History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 101

Author: Warner, George E; Foote, Charles M., joint author; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1n; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 684

USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 101

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Orville G. Miller, of American parentage, was born January 17th, 1832, at Cooperstown, New York. He acquired an academic education, and November 22d, 1855, left home, arriving in St. Paul a few days after. His trade is that of a printer, and he is now engaged in book and job printing. He holds the position of deputy high priest of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota.

Theodore HI. Miller, a native of Germany, was born in 1841. His parents brought him to Amer- ica when a young babe and settled in Michigan, where for two years they engaged in the honora- ble and independent pursuit of agriculture. They then removed to Chicago, where Theodore ac- quired a practical education. He came to St. Paul in 1857 and worked as a day laborer one year, then learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked until 1862. He then enlisted in his country's service in the Sixth Minnesota infantry; after serving against the Indians his regiment

was ordered south in 1864; was honorably discharged in 1865. He worked at his chosen trade two years, then went into a chair factory, remaining until 1873. Was in a carpet store until * 1875, then opened a sample room at 199 West Third street. His residence, fronting on Farm- ington avenue, on a lot 60x150 feet, was erected at a cost of $2,000. Miss Lucy Keller became .. his wife in 1865. Four of their eight children are living.

Isaac W. Milner, stone contractor, a native of England, was born in September, 1820. Learned the trade of stone cutter, and in 1845 came to America, landing in New York. In 1846 worked on the Vermont Central railway, and in 1850 was foreman and contractor on the New Albany and Salem railway. Came to St. Paul in August, 1852, and two years later assisted on the stone work of the St. Anthony bridge, at the falls. Returning to St. Paul he followed contracting until 1868, then assisted in the erection of the custom house and post-office. He again engaged in the contracting business with his former part- ner, Mr. Best, till 1874 when Mr. Best retired. Mr. Milner has since been chiefly employed by the city as inspector, and now has the supervision of the stone work of the new capitol. Miss Sa- rah A. Swain became his wife in 1854. Five children were born to them, only four of whom are living.

Joseph Minea was born in Indiana, July 20th, 1832. Moved to St. Paul in 1856, and com- menced .wagon-making and blacksmithing in 1858. Started a shop in 1867, in company with Michael Eaton, continuing about two and one- half years, when he bought his partner's interest. For four subsequent years he carried on the trade alone, then formed a partnership with his brother, who four years after sold to Mr. Mooney. May 1st, 1881, Mr. Minea again became sole proprie- tor, carrying on a successful business. He has good shops in West St. Paul and does first-class work. Married June 6th, 1867, to Miss Julia Keller, of St. Paul, who died April 23d, 1872, leaving two children. Mr. Minea's second mar- riage was with Louisa Harmon, of St. Cloud, Stearns county, who has borne him three chil- dren.

William L. Mintzer, veterinary surgeon, and one of the earliest settlers in St. Paul, was born

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in Philadelphia, March 16th, 1818. In his native city and in Wilmington, he received his education. In early life he began the livery business, also woodenware and merchandising. Removed to Canada in 1853, and dealt in horses, and after spending some time in Montreal, went to Ver- mont, then returned to Philadelphia. Located in St. Paul in 1855, coming on the first boat in the spring. Being satisfied with the future pros- pects of St. Paul, he embarked in the real estate business, with due caution, which has since proved a financial success. In 1857 lie estab- lished a sale stable on Robert street, on a lot 150 by 50 feet; he also owns two other lots on Robert street, besides considerable real estate in other parts of the city. Mr. Mintzer has dealt in horses since eighteen years of age, and now re- sides on his stock farm of nearly one hundred acres in the sixth ward. In Philadelphia, in 1856, he married Anna R. Clinker, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

A. L. Mitchell was born in Lorain county, Ohio, in 1851. After teaching school two years, he, in 1873, commenced the sewing machine bus- iness, with the American Sewing Machine com- pany, becoming manager of the company, May 1st, 1875, at St. Paul. A state office was opened at St. Paul, September 1st, 1874. The corporate name of this company is the American Button Hole Overseaming and Sewing Machine Com- pany, located at Philadelphia, 1318 Chestnut street. The state office at St. Paul, is at 16 West Third street. The sales for the past six years, have been 1625 per year. Mr. Mitchell married at Brandon, Wisconsin, July 15th, 1874, to Celia E. Allen. Mack and Edith May are their living children, one having died.

