History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 49

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 49

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An English lady, Mrs. Aubrey, who came from Lake Superior with her husband in 1858, was largely instrumental in collecting the fund for building the church. Her friends in England and this country contributed liberally, one Eng- lish gentleman sending $500. Mr. Aubrey suc- ceeded to a baronetcy in England, and they re- turned to that country in 1861. The lot now used for a cemetery was donated by Mr. Aubrey.

The Catholic church St. Mary's of the Lake. This society was organized in 1873, under the ministry of Rev. Father Koop, professor of a school in Niagara, New York, who came to spend the summer at the lake. Mass was however said at this point as early as 1865, by Father Goiffon, who is now located at St. Johns, New Canada. Meetings were held from time to time in the school-house and at private houses. Bnt from 1873, steps have been taken from time to time for the erection of a church. After several vexa- tious delays, they succeeded in securing a lot and erected their church during the spring of 1880. It was . blessed August 15. The house is of

wood 30x60 feet, with vestry fifteen feet square, was built at a cost of only $1,000 in cash. The people performed the most of the labor among themselves, Father Goiffon being largly instru- mental in its accomplishment. He divides his labors between this point and New Canada. They are in hopes to complete the church during this season, when it will be consecrated. Mrs. Fitch, of St. Louis, presented the church with a fine communion service in 1879.

The hotels and boarding houses of White Bear lake are among the most important institutions of this popular summer resort. For to these the tourists and pleasure seekers look for accom- modations during their sojourn at the lake. The pioneer of these was opened by V. B. Barnum in 1854, which was well patronized considering the disadvantages of getting to and from the lake by private conveyance. The next was by J.C. Murray on the site of the Williams House. The South Shore House was built by E. L. C. Dunn in 1866. He erected two cottages in 1879. The house was burned in 1880. Mr. Leip purchased the Barnum House in 1866, at an expense of $2,500, and be- gan improvements by setting out shade trees and erecting an addition to the main building 30x50 feet on the south. In 1870, he made another ad- dition of a building 24x30 feet for sample and billiard rooms with bowling alley 40x62 feet. In 1871, he built an addition to the main part of 30x30 feet. In 1876, he erected two five room cottages. In 1877, to the north, he built a fine villa 34x36 feet, two-stories, with L 20x24 feet. In 1880, he erected a pavillion on the shore 34x72 feet, also a fine large dining room 40x100 feet, two-stories with fourteen lodging rooms and hall. The house is quite convenient and will accom- modate two hundred and fifty guests. It is usually well filled during the hot season.

The Williams House, the next largest, lo- cated on the north shore of the lake, was pur- chased by F. C. Williams in 1870, of Dr. J. II. Stewart, and included the old Murray House, to which he added the same year 40x36 feet. IIe has since from time to time built on lots ad- joining, five cottages, two on the west one on the north west, two on the north-east, also a fine octagon pavilion 35 feet. The main house with the cottages will accommodate 200 guests.

The White Bear House was erected in 1876,

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opposite the St. Paul and Duluth depot, by James Waters, as a hotel and summer resort. The house will accommodate 35 guests and is usually full during the summer months.

The Lake Side House, a new house erected on the north point by Mrs. Emma Drake during the past spring, of wood, 82x34, with wing 12x16, at an expense of $2,500, will accommodate 20 guests. There are several other fine boarding houses in the different parts of the village.

In 1879 the St. Paul and Duluth railroad com- pany erected for the accommodation of picnic parties and others, a pavilion 40x50 feet, also 48 bath rooms near the lake shore depot, and the same year a building for a restaurant.

The first store opened at White Bear Lake was by Daniel Getty in 1870, in a small building near the depot 18x20, in which he kept a general stock of merchandise. In 1875 he erected his present store, corner of Clark Avenue and Third street, of wood, 20x60, two stories, the upper story be- ing fitted up for a public hall.

The second mercantile enterprise was by Por- ter Long, who erected a store in 1873 on Clark Avenue near the railroad. He kept groceries and saloon until 1874 when he sold it to Mr. Chase who kept the store for three years, when he remodeled the building into a fine boarding house which he has kept since.

The first post-office was opened by J. C. Mur- ray who received his appointment in 1858; he re- ceived for his pay the revenues of the office, which was for the first year $2.35. Mr. Daniel Getty received the appointment January 1st, 1871. His first year's returns from the office were $29. He still holds the office.

The first meat market established was by Thomas Milner in 1873, when he erected his shop, of wood, 16x24. He has since.made an addition of a wing for residence, 40x35.

