USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > History of Buffalo County, Wisconsin > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
There is only onc regularly organized society of this kind in the county, which is the
ยท OLD SETTLERS' CLUB OF MODENA.
I think that Hon. Orlando Brown is President and Mr. Frary the Secretary of this organization, and they hold their annual fes- tival some time in Spring every year. There may be, or have been, similar associations 'in other towns, but I am not informed of any of them. There was once a meeting of " Old Settlers " at Fountain City, but I am not aware of any permanent organization resulting therefrom. If I should have made a misstatement in re- gard to this matter, I beg pardon, but it would indeed be strange
2
PUBLIC SOCIETIES.
511
if on my extensive and often repeated excursions through this county, and from reading weekly all the papers printed in it, I should have remained ignorant of a movement, which has my my sympathy, and in which I might be expected to participate, as I am one of the "Old Settlers" myself.
There is one kind of societies, of whose activity, I have cer- tainly read much, although I never had the pleasure of witnessing it. These are the
BASE BALL CLUBS.
Such clubs are and have been for some time in different local- ities, in Alma, on Beef Slough, at Nelson, at Gilmanton and at Mondovi, perhaps also at Modena. I remember that one or the other of them played at County fairs, but once in my presence, and I had really forgotten that, when I wrote the above. Having not the profound understanding necessary to an enjoyment of this exhibition of gymnastics the reader will pardon the shortness of this notice.
GENERAL REMARKS.
It would have been gratifying to me, if I had had more expli- cit information of some of the societies mentioned in this chapter, but the collection of such information has proved a slow and un- satisfactory operation, so that in many cases I have been glad to content myself with what I knew and what I got. So much more I am obliged to those who have furnished materials especially John Buehler, sen., Peter Ibach, Christ. Florin, Chas. Kirchner and others.
512
SECRET SOCIETIES.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
The adjective "secret" is applied to such societies, as prescribe certain ceremonies in the initiation and advancement of members to established degrees, have signs of recognition, symbols of mcin- bership and degrecs, and mectings by closed doors, to which none but the initiated, or those who are going to be, are admitted. All of them have some kind of ritual, designed for occasions to which it may be applicable within the lodge or at public occasions, es- pecially at the burial of a member. The model of this ritual is
that, which in the course of time has been accumulated in the order of Free Masons, but it is modified in each society to suit times and circumstances. On public occasions the members ap- pear in Regalia, if the ritual or a resolution of the lodge requires them to do "so. The aim and general tendency of these secret societies, though not publicly expressed, is not so much a secret, and may be stated to be brotherly love, mutual assistance in case of necessity and general benevolence. Old superstitions, formerly entertained against Free Masons especially, have been dissipated by the light of education in latter times, and have probably never struck very deep roots in this country, at least not since the days of "Salem Witchcraft." By the time it became possible to organize secret;societies in our county the Anti-Mason movement had also died out, and so there was among the great majority of the people no objection to the existence of such societies, or to joining the same. That I have not joined myself, must not be construed into an objection to have others join. All of these societies claim an ancient origin, but as long as this origin does not manifest itself by antediluvian principles or practices, there can be no reasonable objection to the claim. The enumeration will be given, as near as known, in a chronological order, more however, with regard to their introduction into this county, than to other points.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. Alma Lodge No. 184
Meets on the 1st and 3d Saturday of each month at Masonic Hall in Boehme's Block. The lodge was organized and chartered June
513
SECRET SOCIETIES.
12th 1872. It has forty members. John Buesch is W. M. and John Burgess Secretary. To the latter I am indebted for particu- lars given. Most of the members reside here, a few reside out of town, in Modena and other places. This is the only lodge of Free Masons in this county, though Masons in good standing in the order are living in different parts, who are probably members of other lodges.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
There is but one lodge of this order in our county, the Steuben Lodge No. 280 at Fountain City.
