USA > Minnesota > Washington County > History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 98
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
Joseph Renshaw Brown, deceased, an ex-editor and publisher of Minnesota, one of the most widely known public men of the state, and at his death the oldest white settler, was born Jan- uary 5th, 1805, in Hartford county, Maryland. When about fourteen years of age his father apprenticed him to a printer in Lancaster, Penn- sylvania. Being treated with great harshness and injustice by his employer, he soon after ran away, came to what is now Minnesota, with the detachment of troops that built Fort Snelling in 1819, and remained a resident of Minnesota, en- gaged in public and private business, until his death, in New York, November 9th, 1870. Leav- ing the army about 1825, he resided at Mendota, Stillwater, Saint Croix, and other points in the state, engaging in the Indian trade, lumbering, and other occupations. He acquired a perfect acquaintance with the Dakota tongue, and at- tained an influence among that nation (being allied to them by marriage) which continued unabated while he lived. He was elected mem- ber of the Wisconsin legislature from St. Croix county in 1840, 1841, and 1842, taking a promi- nent part in those sessions. He was a leading member of the Stillwater convention of citizens held in August, 1848, to take steps to secure a territorial organization of what is now Minne-
36
562
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
sota. He was secretary of the territorial council of 1849 and 1851, and chief clerk of the house of representatives in 1853, a member of the council in 1854 and 1855, and of the house in 1857; was territorial printer in 1853 and 1854. He was also a member from Sibley county in the constitu- tional convention of 1857. In August, 1852, he purchased the Minnesota Pioneer, and edited and published it under his own name, for nearly two years. In 1857 he established at Henderson, a town founded and laid out by him, a short time before, a journal called the Henderson Democrat, which soon became a prominent po- litical organ, and was continued with much success until about 1861. In the Indian war, which broke out in 1862, Major Brown took active part. He figured somewhat as an inventor. He had force, originality and genius of invention in him, which was always impelling him in new paths. It was a favorite project of his to build a wagon propelled by steam, which would travel at will over the dry hard roads of our prairies. While perfecting this invention he died in New York, November 9th, 1870.
Julius F. Brunswick, deceased, a son of John G. and Ragula Brunswick, was born in Haupt- weil, Canton Thurgau, Switzerland, May 12th, 1826. He lived here until he was twenty years of age. Having learned the Italian and French languages in Italy and Paris, in 1846 he came to America and lived a short time in Illinois; then came to the St. Croix valley. He at first was en- gaged in the lumber regions working for other parties, but as soon as he accumulated enough started in a small building in mercantile busi- ness, ceasing to work for others. By close econ- omy and perseverance, he gradually accumulated property, and in 1857 opened a general merchan- dise store in a room of Charles Scheffer's old bank building. This he carried on for two years with considerable success. He then bought a stock belonging to one Forstahal, paying $2,000, and added it to his business. In connection with his store, he also ran a warehouse, handling grain and farm machinery. After conducting this a time, he bought a lot adjoining the store and built a large warehouse. He has also dealt largely in pine lands and farming. February 29th, 1859, he married Miss Margaret Darms of this city. They have had seven children, all of whom are
now living: John G., Anna, Rosa, Albert, Clara, Emma and Amelia.
George M. Brush was born March 9th, 1850, at Fairfax, Vermont. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1857, and attended school until 1860, when he left home and clerked in a dry-goods store until 1865, then came to Minnesota and worked on the Winona and St. Peter railway. At one time was chief clerk in the general office, and afterwards supply agent. During the year 1872, was agent for the Chicago and Northwestern Rail- way Company at Sparta, Wisconsin. Came to Stillwater in 1874 to take the position he now holds, agent for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneap- lis and Omaha Railway Company ..
Anthony H. Bryan, mechanical engineer, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, September, 29th, 1850. Lived in that place with his parents, John W., and Margaret Bryan until he was twenty-one years of age, then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and entered the steamboat works of Ar- thur Moore and Sons. After remaining two years, he went on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as assistant engineer of the Charles Bodman and other steamers of the Cincinnati and New Orleans Packet Company. At the end of two years re- ceived a license as second engineer, and was for two years engaged as such on various boats. Then receiving license of first engineer, ran in that capacity on the Mississippi and its tributa- ties until 1879. That year he came to northern Minnesota and worked for the Winnepeg and Western Transportation Company, then settled in this city, working in the winter in the machine shops of D. M. Swain. Married Miss Mary Colby, of Taylor's Falls, December 4th, 1879.
