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 143

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 143

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One of the earliest movements looking to the re-build- ing of a prosperity that was in danger of being lost, was the re-opening of the land office, which occurred early in April, much to the gratification of residents and incoming emigrants. There were still thousands of acres of good arable and timber lands subject to entry, and many at the East who still desired to avail them- selves of this privilege. They not only lay in counties contiguous to La Crosse, but in that county were aeres of good farming land yet unclaimed. These were well watered and timbered, favorable to the successful cul- tivation of all kinds and varieties of farm products sus- ceptible of growth, and markets were easy of access and constantly growing better. Progress had been made in the matter of schools and churches that commended Northwestern Wisconsin as one of the most favorable portions of the West to the intelligent agriculturist, and to these advantages in La Crosse were added those of old and permanent settlement.

With these inducements, the reader is prepared for a statement that times in La Crosse during 1858 were far from hard, though a scarcity of money may have

caused them to seem so when compared with the flush times of half a decade before. Yet the contrary in fact was the truth.

The great feature of the year was the completion of the La Crosse and Milwaukee road, passing through La Crosse Valley, and tapping for the benefit of the city a tract of country containing inexhaustible sources of wealth. The country affected by this improvement had mostly been settled within five years, yet a large part of it was under cultivation, and returned an ample reward to the husbandman. It was settled by an intel- ligent and enterprising people, many of whom arrived here in destitute circumstances, and became, even at this early period, men of wealth who were ready to make any sacrifice in the elaboration of public improve- ments, like that under consideration. The principal towns in the immediate vicinity of the city were like- wise benefited, and other valleys which center at La Crosse, notably Burnham's, Adams', Feak's, Big Creek, Fish Creek, Dutch Creek, etc., were similarly directly blessed.

As will be remembered, during 1857 the grading of the road west of Portage was commenced, and labor on the route prosecuted with a diligence inspired by the prospect of an early completion. The road had been built in five years in spite of adversities and delays, so serious and aggravated that as late as January of that year, the proposition was entertained by all but one of the road directors to abandon the enterprise and let the bondholders take it.

But this was not to be, and early in October. 1858, the last rail was laid connecting La Crosse and Milwau- kee with indissoluble ties and clenching the two cities of Wisconsin closer together with hooks of steel. The successful issue out of the troubles which had one time threatened the collapse of the enterprise was made the occasion of universal jublication, participated in by all without regard to political or personal prejudices or affiliations. On the evening of the 14th of October, 1858, a train of fourteen passenger coaches, laden with citizens and soldiers of Milwaukee, Chicago and else- where, halted at the western terminus of the road, and were most hospitably welcomed by the citizens of La Crosse. A procession was formed, and moved through the principal streets to the open square, between Fourth and Fifth streets, where they were formally welcomed by Mayor Taylor and Col. Rodolf. The procession was then re-formed, and the guests escorted to the various hotels, where they were entertained by the city.

In the evening a grand banquet was given at Barron's Hall, when speeches and addresses were made by Judge Gale, Dr. Blakeslee, Selah Chamberlain, Mr. Barnes, of New York; Ald. Phelps, of Milwaukee ; Byron Kilbourn, Mr. Radcliff, of Albany, and others. The company separated at midnight, a portion of those from abroad visiting St. Paul, and the remainder re- turning home by the same train which bore them here. Thus was the first railroad coming into La Crosse celebrated.

In 1858, through the detective skill and perseverance of J. R. Coudry, a La Crosse official, four murderers and robbers were apprehended, and three of them brought to justice.

Stated briefly, the facts are as follows: In the

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month of July, 1857, an unknown boy landed at La Crosse, and, procuring a horse, visited the country near the city. Upon his return, and when paying for the hire, he was observed by a man named William John to be possessed of a large sum of money-some thou- sand dollars. The boy mysteriously disappeared, and two weeks afterward his naked body was recovered from the river, with marks plainly showing that he came to his death by violence.

About this time the jewelry store of A. Patz, of La Crosse, was robbed of jewelry worth $8,000, and money to the extent of $800.

