History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 90

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 90

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city and the state at large. He is one of the di- rectors of the Minnesota Home Missionary socie- ety and editor of its quarterly paper. As one of the trustees of Carleton college his experience and ability have been earnestly used in the inter- ests of that institution.

C. E. Davis, military store-keeper, came to St. Paul in 1857, and the year following, was ap- pointed deputy United States surveyor. In 1860. he assisted in the preliminary survey of the Lake Superior and Mississippi, now St. Paul and Duluth railway. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the First Minnesota regiment volunteers, as sergeant-ma- jor, and served until it was mustered out, in 1864. He then held the rank of captain of company E. In the fall of that year he entered Hancock's vet- eran reserve corps, and was appointed captain. In the spring of 1865 lie resigned his commission, and returned to St. Panl. In 1866 was employed by General G. K. Warren, and had charge of the Minnesota river survey. In 1868-9 Captain Davis, with others, surveyed the battle-field of Gettys- burg. In 1877 he was appointed military store_ keeper for the state of Minnesota.

Hon. Cushman K. Davis, son of Horatio N. and Clarissa F. Davis, was born in Henderson, Jeffer- son county, New York, June 16th, 1838. IIe was educated and graduated at the University of Michigan in the class of '57. In 1862 he enlisted in the United States volunteer service and by promotion attained rank of first lieutenant of company B, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin infantry, and acting adjutant-general for Brigadier-General Willis A. Gorman. After leaving the army, and in August, 1864, Mr. Davis came to St. Paul, be- gan the practice of law, and by his ability and energy, has acquired the reputation of being one of the first, if not the first, lawyers in Minnesota. In 1867 he was a member of the legislature, and from 1868 to 1875, he was United States district attorney for Minnesota. In the fall of 1873 he was elected governor of Minnesota, and was in- augurated January following, the youngest man ever elected as the chief executive of this state. During his active, busy life, both in official and professional capacity, Mr. Davis has found time to devote to literature, and upon historical sub- jects has written and delivered several lectures, which rank him among the first in the literary circles of the country. Ilis lectures upon Riche-

lieu, and Mary, Queen of Scots, have been deliv- ered to large and refined audiences in the more populous cities of this and neighboring states, and have given him a well-deserved and wide- spread reputation as a man of letters. As a tri- bute to his ability, his address at the Father Hen- nepin celebration at Minneapolis, in July, 1880, was generally published by the papers of the country, and high tribute paid to the speaker. Mr. Davis was married September 1st, 1880, to Miss Anna M. Agnew,

James Davenport, a native of Stamford, Con- necticut, was born July, 1812. He is descended from Rev. Jolm Davenport, one of the founders of the New Haven colony. When James was five years old he was taken to New York and was raised in that city. He was prepared to enter the classical course in college but on account of ill- health was obliged to abandon it. When twenty- one years of age he became a member of the firm of Van Vleck and Davenport, which started a bookstore on Broadway. This firm was after- ward changed to Davenport and Wood. In 1846, the publishing house of Dewitt and Davenport was founded and soon became one of the leading establishments in the country. They published many popular books in editions ranging from 10,000 to 20,000. Among the more widely known were, Sołon Robinson's "Hot Corn stories of the Poor of New York," which created almost as great a sensation as "Uncle Tom's Cabin." This book was sold to the amount of 55,000 copies. "Beatrice," a Roman Catholic story written by Miss Sinclair of England, was also very popular and about 50,000 copies were sold; "Mana Menk" was also very popular. Over twelve thousand copies each of Captain Mayne Reid's novels, which were introduced into this country by De- witt and Davenport, were published and sold. They also published "Dr. Chapin's sermons" and Horace Greeley's "Travels in Europe" in large editions. In 1856, in consequence of the ill health of his wife, Mr. Davenport sold his interest in the business and came to St. Paul, hoping that the invigorating climate would restore her to health. When Mr. Davenport came here, St. Paul, though apparently a vigorous, bustling city of about ten thousand inhabitants, was crowded with speculators and real estate agents, who had no scruple in fleecing the unwary, as the state

