Biographical Sketches
Baytown Township
1881


ALBRECHT, Frederick

A native of Prussia, where he was born, December 31st, 1842. Here he passed his boyhood days and settled in Niagara county, New York. There he grew to manhood, attended public school, and completed his education at the Union Academy, at Lockport, New York. August 26th, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Pifty-flrst New York Volunteer Infantry; served in many important conflicts, he was mustered out of service June 26th, 1865. After the close of his military service, Mr. Albrecht returned to the home of his parents in New York. He engaged as hotel clerk for three years, then in custom house at the suspension bridge three years longer. In 1871, he came to Minnesota, and one year later purchased his present farm in Baytown. His marriage with Miss Caroline Zobel took place in 1871. They have four children: William, Mary, Sarah and Arthur.


ALLEN, Martin T.

Born in the town of Norwich, Canada, July 24th, 1839. He lived with his parents until the age of twenty, then came to the states through which he has since extensively traveled. He learned the trade of sawyer in Michigan and Minnesota, and in 1871, came to Stillwater, being employed by Hersey, Bean and Brown, and is still the leading circular sawyer of that firm. He married in 18g4 to Miss Mary Pake, of Lexington, Michigan. They are the parents of three children: Charles B., Lyman B. and Frank E.


ARTHUR, James

A native of Nova Scotia; and of Scotch descent, was bom in July, 1830. Remaining under the parental roof until the age of twenty; he then went to Wisconsin, where he commenced learning the trade of mill-wright, which he completed in California, having gone to that state in in 1865. He remained in that state until 1871, then came to Minnesota and has since resided in the valley of the St. Croix and vicinity. He made South Stillwater his home, and has since resided there in the employ of the "St. Croix Lumber Company." In 1872 he married Miss Jane McBeth, of Anoka, a lady of Scotch parentage, who was reared in Canada.


ATKINSON, John

One of the earliest pioneers of what is now Washington county, born at Lewiston, Maine, April 4th, 1805. He received a practical education in his native town, where he remained until 1833, when he removed to Pittsfield, Somerset county. Here he stayed twelve years, and in 1844 started for the west. The same year he crossed the St. Croix and "stuck his stakes," in what is now Cottage Grove, at that time a wilderness. Here he pre-empted eighty acres of land, and buying more, opened and improved a most desiiable estate, on which he remained more than thirty years, an honored and respected citizen. At Lewiston, Maine, Mr. Atkinson was married to Miss Hannah Moore; she accompanied him to the western wilds and remained his beloved companion until death claimed her in 1874. She bore her husband seven children, six of whom still live; Warren, Charles H., Nathan W., John A. N., Cynthia A. and Sarah E., all of whom have been reared in this county. Mr. Atkinson was married to Mrs. A. B. Fiske, of Baytown. They still live happily, af the old Fiske homestead at Baytown.


ATKINSON, Mrs. Almira

The daughter of Captain and Mrs. Robert Bragdon, born in the city of Portland, Maine, March 2d, 1808, and has now passed her allotted time, three score and ten. Her father was a seaman, and like many other sailors, his grave was in the watery deep. On returning from a voyage to foreign ports, the vessel he commanded and all on board were lost in the equinoctial storm of 1815. His wife survived him only one year. Thus at the early age of seven years, the subject of this sketch was left an orphan. She grew to maturity at Boston, in her uncle's family, and while quite young was united in wedlock with David H. Fiske, a merchant of that city. They continued in that city until 1837, when they came west to the Mississippi valley, and located at Galena, Illinois. In 1848, they came northward and the same year settled oh what is now known as the "old Fiske homestead," in Baytown. Here Mr. Piske died in 1856, leaving his widow with seven small children. She remained on the farm and reared her children to maturity. In 1875, she was married to her present husband, Mr. John Atkinson, living most happily on the old homestead. Though aged in years, they are youthful in feeling, he being still able to read and write without the aid of glasses.


BARKER, Bennett

One of the prominent men in the St. Croix Valley, was born in Prussia, July 4th, 1831. He was left an orphan at the early age of six years. When a lad of seventeen he sailed for America, and landed in New York; he proceeded direct to Galena, Illinois, where he spent six years in the lead mines. During the spring of 1856, he came to Washington county, locating at Baytown, where he now has a large landed estate. In 1869 Mr. Barker, in company with Governor Holcombe and others, laid out "Fairview," the new city cemetery of Stillwater; also in 1870, the St. Michael's cemetery, the Catholic burial place of Washington county. The next year he removed from their various resting places about three thousand bodies to the new graveyard. He also laid out the new county and city cemetery for the burial of the poor and unknown, and is now superintendent of all these. His marriage with Miss Teresa Laeting took place at Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1855. Joseph B., Mary, Eliza, Henry, David and Anna are their children living.


BATCHELDER, Josiah

A native of Wellington, Maine, born May 30th, 1833. When a child his parents removed to Bangor, thence to Exeter, where he grew to manhood, receiving in the meantime his education, and a knowledge of the trade of ship-building. Wlien a young man of twenty-two he came to the great North-west, the same year locating at Stillwater. He remained one year, being busily employed in building flat-boats and skiffs. He then removed to Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. Among other crafts constructed by him while there was the "Lottie Lyon," the first local packet that navigated Lake Pepin. In 1866 he crossed Lake Pepin to Frontenac, and during his four years' sojourn built many beautiful yachts, sail and row-boats. Mr. Batchelder, in 1877, finally located in South Stillwater, and began the construction of the ways and docks for the "Stillwater Dock Company," of which he is manager and part owner. He was married at Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Bowers who has borne him four children: Jessie, Edwin J., Harry L. and Maud.


