History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 46

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 46

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IIerman R. Gibbs was born in Jericho, Chitten- den county, Vermont, March 16th, 1850. Ac- quired a common school education, finishing by a few terms at the academy. On attaining majori- ty he removed to La Porte county, Indiana, and for six years was there engaged in farming and teaching. Thence to Grant county, Wisconsin, and mined six years. In 1849 came to St. Paul and three months later made a claim in sections 17 and 20, a portion of which he still owns. Mr. Gibbs was elected town clerk in 1880, still retain-

ing the position, and is a staunch republican. Married in 1848, to Miss Jane De Bow, a native of Bethany, Genesee county, New York. Five children have been born to them, three of whom are living.

II. R. IIollinshead, son of the late William Ilollinshead, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, June 16th, 1853. This city and vicinity has since been his home. He is a civil engineer and is in the employ of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba railroad. Married in November, 1880, to Miss C. C. Baker, only daughter of Judge D. A. J. Baker. . Their home is with her parents.

E. J. Hamre, a native of Norway, was born in 1842. He received his education in his native country, being a graduate of an agricultural col- lege. He was a teacher in the same college two years. In 1870 came to America and located in Iowa for a short time, then went to Yellow Medi- cine county, Minnesota, and gave his attention to agriculture till 1873. He then came to St. Paul and was made manager of the State Reform School farm, where he still officiates.

W. G. Ilendrickson was born near Mays- ville, Lewis county, Kentucky, February 25th, 1824. His youth was spent on his father's farm, but after attaining majority, he went to Lewistown, Illinois, remaining about one year. He then, in company with William Bissell and John J. Henderson, arranged an ontfit with the intention of going to California. Having heard Minnesota muchi talked of, they changed their plans, deciding to make that state their destination. Accordingly they started with four yoke of oxen via Galena, Illinois, but being overtaken by cold weather, remained some time at a farm house. While there, the house burned and with it all their worldly effects except the oxen. They finally shipped on the steamer "Yankee," for St. Paul, arriving April 26th, 1850. Mr. Bissell, being a bricklayer and Mr. Henderson a blacksmith, both succeeded in obtaining work, while Mr. Hendrickson, being a practical farmer. began breaking with their oxen. In this manner they labored faithfully and for some time, met every Saturday night and divided their earnings. During the spring of 1851, Mr. Hendrickson made a claim in Eden Prairie, but afterward disposed of it, and in 1852, purchased eighty acres from Benjamin Hoyt in Rose town-

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ship. Not having enough money to pay all, he worked two months for that purpose. The same year built a shanty which still stands as a memo- rial. Although often solicited Mr. Hendrickson has kept free from politics. Married in 1853, Miss Melvine, daughter of L. Moffet, an early settler. Eight children have been born to them, six now living.

IIon. Lorenzo Hoyt was born in [Richland county, Ohio, February 21st, 1828. When five years old, moved with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, remaining until fifteen years of age. During the spring of 1848, came to Min- nesota, landing at St. Paul, May 10th, coming up the river on the "Dr. Franklin, No. 1." His ob- ject was to gain his health. His father, Benja- min F. Hoyt and family came out soon after. In 1848, Lorenzo Hoyt made a claim, and afterward traded it for property, which he still owns, and has since made Rose township his home. Has, at different times, held all the town offices, and was a member of the legislature of 1873-74, also one of the county commissioners from 1870 to 1873. Married in 1853, to Miss Saralı P. Terrell, daugh- ter of H. K. Terrill, one of the 1851 settlers of Ramsey county. They are the parents of eight living children.

