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 109

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 109

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P. R. BRIGGS, of the firm of P. R. Briggs & Son, proprietors of the Mauston Bank, Mauston, and of the branch bank at Wonewoc, called The Juneau County Bank. The Mauston Bank was established in the Fall of 1868, by Mr. J. B. Rosecrantz, who continued the business only about three months, when he sold to Mr. P. R. Briggs, who re-opened the bank in January, 1869, and has continued the business up to this time. Capital, $12,000. In the Spring of 1880, he took his son, Bert W., as a partner. The bank is located at the corner of State and Divis- ion streets. Mr. P. R. Briggs, son of Jacob Briggs, was born in Auburn, N. Y., in 1825. While quite young, he moved with his parents to Yates County, and resided there a few years. Then to Buffalo, and from there to Fredonia, where he attended the academy two years. He then en- gaged in the pail factory at Versailles, as turner, followed that business two years. March 16, 1851, he was married at Versailles, N. Y., to Miss Mary C. Wood, daughter of Jonathan and Char- lotte Wood. They have two children, a son and daughter. The son, Bert W., is married to Mary W. Zuell, and resides at Wonewoc, where he is conducting the branch bank, established April 4. 1881. The daughter, Alta A., is now Mrs. A. C. Carter, of Mauston. In 1856, Mr. Briggs moved his family to Juneau Co., Wis., where he located on a farm near Mauston, continuing on this farm only two years. He then moved to the village of Mauston, read law in the office of John A. Kel- logg ; was admitted to the Bar, and elected District Attorney in 1862, to fill vacancy ; was re-elected, and served until May. 1864, when he en- listed in Co. E, 41st Wis. V. I., in the 100 day service, received a second lieutenant's commission, May 4, 1864, served until Fall, and then re- turned home, where he enlisted in Cc. C, 47th Wis. V. I., of which he was commissioned captain, Feb. 18, 1865. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out September 4. 1865. On returning from the war, he engaged as pension and bounty agent. While em- ployed in this business, he secured the adjustment of 1,600 claims. May. 1866, he was appointed Postmaster, under President Johnson. Held that position until 1871, when, on being elected to the Legislature, he resigned his position as Postmaster, and at the earnest request of the people, his wife, Mrs. M. W. Briggs, who had performed the duties of the office for years, was appointed to fill the vacancy. This office being conducted so satisfactory, three small offices in the vicinity were discontinued, and this made a salaried office. Mrs. Briggs was re-appointed, under President Hayes. Mr. Briggs has served as President of the village one year, and as one of the Trustees several years.

B. M. CARTER, manager of the Mauston Plow and Iron Works. Was born in Erie Co., N. Y., July 10, 1835. While quite young, he went with his parents to Chautauqua County to live. When nineteen years of age, 1854, he came to Wausau, Wis., remained only a short time, when he went to Dane County, and engaged as teacher. Dec. 25, 1855, he was married to Mary M. Carter, daughter of David and Abigail (Cooper) Carter. Mrs. C. was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. Two daughters were born to them, Lillie A. and Winnie M. After a residence of five years in Wisconsin, he returned to New York, and engaged in lumbering at Collins, Erie Co .; continued this business until July, 1862, when he en- listed in Co. B, 154th N. Y. V. I. ; was enrolled July 25. At the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, he received a gunshot wound that dis- abled him for six months; again he was wounded at the battle of Lost Mountain. June 15, 1864, he received two gunshot wounds almost at the same instant, one ball entered the left side near the point of the hip and came out at the back ; the other struck the left arm, laying the bone bare above the elbow. He continued in the service until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 25, 1865. He then spent one year in Cattaraugus County in the lumber business. June, 1866, he came to Mauston, and engaged in farming near Mauston. September, 1873, in company with his brother, Herman, he purchased the establishment. Jan. I, 1875, he bought his brother's interest, and continued the business alone until Nov. 22, 1877, when he sold to the present proprietor, Theda Carter. Since purchasing the foundry, to this time, Mr. Carter has been its manager.

