USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 97
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The population of Stillwater in 1875 was 5,749; the population in 1880 was 9,061, showing a grat- ifying increase.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
BIOGRAPHICAL, A, B, C, D, E, F.
Alexander Adams, son of Robert and Elizabeth Adams, was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire county, England. Lived there until eighteen years of age; then came with his parents to America, and settled at Ripon, Wisconsin. Here his parents resided twenty-two years, when the mother died, March 19th, 1879, and his father removed to Olm- sted county, Minnesota, and died October 13tlı, the same year. In 1858, Alexander engaged in farming, and in 1860 went to Racine and spent two years in the foundry department of Thomas Falva's reaper works. At the end of that time he went to Chicago and worked at his trade until
1867, when he was elected president of the co- operative foundry of Chicago, and held the office until 1868. Next going to St. Louis, he stayed there a short time, and returned to Chicago to take charge of the Caledonia machine shops. In May, 1870, went to Michigan City, Indiana, and took charge of the foundries of the Haschal and Barker Car Company. Remaining until Decem- ber, 1871, he again went to Chicago; in 1872, came to St. Paul and took charge of Parker, Bailey, Howson and Company's foundries. Came to Stillwater in 1877, and started Seymour, Sabin and Company's iron foundries, which he has since conducted. May 29th, 1871, he married Amelia E., daughter of Henry C. and Maria Hoesch, of Michigan City, Indiana. His chil- dren are Carrie. E., Charles L., Ellen M. and Alice.
Dr. John Nicholas Ahl, deceased, was born in Strasbourg, on the Rhine, October 7th, 1807. He lived with his parents, John and Elizabeth Ahl until eighteen years of age, when he entered the Strasbourg Medical College, and after seven years thorough study of medicine, graduated in 1889, emigrated to America, settled in Galena, Illinois, practiced seven years, then in 1850, came to Stillwater, and in 1852, built the Washington hotel. In 1858, the name was changed to the Liberty house, and Mr. Ahl kept it as such until his death, meanwhile attending to a large practice as a physician. After his death, the family kept the house until 1873. Dr. Ahl married Lucretia Hartman, of Galena, Illinois, in 1846; the chil- dren are: John N., Henrietta, Amelia, William, Louis, Henry, Lucia, Elizabeth and Amanda.
Louis Albenberg was born in Bingen-on-the- Rhine, January 2d, 1852. Came to America in 1870, acquired a common school education, then came to Stillwater in 1871, and for five years did a small business in the vicinity. Next opened a large and complete dry-goods establishment which he still conducts.
J. S. Anderson was born at Marshalltown, Marshall county, West Virginia, February 3d, 1826. In the fall of 1836, his parents John and Susan Ward Anderson removed to Burlington, Iowa, and engaged in pork packing and farming. Young Anderson assisted his father on the farm until 1846. On the first of Nov. of that year, he came to Stillwater on a visit, but remained work-
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CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.
ing four years in the woods; he accumulated enough to commence business for himself, and has since been identified with the lumber inter- ests of this city. He formed a partnership with McComb, Simpson and Company, which lasted until the financial crisis of 1857. During this time he built the stone block now occupied by Staples' store, when he lost everything. He next followed rafting until 1864, again accumulating enough to engage in logging, continuing this un- til 1868, the firm of McKusick and Anderson was formed. He was married in 1852 to Hannah T. McDonald. His children are: Robert M., Sybilla S., William L. and Etta P.
John Anderson, foreman of D. M. Swain's iron works, was born in Yonkopeng, Sweden, April 15th, 1846. When John was eleven years old his father died, and four years later he began to learn the machinist's trade at his birth place, working at it until twenty years of age. Next went to Stockholm and worked as machinist in the gov- ernment railroad works. On the 15th of April, 1871, he started for America, arriving in May. Then came to Stillwater, worked for two years at carpentering for Isaac Staples, and in April, 1873, commenced work as machinist for D. M. Swain and in July, 1877, was made foreman of the shops, and has since held the position. In 1873 he married Ellen Carlson, of Sweden. They have one child, Anna.
Charles A. Appleton. carpenter, Minneapolis, was born in Orange, Texas, October 3d, 1843. At the age of fourteen he went on the sea, re- maining fourteen years. During the rebellion, he held the rank of first lieutenant in the Sixth Texas Cavalry, Confederate States of America. In the fall of 1865 he went to Michigan and lived four years at Salzburgh. In 1877 removed to Minneapolis, and has since lived there. November 20th, 1869, he married Carrie A. Stata, of New York. She died September 4th, 1874, leaving one son, Frederick Eugene.
