USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 76
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Francis W. Fiske, eldest son of David H., and Almira Fiske, was born at Boston, Massachu- setts, March 1st, 1827. He came west with his parents, and while living at Galena, Illinois, made several excursions up the Mississippi, visit- ing Fort Snelling, the trading hamlet of Mendota, and visited Stillwater as early as 1844. He sub- sequently spent a few years in lead mining in Wisconsin, and returning to Minnesota, settled permanently at Baytown, in 1848, where he 110W lives on his farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- pany C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the Indian campaign, under General Sibley, at the close of which the com- mand was ordered south, and joined the army of the Tennessee. IIe served until the close of the war, and was in many important engagements. His wife was Mrs. Ellen Jarvis, to whom he was married in 1867. Mrs. Fiske has one daughter, Ida, by her first marriage.
Michael Fortin was born April 12th, 1836, at Ottawa, Canada. At an early age he left the parental roof, and began learning engineering on the lakes, and continued in it three years. He then stopped at Detroit two years, and while there, dredged the foot of Woodward avenue, using the first steam dredge operated in that city. In 1853, he came to Stillwater, and has since made his home on his farm in Baytown. As an inventor he has taken out letters patent on a steam road wagon and traction engine combined, issued April, 1878. It is a most ingenious affair, and can readily be transferred to runners and used in snow. Mr. Fortin attended the first ter- ritorial fair, held at Fort Snelling, and has attended every state fair since. He acted as scout at the time of the Indian scare, taking an active part. In 1879, he married Miss Mary Al- verson of Baytown.
Edward C. Gamm was born in Germany, Au- gust 24th, 1844. He learned a trade in the city of Hamburg. He came to the United States in 1865, living five years in the city of New York, in the piano trade. He then located on Long Island, and entered a factory, working at scroll sawing and turning, until ill health compelled him to seek the more salubrious climate of Min- nesota. Becoming a resident of Stillwater in 1875, he engaged with Seymour, Sabin and Com- pany, for one year, then entered the service of the St. Croix Lumber Company, and since May, 1878, has assumed control of their factory, as foreman. Mr. Gamm is expert in his trade, and energetic in the performance of his duties. He was mar- ried in New York city, in 1869, to Miss Emily Huhnke. Charles, Emma, and Edward are their children.
Lemuel C. Garrison was born in New Jersey, March 27tl1, 1839. He remained with his parents until the age of sixteen, and received a practical school education. At that age he started for the great west alone, and "paddled his canoe" as far as the Wisconsin river. Here he at once boarded a steamboat, and began to learn piloting. At the end of four years he made a visit to the old home of his parents, then came directly to Stillwater, reaching here in 1860. Since then be has navi- gated the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, both piloting and commanding. IIe is also a practica artisan, having passed three years in machine
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shops at St. Louis, and often looks after all the details of the engine-room himself. He married, in 1872, Miss Mary E. Hiles, of Louisiana. They have one child, Julius T.
Alexander C. Goltz is a native of Russia, born August 3d, 1861. He came to the United States with his cousin, in 1875. He has since made Stillwater his home, except a brief stay at Yank- ton, Dakota territory. He was in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company three years, and is now a student of the Afton academy, from which he proposes to graduate. Mr. Goltz is a nephew of L. E. Torinus, and is a young man of intelligence and good promise.
William E. Gove was born at Ripton, Addison county, Vermont, October 18th, 1841. Here he passed his youth, being chiefly engaged in farm- ing. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Four- teenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and served in the army of the Potomac, until expiration of term of service, when he was honorably dis- charged. Returning home he engaged in lum- bering, which has been his business since. He removed to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1867, where he resided until coming to Stillwater in 1878, at which time he accepted the position of foreman of sash, door and blind factory of the St. Croix Lumber Company. He married at Fond du Lac, December 17th, 1873, Miss Ada Beer. Their children are, Charles W., Carrie W. and Georgia.
John Gowan is a native of New Brunswick, born November 3d, 1830. At the age of twenty he crossed over to the states, coming direct to Minnesota, and reached Stillwater in 1850. Six years later he purchased and settled on his pres- ent farm in Baytown. From 1850 to 1865 he was engaged in logging on the St. Croix and tribu- taries. During this time he cut and floated many millions feet of logs down the St. Croix. Mr. Gowan was married to Miss Hannah Curtis. They have twelve children. The eldest, Marga- ret A., is wife of Eugene O'Neil.
