History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 97

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 97

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Patrick Keigher, a native of Ireland, was born in 1837. Came to America with his parents when eight years old, locating in New York. There he received a thorough education, and after leav- ing school went to New York city and engaged with the American Express Company four years. Came to St. Paul in May, 1856, and clerked in a grocery store for L. B. Wait and Company, finally starting for himself in the same line on the cor- ner of Fifth and Wabasha streets, in Odd Fel- low's block. Mr. Keigher is the oldest grocer on

Wabasha street and is said to be the oldest grocer in the city. His room is twenty-five by ninety feet, well filled with a choice stock.

Johu Kelliher was born at St. Johns, New Brunswick, May 12, 1840. Moved to Bridge- water, Massachusetts, when five years old. Re- ceived a common school education in Massachu- setts, studied and graduated from a commercial college in Providence, Rhode Island. Enlisted as a private in the Twentieth Massachusetts vol- lunteer infantry, July 22d, 1861, rose successively to the ranks of sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain and major, and had command of a regiment during a por- tion of the last campaign against General R. E. Lee, in Virginia. Was three times wounded, and lost his right arm at Spottsylvania, Virginia, May 18th, 1864. Entered the regular army as first lieutenant, July 28th, 1866, and retired with the rank of captain, also that of brevet-major, December 15th, 1870. He located in St. Paul in 1872, and is interested in real estate dealing. Married Miss Harriet A. Irvine, daughter of Hon. John R. Irvine, of St. Paul, October 27th, 1873. Hattie B., John G., Robert J., and Shirley I. are their children.

Charles E. Keller, son of John M. and Annie E. (Scott) Keller, was born in St. Paul, Septem- ber 21st, 1858, and is of German-American de- scent. He has been raised, educated in and has been a life long resident of this city. His father was a lumber dealer in the city, and his son has now succeeded him.

Charles Kellerman is a native of Germany, born in 1853, where he acquired a collegiate edu- cation. Came to the United States in 1873, locat- ing immediately in St. Paul, the great metropolis. Like many who came to America, he at first had no capital and was obliged to toil daily for bread. He lived in the city one year, then went through Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, returning finally to St. Paul. He worked one season on a farm, and the winter following in the pinery. He afterward engaged as bartender until 1878, then embarked in the liquor and cigar trade for himself, where he still remains. Married at St. Paul in 1878 to Miss Mary Schmidt. They have one daughter.

Frank Kelly, Jr., is a native of Minnesota, born in St. Paul in 1856. Here he was reared and educated, completing his studies with a

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course at the St. Paul Business college. After leaving school he was employed as a teamster, subsequently entered a theatre, remaining eight years. He then opened a liquor store at 63 West Third street, where he still remains. His mar- riage with Miss Mary Tyson occurred in St. Paul in 1876. Their only son, Frank, died at the age of two years.

William Kelly was born on the Isle of Man, September 14th, 1832. Moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1851, and worked at his trade as horse- shoer for five years. In April, 1856, moved to St. Paul and followed his trade as foreman for Richard Slater until April, 1878. Ile then be- came a partner, under the name of the St. Paul Shoeing company, which business he continues at 150 East Fifth street, with Thomas Jackson for a partner. They do first-class work in every par- ticular, making horse-shoeing a specialty.

August Kempien was born in Germany, April 7th, 1842. Served in the Austrian and Prussian war in 1866, and two years later came to America. In 1869 he located in St. Paul, and for three years was employed in a brewery. He then began bus- iness for himself on Jackson street, 64 and 66, and did a successful business, until 1878. HIe next leased Gruber's place, and during the season of 1879, ran a summer garden. The same year, moved to his present location, which he purchased in 1877. He has vastly improved the place with additional buildings and a ten-pin alley, besides making a fine park with Phalen creek running through it. Married at St. Paul in 1871, to Miss Louisa Nosik. Theodore, Philip, Louisa and August are their children.

T. and J. Kenney, boiler makers, are natives of Ireland. Came to this country with their parents in 1856, and in December, 1867, became residents of St. Paul, which city has since been their home. In 1868 they began their present business, their shop being where the union depot now stands. Removed to their present location in 1874, since when their business has grown to extensive pro- portions.

