History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 101

Author: Warner, George E., 1826?-1917; Foote, C. M. (Charles M.), 1849-1899; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota from 1858 to 1881
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis : North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 662

USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 101

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Nicholas Hefty is a native of Switzerland, born in 1830. Remaining under the parental guidance until 1851, he then came to America, proceeding at once from New York to the St. Croix valley and remained at Stillwater one year. Then for two years he traveled through Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, South and North Car- olina, Nebraska, and other states. In 1855 he returned to the St. Croix valley, and gave his at- tention to lumbering until 1861. Two years later he purchased a farm in Baytown, Wash- ington county, disposing of a portion of it in 1880. Removing thence with his family to Stillwater, he has a fine residence and surround- ings. His marriage with Miss Maria Kern, of Baytown, occurred in 1862. They are the parents of five children; the living are Edith, Bertie and Maria E.

Charles Heitman of the firm of ITeitman and Becker, was born in Gluikstadt, Schleswig-IIol- stein, Germany, November 11th, 1850. On at- taining man's estate he came to America and located at St. Paul, engaging in the trade of a baker, of which he had acquired a knowledge in

his native country. In 1879 he became a resident of Stillwater, where he embarked in his present business.

Roscoe F. Hersey, born at Milford, Maine, July 18th, 1841. He removed with parents when quite young to Bangor, where he acquired his education. In 1858, he formed a partnershp with Robert Davis Jr. in the flour, grocery and com- mission business, firm name known as Hersey and Davis. In spring of 1862, he enlisted and was appointed second lieutenant of Company F, Eighteenth Maine Regiment, also mustering of- ficer for the state. The July following, he was promoted to first lieutenant and to the rank of captain in 1863, was severely wounded at Spott- sylvania two days after the battle of the Wilder- ness, the company sustaining a loss of twelve killed and fifty-two wounded. He located at Lake City, Minnesota, in 1867, in the interest of Hersey, Staples and Bean, and in 1872, came to Stillwater. He represented this district in the senate in 1877. At Bangor, Maine, January 4th, 1864, he married Miss Eva Wardwell: their chil- dren are Jennie A., Eva E. and Clinton B.

Dudley H. Hersey was born at Bangor, Maine, December 25th, 1847. His education was com- pleted at the Westerbrook Seminary of Portland, having graduated from that institution. Subse- quently he became a resident of Stillwater, and was here employed as clerk for Hersey, Staples and Company, having charge of the mercantile department. In 1872, he was admitted as one of the firm of Hersey, Bean and Brown, and is still one of the firm. His marriage with Miss A. Estelle Wardwell, of Bangor, Maine, took place in 1870. They have one son, Samuel F.

John Hoey is a native of Canada West, born August 4th, 1850. When yet a child his parents moved their family to Galena, Illinois, where in 1852, both father and mother were taken by death. Soon after, the remainder of the family went to Lansing, Iowa; here John remained until fifteen years old, then began his career on the river. In 1865, he went on board the Petrel on the Mississippi, and the next year began rafting from Reed's Landing to St. Louis,,. In 1868, he came to Stillwater, and for about five years rafted on the St. Croix and Mississippi, then obtained a pilot's license, and in 1876 received a captain's and pilot's license, and has been running the

579

CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

steamer Isaac Staples. His wife was Miss Lizzie Donahue, married in 1876. Ernest is their only child.

C. P. Holcombe, a native of Sweden, was born March 6th, 1848. When six years old he came to America with his parents, they locating at Ma- rine, Washington county, Minnesota. Since then Mr. Holcombe has been a resident of this county. Receiving a common school education he at an early period began lumbering, which he followed till 1869. He then was manager of the St. Croix hotel at Stillwater until 1873, when he was ap- pointed deputy sheriff. His duties were per- formed so acceptably that in 1879 he was elected sheriff, which position he still occupies. At St. Paul, March 8th, 1872, he married Miss Chris- tine Larson. Frederick E., Aurora C., Selma V. and Carl E. are their children.

Adolphus C. Hospes, treasurer and secretary of the St. Croix Boom Corporation, was born in Greene county, Missouri, 1842. When a lad of twelve years he came to Stillwater, here attended the graded schools and completed his studies at Jones' Commercial College, at St. Louis. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota Vol- unteer Infantry, and served through its entire campaign, being one of the remnant of six sur- viving from the thirty-six that entered the battle of Gettysburg ; was taken prisoner at Antietam, after being in Libby prison a few weeks was among the fortunate ones to be paroled and re- turned to his regiment on the eve of the battle of Fredericksburg. He was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling, May 5th, 1864. Engaging in mercantile business he was first connected with the firm of Westing, Hospes and Company; con- ducting a general business; after their dissolution he in company with Mr. Downs opened a dry goods store, continuing two years. Mr. Hospes then purchased his partner's interest and con- tinued alone until December, 1880, when he was appointed to his present position. Married in 1870 to Miss Aurora, daughter of Isaac Staples. Olivia J., Louis and Eva are their children.

