History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 91

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 91

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Henry Dording, a native of Germany, was born in 1849. In his native country he received a good practical education. Came to the United States and to Red Wing, this state, in 1867. After

farming four years in Goodhue county, he came to St. Paul, and for eleven years following, was in the ice business. February 11th, 1881, he opened a sample room at number 135 West Seventh street. Mr. Dording married, at Chaska. Minne- sota, in 1874, Miss Lena Miller, who has borne him one child, Louisa.

Henry Dreves was born in Germany, May 1st, 1854. After getting his education in that coun- try, he came to the United States, landing in New York April 1st, 1879. After a short stay in the metropolis he came to Prescott, Wisconsin, and soon after to Hastings, Minnesota. Came to St. Paul in 1880, and clerked for a short time for Gruber, and next went to work for M. A. Schultz, as book-keeper. Mr. Dreves is a member of the Lutheran church.

Charles N. Dorion, M. D., was born in Canada, September 29th, 1834. After a collegiate course he went to Europe, in 1859, for the purpose of se- curing better opportunities to study classics. During his vacations he traveled through the con- tinent. In 1865, he returned to Canada, and be- gan studying medicine with Dr. George Logan, of Ottawa, Canada. Went to Chicago and gradu- ated from Hahnemann medical college, in 1869. Was house physician of Hahnemann hospital from 1870 until 1872, and for the next two years occupied the chair of anatomy in that college. In 1874, he was appointed adjunct to the profes- sor of obstetrics. In 1874 he resigned this posi- tion and devoted himself to an exclusive general practice, in company with Professor R. Ludlam, M. D., and the winter of 1875, '6 was spent in Paris, studying. Dr. Dorion is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy; Associe de la Societie Medical Homœopathique de France; and of the Homeopathic medical societies of Ill- inois and Minnesota. He is the author of sever- al articles for medical periodicals, and with Dr. Claude, of Paris, translated into French, the work of Professor Ludlam, on the diseases of women. In 1878 he married Miss Townsend, daughter of Col. C. Townsend, of Wisconsin, and the same fall came to St. Paul.

I. Edgar Dowe was born in South Carolina, in 1834. At the age of twelve years he came to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, and for twenty years kept books and then for three years speculated in wheat. In 1880 he came to St. Paul and engaged

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in liquor business at Nos. 1 and 3 Bridge Square. Married in Milwaukee, Miss Helen Shepherdson, who has borne him five children, three of whom are living: Frank S. Harry S. and Clark S.

John Dowlan, wood merchant, corner Fifth and Wabasha streets, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 12th, 1829. At the age of ten years his parents, Christopher and Sarah Dowlan, brought him to Canada. In 1850, John came to the United States and for several years was em- ployed in a shawl factory and also in a broadcloth factory in New York. From that state he went to Ohio, and in the spring of 1853 went to Cali- fornia, and for three years was engaged in gold mining. In September, 1856, he came to St. Paul. He is now the oldest wood merchant in the city. When he commenced, wood was brought from the Minnesota valley in barges. April 6th, 1865, he was elected street commissioner and held the office three years. He afterwards was contractor on the city water works. Since 1870 he has de- voted his entire attention to wood business. In May, 1877, he was elected to the city council and has since held the office and in June, 1881, was elected president of that body. Married July 15th, 1850, Bridget E. Doyle of Toronto, Canada. They have had ten children, five of whom are liv- ing: James A. F., Sarah R., Mary L., Francis S. and Elizabeth A.

R. H. Downing was born in Avon, Livingston county, New York, in 1850. In 1866 he was en- gaged as assistant express messenger for the United States Express company, on the Erie rail- way, holding that position until 1868. The next two years was in the Buffalo, New York, car shops. From 1870 until 1875 was in the lumber trade at Sandoval, Illinois. Then for two years was traveling salesman for Aultman, Miller and Company of Akron, Ohio, handling farm ma- chinery. Next went into the lumber trade at Augusta, Kansas, until 1880, when he came to St. Paul and took the position of shipper for the C. N. Nelson Lumber Company. Married in San- doval, Illinois, Miss Sorrilla Giers. They have two children, Berta and Theo.

