History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 106

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 106

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Alfred Robinson was born November 25th, 1851, in Prince Edward's county, Virginia. When fifteen years of age removed to New Or- leans and accepted a position as hotel waiter. In 1868 removed to Brownsville, Texas, remaining one and one-half years, engaged in his former employment. Locating in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1870, he followed the occupation of hotel waiter for seven years, then came to St. Paul. For three years past he has been waiter in the Metropolitan hotel. Miss Georgia Jones, of Inde- pendence, Missouri, became his wife November 2d, 1878.

George W. Robinson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1835. Came to St. Paul in 1866,

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remaining only about one year, then went to Glenwood, Pope county, engaged in the mercan- tile business four years. IIe then opened the Fountain house, the first hotel in Glenwood, in company with James Peabody. Returning to St. Paul in 1872, he was traveling salesman for Pea- body, Lyons and Company two years, remov- ing hence to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In com- pany with James Peabody he opened the hotel known as Peabody house, which was kept by them five years. Mr. Robinson then returned to St. Paul, and has since been traveling salesman for Perkins, Lyons and Company.

William B. Robinson was born in Roscoe, Wis- consin, in 1847. At the age of five years accom- panied his parents to Aurora, Illinois, where he acquired the machinist's trade. Came to Minne- apolis Minnesota, in the fall of 1869, and in the spring following engaged in the machine shops of the St. Paul and Duluth railway. He worked as a journeyman until 1876, since which time he has been foreman. At St. Paul, March 14th, 1872, he married Miss Victoria Cazaly. Frederick J., Lillie, Edward and Clara are their children.

Henry W. Robinson, druggist, is a native of England, born in 1814. Came to America in 1848, and settled in San Francisco, California, remaining until 1852, being the only druggist in the city. Sailed from there to Melbourne, Au- stralia, where he gave his attention to the drug trade until 1855. On leaving Australia he re- turned to his native land, coming again to this country in 1856. Located in Chicago, and in 1859 reached St. Paul. He at once embarked in the drug trade, and has since continued, his being the oldest house of its kind in the city. Located at 101 West Third street. Miss J. McKinley be- came his wife in Chicago, in 1857.

George Rochat, a native of Switzerland, was born in 1834. In his native country he was edu- cated and learned the trade of watch-maker. In 1856 came to America and passed a short time in New York, going thence to Boston, where he en- gaged in the pursuit of his trade until 1859. Ar- rived at St. Paul April 22d, 1859, on the steamer Itasca. This city has since been his home. He is the oldest jeweler now in the city, having also one of the finest stores, owning the entire build- ing at 100 West Third street. Married at Roches-

ter, New York, August 4th, 1857, to Miss Emily Aubry. Their four children are all living.

Michael Roche, contractor, is a native of Ire- land, born in 1832. When sixteen years of age, he, with his father's family came to this conti- nent. He learned the trade of stone cutting in To- wanda, Pennsylvania, completing it in 1854, witlı Jolın C. Codding. In 1857, came to St. Paul, and following his chosen trade as a journeyman; during the financial embarrassments of 1857-'58, obtained only from seventy-five cents to one dol- lar per day. In the fall of 1859, he went south, returning the following year, and in 1861, com- menced contracting. He has since followed the business successfully; is located on the corner of Tenth and Robert streets, usually employing from seventy-five to one hundred men. Mr. Roche served three years in St. Paul on school board, also two years on the first board of public works. Married in Lockport, New York, February 23d, 1857, to Miss Julia A. McCarthy, who died in 1873. She bore lim ten children, six of whom are living. His second marriage occured in St. Paul, in May, 1875, with Miss Bridget A. Lin- nehan. Three children have been born to them, all living.

August Roedler was born July 31st, 1832, in Germany. In 1850, moved to New York city, residing there two years, also two years in Roch- ester, New York. Locating in St. Paul in 1854, he entered the employ of Bailey and Primrose, in the furniture business. He began in the same line of trade in 1863, the firm being Bailey and Company. In 1879, Mr. Bailey withdrew, since which time Mr. Roedler has continued success- fully. He has a fine store 24x100 feet, three- stories above the basement, at 53 West Third street, and does a large business, both in furni- ture and undertaking. Married in 1858, to Miss Magdalene Smith, of St. Paul. Of their six children, two sons and two daughters are living.

