Washington County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (6 of 11 so headed), 1881

Biographical sketches

Whitney; September 1st, 1866, William Connor; May 10th, 1871, April 23d, 1873, and April 21st, 1877, John P. Owens. Since its location in this village the receivers have been L. K. Stannard, Oscar Roos and George B. Folsom.

In closing this sketch of Taylor's Falls, a few anecdotes illustrating the humors of the early settlers may not be amiss. The manager of the St. Croix Falls Lumber Company had ordered the captain of a newly-arrived vessel not to let any of the men employed by the company have any whisky. Anson Northrup, Patrick Fox, N. C. D. Taylor and other employes determined not to be "bluffed" in that way. In the night the boys put a rope across the river below the boat, placed an enormous rock, with a pry under it, on the bluff directly over the boat, then said to the captain, "Whisky, or down* comes this rock on yourvessel." That oflicer produced the desired liquid. In passing the jug to liis neighbor, Fox stood at the head and said, "Here is whisky, Joe," and ever since has been known as "Whisky Joe."

Captain Jones, now living at Wolf creek, twelve miles from Taylor's Falls, had received a com¬ mission as justice of the peace. Not haviug cash to pay for it, he traded his commission for a jug of whisky.

Harrison Schultz, a young man of good family, married a squaw, who, becoming jealous, at¬ tempted to kill him. In self-defense he took her life. The Indians determined to avenge her death, and one day a brave stepped up to him and asked, "Are you brave?" Schultz invited him into a saloon, arranged a duel and killed his opponent. II is friends realizing that this .act only placed his life in greater jeopardy, urged him to leave and furnished him with money to do so. After going as far as La Crosse, he changed his mind and came back. While cutting timber with a friend, Schultz was killed by a young Indian who was concealed in a tree-top near by.

A. M. Chase was born in Washington county, Maine, April 7th, 1813. On attaining majority, embarked in the lumbering trade, which he fol¬ lowed four years, then learned mill-wrighting. In 1848, he came to St. Anthony, Minnesota, and the next year, in company with P. Morrill, built !

a boat which ran from St. Anthony to Sauk Rapids. During the fall of that year, he went to St. Louis, and here met with reverses, remained only a year, then came to Taylor's Falls. Spend¬ ing the Amt year at Balsam Lake, he erected a mill, and in 1862, began lumbering, carrying iton quite extensively for six years, and two years later, again engaged in that business for six years longer. Since about 1866, he has engaged in en¬ tering pine lands, building dams, etc., being a member and manager of the St. Croix Dam Com¬ pany.

W. F. Colby is a native of Lincoln, Maine, born Juue 12tli, 1818. Remaining in his native place until 1840, he engaged chiefly in lumbering, then went to New Orleans. After remaining there one year, went to Galena lead mines. Dur¬ ing the spring of 1844, he came to St. Croix Falls, and two years later removed to Taylor's Falls, since which time he has given his attention to his lumbering interests, except the time spent in the war. Enlisted in Company C, Seventh Minnesota, serving until honorably discharged at Fort Snelling in 1865. In 1849, he married Selina De Atley. They are the parents of seven children living.

William Comer is a native of Cheshire, Eng¬ land, bom in 1812. He served an apprenticeship of seven years in the grocery trade, then went to Liverpool, engaging in the grocery trade seven¬ teen years, and in 1846, went to St. Louis, Mis¬ souri, remaining six years as clerk in a dry-goods house. In 1854, he came to Taylor's Falls; held the ofllce of county treasurer from 1860 to 1868 inclusive, also that of register of land ofllce three years, and for the past six years has been town treasurer of Taylor's Falls, having, during the time been engaged in trade at this place. ILis marriage with Elizabeth Davis, occurred in 1838. They have had ten children, three of whom are now living.

Ed. II. Folsom is a native of Massachusetts, born, 1847. In 1856 he came to Taylor's Falls with his parents, where he attended the Chisago Seminary until 1860, then entered the "Reporter" office as apprentice. Being quite expert at the business, he was enabled to purchase the press in 1863, and soon after associated his brother with him. They published the paper until 1869, when he retired, taking a homestead ; but in 1872 was obliged to return to the publishing of the paper, on account of the death of his brother. The next year he sold the paper and served as clerk and secretary in several capacities in connection with the senate. In 1875 he edited the "Lumberman" at Stillwater, which was a success as a paper but not financially. In 1877 he returned to Taylor's Falls, again purchasing the paper of which he is at present editor. Ilis wife was Susan Way, whom he married in 1808. Carrie, Charles W., Katie M., and Ed. S. are their children.

