Washington County, Minnesota - Surveyed and Flatted - St. Croix Manu¬, 1881

Surveyed and Flatted - St. Croix Manu¬

St. Croix is the name of the village, and St. Croix Falls that of the post-oflice. The name is from the Indian word Kah-ba-kong. The village was laid out and platted by Maine T. W. Chand¬ ler, surveyor, July 31st, 1857, the site being the property of the St. Croix Manufacturing and Im¬ provement company, of which S. C. Edes was president; C. St. John Chubb, secretary; and lo¬ cated on lot 4, section 10, and lots 1, 2 and 3, in section 30, township 34, range 18. The village has a population of about 350; the township about 543. The first mill erected at St. Croix Falls was commenced in 1838 by the St. Louis Lumber Company and completed in IS 10; size, 40x80, with four sash, one uiuley and a shingle and lath machine. Joseph Bowron had charge, ns superintendent of the mill, for the company. In 1842, Mr. Hungerford became sole owner. In 1845, the property passed into the hands of James Perrington from the effects of the hard times, which had laid its ruthless hand on the young enterprise. In the meantime, Mr. Perrington found that on account of damages that had been made in property, he could not get it into running order without great expense. The bargain was not completed. In 1840, Caleb Cushing made a visit to the falls, and being pleased with the looks of the country and the prospects, was induced to invest in a new lum¬ bering enterprise. A company was formed, known as the "Boston Lumber Company." With the new enterprise everything went smoothly until 1848, when the company met with the misfortune of losing their property by fire, which put an end to that enterprise. Mr. Per¬ rington, the same year, went to Willow River and commenced the erection of a new saw-mill.

August 1st, 1847, a land office was established for a new district taken from the Mineral Point district, called the Ctippewa land district. The new district embraced all of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. When Wisconsin became a state, that part of the district belonging to Wisconsin, was created into a new district, and the office located at Willow River; moved from there to Hudson, and, in 1859, again located at St. Croix Falls.

Wm. S. Hungerford made the first entry of land at this point, August 17, 1838, of lot 4, sec¬ tion 19, and lots 1 and 2 section 30, township 34, range 18, present site of the village. From that date the property was continually in dispute. In¬ junctions were served first on one side and then by the other, and lawyers were made happy with fat fees. The matter was never wholly settled until after the death of both parties. In 1850, a partial compromise was effected by the formation of the organization known as the "St. Croix Man¬ ufacturing and Improvement Company, of which V. B. Scott, was elected president. C. St. John Chubb, S. C. Edes, John II. Nolton and Cahb Cushing and others composed the company. They laid out the town or village anew, completed the Cushing house, erected a flouring mill and ware¬ house at the landing, with other valuable im¬

The mill was run without any great improve¬ ments until 1802 or 1803, when W. II. C. Folsom leased the property for a term of years. After the season of 1804 he gave it up and H. F. Smith took charge, and he was the last to run it to any extent. Litigation was again commenced and continued until scarcely a vestige of the old com¬ panies' works are left. This hist mill was not completed until 1859, and was located on the same site where Thompson's mills now stand, size 40x 60, three and a half stories with basement, with three run of stone. It was propelled by a thirtysix foot overshot wheel, the power secured from the numerous springs flowing from the adjacent hills. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1804. After the above company had served its day and generation, and matters had become very dormant, other parties from the east visiting the town thought they saw fortunes awaiting the grasp of some enterprising company. The result was the formation of a new company known as the Chi¬ sago Mining and Manufacturing Company, in 1865, with William E. Carrie for president and Eber F. Cushing, treasurer. At the present time John N. Cushing is president and L. B. Cushing, treasurer; J. S. Baker, resident agent. No pub¬ lic improvements were made by this company. They have succeeded in disposing of a portion of the property and are awaiting a boom that they may see the long wished-for bonanza.

In 1869 a new company was organized by par¬ ties from Sweden with the high sounding title of the "Great European and American Land Com¬ pany," with Count Taub as manager; this com¬ pany was granted certain privileges on condition of effecting certain improvements. After one year's operations their funds ran out, and after contracting a large amount of debts and deceiv¬ ing many of their countrymen with fair promises, they found it convenient to absent themselves from the country, thus ending the enterprise.

