Stillwater City (part 1 of 3)

Stillwater City

tional township containing twelve full and three fractional sections of land. It is bounded on the north by Stillwater, on the east l»y Lake St. Croix, south by Lakeland, and west by Oakdale. The division of the congressional township was made anterior to the admission of the state in 1858. The villages of South Stillwater and Lakeland were already established, and to accom¬ modate both sections and place the voting pre¬ cincts within easy access, the division was made.

Socrates Nelson has the honor of naming Baytown. The surface of the town is quite broken; from the Hike west for eighty rods is a level plain, and from this point extending an equal distance still further west, it is rolling. Then comes a high ridge extending through from north to south. In the south-west lies a fine level country, also in the south-east are located some fine level farms. In its wild state it would be called oak openings. What timber still remains is a thick under-growth of oak. The soil is well adapted to the Raising of wheat, the yield being equal to that of any part of the state. The soil varies somewhat, from light sandy to a heavy clay and loam, which, with proper tillage, yields a good return for the labor of the husbandman.

It is drained by Lake St. Croix, which washes its entire eastern shore from north to south; its average width is about three-quarters of a mile, with a curve in it opposite South Stillwater. From this curve extends a bay into the land, run¬ ning north-westerly about half a mile. The narrow neck or point of land extending between the bay and main lake, is known as Kittson's^ Point. It is covered with a thin growth of oak. On section three are some fine springs, from which flows a small creek, which, extending in a south-eastern direction, and called Perro creek, ^ enters the lake on section 11. The water of this creek is conducted through a race for some distance, supplying the power which runs the Baytown flour-mill. In the western part of the_ town, located on sections 7 and 8 is a fine lake, % covering about fifty acres, called McDonald's lake, in honor of R. McDonald, one of the oldest settlers in that part of town..

First Settlement

tlie present site of the St. Croix Lumber Com¬ pany's office, in 1842. The same year Norman Kittson, in the employ of the American Fur Com¬ pany, built a cabin on the point opposite the ground now occupied by the Stillwater Dock Company. Mr. Bruce's house was occupied by different parties engaged in lumbering on the river. In 1852, the same house was occupied by Mr. Ambrose Secrest, who with his wife and six children, bis father and mother, and three brothers, came up the river on the steamer Me¬ nominee on their way from Indiana, and located at this point. They were attacked with cholera, and his mother, two brothers, wife and one child, died within three days, and the father died soon after. In 1847, came John Short and made a claim on section three, built a house and made some improvements. The same year Albert Har¬ ris made a claim on section fifteen. In 1847 Joseph Perro, who had served as pilot on the river for twenty-six years, came to the town and made his home a portion of the time with John Short, he purchased Mr. Short's claim in 1848; now lives on the same farm, having made some fine im¬ provements. In the spring of 1848 Mr. A. B. Fisk made a claim and settled on section ten. In 1850 Mr. John Marty made a claim and settled on section five, where he now lives, and has made many improvements. F. Marty settled on the same section the same year. From this time on, the settlers began to flock in, making claims and settling in all parts of the town.

Oldest Inhabitant

Adam Marty is the oldest person living in the town. He was bom in Switzerland, November 22d, 1786. Occupation, farming among the mountains of his native home, until duty called him to the defence of his native country, when quite young, to assistin driving back the invading French army. During that time he was taken sick and sent to the hospital, where be was par¬ tially restored, but never fully recovered from the effect of the malady. He emigrated to this country in 1846, and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1850 settled in Baytown, Washington county, where he now lives. Mr. Marty is ninety-five years old. He is great-grandfather to sixteen children and grandfather to seven. His oldest son is seventy-one years old.

Town Organization

A meeting of the electors of Baytown was called at Secrest and Perro's store, located in what is known as South Stillwater, October 20th, 1858, to consider the subject of town organiza¬ tion. On motion II. W. Crosby was called to the chair, and James II. Crofut, clerk. On motion it was voted to adjourn to the school-house, for more room, in district No. 3, and Ambrose Se¬ crest and John J. Ilale elected judges of election. On motion voted to make the compensation of the town clerk, assessor, overseer of poor, and supervisors to be elected, per day when attending to business out of town, $1.50 when attending to business within the town. It was then voted that, in accordance with power granted by section two of article eleven of the township organization act passed in the winter of 1857-8, they proceed to organize the town of Baytown by the election of the following officers: Ambrose Secrest.John Parker, W. II. Crosby, supervisors; John J. Hale, clerk; Henry B. Beach, collector; David B. Loomis, assessor; Joseph Perro, over¬ seer of poor; Henry B. Beach, A. Flynn, con¬ stables; William Gowen and Richard McDonald, road oveiseeis; W. II. Crosby, pound-master; James II. Crofut and George Kem, justices.

Annual town meeting was called to order at school-house No. 3, April 3d, 1859. John Parker in the chair. Elected Ambrose Secrest, John Parker and W. II. Crosby, supervisors.

Annual town meeting at the house of Secrest and Perro, April 3d, 1860, James II. Crofut in the chair. Voted a poll tax of two days' work, and a tax of $150 for roads and bridges, and two mills for town purposes. Elected Andrew Secrest, John Parker, W. II. Crosby, supervisors; James II. Crofut, superintendent of schools.

Annual town meeting at school-house number three, April 2d, 1861, J. B. II. Mitchell in the chair. On motion, a tax of $500 for school pur¬ poses was voted, and one mill on a dollar for cur¬ rent expenses. Elected John Parker, J. B. II. Mitchell, A. J. McClelland, supervisors; A. Gar¬ rison, clerk.

Annual meeting at school-house number fifteen, April 5th, 1863, A. J. McClelland in the chair. Voted two mills tax for current expenses, and two mills for road purposes. Elected John Par¬ ker, A. Secrest, X. A. Williams, supervisors.

Annual meeting called to order at school-house number fifteen, April 5th, 1864. Voted a tax of five mills for current expenses. Elected John Parker, A. Secrest, X. A. Williams, supervisors.

Annual meeting at Oak Park, April 4th, 1865, A. Secrest in the chair; voted a tax of four mills for current expenses; voted $2,700 on the taxable property of the town for paying bounties to vol¬ unteers; Elected A. Secrest, J. Whalen, X. A. Williams, supervisors.

Annual meeting at school-house number 14, April Sd, 1866, 13. llaker in the chair; voted a tax of three mills for current expenses, also a tax of $300 to pay interest on bonds issued April 4th, 1866; elected John Parker, Samuel Burkleo, A. Forbes, supervisors.

Annual meeting called at school-house number 14, April 2d, 1867, Hector Anderson in the chair; voted a tax of two mills for current expenses; elected A. Forbes, Joel M. Darling, S. Burkleo; supervisors.

Annual town meeting held at school-house number 14, April 7th. 1868, S. L. Secrest in the chair; a tax of three mills was voted for current expenses; elected A. Secrest, S. Burkleo, Edward Mackey, supervisors.

Annual meeting held at school-house number 14, April 6th, 1869, S. L. Secrest in the chair; voted a tax of four mills for current expenses; also tax of $400 to redeem county bonds of Sep¬ tember 5th, 1864; elected Ambrose Secrest, Sam¬ uel Burkleo, E. Mackey, supervisors.

Annual meeting was called at school-house number 14, April 5th, 1870, J. Whalen in the chair; voted a tax of three mills for current ex¬ penses; elected A. Forbes, S. L. Cowen, John It. Golf, supervisors.

