USA > Wisconsin > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and early history of the Northwest > Part 36
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OSSIAN COOK.
One of the finest residences in this city, as will be scen from a view of the same in this work, is that of Ossian Cook, on Church Street.
Mr. Cook moved to this city from Chicago in 1855, and engaged in his present business in 1859, and is now the senior member of the firm of Cook, Brown & Co., a description and view of whose works and shipping dock is given on another page. Mr. Cook is regarded as one of the most prominent leaders here in all enterprises having for their object the advancement of the city. He has been par- ticularly zealous and active in his efforts to obtain a new railroad route to the north, and
was one of the leading advocates of the road now being built from this city to Hortonville. He is one of the stirring and enterprising busi- ness men who have given Oshkosh the name and fame she now enjoys, and who are deter- mined to push her fortunes to the farthest limits of success.
FERDINAND HERMANN.
The handsome block of F. Hermann, cor- ner of Main and Waugoo, is among the fine illustrations here presented. This building was erected immediately after the great fire, and is one of the finest business blocks in the city.
Mr. Hermann emigrated in 1850, from Sax- ony to Milwaukee, where he resided until 1853, when he came to Oshkosh and engaged in the business of building contractor, which he fol- lowed until the year 1862, at which time he went into the grocery business on the site of his present block; and from small beginnings has built up a large and constantly increasing business. His house now ranks among the leading ones of the city and he is recognized as one of its best business men. Mr. Hermann has every element of a popular dealer, and is a man of unquestioned integrity.
II. C. GUSTAVUS.
Mr. Gustavus is an old resident, and widely . and popularly known, having resided in this city from 1851 to 1867. At the latter date he went to Neenah and had several years practi- cal experience in the milling business, after which he moved back to Oshkosh and in part- nership with Mr. Caspar Smith purchased the South Side Flouring Mill. Shortly after his return to this city he built his elegant residence on Oregon street, one of the handsomest in the Third Ward, and is now one of the estab- lished leading business men of the city. A view of his residence is given in this work.
GEN. THOS. S. ALLEN,
Managing editor of the Oshkosh Northwestern, is one of the early western pioneers, having moved from his native place, Alleghany County, New York, to Chicago in 1846, and being a practical printer, engaged as foreman on a daily paper. His vocation proving inju- rious to his health, he went to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and engaged in mining and land surveying. In 1857 he was elected to repre- sent that district in the State Legislature. In 1860 he was appointed assistant chief clerk of the State land office, and on the breaking out of the late war he resigned his position and enlisted as private in the Governor's Guards. He was soon after chosen Captain of the Miners' Guards from Mineral Point, and
RESIDENCE OF H . C . GUSTAVUS, COR. 12 TH & OREGON , OSHKOSH, WIS.
T'ES FIFTH WARD EXCHANGE.POIS
FLOUR AND FEED
STORE & RESIDENCE OF GUSTAVUS TESCH , 183 ALGOMA ST., OSHKOSH, WIS.
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.]
received a commision from Governor Randall. The company was assigned to the Second Reg- iment, which afterwards became famous for gallant conduct and hard service. After the battle of Bull Run he was promoted to the rank of Major, and subsequently to that of Lieutenant-Colonel. In 1863 he received a commission as Colonel of the Fifth Wisconsin, and was brevetted Brigadier-General in March, 1865. General Allen participated in several of the most sanguinary engagements of the war, and became conspicuous for his gallant and heroic conduct. He was twice wounded in the battle of Gainsville, when he was Major of the Second Regiment, but did not leave the field; and was again wounded at Antietam, while commanding the regiment in the absence of Colonel Fairchild. In that engagement he had his right arm broken. While Colonel of the Fifth, his regiment took the lead in the fam- ous charge on Mary's Height. At the charge at Rappahannock Station, as his regiment was crossing the parapet of that redoubt, his hand was so badly shattered by a ball as to unfit him for duty, and he was complimented for his gallant service in that action by a general order of Major General H. G. Wright.