Many are the instances related by the early set¬ tlers of murders and other lawless deeds done by some of the whites and Indians in the days of In¬ dian trading posts, and the sale of liquors to the half civilized of both colors, one instance of which we will relate. A man by the name of Partridge opened an Indian trading post about three-fourths of a mile above the present site of St. Croix. Among other articles of merchandise, he kept a poor article of whisky, which was freely indulged in by the lumbermen and Indians. Being under no restraint from the officers of the law, they gave full rein to passion, which resulted in many crimes. The title of "Quailtown" was given to this place. One day a quarrel arose between Pat. Kelley and Alfred Romaine. Romaine challenged Kelley to fight a duel the next morn¬ ing. Kelley failed to make his appearance at the appointed time. Romaine went in search of his victim. He succeeded at last in finding him at the house of his washerwoman, and asked him if he was ready; to which Kelley replied, "Go away; I don't want to have anything to do with you." "You don't, hey?" with that Romaine drew his revolver and shot Kelley twice, then jumped upon him and with the butt of the weap¬ on he broke his skull. Kelley succeeded in get¬ ting one shot at his enemy, which struck lum on the breast, not, however, inflicting a mortal wound. He was arrested, tried and sent to Prai¬ rie du Chien for imprisonment, that being the nearest point to a safe place of deposit for crimi¬ nals in those early days. At the end of about two years he succeeded in making his escape.

Early Settlers

The first claim made at St. Croix Falls was by Franklin Steele in 1837, he proceeding at once to the erection of shanties for the men that had ac¬ companied him to engage in the lumbering busi¬ ness. The St. Croix Lumber Company had been organized, and steps were soon taken toward erecting a mill. We also find among the early settlers the names of W. S. Hungerford, Joshua L. Taylor, W. F. Colby, John Weymouth, Sr., Wm. J. Vincent, N. C. I). Taylor, W. II. C. Fol¬ som, William R. Marshal, Joseph Marshal, An¬ son Northrup, John Mower, Elam Greeley, Calvin A. Tuttle and others.

The first white woman to visit this, then wild and romantic region was Mrs. David Hone, of Marine, now of Hastings. She taking charge of the culinary department of the company. The next was Mrs. Edward Worth and Mrs. Anson Northrup. The first birth of a white child at the falls was that of Charles II., son of Mr. and Mrs. Anson Northrup, September 25th, 1841.

The next was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mower, bom in the winter of 1844. The first death of a white person at the falls was that of Mr. Ryan, who had been engaged in logging, up the Wood river some distance above falls; coming down the St. Croix river in the spring of 1840, with a raft of logs which he had accumulated, by some un¬ accountable accident, he was drowned.

The first white person to take upon himself the marriage vow at St. Croix Falls, was Lewis Barlow, in 1842. Rev. Mr. Boutwell was the offi¬ ciating clergyman.

The first religious exercises held at the Falls, was by Captain William Holcombe in 1839; some¬ times writing his sermons, but usually reading them from a book of sermons. Not having a church building, the services were held in differ¬ ent points among the settlers. Mr. Holcomb not being a regularly ordained preacher only held the services at the request of the people. Rev. Jacob Folstrom, as early as 1843, held services at tills point.

The first school was taught by Mrs. Taintor in 1848. The settlers were few and consequently there were few scholars. Eight or ten comprised the number. The school was supported by pri¬ vate subscription. The first school district was organized in 1863 with Miss Harriet Stevens, now wife of L. K. Stannard, as teacher; the school was held in the old land office building. The next school was taught by Miss Newell. The present school building was erected in 1861-2. an addition was added for a primary school in 1878. The present school officers are, William M. Blanding, clerk; James Thompson, treasurer; J. S. Baker, director.

