History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 93

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 93
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 93

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).

This institution was opened in September, 1880, and chartered as The College and Univer- sity of the Sacred Heart, Aug 20, 1881. The college comprises two courses of study, classical and commercial. The full course consists of six classes, to be absolved in six years. Though the college is only entering upon its fourth year, the number of classes will be complete the next session. The College of the Sacred Heart is complete in its appointments, and conducted under a wise, firm, yet mild and paternal system of government. The situation is picturesque and healthful. The building stands on rising ground commanding extensive views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin valleys and the beautiful bluffs that bound them. Taken all in all, it is one of the most attractive and beautiful collegiate properties in the entire northwest. Its president, the Rev. Father William Becker, is a thorough scholar, and a man of fine execu- tive ability. lle was born in Germany, educated in Europe, and came to the United States in 1869.

He acquired an enviable reputation, in the east, as the founder of the St. Ignatius College at Buffalo, which he conducted several years, with such marked success, that it was acknowl- edged by the highest authority in educational matters in New York, as one of the leading in- stitutions of that State. He is supported by an able faculty, four of whom are of American birth, one of English and the others of Ger- man.

The college building was originally built as a large hotel in 1857-8, by a joint stock compa- ny, at a cost of $56,000. It was used as a ho- tel only a few years, or until the removal of the railway depot to Upper Town. During the war, it was used by the government as a hospi- tal; next, an unsuccessful effort was made to have the State acceptit as a site for a Normal school. Failing in this, its managers organized an independent college, known as the Prairie du Chien College, this institution proved a failure, financially, and was closed after a brief existence of three years. About 1873 the

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

property passed into the hands of the Brothers of the Christian schools, a Catholic order, who opened it under the title of St. Johns' College. This Institution failed to meet the expectations of its founders, and was closed about 1876.

The property was then purchased of the Catholic Brothers, by Mr. John Lawler, who added largely to its value by substantial and important improvements, and then in his free handed publie spirited way, presented it to the "Fathers of the Society of Jesus," thus making that order a present of a property, valued at nearly $50,000, while his beneficence insured to Prairie du Chien a permanent and creditable in- stitution of learning.

St. Mary's Institute, was established in 1872. The buildings being erected for that special purpose, under the management of the chief donor, Mr. John Lawler. The Institute is con- ducted under the management of the sisters of the order of Notre Dame, and is presided over by a sister superior, of that order. During the vacation period of 1883, the sisters com- pleted a dormitory, capable of accommodating 100 students. For the year ending July, 1883, the number of students in attendance, aver- aged seventy-five. It may be proper here to re- mark that in the Institute as well as the College the students comprise representatives from nearly all of the northwestern states. The system of education, under the able management of the sis- ters, is one that commends itself to every unpred- judiced mind. This is no fashionable boarding- school, where only a superficial education is ob- tained; here the solid acquirements are gained that fit the students for the earnest duties of life, which in the course of events are liable to devolve upon them; at the same time, the range of studies embraces the higher branches, lan- guages, music and art. The buildings of the Institute occupy the historic ground of Fort Crawford, the ruins of which form a pictur- esque feature of the landscape. The situation is elevated, and commands a magnificent view

of the Mississippi river and valley, and the towering bluffs on either side.

The buildings are tasty and commodious, and fitted with the most improved modern conveni- ences. No pains have been spared to make this institution a model of its kind.

It would be an injustice to its most liberal patron to omit to mention the fact that the institution owes its origin, and present prosper- ous condition to the unbounded liberality and careful supervision of Mr. John Lawler, one of Prairie du Chien's most respected and enter- prising citizens.

INDEPENDENT GERMAN SCHOOL.

On the first day of December, 1866, a number of the prominent German citizens of Prairie du Chien, met for the purpose of organizing an independent German school, where the German language might be taught, without regard to any religious creed. After preliminaries, the following officers were elected : F. Unger, R. Rosenbaum, Jacob Raffauf, M. Menges, Otto Georgii and II. Boehlke trustees; F. Unger, president; F. Rosenbaum, treasurer; Jacob Raf- fauf, secretary.

A constitution was adopted and the following March, 1867, the society was made a legal cor- poration, by an act of the State Legislature. For two years this school society held their school in a private school building of John Lawler's and in the German Methodist church. In 1868, however, they erected a neat, one story brick school building which stands just east of the court house square. This school was in successful operation until 1878, when it was dis- continued. At one time the school contained seventy-five pupils, a part of whom were from American families. A tuition fee of $1.00 was required of those whose parents belonged to the society, and $1.50 from those outside. The association was made up of about thirty mem- bers, but finally has been reduced to thirteen, on account of deaths and removals.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

At the present time (1884), the society exist and own their property which is not used as a school house, but leased for various purposes.

