Compendium of history and biography of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota, Part 75

Author: Holcombe, R. I. (Return Ira), 1845-1916; Bingham, William H
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago : H. Taylor & Co.
Number of Pages: 1190

USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > Compendium of history and biography of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota > Part 75

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On Oct. 23, 1890, Mr. Elwood was married to Miss Deda Mealey, of Monticello, a sister of Mrs. R. R. Rand and Mrs. J. O. P. Wheelwright. Her parents settled at Monticello, Minnesota, in the early fifties, when there was but a little tavern at St. Anthony and not a house on the West Side. They both died at Monticello, where the father was a merchant and banker, and where they had full experience in all frontier conditions. They were real pioneers and the last survivors of the first settlers of Monticello. Mrs. Elwood was educated at Rockford College. Illinois. She is still liv- ing. Two children were born of the union: Catherine P., who is a student at Bryn Mawr, class of 1915, and Lester, who is preparing for Yale University at Phillips-Andover Seminary, at Andover, Massachusetts.

WILLIAM HENRY FRUEN.

Among Minneapolis men whose lives have carried important influence in business, political and religious eireles is he whose name heads this sketeh, now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, though his brain is still keen in its activity on all questions of the day.

Mr. Frnen was born at Salisbury. England, July 15, 1845; and served a regular apprenticeship as a machinist. Con-

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HISTORY OF MINNEAPOLIS AND HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ing to the United States in June, 1865, he found employment with the Boston Screw Company, and there learned all the detail of the manufacture of screws and of the making of screw machinery. He made patterns for several new ma- chines and installed them, also becoming a stockholder in the Company. In those years the American Screw Com- pany was buying up the smaller shops and forming a mo- nopoly, the Boston Company being thus absorbed.

In 1870 Mr. Fruen visited St. Paul-had then never heard of Minneapolis-but soon secured a repair and machine shop in the milling district of Minneapolis. The new process of flour manufacture was being introduced; and his skill was sought to make patterns and build new machinery. With the idea of screw manufactory in mind he built twenty-five ma- chines; and, in 1874, built a dam on Bassets Creek near where Western Avenue crosses it and erected a plant where he made 8,000 gross of screws, most of which were sold to T. B. Janney & Co. R. P. Russell and M. J. Mendenhall were original part- ners, but both were so crippled by financial depression that the burden fell wholly upon Fruen, who found it difficult to enlist capital, so that it took some years to get well estab- lished. The American Screw Company had paid 200% divi- dends which were now reduced to zero. Screws which had sold at 90 cents per gross were selling at 19 cents; and, when, in 1878, the American Company sought to buy Fruen's plant, he contracted not to reengage in the manufacture nor to teach others how to make screw machinery. While he had not been able to secure capital, and was at times almost destitute, he had hosts of friends who appreciated his struggle; and, once at least, they filled his buggy with provisions, and thus gave him substantial as well as moral support. After the historic mill explosion, his services were sought to pro- vide means to prevent a recurrence, one being an alarm bell to indicate shortage of flow of grain between the mill stones and stop the machinery before the surfaces would be injured. Speed of machinery also needed regulation and in 1878 he secured patents on a Water Wheel Governor; which, within a year, had replaced all other such devices in Minneapolis; although, to get his first Governor into use he had to give it to one of the mills. His old screw factory was now con- verted into a manufactory of these governors. These ma- chines which automatically regulated the speed of water wheels, regardless of the head of water, were shipped into many foreign countries including England, Japan and Ar- gentine. His industry demanded his attention largely till 1890, and proved a financial success, making him an im- portant factor in business circles. Mr. Fruen is doubtless best known in connection with the supply of spring water to Minneapolis. Fine springs of purest water near his factory began to be utilized about 1882 for this purpose, H. W. Phelps being a partner in the venture. A franchise was asked for to lay mains to bring the water to the heart of the city and to supply users on the route, John T. West and Thomas Lowry being associates. But one dissenting vote opposed, but Mayor Pillsbury vetoed it, the rates asked by Mr. Phelps not being satisfactory even to his own associates. In a second effort Philip Winston was a part- ner; and, still later a third attempt was made, Mr. Winston then being mayor; but not then interested, and who vetoed it. Opposition developed. the papers especially calling the promoters grafters, fakers, etc. In 1885 in company with Phelps they began to deliver water in jugs; and, in a few months Mr. Fruen became sole owner. An ice plant was

added and ever since the business has growu till it has now assumed immense proportions. In 1896 Mr. Fruen retired, his son, Wiu. H. Fruen, becoming the head of the business now known as the Glenwood-Inglewood Company.

