History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 104

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 104

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E. Rhiner, a native of Switzerland, was born February 15th, 1819, and lived with his parents until twelve years old. He then engaged in freighting in different parts of his native country until 1853, then came to America, and during the same year landed in Stillwater. For three sea-

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sons he was employed as a lumberman for Isaac Staples, also two years more for himself. He then dealt in horses in this city with much suc- cess until 1863, when he established his present business. Mr. Rhiner has been twice married, his present wife was Miss Verene White, married in 1860. Kate, Emma, Anna, Alice, Rosa, Susie and Frederick, are the children.

Charles H. Rhoads is a native of Kentucky, born June 5th, 1828. While yet a small child his parents removed with him to Illinois. When Charles was a lad of ten years they moved to a point about nine miles north of St. Louis, named Rhoad's Point in honor of this family being its first settlers. Here he began river life, his father being a pilot, and soon acquired a thorough know- ledge of the river; was first made engineer, then mate and has since been pilot. His first steamer was "Walk-in-the-Water," on the Illinois river. In 1852 he came to the St. Croix valley, where he began as pilot from Stillwater to St. Louis. Being one of the first pilots in this region his thorough knowledge of the river ranks him in the first class; he is one of the oldest pilots now living in this city. Miss Anna E. Scobee was made his wife April 7th, 1859, at St. Louis. January, Jesse, Fanny, Charles H., James C., George S. and Charlotte B. are their children.

James C. Rhodes, M. D. was born at Bridge- water, New York, June 24th, 1824. He prepared for college at Clinton, but left Hamilton college in the junior year; after a brief respite from studies began reading law at Pulaski, Oswego county, he however soon abandoned it, preferring the study of medicine. He read medicine with Dr. Hiram Murdock of that place, and attended lectures at Geneva medical college, receiving his diploma in 1847; practiced six or seven years in Jefferson county, about three years in Oswego and Brockport, being also proprietor of a drug store at these places. In 1857 the doctor settled in Stillwater and here practiced twenty-one years steadily, except while in military service. In 1862 he enlisted as private in the Seventh Minne- sota Infantry, three months later was made as- sistant surgeon of the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers; in the south he was contract surgeon in the field. During the fall of 1864 he was dis- abled by sickness but on recovery was appointed assistant surgeon of the First Minnesota Heavy

Artillery; was mustered out of service during the autumn of 1865. Dr. Rhodes has been county commissioner, coroner, member of the city coun- cil, health officer of the city, and for the past nine years a member and clerk of the school board, also gives much time to the pursuit of his profes- sion. Miss Esther K. Murdock became his wife in May, 1848. Of their four children, three are living, Frances E., Marion L. and James C., Jr.

Seward P. Richardson, a resident of Stillwater, was born at Bangor, Maine, February 18th, 1844. Here he acquired a practical education and learned the trade of mill-wright. Enlisting in the First Maine Heavy Artillery in 1864, he served until the close of hostilities and returned home in the fall of 1865. He engaged in mercantile business till 1871, then came west to Stillwater and entered the employ of Torinus, Staples and Company in their hardware and general store, remaining about four years. He then engaged with his present firm as assistant book-keeper, and is now cashier and book-keeper. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Bent, of Bangor, took place at Bos- ton, Massachusetts, May 16th, 1869. Their only son is Harry B.

William H. Richardson was born at Bangor, Maine, December 29th, 1846, where he lived until 1868, the last three years of the time being em- ployed in a wholesale drug house. During the spring of that year he came to Stillwater and be- gan clerking for the St. Croix Boom Company, where he continued two years, then two years in a store. For two years longer, he was steam- boating on the St. Croix, then book-keeper for Isaac Staples the same length of time. Finally in November, 1878, he was appointed deputy county treasurer which office he still holds. His grand-father Marcus Richardson, of Bangor, Maine, died in 1831, at the age of one hundred years and two and one-half months and was sup- posed to be the oldest Freemason in the world. Mr. Richardson and Miss Mary Mower of this county were married in 1873. Two children have been born to them, both living.