Annual town meeting at school-house number 14, April 6tl», 1871, David Cover in the chair; voted a tax of three mills for current expenses; elected S. L. Cowen, A. Forbes, John R. Goff, supervisors.

Annual meeting called at school-house number 14, March 12, 1872, D. A. Clark in the chair. The following resolution was passed by the meeting:

" Resolved, that the town of Baytown will not allow the sale of spirituous or fermented liquors in said town during the year 1872;" voted a tax of three mills for current expenses; elected A. Secrest, Edward Mackey and J. Whalen, super¬ visors.

Annual town meeting called at school-house No. 14, Marchllth, 1873, Charles 13. Fisk, in the chair. Voted a tax of three mills for current ex¬ penses; elected A. Secrest, J. Whalen and E. Mackey, supervisors; David Cover, clerk. The question of license was again voted on, with one for and twenty-seven against. Annual town meeting called at the school-house in South Still¬ water, March 9th, 1875. Voted to authorize the treasurer to transfer the bounty money in hand, to the road fund; voted a tax of one mill for cur¬ rent expenses; voted two mills for road purposes: elected J. Whalen, A. Secrest and Joseph Perro, supervisors; David Cover, clerk. Annual town meeting was called at the school house, in South Stillwater, Murch 14th, 1876, O. R. Buckman in the chair. Voted a tax of one mill for current expenses, and one and a quarter mills for road purposes; elected J. Whalen, A. Forbes and Joseph Perro, supervisors. Annual town meet¬ ing was called at the old school-house, in South Stillwater, March 13th, 1877, A. W. Smith in the chair. Voted a tax of one and a half mills for current expenses, and two mills for roads; elected J. Whalen, Frederick Albrecht and William Pea¬ body, supervisors. Annual town meeting was called at the old school-house, in South Still¬ water, March 12th, 1878, A. Secrest in the chair. Voted a tax of two mills for roads and one and a half for current expenses; elected A. Secrest, J. Whalen and F. Albrecht, supervisors; 104 votes against license and forty-two for it. Annual town meeting was called at the old school-house, in South Stillwater, March 11th, 1879, Edward Mackey in the chair. Voted a tax of two mills for roads and one and a half for current expenses; elected A. Secrest, F. Albrecht and J. Whalen, supervisors. A vote of sixty-six against license and thirty-two for it. Annual town meeting was called at the old school-house, in South Still¬ water, March 9th, 1880, T. B. Ilopkins in the chair. Voted a tax of two and a quarter mills for roads and one and a quarter for current ex¬ penses; sixty-four votes against license and thirty

A spirit of patriotism was manifested by the people of Baytown during the great struggle to suppress the retiellion and hold the union of states intact. At the call for men and means, they re¬ sponded with alacrity. The first call was promptly met. At the second call, a draft was permitted, and the following names were drafted: Ambrose Secrest, David Cover, J. B. II. Mitchell, Nicholas Snell, Luther Cobb, Aaron Garrison, Alexander Underwood. All were men of years, and, with a single exception, having families de¬ pendent upon them, and yielding to the dictates of a noble consanguinity, they all furnished sub¬ stitutes. At the next call the town made ample provision, by calling a special meeting of the voters of the town at the Oak Park school-house, August lltli, 1864, to take steps to raise all the funds necessary to pay bounties to men to fill the quota; they promptly voted to raise $3,000 for that purpose. It was also voted to circulate a paper for subscriptions to said fund, and that the monies be paid into the hands of David Cover, town treasurer. Also at the annual town meeting held at South Stillwater August 4th, 1865, a tax of $2,700 was voted to be levied upon the taxable property of the town, for 1865, to apply on town bonds and the money to be used to pay volunteers. A special meeting was called at the school-house in Oak Park, June 24th, 1865, and the following resolution was passed :

"Resolved, That the meeting proceed to vote on the question of issuing bonds for the payment of the money advanced to fill the quota of the town under the call of the president for 300,000 men."

Not only were all demands met at the call, but in addition, we find the following names on the roll of honor, those who were ready to give their lives to save the imperiled union: Vincent Cover, David Carmichael, John Blake, F. W. Fiske, Hugh Gillen, Robert Kerr, George McNelley, Joseph Bonner, Charles Gray, Benjamin Gaynor, Charles Estabrook, John G. Cover, Thomas Mc¬ Dermott, Daniel Estabrook, W. Stout, Jacob Se¬ crest. Monroe Secrest, II. W. Crosby, Azom Forbes, S. B. Nickerson, T. B. Leonard, John

Densmore, Amos Forbes. These enlisted during the early part of the war; most of them in the Eighth Minnesota Regiment at Fort Snelling, and were anxiously waiting to march to the seat of war, but the Indian outbreak came and they were sent to suppress that. When it was over, they were sent south, performing every duty as¬ signed them, until the surrender of Lee, which they witnessed.

The first school district organized in Baytown was number three. The organization was affected in 1854 by the election of Joseph Miner, director; Joseph Bonin, treasurer; Ambrose Secrest, clerk. The first school house was built by subscription, and located on the fiat in the north part of what was then Baytown village. In 1860 the house was moved further north and located near the cen¬ ter between the villhge of Oak Park and Baytown where the old house now stands. In 1862 the legislature changed the numbering of the school districts in the county, and this was made four¬ teen. In 1875 a division was made, and the legal voters of Oak Park and Elfelts addition to Still¬ water, met at the shop of A. Forbes, July 5th, 1875, and organized a new district by electing the following officers: Joseph Perro, director; Wil¬ liam Nissinger, treasurer; David Cover, clerk. On motion the meeting voted the issuing of bonds to the amount of $3,000, to purchase a site and build a house, they still retaining the old number fourteen house. The new one is 24x40 feet, two stories high, and was completed November 1st, the same year. First school was taught by Frank Berry and his sister Nellie Berry.

School district number sixteen, originally called number two, was organized October 20th, 1855, at the house of William Gowan, on section 15, Baytown, with J. B. II. Mitchell in the chair, and II. W. Greeley, ejerk. The following officers were elected: John Gowan, Sr., Hiram W. Greeley and John Watson, trustees ; J. B. II. Mitchell, clerk. First teacher Charles L. Nelson. First school held at the house of Samuel Burkleo. First school-house built was in 1870. The dis¬ trict ns first organized took in a part of Lakeland. The district was divided July 2d, 1859, renum¬ bered by act of legislature in 1862. Bonds issued to the amount of 800 and a new house built in 1879.

School district number fifteen, was organized December, 1875, by the election of the following officers: L. B. Castle, director; Frederick Mer¬ cer, treasurer; O. R. Buckman, clerk. On mo¬ tion the meeting voted the issuing of bonds to the amount of $8,000, with interest at ten per cent, payable in ten years, to build a school-house; the site for the same was donated by tire St. Croix Railway and Improvement Company, and located near the center of South Stillwater. New house is 36x50 feet, two stories,

The St. John's German Lutheran church is lo¬ cated on section 6, Baytown. Was organized under the ministry of Rev. F. W. Wier, August, 1855, with a membership of nineteen. They held their first services at the house of A. Boese, in Oakdale. In 1850, the money was raised by subscription to build a church. George Kern, Sr., donated the site. In 1802, there was a dvision in the church caused by a clause in the creed of the old established church, requiring private confes¬ sions. Rev. Wier with a portion of the members withdrew and formed another church in Oakdale. Rev. W. Iloffman then took the charge of the present church, and also of the parochial school, remaining seven years, followed by Rev. J. Secrest for three years. It is now in charge of the Rev. Seifert, who has had its care for the past eight yearn. It now has a membership of forty families.

