Stillwater City (part 3 of 3)

John Smith is a native of Prussia, born in the Rhine district of Trier. When he was eight years old his parents came with their family to America, living six years, at Buffalo, New York, then removed to Racine, Wisconsin. Here for thirteen years John run threshing machines in that vicinity, during the time giving much thought to the invention of a more perfect thresher. Accordingly in 1870, he began the model of whnt is now one of the most complete and least complicated machines in existence, the Pride of the West, this masterpiece he completed in March, 1871. This well-known thresher is now quite extensively built by the McDonald and Company of Fond duLac, Wisconsin. Mr. Smith also invented a horse plow called the John Smith horse plow, receiving a patent in November, 1875. Two years later he came to Stillwater and en¬ gaged with Seymour, Sabin and Company as foreman of the horse-power building department, having since made several improvement on their different powers. Miss Katherine Julianas be¬ came his wife in 1803: Margaret, John, Nicholas and Mary, are their children.

William II. Smithson was born at Ilawkesbury, Ontario, March 4th, 1844. His father being a farmer he assisted him in his labors on the farm in summer, attending school during winter. The school-house was of logs and presided over by a pedagogue, who believed more in the efficiency of birch than books, as a propagator of knowledge. William's advantages for gaining knowledge, were therefore limited, both as to time and instruction. Owing to a severe strain, caused by heavy lifting, when sixteen years of age, lie was afflicted with hemorrhage of the lungs, which continued nt in¬ tervals for a number of years, unfitting him for manual labor. In 1865 he came to Stillwater; his health being greatly improved he engaged in the occupation of a lumberman till 1874, when he ap¬ plied for, and secured the position of guard, at the Minnesota state prison, remaining in that posi¬ tion two years. By the- resignation of the ste¬ ward he was appointed to fill the vacancy, where he still remains. Mr. Smithson has been twice married; his present wife was Miss Emma Rob¬ erts, of Minneapolis, married October 8th, 1870. He is the parent of three children by his first wife, Edith D., William II. and Cora E.

James II. Sjiencer, one of the early pioneers of St. Croix valley, is a native of Missouri, bom at Columbia, February 19th, 1820. When sixteen years of age he came to the valley and first set¬ tled at Marine Mills, making his home there un¬ til 1854, then located at Stillwater. The first four years were passed in the pineries, in the em¬ ploy of Elam Greeley, was also in the employ of the Marine Lumber Company till 1849. He then began lumbering in his own interest continuing with success until 1860. Two years later he com¬ menced exploring pine lands for Ilersey, Staples and Hall, which he continued two years. After three years in Missouri, passed in the pursuit of agriculture, he returned to Stillwater and to his explorations. In 1874 he erected a shingle mill at South Stillwater, and after three or four years experience, disposed of it and resumed the ex¬ ploring of pine lands and has since given his en¬ tire attention to it. Mr. Spencer has been twice married, in 1869 to Miss Rose Winters, of Wi¬ nona. They have one son, James II., Jr.

Elzey J. Spindle, of the firm of Spindle and Stephens, contractors' and builders in brick and stone, was bora at Kaskaskia, Randolph county, Illinois, October 6tli, 1851. Here his father died in 1866, then his mother and her family came to Stillwater, which has since been their home. Mr. Spindle served an apprenticeship of five years at the brick-layer and plasterer's trade, after which in 1877, he entered into full partnership with his instructor, Mr. Stephens. This firm has done much in this city and vicinity in their line. His wife was Miss Hattie J. Stephens, married in 1872. Their only child is William E.

Edward Staples was bom in Saco, Maine, De¬ cember 10th, 1833. In boyhood his opportunities for an education were limited. In 1856 he came to Stillwater and learned the blacksmith's trade. After working for Ilersey, Bean and Brown four years, commenced business alone; in 1874 formed a partnership with Andrew W. Kearney, and since that date has been senior member of the firm of Staples and Kearney.

