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 178

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 178

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C. SPRONG, iron master, Menominee, is a native of Berkshire Co., Mass. In 1868 he commenced to learn the furnace business, and has since followed it. He came to Menominee in 1873, and took charge of the blast furnace, which position he held till November, 1880. In the Summer of this year he built and operated a furnace at Charlevoix, Mich., sold out his interest in the Spring of 1881, and is now engaged in building a furnace at Florence, Wis.

HON. R. STEPHENSON, of the firm of Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick. lumber, Menominee, is a native of New Brunswick. Came to ·Minnesota in 1852, thence to Escanaba, in 1858. Came to Menominee where he has since lived. He commenced in jobbing, which he contin- ued till 1863, when this firm was established, of which he has been a member since. They employ about 550 men Winters, and about 250 men about the mill Summers, and about 200 men at their yards in Chi- cago. They also own three farms where they employ about twenty-five men. He was elected a member of the Legislature in 1880, representing the counties of Menominee and Escanaba. Has been Town Supervisor and Treasurer, and has held most of the local offices.

HON. S. M. STEPHENSON, vice-president and secretary of The Kirby Carpenter Co., Menominee. Is a native of New Brunswick. In the Winter of 1856-7, he came to Menominee and assisted in building what is known as the old K. C. Co.'s mill, located on the Island. In 1860, he bought an interest in this mill, and has since been a member of the firm ; in 1867, they built a new mill, which they are operating in connection with their old one. About eight years ago this firm organized as a stock company, styled " The Kirby Carpenter Co." The sawing ca- pacity of both mills is about 50,000,000 feet, day sawing, a season. He was the first Supervisor of this county; he was a representative for Me- nominee County in 1876, and a member of the State Senate in 1879 ; he was elector at large in the Presidential canvass of 1880 ; has always taken an active part in all public enterprises, and has been the recipient of many public honors ; he has contributed largely to all churches and other public buildings.

A. B. STRYKER, manufacturer of cigars, Menominee. Is a native of Berks County, l'a. Commenced to learn this trade at about the age of fourteen years, which he has since followed. In 1870, he came to Chi- cago ; in 1871, came to Milwaukee, thence to Menominee ; established his business in 1873. He holds the office of Township Clerk ; was elected in the Spring of 1881.

DR. BYRON TAYLOR, physician and surgeon, Menominee. Is a native of Iron Ridge, Dodge Co., Wis. Commenced the study of medi- cine at Hartford, Wis., graduated in 1879, at the Ilahnemann Medical College, Chicago ; he then came to Menominee, where he has since fol- lowed this profession.

J. N. THERIAULT, retired, Menominee. A native of Quebec, Canada. In 1853. he left home and spent one year in Chicago, and came to Menominee, Mich., and worked at lumbering till 1857, then at millwright work for about three years ; he then engaged in hotel business. In 1862, he enlisted in Col. Mulligan's brigade, and served till the end of the war. For three months he was a prisoner of war, in Libby prison ; after his release, returned to Menominee, and was mustered out in Springfield ; then returned and went into the employ of S. M. Stephen-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

son, as millwright, which he followed till 1868, when he built a brick block and opened a grocery and provision store, and continued in busi- ness until Jan. 4, 1879.

RICHARD UNDERWOOD, yard boss, Bay Shore mill of Lud- ington, Wells & Van Schaick Co., Menominee. Born May 13, 1849, in England. Came to Menominee in 1868, and has since then been in the employ of this company ; four years of this time he was night watch- man ; the past two seasons he has had full charge of the yard. Married, Dec. 25, 1879, to Mary E. Beach, of Illinois; she died November, IS80, aged twenty-two years. He has one daughter, Mary.

PETER A. VAN BERGEN, superintendent of The Kirby Car- penter Co. saw-mills, Menominee. Born in Greene Co., N. Y., in the year IS26. At an early age he engaged in mechanical work, and fol- lowed it till 1867, when he came to Menominee, Mich., and went into the employ of The Kirby Carpenter Co., as superintendent of their saw- mills. From the fact that he has held this position for the past four- teen years, and being a practical mechanic, of wide experience and nat- ural ability, is evidence that he has competently discharged the duties of trust confided in him. Mr. Van Bergen was elected to the office of County Clerk in 1872, and held it one term, and is now Supervisor of the town of Menominee.