A Union church was erected in South Sitllwater in the summer of 1880, to be used for union services. The site donated by the St. Croix Rail¬ way and Improvement Company, and the means to complete the building were donated by the peo¬ ple of all denominations. A union Sunday-school is held every Sunday, and religious services from time to time.

In 1858, Messrs. Secrest and Perro laid out and platted a piece of land adjoining the village of Baytown, now South Stillwater, calling it Secrest; and Perro's addition to Baytown. Block five of this addition was laid out as a cemetery, and named Hazelwood cemetery. In 1873, they sold half of the block to the city authorities of Still¬ water, for a Potter's Held. The same year they sold one block and a half to the north of Hazel¬ wood, to Bishop Grace for a cemetery, to which was removed the bodies of the Catholic dead from the old burying ground in Stillwater, also from other parts of the county. It is called the St. Michaels cemetery, and is under the super¬ vision of Rev. Father Murphy, of Stillwater.

South Stillwater

As l>efore mentioned, the first settlers of Baytown located in what is now South Stillwater. But very little improvements were made until 1852, when Socrates Nelson, D. B. Loomis, and others, under the firm name of Nelson, Loomis and Company, surveyed and platted a town at this point, which was called Baytown.

In the following year they built a saw-mill, which they operated till 1858, when the company dissolved, and Baytown with all the improve¬ ments became the property of Socrates Nelson, who operated the mill but a portion of one or two seasons for the next ten years.

In 1854, Secrest and Booth elected a grist-mill on the small stream, which is supposed by some, to be the outlet of Lily lake. This stream comes suddenly out of the ground one and a half miles from the margin of the lake. The mill is still in operation, but has changed owners so often that the enterprise has not been very successful.

In 1858, Secrest and Perro laid out an addition to Baytown, which was called Secrest and Perro's Addition. In this addition is now located the cemeteries of South Stillwater.

During the railroad excitement of 1856, Ex- Lieutenant Governor Holcombe laid out another addition called Middletown, which was annexed to Baytown, and about the same time still an¬ other was laid out by Isaac Staples and others, which adjoined Baytown on the south and was called Bangor, for the great lumbering town of that name in the Pine-Tree State.

For the next ten years very few changes, and not many improvements were made; but in 1868 Torinus, Staples & Co. purchased the origi¬ nal village of Baytown and all its appurtenances, with the intention of rebuilding the old ''Nelson mill," and manufacturing lumber to supply a lumber yard, which they intended to establish at St. Louis, Missouri. This plan, however, was never carried out, and in 1872 the whole property was sold to the "St. Croix Railway and Improve ment Company," which consisted of the, follow¬ ing named gentlemen: Gen. Samuel F. Ilersey, Isaac Staples and L. E. Torinus, Stillwater, and Horace Thompson, E. F. Drake, A. II. Wilder, G. L. Merriam, Deter Berkey, A. B. Stickney, and It. Blakeley, St. Paul. This company then bought the additions known as Bangor, Middletown, and Secrest and Ferro's, resurveyed and platted the whole purchase, and called the new town South Stillwater. They also built a spur railroad track from Stillwater to the town, a dis¬ tance of three miles.

During this year, and soon after the above transaction, the "St. Croix Lumber Company" was organized, consisting of L. E. Torinus, Wil¬ liam Chalmers and William Graves. They at once purchased from the St. Croix Railway and Improvement Company thirty acres of land with 2,000 feet lake front, including the old "Nelson Mill" site. After consummating this bargain they proceeded without delay to rebuild the old Nelson mill, at a cost of $30,000, operating it till the winter of 1875-76, when it was again remod¬ eled and reconstructed at an additional cost of $35,000. Failure seemed to be stamped on the enterprise, for when this splendid new mill was opened in the spring, it was found themill-wright had failed in his calculations, and the hum of success was not in the machinery.

But "luckily for the company," as one of the firm afterwards remarked, it was consumed by fire, having run but forty-four days. There was not a dollar of insurance upon the structure, and the $05,000 invested in rebuilding, remodeling and reconstructing, passed away in smoke and ashes. But the destruction of this industry did not wipe out the St. Croix Lumber Company. They immediately leased from the St. Croix Rail¬ way and Improvement Company a mill adjoining their old site on the south. This originally was the property of Gaslin and Castle, who in the year 1874, purchased two mill lots and moved their mill machinery from St. Petersburg, Wisconsin, opposite Stillwater, to their lots. They, however, ran the mill but a short time, failing at the end of two years. The property then passed into the hands of lessors, who gave a lease for two years to the St. Croix Lumber Company. At the end of this period, 1878, it was purchased by Durant, Wheeler and Co., Smith, Ellison and David

South Stillwater has always been looked upon as a most favorable location for manufacturing, yet it has not always been fraught with success. We have to record several cases of Oils kind. In 1873 Messrs. Keller and Krueger bought from the St. Croix Railway and Improvement Com¬ pany four mill lots adjoining the St. Croix Lum¬ ber Company on the north. Thereon they erected a saw-mill which they operated three seasons and failed. The mill and machinery have since gone to ruin. Again in 1874, Messrs. Spencer Broth¬ ers and Bergeron bought two mill lots north of Kelleifand Krueger's property. They constructed and operated for three years a shingle mill at the end of which time they failed. The machinery was afterward moved to Wisconsin and is now in active service.

In 1877 an organization was formed called the "South Stillwater Agricultural Works" for the purpose of building threshing-machines. The works covered the greater portion of two blocks, and consisted of a wood-working shop, a ma¬ chine shop, a foundry, and an engine house and boiler room. They did business a part of two seasons when the company failed and the whole property fell into the hands of the St. Croix Lum¬ ber Company, who have utilized the buildings in the following manner: the wood-shop is used as a door, sash and blind factory, and the other buildings for the purposes originally intended, ns machine and blacksmith shop and foundry, in the latter of which is manufactured the wellknown "Crystallized iron plow."

At the expiration of the "St. Croix Lumber Company's" lease of the mill of the St. Croix Railway and Improvement Company in 1878, they at once commenced the erection of their present mill.

The St. Croix Lumber Company's mill is erected on the old "Nelson'' mill site, as was the one previously referred to, which was de¬ stroyed by fire. It is a double rotary mill, with a gang, edger and all the necessary trimmers, etc., two shingle machines, one gang batten bolter, and lath machine. It has an annual capacity of fifteen million feet of lumber, ten millions of shin¬ gles and four millions of lath. The cost of the mill was $30,000.

Intimately connected with this is the St. Croix Lumber Company's planing mill. This was built in 1874, at a cost of $15,000. The building is 46 x80 feet, two stories high, and contains one sur¬ facing machine, two tongue and grooving ma¬ chines, two re-saws and one siding saw. The propelling power of the saw-mill machinery is a five-boiler engine, with a twenty-inch cylinder and thirty-inch stroke. The breeching conveys the smoke to a circular brick stack one hundred and twenty-five feet in height. The engine room of the planing mill adjoins the same, and is 40x40 feet. The smoke stack is eighty feet high, and is built of stone and brick.