Levi W. Folsom was bom at Tamworth, New Hampshire, 1822. He attended the common schools until fourteen yearn of age, then began working for himself, using his earnings to pre¬ pare for college ; attended the seminary at North Bridgeton, Maine, and atGilmanton, New Hamp¬ shire, preparing for Dartmouth College. Circum¬ stances called him to Pennsylvania, before the completion of his studies, where he taught in the high school at Pine Grove. At Gettysburg!), Pennsylvania, in 1848 he entered the junior class at college, graduating in September of the same year. Finishing the study of law in his native state, he was then admitted to the bar in 1850. He located permanently at Taylor's Falls in 1854, and for ten years practiced his profession and has since been a dealer in real estate. In 1875, Mr. Folsom was appointed president of the Taylor's Falls and Lake Superior Railroad Company, oc¬ cupying the position until 1879, since having been vice-president and director ; also treasurer of the Taylor's Falls Copper Mining Company, since 1874. His wife was Miss Abbie W. Shaw, mar¬ ried in 1858. Five children have been born to them, four now living.

W. II. C. Folsom was bom at St. Johns, New Brunswick, in 1817. Removing to Skowhegan, Maine, with his parents, when one year of age; he made it his home until reaching the age of nine¬ teen. He then started west, and after a tedious journey, arrived at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, remaining until 1845. Three years later he lo¬ cated at St. Croix Falls, and in 1850 at Taylor's Falls, which has since been his place of residence. Embarking in the mercantile trade, at his com¬ ing, he continued until 1874, and since then has been in the real estate business. He was a mem¬ ber of the state constitutional convention, also held the office of state senator five terms; was county treasurer of Chisago county and first sher¬

Erastus Guard, deceased, was born in Susque¬ hanna county, Pennsylvania, January 1st, 1825, where he remained until his marriage, May 22d, 1850, with Susan E. Fuller, who was bom in the same county. In 1857 they came to Taylor's Falls, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until enlisting in Company C, Seventh Minnesota, in 1862, serving until honorably discharged on account of disability early in 1865, having received a severe wound by a shot through the hand. He then returned to his home and began teaching school, and afterward built the carding- mill, which he ran for some time, then established the furniture trade. He departed this world April 10th, 1878. His widow and two children remain, Edward D. and Nellie L.

Dr. Oscar Ilallberg was bom in Sweden, 1850, where he received his collegiate and medical edu¬ cation, graduating from the Lund Medical Col¬ lege in 1872. Three years later he came to Amer¬ ica, and in 1880, located at Taylor's Falls, having been in Marine, Washington county, one year, also at Burlington, Iowa, where he had practiced medicine. He married, in 1878, Anna S. Wallin, who has borne him one child, Reuben A.

Caspar Hauser is a native of Switzerland, born 1834. Coming to America in 1856, he first located at Chicago, and from there to St. Louis, remain¬ ing until 1857, then came to Stillwater, Minne¬ sota. During that winter he purchased a claim at Rush City and began the improvement of it, but engaged in a brewery at Stillwater. In 1861 he disposed of his entire interest and removed to Taylor's Falls, which place has since been his home. His marriage with Miss Anna Krum took place in 1858. They have four children living.

A. N. Holm was born in Sweden, in 1828. He came to America in 1854, and settled at Taylor's Falls, remaining until 1857, then removed to Centre City, engaging in general merchandis¬ ing; was appointed first postmaster of that place. He returned to Taylor's Falls in 1865, and has since resided here. Enlisted in Company D, Third Minnesota, in 1861 , as private, and was after¬ wards promoted to sergeant, serving three years and four months. In 1851 he married Christine Ilauspeck.

