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Scanned with OCR and indexed by Patricia Dawson in August, 2003.
SAINT CROIX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
ORGANIZATION--- FIRST OFFICERS--- COUNTY SEAT ---VOTING PRECINCTS---LIQUOR LICENCES---TOWNS AND VILLAGES--JAIL---TAXES--- COURT HOUSE --- SCHOOL DISTRICTS --- TOPOGRAPHY--- DRAINAGE
The territorial legislature of Wisconsin, in session at Madison, Wisconsin, January 9th 1840, passed an act to take effect August 1st, of the same year, wherein all of the territory of Wisconsin, lying west of a line commencing at the mouth, of the Porcupine River on Lake Pepin, thence up said river to its first fork; thence on a direct line to the Meadow fork of Red Cedar River; thence up said river to Long Lake; thence along the canoe route to Lac Courte d' Orielle; thence to the nearest point on the Montreal river; thence down said river to Lake Superior; thence north, to the United States boundary line, was established a separate county, named and styled the county of St. Croix. The same act called for an election, of county officers and the first Monday of August, l840, at which time the people shall determine by a popular vote the location of a county seat. The same act also authorized the county commissioners to erect suitable buildings at such point as received the largest number of votes.
The polls were opened at Chasiwakau Falls, on the St. Croix, and at La Pointe; returns to be made to the clerk of the board of commissioners of Crawford county. Two points were contestants for the county seat; "Prescott's Claim," at the mouth of Lake St. Croix, and "Brown's Warehouse" at the head of the lake, on the west side. On canvassing the votes, it was found that Brown's Warehouse had received the majority of the votes, by a vote of forty-five to thirteen.
The commissioners were Hazen Mooers, Samuel Burkleo and Calvin A. Tuttle. The board deeded to Joseph R. Brown the tract of land described in his claim, in consideration of $800 paid into the county treasury, reserving one-half acre for county seat, arrangements being made with Mr. Brown to furnish all necessary build-
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ings for the use of the county for the first four years.
At the same election, the following officers were elected: Joseph R. Brown, treasurer, register of deeds and surveyor; Orange Walker, Joseph Haskell and Philander Prescott, assessors; Phinheas Lawrence, collector; J. S. Norris, coroner; the returns of the election being certified to by C. J. Learned, clerk of Crawford county. By an act approved April, 1844, the clerk of the board of county commissioners of St. Croix county, was authorized to perform all duties in relation to elections that were required by law to be performed by sheriffs. The third section of the same act made St. Croix a probate district, and Philip Aldrich was appointed judge of probate. In 1845 St. Croix county was reduced in size by setting off the county of La Pointe.
The remaining territory of St. Croix county was bounded as follows: Beginning at the mouth of Porcupine river, passing up said river to its first forks, thence to Meadow fork of Red Cedar river, thence up that river to Lac Courte d'Orielle, thence to Yellow Lake, thence to the mouth of Mud river, thence down the Mississippi river to the Point of starting, including an area of about eleven thousand square miles. The population of the entire district was estimated at one thousand five hundred, St. Croix Falls being the most important town.
In 1846, congress passed an act permitting the territory of Wisconsin to become a state, providing the people would adopt a constitution and accept certain boundary lines, which boundary on the west was formed by a line running directly south from the rapids of the St. Louis river to the main branch of the St. Croix river, thence down the main channel of the stream to the Mississippi. By this act a large portion of St. Croix county was left unorganized. By an act approved the following year, the then remaining territory of St. Croix was organized for judicial purposes. This division of territory took away from St. Croix her county seat, thus destroying her organization. It thus became necessary for the county to establish a county seat within her own limits. This was done by an act of the legislature approved June 8th, 1848, which located it at the mouth of Willow river on sections four and five.
In August, 1848, the act was amended by locating it on section twenty-four, requiring the courts to be held in some house on that section until special buildings could be erected.
The same year the last court was held at Stillwater as the county seat of St. Croix county. Judge Aaron Goodrich presided. Harvey Wilson was clerk, and A. M. Mitchell United States district attorney, H. L. Moss attorney for the county and John Morgan sheriff. In August of the same year, a special election was held to elect officers for the new county.
The first board of county commissioners met at the house of Philip Aldrich, on section twenty-four, township twenty-nine north, range twenty west of the fourth principal meridian, on the 9th day of September 1848; commissioners present, Ammah Andrews and W. H. Morse. Ammah Andrews was appointed chairman of the board; W. R. Anderson, clerk. On motion, Philip Aldrich was appointed treasurer of the county. It was voted to establish a new voting precinct. All that part of the county lying south of a line running due east from the mouth of the Kinnicinnic [sic] river to the east line of the county, was formed into a new election precinct, entitled the "Mouth of St. Croix Precinct." Thus forming four voting precincts in the county, namely; Kinnickinnic River, Willow River, and Osceola and Falls of St. Croix, voted at same meeting that the scroll of the pen shall denote the seal of this county. At a meeting of the county commissioners, called at the house of Philip Aldrich, October 2d, 1848, Harmon Crandall, in the chair. On motion, Moses Perrin was appointed collector for St. Croix county. At the same meeting it was voted that the retailers of liquors shall pay for license $20, and not be allowed to retail less than one quart; voted that the rate of taxation for the year shall be seven mills on the dollar; voted by the board to accept and locate a certain lot of land, donated by Philip Aldrich, and designated on the plot of the town of Buena Vista, surveyed and platted by H. Wilson for the purpose of erecting county buildings thereon. At the state election held November 7th, 1848, there were one hundred and fifteen votes cast in the
Page 221 TOWNS ESTABLISHED
county of St. Croix for electors for president and vice-president. Zachariah Taylor, Martin VanBuren and Lewis Cass, being candidates that year. The first officers elected under the state legislature by the legal voters of the then existing St. Croix county was as follows: A. Hayatt Smith, member of congress; E. E. Williams, superintendent of schools for the state, and James Fisher, state senate. For member of assembly, Joseph R. Brown; county commissioners, W. H. C. Morse, Harmon Crandall and Ammah Andrews; county clerk, W. Richardson; register of deeds, W. R. Anderson; judge of probate, A. D. Heaton; coroner, W. O. Mahoney; county treasurer, Philip Aldrich; A. S. Toule, surveyor of logs and lumber; assessors, Geo. W. McMurphy, O. Weymouth, and M. V. Nobles; road supervisors, Edward Worth, H. Crandall, Moses Perrin, and L. M. Harnsberger; collector, Geo. W. McMurphy, the "Mouth of St. Croix precinct," W. Thing and I. R. Rice, justices of the peace; A. Carnelison and L. M. Harnsberger, constables. At Willow River precinct, justices of the peace, Philip Aldrich and E. R. Steves; constables, J. McKnight and P. F. Bouchea; Osceola and Falls of St. Croix precinct, John Davis, Andrew Kelley and S. S. Crowell, justices; R. H. Hughes, John Weymouth and G. E. Deathey, constables. Three licenses were granted that year: F. Larpenter, mouth of St. Croix store; Geo. Field at the Falls of St. Croix; M. M. Samuels, at the Falls of the St. Croix tavern. At the same election in the representative district of St. Croix and La Pointe fifty-three votes were cast for member of the assembly; W. R. Marshall received thirty-four.
At a meeting of the county commissioners held at the house of Philip Aldrich, the first Monday in January, 1849, a license was granted to Philip Aldrich to run a ferry across Lake St. Croix at a point any place on the north-west half of section twenty-five, south of Walnut street. It being the south boundary of the present plat of the village of Buena Vista.
The rates to be charged for ferriage were regulated by law as follows: Footman 25 cents, horse and rider 75 cents, horse, driver and single buggy $1.00; one span of horses with wagon or buggy $1.25, wagon with four horses or wagon with four oxen and driver $1.50, horned cattle, mules or horses 25 cents each, sheep or swine 12 1/2 cents each, lumber per 1000 feet 37 1/2 cents, all kinds of freight 8¢ per 100 pounds.
At a meeting of the board held at the house of Philip Aldrich, February 28, 1849, on motion, the county of St. Croix was divided into towns, as follows: All that portion of the county lying north, of the south boundary of township No. 28, north, and south of the line between Nos. 30 and 31 shall comprise one town, named "Buena Vista;" and all that portion of the county lying north of the south boundary of township 31, north, shall compose one town, called "Falls of St. Croix;" all that portion of the county lying south of the line between townships No. 27 and 28, north, shall compose a town to be known by the name of "Elizabeth."
At the same meeting it was voted to purchase a lot of ground for county purposes, lying due east of block No. 3, of the original plat of Buena Vista, containing one acre, from Moses Perrin, receiving from said Moses Perrin a bond for a deed, the conditions of which were that the county commissioners or their successors in office payor cause to be paid to said Perrin, on or before March 1st, 1850, the sum of $53.50.
Also voted that the first town meeting shall be held in the several towns, viz: The town of Elizabeth, at the house of Freeman Larpenter; the town of Buena Vista, at the house of Philip Aldrich; the town of Falls of St. Croix, at the house of J. McLaughlin.
The result of the first county election by towns at which ninety votes were cast, was as follows: Sheriff, N. C. D. Taylor; district attorney, S. J. Hewett; county surveyor, R. V. D. Smith; clerk of the circuit court, J. D. Ludden.
At a meeting of the county board of supervisors for St. Croix county, held at the house of Philip Aldrich, June 4th, 1849, it was voted to authorize the clerk to issue a license to W. H. Moses to run a ferry across Lake St. Croix, for the term of three years. He, the said Moses to comply with the law in such cases made and provided. Also a tax was voted for the current expenses of the present year, of ten mills on the dollar. It was voted at the same meeting that the treasurer proceed against persons elected to office in the several towns, also county, who failed to
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qualify, at a meeting of the justices, and clerk of county board of supervisors, September 17th, 1849, to canvass the vote for county judge at the election held September 3d, ninety-one votes were canvassed, of which Hamlet H. Perkins received 49, Joel Foster 41, and Bailey F. Baldwin 1.
Hamlet H. Perkins, though elected to the office of county judge, did not fill the position in consequence of the sad calamity of his death, which happened by drowning during the winter following his election. Mr. Perkins was a lumberman, and had received the support of this class of people at the election. During the winter he broke through the ice while engaged on the river, and thus met an untimely end.
Accordingly, Governor Dewey, first governor of the state of Wisconsin, made out a commission with an appointment, and sent at once to Mr. Foster, who had received the next largest number of votes at the previous election, by the support of the farmers, to come to Hudson and take charge of the first court. Mr. Joel Foster by this means obtained the office and continued to discharge its duties until the separation of Polk and Pierce county.
At an election held November 6th, 1849, the following was the result: whole number of votes cast, 69; John S. Watrous, member of assembly; Joseph R. Brown, clerk of circuit court; Sylvander Partridge, sheriff; D. N. Johnson, prosecuting attorney; Alexis S. Toule, surveyor of logs and lumber. At a special meeting, called at the house of P. Aldrich, May 25th, 1850, it was voted to appoint James Hough district attorney in place of D. N. Johnson, resigned; also John O. Henning, county surveyor. In view of the fact that there was no suitable place for holding court and for other county purposes, it was voted that a committee be appointed to make arrangements for a suitable building for such purposes, also for the confinement of county prisoners. The committee appointed was James Hughs and J. M. Bailey.
At an election held the first Monday in July, 1850, for the election of judge for the sixth judicial district, 130 votes were cast, of which Wiram Knowlton received 74. At an election held November 5th, 1850, the following was the result: 152 votes cast; Benjamin C. Eastman, member of congress; Joseph R. Brown; senator, John O. Henning, member of assembly; W. R. Anderson register of deeds: W. R. Anderson, county surveyor; James M. Bailey, clerk county board of commissioners; W. H. Simmes, district attorney; James Perrington, coroner; J. W. Stone, county treasurer; James Hughs, surveyor of logs and lumber.
In 1850, the value of real and personal property in the three towns and one village which composed the county of St. Croix was: Elizabeth town, 522 acres of land assessed at $3,930; personal property, $11,281; amount of taxes, state and county, $310.31. Buena Vista town, 3,100 acres of land, assessed at $31,765; personal property, $2,430; taxes, $697.56. Village of Buena Vista, real estate, 105 lots assessed at $7,164; personal property, $130; taxes, $148.80. Falls of St. Croix town, 1,531 acres of land, assessed at $19,425; personal property, $83,497; taxes, $2,099.61. The population of St. Croix county in 1850, was 624.
At the annual meeting of the county board held November 15th, 1850, Otis Hoyt was fined fifty dollars for non-attendance at the meeting of the board, but the action was rescinded at a subsequent meeting on his making due explanation of the cause of his absence. At a special meeting of the board held at the court-house January 15th, 1851, a petition was presented by the citizens of the Kinnickinnic valley, desiring to be set off into a separate town. After due deliberation it was voted to grant said petition, the boundary of said town to be as follows: Beginning at the north-west corner of section 3 in township 28 north, range 19 west, and running east along said township line to the east boundary of said county, thence south to the line between townships 26 and 27 north, thence west along said line to the center of township 27, range 19; thence north to place of beginning; which town shall be called Kinnickinnic; the first town meeting to be held at the house of Joel Foster. At the same meeting the board voted to erect a building for the use of the county, as a temporary prison. Mr. Ammah Andrews was appointed agent to carry out the same, with specifications given. During the session of the legislature of 1851, John O. Henning prepared a bill, which was passed, changing the name of the town of Buena Vista and all villages therein, to Willow River; also the village of Elizabeth
Page 223 ERECTION OF COUNTY BUILDINGS.
and town changed to Prescott. At a meeting of the county board held at the village of Willow River, Otis Hoyt was called to the chair. It appeared at this meeting that Ammah Andrews had failed to fulfill his contract with the county to build a jail.