BENNER, Hiram P.

A native of Maine, bom at Dennysville, in 1829. He attended the public schools in his native place, and in 1849 removed to Hancock county, making it his home for the next twenty years, being engaged in lumbering and mill-wrighting. He then came westward and remained at Somerset, Wisconsin, until the autumn of 1873, when he moved to South Stillwater, and has been in the employ of the "St. Croix Lumber Company" chiefly since. His wife was Miss Jennie Boynton, a lady of English ancestry, to whom he was married in 1849. They have eight children: Hiram A., Mary, Hartley B., Herbert P., Nellie, Georgia, Bertha B. and Herman.


BONIN, Joseph

His name is a familiar one all along the St. Croix river, and his history includes in it the history of the St. Croix Valley, was born in a little French settlement near Montreal, Canada, August 26th, 1820. Here he received a common school education in the French language. In 1839 he contracted to enter the service of the American Fur Company, and started on his long journey to the wilds of the North-west. With a number of venturesome companions, he embarked in a birch canoe, travelling across the country by both land and water, enduring many hardships and privations: He accumulated large stores of furs vith which he returned to the company. In 1842, as his time of service had expired, he declined to renew his contract. He immediately started with some companions for civilization, and after a long, perilous journey, during which were many accidents and rough experiences, they reached St.Croix Falls where they saw the first signs of the white man. After continuing as far as St. Peter, Mr. Bonin returned, remaining three years at the falls, then came to Stillwater, and was in the employ of J. McKusick four years, in the old mill. He made a brief visit to his childhood home, returning to South Stillwater, where twenty-seven years ago he purchased and improved a residence site, and has since made it his home. During several winters he carried on a traffic with the Indians and was acquainted with Little Crow, and Hole-in-the-Day; he could also speak the Indian dialect fluently. Enlisting in the late war in Company B, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, he served until expiration of term of service. In 1851 he married Miss Margaret Bruce. They have five children: George E., Leon, David, Mary M., and Ellen.


BRASSAR, George

A native of the Province of Quebec and is of French ancestry, born in 1833. Since a mere boy he has been on the water, his first experience being in sailing schooners on the St. Lawrence; he afterwards rafted between Quebec and Montreal. Twenty-five years ago Mr. Brassar wended his way to the waters of the Mississippi, and landed at Stillwater in 1855. Since then he has piloted and rafted between Stillwater and St. Louis. His first trip on a raft was made under Joseph Perro, who was familiarly known as "Big Joe." He has been engaged during late years in piloting the tow boats of the Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, between Stillwater and St. Louis. In 1860 his marriage with Miss Clotilda Chardin was celebrated at the Catholic church, of Stillwater. Emma, George, Louis, Amelia, Adolphus, Rosa, Cora and Walter are their children.


BURNS, Thomas

Son of Patrick and Ellen Burns, a native of the "North Star" state, born at Stillwater, March 11th, 1862. When a child his parents removed to Baytown, where he has since lived. His mother is a widow and one of the esteemed residents of Baytown. Mr. Burns is still attending school, wisely determining to begin the battle of life with a good education. He has served three years in the shingle mill of the St. Croix Lumber Company, and understands his trade, being fitted to make his way up among men when he reaches maturity.


CAPLAZI, Paul

A native of Switzerland, born March 3d, 1828, where he was reared by his parents, was educated and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1854 he immigrated to America, making Toledo, Ohio, his home two years, then came to Stillwater, remaining twelve years, where he worked at his trade, assisting in building many of the prominent edifices of the city. He located on a farm at Baytown, where he still lives. For the past ten years he has been in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company and is one of the most skilled workmen in the factory. His marrige with Miss Catherine Tour took place in 1861. They have had thirteen children of whom eight are living: Antoine, Ludwick, Lena, Rosa, Josephine, Kate, Agnes and Bertha.


CARLTON, Mrs. Ellen

Nee Perro, widow of Peter Carlton, was born at the ancient French city of Kaskaskia, Illinois, where she was reared by her parents. In 1848, she came to Minnesota with her brother, Joseph Perro, with whom she lived until her marriage with Mr. Carlton in 1851. He was an esteemed pioneer of St. Croix Valley, and died in 1866, at the family residence in Baytown. Mrs. Carlton has four children liviag: George P., Matilda, Louisa and Rosa.


CARLTON, George P.

A native of Washington county, born at Baytown, February 5th, 1853. He is the son of Peter and Ellen Carlton, and was reared in this town. He received a good education, and has always pursued the quiet calling of farming, now having a desirable place of one hundred and sixty acres in Baytown township.


CHARDIN, Mrs. Rosalie

Nee Perro, widow of Louis Chardin, was born at Kaskaskia, Illinois, February 15th, 1821 . Here she grew to maturity and received her education at the Convent of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was at that time, located at Kaskaskia, now at St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of twenty-three she was mamed to Louis Chardin, and 1857, she was left a widow, and the year following, came to Minnesota, and has since made her home at her present residence at Baytown. She has three children, the eldest is the wife of George Brassar: Michael and Mary L.