P. VAN HAZEN, with the Menominee Fire Department, born Sept. 4. 1843, in New Jersey. When about one year old, his parents came with him to Menominee ; when about the age of thirteen years, he en- gaged in cooking in the woods. In about 1862. he went to Chicago ; there learned the trade of house and sign painting, where he remained four years. Then returned to Menominee, and at once secured employ- ment with the Ludington, Wells & Van Schaick Company, continuing in their employ ten years. April, 188t, he entered the employ of the Fire Department. Married, in 1880, to Eliza Schroader, of Manitowoc, Wis.

J. A. WAGG, general manager Menominee Furnace Company, is a native of Maine. In 1866, he went to Minnesota, and was engaged as civil engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad, also Assistant City En- gineer in Minneapolis; came to Wisconsin and was superintendent of saw-mill in Brown County for two years. He had a large contract for furnishing coal for the National Furnace Company. Came to Menomi- nee to superintend the Menominee Furnace Company, and at a meeting of the directors, held in Chicago, he was appointed secretary and general manager.

JAMES H. WALTON, manager of the Kirby Carpenter Company's store, was born in Bloomington, Ill. He came to Menominee in 1869, and went into the employ of R. Stephenson & Co., and remained with that firm four years and a half. In 1872, he was elected County Treas- urer, and held that office for eight years. Is now one of the Trustees and Director of the School Board. In January. 1881, he came into the employ of the Kirby Carpenter Company. Married, in 1870, to Miss Flora E. Drum, of Bloomington, III. They have one child.

JOSEPH WANEK, harness-maker, Menominee, is a native of Aus- tria ; horn March 13, 1839. He learned the trade of harness-maker and saddler in his native country, and, in 1866, came to America, and re- mained a short time in Boston and Chicago, and worked at his trade one year in Oconto, Wis. In 1868, he came to Menominee, Mich., and opened a harness shop, and by his close attention to business and supe-

riority of work, has established a large trade. Married, in 1869, to Miss Annie Buhman, of Austria. They have three sons and four daughters.

J. W. WELLS, of firm of Culbertson & Wells, manufacturers of lumber and shingles, Menominee, born in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa, in 1870, came to Menominee and engaged with the Menominee River Manufactur- ing Company as book-keeper, and remained one year ; then general super- intendent for Carter & Jones, of Chicago ; in their interest North, until 1873, then entered into partnership with Mr. Carter, in manufacturing lumber and shingles, in Oconto County, till 1875. In the Winter of 1875, the firm, Culbertson & Wells, built their saw mill in Menominee; they employ about sixty men. The sawing capacity is about 100,000 feet in twelve hours. Mr. Culbertson is from Girard, Pa., and Mr. Wells is a relative of Daniel and C. K. Wells, of Milwaukee.

R. H. WENDT, County Clerk, Menominee, is a native of Chicago ; and where he was raised ; he served three years at the architect busi- ness, and a short time engaged in plumbing ; September, 1872, came to Menominee ; the balance of the season he worked in a mill, the follow- ing year worked at the carpenter trade. Soon after he secured employ- ment in the County Clerk's office, and in 1874, was deputized as Deputy County Clerk, and Deputy Register of Deeds ; held this position till Jan. 1, 18SI. when he assumed his present position, having been elected in the Fall of [880 ; has also been Clerk of the Probate Court.

G. A, WOODFORD, jeweler, dealer in watches, clocks, fine jewelry, pianos, organs, etc., Menominee, is a native of Hartford Co., Conn., came to Kilbourn City, Wis., at the age of seventeen, and engaged in buying grain for his uncle. In 1868, he went to Grand Rapids, and en- gaged in the jewelry business, and came to Menominee in January. 1870, and established his present business, which rapidly increased, owing to his just dealing and strict adherence to business ; his sales amounting to about $28,000 yearly. Married, Miss Mary E. Freeman, of Grand Rapids, January, IS71 ; has two sons and one daughter. Mr. Wood- ford held the office of School Inspector for about four years.

LOUIS YOUNG, proprietor of Menominee Boiler Works, born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, came to Chicago in 1850, when he com- menced to learn this trade, living there about thirteen years ; he then came to Fort Howard, Wis., in 1872, came to Menominee, and he, with D. Burns, of Fort Howard, started these works, continued till 1875, when he bought ont Mr. Burns ; he is also carrying on a boiler shop at Quinnesec ; he enlisted in 1861, in the three months' call, and again re- enlisted in Co. C, 19th Ill. Infantry, V. I., served about two years, returned on account of sickness ; he again entered the service in 1864, and served to the end of the war.

