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 137

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 137

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The entries of lands after the office was removed, included those in the pineries, as also those for agri- cultural purposes. Among the heavy entries made, those of the following for themselves and the third parties for whom they acted as agents, were among the largest: Samuel Watson, J. T. Spaulding, Washburn & Woodman, W. T. Price, Kramer & Clinton, James O'Neill, Mr. Whitcomb, Milton Barlow, Charles G. Hanscom, W. J. Gibson and others.

From 1853 to June, 1866, the total warrant and other entries amounted to 2,500,614 acres, involving the ontlay of $3,098,317, and these were the purchases of land by individuals, not including the entries of pre- emptioners.

The vast sums of money thus received shows to what an extent men of capital and character came to La Crosse in response to the representations made by citizens who had come, and newspapers which had been established, since the days when Myrick resented the attacks of savages, and traders supplied the Indian's craving for whisky with distillations of red pepper dashed with most execrable tobacco washings. Nor was the guarding of these amounts until they could be de- posited at Dubuque attended with an ease of mind con- sequent upon success to safe depositories as can be had to-day. Mr. Rodolf was frequently annoyed with the care of these funds, and subjected to ceaseless vigil and sleepless care until they were safely assigned to the cus- todian to whom they were directed.

Upon one occasion, sickness in his family made it almost impossible for him to venture away from home, even officially. While recounting this fact one day in his office, and regretting the affliction which had post- poned his regular journey to Dubuque, a man present, with whom he was slightly acquainted, explained that he was about to depart for that point, and would be pleased to discharge any commission he might entrust to his discretion. Col. Rodolf interrogated him as to how he would go, and when, and retired with the re- mark that he would consider the subject.

It seems that the conversation between Col. Rodolf and the would-be messenger had been overheard by a citizen, and during the afternoon he admonished the colonel not to trust him with the amount to be depos-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

ited, $10,000, which confirmed suspicions that had arisen in the Receiver's mind, and decided his action in regard to the matter. The applicant was refused his proffer, and Col. Rodolf departed with the money for Dubuque. The same day the would-be messenger de- parted in an exceedingly suspicious manner, accompa- nied, as was afterward ascertained, by the wife of one of the original pioneers and best-known citizens of this portion of the State. His anxiety to carry the money became apparent when his escapade was discovered, and the Register felicitated himself upon the exercise of a caution that spared him subsequent woe. The absconding couple were heard of in California in after . years, whence she returned and died, her husband de facto remaining there, while her husband de jure, who was left in La Crosse, lived to a hale old age before he was touched by the Master of mortality.

This incident is not related as evidence of the class who came to La Crosse in early times. In truth, but very few, if any, of a questionable character found an abiding-place here. The men who remained were of a different grade-fair types of a generation that is rap- idly assimilating with the past; of a grenadier of the old regime who never in any sudden storm or rally, desperate melee or sorrowful encounter, forgot to doff his plumed hat to an adversary, and cry out through his gray mustache, as he shortened hissword arm, " En garde."

The improvements this year, in addition to those already mentioned, consisting of the hotels, Receiver's office, brick house on Front street, etc., also included a school-house on or near the present site of the Third Ward School-house, numerous dwellings, which num- bered on January 1, 1854, upward of 100 in various parts of the village, as far ont as Fifth street.

NORTHWESTERN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

This society was organized December 26, 1879, with twelve charter members. The first officers of the so- ciety elected were : J. W. Losey, president ; J. S. Har- ris, first vice-president ; John Van Loon, second vice- president ; John Ulrich, third vice-president ; L. W. Brigham, secretary ; L. H. P'ammel, treasurer.

The object of this society is : " To improve the con- dition of pomology, horticulture and gardening ; to dis- cuss and disseminate information upon all questions pertaining to horticulture."

The society holds its annual meetings on the first Tuesday in December, and otherwise provides for quar- terly meetings occurring in March, June and September.

At their meetings thus far, since organizing, various topics have been discussed, and papers have been pre- pared, read and discussed also. The society now num- bers fifty-two members with the present officers: John S. Harris, La Crescent, president ; A. J. Phillips, West Salem, first vice-president ; S. S. Luce. Galesville, sec- ond vice-president ; Mrs. W. P. Powers, La Crosse, third vice-president ; L. W. Brigham, La Crosse, see- retary ; L. H. Pammel, La Crosse, treasurer. Their first fair was held in June, 18-1, in connection with the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. One dollar procures a year's membership for gentlemen, ladies being honorary.

