History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 92

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 92

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Laurence Fahey was born in Ireland, in 1848. When fourteen years of age he came to America, settling first in Connecticut, where he learned . hat finishing. He worked at his trade three years and in 1865 enlisted in the First New York en- gineers and was mustered out the same year.

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Returning to Connecticut he remained one year, then enlisted in the United States Marine corps, and served three years and three months, then furnished a substitute and was discharged in Sep- tember, 1869. Locating in New York city he was employed in the Central Park. In July, 1870, he re-enlisted in the United States service and was assigned to Company H, Twentieth United States Infantry, serving five years; he was first sergeant of the company. In 1875 he re- moved to St. Paul and engaged in the liquor trade, his place being consumed by fire eight months later. Until 1879 he was engaged in va- rious pursuits, then opened the Montreal house at 381 Minnesota street, where he still remains. At St. Paul, in 1875, he married Miss Mary Fitz- gerald, who has borne him three children only one of whom is living.

H. S. Fairchild, real estate dealer, is the oldest and one of the leading real estate agents in St. Paul. He was born in Warren county, Ohio. In early life went to Mississippi and was a promi- net merchant at Brandon, of that state. In July, 1857, he came to St. Paul and opened a real estate office on Jackson street opposite the old Interna- tional hotel. Of all the long list of real estate agents of that day he is the only remaining one. Through his long residence and business interests in the city he naturally has acquired a pride which prompts him to lose no opportunity in speaking or writing for the purpose of advancing the interests of the city as well as his own. For many years he has corresponded with eastern real estate journals and other papers, having especial- ly in view the promotion of St. Paul interests and the state at large. Mr. Fairchild was the first to propose and before the old board of trade, to urge the building of the Fort Snelling bridge. He was accordingly appointed commissioner, with John Nicols, William Lee and D. W. Ingersoll as asso- ciates, to negotiate for the sale of bonds and the construction of the bridge. The measure, how- ever, was defeated by a vote of the people, but when a few years subsequently, the proposition was renewed and submitted to a vote of the peo- ple, Mr. Fairchild earnestly advocated it in public addresses. He also had the satisfaction of seeing the project carried out and the much needed bridge constructed. Though often solicited and having a popularity which would

make his success as a politician certain, he has ever refused to be a candidate for any public po- sition, choosing rather to devote his attention ex- clusively to his large and increasing business. He has recently secured the first floor corner room of the four story brick building on the cor- ner of Fourth and Jackson streets, for an office, which he has fitted up in elegant style, where he will in future oversee his extensive business.

Fred. Falkner was born at Milwaukee, Wis- consin, in 1850. His childhood days were passed in his native city and he about 1870 came to St. Paul. Here he has since been engaged in the butchering business, first for Martin Delany, con- tinuing until May, 1880, then bought his employ- er's shop and stock on Seven Corners. He is thoroughly experienced in his trade and carries on a successful business. The market is among the best in the city and centrally located. His stock consists of all kinds of meats, both salt and fresh, and game in season.

Gerhard HI. Fark, blacksmith in the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba railway shops, is a native of Germany, born in 1845. He learned his trade in his native country, and in 1865 came to America. He located in Washington county, Illinois, and in 1867 moved to Cleveland, Ohio, remained, however, only a short time. During the latter part of 1868 he reached St. Paul, hav- ing come by the way of his old home in Illinois. In February, 1869, he engaged in his present po- sition. Married at St. Paul in 1869, to Sophia Dummermann. Charles H. G., Henry W., The- odore R. and George E. are their children. So- phia C. died at the age of three years.

Daniel Fenton, foreman of the blacksmith de- partment of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad shops, was born in 1842, in Erie, New York. In 1850 his parents removed to Cattaraugus county, where he learned the mechanic's trade with his father. He left the parental home in 1859 and worked as a journeyman until May, 1861, then enlisted in the Seventy-first New York Volunteer Infantry, served his term faithfully and was hon- orably discharged July 31st, 1864. Returning to his old home, he remained until 1867, then went to Winona, Minnesota. Located in St. Paul, in 1873 and worked in the railroad shops as a journeyman until being appointed foreman of the blacksmith department in 1880. At Buffalo,

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New York, in May, 1865, he married Miss Mary Murphy. One son, William, is living. Eliza- beth E. died in November, 1878.