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which is now one of the great wheat-producing regions of the world, did not produce enough for home consumption. There were no railroads, and the river was closed up nearly half of the year. The literary prospect was poor, and everyone was too busy in speculation to care or have much time to devote to literature. Mr. Davenport started a book store just below where the Metropolitan now stands, and continued there a number of years. As the tendency of business was farther down town, he moved to his present location, number 29 West Third street. During his three- score-and-ten years, forty-five of which have been passed in active book trade, Mr. Davenport has witnessed, one after another, the invention and introduction of the railroad, ocean steamer, tele- graph, telephone and other mechanical improve- ments which have marked this greatest of ages in the world's progress. For years, forced by his connection with the great publishing house of which he was the head, to nse his pen to a considerable extent, he has acquired a facile and easy style of composition, and is the author of a number of popular stories and sketches, some of which have been published in this city, and some in the East. Mr. Davenport married, in 1843, Katherine Eliza Bennett, who, though delicate in health, was active and enthusiastic in all good work, to which she devoted herself with zeal beyond her strength. Mrs. Davenport died in August, 1875, at the home of her sister, in New Jersey, where she had gone, hoping that a change in climate would recuperate her waning strength. Of five boys and two girls born to Mr, and Mrs. Davenport, four are dead and the sur- viving sons, Rufus, James and Alfred, are resi- dents of St. Paul.

John Daw, foreman of elevator B, was born in St. Ive, Cornwall county, England, in 1828. Came to America in 1848, and located at Cleve- land, Ohio, and there learned his trade of car- penter. Enlisted in the quartermaster's depart- ment in November, 1862, and was in the army until February, 1865. IIe was captured, but fortunately was not compelled to diet upon con- federate prison fare for a very extended length of time. After leaving the service, he worked at his trade in different places until 1866, when he came to St. Paul, in hopes that the climate would restore his health. Until 1875, he was foreman 33

for G. W. Sherwood, contractor, and after leav- ing that place, he took his present position in the elevator.

Hon. William Dawson, ex-mayor of St. Paul, was born in Ireland, October 1st, 1825. He was educated as a civil engineer in private schools, and in 1846, went to Canada, where for three years, he clerked in a shoe store and taught school. In 1849, went south, remained twelve years, occupied for three years teaching school and surveying, and nine years in mercantile business. In 1861, he came to St. Paul, and has since been actively engaged in banking and real estate business. Mr. Dawson represented his ward in the city council from 1865, to 1868, and again from 1875, to 1878. From the latter year to the present, held the office of mayor; was a member, and chairman of the Fort Snelling bridge commission, besides being for the past four years one of the state board of equalization. He was married in 1861.

David Day, M. D., postmaster of St. Paul, is a native of Burke's Garden, Virginia, born Sep- tember 19th, 1825. IIe was reared in his native state, and in 1846, went to the lead regions of Wis- consin. For three years in the summer time, he worked in the mines, and during evenings stu- died medicine. During the winter season he at- tended the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1849. In the spring of that year, he came to St. Paul and be- gan to practice medicine, at which he continued five years. In 1849, he was appointed register of deeds, and at the fall election, elected to the of- fice. He was a member of the legislatures of 1852 and '53, from Benton county, where he was a temporary resident. In 1854, Dr. Day aban- doned the practice and entered the drug business, which he continued until 1866. His house at that time was the oldest in the state. In 1871, he was appointed one of the board of state prison in- spectors; in 1874, one of the commission of state fisheries, and one of the seed wheat commission- ers to provide sufferers from grasshoppers with seed. Both of the latter positions were honorary, without compensation. In 1875, he was appointed postmaster of St. Paul, and has held the position since.

Erasmus Miller Deane, president of the St. Paul Harvester works, was born in Hartford