The following fruits, trees and shrubbery are rec-

ommended by this society for this locality and the Northwest in general :

Fruits-Apples : Dutchess, Wealthy and Tetofski. For favorable localities, Fameuse, Utter, Price's Sweet, Walbridge, Plum Cider, Willow Twig and Tollman Sweet. For trial, Pewaukee, Ben Davis, Alexander, Red Queen and Haas.

Crab apples : for general planting, Transcendent. Whitney No. 20, Atkin's Winter, Early Strawberry and Maiden's Blush. For trial, Conical and Quaker Beauty.

Grapes : for general cultivation, Concord and Dela- ware. For trial, Beauty of Minnesota, Worden, Rog- ers No. 15 and Brighton.

Strawberries : for market, Wilson ; for family use, Green Prolific and Downer's Prolific. For trial, Charles Downing.

Raspberries, red : for general cultivation, Turner and Philadelphia ; black : Seneca and Doolittle.

Plums : De Sota.

Blackberries : for trial, Snyder and Ancient Briton.

Trees-For general planting, White Elm, Sugar Maple, Soft Maple, Blue Ash, European Larch, Box Elder, Basswood, Hickory, Mountain Ash and Butter- nut.

Evergreens -- Norway Spruce, Scotch Pine, Hemlock, Red Cedar, Austrian Pine, Balsam Fir, American Ju- niper, White Pine and American Pine.

Hardy shrubbery- Snowball, Purple Lilac, White Lilac, Bush Honeysuckle, Tree Peony, Flouring Al- mond, Syringa Grandiflora, Barberry, Wahoo, Wax- berry and Hydrangea.

Bedding plants - Verbena, Heliotrope. Lantana, Pansies, Caladinus, Petunias, Coleus and Geraniums.

REMINISCENCES AND PERSONAL SKETCHES.

In the succeeding pages are given those historical and biographical facts which can be told only in con- nection with the individual acts of the pioneers. The list contains some of the best known, oldest and most respected residents of La Crosse, some of whom are still living to enjoy the fruits of honest work well done.

NATHAN MYRICK.

This gentleman, who is universally regarded as the pioneer settler of La Crosse, was born at Westport, Essex Co., N. Y., July 7, 1822. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were among the first settlers of Westport, being pioneers like himself.

He was educated in the academy at Westport, and was engaged as an assistant in the various woolen, saw and grist-mills of which his father was proprietor, until the age of nineteen, when he concluded to strike out for himself and make a home in the Great West. Leav- ing Westport in May, 1841, he reached Prairie du Chien in June, and was employed by Joseph Brisbois in the post-office, giving his services for his board. That Fall, acting on the advice of his employer and his own judgment, he decided to embark in trade with the Indians. Procuring a suitable outfit of goods, obtained largely upon credit, and the loan of a forty-ton keel-boat from Gen. Brooks, commandant of that post, he left Prairie du Chien November 4, taking with him H. Cur- tiss, who was on his way with some goods to Black

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HISTORY OF LA CROSSE COUNTY.

River. Sailing and poling the boat by turns, they reached La Crosse at sunset, November 9. Finding no fuel on the shore, they crossed over to the island, which was densely wooded. A similar reason induced him to build upon it, there being no timber upon the prairie. In a week he had built and moved into a dou- ble log house. At this time, to use his own words, "there was no white man in the vicinity." The In- dians were absent at Turkey River, in Iowa, about fifty miles west of Prairie du Chien, to receive their an- nuities-about $20 per head. Myrick thinks a total of $18,000 was paid them in these yearly payments. If so, the Winnebagoes must have numbered 2,400 souls. In a couple of weeks the Indians returned. Myrick drove a brisk trade, and by the middle of December was out of many articles. On the 18th of that month he crossed the river. partly on the ice and partly by canoe, and, taking an Indian trail under the bluffs, afoot and alone, wended his way to Prairie du Chien, which he reached December 22, having laid by one day on the route. He returned in January on the ice, with several teams loaded with goods and provisions. He employed two men during the Winter in getting out fuel for steamers, which Myrick banked, hauling it with a hand sled.