Edward G. Rogers, son of J. N. and Esther E. Rogers, was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, De_ cember 8th, 1843. His early education was ac- quired at the public schools,after which he studied law at Ann Arbor university, Michigan. After attaining majority, he left the parental roof, and in November, 1866, became a resident of St. Paul, engaging actively in the practice of law. For two years he served as county attorney of

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Ramsey county. His marriage occured, Novem- ber 12th, 1878.

Josias N. Rogers, a son of J. N. and Esther E. Rogers, natives of Middlebury, Vermont, was born at St. Joseph, Michigan, February 21st, 1846. He received good educational advantages, being a graduate from the Berlin high school of Wisconsin. Removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1863, residing there until 1866, when he lo- cated in St. Paul. Enlisted as a private from Milwaukee, in Company A, Thirty-ninth Wis- cousin Infantry and served until his regiment was mustered out. Since 1866, he has been one of St. Paul's active lawyers, ever taking great interest in all enterprises pertaining to the wel- . fare of the city. Was elected to the legislature from St. Paul, in 1872.

Hiram Rogers, deceased, was born in Doyles- town, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, April 7th, 1806, and was a little over seventy-three years old at the time of his death. At the age of sixteen, Hiram indentured himself for four years to Jacob Fulmer, of the same county, to learn the tanning and currying business. When he was twenty- one years of age he removed to Philadelphia, and engaged in the business of dressing Morocco leather. In 1836, removed to Zanesville, Ohio where he engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade, to which was added the manufacture of Morocco leather. In this place he remained about twenty years. In 1855, he returned to Phila- delphia, opening, in company with his son, a house similar to the one he had at Zanesville, Ohio. The great inducements offered in the rapidly growing states of the North-west, having attracted his attention for some time, he soon after located in St. Paul. He was married in Philadelphia, in 1827, to Miss Hannah Dice, with whom he lived until her death, which occurred in October, 1874. All of his children are living, three daughters and one son. Soon after coming to St. Paul, he bought a strip of bluff property, on Third street, and commenced the erection of what is known as Rogers' block, a building which he added to until now it is a row of eleven stores, with office apart- ments on the upper floors. Ile also engaged in the tanning and leather business, and when he abandoned the former, continued the latter branch of business until eleven or twelve years ago, when he retired from trade altogether. Mr. Rogers

never sought or held any public position. He was an active member of the Baptist church, and also active in the Chamber of Commerce. When quite a large debt hung over the chamber, he devoted day after day of personal effort to securing the requisite subscriptions, and did more than any other man to obtain the desired relief. Though he had reached a ripe age, few men will be more missed from the busy city than the late Hiram Rogers. IIe died May 25th, 1879. With him at his death, were his daughters, Mrs. C. L. Wood, Mrs. J. B. Tarbox, and Mrs. D. W. Wellman, and his son, William D. Rogers.

F. J. Romer, contractor, was born in Hanover, Germany, in November, 1840. After receiving a common school education, he learned the carpen- ter and joiner trade, and in 1870 came to America. Locating in St. Paul, he worked as a journeyman one year; then with F. J. Wilcken, began con- tracting and building. They are located at 44 Ramsey street, and employ from fifty to sixty men. Mr. Romer was married at St. Paul, March 20th, 1874, to Miss Sophia Wileken. Frederick H., Charles H., Ida and Clara are their children.

J. Rosenband, a native of Germany, was born in 1856. Received an education in his native language, and in 1876 came to America. Locat- ing in St. Paul he embarked in the wholesale and retail jewelry trade, having salesmen on the road continually through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mich- igan, Iowa and Dakota. Ilis wholesale room is located at 360 Jackson street, the first wholesale jewelry house in the city. His is one of the finest stores in the North-west, and is doing a vast trade.

Emil Rosenkranz was born at Mount Vernon, New York, in 1854. With his parents he came to St. Paul when a small boy and attended the schools of this city. After leaving school he was a dealer in tobacco, confectionery and fruits ; in 1873 engaged in the manufacture of soda and mineral waters, the factory being opened by his father in 1870. His father died in 1877, leaving a widow with four sons. The sons have since car- ried on the business on the corner of Sixth and Washington streets. There are in the family four sons and four daughters, one married Henry Weyerding.

