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 126

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 126

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JOHN L. CHAPEL, M. D. Is a native of Ohio, born in Ashtabula County, April 2, 1840. At the age of fifteen years, he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated in the University of Buffalo, medical department, in 1860. Returned to Ohio, and practiced two years, then was appointed assistant surgeon of the 27th Ohio V. I. At the close of the war he returned to Ohio, and resumed his practice. In 1867, re-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

moved to Ft. Wayne, Ind., and practiced there until July, 1869, when he removed to Kewaunee, Wis., and has since been in constant practice of his profession. Married, in 1867, to Miss Jane E. Watson, of Ohio.

CHARLES DEDA, proprietor of Bavaria Brewery. Born Dec. 14, 1824, in Germany. In 1856, came to Milwaukee; the following year came to Kewaunee. Kept a hotel about five years. Was four years Register of Deeds, nine years District School Clerk, and Town Clerk six years. In 1868, he bought the Bavarian Brewery, which he has since managed. Married, in 1857, to Josephina Cihacak, of Austria. They have three children-Anna, now Mrs. H. G. Borgman, Charles and Carrie.

C. W. DIKEMAN, shingle-mill and store, Sec. 20, P. O. Kewaunee. Is a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio. At the age of about sixteen years, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained four years. He then spent about four years in the Saginaw Valley. In 1856, came to Kewaunee, and was employed as clerk for D. Stanson & Co., about seven years. lle, with II. D. Latimer, bought a tract of 1,700 acres of land, and at once built this mill, which he has operated since. Soon afterward he bought Mr. Latimer's interest. He built a saw-mill, which was com- pleted in 1880, soon after destroyed by fire ; cost about $6,000. The following is taken from a trade journal : " A glance occasionally at a map, gives but a feeble idea of the many changes that are being made each season in various parts of the West, for where only a few years since, was nothing but a wilderness, can now be seen the busy saw-mills, dwelling houses and stores. Such was the description of a piece of land a few years ago, five miles from the village of Kewaunee, when Mr. C. W. Dikeman purchased it, yet being endowed with more than usual pluck, he immediately commenced to improve this wild spot, and, by placing his shoulder to the wheel, has been able to build up a village of his own, which now consists of twenty or thirty buildings, including a steam saw-mill, store and dwelling houses for twelve or fifteen families, all of whom look to him for employment. Mr. Dikeman counts his acres by the thousands, owning in this section some 4,200 in all ; the most of which is heavily timbered, and from it he obtains the millions of feet of logs that are required to supply his mill, which has a capacity of 60,000 shingles each day. The stock of logs on hand at this time is about four millions, that being the amount which he requires during the Summer season, to supply the demand of his mill alone. There is also a store owned by Mr. Dikeman, in which is carried a general stock of goods, comprising all that is required both by himself and his family, as well as his help. The population of this village is about eighty persons, of whom some thirty or forty are employed about the mill, store, etc. The rest are the families of employes. This thriving young village is five miles from Kewaunee, which is on the lake shore, 110 miles north of Milwaukee, and is reached by boats of the Goodrich Transportation Company, three times each week, during the Summer, or via the Mil- waukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad daily. It is the county seat of the county, which bears the same name. All the productions of this and other mills in this section of country are shipped from this point by the cargo to Milwaukee and Chicago. Mr. Dikeman has been in this section for about eighteen years, yet has only been located where he now resides about nine years. Ilis residence was built by himself, and is sup- plied with many conveniences not usually enjoyed by persons living so far from a large city. It is surrounded by grounds, all nicely laid out, with bridges, graveled walks, etc., while a conservatory supplies him with choice flowers at all seasons of the year. The land in this county is noted for its wheat raising qualities, as high as seventy bushels to the acre having been produced, and even after the material of lumber has been all used, then the country will just he entering on its career of im- portance, as wheat raised in the Northwest takes the precedence of all others in the market. Thus briefly we have shown what energy and in- tegrity, even in one man, has accomplished, though miles from the rail- roads, or lines of travel. We look forward to this enterprise of Mr. Dikeman, and predict for the settlement in its future, a thriving and im- portant city, reached direct by lines of railroads, while the name, C. W. Dikeman, will not be forgotten, and we hope the village will bear his name."