Louis Hospes was born in Germany, February 8th, 1809, where he attended school until sixteen years old. He then went on an estate to make a practical study of agriculture, and three years later went to the university at Gottingen to study theoretical agriculture and veterinary, finishing

his course in 1830. In July, 1832 he embarked for America; visiting the principal cities after landing, he proceeded farther west in company with others. Traveling accommodations were so poorly arranged and so few that it required a month to reach St. Louis, Missouri, being ob- liged to undergo mony inconveniences and per- plexities. Mr. Hospes finally located on a farm in St. Charles county, Missouri, about thirty miles from St. Louis. The far west had a fascination for him and this life in agricultural pursuits was not at all distasteful, enjoying also many hunting excursions, as game of all kinds was abundant. After eight years residence on a farm he sold and removed to Greene county, was in the distilling business six years and while here made the ac- quaintance of Major Nathan, son of old Daniel Boone. In 1848 he went to St. Louis in the em- ploy of Schulenberg and Boeckeler, a lumbering firm of that city, working in their saw-mill. In 1853 this firm conceived the idea of extending their business and erecting a saw-mill at Still- water, Minnesota territory. In 1854 Mr. Hospes was dispatched to superintend the construction of the mill. His family accompanied him, still making this city their home. During 1870-71 he he visited Europe and the home of his childhood, meeting with many of his friends of youth after a separation of nearly thirty-eight years. In 1865 he became interested in the First National bank of Stillwater, and is now its president. He re- mained with Schulenberg and Boeckeler as mana- ger a few years then became a partner, remaining until 1878 when his connection was dissolved. His marriage with Eliza Wardemann took place in June, 1837; she has accompanied him through all the vicissitudes and perplexities of these many years of hard labor and they now live to enjoy the fruits. They are the parents of ten children, six of whom are living.

John Illingworth, is a native of England, born March 28th, 1839. His parents immigrated to America in 1841, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. John came to Stillwater in the fall of 1850, and in 1855 commenced in the meat business, and is the oldest butcher in the city. He is now buyer and manager of Isaac Staples' market, having held this position since 1871. Was married in this city to Miss Henrietta Clark, of Illinois, in 1871, who has born him one daughter Kittie.

580

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Charles Jackson, of the firm of Hadley and Jackson, was born in Edenton, Georgia. in 1851. In 1864 he was with the Union army in Sherman's march to the sea. In August, 1865, he came to Stillwater, where he has since lived, having learned the barber's trade. In 1872, bought an interest in a barber shop and has ever since car- ried on that business. On the 23d of March, 1872, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Mattie Porter, a native of Missouri; they have five chil- dren.

Theodore Jassoy was born in Germany, April 15th, 1836. Was left an orphan before he had reached the age of two years. His parents left ample means to give him and his twelve brothers and sisters a good education. Until the age of ten years received private instruction; then en- tered a scientific school and graduated at the age of fourteen. Immediately entered the office of a mercantile house to prepare himself for business. Then clerked one year at Bingen, on the Rhine, and one at Frankfort-on-the-Main. Came to America, and for two years was in Illinois, thence to Stillwater, October 1st, 1862, to take charge of Hersey, Bean and Staples' books, and ever since has held the position. Married in 1857 to Maria Goebel, who has borne him two children, Her- man and Emma.

Charles W. Jellison, born in Penobscot county, Maine, September 28th, 1828. Spent his youth in his native place, several years being on the Ar- gyle booms of the Penobscot river. In 1855, came to this place, and the following summer was spent on the farm of Smith Ellison. In 1857 commenced work on the upper booms at Osceola, and operated them for three seasons. Next, took charge of the lower booms on Lake St. Croix, and ever since has held the position of boom-master. Mr. Jellison married, January 23d, 1854, Miss Elizabeth Misser, of Enfield, Maine. They had eight children, three of whom are dead. Those living are Charles F., Ernest R., Walter F., Ed- ward C. and Eugene A. Mrs. Jellison dying June 17th, 1873, Mr. Jellison, in October, 1874, mar- ried Augusta Peterson of this city. She has borne him three children, but two of whom, Mary D. and Grace Greenwood, survive.

