History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 96

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 96
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 96

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).

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

some escaped. A report of the proceedings was drawn up and published in the newspapers.

In 1862, Austin Birge, while digging in a mound, at lower Prairie du Chien, came across some bits of bones and primitive pottery, and among them espied a larger silver coin than he had ever seen. Removing to Grant Co., Oregon, he carried his find with him, but later sent it back, so that it came into the possession of Horace Beach, who has generously presented it to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Its diame- ter is two and one-eighth inches; that of a dollar is one and one half inches. It weighs 776 grains, or nearly twice the weight of a dollar, which is 412} grains. Its material is chiefly silver, though it possibly contains more alloy than the coins issued in the mints of the United States. Its obverse bears a bust, one and one half inches high, stamped in very bold relief. It was orig- inally encircled by an inscription now almost illegible. Upon the reverse is the word merito, in letters so large that six of them fill more than an inch. This legend is in the midst of a wreath tied with ribbons. The leaves of the wreath are those of the cactus or prickly pear. This relic has a hole" bored through it in the margin, so that it could be hung round one's neck It was clearly minted not for a coin, but for a medal. No silver coin so heavy is noted in the currency of the world. The cactus leaves are a feature which points to Mexican origin. The word merito also is Spanish, mean- ing merit, or reward of merit. It seems to have been originally por merito.

It is noteworthy, that while merito is well preserved on one side of the medal, all the words on the other are well nigh obliterated. In the inscription which encircles the bust, the words Carlos, Espana and Indias are easily decipherable, and placing the medal upon a hot iron, all the legend may be made out as follows: "('arlos III. Rey D' Espana de las Indias."

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Jolm S. Lockwood, a brother of Judge HI. Lockwood, settled at Prairie du Chien in 1838.

Ile was born in the town of Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., about 1796, and removed with his parents to Champlain, N. Y., where he grew to manhood. He was married at Plattsburg, N. Y., to Mar- garet L. Miller. On coming to Prairie du Chien he engaged in merchandising, and was one of the early merchants of Lower Town, and afterward engaged in business at Upper Town. Ilis wife died in September, 1839, and was the first one buried in the cemetery at Lower Town. Mr. Lockwood married for his second wife, Hannah R. Morley, born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and died in Chicago, in 1881. He died in 1868. Besides Judge Lockwood, two brothers, Ezekiel and William, have also been residents of Crawford county; also a sister, Samantha. Mr. Lockwood had eight children by first mar- riage, four of whom are living-Mrs. Ralph Smith, Hannah P., Carrie H. and James E. His surviving children by second marriage are-Charles R., Nettie and Lizzie B. Charles R. enlisted at the breaking ont of the War of the Rebellion, and on the organization of the 43d Wisconsin regiment he was promoted to a 2d lientenancy, and appointed to drill the 43d, which was stationed at Prairie du Chien. He served through the war, and was for some time a member of Gen. Sherman's staff.

COUNTY BUILDINGS.

A jail of hewn logs (oak) with two apartments was built in 1820 or 1821, in the old village, and was burned in 1834. It was erected in the rear of village lot No. 17. The house was abont 25x16 feet, and divided by the same kind of logs into a debtors' and criminals' apartments. At this old log jail, a sergeant of the 1st regi- iment of United States Infantry was hung, in 1828, for shooting Lieut. McKinzie of the same regiment; and in 1833 a soldier of that regiment was executed there for shooting Sergeant Coffin in the new Fort Crawford. This was the only building erected for county purposes until 1835, when the contract for a stone, combined court house and jail was let to William Wilson for $3,695. It was completed the same year. This

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

was the first court house in the territory. Thomas Street and H. L. Dousman were the building committee. Michael Brisbois donated the lot. It was a stone building of sufficient size to have on the ground floor a room each for criminals and debtors, and two rooms for the jailor, with a court room and two jury rooms on the second floor. The taxable inhabitants then in the county were confined to the Prairie. The county was still a part of Michigan Terri- tory and so well were the county affairs man- aged that the taxes were not raised more than five mills on the dollar to pay for this improve- ment. This was the first court house in Wis- consin. Stone offices were afterward built at a cost of $800, and occupied until the completion of the present court house. The latter edifice is situated upon the site of the first court house, the county having secured the entire block. It is a large and substantial limestone structure of three stories, with eut caps, corners and water-ta- bles, the lower, or half-basement story contain- ing the jail apartments and sheriff's residence. The next floor is divided into offices and jury rooms, while the upper story constitutes a capa- cious court room. The cost of the building was $23,800, and was erected in 1867-8. H. L. Dous- man, H. Beach and William Dutcher were the building committee.

