History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 97

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 97
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 97

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).

S Rosenbaum, one of the oldest business men of Prairie du Chien, came to this city, in 1852, from LaPorte, Ind. Soon after his arrival he opened a general grocery and provision store, which he has carried on continuously for thir- ty-one years. Mr. Rosenbaum was twice elect- ed mayor of the city, in 1879 and 1880, and was elected city treasurer in 1881, and re-elected in 1882 and 1883, being the present incumbent. Mr. Rosenbaum was married at LaPorte, Ind., in 1852, to Susan Wadle, daughter of Andrew Wadle. They have had eight children, five yet living- Mary, Emma, Ida, William and Mollie.

Maj. Edward A. Whaley, postmaster at Prair- ie du Chien, is a native of Athens Co., Ohio, born July 12, 1837. In 1841, his parents, Alvin and Elizabeth Whaley, removed to Muscatine, Iowa, and in 1852 to Prairie dn Chien, Wis., where Edward learned the cooper's trade and worked at it until 1861. Soon after the war be- gan in that year, he enlisted for three years, as a private in company C, 6th regiment Wiscon- sin Volunteer Infantry, it being the first com- pany to enter the service from Prairie du Chien. In the battle of South Mountain, Aug. 14, 1862, he was wounded by a rifle ball, which passed through his left leg below the knee, breaking the bones so badly that the hospital surgeon in-

sisted upon amputating the limb, and it was only by persistent and determined pluck in re- sisting, that the wounded man saved what is now a sound and healthy leg. But it was nearly eleven months before he was able to join his regiment. Mr. Whaley was promoted to the office of 1st sergeant of his company Sept. 1, 1862, serving in that capacity up to the time the regiment re-enlisted, soon after which, July 15, 1864, he was commissioned captain of his company of veterans. In the battle in front of Petersburg, Va., he was wounded a second time by a gun-shot in the right foot. And at the battle of Five Forks, one of the last engage- ments of the war, on April 1, 1865, while com- manding his regiment, captain Whaley was shot through the right thigh, shattering the bone and rendering amputation necessary. Ile was breveted major from the date of this bat- tle for gallant and meritorions conduct. Maj. Whaley was mustered out of service in August, 1865, retiring, halt and battle-scarred, but leav- ing behind him a proud record, each scar and the empty pantaloons leg which he carries be- ing an eloquent testimonial of his bravery as a soldier and a patriot. Among the battles he participated in were Gainsville and Bull Run, Ang. 28 to 31, 1862; South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862; Mine Run, Va., Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; Spotsylvania, Va., May 8, 1864; Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1864; Jericho Ford, Va., May 25, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, 1864; Pe- tersburg, Va., June 18,1864; Hatcher's Run, Va., Feb. 6, 1865; Gravelly Run, Va., March 31, 1865; and Five Forks, Va., where he lost his leg. On returning from the war, Major Whaley was given a clerkship in the postoffice at Prairie du Chien, and on Feb. 1, 1866, was appointed postmaster at that place, and has held the office by re-appointment up to the present time. lle still cherishes his love for the gun and is very fond of hunting and target shooting, and has won the reputation of being the best rifle shot in this part of the country. On Oct. 30, 1865, Maj. Whaley was united in marriage with Ade-

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lia, daughter of William Ryan, of Harper's Ferry, Iowa. She was born in Cumberland Co, Md. William A is the only child of this union. Mrs. Whaley died June 10, 1838. Mr. Whaley again married June 20, 1872, at Glen Ilaven, Wis., Adda, daughter of Walter Sprague, and a native of Michigan. They have but one child-Adda M. Whaley.

Peter Nolan, secretary and bookkeeper for H. L. Dousman, was born in county Wexford, Ire- land, Feb. 10, 1847. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1849. They spent four years in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1853 came to Prairie du Chien, Wis. Ile was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools and at the Prairie du Chien College, of which he is a graduate. He began teaching school when quite young and for two years was principal of the Prairie du Chien city schools. In 1874 Mr. Nolan engaged with II. L. Dousman as private secretary and business manager of Mr. Dousman's Wisconsin property.

