore a young man of
twenty years when he crossed the .-Vtlantic. He
was educated in the regular schools of Germany,
and for one year was a resident of Rochester.
X'ew York, after which he removed to Milwau-
kee. Wisconsin, whore he resided for seven or
eight years. Tn both cities he worked at the
brewer's trade, which he had mastered in his
native land, associated at different times with
Philip Best, the Blatz and the Schlitz breweries.
■j(^6
PAST AXl) l'!>;i-:SI':XT f^F ST
\\"\..
Ill 1S7J ho came to St. i'niil, where he was em-
ployed by others imtil 1884. He then established
the Xorth Star ISrewery, of which his present
l)usiness is the outgrowth. His trade has reached
mammoth ])roportions. the cajiacity Ijeing two
himdred thousand barrels of beer annually, and
in its manufacture em])lMyment is furnished to
two hundred and thirty people. The ]ilant is
equipi)cd with all modern machinery and there
are C(.)nimodious and well kept buildings for the
production of fine beer, the processes being of
the most modern scientific and approved kinds.
This is the second largest brewery in the west
outside of Chicago, and the business has long
been a profitable one. returning to the owners a
very gratifying financial reward.
In 1871 Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss
Katherine Haas, and they have one daughter.
Maria, who is now the wife of Adolph Bremer,
the active manager of the brewery and the vice
])resident of the company. They were married
in i8c)6 and have become the parents of three
cliildren. Mr. Bremer is an expert in his line
and is capably conducting the large brewing
plant. The other officers are : Jacob Schmidt,
president : Otto Bremer, secretary and treasurer.
Mr. Schmidt is a member of the Catholic
church. He belongs to the Sons of Hermann
and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his
political support is given to the democracv. Com-
ing to .America when a yoiuig man in his twen-
tieth year and without financial resources he has
depended upon his labor, keen insight and busi-
ness adaptability for the acquirement of suc-
cess, and as the years have gone by he has made
for himself a prominent place as the owner of
one of the large and productive industries of the
northwest.
GEORCE P. KAHLERT.
George P. Kahlert, conducting a general ma-
chine shop with large business in St. Paul, was
born in Xew Albany. Indiana. June 3, 1862, his
parents being Justus Kahlert. a native of Hesse-
Darmstadt. Germanv. and Eiuma ('Truskevl
Kahlert. whose father came to .\merica more
than sixty years ago, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Justus Kahlert arrived in the new world in the
'50s and located first in llaltimore. Marvland.
whence he afterward removed to Xew Albany,
Indiana. Me there worked for the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad Company and was advanced to
the position of foreman. He was married while
in that city and later removed to St. Paul. In
the fall of 1863 or t8'')4 he and his brother. John
Christian, took a claim at Osceola. Wisconsin,
but on account of an Indian outbreak abandoned
their land. Justus Kahlert then returned to
Xew Albany. Indiana, and on his arrival there
found that his wife had sold evervthing to come
north to try to find her husband or his remains,
as the family had received the report that all set-
tlers of that locality had been massacred. Soon
after returning to Indiana. Air. Kahlert con-
tracted ague and because of this he returned to
St. Paul and located a shop here. The family
underwent many of the experiences incident to
frontier life. Mr. Kahlert had two narrow
escapes from the Indians soon after his arrival.
He was a great hunter, as was his brother, John
Christian, and they spent considerable time in
hunting in those early davs. l-'ollowing the out-
break of the Civil war he was enlisted by the
government as foreman machinist for keeping
the running gear in shape (rolling stock), but
becoming ill with fever and ague he was com-
pelled to leave the government emplov and re-
moved soon afterward to St. Paul. Here he en-
gaged in the machinist's business on Third street,
opening a small shop for general small repairing.
He had a brother. John Christian Kahlert. then
living in St. Paul and still making his home here
at the age of eighty-five \-ears. It was this that
induced the father of our subject to come to this
city. Jiilin Christian Kahlert came to St. Paul in
1856 and engaged in the dye business, which is
now being caried on by his son, .Alexander J.,
under the firm name of the St. Paul .Sieam Hxe
Works. The father retired from active connec-
tion with the lousiness in kjoo, but is still living
at the venerable age of eighty-six years. Justus
Kahlert contimied to carry on the machine shop
and in 1887 removed to the present location at
GEURCF. P. KATlLI'R'r
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
769
No. 123 West Third street, where he ceinducted a
general machinist business until iyo2, wlx-n his
son George P. bought the business, the father liv-
ing retired until his death, which occurred on
the 2 1st of August, 1904. As an early resident of
the city he was actively interested in the volun-
teer fire department, being foreman for many
years and he was closely identified and associated
with many other plans and movements which had
direct bearing upon the substantial development
and improvement of the city. His children were :
Carrie, now the wife of John llucklev, a resident
of Minneapolis : George P. ; Emma, the wife of
['rank S. Sutton, of St. Paul, Minnesota ; Charlie,
who died in 1899: and Helen, now Mrs. Dayton
Hosford, of Seattle, Washington.
George P. Kahlert acf|uired his education in
the public schools of St. Paul, having" been
brought to this city when only aljont a }'ear old.
Having put aside his text books, he entered his
father's shop as an apprentice, thoroughly mas-
tered the business, both in jjrinciple and detail,
and in 1899 became a partner of his father, with
wdiom he carried on the business until i\Iarch,
1902, when he purchased his father's interest,
I'nder his management the trade has steadily
grown in proportion to the growth and develop-
ment of the city and he is now employing from
fifteen to twenty men in general machine work.
He makes a specialty of malt mills used in brew-
eries, for which he has a very large sale. The
l)usiness has long since reached extensive and
[jrofitable proportions and Mr. Kahlert's thorough
understanding" of the trade enables him to care-
fully direct the labors of employes so as to pro-
duce the best results.
In Xovember, 1888, was celebrated the mar-
riage of George P. Kahlert and Miss Jennie
Schmidt A'anderBosch, of St. Paul, a daughter
of Frank \'anderBosch. a jiioneer of this city,
who was killed in a runaway accident on the west
side in 1873. Her mother came from Holland
with one child. She is still living and active at
seventy-three years. ]\lr. and Mrs. Kahlert now
have one daughter. Enda Georgia Marguerite.
Fraternally the father is connected with the An-
cient Order of United Workmen, with the Druids
and with the Junior Pioneers and is also a mem-
ber of the Xational Association of Stationary En-
gineers. He has always resided in St. Paul and
throughout the years of his connection with its
industrial interests has sustained an enviable repu-
tation for reliability and thorough workmanshijj.
ALBERT A. PRICE.
The paper industry has been developed along
large lines in recent years in St. Paul until it
has become one of the most important sources
of livelihood in the northwest and finds a worthy
representative in Albert A. Price, of the firm of
Price, Robbins & Xewton, conducting a whole-
sale business in heavy paper and woodenw'are at
at the corner of Robert and Indiana streets. He
was born in Schuyler county. Xew York, Octo-
ber 3, 1846, a son of H. C. Price, who was a
shoe merchant and manufacturer. He, too, was
a native of the Empire state and his death oc-
curred in 1848. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Lucy Kendall, is now living in Iowa.
Albert A. Price acquired his education in the
district schools of Schuyler county and was there
reared by his grandfather, who was a sawmill
operator and farmer, ^^'ith those lines of busi-
ness Mr. Price w-as connected to the age of seven-
teen years. When verv voung he enlisted for
service in the Civil war, l)ecoming a member of
the One Hundred and Sixty-first New York
A^olunteer Infantry under Colonel Holland, with
whom he was on active duty in Alabama, Louisi-
ana and through the south. He participated in
many important engagements, battles and cam-
paigns and following the close of hostilities he
went to Iowa, where he was engaged in farming
for nine years. He then returned to Elmira, New
York, where with the capital that he had acquired
through his well directed business efforts in the
west lie engaged in the dry-goods trade. At-
tracted, however, b_\ the ever grow"ing and in-
creasing business possibilities of the Mississippi
valley he came to St. Paul in t886 and estab-
lished a paper business, in which he has now
been engaged continuously for twenty years. He
was first alone and afterward ors^anized the firm
I'AST A.\l) I'RESEXT OF ST. I'AL'L.
of A. A. Price & Company, while about five years
ago the present firm of Price, Robbins & Newton
was estabhshed. For fifteen years the l)usiness
was conducted on Sibley street. In 1903 he
erected his present fine structure, one hundred by
one hundred and fifty feet and two stories in
height, especially desioned for the purpose for
which it is used. The firm handle all the heavier
grades of wrapping paper, bags, etc., together
with a line of stationery, as well as specialties in
woodenware, and conduct a very extensive whole-
sale business. The output of the house reaches a
large figure annually and the trade is steadily
growing throughout the northwest.
]Mr. Price was married in June, forty years ago,
to Miss Alary Alden, of Boston, Massachusetts.
He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity
and is a deacon in the Bethany Congregational
church, in the work of which he takes an active
and helpful part, contributing generously to its
support. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party. His residence is at No. 504
.Stryker avenue. He is a cultured gentleman of
high social and business standing with broad ac-
tivity in commercial circles and an enterprise and
determination that ultimately reach the objective
point. During his connection with the west he
has maintained an enviable reputation in business
circles and developed a trade, the proportions of
which make him a leading wholesale merchant
of St. Paul.
GREENLEAF CLARK.
When the history of Aiinnesota and her public
men shall have been written its pages will bear
no more illustrious name and record no more dis-
tinguished career than that of Judge Greenleaf
Clark. If "biography is the home aspect of his-
tory,'' as Wilmott has expressed it, it is entirely
within the province of true history to commem-
morate and perpetuate the lives and characters,
tlie achievements and honors, of the illustrious
sons of the state. The name of Judge Clark is
inseparably associated with the history of juris-
])rudence in St. Paul ^nd Minnesota and no man
has been more respected here and none more
highly deserves the honors that have been be-
stowed upon him.
Born in Plaistow, Rockingham cotinty, New
Hampshire, his natal day was August 23, 1835.
He was descended from Puritan ancestry and was
the son of Nathaniel Clark, the seventh of that
name in a direct line. The first Nathaniel was
an Englishman by birth, who probably settled at
Ipswich, ^Massachusetts, some time during the
first half of the seventeenth century and was mar-
ried November 23, 1663, at Newlmrv in the same
state, vv'here they resided, to Aliss Elizabeth
Somerby, a granddaughter on the mother's side of
Edward Greenleaf, of Huguenot origin, who set-
tled at Newbury in 1635. Nathaniel Clark, the
paternal grandfather of Judge Clark, enlisted on
the 14th of March, 1781, at the age of sixteen
years, in the war of the Revolution and was
wounded during his service, but continued from
the time of his enlistment until the cessation of
hostilities. The mother of Judge Clark bore the
maiden name of Betsy Brickett. In the public
schools of his native town Greenleaf Clark ac-
quired his early education and prepared for col-
legiate work in Atkinson Academy in New
Hampshire. He then matriculated in Dartmouth
College in 1851 and gained the degree of Bache-
lor of Arts in that institution in June, 1855. Im-
mediately followiing his graduation he began
reading law in the office of Hatch & Webster, of
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and after spending
a brief period in that way entered the Harvard
Law School, obtaining his degree of Bachelor of
Law in 1857. In the same year he was admitted
at Boston to the Suffolk bar.
In the fall of 1858 Judge Clark came to St.
Paul and secured a derk.ship in the office of
Micliael E. Ames, attorney at law. After a brief
period he was admitted to a partnership by Mr.
Ames and ex- Judge AToses Sherburne also be-
came a member of tlu- firm luider the style of
.\mes, Sherl>urne & Clark. This connection was
maintained until i860, when Judge Clark became
associated with Samuel R. Bond, now a law^'er of
AA'ashington, D. C. nmlcr the firm -stNle of Bond
& Clark. This continued until 1862, when Mr.
I'mnd kft the state and Judge Clark continued
I'AST AND I'RESEXT OF ST. I'M"!,.
7/1
in individual practice until i8()5. when he formed
a partnership with the eminent Horace R. Bige-
low and the business of the firm of Bigelow &
Clark developed to great magnitude. In the year
1870, Charles E. Flandreau, then ex-judgc of the
supreme court, became a member of the firm
under the style of Bond, Flandreau & Clark, and
this relation existed until 1881, when the part-
nership was dissolved upon the appointment of
Mr. Clark as associate justice of the supreme
court of Minnesota. He served for about a year,
argued at great length and decided the important
cases involving the constitutionality of legisla-
tive enactments for adjustments of the Minne-
sota state railroad bonds. He then resumed the
I)ractice of law and in 1885 became associated
with the late Homer C. Eller and Jared How.
under the firm name of Clark, Eller & How.
This was dissolved January i, 1888, upon the per-
manent retirement of Judge Clark from the prac-
tice of his profession. The firm although en-
gaged principally in general practice, was large-
Iv concerned with corporation law, acting as gen-
eral counsel for the St. Paul & Pacific and the
first division of the St. Paul & Pacific Railway
Company, one of the land grant systems of the
state of Minnesota, and up to the time of the re-
organization, consequent upon the foreclosure of
mortgages thereon, into the St. Paul, Minne-
apolis & Tilanitoba Railroad Company, Init since
1880 the Great Northern Railroad Company.
They were also attorneys for the Minnesota Cen-
tral. St. Paul & Chicago Railroad Company, also
a land grant company. This witli its branch be-
came the Milwaukee & St. Paul system, later the
Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul, and the firm
continued as attorneys for the last named'. Fol-
lowing his retirement from the bench and his re-
turn to general practice. Judge Clark was en-
gaged in much important professional service for
railroad corporations, though not general counsel
for anv. He and his firm served in special suits
and other matters for the St. Paul & Sioux City
Railroad, the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba
RaiKvav Company and the Great Xorthem Rail-
road Company. His services were largely re-
tained in matters of organization, construction of
extensions and proprietary lines and ])roperties
also the preparation of trust deeds and securities
and connected with the financing of various com-
panies, the preparation of leases, trackage, traffic
and other contracts.
In 187c) Judge Clark was appointed a regent
of the F'niversity of Minnesota and continued to
hold the position for many years. His period of
service on the bench was brief, but a number of
his opinions have become matters of precedent
and were regarded as most able and learned ex-
positions of the law. He was one of the leaders
of the bar and no man in the northwest excelled
him in the soundness of his judgment, in the
power of correct analysis, in intellectual grasp or
in clearness of statement. His forte was not
erudition or technical learning: he was not what
is known as a case lawyer : he had that rare legal
instinct or perception which detects the turning
point or pivotal question and discards immate-
rial or collateral inquires and this is a mark of
the highest order of legal intellect. He was inca-
pable of quitting a subject without delving to the
very bottom of it, scanning and weighing everv
word or anything that bore at all upon the sub-
ject under discussion. He died December 7,
1904, at Lamanda Park, near Los Angeles.
California.
RUDOLPH ROSSUM.
The name of Rudolph Rossum. who is now de-
ceased, was for a number of years a prominent
and honored one in commercial circles in St.
Paul, and one who knew him said, "His word
was as good as his bond ; he was the soul of
honor, and the better one knew him the greater
the respect and the warmer the friendship." Mr.
