USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 81
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A. J. Soule, a native of Maine, was born 1837. On reaching his majority he came to Minnesota, and in 1861 enlisted in Company K, Brackett's Battalion, serving until honorably discharged at Fort Snelling, May 24th, 1865. He then pur- chased a claim of eighty acres in Marine town- ship, and in 1867 purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Oneka township, and has since re- sided there. June 22d, 1865, he married Pru- dence A. Briggs; their children are, Oscar A,, Frank N. and Charles A.
George Walker was born in Canada, 1823, and when about three years of age, moved to New Hampshire, where for some time he was employed as book agent. In 1858 he went to Boston, Mas- sachusetts, and engaged quite extensively in the manufacture of blank books. Failing health compelled him to seek the salubrious climate of Minnesota, and in 1861 he purchased a farm in Grant township, on which he lived nearly a year, then removed to Stillwater. During the fall of 1864 he was appointed overseer of the Washing- ton county poor farm, in which capacity he re- mained three years, then purchased a home in Oneka township, where he has since resided. The first four town meetings were held at Mr. Walker's house, he having served as town clerk and justice of the peace ever since its organiza- tion, except two years. He married Miss L. Dill, in 1859; their children are, Ella, Franklin, Ar- thur, Winfield and Willard.
T. J. Withrow. a native of Nova Scotia, was born 1829. He remained in the land of his na- tivity until eleven years old, when at that early age he went to sea as cabin-boy on a coasting vessel, and followed the life of a sailor four years. Locating at Boston, he remained until twenty- four years of age, then made his home at Still- water, Minnesota, in 1854. He purchased a farm in Marine township, on which he lived until 1874, then moved to Oneka township, where he has since resided. His wife was Miss Catherine Clary, a native of Prince Edward Island, whom
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FOREST LAKE -EARLY SETTLERS.
he married in 1852. They are the parents of eight children living.
Fred Youngbluth, a native of Prussia, was born in 1845. At the age of fourteen, he came to America with his parents, arriving at Baltimore after a voyage of eight weeks, proceeding directly to St. Paul, Minnesota. He then engaged with Dr. Post, of that city, as coachman, serving as such until enlisting in Company G, Second Min- nesota, in 1863; was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling, 1865. Returning to St. Paul, and to his situation with Dr. Post, he remained some time, then engaged in teaming at St. Paul sev- eral years. In 1871, he settled in Oneka town- ship, now having a farm of two hundred and thirty- seven acres. His father and mother are making their home with him. His marriage with Susan Braitet, occurred in 1868. They have four chil- dren, Anne, George, Emma and Kate.
FOREST LAKE.
CHAPTER LXIII.
DESCRIPTIVE LAKES-SETTLERS -- ORGANIZA TION -- STATISTICAL-MOUND BUILDER'S RELICS -- VILLAGE -- MISCELLANEOUS - BIOGRAPHICAL.
The township designated by the government survey as township 32, range 21, was formerly attached to Marine. It is a full congressional township of thirty-six sections, organized into a distinct body for judicial purposes, in the spring of 1874, and took its name from the lake within its limits. At the date of organization the town- ship contained a population of only two hundred and thirty-three.
The surface, less broken than that of Oneka, is rolling and covered with a vigorous growth of timber, consisting of white and black oak, birch and poplar, and about the lake, ash, elm, basswood and cottonwood. A strip of land, extending
from the lake, south-east into Oneka, is some- what hilly and rugged. Immediately west of this ridge, a tamarack swamp commences, in Oneka, at Rice lake, and entering Forest lake by section thirty-four, extends in a north-easterly direction to the head of Forest lake. It is generally impassable, though the county built a road across the northern portion, by laying a cor- duroy about thirty rods in length.
No large streams run through the town though it is well watered by the numerous lakes which dot its surface, The most worthy of mention being Forest and Clear lakes. Around the lakes and along the small streams are low lands form- ing rich hay meadows. Forest lake. which as we have stated gave its name to the township, derives its appellation from the heavy timber skirting the shores. This lake having more than twelve miles of coast, extends south-east from the northern portion of section four. into the south-eastern part of section thirteen, occupying portions of twelve sections. The water is deep, and the sandy nature of the shore affords many fine landings. The region affords many induce- ments to pleasure-seekers and sportsmen.