It was founded, organized and chartered on the 8th day of March 1878. It has now 67 members and its officers are: L. Bram- stedt, N. G .; J. L. Utermoehl, V. G .; H. Friedel, Secretary; F. H. Bitter, Treasurer. It is the latter to whom I am indebted for par- ticulars.
GRANGERS.
Their official name, if I am not mistaken, is "Patrons of Hus- bandry," and ladies are entitled to membership. Lodges of this order were quite numerous throughout the county, but of late they have not manifested any public activity. In the times of their flourishing they had organizators, of whom Jas. Imrie, Esq., of Misha Mokwa was a prominent one. Granger Halls are in the towns of Canton and Glencoe. Stores under the control of the order there are none. Within only a few years I noticed that some members received goods, for instance fencing wire, through some general agency. Not knowing to whom to apply for further information, I could not do more than mention what I knew from remembrance.
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
Of this order there are three lodges in the county. In chron- ological order of organization these lodges are as follows:
Fountain City Lodge No. 13.
Probably organized in 1877. Owing to a failure to report, no further particulars can be given except that Peter Schwoebel is Master Workman and J. J. Senn Recorder. A report was prom- ised by a prominent member, but failing to be received in time, I had to proceed as above.
Mondovi Lodge No. 23.
The request to the Recorder for a detailed statement not hay-
514
SECRET SOCIETIES.
ing received any response, I can but repeat the public advertise- ment, according to which they meet on every Monday evening at Wyman's Hall. W. W. Wyman is Master Workman and Ryland Southworth, Recorder.
Alma Lodge, No. 52.
It was organized on the 14th of January, 1879, and has now 70 members, who meet on every second and fourth Thursday in each month. Master Workman, G. M. Reinhardt, Recorder Joseph Schlumpf, who furnished particulars here given in regard to this and the two other lodges.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
This organization consists entirely of veterans of the late war for the Union. No other persons are admitted. There are two posts of this organization in the county, which, of course, belong to the Department of Wisconsin. The following are the posts:
Fimian Post No. 196, at Alma.
It was organized or mustered in May 1885. Its roster con- tains 41 names. Of these two are names of deceased comrades, one of a discharged one. Of the 38 remaining there are four of Comp. H. 6th Reg., 8 of the 9th Reg., 2 of the 17th, 3 of the 25th, 4 of the 48th, 3 of the 50th, Wisconsin Infantry, the others of dif- ferent other regiments and military organizations. Post Com- mander is Hon. Robert Lees, Adjutant Gerh. Gesell, Surgeon Dr. N. McVey. The post has issued a printed roster.
John W. Christian Post No. 9, at Mondovi.
It was organized or mustered in July 14, 1883. Its roster con- sists of 37 names. Post Commander is W. W. Wyman, Adjutant and Surgeon Dr. Chas. Hebard. I am obliged to the Post Com- mander for particulars.
TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
These have probably been more numerous at some times previously, but I can only report what I know of.
St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society of Waumandee and Glencoe.
It was organized March 5th, 1872, is not chartered, but ad- mitted into the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Wisconsin. It bears on its banner the inscription: St. P. T. A. S. of Waumandee and Glencoe. There are, all told, about 65 members. M. L. Tier- ney of Waumandee is President, M. J, Cashel of Glencoe, Vice.
515
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Pres., J. E. McCabe, Secretary, and J. J. Hynes of Waumandee, Treasurer. Thanks to Mr. Austin W. Tierney for particulars.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS.
Sunshine Lodge No. 125, at Alma.
It was organized Aug. 4th, 1887, and contains 35 charter mem- bers. G. M. Miles is Chief Templar and J. B. Glover Secretary. Particulars obtained in an interview with the Secretary.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Chronologically their lodges or castles are:
Mondovi Lodge No. 37.
It was organized in 1882 with 20, but now has 65 members, and meets every Saturday evening at 7:30. L. A. Merritt, C. C., W. L. Houser, K. R. and S. To the latter thanks are due for par- ticulars.
Alma Lodge, No. 48.