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county, Connecticut, May 8th, 1819. His father, Jarvis Deane, was an extensive cotton manufac- turer. His mother, Nancy Torrey, was a niece of the celebrated surgeon of his day, Dr. Miller, of Franklin, Massachusetts, of whose family she was a member until her marriage. The death of his father threw the subject of this sketch upon his own resources at the early age of fourteen years, since which time he has had his own way to make in the world, and is essentially a self- made man. His business career commenced in Hartford in 1850, and soon after he married An- nie I. Drake of Boston, Massachusetts. He was successful in his business ventures; with his part- ner erected a fine busines and manufacturing block, which is still known by their name. Spas- modic asthma, with which he had been afflicted for many years, assumed so violent a form that he was compelled to relinquish active business and seek some locality for relief. After trying the seashore from New York to Hudson's Bay, a friend advised Minnesota; he came to St. Paul in 1862, and found the climate a specific, relief following at once. In 1864 he formed a business connec- tion for the sale of agricultural machinery, which grew to be the largest house of the kind in the state. Mr. Deane has always entered largely into the commercial and manufacturing advance- ment of the city and to him, can be traced many of the manufacturing enterprises, the largest of which is the St. Paul Harvester works, of which he has been the honored head from its commencement. In August, 1874, Mr. Deane suffered from a severe attack of nervous prostration. As evidence of the estimation in which he is held by the community, we make the following extract from an article in the St. Paul Press: "Mr. E. M. Deane of the St. Paul Harvester works, prostrated by severe illness. The public anxiety in regard to Mr. Deane's condition was greatly increased when the rumor became current that he was stricken down with apoplexy. During the afternoon he rallied and last evening was comparatively com- fortable. All will be pleased to learn of the im- provement in Mr. Deane's condition, as he belongs to the class of citizens which can hardly be spared in St. Paul. Enterprising and public spirited, he has contributed largely toward the material ad- vancement of the city itself, and serious misfor-

tune to him would prove a public calamity." Mr. Deane is a member of the House of Hope Presby- terian church and at the time of the erection of its present church edifice, contributed largely of his means and time, being chairman of the build- ing committee, and superintended the construc- tion. He has been a trustee of the society for a number of years, and is now president of the board.

Dr. Fred Dedolph, a native of Hofgeismar, Hessia, Germany, was born in 1844. Attended high school until 1864, then became a stu- dent at Marburg, Wurzburg, Prague, Berlin, and Vienna, graduating from Marburg in 1869. Was in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1. After leaving the army he took his final exami- nation, (state examen), and for a time practiced in the old country. He next took to the sea for a time, landing in the West Indies, where he was attacked by fever and compelled to return to his native country. In 1875, he came to St. Paul at the solicitation of the German consul here, and has since practiced his, profession.

Charles Defiel, a native of Germany, was born in 1848. After obtaining his education he came to America, in 1867, and to St. Paul. The first ten years of his residence in this city were passed working as a laborer. In 1877, in company with F. Beyer, he opened a grocery store. This part- nership lasted two years, and was succeeded by Defiel and Rank. The store is No. 82, Josette street. Mr. Defiel married, in 1870, Miss Kuli Huffman, by whom he has three children.

William Delany, assistant chief of the fire de- partment was born in Queen's county, Ireland, in 1835. Came to America in 1857, and for a short time was in Patterson, New Jersey. He next went to Lynchburg, Virginia, and in June, 1858, came to St. Paul. After working a time in a saw-mill he was two years pressman on the old Times. After leaving the Times he was variously engaged until 1868, when he was appointed on the police force, where he served three years. He joined the volunteer fire de- partment, and in 1873, was elected assistant chief, serving two terms. In 1877, he was ap- pointed to his present position by the city coun- cil, and is now serving the fourth term. In 1871 he opened Delany's sample rooms, which he has

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since run, on the corner of Robert and Fourth streets.

Fred Dell, a native of Germany, was born in 1849. When he was ten years old his parents brought him to America, and settled upon a farm in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. Four years later he left home and worked as farm hand, at- tending school as opportunity afforded. After working for different persons until 1874, he came to St. Paul and engaged as traveling salesman for Schmidt and Richter, and remained with them until 1878. He next went to work for Charles Rebstack and company, of St. Louis, in the same capacity, and is still with them. Married at Henderson, in 1874, Miss Rosa Schiewick. They have three children, Arthur, Clarence and an infant.

Charles Deller was born in Prussia, October 2d, 1830. When Charles was but cighteen months old his father died, and he lived with his mother until 1854. He then came to America and spent a few months in Baltimore, Maryland, then went to Indiana, and in the fall of 1855 began as sec- ond mate on the rivers, holding that position un- til coming to Minnesota in July, 1856. For a short time he was engaged farming in Washing- ton county. In 1859 he began dealing in horses, and has since been engaged in that line. From 1865 to 1869 he carried on trade in Dundas, Rice county, and in 1870 established a sale stable on Eagle street, which he operated until 1881, when he purchased a fine location at the corner of Fourth and Franklin streets, where he has a stable 36x60 feet which will hold thirty horses. Upon arriving in St. Paul his capital amounted to nine dollars. Married November 24th, 1864, Miss Juliana Steffes, of Wright county. Of their eight children six are living: Willie, Frank, Charles, Joseph, Lucy and Philip.

