USA > Minnesota > St Louis County > Duluth > Duluth and St. Louis County, Minnesota; their story and people; an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development, Volume III > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
Second among them was W. J. Suffel, who grew up and received his education in Canadian schools, and was a factor in the home until he was twenty-seven years of age. He then became an independent mer- chant at Emerson, Manitoba, and left Canada in 1885 to come to Duluth and establish a general store, selling dry goods, boots and shoes. He was soon enjoying a satisfactory trade and continued the general departments of his enterprise until 1902, when he sold out and has since confined him- self exclusively to the shoe business. He is now the oldest shoe dealer in the city, and his business house at 206 West Superior street has for years been known to the best people of Duluth for the high standard of quality and service.
Mr. Suffel is a Republican voter and has long been prominent in the Masonic Order. On December 7, 1876, he married Miss Mary R. Suffel, whose people also came from Canada. At her death she left four chil- dren, Mary R. and George, both deceased, and George E. and William R. Suffel.
986
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
ERNEST PATRUCCO, who came to American soil ten years ago, has shown a remarkable ability in adapting himself to the standard and spirit of American institutions, and since coming to Duluth, which he selected after careful examination of many other cities, has been instrumental in developing a unique and important mutual service organization in the general real estate field.
Ernest Patrucco was born in northern Italy June 22, 1890, and landed at New York in May, 1910, immediately going to Canada, where for a little over a year he was employed by the Anglo-Canadian Tanning Com- pany. He then became teller in a private bank at Toronto, and after about a year was promoted to cashier, and in that position enjoyed the distinction of doubling the business of the previous year. His associa-, tion with progressive financial leaders next secured him a position with the Froster Realty Company, the largest real estate organization in Can- ada. He started at the bottom of the ladder and was willing to prove his efficiency. In a short time he was promoted and promoted again and again, until he became a division manager and handled increasing respon- sibilities with punctuality and integrity. In the meantime he had oppor- tunity to travel over western and northwestern Canada, and continued with the business until the latter part of 1914, when as a result of the war business in general was seriously affected all over Canada.
About that time Mr. Patrucco came to the United States and visited many eastern and central cities, spending three months in Chicago and eventually came to Duluth. He has always been a man of keen observa- tion and of unusual business judgment, and his first, mature and serious impressions convinced him that Duluth was the city in which he should make his permanent home. He was impressed with the general prosper- ity of Duluth, its general health and an atmosphere of contentment and happiness. It seemed to him that the prosperity was the result of wealth, the wealth was due to health and a good, invigorating climate, and that the happiness was derived from both wealth and health. He also took into consideration the geographical location of Duluth with respect to commercial, advantages. Having some knowledge of the real estate profession, he soon opened an office, and in the five years that have elapsed he is more enthusiastic than ever about his home city, and is thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of his choice of this place as his business location and home.
In 1917 Mr. Patrucco in order the better to serve his clients organized and promoted with others a real estate corporation known as the People's Realty and Insurance Association, which now has a membership of about a thousand stockholders. It is an institution organized under a unique co-operative system, endorsed by leading experts, and one that has proved most economical, practical and profitable. It has resulted in a wonderful simplification of business routine, diminished the cost of operation, and at the same time with increased efficiency of service. The company is in fact an organization of a thousand members, both clients and patrons of the institution, and lending strength to its work because each stockholder is an active influence among all his relatives, friends and acquaintances.
MILLARD R. BUSH. A resident of Duluth more than thirty years, Millard R. Bush was distinguished chiefly during his early years by his immediate superiors as a very energetic and useful employe, but for the past five years has taken a wider interest and part in the city's com- mercial life, as president of the well-known grocery house of M. M. Gasser & Company, and since 1920 as a representative of the Fitzsim- mons Palmer Company, wholesale fruit dealers.
987
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Mr. Bush was born at Waupun, Wisconsin, March 1, 1865, a son of Homer D. and Mary (Pattinson) Bush. His father, a native of Massa- chusetts, went to Wisconsin about sixty years ago, was a pioneer in that state, and for many years was engaged in the cigar manufacturing busi- ness. Of his family of four children Millard R. was the second, and he and his sister, Mrs. Henry T. Duer, are the only survivors.
