USA > Wisconsin > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and early history of the Northwest > Part 42
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
THE WISCONSIN CENTRAL RAILROAD.
In 1871, the Wisconsin Central Railroad, completing its track to Stevens Point, com- menced running its cars over that part of the road, with the depot near the Northwestern depot, on the Island, but obtaining posession of the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad, it removed its business to the office of that road at Menasha, soon after.
Having now enumerated the long list of mills and manufactories that have heretofore occupied important positions on the water power, and many changes connected with them, we now turn to their final disposition and changes of a later date.
THE GLOBE PAPER MILL.
In 1872, Messrs. Kimberly, Clark & Co., proprietors of Neenah Paper mill, purchased the old Fox River Mill, and removing the building, erected a part of the present Globe Paper Mill, and in 1876, bought the Island City Stove Foundry, and added to the Globe Mill, making a total length of two hundred and ten by eighty-eight feet, of brick.
NEENAH CITY INCORPORATED.
March 13, 1873. an act of incorporation was passed by the Legislature, constituting Neenah a city of three wards, and on the 3Ist
206
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1873-79.
of the same month, was held the organic elec- tion.
LIST OF OFFICERS FROM DATE OF ORGANIZA- TION.
Edward Smith, mayor; William Kellett and John B. Russell, aldermen of the First Ward; Ansel W. Patten and Andrew Michelson, ald- ermen of the Second Ward; A. H. F. Krueger and John Bergstrom, aldermen of the Third Ward.
At the first meeting of the Council, April 5, Carl J. Kraby was elected city clerk; J. B. Hamilton, attorney, and J. L. Mathews, chief of police. James Conlan was at the charter election, chosen police justice; George Donelson, treasurer, and Lovel Stowe justice of the peace, for the Frst Ward.
In 1874, Edward Smith, mayor; Carl J. Kraby, clerk; H. P. Leavens, William Kellett, A. H. F. Krueger, J. O'Brien, A. W. Patten and M. E. Sorley, aldermen.
The charter was now amended, providing for four wards.
In 1875, Alexander Billstein, mayor; Carl J. Kraby, clerk; G. C. Jones, H. P. Leavens, Hugh McGregor, J. O'Brien, Charles Petz- hold, William Robinson, M. E. Sorley and J. W. Tobey, aldermen
In 1876, A. H. F. Krueger, mayor; C. J. Kraby, clerk; Martin Gavin, M. H. P. Haynes Wm. Kellett, Hugh McGregor, William Pitt Peckham, Charles Petzhold, J. W. Tobey and G. C. Jones, aldermen.
In 1877, D. L. Kimberly, Mayor; C. J. Kraby, clerk; John R. Davis, Martin Gavin, M. H. P. Haynes, J. W. Hunt, Andrew Jager- son, William Kellett, W. P. Peckham and Henry Sherry, aldermen.
In 1878, A. H. F. Krueger, mayor; C. J. Kraby, clerk; G. Christenson, J. R. Davis, J. W. Hunt, A. Jagerson, John Roberts, Henry Sherry, E. L. Sawyer and J. W. Tobey, aldermen.
In 1879, Wm. Kellett, mayor; C. J. Kraby, clerk; Andrew Michelson, treasurer; J. R. Davis Sr., N. Demerritt, G. Bergstrom, G. Christenson, G. A. Whiting, John Roberts, A. Guldager, J. O.Tobey, aldermen.
CITY SEAL-THE COUNCIL TREE.
The seal adopted by the Council was very appropriate, being a representation of the old Council Trce. This old elm tree is one of the institutions of Neenah and is claimed to have been the scene of frequent councils among the different tribes of this vicinity. Gov. Doty is the authority for this, while it is contra- dicted by those who say they never heard of any councils there. We will take the statement of
the man who has heard, and regard it as a relic of the past, under whose wide spreading branches perhaps the fate of Indian nations has been decided.
