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 131

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 131

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LOUIS IIAMMEL, hardware and agricultural implements, Merrill, was born in llamilton, Canada, March 9, 1862. He settled in Appleton in 1866, and lived there eleven years, and attended school. Ile visited various places in the State and worked at the tinner's trade. Ile finally settled in Merrill, March 19. 1SS1.

SIGMUND HEINEMAN, general merchandise and sewing machine agent, Merrill, was born in Greensfield, Germany, Octoher, 1852. Upon coming to Wisconsin, he first settled in Stockbridge, was there a short time, and then went to Appleton. Ile was there occupied principally clerking in stores, the sewing machine trade, and also dealt in live stock. IIe remained in Appleton seven years, then came to Merrill, and engaged in the mercantile business. He was married at Appleton in June, 1879, to Tena Strosser, who was born in Rome, Wis., April 19, 1861. They have one child, Harry Heineman.

H. E. HOWE, in company with M. H. McCord, style of firm, Jenny Lumber Company, Merrill, first settled at Weyauwega, Wis., in 1868. He lived there about one and one half years, and followed the mercan- tile business. From there he went to Shawano, where he was engaged in the same business, being one of the partners of Potter & Howe. Soon after, he purchased his partner's interest and assumed control, re- maining there until the Fall of 1873. Since then, he has been engaged lumbering and milling, having been engaged in that capacity on the Wolf River. He also spent some time in Oshkosh, in the manufacture of lumber, and taking charge of the business. In this enterprise he was in company with J. D. Gillette, of Addison, N. Y. In the Fall of IS76, he engaged with C. M. Upham & Bro., as book-keeper, and re- mained with them until the Fall of 1879. From there he came to Mer- rill, where he immediately engaged with M. H. McCord and H. H. Chandler in the erection of the mill, and formation of the Jenny Lum- ber Company. He was born in New York City, Jan. I, 1834. His parents emigrated to Ohio in 1837, where he lived with them eighteen years. He was married, May 29, 1862, at Willoughby, Ohio. His wife was born Oct. 14, 1840, at Cleveland, Ohio. They have five children- Ella J., Mary, Henrietta, H. E., Jr., and Lewis L. The capacity of the mill of this firm is 40,000 in eleven hours; employing seventy men.

SAMUEL M. HOYT, attorney at law, of the firm, Hoyt & Mead- ows, Merrill, was horn at Sparta, March 18, 1855, where he lived until he was nineteen years of age, when he began the study of law with Joseph M. Morrow. He was admitted to the Bar Jan. 5 1878, and be- gan practicing with the firm of Morrow & Masters, continuing with them two years. He then came to Merrill, where he began the practice of his profession. He was married in November, 1878, at La Cresent, Minn., to Christine Peters, who was born in Bloomingdale, Vernon Co., Wis.

GEORGE W. KALLOCK, Lincoln House, Merrill, came to Wis- consin in 1840, and settled at Waukesha. He lived there until 1849, making occasional trips to the pineries, and working at Grand Rapids in 1844. He began keeping hotel at Little Bull in 1849, and remained there until the Fall of 1852. He then went on a farm and remained until 1857, on what was afterward known as the McIndoe place. He sold out and went again to Little Bull, and kept hotel one year ; then moved across the river, and kept hotel in Mosinee a year. He then moved to Jenny, and took charge of a store and boarding-house be- longing to B. F. Cooper. The following Fall, he moved to Wausau and bought a farm, and later went to Buena Vista, where his wife died, in the Winter of 1861. He married a second time, in September, 1862 ; then he farmed for two years in the town of Almond. Thence he went to Jenny in the hotel business, and then went to Plover, Portage Co., and kept the Empire House for one year; from there to Wausau, in the hotel known as the Cramer House, which burned down. From there he moved to De Pere, and kept the National House for sixteen months, From there to Chilton, in the same business, two years; from there to Plymouth ; from there to Princeton for one year; from there to Jenny for six months; then to Wausau, in the Marathon House; from there he came to Jenny, in the Lincoln House for five years, where may still be found the genial host. He was born in New Brunswick, Dec. 15, 1825. His wife's maiden name was E. A. Beaumont. She is a native of England.

