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 146

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 146

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THE LUMBER INTERESTS.

There is no city in the State that is more interested in the lumber business than La Crosse. The pine tim- ber regions of Wisconsin and Minnesota lie north of it, and are in a measure tributary, since all the logs and lumber rafted on the Upper Mississippi, St. Croix, Chippewa and Black rivers must necessarily pass it while en route to down-river points. Many leading lumbermen have settled here, and given the city stand- ing and reputation, as a lumber center, of unrivaled importance. The majority of the wealthy citizens of La Crosse are engaged in the lumber trade. Their residences are among the finest in the city, and they show a commendable disposition to give their time, useful labor and their capital to intelligent enterprise, unlike the majority of moneyed inen in the East. They are, generally speaking, large-hearted and public- spirited men, and whatever conduces to their interest contributes also to the welfare of the city. They have settled here to stay ; have become thoroughly identified with the growth and prosperity of the city, and are combining their operations and working to make this the distributing point of lumber for an area stretching off in different directions for hundreds of miles. Already La Crosse has made a name for itself, not only in Wis- consin and Minnesota, but also in Illinois, Iowa, Ne- braska, Missouri and Arkansas. It is every-where re- garded as first-class, and the ready market it meets with proves that it has no superior in popular favor, and the demand for it is bound to grow. The sales of the past are scarcely a third of what the sales of the

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

future may become, providing the supply ean equal the demand. When we remember that there is scarcely any timber-land, and, consequently, no lumber, except such as is imported, in Southern and Western Minne- sota, Western Iowa, Nebraska, Dakota, Montana, Wyo- ming, Kansas, Colorado, etc., we can surmise what a vast area-what an exhaustible market-will open up to the lumbering interests of this vicinity as railroads are built, population increases, and towns spring up throughout that region. Owing to the scarcity of tim- ber in all parts of that vast area, no lumber can be had short of exorbitant and virtually prohibitory rates, in consequence of which the farms remain unfenced, little or no wood can be obtained for fuel, and coal, costing in that vicinity an enormous price, is generally substi- tuted. So pleased would the people be to have even pine wood, that they would not hesitate to pay $4 or $5 per cord for such slabs as can be had here at from fifty cents up.

These facts sufficiently demonstrate what a great market is opening up to the west of here, and how im- portant it is to push forward to completion railroad en- terprises that will give full control of it. In this behalf, too, the lumbermen are manifesting commendable zeal, and they deserve well of the community, and are heartily thanked in proportion as they make any sub- stantial progress in the matter. These points show of what great importance the lumber business is to Lake Crosse. Comparatively it stands in the relation of mines to San Francisco ; commerce to New York ; manufactures to Boston ; iron to Pittsburgh ; cotton and sugar to New Orleans ; whisky to Louisville and Cincinnati ; agriculture and railroads to Chicago and beer to Milwaukee. The motives actuating us to de- fine this industry are three-fold ; first, because it is by all means the largest and most important industry in this section of the country ; second, to show to the people of La Crosse the magnitude and importance to which these industries have grown ; third, to let the world abroad know how important is the city of La Crosse in a manufacturing point of view ; the great vitality it possesses, and the bright future its manifold advantages bespeak for it. We thus aim to give confi- dence to those who have such interests here ; pleasure to such as were here of old, and remember the men and things of the past, and a spirit of inquiry, with a disposition to settle here to those who contemplate re- moval from elsewhere, whether to engage in manufac- turing, commercial, professional or any other business.

As the center and pivot of the extensive timber and lumber operations, that transform trees into buildings and fences, La Crosse uses, manufactures, distributes and exports over 250,000,000 feet of pine annually ; for it must be remembered that besides the timber from the Black River and its tributaries, as well as that from the Chippewa and its tributaries, are received and shipped considerable quantities of lumber from the pine districts east of the Black and Chippewa Valleys, which reaches La Crosse for distribution as the most conve- nient distributing point on the Mississippi River. With two exceptions, more lumber is manufactured at La Crosse than at any other point on the Mississippi River and its tributaries ; and, in computing the value of this industry, account must be taken of several firms having

headquarters here, but owning mills elsewhere ; of log- gers, who do not manufacture ; of the firms engaged in rafting and towing, and of the remunerative employ- ment furnished to a large number of men in booming, driving and various other ways.