Henry Feyder, born in 1853, is a native of Wis- consin. Ile acquired his education, and learned the trade of cigar making with Henry Pastoreg, serving an apprenticeship of five or six years. After visiting California, New York, and other states, he located, in 1879, in St. Paul. He en- gaged in the manufacture of cigars in company with Camen and Hofmeister, under the firm name of Camen, Feyder and Company. His wife was Miss Maria Wagner, whom he married in St. Panl. One child, Edith, has been born to them.

Louis Fischer, merchant tailor, is a native of Switzerland, born in 1830. While in his native country he acquired the tailor's trade, and after- ward traveled through different parts of the con- tinent, as journeyman at his trade. April 21st, 1853, he sailed for America, and landed in New York after a voyage of thirty-five days. Until September, 1854, he was in Chicago, and at that time came to St. Paul, which city has since been his home, with the exception of a few months on a farm in Carver county. August 17th, 1862, he enlisted in company E, Sixth Minnesota, but on account of disability, was discharged, May 20th, 1863, having been in the battles of Birch Cooley and Yellow Medicine. Subsequently he had a clothing and gents' furnishing store under the Metropoliton hotel, which he carried on five years. Retired from the store, and established his pres- ent merchant tailor shop, in 1868. Emelina Re- galsperger became his wife in September, 1857. She is a native of Baden, Germany. Eight chil- dren have been born to them; the living are Louis, Jr., Albert, Rudolph and Ida.

Martin Flanagan is a native of Ireland. born in 1824. Came to America in 1843, and for fourteen years lived in Vermont. Located in St. Paul in 1856 ; was employed in a wholesale grocery and liquor house five years. He was afterward in the employ of Walter and Wells six years. In 1880 he formed a partnership with Peabody Bro- thers, the firm name being Peabody Brothers and Company. November 16th, 1858, he married Miss Sarah Moran, who has borne him seven children: T. R., Martin P., John J., and George are the living.

Charles E. Flandrau, was born July 15th, 1828,

in New York city. His father, Thomas H., was a descendent of the Huguenots, born at New Ro chelle, New York. He was for many years a law partner of Colonel Aaron Burr, in New York city. Elizabeth M., the mother, was a sister of General Alexander Macomb, commander-in-chief of the United States army. Charles acquired his education at private schools in Washington and Georgetown, District of Columbia. In 1842, he left the parental roof and for three years fol- lowed the sea. He learned the trade of mahog- any sawing in 1849, in his native city, also stud- ied law at Whitesboro, New York, November 3d, 1853, he located in St. Paul, and has since practiced law continually. He has not only been successful as a lawyer, but has always manifested a deep interest in the welfare of the city, having often been called upon to fill positions of trust and honor. He was a deputy clerk of the United States district court, and notary public in 1854; member of the territorial council in 1855; United States Indian agent for the Sioux of the Missis- sippi, in 1856; member of the constitutional con- vention of Minnesota, in 1857; associate justice of the supreme court of Minnesota territory, in 1857; associate justice of supreme court of the state from 1857 to 1864; and judge advocate gen- eral of Minnesota, in 1858. He was also presi- dent of the first Board of Trade organized in Minneapolis; was democratic candidate for gov- ernor of the state in 1867; democratic candidate for chief justice of state, in the fall of 1869, and in 1868 was chairman of the democratic state central committee. August 10th, 1859, he mar- ried Miss Isabella R. Dinsmore, of Kentucky. Married for his second wife, Rebecca B. Riddle, of Pennsylvania, February 28th, 1871. Two sons and two daughters have been born to them.

George J. Flint, son of John C. Flint, was born February 10th, 1840, at Fort Plain, Montgomery county, New York. He was educated at Fort Plain seminary, and read law with E. L. Stevens, at Rome, New York, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. IIe practiced law at Cherry Valley, Ot- sego county, and in Rome, New York, until 1878, then moved to St. Paul, where he has since con- tinued the practice of law.

Mark D. Flower was born at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, March 31st, 1841. Came west in 1847, Received an academic education

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and in 1855 came to Minnesota. When the war broke out, he was attending the Aurora institute, at Aurora, Illinois. Leaving school he enlisted as a private, served as such over two years. Was promoted for meritorious services at the bat- tle of Corinth, to captain and assistant adjutant- general. Was appointed adjutant-general of Minnesota, by Governor Austin; he continued through the governor's administration and was re-appointed by Governor Davis, and served through his term. In 1878 was elected chief clerk of the Minnesota legislature and re-elected in 1879. In the spring of that year was appoint- ed collector of customs at the port of St. Paul; in December, 1880, was appointed supervising in- spector of steam vessels, for the fifth United States district, in which position he still serves. In 1878 was elected by the republican state con- vention, secretary of the state central committee. Mr. Flower has been prominently identified with the political history of the state for the past twelve years. At Memphis, Tennessee, in Octo- ber, 1864, he married Miss Lena Gutherz.

