History of northern Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories; biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers; views of county seats, etc., Part 103

Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1052

USA > Wisconsin > History of northern Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories; biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers; views of county seats, etc. > Part 103

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WILLIAM H. ELMER, Berlin, manufacturer of the Northwestern Improved Water-wheel, which was patented by Mr. Elmer in 1870. He has made several improvements since, which he has patented. He was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1833, but raised at Cape Vincent. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Castor) Elmer. His father was a mill- wright, of whom he partly learned his trade. He came to this State in 1851, locating in Fairwater, Fond du Lac Co., where he worked at the carpenter and joiner trade. He came to this city in 1868, and worked one year at pattern-making for Davis & Bugh; then turned his attention to the machinery department. His sales of his water-wheel extend over the entire Northwest and into the Territories. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Lonisa M. Drake, a native of New York. They have one daughter.

WILLIAM GORDON, farmer, also engaged in manufacturing brick, Berlin. The property is located in Sec. 9, within the city limits of Berlin. He was born in Ireland, Aug. 7, 1819, and came to America in 1831. He went to Canada soon after his arrival, remaining one year. He returned to the States and spent some time in traveling, locating in Lewiston, Niagara Co., N. Y., where he remained for ten years, working at the tailor's trade. In 1850, he came West, locating at Oshkosh, where he remained six months, when he came to this city and established gen- eral tailoring business, which he conducted for twelve years, when he sold his business and bought the farm where be now lives.

JOHN E. GRIFFITHS, marble works, Berlin, was born in New York City, 1850. The same year he was brought to this city by his par- ents, and here received his education and learned part of his trade here, completing it with N. Merrill in Milwaukee. From there he returned and for two years took charge of Mr. Campbell's shop ; then established his present business in 1874. He is a son of J. G. II. and Catherine (Jones) Griffiths. They were natives of Wales. His father is now in the Government service, employed on the " Andy Johnson," stationed at Manitowoc.

J. F. & T. W. HAMILTON, dealers in dry goods and groceries, Berlin. This business was established in 1859; is one of the oldest houses in their line in this city, and during the early years of its exist- ence did quite a wholesale business. In February, 1864. in company with their brother, Thomas, and G. U. Smith, they embarked in anoth- er branch of industry, that of manufacturing car, wagon, sleigh and plow wood-stock. In January, 1865, Silas, an older brother, bought the interest of Mr. Smith, when the business was conducted by Hamilton Bros. Their stock is disposed of mostly in this State to manufacturers at Racine and other points. In addition to what they manufacture, they handle the products of four other manufactories. Joseph F. Hamilton was born in Sheldon, Genesee Co., N. Y., April 28, 1829. He is a son of Harry and Asenath Harris, who were farmers. He came West with

356

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

his parents in IS40 ; they located in the town of Waukegan, Lake Co., Ill., and engaged in farming, where they remained until 1854, when they came to this city, when Mr. Hamilton engaged as clerk for one year in the general store of S. F. Baker. The following year, in com- pany with A. C. Rogers, he bought out Mr. Baker, and during the year disposed of an interest in the business to Thomas E. Baker. They con- ducted the business for one year, when Mr. Baker bought the interests of Messrs. Hamilton & Rogers. Mr. Hamilton then engaged as clerk in a general store until 1859. when he engaged in present business, IIe was married in Bloomingdale, Ill., in 1852, to Miss C. A. Baker. They have one son. ! larry B., who assists him in the business.

THOMAS W. HAMILTON was born in Sheldon, Genesee Co., N. Y., March 13, 1836, and came to Waukegan, Ill., with his parents in 1840, and lived with them until 1848, when he went on the road, selling notions and medicines, and followed the occupation of traveling sales- man until January, 1881. He has been longer on the road than any man in the State, but during this time has had a moneyed interest in several branches ot industry. Ile made his home in this city in 1855. He was married in the Spring of 1865 to Miss Jeanette Hilton, of Batavia, N.Y., by whom he has five children. He is now Alderman of the First Ward. The Hamilton brothers are self-made men, having commenced business with limited capital. They have followed a successful business career for over twenty-five years, and sustain an enviable reputation. They have on their books the names of over 1,200 men that they have done business with the past seventeen years, and they have never had any se- rious misunderstanding with them, neither have they ever been sued or been troubled in any way in their affairs.

