USA > Mississippi > History of the upper Mississippi Valley, pt 1 > Part 43
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
GEORGE W. PUTNAM, an old settler and pioneer merchant of Minnesota, was born in Sutton, Mas- sachusetts, on the 11th of August, 1827. Ile came to St. Paul in 1855, and after spending one year in the boot and shoe business at that place, came to Anoka, and was in the grocery business for sev- eral years. In 1857, he was appointed Reg- ister of Deeds, and held the office Four years. About 1860, he became a partner with Cut- ter & Lowell, in Immber and mercantile bus- iness, which partnership continued five years; he also had an interest in a tub and pail factory, for several years. From 1869 to 1873 he held the office of County Treasurer of Anoka county. In 1870 or '71 he formed a partnership with E. T. Alling and W. Q. Adams, and engaged in the hard- ware business. In 1873 Mr. Adams retired from the firm, and the year following, Mr. Alling sold his interest to Messrs. Chesley and Lindsay. The firm name is Putnam, Chesley & Lindsay, now doing a prosperous business. Mr. Putnam was a member of the state legislature, in 1877, 1878, and 1881. He was united in marriage with Miss Cath- urine W. Hall, of Sutton, Massachusetts, on the 30th of April, 185t. Their children are Kate George HI., and Lena W.
TURNER PRIBBLE is a native of Chin, Kenne- bee county, Maine, born on the 4th of July, 1836. His early life was spent in farming pursuits in his native state, until 1856, when he came to Mine-
247
BIOGRAPHICAL.
sota, and For twenty-five years resided in Brooklyn township, Hennepin county, engaged in farming. During the war he enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving three years and ten months. Ile has been a resident of Anoka since January, 1881. Mr. Pribble was nnited in mar- riage with Miss Leila Coy, on the 1st of Jannary, 1870. They have one daughter, named Martha I.
GRANVILLE C. PRATT is a native of the state of Maine, born in the year 1840. When he was fourteen years of age, the family removed to Iowa, and Granville learned the trade of machin- ist, at Lansing, in that state. He came to Anoka in 1866, and was engineer in the mill of the Anoka Lumber Company until 1878, when he started a machine shop on his own account, and still oper- ates the same. He was married in 1865, to Miss Harriet Gibbs; their children are, Libbie B., Charles A., Callie, and George W.
FORREST L. PINNEY was born in Plymonth, Ver- mont, on the 22d of September, 1834. He came to Minnesota in 1856, and located at Monticello, Wright county, where he resided most of the the for three years, engaged in lumbering and also took a trip as surveyor, to the Red River of the North. He returned to Vermont in 1859, and was engaged as a millwright in that state, most of the time for the next eleven years. In 1870, he re- turned to Minnesota and settled in Anoka; he assisted in the erection of the mills of W. D. Washburn & Co., and has since been in their employ as head millwright. Mr. Pinney was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Robinson, of Bridgewater, Vermont, on the 20th of Jaunary, 1868; their children are, Robert F. and Arthur W.
WILLIAM E. POOLE was born in Barry county, Michigan, on the Ist of April, 1851. He received a common school education in his native county, and during his minority, worked several years on the Ohio canal. In 1871, he came to Linwood township, Anoka county, and after one year spent in lumbering, returned to Michigan, but came again to Anoka in the fall of 1874, and has lived here ever since, engaged most of the time in the mills of W. D. Washburn & Co. Mr. Poole was married on the 20th of July, 1873, to Miss Mary Coon. Their children are, Alice E. and William H.
DANIEL M. PARKER is a native of Port Deposit, Cecil county, Maryland, und was born on the 22d of January, 1843. At the age of sixteen years he went to Baltimore, Maryland, and learned the eur-
penter's trade, at which he was employed until the breaking out of the war. On the 28th of Septem- ber, 1861, he enlisted in Battery B, of the First Maryland Light Artillery, and ou the Ist of July following, was severely wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill, and received his discharge on the 10th of March, 1863. IIe was then employed as carpenter in the Quartermaster's department nntil May, 1864, and was afterwards elerk in the Pro- vost Marshal's office at Wilmington, Delaware, for one year. He was then engaged in the manu- facture of brick at New Jersey, and later, spent several years in Colorado. In 1870, he came to Minnesota, and after a few months' stay in St. Panl, came to Anoka, which has been his home ever since. Mr. Parker was married on the 28th of November, 1867, to Miss Hannah J. Smith, of Hartford county, Maryland. She died on the 5th of March, 1881, leaving six children, Carrie R., Marian H., Daniel W., Alice M., Hamah S., and Leonora S.