ROBERT H. DAVIS, proprietor of Mauston House, and a mem. ber of the firm of R. H. Davis & Co., millers, Lemonweir. Was born at Baraboo, Wis., March 29, 1849. Received his education in the public schools, and in a three years' course in the Collegiate Institute at Baraboo. He learned the miller's trade with his father, at Wonewoc, where he served two years. He next engaged with Mr. Boorman in the

Mauston Mills, where he remained three years. March 19, 1867, he en- tered into partnership with his father, in a lease of the Dustin mills at Lemonweir, under the firm name of R. H. Davis & Co., and continued to run these mills under the lease until February, 1869, when they pur chased the mill, and proceeded with the business. After his father's death, which occurred September 22, of that year, he continued the busi- ness under the old name, though other parties have been interested in it. The mill isa three-story building, 40x50, with basement ; is run by water- power ; has three run of stones, with a daily capacity of fifty barrels. Jan. I, 1881, Mr. Davis purchased the hotel property at Mauston, known as the Mauston House, which he is keeping at this time. He is perfecting his plans for a three-story house, to take the place of the old one, which is to be moved to the rear. Mr. Davis was married in Mauston, Oct. 12, 1879. to Miss Louisa Dick, daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Curran) Dick. Mrs. Davis was born in Rock Co., Wis. They have one child, called Charles Keith.

B. C. DOCKSTADER, proprietor of meat market and flour and feed store, Mauston, son of Christopher Dockstader, was born in Mont- gomery Co., N. Y., April 15, 1823. In 1844, he came to Wisconsin, and took up a claim on Rock Prairie, now the town of Richmond, Walworth Co. Remained there two years, and then, at the request of his father, returned East and engaged in the lumber business and hoating on the Erie Canal ; was proprietor of five canal boats. In 1853, he went to Albany, and engaged as foreman of bridge building on the Albany & Rutland Railroad. In the latter part of that year, he returned to Rock Prairie, and in the Spring of 1854, he came to Adams County and made a claim of forty acres, on what is now a part of the village plat of Manston, Juneau Co. He soon platted this land, and erected six build- ings on the line of State street. Was engaged in this business and the sale of real estate until 1858, when he entered into partnership with Mr. F. Winsor, in the grocery business, under the firm name of Winsor & Dockstader. About 1860, they added to their grocery a general stock of merchandise. In 1863, they established a branch store at Elroy, under the management of Mr. Jonathan Carter. This was the first store established at that place. They also started a branch store at Hillsboro, under the management of Mr. A. H. Holbrook. In 1865, he sold out to Mr. Winsor and formed a partnership with Mr. Carter, at Elroy, in a general store. Two years later, he sold out to Mr. Carter, and entered into partnership with Dr. Farr, at Mauston, in the same line. Continued this connection only eight months, when he bought out the doctor, and took Mr. A. S. Wetherby as a partner. At the end of two years, he bought out Mr. Wetherby and continued the business alone about a year, when, owing to causes that have wrecked so many mercantile houses, he was obliged to suspend business. In 1872, he opened the meat market and flour and feed store, which business he has continued to this time. Mr. Dockstader was married in Montgomery Co., N. Y., March 2, 1844, to Miss Edith M. Swartwout, daughter of Marvin and Mary (Johnson) Swartwout. Six children were born to them-Maria, deceased, was the wife of F. B. Boroughs ; Marvin S., married to Ellen Godale, a daughter of Thomas Godale, and residing in Minnesota ; Louisa L., now Mrs. P. C. Nelson, of Whitewater, Wis .; Fernando W., deceased, died in infancy ; Edith M. and Bennie reside at home. Mr. D. has served as member of the Village Board two terms. Was elected Village Treasurer in 1876, and re-elected in '77 and '78. In politics he is a stalwart Republican. As an old settler. he undoubt- edly antedates all residents of Mauston. He built the first brick store in the village, also several other stores. In company with Mr. Winsor, he built the elevator, now Mr. Phillips's. Mr. D. and three daughters made the Centennial trip together, going via Suspension Bridge, spend- ing a week in New York City and another on Long Island Sound, with a friend named Brown. Thence to Philadelphia, where they spent two weeks at the Centennial Exhibition. From there to Washington City, returning via Harper's Ferry, Sandusky, Detroit and Milwaukee.