CLYMER, J. G.

Born at Mount Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa, March 28th, 1850. At the age of nine years, he removed with his parents to Burlington, where he attended the graded schools till 1866, when he removed to Des Moines. He remained there one and one-half years, then returned to Burlmgton. In 1870, he came to Minnesota and engaged in railroading until he met with the loss of his right arm in 1874. He was employed as clerk in the office of the St. Croix Lumber Company in 1879, where he still remains. He was married at Stillwater in 1872, to Miss E. E. Foss. They axe the parents of four children: Everett, Blanche, Maud and Josephine.


COVER, David

Born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May 22d, 1826. He remained there with his parents until 1844, when he removed with them to St. Louis, Missouri. Here he engaged in the lumbering business six years, then started up the river by boat to Stillwater, reaching there after a tedious journey of one month. He gave his attention largely to logging between Stillwater and St. Louis until 1868, since which time he has been employed in the more retired occupation of farmmg, also as an agent for fire insurance, representing a number of leading companies and doing a good business. Mr. Cover has been county commissioner five years, town treasurer nine years, and school officer eighteen years. He has been a leading citizen, and has a fine residence  at Oak Park. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Herrell, whom he married in 1860. Their children are John W. who is engaged in mining in
Colorado, and two younger sons who are still with their parents.


COVER, John G.

A native of Pennsylvania, was born January 2d, 1887. He accompanied his parents to St. Louis, in 1844, and after a residence of about five years, removed to Rock Island county, Illinois. In 1854, he came to Stillwater, in company with his parents, where he remained under their guidance until he enlisted in 1862, in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He served in the army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battle of Stone River and other engagements. He was honorably discharged with his regiment in July, 1865, with the rank of first lieutenant. Returning home he soon proceeded to Hasting, and engaged in lumbering two years, then returned to Stillwater, and has since been in the logging business. He married in 1862, Catherine C. Long. They have seven children living, all girls.


DARLING, Joel M.

One of the pioneers of the St. Croix Valley, and prominent in forwarding the interests of Stillwater and vicinity, was born in Madison county, New York. When but a child he came with his parents to Galena, Illinois; after making a home in that place several years, they removed to Wisconsin. In May, 1848, Mr. Darling came to Stillwater, his present home. For some time he was in the employ of Socrates Nelson, and was with him and others when they surveyed and laid out the village of Baytown, in 1852. Three years later, he opened a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Dakota county, remaining on it until 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He engaged in the campaign against the Indians under General H. H. Sibley, afterwards continuing to serve until the close of the war. Soon after returning, he located at South Stillwater, where he has since given his attention to agriculture. Mr. Darling is a bachelor and makes his home with Antoine La Point.


DEPEW, Justus A.

Born October 10th, 1847, at Pomeroy, Ohio. Learned the trade of machinist in Cincinnati, where he resided imtil 1865, then removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He followed his trade in the employ of Dean and Hardenbergh; thence to St. Paul, in the St. Paul iron works three years. In 1871 he came to Stillwater as a journeyman at his trade, in a branch shop for the same company; soon, however, he engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company, and still remains. At St. Paul, April 12th, 1870, he married Miss Annie Dwyre, who has borne him five children, three sons and two daughters.


DERAGISCH, L. A.

A native of Switzerland, born in 1852. He immigrated to America with his parents, at the age of eight years, locating at Stillwater in 1861. He entered the store of L. E. Torinus as salesman in 1869, and remained until the organization of the St. Croix Lumber Company, of whose store he has had the management since. He was married to Miss Jennie Secrest in 1874. Their children are, Edward, Charles and Clara. Residence at South Stillwater.


EHRIG, John

A German by birth, born in 1845. He crossed over to America in 1866, locating in New York city, where he was in the grocery business until 1878. Then came to Stillwater and has since been in the employ of the "St. Croix Lumber Company." In New York city, 1872, he married Miss Mary Keller. Four children have been bom to them, two sons and two daughters.


ELLIOTT, James

Born on the "Emerald Isle," March 19th, 1823. At the age of nine years, he crossed the Atlantic to St. Johns, New Brunswick, with his parents. He remained in that city until the age of twenty-seven, then emigrated to Nova Scotia and engaged in lumbering. In 1852 he came west to Minnesota and located at Stillwater in August of that year. He has remained
thereabouts and in the pineries since, and is now living on his farm in Baytown. In 1878 he opened a farm of a half section in Swift county, Minnesota, to which he contemplates
removing. He has been twice married; his first wife was Bridget McBride who died in 1856. His present wife, Sara A. Hogan, he married in 1857. They have six children, two sons and four daughters.


ESTABROOKS, Charles E.