turerand merchant, was bom in Topsham, Maine, September 26th, 1816. His father, Rev. Wins¬ low Staples, shortly afterwards removed to Bruns¬ wick, where the boyhood days of Isaac were spent till the age of sixteen. At eighteen years of age he bought his time of his father till he should become twenty-one, for 1360, and went to work in the lumber woods of the Penobscot river, driving in the spring, and working on the booms of General Samuel Veazie at Old Town, which he continued for two years. At the age of twenty he engaged in general merchandising at Old Town, which he continued one year. lie then went into the lumbering business, handling logs and dealing quite extensively atOld Town with Samuel F. Ilersey, who was afterwards one of his part¬ ners in this city. In 1849 Mr. Staples was ap¬ pointed by Governor John W. Dana, of Maine, as Indian agent for the Penobscot tribe of Indians. In October, 1853, he came to Minnesota for the purpose of locating pine lands, and during the following winter located ten thousand acres. De¬ ciding to locate at Stillwater, he returned east, organized a lumber company, as mentioned else¬ where in this work, and the following spring, 1854, he moved his family to this city, then in its infancy. On his arrival here lie purchased for a residence the house known as the "Stillwater house." Mr. Staples then engaged, with his asso¬ ciates, in the lumber business which they prose¬ cuted to a great extent until 1869, when Mr. Staples disposed of his partnership Mid has since conducted the lumber business alone. lie has also a flouring-mill and store and is largely inter¬ ested in other enterprises. Mr. Staples has laid out several additions to Stillwater, and built a number of Gne business blocks. He was elected president of the Lumbermen's National bank of this city on its organization in 1871, and still holds that office. He has been twice married, first, in 1839, to Miss Caroline B. Rogers, of Old Town, Maine, by whom he had one child. Mrs. Staples died in 1840. He was again married January 31st, 1841, to Miss Olivia J. Pettengill, also of Old Town, by whom he has had eight children. Mr. Staples has been remarkably suc¬ cessful in business, having begun with notiiing, and earned his first money by working out for seven dollars a month. We see him as the ener¬ getic, enterprising boy, purchasing his time of his father at the age of eighteen. He is next the active lumberman and merchant, though he has scarcely attained his majority. Next heis organ¬ izing business to take advantage of the opportu¬ nities for larger enterprise in a new country. He grows up with the new city of Stillwater, taking and holding a prominent place in its build¬ ings, manufactures and merchandise. As a busi¬ ness man he is far-sighted, systematic, energetic and persistent. These qualities combined have made him one of the most successful business men of Minnesota.

Josiah Staples is a native of Maine, bom at Brunswick, Cumberland county, June 20th, 1826, and is a son of Samuel and Binca Staples, who were natives of the old "Pine Tree" Btate. When Josiah was thirteen years old the family removed to Penobscot county and later to New Brunswick, and lived in Frederickton three years. About the year 1840 they returned to Maine, where the parents remained until 1856, then came to Still¬ water. Previously, in 1848, Josiah came to Still¬ water and decided to locate; his first work here was to assist in enclosing a saw-mill at Areola, which had been running some time in an open frame. He also sawed in the first saw-mill at Stillwater a portion of the lumber used in the erection of the American hotel, by Anson Northrup, at St. Paul. Mr. Staples was one of guests at the old American house "warming" and danced with the St. Paul pioneers. Since his first arrival here he has been chiefly engaged in lum¬ bering; in 1856 he entered into partnership with J. S. Anderson in the rafting business, which continued several years with marked success. For several years he transacted an individual business in the same line. During the summer of 1871, he run on the steamer "Swallow" as cap¬ tain, and in which he held one-half interest. He has since had in charge the business of other com¬ panies and lately that of Elam Greeley. During these thirty years of his life as a lumberman, he has never lost a half dozen days of working time. HiB marriage with Miss Lydia McLaughlin oc¬ curred hi 1853. Albert R., Edward F., Llewellyn M., Harry J., Joe, Blanche E. and Granville M. S., are their living children, three having died.

and in July, 1852, started for America, arriving after a voyage of tifty-two days. Two years were passed in New York, then went to Virginia, sub¬ sequently to Ohio in the brick-making business. After spending some time at St. Louis, New Or¬ leans, Mobile and Memphis, he engaged with the Little Rock railroad. In 1856 he came to Still¬ water and three years later opened a brick yard, which he operated until he enlisted in company B, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving until his discharge at Brooklyn, New York, in 1863. Returning to his home at Stillwater, he was married in 1865, to Miss Magdalene Stoltz. Joseph, August, Theresa, Albert, Martin and Frederick, are their children.