A. T. Jenks, of the firm of Durant, Wheeler and Company, is a native of Essex county, New York, born October 12th, 1833. 1Iere he remained

until twenty-one years of age, attending and teaching school. Came to Albany, Illinois, in 1854, and for a time was employed on the river, and in the winter taught school. Until 1874, was mostly engaged as pilot on the river, then entered the firm of Durant, Wheeler and Company, and has since been identified with it. In 1871 he built the "Brother Jonathan," which was the second boat ever built for rafting purposes. Was married in 1866 to Harriet Bennett, by whom he has had two children.

Alexander Johnson, of the firm of James S. Anderson and Company, is a native of Sweden, born March 16th, 1838. Lived with his parents in his native country until he was twenty years of age, then in 1858 came to America and in August of that year settled in Stillwater, where he has ever since lived. Until 1866 was in the lumber regions for other parties, then entered in- to partnership with J. G. Nelson, the firm still existing, though Mr. Johnson is largely interested in the firms of Bronson and Folsom, and James S. Anderson and Company. Was married Octo- ber 15th, 1875, to Miss Ida Nelson, of this city. They are the parents of three children, George A. Ernie and Edwin.

Andrew F. Johnson, foreman and draughts- man in Seymour, Sabin and Company's pattern and model department, was born in Sweden, Oc- tober 8th, 1843. At the age of eighteen his father sent him him to a polytechnical academy, where he spent three years, graduating in me- chanics and civil engineering. During the next three years mill-wrighting; then in 1867 came to America, settled in St. Paul, and most of the first summer was engaged in rafting on the Mississippi. In 1869 he was engaged as pattern maker in the St. Paul iron works, worked in that capacity for a time in Minneapolis, and in 1874 removed to Isanti county and built a feed and grist mill. In 1876 sold out and removed to Stillwater taking his present position with Seymour, Sabin and Company. Mr. Johnson was married June 16th, 1869, to Miss Christine Peterson, of Sweden. They have had seven children, six of whom are living, Perry J., David H., Johnny J., Phoebe M., Ruth D. and Clara N.

Christopher C. Johnson was born in Philadel- phia May 16th, 1816. He grew up and learned the trade of machinist in his native city. After

581

CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

spending many years driving railroad and steam- boat engines, he came to Minnesota in 1866, and for a time was engaged on different steamers. For a number of years past has been with Isaac Sta- ples as engineer. Was married at Springfield, Illinois, December 16th, 1843. Has had eleven children, five of whom are now living, Marrietta, John W., Harry E., Benjamin F. and Charles G.

J. W. Johnson, born December 10th, 1850, is a native of Springfield, Illinois. Lived at Spring- field until 1867, attending school most of the time, then came to Stillwater with his parents. Learned the trade of machinist at St. Paul, and in 1873 was engaged as engineer of the city fire- engine. Was married November, 1874, to Eliza Macy, of this city. They have two children, both of whom are living.

Joseph L. Jones was born in Danville, Steuben county, New York, February 4th, 1828. At the age of eight years he lost his father, and shortly afterwards he removed with the family to Portage county, Ohio. Here his mother again married, and lived until 1850. She died while on a visit to some children in Indiana. At the age of fourteen Joseph began the study of music with Professor Machold of Columbus, Ohio, and was with him until twenty-two years old; then taught in the school and graduated in 1852. July 2d, 1861, he enlisted in the band of the Fourth Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged on account of failing eyesight in 1862. Then came to Hudson and remained until 1867, coming to Stillwater with his family in May. Since then he has given his entire attention to vocal and instrumental music, for thirteen years has been organist of St. Michael's church. Married at Painesville, Ohio, Sarah N. Chapman, who died in 1853, and in 1858 he married Mary A. Wright of Chicago.

Fanny E. Jordan, a native of Massachusetts, was born June 10th, 1849. When she was but three years old her parents, Charles O. and Augusta Jordan, went to Maine, and when thir- teen she returned to her native state and attended school six years; then with her mother came to this city in 1869. Two years later she estab- lished a millinery store on Chestnut street and has since been a resident of this city.

John Karst was born in Germany April 17th, 1832. At the age of seventeen he removed to

London, England, and resided there nine years; thence to Canada where he remained eight years. In 1866 he came to Stillwater and has remained here since, at first working as a laborer until he was enabled to start in business for himself. Mr. Karst was married in London in 1854 to Miss Isabella Johnson, of Scotland. They have two sons living, Charles and John J.