The last officers elected were as follows: M. Frederick, M. Menges, H. Otto, S. Rosenbaum, C. Leefeldt and Theodore Shuman, trustees; Henry Otto, president ; M. Menges, vice-presi- dent; R. Rosenbaum, treasurer, and M. Fred- erick, secretary.

FERRIES.

In 1836 Alexander MeGregor established a horse ferry between Prairie du Chien and the Iowa side of the river. The point of debarka- tion, on that side, soon received the Iowa name of McGregor's Landing, where now stands the city of MeGregor.

In 1840 the United States government com- meneed to build Fort Atkinson, and as supplies had to reach that point from Prairie du Chien (or Fort Crawford) by way of this landing, this ferry became one of much importance to the public and of great profit to its owner, who had been granted the exclusive right to ply a ferry at this point, under a charter issued by the State.

One of the conditions in the license granted Mr. McGregor by the court, was that not more than the following rates should be charged for ferriage: One person, twenty-five cents; man and horse, seventy-five cents; wheeled carriages, twenty-five cents per wheel; horned cattle and horses, fifty cents per head; sheep and goats, six and one-fourth cents per head; mules, jacks and jennets, fifty cents per head; freight not in wheeled carriages six and one-fourth cents per 100 pounds. This ferry continued under the man- agement of MeGregor till 1856, when his ener- gies were bent more especially in founding the city which now bears his name. He then willed the property to a relative, W. B. Gardner, who, in company with Ole Oleson, operated a short time and sold to John Lawler; he run it until the spring of 1882 and sold to II. Schlader, who has run it on a diminished scale, owing to the building of Lawler's pile pontoon bridge.

Bass & Rice operated a ferry about 1840, for the government; this was operated as an opposition line to MeGregor's ferry, and only continued a short time.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Another mark of wisdom upon the part of the city is the well organized fire companies, whose vigilant eyes watch the property of the city, by day and by night, and through whose skill and watch-care the populace of the place feel seenre against the fire fiend. This depart- ment, which is under the direet supervision of the city authorities, is composed of three fully equipped fire companies, the "Phoenix," No. 1, consisting of forty-three members; the "Bad- ger," No. 2, consisting of thirty-two members; and the " Etna," No. 3, having a membership of twenty-three; forming a grand total of 103. These companies are all uniformed and regu- larly equipped with the most modern fire-extin- guishing apparatus, including three hand en- gines, the total cost of which was about $1,800. These engines are made effective by means of 3,000 feet of the best quality of rubber hose.

This department was organized in 1872, since which date, no disastrous fires have occurred within the eity, except the burning of the Mon- dell Hotel; this being occasioned by the inferior quality of hose then in use, which gave way at a critical stage of that long-to-be-remembered conflagration.

These companies are provided with a never- failing supply of water from the artesian wells for which Prairie du Chien is so noted.

RELIGIOUS.

The earliest religious services of which there is any record was that held by the Roman Catholics in 1817, when Father Durand came and held mass, and baptized about 125 persons, all of the families of the French and mixed races. As some children of Catholic parents were found who, although nearly grown men and women, had never before had an opportu- nity to receive the rites of baptism, it is in- ferred from this that no priest had visited the

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

post for many years prior to the advent of Father Durand. This Father left a written record behind him which is the foundation of the records of the Catholic Church at this point. The Rev. Father did not remain more than a few years, and after his departure there is no further record till 1836, when the Rev. Father Mazzucheli was sent to select a site for a church, and to lay the corner stone which he did, and the place was called the "Episcopal See " In 1839 Rev. Bishop Loras visited the place. He was followed in 1839 by Father Cretin, who remained four years and erected the first church edifice in the place. It was named St. Gabriel's Church. Father Cretin was a remark- able man. His talents and culture were only equaled by his kindness of heart, industry and deep humility. From here he went to Du- buque, and in 1850 was appointed the first Bishop of St. Paul. His death occurred at that city, Feb. 22, 1857. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Bonduel, and he by Father Ravoux and Father L. Galtier, both of whom came here with Father Cretin, and each in order were placed in charge of this congregation. Father Lucius Galtier succeeded to the charge in 1847, and remained at his post till the time of his death, which occurred in 1866. Father L. Lux was next in charge, and remained till May 26, 1867. Ile was succeeded by Father Koke and he by Father Abeline, Sept. 1, 1880. Father Her- man Richards, of the Society of Jesus, became the pastor and held that position till August, 1883, when he was assigned to another field. While serving as pastor of this congregation Father Richards has been required to preach in four different languages, to suit the understand- ing of his people. The congregation numbers about 3,000 members, who all live in a radius of from seven to ten miles about Prairie du Chien. The Catholics ontnumber all other de- demominations combined, by a large majority, and record among their members many of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of

institutions of learning established here, a sketch of which is given elsewhere in this work.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY.