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN AS A PLEASURE RESORT.

But few, if any, localities along the Missis- sippi river afford better facilities and more charming attractions to the tourist and summer traveler than that of Prairie du Chien.

To the lover of the gun no portion of south- ern Wisconsin affords more facilities for hunt- ing than does this location. Among the bluffs and in the woodland are found deer, partridge, quail, rabbits and prairie chickens; on the bot- tom lands and islands the various species of water fowl, snipe and wood cock abound in almost unlimited quantities. It has long since been a favorite resort for sportsmen from the eastern part of the State and is rapidly grow-

in favor since the sinking of the Artesian wells.

Fishing, in which nearly all classes take de- light, is unsurpassed The rivers abound with the finest specimens of pickerel, black bass, wall eyed pike, white and striped bass; and in the streams which flow through the coulees or ravines, especially that of Sioux coulee, large numbers of fine brook trout are taken. In the river, fishing at the mouth of the Wisconsin and Yellow rivers, that empty into the Missis- sisippi from the Iowa side are favorite resorts.

To the geologist no portion of the northwest affords better opportunities for investigation, as a section of the rocks is here exposed to view to a depth from the surface of the bluffs of 400 - feet, exposing the lower shell-beds of the Tren- ton, the entire St. Peter's and the most of the lower Magnesian limestone, in which are found many fine fossiliferous specimens, well pre- served, and standing out in bold relief, where the strata are well separated.

To the archaeologist this locality is one of the most interesting in the west, as here there are many untouched mounds upon the prairies and the points of the bluffs; and they extend all through the country, as these old denizens were fish eaters, and loved to dwell adjacent to streams of considerable magnitude Evidence everywhere exists of the old dwellers, as large shell heaps, broken pottery and numerous uten- sils have been incidently found belonging once to this people. It matters not what the object of one's visit to Prairie du Chien be, he can for a time be agreeably and profitably enter- tained. If he comes for health, he has the ben- efit of the best well water in the world, and superior medical attendance; if it is for pleasure, no pleasanter drives can be found anywhere. The summits of the bluffs, from which the most magnificent views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin are obtained, are easily accessible . by carriage; if he comes for sport, hunting and fishing invites his attention, and a day's sport is always followed by good results, and if he

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

comes for geological investigations or sight seeing the far famed pictured rocks on the Iowa side, but three miles below the city, are unsur- passed for beauty of formation and magnificent scenery. The people, too, are always willing to contribute to one's entertainment, and a more delightful society can be found nowhere. RETROSPECTIVE AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

Over a century of years have passed into the annals of history since Jonathan Carver found upon the east bank of the upper Mississippi a small village of French fur traders, and half breeds called "Prairie des Chiens." French Canadians, seeking a more western trading point and supply depot, found here a cordial and generous welcome. The different tribes of hostile Indians were drawn to the spot by the oily tongue of the trader and allur- ing display of fancy colored blankets and trinkets, and brought their furs to exchange for powder, shot and whisky. John Jacob Astor founded that now extinct, but then most powerful organization known as the Amer- ican Fur Company, at this point, and for years controlled the great fur trade of the north and west. Fort Crawford was erected, by our gov- ernment, garrisoned by able and efficient sold- iers, and "Prairie des Chiens" assumed a martial air. For three score years it boasted of being the greatest trading point in the northwest, and this assertion was well founded. American white settlers commenced pouring in about 1820, and the rapid influx of civilization drove the aboriginal inhabitants farther north and west. Churches and schools were erected on the site of former trading tents and supply warehouses, and the surprised and revengeful Winnebago was slowly and mercilessly driven back into the rapidly disappearing forests. At one time, Prairie des Chiens was almost a city when Chicago contained but a stockade and a few cabins. Now, all is changed, and the Prairie des Chiens of old, has departed forever. The present beautiful city contains a thrifty, enter- prising population, and but few landmarks re-

main of her early glory. The pioneer settler has been "sleeping with his fathers" for years upon years, and his children's children tread where his footsteps were wont to go. But in the midst of all the business bustle and activity of the present day, the heart will sometimes turn back to "pioneer times," and wonder as to its first settlement and growth. Old time memo- ries and associations still linger around the old fort and long familiar points on the mighty "Father of Waters," and are recalled with in- terest and pleasure, by the pioneers' descend- ants. The earlier settlers were French, and have left no record behind, of their parentage, or life pursuits, but the American settler has been more solicitons for his posterity, and in this work has transmitted to his descendants the history of a life well spent. The following personal sketches, together with those in the pioneer and reministic chapters, are intended to preserve this doubly valuable record, and also present the histories of those who have been largely instrumental in developing the present flourishing city. They are men known mostly throughout the whole surrounding country for their sterling business qualifications and un- blemished characters.