The board voted to rescind said contract, also voted to appoint Daniel Mears to build said jail after different specifications; said jail to be located on the grounds of the county. At an adjourned meeting of the board, held November 13th, 1852, a petition was presented, signed by Joseph E. Bonin and others, asking for a new town to be set off from Kinnickinnic, and granted, the boundary of said town to be as follows: Commencing at the north-west corner of section 4, township 28 north, range 17 west; thence east on township line, between townships 28 and 29 north, to the eastern boundary of the county; thence down the county line to the township line, between the townships 26 and 27 north; thence west along the township line, between the townships 26 and 27 north, to the south-west corner of section 33, in township 27, north of range 17 west; thence north to the place of beginning; said town to be known by the name of Rush River. It was further ordered that the first town meeting be held at the house of Daniel McCartney. At an adjourned meeting of the board, November 14th, a petition was granted to James Anderson to run a ferry across the Lake St. Croix at Stillwater. At an adjourned meeting of the board, November 15th, it was voted to appropriate $350 to build a jail. At an annual meeting of the county board, held at the office of J. Bowron, November 9th, 1852, the following petition was presented, signed by Aaron Chase and others, desiring a new town to be set off from the town of Falls of St. Croix. On motion the petition was granted, with the following boundaries, viz: Commencing at the southwest corner of fractional township 31, of range 19; thence east to township line, between 14 and 15; thence north to township line, between 31 and 32; thence east to the east line of St. Croix county; thence north to township line, between 33 and 34 ; thence west on said lines to St. Croix river; thence down said river to the place of beginning; said town to be known by the name of Leroy. The first town meeting to be held at the house of W. Kent. At the same meeting of the county board, a petition was presented by A. Day and others asking that the name of the town of Willow River, and the villages therein contained, be changed, to be hereafter known by the name of Hudson. Since the people were dissatisfied with the old name, they voted two to one for the change. Alfred Day had the honor of suggesting the new name. By an act of the legislature March, 1853, all that portion of St. Croix county lying south of the line between townships 27 and 28, was set off as Pierce county. By the same act, all that portion of St. Croix county lying north of the line between township 31 and 32, was set off as Polk county, leaving a strip of territory between Polk and Pierce counties, twenty four miles wide, and thirty miles long, which was then known as St. Croix county, with seat established at Hudson.
At a special meeting of the board of supervisors, called at Hudson, July 2d, 1850, with Duncan McGregor in the chair, on motion of Ira Parks it was voted to annex that portion of the town of Leroy, in St. Croix county, lying between the south line of Polk county and the north line of Hudson, to the town of Hudson.
At a meeting of the county board held June 15th, 1855, it was voted to purchase and adopt a seal for said county board of supervisors, described as follows: "C. B. S., St. Croix County, Wis.," to be used as the seal of the board of supervisors of said county. At a subsequent meeting of the board, held July 28th, 1856, a petition was presented by B. C. B. Foster and others, asking the organization of a new town to be known and called Star Prairie; said town to consist of the following described territory: commencing at the north-east corner of section one, township 30, range 17, and running west a distance of 118 chains and 40 links; thence north on the east of township 31, range 17, a distance of 482 chains and 10 links; thence west along the north line of township 31, a distance of 960 chains; thence south along the west line of township 31, range 18, a distance of 480 chains; thence east, along the south line of township 30, a distance of 125 chains and 67 links; thence south, along the west line of township 30, range 18, a distance of 240 chains and 50 links; thence east, through the center of township 30, ranges 17 and 18, a
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distance of 961 chains and 80 links; thence north along the east line of township 30, range 17, a distance of 243 chains and 37 links, to place of beginning. That is to say, all of township 31, ranges 17 and 18, and the north one-half of township 30, ranges 17 and 18; the first town meeting to be held for organization, and election of officers at the house of B. C. B. Foster.
At a special meeting of the board, called at the clerk's office, September 19th, 1850, the following petition was presented from the towns of Rush River and Kinnickinnic, asking for the formation of a new town, with the following boundaries, viz: the east half of township 28, range 18, and the west half of township 28, range 17; said town to be called Pleasant Valley; the first town meeting to be held at the house of Davidson Williams, on the first Monday in October, 1850.
A second petition was granted for a new town to be called Somerset, comprising the following territory, viz: commencing at the north-west corner of the town of Star Prairie, running thence west to the St. Croix river: thence down said river, and Lake St. Croix to the south line of section 15, township 30, range 20; thence east to the south-east corner of Star Prairie; Thence north on the west line of Star Prairie to place of beginning; the meeting for the organization and election of officers to be held at the house of Mr. Chaples, on the 1st Monday in October.
At the same meeting a petition for the organization of the town of Hammond was presented with the following boundaries: all of township 29, ranges 15,16 and 17. The meeting for the election of officers and the organization of the town was ordered held at the store of George Spaulding.
While the board was in session the question of building a new court house was discussed. On motion it was voted to advertise for sealed bids or proposals to build said court house. At a meeting of the board held October 27th, 1856, it was voted to change the boundary line of Kinnickinnic and Pleasant Valley towns, by taking from the west end of Pleasant Valley two miles by six and adding it to the town of Kinnickinnic.
At a meeting of the board held November 13th, 1856, it was voted to award the contract of building the court house for St. Croix county to Ammah Andrews on condition that he would build said house according to the proposals, now before the board, for $14,300. At an adjourned meeting held November 14th, 1856, it was voted to form a new town from township 28, range 18, said town to be called Dayton; the first meeting for the organization and choice of officers to be held on the first Tuesday in April 1857, at the school house in district number two.
At the same meeting, November 14th, 1856, it was voted to add the west half of township 28, range 19, and all that part of the fractional township running to Lake St. Croix, of township 28, range 20, of Hudson, to Kinnickinnic. At a meeting of the board, held March 25th, 1857, it was voted to change the name of the town of Dayton to Malone. December 9th, of the same year the inhabitants of Erin Prairie presented a petition to the board, asking the formation of a new town with the following boundaries, viz: all of township No. 30, ranges 15 and 16, and the south half of township No. 30, range 17. At the same meeting petitions were presented, asking for the formation of a new town with the following boundaries: all of township 30, range 18, to be known as Cold Spring. It was also voted to attach to the town of Star Prairie, township 31, ranges 15 and 16; first meeting to be held at the village of Fremont. December l0th, 1857, the board voted to change the name of Kinnickinnic to Troy. On motion it was voted to annex the following territory to Erin Prairie, viz: sections 13,14,15,16,17 and 18 in township 30, range 17.
At a meeting of the board held March l0th, 1858, a petition was presented by the inhabitants of township 28, ranges 15 and 16, asking for the formation of a new town to be called Brockville ; petition granted, but the name was subsequently changed to Eau Galle; the first election to be held at the school house near Holmans.
At a previous meeting, the board voted to establish a new town to be called St. Joseph, with the following boundries, commencing at a point on the shore of lake St. Croix, where the south line of lot number 1, in the north-west quarter of section 12, township 29, range 20, intersects said lake, and running east on said line to the town line between township 29, range 19, and township 29, range 18; thence north to the centre of the east line of township 30, range 19; thence west to the shore of the lake; then south along said lake
Page 225 DIVISION OF TOWNS
shore to place of beginning. At the same meeting it was voted to change the name of the town of Cold Spring to Richmond. At a meeting of the board held November 25th, 1858, it was voted to set off from the town of Hudson the territory embraced in township 29 north, of range 18 west, to be called the town of Warren, the first election to be held at the house of Dr. J. N. Van Slyke, to organize said town.
At a meeting of the county board December 2d, 1859, an order was issued to detach sections 1,2, 11 and 12 of township 30, range 17, from town of Cylon and annex the same to Erin Prairie; also that sections S, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, township 30, range 17, be detached from the town of Star Prairie and annexed to town of Erin Prairie; the order to take effect the 1st Tuesday in April, 1860.
The population of St. Croix county in 1860, was 5,394.
At a meeting of the county board, held June 8th, 1860, an act to organize the town of St. Joseph, was adopted, viz: all that portion of the late town of St. Joseph, in township 30, ranges 19 and 20 west, and which was by an act of the legislature approved April 2d, 1864, attached to, and made to become a part of the town of Somerset, and all of that portion of said town of St. Joseph, being in township 29, ranges 19 and 20 which was by said act attached to, and made to become a part of the town of Hudson, is hereby set off from said town, to which they were so attached, and organized as, and made to constitute a town to be known as St. Joseph; the election for the re-organization to be held at the store of J. R. Brown, June 27th, 1860. At a meeting of the board, held June 18th, 1860, an act was passed, attaching the east one-half of township 28, of range 16 west, to the town of Rush River. At a meeting of the board, held June 9th, 1860, the following act was passed, that all of township 28 north, range 16 west, is hereby detached from the town of Rush River, and attaced to Eau Galle in said county.
At a meeting of the board, held November 23d, 1860, the following act was passed, viz: that sections 1, 2, 11 and 12, township 30, range 17 west, now forming a part of the town of Cylon, be detached from Cylon and attached to the town of Erin Prairie; said act to take effect the 1st Monday in April, 1861. An the same date the following act was passed, that township 30, ranges 15 and 16, now forming a plat of the towns of Erin Prairie and Cylon, be, and is hereby detached from said towns and organized into a new town to be called Emerald; the first election to be held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April, 1861, at the house of Thomas Ross, in section 20, township 30, range 16.
At a meeting of the board held November 12th, 1861, an act was passed that all of township 29, ranges 15 and 16, now forming a part of the town of Hammond, be, and is hereby detached from said town and organized into a new town, to be known as Springfield, the first election to be held at the school-house in district number 4, the first Tuesday in April, 1862. At a meeting of the board held December 2d, 1864, it was voted to change the name of that portion of St. Croix known as Malone, in township 20, range 18, to Kinnickinnic. At a meeting of the board held December 30th, 1870, the following act was passed: township 31 north, of range 17 west, of the fourth principal meridian, being a part of Star Prairie, is hereby detached from said town of Star Prairie and formed into a new town to be known as Stanton; first election to be held the first Tuesday in April, 1870. At the same meeting the board voted to divide the town of Eau Galle, and all of township 28 north, of range 16 west, of the fourth principal meridian, to be formed into a new town called Cady; election for the organization to be held the first Tuesday in April, 1870, at the school-house in district No.1, township 29, range 11.
At a meeting of the board held December 4th, 1872, it was ordered that a certain district, known as township 29 north, of range 16 west, being a part of the town of Springfield, be set off from said town and formed into a new town to be known as Baldwin; first meeting to be held on the first Tuesday in April, 1873, in school-house in joint district No.4. At a meeting of the board held December 16th, 1880, it was ordered that all of township 31, range 15, now a part of Cylon, be detached and form a new town called Forest; first meeting to be held the first Tuesday in April, 1881.
We have given the legal divisions and the boundaries of the twenty towns of the county.
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The county has thirteen whole congressional townships, except township 31, a portion of which lies on the west side of the river. The meanderings of the river leaves a fraction of townships 29, 30 and 31 on the east side of the lake, which gives the county about 850,000 acres of land. The general features of the county are the same as other counties bordering on the lake. The bluffs along the lake are irregular and broken, and present some fine, romantic scenery, with here and there a river or creek flowing from the interior down through deep ravines, shaded by heavy foliage on their entrance to the lake, presenting some most beautifully arranged views, while at other points the landscape slopes more gently down to the water's edge. From the river eastward the country is broken and somewhat hilly, while in the eastern part it becomes more level. In the central portions are rolling prairies on which are opened some very fine farms. The eastern tier of townships were formerly covered with a heavy growth of timber, and was known as the Big Woods, extending through the county north and south. The timber is composed of walnut, butternut, and red, black and white oaks, and maple, with some white pine in the north-east.
The soil is mostly of a clayey loam. In some portions, however, it becomes more sandy, and well adapted for all kinds of grain. Some fine qualities of lime and sandstone crop out from the bills in different parts of the county.
The drainage of the county is fine. Numerous rivers and creeks, having their rise in the north and east flow across the county and empty into the lake. Apple river, the largest in the county, has its rise in Polk county, enters St. Croix in section one of Star Prairie township, passes diagonally south-west across the township, enters Somerset township from section thirty-one, makes a long sweep to the north then to the south and enters the Lake St. Croix between Hudson and Osceola. Willow river, the next in size, has its rise in Cylon township in the north-east, extends through the south-east corner of Stanton township, thence through the north of Erin Prairie, thence into Richmond, south-west, and enters the lake between North and South Hudson. Hay river has its rise in Emerald and Springfield townships, extends toward the south-east and enters the Red Cedar river in Dunn county. Kinnickinnic river in the south has its rise in Warren and Pleasant Valley townships, flows south-west and enters Lake St. Croix from Pierce county. Rush river rises in Rush River and Eau Galle townships, and flows south into Lake Pepin. These streams, having their supplies from springs and small lakes, have an abundance of water, which flows rapidly along, thereby furnishing good powers for manufactories, mills, etc. Several small lakes in different parts of the county are well supplied with fish. The Bass, Twin, Bell, Perch and Cedar lakes are fine little bodies of water, and furnish fine resorts for the tourist.
HUDSON.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
INCORPORATION---MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS---FIRST PHYSICIAN---GREAT FIRES OF 1866 AND 1872 ---FIRE DEPARTMENT---BANKS---FLOURING MILLS---THE PRESS---NEW BLOCKS.
The name first given to this town was Buena Vista. It was organized in the spring of 1849, laid off by act of the board of county commissioners, at a meeting held at the house of Philip Aldrich, February 28th, of the same year. The name of Buena Vista was suggested by Joel Foster, at the time it was laid out. He had just come to the settlement, and had been in the battle of Buena Vista. The excitement over the victory made it a popular name, and it was accordingly adopted. By an act of the legislature in the winter of 1851, the name of the town and all villages therein were changed to Willow River, under which title it remained until November 9th, 1852, when by petition of the citizens it was changed to Hudson.
The first settlement in the county was made at the mouth of Willow river, by Louis Massey and Peter F. Bouchea; a Frenchmen [sic], followed soon
Page 227 INCORPORATION OF HUDSON.
after by W. Steets and Joseph Sauperson, known as Joe Lagrew. The four men and their families were the first settlers on the land that is now occupied as Hudson city. In 1846, Capt. J. B. Page with his family, from the Mormon settlement of Nauvoo, landed on these shores and made a claim. Next came Mr. Perrington, who with Mr. Paye [sic], built a saw-mill in 1847, at this point.
Thus began the settlement of this wild and romantic country, which was destined to be one of the finest in St. Croix valley. About that time J. W. Stone and the Nobles brothers came. In the spring of 1848, Philip Aldrich, Ammah Andrews, Moses Perrin, James Sanders and Joseph Mears, joined the settlement. The nearest store and post-office was at Red Rock, on the Mississippi river. The enterprise of the new settlers was not long in overcoming these inconveniences. In 1848, James Stone erected a store and kept a general stock of goods; also opened a law office in connection. A mail was received once in two weeks from Prairie du Chien, Philip Aldrich, acting as post-master. About the same time Moses Perrin built an hotel. Mrs. Page in connection with her other duties practiced medicine, Thompsonian. Substantial dwellings sprang up all over the site of this then wild spot, which had but a short time before been occupied by the wigwam of the Chippewa. The records tell us that Louis Massey entered his claim August 23d, 1848, the east half of the south-west quarter of section 24, township 29, range 20. This claim of Louis Massey was first occupied by him in the spring of 1838, and when finally entered for record, in 1848, was the first recorded in the county.