SILAS C. ROBBINS is a native of Phillips, Frank- lin connty, Maine, and was born the 11th of No- vember, 1831. In 1855, he came to Anoka, and was engaged as clerk in a store abont a year. He then took a homestead elaim, on section eight, Grove township, where he lived until the hostile demonstrations of the Indians in 1862, compelled him to leave. He was then engaged in real estate and mercantile business in Anoka, until 1864, when he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and served - till the close of the war. Returning to Anoka, he has since been engaged in real estate business and building, and also deals in horses, carriages, ete. Mr. Robbius has been on the police force of the city, and also con- stable, n number of years. He was married in March, 1856, to Miss Rose Libby, who is now de- ceased. The children by this marriage, were, Charles O., who died in March, 1864, aged five years. Mary A, and Carrie B. are still living. Mr. Robbin's wife was Miss Ella Lisherness. Their children are, Funmie, and an infant not unmed.
THOMAS M. RYAN is a native of Ireland, born on the 25th of December, 1847. Ite cume to America in 1863, settling in Anoka, where he has since resided. Soon after coming here, he opened a custom boot and shoe shop which he still con- tinnes. In 1867, he added to his manufacturing department by putting in a stock of ready-made boots and shoes. His business now amounts to
218
HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
$7,000 ammully. Mr. Ryan has been twice mar- ried. His first wife was Miss Margaret Green, who died on the 15th of April, 1877, leaving two child- ren, Emily und Margaret. His present wife was Miss Mary A. Kina, with whom he was mited in marriage, on the 26th of November, 1879. They have one child, named Catherine C.
HARVEY RICHARDS dates his birth at Newport, New Hampshire, on the 1st of March, 1822. When a lad he learned the printer's trade, which he followed until 1851. He came to Anoka in 1856, and after farming here for two or three years, went to Oak Grove township and continued l'arming until 1865, when he returned to Anoka. While residing in Oak Grove, he was town Super- visor, two years, and has also filled the same posi- tion in Anoka. Ho has been in the grocery trade since his return to the city, and is now doing a business of $15,000 annually. Mr. Richards was married in 1857, to Miss Laura Nichols of Massa- chusetts.
WAREHAM G. RANDOLPH, one of the pioneers of Anoka, was born in Ontario county, New York, on the 28th of April, 1816. He came to Anoka in 1853, and built the first frame house on the east side of the river, in June of the same year. He assisted in the erection of the first dam and saw- mill, working at the carpenter trade until the war broke ont. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, being one of the first fourteen men to enlist in the State. Hle was soon ordered sonth with the regiment, but was wounded and taken prisoner on the 21st of July, and after laying at Richmond three months, was released on account of his wounds, and re- turned to Anoka, which has since been his resi- dence. Mr. Randolph has held the office of Sheriff of Anoka county two years, but has been mostly engaged in farming, since the war. He was married in 1840, to Miss Henrietta Sanger, of New York State, who died in December, 1859, leaving two children, named Frank and Eliza. Mr. Randolph's present wife was Miss Mary II. Twit- chell, of Maine, the marriage taking place, in 1864.
GUSTAVUS A. ROSSBACH is a native of Dune county, Wisconsin, born on the 28th of December, 1859. When quite young the family removed lo Cross Plains, in the same county, where the sub- jeet of our sketch remained inlil fourteen years of age, when he entered The employ of The Chi- cago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Company
us Telegraph operator, remaining ono your. He then accepted a similar position with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railroad Com- pany, and after remaining about three years and a half in the employ of that corpondion, made another change, going this time to the St. Panl and Pacific Railroad Company, and still remains with them, under the new management of the St. Punl, Minneapolis, and Manitoba Railroad Company ; he has been stationed at different points on their line, coming to Anoka in April, 1881.
JOHN W. REYNOLDS dates his birth at Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, in the year 1832. He learned the painter's trade when a young man, and car- ried on the business several years in Pittsburg. On the 4th of July, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixty- second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. In 1874, he came to Minnesota, and settled at Itasca station, Anoka county, which was his home until the spring of 1880, working at his trade in the meantime in Minneapolis and St. Paul; on the latter date, he removed to Anoka, where he now lives. Mr. Reynolds was married on the 1st of June, 1872, to Miss Maria Moltz, Their children are, Jennie B. and Charles C.