Judge N. M. Humphrey was bom at Goshen, Litchfleld county, Connecticut, in 1809. Remain¬ ing in the home of his childhood until 1833, he then removed to Hudson, Ohio, and practiced law until 1841, removing thence to Richfield, re¬ maining about six years. Ilis next place of residence was Akron, where he held the office of probate judge six years, and was a member of the Ohio legislature during 18*52-3. Soon after, he came to Taylor's Falls, and has since made this his home, and was elected probate judge of Chisago county, in 1875; appointed postmaster in 1868, still occupies these offices. Mr. Humph¬ rey has been twice married; to his present wife, who was Elizabeth C. Young, in 1861. He is the parent of two children by first wife.

Thomas Lacy is a native of Kennebec county, Maine, born in 1824, and remained at his native place until 1853, receiving in the meantime a practical education, also learned the marble cut¬ ting trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He followed this trade some time, and in 1854 located at Taylor's Falls. In 1858-9 he served as register of deeds of Chisago county* and two yeiirs later embarked in the merchan¬ dise and lumber trade, continuing ten years, then disposed of his interests, since giving his attention to agriculture. Mr. Lacy has been twice married; his first wife dying in 1853, leav¬ ing two children, and his second in 1878.

L. F. Lagerwall, a native of Sweden, was born 1830. Having learned the tanner's trade in his native country, he came to America in 1867, and proceeded to St. Paul, Minnesota, remaining one and one-half years, working in a tannery; thence to St. Francis, engaged in the same business one and one-half years. In 1870, he located at Tay¬ lor's Falls and started a tannery, since making it his home. Mr. Lagerwall and Ullerica Swanson were united in marriage in 1854, and have four living children.

Dr. A. J. Murdock was born in Oswego county, New York, 1847. When two years old, he moved with his parents to Rensselaer Falls, St. Lawrence county, and after receiving a common school ed¬ ucation, entered the Gouvernor Wesleyan Semi¬ nary afterward beginning the study of medicine in the State University of Michigan; graduated from the college of physicians and surgeons of New York in 1870. Since this time he has prac¬

II. Netterfield was born at Wayne, Ohio, 1836, where he remained until eighteen years of age, from there, going to Port Washington, Wiscon¬ sin. After visiting different places in Iowa, Illi¬ nois and Missouri, he enlisted in 1861, in the Ninth Missouri Lyons Guards, an independent company and served three months, then was em¬ ployed in the secret service four years, being honorably discharged at Mobile, Alabama, in 1865. Soon after, he came to Hudson, Wisconsin, remaining there and in the vicinity until 1873, thence to Osceola Mills, and two years later be¬ came a resident of Taylor's Falls, having since run the Dalles House. His wife was Sarah Altheir; their marriage taking place in 1863. They have four children living.

James Payne, a native of England, was born 1831. Coming to America in 1842, he first made his home at Rockford, Illinois, about four years, then went to Carroll county, remaining until his location at Taylor's Falls, in 1849. He married Caroline M. Thomas, who died in 1854, leaving one child. His second wife was Hanora Ring, whom he married in 1856. They have had nine children, all living.

Eli C. Reynolds was bom in Clark county, Ohio, 1835, where he remained until nineteen years of age. In 1855 he located at Taylor's Falls after one year's stay in Carroll county, In¬ diana. Enlisting in Company C, Seventh Min¬ nesota in 1862, he served until honorably dis¬ charged at Fort Snelling in 1866. Returning to Taylor's Falls he has made it his home. Mr. Reynolds' marriage with Phoebe J. Roach took place in 1853. They are the parents of nine children living.

George W. Seymour was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1828, where he acquired an academic education at the Hartford Uni¬ versity. When sixteen years of age, he entered a store and remained until coming west in 1857, arriving at Taylor's Falls in the spring of that year. Started a land and conveyancing office, re¬ maining three years; held the office of post¬ master three years under President Buchanan, also that of secretary and director of the Tay¬ lor's Falls Copper Mining Company in 1874, and director of the Taylor's Falls and Lake Superior Railroad Company in 1875. lie started a drug store in 1859, closing out in 1862, ami re-opened in 1871 under the firm name of G. W. Seymour and Company.

Joseph Shuttmueller is a native of Baden, Germany, bom March 80th, 1828, and came to America in 1851. He spent some time in Penn¬ sylvania, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, and arrived at Taylor's Falls in 1855. In company with his brother, built the brewery at this place, of which he succeeded to the entire control in 1868. lie has held the office of justice of the peace three years. In 1864, he married Teresa Ayt who has borne him six children, all living.