Frederick Gramenz was born in Prussia, Oc- tober 2d, 1838. Here he was reared by his par- ents and received his education. Crossing to America in 1868, he stopped one year in Milwau- kee, thence to Stillwater. After spending one season on the river he engaged with Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, two years, after
which he located at his present home in South Stillwater. He at once entered the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company, with which corpora- tion he has since remained a trusted and valued employe. His marriage with Miss Augusta Beutsche, of Stillwater, a native of Prussia, oc- curred April 22d, 1878. They have one child, Clara.
Charles Gray was born in Franklin county, New York, April 2d, 1817, at a place originally known as "French Mills," which after the war of 1812, was changed to Fort Collington, in honor of Gen. Collington, who was killed in an engagement at that point, with the British forces. When six- teen years of age Mr. Gray moved with his par- ents to St. Lawrence county, where he remained until twenty years old. In 1836, he came to Michi- gan, and after remaining two years returned to his parents' home. In 1846, he again came west, and settled at Diamond Lake, Illinois, and in 1855, came to Minnesota, locating at Stillwater the same fall. Passing the winter in the pineries, the next spring he went to Baytown and worked for Socrates Nelson, in the first mill con- structed at that place. August 13th, 1862, he en- listed in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volun- teer Infantry, and served through the Indian campaign under General Sibley. On account of a serious disease of the eyes and temporary blind- ness, he was honorably discharged in 1864. He is now in charge of the St. Croix Lumber Com- pany's stables, having the entire confidence of his employers. Mr. Gray has been twice married. His first wife, Mary M. Soper, died in 1848; his present wife was Miss Mary Gilder, whom he married in 1853. They have five sons and four daughters.
Michael Huhnke was born in Germany, De- cember 25th, 1838. He learned the trade of car- penter, in the land of his nativity, and came to America in 1865, locating at Jersey City, New Jer- sey, remaining five years. He came to Stillwater in 1871, and followed his trade until he engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company, in their sash, door and blind factory. In 1869, he married Miss Augusta Guse. Six children have been born to them, all of whom are living.
E. C. Iverson was born at Calmar, Iowa, April, 1856. He attended the graded schools of Winona, Minnesota, completing his course at La
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Crosse Business College. After finishing bis studies, he was book-keeper in the bank of Lan- esboro, afterward cashier until 1877. He then opened the bank of Caledonia for Sprague and Easton, and continued there until he made a tour through the west, visiting Yankton, Dakota ter- ritory, and otber points. In 1879, he came to Stillwater and accepted the position of book- keeper for the St. Croix Lumber Company at South Stillwater.
Nels Jantzen is a native of one of the islands of Denmark, born July 30th, 1842. When a child of two years, he removed to the mainland with his parents, where he was reared to manhood by them, in the meantime receiving a good school and musical education. In 1870, he came across the Atlantic and proceeded directly to Minnesota. With the exception of one year spent in traveling through Arkansas, Tennessee. Mississippi and other states, this state has since been his home. He has worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1873, he married Miss Christiana Olson, of Lansing, Iowa, who has borne him three children.
Leonard Kemp was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, August 9th, 1854. When an infant, he was brought to America by -his parents, who settled in Indiana. Here he was reared to the age of four- teen, and in 1868, came to Hudson, Wisconsin. After a stay of two years, he came to Grant township and lived with his parents, who had re- moved to that locality. In 1875, he came to Bay- town, and has since been engaged with his father- in-law, John Marty in farming. He was married to Miss Anna M. Marty in 1875. They are the parents of three children: Vernie, Christiana and Anna.
George Kock is a native of the city of Germany, born Jan. 8th, 1837. He passed his youth with his parents, receiving a good education. He learned a trade in Germany, and came to America in April, 1867. He made his home first at IIobo- ken, New Jersey, working at carpentering eight years, then removed to Stillwater. He was in the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company until 1878, at which time he entered the service of the St. Croix Lumber Company, and is still engaged in their extensive factory. Mr. Kock was mar- ried in 1867 to Miss Margaret Wick, by whom he has six children: George, Eddie, Charles, Lena, Anna and Emma.