SYLVANUS STOCKWELL was born in Sutton, Wor- cester county, Massachusetts, on the 23d of March, 1824. He came to Anoka in 1856, and for three years, was engaged in the butchering and meat business, but has since devoted his time, chictly, to farming pursuits, having a fine farm located on Ncetion six, near the railroad station. Mr. Stock- well was County Treasurer 1858-59 and part of 1860, has also been a member of the school board, and Deputy Sheriff for several years. He was married on the 15th of February, 1853, to Miss Charlotte P. Bowdish, of Otsego county, Now York. Their children. are, Sylvanus A., William W., Walter L., and Lottie S.
GEORGE E. STORMs of the firm of Dunham & Storms, is a native of Oswego county, New York, born on the 16th of Angust, 1811. After spend- ing the curly part of his life in farming pursuits, ho came to Anoka in 1872, and was nine years in the employ of the Anoka Lumber Company, most of the time as general manager of the concern. Since October, 1879, he has had an interest in the door, sash, and blind business of which he is now part owner, but did not become an active partner until March, 1881. Mr. Storms was married on the 16th of March, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Rose. Their children are, Jolm P., Winnefred M., and Arba.
>
249
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ELISHA C. STORMS is a native of New York State, born on the 25th of March, 1837. He was raised on a farm in his native state, and in 1864, removed to Lake Forest, Illinois, where he was employed at the carpenter's trade two years, coming thence to Anoka, which has claimed him as a resident ever since. His employment has been in the lumber mills, most of the time. Mr. Storms enlisted in 1861, in the Third New York Artillery, serving four years. He was married on the 6th of March, 1862, to Miss May L. Tuttle, of New York State. Their children are, Frank L., Stella L., and Ed- win J.
SYLVANUS A. STOCKWELL is a son of Sylvanus and Charlotte P. Stockwell, and was born in Anoka, on the 8th of June, 1857. He was reared on a farm in this county, receiving such education as the facilities of the city afforded, after which he tanght school several terms in this and adjoining connties. He is the agent in this city of the American, and Northern Pacifie Express Compa- nies, having held the position for several years.
FRANK S. STANCHFIELD is a native of Lincoln, Penobscot county, Maine, born on the 17th of March, 1846, where his early years were spent, engaged in farming. He came to Anoka in 1876, and was employed in the lumber woods and on the river until July, 1880, since which time his ocenpation has been in the mills of W. D. Wash- barn & Co. Mr. Stanchfield was married on the 2lth of July, 1879, to Miss Effie E. Broadhead, of Sank Rapids. Their only child is named Oli- . ver ().
N. C. SIMMILKEIR was born in Cadiz, Spain, on the 4th of July, 1841. He went to sea when ten years old, and sailed in the merchant service until the breaking out of the civil war in America, when he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving three years; he was afterwards in the Thirty-first Maine Volunteer Infantry, and after twenty-three months' service, again followed a senfaring life until 1868. He came to Anoka in 1869, and has been in the employ of W. D. Washburn & Co. ever since. Mr. Simmilkeir was married on the 4th of December, 1865, to Miss Laura F. Nash, of Har- rington, Maine. Their children are, Mildred E., Allison C., and Laura B.
CHARLES T. SOWDEN was born in the state of Massachusetts, on the 26th of January, 1852. When he was six years old, the Mumily removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and after residing there two years, cume to Minneapolis, Minnesota, At the
age of fifteen years, he went to work in a machine shop in St. Paul, and from then to the present, has been employed either as machinist or engineer, at various points in the State. He came to Anoka in 1872, and was engineer in the St. Paul Imber Company's mill for three years, thence to Miller's Station, on the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad, one year. He then returned to Anoka, and has lived here most of the time since. He has been engineer in the Lincoln mill since it commeneed rimming. Mr. Sowden was married on the 15th of November, 1874, to Miss Ida McCann, daughter of James MeCann, one of the pioneers of Anoka. They have three children, James M., Ruth M., and Theo- dore.
ALBERT STIMSON, one of the pioneers of Minne- sota, was born in York county, Maine, on the 10th of November, 1817. He remained in his native county, engaged with his father in the lumber and saw mill business, until 1838, when he went to New Brunswick, but only remained two summers, returning to his native State and settling at Baring, which was his home until coming to Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1849. Mr. Stimson has always been engaged in the lumber business and is at present the trusted manager of W. D. Washburn & Co.'s lumber interests in Anoka. He has also taken a very active part in the political field of the State. In the fall of 1853, he was elected to the Territo- rial Legislature and also served in the Council the - next two years; was elected Surveyor General of the first district in 1854, serving three years, and also elected Mayor of Stillwater the same year, and the year following was County Supervisor of Wash- ington county. In 1868, he sold his business iu Stillwater and removed fo Kanabee county, where he was Conuty Commissioner two years, and held of her local offices. Ile came to Anoka in 1873, and has resided here ever since. Mr. Stimson was married in 1842, to Emeline Heath, of New Bruns- wick, who died after ten years of wedded life. He was married again in 1854, to Temperance D. Hayes, of York county, Maine. Their children are, Sadie HI., Charles F., and Myra B.
