USA > Wisconsin > Langlade County > History of Langlade County, Wisconsin, from U. S. government survey to present time, with biographical sketches > Part 3
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The pioneer cabins and shacks were often times sepa- rated by miles of unbroken virgin forests. This lone- liness naturally made the homesteaders and squatters very hospitable and cordial. Visitors were always welcome and were given the best that the little cabins could afford. Everyone was neighborly and a spirit of mutual helpfulness approaching perfection was man- ifest. They were kind and always willing to lend a helping hand to any settlers in distress. Mrs. Anna Morrissey, daughter of Mrs. F. A. Deleglise, has told how her mother would go long distances to aid and comfort some sick person. It was truly a land of equality here in the wilderness. No racial distinc- tions, no sects, creeds, coteries of people secluded- but all on one common plane. Sometimes we think that in our day of extolled progress and civilization we have attained the acme of benevolence, but the chris- tian charity of the pioneer far surpassed that of society today.
When notice that an itinerant preacher would be in the county to dwell upon the gospel the pioneer set- tlers would come from miles around to hear him. Some came on foot, horseback, horse and wagon, and with oxen carts, all eager to participate in the worship of God.
The cabin or shacks of the first settlers were made of logs, sometimes covered with boards. The crude dwellings were usually of three rooms, all comfortably but plainly equipped. Rough sawed lumber was used for flooring. The settlers would store their winter supplies in the cabin. There are still many log cabins used in Langlade County and while the log cabin was the start of prosperity for the county, it holds a high place among those things worthy of his- torical preservation.
Neighbors were not plenty but they made up a lack of numbers by a hearty good wholesome exchange of courtesies and "good turns." When the long winter evenings arrived, the oxen were hitched to the "jump- er" and the buxom lads and lassies "snugged in" and
sought a neighbor's cabin by sleigh road winding through the forest, slow, it is true, but speed was not desired as so much of the fun was "being together." When the turnouts would arrive at their destination, the occupants of the cabin home would cordially greet them and all would make merry while games, music on the old organ, accordian, or violin was enjoyed.
The howl of the timber wolf often broke forth near the pioneer cabin accompanying the master of the ac- cordian or the old violinist. It is different today. The wolf has been pushed back by civilization and but in few places can his bark be heard. Time has brought forth a wonderful change in the past forty years or more.
FORTY YEARS AGO.
In what a wonderous age we live Not many seem to know, But few the mighty change perceive, Since forty years ago.
Then the farms were covered o'er With forest trees aglow, And the red man held full sway Over forty years ago.
The bear, the wild cat, wolf and lynx Were the red man's only foe When the pioneer settlers came Over forty years ago.
But the red man was driven out, And the forests, too, must go Before the ax of the pioneer Over forty years ago.
The youngsters dressed in homespun clothes And made but little show,
And Lindsey-woolsey dressed the girls, Over forty years ago.
The "warmeses" and "round-a-bouts" Gave plenty room to grow, And boys were strong and rugged then, Over forty years ago.
The girls could spin, knit and weave, And have as good a beau As any lady's heart could wish Since forty years ago.
And grandpa's heart was always green, Although his locks were snow,
And grandma knit and darned the socks, Over forty years ago.
Our fathers never had a dream, When things moved on so slow, Of what their boys would do by steam Since forty years ago.
Automobiles and electric cars, And airships on the go, Would open the eyes of the pioneer Of forty years ago.
11
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
The telephone and wireless, The music in the air,
How different from the olden days When messengers were rare.
Our giant ships and railroad trains With goods from every clime; How wonderful when compared With the ox cart of olden time.
But time has deadened many a tree, And "logged" up many a row, Since they began to clear the land Over forty years ago.
And when the covered wagon comes, And we are called to go, We'll settle in a better land Than forty years ago.
With all its drawbacks the pioneer log cabin was a happy home. As saw mills became numerous the doors and floors of the log cabins were made of rough wood. With trade increasing the prosperity of the homesteaders and pioneers became more apparent and frame dwellings were erected. Many of the cabins in the county were covered by clapboards slit from na- tive timber and weighted down by poles.
It was not uncommon for the pioneer settlers to sleep out under the boughs of a forest tree during the time when a cabin was being "rolled up." The oxen or mules were then allowed to graze in the forest na- tural clearings around the temporary camping place. Many of the pioneers were without funds to purchase any of the luxuries of that time. Even if they did have funds the trading posts were so far away that it was only with great difficulty and trouble that even necessities were purchased. Courage and unlimited energy were the chief assets of the first settlers.