Clear Lake, smaller and more regular than its neighbor, occupies portions of sections seventeen and eighteen. Like Forest, it is surrounded by timber, and a portion of the shore is sandy. At the west end of the lake is a large swamp thickly grown with wild rice, forming a breeding ground for wild ducks, which are numerous and offer strong inducements to the hunter. Many smaller lakes and ponds also afford abundant hunting and fishing.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Louis Schiel and family were the first to settle within the limits of the town. His father was a piano-maker in Heilbrun, Germany, and Louis attended school in his native town until eighteen years of age, with the intention of preparing him- self to enter a government office. When the troubles of 1844 began, he identified himself with the revolutionists, and on that account was com- pelled to leave his country. Having selected a piece of land in section fifteen and the north half of the north-west quarter of section twenty-two, he erected his house in 1855. This he afterward converted into a barn and erected a new dwelling. The same year a man by the name of Wilson,
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
from St. Paul, began work on section ten, and in November brought his family to liveon it. Three years later, he returned to St. Paul with his fam- ily. Next came a Bostonian named Rice, who settled on section twenty-two, lived alone until fall, then brought his wife from Boston. In the spring of 1856 they left.
Cyrus Gray purchased the old Wilson place and lived on it until 1861, then went to White Bear Lake, but at the end of four years returned to Forest Lake. He lost his life in a hotel fire in Minneapolis, a few years later. The late Fred- erick Veith with his family settled on the old Wilson place in September, 1863.
OFFICERS.
A special meeting to elect officers and complete the township organization, was held April 23d, 1874, at the depot in Forest Lake. Two hundred dollars for town purposes was voted. M. Marsh was chosen moderator, and Louis Schiel, clerk. The officers elected were: H. D. Benedict. A. C. York, Gerorge Simmons, supervisors; Louis Schiel, clerk; Louis Schiel and S. P. Howell, jus- tices of the peace; S. P. Howell, district number one, and Jonas Johnson, district number two, road overseers. At the succeeding annual meet- ings, the amounts voted for various purposes and the supervisors elected, were as follows:
March 9th, 1875, two hundred dollars for cur- rent expenses; H. D. Benedict, A. C. York and James Johnson, supervisors; March 14th, 1876, three hundred dollars for town purposes; H. D. Benedict, J. Johnson and W. J. Simmons, super- visors; March 13th, 1877, three hundred dollars for expenses and one hundred for roads; A. C. York, S. P. Howell and George Simmons, super- visors; March 12th, 1878, two hundred and twenty-five dollars for expenses and forty for roads; A.C. York, S. P. Howell and George Hun- ter, supervisors; March 11th, 1879, one hundred and fifty dollars for expenses, twenty-five for roads; A. C. York, Ole Alm and W. J. Simmons, supervisors; March 9th, 1880, one hundred dollars for expenses and one hundred and fifty for roads; A. C. York, Ole Alm and Joseph Lunden, super- visors. The offices of town clerk and justice of the peace, have been held by Louis Schiel since the township was organized.
The whole number of acres cultivated in the
township in 1880, was 511, producing 3,646 . bushels of wheat; 1,846 of oats; 2,390, of corn, 63, of rye; 2,475, of potatoes. The amount of hay cut was about 499 tons; the amount of live stock owned in the township is as follows: One hundred and two cows, thirty-three horses, forty- five sheep, twenty-nine hogs and ninety-four oxen.
There are evidences in section 11 on a rise of ground overlooking the lake, that at one time it was used as a garden. Although covered by a heavy growth of timber, some of the trees being three feet in diameter, there are to be seen dis- tinct out-lines as of garden beds. An eminent officer of the United States army, who has paid considerable attention to the study of relics of the mound builders, was of the opinion that these marks were left by that pre-historic race.
The territory between White Bear and Forest Lakes was hotly disputed between the Chippe- ways and Sioux. In 1856, the former built a a rude fort, about one hundred and fifty rods from the head of the outlet of Forest Lake, and prepared to withstand the attack of the Sioux. However they abandoned the fortification, which was constructed of wood cut by the squaws, and Michael Marsh alone reaped the benefits of their toil by securing a large amount of fuel.
At another time two Chippeways were encamped in a wigwam, on the shores of the lake. One day while hunting, two Sioux stumbled upon this camp, and entering, waited for the ahsent Chippeways to return, intending to slay them. One of the latter on returning was killed, but the other becoming aware of the presence of his ene- mies, turned the tables and killed both the Sioux. This alarmed a party of Sioux warriors, who im- mediately started in pursuit. A white woman by the name of Stipe, who informed them of the di- rection the fugitive had taken, was rewarded by a fine saddle of venison.
VILLAGE OF FOREST LAKE.