Born at Holton, Maine, January 15th, 1828. At the age of one year he accompanied his parents to Milltown, where he grew to manhood and attended the public schools. When eighteen years of age he apprenticed as a millwright, serving two years. Soon after attaining his majority he moved to Pennsylvania, taking charge of the timber land for his brother for one year. In 1855 he started for Minnnesota, locating at Stillwater the same year. He met and engaged with Isaac Staples, in whose employ he has since been, with the exception of three years in the army. He enlisted in 1862 in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, company C, which was first in the fight against the Indians then to Murfreesboro, where the command spent the winter. Like many others he contracted a severe cold, resulting in a severe sicknesss; he and forty-nine others were taken to Lincoln barracks, twenty-three of whom died in five days. He remained at the hospital eleven weeks and was then ordered to Fort Snelling, where he was honorably discharged. On returning to his home and family, his health soon returned and he resumed his former position, having charge of the mill-wright department. At the age of twenty-one he married Elizabeth Simmons. Their children are now grown and married: Mrs. Annie E. Danforth, Mrs. Mary E. Warren, and Wilmar, who lives with his parents.


ESTABROOKS, Daniel S.

Born in Maine, September 12th, 1836. Here he grew to manhood, and received a good practical education. One year before reaching his majority, he turned westward to Oshkosh, and the year following removed to Horicon, Wisconsin, where he acted as town marshal one year. In 1858 he came to Stillwater and engaged in business until the first call for volunteers in 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Four long and weary years of danger and hardship he dedicated to the Union. He was mustered out at the close of the war with the rank of sergeant of ambulance corps. In September, 1865, he located in Baytown, and after being engaged in farming in Wisconsin a number of years, he again located permanently on his farm at Oak Park. In September, 1865, he married Mrs. Mary. E. Nickerson, widow of S. B. Nickerson, who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. and Mrs. Estabrooks have four children.


FISHER, Jacob

The first man to make a claim in Stillwater proper, was born near Hamilton, Canada, November 30th, 1813. His father was a mechanic, and from him Jacob learned the trade of mill-wright and carpenter. In 1835, he left home and came to Chicago, where he remained a short time and built a small wooden house for a citizen. He then came to Galena, Illinois, where he remained till the fall of 1836, working at his trade. Then went down the river, stopping at Fulton, St. Louis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, Natchez and other points in the south, where he remained three years, returning to St. Louis in May, 1839. There he remained till the spring of 1842, when the spirit of adventure again siezed him, and he came up the river to St. Croix Falls and was engaged during that summer as mill-wright in Hungerford and Livingston's mill of that place. When winter came, he had no more to do at the falls, so journeyed along down the river till he came to the Tamarack house at Dakota,now Stillwater. There he remained all winter, using J. R. Brown's court house for a capenter's shop, when he chose to work there. In the summer of 1848, he built a house at St. Mary's for Paul Carli, who had made a claim there, and that fall began the first saw-mill ever built at Stillwater. Mr. Fisher was the pioneer mill-wright of Washington county, having built or helped to build nearly all the mills prior to 1855, and many later, and also built many private residences and other buildings. In 1861, enlisted and served three and one-half years; he was with the army of the Potomac in all its campaigns and actively engaged in nearly every battle. He was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, and after the battle sent to the hospital at Fort Snelling, where he received his discharge. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Reams station in August, 1864, but discharged at Wilmington, after being six months a captive. Mr. Fisher returned to Stillwater, and is now a resident of Baytown.


FISKE, Frasncis W.

Eldest son of David H., and Almira Eiske, was bom at Boston, Massachusetts, March 1st, 1827. He came west with his parents, and while living at Galena, Illinois, made several excursions up the Mississippi, visiting Eort Snelling, the trading hamlet of Mendota, and visited Stillwater as early as 1844. He subsequently spent a few years in lead mining in Wisconsin, and returning to Minnesota, settled permanently at Baytown, in 1848, where he now lives on his farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the Indian campaign, under General Sibley, at the close of which the command was ordered south, and joined the army of the Tennessee. He served until the close of the war, and was in many important engagements. His wife was Mrs. Ellen Jarvis, to whom he was married in 1867. Mrs. Eiske has one daughter, Ida, by her first marriage.


FORTIN, Michael

Born April 12th, 1836, at Ottawa, Canada. At an early age he left the parental roof, and began learning engineering on the lakes, and continued in it three years. He then stopped at Detroit two years, and while there, dredged the foot of Woodward avenue, using the first steam dredge operated in that city. In 1853, he came to Stillwater, and has sirice made his home on his farm in Baytown. As an inventor he has taken out letters patent on a steam road wagon and traction engine combined, issued April, 1878. It is a most ingenious affair, and can readily be transferred to runners and used in snow. Mr. Fortin attended the first territorial fair, held at Fort Snelling, and has attended every state fair since. He acted as scout at the time of the Indian scare, taking an active part. In 1879, he married Miss Mary Alverson of Baytown.


GAMM, Edward C.

Born in Germany, August 24th, 1844. He learned a trade in the city of Hamburg. He came to the United States in 1865, living five years in the city of New York, in the piano trade. He then located on Long Island, and entered a factory, working at scroll sawing and turning, until ill health compelled him to seek the more salubrious climate of Minnesota. Becoming a resident of Stillwater ui 1875, he engaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company, for one year, then entered the service of the St. Croix Lumber Company, and since May, 1878, has assumed control of their factory, as foreman. Mr. Gamm is expert in his trade, and energetic in the performance of his duties. He was married in New York city, in 1869, to Miss Emily Huhnke. Charles, Emma, and Edward are their children.


GARRISON, Lemuel C.