Once a cabin home was started it was but a few days before it was completed. Two to three families often settled in the various townships in groups. Thus by mutual assistance many of the trials and hardships were successfully coped with. Food was usually "toted" in to the new-comers, but before then they were compelled to gather wild berries, herbs, kill wild game, the deer, rabbits, ducks, prairie chickens and other wild animals of which there was then an abundance.
Some of the old cabins first rolled up are yet in existence. If the decaying logs of these old land marks could tell the story of their existence history would be much more interesting. The days when the "bee" or the log rolling was conducted were important to the first settlers. It was a courtesy generally re- spected by all, for every able bodied man who lived within an easy walking or "ridin' distance" to attend
the bee or log raising event. He was expected to as- sist the new settler about to become his neighbor in the all important task of erecting his little domain in the wilderness. If the new settler lived in a section of the county where a number of pioneers could gather quickly the occasion was made a distinct social fea- ture.
The hardy men folks would busy themselves throughout the entire day felling the trees, trimming, sawing and hauling the logs to the site of the proposed cabin. Oxen were often used to aid in hauling the logs. When the logs were placed in proper position the cracks in the walls were filled with moss, sticks, mud and plaster, if it could be obtained. This pre- vented the wind and rain from entering into the cabin home.
When the work would be about complete the pio- neers attending the "bee" or log raising would feast out in the open air. The women folks were as essen- tial at such a pioneer gathering as were the men, for the hard labor was forgotten as the feasting and merri- ment connected with the event began.
The first pioneers did not have furniture such as is found in the modern home of Langlade County today. In fact only the necessary articles were found in the homes of the homesteaders and other pioneers. When they came into the country the roads were nothing but trails and it was thus very hard to bring any furniture with them except those things absolutely necessary. Many of the household necessities were made by the older boys or the father. Chairs usually consisted of stools or benches made out of rough material se- cured in the forests.
During the week's labor the father of a family found it difficult to make ends meet, so to speak, and as money was not plentiful he was always anxious to barter commodities. Thus after a church session on Sunday the people would stand around trading pro- duce, exchanging one article for another which they needed most. The people supported the church by sending in corn, potatoes, rutabagas, cord wood, etc., to the pastor. If they subscribed to a paper the edi- tor often allowed them to pay for the subscription in some product of the homestead. And it was for a long time that produce was regarded equally with money as the standard of value.
The cabins of the early settlers were exceptionally simple. Nothing but needed household articles could be found. No art decorations or beautiful paintings adorned the walls of these homes.
The ax, the augur, saw and awl Hang on pegs upon the wall. And kitchen utensils-bright and clean May also on the wall be seen.
12
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
CHAPTER V. Organization of Langlade County
Under Rule of Four Nations-Spain, France, Great Britain and U. S .- Territorial Government --- Land Districts Created in 1834-County of New Organized by S. A. Taylor-Langlade County Created in 1881-First County Board-Public Buildings-Opposition to Boundary Changes- Boundary Error-First County Officials-County of Keeps-Territorial Changes 1881-1885.
The territory comprising Langlade County has serv- ed successively under the flags of four powerful na- tions, Spain, France, Great Britain and the United States. Originally a part of the Northwest territory, it became a part of Indiana district in 1800. In 1809 it became a part of Michigan territory, detached from Il- linois territory, and was governed by William Henry Harrison. Not until 33 years after Wisconsin was ad- mitted into the union was Langlade County establish- ed.
Long before the advent of the white man in Langlade County, there were no land claims made upon the fed- eral government to affect this region. The Green Bay land district, created June 26, 1834, by an act of Con- gress, did not include Upper or Northern Wisconsin. Thus the reader can realize that for nearly a half cen- tury more, until 1855, Langlade County was a paradise of nature, unmarred by the woodman's axe; a virgin forest where God's cattle fed "upon a thousand hills;" where streams and glacial lakes abounded unmolested in fish and game; a country where the melodious war- ble of the feathered songster intermingled with the soft sigh of the giant pine.
THE FOUNDER OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
The founder of Langlade County was Squire A. Tay- lor, a well educated and progressive citizen of Lily, Langlade township. He was engaged in lumber and logging operations for years on the Wolf and Lily riv- ers. It was he who changed the name of the little village to New. He led an eventful life and was one of the picturesque pioneers of Wisconsin's wild north. He passed away at the old Springbrook House, Antigo land mark, February 22, 1902. Through the efforts of Squire A. Taylor, the Committee on Town and Coun- ty Organization of the State Legislature recommended the passage of Chapter 114, Laws of 1879, creating the "County of New."