A. W. PATTEN'S PAPER MILL.
In 1874, A. W. Patten purchased the old Empire Flouring Mill, took away the building and in its stead built a paper mill, one hundred and fifty feet long and forty feet in depth, of brick. In digging the wheel pits for this institution Mr. Patten discovered a relic of antiquity, which we will endeavor to describe, but leave for the more scientific to account for. About four or five feet below the surface of the ground, and corresponding very nearly with the bed of the river, a bed of hard clay and coarse gravel was struck, which produced numerous large blocks of a fine grained, hard, blue limestone, very closely resembling in appearance, the stone obtained at the Oshkosh quarries. At a depth of about eight feet below the bed of the river and twelve feet or more below the original surface, one of these blocks was found of unusual size. Mr. Patten availed himself of the use of these stones thus taken out for the foundation of his mill, and in splitting this large block for that purpose, an implement of flint was found imbeded in the fractured surface; it was about twelve to fourteen inches in length, two inches in great- est width, and three-eighths of an inch in thick- ness, tapering gradually for four inches to a point, and double-edged; about eight inches from the point, it slightly diminished in width, with rounded edges, forming a handle nearly one third its entire length. In the endeavor to remove it, it was broken, but about four inches of the pointed end was secured and is now in Mr. Patten's possession.
WINNEBAGO PAPER MILL.
In February of the same year, the old Gov- ernment grist and saw mills were destroyed by fire; but, phoenix-like, arose from the ashes the fine brick building, known as the Winne- bago Paper Mill, built by John R. Davis, Sr., president; J. R. Ford, secretary; H. Shoe- maker, treasurer; C. H. Servis, C. Newman, Mrs. E. A. Servis and S. M. Brown. The main building is forty by seventy, machine room thirty by ninety, and boiler room sixteen by twenty two. In 1876, George A. Whiting purchased an interest and became secretary of the company.
The Neenah, Winnebago, Reliance, Island City, Falcon, Howard and Davis mills, the Hooker & Wieckert and the Sanford planing mills are still in operation.
Of the new and elegant brick blocks and
207
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1875-79.]
single stores along the streets, they are too numerous to mention, with their respective dates, and it is unnecessary, as it can be said, for each one and all, that they are in the high- est degree ornamental, substantial and cred- itable to the city and proprietors, and are occupied by a class of business men who with her manufacturers have built up a reputation for strict business integrity and stability second to no equal numbers in the West.
HOTELS.
We now come to the crowning glory of Nee- nah enterprise -her hotels. The Russell House, erected by John B. Russell, owner and proprietor, in 1875, on the site of the old Weeden House, is not only a chief ornament, but is a substantial benefit, of which the city may and does feel a commendable pride as shown by the liberal assistance extended in its construction.
The Roberts House, although not a hotel of the city, is situated within its limits, was com- pleted in 1877, by John Roberts, favorably known in this section, as landlord at the National Hotel, at Menasha. Situated on the old homestead of Governor Doty, on the south bank of the Neenah channel, it commands a delightful view of Lake Winnebago, and would prove a desirable acquisition to any locality.
The Page Hotel, for many years a popular house, is still open, and C. O. Page, one of the early settlers, is always happy to shake hands with the weary and hungry and ever ready to cater to their wants and pleasure.
The Neenah Hotel, Wm. Hess, proprietor, the Union Hotel, by A. Pfeiffer (both Ger- man), two commodious structures on Cedar street, and the Island City House, Mrs. Lach- man, proprietress, long and favorably known, at the depot, offer comfortable quarters to the traveler.
SHIPPING FACILITIES - PUBLIC HALLS.
In 1875 the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company constructed a side track the entire length of the water-power, by which each mill is enabled to load and unload cars direct from their own doors, thereby saving the enormous transfer bills between the mills and depot, and affording conveniences for shipping by railroad nowhere excelled.