Dr. F. L. Roberts was born at Ludlow, Ver- mont, March 4th, 1854. When ten years old, he with his mother and sister came to Alton, Illi- nois, his father having preceded them one year and opened dental rooms. During the same fall they removed to Madison, Wisconsin, returning

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to Alton two years later, which place has since been the parental home. Mr. Roberts had the very best advantages, studying his profession with his father, and in 1874 opened, dental rooms at Virden, Illinois, practicing until 1876, then went home to enter into partnership with his father. In consequence of declining health, he remained only three years, then came to Stillwa- ter with the intention of returning as soon as his health would permit. He however was prevailed upon by friends to locate in Stillwater, which he did in 1880. Finding his health rapidly improv- ing and being delighted with the country and climate, he opened a dental office, and intends making this his future home.

John F. Roney is a native of Frederickton, New Brunswick, born June 14th, 1847. While yet a babe his parents removed to Fort Kent, Maine, where John grew to manhood. When eight years old he began attending school, but as years passed on he was obliged to confine his at- tendance at school to the winter months, and as- sisted his father during the summer. He soon acquired a thorough knowledge of his father's trade, that of contractor and builder. In 1866 he in company with his father and uncle, came to Minnesota, arriving at Stillwater July 24th. Engaging with Seymour, Sabin and Company, he assumed charge of the coopering department, and the next three years occupied the same posi- tion in the carpenter shop assisting in putting up the first threshing machine. After about one and one-half years in the employ of others, he returned to this firm and is now foreman in the setting-up shop, having full charge of that de- partment. His wife was Melinda Goodine, mar- ried in 1866. Ida C., William A., Josephine M. and Margie are their children.

James Root was born at Albany, New York, November 3d, 1843. At the age of fourteen he began the railroad business as brakesman; four years were passed on the Hudson River railroad, then about one year on the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana railroad. In 1863 he en- listed as a minute man in defense of Indiana against "Morgan's Raid," thence to Cincinnati on the same mission, but was soon after mustered out. He then ran on the Louisville and Nash- ville railroad as engineer, then to Chattanooga, and ran the engine for hospital trains. Coming

to Stillwater in 1866, he was second engineer in the mills of John Atley about one year, then on the steamer "Tiger" made two trips from Still- water to Lake Pepin. In 1868 he went to Duluth and has since been engineer for the St. Paul and Duluth railroad. Miss Ellen M. Fox, of Still- water, became his wife December 25th, 1869. They have one bright-eyed boy, Edward J.

Dwight M. Sabin was born at Marseilles, La Salle county, Illinois, April 25th, 1843. His father was an extensive land-owner and stock- raiser, but subject to continued turns of ill health, which at eleven years of age threw the entire management of affairs on the oldest son, Dwight.

This continuance of ill health induced the family to remove to Connecticut in 1856, for the purpose of being near the seaside, and at the age of thirteen young Sabin, was placed at school in a New England village and continued there for two years, when his parents settled again on the old farm in Killingly, Connecticut, where they resided until the death of the father in 1864. In the meantime Dwight's youthful aspirations of fitting for the legal profession received its check in the continued ill health of his father, necessi- tating his close attention at home in the care of the farming, wood and lumbering operations con- nected with one of the large, heavily-timbered old New England farms, so that his schooling consisted of four or five months winter attend- ance on one of the country schools in the "old red school-house at the four corners," the summer time being devoted to farm-work and continu- ance of studying the common branches as oppor- tunity afforded, his preference being historical works and mathematics, working through a full course of the latter studies.

After the death of his father, the subject of this sketch removed, in 1867, with his mother and younger brother, to this state, settling the following year at Stillwater and forming the present firm of Seymour, Sabin and Company. Since Mr. Sabin's residence in this state, bis ca- reer is so familiar as to need but little comment. The mammoth corporation of which he is presi- dent and treasurer, manufacturing more thresh- ing machines than any other concern in the world, has been built up under his management and speaks for itself. His enterprise is also strikingly illustrated in his connection with the extensive

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lumber concern of C. N. Nelson and Company, one of the largest in the country, as also the milling and elevator interests of Stillwater, and the presidency of the Duluth Iron Company. Success has attended in a remarkable degree all his enterprises, which is the strongest evidence of financial and business ability that can be offered.

In the political world Mr. Sabin has borne a conspicuous part. Has served two terms in each branch of the state legislature, occupying some of the most important chairmanships on com- mittees. Is also at present member of the na- tional republican committee for Minnesota, and has been a delegate to each of the national re- publican conventions for the last sixteen years.