Edward Stewart was born in New Brunswick, February 25th, 1836. When about fifteen years of age he accompanied his parents to Milltown, Maine, and in 1856 Edward came to the St. Croix valley, locating at Stillwater, and has since given his entire attention to lumbering. In 1864 he entered into partnership with J. McDermott, which firm did a successful business for about four years, then dissolved and Mathers and Stew¬ art were in partnership three or four years. Since 1875 he and E. Ilospes have carried on a business together in connection with Schulenburg, Boeckeler and Company's lumbering works. Mr. Stewart married Miss Elizabeth Bergen, of Stillwater, in 1868.

P. J. Stenstrom was born in Sweden, June 30tli, 1849. He learned the trade of shoemaker in his native country, and in 1868 crossed the ocean, coming to Stillwater via New York. lie worked at his trade as journeyman until begin¬ ning for himself in 1872. Two years later he added a stock of ready-made goods; also in the same building in a separate sale-room, a stock of tobacco, cigars, etc. Married in March, 1876, to Miss Ellen Larson. Carl O. and Hilda M. are their children.

Daniel S. Stombs is a native of Salem county, New Jersey, born November 13th, 1828. When about eight years old he accompanied his parents to Ohio, settling near Batavia, and after the death of his father went to Cincinnati and in 1842 began coppersmithing and sheet-iron work, con¬ tinuing one year, then went to California and engaged in gold mining one year with consider¬ able success. Returning to Cincinnati, he en¬ gaged in plumbing and gas fitting and built several petroleum oil factories; also invented one of the first apparatus for separating and refining petroleum. In 1859 he came to St. Paul, Minne¬ sota, and there opened a shop for steamboat re¬ pairing, which he run till 1874 with marked suc¬ cess, then sold and came to Stillwater and established the St. Croix iron works. Mr. Stombs married Miss Nancy Noland in 1847. She has borne him three children; Sarah A. and Samuel B. are the living.

1). J. Sullivan was born April 22d, 1855, at Norwich, Connecticut, and removed to Rockford, Illinois, in 1872, where he learned his trade with the firm of Hall and Bartlett. He came to Min¬ nesota August 28lh, 1878, locating at Stillwater, which city is still his place of residence.

E. D. Taylor was born at Euclid, Ohio, in 1842. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in company A, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was made up of students of Hiram college. This was the first company made up for President Garfield's regiment. He served until 1864, then went to Poughkeepsie, New York, and for a time attended school. In 1867 he became editor of the Temperance Patriot of Utica, New York, and in 1868 was city editor of the Utica Daily Herald. In 1875 he accepted the position of editor of the Rome Sentinel. In 1878 purchased an interest in the Lumberman printing office of this city. Mr. Taylor was married in the spring of 1808 to Miss Etta Roney, of Utica, New York. They have two children.

Captain W. II. II. Taylor, a native of North Bend, Ohio, was born on the 21st day of March, 1837. Ills mother was the youngest daughter of General W. II. Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. He attended the village school one year, then for five years his father em¬ ployed private teachers. In 1856- '7 he attended Herron's seminary at Cincinnati, then was ap¬ pointed deputy in the clerk's office of Hamilton county. In 1861 the military company of which he was a member was the first from Cincinnati to respond to the call for 75,000 volunteers. They went to Washington, where he was appointed first lieutenant. August 11th, 1862, was pro¬ moted to captain. After resigning from the army he returned to Cincinnati and was appointed clerk in the post-office, his father being postmaster. In

1867 he moved with his father upon a farm eight miles above Minneapolis. In 1876 he was ap¬ pointed special on the Centennial police guard. Since April 3d, 1879, Captain Taylor has been on the prison force.

Mrs. Susannah Tepass ncc Burkhard, was bom in Germany, August 10th, 1824. Came to Ameri¬ ca with her parents in 1847, settling in Freeport, Illinois. Here she was married to N. Kimmick, and in 1849 came to Stillwater. Her husband died in 1857. In 1860 she married Mr. Frank Aiple, who died November 10th, 1868. Decem¬ ber 9th, 1869, she married her present husband, Mr. Herman Tepass. Mrs. Tepass is one of the earliest settlers in the St. Croix valley, and after suffering extreme hardships is now in easy cir¬ cumstances. Her children are Mary T. Aiple, Herman Aiple and Frank Aiple.

Benjamin Thelen, a native of Germany, was bom in October, 1832. Came to America in 1853, and was employed as laborer until 1856. That year he engaged in business for himself. His en¬ tire block 75x150 feet, was burned December 24th, 1866, and the following year he rebuilt it and now occupies a part of it for his saloon and billiard hall,. and residence. Was married in 1872 to Miss Sarah Plaine of this city. Their children are Eveline, Sylvester, Bernhardt F. W. and Louis B.

