History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 89

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 89

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).

E. 1. Bidwell, of the firm of Bidwell and Com- pany. is a native of Massachusetts, and was born March 15th, 1856. Ile became a resident of Northfield, Minnesota, in 1859. where he re- mained six years: then came to Minneapolis, where he received his education, and has since resided.

G. W. Bigby was born in Pennsylvania, in 1815. and in early life learned the carpenter's trade with his father. Ile came to Minnesota in 1857. and settled in Freeborn county, where he ro- mained until July, 1880, when he became a citizen

of Minneapolis. He has worked at his trade many years, and is well established as a contract- or, builder, and cabinet-maker.

L. Biggs was born in Maryland, February 15th, 1836. lle learned his trade as mill-wright at home. then removed to Indiana. where he spent ten years. Ile was wedded to Mary J. Lynn in 1863, who bore him two children, Elma and Ro- land. His wife died in Angust, 1870. After re- maining a widower seven years, he married Annie Byers. They have one child, Mabel. Mr. Biggs eame to Minneapolis in 1871. Hle was one of those who assisted in buikling the old "A" mill, and helped to rebuild the old " B" mill. He has been in the employ of Washburn and Company during the nine years of his citizenship.

J. W. Birdwell was born September 10th. 1838, at Tusenmbia, Alabama. He moved to Minnea- polis in 1871, and has remained here since. At the first call for volunteers he enlisted, and served in the war until mustered out at Trenton, Ten- nessee, in 1863. He was married, on his return to Julia Clift, of Illinois. She has borne him one child, Josephine. Mr. Birdwell is the Min- neapolis manager of the business of the Victor Wheat Heater Company.

HIon. David Blakeley. manager of the Trib- une, was born in Franklin county. Vermont, in 1834. The family moved from there to Syraeuse, New York, in 1838, where, at the age of thirteen, he entered the printing office of the Daily Star. In that office and that of the Journal, he thoroughly mastered the typographical art. After completing his apprenticeship, returned to Vermont and devoted five years to study. In 1857, he left the University of Vermont, and came to Minnesota, where he entered the profes- sion of journalism, starting three newspapers. In 1860, was elected chief clerk in the house of representatives, and re-elected the following year. Ile was then appointed superintendent of public instrnetion by Governor Ramsey, and at expira- tion of term. was returned to the office by elee- tion. Ile contributed largely to the organization of the common school system of Minnesota. In 1865, he, with his brother, Major (. Il. Blake- ley, purchased the Chicago Evening Post and took-editorial charge of that paper, remaining until April, 1874, when he disposed of his inter- est in the Evening Post and succeeded to the ed-

512

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

itonship of the St. Paul Pioneer. One year later. he conceived the idea of consolidating the Pioneer and the Press, which was soon ac- complished. and during his service with the con- solidated Pioncer Press. was jointly, with Mr. Wheelock, in editorial charge of the paper. The Minneapolis Tribune, having subsequently been added. Mr. Blakeley removed to Minneapolis, the better to represent the journal in this city. Finally becoming convinced that there was a fine future for journalism in Minneapolis, he severed his connection with the St. Paul establishment entirely. and taking the Minneapolis Evening Tribune in charge, he has maintained his relations with that journal since. On May 11th. 1880. in company with Gen. A. B. Nettleton. he estab- lished the Morning Trimme, therehy. giving to Minneapolis, a first-class metropolitan journal, of which her citizens have had every reason to be prond.

L. V. N. Blakeman, who is a native of New York city, came to this place in 1869, and was engaged in the mercantile business until 1871. when he became a partner of (. Menzel, in the foundry business.

William Blakeman, one of the earliest settlersof this locality . was born in Prussia. April Isth. 1828. le came to the I'nited States in 1818, and set- tled in La Fayette, Indiana, where he engaged in upholstering and carriage trimming until 1856, when he removed to Saint Anthony. He was the first upholsterer here. He retired from la- hor in 1866, and has since lived on the fruits of his industry, He married Magdaline Kretz, of Germany. They have tive children living; Mary. Lizzie. Frank. Charles, and Fred.