JOSEPHI DUVALL,, firm of Joseph Duvall & Co., dealers in general merchandise. A native of Canada, born Aug. 31, 1833; removed to Kewaunee, Wis., in 1852, having previously passed two years in Massa- chusetts. In 1862, he associated with the firm of Slauson, Grimmer & Co., manufacturers of lumber. The following year their saw mill burned, and they bought Taylor, Cunningham & Co.'s lumber interest, and con- tinued manufacturing lumber until 1877, when the firm divided the property and dissolved partnership. Mr. Duvall continued to carry on the merchandise department, that being a part of his share of the pro- ceeds of the firm. In 1878, he completed a large brick store, and the firm of Joseph Duvall & Co. is doing an extensive business in the sale of general merchandise. Ile is also associated with the banking house of Decker, Duvall & Walender. Being endowed with more than usual pluck and energy, he has risen from the hardships of an early pioneer life to a position of wealth and ease. Married in 1862, to Miss Caroline Halstead, of Ohio. They have two sons and one daughter.

JOHN ERICHSEN, proprietor Steamboat House, born Feb. 24, 1829, in Denmark. Came to Manitowoc County in 1854 ; the following year, came to Kewaunee County. Followed farming seven years. He then removed to town, and has since kept this house, which is the largest hotel in the county. He also owns a farm of forty acres, and other property in town. Married in 1858, to Miss Henrietta Grodt, of Ger- many. They have two children, one son and one daughter.

Geo Grimmer mier

HON. GEORGE GRIMMER, lumberman and capitalist, Kewau- nee. The subject of this sketch is a native of St. Davids, New Bruns- wick, born Feb. 28, 1827. Came to Wisconsin in 1850, and remained about two years and six months in Shawano and Neenah, and finally located in Kewaunee in 1853, where he has since resided. He worked at lumbering, on a salary, until 1862, when he associated in the firm of Slauson, Grimmer & Co., lumber manufacturers. In 1877, this company dissolved partnership. Mr. Grimmer is now the only settler living in Kewaunee that came here prior to 1853. His principal business now is loaning money on real estate. He represented the First Senatorial District in the State Senate, in the years 1877-78-79-So. Married in 1860, to Miss Bertha Lorenz. Has one son and daughter.

FRANK HAMACHEK, proprietor of Kewannee foundry, ma- chine shop and planing mill. A native of Bohemia, born March 31, 1853. Came to America in 1866, and assisted his father in farming in the town of Kewaunee, Wis., for about two years and six months; then removed to the village of Kewaunee, and worked at carpenter and mill- wright work until 1876, when he bought an interest in the foundry and machine shop with Wm. E. Davis. After one year, he bought out Mr. Davis's interest, and March 11, 18So, his foundry and machine shop was destroyed by fire. Not daunted by this reverse in fortune, he rebuilt the same Spring, adding a planing mill, and is now doing a flourishing busi- ness, employing on an average fourteen men. Married, Nov. 16, r880, to Miss Annie Shemmil, of Kewannee.

JOHN L. HANEY, firm of Haney Brothers, dealers in agricultural machinery, sewing machines, buggies, wagons, etc., is a native of the State of New York, born Aug. 6, 1856. Came with his parents to Wis- consin in 1858, and located in Sheboygan. In the Fall of 1860, removed to Kewaunee and settled in the town of Montpelier. He received a common school education, graduating from the Green Bay Business Col- lege. Commenced teaching school in 1873, and taught until 1877, when he engaged in his present business. Two years later, his brother Michael became a partner, styling the firm Hlaney Brothers. The firm does a

business of about $35,000 a year.

ANDREW HASSEL, proprietor shingle and saw mill, West Ke waunee, Sec. 17, P. O. Kewaunee. Born in Bohemia, March 16, 1822. Came to America in 1850, and located in lowa City, Iowa. Removed to Kewaunee, Wis., in 1854, and opened a general merchandise store in

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HISTORY OF KEWAUNEE COUNTY.

the town of Carlton. Two years later, he removed to the town of Ke- waunee, and followed farming and engaged in the manufacture of lumber in a water mill. Built a steam saw mill in 1876, and has since been en- gaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles. Saws about 8,000 feet of lumber and 20,000 shingles per day. Has been School Treasurer. Married in 1854. Has three daughters and one son.

VALENTINE HOFFMAN, saloon. A native of Saxony, Germany, born Jan. 20, 1832. Came to America in 1849, and located in Balti- more, Md., where he remained until 1855, engaged in cigar making. From thence he removed to Kewaunee, Wis., and worked in a saw-mill for four years, then clerked in a general merchandise store for Messrs. Hitchcock & Co. for two years. Enlisted in 1862, in Co. A, 27th Wis. Inf., and served three years, or during the war. Returned to Kewaunee and clerked two years longer for the same firm, and about eight months for Slauson, Grimmer & Co. Then bought 120 acres of land, with a view of farming, but sold it about sixteen months after and opened a saloon, and has since been engaged in that business. Was Town Treasurer two years, and Village Trustee two years. Married, in 1861, to Miss Louisa Helweg, of Prussia. Has two sons and five daughters.