Rossum was the son of ^fr. and Mrs. J. P. Ros-
sum, of Cologne, Germany, and was born Jan-
uary 31. 1849. After graduating from the uni-
versity at Bonn, he came to America in 1871, lo-
cating in Indianaixilis. Indiana, where for a
time he was engaged in the drug business and
later was associated with a wholesale notion
house. In 1883 Mr. Rossum became a resident
of St. Paul and entered into |iartnorship with
I'AST AXD rRl-:Sl-:.\T ()]• ST. I'AL'L.
Albert Sclicffer and Joseph I'arthcl under the
firm name of Darthel, Scheffer & Rossnm.
wholesale dealers in leather and shoe findings.
From the besinnin_s; the business increased ra-
pidly, until now it is the lar<jest wholesale sad-
dlery, hardware, harness, leather and shoe find-
ings house in .St. Paul. Mr, Rossuni was a prime
mover in the develojiment and growth of the
trade and continued active in business until his
death, which occurred ]\Iay 30. iSqq.
In 1878 Mr. Rossum was married to Miss
Clara Sinker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward
T. Sinker, of Indianapolis. He is survived by
his widow and four children, namely : Julia,
now ;\lrs. Ralph Hatch: Clara: Harold; and
Edward. Mr. Rossum made a creditable record
during his connection with business interests in
.St. Paul. Energetic, far-seeing, honest and pub-
!ic-.spirited. he operated boldly and continuously
and by the stimulus of his exertions aroused the
enterprise of others, thus adding to his own la-
bors and furnishing remttnerative employment
to many. His strict integrity, business conserva-
tism and judgment were always uniformlv rec-
ognized so that he enjoyed the pu1)lic confidence
to an enviable degree and naturally this Ijrought
liim a lucrative patronage.
RICHARD RCJCERT CLARK.
Richard Robert Clark has gained in business
circles a ]50sition among the foremost representa-
tives in the cigar trade of the northwest. 1 fe was
born in Rice county. .Minnesota, October 5, 1874.
His father. Edward Clark, was a native of Ire-
land and when eighteen years of age came to the
United States, settling first in West A'irginia. In
1846 he arrived in Minnesota, casting in his lot
among the pioneer settlers. h"or many years he
followed farming and is now living retired in
.St. Paul. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of .\nne Mcl'ride. was in early womanhood a
teacher of Dublin. Ireland. They Ijccame the
parents of ten children, of whom eight are now
living.
Richard R. Clark ac(|uircd his education in the
district schools of Rice county to the aire of eisfht
years, when the family removed to St. Paul and
he continued his studies in the private schools
of Ihis city. His eilucation completed, he turned
his attention to the life insurance business, with
which he was connected for a brief period. For
fifteen years, however, he has been a representa-
tive of the cigar trade and for eight years has
remained at his present location at the corner
of Sibley and Fourth streets. He is an expert
cigar manufacturer and conducts a wholesale
and retail business, the ])roducts of his house
having gained a splendid reptitation for excel-
lency that insures a continuance of a liberal pat-
ronage. He has develojied his business along
modern lines of activity, placing his dependence
upon close application, untiring industry and
watchfulness, and he is today classed among the
enterprising representatives of manufacturing
and commercial circles in St. Paul.
( )n the 5th of October. 1901, occurred the
marriage of Mr. Clark and Katherine Lynch, of
Faribault, Minnesota. Mr. Clark is very popu-
lar, having the genial, social qualities which win
and retain warm friendship. He belongs to St.
Paul lodge, Xo. 59. P.. P. O. E.. the ( )dd Fel-
lows society, the Modern Woodmen camj:). the
Ancient Order of L'^nited Workmen, the For-
esters and the Ro\al ,\re:inum. He is also a
member of the St. Paul Commercial Club and in
politics is independent. There is nothing nar-
row or contracted in his views of life, and his
bright outlook concerning business and mu-
nicipal affairs has found tangible evidence in his
efforts for the commercial upbuilding and the
general pro.gress of the city.
M,\J()R JOIIX ESPY.
Major John Espy, an able lawyer, a dis-
linguished resident of St. Paul, and an enterpris-
ing citizen, whose pulilic spirit lias lound l;m-
gible proof in many acts sup])orting general prog-
ress and advancing civic pride, virtue and de-
velojiment. is ;i native of the beautiful anil his-
toric Wyoming valley, renowned in song and
storv. This lovelv vale seems to have been al-
rWST AND I'RKSEXT OF ST. PAUL.
775
ways appreciated tor its beauties and natural
delights. It has the charms of Cashmere and the
history of Glencoe. Even in antiquarian time>,
before the white n:an came, it was coveted by
many an Indian tribe and numerous wars, some
ol which lasted for years, were waged for its pos-
sessinn by the red men. Simultaneous with the
fir.st white settlements began that series of des-
perate and bloody conflicts between the Connecti-
cut and Pennsylvania claimants of the territory,
known in history as the "Pennymite wars." These
conflicts lasted for several \t.ars but in the end
both factions united in defense of a common in-
terest and many of their numbers fell fighting
side by side in the terrible massacres by the Brit-
ish and Indians under Barnt and Butler in 1778.
< >n the jiaternal side both factions of the claim-
ants numbered within their ranks representatives
of ]\Iajor Espy's ancestry.
Henry ^^'ard Beecher has said : "To be born
well is half tlie liattle of life." Fortunate is the
man who has back ni him an ancestrv honorable
and distinguished and happ_\' is he if his lines of
life are cast in harmony therewith. In person,
in talents and in character Major Espy is a
worthy scion of his race and has every reason to
feel proud of his ancestry. Some of them at-
tained great distinction including I'rof. James
P. Espy, a renowned meteorologist. Mr. Arago,
the eminent French savant, declared "France has
its Cuvier, England its Xewton and .\merica its
Espy." James P. Espy was duly commissioned
by the United States war department to pros-
ecute his investigations in the Washington ob-
servatory. Several volumes of his reports were
published. While holding this ofifice he insti-
tuted a service which consisted of daily bulletins
respecting general atmospheric conditions. lie
may indeed be justly regarded as the founder of
the no\y universal weather bureau system.
The progenitors of the Espy family in .\nier-
ica were George Espy, a native of the Xorth of
Ireland, who as early as 1729 settled in Derry
township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where
he died in March, 1761 : and Josiab Es])y, who
was burn in the Xorth of Ireland in 171S, and
died in Hanover township, Lancaster counts-,
Pennsylvania.
Josiab Espy, a son of Josiah and Priscilla
(Mitchell) Espy, was born in the Xorth of Ire-
land in 1699. H^ ^^'^-'' married in 1740 to Eliza-
beth Crain, who came to America with her broth-
ers, ^\'illianl and Joseph Crain, in 1732. She
was born in 1719, in -county Down. Ireland, and
after the death of Josiah Espy became the wife
of Robert Ewing. Following his emigration to
the new world Josiah Espy settled in Hanover
township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where
he purchased land from proprietors. May 25.
1745. In addition to his farming pursuits he con-
ducted a blacksmith shop and was highly re-
spected and esteemed. He became in the course
of years, the wealthiest man in his locality and
died in the year 1760.
George Epsy, son of Josiah and Elizabeth
(Crain) Espy, was born in Hanover township.
Lancaster (now Dauphin) county, Pennsylvania
in 1749, and died in Luzerne county, Pennsyl-
vania, in .Vpril, 1814. His father, in March.
1775, conveyed to him a tract of land in Xorth-
umberland county. Pennsylvania, to which he
removed the same year. He was commissioned
May 31, 1800, a justice of the peace for the dis-
tricts of Hanover and \\'ilkesbarre townships.
which office he held at the time of his death. He
was also, in June. 1776, commissioned second lieu-
tenant of Capt. Robert Crawford's Com])any,
Colonel .Samuel Hunter's Batallion, of Xorth-
umberiand county, and was in active service in
the \\'ar of Independence. A stone-mason by
trade, he liuilt the old stone jail on East Market
street in \Mlkesbarre. He married Miss Mary
Stewart, who died in 1820, a daughter of John
Stewart, of Derry township, Lancaster county.
Pennsylvania, and a sister of Capt. Lazarus Stew-
art, who fell at the battle of Wyoming — a re.gion
which for many years was the scene of many
sanguinary conflicts between contending patriots
and the Tories, British and Indians. Captain
Stewart was leader of the celebrated Paxton Boys
of Pennsylvania, who left Hanover townslii]i in
Lancaster county, and settled in Hanover town-
ship in Luzerne county, a township named by
him. During the stru.g.gles in the Wyoming val-
ley, which lasted nearly eight years, the Captain
rendered patriotic and distinguished services.
776
PAST AX I) 1 'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
Josiali Espy. Jr.. and Samuel Espy, brotliers of
George Espy, were also soldiers of the Revolu-
tion, serving under Captain Ambrose Grain,
whose command bore a gallant part at Brand\-
wine. Germantown and elsewhere.
John Espy, son of George and Alary (Stewart)
Espy, was born in 1779, and died March 25,
1848. in Hanover township. Luzerne county.
Quoting from his obituary. "He was a man of
honorable feelings, hospitable and generally be-
loved." He was married April 5, 1809, to Lovina
Inman. who was born in 1787, a daughter of
Colonel Edward Inman. of Revolutionary fame.
She died in Luzerne countv. Pennsylvania, in
1876.
James Espy, the eldest son of John and Lo-
vina (Tnman) Espy, was born in Hanover town-
ship. Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 181 1, and
died in Rummerfield, Bradford county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1872. In that place he had successfully
conducted a mercantile, milling and farming busi-
ness for a number of years. He was married in
1 841 to Alary A. Miller, who was born Decem-
ber 26, 1818, and died February 15, 1878. She
was a daughter of Barnet and Mary (De Witt)
Miller. Her father was a son of Andrew and
Christiana Aliller. of New Jersey, while her
mother was a daughter of Peter and Hannah
(Hill) De \\'itt, who were of French nativity.
Major John Espy, the second son of James
and ALiry A. (Miller) Espy, and tlie immediate
subject of this review, was born at Xanticoke,
Luzerne county. Pennsylvania. September 21.
1842. His history has in many respects been
an eventful and interesting one. The greater part
of his childhood, between the ages of two and
fourteen years, was s])enl under the care of his
paternal grandmother, Mrs. Lovina (Tnman)
Espy, who was in many respects a remarkable
woman, inheriting frmn her Rev(ilnlii)nary sire
a noble courage and a spirit of determination
and self-reliance such as one seldom sees. She
was withal a lady of intelligence, strong mental
.gift and s])lendid memory and possessed also a
kindly, generous nature and a heart overllowing
with maternal and womanly affection, .^he large-
ly miilded tlie ciiaraeter and destiny of her .grand-
son, and he entertains the most profound venera-
tion and deepest respect for her memory. In the
year 1859, at the age of sixteen. Major Espy
started out in life on his own account, and his ca-
reer has since been one of independence crowned
with success and honors. His capital consisted
of a .good common-school education, habits of in-
dustry and an ambition to succeed. Coining to
the .great west where there was more opportu-
nity for youthful endeavor than in his native
commonwealth, he located first near Burlington.
Iowa.
In i86t the war of the Rebellion was inaug-
urated and with the blood of a long line of sol-
diers in his veins Major Espy was one of the
very first to enlist in the army of the L'nion.
Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns
cleared away, when, in the month of April, he
joined Company E of the First Regiment of Iowa
\^olunteer Infantry — a three months' regiment
called into service by the first proclamation of
President Lincoln. The command was ordered
at once into active duty and sent to Missouri.
It formed a part of the gallant little army of Gen.
Nathaniel Lyon which did so much to save the
state of Missouri to the LTnion and for the L-^nion
cause generally. Alajor Espy was with his regi-
ment in the expedition under Gen. Thomas W.
Sweeny to Forsyth, Missouri, near the Arkansas
line, was in the engagement at Dug Springs and
took part in the memorable battle of Wilson's
Creek, Missouri, on the loth of Au.gust. 1861,
in which action the lamented Lyon fell and the
First Iowa lost one hundred and fifty-one men
in killed and wounded. The term of enlistment
of this regiment havin.g expired. Major Espy
was mustered out of service at St. Louis. Mis-
souri.
Returning to Iowa he secured employment on
a farm, intendin.g, however, to re-enter the serv-
ice at an early day, Invt the same fall he met w ith
a serious accident. His left hand was cau.ght in
the machinery of one of the first sor.ghum mills
ever set u]) in the state of lnwa, and so badly
crushed that he was rendered a cri])ple for life.
This physical disability, much to his disappoint-
ment, prevented his again becoming a soldier,
and feeling the need of a more advanced educa-
tion he returned to Pennsylvania and resumed
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
777
his studies. He was graduated from the New
Columbus Academy of Peimsylvania in 1863,
and from Harvey's Institute in 1864. \\\\\\
broad general knowledge to serve as the founda-
tion upon which to rear the superstructure of
professional learning, he then entered the .-Vlbany
(New York) Law School, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1866 with the degree
of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the
bar in Luzerne countv, Pcnnsvlvania. April 20.
1868.
It was on the 23d of Alarch of the same year
that Major Espy was united in marriage to Miss
Martha M. Wood, who was born in Wilkesbarre.
Pennsylvania, March 12, 1843. Her father, John
B. Wood, was a successful merchant and banker
of Wilkesbarre, and her mother, whose maiden
name was Sarah Gore, was descended fmni i)1k'
of the oldest and most honorable families in
America. Her remote paternal ancestors, John
and Rhoda Gore, settled at Roxhurv, Massachu-
setts, in 1635, and her great-grandfather and
five of his sons fought against the British and
Indians at the time of the Wyoming massacre.
Following his admission to the bar jMajor
Espy entered at once upon an active professional
and business career. In his chosen profession no
dreary novitiate awaited him, for he soon gained
a large and distinctively representative clientage
and his recognized ability and keen foresight
also soon drew him into other pursuits. He was
for ten years a director of the Wilkesbarre Water
Company and of the Wilkesbarre and Kingston
Passenger Railroad. He was one of the incor-
porators of the \Mlkesbarre & Coleville Passen-
ger Railway Company, and served as one of its
directors until his removal from the state. He
was likewise interested in banking and in promot-
ing manv other important enterprises, being one
of the organizers of the \\'yoming Camp Ground
Association — a summer resort under religious in-
fluence. In 1871 he became a member of the
banking firm of J. B. Wood & Company, at
\Mlkesbarre, and was connected with that insti-
tution until his retirement from Ijusiness in 1877,
consequent upon the death of the senior member
of the firm, his father-in-law, John 11. \\'ood.
No sooner had Major Espy entered upon the
active work of his profession in Pennsylvania
than he also became prominent in political cir-
cles as one of wide influence, his opinions often
proving a decisive factor in the councils of his
party. Naturally he was a strong republican
and was recognized as a republican leader but
the demands of his professional and business in-
terests left him no time to seek political prefer-
ment, although he aided many others in winning
ofticial honors. In 1871 he was commissioned
aid-de-camp, with the rank of major, on the staff
of General E. S. Osborne of the Pennsylvania
National Guard and served in that capacity for
ten years. He took an active part in the sup-
pression of the riots at .Scranton, Pennsylvania,
in 1871. at Susquehanna depot in 1877 and at
Ilazleton in 1878, He was a member of the com-
mittee and took a most active part in preparing
the first military code for the state of Pennsyl-
vania and also in the organization of the Na-
tional Guard of that state, which, has always
maintained a high rank in this country.