The handsome and commodious hall of the Schuetzen Bund, was erected in 1875, and dedicated in November, which, with the large hall in Pettibone Block, affords ample accom- modations for public entertainments and amuse- ments.
The steam bakery of A. Loos, and omnibus
manufactory of G. Olds, have also became permanent institutions of the place.
EARLY RESIDENTS.
Of the early residents not particularly men- tioned we still find George Rogers in the jew- elry and watch business. Mr. Rogers came here in 1847. Gotfredt Christensen, a settler of 1852, dealer in dry goods, notions, etc. Charles A. Leavens and James Callaghan, who both commenced business in the grocery trade in 1853 and still doing a successful business. James Monahan, who settled in Neenah in 1851, still running his blacksmith shop. The first Catholic service in Neenah was celebrated at his house, and he was largely instrumental in pro curing the site for the church edifice, after- ward erected. His wife was a woman highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances, and her death. which occurred in 1858, occas- ioned the deepest grief in the community. Her family was an influential one, and one of her brothers represented the City of Drogheda, in the British House of Commons. John Hunt, still in business here, and one of Neenah's sub- stantial and most reliable business men, with a wide circle of acquaintances and highly esteemed by all, for his kind heart and integ- rity of character.
Carl J. Kraby, who came to Neenah in 1849, and was subsequently appointed United States Consul to Norway, which position he held for several years, and returned to his old camping grounds, where he has long held the office of City Clerk, and was last year elected Register of Deeds of Winnebago County.
Other old settlers and business men will be mentioned in connection with the business directory on subsequent pages.
SCHOOLS.
As has been stated, the first school taught within the present limits of the town of Neenah was in 1847.
In 1855 there were two schools within the town, attended by one hundred and fifty-one scholars (number of teachers not given). In 1875, the public schools of the city were organ- ized under a special act of the Legislature, dur- ing the winter previous, and the "Free High School Act," the first of which provided for the election of a superintendent, by the quali- fied voters of the city, who was also consti- tuted president ex-officio of the Board of Edu- cation, which was composed of one commis- sioner from each ward, to be elected by the Common Council, In pursuance of this law, T. T. Moulton was elected superintendent, and the following persons commissioners;
208
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1875-79.
Robert Shiells, Edward Smith, Jacob Bell and E. Giddings.
The first meeting of the board was held July 10th, 1875, at the Council Room, and L. J. Dunn was elected clerk.
September Ist, the schools were opened under this organization. At that time there were six school houses (two of brick); three of these were devoted to different grades in the High School department. The teachers were thirteen in number, of which H. A. Hobart was principal, and Miss F. E. Hobart, assist- ant. E. S. Starkweather, Jennie Jaquith, Carrie P. Emery, Anna Jones, Delia Darrow, Mattie Quinn, Marion L. Smith, Delia Meigs, Ella E. Hayward, Amy Warnes and Maria Bergstrom, as teachers in the various depart- ments of the High and Ward schools.
The total number of children between the ages of four and twenty years, was 643 male, and 636 female; total, 1,279. Of these 660 attended the public school.
Since that time a new brick school house has been added to the number, in the Fourth Ward. Substantial additions have been made to others and the school grounds generally enlarged and improved.
The present officers of the Board of Educa- tion are as follows: J. B. Russell, superinten- dent, and William Krueger, W. P. Peckham, G. H. Albee and George Danielson, commis- sioners; Carl J. Kraby, clerk. The teachers are: H. A. Hobart, principal; Miss M. G. Van Olinda, assistant; Julia Bacon, Anna Jones, J. M. Montgomery. Maria Bergstrom, Delia Meigs, Jennie Wheeler, Mary McIntosh, Mary Ager, Miss Ager, Amy Warnes and Isa E. Brown.
There are at this time seven school houses- three in the High School department and one in each ward.
The number of school children, that is those between the ages of four and twenty, residing in the city, was, according to the Superinten- dent's report of 1878, 1,294.