In 1834 the Rev. David Lowery, a Presby- terian elergyman organized the first protestant society in Prairie du Chien ; it afterward was merged into the Congregational society.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Prairie du Chien was organized in 1836, by the Rev. Alfred Brunson, superintendent of the M. E. mission, of the upper Mississippi and Lake Superior. Mr. Brunson came here in the fall of 1835, from Meadville, Penn., and returned home the same autumn. In the spring of 1836 he came back with his family, purchased a farm and built a house, the materials of which were brought by boat from his old home in Pennsyl- vania. He soon organized a society.

Mr. Brunson says: "We reached Prairie du Chien July 16, 1836. I organized a class of ten members out of those who came with me, being the first class of Methodists ever formed north and west of the Wisconsin river. * * * ]

spent the winter in missionary labors at home and in the new settlements that were springing up within reach. In the winter of 1836-7, we had a gracious revival at Prairie du Chien, in which about twenty souls were converted, and in the course of the winter of 1837-8, another revival crowned our efforts under the blessing of God."

The church edifice was built about 1847. The records contain no history of the church, and as the memory of the oldest inhabitant seems to be at fault as regards any facts con- nected with it, our sketch must remain incom- plete. The present pastor, Rev. John Knibbs has been in charge two years, and has late'y been appointed to his second term. As he has had an eventful experience in this field, we ap- pend a brief mention of his life.

Rev. John Knibbs, pastor of the M. E. Church Prairie du Chien. They have two flourishing of Prairie du Chien, was born in Oxford, Eng.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

land, March 2, 1826. Ile emigrated from England to America, in 1855, joined the West Wisconsin Conference, in 1856, and has been in active service now about twenty-seven years. In the winter of 1856-7, while a stranger in the land, Mr. Knibbs was engaged by the Rev. Alfred Brunson, to officiate at Eastman, in place of a

brother minister who was prevented by sick- ness, from keeping his appointment. He start- ed to travel some five miles over the hills. The snow being nearly three feet deep and covered with a sharp erust, as no road was broken, he soon lost his way, and wandered about a considerable time. His horse becoming exhausted he tied him to a tree and tried to make his way on foot. Like many others when lost he traveled in a circle and soon came back to his horse. Again he tried to make his way ont only to find himself back to the horse again. When night came on he crawled into the snow for protection. The following day he tried again but with no better success. Four days and three nights were spent in these vain attempts-his feet, hands and face were frozen and he was nearly starved. At last he sighted smoke from a chimney and was barely able to reach the house. The people only supposed one foot to be frozen, which they thawed out with spring water. This foot was saved and the other that was thought uninjured was so badly effeeted that amputation of a part of the foot was necessary. More recently three dif- ferent amputations of the limb have been made, one in 1883, nearly twenty-seven years after his exposure. Mr. Knibbs has in spite of his physical disabilities done effective work as a mission preacher. He is a man of fine ability and great earnestness of purpose. The past two years he has filled the pulpit at Prairie du Chien and at the last conference was appointed to his second term at this point. Mr. Knibbs does not feel hopeful of filling the term of his appointment, but expects to be soon retired from active service.

The Episcopal Church of Prairie du Chien has "a local habitation and a name" and but little more. The first religions services con- ducted by a clergyman of this denomination were held in 1836 in Fort Crawford by Rev. Mr. Coddle, the first chaplain. The parish was organized in June, 1855, by the Rev. John Egar, rector. The church edifice was erected the same year under the management of Mr. H. Baldwin. At the close of the year Mr. Egar resigned and Mr. Lyman was called to fill the vacaney. Hle only remained a few weeks. The Rev. Mr. Pratt filled the pulpit a few times but was not located here. Mr. Clinton was the next rector, and he served two years. He was followed by the Rev. Mr Lloyd, who only re- mained nine months and withdrew. The Church was then vacant for some time, till Rev. Mr. Geirlow was chosen reetor. The field had no charms for him and he resigned after ten months' service, having during his pastorate consecrated the church. Aug. 13, 1865, the Rev. Mr. Skinner was appointed rector, and after a brief career resigned on November 18th of the same year. The pulpit was vacant till 1867, when the Rev. H. C. H. Dudley filled it as a missionary, but refused the rectorship. Again the pulpit was vacant till Oet. 3, 1875, when the Rev. Dr. A. F. Samuels was called to the rec- torship. Under his management the church was partially rebuilt and new interest excited. For six years Dr. Samuels labored without hope of reward; the smallness of the congregation making it practically impossible to support a pastor. Dr. Samuels retired from the ministry in October, 1881, and resumed the practice of medicine. At this writing, September, 1883, the Church is still vacant.