William Buchanan was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 4th, 1837. When quite young his parents both died, and at the age of twelve, he was apprenticed for five years to learn the machinist's trade in Todd and McGregor's Ma- rine Iron Works, in Glasgow, Scotland, then held for two years the position of foreman of that in- stitution. Afterwards went to Liverpool and was foreman for Nicholas and Duncan in their great printing establishment. From 1857 until 1868, he was engaged as engineer on various ocean steamers on the Atlantic. Then came to Indianapolis, Indiana, and remained eighteen months with Greenleaf and Company. Moved to
563
CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.
St. Louis, thence to Chicago, working at machin- ist's work. Next worked in various points in Wisconsin, and was at St. Paul three years. In October, 1879, came to Stillwater and engaged in the mechanical department of Seymour, Sabin and Company's works. He was married in Chi- cago to Miss Margery McDonald, of West Can- ada.
J. M. Burbridge was born in Bass county, Ken- tucky. At the age of six years, he came with his father to Illinois, where he was reared. Having learned carpentering, he came to McGregor, Iowa, in 1850, and engaged in carpentering and build- ing. Next removed to Decorah, working at his trade until October, 1879, then came to Stillwa- ter. Mr. Burbridge was married to Miss Eliza- beth Wood, of Jo Davies county, Illinois. . Of their eight children, but two, Mattie and Wil- liam H. are now living. Mrs. Burbridge died in November, 1869.
Benjamin F. Burns was born in Whitehall, Baltimore county, Maryland, July 15th, 1843. Lived in the vicinity of his birth-place, engaged in farming, until 1869; then came to St. Paul and afterwards to Stillwater. For about two years he was in the employ of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railway Company as baggage-master. In 1871 he was appointed guard at the Minnesota state prison, which position he now holds. Mar- ried Miss Emma Oben, of Prairie du Chien, Wis- consin, December 28th, 1874. They have three children: Mary V., John H. and Charles B.
Angust Buth was born in Europe, August 18th, 1847. Learned the trade of boot and shoe maker in his native country. Came to America and located at Stillwater in 1865. After working for different firms for a time, he accumulated su cient capital to start a shop of his own in 1870, and soon began to employ labor. In 1872 he added a retail boot and shoe store. His business has steadily increased, and now amounts to about $12,000 per year. Was married in 1872 to Augusta Myres. Harry, Lillie and Alma are their children.
Dr. W. H. Caine was born at Ravenna, Ohio, May 10th, 1854. Came with his parents to St. Paul in 1858, attended the graded schools and graduated from the high school of that city in 1869; then took a course in the Bryant and Strat- ton Commercial college. For two years follow-
ing he was engaged at clerking in St. Paul: then commenced the study of medicine, spending two years in preliminary study at home, next taking a partial course in Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, then completing it at the Cook county, Mercy and Hahnemann hospitals. After finishing his medical studies he came to Still- water in April, 1877. In 1880 he was elected county physician. September 4th, 1880, he per- formed the first successful operation in trache- otomy in the county. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, the West- ern Academy of Homoeopathy, the Minnesota State Institute of Homoeopathy, the Hahnemann Med- ical Institute of Hahnemann college, the Ramsey County Homopathic Medical Society and a licen- ciate of the Illinois State Board of Health. Was married at St. Paul, October 23d, 1873, to Mary H. Ten Eyck of that city. Their children are Arthur and William A.
Albert Caplazi was born in Canton of Greschon, Switzerland, January 13th, 1824. Was educated by his parents, his father being a miller. At the age of ten years, went with his parents to the province of Wurtemberg, Germany, where he learned the trade of carpenter; then at the age of twenty-two years returned to his birth- place. Came to America in 1854 with three brothers and one sister. Stopped two years in Ohio, and, in 1856, came to Stillwater. Worked at his trade until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota Volun- teers, received several severe wounds, and was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling in May, 1864. Re-enlisted as a substitute in April, 1865, but his services were not needed, and he se- cured his discharge the same summer. Was married January 13th, 1867, in St. Louis, to Christiana Deichlar, who was born in Germany March 12th, 1842. They have one son and two daughters: Peter P., Rose and Otelia.