At the same time, Peter F. Bouchea made a claim of the west half of the north-west quarter, of section 25, township 29, range 20. September 15th, 1848, a portion of Mr. Massey's claim was layed out and platted as Buena Vista. June 3d, 1850, Messrs. Gibson, Henning, Bouchea, Stone and Crowns, layed out and platted twenty acres adjoining Buena Vista, and called it Willow River.
At this time the settlers began to make this an objective point. The same year Dr. Otis Hoyt appeared on the scene with his surgical instruments and medicines, and the settlement was provided with a physician.
The early settlers, not forgetting the advantages which they enjoyed in their far-off homes in the east, began to think of their children and to make arrangements for the improvement of their minds. The subject of schools was discussed, and a district called number one was formed September 22d, 1849. A meeting was called at the house of M. V. Nobles, and the district organized by the election of the first board of officers, as follows: Moses S. Gibson, director; F. P. Catlin, treasurer; Pascal D. Aldrich, clerk. The first school was taught by E. P. Pratt in what was known as the stone house. S. C. Simonds taught the school in the winter of 1853-'54. It was no small matter to maintain a school in those days. Money was scarce and teachers not very plenty, who wished to teach at the small wages settlers could pay. At the next annual meeting, September 30th, 1850, Ammah Andrews was elected director and J. J. Putman treasurer; P. D. Aldrich clerk. The meeting voted $40 tax to pay for a six months' school.
Miss Charlotte Mann took charge of the school for about eight years, and by industry, culture and high character obtained a reputation among the settlers as valuable in her more limited sphere as that of Horace Mann, the great champion of public education.
In the winter of 1851-'52 two separate plats, or villages, of Buena Vista and Willow River were united and changed in name to Willow River. The next spring the first church was established, which was the First Baptist under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Catlin.
As the village increased and the town back from the river became more thickly settled the people became dissatisfied with the name of the village and township. A vote was taken which resulted in a petition being presented to the board of county commissioners to have the name of the town and villages therein contained changed to Hudson, which name was suggested by Alfred Day.
Additions were made to the original plat from time to time until quite a large city, on paper, stretched from the banks of the lake back up the sides of the bluff and along the more level valley of the Willow river. In the winter of 1856-7 a charter was procured and the first municipal election was called for the first Monday in April of the same year. The following officers were elected:
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Mayor, A. D. Gray; aldermen for the first ward, James B. Gray, J. M. Fulton, M. V. Nobles; aldermen for Second ward, Alfred Day, R. A. Gridley, C. E. Dexter; aldermen for Third ward, Chas. Thayer, H. P. Lester and, N. Perry.
The first meeting of the city council was called at Hendee's Hall, May 4th, 1877, his honor the mayor presiding, J. B. Gray, clerk pro tem. The election of the minor officers was made by ballot with the following result: City clerk, O. Bell; city attorney, Cyrus T. Hall; city surveyor, Michael Lynch.
On motion, the council fixed the bonds of the city treasurer at $5,000, with three good sureties; the same to be approved by the council. It was voted to appoint a committee to draft by-laws and ordinances; J. B. Gray, Charles Thayer, O. Bell and J. M. Fuller were appointed as said committee. It was voted to appoint Day, Nobles and Lester committee on printing. On motion, Dexter, Gray and Day were appointed to draft laws for the regulation of the council. On motion, it was voted to fix the salary of the city clerk at $250 per year; voted to fix the salary of the city surveyor at $5 per diem for the time actually engaged; voted to fix the salary of the city attorney at $200 per annum; also voted that the city engineer receive $1.50 per day. On motion, it was voted that the following shall be the standing committees of the council, claims, ways and means, streets, fire department, printing, health, taxes and licenses. The mayor made the following appointments: on claims, Day, Fulton and Perry; ways and means, Gridley, Gray and Lester; health, Thayer; fire department, Nobles: taxes, Gray, Dexter and Lester; on printing, Day, Nobles and Lester; on licenses, Fulton, Gridley and Berry. On motion, a committee was appointed to procure rooms for the meetings of the council, and Nobles, Gridley and Thayer were appointed said committee. The subject of establishing grades was discussed and referred to committee on streets. On motion, it was voted to hold the council meetings at city hall the first Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p. m. At a meeting of the council held May 13th, 1857, it was voted to charge the following rates for licenses: for hotel keeper to sell intoxicating liquors, $50.00; bowling allies, with saloon, $25.00 in addition to the other license charged; wholesale dealers, $200; billiard saloons, $25 for each table, aside from any other license charged. The first license issued by the city was to John Cyphers; said Cyphers to receive license on presentation of a receipt signed by the treasurer for $40 for wholesale, $100 for saloon and $24 for two billiard tables. At its organization the city was divided into three wards, as follows: all that portion of the city lying south of a line drawn through the center of Walnut street, from the west to the east boundary of said city, shall constitute the First ward; all that portion of said city being north of said line and south of a line drawn through the center of Division street, from the eastern to the western boundary of said city, shall constitute the Second ward, and all that portion of said city lying north of the Second ward shall constitute the Third ward. The cause of education has so advanced that at this time they have three fine graded schools. The first school house was erected in 1855, in the Second ward, a large two story house, at an expense of about $1,000. Two wings larger than the original have since been added to the building. A new school house was built afterward in the First ward. At the organization of the city, the following officers for school commissioners were elected: J. W. Peers and M. A. Fulton for the First ward; S. C. Simonds and A. D. Gray, for the Second ward; Charles Thayer and H. F. Bond for Third ward. The steady onward progress of school interests in the city has brought them to a very favorable showing. On August 31st, 1879, the report was: amount on hand, $2,022.08; tax for school purposes, $4,004.38; tax levied by county superintendent, $229.95 ; state school fund, $250.40; total, $6,506.70. During the school year amounts paid for male teachers, $800.00; paid for female teachers, $2,410,00; school furniture, $120.00; for all other purposes, $1,323.98; total paid out during year, $4,653.98; amount on hand August 31st, 1880, $1,852.78.
At the enumeration of 1880, it was found that there were children in the city over four years and under twenty: Males, 355; females, 323; total, 678. In the public schools over four and under twenty, 590.
From the files of the Star and Times of May
Page 229 DESTRUCTION BY FIRE.
24th, 1866, we clip the following description of the great fire that occurred May 19th, 1866:
"Terrible conflagration---the city in ruins---sixty-four business houses in ruins and twenty-five families homeless---only one store left standing--total loss, $325,000---insurance, $75,000. The fire broke out at 1:30 p. m., in the rear of H. A. Taylor and Company's building, used for furniture rooms and printing offices. No fire had ever been used in the shed. It was supposed to have originated by sparks from the saloon or the pipe of a drunken man, found lying where the fire originated, and barely saved from burning with the building. The rapidity with which the flames spread was almost impossible to believe. Not even the books and personal effects from the Star and Times office were saved. Merchants in the adjoining stores had barely time to secure their valuable papers. The wind blew a gale. The flames seemed to break in every direction. The City hotel was enveloped in flames before the alarm was hardly given. The family and guests escaped with only what they had on. In an hour the scene was terrific; the billows of flame and the blinding smoke with the explosion of gunpowder; the piles of goods hastily moved only to be destroyed; the approaching darkness, which caused uncertainty, terror and despair; the blackened ruins of what a few moments before were marts of merchandise and elegant homes; the crowds of toiling, anxious men and terror stricken women; all formed a scene alike terrible and grand.
"In about two hours the fire fiend had done its work. What at noon was the mart of a thriving city, at sundown was a blackened ruin, with only one standing store. The proceeds of years of toil, the abundance which brought affluence and elegance, the little that had been saved from the proceeds of toil, all perished and gone. It is due to the business men to say, no men ever bore losses with more fortitude, or set to work with more cheerfulness and energy to retrieve their losses. Most were able to go on without any very serious embarrassment. The fire had not ceased before the work of re-building was planned, and the city rose from the ashes with finer proportions than before."
The hook and ladder company was first organized in 1860, with Joseph H. Harrington foreman, John Bartlett assistant foreman and A. Freer secretary. There were thirty members at its organization. In 1865, the company established a free library for the use of its members. The company was well equipped and did efficient work at the great fire.
The city had hardly recovered from the first great conflagration, when it was once again visited by the fire fiend, destroying a large part of the business portion. This time the fire broke out in the Chapin Hall hotel, standing on the present site of the Chapin Hall house at 12 o'clock, noon. Every effort was made by the fire company and citizens to keep the fire from spreading, but to no avail. It seemed as though the city must be entirely destroyed again. It was found impossible without assistance from abroad to check its mad career. It was also impossible to get assistance in time to do much good, when the fire was at last subdued, it was found that about thirty different firms had lost more or less. The aggregate loss estimated at $100,000, with only $15,000 insurance. Misfortune never comes single-handed, so with our devoted city. The smoke of this great conflagration had hardly subsided when the alarm was once again sounded. This time the seat of the fire was in the elevator and the warehouse of Coon and Pratt, with their contents. The elevator contained about 30,000 bushels of wheat. The warehouse of C. D. Powers was also destroyed. The total amount of the loss distributed among several parties, was $60,000, with $16,355 insurance.
The city authorities began at this time to see the necessity of supplying some means of protection against the devouring elements. In September of the same year, the city purchased their present fire engine, which was place in the hands of the old hook and ladder company. In March the old company was disbanded and a new company organization effected, under the title of the Hudson City Fire Company, with the following officers: M. Whitten, chief engineer; G. Anderson, first assistant; J. B. Martin, second assistant; M. D. Aldrich, secretary; D. W. Coon, treasurer; George W. Willis, in charge of engine. The company is well equipped with a good machine and all necessary additions to enable them to cope with a fire. The city has a fine building for the engine house, centrally located, with fine
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rooms above for the use of the city council, where everything is kept in fine order by J. A. Bunker, city clerk, who, in 1870, was elected to the position. He was also in 1873, elected secretary of the fire company. The library of the old hook and ladder company was transferred to the new fire company, November, 1872. January, 1877, the city was once again visited by fire and the Dippo block destroyed, with a loss of $5,000 and no insurance.
The First National Bank was organized under the general banking law with a capital of $50,000 and the following officers: John Comstock, president; A. E. Jefferson, cashier. The original directors were L. P. Wetherby, Alfred Goss, Wm. H. Crown, John Comstock, Amos E. Jefferson,Alfred I. Goss. The bank deals in foreign exchange and transacts a general exchange and collection business. A safe and thriving business is being done at this time under the management of the following gentlemen: John Comstock, president; A. E. Jefferson, cashier; H. A. Taylor, John C. Spooner, T. D. Harding. A. L. Clarke, and Jas. A. Andrews, directors.
The Hudson Savings Bank, formerly the National Savings Bank of Hudson, was organized October, 1870, with Alfred Goss, president, and A. J. Goss, cashier, having two departments, general banking and exchange, domestic and foreign bills bought and sold. Savings department; deposits of one dollar and upwards received and interest paid, compounding every six months.
The Willow River flour mills, Comstock, Clarke and Company, proprietors. The south mill was built by D. A. Baldwin in 1868, 30x40, three stories, purchased by Comstock, Clarke and Company, in 1877, rebuilt in 1880, by Messrs. Comstock, Clarke and Company, with a fifty-six inch Leffel wheel, 130-horse power, one set of corrugated rollers, one pair of Smith rollers, two Smith purifiers, and turns out seventy-five barrels of flour per day.
The north mill was built by D. A. Baldwin in 1867, of wood 40x60, three stories above basement, with four run of stone. In 1877 it was purchased by Comstock, Clarke and Company, who enlarged and rebuilt, and added an elevator, with a capacity of 15,000 bushels. The present mill is 54x60 feet, with a sixty-six inch American turbine water wheel of 160-horse power. It has all the latest improved machinery for a roller mill, which consists of thirteen sets of corrugated rollers, ten pair of Smith rollers, and four run of stone, and thirteen Smith purifiers, with all other machinery necessary for a first class merchant mill; capacity 300 hundred barrels per day. The past year it was overhauled and improvements made, which make it a first class mill with a capacity of 450 barrels per day.
The St. Croix Valley mill was built by L. D. Bartlett, about 1861 and used as a warehouse until 1870, when it was purchased by Hall and Company. In 1873 they placed in the building a forty-five horse power engine, one feed mill and corn-sheller. In 1875 they added four run of stone with other machinery for manufacturing new process flour. In 1880 the mill was overhauled and new machinery added, which consisted of five sets of corrugated Stevens rollers, three sets Smith rollers, two run of stone, seven Smith purifiers, and other machinery for a first-class mill. The mill is 50x100 feet on the ground, three stories high and is a frame structure. The engine room is of brick and stone, 26x40 feet, one story high. The mill has a capacity for producing 100 barrels of flour per day, and furnishes employment to fifteen men. The property is owned by Hall and Goss, the mill being operated by A. W. Hall.
The West Wisconsin Railway Company, in building their road, had secured the right to bridge the lake at Hudson, to make a western connection with the St. Paul, Stillwater and Taylor's Falls railroad, and thereby securing an entrance into St. Paul as its western terminus. The building of the bridge caused hard feeling to rankle in the breasts of the lumbermen at Stillwater, because, as they claimed, the passages were not wide enough. We clip the history of the 'Battle of the Piles': "On the morning of the 7th of July, 1871, warlike preparations were noticeable at Stillwater. Six steamboats moved down the lake towards the nearly completed bridge at Hudson, Wisconsin. They carried a force of two hundred active, able-bodied men. The work on the bridge had been progressing rapidly, much to the satisfaction of the people of Hudson. The "pile drivers" had placed a long line of piles, or supports, in position, and had left
Page 231 BATTLE OF THE PILES.
space for a draw of ninety-eight feet in the main channel of the river. The bridge was looked upon with displeasure by the people of Stillwater for various reasons, but they urged principally that the draw was too small. It may be that the rafts could have been diminished in size. But 'may bes' [sic] don't count, and on Monday, July 3d, an injunction was formally served upon the bridge builders. Their work was suspended temporarily and an agreement was made, the Stillwater folks thought, to stop further proceedings and take the matter from the 'district' to the 'circuit court.' They found, however, that the bridge builders continued the work. When the steamers, with their forces, arrived near the Hudson bridge, at ten o'clock that Friday morning, it was discovered, by the aid of a glass, that more piles were being driven. So three of the steamers---the Louisville, Whitmore, and Brother Jonathan---were lashed together and ordered to the attack. They proceeded under a fire of invectives from the Hudsonites, who had gathered at the bridge. Several of the attacking party were stunned by the force of the invectives, but they were carried to Doctor Morpheus, in whose care they soon recovered. At five minutes past ten a. m. the attack was commenced. A great hawser was uncoiled from the deck of one of the steamers. Several gallant, but slightly excited, men fastened it to one of the piles. The commander commanded, the bells rung, the engines moved, the wheels revolved, the hawser slipped off, and Hudson whooped with joy. The other three steamers moved toward the point of attack, hoping to be called upon. But the undaunted commander renewed the attack.
