John McKusick explained

Term End:January 7, 1867
Term Start:January 6, 1863
District:2nd
State Senate:Minnesota
John McKusick
Occupation:Lumberman, politician
Death Cause:Liver disease
Death Place:Stillwater, Minnesota, U.S.
Birth Place:Cornish, Maine, U.S.
Birth Date: December 18, 1815

John McKusick (December 18, 1815 – October 26, 1900[1]) was an American lumberman, politician, and pioneer who served four terms as a Minnesota state senator from 1863 to 1867. He was the first mayor of Stillwater, Minnesota, and built the city's first lumber mill.[1]

Early life

Born in Cornish, Maine, in 1815, John McKusick received a common school education before traveling to Illinois in 1839. In 1840, he moved to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin Territory, and became a lumberman. In 1847, he married Phebe Greely, but she died shortly thereafter. he was soon remarried to Servia Greely in November 1849, with whom he had children Newton, Chester, and Ella.[1]

Political career

McKusick began his political career as Stillwater's postmaster. He later served as the first Mayor of Stillwater in 1854, the year the city was incorporated. From 1863 to 1867, he served four terms as a Minnesota state senator from the 2nd district, representing Chisago, Kanabec, Pine, and Washington County.[2]

Later life

On February 18, 1887, Servia died, and McKusick once again remarried a few years thereafter, this time to Ella Knapp.[1]

McKusick died of liver disease on October 26, 1900, in Stillwater.[1] Following his death, his estate was estimated to be worth $100,000 – – to $150,000, .[3]

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. News: October 27, 1900. Death of Hon. John McKusick. XLV. 5. Stillwater Messenger. 10. obituary. January 11, 2022. the Minnesota Historical Society.
  2. Web site: McKusick, John. Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Minnesota Legislature. January 11, 2022.
  3. News: November 1, 1900. Stillwater News. XXIII. 3. The St. Paul Globe. 305. January 11, 2022. the Minnesota Historical Society.