History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 99

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 99

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James Connors, born April 6th, 1831, is a native of Pictou, Nova Scotia. Learned blacksmithing with his father in Restigouche, New Brunswick, and came with him to. Wisconsin in 1865. In 1873 came to Stillwater and worked at his trade for Isaac Staples until 1877, then started for himself, and bas enlarged his business until he now employs six men, doing an annual business of $17,000. Married Miss Annie Clark, of Res- tigouche, New Brunswick, in October, 1858. They have three children.

W. S. Conrad was born in Richmond, Virginia, in August, 1845. Grew up and received his ed- ucation at Richmond college. Came to this city in 1865, and was two years clerk in the dry goods store of Levy and Daniels, then in the surveyor general's office one year, and in the winter of 1867-'68 was chopping in the woods. In the fall of 1869 commenced business for himself as wholesale and retail dealer in cigars and tobacco. Mr. Conrad married Miss Eliza C.McKusick of this city, on the 27th of September, 1869. They have had two children, one of whom, Edwin M., is living.

John Covell, a native of Upper Canada, was born December 3d, 1826. His education was re- ceived in three-months' terms in winter schools until he was fourteen years old; was then ap- prenticed to learn carpentering, afterward learn-

ing the mill-wright trade. After acquiring a trade came west in 1850 and stopped at Milwaukee; in 1865 removed to Anoka, in 1868 came to Still- water and has been in the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company since. He was married at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1859, to Miss Abbie M. Burr. They have two daughters, An- gelica M. and Edith P.

Charles W. Crowell was born at Gardiner, Maine, August 5th, 1842. At the age of twenty he began to learn the trade of miller, and worked five years with Esquire Gardiner, founder of the town of Gardiner. Then went to Lawrence, Massachusetts, and was in Taylor and Davis' great flouring-mills eight years. He next came to Minneapolis and was eighteen months in the Washburn A mill, then came to Stillwater and has since been engaged as superintendent of the Stillwater Mills. Mr. Crowell married Miss Ida J. Madison, of Minneapolis, July 29th, 1880.

William E. Cummings was born in the town of Williamsburg, Stormont county, Canada, January 28th, 1843. When twelve years old he began learning the mill-wright trade. After working four years in Lindsay, then went to the town of Finch, where he spent eight years work- ing for J. R. Chregsler and Sons. Removed to Minneapolis in 1876, shortly afterward went to Clayton, Wisconsin, where he built a mill, and resided in that town one year. In 1877 came to Stillwater and engaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company as mill-wright, and has been with them since. He married Miss Sarah J. Green, of Bed- caygeon, Canada, on the 30th of June, 1869. They have had five children; but three, Albert, Olive and Minnie, are living.

Gold T. Curtis, deceased, was a native of Mor- risville, Madison county, New York, born Aug- ust 16th, 1821. When but fourteen years of age, he passed the preliminary examination at Yale college, but the faculty were unwilling to admit him on account of his youth. His father then took him to Hamilton college, New York, wbence he graduated in 1840, at the age of eighteen years. Was admitted to practice when twenty-one years of age. In 1850 he married Miss Mary A. Ander- son, of Belleville, Illinois, and for four years practiced in that place. In 1854 he came to Still- water, and at once entered into a lucrative prac- tice, for a time holding the offices of district

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attorney and judge of probate. Was a member of the constitutional convention of 1857. At the breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted as a pri- vate.in the Fifth Minnesota Volunteers; was pro- moted to first lieutenant and afterwards to captain. When about to be transferred to Gene- ral Halleck's staff, was taken ill and died July 24th, 1862. His remains were brought to Still- water and buried with military and Masonic honors.

Joseph Dahm, a native of Germany, was born December 11th, 1835. Attended schools until the age of twelve years, then learned the baker's trade, and in 1857, came to America, locating at Stillwater and engaged in cooking in lumber camps and on the drives until 1862, when he opened a saloon, to which was added in 1869, a stock of groceries. In 1870, he leased the saloon and devoted himself entirely to groceries. Is as- sisted by John Demler, and his own son Leonard. In 1862, he married Mrs. F. Demler, widow of S. Demler, who built the building now occupied by Dahm.