BRYANT B. KIMBALL, harness maker, Merrill. Was born in Gouverneur, N. Y., July 10, 1828. He first settled in Stevens Point, in 1853, and lived there until 1861, following his trade. Ile then went to Plover, and remained about seven years, following the same occupation, in connection with a grocery store. He lived there five years, and .from there he went to Wausau, where he remained until March, 1879. From there he came to Merrill. He was married, July 4, 1853, in Almond, Wis., to Eliza Grinm ; she was born near the line of France and Ger- many, May 19, 1836. Has ten children living-Esmeralda E., Melinda M., Ida I., Francis F., Richard B., Katey B., Adaline E., Emily E., Nel- lie H. and Frederick E. Charles W., William E. and Mabel D. are not living. Married again, Oct. 11, 1879. to Mary Elizabeth Ogden, who was born in Rochester, Racine Co., Wis., March 4, 1844. One child, Myrtle, by last marriage.

DAN A. KLINE, logging and lumbering, Merrill. Ile came tothis place, Nov. 26, 1854. He was here one year, and then went to Michi- gan, on the Menominee River, and began the lumber business, where he remained three years, then went to Colorado. Was there a short time, but returned to Merrill, where he has since been engaged in lumbering. He was born in Ridgebury, Bradford Co., Penn., Nov. 25, 1838. He was married at Mosinee, Wis., September, 1867, to Cornelia E. Golds- berry, who was born in Shorem, Madison Co., Vt., June 28. 1837. They have one girl, Belle R.

EDWARD KLUETZ, general merchandise, Merrill. Was born in Prussia, Aug. 18, 1844. Came to America in 1871, and went up as far as Wausau, in the Summer of the same year. Ile remained there about one year, and taught a German school for a term of five months, at the close of which, he clerked in a store. He then came to Merrill, and clerked there for James McCrossen, of Wausau. He remained in the store for about thirteen months, and after that he clerked for August

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HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY.

Kickbusch, until Sept. 1, 1876, then Mr. Kluetz took full charge of the business, bought the goods, and began for himself. He was Justice of the Peace from 1874 to 1876. He has also held the office of Town Clerk. He was married in Prussia, in 1869, to Emilie Koepps, a native of the same country. They have five children-Herman E., Martha M., Eliza- beth M., Emma M. and Clara E.

GUSTAV F. KOEHLER, blacksmith. Was born in Germany, April 19, 1854. He came with his parents and settled in Bloomfield, Waushara Co., Wis., in 1859. They remained there two years, then they moved to Berlin, Marathon Co., where he spent his school days, until the age of seventeen, when he went to Weyauwega, and learned the black- smith trade, lived there one and one half years, and went to Wausau, where he remained about the same length of time. He then came to Merrill, bought a shop, and began business with the firm name of Beh- man & Koehler. They were in company two years, then he went into another shop, under the firm name of Koehler & Adams ; they were to- gether two years, then they built a shop, run it one year, and Mr. Koeh- ler bought the whole interest, and is now alone. He was married, June 9, 1878, at Oshkosh, to Minnie Runge, who was born in Germany. They have one boy, Herman C.

HENRY A. KYES, lumberman, Merrill. Was born in Colesville, Brown Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1834. First came with his parents, near Princeton, in June, 1850. As soon as he was old enough, he went into the pineries, and followed lumbering for other parties until 1861, at which time he began business on his own account. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors for some time, and was acting in that capacity at the organization of Lincoln County. lle was married at Stevens Point, Jan. 3, 1869, to Jane A. Hill, who was born in New York ; she died April 7, 1877. They had five children-Henry N., William A., James W., Fred and Melissa F.