Organized and chartered March 23, 1886. Number of mem- bers: A. Williams, C. C., Dr. N. McVey, K. R. and S. Meetings every Thursday evening in their Castle Hall in Concordia Block. Particulars furnished by the K. R. and S. Thanks!
This finishes the chapter on Secret Societies. My obligations to those who furnished material to it, have been expressed, and I only regret that in some cases I was left to the meagre informa- tion of public advertisements.
If in the above enumeration any society has been omitted, I am inclined to think, that is so "secret" that "a fellow can't find out," you know!
516
CRIME.
CRIME.
It may well be doubted whether a discussion of the causes of crime should find a place in a local history, and the omission of it is, therefore, excusable. That every where, where mankind dwells, crime also would be present among the many, is an experience, which, though not very flattering to our pride, must be admitted. There is, however, a difference of its quantity and quality, that is in the number of criminals and the gravity of the offences. As it would not be judicious, and perhaps would be impossible, to relate in any book all the events occuring even in a very limited territory, so it would be injudicious to relate all the circumstances and events connected with violations of law, that are considered criminal, be they actual crimes or minor misdemeanors. Some people have a theory, that criminals and other offenders and their misdeeds should be held up as frightful examples, so as to scare others into morality. But success in that method of moral edu- cation is more than doubtful, and it might even be asserted, that the effect of such exhibitions is rather depraving than elevating, although some people might feel as the Pharisee: "O, Lord, I thank thee, that I am not like these." During the thirty-three years, which have elapsed since the organization of this county no very startling crime, which in its details and in its conception and execution showed a very marked degree of depravity and law- lessness, has been committed. Detailed relation of circumstances of such crimes, as were committed, or of which people have been accused, would, therefore, in no instance be very interesting, and I should refuse it for the following reasons:
1. Persons merely accused, or even indicted, but who were, for an insufficiency of proof, or because they really were innocent, released from processes of law, may well claim to be let alone about circumstances, which unfortunately had incriminated them and for which they had to suffer, perhaps unjustly.
2. Even those, who, by a regular process of law, had been found guilty and upon whom the penalty prescribed by statute
517
CRIME.
has been imposed and put in execution, have at least a construc- tive right to exemption from persecution.
3. The crimes of which the law has taken cognizance in this county, were, in some important cases, committed in the heat of passion, or under erroneous impressions, that became the ultimate cause which animated the offenders, who sincerely repented after having come to a clear conception of the wrong they had commit- ted. Such people have, aside from punishment meted out to them, their conscientious regrets, which need not be aggravated. I have, therefore, concluded to give merely general statistics, or rather a tabulary enumeration of the more important crimes, which were objects of proceedings in the circuit court. For this table I am indebted to my young friend Edward Lees, jr., who was a short time ago deputy clerk of the circuit court, and is a lawyer by pro- fession.
CRIMINAL STATISTICS OF BUFFALO COUNTY.
NAMES OF OFFENSES.
No. Ac- cused.
No. Con- victed.
Murder (any degree)
5
1
Manslaughter, do.
5
4
Rape.
9
5
Forgery.
1
1
Grand Larceny
10
3
Assault with dangerous weapons
3
2
Assault with intent to kill.
11
4
Embezzlement.
2
1
Seduction
5
2
Arson
4
Perjury
2
Incest
2
Bigamy
1
None.
Counterfeiting (under Statute law)
1
None.
1 None. 1
To go into an analysis of this table is for reasons alleged not practicable, but a reference to the first item may be made in the remark that the judgment in the only conviction for murder was reversed at a second trial in the case, and the culprit convicted for manslaughter.