S. C. HARMON & SON, Berlin stave factory, established in 1874, employing from five to twenty men. The products are nearly all sold in Minneapolis. S. C. Harmon was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1818; is a son of Elijah and Lydia (Cunningham) Harmon, who were natives of the State, and whose ancestors were among the first settlers. They were farmers ; Mr. Harmon was educated and lived under the paternal roof until IS40, when he came to this State and entered 240 acres of land in Walworth County, and made a home for himself. Returning to New York in 1845, he married Miss Esther A. Mills, of Leroy. Genesee Co., and brought his bride to the farm. He lived there until 1865, when he sold his farm and moved to Racine, remaining two years, thinking to retire from active life; but his habits of industry would not allow him to remain idle, consequently he came to this city and bought the saw mill of Ruddock & Palmeter, which he conducted for eight years, after four years adding the manufacture of staves, and laying the foundations for his present business. He has one son, Edward T., who is associated in the business.

M. S. HOLLY, photographer, Berlin, was born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1825. His father was Solomon Holly, a native of Connecticut ; his mother's maiden name was Martha Tousey, also a native of Connecti- cut. Mr. Holly learned his trade when the science was in its infancy, and is the oldest photographer in the county. IIe learned the art of taking daguerreotypes in Buffalo, N. Y. Having learned the trade, he built a car, which was the first one of the kind, and traveled from one town to another. During the Summer, he engaged in a factory, making woolen cloths. Hle first came West in 1844, locating in Rock County, where he stayed one year, when he returned East. He again came to the State in 1858, and bought a farm at St. Marie, in this county. This he sold, and emigrated to Iowa and bought a farm on Shell-bark River, Cerro Gordo Co .; remaining there one year, he returned and located in Ripon, where he followed teaming a while, afterward engaging in the fruit and confectionery business. After eight years, he returned to his old business, which he followed with varying success. Having been burned out some four times in Oshkosh, he eventually located here in 1869 Ile was married at Niagara Falls, Dec. 25, 1847, to Miss Sarah M. Morris. They have one son living.

GEORGE W. LOUNSBURY, was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1$26. 1Ie is the first son of Purdy and Ilester Dewillyer Launsbury. llis father's ancestors were French, and among the earliest settlers of Ulster County. His great grandfather participated in the Revolutionary War, and his grandfather in the War of 1812. His mother's ancestors were from !lolland, and among the earliest settlers also of Ulster County. There Mr. Lounsbury was raised and learned his trade, and carried on the business at Hudson one year, and at Kinderhook four years. In the Fall of 1845, he went to New York City, and followed his trade there and in Boston until 1855; in September of which year he came to this city. The first two years he worked at his trade, then established busi- ness for himself. In June, 1864, he entered the quartermaster's depart- ment of the army as chief artificer in the harness department, and was stationed at Bowling Green, Ky. At the close of the war he returned and resumed business. He has held the office of Constable two terms. Ile was married in Boston in 1849, to Miss Jane Bedsow, a daughter of John and Ann Bedsow, who was born at St. John's, New Brunswick, June 11, 1833. They have had six children-Mary Jane, born in Bos- ton, March 31, 1850, and died at 8.30 A. M. March 2, 1855. aged four years, eleven months and two days ; George W., born in Boston, Nov. 14, 1851 ; Benjamin F., born in Boston, June 7, 1853; Alfred, born in New

York City. June 13, 1855, and died in this city thirty minutes past three P. M., June 23, 1879, aged twenty-four years, one week and three days, Charlotte F., born in Berlin, Jan. 13, 1859; Lillian B., born in Berlin, March 29. 1861, and died in this city at 10.30 A. M., July 31, 1880, aged eighteen years, four months and two days.