FREDERICK JOHANNES, jeweler. A native of Prussia, born March 22, 1827. Came to America May 4, 1854, and located for two years at Two Rivers, Manitowoc Co., then removed to Kewaunee, and in 1860, he took a trip to his native country, returning to Wisconsin the following year, locating in Kewannee, where, shortly after, he opened a jewelry store, and has been engaged in that business ever since. About the year 1865, he was Register of Deeds, which office he filled for two successive terms. Elected County Judge in 1873, and has been Presi- dent of the Village Board. Married, in 1846, to Miss Dorothea Vashart, of Prussia. Have six daughters.

A. D. LAUGHLIN, Postmaster, is a native of Putnam Co., Ill., born in 1832. After attending the district-school, he removed to Lo- rain Co., Ohio, where entered Oberlin College ; pursued his studies four years, also two years in the preparatory department. He then com- menced teaching, which he continued in all, about ten years. In 1870, he received the appointment of Postmaster, which position he has held since.

E. C. MANGER, harness maker. A native of Germany, born Jan. 15, 1843. Came to America in 1854, and located at Two Rivers, Mani- towoc Co., Wis., and assisted his father in farming. In 1859, he learned the harness maker's trade, in Dodge County. In 1865, he removed to Minnesota, and returned to Manitowoc County in 1869, and finally set- tled in Kewaunee in 1871, and established his present business. Was Town Treasurer in 1874-5. Married, in 1871, to Miss E. D. Volck, of Ohio. Has one son and one daughter.

O. H. MARTIN, M. D., is a native of New Hampshire, born Dec. 22, 1834 Removed with his parents to Illinois, and settled in the county of Lee. Having received a college education he engaged in teaching school. Removed to Wisconsin in 1865, and again engaged in teaching ; was principal of the city school in Manitowoc for two years and six months, then engaged in the drug business, and commenced the study of medicine ; became a student of Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1872, and graduated in 1874. Removed to Kewaunee, Wis., March I, 1874, and has since been in constant practice there. Married, in Feb- ruary, 1857, Miss Kate Whipple, of Pittsfield, Mass. Has three sons and two daughters.

JOSEPH MASHEK, rectifier, and wholesale and retail dealer in wines, liquors, etc. A native of Bohemia, born Feb. 27, 1832. Came to America in 1867, and settled in Kewaunee, Wis .; worked at carpen- ter and cabinet work. Opened a wholesale and retail liquor store in 1877, and in the Fall of 1880, added a stock of groceries. Married, in 1863, to Miss Rosey Bruner, of Bohemia. She died in 1865. Second marriage, to Miss Anna Trich, in 1866. Has one daughter by first marriage.

CHARLES V. MASHEK, book-keeper for V. Mashek, pier and general merchandise ; born, July 2, 1858, in Bohemia. Came to Amer- ica in 1874, and attended the Commercial College at Chicago. He then went to Northport, Mich .; clerked in a store till 1877, when he came to Kewaunee and entered the employ of his uncle, where he has charge of the accounts and the general business of the store.

VITALIS MILLER, Justice of the Peace ; born, Dec. 12, 1821, in Bavaria. July, 1847, came to Milwaukee, thence to Manitou, Mich., where he remained eighteen months, then came to Sheboygan, followed farming about three years; thence to Lake Superior, where he kept boarding house four years. He then came to Green Bay, remained but a few months, and returned to Lake Superior ; remained two years. In 1856, came Kewaunee; followed farming, afterward removed to the village, kept the mill boarding house, fourteen years. He then fol- lowed farming about ten years. Was elected Register of Deeds in 1870, held the office six years. Has been President of the Village Board two years ; Chairman of the Town two years ; seven years Clerk of the School Board. He was elected County Judge in the Spring of ISSI.

JOSEPH MILLER, livery ; born in 1850, in Sheboygan Co., Wis. When six years of age he came with his parents to Kewaunee. In 1876,

he commenced the livery business. Married, in 1874, to Anna Dicken- shied, of Manitowoc. They have two children, one son and one daughter.

CASPER MILLER, wagon manufacturer, is a native of Michigan, horn July 23, 1856. About the year 1860, lie came to Kewaunee with his parents. In 1874, he learned the trade of wagonmaker. He worked over a year in Kewaunee, then removed to Sheboygan, and remained there two years, and finally returned to Kewannee and established his present business.

