History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 103

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 103

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George Miiller, is a native of Pennsylvania, born August 11th, 1853. While yet a child he came to Stillwater, making this place his home since. He attended the graded schools of the city, then assisted his father in his labors until embarking in business for himself as a boat builder.

Phillip Muller, born June 22d, 1826, is a native of Darmstadt, Germany, where he learned the cabinet and carpenter trade. In 1851 he came to America and worked at his trade two years in New York city. He located at Stillwater in 1855, after a brief visit in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Ten years later he embarked in the furniture trade, having previously worked at his trade. Married Miss Elizabeth Berg, a native of Ger- many, in 1851. Eight children have been born to them, seven of whom are living.

J. A. Millett, clerk of the St. Croix Boom Com- pany, is a native of Palmyra, Somerset county, Maine. He came to Stillwater in September, 1857, where he has since been connected with the lumber business. During the year 1866 he began as clerk for the St. Croix Boom Company; his

long continuance in this position is the best evi- dence of his qualifications as a business man and his proficiency.

Michael Moffatt, a native of England, was born January 25th, 1824. When twelve years old, he came alone to America, and began sea life on a merchant vessel. On leaving the sea in 1839, he located on a farm in Chenango county, New York, remaining as a tiller of the soil two years, then learned the blacksmith's trade. Completing his trade in 1845, he came west and spent the time in traveling until his location at Stillwater, 1855. Being for three years in the employ of Isaac Staples and Company, he then engaged in business for himself in the pursuit of his trade, at his present location. He is one of the pioneers and has toiled hard, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. Married at this city, in 1865, to Miss Mary Kelley. Three children have been born to them, Mary A., William E. and Mat- thew H.

B. J. Mosier was born at Macedon, Wayne county New York, January 29th, 1847. Here he lived until seventeen years of age, then enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth New York, as corporal, and served until honor- ably discharged at Elmira. Going thence to Fortress Monroe, he served one year as clerk in a store, afterward to Wayne county, Michigan, for three years. He removed to Ottawa, Illinois, making it his home three years; thence to Still- water, where he has since been in the painting business. Married, in 1870, to Clara Mason. They are the parents of three children, two of whom are living.

O. Mower was born at Glenburn, near Bangor, Maine, March 22d, 1843. He remained at his na- tive place until 1868, then came to Stillwater, and for three years followed the St. Croix river and worked in the lumber mills, at the end of which time he purchased the two lots where his dwelling now stands. Until 1874 his time was mostly employed in teaming and freighting, when he be- gan dealing in ice, and in connection has three freight teams. Miss Eva Rutherford, of Still- water, became his wife in 1872. Gracie A. and Frank L. are their children.

William Muller is a native of Prussia, was born February 6th, 1833. He served his appren- ticeship as mechanic with his father, and when

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fifteen years old was master of his trade. Start- ing for himself he passed the first six years travel- ing through Rhineland, Germany, and in 1854 came to America. Coming to Galena, Illinois, lie remained but a brief time, then embarked on the steamer "War Eagle" for Stillwater. He then footed it to Marine and among early settlers endured the hardships of the pioneer life. Re- turning to Stillwater in 1857 he worked at his trade a short time then began farming, thereby accumulating enough to establish his business as manufacturer of wagons, carriages, etc. In 1858 he was married to Miss Wilhelmina Geneste. Seven children have been born to them, only two of whom are living, Henry and Louis.

James Mulvey was born at Cranbrook, Kent county, England, March 25th, 1836. When thir- teen years old he came to America, and for two and one-half years resided in Chautauqua county, New York. In May, 1853 he located at Still- water, and engaged in lumbering on the St. Croix for ten years. In 1862 he enlisted in company C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving until discharged at Fort Snelling in 1865. On re- turning he resumed his former occupation, in which he has been very successful. In the win- ter of 1880-81 banked over two million feet of logs. Married Miss Miranda Edwards of Still- water, October 26th, 1865. Arthur J., Jesse A., Edna M., and Walter S. are their children.

Hollis R. Murdock, was born at Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, New York, August 15th, 1832. He graduated at Williams college, Massachusetts, in the class of 1854. Coming to Minnesota the next year he soon after settled at Stillwater. January 14th, 1856, he was admitted to the prac- tice of law; was elected judge of probate of Washington county in 1859, serving four terms by re-election; elected to the legislature from the Stillwater district in 1871; has been director and secretary of the Stillwater and St. Paul Railroad · Company since its organization in 1867 and one of the directors of the First National bank since 1873. His wife was Sarah A. Rice, whom he married November 3d, 1857. Mr. Murdock is one of the representative men of Stillwater, and has always taken active part in the advancement of the interests of the city. Ile is among the oldest lawyers in the city, having been in contin- nous practice since 1856.