The first to dispense powders and pills to the settlers at this point was one I)r. Hill, connected with the St. Croix Lumber Company. lie hav¬ ing, though not being a regular physician, the best knowledge of medicine, was called upon to prescribe for the ailments of the settlers. Dr. Phil. Aldrich made visits to the Falls twice each month, carrying the mails, and at such times, if called, he attended the sick. Dr. DeWitt was the first resident physician, who came in 184G. Dr. Otis Hoyt, now of Hudson, came to the Falls in the fall of 1849, and remained for a short time, when he returned to Hudson. In 1853 Dr. L. B. Smith came to the Falls and spent the winter, when lie went across the river to Taylor's Falls ami spent home time, leaving St. Croix Falls without a physician until 1878, when Mrs. l)r. Mary Sevenson established herself at the Falls. She was followed by Dr. E. V. Arnold, in February, 1880. Frank W. Searles came in July of the same year.

The first attorney at law that settled at this point was Guerdon Smith, in 1853. He re¬ mained but one year, when he removed to Taylor's Falls. Several others came and went at different times, the date of which does not ap¬ pear. In May, 1880, W. B. Ladd came, and under the Ann name of C. II. and W. B. Ladd is still located at the Falls.

The first mail route was established, and Dr. Phil. Aldrich received the contract for carrying the mail from Point Dougins to St. Croix Falls, in 1840, which trip was made twice each month, lie was succeeded by Edward Worth, who had the proceeds of the office for his pay. He held the route until 1848. Mr. Worth had a little more style than the doctor in" that he had a pony.

The first appointment as post-master was re¬ ceived by Harvey Wilson in 1845; he acting as clerk of the lumbering company. On account of the litigations carried on by the different branches of the lumber company, the office was often changed and new appointments made. The present post-master is James Thompson, who received his appointment February, 1880.

The taverns or stopping places in those early days were mere boarding places kept by the com¬ pany. A private boarding house was opened by Adam Lightner in 1848, which he run but a short time on account of an accident which occurred to his family. A man engaged in collecting herbs for an herb doctor was stopping at the house, and had gathered quite a quantity, and among them had some wild parsnip which the children of tho family got hold of and ate, from the effects of which they died. The shock was so great to the poor wife and mother that she could not be in¬ duced to remain longer in the town; thus putting an end to the enterprise. The first regular hotel was erected by the Boston Lumber Company in 1846, and known as the "Cushing house." It was not however completed until 1850, when the organization of the St. Croix Manufacturing and

Improvement Company was affected ; it was then remodeled and handsomely furnished, and first opened and kept by Major Bodfish. Many pleas¬ ant parlies were had in the old house when the "boys" with the "fair ones" of those days would trip the light fantastic toe to the "wee-sma' hours." Those happy days of "yore" they cannot forget, even with the increased cares of advancing years.

The house was kept by different parties until the spring of 1880, when it was destroyed by fire while being run by Fred. Summerfield. The St. Croix house was erected by C. C. Fisk in 1857, as a dwelling, 28x32 feet, three stories high. In 1870 he made an addition of a wing 22x40 feet, two stories, and opened a hotel. In 1880 he added another wing 20x40 feet, one story; giving the house twenty-one chambers, one dining and two sitting rooms, two parlors, with office and sample rooms, and kitchen ; also a fine barn connected.

Among the first to establish trade at this point was M. M. Samuels, who located a trading post at this point and did a brisk trade for a time, keeping his place well stocked with such goods as the settlers most needed. lie was the first to in¬ troduce whiskey at this point ; after that time his stock in trade would dwindle down to almost nothing except the "rot gut," which caused great trouble. The first regular store opened was by Hungerford, Livingston and Company, in a log jcabin. The next was by Dexter and Harrington, in August, 1849, with Daniel Mears sis agent. He continuing until 1851, when W. S. Hungerford opened a stock of goods in the same store and continued in trade until 1854, when Sumner I. Smith opened. He was succeeded by Smith and Damon, who operated during the years 1856 and '57. In the fall of 1857, Gaylord and Hungerford opened up a trade and remained until the fsdl of 1800, when they sold to P. B. Lacy who continued until 1875, when he transferred his interest to John V. Johnson, who continued in trade until 1880, and sold to Stephanson and Lucas, the present proprietors, who carry a stock of general mer¬ chandise. In 1805 Christie and Thompson opened a general store in the village, the partnership con¬ tinuing six months, when James Thompson pur¬ chased Christies' interest and carried it on until the fall of 1800, when T. II. Thompson pur¬ chased an interest, which partnership continued until the fall of 1871, when the entire interest was purchased by James Thompson. The same year Mr. T. II. Thompson established himself in trade in his present location. In 1879, in connection with his prosperous trade, he erected an elevator at the steamboat landing, with a capacity of 5000 bushels. In 1876 Skifllngton Bums erected a store 24x36 feet, two stories high, to which he added a ware-house 14x36 feet, and established himself in trade the same year. Mr. Bums being an old pioneer in these parts is familiar with the wants of the people and keeps a general line.

