History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 86

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 86

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

Hans Hanson was born in Denmark, 1842. He attended school until the age of fifteen. In 1863 he came to America; after tarrying a short time at Racine, Wisconsin, he proceeded to Stillwater, where he engaged in lumbering on the St. Croix river. He made a visit to his native country in 1870 and returned the year following. He was chiefly engaged after his return as contractor for the rafting of logs, etc. He settled on his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Still- water in 1880, and is making many improve- ments. In 1871 he married Miss Christine Nel- son. Their children are Anne.B., Albert C., Jen- nie C. and Frederick.

William Heifort is a native of Prussia, born in 1829. When a young man he learned the miller's trade and engaged in the pursuit of his trade in his native country. In 1854 he crossed to the new world, and about two years later located at Stillwater, and for a number of years worked in the saw and flouring mills at that city. During the spring of 1866 he removed to his farm in the township, which he had purchased the preceeding fall. He has been quite prosperous, and now has a farm of three hundred and fifty acres.

Henry A. Jackman was born in Washington county, Maine. At four years of age he accom- panied his parents to New Brunswick, where he received his education. He returned to Maine at the age of twelve, where he remained until com- ing west in 1849, locating at Stillwater. Three years later he purchased his present farm, on

which he has since lived. He has also been en- gaged in lumbering, for the past six years, being in company with his son-in-law, Russell Pease. Mr. Jackman has been identified with many of the county offices, also in the territorial legisla- ture, in 1855 and 1856. He was county commis- sioner eight years, and has also held many local offices. In 1870 he was appointed prison warden, in which capacity he served four years. His wife was Miss S. Blanchard, whom he married in 1848. Her mother aged eighty-three resides with them. They are the parents of three children, Mary E., James E. and Alice.

Frederick C. Jarchow is a native of Germany, born in 1832. During his younger days he lost his father by death, and at an early age he and his brothers were obliged to begin the battle of life by hard labor. They finally collected enough of their earnings to enable the eldest, Joachim, to cross the seas to America, which he did in 1854. He soon found work, and by his industry and economy soon saved enough to send for his broth- ers, Frederick and Theodore. The year follow- ing the three brothers were enabled to send for the remainder of the family. In the spring of 1858 Frederick came west to Minnesota, locating at Rush Lake, now called Rush City. Here he made his home until 1863, then removed to Wash- ington county, engaging in the quiet occupation of farming in Baytown and Lakeland. He then located at Stillwater, being in the employ of the saw-mills. He settled on his present farm in Stillwater township in 1871, having ninety acres, also one hundred and ninety-nine acres in Marine township. His marriage with Miss Dorothy Voss occurred in 1855. Their children are Albert, George, August, Emiel and Dorothy.

Edwin R. Jones was born in Indiana, April 6th, 1839. When a lad of eight years he moved with his parents to Rock county, Wisconsin. Here and in St. Croix county he received his education, but was unable to complete his studies on account of almost total loss of his eyesight. He, however, recovered his sight afterwards. His time was taken up in farming in St. Croix county, until 1876 when he purchased liis present farm in Stillwater township, from Rev. William T. Boutwell. In 1880 he erected his present residence, which is a nicely proportioned house with ample interior compartments. April 7th,

494

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1864, he married Miss K. A. Boutwell, daughter of Rev. W. T. Boutwell. They have four child- ren: Rodney, Eddie, Nellie and Sterling.

David P. Lyman, one of the earliest pioneers of Stillwater township, and of the eighth genera- tion of the Lyman family, descendents of Richard Lyman Esq., who came over from England in 1631, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1822. When a boy he moved with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois, and in 1844 came to Marine, Minnesota. The following year he engaged in the lath manufactory. In 1846 he moved to his farm in Stillwater township, where he has since resided. At Farmingdale, Illi- nois, in 1850, he married Anna J. Hanna. Their children are, David H., Arthur A., Mary J., Oscar C., and Maggie H. Mr. Lyman has been justice of the peace many years.

C. Storrs Lyman, a brother of the early settler, David P. Lyman, is a native of Vermont. He came west to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1833, and ten years later started for the St. Croix Val- ley to see the country, etc. He came by boat as far as Point Douglas, then was compelled to walk to Marine, only calling at Stillwater on the way. Selecting lands in the north-eastern part of Still- water township he returned to Illinois, and in 1846 moved with his family to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman have had fourteen children, eleven of whom are still living. He was left a widower by the death of his wife, February 20th, 1878.

