USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 100
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John F. McIntosh, proprietor of the Washing- ington meat market, is a native of Connecticut. During the early part of his life he traveled through the eastern states; in 1868 was in the Pennsylvania oil regions, and in 1869 turned his course toward Minnesota, arriving at St. Paul in June. Ile began the butcher's trade with much energy but with little or no means, working' the first four months for his board. He then hired to John Egan for ten dollars per month, contin- uing nine months, and in 1870 entered business in company with G. W. Wentworth. This firm continued five years, and early in 1876 Mr. Mc- Intosh purchased his partner's interest, and has since carried on the business successfully. His
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trade has increased rapidly it being in 1880 be- tween $80,000 and $90,000. In the fall of 1880 he was elected county commissioner.
R. E. McLeary is a native of Maine, born Sep- tember 6th, 1846, where he resided until 1862, then moved to St. Cloud, Stearns county, Minne- sota. There he worked in the sash, door and blind business three years, afterward moved to Minneapolis and engaged in the same trade about four years. Located in St. Paul at that time and embarked in the same line of business, under the firm name of McLeary and Corning, on corner of Sixth and Cedar streets, was there six years. Went to Texas and remained two years, then re- turned to St. Paul and is foreman of the sash, door and blind department of the Anchor Manu- facturing Company. December 26th, 1871, he married Miss Lizzie M. HIowe. They have one son aged six years.
A. D. McLeod, a native of Canada, was born in 1854. Came to the United States at the age of twenty-two years and made his home in Still- water, Minnesota, for three years. Came to St. Paul in 1879 and went into a grocery store with Mr. McFarland, and in May, 1880, opened his sa- loon and restaurant at 139 and 141 East Third street.
Daniel McMahon, born in 1846, is a native of Ireland. At about twenty years of age came to the United States. . Remained in New York a short time then went to Vermont and engaged as railroad car builder six years. IIe then went to the south and worked as a carpenter in Mississip- pi two years. In 1872 located at St. Paul and was carpenter two years; on being disabled lie devoted his time to traveling three years, then opened a cigar and tobacco store where he still remains.
Thomas McMahon was born in Clare county, Ireland, December 22d, 1833. IIis home was in his native country until September, 1850, when he came to America, landing in New York; pro- ceeded from that state to Chicago, Illinois. Re- mained in Chicago until April, 1856, and then came to St. Paul; has since resided here; having been one of the early settlers, he endured the hardships which usually accompany pioneer life. Was street commissioner of St. Paul one year, and in 1874 was appointed on the police force, which position he has since filled with credit.
Patrick McManus, a native of Ireland, was born in 1835. Came to New York city, July 18th, 1852, where he resided until June, 1854. He then moved to Davenport, Iowa, remaining two years. Removed to Shieldsville, Rice county, Minnesota, and held the office of postmaster until October, 1864, then moved to St. Paul, and until 1870 worked at his trade as a carpenter. He en- gaged in the grocery trade nine years, and since 1871, has held the office of market-master of the city. Miss Rosana McBride, born in 1835, be- came his wife in 1858. They have five daughters: Lizzie, Sarah, a teacher of music; Mary, a teacher in the public schools; Maggie and Rosie.
Dr. Sterling Y. McMasters, deceased, was born at Guilford Court House, North Carolina, Decem- ber 9th, 1813, and graduated at the university of that state. IIe studied medicine in early life, but subsequently studied theology, and was or- dained a clergyman in the Protestant Episcopal church. In 1846 he became rector of Christ church, at Alton, Illinois. In 1858 he became president of St. Paul's college, Palmyra, Mis- souri. Three years later this was broken up by the war, and he became chaplain of the Twenty- seventh Illinois Regiment. In 1863 he came to St. Paul for his health, and became rector of Christ church, ministering to that parish for twelve years. He soon attained a high reputation in our state as a fine scholar, a skilled theologian, an earnest, active, faithful clergyman, and a Christian gentleman of the finest culture. He was a member of the State Normal board, of the Minnesota Historical society, and was commis- sioner to the Vienna Exposition in 1873. IIe was a Free-mason of the thirty-third degree, Scottishi rite. He died November 5th, 1875, sincerely la- mented.
S. Russell McMasters, son of Rev. S. Y. McMas- ters, was born at Alton, Illinois, February 28th, 1853. His education was acquired at Shattuck IIall, Faribault, Minnesota, and in 1862 he located in St. Paul. The firm of McMasters and Getty was formed August 1st, 1880. This firm has two drug stores, with a good trade. Mr. McMasters was married May 21st, 1878.