The hawser was again fastened, the command given, and this time steam was victorious. The pile was drawn, and from up river went a yell of delight that was repeated by the reinforcements, and again and again repeated by both. Throughout the day eighty piles were drawn.
During the next day a steamer was left to guard the passage, and not till evening did she leave her post. Even then she finished the fight by capturing that great machine, the 'pile-driver,' which she delivered into the custody of the good city of Stillwater. No record has been kept of the wounded feelings of the lost spirits. It is a matter of regret that they cannot enter into the 'Battle of the Piles.' A flag of truce was sent, a couple of conferences were held, and finally on Saturday, July the 16th, 1871, an agreement was entered into under which the building of the bridge went on, and the draw was made 140 feet clear above, and 136 feet clear at the water line for the passage of rafts. Thus was effected the bridge compromise; and soon Hudson celebrated the completion of the West Wisconsin railroad."
The first newspaper printed in the St. Croix valley was the "St. Croix Banner," the first number of which appeared January 20th, 1850, edited by Mrs. E. Hugh, Colonel James Hugh proprietor. Late the same year the "St. Croix Inquirer,'" was established by Sexton and Johnson. In 1860, H. A. Taylor edited a paper known as the "Hudson Chronicle." He changed the name to "Hudson Times," which he published for four years, when he purchased the "Hudson Star," established by Dr. Otis Hoyt in 1854. Mr. Taylor consolidated the two under the title of "Star and Times," which title it still retains, and is now ably edited by Messrs. Taylor and Price. The "True Republican" was established by M. A. Fulton in 1875, who sold it to Sharratt and Cline, in 1876. In December, 1878, Sharratt sold his interest to James Coggswell, and it is now edited by Messrs. Cline and Coggswell.
The St. Croix Agricultural Society was organized in 1857. It held its annual fair on grounds fitted up near Hudson until 1867, when the two counties of St. Croix and Pierce united and held a fair at River Falls in the fall of 1868. Not suited with that arrangement, the society rented grounds near Richmond, and held their fairs until 1879, when they purchased grounds one-half mile south of the city limits on a beautiful plat of ground located on the bluff. The grounds are nicely laid out with race-track and fine buildings. The people from all parts of the county take pride in contributing to support and maintain a first-class fair.
Since the great fires of 1866 and 1872 many fine, large blocks have been erected, which give the city a new appearance. The City hotel, burned in 1866, was rebuilt 1868, as Chapin Hall house. It was burned again in 1872, and rebuilt in 1879 by Messrs. Taylor and Andrews. The Hosford block was built in 1866 by Messrs. Hosford, Crowe, Chubback brothers, Clarke and Jefferson.
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Henning block was built by John O. Henning in 1867. The Taylor block was built in 1868 by Horace A. Taylor. First National Bank, built 1870. The Goss, Boyden block was built in 1871 by Messrs. Goss, Boyden and Martin. The North block was built in 1872 by Lemuel North. The Schneider block was built in 1872 by Charles Schneider. The Commercial house was built as a blacksmith shop in 1875 and rebuilt in 1876, with additions, by Charles Schneider. It is now 26x110; addition, 20x88; three stories. Music Hall block was built in 1873, with a fine public hall in the upper story, 44x80 feet, seating 300 people. The Dippo block was built in 1877 by David Dippo. The Rickard block was built in 1879 by A. Rickard. The post-office block was built by Frank D. Harden in 1879. Crowe block was built in 1880; contains a beautiful hall, finely arranged for the comfort of large audiences; will seat 500 people quite comfortably; building, 55x80; hall, 46x60; built in 1880 by W. H. Crowe. The Taylor and Goss block was built in 1881 by Messrs. Taylor and Goss.
CHAPTER XL.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES---MANUFACTORIES--CHURCHES---SCHOOLS---SECRET SOCIETIES--NORTH HUDSON---WILLOW RIVER VALLEY.
The business interests of the city of Hudson are represented as follows: Hotels---Chapin Hall house, Commercial house, Seeley house" and housy [sic] [house?].
Mercantile Houses --- General merchandise, Lemuel North, J. R. Chubbuck, H. Barlow, E. H. Streeter, and Messrs. Cevenson and Blitchfeldt. Dry Goods and millinery--- Ansley Brothers. Clothing---J. Shrimski,J. C. Schneider, T. Bench, and Hyslop and Davies. Druggists---Boyden and Martin, Carl T. Paterson, and Henning and Jagger. Books, stationary and notions---W. H. Crowe, and Frank D. Harding. Fruits, notions and news---W. H. Jones. Grocers---J. J. Luck, S. Roe and Company, S. W. Fuller, D. Hoffman, W. B. Hatch, and M. P. Palmer. Hardware---T. E. Williams, W. M. Otis, R. E. Hoffmann, and J. H. Harrington. Boots and shoes---Evans and Mann, Amos Balsom, W. Beggs, and Frank Leister. Harness shops---Harras and Company, and F. W. Blum. Furniture---Beard and Company, J. T. Slater, and W. C. Brown. Lumber---M. Herrick. Wagons and carriages---John H. Williams, Alvin Otis, S. Hyslop. Flour and feed--George Hosford. Worsted and fancy goods--Mrs. J. Birch. Millinery---Mrs. D. M. Dippo, and Misses Butler and Watson. Attorneys--Henry C. Baker, J. W. Bashford, Glover and Vannatta, L. P. Weatherby, John C. Spooner, N. H. Clapp, Moffat and Hughs, S. C. Patten, S. H. Clough, and C. L. Catlin. Physicians---Otis Hoyt, C. F. King, J. F. Baker, S. C. Johnson. and D. Silliman. Dentists---M. P. Goodwin, L. C. Gould, and M. Whitten. Real estate---C. Y. Denniston, Kelley and Hughs, and Ole Gunderson. Land Commissioners of the North Wisconsin railroad lands--- W. H. Phipps, and C. W. Porter. Insurance agents---J. W. White, F. E. and F. C. Crarey, and James A. Bunker. Agricultural implements and insurance---J. B. Jones and George Munson. Sewing machine agent---Henry Crosby. Photographer---J. F. Mass. Book-binder---Henry Beard. Livery---H. D. Champlin and C. R. Coon. Grain dealers--- W. S. Evans and G. W. Martin. Blacksmiths--Christ. Hanson and S. Cockburn. Gunsmith---Orville Holmes. Wholesale Liquors---Mr. McGuire. Breweries---Louis Yoerg and William Montmann. Meat markets---D. W. Coons and Johnson Bros. Ice dealer---John Mules.
The Hudson Furniture Manufactory was established by Messrs. Nash and Beard, in the fall of 1877. The factory was well equipped with the necessary machinery for manufacturing furniture, and used for the same until August, 1880, when the firm divided their interests. John N. Nash took the factory, and Mr. Beard the sale rooms and other business. Mr. Nash, with the use of the machinery, has for the past two seasons been engaged in manufacturing granulated sugar and syrup from amber cane. That, which at first was an experiment has proved a complete success. Since November, Mr. Nash has employed his machinery in getting out material for the manufacturing of twenty-five threshing machines for Kelley and Hughs.
Page 233 MANUFACTORIES.
The Wisconsin Governor, the name of a newly invented thresher and separator of M. Sullivan and H. Christofferson is being manufactured and placed upon the market by Kelley and Hughs. The flattering success with which this new machine has met, has induced Messrs. Kelley and Hughes to engage in the enterprise, which adds to Hudson manufacturing interests. They expect to have twenty-five new machines ready for the market by the coming season. The features that this machine claims are, its length of separating and cleaning capacity, which is fifteen feet working with a double separating balanced rack, each rack in its movements passes through the other giving agitation to the straw and carrying it to the rear of the machine. In actual experience, this machine has carried away three hundred feet of straw and chaff per minute, and that entirely without assistance. It has an adjustable end shake shoe and a cleaning capacity of forty-three inches by seven feet and two inches. The blast is over-shot with boards so adjusted as to deliver the wind an any part of the sieve that may be desirable.
Hudson Foundry and Machine Shop. Richard Hartley and Son, proprietors, was established in 1870. The machine shop is 22x50, two-stories, with foundry 20x30, giving employment to several hands. They have the contract for getting out the necessary castings for twenty-five threshers for Messrs. Kelley and Hughes. They also manufacture the Hartley improved feed-cutting box.
The Hudson Carriage Works was established in 1875, J. H. Williams, proprietor. His present shop and storage room was built in 188O, 22x66, two-stories, with addition of 22x40. The past season he manufactured thirty new wagons and carriages besides doing a large repairing business, giving employment to several men. The capital amounts to $5,000.
Montmann's Brewery was established in 1857, by Wm. Montmann, proprietor. His first brewery was built in the rear of his hotel, on the corner of Second and Walnut streets. He was burned out in the fire of 1866, and opened his present brewery at the foot of Second street, near the bridge during the same year.
Yoerg's Hudson City Brewery was established in 1870, Louis Yoerg, proprietor. He commenced with a building 20x40, and manufactured five hundred barrels per year. He lost his brewery by fire, and rebuilt again at once, the new building being 20x80. He put in steam power in 1876, and now manufactures one thousand bar els [sic] yearly, finding a market in Hudson and vicinity for all he can manufacture.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized December 22d, 1855, under the pastoral care of Rev. Charles Thayer, with a membership of ten. Their services were held in Hendee hall until May 9th, 1857, at which date they dedicated their first house of worship, which was 24x40. First board of ruling elders: Sampson Hartman, Herman Humphrey, D. C. Fulton, John M. Nash and Geo. Slater; said officers have held office to this date. The present beautiful house of worship was built of brick in 1873-4, and dedicated November 22d, 1874, during the ministry of Rev. Bradley Philips. Rev. Walter R. Frame was called to the pastoral care of the church in 1879. The membership at this time is one hundred. The society also owns a fine parsonage, built in 1868.
The First Congregational Church was organized under the ministrations of Rev. C. H. Marshall August 6th, 1857, with a membership of nine, holding their first worship in the school building on the levee. The society erected their first house of worship on Fourth street about 1860, of wood; size, 38x50. Their present membership is sixty-three, with Rev. C. L. Corwin pastor.
The First Baptist Church of Hudson was organized May 29th, 1852, under the ministry of Rev. S. T. Catlin, with a membership of eleven. They held their services at the house of Deacon Martin. They built their first house of worship the same year at an expense of $1,000; size, 22x40. Their present house was completed in 1866, of wood, 40x60. Rev. Mr. Kelley was pastor at that date. Their present pastor is Rev. Wm. Hartley, and membership ninety-six.
First Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1851, Rev. Mr. Richardson, a missionary under the Minnesota conference, came to this then new country and organized a class, from which sprang the now flourishing church. The church organization was effected about 1852, and the first church was erected in 1856, on the site of their present house. It was almost destroyed shortly after by the wind blowing the steeple over,
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which falling on the roof broke it through and destroyed the seats. It was rebuilt the same year. The present church was built 1875, by making an addition to the first church, veneering the whole with brick, making the audience room about 40x60, pastor's study and class rooms in rear about 20x40. The membership at this date is sixty; present pastor, Rev. M. C. Benson.
The Episcopal Society was first organized about 1855 under the ministrations of Rev. Mr. Wilkinson. They have been supplied with preaching from time to time from Stillwater and other points; Rev. H. Langlois present pastor. Services are held in the Good Templars hall at the present time.
The Evangelical Lutheran Society was organized in 1876 with six members, Rev. Mr. Hoyestert pastor. They built their present house of worship the same year; size 40x80; present pastor Rev. Mr. Clog; membership now numbers forty-five families.
The St. James Catholic Society was organized about 1856, under the ministration of Rev. Father McGee. They erected their first house of worship the same year. The present fine commodious house of worship, 40x80 of stone, was commenced in 1874, completed and dedicated November 16th, 1879. The present pastor, Rev. Father T. A. Kelley, came to the care of the church June, 1874. They have a membership of 200 families. A parochial school of 100 scholars is connected with the church.
Hinckley's Military Institute was established at River Falls, about the year 1870, by Prof. J. R. Hinckley. He soon removed the school to Hudson as a more favorable point, and erected for the use of the institute a large wooden structure in the eastern part of the city, about 60x80, three stories and basement, at an expense of $7,000. The institution was conducted for about two years, when for the want of means to carry on the school, he was obliged to discontinue. In 1880 the buildings were sold to the Catholics for school purposes, who established the same year what is known as the St. Mary's Academy.
The Young Men's Christian Association was organized Oct. 1875, with a membership of twenty-five. They have held their meetings in the rooms of the Ladies Library Association since its organization; first president, Rev. W. E. Safford; vice president, James Pye; Richard Hartley, corresponding secretary. Owing to the many changes of the young men of this city, coming and going, its membership has remained about the same. Much good has been accomplished through their labors, maintaining mission schools from time to time. It has maintained a Sabbath afternoon service since the date of its organization.
The Ladies Library Association was organized in 1868. For the first three years the library was kept at the house of Mrs. Jefferson. In 1871 rooms were fitted up in the Goss and Boyden block. At that time they had about 600 volumes. At the Chapin Hall fire, 1872, the association had its library and furniture somewhat damaged by removal to a place of safety. In 1878, they removed to rooms in the Dippo block, and remained until their present rooms were completed in the Taylor and Goss block. They have beautiful apartments with splendid furniture and 2,000 volumes of the best standard authors in the country.
St. Croix Lodge No. 56 A. F. and A. M., was chartered June 15th, 1855, with the following officers: Benjamin Allen, W. M.; Otis Hoyt, senior warden; E. B. Livingston, junior warden. The lodge was burned out in the fire of May, 1866, also in the fire of May, 1872. When the Dippo block was rebuilt in 1877, the lodge secured the privilege of building the third story of the block. They now have as fine rooms as can be found in the state. They are furnished with every convenience necessary to make them first-class in every particular. The officers at present are: William Beggs, W. M.; Dr. C. F. King, S. W.; Carl T. Paterson, J. W.; and George R. Hughes, secretary.
Colfax Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F. was first chartered in 1856. The first list of officers was G. E. Otis, N. G.; G. R. Jones, Y. G., with five charter members. In the great fire of 1866 the lodge was burned, which was a severe loss to the order. Their books and papers were lost with their furniture. Colfax Lodge No. 58 was re-organized January l7th, 1868: A. F. Gallop, N.G.; G.R. Jones, V. G. When the Taylor block was rebuilt in the fall of 1870, the lodge secured the privilege of building the upper story, which they have fitted up in fine shape, with all the equipments for a first-class lodge. Members at this time, 65.
