USA > Wisconsin > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and early history of the Northwest > Part 40
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Water, for supplying the mills, was provided by the construction of a wing dam some two hundred feet in length. The Indians, informed that they were at liberty to occupy the smaller houses, at once removed the floors and pitched their wigwams on tlie ground within, or erect- ing wigwams outside, stabled their ponies within.
For a long time previous to 1833, the Win- nebago Indians had owned and occupied the Island and a small tract north of the Lake and east of Fox river. (See Indian boundary lines.) On the Island was situated their headquarters, the village of "Four Legs," a prominent Win- nebago chief, commmanding this channel and where tribute was often exacted for passing. This had given it the name of "Winnebago Rapids," which naturally attached to the soil. These two prominent villages being separated only by the stream, the Menomonees and Win- nebagoes had long lived on the most intimate and amicable relations -often intermarrying.
In September, 1836, at the annual payment, then held at Cedar Rapids, the Menomonees ceded to the United States all lands lying within the present limits of Winnebago County (and much more, see Indian boundary lines), except that portion previously ceded by the Winnebagoes, In 1839, this treaty having been ratified, orders were issued to Surveyor
General Ellis, and this acquisition was surveyed, and October 2nd, 1843, all of Township 20, north, Range 17, east, lying west of Lake Buttes des Morts, was offered for sale, except- ing and reserving such as was declared con- nected with the improvements; and the Chris- tianizing enterprise was abandoned.
HARRISON REED PURCHASES THE SITE.
By an act of Congress approved March 3, 1843, the war department was authorized to advertise and sell this reservation, with the improvements, utensils, etc. In the meantime Mr. Harrison Reed visited this locality, in the winter of 1842-3, and became so favorably impressed with its advantages that he came again in the spring for the purpose of selecting a site and establishing a permanent home- leaving his family in Milwaukee. Finding this reservation advertised he sent in a bid, which was approved by the Secretary of War in 1844. This sale included 562 44-100 acres of land, and the price paid was $4,760. When Mr. Reed came in the spring of 1843 he was accom- panied by Charley Wescott, now residing at Shawano, who worked for Mr. Reed that sea- son, and was succeeded, in 1844, by Gil Brooks. Mr. Reed brought his family here in the winter of 1843-4. Mr. Reed's purchase included 562 44-100 acres of land, all buildings, a quan- tity of logs and timber, wagons, carts, farming implements, a supply of building material and a stock of iron in the blacksmith shop. His residence was the block house on the lake shore, which he occupied for many years.
FIRST SETTLER IN NEENAH
In June, 1843, George H. Mansur left Buf- falo with his family on the steamer Black Hawk, owned and commanded by Captain P. Hotaling, and coasting along the lakes, arrived at Green Bay in the latter part of that month. With the intention of running the rapids of Fox River to Lake Winnebago, the Black Hawk was taken to the foot of the Rapids at Grand Kaukauna. Here, her wheel, a stern wheel, was taken off, placed upon the shore and cov- ered with a large canvas, and Mansur's family moved into the wheel, where they resided for three weeks. Meanwhile, the boat was drawn out on rollers, and an attempt made to con- vey her around the rapids in this manner; but after progressing about three-fourths of a mile the project was abandoned, the boat restored to her natural element, and the wheel replaced. Captain Hotaling and Mansur now started to make a trip around Lake Winnebago, and on their return by Winnebago Rapids, met Mr. Reed, who wishing to obtain the services of just such men, soon induced Mansur to locate
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1843-46.
here. After making arrangements for a Dur- ham boat, whenever he should send for it, Mr. Mansur, with Captain Hotaling returned to Kaukauna, arriving about noon. About the middle of the afternoon he sent his son, Jeff, then a lad of thirteen years, back to Mr. Reed's for the boat. Jeff started out through the woods, without a road except the Indian trail which frequently branched to the right or left, barefooted and alone, but was soon overtaken by Captain Powell and some one else on horse- back. Inquiring the way of them, he found their destination was Winnebago Rapids, and at once resolved to keep them in sight, which he succeeded in doing, and reached his desti- nation before night. The next morning he was fitted out with a Durham boat manned by seven Indians, with which he arrived safely at Kaukauna, where the family effects were soon loaded, including one additional member in the person of Esther, a daughter born July 17th, during their sojourn at Kau- kauna, Before leaving this point, it may be well to state that they herc found the families of George Law and Augustin Grignon, old French traders from whom they received very hospitable treatment in the absence of Mr. Mansur. Poling and pulling the boat, they reached the foot of the Grand Chute, a per- pendicular fall of seven feet; but the rock hav- ing been worn away near the shore, unladen Durham boats were drawn through the rapids by the use of tow-ropes. Here they camped for the night, unloaded their cargo, carried it along the bank past the rapids, towed the boat to a point above, and reloaded. Leaving their encampment in the morning, they arrived at Mr. Reed's, the block house before mentioned, during the day, August 9, 1843, the first white family permanently settled within the present limits of the City of Neenah.