The First Congregational Church of Prairie du Chien, was organized under the manage- ment of the Rev. Mr. L. L. Radcliff, July 16, 1856. Names of members at date of organization: Leonard L. Radcliff, local pastor; J. S. Lockwood, A. O'Neil, P. J. Adams, James J. Langdon, B. Bull, A. C. Phillips, B. E.

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Hutchinson, Walter R. Bullock and O. B. Thomas. Aug. 16, 1856, D. H. Johnson, E. G. Perry, and T. B. Moore joined; August 17, W. L. Mower and E. P Lockhart joined. The first officers of the society were : L. L. Radcliff, president; Benjamin Bull, vice president; A. C. Phillips, secretary ; P. J. Adams, treasurer ; J. S. Lockwood and B. E. Hutchinson to com- p'ete board of trustees.

The church was built in 1858, under the su- pervision of the pastor, Mr. L. L. Radcliff, at a cost of $2,424.36.

Mr. Radcliff began as the first regular pastor of this denomination at this point, in October, 1855, sent by the American Home Mission. He was a member of the LaCrosse district con- vention of Congregational and Presbyterian Churches. He remained in charge of this Church till the close of 1860, when he re- turned to Pennsylvania, and is now preach- ing at Chautauqua Lake, N. Y. He was snc- ceeded. by Rev. H. W. Cobb, who was suc- cecded by Rev. Henry Carpenter, in 1864. Mr. J. Porter succeeded Mr. Carpenter, and filled the pulpit several years. He was said to have been the first Protestant minister that held service in Chicago. Rev. W. H. Marble suc- ceeded Mr. Porter, and closed his work Jan. 9, 1871. Mr. C. F. Clapp was the next pastor, and served till March, 1877, when he was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Safford, who remained till the spring of 1880. The church was vacant till April 1, 1881, when Mr. Arial McMaster, the present pastor, was chosen to fill the pulpit. The membership is fifty. Mr. Orson Jackson is the only deacon.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church wasorganized in 1862. The first pastor was the Rev. John Himmler, who was succeeded by Rev. Loren Schorr, and he by Carl Weideranders, Herman Krotzschmer, Joseph Westenberger, Johannes DeJung, and he by the present pastor, the Rev. Christian Gevers. The church was built in 1868, at a cost of $1,000. The present membership is about thirty. Among the first

members were Fred Rhemhold, Fred Pagelo and Louis Scharpf. This society has a flour- ishing Sabbath school, which has been kept up since the organization of the society. It now has a regular attendance of sixty scholars. Lonis Scharpf is the superintendent.

The Evangelical Association was organized June 26, 1864, under the management of Rev. Peter Speich, pastor. Among the first members were : Frederick Bauer, John Poehler, Fred- crick Ahrens, John Schulz and Carl Lang. The Rev. Peter Speich was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Ragatz, and he by Fred Kaufmann, Fred Stroebel, Louis Runkel, William Kaun, Fred Asmann, G. Schwantes, the present pastor, who entered upon his duties in March, 1883. Mr. Schwantes was a mission preacher in 1863, and held the first services of this society, in the court house, in that year. The church was built in 1865, a wooden structure, at a cost of $1,500. The trustees, in 1883, were : Fred Bauer, John Schulz and John Kauffmann.

FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The first Sunday school within what is now Prairie du Chien, was organized through the labors of Mrs. Juliana Lockwood and Miss Craw. ford, assisted by Dr. Edwin James, post surgcon United States army, and John II. Kinzie. This school included all denominations of both Cath- olic and Protestant faith, and was in operation from the spring of 1825, to the spring of 1826. It is mentioned in a previous chapter.

SOCIETIES.

The following societies are now (1884) repre- sented in Prairie du Chien : Good Templars, St. Joseph Benevolent Society, Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Republic, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Masonic and German Harugari.