George Mitscli, a native of Germany, was born May 17th, 1825. Came to Chicago in 1846, and in 1850 went to California, returning two years later. Locating in St. Paul in 1854, he started the wagon and carriage-making business on a small scale, having in the blacksmithing depart- ment only two forges. Business having gradually increased, he has now six forges, and employs twenty men in manufacturing and repairing, with a rapidly increasing trade. He has a fine brick block 47x95 feet, three stories high above the basement, on corner of Seventh and St. Peter streets. The first floor is used for drug and cloth-

ing stores, the second for offices, and the third is a large hall. He has many other buildings, also an elegant residence on Pleasant avenue. Miss Mary Haupers, of Chicago, became his wife in 1849. Of the seven children born to them, one son and four daughters are living.

George J. Mitsch was born in St. Paul, in 1854, and received his early education at the German Catholic school of this city, also at the cathedral. Attended St. John's college in Stearns county, in 1868-'69, and on returning, was engaged in his father's drug store. In 1873, entered the Phar- macy college at Philadelphia, graduating with the Centennial class of 1876. He then returned to St. Paul, and engaged as clerk in his father's drug store, the firm being Dreis and Mitsch. In St. Paul, in 1881, he married Miss Clementina Sonner.

F. T. Mix was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia in 1850. Came to St. Paul in 1873, and for four years was in the law office of H. J. Horn. In 1877, began work as assistant pay- master for the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company, remaining in the position until Novem- ber, 1879. Since then he has been ticket agent - for the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad Company.

Lot Moffet, deceased, one of the pioneers of St. Paul, was born in Montgomery county, New York. He received but little of the benefit of a common school education, acquiring what knowl- edge he could while learning the trade of mill- wright, at which he served an apprenticeship. IIe also learned the business of woolen manu- facturing, and in early life operated a mill. In July, 1848, he came to St. Paul and bought the place now known as Kittsondale. In November, 1849, went to Little Rock, Arkansas, but returned to St. Paul in 1850, and resided in this city until his death, December 28th, 1870. He was engaged in mercantile business, bridge building and lead mining, previous to his coming to St. Paul. In this city he was the proprietor of the Temper- ance house, and while conducting this hotel, be- came known to thousands of people throughout the state. Mr. Moffet never mixed in politics, but held offices in the city council of St. Paul. July 3d, 1828, he married Sarah McCreary, who died in 1840, at La Harpe, Illinois. In 1850, married Hannah Barb, of Lee county, Iowa. She

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died in July, 1854, at St. Paul. He after- ward married Laura E. McKay, of River Falls, Wisconsin, who survives. He became a free- mason in 1843, and was prominently identified with that body until his death. He was univer- sally respected wherever known, and was always ready to aid any one in need.

Delos A. Monfort was born in New York. in 1835, where he was also educated. Came to St. Paul in 1857, and occupied the re- sponsible position of cashier of the People's bank After organization of the Second National bank in 1865, he was made cashier, which position he filled ten years, then served three years as vice- president. On account of failing health, he went to Europe, remaining one year. On returning to St. Paul, he became actively engaged in the whole- sale and retail of fancy groceries, and has since continued the trade. He is now, and has been for the past ten years eminent commander of Damascus Commandery of Knights Templar of St. Paul; has also been grand commander of the state. In New York in 1860, he married Miss Mary J., sister of E. S. Edgerton, who is presi- dent of the Second National bank. Florence and Frederick are their living children.

Hugh B. Montgomery, a native of Canada, was born in 1834. When a small boy he accompanied his parents to Newport, Michigan. After the death of his father in 1842, he went to Detroit and engaged as cabin boy on a steamer, which was plying between Detroit and Port Huron, run- ning three seasons. After serving one and one- half years in a hotel at Detroit, he returned to his native place. May 2d, 1854, came to St. Paul and opened the Mansion house, which was only the fourth hotel in the city. This he sold soon after to E. C. Johnson and opened the "Labelle," a sample and billiard room. In 1855 he sold and opened a small pioneer store at Superior City, where he remained two years, then went to Milwaukee and for three years was steward in the Newhall house. Two years subsequently he returned to St. Paul, and opened a sample room and restaurant on Bridge Square. In 1877 he fancied like many others, to find his fortune at the Black Hills. Accompanied by his wife he set out in wagons for that section, making a journey of thirty-two days from Bis- marck to their destination. Not greatly enriched

he again returned to his former home in St. Paul and opened another restaurant on Jackson street. Mr. Montgomery is the original proprietor of the town site of Crookston, Polk county. His wife was Lydia M. Hughston, married in Milwaukee; she died in 1869. His second marriage was with Lizzie E. Morgan, in 1871. Two children have been born to them.

