History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 51

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 51

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These first settlers at the Grand Marais contin- ued to occupy the place for a number of years; some of their descendants still remain. The first claim after the French, in what became the town of McLean, was that taken by Lyman Day- ton, who located it in 1849 on what is known as ,Dayton's Bluff, on section 4, now a part of the city of St. Paul. Dayton located his claim with a soldier's warrant, but was a resident of St. Paul. At this time the settlement at Pig's Eye num- bered about forty families. In 1852 Thomas Carver settled on section 13, and was among the first to engage in farming on a larger scale than had been attempted before. In 1853, the country back from the river began to attract attention, and nearly all the settlers of this year came with

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the intention of farming. During this year Na- thaniel McLean, for whom the town was named, settled on sections 3 and 4. This year also notes the arrival of Daniel and John O'Connor, and Patrick Burke. They settled on section 11 in 1854 and are still residents of the town. Mr. Marion settled on section 14 in 1854. From this time until 1856 the number of settlers did not in- crease very rapidly. In the last named year William Davis and R. Rany, came to Pig's Eye and began the erection of a saw-mill. The frame of the mill was put up during the fall and win- ter , then work was stopped for a time. In the spring of 1857, J. B. Dion and R. Marshall pur- chased Mr. Rany's interest and the mill was rap- idly pushed to completion. In 1859, Mr. Dion bought out Marshall and the firm of Davis and Dion carried on the enterprise for a number of years. The mill was operated until 1875, when, owing to the high price of timber at this point it was closed and has not been run since.

After 1856 the town settled rapidly and soon all the more desirable locations were occupied. The principal part of the inhabitants are Ger- mans, and are a thrifty and prosperous class. The population of the town in 1860 was 124; in 1875, 316; in 1880, 348.

The first birth in the town, outside of those among the early French settlers at Pig's Eye, was that of William J., son of Thomas Carver and wife, born in 1853. The first death was that of Michel LeClaire, the first settler at Pig's Eye, who died there in 1849. Among the later settlers in the interior of the town, George Townsend died in 1857.

The organization of the town of McLean was effected in April, 1858, at a meeting of the legal voters called at the house of Judge Nelson. The records of the first meeting were not kept. Mar- tin D. Clark, was elected chairman of the board of supervisors; R. Smith, clerk of the town; John O'Connor, collector. A tax of three mills was voted for town purposes, and fifty cents on each $100 for road purposes. The next annual meet- ing was called at the house of Judge Nelson, April, 1859. A tax of fifty cents on each $100 was voted for road purposes, one-fourth mill for cur- rent expenses, officers elected were, Martin D. Clark, chairman; John King and P. Burke, su- pervisors; R. Smith, clerk.

At a special meeting of the board held May 13th, 1859, Simon Mitchell Ewas appointed Iclerk in place of R. Smith, resigned.

At the annual meeting held in 1860, a tax of fifty cents on each $100 was voted for roads and one-fourth of a mill for town purposes. Officers elected were, J. B. Christian, chairman; John King and William Davis, supervisors, and Daniel O'Connor, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1861, a tax of one- half mill was voted for roads and two mills for current expenses, also one-half mill for the poor. Officers elected were, J. B. Christian, chairman; John King and W. Davis, supervisors, and Daniel O'Connor, clerk.

At the annual meeting of_1862,"a' tax of five mills was voted for roads and two mills for cur- rent expenses. Officers elected were, David Fish, chairman; John King and S. R. Randolph, super- visors, and John Hough, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1863, a tax of two and one-half mills was voted for_roads and one- half mill for current expenses. Officers elected were, M. D. Clark, chairman; August Laius and Fred. Freudenreich, supervisors, and Daniel O'Connor, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1864, a tax of three mills was voted for roads and one and one-half mills for enrrent expenses. Officers elected were, Truman M. Smith, chairman; Angust Lains and Fred. Freudenreich, supervisors; S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1865, a tax of one mill was voted for current expenses and two and one-half mills for roads. Officers elected were, Truman M. Smith, chairman; Fred. Freuden- reich and August Lains, supervisors, and S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the election held 1866, a tax of five mills was voted for town expenses and three mills for roads. Officers elected were, Truman M. Smith, chairman; Wm. Davis and Fred. Freudenreich, supervisors, and S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the animal meeting of 1867, a tax of one mill was voted for current expenses and five mills for roads. Officers elected were Truman M. Smith, chairman; W. Davis and Fred. Freud- enreich, supervisors, and S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the election of 1868, a tax of five mills was voted for roads and one mill for current expenses.