Rev. David Clarke John, D. D., was born near Bloomsburg, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, February 14th, 1835. His parents were farmers, poor but industrious and frugal, and their child- ren, of whom there were six, early learned those lessons of self-reliance and diligence which are the essential qualities of true manhood. At that time the common school system was yet in its infancy, and educational facilities were short in duration, and poor in quality. Three months in a year, with a very indifferent teacher, and a course of studies extending from the alphabet to the rule of three, were thought to be all that was possible or desirable in the rural districts. Most of the youthful ones thought even those brief terms a heavy task upon their brains, and re- joiced when majority relieved them from the restraints of the school-room. The father remov- ing to a more intelligent neighborhood, and com- ing in contact with better teachers, David soon began hearing such mysterious names as gram- mar, geography, geometry and philosophy, and no sooner had he learned of the possibilities

beyond than he was siezed with an uncontrollable desire to explore them. This was at the age of fifteen, and after much entreaty he was permitted to attend the nearest seminary, for a term of three months, and on the evening of November 13th, 1850, after a weary carriage ride of fifty miles, he gazed with wonder and delight on Dickinson seminary, located at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, then under the management of Rev. Dr. Thomas Bowman. From this period until attaining majority, his time was divided between working on the farm, going to school and teaching. By that diligence which has marked his entire career, and his persistent appli- cation to study, he was prepared, in 1856, to enter the sophomore class in Dickinson college, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He at once took high rank as a student, and graduated at the head of his class in 1859. He had entered the East Bal- timore conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, in March, of that year, and at once de- voted himself, with great zeal, to the work of the ministry. At that time two years was the limit of the ministerial appointment in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his charges were as follows: Carlisle circuit, one year; Caroline street, Balti- more, two years ; Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, two years ; Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, one year. About this time his health failed him utterly, and at the age of thirty years, he was obliged to take a superannuated relation in his con- ference. For three years he was wholly dis- abled. His health then began to improve slowly and in 1868, he resumed teaching, as professor of natural sciences in the State Nor- mal school at Bloomsburg. He continued in that position one year, then resigned to become prin- cipal of the high school in Milton, Pennsylvania, which position he held four years. His health still improving, and desiring to return to the work of the ministry, he resigned his principalship, and was at once appointed pastor of Emory chapel at Carlisle, this being in March, 1873. By the fol- lowing May it was evident that his health was not adequate to the work of the pastorate in that climate, and receiving a call to the principalship of the State Normal school at Mankato, he re- signed and came to the North-west. He contin- ued for seven years at the head of the normal school at Mankato, discharging the duties of that

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position to the entire satisfaction of the state board. He resigned to enter upon the presidency of Hamline University, to which position he was elected in March, 1880. He holds this position at the present time, and the institution is very pros- perous under his administration. He received the degree of D. D. simultaneously from two in- stitutions : Upper Iowa University and Dickin- son College, his alma mater. He was elected a delegate to the general conference of his church which met in Cincinnati, in May, 1880 ; was also elected to the last general conference, to represent the ninth district in the general book committee of the Methodist Episcopal church.

IIaving thus briefly sketched the life of Dr. John, from his boyhood days in old Pennsylvania to his presidency of a flourishing university in Minnesota, and having seen his success in spite of ill health, we are forced to ask the causes which have produced it. There must be many noble qualities in the man who thus rises, step by step, gathering well deserved honors on the way. Dr. John is strong and decided in his convictions, clear in his judgment, and very conscientious in all his actions ; genial, refined and cultured ; strong in his attachments and loving in his dispo- sition. As a preacher, he is most thoroughly Wesleyan in his theology. His style is clear and forcible ; he impresses his hearers with the con- viction that he thoroughly believes the truth he utters. Estimating his sermons by the impres- sion they make upon his hearers, they should be awarded a high order of excellence. His success as a teacher has been marked ; whether we see him as principal of Milton high school, professor of natural sciences in the Bloomsburg Normal school, principal of Mankato Normal school, or as president of the Hamline University, he has shown himself equally efficient in all positions. As a disciplinarian he is kind and tender, always sympathizing with the students ; being to them, indeed, a counsellor and friend, at the same time he rules the school under his care with a firm and steady hand. We have then, in Dr. John, a well rounded and symmetrical character, considered as a man, a teacher, or preacher. The young state of Minnesota will feel the impress of his word and work. The young men and women who attend Hamline University, and those who shall in the coming years gather under its roof,

will find in the personal character and worth of its president a grand inspiration to lives of real nobility and usefulness.

