USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 89
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115
dence in Wisconsin, he was a notary public, hav- ing been appointed by Governor Leonard J. Far- well. 'From July, 1872 until January, 1875, he was a member of the board of education of tlie city of St. Paul, and chairman of its committee on expenses during his whole term. His early education was simply such as was obtainable in a country district school of forty or fifty years ago, in the state of Maine.
F. H. Chandler was born at Baraboo, Wiscon- sin, in 1857. He entered the employ of the Chi- cago and Northwestern railroad company, at Wonewoc, Wisconsin, in 1875, remaining with them until coming to St. Paul, in September, 1880. He now occupies the position of clerk in freight department of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway.
W. A. Chandler was born in Georgia, in 1856. When only a child went to Vermont where was his home until coming to St. Paul in 1875. He be- gan working for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway company as truckman, and has been promoted step by step until February, 1879, lie occupied the position of cashier of freight depart- ment. He still serves as such.
M. D. Chipley was born at Dayton, West Vir- ginia, September 23d, 1847. He moved with his parents to Warsaw, Illinois, while quite young. Received an academical education and at the age of thirteen years entered the retail furnishing house of N. H. Clark, and remained until 1863; from 1863-'65 was in the wholesale dry goods house of Robert Campbell and Company; with Dodd, Brown and Company from 1866 to 1874; with A. Frank and Son until 1879. In May of that year the company known as the Chipley Corset and Clasp Company was formed, with which he was connected but a short time. Came to St. Paul December 1st, 1880, and engaged as man- ager of the notion department of Auerbach, Finch and Van Slyck's store. At St. Louis in 1875 he married Miss Kate G. West, of that city. Two sons have been born to them, Albert L. and Wil- liam W.
N. B. Church was born in Vermont in 1832, where he acquired an education and learned the machinist's trade. He served at his trade seven and one-half years; was then setting up and run- ning engines till May, 1881. He then embarked in the liquor trade at 348, 350 and 352, Jackson
507
SAINT PAUL-BIOGRAPHICAL.
street. Married in Pennsylvania in 1854 to Miss Maria Conley, who died in 1856. His second marriage took place in 1863 to Elizabeth Fix. Three children have been born to them.
John Churchill was born in Ireland in 1847. Came with his parents to America in 1849; located in Springfield, Ohio, until 1854. In July of that year came to St. Paul and learned the tinner's trade with Joseph Horn, to which he gave his at- tention until appointed permanently in the fire department, first in 1863 as torch boy. He 1864 went to Kansas, spent one year, then went to Rochester Minnesota, remaining three years, but has since made his home in St. Paul. He served one year as assistant chief engineer and in 1880 was elected foreman of hose company No. 3, which is still his position. January 9th, 1877, he married Miss Ellen O'Leary.
B. F. Churchill was born in Somerset county, Maine, December 18th, 1848. Came to Minne- sota in 1864, and remained in the lumber regions of the St. Croix and Mississippi valleys until 1869, when he returned East. He engaged in lumber- ing there until 1874, then again returned to Min- nesota and spent two years in the lumber mills of Minneapolis. In 1876 was with the Custer expe- dition under Gen. Reno, and during the Custer massacre as government employe. Returning to St. Paul, he has been employed in the lumber trade to a greater or less extent since. In No- vember, 1880, he with Mr. McGoldrick formed a partnership, the company known as Churchill and McGoldrick. Mr. Churchill married Miss Emily Chatterton of Brockway, Canada, July 4th, 1880.
P. Churchill was born in 1844 and is a native of Ireland. Came to this country in 1849, and made his home in Springfield, Ohio, until 1854, then came to St. Paul. He joined the volunteer fire department in 1868 and was a member until they disbanded in 1877. He was appointed fire- man in 1874, and at the organization of the paid department was appointed fireman of steamer No. 8. July 3d, 1870, he married Miss Catherine Wilder. James M., Mary W., Catherine E. and John P. are their children.
John Clark, captain of the police force, was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1845. His parents migrated to St. Paul in 1855. The following year his father removed to Sibley county and began farming. John remained with his
father until sixteen years of age, then launched out upon his own resources, and followed steam- boating until 1871. That year he located in St. Paul, and was appointed on the police force. In 1875, was promoted to sergeant, and in 1877, was appointed captain. Married in September, 1875, to Miss Eliza Byrne. May H. and Paul D. are their children.