REV. AUG. PIEPER, pastor Evangelical Lutheran Church, was horn Sept. 27, 1857, in Prussia. In 1870, he came to Watertown ; at- tended the Northwestern University six years. He then went to St. Louis ; there completed his theological studies, having been in college there three years. He then came to Kewaunee ; was ordained July 6, 1879; since then he has been pastor of this church. He was married July 12, 1881, to Miss Emma Koenig. She is a native of Saxony.

WASHINGTON PRESTON, with C. W. Dikeman, Sec. 20, P. O. Kewaunee, is a native of Manitowoc County, born in 1852; came to Kewannee County in 1871, and has since been in the employ of C. W. Dikeman. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Swager, of Kewaunee. She died in 1878, aged twenty-three years, leaving a daughter. His sec- ond marriage was in the Fall of 1880, to Miss Kosel, of Carlton.

JOHN MILTON READ was born in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 3, 1842, and moved with his parents to St. Louis, Mo., the same year; thence to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1847, and the following year to Manitowoc, Wis. He received a common school education. Early in life he learned the printing business in a Manitowoc printing-office, and followed that oc- cupation until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 14th Wis. V. I. He was appointed sergeant in his company the same year, and sergeant-major of the regiment in 1862; was com- missioned regimental adjutant in 1863; was detailed A. A. A. G. of brigade, February, 1864, and acted as such until the close of the war. Ile participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Nashville, the assault on Vicksburg, and in the Red River campaign and movements around Mobile; was wounded at Vicksburg and at Spanish Fort, and was taken prisoner at Corinth. At the close of the war he went to Warsaw, Mo., where he was engaged in publishing a paper, in company with Sewell W. Smith, but returned to Manitowoc, Wis., the following year. In Decem- ber, 1868, he removed to Kewaunee, Wis., and purchased the Kewaunee Enterprise of Edward Decker, and continued the publication of that paper up to the time of his death. He was elected County Superin- tendent of Schools in 1870, and held that office altogether for nearly nine years. In 1874, he was elected to the State Senate from the Second District, composed of the counties of Brown, Door and Kewaunee, and served with honor to himself and the district he represented. In 1880, he was elected to the Assembly from Kewaunee County, but did not take his seat on account of poor health. Mr. Read had been in poor health for two years previous to his election to the Assembly, but did not think his end was so near. He thought best to go to a milder cli- mate to spend the Winter. He spent several weeks in Albany, Ga., but found no relief for his malady. lle was advised to return to his home. On his way home he rapidly grew worse, and died in the cars at Louisville, Ky., March 9, 1881. He was buried at Kewaunee, Wis., March 13, ISSI. Mr. Read was, in every sense of the word, a man, a warm, true friend, a public-spirited citizen, a kind man in his family, and very popular in the community in which he lived. He was a suc- cessful publisher, and a good writer. He was never afraid to write or speak the truth, and this one trait of his character won him the confi- dence of all who came in contact with him. In politics he was a Demo- crat, and rendered valuable service to the party. He was active in for- warding public enterprises, and his counsel was sought at all times when matters of public welfare were considered.

PATRICK J. ROONEY, Clerk of Circuit Court, Kewaunee. A na- tive of Ireland, born in the County Down, Feb. 14. 1839. Came to America with his parents about the year 1846. They passed one year in New Bedford, Mass., and removed to Milwaukee in the Fall of 1847. There he received a common school education, and at the age of fifteen years, he commenced the printer's trade, which he followed until 1857, when, accompanied hy his parents, he removed to Kewaunee, and en- gaged in farming. He was employed in setting type on the first news- paper published in Kewaunee. Enlisted in 1862, in Co. A, 27th Wis. Inf., and served until July 31, 1865. Returned to Kewaunee, and devoted his time to farming until 1871, when he sold his farm and took a trip to Minnesota and Nebraska, and returned to Milwaukee in July, 1872, where he remained about one year, and returned to Kewaunee and engaged with Mr. Reed to take charge of the Kewaunee Enterprise. Hlad full charge of the publication of the paper for about three years. He has been Town Superintendent of Schools, Town Clerk, and was elected Town Treasurer in 1866, which office he held until 1871. Elected Clerk of Circuit Court in the Fall of 1874, and has been acting in that official capacity, being re-elected each successive term.

WENZEL SEVK, County Treasurer. A native of Bohemia, boin Oct. 28, 1840. Came to America in 1854, accompanied by his parents, and remained in Milwaukee ten years. Ile removed to Kewaunee in

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

1864, and opened a clothing store ; also engaged in buying and shipping grain, which business he now operates quite extensively. He built the Northwestern flour mills, in Kewaunee, in 1870, and in 1872 took in a partner, styling the firm W. Seyk & Co. lle was elected County Treas- urer in 1872, and re-elected in 1874, and appointed, Feb. 18, ISSI, to fill the vacancy of the unexpired term of John Janda. Married in 1866, to Miss Agnes Rencin, of Bohemia. Ilas hve sons and three daughters.

