Fifty Years In The Northwest Part 7

JOHN MCKINZIE.--Mr. McKinzie was born at Inverness, Scotland, in 1818, and came to America in 1841. He located in Stillwater in 1846, and followed lumbering until 1856, when he removed to a farm in the Lyman settlement. He married Rose Carlton in 1872 and removed to Miles City, Montana, in 1879.

GEORGE MCKINZIE, a younger brother of John, came to Stillwater in 1851, and engaged in lumbering and exploring. In 1885 he was adjudged insane and sent to the St. Peter's hospital, from which he was soon released. He afterward visited California, where he was drowned in San Francis...o...b..y. He was unmarried.

HENRY KATTENBERG.--Mr. Kattenberg was born in Prussia in 1821, and married to Arnebia C. Silova, at Kemper, on the banks of the Rhine, in 1844. He came to America in June, 1847, and to Stillwater in 1848. Mr.

Kattenberg opened a shop and engaged in the tailoring business. By industry and close application to business, he prospered and secured a pleasant home. By liberality and kindness in extending credits, and an unfortunate venture in lumbering, he lost $14,000, which effectually closed his business operations. With characteristic honesty, he turned over to his creditors his homestead and all he had to meet his liabilities. In 1880 he removed to Taylor's Falls and commenced keeping hotel at the Falls House, on Bench street. In October, 1886, he purchased the Dalles House of Mrs. C. B. Whiting.

JULIUS F. BRUNSWICK.--Mr. Brunswick was born in Switzerland in 1826; came to this country in 1846, remained a year in Illinois, and came to Stillwater in 1848, where he engaged in lumbering, farming, merchandising, and dealing in pine lands. Mr. Brunswick applied himself closely to business and was successful. Feb. 29, 1859, he married Margaret Darms, of Stillwater. He died at his home in Stillwater in 1874, leaving a widow and seven children.

HENRY MCLEAN.--Mr. McLean was born in Was.h.i.+ngton county, Maine, in 1828, and in 1848 came to Stillwater, which has since been his home.

He is engaged in lumbering. In 1851 he married Caroline Cover.

HUGH BURNS.--Hugh Burns came from Ireland to America in 1830, when he was but eight years of age, lived in the province of New Brunswick until 1848, when he came to Stillwater, where he has since been engaged in lumbering and farming. In 1850 he removed to St. Anthony, in 1855 to St. Paul, and in 1856 to Stillwater.

SYLVa.n.u.s TRASK.--Mr. Trask was born in Otsego county, New York, Nov.

16, 1811. He secured a liberal education, and taught school several years in the state of New York. He came to Stillwater in 1848, and in 1852 was married to Euphenia Turner, of St. Paul. He represented the Stillwater district in the first and second territorial legislatures, 1849-51. For many years he has been a surveyor and scaler of logs.

ARIEL ELDRIDGE.--Mr. Eldridge was born in Hartford, Vermont, June 10, 1815. He was reared during his minority by an uncle, at Cambridge, New York. In 1844 he came to the Wisconsin lead mines, at Platteville, and in 1848 to Stillwater, where he worked afterward at his trade of house carpenter until 1862, when he opened a book and stationery store. He has held several city and county offices. In 1849 he was married to Sarah L. Judd. Mrs. Eldridge died in Stillwater, Oct. 12, 1886, aged eighty-four years. Mrs. Eldridge taught the first school in Stillwater.

[Ill.u.s.tration: E. W. DURANT. A PROMINENT MINNESOTIAN OF RENOWNED REPUTATION.]

EDWARD WHITE DURANT.--Mr. Durant is of Huguenot descent. During the eighteenth century his ancestors lived in Ma.s.sachusetts and were active partic.i.p.ants in the agitation against English oppression.

Edward Durant, Jr., an ancestor five generations from the present, was a delegate to the Provincial Congress of 1774 and 1775, and chairman of the committee on commercial correspondence. He died in 1782. Others of the family filled prominent places, and were noted for their whole-souled patriotism.

Mr. Durant was born at Roxbury, Ma.s.sachusetts, April 8, 1829. He received a common school education, and a year in the academy. He came to Cincinnati in 1838, and in 1844 we find him with his parents in Albany, Illinois. In 1848 he left his parents and came to Stillwater, where he worked three seasons on the river, running logs. He then became a pilot on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers and continued in this business about sixteen years. He acted as salesman for Hersey, Staples & Co. some years. He has been since then engaged in lumbering and a portion of the time as a member of the firm of Durant, Wheeler & Co. The annual sales of this firm amount to over half a million dollars. In 1874 he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for lieutenant governor and in 1876 was president of the state Democratic convention. He represented his district in the fifteenth, seventeenth and twenty-fourth state legislatures. He was several years grand master of the Masons of Minnesota. He has served as mayor of Stillwater, and often as a member of the council. Mr. Durant, as his record shows him, is one of the most industrious men of the time, and possessed of good executive and business abilities. Mr. Durant was married Dec. 29, 1853, to Henrietta Pease, of Albany, Illinois.