J. M. Rossell was born in Piqua, Ohio, in 1849. When only seven years old he accompanied his father and family to Burlington, Iowa, where he

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graduated from the high school, after which he attended the Burlington college. At the age of nineteen years he entered the wholesale and retail house of Greenbaum, Schroder and company, re- maining with them four years, then taking charge of the cloak, shawl and suit department for six years. He afterward resided at Keokuk, Iowa, one year. In 1878 came to St. Paul and engaged with Auerbach, Finch and Van Slyck as sales- man, but six months after was made manager of the manufacturing of tents, awnings, etc. At Keokuk, Iowa, in July, 1877, he married Miss Carrie Wells. They have one daughter, Carrie.

Joseph Rothwell, Jr., proprietor of the Reli- ance Iron and Steel works, was born in Paw- tucket, Rhode Island, in 1852. ITis parents migrated to southern Wisconsin. In 1870 they removed to Milwaukee. IIere Joseph learned his trade, and in 1874 the family came to St. Paul. The firm of Rothwell and Sons was then estab- lished, which continued until 1877, when Joseph purchased the entire stock. His building is 20x50 feet; he employs'five men in the manufacturing of mill-picks, stonecutters' tools and blacksmiths' moulding tools-particular attention given to all classes of steel work and all general smithing.

Charles Rouleau, Jr. was born in St. Paul, December 29th, 1845, he being probably the third child born in the city. His parents, Charles F. and Theresa Rouleau, natives of Canada, came to St. Paul in 1842. The father was for six years engaged with the American Fur Company; later has given his attention to coopering in St. Paul. Old age now compels him to retire from active labor; he is now a member of his son's family. The mother departed this life February 20th, 1880. Charles, Jr. engaged in lumbering until his appointment on the police force in May, 1872. April 20th, 1870, he married Miss E. Du Fore, of St. Paul, born in Montreal, Canada, July 1st, 1854. Her parents were early settlers of St. Paul, locat- ing here in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Rouleau have four children living, and have lost one.

H. P. Rugg was born in Wilmington, Vermont, in 1842. At the age of five years moved to New York city, residing there until April, 1861. He then enlisted in the Seventy-first Regiment, New York American Guards, and at the expiration of the three month's term, re-enlisted in the Fifty- ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, as adju-

tant. Was promoted in 1862 to captain, and after the battle of Gettysburg was promoted lieuten- ant-colonel. Ilis regiment participated in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, being mus- tered out in 1865. Mr. Rugg afterward spent two years in the south, arriving at St. Paul in 1868. Two years later, he, in company with J. S. Woolsey, began dealing in mill and railway supplies, in which he now does a wholesale busi- ness, also in gas and steam fitter's and plumber's materials. In 1875, Mr. Woolsey retired. Mr. Rugg has since continued the business alone, em- ploying two traveling salesmen, and ten men in the house. His goods are sold through Min- nesota, Dakota and North-western Wisconsin and Iowa. Married in St. Paul, in 1875, to Miss Mary E., daughter of George Culver. Of their three children, two are living.

Peter Rusche, a native of Germany, was born in 1828. He received a German education, learned the trade of cabinet maker, and in 1856 came to America. Located in Quincy, Illinois, where for two years he worked at his trade, then, in 1858, came to St. Paul. After following his trade about fourteen years, embarked in the grocery trade in the building he now occupies. Like many others he began on a very limited capital. Married in St. Paul, in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Probst. Louis, Mary, Maggie and Lizzie, are their children.

M. P. Ryan, carpenter and joiner, was born in Albany, New York, in September, 1849. His father and family migrated westward, locating in St. Paul in 1857, when M. P. was only eight years old. He was educated in the public schools of this city. While yet a boy, in 1863, enlisted in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, Com- pany G, and served until mustered out with the regiment, in February, 1865. He began his trade with Donovan and Bassford, when eighteen years of age, serving five years. In 1874, began contracting on his own account; is now located on corner of Eighth and Minnesota streets. Em- ploys twenty men.

Charles A. Sachse was born in Germany, in 1830, and while living in that country learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1849 he emigrated to New York; from there went to Philadelphia, where he worked at fine boot-making seven years. In 1856 he came to St. Paul and remained one year, after

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which he lived near Chaska about five years, then sold and returned to this city. Since 1864 he has been foreman of the cutting department of C. Gotzian and Company's boot and shoe house. In 1853 he married at Philadelphia, Caroline Premer, who has borne him eleven children, eight are liv- ing.