Elias F. Drake was born in Ohio where he lived until he came to St. Paul in 1861. When a young man he studied and practiced law a while, but was more disposed to business than to pro- fessional life, and was appointed cashier of the

State Bank of Ohio. While in that position, which he occupied ten years, he was several times elected to the legislature, and was speaker of the house one term. During this time he was also largely interested in works of internal im- provement and invested quite extensively in that direction. In 1862, in company with two other capitalists, Mr. Drake, who had come to St. Paul the year previous, built the first railroad in Min- nesota, from St. Paul to St. Anthony. Soon afterwards, he, with some]associates, took hold of the Minnesota Valley railroad, and after some difficulty completed it to Iowa in 1872. He rep- resented his district in state senate in 1874-'75. Mr. Drake is widely known as one of the most energetic and sagacious railroad managers in the North-west.

Otto Dreher, son of Florian and Vincenzia Dreher, of the city of Oberndorf, on the Nekar, Germany, was born in that city February 12th, 1839. When about eight years of age, his parents both having died, he was placed under the guard- ianship of an uncle, who took him to the free city of Rottweil and gave him a thorough common school education. At the age of thirteen he was admitted to the classes preparatory to the uni- versity and made rapid progress till the spring of 1853, when he was attracted by the glowing de- scriptions of America, and being importunate, gained the consent of his guardian and joined a party of emigrants from the neighborhood, and at the age of fourteen started for America. On arriving at New York he was separated from his friends and thrown upon his own resources. However, he managed to reach Peoria, Illinois, where through the influence of an uncle he man- aged to get employment. Worked in Madison, Chicago, Dubuque and Peoria. Came to St. Paul in May, 1857, with a theatrical troupe, with which he. continued until 1859. After leaving the troupe he found employment with Prof. Philip Rohr, in a book and music store, in a building still standing opposite Rice Park. In 1861 en- listed in Captain Wilkin's company in three months service during the three months organi- zation. In the fall of the same year lie re-enlist- ed in Company F, Third Minnesota Infantry. Served in this company as sergeant for seventeen months. Upon the re-organization of the regi- ment, after the battle of Murfreesborough, he was

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commissioned first-lieutenant for meritorious conduct on the field, and by right of seniority to captain of Company A. Was at the siege of Vicksburg and a number of the more important battles in the South-west, and during the Indian outbreak in this state was on duty here. Dis- charged at close of the war with his regiment in 1865, having served over four years. After the war he was employed on the Volksblatt and served un- til he went into the office of the county treasurer, Colonel Uline, and was with him during his en- tire term of office. In 1877 he was elected regis- ter of deeds and took possession of the office Jan- uary following, was re-elected in 1879 and is now serving his second term. Was married in 1864, while temporarily absent from his regiment, to Mary Leitner, who has borne him six children. Mr. Dreher was instrumental in forming the Ger- man society of the city and is a member of the various organizations.

Peter Joseph Dreis was born in Prussia, in 1842. Came to America with his parents the same year and was brought to Chicago where he was educated. April 17th, 1855, he came to St. Paul and commenced to learn the drug business; after working at it eigliteen months, he entered the store of J. W. Jarvis, who was succeeded by N. Schroeder, with whom Dreis remained two years. After working for various firms, he attended the Adams school, meanwhile taking private instruc- tion. In the spring of 1859, he began working for Day and Jenks, in whose employ he remained until 1871. Then in company with George Mitsch, he began business under the firm name of Dreis and Mitsch, druggists, corner of Seventh and St. Peter streets, and has ever since been in the busi- ness. Married in 1864, Miss Mary Schneider, who has borne him eight children, five of whom survive.

Frederick Driscoll was born July 31st, 1834, at Boston, Massachusetts. Received an academic education, and in 1858, went to Belle Plaine, Scott county, Minnesota, as secretary for the Belle Plaine Land Company. In 1859, engaged in mer- cantile business, and the year following, was elected to the legislature from Scott county. In 1861, he began his newspaper career by publish- ing the Scott County Journal. In January, 1862, he was elected secretary of the state senate, and in November following, came to St. Paul and is-

sued the St. Paul Daily Union. In January, 1863, he was elected state printer and re-elected the next two years. In March, 1863, the Daily Union was merged into the Press, and Mr. Dris- coll took charge as business manager, having pur- chased a one-half interest in the Press Printing Company, which belonged to Newton Bradley. In 1867, was chosen chairman of the republican state central committee, which position .he held three consecutive years. In 1881, Mr. Driscoll was elected vice-president of the St. Paul cham- ber of commerce. He has continued to hold the position of business manager of the Press from 1863, to the present time, when it is known as the Pioneer Press.