In December, 1879. Major Espy located in St.
Paul and the same year was admitted to the
Ramsey county bar and to practice before the
Minnesota supreme court. For a time he occu-
pied the same ofince with the Hon. Hiram F,
Stevens. Although he has never abandoned the
profession of law other interests in later years
have largely precluded the possibility of active
connection with the profession and although he
still conducts an office practice his large invest-
ments and projierty holdings occupy nnich of his
time. To the sacrifice of his own personal in-
terests along political lines he has preferred to
remain an enterprising citizen — one who has the
welfare of the community at heart and places the
general good before personal aggrandizement.
In the line of his real-estate operations he has
done nnich for the improvement of St. Paul. He
has ever held as a laudable ambition a desire to
become an enterprising citizen and has contrib-
uted his best efforts in assisting others to build
u]i one of the most beautiful cities of this coun-
try, of which its residents have every reason to
be pri>ud. He built the well known Espy Block
on Fifth street and since its sale at a recent date
has erected the handsome brown stone Central
77>^
I'AS'
AXl) I'RESEX'
Ol
ST. I'AL'L.
lUock, situated on the conicr nl West Seventh
and Sixth streets. These beautiful stores, witli
spleniHtlh' equipped lodge rooms, have made
this building- one of the most important, promi-
nent and attractive structures in St. Paul. He
has also erected many buildings in other parts
of the city and is interested in the beautiful
^\■hite Hear town of Mahtomedi and Wildwood
— one of the loveliest lake resorts in the north-
west. Une of the organizers of the Upper Mis-
sissippi River Improvement Association, he was
for two years one of its vice presidents and is
deeply interested in the development of the navi-
gation of the Mississippi river.
In the midst of a busy life Major Espy has
never been neglectful of the ties of the home and
of friendship and has regarded no personal sacri-
fice on his part too great if it would enhance the
welfare and happiness of his wife and children.
The family have a beautiful residence at No. 74
Summit avenue, which is the scene of many de-
lightful social functions. Unto Alajor and Mrs,
Es])y have been born two sons and two daugh-
ters. John B. W. Espy, born January 23, 1869,
is married and has a daughter, Martha Wood,
born in i8g6. Lila E., born June 23, 1872, is a
graduate of the University of Minnesota, where
she won the degree of Bachelor of Science. (Jn
the 5th of Xovember, 1905, she became the v^'ife
of Harristin T. Teaton and lives in Chicago.
Aland M., born February 12, 1875, was an ar-
tist of great promise, who died August 12, 1903.
Olin 11., born June 29, 1877, enlisted as a mem-,
ber of the Thirteenth Regiment of the Minnesota
\'olunteer Infantry, while attending the Univer-
sity of Minnesota. Tic made a splendid militarv
record with his regiment in the I'hilippincs, and
rt-tm-ning, was mustered out with his command
in Si. I 'an! at the close of the Spanish-American
war. Jle is now engaged in business in this city.
Distinguished and successful in professional
and lousiness circles. Major Espy is perhaps
e<|ually widely and ])romincntly known in pf)lit-
ical. fraternal and club circles. lie had no
sooner become a resident of St. Paul than lie
was accorded a position of Icadershi]) in the
ranks of the republican ])arty of Minnesota and
within a short time was made secretary of the
state central committee. This was (hu'ing the
lUaine and Logan cani])aign. when, with one ex-
ception, Alinnesota gave the largest republican
majority ever iioUed in the state. He is a Master
Mason, a member of Acker post, Xo. 21, G. A,
R. .Always an active worker in the ranks of the
latter organization he was a delegate from Min-
nesota to the Twenty-eighth .Annual Encamp-
ment at Pittsburg, and was a member of the local
committee that went to Louisville in 1895 <i'i^l
secured the I'hirtieth Xational Encampment for
St. Paul in 1896. During that encampment the
Major exerted his energies to the utmost. He
suggested the "living flag" of twent\-twii hun-
dred children, and saw that his grand design
was carried to a magnificently successful comple-
tion. He has ever favored, and to a large ex-
tent co-operated, in those movements which pro-
mote patriotism, loyalty and a genuine love of
country. He is identified with the Sons of Amer-
ica and for many terms has been grand dictator
and supreme reporter of the Knights of Honor,
holding those positions at the present writing.
He is likewise a member of the Commercial Cltvb
of St. Paul and as a member of the St. Paul
Chamber of Commerce he was appointed chair-
man of its committee <in Fort Snelling. serving
for several years, in which cajjacity he was most
cons])icuous and active in advocating the enlarge-
ment of the fort and as these efforts are being
crowned with signal success he is now receiving
due credit and honor therefor from his fellow-
citizens.
Since his retirement from the more active pur-
suits of life A'lajor Espy has largely been spend-
ing the winter months in the south and in Cali-
fornia more ])articidarly for the benefit of the
health of his invalid wife and thus it was that
thev were in the midst of the apjialling disaster
of the San I'rancisco earthquake and fire in
.\]>ril, 1906. Lie has since been called upon to
give an account of their experiences and has
written .several i)ublished articles. In letters
written a da}' or two before. Major Espy laugh-
ingly alluded lo the fact that they arrived at the
end of the journr\ on Friday and on tlu' 13th
of the month and "having seen the new moon
over m\- left shoulder it remains to be seen wli.-it
I'AST AM) I'RESENT OF ST. \'M'\..
779
these unlucky omens have in store fur us in this
city." Later writing of his experience lie said
"When the first tremors of the earthquake came
I knew what it was and immediately sprang from
my bed. The vibration became terribly severe,
bookcases and furniture came tumbling down
with a crash. I quickly sprang to my feet and as
I took one glance out of our fourth story window
I saw the chimneys toppling and the dome of the
city building trembling. * * * * The up-
heaval and sinking of the entire width of Mis-
sion street and one side of the postoffice building,
that solid stone structure, terribly damaged and
aliandoned as unsafe, a fissure in the ground by
the sidewalk, apparently very deep — as I beheld
all this I seemed paralyzed at the ravages of the
great calamity. ''' * * * It is due to (Gen-
eral Fvinston and his officers atul soldiers that
they are entitled to great credit anil honor for
the distinguished and valuable services they ren-
dered. The prompt and orderly manner in which
the guard lines were established and the terrified
people driven out of immediate danger that they
could not see, commanded our highest admira-
tion. If I had the space I could give you a
graphic account ijf the splendid achievements of
the regular officers and soldiers during this excit-
ing and horrible time while I remained there.
The false and outrageous statements puljlished
about them should not be believed ; but give them
the thanks and praise they have justly won and
are entitled to. * '^ '' * The fire was mak-
ing fearfully rapid progress when it had reached
the more inflammable structures of Chinatown
and the larger frame buildings. Here the fire
was most terrific and the grandeur of the devour-
ing elements as tlie>- sent their lurid flames high
into heaven was the most appalling sight I
ever witnessed. The occupants of splendid man-
sions and numerous hotels now had to join in
the hurried, straggling exodus. The dreaded
time had now come for us. 1 did what little T
could to help others, and then, with what I could
pack in my grip and into a pillow slip, at four
o'clock in the morning, with the hotel proprietor,
we left the hotel for— where? Then it came to
me in all of its terrors that a desperate struggle
must be made to get out of the doomed city. Mv
pen halts at this point of my description, for
mere words are not equal fur me to portray at
this time the horrible sights we witnessed, and the
severe hardships that we had to endure before
reaching the ferries, which came very near prov-
ing fatal to both myself and wife."
Following his never-to-be-forgotten e.\i)erience
in San Francisco Major Espy returneil h> St.
Paul. Wherever he is known Major Espy is
honored, and is most respected where best known.
He has been an influential factor, making for
himself a distinguished record in business, jwlit-
ical, military anl social circles, and is largely ac-
counted one of the foremost citizens of St. Paul,
his record conferring Imnor upon her history.
AXDREW P. SWAXSTROM.
Andrew P. Swanstrom, city agent for the
C )hio Coal Company at St. Paul, was born in
Williamsburgh, Xew \'nrk, Sei)tember 4. 1849.
His father. Jiiliu Swanstrom, a native of Swe-
den, came to the I'nited States in 1849 •'i"'' ''
was later in that year that the birth of our sub-
ject occurred. The mother. L'lrica Xordquist
Swanstrom. was also a native of Sweden but
bijth are now deceased. Fur four years the fa-
ther carried on business as a merchant tailor.
The family removed from Xew York to Mas-
sachusetts, removing to Red W ing. Minnesota,
on the 20th of .April, iSCm. and .\ndrew P.
Swanstrom completed his education by attend-
ing the public schools of that ])lace and as a stu-
dent in Hamline I'niversity, His college days
being over he learned the printing business and
was employed on the Red Wing Reinililican for
a time, lie m.ide a iiermanent location in St.
Paul, in Mav. 1S70. and was employed as a
printer on the St. Paul Press and the Pioneer
Press, and afterwar<l acted as assistant foreman
of the St. Paul Disjiatch. one of the leading pa-
pers of this city. Seeking a broader field of ac-
tivitv and usefulness he became connected with
other branches of newsi>aper work, such as so-
liciting advertising. He also went upon the road
establishing .igencies and doing general circula-
7So
PAST AXD I'RESENT OF ST. PAUL.
tion work. Then through the insistence of
friends he entered political circles, where his ca-
pability won recognition and he was elected one
of the assistant secretaries of the state senate in
1887. I~Is filled the position for three years,
after which he entered the law offices of U. L.
Lamprey, now deceased, doing clerical work
and engaging to some extent in practice. He is
now manager for the Ohio Coal Company,
wholesale dealers in fuel, with offices in the En-
dicolt Building. Previous to this he was travel-
in,g salesman for the Lehigh Coal & Coke Com-
pany and the Pioneer Fuel Company. He en-
tered upon his present position in September,
1905. and as city agent for the Ohio Coal Com-
pany controls an extensive business.
Mr. Swanstrom w^as married in 1875 ^ Miss
.Anna E. Comer, of Memphis, Tennessee. They
liave had seven children but only one daughter,
Florence A., eleven years of age, is living and
she is now attending school. Mr. Swanstrom is
very prominent in Masonic circles, being past
master of Ancient Landmark lodge, No. 5 ; past
high priest of Minnesota Royal Arch chapter.
Xn. i; past grand high priest of Minnesota;
]rdst thrice illustrious master of St. Paul coun-
cil, Xo. I, R. & S. i\L : past illustrious grand
master of Minnesota ; past general grand master
of the L^nited States ; past eminent commander
of Damascus commandry, No. i ; secretary of the
Scottish rite bodies of St. Paul for twelve years ;
past patron of Constellation chapter. No. 18, O.
E. S, ; past grand patron of Minnesota ; and past
illustrious potentate of Osman temple, A. A. O.
X. M. S. He also served as deputy treasurer of
Ramsey county under O. H. Arosin, county
treasurer. It will thus be seen that he has been
officially connected with the local, state and na-
tional organizations in Masonry and stands as
one of its most prominent and best known repre-
sentatives in the middle west. He also holds
membership with the LInited Commercial Trav-
elers and attends the Episcopal church. In poli-
tics he is a republican where national issues are
involved, but casts an independent local ballot.
His fraternal and political relations indicate
something of the character of the man, and es-
pecially his identification with Masonry, wherein
he has attained high honors as a representative
of tlic craft that stands for the brotherhood of
man.
ROBERT ALEXAXDER KIRK.
Robert Alexander Kirk, whose intense and
well directed activity has gained him a foremost
position in wholesale circles in St. Paul, needs
no introduction to the readers of this volume, for
as president of the wholesale house of Farwell,
Ozmun, Kirk & Company he is well known per-
sonally throughout this city and by reputation
throughout the entire west. He belongs to the
group of distinctively representative business
men who have been pioneers in inaugurating and
building up the chief industries of this section of
the country. In the development of his business,
acting in accordance with the dictates of his
faith and judgment, he has garnered in the full-
ness of time the generous harvest which is the
just recompense of indomitable indtistry, spot-
less integrity and marvelous enterprise. A na-
tive of Ellsworth, Ohio, Robert A. Kirk is of
Scotch Irish parentage. He acquired a liberal
education in the academies of that section of the
country and his boyhood days were spent upon
the farm owned by his father. He gained from
the outdoor life and experience a vigorous con-
stitution which has been one of the strong ele-
ments in his successful career, enabling him to
perform a large amount of work and to control
mammoth business interests. At the outbreak
of the Civil war he enlisted in response to his
country's need as a member of a regiment of
Ohio volunteers and served for nearly three
years, after which he was mustered out with
Sherman's Army at the close of the war.
The same year — on the 19th of October, 1865,
— Mr. Kirk was married to Miss Mary E. Allen,
a native of Ellsworth, Ohio, and of New Eng-
land ancestry. They have two children: Ever-
ett I'.uell, born August 23. 1869; and Gertrude
Allen, who was born May i, 1875. and is the
wife of T. W. Fobes, of St. Paul.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
7S>
Mr. Kirk, in 1876, entered the employ of C.
Aultman & Company, of Canton, Ohio, extensive
manufacturers of the Buckeye mower and reap-
er and other agricultural implements. He re-
mained with that house until December, 1882,
holding many responsible positions as he mastered
different departments of the business and won
promotions from one position to another. In the
year 1882, however, he severed his connection
with the Canton firm and came to St. Paul. He
has since been an active citizen here and one of
the persistent promoters of the city's welfare.
In January, 1887, Mr. Kirk was one of the
four men who organized the incorporated com-
pany of Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Company and
was at that time chosen treasurer. This is to-
day the largest wholesale hardware house of the
northw^est. occupying an immense new building
erected especially for the firm and a monument
to the commercial enterprise of St. Paul. Mr.
Kirk is president of the company, which has an
immense trade throughout the west and retains
the services of an army of employes. This house
had its beginning in 1859, ^^ ^ partnership of the
firm of Cheritree & Farwell. They began in a
humble way on West Third street, just beyond
the Metropolitan hotel and in the fall of 1863 the
business was removed to Bridge Square in the
Ingersoll block. In 1865 the firm name was
changed to Cheritree & Farwells by the admis-
sion of a brother of the junior partner and in the
same year the location was changed to the Brown
Tracy building on Third street. In 1868 the
Farwell brothers purchased the interest of the
senior partner and carried on the enterprise
alone, removing in 1871 to a location further
down Third street, near Sibley. In 1876 the
business was removed across the street on Third
and there remained until 1881. In 1S78, how-
ever, the firm of Farwell Brothers was dissolved,
the business being carried on by George L. Far-
well from that date until 1881, when the firm
of Farwell, Ozmun & Jackson was formed, thus
continuing until 1886, when the death of Fred-
erick Jackson occurred. A removal had been
made to Fourth street in 1881. and in 1884 the
business had so increased that more room and
better facilities were demanded and arrange-
38
ments were made with D. C. Shepard for the
erection of a building for that purpose on East
Third street below Wacouta. In the spring of
1885 this removal was made and after the death
of ^Ir. Jackson it was decided to incorporate
the business under the firm name of Farwell,
Ozmun, Kirk & Company, which went into ef-
fect on the 1st of January, 1887, at which time
Mr. Kirk joined the firm as one of the organ-
izers of the newly incorporated company. The
business was then conducted in the Shepard
building until the destructive fire of Xovember
18, 1891, which made ruins of their entire stock
of goods, as well as the house of Griggs, Coop-
er & Company. On the morning after the fire all
that remained of a three-hundred-thousand-dol-
lar stock was a mass of debris in the basement.