Mr. Bush acquired his early education in the public schools of Fond du Lac and Waupun, Wisconsin, and in 1882, at the age of seventeen, became a grocery clerk at Fond du Lac. During the next five or six years he acquired a rather detailed knowledge of the grocery business, and that experience was his chief recommendation when he came to Duluth in 1888. At that time, more than thirty years ago, he started in as a clerk for the M. M. Gasser Grocery Company. In 1890, when the store was sold to Epling Brothers, he continued with the new firm two years. Following that he was clerk for Henry Foltz until 1900, in which year he engaged in business for himself at Lester Park, where he owned and operated a high class grocery under his own name until 1915.
In 1915 a corporation consisting of Arthur Haskins, Clarence Camp- bell and Millard R. Bush bought the M. M. Gasser Company, retaining the old and honored firm name. This business had been incorporated for twenty-four years, and has long been one of the landmarks in the business section of West Superior street, the house being located at 209- 211. The business record of the firm has been one of steady and sure growth, and during the past five years the volume of sales and business in general has actually doubled. Mr. Bush became president of the corporation, a well deserved honor due his long and faithful service. On April 15, 1920, he sold his interest in the Gasser Company and on June 1, 1920, entered the employ of the Fitzsimmons Palmer Company, wholesale fruits, of Duluth, and is so engaged at the present time.
For about two years, from 1913 to 1915, he was also interested in the Mercantile Company. He is president of the Duluth Retail Grocers' Association, is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Duluth, is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and is a Republican and a member of the Episcopal Church. Away from business his chief recreation is fishing and hunting.
On November 28, 1889, he married Miss Jennie Uren, of English ancestry. She was educated in the public schools of Houghton, Michi- gan, and Duluth, and outside of her home has found such substantial interests as the Red Cross during war times and membership in literary clubs. To their marriage were born four children, all living, Ada, Gladys, Charlie and Maude. Ada, who was born March 16, 1892, after finishing the work of the public schools of Duluth attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1915, for four years was a high school teacher, and in 1919 became Mrs. G. F. Wallis, and they now reside in Texas. Gladys, who was educated in the grade and high schools of Duluth, attended Duluth Business University, and is now a stenographer at 312 Columbia Building, Duluth. The son Charles also had the advantages of the Duluth public schools, spent one year on the fire patrol of the Oliver Iron Mining Company, and for three years past has been a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Duluth. Maude, the youngest of the children, was educated in the gram- mar and high schools of Duluth and is now attending the Duluth Business University.
WILLIAM M. PRINDLE is president of W. M. Prindle & Company, which firm is engaged in the handling of high class properties in Duluth and the placing of first mortgage loans. He is president of Prindle-Jones
-
988
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Company and vice president of Kirby-Griggs Company, which companies operate a large insurance agency, handling all classes of insurance. He is also vice president of the George G. Newton Company of Superior, Wisconsin. which company does a general real estate, mortgage loan and insurance business.
Mr. Prindle was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, September 23, 1861, son of George and Christine (Turner) Prindle. A few years later the family moved to Wilmington, Illinois, where George Prindle was active for many years as a retail merchant, returning later to Kalamazoo, where he died in 1901.
William Prindle attended the public schools in Wilmington, the Monee Academy for Boys and Kalamazoo College. After leaving college he was employed in the operating department of the Chicago & Alton Rail- road in various localities. He left the Chicago & Alton Railroad when an opportunity arose for him to enter the general freight agent's office of the Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company, and was soon advanced to the president's office. This company was later absorbed by the Chi- cago, Santa Fe & California Railroad, now a part of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe system.
In March, 1887, Mr. Prindle came to Duluth and was associated with Mr. Charles H. Clague in the real estate business until 1893. At that time he organized with Mr. E. A. Merrill, then president of the Minne- sota Loan and Trust Company, the firm of W. M. Prindle & Company, which has always been one of the foremost real estate firms of Duluth. Later Mr. Merrill retired from business and there are now associated with Mr. Prindle in this business Mr. George G. Newton, vice president ; O. G. Lachmund, treasurer ; E. M. Dunbar, secretary, and William H. Jones, vice president of Prindle-Jones Company.