John Lasche was born in Sweden, in 1847. At the age of twelve years commenced learning the trade of cabinet making and served six years, then came to America, worked in the Brooklyn navy yards one year, then went to South America, and soon after to Nicaraugua, where, for three years was in business for himself. He then visited California, thence to China for two years, and to London three years. Returning to America, he settled in Chicago; after a brief stay at Min- neapolis, Minnesota, he, in 1876, entered the State Reform School as foreman of the toy shop where he has since remained. In Liverpool, 1870, he married Miss Mary Nelson. Annie S. is their only child.

D. C. McGrath, superintendent of county poor farm, was born in Washington county, Wiscon- sin, in 1844. He came to Minnesota in 1871, and for three years was foreman on the Duluth rail- road, then went to White Bear and opened a hotel and restaurant. Here he remained till ap- pointed superintendent of the Ramsey county poor farm in February, 1881. He was one of the Ramsey county commissioners in 1878-'79. In September, 1868, he married Miss Catherine Bowe: Mary A., John J., Julia, Josephine, and Dora are their living children.

Hubert Mollers, a native of Prussia, was born September 25th, 1835. When seventeen years of age, he removed to Belgium, remaining four years. April 22d, 1857, he landed at New York, and soon after came to Chicago; the same year he moved to St. Paul. Here he worked as a la- borer till 1865, then purchased his present farm, having since made this his home. Has been su- pervisor two years. Married at St. Paul, to Miss Anna Keller, who bore him three children, two of whom are still living. She departed this life March 28th, 1875. May 30th, 1877, he married Anna M. Jost. They have lost two children.

Louis Muller, born May 11th, 1830, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. When quite young came to this continent and located in Hastings, Minnesota, in the fall of 1854. Came to St. Paul in 1862, remaining three years, then moved to Rose township, where he still lives. He is a tiller of the soil. Married in 1860, to Elizabeth Smitlı,

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who born him three children, one of whom died. His second wife was Miss W. Hards, married April 7th, 1863. Eight children have been born to them, all living.

William B. Quinn was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, November 23d, 1819. He was made an orphan, his parents having died in 1836 -737. He afterward began working for an edu- cation, working summers and attending school winters. After remaining one yearin Texas, he, in 1846, came to Sangamon county, Illinois; then spent about two years in Galena. In 1849, arrived at St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1850, he bought a farm in Rose, which he soon sold, then made a claim of one hundred and seventy acres in the reserve, and still holds a part of it. Moved to his pres- ent location on section 15, in 1869. Has held a number of the town offices, and for six years past has been assessor of the town. Married April 29th, 1849, at Pleasant Plains, Illinois, to Louisa Tom- lin. Their son, James A., born in 1845, is now practicing medicine with Dr. Murphy, of St. Paul.

Rev. J. G. Riheldaffer, D. D., was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, November 13th, 1818. While he was yet an infant, his parents moved to the state of Ohio, where they resided for five years. They then returned to Pennsyl- vania, and subsequently took up their abode in Wheeling, West Virginia. When twelve years of age he lost both his parents, and was left to make his own way in the world. Though an orphan, and living always among strangers, he was early possessed with a desire and resolution to acquire an education, which, at that time, was a far more difficult purpose to carry out than it is in these days of public free schools. Having to work for his living, but a few months in the year could be spent in school, and but little money could be secured, to pay tuition. At the age of seventeen, he apprenticed himself to Samuel McCosh, a gunsmith, to learn his trade. In the family of Mr. McCosh he found a comfortable home; was treated as a member of the family, and surrounded by Christian influences. He served out the appointed four years of his appren- ticeship, during the last two of which he was virtually the foreman of the shop. At the age of twenty-one, he entered at once upon a course of study, with a view of preparing himself for college. In order to support himself while thus