A. E. Leaman established himself as boat builder at White Bear, 1873, and has manufac- tured some fine boats for this as well as other lakes.

Captain Hubbard opened a blacksmith shop near the depot, in 1875. He sold to Joseph Burk- hart in 1878, when he removed his shop over to Third street.

The village of White Bear was incorporated as a city on the first Tuesday of April, 1881, with

the following board of officers: Daniel Getty, chairman; J. C. Murray, L. L. Bacon, F. W. Ben- son. and P. H. Long, aldermen. The city in- cludes within its limits the following plats: The Lake Superior and Mississippi railroad company through J. II. Stewart and F. H. Clark, agents; lot 1 and 2 in section 13, and lot 1 of the south- east quarter of the north-east quarter of section 14, said plat made June 29th. 1871; Murray's ad- dition to White Bear, platted soon after, consisted of lands with the following boundary: commenc- ing at a stake on the west line of the lands be- longing to the railroad and running north 490} feet, then due west 1,0623 feet to the stake on north-west corner of the north-west quarter of the south-east quarter of section 14, then due south 2,189 feet, then due east 68} feet to the rail- road lands, then along the west line of said lands to place of beginning; also includes the plat known as the central divison, which was platted by J. B. and Mary Murray, and J. L. Fisk and L. A. Fisk, February, 1875; said plat commencing at a point on the north shore of White Bear lake, between lots 1 and 2, section 14, then north to a point 5,225 feet north of the north-west corner of lot 1; then west 264 feet; then south 2,294 feet to a stake; then east 164 feet; then south to north shore.

The Lake Superior and Mississippi railroad was built through White Bear town in 1870. The Stillwater branch in 1871. The Minneapolis & St. Louis road in 1872. The traffic on these roads is quite extensive during the summer months, when frequent trains are run to accomodate the increased travel.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

E. T. Benson was born September 7th, 1845, in Sweden, and there learned the trade of cabinet maker. For six years previous to embarking for America he resided in Stockholm. He landed in New York in 1871, thence to St. Paul, and located at White Bear Lake in 1876. Previous to his permanent location he worked on the Northern Pacific afterward entered the employ of Lang- don and Company, railroad contractors, and while there met with the loss of one of his fingers. In 1872 was engaged in chopping ties on Crow Wing river; the raft was capsized on which he worked and he lost his clothes, etc. He reached

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Brainerd and there found work in the car shops. In 1875 bought a lot and built his first house at White Bear Lake. Erected the McGrath saloon in 1876-77, which he sold to Mr. McGrath the fol- lowing year. Purchasing five lots more on the lake shore adjoining, he, in 1879-80, built two new lake shore residences. IIe has now two resi- dences rented, and a boarding house with accom- modations for thirty guests. Married at St. Paul, November 27, 1876, to Miss Mary Carlson.

T. C. Fulton, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, December 19, 1830. IIe was raised and educated by his parents, and when a young man learned the trade of brass and bell moulding and steam fitting with his uncle, A. Fulton. Having some little altercation with his uncle he forsook the trade and went to New Orleans; the next two years was assistant engineer on the steamer "Gondolier," Captain Thomas Lyon. Subse- quently he was promoted to second engineer, serving in that capacity eight years on the steam- ers, "Asia" and "Shenandoah," plying between St. Paul and St. Louis. IIe then left the Upper Mississippi and went on the "F. X. Aubury," Captain Ambrose Reader, plying between St. Louis and St. Joseph one season. He was after- ward appointed second engineer on the boat- "New Lucy," running between St. Louis and Weston, Missouri, making connection with the Pacific railroad. Then followed his appointment as first engineer on the "Northerner," Northern Packet Line company, serving five years, and in the same capacity on the "Rob Roy," Keokuk Packet company, under the same commander, Captain P. A. Alford. The next two seasons, was with the Atlantic and Mississippi Steamship Packet company, on the boats "Olive Branch," "Julia" and "Lady Gay," under Captain Lloyd T. Belt. His river career ended in 1867, under Captain Cephas B. Gail, on the steamer "Yankee" which sunk at Fort Pillow, Mr. Ful- ton remaining on board until the water began covering the deck. February 8th, 1868, he mar- ried Miss Margaret M. Fulton at Pittsburgh. Thomas C., Jane M., James C. and Andrew F. are their surviving children. Plenney A. died at the age of four years.