Lawson M. Dailey is a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, born March 10th, 1852. Lived with parents nntil he was fifteen years old, then learned a trade, spent two years in the large lumber mills of Lovelace, Funday and Company at Norwood, then was in machine shops at Pots- dam, St. Lawrence county. Returning to Nor- wood, he remained in charge of Lovelace, Cool and Company's planing mill until 1873. March 24th, came to Stillwater, and has since been su- perintendent of Hersey, Bean and Brown's plan- ing mill. Was married at St. Paul, Jannary 16th, 1874 to Miss Hattie M. Dailey, of Water- town, New York. She has borne him two chil- dren: Russie L. and Bertrand.

George Davis, county auditor, a native of Massachusetts, born at Lancaster, September 22d, 1832. Received his education at common school and at Berlin and Lancaster Academies. His father dying when George was only eleven years old, he was compelled from that time to make his own living. Came west to St. Louis in 1852, and, in 1853, to Stillwater. Until 1858, was engaged as clerk. for various firms, then was appointed deputy sheriff, and in 1861, elected sheriff, holding the office ten years. Was next de- puty clerk, then clerk of district court, and in 1876,

was elected county auditor holding that office since. Married Georgia Stanchfield in 1865, and has five children: Harry W., Orris C., Warren W., Adella and John H.

James B. Davis was born in Old Town, Penob- scot county, Maine, January 1st, 1836. When twenty-two years of age, he started west, and the next seven years were spent traveling through California, Nevada and Montana. At Fort Ben- ton in 1867, he, with fifteen others built a Mack- inaw boat and went down the Missouri to Sionx City. On the trip which required forty days, four of the crew were wounded in skirmishing with Sioux Indians, though no lives were lost. In March 1868, he came here and has since been Inmbering, as foreman for Isaac Staples. Mr. Davis married December 2d, 1856, Miss Martha A. Bradford, of Old Town, Maine. They have three children: James. E., Nora L. and Gert- rude May.

Richard Daw, a native of England, was born March, 31st, 1845. Came to America with his parents in 1847, and lived there until 1856, the family then removing to Stevenson county, Illi- nois. Learned the trade of carriage-making with a Mr. Bass of Freeport. In 1871 removed to St. Paul and worked at his trade until March, 1872, then came to Stillwater and commenced business for himself, continning to reside here since.

Silas S. Denton, born November 28th, 1810, is a native of Jefferson county, New York. In May, 1854, he came to the St. Croix valley and bonght a tract of land bordering on Carnelian lake, and in September brought his family to their new home. Soon after he came to the city where he has since resided. Bonght an interest in the livery business with C. A. Bromley, run it two years, sold out, and was engaged in that business in various localities until 1879, when he sold the stock, but retains the buildings and grounds. Married Miss Sophronia Cowles, of Durham, Greene county, New York, December 21st, 1842. Of three children born to them but one survives, Carrie E., now the wife of James Pennington, Jr., who lives in this city.

Alexander Donald was born in Hancock county, Illinois, March 17th, 1847. His parents dying when he was bnt eight years old, he was left in the care of an uncle who was a farmer. Worked on the farm in the summer and attended district

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CITY OF STILLWATER- BIOGRAPHICAL.

school winters until eighteen years old. Then entered the state normal school at Bloomington, Illinois, and spent two and one-half years there. Was engaged teaching, in insurance business, and steamboating until 1875. Then commenced studying medicine. Graduated at Hahnemann medical college, Chicago, and practiced a while in that city. June 19th, 1880, came to Stillwater and has since practicted here. Dr. Donald married Mary Ferguson, of Illinois. They have had two children, both deceased.

Jacob A. Deragisch was born in Switzerland, February 2d, 1844. In 1854 he came to Toledo, Ohio, with an uncle, remaining a short time. Came to this city, and for several years attended the city schools in the winter and in the summer worked in the mills. In August, 1857, he met with an accident by which he lost the thumb and two first fingers of the right hand. He then at- tended school about eighteen months, and March 16th, 1859, entered the store of the Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, where he has since remained. During the past seven years he has been alderman from the third ward. Was married in 1871 to Josephine McLean, and has two children.

P. S. Deragisch is a native of Switzerland, born July 11th, 1847. When thirteen years old he came with his parents to America, arriving at Stillwater in the spring of 1861. At first worked on a farm at four dollars per month, then in a cigar and tobacco establishment at eight dollars per month. Was next in the employ of the Schu- lenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company until 1871. Then engaged for himself in the New Idea sample rooms. Married in this city to Miss Elizabeth McLean, who has borne him three children, two of whom are now living, Jerome B. and Emily.

