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 121

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 121

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FREDRICK SIMPSON, surveyor and woodman, Black River Falls. was born in Franklin Co., Mass., July 29, 1823. Came West in 1856 and settled in Springfield, Jackson Co., Wis., and pre-empted a claim of 160 acres of land from the Government, on which he lived until the Winter of 1859, when he was elected to the office of County Clerk and moved to Black River Falls. Was afterward elected Clerk of Court for four years, after which he began working at his present occupation. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Universalist Church, also of the Good Templars and the Temple of Honor. Was married June 3, 1851, to Miss Mary June ; she was a native of New York. Their family consists of six chil- dren-Joel T., George J., Fredrick B., Harry II., Bert L., and Mabel J.

CAPT. PETER TRUDELL, groceries and provisions, Black River Falls. Born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1835. Came to Territory of Wisconsin, in 1842, and first settled at Green Bay, and engaged in the mercantile business until 1854, when he moved to Black River Falls, and opened a store on Water street, in a frame building, since been destroyed by fire. In 1856, took charge of the Shanghai House for a year, and then started a grocery store, and also was engaged in the lumber busi- ness until 1864, when he enlisted in 48th Wis. V. I., as lieutenant, and afterward became captain of Co. H. After he came home, started in the lumber trade again, and in 1873, went in the grocery business at Black River Falls, which he has followed ever since. He is a member of the order of A. F. & A. M., Black River Lodge, No. 74, and Chapter, No. 41. Was married to Miss Mary Clarke Kenson, who is a native of New York. They have two children, Theodore K., and Gertrude, now Mrs. E. W. Abbott.

FREDRICK WARNER, M. D., and druggist, Black River Falls. Was born in Prussia, Jan. 18, 1818. Came to America, November, 1854.

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

settled at Springfield, Dane Co., Wis., remained there about eighteen months, when he moved to Sauk City, where he practiced his profession there for a number of years ; moved to Eau Claire, stayed there for three years, removed to Black River Falls in 1867, and started the drug-store where he is now, at the same time practicing his profession. Was married in Sauk City, in 1856, to Miss Bertha Haulzsch; was born in Prussia, Oct. 17, 1834; have seven children-Mary A., Arthur, Benjamin, Robert, Fredrick 11., Edgar and William L.

CHARLES C. WASON, farmer and mail-agent from Black River Falls to Cataract, was born in Orange Co., Vt., July 28, 1836. Came to Black River Falls, Wis., in 1854, and has been there ever since, with the exception of eight years which he spent in California in the mail service. After he came from California lie commenced keeping a livery stable, which he continued four years and than started as mail-agent. Is a mem- ber of I. O. O. F., Albion Lodge, No. 134. Married to Hattie C. Maddock in Melrose, Oct. 10, 1858; she was born in Ohio, 1838. They had one daughter Eveline who died in July, 1863.

REV. BERT E. WHEELER, pastor of the M. E. Church, Black River Falls, was born in Dane Co., Wis., Aug. 23, 1848. Received his academic education at Walton, N. Y., and attended school there until the Fall of 1868. He then returned to Wisconsin and taught school at Spring Green for one year, and in the Fall of 1870 joined the West Wis- consin Conference at La Crosse, and was then appointed to the charge of M. E. Church at Lake Pippen. He has since had several different appointments, viz., Mondovi, Neillsville, Chippewa Falls and Black River Falls, coming to the latter place in 1878; is a member of the A. F. &: A. M., Neillsville Lodge, and of Eau Claire Commandery, also of 1. O. O. F. Albion Lodge, No. 134, and Encampment at Neillsville, is a member of Temple of Honor. Was married to Miss Mary A. Gorge, of Spring Green, Wis., in 1870; she was born at Newport, N. H. They have four children-Floy E., Lois M., Berta N., and Wayne B.

MERRILLAN.