James T. McMillan is a native of Belfast, Ire- land, born in 1839. Came to America when about twenty years old, remaining in Indianapo- lis, Indiana until 1871, connected with the firm of
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Kingen and Company, pork packers, he having an interest in the business. On coming to St. Paul, in 1871, he established a wholesale pork house. In 1874 he purchased five acres in West St. Paul, and erected a building with accommo- dations for slaughtering five hundred hogs per day, having the four years previous dealt only in dressed animals. IIe moved the buildings, in 1880, to the St. Paul stock yards, purchasing also two acres for yards and houses. He has two packing houses, one 50x110 feet, two stories, the other 40x80, also two smoking houses of 14x14 feet, and three stories each, and packs on an aver- age ten thousand hogs yearly. Mr. McMillan was married October 23d, 1870, to Annie Myron, of. Aberdeen, Scotland. One son, Myron, has been born to them.
Joseph B. McMillan, son of Hon. S. J. R. Mc- Millan, was born at Stillwater, Minnesota, March 31st, 1857. IIe accompanied his parents to St. Paul in 1865, and graduated from the high school at the age of fifteen years. Three years subse- quently he entered the employ of Nicols and Dean as commercial agent, and has since filled this position with credit to himself and to the satis- faction of his employers.
Cyrus T. McNamara was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1826, but passed his youth in Evansburgh. In 1851 he moved to Cali- fornia, remaining in the state five years. Came to Minnesota in 1856, locating at Mantorville, Dodge county, where he was proprietor of the Hubbell house. From there he went to Owaton- na, and for four years was manager of the rail- road eating house, then to Minneapolis for one and a half years. Came to St. Paul in 1871 and has kept the Revere and Merchants hotels, aud since June, 1878, has been in the Clarendon house. Married in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1848, to Miss Jane George. Four children have been born to them ; Helen, Ida and Jay still survive, John died at Mantorville, in 1863.
Bartholomew T. McTeague, foreman of tlie boiler works of the St. Paul and Duluth railway shops, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1849. He learned the trade of machinist in his native city, and at the age of eighteen years went to St. Louis, Missouri, there working at his trade. He afterward visited Leavenworth, Kansas, and other points, coming to St. Paul in 1870. The follow-
ing year he began in the railroad shops in his present position. At Minneapolis, in 1871, he married Miss Maria Sloan, who has borne him three children, William, George W. and Sloan J.
William McTeague, foreman of the boiler- shops of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba railway, is a native of Ireland, born in 1843. With his parents immigrated to America in 1848, locat- ing in Boston, where he learned his trade. Came to St. Paul in 1868 and entered the shops of the railway company; after working nine months as a journeyman he was appointed foreman, having now fifty men under his supervision. At Provi- dence, Rhode Island, April 18th, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Breenan. Six of their eight children are living.
Ernst Medicke was born March 24th, 1848, in Saxony. In 1868 entered the German army as soldier in the heavy artillery, and fought against the French in many battles about Paris. Re- turning to civil life in 1871, he came, the year following, to Massachusetts. In August of that year he located in St. Paul, and worked at his trade, that of furniture manufacturer, for Mr. Hanggi until April 1st, 1880. Ile then became a partner under the firm name of Hanggi, Cady and Medicke. September 26th, 1875, he married Miss Anna Sanders, of St. Paul. One son and one daughter have been born to them.
John Meier, a native of Prussia, was born in 1849. Came to America in 1873, locating soon after in St. Paul. He was in the employ of John Schillo, in a grocery and saloon, thirteen months ; then was employed by the Standard Oil Company, a short time. In 1876 he started in the liquor trade, on corner of Exchange and St. Peter streets, but a few months subsequently moved to his present location at 500 St. Peter street. Married at St. Paul, in 1875, to Katie Griebler. Katie, John and Frank are their living children.