Hoarding house. In the spring of 1880 the old "Nelson" boarding house, which was the property of the St. Croix Lumber Company, was destroyed by fire, and immediately a new one was erected. It is 40x100 feet, and two stories; it has two wings 32x60 feet, and is capable of accommodat¬ ing one hundred guests.

Ellison and Company's saw mill. Durant, Wheeler and Company, Smith, Ellison and David Tozer, proprietors. This mill is located at South Stillwater; it came into possession of its present owners in 1878, who refitted, enlarged and added a large amount of new machinery of the most ap¬ proved pattern. It produces annually twelve million feet of long lumber, and three million each of shingles and lath. It is 40x150 feet, and contains one double and one single rotary saw, one gang edgerand two trimmers, with a capacity of seventy-live thousand per day. The engine room is built of stone, 38x42 feet, eighteen feet high, and joins the mill. The engine is a power¬ ful one, having four boilers twenty-four feet long and forty-two inches in diameter, with two twelve inch flues in each.

Stillwater Dock Company, was organized Octo¬ ber, 1877, with a capital stock of f 10,000, with the following partners: Durant, Wheeler and Company, St. Croix Lumber Company and Josiah Batchelder; with R. G. Wheeler, presi¬ dent; L. E. Torinus, secretary and treasurer; Josiah Batchelder, general manager. The busi¬ ness of this company is large and extensive. Its model steamers are fine specimens of ar¬ chitectural skill. New work and repairs keep a large force of men employed. Last season the company built three new steamers: The Pauline,

Baytown Flour mill was erected in 1853, by Secrest and Booth. The first mill was 30x32 feet, and run by an overshot water-wheel of twentyfour feet diameter. They continued business un¬ til 1856, when J. Perro purchased Mr. Booth's in¬ terest. The firm was then known as Secrest and Pereo, in a short time Mr. Perro sold to S. L. Se¬ crest. The firm of Secrest and Brother ran the mill till 1868, when S. L. Secrest sold to Butler and Dodd, the firm run the mill for two years, when Dodd sold to Butler. The business increas¬ ing, the mill was enlarged by the addition of twenty feet. The firm of Butler and Secrest operated it until the fall of 1879, when A. Secrest bought Butler's interest. It then stood still till August, 1880, when it was rented to Mr. Burhwalter.

South Stillwater soap and rendering factory was established in the spring of 1808, and located on Fairy creek, by Moore and McKenzie. In 1880, Moore's interest was purchased by McKen¬ zie and brother, the capital increased to $3,000, and the. works moved to South Stillwater, and new machinery for rendering, added. The com¬ pany now have an office in Stillwater.

Post Office

The first post-office in Baytown was established at the office of the St. Croix lumber Company, in 1872, William Graves appointed post-master the same year. In 1876 the office was moved to the store of the same company. Mr. Graves resigned, and Mr. A. Deragiscli was appointed. The mail is received daily by a stage running from Cottage Grove to Stillwater and return.

The village of Oak Park is located on section three. The village plat was laid out and platted by John Parker in 1857. Is a fine location for residents. Many elegant private residences have been erected, and more, on a larger scale, con¬ templated.

In the north-east of section 4, another village was laid out and platted by F. O. J. Smith, in 1856, called an addition to Stillwater which is waiting for occupants.

territorial road known as the Stillwater, Point Douglas, and St. Louis river road. It enters the town on section three on the north, and runs south, leaving the town from section 15; also the terri¬ torial road called the St. Paul and Stillwater, passes through the north-west corner of the town. The first road laid out by the town was in 1801, the McDonald and Stillwater road, running from the comer of section 17, due north and south. The next was the Baytown and Stillwater road, known as the town line road, laid out and surveyed in 1802 by A. Van Vorlies, county sur¬ veyor.

The St. Paul, Stillwater and Taylor's Falls railroad now operated by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Company, en¬ ters the town in the north-west quarter of section 18, running to the centre of section 9, where they have a junction. One branch running to Still¬ water, and the main line south-east to Hudson, with another branch from near the bridge, run¬ ning up the river to Stillwater.

Population

The population of Baytown is largely German and Irish. Some Swedes and Norwegians and a few Americans. The census of 1875, showed 952 inhabitants; in 1880, the e were 1,254.

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

Martin T. Allen was bom in the town of Nor¬ wich, Canada, July 24th, 1839. He lived with his parents until the age of twenty, then came to the states through which he has since extensively traveled. He learned the trade of sawyer in Michigan and Minnesota, and in 1871, came to Stillwater, being employed by Hersey, Bean and Brown, and is still the leading circular sawyer of that firm. He married in 1864 to Miss Mary Pake, of Lexington, Michigan. The are the parents of three children: Charles B., Lyman B. and Frank E.

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

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

Airs. Almira Atkinson was the daughter of Captain and Airs. Robert Bragdon, and was born in the city of Portland, Alaine, Alarch 2d, 1808, and has now passed her allotted time, three score and ten. Her father was a seaman, and like many other sailors, his grave was in the watery deep. On returning from a voyage to foreign ports, the vessel he commanded and all on board were lost in the equinoctial storm of 1815. Ilis wife survived him only one year. Thus at the early age of seven years, the subject of this sketch was left an orphan. She grew to maturity at Boston, in her uncle's family, and while quite young was united in wedlock with David II. Fiske, a merchant of that city. They continued in that city until 1837, when they came west to the Aiississippi valley, and located at Galena, Illi¬ nois. In 1848, they came northward and the same year settled on what is now known as the "old Fiske homestead," in Baytown. Here Mr. Fiske died in 1850, leaving his widow with seven small children. She remained on the farm and reared her children to maturity. In 1875, she was married to her present husband, Air. John Atkinson, living most happily on the old home¬ stead. Though aged in years, they are youthful in feeling, he being still able to read and write without the aid of glasses.

Bennett Barker, one of the prominent men in the St. Croix Valley, was born in Prussia, July 4th, 1831. He was left an orphan at the early age of six years. When a lad of seventeen he sailed for America, and landed in New York; he pro¬ ceeded direct to Galena, Illinois, where he spent six years in the lead mines, During the spring of 185(1, he came to Washington county, locating at Baytown, where he now. has a large landed estate. In 1809 Air. Barker, in company with Governor Holcombe and others, laid out "Fairview," the new city cemetery of Stillwater; also in 1870, the St. Alichael's cemetery, the Catholic burial place of Washington county. The next year he removed from their various resting places al>out three thousand bodies to the new grave¬ yard. He also laid out the new county and city cemetery for the burial of the poor and unknown, and is now superintendent of all these. His marriage with Aliss Teresa Laeting took place at Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1855. Joseph B., Mary, Eliza, Henry, David and Anna are their children living.

Josiali Batchelder is a native of Wellington, Maine, born Alay 30th, 1833. When a child his parents removed to Bangor, thence to Exeter, where he grew to manhood, receiving in the mean¬ time his education, and a knowledge of the trade of ship-building. When a young man of twenty-two he came to the great North-west, the same year locating at Stillwater. He remained one year, being busily employed in building tlat-boats and skiffs. He then removed to Alaiden Rock, Wis¬ consin. Among other crafts constructed by him while there was the "Lottie Lyon," the first local packet that navigated Lake Pepin. In I860 he crossed Lake Pepin to Frontenac, and during his four years' sojourn built many beautiful yachts, sail and row-boats. Mr. Batchelder, in 1877, finally located in South Stillwater, and began the construction of the ways and docks for the "Stillwater Dock Company," of which he is manager and part owner. He was married at Red Wing, Alinnesota, in 1859, to Aliss Elizabeth Bowers who has borne him four children: Jessie, Edwin J., Harry L. and Aland.

