McAllister

E. H. McAllister, the genial proprietor and manager of the Commercial Hotel, Baldwins leading hostelry, was born in Coxsackie, Green county, N.Y., April 3, 1857, a son of Charles E. and Harriet (Roberts) McAllister, natives of New York state. The father was born in Stuyvesant, Columbia county, December 2, 1830, and the mother in Flat Bush, Green county, January 22, 1831. The former went to sea when but eight years of age and continued to sail the brine until 1905, when he left his position, as captain of a big boat, and took up his residence in a beautiful home at Albany, N.Y., where he and his wife live at the present time. They had four children. E. H., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest. John W. died in infancy. Charles E., Jr., is secretary of the E. W. Howell Coal Company, of Albany, N.Y. He married Louise Foster, daughter of Captain H. Foster, of Albany, and had three children: Lena, Lucy and a child which died in infancy. William is a physician living at Albany. He is still unmarried. E. H. studied under private tutors and attended private schools. He studied for the bar, and was prepared to be admitted to practice when he changed his plans and took up work as a traveling salesman, which he followed with maked success for twenty-one years. In all that time he worked for but two companies, the famous Austin, Nicholas Co., of New York, and the E. C. Harley Company, of Dayton, Ohio. In pursuing the work of salesman he made hundreds of friends, and today he numbers among his acquaintances thousands of hotel and traveling men, with whom he has come in contact in various parts of the country on his numerous trips as a salesman. In 1905 he decided to settle down. Coming to Baldwin he purchased the Commercial Hotel, and has since conducted a first class traveling mens hotel, with comfortable rooms and good table, together with excellent service. Mr. McAllisters own pleasing personality has no small share in the success that he has achieved. To know him is to like him, and in every way he deserves a title, "jolly good fellow," being at the same time, however, a keen business man. He is a good citizen, a good man, a big hearted companion and thoroughly honest and upright. He is a Republican, but has never sought public office. In 1908 his friends elected him a justice of the peace, but he refused to qualify. Mr. McAllister is unmarried and attends the Episcopal Church. He belongs to the Woodmen at Baldwin, the Maccabees at Waterloo, Ia.; the A.O.F. at Jersy City, N.J., and the I.C.M.A., of Chicago. His Masonic affiliations consist of membership in the following named convocations: Marion, Ia., Lodge No.6; St. Croix Chapter No.44, Hudson Wis., and St. Croix Commander No. 14, also of Hudson. In all of these societies he is popular and well liked. It is interesting to note that Mr. McAllister is a lineal descendant of Captain Coo, the navigator, and great-grandson of Captain Hurd, of New London, Conn., who covered his heroic name with glory during the Revolution, being one of the gallant Connecticut Minute Men.

(taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

McFetridge

William McFetridge is a native of London Day, Ireland, born February 17, 1845, son of James and Mary McFetridge. The father brought his wife to America in 1851, landing first in New York city and then staying in Pennsylvania, lumbering, for three years. They came to Wisconsin, May 1855. William was one of their six children. Margaret married Hiram Jacobs, a farmer and lumberman. Jane, a schoolteacher, died in 1867. Anna, a schoolteacher, lives at the present time with William, who was the fourth child. May married Alexander W. Beal, a retired farmer. James married Margaret Carroll and lives on a farm in Richmond township, Wisconsin. William received a common school education and left school to join the Union army. He served in Company G, fiftieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Clemment and Col. J. G. Clark. The company was used as a reserve in Kansas and Dakota for eighteen months and then purchased forty acres in Richmond Township and lived there nine years until 1876, when he bought 160 acres more and broke and developed the land, making all improvements. Mr. McFetridge was married, December 3, 1890, to Celia A., daughter of George and Betsy Frissell. She was one of a family of eight. John Frissell, her brother, born 1851, township of St. Joseph, was the first white child born between Hudson and Superior, Wis. The father was a justice of the peace at New Richmond for several years, and also at Cumberland, Wis., two terms. Mr. and Mrs. McFetridge have four children. In 1899 Mr. McFetridge sold 160 acres and bought forty acres near the city line of New Richmond and moved there in March of that year. Mr. McFetridge is an independent voter. He belongs to Richmond Lodge, No 216, I. O. O. F., and the family worships at the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches. Mr. McFetridge is a strong believer in education and does what he can to advance its interests.

Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

William S. McHenry was born in Ontario, Canada, August 10, 1861, son of John and Sarah (Leverdy) McHenry, of Belfast, Ireland. In early life, John McHenry was a sailor and then he worked twenty-two years at lumbering in Canada. He came to St. Croix county in 1865, and May 20 of that year bought 320 acres of land, upon which he farmed until 1886, when he moved to New Richmond, Wis., and spent his days in retirement until his death, August 6, 1896. William S. received a common school education at the schools of Richmond, Wis., and then farmed it with his father for seven years. Then he went south, and for three and a half years he was a sheep ranger at Eagle Pass, the point of entry between Texas and Mexico. After this he returned to Richmond Township and traded his fathers farm for the farm upon which he lives at present. Upon this farm he built a house and barns, and made all improvements. He carries on a general diversified farming. Mr. McHenry was married June 2, 1891, to Mary Agnes Hogan, daughter of Philip and Katherine (Kavanaugh) Hogan. Her father was one of the early settlers and lives in this section during the latter years of his life until his death, in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. McHenry have five children. Agnes and Katherine are at the New Richmond High school, Irene and Grace attend the lower grades and Robert, twin brother of Grace, died in infancy. Mr. McHenry has been treasurer of the school board sixteen years, and served as town treasurer of the school board sixteen years, and served as town treasurer one term. He is an independent voter, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Catholic Order of Foresters. The family worships at the Catholic Church. Mr. McHenry takes great pride in his farm and works early and late to keep it in its present state of perfection. He is well thought of by all his neighbors and the family is also well regarded throughout the township. Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

McIlroy

Robert McIlroy, son of John and Elizabeth (Kennedy) McIlroy, was born in Ireland, June 14, 1818, of Scotch parentage. He moved to Glasgow, Scotland, in 1831, serving five years apprenticeship in the provision and grocery trade from 1834 to 1839. From 1839 to 1847 he was in business, coming to America April 29, 1847. He began his manufacturing career in North Andover, Mass., in that year, and later became superintendent of the Norway Plains Company, of Rochester, N. H. He spent the year 1853 in Hyde Park, Mass., building and purchasing machines and starting the manufacture of woolen mills. Returning to Rochester, N. H., and later the Winthrop woolen mills in Maine. He continued in his business until he moved to his present location in Warren Township in the 70s conducting general farming operations and stock raising until he was too old for active work. Although now over ninety years of age, he is still secretary of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and writes insurance for that organization. This activity at his advanced age, while unusual, when looked at from an ordinary standpoint, is not uncommon in his family, his father having lived to be over ninety-nine and his grandfather of 100 years old. Mr. McIlroy now owns 160 acres of well improved land about one mile from the village of Roberts, and also some fine property in Duluth, Minn. He was married in 1840 to Frances Castle-Franc Burges, who died in the East, leaving two children: Mary Ann and Elizabeth. For his second wife he married Sarah Brierley, daughter of Edmond S. Brierley, of English descent. Ten children have blessed this union: John R., Edmond S., William H., Frank T., James C., Josiah N., Titus (deceased), Frances, Alice and Louise. Mr. McIlroy is a Republican in politics, a Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Although far beyond the usual span of mans existence, he is well informed and in the possession of his faculties, having an acuteness of judgment that might well be envied by many men still in the prime of life.

Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

McMullen

Edward McMullen, for nine years chairman of the town of Emerald, is a progressive man who believes in thoroughness and impartiality in the management of township affairs. In the farming business he has achieved success and is looked up to as an honest, upright and able man by all who know him. He was born in Canada, Septmeber 17, 1834, son of John and Vina (Burns) McMullen, natives of Ireland who came to Canada in the early days and spent the remainder of their lives there. Edward received a good education in the common schools of Canada and also in the state of New York. He followed the business of farming for six years in New York State during his early manhood and then located in Emerald in 1864. For four years he worked a farm on shares, after which he purchased eighty acres, which he broke and improved, now carrying on diversified farming, raising grains, vegetables, hay, live stock and fowls. His farm buildings are neat and well kept and in 1907 he erected a beautiful home at a cost of $2,000. In this home, which is well furnished and well supplied with books, Mr. McMullen and his family now reside. He was married April 5, 1855, to Catherine Kennedy, of County Clair, Ireland, daughter of Michael and Mary Kennedy. Her father died while coming to this country on a steamship. Mr. and Mrs. McMullen have seven children. John was born June 11, and is now a photographer in Burns, Ore.; Thomas P. was born January 29, 1858, and is now prospecting in the gold fields of Alaska. He married Annie McGovern. Edward, born April 5, 1860, is also in Alaska, as is Michael, who was born October 29, 1862. Mathew, born April 24, 1864, is in the meat business in California. He married Annie Martin. Peter, born June 29, 1871, lives at home, and Winnie, born February 24, 1874, married James Lavell, of Erin township, Wis. Mr. McMullen has been school treasurer for six years. He is a Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church, having been a hard working and conscientious man all his life. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Arthur J. Mackin, son of L. M. and Betsy (Fuller) Mackin, was born July 4, 1854, at Kinnickinnic, St. Croix County, Wis. L. M. Mackin learned the carriage-makers trade in New York State. He lived for a time in North Madison, Lake County, Ohio, before coming here. The eighty acres, which he originally purchased at Hudson, he treaded for 160 acres at Kinnickinnic. This he traded later for 160 acres at Richmond, where he followed farming until his death, September 31, 1907. He was an assessor and a member of the town and school boards. Arthur J. Mackin attended the public schools and then worked on his fathers farm until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1881, in partnership with F. P. Davis, he bought 200 acres, which they developed together. After raising what for six or seven years they sold this property, and in the early 90s purchased the 200 acres where Mr. Mackin now resides. Their best crop is flax, but they also raise oats, wheat, barley, corn and rye. They breed grade Jerseys, shorthorn cattle, and Plymouth Rock fowls. At the present time a barn, valued at $2,500 is in the course of construction. Mr. Mackin is the third partner in the general store at Boardman, under the firm name of Spence, Davis & Co. He was married, September 3, 1879, to Ida E., the oldest of the nine children of Samuel L. and Jane E. (Spence) Beebe. Her father served as assessor for a number of years and was a member of the town and school boards. He lived until June 14, 1905. His wife died April 9, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Mackin have had six children: Avis B., died at the age of nine; Samuel L., a graduate of the Hamline university, is engaged in teaching; Bessie A. died at two years; Ida E. is a senior at the New Richmond High school, and James Arthur and John Howard are students at the same institution. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Mackin is also connected with the I. O. O. F. and the Woodmen. He is an exponent of education and one of Boardmans leading citizens. Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

P. J. Maguire, a well-known farmer of Stanton, St. Croix County, Wis., was born in Canada in June, 1854. His parents Henry and Anna (Foley) Maguire, were born in County Armagh, Ireland, and came to Canada in the early days, where the father followed his profession of carpenter. They came to Hudson, Wis., in 1864. After a stay of six months they moved to Stanton Township in 1865 and took up eighty acres of homestead land. To this in 1866 they added 240 more, improving this land and erecting buildings. Later they moved to Stanton Station, in the same township, and followed farming until the fathers death, September 22, 1877. P. J. Maguire received a good education in the public schools and then worked on the farm with his father. Since his fathers death he has added forty adjoining acres to the old homestead. Until 1888 he raised wheat with considerable success and then he went into oat raising. He now carries on general farming. Success has followed all his efforts and his farm shows prosperity and hard work. Mr. Maguire has never married, but has his sister, May, to keep house for him. The neatness and good taste shown about the house speaks well for her excellence in this capacity. Mr. Maguire is a Democrat and attends the Catholic Church. Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