John Clarkin, a native of Ireland, was born in 1835. He received a common school education and in 1848 came to America, landing in New York. In Jersey City he learned the trade of carpenter, living in the city five.years. He then lived three years in Wisconsin, and came to St. Paul in 1857. He engaged in the pursuit of his trade, but has since started in the grocery trade. Is one of the old settlers of St. Paul, and has long been identified with her interests. He has been in the employ of the government on the frontier. Married in St. Paul, in 1859, to Julia IIayes. Eleven children have been born to them, only three of whom are living.
Greenleaf Clark, son of Nathaniel and Betsey Clark, was born August 23, 1835, in Plaistow, New Hampshire. He fitted for college at Atkin- son academy, New Hampshire. Entered Dart- mouth college in 1851, and graduated from that institution in 1855. Studied law in the office of Honorable Albert R. Hatch, of Portsmouth, and at Harvard law school, Cambridge, Massachu- setts, from which he graduated in 1857. He was admitted to the Suffolk bar at Boston, in 1858. In September of that year, he located in St. Paul, and has since made this city his home, engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. After serving as a clerk in the office of Michael E. Ames, for one year, he became associated for a short time with Mr. Ames and Honorable Moses Sherburne, under the firm name of Ames, Sher- burne and Clark. In 1860-'61, was associated with S. K. Bond, and in 1865 with Horace R. Bigelow, which connection continued until March, 1881. Judge Flandrau joined the firm in 1870. Was appointed member of the board of regents of the University of Minnesota, Decem- ber 15th, 1879. Was appointed associate justice of the supreme court of Minnesota, March 11th, 1881, which office he still holds.
William P. Clough was born March 20th, 1845, at Freetown Corners, Cortland county, New
508
HISTORY OF RAMSEY COUNTY.
York. When three years old, he with his parents moved to Edinborough, Erie county, Pennsylva- nia, where was his home until June, 1867. He was educated at the North-western State Normal school of that place, and completed his classical course in that institution in 1862. The next four . years were given to teaching school and studying law. From 1865 to '67, was in the Pennsylvania oil regions, giving his time to operating oil wells, also pursuing his legal studies. June 1st, 1867, he arrived at Rochester, Minnesota, and was ad- mitted to the bar in the district court of Olmsted county, in July, 1868. Ile engaged in the prac- tice of his profession until coming to St. Paul in the fall of 1872. At Edinborough, Pennsylvania, May 29th, 1867, he married Miss D. A. Green. They have two daughters; Margaret S. and Blanche M.
H. N. Clouse, a native of Sweden, was born November 2d, 1845. Here he lived until 1868, when he came to America, arriving at St. Paul, June 4th. Until 1872, he gave his attention to lumbering on the St. Croix and Kettle rivers. During the fall of that year, he made a visit to his native country, remaining five months. Re- turning to St. Paul, he kept the Lewiston hotel two and one-half years. May 1st, 1875, he was appointed on the police force by Mayor Maxfield. March 1st, 1881, he was appointed bailiff of the municipal court of St. Paul. Miss Elsie Peter- son, of Sweden, became his wife May 3d, 1873. One child, Selina, has been born to them.
Fielding Combs Jr. was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri, April 15th, 1843. He lived in his native city until 1862, then came to Minnesota, and has since made his home in St. Paul. His principal business in the city has been that of janitor in some of the large blocks. His marriage with Miss Priscilla Giles took place June 19th, 1873; the ceremony being performed by Reverend A. M. Torbet. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are living; Andrew F., Mary and Jennie. Alfred died at the age of one year. Mrs. Combs was born in Franklin county, Missouri, December 4th, 1856.
William S. Combs was born in New York city, March 13th, 1831. IIe was educated at the pub- lic schools of that city. Removed to Kentucky, in 1843, residing there five years. After making his home in St. Louis, Missouri, some time, he
located in St. Paul, May 1st, 1851. His business engagements are those of a book-seller and sta- tioner; has been a member of the board of edu- cation sixteen years. His marriage took place May 10th, 1852.