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D. W. Armstrong was born in Yates county, New York, March, 1819. In 1853, he entered the employ of the Fremont and Indiana railroad company, then was financial agent and was en- gaged in various mercantile pursuits until he came west on account of health. Until the financial crash of 1857, he was cashier of the St. Croix Valley Bank, when it passed into the hands
of eastern capitalists, who continued Mr. Arm- strong in his position as cashier until 1861, when it was removed to Hudson, Wisconsin. Next turned his attention to various occupations until appointed wheat inspector for the mills and board of trade in 1878. Was married in July, 1841, to Lucy Hale, who bore him four children, but one of whom is now living, Harry D. His wife having died, he married Lucy C. Loder, of Cleveland, Ohio, November, 1853. Flora E., Belle and Alma Maud are their children.
Edward M. Barrett, moulder for Seymour, Sabin and Company, was born in Miramichi, New Brunswick, October 30th, 1858. In 1868 his parents, Patrick and Margaret Barrett, removed to Stillwater. At the age of eleven years Ed- ward began to learn the harness trade, but find- ing that his health was failing, abandoned it and began work with his present employers. In 1877 he entered the moulding department, and has since continued. Married on the 21st of October, 1879, Miss Maggie Casey of Stillwater. Resides at the corner of Martha and Mulberry streets.
Richard Barron deceased was born in New Brunswick, Canada, January 18th, 1833. Has been for a long time identified with lumbering in the St. Croix valley, having come to this place in 1850. For a number of years past he was engaged in company with Patrick Sullivan in cutting logs by contract for Schulenburg, Boeckeler and Com- pany, L. E. Torinus and Bronson and Company. His death occurred October 16th, 1880. Mr. Barron was married February 2d, 1859, at Still- water to Miss Lizzie Mathews who was born in New Brunswick, May 8th, 1829. Her father, James Mathews, was a lumberman in that country. After the death of her father and mother, Mrs. Barron, with her six brothers and two sisters, came to Stillwater where she has since resided. She is the mother of four sons and one daughter.
Joseph Becker, of the firm of Heitman and Becker, was born at Kreis, Warrendorf, Germany, December 5th, 1849. Came to America in 1866, and after following the sea two years, visited St. Louis, Missouri, Sacramento and Los Angelos, California, Colorado, Texas and New Orleans. Remaining there a short time he went to St. Louis and in 1878 came to St. Paul. Came to Stillwater in 1879 and engaged in his present business with Charles Heitman.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Clifton A. Bennett was born September 7th, 1841, in Shalersville, Portage county, Ohio. When ten years old, removed with his parents to Cleve- land, remaining four years, and then to Freedom, Portage county, attending school at IIiram Col- lege, President Garfield being his teacher. En- listed April 24th, 1861, in Company D, Twenty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was pro- moted to the staff of General W. D. Hazen, and honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in October, 1865. After the war he came west to Morrison, Illinois, read law, was admitted to the bar in 1867, in the spring of 1868 came to Still- water, and for ten years was in the office of the surveyor general of logs and lumber. In 1878 he was elected clerk of court, and now occupies that office.
Louis N. Bergeron was born at Quebec, Feb- ruary 5th, 1844. When about ten years old, he moved with his parents to a farm near Quebec, lived six years, then returned to the city and was employed in the boom works about five years. Then went to Battle, Maine, remaining in the shingle trade two years. He next came to St. Paul, remained one year and to Stillwater to work for the Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company. In January, 1880, was appointed foreman of the mill. Mr. Bergeron was married August 9th, 1871 to Miss Emma Kreuger, of Germany. They have one child: Amelia.
Charles Boo was born October 3d, 1847, in Sweden. Came to America in 1868, located in Stillwater and followed lumbering until 1876, when he opened a boarding house and saloon, which he still conducts. His mother, aged sixty- one years lives with him. Was married Septem- ber 19th, 1874, in Marine, Minnesota, to Matilda Lindbloom. They have two children: Lyda A. and Carl A.