Next in importance to Black River Falls, is the village of Merrillan, located in the eastern portion of Alma Town- ship, at the crossing of the Green Bay and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroads. Its population is stated at 1,200, and the center of a rich lumber and agricultural country; does an immense business as compared with towns of equal size in other portions of the State.

Just twenty-five years ago, L. G. Merrill and A. S. Hay- den settled near the present village of Merrillan, and erected a saw mill at the foot of what is now Main street. From that date until the Fall of 1876, the improvement was oper- ated by Mr. Merrill, when it was torn down to make way for other undertakings. The little business this afforded was the only evidence of civilization for nearly fifteen years. To-day the dense forests that skirt the village, like an oasis in the midst of a desert, are the same that watched the founding of the town, and the red man and the deer have scarcely yet abandoned their homes in its density.

The Merrill brothers becoming aware of the superior ad- vantages this point possessed for a town, in the abundance of its easily improved water power, in its wood supplies for railroads and the adjacent prairie country, in its facilities for market, in its immense amount of pine timber lying at its very doors, and being tributary, as it is, to the best farming lands in Jackson County, determined to commence the build- ing of a village. Accordingly, during the Summer of 1870, they erected the grist mill now operated by Martin Martens, also the frame hotel known as the Merrillan Ilouse, and these, together with a limited number of unpretentious dwelling houses erected the same season, constituted the improvements of that year. Thus was the nest egg laid, and from that day to this, the growth has been steady, if not rapid.

In the Fall of 1870, J. L. Loomis settled in the village, and, in conjunction with the Merrills, built their store, which is still standing on Main street, and has been a source of profit to the proprietors from the day its first stock was shelved. Early in the Winter or late in the Fall of the same year, John Preston, the Estey family and George Harlocker located on the village site, built homes included among the number above given, and identified themselves with the growth and development of future Merrillan.

The succeeding Spring, matters thereabout remained practically unchanged. The West Wisconsin Railroad, since changed to the C., St. P., M. & O., had been completed during the Winter, but thus far its effect upon emigration and improvement was not apparent. Very few came in, comparatively speaking, and a majority of these have since removed elsewhere. Quite a number of houses were put up, and some became permanently occupied ; a few still remain. The major portion of the buildings, however, was in the township in which Merrillan is located, as distinguished from the village, and they were limited to farm houses, with here and there a saw mill. In the Spring, George Trumbull settled in the village, and built a residence near the mill. Ole Oleson put up a portion of the present American House, which then occupied a lot on the cross street on which the Merrillan House is situated. John Estey built a residence opposite Loomis's store, and there were other small buildings of minor importance to the future of the place, which dotted the territory in the immediate vicinity. During 1872, there were some accessions to the number of inhabitants, as also to the improvements which found birth in the village, but the most rapid growth experienced in the history of Mer- rillan up to that period was reserved for 1873, when the building of the Green Bay road was being carried on. This added an impetus to the place, and was instrumental in its growth. Its completion to the village was accomplished on December 24, 1873, and caused general rejoicing. Though the event was not entirely unlooked for, its subsequent in- fluence was such as to permanently assure the success and prosperity of Merrillan, and business became " rushing " at once. The celebration of the event was immediately fol- lowed by the arrival of substantial settlers, who began im- proving, and laid the foundation for a future that has since been realized. Seymour Page erected a residence ; A. Wood put up a drug store, the first in the village; A. H. Owens, a furniture establishment, also the pioneer in that line of busi- ness ; Merrill Brothers built a hardware store, and put in a stock of goods; this building was burned in March, 1881. The American House, then called the Williams House, was removed to the corner of Main and Loomis streets, enlarged and opened as a hotel by M. N. Davidson, as a public house. The village was platted this year, and the Green Bay Com- pany put up the Blair House. It was really a fine building for the place, and its eligible location, superior appointments and other features of excellence procured for it no incon- siderable reputation throughout the country. The original building was burned in November, 1876, but was erected at once, and to-day is the most prominent caravansary in

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

the village. S. E. Brown, C. N. Paine, Dr. J. W. Hamilton (the first physician), George Merrill, it is thought, and some others less prominent, settled in Merrillan this year, in addition to those of whom mention has been previously made.