O. H. Comfort was born at Mineral Point, Wis- consin. His parents were natives of New York. His education was that of a common school and commercial. After an absence from his home of about three years, he returned, and from 1865 to 1867, read law. Removed to Portage, Columbia county, Wisconsin, and read law there, till Sep- tember, 1870; the same year was admitted to the bar of Columbia county, Wisconsin. Removed to Kingston, Missouri, and there engaged in the practice of his profession until July 28th, 1872, then came to Stillwater. In the interests of that city he took an active part; was city justice from February, 1874, till April, 1876; served as court commissioner of Washington county, both by ap- pointment and election. In the fall of 1877, he was candidate for county attorney, opposed by L. E. Thompson, a temperance candidate, and de- feated by a large majority. October 5th, 1878, he located at St. Paul, and has since pursued his cho- sen profession. August 13th, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; transferred before muster to the band of the Iron Brigade, embracing the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, Nineteenth Indiana, and Twenty-fourth Michigan regiments. Arrived at the Army of the Potomac January 1st, 1863. IIe was taken prisoner at Fitzhugh house, Stafford county, Virginia, June 15th, 1863; was paroled July 1st, 1863, and reached Annapolis, Maryland, July 3d. Mustered out at Baltimore, Maryland, June 13th, 1865. At Madison, Wisconsin, Feb- ruary, 1872, he married Ada M. Woodward, sec- ond daughter of William Woodward, an extensive farmer and old settler of Madison.
Patrick Conley was born in 1851, and is a na- tive of Illinois. With his parents he came to St. Paul, in 1854, and a few weeks later removed to Dakota county, there receiving a practical educa- tion. He left there at the age of thirteen. Like 'many youths he possessed a desire for roving; af- ter visiting various places of interest, and sow- ing his "wild oats," located at St. Paul. In 1877, he opened what is known as Conley's Variety. Married, at St. Paul, in 1879, Miss Belle Iferd.
509
SAINT PAUL-BIOGRAPHICAL.
Thomas F. Connolly, manager of the manufac- turing department of Forepaugh and Tarbox, wholesale boot and shoe house, is a native of Ire- land, born in 1843. His father, Jeremiah Con- nolly was also a manufacturer, and came to Amer- ica in 1848, locating in Syracuse, New York, where he worked at his trade. Six years subse- quently, Thomas, with the remainder of the fam- ily, came over, expecting to meet their parent. On reaching their destination, however, the sad news of his death met them. Thomas at once began learning the trade of his father, with the firm of McDougal and Nichols, of Syracuse, re- maining until 1861. During that year he was in New York city, then returned to his former em- ployers. They soon after removed their business to Chicago. He remained with them until 1865, after which he was in the employ of C. B. Saw- yer, of that city, till 1871. Coming then to St. Paul he assumed his present position as manager of the manufacturing department of Forepaugh and Tarbox. Mr. Connolly has been married twice. IIis first wife was [Miss Dora Fitz- gerald, married at Chicago in 1868; she died March 12tlı, 1878. IIis second marriage was with Miss Mary Morrison, at St. Paul, January 7th, 1880.
A. W. Connolly, foreman of the copper shops of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba rail- way, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1854, where he learned the trade of copper-smith. In 1871 came to St. Paul, and engaged in the shops of the railway company as a journeyman, for one year. IIe was then appointed foreman of his de- partment, which responsible position he contin- ues in, having under his direct supervision ten men. At St. Paul, in 1877, he married Miss Emma Taylor.
John W. Cook was born April 11th, 1847, and is a native of Ireland. IIe lived with his parents, Thomas and Katherine Cook, until April, 1861, then came to IIalifax, Nova Scotia, remaining two years. Came to St. Paul in the fall of 1866, which city he has since called home, although much of his time has been passed in the govern- ment service, in Minnesota, Dakota, Montana and the British possessions. He went out with Gen- eral Terry's expedition in 1867, and remained two years. In 1871, returned to St. Paul, but the next year, accompanied the Giant expedition witli
Major Twining, to establish the forty-ninth par- allel as boundary line between the British posses- sions and the United States. In 1874, went to Fort Shaw, Montana territory, passing three years there. In August, 1875, was with General Gib- bon's expedition, continuing during the Custer expedition and massacre. Returning to St. Paul, in 1877, he was appointed on the police force, and has since held the position with credit.
