History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 92

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298

USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 92
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 92

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

citizens of this territory, inhabitants of the borough of Prairie du Chien be, and the same are hereby ordained, constituted and declared to be from time to time forever hereafter, one body, corporate and politic, in fact and in name, by the name of the wardens, burgesses and freemen of the borough of Prairie du Chien." Some of the provisions of the law were very curious; among other things a fine of $2 was .assessed for allowing a chimney to blaze ont at the top; $1 for hitching a horse to a fence ; $2 fine for white persons to be seen skulking or sneaking about after ten o'clock at night, and $2 to $5 for "sharriveriers." The borough passed and repealed by laws for about three years, and stopped business in 1825. The first warden was John W. Johnson; M. Brisbois and Thomas McNair, burgesses -the last were Joseph Rolette, warden; M. Brisbois and J. H. Lockwood, burgesses.

In 1872, Prairie du Chien became an incor- porated city, having never been incorporated as a village, but always being governed by the town authorities, of the towns in which it was situated since the borough government, before spoken of, was done away with. A city charter was granted in April, 1872, since which time the affairs of the city have been managed in a prudent manner as is shown by the finances. Prairie du Chien can now (1884) say what few places in the State can say truthfully, that they "owe no man anything," and have funds on hand.

The following is a list of the city officers from the date of incorporation, to 1884 :

1872 .- Benjamin F. Fay, mayor ; Nicholas Smith, clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer; R. G. Mathews, marshal.

1873 .- Same as those of 1872.

1874 .- Benjamin F. Fay, mayor; W. Leclerc, clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer; R. G. Mathews, marshal.

1875 .- J. F. Williams, mayor ; W. W. Seley, clerk ; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; A. B. Laroque, marshal.

1876 .- Same as those of 1875.

1877. - Dr. John Conant, mayor; Joseph Zech, Jr., clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer; D. L. Craw- ley, marshal.

1878 .- Dr. John Conant, mayor; T. G. Brun- son, clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; R. G. Mathews, marshal.

1879 .- S. Rosenbaum, mayor; T. G. Brunson, clerk; Otto Georgii, treasurer ; R. G. Mathews, marshal.

1880 .- S. Rosenbaum, mayor; T. G. Brunson, clerk. Otto Georgii, treasurer ; George E. Har- rington, marshal.

1881. - James Garvey, mayor ; T. G. Brun- son, clerk; S. Rosenbaum, treasurer; George E. Harrington, marshal.

1882 .- James Garvey, mayor; T. G. Brunson, clerk; S. Rosenbaum, treasurer; R. G. Mathews, marshal.

1883 .- Henry Otto, mayor; J. E. Campbell, clerk; S. Rosenbaum, treasurer; G. E. Harring- ton, marshal.

POSTOFFICE.

A postoffice was established at Prairie du Chien in 1824, with James Duane Doty as the first postmaster; he in about a year was snc- ceeded by James H. Lockwood. In 1838 Thomas P. Street was postmaster and held the position for a number of years. Keeping the office in a little log house on Water street. The following are remembered as having served as postmasters:

John S. Lockwood, Mr. Grace, H. A. Wright, Charles Brisbois, Charles Creal, Ira Brunson, S. N. Lester, W. B. Ilunt, who served under James Buchanan's administration, Fred J. Mil- ler, who held the office during the rebellion and was followed by Edward Whaley, a major in the Union army and who lost a limb in the ser- vice during the Civil war. Mr. Whaley still (1884) is in office.

This point became a money order office in July, 1865. The first order was issued to Charles W. Clinton, in favor of Shaw & Clark, Biddeford, Maine, for $20, and was dated July 10, 1865.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

The first order drawn on this office was re- mitted by Dragntt Scharff of Milwaukee, Wis., and payable to Julius Eakhardt, who was then in the hospital at Prairie du Chien.

The first postal note was issued to postmaster Whaley's wife at Milwaukee, in October 1883. RAILROADS AND BOAT LANDING.