Mr. Mansur was soon set to work repairing the old mills, and managed them until the spring of 1844. April 10, 1844, he made the claim of his present farm. Thus early in the season. the family inform me that the wild plum trees were in full bloom. There being an endless profusion of this fruit, and the crab- apple along the shore of the lake and rivers, they became, when in blossom, very conspic- uous.
1
In June, following, Mr. Mansur removed his family to this claim, where he has ever since resided, and claims he can still hoe a man's row, while Jeff, the lad of thirteen sum- mers, has developed a muscle capable of sus- taining twenty-five pounds, in each hand, at arm's length, but Jeff has always been careful of his strength, reserving it to fill his father's place.
Gilbert Brooks, still a resident of the county, was here, in the employ of Mr. Reed, this season.
March 14, 1844, a postoffice was established, and Harrison Reed appointed postmaster.
GOVERNOR DOTY, AND OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.
In 1845, Governor Doty, having built the log house on the Island during this and the preceding year, now took up his residence here.
August 28, Gorham P. Vining and George Harlow declared their intention of becoming residents, and, by an arrangement with Mr. Reed, made some repairs on the mills and wingdam, and run them through the winter, and are now residents of the town. They kept bachelor's hall the first winter in the block- house near the mill.
Ira Baird and wife also arrived in December, and in the same month Rev. O. P. Clinton made a short visit, but of sufficient length to decide upon this as a place for future residence. In March, 1846, he removed his family to one of the block-houses near the Council Tree. In the fall, finding the other house vacant and more comfortable for a winter's campaign, he made some repairs. and moved his family into it.
Mr. Clinton settled here under the auspices of the American Board of Home Missions; his circuit for that year included Oshkosh, Rosen- dale, Springvalc, Waukau, Rushford, Strong's Landing, now Berlin, Fond du Lac and Nee- nah.
The payment for Mr. Reed's purchase from the United States having become due, and being unable of his own means to pay the required amount, he, through the instrumen- tality of Mr. Clinton, had opened negotiations with Mr. Harvey Jones, of Gloversville, New York. L. H. Jones, abrother of Harvey, and Perrin Yale, a nephew in business at Wauke- sha, acting in the capacity of agents for Har- vey Jones, came here in the spring and exam- ined the property. Upon a favorable report from these agents, Mr. Reed went to Glovers- ville, where an arrangement was made by which Mr. Jonesfurnished the money, and Mr. Reed, in July, satisfied the demand. The terms of this contract will, probably, never be known, as the statements in reference to it are extremely conflicting.
In March, James Ladd, Samuel Mitchell and L. S. Wheatley arrived, the former locating west of Lake Buttes des Mort, and the two latter near Mr. Reed's.
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1846-47.]
FIRST MARRIAGE, BIRTH, DEATH.
The first marriage occurring within the pres- ent limits of the city was at one of the block- houses near the Council Tree, the residence of Elder Clinton, in May. The victims were John F. Johnston and Jeanette Finch, a sister of Mrs. Clinton, the Elder officiating. The first white child born within the present limits of the city, and the first female in the town, was a daughter of Harrison and A. Louisa Reed, in August, and was named Nina, a near approach to Neenah.
The first death was that of Stephen Hart- well, September fourth, at one of the block houses near the Council-tree, the remains with those of Jenson, who died the next day, (see Town of Menasha,) were buried near the Buttes des Morts mounds.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
There seems to be a difference of opinion as to the time " regular " religious services were instituted. During the stay of Mr. Gregory, United States Missionary to the Menomonees, divine services was no doubt conducted by him. It is also stated that a religious meeting was held at the house of Harrison Reed in 1845, by a Methodist Minister, who in his travels happened to stop at Mr. Reeds, but it is probably safe to say that the first " regular " meeting was conducted by the Rev. O. P. Clinton, at his residence, the Sabbath after his arrival, in March 1846, which was attended by Governor Doty and wife, Harrison Reed and wife and his aunt, a Mrs. Griswald, Thomas Burdick, John F. Johnston, Henry Finch, Jeanette Finch and Mr. and Mrs. Clin- ton, a large majority of the settlers at that time.