Edward W. Kearney, a native of Canada, was born in Montreal January 31st, 1848. At the age of five years he came with his family to Ham- ilton, Minnesota. Came to this city in 1870, and learned his trade with C. M. Hathaway; worked with him until 1874, then purchased an interest with Edward Staples, and has since been a mem- ber of the firm of Staples and Kearney. Mr. Kearney married Miss Susan Gillespie July 10th, 1872. Their children are George A., Mary Olivia and Edna.

James Keefe, born October 22d, 1834, is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Received his education and learned his trade, fresco and sign-painting, at Boston, Massachusetts. After working in many of the larger cities in the country, he settled in 1855 at Hudson, Wisconsin. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Fourth Wiscon- sin Regiment, Company G, as second lieutenant. Received commissions as first lieutenant, cap- tain and major, and was discharged in the spring of 1866. He came to Stillwater in 1871, and has since resided in the city, working at his trade. He married in 1866 Miss Melvina Champlin of Hudson. Horace L., James H., Julia M. and George C. are their children.

Luman T. Kellogg, born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1825, is a son of Luman Kellogg, a native of Connecticut. Remained in Penn- sylvania until 1846, then came west to Chicago, Illinois, next to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and engaged in lumber business until 1857. Was engaged in fur trade in Mankato, Minnesota, from 1857 to 1872. Came then to Stillwater, where he has since resided, traveling for A. O. Bailey, of St. Paul, in fur trade. His family consists of his wife and two children: Willam H. and Lionel D.

Joseph Kelso was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 18th, 1853. At the age of five years removed with his parents to Chicago, and there acquired his trade, plumbing,and education. Came

582

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

to Stillwater in 1873, and until 1877, was with Torinus, the plumber. Then began business on Chestnut street as Kelso and Company, but after one year sold out and commenced on Main street dealing in gas pipes and fittings, pumps, brass goods, etc. Married in Minneapolis, April 12th, 1880, Miss Belle Parsons.

John Kenny, Sr. a native of Ireland, born Oc- tober 17th, 1817. About 1840, he came to Amer- ica with his mother, and the first year was en- gaged in farming in New York. After spend- ing a couple of years more in Brooklyn, he went to Pennsylvania, and for two years worked in the coal mines. Next was engaged firing in the Montorer Iron Works for several years. In 1855 came to this place, and ever since has been in the lumber mills which now belong to Hersey, Bean and Brown. Mr. Kenny, since 1855, has lost but two week's time, and that was caused by illness with lung fever. He has three children living.

F. W. Kern was born in Germany, February, 1851. He came to America in 1863 and settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was engaged in boot and shoe business. Came to this city in 1874 and engaged in his present business, a history of which may be found elsewhere. Married at St. Paul in 1873 to Miss Emma Steinke, who died in 1877, leaving two children. Mr. Kern again married in Minneapolis in May, 1879, Miss Thekla Spiegel.

Reverend Amos A. Kiehle, son of James and Elizabeth Kiehle was born on the 22d of Febru- ary, 1847, in Danville, New York. At the age of seventeen, he began teaching in the Canan- daigua Academy. After teaching two years, he entered the freshman class of Hamilton College, and graduated in 1871. Entered Union Theolog- ical Seminary and graduated in 1874, then came to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was ordained and installed as pastor of the Franklin Avenue Presbyterin church, over which he presided un- til 1878, and since February 15th, 1878, has been a resident of this city, in charge of the Presby- terian church of Stillwater, Mr. Kielile was married on the 13th of May, 1874 to Miss Julia V. Reed, of Livonia, New York. Mrs. Kielile died August 18th, 1878, leaving two children: Bessie M. and Grace J.

Kilty Brothers, Timothy and Patrick, came to

this city with their father, Timothy Kilty in 1858. They began business in 1878 on Fourth street, with a borrowed capital of $200, but soon began to expand, and in a short time they leased their present stand, and in connection with groceries opened a meat-market. In 1880 they started a general commission house on Chestnut street, and there deal in flour, feed and groceries.

John A. Larson, is a native of Norway, born in 1852. Lived with his parents Lars Hanson and Christine IIanson, until 1869, then came to Amer- ica and spent one year in Iowa. In 1871 he came to this city where he has since resided. Is a mem- ber of the firm of Long and Larson, barber-shop, which they bought in 1880. Mr. Larson's mother died while he was an infant; his father lives in Norway.