The Fruen Cereal Company is another project started by Wm. F. Fruen and H. W. Phelps in 1896, then making the Pettijohn Breakfast Food. Mr. Phelps retired from this plant some years since, Mr. Frueu continuing till this was turned over to his children, the original screw factory being utilized.

Mr. Fruen's house stands on an elevation on the Bank of Bassett's Creek, and here his fertile brain is occupied with history, politics, philosophy. sociology and religion. His ex- perience as a manufacturer made him an ardent free trader, his views appearing in pamphlets, which have had some in- fluence in leading the political thought of agricultured states away from the old protection fetich, his story of the Minne- sota Congressman having had a wide circulation. In re- ligion he is a member of the First Baptist Church; but, in this as in other quatters he is not bound by other's views, but is a free thinker, holding liberal ideas, and being espe- cially opposed to the modern commercialized religion or the adherence to Mosaic law, holding that we live under more advanced conditions. With fullest faith in American insti- tutions the love of country has impelled him at times to break forth in song in praise of Patriotism.

MANLEY L. FOSSEEN.

Recognized as among the foremost members of the upper house of the Minnesota legislature, Hon. Manley L. Fos- seen has come to be looked upon as a leader in constructive legislation. Schooled in the law by virtue of his practice and because of his long service as a member of the law-making body, Senator Fosseen is looked to as an authority among the framers of legislation tending to build for the sociological betterment of mankind. Indeed, it is in this particular phase of law-making that he has won high place, not only among his colleagues of the legislature, but among builders for better conditions of society in other states.

He was educated in the public schools of Minneapolis and in Dixon College, Dixon, Illinois. He was graduated from the Law School of the University of Minnesota in 1895, after a course that was marked by a strong show of ability in consideration of affairs of state. He at once began active practice of his profession, and has since enjoyed an extensive and satisfactory general practice.

Ever an ardent Republican, Senator Fosseen has been found one of the most enthusiastic workers in the party. He has been a delegate to and participant in almost innu- merable party conventions and conferences, and he has been as well a strenuous worker in the committees which have had to do with the campaigns. In 1901 Senator Fosseen was a member of the Hennepin County Republican Central Com- mittee, and one of three in charge of the speakership bureau. His signal ability there won for him the support of a great number of the leaders, to the end that he became a candi- date for and was elected to the lower house of the legis- lature in 1902. representing the Forty-second District, in the session of 1903. Ever since he has served continuously in one or the other of the two houses. He was elected to the state senate in 1906, and has continued in that office, serving

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HISTORY OF MINNEAPOLIS AND HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA

in the sessions of 1907, 1909, 1911, and 1913, as well as in the special session of 1912.

The district which Senator Fosseen represents is a strong labor distriet, and so the senator has been the author of much eonstruetive legislation that would naturally arise from the exhaustive study of labor problems which was prompted by his representing the strongest labor distriet in Minnesota. Thus is he looked up to as the man who made possible through legislation the evening sehools which are a boon to a great number of the working people, ineluding free books and supplies which go with those evening sehools. He is an untiring worker for the betterment of the sehools, and it is he to whom the children who will be the citizens of the future are indebted for the statute which forbids use of basement rooms as sehool rooms.

Senator Fosseen has taken a great interest in the prae- tiee of law, and in the methods of procedure in the courts. His experience has thus taught him of the abuses, and so it eame about that among other laws to his credit there is one which requires foreign insurance companies to try all eases affeeting them in the state courts, instead of taking · them to federal courts in states other than that in which the litigation originates. As a member of the judiciary eom- mittee of the state senate Mr. Fosseen has taken a prominent part in the furthering of legislation. So, too, his research into matters having to do with the labor questions has heen recognized, and he was chairman of the lahor committee in the session of 1909, and a member of a sub-committee of five in 1911 to study the labor question with reference to compensa- tion, hours, ete. The conelusions of this special sub-com- mittee led to the introduction in this and subsequent sessions, of bills pertaining to the matter. These bills, which he helped largely in drawing, embodied the best of labor legislation from other states.