OLIVER PARSONS.--Mr. Parsons was born in South Paris, Maine, and is also descended from Revolutionary stock. He came to Stillwater in 1848, where he engaged in merchandising and farming. He removed to Minneapolis in 1876, where he is at present engaged in selling goods.

He was married to C. Jewell, April, 1855. Mr. Parsons has ever been an exemplary man.

ALBERT STIMSON.--A native of York county, Maine, Mr. Stimson spent there his early life, and, after a few years in New Brunswick, came to Stillwater in 1849. He followed lumbering in his native state and on the St. Croix. He served as surveyor general of the First district, Minnesota, three years. He was a member of the Minnesota territorial councils of 1854 and 1855 and a member of the house in 1853. He was mayor of Stillwater one year, alderman two years, and was also a supervisor of Was.h.i.+ngton county. From 1870 to 1872 Mr. Stimson was a citizen of Kanabec county, which county he helped organize, and of which he was one of the first commissioners. His present residence is Anoka.

ABRAHAM VAN VOORHEES.--Mr. Van Voorhees' ancestors were patriots during the Revolution, and lived in New York and New Jersey. He was born in Was.h.i.+ngton county, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2, 1793. He was reared as a farmer. His school privileges were limited. "The Major," as he was familiarly styled, once told me that the educational advantages he had received in youth were very few, and that his desires and ambitions were far beyond his means to satisfy and fulfill, and he remarked with justifiable pride: "And what I am now, if I amount to anything, I owe to strong nerves and will power; G.o.d has always sustained me, and I have always acknowledged allegiance to Him." The major had an ingenious and inventive mind. Being studious and industrious, he accomplished much without scholastic training, and became well versed in the sciences, and an acute reasoner. In 1832 he removed to Athens county, Ohio, where for five years he devoted himself to mechanical pursuits and the study of the sciences. In 1837 he removed to Athens, and became editor and proprietor of the _Hocking Valley Gazette_, and retained the editors.h.i.+p six years. While living in Ohio, he served as county treasurer, county surveyor, member of the legislature, and state senator. In the latter position he served four years. In 1849 he was appointed by President Taylor register of the United States land office at Stillwater, which place he held until 1853. In 1852 Gov. Ramsey appointed him territorial auditor. He was a representative in the territorial legislature of 1856 and of the state legislature of 1859-60. He was one of the commissioners for locating the capitol and university lands. He was postmaster in Stillwater many years, and when he was eighty years of age acted as surveyor of Was.h.i.+ngton county. Such is a brief record of an unusually active and useful life. Maj. Van Voorhees was a thoroughly good citizen and christian gentleman. In politics he was Whig and Republican. His church members.h.i.+p was in the Presbyterian church, of which he became a member in 1832. In 1817 he was married to Mary Workman Voorhees. He died at his home in Stillwater, Jan. 24, 1879, aged eighty-six years, and was buried with christian and masonic honors.

MICHAEL E. AMES, an attorney from Boston, came to Stillwater in 1849, and became one of the leading lawyers of the Territory. He was urbane and dignified, both in society and at the bar. He was a charming conversationalist, and such a ready and fluent speaker that it was a pleasure to listen to him. Many of his witty sayings will long be remembered. He was twice married, but his domestic life was by no means a happy one. He died in St. Paul in 1861, his life, no doubt, shortened by intemperate habits, but he was polite and genial and witty to the last.

JOSEPH BONIN is of French descent. He was born in Montreal, Canada, Aug. 26, 1820. He was married to Margaret Bruce in 1851. The writer first met Mr. Bonin in Stillwater in 1845. He was then in the employ of John McKusick. He had spent much of his life on the frontier as an employe of the fur companies, and could relate many stirring incidents and perilous adventures. Mr. Bonin located at Baytown at an early day.

During the Rebellion he was a member of Company B, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery.

MARCEL GAGNON.--Mr. Gagnon was born in Lower Canada, Aug. 17, 1825. On arriving at manhood he came to the United States, and was an employe of the American Fur Company several years. He removed to Stillwater in 1845, engaging in lumbering. In 1863 he enlisted in the Minnesota Volunteer Independent Battalion, and served three years. Mr. Gagnon is a polite, pleasant, hard working and independent man.