George K. Kent was born in Ramsey county, Minnesota, in 1857. Was educated in his native county, and after leaving school, was employed as clerk for different parties. In 1879 he commenced the grocery trade for himself. By honesty and -trict attention to his business, he has, step by

step, acquired an excellent trade, having risen wholly on his own merits ; located at 395 Waba- sha street, carrying a full line of groceries.

Peter Kerst was born January 14th, 1829, in Germany, moved to St. Paul, September 20th, 1856, and worked for Mr. Mitsch, as a journey- man in the wagon trade, until 1862. He then commenced wagon and sleigh manufacturing and general blacksmithing, on a small scale. His business has gradually increased. He has en- larged his shops on corner of Fort and Ramsey streets, employs six men, and does a large first- class business. IIe has a good residence on the corner of Fort and Leach streets. July 2d, 1862, he married Miss Fransisca Rapp, of St. Paul, who died in August, 1864. One son and one daughter were born to them. The daughter died in infancy. The son, Peter M., is second teller in the German American bank. In August, 1865, Mr. Kerst was married to Miss Josephine Rapp, who has borne him six children, only two of whom are living.

Joseph T. Kerker, son of John and Mary Ker- ker, who now reside in Chaska, Carver county, Minnesota, was born September 15th, 1849, and is a native of Switzerland. After going through a course of studies at the high school, at Uznach, graduated from the college of Engelberg, Switz- erland. He left Switzerland in 1866, and settled in Shakopee, Minnesota, and taught the public school at Waconia, Carver county, Minnesota, for four years. In 1871 he was elected justice of the peace and town clerk of Waconia; was also ap- pointed superintendent of public schools of Car- ver county. He located in St. Paul, in 1873, as teacher of the high school of Assumption church school, and organist in the Assumption church. Was appointed deputy register of deeds of Ram- sey county, in February, 1878, which office he still holds, also that of director of the St. Paul Leiderkranz, a German singing society. Married in 1870 to Mrs. Louise Rodeck nee Berreau.

Charles D. Kerr was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 9th, 1835, and when only two years old moved with his parents to Jacksonville, Illinois. There was his home until he enlisted, April 26th, 1861. He served until Au- gust, 1865, in the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered out as colonel of the regiment. IIe graduated from college at Jacksonville, Illi-

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nois, in the class of 1857, and studied law with Hon. S. F. Miller, justice of the United States su- preme court. In September, 1865, Mr. Kerr moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was law partner with Hon. James M. McKelvy, who is now judge of the seventh judicial district of Min- nesota. In 1874 he moved to St. Paul, where he continues in the practice of law. In May, 1874, he married Miss Mary E. Bennett, of Rochester, New York, They have one daughter, Florence. D. C. Kissel, druggist, son of Rev. Jonas Kis- sel, was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1849. His father, in his ministerial duties, changed his loca- tion quite frequently, taking his son with him. D. C. returned to his native place in 1864, where he remained one year, then went to Shelbyville, Indiana, where for three vears he engaged in teaching school and clerking in a drug store. In 1878 he attended college at Louisville, Kentucky. In 1879, went to Montana as hospital steward in the Second United States Cavalry; remained about one year and was discharged. Made St. Paul his home in 1881, and embarked in the drug business on Fort street. Married in 1881, to Miss Hattie Hahn, of St. Paul.

Andrew R. Kiefer was born in 1832, in Germa- ny. He left home in 1849, and in 1855, located in St. Paul. Organized, and was commissioned captain of Company G, Second Regiment Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, in the spring of 1851. Was ordered by Governor Ramsey to Fort Rip- ley, afterward stationed at Fort Snelling. In the fall of 1861, started south with his regiment. January 19tlı, 1863, participated in the battle of Mill Spring, the first battle which resulted in vic- tory for the Union troops; also took part in the siege of Corinth and battles of Springfield, Perry- ville and a number of minor skirmishes. Was appointed provost marshal under Generals Scho- field and Stedman, in Tennessee. In 1859 Mr. Kiefer was enrolling clerk of the house of repre- sentatives; was a member of the legislature in 1864, and elected clerk of district court of Ram- sey county, in 1878. IIe was married in 1854.