CHAPTER LXXV.

BIOGRAPHICAL, N TO Z.

John G. Nelson is a native of Sweden, born December 13th, 1840. His father was a smelter of iron in Sweden, and was able to give his children but a limited education. At the age of fourteen, John immigrated to America and came to Knox county, Illinois. In 1856, came to the St. Croix valley and has since been engaged in lumbering. Is partner in the firms of Nelson and Johnson, James S. Anderson, and Company, Nelson, Fol- som and Company, and Long and Nelson, which are among the most enterprising firms of the city. Married Miss Johanna S. Ekman, of Wright county, July 19th, 1868. They have six children: Andrew O., Amanda K., Alice L., Anna M., Olivia S. and John A.

Socrates Nelson, deceased, an early settler of this city, was born in Franklin county, Massa- chusetts, January 11th, 1814. Received his edu- cation in the Academy at Deerfield, taking only a partial course. Then entered mercantile life at Conway. In 1839, he came to Illinois prospect- ing and buying furs, the next year went to St. Louis selling goods and collecting furs until 1844. Then came up the Mississippi to the mouth of the Chippewa, opposite Reed's Landing and located a trading post on the Mississippi. This was known as Nelson's Landing, and was maintained for several years. After coming to this city, he was engaged for about eleven years in mercan- tile business, then went into the lumber business in Baytown, now called South Stillwater, was as- sociated with D. B. Loomis for many years. A large portion of this thriving city is on land pur- chased of the government by Mr. Nelson nearly thirty-seven years ago. IIas held many offices both under the city and state government. He was married on the 23d of October, 1844, at IIennepin, Illinois, to Mrs. Betsey D. Bartlett, of Massachusetts; two daughters were the result of their marriage. May 6th, 1867, Mr, Nelson died in the house which he had built for a store and residence. A few years ago Mrs. Nelson and her son-in-law, Fayette Marsh, built a large and ele- gant residence on the bluff at the south end of the city, and have since resided there.

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CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

Mrs. Socrates Nelson, a native of Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, was born Sep- tember 6th, 1813. Her maiden name was Bertha D. Bartlett. She was reared and educated in the common and select schools of Conway. Married August 23d, 1838, Mr. George R. Bart- lett of her native place and with him moved to Knoxville, Knox county, Illinois, where Mr. Bartlett soon afterward died. Slie then returned to her parents in Massachusetts, and with them returned to Illinois, settling in Hennepin, Henry county, in the spring of 1840. In the fall of 1844 she married Socrates Nelson and came with him to Stillwater. She lived with him until his death in 1867. Since then she has lived with her son-in-law, Fayette Marsh. Her daughter, Mrs. Marsh, died November 26th, 1880. Mrs. Nelson was the first white woman to settle in the St. Croix valley.

Frank B. Netzer was born in New York city in 1854. In 1857 his parents removed to Reed's Landing, Wabasha county, where he grew to manhood, and received his early education. In 1874 he entered the employ of the American Ex- press Company at Reed's Landing, and in 1878 was messenger on the Stillwater and Taylor's Falls railway between this city and St. Paul. In March, 1880, he took charge of the American and United States express offices as agent for the two companies. Mr. Netzer was married November 4th, 1880, at Wabasha, to Miss Hattie, daughter of Henry Buisson, and grand-daughter of the oldest white settler of Wabasha county.

James S. O'Brien is a native of Miramichi, New Brunswick, born October 19th, 1847. The next year his parents removed with their family to Old Town, Maine, where they remained until 1853. They then removed to St. Croix valley, passing the winter at St. Croix Falls, removing the following spring to Stillwater, where they have since lived. James here grew to manhood and acquired an education, and when fifteen years of age began in the logging business for Elam Greeley. During the winter of 1867 he began this business for himself in company with Durant, Hanford and McKusick, the next two seasons with Mr. McPheters. Since that he has lum- bered with James S. Anderson, and his brother John O'Brien. In 1875 James went to Kentucky and brought the famous race horse, "Gol. Ricely,"

which he still owns. In 1879 he was married to Miss Josephine Gilmartin. John E. is their only son.

