This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RMunns7272 Surnames: Paul, Leach Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.lacrosse/2277/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 783. City of La Crosse JOHN PAUL, lumberman, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, December, 1833. Here he attended school and commenced the learning of the machinist's trade, but the firm with whom he was learning soon afterward failed, so that he did not completely master his trade. In 1850, he removed to London, England, and there worked in machine-shops. In 1852, he emigrated to America, and located in Albany, working there and at Schenectady at the machinist's trade, until 1854, when he removed to Chicago, and there also worked in machine-shops. In 1855, he removed to Muskegon, Mich., and there became engaged in the lumber trade, by putting in machinery and operating a saw-mill for a Chicago company. Moved from Muskegon to La Crosse in May, 1857, and here built a small saw-mill, but finding that the mill business alone did not pay sufficiently, he formed a partnership in the foundry and machine business with George M. Leach, which, together with his mill, he conducted up to 1861, when he built a mi! ll on his present location, and has been actively and successfully engaged in the lumber business since. [I am not related to this family and have no further information. I'm posting this as a service and hope it helps!] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.