History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 86

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 86

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B. P. Baker is a native of New York, born in Tompkins county, December 4th, 1842. In No- vember, 1857, he moved with his parents to Shel- by county, Illinois. Graduated from Shelby Seminary, in 1862, and the next year graduated from Bryant and Stratton's Business College, of Chicago. He afterward spent two years in Roch- ester, New York, and in 1866, moved to St. Paul, engaging as book-keeper, having served in that capacity with several of the important wholesale firms of the city. For the past three years he has been book-keeper for the wholesale firm of Schmidt and Miller. December 15th, 1868, he married Miss Ella Leonard, of St. Paul. They have one son and one daughter.

Harry E. Baker was born August 31st, 1854, in Chillicothe,Ohio. When four years old, accompan- ied his parents to Mankato, Minnesota. During the year 1874, he was engaged in the patent office at Washington, under General Leggett, and in 1875, '76 and '77 he was employed as chief draughtsman in the office of his father, who was the surveyor general of the state of Minnesota. Graduated from the Michigan university law school, of Ann Arbor, with the class of 1879; was admitted to the bar in Jackson county, Minnesota, in 1880. He practiced law one year at Mankato, then moved to St. Paul, still continu- ing in his chosen profession, the law.

Wm. Banholzer is a native of Germany, born in 1849. Came to America and located at St. Paul, when only eight years old. Here his edu- cation was acquired, Was in the employ of Auer- bach, Finch and Scheffer nine years. Was en- gaged in. the mercantile trade at Belle Plaine, two years, then in company with his father began the brewing business, in 1876. Three years later he purchased his father's interest, and still continues in that business at St. Paul. The brewery has been built more than twenty years, is of stone, and has the capacity of making 10,000 barrels per year. In 1878, married Miss Louisa Foot. They have two children, both infants.

R. Barden was born in Chenango county, New York, October 17th, 1827. Moved with his par- ents to Cass county, Michigan, when fourteen

years of age, and resided in that state until at- taining the age of twenty-five years. He gradu- ated from Kalamazoo college and studied law with IIon. Horace Mower, ex-United States judge of New Mexico. Was admitted to the bar in Michigan and practiced law for a time, thence to Indiana, there continuing the practice. Remov- ed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and was ad- mitted to the bar before Judge Collins. Con- tinued practicing law until 1859, then moved to Milwaukee and engaged in the grain, commission and mercantile business, until coming to St. Paul in 1869. He is still engaged in the grain commis- sion business. In November, 1852, he married Miss Phoebe A. Gardner of Kalamazoo county, Michigan. Seven children have been born to them, only two of whom are now living.

Rev. L. C. Barnes was born at Kirkland, Lake county, Ohio, November 6th, 1854. He was edu- cated at Kalamazoo, Michigan, graduating in 1875. He graduated in theology from Newton Theo- logical institute in June, 1878. November 1st of that year, he settled at St. Paul as a supply to the First Baptist church, over which he was soon given the pastorate.

David Barret was born in December, 1834, in Ireland. Moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1853 and to St. Paul in 1858. He engaged as steward on the steamer Favorite, and afterward was on several boats of that line a number of seasons. For five seasons he was employed on the Dakota and International, boats of the Kittson line. Be- gan the harness trade on his own account in 1871 and continues successfully. In May, 1861, he married Mrs. Jane Anderson. They have one son and two daughters.

Joseph Bartenschlager, a native of Bavaria, was born in 1830. Came to the United States in 1854, locating in Indiana. Four years subsequently he came to Minnesota and took a claim in Nicollet county, on which he remained three years. IIe then kept the Cedar hotel at St. Peter five years. Was a resident there at the time of the Indian outbreak and used his own team in conveying the dead and wounded to places of refuge. He also witnessed the execution of thirty-eight Sioux In- dians at Mankato in 1862. He afterward en- gaged in the hotel business at Chicago until be- coming a resident of St. Paul in 1880. He opened

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the Minnesota Home, located on the corner of Third and Rosabel streets, number 190.

Joseph W. Bates was born at Randolph, Ver- mont, December 22d, 1825. IIe lived in his native place until 1849, and carried on livery and hotel business. In 1855, went to Chicago, re- maining one year, then removed to Lansing, Iowa, where he kept hotel and livery till July, 1879. He also had several mail routes in that state. Came to St. Paul in 1879, and purchased the livery of Francis St. Germain. His barn is 50x100 feet, accommodates fifty-six horses and a full line of wagons, carriages, etc. At Castle- ton, Vermont, December 14th, 1852, he married Miss Sarah A. Hawkins. They are the parents of six children, only two of whom survive: Joseph W. and Lillie. Sarah, Mary, Jessie and Joseph W. have died.