Soon after his return, he was attacked by two In- dians whom he had invited to take breakfast with him, one of whom fired on him when but a rod distant, the gun fortunately missing fire. Myrick sprang into the house and fired back. the Indians still firing at the door and window. Myrick and a companion sallied out and fired upon the Indians, who were re-inforced by their red brethren, there being some twenty camps or wig- wams on the island. The two white men re-entered the house, which was barricaded and defended vigor- ously foran hour or more. Soon after the firing ceased, a rap was heard at the door, which was not opened till it was known that a white man was seeking admission. This proved to be Alexis Bailey, on his return from a trip up the river, who had been attracted by the firing. He asked the Indians the occasion of it, but could get no explanation. As the originators had been seen pre- viously at Mr. La Batts', an Indian trader four miles below, it was supposed he had instigated the attack to get rid of a rival. The actual occasion for the out- break was never definitely ascertained. La Batts on- ly remained till 1842, being unable longer to obtain goods of the American Fur Company, who now sold to Myrick only.

In February, 1842, timber was hewed for a house on the prairie, and hauled to its place with a hand sled. H. J. B. Miller, who was then trading thirty miles be- low, near the mouth of Coon Slough, came up with a load of provisions for the Indians, who were then en- camped on Black River where Onalaska now stands. On his return, Myrick got his help a few days to put up the new residence and store, and moved in.

In the Spring of 1842, Myrick put his fnrs on the keel-boat used on his first venture up the river, and started for Prairie du Chien. On the way he overtook H. J. B. Miller, who was in a canoe. Taking him on board, they completed the journey together. Before returning, Myrick offered Miller half his claim and profits to become a partner, an offer with which Miller

readily complied, and they returned together in a large canoe. In June Miller went down to Rock River, and bought five yoke of oxen. In his absence Myrick spaded a patch of ground for a garden, and on his re- turn with the oxen the boundaries of their claim was marked out, and a piece of ground plowed which was planted with potatoes, on Blocks 6, 7 and 19 of the original plat.

In the Summer of 1842-3, Dr. Snow and Philip Jacobs came and went into trade. At the same time Myrick had some hewed pine lumber got out on Black River, and put up a comfortable dwelling of 20x30, finished on the inside with lath and plaster, and outside with siding, and having a shingle roof. To this was added an ell, 12x16, and a cistern. This was the first good improvement on the prairie.

In June 1843, Myrick returned to New York, where he bought a stock of goods, and in August was married to Miss Rebecca E. Ismon, of Essex County. He re- turned in September, bringing with him Miss Louisa Pierson, who passed the Winter in his family, and then made a visit to friends in Illinois. These two ladies were the first white women to favor La Crosse with their presence. Of his return Myrick says he came via the Erie Canal from Troy to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Chicago, a trip of five or six days, then by stage for a week to Galena, waiting nine days at the latter place for a boat to La Crosse, the entire trip re- quiring nearly a month. The first draft sent home to pay for goods was six weeks on the way, and did not arrive till after payment was due. On a second return from the East in 1847, he made the trip via Baltimore to Cumberland by rail, thence by stage to Pittsburgh, then by boat to St. Louis, and the same to La Crosse. Myrick and Miller were the owners originally of the river front, their claim extending from La Crosse River to the section line on Mount Vernon street, and extend- ing east to Fifth street. This plat was surveyed in 1842 by Ira Bronson, of Prairie du Chien, the lots be- ing made 60 feet front and 150 deep, with a 20-foot alley in the rear. Being laid out to correspond with the river, while the remainder of the city was made to correspond with the points of the compass, produces the peculiar angle so noticeable to strangers, which is confined wholly to the section included between the river and Jay and Sixth streets.

In 1847, one of the heaviest freshets ever known oc- curred in Black River. Myrick & Miller had made a large investment on that stream in logs, lumber, booms, etc., which were all swept away. This event made such a change in Myrick's affairs that he was induced to leave La Crosse and go to St. Paul. His losses in this flood footed up a total of over $20,000. He left in 1848, giv- ing Miller a half interest in the town site. In 1851. he sold his whole interest in La Crosse to Lieut Gov. Burns, viz. : in the town site and the Bunnell claim. Afterwards Burns deeded Myrick one-fourth of the town site. At one time the whole site was held as follows : Myrick, one-fourth; Burns, one-fourth ; Durand & Hill, one-fourth ; Miller, one-fourth.