Cornelius Lyman, son of C. Storrs Lyman, is a native of Illinois, born August 28th, 1844. He moved to Stillwater with his parents in 1846, where he remained with them until he engaged in the service of his country. He enlisted in 1864 in Company C, Brackett's Battalion, serving un- til honorably discharged at Fort Snelling, May, 1866. He then returned to civil life and now has a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Still- water township. October 31st, 1870, he was mar- ried to Miss Ellen Burns, a native of Stillwater. Four children have been born to them, Frank D., Katie, Cora and Margaret.

Horace C. Lyman, son of C. Storrs Lyman, was born in Illinois, in 1839. During his infancy he came with his parents to Marine, Illinois, and when a child of seven years accompanied them to Stillwater, where he attended school during that summer, being under the control of Miss Judd.

In the fall they moved their little house with them to their farm. Mr. Lyman is still unmar- ried and resides on his farm, which he began im- proving in 1864 and on which he built his resi- dence in 1870.

Charles Macey is a native of Canada East, born in 1821. He was made an orphan when thirteen years old, then made his home with a farmer, Mr. Jenny, until reaching his majority. He then started for St. Louis, being obliged to go by canal, steamboat and railroad. His money was all ex- pended before arriving at his destination. He found employment near Alton, Illinois, and re- mained until the next spring, then entered the employ of the American Fur Company, in whose service he remained until 1843. He was then employed by another fur company for two years. During this time he experienced many adventures and accidents, having been compelled many times to hunt his own food. In 1845 he came to Fort Snelling, thence to Stillwater. The next spring he selected his present farm and on it built a small house in 1848. He located on it in 1850 and has since tilled the soil summers and engaged in teaming winters. His farm con- sists of one hundred and seventy-three acres. He married the present Mrs. Macey in 1854, who has borne him eleven children, ten of whom are liv- ing, four sons and six daughters.

William H. Newman, is one of Minnesota's sons, born in Stillwater township, January 29th 1857. His father, Mr. Liberty Newman, settled on the old homestead in 1852, where he lived un- til his death in 1876. William, being the oldest son, continues his father's estate, which com- prises one hundred and forty acres in Stillwater and two hundred and nine acres in Grant town- ship. December 12th, 1878, he married Miss Mary J. Ramsden.

Andrew Richmond was born in Ireland, 1845. He was reared and educated, under the guidance of his parents until sixteen years of age, when he came to America, landing in Canada in -1860. The following year, he removed to the United States, locating at Peoria, Illinois, where he ac- quired a knowledge of brass moulding and finish- ing. He became a resident of Stillwater in 1866 resided in the city until his appointment as over- seer of the poor farm in 1867. With the excep- tion of one year, he has been overseer since

495

STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

Mr. Richmond owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres. May 3d, 1864, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Baine, who has borne him two children; George A. and Edmund J. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond have, by their untir- ing zeal, won the respect of all and established a reputation to be proud of, having proven them- selves worthy of their trust.

Alva D. Roe is a native of New York, horn in Dutchess county, in 1825. Here his early days were passed, being reared by his mother, his father having died during his infancy. He re- ceived a common school education, finishing by a course at the Troy Conference Academy, of Ver- mont, with a view to entering college. He finally decided to enter the study of law, which he did and was admitted to the bar in New York. He returned to his native place and practiced law five years. He then, with his wife, conducted a school in New England about ten years, and in 1863, that estimable lady departed this life. The year following he attended a course of lectures at the Union Theological Seminary, in New York city, and the next year was licensed as an evangelist, and then entered the service of the Home Missionary society. In 1866 he came to Minnesota, and located at Afton, Washington county, where he presided over the Congrega- tional churches at Afton and Lakeland, until 1880, then removed to his farm, which he had previously purchased. He served as county

superintendent of schools for several years. He is giving his time and attention to the study and cultivation of small fruits. His present wife was Miss Sarah Burgess, whom he married in 1866. They are the parents of eight children.

W. W. Rutherford was born in Steuben county, New York. Here he lived until reaching man's estate, and received his education. He came to Stillwater in 1852, and the next year purchased a farm in that township, on which he remained until May, 1868, at that time moving to his present place, situated on the Marine road. He is now dealing in ornamental fruit and shade trees, also shrubbery of all kinds. He married Miss Mary A. Wilcox, in 1831, who died in 1868, leaving six children : Eva, Edward W., Zonie, Cora, George W., and Francis.