SEBASTIAN MARTY was born in Switzerland in 1809, came to America in 1836, to Stillwater in 1845, and located on a farm in section 32, town of Stillwater, now known as the Jackman homestead. In 1850 he made his home in section 30, town of Lakeland, where he resided until his death, Nov. 3, 1885. His widow was formerly Christine Mamsche. He was a quiet, un.o.btrusive, thoroughly honest and reliable man.

JOHN MARTY was born in Switzerland in 1823. He learned the art of manufacturing straw goods in France. He came to America in 1846, to Stillwater in 1848 and not long after settled on his farm in Baytown.

He was married to Anna M. Henry, in St. Paul, 1852.

ADAM MARTY.--Mr. Marty was born in Switzerland in 1839. In 1846 he came with his grandparents to America and located at St. Louis. In 1849 he came to Stillwater and learned the printer's trade. He was employed one year by John McKusick. He enlisted April 29, 1861, in Company B, First Minnesota Volunteers, was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and honorably discharged. He resides in Stillwater, where he has held responsible positions, and has taken a deep interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been post commander.

MICHAEL MCHALE.--Mr. McHale came from Ireland in 1836; located first in Quincy, Illinois; then, 1840, in Galena; in 1842 in Potosi, Wisconsin, and in 1849 at Stillwater. He was interested in a saw mill (McHale & Johnson's), and operated also as a contractor in prison work. He was married to Rosanna McDermott in Wisconsin, 1847. She died in 1856.

GEORGE WATSON.--Mr. Watson is, in common parlance, a self-made man.

Left alone in the world and dependent entirely on his own exertions for a livelihood, he learned the carpenter's trade, learned it well, and followed it industriously through life. Mr. Watson was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 13, 1823, and came to the St.

Croix valley in 1849. He lived a few years in Hudson, and then removed to Stillwater, where he has the credit of building many fine structures. He was married in 1860 to Frances Lyman, of Stillwater.

REV. ELEAZER A. GREENLEAF was educated at Bangor Theological Seminary.

He came to Stillwater in 1846, and became pastor of the first Protestant Episcopal church organized north of Prairie du Chien, excepting at Fort Snelling and some Indian mission charges. Mr.

Greenleaf was married to Susan P. Greely, of Williamsburg, Maine, in 1838. He became a great sufferer in the later years of his life. He died in Stillwater in 1878. Mrs. Greenleaf died in Minneapolis in 1881.

J. B. COVEY.--Dr. J. B. Covey came to Stillwater in 1844. He was born in d.u.c.h.ess county, New York, in 1784. He practiced medicine many years in Missouri. He died in Stillwater in 1851.

JOHN SHAESBY was born in Warwick, England, in 1811; came to America in 1836, to Stillwater in 1848; removed to St. Croix county in 1850, thence to St. Joseph, to Rush River and to Baldwin in 1874, where he died in 1880, leaving two children and his widow in comfortable circ.u.mstances. His eldest daughter was the wife of Capt. Isaac Gray.

JOHN S. PROCTOR.--Mr. Proctor is of English descent, and was born in Cavendish, Windsor county, Vermont, Feb. 26, 1826. He was favored with a common school education. In 1846 he came to St. Louis, Missouri, and served as mercantile clerk until 1849, when he came to Stillwater and engaged in lumbering and mercantile pursuits. He was a member of the firm of Short, Proctor & Co., hardware merchants. In 1860 he was appointed warden of the Minnesota state prison, which office he held until 1868. In 1860 he was also appointed secretary and treasurer of the St. Croix Boom Company. He performed the duties of both positions, but continued to serve the boom company twenty years. His experience and reliability made him almost the umpire of this company. He was appointed surveyor general for the years 1881 to 1884, inclusive. Mr.

Proctor was married to Caroline Lockwood, daughter of John Lockwood, of Prairie du Chien, in 1854. They have one son, Levi.

BARRON PROCTOR, brother of John S. Proctor, came to Stillwater when a young man, but after a few years removed to New Orleans, whence he returned to Stillwater, and in 1873 engaged in flour manufacturing as one of the firm of Cahill, Townshend & Co. He disposed of his interest in 1880. Mr. Proctor was married to Hettie Carson, adopted daughter of Socrates Nelson and widow of John A. Hanford. He lives in St. Paul.

HENRY WESTING is a native of Hanover. He emigrated to America in 1840 and came to Stillwater in 1848. He commenced his business career as a day laborer and by industry, perseverance and tact, rose to a position of wealth and influence. He died in Stillwater, Feb. 26, 1885, much esteemed by his a.s.sociates for his sterling qualities of character.