A reference to the tables of population may be instructive. Our present population is 16,483 and for about twenty years, the
518
CRIME.
population was over 10,000, with a more than usual floating popu- lation for about the same period, which was larger from 1868 to about ten years later, than even at present. A part of this float- ing population is justly chargeable with some of the crimes of the character of violence. I have no statistics on hand to make com- parisons with places of about the same population, but as I think that the showing is on the whole favorable, it can be ascribed in part to the absence of large cities in which there is a chance for congregating of criminals, either for activity or concealment. It must also be observed that the number of law-suits of all kinds in the courts of Justices of the Peace and in Circuit Court has greatly decreased in the course of time, and that criminal proceedings fol- low in proportion.
519
PUBLIC CHARITY.
PUBLIC CHARITY.
The growth of any community in pupulation can not be sepa- rated from a comparative growth of claims upon public charity. The influx of persons who eventually become a charge upon a town can not always, or but seldom, be prevented. Nor does the law furnish sufficient safe-guards against those who squander their means foolishly while they are yet able to obtain such means by labor. There are, also, some people everywhere who do not per- ceptibly, squander anything, but yet are always poor and finally become dependent. Yet it could not be said that our towns are very heavily taxed for the maintenance of dependent persons. The county has to come to the assistance of towns for the maintenance of such paupers as are not legal residents of any towns, and it is quite natural that the two principal places on the river and on the railroad, Alma and Fountain City should figure prominently in such accounts as relate to the relief and other disposition of tran- sient paupers.
The most deplorable objects of public or private charity are those, who are those persons, who on account of mental aberation, want of hearing and of speech, of eye-sight, or of mental capacity, are unable to maintain themselves. The state census of 1885 gives the following list of such persons for this county:
Insane, 15.
Deaf and Dumb, none.
Blind, none.
Idiotic, none.
This table may be correct, with the exception of the last item. The city of Alma has to contribute to the maintenance of one per- son, who is, if not absolutely idiotic, yet too weak minded to be left to his own care.
As I have not the means of comparing the present number of insane persons and the proportion they bear to the population, with former proportions of the same kind, I will compare our situ- ation in this respect to that of other localities in this state.
520
PUBLIC CHARITY.
Brown County, in which the city of Green Bay is located has according to the census 36,921 inhabitants, or about 2} times as many as our county.
In regard to unfortunate persons there are Insane 90, or com- paratively 23 times as many as in our county; Deaf and Dumb there are 32, Blind 16, Idiotic 9, while of the three latter classes we have none at all. Our situation is therefore much better than that of Brown Oounty. In the adjoining county of Trempealeau the population is 19,112 or about one-fifth in excess of ours. There are reported Insane 23, Deaf and Dumb 15, Blind 5, and Idiotic 8.
We may congratulate ourselves on our good fortune in this respect, although there is certainly no occasion for pride in it.
Whether there are all of the insane now in the asylums pro- vided by the state, or any of those reported in 1885 have since been declared as restored to reason, I can not tell. Incurable cases have been returned to their families, but how many, I can not find any authority for telling. I do not share the apprehen- sion of those who insist that insanity is on the increase, nor do I consider the organization of county asylums a necessity. It might even be questioned, whether it would be judicious under any circ- umstances.
521
SOLDIERS.
SOLDIERS.
Among our fellow citizens we have not a few who have served their native or adopted country in wars which it had to wage with foreign or domestic enemies. The only war against a foreign en- emy within the memory of the older people of the present time, was the war with Mexico, which commenced with the battle of Palo Alto, on the 8th of May, 1847, the declaration of war follow- ing it on the 11th of that month, and virtually ended at the sur- render of the city of Mexico September 14th of the same year, al- though the treaty of peace was not concluded until the 2d day of February, 1848.
SOLDIERS OF THE MEXICAN WAR.
There were at any time but few of them in this county, and living at the present time are:
Caspar Wild. (See Pioneers).
Geo. Gall, of Lincoln.
Franz Freisheim, at Alma.
Deceased are: Joseph Berni. (See Pioneers). Samuel Hefti died 1885.
These are all I have ever met and heard of, and probably all that there have been, but if there should be, or have been, any others, it is certainly not from any intention that their names are here omitted.
SOLDIERS OF THE LATE WAR.