William Mooney was born in Wisconsin, April 24th, 1852. Moved with his parents to St. Paul, in the fall of 1856. Commenced learning the wagon trade with Minea Brothers in 1874, serving an apprenticeship of three years. After being in the employ of A. L. Perkins about one year, he became a partner of Joseph Minea, until May 1st, 1881, then sold his interest to his partner, but continued in his employ. December 22d, 1879, Miss Ida Holman became his wife. They have one daughter.

F. Morand, proprietor of the North-western Boiler Works, is a native of England, born in 1818. Came to America in 1837, locating near Ogdensburg, New York. Learned the trade of stove pattern-maker, in Troy, in 1843, and worked for A. Atwood until 1857, then took charge of the institution. Came west in 1861, and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and learned the trade of boiler maker. Came to St. Paul in 1872, and worked as a journeyman until January 1st, 1874, then formed a partnership with Mr. Frees, with a small capital, which continued until November, 1877, when Mr. Morand took the business, and has since conducted it alone, with success. Mr. Morand is a thorough business man and de- serves credit for his untiring efforts in the pro- gress of the manufacturing enterprises of the city. At La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1858, he married Miss M. Krowfoot, who died in 1874. Two children have been born to them, both living.

David Morgan, pastor of the Clinton Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, is a native of France, of Welsh parents, born August 25th, 1846. At the time of the revolution in 1848, removed to Wales with his parents, thence, in 1853, to the northern part of England, and in 1854, to Bel- fast, Ireland. In 1867, he came to the United States, and located at Portsmouth, Ohio, work- ing there in a rolling mill. While in the state he received a license as an exhorter, then com-

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menced private study, also attended the high school at Portsmouth, and the Ohio state univer- sity. In 1871, he united with the Ohio confer- ence, and was appointed on the Syracuse circuit; in 1872, on the Berlin circuit; in 1873, on the Franklin Valley circuit; was transferred to the Minnesota conference in 1874. Was appointed to Lake Crystal for three years, then to Janesville in 1877, for three years, and in 1880, took charge of Clinton Avenue church. June 26th, 1871, he married Miss C. A. Cable, of Athens, Ohio. Ed- ward D., Kate A., Frank W. and Lulu M. are their children.

Joseph H. Morong, contractor, builder and honse mover, was born in Pembroke, Maine, March 17th, 1841. When thirteen years of age began a sailor's life, which he continued five years, rising to the position of the first officer of a merchant vessel. Becoming tired of sea life he located in Portland, Maine, and commenced the carpenter's trade, remaining three years. II℮ then spent one year in Boston, thence went to the navy yards at Norfolk, Virginia, in the employ of the government. While there he met and married Mary E. Coleman, June 18th, 1866. Re- turning to Boston they resided there until coming to St. Paul in 1872, since which time he has carried on his present business. Located at 447 Robert street, and employs seventeen men. Wil- lie E. and George are their living children.

Charles A. F. Morris was born December 9th, 1827, at Beaupark House, County Meath, Ireland. IIis father's ancestor (formerly spelled De Mau- risco) came to England as colonel in the army of William the Conquerer, settling upon a landed estate. His mother, whose maiden name was Gerrard, was born in Siscarton Castle, County Meath, Ireland, and is of French extraction. Her ancestors left France at the expulsion of the Huguenots. Her uncle was Sir Mark Gerrard, , governor of Demarara. The rudiments of Charles' education were acquired under the instruction of the family tutor, afterward at the select school of J. T. Sturgeon, then two years in the government engineer department. IIe served an apprentice- ship of three years to Sir John McNeil, an engi- neer in large practice. Came to America in 1849, and immediately took a position on the IIudson River railroad, with headquarters at New York city, remaining until the completion of the road.

Located in St. Paul, August 23d, 1854. Being an expert engineer, he has served on several English and Irish railroads, also on government works during the Irish famine. At one time he superintended five thousand men at work in Counties Clare and Galway, building sea walls, piers, bridges and roads. Has been engineer on Hudson River railroad, Albany and Troy, Long Island, Chicago, Alton and St. Louis, St. Paul and Minnesota, St. Paul and Pacific, Winona branch, Stillwater branch, St, Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba, and others. He was drafted during the war, but was exempted, and was city engineer of St. Paul during 1862. Married in 1848 to Mary Ellen D. Reid, of Scotch nationality, whose father was an officer in the English army.

