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 172

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 172

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W. R. PATRICK, superintendent Marinette Paper Company, Ma- rinette, is a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., born in 1845. At the age of about fifteen years he came with his parents to Dover ; there assisted his father in farming ahout three years; he then went to Hartford, Conn. ; thence to New Milford, Conn., and was appointed superintendent of a a paper mill ; he held that position till 1872, when he came to Marin- ette ; worked for R. Stephenson & Co., two Summers. The following Winter after coming here, he went to Fond du Lac, put in the machin- ery and superintended running a mill there about six months; then returned to Marinette, and had charge of Stephenson's steam-tug till Sep- tember, 1874, when he went to Kankakee, Ill., put in the machinery and started the Kankakee Paper Company's Mill. Then he went to Fond du Lac and was appointed superintendent of the paper mill there; continued there till the Spring of 18,5, when he hired out to Hamilton, Merryman & Co., of Marinette, as their chief engineer ; continued with them till 1879 ; he then erected a small experimental mill at the lower falls, which has since been removed and a large mill erected in its place, by Bradner Smith & Co., of Chicago. Mr. Patrick is the inventor of a great many valuable patents and these works are being operated under his patents. The pulp manufactured here is unsurpassed by any mill in the country.

CHARLES E. PETERSON, furniture and undertaker, Marinette, Hun native of Sweden. Came to Boston, Mass., 1861 ; came to Peshtigo, 10 1864; worked there at this business till 1867, when he came to Mar- Tocite ; he commenced this business with a small stock. He now car- lø on a very prosperous business. This is the first furniture store

opened in Marinette. Married, in 1869, to Miss Jennie Church. She was born in New York. They have four children-Mary Mand, Frank, Otto W. and Clara J. Members of the Presbyterian Church.

H. J. PLACE, meat market, Marinette, is a native ol Hinesburg, Vt. Came with his parents to Peshtigo, in 1855. He assisted his father in the hotel and farm, till 1870, when he removed to Marinette, and at once opened this market, His father died Nov. 16, 1875, aged forty-three years.

JOHN PORTERFIELD, grocery and hotel, Marinette, is a native of New Brunswick. Came to Marinette, June, 1858 ; worked at the lumber business for I. Stephenson, about ten years. Since then, he has been engaged in the grocery and hotel business. He has been Con- stable three years.

ANDREW C. POST, manager of Mr. Bainbridge's store, in Mar- inette. He was born in New Jersey; came to Menominee, Mich., in 1873, and has been engaged in various kinds of business, up to the Spring of ISS1, when he took charge of this store. He was in the army ; enlisted, August, 1861, in Co. I., Ist N. J. C., and served about four years.

JOHN H. RICHARDSON, superintendent Marinette Iron Works, Is a native of St. Joseph Co., Ind. When a child, his parents went to Seneca Co., N. Y. At about the age of fifteen years, he com- menced to learn the machinist trade at the Seneca Falls Iron Works ; worked here about three and a half years, then came to Indiana, and worked one season at the St. Joseph Iron Works, and a short time at the La Porte Railroad shops, then came to Litchfield, Ill., and worked at the St. Louis & Terre Haute shops, about three years. He then made a trip to California on account of his health ; returned in 1860, and worked for the C. & N. W. R. R., at Chicago, in their shops and yards. He, with Mr. Tobias, opened a machine-shop, in Chicago, and ran it about one year ; then returned to the employ of the C. & N. W. R. R. Co .; had charge of their shops, about eighteen months. In 1869, he was employed by the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad Company ; continued about one year ; then returned to Chicago, and took charge of the Pho- nix Iron Works, under T. K. Holden. May 9, 1871, he came to Mar- inette, and has since been with this company.