Judson A. Smith is a native of Maine, born in 1829. He afterwards moved with his parents to different parts of the state. After receiving thorough instruction in the blacksmith's trade, at the age of twenty-five started westward. He became a resident of Stillwater in 1854, where he made his home until he settled in Stillwater as a farmer in 1871, having one hundred and fifty acres, which he purchased a year or two previous. While living in the city he was a black- smith, being in partnership with Mr. York. His marriage with Maria Orne took place at Still- water, May 20th, 1855. Their children are: Ed- ward K., Willis J., Mary E., and Judson A. Jr.

496

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

CITY OF STILLWATER.

CHAPTER LXVI.

PAINTED ROCKS-BATTLE OF CHIEFS AT ZION'S HILL-FIRST MEN AT STILLWATER-JOSEPH R. BROWN-JACOB FISHER-ELIAS MCKEAN- CALVIN F. LEACH-ELAM GREELEY -- JOHN MC KUSICK-LUMBER COMPANY.

It has been so many times remarked as to have become a truism that the sites of cities have al- most without exception, been at some former time occupied by Indian villages, or marked by some burial mound or other evidence of special regard by the unerring instinct of the Aborigines.

So universal has this proved that speculators and locators of town sites note as of special im- portance the previous occupancy of tribes of In- dians.

The valley of the St. Croix was, however, a sort of neutral territory, and though the measures of the government for peace between the Chippewas and Sioux led to the establishment of a definite dividing line at "the old trysting tree," so called, previously described, still permanent villages could not be established by either nation on what was liable at any time to become a battle ground, since the lawless tribes could not be restrained by any treaty from venting their long cherished ha- tred. Some evidences still remain near Stillwater and within the limits of the city, to mark this as a battle ground and a point worth fighting for.

A short distance above Stillwater, at a bend in the river, are found the painted rocks, in former years a point of great interest to tourists, who came up the river in large numbers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Mississippi and St. Croix. Here for several rods the smooth surface of the cliff was decorated with fanciful colors to suit the rude taste of the savages. Figures of animals were clearly delineated and a chapter of Indian history was written in their strange hieroglyphics. The Indians, after settlement by the whites be-

gan, attempted to interpret the text of this strange chapter. It was found to relate to battles and victories won over foes and seemed fully intelli- gible to the Indian visitor. As often as they passed the cliff they were in the habit of perform- ing ceremonies, which their superstition led them to believe were efficacious in rendering any enter- prise in which they might be engaged, successful.

The operations of the Boom company at this point, in blasting the rocks, and the wasting hand of time have nearly obliterated these figures, so that they show but dim outlines of what was once full of meaning.

"Zions Hill," near the center of the present city of Stillwater, was, during aboriginal occupation of this region, the scene of Indian tragedy.

A narrative is given, obtained from the manu- script of an old Indian trader, named Thomas Connor, who was found at the mouth of Goose creek, Chisago county, by some of the first settlers of the valley. He stated that he had been in the country since childhood. He had his squaw and large family of children, and had become identified with the Indians, whose habits he had partially assumed and whose mode of life fascinated him. In 1831 he was the only licensed trader above the falls of St. Croix on the Minnesota side.

His manuscript states that a celebrated Indian chief, whose name is not given, met his fate on Zion's hill under the following circumstances.

At one time the war between the Chippewas and Sioux, which can almost be said to have had no beginning or end, had culminated in desperate battles, in which many of their braves, squaws and children had fallen under the merciless toma- hawk. So dreadful was the slaughter that the chiefs of the two great tribes became alarmed for their future. The tepees of both contestants were filled with scalps and trophies, without proof of decided advantage on either side. Both tribes had become weary of war, and determined that

497

CITY OF STILLWATER.

some new policy must be pursued. Finally, by signs understood by the tribes, it was determined to end the war by a personal combat between the two great chiefs. The place of meeting was this very point, "Zion's Hill," where they were to meet in a hand to hand struggle, using only toma- hawks and knives.

An hour or more was consumed in mortal com- bat, while the braves of each side stood looking on. At one time a general battle seemed immi- nent, but the outburst was restrained, and the blows of the contending chiefs were alone struck. One hour elapsed and both showed signs of weak- ness, covered with gashes, blood flowing from head to foot, when a well aimed blow from the Sioux chief nearly ended the battle. This cut off the left cheek of the Chippewa, carrying with it the ear and destroying the eye. The Sioux had just received a visit from his antagon- ist's knife, which cut his abdomen completely open, letting his bowels out; but, true to his na- tion, he held them up with one hand and hurled the fatal tomahawk with the other. Although so weak from wounds and loss of blood that they reeled and staggered like drunken men, they again rallied and in a final clinch staggered, fell, and lay where they dropped, each unable to do the other further harm. The question alone re- mained which could live the longer. The braves on each side now took possession of their chiefs, according to previous agreement. The Sioux chief was carried to Sunfish lake, now Lily lake, where he died the following day, and was buried on its shore.