B. Gervais was born in 1838, and is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the first white child born in Ramsey county. He is a farmer,

owning forty acres near White Bear, on which he lives. In 1862 he was united in marriage with Margaret Quienger, who has borne him nine children.

E. A. Giroux is a native of Minnesota, born at White Bear in 1855. He has resided on his pres- ent place for eight years, and is one of the young and prosperous farmers of the township.

William Leip was born in Germany, in 1831. Came to the United States in 1846, and settled in St. Louis, until 1855, engaged in the mercantile trade when he removed to St. Paul, and engaged in the wholesale liquor and cigar trade, until 1861, then closed out his interest in that busi- ness, and engaged in the trade of brewing ale and porter. In 1865 he sold his interest in that business, and the following year, removed to White Bear Lake, and purchased his present pro- perty, to which he has added many improve- ments, making it one of the finest summer resorts in the state. Mr. Leip was married in 1855, to Miss Agnes Marshan, from Ohio.

Mrs. Mary Long, widow of J. Long, was born at Saratoga Springs, New York, June 28, 1816. IIer late husband was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1807. They were married in Michigan in 1831, and came to Minnesota in 1854 ; lived three years in Stillwater, then moved to Centreville, remaining till 1870. Twelve children were born to them, three now living in California, and the others in various parts of Minnesota. William, the fifth son, is now a prosperous farmer of Ram- sey county, and with his mother, owns some of the finest property and a summer resort at Bald Eagle lake. Mr. Long was married in 1848, to Miss Anna M., daughter of the late Dr. Post, of Aurora, Illinois. They have three children: Sarah, Rollie and Oscar.

Joe. N. Miller was born in Ohio, 1850. Came to Minnesota and to St. Paul in 1877, having since made this state his home. He was at that time a professional base ball player, but was sub- sequently employed in the post-trader's store at Fort Snelling. In 1880 he came to White Bear and is now proprietor of a saloon and pool-room opposite the railroad depot; also proprietor of a large private boarding house fronting the village park and in close proximity to the lake and depot. Married Miss Edith Butler, at Des Moines, Iowa. Hugh O'Neil was born at Flatbush, New York,

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in 1846. Came to Minnesota in 1870, and for ten years has made his home at White Bear. For twelve years he has been in the employ of various railroads as conductor. Is at present contractor on the St. Paul and Duluth railroad. Enlisted in company G, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, in 1863, and was discharged November 24, 1865. Married in July, 1876, to Nellie Conroy. Hugh and Mary are their children.

James Waters is a native of Ireland. When only two years of age landed at Quebec, Canada, with his parents; thence to Vermont, remaining two years; thence to Syracuse, New York. While at this city his parents died, and in 1856 he came westward to St. Paul. He was here employed as foreman of a force of men who were building the levee. For many years after he was on duty as a policeman. Removed to White Bear in 1871, being then in the employ of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad as section boss, in which capacity he has since continued. During the spring of 1877 built the White Bear House. In 1855 married Miss Mary McDermott. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are living.

F. C. Williams, proprietor of the Williams House, was born in Essex county, New York, in 1828. He removed to East Tennessee in 1859 and engaged in mercantile trade in connection with the iron mines, (his father having an in- terest in that trade). In 1870 he came to White Bear and purchased his present property, which consisted of the old Murray House and two blocks of sand on the north-west shore of the lake. He has added many fine improvements from time to time, which makes it a beautiful spot for those who wish to enjoy the cooling shade and cool breezes from the lake. Mr. Williams was married in 1860 to Miss G. L. Ross from London, England.

William W. Webber was born in York county, Maine, December 26th, 1816. At the age of six- teen he began life for himself, working on a farm, and afterwards at brick-making. In order to get an education, worked for his board while attend- ing school. In 1852, he came to Minnesota, and bought the property he now owns at White Bear Lake, on which he has resided since 1855, engaged in farming. Married in 1850; his wife died in 1866, and he married again in 1868. He had four children by his first wife, one of whom is living.

NEW CANADA.

CHAPTER XL.

DESCRIPTIVE -- SETTLEMENT -- TOWN ORGANIZED -SCHOOLS- CHURCHES -CEMETERY - BIO- GRAPHICAL.

The town of New Canada was formerly known as Little Canada, from the fact that the first set- tlers were French Canadians. At the time of or- ganization this town comprised a full congres- sional township, with the exception of sections 31 and 32, which were a part of the city of St. Paul. The precinct of Little Canada was set apart by the commissioners at their first meeting, and when the government survey was made, town- ship 29 north, of range 22, west of the fourth principal meridian, having within its limits the settlement of Little Canada, received that name.