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Officers elected were Truman M. Smith, chair- man; Fred. Freudenreich and W. Davis, supervi- sors, and Simon Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting held 1869, a tax of five mills was voted for roads and one mill for current expenses. Officers elected were Truman M. Smith, chairman; Waterman Buck and W. Town- send, supervisors; S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1870, it was voted to present a petition to the county board of com- missioners asking for five hundred dollars for the building and repairing of roads and bridges, also voted to levy a tax of three mills for current expenses and five mills for roads. Officers elected were, Truman M. Smith, chairman; Water- man Buck and William Townsend, supervisors, and S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1871, a tax of two mills was voted for current expenses and five mills for roads. Officers elected were, Fred. Freudenreich, chairman; Louis Nickow and Waterman Buck, supervisors, and F. R. Whit- well, clerk.

At the annual meeting of the town held in 1872, a tax of five mills was voted for roads, and four mills for current expenses. Officers elected were F. R. Whitwell, chairman ; Louis Nickow and Waterman Buck, supervisors; S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1873 a tax of five mills was voted for roads, and two mills for cur- rent expenses. Officers elected were F. R. Whit- well, chairman ; Louis Nickow and Waterman Buck, supervisors ; and S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1874 a tax of five mills was voted for roads, one mill for current ex- penses. Officers elected were F. R. Whitwell, chairman ; Louis Nickow and Peter Reis, super- visors ; S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1875 a tax of tliree mills was voted for roads, and two mills for cur- rent expenses. Officers elected were F. R. Whit- well, chairman ; Louis Nickow and Peter Reis, supervisors ; S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1876 a tax of two mills was voted for current expenses, and three mills for roads. Officers elected were F. R. Whit- well, chairman ; Louis Nickow and Peter Reis, supervisors ; S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1877 a tax of three

mills was voted for roads. Officers elected were F. R. Whitwell, chairman ; Peter Reis and Louis Nickow, supervisors, and S. Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1878 a tax of three mills was voted for roads. Officers elected were F. R. Whitwell, chairman; Louis Nickow and Peter Reis, supervisors; Simon Mitchell, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1879 a tax of five mills was voted for roads, and one mill for cur- rent expenses. Officers elected were Louis Nick- ow, chairman ; Waterman Buck and Fred Gous- man, supervisors ; J. L. Brigham, clerk.

At the annual meeting of 1880 a tax of five mills was voted for roads, and one mill for cur- rent expenses. Officers elected were Louis Nick- ow, chairman; Waterman Buck and F. W. Gousman, supervisors, and J. L. Brigham, clerk.

At the annual meeting held in 1881 a tax of one mill was voted for current expenses, and three mills for roads. Officers elected were Louis Nickow, chairman ; Waterman Buck and F. A. Gousman, supervisors ; J. I .. Brigham, clerk.

SCHOOLS.

In November, 1849, the board of commissioners for Ramsey county, divided the county into school districts, and the territory now contained in the town of McLean was made a part of district number one. This district comprised the whole of the eastern half of the county, and was known as the Red Rock district. John A. Ford, George Conniegier and Joseph Moreau were appointed a board of trustees. The first school in the town of McLean was opened at Pig's Eye in 1856 or 1857. The settlers had hard work to maintain this school, as the scholars were few, and but little pecuniary aid could be obtained from the county. The ex- pense of maintenance was mainly secured by sub- scription.

School district number seven was organized in 1860, with Patrick Burke, J. B. Christian and John King, trustees; Daniel O'Connor, clerk. The first school was taught by Miss Maria Chris- tian, in a small frame house which had been erected on section 14, on the territorial road, by a Frenchman, named Lafore, and used by him for a saloon. This building was secured by the dis- trict and used some time. The first school-house was built near the line between sections 11 and 14. The house now in use was erected in 1875,

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at a cost of $1,000. It is a good frame building, well furnished. It is located on section 11. The present board of officers is composed of Louis Nickow, director; Joel Reinhardt, treasurer ; Daniel O'Connor, clerk.

School district number twelve was organized in 1865, and was then known as number thirteen. The first officers of the district were David Fish, director; Samuel Mitchell, treasurer; James Hough, clerk. The first school was taught by Miss Elizabeth Ingalls, in an old house on David Fish's farm, on section 1. This building was oc- cupied by the school until 1873, when the property having been sold, the district built their present school-house. The building is of wood, 22x45 feet, and is located on the north-east quarter of section 2. The total cost, when furnished, was $1,200. This is a good country school-house, and is located conveniently for all residents of the district. Officers for 1881 : Charles Ackerman, director ; Louis Greve, treasurer ; J. L. Brigham, clerk.