E. S. Bean was born April 23d, 1847, at Stough- ton, Norfolk county, Massachusetts. He was educated at the common schools, finishing by a two years course at the University of Wisconsin. In 1868, left his father's home and has since been in the railway mail service. Located at St. Paul April 18th, 1876, and has since made this his home. He is chief clerk in the railway mail service.

John C. Becht, deceased, was born in Prussia, in 1831. Came to America in 1853, lived two years in Chicago, and in 1855 came to St. Paul .. At the time of the rebellion he organized Com- pany E, and as captain went into the Fifth Min- nesota Regiment, where he served until the close of the war, being promoted to major. Was dis- charged in 1865, then entered the wholesale liquor business with George Benz until his death May 28th, 1878. Received the nomination for sheriff in 1875, and was elected that fall, and re-elected in 1877. Married in St. Paul, in 1856, Sarah Schilling, who has borne him two sons and three daughters.

George L. Becker. The following sketch of George Louis Becker is from the graceful pen of Mr. J. Fletcher Williams, secretary of the Minne- sota Historical society. It was written several years ago, and we have changed a few words, in order to make it conform to the present date.

Mr. Becker was born on the 4th of February, 1829, in the town of Locke, Cayuga county, New York. His father, IIiram Becker, a native of

Schoharie county, New York, was a descendent of the early Dutch settlers of the Mohawk valley, who came to America long prior to the Revolu- tionary war. His mother's name was Sophia Millard, a native of Vermont. Mr. Becker ob- tained liis early schooling in a district school in his native town, and afterwards more fully at the academy at Moravia, in the same county. Sub- sequently he attended the preparatory department of Western Reserve college, at Hudson, Ohio. Ilis parents having in the meantime removed to Auburn, New York, he returned home, and com- pleted his preparatory course at the Auburn academy, then in charge of William Hopkins. In 1841, Mr. Becker's family moved to Ann Ar- bor, Michigan, and he entered the Freshman class of the state university in 1842, and graduated in 1846. in the second class graduating from that university, indisputably one of the best colleges in America. Immediately after graduating, he studied law with George Sedgewick, of Ann Ar- bor, and remained with him until October, 1849, when he emigrated to St. Paul, arriving here on the 29th of that month. He at once commenced the practice of law, and soon after formed a co- partnership with Edmund Rice and Ellis G. Whitall, under the firm name of Rice, Whitall and Becker. About a year afterward Mr. Whitall withdrew, and William Hollinshead, one of the best lawyers who ever lived in the state, joined the firm, which then became Rice, Hollinshead and Becker, one of the most successful and widely known law firms in the territorial days of Minne- sota, continuing to transact a large and important business, until its dissolution in 1856. Mr. Rice retired during that ycar, and Messrs. Becker and Hollinshead continued the business for another year, when Mr. Becker withdrew, and soon after ceased the active practice of law.

In 1855, Mr. Becker was married at Keesville, New York, to Miss Susannah M. Ismond, a lady of rare accomplishments and beauty, and well fitted to preside over the comfortable home where so many visitors have received its generous hos- pitalities, dispensed with a grace and kindness that render all at home. Four promising boys complete Mr. Becker's household. During the last sixteen years Mr. Becker has been actively engaged in the important work of forwarding the railroad interests of the state. In 1862 he was

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land commissioner of the St. Paul and Pacific railroad. Upon the organization of the first divis- ion of that road, on the 6th of February, 1864, he was elected president, which position he has held ever since. Under his able management, and largely by his efforts and influence, four hundred miles of road have been constructed, connecting the navigable waters of the Mississippi with those of the Red River of the North. Foreign capital has been enlisted to the extent of millions, thus proving a source of wealth to our state, opening a vast region hitherto a wilderness, now filled with prosperous towns and fertile, well - improved farms. In the discharge of his duties, Mr. Becker has performed an immense amount of physical and mental labor ; making frequent journeys East and to Europe, besides carrying on his large office business at home, and filling responsible public offices at the same time. Fortunately, le pos- sesses a robust physique, or he would have bro- ken down under such a pressure.

