USA > Wisconsin > An illustrated history of the state of Wisconsin : being a complete civil, political, and military history of the state, from its first exploration down to 1875 > Part 74
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WILLIAM P. MERRILL. - He was born on the 25th of March, 1871, at South Berwick, Me. When but eight years of age, his father moved to Adams, Jefferson County, N. Y., where he remained eight years. William had now arrived at that age when every young man desires to sever home-ties, and seek a fortune abroad. His first attempt was to make a trip to Canada; but sickness compelled his return after a brief stay. After his recovery, he decided to go West. He went to Cleve- land, O. In 1836 he left Ohio for Wis- consin, arriving in Milwaukee, after a tedious voyage of one month, on the I to the mouth of the Milwaukee River.
HON. HORACE CHASE .- He was born in Derby, Orleans County, Vt., Dec. 25, 1810. He comes of pioneer and Revolutionary stock. He lived with his parents, and worked on the farm, at- tending school in the winter. In 1830 he went to Boston, and engaged with Messrs. Baxter, Robinson, and Co. as clerk, until January, 1833, then, with Wilder Pearce, Esq., of Stanstead Plain, Canada East, acting as clerk in his store up to February, 1834. He then went to Boston and New York, where he met with P. F. W. Peck, Esq., who hailed from Chicago. Mr. Chase returned with him, and accepted position as clerk in his store. He remained with Mr. Peck for some time; then engaged as book-keeper for a tavern-keeper. Not liking this business, he engaged as clerk with Messrs. Kinze and Hall, who kept a large wholesale and retail store. During his stay with Mr. Ingersoll, the tavern-keeper, he became acquainted with Archibald Clybourn, who pro- posed to go into company in the mer- cantile business. A partnership was entered into for three years; and they decided to start business in Milwaukee, where they put up a small shanty- storehouse in 1835. In April he, with others, opened a road from Root River
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In 1836 he, with his brother (Dr. E. Chase), opened a large and commodious store; and they alone did the forward- ing and cominission business of what is now the great city of Milwaukee. In October, 1837, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Ann Grey. He was elected a member of the first Con- stitutional Convention from Milwaukee County. He was next elected to the first State legislature of Wisconsin, convened at Madison, January, 1848. In August, 1852, Mr. Chase met with a sorrowful bereavement in the loss of his wife. In 1858 he was again mar- ried to Miss Mary H. Davis of Mount Hoily, Vt., who is still living to make his home happy. In 1861 he was elected alderman and supervisor for the fifth ward of the city of Mil- waukee, and in 1862 received, through the suffrages of his admiring fellow- citizens, the position of mayor. He has ever discharged his duties to the satisfaction of the people, and is held in high esteem. He has retired on an ample fortune, the results of his own industry and Integrity.
HON. LEVI H. KELLOGG. - He was born in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass., Aug. 24, 1817. When he was four years of age, his parents moved to Oneida County, New York, where he remained until the age of sixteen, when he decided to go farther West. His educational advantages, up to this period, were such as the common schools of that day afforded. Early in life he manifested a disposition to pre- pare himself for a useful life-work. HIe went to Michigan, the journey oc- copying three weeks of tedious travel. He resided there about fourteen years, actively engaged in the toil that sub- sequently resulted in affluence, the meanwhile attending to the cultivation of his mind. In 1847 he moved to Mil- waukee, where he engaged in commer- cial life, and was always alive to every vital interest touching the prosperity of that city. He has been everywhere re- garded as a man of superior business attainments, a man of integrity, liberal, and sound in every respect. He is re- membered in Milwaukee, and in many other places, by young men who have been assisted and encouraged by him. He was enabled, through honest indus- try, to acquire an abundance of this world's goods. In the early days of Milwaukee, he became connected with the order of Odd-Fellows, and rose, in a short time, to a high position in that body. He manifested great interest in | question of locating here. In the
the promulgation of the principles of the order, and established many lodges in the State. There is scarcely a mem- ber of the order in the State who is not familiar with the name and influence of Mr. Kellogg. He was known as of a benevolent disposition; and, during his last illness, those who had been favored by him in business did not forget their benefactor in the hour of his affliction. He died at Milwaukee, Dec. 12, 1873, leaving a name that is dear to those that knew him.