Rev. M. Spangl>erg was born in Sweden, De¬ cember 25th, 1841, and came to America at the age of twenty-four. He began his studies for the ministry near Carver, Minnesota at the St. Ansgars Academy, remaining three years; then en¬ tered the Augustana College and Seminary and graduated . from the theological department in 1875. His first charge was at Hook's Point, Iowa, and three years later he assumed charge of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church at Taylor's Falls where he still resides. In 1875 he married Anna Laksell who has borne him two children.

Levi E. Stewart was born at Skowhegan, Maine, 1830, and there remained until attaining his ma¬ jority, then came west to Illinois. Here he made his home until his location at Taylor's Falls in 1853, and has been chiefly engaged in lum¬ bering since. In 1864 he married Augusta McFuddeu. No children.

Fred Tang, Sr., a native of Prussia, was bom in 1819. Coming to America in 1840, he fast lo¬ cated in Seneca county, Ohio, and remained five years, then became a resident of Taylor's Falls, working at his trade, house carpentering, until 1870. For the past ten years he has been a mem¬ ber of the town council. Mr. Tang and Joliannali Wyndeck were married in 1837 and are the parents of three living children.

Joshua L. Taylor was born atSanbornton, New Hampshire, 1816. At the age of twenty he re¬ moved to Alton, Illinois, thence in 1840 to St. Croix Falls, and engaged in lumbering. After Wisconsin was made a state and Minnesota a ter¬ ritory in 1849, he was appointed United States marshal, for the district of Minnesota, but de¬ clined the appointment. He went to California in 1849 and returned three years later to Taylor's Falls ; was appointed warden of the state prison of Minnesota by Gov. Marshall, in 1868, serving until the expiration of the terra, then returned to Taylor's Falls and with his brother was instru¬ mental in the laying out of the town. Since his return from California he has been a real estate dealer.

N. C. D. Taylor, was bom near Concord, New Hampshire, 1810, remaining until attaining his majority. In 1832 he removed to Alton, Il¬ linois, where he made his home two years, in the mercantile trade with E. R. Wells, thence to Ga¬ lena, spending three years in mining. Coming to St. Croix Falls in 1846 he embarked in the lum¬ ber trade, soon after removed to Taylor's Falls and entered into partnership with Patrick Fox in the mercantile and lumber business, retaining his interest till the great financial down fall in 1857. Mr. Taylor has twice represented his dis¬ trict in the legislature, also held the office of county treasurer eight years, having been elected in 1868. He still lives in single blessedness.

I. Van Vleck is a native of Madison county, New York, born 1848. Enlisting in Company B, Sixteenth Regulars, in 1864, he served until his honorable discharge was received in 1865. Two years after, he went to Afton, Washington coun¬ ty, Minnesota, making that place his home until he became a resident of Taylor's Falls, in 1874 ; the following year he purchased the carding mill at this place, and has since resided here. His marriage with Min. Luella Folsom took place in 1874 ; they have one child.

J. I). Ward was bom in Penobscot county, Maine, 1831. He lived at his childhood home un¬ til 1856, then came west to Taylor's Falls, and has since made this place his home. His occu¬ pation was chiefly that of lumbering, until 1872, since which time he has been the proprietor of a livery stable.

I)r. E. D. Whiting was born in Oneida county, New York, 1811. When three years of age he re¬ moved with his parents to New Hartford, Con¬ necticut, here attending the Harrington Acade¬ my, afterward attending Dr. Cooley's private school at Granville, Massachusetts, then to the Westfield Academy. After studying medicine with Dr. O. K. Hawley, he attended his first course of lectures at Fairfield, New York, graduating from the Ohio Medical College, at Cincin¬ nati, in 1834. He then began his practice as a physician at Wayne, Ohio, thence to Rockford, Illinois, where he remained until coming to Tay¬ lor's Falls in 1856. Dr. Whiting represented this district in the legislature during 1862-3. He has been twice married and is now a widower.