Edward A. Olson, local minister of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church, is a native of Gut- tenberg, Sweden, born October 7th, 1836. He be- gan sailor's life when nineteen years old, making his first voyage to Boston harbor and five years more were given to sea life under the American flag, a portion of the time being during the civil war. During this time he first experienced a de- sire to know more of the realities of religion and has continued to search after the good and true. In 1863 he came to Chicago and after sailing some time on Lake Michigan he made a visit to his old home in Sweden. Returning, he resumed sailing on the lakes and occupied the position of second mate on the "Great West." In 1876 he came to Minneapolis ; on receiving an appointment at Centre City he removed thence, remaining one year, also one year at Marine. His wife is a faithful worker and established Sabbath schools at these places, being their superintendent; she richly deserves much credit for her energies. In October, 1879, Mr. Olson moved his family to Stillwater and has since given his attention to contracting and building. His wife was Miss Augusta Newlander, married 1875. Sidney E., Hattie A., Charles E. and Arthur E., are their children.

A. J. Orff was born at Levant, Penobscot county, Maine, 1838. He remained at his native town attending school and learning the cooper's trade until eighteen years of age, when he started for the west, arriving at Stillwater in 1855. Here he gave his attention to Inumbering fifteen years, after which he engaged in the livery business in this city, in which he still continues. About the year 1879 he interested himself in farm lands, purchasing near Glyndon, Clay county, Minneso- ta, six hundred and forty acres, four hundred and sixty of which is now under cultivation. In 1860 Mr. Orff and Miss Kilbourn were united in mar- riage. Six years subsequently she died, leaving one daughter, Harriet, now the wife of Amos Boughton. He was married in 1871 to Miss Georgie Cram who departed this life in 1879.

J. O'Shaughnessy, a native of Ireland, was born . June 8th, 1838. When a lad of eleven years, he came to America and learned the trade

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

of shoe-maker in Massachusetts. He came to Stillwater in 1862, and began busienss at once in a small shop with limited means. Owing to the increase in trade, he removed to more commodi- ous quarters in Nelson's block, and later to the St. Croix building. In 1873, his stock was de- stroyed by fire, then he took refuge in a room in Hospes block and continued his trade there until taking posession of his present place of business. Since 1872, he has been agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Married at Milford, Massachusetts, May, 1859, to Miss Mary Milon, They have had eleven children seven now living, all reside at home. .

Peter Otto was born in Germany, 1853, but when a child came with his parents to America. Making their home at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, till 1859, they then moved to Stillwater where Peter grew to manhood, and in the fall of 1870, went to St. Paul. For the space of three years he was in the employ of different firms, and in 1873, in company with George L. Oaks, opened an eating house and news depot, adjoining the St. Paul Minneapolis and Manitoba depot at St. Paul. The firm of Otto and Oaks continued un- til 1877, when Mr. Otto became sole proprietor, he carries the stock of news and fruits for the Manitoba railroad line.

Howard Packard was born at Mount Vernon, Kennebec county, Maine, July 7th, 1825. When eight years old he accompanied his parents to Augusta, where he was reared. On attaining majority he began life for himself, giving his at- tention chiefly to agricultural pursuits till the fall of 1854, when he came to the northern wilds of Minnesota, in what is now the thriving city of Stillwater. Until 1857 he engaged in lumbering on the St. Croix, then took charge of the Wash- ington county poor farm, and during his stay of five years made many improvements; he cleared and broke seventy acres, fenced one hundred, and built a barn and granary. In 1863 he went to Virginia City, Idaho territory, and passed one year in the gold mines, then returned to Leaven- worth, Kansas, and was in the employ of the United States government. He went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, as a commissary, then returned to Leavenworth, and soon after helped to build three government posts, respectively, on the Big Horn, Little Horn and Powder Horn rivers. He

was post scout at Fort Phil. Kearney at the time of the memorable massacre by the Sioux; was then detailed to carry dispatches to Fort Lara- mie. Coming to Omaha, Nebraska, he left the government service and returned to Stillwater, via Hannibal, Missouri, arriving in 1866. His at- tention was given to boarding-house keeping, lumbering and other pursuits, until his appoint- ment as guard of the Minnesota state prison, which position he has since held with the excep- tion of two years, which was occupied as toll col- lector at the Lake St. Croix bridge. His wife was Miss Debora Taylor, of Maine, married April 22d, 1850. Leonora A. Samuel T. and Emma E. are their children.