John C. Lewis was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, 1848. He was taken by his parents when an infant to what is now La Crosse county, Wisconsin. Here he remained until fifteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to the village of River Falls, at which place he has made his home a greater part of the time since. He came to South Stillwater first to take charge of the public schools, and is now the principal. In 1875 he married Miss Jennie Austin, who has borne him one child, Charles.
Lawrence Maddock, deceased, one of the old settlers of Baytown, was a native of New Bruns- wick, born in 1827. After reaching manhood he followed lumbering in the province until 1856, when he came to the states and located at Bay- town, engaged also in lumbering until his death, which occurred December, 1880. He was a man of good character, loved and mourned by all who knew him. His widow, Mary Maddock nee Kain, was also born in New Brunswick, and married to him in 1855. She lived with him the remainder of his life and still resides at the old homestead in Baytown. She has eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mary, the eldest, is the wife of John McGowan, of Stillwater.
John Marty is a native of Switzerland, born 1823. He received a fair education, and lived with his parents until eighteen years of age. He then went to France and learned the art of man- ufacturing straw goods; he spent several years in Paris, Marseilles and other cities, working at hat making, etc. In 1846 he took passage for Amer- ica, landing at the port of New Orleans. Shortly after, he proceeded up the Mississippi, and after visiting cities on the way, reached Stillwater in 1848. Two years later he entered a claim, his present farm, in Baytown, where he has since lived. At St. Paul, 1856, he married Anna M. Ilenry. They have only one child living, Anna M., wife of Leonard Kemp, of Baytown.
J. P. McIntyre was born at St. Albans, Ver- . mont, in 1836. He learned the trade of moulder with the St. Albans Foundry Company, and con- tinued in their employ twenty-three years. In 1873 he took charge of the Jackson machine works, Jackson, Michigan, where he remained until beginning business for himself at Athens. Here he perfected the process of making crystal- ized iron, known as McIntyre's crystalized iron,
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used in plows and all implements requiring a hard finish ; he also invented the center draft plow. In 1861 he enlisted in the First Vermont Infantry ; re-enlisted in Seventh Vermont In- fantry for three years, then re-enlisted as a vete- ran for three years, and was honorably dis- charged March 6th, 1865. He came to Stillwater in 1879, and has since had the management of the St. Croix Lumber Company's iron works, where he is at present located. Mr. McIntyre has been twice married; his first wife, Miss E. J. Forest died at Champlain, New York; he married Miss Louise Stannard in 1870. He has a family of seven children.
Hugh Mckenzie, proprietor of the South Still- water steam rendering and soap factory, is a na- tive of Upper Canada. In 1845 his parents removed to Maine with him, and afterward to Pennsylvania. He received an academic and business education, and is a graduate of the Pittsburgh business college. He learned the manufacture of potash and soap with the Penn- sylvania Soda and Salt Manufacturing Company. Enlisted April 21st, 1861, in Company E, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. He served in the army of the Potomac, from the beginning to the close of the war; he was discharged with the rank of orderly sergeant. He came to Stillwater in 1875, where he still resides. He married Miss Rose White in 1878, who has borne him one son.
Brunson E. Meigs, is a native of Canada East, born March 9th, 1836. He removed with his parents to Arena, Iowa county, Wisconsin; here and at Stevens Point, Pine river and other places along the Wisconsin river, he was engaged until 1857, in the meantime learning the trade of saw- yer. He first came to Minneapolis, Minnesota, remaining two years, thence to Idaho City, where he passed two years in mining. After making an extensive tour through Washington, Oregon and California, he returned to his former home in 1865. He engaged in milling in that section until 1870. Six years later he located at South Stillwater, and entered the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company, as head sawyer. He has since been in the employ of that corporation. Married Miss Minnie Meffert in 1872. William C., Florilla E., Minnie and Estella, are their children.
Frederick Mercier, deceased, was born in Can- ada, 1834. He came to Wisconsin twenty-five years ago, and in 1876, located at South Still- water, where he remained until his death in 1879. His widow, Mrs. Mary Mercier, is a native of Ire- land, but came to Canada in infancy, with her parents. She is now proprietress of a boarding- house in South Stillwater. She has seven children.