HARVEY JONES.
In September, Mr. Harvey Jones came on, with his wife and son, Gilbert C., now a resi- dent of the city, and for the first time exam- ined his purchase. Remaining here during the winter, he employed several men in making improvements about the mills. Nelson Dan- forth was employed as miller.
Loyal H. Jones and Perine Yale seem to have settled here during the winter, also Asa Jones, another brother who became a promin- ent resident, for many years occupying a farm near the West shore of Buttes des Morts Lake.
LANDS COME INTO MARKET.
During the year, the lands in this vicinity on the South and West were placed in market, and many tracts claimed or entered, initiating the first settlement for purposes of agriculture.
NEW COMERS.
Among the new comers of 1846, were Lucius A. Donaldson, Cornelius Northrop, Corydon Northrop, Phillip Brien and Milton Huxley, with their families. John F. John- son, Henry C. Finch, Stephen Hartwell, A. B. Brien, and one Jensen.
IMPROVEMENTS OF THE WATER-POWER ORIGIN OF NAME.
February 8, 1847, by an act of the Legisla- ture, approved this date, a company was chartered, consisting of Governor Doty, his son Charles, Curtis Reed, Harrison Reed, and Harvey Jones, with authority to construct and maintain a dam across each channel. It would seem that at this time the parties were all mutually interested in producing a water- power at the foot of Lake Winnebago, that should be second to none on this continent, all advantages considered; and there is little doubt that if amicable relations had continued, the energies of the entire company would have been devoted to that end, and the improvements confined to the South channel, the State canal included, except so far as might be necessary, from the nature of the case, to maintain a dam on the North Side. The charter obtained, differences at once sprung up between the parties; and the Doty's with Curtis Reed, were driven to the North Side, when Jones and Reed, unable to work together for their mutual benefit, the latter was compelled to follow. Jones on one side, the Doty's and Reeds on the other, were soon arrayed in perfect hostility. Law-suits were at once instituted, implicating the title on the South Side and were for years an obstacle to investments.
In the fall of 1847, Daniel Priest put in operation a carding-machine, which was run for several years, when Mr. Priest, having become a resident of Menasha, removed the carding-mill to that side. This was the pion- eer institution of its kind in this county and vicinity and was the nucleus of the present Menasha Woolen Mills. The Town of Neenah was organized February 11, 1847, (see Town of Neenah). This reminds us of an old story, occasionally revived relating to this word " Neenah; " to the effect that Governor Doty once asked an Indian Chief, pointing to the river. " What is that ? " The chief replied,
supposing that Doty meant the water, Neenah " - Hence the name of river and town. We wish to say that no white man better understood the language, customs or character of these people than Governor Doty, and to accuse him of ignorance of the name of
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1847-48.
Fox River in any Indian language spoken upon its banks is simply absurd.
FIRST VILLAGE PLAT - HOTEL, BUILT.
September 8, 1847, the first village plat of Neenah was recorded by Harrison Reed, pro- prietor. The dam was built this fall, though not completed; in fact it was not completed for many years. It being difficult to obtain boarding-places for the men engaged on the dam, and a necessity existing for a house of public entertainment, Mr. James Ladd, who had, in October previous, taken up his resi- dence in the Government block-house, which stood on the present Blair farm, was induced to erect a building that would serve the double purpose; and proceeded at once to put up a building which might be considered a very good barn or an inferior residence. Choosing it for the latter purpose, he accommodated fifty boarders and all travelers that might apply. His son Christopher informs us that at one time there were thirteen different languages spoken under that roof. Where is Babel now ? This was the first frame building erected in Neenah, except the Government mills. In the fall, Mr. Ladd commenced the erection of the Winnebago Hotel, now standing on the southwest corner of Walnut Street and Wisconsin Avenue. This he completed the same season, converting the boarding-house into a barn-it having been located and built with that intention. For obtaining lime, Mr, Ladd built a kiln in the bend of the river, above the house, took the stone from the bed of the river and burned them. When the old Government buildings were erected, in 1835-6, a brick yard was started at the foot of the island, and here he dug out enough for chim- neys. To supply the lumber and shingles, pine logs were cut, in the northwestern part of the present Town of Menasha, taken to the old Government mill and sawed, or shaved into shingles.