Jacob Meili is a native of Switzerland, born in 1821. Ile received a practical education, and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed as a wagon - maker, three years. After acquiring a knowledge of the trade, he passed seven years in traveling through his native country and France. Returned home, and remained until 1849, in the meantime serving in the revolutionary war. In 1849 came to this country, and settled in Sauk county, Wisconsin, there working at his trade till
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1852. He then started in a skiff for St. Louis, there being no other means of transportation at that early date. He was en route for the Califor- nia gold mines, but on account of ice in the river and many other hindrances, lie experienced a long, tedious journey, enduring hardships such as only those early explorers and pioneers knew. On reaching St. Louis, he took the overland route, starting April 4th, 1853, being on the way five months. IIe made his home in California three years ; engaged in mining, hotel-keeping, and at his trade, with success. Started homeward March 6th, 1856, and in trying to cross Nicaragua lake, was compelled on account of the depredations made by the enemy at the time of the war, to go to the isthmus of Panama, and in a roundabout way to Cuba, back to New Orleans, and St. Louis ; thence to Wisconsin, to visit a brother. He then made a trip to his native land, returning in 1857. Proceeding directly to Minnesota, he located at Stillwater, and conducted a wagon shop until 1872. That year he removed to St. Panl, and erected his present business building, on corner of Fort and Dousman streets. His attention was given to the grocery trade until 1877, when the excitement of the Black Hills filled him with curiosity. After passing one year there, he re- turned to his former home, St. Paul. He con- templates making another trip to his native country soon. Married Miss B. L. Spoerry in 1860, and has three children, Edward, Reinbold, and Henry.
John L. Merriam, the subject of this notice, was born in Essex, Essex county, New York, February 6th, 1825. His father, William S. Mer- riam, was an iron manufacturer in the same county. The Merriams were early settlers in Massachusetts. The great-grandfather of our subject having been a revolutionary soldier. The mother of John L. was Jane Ismon, who was de- scended from a New Jersey family. To a good common school education he added the advant- ages of two years attendance at the academies of Westport and Essex, in his native county. Early in life he engaged in the iron business and fol- lowed it successfully for several years until he came to Minnesota. His first connection with public affairs was in 1857, at which time he was elected treasurer of his native county, serving two years in that capacity. In October, 1860 he
moved to Minnesota. On settling in St. Paul Mr. Merriam associated himself with J. C. Bur- bank and R. Blakely in the stage and express business and at the same time engaged with J. C. and H. C. Burbank, and A. H. Wilder, in the forwarding and commission business, and in merchandising, at St. Paul and St. Cloud. He was one of the incorporators of the First National bank of St. Paul, and also at a later day of the Merchants' National bank of which latter insti- tution he is now president, and a large stock- holder in both. He has also had much to do with originating and developing the great railroad en- terprises of the state. Was one of the incorpor- . ators named by the legislature for the Minnesota Valley railroad, later changed to the St. Paul and Sioux City. Was vice-president of the St. Paul and Sioux City railroad, also the Worthington and Sioux Falls; a director of the Sioux City and St. Paul, and the St. Paul, Stillwater and Taylor's Falls; all of which have since been con- solidated with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapo- lis and Omaha railroad. He was president of the construction company which built the Northern Pacific railroad, from the junction with St. Paul and Duluth to Morehead on the Red River. Mr. Merriam was one of the early stockholders of the St. Paul Foundry and Manufacturing Co., and has for years in that connection been engaged in mak- ing all kinds of heavy machinery, car wheels, &c. Was a member of the legislature in 1871-'72, and although a republican he was elected in a demo- cratic district; he was elected speaker of the first session and re-elected for the second. He has been a staunch republican since the death of the old whig party in which he was reared, and in 1876 was a delegate to the national convention that nominated Hayes and Wheeler. Mr. Merri- am was first married in 1848 to Miss Mahala K. DeLano, of Westport, New York. After her death le married Miss Helen Marian Wilder, a sister of Amherst HI. Wilder, of St. Paul. He has five children living, the eldest of whom, Wil- liam R. Merriam, is now cashier of the Mer- chant's National bank of St. Paul.
William R. Merriam is of American birth, born July 26th, 1849. He received a college education and in 1861 located in St. Paul. He now holds the responsible position of cashier of the Mer- chants National Bank; is also a member of the
1
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board of education. At Philadelphia, October 2d, 1872 he married Laura E. Hancock.
G. W. Merrill was born in Maine, near Port- land, May 1Sth, 1829, being the fourth son of Col. Giles Merrill, a prominent ship builder and joiner. IIis education was common school and academic. He learned the business of ship joiner of his father and worked in many of the principal cities of New England till 1855, when he and a younger brother, Alexander P., left home for the west. Arrived in Minnesota, May 18th of that year and located in St. Panl. Engaged in con- tracting and building in 1864, continuing until the present time. At the age of twenty-one he be- came connected with the masonic order and has taken an active interest in the works of the order; is a member of all the organizations in St. Paul, and has been presiding officer in most of them. October 31st, 1861, he married Miss Elizabeth S. Ogden, who has borne him four children, all living.