There has been a steady development and growth in the business from year to year and it now represents a large and complete organization for the handling of properties, the making of mortgage loans and the writing of insurance. Connected with this office are twenty-five employes.
Mr. Prindle is a Republican, a member of the various civic and social clubs of the city, and has always taken an active interest in the develop- ment of Duluth. He is also a member of the Society of Colonial Wars, the Sons of the Revolution and the Mayflower Society.
January 18, 1888, Mr. Prindle married Mina N. Merrill, of Minne- apolis, daughter of Daniel P. Merrill, of Geneseo, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Prindle have one daughter, Muriel, who married Cornelius A. Wood and now lives at Andover, Massachusetts.
JOSEPH RANDALL, who is chief of the Duluth Fire Department, has been one of the valiant and gallant fire fighters of this northern city from pioneer days, when the equipment was meager, when there were no modern streets and boulevards, and when the buildings were chiefly one and two-story affairs.
Mr. Randall was born May 6, 1864, in Ontario, Canada, and came to the United States in 1883, at the age of nineteen, with his mother and other members of the family. His father had died in Canada in 1882. Of seven sons and five daughters two daughters are still living. Joseph Randall, who acquired his early education in country schools in Canada, found employment in a livery stable soon after coming to Duluth, and later was a driver on one of the old horse cars when municipal transporta- tion was dependent upon the strength of mules or horses to pull the cars along the rails. Not long afterward he began his association with the city fire department as a driver, and in 1889 was appointed a captain, in
989
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
1893 was promoted to assistant chief of the fire fighting forces, and since July, 1909, has been chief of the squadron. Chief Randall is per- haps the only man who can tell from personal experience and knowledge the history of Duluth's fire service through the past thirty or thirty-five years. He is one of the veteran fire fighters of the northwest, has kept the confidence and esteem of citizens and his subordinates, and has given Duluth a splendid service in every respect.
He is affiliated with Lakeside Lodge No. 283 of the Masonic Order, and is a member of the Rotary Club, the order of Elks and in politics votes as a Republican. October 28, 1896, at Duluth, he married Miss May Patterson. They have two children, Margaret E., a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and John J., now a student in high school.
EARL H. MARSHALL is one of the youngest wholesale merchants of Duluth, being treasurer and general manager of the Marshall-Brown Company, wholesale jobbers of cigars, tobaccos and candies at 306 West Michigan street.
Mr. Marshall, who from early boyhood has been identified by actual experience with the candy and tobacco business, was born at Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 20, 1891, fourth among the nine children of W. H. Marshall. His father was a native of Ireland and spent his active career as a farmer. Earl H. Marshall secured his early education at Grand Rapids, and at the age of ten years was selling newspapers on the streets of that city. At fourteen he became a candy-maker's helper in the factory of the Nation Candy Company and two or three years later, in 1908, came to Duluth, and in 1910 entered the cigar business. He was first associated with the Schiller Cigar Company, and later operated retail stores of his own at 312 West Superior street and 500 West Superior street. On October 2, 1919, the Marshall-Brown Com- pany was incorporated, with Mr. Marshall as treasurer and general man- ager, R. J. Whiteside as president, and V. J. Lanigan, secretary. This house has built up a large business as wholesale distributors of cigars, tobacco and candy throughout Duluth and the Iron Range district.
Mr. Marshall is a Republican and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Elks. July 30, 1913, he married Ethel D. Cohagen, and they have two children.
AUGUST J. T. HANFT. A prominent feature of the industrial district of Duluth is the Globe Duluth Iron Works, one of the founders and president of which is August J. T. Hanft, a practical and long experienced machinist, who is qualified both by technical ability and executive capac- ity for the active head of this concern.