Lawrence Case, of L. Case & Co., merchants, is the son of C. N. Case, and was born Aug. 27, 1834, in Harwinton, Conn. He was reared in his native State and in 1852 went to California, spending nearly three years in San Francisco. He returned to Connecticut in 1855 and the following year came to Prairie dn Chien with his father, and opened a general store under the firm name of L. Case & Co. The present firm, which was formed in 1870, is composed of Lawrence Case and Alexander Mc- Donald. They have the most extensive mer- cantile house in the county, having four large store rooms and carrying an average stock of $30,000. They also have branch stores in Wan- zeka and Mount Sterling, Wis., also a branch grocery and provision store in the upper part of the city. Mr. Case was married in September, 1859, at Lawrence, Kan., to Miss E. F. Avery. They have four children living, two boys and two girls-Edmund L., Carrie, Charles and Laura. Louis died aged nine years.

Marcus Friederich, son of John and Regina Friederich, was born Dec. 13, 1833, in Baden, Germany. He served a regular apprenticeship to the harness and saddler's trade in his native country, and in 1854 came to America. He worked at his trade in Portage City, Wis., and also in Madison, Wis., and Du- buque, Iowa. In the fall of 1855 he came to Prairie du Chien and worked as a journeyman harness maker until the spring of 1856, when he bought out his employer, and has since con- dueted the business. He employs from four to six men, mannfactures light and heavy harness and general saddlery, carrying an average stock of from $2,000 to 83,000. Mr. Friederich was married May 14, 1857, at Prairie du Chien, to Christiana Frankenhoff, daughter of William and Catharine Frankenhoff, natives of Prussia. They have had eleven children, seven of whom are living-Alice R., Bertha A., John M., Ger- trude E., Heinrich W., Alexander A. and George B .; Mary C. died in infancy; Emila E. died aged two years, one month and three weeks; William E. and Wilhelmina, twins, died in in- fancy.

Dexter G. Harris, senior member of the man- ufacturing firm of Harris & Benson, was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 23, 1820. He is the son of Beriah and Tryphena (Gleason) Har- ris. His youth and early manhood were passed under the vigorous rules of a New England home of fifty years ago. The habits of in- dnstry and sobriety inculcated there have been the basis of a useful and temperate life of sixty odd years. Mr. Harris came to Prairie du Chien in the fall of 1855 and engaged in the manufacture of steel plows and cultivators and has continued the business without interruption to this date (1884). He was married in Belvi- dere, Ill., in November, 1850, to Charlotte Ben- son. They have two sons. The eldest, Albert. is married and employed as operator and station agent at Adams, Minn. The younger, Jay L., is station agent at Worthing, Dak.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Charles A. Mathews, proprietor of a livery stable, is the son of Andrew Mathews, and was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., town of Champlain, March 6, 1847. In 1855 he came to Prairie du Chien, Wis., with his parents. He learned the trade of a machinist and practical engineer. He began in the livery business in 1866, but the following spring, entered the service of the Northwestern Union Packet Company, as engi- neer, still retaining his interest in the livery business. lIe continued in the employ of the packet company ten years. At the expiration of this time, he re-opened in the livery business at Prairie du Chien. lIe now has a first-class livery, board and sale stable, situated in the central part of the city. He was married at Prairie du Chien, in 1866, to Carrie Atherton. One child was born to them, a daughter-Emma. Mrs. Mathews died in October, 1881.

Theodore Schumann, son of Gottlieb and Christiana Schumann, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Jan. 30, 1830. He learned the brew- er's trade in Germany. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States, and settling in Ohio he engaged in farming for a short time, subsequent- ly working at his trade in Cincinnati. In 1853 he moved to Guttenburg, Iowa, engaging in the brewing business. In 1855 he came to Prairie du Chien, and formed a partnership with Otto Georgii, under the firm name of Schumann & Georgii. They built the Prairie Brewery and conducted the business successfully for a time. Subsequently Mr. Georgii sold out in 1868 to Mr. Kappel, and he, in 1870, to Mr. Menges. In 1872 the brewery burned down, and the new brewery was built under the name of City Brewery. and now produces about 6,000 barrels annually. They also have a well improved farm near the city. He was married at Prairie du Chien, Dec. 30, 1857, to Caroline, daughter of Dr. Faeger, of Woodsville, Ohio. Mrs. Schumann was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, emigrating to America in childhood. They have six children, two sons and four daughters

-Ida, Emma, Mary, Louisa, Theodore and Willie.

