History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 101

Author: Warner, George E., 1826?-1917; Foote, C. M. (Charles M.), 1849-1899; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 738

USA > Minnesota > Hennepin County > Minneapolis > History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 101

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A. II. Knowles, a native of England, was born in 1530. He came to the I'nited States in 1854. and lived the first few months in Philadelphia. then spent two months in New York in the steam and gas fitting business. He traveled for ten years through the middle states building gas works, and in 1866 came to this city : since which time he has been in the wholesale and retail liquor business.

Alois Knoblauch, born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, September 21th, 1833. He was educated and learned the shormaking trade in his native com try. In 1564 le cane to America; worked a short time in New York, then removed to Chi-

rago, Illinois, and thence to Fulton county. In 1857 he came here and started a small boot and shoe store : he is now enjoying a thriving busi- ness at 26 First street north, and 125 Washington Avenue south. He was married in 1858 to Ame- lia Stoleman. Their children are: Anthony, Frank, Amelia, Alois, William, Henrietta, George, Charles, Henry. Alexander and a babe.

M. B. Koon, born January 22d, 1841, in Steu- ben county. New York. He moved with his par- ents to Michigan, and received his education at the Hillsdale College. In 1864 he went to Cali- fornia and remained two years, then returned to Michigan. studied law, and in 1867, commenced practice at Hillsdale; in 1870, he was elected pros- eouting attorney of that county, and held the of- fice five years. In 1878 he came to this eity and established the practice of law in company with E. A. Merrill: the firm of Koon and Merrill con- tinned until November, 1879, when Arthur Keith became associated with them, and the firm name is now. Koon. Merrill and Keith. Mr. Koon married Josie Van De Mark in 1873. Their children are Kate and Louise. Residence No. 30 Sixth street south.

John Kraemer, a native of Germany, was born in December. 1827. He emigrated to the United States in 1857. and worked at blacksmithing in Chicago a few months, then came to this city and continued the trade here eighteen years, with the exception of three years in the war. He enlisted August 20. 1862, in the Eighth Minnesota Vol- unteers. His wife was Barbara Roch; their mar- riage occurred August 20, 1852. Mr. Kraemer owns the building which he has occupied for the past five years, No. 227 Central Aveme.

A. C. La Brash. a native of Michigan, was born July 7th. is1. His father, being a black- smith, taught him the trade while yet a boy. In the fall of 1854, he located at Waukegan, Illi- nois, thence to Chicago where he remained four- teen months, then returned to Waukegan, and in 1858, he came to St. Paul, where, with his father, be opened a shop, and for nearly two years re- mained there, then came to St. Anthony. While here. he was employed by others until 1861; he then went to Osseo and opened an establishment of his own. and remained there until the Indian outbreak of 1862. when he returned to this city, and has since remained, doing a general black-

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smithing business on First street north. Ile married Miss Julia Potvin, of Canada, in 1860. They have three sons and one daughter.

II. R. Lamoreaux was born at Areadia, New York. July 23d, 1842. In 1862, he engaged in the eanal business, owning, and having in charge a boat between Buffalo and New York, until 1875, when he came to this eity engaging in lumbering about three years. In October, 1880, he rented and furnished his present billiard hall at 223 First Avenue south. Ile married Mary Smith, of New York. March 3d, 1863. They have two children, Lonis and Mary.

Christian Lamp, a native of Denmark, was born August 24th, 1845. lle passed his youth in his native place, where he learned shoemaking. Ile came to the United States in 1873, and first located at Marquette, Michigan, remaining five years, when he removed to St. Paul. In Septem- ber, 1879, he located at Minneapolis, and with his brother opened a boot and shoe store. He is a member of the Light Infantry band. IIe married Miss Sophia Nelson, of Denmark, in 1868, who has borne him five children, four of whom are living: Walter. Bodil Mary, Christian and Joa- chim

Joachim Lamp, born January 7th, 1855, is a native of Denmark. He learned shoemaking there, came to the United States, in 1876, and has been with his brother sinee. Ile is also a member of the Light Infantry band, playing baritone trombone, and strings.

Freeman P. Lane, of the law firm of Giddings and Lane, is a native of Washington county, Maine, born April 20th, 1853. Ile eame west with his parents in 1862, locating in Minneapolis. Ile began his labors by engaging as a newshoy selling the Press and Pioneer. IIe attended school until 1867, after which he worked in L. L. Stanehfield's mill. at the mouth of Bassett's Creek. In 1868 he was clerk for his father in the grocery business. Ile entered the employ of the Northwestern Telegraph Company as line buikder and repairer in Minnesota and Dakota, and re- mained with them until 1872. During this time, however, he attended school two winters at the Minneapolis Business College. Ile then began reading law with Albee Smith, and in 1873, en- tered the Albany Law School, of New York. Ile was admitted to the bar, at Albany, May 4th,

1874. returned to this city, and, in 1875, formed a partnership with G. W. HTarl, and the next year the present firm of Giddings and Lane was organ- ized, and is conducting a successful business. Mr. Lane was married, in 1875, to Miss Mollie Lauderdale, who has borne him two children: Bessie and Ina.