The next Summer, the Green Bay road was completed to Winona, and again an impetus was given to the town. H. Ketchum, president of the road, having invested quite largely in pine lands, built a steam mill three miles north of the village, with which it was connected by railroad, pur- posely built for conveying lumber to Merrillan, where it was shipped to all points west. About this time Jewell & Lawrence purchased an interest in the establishment, and operated it for some months, after which C. A. Paine & Co. became the sole proprietors. It was a mammoth institution, giving employment to from one to three hundred hands, and manufacturing nearly as much lumber as all the rest of the mills in Jackson County at that time. In 1875, it was burned up, together with a considerable stock. The fire caught from the engine, and flashed like powder through the dry dust collected in the mill, destroying the structure before any effort could be made for its protection.

Merrillan Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F .- Was organized December 3, 1875, with L. E. Bates, A. Wood, H. Thatcher, J. H. Aikins, as charter members.

The present officers are: A. Wood, N. G .; George K. Whitney, V. G .; A. O. Rusco and E. J. Austin, secretaries ; J. H. Williams, treasurer, and H. Thatcher, P. G. The present membership is seventy-six, with weekly meetings.

La Belle Lodge, No. 65, D. of R. - Was organized under a dispensation issued October 12, 1880, with the fol- lowing officers : G. B. Marvin, N. G .; Mrs. G. B. Marvin, V. G .; Mrs. B. H. Darling, secretary, and Mrs. S. E. Brown, treasurer.

The present officers are : Mrs. S. Rusco, N. G .; Mrs. B. H. Darling, V. G .; Mrs. G. B. Marvin, secretary, and Mrs. L. E. Bates, treasurer.

The membership is limited as yet, and meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday evening.

Merrillan Council, No. 601, Royal Arcanum .- A be- nevolent organization with objects similar to that of the United Workingmen. Was instituted during the Summer of 1881, by George H. Ingalls, of Green Bay. The officers elected were : W. H. Avery, regent ; T. J. Hill, vice-regent ; George Henderson, secretary ; E. J. Austin, collector; L. A. Comstock, treasurer ; Alexander Sires, chaplain ; Dr. J. W. Hamilton, medical examiner ; L. J. Snell, warden; E. A. Andrews, orator ; C. H. Ketchum, guide, and A. H. Owens, sentry.

Meetings are convened semi-monthly, on the second and fourth Mondays.

Merrillan Lodge, No. 36, I. O. G. T .- Was organized at an early day, and re-organized April 9, 1868, with the fol- lowing officers : G. B. Marvin, W. C. T .; A. D. McBride, W. V. T .; S. McBride, chaplain ; Mrs. Lizzie Purnell and H. Purnell, secretaries; Mrs. O. T. Southworth, treasurer, and G. Adams, P. W. C. T.

The present officers are : O. A. Rusco, W: C. T .; Delia Carpenter, W. V. T .; Dora Burton, W. R. S .; Thomas Foulkes, W. A. R. S .; Jay Trumbull, W. F. S .; Stella Rusco, W. T .; K. M. Hill, W. C .; T. J. Hill, P. W. C. T.

The Post-office was established in 1870, and located at the store of J. L. Loomis, corner Main and Loomis streets, with Mr. Loomis as Postmaster. Neither site nor official has since been changed.

The Cemetery was located soon after the platting of the village, and on December 23, 1873, occurred the first burial, being a child of Orrin Estey. The tract embraces five acres, handsomely laid out and platted.

Fire .- On the 5th of March, 188r, there was a serious fire on Main street, burning out the buildings on the west side between Pear and Loomis. The loss was $25,000, divided among A. H. Owen, Luddell & Watson, J. B. Emery, O. T. Southworth, E. Purnell, A. D. Merrill, Wm. McBride, Geo. Henderson, W. H. Avery, A. Wood, L. J. Ives, W. C. Eastman and some others.