L. Sargent, a native of New Hampshire, was born February 6th, 1837. While yet a child his parents removed with their family to Haverhill, Massachusetts. At the age of twelve years Lon- drus went to Lowell and served an apprentice- ship of three years in James Hart and Com- pany's sash, door and blind factory, and after- ward spent two years more as a journeyman. In 1855, he began a sailor's life, going first on board a whaling vessel as ship carpenter, bound on a whaling voyage to the South Pacific. After a service of twenty-one months, he left her at the Caroline Isles, remaining there among the sav- ages four months, then joined the barque Rose Poole as carpenter and harpooner, remaining un- til her return in May, 1860. He then became sec- ond mate of the barque Norman, which during the entire civil war was cruising along the shores of Chili and Peru; she returned to New Bedford and Mr. Sargent here abandoned her and sea life. He resumed his former occupation, and in 1868, went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he spent four years at his trade. Coming to Stillwater at that time he entered the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company, and has since held the position of su- perintendent of their sash, door and blind, job- bing department, with credit to himself and the company. His marriage with Miss Emma Ham- mond took place in 1867: Bertha W., Edith R., Francis H. and Alfred B. are their children.

William Schermuly was born in Germany, in 1836. The place was formerly a fortress and at the well preserved old castle, which had been converted into a school building, he attended

school till the age of fourteen years, then com- menced the study of music at the gymnasium at Weilburg. He played with a band some time and traveled with a circus through England. In 1852, he immigrated to America, located at Evans- ville, Indiana, where he learned the baker's trade. Coming to Stillwater in 1860, he engaged with Mr. F. Schulenburg to take charge of his board- ing house which he kept two years, then went into the pineries as cook. In 1876, he, with Prof. W. P. Schilling, began printing the St. Croix Post in German. Three years later Julius H. Duel purchased Mr. Schilling's interest, the firm name now being Duel and Schermuly. Maria E. Berg became his wife in 1856, and has borne him ten children: Ernest, August, Emma, Annie, Minnie, Lurie, Maria, Willie, Albert and Geo. W.

William P. Schilling, professor of vocal and instrumental music, was born June 28th, 1849, in Germany. When a lad of twelve years, he be- gan the study of music and two years later went to Montabaur, to receive private instruction on the piano, organ and violin from Prof. Kalten- bach, remaining two years preparatory to enter- ing the Musical Academy. After passing an ex- amination, he entered the Academy from which he graduated in all branches of music after a course of three years. Soon after, he was ap- pointed by the government as organist and vocal instructor. In 1870, he came to America, com- ing to Stillwater the next year. He organized the Germania orchestra, the Schilling juvenille string band, which consists of seven instruments, also the Stillwater Maennerchor, of which he is leader. Mr. Schilling has given his undivided attention to music all these years and is a com- petent teacher; was elected leader of the Stillwa- ter Cornet Band, August, 1880.

Joseph Schupp is a native of Baden, Germany, born March 7th, 1831. On reaching man's es- tate, he came to America and located at Buffalo, New York, removing thence to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was clerk in a hardware store one year, then went to Toledo. Here he weighed grain in an elevator until coming to Stillwater in 1858, and embarked in the dry-goods and grocery business, opposite the present new opera house, with a $400 stock of goods. Owing to the increase in trade, he purchased the lot and erected his present building, and is now doing an exclusive cash

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business of sixty thousand dollars annually. His wife was Magdalena Fuller, a native of Switzer- land, married at Toledo, Ohio, 1855. Five chil- dren have been born to them, four of whom are living.

Nicholas F. Schwarz was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, October 1st, 1842. He was there educated and learned the shoemaker's trade, then made a tour through Pennsylvania, Ohio and In- diana; after engaging in business at different places, he proceeded to Stillwater, via St. Louis, reaching here in 1871. For two years he worked as a journeyman, then began business for himself in a small, frame building on lower Main street. In 1876 removed to his present location and em- ploys four men in the manufacture of boots and. shoes. His marriage with Miss Caroline Otto, oc- curred October 29th, 1876. Two children have been born to them, Lena and Nicholas J. C.

Walter Scott was born at Montpelier, Vermont, April 8th, 1852. Coming west to St. Anthony, Minnesota, he here attended the public schools, subsequently learned the machinists' trade at the Minnesota Iron Works of Minneapolis. In April, 1876, he removed to Stillwater and has since been in the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company, being at present foreman in their machine shops. His wife was Miss Sturtevant, who has borne him three children.