L. B. LA COUNT, M.D., physician and surgeon, Merrill, was born in Manitowoc, Feb. 28, 1843. He spent his school days in the above city, until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Co. A, 5th Wis Vol. Inf. Served three years, and was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. After he recovered sufficiently from his wounds, he was transferred to Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, and served the balance of his time as clerk, dispensing drugs, etc. He was mustered out at Washington, July 15, 1864, and then returned to his home, and soon after went to Chilton, Calumet Co., where he had a brother in the practice of medicine, named D. La Count. He remained with him about three years, studying medicine. Then he attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated Feb. S, 1868. After that, he went into company with Dr. J. M. Adams, in Oconto, where he remained one year in practice. From there he went to Shawano, and practiced there twelve years. Leaving a fine business, he came to Merrill. He was married at Green Bay, April 12, 1869, to Olive Le Claire, who was born in Green Bay, Aug. 15, 1846. They have had two children, named Charles J. and Mary E., neither of whom are living.

KNUDT LARSON, mason, Merrill, settled in Wausau, May 5, 1873. He lived there four years, and learned his trade. Then he came to Merrill, and is doing a prosperous business. He was born in Koughs- berg, Norway, March 19, 1855.

M. F. LEONDUSKY, merchant tailor, Merrill. He was born in Fond du Lac, Aug. 1, 1859. His first move was with his parents to Stevens Point, and he afterward went to Wausau, August, 1878, and there learned his trade. In the Spring of 1881, he located at Mer- rill, and established his business in the firm name of M. F. Leon- dusky & Co.

PETER U. LOYSEN, miller, of the firm of Loysen & Spiegelberg, Merrill, was born in Milwaukee, May 31, 1850. He lived there until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to Kaukauna, where he was employed as miller, and remained about two years, and then went to Minnesota and remained about four years. From there he went to Mary- land, Wis., and from there to Centralia; from there to Big Rib Falls, and from there to Merrill. He was married in Berlin Township, Mara- thon Co., Aug. 31, 1879, to Paulina Plisch, who was born in Germany, April 15, 1855. They have one child, Laura A. Mr. Loysen manufact- ured the first flour that was made in Lincoln County.

MYRON H. McCORD was born in Ceres, Mckean Co., Penn., Nov. 26, 1840. He came to Wisconsin with his father in 1854, reaching Oshkosh on the fifth day of August. On the 7th of August he started on the old steamer " Barlow " for Shawano, but that boat was destined never to reach there, for she had barely cleared her moorings when a boiler exploded, killing the engineer and fireman and badly injuring sev- eral of the passengers. The next boat that left for Shawano was the old " Peytona," which safely made the trip, and the subject of our sketch landed in Shawano on the eleventh day of August. Ile immediately hired out to work on a farm for the firm of Lewis & Andrews, which firm owned a farm, a saw-mill and a large tract of pine timber, that afterward became immensely valuable, some of it selling as high as $7 per thousand feet on the stump. He worked for them during the Fall and the follow- ing Winter, for $13 per month. The next Spring he went on the log drive, and stayed with it until the logs were rafted out at the Bay, twelve

miles above Oshkosh. For the Summer's hard work he was to receive $1.50 a day, but he never received it, a> the man he worked for ran away and did not pay any of his men. These were about the first logs that were ever driven down the Wolf River from Shawano. Mr. McCord. when he learned that the man for whom he had worked so long and hard had run away, hailed the first steamboat that came up the river, and took passage for New London, which was as near Shawano as the boats ran at that time. When the captain called for his fare, he was informed of the situation, but only remarked that he did not carry passengers for nothing, and the young boy was put off at the next landing and compelled to make his way along the bank of the river as best he could. He managed, however, to get home, and went to work again. From that time on, for the next five years, he worked by the month in Summer