John H. Folsom, a pioneer of Prairie du Chien, of 1836, is the son of Jeremiah and Oc- tavia (How) Folsom, and was born Dec. 27, 1812, in eastern Maine, and until about fourteen years of age, lived in Skowhegan, Somerset county. When a lad he entered the service of a rich mercantile firm of Bath, as store boy. He was promoted to clerk, and subsequently sent to Africa, as supercargo, of the merchant ship, Transit. On his return from Africa to Bath, he quit the service of this company and went to Bangor, thence to Boston, Mass., from there to Toledo, Ohio, and in 1835, to Mt. Clemens, Mich. In January, 1836, he came to Prairie du Chien and wrote in the quartermaster's de- partment and sutler's store, then was a book- keeper for J. H. Lockwood, until he was married. After this, he engaged in farming. He was

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

elected justice of the peace at an early day, holding that office several years. He was chosen chairman of the town board of Prairie du Chien, being re-elected several times. Ile was married at Prairie du Chien, Dec. 2, 1839, to Angelina M., daughter of John B. Pion. Mrs. Folsom was born in this town, her people being among the early pioneers. They had one daughter- Caroline, who died in infancy. Mrs. Folsom died Jan. 11, 1882. Mr. Folsom has an adopted daughter-Annie J., who is the companion of his old age. Nearly half a century has passed since Mr. Folsom selected his home on these prairies. Ilis early neighbors were the Indians and French, and in his time he has witnessed many curious seenes. His memory is clear, and of all the old settlers left, few, if any, can give so accurate an account of the interesting events that have transpired in this region in the past forty-seven years. Mr. Folsom's home is on farm lot No. 24, just north of the city.

Samuel Adams Clark located at Prairie du Chien in 1838. Ile was born in Whiting township, Addison Co., Vt., Oct. 22, 1810. He learned the trade of wheelwright and carriage maker in his youth, also that of blacksmith and painter, and subsequently that of carpenter and joiner, working at the latter trade for fourteen years. When twenty-one years of age he went to Westport, Essex Co., N. Y., where he re- sided five years. He then removed to Prairie du Chien, arriving June 18, 1838. On coming to this place he worked at the carpenter and joiner trade, one of his first jobs being on the quarters of the commanding officers of Fort Crawford. In June, 1840, he opened a general store at Lower Town, then the business center of Prairie du Chien. In 1844 he opened another store at Garnaville, Iowa, where he also bought grain. Three years later he moved his stock to Clayton, Iowa, where he carried on business for several years, building up an extensive trade. He also put up several buildings at that place and was largely interested in real estate. Six years later he removed his stock to Viroqua,

Vernon Co., Wis., having previously erected a large store at that place. He was in business there five years. He also laid out the town site of Marion, Minn , erected a large store building and stocked it with general merchandise. Mr. Clark had at one time seven different stores in operation, including the original store at Prairie du Chien. He also became interested in farm- ing, and now has 350 acres of land, the care of which occupies his principal time. He con- tinued in the mercantile business twenty-two years, during which time he acquired the repu- tation of an enterprising and fair dealing mer- chant. Mr. Clark was also interested in rail. road matters, aiding and encouraging the open- ing of this region to the commerce of the world. Mr, Clark was married, at Prairie du Chien, Jan. 19, 1844, to Adelia M. Richards. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters-Pamelia S., wife of Joel C. Smith, of Chicago; Cornillo, a merchant of Menomo- nee, Dunn Co., Wis .; Elmira, wife of George Morsey, of Moberly, Mo .; Danoin A., a resident of Missouri; Walter A., of Centralia, Mo .; Eda, wife of Edwin Paff, of St. Louis, Mo .; Ernest L., residing on the homestead. Mrs. Clark died July 16, 1870. Mr. Clark was married Nov. 9, 1873, to Frances, daughter of O. F. Reynolds, and born in Rock Co., Wis. They had two children-Mary, who died aged two years, and Adams S. The name of Adams in the Clark family came through Mr. Clark's mother, who was kin to John Quincy Adams.