James S. Lane is a native of New Brunswick, born in 1833. After reaching the age of man- hood, he gave his attention principally to lumber- ing. In 1852, he came to St. Anthony and engaged with the old water power company, and later with 1I. T. Welles. Ile was surveyor general of logs and lumber for three terms. He became a mem- ber of the firm of 1. Butler and Company of No. One Platform mills, now Merriman, Barrows and Company. Ile was married, in 1860, to Miss Anbine Dorman, by whom he has seven children: Verna, Minnie, Lizzie, Mittie, Frank, Emma and Mark. His mother, Mrs. Velma Lane, is a mem- ber of his household, and though seventy-five years of age, is in good health, and has been a resident of this city sinee 1855.

Leonidas M. Lane was born in 1835, at St. Stephens, New Brunswick. At sixteen years of age he entered a saw mill. remaining there until August, 1855, when he came St. Anthony, and entered the mills as sawyer, and remained untit 1861. Ile then enlisted in Company A, First Minnesota Volunteers, for three months. In the fall of 1862 he re-enlisted in Company A. Ninth Minnesota Volunteers. At the battle of Bry- son's cross-roads. he was taken prisoner, and taken to Macon, Georgia; from there to Charles- ton, thenee to Columbia. After an imprison- ment of nine months he reached the Union lines. Ile returned to St. Anthony in March, 1865. Ile has since been in the lumbering business in con- neetion with his brother, J. S. Lane, and is now a member of the firm of Merrinfan, Barrows and Company. Ile married Anna MeLeod in 1869. Their children are, Harry, Eva, Robbie, Roscoe and Leon.

R. B. Langdon was born at New Haven, Ver- mont, in 1826. He received an academic ed- ncation, and began active life as foreman of a construction party on the Rutland and Burling- ton railroad, in 1848. Since then the principal business of his life has been the construction of railroads, having under his superintendence, roads

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HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

in Vermont. Ohio, Indiana. Illinois, Wisconsin. Minnesota. Tennessee and Mississippi. Ile built the water-power canal for the Minneapolis Mill Co .. in 1-66. also erected a number of the import- ant buildings of the city. He had charge of the party who broke the ground for the first railroad in the state. the St. Paul and Pacific railroad. in 1:56. Since 1866 he has been a resident of Min- neapolis. In 1872. R. B. Langdon and Company erected a planing-mill on Third street which they still own. He was state senator for six con- secutive years ending in 1878, and is now vice- president of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Rail- road. He married Sarah Smith in 1859. Their children are: Cavour, Martha, and Caroline.

J. Lange was born June 25th. 1836, in Ger- many. He acquired a knowledge of the mason's trade in his native country, and in 1866 came to the I'nited States and located in New York. Ten years later he removed to Minneapolis, and erected the building on Riverside Avenue. where he is lo- cated, doing a good business in groceries. Hc was married in 1869, to Helen Gerdes, of Ger- many. They are the parents of six children. four of whom are living: Emily, Henry, William, amal Herman.

Louis Laramer is a native of Montreal, Canada, born April 11th, 1537. He removed to Pittsfield. Massachusetts, in 1855, and engaged in the pur- suit of his regular trade, that of harness-making. le came to St. Paul in 1557 : thence to St. An- thony, and to this city in 1865, and has since re- mained here. in business. His present location is 301 Nicollet Avenue, where he has an extensive establishment, employing twenty-eight men. t'n- til 1576, he was working as an employee, and by his energy and strict attention to Imsiness has el- evated himself to his present position. He was mar- ried m 1870. to Miss Alphonsie Davis, of Montreal. who bore him two children. Eugenie and Alfred.

Catl Larson is a native of Norway, and was born January 20th. 1511. He came to America in 1sos, coming to Minnesota and locating in Fillmore county, where he resided four years. en- gaged as a wheat buyer. In 1822 he came to Muuweapons, where he was in the employ of East- man and Boxes for three years. He kept a board- ing house in this city for three years, and in lais. became proprietor of the Victoria Hotel, where le js still. He was married in Norway, to Mar-

tha Baltzerson. in 1866. They have one adopted child. whom they call George Larson.