HON. CARSON GRAHAM. - He was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, Dec. 25, 1812. He acquired the benefits of the common schools and academies of his day. His labor was on the farm until seventeen years of age, at which time he went to Pittsburg to learn the printer's trade, where he worked for a short time, and, not liking it, re- turned home. He then tanght school for the purpose of acquiring means to complete a thorough course of Instruc- tion. In 1835 he commenced the study of law under the direction of Hon. George A. Elliot. Was admitted to the bar in 1838, and soon after was appointed deputy attorney-general. Was also deputy United States attorney for the Western District of Pennsyl- vania for six years, when he came to Wisconsin; but, not liking the appear- ance of things at that time. he returned to Pennsylvania. In 1849, about ten years after his visit to Milwaukee, he determined to return to the State. Accordingly he went to Fond du Lac. He here became acquainted with prom- inent men, and was admitted to the bar in this State. In February, 1852, he moved to Dubuque, Io., where he opened an office. In abont fourteen weeks afterwards, he was taken ill, which continued, with great suffering, for three months. Feeling somewhat discouraged, he resolved to return to Erie, Penn., where he resumed practice until the summer of 1857, when he again determined to go West, intending to go to Minnesota, but stopped at La Crosse until June, 1858, when he went to Mankato, but. early in the fall, returned to La Crosse, and remained there until the latter part of September, 1859, when he came to Varoqua on business, with not the slightest intention of locating here; but, as there seemed to be an opening for his business, he remained during the winter. In the spring of 1860 he was elected connty judge, which settled the
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spring of 1864 he was elected to the same office, and held it for eight years. Since then, he has held the office of district-attorney for two years. He has been active in business, and promi- nently connected with many enter- prises touching the prosperity of the State.
JOHN NAZRO. - He was born at Cape Haytien, a seaport town on the island of Haytl, Dec. 19, 1826. His father was born in Massachusetts, and his mother in New Jersey. Mr. Nazro is a descendant from the French on both sides. His father was engaged, in early life, at Cape Haytien, In the commission-trading business between that place and Boston, Mass. His parents returned to Boston when Mr. Nazro was about two years old. Here he resided until February, 1847, when he removed to Milwaukee, in which city he now resides. He was married in September, 1851, to Clara B. Blanchard, a daughter of Dr. A. Blanchard of Truxton, Cortland County, N. Y. They have had seven children. Mr. Nazro graduated from the Boston High School at the age of fifteen. He then entered a commission- house, remaining there for about five years. He was bookkeeper with Nazro and King of Milwaukee for one year. In May, 1848, he bought out J. C. Cramer and Co., dealers in hardware, and started in business under the firm Join Nazro, jun., and Co. In May, 1850, he united with H. J. Nazro. In May, 1854, H. J. Nazro left Milwaukee to reside in New York, leaving the management of the business, which was then considered farge, with him. In May, 1860, the name of the firm was changed to John Nazro and Co., under which name it still exists. Two years iater, he became the sole proprietor. His first year's business, in 1848. amounted to eleven thousand dollars, and has advanced to a million, five hun- dred thousanddollars. His present store is the largest in the United States. Its dimensions are one hundred by one hundred and forty feet. Mr. Nazro has never held any public office. He has declined many high political positions which have been offered to him. He has held a large number of positions of private trust. His commercial history is closely identified with the growth of Milwaukee. It has never been dislion- ored. He is a man that desires no eulogies, but prefers to iet his acts, character, and reputation speak for themselves.