THOMAS DUNN was born in 1823, in Queens county, Ireland. He emigrated to America in 1826, locating at Miramachi, on the northeast coast of New Brunswick. He came thence to Maine, where he spent two years. He came to the St. Croix valley in 1846, located in Stillwater, where he has since lived and been engaged in lumbering. He is the owner of a valuable land property at Yellow Lake, Burnett county, Wisconsin. He has been a member of the Catholic church since infancy.

CHARLES J. GARDINER was born at Charlotte, Maine, in 1826, and came to Stillwater in 1849, where he followed lumbering and farming. He served as surveyor of the First Minnesota district five years. He was married in 1853 to Pamela Jackman. They have five children.

SAMUEL STAPLES was born in Topsham, Maine, September, 1805. He came west from Brunswick, Maine, in 1854, and located in Stillwater, where he died, Dec. 26, 1887. He is the elder brother of Isaac, Silas and Winslow Staples. He leaves a widow (his second wife), two daughters, Mrs. E. A. Folsom and Mrs. G. M. Stickney, and two sons, Josiah and Winslow, besides a step-son, William Langly.

JOSIAH STAPLES, son of Samuel, was born in Brunswick, Maine, June 20, 1826. He received a good common school education. At the age of thirteen his family removed to Pen.o.bscot county, and later to the province of New Brunswick, but returned to Maine in 1840. In 1848 he came to Stillwater, and has since been continuously engaged in milling and lumbering operations, and, latterly, in steamboating. He was married to Lydia McGlaughlin in 1853. His children are six sons and one daughter.

JOEL M. DARLING was born in Madison county, New York, in 1842. He came to Galena, Illinois, in 1840, and to Stillwater in 1848, where he engaged in farming. He served three years during the Civil War in Company F, Seventh Minnesota, and has since been pensioned for disabilities incurred in the service. He is unmarried. He lives in South Stillwater.

EARLY RIVER PILOTS.

JOE PERRO.--"Big Joe" as he was familiarly called, was large of frame and big-hearted as well, honest, manly, of good report for courage and honesty. He was fearless and prompt in taking the part of the weak and oppressed. We were once pa.s.sing together up Broadway, St. Louis, when we pa.s.sed a peanut stand. A small negro boy was crying piteously and begging the peanut vender to give him back his money, to which appeal the peanut vender was obdurate. We halted. Joe Perro organized a court, heard the testimony of man and boy, and satisfied himself that in making change the man had wrongfully withheld a dime due the boy.

Joe decided in favor of the boy and ordered the vender of peanuts to pay him the ten cents. He replied insolently: "It is none of your d----d business." That was enough to kindle the magazine of Joe's wrath. A sudden blow of his fist, and the man was prostrate on the sidewalk and his peanuts and apples scattered. The last seen of the discomfited street merchant he was on his hands and knees scrambling with the boys for the possession of his scattered fruits, and casting an occasional vengeful glance at the towering form of "Big Joe"

departing slowly from the scene of conflict. Mr. Perro is of French parentage, and a native of Kaskaskia, Illinois. He has been a resident of Stillwater since 1844.

JAMES MCPHAIL.--Mr. McPhail, as his name indicates, is of Scotch parentage. He was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1824, and came to America in early life. He was one of the first log pilots on the waters of the Mississippi and St. Croix. He settled in Stillwater in 1848, was married to Eliza Purinton in 1849, and died in St. Louis in 1857. Mrs. McPhail died in Stillwater in 1885. They left no children.

JOHN CORMACK.--Mr. Cormack commenced piloting on the St. Croix in 1845. He was married in 1860 to Miss Jackins. He made his home in Stillwater continuously for thirty years, during which time he served as pilot. He died at Princeton, Mille Lacs county, in 1885.

JOHN HANFORD.--Mr. Hanford was a St. Croix river pilot in the '40s. He married an adopted daughter of Socrates Nelson, of Stillwater. He died at Stillwater. Mrs. Hanford subsequently married Barron Proctor.

JOHN LEACH.--Mr. Leach made his home at Marine many years, during which time he engaged in piloting on the St. Croix; subsequently he removed to Stillwater. In the later years of his life he has been blind.

STEPHEN B. HANKS.--Mr. Stephen B. Hanks, formerly of Albany, Illinois, piloted the first raft from St. Croix Falls to St. Louis in 1842. He followed piloting rafts and steamboats until 1885.

SAMUEL S. HANKS.--Samuel, a brother of Stephen B., commenced piloting in the '40s, and is still active.

Among the early pilots on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers were Antoine Lapoint, Augustus Barlow, Richard Whiting, James Hickman, George M. Penny, and Daniel McLean.