History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 112

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 112

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0. T. Vail was born in New Brunswick in 1820. Lawated in Minneapolis in 1850, engaged in con- tracting and biulding, and continued until 1867, at wluch time he began in the undertaking busi- mess llestill continues, and is the oldest estab- Ished exclusive undertaker in the city. The changes in the firm are as follows: In 1869 the Entu ff Curtis and Vail was established. succeed- aby G. T. Vadl. In May, 1St1. the present firm of G. T. V'ail and Company was formed. Loca- 1 on. 112 Waslington Avenue south.

Dle Peterson Vangsnes was born in Sogn. Nor- w. J.m. 11th. 1855. He came to America with Ins parents in 16s. and settled at Decorah, low and soon after entered the Norwegian Col- le Graduating at Decorah in 1875. he went to a German Lutheran seminary at St. Louis,

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whence he graduated in 1878, and at once received a call from the congregation over which he now presides.

Charles E. Vanderburgh, judge of the fourth judicial district, is a native of the Mohawk Vai- ley, New York, born at Clifton Park, Saratoga county, December 2d, 1829. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents to Marcellus and there attended district school winters and worked on the farm summers. He prepared him- self for college at the district school and at Homer, New York, by teaching in winter. Ile entered the Sophomore year at Yale College in 1849 and graduated in the class of '52. Hle then took charge as principal of the Oxford Academy, Oxford, Chenango county, New York ; remained in that position one year then commenced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1855, and in the fall started west, reaching Min- neapolis the spring of 1856, and has since made this city his home. On his arrival he entered into partnership with Judge F. R. E. Cornell in the practice of law, this firm continuing until 1859. In the fall of that year he was elected judge of this district which then embraced all the territory west of the Mississippi river, from Fort Snelling to the British Possessions. Ile was re-elected in 1866, 1873 and 1880. In 1877 the legislature con- solidated the district court and the court of com- mon pleas and Judge Young was elected associ- ate judge with Judge Vanderburgh ; from 1859 till 1877 he was the sote judge of the district. IIe married Miss Julia N. Mygatt, of Oxford, New York, in 1857. She died in 1863 leaving two children: William HI, and Julia Mygatt. The latter died in 1871. llis second wife was Miss Anna Culbert; married in the spring of 1873. They have one child, Isabella Mcintyre.

Mito Vanhorn was born in Greene county. Wis- consin, in 1841. Came to Winona, Minnesota, and remained untit 1865 then removed to Clinton, Iowa. In 1876 he removed to Grand Rapids. Michigan, where he remained until coming to Minneapolis in 1878. Was in the employ of J. C. Oswald and now has charge of J. II. Henderson's stable.

Henry Van Valkenburg was born at Leroy, New York, in 1826, where he lived until 1841. He then went to Toledo, Ohio, and was connected with the Indiana ITotel. In 1857, came to Way-

zata, Minnesota, where he engaged in the pearl- ash and pot-ash manufacture, being the first manufacture of this commodity in the state. Two years later he closed out and located in Minneap- olis, engaging in a grocery untit 1860, and after- wards in auction and commission business. He was married in 1853 to Katie Martin, of New York. They have only one child living : Katie, now Mrs. Farrington of this city.

N. C. Van Valkenberg was born in Mellenry county, Illinois, January 3d, 1844. In 1853, came with his parents to Richfield, Minnesota. lIere he remained on the farm until 1861, when he en- listed in Company II, First Minnesota Infantry; was discharged nine months after, but re-enlisted August 22d, 1863, in Hatch's Independent Bat- talion, and served until mustered out in June, 1866, at Fort Snelling. The same year, came to Minneapolis and worked at his trade of mitl- wright, and had charge of the machinery of the Washburn " B" mill for five years. In 1879 he opened a grocery store, in which he still contin- ues. lle was married in 1872, to Annie B., daughter of Martin Layman, who has borne him three children: Charles, Allie and Mabel.

A. T. Valentine was born in Somerset county, Maine, in 1833. Came to Minneapolis in 1856, and engaged in lumbering ten years, when he en- tered the meat business. In 1875 he bought a farm, which he worked untit 1880. During that winter he and his brother, L. D., built their pres- ent business house, and taking B. Wells as part- ner, resumed business with the firm name of Valentine and Company. The firm is now Val- entine Brothers. Was married in 1862 to Flor- ence Bartlett, of Maine. Their children are: Guy, Bernice, Lee and Mary.