Hugh O'Neal was born in St. Lawrence county New York, December 14th, 1844. On reaching his majority, he came westward, and after passing one summer in Illinois, came to Stillwater in 1865. He made this city his home until 1877, when he purchased his present home in South Stillwater. Has been continuously on the waters of the St. Croix and Mississippi, in the capacity of either en- gineer or pilot. At one time he owned a one- third interest in the steamer "Minnie Will," but the boat was wrecked on the rocks off New Bos- ton, Illinois. The loss, which was total, was a severe financial reverse; he has since been running the tug-boats for the St. Croix Lumber Company. He was married, 1875, to Mrs. Anna A. Spencer, who has borne him one son.
Mrs. Susan Parker, nee Cover was born in West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, and came west to St. Louis with the family. In 1848, she was married to John Parker, deceased, and removed to this state with her husband. After a residence of two years at St. Croix Falls, they located at her present home in Baytown, where she has since resided. Mrs. Parker has had three children: Edwin E., the eldest was killed by the explosion of the steamer Penn Wright, near Winona, at the age of twenty-four. Ella is the wife of Henry Perry, of Stillwater; John C. is unmarried and lives with his mother.
Sylvester Perro is a native of the North Star state, born at Baytown in 1852, and was the first white child born in that town. His childhood was passed at his native home, and when fifteen years of age, went with his father, who was a pilot on river-rafts to learn what he could of river navigation. After accompanying his father four or five years, he boarded the Lady Pike to ac- quire a knowledge of steamboat piloting. Work- ing two seasons on the steamers, he then went to the Red River of the North as a pilot and passed each season there, until 1880, and the winters at home.
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Asa E. Peterson was born at Royalton, New Brunswick, March 6th, 1856. He remained with his parents till the age of nineteen. His educa- tion was acquired at home and at Frederickton, completing his course at the Frederickton mili- tary academy, from which he holds a commission with the rank of lieutenant. IIe emigrated to Whitefield, New Hampshire, at the age of nine- teen, where he engaged as shipping clerk for the Brown Lumber Company. Returning home in 1878 he remained one year, then came to Still- water and entered the service of Hersey, Bean and Brown for a brief period, then with the St. Croix Lumber Company as assistant book-keeper where he still remains.
Edward S. Pitman was born at Penobscot, Maine, in 1835. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty, receiving in the mean- tine his education at the public schools. He visited Stillwater in 1855, in company with Josiah Batchelder, but proceeded to St. Croix Falls, where he engaged in lumbering two years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, Fourth Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, and served until honor- ably discharged in June, 1865. Returning, he made his home at Marine, Washington county, until 1877, then removed to South Stillwater, where he assumed the management of the St. Croix Lumber Company's hotel and has since re- mained in that capacity. Married Miss Christine Johnson in 1862, who has borne him four child- ren. The living are Lizzie and A. L.
J. S. Potter was born at Shaftsbury, Vermont. His father conceived the idea of planting a col- ony in Texas, and accordingly gathered a com- pany about him and started on his journey, taking his family with him. At this time his son, J. S., was a lad of twelve years. At Natchi- toches, Louisiana, he prepared his outfit and started for his looked-for land. To the dismay of the colonists, Mr. Potter, their leader, died on the way. In less than two years, J. S. Pot- ter started on his return trip to his former home, at Granville, New York, with his invalid mother, arriving after a long and wearisome journey. In 1858, he came west, making his home in St. Paul for ten years, then went to Redwood Falls. IIe engaged in farming in that township four years, then returned to St. Paul. The year following he located at South Stillwater, where he has since
been in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Com- pany. His wife was Miss Emeline Brown, whom he married in 1848. They have four sons and one daughter.
Frederick Schaser, is a native of Switzerland, born in 1825. Here he received his education and remained until the age of twenty-three. He then sailed for America, and landed at New Or- leans. Soon after he came to Stillwater, and at this place made his home the next six years, en- gaged in the pineries and in the mills. In 1855, he purchased and settled on his present farm in Baytown. In 1854, he was married at Stillwater, to Miss Barbara Marty. Their children are Fred- erick and Barbara.
Ambrose Secrest was born at Salem, Indiana, 1821. He removed with his parents, near Indian- apolis at the age of ten years. He gave his at- tention to farming and coopering till 1852, when they removed to Stillwater. Immediately follow- ing his arrival, that dreaded plague, cholera, visited his household, and his wife, mother, two brothers, sister, daughter and father, were taken from him by death. Mr. Secrest, being among the early settlers, secured a home with pleasant sur- roundings at an early day. His pursuits are chiefly milling and farming. His present wife was Mrs. M. O. Griffith, of Stillwater, to whom he was married in 1867. They have reared a large family of children, only one of whom resides at the old homestead.