Edward P. Loekart, lumber merchant, is one of the earliest pioneers of Prairie du Chien. Ile is the son of Robert and Sarah Lockart, and was born Jan. 20, 1816, in Chester Co., Penn. In the spring of 1839, he moved to Mineral Point, Wis. Ter., residing in that place until June, 1841, when he came to Prairie du Chien. In 1843 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Craw- ford county, under sheriff Robert D. Lester, who was shot by an Indian while coming down the river in his canoe. Mr. Lockart was elected sheriff in the fall of 1844, serving 1845 and 1846,

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

During his term of office, his jurisdiction extended to Lake Superior, and included the territory now the site of the city of St. Paul. He was chosen sergeant-at-arms of the Senate in the last Terri- torial Legislature, and the first in the State Senate of 1848-9. In 1852 he engaged in the lumber business near Chippewa Falls, where he had an interest in a saw-mill. In 1854 his com- pany opened a lumber yard at Prairie du Chien, which they operated until 1857. In 1867 Mr. Lockart engaged in the lumber business alone. Mr. Lockart was married in November, 1845, at Burlington, Iowa, to Mrs. Esther A. Lester, widow of Robert D. Lester and daughter of Jesse Danley. Mrs. Lockart was born in Mead- ville, Penn., coming to Prairie du Chien with her parents, in 1837. They have had five chil- dren, three of whom are living-W. S., wife of B. F. Fay, of this city ; Martha and Edward P. Mary died in 1880 and Robert died, aged three years. The youngest son, Edward P., is a prac- ticing physician, and a recent graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city.

Julius Famechon, one of the pioneer mer- chants of Prairie du Chien, is the son of Con- stant S. and Melanie (Baillet) Famechon, and was born Sept. 22, 1824, in the department of Pas de Calais, France. He grew to manhood in his native country, and in 1848, emigrated to the United States. He spent the winter in St. Louis, Mo., and in March, 1849, came to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he formed a partnership with Augustus Gaillard in the mercantile busi- ness, starting in a small way as their means would permit. They were very successful, and their business rapidly increased. This partner- ship continued until the death of Mr. Gaillard, which occurred in 1864, since which time Mr. Famechon has conducted the business alone. Hle now carries a stock of $15,000, Mr. Fame- chon has extended his business interests in other directions. He is now the proprietor of the Merchant Flouring Mill at this place. This mill has three run of buhrs, and has a milling

capacity of seventy-five barrels of flour per day. He has an elevator for storage, with a capacity of 25,000 bushels. He also has an oil mill, where rape and flaxseed are converted into lin- seed oil. Mr. Famechon is a large real estate owner. Beside his city property, he has a fine farm of 1,000 acres in Eastman town. He has been in mercantile business at Prairie du Chien longer than any one now here. Starting with limited means, he has, by strict attention to business, and by fair and cautious treatment of his customers, built up a large business. He was married, in Prairie du Chien, in 1858, to Ada Jenkins, born in Kentucky. They have two children-Julius C. and Melanie.

Charles Grelle, son of Christopher Grelle, was born in Millhansen, Alsace-on-the-Rhine, Germany, Jan. 21, 1845. He emigrated to America with his parents in 1849, coming directly to Prairie du Chien, Wis. He received a common school education and learned the cabinet maker's trade in his father's shop. After the death of his father, Dec. 27, 1880, Charles succeeded to the business. Mr Grelle has a well stocked cabinet shop, just east of the Commercial House. He was married at Wau- zeka, Wis., Dec. 29, 1854, to Caroline, daughter of Henry Streckey, born in Crawford Co., Wis. They have seven children, four boys and three girls-Charles, William, Frederick, Caro- line, Mary, Emma and Edward.

Christopher Grelle was born in Hanover, Ger- many, Aug. 13, 1813. He learned the trade of cabinet making and became a very skillful workman. He was married in Alsace, Ger- many, to Louisa Riiff. They had one son, Charles, now of Prairie du Chien. Mr. Grelle emigrated to the United States in 1849, and came at once to Prairie du Chien, where he opened the first cabinet shop in that village. Mr. Grelle was an industrious and skillful work- man, and carried on the business successfully, until his death, which occurred Dec. 27, 1880. Mr. Grelle was a member of the city council

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of 1879. He was universally esteemed and res- pected by his fellow citizens.