M. N. Mc Cord

time, and went to school in the Winter. He thus obtained experience which was valuable, and a fair education. When he was twenty years old, he began to do business for himself, putting in logs in the Winter, and doing public work, such as building bridges, roads, etc., in the Sum- mer time. He continued in the lumber business on the Wolf River until 1874, when he closed up his business, which was very large, and removed to Jenny, on the Wisconsin River, with a view to engaging in the same business there. He did not, however, engage very extensively in business at that place until after the completion of the Wisconsin Valley Railroad. Then he formed what is known as the Jenny Lumber Co., of which company he is now president, and owns two-thirds of the stock. He is also a member of the firm of Ross, McCord & Co., bank- ers, which is a solid concern, as both Mr. Ross and Mr. Scott are very wealthy men, while Mr. McCord is now considered well off. Mr. Mc- Cord has held several offices of trust and honor, though he by no means can be classed as an office-seeker. In 1864. he was elected County Su- perintendent of Schools for Shawano County, but declined a re-election. In 1869, he was elected Treasurer of Shawano County, and re-elected in 1871, without opposition. In 1872 he was elected to the State Senate, and served two sessions. He was unanimously renominated by his party, which was largely in the majority in his district, but he declined the proffered honor. In 1876, he was elected a Delegate to the Republican National Convention, and ardently supported Mr. Blaine's candidacy until the very last. In 1880, he was elected to the Assembly, and was a prominent candidate for Speaker, though he withdrew in the interest of

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

harmony in his party. Mr. Mccord has published a newspaper since he became a resident of Lincoln County, namely, the Lincoln County Advo- cate, and has done much to build up his town and county, and in fact the whole Upper Wisconsin River Valley. That this is fully appreciated by his friends and neighbors, cannot be better illustrated than by stating the fact that at the election for member of the Assembly, in 1880, he re- ceived every vote but twelve in the county where he lives. His contri- butions to public and private charities are liberal, and even generous. Ile is a high-minded, honorable gentleman, who has honestly and con- scientiously discharged every trust, both public and private, committed to his charge. He is a man of ability and integrity, and should he live and be inclined to look after political distinction, will undoubtedly be called to places of greater distinction than any heretofore held by him.

GUSTAF 11. MARKSTRUM, painter, Merrill. He first settled in Green Bay, in 1871 ; worked one season at his trade, then went to Osh- kosh, where he was occupied one year ; then he went to Wausau in the same business, in company with his brother, K. S. Markstrum, until the Spring of 1881, when he came to Merrill. He was born in Stock- holm, Sweden, Oct. 1, 1850. He was married in Merrill, Aug. IS, 1879. to Augusta Dahm. She was born in Wausau, Dec. 18, 1862. They have one child, Edith.

CHARLES W. MEADOWS, attorney at law, of the firm of Ifoyt & Meadows, Merrill, was born in Trenton, N. J., Feb. 24, 1847. He settled in Leon, Monroe Co., and lived there ten years. He began read- ing law with W. J. Hahn, of Lake City, Minn., and remained there a short time; from there he went to Sparta, and remained until March, ISSI, at which time he came to Merrill, where he entered upon the prac- tice of his profession. He enlisted in Co. A, 3rd Wis. Cav., and served two years, or until the close of the Rebellion, and was mustered out Sept. 29 1865, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Ile was married at Viro- qua, Wis., March 3, ISSI, to Edna L. Irish, who was born in Elizabeth, Jo Daviess Co., III., Oct. 11, 1852.