Prairie du Chien Lodge No. 16 (Independent Order of Good Templars), was institued by S. E. Farnham, special deputy G. M., Oct. 31, 1875, with a charter membership of sixty-six, of whom only two are, at this writing, members in good standing. The first officers were :

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Dr. John Conant, W. C. T .; Mrs. J. Lovewell W. V. T .; Rev. C. F. Clapp, W. C .; F. J. Bow- man, W. R. S .; J. D. Humphrey, W. F. S .; Anna McCulloch, W. T .; C. A. Douglass, W. M .; Annie Oram, W. I. G .; J. Lovewell, W. O. G. Two hundred and thirty-four members have been admitted since the lodge was organ- ized. The number now in good standing is fifty. The present officers are :

William Mauke, W. C. T .; Aggie Herr, W. V. T .; Schwantse, W. C. ; L.T. Butterfield, W. R. S .; Charles Lester, W. F. S .; Clara Gerry, WV. T .; David Mc Master, W. M .; Belle Thomp- son, W. I. G .; Eddie Poehler, W. O. G .; L. T. Butterfield, lodge deputy. Lodge meets Mon- day nights, at their hall, in the Dousman Block.

St. Joseph's Benevolent Society (a Bohe- mian benevolent society), was organized Sept. 28, 1879. The object is for mutual aid in sick- ness and death, siek benefits are paid, and in case of death; the brother's widow or heirs re- ceive $600, and in case of the death of a wife, the husband receives $300. Albert Vondrak was the first president, John Fuka, vice-presi- dent, Anton Prochaska, secretary, Frank Liber, financial secretary, Joseph Lauka, treasurer, An- ton Vlaste, collector. The present officers are, Anton Prochaska, president, Charles Kalina, vice-president, Matt. Kobliska, secretary, Matt. Chapek, financial secretary, Wenzel Hanzel, treasurer, Frank Kalina, banner-bearer, Joseph Krejci, marshal, Frank Liber, second marshal. The society numbers seventy-four, and meets once a month.

Pioneer Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., the first Odd Fellows' lodge of Prairie du Chien, was organized Aug. 3, 1849. The record states that the Grand Master was present, and con- ferred the fourth degree upon Bro. E. P. Wood, and the full five degrees upon Bros. H. A. Wright, T. L. Wheeler, F. B. Bachelor, and I. S. Curtis. The lodge opened on Friday night, Ang. 3, 1849, E. P. Wood was chosen noble grand, II. A. Wright, vice-grand, and I. S. Curtis, inside guard. The first candidate initi-

ated, was C. P. Fox, whose initiation took place at the first meeting. Bro. Fox was a candi- date for a degree at each successive meeting, and was finally voted in the fifth degree, Aug. 31, 1849. Degrees fourth and fifth were con- ferred upon Bro. Harrison; degrees third, fourth and fifth, upon Bros. T. Robertson, Wm. Rob- ertson and L. Jackson. The lodge seemed to lack vitality, for some cause or other. The rec- ords show the last meeting to have been held May 2, 1856. It is supposed that the charter was surrendered about that time.

Crawford Lodge No. 98 (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), was organized at Prairie du Chien, Feb. 28, 1859, D. D. G. M., E. A. Bot- tum in the chair. The following named broth- ers were elected, and installed as the first offi- cers of the lodge: Robert Scott, N. G .; A. Bene- diet, V. G .; T. Warner, R. S .; S. A. Clark, treasurer. A charter was issued to the lodge dated Jan. 19, 1860. Bros. Sam. A. Clark, Rob- ert Scott, Theodore Warner, Alonzo Benedict and A. Coburn were the charter members. The Charter bears the signature of Stoddard Judd, G. M .; H. Rnda, G. S. The lodge has had an uninterupted existence, from its organization to this writing, and is now in a prosperous and healthy condition, present membership, sixty- six. Its present officers are George Wright, N. G .; HI. C. Parshler, V. G .; E. W. Van Virkle, R. S .; E. Blanchard, P. S .; A. Denio, T. Past Grands, are Sylvester Ault, J. C. E. Bear, S. A. Clark, Dr. John Conant, A. Denio, S. E. Farnham, M. Friederich, C. S. Fuller, T. M. Fullerton, J. M. Gillis, Frank Jallish, John Koch, Thomas Kemp, E. O. Lacy, David Mc Intyre, Henry Otto, Jacob Pugh, J. II. Priest, D). B. Richardson, James Stackpole, G. C. Smith, Joel C. Smith, J. G. Schweizer, (de- ceased), C. M. Lully, 1. M. Stern, Edwin Tref- fry, L. F. S. Viele, A. C. Wallin, and T. G. Brunson.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 93

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