Born in New Jersey, March 27th, 1839. He remained with his parents until the age of sixteen, and received a practical school education. At that age he started for the great west alone, and "paddled his canoe" as far as the Wisconsin river. Here he at once boarded a steamboat, and began to learn piloting. At the end of four years he made a visit to the old home of his parents, then came directly to Stillwater, reaching here in 1860. Since then he has navigated the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, both piloting and commanding. He is also a practical artisan, having passed three years in machine shops at St. Louis, and often looks after all the details of the engine-room himself. He married, in 1872, Miss Mary E. Hiles, of Louisiana. They have one child, Julius T.


GOLTZ, ALEXANDER C.

A native of Russia, born August 3d, 1861. He came to the United States with his cousin, in 1875. He has since made Stillwater his home, except a brief stay at Yankton, Dakota territory. He was in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company three years, and is now a student of the Afton academy, from which he proposes to graduate. Mr. Goltz is a nephew of L. E. Torinus, and is a young man of intelligence and good promise.


GOVE, William E.

Born at Ripton, Addison county, Vermont, October 18th, 1841. Here he passed his youth, being chiefly engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and served in the army of the Potomac, until expiration of term of service, when he was honorably discharged. Returning home he engaged in lumbering, which has been his business since. He removed to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1867, where he resided until coming to Stillwater in 1878, at which time he accepted the position of foreman of sash, door and blind factory of the St. Croix Lumber Company. He married at Fond du Lac, December 17th, 1873, Miss Ada Beer. Their children are, Charles W., Carrie W. and Georgia.


GOWAN, John

A native of New Brunswick, bom November 3d, 1830. At the age of twenty he crossed over to the states, coming direct to Minnesota, and reached Stillwater in 1850. Six years later he purchased and settled on his present farm in Baytown. From 1850 to 1865 he was engaged in logging on the St. Croix and tributaries. During this time he cut and floated many millions feet of logs down the St. Croix. Mr. Gowan was married to Miss Hannah Curtis. They have twelve children. The eldest, Margaret A., is wife of Eugene O'Neil.


GRAMENZ, Frederick

Born in Prussia, October 2d, 1838. Here he was reared by his parents and received his education. Crossing to America in 1868, he stopped one year in Milwaukee, thence to Stillwater. After spending one season on the river he engaged with Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, two years, after which he located at his present home in South Stillwater. He at once entered the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company, with which corporation he has since remained a trusted and valued employe. His marriage with Miss Augusta Beutsche, of Stillwater, a native of Prussia, occurred April 22d, 1878. They have one child, Clara.


GRAY, Charles

Born in Franklin county, New York, April 2d, 1817, at a place originally known as "French Mills," which after the war of 1812, was changed to Fort Collington, in honor of Gen. Collington, who was killed in an engagement at that point, with the British forces. When sixteen years of age Mr. Gray moved with his parents to St. Lawrence county, where he remained until twenty years old. In 1836, he came to Michigan, and after remaining two years returned to his parents' home. In 1846, he again came west and settled at Diamond Lake, Illinois, and in 1855, came to Minnesota, locating at Stillwater the same fall. Passing the winter in the pineries, the next spring he went to Baytown and worked for Socrates Nelson, in the first mill constructed at that place. August 13th, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served through the Indian campaign under General Sibley. On account of a serious disease of the eyes and temporary blindness, he was honorably discharged in 1864. He is now in charge of the St. Croix Lumber Company's stables, having the entire confidence of his employers. Mr. Gray has been twice married. His first wife, Mary M. Soper, died in 1848; his present wife was Miss Mary Gilder, whom he married in 1853. They have five sons and four daughters.


HUHNKE, Michael

Born in Germany, December 25th, 1838. He learned the trade of carpenter, in the land of his nativity, and came to America in 1865, locating at Jersey City, New Jersey, remaining five years. He came to Stillwater in 1871, and followed his trade until he engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company, in their sash, door and blind factory. In 1869, he married Miss Augusta Guse. Six children have been born to them, all of whom are living.


IVERSON, E. C.

Born at Calmar, Iowa, April, 1856. He attended the graded schools of Winona, Minnesota, completing his course at La Crosse Business College. After finishing his studies, he was book-keeper in the bank of Lanesboro, afterward cashier until 1877. He then opened the bank of Caledonia for Sprague and Easton, and continued there until he made a tour through the west, visiting Yankton, Dakota territory, and other points. In 1879, he came to Stillwater and accepted the position of bookkeeper for the St. Croix Lumber Company at South Stillwater.


JANTZEN, Nels

A native of one of the islands of Denmark, born July 30th, 1842. When a child of two years, he removed to the mainland with his parents, where he was reared to manhood by them, in the meantime receiving a good school and musical education. In 1870, he came across the Atlantic and proceeded directly to Minnesota. With the exception of one year spent in traveling through Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and other states, this state has since been his home. He has worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1873, he married Miss Christiana Olson, of Lansing, Iowa, who has borne him three children.


KEMP, Leonard

Born in Hesse-Darmstadt, August 9th, 1854. When an infant, he was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Indiana. Here he was reared to the age of fourteen, and in 1868, came to Hudson, Wisconsin. After a stay of two years, he came to Grant township and lived with his parents, who had removed to that locality. In 1875, he came to Baytown, and has since been engaged with his father-in-law, John Marty in farming. He was married to Miss Anna M. Marty in 1875. They are the parents of three children: Vernie, Christiana and Anna.