Norman Wolfred Kittson, a native of Sorel, Lower Canada, was born March 5th, 1814. He is a grandson of Alexander Henry, the celebrated explorer and traveler, who journeyed through the Lake Superior, Manitoba and Saskatchewan dis- tricts as early as 1776, and whose published trav-

els are very scarce and valuable. In May, 1830, being then only sixteen years of age, he engaged as an employe of the American Fur Company, and in that capacity came to the North-west, and was stationed at the trading post between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers during the years of 1830 and 1832.' The last year he was sent to the head waters of the Minnesota, then to the Red Cedar river of Iowa. In 1834 he came to Fort Snelling, where he was engaged in the sutler's department until the fall of 1838, when he re- turned to Canada and remained until spring when he began business on his own account as a fur trader near what was then called Cold Spring, just above Fort Snelling. IIe remained at this point until 1843, when he entered the American Fur Company as special partner, having charge of all the business on the head waters of the Minnesota and along the British line, and during that year made his headquarters at Pembina, and commenced collecting furs and shipping them in Red River carts to Mendota. The same year he purchased of James R. Clewett the tract of land which was laid out in 1851 and known as Kitt- son's addition to St. Paul. In 1851 Mr. Kittson was elected a member of the council of the Min- nesota legislature from the Pembina district and re-elected in 1853 and served four sessions in which he took an active and prominent part. In order to attend these sessions he was compelled to walk on snow shoes or ride in a dog sledge the entire distance (which was about 500 miles), at- tended with great hardships and exposure. Two of these trips he made on snow shoes. In 1854 Mr. Kittson entered into partnership with the late William H. Forbes, of St. Paul, and known as the firm of Forbes and Kittson, engaged in the general Indian trade supply business. The es- tablishment was called the "St. Paul out-fit," and was very widely known. That year he came to St. Paul to reside permanently, and the same year he 'erected what was known as the Sinto- mine hotel, a large frame structure built near the corner of Sixth and John streets, but was burned October 3d, same year. In 1858 he was elected mayor of the city of St. Paul, which ended his public life. The same year the firm of Forbes and Kittson was dissolved; he still continued his Red River trade until 1860, after which he ac- cepted the position of agent for the Hudson Bay

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Fur Company, and established a line of steamers and barges on the Red River, which grew to be quite a corporation and was called the Red River Transportation Company with headquarters at St. Paul, operating several steamers and barges. With one exception Mr. Kittson is the oldest liv- ing settler in the state, and during his time he has witnessed and takeu part in changes which fall to the lot of but few men during an ordinary life time. Notwithstanding he will soon reach the allotted age of man, he is still as active and strong as many men at one-half the age. He is constantly absorbed in business of no small pro- portions, and with the advance of years he is handling some extensive enterprises. Such as se- curing a large interest in the St. Paul, Minneap- olis and Manitoba railroad in 1879. Following this in the spring of 1881 he makes a purchase of the Kittsondale stock farm, a tract of land which was known as the St. Paul Driving Park associa- tion and State Agricultural association grounds, and has caused them to be fitted up for a fine breeding stock farm, erecting a large stable, fit- ting up the track, with other improvements, which together with the valuable stud of thor- oughbred horses which he has, and from time to time adds to the list, has already incurred an expense of about $300,000. In addition to this, within the city he is expending the sum of $100, 000 in a private residence on the corner of Sum- mit and Dayton avenues, one of the most beauti- ful and sightly locations in the city. Also a $40,000 addition to his hotel property-the Clarendon- corner of Sixth and Wabasha streets. These en- terprises, together with the office of vice-presi- dent of the St. Paul Gas Company, make the Commodore one of the most busy as well as valu- able citizens in our city.

Henry M. Knox was born at Knoxboro, Oneida county, New York, in 1830. At the age of twen- ty-one he graduated from Hamilton college at Clinton, New York. In 1854 he accepted a posi- tion in the Merchants bank on Wall street, New York city, and in the spring of 1857 came west, locating in St. Paul. His first business venture was the establishment of a private banking house. After the organization of the First National Bank he became its cashier and in April, 1878, he was appointed public examiner for the state of Min- nesota, and still occupies that office, having been

re-appointed April 22d, 1881. Mr. Knox was married April 22d, 1857.

John Klecacky was born in Austria, in 1858. When about thirteen years of age his parents, James and Mary Klecacky brought their family to America and arrived at Chicago, Illinois, June 9th, 1871, where they remained until 1873, then came to St. Paul and have since made this city their home. Here John grew to manhood and received his education. In March, 1880, he was appointed on the police force of St. Paul. May 5th, 1879, he married Mary Neman of St. Paul, a native of Austria. They have one daughter, Josephine.