Charles E. Merritt, dentist, was born in Wil- liamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1846. After acquir- ing his literary education in Cleveland, Ohio, he studied dentistry with his brother, Doctor J. Mer- ritt. In 1864 enlisted in Company II, One hund- red and Eightieth Ohio Volunteers, serving six months. Returning to civil life, he attended the Ann Arbor university, Michigan, and in 1870 came to St Paul, tarrying only a short time how- ever. He graduated from the New York dental college in 1874, after which commenced his prac- tice in St. Paul, and has since been a resident of the city. Married in this city in 1876, Miss Saralı Pall. Carl N. is their only child.
George C. Messig, foreman of the copper and sheet-iron department of the St. Paul and Duluth railway shops, is a native of New York city. He learned the trade of coppersmith in Buffalo. In April, 1863, he entered the Twelfth New York Cavalry as sergeant, serving faithfully until Sep- tember, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Was wounded in the head and hand by a piece of shell, a portion of the same killing his horse. IIe returned to Ohio, and in 1876 located in St. Paul, and has since filled his present position. At San- dusky, Ohio, in 1867 Miss Elizabeth Lick became his wife. Nine children have been born to them, six of whom are living.
C. Meyer is a native of Germany. Came to 1
America in 1860 and for four years engaged as a tailor in Columbus, Indiana. Coming to St. Paul he worked as a journeyman tailor till the spring of 1866, then bought out F. Schulze and carried on the trade until the firm of Meyer and Mathes was formed, which existed till the spring of 1874. Mr. Meyer then sold to his partner and purchased the stock of M. C. Ten Eyck. The firm of C. Meyer and Company was then formed and in May, 1878, II. Gall was taken as a partner. The present company is Meyer and Gall, whose tailor- ing establishment is located at 368 Jackson street. They deal largely in fine imported and domestic goods, and everything in the line of a first class tailoring house. They are practical workmen of many years experience.
Ileury J. Meyer was born in Prussia in 1851. At the age of sixteen years he accompanied his parents and family to this country, and settled on a farm in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, where they still reside. After six years experience in farming, Henry removed to Jordan, Scott county, remaining only one year, then came to St. Paul. IIe worked at the butcher's trade for Mr. Oertel till 1877, then opened what was known as the Mississippi Street market, and in 1878 moved to 113 Mississippi street, his present place of busi- ness. Miss Louisa Oertel became his wife April 21st, 1880. She is a native of Detroit, Michigan.
Alcide Michaud, a native of Canada, was born October 23d, 1855, and was there educated in the French language. Came to New York in 1870, there acquiring a business education in the Eu- glish language. . After leaving school he clerked in a store some time, then came west to Minne- apolis, and for one year served as clerk in a boot and shoe store. May 24th, 1880, he located in St. Paul and clerked for the firm of Michaud and Brothers ten months, when they placed him in charge of their large grocery room at 124 Fort street.
D. Michaud, founder of the newspaper " Le Canadian," its present editor and publisher, is a uative of the province of Quebec, born in 1851. At the age of thirteen he entered the Jolliette college, where he passed through a classical course, including all branches of sciences. He afterward commenced reading law in Montreal, and gradu- ated from Victoria university. Was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and practiced
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successfully one year. On account of failing health he was advised by his physician to seek a more salubrious climate. In 1874, he located in St. Paul, and commenced reading law with E. P. Warner; was admitted to the bar by the supreme court in 1877. IIe has since divided his atten- tion somewhat between the newspaper business and the practicing of law. Lately, however, he has given his time and attention exclusively to editing the newspaper.
Narcisse Michaud, a native of Canada, was born in 1840. Ile acquired a collegiate educa- tion, and in 1854 came to St. Paul, when the city was yet in her infancy; remained three and one- half years. Returning to his native country he remained until 1878, then returned to St. Paul, and associated himself with his brothers in gro- cery business. The firm then became Michaud and Brothers, which is an outgrowth of the old firm of Michaud and Company. The business of the firm three years ago was $45,000, and in 1881, it is expected to reach $250,000, the largest retail firm west of Chicago. Three brothers constitute the firm; Narcisse, Charles, and Achille. In Canada, in 1863, Miss Stephanie Gauthier be- came the wife of Mr. Michaud. Thirteen child- ren have been born to them, six of whom still live.