Eben E. Lawrence, machinist at Anchor mill, was born at Cherryfield. Washington county, Maine. November 7th. 1847. He came to Minne- apolis in April, 1870. and gave his attention to Jumbering until the the spring of 1877. He then engaged in the Pillsbury mill, remaining three years; then to the Anchor mill as machinist. While in the Inmber business he passed several winters in the pineries, occupying positions as chopper and superintendent.

W. 11. Lauderdale was born in Livingston county, New York, August 15th. 1830. Ile ob- tained his education at his native place, in the public schools. At sixteen years of age he com- meneed the tailor's trade, completing it at San- dusky, Ohio. He went to Wooster in 1849, where he remained four years. In the fall of 1857 he came to Minneapolis. Ile took a elaim near Lake Calhoun, on which he lived until 1866, when he invested in another in Brooklyn town- ship, and after remaining one year returned to this city and engaged in the dairy business until 1879. The next year he formed a partnership with Minor Ball, dealing in real estate. They dissolved partnership in 1881, and he began busi- ness under the firm name of Lauderdale and Com- pany, at 11 Washington Avenue north. He was married in 1852 to Mary E. Sloane, who bore him three children : Margaret, Jeanette. Mollie. and Frank. Mrs. Lauderdale died in 1872. ITis see- ond wife was Mrs. Susan Robertson, of Nova Scolia. They have one child, George Hayes.

James W. Lawrence, of the firm of Wilson and Lawrence, was born in New York, August 9th, 1816. He moved with his parents to Syracuse, where, while young. he attended the graded school. In 1857 he accompanied his parents to St. Anthony, remaining until 1860, when he ro- turned to Syracuse and entered Hamilton Col- lege in 1861, from which he graduated after a four years' course. He read law in New York city, with Sheldon and Brown, one year, and. in 1569, was admitted to the bar. He returned to this city in ts70, and the next year formed The partnership which now exists. During these in- tervening years he has served two terms as coun- ty attorney of Hennepin county. Mr. Lawrence was married. in 1873, to Miss Mary, daughter of

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J. K. Sidle. They have two children, Jacob S. and James, Jr.

Brady Lawson is a native of Norway, born in 1845. Ile came to the United States in 1867, lo- cating first in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; thence to Minneapolis in 1880. Hle is proprietor of the Eau Claire llouse, 211 Second Avenue southi. Ile married Ida Oelson, in 1873, who bore him three children: Levi, Dewett and Edward.

Jerome Layman, one of the oldest residents of this county, came to this city with his parents when less than one year of age, in 1852. At that time there were but three houses on the west side of the river. IIe has passed twenty-seven summers and winters on the same location, cor- ner of Eighteenth Avenue and Twenty-first street. He is a member of the Knickerbocker Furniture Company, a description of which is given elsewhere.

Rev. N. M. Learned, pastor of Franklin Ave- nue Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in Vermont, October 29th. 1838. He was converted in 1855, licensed to preach in 1859; studied at Newbury Seminary and New Hampton Theolo- gical Institute. Received into the conference in 1863, and was ordained deacon in 1865. Ordained elder, 1867, filling appointments at Eden Mills and other places. Was sent to Stowe for two years. thento Bakersfield for two years. While there buried his wife, then went to Cambridge,then to Middletown Springs, and Clarendon Springs. Then transferred by Bishop Simpson to Troy con- ference New York. While at Wells, had a great revival, and over one hundred conversions, which resulted in the founding of a church, and he was unanimously invited to be its pastor, which he accepted and remained for two years. Then failing health sent him to Minnesota, and at the request of the presiding elder of the St. ('loud district, he went to Sauk Rapids. Ile then went to Austin, Texas, for a few months, and returning to Minnesota, was transferred by Bishop Wiley from the Troy conference to the Minnesota conference and stationed at Clinton Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, St. Paul, for one year. Then to Farmington for two years, doing much good. Then to the Washington Av- enue Methodist Episcopal church for two years; many were added to the church; he found a debt of $2,000, which was provided for. The quarterly con-

ference unanimously voted for his return, but on account of the great strain upon his system, asked for, and was permitted to make a change. Married February 16th, 1864, to Miss Saphrona Buck, of St. Albans, Vermont. a lady of rare accomplishments, and a skilled artist, whose fame and loveliness was too soon cut off by death. Married again in Octo- ber, 1873, to Miss Lucy A. Herrick, of St. Albans, Vermont, who was educated at the New Ilamp- ton Institute. She is a lady of high culture and an artist of distinction and fine taste, as the many beautiful pictures, which adorn the walls of their pleasant home will testify. They have two children, Frank 11., and Mattie 1.