Joseph N. Caplazi was born in Switzerland, December 18th, 1862. Lived with his parents until twenty-two years old. At the age of twen- ty learned the carpenter's trade. Came to Amer- ica in 1854, was at Piqua, Ohio, one summer, at Chicago two years, came to Stillwater, remained four months, returned to Chicago, and in 1858 came back to this city. In 1862 enlisted in Com- pany C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
564
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Mr. Caplizi is one of the oldest and best known carpenters of this city. Married Barbara Johe, of Germany, November 6th, 1859. They have three children, Clara, Leo and William -A.
William M. Capron was born in Stamford, Con- necticut, June 19th, 1835. When he was twelve years of age he moved with his parents to New York city. His father was a gas fitter and plumber, and engaged in the manufacture of tin- ware, and he learned the trade before reaching manhood. In 1855 came to Stillwater, and at once engaged in business with his brother, Alon- zo A., who had preceeded him one year. His father and mother, now aged residents of this city, accompanied him. Mr. Capron has been in the hardware business ever since.
Joseph Card well was born in the county of Gray, Canada, April 18th, 1852; attended the common schools until eighteen years of age, when he went to Marquette, Michigan. Then was engaged in government employ for several years, and for three years run a saloon at Clayton, Wisconsin. Next came to Stillwater in June, 1880, and en- tered, in company with Charles Dyson, into saloon business on Main street. Married Miss Clara Thomas, of Clayton, Wisconsin, February 28th, 1879. They have one daughter, Grace.
Henry W. Cannon was born in Delhi, New York, September 25th, 1850. He is the son of George B., and A. E. Cannon, who educated him at the Delaware Literary Institute. At the age of fifteen years he was appointed deputy post- master at Delhi. After holding this position two years he was paying teller in the First National bank of Delhi. In 1870 he came to St. Paul; in March, 1871, came to Stillwater and has since been prominently identified with its busi- ness interests. Is cashier of the Lumbermen's National bank, and holds important positions in the water-power and gas light companies, and the Union elevator company.
Jeremiah E. Cary was born in New York city, December 9th, 1848. Lived with his mother until he was twelve years old, his father having died when Jeremiah was quite young. Then went to Jefferson, Wisconsin, where he remained until twenty years of age, then for two years was at Neenah. Spent the next six years at De Pere, handling pumps and wind-mills. Next, was eighteen months at River Falls. In 1876 came
to Stillwater, and has since resided here. July 14th, 1873, he married Miss Katie Jones, who was born in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, December 1st, 1853. They have three children.
Christopher Carli, M. D. The subject of this sketch, who is the oldest living male settler in what is now the city of Stillwater, is the son of an Italian merchant, and was born in Frankfort- on-the-Main, Germany, December 7th, 1811. His youth was entirely devoted to study; at sixteen he went to Heidelberg and became a student in the Gymnasium, and afterwards in the Univer- sity, giving the best years of his life to literary and medical studies. In the fall of 1831, he sailed in the Constitution for America, and ar- rived in New York, February 8th, 1832, after a voyage of eighty-eight days. The same spring he went to Buffalo, New York, where he was en- gaged in the practice of medicine till December, 1835, when he returned to Europe, and was absent nearly two years. After his return in 1837, he practiced medicine in Chicago one season, then visited the south and returned to Chicago in 1839. In the spring of 1841, he set out for the point then called Dahkotah, now Stillwater, in company with his brother's wife and three children, and her half-brother, Joseph R. Brown, who had previ- ously made a claim here and had a house partially erected. He arrived at Gray Cloud Is- land, on the Mississippi river, June 13th, 1841, then moved to the head of the St. Croix Lake, and in company with J. R. Brown, built the house that became famous as the Old Tamarack house, which was the first built in Stillwater. In this building Dr. Carli opened the first drug-store in Stillwater. He also opened the first bank, and was a member of the first council. Was ap- pointed in 1859, by Governor Sibley, surgeon of a brigade of the state militia. He married Mrs. Lydia Ann Carli, widow of Paul J. Carli.