Michael Foley was born in 1860, and is a native of Missouri. When only seven years old he came to St. Paul, and attended the public schools, af- terward was instructed in the school of Christian Brothers for three years. He then engaged in the grocery business for himself, which is quite commendable for a young man of his age. IIe has by honesty and industry worked up a nice trade.

Simeon P. Folsom was born December 27th, 1819, at Ascott, Lower Canada. He is by pro- fession a civil engineer, and attorney at law. Ile left the home of his childhood in 1839 and came west. He became a resident of St. Paul July 25th, 1847. One year was passed in the Mexican war, also three years in the rebellion. During the North-east boundary difficulty be- tween Maine and New Brunswick, he served on the staff of Major-General Bodfish, in February and March, 1839, ranking as major. In 1852-'53 he was clerk in the council of the legislature and was the first city surveyor of St. Paul in 1854.

J. F. Frambach, foreman of the manufacturing department of Lindekes, Warner and Schurmeier, was born in New York city in 1850. He resided in his native place until 1878, then came to St. Paul. He learned the trade of cutting and tail-

oring, and has had supervision of several manu- factories, prior to engaging with Lindekes, Warner and Schurmeier. After locating at St. Paul he was in the employ of Auerbach, Finch and Cul- bertson.

Anton Francois, a native of Germany, was born in 1853. Came to this country in 1872, locating in St. Paul. He learned the baker's trade which he followed until 1877, then took charge of a vegetable stand in the Market house one year. He joined the volunteer fire depart- ment in 1873, as a member of Hook and Ladder company, No. 1, in which he served until the company disbanded in October, 1877. At that time the pay department was organized, he being appointed call man of the same company; in March 1879, was appointed driver of Hose No. 1; April, 1880, was made tillerman of Hook and Ladder No. 1, and in August, was made foreman of Hose No. 1. At Minneapolis, in 1879, he married Miss Katie Marxen. They have one child, Frank A.

George W. Freeman, son of Joseph and Sarah Freeman. was born in England, May 24th, 1845. When a child of eight years he came to America, and for two years lived in Cleveland, Ohio. He was educated in the schools of St. Paul, and in 1859 engaged with a boot and shoe firm, continu- ing until 1868. March 1st, of this year, he en- gaged as traveling salesman for C. Gotzian and Company, serving in that capacity till 1873, then became associated with the firm, and has since remained in the house. Married to Miss Mary I. Dony, at St. Paul, September 24th, 1868. Stella M., George J., Olive L., Maude V. and Charles D. are their children.

J. G. Freeman was born in Rutland, Vermont, in 1832. He acquired the trade of machinist, and in 1854 came to St. Paul. He first engaged in business in the mills of the city, as a journey- man. Subsequently he built the Long Lake lumber mills, which he sold, then purchased a one-half interest in a mill at Monticello, Wright county. Two years later, he sold and went to Chicago; after a residence there of three years, his health failed, and he again came to St. Paul. In 1870, he began dealing exclusively in engines, on Wacouta street, his annual business being from $30,000 to $40,000. In 1873, he moved to 123 and 125 East Third street, and carries a '

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general stock of engines, boilers, and all kinds of saw and grist-mill machinery supplies.

O. Fremstad, M. D., a native of Norway, was born in 1843. He graduated from the Royal Medical Gymnastic Central Institute, of Stock- holm, Sweden, in 1871. He now practices his chosen profession in St. Paul. Miss Anna Rund- quist became his wife in Norway, in 1872. Three children have been born to them.

Peter Fritz was born September 14th, 1852. and is a native of Wisconsin. IIe was married in October, 1879, and has a little son. Mr. Fritz as- sociated himself with Mr. Birkholz, in the har- ness trade, in November, 1879. They located at 172 West Third street, and employed two men. They are doing a fine business. in the manufac- ture of harness and saddles.

F. W. Frohne was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, 1853. He was educated in his native town, and in 1869 went to Watertown, Wisconsin, and learned the trade of watchmaker, serving as an apprentice three years. He worked three years for his employer, and in 1875 came to St. Paul. After working one year for Mr. Wittelshofer, he worked for D. C. Greenleaf three years. He then embarked in the jewelery business for him- self, has remained in the same business since, at 149 East Third street.