When Myrick & Miller held the original site of the first plat, the adjoining land was held as follows: The Cameron claim extended from Mt. Vernon street south to Division street ; Asa White's claim, from Division

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

street to Mississippi street ; Dr. Bunnell's claim, tak- ing in seventy acres at the lower end of the prairie, adjoining White. Myrick has never ceased to be a pioneer. Since going to St. Paul, he has established trading-posts at Watab, Long Prairie, Travers de Sioux, La Sicur, Pembina, etc. He has also made several ven- tures in the lumber business, and met with severe and repcated losses, both in his investments in business and in faith in his fellow-man. His generous nature has repeatedly made him the victim of misplaced confi- dence ; but all that he has lost, all that he has endured in a long and busy life on the very outskirts of civiliza- tion, have not changed his inborn geniality, his gener- ous disposition, or his confidence in humanity. In per- son he is an Anakim, standing six feet four inches in his stockings, erect in form, and of most kindly ad- dress and presence.

JOHN MEYER LEVY,

One of the first settlers in La Crosse, was born in Lon- don, Eng., in the year 1820, his parents, Meyer and Eve (Worms) Levy, being natives of Germany. His father was a reader in the synagogue, though not a regular rabbi. John spent his younger days largely at school, part of the time in Amsterdam, Holland. After living about six years with an older sister in Paris, he emigrated to America, in 1837. A short time was spent in traveling before he settled in St. Louis, and was there engaged in a mercantile house about four years. Early in 1844, he went up the Mississippi River to Prairie du Chien. He remained there till the next year, when he was induced to come to La Crosse, by Samuel Snow, who, finding him quite unwell during one of his visits, said : " If you will move up there with me, I will divide with you, and am sure you will never get sick in such a place." Levy accepted, and, in the Summer of 1845, they came through by team, the two being the first white men to make such a trip. On the way they passed through Mormon Cooley, of which Philip Young and James Conley were occupants. They took a farm near the mouth of State Road Cooley. They paid Jacob Spaulding $100 for his claim and shanty, on the site of the International Hotel, and at once com- menced the erection of a store north of the shanty, which was situated on Front street. They sent to Prai- rie du Chien for a carpenter, named Manahan, Levy meanwhile going to Black River for the lumber. The building was completed in 1846, and was the first frame dwelling erected between Prairie du Chien and Red Wing, on the river, a distance of 180 miles. At the time of Levy's coming, the total population was but eighteen, of whom thirteen were males and five females. Among the former were N. Myrich, George Fetherlein, II. J. B. Miller, Asa White, Samuel Snow and G. Houghton, the first three of whom had families. These are believed to have been all who lived within the present city limits. For the first three years after Levy's arrival, the settlement remained almost station- ary. At this time barely half a dozen steamers came up the river yearly, the trips being made in the Spring and the Fall, to carry supplies to the Indians and to the garrison at Fort Snelling.

In 1847, commissioners came with surveyors to locate the school lands (16th section) and swamp lands