GRIMMER & SPENCE, dealers in drugs, medicines, perfumery, toilet articles, wall-paper, books and fancy goods, Mauston. Business established in 1859. Present firm organized in March, 1876. Stock, $6,000.

Frederick E. Grimmer, senior partner of the above firm, was born in Saxony, Germany, July 15, 1829. In 1842, he came to America with his parents, and directly to Milwaukee, Wis., where he learned the harness- maker's trade, spending five years in that line. He then went to Lake Superior, and spent eight years in the mining regions. In 1853, he moved to Juneau Co .. Wis., and engaged in farming in the town of Lem- onweir. Continued on the farm until 1859, when he moved to Newport, Sauk Co. Went in the drug and grocery trade, remaining there two years, and then removed to Mauston, and continued in the same busi- ness. Leaving this business in the care of an agent, he enlisted, Octo- ber, 1861, as principal musician in the regimental ban of the 12th Wis. V. Served one year with the regiment, and was mustered out in the Fall of 1862. On returning to Mauston, he resumed the care of his business. In 1863, he formed a partnership with Martin Gray, under the firm name of Gray & Grimmer. "Mr. Gray only lived a few months after the business was started. Mr. Grimmer continued the business alone about three years. lie then formed a partnership with Mr. William

376

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Case, as Case & Co., and after two years he sold out to Case & Reming- ton. In 1869, he hought in with Mr. Sharp in the drug business, the firm name being Sharp & Co. During the next few years, until March, 1876, the firm underwent several changes of partners, when Mr. William G. Spence bought a half interest in the business, and the present firm of Grimmer & Spence was organized. Mr. Grimmer was married at New- port, Sauk Co., Dec. 2, 1856, to Miss Casandra M. Temple, daughter of William Temple and Maria Pratt. They have two daughters and two sons-Emma R., Frederick E., William A. and Jessie M.

William G. Spence, of Grimmer & Spence, was born in the town of Somers, Kenosha Co., Wis., June 21, 1848, son of John Spence. Spent his boyhood on the farm ; was a student at the Kenosha High School. Taught several terms of district school in the county; from the Fall of 1873 to June, 1874. he was assistant teacher in the Kenosha High School. On closing the engagement, he came to Mauston to accept the position of principal of the Mauston schools. This arrangement prov- ing mutually satisfactory, he was retained in that position four years. While filling his engagement of teacher, he had, in March, 1876, formed the business connection with Mr. Grimmer, as given above. In 1877, he entered the store to assist in its management. November, 1879, he was elected Superintendent of Schools for Junean County, and entered upon the duties of the office January, 1880. Mr. Spence was married, April 6, 1875, at Somers, Kenosha Co., to Miss Ellen M. Strong, daughter of Alvin and Melissa (Trowbridge) Strong. Mrs. Spence was born in the town of Somers, Kenosha Co.

CHARLES H. GROTE, County Judge Junean County, Wis., son of H. G. Grote, was born in Rhine, Prussia, March 1, 1829, resided in his native country until 1849, when he came to the United States and directly to Wisconsin, making his home in the city of Watertown where be engaged in the distilling business. He erected his distillery near the old Red Mill and carried on the business until 1855. He was married at Watertown, Jan. 11, 1854, to Martha H. Revell, daughter of James Revell. They have four daughters, named respectively Ella E., Emily L., Lulu P. and Irma D. February, 1857, Mr. Grote moved to German- town, Junean Co., and opened a store as a dealer in general merchandise, continued that business until 1860, when he sold out and engaged in farming near Germantown. In 1863. having been elected to the office of Register of Deeds, he moved to New Lisbon and entered upon the duties of the office. On the removal of the county seat to Mauston, he made his home in this village (1864). Served one term as Register. In 1866, he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and re-elected in 1868. While holding this office he was elected County Judge, in the Spring of 1869. Resigning the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court, he accepted the judgeship and entered upon the duties of the office. As an evidence of the high esteem in which he is held by the people, it is only necessary to cite the fact that he is now serving the fourth term, which, when com- pleted, will make sixteen consecutive years in that office. The Judge has a snug little farm of sixty acres adjoining the village.