JAMES RUSSELL, of Russell & Murphy, editors "of Marinette North Star, is a native of Hartford, Washington Co., and his father was a farmer in that town ; such an education as the village school afforded the subject of this sketch, he obtained until he was fourteen years of age. At that period of his life, his parents removed to the then immature town of Mankato, Minn., and it was there that the hoy's journalistic twig was inclined as the tree has become bent. As will be seen, he tried to evade the spell, but unsuccessfully. There was a Democratic paper pub- lished in Mankato called The Record, and it must have been a progress- ive office, for Russell learned his trade there in less than a year. Mr. J. C. Wise was the editor, and possibly the same had something to do with the influences surrounding the establishment. Mr. Russell, now passing from boyhood to manhood, was becoming to be recognized in newspaper circles. He was offered, and accepted, a position as foreman and local reporter upon the Herald, published at Garden City, in the same State. Mr. Russell counts several months of not particularly happy experience in that connection. Although his inclinations had been in that direction, his pecuniary successes had been few, and Mr. Russell made up his mind to become a lawyer. With that object in view, he returned to his native State, and entered the University of Wisconsin for a course of studies. His health became poor, and he was ordered by medical advice to retire from his class temporarily. He did so, and sought rest at home again. In February, 1870, he was offered a posi- tion on the Fond du Lac Journal, a weekly newspaper, then conducted by Messrs. Beeson & Bohan, Mr. Bohan being an uncle of Mr. Russell. From this time on, the gentleman's career is well known in Wisconsin newspaper circles, and the details can be condensed. Connected indi- rectly with the fournal office, at the date last mentioned, was the Star Joh Printing Office, one of the largest and most completely equipped steam printing houses in the State. Into this concern Mr. Russell pur- chased, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Leonard, Bohan & Russell. In September, 1873. he purchased a one-half interest in the Journalfrom Mr. Bohan, theother half being sold to Mr. T. F. Strong, Jr., and the firm of Strong & Russell became the proprietors of the publica- tion. The job department was at the same time re-organized by transfer, and passed into the property of Leonard, Russell & Strong. In 1874, the stock organization known as the Star Printing Company was chartered, and on the following Ist of January, the job and newspaper interests were consolidated, and the company commenced business with Mr. Rus- sell as a principal stockholder, and in the position of editor. Since then, until July, 1880, the management has never passed from him. At that time, he sold his interest to E. Beeson. In 1875, he accepted the nomi- nation of the Democratic party for State Senator, as a leader of a for- lorn hope, and polled a vote in excess of his party strength in the dis- trict. In the year following, he was elected Clerk of the Court for the county, after a desperate political fight. He is now practically out of politics, further than his journalistic duties lead him. Mr. Russell was

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HISTORY OF MARINETTE COUNTY.

married, on Christmas Day, 1873, to Miss Katie Riley, a society lady of Fond du Lac. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are proud in the possession of one boy. In October, 1880, he, with Mr. J. C. Murphy, established the North Star, at that time. It may not be out of place to state that Mr. Russell's rapid rise in journalistic prominence is due, undoubtedly, to his keen perception of human nature, as established in his business. He does not allow anybody about his premises an hour longer than he thinks his presence is worth the territory he occupies. Mr. Russell has enjoyed the distinction of being the editor of one of the oldest news- papers in Wisconsin Territory or State.

FREDERICK SCHALE, saloon, Marinette. Is a native of Prussia, came to Menominee, Mich., 1872, worked for R. Stephenson & Co. about one year, then came to Marinette and tended bar one year. Returned to Menominee and tended bar at the First National Hotel. June, 1876, he went to Milwaukee, and enlisted in the U. S. Cavalry, went to Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, fought the Indians at Standing Rock Agency, October, 1876. They then marched to Fort Totten, where they were stationed during the Winter. March 14, 1877, they left in search of the Nez Perces Indians, overtook them in June, when they fought this tribe. They then marched to the Black Hills in search of the high-way robbers, captured some of them at Sulphur Springs, re- turned to Fort Totten ; there they wintered. May 24, 1878, they left in search of the Cheyenne tribe, fought them Oct. 22, 1878. He then was sent forty miles through the Indian Territory for re-enforcements, and for this daring adventure was granted a furlough of four months. Returned to Menominee and again joined his regiment April 28, 1879. They started again in pursuit of the hostile Indians ; was disabled June 14, taken to the hospital where he remained till Sept. 4, when he returned to Menominee. Worked for Stephenson & Co. till May 1, 1881, when he bought out this business.

DR. J. J. SHERMAN, physician and surgeon, Marinette. Is a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. Came to Marinette in 1853. He commenced the study of medicine in 1860, with Dr. J. C. Hall. He also attended a course of lectures at the Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1863-64, then returned to Marinette and commenced practicing with Dr. Hall, and has since been in constant practice. In the Fall of 1880, he again went to Chicago; there attended the Rush Medical College, and graduated Feb. 22, 1881. He has been Town Assessor, Treasurer and Clerk; has been Justice of the Peace; was the first Sheriff of this county; he has taught school here eight terms, and has held all the school offices; he was Postmaster at Menekaune from 1862 to 1871, and again appointed in 1879. He was the U. S. Enumerator for this dis- trict in 1880. Was chairman of the relief committee in 1871-72 .;