Conrad Drechsler was born in Germany, Octo- ber 23d, 1836. Came to America in 1855, and to Stillwater in 1858, and followed lumbering for several years. In 1870, erected his present build- ing, and has since run his saloon in it. Mr. Drechsler is the oldest saloon-keeper in Stillwater. Was married in this city to Miss Mena Lustig, in 1862. Six children have been born to them, four of whom are now living: Amel, Emma, Willie and Clara.

Julius H, Duel, of the firm of Duel and

Schermuly, publishers of the St. Croix Post, was born July 16th, 1858, in Mecklenburg, Germany. Soon after, his parents removed to Prussian Ger- many, where he received his German education. At the age of nine years he had attained the fourth seat in a school of one hundred and twen- ty-five scholars,in Germany, scholars being seated .

according to scholarship. When about ten years of age his parents emigrated to the United States. In 1871 he attended the higher school in Lake- land, and in 1872 his parents removed to St: Croix county, Wisconsin. In 1873 he attended the academy at Afton, three months, then entered the Stillwater high school. His father desired him to settle on the farm, but wishing to pursue his studies, he sought a place to work for his . board, and while thus engaged became acquainted with Mr. Easton, of the Gazette, for whom he took care of a horse for his board, attending school through the winter. In the spring of 1875 he entered the Gazette office as apprentice, work- ing three years in that capacity, then became as- sociated with the St. Croix Post, a German paper. On the 11th of December, 1879, he was married to Miss Emma Schermuly, oldest daughter of his partner.

Edward White Durant, is a native of Roxbury, Massachusetts, born April 8th, 1829. He is of Huguenot descent, and about the sixth genera- tion from Captain Edward Durant, who moved from Boston to Newton (Cambridge), Massachu- setts, in 1732, and who two years later, was re- fused the privilege of building a pew in the meet- ing-house. His son Edward Junior, was one of the leading patriots of Newton, strongly opposing the arbitrary measures of the British government for several years before the revolution. He was chairman of the committee on commercial corre- spondence and delegate to the provincial congress of 1774 and 1775. William W. Durant, the father of our subject, removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, when Edward was about nine years old. Here he at- tended a boys' academy one year, the family then going to Whitesides county, Illinois. After spending four years on a farm, they removed into the little village of Albany, in 1844. When nine- teen years of age, Edward left home and came to Stillwater, for three years being engaged in raft- ing on the river. Next, was pilot on the river from Stillwater and St. Paul to St. Louis, during

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

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fifteen years. Then the next fourteen years was general manager along the river for Hersey, Staples and Company. In 1872 became a mem- ber of the firm of Durant, Wheeler and Company, being engaged in buying and selling lumber. Mr. Durant is grand master of the Masons of Minne- sota. He married Miss Henrietta Pease, of Al- bany, Illinois, December 29th, 1853. They have had three children, two of whom are living.

Albert C. Dutton was born in Warren county, New York, in October, 1849. Came with his parents to Stillwater when four years of age. Worked on a farm until fifteen years of age, then began learning the trade of machinist, and until 1875, worked at that trade. Since then has been engineer for the Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lum- ber Company,

Henry Dyer, a native of England, was born in Gloucestershire, November 24th, 1854. When Henry was five years old his parents, Edmund and Ann Dyer, removed to Canada. After learn- ing a trade, he came to the United States, spent one year in the Globe marine iron works, at Cleveland, Ohio, two years as engineer on the lakes, two years in the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railway machine shops, and two years in the Northern Ohio Insane Asylum, as engi- neer. In 1879 came to Stillwater and entered the machine shops of D. M. Swain, remaining there since. Mr. Dyer married April 10th, 1870, Miss Kate Collard of Canada. They have one child, Sydney.

Charles Dyson was born in Dutchess county, New York, October 20th, 1846. At the age of fourteen removed to Sauk county, Wisconsin, with his parents, and worked on a farm until he. came to Stillwater, in 1869. Was engaged in Gaslin's mill as sawyer for five years, then for five years in Hersey, Bean and Brown's, in the same capacity. In 1880 began business for him- self in company with Joseph Cardwell in their present location, known as Jo's and Charley's saloon.