To show to the outside world the importance of La Crosse as a lumbering center, we will give some inter- esting faets relative to this industry and the noted saw- mills of the vicinity, dealing with them in strict im- partiality.

The first lumbermen in this vicinity were the Mor- mons, who cut logs for their dwellings, etc., at Nauvoo, and persons from different localities, mostly Illinois, who were engaged in this industry here for a short time. In the Summer of 1852, George Farnham established a lumber yard in La Crosse, obtaining most of his stock from the Chippewa River. His first raft, containing about 200,000 feet, he purchased from one Gilbert, and was rafted down to La Crosse by a half-breed Indian. In the following Winter, Mr. Farnham and Samuel Wes- ton engaged in logging on the Black River. The 3,- 000,000 feet of logs cut by Mr. Weston were rafted to down-river points, while part of the 2,000,000 feet cut by Mr. Farnham supplied the saw-mill of Nichols & Tompkins, at Onalaska, which had that Winter been erected, the remainder being also rafted to down-river points. Among the other early lumbermen may be mentioned Timothy Burns, F. M. Rublee, S. T. Smith, Jolin S. Simonton, W. W. Crosby and Messrs. Gregory & Dyer. In 1853, or 1854, the Black River Booming Log-Driving Company was organized, and the first boom built on Black River in La Crosse County, at Onalaska, was by W. W. Crosby in 1855.

This booming and log-driving company finally, in 1864, were incorporated as the Black River Improve- ment Company, with a capital stock of $50,000. They now have improvements extending fifty miles up the Black River. The shipments from the Black River each year since 1867, in feet, are as follows: 1867, 88,632,300 feet ; 1868, 57,376,860 feet ; 1869, 160,573,- 890 feet; 1870, 170,920,870 feet; 1871, 127,055,590 feet : 1872, 125,766,190 feet ; 1873, 195,378,830 feet ; 1874, 188,907,320 feet; 1875, 188,344,640 feet ; 1876, 197,103,820 feet ; 1877, 86,434,260 feet ; 1878, 112,- 232,880 feet: 1879, 151,848,290 feet; 1880, 210,902,- 500 feet. For the decade including 1880, the total shipment foots up 1,583,974,420 feet.

In this connection, it may not be inappropriate to give a short historical sketch of the struggles, reverses and successes of those who first engaged in the lumber business in La Crosse, before entering upon a descrip- tion of the present vast lumbering establishments. The first saw-mill erected in La Crosse was called the La Crosse Lumber Company's Mill, and was built by Tim- othy Burns, F. M. Rublee, John S. Simonton and S. T. Smith, in 1852. It was located where the lofty brick chimney stood as a landmark for so many years, and which was torn down, a few years ago, to give place to the tannery of Davis, Medary & Platz. The mill was started late in the Fall of 1852, and ran only a short time, when the river closed. In 1853, the mill did a thriving business, cutting about 30,000 feet per day. With the exception of 100,000 feet, all the lumber cut this season was readily sold in La Crosse.

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HISTORY OF LA CROSSE COUNTY.

In October, 1853, the firm lost one of its members by the death of Mr. Burns, and about the latter part of November of the same year Messrs Simonton and Smith sold their interests to Messrs. Gregory and Dyer. The mill was enlarged by these gentlemen by the ad- dition of machinery by which they manufactured bran, flour, corn-meal, etc. The number of employes was about thirty, and the average wages paid about $1 per day. From 1853, the mill continued to run without any noticeable change until 1856 or 1857, when it burned down and was not rebuilt.

The second saw-mill established in the city was erected in 1856 by Sherman & Griswold, and was lo- cated on the flat below the city, a little west of where the Northwestern & Green Bay Railroad depot now stands. The mill had a cutting capacity of from 20,000 to 25,000 feet per day. Shortly after the mill began operations, a Mr. Steele, of Waukegan, Ill., was taken in as a partner in the business, and in 1857, a Mr. Marsh joined the firm. In the Fall of 1857, partner- ship was dissolved, and the business discontinued.

The mill was erected by Messrs Denton & Hurd in 1856, and began operations in the Spring of 1857. It had a capacity of from 20,000 to 25,000 feet per day. During the season of 1857, Jacob Spaulding secured an interest in the mill. It was not until 1858 when busi- ness was discontinued, C. L. Colman purchasing the machinery.