August Booren, a native of Sweden, was born March 6th, 1850. Came to America in 1866, witlı his brothers Peter and Joseph, located in this city, followed laboring and farming a while, then attended school at Red Wing. In 1872, in com- pany with C. P. Holcomb, leased and conducted the St. Croix house. The winter of 1878-'9, he spent in Sweden, and in the spring of '79, pur- chased the site and erected the Central honse, which he leased to his brother, he himself being engaged in the saloon business. Married Carrie
Wingren, of St. Paul, March 27th, 1873. They have two children living: Minnie S. and Geo. W.
George Borrowman, harness-maker, a native of Canada, was born January 9th, 1850. Came to Minneapolis at the age of fifteen years, completed his trade of harness-maker, thence to this city in 1876. He commenced business at the corner of Stimson alley and Chestnut street. His shop and sales-room is now located in Green's block, where he employs three men, and does an annual busi- ness amounting to about $12,000. He was mar- ried at Waterford, Wisconsin, November 18th, 1871 to Miss Maggie Kelly, they have three chil- dren living; one has died.
Rev. W. T. Boutwell, one of the pioneer mis- sionaries of Minnesota, and one who has proved faithful to his trust in fighting the good fight, is a native of Lyndeborough, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, born February 4th, 1803. His practical education and preparation for college was acquired at Exeter, New Hamp- shire. In 1828, he graduated from Dartmouth college, and three years later from Andover Theo- logical Seminary, being ordained as a missionary, in company with Mr. Sherman Hall, who accom- panied him on his missionary labors, at Woburn, Massachusetts, June 7th, 1831, under the direc- tion of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Rev. Milton Badger preached the ordination sermon. Mr. Boutwell with Mr. and Mrs. Hall left Boston, June 13th, for Mackinaw, with the expectation of establish- ing missions among the Chippewa Indians, arriving after a tedious journey of one month. It was thought advisable for Mr. Boutwell to remain at that point some time for the purpose of acquiring the language of the Ojibways. Giv- ing his attention and untiring zeal to the study of this language he soon became familiar enough to understand and make himself understood by the natives. Subsequently he received an invita- tion from Mr. Schoolcraft, United States agent for Indian affairs in that quarter, to accompany him on an extensive. tour among the north-west- ern Indians, for the purpose of exploring the field, noting the condition of the aborigines and establishing if possible, mission stations. He accordingly left Mackinaw, June 7th, 1832, arriv- ing at Fon du Lac the 23d, Mr. Schoolcraft hav- ing dispatched a canoe and other necessaries for
4
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CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.
his comfort. In a letter to the board he says: "On arriving here I was not a little surprised to find four hundred souls, French, half-breeds and white men. The scene at our landing was such as I never before witnessed, and enough to fill one, unaccustomed to the like as myself, with wonder, if not with fear. The yelling of Indians, barking of dogs, crying of children, running of. the multitude, discharge of musketry, and flourish of flags, was noise in the extreme. But my feelings were indescribable, when I came to my senses and felt that on myself devolved the duty of preaching to this motley group, the only salvation, by Jesus Christ. And what depressed me more than all, the majority neither under- stood my language, nor I theirs, sufficiently to address them except through an interpreter. The Lord, however, opened a wide and effectual door, and gave me utterance. At ten o'clock I preached to about forty in English, the first sermon ever preached here; and at four p. m., I addressed, through Mr. Johnson, more than twice that number, French, half-breeds and In- dians. Many of the latter of whom, for the first- time, listened to the word of life. All listened with attention and interest. My interpreter sat on my right, while a chief occupied a seat at my left, around and below me, on the floor, sat his men, women and children, in a state of almost entire nudity, many of whom had no more than a cloth about the loins, and blanket, but some of the children not even a blanket. All with their pipes and tobacco pouches, painted with all the variety of figures that can be imagined."