While the fire was still in progress arrangements
were made for the resumption of business and a
temporary location was selected on lower Third
street in the Robertson-Thompson building. In
the spring of 1894 a contract embracing a long
lease was made with Messrs. Griggs & Foster
for the erection of a building especially planned
for the business on the site bounded by Broad-
way, East, Third and Pine streets and having a
railway side track the entire length of the prop-
erty. This building was completed in time to
be occupied January I, 1895. It was a model
structure for the business at that date, having
some four thousand square feet of sample rooms
as well as many thousands of feet of space for
shipping, storage, etc. Those quarters were oc-
cupied until February, 1906. when the business
was removed into the immense new building
erected for this purpose and built for the firm
by George Grant, the leading contractor of St.
Paul. The trade of the house extends from the
Great Lakes to the Pacific and as far south as
Colorado and L^tah. Something of the growth
of the business may be indicated by the removals
which have been made by tlic firm in order to
secure larger and more commodious quarters and
today they control the most extensive wholesale
hardware business of the northwest. The rapid
growth of trade in recent years is due undoubt-
edly to a combination of causes, but to none more
largelv than to the fidelitv of the house to a
7'^-'
I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
high standard of commercial ethics and to the
acliv^ity, keen enterprise, discernment and sound
business judgment of its president, who though
well advanced in years is still at the office each
day. He is one of the world's workers, alert
and active, his recognition of opportunities be-
ing followed by immediate utilization of the
same.
Mr. Kirk served as president of the Jobbers'
Union in 1895-6, was president of the Chamber
of Commerce of St. Paul in 1899 and 1900 and
president of the National Hardware Association
in 1901-2. He has always been willing to do his
full share in the labors and responsibilities inci-
dent to good citizenship in a large and progres-
sive city like St. Paul and has been a co-operant
factor in many measures of direct and immediate
serviceableness. He brings to his public duties
the same keen sagacity and indomitable purpose
which have marked his private business inter-
ests and he stands in the front rank of the col-
umns which are advancing the commercial de-
velopment of the northwest.
JOHN L. WHITAKER.
Few men of his years are occupying today as
responsible a position in the business world as is
John L. Whitaker, one of the native sons of St.
Paul, born October 23, 1883. His parents were
John and ]\Iary (Dornigton) Whitaker. The
father, a native of England, became one of the
early residents of this city but passed away a
number of years ago. His widow, however, re-
sides in St. Paul and nf tlu-ir thirteen children,
twelve are living.
John L. Whitaker acquired his education in
the public and parochial schools of St. Paul and
entered upon his business career as a partner in
the firm of De Camp & Company, wholesale
merchants and dealers in all kinds of produce,
which business was established thirty years ago.
Working his way upward by reason of diligence,
close application and ready mastery of the inter-
ests entrusted to his care, Mr. Whitaker gained
a thorough knowledge of the trade in all its de-
partments and he and his sister are now owners
of the house, although the business is still car-
riefl (in under the old firm style of John B. Hoxie
& Company. A large business is conducted in
fruits and vegetables. Twelve employes take
care of the trade and goods are shipped by the
carload to all parts of the country.
Mr. ^^'llitaker is a member of the Commercial
Club and of the United Order of Foresters. He
has a fine standing among business men and is
popular in social circles, having a wide acquaint-
ance in the city where his entire life has been
passed.
JERRY R. EEGGS.
New conditions are being continually evolved
in the business world, and the successful man of
today is he who keeps in touch with the spirit of
enterprise, displaying ready adaptability to altered
circumstances and environments, utilizing every
opportunity that is presented. Such a man is
Jerry R. Beggs, the senior partner of the firm of
J. R. Beggs & Company, buyers and shippers of
potatoes. He was born in Portage county, Wis-
consin, August 22, 1868, and is a t)^pical citizen
of the middle west, possessing the spirit of deter-
mination and accomplishment which have been
ruling factors in the rapid and substantial devel-
opment of the upper Mississippi valley. His
father, William R. Beggs, came when a boy from
the east and took up his abode on a farm in Por-
tage county. His life has been devoted to agri-
cultural pursuits and he is now living on a farm
in North Branch, Minnesota. He married Jane
Roseberry, and they had five children, of whom
four are living.
Jerry R. Beggs attended the public schools of
Plainfield, Minnesota, until fifteen years of age,
after which he spent much time on farms, devot-
ing his attention to the purcliase and sale of pota-
toes. At intervals he continued his education by
attending diflferent schools. Five years ago he
came to St. Paul from North Branch. Minnesota,
and the firm of J. R. Beggs & Company was
formed with L. Starks as a partner. They con-
J. R. BEGGS
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAl'L.
785
duct an extensive wholesale business as buyers
and shippers of potatoes, with offices in the Man-
hattan building, making this city their headquar-
ters. They also have, however, many offices
throughout the country where they are repre-
sented by agents for the purchase and storage of
the vegetable which they handle. They ship many
hundred carloads of potatoes annually and are
conducting a wholesale business which in its ram-
ifying branches extends throughout the United
States and Europe, the yearly sales having reached
a very extensive figure.
In June, igoo, Mr. Beggs was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lulu Worth, of St. Croix Falls,
Wisconsin, and they now have a daughter, Hazel,
four years of age. Mr. Beggs is identified with
the IMasonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias
fraternity. He is a member of the Commercial
Club and also of the republican club, the latter
indicating his political allegiance. Although still
a young man, he has built up an enormous busi-
ness. When we trace the career of those wdioni
the world acknowledges as successful and of those
who stand highest in public esteem, we find that
in almost every case the}- are those who have
risen gradually by their own efforts, their dili-
gence and perseverance. These qualities are nn-
dotibtedly possessed in a large measure by the
gentleman wdiose name introduces this sketch, and
added to these is a devotion to principle that may
well be termed the kevnote of his character.
FRANK FUNK.
Frank Fiuik. deceased, was one of the pioneer
business men of St. Paul and owned the first
lumberyard in the city. Here he engaged in busi-
ness during the greater part of his life, having
located here about 1853. He was then a young
man of thirty years, having been born in Ger-
many in 1823. His parents lived .-md died in the
fatherland.
Frank Funk attended the common schools of
his native country but his educational privileges
were somewdiat limited as he was only a boy
when he began to learn the trade of cabinet-
making. He followed that pursuit in his native
country until twenty-four years of age, when,
with a brother he came to America, settling first
in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his
trade for a number of years. He then came by
boat to St. Paul, finding here a small town, con-
taining only a few houses and a limited popula-
tion. Fie built a home and a shop on what is
now Oak street near Smith avenue and worked
at his trade of cabinet-making for a few years,
but noting the signs of the times and believing
that the city was to enjoy a period of rapid
growth he abandoned his trade and entered the
lumber business, establishing a retail lumber-
yard on what is now Eagle street. His business
soon increased and for many years he controlled
the principal lumber trade in St. Paul, the vol-
ume of his trade growing as the vears passed by
until it had assmued extensive and profitable
proportions.
^^'hile residing in Cincinnati Mr. Innik was
married to Miss Mary Spahr, also a native of
Germany, and a daughter of Louis and Mary
Spahr, both of whom w'cre natives of Germany,
whence they came to America at an early day.
Mr. Spahr purchased a farm near Cincinnati,
where he engaged in general agricultural pur-
suits until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Funk be-
came the parents of nine children, of whom seven
are now living. Frank, a retired business man
of St. Paul, who married .-Vnnie Schriel and re-
sides at No. 206 Goodrich avenue on a part of
the old l-'unk homestead. Louisa is the wife of
Edward Ide, who is living retired in St. Paul.
Katherine and Anna make their home with their
mother. Rose is the wife of Joseph R. Weber,
of San Francisco, California. Emma is the wife
of Anthony Friedmann, of St. Paul, who is en-
gaged in the meat business at No. 423 Wabasha
street. Mary is the wife of F. J. Tilney, also en-
gaged in the meat liusiness in this city. Those
deceased are: John, who died at the age of fif-
teen years: and Charles, at the age <'f thirty-two
years.
After continuing in the lumber Inisiness here
for many years ]\Ir. l"nnk sold his business and
removed to St. Cloud. Minnesota, where he pur-
chased a brewerv. which he conducted success-
-86
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
fullv for eight j'ears, when, on account of fail-
uiiX health he sold out his business there and re-
turned to St. Paul, where he lived retired until
his death, on the 20th of January, 1891. In poli-
tics he was a stanch republican and he and his
wife were members of the Assumption German
Catholic chinxh. The Funk family is one of the
oldest and most prominent of St. Paul and Mel-
choir Funk, a brother of Frank Funk, owned
wliat is still known as the I'unk brewery but is
now deceased. Mr. Funk of this review was
very successful both in the conduct of his brew-
ery in St. Cloud and of his lumber business in
St. Paul. His widow and two daughters own
a nice home at No. 278 Goodrich avenue and in
addition to this property Airs. Funk has other
real estate in the same locality. She is a mem-
ber of the Territorial Pioneer Society of St.
Paul and is well known in the city where for
manv vears she has made her home.
ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY.
St. Joseph's Academy, which is now located in
the very heart of the best residence portion of
the city of St. Paul, dates its existence back to
the little vestry of the first church — the log build-
ing to which the city is indebted for its name.
On the 3d of November, 185 1, there arrived in
the village of St. Paul four sisters of the Order
of St. Joseph and on the loth of the same month
there was opened the first Catholic school in
Minnesota. Its register recorded the names of
ten pupils, six of whom are living today: Lnd-
mille Auge (Sister Mary Columba), Elizabeth
Cox (Mrs. E. L. Hannegan). Mary T. Mchegan
(Mrs. J. J. Hiin, Margaret Lystelle (Mrs. C.
E. Poirier). Emily ^Mtal and Martha Rice. The
innnber of pupils increased apace and soon the
old church itself, which had transferred its wor-
shipers to the new building on Wabasha and
Sixth streets, was given over to the sisters and
iheir pupils. Prospects grew still brighter and
in the spring of 1852, the foundation of a spe-
cial school building were laid, this in turn giving
place to the picturesque stone buildings which
now compose the Academy, an institution the
oldest and best patronized in the city.
St. Joseph's Academy has striven to keep
pace with the growth of the city of St. Paul,
and thus emphasized the peculiar interest derived
from its early connection with the city. Lighted
by both gas and electricity, heated by steam and
perfectly ventilated, supplied with libraries and
laboratories, the school is provided with every
modern convenience that adds to the happiness,
comfort and education of pupils.
For the past two years the school has been and
will continue to be reserved entirely for day stu-
dents and the numbers who have availed them-
selves of its advantages afford the best illustra-
tion of its success.
The Selby avenue electric cars run close to
the institution on the south and the Rondo street
cars on the north, making the Academy easily
accessible from every portion of the city.
The curriculum provides for a grammar-
school course of study, followed by an academic
or high-school course of four years, thus prepar-
ing its graduates to enter any of the colleges
which receive women. The academy is accred-
ited to the University of Minnesota, which ad-
mits its graduates without further examination.
ANTHONY YOERG.
Anthony Yoerg, who for many years was a
representative of the productive industries of St.
Paul, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 5,
1816, and died July 7, 1896. He became a resi-
dent of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1845, ■*"''
there remained for some time. He had mas-
tered the brewing business in his native country,
receiving a certificate for competency. In Pitts-
burg he worked for a time at the butchering
business, and in 1847 he visited St. Paul. For
two years thereafter he was employed on a
steamer and in 1849 he returned to this city,
where in 1850 he established a brewery at the
upper steainiboat landing. Fie continued actively
in business there until 1871, and though he
started on a small scale his trade steadily in-
PAST AND PRESHXT OF ST. PAUL.
787
creased until it reached large proportions. Re-
moving in 1871 to the present quarters in West
St. Paul, there is now a large stone brewery and
the company has made an excellent reputation
for the quality of its goods, manufacturing the
old-time lager beer. The business has developed
into a large and important industry and is the
pioneer in this line of manufacture in the
northwest.
In 185 1 Anthony Yoerg was married to Miss
Elvina Deitzenger, a native of Pennsylvania,
who came to St. Paul with Governor Ramsey in
1849. Six children were born of this marriage,
and the sketch of Anthony Yoerg, the eldest of
the family, is given below. Elvina is now the
wife of John A. Seeger. of St. Paul. William is
living at AMnthrop, Minnesota. Annie is the wife
of G. Hineman, of St. Paul. Frank, born July
10, 1867, was a public-school student and later
pursued a course of study in the Boston School
of Technology. He also spent four years in an
architect's office, at the end of which time he en-
gaged in the brewing business with his father
and has since continued active in the manage-
ment and control of this enterprise, being now
president of the company. He is also prominent
and influential in public affairs and at thi.'^ writ-
ing, in IQ06, is connected with the assembly. He
belongs to the Elks lodge, to the Fraternal Order
of Eagles, to the Junior Pioneers and to the
Turnverein, and is prominent in social as well
as business circles. Henry is the next member
of the family. Louis E. Yoerg, born March 20.
1874, entered the public schools, in which he
passed through successive grades until he was
graduated from the high school. He then en-
tered the employ of the Bohn ]ilanufacturing
Company, with which he continued as shipping
clerk for a vear, after which he spent six months
with the Gotzian Shoe Company. He then en-
tered the brewing company in 1896, and at the
present writing is secretary and treasurer. He
was married in November, 1900, to Miss Pauline
Hammerbacher, a native of this city. He be-
longs to the Ancient Order of LTnited Workmen,
the Sons of Hermann and to the Turnverein. He
is also connected with the Bavarian Society and
the Mozart, Arion and Concordia Singing Soci-
ety. Like the other members of the family he
occupies a leading position in business circles
and displays keen enterprise and capable man-
agement in the control of his manufacturing
interests.
Anthony Yoerg, the father, was one of the
early pioneer residents of St. Paul, coming to
this city when it was a small town of little com-
mercial or industrial importance. He stood for
progress and improvement and for all that tends
to benefit the city along substantial lines. He
was the first man to brew lager beer in the north-
western country and was the promoter of an en-
terprise which has now grown to extensive and
important proportions. A broad-minded and in-
telligent business man, he had acquired a super-
ior education in his native country and is re-
garded as a citizen of more than average intel-
ligence. By nature he was rather reserved and
therefore took little part in public life.
.AXTFK )XY YOERG, Jr.
.Anthonv Yoerg, Jr.. burn in St. Paul. Minne-
sota, September 7. 1854. began his education in
the public schools at the usual age and when his
course therein was com])leted he spent two years
as a student in the ^linnesota State University.
He then joined his father, Anthony Yoerg. Sr..
in the brewing business and the connection con-
tinued inUil 1893. Later he turned his atten-
tion to his present busincs.s — that of real-estate
dealing, loans and insurance, and he has a large
and important clientage in this lino, his business
having constantly grown until his annual income
is represented by a large figure.
Tn 1 88 1 .\uthony "S'oerg was married to ^liss
Thobauld, a native of St. Paul, and their chil-
dren are: Alfred, who was educated in the
schools of this city and is now connected with
the freight department of the Burlington Rail-
road Company: Martha: Florence, and Luise.