Louis Demeules was born February 18th, 1832, at St. Philippes parish, Huntington county, Can- ada. His parents, Francois and Madeliene (Giguire) Demeules, placed him in College of St. Sulspice, of Montreal, where he was educated. Came to St. Paul October 26th, 1852, and for a time was engaged in the grocery business. . Was also clerk for the register of deeds, L. M. Olivier, since deceased. During the Indian massacre of 1862 Mr. Demeules was at Fort Ridgely. He has held the offices of alderman and school inspector,

and is at present United States guager. Married December 10th, 1851, Miss Sophie Guerin, sister of the late Vetal Guerin, an early settler of this city. His children are : J. L., aged twenty- nine ; A. J., aged twenty-six ; C. J., aged twenty- four ; all of whom are married. Emily, twenty- one ; A. E., aged sixteen, and Sophie, aged thir- teen years.

George Dempsey, a native of Massachusetts was born in Boston, in 1838. In that city he learned the trade of plumber, and in 1862, en- listed in the United States navy, serving until his health failed, on account of which he was dis- charged the same year. Came to St. Paul in 1867, and for nine years, worked as journeyman. In 1876, he began business for himself on the corner of Sibley and Seventh streets. In 1878, he moved to his present location where he has a shop 20x48 feet, in which he constantly employs three men, plumbing and gas-fitting. Mr. Demp- sey was married in 1874, to Miss Catherine Hart, who has borne him three children, all of whom are living.

J. C. Depew, foreman of Washington Iron Works, was born in Pomeroy, Ohio. At the age of eight years he went to Cincinnati with his parents, and while living there learned the trade of machinist. In 1866, he came to Minneapolis and for two and one-half years was with the North Star Iron Works. Came to St. Paul in 1869, and while it existed, had charge of the St. Paul Iron Works. Became a member of the firm and took charge of the Washington Iron Works in March, 1881. Married in 1874, at Minneapolis, Miss Hannah Louise McDonald. They have had four children, three of whom are living.

R. H. Depew was born at McConnellsville, Ohio, in April, 1832. Learned his trade in Pom- eroy, and came to Minnesota in 1856, and has since resided here. Ile has for several years past been one of the owners of the Washington Iron Works. Mr. Depew was married at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854, to Miss E. J. Goulding.

John C. Devereux, son of John and Mary E. Devereux, was born in Wexford, Ireland, on the 30th day of April, 1831. His father was born in the year of the Irish rebellion, 1798, and for the past twenty-five years has been a resident of St. Paul. Young Devereux received a general, practical education at the common schools. Left

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Ireland with his father in 1839, and settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and when nineteen years old went into business in Evansville, Indi- ana. Hearing of Minnesota and St. Paul, he sold out and came here, and at first clerked for B. Presley, now one of the wealthiest citizens of St. Paul. In the spring of 1856, he commenced busi- ness for himself and continued until the war. Hle then enlisted in Company G, Third Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was soon afterward commissioned second lieutenant by Governor Ramsey, first lieutenant and captain of the company. After his return to St. Paul, he started the "North-western Chronicle" and con- tinued its publication until 1876. This paper at that time was the only Catholic organ west of Chicago. He was married in 1864, at Little Rock, Arkansas, to Miss Agnes E. Coulter. They have had six children, four of whom are now living.

Peter Dewald was born in Prussia in 1837 and received a German education. At the age of twelve years he was brought by his parents to America, settling in Chicago, Illinois. While in Chicago, Peter learned the painter's trade at which he worked several years in Chicago then was in various cities in the Union until 1861, when he enlisted in the Second Missouri Regi- ment of Volunteers, and at the end of one year's service he was discharged on account of disabil- ity. In 1870 he came to St. Paul and for three years worked at his trade in the car shops of the St. Paul and Duluth railway. The next year and one-half he was in the fruit business. At the end of that time he engaged in the liquor and cigar business in which he still continues at the corner of Third and Commercial streets. Married in Chicago, Illinois, in 1857, to Miss Annie Clema. They lost their only child.