This village is situated on the right bank of the St. Croix river, about two and one-half miles be¬ low Taylor's Falls. The town was platted by Ansel Smith and the plat recorded in February, 1858. The name Franconia, in memory of Smith's daughter, Francis, a popular young lady who had died a short time before, was suggested by Mrs. William Kent. Mr. Smith came here in the spring of 1852, and began clearing off the timber, preparatory to starting a garden. For a short time he was assisted by L. K. Slnnnard, who was looking over the country preparatory to locating. Smith continued gardening until 1856, mean¬ while living in a sixteen foot square frame shanty. In 1856 he added a "lean to" 16x26 feet, .and put in a large stock of goods, but did not replenish, and in 1858, sold what remained to William Feaslee. The house was afterwards removed, and the river which was then ten rods distant, has washed away the bank to the cellar. Mr. Smith remained, engaging in other pursuits until 1869, when he was appointed receiver of the United States land office at Duluth.

In 1852 Henry and Leonard Day took claims adjoining Smith's, and did some clearing, but mainly occupying themselves making plugs to be used in making rafts of logs. From this indus¬ try Franconia acquired the nickname of "plug town." In 1855 they completed a house and moved into it. Leonard soon after married. Henry lived with him until the beginning of the war, when he enlisted. At the close of the war Henry married and settled in the village. The property of the brothers was not divided until the death of Leonard in 1874.

present mill. This was two stories high, 24x60 feet, and contained one circular saw, operated by a forty horse-power engine. In 1864 the com¬ pany added a stave mill, when the partners' got into a dispute, and the property being offered for sale, was purchased by the Clarke Brothers, who tore down the building and removed the machin¬ ery to Taylor's Falls.

The Franconia saw-mill, owned by Joseph Groll and Company, was built in 1870 by Edward E. White and A. J. Hammond. It was 24x60 feet, one story high, furnished with one circular saw operated by a twenty horse-power portable en¬ gine. The first few years the mill was not a suc¬ cess, and passed through a number of hands. In 1876, A. M. and L. R. Chase, of Osceola, and Jo¬ seph Groll, of Lakeland, purchased interests with the owners, the Louden Brothers, and after mak¬ ing additions and repairs, operated it under the firm name of Louden and Company. In Novem¬ ber, 1878, the Louden interest was sold to the other partners, and the firm has since been known as Joseph Groll and Company. The old wooden engine-room was discarded and a new stone one 32x32 feet erected, a fifty-five horse-power engine and more new machinery added. The mill now has a capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber per diem, and employs twelve men to operate.

The Franconia fiouring mills were built by Paul Munch in 1865, and began grinding the fol¬ lowing spring. The building is of stone, origi¬ nally, 34x44 feet, three-stories high, with a frame wheel-house 12x34 feet, inclosing a twenty-six foot over-shot wheel. The power is received from Lawrence creek. The establishment has two run of stone, one for flour and one for feed. The year after building, Mr. Munch added a two-story ware-house, 32x34 feet, and in 1878, another of one-story 22x24 feet. The capacity of the mill is about twenty barrels per day. In 1879, floods carried away the dam and caused much damage otherwise.

From 1861 to 1865, White, Thornton and Irish during the winters engaged in steamboat building. The first one was the Jenny Thornton, then fol¬ lowed the Ben Campbell, Viola, Jenny Hayes, and the rebuilding of the G. B. Knapp. Besides the steamers, the firm also built a number of barges.

His7Vhy Of Chisago County

in 1805, and the office located on the farm of E. S. White, the first postmaster, about one mile from the village. In 1872, Jonas Lundail, a store¬ keeper in the village, was appointed. At the death of Lundail, C. Vitalis, who at present holds the office was appointed.

The first store was, as we have said started by Ansel Smith, who sold in 1858, to Wm. Peaslee. Peaslee continued until 1868, when he went to Taylor's Falls. The third was opened by James Markley in 1807, and purchased the next spring by Jonas Lundail, who run it until liis death in 1878, when he was succeeded by C. Vitalis, who removed the stock to Munch's store in 1880. Then came Paul W. Munch, who operated for a few years and then closed out to O. E. Terry and Company, and in 1874, it was purchased by C. Vitalis. The hotel business is represented by Anton Drewke. The miscellaneous branches of trade are as follows: Swen Swanland, wagonmaker; Samuel Auderson, cabinet-maker; Olof Iledenstrom, mill-wright; Peter Leveen, carpen¬ ter; Eric Ostrom and O.C. Swanland, blacksmiths.