As a basis for prosperity, Merrillan has six extensive saw- mills, which employ 250 men, and annually place on the market some 18,000,000 and 20,000,000 feet of lumber.

Being at the union of the two main branches of Hall's Creek, there is a fine water-power operating a part of these mills.

C. N. Paine & Co. The mill of this firm is situated four miles north of the village. It is operated by steam, and has a tramway to convey the lumber to town. Lum- ber, shingles and lath are manufactured. There is also a planing mill connected with the establishment. Seventy- five men are employed and eight millions turned out an- nually.

D. B. Lyon & Son. This mill is on the north branch of Hall's Creek, about two miles west of the town, and is operated by water. Lumber, lath and shingles are cut, and in the village the firm have a planing-mill where doors, sash and blinds are manufactured.

Wakefield, Trow & Co. This mill is a mile and a half east of Merrillan ; has steam and water-power, and is on Hall's Creek proper. The lumber yard of the firm is on the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul road. The usual varie- ties of lumber are manufactured.

B. H. Merrill. This mill is one-half mile west of the village. Lumber, lath and shingles are manufactured.

H. Fuller. This mill is on the west branch of Hall's Creek, was run by water; the dam, however, went out in the October freshet in 1881, and is now idle.

Merrill & Jones, on the east branch of Hall's Creek. Lumber and shingles.

Hayden's mill, on the main branch of the creek, went out with the freshet of r88r.

Planing mill, manufacturing doors, sash and blinds, Meldal & Sunde, proprietors.

Merrillan flouring mills, Martin Martens. This mill was at first started by Merrill Bros., in 1870. In 1878 it came into the possession of the present proprietor. It is located on Hall's Creek, with a valuable water-power.

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IIISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Was thoroughly repaired in the Fall of 1881. The mill is 40x60, three stories in height ; patent and all the best grades of flour are made, and does a good custom business, as mill stock brands.

Newspaper .- The Wisconsin Leader. An eight-column folio, which first spread its light in May, 1877, with B. J. Castle as editor and proprietor. The Winter following, E. H. Gile became an associate on the paper, and finally sole proprietor in July, 1878, and he is still the publisher.

This is quite a railroad center. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul, and a branch to Neillsville, constitute the railroad facil- ities.

There is a union depot in connection with an eating- house and hotel, which was enlarged and rebuilt in 1881. Davis & Barker are proprietors of the hotel and dining- rooms.

The station agent is W. W. Driggs; George Denton, operator; Samuel A. Markle, W. G. Richardson, clerks ; D). M. McCormick, baggage-master ; Frank Floutt, assist- ant baggage-master. Monthly receipts for freight on C., St. P., M. & O., 84,000 per month ; passenger fares, $2,000. On G. B., W. & St. P., frieght $3,000, passenger $1,500.

Water Power .- The water power in the vicinity of Mer- rillon is unrivaled. Hall's Creek and all its branches have mill privileges, a very few of which are utilized, and they can be made available at little cost.

Hotels .- Hotel accommodations are ample, and embrace the following houses :

Blair House and Railroad Dining Hall - Davis & Bar- ker, proprietors.

The American House-M. N. Davidson, proprietor ; has kept this house and stable for seven years.

Marshall House- J. W. Marshall, proprietor ; near the railroad station.

Oriental House-Alex. Sires, proprietor.

Green Bay House-Joseph Bone, proprietor.

Scandinavian-Martin Sorenson, proprietor.

Norwegian House-Ole S. Oleson, proprietor.

Merrillon House-L. A. Comstock, proprietor.

Livery and Sale Stables-L. A. Comstock.

Real Estate Dealer-B. H. Merrill.

Merchandising - Merrillon is a good place in which to trade. Stocks are well kept up, and prices are close to the market.