A. B. Easton was born at Mesopotamia, Trum- bull county, Ohio, March 1st, 1828. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, tracing their lin- eage to the Pilgrim Fathers. At the age of fourteen years he was clerk in a store, but obey- ing the regards of his parents, left the store and attended school, finishing his studies by a course

at the high school. Soon after he again assumed the position of clerk, in which he continued two years, when, in 1855, took charge of his. father's hotel. Two years subsequently he came to Still- water, beginning work as compositor for the Stillwater Messenger, A. J. Van Vorhes, proprie- tor. During the absence of the proprietor, Mr. Easton was manager. Finally in 1863, heand A. B. Stickney rented the paper, which they op- erated one year, then carried it on alone until 1865. During this time Mr. Van Vorhes had been filling the position of quarter-master, and on his return, made Mr. Easton foreman, where he continued until 1868. The St. Paul Dispatch had just merged into existence, and he was con- nected with the interests of this paper until re- turning to Stillwater in 1869. August 6th, 1870, he issued the first number of the Stillwater Ga- zette. From that time his paper has steadily grown; using at first a hand press, now having a steam-power press with the modern improve- ments. His son, William E., was taken as a partner in 1876. October 14th, 1849, Mr. Easton and Miss Julia Burke were married. She has borne hin three daughters and four sons.

William E. Easton, oldest son of A. B. Easton was born at Mesopotamia, Ohio, 1850. He ac- companied his parents to Stillwater and was much of the time about his father's printing of- fice, working as typo; when so small as to be unable to reach the case without standing on a chair, he would set more type than any boy of his age in the state. In 1868, he was promoted to compositor, and two years later identified him- self with the Gazette, being made a partner in 1876, holding the position of foreman. His wife was Josephine McGowan, married in 1878.

L. W. Eldred, born at Elyria, Ohio, July 19th, 1832. During early years, he studied architec- ture, then engaged as a clerk in a hotel. On at- taining majority, he came westward and located at Dubuque, Iowa; until 1868, he followed clerk- ing on boats on the Mississippi, then returned to his former home, where he remained until 1880, engaged in building. Returning to Stillwater, he took charge of the construction of the opera house. His marriage with Miss S. M. Conger, of Canton, New York, took place in 1854. Hattie, their only daughter is now the wife of Albert Pennington.

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CITY OF STILLWATER-BIOGRAPHICAL.

A. Eldridge, a native of Hartford, Vermont, born June 10th, 1815. At the age of nine years, he was placed under the guardianship of his uncle at Cambridge, New York, where he learned the trade of comb making, and remained nine years; then went to New York city and worked one year at his trade, and five years in New Jer- sey as carpenter. In 1844, he removed to Platte- ville, Wisconsin, working in the lead mines four years, then came to Stillwater where he pursued his trade a few years. He contracted the carpen- ter work of the state prison in 1853, afterward, until 1862, he continued in his trade, then pur- chased the book-store he how occupies, of Martin Johnson. Mr. Eldridge married in 1849, Miss Sarah L. Judd. He has held the office of justice of the peace, county commissioner, and in the city council.

Daniel Elliott, a native of the Emerald Isle, born August 16th, 1832, and when a small child his parents crossed with their family to Fred- erickton, New Brunswick, then to Stanley, about twenty-five miles distant. Here Daniel grew to manhood and acquired an education, also was en- gaged in black-smithing and lumbering. During July, 1856, he came to the St. Croix valley, and has since been a resident of the now thriving city of Stillwater. Much of his time has been passed in lumbering, and in 1875, abandoned this business, being unable to undergo so much ex- posure, and opened a boarding house at his resi- dence near the lower depot. For three years he has been a member of the city council. In 1861, he married Miss Mary A. McDermott, of New Brunswick, who has borne him three children: James E., Mary E. and Thomas F.

John H. Elward was born at Providence, Rhode Island, February 22d. 1839. He was left an orphan when six years of age, and as many other boys, living near the sea, had a great desire to be a sailor. He made four voyages to the West India Islands, visiting each time Hayti. After returning from his last trip, he learned the trade of machinist, at what was then the Corliss and Nightingale Steam Engine Works, in which he continued two years. The sea having so great a fascination for him, he decided to make a trip to California with his brother, who was second mate of a brig. On their outward passage the brig was wrecked near Cape Hatteras, he, his