There have been a number of out-lots platted within the limits of McLean. In early days speculation in corner lots and out-lots was rife and numerous additions to the city of St. Paul were made in the town of McLean and after- wards taken into the city limits. In 1853, what is known as Lower St. Paul, was platted by L. C. Kinney and comprised the south-west quarter of the north-west quarter and the north-east quarter of the south-west quarter of section 3, R. C. Con- way surveyor. In 1854, the plat known as "Homes for the Homeless" was laid out by Henry MeKenty, in the north half of the south-west quarter of section 34. Montville was laid out and platted by Lyman Dayton and John E. Warren, in August, 1856, on the east half of the south-east quarter of section 3, and the south-west quarter of section 2. A portion of this plat has been va- cated and is used for farming purposes.

ROADS.

The first road opened through the town was the old military road, known as the Point Doug- las and Fort Ripley road, built by the govern- ment and surveyed by Captain Stimson in 1849. This road extends through almost the entire length of the town and forms a junction with the old territorial road, known as the Hudson and St.

Paul road. The Afton and St. Paul road was opened in 1852 and runs across the northern part of the town. The Pig's Eye and St. Paul road was built about 1840 by residents at those points. The river division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway runs through the town, but has no station within its limits. The line has about four miles of track in the town.

The assessed valuation of real estate in the town of McLean in 1860, was $72,909; in 1875 it was $182,235; in 1880, $183,556. The valuation of personal property in 1860, was $5,115; in 1875, $16,587; in 1880, $29,671. Total assessed valua- tion of real and personal property in 1880, $213,- 227.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Joseph L. Brigham was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1840. When six years of age, he, with his parents, went to Boston, Massachusetts, and lived there seven years, he remaining in the state till the age of twenty years. He then served two and one-half years in the navy, and in Company B, First Battalion, Massachusetts Heavy Artil- lery, over two years. Subsequently, he made his home four years at Lake Superior, Michigan, in the mining business. Thence to St. Paul, Min- nesota, where he made a brief stay, finally locat- ing on a farm in McLean township. He is a prominent resident, and now holds the office of town clerk, justice of the peace and clerk of school district number 12. Married in 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Schmittzer, who has borne him two children: Emma and Lincoln F.

John Brzezinski was born in Prussia in 1847. He learned the shoemaker trade in his native land, and in 1869 came to America. Remained in New York one year, thence to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making that city his home five years. After a residence of one year at Duluth, Minne- sota, he moved to McLean township, having pur- chased fifty acres on which he still lives. Married in 1869, Josephine Bronske, who has borne him six children, five of whom are living.

Waterman Buck is a native of Massachusetts, born in 1813, and resided with his parents until attaining majority. He then engaged in business four years in his native state and New Jersey, then bought a farm at La Porte, Indiana, on which he lived twelve years. On disposing of his property there, he came to St. Paul, Minne-

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sota, in 1850, then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Rose township. Three years later, dis- posed of it and went to Cottage Grove, Washing- ton county, and purchased four hundred and twenty acres. This was his home fifteen years, since which time he has made McLean township his home, having a farm of two hundred and five acres. Mr. Buck is now supervisor. In 1838, married Ivanna Bisbee, who has borne him nine children, six of whom are living.

Albert H. Bunde was born in Prussia, in 1842. He served in the German army over three years, and in 1868, came to America and landed in New York. Proceeded directly to St. Paul, and started in the florist business. He moved to his farm in McLean township, where he still lives. In 1875, married Minnie Greve, who has borne him one son and one daughter: William and Clara L.

B. Franson was born in Sweden in 1852, resid- ing in his native place until 1868. Coming to Canada he landed at Quebec, thence to St. Paul, Minnesota. After a brief stay in the city he moved to McLean. For five years he worked for the farmers, then purchased a farm on which he now lives. He now occupies the office of road master.

Henry Garbe, a native of Germany, was born in 1843. When twenty-three years of age he came to America, landing in New York, thence to Chicago, remaining three years. In 1871 he located in McLean township and purchased fifty acres. In 1870 married Miss Hannah Raker. Lena, Mena, Henry and Bennie are their children.