Patrick Malony, Jr., was born in County Mayo, Ireland, son of Patrick, Sr., and Ann (Pardon) Malony. Patrick, Sr., spent ten years in this country in the early days. He located in Canada in 1847 and after three years there he went to Virginia and worked on the Baltimore railroad seven years. Then he returned to his native land, and died in 1868. The same year that his father died Patrick, Jr., came to St. Croix county and worked at lumbering throughout the valley the next ten years. Deciding to become a farmer in 1882, he purchased 160 acres in Stanton Township and devoted his life to their improvement. He found the place almost a wilderness, but in a few years under his patient and hard labor the farm reached a stage of high development, and a pleasant house and large barns testified to his prosperity. The acres now bloom with wheat, oats and barley, and furnish pasturage for shorthorn cattle and Poland China and Berkshire hogs. In 1875 Mr. Malony married Ellen, daughter of Martin and Kate (Lally) Dickson, prominent residents of Broadhead, Wis. This union has been blessed with ten children: Martin, married to Mary Forman, is now the New Richmond chief of police; Kate married Hank Conway, a contractor at Superior, this state; Patrick works on his fathers far; Mary married Richard Cashman, a Warren farmer, and Ann, Thomas, Ellen and John are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Malony have striven to give their children a good education, and the entire family is well thought of throughout the community. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Martin

George Martin has a record of continual residence upon one farm since 1860. He was a boy of thirteen years of age when, in 1852, his parents, William and Emelie Martin decided to leave Steuben county, in New York State, and locate in Wisconsin. His parents took up school land and started farming. After several years they abandoned this work and went to live with George, who was their only child. George Martin has brought his 400 acres of land to a high stage of cultivation. At one time he was known for forty miles around as an extensive buyer of grain, Stock, cattle and hogs. To him belongs the distinction of having fenced the railroad from the lakes to Baldwin. In 1860 he was married to Margaret M. Ainsley, whose parents came from Geneva, N. Y., in 1853, and conducted agricultural operations until the time of their death. Mrs. Martin died in 1903. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Matthews

Ernest Matthews was born in Germany, May 31, 1848. His father, Gotlieb Matthews, came to the United States in 1856, locating first at Milwaukee, Wis. Two years later he came to St. Croix County and located in Cylon Township. He took up a piece of land, which he continued to work until his death. Four of his eight children are now alive, all being honored and respected people in every respect. Ernest worked on the farm with his father and attended the public schools in his native land and in this state. He later took up work for himself. He now owns 160 acres of good land in Cylon Township and carries on a general farming, raising the usual crops and breeding some live stock. Mr. Matthews was married in 1876 to Hannah Hammann, by whom he has four childrenMillie, Eddie, Henry and Theo, all of whom are at home. Mr. Matthews is a Republican in politics and attends the Methodist church. He is one of those quiet men who go about their own business without mixing much in public affairs. He is well liked, and there is not a person in the township who does not honor him. His fine farm shows the results of hard work. He is always willing to make personal sacrifices if necessary that his children may obtain an education if they so desire. His special aim has been and still is to manage his affairs in such a manner that when death compels him to sever the bonds which so long have bound him to his family circle, he may take enjoyment in feeling that he has left a home which his children may call their own. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Mentink

Albertus Mentink is a native of Cedar Grove, Holland township, Sheboygan county, Wis., born August 27, 1856, son of John and Jane (Bendenie) Mentink, natives of Netherland. The parents came to America and settled in Holland township, Sheboygan county, where they purchased 130 acres, which they broke and improved, erecting a house and outbuildings and carrying on a general line of farming, raising shorthorn and Jersey cattle and Berkshire white hogs. The mother died in the month of November 1864, and the father married Gertrude Princen, a native of Netherland. The father is still living in a beautiful home at Cedar Grove City, Holland Township, at the good old age of ninety-two years. Albertus received a good common school education in Cedar Grove City, after which he learned the shoemakers trade, which he followed three years. In 1878 he bought a farm of sixty acres in Baldwin, where he has since lived. He broke the land and made general improvements, including the construction of a house and outbuildings. In 1907 he built a new and modern barn, valued at $1,000. He does a diversified farming and raises stock. He was married February 18, 1879, to Johannah Obink, of Netherland, daughter of Durk W. and Jane Bendenie (Obnink) Obink, both now deceased. By this union there are six childrenJane Bendenie, born November 26, 1879, married Cornelius Locker, a farmer of Erin township, Wisconsin; William D., born July 20, 1881, married Hattie Scherurs, a farmer of Hammond township; Gertrude, born April 8, 1885, married Chris Gravink, also a Baldwin farmer; John B., born December 16, 1891; Edward A., born December 29, 1895, and Alma J., born May 20, 1900, are at home. Mr. Mentink is a Republican in politics. He has been supervisor of Baldwin three years and treasurer of school district No. 7 for five years. He is a member and elder of the Dutch Reformed church at Baldwin. Throughout all his life he has been very industrious and a very hard worker. His beautiful home speaks well for his own progressiveness, and Mrs.Mentinks ability in managing her household affairs. He is a strong believer in education, and his exemplary life has made the name of Mentink respected and honored wherever it is known. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Metlie