Nash Lodge of I. O. G. T. was organized
Page 235SOCIETIES.
April 7th, 1877, with seven charter members. The lodge is under the patronage of the Scandinavians. Since the organization the order has done great good among that class. They have within their order one-fourth of the Scandinavians of Hudson. They have a membership of 49 at this time, and have initiated 125 since the order was established. The order works in both Scandinavian and English.
Hudson City Lodge, No. 486, of the I. O. G. T. was organized February 4th, 1867, with thirty or forty members. The order has done great good in its influence over the youth of the city. Many that were on the downward road have been rescued; over 700 persons have been initiated into the order since it was organized. But the changes in society have scattered them all over the state. The membership at this time is ninety; meeting every Monday evening. In connection with this society was organized in 1877 a juvenile I. O. G. T. for children sixteen years of age. The membership at this time is 71, meeting every Saturday afternoon at four o'clock.
The Temple of Honor was organized in December, 1877, with 15 charter members. The order has been quite prosperous since its organization. They have had as many as 130 good working members at one time. Their present membership is fifty. Meetings are held every Saturday evening.
The St. Croix Lodge A. O. U. W., No. 41, was organized October 16th, 1880, with fourteen charter members, the following officers: J. N. Priester, P. M. W.; Ed Drugen, M. W.; G. Z. Holmes, foreman; G. Slifer, Overseer; M. Moody, guide; James Balsom, financier; R. E. Hoffmann, receiver; W. A. Hall, recorder; Thos. Clearland, I. W.; John Kuley, O. W. The lodge has increased to thirty members at this date. They hold their meetings in Masonic hall every Wednesday evening. The master workman at this time is G. Z. Holmes: J. N. Priester, recorder.
The Equitable Aid Union, a new fraternal order, was incorporated March 22d, 1879, at Columbus, Ohio. The subordinate union of Hudson was organized December 9th, 1880, with twenty-eight members, said to be the first union organized in the state. The following is a list of the officers: Amos Balsom, president; A. H. Otis, vice-president; Robert Brow, secretary; H. F. Densmore, treasurer. The meetings are held regularly each week. The number of members at this time is forty-one.
The Hudson City Brass Band was organized in 1880, with ten pieces, under the leadership of J. N. Priester: G. Z. Holmes, teacher; H. F. Densmore, business manager; W. Hatch, treasurer.
The Hudson City Quadrille Band with five pieces, under the leadership of Professor G. Z. Holmes, discourses fine music by which the gay ones trip the fleeting hours away.
The Old Settlers Association of the East side of the St. Croix valley, was organized about the year 1861 or '62, with about 75 members. The records of the society were destroyed in the fire of 1866. The old settlers of that date were those coming before 1850. At the last reunion, which was held at Hudson, February 2d, 1881, one hundred old settlers and fifty families were present. The society voted that an old settler was one that came prior to 1853; voted to hold the next meeting at River Falls.
The organization at Hudson of the society of what was then known as the order of 1001, was affected about 1853. Many of the old settlers may bring to mind the ancient history of this very ancient order by the following lines:
"Way down by the mouth of old Aetna,
Just at the setting of the sun,
This glorious old order springs into existence,
And was christened the one thousand and one."
The Chapin Hall house is of Milwaukee brick, three stories above basement, 90xll0 feet on the ground. It contains fifty rooms, nearly all of which are large, well lighted, ventilated and elegantly furnished. It is furnished with bath rooms, barber shop, and electric bells. It has one hundred and fifty feet of verandah each on the first and second stories. The upper and lower verandah open out from the ladies' parlor. A pleasant billiard room is attached. Livery accommodations first class. Mr. Spencer, the proprietor, has had fourteen years' experience at the Vilas house and Park hotel, Madison, which will be a sufficient guaranty that Chapin Hall will be kept first class.
The Commercial hotel was built in 1875 by the present proprietor, J. C. Schneider. The main building is 26xll0 feet, three stories, with a wing of 20x88 feet, two stories. He also uses
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the upper story of the two adjoining stores. He has thirty-six rooms in first class order for guests, billiard and sample rooms connected.
The Seeley house was built and opened to the public in 1873, by I. D. Seeley. It is 30x64, three stories high, with all addition 32x28, containing fifty rooms; well patronized during the summer months.
The Tracy house was built about 1866, by Dennis Cavanaugh, who kept it until 1878, when he sold it to J. M. Tracy, the present proprietor, for the sum of $9,000.
NORTH HUDSON.
The Hudson Land and Water-power Company laid out and platted a tract of land on both sides of the Willow river at its mouth, November, 1857, said plat extending out to the channel of the lake. On the north of this plat, what is known as North Hudson was laid out and platted by D. A. and A. H. Baldwin, August, 1873. The West Wisconsin railroad was built to this point November,1871. The repair shops and round house were established at this point December, 1872. The round house will accommodate eight locomotives. The main repair shop is 60x120, with paint and other shops of different departments of the works, giving employment to one hundred and sixty men.
The North Wisconsin railroad, built by the same company, was completed to Richmond in 1872, and to Clayton the following year. The River Falls railroad was built by the St. Paul, Stillwater, and Taylor's Falls company, in 1878. The above railroads are now all under the control of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Company. The same year that the plat was laid out by the Messrs. Baldwin, D. A. Baldwin built a large hotel north of the depot, which was known as the Baldwin house, but was taken down in 1879, removed to South Hudson and used to rebuild the Chapin Hall house. The offices of the North Wisconsin railroad and the West Wisconsin railroad were built in 1875---a large three-story brick building. The North Hudson foundry was established in 1874, by Henry Orme, who has the contract for manufacturing all the castings used by the railroad company except the wheels. He gives employment to ten hands most of the time. His shop is about 40x40. He takes off a heat every day. They do a business of about $30,000 per year.
THE WILLOW RIVER VALLEY.
Willow river is so named from a grove of willows at its mouth when the first settler came into the St. Croix valley. The river rises in the towns of Forest, St. Croix county, and in Black brook, Polk county, and flows in a southwest course through the towns of Stanton, Erin Prairie, Richmond, St. Joseph and Hudson, and enters the St. Croix lake at North Hudson.
BOARDMAN.
The village of Boardman is located in the Willow River valley, in section 19, town of Richmond, one-half mile east of the river, and facing the west bank of Ten Mile creek. C. A. Boardman and Samuel Beebe were the first settlers. The village was platted and layed out by William R. Anderson, in 1864. It has one general store, two flour mills, two blacksmith shops, one shoe shop, school house, hotel, citizens' hall, etc. Ten Mile creek was so named because its confluence with Willow river is ten miles out, on the old Hudson and pinery wagon road. The creek is ten or twelve miles long, and the Union mills are there located. Paper Jack creek, another tributary of the Willow river, was so named from a lumberman of earlier days, whom his associates nick-named Paper Jack. Much lumber was cut on it, but it was soon exhausted.
The Union mills, S. L. Beebe proprietor, located on the North Wisconsin, on section 29, township of Richmond, village of Boardman, on Ten Mile creek, one and a half miles from its confluence with Willow river---was built in 1859; 30x32; three and a half stories; wing 14x24; one and a half stories; began grinding February 14th, 1860; two sets of buhrs; capacity, twenty barrels per day; one set of buhrs for feed; does custom work; ships large quantities of flour and feed up the North Wisconsin railroad to the pineries. Mr. Beebe purchased Mr. Boardman's interest in 1864. In 1869, Beebe and Boardman built a saw-mill on Willow river. Mr. Boardman sold his interest in 1873. Mr. Beebe is a practical miller, and has taken charge of both mills.
The Boardman mills, located on Willow river, Richmond township, sections 19 and 30, Wm. and
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James Johnson, proprietors, was constructed in 1876; 40x70; addition, north side, 20x50; east side, 14x40; main building, three stories, with a head of fourteen feet, and a 48-inch American turbine wheel. It has two run of stone, six sets of corrugated rollers, of which four are Stevens' patent and two of E. P. Ellis' patent; five sets of smooth rollers, with capacity of 150 barrels in twenty-four hours. Special brands manufactured by them "New Era," "Bergen," and "Our Patent," are shipped to eastern markets. They have a large cooper shop attached. W. J. Bergen, head miller.
Boardman Blacksmith Shop, Smith and Johnston proprietors, was built in May, 1879, 20x58 feet, and does a general blacksmithing business.
Boardman Store, E. H. Daniels proprietor. The building was erected by Mr. Daniels in 1876, is 24x40, two stories, ware-room 12x16, residence attached, 32x28. Mr. Daniels keeps a general store with post-office in the store; Mr. Daniels, postmaster.
Willow River Falls Store, at Burkhardt, John Trieb proprietor. The building belongs to C. Burkhardt, 24x56, two stories. He keeps a general line of merchandise; post-office held in store; name of post-office "Burkhardt," formerly "Bouchea."
Willow River Falls are located on Willow river near Burkhardt station, on the North Wisconsin railroad. They are wild and sublimely beautiful, having a descent of 78 feet, from the base of the Burkhardt mills one-half mile above, to the foot of the falls, with one perpendicular descent of eighteen feet. It is a beautiful, romantic spot, over-shadowed with impending bluffs, rock-ribbed and rough, surrounded by cyprus trees, and much visited by tourists in the summer season. The falls and surrounding land is owned by C. Burkhardt.
Willow Falls Mills, C. Burkhardt proprietor, is located on Willow river, in St. Joseph town, section 3, eighty rods above Willow river falls, one-half mile north of Burkhardt station, on the North Wisconsin railroad. The mill was erected in 1869, 51x63, four stories, frame, with addition 24x28, two American turbine wheels; head eighteen feet, with five flour buhrs, one feed buhr, two set of rollers, one set of stones for making pearl barley, the only pearl barley mill in the state; capacity of entire mill, one hundred and five barrels every twenty-four hours; brands, "Longla," "Hudson," and "Family Flour;" employing eleven men. The elevator is situated one hundred feet from the mill; 32x42, 32 feet in height, capacity 30,000 bushels; a cooper shop attached employs four to six men.
The Planing mill located one hundred and fifty feet from the mill, is operated by a wire cable from the mill.
A lumber yard is attached. The lumber is cut at Black Brook, twenty-five miles north, on the North Wisconsin railroad.
Paradise mills were built in 1854, by Messrs. Cox and Green, 36x36, one and one-half stories high, capacity sixty barrels in twenty-four hours, having three run of stone. The mills in 1864 became the property of Green and Son; in 1873 Caleb Green died, and S. G. Green became sole proprietor. In 1877 the old mills were burned and a new one was erected in 1878, 36x42, two and one-half stories and basement, addition 18x42, at a cost of $14,000. It now has three run of stone, one feed stone, with capacity of sixty barrels in twenty-four hours, employing seven men.
Robert McDiarmid, Wm. C. Scott and Thomas Hitchings, in partnership, purchased four yoke of oxen, and together on their respective claims, in the spring of 1851, broke the first land on Hudson prairie.
The first house built on the prairie was that by Wm. C. Scott, in 1850. The old frame house still stands on section 10, Hudson town. Ebenezer Quimby built the second house, located at the mouth of Paper Jack creek.
Willow River cheese factory is located on section 2, St. Joseph town three-quarters of a mile north of Burkhardt station. The building 30x50, was built May, 1880, by Daniel Lewis and Joseph Beer, capacity five hundred cows. They made the first year 26,000 pounds of cheese, all marketed at home. This was the first factory established in St. Croix county.
SCHOOLS.
School district number 1, was organized in the winter of 1856-'7, located on section 2. The first board of trustees was Joseph Bowron, director; John Durning, clerk; Daniel Lewis, treasurer; first teacher, Jessie McDiarmid.
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District number 2, was organized September, 1877, set off from district number 1; officers, James A. Newton, clerk; John Tobin, director; C. Simon, treasurer. The school-house was built in 1878, on section 19, at an expense of $490; Ann Spencer, first teacher.
School district number 4, was organized in 1853; first officers, Wm. Z. Dailey, director; W. C. Scott, treasurer; F. W. Hitchings, clerk. The school-house is located in Hudson town, northwest quarter of the north-west quarter of section 15. Present officers, H. S. Brooks, director; Robert McDiarmid, treasurer; Jacob Bork, clerk; forty scholars are on the roll. The school has a fine library for the use of the scholars and residents of the district.
School district number 1, was set off from Hudson district number 4 and organized November 18th, 1868; first officers, George Martin, clerk; William Virtue, treasurer; H. Crandall, director; first teacher, Frank Nye. The district includes six sections. The present board of officers, John Kelley, clerk; Jacob Dailey, director; Wm. Virtue, treasurer; twenty-six scholars enrolled. The school-house was built in 1869, at a cost of $800.
School district number 3, Richmond town located at the village of Boardman, was organized in 1857; first board of trustees, Ira Parke, clerk; C. A. Boardman, treasurer; S. L. Beebe, director; first teacher, Warren Libby; first session taught in the winter of 1857-'8, at the res[i]dence of Ira Park. The present school house was built in 1861, 22x28 feet, with belfry and bell; scholars enrolled, fifty or sixty. The present officers are C. A. Hall, clerk; Hiram Tool, director; G. Hurd, treasurer; teacher, Edwin Lovell.
Union Hall, at Boardman, was built in 1878 by an association of citizens of the town, composed of grangers, good templars and other citizens. Building 26x60, 16 foot posts. The present officials are A. Philip, president; Hiram Tool, treasurer; E. H. Daniels, secretary.
Farmers' Co-operative Store located at North Wisconsin railroad junction was organized January, 1878, on the Rochelle English plan, with fifty shares, par value $5.00 each, afterwards increased to 155 shares, and purchases and sells goods in the regular way on a strictly cash plan. First officers were Wm. H. Diarmid, president; F. W. Hitchings, secretary. Present officers: James S. Kelley, president; Lorenzo Crandall, secretary.
The Warren Mutual Insurance Company, organized in 1880, has its head office in Warren, but does business in several adjoining townships, doing a strictly farm business on the cooperative or assessment plan. At their last meeting it was found that they were carrying about $60,000 of risks. Annual meeting first Tuesday in January. Charles Parker, president; J. C. Searl secretary.
Martin's elevator, Geo. Martin, propietor, located at North Wisconsin Junction, was erected in 1875; building 38x40 feet and 60 feet high; capacity 20,000 bushels, handling 100,000 bushels per annum. This is a profitable enterprise for the farmers in the surrounding country, as Mr. Martin pays full price with other markets.