After the time of his regiment had expired he returned to Wisconsin, raised seven new companies, and went with them to the seat of war and served in the campaign of the Shenan- doah Valley under General Sheridan. In an attack on the enemy's lines on the second of April, 1865, he led the advance and again dis- tinguished himself for gallant conduct.
After the close of the war he returned to his home in Wisconsin, and was shortly after- wards elected Secretary of State. In 1870 he moved to Oshkosh and became a partner in the Oshkosh Northwestern, and has been since that time its managing editor. As a writer he wields a vigorous pen, and his varied experi- ence has given him a large fund of general information which is invaluable in an editor. His paper takes a high rank among the pub- lications of the State, and he exercises much influence in the councils of his party.
GEO. F. STROUD.
A view of the residence of Geo. F. Stroud will be found among the illustrations. Mr. Stroud is one of the old settlers, having come to this place in 1851, when in his boyhood, and has been ever closely identified with the interests of this city. No one is more untiring in efforts to promote its prosperity than he, and to lend a willing hand to any enterprise which is calculated to advance its interests. He is one of our most successful business men,
and his oil, paint and glass house is one of the popular institutions of this city, and stands in the front ranks of our heaviest business houses.
Mr. Stroud's sagacity, and energy is well attested by his great business success; for he has in a few years, from small beginnings, worked up a wholesale trade in oil, paints and glass, that is not exceeded by that of any other house in the State:
JUDGE D. J. PULLING.
The beautiful residence of Judge D. J. Pul- ling, corner of Church and Jackson streets, as will be seen by the illustration, is one of the finest in the city. Judge Pulling is now serv- ing his second term of six years, as Judge of this Judicial Circuit; and was elected two years ago by an immense majority. He is regarded as one of the ablest judges in the State, and is noted for his prompt rulings, his punctuality, order and expeditious despatch of business, and for the remarkable clearness and comprehensiveness of his diction in charges to the jury. He stands very high in the esti- mation of the members of the bar, and his general popularity is well attested by the heavy majorities with which he was elected.
HON. ANDREW HABEN.
Among the leading business men of this city the name of Hon. Andrew Haben stands prominent. Mr. Haben came to Oshkosh in 1855, and established his present business house in 1862. He has been remarkably suc- cessful in conducting his financial affairs, and through a long series of years has kept his house continually on a sound basis. He is a heavy real estate owner, being the possessor of several brick stores on Main Street. He has been twice elected mayor of this City, and is now State Senator, representing this county in the Legislature. Public honors seem to shower upon Mr. Haben, as he has received from his party the nomination for State Treas- urer. A view of his handsome residence on Washington street is given.
E. L. AND GEO. M. PAINE.
The beautiful residences and grounds of the above-named gentlemen are on West Algoma Street. They are associates in the firm of C. N. Paine & Co., one of the heaviest lumber manufacturers in the city, and have been engaged in the business since an early day.
C. N. and George M. Paine are among the most enterprising and thorough-going of our business men. They employ a large force of hands and have contributed very materially toward the business prosperity of this city.
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.
Their mill is one of immense capacity and contains all the best improved machinery, and their business is conducted with the most systematie precision.
COL. L. M. MILLER.
One of the most beautiful places to be found is that of Colonel Miller's, on the Lake Shore. This lovely place possesses every feature for making one of the most attractive watering- places in the country; as will be seen from the fine view to be found in these pages. It affords one of the most delightful drives, with fine views of the Lake scenery. Skirting the shore is a thicket of native forest trees, which adds much to its attractiveness.
Col. Miller has been identified with the interests of Oshkosh almost from the very starting of the place, having come here in 1846, at which time he opened a store which was the third store started. He has, from the beginning, been one of the heaviest real estate owners in Oshkosh; and, as will be seen by a perusal of these pages has taken a conspic- ious part in its history. He has held many publie positions of trust and responsibility, and has always proved faithful and capable in the discharge of their duties. He has repre- sented this district in the State Legislature, and is at present chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. He proved particu- larly efficient as chairman of a committee to procure and dispense aid to the sufferers in the two great fires.
HON. TOM WALL.