Louis Greve is a native of Germany, born in 1821. He came to America, reaching New York October 3d, 1854. He purchased twenty- six acres in that state which he tilled until 1868. He learned the carpenter's trade in Germany and was employed at his chosen trade. In 1868 he came to St. Paul, thence one year later to his farm in McLean. He is now treasurer of school district number twelve. Married in 1847 to Johanna Graff, they have two children. Mrs. Greve's mother, who has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, is making her home with them.

Jacob Husnike was born in Austria in 1849. When seventeen years of age he came to Ameri- ca. After spending a short time in New York

and Illinois he came to St. Paul. This city was his home five years, then he removed to McLean township and purchased forty acres. Married in 1870 to Catherine Kusinki. They have seven children.

John Kelting was born in Germany in 1829. He worked for the farmers, until coming to Amer- ica in 1869, except four years passed in the German army. On coming to America he went directly to Dodge county, Minnesota, making his home there eleven years. He then bought six acres in McLean township, and devotes his time to gar- dening. In 1880 he married Mrs. Margaret Wolf, who was a widow with three children.

John Kessler was born in Switzerland in 1838, and there lived till 1869. Coming thence to America, he made a brief stay in New York, thence directly to St. Paul. Purchasing six acres in Anoka county he lived on it ten years, and still owns it. He then came to McLean and rents twenty acres which he devotes to gardening. Married in 1864 to Barbara Marty, who has borne him five children. John is the only surviving one.

Charles Knudson, a native of Norway, was born in 1848. He learned the painter's trade in his native country and in 1865 came to Canada, land- ing at Quebec. Proceeding to Milwaukee, Wis- consin, he made it his home five years. During his residence in that city, he met and married Isabelle M. Peterson. They came to St. Paul in 1869, making it their home until 1880. Their home is now in McLean township, where they own fifteen acres. They are the parents of five children only two of whom are living.

Martin Leida was born in Prussia in 1833. Here his youth was spent. In 1871 he came to this country, first visiting Baltimore. After a brief stay in Illinois he went to St. Paul and soon after to McLean, where he purchased forty acres. In 1859 he married Victoria Grulik. Seven child- ren were born to them, six now living.

Walter Lemon was born in Ireland in 1849. When only a child his parents came to America; after a short time in New York, also in South Car- olina, and one year in North Carolina, came to St. Paul. Subsequently he purchased 160 acres in Woodbury, Washington county, on which he lived until 1880. He then sold and came to McLean township, and has a farm of eighty acres. In 1874 married Miss Belle Carver, who

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has borne him three children, two of whom are living.

Louis Nickow is a native of Poland, born in 1822. He went with the family to Prussia when three years of age, and there resided until coming to America in 1852. IIe remained in New York three years, then made his home in St. Paul eight years; thence to McLean township and pur- chased a farm, on which he still lives. IIe is chairman of the board of supervisors and treas- urer of school district number seven. In 1858 married Fredricka Seitzman. Bertha, Louis and Henry are their children.

George Polaski, was born in Prussia, in 1840. IIe learned the trade of wagon making and about 1869 came to America. His first location was in Indiana one year, then in Duluth, Minnesota, five years, finally locating in McLean township, having purchased eighty acres. Married to Miss Kopydlowske in 1868. They have five children.

Joel Reinhardt, born in 1834, is a native of Germany. About the year 1868 he came to America and remained a short time in New York, thence to St. Paul one year. He then purchased eighty acres in McLean township. He is now justice of the peace. In 1856 married Dora Enther, who was born January 6th, 1832. William, Frederick, Louis, August, Caroline, Mary and Emil are their children.

Bernard Sunnen was born in Germany in 1815. IIere he spent his youth and in 1847 came to America. He lived in New York six years, in Illinois five years, and in' 1857 came to St. Paul. Ile made this city his home until 1875 then moved to his present home in McLean. In 1843 married Anna Cardrel. They are the parents of eleven children, ten living.

Otto Sureker, born in 1849, is a native of Ger- many. He lived in Switzerland six years, in France two years, and in 1879 came to America. IIe remained six months in New York, six months in Iowa, and came in 1880 to St. Paul. IIe has rented land of Mr. Marty in McLean where he is engaged as florist. In 1881 married Marga- ret Dietz.

Louis Swanson, a native of Sweden, was born in 1828. IIe learned the trades of carpenter and blacksmith in his native land, and in 1868 came to this country, landing in New York. Ilis home was in Illinois five years; he then moved to

Newport, Washington county, Minnesota. IIere he resided five years on rented land. Finally lo- cated in McLean township and rented forty acres on which he lives. In 1855 married Mary Nelson, they have had ten children, nine living.