^^'hile well known in connection with his
business interests Mr. Yoerg has perhaps a more
extensive acquaintance by reason of his activity
in political circles and what he has accomplished
788
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
for his fellow townsmen. In 1903 he was elected
to the state legislature. He has also been a mem-
ber of the city council and while acting in that
capacity the important matter of granting fran-
chises to the street electric railway company
came up for consideration and settlement. Mr.
Yoerg took a decided stand in favor of many
progressive measures !in connection therewith.
He contended that the city council should have
the right to determine the time and number of
cars to be run and also that the city should en-
joy a larger percentage of the earnings. He
also contended that the railway should keep and
light the streets which they occupied. At the be-
ginning he stood alone in his fight for these
things and although he did not win all that he
contended for he gained his point with regard
to granting of transfers and also in regard
to a larger percentage of the gross earnings.
During his term in the council the mayor was
frequently absent from the city and owing to this
and the ill-health of the president of the council,
yir. Yoerg, who was vice presid«it, was fre-
quently called upon to act as president and also
as mayor. He was chairman of the committee
on streets during his full term, this being re-
garded as a most important committee during
that administration. He took an important part
in the fight to secure an appropriation of one mil-
lion, five hundred thousand dollars to complete
the state capitol, acting independently in this di-
rection. He is thoroughly recognized as a man
who cannot be coerced in public matters and who
is not influenced by his personal interests.
THE 11A.\(;-LAUP.ACH ROOFIXC &•
CORNICE COMPANY.
The Haag-Laubach Roofing &• Cornice Com-
pany is the style of one of the leading business en-
terprises of St. Paul. The company are manufac-
turers of roofing, cornice, breeching, smoke stacks
steel ceilings, gutters and conductors and are con-
ducting business at 28-34 Third street. The com-
pany was organized in the spring of 1902 as a
partnership between Joseph Haag and J. .\. Lau-
bach and employment is now furnished to from
twenty-five to seventy-five men according to the
season and conditions of trade. They occupy a
floor space of about eleven thousand square feet.
-About one-half of the business is local, that is,
confined to the city, while the remainder is se-
cured through contracts elsewhere in Minnesota
and adjoining states. From its establishment the
company has enjoyed a constantly growing suc-
cess and the partners are both actively engaged
in the management of the business, giving per-
sonal attention to all details. Their patronage
has steadily increased and both men are practical
mechanics, thoroughly understanding the trade
in every department and keeping in touch with
the advancement that is made in this line of
business.
JOHN P. (VCOXXOR.
John P. O'Connor, private secretary to .Arch-
bishop John Ireland, was born Julv 4, 1852, at
Bally Brood House in County Limerick, Ireland.
A few months later the family removed to North
Kerry and the son John acquired his educa-
tion in national and private schools of that local-
ity. In early life he followed his father's pro-
fession of civil engineering and in 1871, when a
young man of nineteen years, came to the United
States. He spent one year at \'illanova College
near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in 1878
went to South America with a railroad construc-
tion party, working up the ^ladeira river, a
branch of the Amazon. The year 1879 witnessed
his arival in Minnesota. He was married Jan-
uary 12. 1881, and since that time has been [)r\-
vate secretary to .Archbishop Jclm Ireland, resid-
ing at ]\Ierriam Park, St. Paul. In this capacity
he has acted as secretary of the Catholic Coloni-
zation Bureau and is doing excellent wcirk along
that line.
He married Miss Olive Robinson, a daughter
of Eli Ro1)inson, of Hastings, JMinnesota, a prom-
inent attorney of St Paul in an early day. Mrs.
O'Connor was born in Wisconsin and was reared
in Hastings. They have four sons and a daugh-
ter: Robert Joseph, a civil engineer on the Great
JOHX P. O'CONNOR
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
791
Northern Railroad; Harry F., connected with
the advertising; department of the St. Paul News ;
Olive, at home, and John and \'inccnt, who are
also under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr, O'Connor is a liberal
democrat and a protectionist. Socially he is con-
nected with the Knio-hts of Columbia. He has a
nice home at Merriam Park and is a .a^entleman
of social, cordial nature. He and his family are
well known socially and the hospitalitv of manv
of the best homes of the locality is freely ac-
corded them, Mr. O'Connor has met with fair
success in his business career and is a self-made
man, owing his advancement entirely to his per-
sonal efforts.
ED.MUND W, BAZILLE,
The most valuable contribution that could be
made to the literature of the early period of St,
Paul would be in the form of an intimate chroni-
cle of the lives and accomplishments of the first
families in the settlement — the actual first fam-
ilies, not those who claim place sociallv as among
the first to be considered. And such a chronicle
should be not only a passing contribution to the
literature of a time that teemed with suggestions
of a life so remotely distinct from the life of St,
Paul today that it can scarcely be conceived, but
it should be in the form of a literary monument
to the men and women — the pioneer fathers and
mothers — whose simple virtues and rugged lives
made St. Paul possible. Those first families of
St. Paul— the Ferrets, the Guerins, the Ger-
vaises, the Turpins, Alousseaus, Rondos. Bel-
lands and others — lived very close to nature.
Transplanted originally from the old world to
Canada — some of them to the settlements along
the St. Lawrence, others to the far northwest —
their wants had been reduced in proportion to
the opportunity for supplying them. Battling
with incredible hardships, with grimness tem-
pered by a natural insouciance that never left
them so long as they had to fight onlv with na-
ture in her various moods, they preserved the
cardinal virtues in their isolation from the temp-
tations of civilization and were still so well sup-
plied with those virtues when their Arcadie was
invaded by scheming and struggling Americans
from the out-world, that they, for many years,
leavened the unwholesome lump of the undigest-
ed community which gathered about their little
temple on the banks of the Mississippi at St,
Paul, Thrifty with a thrift born of limited re-
sources, they could not reckon with the thrift
of the Yankee when he came to be neighbor to
them. They welcomed the first comers from
down the river with open hands, and — alas for
human nature ! — they did not find out until it was
too late that the trivialties which went to make
up life and its needs for them made but an insig-
nificant item in the schemes of the newcomers.
They had come easily by many broad acres and
it was much more comfortable to have a neigh-
bor close at hand than to be alone, even if it was
necessary to part with some of their acres to in-
duce that neighbor to live nearby. And some of
the bargains that were driven with the first own-
ers of the soil of St, Paul were rather more cred-
itable to the venders than to the purchasers. The
men who came to make a city at the head of nav-
igation on the ^lississippi were empire builders
in the rough. They were invaders and, simply
by the operation of a natural law, they pushed
out the original owners of the soil with as little
compunction as they would have felt if they had
been warlike invaders instead of mere traders.
It was natural enough that the simple people of
the first settlement should be pushed back by the
more aggressive men who came after them, but
it is remarkable that those first families and their
numerous progeny should have so slight a mate-
rial foot-hold in the ownership of St, Paul as
they have today. It is to be hoped that some day
a son of this clean, simple people will do justice
to the memories of his forbears and tell the story
of the first families, their coming and going, in
that sympathetic spirit which would be required
for treatment of the subject. Naturally this duty
might well fall to the grandson of the man who
might have disputed with Pig's Eye Parraiit the
distinction of being the first settler on the site of
St. Paul. This grandson of Abraham Perry
(Perrct), Judge Edmund \\'. Bazille, of the pro-
79^
PAST AND I'RESEXT ol- ST. PAUL.
bate court of Ramsey county, demonstrates in his
own person the capacities for development of the
Pilgrim Fathers of the upper Mississippi. That
spirit which sustained old .\braham Perry in his
migration from Switzerland to the Selkirk settle-
ment on the Red river of the North by way of
Hudson bay; which helped him to essay the
frightful journey through the nntracked wilder-
ness from the Red river to Fort Snelling, lives
todav in scores of his descendants — the children
and grandchildren of his six blooming daugh-
ters— and it has been given to Judge Bazille, the
son of Annie Jane Perry and Charles P>azille, to
attain to high place in the community in the
founding of which the family of his sturdy old
grandfather had so prominent a place. Judge
Bazille is qualified by natural endowments, by a
symjjathetic knowledge of the lives and person-
alities of those .Acadian people, and by educa-
tional equipment, to write the chronicle of the
very first settlers at St. Paul and it would seem
that he is designed for a task that should be per-
formed while there is yet time.
Judge Bazille is a fine type of the evolution of
the early settler. There is nothing in his career
to indicate any loss of time in bewailing the fact
that if his father had not been so open-handed in
enriching the city and state by the bestowal of
his property upon the public body, he — the judge
— might have succeeded to a princely inherit-
ance. .A.S is related elsewhere, Charles Bazille,
the father of the present judge, came to St. Paul
first in i<S43. and became a resident in 1844. He
jnit u]> the first frame building in the city and
constructed the first mill within the city limits.
He bought a part of the claim of \^etal Guerin,
Iving .along Wabasha street, running flown to
Cedar and including the old capitol site. The
elder Bazille came from Nicollet, Ouel)ec, and
in 1845 he married Annie Jane Perry, at Men-
ilota. He was closely identified with the earliest
development of the city and gave away a great
many lots and blocks for the sole purpose of
promoting the growth of the place. The site of
tlic old capitol he donated to the territory of
Minnesota with the nnrlerstanding that il slimild
always be used for capitol jnirposes. Whether
this jjurpose was set forth explicitly in the deed
or not does not interfere with the moral obliga-
tion of the state to hold it for that purpose only ;
for the condition was clearly enough understood
when the property was accepted, though techni-
cal objection has recently been made to the res-
toration of the property to the heirs of the open-
handed donor. Charles Bazille profited not all
by the great riches ultimately represented by his
property for he had given it away to promote
the welfare of the whole city or sold it in small
parcels to actual settlers before it attained to any-
thing like the millions in value that it stands for
today.
Born on April 7. 1855, of the daughter of
Abraham Perry and the pioneer contractor of
St. Paul, Edmund W. Bazille has made his own
way in the world to a place that might answer
the ambitions of many men. Fate having ap-
pointed that his patrimony should go to the en-
richment of the city, young Bazille was impelled
to make his own way in the world. He was edu-
cated in the common schools and took a course
at a business college. He read law with Judge
W. D. Cornish and was admitted to the bar; then,
being fitted by inclination and temperament to
public life, he was called to public place. He was
deputv clerk of the district court, chief clerk in
in the abstract office and was elected abstract
clerk of Ramsey county in 1894. His intimate
knowledge of the old families helped him ma-
terially in straightening out and giving form to
the badly mixed records of that office and he
performed a labor of immense value to the prop-
erty owners of the city in systematizing the ab-
stract records. His work in the office was of such
importance that he came to be recognized as a
talented and active man and in i8i;8 he was
elected on the republican ticket to the ]jrobate
bench, .\gain, in this position, his activity, his
intelligent administration of the justice thai deals
with the portion of the widow and llie or])han
and his unswerving probity, brouglit liini hon-
orable consideraliiin .-it the hands of his fellow
citizens and he has three times been re-elected
to the office and always by increasing majorities.
I le li;is (]is])ose(l of legal problems invoh'ing es-
tates valued at millions and his decisions have
almost invariably been sustained by the apiiellate
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
793
court — so oencrall)- indeed that he may be fairly
said not to have been reversed in a material
point — and this in spite of the fact that lie has
not hestitated to temper the law with justice
when there was warrant for it. That he will re-
main on the probate bench until he is called to
a higher place in the judiciary is one of the cer-
tainties with which the uncertainties of politics
cannot interfere. Judge Bazille's active oiTicial
career has not limited his activities in other di-
rections and he is an enterprising and public-
spirited citizen in the general life of the com-
munity in which he has a large personal as well
as an ancestral interest. Pie is the president of
the Junior Pioneers Association and plaved a
conspicious part in originating and promoting
the auditorium project. He was in charge of
the ceremonies incident t(.) the laving of the cor-
nerstone of this monument to the growth of St.
Paul. He is a member of the Elks, the L O.
C). F., the Woodmen of the ^^'(.1rld, the I'nion
Francaisc, and other social organizations and has
been prominent in the Commercial Club for vears.
On February 15, 1882, Judge Bazille was mar-
ried to Miss Clara M. Gravel and has one son,
Arthur, aged twenty-two years. W. B. H.
DAXIEL KELTA\
Daniel Kelley, engaged in the real-estate and
insurance business with offices in the Pioneer
Press Building, came to St. Paul, July 5, 1856,
from Elgin, Illinois. He had formerly been a
resident of New Jersey and was born in central
Ireland in 1839. He was fcrought by his brothers
to America about 1844, the family home
being established in New Jersey near Newark,
where he attended school. There were five
brothers who came to America, the familv num-
bering altogether seven sons. The parents both
died in Ireland. William. Michael and Thomas
Kelly all came to St. Paul in 1856, with their
brother, Daniel Kelly, who was then sixteen
}ears of age, and after residing for some time
in this city they removed farther westward and
all have now ]iassefl awav.
]Mr. Kelly of this review completed his educa-
tion in the high school of St. Paul. His brothers
were contractors and he engaged with them in
the business of furnishing supplies to Indian
posts, owning and utilizing a number of teams
in this business. He continued in that line for
several years when this was still a frontier city
and a supply point from which various supplies
were carried westward to the red men. He
teamed by contract to the various agencies and
settlements as well as dealing directly with the
Indians. The brothers continued together for a
number of years and later engaged in buying and
hauling goods and merchandise from Omaha
and Council Blufifs to Denver — a trip across the
prairies of six hundred and fifty miles. The
business at that time was a -profitable one. as it
preceded the era of railroad transportation and
good rates were secured on freighting. Air.
Kelly of this review made four trips across the
]ilains and then returning to St. Paul retired
from the teaming business. He turned his atten-
tion to the hotel business, in which he continued
for some time and has since devoted his ener-
gies to the real-estate and insurance business, in
which he has secured a good clientage.
Mr. Kelly was married in St. Paul to Miss
Mary Collins, who came from Ireland when
about five years of age with her parents, who re-
moved from Elgin, Illinois, to St. Paul at the
same time the Kelly brothers arrived in this city.
Mrs. Kelly departed this life in 1894. at the
age of fifty-two years. There had been nine
children born of this marriage, eight of whom
are yet living and with one exception all are in
-St. Paul. The family record is as follows : Dr.
William D. Kelly, a practicing physician with
offices in the Lowry Arcade ; Mary Zieta. the
wife of James Manahan : Mrs. Thomas Daggett ;
Daniel, who is married and resides in Kansas
City, MissoiuM. where he is engaged in the land
business : Jennie and Margaret, at home : John
and Paul, druggists of St. Paul ; and Nellie, who
died in infancy.
The family residence is at No. C^~2 Summit
avenue. Politically Mr. Kelly has been an ac-
tive democrat, although he does not consider
himself bmmd by (larly ties and casts an inde-
19A
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
pendent ballot when he so desires. He served
as county commissioner from 1872 until 1878
and is now a member of the board of control of
the city of St. Paul. He belongs to the Terri-
torials— an old settlers' society — ^to the Junior
Pioneers of Ramsey county, the Real Estate Ex-
change and to St. Luke's Catholic church. Hav-
ing for a half century resided in this city, he is
numbered among its early residents, his memory
forming a connecting link between the primitive
past and the progressive present. He was iden-
tified with many of the movements which shaped
the early history of St. Paul and has ever been
the champion of progress and improvement
along lines leading to the material, intellectual,
moral and political development of the city.