One of the most widely known and popular men in Oshkosh, is the genial Freight Agent of the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad-the Hon, Tom Wall. He is also superintendent of the Wolf River Line of Steamers, and is one of the most energetic thorough-going business men in this community. A view of his fine residence will be found among the illustrations in this work. Mr. Wall came to Oshkosh in 1857, and shortly after, took the position of clerk on one of the Wolf River Line of Steamers. In a few years he became one of the large stock holders, and finally was intrusted with the general management of the line. He has also for years engaged in extensive lumber- ing operations, and has dealt largely in pine lands. He is a young man of great executive ability and of fine business capacity, as his career well attests. He came here a mere boy, and unaided, has pushed his way to distinet- ion. He has been three times elected by large majorities, to represent the Oshkosh District in the State Legislature, and served as a mem-
ber of Assembly, with much credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituency.
PETERSILEA HOMESTEAD.
This pleasant place was a part of the estate of Charles Petersilea, deceased, a man who was highly esteemed in the community as one of its most useful and enterprising citizens, and whose untimely and melancholy end was greatly deplored. He met with his death in the terrible railroad accident near Watertown in 1859. The widow resides on the place, and a nephew, Edwin Petersilea, who very credit - ably represents the name.
Mr. Edwin Petersilca is a young lawyer of fine ability and much promise. He has become quite notorious for his extreme political views, and is one of the most bold, energetic and aggressive leaders of the Greenback-Labor party, and one of the most able advocates of its doctrines.
GEORGE MAYER.
Among the former business men of Osh- kosh the name of George Mayer stands prom- inent. He emigrated from Bavaria to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, in 1849, and in 1850, he moved to Oshkosh where he immediately opened a watch-making and jewelry store, in which business he continued until the spring of the year 1879, when he closed out his estab- lishment here and, moved with his family to Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas, near which place he had purchased a large tract of land for the purpose of stock raising.
His store was the pioneer jewelry store, and was one of five of the surviving firms of the early day. After the great fire of 1875 he erected his fine store on upper Main, and fin- ished the interior in elegant style, which he filled with an immense stock of jewelry, watches, silver and plated ware, pianos and other musical instruments, making an.impos- ing display of rich and costly goods, and one which is seldom surpassed by the leading houses of the larger citics. Mr. Mayer was a popular dealer and did a large and successful business, and his many friends here regret his leaving, which is a loss to this city of one of its enterprising business men and one of its best and most useful citizens, who has helped to build it up to its present comely proportions.
Mr. Mayer built two brick stores on Main Street and an elegant brick residence on Ceape. This is a delightful place with spacious grounds and commanding a fine view of the lake. A view of it and of the jewelry store is given in this work.
C. W. FELKER.
Among the illustrations in these pages is
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RESIDENCE OF HON. TOM WALL, ALGOMA ST. OSHKOSH , WIS.
RESIDENCE OF AUGUSTUS HAIGHT , WASHINGTON, ST. OSHKOSH, WIS.
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.]
that of the handsome residence of C. W. Felker, on Washington street. This is a most attractive-looking place, with spacious lawn, shaded with fine forest trees. Mr. Felker came to Oshkosh at an early day, and, in 1856 and '57 was engaged in the publication of a newspaper, the Oshkosh Democrat. He subsequently adopted the profession of the law, in which he has risen to eminence, and is now enjoying a large and lucrative practice. During the war he went to the field, and served as Captain of Com- pany A, Forty-Eighth Regiment. At its close he resumed the practice of his profession and through his energy, application and natural ability has pushed his way to distinction, and now ranks among the most eminent lawyers of State. Among the public positions he has held is that of City Superintendent of Schools, which he filled with great efficiency.
HON. H. C. JEWELL.
H. C. Jewell was born December 1811, in Sal- isbury Litchfield County Connecticut, and emi- grated to Wisconsin in 1843, settling first in what is now Green Lake County, then a part of Marquette County-there being buteleven fami- lies residing at thattime in Marquette County. He was the first Register of Deeds ofthe County, and the second Postmaster. He removed to the Village of Algoma (now included within the city limits of Oshkosh), in 1848, and with his brother, the late G. N. Jewell, engaged in the mercantile and lumber business, which he followed for many years.