The Chippewa chief was removed a few rods from where he had encountered his equal, if not superior, and there received all the attention his braves could render. Before he died, he called his braves around him to tell them of the future, saying: "This isa beautiful spot where I die. The white man is coming and will soon be here; then you must all go away. He will build buildings; one to settle his quarrels in, and not fight like the Indians, another will he build, where the children will learn to be good and not fightas I have done to-day. The Great Spirit will build another for the white man, and he will call it His tepee."

This valorous chief expired the same night, and his death decided the struggle in favor of the Sioux. He was buried with due honor and 32

solemnity, next day, in what is now known as Battle Hollow, where the state prison stands. By referring to page 103 an account of the battle of Stillwater will be found which occurred in 1839, and gave the name Battle Hollow to this spot.

This legend recorded by Connor, affords a pleasing introduction to the history of the now thriving town of Stillwater since its prophecy has been so accurately fulfilled. It would be inter- esting to extend this chapter by drawing at large upon the rich store of Indian reminiscenses of events that centre here. These events are mostly of a tragic nature, however, and have left their own record in the bones of the actors. Leaving these revolting scenes, which continued to be enacted after Stillwater had become a village of some importance, simply referring to page 333 for the last episode, the history of Stillwater under the whites will now follow.

The history of Stillwater begins with the names Joseph R. Brown, Jacob Fisher, Elias Mckean, Calvin F. Leach, Elam Greeley and John Mc- Kusick. In the few years which intervened be- tween the consummation of treaties with the In- dians in 1837 and the formation of the territory of Minnesota in 1849, parties of explorers, in search of a "golden fleece," were pushing out into the north-west, taking up all available points along the rivers in the country newly opened to settle- ment.

Some of these Jasonites did not await the consummation of the treaties but pushed on ahead of licensed settlement, determined to an- tioipate all rivals. We find some claims made in 1836, when there no longer existed much doubt but that the lands would soon be open to settle- ment.

Joseph R. Brown, who was the pioneer of Stillwater, was on hand ready for any opportunity for he came into what is now Minnesota when a boy of fourteen with a detachment of troops, that were sent in 1819 to erect a fort at the junction of the St. Peter's, now the Minnesota, and Mis- sissippi rivers. In 1825, being then only twenty years of age, he left the garrison and engaged in the Indian trade. In 1838 he made a claim on Gray Cloud Island, established a trading post and held by appointment the office of justice of the peace. It has been said Brown was about the only man among the Indian traders of that time

498

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

with sagacity enough to distinguish, in the hub- bub of the wild movement of speculation and emi- gration that characterized the year 1837, the march of that great westward development which was soon to take in the then remote wilderness of the upper Mississippi.

About two years after this he formed the first settlement or laid out the first townsite at the head of Lake St. Croix, about half a mile above the original site of Stillwater, and called it Dahko- tah, and thus became the pioneer town builder of Minnesota. In 1840 he was elected a member of the Wisconsin legislature from Crawford county. Here he succeeded in getting an act passed or- ganizing St. Croix county, with his town, Dahko- tah, as its county seat. After the session he vis- .ited his half-sister, Mrs. Paul Carli, now Mrs. Christopher Carli, of this city, who lived on Fox river, Illinois, and persuaded her to move to his claim at Dahkotah. Mr. Paul Carli had gone to Texas for his health. She acquiesced, and ac- cepting the plan of her brother, was soon on her way up the Mississippi by steamboat in company with her three children, brother and brother-in- law, Christopher Carli, while Joseph R. Brown, his two brothers, S. F. and N. B. and one Givens, a hired man, made the trip by land.

These parties met at Gray Cloud Island, June 13th, 1841. The women stayed with Mr. Brown's family, while the men proceeded to the new town site at Dahkotah, now a part of Schulenberg and Carli's addition to Stillwater. They then com- pleted a house begun by Mr. Brown the preceding fall, long after known as the old Tamarack house because built of tamarack logs. The sides were plastered with mud, so that after every rain, it became necessary to replaster the side on which the storm had beaten, and as the occupants did not possess a trowel, it was necessary to do the work with the hands or rude implements.