The high, and we may say in candor, the fully deserved popularity Mr. Becker has always en- joyed in this community where he is best known, is well evinced in his repeated nomination and election to important offices. In 1854, at the first municipal election under our city charter, he was elected an alderman, and in 1856, mayor of the city. In 1857, he was elected from Ramsey county one of the members of the constitutional convention, and soon after elected one of the three members of congress, to which it was supposed our state, when admitted would be entitled. Dur- ing the delay which attended its admission, it be- came certain that only two members could be re- ceived, and Mr. Becker at once resigned. In 1859, he was unanimously nominated at a con- vention of lis party for governor, but the oppo- site side gained the day. In 1867, lie was elected a member of the state senate from Ramsey county, and re-elected in 1869, serving four ses- sions. Such was the confidence reposed in him by both parties, that, at his last election, no nom- ination was made against him on the opposite ticket, and he was unanimously cliosen. In 1872, Mr. Becker was again nominated for congress, but his party was not successful in the contest. Mr. Becker is one of the three original members of the Presbyterian church of St. Paul, organized on the 1st of January, 1850, and is still a mem-

ber. He is also a member of the Old Settlers Association, of which he was president in 1873, and of the Minnesota Historical society, of which he was president in 1874.

Mr. Becker has aided all the benevolent, liter- ary and educational institutions of our city with generous hands. The difficulty of speaking of a living person in suitable terms prevents us in a great measure from doing full justice to the char- acter of the subject of this sketch, than whom perhaps no gentleman in Minnesota stands higher in every respect, and more fully enjoys the confi- deuce, esteem and love of a host of friends, one who in a word, is the true type of the upright man, the high-minded and honorable advocate, the faithful public officer, the generous and hospita- ble friend, and the public spirited citizen.

R. A. Becker was born in Prussia, in 1848. When nine years old came with his father to America and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ilere his literary education was acquired, and when bnt fourteen years of age he enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry, as drummer boy. After serving in that capacity one and one- half years, he was detailed as orderly, serving as such until his regiment was mustered out at the close of the war. Returning to Milwaukee he engaged as clerk in a drug store for Mr. Mobach, two years, then came to Faribault, Minnesota. Here he was in the drug business three years, thence to St. Cloud with Dr. Schulten one year. In 1870 located at St. Paul and after clerking for G. Strim two years, returned to St. Cloud. · After one year's absence opened a drug store in St. Paul, and by honesty and integrity he lias es- tablished a thriving trade and won the esteem of all. Married Miss Lulie Lunt, at St. Paul, in 1873. Augusta M. and George K. are their chil- dren.

C. A. Biegler is of German-American parent- age, born at Buffalo, New York, in 1850. His educational advantages were those of a common school. From September, 1864 to 1866, he was in the army and until 1873 was connected with the army. IIis first visit to St. Paul was in 1869, and after occasional visits, finally located in the city in the insurance business. He is command- ing officer of the Allen Liglit Guard of the Min- nesota National Guard. Married in 1873 to the

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eldest daughter of the Honorable J. W. McClung, of St. Paul.

J. C. Beisang was born in Canada, February 2d, 1851. Here his childhood was passsed, and in 1871 moved to St. Paul, engaging in the bakery business for six months with William Geis. Af- terward worked for R. Martin, four years in the same business, then one year in the employ of W. R. Booth. In 1877 he became foreman in the ex- tensive cracker factory of Preideman and Lewis, and still retains the position.

Robert M. Bell, a native of England, was born March 14th, 1854. Until 1869 he lived in his childhood home; June 29th of that year he came to America and located in St. Paul, July 15th, fol- lowing. He is now connected with the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad. He was married Novem- ber 22d, 1876.

E. C. Belote was born in Ontario county, New York, in May, 1812. He was raised on a farm until sixteen years of age, then in 1855 came to Minnesota, locating in St. Paul the year follow- ing. For five years he was in the Merchants hotel, then in the International until it burned in 1869. On account of ill health he retired from business ten years. In 1879 took possession of the Metropolitan, where he still remains as its manager. Miss Harriet. E. Lathrop of Geneva county, New York, became his wife in 1844. They have two of their six children living: Carrie A. and ITattie E. Mr. Belote served nine months as alderman by appointment.