Napoleon Patwell is a native of Ottawa, Can- ada, horn May 15th, 1843. He is the son of Peter and Josie Patwell, who were natives of Canada, and who removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, when Napoleon was three months old. Here he lived until 1865, then removed to Stillwater, and for eight years was engaged in the lath-mill of Her- sey, Bean and Brown, and has since kept a con- fectionery store. His present location is on Second street, where he keeps a large stock of fruits, cigars, etc. His marriage with Miss An- gelina A. Edwards, of Stillwater, took place June 6th, 1867. Almira, Bertien H., Ella M., Stella and Ruth are their children.

James Pennington, Jr., was born near Fred- erickton, New Brunswick, July 17th. 1839. His parents, James and Mary A. Pennington, moved with their family in 1840 to Aroostook county, Maine, where James grew to manhood. In 1854 he came west to Stillwater, and decided to make this his home. For five years he and his father were lumbering on the St. Croix river, and in 1861 Mr. Pennington purchased a farm of two hundred acres in Afton township, and for four summers engaged in agriculture, the winter seasons being passed in the lumber regions. During later years he has given his entire atten- tion to cutting and rafting logs, and for some time has been identified with the enterprising lumbermen of the valley. He has been twice married; his present wife was Miss Carrie Denton of Stillwater whom he married in 1871. Lillian D. is their only living child.

Edward Perrelle was born on the Island of Jersey, May 11th, 1848. At the age of fifteen

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CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

years he began a seafaring life as fireman on steamships and tug-boats, and when twenty-one years old went to Toronto, Canada, and took charge of the engine of the Royal Dominion mills. Owing to its changing owners, he was relieved and went to Cobourg, Ontario, as engi- neer in the woolen mills. Thence to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Taylor's plaster-mills, and in April, 1880, came to Stillwater as engineer in Townshend and Company's flouring-mills, where he is at present located. His engine-room is a model of neatness and beauty, and shows to a good advantage the skill of a practical engineer. Mr. Perrelle is unmarried.

N. W. Peterson was born in the province of Skane, near Christianstad, Sweden, October 1st, 1847. Here he passed his childhood and received an education, coming to America in 1868. His first winter was passed at Centre City, Chisago county, Minnesota, but during the following spring he came to Stillwater. Nearly two years were passed in the employ of John McKusick, and in 1872 he engaged at the Sawyer house as porter, where he has since remained. December 26th, 1880, he married Miss Minnie Hanson, who is a native of Sweden.

Jesse Phillips was born at Farmington, Michi- gan, May 27th, 1844. When he was three years old his parents removed to Baraboo, Wisconsin, remaining seven years; thence to Houston coun- ty, Minnesota, near the village of Hokah. When thirteen years of age, Jesse went to Milwaukee and there learned the mill-wright's trade; after five years apprenticeship, remained as a work- man two years. He then visited a number of cities in Missouri, Louisiana, Kentucky and Ten- nessee, and in 1868 came to Minneapolis, Minne- sota. Two years later he located at Stillwater, where he has since made his home, working at his trade in this city and vicinity. His marriage with Miss Eva Giddis took place March 1st, 1874. John J., Ella G. and Eva are their children.

Henry C. Pierce was born at East Machias, Washington county, Maine, April 17th, 1847. He lived with his parents until reaching manhood, then in 1868, came to Michigan and engaged in the mercantile business two years, and came to Stillwater in 1870, giving his attention for four years to lumbering. Warden Jackman then ap- pointed him guard of Minnesota state prison, 38

which position he has since held with credit. He and Miss Mattie M. Orr were united in marriage in 1863. Charles E. and Mattie E. are their chil- dren, living. Frederick H. died.

Phillip Potts was born May 2d, 1839, and is a native of Prussia. His early life was passed in his native town, and in 1855, accompanied by his brother Fred, came across the Atlantic to America and located at Stillwater, and soon after began clerking for his brother, Robert, in the hardware trade. Subsequently he began steam- boating on the St. Croix and Mississippi, follow- ing it until he enlisted June 3d, 1861, in Company D, Second Minnesota. At the battle of Chick- amauga he received a scalp wound and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, June 10th, 1864. Hereturned to Minnesota, and after a brief time at St. Paul, went to Memphis, Tennessee, and was in the confectionery trade eight months. He was then located at Owaton- na, Minnesota, three years: Returning to Still- water, until 1875 he was in the general merchan- dise trade, and has since been in the wholesale liquor trade. In 1865 he married Philomena De Ceprez, who has borne him five children, three of whom are living.