At this point, it is proper to state that there were four Germans residing in La Crosse, named respectively August Kerchner, Albert Marlow, William John, above referred to, and John Reisner.

Some time after these crimes had been committed, Marlow was arrested for firing the barn of a butcher named French, and upon being released on bail ab- sconded. In time his wife became reduced to want, and pawned some of the Patz jewelry. A search warrant was procured, and the house in which she was living with Kerchner searched, when $1,000 worth of jewelry was obtained, and the clothing of the young man who was found in the river with the marks of an assassin upon his remains.

Mrs. Marlow and Kerchner were arrested, and the search commenced for their accomplices. Marlow was pursued to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he was appre- hended and returned to jail in La Crosse. Charles Reisner was arrested at Peoria, with $2,000 worth of the jewelry in his possession, and William John near Leavenworth City, with $4,000 of the stolen goods in his possession. In March, the officer, with his prisoner, embarked on the steamer Sioux City, bound for St. Louis. When between Miami and DeWitt, on the Missouri River, he jumped from the guards, and, as was supposed, met his death by drowning.

The prisoners were retained in jail until June 14, 1858, when they procured a change of venue, and were taken to Viroqua for trial. During its progress Marlow made a confession in open court, in which he stated that Reisner and John were the guilty parties to the robbery, and further, that John was not drowned, as was supposed. He was sent to Waupun for three years.

In May, the citizens of La Crosse were thrown into a wonderful state of excitement by the report that a man named A. Leland, formerly of this county, had been horribly murdered and robbed in the neighborhood of Lewis Valley. In less than half an hour after the occurrence was reported, to appropriate the language of an active investigator into the alleged truth of this phenomena, a hundred men in the city were on the alert for the murderer, and every man found with a flannel shirt, either red or blue, and not well known, was watched from door to door and street to street, until he had identified himself to public satisfaction, and defined his position with regard to attacks in general, and that on Leland in particular.

It seems that Leland had been found at the foot of the ridge leading into Lewis Valley by Mr. Buzzell and another gentleman from Oualaska, apparently in the final pangs of dissolution, with his traveling-bag

opened, his pockets rifled, and looking to all intents as though his experience had been the opposite of cheerful or encouraging. He was taken to the nearest house, when Dr. Heath was summoned, and when, for two days, the patient, according to appearances, and the testimony of thirty-five of those residing in the vicinity, hung glimmeringly between life and death. The story he related was so exceedingly shallow, and his return to consciousness accompanied by so much low comedy, as to create the impression that his story was without foundation in fact. The extraordinary mystery with which the circumstances were sur- rounded, so exasperated the public credulity, that an investigation was instituted by J. W. Losey, the then District Attorney. assisted by C. W. Marshall, with re- sults which confirmed the suspicions that had gradu- ally become fixed. The verdict of the investigation committee was based upon the fact that Leland was a chronic frand, and so esteemed in parts where he had been, as also by his wife, from whom he was sepa- rated, and that the wounds were self-inflicted, to beget sympathy and create a demand for damages against the county.

The excitement disappeared, as did Leland and the burlesque of the " thing." The assurance of the chief actor, the action of thirty-five residents of Lewis Val- ley, and other characteristics of the occasion, are to- day recalled as the most ludicrous series of perform- ances that were ever thrust before the intelligent gaze of the La Crosse body politic.

While on criminal facts and statistics, it may be said that 1858 was, for some unexplained reason, the annual in which crime was hardly short of epidemic, from the attempt to rob Lothrop, Webb & Co.'s bank- ing-house, in May, to the close of the year. Spiritu- alism, also, first manifested its existence in La Crosse in 1858, and began a season of proselyting, but with what success no one of the present day seems able to decide.

This year, among the improvements decided upon was the Methodist and Catholic churches, besides the very many in the line of business and residence houses that were begun and carried toward completion as long as the weather permitted the mechanics to work.

