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 176

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 176

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A. Z. BIRD, born in Bradford Co., Pa .; lived on his father's farm until, at the age of sixteen, he entered school at Knoxville, Ill., where he remained about two years, teaching during vacation. He then ac- cepted a position as salesman in the Menominee River Lumber Compa- ny's Store, at Menekaune, Wis., where he remained a short time until the fire of 1871, when he, with the rest of the Menekaune people was burned out, barely escaping with their lives. He then returned to Menom- inee, Mich., and followed the same business until the Summer of 1878, when he became a partner in the firm of Bird Brothers, at its organiza- tion putting in a heavy stock of groceries, provisions, crockery, etc., and engaged largely in general mercantile and shipping business.

HARLAN P. BIRD, Menominee, Mich. Like many others living- near the State boundary, his past history has been largely identified with Wisconsin. He left the homestead in Bradford Co., Pa., in 1858, to " seek his fortune" in the outside world. For two years he was eni- ployed as an assistant accountant by the contractor building the Brooklyn water works. On the completion of this work in 1860, he was engaged by the same employers to go to their lumbering establishment at Mene- kaune, Wis., as clerk and assistant book-keeper-before the completion of the year for which he had engaged, the well remembered call for soldiers to defend our country was heard throughout the land-and Mr. Bird, although a " stranger in a strange land " and barely of legal age was among the first to enlist. "No act of his life" he stated, was ever done under a deeper sense of duty, nor at a greater sacrifice of cherished hopes and plans for the future. His great aim had been to obtain a thorough education, now all was war-darkness, nothing to cheer save duty. He was enrolled in Co. F, 12th Wis. Inf. as private, and continued in the service until the close of the war in 1865. The history of the 12th Wis. Regt., and the 17th Army Corps is well written and well known. In all its active campaigns and engagements Mr. Bird participated, being off duty for sixty days only during the entire time of enlistment which was caused by a severe gun shot wound received during the Siege of Vicks- burg. Having no friends nor acquaintances whatever in Wisconsin, pro- motion in army life came slowly. Finally he was promoted regimental sergeant major, then second lieutenant, then first lieutenant. He was detailed as regimental adjutant and quarter master, brigade adjutant, acting assistant quarter master of 17th Army Corps while commanded by Gen. Frank P. Blair, and ordance officer of 3d Div. 17th Army Corps, commanded by Gen. M. D. Leggett. The most im- portant army operations in which he was engaged were the Kansas and Missouri Campaign-the sieges of Vicksburg and Atlanta-" March to the Sea," and from Savannah north to the Carolinas. At the close of the war, and after spending some time with eastern friends, Mr. Bird re- turned to the lumbering establishment where he had formerly been en- gaged (now known as the Menominee River Lumber Co.,) and remained several years as accountant and general assistant. In 1871, he engaged in mercantile business in Menominee, Mich., which he conducted with characteristic energy, and excellent success, establishing a large trade and very favorable reputation. In 1877, he was drawn into financial difficulties by his connection with building a mill at Stephenson Village, twenty miles north of Menominee, but taking hold of the matter with a determination to win, he removed to Stephenson, completed and operated the mill until the last dollar was paid in full and the concern put on a good basis for future work. He has recently leased the Stephenson mill and returned to Menominee, where he now resides. In spite of the drawback mentioned, Mr. Bird has been successful financially, and has accumu- lated property of considerable amount, which yields a generous income. He has long held the position of Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and is identified with moral and religious work. In 1869, he married the daughter of Rev. John Fairchild, of Marinette, Wis .; they have three children.

JAMES WESTON BIRD. Descended from the Bullocks, Mortirs, and Birds of New England. Born in Bradford Co., Pa. Through boy- hood manipulated a hand hoe on the rugged hills of the Keystone State. Engaged in teaching school at the age of nineteen, and in land survey- ing at same time. Was assistant teacher in the Genesee Valley Seminary at Belfast, N. Y., during the school years of 1865 and 1866. Declined an associate principalship in the same school and accepted the position of superintendent and principal of the graded school of Knoxville, Ill., in 1866. This position was held six years, during three of which years