Adolph Blitz, M. D .. was born in Prussia. February 10th. 1st5. He moved to America in Isit, and studied medicine at the Cincinnati d'ol- loge of Medicine and Surgery. From this insti- tution he graduated in 1:53. He removed to Nashville, Tennessee, in May. 1874. and while there he became a member of the Nashville Med- Ical Society, Davidson County Medical Society. and Tennessee State Medical Society. He is a member of the American Medical Association. International Medical, Ophthalmological and Ot- ological Congress: in March, 1877, Doctor Blitz in company with others, founded the Nashville Mecheal College, which afterward became the

medical department of the University of Ten- nessee. On account of failing health. he re- signed his position and removed to Minneapolis in 1860. Doctor Blitz was married in 1877. to Anna D. Wieks. of New Bedford, Massachusetts. They have two daughters: Nellie and Bertha.

J. W. Blood, was born March 16th, 1845, at Boston, Massachusetts. He moved with his pa- rents to Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1855. He re- ceived an academic education at Milton. Wiscon- sin. and at Chicago, where he learned the trade of machinist. Ile came to Minneapolis in 1874, and has been engaged as foreman in the machine shops of the Harvester Works since. Ile was married to Miss E. W. Cragg. of Cincinnati, in 1571. They have one child; Meda.

L. Bloustein, of the firm of Bermann and Blou- stein, was born in Poland, 1839. His early life was spent in Scotland, and a few years later he be- gan business in England. In 1879 he came to America, and the next year took as a partner, Mr. A. Berman. They now deal in gents' fur- nishing goods, and have a large stock.

C. N. Boardman, dentist, was born at Water- loo, Yates county. New York. January 6th. 1841. lle was educated principally at Mount Vernon, and studied dentistry at Cincinnati four years. le commenced his practice in Columbus. Indi- ana. Coming to Minneapolis, in 1872, he at once established himself as a dentist. and has been in continuons practice here since. Miss Elizabeth LeDuc of this city became his wife in 1874.

W. M. Boardman, was born at Rochester. New York, October 4th, 1857. During early life he lived on a farm, later he was engaged in the gro- cery business. In 1876, he came to this city and opened a restaurant. Mr. M. C. Tate joined him in this business in October, IS80, when they bought the restaurant. which they now run at 211 Nicollet Avenue, He married Sarah MeChe, July 20th. 1580.

A. H. Bode was born in Hanover, Germany. in 1838. le came to America and located at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in IS15, and attended the public schools of that city until 1653. when he entered a lawyer's office. In the summer of 1855 he removed to Madison and went to work for the LaCrosse and Milwaukee Railway as warehouse- man at Richfield. and was afterwards agent at Horicon for four years. Returned to Milwau-

513

BIOGRAPHICAL.

kee, and in 1863, went into the Merchant's bank. In August, 1865, he came to Minnesota as gen- eral freight and ticket agent of the Minnesota Central Railway, and after its purchase by the Milwaukee and St. Paul, remained as general agent until 1871. Ile was then engaged with a construction company, until 1873, since which time he has been with the Minneapolis and Saint Louis Railway. lle was married at Horicon. Wiseonsin, December 26th, 1858. They have eight children: Carrie F .. Addie C., Willie F., Mabel, Freddie (., Bessie I., Grace E., and J. Ilenry.

John Bofferding, one of the early settlers, was born in Luxembourg. August 29th, 1826. Ile came to the United States in IS50, and settled first at Sauk City, Wisconsin. In 1853 he started on a prospeeting trip which ended in his settling in Minneapolis in 1856. Here he worked at his trade, that of carpenter, until 1875, when he be- gan the groeery business and has since continued it. Hle was married in 1862 to Katrina Frins. of Germany, who bore him three children. Those living are Maggie and William.

Nicholas Bofferding, brother of the above, and who also came to Minneapolis in 1856, was born at Luxembourg, August 21st. 1830. lle worked at at the carpenter trade here until 1875, and has sinee worked with his brother. Mr. Jolin Bofferd- ing.

T. M. Bohan, a native of Ireland, was born June 29th, 1832. Hle came to the United States in 1848, and remained in New York one year, then removed to Milwaukee. There he learned the shoemaking trade, at which he worked until 1855 ; then he moved to St. Anthony and opened a shop and two years later engaged as foreman for Wensinger. In 1877 Mr. Bohan. in company with J. A. Kennedy started in the boot and shoe trade. One year later Mr. Kennedy soll his in- terest to Mr. MeNeice, the present partner. Mr. Bohan was married to Anna Shortell. of Milwan- kee, in 1857. They have seven children: Mary, Jolm, Annie, Timothy, Thomas, James, and Katie.