Henry Thieling was born in Germany, in 1833. Came to America in 1851 and for five years lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. IIe then went to IIenderson, Sibley county, Minnesota, and bought one hundred and sixty acres on which he lived eleven years, then sold and came to St. Paul, re- maining five years, engaged in the fruit business. Came to McLean at that time and still makes this town his home. IIe served ten months in Company A, Eleventh Minn. Catharine Laben became his wife in 1866; they have one child.

William Townsend was born in England, in 1838, Came to America with his parents, in 1853, and after living for a time in St. Louis, came to St. Paul. His father had previously made a claim in McLean, which the family settled on in 1853. Mr. Townsend is a stone cutter by trade. Mar- ried Maggie Garner in 1881.

Charles Vilendrer was born in Lower Canada, June 10, 1837. When eighteen years of age he went to Michigan, remaining one year, then came to St. Paul, Minnesota. He was in the employ of the government at Yellow Medicine one and one- half years, then lived at St. Paul until 1862, then lived at Afton, Washington county, until 1870. He now owns land in McLean township and in- tends building this year. He is now residing at St. Paul. Married in 1865 to Cecelia Folstron. Two children were born to them; both have died.

William Walterstorff was born in Prussia in 1824. He acquired the trade of tanner and cur- rier in his native land. Came to America in 1848, and resided at St. Louis, Missouri, in the pursuit of his trade. He afterward worked five years in a saw mill in St. Paul. Removing to Woodbury, Washington county, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on which he lived eight years, then sold and returned to St. Paul, remaining two years. Ile is now a res- ident of McLean having purchased a farm con- sisting of one hundred and fifty-four acres. Catha- rine Trager became his wife in 1856. Seven of their nine children survive.

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CITY OF SAINT PAUL.

CHAPTER XLII.

FIRST SETLEMENT -- TOPOGRAPHY IN 1849-PRO- CEEDINGS OF FIRST LEGISLATURE-MAIL FA- CILITIES.

The facts and events comprising the history of St. Paul have their beginning in the times of the early missionaries and voyageurs. The opening chapters of this work contain all of interest per- taining to that early period. Again, the matters treated of in the pages immediately preceding these, those devoted to the history of Ramsey county, necessarily contain the principal incidents relating to early settlement, the Indian occupa- tion, and so forth, up to the time of the year 1849 for it should be borne in mind that neither St. Paul nor Ramsey county had any existence pre- vious to this date.

The year 1849, therefore, marks the point on the dial of time from which a continuous nar- rative can start. That point will be selected, therefore, to save repetition.

Claims had been made on the land that now is St. Paul previous to this date, and it will not be out of place to describe first who these early pioneers were, and where their claims were lo- cated. For that purpose it will be necessary to go back to the year 1838, the first real settlement having been effected that year by Abraham Perry, Benjamin Gervais, Pierre Gervais, Edward Phe- lan, John Hays and William Evans. In addi- tion to these was the notorious, wild dispositioned, " Pig's Eye," otherwise Pierre Parrant. It would appear that Parrant and Perry made their claims almost simultaneously. They were also contigu- ous.

Abraham Perry was a Swiss watchmaker, who had come from the Red River colony and had settled at Fort Snelling in 1827, from which he, in common with the other settlers was driven off, by order of the government in 1838.

The Gervais brothers were also refugees from the Red River country. Phelan, Hays and Evans, natives of Ireland, had been recently discharged from the Fifth regiment, then stationed at Fort Snelling. Very little is known of Evans, but Phelan, a man of remarkable physique, boastful and unscrupulous in all his ways, left behind him a memory for turbulent acts. Sergeant John Hays, on the contrary, was a gentlemanly, frugal, honest man, and was respected by everybody. Vetal Guerin subsequently succeeded to the Hays claim. Towards the close of 1838 a man by the name of Johnson, whose advent excited much curiosity and comment, owing to the fact that he was dressed neatly and well, and appeared to have been accustomed to better society and living than is usually to be obtained on the frontier, ar- rived and put up a cabin on ground near the site of the present gas works. His stay there was brief on account of the hostile feeling displayed towards him owing to his unknown origin. He left the region entirely taking with him his wife and child, selling his claim before his departure to James R. Clewett. This was the first claim made in lower town. About the year 1840 Norman W. Kittson bought this claim from Cle- wett for the sum of $150, and it subsequently be- came known as Kittson's addition. All of these men first mentioned had settled on the land for the purpose of cultivating it. But not so had Pierre Parrant.

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