Prairie du Chien, which is the second oldest city in the State, justly claims to be the point at which has transpired the first of many im- portant events of the past century, in the great northwest. Long before the introduction of our present system of railways, boats and fer- ries were employed at this point to transport men and their merchandise to the western shores of the Mississippi, that settlement might be effected on the vast and almost unlimited scope of fertile prairie lands beyond this great water course.

Milwaukee, the metropolis of the State, owes its growth largely to the fact that it is situated at the nearest accessible point on the western shore of Lake Michigan from Prairie du Chien.

Prairie du Chien was for many years the up- permost boat-landing on the Mississippi river, and it was here all the French and Indian traders of the upper Mississippi valley came for their supplies and also to exchange their game, fur and produce, for the necessities of life. Almost the entire frontage of the city is availa- ble for boat landing purposes, and prior to 1857 was indeed a busy scene of boats and boatmen. But in the early spring of 1857, a railway was completed from Milwaukee to the Mississippi, at this point, known as the Milwaukee & Mis- sissippi River railway, but later as a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul.

The opening of the road was a great cause of rejoicing and every one felt the inspiration. When it is remembered the difficulty was expe- rienced before this time by the residents in go- ing to and fro from Milwaukee and Chicago, and depending, as they were obliged to do, en- tirely on the Mississippi river for a market, and in the winter season entirely cut off except by

land transportation; it will be seen that there was much cause for enthusiasm. Its influence on Prairie du Chien and the states of Iowa and Minnesota was of a marked character, inducing immigration, and benefiting all classes of busi- ness enterprise. One newspaper states that three hundred and twenty-seven houses were erected here this year, and besides many other publie improvements.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road made Prairie du Chien a division point and has a large shop and round house in that part of the city, known as "Lower Town." Their main yards and depot buildings after 1862, being lo- cated just west from the main portion of the city.

THE PILE-PONTOON RAILWAY BRIDGE.

This bridge is a part of the "transfer" line of railway spanning the waters of the Mississippi river, and connecting Prairie du Chien with North McGregor, which is situated on the Iowa bank of the stream. This invention is indeed one of the triumphs of the nineteenth century, which has attracted the attention of civil engi- neers and master workmen the world over, and therefore justly claims a minute description in this connection. It is the invention of John Lawler, of Prairie du Chien. It was patented by him, Aug. 11, 1874, but its construction was fully completed on the 15th of the previous April. The entire length of the bridge is 8,000 feet, crossing both channels of the Mississippi river and an intervening island at Prarie du Chien, thus connecting the Iowa and Wisconsin divisions of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. It is constructed in two parts; the pile or stationary part, and the pontoon or movable part, consisting of two floating "draws," one in each channel, which, when closed, form an un- broken track, permitting safe and rapid transfer of trains, and when open affording a elear space of 400 feet in either channel, allowing the widest rafts and largest tows that float the river to pass with ease and safety at all times and in any kind of weather. The pile part of this bridge

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

is of the ordinary construction, used by all rail- ways in crossing low, marshy ground and shallow streams. The "draw" over each chan- nel consists of one pontoon, 408 feet long, twen- ty-eight feet beam, four feet high and twelve inch draft. It has great buoyancy and strength, being provided with a Howe truss passing through its entire length. When trains are passing over, the draft is increased to eighteen inches. The extreme rise and fall of the river is twenty-one feet, and to overcome the varia- tion in height of the places between the pile bridge and pontoon, aprons or movable tracks are provided, which are adjusted by means of powerful hydraulie jacks and movable blocks, which are operated by the men in charge of the bridge. The connections between the ends of these aprons and the track of the bridge is a sim- ple devise, counterbalanced by equal weights, so that one man clamps and unclamps the end of the pontoon, when swung in or out of its posi- tion. The pontoon "draws" are each attached at one end to a pile, placed twenty-eight feet back from the end of the stationary bridge, by an arm as long as the draw is wide. About this pile or pivot the "draw" swings, describing in its course an are of ninety degrees, and when open lies at right angles to the pile, and entirely out of the channel. The "draw" openings of this bridge, are the only ones on the Mississippi river wide enough to permit a steamer and large raft to pass through in one seetion.

style of draw bridges, for the pontoon is eapa- ble of floating a weight equal to six times that of the heaviest trains.