Hiram F. Benner, a native of Alaine, was born at Dennysville, in 1829. He attended the pub¬ lic schools in his native place, and in 1849 re¬ moved to Hancock county, making it his home for the next twenty years, being engaged in lum¬ bering and mill-wrighting. He then came west¬ ward and remained at Somerset, Wisconsin, un¬ til the autumn of 1873, when he moved to South Stillwater, and has been in the employ of the "St. Croix Lumber Company" chiefly since. His wife was Aliss Jennie Boynton, a lady of English ancestry, to whom he was married in 1849. . They have eight children: Hiram A., Alary, Hartley B., Herbert P., Nellie, Georgia, Bertha B. and Herman.

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

George Brassar is a native of the Province of Quebec and is of French ancestry, born in 1833. Since a mere boy ho has been on the water, his first experience being in sailing schooners on the St. Lawrence; he afterwards rafted between Que¬ bec and Montreal. Twenty-five years ago Mr. Brassar wended his way to the waters ol' the Mis¬ sissippi, and landed at Stillwater in 1855. Since then he'has piloted and rafted between Stillwater and St. Louis. His first trip on a raft was made under Joseph Perro, who was familiarly known as "Big Joe." He has been engaged during late years in piloting the tow boats of theSchulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, between Still¬ water and St. Louis. In 1860 his marriage with

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

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

Airs. Ellen Carlton ncc Perro, widow of Peter Carlton, was bom at the ancient French city of Kaskaskia, Illinois, where she was reared by her parents. In 1848, she came to Minnesota with her brother, Joseph Perro, with whom she lived until her marriage with Mr. Carlton in 1851. lie was an esteemed pioneer of St. Croix Valley, and died in 1866, at the family residence in Baytown. Mrs. Carlton has four children living: George 1\, Matilda, Louisa and Rosa.

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

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

J. G. Clymer was bom at Mount Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa, March 28th, 1850. At the age of nine years, he removed with his parents to Burlington, where he attended the graded schools till 1800, when he removed to Des Aloines. He remained there one and one-half years, then re¬ turned to Burlington. In 1870, he came to Min¬ nesota and engaged in railroading until he met with the loss of his right arm in 1874. He was employed as clerk in the office of the St. Croix Lumber Company in 1879, where he still remains. He was married at Stillwater in 1872, to Aliss E. E. Foss. They are the parents of four children: Everett, Blanche, Aland and Josephine.

David Cover was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Alay 22d, 1820. He remained there with his parents until 1844. when he removed with them to St. Louis, Missouri. Here he engaged in the lumbering business six years, then started up the river by boat to Stillwater, reaching there after a tedious journey of one month. He gave his attention largely to logging lietween Still¬ water and St. Louis until ISOS, since which time he has been employed in the more retired occupa¬ tion of farming, also as an agent for fire insur¬ ance, representing a number of leading compan¬ ies and doing a good business. Air. Cover has been county commissioner five years, town treas¬ urer nine years, and school officer eighteen years. He has been a leading citizen, and has a fine resi¬ dence at Oak Park. His wife was Aliss Elizabeth Ilerrell, whom he married in 1850. Their chil¬ dren are John W. who is engaged in mining in Colorado, and two younger sons who .are still with their parents.

John G. Cover, a native of Pennsylvania, was born January 2d, 1837. He accompanied his par¬ ents to St. Louis, in 1844, and after a residence of about five years, removed to Rock Island county, Illinois. In 1854, he came to Stillwater, in company with his parents, where he remained under their guidance until he enlisted in 1862, in Company C, Eighth Alinnesota Volunteer In¬ fantry. He served in the army of the Cumber¬ land, and participated in the battle of Stone River and other engagements. He was honorably dis¬ charged with his regiment in July, 1865, with the rank of first lieutenant. Returning home he soon proceeded to Hasting, and engaged in lumbering two years, then returned to Stillwater, and has since been in the logging business. He married in 1862, Catherine C. Long. They have seven children living, all girls.

Joel AI. Darling, one of the pioneers of the St. Croix Valley, and prominent in forwarding the interests of Stillwater and vicinity, was born in Aladison county, New York. When but a child he came with his parents to Galena, Illinois; after milking a home in that place several years, they removed to Wisconsin. In Alay, 1848, Mr. Dar¬ ling came to Stillwater, his present home. For some time he was in the employ of Socrates Nel¬ son, and was with him and others when they sur¬ veyed and laid out the village of Baytown, in 1852. Three years later, he 0]>ened a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Dakota county, re¬ maining on it until 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, Seventh Alinnesota Volunteer Infan¬ try. He engaged in the campaign against the Indians under General II. II. Sibley, afterwards continuing to serve until the close of the war. Soon after returning, he located at South Still¬ water, where he has since given his attention to agriculture. Air. Darling is a bachelor and makes his home with Antoine La Point.

Justus A. Depew was born October 10th, 1847, at Pomeroy, Ohio. Learned the trade of machin¬ ist in Cincinnati, where he resided until 1865, then removed to Alinneapolis, Alinnesota. He followed his trade in the employ of Dean and Ilardenbergh; thence to St. Paul, in the St. Paul iron works three years. In 1871 he cam&to Still¬ water as a journeyman at his trade, in a branch shop for the same company; soon, however, he engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company, and still remains. At St. Paul, April 12th, 1870, he married Aliss Annie Dwyre, who has borne him five children, three sons and two daughter.

in 1852. lie immigrated to America with his parents, at the age of eight years, locating at Stillwater in 1861. lie entered the store of L. E. Torinus as salesman in 1809, and remained until the organization of the St. Croix Lumber Company, of whose store he has had the manage¬ ment since. He was married to Miss Jennie Secrest in 1874. Their children are, Edward, Charles and Clara. Residence at South Still¬ water.

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

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

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

Jacob Fisher, the first man to make a claim in Stillwater proper, was bom near Hamilton, Can¬ ada, November 30th, 1813. His father was a me¬ chanic, and from him Jacob learned the trade of mill- wright and carpenter. In 1835, he left home and came to Chicago, where he remained a short time and built a small wooden house for a citizen. He then came to Galena, Illinois, where he re mained till the fall of 1836, working at his trade. Then went down the river, stopping at Fulton, St. Louis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, Natchez and other points in the south, where he remained three years, returning to St. Louis in May, 1839. There he remained till the spring of 1842, when the spirit of adventure again siezed him, and he came up the river to St. Croix Falls and was en¬ gaged during that summer as mill-wright in Ilungerford and Livingston's mill of that place. When winter came, he had no more to do at the falls, so journeyed along down the river till he came to the Tamarack house at Dakota, now Still¬ water. There he remained all winter, using J. R. Brown's court house for a capenter's shop, when he chose to work there. In the summer of 1843, he built a house at St. Mary's for Paul Carli, who had made a claim there, and that fall began the first saw-mill ever built at Stillwater. Mr. Fisher was the pioneer mill-wright of Washington county, having built or helped to build nearly all the mills prior to 1855, and many later, and also built many private residences and other buildings. In 1861, enlisted and served three and onelmlf years; he was with the army of the Po¬ tomac in all its campaigns and actively engaged in nearly every battle. He was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, and after the battle sent to the hospital at Fort Snelling, where he received his discharge. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Reams station in August, 1864, but discharged at Wilmington, after being six months a captive. Mr. Fisher returned to Still¬ water, and is now a resident of Baytown.