Julius Leber is a native of Dresden, Kingdom of Saxony, born February 22d, 1828. IIe acquired a knowledge of truss making at Dresden, and worked at his trade in Liverpool, Berlin, Vienna, and other European cities, until 1849, when he emigrated to America, and worked in New York, St. Louis, New Orleans, Philadelphia and other places until 1870; he then bought a farm and lo- cated at Anoka, Minnesota. Two years later he removed to Minneapolis aud commenced the manufacture of trusses, wire bolting cloth, and mechanical apparatus for deformities. The greater portion of his work is done by contract for medi- cal men of large cities. Mr. Leber was married in 1851, to Teresa Brudj of Saxony. Their child- ren are: William, Henry, Louisa, Julius. Jr., and Adolph.

John T. Lee was born in 1840, and is a native of Canada. Ile accompanied his parents to Ver- mont, and in 1856 to Lowell, Massachusetts. Ilis father was a blacksmith and taught his son the trade, while so young he was obliged to stand on a box to strike the anvil. in 1875, Mr. Lee re- moved to Montreal, Canada, and there remained in the blacksmith and carriage making business until 1879, when he came to this city. Ile was a member of the city council of Lowell, in 1866-7 and was trial justice in the same place fourteen years. Ile was married in 1863, to Miss Lucy Marsh, who bore him one son, George.

John M. Lee was born in New York, August 19th, 1827. Ile came to Minnesota in 1856 and located in St. Anthony, and worked a short time at carpentering ; he then removed to Michigan where he remained until 1865, when he enlisted in the Eleventh Michigan Infantry and went to

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

Tennessee, where he remained until September. 1565. and received his discharge. He located in MeLeod county. Minnesota, on a farm. in IS68. and remained three years, then returned to Min- neapolis and has since given his attention to car- pentering. Ile was married in 1855, to Almira Jones of New York, by whom he has two child- ren: Eliza and Agues.

1. A. Legg was born in Lowell. Massachusetts February 13th. 1553. fle moved to Berlin. Wis- cousin, while quite young, and in 1866 reinoved to Minneapolis. He has been at his present lo- cation, Fourth street south, between Nicollet and First Avenue south. about two years. He has a sale. livery. and boarding stable. He was mar- ried to Miss Annie Noren in 1878.

John G. Lennon was born at Bolton. England. July 6th, 1515. le came to America in 1811. as supercargo of a vessel. for the firm in whose em- ploy he had been. le landed in New Orleans, and after delivering the cargo, passed two years in traveling through the states, and in 1813 loea- ted at St. Croix Falls, remaming two years, when be returned to St. Louis and engaged with the American Fur Company. He returned to Men- dota. Minnesota. in 1816, and the next year re- moved to St. Paul. In JA49 he took charge of the st. Anthony outfit, and remained until 1556; then began business for himself in the mercan- ule and Iumbering line. This he sold in 1859. and removed to his stock-farm in Sibley county. remaining until the rebellion. He accompanied the Sibley expedition to Devil's Lake and the Missouri river, as assistant in the commissary department under Captain Forbes. He returned to Fort Spelling in the fall of 1563, then went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he was quartermas- ter of the first division of the Sixteenth corps un- der General Mower. They disbanded al Louis- ville, Kentucky, where he remained in the real estate business and prosecuting claims for the government. In 1623 he returned to this city, and has since continued in the real estate husi- less. During the winter of 1577 he suffered a stroke of paralysis, from which he has never fully recovered. He was married at Fort Shell- ing to Mary B. Me Lain. in ISI. Their children are Catharine and John.

W. H. Leonard, physician and surgeon, was born in Tolland county. Connectiont, December,

1826. He received a high school education in his native state. and one course at the New York State University. and graduated from the Yale Medical School, session of 1852-3. He set- tled in Wyoming county, New York, and began his practice. He removed to Minneapolis in 1855. and has continued in practice here since. In November, 1862, he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry, and was afterwards promoted to surgeon. lle minstered out at Fort Snelling in 1865, and re- sumed his practice as a physician immediately after his discharge. He was health officer of the first board organized in this eity. When he be- gan in his profession, he was the youngest prae- titioner in the city. Ile was married in Oeto- ber. 1853, to Miss Jane Preston. of Connecticut. Their children are: William, now a physician. and Gertrude.

John Leppla. a native of Germany, was born in 1816. Ile came to the United States in 1860, and passed two years in Pennsylvania and Ken- tueky; then removed to Appleton, Wisconsin, remaining two years. In 1861 he came to Min- neapolis and engaged in milling until 1876, when he opened a saloon and billiard hall. Ile was married in 1871, to Lena Wistfall, who bore him three children: Lena. Annie. and John.