Mr. Hanft was born in Michigan November 21, 1881. His father, Ernest Philip Hanft, left his native Germany on account of compulsory military service and came to America in 1862, living for a time at Detroit, but eventually moving to Duluth, where he died in 1884. August J. T. Hanft is the youngest of five children, all of whom are still living. He was educated in the public schools of Duluth, and as a youth was a cattle herder for eight years. Following a three-years' apprenticeship at the trade of machinist he worked as a journeyman for eleven years, and then with his three brothers formed a partnership in the machinery business under the name of the Globe Iron Works at Duluth. The business was incorporated as the Globe Duluth Iron Works in 1918, with Mr. Hanft president, E. W. Hanft, vice president, Michael P. Binane, secretary and treasurer. This company has rapidly extended and expanded, and now at its location at South Thirty-ninth avenue, West, operates three
990
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
large shops, with every modern equipment and device for the handling and manufacture of machinery. They operate the most extensive machin- ery repair business in the city.
Mr. August Hanft has always been regarded as one of Duluth's most public-spirited citizens. He is a member of Palestine Lodge of Masons, is a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner and a Republican. March 19, 1914, he married Miss Signe M. Lindstrom. They have three children : Bar- bara, Mary and Isabelle.
WILLIAM C. SARGENT. Among the strong and influential citizens of Duluth, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, William C. Sargent has exerted a beneficial influence throughout the community where he resides. His chief char- acteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy and honesty of purpose and motive, which have enabled him not only to advance his own interests but also to largely contribute to the material and moral advance- ment of the city and county honored by his citizenship.
William C. Sargent was born December 4, 1859, in Boston, Massa- chusetts, a son of George B. and Mary (Perin) Sargent. George B. Sargent was a native of Boston, where he was reared and spent his early years. In 1836 he went to Davenport, Iowa, and engaged in the mercan- tile business for a number of years, but eventually moved from there to New York city, where he became identified with the banking business. In 1869 he came to Duluth and engaged in the banking business under the name of George B. Sargent & Company, but which was closed out by him at the end of five years. He had banking interests throughout the state of lowa, took an active part in public affairs while there, and was the originator of the Old Settlers' Association. As a contractor he built the first church in Duluth, the Episcopal Church at Second avenue, West, and Second street, and also built the Clark House and the Bay View House. In many ways he was one of the builders of Duluth, having by his efforts contributed in a very definite way to the early growth and substantial foundation of this thriving community. He sustained close relations with the Jay Cooke banking house of Philadelphia, and during the years 1871 and 1872 went abroad three or four times, selling bonds the proceeds from which were to finance the Northern Pacific Railway for this banking company. George B. Sargent was a man of high attain- ments, a discriminating and thoughtful reader and a close observer of men and events. He was an authority on matters of finance, and held a high position in the circles in which he moved.
William C. Sargent is the youngest of the ten children born to his parents, all being deceased excepting Mr. Sargent and a sister, Mrs. F. W. Paine, of 1007 London road, Duluth. After attending the public schools Mr. Sargent was a student in the Shattuck School at Faribault, Minne- sota, and at St. John's School at Manlius, near Syracuse, New York. After completing his studies he went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Duluth as clerk. After three years of service in that capacity he went into business for himself. In 1896 he was elected sheriff of St. Louis County, serving for six years and discharging the duties of the office in an efficient and satisfactory manner. Through the years of his residence here Mr. Sargeant has been deeply interested in large farming enterprises, and at one time opened up a large farm for John G. Williams in Carlton County, Minnesota. He has been connected with big dairy farms in the capacity of superintendent, and is probably one of the most ardent and enthusiastic believers in pure-bred cattle, especially for this
991
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
particular section of the country, where climate and grasses are well adapted for the purpose.
In 1880 Mr. Sargent engaged in the real estate business, and has been a leader in his line almost continually since then, having been iden- tified with the establishment of many of the most popular and successful additions to the city. He laid out Lakeside, London Addition and Lester Park, the latter comprising five divisions, and was associated with the Real Estate Exchange in the laying out of Waverly Park and other divisions. Besides this particular line of work Mr. Sargent has also been identified with a great many other business enterprises in Duluth and elsewhere.