WILLIAM ZIPPEL, dealer in fresh and salt fish, Menominee, a native of Germany, born June 20, 1844. In 1863, came to America, and remained in Grand Haven, Mich., until 1866; engaged in business for himself, except ten months ; he visited St. Louis, and other large places of commercial interest, and settled in Oconto, Oconto Co., Wis., Sept. 15, 1866. Worked at fishing for seventeen months, and then engaged in business for himself. May, 1880, he came to Menominee, Mich., and established a large trade in fresh and salt fish, which business he is now engaged in. In 1875, he visited his native home, and made quite an ex- tended trip through Germany.

611

HISTORY OF MARQUETTE COUNTY.

MARQUETTE COUNTY.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

Lying between the counties of Waushara, Green Lake, Columbia and Adams is the county of Mar- quette. The surface is undulating, and the soil a sandy loam, which becomes clear sand in certain locali - ties. Marshes are found near the streams, and these produce hay in abundance; while, with proper atten- tion, they might easily be redeemed from wildness to a condition of profit by the introduction of cranberry culture. The county may be generally described as one of oak openings. The native timber has been re- moved from large areas, and considerable land is under cultivation. The region is well watered and supplied with power. Neenah Creek runs through Oxford, Douglas Center and Briggsville, with improved mill privileges in each town. The Montello furnishes power for mills and factories at Lawrence, Westfield, Har- risville and Montello. The Mecan drives one mill at Germania, and White Creek supplies a mill and foun- dry at Neshkoro. The only elevation is in the north- west corner of the county, called Liberty Bluff. It is several acres in area, and rises on three sides abruptly, fifty to eighty feet, with a ragged wall of sandstone. Norway Fines grow upon its summit, and are not found elsewhere in the county.

The village of Montello, the county seat, has a charming location upon the shore of the placid Buf- falo Lake, with towering bluffs and encircling rivers. A marked geologic feature of the place is the huge outcrop of granite rock, projecting boldly upon the side of one of the main business streets. Some of the surrounding lands are sandy. Most are oak openings, while perhaps one-fourth of the county is marsh or rich alluvium.

PRE-HISTORIC AND ABORIGINAL.

This county is rich in evidences of the presence here, at some remote period, of the race, long since extinct, which is the delight of antiquarian research, and the object of curious consideration by all. The Mound Builders have left innumerable tumuli, near the river and lake. The mounds possess the varied forms peculiar to this class of pre-historic works. Most of them are conical or oblong, but some are cruciform, while others resemble birds and animals. The age of the mounds is attested by the growth of huge trees on the summits, and by remains of immense trees thereon, which have lived, died and decayed since the germ was first implanted in the upturned soil by the order- ing of that economy of Nature which is at once the source of admiration and marvel to the thoughtful mind. These mounds, like all others constructed by this mystic people, are of surface soil, yet the immedi- ate vicinity shows no disturbance of the surrounding alluvium. When, and how, and why were they built ?

Exceptional ones on the bluffs at bends in the river, or on the promontory on the lake, were, perhaps, for de- fense ; some, possibly, for tombs, as bones exhumed would indicate. Excavation usually yields little re- sults, though sometimes are found pieces of coarse pottery, and rude implements. Moundville, as its name indicates, abounds with these antiquarian puz- zles.

The Indian found a home on Buffalo Lake, which extends for over fourteen miles through this county, being a widening of Fox River. At an early day, this body of water was a favorite resort for ducks, and also abounded with fish. The facility with which food could be obtained induced the indolent savage to pitch his wigwam here. As late as a quarter of a century ago, hundreds of Winnebagoes and Menominees fared sumptuously on the wild rice and game of the region. Many Indian graves are still distinguishable by their decaying palings. The pioneers of thirty years ago remember the burial scenes and dance orgies of the tribes which were the final aboriginal occupants of the county.

SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement within the present county limits was made in the town of Buffalo, in the Spring of 1848, by H. F. Owen and J. I. O'Blanis. A school- house was built shortly afterward, and the first term of school was taught by a man named Birdsall. The lands south of the lake were placed in market by the Government several years prior to the offering of those lands situated north of that body of water. The first religious services were conducted by a Cath- olic priest, who officiated at a mission on an island in Spring Lake, in the town of Shields. This was as early as 1848. The first Protestant clergyman was Isaac Smith, a Primitive Methodist, who held meetings in the different settlements in the Autumn of 1848. S. A. Pease came to this county in 1850, and was its first practicing physician. The first entry of govern- ment land was May 11, 1836, by John Noyes, in the present town of Packwaukee. This name is given in honor of a friendly Winnebago chieftain. For several years, the village promised to become the chief busi- ness point of the county. It is remembered that the Fourth of July was appropriately celebrated here, upon the shore of Buffalo Lake, in 1850. James Cook, the first lawyer in the county, delivered the oration. The blessing of the God of nations was in- voked upon the unfurled flag, by Rev. Jonathan Post, a resident of the county, who, with his wife, was after- ward murdered and shockingly mutilated by an insane son. This town is the only one in the county having both river and railroad communications ; its situation upon the navigable Fox River, and also upon the Wis-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

consin Central Railway, gives it rare advantages as a center for shipping and exchange.

The first act of the Circuit Court, organized Sept. 4, 1848, was the issue of a document to Thomas Allen, wherein he declared his "intention " of becoming an American citizen. The first deed of land in Marquette County (then in Brown County) was dated August 22, 1836.

The first steamboat up Fox River ran in 1851, and was regarded as the most remarkable evidence of progress and civilization.

The southern division of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, which extends from Stevens Point to Portage City, passes through the western townships of this county. It was completed in 1876, and the revived industries and quickened activity of the county attest its beneficial influence.

The western townships are peopled mainly by Americans, while in the eastern and northern portions of the county the foreign element is well represented, there being about equal numbers of Germans, Irish and Americans. The chief exports of the county are wheat, corn, rye, pork, butter and cranberries, together with the products of the various factories. A large amount of fish, pickerel and bass, are annually caught in the rivers and lakes within the county limits. Fire- wood can be had for the cost of cutting and marketing. A county agricultural fair is annually held at Montello, upon the well fitted grounds of the " Horse Trotting Association." The water-power furnished by the dif- ferent streams is but partially employed in profitable manner, although sufficient water runs to waste to turn the wheels of scores of mammoth factories. The people of the county are largely well-to-do, and a goodly per centage are blessed with a competency. The prevail- ing sentiments are hospitable and moral in their char- acter.

ORGANIZATION.

This county was formed from Brown by an act of the Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin, approved December 7, 1836. It embraced twenty-one townships, including a portion of the present limits of the county. The county seat was established at the village of Marquette, and the county was attached to Brown for judicial purposes. By an aet, approved January 22, 1844, to take effect the first of March, the county of Marquette was organized for county purposes, and an election ordered to be held at the house of S. W. Beall, on the first Tuesday of April following, the returns to be made to the Town Clerk of the town of Marquette. . By one of the provisions of an aet, approved February 22, 1845, the county officers were authorized to keep their offices where best suited their convenience. It was organized for judicial purposes in 1848, and made part of the Third District. The first county of- ficers under the State constitution were : John S. Horner, County Judge; D. R. Shailer, Clerk of the Board ; F. B. Hawes, Clerk of Court; Thomas Will- iams, County Treasurer ; C. Meade, District Attorney ; Paul D. Heyward, Register of Deeds ; J. Luee. Sheriff ; C. H. Larrabee, Circuit Judge. The boundaries of the county were enlarged in 1849, by the addition of thirty-five townships, including most of the present

Marquette and Waushara, with a small part of Green Lake County. As at present constituted, this county contains twelve full and two fractional townships, em- bracing 266,442 acres, and has a population of 8,907. The name of the county commemorates the Jesuit, Father Marquette. The last division of this county was in 1858, whereby Green Lake County was de- tached. During their brief history, the people of Marquette County have been called upon to vote seven times on the question of changing the county seat. The coveted prize was hotly contested, and for years it was the main issue in local elections. The ill passions engendered have given place to an era of good feeling, and the county seat rests at Montello. The court- house is a plain, substantial building, erected in 1864, of stone and brick. The building for the county offices was erected in 1880.

MONTELLO.

