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 184

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 184

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

633

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

of Viroqua. The company went to Janesville, Wis., and were mustered in, and on the twenty-sixth day of March, 1862, started for St. Louis, via Chicago. While on the Northwestern Railroad, near Chicago, it met with a very serious accident, Company A, alone, having seven men killed and several severely injured. The regiment were not fully equipped and mounted until they reached Fort Leav- enworth, 'Kansas, May 27th, when the company was detailed to do provost duty in and about Leavenworth City, and in addition were engaged, during the Summer of 1862, in various scouting expeditions through the border counties of Missouri, which were then infested with Quantrell's Guer- illas, with whom it had many encounters, thus rendering most efficient service. The regiment was finally mustered out of service September, 1865, and was immediately dis- charged. Capt. Dammon, who left Sparta in command of Company A, resigned March 9, 1863, and was succeeded by Capt. Robert Carpenter, who left as first lieutenant. Capt. Carpenter retained command until the company was mustered out of service, 1865.

The Northwestern Rangers was recruited by George A. Fisk, in December of 1861, and organized as Company D, Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry. At an election for officers, Fisk was made captain, D. W. C. Wilson, first lieutenant, and Peter Sloggy, second lieutenant-all receiving commis- sions as elected, to date from December 17, 1861. This company was ordered, with the rest of the regiment, direct- ly to the front, reaching Gen. Prentice's command, at Pitts- burg Landing, Tenn., April 5, 1861, and from that time, until they were mustered out of service, July 29, 1865, were in active service. Company C, Ninth Wisconsin Regiment, was organized and mustered into service December, 1861, by Capt. J. A. Chandler, of Sparta. Charles Case was first lieutenant, and Henry B. Nichols, second lieutenant. The regiment was in the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., and suffered considerably thereat. Capt. Chandler resigned his com- mand July 30, 1862, and Charles Case was promoted to the captaincy. The latter resigned, and H. B. Nichols became captain, February 7, 1863. The company was mustered out of service April 19, 1865.

Col. Milton Montgomery, of Sparta, organized the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Regiment, and was mustered into service September 14, 1862. Company D, of this regiment, was enlisted at Sparta, and its officers were Capt. J. D. Condit, Ist Lieu. Mort. E. Leonard, and 2d Lieut. Charles S. Farnham. Condit resigned on account of sickness, July 15, 1863, and Lieut. Leonard was put in command of the company. The latter was wounded in the action of Deca- tur, Ga., July 22, 1864, but returned to duty again in No- vember of same year. At the same battle, Col. Montgomery was wounded, and taken prisoner. It was here that the gallant colonel lost his arm. Upon his release from prison, he did not resign his command, but continued with his regiment until they were mustered out of service. The surgeon of the Twenty-fifth was Dr. M. R. Gage, of Sparta. He was commissioned August, 1862, and remained in the United States service two and a half years, when he was

obliged to resign, on account of ill health. Whilein the service, Dr. Gage acted as medical director of Columbus, Ky., and as division surgeon of Gen. Vietch's Division, during Sherman's march from Vicksburg to Meridian, Miss., but most of his time was with his regiment, on active duty. The Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Regiment was organized under the Government call for 500,000 men. Company C, of this regiment, was recruited by Capt. George A. Fisk, and was mustered into service March 4, 1864. Lieutenants were Luther B. Noyes, first, and C. E. Bullard, second. This regiment was immediately called into action, and is noted for its bravery, as well as being in so many engage- ments. Before the close of the war, Fisk was promoted major, and Stephen C. Miles, a well known Sparta man, captain. The regiment did some hard service, but it had the satisfaction of being present at the surrender of Gen. Lee and his whole army. A portion of the First Battery (the La Crosse Artillery) was from Sparta. S. Hoyt, the present Police Justice, was one of them This company was publicly complimented by both Maj. Gen. McClernand and Gen. Reynolds for gallant conduct in the field, and for its cleanliness and good behavior in camp.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.