This place was laid out by the railroad com- pany in 1868, the spring following the completion of the road. It is on the shore of the lake, on fractional south half of the south-east quarter of section five and fractional north-east quarter of section eight. Here the company have a depot, water tank and wood-yard.
467
FOREST LAKE-STORE-SCHOOLS-SOCIETIES.
FIRST STORE.
The first mercantile establishment in the town was opened by Michael Marsh, just in advance of the railroad. He furnished supplies to the few families then living here.
First he opened at Clear Lake, in 1867, and a year later in the village. In June, 1868, the store and stock was burned, but Mr. Marsh imme- diately purchased a new stock, opened in his hotel just completed, and continued until 1873.
The first store built in the village. was that of John Koller and company, erected by Ole and Gustavus Alm, who carried a small stock of gro- ceries until 1877, then sold to John Koller, who added a general stock of merchandise. In March 1878, Koller took W. H. Sanborn into partner_ ship, and the latter being appointed post-master, removed the office from the depot to the store, the 1st of January. In the fall of 1880, C. V. Smith opened a general stock of merchandise, to this he proposes to add milling in the spring of 1881. Samuel Martin, the same fall, opened the only saloon in the village. W. E. Lindstrom op- erated a blacksmith shop in John Koller's stable, but soon removed it to a shop 16x26 feet.
North Shore house was the first public house opened in the village. It is a large frame build- ing erected by Michael Marsh, in the spring of 1868. Before building, the railroad company as- sured Mr. Marsh that the road would come just in front of the house, but when it was completed the track was laid quite a distance away. When first built contained six chambers, dining room, kitchen and sitting room. The year following, Mr. Marsh built a wing containing a bar and office, and five chambers.
H. D. Gurney, in the spring of 1876 erected a summer hotel and four cottages on the west bank of the lake, where he cleared and fitted a commo- dious picnic ground, about sixty rods from the depot, just outside of the village limits. He keeps ten row and two sail boats for the use of pleasure seekers.
SCHOOLS.
The township has but one school district, the house being located in the village. This is known as number fifty-six, and was organized Septem- ber 23d, 1873, with the following officers: Louis Schiel, director; S. B. Howell, clerk ; Cyrus Gray,
treasurer. The house was not erected until the next year; the district officers were H. D. Ben- edict, A. C. York, S. B. Howell.
SOCIETIES.
Forest Lake Lodge No. 179, I. O. G. T., was organized in June, 1879. They hold their meet- ings every two weeks in the school house. The charter members were A. C. York, Elizabeth Spickler, R. H. McGee, I. M. Banty, Estella Bush, A. W. Simmons, William Angevine, John Banty, M. A. York, Minnie York, S. B. Howell, Sarah Angevine, Mary Poston, David Banty, Richard Poston, John Erickson.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in February, 1876, by Rev. Adam Ringer, pastor. Meetings are held every alternate Sunday in the school-house. The following were the early members: A. C. York, Miriam York, W. A. York, Esther Veith, Virginia Veith, Frederick Veith, Rebecca Simmons, Rebecca A. Simmons, Jeremiah Poston, Mary Poston, Mary E. F. Pos- ton, John Banty, David Banty, Isaac M. Banty. The present pastor is Rev. George Read.
Rebecca M. Simmons was the first white child born in the township, April 24th, 1854. Her parents are George and Rebecca Simmons. The next was Henry A. son of Louis and Mary Schiel, born September 2d, 1856. The first marriage was that of Francis Cartwright, to Mary Long, of Taylor's Falls, in 1865. The next was that of Allen Greenwald to A. Regan, in the fall of 1871, followed by that of Richard W. Simmons and Josephine Marsh in June, 1872. The first death was that of Frederick Veith, senior, in 1867. The next January, J. P. Veith followed.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Ole Alm, a native of Sweden, was born in 1850, and is the son of Andrew Alm, the first Swedish settler in Forest Lake. Coming to Ame- rica in 1869 with his sister, he proceeded directly to his parents, who had preceded him. In 1873, he located at Forest Lake with his father, and three years later, opened a store in company with his brother. They sold the following year and devoted their time and attention solely to farm- ing. Mr. Alm was married in 1876 to Gustina Erickson, a native of Sweden, who died in 1879, leaving two children.
Robert Gronberger is a native of Kalmer, Swe-
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
den, born in 1840. He received his education in his native country, and finished his course at the gymnasium, afterward working as book-keeper. In 1869, he came to America, making his way directly to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; thence to Taylor's Falls, Minnesota. After visiting St. Paul, he located on a farm in 1877, in Forest Lake township, situated on the banks of the lake. Some of his time was devoted to literary pursuits, having written a history of the early Swede settlers and pioneers of the north-west, which was published in the Staats Tidning of Minneapolis, also in the Skaffaren of St. Paul, and bas since been issued in book-form. He is now contributor to these papers and to one Chi- cago newspaper. He has been assessor at Forest Lake for two years past.