Mr. Bird was City Surveyor. In the Summer of 1872, he removed to Menominee, Mich., where he had three brothers, two in business and one a physician, and here in this new lumbering town with a mass of scholars from a dozen different nations, speaking different tongues, some rich, some poor, he set about the task of working up a graded school. At the end of four years the Centennial historian said : " For the last four years J. W. Bird has had charge of this and the other schools in this district, and we may safely claim that our schools are as good as any in the State." Centennial History, p. 51. Mr. Bird was County Surveyor one term of two years. Resumed charge of the Knoxville, Ill., school for a year in 1876, and then resigned the position, gave up teaching after a service of some fifteen years; returned to Menominee, Mich., and engaged suc- cessfully in the mercantile and shipping business, and is now senior part- ner of the firm of Bird Brothers. He maintains an active connection with the fire department, with temperance work, Sunday school and church. Physically, Mr. Bird says: " I don't know what pain is, and have rarely been tired." He married Miss Eva Twitchell of Pulaski, N. Y., Jan. 8, 1879, and he has by a previous marriage, a son Harlan M., and a danghter Clara.

WM. BLOM, firm of W. Blom & P. Sibenaler, furniture and un- dertaking, Menominee. Mr. Blom is a native of Holland, born Jan. 18, 1818 ; he learned the trade of cabinet-maker in Holland. In 1856, came to America and went into the employ of John Greenwood, at She- boygan Falls, and remained with him for several years, also a short time at Appleton, then removed to Menasha, Wis., and engaged in furniture business, which he followed for thirteen years. In 1875, came to Me- nominee, and kept a hotel until February, 1877, when it was destroyed by fire ; he then opened a furniture store, and is now senior partner of the firm of Wm. Blom & P. Sibenaler. Married, April 7, 1848, Miss J. W. Sourmont, of Holland ; has three daughters married, W. H. Copp, conductor C. & N. W. R. R .; J. S. Warner, conductor C. & N. W. R. R .. and John Bushey, of Menominee ; one single daughter and son.

W. G. BOSWELL, retired, Menominee, born in New Hampshire in 1819 ; at the age of twenty he left his native State and went to Illinois ; in 1844, came to Green Bay and engaged in building a saw mill with Mr. Clark at White Fish River, Mr. Clark having the contract for carrying the mail from White Fish River to Copper Harbor in 1845 ; Mr. Boswell engaged to him to carry it the overland route ; it being the first time it had been taken that way he found it to be a very laborious undertaking. but being a strong and healthy young man he followed it for nine years, making his head-quarters at Green Bay. In 1850 he drove seventy-five head of cattle from Lake Co., Ill., to Leaunts, Lake Superior, making a two months' trip. In 1851, he built a saw mill at Leaunts Bay, Lake Superior, which he continued to run for five years; came to Men- ekaune, Wis., and engaged in building what is known as the New York mill, and then engaged in jobbing for the firm for some time. In 1863, he returned to Lake Superior and contracted with the Northern Iron Company, Marquette County, to furnish fuel for five years. In 1868, he removed to Brown County and engaged in farming until 1874, when he finally returned to Menominee, and laid out Boswell's addition to Me- nominee, consisting of forty acres; is now engaged in real estate. He was three years Supervisor in Marquette, and four years Justice of the Peace in Menominee.

J. R. BROOKS. Under-Sheriff, Deputy U. S. Marshal, and Special Police, Menominee. J. R. Brooks, one of the early pioneers of Me- nominee County, Mich., born in Eastport, Me., in 1833 ; left home when a boy and sailed out of Milwaukee for three years ; in 1850, he came to Menominee and worked at lumbering for about three years; then en- gaged in fishing, which he followed for twenty years. He was Deputy Collector of Customs for nine years, and also engaged in the fire insur- ance business. In June, 1876, he resigned his position of Deputy Col- lector of Customs, and is now Under-Sheriff, Deputy U. S. Marshal, and Special Police. Married, in 1858, Miss Caroline A. Abbott, daughter of S. W. Abbott, Esq., of Menominee ; have three sons and five daughters.

JOHN B. BUSHEY, boarding house keeper for the Kirby Carpen- ter Company, Menominee, a native of Vermont, born 1835 ; left his na- tive State in 1865; and was employed in the livery business in Men- asha, Wis., for about ten years ; he then came to Menominee, Mich., and run the Kirby House in company with W. Blom, Esq., till it was de- stroyed by fire; he then engaged with the Kirby Carpenter Company, March, 1874, to take charge of one of their mill boarding houses, which position he has occupied since. Enlisted Aug. 23, 1861, in Co. G, 5th Reg. Vt. Vet. Vol., and served during the war ; was orderly sergeant, and be- fore the final close, was promoted to the rank of sergeant-major. Mar- ried, in 1874, Miss Mary J. Blom, of Menominee, and has two bright children, a son and daughter.