This is the designation of the State Census. These soldiers, all, or most of them, volunteers, may for the purpose of this book be divided into two distinct classes.
I. Volunteers or soldiers at present residing in, but not fur- nished by this county.
II. Soldiers, both volunteers and drafted men, furnished by this county .
When, after the firing on Fort Sumpter by the Rebels, and the formal secession of most of the Southern states, it became apparent to every citizen that the Union could only be preserved by the force of arms, and when President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 volunteers, patriotic enthusiasm rose to the highest pitch, and four times as many men were actually enrolled within a few days. Af- ter the disaster of the first Bull Run fight, the enthusiasm, which
-
522
SOLDIERS.
had been somewhat subdued by the slow preparations for the campaign, rose higher than ever, and the determination to put down the rebellion assumed the practical form of heavy enlist- ments in all parts of the loyal states. When after a struggle of four years the war was over and the armies had disbanded, and peaceful pursuits taken up by those who survived it, the usual in- termingling of people from all states extended to those who had during the times of the war remained in the regiments in which they enlisted, and which were distinguished by the names of the states in which they were organized, so that after a short time sol- diers of the Eastern states emigrated to the West, and some from the West went to the East or to other places. Hence we have a considerable number in this county who served like our own men, and frequently side by side with them, and who have settled among us since the war. The same patriotism, the same faithful service, the same sufferings, belong to the credit of all of them alike, and the distinction between the two classes above named does not imply any preference between them. Those who were furnished by this county, either by enlistment or by draft, how- ever, had been among us before the war, and they themselves, as many as returned, have lived or do yet live, and they, and those who never returned, have relations living among us. But niore will be said about them in the proper place.
With regard to the first class I must remark, that the list has been made up from a diligent rescarch in the appendix to the census of 1885, entitled: "Enumeration of Soldiers and Sailors of the Late War, residing in Wisconsin June 20, 1885." As in this enumeration, name, rank, company, regiment and state or vessel are given, but the postoffice omitted, since in most cases it ap- peared to be unnecessary. The enumeration in the census is by no means complete, and I know at least one omission, and there may be more, in the city of Alina. If, therefore, any name should be missing, in my list, it is highly probable that it will not be found in the enumeration of the census, or if found there, the postoffice of the soldier is not in this county, in which case I could not always decide, whether he lived in this or in Pepin or Trem- pealeau County.
Unless another service is specified a soldier served in the regi- inent of infantry stated.
523
SOLDIERS.
SOLDIERS NOW RESIDING IN BUT NOT FURNISHED BY BUFFALO COUNTY.
NAME.
RANK.
Company.
Regiment.
STATE OR VESSEL.
Aurandt Jonathan.
Private do.
I
5 Pennsylvania.
Becker Henry
do.
2 Battery, Wis. Artillery
Bielefeld John F
do.
G 29 Indiana.
Bohlinger Frank
do.
B 58 do.
Bradley Wm. B.
do.
C 151 New York.
Braford, Sylv. S
do.
H
4 Michigan Cavalry.
Briggs Isaac
do.
A 9 Vermont.
Brown Chas
Sergeant Private do. do.
A
155 Pennsylvania.
Carroll, Peter
E
5 New York Cavalry.
Devaney, Thomas
1st. Lieut. Private do.
I
5 Minnesota.
Dutter, Dan.
F 202 Pennsylvania.
Ellenberger, W. P
Corporal
B 139 do.
Farrington, V. S
Private Sailor
Huntsville.
Fres, Reuben H.
Private
K
10 Pennsylvania.
H
I23 do.
G 9 Ohio.
H 82 Illinois.
A 1 Minnesota Cavalry. New York (ship.)
Gross, Jacob.
A 1 Minnesota Cavalry.
Hebard, Charles
Hettrich, David
66
Geo
66 Peter
C 103 do.
-
10 Wisconsin.
Hoefling John E
B 48 Pennsylvania.
Holcomb, Frank
E
47 Iowa.
Holstein, S. V.