Sinai Michaud, son of Narcisse and Mathilde Michaud, was born in Canada, December 5th, 1860. Ilis educational advantages were confined to a common school. Ile left Canada in 1877, for St. Paul, Minnesota, locating here the same year. Ile is interested in the grocery business on corner of Seventh and Wabasha streets.
B. Michel is a German by birth, born in 1832. After receiving a common school education in his native country, he in 1852, came across the sea and settled in Buffalo, New York, where he worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner. Removed to Chicago, and soon after in 1853, lo- cated in St. Paul. Followed his trade till 1867, then opened a grocery store and saloon at his present location, corner Rice and Martin streets. When he came to the United States, he had noth- ing, but is now worth $75,000. Married in St. Paul in 1854, to Miss Frances Breker; George, Lena, Theodore, Joseph and Annie are their children.
C. C. Miles, son of Robert and Margaret Miles,
who were a natives of Philadelphia, was born at that city in 1832. He left his home in May, 1855, locating a few days after in St. Paul, which city has since been his home. IIe has engaged in the business of a bell hanger, lock smith, silver smith, and dealer in safes. Ile has been employed by the banks, express companies, etc., and has opened, picked and repaired all locks submitted to his supervision, with satisfaction to his employers and credit to himself. IIe was the first who success- fully picked the lock of the first railroad car that entered our city. Married in 1858, by Rev. E. D. Neill, to Miss Helen A. Bedell, of St. Paul. Kate B., Robert D., George W., Charles C. Jr., and Helen A. are their children.
C. W. Miller was born in Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin, September 6th, 1850, where he resided until nineteen years of age. Graduated from the Spencerian Business college of that city, and in 1870, moved to Chicago, residing there three years. Moved to St. Paul in 1873, and engaged as business manager of the wholesale saddlery house of Schmidt and Kiefer. In 1875, Mr. Kiefer retired on account of ill health, and in 1876, Mr. Miller became a member. They are now doing a very extensive business through the entire North-west, being the largest house of the kind west of Milwaukee. They employ about twenty men. September 26th, 1877, Miss Caro- line Mansfield, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, be- came his wife. Only one of the two sons born to them is living.
D. A. Miller, one of the pioneers of St. Paul, was born in Virginia in 1828. After attaining majority, he came in 1851, to St. Paul, finding it only a small village. He has remained to witness its growth from that time to the present. For three years he followed his trade, that of car- penter; assisted in building the first frame house in Rice county. He was well acquainted with the Indian chief, Little Crow, whose village was quite near St. Paul at that time. Mr. Miller opened a hotel, known as the Warren house, lo- cated on corner of Fourth and Jackson streets, where he still does business. In St. Paul in 1861, he married Miss Maria Cantaren. Henry S .. Celia A., Willie, Daisy, and Mary are their children.
Jacob Y. Miller was born in Bodenheim, Ger- many, January 3d, 1838 ; lived in his native place
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until twenty years of age. About 1858 he came to America, and after remaining a short time in New York, made his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, one year, employed in a butcher shop. Became a resident of St. Paul, in 1859, but in December of that year went to Tennessee, returning in the spring. June 22d, 1861, enlisted in the Second Minnesota Volunteers and served three years, re- ceiving an honorable discharge July 8th, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. Returned and worked six months in hotel business, in Cincinnati, then came to his former home, St. Paul, and engaged in the fruit growing business, to which he still gives his attention. Mr. Miller married, in 1866, Sylvia A. Smith, of St. Paul. They have four living children: Emalda, William F., Harvey R. and Sylvia A.
J. J. Miller is a native of Germany. In 1848 he moved to Detroit, Michigan, and worked in a hardware store until 1856, at which time he moved to Washington county, Minnesota, and bought a farm. In 1860 he came to St. Paul, and has since given his attention chiefly to lumbering, ex- cept three years in the furniture trade. Enlisted in August, 1862, in the Sixth regiment of Mine- sota infantry, serving three years ; was engaged in many hard battles, and fortunately escaped with but slight wounds. Married in Detroit, Michi- gan, in 1851, Miss Elizabeth M. Metzger. Five sons and two daughters have been born to them.
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