G. L. Levi and Company are proprietors of the Philadelphia One Price Clothing Store, at 205 Ilennepin Avenne and 204 Nicollet Avenue. The house on Hennepin Avenne was established by Aultman and Loucheim, who were succeeded by G. L. Levi and Company, in 1877. This firm removed to their present location the next year, where they transact a jobbing and retail busi- ness. The individual members of the firm are G. 1 .. Levi and M. Levi.

G. F. Libby is a native of Maine, born in Octo- ber. 1831. At the age of sixteen, he learned the trade of blacksmithing in Cherryfield, of his na- tive state. In 1851. he located in Wisconsin, and the next year removed to St. Anthony. He re- mained only a short time, then went to Monticello and opened a blacksmith shop. There he resided until 1855, when he returned to this city and opened an establishment at his present location, 101 First street north, it being at that time, the only one of the kind on that street. He was en- gaged three years in lumbering in connection

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

with his trade. Ile was married to Miss Elsie Sime, of New Brunswick, in 1860. They have three sons and five daughters. Mr. Libby served two years as street commissioner.

Joseph Libby was born at Goldsborough, Maine, January 12th, 1805. Ile lived there twenty-five years, then removed to Washington county, giv- ing his attention to Inmbering. In 1850, he came to this city and almost immediately started np Rum River, on a prospecting tom. He engaged in lumbering on this river for seven years, about one hundred miles above the present site of Anoka. In 1857, he built a flat-boat, seventy-four by eight feet, and after loading it with supplies · for the camp during the winter, towed and pad- dled it up the Mississippi about two hundred miles. Ile had a crew of sixteen men. eight working oxen, some cattle for beef, and one horse used to tow the boat. They were abont twenty- six days on the route. Mr. Libby was the first Inmberman in that region. and worked there un- til 1877. Ile has since lived with his family in this city, enjoying the fruits of his labors. He was married in July, 1832, to Miss Priscilla Wil- son. They are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, the eldest being forty-two.

Thomas Libby is a native of England, born Au- gust 29th, 1824. Ile learned the mechanic's trade at home. In Angust, 1850, he came to the United States and located at Middletown, Connecticut, where he remained working at his trade five years. ITe then removed to a farm in Wisconsin, where he resided fifteen or sixteen years engaged in farming, in connection with his trade. Ile removed to Baraboo, and remained until com- ing to Minneapolis in 1878. IIe married Miss Theresa Ilocking, of England, in 1845. They have four children: Theresa, Thomas, Mary and William.

N. P. Liljengren is a native of Sweden, born in 1845. Ile came to America in 1873, and located in Illinois, coming to this city the next year. Ile worked as furniture polisher until 1877, when he started in the manufacturing business and has been successfully engaged in it since. Ile was united to Miss Augusta Anderson in 1877. Resi- dence Ninth Avenue south.

II. F. Lillibridge, a well known resident of Minneapolis, was born May 26th, 1836, at Wil- mington, Todd county, Connecticut. Ile came

to this city in 1856 and after remaining a few months removed to Monticello, Wright county, where he remained eight years in the mercantile business ; he was a clerk for Fox and Mealy one year, then bought Mr. Mealy's interest in 1857. Ile sold out his interest and returned to this city in 1865 and in partnership with J. G. Smith en- gaged in making sash, doors and blinds. Ile dis- posed of his interest and kept books for J. Dean and Company, and remained until he purchased the cracker bakery. Mr. Lillibridge is now con- dueting the leading cracker and confectionery manufactory of the north-west, located in three buildings, 13, 17 and 19 Sonth Third street.

I. L. Lincoln was born in Worcester, Massa- clmsetts, April 5th, 1818. He learned his trade, that of blacksmithing, at sixteen years of age. He passed a number of years in visiting through his native state and New Hampshire and in Angust, 1847, removed to Pern, South America, engaged in the pursuit of his trade and ship- ping provisions, until 1855. He then located in Illinois and worked in a steam saw mill one and one-half years, thence to Kankakee, residing seven years on a farm. He came to St. Paul in 1863 and two years later went to South Bend and Far- mington. In 1872 he made this city his home and has since remained here in the blacksmithing business. At present he is a member of the firm of Lincoln and Lee. He has been married three times; to his present wife in 1874.

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History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 101

Author: Warner, George E., 1826?-1917; Foote, C. M. (Charles M.), 1849-1899; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 738

Author: Warner, George E., 1826?-1917; Foote, C. M. (Charles M.), 1849-1899; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 738