KOCK, George

A native of the city of Germany, bom Jan. 8th, 1837. He passed his youth with his parents, receiving a good education. He learned a trade in Germany, and came to America in April, 1867. He made his home first at Hoboken, New Jersey, working at carpentering eight years, then removed to Stillwater. He was in the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company until 1878, at which time he entered the service of the St. Croix Lumber Company, and is still engaged in their extensive factory. Mr. Kock was married in 1867 to Miss Margaret Wick, by whom he has six children: George, Eddie, Charles, Lena, Anna and Emma.


LEWIS, John C.

Born in Rock Island county, Illinois, 1848. He was taken by his parents when an infant to what is now La Crosse county, Wisconsin. Here he remained until fifteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to the village of River Falls, at which place he has made his home a greater part of the time since. He came to South Stillwater first to take charge of the public schools, and is now the principal. In 1875 he married Miss Jennie Austin, who has borne him one child, Charles.


MADDOCK, Lawrence

Deceased, one of the old settlers of Baytown, was a native of New Brunswick, bom in 1827. After reaching manhood he followed lumbering in the province until 1856, when he came to the states and located at Baytown, engaged also in lumbering until his death, which occurred December, 1880. He was a man of good character, loved and mourned by all who knew him. His widow, Mary Maddock nee Kain, was also bom in New Bnmswick, and married to him in 1855. She lived with him the remainder of his life and still resides at the old homestead in Baytown. She has eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mary, the eldest, is the wife of John McGowan, of Stillwater.


MARTY, John

A native of Switzerland, born 1823. He received a fair education, and lived with his parents until eighteen years of age. He then went to France and learned the art of manufacturing straw goods; he spent several years in Paris, Marseilles and other cities, working at hat making, etc. In 1846 he took passage for America, landing at the port of New Orleans. Shortly after, he proceeded up the Mississippi, and after visiting cities on the way, reached Stillwater in 1848. Two years later he entered a claim, his present farm, in Baytown, where he has since lived. At St. Paul, 1856, he married Anna M. Henry. They have only one child living, Anna M., wife of Leonard Kemp, of Baytown.


MCINTYRE, J. P.

Born at St. Albans, Vermont, in 1836. He learned the trade of moulder with the St. Albans Foundry Company, and continued in their employ twenty-three years. In 1873 he took charge of the Jackson machine works, Jackson, Michigan, where he remained until beginning business for himself at Athens. Here he perfected the process of making crystalized iron, known as Mclntyre's crystalized iron used in plows and all implements requiring a hard finish; he also invented the center draft plow. In 1861 he enlisted in the First Vermont Infantry; re-enlisted in Seventh Vermont Infantry for three years, then re-enlisted as a veteran for three years, and was honorably discharged March 6th, 1865. He came to Stillwater in 1879, and has since had the management of the St. Croix Lumber Company's iron works, where he is at present located. Mr. Mclntyre has been twice married; his first wife, Miss E. J. Forest died at Champlain, New York; he married Miss Louise Stannard in 1870. He has a family of seven children.


MCKENZIE, Hugh

Proprietor of the South Stillwater steam rendering and soap factory, is a native of Upper Canada. In 1845 his parents removed to Maine with him, and afterward to Pennsylvania. He received an academic and business education, and is a graduate of the Pittsburgh business college. He learned the manufacture of potash and soap with the Pennsylvania Soda and Salt Manufacturing Company. Enlisted April 21st, 1861, in Company E, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. He served in the army of the Potomac, from the beginning to the close of the war; he was discharged with the rank of orderly sergeant. He came to Stillwater in 1875, where he still resides. He married Miss Rose White in 1878, who has borne him one son.


MEIGS, Brunson E.

A native of Canada East, born March 9th, 1836. He removed with his parents to Arena, Iowa county, Wisconsin; here and at Stevens Point, Pine river and other places along the Wisconsin river, he was engaged until 1857, in the meantime learning the trade of sawyer. He first came to Minneapolis, Minnesota, remaining two years, thence to Idaho City, where he passed two years in mining. After making an extensive tour through Washington, Oregon and California, he returned to his former home in 1865. He engaged in milling in that section until 1870. Six years later he located at South Stillwater, and entered the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company, as head sawyer. He has since been in the employ of that corporation. Married Miss Minnie Meffert in 1872. William C., Florilla E., Minnie and Estella, are their children.


MERCIER, Frederick

Deceased, was bom in Canada, 1834. He came to Wisconsin twenty-five years ago, and in 1876, located at South Stillwater, where he remained until his death in 1879. His widow, Mrs. Mary Mercier, is a native of Ireland, but came to Canada in infancy, with her parents. She is now proprietress of a boardinghouse in South Stillwater. She has seven children.


O'NEAL, Hugh

Born in St. Lawrence county New York, December 14th, 1844. On reaching his majority, he came westward, and after passing one summer in Illinois, came to Stillwater in 1865. He made this city his home until 1877, when he purchased his present home in South Stillwater. Has been continuously on the waters of the St. Croix and Mississippi, in the capacity of either engineer or pilot. At one time he owned a one-third interest in the steamer "Minnie Will," but the boat was wrecked on the rocks off New Boston, Ilhnois. The loss, which was total, was a severe financial reverse; he has since been running the tug-boats for the St. Croix Lumber Company. He was married, 1875, to Mrs. Anna A. Spencer, who has borne him one son.