George F. Bollier was born in Switzerland, June 18th, 1819. He learned the trade of shoe- maker in his native country and worked at it in- til 1856, when he emigrated to the United States, coming direct to St, Anthony, where he has since

resided. In 1858 he opened a boot and shoe store and has added to his stock from time to time. Mr. Bollier was married in 1856, to Sarah Alle- mann, of Switzerland, who died in 1864. He was married in 1866, to Paulina Diedrich. Their children are: William and Hattie.

N. 11. Bolton was born ten miles south of Cleve- land, Ohio, February 10th, 1839. Ile remained with his parents until twenty-seven years of age and there acquired a knowledge of milling and manufacturing. Ile came to Minneapolis in 1872 and at once commenced in his present business, that of manufacturing mill machinery. Mr. Bol- ton was married in 1865 at Farmington, Wash- ington county, Wisconsin, to Mary L. Norton ; have had three children: Celeste. Gracie and Ada.

S. Bonfoy was born in Montgomery county, New York, in 1817. At the age of fifteen he learned the wool-carding business. Fifteen years later he went to Georgia, remaining at Columbus eleven years, when he removed to Roswell, Geor- gia. ITere he was engaged as superintendent of a wool factory. When General Sherman passed through on his march to the sea, the factory was burned. He removed to Indiana and remained nine years. In 1874 he came to this eity and again engaged in the wool-earding business.

IIon. L. Bostwick was born in Toronto, Cana da, June, 1815. Ile moved to St. Anthony, ac- companied by his wife and daughters, in 1850. The year following, he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held until 1860. He was elected, under very peculiar circumstances, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of I. I. Lewis. At that time there was a "Maine liquor law," under which a person was indicted for opening a saloon in St. Anthony, and the case was brought before Mr. Lewis, who resigned rather than to try the case. In 1871, Judge Bost- wick decided to retire from active life and enjoy the fruits of his labor. He has been one of the most active citizens of this now flourishing me- tropolis, and from its earliest growth identified with its interests.

Pierre Bottinean, was born January Ist, 1817, at a place on Turtle river, Dakota Territory, once called Rats Point, but afterwards named Bottineau's Point from its being the residenee of his father, Joseph Bottinean; who was engaged

514

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

with the North-western For Company. The mother of Pierre Bottineau, was a native of the Ojibwa tribe, whose father was a captive Dakota. and mother an Ojibwa. By this marriage there were several children. with only one of whom. Pierre. we have to do. In 1816, one year before the birth of Pierre. hostilities arose between the Hudson Bay Company. the old company estab- lished in 1670. under a grant by Charles II, of England. to Prince Rupert and others, and the North-western Company. These were both Eng- lish companies. The Red River settlement was founded by Lord Selkirk, a Scottish peer under a grant from the Hudson Bay Company. The North-western Company. whose head-quarters wore Canada, traded by the way of the lakes, and had virtually pre-empted this territory before the selkirk colony arrived and did not recognize their claim as a part of the Hudson Bay Company's territory.as this company had never before extend- ed their lines so far south. The Hudson Bay Company transported goods by way of Hudson Bay. After the establishment of the Red River settlement in 1512, petty strife began, which in 1$16. culminated in open hostilities. Lord Sel- kirk had demanded troops from the Governor General for the protection of his colony withont avail. but instead. was enjoined against repetition of hostilities. In spite of this injunction some more blood was shed, but at last. as neither par- 1y received the support of the government, an amalgamation took place, and the united company controlled the country. In consequence of these hostilities, the little colony of Red River was greatly weakened by emigration to the territory of the I'nited States and Canada.

Pierrie Bottinean's father was commanded by the North-western Company to take part in the struggle but be absented himself on one of his hunting expeditions. On his return he was im- prisoned. but owing to his influence with the tribe from which he had taken his wife. he was som released, as worse troubles were liable to arise.

Amid these bustling scenes, in a wild country. among Indians, and half-breeds more dangerous than the Indians themselves, Pierre Bottineau was born. He was early trained by his father for the hunt. He possessed a strong frame and rugged constitution, and became a skillful horse-