J. D. SMITH, of J. D. Smith & Co., general merchandise, Mari- nette. Is a native of Lycoming County, Pa. In 1858, he came to Mene- kaune. was engaged in the lumber business with the New York Lumber Co. till 1861, when he enlisted in Co. F, 12th Wis. Inf. In 1862, he was transferred to Commissary Department of the 4th Division of the Army of the Tennessee ; was mustered out in 1864, then returned to Menekaune, and again worked for the New York Lumber Co. till the Spring of 1872, when he established this business. They also carry on another store at Quinnesec, Mich., firm name Smith & Loughrey. Mr. Smith has held the office of Town Treasurer three years and Town Clerk one year.

W. E. SMITH, firm of Woodward & Smith, general merchandise, Marinette. Is a native of Boonville, Oneida County, N. Y. Came to Sheboygan Co., Wis., with his parents, when about two years old. He learned the printer's trade in Fond du Lac; worked at it there about four years. He enlisted in 1865, in the 47th Wis. Inf., afterward transferred to Co. E, 50th Wis. Inf .; was mustered out April, 1866. In 1871, came to Marinette. Was foreman of the Eagle office till June, 1880, when this business was established. Mr. Woodward became a member of this firm March 16, 1881. He was married October, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of D. E. Woodward, who was born at Syracuse, N. Y. At the age of nineteen years he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated at the Gen- eva Medical College in 1857. He came to Hortonville, Wis., in 1851, and practiced his profession in Wisconsin about seven years, also dentistry about seventeen years. He has also been engaged in mer- chandising about twenty-one years, He owns the finest farm in Outag- amie County, consisting of 240 acres, 170 acres cleared. This farm is pro- vided with all the latest improvements in watering stock, tilling the soil, etc .; it has an orchard of over 900 trees. Ile built a house which cost over $5,000, which was burned in April, 1878.

ED. SCOFIELD, manufacturer of lumber, Marinette. He came to Oconto in 1868, and was in the employ of Mix & Hall, as foreman, for eight years, up to 1876 ; then he leased the Orr mill, and ran it four years ; then he ran the Speice mill for one year, and in the Spring of 188I came to Marinette, and took charge of the McCartney mill. He employs forty hands on an average, and cuts about 100,000 feet yearly, clear. Feb. 10, 1878, he was appointed Timber Agent, by Gov. Smith, the position he still holds. He is also a member ot the Masonic Lodge.

ISAAC STEPHENSON, vice-president of the N. Ludington Company, was born near Frederickton, New Brunswick, June 18, 1829. Scotch, Irish and English blood runs in his veins. His great-grand- father was a Scotchman, his father, Isaac, was born in Ireland, and bis mother, Elizabeth, was of English ancestry, her birth-place being Lon- don. His father came to New Brunswick when nineteen years of age, and settled near Frederickton, where his son was born. In 1840, Mr. Stephenson emigrated to Maine with his family, and hisson had a chance (and improved his opportunity) of receiving a practical education in the forests of the old Pine Tree State. Young Stephenson remained in Maine until 1845, when he removed to Milwaukee, and entered into business relations with Jefferson Sinclair, one of the most prominent lumbermen of that State, and with whom he had previously been

acquainted. Mr. Sinclair built the great Penobscot boom, previous to locating in the West, and superintended it for six years. When young Stephenson arrived, the former had purchased an interest in the Esca- naba mill, and bought a fine tract of farming land near Janesville, Wis. In the Summer of 1846, he put in 400 acres of wheat, of which his sturdy young friend from Maine broke up 130 acres himself. In the Fall of that year, Stephenson is found at Escanaba driving a six-ox team in live, Yankee fashion, putting in logs and spars. In the Winter he proudly took charge of an enormous 107-foot liberty pole, cut at Escanaba, and hauled from Milwaukee to Janesville, to be there planted, where it remains to this day. The huge piece of timber was given to Rock Co., Wis. Mr. Stephenson continued in Mr. Sinclair's employ, either as contractor or foreman of camps, until 1854. He spent most of his Summers in Milwaukee, engaged principally in sailing, owning a controlling interest in, and being master of, a schooner before he was twenty-one. In the Spring of 1854, he went to Masonville, Mich., for Holt & Mason, locating pine lands and taking a contract to stock the mill with logs for three years. In 1857, he bought a half interest in the property, from Mr. Mason, but the panic of 1857 broke up the transaction, and the purchase was abandoned. In May, 1858, as stated, he bought a quarter interest in the N. Ludington Company, and located in Marinette, where he has since resided. In the Fall of 1863, he became one of the owners of the Ludington & Wells, now the Ludington, Wells & Van