John S. Proctor was born at Cavendish, Ver- mont, February 26th, 1826. His father died in 1837, leaving five daughters and two sons. At the age of eleven years, he began work on a farm, which employment he continued during sum- mer months till he arrived at the age of seventeen, attending the district schools one term each win- ter. After teaching school two winters, he com- menced the mercantile life. Coming to St. Louis, Missiouri, in 1846, he remained three years, em- ployed in a wholesale dry-goods establishment. He came to Minnesota in 1849, was elected reg- ister of deeds at first election of Washington county, and held the office two terms, being at the same time, post-master. In 1852, he engaged in the general merchandise business and con- tinued with the firm of Short, Proctor and Com- pany until 1856, then opened a hardware store in company with his brother, the firm name being Proctor Brothers, this firm closed their business in 1860. During that year, he was appointed warden of the Minnesota state prison, which po- sition he occupied eight years, during the time was also secretary and treasurer of the St. Croix

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Boom Company, filling the position until Decem -. ber, 1880. He was chosen mayor of the city in 1878-'79-'80, and received the appointment of surveyor general of logs and lumber of the first district, from Governor Pillsbury, which term commenced April, 1881. Mr. Proctor was mar- ried in 1854 to Caroline M. Lockwood: Levi C. is their only son.

John Quinlan was born at Brooklyn, New York, January 20th, 1859. He removed to Still- water while yet a child, with his parents, and here learned the trade of plumber, gas and steam fit- ter, he is also dealer in gas pipe fittings, brass fixtures, pumps, etc. His building is located on Chestnut street, is 14x30 feet, affording employ- ment to three mechanics.

John Rahr, a native of Denmark, was born in August, 1854. Coming to America in 1873, he passed the first summer at Sparta, Wisconsin, and during the fall of the same year came to Still- water and followed lumbering two years, then en- gaged with S. S. Denton in the livery business. He remained in this occupation until he, in com- pany with Paul Hanson, began his present business. Married at Hudson, Wisconsin, June 21st, 1880, to Miss Christinia Mattson, who departed this life October 13th, of the same year.

Frank M. Raiter was born February 14th, 1842, and is a native of Sweden. He learned the tai- lor's trade in his native country, and in 1864 came to America, locating at Stillwater. For six years he was employed as cook on the river, then erected the Wexio hotel, which he still owns. He, however, still retains the sample-rooms in connection with the hotel. Married at Marine, Washington county, September 16th, 1870, to Miss Eliza Hawkinson. They have had two children. Hattie is the only surviving one.

John A. Reed was born at Grafton, New Hampshire, December 25th, 1831. In conse- quence of the death of his father, at the age of seven years he went to live with his grandfather in Merrimack county, and engaged in agricul- ture until attaining majority. His education was acquired at the Andover Academy, after which he taught school. In 1854 he removed to Clay- ton county, Iowa, where he was engaged in teach- ing winters and tilling the soil during the sum- mer seasons. Four years later he located on a farm in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, remain-

ing until enlisting in 1861, in Company I, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, afterward detached and known as Company B, Brackett's Battallion Minnesota Cavalry; was mustered out as captain in June, 1866. Returning to Blue Earth county he was elected to the legislature, and by re-election, served three successive years. July 16th, 1874, he was appointed warden of the Minnesota state prison, which position he still occupies. His wife was Rachel France, married in 1856. Their children, living, are, W. C., Clara L., Willie and Belle.

Captain Samuel M. Register was born in the vicinity of Dover, Delaware, 1827. There he grew to manhood on a farm. His parents Fran- cis and Mary Register, are of French descent, their ancestors having settled in Delaware about the time of the revolutionary war. Captain Reg- ister came to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1850, on board the steamer, "Highland Mary No. 2," com- manded by Captain Atchison, which landed April 20th. The next day he took stage for Stillwater: the coach being a heavy lumber wagon, and the roads being almost impassable, the captain con- sequently received a thorough jolting. Since his first arrival at this city it has been his home. He has been prominently identified with the early lumberman of the St. Croix valley, and has also dealt quite extensively in pine lands. In 1852, he was pilot on the river, the rafting at that early day being done by anchor and line. In 1871 he began running the steamer, "Helen Marr," in which he owned one-third interest; this boat he run as captain five or six years. Since then he he has run boats for Isaac Staples as captain .. His thorough knowledge of the river renders him very prominent in his profession, and an active man in navigation. He was a member of the ter- ritorial legislature, 1854-55, and in the early days of the city was a member of the council several terms. His marriage with Miss Minerva Mc- Causlin, of Stillwater, took place in 1856. They have five children living, Emma, Frank, Charles, Samuel and George.

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