The county was named "New" because it was a New County if we are to take the statements of pioneers, and Chicago officials of railroad concerns as accurate .*
THE COUNTY OF KEEPS-MATT CARPENTER.
In 1882, S. A. Taylor, Founder of Langlade County, attempted to organize the County of Keeps. The pro- posed county would include all of Langlade County as it then existed except Norwood and Rolling townships. They were to be evacuated and attached to Shawano
County. The bill was introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature by Mr. H. Button, who opposed it. The Lost Nation was included in the proposed county. In March, 1883, at the time of the defeat of Keeps Coun- ty, the Lost Nation was attached to Langlade County. In 1884 Taylor tried to organize Matt Carpenter Coun- ty. It was defeated by the State Legislature.
LANGLADE COUNTY.
Langlade County was named in honor of Sieur Charles De Langlade, brave and impulsive leader of the French and Indians, who has been heralded as the first citizen of Wisconsin. In February, 1880, the leg- islature passed an act changing the name of New, to Langlade County. The change was proposed by Ly- man C. Draper, Secretary of the State Historical So- ciety. One year later, February 19, 1881, the bound- aries of Shawano, Oconto and Langlade counties were changed. The County of Langlade was created and perfected and "certain towns were therein establish- ed." Langlade County included: "All that portion of the counties of Shawano, Oconto and Langlade, within the following boundaries, to-wit: Commencing at the southwest corner of township 30 north, range 11 cast of the 4th principal meridian, running thence north on range line between ranges 10 and 11, to the third correction line, thence east on the said correction line to the southwest corner of township 31, range 11 east, thence north on range line between ranges 10 and 11 of the 4th correction line; thence west on the said cor- rection line to the southwest corner of township 41 of range 11 east; thence north on range line between ranges 10 and 11 to the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary line; thence southeasterly on said boundary line to the range line, between ranges 14 and 15 east of the 4th principal meridian; thence south on said range line to the 4th correction line; thence east on the said correc- tion line to the northeast corner of township 40 of range 14 east; thence south on range line between ranges 14 and 15 to the southeast corner of township 34, range 14 east; thence west on the town line between town- ships 33 and 34 to the northeast corner of township 33, range 12 east; thence south on range line between ranges 12 and 13 to the third correction line; thence west on said correction line to the northeast corner of township 30, north, range 12 and 13 east, to the town line between townships 29 and 30; thence west on said town line to the place of beginning.
* New County was organized when Marinette County was created. It was attached to Shawano County for County and Judicial purposes. The Act of Organizing New County was approved February 27, 1879
13
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
POWERS AND PRIVILEGES OF COUNTY.
Section 3 of the act creating Langlade County specifi- cally granted all rights, powers and privileges legally granted other counties to Langlade. Section 4 stipu- lated that within ten days after passage and publica- tion of the act of organization Governor J. M. Rusk shall appoint in and for Langlade County all officials excepting the Chairman and members of the County Board.
County officers appointed were to hold offices until the first Monday in January, 1883, until their succes- sors were elected and qualified. County Superintend-
ent and County Judge held office until the first Monday in Janu- ary, 1882.
SALARIES OF FIRST COUNTY OFFICERS.
The salaries of the first officers of Lang- lade County were fix- ed as follows: Coun- ty Clerk-$600; County Treasurer- $600; County Judge -$100; County Su- perintendent o f Schools-$300; Dis- trict Attorney-$100. The first Langlade County officers were : County Judge-J. W. Morse; District At- torney-George W. Latta; Circuit Judge -George H. Meyers of Appleton; Clerk of Court-D. S. Olm-
JOHN JANSEN OF NORWOOD TOWNSHIP. Elected first Chairman of Langlade County Board, May, 1881.
Register of Deeds-R. G. Webb; Surveyor-Harvey
Gee; Coroner-Dr. J. H. Dawley.
TOWNSHIP LIMITS.
Langlade County was divided into six townships, Rolling, Norwood, Antigo, Polar, Carpenter and Gagen. Rolling consisted of township 30, N. of Range 11 east; Norwood consisted of township 30 North of Range 12, east; Antigo township consisted of townships 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37, all of range 11 east; Polar town- ship consisted of townships 31, 32 and 33 North of Range 12 east and townships 34 of ranges 12, 13 and 14 east; Gagen township consisted of townships 35, 36 and 37 North of range 12 east and township 38, 39, 40,
41 and fractional part township 42 of ranges 11 and 12 east; Carpenter township consisted of townships 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and fractional township 41 of ranges 13 and 14 east.