These schools are graded tinder a system requiring ten years for a full course, but a very important feature is added to this system, termed a "mixed school," permitting the pupil to take up any study, or drop it at pleasure, thereby giving such as can only attend a por- tion of the year, an opportunity of educating themselves in stich branches as may be deemed most suitable and desirable.
The High School Building, now in course of construction, will be completed in time for the ensuing spring term, and will then take the place of four of the present buildings. This is a fine brick structure, and will cost, with
furnaces and equipments, $25,000. See view of same in this work.
The following description is from Superin- tendent Barnett's report:
" In largest dimensions it is one hundred feet square and contains eight class-rooms - five on the first floor, three on the second. Excepting the high-school room, they have a uniform height of thirteen feet. The former is fifteen feet high. On the first floor, on each side of the main corridor, in the front part of the building, is a class-room 27x33 feet in size, with two closets off each. Back of the cross corridor are three class- rooms, each 2713x35. These corridors are respectfully 9 and 912 feet in width. On the second floor, just above the first named class-room, are two more of like diminsions. Back of these is the high-school room, 36x52 feet in size, having two recitation rooms, 1512x28. Near these and in opposite sides of the building, are the Superintendent's office and library, each 11 12x15 feet in size.
" The arrangement of stairways at the ends of the cross cor- ridor, with double-swinging doors to intercept sound along the halls, is the best possible, to reduce to a minimum the noise of children passing up and down. The architect has been equally thoughtful in more important things, admitting light only from the rear and one side of the class-rooms, thus guarding the eyes of the pupil from the injury of direct light and of multiplied and angular shadows, caused by crossing rays of light.
" The heating of the building is the most perfect possible, short of the most expensive system of steam heat. As the latter must have cost us very nearly twice as much, and as it has no corresponding superiority, it had to be left out of consideration' Three large furnaces are made to supply a sufficient amount of warm (not hot) air, to maintain that in the several class rooms at a temperature of 70°, and to renew it every twenty minutes. The admission of hot air is made impossible by the construction of the furnaces, which, being of double thickness, never permit the outer surface to reach a red heat.
" The air warmed is pure, because admitted to the furnaces directly from out-of-doors. It flows to the several rooms through flues so large, that injurious currents within are obviated.
" The system of ventilation is, I believe, as perfect as the present state of sanitary science will admit of."
* * * * *
" The report of the Finance Committee, appended, shows that there was on hand at the beginning of the school year $5,032.65. There has been received from all sources, includ- ing $1,230 in outstanding orders, $19,301.92; giving a total of of $24,334.57. Of this there has been expended for all purposes, including contract payments upon new school building, and for heating apparatus, $13,939.70, leaving a balance in the treas- ury of $10,394.87."
CHURCHES.
The first church organized in Neenah, was the Congregational, in 1847, with Rev. O. P. Clinton, pastor; followed by Revs. C. A. Adams, J. M. Wolcott, A. Lathrop, Hiram Marsh, J. E. Pond.
In 1848 a Presbyterian Society was organ- ized by Rev. H. M. Robertson, succeeded by Revs. J. H. Russell. H. B. Thayer, A. A. Dins- more, and J. C. Kelly, which brings the latter to 1870, and the Congregational to 1860, when
209
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
1850 78.]
it was reorganized as the Second Presbyterian, with Rev. J. E. Pond, pastor; after him came Revs. H. G. McArthur, James Bassett, J. H. Walker.
In 1870, they were united under the name of First Presbyterian; Rev. J. E. Chapin became pastor, and still remains.