In January, 1887, at Syracuse, New York, he was married to Rhobie L. Peck, a daughter of General John J. Peck, of New York state, who was a graduate of West Point and prominent as a brigadier-general in the Mexican and Civil wars, living to be about sixty-five years old. Mrs. Sargent received a splendid education in Syracuse and studied music for several years abroad. To Mr. and Mrs. Sargent have been born two children. William H., born October 4, 1887, was educated in the public schools of Duluth and is now employed at the Duluth Creamery and Produce Company. Rhobie L., who is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, now holds the position of dietitian in St. Luke's Hospital, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Fraternally Mr. Sargent is a member of the Masonic Order, in which he has attained all the degrees, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Samaritans and the United Order of Foresters, while he also holds membership in the Elks Club, the Commercial Club, the Kitchi Gammi Club and the Boat Club, having been especially active in the last named. He has been successful in business, respected in social life and as a citizen has discharged his duties in a manner becoming a liberal-minded, intelligent citizen of the state where the essential quali- ties of manhood have ever been duly recognized and prized at their true value.
DULUTH NEWS-TRIBUNE. The pioneer journalist of Duluth was Dr. Thomas Foster, who had earned a high reputation as an editor before coming to the Head of the Lakes. He arrived at Duluth and established his plant and on Saturday, April 24, 1869, issued the first paper ever published at Duluth, known as the Minnesotian. Its chief rival was the Superior Tribune, and a wordy and editorial warfare waged between the Minnesotian and the Tribune for several years until it was definitely determined that Duluth was to be the terminal of the first railroad to reach the Head of the Lakes. This question settled and Duluth rapidly forging ahead of Superior, the editor of the Tribune, recognizing defeat, loaded his press, type, paper and other apparatus on a boat and had it ferried across the bay to Duluth. On May 3, 1870, the editor and publisher, Mr. R. C. Mitchell, issued the first number of the Duluth Tribune. It was a weekly until May 15, 1872, when, sig- nalizing the rapid growth of the young city, Mr. Mitchell began the publication of the Daily Tribune, a six column paper with Associated Press dispatches. Shortly afterward began the financial panic of 1873 and following years, during which the Daily Tribune suffered many hardships and struggles. The daily publication ceased and on September 11, 1875, the Minnesotian-Herald came into the field. With renewed business activity and better prospects Editor Mitchell in 1878 bought out the Minnesotian, consolidating it with the Tribune, and for a time the Tribune was the only paper in the city.
992
DULUTH AND ST. LOUIS COUNTY
In 1878 W. S. Woodbridge started the publication of the Weekly Lake Superior News. The Tribune was rapidly growing, increasing in size, and in 1881 the Daily Tribune was re-established and continued by Mr. Mitchell until 1889, when he sold it. In 1892 the Tribune was sold to the News, and that was the beginning of the present title of the News-Tribune. There were several changes of ownership during the nineties until in 1899 the News-Tribune came under the control of Mr. Milie Bunnell and associates, where it remains today. The News- Tribune is not only historically the oldest paper in northern Minnesota but is the chief organization for the collection and dissemination of news, its special correspondents covering all parts of the great tributary territory.
CLEMENT M. TRAMONTIN. Prior to and since the great fire Mr. Tramontin has been one of the leading business men and citizens of Chisholm, is a merchant with a large following of customers and also actively associated with the civic and official life of the village.
He was born at Iron Mountain, Michigan, February 19, 1887. His father, Frank Tramontin, was born in Italy May 1, 1853, and as a youth learned and followed the brickmaking trade. In 1884 he came to the United States and three years later acquired naturalization as an Amer- ican citizen. For twenty years he was employed in the mining district of northern Michigan and northern Minnesota, and was also in the saloon business for six years. He was one of the first practical mining men to visit and begin work in the Tower district of St. Louis County. No rail- roads had been built there, and he had to pack in. He is one of the veterans of the mining district and is now retired. He married in Italy Lucy Francescina, and she followed her husband to the United States after he had been here three years. Of their ten children Clement M. is the fifth.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.