Rev. Jacob Siegrist, pastor of the German Lu- theran church of Stillwater, was born in Germany, October 12th, 1846. From six years of age to fourteen he attended the public schools, then be- gan his studies at Kloster, Maulbronn, remaining four years. He then went to Basil, Sweden, and spent five years in the study of theology at the St. Christiana college. In 1869 he came to America, stopped a brief time at St. Paul, Min- nesota, and was then called to St. John's church, Washington county, where he began his duties as pastor of that congregation also that of Stillwater. In April, 1873, he gave to other hands the work of the St. John's and has since presided over the church in this city. Reverend Siegrist was mar- ried at St. Paul, in 1870, to Miss Ottilie Ebert, of Prussia. Three children have been born to them, two of whom survive.

Paul Selb, born June 3d, 1831, at Baden, Ger- many. Coming to America in 1851, he made his home at St. Louis, one year, in Iowa four years,

and in 1856 removed to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he was a lumberman until enlisting. He entered company C, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, served four months in the ambulance corps, twen- ty-two months as wagon master, and was honora- bly discharged in 1864. Returning to Eau Claire, he continued lumbering one year, then in the liquor trade till 1869, afterwards was proprietor of a brick yard till 1876. After engaging in the hotel business three years at Menomonee, Wis- consin, he located at Stillwater, where he is now manager of the Lake Side hotel, having in con- nection a boarding and livery stable. Married June 8th, 1865, to Miss Johanna Miller. Her- man, Amelia, Rosa, Julius. Annie and Freddie, are their children living; Robert and Louisa died.

George Sencerbox was born at Warsaw, Han- cock county, Illinois, July 3d, 1853. His father, J. W. Sencerbox, made several visits to Minne- sota as captain of the steamer John B. Gordon, one well known on the waters of the Mississippi at an early day. His son George came to Shak- opee in 1860 and during youth attended the pub- lic schools of that place. On leaving school he took charge of a livery barn three years, then was in the employ of the St. Paul and Sioux City rail- road company as locomotive fireman, and in 1875 came to Stillwater. The same year he was ap- pointed guard of the Minnesota state prison, and for six years has held that position. Married Miss Lillie M. Lumbard, of Shakopee, in 1873. They have two children, Anna May and George B.

V. C. Seward was born July 10th, 1845, at Laketon, Wabash county, Indiana. When ten years old he accompanied his parents to Man- kato, Minnesota, and served an apprenticeship in the office of the Mankato Independent, which paper was founded in 1857. Entering the West- ern Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio, in 1866, he was obliged to leave during sophomore year, in consequence of ill-health. Accepting a posi- tion as news editor of the Cleveland, Ohio, Lead- er, he remained only a few months, then resigned and returned to Minnesota. In September, 1869, he founded the Redwood Falls Mail, and four years subsequently came to Stillwater, having purchased the Messenger, in company with Pro- fessor S. S. Taylor, of St. Paul. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Putnam, of St. Paul, married in 1869. They are the parents of one child.

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G. M. Seymour is a native of Onondaga county, New York, born March 26th, 1829. He passed his early life on a farın, and in 1845 commenced learning the carpenter's trade. Four years later he engaged in the manufacture of lumber and staves, and soon after in the manufacture of salt, in what is now a part of Syracuse, continuing for five years. In 1855 he again engaged as architect and builder; three years later came to Stillwater, still following his trade. In 1861 was awarded the prison contract, and engaged in making coop- erage. In 1863 he took as partner W. Webster, and continued three years, when Mr. W. Willim became a partner, the firm name being Seymour, Webster and Company, until the expiration of the contract, which was in 1869. The same year a new copartnership was formed under the title of Seymour, Sabin and Company; and was incor- porated in 1874 with the title of "The Manufac- turing Corporation of Seymour, Sabin and Com- pany," with Dwight M. Sabin president, and G. M. Seymour vice-president. Mr. Seymour has held the office of sheriff of this county two years, and has been for eight years past member of the city council. During the late war he was provost marshal three years. He has an interest in sev- eral silver mines in Leadville, which occupy much of his time. Miss Anna B. Kingsley became his wife in 1851. Frank A., their only son, is now cashier of the First National bank of Stillwater. Marian O., their only daughter, graduated with high honors in 1880 from Mount Holyoke Semi- nary.