The first mill erected in the Fifth Ward (formerly North La Crosse) was built by R. E. Gillett in the Spring of 1856. It had a cutting capacity of about 10,000 feet per day, and was operated about four years, but Mr. Gillett was not very fond of competition, and having decided hopes that the railroad would make Tomah a place of considerable importance, and that neighboring towns springing up would afford him a greater market for his lumber, he moved there, taking his mill with him.

The second mill was built by Crosby, Hanscome & Co., which was also erected in the Spring of 1856, and its capacity was 12,000 feet per day. It employed from fifteen to twenty hands, and all the lumber cut was rafted to down-river points. It ran with reasonable regularity until September, 1863, when it accidentally took fire and was burned to theground.

Shepherd & Valentine built the third mill, in the Spring of 1856 also. This mill had a capacity of 15,000 feet per day, and employed about twenty men, to whom the average wages paid were $1.25 per day.

The fourth mill was erected by Sill, Loomis & Root, in the same stirring, enterprising period referred to in the preceding instances, the Spring of 1856. It was started up in April, and ran seven months. Its capac- ity was 15,000 feet per day, and eighteen or twenty men were employed, receiving as wages an average of $1.50 per day. The lumber was all rafted down the Mississippi to Sabula.

Buttrick Brothers built the fifth mill in 1857, near where the Washburn Mill now stands. It had a ca- pacity from 12,000 to 15,000 feet per day. It ran until the Fall of 1858, when it burned down.

With this short notice of the mills erected here in the early days of La Crosse, we will endeavor to give an idea of the vastness and importance of the great

mills now in operation, which for size, capacity and general excellence can hardly be excelled.

SAW-MILLS.

C. L. Coleman's Mill .- Peter Cameron erected a saw-mill where Mr. Coleman's now stands in 1854, but did not fit it up with machinery. In the Spring follow- ing the mill was purchased by Messrs Goldthwait & Brown, who put in machinery and commenced opera- tions with a capacity of 5,000 to 7,000 feet of lumber per day, which was then retailed at $27 per thousand.

The mill was run by these gentlemen only a few years, when they discontinued business. Mr. Coleman erected a shingle-mill, in 1854, about forty rods south of the present location of his saw-mill.

For two years a horse furnished the motive power. and the capacity was from 12,000 to 14,000 shingles per day. In 1856, an engine was added to the mill, and its capacity increased to 60,000 shingles per day, the price of which was then $5 per thousand.

In 1862, Mr. Coleman bought the machinery of the Denton & Hurd mill, which increased the capacity to 350,000 shingles per day. The mill ran from that time until 1868, when it burned down, and was never re- built. In 1866, he purchased his present site, together with the old Goldthwait & Brown mill, refitting this so that it had a cutting capacity of 30,000 feet per day. The lumber then sold for $23 per thousand. In 1869, the boilers of his old shingle-mill were added, increas- ing the capacity of the saw-mill to 50,000 feet per day. The number of hands employed at this time was about seventy, at an average daily compensation of $1.75. This mill burned down in August, 1875, but with char- acteristic energy and determination, Mr. Coleman at once began the erection of his present colossal struct- ure, in October, which was completed and put in oper- ation in the following Spring, and has run until the present time without any mishap worthy of notice. The capacity of the mill is 25,000,000 feet per year. Everything in and about it is arranged in the most complete and convenient manner. The main building is 60x227, two stories high ; the shingle-mill addition, 36x36 feet, also two stories high ; engine and boiler house, 44x80 feet. The machinery is driven by one 500-horse power engine, steam being furnished by six boilers twenty-four feet long. The machinery consists of two double rotaries, with Prescott's steam feed ; two gauges, one of fifty-four-inch, and the other thirty- six-inch gate ; three gang edges ; three trimmers and a twelve-block shingle machine. The planing-mill is 53x110 feet, two stories high, with a brick and iron engine and boiler house, 24x70 feet. The machinery in this building is driven by one forty-horse power en- gine, and consists of a surfacer, matcher, molding ma- chine, re-sawing machine, table-saw, jig-saw, etc. The saw-mill was built at an original cost of 879,000, and the planing-mill at a cost of $16,000, regardless, in each instance, of the lots.