man, and a sure marksman with a rifle, learning, as well as inheriting these qualities from his father, who was unsurpassed in the chase. His father died when he was fourteen years of age, and LeCompte, a famous guide. but Jame in con- sequence of an injury, pleased with the early accomplishments and promise of the boy, took him to live with him, promising to instruct him in the mysteries of his art. LeCompte was at this time the only man conversant with the country, and familiar with the duties of a guide. lle held out brilliant prospects of high wages. ending in a fortune. especially because he needed the sure foot. strong arm and quick eye of this young half-breed. During the years 1832-3 Pierre made a few short trips in company with LeCompte, carrying messages between trading posts, but his first long trip was in 1834, at the age of seventeen. LeCompte was then employed by the Hudson Bay Company to carry messages and the mail from Fort Garry to Fort Snelling, and Pierre accompanied him. They started the first of November and reached their destination December 27th. Communication was difficult and expensive, and sometimes not undertaken oftener than once a year. They went down on the east bank of the Red River, and after eight days reached Red Lake river, which it was neces- sary for them to cross, though now very high and full of drifting ice. A feeble old man named Alard, went with them, and a pony with a Red River cart carried the mail. baggage and provisions. A raft was quickly built and the cart and its con- tents were safely transferred to the other side by Pierre and Alard. They next returned for Le- Compte and the pony, the current carrying them down some distance at each crossing. On at- tempting to cross again, with all hands and the pony, their chusy raft foundered on a stump, and was soon piled with ice so that the upper end was submerged, and the lower end stuck up at a sharp angle. The situation was critical and promised at the best, a cold bath to all.

Here Pierre proved himself equal to the emer- geney. for cutting loose a few pieces of timber he secured them together by a cord made of Imffalo hide, and making his two companions straddle the logs, since neither could swim, he took the chances of keeping on the little raft and poling it to shore. It floated, however, much farther, and

515

BIOGRAPHICAL.

struek a bend in the river that was frozen over, in consequence of there being less current. Here he was obliged to jump on the ice, after seeuring a long cord to the raft, one end of which he held in his hand. The ice would not hohl the weight of a man, and Pierre went in, all over, in very deep water, but holding fast to the rope. When he came up, he swam, breaking the ice before him, to the shore, and hanled his companions after him. They were fortunate in having dry suits at the cart, and soon were all right in dry clothing. The pony was rescued, and they started again. After traveling four days they reached the Wild Rice river, and crossed the ice and encamped near its bank. By some means, here, the pony who had escaped narrowly one danger of drowning, got into this stream in the night and was drowned. In this dilemma it was decided, as Alard could not travel, to leave him in charge of the cart and stuff while Le Compte and Pierre went on to Lac Traverse, a trading post of the American Fur Company, in charge of Mr. Moore. The journey, it was thought, would take four days. Pierre was load- ed with bedding and provisions supposed to be sufficient for Le Compte and himself for the four days' journey, and they set out. The lameness of Le Compte and the burden of Pierre rendered traveling slow. but it proved that the estimated distance of fifty or sixty miles, increased every day they traveled. Le Compte seemed not to be familiar with the country and arriving at Goose river he called it the Cheyenne and the Elm he supposed the Wild Rice. They traveled thus for several days until their provisions were gone, hop- ing to reach the Bois des Sioux, where Le Compte declared he should recognize the country. On the eighth day they reached this river, having been already four days without food, and found a fresh Indian trail which they followed to the camp. It proved to be the camp of a party of Sioux mm- bering ten men with five tepees. The strangers were kindly received and their hunger appeased by a repast of otter and skunk meat. The next day they reached the trading post and obtaining a horse and man returned for Alard and their stuff. The old man's joy cannot be described, as the twentieth day after their departure he saw them returning. Ile had improvised a sled and loaded it with blankets and provisions, determin-

ed to start the next day, dragging his sled, trust- ing to a good fortune to take him to some habita- tion. After staying a few days at the post, Le Compte bought a horse of Mr. Moore and they proceeded to the trading post of Mr. Renville at Lac qui Parle and from this point they set out for Traverse des Sioux, another trading post dis- tant four days journey. The post was in charge of Mr. Lonis Le Blane. Alard was left at Lac Traverse on account of the depth of snow and the difficulty of traveling. Trouble arose again in attempting to find Traverse des Sioux and the two companions were near starving, as their supplies had given out; when, fortunately, a coon was killed and their hunger appeased. After traveling in a circuitous route for several days in search of the trading post, Pierre insisted upon taking a direct course for Fort Snelling or as near direct as the Minnesota river would conduct them, disregarding Traverse des Sioux altogether. It is a difficult matter to di- vert a guide from an old route but at last the point was coneeded and they set out. On the following day they came on an Indian camp and were received in a friendly manner and directed on their way. It appeared that the guide was mistaken in reference to their location and they soon reached Traverse des Sioux, and without further accident arrived at Fort Snelling, Deeem- ber 28th. 1834.