Mathew Shortall, a resident of Stillwater, was born in New Brunswick, June 2d, 1846. On reaching manhood he came to Stillwater and gave his attention to lumbering, to which he devoted his time until appointed on the police force in 1871. Two years later he received the appoint- ment of chief which position he still holds. Married in 1869 to Miss Ellen Organ who died in 1874, leaving two children to mourn their loss. Mr. Shortall re-married in 1877 to Mary Kenny who has borne him three sons, two of whom are living.

A. G. Shuttinger was born in Madison county, Illinois, September 12th, 1858. He fin- ished his education at the Central Wesleyan college of Missouri after which he returned home and for five years was clerk in a hardware store.

He then removed to Hastings, Minnesota, and clerked in a clothing-store a short time, thence to Stillwater, June 10th, 1878, landing in the city penniless. Possessing an ambitious nature he at once sought a situation which he gained with Seymour, Sabin and Company at one dollar per day. Subsequently he entered the store of Louis Albenburg, as clerk, where he remained until he accumulated enough to begin business for himself in 1880. His marriage with Miss H. L. Tracy, of this city, occurred November 6th, 1880.

Harry Simmons, blacksmith, is a native of England, born November 28th, 1855. He learned his trade in his native country, and in 1873, came to America. During the spring of 1877, he be- gan business at his present location, at Stillwater, the following year taking as partner, Mr. Grant, the firm name being Simmons and Grant. Both being practical workmen, they do a good business in that line. In 1879, Mr. Simmons in company with H. Jassoy opened a harness shop with a capital of $500; employing at present four men, his business having increased to a capital of $2,000.

S. Simonet, a native of Switzerland, was born September 20th, 1833. Learned the carpenter's trade in the land of his nativity, and in 1857, came to America, locating at Stillwater. After a brief visit, he removed to St. Peter, Minnesota, there engaging in the pursuit of his trade till 1866. He remained one year in St. Paul, then re- turned to Stillwater and began business with P. Muller as furniture and cabinet makers. In 1868, his partner withdrew,since which time Mr.Simonet has continued alone, making several additions to his building, and now carries a large assortment. Miss Caroline Carpetz became his wife in June, 1859, at St. Peter. Ten children have been born to them, six of whom are living.

James H. Sinclair was born at Racine, Wiscon- sin, and at the age of seventeen years, he began the machinist's trade at that place, serving an apprenticeship of five years. . Subsequently he established a sash, door and blind factory, also a planing mill in Chicago, which he sold in 1873, but continued in the same business for some time in the employ of Rickets and Mavor. Going thence to Dallas, Texas, he remained two years in the employ of Witt and Stair. In 1878, came

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to Stillwater having held the position of superin- tendent of the soft wood department of Seymour, Sabin and Company's thresher building. His wife was Miss Emma A. Stearns, married in 1872. Harry is their only child.

John Smith is a native of Prussia, born in the Rhine district of Trier. When he was eight years old his parents came with their family to America, living six years, at Buffalo, New York, then removed to Racine, Wisconsin. Here for thirteen years John run threshing machines in that vicinity, during the time giving much thought to the invention of a more perfect thresher. Accordingly in 1870, he began the model of what is now one of the most complete and least complicated machines in existence, the Pride of the West, this masterpiece he completed in March, 1871. This well-known thresher is now quite extensively built by the McDonald and Company of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Mr. Smith also invented a horse plow called the John Smith horse plow, receiving a patent in November, 1875. Two years later he came to Stillwater and en- gaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company as foreman of the horse-power building department, having since made several improvement on their different powers. Miss Katherine Johanas be- came his wife in 1863: Margaret, John, Nicholas and Mary, are their children.

William H. Smithson was born at Hawkesbury, Ontario, March 4th, 1844. His father being a farmer he assisted him in his labors on the farm in summer, attending school during winter. The school-house was of logs and presided over by a pedagogue, who believed more in the efficiency of birch than books, as a propagator of knowledge. William's advantages for gaining knowledge, were therefore limited, both as to time and instruction. Owing to a severe strain, caused by heavy lifting, when sixteen years of age, he was afflicted with hemorrhage of the lungs, which continued at in- tervals for a number of years, unfitting him for manual labor. In 1865 he came to Stillwater; bis health being greatly improved he engaged in the occupation of a lumberman till 1874, when he ap- plied for, and secured the position of guard, at the Minnesota state prison, remaining in that posi- tion two years. By the resignation of the ste- ward he was appointed to fill the vacancy, where he still remains. Mr. Smithson has been twice

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