George H. Knebel was born at New Haven, Connecticut, in 1855. When quite young came with his parents to La Crosse, Wisconsin. He entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway company in that city as clerk, remaining about two years. Removing thence to Eau Claire he was cashier of the West Wisconsin Railway company, three years. Came to St. Paul in 1877, as assistant ticket agent for the Chicago, St. Paul and Minneapolis two years, then acted as freight contracting agent. In No- vember, 1880, he accepted the position of ticket agent at the depot for the Chicago, St. Paul, Min- neapolis and Omaha Railway company.

William Knight was born in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, April 9th, 1845. His early life was passed mostly in Baltimore, Maryland, having moved there when only five years old. When about fifteen years of age he spent one year in traveling in Europe. In April, 1869, he located in St. Paul, where he has been interested in lum- bering. In September, 1869, he married Cather- ine V. Cherr of Augusta, Georgia, daughter of Benjamin F. and Lucy V. Cherr. They have two daughters and one son.

Bernhard Knudson, foreman of the upholstery department of the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba railway car shops, was born in Chris- tiana, Norway, in 1849. Came to America, with his parents in 1869, locating first at Chicago. After learning his trade of upholster- ing, he worked in different shops until 1878, then came to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Was employed as upholsterer by Knickerbocker and Company eight months. On coming to St. Paul, he was with De Coster and Clark four months, and in Feb-

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ruary, 1880, accepted his present responsible po- sition. At Chicago, in 1874, Miss Susanna Olson became his wife. They have two living children and have lost two.

Reinhold Koch, a native of Germany, was born in 1848. Came to the United States in 1862, and September 11th, of that year enlisted in the Fourteenth Illinois Regiment, serving until hon- orably discharged in November, 1864. He then settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, making that his home three years. In 1874, came to St. Paul, and has since made this city his place of residence. IIe first engaged as foreman in Stahlman's brewery and three years later formed a partnership with Mr. Constans in the brewing trade, under the firm name of Koch and Company. The machin- ery of their brewery is driven by a thirty horse- power engine, with a capacity of 10,000 to 12,000 barrels per year. Married in St. Louis, in 1872, to Miss Caroline Wieschann. They have three chil- dren living.

Arthur Koenig, son of Ludwig von Koenig, M. D., and Anna von Koenig, was born in the city of Steyr, Austria Superior. IIe received an excellent education; after a course at the common school, he attended the gymnasium, then a three years' course at a university. In 1873, came to this country, after serving three years in the Austrian army. Arrived at St. Paul on Christmas eve, 1873. His business engagements have been with the German-American bank, P. H. Kelly and Company, the Merchants National bank; in 1876, entered the employ of the Ph. Best Brewing Company of Milwaukee, as their resident agent. Married Miss Elsa Molantz, October 3d, 1872. Hans, Walter L. and Winfield S. II. are their children.

B. Kuhl was born in Germany, in 1843. When sixteen years of age he came to America and settled in New York city, clerking in a notion store until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fourth New York cavalry. Was taken prisoner in February, 1862, in Virginia, and for four months was confined in Libby prison ; was discharged from the army as a paroled prisoner of war. He then went to China and sold goods, first at Ningpo; was sutler in the Chinese army. Returned to the United States and went to Milwaukee; was traveling salesman in the crockery trade three years ; thence to Manitowoc, and until 1870 was inter-

ested in mercantile pursuits. He then resumed traveling through Minnesota for the well-known house of F. E. Jaeger, of Chicago. In March, 1877, he purchased the stock of F. Theobold, and with John Haggenmiller, continued under the firm name of Haggenmiller and Kuhl. Since October, 1880, the business has been conducted under the firm name of B. Kuhl and company, located at 194 East Third street. Married in New York city, in 1868, to Miss M. Kuechel, who has borne him four children, three of whom are living.

Matthias Kuhl is a German by birth. He was educated in his native country, graduating in the German language. In 1858 he crossed to Ameri- ca and made New Ulm, Minnesota, his home. When the Indian outbreak occurred in 1862 he took an active part in the defense of the settlers of that locality. The Indians murdered his nephew near Yellow Medicine, taking his house for their fort, which the settlers then burned as a means of safety. Mr. Kull and many others were compelled to fly with their families, le com- ing to St. Paul. For one year he engaged in the bakery business, then for fifteen years he was in- terested in the grocery trade. Since closing out that branch he has been in the liquor trade. IIis first marriage was with Miss Mary Brookman, who died leaving three children, Augusta, Frank and Maggie. He married for a second wife Mrs. IIenrietta Schokka.