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Schaick Company. He had a sixth interest, but sold it in 1868. In 1867, Mr. Stephenson was authorized by leading lumbermen to com- mence the erection of dams, booms and piers, now controlled by the Menominee River Manufacturing Company, for the purpose of divid- ing, sorting and handling the logs which were cut and hauled to and into the river, there to intermingle and cause every imaginable trouble and confusion to the owners. The result of his labors is seen at Marinette, and the supply is now brought to its destination regularly and systemati- cally, without jam or confusion. Each man is as sure of his own as if the logs had been branded. Mr. Stephenson still remains vice-president and manager of the corporation, which controls all log-driving improve- ments, or those to be made, upon the Menominee River and its tribu- taries. In 1867, he obtained an interest in the Peshtigo Company, Will- iam B. Ogden, president. Mr. Stephenson was vice-president and man- ager, and under his direction was erected, at the mouth of the river, one of the largest mills in the country. He also built the immense tub and pail factory at Peshtigo, destroyed in the fire of 1871. The barge line of the Peshtigo Company, the first one on the lakes, and considered im- practicable on Lake Michigan at the time, was established by him in 1867. He was also one of the original promoters of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Company, and is one of the executive committee. In a word, there has been no important move accomplished in the lumbering in- terests of Northern Wisconsin in which Mr. Stephenson has not taken a leading, and oftentimes the leading part. In 1866, Mr Stephenson was elected a member of the Assembly from the district comprised of Door, Oconto and Shawano counties, and re-elected in 1868 from the district comprising Shawano and Oconto. He has been Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Justice of the Peace for fourteen years, and held other 1 cal offices. Those of more importance have been within his reach, but the magnitude of his business interests, if not inclination itself, preclude him from political indulgence. He took a leading part in the organiza- tion of Marinette County in 1879, and donated the site for the court- house. As to his political faith, he was originally a Whig, became a Republican as soon as the party was created, and has remained steadfast ever since. Mr. Stephenson's enterprise and public spirit extends into many channels. As an evidence, he has recently erected an opera-house, costing $10,000. His benevolences, however, are many and unosten- tations. He is, especially, a friend to the churches, and sites for their buildings which he has donated are on both sides of the Menomonee. From this sketch it must be inferred that Mr. Stephenson is a self made man. In his business relations, either as a member of his own firm or in his transactions with others, his characteristics are integrity and fairness, sound judgment and clear perception. He is a man of remarkable memory, and his mind is therefore well stored with that which both profits and entertains. In his friendships he is warm and firm, and his Insight into character makes of him a man who seldom has a twinge of regret at misplaced confidence. In fact, after a residence of twenty- three years in Marinette his character still remains intact in its solidity and probity.

ISADORE S. STRASS. proprietor Fond du Lac House, Marinette, is a native of Austria. Came to Escanaba, Mich., in 1867; there he clerked in a dry goods store about one and one-half years. In 1869, came to Green Bay. In 1871, came to Marinette, where he has since resided. Ile owns this house, which he built in 1878. It contains about thirty rooms, and is doing a very fine trade.

W. J. SUELFLOHN, proprietor of billiard hall and sample room. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1846, and came to Marinette, Sep- tember, 1879, and established his present business. He is a member of the Turner Society.

S. M. STEPHENSON, vice-president of the Kirby-Carpenter Co., was born in New Brunswick, in the vicinity of Woodstock, Dec. 25, 1831, When nine years of age, his father removed with his family to Maine, and until young Stephenson was seventeen years old he lived and worked in the pineries of the Aroostook. His elder brother, Isaac, had already settled in the West, being in the employ of Jefferson Sinclair, the noted Maine lumberman. Samuel, therefore, was induced to come to Escanaba, where he remained, working for Mr. Sinclair one year ; then went to Maine. After returning, worked for Mr. Sinclair two years, and Holt & Mason two years. Then went to Menomonee, in 1866. He has since resided there, being among its leading spirits, both in business and public enterprises,