WALKER LEAR, Berlin livery stable. Was born at Sanapee, N. H., in 1828. His parents were Asel and Elizabeth Chanly Lear. His father was a farmer and blacksmith, and still lives at Sanapee. Mr. Lear learned the carpenter trade at Nashua, N. H. He also engaged in a restaurant at Manchester, N. HI., and for two years was a farmer in his native State. In 1850, he went to California, by way of the Isth- mus, where he engaged successfully in mining and keeping a general store of groceries, miner's supplies, and mining machinery. He re- mained there nearly three years, when he returned to his native place, and in 1857, came to Berlin and established a sash and door manufac- tory, operated by steam power. After one and one-half years he took charge of a stave factory for Mr. Carhart. In 1862, with a party of twelve, he went to Idaho, locating at Bannock City, which soon became famous from the numerous crimes committed by the notorious Plummer gang of road agents, cut-throats and thieves. The killing of unoffend- ing citizens without cause or provocation was of daily occurrence. Plummer, through coercion, was elected Sheriff; to oppose his election, was to sign one's own death warrant. Under this reign of terror and bloodshed the miners became desperate, as it was sure death to leave the town, and no certainty of living even one day in town. A few of the more daring and determined miners convened and formed themselves into a Vigilant Committee, electing Mr. Lear as their commander and chief. lle decided to at once arrest and bring to speedy punishment the leader and other members of the gang. Selecting a few trusty fol- lowers, he took to the road in the midst of Winter, and after many hardships, succeeded in corralling Plummer and two of his men in a copse of willows and brush, covering about ten acres. Some friendly Indians volunteering their services, they surrounded them, but could not discover their whereabouts ; neither could they starve them out, and to enter the brush was sure death. Mr. Lear determined to enter the brush, and did so with one of his men. Riding from one bunch of willows to another, he finally discovered their hiding-place, and rode boldly up and demanded their surrender. His resolute behavior won. They threw down their arms and surrendered. That was the beginning of retribu- tive justice, which resulted in every member of the gang meeting their just deserts at the end of a rope. Bannock City had been the head- quarters of the gang. Mr. Lear built the first cabin, washed the first gold in that region, making his cradle from the side-boards of his wagon. He returned in 1864, and rendered the county valuable service in arrest- ing and bringing to punishment horse thieves and other criminals, while holding the office of Deputy Sheriff and Constable. He has one son, Charles H., who assists him in the livery business.

EDWARD G. LONGCROFT, jeweler and dealer in musical goods. Was born in Elgin, Ill., Jan. 25, 1855, where he was raised and edu- cated. 1Ie learned his trade in Milwaukee. He established his busi- ness in 1876. Ile was married in 1878, to Miss Minnie A. Smith, of this city.

JUSTUS T. LUTHER, manufacturer of whips, gloves and mit- tens. Mr. Luther was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1833 ; his an- cestors settled in Tompkins County, in 1620. He came west with his parents in 1836; they settled in Geauga Co., Ohio, and engaged in farm- ing, where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed for fifteen years. In 1854, he came to Columbia County, in this State, and followed contracting and building. May 22, 1861, enlisted in 7th Wis. I .; he served two years, participating in all the battles with the regiment, and was discharged for disability. He went to Minnesota during the Indian raid, and raised an independent company, and was afterwards commissioned colonel of the 12th Minnesota State militia. In 1865, he located in this city and commenced his present business, his trade extending over nearly the whole United States. He has issued several patents, some of which are valuable in his branch of industry. Ile was married in 1855, to Miss Mary Farrington, a native of New York. They have three daughters. IIas been Alderman of the Third Ward six years.

AUGUSTUS W. MILLARD, County Superintendent of Schools, Berlin. Is a son of William A. and Sally Pearce Millard, who were born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N. Y. They were of Scotch ancestry, and early settlers of New York. Their descendents have represented nearly every profession, and David Millard's Ilistory of his travels in the Holy Land, brought him into prominent notice as a historian and traveler. Mr. Millard had eleven brothers and sisters, and all have been teachers. He was born in the State of New York, July 16, 1842, and came to this State with his parents in 1845. They located on a farm in the town of Manchester, where his mother died in 1856. ITis father held the office of Justice of the Peace in Manchester, from the time of his arrival, until he died in November, 1874. Then his son, Morgan G., was elected to the office, and has held it since. Mr. Millard was educated at Law- rence University. Appleton. In 1873-4, he engaged in the express busi- ness at Racine. In 1875-6, he studied law with Ilamilton, at Fox Lake,

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HISTORY OF GREEN LAKE COUNTY.

and was admitted to the Bar in 1879, at Juneau, Dodge Co., and prac- ticed law until he was elected to his present office, of which he is now serving his second term. He has also been principal of Randolph School four years, and of Kingston School three years.

MILES MIX, retired physician and farmer, Berlin. Born in Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., in IS12. His father, Steven Mix, was a farmer, and a native also of New York. Ilis ancestors were German, and among the early settlers of the State. His mother's maiden name was Patience Risdon ; she was of Scotch parentage, but born in the same State. Dur- ing the year 1827, Dr. Mix, with his family, removed to La Porte Co , Ind., and engaged in farming. Dr. Mix commenced the study of medicine with L. W. Blanchard, of Racine, and completed it with Prof. Meeker. of La Porte, Ind., graduating at La Porte Medical College, in 1850, and coming to Berlin the same year. Here he established practice, which he followed for thirty years, and is now the oldest practitioner living in this township. Ile was associated with N. Monroe Dadson, M. D., for fifteen years. Ile was married at La Porte, Ind., in 1849, to Miss Louisa E. Wheeler. They have seven children.