Paper Mill .- The first, and, in fact, the only paper mill in Sparta, was built by J. L. Mather in the year 1864 at a cost of $42,000. In 1871, it came into possession of the present owner and proprietor, O. I. Newton. Mr. Newton ran it until 1879, when he rebuilt it at a cost of $50,0.0. The mill is situated on the never-failing La Crosse River, and has a 75-horse water power. The capacity of the mill is 6,000 pounds per day. They employ twenty hands at an expense of $350 to $400 -per week, and use in the construc- tion of one kind of paper, five tons of straw daily. Mr. Newton is a very large dealer in paper, other than his own manufacture, having a large trade through the Northwest for fine Manila bags and wrapping paper. He is compelled to keep several salesmen on the road constantly. In con- nection with the paper-mill, Mr. Newton has a feed-mill, with capacity for grinding 200 bushels per day.

Saw and Woolen Mills .- In the year 1853, A. H. and Hilton Blake erected a saw mill upon the bank of Beaver Creek; were it still standing, it would now be about the center of Water street. This was the only saw mill nearer than what is now Angel's, one having been built there in 1852 by Seth Angel. Messrs. Blake ran the mill until 1857, when the site and property was purchased by K. and O. P. McClure, who destroyed the old mill and built the first grist mill in Sparta. This was built some forty feet east of the old building. The grist mill was operated by the McClures for some years to great advantage, farmers bringing their grain to the mill from a great distance. In June, 1267, the property was bought by T. B. Tyler and T. B. Steele, for $27,000. They erected on the site of the grist milla woclen mill, at an estimated cost of $30,000, and commenced op- erations under the firm name of T. B. Tyler & Co. They operated the mill to great advantage until the year 1872, when they sold the mill site to Mr. H. Greve for $2,700,

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

the greater part of the original plat belonging to the mill property having been disposed of by Messrs. Tyler & Co. as building lots. The mill, from this time (1872) until 1878, did not meet with a great deal of success, not running regularly. In September, 1878, the present owner and pro- prietor, T. B. Gibson, bought the mill and commenced op- erations about the Ist of May, 1879, manufacturing woolen goods, making a specialty of fine white blankets, for which he is quite noted. In the Spring of 1881, Mr. Gibson made several improvements in the works. In order to fill the de- mand called for, he had to increase his machinery. The present goods manufactured are fine white blankets and Mackinaw cloth, the latter mentioned goods being a goods used as clothing for lumbermen and woodsmen. The ca- pacity of mill will, by close estimate, turn out $50,000 worth of goods per year. They employ twenty-five hands, and have invested in the business about $20,000.

Carriage Works .- The Sparta carriage works are sit- uated corner of Oak and Spring streets. These works are owned and operated by Messrs. E. & A. Thorbus. Estab- lished in the Fall of 1866, by E. Thorbus, the senior partner of the present firm.

Mr. Thorbus commenced business in an old frame build- ing directly opposite his present capacious brick warehouse, the old building being now used as a repairing shop, in which they employ five hands. During the first year of busi- ness, Mr. Thorbus turned out seventy-five wagons of various kinds, the greater part, however, being heavy vehicles adapted for hauling and farm work. In 1870, A. Thorbus was admitted as a partner, bringing to the business both capital and energy, the firm name becoming, by this addi- fion, E. & A. Thorbus. During this year they erected the brick warehouse at a cost of $3,400, and have occupied it ever since. When the works are run to their full capacity, they employ twenty-five hands, at a weekly expense of 8300, and keep in stock about 450 vehicles of various kinds, from a lumber wagon to a handsomely finished road buggy. The business will amount to about $25,000 per year, and have invested in the business $10,000. Messrs. Thorbus are valuable citizens, and enterprising business men, having by close attention to business brought it to its present flourishing condition.

Elevators .- An elevator was built by J. L. Woy, in 1875, at the Northwestern depot, foot of Water street, now man- aged under the firm name of J. L. Woy & Co. The ele- vator was built at an expense of $4,000, with capacity for storing 35,000 bushels of grain. Near by is the extensive hay press of Messrs. Woy & Co., where they bale about 800 tons per year. Messrs. Morrill & Dorwin's elevator is run by one horse-power, and has capacity for 7,000 bushels of grain; situated at the M. & St. P. R. R. depot. The next elevator was built by the M. & St. P. R. R. Co., February IO, 1881, and occupied by Messrs. Coates & Little, that same month. This firm have a portable engine of fifteen horse-power, supplied by the railroad company, and have capacity for 25,000 bushels of grain. Messrs. Coates & Little are very extensive grain dealers, having shipped to

different points since commencing business, over 50,000 bushels, consisting of wheat, barley, oats, corn, etc. Be- sides the usual machinery attached to elevators, there are two run of stones for grinding feed, the whole being ope- rated by a fifteen horse-power engine. This elevator was erected at a cost of $10,000, including the engine, which was supplied by the railroad company. Messrs. Coates & Little have a capital of $15,000 invested in the business.

FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.

The first foundry was built in 1857, by Capt. Fisk, who sold an interest soon after to Frank Skillman and Jeremiah Andreas. J. A. Gilman came in full possession in 1860. In 1865 he sold out to Lowrie, Mack & Stevens. They sold to H. Greve, and he to J. J. Owsley, when it was burned. In 1867 Lowrie, Irwin & Gillett built another foundry near where the present iron works are situated. These new works were finally purchased by the Sparta Manufacturing Com- pany, in whose hands the works burned. L. M. Newbury bought what was left and built another shop in 1869. He sold one-half to J. P. Ward, and built the present works in 1872. Mr. Ward finally sold out and Mr. Satterlee came in. The business now carried on by Messrs. Newberry & Satterlee employs 16 hands, and have a business amounting to $20,000 per year.

Business Blocks .- Sparta can boast of some fine business blocks, which seem to be duly appreciated by the business men, who desire well appointed stores. Among those we will mention are the Union and Palmer blocks, adjoining each other, on Water street, opposite the Ida House, built of red brick, and finished very handsomely.

The Heller block, southwest corner Oak and Water streets, over which the Odd Fellow's hall is situated.

The Opera block on the opposite corner, which we have already mentioned.

The Bank block of Thayer & Kingman.

D. M. Gargell's large building on Water street.

There are also a number of handsome stores that will bear mention, among which are those of F. Bancroft, large deal- er in hardware, stoves, etc .; Mr. Simpson, in Union block, also an extensive dealer in same line of goods ; Dodge Bros., dealers in dry goods and general merchandise, who occupy the original site where Jackson's store stood ; H. S. Howell, druggist, in Palmer block.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ERNEST BARTELS, Sheriff of Monroe County, son of William Bartels, a native of Germany, and emigrated to the United States from London, Eng. He settled in Marquelle County in 1850, where he lived till 1865 ; thence to Mauston, Juneau Co., and to Tomah, about 1869, where he still lives. The parents of Mr. Bartels had six children, only two of whom are living, of which he is the younger, and the elder, Mrs. Francis Potter, resides near Quincy, III. Ernest was born in Marquette County, in 1852 ; married, Rosa Plunkett. They have two children, Willie and Ella. Mr. Bartels was elected Sheriff of Monroe County in the Fall of 1880.

EDGAR BENNETT, grocery and provision store, Sparta, was born in Connecticut, in 1851. He removed to Illinois with his parents, when a child, where he was brought up. Married Ophelia A. Ward, born in the State of New York. Came to Sparta in 1875, and engaged with E. A. Ward in the grocery, boot and shoe trade. Established his pres- ent business in 1877.

635

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

O. C. BERG, County Clerk, of Monroe County, Sparta, was born in Norway, in 1850. He came to the United States in 1874, and settled in Norwalk, Monroe Co. He was employed for some time as clerk, and then engaged in the mercantile business. Was also Postmaster for three years; was elected County Clerk in the Fall of 18So. It is a somewhat singular fact that Mr. Berg is the first Scandinavian who has held a county office in Monroe County ; although he has been in this country but a short time, he has acquired a good English education. He is an intelligent gentleman, and possesses excellent business qualities. He was married, to Edith O. Rowe, daughter of David B. Rowe, an early settler of Jefferson County.

WILLIAM H. BLYTON, insurance agent and present Village Clerk, Sparta, son of Thomas Blyton, who was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., October, 1818, and came to Sparta from the State of New York, 1853. He was a carpenter and builder by trade, which business he fol- lowed till 1862, when he went to the town of Angelo, and engaged in farming. He removed to Barron County, 1872, where the mother of Mr. Blyton is still living. Parents had seven children, five of whom are liv- ing, of whom William H. is the eldest. He was born in Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1842. He enlisted, February, 1862, in 19th Reg. W. V. I., served abont fifteen months as quartermaster's sergeant, afterward promoted to a first lieutenancy in quartermaster's department afterward acted as quartermaster of the 4th U. S. I. In this capacity, he served till the close of the war ; was then sent to the western frontier, where he served till July, 1866, when he was mustered out from dis- ability. Was severely wounded while on frontier duty. He has served as Village Clerk for the last ten years, and has been engaged as insur- ance agent since that time. His wife was Harriet E. Washburn, daugh- ter of William Washburn, They have one child, Edgar E.