S. P. STARRIrr is n native of Caledonia, Albert. county, New Brunswick, und was born the 27th of September, 1835. He came to Minnesota in 1856, and settled in Monticello, Wright county, but after four years spent in farming, went to the cop- per mines ut Lake Superior, Michigan, and at the brenking out of the war, enlisted in the First Michigan Volunteer Iuluntry, but was discharged
3
250
HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
on account of injuries received, after. thirteen months' service. He was wounded by a ball which entered his head just back of, and below the left temple, passing through and coming out at the onter corner of the right eye. This wound instant- ly destroyed his sight, he was left on the battle, field, picked up by the rebels twenty-four hours later, and carried to Libby prison, where he was kept three weeks, and then paroled. He states that the wound caused but little pain and soon healed, and he has since enjoyed good health. After re- ceiving his discharge, he returned to Michigan, but in 1863, came to Monticello, and in 1866, to Anoka, where he has since lived. Mr. Starritt was Postmaster at Anoka, six years. He was married on the 2d of June, 1863, to Miss Jane L. Jordan. Their children are, Fannie A., Carrie L., and Alice M.
SIMON P. STARRETT was born in Hopewell, Al- bert county, New Brunswick, on the 9th of October, 1847. In 1856, he came with the family, to Mon- ticello, Wright county, where he lived until 1862, when he enlisted in Hatch's Battalion, and served three years in defense of the frontier against the Indians. He entered the State University at Minne- apolis, and gradnated in 1875, and afterwards took a course at the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, graduating on the 11th of March, 1878. He then practiced his profession in Minne- apolis about two years, coming to Anoka on the 15th of July, 1880.
WILLIAM SOWDEN, foreman of the St. Paul Lumber Mill, was born in England, and eame to Amerien with his parents, when quite yonng. He learned the trade of machinist, at Pittsfield, Mass- achusetts, but in 1850, went to Berkshire comty and was engineer in a mill for a time. He came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1855, and three years later, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and thence, after n two years' stay, to Stillwater, where . he had charge of a machine shop, and was engincer in a saw-mill, and afterwards in Seymour, Sabin & Co.'s works at the State Prison; his residence in Stillwater covered a period of about eight years. Hle then went to St. Paul and thence to Anoka in 1871, and has made his home here ever since. Mr. Howden was married on the 6th of October, 1850, to Miss Ann Webb, who died in 1863, leny- ing tive children; Charles F., George J., Clara M., Della 1., mad Frank 'T. He was aguin married, in July, 1865, to Maria Stocking. Their children
by this union are, Mary A., William, Harry, Anna, and James G.
HERMAN L. TICKNOR is a native of Great Bar- rington, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and was born on the 6th of December, 1827. He went to Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1849, and was engaged in mercantile business there until 1855, when he eame to Anoka, which has been his home ever since. For five or six years after coming here, he was in the dry goods and grocery business, but after that, spent two years in the manufacture of fine cut tobacco. In 1864, he opened the first drug store in Anoka, in which business he still continues. Mr. Tieknor's wife was Miss Ann Sweney. They have one daughter, named Rozalie.
HIRAM THORNTON dates his birth in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus county, New York, on the 19th of March, 1826. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education, and afterwards taking an aendemic course. He studied law in his native town, and was admitted to the bar on the 17th of May, 1860, and practiced there, ten years. From Jannary, 1858, to January, 1862, he was Justice of Sessions, and was also reeruiting agent for the cast.rn assembly district of Cattaraugus county, during the war. In the spring of 1870, he came to Anoka, opened a law office, and has since made this his home. Mr. Thornton was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Smith, on the 9th of July, 1846. They have one danghter, Chloe H., born on the 21st of May, 1847.
CHARLES H. TASKER, M. D., is a native of Cabot, Vermont, born on the 27th of November, 1847. After taking the usual preparatory course, he entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, and grad- uated in February, 1878. After a year's prac- tice in Chicago, he came to Anoka on the 22d of April, 1880, and succeeded Dr. Dunham, who has retired from practice. Dr. Tasker was united in marriage with Miss Lucelin A. Newman, of Wal- worth county, Wisconsin, on the 16th of Septem- ber, 1870.