Levi E. Thompson, a native of Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, New York, bom May, 5th, 1829. When twelve years of age he entered the Troy Wesleyan Seminary. At the the age of fourteen he commenced the study of law with his brother, and was admitted to practice by the su¬ preme court in 1849. After practicing two years in partnership with his brother he came to Still¬ water in 1852 and formed a partnership with Theodore E. Parker. In 1856 Allen Dawson of Hudson was admitted to the firm, in 1858 Mr. Thompson withdrew and one year later formed a partnership with John Vandenburg. Mr. Thomp¬ son married Miss Martha G. Harris, daughter of Albert Harris of this city, October, 1856. They have three children all of whom are living.

Martin A. Tlion, a native of Norway, was bom May 3d, 1851. When eighteen years of age he immigrated to America, locating at Madison, Wisconsin. After a short residence there, he re¬ moved to Blue Mound, thence to Oconto, where he was employed by Farnsworth and Company. In May, 1862, he came to this city and began working at shoemaking. At the end of two years his attention was turned to tailoring, which he has since followed. Married Annie M. J. Han¬ son, of Stillwater, in April, 1880.

William E. Thome, born March 16th, 1817, is a native of Poughkeepsie, New York. Entered a store as clerk in 1835, in New York city. In 1849, he left New York, and embarked in the hardware and house furnishing business at St. Louis. At the end of four years he sold his in¬ terest to his partner and started for Stillwater, arriving here in September, 1854. After examin¬ ing the resources of the town, he determined to settle, and in May, 1855, opened with a small stock of dry goods, in Nelson's block on lower Main street, and has since been in business here. Married Miss Olive A. Anderson, of Belleville, New York, September 11th, 1862. They have had two children, both of whom died in infancy.

Itevercnd David Tice was bom in Caistor, Lin¬ coln county, Canada, November 12th, 1829. The youngest of fourteen children, it was intended that David should remain on the homestead until he was twenty-one years of age, but being ambi¬ tious, he sought and gained his father's consent to seek his own fortunes, when but thirteen years of age. After leaving home, his time was spent alternately in working, and attending Bchool. After reaching manhood, he was engaged in many business enterprises in the town of Caistorville, of which he was proprietor. Here he owned stores, a brick-yard, and was engaged in farming. In 1857, Mr. Tice gave up his business interests, and entered the ministry. He is at present pas¬ tor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Still¬ water.

J. II. Townshend is a native of Illyria, Ohio, bom September 28th, 1846. Was educated at the Western Reserve College, of Ohio. On account of failing health, was unable to complete bis course. For a time he was engaged in traveling in New Mexico. After leaving New Mexico, he visited W. F. Cahill, of Minneapolis, who is re¬ lated to him by marriage, and was persuaded by him to join in building a flouring mill at this place. He took charge from the beginning, in 1872, and has since operated it. Is also president of the Union Elevator company of Stillwater.

Albert Tozer is a native of Canada East, born May 4th, 1846. Came to the St. Croix valley in August 1868, and settled at this city. For three years was in the employ of an older brother, David Tozer. In company with D. Gillis, he be¬ gan logging in 1866, and shortly after admitted a third partner, the firm name being Tozer, Gillis and Company. In 1867, he was in the employ of Torinus and Company, and from '68 to '70, was in partnership with his brother, the firm being, known as D. and A. Tozer. From '77 to '81 Sauntry and Tozer bad charge of cutting and D. and A. Tozer the rafting. This year their cpt was seven millions. Mr. Tozer married Miss Rosanna Downes, of this city, in 1871. Their children are Albert W., Lydia, Adelia and Alice.

David Tozer, a resident of Stillwater, is a na¬ tive of New Brunswick, and came to Stillwater in 1866. Since his first arrival in the city he has been engaged in the lumbering business.

Sylvanus Trask was born in Otsego county, New York, November 16th, 1811. When nine¬ teen years of age he went to Genesee county and spent four years at the Middlebury Academy. After this he traveled in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Canada, for several years, as a teacher, In 1848 he settled in Stillwater, and has since resided here. The first year he was deputy postmaster, and since, has been engaged in sur¬ veying logs for various lumber companies. March 10th, 1852, he married Miss Euphemia Turner, of St. Paul. Rev. E. D. Neill officiating. His two sons are named, Byron W. and George W.