JAMES E. MONTAGUE, clerk and operator for the St. Paul Rail- way, Berlin. Has been employed in the Berlin office since 1861. He was born in Milwaukee, July 23, 1836. He was first employed by the old Milwaukee & Horicon Railway, which came into the possession of the St. Paul Railway, and he remained in their employ. He came to this county with his parents in 1849. and has resided here since. He was married at Malone, N. Y., in August, 1865, to Miss Carrie C. Bur- bant, a resident of New York. They have two daughters, Eva Bell and Stella May.

STEPHEN ADDISON OLIN, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Berlin. Was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1837. His parents were Amasa and Nancy Brightman Olin. Their ancestors were among the early settlers of Rhode Island and New York. Ilis father was hy trade a cooper. Mr. Olin spent the early years of his life in New York, and came to this State in 1855, locating at Rio, Columbia Co., where he engaged in teaching. which he followed for ten years. He entered the ministry in 1870, locating at Montello, where he built a church, and remained for three years. From there he went to Wauwatoma, Wan- shara Co., then to Plover, Portage Co., and then to Hortonville, Outa- gamie Co., being two years at each place. Ile was married in 1876, to Mrs. Mary E. Durkee, who died April 4, 1878. He was again married, April 23, 1879, to Miss Nancy E. Ware.

REV. EMERY H. PAGE, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Ber- lin. Was born in Windsor Co., Vt., in 1818, being a son of Benjamin and Huldah Cheney Page. His father and paternal ancestors being early settlers of Massachusetts, and maternal ancestors of Connecticut, The early years of his life were spent on his father's farm. At the age of fourteen, they moved to Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Page graduated at Brown University, at Providence, in 1847, and at the Theological Semi- nary, of New York City, in 1851, and first located in 1852, as pastor of the Bunker Hill Baptist Church, where he remained five years. He then went to St. Louis, remaining but a short time ; returned to Brooklyn, and took charge of the Greenwood Baptist Church, remaining five years, when he went to Hudson, Mass., and was pastor of church there three years ; from there he went to Ayers, Mass., and presided over the Baptist Church about three years, when he came to this State, locating at Madi- son, as pastor of Baptist Church there. Ile remained two years, and came to Berlin. in IS72, as pastor of the church where he now officiates. At Boston, in 1853, he married Miss Stella A., daughter of Rev. J. M. Groos. They have five children.

THOMAS H. POWELL, wholesale and retail dealer in dry goods, silks and gents' furnishing goods, Berlin. Was born in Wales, in 1845, where he was educated, and spent the early years of his life. He is a son of John and Mary Morgan Powell; they were natives of Wales. His father was a locomotive engineer. Mr. Powell came to America in 1865, where he commenced his business career as clerk in the retail store of George Keys, remaining with him two years. He then came to this city, and engaged as a clerk with W. \V. Forbes, who died the next year, and was succeeded by Jones & llughes. He continued with the new firm until 1869, then engaged with Reese & Whiting until 18SI, when he established his present business. During the year ISSo, he went West, traveling principally through Colorado, prospecting, etc. While at Lead- ville, he was appointed Enumerator, and took the census of the city. He has been employed in the dry goods business since fourteen years of age. His store is 22x100 feet, and he occupies two stories. It is brilliantly lighted by Thompson's Non-Explosive Tubular Light, which is the first of the kind in the county.

SAMUEL PRIEST, carriage and wagon maker and blacksmithing, Berlin. Established in 1876. Ile was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., in 1841. His parents were Jerome and Elizabeth Sadler Priest, natives of England. They located in Walworth County, in 1864. Mr. Priest learned the blacksmith trade with his brother in Detroit. In 1862, he came to this city, and in 1864, he enlisted in the 1st Wis. Cavahy, and served with them until the close of the war. He makes a specialty of fine carriages, and keeps employed six skilled workmen. In 1867, be

was married, 'in Chicago, to Miss Mary Murphy. They have two children.

GEORGE W. ROBINSON, farmer and livery business, was born in Vermont, in 1842. He is a son of Ebenezer and Harriet Pearce, his ancestors being early settlers of Vermont. He came West in 1845, with his parents, locating in Walworth County, where they engaged in farm- ing, and where his father died in 1856. They then moved to Dodge County. Mr. Robinson enlisted, in August, 1861, in the 7th Wis. I., which was attached to the Iron Brigade. He served with the regiment until the second Bull Run fight, where he was wounded by a minie ball and disabled for active service. He was one of the ninety-of the 600 that entered the fight-that came out alive. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Emma Waite. They have two sons, Harry and Hyatt.