Additions to the city of St. Paul at various times have reduced the area of the town. In 1859, sections 34, 35 and 36, were detached and added to the town of McLean. The town of New Canada now contains within its limits, twenty-seven and one-fourth sections. It is bounded on the north by the town of White Bear; on the east by the town of Oakdale, Wash- ington county; on the south by the town of McLean and city of St. Paul; on the west by the town of Rose and the fifth ward of the city of St. Paul.

Originally this was a timbered town and con- siderable small timber yet remains. The surface is rolling, with occasional high hills. The soil in the eastern portion of the town is of a rich and loamy nature, while in the western portion it is more sandy.

New Canada has a number of fine lakes ex- tending in a range through the center of the town, the largest of which is Gervais lake, sit- uated in the northern part of the town and cov- ering about three hundred and twenty acres of land, on sections 4, 5, and 8.

This is a fine sheet of water, and is becoming noted as a resort for fishing and, during the sea-

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sons, duck hunting. It received its name from Benjamin Gervais, one of the very first settlers of this town who located on its western shore. Lake Phalen, the next in size is on sections 16, 21, and 22, and is about one and one-half miles in length and but eighty to one hundred rods in width. It was named for Edward Phelan, who located on the shores of the creek forming its outlet, in 1843, and was afterwards notorious as the suspected murderer of his partner, Hays, though no positive proof of liis guilt could be obtained. Kohlmann lake, formerly known as Fitzhugh, on section 4 is a fine lake of about twenty-five acres extent. On sections 6 and 7 is Savage lake, covering about forty acres, so named from the fact that the Indians frequented its shores in large numbers. Between lakes Gervais and Phalen, is Spoon lake on sections 9 and 16. These lakes are all connected by the canal built by the St. Paul Water company, which also con- nects with lakes in the town of White Bear and furnishes the city of St. Paul with its inexhaus- tible supply of "Phalen" water, as it is called, from the last lake through which the supply is drawn. Nearly all these lakes are furnished witlı water from living springs on the bottom, and the water is pure. After leaving Lake Phalen the water runs through a shallow creek down a steep descent and thus by its constant turmoil, purifies itself before it is forced through the pipes for the use of the inhabitants of the city.

On section 1 is situated Silver lake, formerly known as McGroinen's lake from the first settler on its shores. Wakefield lake on section 15 was called Ferris lake. Frost's lake, on section 22, was named for J. W. S. Frost, who has lived near it for many years. Beaver lake, in sections 25 and 26, takes its name from the industrious little animals that built dams on its shores and tributaries, and raised their young in its waters. Evidences of their occupation may still be seen although the animal has entirely disappeared from this part of the country, seeking a home in advance of civilization. A small creek passes from this lake through sections 26 and 27, and forms a junction with Phalen creek in section 28. Sandy lake is on section 18, and covers about sixty acres of land. There are several smaller lakes in the town not dignified with names. Phalen's creek and Trout brook are the streams

the latter flowing from Sandy and McCarron lakes, flows south-east and joins Phalen creek in the Fifth ward of the city. On the banks of these streams are located several mills which se- cure their motive power from their waters, which flow swiftly down the descent to the river.

SETTLEMENT.

The earliest settlers of what was known as Little Canada, were Benjamin and Pierre Ger- vais, who left their homes in Canada as early as 1803, and in company with other Canadian fami- lies moved to the Red River country and settled. Benjamin did not make a permanent settlement at the time but was engaged in making trading voyages back and forth to Canada until 1812, when he settled at that point and engaged to the Hudson Bay Fur Company. He was married in 1823 to Miss Genevieve Larans, a native of Ber- thier, Canada, who still survives him and lives with her son on section 6. In 1827, on account of floods, grasshoppers and hard winters, they sought a more habitable region, and came to Fort Snelling and settled near but were driven away from there in 1838, when they came to St. Paul and made a claim. In 1844 he removed to Little Canada, and the same year erected a grist mill on what was afterwards called Gervais creek, in section 5. His first buhrs were of granite rock only about seven inches thick. With these he ran the mill for about three years. when he suc- ceeded in getting a better pair from St. Louis. His brother Pierre came about the same time but did not make a permanent settlement until 1845. Pierre died in 1871 and Benjamin in 1875.