Dr. J. A. Du Bois was born in the village of Aztalan, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, January 8th, 1856. Graduated from the Wisconsin uni- versity and from Rush medical college, of Chica- go. He began the practice of his profession at Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and at the end of one year he was called to take charge of the Arapa- hoe county hospital, at Denver, Colorado. After thirteen months' service in this capacity, he re- signed his position to make St. Paul his home.

Alfred Dufrene, son of Pierre and Apoline Dufrene, was born at Riviere du Loup, district of Three Rivers, province of Quebec, September 26, 1836. Was educated at the public schools, and when eighteen years of age came to St. Paul, arriving July 4th, 1854. For several years after his arrival he clerked in wholesale grocery houses of Temple and Beaupre, Beaupre and Kelly, and is now a member of the well-known firm of P. HI. Kelly and Company. Married Marie Louise Gauthier, January 7th, 1860, who has borne him ten children, five of whom survive: Ida May, aged seventeen ; Stella, ten ; Marie L., six ; Vir- ginia, four ; Francis Joseplı, aged fifteen months: and Rosa Pepin, aged seventeen, whom Mr. Du- frene adopted when she was three years old.

J. J. Dunnigan, a native of Ireland, was born in 1846. Came with his parents to America in 1851, and located in Brooklyn, New York, where lie learned his trade of plumbing. Then worked as journeyman and as foreman for the firm of Christie and Corcoran until they came to St. Paul, in 1867. Mr. Dunnigan came here to superintend and manage their business, but remained with them only a short time, beginning business for

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himself in 1870. At first he was in a building 22 x30 feet, and employed but one boy helper. In four years his business had grown to such an ex- tent that he was compelled to seek larger quarters where he could employ an increased force. In 1874 he leased his present quarters, and now em- ploys from twelve to twenty men, occupying a building 25x90 feet, two stories in height. He is at No. 220 East Seventh street, and does the most extensive business in the city in plumbing, steam and gas-fitting, besides handling all kinds of plumbers' materials.

George H. Dyer was born in Philadelphia, in 1849. His parents took him while yet small to Marietta, Pennsylvania, where he lived until twenty-one years of age. Came to St. Paul in 1870, and at once commenced working at the butchering business for Delaney and Dyer. From 1875 to 1877 he carried on a meat market in Market Place, then became a member of the firm of George H. and Hiram Dyer. In 1879 the firm dissolved and Mr. Dyer has since conducted the establishment alone, on the corner of Washington and Market streets. As soon as the new market house is available Mr. Dyer will move into quar- ters in it. He was married April 8th, 1874, to Miss Louisa Gassart of this city. They have two children, William N. and Francis E.

John Eagan, clothing merchant, 67 East Third street, St. Paul, was born in Carbery, County Kil- dare, Ireland, February 2d, 1830, where he re- mained until 1848, when he emigrated to this country and located in New Haven, Connecticut, where he learned the tailor's trade. In 1853 lie removed to Monroe county, New York, and began business for himself, and remained twelve years. On the 27th of November, 1853, he was married to Miss Geldea, of Scottsville, Monroe county, New York. They have eleven children, all liv- ing, six boys and five girls. In the spring of 1865 he came to Fentonville, Michigan, where he re- mained in business until 1873, at the same time owning and operating a store in Manistee, Michi- gan, which he carried on until 1875. The same year he opened a large clothing store in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which he still continues to ope- rate. In the winter of 1878 he purchased the Great Star clothing store in Milwaukee, Wis., which he closed out January 1st, 1881, and re-

moved to St. Paul, and opened his present store, number 67 Third street.

