James McGrath’s story is a rags-to-riches tale full of adventure and eventually, mystery. His first job was sweeping sawdust in a mill, and after gaining some experience he went into business under the name “Dougherty & McGrath” operating near the Totogatic River in Wisconsin. This partnership was dissolved in 1889, but McGrath continued business on his own. At one point, McGrath had about 900 men under his employ. In 1900, he purchased the mansion located at 416 South Fourth Street in Stillwater. He was the mansion’s third lumber baron owner, following Roscoe F. Hersey and John G. Nelson. But his success and fortune wouldn’t last, and that is where the mystery begins.

McGrath’s grandson Bill raises several questions about the conflicted legacy James left behind, including his enigmatic disappearance and death. Bill writes, “Having grown up within a working-class family, I wondered why we were living in a mansion? Did the McGrath money come from exploitation of Native Americans? Who accused my grandfather of arson? How did he buy false teeth? And did he die because of a broken compass, or did the compass break because he died?” Bill seeks to answer these questions and more in his presentation.

Event attendees may attend either in-person at the Washington County Heritage Center or virtually on YouTube. For more information and the YouTube link, please visit wchsmn.org/event/mcgrath