J. L. Loomis-This is the pioneer store, started by Mer- rill & Loomis in 1870. In 1879, Mr. Loomis became sole proprietor. The store is 24x60, with a wing 16x60. It has a large and varied stock of general merchandise, and con- tains the post-office.

C. N. Paine & Co .- A large general store, 33x100 feet, well filled with a varied assortment.

George K. Whitney-A well stocked general store.

Watches, Jewelry, etc. - Sydney E. Brown & Co. This house was started in 1873. The fancy goods and millinery department is under the supervision of Mrs. Brown. Sew- ing machines are a large item in the business.

Agricultural Depot-A. W. Prindle; also dealer in grain, produce, etc.

Drugs and Groceries - Mr. A. Wood established the first drug store in town, in 1878. He sold out to Dr. S Mc- Bride. In the Spring of 1881, Mr. Wood resumed an inter- est in the business. They have a large stock in their spe- cial lines of goods.

Drugs and Medicines - Dr. J. W. Hamilton. This establishment came into existence in 1875. Paints, oils, surgical instruments, books, stationery, etc., all carried on in addition to druggists' sundries.

Furnishing Goods-W. H. Avery. Millinery, ladies' and gents' furnishing goods in great variety.

Hardware, Stoves and Tinware-E. Purnels. A large store, 30x80, well stocked; shelf and heavy hardware, sew- ing machines, etc.

Furniture-W. H. Bunce & Co. Complete lines of fur- niture.

Meat Markets-Watson & Austin, Thomas & Co.

Blacksmith and Wagon Shop-J. H. Miller. Employs good workmen and does a good business.

Marble Works-J. Cannon. An artistic designer and skillful workman.

Boots and Shoes, Dry Goods and Groceries - John Wicker.

Confectionery and Restaurant-George Hicks.

Merchant Tailor-O. Madson.

Blacksmith-J. W. Dye.

Boot and Shoe Manufactory-H. C. Troen.

Beef and Pork Packers-Thomas & Co.

News Depot-E. H. Gile, Main street.

The Liberal Professions-Lawyers: Joseph Roy, George

P. Rossman.

Physicians-E. E. Moore, L. L. Crawford.

Minister -H. M. Hackney.

Schools .-- The schools are well up in every respect. The school building is a modern one, two stories in height, and with a good yard. It has a high, grammar, intermediate, and primary department. Prof. J. B. Emery is the princi- pal; Kate M. Snell, teacher grammar school; Estelle Eg- bert, intermediate, and Lizzie Carpenter, of the primary.

The place has a single church, the

Methodist .- When Benjamin Merrill came, in the Spring of 1870, he at once started a Methodist prayer meeting. At first only four members could be rallied : Benjamin Merrill, Mrs. B. Hamilton, and Mr. and Mrs. George Horlacher. Mr. Merrill conducted the meetings until the Fall of 1870, when Rev. William Massey came, and since his time the following reverend gentlemen have been stationed here: A. W. Clingman, and in June, 1871, there was a rousing camp- meeting here; Taylor, Waldron, Lewis, Hackney, and the present pastor, Rev. W. C. Ross. The church edifice was started in 1875, and is not yet quite completed. There is a Sunday-school, and the church is in good condition.

Merrillan was incorporated as a village, May 3, 1881. A census taken by E. J. Austin, showed 694 people within the corporate limits. The first election was held May 31.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

1881, when the following officers were elected : Sydney E. Brown, President ; M. Martens, J. H. Miller, J. W. Hamil- ton, N. H. Southworth, O. S. Oleson, N. McEwen, Trust- ees ; L. E. Bates, Clerk ; L. A. Comstock, Treasurer ; T. J. Foulks, Jr., Police Justice; H. Thatcher, Marshal ; I. E. Darling, Justice of the Peace; J. L. Snell, Constable; A. S. Trow, Supervisor. These are the present officers.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