From thence he proceeded to the sources of the Mississippi river, and after traveling nearly 2,400 miles in the short space of sixty days, arrived, on his return, at La Pointe, where Mr. Hall was re- siding. La Pointe is on an island in a large bay near the south-west portion of Lake Superior, about four hundred miles west of Mackinaw, and was a place of frequent resort for a large number of Indians, besides about two hundred who lived there. Here he began his labors in establishing a mission, and found more to be done than there was time or strength for. However, a school was established; the number of pupils varied, owing to the unsettled state of the Indians and their indifference on the subject of their education from twelve to fifteen or twenty. As there were
no books in the Ojibwa language, it was neces- sary to instruct them orally and in elementary books in English, the progress being quite slow. Mr. Boutwell, after a faithful prosecution of his duties for more than a year, at La Pointe, gave this work into other hands, and proceeded, in September, 1833, to Leech lake, to commence a mission station in that quarter for the Ojibwas. In giving an account of his reception by the Indi- ans, he says: "When I arrived, the men, with few exceptions, were making their fall hunts, while their families remained at the lake and its vicinity, to gather their corn and make rice. A few lodges were encamped quite near. These I began to visit, for the purpose of reading, singing, etc., in order to interest the children and awaken in them the desire for instruction. I told them about the children at Mackinaw, the Sault, and at La Pointe, who could read, write and sing. To this they would listen attentively, while the mother would often reply, 'My children are poor and ignorant.' To a person unaccustomed to In- dian manners and Indian wildness it would have been amusing to have seen the little ones, as I approached their lodge, running and screaming, more terrified, if possible, than if they had met a bear robbed of her whelps. It was not long, however, before most of them overcame their fears; and in a few days my dwelling, a lodge which I occupied for three or four weeks, was frequented from morning till evening, by an in- teresting group of boys, all desirous to learn to read, sing, etc. To have seen them hanging, some on one knee, others on my shoulder, reading and singing, while others, whether from shame or fear, I know not, who dared not venture with- in, were peeping in through the sides of the cot- tage, or lying flat upon the ground, and looking under the bottom, might have provoked a smile; especially to have seen them as they caught a glance of my eye, springing upon their feet and running like so many wild asses colts. The rain, cold, and snow were alike to them, in which they would come, day after day, many of them clad merely with a blanket and a narrow strip of cloth about the loins. The men at length returned, and an opportunity was presented me for reading to them. The greater part listened attentively. Some would come back and ask me to read more. Others laughed and aimed to make sport of both
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
me and my book. I heeded as if I understood not. I had been laughed at and called a fool be- fore. Besides, I remembered to have read the " servant is not above his master." Here he en- dured the privatious and hardships of that lonely, desolate place inhabited only by the dark-hued tribes, with still darker souls striving by the help of God to instruct and enlighten their minds. In 1834, he made a trip to Fond du Lac, where be married an interesting and well eductated An- glo-Ojibwa lady, Miss Hester Crooks, who was a teacher at Yellow Lake mission. Returning they commenced house-keeping in a bark lodge. Send- ing his men to the lake for the winter's supply of fish, which was their principal means of suste- nance, he proceeded to build a house. This hab- itation when completed was a rude hut, the tim- bers of which he assisted in cutting and carrying on his shoulders; the walls were of mud, the window of deer skins and the only articles of furniture, a box which served for both chair and table and an Indian mat for a bed. Continuing his labors in that locality till 1837, he was then compelled to leave his post in consequence of the hostilities of the Leech Lake Ojibwas, who were threatening to drive him away and had already cruelly murdered Mr. Alfred Aitkin, the trader in charge of the American Fur Company's post. Later he was connected with the mission at Lake Pokegama some time. In 1847, he came to Still- water and officiated as pastor at St. Croix Falls, Marine Mills and Cottage Grove. He was re- lieved of his cares at Stillwater in 1848, by Rev. J. C. Whitney, retiring then to St. Croix Falls and Point Douglas, where he pursued his pastoral labors until 1853. The Home Missionary society then assigned to him, the charge at Point Doug- las and Marine, where he still does duty as pastor. He assisted Rev. Whitney in establishing the first church in Stillwater in 1849, which was of Pres- byterian belief. IIis first wife was born May 30th, 1817, on Drummond Island, Lake Huron. When seven years old, she was placed in the mission school at Mackinaw, and when seventeen accompanied Mr. Ayer and wife as teacher and interpreter at Yellow Lake. The next year, 1834, she married Mr. Boutwell and assisted him in opening the mission at Leech Lake. Being familiar with English, French and Indian, she met with much success in interesting and teach-
ing both men and women, and in her energy and untiring zeal in her good work proved her- self to be worthy of her work. She passed to her reward October 15th, 1853, at Stillwater. She bore him five sons and four daughters; the living are: Elizabeth A., Ramsey C., William T., Rodney C., Catherine A., Hester E. and Corne- . lius L. His second wife was Mary Ann Bergin, of Lancaster, New Hampshire, who was born May 17th, 1809, and married September 26th, 1854. She came to Iowa as a teacher under the patronage of Governor Slade, of Vermont. Feb- ruary 5th, 1868, she departed to her rest.