A. D. RUDDOCK, farmer, Sec. I, town of Berlin, was born in Franklin Co., Mass., in 1822. He is a son of Justice and Rhody Bomon Ruddock. Their ancestors were among the earliest settlers of New England. His grandfather was a sea captain, and lived and died in Boston. His brother made the world-renowned trip, in an early day, of starting at the Atlantic coast and going to the Pacific and California, and discovered gold. Mr. Ruddock, with his parents, located in the State of New York in 1832, where they engaged in farming. He came to this State in the Spring of 1844. and located in Kenosha County, where he engaged in farming, remaining there four years, when he came to this town, and engaged in making pumps and wind-mills. He has been Su- pervisor and Assessor, and for many years Roadmaster. He was mar- ried in Lake Co., 111., in 1847, to Miss Julia De Forres, a native of Erie Co., N. Y.

OSCAR F. SILVER, attorney and counselor-at-law, Berlin, was born in Caledonia Co., Vt., March 29, 1834. but was raised at Montpelier. His father, Isaiah Silver, was a native of New Hampshire, and by occu- pation a merchant. His mother was Cynthia Austin, and a native of Vermont. Her ancestors were among the earlier settlers of that State. His father moved to Tivoli, N. Y., on the banks of the Hudson, where he died in 1865. at about seventy-four years of age. His mother is still living. Mr. Silver completed his 'education at the University of Ver- mont, in 1842, and commenced the study of law with Lucius B. Peck, of Montpelier, and was admitted to practice in the County Court, May 4, 1847, and to the Supreme Court of the State, April 9, 1850, and in No- vember of the same year came to this State, where he has followed his profession since. He has held the offices of Mayor, Alderman, District Attorney. Court Commissioner, and for twenty-five years the office of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Silver entered the army as first lieutenant of Co. A, 16th Wis. I., but was obliged to retire from the service on account of sickness. Ile was married, in 1855, to Miss Julia Kimball, a native of Maine. They have four children.

CORNELIUS SPOOR, Berlin, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1823. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret Van Wornier, who were natives of Albanv. and whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers in the Mo- hawk Valley. Mr. Spoor was educated and lived in the State of New York until 1852, when he came West, locating upon the farm where he now lives, one mile north of Berlin, at Spoor's Bridge, which he was in- fluential in having built. IIe has been Chairman of the Board, and Su- pervisor. He was married, Nov. 1, 1848, to Miss Delia Huntsinger, a native of New York. They have five children. Ilis oldest son, Court- land, is now principal of the school at Brandon. Mr. Spoor enlisted during the late war, but was rejected ; but was afterward drafted, and fought in front of Petersburg, Va., during the closing scenes, having his clothing several times pierced with bullets, and his gun shattered while in his hands.

NELSON STEBBINS, retired farmer, Berlin, was born in Chautau- qua Co., N. Y., in 1822. He is a son of Thomas and Merrilla Griswold, his father a native of the State, and his mother, of Connecticut. Ile was educated there, and spent the first twenty years of his life under the paternal roof. He came West in 1842. locating in Cedar Co .. Ia., where he bought a farm, and engaged in farming ; afterward returning to New York State, where he remained until 1851, when he returned to Towa and sold his farm, and came to this town and bought the farm he now owns, and where he has lived ever since, except some time spent in traveling through the Western States.

LATHAM A. STEWART, farmer and speculator, also engaged in stock commission business and real estate, was horn in Connecticut, in 1824. and is a son of Alexander and Lucy A. (Burrows) Stewart. Ilis great-great-grandfather, Robert Stewart, came over in the " May Flower" when an infant, and settled at Roxbury, Conn. llis mother's ancestors were also among the earliest settlers of Connecticut. They settled on the south shore of the State, at Reard Groten (ancient name, Old Ft. TIill). Mr. Stewart was educated in Connecticut, and engaged in farm- ing and speculating. At the age of twenty-four, was elected to the Leg- islature. In 1852. he came West, locating at Butte Des Morts (llills of the Dead), near Oshkosh, where for fourteen ycars he engaged in the lumber trade. He came to this city in 1868. He was married in his native State, in 1857, to Miss Anna Hull, of Puritan ancestry. Mr. Stewart is a strong advocate of the principles of the Greenback party,

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Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 1052

Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1052