employed, he worked, piece work, during most of the day, devoting a large part of the night, and as much of the day as could be spared, after working enough to pay expenses, to study. After making such preparation as he could, under these circumstances, he engaged in teaching for a year. While teaching in the same neighborhood where he had learned his trade, he gathered a small class of young men, whom he taught in Latin grammar. These young men and their teacher formed themselves into a society for mutual improvement. This society proved of great advantage to its members, being the means of awakening in them a desire for knowledge. Four of them obtained a liberal education, and entered professional life. The subject of this sketch completed his academic course at Washington College, Pennsylvania, and at West Alexander, under the tuition of the Rev. John McChuskey, D. D. Ile never graduated at college, but having studied the prescribed course, entered Princeton Theological Seminary, upon examination, in 1845, where he took the full three years course, and was graduated from that insti- tution in 1848. Some time before the close of his seminary course, Mr. Riheldaffer was recom- mended to the First Presbyterian church, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, then vacant and looking for a pastor. He was invited by the church to visit them, which he did immediately after the close of the seminary examination. After preaching two Sabbaths he received a call from the church, which he accepted, was installed as pastor, and served as such for three years. On the 4th of July, 1848, Mr. Riheldaffer was married, at Richey court house, Virginia, to Miss Ruth Elizabeth Gray, who died one year after their marriage, leaving an infant son, who also was taken by death, at the age of six months. In August, 1850, Mr. R. married Miss Catherine C. Ogden, daugh- ter of Rev. Benjamin Ogden, of Michigan, who has been the sharer in his joys and sorrows for the past thirty-one years. Nine children have been born of this marriage, only four of whom are how living; one son, John Henry, and three daughters, Nannie M., Kate and Mary. During the last year of his residence in Fort Wayne, Mr. Riheldaffer found himself failing in health, being afflicted with sore throat. Having de- termined to leave Indiana, he had a call from the Board of Domestic Missions, to go as

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a missionary to the then territory of Minnesota. He accepted this call and with his wife arrived in St. Paul on the 20th of October, 1851. IIe was the only minister of the O. S. Presbyterian church in the territory, and determined to remain, and gather and build up a church in the capital city, feeling confident that, although there was not then a de- mand for another Presbyterian church, this would become a great city and center of influence in the north-west. During the winter of 1851-52 he preached in the First Baptist church, on Fifth street, on what was long called Baptist Hill, but is now come down in obedience to the behests of commerce. In February of the same year he or- ganized the Central Presbyterian church of St. Paul, with but seven members. In the spring he proceeded to procure a site on which to erect a church building. Two lots were procured, npon which the Central Presbyterian church of St. Paul now stands. IIe proceeded at once to the work of securing means for the erection of a church. IIe visited New York and Philadelphia and other places, and gathered for the furtherance of his object the sum of five thousand dollars; about the same sum was contributed by the friends of the movement, and other public spirited citizens of St. Paul, and the church edifice that now stands at the corner of Capitol square and Cedar street, is the monument of these labors. Mr. Riheldaffer served as pastor of this church for thirteen years. In the meantime it had become strong enough to support itself, and after his resignation it called to the pastorate Rev. Dr. F. T. Brown, and paid him a salary of $3,000 per annum. While pastor of the Central church Mr. Riheldaffer was instrumental in the organization of several other churches now in the Presbytery of St. Paul and in Wisconsin, among which are the Vermillion church, Andrew church, East Minneapolis, and the Westminister church of Minneapolis. Along with his labors as pastor of the church, he early engaged in the establishment of a parochial school. This school was opened in the winter of 1853-54 with five pupils, three of whom were charity scholars, but before the close of the first six months the number of pupils had increased to fifty. This school was kept up for four years and was patronized by a number of the prominent families of St. Paul. In 1857 Mr. Ri- heldaffer erected a building on the corner of Sum-

mit avenue and St. Peter street, with a view of opening a seminary and boarding school for young ladies. This institution was opened for pupils in August, 1858, and was conducted by the proprietor without interruption for a period of ten years. The curriculum embraced the full course of studies usually taught in the best class of such institutions. A full corps of teachers was kept constantly employed. This institution drew its pupils not only from St. Paul, but from different parts of the state, and from other states. It was well sustained, and won a high reputation among its patrons and all who were familiar with its work.

Mr. Riheldaffer expended of his own means in building, equipping and carrying this school about $18,000. There are now living in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Stillwater and many other places influential and useful ladies who received their education in the St. Paul Female Seminary. In the winter of 1868, Mr. R. was appointed super- intendent of the State Reform School. Accept- ing this as a field of usefulness, he rented the seminary, with its furniture, etc., to Mrs. W. J. Smitlı, who after conducting it for two years, was compelled by overwork to give up the lease, and remove with a smaller number of pupils, into her private residence, where, after some years the seminary expired.