A. P. Halsey was born at Elizabeth, New Jersey, 1845, where he remained until twenty-two years of age. Wishing to see the west, he came to Davenport, Iowa, thence to Waterloo, which place he made his home for four years. In 1871, he went to Le Sueur, Minnesota. and carried on an extensive business in the mercantile line, hav- ing a large general stock. Finally disposing of his goods, he came to Minneapolis, and being at- tracted to Forest Lake. purchased fifty acres of . land very pleasantly located on the shores of the lake. His residence commands a beautiful view of the waters and surrounding wood-lands. He was married January 2d, 1871.
S. B. Howell was born in Suffolk county, Long Island, 1837, and on reaching maturity, embarked in business as a photographer. August 22d, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers, Company II; was wounded in the hand by a shell in an engage- ment at Bottom's Bridge, and was discharged March 8th, 1864, through sickness, from which he never fully recovered. Ile came with his family to Minnesota, and located at Forest Lake, where he has since resided on a farm pleasantly situated on the banks of the lake. Ilis wife was Elizabeth Kent, married in 1859. They are the parents of seven children.
John Koller, of the firm of Koller and Com- pany, is a native of Germany, born 1844. When a lad of seven years, he came with his parents to America, and for six years made his home at Rock Island, Illinois. In 1875 he removed to
Chisago county, Minnesota, and two years later became a citizen of Forest Lake, purchasing the stock of general merchandise from Ole Alm, which he has increased to meet the wants of all his patrons. W. H. Sanborn is the junior part- ner, also post-master, the post-office department being in connection with the store.
W. E. Lindstrom is a native of Sweden, born 1849. Here he received his early education, and learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1879 he im- migrated to America, landing in Boston, and proceeded westward to La Crosse, Wisconsin thence to North Branch, Chisago county, Minne- sota. Deciding to locate at Forest Lake, he pur- chased two lots in 1880 on which be built a dwelling and a blacksmith shop, which was the first shop of that kind in the place. Married, in 1873, to Matilda C. Geathburg, who was born in Sweden in 1847.
Michael Marsb, one of the oldest settlers of Forest Lake, was born in Germany, March 28th, 1828. Coming to America in 1850, he passed the first four years at Chicago and Aurora, Illinois. In 1855 he removed to Hastings, Dakota county, Minnesota, then a village of about two houses and four shanties, and here opened a store, also carried on a farm several miles away in Marshan township. Remaining at Hastings until 1866, then moving to St. Paul he established a grocery and provision trade, and the year following located a branch store at Forest Lake. Subsequently he purchased land and erected a hotel, and for sev- eral years carried on both store and post-office. In 1880 Mr. Marsh moved to St. Paul, and is ex- tensively engaged in wood contracting at both places. He married Mary Gekli in 1853, who did at Hastings in 1865, leaving five children liv- ing: Josephine, Peter, John, Katrina and Ros- anna.
Mary Poston is a native of Ohio, born in 1833; when a small child moved with her parents to Adams county, Illinois, near Quincy, remaining with her parents until her marriage with Jere- miah Poston, April 19th, 1849. Six years sub- sequently they removed to Minnesota, and lo- cated on their pleasant farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wyoming township, removing later to their farm adjoining in Forest Lake. For the benefit of her husband's health and her children's education, they removed to Le Sueur
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FOREST LAKE-BIOGRAPHICAL.
in 1871, remaining four years; then returned to their former home. On the 2d of December, of the following year, Mr. Poston departed this life aged fifty-eight. His widow still resides on her farm, and is the parent of eleven children: Ash- ford C., Lurianda C., Silas M., Bell, J. Golden, Richard II., John. R., Mary T. F., Wm. Grant, Emma C. and Irene.
Louis Schiel was born in 1831, and is a native of Germany, where he received his early educa- tion, finishing his studies at the school of forestry for the purpose of preparing for duties in civil service. He landed at the port of New Orleans in 1850, coming up the river to southern Illinois, and in the summer of 1855 proceeded to St. Paul, Minnesota. He experienced at this time a severe illness; on recovering he joined a prospecting party, passing through White Bear, thence to Forest Lake, where he made a claim of one hun- dred and sixty acres and built a log-cabin. The same year his family came out from St. Paul, mak- ing since that time their home on the farm. In '61 he enlisted in the First Minnesota Battery, and was discharged in 1863 in consequence of inju- ries received. Mr. Schiel has been justice of the peace, town clerk and school director since the organization of the town. In 1851 he married Mary Freund, a native of Germany. Edward, Harry, Lizzette, Emma, Fannie, Albert and Edwin are their children. The latter is an adopted child ..