History Of Washington C0Vh1Y

Charles K. Estabrooks was born at Holton, Maine, January 15th, 1828. At the age of one year he accompanied his parents to Milltown, where he grew to manhood and attended the pub¬ lic schools. When eighteen years of age he ap¬ prenticed as a millwright, serving two years. Soon after attaining his majority he moved to Pennsylvania, taking charge of the timber land for his brother for one year. In 1855 he started for Minnnesotn, locating at Stillwater the same year. He met and engaged with Isaac Staples, in whose employ he has since been, with the ex¬ ception of three years in the army. He enlisted in 1 802 in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer In¬ fantry, company C, which was first in the fight against the Indians then to Murfreesboro, where the command spent the winter. Like many others he contracted a severe cold, resulting in a severe sicknesss; he and forty-nine others were taken to Lincoln barracks, twenty-three of whom died in five days. He remained at the hospital eleven weeks and was then ordered to Fort Snelling, where he was honorably discharged. On re¬ turning to his home and family, his health soon returned and he resumed his former position, having charge of the mill-wright department. At the age of twenty-one he married Elizabeth Sim¬ mons. Their children are now grown and mar¬ ried: Mrs. Annie E. Danforth, Mrs. Mary E. Warren, and Wihuar, who lives with his parents.

Francis W. Fiske, eldest son of David II., and Almira Fiske, was boro at Boston, Massachu¬ setts, March 1st, 1827. He came west with his parents, and while living at Galena, Illinois, made several excursions up the Mississippi, visit¬ ing Fort Snelling, the trading hamlet of Mendota, and visited Stillwater as early as 1844. lie sub¬ sequently spent a few years in lead mining in Wisconsin, and returning to Minnesota, settled permanently at Baytown, in 1848, where he now lives on his farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Com¬ pany C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the Indian campaign, under General Sibley, at the close of which the com¬ mand was ordered south, and joined the army of the Tennessee. He served until the close of the war, and was in many important engagements. His wife was Mrs. Ellen Jarvis, to whom he was married in 1867. Mrs. Fiske has one daughter, Ida, by her first marriage.

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

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

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

Alexander C. Goltz is a native of Russia, born August 3d, 1861. lie came to the United States with his cousin, in 1876. He has since made Stillwater his home, except a brief stay at Yank¬ ton, Dakota territory. lie was in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company three years, and is now a student of the Afton academy, from which he proposes to graduate. Mr. Goltz is a nephew of L. E. Torinus, and is a young man of intelligence and good promise.

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

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

Frederick Gramenz was bom in Prussia, Oc¬ tober 2d, 1838. Here he was reared by his par¬ ents and received his education. Crossing to America in 1868, he stopped one year in Milwau¬ kee, thence to Stillwater. After spending one season on the river he engaged with Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, two years, after which he located at his present home in South Stillwater. He at once entered the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company, with which corpora¬ tion he has since remained a trusted and valued employe. His marriage with Miss Augusta Beutsche, of Stillwater, a native of Pnissia, oc¬ curred April 22d, 1878. They have one child, Clara.

Charles Gray was bom in Franklin county, New York, April 2d, 1817, at a place originally known as "French Mills," which after the war of 1812, was changed to Fort Collington, in honor of Gen. Collington, who was killed in an engagement at that point, with the British forces. When six¬ teen years of age Mr. Gray moved with his par¬ ents to St. Lawrence county, where he remained until twenty years old. In 1836, he came to Michi¬ gan, and after remaining two years returned to his parents' home. In 1846, he again came west* and settled at Diamond Lake, Illinois, and in 1865, came to Minnesota, locating at Stillwater the same fall. Passing the winter in the pineries, the next spring he went to Baytown and worked for Socrates Nelson, in the first mill con¬ structed at that place. August 13th, 1862, he en¬ listed in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volun¬ teer Infantry, and served through the Indian campaign under General Sibley. On account of a serious disease of the eyes and temporary blind¬ ness, he was honorably discharged in 1864. He is now in charge of the St. Croix Lumber Com¬ pany's stables, having the entire confidence of his employers. Mr. Gray has been twice married. His first wife, Mary M. Soper, died in 1848; his present wife was Miss Mary Gilder, whom he married in 1853. They have five sons and four daughters.

Michael Iluhnke was bom in Germany, De¬ cember 25th, 1838. He learned the trade of car¬ penter, in the land of his nativity, and came to America in 1865, locating at Jersey City, New Jer¬ sey, remaining five years. He came to Stillwater in 1871, and followed his trade until he engaged with the St. Croix Lumber Company, in their sash, door and blind factory. In 1869, he married Miss Augusta Guse. Six children have been bom to them, all of whom are living.

Crosse Business College. After finishing his studies, he was book-keeper in the bank of Lanesboro, afterward cashier until 1877. lie then opened the bank of Caledonia for Sprague and Easton, and continued there until he made a tour through the west, visiting Yankton, Dakota ter¬ ritory, and other ]>oint3. In 1879, he came to Stillwater and accepted the position of book¬ keeper for the St. Croix Lumber Company at South Stillwater.

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

Leonard Kemp was born in II esse- Darmstadt, August 9th, 1854. When ail infant, he was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Indiana. Here he was reared to the age of four¬ teen, and in 1808, came to Hudson, Wisconsin. After a stay of two years, he came to Grant township and lived with his parents, who had re¬ moved to that locality. In 1876, he came to Baytown, and has since been engaged with his fatherin-law, John Marty in farming. He was married to Miss Anna M. Marty in 1875. They are the parents of three children: Veniie, Christiana and Anna.

George Kock is a native of the city of Germany, bom Jan. 8th, 1837. He passed his youth with his parents, receiving a good education. He learned a trade in Germany, and came to America in April, 1807. He made his home first at Hobo¬ ken, New Jersey, working at carjientering eight years, then removed to Stillwater. He was in the employ of Seymour, Sabin and Company until 1878, at which time he entered the service of the St. Croix Lumber Company, and is still engaged in their extensive factory. Mr. Kock was mar¬ ried in 1867 to Miss Margaret Wick, by whom he | has six children: George, Eddie, Charles, Lena, j Anna and Emma.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frederick Mcrcier, deceased, was bom in Can¬ ada, 1834. He came to Wisconsin twenty-five years ago, and in 1876, located at South Still¬ water, where he remained until his death in 1879. His widow, Mrs. Mary Mercier, is a native of Ire¬ land, but came to Canada in infancy, with her parents. She is now proprietress of a boarding¬ house in South Stillwater. She has seven children.

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

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

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

Asa E. Peterson was born at ltoyalton, New Brunswick, March 6th, 1656. lie remained with his parents till the age of nineteen. II is educa¬ tion was acquired at home and at Frederickton, completing his course at the Frederickton mili¬ tary academy, from which he holds a commission with the niuk of lieutenant. lie emigrated to Whitefield, New Hampshire, at the age of nine¬ teen, where he engaged as shipping clerk for the Brown Lumber Company. Returning home in 1878 he remained one year, then came to Still¬ water and entered the service of Ilersey, Bean and Brown for a brief period, then with the St. Croix Lumber Company as assistant book-keei>er where he still remains.