M. D. MORRIS, druggist, books, stationery, musical instruments, etc., Merrill, was born in Delafield, Waukesha Co., Nov. 11, 1848. He spent his early school days in Allen's Grove Academy, and then attended the Beloit College for about one year; then engaged with Dr. G. II. Brigg-, of Delavan, in the study of pharmacy. He remained there three years, then went to Beloit, and engaged with Mr. C. J. G. Collins, re- maining two years. From there he went to Stevens Point, where he was employed by Mr. H. D. McCulloch, in the capacity of prescription and drug clerk. He remained two years, and went to Omro, in com- pany with Mr. O. W. Jones, and purchased the drug store of F. F. Wheeler & Co. They were in business four years, then Mr. Morris pur- chased his partner's interest, and run the business until August, 1879 ; divided the stock, and run the Omro store until January, ISSo; sold out, and has since made Merrill his permanent place of business. He was married, Feb. 24, 1875, to Della Webster, who was born near Omro, in February, 1853. They have two children, Hiram W. and Richard.

EDWIN W. MOWRY, dealer in real estate and tax paying agent, Merrill, first settled in Waupaca, in 1865, where he lived fourteen years. From there he came to Merrill and located, April 7, 1879. He was born in Lawrence, N. Y., June 5, 1829. He was married in Pennsyl- vania, in March, 1855, to Julia Labar. She died, March 23, 1863, They had two boys, Wilber and Edwin, Jr. He was again married, May 23, 1864, at the same place as before, to a sister of nis former wife, Mary Labar. They have two children, named Mary L. and Minnie M.

A. J. NEUSBAUM, furniture dealer, Merrill, was born at Lauvo, Alsace, France, April 13, 1841. He came to La Crosse in 1874, where he lived six years, engaged in the furniture business ; from there he came to Merrill. Ile was married to Mrs. Anna Streeht, in July, 1876. She was born in Baden on the Rhine, Jan. 17, 1848. She had two children by her former husband, named Augusta and Hulda, They have one child, named John.

CASPER NEWBAUER, of the firm of Newbauer & Frochlich, was born in Austria, October, 1855. He came to Schleisingerville, Wis., with his parents, in 1855, and spent his school days there. lle went to Mil- waukee in 1870, and began the cigar trade. After living there some time, he went to Rochester, Minn., where he remained filteen months, when he returned to Milwaukee. In May, ISSI, he came to Merrill. flis wife's maiden name was Anna Froehlich, she was born in Mil- waukee, Wis., May 6, 1857. They have two boys, Hubert J. and John H.

ALANSON C. NOR WAV, County Judge and proprietor of Merrill flouse, Merrill, settled at Elk Horn in 1848, and lived there two years ; then he moved into Marathon County, and lived at Wausau, and at what is now Merrill, Ile was engaged for fifteen years in the lumber business, and kept hotel two years during that time. He has kept the Merrill House about thirteen years in succession. lle was elected County Judge in November, IS7S, and has been re-elected for the next term, to begin January, 1882. Ile was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 11, 1825. Ile was married, Sept. 1, 1856, to Martha Crown, who was born in Groton, Caledonia Co., Vt., Sept. 13, 1838. They have two children living, Charles A. and Myron S. The deceased children were named Burton M., Clarissa, Elnora and Homer.

CHARLES J. OSBORNE, Postmaster and book-keeper, Merrill, was born Ang. 27, 1854, in the town of Nepeuskun, Winnebago Co. He finished his education at Madison, in the classical college and school of B. M. Worthington. He then went to Chicago, and was engaged in the patent right business about one year. Then he went to Oshkosh, where he remained about a year, employed in the insane asylum. From there came to Merrill, and was engaged in the grocery business for two years, but sold out and began the drug business, which he followed for about two years. During this time, he was appointed Postmaster, Feb. 18, 1869. He was married in Oshkosh, in February, 1876, to Nellie Ben- nett, who was born in Oshkosh, in June, 1856. They have two children, Birdie and an infant daughter.