He has frequently held offices of trust and has ever been noted for his integrity. Was alderman of the Fifth Ward for seven years, and mayor of the City of Oshkosh in 1862, and a member of the Legislature in 1867. He has lived to see great changes in Winnebago County; particularly in schools and churches, in beautiful homes, and increased and im- proved facilities for travel. Then, merchant- dise was brought by team over almost impass- able roads, from the Lake via Green Bay, She- boygan or Milwaukee.
Mr. Jewell has been a member of the Win- nebago County Board for eight successive terms, and for two terms has held the position of chairman of said board.
In 1849 a postoffice was established at the Village of Algoma, and Mr. Jewell was subse- quently appointed Postmaster. This office was discontinued in 1856, at which time the village merged into the Fifth Ward of this city.
PETER NICOLAI.
One of the finest places on Otter Street is the handsome residence of Peter Nicolai, a view of which is among our illustrations.
Mr. Nicolai is one of the financially solid men of this city. He commenced here at a very early day, 1849, as building contractor, which business he followed for five years and has seen this city grow from a little village into its present handsome propor- tion, and reach the distinction of the second city of the State, in wealth and population, and having joined in its fortunes when it was poor he has the satisfaction now of enjoying its prosperity. He was burned out in the great fire of 1859, and again in 1875, and is one of those who largely helped in the rebuilding of the city, by furnishing money to those who had not sufficient means to rebuild. Mr. Nicolai is a man of good business capacity and of the strictest integrity.
GUSTAVUS TESCH.
Among the residences which illustrate this work is that of Gustavus Tesch, on Algoma Street. Mr. Tesch migrated from Germany in 1859, and settled in Oshkosh in that year. On the outbreak of the war he volunteercd and served in the field during its continuance. On its conclusion he returned to this city, and shortly afterward engaged in the grocery business, which he has conducted very success- fully to the present time. He posesses every qualification for a successful business man; being energetic, prompt, diligent and enter- prising, while his pleasing and obliging ways makes him popular with his customers. Gus is one of those who will always give good weight and measure, and his store is the pic- ture of neatness and order. He passed through the severe ordeal of four of the great fires; in each of which his property was totally destroyed. His heavy losses reduced his resources to a very limited amount, but des- pite of the most disheartening circumstances, he never yielded to discouragement, but man- fully struggled against his misfortunes, and is now reaping the reward of his courageous efforts; standing on a solid financial basis, and ranking among the sound business men of this city.
He has received the compliment of being appointed Deputy United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Mr. Tesch has a large vinyard, in the cul- ture of which he takes a great interest This is cultivated with the same thoroughness with which he does everything, and the luxuriant growth of the vines, their fruitfulness and thrifty appearance, give every evidence of good management. .
AUGUSTUS HAIGHT.
Among the fine residences on Washington
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1879.
Street is that of Augustus Haight, and which is one of the illustrations in this work. Mr. Haight came from his native place, Saratoga County, New York, to this city in 1856, and engaged largely in the purchase and sale of pine lands, and in logging operations. Shortly after this a depression in the lumber business occasioned heavy losses to those engaged in that industry, Mr. Haight suffering in common with others; but by energetic effort and good management he recovered from his losses and soon became one of the financially substantial men of this city. Though nota lumber manu- facturer he has been connected intimately with that industry, having carried on heavy logging operations and fitted out crews to work on contract.
Mr. Haight has taken a very active part in the business life of this city, and his pecuniary means have been almost wholly used in help- ing to carry on its industries.
He is a lawyer by profession, a man of good ability and much culture. He has always taken a great interest in educational affairs, and has been one of the most persistant advo- cates for enlarged school facilities in this city. He has taken especial pains in the education of his children. In June, of this year, his son James, a native of this place, graduated, at the age of twenty, in the Cornell University, with the highest honors, receiving the endorsement of the president as one of the best scholars in the institution. He has adopted the profession of the law and gives promise in his industry and talent of attaining eminence.
Among the names mentioned in the preced- ing pages, in connection with the carly history of Oshkosh, some of the following appear more or less conspicuous:
EDWARD EASTMAN.