This flourishing little town of 800 inhabitants, the coun- ty seat of Marquette County, being in the historic highway of the Fox River Valley, was at one time the site of an Indian village. Being so near the portage, Father Marquette is said to have done much missionary work at this point when he landed from his canoe, preparatory to making his voyage to the Mississippi, via the Wisconsin River. Mis- sionary work by the Catholics was also continued when the first white settlers commenced to locate in 1849. Jason Daniels, still living, was the first white settler upon the site of the village, locating in June, 1849. About the same time, the Dartts; J. N. and Joseph R., located at Montello, which had been named "Seralvo" by Mr. Daniels. In the Fall of 1849, a meeting of half a dozen villagers was held at the house of J. N. Dartt, to give the settlement a name, as a post-office was about to be established. Five or six propo- sitions were made, but Joseph R. Dartt had read of " Mon- tello " in a novel, and his enthusiasm carried his favorite through.

Between 1850-52, came John Lewis, Dr. H. J. Pratt, the Kelseys, and others. Phillips & Giddings erected a store, and E. K. Smith opened a hotel.

July 3, 1851, the first plat of the village was made- Henry Menton, surveyor, and; G. H. Barstow, E. B. Kelsey and Henry S. Candell, proprietors.

The village, however, as now located, covers the plat made December 31, 1855 - W. H. Gleason, surveyor, and E. B. Kelsey and George H. Dartt, proprietors.

Montello was incorporated as a village by act of the Legislature, in 1868. S. D. Perkins is President, and W. J. Gorsline is Clerk of the Village Board.

The church history of Montello commenced with the missionary labors of the Catholic priests. Then comes the formation of St. John's (Catholic) Society in 1856, when the first church was built. While the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers was going on in 1848-9, and which was virtually the origin of Montello, a priest traveled on foot among the workmen, engaged in religious labors. Until he disclosed his identity, his occupation was not suspected. Father A. Fagan was the first resident priest. In April,

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HISTORY OF MARQUETTE COUNTY.

1876, Rev. John Larmer, the present pastor in charge, came to Montello, and in August the commodious and tasteful structure now occupied by the society was completed. The church and priest's house stand on an eminence overlook- ing the village and the Fox River. From this locality can be obtained as charming a view as may be found in this part of the State. The value of the property is placed at $10,- 000, and the membership of the church at 800.

The Methodist Episcopal Society was formed in 1869, the church built in 1873, and the membership is twenty ; Rev. D. Brown, pastor. All Protestant denominations wor- ship in the church.

A good village school adds to the advantages of the place as a residence locality.

Within the past year Montello has taken a long step for- ward in a business point of view. The Montello Granite Company has brought in a large amount of general trade, furnishes employment to nearly 100 men, is about to draw a railroad to the place, and has in every way enlivened and- improved it. C. B. King, of Chicago, in looking round for good paving material, heard of the fine Montello deposit of granite, came, saw, and assisted by James H. Anderson, the extensive granite and marble dealer of that city, set the quarries in successful operation. In May, 1881, they were opened and in addition to furnishing splendid building blocks cut on the ground and sent to Chicago, the waste is crushed into material for McAdam pavement. Grading is now pro- gressing so rapidly between Packwaukee and Montello, that it is expected a railroad line will be opened during the Fall of 1881. The distance is eight miles, connection is made with the Wisconsin Central Road, and capital furnished, both by that company and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul.

W. B. Dodge, operates a good flouring mill ;. John Lewis, a grist mill; and Norcross Brothers (J. F. and David), a sash, door and blind factory. The Montello Woolen Mills Company run a small mill, which is one of the manufactur- ing establishments of the village, joining with the Montello Granite Company, to make it a growing town. C. P. Gors- line and Henry North, are prominent business men. The two hotels are the American and Fountain houses. E. McCaffery and Ennis Brothers (J. S. and William), pro- prietors.

The Montello Express was removed from Oxford in the Spring of 1862, being then known as the Marquette Express. Its editor and proprietor was Dr. S. A. Pease, this being the occasion of his settlement in the village. Dr. Pease conducted the paper until February, 1874, when it was sold to Goodell & Cogan. In March, 1877, the firm became Cogan (J. B.) and Bissell. In 1879, Bissell (C. H.) and Cogan (J. T.) assumed control of the Express, and are its present editors and proprietors. It is an eight-column folio and in- dependent in politics.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

CHARLES H. BISSELL, editor, Montello. Was born in Chau- tanqua Co., N. Y., March 20, 1852. In 1856, he came with his parents to Wisconsin, and settled in Wanshara County. In 1858, they moved to Harrisville. In March, 1868, our subject came to Montello, and entered

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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