Theodore W. Beulke, proprietor of the Gari- baldi meat market, is a native of St. Paul, born in 1853. Ile has been a life long resident of the city and acquired his education at the city schools. During the spring of 1874 he began the butcher's trade, in the employ of Mr. Gottscham- mer, with whom he continued until 1880. He then purchased the market and in March of that year erected a two-story brick building, 25x65 feet, and well fitted for his business. The name of this market dates back to 1857, it being among the first if not the first in the city. Mr. Beulke has a rapidly increasing trade, and has a large as- sortment and salt meats and game in season. His foreman, J. L. Barnes of Buffalo, New York, is a butcher of thirty-five years experience.

George Benz, a native of Germany, was born iu 1838. ITis education was received in a private

school, and he also prepared himself for a teacher. Came to the United States in 1854, locating at Chicago, where he was employed as clerk one and one-half years. Became a resident of St. Paul in 1856, and in 1865, with F. A. Rentz as partner, he opened a wholesale liquor store. Mr. Rentz subsequently sold his interest to Major J. C. Becht, who died in 1878. Mr. Benz continued the business alone until January 1st, 1880, when the firm of George Benz and Company was formed. The individual members of the firm are, George Benz, John Haggenmiller and William F. IFach- man. Mr. Benz was a member of the Fifteenth Minnesota legislature from St. Paul. Married in 1861, to Miss Rose Voehringer; George F., Char- lotte O., Hermann L., William L., Paul, Lydia, Walter G. and Rose E. are their living children.

C. C. Bergh was born in 1851, and is a native of Norway. Came to America in 1870, coming direct to St. Paul. IIe engaged with D. C. Greenleaf in the jewelry business, remaining with him until 1879. After a visit to his native coun- try of about three months duration, he embarked in the jewelry trade at number 41 East Third street. He makes a specialty of diamonds and engraving. In 1878, his marriage with Miss Mary Jacobson took place. They have one daugh- ter, Clara.

John Addison Berkey, a native of St. Paul, was born March 31st, 1854. Was educated in the public schools of this city, and subsequently took a course in the Polytechnical Institute of Troy, New York. After completing his studies, Mr. Berkey engaged in, and is at present whole- sale dealer in tea, coffee and spices. He was married in November, 1877, to Miss Minnie De Graff, of this city.

C. C. Berkman, veterinary surgeon, was born at Oxford, Butler county, Ohio, June 17th, 1831. At the age of twenty years went to Vernon, In- diana, and was there married to Miss M. A. Sper- ry, February 26th, 1851. After a residence of three years in that state, migrated to the terri- tory of Minnesota, arriving at St. Paul by boat, July 4th, 1854. Ile at once entered upon the practice of his profession; was called to St. An- thony, the next day after his arrival, to treat three horses belonging to Mr. Nash, an old settler. While there he purchased two lots of Colonel Stevens, on which the Windsor house now stands,

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and erected a dwelling thereon. His only neigh- bors were Colonel Stevens, Anson Northrup, I. I. Lewis, Jolın Jackins and a few others. Dusky neighbors were plenteous, and were very friendly; too much so for comfort, as they would enter the house day or night, unbidden. IIis hunting grounds were a few rods back from the present residence of Charles Hoag. September 9th, of that year, he was called to Fort Snelling, to treat horses belonging to the battery of Captain Sher- mau, who has since become General Sherman. At the outbreak of the rebellion Mr. Berkman joined the Third Minnesota Regiment, remaining with it in the South until the Indian outbreak, in 1862, then returned to Fort Snelling, where he was detailed as post veterinary surgeon. In March, 1864, received his discharge. Removed to St. Pau 1 and has since made this city his home, following the same profession. He is also engaged in the manufacture of patent medicines, good for both man and beast, which embraces the compounding of standard and popular remedies.

Enoch F. Berrisford, a native of England, was born in 1846, in Staffordshire. Was unable to avail himself of the advantages of even a common school education, but was compelled to gather it as best he could. He left England in February, 1857, and came to Minnesota, settling in a place near Ham- ilton. In 1864, he left home and worked for one year for the government, engaged in driving a six mule team. In 1867, came to St. Paul and opened a bakery with his brother, under the firm name of Berrisford Brothers. Married December 17th, 1868, to Miss Isabella J. Young, of Hamilton, Scott county, Minnesota. They have six chil- dren, Mary E., Ada A., Katie M., Isabella J., Gertrude F. and Emma D.