LEON COTA, proprietor Montreal Ilouse, Menominec, born in Montreal, Feb. 24, 1823, came to Green Bay in 1848, came to Menomi- nee in 1860, and opened this house; he also engaged in farming, and owns 200 acres land, also three other houses in French Town. Ite has been engaged in the livery business, and also run a butcher shop; has been Overseer of Highways, and Treasurer of the School Board.

606

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

W. H. CROSBY, agent N. W. R. R. Co., is a native of Belvidere, Ill .; in 1869, commenced to learn telegraphing in the office of the com- pany ; worked for this company at Chester, Wis., Fond du Lac, Wis., Boone, lowa, Clinton, Iowa, Sac City, Iowa ; there he was engaged a short time in the hardware business, then returned to Fond du Lac, con- tinuing with this company ; December, 1878, came to Oconto, was ope- rator and clerk till February, 1880, when he came to Menominee, and has been agent for this company since.

DAVID DIVOST, filer at Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick Co.'s Bay Shore Mill, Menominee, born, Oct. 6, 1847, in Lower Canada, re- moved to Maine in 1867, worked there in a hotel; in 1868, came to Menominee, worked in Spafford & Gillmore's mill two years, then worked in the Kirby Carpenter Co.'s mill two years; in 1872, he se- cured employment with this company, where he has since worked. Married, in 1873, to Mary Gangraw, of New York State; they had three children-Delia and David William, lost Laura November, 1878, in her second year.

HENRY ERBE, wagon maker, Menominee, born in Germany, in the year IS40; he learned the trade of wagon making in his native country ; came to America in 1866, and worked a short time in Ply- mouth, Sheboygan County, Wis., and at Watertown. In 1867, he came to Menominee, Mich., and opened the first wagon shop in Menominee, since which time, he has been engaged in manufacturing wagons ; being a skilled workman, his business has rapidly grown. Mr. Erbe married, in 1868, Miss Caroline Kramer, of Germany, they have two bright chil- dren, a son eleven years old, and a daughter nine years.

ANDRUS EVELAND, fish dealer, Menominee, born in Canada, London District, Dec. 16, 1816, came to Chicago in 1836 ; followed sail- ing seven seasons ; in the meantime, he had removed to Racine, and worked on the Government works two seasons; in 1842, came to Me- nominee; has been engaged in fishing and lumbering since. He has taken as high as 1,000 barrels of fish in a season. He built the first frame building in Menominee, which is standing north of his residence ; he also opened the first road, and started the first school, hiring a a teacher at his own expense.

JOHN J. FARRIER, County Treasurer, Menominee, is a native of Waukegan, Ill. He worked at farming until the year 1863, and being a young man of industrious habits, enterprising and energetic, he only laid the foundation of his subsequent success as a business man. He went to Cairo, Ill., in the year 1863, and engaged as shipping clerk on the wharf boats, which he continued to follow until 1865, when he re- turned to Waukegan, and soon after broke his arm ; this accident caused him to be laid up one year. In 1869, he came to Menominee, and opened a boot and shoe store. Sold out his interest in 1873, and re- opened again in' 1874, and has continued in the same business since. He has been Town Clerk for the past nine years, and on account of be- ing elected County Treasurer in November, 1880, he resigned the office of Town Clerk. He has been a member of the Brass and String Band for the past twenty years.

HENRY O. FIFIELD was born in Corinna, Me., Oct. 7, 1841. He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1854, locating at Prescott. In 1858, he entered the Transcript office, then the property of Charles E. Young, where he learned the "art preservative." In the Spring of 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, Ist Minn. I., being the first person to volun- teer in Pierce County. He served with his regiment three years and six days, during which time he underwent all the hardships of active serv- ice, only being three days off duty. llis command joined the Army of the Potomac in June that year, and participated in the famous battle of Bull Run, losing nearly 200 of its members. It followed the fortunes of that army until within a few months of the expiration of its term of enlistment, when the command, 300 strong, out of 1,700 men all told, were sent back to "whence they came " and received their discharge. After passing through twenty-three battles and an untold number of skirmishes, he escaped without being seriously hurt, but met with many narrow escapes. Discharged from the army, he resumed work in the printing office. Ile worked for Lute A. Taylor, one of Wisconsin's no- blest editors, several months, when he secured a " case " in the St. Paul Daily Press office, where he remained during the Summer of 1865. In September of that year, he joined his brother, Ilon. Sam S. Fifield, at Osceola Mills, Polk Co., Wis., and engaged in the publication of the Polk County Press. On the twenty-fifth day of September, 1866, he was married to Miss Emma L. Walker, of that place, who still lives to grace his happy home. After four years' residence in the St. Croix Valley, Mr. Fifield moved to Bayfield, Lake Superior, where his brother Sam and himself established the Press, Henry taking full charge as printer and editor. Ile printed a six-column, all-at-home sheet, for one year and a half, when the brothers decided to move it to Ashland. This was ac- complished in June, 1871. Sam sold his Polk County paper and joined his brother that year, and for the two years following they issued the pa- per as equal partners, when 11. O. sold his interest to Sam and returned to the St. Croix Valley. There is a bit of pioneer life connected with the publication of the Ashland Press that may be of interest to the readers of this volume. The Bayfield material was placed upon a lum-