Horst, Gustav
L
6 Kentucky.
Husong, D. W
Kammueller, Fred
I
2 Missouri. ? New York.
Kenyon, W. H
?
K
3 Colored Cavalry.
Kill, Jacob.
Knoll, Chas
Hosp. Stew. Private do. do Musician Private do. Sergeant Private do Bugler Private do. do.
H 92 New York.
C 103 Pennsylvania.
C 103 do.
Hill, Claus.
do. Sergeant Private do. Sailor Private
A 1 Minnesota.
Friedel, Henry
Gebhardt, August.
Geissbuehler, John
Gesell, Gerhardt
I 1 Minnesota Light Art.
Brownlee Jas. T
F 6 Vermont.
Butler J. F.
Duhlmann, Henry
A Iowa.
Finley, Patrick
Goodermatz, Wm
I 1 Minnesota.
A 187 New York.
E 2 Wisconsin.
C 10I do
Becker, Wm
524
SOLDIERS.
SOLDIERS NOW RESIDING IN BUT NOT FURNISHED BY BUFFALO COUNTY.
NAME.
RANK.
Company.
Regiment.
STATE OR VESSEL.
Kohlhepp, Wm
Private Sergeant Sailor Private do.
F
6 U. S. Cavalry.
Kramer, Chas. F
I 30 New York.
La Point, Wm
Cow Slip.
Liesch, Anton
D 4 Minnesota.
McCumber, Geo.
do.
H 36 Wisconsin.
Milbrandt, Andr.
Musician Private do. Corporal Private
A
47 Indiana.
Meyer, John
B 63 Pennsylvania.
Newhart, C. W
B 39 New Jersey.
Newton, S. L
Sergeant do.
D 2 Minnesota.
Nagle, H. N
H
143 Pennsylvania.
Nolden, Jacob.
Private
D 9 Wisconsin.
Pember, Dan. B
E 2 Vermont.
Polin, Martin
G
38 New York.
Powers, Morris
A H
9 Illinois Cavalry.
Raetz, John B.
K
2 Missouri.
Rathbun, R. A.
A
2 Illinois.
Richards, Chas
do.
B 8 Vermont.
Robinson, M S
do.
F
10 New York. 8 Vermont.
Rudy, Jacob
do.
I 66 Indiana.
Rummels, Adolf
do.
A
82
Illinois.
Schammel, Nic.
do. . do.
A
11 Missouri.
Schneider, Jos. N
Sergeant
E
11 Indiana.
Short, Peter.
E 17 Wisconsin.
Spring, John
B 6 U. S. Regulars.
Stoll, J. G
C
2 Minnesota.
Talbot, H. P
13 Illinois Cavalry.
Thompson, Chas. M
C 101 Pennsylvania.
Uetz. Chas 66 Joseph
K K
9 Wisconsin. 9 do.
Von Pelt, Dan
do.
I 50 Pennsylvania.
Weissenberger, Ph
do.
B 58 Indiana.
Zabel, Christian.
do.
C
28 Wisconsin.
Rouser, Phil
do.
G
1 Minnesota Battery.
Schlossstein, Joseph
1 Minnesota.
Pratt, J. M.
Sergeant Private do. Corporal Private do.
H 1 Ohio Battery.
Meyer, Wm
A 1 Minnesota Cavalry.
C 5 U. S. Battery.
McDonnel, M. W
McVey, Newton
Private do. do. 1st Lieut. Com. Sergt. Private do.
525
SOLDIERS.
It is now over two years since the census, from which the above table was made up, has been taken. Some of those who are named in this list have moved away, one I know to have died, but I concluded to adhere to the authority I had selected, and not to notice individual accidents. I have stated above that I searched that census very carefully, and not only once. The ap- pendix which contains the names of the soldiers consists of 383 full pages, each containing about 80 names, or something over 30,000 in all, hence it is quite excusable if in picking out 77, one or another may be overlooked.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.