Robert Slaughter was born at Cornwall, Can- ada, September, 1839. Here he learned the trade of miller, and in 1864 removed to Peshtigo, Wis- consin. Here he resided until after the fire of 1871, at which time he met with considerable loss. Removing to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he engaged in car-building, and railroad construc- tion, until the spring of 1877, since which time he has followed millwrighting, etc. He became a resident of Stillwater the next year and assumed the management of the St. Croix Lumber Com- pany works at South Stillwater, where he still re- sides. His marriage with Miss A. A. Whitney, of Fond du Lac, took place 1873.
. Mrs. Margaret Smith, widow of the late Wm. Smith, is a native of the province of New Bruns- wick, born in 1819. When a child her parents removed to Calais, Maine. Here she grew to maturity, and was married, and in 1856 came to
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Stillwater with her husband. Making her home in this city until 1867, she purchased and removed to her present country seat at Baytown. Her late husband, William Smith, died at Stillwater in 1857. Her children are Alfred W., Frank, James and Eva.
Miss Eva Smith was born at Calais, Maine, and came to Stillwater in childhood with her parents, Margaret and William Smith. She received a common school education, and at an early age obtained a certificate to teach in the Stillwater public schools, where she has been employed as a teacher continuously since. She now has charge of the "Schulenburg school." Her life has been a busy one, and she has in the meantime ob- tained quite a fortune.
Jefferson L. Smith was born at Kingsbury, Maine, 1838. He followed lumbering a few years, and in 1861 enlisted in Company D, Tenth Maine Infantry. He received a severe wound in the hip at the battle of Antietam; was also twice wounded at the battle of Fisher's Hill. He was honorably discharged in 1865. The same year he came to Minneapolis, as assistant engineer in the improvement of the Falls of St. Anthony for three years; after which he was a lumberman until engaging with the St. Croix Lumber Com- pany at the time of their organization at Still- water. He married Miss Mary Kannar in 1868. They have three sons and three daughters.
John B. Starkweather was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, May 3d, 1833. He was left an orphan at the age of eleven years. Hav- ing attended the public schools in his native place, he completed his educational course at the Wayne County University. After learning the trade of machinist he came to Winona, Minne- sota, in 1857. He pursued his trade there until 1878; when he came to Stillwater and engaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company two years. Since that time he has been engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company. In 1856 he married Miss Mary E. Hedley, who has borne him three children, Fred L., Harry and Minnie.
John H. Underwood was born in New Bruns- wick in 1832, of Scotch and English ancestry. Here he grew to manhood, and in early life en- gaged in lumbering pursuits. In 1856 he came to Stillwater, and shortly afterward settled in South Stillwater where he has since resided, having
been on his present home site for the past eight- een years. His wife, Grace Underwood nee Clyde, was also born in New Brunswick. She remained with her parents until her marriage with Mr. Underwood in 1854. She had in the meantime received a liberal education and the best of home training. Nine children have been born to them, Alexander, John, Henry, Albert, Allen, Frank, Maggie, Isabella and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood are among the early settlers of Baytown.
George Wilcox is a native of Buffalo, New York, born February 22d, 1862. He came to St. Paul with his parents at the age of seven years, where he attended the graded schools. He com- menced his trade as engineer at Chaska, Minne- sota, with his father, and has had considerable experience in stationary and marine engineering. He is at present in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company.
Henry W. Wissinger, son of the early pioneers, William and Margaret Wissinger, is a native of the "North Star" state, born at Stillwater, in 1858. He attended the public schools of Still- water and Baytown, and has received a good edu- cation. He chose the trade of machinist, begin- ning with the St. Croix Lumber Company in 1874, with which he has since remained, and is now well advanced in his trade.
William Wissinger is a native of Baden, Ger- many, born in 1814. He came to America in 1851, and proceeded direct to Stillwater, where he remained nearly one year, then purchased and improved his present homestead at Oak Park. His occupation is that of a stone mason, having assisted in the construction of some of the prin- cipal buildings of Stillwater. His wife, Mar- garet, was also born at Baden, Germany, in 1820. At the age of twenty, she married Mr. Wissinger and came with him to America. They have three children, William, Jacob and Henry W.
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