WOJTA STRANSKY, County Judge, proprietor saw and grist mill, Sec. 14, West Kewaunee, P. O. Kewaunee, is a native of Bohemia, born April 13. 1835. Came to America in 1854, and remained two years in Milwaukee. Then removed to Kewaunee, Wis., and worked in saw mill lor two or three years, repairing, etc. Then opened a meat market, which he managed for ten years. Then removed to his present location, and bought a saw and grist mill, which he has operated since ; also engaged in farming ; has about seventy acres under cultivation. His residence is surrounded by six acres of ground, beautifully laid out, with graveled walks and beds of the choicest plants and flowers, forming one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Wisconsin. It is situated about three miles from the village of Kewaunee. He was elected County Judge in 1877, and has been Postmaster, Sheriff, and has been elected to many other local offices. About the year 1866, he bought out Fenley & Conkling, dealers in general merchandise, for which he paid $11,000, and shortly after sold to V. Mashek. At one time, he and Ed. Decker, Esq., owned the entire village of Kewaunee, except the mill property. Married in January, 1861, to Miss Mary Stepan, of Bohemia. They have one daughter.

HENRY TISCH, Register of Deeds, Kewaunee. A native of Germany, born Feb. 9, 1831. Came to America in 1851, with his parents, and remained about four months in Williamsburg, N. Y. Then came to Manitowoc County, Wis., and bought eighty acres of farming land, and shortly after returned to Williamsburg and remained about six months. He then returned to Manitowoc, and built a house on the land that he had previously bought, and about four months after, his parents removed from New Jersey, and occupied the dwelling and engaged in farming. Henry worked in various places until 1858, when he, in company with his brother, engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Mishi- cot, Manitowoc Co. Sold out his interest in 1862, and enlisted in Co. D, 27th Wis. Inf., and served until the end of the war. Then returned to Manitowoc County. In 1871, he removed to Kewaunee, and was en- gineer in a saw mill until 1873, when he opened a hardware store and tin shop, which he sold out in the Fall of 1879. Elected Register of Deeds in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. Married in 1860, to Miss Amelia Bruschert, of Germany. She died June 2, 1862. Second marriage, in 1866, to Alma Manger, of Germany.

ALFRED VIBBER, farmer, Kewaunee. Born in Saginaw City, Mich., April 9, 1841 ; removed to Kewaunee, Wis., in 1858, and worked at lumbering until 1862, when he enlisted in Co, A, 27t . Wis. I., and served until the end of the war; then returned to Kewaunee, and en- gaged in lumbering, which business he continued to follow until 1877 ; now engaged in larming, owning a farm of seventy-seven acres, with many valuable improvements. Has been Deputy Sheriff and Constable. Married in 1861, to Miss Mary Beggar, of Germany ; has two sons and two daughters.

JOSEPII JOHN WALECHKA, store and farmer, Sec. 30, P. O Kewaunee. Born Aug. 24, 1835, in Bohemia. In 1867, came to Ke- waunee County, worked for C. W. Dikeman fourteen years. He owns a farm of 147 acres, where he also keeps a small store. He removed to this locality in June, 1881. Married February, 1862, to Anna Boresch, of Bohemia. They have four children-three sons and one daughter.

JOSEPH WALENDER, general merchandise. Is a native of Bo- henna. Born Feb. 6, 1824. Came to America in 1853 ; settled in Mani- towoc County, 1855, where he remained one year ; in 1856, came to Ke- waunee, engaged in buying and selling lands; removed to the village of Kewaunee in 1859; established this business in 1863. From a small beginning he has worked up into a large and prosperous trade. - He is also engaged in the banking business, firm of Decker, Duvall & Walen- der. Married in 1855, to Catherine Bursch, of Bohe nia. Have five children-one son and four daughters.

GEORGE W. WING, cashier banking house of Decker, Duvall & Walender. Is a native of Calumet Co., Wis. After finishing his com- mon school studies he passed three years in the Lawrence University, at Appleton, graduating from the commercial department in the Spring of 1873 ; then came to Ahnapee, Kewaunce Co., and established the Ahn- apec Record; edited this paper till 1877 ; he then removed to Kewaunee and commenced the study of law with his father ; was admitted to the Bar in the F'all of 1877. Ile then became a partner with his father in the profession, continuing till July 1, 1881, when he was appointed to his present position.

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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