DAVID MARSH KELLY. - He was born in Hamilton, Mass., in 1841. He is the son of Rev. George W. and May M. Kelly. When about ten years old, he removed, with his parents, to Haverhill, Mass. He studied iaw, and was admitted to the bar in 1865, to practise in all the courts of that State. Immediately after his admission, he formed a partnership with H. N. Mer- rill, and commenced the practice of law in Haverhill. In 1867 he removed from Massachusetts to Appleton in this State. Here he became a director of the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company, and took charge of a line of steamboats running in the interests of that company on the Upper and Lower Fox Rivers, and on Lake Winnebago. In 1868 Mr. Keily became vice-presi- dent and superintendent of the Lake and River Transportation Company; and he removed from Appleton to Green Bay, where he now resides. In 1869 he purchased the Interest of the Dousmans in the property and busl- ness of Dousman and Elmore of Fort Howard, Wis., owners of the Green Bay Elevator, and doing a wholesale and commission business in grain, coal, salt, &c. A partnership was formed by Hon. Andrew E. Elmore, James H. Elmore, of Fort Howard, and Mr. Kelly, under the name of Eimore and Kelly. This firm now ranks as one of the heaviest and most re- fiable business-houses in the State. In 1870 he became a director and vice- president of the Green Bay and Lake Pepin Railway Company, a corporation organized for the purpose of construct- ing a railroad from Green Bay to the Mississippi River. After careful inves- tigation of the project, he became con- vinced that there was great merit In the enterprise. He therefore resigned his offices with the company, and en- tered into a contract to construct the entire fine, binding himself to complete the road to the Mississippi on or be- fore Jan. 1, 1876. The first rail was iaid in 1871; and in twenty-five consec- utive months from that time the work was completed. This road is now known as the Green Bay and Minnesota Raliroad. Mr. Kelly is Its present vice- president and general manager. During the Rebellion, Mr. Kelly served eighteen months in the Union army, and took part In the siege of Port Hudson, and other important operations of the war. For so young a man, Mr. Kelly has seen much of life, and in various phases, having been in turn, student, saltwater
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sailor, soldier, lawyer, steamboat-man- [ intendent of the public schools of his ager, grain-operator, railroad-builder, and railroad-manager. Mr. Kelly is now thirty-four years of age; is unmar- ried, and in the enjoyment of robust health. He has been admitted to prac- tise in the Supreme Court of the State. but now gives his attention to the management of the railroad with which he is connected. There is no need of eulogizing Mr. Kelly. His works are sufficient.
HON. THEODORE PRENTISS. - He was born at Montpelier, Vt., Sept. 10, 1818. He was the eighth son of Samuel Pren- tiss, formerly chief justice of the Su- preme Court, Vermont, United States senator, and judge of the United States district court. He pursued a course of study in the academy of his native town preparatory for college, and entered the University of Vermont in 1838. He left the same year on account of ill health, and went South. In 1842 he returned, and studied law in his father's office at Montpelier, and was admitted to the bar in 1844. He removed to Wisconsin in October of the same year, and settled in Watertown, February, 1845. He was elected a member of the first and second conventions for forming a constitution of the State. He was a member of the State legislature in 1861; and was elected in the same year a member of the Board of Regents of the State Unl- versity. Three several times he has been elected mayor of the city of Watertown. He married Martha J. Perry of Montpelier, Vt., Dec. 4, 1855, and has three sons. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He has been successful in business, and has acquired a fair competence.
HON. HENRY A. YOUMAN, M.D. - He was born in Albany County, N. Y., May 22, 1816. Two years afterwards, the family removed to Genesee County. This country was then sparsely settled. ALFRED AUGUSTUS BRAYTON. - He was born at Wilna, Jefferson County, N. Y., Jan. 5, 1814. He moved, with his father's family, to Wisconsin in 1837, and settled in Aztalan the next year. In 1839 he married Miss Eliza- beth Grant. At this place he kept a variety store. He bought the site of the village of Fall River in 1846; drew up the plan of the town, and built the mills. He was the builder and owner of the first store in Fall River, and sold goods in the place until disabled by dis- ease. He was upright, reliable, and ac- tive, generous, social, and sympathetic. His manner was stern and abrupt. He With the results of his labors in the schoolroom, he was enabled to attend the Wyoming Academy one or two terms, before beginning the study of medicine. He graduated in 1843, from the Geneva Medical College in New York. Subsequent to this event, he went to Milwaukee, Wis. He had little means, but was determined to overcome all difficulties. On his ar- rival, he immediately began to look for a location. He finally settled in the village of Muckwonago, where he now resides. For the past thirty-two years, he has been engaged in the pro- fession of his choice. He was super- had a noble nature, a warm heart, and
town until 1860. He was elected in the autumn a member of the assembly, and served his constituents satisfac- torily. He was a Republican until the last year of Grant's administration. Since then, he has been independent of any party, and supports those who are the best fitted for the positions for which they are candidates. Dr. You- man possesses a strong, vigorous, and cheerful temperament. He is strictly temperate. Being much engrossed with his profession, and possessing great de- termination and self-control, he has been the means of saving many difficult cases. A few years after his settlement in Muckwonago, he married Miss Lucy Andrews, a daughter of an old pioneer. They have five children.