The school system had reached a most gratifying degree of perfection the previous year, when the actual average daily attendance at the union school was 415, yet in 1858, considerable improvement was witnessed. This union school was held in what was known as the Brick school-house, and was divided into primary, secondary, intermediate and high school departments, under the charge of Misses Knight, Gordon and Han- scom, the whole under the supervision of Mr. Green, Principal of the High School. The curriculum em- braced the studies usual to graded schools, and the teachers are represented as having been eminently qualified for the discharge of their respective offices. There was also what was known as the First Ward School, under the care of Miss Roosevelt and Mr. Bradish, and the system was in a state of such perfect discipline as to merit universal approval. Examina- tions were held at certain periods, also exhibitions, in both of which abun lant evidence was furnished that the cause of education was benefited and advanced as

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a result of the labors employed to that end. The the deliberations of a traverse jury, and wrapped up school year was divided into three terms closing in March, July and December, and each term was begun with an increased attendance of scholars.

One of the most memorable events of the closing year was the establishment of the electric telegraph at La Crosse, by means of which that city was placed in communication with the rest of the world. The office was established in the second-story corner room of the frame building which then stood on the northwest cor- ner of Main and Front streets, over the American Ex- press office, and forwarding agency of Webb & Rum- sey. Thus and then was La Crosse brought into elec- trical communion with the greater part of New Jer- sey, much of America, and considerable of Europe.

The holidays were unctiously celebrated, if one may be permitted to coin an expression, and the old year, pausing for an instant upon the threshold of departure, gazed mournfully and gleefully upon its experiences and passed from earth forever. It had witnessed much during its career of sorrow and sunshine ; joys and sorrows had been linked in its embrace, and in its arms had nestled friends and foes. The dreams of ambition had been realized to its view, and faded flowers had been dropped into the grave of forgetfulness. During its race with humanity, prattling infancy, buoyant youth, vigorous manhood and decrepit age, had come in the pride of their strength and yielded up their lives a sacrifice to death. The child from its mother had parted to accompany the rider on the pale horse, and the bride, who had gone out hopeful and beautiful as the first blush of the morning, returned no more. The career of 1858 was replete with trials to the sons of men gathered on the banks of the Father of Waters ; but time was not altogether harsh, for much that molded the happiness of life in La Crosse in after years, was dropped with no unsparing hand. and was anchored in the memory of days now gone.

The new year was greeted as he made his bow to the millions whose destiny he bore " behind the curtain of futurity," and as he grew in strength and days, the history of the Gateway City was celebrated.

The history of La Crosse for 1859, was the dupli- cate of its history during 1858. The previous expe- rience of her citizens in periods of distress and uncer- tainties had taught them, and they came forth from their homes and their work-rooms, from their offices and their shops, fully armed for contest with the fu- ture, like Pallas from the brow of Jove. Many of the old guard have retired to that low green tent whose curtain never outward swings, and, departing, left va- cancies that have never since been entirely filled. Many still remain, and they yet remember the princi- pal events of the period here referred to.

Early in the year, the location of the county build- ings was determined, and, in February, the county authorities contracted for the ereetion of a jail to cost $18,000. The decisio __ regarding the location of these buildings was a source of relief to citizens, but of sor- row to editors. For nearly a year the latter had been engaged in a warfare of words as to the exact spot upon which these indispensables should be built. One alleged that the other was a member of a band of con- spirators, whose designs were as deeply mysterious as

therein were plots to rob citizens of everything save their good name and reputation, etc., etc. Respondent retorted with sarcasms and reproofs against the with- ering effects of which postponement seemed infallible, and both agreed that the other should be treated to the fate of Guy Fawkes. When the decision was rendered, their ardor was temporarily chilled. The flank move- ment of the county officers proved a Waterloo to the fund of arguments each reserved for his opponent. While they were silenced, the people rejoiced, and the preparations for the building were consummated. Work was commenced thereon during the Spring, under the direction of A. W. Shepard, the contractor, and so assiduously were the labors prosecuted that its completion and occupation were reached on the 12th of the following November, the lower portion being used for jail purposes and the second story for county offices.