For two years or more following the session of 1911 Sena- tor Fosseen was a member of a joint commission with legislators from Wisconsin, engaged in an endeavor to straighten out disputes of long standing over the boundary lines of Minnesota and Wiseonsin. The summer of 1912 was devoted largely to personal study of the question, and in ob- servation, the committee being assisted by the attorney general from each state. The chief controversy, over the boundary line in St. Louis bay, remained unsettled. But the work of Senator Fosseen is expected to go far toward ending the dispute over the boundary line in Lake Pepin.

Among important pieces of legislation introduced by him in the legislature was the first attempt at regulation of eold storage. He also introduced the first bill providing for polieewomen in Minnesota. The most advanced of the bills providing for sterilization of eriminals and defeetives-a measure strongly urged by criminologists, sociologists, and others as tending to eliminate re-creation of criminal tenden- eies-was introduced hy Senator Fossen. And that he held a high relation in respect to his fitness for direeting and guiding legislation is evidenced in the faet that he was chair- man of the so-called "reception committee" of the senate in the special session of 1912-a session ealled for a specific purpose, which could best be furthered by having the reeep- tion committee pass on all measures introduced. It was a committee which was all-powerful, and its chairman was highly complimented on his direction of its proceedings.

Senator Fosseen is a native of Illinois. He was born in Leland in that state December 10, 1869. His father is Osman

Fosseen, who is now living, retired, in Minneapolis. Mr. Fosseen was married in 1897 to Carrie S. Jorgens of Minne- apolis, and they have two children, Freeman F. and Rolf O. L. Mr. Fosseen is active in social and eivie organizations, and is a director of the Citizens' State hank as well as its counsel.

JACOB F. TOURTELLOTTE, M. D.

A publieation of this nature exereises its most important funetion when it takes eognizanee, through the medium of proper memorial tribute, of the character and achievements of so nohle and distinguished a citizen as the late Dr. Tourtel- lotte, who established his residenee in Minnesota more than forty years ago and whose benignant influence here extended in many directions. He ever stood exponent of the most leal and loyal citizenship and was a gracious, kindly per- sonality whose memory will long be cherished and venerated in the great state in which he long lived and labored to goodly ends. The eareer of Dr. Tourtellotte was one of varied and interesting order, and he gained prestige not only as an able representative of the medical profession but also as a man of affairs. His life was marked by signal purity of purpose and a high sense of stewardship.

. Dr. Jacob Franeis Tourtellotte was born at Thompson, Windham county, Connecticut, on the 26th of December, 1835, and at his beautiful home in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was summoned to the life eternal on the 11th of September, 1912, in the fulness of years and well earned honors. He was a scion of a family that was founded in America in the colonial era of our national history and the lineage is traced baek to sterling French origin. He was one of four brothers, all of whom attained to distinetion in con- nection with the activities and responsibilities of life. Gen. John E. Tourtellotte, one of the brothers was breveted at the close of the war Brigadier General. He gave half of his fortune to his brother, the Doetor. The other brothers were Dr. Augustus and Monroe L.

To the common sehools of his native state Dr. Jacob F. Tourtellotte was indebted for his early educational discipline, which was supplemented by an effective course in a normal or teachers' sehool at Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He proved an able and popular representative of the pedagogic profes- sion when a young man, and in addition to serving as prin- eipal of publie sehools at Dudley and Oxford, Massachusetts, he also taught one year in the publie schools of Ohio. With alert and receptive mind, and high ambition, Dr. Tourtellotte finally entered with characteristie vigor and earnestness upon the work of preparing himself for the exaeting and humane profession whiel he signally dignified and honored by his character and services. He finally entered the College of Physicians & Surgeons in the city of New York, this being now the medieal department of Columbia University, and in this great institution he was graduated in 1861, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His intrinsie loyalty and patriotism fortlıwith came into evidence, as the Civil war had been precipitated upon a divided nation. Immediately after his graduation he tendered his aid in defense of the Union and was assigned to duty as naval surgeon. He gave himself with all of devotion to his responsible duties and continued in active service in the navy department during virtually the entire period of the great conflict through which

J.F, Tourtillotte

Vanuit Amold Yourstellte

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HISTORY OF MINNEAPOLIS AND HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA

the integrity of the nation was perpetuated, his service having been on three different war vessels.