FIRST CHURCH-FIRST SCHOOL.
Early in the season Mr. Clinton, with the assistance of some members of his congrega- tion, fitted up a log house, built by Smith Moores, in 1845, for religious services. Here Miss Caroline Northrup opened a private school, and in the fall, the first public school was inaugurated, with one Lambert for teacher, an itinerant dancing, singing and general teacher, but after about a month, an extended furlough was granted him, and his place supplied by Wm. Dennison. The follow- ing summer Miss Northrup officiated as teacher.
We have incidently spoken of Smith
Moores, whose name seems somewhat con- nected with those of Col. Fuller, Robert Irwin, Archibald Caldwell, and probably some others, who were located here at an early day, as Indian traders, without any intention of mak- ing this a permanent residence, excepting perhaps Moores, who might have become more fully identified with the place, but for his death, which occurred in 1851, from small- pox, contracted at the Indian payment that fall, instead of 1853, as has been represented.
FIRST STORE OPENED.
During this season, 1847, Jones & Yale already mentioned, opened a stock of general merchandise and Indian goods, in one of the block-houses, which the early settlers found a great convenience, and which was the first mercantile undertaking, except such as had been established for Indian traffic.
From this time the new arrivals, with the many changes, came crowding upon each other in such rapid succession, that we are unable to give a detailed account of each and every person, and event, but shall endeavor to record each as fully and accurately as space and circumstances will admit. Thus far we have endeavored to give a history of the increase in population, the preparations for an extended business in the future, and the dis- advantages encountered. If any names have been omitted it has been wholly unintentional, on our part, and in many instances they will probably be found in connection with the towns with which they afterwards became more closely identificd.
KIMBERLEY'S-JONES.
In the spring of 1848, Harvey Jones became a permanent resident, having, as proprietor, caused a plat of the village of Winnebago Rapids, in the town of Ncenah, to be recorded January 6, 1848. Soon after his arrival, he commenced the erection of a saw mill, Charles Lindsly being associated with him in the enterprise.
In June, Mr. Harvey L. Kimberly came here and made an agreement with Mr. Jones, which gave him the privilege of purchasing two lots in each block of the plat of Winne- bago Rapids.
Mr. Kimberly now returned to his home in New Haven, Connecticut, and at once made arrangements accordingly. Forming a part- nership with his brother, John R. Kimberly, then a resident of Troy, New York, their native place, and leaving their families behind, they arrived at Neenah in September, having shipped a stock of merchandise from Buffalo to Green Bay, by schooner, which they char-
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1848.]
tered in connection with Jones & Yale, for that purpose. On reaching Neenah, they then announced their readiness to fulfill their agree- ment with Jones, and carry out their business intentions, but here a difficulty arose. When- ever they made a selection of any lots, they were either disposed of or reserved. At last, unable to obtain suitable lots for their pur- pose, they began to talk of accepting some very favorable offers proposed by Reed at Menasha, which soon produced its effect, and they were permitted to make their own selection, for building a residence, a store and mill. It now became necessary for one of them to go to Green Bay, to forward their goods, shipped from Buffalo, Jones & Yale were also expecting the arrival of their goods at the Bay.
H. L. Kimberly and L. H. Jones, accord- ingly, started on horse back over the only road -the old Government road-cut through the woods many years prior, and now grown full of underbrush, leaving a mere bridle path. Mr. Jones being obliged to return home immediately, Mr. Kimberly remained to look after the interest of both, in the coming freight. At the end of a weeks delay, the necessary arrangements completed, Mr. Kim -. berly set out on his return, accompanied by H. L. Blood, then proprietor of the Astor House, at the Bay, bound for Grand Chute. Arriving at the present site of Appleton, they found John F. Johnston, before mentioned, living in a board shanty, the only resident of the place. This being the point of Mr. Blood's destination, and unable to find lodging for both, Mr. Kimberly was advised, and in fact compelled, to push on a mile and a half to a Mr. Murch's. Scarcely had he resumed his way, when the sky became overcast, and he found himself in almost total darkness, obliged to depend entirely upon the instinct of his horse, which at least brought him to a barway at the road side. Opening this, and unable to see anything, he again seated him- self in the saddle with unlimited confidence in his four footed companion and soon found him- self at the house, where he was informed that they had no accommodation for man or beast, but, pointing to a light at Mr. Crafts, some half a mile across the field, he could probably find what he was in search of, there. Making his way toward the light, he met with no better success, but was advised to make another effort at Murche's. Retracing his steps, he this time found Mr. Murch, who granted his request, and entertained him with perfect pioneer hospitality.