Navigation opened this year on St. Patrick's day, the 17th of March, and interest in this event was di- vided with that experienced in regard to the election of city officers. The campaign, though brief, was sharp and decided. The candidates of neither party equaled the requirements of the occasion, it is said, and, in this crisis of affairs, a third or independent candidate in the person of the Hon. James I. Lyndes, a prominent lawyer, and serving as County Judge at the time of his nomination to the Mayoralty. He re- signed the latter and entered into the contest with such ardor that his election was conceded, and following, his induction into office was accomplished as provided by law.

The Hon. S. S. Burton was appointed to the va- cancy created on the bench by the retirement of Judge Lyndes, and discharged the trust to which he was accredited with fidelity, judgment and economy.

In May, the German Lutheran Church at the north- east corner of Cass and Fifth streets was consecrated, and its construction was in keeping with the times. This year, the improvements were general and of a superior order. Business being good, added an impe- tus to all degrees of enterprise in which the erection of blocks, residences and buildings for public uses was generally indulged. The season was unprecedentedly cold and unpleasant-so much so as to cause some sickness and delay agriculture. As an incident of the eccentric weather, it may be stated that on the Fourth of July picknickers were obliged to build fires in the woods where they gathered to keep themselves warm.

In June of this year, occurred the death of Mr. Henry Whitney, and one who is to-day remembered as the finest representative and type of the "old school of gentlemen" who had ever resided in the city was removed from the social forces of La Crosse. He was a native of Westfield, Mass., and after residing in Southeastern Wisconsin for several years, came with his family to La Crosse.

Mr. Whitney regarded it as a privilege for which he was grateful that he had lived at a time when such a man as the immortal Daniel Webster was on earth. On one occasion, some young friend respectfully ad- dressed him as a venerable gentleman, and inquired at what stage of life he had experienced the most happi- ness. His answer was, "The present." His well-or-

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dered life enabled him to so reply. Mrs. Whitney, a native of Derby, Conn., who was a lady of much re- finement, survived her husband until March 9, 1870. Of the family, four sons and two daughters are living. Of the latter, the Rev. Mrs. Hayes (formerly Mrs. F. M. Rublee) resides at West Salem and Mrs. Walter Brown in La Crosse.

On the 9th of August occurred the tragic death of Mr. William Denison, a prominent member of the La Crosse Bar, who was killed on the Kneifel farm in Mor- mon Cooley under the following circumstances: It appears that Mr. Denison, who was extremely fond of the sports of field and turf, was also an ardent admirer of Izaak Walton and the pastime of that historic celeb- rity. Accompanied by J. R. West, who was visiting in La Crosse, Mr. Denison visited the Cooley and cast his line into a stream which passed through the farm of Jacob Kneifel. The latter was a recent importa- tion, and was informed by his acquaintances-espe- cially a German Justice of the Peace, residing in the neighborhood-that he was legally authorized to resent the intrusion of any stranger upon his lands, if need be, with force and arms.

When Mr. Denison was discovered fishing upon the Kneifel territory, the old man, followed by his wife, three sons, Martin, Franz and Thomas, and two daugh- ters, Agnes and Mary, armed themselves with guns and clubs, and approaching the alleged trespasser or- dered him off. This Mr. Denison declined to consid- er, but crossing to where the family was gathered of- fered to pay them for the privilege he sought. During the colloquy, one of the girls raised a hop-pole to strike the victim, who witnessed her movements and caught the blow in its descent. At that moment, Martin Kneifel struck Mr. Denison across the side of the head, crushing in the skull, and severing the menin- geal artery. The unfortunate man was stricken to the earth, and his assassins witnessing the effect of their wicked assault, sought safety in flight. A crowd soon collected, and the dying man was removed to the house of a farmer named Capstack, where he was at- tended by Dr. McArthur; but, notwithstanding the application of every device known to the science of surgery, he survived the blow but thirty hours.

His remains were brought to the city, where the ex- citement upon his tragic death was extended and vio- lent, and buried, while the Kneifel family were arrest- ed and lodged in jail.