ber-laden scow and was towed to Ashland late at night. When the boat reached that point quite a sea was raging and it became necessary to re- move the cases that were scattered over the lumber. This was done suc- cessfully, and before daylight the following morning he had packed the entire outfit to his new quarters, and promptly at 7 o'clock picked up "stick and rule" and " stuck " the first type ever set in the county. Previous to the removal of the paper to Ashland, he printed the first is- sue in a barn at Bayfield, and he was not joined by his brother until he had struck off the second number in the new office in Ashland. Since his retirement from the Press, Hon. S. S. Fifield has continued its pub- lication. From September, 1874, Mr. H. O. Fifield has been engaged in the printing business in various capacities. During the Winter of 1879, he obtained a clerkship in the Wisconsin Assembly, and in February of that year was engaged by Mr. James A. Crozer, of. the Menominee (Mich.) Herald, to take charge of his business as local editor and busi- ness manager, in which capacity he was employed up to June 8, 1881, when he purchased the Herald, and is now the editor and proprietor. He is publishing a nine-column folio, doing the entire editorial labor and much of the job work. He is meeting with excellent success and issuing an able and interesting paper. He is a man of good abilities, is a sober and industrious citizen, and can always be found on the side of right and justice ; is doing a good work for his town and county, and pro- poses to pass his remaining years in the home of his adoption.

JOSEPH FLESHIEM, insurance and real estate, Menominee. Born in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1867, he went to Lower Michigan, and engaged as journeyman in manufacturing cigars, and remained there until 1870; and in April, 1871, he came to Menominee, Mich., and con- tinned to work at the same business until February, 1872. He being a talented young man, and of exemplary habits, received the appoint- ment of Deputy County Clerk and Register of Deeds under Ed. Leake, Esq., which position he held until Jan. 1, 1875. In November, 1874, he was elected County Clerk and Register of Deeds, the duties of which he had faithfully and competently filled while acting as Deputy under Mr. Leake. In January, 1875, he qualified and entered upon the new duties of his office, and was re-elected three successive terms, during which time he prepared an abstract title of real estate, and in 1876 he purchased Ed. Leake's abstract and insurance business. He is a stock- holder and secretary of Lumberman Mining Company. Was elected Town Treasurer in Spring of 1881. He is also secretary of the Menom- inee Fire Department, and one of the first members. Is now doing a very extensive business in insurance and real estate.

MAX FORVILLY, proprietor Forvilly House, Menominee. Is a native of Belgium. In 1855, came to Green Bay, where he lived till the breaking out of the War. Then he enlisted in Co. G, 17th Wis. V. I. Served three and one-half years. Participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Tupelo, Tenn., Nashville, Pleasant Hill, La., Booneville, Mo., Kingston, N. C., and others. Returned to Green Bay, and married Miss Theressa Lambert, of Green Bay, in 1866. They have eight children, five sons and three daughters. In 1867, came to Menominee. The following year he built this house, which he has since managed.

ANDREW GRAM, chief engineer and machinist for Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick Company, Menominee. A native of Denmark. Born Jan. 9, 1841. Came to America in 1855, and settled at Ft. How- ard, Wis. Being desirous of learning the machinist trade, he was ap- prenticed at the Tank Foundry, and remained there three years. In 1858, he went to Milwaukee and worked in the Watertown & Baraboo Railroad shops one year. Then returned to Green Bay and worked at East River Foundry, and remained there till the breaking out of the War. He enlisted, in 1861, in Co. HI, 12th Wis. V. I. He partici- pated in the Siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta and others, and served three years. Returned to Green Bay in 1865, and came to Menominee, Mich., and went into employ of Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick Company, and has held his present position ever since. He was first engineer of the Menominee Fire Department, and still holds the same position. Married, in 1865, to Hannah M. Campbell, of Green Bay. She died in 1869, age twenty-three years, One son, John A. Second marriage, in 1875, to Miss Anna Evans, of Waukesha. Has four children-Clinton W., Louis M., Jennie and an infant not named.