J. P. Simmons was born in Ohio, 1846, and when a small hoy came with his parents to Illi- nois, locating near Quincy, and in 1855 came to St. Paul, Minnesota, finally locating on Forest Lake the next year. Here he lived with his par- ents until the age of twenty then accompanied a party to Vermillion gold mines, but soon returned. In 1873 he purchased a farm in Forest Lake township, on which he located in 1879, after hav- ing visited California and other states. His mar- riage with Miss Anna Peoples took place in 1879.
R. W. Simmons is a native of Ohio, born 1850. When a mere child he moved with his parents to Illinois, thence to Minnesota, living at White Bear about two years, then located on a farm in Chisago county, later in Forest Lake. On attain- ing his majority he worked in St. Paul two years, then purchased land in Wyoming and Forest Lake townships, owning at present one hundred
and fifty-seven acres. His wife was Josephine Marsh, married in 1872. Their children are, George M., Allen, John H., and Clarence.
Wm. J. Simmons was born in Athens county, Ohio, 1851. At the age of three years. he came with his parents to Minnesota after a residence of some time near Quincy, Illinois. In 1856 he lo- cated on a farm in Wyoming township, subse- quently to Forest Lake, where he remained until reaching majority. then worked as a laborer two years in St. Paul. Returning to his home in 1877 he purchased his present homestead of one hund- red and sixty acres in Forest Lake township. Married in 1874 to Julia Rioux. Charley, Ella, and Jessie are their children.
C. V. Smith was born in Sweden, 1842, and was there connected with the mercantile trade. Coming to America in 1869, he landed at Quebec, and proceeded to Chicago, Illinois, thence the next year to St. Paul, Minnesota. He was in the employ of several firms in that city until 1880, then purchased village lots at Forest Lake and im- mediately erected a new store and dwelling. He carries a complete general stock of groceries, dry- goods, boots and shoes, hardware, patent medi- cines, etc.
A. L. Stromberg, is a native of Sweden, where he received a good education, then finished his studies at the college of Skara. In 1868, he came to America, making his way to St. Paul, Minne- sota; the first winter was devoted to the study of the English language, also the manners and cus- toms of the people. In 1869, he entered the em- ploy of Langdon and Co., railroad contractors, and occupied responsible positions for three years, then made a short visit to his native country. Returning to St. Paul, he assumed the position of manager of the Swedish newspaper three years. Subsequently he purchased land in Forest Lake township, and in 1877, located on it. He is still in the employment of Langdon and Co, which often calls him to St. Paul. In 1880, he made another trip to Sweden.
Esther P. Veith, daughter of Parker West, was born in Ohio, 1828, and remained with her parents until her marriage with William Long, in 1844, who died four years later. She accompanied her brother to Illinois some time later, and while there married, in 1854, Mr. Fred Veith. They came to Minnesota with their family and settled
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
in Forest Lake township in 1864, purchasing the land on which formerly lived Mr. Wilson, the first settler of Forest Lake. Mr. Veith died July 31st, 1867, leaving his widow with five chil- dren, Franklin, Fred, Caroline V., William and Adella.
MARINE.
CHAPTER LXIV.
VILLAGE OF MARINE-FIRST CLAIM-MARINE LUMBER COMPANY-STORES-POST-OFFCES- TOWN RECORDS-VILLAGE CHARTER-ARCO- LA MILLS-VASA-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES- TOPOGRAPHY OF MARINE TOWNSHIP-BIO- GRAPHICAL.
The village of Marine is located on high ground overlooking the St. Croix river, ahout twelve miles above Stillwater. It is particularly de- scribed as on sections six and seven, township thirty-one, range nineteen, and sections one and twelve, township thirty-one. range twenty. In addition to the St. Croix, which sweeps along forming its eastern limit, a brook which affords power to the mills, flows through and determined the location of the village. This brook takes its rise in, and is furnished with its crystal waters by large springs. Two smaller brooks, taking their rise in these springs, have their confluence within the limits of the village as now platted. The little brook is here stopped in its gambols and made to perform duty in turning the wheels of a flouring mill, and just below is caught again and conveyed to the saw-mill, whose wheels it also turns.
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