His money finds its way into many channels outside the business to which he has devoted his life. He is now erecting a fine hotel on the corner of Main and Lud- ington streets. It is to be built of red brick, with stone trimmings, three stories in height, 120x67 feet with " I." in the northeast corner, and will be first-class in all its furnishings and accommodations. The building, which will cost $65,000, is to be ready for occupancy by the Summer of 1882, and will prove a most useful adornment to Menominee. That Mr. Stephenson's sound common-sense is developed in more ways than those which make of him a successful husiness man, is evident from the fact that he has repeatedly been called upon to represent, not only a home constituency, but an extensive section of the State. Ile has held the office of Supervisor since the County of Menomonee was organized, in 1863. He represented his Assembly District in 1877, and served his

constituents in the Senate during 1878-9. In 1880, Mr. Stephenson was chosen as an elector at large on the Republican ticket. He has al- ways been a firm believer and advocate of Republican principles, and

means to die in the faith. In short, his character may be summed up in these words : whatever he believes and whatever he does, he believes and does with all his might and with all his soul.

EDMOND TOBIN, manager and patentee of the Alarming Combi- nation Sash Holder and Sash Lock, Marinette. At the age of nineteen years he came to Marquette, Mich., learned the millwright trade, and remained there about three years. He then traveled through Wiscon- sin, working at this trade. In about 1867, came to Oconto, and has been a resident of this locality since. For many years he has devoted his time to this patent, and is now rewarded by the grandest production of inventive genius, having just sold a bill of $700 in Marinette. His sales will be enormous when once placed upon the market.

JAMES TWEEDIE, proprietor Marinette Planing Mill, Marinette, is a native of New Brunswick. At the age of about twenty-four years, he came to Masonville, Mich. There he worked at the lumber business till 1859, when he came to Menominee, worked for the Kirby Carpenter Company about eleven years. In 1870 he, with Mr. Wright, bought this mill, and ran it about three years, when it was consumed by fire. IIe at once rebuilt and ran it till 1879, when it was again destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt it, and has since been running it.

WATSON BROS., hardware and stoves, Marinette. This business was established in 1873; first started in this store with a very small stock. The store then was 22x36. They have now worked into a large and prosperous trade, being obliged to enlarge their store, which is now 22x120 feet ; doing a business of about $70,000 a year, and constantly increasing.

D. G. WEAVER, firm of Mendlek, Weaver & Co., Marinette Mar- ble Works, is a native of Chemung Co., N. Y. Came to Green Bay in 1855 ; worked in a shingle mill. Afterward removed to a farm, where he worked a few years. He then followed the lakes one year. In 1863

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HISTORY OF MARINETTE COUNTY

he enlisted in Co. H, 39th Wis. Inf .; served to the end of the war. He was transferred, in 1864, to the 9th Wis. Battery. Participated in the battle at Memphis, Tenn., Corinth, in the Red River expedition, in Sherman's march to the sea and others. He then returned to Oconto, and followed the lakes again, about eleven years in all. In 1876 he com- menced to learn the marble trade, and established this business Nov. 22, 1880.

DR. L. E. WHITMAN, druggist, Marinette. Is a native of New York. Came to Marinette, Wis., in 1867, where he remained till 1872; when he went to Menoninee, Mich., and opened a drug store ; continued it till 1875, when he again returned to Marinette, and since then has carried on this business. He commenced the study of medicine in Bourbon, Ind., in 1865; practiced till about 1873.

S. J. WHITNACK, foreman for James Scott, livery and sale stable, Marinette. Was born in New York State; came to Neenah in 1856, and was engaged in farming and milling. He enlisted, in 1864, in Co. E, 42d Wis. V. I., and served till the close of the war. In August, 1880, he came to Marinette, and has been engaged in his present busi- ness since.

CALEB WILLIAMS, superintendent N. Ludington Company, Marinette. Is a native of England. Came to Palmyra, N. Y., when a boy. In 1867, came to Racine County. Worked in a grist mill about one and one-half years, then clerked in a store about one and one-half years. He then, with his father, carried on the commission busi- ness about one year. May 8, 1867, he came to Marinette; worked for Stephenson, Gram & Co., in the lumber business. A few months later he took charge of their books; held that position till September, 1872, when he was appointed superintendent, which position he has since held. In the Fall of 1871, he was treasurer of the Relief Society.

E. B. WILLIAMS, of the firm of Williams Bros., dealers in hard- ware, Marinette. He was born in England and came to Peshtigo, and was engaged in the same business. Burned ont in 1871, and lost every- thing except some of their tools, which they took and went to Missouri, and worked at the tinner trade for about five years. Came to Marinette and established their present business in 1876. Were burned out again in 1879, and immediately rebuilt their present store.

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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