J. B. Cook, proprietor of Cook's St. Paul omni- bus and carriage line, is a native of Oneida county, New York, born in 1818. IIe accompanied his pa- rents to Pennsylvania in 1828, where for several years he carried on merchandising. He came to St. Paul in 1855, and in 1864 purchased over two hundred feet of ground on Third street, opposite the Merchant's hotel, and established his first livery business. IIis trade at that time was quite limited owing to a limited demand, but with the increasing population and the rapid growth of the country, he acquired, finally, quite a lucrative trade, so much so, that in 1868 he deemed it expedient to add a limited omnibus line, which he did with success. In 1871 he erected a stone barn 50x125 feet, three stories in height, at Nos. 113 and 115 Third street. This has gradually increased until now it is the most extensive omnibus line in the state. When Mr. Cook erected his barn, Fourth street had not yet been opened from Jackson to Rosabel street; he accordingly graded the street in front of his building at a considerable expense. He has taken much pains in making his establishment as well as the grounds quite attractive, having shade trees planted in front which gives it a most pleas- ing and tasteful appearance. At Buffalo, New York, August 30th, 1853, he was married to Miss Ellen E., daughter of Commodore Stephen Cham- plin, of the United States navy. One sou, Stephen Champlin, has been born to them; he is in business with his father.
De Witt Clinton Cooley was born July 4th, 1824, in Orange county, New York. His ances- tors were among the first and most respectable early settlers of that county. Ile received a thorough education and after five years study of the law, at the age of twenty-one, on due examin- ation by the celebrated Charles O'Connor, was ad mitted to the bar of the supreme (then the highest) court of that state, when the learned
510
HISTORY OF RAMSEY COUNTY.
Greene C. Bronson was chief justice of that court; Mr. Cooley being the first of that name on the roll of attorneys of New York. Soon after ad- mission he removed to the south, where he met with varied and flattering success, until 1851, when on account of ill health, he removed to St. Paul. Mr. Cooley, soon after his first arrival at St. Paul, was made town attorney, and city attor- ney when the town assumed the dignity of a city, during which time he was also elected district attorney of Ramsey county, and held the two offi- ces at the same time. He was also appointed sole commissioner to draft and revise the first ordinances adopted by the new city. He was likewise the first United States agent for pay- ing pensions in Minnesota. As a prominent lawyer and advocate, and public speaker he con- tinued in. full practice at St. Paul, until 1864, when he removed to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, but returned to St. Paul in 1874. He has written various articles, essays and pamphlets on legal and many other subjects, and lately has prepared a useful index digest of the tax laws of Minneso- ta, which is highly recommended by the bench and the bar, and has been adopted for official use by the state. His numerous efforts, in the form of speeches and lectures, and various contribu- tions in both prose and verse, and dramatic com- position attest his versatility.
H. J. Cooper, assistant superintendent and time keeper for the St. Paul Harvester Works, was born in Clinton county, New York, in 1843. There he grew to manhood. At the first call for volunteers, he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry for three months ser- vice. Re-enlisted in the same regiment for two years, and at the expiration of his term, again re-enlisted for a term of three years. Owing to the failure of his health, was discharged from ac- tive service, but was employed in government service until the close of the rebellion. He came to St. Paul in 1865, and followed engineering in railroad work until 1872. At the establishment of the St. Paul Harvester Works, he was tendered the position of assistant superintendent and time keeper, which he accepted. At Minneapolis in 1866, he married Miss Annie M. Code, of Wil- mington, Delaware. Three children have been born to them, only one of whom is living.
Charles T. Corning, foreman of the machine
shops of the St. Paul Harvester Works, was born in Brooklyn, New York, 1843. At the age of eighteen years went to Scranton, Pennsylvania, and served an apprenticeship as machinist. He was in the Novelty works from 1863 to '64, and the next year in the Morgan iron works, then at New Haven, Connecticut in the employ of Whit- ney Arms Company, manufacturing Spring- field rifles. In Troy, New York, he had charge of the machinery department of a rolling mill until 1868. He then started an establishment for building stationary engines, with Messrs, Green and Trowbridge as partners. This firm existed one year. Mr. Corning came to St. Paul in 1869, and in September of that year the firm of Mc- Clary and Corning started a saslı, door and blind factory on the corner of Sixth and Cedar streets. In 1871, sold to J. W. White. Mr. Corning then started the St. Paul foundry, where it is now lo- cated, under the firm of Corning and Depew, which continued until the Harvester works began operations. He has since been in their employ. He was originator of the Minnesota Rowing Club and state champion until tendering his resigna- tion in 1876. Was stroke of the crew that made the best time rowing at Saratoga, New York, in 1876. Has a number of silver and gold medals won at different races. He is an expert as a me- chanic, and was master of the oar. At Minne- apolis in 1876, he married Miss Frances Patter- son, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mark Costello, a native of Ireland, was born in 1833. While quite young his parents immi grated to America, locating at Pittsburgh, Penn sylvania. Here he grew to manhood, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, Accompanied by his widowed mother and her family, he came to St. Paul in 1856. Since his first advent into the town he has been a contractor and builder, located on the corner of Market and Fifth streets. He resides with his mother, who has reached the advanced age of eighty years.