When the act of the legislature, creating a State Reform School, was passed, Gov. Marshall ap- pointed Mr. R. as one of the four managers. When the board was organized and had made a purchase of the site on which the Reform School is now located, Mr. Riheldaffer, was appointed by his fellow managers to act as superintendent. IIe accepted this position, and superintended the preparation of the building for the reception of inmates. On the 15th day of January, 1868, Mr. R. moved with his family into the Reform School, and in a few days after received the first inmates from the Ramsey county jail.

Mr. Riheldaffer has devoted the past thirteen years of his labor wholly to the care and manage- ment of this state institution. From the small beginning it has become one of the most popular and useful of the state charitable institutions; hundreds of boys and girls have gone out from . its training and reformatory discipline, equipped for their life-work, and are living honest and

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useful lives. Among these are not a few who have been saved from states prison and trans- formed into prosperous and respected citizens. Mr. Riheldaffer has always had the confidence and support of the board of managers, who have permitted and aided him in carrying out his plans for the interest of the youth committed to their care. Shops have been established in which the boys are learning useful trades. What with shoe shop, tailor shop, tin shop, and their large and improving toy factory, and North Star seed farm, this institution is a very hive of industry, and above all, each inmate who remains long enough in the school, receives a good common school ed- ucation.

P. C. Sherren was born August 20th, 1809, in England. Went to Canada in 1857, remained two years and arrived at St. Paul, May 19th, 1859. He rented a farm near the city for three years, then settled on section 11, Rose township. Has filled nearly every parochial office in England. Ilas here been elected supervisor several times but served only one term in consequence of de- clining health; has been justice of the peace one term. Married January 4th, 1843, to Charlotte Cottrell who has borne him nine children, six of whom are living.

H. A. Weigelt, born August 6th, 1821, in Prussia. Passed eight years in Russia, and landed in New York city December 24th, 1854. After making his home in New York two years he came to St. Paul May 22d, 1856, thence to Stillwater, Minnesota. Resided there until 1864, then moved to his present farm in section 23, Rose township. April 26, 1858, he married Kath- rina Dietrich. They have four children living.

B. D. Woodmansee was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1840. IIe lived in his native county un- til coming to Minnesota in 1867. He purchased the farm where the St. Paul driving park is now located, and after managing it as a stock farm three years, sold it to the St. Paul driving park association. IIe then removed to'St. Cloud, Stearns county, as superintendent of the St. Cloud driv- ing park, remaining as such three years. For one year officiated as superintendent of the Lilly driving park, of Stillwater; then bought a large farm in Hennepin county. Engaged in stock raising three years when he was again made superintendent of the St. Paul driving park, also 18

superintends the fine stock owned by N. W. Kitt- son. In Ohio, 1866, he was married to Miss IIattie Davis. Algernon is their only child.

MOUNDS VIEW.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

DESCRIPTION-SETTLEMENT-ORGANIZATION- TOWN OFFICERS-VALUATION OF PROPERTY -SCHOOLS-BIOGRAPHICAL.

The town of Mounds View comprises the con- gressional township 30 north, of range 23 west of the fourth principal meridian. Its boundaries are formed by Anoka county on the north, the town of White Bear on the east, town of Rose on the south and by Ilennepin and Anoka counties on the west. It is the north-western township of Ramsey county, and has an area of thirty-six full sections. The soil is sandy and not well adapted to the raising of grain but owing to the number of lakes, the town presents a fine field to the stock raiser or dairyman.

There are within its borders twenty lakes that are of such size as to have names, and as many more distinguished by the title of lakes, though hardly more than ponds. Among the larger ones, and those deserving notice, is Turtle lake, so named by S. A. Thompson who found a very large turtle in its waters. This lake is in sections 11 and 14, and covers about 500 acres of land. Its waters are pure and clear, supplied by springs from the bottom, and from it many fine fish are taken. Turtle brook, the outlet of this lake flows from the north-west, and after passing through Marsden lake, a large marshy tract, forms a junction with Rice creek in section 3.

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