Peter Mueller, a native of Prussia, was born in 1828. Was educated in his native language, also followed the grocery trade. Came to America in 1852, landing at New Orleans, where he remained four years, as overseer of a plantation. In 1858, he made a visit to his native country, and on re- turning, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which place was his home until 1867. Came to St. Paul in January, 1868, and engaged in the grocery trade at 373 Third street. Married in St. Paul in 1868, to Miss Mary Reshof, who has borne him six children, all of whom are living.

Russell C. Munger, Scotch-English descent, was born in Madison, Connecticut, in 1837. Re- moved to New Haven when about eleven years of age, remained until 1856, then started westward. At Iowa City he engaged in the grain and com- mission business for one year, and in 1857 be- came a resident of St. Paul The following year he began the music trade and after fourteen years of unbounded success sold out. He was one of the original organizers of the Great West- ern band, and was its leader seven years. Was one of the projectors and owners of the St. Paul opera house, also its manager several years. Af- ter retiring from the music business he became interested in and built a grain elevator at Duluth, which was burned in the spring of 1880. In May, 1878, he resumed his former trade, which he still carries on with success. Mr. Munger has ever been actively interested in nearly every enter- prise tending to build up the business and social interests of the great metropolis of the North-west. John H. Murphy, M. D., the oldest medical

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practitioner in Minnesota, is a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, a son of James Murphy, ship builder, and Sarah (Allen) Murphy, and dates his birth the 22d of January, 1826. His father came from Ireland when about fourteen years old; located in New Jersey, and was an officer in the second war with England. The Allens were an early New Jersey family. James Murphy moved to Quincy, Illinois, in 1834, where John farmed until he was eighteen, finishing his literary studies in the high school of Quincy. He read medicine with Dr. Abram Hull, of Lew- iston, Fulton county, Illinois; attended lectures at Rush Medical college, Chicago, and graduated in 1850. The year previous he had located at St. Anthony, Minnesota, and commenced practice, and made that place, now a part of Minneapolis, his home until near the close of the civil war. In the summer of 1861, when Dr. Stewart, surgeon of the First Minnesota Infantry was captured at Bull Run, Dr. Murphy took his place and served in that capacity six months. He then became surgeon of the Fourth Infantry, which was con- nected with the 17th army corps, General Mc- Pherson commander; served as division surgeon most of the time; had a sunstroke in the summer of 1864, and was obliged to return to the North; became surgeon of the Eighth Minnesota In- fantry, operating against the Indians; accompan- ied it to the western plains and served until the close of the war. During the latter part of this period his family was living at St. Paul, which has been his home since 1864. Though doing a general practice, he makes surgery a specialty, and does an extensive and lucrative business. His rides extend over a large territory, and his skill and services are thoroughly appreciated among a wide circle of his acquaintances. He is a man of genial and kindly disposition, whose very presence is a comfort to the sick. Dr. Murphy has held several civil offices and could have had more if he would have accepted them. He wasa member of the territorial legislature in 1852, and of the state constitutional convention in 1857. He is president of the city school board, an earn- est worker for the cause of education, and has held other civil offices in the municipality of St. Paul. Dr. Murphy has been surgeon general of the state for the last eight or nine years, and is president of the pension bureau. The Doctor is

a member of the American Medical association, and of the State Medical society, and was the first delegate from the territory of Minnesota to the former, and has been vice-president of the latter. MIis standing in the medical fraternity is highly honorable. In politics he was first a whig, since 1856 has been a republican, is a knight templar in Freemasonry, and an Odd Fellow, and is a. member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His integrity and the purity of his life, we believe, lave never been questioned. His wife was Miss Mary A. Hoyt, of Fulton county, Illinois, mar- ried on the 28th of June, 1848. They have had seven children, and lost two of them. Emma is the wife of Davis Blaisdell, of California. The others are single.

Dennis Murphy was born in Tenwick, Canada East, where he lived until eighteen years of age. He then came to the United States, and in 1866 came to St. Paul, which city has since been his home. In September, 1872, he was appointed on the police force by Mayor Stewart, and has since filled the position with great credit.