EDWARD F. SANDS.
Edward F. Sands, a representative of indus-
trial interests in St. Paul, as vice president and
general manager of the Robinson & Gary Com-
pany, is a native son of Wisconsin, born in Ber-
lin, that state, in November, 1861. He acquired
a public-school education and came to Minnesota
in 1876. and immediately entered the emplov of
the C. N. Nelson Lumber Company at Stillwater.
Minnesota, and after devoting four years to the
lumber business came to St. Paul in 1880, when
he entered the employ of the firm of Robinson &
Cary, which company was established in 1871,
and incorporated as the Robinson & Cary Com-
pany in 1889, dealers in machinery, railway
i.(|uipnient and sui)plics. This company is the only
house of its kind in the northwest. Employment
is furnished to fifty people and business is con-
stantly increasing as the output is shipped to
various parts of the country. FTis long connec-
tion with the house and ready adaptability have
gained him thorough familiarity with trade in
every detail and his careful management, keen
discrimination and sound business judgment con-
stitute salient features in the capable control of
the house and the prosperity which attends it.
Mr. Sands was married in 1889 to Miss Kath-
arine Dindorf, of St. Paul and thev have three
children. He is identified with various fraternal
and social organizations, including the !Minne-
sota Club, the Commercial Club, Elks lodge, Xo.
59 Northern Railway Club and Northwesacrn
Railway Club. A genial manner, appreciation
for the amenities of life and a kindly generous
spirit have made him popular in these organiza-
tions, while in business circles he is recognized
as a man of great alertness and enterprise who
masters intricate business problems with ease and
facility.
OTTO PEARSON.
Otto Pearson, proprietor of a market at No.
937 Payne avenue, was born in Sweden, Septem-
ber 15, 1870, and of that country his parents,
Nels and Anna Pearson, were also natives. The
family numljered eleven children. Otto Pearson
being the eighth in order of birth, while seven
are yet living. One brother, Henry, was engaged
in the conduct of a meat market in connection
with our subject until 1905, when the partnership
was dissolved. The others living in St. Paul are
Andrew, Pete and Ellen, while John is a resident
of Spokane, Washington.
Otto Pearson acquired his education in the pub-
lic schools of his native town and in his youth
was employed in a dairy. He came to the United
States when seventeen years of age, accompanied
by his brother Henry and they located in St.
Paul. Mr. Pearson was first employed at work
on the streets and also did farm and carpenter
work. He established a meat market in T894
and iu' 1905 came to*his present lociition, the
building having been purchased by his brother
Henry. He has an excellent market, supplied
with all modern equipments and conveniences, and
the establishment is tlioroughly up to date. He
spent one thousand dollars in repairs and im-
provements and today has one of the best mar-
kets in his section of the city, the location being
^0- 937 Payne avenue. Here he enjoys a large
trade, the business growing continually until the
patronage now firings him in a very gratifying
income.
( ) r'l( ) I'HARSUN
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
7'J."
On the 20th of September, igoo, Mr. Pearson
was united in marriage to Miss Anna Torin, a
native of Sweden and a daughter of Xels Torin.
Mr. Pearson is a charter member of Montgomery
lodge, A. F. & A. ^L, and is also connected with
the Modern Woodmen of America and with the
Swedish Brothers. He is a man of fine physique,
is popular in his locality and stands as a repre-
sentative of a high type of perfect manhood. His
onl}- capital on coming to this country was his
physical and intellectual activity, but with those
forces he has worked his way steadily upward
and is now a prosperous merchant, progressing
steadily in a profitable business career.
GEORGE ^^^\TSON \\'OMACK.
George \\'atson Womack, engaged in handling
city real-estate, farm lands, timber lands and
mineral lands, has won success in business
through his persistent effort and careful man-
agement, and is today one of the substantial resi-
dents of St. Paul. He was born in Prince Ed-
ward county, Virginia, June 12, 185 1. His fa-
ther, James Watson Womack, was a native of
Mrginia, where he owned and operated a plan-
tation and his ancestors were also planters of the
Old Dominion. The family which is directly de-
scended from Lawrence Womack, bishop of Suf-
folk and St. Davids, England, whose father was
a half brother of the Duke of .\lbemarle, was
established in ^^irginia when that state was still
numljered among the early colonial possessions
of Great Britain, and the name has ever figured
prominently and honorably there in connection
with business affairs and in public life.
James Watson \\'omack was married in \'ir-
ginia to Miss Julia Ann Scott in 1849, '^ repre-
sentative of an old Scotch family long settled
in A'irginia. In both the paternal and maternal
lines Mr. \^'omack comes of an ancestry honorable
and distinguished and is fortunate in that his
lines of life have been cast in harmony there-
with. He is also descended from Revolutionary
stock, for the valor and lovaltv of his ancestors
were manifest in the long and sanguinary strug-
gle that resulted in the achievement of .\merican
independence.
George ^^'atson Womack, reared on his father's
plantation, acquired his education in the private
school in his native county. In early manhood
he entered general merchandising in Farmville,
Mrginia, and in later years he was connected
with railroad interests under General Mahone in
various capacities on the Atlantic, Mississippi
and Ohio Railroad, and from there moved to
Winston, North Carolina, where he engaged in
the manufacturing of tobacco. But in the north-
west business interests were rapidly developing
and furnishng an almost limitless field of suc-
cessful endeavor. These conditions drew !Mr. Wo-
mack to St. Paul, where he arrived on the 22d
day of .\pril, 1878. and established a grocery
business, in which he continued for several years.
Through high business principles and persistent
effort he has won success, and while retaining
his love and pride for his native state, he con-
siders Minnesota second to no state in the Union.
On the 15th day of May, 1872, Mr. Womack
was united in marriage to Miss Pattie C. Scott,
of FariTiville, Virginia, a daughter of George Os-
borne Scott, a close connection of General Win-
field Scott. Twelve living children have been
born of this marriage, nine of whom are yet liv-
ing, as follows: George Watson Womack. Jr..
Rosser Edwards, Frank H.,\'irginius, Cornelius
J., Julia Ann, Lillian Pearl, lone and Weldon.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Womack have every reason to be
proud of their sons, who though yet young men,
are occupying responsible positions in business
circles. They are members of the Masonic fra-
ternity and are popular and active in social as
well as business circles.
]\Ir. Womack's family are members and pa-
trons of the Methodist church. He gives his po-
litical allegiance to the democracy and is inter-
ested in all that pertains to municipal progress
and improvement. He is held in uniform re-
spect and regard by all who know him. His na-
ture is kindly, his temperament jovial and genial
and his manner courteous. He is a most com-
panionable gentleman, and moreover possesses the
strength of character and industry that have
7y8
I'AST AND I'RESExMT OF ST. PAUL.
bi\)iight forth every spark of talent witli which
nature has gifted him. and made him a man not
only of many friendships but of much force and
strensjth in business life.
PERCY DOWXIXG GODFREY.
Percy Downing Godfrey, attorney-at-la\v of
St. Paul, practicing as a member of the firm of
Godfrey & Molander, was born at Hampton,
New Hampshire, T\Iarch 12, 1871, and is a son
of Jacob T. and Nettie H. (Downing) Godfrey,
also of the old Granite state. His public-school
training was supplemented by study in a high
school and the Hampton Academy. Fie was
graduated with the class of 1887, and was also
chosen class poet. The following year he came
to St. Paul and entered upon the study of law
in the ofifice and under the direction of Judge A.
C. Hickman, while later he supplemented his
preliminary reading by further study in the law
department of the University of Minnesota, from
which he was graduated with the degree of Bach-
elor of Law in the class of 1892, when but
twenty-one years of age. He received his diplo-
ma from the supreme court in the state board of
examiners and the same day, I\Iarch 12, 1892 —
the twenty-first anniversary of his birth — en-
tered into partnership with Arthur G. Otis, A
review of his professional career shows that it
has been a successful one, in which he has given
undivided attention to his law practice. To this
end he has steadily refused political preferment.
His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial
and he fears not that laborious attention to de-
tail which is as necessary in professional as in
commercial life. The real work of the lawyer
is done in his office and nut in the courtroom, as
i- supposed l)y many, and .Mr. (ludfrrv is -inr
who is ever careful, painstaking and tlninuigh in
the preparation of his cases, so that before court
or jury he presents his cause with force and log-
ic, being seldom at error in a matter of judg-
ment or in the application of legal principles to
the points in litigation. Upon the dissolution of
the firm of Otis & Godfrey, the present firm of
(Todfrey & Molander was formed and is today
regarded as one of the strong law firms of the
city with a clientage of distinctively representa-
tive character.
Mr. Godfrey served for several years as com-
missioner of the LTnited States court of claims of
St. Paul. \\'hile he has steadily refused ofiice
outside of the line of his profession he has never-
theless been active in support of the republican
party and is a most eft'ective campaign speaker
whose services are constantly in demand. He
brings to the consideration of political questions
the same analytical power, discrimination and
logical argument that characterize his law prac-
tice and presents his subject with a clearness that
cannot fail to leave a strong impress upon the
minds of his auditors.
Air. Godfrey was married, June 30, 1892, to
JNIiss ]\Iinnie R, Lawton. of St. Paul, and thev
have two children, Otis Hickman and Gladys
Elizabeth. He belongs to the Knights of P\1;hias
lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the ^Masonic fraternity and is prominent and in-
fluential in these organizations. He is a Congre-
gationalist in his religious faith and is secretarv
of the board of trustees of Dethanv church.
CHARLES A. OBERG.
Charles Adolph Oberg, attorney at law, born in
Sweden June 9, 1877, a son of John .\nton Oberg,
has lived in St, Paul since 1882, He pursued a
general education in the public schools of this city
supplemented by evening courses at a business
college and a law school. He was employed by
The London and North-West American Mort-
gage Company, Limited, from 1892 until 1903,
first as office help and finally as cashier and chief
clerk. He was graduated from the St, Paul Co\-
lege of Law and admitted to practice in 1903,
shortly thereafter opening up an office here. He
is also actively identified with the St. Paul Title
and Trust Company as its secretary and treasurer.
In T905 ]\Tr. Oberg married Miss Ida l\Iay Skon,
a daughter of Andrew Skon. Mr. Oberg is a
CHARLES A. OJJKRL,
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
8oi
member of a number of business, social and fra-
ternal organizations. A repuljlican in politics, yet
independent within the party, especially in re-
spect to municipal affairs and the judiciary in
particular, and a worker in the cause of good gov-
ernment, he takes an active interest in public
questions, but has never sought political honors
nor aspired to public office for himself, concen-
trating his energies upon business and profes-
sional interests, which fully occupy his time and
demand his best endeavors and consideration.
HENRY W. SHADLE.
Henry W. Shadle. sales agent for the Jones
& Adams Company, St. Paul and Minneapolis,
and the Pittsburgh Coal Company, St. Paul, has
been connected with this line of business in St.
Paul for twenty-three years. He came to the
capital city as a young man of twenty-three years
in 1883. His birth occurred in Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, February 25, i860. His parents
were Samuel T. and Rachel S. (Phillips) Sha-
dle. both of whom were natives of Williamsport,
the father following the occupation of farming
as a life work. He died in 1892, at St. Paul
Park, Minnesota, and was survived for ten years
by his wife. Of their family of six children,
three are now living. The parents removed
from Pennsylvania to Fredericksburg. Virginia,
when Henry W. Shadle was ten years of age.
and there in the public schools he acquired his
elementary education. He was afterwards grad-
uated from the Fredericksburg Military Insti-
tute and left school when a young man of nine-
teen years, at which time he entered upon active
business life as a dealer in shoes and hats, under
the firm style of Hunter & Shadle. In April,
1883, he sold his interest to his partner and came
to St. Paul, arriving on the first day of May.
He immediately became connected with the coal
trade in the employ of the firm of Smith & Lewis.
He has since been identified with the purchase
and sale of fuel in the northwest. In 1888 Smith
& Lewis sold out to the Pioneer Fuel Company,
wholesale and retail dealers, for whom Mr. Sha-
dle became general salesman, remaining with
that company until 1890, when he organized The
Shadle & Acker Coal Company, of which he was
president. In the following year, however, this
company sold out to the C. G. Lewis Coal Com-
pany, Air. Shadle returning to the Pioneer Fuel
Company as general manager, remaining there-
with until 1894, when he accepted a position with
the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, when they
opened their offices in the northwest. His posi-
tion as sales agent for this company, covering a
period of five years, enlarged his scope of in-
formation in the wholesale marketing of anthra-
cite coal in the northwest territory. In 1899, the
Jones & Adams Company, an Illinois corpora-
tion, established northwestern offices in St. Paul
with docks located at Duluth. Superior, Ashland
and Manitowoc, securing the services of Jvlr.
Shadle as general northwestern agent. In 1905
the docks, mines and business of this company
were purchased by the Pittsburgh Coal Com-
pany, of Pennsylvania, Mr. Shadle remaining
with the company in charge of the local business
in the Twin Cities, and as sales agent in the
wholesale business of the Pittsburgh Coal Com-
pany. Few men have a more thorough or inti-
mate knowledge of the coal trade in the north-
west, for he has been continuously connected
therewith for twenty-three years and has kept v.:
touch with changing business conditions and all
departments bearing upon the fuel trade. The
two firms he represents conduct a very extensive
retail business in coal, coke and wood in the
Twin Cities, and with the very large facilities
in the way of mines in Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Illinois, and docks at all lake ports on the Great
Lakes, the Pittsburgh Coal Company is in a
position to market a vast quantity of coal. The
offices of the Jones & Adams Company are lo-
cated at Fifth and Minnesota streets, St. Paul,
and No. 408 First Avenue. Sotith Minneapolis.
Mr. Shadle was initiated in Fredericksburg
lodge. No. 4, A. F. & .\. M.. in 1881. the lodge
in which George Washington became a Mason.
He is a member of St. Paul council. No. 656.
Royal Arcanum, and is a member of the Com-
mercial Club, St. Paul, which he aided in organ-
izing. He likewise belongs to the L^nited Com-
802
I'AST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
niercial Travelers, being identified with Saintly
city council. No. 50, and a member of the exec-
utive committee of this Association. He is also
a member of the Business League of St. Paul
and Minnesota Shippers' Association, assistant
secretary of the St. Paul Retailers' Association,
treasurer of the United Commercial Travelers'
Death Benefit Fund Association, and baronel of
the Order KoKoal.
Air. Shadle was married July 16, 1890, to
Miss Margaret L. Smith, of Hutchinson, Minne-
sota. She is a native of St. Paul and a daughter
of the late Alilton H. Smith. They have two
children. Henry M. and Margaret M., aged re-
spectively fourteen and eleven years, both attend-
ing the public school in St. Paul. The son is a
member of the surplice choir of St. John's Epis-
copal church. Mr. Shadle is a supporter of de-
mocracy. He takes a very active and helpful
interest in all matters pertaining to general prog-
ress, and his labors have been far-reaching and
beneficial in their effect. His co-operation has
been a valued factor in many progressive move-
ments for the benefit of St. Paul, serving as a
member and doing very active work on the com-
mittee which did splendid work in raising funds
by public subscription for the new Auditorium,
which is now being built. It is a magnificent
structure. He is a genial, jovial gentleman, who
has a host of warm friends, the number being
almost co-extensive with the number of his
acquaintances.