Erastus Smith Edgerton, son of Erastus and Sophronia Edgerton, was born in Franklin, Dela- ware county, New York, December 9th, 1816. He received a limited academic education. In 1841 he settled in Delhi, county seat of same county, where he was appointed deputy sheriff by his uncle, John Edgerton, who was sheriff. In this capacity he came in collision with a combination of armed men known as anti-renters who resisted the payment of rents and execution of the laws. He was placed in command of a posse of horse- men in what was known as Shacksville cattle, and on that occasion seven prisoners were captured and confined in the county jail at Delhi. The rioters attempted to destroy the jail and rescue their comrades. As arms and ammunition were scarce he conceived the idea of using pitch forks, which he collected from the stores in town, and organized a pitchfork brigade to defend the can- non in lieu of sabres, of which he was appointed captain, and the Rev. Mr. Leonard, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was made first lieutenant. He with his company also assisted in preserving order at the sale of cattle for rents at the Earl sale in the town of Andes. His horse was shot from under him, and Osmon N. Steele, his com- rade, was also shot and killed, with his horse. He here made his first speech to a band of 163 armed and disguised rioters, warning them against the crime of murder and the punishment which was sure to follow. Two of them were sentenced to be hung, and eighteen to state's prison, and a large number to imprisonment in the county jail, while large numbers fled the country. On the 18th of January, 1844, he was married to Eliza Cannon, of Cannonsville, same county. In 1853 he removed to St. Paul, and the following spring began the banking business in partnership with Charles N. Mackubin under the firm name of Mackubin and Edgerton, which firm was dissolved in 1857, and the business continued by Mr. Edgerton. When the people of Minne- sota voted by a large majority to amend the con- stitution of the state to allow the issuing of $5,- 000,000 in state bonds in aid of railroads, he ear- nestly opposed it, believing the state too young and weak to incur such a large liability. IIe made himself so odious by his efforts in opposi-

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tion to the loan that on the eve of the day the loan amendment was carried, the people serenaded him with a band of music playing the " Dead March " in front of his bank. When the music had ceased he made the second speech of his life, saying that the time would come when the peo- ple of the state of Minnesota would vote to re- pudiate the bonds by a larger majority than they had voted to issue them, which prediction has proved true.

After the bonds were issued he steadily opposed repudiation, and recognized the bonds as valid, and had a bank, the circulation of which was based upon the bonds, called the People's Bank, and pledged himself to redeem the bills of the People's Bank. even if he had to sell his shirt to raise the last dollar to do so. In January, 1865, he organ- ized the Second National Bank of St. Paul, and was elected president. IIe has since assisted in organizing the First National Bank of St. Peter, and the Lumberman's National Bank of Still- water, and was elected director in each of them ; was also director in the Commercial National Bank of Chicago.

Rev. Maurice D. Edwards, pastor of the Day- ton Avenue Presbyterian church, St. Paul, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 29, 1847 Entered Hamilton college September, 1866; grad- uated in 1870. He removed to Anburn Theolog- ical seminary, where he graduated in the spring of 1874. IIe commenced his labors with his pres- ent church July 19, 1874. IIe was married Octo- ber 3d, 1877, to Miss Louise Deane, daughter of E. M. Deane, Esq., of St. Panl.

IIenry Eggers was born in Germany, in 1843. He there learned the trade of carpenter. IIe im- migrated to this country in 1870, and settled in St. Paul, and carried on his trade until 1878, when he opened a general store of groceries, hardware and farming tools. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Mary Keuchler, of Chaska, Carver county. They have two children, Mary and Fred.

William Eis was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1847. Removed to Chicago, in 1867, and engaged in the cigar trade. He removed to Galesburg, Illinois, and remained one year. In 1870, he came to St. Paul and still engaged in the cigar trade. In 1874, he opened the wholesale business; he is now located at 361 Robert street. He was mar- ried, in 1867, to Miss Janette Thomas, of Chica-

go. Five children are the fruits of their union, three living: Carrie, Charles and William.

C. Elitt was born in Germany, in 1836. He re- ceived a German education. He immigrated to this country in 1863, and located at Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned the trade of stone-mason. He came to St. Paul in 1870, still working at his trade. In 1879 he embarked in the grocery trade at 88 Carroll street. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Henrietta Shoemaker, of Cleveland. They have had ten children,six of whom are living.

W. S. Elkins was born in Tonawanda, New York, February 5th, 1853. In 1874 his parents moved to Kane county, Illinois. In 1870, he went to Chicago to learn the painter's trade. In 1876, he removed to Rochester, Minnesota, and carried on his trade on his own account. In September, 1879, he came to St. Paul and engaged to Beck and Rank. November 24th, 1880, he engaged to S. Mayal. March 22d, 1881, he opened a shop of his own at 252 East Seventh street, and is doing a good business, employing twelve men. IIas been a member of the fire company, as hoseman of Trout Brook Company number 4, since Novem- ber, 1880.

William Engler was born in Germany, in 1853. He emigrated to this country and located in Wis- consin, in 1869, working on a farm. In 1871, he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, and engaged to learn the cigar trade. In 1873 he came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and worked at the same trade. In 1875, he made a trip to his native country. In 1878, he located in St. Paul. IIe made a trip to California; returning, he settled down at his trade. Ile is now manufacturing cigars, at 468 St. Peter street. Was married, in 1880, to Miss Elizabeth Wagner, of St. Paul. They have one child, An- tonetta.