Nathan Gallup, freight agent for the Northern Pacific railroad, was born at Mystic, Connecticut, in 1848. Ile entered the employ of the old St. Paul and Pacific railroad company, in 1872, served two years as check clerk, and was promoted at that time, to billing clerk. In this position he served until April 20th, 1879, when he was appointed freight agent.

Henry Galvin, policeman, was born April 13th, 1830, and is a native of Ireland. He acquired a common practical education, and in 1852 came to America. His first three years were spent in Westport, Connecticut, thence came to St. Paul in in 1855, via the copper mines of Michigan. One year subsequent to his arrival, he was appointed on the police force; since 1875, has been located at the depots. IFe is one of the "original four," which renders him the oldest on the force. At St. Paul, October 14th, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mullen. John, aged twenty-three, Lewis, eighteen, and Mary A.,

twenty, are their living children. Two died in infancy, and Henry at the age of thirteen years.

S. B. Gault was born in Merrimack county, New Hampshire, in 1834. He accepted the posi- tion of check clerk for the Western railroad com- pany, of Illinois, now known as the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, in 1854. He has since that time been connected with the different roads through the West. The Star Union and National Freight Line company, started at St. Paul in 1870, with C. R. Capron as agent, who continued as such until the spring of 1873, when Mr. Gault was appointed to the position.

J. C. Geary, a native of Ireland, was born in 1849. He was educated in his native country and in 1869 came to America. For two years he was in the employ of A.T. Stewart, in New York city; came to St. Paul in 1872 and engaged as foreman in the St. Paul Iron Works. Here he served five years, then was contractor for the St. Paul Har- vester works six years. Subsequently he em- barked in the grocery and liquor trade on the cor- ner of Third and Commercial streets. In New York city in 1869, he married Miss Ellen Fraw- lery, who has borne him seven children, five of whom are living.

George F. Geib, a native of Germany, was born in 1845. There he was educated and at the age of fifteen years came to America. For three years he followed different vocations in New York city, then went to Nebraska territory, remaining four years as an engineer in saw and grist mills. In 1868 became a resident of St. Paul and until 1879 was a bar tender, then estab- lished himself in the liquor trade at corner of Fort and Colborns streets.

William Geib, of the firm of Trick and Company, contractors, was born in Germany, in 1843. He learned cabinet making in his native country and in 1864 came to America. Proceed- ing westward he located in St. Paul and for three years worked at his trade. Since that time he has been a carpenter and joiner. He began con- tracting as one of the firm of Trick and Company, April 16th, 1881. Miss Laura C. Lipke, became his wife at St. Paul, May 31st, 1869. William F., Lizzie C., Charles F., Matilda A., Minnie E. and an infant are their children.

Thomas P. Gere, son of George M. and Sarah C. Gere, was born September 10th, 1842, at Wells-

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burg, Chemung county, New York. When only ten years old came to Minnesota, residing first at Winona, then called Wabasha prairie, afterward making his home at Chatfield. He received an academic education and while yet a student, at the age of nineteen, enlisted in Company B, Fifth Min- nesota Infantry. Was elected first sergeant at the organization of the company; appointed second lieutenant, March 24th, 1862; first lieutenant, August 20th, 1862; regimental adjutant, April 24th, 1863; brigade adjutant of second brigade, first division of Sixteenth Army corps in March, 1864. He was mustered out at expiration of the term of service, April 6th, 1865. He served at Fort Ridgely during the siege with the Sioux In- dians, in August, 1862, and with the Army of the Tennessee, participating in the Vicksburg cam- paign, Red River expedition and battles at Nash- ville. In the latter named battle he was slightly wounded in the right wrist. while capturing a battle flag from the enemy, for which deed he was awarded by the secretary of war, a medal of honor. Returning to Minnesota, he commenced civil engineering, the theory of which had been a part of his study previous to entering the army. He served successively on the St. Paul and Chi- cago, now river division of the Chicago, Milwau- kee and St. Paul railway, the St. Croix and Lake Superior, United States survey of the upper Mis- sissippi under General Warren, and on May 1st, 1867, was made assistant engineer on the St. Paul and Sioux City, then the Minnesota Valley, the western terminus being at Belle Plaine. Was appointed chief engineer January 1st, 1873, as- sistant superintendent in January, 1880, and after the consolidation of the Omaha line was appointed superintendent of the St. Paul division, October 1st, 1880. He is now superintendent of the Sioux City division, being appointed to the position June 1st 1881. Mr. Gere was united in marriage with Florence I. Howard, at Howardsville, Illi- nois, January 1st, 1868. She died three years later. His second marriage was with Mary E. Shepard at Mankato, Minnesota, September 16th, 1874. Mr. Gere's business engagements brought him to St. Paul first in December, 1865, but has been an actual resident since June, 1874.