The drug business is represented by A. C. Arveson who commenced in May, 1880. also by W. E. Doxtader, who bought out E. M. Tillotson in the drug and patent business in October last. The furniture and picture frame trade by E. J. Olsen, who opened his ware-rooms in May, 1880. The manufacturing interests of St Croix Falls is represented in the branch of milling by Ole Linroot, who erected the Linroot mill in 1876, 24x36 feet, three-stories with additions built in 1877-8, with a sixteen inch Leffel wheel and a forty foot head, with two run of stone. In 1877, Mr. James Thompson erected a three-story flour mill, 40x50 feet in size, containing three run of stone, power thirty foot head with an American turbine wheel, on the site of the old St. Croix Manufacturing and Improvement Com¬ panies' mill. Lewis Barlow' erected a shingle mill in a very early day and run it in conjunc¬ tion with the mill company, but becoming dis¬ gusted with the working of the company, he re¬ moved his machinery and went to another point down the river and operated until the spring of 1844, when he returned to the falls and run his machine for James Perrington until 1850, when he sold it to Edward Worth, who moved it to Bal¬ sam Lake.

The manufacturing of wagons and plows in connection with general blacksmithing is well represented by John and Andrew Corner, who in 1876, purchased Ole Linroots' blacksmithing busi¬ ness, who was the first blacksmith that located at the falls. The year following they erected a new shop 40x50 feet, together with sheds and storagerooms for materials. Last year the product of the business was thirty-five wagons, seventy-five plows, ten harrows, six buggies, three spring wagons, fifteen lmlnsled and cutters, -besides repairs. II. Christopherson is engaged in gen¬ eral blacksmithing. In 1872, John Elmquist built a carpenter shop on River street, to which he has since introduced water-power, and added machinery for the manufacturing of sash, doors, blinds and cabinet-ware, together with planing, scroll sawing, matching and wood-turning. In 1879, John Weinhardt was admitted ns partner, since which time many improvements have been made to the machinery, and other facilities for increasing the manufacturing of the different ar¬ ticles. The manufacturing of harness and sad¬ dlery is carried on by Melvin Johnson, who in February, 1880, purchased the harness shop of Wm. Summerfield. C. I. Peterson was one of the early settlers of the town, and is engaged in tan¬ ning and shoe-making, also John Olsen, who, since April, 1880, has endeavored to give good satisfaction to all this customers.

Mr. C. Kirsch located at St. Croix Falls in the springof 1880, and commenced the erection of the building which he now occupies as a store and residence, putting in his stock, which con¬ sisted of toys and confectionery; also, a line of ready-made clothing, and opened for trade about the midde of May that year.

The livery, sale and boarding stables of St. Croix Falls are kept by the Harvey Brothers. In February last, S. C. and J. W. Ilarvey lost their stables by fire. They at once erected their present stable, 36x60 feet, with accommodations for thirty horses. George G. Harvey has a fine stable, 34x60 feet, with accommodations for twenty-five horses.

J. II. Stratton supplies the Falls with meat. He opened his present meat market in the spring of 1880. During the past year he bought and sold over $4,000 worth of cattle.

George P. Anderson, proprietor of the stock yards, commenced the business of purchasing cattle the 15th of last Septeml)er, since which time he has paid out to the farmers of the county over $8,000.