At the close of the war Dr. Tourtellotte continued in the naval service of the government and was assigned to duty as surgeon on the "Nyack," on which vessel he proceeded to Valparaiso, Chili, where he remained stationed for three years. In the meanwhile he became affected with an organic disorder of the heart and the same was emphasized by his marked increase in weight. Under these conditions he found it imperative to resign his position in the naval service, and as soon as possible he rejoined his wife, who had remained in the city of New York. Skilled physicians gave to Dr. Tourtellotte the assurance that his physical condition was such that he could hope to live but a short period if he re- mained in the climate of the eastern states, and accordingly, in the spring of 1870, he came with his wife to Minnesota and established his residence at Winona. His selection of a home in this state having been largely influenced by the fact that one of his brothers was at that time living at LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and had strongly advocated the desirability of this change.

Having at his 'command considerable financial resources, including the $20,000 received as marriage dower by his devoted wife, Dr. Tourtellotte found it possible and expedient to establish himself in the private banking business at Winona, and with this important line of enterprise he con- tinued to be actively and successfully identified for a period of fully twenty years. He showed much discretion and ma- ture judgment as a financier and through his careful and judicious investments in Minnesota real estate he added materially to his already substantial fortune. He likewise made circumspect investigation in the extending of financial loans, and his work in looking up real estate in this line kept him much in the open air, so that his health greatly improved, though he found it necessary throughout the residue of his life to observe the most careful and punctilious habits, with rigid and abstemious diet and constant self-denial in manifold other ways. He thus prolonged his life to a goodly old age, though he had originally been admonished that his tenure of life must be most precarious at all times. His physical condition made it inconsistent for him to follow the work of his profession, but his fine power found other me- diums for useful and worthy action, and he proved one of the world's productive workers, with good will and sympathy for all mankind and with a constant desire to be of service to his fellow men. It stands in evidence of his wisdom and great self-control that he lived for forty years after his retirement from the navy and contrary to the predictions of the best medical authorities. In his operations as a banker the Doctor never suffered loss through loans or investments made by him and never dispossessed any man of a home, his dominating ideal being to do all in his power to aid others, and his trust having thus been inviolable. He was known and honored as one of the leading business men and influential citizens of Winona, to the development and upbuilding of which he contributed in generous measure. There he con- tinued to reside until 1892, when, after the death of her father, Mrs. Tourtellotte manifested a desire to seek a home in a metropolitan center in which could be found broader and more inviting social advantages. After making investi- gations in the city of St. Paul, where they found no residence property which met with their tastes and approval in full, Dr. and Mrs. Tourtellotte came to Minneapolis, where they

were most fortunate in securing the beautiful residence still occupied by the widow. This magnificent home is situated on West 15th street, facing Loring park.

Dr. Tourtellotte passed the gentle twilight of his life, in the loving companionship of the wife of his youth and amid associations that were in every respect ideal. Realizing how precarious was his hold upon life, Dr. Tourtellotte denied himself the many social amentities in which he would other- wise have found satisfaction. At all times Mrs. Tourtellotte subordinated all other interests to thoughtful care and min- istration awarded to her invalid husband during the later years of his life, and mutual sympathy, aspiration and devo- tion characterized their entire wedded life, so that its mem- ories are hallowed to the one who survives and who finds her greatest measure of consolation and compensation in the memories of their long and ideal companionship.

After coming to Minneapolis Dr. Tourtellotte made most judicious investments in central realty, and with the passing of years these properties have become very valuable, the well improved buildings being devoted to stores and offices and thus yielding a substantial income to Mrs. Tourtellotte.