A study of the map of Wisconsin indicates that the towns enumerated extended to the state boundary and included parts of Forest, Oneida and Vilas Counties, as they now exist. The county was not permitted to raise more than $1,500 in any one of the first five years.
FIRST TOWN MEETINGS.
The first annual town meetings were held strictly ac- cording to legal pro- visions. Norwood
and Rolling town-
ships held their first assemblages in
places previously
provided by the
Shawano County
Board. Antigo
township held its
first meeting in the
old log store of Niels Anderson. Polar
township held its
meeting at the quaint farm house of Moritz Muller, section 16,
township 31, range 12 east. Carpenter township conducted its first annual meet- ing at the Charles
Van Zile residence, lot two, section 31, township 36, range 13 east. The farm house of Louis Motz- feldt was the scene
of the first town
Charles Herman;
County Clerk-J. J.
Simpson; County
Treasurer-F. A.
Deleglise ; County
land, near Post Lake,
on section 26, town- ship 35, range 12 east.
COUNTY SUPERVISORS MEET .
The first County Board meeting was held at Niels Anderson's store on the first Tuesday in May, 1881. As Langlade County was a vast wilderness, extending to the state line, it was difficult for the more remote Su- pervisors to get to the county seat to attend this his- toric session. These were days before the advent of
the railroad. Indian trails and tote roads were few and the country used as many oxen as horses. Never- the-less these delegates of the hardy pioneer home- steaders diligently attended to their duties at the cru- cial moments when the moulding of a county destined
sted; Sheriff
meeting in Gagen township. Motz-
feldt's place was lo- cated Freeden-
Supt. of Schools-
George Ratcliffe ;
14
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
to lead Upper Wisconsin in many diversified indus- tries was in the making.
The Supervisors present at the first session were Dan Gagen of Gagen township; J. Jansen of Norwood town- ship; James Quinn of Rolling township; A. Van Zile of Carpenter township; J. Schufeldt of Polar township and V. Simmons of Antigo township. Mr. Jansen was elected first Chairman of the Board.
BONDS OF OFFICIALS FIXED.
The oath of office was administered by Niels Ander- son, who climbed the rough stairs leading to the sec- ond floor of his log cabin, to act. The first act of the Supervisors was to fix the bond of county officers in the following sums: County Clerk-$5,000; County Surveyor-$1,000; County Superintendent-$1,000;
THE FIRST COURT HOUSE.
Until the county provided suitable buildings it was necessary to hold court, board meetings and house of- ficials in the tiny hall and dingy rooms over the old Niels Anderson store. The hall was plainly furnish- ed with "three tables, four common chairs and two rocking chairs." These quarters cost $250 annually. But the progress of Langlade County was the inspir- ing motive of its pioneer builders and immediate plans were made for a court house. The county seat was at once officially established by ordinance on the west 1/2 of the NW 14 of Section 29, Township 31 N, Range 11 E. A. Van Zile and James Quinn, Supervisors, and three citizens at large-Charles Herman, archi- tect, Henry St. Louis and George Ratcliffe, were se- lected to draft specifications and ascertain feasible
Langlade County Court House, erected in 1905 al a cost of $71,080.
Sheriff-$5,000; Clerk of Court-$5,000; Register of Deeds-$3,000; District Attorney-$1,000.
FIRST COUNTY AGENT-FIRST COMMITTEES.
The first County Board appointed George D. Rat- cliffe, "A committee to act as Purchasing Agent." The resolution, introduced by Supervisor V. Simmons, gave the Purchasing Agent power to "purchase and contract for all books, blanks, safes, stationery, fuel, furniture, lights, etc., for the use of county officers as provided by law." He was authorized and did secure a county seal for county officers and courts. Bills and con- tracts rendered were reported by Mr. Ratcliffe at the first session thereafter. . He was retained until May 19, 1881.
Chairman Jansen appointed five committees as fol- lows: Finance-Dan Gagen, A. Van Zile and V. Sim- mons; Pauper Accounts-James Quinn and V. Sim- mons; Sheriff, Constable's and Justice's Claims-J. Schufeldt and Dan Gagen; Public Property-Dan Gag- en and A. Van Zile; Roads and Bridges-James Quinn and Dan Gagen.
plans for securing funds to erect a court house. The committee reported in June, 1881, proposing a $5,000 building. The board delayed the matter until August, 1881, when they adopted the committee's report to erect a court house at $3,000. Immediate steps were taken to prepare for the contractor, E. A. Stickney. The court house square was cleared of dead trees, de- cayed windfalls and brush. Three county bonds of $1,000 denominations bearing 8 per cent interest an- nually were issued and $500 was at once levied as a di- rect tax to pay interest charges. The building com- mittee, James Quinn, G. W. Latta, Eli Waste, V. Sim- mons and G. D. Ratcliffe, was appointed August 4, 1881. The first court house was completed in May, 1882.