Mrs. Lydia Ann Carli. This lady, the first to make a home in what is now Stillwater, was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 13th, 1818. When seven years of age, her parents moved to Erie county, where her father died and her mother again married. In the company of some friends, in the spring of 1834, this young girl set out for Chicago, where she arrived safely, and in the fall of the same year, married Paul J. Carli, at that time a well to do German residing in that
565
CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.
city. No event of special importance occurred until the spring of 1841; her husband having gone south for his health, Mrs. Carli, accompanied by her half brother, Joseph R. Brown, her husband's brother, Christopher Carli, and her three children, set out for her brother's claim, at the head of Lake St. Croix, in the then territory of Wiscon- sin. On the 29th of June, 1841, Mrs. Carli landed 'at Dahkotah, now Stillwater, much sur- prised to find much of the badinage of her brother on the way regarding wilderness, half-roofed dwelling, etc., literally true. It is difficult to imagine the feelings of this intellectual and cul- tured woman, thus placed alone with her babes, far from home, scores of miles from the nearest white woman, and her every-day companions, necessarily, the savage, or the adventurous fron- tiersman. In about a year and a half her hus- band arrived, but the family continued to occupy the "Tamarack house" until 1844, when Mr. Carli determined to make a new home for him- self, and accordingly selected a site at St. Mary's, about ten miles below Stillwater, where the fam- ily removed. Here Mr. Carli was drowned while sporting on Lake St. Croix. Soon afterward she married Dr. Carli, and has since resided in Still- water.
Ira Wallace Castle was born at Shefford, Shef- ford county, Canada, December 18th, 1848. Un- til he was sixteen years of age, he remained on his father's farm, receiving a common school education. In 1867 came to Stillwater, and the next five years attended the University of Minne- sota, at Minneapolis. Next studied law with his brother, J. N. Castle, and at Michigan Univer- sity, graduating in 1877, was admitted to the bar in this city the same year, and has since been junior member of the firm of J. N. and Ira W. Castle: Married Miss Emma M. Lanpher of Stillwater, in October, 1880.
James N. Castle was born in Shefford, Shef- ford county, Canada. Received his education in the common schools. After reading law four years he came to Minnesota in 1862, and taught school at Afton, studying law with Smith and Gilman, of St. Paul, until 1865. He then was elected county attorney of Washington county. In 1868 he was elected to the state senate serv- ing two years. Was elected again in 1878 for four years. Is unmarried.
Luke B. Castle was born in Waterloo, Shefford county, Canada, January 10th, 1844. Lived with his parents until eighteen years of age. Then went to Massachusetts to learn a trade. In 1863, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, remaining until 1864, and then enlisted in company B, Sixteenth Mich- igan Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the rebellion, and was mustered out at Detroit, Michigan, July, 1865; then returned to Shefford county, Canada. In the fall of 1867 came to Stillwater; during the winter took a com- mercial course at St. Paul, and for the next two summers was engaged in building in this city. He was then several years interested in a planing mill. In February, 1879, he took his present position, foreman of Staples' planing mill. He married Miss Nannie Getchell, of Stillwater, May 21st, 1873. They have had three children, one now living, Shirley.
Benjamin Cayon was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri, January 30th, 1845. ITis father dying, his mother married Samuel Mercier, and when Ben- jamin was six years old they came to Stillwater, and have since resided here. Enlisted at the beginning of the rebellion in company K, Second Minnesota Sharpshooters. Went to St. Louis, and in August, 1862, came back to Stillwater. Re-enlisted in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving to the end of the war. Came home and spent three years farming at White Bear lake, then was five years at Litch- field, and the next six months at Morris. 'In the fall of 1873 he returned to Stillwater, and has since been a guard at the prison. Married April 27th, 1868, Susan, daughter of Dillon and Eliza- beth O'Brien of St. Paul. They have four child- ren: Lizzie, Josie, O'Brien and Thomas.
W. A. Chambers, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, was born March 9th, 1854. Attended the graded schools until sixteen years old, then for three years clerked for the lumber firm of Chambers Brothers, of Atlantic, Cass county. In the fall of 1877 came to Minnesota and spent the winter in the woods, coming down on the "drive" in July, 1878. Concluding to remain in this city, he en- tered the office of Durant and Wheeler, as second book-keeper, and in 1879 was given entire charge of their office as cashier and book-keeper.
The Reverend Densmore D. Chapin A. M., is a native of Connecticut. Received his education
566
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
at Trinity college, Hartford, graduated in theol- ogy, and was ordained by Bishop Kemper, at Nashotah, Wisconsin, in 1862. Then went to California and had charge of several parishes there. Was the first rector of St. Peter's church, San Francisco, for several years edited the Pacific Churchman, and was connected editorially with the Churchman of New York city. In 1878 he came to Stillwater, from New York city, and took charge of his present parish.