The Methodist Society was organized in 1849, under Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, suc- ceeded by Revs. Albert Baker, C, G. Lathrop, Samuel Lugg, C. W. Brooks, T. C. Wilson, L. L. Knox, J. H. Gaskill, J. H. Waldron, M. G. Bristol, W. J. Olmstead, J, T. Wood- head, N. J. Aplin, the present incumbent.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1851; by Rev. Peter Prink, followed by Revs. James Anderson, James Follett, Luke Davis. In 1867, the Baptists of the two towns united in a church on the Island, Rev. O. W. Babcock presiding, followed by Revs. Benj. Freeman, H. T. Gilbert and T. T. Palmer.
Trinity Episcopal, organized 1866, by Rev. Wm. D. Christian; services having been previ- ously held by Rev. Simon Potter and Rev. Geo. Gibson.
In 1869, the present church building was commenced under Rev. E. Peake, next after him was Revs. Geo. N. James, J. A. Deaven- port, H. M. Thompson, George Verner, J. W. Tays, and Geo. Gibson, officiating at the pres- ent time.
The organizations in 1878 were as follows:
Church.
Organized
Members
Pastor.
Presbyterian
1847
298 John E. Chapin
Methodist
1849
70 W. J. Aplin. .
Baptiat
1860
67; Thomaa T. Potter ..
Episcopal
1866
21 Georgs Gibson.
Universaliat
1866
56|C. L. Lombard. 80'Otto Hogar.
1865 Evangelical Association of North America 1856
76 S. Kortemier
Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran
1871
70'O. C. Anderson
Daniah.
1872
131|N. Thompson
German Lutheran ..
1874
45 J. Haach
Evangelical Lutheran (Trinity).
1873
35 J. C. Jacobaon.
Welah Congregational.
1861
Daniah Baptiat.
1866
44 Lars Knudaon.
Seventh Day Adventists
1870
27 J. P. Jaaparaon
Norwegian Methodist
1877
35, Henry Danielson ..
Making a total of sixteen religious societies, of which fourteen have good houses of worship and resident pastors.
CIVIC SOCIETIES OF NEENAH.
Masonic - Island City Chapter No. 23, R. A. M. Kane Lodge, No. 61., F. & A. M.
Odd Fellows - Neenah Lodge, No. 41. Rebekah Lodge, Doty Island Encampment, No. 43.
Temperance -Crystal Lodge, No. 75, Good Templars; Neenah Temple of Honor; Neenah Division, Sons of Temperance, No.
154; Coral Workers, Juvenile Temple, No. 40.
Miscellaneous - Neenah Grange, No. . 109, ... Scandinavian Library Association; Knights of Honor, Relief Lodge No. 383; Schuetzen Society.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper started on this side of the river was The Conservator, issued May 21, 1856, by Harrison Reed, editor and proprie- tor, and was thus continued until 1858, when it was sold to B. S. Heath, and removed to Menasha. Republican in politics, it was largely devoted to the interests of this section. Mr. Reed was also a pionee reditor of the Milwau- kcc Sentinel and a popular writer.
At the same time, May 21, 1856, W. H. Mitchell issued the first number of the Neenah Bulletin, which, however, was published but a short time, the place being then too small to sustain two papers.
This was succeeded by the Necnah Democrat in 1858, published by D. Hyer, editor and proprietor; ably conducted but very unfortu- nately located for that name.
The next was the Island City Times, the first number appearing October 22, 1863, con- ducted by J. N. Stone, in a very satisfactory manner, until July 15, 1870, when the press and materials were sold to Messrs. Tapley & Ritch, both editors of some experience. The name was changed to Winnebago County Press, and, in 1871, it was again sold to Menasha parties, and called The Menasha Press, and edited by Thomas Reid, until 1877.
In 1871 or '72, Verbeck Brothers commenced the publication of a small sheet, called the Nee- nah Times, which they enlarged and conducted until February 6, 1876, when the materials were purchased by Bowron & Maxwell, and a new name, The Icetotaller, adopted. This lasted about eighteen months.