Joseph A. Tenner, born in Switzerland in 1839. Came to America in 1860, and settled at this city. In 1861, he enlisted in Company B, First Minne¬ sota Volunteers, was wounded at Gettysburg by a shell, this kept him in the hosptal nine montlis. Was honorably discharged in 1864, and returned to Stillwater and started a barber shop, which he lias since conducted. In the spring of 1881, he started the Helvetia sample room on Main street nearly opposite the Grand Opera house. Mar¬ ried in 1867 to Miss Jennie Deragisch, who has borne five children, all of whom are living.

Thomas II. Turner, a native of England, was born in Sheffield, January 19th, 1839. When four years old his father brought him to America. In 1843 his father started the first saw factory in

Cincinnati. At the age of eighteen, Thomas be¬ gan learning the trade and worked at it until April 19tli, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After serv¬ ing through the war, he returned to Cincinnati and worked at his trade until 1868. Spent two years at his trade in Chicago, and three at La¬ crosse, and until 1878, was in different places. Then in 1878, he located at Hudson, resided there two years, then came to this city. July 2d, 1862, he married Miss Martha A. Walcot, of La¬ crosse.

A. A. Ulen was born in Norway, February 15th, 1843. Immigrated to America, May 3d, 1867, and first stopped at Portland, Maine. The next two years he was farming at Dane county, Wisconsin. Came to Stillwater in 1869, and for two years was employed by lumber firms. In 1871, commenced tending bar, soon after took a half interest, and in 1876, purchased the entire establishment. He married Martha Wil¬ liams at Martell, Wisconsin, April 23d, 1876, they have two children: Andrew O. W. and Ida Amelia.

James VanBuskirk was born in Westmoreland county, New Brunswick, July 23d, 1845. Having learned painting, he left home in 1868, and trav¬ eled for a time through the eastern states. Came to Minneapolis in July, and during the summer he worked on a farm and in the winter taught school at Eden Prairie. In the spring of 1869, he commenced working at his trade, and in 1872 came to this city and began working for M. Web¬ ster. In 1875, he commenced business for him¬ self. In November, 1876, he married Miss Fan¬ nie Moss, of St. Paul; they have had two chil¬ dren of whom one is living.

Theodore VanTassell was born in Brooklyn New York, May 26th, 1854. lie was educated in the public High schools of that city. Came to Still¬ water in the spring of 1875 and entered the law office of McCluer and Marsh in November. After a thorough and diligent course of study, he was admitted to practice in February, 1878. In April he was elected associate judge of the municipal court, and in September, married Ida Bernice, daughter of William Lowell.

man. Unaided by early culture and unsupported by tbe means and opportunities necessary for more than a mere shadow of common school edu¬ cation - not exceeding eighteen months - his thirst for knowledge in his early years led him to acquire books by such shifts as are known to enterprising country lads, and he became a better educated boy than many, more blessed with op¬ portunity. lie soon manifested aspirations and purposes that were not to he deterred from the achievement of creditable distinction in the hon¬ orable pursuit of scientific knowledge. One of his school-books, " Workman's Element's of Geography," contained some simple philosophical problems. These he mastered fully, and upon them his whole life history rests. More philo¬ sophical and scientific books were purchased and thoroughly digested, so that he became a scholar, a philosopher and an inventor purely by his own unaided efforts.

About 1828 he purchased a set of blacksmith's tools and soon made himself not only a skilled mechanic but an excellent machinist. In 1831 he moved to Athens county, Ohio, and settled at IIebbard8ville, some six miles from the county seat, where he remained several years, studying intently as was ever his custom and familiarizing himself with various mechanical pursuits.

During these years of retiracy he was success¬ fully enriching his mind with stores of useful knowledge for subsequent use, and this silent process of "steeping" himself quietly in his studies at that time, has been productive of grand results in the later years of his life.

In 1837 he moved to Athens, the county seat, and became the editor and proprietor of the "Western Spectator" which was afterwards changed to the "Hocking Valley Gazette," which paper he edited with decided ability. In the conduct of this paper he was ably assisted by his two sons who became model printers and eventually succeeded their father in the publi¬ cation of the paper.