Stanislaus Ksycki is a native of Poland, born in 1857. In 1872 he came across the waters to this continent and first made his home in Chicago, but remained only a short time. His first business venture in St. Paul was the liquor and cigar trade at number 20 East Seventh street, where he still remains.

Frank La Berge, of the firm of Le Duc and La Berge, was born in New York city, in 1849. When eight years of age he moved with his parents to Burlington, Vermont. His father be- ing a carpenter and joiner, afforded him facilities for acquiring a full knowledge of the trade. At the age of sixteen, he left home and friends in the defense of his country, enrolling in the Ninety-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry; al- though but a boy, he bore the hardships of a warrior until his regiment was honorably dis- charged in July, 1865. Returned and completed his trade with his father, and in 1870, came to St.

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Paul. Here he was placed in charge of construc- tion on the Lake Superior and Mississippi rail- road, now called the St. Paul and Duluth. Soon after he went to Chicago, and from there to San Francisco, California. In 1880, returned to St. Paul, and in company with Joseph Le Duc, be- gan contracting and building. At Chicago, in 1873, he married Miss Abbie Young; Adele, Adelma F., Frank and William C. are their chil- dren.

Mrs. J. B. Lahr is a native of Louisville, Ken- tucky, born in 1835. She was united in marriage with John Baptiste Lahr in 1856. They en- gaged in hotel and mercantile business in Iowa one year, then came St. Paul. In company with August Whitman, Mr. Lahr was interested in the wholesale liquor trade; then in a restaurant, known as "Our House," with Henry F. Vitt. He afterward sold out to his partner and opened a saloon near the old post-office, then moved to Lahr house on corner of Third and Robert streets. At 136 East Third street, he opened a lunch house, which his widow still continues. He died in 1871, leaving one son, Francis John Baptiste.

F. J. B. Lahr was born in St. Paul, in 1858. Was educated at St. John's college, Stearns county, Minnesota, from which he graduated June 24th, 1875, receiving a diploma as book- keeper. He also studied architecture, and is now in the employment bureau. ITis mother, Mrs. Sophia Lahr, owns a sample room on Third street. Miss K. Schram became his wife at St. Paul in 1880.

David D. Lambie, druggist, was born in New York, in 1845. He grew to manhood in the vil- lage of St. Mary's, Canada, where his parents had removed soon after his birth. In 1861, he began the drug business, continuing in the trade at that place till 1865, then removed to New York city where he was employed as prescription clerk in a drug store until 1870. Came to St. Paul and en- gaged as traveling salesman for Noyes Brothers and Cutler for four years. At the expiration of this term, he embarked in the drug business under the firm name of Condit and Lambie, now Lam- bie and Company, located on corner of Third and Wabasha streets. Married at St. Paul in 1875, to Miss M. R. Rittenhouse, who has borne him two children : Arther D. and Helen R.

Rollin A. Lanpher, son of Morris M. and

Elvira M. Lanpher, was born May 11th, 1843, in La Salle, Illinois. Came to St. Paul in 1855. He received a common school education in his native state and St. Paul, which he completed by a course at the Commercial college in Chicago. June 15th, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Min- nesota Infantry, and served three years. In 1864, he entered the adjutant general's office; in 1867, entered the employ of J. L. Forepaugh and Com- pany. In 1868, he began business under the firm name of ITines and Lanpher, which is now R. A. Lanpher and Company, of St. Paul. This firm carries on the manufacturing of shirts and gents' furnishing goods. Mr. Lanpher is also a mem- ber of the firm of Eichelzer and Company, located at 212 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, in the man- ufacture of furs. August 30th, 1871, he married Miss Lottie M. Taylor, a native of Erie, Penn- sylvania.

Oluf Larsen was born August 17th, 1845, and is a native of Norway. When only eleven years old he left his parental home, and in June, 1869, came to America. After a residence of four months in Wisconsin he came to St. Paul, where he has since lived, with the exception of a little more than a year, when he was employed as a carpenter on the Northern Pacific railroad. In March, 1881, he was appointed on the police force. May 31st, 1872, he married Miss Olena Peterson, of St. Paul, who is a native of Norway. Peter L. and Otto are their living children.

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