L. D. Valentine. of the firm of Valentine Brothers, was born in Somerset county, Maine, 1838. In 1856, came to St. Anthony, and with the exception of two years' residence in idaho, has made this his permanent place of abode. Hle was engaged in dry goods and groceries until 1866 with L. C. Smith, but since then has been with his brother in the meat market. IIe was married in 1864 to Helen A. Borrows, who bore him one child, Freddie.

Louis Vorwerk was born in Germany, June 20th, 1832. Was educated in his native country, and came to America the summer of 1852. He

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

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He married Hattie Raymond. in 1879; she has borne him one child. Marie.

William W. Wales was born March 14th. 1818, in Iredell county. North Carolina. In 1545. re- moved to Greensburg, Indiana, and taught school in that place for a time: then engaged in the book and stationery business. In 1851 he came to St. Anthony and occupied himself in gardening about three years, after which he again went in the book trade. Mr. Wales' connection with local pol- ities has been important: he held the office of city derk three years, was postmaster two years dur- ing President Lincoln's administration, and was twice mayor of St. Anthony; in 1856 he was a member of the territorial council, and the next year was sent by the society of Friends, of Indi- ana. to assume charge of a colored orphan asy- hun in Mississippi, but failing health obliged him tu return to Minneapolis. In 1868 he opened his present Business of paper-hangings, window- shades, etc. Mr. Wales married Catherine Ban- dy in 1516. They have had eight children: Ma- ria, Charles. Laura, William, Florence and Net- tie are living.

Thomas B. Walker was born in Xenia, Green county. Ohio. February Ist, 1840. His father died in 1819, and in 1856 the family removed to Berra, where he aided in the support of the fam- ily, and secured the rudiments of an education. Having a taste for mathematies, he pursued the study of engineering, astronomy, calculus and Newton's "Principia." Mr. Walker came to Mumesota in 1862, during the Indian outbreak. and followed surveying. railroad engineering, and examining land and exploring until about 1573. In INGS he combined with Dr. Levi Butler and 11. W. Mills under the firm name of Butler, Mills and Walker, lumber manufacturers and dealers. continuing in the firm until 1876. During these years he was also interested in lands and logs with I. T. Welles, Franklin Steele. Major Camp. Herrick Bros .. George Cleveland and oth- ers. In 1576, with George A. Camp, he purchased Ilu Pacific mills of J. Dean and Company. This lammmis mill is described elsewhere. In 1863 Mr. Walker was married to Miss Harriet G. Hulet of Berea, Ohno. They have seven children, two girls and five los, all of whom are active, enter- Mising. tough and rugged. They are taught to 10ay hunt. fish, row boats ete. It was through

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Mr. Walker's influence that the Athenaeum was opened for the benefit of the public.

Swan Walton, born December 20th, 1840, in Sweden. He passed about three years in Den- mark; then returned to Sweden and engaged in milling. In 1868 he came to Minneapolis; was several years in the furniture business with W. F. Warner and also with Mr. McLean. In 1870 he was appointed on the police force; and two years later engaged in the grocery business under the firm name of Vanstrom and Walton. IIe was again appointed on the police force in 1878, and still holds the position. His wife was Annie Anderson, whom he married in 1868. They are the parents of five children: Frank, Annie, Nellie, Matilda and Mary.

C. B. Walke, a native of New York, was born in 1858. He came to Minneapolis in 1876, and two years later went in business, having bought out J. II. Heisser. Ile deals in scroll saws, scroll work, and all kinds of supplies in connection with the business ; he is at No. 403 Nicollet Avenue.

F. C. Walker was born at Otsego, New York, November 12th, 1829. TIe lived in his native place until the age of twenty-two, then went to . Massachusetts and remained there in the boot and shoe trade until 1879, when he removed to Cleve- land, Ohio, and about six years was engaged in the manufacture of ladders and eave troughs ; after residing two and one-half years in Indian- apolis he came here ; he does carpet cleaning, and manufactures ladders and the "Boss" washing machine. Ile was married in 1859, to Miranda Morton ; they have one child.