In 1840, he was elected to the lower house of the Ohio legislature, and was afterwards sent to the senate four terms. He also served as county surveyor six years and as county treasurer one year. In 1849, he was appointed, by President Taylor, register of the first land-office in Minne¬ sota, and came to Stillwater in October, of the same year, to discharge its duties. In 1854, he was appointed by Governor Ramsey territorial auditor, and in 1855-6, he served one term in the Minnesota legislature. In 1860, Governor Ram¬ sey appointed him commissioner to locate the capital lands and the balance of the Minnesota State University land appropriated by congress. He located several thousand acres, in a manner entirely satisfactory to the state. In 1862, he was elected county surveyor of Washington county, and held the office by re-election for twelve continuous years. About 1864, he was appointed postmaster of Stillwater, which posi¬ tion he filled acceptably for several years, when he resigned in favor of his successor. He has de¬ cidedly a mathematical and inventive mind, hav¬ ing invented all the instruments he used in apply¬ ing mathematics to astronomy and other subjects. To detail the minuteness of his knowledge of me¬ chanics, and the laws and principles of motion, would require a volume. He kept a weather rec¬ ord and calculated all the eclipses for this region, the power and force of his mind enabling him to overcome the disadvantages of early life, and to become well informed on the current topics of the day. Mr. Van Vorheswas married in 1817 to Mary W. Vorhes, of Washington county, Maryland, whose family at that time resided in New Jersey. Eight children were bom to them five of whom are still living. Mrs. Van Vorhes died in Stillwater, December 19th, 1861. His eldest son, Colonel Nelson H. Van Vorhes, is one of Ohio's brightest representative men. His sec¬ ond son, Andrew Jackson Van Vorhes, who died in January, 1873, established the Stillwater Mes¬ senger in 1856, and conducted it until 1868, ex¬ cepting two years that he spent in the army, when the editorial chair was occupied by A. B. Easton, the present editor of the Stillwater Ga¬ zette. He was bom in .Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 30th, 1824. In 1844, he, in company with his brother Nelson, purchased of their father the Hocking Valley Gazette, which was subsequently changed to the Athens Messen¬ ger. He came to Stillwater in 1855, and was so well pleased with the young city that he returned in the following year and started the paper as above mentioned. He was a member of the Min¬ nesota legislature in 1859-60, and clerk of the supreme court one term. From the spring of

1863 to 1865, he was quartermaster in the army, with the rank of captain. Ilis death occurred at the Sawyer House, Stillwater, in January, 1873, while his wife was absent on a visit to her friends in the east.

Ilis youngest son, Henry C. Van Vorhes, was born in Athens, Athens county. Ohio, in 1839, and came here with his father's family, in 1850. During the war he enlisted in the First Minne¬ sota Infantry, Company B, April 27th, 1861; went to the front and was engaged in a number of se¬ vere battles; took sick and was sent to the hos¬ pital, and afterwards discharged for disability after serving about eighteen months. He after¬ wards accompanied his brother, Captain A. J. Van Vorhes, of this city, but was not on active duty. After his return from the south, he came to Stillwater, which has since been his residence. He was married at Areola, February 9th, 1865, to Miss Emily Mower, a daughter of one of the first settlers of Washington county. Their eld¬ est son, Albert II., died at the age of one year; Edward M., Willis II. and Mary M. are their liv¬ ing children.

George Watson was bom at Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, September 14th, 1823. At the age of eight years the protection of a father was taken from him by death, and four yea is later he came with his brother to Ohio, where he lived three years. In 1837 he came to Chicago and there began the carpenter's trade. Working at his trade as a journeyman until 1849, he then visited Stillwater, St. Anthony and St. Paul with a view to locating a home. He finally located at Hudson, Wisconsin, making that place his home until 1871, then removed to Stillwater. He is one of the oldest carpenters in this county, and has erected many Hue buildings in this city and vicinity. Married in 1860, Miss Francis Lyman, of Hudson. Willie L. is their only child.

Oscar A. Watier was bom November 14th, 1855, in the palish of St. Anicet, province of Quebec. He began attending school at five years of age, entered the commercial academy at ten years, and two years later entered college. Subse¬ quently he attended the military school at Mon¬ treal, from which he holds a certificate of cap¬ tain and one as lieutenant-colonel. He then en¬ tered the Victoria University to pursue medical studies, graduating with the degree of M. D. C. L.

in 1878, and was licensed as such before the col¬ lege of physicians and surgeons of the province of Quebec. From the age of ten years till 1880, he resided at Montreal. Having prac¬ ticed his profession two years at that city, he then came to the United States and located at Stillwater, March 8tli, 1880.