Pomona Grange of St. Croix county, a county organization of over 200 members, meets quarterly at the various grange halls in the county. S. J. Madison, of Pleasant Valley, master; John C. Searl, Warren, secretary.
Prairie Grange No. 203 was organized October 4th, 1873, with sixteen or eighteen charter members. The first officers were W. Hitchings, master; John Kelley, secretary; present enrollment, 65. In November, 1864, the grange purchased a vacant school-house on section 15, Hudson, with one-fourth acre of land attached, for the purpose of a hall, at a cost of $225. The building was enlarged to 32x58 feet, refitted and furnished in fine style, and has since been occupied by the grange. Regular meetings are held on the first three Saturdays and last Monday of each month. The hall is supplied with a fine library. Officers: John Hodgin, master; Miss Mary E. Pell, secretary.
CHAPTER XLI.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
J. F. Baker M. D., a native of New Hampshire, was born at Meridan in 1845. When ten years old came with his parents to Davenport, Iowa,
Page 239 BIOGRAPHICAL.
where his father has been ever since, engaged in the practice of medicine. Dr. Baker graduated at Bellevue Medical College, New York, in 1868, then practiced in Davenport until 1878. Since that year he has been a resident of Hudson.
John W. Bashford, born at Fayette, Wisconsin, in 1848, graduated from the Madison University in 1871, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar. He immediately came to Hudson and for two years practiced in partnership with J. E. Glover. Since 1876, has been alone.
Charles H. Beard, a native of Hudson, was born in 1856. In 1871 commenced to work for Nash and Beard, furniture dealers, and remained with them until 1877. Then went to Baldwin and for eight months engaged in photograph business. At the end of that time returned to Hudson and entered the firm of Moss and Beard, which continued until 1879. From May, 1879, until the fall of 1880, he worked at carpentering. Next entered the firm of T. Beard, and has since been engaged dealing in furniture.
Samuel J. Bradford was born in Paris, Kenosha county, Wisconsin, November 25th, 1852. Was raised on a farm and received an academic and commercial education. Graduated from the law department of the University of Wisconsin, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. In the fall of 1877 he was elected clerk of the circuit court of St. Croix county, and re-elected in 1879, holding that position since. Married Miss Barbara E. Ross, October 8th, 1878.
A. J. Buell, born in Germany in 1836, came to the United States in 1853, and for four years was in Rochester, New York, engaged in milling. Came to Hudson February 17th, 1866, and has been head miller in the Willow River mills since. Mr. Buell married Magdelina De Roncke, in 1867. Charles J., Cora J., Ida M., and Pearl are their children.
F. P. Catlin was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. Came to Hudson in June, 1849, commissioned by President Taylor to open the Willow River Land Office. This was the first land office in north-western Wisconsin. Mr. Catlin conducted its affairs four years. After quitting the land office he was engaged in dealing in real estate until 1866. Then spent several years traveling in this country and in Europe. From 1874 until 1878 he lived in Ripon, since then has lived in Hudson. Mr. Catlin is the youngest and only surviving one of fourteen children of one parentage, and claims to be the oldest living man whose father was in the revolutionary war. Married in 1840, to Elizabeth Du Bois of Pennsylvania. She died in 1852, leaving three children, Charles L., Frank E., and Fred. Again married again in 1857, and in 1872 lost his second wife, by whom he had one son, William W.
H. D. Champlin, a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, was born in 1840. Came to Hudson in 1858, and has since made it his home, and for thirteen years he was engaged in running a boat on the St. Croix river; the last seven years he owned the boat, which he sold in 1875. Then made a trip to Iowa, purchased a number of horses and mules, brought them to Hudson, and since has dealt in stock. In 1879 he built a fine stable, 80xl00 feet, and has since conducted it as a livery, boarding and sale stable.
Hans Christofferson was born in Norway in 1844, immigrated to this country in 1869, and settled at Janesville, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in carpenter work, then went to Depere, and was engaged as pattern-maker until the spring of 1880. He is the inventor of the threshing machine known as the "Governor," which was patented by Sullivan and Christofferson in September, 1880.
J. R. Chubbuck, a native of Oxford, Chenango county, New York, was born in 1834. He learned the moulder's trade and was engaged in the foundry business until 1856, when he came to Hudson, Wisconsin, and with a brother engaged in mercantile business. At the end of the first year they were burned out, and soon after purchased what was known as the old Packard stock. In the spring of 1880, he purchased his brother's interest and in January, 1881, moved to his present location. Mr. Chubbuck is one of the oldest settlers and merchants of Hudson.
N. H. Clapp, a native of Waitsfield, Vermont, was born in 1850, came to Pepin county, Wisconsin, in 1856, thence in 1865 to Kinnickinnic, St. Croix county. In 1870, came to Hudson, was admitted to the bar, and has since practiced here.
A. L. Clarke, of the firm of Comstock, Clarke and Company, millers, is a native of New York, born December 27th, 1844. Came to Hudson in 1869, and for one year was teller in the bank.
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Then took charge of the Willow River mills for D. A. Baldwin, and conducted it until the present firm purchased it in 1877. Mr. Clarke mar [sic] Miss Emma Louise Stowell, of Chicago. They have three children, Lulu, Frank B. and Herbert.
George DuMars Cline was born in 1850, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Came to Wisconsin with his father in 1852, and settled on a farm in La Fayette county. Attended an academy in Fayette from 1864 to 1867. In 1868, he entered the State University at Madison, graduating in 1872. Was employed as a teacher until 1875, when he became editor of the Mineral Point Tribune. In February, 1876, he purchased an interest in the True Republican, of Hudson, and has since been one of its owners and editors. Mr. Cline was superintendent of the city schools from 1877 until 1880. He was married in November, 1877, to Miss Mary Thompson, of Freeport, Illinois.
S. L. Cockburn was born in New Brunswick in 1845. Came to Hudson in 1866 and worked at blacksmithing until 1878, when he started in business for himself. Was married in June, 1873, to Miss Fostina Arey, who has borne him three children, one of whom, Jennie M., survives.
James Coggswell was born in Baytown, Washinton [sic] county, Minnesota, May 26th, 1854. Until 1861, he was part of the time in Stillwater, Minnesota, and part in Baytown. During that year his parents removed to Hudson, where they have since resided. Receiving a common school education, he entered the office of the Star and Times as an apprentice, and since that time has continuously been in newspaper business. December 1st, 1878, purchased an half interest in the True Republican, and is at present one of its editors and publishers.
John Comstock, of the First National Bank, is a native of Cayuga county, New York. Born in 1814. In 1827, removed to Michigan and engaged in milling, merchandise and building. In 1856, he removed to Hudson, and has since been interested in milling, building and banking.
C. R. Coon, a native of Colchester, Vermont; born in 1828; came to Hudson in 1856. For nineteen years was in mercantile business. In 1861, he built the first elevator in the town, and shipped the first grain from St. Croix and Pierce counties. In 1875, he disposed of his mercantile interests, and devoted his attention to the livery stable, which he had started in 1872. Mr. Coon married Miss Anna Pattee, of Milton, Vermont, in 1857. They have had three children, Calvin P. and Harriet P. are living.
R. L. Day was born at Burlington, Vermont, in 1824, came west and located in Illinois in 1849, in the fall of 1850, came to Hudson and engaged in livery business the next year. In the spring of 1855, he sold that business, and until 1862, dealt in real estate. Next turned his attention to farming until 1873. Then sold the farm and again turned his attention to real estate and live stock. In the fall of 1879, he added livery business and sold in July, 1880. In January, 1881, entered the firm of Day and Ismon in livery, boarding, and sale stable business. Mr. Day was married in 1854, to Miss Jeannette L. Allen, who died in 1855, leaving one son, George A. Married his second wife, Miss Lucy A. Treadwell in 1860.
Charles Y. Denniston was born in New York. In 1865, he came to the St. Croix Valley, and located Hudson, where he has since resided, dealing in real estate. From 1858 to 1862, he was clerk of the county board of St. Croix county. Mr. Denniston also has an office in Ellsworth, Pierce county, presided over by his son John C. Has complete sets of abstracts of both counties.
Robert Dinsmore, a native of Somerset county, Maine, born April 22d, 1838. Having received a common school and academic education, he came to Hudson in 1855, and engaged in farming until 1870. Mr. Dinsmore has held many of the town offices, and in 1878, was elected county clerk, and has held that office since, was married November 27th, 1864, to Miss Emma Bunker; Anson J. and Tena M., are their children.
W. S. Evans, a native of Wales, was born in 1829, came to the United States in 1840, settling in New York, and in 1863, came to Hudson, where he has since been in the wheat business. Has an elevator 50x90 feet, with a capacity of 22,000 bushels. Mr. Evans has for five years held the office of police justice, and for two years was chief of the fire department.
L. C. Gould, dentist, a native of London, Ohio, born in 1840, studied dentistry and practiced in his native city until 1879, when he came to Hudson, where he has since resided.
Page 241 BIOGRAPHICAL
Edward S. Graves is a native of New York, came to Wisconsin in 1854, and since 1870, has been connected with the railroad business. In 1878, he took charge of the ticket office at Hudson, and has since acted as ticket agent for all lines running through the city.
Christ. Hanson, a native of Denmark, was born in 1850. He immigrated to the United States in 1873, and three years later settled in Hudson. He married Hannah Johnson in 1877. They have one child, Walter A., born June 27th, 1879.
N. P. Hanson was born in Denmark in 1856. Immigrated to the United States in 1872, locating in Polk county, Wisconsin, where he farmed four years. After spending a year in Iowa, he came to Hudson and farmed until the fall of 1880, when he entered the employ of Sullivan and Christofferson.
Joseph H. Harrington was born in in [sic] Boston Massachusetts, May 17th, 1818. Lived there until twenty-three years of age, meanwhile having learned the tinsmith's trade. Then removed to East Boston, and worked at his trade until May, 1856, when he came to the St. Croix Valley, settling in Hudson. Worked for others until 1860, when he established a tin-shop on the corner of Vine and Fourth streets, where his store now stands. In 1861, he was the first man from Hudson to enlist, entering Company G, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. After serving three years he was honorably discharged and returned home. Mr. Harrington organized the first fire company of this city, and for a time was chief engineer of the department. Married Miss Catharine T. Perry of East Boston in 1844. Of their nine children, five are living: Catharine L., Francis E., Martha N., Lucy P. and Clara H.
Richard Hartley a native of Blackburn, Lancashire county, England, was born in 1822. He emigrated to Canada in 1853, and in 1871 settled in Michigan. In 1872 removed to Hudson, and has since been employed in the foundry and machine shops.
D. Hoffman is a native of Germany, born in 1847. In 1874, he immigrated to this country, settling in Hudson, worked as a baker until 1878, when he opened a grocery store and bakery of his own. Mr. Hoffman was married in 1874, to Miss Augusta Neman. They have three children: Emma E., Joseph D., and Mary A.
Rudolph E. Hoffmann was born in the city of Driesen, Prussia, January 23d, 1852. In 1862 he came to America with his parents, who for a short time resided in this city, then went to La Crosse, and finally removed to Michigan; where they now reside. At the age of nineteen Rudolph left home and came to Hudson. In 1871 he removed to Stillwater, and remained one year, then returned to this city, leased the St. Croix House, purchased it in 1874, and has since conducted it successfully. From 1874 until 1880 he also run [sic] a grocery. He then sold the stock, and put in a complete stock of hardware. Mr. Hoffmann married Miss Mary Schuier of Shakopee, Minnesota, in July, 1872. They are the parents of six children, all of whom are living.
Otis Hoyt, M. D., one of the oldest and best known citizens of St. Croix county, Wisconsin, was born in Sandwich, New Hampshire, December 3d, 1810. Was the son of George and Mary Hoyt. Both grandfathers, Hoyt by name, served in the revolutionary war. His father was a farmer by occupation. During his early life Otis assisted his father on the farm. At the age of fourteen he entered the academy at Fryburg, Maine, where he prepared for college. In 1829 he entered Dartmouth College, and graduated in 1833; then studied medicine for a time with Prof. Massey. Afterwards completed his course at Philadelphia, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1836. After two years practice in Mason, N. H., he removed to Farmington, Massachusetts, and practiced until 1846, at which time he entered the Mexican war as surgeon in the regular army, and remained until its close. In April, 1849, he visited Hudson, but there being no houses to live in, he went to St. Croix Falls, and spending one year, returned to Hudson, where he has resided since. At that time there were more half-breeds than whites, more log cabins than frame houses. The only white men with families were P. Aldrich, Ammah Andrews, Moses Perrin, W. R. Anderson, John A. Henning and Joseph Tyler. In 1851 Dr. Hoyt was elected to the legislature. House room being so scarce in Hudson he removed his family to Stillwater during his absence. When the doctor opened his office in Hudson in 1850,
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there was no other physician in the state within 150 miles. The nearest one being at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He often went from fifty to seventy-five miles to attend a patient. Sometimes be traveled on mule-back, sometimes on foot. He was no respecter of person, but obliged every call, whether in an Indian wigwam, or a white man's cabin. He has always had a good reputation as a physician and surgeon. In 1862 Dr. Hoyt went into the army as surgeon of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, but was on detached service most of the time. For a time he had charge of the hospital at Camp Randall, Madison. He was examining surgeon of 11,000 recruits. He was medical director at Bowling Green and Louisville, Kentucky. He was known as one of the most successful surgeons in the state. Dr. Hoyt was twice married, his wives being sisters, Misses Mary R. and Eliza B. King, of Ipswich, New Hampshire. By the first he had two children, a son and daughter. By the second wife seven children, two sons and five daughters.
Simon Hunt, a native of Camden, Maine, was born in 1826. In the spring of 1851 he came to Hudson, and for seventeen years was in the shoe trade. Then for twelve years he was in the nursery business. In the fall of 1880, he resumed his old trade. Mr. Hunt has, for the past fifteen years, taken charge of and conducted funerals in this city. He was married in 1854 to Miss Jane C. Arey, of Maine. They have had four children, Mary P. and Leonard B.
James R. Ismon, born July 24th, 1821, is a native of Essex, Essex county, New York. In 1854, he came to this city, remained one month, went to Waukesha, and, in 1855, returned to Hudson. During the summer, engaged in real estate, but returned to Waukesha in the winter, and, in 1856, brought his family to Hammond, where he erected the first saw-mill built in that town. In 1860, he sold the mill to Davis and Clapp, removed to Hudson, and has since resided here, engaged in real estate and livestock business. Besides this he is extensively interested in milling enterprises in the St. Croix Valley. He married Miss Sarah H. Hammond in 1844. They have had five children, Kate K., Susie E., Harry I., Rensselaer H. and Allie L.