M. Gordon Craig was born in Chatham, Onta- rio, in 1851. When he was three years old, his parents immigrated to St. Paul, where his father engaged in building and house moving. M. Gor- don was educated in the public schools of the city. Began his trade at the age of seventeen years, with John Summers, and continued with him until the spring of 1878. He, in company
511
SAINT PAUL-BIOGRAPHICAL.
with Matthew Taylor succeeded Mr. Summers, and have since been largely interested in con- tracting and building. They employ fifty men and are located on Fifth street, between Fort and Exchange. Married at Minneapolis in 1880, to Mary C. Hern.
William J. Cremer was born November 11th, 1839, in Germany. His education was received at the common schools of Racine, Wisconsin. At the age of twenty-five years he left home to go into business, and in March, 1881, located at St. Paul, and engaged in insurance business. He is a member of the Allen Light Guards. October 17th, 1866, at Festina, Iowa, he married a daughter of Andrew Meyer.
Mrs. Margaret Cranston, a native of Ireland, was born in 1829. Came to the United States when twenty years old, and for two years made her home in New York. Removed to Indiana in 1851, and remained until 1853, then came to St. Paul. The same year she was united in mar- riage with Patrick Shannahan, who died June 28th, 1874, leaving his widow with seven child- ren. Four years later she was married to her present husband, Joseph Cranston. They are now engaged in the hotel business in West St. Paul, in the hotel, Travelers' Home. This house was opened in May, 1878, at the corner of Fifth and St. Peter streets.
J. W. Crippen, born in 1825, is a native of Co- lumbia county, New York. He has been con- nected with different railroads for thirty years, and is now employed as local agent for the Erie and Milwaukee freight line; the agency being established at St. Paul in 1878.
John Croonquist, of the firm of Croonquist and Peterson, became a member of the firm February 1st, 1881. In 1871, J. P. Monten and A. Peter- son established a clothing house at 193 East Seventh street, soon after taking J. P. Carlson as a third partner. This firm carried on business until February 1st, 1880, when J. and A. P. Croonquist purchased the interest of Mr. Monten. The firm then became Croonquist, Peterson and Company. Again, in 1881, the firm changed and has since been Croonquist and Peterson. They carry a complete line of clothing, gents' furnish- ing goods, also sewing machines.
F. M. Curren was born in March, 1857, and is a native of Pennsylvania. When only one year
old his parents removed to St. Paul, where his education was acquired in the public schools. After leaving school he engaged in railroading eleven years. By trade he is a coppersmith. In 1879 he associated himself with Robert Fitz, in the grocery trade. In this business he still con- tinues at 59 Mississippi street. He is a member of the Catholic church.
Malcolm McG. Dana, D. D., pastor of Ply- mouth Congregational church, was born inBrook- lyn, New York, in 1838. At the age of twenty- one years he graduated at Amherst college, en- tered Union Theological seminary of New York, and completed his course in 1862. His first charge was accepted soon after graduating, in Winsted, Connecticut, and next took charge of the Second Congregational church of Norwich, one of the oldest and wealthiest congregations of the state. His pastorate of this church was of ten years duration. In 1874 he resigned in order to establish the First Congregational society in the northern part of that city, and while engaged in this work was active and largely instrumental in collecting means for the erection of the church which is oue of the handsomest in the state. In 1878 he received a call from his present charge, came to St. Paul and was installed pastor ou the 9th day of May. While a resident of Norwich, at the request of the citizens, Rev. Mr. Dana wrote a war history of the city. This was hand- somely illustrated and published, furnishing not only a concise and reliable history of the achieve- ments of the citizens of Norwich during the struggle, but also a comprehensive record of the work of the state, and the efforts of the sanitary commissions in behalf of the Union soldiers. Be- sides this work he has published several pamph- let treaties of various subjects, and several ser- mons. In 1870, the congregation of which he was pastor, sent him on a tour of several months duration in Europe. In 1876 he was elected one of the vice-presidents of the American Mission- ary association, a director in the Home Mission- ary society, and is also a corporate member of the American Board of Foreign Missions. In 1877 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Middlebury college, of which Dr. C. B. Hulberd was then president. Since liis ad- vent in St. Paul, Dr. Dana has been prominent and energetic in educational matters, both in the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.