Joseph C. Webb, is a native of England, bom December 17th, 1825. His parents came to America with their family in 1842, locating in Brunswick county, Massachusetts, where the father died in 1853, leaving Joseph to care for his mother. During 1847-48 he was superintendent of the gold mines of North Carolina, then re¬ turned and for two years was superintendent of the iron mines at Lennox, afterward taking charge of the engines of the Lennox Ironworks, owned by Peck, Collins and Phelps, continuing until 1862. Coming to Stillwater that year he has since been engineer for different firms. His present position is that of chief engineer in the lumber mills of Hersey, Bean and Brown. July 8th, 1862, he married Miss Julia Hastings. They have six children living, Willis II., Evelyn M., Carrie E., Lizzie P., Frank C. aud Joseph C., Jr., Mary L. died.

C. S. Webster was born atOwego, New York, November 25th, 1846. Here he passed his child¬ hood, and in May, 1866, came to Frontenac, Min¬ nesota, and for three months engaged as painter. During the spring of 1873, he removed to Still¬ water where he has since lived and followed his trade. Ills wife was Miss Helen Prescott, mar¬ ried in 1871. Four children have been bom to them, all are living.

Mortimer Webster was born at Owego, Tioga county, New York, December 16th, 1836. Here he grew to manhood and received his education, also learned the painter's trade. He did consid¬ erable painting at Binghamton and other cities in his native state. In 1856, he came to Hudson, Wisconsin, from Chicago, and in the vicinity of Richmond, purchased a half-section of land; dur¬ ing that summer, he, in company with his brother William, came to Stillwater and established the firm of Webster Brothers, painters, continuing till 1860. Mr. Webster afterward engaged in livery business and real estate until about 1866, when he sold his livery stock and has since given his entire attention to real estate. In 1869, he laid out what is known as Webster's first addi¬ tion, and again in 1870, purchased five acres and opened Webster's second addition. lie now owns one-half interest in five hundred lots adjoining the South Stillwater limits; has also land and buildings at Fargo, Dakota territory, valued at eight thousand dollars, and has ever been success¬ ful in all his business undertakings.

William Webster, real estate dealer is a native of Owego, Tioga county, New York. lie learned the trade of painter at his native place* and in 1856, came to Stillwater. Here he was associated with the prison contractors for five years and followed his trade, dealing also in real estate. He has lately given his attention to real estate, also to breeding and raising fast horses, having on hand at present some very promising ones. Mr. Webster is among the early settlers of this thriving city; he is still unmarried.

Horace Greeley West was born on Chestnut Ridge, Chester county, Pennsylvania, March 28th, 1859. The incidents of his youthful days are many and amusing. Ilis educational advan¬ tages have been somewhat limited, being obliged to assist his father in his labor, attending school only a few weeks at a time. In 1861 , ho removed with his parents to Wooster, Ohio, making that city his home until 1876, when he came west, passing one winter in Wisconsin. In May, 1877, he arrived at Stillwater and entered the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company in the setting up shop of their agricultural works, where he has remained except a short visit to his parents and a few weeks passed in traveling for his em¬ ployers.

J. L. Wheeler, a native of New York, was born January 23d, 1836. lie remained with his parents until they arrived at Wabasha, then be¬ gan clerking for Alexis Bailly, remaining about two years. Three years more were passed clerk¬ ing at Nelson's Landing, North Pepin, Wiscon¬ sin. Engaging in business at Omaha, Nebraska, he continued about two years, thence to New Or¬ leans, and in 1861 returned to Wabasha. In 1866, he purchased a cotton plantation in Louisiana, two years later he purchased a farm in Missouri, and after two years experience in farming, returned to Stillwater, and since 1875, has been in the grocery business. At Greenwood, Louisiana, he married in 1867, Miss E. Orne. Four children

W. II. H. Wheeler was bom in Chautauqua county, New York, March 24th, 1842. While yet a babe he accompanied his parents to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, thence to Wheeling, West Vir¬ ginia, and after a residence of four years returned to their former home at Pittsburgh. In 1862 Mr. Wheeler came to Wabasha, Minnesota, and at the age of fifteen years commenced clerking in a drug store winters but during the summer months worked on the river. Locating at Stillwater in 1862 he continued on the river until 1872, then in company with John N. Darms, engaged in the general merchandise trade for three years. He then form