NELS P. GRAM, engineer Fire Department, Menominee. Is a native of Denmark. Born May 15, 1848. Came to Milwaukee in 1864, where he remained three years. In 1867, came to Menominee. Was employed as engineer for R. Stephenson & Co. Remained in that em ploy seven years. Since then he has been in the employ of the Fire Department as engineer. Married, in 1878, to Netta Thompson, of Milwaukee. They have one son, Jesse H.

ROWLAND HARRIS, foreman in the Kirby Carpenter Company's saw-mill, Menominee. A native of Wales. Born in 1843. Came to America in 1852, and worked about seven years in a saw-mill at Escan- aba, Mich. In the Spring of 1859, he came to Menominee, and went into the employ of the Kirby Carpenter Company, as sawyer in one of their mills. His ability soon became recognized, and he was advanced to position of foreman of what is known as the old " K. C. Co.'s saw-

607

HISTORY OF MARINETTE COUNTY.

mill," which position he has occupied for the past twelve years. His sister is the wife of Hon. S. M. Stephenson, of Menominee. Mr. Harris married Miss Melisha Eveland, of Menominee, in 1864, and has a family of five daughters and three sons.

EDWARD HATTON, filer for Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick Co., Menominee. Is a native of Pennsylvania, born Sept. 14, 1844. Came to Van Buren Co., Mich., and worked at sawing and filing till 1866, when he came to Menominee and engaged with Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick Co., as circular saw filer, having remained with this com- pany ever since. Married in 1868, Miss Catharine McGuire. They have three sons-Edward Henry, Thomas and Alfred James.

DR. JOHN F. HICKS, physician and surgeon, Menominee. Is a native of Canada, he commenced the study of medicine in Victoria, graduated at Ann Arbor Medical College, in 1865, returned to Canada, and again graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1866. He came to Menominee in 1877, and has followed his profession since. In 1880, he became a member of the firm of Hicks & Hoska, furniture and undertaking, He has held the office of County Physician, and is now Health Officer of Menominee.

A. H. HILL, proprietor Menominee R. R. Planing Mill. Born in Rhode Island in 1841. He followed the millwright business until 1870, when he went to Colorado and accepted a position as engineer with the Boston Silver Mining Association and remained in their employ for two years. In 1873, he went to Saginaw Valley and followed milling until 1879, when he came to Marinette, Wis., and engaged with Mr. Tweedie in the planing mill, and also worked a short time in employ of Marinette Paper Co. Being a practical millwright and an energetic man, he built a planing mill in Menominee in the Spring of 1881, com- pleting it in June, which is styled Menominee Rail Road Planing Mill.

WILLIAM HOLMES, woods superintendent "The Kirby Car- penter Co." Is a native of New Brunswick. At about the age of seven- teen years he came to Maine, there worked at the lumber business about four years, then came to Minnesota, where he lived four years, then re- moved to Escanaba, in 1858, came to Menominee, Mich., and has since then been with "The Kirby Carpenter Co." He first engaged in job- bing, and for the past seventeen years has been their outside superin- tendent, locating camps and overseeing logging, driving, etc. He owns one of the finest residences in Menominee, built in 1876, situated in one of the most pleasant locations. Married, in 1859, to Miss Augusta J. Chandler, of Maine. They have five children-one daughter and four sons ; they have been bereaved by the loss of their much cherished child, Hellen J., who died in the Fall of 1880 ; aged eight years.

MATTHEW HORROCKS, foundry and machine shop, Meno minee. Is a native of England; in 1863, came to New Jersey, worked there at his trade for several years, then came to Muskegon and was foreman for A. Rogers several years. In 1880, came to Menominee, and took charge of this business. Married, in 1873, to Miss Margaret Taylor, of England. They have two children, one son and daughter.

GEORGE HORVATH, dry goods and clothing, Menominee. Is a native of Austria, in 1852, came to Chicago, was employed in a clothing store. In 1867, came to Menominee, and at once opened this business, commencing with a stock of about $1,000. His business has now in- creased, requiring a stock, which he carries, of $20,000, all of which he has acquired by attention to business since coming here. Married, in 1869, to Laura Sherman. She was born in Indiana. They have one daughter. Has been trustee and treasurer of the Catholic Church, of which he is a member.

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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