Among those whom Pierre met at the Fort at this time he mentions Mr. N. W. Kittson. After spending a short time visiting friends and rela- tions who had formerly lived at Red River. he re- turned and for two years spent his time trapping in the winter and hunting buffaloes during the summer. Two hunts were usually made each year, one in the early summer and one later, about fall.

The outfit for these hunts was as follows: rach hunter was supplied with a good hunting horse, gun and ammunition, and with two or three po- mes, drawing each a Red River cart. The latter were used to carry their families and baggage, as well as to transport the results of the chase. Frequently these hunting parties would number several hundred hunters, besides their families.

After reaching the hunting grounds, cach found occupation in killing the buffaloes, dressing, dry- ing, cooking and making pemmican. Pemmican

516

HISTORY OF HENNEPIN COUNTY.

was an important article of food and merchandise with the Hudson Bay Company in furnishing supplies to their employees, and still continues to Im used. It was made in the following manner. The lean buffalo meat was ent into thin strips, and a skillful woman would ent these strips round and round. making them quite long. These were spread in the sun during the day. and gathered at night in order to protect them from rain or dew until they became as dry as a bone. They were then placed over the fire to cook. After this the meat was beaten in a buffalo hide until com- pletely pulverized. when it was mixed with melted fat and packed in skins for market. The lean and fat of two animals is condensed in one sack of pemmican. No salt or seasoning was used in its preparation. but properly prepared it would never spoil. Besides the process had driven out the water and so redneed the bulk that a very little would satisfy hunger and furnish food in the most condensed form for long journeys. When the carts were loaded with pemmican and hides the party returned from the hunt. En- counters with hostile Indians, and accidents fre- quently occurred which caused much danger and · risk.

During the summer of 1$35 Pierre made a trip to Hudson Bay in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company. and again the next summer a second trip. It will give some idea of the hardships to which voyageurs were subjeet if we state here the tests to which they were subjected before they were employed. A day and place was set for those who desired employment, to exhibit their powers of endurance. The load of a voyag- cuir. two packages weighing about one hundred pounds each, was ready and the man who could carry the load to a certain goal and return with- int resting, in the quickest time, was counted the best man. and from those most successful the employees were chosen. The Hudson Bay Company were haughty and overbearing to the natives and half-breeds, and treated them as "comme les bates," while the policy of the Ameri- can I'm Company was much more liberal. This led many to transfer their trade to the American company.

December Ist. 1526, Pierre Bottineau married Genevieve Laraner, daughter of John Baptiste Larance, a farmer of the Red River settlement.

A few months after. he undertook the memorable journey across the plains. as guide for Martin MeLeod, and two companions, Parys and Hayes. from LaFourch, Red River colony. Territory of IIudson Bay. to Fort Snelling. The time esti- mated for the journey was twenty-five days; of this. the journey to Lar Traverse was estimated at fifteen days, and the remainder of the journey ten days. The time consumed was, however. fifty days, and two of the party. Messrs. Parys and Hayes, perished by the way. The indomi- table hardihood of Pierre Bottineau. alone. brought Mr. MeLeod and himself through. They started with a dog tranean, moccasins and snow- shoes. The deep snow and the inexperience of the party retarded their progress.

They so freqently required their snow-shoes or moccasins loosened or tightened that the pa- tience of Bottineau was taxed to its utmost, and short days' journeys were accomplished. This was, however, only a small matter compared with the trouble that followed. Blizzards. cold, and want of food finally added to their miseries, until Hayes was lost in a storm and never seen again. and Parys, though found. was in such a frozen condition as to compel him to remain in a hut, carefully built and provided for his comfort, until horses could be sent for him from Lac Traverse. When the relief party arrived they found proof that death had ended his sufferings soon after their departure. Mr. Parys was a Polish gentle- man who had served under Remarino, and left his country after the fall of Warsaw to avoid the fury of the Czar Nicholas 1. Mr. Bottinean and the surviving traveler. Hon. Martin Mcleod, ar- rived in safely al Fort Snelling, April 16th, 1837. May 1th, Bottinean started on his return on horse- back. took a traveler at Lar Traverse, and reached the Red River June 5th. Spent the sum- mer and winter following. in the usual way. hunt- ing and trapping. May, 1838, he undertook his next trip across the plains as guide for a large party, consisting of forty families, Swiss, French, and Scotch. This trip was accomplished without any remarkable incident, except that the Indians along their route became somewhat troublesome, and it was necessary to court their good will by distributing tobacco and flour among them in passing their villages. This was especially true because of the hostility of the Sioux toward the

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.

History of Hennepin county and the city of Minneapolis, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 89

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