Ed wal'd S. Pitman was born at Penobscot, Maine, in 1885. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty, receiving in the meantine his education at the public schools. He visited Stillwater in 1855, in company with Josiah Batchelder, but proceeded to St. Croix Falls, where he engaged in lumbering two years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, Fourth Minne¬ sota Volunteer Infantry, and served until honor¬ ably discharged in June, 1865. Returning, he made his home at Marine, Washington county, until 1877, then removed to South Stillwater, where he assumed the management of the St. Croix Lumber Company's hotel and has since re¬ mained in that capacity. Married Miss Christine Johnson in 1862, who has borne him four child¬ ren. The living are Lizzie and A. L.

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

Frederick Schaser, is a native of Switzerland, liorn in 1825. Here he received his education and remained until the age of twenty-tln-ee. He then sailed for America, and lauded at New Or¬ leans. Soon after he came to Stillwater, and at this place made his home the next six years, en¬ gaged in the pineries and in the mills. In 1855, he purchased and settled on his present farm in Baytown. In 1854, he was married at Stillwater, to Miss Barbara Marty. Their children are Fred¬ erick and Barbara.

Ambrose Secrest was born at Salem, Indiana, 1821. He removed with his parents, near Indian¬ apolis at the age of ten yeai's. He gave his at¬ tention to farming and coopering till 1852, when they removed to Stillwater. Immediately follow¬ ing his arrival, that dreaded plague, cholera, visited his household, and his wife, mother, two brothers, sister, daughter and father, were taken from him by death. Mr. Seciest, being among the early settlers, secured a home with pleasant sur¬ roundings atan early day. His pursuits are chiefly milling and farming. His present wife was Mrs. M. O. Griffith, of Stillwater, to whom he was married in 1867. They have reared a large family of children, only one of whom resides at the old homestead.

Robert Slaughter was born at Cornwall, Can¬ ada, September, 1839. Here he learned the trade of miller, and in 1864 removed to Peshtigo, Wis¬ consin. Here he resided until after the fire of 1871, at which time he met with considerable loss. Removing to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he engaged in car-building, and railroad construc¬ tion, until the spring of 1877, since which time he has followed mlllwrighting, etc. He became a resident of Stillwater the next year and assumed the management of the St. Croix Lumber Com¬ pany works at South Stillwater, where he still re¬ sides. His marriage with Miss A. A. Whitney, of Fond du Lac, took place 1873.

Mrs. Margaret Smith, widow of the late Wm. Smith, is a native of the province of New Bruns¬ wick, born in 1819. When a child her parents removed to Calais, Maine. Here she grew to maturity, and was married, and in 1856 came to

Stillwater with her husband. Making her home in this city until 1867, she purchased and removed to her present country seat at Baytown. Her late husband, William Smith, died at Stillwater in 1857. ller children are Alfred W., Frank, James and Eva.

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

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

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

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

George Wilcox is a native of Buffalo, New York, born February 22d, 1862. He came to St. Paul with his parents at the age of seven years, where he attended the graded schools. He com¬ menced his trade as engineer at Chaska, Minne¬ sota, with his father, and has had considerable experience in stationary and mariue engineering. He is at present in the employ of the St. Croix Lumber Company.

Henry W. Wissinger, son of the early pioneers, William and Margaret Wissinger, is a native of the "North Star" state, born at Stillwater, in 1858. He attended the public schools of Still¬ water and Baytown, and has received a good edu¬ cation. He chose the trade of machinist, begin¬ ning with the St. Croix Lumber Company in 1874, with which he has since remained, and is now well advanced in his trade.

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

John Whalen was born in Queens county, Ire¬ land, 1817. When eight years old his parents crossed the ocean, settling in the province of New Brunswick. Here he grew to manhood and fol¬ lowed the calling of lumberman until 1852, when he came to Minnesota and located at his present home in Baytown. He has since been in the oc¬ cupations of logging and farming. Ilis wife was Miss Alary Gowan.whom he married in 1844, and

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

Jeremiah Whelan is a native of Ireland, bom March 81st, 1822. At the age of eighteen he crossed the Atlantic and settled in tlie province of New Brunswick, where he engaged in his call¬ ing as a lumberman. In 1840 he removed to the states and came to Stillwater, at that time only a lumbering hamlet. For the succeeding fifteen years he was a prominent lumberman on the St. Croix river and tributaries. lie purchased his present valuable farm in Baytown in 1869, and located on it ten years later. Mr. Whelan was married in 1864 to Miss Annie Whalen. They are the parents of one son and six daughters.

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

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

lake, a distance of about sixty rods, and a dam constructed across the creek, thus diverting its channel into the lake. A canal through a bank of about fifty feet at the southern end of the lake, conveyed the water to a ravine which con¬ ducted it by a direct route to the river, giving a fall of about one hundred and fifty feet, from the lake to the river. The erection of the mill was commenced at once and finished the following spring. It was in size, 42x80 feet, two stories high, and was located near where Web. McKusick's livery stable now stands. The machinery consisted of two sash saws and one lath machine; the capacity was about twelve thousand feet in twenty-four hours. It was a belt-geared mill and run by an over-shot wheel of thirty feet di¬ ameter. It commenced running in the spring of 1844 and was in operation steadily for ten years, then only at intervals for the next five yearn, when a grist-mill was added, and soon the old saw-mill wholly disappeared. McKusick's lake has since been purchased by the Stillwater Water Company, the canal has been dammed up and the water turned into the main which supplies the city.

Tub Second Mill

The second parties to erect a saw-mill were Sawyer and Heaton, who built where the "St. Croix Lumber Mills" now stand: Jacob Fisher was the raill-wright, and it was built in the spring of 1860; it contained one sash saw and one lath machine. It was run by steam, and the ca¬ pacity was about five thousand in twenty-four hours. This mill was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1862, but was at once re-built by Saw¬ yer and Heaton, Jacob Fisher again being the mill-wright The new mill contained one sash saw, one muley saw and one lath machine, with a capacity of ten thousand per day. In 1863, Mr. Heaton sold his interest to William Lowell, and the firm name was changed to Lowell and Saw¬ yer, which continued until 1855, when William Clay purchased a third interest, and the firm was known as Clay, Lowell and Sawyer, for a couple of years, when Lowell retired, and Clay and Saw¬ yer conducted the business until 1866, but were not very successful, and the property passed into the hands of S. Atlee and Company. This firm owned it until the summer of 1869, when it was

St. Croix Lumber Mills

Mr. Staples became the owner of this establish¬ ment in July, 1869, and immediately commenced to re-model and improve, putting in entirely new machinery and making it, at that time, one of the finest mills in the state. In it he has manufac¬ tured, during the past ten years, many million feet of lumber, and has given employment to hundreds of men. lie has recently given the mill a thor¬ ough overhauling, and added many improvements, and we will now give the reader a brief descrip¬ tion of this hive of industry, which employs an average of one hundred and seventy-six men.

The mill proper is 44x105 feet, and contains two rotary saws, with a capacity of seventy-five thousand per day; one three-saw lath machine, and one six-saw lath bolter, with a capacity of forty thousand per day; and two shingle machines with a daily capacity of sixty thousand, besides the necessary edgers and trimmers.