Martin Getman was born in 1838, and is a native of Jefferson county, New York. When fifteen years old, he started in life on his own re-

sources. His boyhood days were mostly spent on the lakes, as a sailor boy, after which he learned the trades of carpenter and mill-wright. He worked at his trade until coming to St. Paul, in 1870 ; three years later began in the grocery trade in the St. Paul Harvester Works store building. In 1880 he purchased his present location, and erected a grocery store of two stories, 20x50 feet.

W. S. Getty was born in Smithville, North Carolina, in 1851. IIe received his literary educa- tion in District of Columbia, acquired a knowl- edge of drugs at Philadelphia, and graduated in pharmacy from the Pharmacy college of New York.city. In 1877 he came to St. Paul, and for three years was in the employ of the government ; then embarked in the drug trade, in company with S. R. McMasters, under the firm name of McMasters and Getty, 428 Wabasha street.

A. Gessler, head miller in the St. Paul Roller mills, is a native of Austria, born in 1843. Ile learned the milling business in Hungary, which vocation he pursued until coming to America, in 1878. Locating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he worked in the Eagle mill two years, then came to Minneapolis, and was in the Washburn A mill a short time. In December, 1880, he became a resident of St. Paul, and has since been in the St. Paul Roller mills, and in entire charge of the milling department. Married in his native coun- try in 1877, to Miss E. L. W. Mayer.

Ellsworth M. Gibbs is a native of Lake City, Minnesota, born March 31st, 1861. He graduated from the high school of Lake City, with the class of 1878. The same fall he went to Chicago, and attended Herschey's school of musical art, re- maining till 1880. Coming to St. Paul at that time, he engaged as traveling salesman for the well-known firm of Dyer and Howard, and is still serving in that capacity.

William Gieseking, a native of Germany, was born in 1843, and was well educated in his native language. Came to America in 1863, landing at Baltimore, Maryland. After a short stay in Illi- nois, he came to Rice county, Minnesota. En- listed in 1864, in Company G, Second Minnesota Regiment, and served until the close of the war. While in service he experienced a severe illness, the effects of which still disable him. On return- ing to civil life he spent two years in Minneapo- lis in the milling business, then followed farming

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a few years. After locating in St. Paul, he was in the employ of Averill, Russell and Carpenter eight years. He is now in the grocery and liquor trade on corner of Third and Commercial streets. Married at Greenleaf, Minnesota, in 1871, to Eliza Muhl. William is their only child.

Reverend Mahlon N. Gilbert was born in Lau- rens, Otsego county, New York, March 23d, 1848. He prepared for college at Fairfield semi- nary, Herkimer county. July, 1866, he entered the freshman class at Hobart College, at Geneva. At the beginning of his senior year severe pul- monary difficulties caused him to seek a more genial clime. He became tutor in a private fam- ily in Madison county, Florida, for two years. Returning north, he became principal of the school of the Good Shepherd at Ogden, Utalı. During the fall of 1872, he entered the Seabury Divinity school at Faribault, Minnesota, from which he graduated during the summer of 1875. June 20th, 1875, he was ordained deacon by Bishop Whipple in the Cathedral at Faribault. He took charge, soon after, of the mission at Deer Lodge, Montana; remained until April, 1878, then accepted a call to the rectorship of St. Peter's church at Helena, Montana. Remaining at Helena until January, 1881, he then accepted a call to preside over Christ church, at St. Paul. At Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, May 20th, 1880, he married Miss Fanny Pierpoint.

Luman A. Gilbert was born at Vernon, Oneida county, New York, June 3d, 1837. Removed with his parents to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in 1845, there remaining until the spring of 1850, thence to Columbia county, of that state. After receiving the advantages the district schools af- forded, he attended the high school of Portage City; finished his education with a course at Brockway college at Ripon. For several years subsequently, he was successful as a teacher. In 1862, he began the mercantile business at Par- deeville, Wisconsin, continued ten years, and re- moved to St. Paul in 1872. Since his location in this city, he has been extensively engaged in the grain trade, buying and shipping being his prin- cipal branch of the business. He purchases in nearly all the towns tributary to St. Paul, in Min- nesota, Iowa and Dakota, and ships to the east- ern markets. While living in Wisconsin, he was justice of the peace two terms, also postmaster

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