A school organization was effected in the spring of 1858, with the following officers: Henry F. Day, Luther Wykoff, and Ansel Smith. The first teacher hired by them was Margeret Smith, now the wife of Henry F. Day. At first she taught ten scholars in the bar room of the hotel. A neat school house furnished with a bell was built in 1870. The present officers are Charles Vitalis, director, O. Hasselberg, clerk; Alvin Fullerton, treasurer.

A. J. Anderson was born at Wexio, Sweden, May 9th, 1800. He attended the public schools in his native country, and when nine years of age, came to America with his mother to join his father who had preceded them. Coming via New York city, they reached Franconia in June 1859. Until 1873 he continued his education, then be¬ gan clerking for Charles Vitalis, and four years after was promoted to book-keeper, at which time he was also appointed assistant postmaster. Mr. Anderson is an energetic and prosperous business man.

several years, then returned to his home. In 1802 he came to Minnesota, locating in Minneap¬ olis, in the lath and shingle trade six years. Re¬ moving to Lakeland, Washington county, he re¬ mained until he and his brother purchased the "Cascade" mill at Osceola mills, which they oper¬ ated until 1870, then came to Franconia where he has since given his attention to the lumbering trade. His wife was Miss P. A. Lindsey, whom he married in 1801. They have twochildren, both living.

A. M. Clark was born in Erie county, !New York, May 25th, 1833. On attaining his major¬ ity, he eml>arked in the lumbering business, which he followed six years. Coming west to Minneap¬ olis, Minnesota, he remained until 1874, in the shingle trade, the last two years being of the firm of Mayo and Clark. He and his brother, L. R. Clark, then purchased the "Cascade" mill, at Os¬ ceola mills, and operated it some time, finally lo¬ cating at Franconia, where he has since been in the lumber trade. He has been twice married ; to his present wife in 1879, who was Miss Betty Willis.

II. F. Day is a native of St Lawrence county, N. Y.,born in 1825. Remaining at his childhood home until 1840, he then removed to southern Wiscon¬ sin, and three years later came to St. Croix Falls, being employed in the saw-mills. After making a trip to the East, in 1852, he returned the next year locating at Franconia, and has since made this his home. In 1802, he enlisted in the Seventh Minnesota, Company C, and served until honor¬ ably discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1805. His wife was Margaret Smith, whom he married in 1850, and she has borne him five children.

Joseph Groll is a native of Bavaria, bom in 1837. Coming to America in 1861, he located at Syracuse, New York, where he made his resi¬ dence three years; then removed to Rush lake, Minnesota. During his three years stay he gave his time to the peaceful pu riant of agricul¬ ture; removing thence to Lakeland, Washington county, he engaged in lumbering nearly seven years. In 1875 he became a resident of Fran¬ conia, where he has since engaged in lumbering. His marriage with Agnes Entner took place in 1867.

lie settled at Taylor's Falls, Minnesota, and worked at his trade, that of carpentering, three years ; then removed to Rush Creek and made a claim. The next year he erected a saw mill at Chengwatona, in company with his brother, and in 1861 sold his interest and enlisted in the First Minnesota Battery, resigning after a service of one and one half years, and returning to his former home. In 1865 he located at Fran¬ conia and built the first grist mill, and has since resided here. Mr. Munch has been twice mar¬ ried ; his present wife was Miss Caroline Entner, whom he married 1869. They are the parents of six children living.

lived there eight years, working at the trade of stone mason. lie then became a resident at Franconia and opened the first hotel at that place, of which he was the propietor until the spring of 1880. His marriage with Katrina Lange took place in 1847. They have one child, Frederick.

Charles Vitalis, a resident of Franconia, is a native of Sweden, bom 1843. He came to Ameri¬ ca in 1868 and proceeded directly to this village and began clerking for P. Munch, where he con¬ tinued about fourteen months, then clerked for Jonas Lundall. At his employer's death, which occurred in 1873, he took charge of the business in his own name where he still continues. He married Miss Josephine Lundall in 1873, who has borne him two children. Mr. Vitalis is a pros¬ perous business man.