James Metlie is a native of Norway, born November 25, 1847, son of J. and Mary Metlie, prominent Norwegian farmers. James received a good education in his native country, and in 1871 came to America locating first at Minneapolis, Minn., opening a general store, which he conducted until 1876, when he sold out and went to the gold fields of the Black Hills. While there he met with many interesting adventures and acquired a considerable fortune, remaining until 1882. Taking a well-deserved vacation after years of hard work, he decided in 1882 to visit his old home in Norway. He remained abroad until the spring of 1883, when he returned to Minnesota and engaged in the lumbering business until 1903, when he came to Baldwin township and purchased eighty acres of land, all of which is now under cultivation. He has improved the land and repaired the buildings, making the place up to date in every respect. Among the special features of his farm life is a flock of Mountain goats, which he secured in South Dakota. Mr. Metlie is a Democrat in politics and attends the Lutheran church. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Minier

D. H. Minier is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1847, son of E. B. and Ariann Minier. The father combined the occupation of farmer with the profession of a Methodist clergyman. He came here in the early days and died in 1905. D. H. Minier came to St. Croix County in 1868 and settled in New Richmond, working in the woods, threshing and breaking land. Subsequently he started a livery barn, which he has continued for over thirty years. The business is now housed in a large brick barn on Main street, where there is a continual stock of from twenty-five to thirty horses, with fine vehicles and other equipment, which make the place the leading livery in New Richmond. Mr. Minier was married in 1880 to Emma Chambers, whose parents were old settlers, coming to this section in the early days. The father was a contractor and subsequently became mayor of La Crosse, this state. The mother was a Southern lay, a niece of General Stewart, of Confederate army fame. Her people were well to do and owned considerable land in the South. Mr. and Mrs. Minier have three children, Hugh, Emma and Thomas, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Minier is a Republican in politics, but has always refused to take public office, although the matter has been suggested to him several times. For thirty years he has been a Mason, and he had the honor of representing the New Richmond lodge at Milwaukee recently.

Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

Nicholas Moelter was born in Germany September 25, 1846, son of John and Margaret Jenges Moelter. He was educated in the city and high school of Haragersper, Germany, and enlisted in the German army when twenty years of age and served through the German-Franco war. After the close of the war he engaged in farming in Germany until 1876, when he came to America, arriving in Judson, Wis., May 6, 1876, and left shortly afterwards for California, where he remained two years. He returned to Wisconsin, marrying Miss Elizabeth Knott, of Somerset, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, and they are the parents of four sons and five daughters, all living. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Moelter engaged in the restaurant business in Osceola, Polk County, Wis., which he conducted for five years, then moving to Judson, where he purchased the St. Croix Hotel property, which he owned for many years. He farmed for some time on the L Del farm, where O. H. Steindorff now resides. In 1901 he came to Troy Township and took up his residence at the home of his oldest son, J. L. Moelter, with whom he and his wife now reside. Mr. Moelter is a member of the German Catholic Church and he also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never been forwardly active in public affairs.

Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

James F. Monahan was born in Jewett, Erin Township, St. Croix County, January 24, 1870. He received a good education and is now engaged in the mercantile business at Jewett. He is a Democrat in politics and for many years has served as postmaster at Jewett, a position which he still retains. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Forester. He was married July 23, 1906, to Alice Clark, of New Richmond, Wis., a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Joyce) Clark, the former of whom is now deceased. The mother still lives in New Richmond. James F. Monahan is the son of Henry and Margaret (Williams) Monahan, both born in County Mayo, Ireland. They came to Erin Township in 1860, where the father bought a farm, which he broke and improved. Upon this place he resided until 1906, when he sold his property and retired, going to Everett, Wash., where he now resides. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)