John B. Sanborn, born December 5th, 1826, in Merrimac county, New Hampshire. He received an academic education and after one year at Dart- mouth college, commenced the study of law. December 21st, 1853, he removed to St. Paul and at once commenced a successful practice here. In 1859 he was elected a member of the house of representatives, and of the senate in 1861. At the comencement of the war he was appointed adjutant general of the state. Very heavy labor devolved upon him in organizing, arming and equipping the four regiments raised that year. He remained at Fort Snelling during the winter in command of one regiment, and in the spring of 1862 was sent to Mississippi, where he at once entered the Corinth campaign. Colonel Sanborn was placed in command of a brigade, afterwards part of the famous Sevententh army corps. On September 19th at Iuka, he lost six hundred of his two thousand men, and for his gallant conduct during the battle was promoted to brigadier-gen- eral. After the surrender of Vicksburg he was assigned to the command of the south-west dis- trict of Missouri, where, after the campaign against Price, he was promoted to brevet major- general for gallant and meritorious services. For several months after the close of the war he per- formed duties civil and military. In 1866 he was appointed one of the special peace commission to negotiate treaties with the principal tribes of the central plains. He was engaged in this important labor eighteen months. On his return home he resumed the practice of his profession, and in 1872 and 1881 again served as a member of the legislature. Mr. Sanborn's first wife was Cathar- ine Hall of Newton, New Jersey, whom he mar- ried March 17th, 1857; and his second, Anna Nixon of Bridgetown, New Jersey; this marriage took place November 27th, 1865. On April 15th. 1S80, he married Rachel Rese, of St. Paul.

John Sandell, merchant tailor, is a native of Sweden, where he was born in 1851, and lived until 1868; July 4th, of that year, he landed at St.

Paul and from here went to Jordan, Scott county, where he followed his trade until March 15th, 1879, when he returned to St. Paul and established himself at 421 East Seventh street, where he has a large and rapidly increasing business. He em- ploys in his manufacturing department nine men, His wife was Hulda Bonander of Jordan: they were married October 14th, 1874. Oscar W. and Harte Elvira are their children.

Theodore Sander was born March 18th, 1841, in Germany. In 1851 he accompanied his parents to the United States, and when but twelve years of age he began self-support, as his parents were in financially straightened circumstances and had a large family of children younger than Theodore. In February 1866, he came to St. Paul, and that summer he commenced work as a compositor on the Minnesota Staats Zeitung. A few years later he became sole proprietor and continued its publi- cation until 1877, when it was merged into the daily Volkszeitung and the year following he severed his connection with that journal. He enlisted in Company K, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, and was mustered into service June 4th, 1861. He participated in the battles of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, etc., was mustered out July, 1864, and re-enlisted Febru- ary 25th, 1865, in U. S. Veteran Volunteers, Han- cock's corps, and was mustered out February, 1866. Mr. Sander held the office of register of deeds for Ramsey county two years, and since January, 1881, has been deputy state treasurer. He was one of the first organizers of building so- cieties in this city and is secretary of three of them. He married October 12th, 1868, Emelie Engels of this place, who died July 18th, 1880.

David Sanford, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, was born May 31st, 1825. IIe was educated at the Lenox academy, and studied law at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, with the late Judge I. Sumner. In June, 1847, he was ad- mitted to practice in all the courts of the common- wealth. and immediately entered into partnership with Mr: Sumner, with whom he remained until 1849, when he went to California; was admitted to practice in that state by the supreme court at San Francisco, and located at Sacramento. Af- terward he returned to Massachusetts and in May, 1854, settled at St. Paul. Was admitted to practice by the territorial court that year, and

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has since continued in his profession here. In 1859, at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Mr. Sanford married M. M. Ray, of Great Barrington. They have one son, David Sanford, Jr.

H. S. Saroni, professor of music, was born in 1824, in Germany, and acquired his musical education under the direction of Frederick Schneider. In 1844 he came to America and established in New York,Saroni's Musical Times, also published several theoretical works on music, besides many compositions for the piano. In 1852 he went south in his musical profession and remained until the close of the war, when he re- turned and engaged in the oil business; this led to various inventions for the use of petroleum in, stoves, furnaces and lamps. In 1868 he built at Cincinnati the first steamboat ever run by liquid fuel. IIe came to St. Paul in 1872 and is at present engaged in building traction engines and road wagons with petroleum as steam generator. Mr. Saroni married at IIuntsville, Alabama, Annie Rhodes, sister of William Rhodes of this place.