An amusing incident, which the early settlers relate, of a novel marriage ceremony that was performed between the two points, St. Croix and Taylor's Falls. A man working at Willow River had persuaded a young lady then working at I)r. Hoyt's, at the Falls, "that it was not good for man to be alone." They wished Jerry Ross, then justice at Taylor's Falls, to perform the cere- mony. They did not wish to go over the river; and lie could not act in Wisconsin, as it was out of his jurisdiction it having but a short time be¬ fore become a state, but, by the principles of concurrent jurisdiction, he conld marry them on the line. They were consequently swung out into the center of the river on a raft and the ceremony performed.

Colonel J. S. Baker is a native of Genesee county, New York, bom.in 1838. At the age of fifteen he entered Oberlin college, Ohio, remain¬ ing three years, teaching four months of the year. About the year 1857 he removed to St. Croix county and taught school, afterwards attending the State University at Madison. In 1861 he en¬ tered the secret service for two years; then raised a regiment in the city of Washington in connec¬ tion with Gen. L. C. Baker of the detective de¬ partment. He commanded that regiment until it was mustered out in the fall of 1865. Locating at Lansing, Michigan, after the close of the war, he took charge of the state reform school two years; then removed to St. Croix Falls in 1875. He was local agent of the Chisago Mining and Manufacturing Company's business; was also agent of the property of Gen. Cushing, and of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler's land interests in this state. His marriage with Alice Potter of Lan¬ sing, Michigan, occurred in 1869. Six sons have been born to them, all of whom are living.

C. J. Bradley, a native of Illinois, was born at Kaskaskia, March 17th, 1825. He remained in his native place until twenty years of age, then went to the lead mines of Wisconsin. After en¬ gaging in mining for three years, he left for Os¬ ceola, where he arrived in August, 1848. lie resided in Osceola until three years ago, when he removed to a farm three miles east of the Falls of St. Croix, and is now engaged in the pursuit of farming. Mr. Bradley, in the spring of 1865, employed a steamboat to test the practicability of running logs to market by steamboat. Findit could be done, he built the "Minnie Will" the following winter for the purpose. She was the first boat built for the purpose of towing logs. Mr. Bradley was married at Osceola in the spring of 1866. He has four children living.

S. Eastman at Springfield, Massachusetts, at the early age of fourteen years. He remained u few years then engaged with a wholesale jeweler. In 1849 he found his way to New York and again en¬ gaged in printing, receiving good wages, but oppor¬ tunities to spend were ever before him. One day when down by the wharf he saw tickets sold for Troy for fifteen cents, and with only twenty-live cents in his pocket he purchased a ticket and started, and worked his way on the canal lioats to Buffalo. He came to Taylor's Falls, Minneso¬ ta, in 1853, and engaged in lumbering. In 1862 purchased the "Taylor's Falls Itejiorter," changed its name to "Monitor" and edited it nearly two years. lie enlisted in his country's service in 1863 and was promoted to the rank of orderly ser¬ geant. Beturuing to civil life he opened a pro¬ vision and feed store at Taylor's Falls and two years after improved a farm in Wisconsin, on which he remained until 1872, then began sur¬ veying and locating pine lands. At present he is agent of the Taylor's Falls Copper Mining Com¬ pany, and editor of the "Dalles of the St. Croix." lie married in 1865, Miss S. M. Humphrey. Ve¬ lina, Gerner, and Victor are their children.

J. B. Churchill was bom in Clinton county, New York, in 1820. He learned the trade of nailer, in which, milling included, he engaged until 1854. He then came to St. Croix Falls and began lumbering, which he followed until he em¬ barked in the ginseng trade. Enlisting in Com¬ pany K, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry, in March. 1865, he served until honorably discharged in No¬ vember of same year. lie returned to St. Croix Falls, where he has since resided, and has held the office of sheriff of Folk county two years. In 1841, he married Eliza Turnbull, who has borne him ten children, six of whom are now living.

John Comer is a native of Sweden, born in 1847. He learned the blacksmith's trade in his native country, serving an apprenticeship of six years. In 1868, he came to America. Tarrying only a brief time in Michigan, he proceeded to St. Croix Falls, where he worked at his trade until 1874. At that time he and his brother, Andrew, embarked in the wagon and blacksmith business.