Upon the removal of the Winnebago County Press to Menasha, in 1871, a new paper was started here by Charles H. Boynton, owner and editor, and called The Neenah Gazette. In April, 1874, G. A. Cunningham became asso- ciated with Mr. Boynton, as owner and editor, and in August, 1875, purchasing the interest of Boynton, became sole proprietor, and thus continued until May 25, 1878, when, on account of failing health, he was compelled to dispose of the paper and sold to H. L. Webster, the present editor.
Mr. Cunningham died within a few days (less than two weeks), after relinquishing his editor- ial labors.
After an interim of about five years, Mr. J. N. Stone, having conducted a paper at Appleton during that time, returned to Nee-
27
Welsh Calvanistic
1848
14 No resident Pastor. 15
German Evangelical Lutheran.
210
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
[1879.
nah, and October 15, 1875, issued the first number of a new paper, under the name of Necnah News, and, upon the sale of the Nee- nah Times, and change of name February 6, 1876, adopted the title Neenah City Times, under which it still continues to make its accus- tomed rounds, and with the Gasette is all that remains to this place of the forgoing list.
In the early part of the year 1879, Frank S. Verbeck removed his printing office from Win- neconne to Neenah, and started the Neenah Herald, which he still publishes, making three newspapers in Neenah.
IMPROVEMENTS.
In the summer of 1878, the Neenah and Menasha Gas Company, J. D. Patton, Thomas and Henry Higgins, proprietors, commenced the construction of gas works, and on the twenty-fifth of December of that year the city was lighted. As this was the anniversary of the opening of the Schuetzen Hall, the events were celebrated by a grand illumination of the hall, and befitting festivities.
In 1879, another flouring mill was erected, being that of Wolf, Walker & Co., on the site of the Sherry saw mill.
Another improvement of the present year, is the enlargement of Patten's paper mill.
The mill-race is also being enlarged and deepened at a cost of about seven thousand dollars.
An event that will resound to the lasting credit of Neenah is the building of the fine High School building, now in course of con- struction - a structure which will rank with the finest common school edifices in the State. See view of same in this work.
Neenah is now making a substantial growth in business and population, while prosperity, business activity and progress is visible on every hand.
CHAPTER LIV.
[BY R. J. HARNEY. ]
Description of Neenah - Scenery, Location aud Historical Associations- Summer Resort - Water and Railroad Com munications - Manufactories - Business Houses - Illus- trations and Personal Notices.
NE of the most charming localities in the West is the outlet of Lake Winne- bago, which, in addition to its pic- turesque scenery, can claim the most interesting historic associations. with the very earliest events in the civilized occupancy of the continent. At this point,
over two hundred years ago, was made the first treaty with the Indians of the West, and that, at so early a date, that the English set- tlers on the sea coast had not penetrated the interior beyond the ranges of the Alle- ghanies. Here Nicollet met the Winnebagoes and other tribes in council, in the year 1634- nearly a hundred and fifty years before the American Revolution. Through this outlet Marquette and Joliet paddled their canoe in their famous voyage in 1673, which resulted in the discovery of the Upper Mississippi; and here, on the banks of the Little Buttes des- Morts, was fought the decisive battle between the French and the Foxes and Sauks - one of the most sanguinary encounters in Indian warfare, and which resulted in the expulsion of those tribes from the Fox valley and the occu- pancy of this tract by the Menominees .*
The head of the outlet is divided into two channels by Doty's Island, which is something over a square mile in extent. This Island and the shores of the mainland rise in a gentle elevation, and were originally covered with a luxuriant growth of native trees, includ- ing oak, maple, elm, linden and hickory. A large portion of those have been preserved and the leafy verdure of grand oaks and elms on the shores of the lake and river form a charm- ing contrast with the sparkling waters of Lake Winnebago. The view of this outlet expand- ing into the broad open lake, with its hand- some wooded points, and the distant shores of Calumet is lovely beyond the power of description.
On the mainland and Island is situated the City of Neenah, with a population of about four thousand.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.