On the arrival of the goods they were dis-
played in a building erected for the purpose, that year, by Benjamin Paddock, who occu- pied the upper story as a residence, situated across the street from the present barrel factory, and which may be seen at the present time.
MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES.
S. R. Kellogg also came in the spring, and " viewing the prospect o'er " with very satis- factory results, returned for his family, with which he returned in August, accompanied by Mr. Benjamin Simmons.
In the mean time Lucius A. Donaldson and John B. Lajest had commenced the erection of a building, on the water-power, near where Patton's paper mill now stands, for a planing mill, sash, door and blind factory. Messrs. Kellogg & Simmons, owners of machinery for the manufacture of bedsteads and chairs, soon after formed a partnership with Donaldson & Lajest, setting up their machinery in the same building, and the entire business was conducted under the firm name of Donaldson, Lajest & Co. This was the first building completed on the water power, always excepting the Gov- ernment enterprise, and was also occupied by a wool-carding machine, owned and operated by Daniel Priest, which had been running in another building.
MORE ARRIVALS.
A. T. Cronkhite opened the first drug store in the place in September.
Captain J. M. Ball, born at Southboro, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in 1816, removed to Boston in 1834, to Chicago in 1847, and to Neenah in the spring of 1848.
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES.
At this time, and extending back as far as the memory of man, the great thoroughfare for all territory lying contiguous to the Fox, the Wolf and Wisconsin rivers, was via. Green Bay, along the Fox River, by Durham boats. These boats were from eighty to one hundred feet in length, decked over for the protection of their cargo, and would carry from fifteen to twenty-five tons. They were propelled usually by four, but sometimes six men, with setting poles, and a helmsman. Tow ropes were used whenever occasion required the passage of any of the numerous rapids of the river, and in such cases they were unloaded and their freight rolled or hauled around the rapids; the usual way, however, being to run from Green Bay to Kaukauna, unload and return, leaving their freight to be transported around the rapids, when it was taken on another boat which proceeded to the next
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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1848-51.
rapid, unloaded, and loading with a cargo destincd for the opposite direction, returned. Wm. H. Bruce, of Green Bay, seems to have been the first to engage in this enterprise on private account, establishing a line from Green Bay to Fort Winnebago. Another line was eventually started, by Daniel Whitney, also an early resident of Green Bay. Soon after Captain Ball arrived at Neenah, he contracted with Mr. Bruce to run that part of the route between Grand Chute and Neenah, including the portage at the latter point. Large quan- tities of flour were at this time sent from Mackford, Dartford, Kingston and Neenah, to the fisheries and pineries of Green Bay and the East.
ACCESSIONS TO THE POPULATION.
In 1853, Captain Ball was elected treasurer of the town of Neenah, which office he held until 1855, when he became associated with another pioneer, an employe in the Bruce line, Reuben Doud, in the transportation between the head of steamboat navigation, at Kaukauna, and steamboat facilities at Menasha, employing one hundred teams, which made daily trips both ways.
In 1856, Captain Ball was elected chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, and in 1867, County Treasurer, and was re-elected in 1859. He is now a resident of Oshkosh.
In 1849, Hugh Sherry, Charles A. Leavens, Marvin R. Babcock, Robert Hold, Melancthon Burroughs, Edwin Wheeler and N. S. Emmons, became residents.
In March 1849, Mr. D. D. Dodge located here, purchasing the corner now occupied by Pettibone block, where he erected a hotel known as " Dodge's Hotel, " which was destroyed by fire in 1852. Jones and Yale also built a large frame building, still standing, on the corner opposite and directly East of the Winnebago Hotel, this they occupied for mercantile purposes, the second story was fitted up and long occupied as a place for religious worship. This building has since undergone many changes, and served many purposes.
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