CHARLES HOLDEN, J. P., Mauston, was born at Fortress Mon- roe, Va., April 30, 1832 ; was taken by his parents when two years of age to Ft. Moultrie, Charleston, where he was educated and resided until 1849, at which time he came to Wisconsin and settled in Columbia County, where he followed farming and clerked in a store, and from 1852 to 1855, was engaged in getting up the ahstracts of Columbia County for A. B. Alden. He then went to Jefferson County and got up the Skinner abstracts, and, in 1856, removed to Stevens Point, where he resided about one year, since which time he has been a resident of Juneau County. Mr. Holden served four years in the civil war. Has been Clerk of the Court, Court Commissioner ; is at present Justice of the Peace, and has held nearly all local offices.

THOMAS P. NAUGHTIN, merchant, Mauston, was born in Kil- mallock, Co. Limerick, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1831. Son of Patrick Naughtin. In 1848, he came to the United States. Traveled through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Southern States. Ile remained two years at Steubenville, Ohio, where he was married July 31, 1853, to Miss Bridget Naughtin. Seven children were born to them. The oldest, John M., is studying for the ministry in the college and seminary of St. Bonaven- tura, at Allegany, N.Y. The second, Patrick T., was married to Miss Nora O'Brien, and is a resident of Nebraska. Mary, Bridget, Catherine, Margaret E. and Anastasia are residing at home. In 1855, Mr. Naugh. tin moved to Wisconsin, making his home at Madison for two years. He then came to Mauston, Juneau Co., in 1857. In 1861, he was ap- pointed Under Sheriff and served two years. Was elected Sheriff in 1862, serving in that office during 1863-64. Previous to the organization of the village, he was elected Assessor of the town of Lemonweir. Served as Village Clerk two years. In 1865, he made a trip to Iowa, remaining one season. On his return, he engaged in the Spring of 1866 in the mercantile business, as a dealer in general merchandise, and has continued it to this time. IIas served as Assessor of Mauston ten or or twelve years, and as Supervisor of the Village, in the County Board from 1875 to I880. It was chiefly through his instrumentality that the appropriations for the construction of the court-house and jail, at Maus- ton, were secured, thus clinching the location of the county seat. He was appointed a member of the Building Committee of both buildings.

Mr. Naughtin has served as chairman of the Democratic County Com- mittee twelve years, and is acknowledged the leader of that party in the county. He has also been an active member of the Catholic Church, and aided materially in advancing its interests in this section. Mr. N. has a full agency for the Phoenix of Hartford Insurance Co., since July I. 1865 ; is also agent of the Commercial Fire Insurance Co., of New York, and the Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Co., Milwaukee. He is also agent for the following steamship lines: Cunard, Guion Mail Line, the North German Lloyd, American and Red Star Lines ; also sells ex- change on Europe. Was appointed Notary Public by Gov. Fairchild, in 1868, and still holds that commission.