John George Schweizer was born April 23, 1827, at Grossbettlinzen, Germany. He served a regular apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, and was engaged in that line of work until 1851, when he emigrated to the United States. He located at Dayton, Ohio, for a short time, then removed to Madison, Wis. In 1855 he came to Prairie du Chien, working at his trade for a few years, and then opening a restaurant and sam- ple room on Main street. This venture proved successful, and finding his quarters too small for his rapidly increasing business, he leased what was known as Kane's Hotel, a large struc- ture containing sixty rooms. He subsequently bought this property, and operated it success- fully until November, 1873, when it was de- stroyed by fire, by which event Mr. Schweizer sustained a heavy loss. However, he had pros- pered so well previously, that he had become a prominent property owner. Previous to this time he had built the fine three-story briek block at the corner of Bluff and Prairie streets, now known as the Commercial Hotel, and owned and operated by his widow and family. at the time of the fire, the upper floors of this block were used for public halls, and offices, while the first floor was used for business purposes. As soon as he could get possessson Mr. Schweizer, converted this building into a hotel, naming it the Commercial House. Ile continued in the business until the time of his death, which occurred May 11, 1882. Mr. Schweizer was widely and favorably known as an enterprising and honorable citizen. Ile made money in a legitimate business, and as promptly invested it in substantial improve- ments which benefitted the publie as well as himself. He was a man of liberal ideas, and active in the cause of education. IIe was the first director of the German School Association, and a member of the city board of education. He also served as a member of the city council. In every position of public honor or trust, he

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was always found competent and reliable. He was an active member of several secret and benevolent societies. His funeral was con- ducted by the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Schweizer was mar- ried at Prairie du Chien, Oct. 11, 1857, and this union has been blessed with three children- J. George, born July 22, 1862; Charles H., born Feb. 18, 1865, and Clara A., born Aug. 10, 1868.

E. M. Wright, druggist, is the son of N. A. and Adeline Wright, and was born Jan. 6, 1844 in Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y. In 1855, he came with his parents to Prairie du Chien, Wis. He was educated in the city schools, learning the drug business in his father's store. In April, 1864, he enlisted in the 50th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and was appointed hos- pital steward of that regiment, serving until the close of the war. Ilis father, N. A. Wright, was then carrying on the drug business in company with his brother, Emery. On the night of Jan. 11, 1869, Emery Wright was killed, while in the act of defending the store against burglars E. M. Wright succeeded his unele, as his father's partner, this connection continuing until the death of his father, which occurred Sept. 11, 1872. Mr. Wright has since conducted the business, for himself and mother, under the firm name of E. M. Wright & Co. He carries a general stock of drugs, medicines, books, stationery, etc. He was married at Prai- rie dn Chien, April 14, 1868, to Laura, daughter of P. I. Adams, born in Lancaster, Wis. They have three children, one son and two daughters -Elmer E., Mertie, and Nettie. The daughters are twins.

Thomas L. Brower, son of Thomas L., and Magdalene Brower, was born Jan. 29, 1821, in New York city. He learned the cabinet mak- er's trade in his father's shops, in New Jersey, and subsequently engaged in the hard wood lumber business, in New York. In 1856 he came to Prairie du Chien, then a thriving place with magnificent prospects. He formed a part- nership in the wholesale drug business with

Charles" S. Van Duzer, under the firm name of Brower & Van Duzer. In two years, this con- nection was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Brower continued the business alone, and Mr. Van Duzer returned east. The latter was killed in the late war. Mr. Brower, in view of the local demand, increased his business by adding a stock of general merchandise. Ilis business stand was a large brick building, situated on the west side of Front street, Lower Town. At this time the Milwaukee & Mississippirailroad had its depots at Lower Town, and a ferry con- nected Lower Town with McGregor. The bulk of Mr. Brower's trade came from the west of the river, he having a large trade with Iowa emigrants and settlers. In 1875 he moved to his present stand nearly opposite the old one. His present store is a double building, 50x70 feet, making two fine stores. His stock is about $7,000. In addition to his Lower Town establishment, he has a drug and grocery store, in Upper Town under the management of his son Arthur. Mr. Brower was married at New York city, in May, 1850, to Anna C., youngest daugh- ter of John Battin, a soldier of the British army, who came to this country during the War of the Revolution, with Admiral Lord Ilowe, who ap- pointed him, with others, as body guard to Prince William Henry, afterwards King Wil- liam IVth, who was then a midshipman in the British navy, and on a visit to this country. Ile served during the war, and when the Brit- ish troops evacuated, he had become so infatua- ted with America, that he was not found amongst the soldiers that returned home. He lived to the remarkable age of 100 years, and up to the last year of his life, clung to the old- fashioned costume of white stockings, and knee breeches. Mrs. Brower was born in New York city. They have had four children, one of whom is living-Arthur. Mr. Brower is an en- terprising citizen, and has endeavored to im- prove the city and make it attractive. His own home is a model of beauty and comfort. Opposite his house, Mr. Brower has an elegant