Clark Boughton was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, April 2d, 1831. When be was three years old his parents removed to Loraine county, Ohio. At the age of seventeen he commenced learning milling, and one year later came west to Galena, Illinois. Worked at his trade till 1850, then went to California, across the plains, and for two years engaged in mining. Next, coming to Hastings, he engaged in milling, but lost everything by high water after three years, and then went to Colorado, remained a while, came back to Minneapolis, and in 1877 took charge of the St. Croix mills of this city. Was married in August, 1854, to Anna Hanson, who has borne him three boys and two girls, all of whom are living.
Dennis Boyle was born in New York city, May 21st, 1849. His parents removed to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, where he received his educa- tion. In 1865 he came to Stillwater and com- menced lumbering. This he has since been con- tinnously engaged in, and at present is foreman for the C. N. Nelson Lumber Company. Also has a valuable farm in Nobles county. In 1875 Mr. Boyle, was married to Miss Katie Whalen of Baytown, Wisconsin. They have two children, Mamie J. and William H.
C. A. Bromley was born in Plattsburg, New York, October 31st, 1829. At the age of nine- teen he removed to Kenosha, Wisconsin; thence removed to Richmond, where he remained until he came to Minnesota, arriving at St. Paul in 1851 and at Stillwater in 1853. Previous to the war, he was captain of the Stillwater guards, and at the beginning of the rebellion enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteers, as captain of Com- pany B. After three months resigned and re-
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CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.
cruited Company I, Sixth Minnesota, served nine months, then again resigned and returned home and resumed his old business, livery. Served one term as alderman. Was married here.
Elisha Brown, contractor and builder, was born in the town of Knox, Waldo county, Maine, April 7th, 1821. Lived in his birth-place until eighteen years of age. Having learned the car- penter trade at the age of twenty-one, he went to Boston, Massachusetts, remained there about three years working in the city and vicinity. Then he returned to Maine, contracting and building until 1854, then removed to Stillwater, where he has since been engaged in contracting. In 1862, he enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until July, 1865, when he was mustered out at Fort Snelling. Next went to Fort Ridgely, remained eight months, then returned to Stillwater and resumed his business. Mr. Brown married Jannette L. Stephens, daughter of John and Hulda Irish, in April, 1846. They have had four children, one of whom survives, Flora H., who was married to F. W. Getchell, of this place, in 1864.
Edward Scott Brown was born in Orono, Maine, February 8, 1830. Received his education in the common schools and academy at Foxcraft, Maine. Learned the trade of mill-wright and built the first gang saw-mill on the Kennebec. In 1852 he went to Puget Sound, crossing the isthmus of Panama, where he was compelled to wait twenty-one days for a steamer. Took pas- sage on the steamer Cortez, to San Francisco thence embarked in a sailing vessel for Puget Sound. Built and operated for one year the saw- mills of the Puget Sound Lumber Company, erecting the first gang saw-mill on the Pacific coast. Returned to Orono in 1854, and in 1855 came to St. Anthony for Franklin Steele. In 1873 removed to this city and represented this district in the state senate one term.
George S. Brown was born in Orono, Maine, March 23d, 1845. At the age of ten years he re- moved with his parents to Lewiston, where he lived until sixteen years old, then came to St. Anthony, and in the fall of 1863 enlisted in Com- pany B, Brackett's Independent Battalion, and served against the Indians. In the spring of 1866 he was honorably discharged at Fort Snell- ing, returned to St. Anthony and conducted a
lumber yard until 1870. Next run a lumber yard in Wells two years and in 1872 came to Stillwater and went to work for Hersey, Bean and Brown, as foreman of yards, and has since held that po- sition. Married, in 1870, Miss Ida F. Rogers, of St. Anthony. They have three children.
John Brown was born in Cork, Ireland, April 17th, 1820, where he lived until he was twenty- six years of age. His father having died when he was eighteen months old, he was reared by his mother, Josie Brown. In 1846 came to America, settled in New York, and for ten years was en- gaged in railroading. In 1856 came to Stillwater and worked for Hersey, Staples and Hall until that firm dissolved, then went to work for Hersey, Staples and Doe, continuing until 1878. In 1863 he purchased one hundred acres of land in Still- water township, and in 1880, forty acres adjoin- ing. Married, May 3d, 1847, Miss Anna Leary, of New York city. They have had ten children, five of whom are living, William H., James L., Mary M., Josie A. and Francis L.
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