B. F. PARKER, Grand Worthy Secretary of the Wisconsin Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Good Templars; also Grand Master of the Wisconsin Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Mr. Parker was born in Meadville, Pa., July 27, 1839. Received an academic education at the Academy of Meadville, and in 1853 came to Wisconsin, and served a regular apprenticeship with his uncle at Waukesha, as a carpenter. On the breaking out of the late war, he was among the first to enlist. Being in the woods, distant from mails, he did not get the news in time to get into the Ist regiment, but reached Milwaukee and enlisted, April 21, 1861, in Co. K, 2d Wis. Vols. After participating in the battle of Bull Run, Co. K was transferred and reorganized into Co. A, Ist Wis. Heavy Artillery. He was with his regiment throughout its service, until the Summer of 1863, when he was detailed with two other sergeants to recruit three batteries for the Ist Battalion Heavy Artillery. He returned to Mauston, and recruited Battery C ; was commissioned second lieutenant, and returned to the front. He was promoted to senior first lieutenant, and served until the close of the war, without meeting with any mishap or getting on the sick list. He was mustered out, No- vember, 1865. On leaving the Army, he came to Manston and engaged in the furniture business. About this time he was admitted to member- ship in the Independent Order of Good Templars. He continued the furniture business until 1873, when he was elected Grand Secretary of the above order. Two years later he was elected representative to the Right Worthy Grand I.odge, and has been the representative for the past six years. He has also been re-elected to the office of Grand Secretary each year to this time. In July, 1877, he was admitted as a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was elected representative to the first Grand Lodge of the order, and to each suc- cessive one since. In February, 1881, he was elected Grand Master, be- ing the fifth in the State to hold that position. Mr. Parker was married Feb. 3, 1868, at Mauston, to Lucille W. Penniman, daughter of Capt. H. G. and Lydia A. (Coombs) Penniman. Mrs. Parker is the present Grand Treasurer of the I. O. G. T., and has acted in that capacity two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have one child, a daughter, aged twelve years, named Addie M.

CAPT. H. G. PENNIMAN, agent of the American Express Co., and dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, jewelry, and toilet articles ; also manufacturer of Wisconsin oil of life; Opera block. Mr. Penni- man was born in Rockland, Me., Dec. 29, 1829. When ten years of age, he went to sea as cabin boy in a coasting schooner. When of a suitable age, he was engaged as seaman. Was next third, second and first mate, in their usual order, until he was made master of a vessel. Sailed in the coasting and transatlantic trade, visiting all the principal ports of Europe. After sailing eighteen years, he quit the sea, and came to Wis- consin, 1855, and located at Mauston. Here he clerked for some years. Getting homesick for a smell of the salt water, he returned to Maine and went to sea again, and sailed until the Fall of 1860, when he returned to Mauston, and the Spring of 1861 he was appointed local agent by the American Express Co., which position he has held for the past twenty years. He also engaged as dealer in grain, hides, etc. In 1865, he en- gaged in the drug business, having purchased the stock of S. W. Field, and continued the business until October, 1878, when he sold to his son, Herbert H. April 9, 1881, Mr. Penniman repurchased the stock, and resumed the business. Average stock, $4,000. In 1875, he formed a partnership with Mr. O. F. Temple, and together they erected the Opera block, a solid stone and brick structure, fifty-one feet wide by seventy- five feet deep, and thirty-seven feet high, in which they have two fine stores and a commodious haff, which is well furnished and has seating accommodations for 600 people. Mr. Penniman was married at Rock- land, Me., July 15. 1848, to Miss Lydia Coombs, daughter of Robert and Susan (Roberts) Coombs. Mrs. Penniman was born in Maine. They have two children living: Lucille W., born in Rockland, Feb. 2, 1850, now Mrs. B. F. Parker, of Mauston ; and Herbert H., born Aug. 30, 1855, at Rockland, married to Mrs. Tennie Winchell, also of Mauston. One daughter, Ella, died Sept. 13, 1868, at the age of four years and eight months.