With an intense desire to do something worthy for their childhood home, the attractive little city of Thompson, Con- necticut, Dr. and Mrs. Tourtellotte gave the matter careful and earnest consideration and finally decided to erect as a memorial the handsome high-school building which now graces and honors the town and stands as an enduring monument to their generosity and wisdom. The selection of a site for the new building was made by Mrs. Tourtellotte, as her hus- band was too enfeebled to make the requisite journey to the old home, and popular opinion in Thompson now fully up- holds the wise selection made by Mrs. Tourtellotte, the beautiful building standing upon a commanding elevation and affording a fine view over the attractive valley, as well as a sight of the mills erected and long operated by the father of Mrs. Tourtellotte. The Tourtellotte Memorial High School was completed in 1909 and is a model in architecture and all its provisions for effective service in behalf of popular edu- cation. The children of the mill operatives are here given admirable opportunities to fit themselves for the duties and responsibilities of life and special facilities have been gener- ously provided for heightening appreciation for those things that represent the higher ideals of human existence. The specially unique feature of the building is its memorial room, which is thrown open to the public on the first Sunday of each month and which has proved a strong educational in- fluence, as well as a means of entertainment. In this room are placed many family heirlooms of both the Tourtellotte and Arnold families, of which latter Mrs. Tourtellotte is a representative, besides excellent family portraits and other works of art executed by well known masters. It may be understood, without further details, that these fine specimens of sculpture and painting give to the people of the little New England city many of the advantages of the great art centers and prove a great educational force in the community. The village of Thompson is the place of summer homes for many prominent and influential Boston and New York fam- ilies and it is one of the picturesque and beautiful towns that contribute to the manifold charms of New England, that gracious cradle of much of our national history.

Dr. Tourtellotte was a man of broad and well-fortified opinions and great intellectual vitality. He was modest and retiring by nature, signally free from bigotry and intolerance,

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HISTORY OF MINNEAPOLIS AND HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA

and guided and ordered his life upon the loftiest plane of integrity and honor. He was mindful of those in affliction or distress and his private benevolences were many, but ever rendered with characteristic lack of ostentation, so that he avoided notoriety. One old lady, a youthful friend of his mother, received from his hands for many years a virtual pen- sion, and he considered it a privilege to extend to her this kindly and merited aid. A similar benefice has been given to this gentle and venerable woman by Mrs. Tourtellotte since the death of her honored husband, and one of her valued possessions is a tender and thankful letter written to her by the one whose life, at extreme age, has been illumined and made thankful by the timely and generous aid thus extended. In politics Dr. Tourtellotte gave his allegiance to the Republican party and his religious faith, which dominated him in all the relations of life, was that of the Baptist church. The mortal remains of this honored citizen were laid to rest beside those of his two and only children, in the beautiful Sylvan cemetery at Winona, and he was the last of his immediate family, the name of which he dignified and ennobled by his character and services. Mrs. Tourtellotte has planned and is now executing her gracious design of providing in Minneapolis a worthy and enduring memorial to her husband, and this is to he a home for the deaconess nurses of the M. E. Church. The building will cover half a block of land and will be a model in design and appointments, even as it will prove a generous and noble contribution to the humanitarian influences work- ing in the community. Mrs. Tourtellotte is a woman of most gracious personality and marked culture, with admirable social proclivities, so that she is naturally a loved and valued factor in the representative social activities of her home city, which is endeared to her by the hallowed memories and associations of past years as well as by the pleasing relations of the present time.

On the 26th of June, 1865, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Tourtellotte to Miss Harriet Arnold, who was born at Thompson, Conn., and whose father, William S. Arnold, was a wealthy cotton manufacturer and influential and honored citizen of Connecticut. Mr. Arnold was an ardent abolitionist and contributed freely to the cause. He was a leader in the movement to erect a statue of William Loyd Garrison on Commonwealth avenue, Boston. Mr. Arnold also became iden- tified with enterprises that conserved development and progress in the state of Minnesota, where he was prominently concerned in the building of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, of which his friend Van Horn, the well known railroad man, was at the head, as president of the company. When Mrs. Tourtel- lotte was fifteen years of age she entered a coeducational boarding school at Dudley, Mass., and there she formed the acquaintance of her future husband. Their mutual attraction ripened into a tender and abiding love, and this glorified and idealized their companionship during the long years of their wedded life, their marriage having been solemnized imme- diately after the close of the war. Two children were born to them. Harriet Lucina Mary, died in 1870 aged one year and Francis Harriett, born in 1874, died in 1884. In all that represents the best values of life Mrs. Tourtellotte feels that she has been graciously endowed, and she has shown her appreciation through the medium of kindly thoughts and kindly deeds, so that the later years bear their fruitage in loving friendships and pleasing memories,-the elements which make for compensation and happiness.

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Compendium of history and biography of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota, Part 75

Author: Holcombe, R. I. (Return Ira), 1845-1916; Bingham, William H Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Chicago : H. Taylor & Co. Number of Pages: 1190

Author: Holcombe, R. I. (Return Ira), 1845-1916; Bingham, William H
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago : H. Taylor & Co.
Number of Pages: 1190