CHESTER L. TWITCHELL dates his birth at Both- el, Maine, on the 29th of December, 1835. He was reared to farming pursuits in his native State, came to Anoka in 1857, and after one winter spent in the lumber woods, was engaged in contracting and building, for the next ten years. He then re- turned to his former home in Maine, and after ton years ou n farm again returned to Anoka in 1876, and has since resided here, engaged in building. Mr. Twitchell hus held the office of town super-
-
251
BIOGRAPHICAL.
visor, one term. He was married in July, 1859, to Miss Harriet A. Tilden, of Ramsey, Anoka conn- ty. They have one son, named William G.
CHARLES H. TRUAX was born at Long Branch, New Jersey, on the 13th of March, 1852. He ac- quired the carpenter's trade in early life, and has followed that occupation ever since. He went to Rhode Island in 1872, and after a stay of soveral years, to Massachusetts, which was his home nntil coming to Anoka in April, 1880. Mr. Trnax was married on the 6th of December, 1873, to Miss So- phronia Burroughs, of Northbridge, Massachus: tts. Their children are, Minnie M., and Florence A.
DwIGHT WOODBURY, one of the pioneers of Anoka county, was born at Charlton, Worcester county, . Massachusetts, on the 26th of October, 1800. When he was seventeen years of age the family removed to Tompkins county, where the subject of our sketch was clerking in mercantile houses and teaching school, for five years. He then went to Georgia and kept a store near At- lanta, four years, and afterwards at Macon, for five years. Disposing of his business, he return- ed to his native town and spent the summer of 1832; going the same fall, to Columbus, Ohio, where he opened a general store and conducted it till 1813, when he removed to New York City, and carried on a wholesale dry goods and jobbing honse during the next twelve years. In 1855, he cam . to Anoku, and soon after, invested quite ex- tensively in lands in this county, spending the next four years here and in New York City. He removed his family to Anoka, in 1859, and has re- sided here over sine , d vvoting his time, chiefly, to the superintendenee of his landed estate, of which he Imus about three thousand neres in the vicinity of St. Francis, flo also owns a water power und mills at that phes, in charge of his son Charles 'T. Mr. Woodbury was a member of the state legislature in 1863. On the 17th of Sep- tember, 1832, he was united in marriage with Miss Merey D. Town, danghter of Gen. Salem Town, of Charlton; she died on the 18th of Jnne, 1848, leaving four children; Mary, the oldest, was born on the 11th of September, 1833, and died at the age of twenty years; Albert was born on the 5th of August, 1835, and died of wounds received in the army, on the 29th of October, 1863; Charles 'T. was born on the 17th of April, 1839, und George D. on the 11th of October, 1811; the two last nro yet living. Mr. Woodbury was again married, on the 24th of September, 1857, to Miss
Sally Spir. They have two children, Mary D. and John S.
S. R. WAKEFIELD, physician and surgeon, is a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, born on the 18th of April, 1822. After taking the usual prepara- tory conrs ,, he entered the Grand River Institute, at Greensburg, and after completing his studies there, entered the Willoughby Medical College, from which he graduated in 1846. He then went to Steuben county, Indiana, and practiced his pro- fession for six years, after which he returned to his native town, and practiced till the war broke ont. Iu 1862, he received a commission ay assist- ant surgeon in the Seventy-first Ohio Vohinter Infantry, and served through the war. On return- ing from the South, he came to Minnesota, and located at Montieello, Wright county, but since 1876, has resided in Anoka. Dr. Wakefield was married in June, 1850, to Miss Helen M. Lacey, who died on the 25th of December, 1872, leaving two children, Frank and Carrie. He was marri d again on the 26th of March, 1875, to Miss Mary M. Hopper. They have two children, Bert and Maud.
WILLIAM B. WILSON was born at Baring, Maine, on the 20th of October, 1836. His early life was spent in farming and humbering in his native State, until 1855, when he came to Minnesota, and was one year and a half at Stillwater, after which he went to St. Anthony, und resided until 1861, still in the lumber business. In 1861, he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and after one year's service, lost a foot in battle, on account of which he received his discharge. Re- turning to Minneapolis, he learned the trade of harness maker, which he has since followed. Il. has resided in Anokn since 1867. Mr. Wilson has heen twice married; his first wife was Miss Min- nie Murtin, of Ohio, to whom he was married on the 28th of November, 1870; she died, leaving two children, Harry F. and Guy. He was married again on the 21st of June, 1879, to Miss Ada L. Richards.
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.