for the State. Peter Burns was one of those employed in this work. During this year, Levy and Miller, in their capacity as delegates, went to a Democratic Con- vention at Liberty Pole, in Crawford County, to nomi- nate the first Representative to the Legislature. On the way homeward they became separated on the ridge, about twenty miles from La Crosse, Miller going alead, after a severe fall, having been helped on his horse by Levy, whose steed escaped while engaged in his Samar- itan work. Levy lost the way, and was absent for three days, subsisting on acorns till the third day, when he made his way to the house of a settler named Young, at Bad Axe. nearly a score of miles below, in an almost famished condition and nearly naked, his clothing being torn to shreds by the underbrush and bushes through which he was compelled to make his way. Miller, in the meantime, was called on to account for Levy's ab- sence, which, of course, he was unable to do. The in- quiries became more pressing and importunate each day. and Miller more and more dazed and bewildered. Had Levy never put in an appearance there is no question but that " Scoots " would have been held accountable for his disappearance. The first religious services were held this season in Levy's house by Revs. Buck, Mer- rill, Wilcoxson and Holcomb on the first Sunday pre- ceding St. John's Day, an anniversary of the Episcopal Church, falling upon June 24. Levy's house was pressed into service by his own free will and assent, by all denominations, and also for meetings of a secular character. Levy and Snow engaged in trade with the Indians from their first coming until 1849, when the latter were removed to their reservation on Crow River, whither Snow, and White, the Indian trader, with a squaw wife, accompanied them. This step necessitated a dissolution of partnership, which was effected on this basis : Snow took the farm and Levy the land claim purchased of Spaulding, while the goods and Indian supplies were equally divided. At the same time, Levy purchased White's claim, and thus came into pos- session of about one-third of the river front. (As this was about the first transaction in real estate, it was deemed desirable to mark the boundaries of the various claims which was accomplished by running a furrow around the different tracts, which, it is needless to add, was soon obliterated by the shifting sand.) About this time, Levy built a frame hotel, containing ten rooms, on the corner of Front and Pearl, called the " Western Enterprise," of which Simeon Kellogg was the first landlord. During the year 1847, Levy had the con- tract for carrying the mail from Prairie du Chien to Fort Snelling. He made the trips between the former place and La Crosse, while a partner, Snow, took charge of the northern end of the route. The round trip took two weeks, and the pay was about $80. In 1851, Willie Levy, a most promising child of seven years, while engaged in watering his horse at the foot of Pearl street, was so unfortunate as to fall before the animal as it turned to leave the river. and was instantly killed, having his head stepped upon, the sharp calks of the shoe penetrating the brain. It was all done in a mo- ment, in his father's presence, who was powerless to aid. This was the first accidental death. About the year 1851, the first wharf-boat was built by Levy and kept at the foot of Pearl street. It did not fully an-

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HISTORY OF LA CROSSE COUNTY.

swer the purpose for which it was intended, and, in the course of the next year, he took off the upper por- tion, and, commencing the erection of a dock, extend- ing beyond the boat, he included the hull in the work. This was the first dock, and proved a great convenience for years. It was 185 feet in length on the river, and extended back probably 75 to 80 feet.

In the Winter of 1850-1, the charter of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad having been granted, the place at once became an object of interest, its future growth and prosperity now being regarded as a fixed fact. Hon. T. B. Stoddard, of New York, and A. D. La Due came that Spring and bought a half interest in White's original claim of J. M. Levy, which com- prised sixty-three acres. Myrick, Miller and Burns, who held the plat extending from La Crosse River to Mount Vernon street on the south, and nearly to Sixth street on the east, were then having the streets run out in their original plat. La Due, Stoddard, Cameron and Levy tried to induce them to extend the streets through their claims also, thus insuring a uniform system of straight streets, and suggesting that all the river front be vacated for a levee. These were admirable sugges- tions and it is strange they were not carried into effect. This year La Crosse made a wonderful stride forward. From a dozen shanties in the Spring, the number was doubled in the Fall, and an even greater increase of inhabitants. Among these were the most talented and prominent citizens who have ever made this city their residence, as Hon. T. B. Stoddard, Lieut .- Gov. Burns, F. M. Rublee, William Hood, Col. Carlton, Milton Barlow, O. F. and S. T. Smith, George Farnham, Mo- ses Anderson, H. G. Hubbard, C. Looney, Hon. George Gale, Howard Cramer, Revs. Sherwin, Carr and Elder Reynolds and George Howard.

About 1853, Levy built a warehouse, and, becoming agent for the steamboat companies, conducted a large forwarding business. This he continued until 1857, when he opened a bank, and in a few months failed, with thousands of other business men, paying, how- ever, every dollar which he owed depositors. In 1858, he engaged in the grocery trade, but afterward sold his interest to Charles B. Solberg. He then engaged in real estate operations, which he continued until the Autumn of 1876, when he again became a forwarding and commission merchant. At sundry times during these years, Mr. Levy had many buildings erected, some for his own use and some to rent. He built the Augusta House in 1857, and was receiving the rent of it, when, in March, 1862, it was swept away, together with a dozen other buildings owned by himself, and three times as many owned by other parties. Although he has met with frequent reverses, he has never become disheartened. No man in La Crosse is more plucky or full of business. He saw the last wigwam disappear long since, and where, thirty-six years ago, he found but three families, he now sees a city of 16,000 inhab- itants, who justly look upon him as one of the fathers of La Crosse, as he is at present the oldest living resi- dent. He has been elected Mayor three times, has been an Alderman about eight years, and has always looked well to the interests of the city. Though not partisan in his politics, he has very pronounced views, and has been a firm upholder of the Democratic faith. He is

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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