Orris E. Lee was born in Randolph, New York. His parents removed to Allegany, New York, thence to Cannelton, Indiana, where they re- mained until 1864. They then removed to Corry, Pennsylvania, where Orris finished his education in the high schools, in 1875. He came immedi- ately to this city and entered the law-office of Mc- Cluer and Marsh, read law, and was admitted in 1879. His office is on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets.

Rudolph Lehmicke, a native of Prussia, was born on the 14th day of November, 1823. When fifteen years of age he learned the trade of cabi- net-making, afterwards that of piano and organ- making. Spent several years in traveling over Europe, and three years in the Prussian army. Then came to America in 1849. Went to Pough- keepsie and worked in a piano and organ factory. In 1854 he came to Stillwater. In the fall of 1857 was elected justice of the peace, commenced studying law, and in the April, 1859, term of the district court was admitted to the bar. He opened an office in Holcombe's block, and con- nected an insurance and real estate agency. From 1859 to 1875, he held the office of county auditor. In 1876-8-80, he was elected judge of probate. Has been inspector of the prison, su- perintendent of the public schools, and a mem- ber of the board of education. Is a member of the state board of education. Judge Lehmicke was married in Coldwater, Michigan, to Miss Jennie Tackeberry, who has borne him ten chil- dren, seven of whom are living.

583

CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

Frank H. Lemon, a native of Medina, Ohio, born November 19th, 1853. At the age of twelve years, being left an orphan, was bound out to a farmer, but soon ran away; went to Massillon, and began working for Russell and Company, painting threshing machines. Concluding to learn painting, he worked day-time and took les- sons nights and Sundays; got money enough to- gether to take a trip to England, to complete his trade. After making a trip to the West Indies, came home again, and for a time was master- painter in the Wooster Agricultural Works in Ohio, and at Fairfield, Iowa, in the North-west- ern Carriage Works. For the last five years has been master-painter in Seymour, Sabin and Com- pany's works.

Charles E. Leonard, of Princeton, Minnesota, a native of Worthington, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, was born February 25th, 1810. His father died when the subject of this sketch was but four years of age, and his mother sup- ported herself and two children until 1817, by teaching school. She then married Alpheus Nichols, who removed to Rodman, Jefferson county, New York, which was then a new and sparsely settled country. When fourteen years of age Charles went to live with a widowed sister of his step-father, and aided by her son, who was four years his junior, carried on her farm of one hundred and ten acres until he was twenty-one years of age. The lady then gave him one hun- dred dollars in cash, and sufficient clothing to last three years. He then went to Louisville, New York, and hired to Judge I. W. Bostwick, a law- yer who carried on a large farm, to take charge of it for one hundred and thirty-two dollars per year, out of which he was enabled to save one hundred and ten dollars. Worked for him two years, and then rented the farm, but the expense was so large that he was unable to make any- thing, so gave it up. Next farmed for three years on a place of his own, but finding that he had injured his health by hard labor, gave up farming. He next run a hotel at Depauville, but continuing poor health obliged him to give it up also. Leaving his family with his mother, Mr. Leonard started west, and in 1846 engaged in mercantile pursuits in Hancock county, Illinois. Sent for his family, which arrived in the spring of 1847. Finding the climate still unfavorable

to health, he again started to seek a home.further north. Embarked on the steamer Highland Mary, came to Stillwater, which he found to be a very desirable place, and began to make prepara- tions to stay. Here he opened a store in a build- ing rented of Dr. Carli. In the latter part of December he received a letter from his wife say- ing that their little girl was very sick and not ex- pected to live. Locking up the store, giving the key to Dr. Carli, in the bitter cold winter he started on foot for Illinois. After much suffering arrived where the family was, a few days before the child died, having traveled over three hun- dred miles and sleeping nights on the snow. He then, in the spring of 1848, brought his family to their new home, to find that his property had been almost entirely destroyed by fire in his ab- sence. He then bought a set of carpenter's tools, and went to work at two dollars per day, mean- while building a house for himself, working on it mornings and evenings. In the spring of 1850 he removed to St. Anthony, lived there until 1856 then went to Point Douglas. Lived there until 1880, and removed to Princeton, his present home. Mr. Leonard, as sheriff of St. Croix county, opened in the town of Stillwater, the first court held in Minnesota, Judges Aaron Goodrich and Cooper presiding. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1857, and has held many other offices of honor in the territory and state. Was one of the first to go through to the relief of Fort Ridgely in the famous seige by the Sioux. Married, January 1st, 1835, Miss Catha- rine Sendes, of Louisville, New York. They have had three sons and one daughter. James E. and George Y. are living.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.