The buildings and lots occupy now an area of thirty- one lots. In and about the mills are employed about 180 men, including a number of boys and girls, who are employed in packing shingles. The stock which supplies the mill comes from both the Black and Chip-

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pewa rivers, and the average amount of lumber on hand amounts to 10,000,000 feet.

The genial and enterprising proprietor of this mill, Mr. C. L. Coleman, has been prominently identified with the business interests of La Crosse since 1854, during which time he has done as much toward advanc- ing its prosperity, as any other person in the city. He is assisted by his son, Lucius, in conducting his im- mense business, whose efficient services and good judg- ment have contributed greatly to the welfare of the establishment.

W. F. & P. S. Davidson's Boat- Yard and Lumber Mills .- The combined interests carried on by the David- son Brothers, the largest individual interests in this por- tion of the State, if not in the Northwest, is the result of small beginnings, which, under careful management and by strict attention to business, have grown to almost unlimited dimensions. The successful indus- tries carried on by these gentlemen have redounded to their several and collective credits ; have contributed to enlarge the markets and increase the sale of com- modities ; to inspire citizens, as, also, those contem- plating citizenship, with confidence in the location of La Crosse and its importance as a trade center, and to attract capital hither for investment in the manufactur- ing, commercial and speculative undertakings accessible to all.

The first organization of the present boat-yard and lumber mills was made about the year 1860. At that time the business was limited to the building and re- pairing of river craft, and carried on under the name of the "Western Union Packet Company's Yards." In those days, notwithstanding the fact that marine inter- ests were of a more extended and remunerative char- acter, comparatively speaking, than at present, and the vard was constantly occupied with "jobs," etc., the re- sources of the firm was limited to what they now are, and the number of hands employed less than one-fifth the present force.

The improvements consisted of one mill edifice, sup- plied with machinery sufficient only for supplying ma- terials for use in the yard, marine railways that since have given place to improved machinery in that behalf, and other conveniences of a minor, not to say unim- portant, pattern. But forty men were employed, and the hours of labor were regulated according to the ex- igencies of the occasion and the usage of the period. In less than twenty years the enterprise has undergone a complete change in all its departments, mode of work, etc., etc.

During the war, the yard was taxed to its full capac- ity, and when the surrender estopped further hostil- ities, it might be imagined work was diminished, as re- gards both quantity and quality. But the contrary of this supposition is correct.

During 1866, George S. Weeks, a shipwright and a man of decided executive ability, was placed in charge by the Davidsons, the resources of the undertaking were increased, and day and night the yard resounded to the songs of 150 artificers, mechanies and laborers. During this period and succeeding years the yard was extensively patronized by steamboat companies, and some of the swiftest and most elegant floating palaces that ever plowed the Father of Waters were fashioned

or received their finishing touches on the ways of W. F. & P. S. Davidson. Among these are the "Alexander Mitchell," "Belle of La Crosse," "Mary Barnes," "An- nie," "Grand Pacific," "Alfred Tall," "Flying Eagle" and others, in addition to fleets of barges, tugs and river craft of less prominent a type.

In about 1876, the Messrs. Davidson became sole owners of the yard, and supplemented the repairing and building of boats with the manufacture of lumber. To do this successfully, required the erection of orig- inal improvements, as also the rebuilding of such as had previously existed. necessitating the outlay of large sums of money, and reducing the business to an abso- lute science. The consultation of the needs of the business resulted in machinery of the latest, most ap. proved and expensive in pattern, which was substitut- ed for the style which had become "stale" in compar- ison with that of a more modern day; facilities for the rapid preparation and handling of lumber were intro- duced, and not until $25,000 had been expended in buildings, machinery and equipments, were actual operations begun in the new field of enterprise. This dispensation was conducted with the same system, skill, intelligence and industry that characterized Da- vidson's prior engagements, and before the year had closed began to evidence the firm's foresight in the in- crease of business that followed, requiring a force of between two and three hundred men occupied daily in conserving.

In 1877, though work in that branch of the estab- lishment, as already suggested, had measurably dimin- ished, the old marine railways were abandoned, re- moved, and their place supplied by an entirely new line complete in the slightest detail. As built, they are said to be the finest on the river, with a capacity for unlimited tonnage, and supplied with tackle. ap- parel and furniture so completely, as to be able in less than six hours, to raise a boat 300 feet long, and of proportionate capacity, high and dry and ready for the ship-carpenter to test his skill upon. This re-construc- tion of the ways was made at a cost of $20,000.