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little park, containing a large fountain of min- eral water, which supplies a miniature lake. Well shaded walks and smooth lawns lead to a tasty summer house. This delightful spot has been perfected by Mr. Brower in his leisure hours. It has been the ambition of his life, to make for himself and family, an attractive home. That he has succeeded beyond a doubt, would be the opinion of every one who visited that favored spot. Mr. Brower has served in various local offices. He has been a member of the board of education, almost continuously, since his location here, and for the past six years has been its president. He has also served on the county board, and in the city council. He has been a candidate for the Leg- islature on the republican ticket, being defeated by only five votes. His friends were too confi- dent of his success, to make a vigorous effort.

Arthur Brower, son of Thomas L. Brower, was born in Hoboken, N. J., Sept. 10, 1856. Ile came to Prairie dn Chien with his parents when but a few months old He received his educa- tion in the city schools and in the Protestant College of this place. He made a study of pharmacy and is a regularly registered pharma- cist. On the opening, July 4, 1880, of the drug and grocery store by his father, Arthur was placed in charge and has continued to conduct the business since that time. It is a neat and well stocked drug and grocery store and carries a stock varying from $4,000 to $5,000. The pro- prietor is the manufacturer of and wholesale dealer in the medicine known as McFarlane's cough and consumption cure, a popular remedy. Mr. Brower was married Sept. 9, 1880, at Be- loit, Wis., to Kate Gaston, danghter of N. B. Gaston.

Orson Jackson, retired merchant, was born in Westford town, Otsego Co., N. Y., Ang. 22, 1824. He is a graduate of the State Normal School of New York, and in 1846 adopted the profes- sion of teacher. Ile taught in his native State, until 1851, when he removed to Ypsilanti, Mich., being employed one year and nine

months as principal of the Ypsilanti Union Seminary. He left the seminary to accept the position of professor of mathematics in the State Normal School of the same city. In 1856, Mr. Jackson gave up that chair and came to Prairie du Chien, forming a partnership with Edward W. Pelton, senior member of the firm of A. Pelton & Co., and Mr. Charles Wright. This firm did an extensive business in general merchandise and produce, and for years was the most important mercantile honse in Crawford county. Mr. Jackson continued in business until t875, when he retired, and has since devoted his time to the care of his farm. Ile has been prominently identified with the educational interests of the county. In the early days, under the old system, he was town- ship superintendent of schools. In 1864 and 1865, he was county superintendent of schools, and during the existence of Prairie du Chien College, from 1865 to 1870, was a member of the board of trustees. Mr. Jackson was mar- ried at Ithaca, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1858, to Mary E., daughter of Francis E. Reed. Mrs. Jackson was born in New York city, and is a graduate of the New York State Normal School and of the Oneida Conference Seminary, of Cazenovia. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Jackson had devoted considerable time to teaching. They have two sons-John T. and Francis R.

Michael Menges, of the firm of Schumann & Menges, brewers, is the son of John N. Menges. He was born at Baden, Germany, Feb. 13, 1833, and came to the United States in 1849. He learned the carpenter trade at Philadelphia, be- ing employed in that business until the fall of 1855, when he returned to Germany. The fol- lowing spring he again came to this country, settling in Prairie du Chien, where he was soon extensively engaged as contractor and bnilder. He also kept hotel for three years. In 1870, he formed a partnership with Theodore Schumann in the brewing business, under the firm name of Schumann & Menges, which has continued np to the present time. This brewery produces 6,000

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barrels of beer annually. Mr. Menges is one of the most energetic, pushing business men of the city. Outside of his brewing business he is still engaged in contracting and building, and has just closed the contract for building the basement of the addition to the College of the Sacred Heart, at this place. Mr. Menges was elected sheriff of Crawford county for the term of 1867-8, was coroner in 1862, and township treasurer in 1870. He is the present efficient chief of the Prairie du Chien fire department, and superintendent of the Prairie du Chien Mechanical, Agricultural & Driving Park Association. He was married at Prairie du Chien, May, 16, 1858, to Catharine, danghter of Peter Schmitz. She was born in Prussia and emigrated to this county in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Menges have had ten children, seven girls and three boys, seven of whom are living-Mary, wife of Otto A. Watzke, of MeGregor, Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of William Werder, also of Me- Gregor; Frank, Minnie, Edward, Theodore and Emma. Ida died aged eleven years; Fannie died aged three years; Susanna died in infancy.