The gang department is 20x96 feet, and con¬ tains one forty-saw gang, one four-saw edger, and five cutting off sawrs, trimmers, etc., with a daily capacity of sixty thousand feet.

The planing department is 32x66 feet, and con¬ tains one tongue and grooving machine, with a capacity of twenty thousand per day; one surfac¬ ing machine, capable of double surfacing thirty thousand per day; one moulding machine, with a daily capacity of five thousand; one sticker, one forty inch re-saw, and one siding saw.

The engine room is 42x44 feet, sixteen feet high, and is built of stone. The engine is of one hundred and sixty-five horse-power, and was built by the North Star Iron Works, Minneapolis; it has a twenty-six inch cylinder and thirty inch stroke, with eighty revolutions per minute.

There are six boilers, twenty-two feet long and forty inches in diameter, with two fifteen inch flues in each. The water furnished this engine is by a Knowles and Sibley pump, with a twelve inch steam cylinder and twelve inch stroke.

The breeching from this engine leads into a smoke stack, which is built of brick and stone, eighty feet high and resting on a stone base, fourteen feet square.

business, employing in the various departments, upwards of six hundred men and nearly two hundred horses. During the winter of 1880-'81, sixteen different camps were in operation, located as follows: three on Ann river, one on Upper Snake river, one on Chesley brook, two on Straight river, one on Chase's brook, two on St. Croix river, three on Moose river, two on Lower Snake river and one on Casey brook.

About forty million feet of logs are put in the river at these camps during the winter. The mill manufactures from fifteen to eighteen mill¬ ions, and the balance are sold to parties who do not bank enough logs for their own use, or who bank none at all.

The supplies for the different camps are conveyed by the following routes: to Isaac Sta¬ ples Kettle River Station, on the St. Paul and Duluth railroad, seventy-five miles from Stillwa¬ ter, where Mr. Staples has a ware-house, store, stable and boarding house, thence on a road fortyfive miles long, cut through the forest to Moose river, which reaches all the camps on Moose river, Upper St. Croix and* Chase's brook. From the same station a road is made twenty-seven miles west and reaches the Chesley brook and Upper Snake camps. The Ann river and Lower Snake supplies are shipped to Pine City, where Mr. Staples has a ware-house and agent, and thence by " tote " teams to the camps. The nearest rail¬ road point to the Casey brook camp, is Chandler, on the North Wisconsin railroad, to which all the supplies are shipped.

In the fall of 1858, F. Schulenburg and A. Boeckeler, of St. Louis, under the firm name of Schulenburg and Boeckeler, commenced excavat¬ ing and preparing grounds for a mill on the site now occupied by the Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company's mill in this city. Mr. Louis Ilospes arrived soon after and superintended the work. The mill commenced running in -the spring of 1855 and was completed during that season. The motive power consisted of, four boilers twenty-two feet long, with forty-two inch shells and two engines, one fourteen and the other sixteen inch cylinder, and both forty incli stroke. The amount of lumber manufactured the first season was from two and a half to three million feet. The first sawing was done with an old fashioned sash saw, but during the summer, a gang, containing some twenty saws was put in, and the next winter, a flooring rotary was added. During the winter of 1856-7, the old sash saw was taken out and a small live gang of eighteen saws was put in its place; large sums of money were expended in improvements from year to year.

In April, 1857, Louis Ilospes became a partner . and the firm name was changed to Schulenburg, Boeckeler & Co. In the winter of 1865-6, a stock gang of twenty-four saws was added to the ma¬ chinery and the original gang was built over and changed to a forty-inch slabbing gang. The fourteen by forty-inch engine was also removed and a larger one put in its place, having a twentyinch cylinder and thirty inch stroke, another boiler was also added to the original four.

In June, 1868. m fifty-six inch rotary was put in. During the winter of 1878-4, a sixth boiler was added, and the old steam dome and muddrum replaced by new ones, and the boilers gen¬ erally overhauled; and thus reconstructed and improved, this mill slashed the logs with new energy, and did a steady business until May 16th, 1877, when the whole structure was destroyed by fire.

Hardly had the ruins ceased to smoke, when the enterprising company were on the ground with new plans and specifications, and the present large mill Was soon commenced, and pushed to completion. This building is 84x132 feet, and is a doublo mill throughout. It contains two thirtysix saw gangs, and two double rotaries, with a capacity of from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five thousand per day; one shingle machine with a capacity of one hundred thousand, and two gang lath machines, witli a capacity of sixty thousand per day. The build¬ ing, consisting of the engine room, machine and blacksmith shop, is 40x60 feet, and is built of brick, with an iron roof. The annual product of this mill is from thirty to thirty-five million feet of lumber, fourteen to fifteen million shingles and ten to twelve million lath. Two hundred men are employed in the different departments of these mills.

Charles W. Behrens and E. L. Ilospes becoming members of the Stillwater firm, and also of the firms of Schulenburg and Boeckeler, and A. Boeckeler and Company of St. Louis.

The next change was made February 14th, 1880, when the Stillwater firm of Schulenburg, Boeckeler and Company, and the St. Louis firms of Schulenburg and Boeckeler, and A. Boeckeler and Company, were incorporated under the law's of the slate of Missouri, and the firm name was adopted of Schulenburg and Boeckeler Lumber Company, with the following officers': A. Boeck¬ eler, president, E. L. Ilospes, vice president; Charles W. Behrens, secretary; and L. C. Ilirechberg, treasurer.

The products of the Stillwater department are rafted, and towed by its own boats, to the St Louis yards, where is located a large planingmill, a saw-mill and extensive lumber yards, they handle at that point nbout sixty million feet of lumber annually. Besides the business above mentioned, they have lumbering interests to some extent on the Chippew'a river.

Horsey, Bean and Brown, proprietors. In the fall of 1863, Isaac Staples came to Minnesota, lo¬ cated a large amount of pine lands and decided to engage in the lumber business at this point. Accordingly he returned to Old Town, Maine, where he organized the firm of Ilersey, Staples and Company, and in the spring of 1864, Mr. Staples and his partner arrived at Stillwater and commenced the erection of Ilersey, Staples and Company's, mills. This mill, through much changed and greatly improved, is still in active service, in the yards of Ilersey, Bean and Brown. It contained, when completed, one muley saw, three sash saws, one live gang and one small circular; the capacity was about forty thousand per day. It also contained a shingle and lath machine. In April, 1861, the firm of Ilersey, Staples and Company settled up and dissolved, and a new company was formed under the name of Ilersey, Staples and Ilall, which continued until October 1st, 1866, when Mr. Hall retired, and the firm name was changed to Ilersey, Sta¬ ples and Bean. This company, however, was confined to lumber business only. The mercan¬ tile business which, from the beginning had been conducted in connection with the lumbering, was now made a separate thing, and a new company formed under the name of Ilersey, Staples' and Doe, who took charge of the mercantile business.

In 1871, Mr. Staples sold his third interest in the company of Ilersey, Staples and Bean, to Gen. S. F. Ilersey, and the firm was change to Ilersey, Bean and Company, and in May, 1872, E. 8. Brown purchased a third interest, or that sold by Staples to Ilersey, and the firm name was changed to Ilersey, Bean and Brown, as it still remains.