They were jointly indicted and arraigned before Judge Gale at the November term, 1859, of the Cir- cuit Court, at which Messrs. Lyndes & Losey and A. Cameron appeared for the State, the defense being conducted by E. F. Cook and C. K. Lord.

The defense moved for a separate trial and change of venne for Martin Kneifel to Juneau County, which was refused, but decided to send the prisoner to Ju- neau County for trial.

Accordingly, when the case was reached on the docket of the Circuit Court of that county, the accused, except Martin Kneifel appeared and objected to the order of Judge Gale directing a change of venue. Counsel protested that they had sought no such order for any of the defendants save Martin Kneifel, and were not bound by its issue. Judge Gale decided that

he possessed no jurisdiction in the premises, except to the trial of Martin Kneifel, and ordering that to pro- ceed, directed the return to La Crosse of his accom- plices.

The trial of the principal resulted in his conviction for manslaughter, and sentence to Waupun for seven years. He served four years, when he was pardoned out and returned to La Crosse.

Some years after, meeting Mr. W. S. Burroughs, a lawyer of La Crosse, and a relative of the murdered man, Martin stated to him that he had no intention of committing murder, but that he acted from a misap- prehension of the facts and his rights. He added that he was about to erect a stone on the spot where the crime was committed, and then leave the country. This he did, having placed a monument, so to speak, on the ground in sight of which the unfortunate gentle- man received his death blow ; he left the vicinity, and has never since been heard from.

When the family were remitted to La Crosse County for trial, Judge Gale decided that he was without ju- risdiction to adjudicate the facts, which he reported to the Supreme Court, with an inquiry as to whether the Circuit Court had jurisdiction to try them. That tri- bunal held that it could take no cognizance of questions brought before it in that manner, and the prisoners were released from custody.

Mr. Denison was in many respects a remarkable man. He was a native of Massachusetts, but settled in Neenah, where he engaged in the practice of law, remaining until the California fever of 1849, when he joined a party to journey thither. The adventurers encountered the most terrible experience, and all turned back at various stages of the route, but Denison, who sacrificed everything he had taken with him on the start, and landed in San Francisco shoeless and penniless. Here he remained until a fortune was ac- quired, when he returned to La Crosse, where he re- sided to the day of his death. He was a prominent lawyer, an able member of the firm of Denison & Lyndes, and extensively known throughout the State. His manner of conducting any business in hand was not of a conciliatory nature, it is said. In court, as elsewhere, he was aggressive and unyielding. He was slain without reason. It was a lamentable event, from which time has scarcely succeeded in dispelling as- perities.

This year, though still exhibiting signs of depres- sion in nearly all the departments of commercial and financial progress and prosperity, opened auspiciously, when the great strain experienced by the people in the preceding two years is considered. Business re- vived ; the Hon. Daniel Wells, Jr., published a notice that he was principal owner of the La Crosse and La Crescent Bank, and would redeem its circulation, and on November 10, occurred the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Schiller's birthday. Enter- prises did not venture into existence with unlimited confidence in the results, and, to borrow from the syllabus of an orator of the times, it was "hard sledg- ing." But in time, migration began to resume a shadow of its former importance, and the railroads, with extended facilities, to attract the trade of a greater extent of territory, roused business men and infused

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new energies into corporations that had become almost lifeless from inactivity and embarrassments. The city, within a few short years, began to assume the appear- ance of a metropolis, in the business blocks, halls, churches and other edifices that were slowly completed with the beginning of the succeeding decade. All things considered, the fate of La Crosse, previously held in the balance, possibly inclined in favor of a pros- perity that has long since been realized.

In the decade commencing with 1860, the whole country was convulsed by war between the States; and, while this portion of the Union, being remote from the scene of active hostilities, was not so sensibly affect- ed as the States in immediate proximity, or at a short distance therefrom, the withdrawal of a generous por- tion of the bone and sinew of the city and county was a sacrifice at the expense of the material prosperity. The population of the city was then upward of 7,000, and bnt little reflection is necessary to an appreciation of the effect on trade, commerce, agriculture and man- ufactures entailed by requisitions made on its quota of troops made by the Government.

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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