BENJAMIN F. FERRISS.
Benjamin F. Ferriss, for sixteen years manager
of the Astoria Hotel, was born near New Milford,
Connecticut, in 1S45. His father, Constantine
Ferriss, also a native of that state, was a farmer
by occupation. He married Miss Rachael North-
rop, likewise a native of Connecticut and she, too.
has now passed away. Lender the parental roof
Benjamin F. Ferriss spent his boyhood davs, ac-
fiuiring his education in the public schools of
New Milford. He was trained to farm labor and
after putting aside his text-books devoted several
years to general agricultural pursuits in Con-
necticut, but the west with its growing opportu-
nities and developing advantages attracted him
and the year 1863 witnessed his arrival in St.
Paul. He remained, however, at that place for
only a brief period and went from this city to Win-
nipeg, where he was engaged in freighting. In
1866 he returned to St. Paul and for fifteen years
was manager of the Sherman House, one of the
prominent hotels of the city. For one year he was
manager of the Central House before going to
the Sherman House and on the expiration of that
period assumed the management of the Astoria
Hotel, of which he has now had charge for six-
teen years. There is in every city a hotel of this
character, one which, long established, has ever
maintained a reputation for the efficiency of its
service, the comfort afforded its guests and the
substantial quality of the establishment. In these
ways the .\storia is widely known and is regarded
as headquarters for many of the "old timers,"
who have visited St. Paul for many years and
who feel more at home at the Astoria than in
any of the newer hotels of the city. Such a repu-
tation could not be sustained if the hotel was
I'ot conducted in the most commendable manner,
ably attending to the wants and wishes of its
patrons. It is splendidly located at No. 372 Wa-
basha street, one of the principal business thor-.
oughfares of St. Paul and contains seventy-five
fine rooms which are well furnished, many en
suite with bath and all modern conveniences. It
is a transient hotel conducted on the European
plan, with fine restaurant and bar in connection.
Mr. Ferriss is an old ex]">crienccd hotel manager
and very popular with the traveling public, doing
all in his power for the comfort of his guests.
He was united in marriage with Aliss Marv
Booth, of New Milford, Connecticut. He is a
member of the Modern Samaritans and of the
House of Hope Presbyterian church, while his
l)olitical allegiance is given to the republican
]iarty. He has never dissipalcil his energies over
various fields of busint'ss. but has concentrated
his force upon one line with the result that suc-
cess has attended him and during a Ions: resi-
i!. R FERRISS
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
80:
dence in St. Paul he has gained a wide acquaint-
ance, while through the nature of his business
his friends are found throughout the entire
country.
DILLON O'BRIEN.
Dillon O'Brien, whose life was permeated by
the lofty purpose of aiding his fellowmen, espe-
cially those who claim Ireland as the land of their
nativity or ancestry, left at his death a memory
which has been cherished by all with whom he
came in contact and who came under the influence
of his noble ideals and effective labor. He was
born at Kilmore, county Roscommon, Ireland,
on the 1st of July, 1817, and acquired his early
education under a private tutor, while his colle-
giate course was pursued at Clowgowes, Ireland.
In early manhood he wedded JNIiss Elizabeth
Kelly, the marriage being celebrated in 1839 and
in 1857, with his wife and four children, he came
to America and took charge of the government
school at LaPointe, on Madaline Island, in Lake
Superior, where he remained until 1863. That
year witnessed his arrival in Minnesota. He
settled in St. Anthony and in 1865 became a resi-
dent of St. Paul, where he made his home until
his life's labors were ended. Here his attention
was directed to the improvement of the moral
and social conditions of his countrymen. He
had long been a student of social and economic
problems and he became imbued with the spirit
of helpfulness, his interests centering in his ef-
forts to aid his fellow countrymen. Study of
existing conditions led him to the conclusion that
two things were needed for the benefit of the
sons of Ireland — temperance and immigration
from the large eastern cities to western farms.
By precept and example he was a teacher of tem-
perance, being a total abstainer himself and doing
all in his power to influence others to follow the
same course. His labor was not without its re-
ward. He was not denied the full harvest nor the
aftermath and many there are who have reason
to bless him for his guidance of their footsteps
into paths of manly virtues and civic usefulness.
Of broad scholarly attainments, his literary abil-
ity found expression in a number of writings, in-
cluding a volume called "The Dalys of Dalys-
town," which is a story of an Irish family, dis-
playing keen insight into character and also
the marks of literary genius. His published
works also include "Dead Broke," "Widow Mel-
ville's Boarding House" and "Frank Blake." Mr.
O'Brien was for many years the editor of the
Northwestern Chronicle and was a frequent cc«i-
tributor to the daily papers of St. Paul. His
reading and investigation compassed a wide fund
of information and research and his conclusions
were logical. He had the power of assimilating
what he read and he adapted his knowledge to
present needs and conditions. In his work he
was a practical reformer and an idealist. He
had ever before him a high standard which many
would think it impossible to reach and yet he
utilized the every-day conditions of life in prac-
tical manner to work up to this ideal. He him-
self said that he "found a little of the angel in
every man," and it was undoubtedly his broad
humaritarian spirit and his deep personal inter-
est in others that made his work so helpful. He
came into close touch with those whom he de-
sired to benefit, took a personal interest in their
lives and in all the detail of experience which
forms the daily existence of the individual. He
adapted the means to the end secured and knew
no such word as fail in his efforts to assist a
fellowman. He was gifted by nature with that
quality which for want of a better term has been
called personal magnetism. An eloquent and
forcible speaker, he had the power of influencing
through his utterances and he was known as a
genial and witty conversationalist. His abilities
would have attracted attention in any profession
and at all times won for him the friendship of the
cultured and the intellectual. He did not desire
personal prominence, however, because of his
gifts nor did he desire the acquirement of wealth
for its own sake. He wished for a liberal finan-
cial resourse simply for the good that he might do
with it. Cant and hypocrisy were utterly foreign
to his nature, his life seeming the embodiment of
sincerity and truth at all times. He possessed
8o6
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
moreover tact in haiulliiii;' those with whom he
came in contact and he had the faculty of draw-
ing men to him in ties of warm and enduring
friendship.
On the 12th of Ajiril, 1882, while conversing
with Archbishop Ireland. Air. O'Brien was sud-
denly stricken with neuralgia of the heart. The
funeral services conducted by the archbishop were
impressive in the extreme and perhaps there is
no better estimate of the character of Dillon
O'Brien than Archbishoph Ireland's words : "He
was a classic picture of a Christian gentleman,
whose place in Minnesota will never be filled."
The influence of his life cannot be estimated, for
"our echoes roll from soul to soul and grow for-
ever and forever," but the seeds of truth and
righteousness which he ]3lanted have already
borne rich fruit and he finds his best monument
in the lives of those who have been benefited by
his labors. Surely a fitting epitaph for Dillon
O'Brien would be the words of the philan-
thropist who said, "Write mc as one who loved
his fellowmen."
FRANK W. WILCOX.
Frank W. Wilcox, who is engaged in business
in St. Paul as a member of the Robinson & Wil-
cox Land Company, their specialty being farm
lands, was born in Lesueur county, Alinnesota,
September 18, 1861, a son of Calvin and Sarah
J. (Randall) Wilcox, the former a native of Erie
county, New York, and the latter of Indiana.
They came to Minnesota in 185 1, taking up a
claim in Lesueur county, where Mr. Wilcox de-
voted his time and energies to general agricult-
ural pursuits until his death, which occurred in
i8c;i, when he was fifty-nine years of age. His
widow still survives him and is now living in St.
Peter, Minnesota. Of their family of twelve chil-
dren seven yet survive.
I'"rank \\'. Wilcox, the third in order of birth,
acquired his education in the common schools,
spending his boyhood u])on the farm, where he
early l)ecame familiar with the duties and labors
that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When
tvventy-.seven years of age he left the home farm
and went to St. Peter, where he learned the bar-
ber's trade, which he followed for fifteen years.
In the spring of iyo2 he came to St. Paul, where
he has since engaged in the land business, making
a specialty of farm lands not only in Minnesota
but also in western C'anada. He has informed
himself thoroughly concerning property values,
has broad and intimate knowledge of well located
property and has secured a good clientage in car-
rying on his business dtiring the four years of
his residence in St. Paul.
Mr. Wilcox was married January i. 1883, to
Miss Mary Norton, of Wisconsin. He belongs to
the Knights of Pythias fraternity in St. Peter and
to the Woodmen of the World. Starting out in
life empty-handed, he has worked his way upward
through close application, laudable ambition and
strong purpose, and has attained a creditable place
in business circles in the capital city.
JOSEPH STRONGE.
In a review of the life record of Joseph Stronge
one is forcibly reminded of the utterance of Sum-
ner that "peace hath its victories more renowned
than war." In the contests with competition and
with the usual dii^culties that impede the prog-
ress of anv man who attempts to establish and
conduct a new business enterprise, Mr. Stronge
has won notable successes and his career may
indeed be termed a victorious one, as he has suc-
ceeded in inaugurating a new commercial enter-
prise in the northwest in founding his present
wholesale iiiilliner\- establishment in St. Paul.
From a humble ])osition in the business world
he has steadily worked his way upward until he
ranks with the leading mercliants of the north-
west, and moreover his has been a record which
any man might be proud to possess. No matter
how much one may indulge in fantastic theoriz-
ing as to the causation of success in the light of
sober investigation it will he found to result from
diligence and perseverance, which qualities are
salient characteristics in the life of the gentle-
man whose name introduces this review and
added to this is a devotion to principle that none
FRAiXK W . WILCOX
PAST AND PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
809
question. It is this which commands the conti-
dence and respect so universally given him in
trade circles and which has secured for him the
prosperity which he is now enjoying. The busi-
ness is now conducted under the name of the
Stronge & Warner Company and covers a wide
area.
Its founder and promoter, Joseph Stronge, is
a native of Ireland, born on the 6th of August,
1863. He was educated in the national schools
and in the early days followed farming. He came
to the United States in 1882, a young man of
nineteen years, without capital, but possessed
of inherent force of character, strong determina-
tion and laudable ambition. He was variously
employed in Albany. New York, and in 1883
went to Toronto, Ontario, where he engaged in
the milling business. After three years he re-
moved to Montreal, Ontario, and a year later,
1887, came to St. Paul, where he entered busi-
ness life as a traveling salesman for the Oppen-
heimer Company, which he represented for four
and a half years. While with this firm he opened
a millinery business in Rochester, Minnesota,
which he still conducts. He noted the opportu-
nity and took advantage of it and since then has
constantly enlarged the scope of his activities.
The new enterprise proved successful and en-
abled him to extend his efiforts into still broader
fields. Heretofore the merchants of St. Paul
and this section of the country had purchased
milinery goods in Chicago but the establishment
of' a wholesale millinery house in St. Paul by
Mr. Stronge brought the trade to this city. In
1 89 1 he opened a large wholesale establishment
and at the same time still continued his business
in Rochester. During the first year the sales
at St. Paul amounted to less than ten thousand
dollars, but Mr. Stronge and those he associated
with him in business constantly watched for op-
portunities for extending the trade and made it
worth while to the merchants in their line to
give them their patronage. The business was
coiducted under the name of the Stronge
Millinery Company until January, 190 1, when
the Stronge & Warner Company was or-
gahized. William S. Vent, Frank Lightner and
Lawrence Jefferson being associated with Mr.
39
Stronge in the conduct of the enterprise. Gradu-
ally the business has increased from year to year
until the annual sales now reach a million dollars
and the output of the house is sent from Illinois
to the Pacific coast, as far south as Kansas and
also to northwest Canada. The store is located
in St. Paul, with factories at Nos. 61, 63 and 65
Seventh street, while the wholesale and retail
stores occupy seven floors at from 67 to y^ Sev-
enth street. The output of this house in manu-
factured flowers exceeds that of any other whole-
sale house in the LTnited States and in addition
to flowers they manufacture straw goods, felt
hats, frames and caps and have attained wonder-,
ful perfection in the manufacturing department.
Theirs is the largest wholesale business in St.
Paul, exceeding that of any other enterprise in
any line, employment being furnished to froin
three hundred to seven hundred people. Five
years ago there was nothing in the line of milli-
nery manufacture in St. Paul and today the
product of the house is sent throughout the great
west and the reputation of the firm has become
known in a far less space of time than that of
any other house in the United States : and inves-
tigation into the results and their causation leads
one to the belief that straightforward dealing
contains the real secret of their prosperity com-
bined with the fact that their manufactured prod-
ucts are equal, if not superior, to those hatidled
by any wholesale millinery house in the country.
In January, 1891, Mr. Stronge was married
to Miss Louise Williams, a daughter of George
Williams, of Toronto. Ontario, and they have
one child, Sidney Raymond. Mr. Stronge votes
an independent local ticket, but where national
issues are involved, affecting the policy of the
country and its weal or woe, he is a stanch advo-
cate of republican principles. He is a believer
in the income tax, realizing its value as a pro-
tection to American industries. The spirit of
American progress finds exemplification in his
life and St. Paul has benefited thereby. He is
an active and helpful member of all the local
business and commercial clubs and organizations
of a like character in St. Paul and. looking be-
yond the exigencies of the moment to the possi-
bilities of the future, he has labored so as to
8io
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ST. PAUL.
])roduce results that have been of direct and im-
mediate serVicableness and will continue as bene-
ficial factors in the city's development and up-
building for years to come. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in St. John's
Episcopal church and while controlling extensive
business interests he neglects not the holier and
higher duties of life, nor has he ever allowed the
acquirement of wealth to dwarf his finer sensi-
bilities or to thwart his generous ambition. It
is the enterprise and character of the citizen that
enrich and ennoble the commonwealth and the life
record of Joseph Stronge is an honor to his
adopted city and state, wherein he is honored by
reason of his successful accomplishment and the
methods of its attainment.
INDEX
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL
Chapter One.
Dealing with Tradition and
Proceeding to Recorded
Fact. — 1660-183S 7
Chapter Two.
The Humble Beginnings of St.
Paul.— 183S-1S40 IS
Chapter Three.
The Gospel is Brought in — The
Battle of Kaposia. — 1841-
1S43 30
Chapter Four.
In Which Whites Become Nu-
merous — Organization Im-
pends — 1843-1847 40
Chapter Five.
Shows the End ot Stagnation
and Brings Assurance of a
Future.— 1847-1849 51
Chajiter Six.
Showing How Alexander Ram-
sey Took Possession of His
Capital — The Boom Starts. —
1849-1850 61
Chapter Seven.
In Which Whiles and Reds
Shed Blood on the Streets. —
1S51-1S54 74
Chapter Eight.
Sets Forth the Organization of
the City of St. Paul and the
State of Minnesota. — 1854-
1860 S3
Chapter Nine.
The Civil War Period and St.
Paul's Part in the Conflict —
The Sioux Outbreak —ISGl-
1865 p-;
Chapter Ten.
Being a Chronicle of Events
from the Close of the War
to the Boom of the Eighties.
— 186C-1S88 99
Chapter Eleven.
Continuing the Chronological
Record of Events to the Pres-
ent Day. — 1889-1900 104
Chapter Twelve.
Which Embraces the History
of the Municii)al Body and a
List of Its Officers from the
Beginning. — 1850-1906 Ill
Chapter Thirteen.