Louis Savard, a native of Canada, was born June 29th, 1848, at Quebec. When eleven years of age, he went with his parents to Montreal, and there learned the trade of shoe-maker. In 1867, he removed to Chicago and was four years in the employ of Whitney and Company; after- ward with C. M. Henderson three years, and traveled two years. Since 1876, he has been em- ployed as cutter in C. Gotzian's boot and shoe house. Mr. Savard is unmarried.

G. M. Sawyer, a native of Massachusetts, was born at Lancaster in 1831. He had several years experience in the railroad business while living east, and since July, 1873, has filled the position of local freight agent for the St. Paul and Sioux City railroad.

J. W. Sayer was born in 1855, in South Amer- ica. In 1869, he came to the United States, and after living in Galena, Illinois, one year, came to St. Paul and engaged in blacksmith work for Thomas Robinson; five months later, he entered the employ of Richard Slater and remained with him three years. Mr. Sayer removed to Dakota, and was seven months engaged in blacksmithing in the quartermaster's department at Pembina. After a short residence at Fort Seward, he re- turned to this city and was employed for a time by

Kelly and Tipper, then by Mr. Hogan at 581 Wabasha street.

H. B. Saynor, a native of England, was born in 1849. He came to America in 1854, located at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and resided there until 1870. For a time he acted as clerk of the IIulbert house, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and afterward became its manager. IIe returned to Philadelphia, and for seven years was clerk and cashier in Guy's hotel of that city. In 1876, he became manager and afterward proprietor of the Windsor hotel of that place. IIe retired from hotel business in 1877, but resumed it again in 1880, by taking charge of the International hotel of St. Paul, where he still remains.

IIenry Schaber, deceased, was born August 23d, 1832, at Langen, near Frankfort-on-the- Main, Germany. In 1855, he came to America and lived two years near Chicago, then in 1857, came to St. Paul. IIe made a claim on the Crow river, in Wright county; lived there two years, then returned to this city and engaged as team- ster at the Brainard mills. In 1869, he, in com- pany with Phillip Thon, purchased the old mill where the present one stands. In 1872, he bought Mr. Thon's interest and continued the business alone until his death, which occurred October 23d 1879; he was killed by the cars as he was crossing the track at Lafayette Avenue on his way to a church meeting. In 1862, he married at St. Paul, Margaretha IIelfman. Eleven children were born to them, ten are living. Henry, the oldest son fills his father's place in the mill.

Dr. Thomas C. Schell was born in 1823, in En- gland, where he was educated at a branch of the King's college. In 1836 he came to America and studied medicine with Dr. W. W. Mathews, of Rochester, New York. After four years he was taken as a partner, and remained in the firm two years. IIe then practiced one year at Detroit, Michigan, and three years at Geneseo; then he was appointed by B. F. Angel physician to the marine hospital, Sandwich Islands, where he re- mained two years. After a residence of one year at Lockport, New York, he went to New York city, and from there removed in 1859 to St. Paul, where he has since practiced his profession as homœopathic physician. Dr. Schell was mar- ried in this city to Mrs. George Oakes.

II. A. Schliek, was born in Germany in 1818,

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and while in his native country learned the shoe- makers' trade. In 1846 he came to America ; landed at New Orleans and started for St. Louis, but when within two hundred miles of that city the ice forced the steamer to lay up, and Mr. Schliek continued his journey on foot. Reach- ing the city he secured work at his trade, and re- mained there three years ; thence he removed to Milwaukee, and in five years had saved from his earnings $700, with which he started in business at Madison ; remained there but a few months, and in 1852 came to St. Paul. The business has grown to mammoth proportions here, and in 1877 he and his sons organized the present firm, Schliek and company. They have two large establishments, one located at the corner of Wa- basha and Fourth streets, the other at 89 East Third street. At Milwaukee, in 1850, he married Elizabeth Kersting. Their children are Edward H., Charles H. and Augustus. Caroline, who was born in 1854, died in 1857.

Peter Schliemann, a native of Germany, was born in 1845. He learned the cabinet-making business there and came to this country in 1869 ; settled at St. Paul and worked at his trade until 1872 when he engaged in the grocery and liquor business in the building he still occupies, 649 Canada street. Mr. Schliemann came to this city in limited financial circumstances, but has acquired a fine property. His marriage with An- nie Yunge took place in Germany, in 1869. They have had six children, only two of whom are living, Annie and Clara.

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