Abram Lambert with his family of wife and three sons and three daughters left Lower Cana- da, in 1841 and went to St. Louis by boat and spent the winter. They came via boat to St. Paul, then to Red River with the idea of seeking a home in Oregon. They were persuaded to give up the trip on account of the dangers that beset their way. They remained in Red River until 1845, when they returned and settled on section 8, of this town, where he died in 1875. The claim which he made still remains in the hands of the three sons who live on it. Alexander Ducharme settled on section 18 the same year. The year following Joseph Clontheia came.

In 1848 the settlement began to increase more

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HISTORY OF RAMSEY COUNTY.

rapidly. Peter Paul and a brother Augustine Paul, and Mr. Donaz, were added to the number.

In 1849 John B. DeMers arrived and settled in section 5.

The farm now occupied by the Boyd brothers, was opened in 1849, by Lewis Bartlett, who sold it in 1853, to W. E. Boyd, father of the present owners. In 1850, James Bell settled on section 10, Hugh Casey on section 2, and M. St. Vincent on section 3.

The first hotel in the town was built by J. B. DeMers, in 1851, and is still used for the purpose for which it was designed. H. J. Brainerd located on section 28 in 1851, and on his present farm in section 20, in 1854. With the exception of four years, he has held the office of chairman of the town board of supervisors, since the organization of the town. In 1854, Luke Dalton, Sr., and II. Buckenfield, settled on section 25. W. M. Stees located on section 28, near Lake Phalen, in 1856 J. W. S. Frost made his claim in 1852, on section 22, south of the lake bearing his name, and is still a resident of the town, being engaged in the dairy business quite extensively. Joseph Belanger, though not a permanent settler at this point, came to Mendota in 1836, and engaged with the American Fur Company, and traveled among the Indians throughout the country, selling goods and buying furs. He often visited the band lo- cated at Savage lake. In 1852 he settled perma- nently in this town, and is now engaged in the grocery business. Paul Millette came to Mendota in 1847, and engaged in the fur trade under Gen- eral Sibley, until 1853, when he became a pilot on the Mississippi river, which vocation he followed until 1871, when he came to New Canada, and opened a store and hotel. Sylvan Nadeau came from Canada in 1851, and remained for a time at St. Paul ; opened a store in Little Canada in 1857, and for about three years carried on the business, then began dealing in real estate ; ; ince 1859 he has been engaged in farming. J. P. Melancon settled in this town in 1856, and of late years has given his attention to the growing of fruits and berries, meeting with good success. C. M. Melancon came to Little Canada in 1856, and opened a blacksmith shop, which he carried on until 1870. Since then has run a farm, making a specialty of fruit and vegetable growing in con- nection with the dairy business. A. Lanoux, now

a resident of this town, came to St. Paul in 1852. George Bowers settled here in 1854, with his fa- ther, who bought one hundred and sixty acres of land near. Bennett's lake. From 1856, the town received settlers in larger numbers, and in 1860 the population was 511. In 1880, the population was 994. In 1860, the assessed valuation of real estate in New Canada, was $290,998 ; of personal property, $16,888, making a total valuation of $307,886. In 1881 the assessed valuation of real estate amounted to $529,367 ; personal prop- erty, $99,315 ; total valuation after equalization, $628,682.

ORGANIZATION.

The town of New Canada was organized as Little Canada May 11th, 1858, at a meeting called at the old school-house, located in the village of St. Johns. The town, as organized, comprised the following described territory: commencing at the south-east corner of section 32, town- ship 29, range 22, running east on township line between 28 and 29, to the east boundary line of the county; then north on said east line to the north-east corner of township 29, range 22, then west on township line between 29 and 30 to the north-west corner of township 29, range 22 west, then south on range line between range 22 and 23 to the south-west corner of section 30, then east on section line between sections 30 and 31 and 29 and 32, to the south-east corner of section 29, then south to the place of beginning. The call for said meeting was issued April 24th, 1858, and at the appointed time was called to order by E. A. Boyd, who was chosen moderator, and J. P. Melancon, clerk, of the meeting. At the close of the polls, a canvass of the votes was made and it was found that the following persons were elected to office. Nathaniel McLean as chairman of the board; and J. H. Dutton and Isaac Gervais super- visors; J. P. Melancon, town clerk; Robert McLagan, assessor; Z. Langlois, collector; James Bresson, overseer of the poor; E. A. Boyd and George Hammond, justices of the peace; Walter B. Boyd and James Bell, constables; and Sylvan Nadeau, overseer of roads. At the same meeting it was voted to change the name of the town to New Canada, also voted to divide the town into two road districts, and George Hammond was elected overseer of district number 2.

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