G. F. Walker, born in Scotland, June, 1859; he came to this country and helped dress the first stone used in the Cataract mill. IJe lived two years in Meeker county, then went to Scott coun- ty and leased a mill. In 1864 he returned to Min- neapolis and had charge of the Union mill one year; then in company with Thomas Noble built the People's mill and operated it four years; he next built the Washington mill at Dassel, and after running it four years, sold out, purchased the Delano mill and operated that about seven years, then returned to this city and has since worked at the Crown Roller mill. In 1861 he married Ann Robertson. Their children are: John, Nellie, Mary, Jessie, Minnehaha, ITattie and George.

J. C. Walker, a native of Canada, was born December 13th, 1842, at Cornwall. He came to the United States in the fall of 1862, and worked at the Inmber business in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, until June, 1879 ; the following spring he engaged in his present business, billiard hall and sample room at 103 Nicollet Avenue. In October, 1880, his marriage with Julia Mona- han took place.

Mrs. John Wall came to Minneapolis in 1864, and has been ten years in the hotel business. Since February, 1877, she has been in the Wall Hlouse at 17 and 19 Second street north ; it is a three story brick house owned by Henry Oswald.

Matthew Walsh, born in Ireland. June 15th, 1841. TIe emigrated to the United States in 1861, and located at New York city; during one season he was employed on a merchant steamer, running between New York and New Orleans. In 1865 he removed to this city, and has since that time been at the Cataract mill, with the exception of one year with Judd and Brackett. IIe has been head miller at the Cataract since 1871. In 1864 he married Annie Stacy, who has borne him seven children, Walter, Edward, Margaret, Alice, May, Katie and Julia.

John Walter was born in 1831, in Switzerland. He graduated in 1846, and then engaged in mer- cantile business three years in his native country. In 1849 he moved to New York, and the next year to Canada, where he taught school fifteen years; then returned to New York, and after teaching in that state one year, went to Illinois for three years, then to Sioux City, where he was assistant in the high school four years; at the expiration of that time, le came here, and after teaching two years, engaged in his present busi- ness. In 1854 he married Miss S. Smith. They have had fourteen children; the living are, Emma, HIenry, Sidney, Gustavus. Minerva, John, IIer- man, Stella, Charles and Eflie.

George F. Warner, a native of Schoharie county, New York, was born in 1828. At the age of sixteen he commenced in the furniture business, and continued in this trade with success at Albany, New York, Buffalo and Chicago. Ile came to Minneapolis in June, 1857, and is the oldest established furniture dealer in the city. ITis places of business are numbers 325 Nicollet Avenne and 106 Washington Avenue south.

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

is 11-|+ sed w||| | - jaments to Buf - .Im Comingto Wohl : they lived a while in Fair-

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was the chief mover in projecting the Minneapo- lis & St Louis railway. the success of which is largely due to his enterprise : he is president of the company and one of the largest stock owners in the corporation : has also been interested in other railroads. In 1872 he built the finest lum- ber mill. in the state, at Anoka, and has since built a large flouring mill at the same place. In 1873. he. with others, built the Palisade mill, here : he is also one of the originators and stock- holders of the Minneapolis Harvester Works. Since becoming a resident of Minnesota, he has bern an active participant of public enterprises ; politically he has always been a republican. No- vonber, 1878. he was elected representative of the third congressional district by three thousand ma- joritv. and in 1880 re-elected by a majority of twelve thousand. In his religious belief he is a Universalist. He married in 1859, Lizzie Muzzy, of Bangor, Maine, who has born him eight chil- dren : two sons and two daughters are living.

William P. Washburn, a native of New Bruns- wick. was born in Northumberland county, Feb- ruary 10th, 1850. Ile came to Minneapolis De- rember, 1874, and worked in the lumber business four years, on the boom in the summer and win- ters in the woods. September, 1878, he took an interest with T. G. Salisbury in the manufacture of mattresses. His marriage with Ida Rowe took place in November, 1876.

John Watson was born March 26th. 1830. in Somerset county, Maine. In 1851 he went to California, where he was mining and lumbering about five years, then returned to Maine and went into the tanning Imsiness. In 1861 he re- moved to Minnesota and engaged in railroad building. He has been connected with the inter- ess of this city since 1861, and since 1872 has been an officer of the City Bank; he was vice- president five years, and in 1879 took charge of the Telephone Company as its general manager. Mi. Watson married, in 1856, Olive Thompson. Their children are: May, Florence, Louis and Henry.