PARKER, Mrs. Susan

Nee Cover was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and came west to St. Louis with the family. In 1848, she was married to John Parker, deceased, and removed to this state with her husband. After a residence of two years at St. Croix Falls, they located at her present home in Baytown, where she has since resided. Mrs. Parker has had three children: Edwin E., the eldest was killed by the explosion of the steamer Penn Wright, near Winona, at the age of twenty-four. Ella is the wife of Henry Perry, of Stillwater; John C. is unmarried and lives with his mother.


PERRO, Sylvester

A native of the North Star state, born at Baytown in 1852, and was the first white child born in that town. His childhood was passed at his native home, and when fifteen years of age, went with his father, who was a pilot on river-rafts to learn what he could of river navigation. After accompanying his father four or five years, he boarded the Lady Pike to acquire a knowledge of steamboat piloting. Working two seasons on the steamers, he then went to the Red River of the North as a pilot and passed each season there, until 1880, and the winters at home.


PETERSON, Asa E.

Born at Royalton, New Brunswick, March 6th, 1856. He remained with his parents till the age of nineteen. His education was acquired at home and at Frederickton, completing his course at the Frederickton military academy, from which he holds a commission with the rank of lieutenant. He emigrated to Whitefield, New Hampshire, at the age of nineteen, where he engaged as shipping clerk for the Brown Lumber Company. Returning home in 1878 he remained one year, then came to Stillwater and entered the service of Hersey, Bean and Brown for a brief period, then with the St. Croix Lumber Company as assistant book-keeper where he still remains.


PITMAN, Edward S.

Born at Penobscot, Maine, in 1835. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty, receiving in the meantine his education at the public schools. He visited Stillwater in 1855, in company with Josiah Batchelder, but proceeded to St. Croix Falls, where he engaged in lumbering two years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until honorably discharged in June, 1865. Returning, he made his home at Marine, Washington county, until 1877, then removed to South Stillwater, where he assumed the management of the St. Croix Lumber Company's hotel and has since remained in that capacity. Married Miss Christine Johnson in 1862, who has borne him four children. The living are Lizzie and A. L.


POTTER, J. S.

Born at Shaftsbury, Vermont. His father conceived the idea of planting a colony in Texas, and accordingly gathered a company about him and started on his journey, taking his family with him. At this time his son, J. S., was a lad of twelve years. At Natchitoches, Louisiana, he prepared his outfit and started for his looked-for land. To the dismay of the colonists, Mr. Potter, their leader, died on the way. In less than two years, J. S. Potter started on his return trip to his former home, at Granville, New York, with his invalid mother, arriving after a long and wearisome journey. In 1858, he came west, making his home in St. Paul for ten years, then went to Redwood Falls. He engaged in farming in that township four years, then returned to St. Paul. The year following he located at South Stillwater, where he has since been in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company. His wife was Miss Emeline Brown, whom he married in 1848. They have four sons and one daughter.


SCHASER, Frederick

A native of Switzerland, born in 1825. Here he received his education and remained until the age of twenty-three. He then sailed for America, and landed at New Orleans. Soon after he came to Stillwater, and at this place made his home the next six years, engaged in the pineries and in the mills. In 1855, he purchased and settled on his present farm in Baytown. In 1854, he was married at Stillwater, to Miss Barbara Marty. Their children are Frederick and Barbara.


SECREST, Ambrose

Born at Salem, Indiana, 1821. He removed with his parents, near Indianapolis at the age of ten years. He gave his attention to farming and coopering till 1852, when they removed to Stillwater. Immediately following his arrival, that dreaded plague, cholera, visited his household, and his wife, mother, two brothers, sister, daughter and father, were taken from him by death. Mr. Secrest, being among the early settlers, secured a home with pleasant surroundings at an early day. His pursuits are chiefly milling and farming. His present wife was Mrs. M. O. Griffith, of Stillwater, to whom he was married in 1867. They have reared a large family of children, only one of whom resides at the old homestead.


SLAUGHTER, Robert

Born at Cornwall, Canada, September, 1839. Here he learned the trade of miller, and in 1864 removed to Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Here he resided until after the fire of 1871, at which time he met with considerable loss. Removing to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he engaged in car-building, and railroad construction, until the spring of 1877, since which time he has followed millwrighting, etc. He became a resident of Stillwater the next year and assumed the management of the St. Croix Lumber Company works at South Stillwater, where he still resides. His marriage with Miss A. A. Whitney, of Fond du Lac, took place 1873.


SMITH, Miss Eva

Born at Calais, Maine, and came to Stillwater in childhood with her parents, Margaret and William Smith. She received a common school education, and at an early age obtained a certificate to teach in the Stillwater public schools, where she has been employed as a teacher continuously since. She now has charge of the "Schulenburg school." Her life has been a busy one, and she has in the meantime obtained quite a fortune.


SMITH, Jefferson L.

Born at Kingsbury, Maine, 1838. He followed lumbering a few years, and in 1861 enlisted in Company D, Tenth Maine Infantry. He received a severe wound in the hip at the battle of Antietam; was also twice wounded at the battle of Fisher's Hill. He was honorably discharged in 1865. The same year he came to Minneapolis, as assistant engineer in the improvement of the Falls of St. Anthony for three years; after which he was a lumberman until engaging with the St. Croix Lumber Company at the time of their organization at Stillwater. He married Miss Mary Kannar in 1868. They have three sons and three daughters.