Jac Raffauf, one of the pioneers of Crawford county of 1856, and for many years a popular county and city officer, was born in Prussia, Aug. 28, 1833. He emigrated to the United States in 1852, and located in Cassville. Grant Go., Wis., where he made his home till 1856, then came to Prairie du Chien and engaged in mercantile business. In 1860 he was elected register of deeds of Crawford county, and re- elected three times, holding, in all, eight years. He was subsequently elected county clerk for two years, and also town and city treasurer, and held those ofhices eight years. Ile was also as- sessor, and a member of the school board. In 1870 he erected the fine brick block opposite the postoffice, where he was engaged in mercantile business. The commercial crisis of 1873 found him like many others, and he was obliged to close up his business. He started immediately in the wine and liquor business, and has since succeeded very well. Mr. Raffauf now has a

tasty sample room and billiard hall, nearly op- posite the Commercial House, which is becom- ing a very popular resort for the better class of people. He was married in Paris, France, Dec. 13, 1857, to Margaretta, daughter of John Eg- gert. Mrs. Raffauf was born in Coblentz, Germany. Owing to Mr. Raffauf not being a citizen of France at the time of his marriage, there arose some question as to the validity of the ceremony. So on their arrival in the city of New York, they were re-married Dec. 30, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Raffauf have six children, three sons and three daughters-Bertha, Ida, Alvina, Alexander, Frank and Max.

John Ackerley was born in England, at Rin- corn, on the river Mersey, July 19, 1821. When of sufficient age he was placed on a farm to work. When fifteen years of age his parents died. Ile soon after engaged with Johnson Brothers, the well-known soap manufacturers of Runcorn. He soon left that business to enter the service of the Mersey & Irwell Carrying Company, plying on the river between Liver- pool and Manchester, following that business about fifteen years. He next went to Burnley, where he was employed with the gas company and on the public works. In the summer of 1856 he emigrated to America, arriving in Wis- consin in October of that year. The following April he engaged with the Milwaukee & St. Paul railway company as check clerk, at the freight depot at Prairie du Chien, and has had general charge of the transfer of freight at this point. The immense amount of business done at this point in years past has made this a most responsible position. That he bas proven him- self capable and trustworthy, is apparent from the fact that he has held this position for tweny-six years, with the exception of two vaca- tions, when he was away on visits to England. He was married in England, in 3842, to Mary, daughter of James Burrow, a prominent gun and rifle manufacturer of Preston, England. Mrs. Ackerley was born at Preston, Lancaster- shire, England. They had four children born

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to them, all natives of England. The eldest, James B., is married and resides at Prairie du Chien. His occupation is that of locomotive engineer. Ile has been in the employ of the Milwaukee & St Paul railroad company sinee 1857, and for nine years run an engine on the main line, and during the last nine years on the transfer between Prairie du Chien and Mc- Gregor. The youngest son, John, enlisted in the British army, went to India with his regi- ment, and died of a fever in that country in 1876. The other two sons died in childhood.

Richard G. Matthews, senior partner of the firm of R. G. Matthews & Son, jewelers, was born Dec. 5, 1835, in Brooklyn, King's Co., N. Y. When fourteen years of age he re- moved with his parents to Champlain, Clinton county, and, in the fall of 1857, to Prairie du Chien, Wis. IIe learned the millwright trade in the east, and soon after coming to Prairie du Chien became connected with Robert Scott in the manufacture of fanning mills. He was subsequently in the employ of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien railroad as a mechanie. In 1867 he started in the livery business, at Prairie du Chien, in company with Mr. Need- am, under the firm name of Needam & Mat- thews. Their means were limited and stock consequently small. Mr. Needam had four horses and Mr. Matthews one. Two years later Mr. Matthews bought out his partner and rapidly inereased his stock of horses and car- riages, until he had a first-elass establishment. He continued the business until February, 1883, when he sold the stock and equipments to his brother, C. A. Matthews, retaining the owner- ship of the buildings. In March, 1883, he purchased an interest in the jewelry business of his son, D. E. Matthews, who is a practical watchmaker, and had established the business in 1879. This firm carries a well-selected stock of watehes, fine jewelry and silverware, of an average value of from $5,000 to $6,000. They also deal extensively in pianos and or- gans. While in the livery business Mr. Mat-

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 97

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