This bridge affords facilities for the passage of 1,000 cars per day, the average being, how- ever, about 300. In speaking of this bridge, Gen. Humphrey, chief of engineers. United States army, says: "The bridge in question is exceptionally free from objection as an ob- struction to navigation; it conforms to existing laws regulating the bridging of the Mississippi river, and affords excellent facilities for steanı- ers and rafts to pass through the draw open- ings."

At this date (1884) the inventor and builder, John Lawler, together with his sons, still owns and operates the bridge and receives a certain amount per car from the railway com- pany, for all freight and passenger trains which pass over the Mississippi river.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The schools and colleges of Prairie du Chien are the pride of its people; and the high type of culture and refinement found among her citi- zens is but the outgrowth of these educational institutions. While this is a strong Roman Catholic city, both Catholics and Protestants work in harmony in supporting the public schools.

The first school district formed bere was what is known as district No. 1. This was created in 1842.

The first school was taught in a private building by Miss Rice, afterward Mrs. Jerrad Warner. A school house was at once erected. This district took in what is now the "Lower Town." About the same date, however, district No. 2 was formed, which embraced old St. Feriole, or the city proper now.

The closing and opening of each pontoon is effected by an engine of twenty-horse power, situated on the "draw," working a simple winch around which is wound a chain, the extremities of which are secured to a cluster of piles above, and below the pontoon, so fixed as to give a diagonal lead across the stream. The bridge opens with the current in one minute, and closes Among the earliest teachers here were Ellen Overton and A. Denio. against the current in about three minntes, without showing any undue strain, or requiring In 1857 a project was started by which a new school building for the "Lower Town" was to be built to take the place of the first one erected the application of more than five-horse power. In relation to the passage of trains, it has been proved to afford greater security than the old | in the city. At that date there could only be

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

raised about $300 on the "grand list" of taxa- ble property; but the citizens not wishing to build with so small a fund, petitioned the As- sembly, through the State superintendent, to allow them to levy a larger tax. The reasons set forth by the petitioners being sufficient this was duly granted them, and soon after the erection of a two-story stone building was commenced, which finally cost $4,000. This building is still (1884) in use. However, before the completion of this building the district run short of funds, but through the public spirit of Samuel A. Clark, who loaned them $2,200, the work of finishing went on.

Mr. Samuel A. Clark was elected as the first school treasurer, whose office it was, then, to collect all school taxes. He held this position for twenty-two years, from 1840 to 1862.

In 1872, when the city of Prairie du Chien became an independent corporation, it also be- came an independent school district, which was soon provided with its own school board and also school superintendent.

HIGH SCHOOL.

At a regular meeting of the city council of the city of Prairie du Chien held May 3, 1875, under the provisions of the amended city char- ter. the first board of education was elected. The following persons constituted

THE FIRST SCHOOL BOARD.

For the City at Large-John Lawler. Ist Ward-A. H. Reitemeyer.

2d Ward-William Dutcher.

3d Ward-Prof. J. Sutter.

1th Ward-John E. Sutton.

The election of the above gentlemen gave general satisfaction and their fitness for the du- ties imposed can be appreciated from the fol- lowing endorsement published at the time:

"The city school board of education, elected at the first meeting of the new city council (May 3, 1875) are all men of unimpeachable charac- ter, and amply qualified to perform the duties devolving upon them. They are men of respon- sibility, well educated, and persons of excellent

judgment, fully aware of the responsibilities of the positions they occupy, and sincerely desiring to promote the educational interests of this city. Let all good citizens extend to them the co-ope- ration and assistance necessary to ensure the the right results.

"The choice of Mr. John Lawler as the rep- resentative of the citizens at large upon the board of education, is a fitting evidence of the public confidence in his integrity. His broad, liberal views, and his well-known zeal in pro- moting the cause of education, need no better index.

"Mr. A. HI. Reitemeyer, of the 1st ward is one of our most respected German-American citizens, and he is an educated gentleman of fine address.

"Mr. William Dutcher, of the 2d ward is also distinguished for the interest he manifests in educational matters. He brings years of expe- rienee, and a fund of useful knowledge to the aid of the board.