JOHN PHELPS, lumberman, Merrill, purchased upon coming here a tract of pine land, consisting of 35,000 acres, bordering the Wisconsin River, and beginning in Town 35, and ending in 42, In Ranges 9, 10 and 11, east, and said to contain when located 300,000,000 feet of pine. It embraces some of the best pine lands in Wisconsin. It is owned by the following gentlemen : Francis Palms, three quarters inter- est, and John Phelps, one quarter interest, with his sons, who are now associated with him. Mr. Phelps settled in Wausau in May, 1878. He moved to Merrill in May, 1880. He was born in township of Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 4, 1819. He moved to Michigan, November, IS30, and from there to Wausau. He was married, Oct. 25, 1840, in Addison, Oakland Co., Mich., to Samantha C. Dudley, who was born in Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 11, 1822, They have four children- George M., Milo D., Orlo and a daughter living at home, Eliza L. Mr. George M. Phelps enlisted in Co. A., 9th Reg. Mich. Vet. V. f., and served until the close of the Rebellion, and was mustered out at Nash- ville, Tenn., in October, 1865.

JULES POSE, proprietor Lincoln House, Merrill, was born in Montreal, April 18, 1821, and came to Wausau in the Spring of 1849, where he was occupied in lumbering and logging. Then moved to Trapp River, where he lived four years, in the same business. From there he went to Rock Falls, where he kept the stage station, and re- mained ten years. Hle then moved to Merrill, where he was engaged in lumbering for two years. Then he followed the hotel business for nine years, when his house caught fire and burned. In 1878, he erected the Lincoln House, a fine, large building. He was married, Aug. 9, 1858, in Marathon Co., Texas Tp., to Ann Kemp, a native of Scotland, born October, 1835. They have five children - James A. Posey, Julius W., Jr., John, Paul and Robert.

GEORGE H. RIPLEY, mail carrier between Merrill and Rock Falls, was born in Perry, Washington Co., Me., Feb. 27, 1832. He came to Point Bois in 1848; lived there a short time, and then went to Grand Rapids, Wis., in 1850, following the lumber business until 1866. From there he went to Stevens Point, and followed running the river as pilot for eight or ten years. From there he went on the Northern Pa- cific Railroad, and engaged in the restaurant business ; he was there one and one-half years. From there he returned to Stevens Point, and then went to Rock Falls, in the employ of the Improvement Company. Ile was married in Grand Rapids, July 8, 1854, to Nancy Gordon. She died July 12, 1854.

HERMAN D. RUSCH, County Clerk of Lincoln County, Merrill, was born in Dodge County, Aug. 10, 1853. He spent his school days in Horicon, where he remained until he was seventeen years old, when he went to Merrill, working at lumbering, which included rafting and run- ning the river. He then tried lumbering on his own account, and con- tinued at it three years. He has been in the business occasionally since, during the Winter. He was first elected to his present office in the Fall of 1876, and has since been re-elected for the terms of 1878 and ISSo. He was married, Jan. 1, 18So, to Lizzie Kickbusch, a native of Ger- many, born Nov. 23, 1860. They have one boy, Walter H.

ULRIC C. ST. AMOUR, principal clerk in dry goods store of T. B. Scott, Merrill. He first settled in Grand Rapids, August, 1856. He went to Minnesota in 1859, and remained until 1861, when he returned to Grand Rapids, and was elected Register of Deeds of Wood County. He served one term, which expired Jan. 1, 1863. He then clerked in a store until December, 1864, at which time he enlisted in Co. B, 46th Regt. Wis. Vol. Inf., served one year, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. Ile returned to Grand Rapids, and worked for John Edwards & Co., where he remained two years. From there he went to Montreal, Canada, where he went into business for himself, in the mercantile trade, and remained but a short time. Returned to Grand Rapids, where he stayed a greater share of the time, though he went to Dakota Territory, and took up a homestead, returning to Grand Rapids, where he remained until he came to Merrill. Hle was born in St. Paul, Canada East, Aug. 20, 1837. He was married in Henderson, Sibley Co., Minn., Oct. 8, 1857, to Christe Cormier, born in St. Charles, Canada East, June, 1841. They have three children-Albert C., Oswald H. and Delia C.

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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