brother, and a portion of the crew succeeded in reaching the shore. He then forsook the sea, and after visiting different cities, he, in 1855, en- tered the employ of Samuel Talcott, at Rockton, Winnebago county, Illinois, beginning also his career as inventor, having made some profitable suggestions in regard to improvements in a hand corn-planter, which he manufactured. During the winter of 1856-'57, he took part on the free- state side, in which was known as the Border Ruffian war, and while so doing, contracted a fever which prostrated him for some time. In 1858, he returned to Illinois, locating near Ottawa and there invented and operated what was known as the Elward Under-ground Ditching Machine or Mole Plow. receiving a patent in fall of 1860. He also in 1858, built his first harvester, and con- tinued making improvements on it. April, 1861, he enlisted in his country's cause, assisting in raising the company, and was the third man to enroll his name as volunteer from Ottawa, Illi- nois. He was promoted to second lieutenant of the Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for meritorious conduct at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Being injured in 1863 by his horse falling with him, he obtained a leave of absence, but in 1864, rejoined his company and was pro- moted to first lieutenant of One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and served until promoted to major; was mustered out during the summer of 1865. Returning to Ottawa, in 1870, perfected and put into use the Elward Harvester, which is now manufac- tured by the St. Paul Harvester Works of that city. In 1876, he invented the principal parts of the Minnesota Chief, threshing machine, Sey- mour, Sabin and Company, furnishing material for the first machine. That firm makes the man- ufacture of this machine their principal business. Mr. Elward has also since then patented the El- ward Equalizing Horse-power, the Elward Straw- burning Boiler and Engine, and the Friction Traction Engine, all of which are manufactured by Seymour, Sabin and Company. In 1866, Mr. Elward was united in marriage with Miss Mary Brand. They have two children: W. A. R. and Mary D.

Charles W. Emerson was born in New Hamp- shire, December 23d, 1839. He worked on his father's farm until 1856, then entered upon a three

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

years' apprenticeship as a carriage blacksmith, with S. S. Stevens, West Amesbury, now Merri- mac, Massachusetts. After finishing his trade he worked at it as a journeyman nine years, then opened a shop of his own in which he continued until coming to Stillwater in 1878. Here he en- gaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company, and assumed charge of their blacksmithing depart- ment. At West Amesbury, Massachusetts, in 1868, he married Miss Ennice S. Stevens, who has borne him two children, Nellie E. and Addie II.

Ignatius Fazendin, a native of Switzerland, was born December 23d, 1851. He came to America in 1873, accompanied by his brother, Christopher, and arrived at Stillwater the same year. Until 1876 he was a day laborer, then en- gaged with Mr. Wolf, brewer, in whose employ he has since remained, having charge of the office since January, 1879. September 2, 1879, he mar- ried Miss Mary Wolf; they reside with her parents.

Andrew Fee was born in Indiana county, Penn- sylvania, September 7th, 1832. He grew to man- hood on his father's farm, and in the meantime acquired a practical education at the district school. In 1854, he came westward to Marine, Washington county, and two years later pur- chased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Polk county, Wisconsin. He engaged in agri- cultural pursuits until opening his present meat market in 1880 at Stillwater. Mr. Fee enlisted in the Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry in the spring of 1865, and was ordered south where he was taken sick and was unable for service; was mustered out in July, 1865. He has been twice married; his present wife was Miss Albertine Enk, married 1862. They have had two daugh- ters, Matilda and Emma, both deceased. His son William, by his first wife, is now interested with him in the market.

Ferguson Brothers are natives of New Bruns- wick, and there grew to manhood. After acquir- ing a common school education, Frazier, the elder, came to Stillwater in 1867, and engaged in lumbering. Thomas M., accompanied by his pa- rents, came to Stillwater in 1869, where he com- pleted his education in the high school, then clerked in clothing houses in this city and St. Paul. These brothers succeeded in accumulating enough capital to establish a boot and shoe trade for themselves, which they did in 1878. Their

first capital was two thousand dollars, and they now do an annual business of twenty-two thou- sand dollars. This firm, though young, rank among the leading boot and shoe firms of the city.

James P. Fitzgerald is a native of New Bruns- wick, born June 30th, 1846. Here he passed his youth, and learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1868 he located at Stillwater and was in the em- ploy of Z. H. Foss, until 1871, then opened an establishment for himself. Four years later, his shop and all the fixtures were totally destroyed by fire; his loss included all his accumulations since his first start. In company with J. C. Rhine leased and run a shop one year; disposing of his interest he removed to Morris, Stevens county, turning his attention to agriculture, but on account of grasshoppers was obliged to return and continue his trade. After returning in 1879, he leased as a shop the old Episcopal church, a relic of early days, the first in the city, and said to be the second in the state. Here he still remains, running two forges. He and Miss Mary E. McCarthy were united in marriage October 6th, 1876. Alice E., Emma B., and Charles R., are their children.

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