"Prof. J. Sutter, of the German-English Academy, is a talented practical teacher. Ile understands all the requirements of his profes- sion. Ile will prove one of the best members of the board.

"John E. Sutton, of the 4th ward, was the choice of every tax-payer in that part of the city. He was formerly a teacher, has a thor- ough education that will insure effective work.

"Taken as a whole, the first board of educa tion is well constituted, better than had been hoped, and the citizens have a right to congrat- nlate themselves upon this first step in the right direction.

""The board of education will at once organ- ize, elect its president, clerk, and city superin- tendent, and inform themselves fully upon all points necessary to enter rightly upon the work of organizing the city public schools under the new system.

"We have endeavored to ascertain the views of the school board in relation to the subject of a high school; and without an exception,

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

they are all in favor of a graded high school being established."

The first regular meeting of the board of education in Prairie du Chien was held at the office of Hon. Wm. Dutcher, Monday, July 5 1875. John Lawler was elected president of the board. Prof. Thomas H. Nyhan, (since de- ceased) was tendered the position of school superintendent, but declined to accept. At a subsequent meeting of the board, beld July 10, 1875, Prof. J. Sutter was elected city school superintendent and clerk of the board, and im- mediately entered upon the discharge of his du- ties. He was a most efficient and faithful officer. Mr. Theodore Schuman was elected to take Prof. Sutter's place on the board.

The board of education promptly visited the schools in every ward, and made a careful in- vestigation of all the school property, school houses and modes of management then existing. They were convinced that extensive improve- ments were absolutely necessary. They deter- mined to have a first-class school with compe- tent teachers in every ward. They made known to the city council the result of their delibera- tions from time to time.

At a meeting of the city council beld July 19, 1875. John Lawler, president of the board of education, read the following communication relative to the school question :

"GENTLEMEN : The writer upon further exam- ination into the school affairs of this city, desires to add to what he has already stated in a former communication recommending certain improve- ments in school district No. 2, that the school building of that district is not, in his opinion, at all adequate or suitable for the large number of children in attendance there. The building itself, besides being too small, its ceilings being too low, and its ventilation bad, is in every other respect, far behind the essential requirements of education. The building, with its appurtenan- ces of grounds, fences, water closets, furniture, etc., are such as tend to deprave and corrupt the tastes and morals of the young who attend

there instead of tending, as the surroundings of youth always should tend, to refinement in taste and purity in morals. To remedy this evil the only true way is to erect, as soon as practicable, a suitable new building, and to supply such other reasonable and necessary wants as the welfare of the children require.

"A good beginning might be made in this di- rection the present year, and that, too, without increase of taxation. For we already have, as the property of the city, ample and desirable grounds for the site of a school building and sufficient funds-those known as the college funds-on hand to put the necessary new school building well under way. This much, once done, the city could probably obtain from the State, according to the provisions of chapter 42 of the general laws of 1870 such additional snm as would complete the undertaking. In this way we may almost without perceptible increase of our taxes, provide, as far as it is possible, for the wants of those children who are to de- pend upon the public schools of the city for in- struction. These are the views which the wri- ter entertains relative to this public school question. He expresses them for himself only, for the reason that the board of education has not, for want of proper organization, expressed any conclusion upon the subject. Should these views be in accord with yours, the writer will. if a harmonious board can be organized, do whatever he can to carry them into practical effect. Otherwise he begs to step down and out by placing his resignation at your disposal. "I am, gentlemen, respectfully, yours,

J. LAWLER.

The common council, immediately after read- ing of this communication, passed by unani- mous vote, the following resolution :

"Resolred, That in the opinion of this council the views expressed by Mr. Lawler, in his com- munication just read, are in full accord with the views of the council," which was confirmed by the unanimons vote of the council.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

As an evidence of the actual condition in which the city schools were, at that time, the following extract from the journal of the coun- cil, will be sufficient :

"To the Honorable Mayor and Council of Prai- rie du Chien :

"GENTLEMEN : The board of education find the water closets of the school house of district No. 2, in a shamefully unsuitable condition, and recommend their destruction at once, and the building of new ones. Your immediate action will be necessary. The cost of the renewals re- commended will be from $300 to $350.