THE PRESENT COURT HOUSE.
Langlade County, making wonderful development each decade, since 1879, needed a modern court house to keep in accord with its growth otherwise. The first court house served continuously for over a quarter of a century. The present commodious court house was
15
HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
erected by the Prince Construction Co., Minneapolis, Minn., and accepted March 30, 1905, on recommenda- tion of L. E. Frederickson, County Superintendent of Construction. The first proposal to build came in November 1903. On January 19, 1904, a remonstrance signed by many citizens urged the erection of a build- ing not to exceed $60,000 in costs.
George W. Hill, John Byrne, M. D. Besse, Chris Wunderlich and H. C. Stewart, building committee, succeeded in having the archiect lower the cost $28,000. Three separate bids were called for February 16, 1904. District Attorney Max Hoffman, John Byrne, Geo. W. Hill, T. W. Hogan, Edward Cleary, committeemen, se- lected to approve plans and specifications, recommend- ed a court house not to cost more than $75,000. The third committee was then appointed consisting of Leonard Frieburger, Sr., Chris Wunderlich, George W. Hill and H. C. Stewart. New plans were secured and a contract was virtually entered into with Schmidt Bros. of Superior, when the entire project was thrown back to the place of beginning.
The Prince Construction Company was paid $71,080 for the court house. The building committee in charge of the work was composed of the following: L. D. Hartford, John Byrne, W. J. Knott and L. F. Culver. Kinney & Detweiler of Minneapolis were the archi- tects. V. P. Rath, County Clerk, and R. J. Morgan, Chairman of the County Board, for the county and C. E. Prince, President of the Prince Construction Com- pany signed the contract. District Attorney Hoffman and A. J. Nowotny were signatory witnesses.
Port Wing Brown stone was used in body construc- tion. The two base courses are made of raindrop stone. The court house contains the office of Munici- pal Judge, Circuit Judge, court room, offices of Clerk of Court, Court Reporter, Register of Deeds, County Judge, Superintendent of Schools, County Treasurer, Highway Commissioner, County Clerk and law library. It is situated in block 13, City of Antigo. It is sur- rounded by the most beautiful park in Langlade County.
LANGLADE COUNTY JAILS.
The first County Board passed an ordinance select- ing James Quinn, J. Jansen and J. Schufeldt as a com- mittee to draw plans and let a contract for building a "lock-up or jail" for Langlade County. It was speci- fied that the jail not exceed $150 in costs and should be erected in the court yard. The committee enter- ed into a contract with J. W. Morse, Norwood town- ship, June 15, 1881, for the erection of a log jail 16x20 feet and nine feet high. Lumber and shingles were purchased from F. A. Deleglise and paid for out of the $150. What was left went to contractor Morse. James Quinn accepted the jail for Langlade County, in Au- gust, 1881. It cost $4.00 to clear the land of trees, de- bris and brush before the erection of this rude jail.
Antigo grew miraculously from 1879 to 1886. As a consequence law enforcement became more hazardous and law breakers became more numerous. The old jail was inadequate. It did not provide for a Sheriff's residence.
Pat Murphy of Deerbrook, a character of pioneer days, when confined in the log jail for some trivial of-
fense, would climb over the transom over the door and run up to 5th Avenue through the woods, shouting that the jail was on fire. The old volunteers would rush to the log jail put out the fire, presumably started by Pat, and return to their routine work. This demon- strates the security of the first jail.
January 9, 1885, Charles Gowan, Henry Peters, Wal- ter Guile, E. Raddatz, and Joseph Duchac were select- ed from the County Board as a building committee to erect a new jail. Bids were received until February 4, 1885. The contract for a two story combined jail and Sheriff's residence was let to J. E. Clancy for $6,884. $7,000 in bonds of $500 denominations were issued by the county at 7 per cent interest for ten years to meet the cost. The new jail was accepted by the final committee, Ed. Daskam, E. R. Van Buran and W. H. Dawley, January 1, 1886. The cells were placed by Pauly Jail Bldg. & Supply Co., St. Louis, Mo. The Sheriff is the custodian of the county jail.
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