JUDGE THOMAS BRAYTON. - He was born at Wilna, Jefferson County, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1870. He had few opportuni- ties of education, but was well informed In the general principles of science and art. He was married to Lora Pellet, March 5, 1813. She died May 4, 1828. He was married to Laura Hyer In March, 1829. He moved to Milwaukee in 1837, and the next year to Aztalan, Wis. His wife died March 21, 1843; and July 8, 1853, he married Cynthia Starkweather. Mr. Brayton died at his residence at Aztalan, Dec. 19, 1853. He had a strong and active mind, was plain and reticent in manner, and yet was genial and companionable. He was a leading spirit in every com- munity in which he lived. He pos- sessed good business-talent, was rella- ble, honest, and prompt. He was a powerful reasoner, a good speaker, and impressed all with the idea that he be- lieved what he said. He was an excel- lent farmer, and a thorough and practi- cal surveyor. He was often justice of the peace, and judge of probate.
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an honest purpose in his acts and words. He was educated as a farmer, but be- came an accurate and practical surveyor. He was a good salesman, a hard worker, and a steady and faithful friend.
LUCIUS A. WHEELER. - He was born at Milton, Chittenden County, Vt., March 9, 1828. His father was a farmer in humble circumstances, and moved to Western New York when he was about five years of age. After re- eeiving his early education in a public school, he entered a collegiate institute at the age of thirteen, to prepare for college. His health proving too poor, he entered a country store at the age of fourteen, where he remained six years. He was made a partner In the business, and was an indefatigable worker. When twenty-two years of age, over-work compelled him to seek a change. After a season of rest, he went to Dunkirk, where he opened a dry-goods store, and soon established a flourishing business. At the expira- tion of four years, the parent-house failed, involving Mr. Wheeler in liabili- ties amounting to sixty-five thousand dollars. Six months previous to this, he was married to Miss Helen C. Van Buren, on May 17, 1855. Not at all discouraged or disheartened, he gave up all to his creditors, and immedi- ately started westward. He visited several eities, but settled in Milwau- kee, in 1856, with less than one hun- dred dollars. After a week's search, he secured a situation in a clothing- house. After a year's time, he received a situation in the dry-good's house of the Bradford Brothers, where he re- mained a year. He then went to New York, and succeeded in getting released from nearly all the claims against the old house. With the aid of an unele and a former townsman, he purchased a very small stock of goods, and returned to Milwaukee. He was afterwards joined by a brother-in-law. The little store soon became popular, and business Increased, when they moved to larger apartments. His brother returned to Dunkirk, leaving him to eonduet the business alone. A wholesale department was opened ; and the business grew rapidly. As often as was necessary, he removed to larger places, until 1872, when he settled in his
JUDGE DAVID W. SMALL. - He was born at Frankfort, Philadelphia County, Penn., Dee. 18, 1827. His parents be- longed to the Society of Friends, and were farmers. He lived on the farin until he was sixteen years old; and attended the publie schools during the winter months. He was a student in the Moravian College at Nazareth for two years. At eighteen years of age, he began teaching, and reading law. In April, 1850, he was admitted to the bar at Doylestown. The following mouth, he went to Oconomewoc, Wis. At first his law-business was not very prosperous, and he combined the duties of a surveyor with his profession until 1851. By this time his business had increased to such an extent as to oc- cupy his entire time. In 1851 he was elected path-master of his ward. In 1862 he was elected district-attorney for Waukesha County, on the Demo- cratie tieket, to which office he was subsequently re-elected onee or twice. In 1869 he was elected judge of the Second Judielal Cireuit. In 1875 he was re-elected by a large majority. Judge Small resides upon, and eulti- vates, a small farm near the village. Judge Small was born and brought up in the Society of Friends, and still be- lieves in their fundamental principles. His wife's maiden name was Susanmah Ely. They have three children.
IION. WYMAN SPOONER. - He was born at Hardwiek, Worcester County, Mass., July 2, 1795. His father was a farmer, and he lived at home, attend- ing school in the winter, until fourteen years of age. He went to Vermont, and became an apprentiee in a print- ing-office. When about twenty-one, he eommeneed the publication of a weekly newspaper, which he continued for about twelve years. He then began the study of law, and was ad- mitted to its practice in 1833. From his long continuanee in, and his asso- ciations with, Vermont, he claims, without repudiating the paternity of his native State, to be a "Green Mountain Boy." In 1842 he removed to Wisconsin, and in 1843 he settled in Elkhorn, Walworth County, where he has ever sinee resided. In 1846, he was elected judge of probate, which office he held until the probate was present elegant abode. He gives special ยก merged into the county court. attention to the best retail trade; and In 1853 he was appointed circuit judge; which position he held until the elcetion of Judge Doolittle. He was elected to the assembly in 1850, 1851, 1857, and 1861. Ja 1857 lie was has a large and constantly increasing business. Mr. Wheeler is an active Christian, which is due, in a degree, to his carly religious instruction.