"Respectfully, J. LAWLER,

Pres't Board of Eeducation."

This was also agreed to by unanimous vote of the council.

This was the first official action to improve the condition of the city public schools, and construet a high school in Prairie du Chien. Much preparatory work had to be accomplished. All the ward schools were put in first-class order. The preliminary matters arranged, the first appropriation asked by the board, $4,000, was levied Oct. 4, 1875, and on Monday, Oct. 11, 1875, the plans for the new high school were approved. This determined that the new central high school building should be erected, and the board called for another appropriation of $5,000 to commence the work. The board found upon subsequent consideration that they would require abont $10,000, more than the city could appropriate for the purpose, and there was a lengthy correspondence between the secretary of State, IIon. P. Doyle, and the attorney general and the president of the school board. It was agreed that a special act of the Legislature was necessary to secure a $10,000 loan from the State. The following communi- cation to the city council explains the whole matter :

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Aug. 9, 1875. "To the Honorable, the Mayor and Common Council of Prairie du Chien.

"GENTLEMEN .- The board of education begs leave to submit the accompanying correspond-

ence between the Hon. Peter Doyle, secretary of state, and the Hon. A. Scott Sloan, attorney general, relative to the school loan desired to be made by this city.

"Since it appears that the law, in the opinion of the attorney general, cannot be construed so as to authorize the commissioners of education to make the loan, however willing they might be so to do, it is the sense of this board that it would be advisable to begin work upon the pro- prosed new building as soon as the fund, now held in trust by the board of college trustees, shall have been placed at the disposal of the city, for there can be but little doubt that the authority to make the loan will be readily granted by the next Legislature, in the same manner that former Legislatures have author- ized loans to be made to other cities for pur- poses similar to that of ours. And if the Legis- lature should refuse even, we must have the new school building, for the interests of the city demand it, and we believe the people of the city will not hesitate to vote the tax necessary for the purpose.

"Respectfully submitted,

J. LAWLER, President Board of Education."

A special city election was held, and the tax- payers carried it in favor of a tax to build the high school building. The money was bor- rowed from the State. The contract was let to Messrs. Menges & Lefeldt. And thus the first high school in Crawford county originated, and was completed under the direction of the first board of education, and to the credit of the citizens of Prairie du Chien. At this time (1884) the schools of the city are in a very flourishing condition.

There are now (1884) five school houses within the independent district of Prairie du Chien, situated as follows: First ward, a two story stone structure, built in 1857 ; second ward, one brick building two stories high, built in 1876, at a cost of $12,000, and a frame house, two stories high; third ward, a brick building

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

not in use, but in good condition ; fourth ward, this contained a small one story frame building, which stands west of the slough near the river. ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

The people of Prairie du Chien have ever taken a deep interest in educational matters and from the earliest date have provided the best methods of teaching. Especially are the Ro- man Catholic people entitled to much credit for their zeal in this direction, as they have always labored t, make Prairie du Chien a city of schools and colleges, the benefit of which they are finally enjoying; as but few places in the State can boast of better denominational schools than those at this point. They have two flour- ishing institutions of learning at this place.

The College of the Sacred Heart, conducted by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, for the training and education of boys, and St. Mary's Institute, conducted by the sisters of the Society of Notre Dame, for the education and practical training of girls. Each of these institutions aims to give the youth of both sexes such a practical education as will enable their pupils to meet the exigencies of life, and to be useful and respected members of society. While these institutions are Roman Catholic, their doors are open alike to Catholic and non-Cath- olie, and as a matter of fact, the patronage is about equally divided between these two classes, which is a striking evidence of the esteem in in which they are held by the public. The patronage of both institutions has outgrown their foundations, consequently the Jesuit Fathers are preparing to increase their accom- modations to twice their present capacity, by the erection of a new building, the estimated cost of which is $50,000. When this improve- ment is completed the college property will be worth $100,000. The college at present is under the immediate control of the Rev. Father Wil- liam Becker, president, who has conducted its management successfully since its establishment The number of students in attendance from September, 1882 to July, 1883, was ninety-one.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 92

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1298

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298