EDWARD J. AUSTIN, carpenter and builder, Merrillan, was born Feb. 6, 1841. Came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1858 where they settled in Manitowoc County, where he remained until 1861, when he en- listed in Co. G, 14th Wis. V. I., served for four years and four months, dur- ing which time he was promoted to captain by the recommendation of Gen. A. J. Smith, of Wisconsin, for his bravery, shown at Nashville, Tenn. After the war, came back to Wisconsin and settled at Black River Falls, Jackson Co., where he worked at his trade, that of carpentering, and which he has followed ever since; came to Merrillan in 1872. Has held the offices of Town and School Clerk, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Merrillan Lodge, No. 246, has been a member of the Good Templars for twenty-five years. Was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah M. Roscoe ; she was born in New York in 1842, and by whom he has three children liv- ing-Eva May, Birdie M. and Edna J.

WILLIAM II. BUNCE, furniture store, Merrillan, was born, Oct" 2, 1813, in Connecticut. Came to Wisconsin in 1839 and landed at Milwaukee, finally locating at Menomonie Falls. Went to farming and remained there three years ; moved to Ozaukee County, where he farmed for twelve years ; sold out and moved to Washington County, near West Bend, continuing to live there five years, selling out and moving to She- boygan County, where he lived for five years, engaged at farming, also connected in a saw mill. He then returned to Menomonie Falls, where he lived awhile ; in 1869, moved to Buffalo County, where he farmed for five years. In 1879, he settled in Merrillan, is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and was married in 1835 to Miss Caroline Ostrander. She was born in New York.

LESTER H. CLOW, foreman of the Meldal planing mill, Meril- lan, was born in Franklin Co., Vt .; came to Merillan, July 1, 1880, and took charge of the mill where he now is, which was built in 1875 by George Merrill & Co .; employs thirteen men the year round, and does a business of $35,000 per year. Mr. Clow was engaged as book-keeper for the Newbury-Sparta Iron Works for four years. Is a member of the A. F. & A. M., National Lodge, No. 596, Chicago Chapter, No. 43. Was married to his first wife, Miss Adelia Toft, in 1868, who died in 1879, by whom he had three children-Irma, Byron and Adella; married his second wife, Miss Delia Frank, Aug. 8, 1880. She was born in Water- town in 1858.

LEANDER A. COMSTOCK, livery stable, Merrillan, was born in Michigan, April 3, 1853; came with his parents, in 1861, to Jackson Co., Wis., where they settled on a farm in the town of Albia. Started to clerk for Merrill & Loomis at Hixton, in 1870 and remained with them after they moved to Merrillan, continuing to clerk for them until 1875 ; started a store for himself and run it until 1879, when he sold out to George K. Whitney and then engaged in the livery business. Is a mem- ber of I. O. O. F., Merrillan Lodge, No. 246. Was married, Feb. 22, 1875, to Miss Emma J. Hardison. They have two children, Clare and Edith.

ISAAC E. DARLING, wagon-maker, Merrillan, was born, April 23, 1834, in Jackson, Ohio; came to Black River Falls, Wis., in 1864, and lived there until August, 1879; moved to Merrillan. Is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Black River Lodge, No. 74, Chapter, No. 41, and has been Deputy Sheriff in his town two terms. Was married to Miss Eliza M. Reed in 1855. She was born in Ohio in 1837. They have three chil- dren-Margaret A., now Mrs. F. L. Vance; Lizzie A. and Kathleen Iva. They lost one son, who died Aug. 10, 1856.

DAVIS & BARKER, proprietors of the Blair railroad eating-house, Merrillan. Mr. N. Davis was born in Dexter, Me., March 15, 1845. He came to Wisconsin with his parents when a small child and they settled at Jefferson and started a hotel known as the Green Mountain House, where he made his home until he enlisted, in 1862, in Co. A, Ist Wis. C., and served until the close of the war. He returned home and engaged at railroading, which business he followed until 1875, when he moved to Merrillan and commenced keeping hotel. Was married 10 Miss Maggie M. Lee, Feb. 24, 1867. She was born in Green Co., Wis., 1851.

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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