SANDFORD PHILLIPS, dealer in dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, crockery and glassware. Business was established in 1867; at this time, carries a $12,000 stock. Mr. Phillips was born in the town of Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., May 8, 1830. When fourteen years of age, he moved with his parents to McHenry County, Ill., where he worked on his father's farm two and a half years. In the Spring of 1843, he came to Wisconsin, locating at the village of Bara-

377

HISTORY OF JUNEAU COUNTY.

boo. Remained there until 1852, when he came to Junean County, and made a claim on unsurveyed Government land, near the southwest corner of the county, in what is now the town of Wonewoc. Here he engaged in farming and lumbering. He had also secured a large tract of land in the adjacent township, in Vernon County, and con- tinued this business until 1858, when he went to Missouri and engaged in the grain, fruit and stock commission business. This enterprise not meeting his expectations, he discontinued it, after not quite a year's ex- perience, and returned to Wisconsin, locating in Monroe County, town of Portland. Mr. Phillips was married at Reedsburg, Sank Co., March 3, 1853. to Miss Sarah Payne, daughter of Hiram and Calista Payne. Two children were born of this marriage, Ernest A., now aged twenty- five, and a daughter who died in infancy. After only six short years of married life, Mrs. Phillips was called to join her little one. Her death occurred April 22, 1859. On coming to Portland, Mr. Phillips built a store and engaged in the mercantile business, continuing in this line two years. He then sold out, and moved to his land in the town of Glen- dale. April 22, 1861, he was married to Miss Jennie M. LeRoy, daugh- ter of F. L. and Mary LeRoy. Mrs. Phillips was born at Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y. They moved to Manston Dec. 5, 1863, where Mr. Phillips was engaged in the draying business and as messenger for the American Express Co. He continued this business until April 5, 1867, when he opened a general store with a cash capital of $3,000 and a stock of $4,000 or $5,000. At this writing (1881), he has two stores, adjoin- ing, one a brick structure, the other of wood, in which he carries a $12,000 stock. In 1878, he purchased the Mauston Elevator. which has a holding capacity of 20,000 bushels, and is managed by his son, E. A. Mr. Phillips still retains the ownership of 170 acres of land in the town of Portland, and sixty acres in Glendale. During his residence in the town of Glendale, he served as Supervisor four years. Since living in Mauston, he has served two years in the same capacity. In the Fall of 1878, he was elected president of the Juneau County Agricultural So- ciety, and has been re-elected each year since to this date (1881).

SAMUEL C. PLUMMER, Sheriff of Juneau County, was born in the town of Pittston, Me., May 25, 1843. When five years of age (1848) he came with his parents to Wisconsin, locating at Fairfield, Sauk Co. Received a common school education and engaged in farming and deal- ing in stock. In November, 1859, he came to Mauston and continued the business of stock dealer. In November, 1880, he was elected Sheriff of Juneau County for two years. He was married at Mauston Oct. 18, 1868, to Frances A. Platt, a daughter of David and Miranda (McLean) Platt. Mrs. Plummer was born in Jefferson Co., Wis. They have two children, sons, Eddie O. and Claude L.

JOHN F. SPRAGUE, of the firm of J. F. Sprague & Son, pub- lishers of the Mauston Star, was born at Bath, Maine, Sept. 5, 1821 ; received an academic education ; served a regular apprenticeship as a printer ; was the publisher for eleven years of a newspaper at Farming- ton, Me., called the Chronicle. In March, 1857. he went to Dubuque, lowa, and in company with other parties published the Daily Sun; re- mained in Dubuque three years and then went to Colorado in 1860, where he was engaged in mining at California Gulch now Leadville ; was two years in the mountains when he returned to the States and made his home at Manston, Wis. He opened a photograph gallery which he conducted until 1865, when he engaged with Mr. John Turner in the Star office. In 1878, he purchased the office and has continued to pub- lish the paper to this time. In 1878, he took his son into the business. The Mauston Star is a weekly Republican paper, established in IS57. has a good job office attached. Mr. Sprague was married at Farming- ton, Me., Nov. 23, 1848, to Mary S. Church, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Church. The mother, aged eighty-five years, is now living with her daughter. They have one son and one daughter, Gleason J. and Ella M. Mr. Sprague served as Village Clerk of Mauston eleven years.

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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