Deals with the Development
of the Police System and
Fire Department.— 1840-1906. 129
Chapter Fourteen.
Tells the Story of the Water
Supply and How it Was Ob-
tained— The Parks — And a
History of St. Paul Real Es-
tate 137
Chapter Fifteen.
The Building of the Railroads
— Developments in Transpor-
tation from the Voyageur's
Canoe to the Iron Horse —
Commerce and Manufac-
tures.— 1823-1906 146
Chapter Sixteen.
How the Capital was Retained
at St. Paul Through Much
Warfare — A History and De-
scription of the New Capi-
tol.—1846-1906 159
Chapter Seventeen.
The Minnesota Historical Soci-
ety (By Warren Upham)... 169
Chapter Eighteen.
The Churches of St. Paul—
Their Beginning With the
Chapel of St. Paul and Their
Magnificent Growth — To-
gether with Something of the
School System.— 1841-1906. . 178
Chapter Nineteen.
Treats of the Newspaper Press
— Its Beginnings and Evolu-
tion.—1849-1906 188
Chapter Twenty.
The Citizen Soldiery of St.
Paul — Organization of the
Militia— The Volunteers in
the Spanish War — Fort Snell-
ing in Peace and War 193
Chapter Twenty-One.
Concludes the Chronicle with
a Statement of the Means
l)y which St. Paul Became
the Healthiest City in the
World— Dr. Oha.ge and the
Public Baths— Vital Statis-
tics 200
INDEX
1 ; 1 () ( i R A 1 M I 1 C A I -
Page.
Page.
Page.
.Mien. Alvaren 488
Allen, H. G 244
Allie, D. J., Sr 465
Althen, William F 601
Airustrong. J. D 307
Averill, J. T 250
Baker, W. H 352
Balcome, Dr. F. E 547
Bannon & Company 60S
Bantz, Mathias 709
Barta, Ferdinand 627
Barton, Humphre.v 499
Bazille, E. W 791
Beckman. M. A 690
Beggs, J. R 782
Behnke, A. F 372
Bement, R. B. C 661
Bsnder, F. W 409
Benham, C. M 415
Bentz, H. C 402
Berkey, Peter 484
Bettingen, C. A 459
Boenisch, B. W 426
Boeringer, W. E 531
Bowman. Theophilus 445
Bremer, Otto 725
Brooks, Dr. Dwight F 263
Brown. Charles 466
Bryan, P. C 336
Huschmann, Phillip 513
Buschmann, W. E 329
Caramack, E. C 430
Cannon, Dr. CM 348
Carlson, C. E 341
Carrington, R. A 639
Cary, D. P 674
Cary, S. M 552
Catlin, F. M 490
Chaiinian, F. A 523
Chapman, H. H 637
Chinnock, Renville 331
C'hristofferson, Arthur 388
Clark, C. W 562
Clark. D. M 585
Clark, Greenlsaf 770
Clark, Kenneth 215
Clark, R. R 772
Clarkson, Worrell 754
Clement. Henry 398
Coates, John .1 403
Cobb. Dr. S. G 382
Cole, Haydn S 618
Collins, H. L 307
Collins. William 629
Cooper. J. W 351
Corbett. C. E 257
Couchois. Magloire 563
Cox, Benedict A 296
Coykendall, H. G 554
Craig, Daniel 469
Cram, Charles 386
Crooks, John S 499
Crowley, Philip 478
Cummings, Samuel 676
Gushing, Luther S 518
Cuteheon, F. R 569
Czapski. B. B 401
Dahlman, Aron 265
Dale, John 667
Danneberg, C. E 655
Danz, Frank, Jr 627
Danz, Jacob 2d 644
Darling, C. M 721
Davison, H. W 347
Dean, M. L 355
Dean, W. B 581
Dean. W. J 492
Dearth, Elmer H 268
De Haas, Frederick 529
Distel, Libere 261
Dobner, L. J 403
Donnelly. S. J 410
Doran, Frank B 300
Doran, Dr. G. M 262
Doran, Michael, Jr 730
Drake, Ellas F 225
Drsher, Otto 375
Duffey, James H 332
Dunn. W. W 656
Dunnavan, G. H 697
Dunning, Dr. A. W 583
Durment, E. S 524
Drew, A. Z 568
Eagan, John 315
Earl, Dr. R. 0 416
Edgerton. A. J 438
Edwards, W. C 532
Edwards, W. R 618
Eggleston, R. D 668
Eisenmenger, Louis 60S
Ellerbee. F. H 722
Elles, Joseph 738
Emerson, C. C 676
Engfpiist. .lobn 324
Ermatinger. J. J 640
Ertz, C. J 718
Espy, John 772
Evans, W. C 288
Fairchild. H. S 220
Fairclough, G. H 653
Farnsworth, S. A 387
Farwell, H. B 574
Fenwick. John 302
Ferriss, B. F 802
Figge. William 671
Filiatrault. U H 333
Finch. Dudley B 761
Fischer, Albert 424
Fisher, M. H 345
Fitzgerald, M. W 335
Fleming, C. A 363
Flower, Mark D 228
Fobes, W. H 596
Foley. D. E 262
Folscm, S. P 239
Foot. Jesse 444
Foot, S. B 222
Forest, Mortimer 624
Foster, Harrison G
Foster. Dr. X. W 430
Foulke, William 646
Fowler, John E 419
Friend, Charlss 271
Friend, Charles, Jr 272
Frv, Dr. Christian 553
Fry, W. W 757
Fuller, H. B 257
Funk, Frank 785
Gaver, John W 622
Geery, W. B 467
Gibbons, F. W 415
Gilbert, Philip 316
Gille, H. J 353
Gilnian, J, M 258
Godfrey, P. D 798
Gould, E. P 442
Grant, G. J 733
Graupman, F. L 423
Graves, .\. L 251
Greene, Dr. C. L 621
Greenman. J. E 323
Gregg, Jesse A 517
Gregory. Jo?l E 420
Gribble, Edwin 423
Griggs, C. M 357
Griggs, F. H 334
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Griggs, T. W 634
Grode, John S 541
Gruenhagen, E. D 717
Grunow, Hanns E 7311
Giiiterman, L. A 36(J
Gutgesell, C. J 293
Haag, Joseph 74.5
Haag, Laubach Co 78.S
Haas, H. G 675
Haas, J. L 602
Hackett, C. W 5S9
Hackney, J. M 309
Hacknev, L. S 564
Haggai-fl, D. A 392
Hamm, William 659
Hardv. John C 737
Harris, Philip S 639
Hart, Charles A 531
Haslett, A. D 662
Hays, G. S 2S7
Heatley, J. B 264
ilebl, Frank J 325
Heck, Mathias 652
Heffron, P. R 251
Henks, Henry C 465
Henninger. Theodore 758
Henrv, F. H 722
Henry. Gilbert. 607
Henry, Joseph C 510
Henton. Cvriis R 545
Hesselgrave, Dr. S. S 492
Hickev, James R 39S
Hill, James J 215
Hinrichs, Ferdinand 586
Hirschman. A 734
Hodgkinson, Dr. J. G 710
Hodgson. Edward J 570
Hoffmann, L. G 665
Holcombe, B. R 401
Holnian, Oscar E 300
Hongh. .T. S 482
How, Jared 689
Hubbard, L. F 448
Hnnt, William F 329
Hurd, Dr. W. J 294
Hutchings, H. E 326
Hvde, Edward 503
Hyland, John D 437
Ireland, John 721
Jacobs, W. K 493
Jaggard. Edwin A 21S
Jansen. Frank 489
Jenkins, H. L 503
.lohnson. Dr. J. S 341
Judson. E. H 681
.lung. P. M 272
Justus, P. C 623
Kahlert. George P 766
Kalscheuer, John 671
Keller, Herbert P 595
Kelly, Daniel 793
Kelly, Dr. W. D 729
Kerst, Peter M 584
Ketchum, F. D 388
King, Frank J 407
Kipp, Orrin 746
Kirk, R. A 780
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Kittson, Norman 632
Kobvlinski, C, M 633
Koch, Fritz 284
Koch. John 51d
Koehler, G. W: 677
Kohlman, Louis 346
Krahmer, E. G 573
Krieger, Allan C 757
Krieger, Louis 435
Kueffner, Otto 256
Kuhlo, Arnold 263
Kunz, John 750
Lang, H. W 381
Lang, Henry D 42.5
Lankester, Dr. Howard 493
Larpenteur, A. L 472
Larson, Charles E 519
Latta, B. F 393
Laubach, J. A 391
Lawrence, C. G 520
Ledv, B. A 742
Lee,' L. J 364
Lef 3bvre, J. M 622
Leibrock, C. M 516
Lemon, Walter T 293
Leonard, John J 500
Leue, Gustave 310
Lindahl, Alexander 309
Lendeke, A. W 494
Lizee, R. J 379
Ludden, .John D 212
Lytle, George L 540
McAfee, H. J 274
McCaskey, G. W 256
McDermott, T. J 470
McDermott, Thomas 365
McGhee, F. L 632
McKee, M. E 416
McMillan, J. T 649
McMurran, W. T 351
McXair, H. C 563
Maclaren, C. D 592
Macnider, J. M 741
Madeira, B. E 645
Magee, George W 494
Maguire, James 508
Mahler, Charles F 650
Mannheimer Brothers 469
Maron, P. A 518
Martin, Henry 530
Matheis, W. E 376
Maxfield, L. H 354
Mead, Warren H 252
Memnier, Louis 326
Michael, James C 4RS
Michaud, Achille 422
:Michaud, Adolph E 592
Michaud, D. H 333
Miller, Dr. A. W 725
Minn. Mutual Life Ins. Co 614
Mitchell, E. C 524
Mitchell, J. H 444
Mitsch, Lorenz 652
Molander. S. B 356
Molin, John 380
Moore, A. P 685
Moore, A. R 491
Moore. C. A 348
Morgan, M. R 454
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Moriarty, M. J 734
Muench, Emil C 477
Miilrooney, J. E 602
Murphy, E. J 267
Mustard, W. A 386
Negaard, O. H 742
.Nelson, Charles 279
Nelson, J. P 413
Newman, L. B 295
.Nussbaumer, Frederick 432
Nyberg, Charles E 311
Oberg, Dr. A. T 422
Oberg, C. A 798
O'Brien, Dillon 805
O'Brien, John J 379
O'Brien, P. F 650
O'Brien, Thomas D 285
O'Connor, Jeremiah 380
O'Connor, John J 753
O'Connor, John P 788
O'Connor, R. T 579
Odons, S. N 596
Ogden, James K 339
Ohage, Dr. Justus 538
Olivier, J. B 685
O'Neill. O. H 697
Oiipenheim, Ansel .> 597
O'Shaughnessy, 1. A 575
Orr, Grier M 414
Osgood, B. S 548
Painter, S. T 409
Parker, F. M 682
Parker, H. W 526
Parker, Judson 342
Pattee, Joseph 0 340
Patton, W. J 425
Pearson, L. S 279
Pearson, Otto 794
Peil, M, W 705
Perkins, W. L., Jr 365
Petsch, C. H 637
Phillips, H. W 420
Pierce. S. F 335
Pike, Frederic A 447
Pitts, Thomas H 249
Post, .L L 301
Powers, Winn 603
Price, A. A 769
Printon, T. .A 713
Rasmussen, Walter 273
Rathgeb, George 633
Ream, Edward L 718
Regan, James J 709
Reese. D. F 293
R?gelsberger, Peter 431
Reifler, Gustav 706
Rich, William T 729
Ries, A. J 299
Ringwald, Charles 371
Robertson, O. A 280
Robinson, C. W 686
Rogers, Edward G 290
Rogers, John, Jr 277
Ro.gers, Joseph A 674
Romer, F. J 643
Romer, F. J. & Son 629
Rose, Isidor 443
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Roseu. A. T 69S
Rosenquist. K. M 694
Rossum, Rudolph 771
Russell, Stevens G 392
Ryan. E. J 437
Ryan, John A 576
Rynda, John 617
Samson, C. C 336
Sands, E. F 794
Sauer, Caspar 516
Scannell, P. D 278
Schadle, Di-. J. E 666
Schiffmann, Dr. Rudolph 604
Schmidt, C. B 614
Schmidt, Dr. E. T 312
Schmidt. Jacob 765
Schnabel. L. H 596
Schoch, Andrew 266
Schoch, William F 399
Schollert, Peter 701
Schriber, B. H 2S6
Schroeder, E. C 400
Schroeder Brothers 446
Schurmeier, E. J 559
Schurmeier, G. T 542
Schweizer. L. C 651
Selb. John F 601
Seng. Robert H 317
Severance, C. A 654
Sexton, Patrick 308
Shadle, H. W 801
Sheehan, T. J 630
Sheehy, T. W 358
Shepard, Frank P 369
Shepley, E. L 536
Sherwood. G. W 394
Silver, Alexander 453
Sime, Thomas E 576
Sleppy, W. J 267
Sloan. Samuel G 317
Smith, J. C 714
Smith, J. W 472
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Smith. Robert A 233
Smith, S. G 557
Somers, Charles W 323
Soucheray, J. A 584
Spanganberg, Albert 397
Spates. S. P 477
St. Joseph's Academy 786
Staley. Dr. J. C 513
Steinmueller, Hugo 445
Stern, Dr| G. M 762
Stevens, F. C 265
Stierle, Adolph 702
Stone, Herman A 285
Stougaard, Julius 508
Stra|)p, J. J 733
Strickland, Doolittle Co 283
Strom, Eric P 705
Strong, Freeman P 749
Strong, Joseph 806
Sturgis, S. D 205
Sullwold, J. L 483
Sutmar, L. H 606
Swanson, A. S 404
Swanstrom, A. P 779
Taylor, llatthew 429
Thompson. Charles
Tibbs. Gsorge M 318
Towle, P. J , 288
Trask. James E 523
TiirnbuU. D. B 238
Turnbull. J. W 238
Ulmer, W. H 421
ITpham, C. C. 471
XTpham, Warren 547
Vanden Bosch, Alphonse 607
Vander Bie, J. C 678
Vanderwarker. S. W 402
Van Vleck, Henry 675
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Von der Weyer, Henry 447
Wagner, Peter A 352
Wallace, Dr. James 673
W'allblom, Charles 536
\\ allmark, Volmer 377
Walther, W. C 491
Warner, R. P 713
Warner, Reuben 460
Warren, A. H 410
Watkins, V. M 55S
Way, A. E 458
Webb, E. A 693
Weide, C. A. B 243
Weinhagen, Charles & Co 436
Weiss, Hans 682
Welz. F. R 234
Westfall, W. P 467
Whaley, Henry E 745
Whaley, Samuel 378
Wheeler, R. B 400
Whitaker, J. L 782
Whitcomb, C. E 370
White. W. G 628
Whitney. George G 378
Williee, Engelbert 644
Wilcox. Frank W 806
Wilkinson, John 372
Wilkinson, R. A 638
Williams, Dr. S. E 546
Williams, W. 0 726
Willis. John W 330
Withy. Robert E 701
Woniack, G. W 797
Wood. William H 289
Woolfolk. R. H 558
Wright, B. F 504
Yoerg. Anthony 786
Yoerg, Anthony, Jr 787
Young, E. A., Jr 749
Zenzius, Conrad C 407
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