Henry A. Betoque, designer and manufacturer of fine furniture, was born in Denmark, in 1857, where he learned his trade. Came to America, in 1874, and made his home in Chicago, until 1880. He worked at his trade for himself two years, then was in the employ of A. II. Andrews and Company, in the same line of business, until coming to St. Paul, in September, 1880. Here he has again established his business, with a rapidly increasing trade. October 20th, 1880, at St. Paul, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bron- son, who is a native of Norway.

Charles H. Bigelow was born in 1835, in Eas-

ton, Washington county, New York. He received the advantages of an academical education. In 1852 lie left the parental roof to earn his own livelihood, and in January, 1864, located at St. Paul. IIis business engagements have been of various kinds, and he is now president of the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance company, in St. Paul. He was married in 1859.

Horace R. Bigelow, a native of New York, was born in Rensselaer county, March 13th, 1820. He finished a common school education by one term at the Utica gymnasium. Subsequently he studied law with Mann and Edmonds, at Utica, and prac- ticed in partnership with E. S. Brayton until 1853. In November of that year he became a resident of St. Paul, where he still practices his profession. At New Hartford, New York, June 4th, 1862, he married Miss Cornelia Sherrill.

William Bircher was born at Madison, Indiana, in 1845. Came to St. Paul when only six years of age, and received his education at Lasher col- lege, from whichi he graduated in 1860. He af- terwards dealt in flour and feed. At the begin- ning of the war, he being only sixteen years of age, was not entitled to be mustered in as a sol- dier, but feeling it his duty to serve his country he took the rank of drummer boy. After serving one year as such he shouldered his mus- ket with his comrades, receiving an honorable dis- charge after a service of four years. Returning to civil life he engaged in a steamboat supply. store four years, and in hotel business till 1874. He is now manager of the hotel known as "South Shore House," at St. Paul, at the corner of Fourth and Bridge streets. At St. Paul in 1868, he married Miss Mary Young, who has borne him five children. The living are George, Elizabeth and William.

E. B. Birge was born at Kinderhook, New York, in 1838. He accompanied his parents to Utica, Ohio, in 1850. After learning the trade of machinist he was placed in charge of an agricultu- tural machine shop; thence in 1863 he went to Cen- tralia, Illinois, in the employ of the Illinois Cen- tral railroad. In April, 1866, he came to St. Paul and engaged in the shops of the St. Paul and Pacific railroad, and the same year joined the volunteer fire department, the old Hope Engine number one. In 1868 he joined the Trout Brook Hose number four, and was elected foreman the

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fall of the same year. In 1869 was elected engi- neer of the steanier Minnehaha number two, which position he held until 1871, when he re- signed and assumed the superintendency of the St. Paul Water Company, remaining in the posi- tion till 1872. The same year the city purchased engines three and four, and assigned him engineer of number four, has since been in service ; was appointed superintendent of the fire alarm telegraph.

Moses Bixler was born January 22d, 1821, in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Moved to Da- kota county, Minnesota, May 11th, 1853, and for seventeen years was a farmer. Removing to St. Paul he purchased his present place, also built the Farmer's hotel. IIe is now engaged in the manufacture of clothing. For six years he held the office of justice of the peace. September 2d, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary A. Yohe, by Rev. W. G. Minnich, of Pottsville, Pennsyl- vania. Nine children have been born to them, five of whom still live.

Walker Blaine, son of James G. and Harriet S. Blaine, was born May 8th, 1855, at Augusta Maine. He was educated at Phillips academy, Andover, Massachusetts; at Paris, France; Co- lumbia Law school, New York city, and in 1876 graduated from Yale college. IIe came to St. Paul in July, 1879, and was admitted to the bar of Minnesota in October of that year. IIe studied in the office of Davis, O'Brien and Wilson, until October, 1880, then formed a co-partnership with Tilden R. Selmes. March 7th, 1881, was ap- pointed private secretary to secretary of state at Washington, and in July, 1881, was appointed third assistant secretary of state in place of Charles Payson, who was sent to Denmark as charge d'affaires.

Michael Blaknik, a native of Austria, was born in 1855. He received his education and learned the cooper's and brewer's trades. Came to America in 1874, locating at Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania; moved soon after to Red Wing, Minne- sota, and worked in a brewery two years. Ile then came to St. Paul and engaged in the brew- ery trade a short time. In July, 1881, opened a saloon and sample room at 26 West Third street. Married in 1878, at St. Paul, to Miss V. Serbenz. They have one child, Joseph.

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