William W. Erwin, son of William and Mary E. Erwin was born in Erwin, Steuben county, New York, July 12th, 1842; was educated at the Genesee academy at Lima, New York, admitted to the bar at Albany, New York, May 5th, 1864. IIe removed to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, January, 1867, and entered the law firm of Clarke, Porter and Erwin. Settled in St. Paul, May, 1870. Mr. Erwin served as first lieutenant of Company K, Fifth Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade, and was in the Yorktown, Williamsburgh, Fair Oaks and

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Pensacola campaigns. He has held the office of county attorney for Ramsey county for two years.

Thomas A. Evoy was born in Dayton, Ohio, May 9th, 1842. His parents removed to Caledo- nia, Canada West, in 1845; he there attended the common school until 1855, when he entered the dry-goods store of John Scott as clerk. In 1862, he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged with different firms until 1879, when he came to St. Paul and engaged to Auerbach, Finch, Culbertson and Company as carpet salesman and buyer. He was married in 1873, to Miss Theresa J. Malloy, of Chicago. They have had two children, a boy and girl. The boy died in 1876.

Charles Faber, a native of Germany, was born in 1842. IIe came to this country November 21st, 1866. The year following, he located in St. Paul and engaged in the bakery business until 1869. He then became proprietor of the St. Paul House, in which he still remains. The house is of brick and can accommodate one hun- dred guests. It was built many years ago, but has been remodeled by Mr. Faber. At St. Paul in 1869, Miss Christena Schmitzen became his wife. Seven children have been born to them, only three of whom are living.

W. A. Faddis was born February 12th, 1827, near Enon Valley, Lawrence county, Pennsylva- nia. He remained on his father's farm until his sixteenth year, then went to Lowell, Ohio, for the purpose of learning the carpenter's trade. In consequence of meeting with an accident, was obliged to abandon the trade, and in 1845, en- tered Beaver Academy. After remaining one year, he went with a company of young men to Kentucky, and in Bank Lick school-house, Ken- ton county, he taught his first school. During the subsequent seven years, he taught in that state, also Ohio and Pennsylvania, in the mean- time attending the Darlington academy one term, also the Allegheny college. Having a de- sire to increase his store of knowledge, he entered IIiram college in September, 1852, where for the first time he met James A. Garfield, our late president. IIaving finished his literary course, Mr. Faddis entered the Cleveland Commer- cial college, from which he graduated Octo- ber 21st, 1855. In November of that year, he took charge of the academy at Mount Jackson, Pennsylvania. He subsequently was siezed by the

"western fever," which led him finally to make Eldora, Iowa, his home. There he was success- fully engaged in teaching for nearly ten years. While visiting his old home, he taught a number of classes in book-keeping and penmanship, prin- cipally in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He has given much attention to the study of the sys- tem of short-hand writing, and has made it one of his specialties in teaching. He also, at one time traveled, giving lessons in geography from Pelton's outline maps, teaching on the Prussian system, which is now known as the Lancasterian system. Professor Faddis came to this state in 1865, and at once took charge of the Union school at Le Sueur, Le Sueur county, continuing two years. He came to St. Paul, October 1st, 1867, and entered upon his duties as principal of the St. Paul Business college, under whose man- agement it has since been. His extensive expe- rience has contributed largely to make him pre- eminently well fitted for his present position. The important principles of self-reliance and ef- ficiency have been well developed in him through his efforts in educating and supporting himself. Professor Faddis has also filled some quite im- portant positions as secretary at various times. October 23d, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura A. Hulbert, of Kent, Ohio, one es- teemed and loved by all who knew her.

Fergus Fahey, merchant tailor, was born in Galway county, Ireland, 1839. He served his ap- prenticeship at the tailor's trade and in April, 1864, came to America. IIe worked at his chosen vocation in New York city four years, and in 1868 came to St. Paul. Soon after he established a tailor shop in Minneapolis in which he continued one year. In August, 1869, he located at St. Paul, where for about two years he did a prosperous business, between Market and St. Peter streets. In September, 1875, he moved to 77 West Third street, where he has since been doing an exten- sive business, giving employment to from twelve to fifteen persons. This is a very familiar honse and ranks among the best in the city.

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