A name that occupies a prominent place in that history is that of Edward Eastman. He was one of the pioneer business men, having started the third store in Oshkosh. He was also the first mayor of the city, and among other public positions held that of postmaster. He was highly esteemed in the community, and his name will be held in affectionate and respectful remembrance by the old settlers.
GEORGE H. READ.
The present Superintendent of Schools came to this city in 1853, and engaged in the publi- cation of the Oshkosh Courier, of which he was editor for ten years, and took high rank among the ablest writers of the State. His style is peculiarly tersc, pointed and comprehensive. He has been closely identified with the inter- ests of the city as one of its large real estate
owners, and has contributed much in building it up. He was a joint owner in three of the additions to the city, and among other build- ings erected by him are three brick stores on Main Street.
Mr. Read is now serving his third term as Superintendent of City Schools, a position he fills with the greatest efficiency. His able school reports are distinguished for the ability with which he advocates reform in the present system - claiming that the present higher departments in our public schools detract from the usefulness and capacity of those which are devoted to what are called the common Eng- lish branches; that the latter departments of the common schools are the only ones avail- able to the masses of the people, and that those ought to be brought up to the highest possible degree of efficiency, instead of having their capacity lessened, in order to create special advantages that can only necessarily be avail- able to those whose means enable them to devote their time to the higher branches. He claims that it is anti-republican to sacrifice the usefulness of the common schools, which are the schools for the people, by using means that could be profitably employed in their behalf for purposes foreign to their object.
Mr. Read has expressed his convictions on this subject in a very emphatic manner; and his reports, which are very ably written, have attracted much attention throughout the State, and have been the subject of very flattering comment.
He will probably modify his views somewhat; as he must sec when he fully investigates the subject, that the Normal School is certainly a powerful adjunct of the common school, while if some branches were eliminated from the studies of the High School, it would be made yet more instrumental in effecting the end and aim of the common-school system.
RICHARD P. EIGHME
Came to Oshkosh in 1850, and engaged in the practice of his profession, that of the law, in which he had a large and successfu practice. He has held many important public positions, among others that of representative from this district in the State Legislature, anc city justice, the respective duties of which he performed ably and faithfully.
THEODORE FRENTZ
Came here in 1849, and a few years after. ward engaged in the compilation of an abstrac of real estate title, and has followed that busi- ness to the present time. He has for a long series of years been connected with the edu. cational interests of the city as school com
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1879.]
missioner, and is the veteran member of the school board. Mr. Frentz is widely and pop- ularly known, and among his other achieve- ments was that of publishing and editing a paper here at an early day, of which due men- tion is made in the history of the press. As a compliment to him for his faithful services as school commissioner, the handsome build- ing in the Second Ward is called the Frentz School.
ANSEL JONES
Is a partner with Mr. Frentz, and com- piled the first abstract of real estate title in this county, and is one of the most clear-headed men in this community, and of unquestioned authority in real estate title; a man of fine business ability and of the strictest integrity.
PETER MCCOURT
Opened the third clothing store in this place, and in the early day was one of the most enterprising of the business men of Osh- kosh, and a devoted friend to the interests of this city. He was eminently successful for many years, but suffered heavily from a series of fires which seriously crippled his resources. He is still in his old business.
ALBERT LULL
Is one of the very early settlers. He came here when the present site of Oshkosh was a wilderness, with the exception of a few scat- tered clearings and a half dozen premature structures. He helped to build the second saw-mill in this place, and was head sawyer in the same, and sawed some of the first lumber manufactured. He subsequently invested largely in real estate, and became one of the prominent and influential men of the city, in which he is to-day a very heavy real estate owner. Mr. Lull took a leading part in the early enterprises which developed the energies of Oshkosh, and has always been a devoted friend to its interests. He was one of the large stockholders in the original Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad, and labored energetically to further that enterprise, which was, unfortu- nately for the interests of the place, nipped in the bud, through adverse circumstances. He has held many important public positions, among other, that of acting County Treasurer. He is a man of great natural ability, and of the best of business qualifications.
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