When the house was partially completed Mr. Brown returned to Gray Cloud Island and brought the women left behind to the new home, where they arrived June 29th, 1841. The two families ocenpied this house jointly for more than one year, when Mr. Brown moved out in pursuit of new business in trading. Mr. Paul C'arli came from Texas about the same time, and joined his family. He soon made a claim at St. Mary's, near Afton, to which in 1844 he moved his fam-

ily. He was drowned in the spring of 1846, when Mrs. Carli returned to the old Tamarack house, to which Mr. Brown, induced by the prospects of business, had also returned in 1844, and the two families were again joint tenants as before.

Thus was made the first settlement and the first honse built by one who, under the name of Major Brown, Joe Brown, and a variety of appellations, has exercised an important influence on the for- tunes and politics of Minnesota. Leaving this double family in the old Tamarack house, we must now look up the fortunes of another party who have been making a settlement and taking steps more important in their business relations than was the simple building of this first house.

In 1842, while Jacob Fisher was finishing the front of a business house in St. Louis, his em- ployer introduced him to a Mr. Hungerford, who hired him to go to the Falls of St. Croix and do carpenter work for the St. Croix Lumber Com- pany.

In a few days Mr. Fisher started for the Falls of St. Croix, where he arrived in the early part of June, 1842, but found things in a very un- settled condition, so that he could not proceed according to the contract made at St. Louis, and was forced to undertake such work as he could get. His first job was to make a wheelbarrow, then some repairing in the mill of the St. Croix Lumber Company. After spending the summer at the Falls, he and Sylvester Stateler, a black- smith, came to Dahkotah, and spent the winter working in the basemeut of the court-house built by Joseph R. Brown. During the early spring, while Mr. Fisher was strolling along the plateau in search of a stick of timber to make an ax handle, he discovered some raccoon tracks, the ground being covered with snow at the time. Mr. Fisher went back, told Mr. Stateler of the prospective game. Both gentlemen started, found the tracks near where the mill was after- wards built. Following them they were led up the bluff to what now is McKusick's lake. Mr. Fisher discovered what seemed to him to be a favorable location for a saw-mill. They returned to the Tamarack house, but the thought lingered in Mr. Fishers mind. In a few days he revisited the ground, when his practical eye soon led him to conclude, that Brown's creek, formerly known as Pine creek, could be turned into the lake

499

CITY OF STILLWATER -- EARLY EVENTS.

above, and a canal of about sixty feet in length at the lower end of the lake would conduct the water into the lake, over the bluffs, down a ravine near the shore of Lake St. Croix, where it could be utilized in a mill enterprise. Nothing more was thought of the project till in the month of June, when Elias Mckean,. Calvin F. Leach, Elam Greeley and Jacob Fisher met at the Tama- rack house.

Mr. Elias Mckean left his home in Pennsyl- vania in 1841, and arriving at St. Louis hired to the "St. Croix Lumber Company." They sent him to St. Croix Falls to work in their mill. He arrived at the falls in the latter part of May, and continued in the employ of this company till fall; then he went to Marine and worked for the "Marine Lumber Company" for one year. In the spring of 1843, having taken part of his pay in lumber, he proceeded to raft it down the river to St. Louis, accompanied by Calvin F. Leach who had also taken lumber in part payment for services of the same company. On their way down the St. Croix they were wind-bound just above where Stillwater is located. They went ashore to spend the night at the old "Tamarack House," the only place that offered entertainment to strangers. Here they met Jacob Fisher and Elam Greeley, who were rafting logs at the head of the lake, which had floated down from the boom at the Falls of St. Croix, broken by the high water following recent heavy rains. During the con- versation of the evening, such as speculators are wont to encourage, Mr. Greeley inadvertently said: "I would give more for a saw-mill within a mile of this place than any point at St. Croix Falls." Fisher quickly replied: "What will you give me if I show you a good mill site within a mile of this place?" Mr. Greeley said: "I know all about Brown's creek; it is not possible to use it in that way." After some promiscuous talk all retired for the night. Next morning, after breakfast, the company concluded to visit the prospective mill site. As they passed along the plateau, all engaging in free jokes, Mr. Mckean would ask Fisher, as they crossed several small rivulets, if this was his mill site. This hectoring was not calculated to awaken the best of feeling on Mr. Fisher's part. Slowly the company pro- ceeded up the ravine till they had gained the summit of the bluff and viewed the surroundings.

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