Frederick Wejnard was born October 19th, 1419, in Germany. He grew to manhood in his native country, and learned the painter's trade. In Isis he came to the United States, and first linated in Delaware; removed to St. Anthony in 1×51, and the next year took a claim of one hun

BIOGRAPHIICAL.

655

dred and sixty acres on Rush Creek, occupied un- til 1856, returned to St. Anthony, and after working in a saw-mill several years, went back to his trade; he is one of the oldest painters in the city. In 1849 he married Katrina Boto. Their living children are: Justina, Mary, Fred and William.

Peter Weingert, deceased, was born November 1st, 1830, a native of Germany. ITe settled in St. Anthony in 1855, and worked at his trade, tailor- ing, one year; then kept a boarding house until 1861, next engaging in mercantile business. In 1871 he erected his store and continued in trade until his death, April 30th, 1872. Since that time Mrs. Weingert has conducted the business alone, dealing in dry goods and groceries. She has had nine children; the living are: Henry, Jo- sephine, Peter and Girddie.

ITenry T. Welles. The great North-west owes much of its prosperity to the blood which has been transplanted from the shores of New Eng- land. Many of the early settlers and pioneers of Minnesota were natives of that rugged, stern, honest portion of the union. In their advent to the west they retained their habits of indus- try, economy and integrity which they had formed in early life. The effect of this trans- planting, in numerous instances, was to enlarge the mind; from the fact of its having more room for expansion, in the many facilities for enter- prises of nearly every variety. A great work was before them, a new empire was to be inaugurated. The vast, rich prairies were to be occupied; cities were to be built, church and school edifices to be erected; arts and sciences to be introduced and patronized; public highways and internal improve- ments were to be made, including costly bridges, factories, mills and workshops. Truly a great work lay before these people, and probably among the early immigrants to this portion of the valley of the great river, there was no one more capable or more willing to assist in the mammoth work than Henry T. Welles, who was born April 3d, 1821. in Hartford county, Connecticut. Ile made St. Anthony his home in 1853. Belonging to one of the best families of his native state, he was favored in boyhood with rare advantages, having graduated in 1843 from Trinity College, Hart- ford. In those days neither wealth nor position exempted the young man of New England from

habits of industry. During the college vacations he assisted in tilling the broad acres of the family homestead, and the first ten years after leaving college were mostly spent on the farm, though divided with duties of a public character. In 1850 he was honored with a seat in the legisla- ture of his native state. Upon his arrival in St. Anthony, became interested in the lumbering business to which were added other industries, and having ample means he purchased con- siderable real estate. In 1855 he was elected mayor of that city. lle removed to Minneapolis in 1856, having previously made large purchases on this side of the river, has been closely identi- fied with the interests of this city. has done much to develop its industries, and in 1858. was presi- dent of the town conncil, and president of the board of education. In 1863 he was unanimously nominated for governor of the state, by the dem- ocratic party; but he failed of an election in con- sequence of the overwhelming majority of the republicans. Since 1864 he has had neither time or inclination to engage in political matters, the management of his real estate occupying much of his attention, but he never hesitates to give substantial aid in all matters that are of material advantage to the city, and state of his adoption. The different railroads that center in Minneap- olis had to be encouraged by the citizens in every possible way. Mr. Welles invested large sums of money. that the city might enjoy these railway facilities. Different objects of charity have fre- quently received his bounty, while th educational interests of the community have been aided by him in no trivial manner. In addition to other numerous duties, he is president of the North- western National Bank, one of the best monied institutions of the city. His financial abilities are peculiarly fitted for this office. Previous to coming to Minnesota, Mr. Welles was happily married and has an interesting family. In clos- ing this small tribute of respect to Mr. Welles, the writer would add that Minneapolis has been fortunate in the character of the men who have built up the industries of the place: they are the worthy cotemporaries of Mr. Welles.

G. G. Wells, a native of Cazenovia, New York, was born January 20th, 1852. Went to Albany in 1846 to learn the jeweler's trade, and remained there five years ; then spent one year at Dubuque,

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

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was run between this place and Pittsburgh : but he lost 59,000 by this investment. Mr. Wensin- ger always look pride in assisting young men in Imsiness, and his generosity sometimes caused him severe losses. His wife by his first marriage was Clara Swan, they were united in 1852, and she bore him two children: Nellie and Nettie, deceased. Married the second time in 1869, to Hattie llyde.