Digtze 1 Ly LOUL
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elected speaker of the assembly. Hc | He makes no pretentions as a poli- was elected State senator for the terms of 1862 and 1863. In the last session he was chosen president of the senate, and became lieutenant-governor when Mr. Salomon sneceeded to the executive chair. In 1863, 1865, and 1867, he was elected lieutenant-governor; and, by virtue of his office, he presided over the senate for six consecutive years. He was a member of the first board of trustees for the Deaf and Dumb, at Delavan. Judge Spooner is a man of constant diligence and energy.
ANGUS SMITH. - He was born at Clay, St. Clair County, Mich., Dec. 16, 1822. He is the son of John K. and Catherine McDonald Smith. He re- mained at home on his father's farm, and attended the district school win- ters, until his fourteenth year, when he commenced to depend on his own resources. For the next three years, he was a clerk in a country storc, at the rate of twenty-five dollars per year, and board. After this, he engaged in a wholesale and retail establishment, where he remained four years, the last year of which time he was a partner. The next three years, he was engaged in similar business with three others. After remaining in the storage, for- warding, and commission business for two years, he confined himself to the purchase and sale of grain and flour, in connection with the Mead River and Lake Erie Railroad Company. He continued to be prominently con- nected with the management of this department until 1854, when he came to Chicago, and bought grain and flour at that place, Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee. In 1858 he moved to Milwaukee, and commenced the erec- tion of an elevator, for the exclusive purpose of hauling grain from rail- cars. This was the first of the kind built in that city. Two years later he was obliged to build another and a larger one, on account of the increase of business. At that time two mil- lions and one-half bushels of wheat were handled, and in 1873 thirty mil- lions. The great success attending this business was largely attributable His first school-composition was on the services and character of the good Lafayette; and his first literary article on Charles Carroll of Carroilton, the last of the immortal signers, whose death had recently occurred, was writ- ten in February, 1833, when a little past seventeen, and was published in " The Rochester Gem" of April 6 en- to the establishment of grades for the different kinds of grain, the rigid adherence to all the rules and regula- tions established for the inspection and grading, and for the care taken to keep the different grades of grain separate. This has given Milwaukee a reputa- tion for integrity in every port of the world where wheat has been imported. I suing, which was rapidly followed by
tician. His first votes were cast for the Democratic party; but after maturer years, seeing that slavery was contrary to the Declaration of Independence, and entirely at variance with the prin- ciples that underlie the organizations of society, he has continued to act with the Republican party, but never would accept of any office, except from his business associates, by whom he was clected president of the Cham- ber of Commerce of Milwaukec. In 1846 he was married to Maria C. Peck of Rochester, N.Y., who was a very estimable lady and a very devoted wifc. She died in 1858. In the autumn of 1860 he married Catherine E., sister of his first wife, and by her he has one son.
LYMAN C. DRAPER, eldest son of Luke and Harriet Draper, and of the fifth generation from James Draper, who settled at Roxbury, Mass., about 1650, was born at the mouth of Eighteen-Mile Creek, on the shore of Lake Erie, in what was then the town of Hamburg, now Evans, Erie County, N.Y., Sept. 4, 1815. Ifis parents re- moving first to Springfield, Erie County, Penn., when he was three years old, he was first sent to school there, a year or two later; and, in the spring of 1821, the family removed to Lockport, an incipicut village on the line of the Erie Canal, in Western New York, where he attended the best schools at that day, for the en- suing eight or ten ycars; then engaged for a while in clerking. Borrowing a volume, soon after its issne, in 1831, on the " Annals of Tryon County; or, Border Warfare of New York," and another work, "Rogers's Journals of the French War, and Life of Gen. Stark," replete with thrilling incidents of Indian and Tory warfare, and read- ing them with avidity, they incited In his mind a love for narratives of fron- tier adventure that largely gave direc- tion to his subsequent tastes and pur- suits. While at Lockport, he saw Lafayette, De Witt Clinton, Gov. Cass, and other notable characters.
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