SMITH, Mrs. Margaret

Widow of the late Wm. Smith, is a native of the province of New Brunswick, born in 1819. When a child her parents removed to Calais, Maine. Here she grew to maturity, and was married, and in 1856 came to Stillwater with her husband. Making her home in this city until 1867, she purchased and removed to her present country seat at Baytown. Her late husband, William Smith, died at Stillwater in 1857. Her children are Alfred W., Frank, James and Eva.


STARKWEATHER, John B.

Born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, May 3d, 1833. He was left an orphan at the age of eleven years. Having attended the public schools in his native place, he completed his educational course at the Wayne County University. After learning the trade of machinist he came to Winona, Minnesota, in 1857. He pursued his trade there until 1878; when he came to Stillwater and engaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company two years. Since that time he has been engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company. In 1856 he married Miss Mary E. Hedley, who has borne him three children, Fred L., Harry and Minnie.


UNDERWOOD, John H.

Born in New Brunswick in 1832, of Scotch arid English ancestry. Here he grew to manhood, and in early life engaged in lumbering pursuits. In 1856 he came to Stillwater, and shortly afterward settled in South Stillwater where he has since resided, having been on his present home site for the past eighteen years. His wife, Grace Underwood nee Clyde, was also born in New Brunswick. She remained with her parents until her marriage with Mr. Underwood in 1854. She had in the meantime received a liberal education and the best of home training. Nine children have been born to them, Alexander, John, Henry, Albert, Allen, Frank, Maggie, Isabella and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood are among the early settlers of Baytown.


WAKEFIELD, Alonzo C.

Born in Newport, New Hampshire, August 8th, 1840. At the age of seven he accompanied his parents to Illinois, where he remained for six years and attended school. Then removed to Minnesota and attended the Hamline University at Red Wing. Enlisted in Company F, Sixth Infantry, and served in the Indian campaign; then through the south. Came to Stillwater in 1873 and has since worked la lumber mills. Marcied in 1876, wife died in 1878.


WHALEN, John

Born in Queens county, Ireland, 1817. When eight years old his parents crossed the ocean, settling in the province of New Brunswick. Here he grew to manhood and followed the calling of lumberman until 1852, when he came to Minnesota and located at his present home in Baytown. He has since been in the occupations of logging and farming. His wife was Miss Mary Gowan, whom he married in 1844, andwho has borne him eight children: Margaret, Francis B., Annie, Katie M., William, John F., Mary J. and Libbie E.


WHELAN, Jeremiah

A native of Ireland, born March 31st, 1822. At the age of eighteen he crossed the Atlantic and settled in the province of New Brunswick, where he engaged in his calling as a lumberman. In 1849 he removed to the states and came to Stillwater, at that time only a lumbering hamlet. For the succeeding fifteen years he was a prominent lumberman on the St. Croix river and tributaries. He purchased his present valuable farm in Baytown in 1859, and located on it ten years later. Mr. Whelan was married in 1864 to Miss Annie Whalen. They are the parents of one son and six daughters.


WILCOX, George

A native of Buffalo, New York, born February 22d, 1862. He came to St. Paul with his parents at the age of seven years, where he attended the graded schools. He commenced his trade as engineer at Chaska, Minnesota, with his father, and has had considerable experience in stationary and marine engineering. He is at present in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company.


WISSINGER, Henry W.

Son of the early pioneers, William and Margaret Wissinger, is a native of the "North Star" state, born at Stillwater, in 1858. He attended the public schools of Stillwater and Baytown, and has received a good education. He chose the trade of machinist, beginning with the St. Croix Lumber Company in 1874, with which he has since remained, and is now well advanced in his trade.


WISSINGER, William

A native of Baden, Germany, born in 1814. He came to America in 1851, and proceeded direct to Stillwater, where he remained nearly one year, then purchased and improved his present homestead at Oak Park. His occupation is that of a stone mason, having assisted in the construction of some of the principal buildings of Stillwater. His wife, Margaret, was also born at Baden, Germany, in 1820. At the age of twenty, she married Mr. Wissinger and came with him to America. They have three children, William, Jacob and Henry W.


WRIGHT, Willis U.

Born at Painesville, Ohio, 1852. When a child of two years he came with his parents to Linden, Wisconsin, where he passed his childhood days and received his education. At the age of fifteen he went to Black River Falls and entered the service of the West Wisconsin Railroad and began the study of telegraphy. After a few years he was placed in charge of Hersey Station, and after serving two years was assigned the important station of Stillwater Junction, having served in that capacity seven years. He was married in 1874 to Miss Libbie Curtis. They are the parents of three children, Eugene, Elva and Maud.


ZACHER, Godfrey

Born in Prussia, November 8th, 1829. When a boy of ten he crossed the sea and became a resident of Buffalo, New York, where he lived thirty years. He then came west and located on his present farm in Baytown. His trade is that of carpenter and builder. At Buffalo, New York, in 1853 he was married to Augusta Hoffmeister, who has borne him six children, five of whom are living.



Source: History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley by Rev. Edward D. Neill, 1881.

 

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