Frank Wentworth. a native of Maine, was born une Ist. 1541. at Athens. In 1873. moved 10 Minneapolis, and after working about two months in the Fire mill, went to La Crosse, and was with E. V. White five years. Was afterward with Mr. Davis nearly a year in the Galesville mill. and in September, 1879, returned to this city. Since that time has been engaged at the standard mill.

J. Werthmann, a native of Bavaria, was born in 1-36. Came to America in 1862, and locating at Chicago, engaged in the furniture business: six years later. removed to Winona and pursued the same line of business there until 1871, when he came le this city. Was five years employed as foreman for Burr. Morris and Company, furniture manufacturers, and in 187s went into trade with Mr. Sounen: they are doing a lucrative business. Mr. Werthmann was married in 1870 to Catherine Mass.

11. A. Westphal was born Inly, 1850, in Ger- many. In INGS, came to Minneapolis, and the Sune year engaged to work in the ice business for 11. Kreitz; three years later, Mr. Westphal went into the same business, starting with very limited moms, Int is now having an extensive trade. Is also engaged in the wood business, handling about three thousand loads annually. llis mar- Dage with Christiana Glitschka occurred in 1875. Their children are lda and Carl.

John West was born in England, May 27th, 1-10. He moved to Mew York with his parents in 1-52. locating near Lockport; he went to Ili- 1009 in 1855, and two years later, to Anoka, Min- mu sola. In 1861, enlisted and served until hon- mably discharged in 1861; was afterwards authorized to enlist reernits for Battery E. First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and commissioned econd lieutenant of the battery, and ordered to Temere; was promoted to first lieutenant, and masteredout in September, 1865. Bought a farm

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in Richfield and lived there until 1872, when he came to this city and the next year entered the police force as patrol and was promoted to his present position as sergeant. In 1865 he married Agnes Better, who has borne him five children; the four living are: Rose, Kate, Mary and Lilly.

Andrew Gustavus Westling, lay preacher at Bethlehem Church, was born in Sweden June 16th, 1823. Coming to America in 1873, he set- tled at Lake City. Minnesota, where he remained until the fall of 1879. He then came to Minne- apolis, and has since remained here. His eldest son, Peter G., is a minister at Duluth, Minnesota.

L. J. Westling, a native of Sweden, was born July 4th, 1858. IIe accompanied his parents to America in 1873, and settled at Lake City; was employed a number of years there and at Red Wing as moulder. In 1879, came to Minneapolis, and is now engaged in moulding for the Union Iron Works.

E. B. West was born at Pembrook, New Hampshire, in 1825. When nineteen years of age, entered mercantile business, which he con- tinned until coming to St. Anthony in 1855; he then went into the cattle trade, and five years later started in the sash and door business; he was afterwards milling and dealing in real estate until 1878, when he established his auction and com- mission business at 221 Washington Avenue south. In 1860 Mr. West had an experience which one would hardly believe possible for a man to survive. As he, in company with others, was about to bathe in the Mississippi above the falls on the east side, he lost his footing, and was carried over the rapids. At that time the volume of water was much greater than now; he was swept over the fall of thirty feet, but by super- human efforts kept in the undertow, which threw him out beyond the reach of the return current on the surface; finally he was thrown on the rocks near the Chalybeate springs, some three hundred feet below the fall; his body was cov- ered with bruises, but no bones broken. He re- turned and surprised his companions who thought him dead. Mr. West's wife, Mary Morrison, died in 1873. leaving three children.

Milton Whipple, born June 9th, 1858, in Center county, Pennsylvania. He spent a few months in Iowa, in 1875, buying grain ; and afterward trav- eled between Omaha and North Platte, selling 42

goods. Returned home to attend school, and in June, 1879, came to this city ; the following Sep- tember he went to work at the Northwestern mill.

Edwin White, a native of Canada, was born June 16th, 1831. In 1846, moved with his parents to łowa and remained until 1854, when he went to Indiana. He held the office of register of deeds of Decatur county, for four years. then re- ceived the appointment of chief clerk and deputy treasurer. for the same county ; afterward was elected city clerk, at the same time serving as clerk in the provost marshal's office. In 1866, poor health made a change desirable, and he went to Ottumwa, Iowa ; was cashier in a bank, and afterward opened a real estate and insurance of- fice. Came here in 1870. and continued the same business. In 1851, married at Marion, Iowa, Em- na Edkins. Their children, Horace, William, George, Charles and Marcus have all passed away.

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History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 112

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