James J. Dewey, M. D., was born at St. Paul, August 16th, 1855. Ile received his education in the public schools of this city, entering the high school in September, 1872. By hard labor he was able to take the full four years course in three and graduated in 1875. Having availed himself of all the facilities offered in this city he determined to study medicine and in the fall of the same year he entered the office of Dr. J. II. Murphy and studied until the fall of 1876, when he went to Chicago and entered Rush Medical

college. The winters of 1876-'7-'8 were passed in that institution from which he graduated at the close of the session in 1878, with the degree of doctor of medicine. After graduating he studied in the Chicago public hospital and also in the Illinois Eye and Ear infirmary. After a res- idence of about one year in that city he came to St. Paul where he has since lived and intends to stay permanently.

John H. Dodge was born in Vermont, in 1831. When five years of age he was brought to Michi- gan by his father, and while living in that state received his education at the common schools. At the age of fifteen he began steamboating on Lake Superior, followed this for three years, then went to St. Ste. Marie, and for about the same length of time dealt in groceries. After quitting that business he came to St. Paul,in June, 1855, and opened in the same line, which he con- tinued until elected city clerk, in 1859. In 1861, he began clerking in the American hotel, and re- mained until it was burned. From that time un- til Col. Allen took charge of the Merchants hotel, he was variously engaged. Since that event he has been clerk. Mr. Dodge was married, in 1870, to Mrs. Pickering, of St. Paul.

William Taylor Donaldson, a native of Ohio, was born July 21st, 1825. His parents were En- glish, his father and three brothers having come over in 1816 and settled in Ohio. Here his father was for a number of years engaged in farming, and soon after his arrival was married to Miss Elizabeth Brown. William and Christian Don- aldson, uncles of the subject of this sketch, were for many years proprietors of a heavy hardware establishment in Cincinnati, and were well known for their public spirit and generosity. Young William lived on his father's farm in Claremont county, until he was eighteen years old, when he went to Cincinnati for the purpose of getting a knowledge of business. He came to St. Paul in May, 1851, and in company with J. D. Pollock began doing business. The firm has existed from that to the present time, though they have since changed the character of their busi- ness. They are now the senior members of the well-known crockery house of Pollock, Donaldson and Ogden, the extensive crockery firm of this city. Mr. Donaldson was identified with the firemen of St. Paul from the inception

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of the department until it passed into the control of the city government. While in discharge of his duties he met with an accident which disabled him for several months. Though he did not en- ter the army, he was among the foremost in his contributions toward the support of the govern- ment. Was married December 25th, 1873, to Miss Rebecca Thorne, of Winona, by whom he has two children.

HI. C. Donnelly was born in Ohio, in 1853. Until fourteen years of age he was raised on his father's farm. In 1867 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and remained in that city four years. In 1872 he came to this city, and engaged in the liquor trade on Third street. In 1876 he moved to his present location at No. 10 Wabasha street.

F. B. Doran, of the firm of Doran and Company, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, May 1, 1839. In 1853 his parents moved to McHenry county, and there lived upon a farm. In 1861 Mr. Doran enlisted in the Fifty-second Iilinois regiment, and in December, 1862, was captured by the rebels, and for twenty-seven months was confined in va- rious prison pens in the South, Libby and Castle Thunder being the worst. During this time he made several attempts to escape, but was each time recaptured. He was exchanged in the spring of 1865. After the war he returned to Illinois, where he lived until he came to St. Paul, in the spring of 1881. Formed a partnership with John A. Bailey in- wood business. Their office is at the corner of Fourth and Market st.eets, near Rice Park.

James W. Doran was born in Chicago, Illinois, April 6th, 1837. Received his education at the common schools and academy, and at the age of twenty-one years, left home. His father and mother were both born in Vermont. In April, 1863, Mr. Doran came to St. Paul, and has since been prominently engaged in railroad and trans- portation business. Was for more than fourteen years general freight agent for the first division of the St. Paul and Pacific railroad, and is now north-western agent of the Red Line Transit com- pany. Mr. Doran was married February 11th, 1864.

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