James E. Campbell, proprietor of the billiard hall and sample room, was born in Cortland Co., New York, June 27, 1835. Ilis father, Densmore Campbell, is of Scottish birth, and emigrated to America in childhood. He is still hale and hearty, and a resident of Prairie du Chien. James was reared to manhood in the State of New York, and received an academic education. He learned the shoemaker's trade and worked at that occupation till 1849. He then went to Whitewater, Wis. The following year he came to Crawford county, and engaged in farming in the town of Clayton. He was elect- ed clerk of the court of this county in 1869, and removed to Prairie du Chien; was re-elected and served three terms. He was next elected county clerk and served one term; then as county treasurer one term; was again elected clerk of the court, and in 1884 was serving as city clerk. Mr. Campbell was married in Cort- land Co., N. Y., in October 1849, to Tacy daughter of John Van Allen. Mrs Campbell was born at Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y. They have had six children, five of whom are living-Edwin R., Albert E., Fred, Charles W. and Frank. The daughter, Mary T., died at the age of two years.

John G. Steiner was born in Crawford Co., Wis., May, 19, 1851. His father Valentine Steiner, was a pioneer of this county of 1843. He came from the east and located on a farm in town of Eastman, Crawford county, about eleven miles northeast of Prairie du Chien. He served as justice of the peace several years and was a highly respected citizen. His death occur- ed Oct. 1, 1880. John G., was reared on the farm. In 1872 he entered the service of the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company as pile driving man, for five years, then served as brakeman for three years. lle was subsequently promoted to conductor, and since 1882 has held the position of conductor of transfer. Mr Steiner was married in April 1875, to Mary,

daughter of Charles Lang. She was born in Crawford county. They have two children- Nellie and Clara.

Andrew Bosch was born Dec. 6, 1822 in Wurtemburg, Germany. He is the son of John G. Bosch, and was reared in his native country. In 1848 he married Barbara Schenser, and in 1851 emigrated to the United States. The first year in this country was spent in Toledo, Ohio. In 1852 he came to Prairie du Chien and en- gaged in farming, about three miles north of the city. He lived on his farm about nineteen years and then moved into the city, engaging in the beer bottling business in connection with Schuman & Menges, brewers. He still owns his farm of 280 acres which he has let under lease. Mr. and Mrs. Bosch had three children, one son and two daughters-Frederick, Mary and Jossie. An unfortunate mental trouble on the part of Mrs. Bosch caused a legal separation from her husband, and she returned to Germany. Mr. Bosch was married, in 1872, at Prairie du Chien, to Mrs. Catharine Bauer, widow of Charles Bauer and daughterof George Albricht. She was born in Wurtemburg, Germany. They have one child -Thusnelda. Mr. Bosch is a gentleman of fine literary attainments, and has written many poems that have been published in the German press and magazines, and which have been re- ceived with good favor. His friends have ad- vised the collection and publication of his wri- tings in book form, but he has not felt disposed to undertake the task.

T. B. Norris, southeast corner Church and Bluff streets, staple and fancy groceries, carries a stock of about $1.500. The business was estab- lished by Martin Coleman and M. E. Norris in November, 1882. Coleman sold to T. B. Norris May 16, 1883, and M. E. Norris still re- mains in the business as manager. T. B. Nor- ris was born at Prairie du Chien in May, 1852. Ifis father, James Norris, who was then propri- etor of a cooper shop at this place, died the same year. Mr. Norris is also proprietor of a liquor store and sample room on Church street.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

M. E. Norris was born at the Norris farm in the town of Prairie du Chien, Dec 12, 1852, and assisted on the farm until 1869, when he began teaching a district school. He kept on teaching successfully until 1877, when he was elected county superintendent of schools, as a democrat, and served for the term of two years. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar at Richland Center, in April, 1881, bnt nev- er went into the practice. Mr. Norris was also town clerk of the town of Prairie du Chien from 1873 to 1878. He was twice married; first to Mary A. Dunne, by whom he had one child -Kittie, who is living. Mary A died Nov. 20, 1878, just one year from the date of her mar- riage. He was married to his present wife, Laura Denning, at LaCrosse, June 4, 1883.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 96

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