Robert Murray, foreman of the paint shops of the St. Paul Harvester works, is a native of Scotland, born in November, 1826. In his native country he learned the trade of painter, and in 1844 removed to England. While there, in 1852, he met and married Miss Hannah Wentworth. They came to Chicago from England in 1853, and in that city, in 1865, Mrs. Murray died, leaving four children. Mr. Murray remained in Chicago until 1874, engaged in the pursuit of his trade, being associated with Mr. Watson, the firm known as Murray and Watson. Removed to St. Paul and has since been in the Harvester works. Ilis second marriage was with Miss Isabella Kirk- wood, in Chicago, in 1867. They have had three children and lost two of them.

William P. Murray, city attorney, and for thir- teen sessions a member of the legislature, is one among the earliest settlers of St. Paul, having reached here in December, 1849, in company with a party who laid out the first wagonroad to St. Paul from Prairie du Chein and other points south. Mr. Murray was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 21st, 1827; was educated at the Wayne county seminary, in Indiana, then con- nected himself with the law department of the State university at Bloomington, graduating in

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1849. ITe has been engaged in the practice of his profession more than thirty years, and during the time, perhaps without an exception, no man has had an equal share in its legislation. He was a member of the house in 1852, 1853 and 1857, and in the territorial council in 1854-'55, being its president the latter year. Was a member of the constitutional convention in 1857, of the house in 1863-'68, and of the senate in 1866-'67-175 and 1876. Mr. Murray, as the journals show, by his experience, sound judgment and hard work con- tributed largely to to the legislation which laid the foundation of our present common-school system ; which mapped out, incorporated and gave life to the many railroads that now traverse nearly every part of our state, and which has placed the charitable institutions of Minnesota on a sound footing of rapid progress. Mr. Mur- ray served sixteen years as alderman of the city of St. Paul, and for six years was president of the common council ; in 1876 he succeeded Gen. W. A. Gorman to the office of city attorney, which position he still fills by three successive elections. He is a member of the board of managers of the State Reform school. He has ever been found faithful to all public trusts, and his devotion to the interests of the city is proverbial. April 7th, 1873, Miss Carrie Conwell, of Laurel, Indiana, be- came his wife.

Nathan Myrick, a native of New York, was born in 1822 and educated at Westport, New York. In 1841 he came westward, to La Crosse, Wisconsin, then called Prairie La Crosse. IIe made a claim where the city now is, entering the land in January, 1848. In June of that year he came to St. Paul, there being at that time only fifteen or twenty log houses and one frame build- ing in what is now the great metropolis. Until 1862 he engaged in traffic with the Indians on the upper Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. At the time of the Indian outbreak he had stores of general merchandise at St. Peter and Traverse de Sioux, also a store of Indian supplies at Win- nebago Agency, Yellow Medicine, Redwood Agen- cy, Big Stone Lake and Lake Traverse, all of which were destroyed by the savages. In Ver- mont in 1843, he married Miss Rebecca E. Ismon. Three of their eight children are living: Matilda, Fannie and William.

Charles W. Naumann, book-keeper in Hamm's

brewery, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1840. After getting a collegiate education he entered a counting house in Bremen to learn mercantile business, and after six years came to America in 1863. Came directly to St. Paul and began clerk- ing in a mercantile house, where he remained one and one-half years. Next was in the post-office a short time then went to St. Louis, where for five years he kept books. Returned to St. Paul and entered the employ of Holl and Paar in the same capacity. Took his present position Feb- ruary, 1881.

John C. Nelson, son of Mark and Emilie Nel- son, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Septem- ber 25th, 1847. Left his home in 1861, and five years later came to America. Received his med- ical education in Keokuk, Iowa, and in 1879, came to St. Paul, where he has since practiced medicine. Married IIannah E. Johnson, who was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, April 28th, 1845.

J. O. Nelson, pastor of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church was born in Sweden, April 14th, 1850. After preparatory studies he entered the high school of Singkoping at the age of sixteen years and remained three years. In 1869, he came to America and found employment in a hardware store as clerk in Boone county, Indiana, where he remained three and one-half years. IIe was converted and felt himself called to preach. . Went to Galena, Illinois, where the Swedish Methodist church had their theological school, in which he stayed one year. At Portage he joined the Central Illinois conference, and was ordained deacon, September 21st, 1874. IIe was sent to Burlington, Iowa, as pastor of the Swedish Meth- odist Episcopal congregation of that city. Here he remained three years. In the fall of 1877, he was sent to Elgin, and after one year came to St. Panl, where he has since remained. Mr. Nelson married Miss Hannah Jensen, of Altona, Illinois. They have two children living.

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