Aaron H. Chase, prison guard, a native of East Machias, Maine, was born July 25th, 1829. At the age of fourteen he began lumbering, and was chiefly occupied in that line until 1861. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Maine Volunteer Infantry, served until January 1st, 1864, then re-enlisted in the same regiment as a veteran. Was mustered out at Raleigh, North Carolina, with the rank of first lieutenant. In 1876 he came to this city, was appointed prison guard and has held the position since. Married, May 6th, 1852, Miss Lucy H. Ellsemore. Their children are, Elisha C., Bertie L., William L., Hattie V. and Edna.
Z. W. Chase, son of Ezra and Hannah Chase, of Dennysville, Maine, was born July 4th, 1831. Received his education at the common schools, attending winters. In 1854 came west to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and went into the lumber business for C. C. Washburn. At the end of two years came to the St. Croix valley and entered into business with his brother, A. M. Chase; un- der the firm name of A. M. and Z. W. Chase. This firm cut and rafted the first logs, from the Totogatic river to the market below. In 1866 spent a few months in Colorado, prospecting for silver, but returned to this city and has been in business here since. Mr. Chase was married to Miss Lydia M. Jordan, June 4th, 1859. They have five sons, Albert M., Elmer E., William E., Ernest M. and George O.
W. A. Clay was born at Gardiner, Kennebec county, Maine, April 4th, 1818. Went to school until eighteen years of age, then began lumber- ing for his father in the mills. In 1850, visited Stillwater, but remained only a short time. The winter of 1851-'52, he was in North Carolina, en- gaged in lumbering, but returned to Maine and spent the summer. In 1855, came to Black River, Wisconsin, and to Stillwater the following win-
ter; until 1867, he owned an interest in the Clay mills. In 1871, Mr. Clay entered the employ of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railway Com- way in the land department. After remaining with them four years, he began surveying logs and has since been in that business. Mr. Clay was married in 1837 to Miss Sarah Douglas, of Gardiner, Maine. She has borne him six children, but one of whom is living.
C. L. Clegg, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, born May 4th, 1844, is a son of Wm. C. and Ellen Clegg. At the age of twenty-one years, he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and remained about three years, then came to Dubuque, Iowa, and worked for the Illinois Central Railway Company two years. On April 14th, 1868, he came to this city, and for four years was with the Schulenburg, Boeckeler Lumber Company, then, about five years worked on the St. Croix river, lumbering. In 1877, he opened the well-known California fruit store on Third street. Mr. Clegg was mar- ried June 24th, 1870 to Miss Amelia Etzel of this city.
John Cogswell was born September 24th, 1834, in Enfield, Grafton county, New Hampshire. Lived with his parents until he was eighteen years old, then commenced railroading as fireman on the Northern New Hampshire railroad. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion he enlisted in the United States navy, serving under Commodore Porter until July 2d, 1862, at that time receiving his discharge at Point Lookout, Maryland. After spending four years railroad- ing in Iowa, he came to Minnesota and was en- gaged in the same business until January, 1878, when he came to this city, was appointed prison guard, and has since held that position. Married Miss Jane M. Reed, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, June 17th, 1866. Of their three children, Frank E. and Mary P., are living.
Robert M. Coles, real estate dealer is a native of Massachusetts, born at Hopkins in 1845. At Worcester, he learned the trade of shoemaking, and coming to Stillwater in 1871, opened a shoe- shop, which he run until 1874, then began specu- lating in lands. His wife was Miss Margeret Burns, of this city, who has borne him two chil- dren: Robert M. and Otho.
Francis V. Comfort, a native of Wisconsin, was born at Mineral Point, August 7th, 1853. Until
567
CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.
seventeen years of age, he lived on a farm, at that age he went to Missouri, then came to Still- water in August, 1872. After attending school in Portage, Wisconsin, he commenced studying law with his brother, O. H. Comfort, and then with H. R. Murdock. Was admitted to practice in Washington county, February 4th, 1878, and com- menced practice in this city with his brother. In 1880, he was admitted to practice in the United States circuit court.
Neil Conklin, conductor on the St. Paul and Duluth railway, was born in Geneva, Walworth county, Wisconsin, January 16th, 1856. When but a child removed to Winona with his parents. Commenced railroading as brakesman on the Southern Minnesota railway in 1869, worked in that capacity on several railroads in the state, and in 1878 was made passenger conductor on the St. Paul and Duluth road. Mr. Conklin re- sides with his parents on the corner of North Hill and Second streets.
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.