Phillip B. Jewell was born at Hopkinton, Merrimac county, New Hampshire, October 25th, 1816. Lived there until 1847, then came to the St. Croix Valley, and located in St. Croix Falls, where he remained until 1851. He then moved to Hudson, and has since made it his home. He has always been an active lumberman, and is a veteran pilot of the St. Croix river. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in the Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. In 1874 he was appointed inspector of logs and lumber of the fourth district, and has since held that office. He married Hannah J. Fuller, October 21st, 1841. She died in October, 1875, leaving five children, Mary J., Hannah J., George S., Mary D and Ada M. Married Ellen C. Restiaux in October, 1878. They have one daughter, Bessie C.
S. C. Johnson, a native of Kingston, Georgia, was born in 1842. He resided at his birth-place until 1865, then came to Hudson in September, and has since made the city his home.
George V. Keech, engineer and machinist, was born at Syracuse, New York, April 30th, 1828. When twelve years of age be began the machinists' trade, subsequently beginning as an engineer. In 1844, he went to sea, and for five years followed the life of a sailor; then returned, and in 1851 again embarked. His voyages were mostly for whaling and trading, and, on his retirement from sea life, be had circumnavigated the world twice. In 1863, he went on an expedition up the Yellow river, and run the first steamer up that river. In 1858 he came to the St. Croix Valley, where he has since made his home at Hudson. Much of his time has been spent as an engineer on the western lakes and rivers. He enlisted in Company D, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, serving three years. His marriage with Miss Ellen M. Hayes took place in 1859. Clara R., Elijah B., Laura W. and Elsie are their children.
Joseph Kelly, a resident of Hudson, is a native of Canada, born in 1835. His youth was passed in his native country, and in 1854 he came to the United States, locating at Hudson. He engaged in the quiet pursuit of agriculture until 1880, when he was chosen sheriff, and now holds that position.
Thomas A. Kelly, priest of St. Patrick's church, is a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, born April 17, 1851. At the age of fifteen he began classical studies at Waterford, Ireland, and after pursu-
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ing his studies six years came to America. In 1871 he entered the St. John's Seminary, at Norfolk, Virginia, spending three years in theological studies. Coming to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1874, he finished his studies at that city, in the St. Francis Seminary, where, in March, 1875, he was ordained by Bishop Heiss. After passing three months at Prairie du Chien, he assumed charge of the St. Patrick's church and congregation at Hudson, where he has since presided.
Charles F. King was born at Buffalo, New York, September 14, 1844. While yet a babe he came west to Milwaukee, removing the next year to Waukesha county, where he resided until enlisting in the Third Regiment Wisconsin Cavalry. He served till the regiment was mustered out at Madison, November, 1865. He then went to the Kansas frontier, remaining three years. He commenced the study of medicine at the Rush Medical College, from which he graduated in 1873. Since that time he has been in active practice as a physician at Hudson. His wife was Miss Ella F. daughter of Dr. Otis Hoyt; married May 18, 1875. Lincoln, Otis and Eliza are their children.
Jacob Krapfel, deceased, was born in Bavaria 1837, and left his native country, with his parents, for the United States in 1846. His father died on the voyage across the Atlantic, but his mother proceeded direct with him to Dubuque, Iowa. Here he was reared and educated, and acquired a knowledge of saddlery and harness-making. Soon after, he established himself in the harness trade at Hudson, and until his death was very prominent in the young city. In consequence of failing health he passed two winters in the south, which seemed, however, to do little good, for on March 11th, 1880, at his brother's home in Pennsylvania, he quietly passed to his final rest. His widow, Helena Krapfel, nee Trieb, was born at Buffalo, New York, and came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1858; where she grew to maturity and completed her education. She and the late Jacob Krapfel were married at Dubuque in 1865, and came direct to Hudson. She has had four children. Nellie, who is being educated at St. Joseph's Academy, at St. Paul; Albert, at the College of the Sacred Heart at Prairie du Chien; Helena is attending school at home; one child died in infancy.
Louis Massey. The subject of this sketch is the oldest living settler in the valley of the St. Croix. He was born August 6th, 1793. There are doubts of the truth of this date, as it is doubted if he can give the date of his birth. He has called himself eighty, so the old settlers say, for the past twenty-five years. He was raised on a farm in Canada with his parents until seventeen years of age, at which date he left home, not returning until about twenty-seven years ago when he made a short visit at the old home near Montreal. His first trip from home was to Michigan, where he was employed at different trading posts for two years. He suffered great privations, owing to the fact that his employer was arrested by the American authorities and taken to Detroit. He, however, obtained his freedom, but was again captured by the Indians with all his outfit. In the fall of 1812 Mr. Massey was employed by Colonel Dickson, of the British government, as one of a crew to bring to Prairie du Chien five Mackinaw boats loaded with supplies. The boats started from Mackinaw, came to Green Bay, then up Fox river to Lake Winnebago; then up the river to where Portage City now stands. Then the boats with their contents were hauled overland to the Wisconsin river; then to Prairie du Chien, which took them three days and three nights to perform---from Portage to Prairie du Chien. They were almost starved when they reached that point, but were supplied there. The goods were presented by Colonel Dickson to the Indians as from the British government. He wore a British uniform. He next engaged to a man by the name of Sanshong who had a trading-post a short distance from St. Louis on the Illinois river. In the winter of 1813 he engaged to parties on the great river, freighting with small keel-boats, loaded with furs and lead, from St. Louis to New Orleans. On their first trip they arrived at New Orleans and spent Christmas. On their return trip they were loaded with sugar, coffee, etc. They found it hard work to row, poling and warping the keel-boats against the current of the river. In 1818 he engaged to the American Fur Company at Fond du Lac and up on Lake Superior near Duluth. He was engaged with them for ten years. During that time he was married to Peter
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Bouchea's sister. Mr. Massey is one of the few men living that before the time of steamboats navigated the Mississippi river from Sandy lake to New Orleans, except at St. Anthony's falls, where he had to make a portage. He has navigated the St. Peters river from Lac qui Parle to its mouth. From Montreal he came to the upper lakes in a birch-bark canoe. In 1828 Mr. Massey came to Fort Snelling and remained some years. He cultivated a small piece of land near the fort. He, by his gentlemanly manners, gained the confidence and esteem of the commander of that post, who rendered him assistance in removing his goods to his new home on the St. Croix in 1838. His brother-in-law, Peter Bouchea, joined him at that time. Mr. W. Steets and Joseph Sauperson, called Joe Lagrew, came in about fifteen days. The four were the first settlers at this point. To build their houses, they rafted the flooring and boards down the river from Marine. The old gentleman is quite active yet, and at the old settlers' meeting, held February 24th, 1881. he made a good deal of sport for the people by dancing a French jig.
J. S. Moffat, attorney at law, was born in 1814, in Tompkins county, New York. He was admitted to the bar in that county in 1844, then gave his attention to the mercantile trade until 1854. Removing to Hudson he was in the land office until 1857, then for twelve years held the position of police justice. He afterward held the office of county judge eight years and since 1878 has been in the practice of law.
Thomas F. Moss, Jr., photographer, is a native of Marquette county, Wisconsin, born 1855. When about eighteen years of age he went to Portage, making it his home until 1865, then went to Menomonee where he learned photography. Coming then to Hudson in 1877, he in company with C. H. Beard, opened a photograph gallery, and in 1879 he became sole proprietor of the establishment. He has all the modern facilities and does all classes of work. Married at Columbia, Wisconsin, in 1879. Edith F. is his only child.
G. S. Munson was born at Burlington, Vermont, 1844, and when a lad of ten years came to Hudson. In 1862 he was employed as clerk for the American Express Company, serving until he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, in 1864. Returning to Hudson he pursued agriculture two years then re-entered the employ of the American Express Company as clerk; subsequently taking as partner Z. Platt, being dealers in farm machinery and insurance and express agents. His partner died in 1880, since which time Mr. Munson has continued alone. His wife was Amelia A. Wilcox, married 1871. Francis and Richmond are their children.
Oliver H. P. Olds was born at Springfield, Ohio, in 1824. His father, Marcus Olds, was the first white child born west of the Genessee river, New York. Oliver lived with his father until twenty-three years of age. At the age of eleven he learned the trade of broom making, and engaged in it in his native state, Canada and Indiana. In 1853 he entered a tract of land in Troy township in the St. Croix Valley, on which be settled two years later. After twelve years on the farm, be removed to Hudson, erected a factory, and has since carried on an extensive business in broom-making, completing the first brooms made in this county. He makes about twelve hundred dozen brooms per year. Married, in 1856, Miss Elizabeth S. Moore, a native of England. They have had ten children, only four of whom are living.
A. H. Otis was born in New Hampshire in 1828. On attaining majority be removed to Beloit, Wisconsin, and engaged in manufacturing the Beloit reapers until 1869, then came to Hudson, and is now manufacturing wagons, buggies, etc. He has been twice married, his first wife dying in 1865, leaving one child, Jennie L. His present wife was Miss Mary T. Bell. Their children are, Frank E. and Ada E.
George W. Page is a native of Hudson, born May 27th, 1848. His sister Abagail was the first white child born here. George has been a life-long resident of Hudson, and since boyhood has been in the lumbering business until 1876, when be opened a billiard hall and saloon.
Horace A. Taylor, son of Rev. Adolphus Taylor, was born at Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, New York, May 24th, 1838. When five years old his father died, leaving him at Madrid, with his brother-in-law, where he remained five years. When a lad of ten years, he came to Illinois and passed three years on a farm. In 1851, be re-
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moved to Pierce county, Wisconsin, on the present site of River Falls. He then returned east and spent four years in farming. Soon after he established the first stage line between Hudson and Prescott. In 1855 he, in company with a brother, established the River Falls Journal, and five years later, sold his interest and purchased the Hudson Chronicle and changed the name to the Hudson Times. Four years later he consolidated it with the North Star, giving the new paper the name of the Star and Times, which name it still retains. He has also been connected with other papers, but still retains his interest in the Star and Times, having sold one-half interest to B. J. Price, in 1879. Mr. Taylor was appointed state agent of the railroad lands, and has been largely interested in real estate a number of years, owning several thousand acres in northern Wisconsin. In 1860 he married Miss Lizzie Madden, of Chicago. They have had three children.
Dwight Silliman was born at Salisbury, New York, in 1839. Graduated from the University of New York, in 1866, and there practiced his profession one year, thence to Saratoga Springs and practiced one year. After remaining one year in Minneapolis, he came to Hudson in 1879, where he has since made his home.
S. C. Simonds was born at Hooksitt, New Hampshire in 1831. When eleven years old, he accompanied his parents to Norwich, Vermont, and prepared himself by attending the Academy, for the Norwich University, from which he graduated at the age of twenty-one years. In 1853, he removed west and located at Hudson; here he engaged in teaching school, and in 1854, was appointed deputy clerk of the circuit court of St. Croix county. During the fall of 1855, he was appointed deputy register of deeds, which office he held one year, in the meantime reading law with Messrs. Gray and Humphrey; was admitted to the bar in 1856. He was elected to the office of clerk of circuit court in 1869 for two years, and re-elected in 1872. During the spring of 1877, was chosen county judge. His wife was Miss M. C. Bloomer, married in 1860. Irvine C., William B. and Martin H. are their children.
John C. Spooner was born at Lawrenceburgh, Indiana, in 1843. His profession is that of a lawyer. Coming to Wisconsin in 1870, he located at Hudson. In 1872, was made general solicitor for the West Wisconsin Railroad Company, and in 1878, general solicitor for the Chicago, St. Paul and Milwaukee Railway; in 1880, general solicitor for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Company.
George B. Strong, deputy county surveyor, was born at Waltham, Addison county, Vermont, December 29th, 1819. He grew to manhood in his native place and acquired his education. In 1841 he came west to Illinois, and in 1846 enlisted, serving one year in the Mexican war. In 1843 came to Wisconsin, and has since made this state his home. At the beginning of the late civil war he enlisted in the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, C. C. Washburn in command, serving until his discharge in August, 1866, having the rank of second lieutenant. He has since made his home in Wisconsin, and for ten years he was county surveyor, and at present is deputy. In 1865 he was elected member of the Wisconsin assembly, and held that position one term. He is now living at Baldwin, St. Croix county.
Michael Sullivan was born in Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, 1852. He moved to Lake Superior in 1872, working at the carpenter trade four years. Thence to De Pere and engaged in the manufacture of farm machinery until 1880. Coming to Hudson that year he, with H. Christofferson, patented the threshing machine known as the "Wisconsin Governor."
John Van Meter, a resident of Hudson, first located at this place in 1852; was on the river until 1861; then enlisted in the Fourth Wisconsin, serving a term of five years. After his return to civil life, and to his home, began the carpenters' trade, and has since continued in that business. His wife was Mary Kennedy, of Hudson; married 1867. They are the parents of four children, the living are Warren W. and Laura N.
William Whewell was born in the parish of Glossop, county of Derbyshire, England, February 5th, 1827; was first employed for several years in the Dinting Vale print works of Edmond Potter and Company. June 29th. 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss B. Hollingworth, and came to America in 1855. They located first in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and in 1860 removed to St. Croix county, opening a farm in what is now Baldwin. Here he resided as a
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tiller of the soil until December, 1878, removing at that time to Hudson. He was chosen county treasurer in 1879, and re-elected in 1880.
J. H. Williams is a native of the Emerald Isle, but, when yet a child, in 1855, came to make his home in the United States, locating in Oneida county. New York. In 1863 he came westward to St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, remaining until 1875 then removed to Hudson. Starting in the manufacturing of carriages; he has continued until the present, his annual business increasing from one thousand to ten thousand dollars.
G. W. Willis was born at Hampton, Washington county, New York, 1831. April 1st, 1875, he removed to Hudson, and April 4th was elected by the council, engineer of fire department, and was subsequently appointed chief of police, which position he has since held. In 1878, Mr. Willis laid three thousand feet of water pipe for the purpose of street sprinkling, the pipe being tapped every seventy-five feet. This is a private enterprise, and in every way a laudable one. In 1851, he married Miss Catherine Hills, who died in 1869, leaving four children. His present wife was Addie L. Loughery, married in 1875. They have one child.
L. Yoerg, a native of Germany, was born in 1845. At the age of thirteen, he came to America, locating at St. Paul, Minnesota, which place was his home until his removal to Stillwater in 1867. Three years later, he became a resident of Hudson where he has since made his home. During the civil war he served three years in the Fifth Minnesota Regiment. In 1867 his marriage with Paulina Lewerer took place. Their only child living is Joseph.