If the business of boat-building "slackened," that of the manufacture of lumber increased. So much so had this obtained, that in a few years after its com- mencement, it was found that the means of supplying the demand were inadequate, and measures were at once inaugurated to make up the deficiency existing in that behalf. In 1880, the erection of the new mill was begun, and its completion attained during the Spring succeeding. The building is 170x50, two stories high, with the basement ; equipped with machinery. including rotaries and gang saws, also implements for the manufacture of lath and shingles, and the product placed upon the market, includes every variety of lum- ber from rough to finished. The cost of this improve- ment is stated at 830,000.

The location of this vast establishment is on North Third street in North La Crosse. The property com- prehends a river front of 1,200 feet and over, by an average depth of 550 feet to Third street, and is esti- mated to be worth, with the improvements, not less than 8250,000. These consist of the mills, the marine ways, machine shop, and other accessories. It requires seven engines of immense power to operate the ma-

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HISTORY OF LA CROSSE COUNTY.

ichinery employed, by which a log in the rough is sub- jected to a process, whence it is resolved into market- able lumber, lath and shingles, which are made up into rafts containing millions of feet, and are towed to mar- kets on the river and other routes, principally Du- buque, Quincy, Clinton, St. Louis and elsewhere.

The capacity of these mills are 300,000 feet of lum- ber ; 200,000 shingles, and 100,000 laths, each twenty- four hours, in which fifty millions of logs are annually worked up, furnishing employment to 300 men at a weekly cost of not less than $5,000, and doing a busi- ness of $5,000,000 per year.

Polley's Saw Mill .- This mill is situated on French Island, opposite the Fifth Ward, and at the western end of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway bridge that spans Black River. The site, although somewhat inconveniently situated, is considered one of the best on Black River for milling purposes, it hav- ing a river frontage of three-quarters of a mile; 115 acres are occupied by the mill, boarding-house, yards, etc. In 1870, the mill was erected by W. H. Polleys, Messrs. Nichols & Jefferson being the contractors. Its capacity, which has not been materially changed since its erection, is 5,000,000 feet per year. When completed in October. 1870, it began operations and continued till February of the following year, the proprietor having piled a great number of logs on the bank before Winter set in. In 1871, the mill ran about seven months, ent- ting in that time 3,600,000 feet of lumber, it all being rafted down the river. The number of men employed was about twenty-five, and the average wages paid was $1.30, the employes being boarded by the proprie- tors. In 1872, the mill ran only five months, sawing something over 2,200,000 feet. This year was also manufactured 60,000 pickets, and 340,000 laths. In 1873, about 2,200,000 feet of lumber were cut, the mill running about same length of time as in the year previous ; about 300,000 laths were also turned out this year and the lumber was all rafted down the river. The mill ran for a period of six months during the year of 1874, cutting nearly 3,000,000 feet, 500,000 feet of which was retailed and the remainder rafted. Nothing was done in the picket line, but about 1,200,000 laths were turned out. In 1875, the mill was started the 19th of April and did not shut down till the 19th of November. About 4,600,000 feet were sawed, together with 740,000 laths and 235,000 pickets. This year 1,800 cords of slabs were also turned out. The number of employes was increased to thirty and the average wages paid about $1.25 per day. During the season of 1876, the mill ran nearly seven months, cutting 4,500,- 000 feet being sawed with 1,000,000 laths and 40,000 pickets ; 1,000,000 feet of the lumber was piled and the rest rafted. About 1,800 cords of slabs were also sold. In 1877, the mill ran only three months and a half, and cut during that time 2,100,000 feet. Noth- ing was done this year in the picket line, but about 1,200,000 laths were turned out, together with 1,000 cords of slabs. In 1878, the mill ran only three months, and cut 1,900,000 feet, 500,000 of that amount heing piled ; no laths or pickets were made, but 1,500 cords of slabs were sold to different parties. In 1879, the mill commenced the 13th of May and cut between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 feet of lumber, of which

1,500,000 was piled and sold at retail ; neither pickets or laths were manufactured that year, but about 2,500 cords of slabs were turned out.

In 1877, W. H. Polley sold the mill to his two sons, W. E. and E. H. Polley, who have since run it in a very proper manner. The number of employes is about thirty, and the average wages paid is about $1 per day.

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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