Theo. F. Young was born at Newark, New Jersey, in 1845. When a lad of eleven years, he came west to Lakeland, Washington county, Minnesota, and to Troy, Wisconsin, in 1860. In 1864, he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Wisconsin Regiment and served one year, then returned to Troy, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until January, 1881. He was elected register of deeds in the fall of 1880, and is now occupying that position.
TOWN OF HUDSON.
Samuel J. Coit was born in Norwich, Connecticut, December 8th, 1834. He grew to manhood receiving a good common education. In 1853 he came to St. Croix Valley, where he took a claim of 160 acres in Hudson township, to which he added by purchase and now owns 400 acres of fine land. In 1864 he was married at Delphi, Indiana, to Miss Francis Olds. Francis R. and Clyde W. are their children.
John Kelley, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, was born in 1826. When he was three years of age his parents brought him to Quebec, settling in Cornwall, where he grew to manhood, receiving a fair education. In 1850 he came to the St. Croix Valley and for a time stopped at Hudson, where he worked for a time in the mills. In 1851 he helped build the residence of W. W. Scott, the first house built on Hudson prairie. In 1853 he pre-empted 160 acres of land, where he now resides. Mr. Kelley was married February 29th, 1852, at Hudson, to Miss Jane McCutcheon, a native of Ireland. They have had seven children, four of whom are living: Jameseanna, Edith E., Mary J. and Isabella H.
Lloyd Garrison Greene, was born in Cumberland county, Ohio, January 23d, 1847. When he was four years of age his parents moved west, stopping at Hudson, Wisconsin, where he received his education and learned the trade of miller. At the death of his father in 1873 he became sole proprietor of the Paradise mills. In 1867 Mr. Green was married to Miss Adelle Rogers of River Falls. They have two children, Minnie B. and Ada.
Caleb Greene, deceased, was born in 1795, at Providence, Rhode Island. At an early age emigrated to the "Western Reserve," Ohio, where he was pastor of the Baptist church and carried on farming until 1851. Came to Hudson in 1854 and with Mr. Cox erected the Paradise mill. Here he lived until his death in 1873, and was prominent in the business affairs of the valley. His wife was Miss Sarah Westcott, who was born in Massachusetts in 1807 and died in 1858 at Hudson.
George Martin, a native of Steuben county, New York, was born in 1838. When he was but six years of age his father removed to Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1852 came to Hudson. Being an only child, George has had rare educational advantages, and took a collegiate course. After completing his education, he was for a
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time engaged in business in Hudson, but soon concluded to turn his attention to farming. He has a fine farm of seven hundred acres in Hudson township, and is an extensive stock-raiser. During the year 1880, he spent ten thousand dollars in purchasing improved stock. He also owns the elevator at North Wisconsin Junction. He married Miss Anna Ansley, at Hudson, in 1861.
William Martin, father of George Martin, was born in Vermont, in 1800. In early life he settled in Steuben county, New York, where his son was born. In 1851 he came to St. Croix Valley, which has since been his home. He now lives, at an advanced age, with his son.
William McCutcheon, a native of Ireland, was born March 23d, 1824. He was educated in his native country, and in 1846, came to America, landing at Montreal, Canada. In 1850, he came to Hudson, and until 1853 was employed in the mills at Hudson. He then commenced farming. In 1858, he sold out his interests here and sailed for Australia, embarking at New York. After spending two years there, he embarked at Sidney, for home. Upon arriving here he bought his present farm, and has since been occupied in agriculture. May 12th, 1868, he married Miss Mary A. Hodgin. They have two children: Anna S., and William Henry.
William H. McDurand, a native of New Brunswick, was born in 1830. In 1850, he immigrated to the St. Croix Valley. For a number of years he was engaged in lumbering at Hudson. In 1853, he pre-empted a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Hudson township. Since then he has added to the original claim by purchase, and now owns a finely improved farm of five hundred and ninety acres. In 1862 he enlisted in company D, Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry, and served until 1865. He married Miss Laura Rabold, in December, 1865. They have five children: Kate, Mary, Henry, Roy, and Donald.
ST. JOSEPH.
Julius Beer was born in Saxony in 1843. When he was eleven years of age his parents brought him to the United States, and settled in Cook county, near Chicago, Illinois. In 1869 he came to St. Croix county, and has since resided here, and now owns a fine farm of two hundred acres. He is a member of the firm of Lewis and Beers, proprietors of the Willow River cheese factory. In October, 1867, Mr. Beers married Miss Ellen Thake, of Cook county, Illinois. Frank, William, Albert and Edward are their children.
Christian Burkhardt was born near Baden-Baden, Germany, September 26th, 1834. Here he acquired an education, and learned the trade of mill-wright. In 1854 he came to this country, worked in various places, and in 1858 returned home, and in 1859 again came to America and was engaged in different parts of the north-west until 1868, when he removed his family to St. Croix county, and has since resided here. Mr. Burkhardt owns four hundred and eighty acres of land along the Willow river, including the famous falls where Bowron's mill was built. He was married in 1862, to Miss Ernestine Beer, of Chicago, Illinois. They have eight children, Louisa, Frank, Emma, Bertie, Augusta. Ida, Lina and Elfrida.
Wilhelm Dreschler, a native of Germany, was born November 29th, 1834. In 1854 he came to the United States, and for about four years was in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. In 1857 he came to Stillwater, and for twelve years was employed in lumbering on the St. Croix river. For five years he ran a ferry between Stillwater and St. Joseph, where, in 1878, he purchased forty-six acres of land and built Wilhelm Heights, a fine two-story house. In connection with his hotel, Mr. Dreschler also is interested in farming.
John Durning was born in Donegal, Ireland, May 1st, 1811. In 1840 he immigrated to the United States, and for two years lived in Philadelphia, then removed to Galena, Illinois, where remained until 1851, employed in carpenter work. In 1851 he came to St. Croix county, and commenced work on the construction of Bowron's mill. In a short time he acquired by entry and purchase a large tract of land, and now owns an even section on which his residence is situated. He was married in Galena, Illinois, in 1845. His wife died of cholera in 1850. In 1851 he married Miss Ann Donnelly, of Galena. James, Joseph, Charles and Henry are their children.
Thomas Haggarty, a native of Houlton, Aroostook county, Maine, was born in 1845. In 1868 he went to Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and. resided four years; then came to Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1872, and for the next two years was
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interested in lumbering on the St. Croix river. In 1877 he began mercantile business in St. Joseph, and has a fine residence adjoining his store.
William C. Hanson was born in St. Stephens, New Brunswick, May 22d, 1841, and while yet a child came, with his parents, to Lincoln city, Maine. When sixteen years of age he went to Hamden, New York, and commenced learning the carpenters' trade. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twelfth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and served until in August, 1864. After a visit to his home he again enlisted and served to the close of the war. After working at his trade in Maine until 1872, went to Nebraska and resided there two years. In 1874 he came to Stillwater, Minnesota, and in 1876, to St. Joseph, where he has built a shop, and manufactures sash, doors, blinds and all kinds of building materials.
Oluf M. Juell was born in Norway, November 3d, 1844. Having learned the machinists' trade in his native country, he immigrated to America in 1864. For about seven years he engaged in farming in Burnett county, Wisconsin; then, in 1871, went to Stillwater and worked on a farm. In 1877 he came to St. Joseph, and has since conducted a blacksmith shop. Married Miss Hannah Christopherson, of Gransburg, July 31st, 1870. They have had seven children, three of whom are living.
Daniel Lewis was born near Swansea, Wales, August 25th, 1821. In 1850 he came to America, and located at Green Bay, Wisconsin. After lumbering four years, he came to St. Croix county, and during that year bought and located two hundred and ninety acres of land. For six years he was employed in lumbering on the St. Croix. Since 1860 he has given his attention to farming. He is also senior member of the firm of Lewis and Beers; married in 1860 Miss Catherine Welch, of St. Joseph. They have six children, Hannah, Margaret, Evan, David, May and Elizabeth.
Alexander McMillan was born in Canada West, where he lived until eighteen years old, then came to Michigan, and for two years was engaged in lumbering. He passed some time at La Crosse, and came to Stillwater in 1867. For seven years was lumbering on the St. Croix river, most of the time for Thomas Dunn. In 1874, went to Frazier's river, British Columbia, and worked four months for Wm. Moody. He then returned to Stillwater and was in the lumber business until 1880, when he established his business in St. Joseph township, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, opposite Stillwater.
Griffith Roberts, a native of Wales, was born in 1825. Came to the United States in 1849, and proceeded directly to Manistee, Michigan. In 1851, came to the St. Croix Valley, and located a claim, the site of his present farm. Until 1856, he engaged in logging on the head waters of the St. Croix, then began to make permanent improvements on his farm. As there was no market for wheat, the product of two years remained stored in his granary. In 1851, Joseph Bowron began building his mill, which was a noted place in early days. Mr. Roberts now owns two hundred acres of land on section 10, near Burkhardt station on the North Wisconsin railway. He has held the offices of town supervisor, treasurer, school offices, etc. In May, 1862, he was married to Elizabeth Heath, of St. Joseph. They have two children, Ann and Emma. Two boys and three girls died young.
Nicholas Schenk, head-miller at the Willow River Falls mills, was born in Prussia, in 1853. In 1872, he left his native country, and after landing in New York, came to Chicago, where he remained four months, then engaged in a mill in Walworth county, Wisconsin. After a stay of nearly three years, he went to Kingston, Minnesota, thence to Long Lake, still engaged in milling, then to the Willow River mills for one and one-half years. Then one year in Minneapolis, after which he returned to the employ of Mr. Burkhardt as head-miller.
Michael J. Smith, proprietor of the Burkhardt House, was born in Buffalo, New York, March 30th, 1852. When eighteen years old he accompanied his parents to Dubuque, Iowa, where he learned the trade of chair-maker. In 1879 came to Burkhardt and engaged in mercantile business until 1880 when he opened the hotel he now conducts. It is a neat house of ten rooms. October 12th, 1875, he married Celia Stolz of Dubuque, Iowa. They are the parents of two children, John and Emma.
John Tobin, deceased, was one of the pioneers of the St. Croix valley, having entered it as early
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as 1842. He was born in Ireland in 1818. His father died and at twelve years of age an uncle brought him to this country. In 1842 he came to the St. Croix and engaged in lumbering, making his headquarters at Stillwater. In 1853 he came to Bowron's mill and two years later located on what is now section 36, St. Joseph township. At the time of his death, January 22d, 1880, he was the owner of 340 acres of land. He held all the prominent town offices and was universally respected. His widow, Mary Jane Tobin, was born in Madison county, Illinois, and in 1848 was married and came with her husband to this county. She is still living at the old home. They had twelve children, seven of whom are now living.
William Trieb, merchant at Burkhardt was born in Buffalo, New York, June 26th, 1847. At the age of ten, moved with his parents to Dubuque, Iowa, and there grew to manhood learning the trade of turner. In 1875 came to Hudson and spent the summer. The following year, did the same, and in 1877 opened his store at Burkhardt, where he has since lived. He is deputy postmaster and has charge of the business of the office, which is located in his store. Married in 1877, Clara Schilling of Dubuque, Iowa. They have two children, Helen and George.
RICHMOND.
Samuel L. Beebe was born in Delaware county, New York, September 23d, 1830. There he received a fair education and learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty he came to Janesville, Wisconsin, and two years later arrived at Hudson, May 23d, 1852. On his arrival, proceeded to Boardman's mill, then in process of erection, and worked there until its completion. In 1853, he pre-empted a claim on section nineteen, and built the first shanty put up on "Ten Mile" creek. He was then engaged in working at his trade in different localities until 1857, when he, in company with C. H. Boardman, built the present hotel at Boardman, which they occupied three years. In 1859 they built the Union mills. His present residence was erected in 1818. Mr. Beebe has been active in opening and promoting the interests of the Willow river country, and has held several offices in the town. He was married in 1858 to Jane E. Spears, a native of Canada. They have eight children, four boys and four girls.
Samuel W. Beebe, deceased, one of the pioneer farmers of the Upper Willow river country, was born in Delaware county, New York, in 1801. Immigrated to Wisconsin in 1848, locating in Walworth county, where he remained until 1856, when he brought his family by team overland to St. Croix county. He pre-empted a large farm on section thirty-three, Cylon township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1876. His wife was Cornelia Ellis, who was born in Delaware county, New York, in 1808. She died in Cylon, in 1859. They had thirteen children, ten of whom reached maturity.
Francis H. Boardman was born at Norwich, Connecticut, in 1832. He completed a course of study at the Randolph Centre Academy, and in 1855 came west, and located at Hudson. The year following he spent in the pineries, and in 1856 located at Boardman. In 1865 he began mercantile business, being the first merchant in the town, and followed the business for about thirteen years, since which time real estate has claimed his attention. The village and post-office of Boardman, was named after himself and brother. In 1870, at Hudson, he was married to Isabella Spence. They have three children living, Ernest N., Lillie M. and Francis. Mary Edith died at the age of two years.
William Johnston was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1831, and there grew to manhood. When twenty-four years old, he came to the United States and settled in the St. Croix Valley; has since lived in St. Croix county, where he has been engaged in agriculture principally, engaging also in lumbering. In 1875, he, in company with his brother James, built the Boardman mills, and has since been, the active manager, his brother devoting most of his time to lumbering They have a large interest in the saw-mill at New Richmond. Mr. Johnston was married in 1873 to Miss Fannie Starkweather. They have one child, Frederick.
James Johnston, brother and partner of William Johnston, was born in Ontario, in 1837, and has followed the fortunes of his older brother during the greater part of his business life. He is unmarried.
William Johnston, Jr., was born in Ontario, Canada, January 25th, 1856. In 1878 he came to Northfield, Minnesota, and after a brief stay
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there and at Faribault, came to New Richmond. After one season in the pineries he located at Boardman, and began business in partnership with James Smith, which still continues.
James O. Smith, a native of Maine, was born March 16th, 1854. When a child, his parents removed to Nova Scotia. He left the provinces in 1869, and went to Boston, Massachusetts, then to Dunn county, Wisconsin, and remained there one year. Since then he has been a resident at Boardman, and is now a member of the firm of Smith and Johnston.
William J. Virgil, head-miller at the Boardman mills, is a native of England, born October 20th, 1844. He learned the trade of miller in England and came to the United States in 1865. Engaged at his trade in various places in Ohio and Michigan, and came to Minnesota, and started the Manannah mills in Meeker county. Thence to Minneapolis, thence to Hudson, Wisconsin, and at the opening of the Boardman mills took charge of them and has since filled the position to the entire satisfaction of his employers. He is thoroughly versed in milling, and understands the roller system of manufacturing flour. Was married in 1868, at Greenville, Michigan, to Arestia Goodsell. They have two children: Gracie and Claudie Bell.
(History of Pierce County begins here.)
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