ALBERT F. BRANDT, County Superintendent of Schools of Monroe County. Son of Charles F. Brandt, an early settler of Monroe County. The father of Mr. Brandt is a native of Prussia, Germany, and in his early life, followed the sea. He visited the United States as a sailor, about 1845. Settled here permanently in 1842. Settled in La Fayette Co., Wis., in 1851. Removed to Monroe County about 1857; now lives in the town of Jefferson, Monroe Co. Mr. Charles Brandt had ten children, all living but one. Albert F. the present Superintendent of Schools of Monroe County, was born in La Fayette County, in 1853 ; adopted the profession of teaching, and taught twenty terms in Monroe County. Was elected to the superintendency in the Fall of 1879. Married Ida, danghter of Denton Dolson, an early settler of Sauk County.

WM. BURLINGAME, Sparta. Born in Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., where he resided till manhood. He removed to Mckean Co., Penn., where he lived about twelve years. Came to Sparta, June, 1853, making him one of the earliest pioneers of Sparta. There were at that time but seven dwellings and thirty-five inhabitants in the village. He purchased a farm just west of the village, now known as the Foster farm, which he exchanged in the Spring of 1854 for his present village property and engaged in keeping the hotel, known as the Globe House, in which he now resides. Has been engaged in dealing in land, Iumher, etc. He learned the business of surveying when a young man, which, how- ever he did not make his vocation. He married his first wife in the State of New York. His second wife was Lauraette Colegrave, of Pennsyl- vania. His present wife was Margaret Starkweather, of Erie Co., N. Y. He has one child by first wife, Augustus ; one by second wife, Amelia Hull.

DANIEL M. CARGILL, dealer in live stock and wool, Sparta. Was born in East Gainesville, Wyoming Co., N. Y. He was brought up a farmer and resided in his native county till twenty-one years of age. He was married in Cattaraugus County, to Juliette Burrows, born in Cattarangus County ; removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1857, and en- gaged in clerking for D. M. Webster. Came here July 4, 1862. Mr. Cargill is an energetic business man and has been engaged in the stock business most of the time since he came to Sparta. He shipped the first car-load of cattle which passed over the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road to Chicago. Has been Town Treasurer several years, re- elected in the Spring of 1881. Was Chairman of the Board of Super- visors for one year. Has six children ; one son and five daughters- Frankie, wife of Irving A. Smith, Olive A., Charles J., Minnie, Nellie and Etta. Lost four children-Emma, Addie, Louie G., and George W. Three of his children died in the same week, and two of them on same day, of that terrible scourge diphtheria.

D. D. CHENEY, Sparta. Born in the Scioto Valley, Ohio, in 1822. He removed with his father's family to Milwaukee Co., Wis., in the Spring of 1837, where he lived 'till about 1846, when he removed to Dodge County, and engaged in farming, afterward in the grocery trade in Waupun. He went to Marquette County in 1853, and engaged in the mercantile trade at St. Marie; afterward removed to Fox Lake. Thence to Black River Falls, and engaged in the mercantile and lumber trade. Came to Sparta in the Spring of 1862, and engaged in the produce and mercantile business. He married his first wife, Miss Martha Ryan, in Waukesha County. His present wife was Mrs. George Derringer, daughter of Paul Schaler, who came to Wisconsin in 1849. Has two children by first marriage, Lydia Ann Kemp and David Wilmot. Mrs.

Cheney has three children by her first marriage-Mary, Clara and Albert. Mr. Cheney is numbered among the most prominent and influential men of Sparta Has been a member of the Legislature of Wisconsin, elected in the Fall of 1870. Has served as Chairman of Town and County Board of Supervisors, etc.

REV. E. E. CLOUGH, Presiding Elder of La Crosse District, Sparta. Mr. Clough was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1840. He resided near Seneca Falls until twenty-two years of age. Became a student of the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y., in 1861. He enlisted in August, 1862, in the 148th Reg. N. Y. Vol. IIe served twenty months in that regiment ; was then promoted to a first lieuten- ancy in the United States Volunteer service, and served as adjutant of the 39th United States C. T., for one year ; was then promoted to a cap- taincy, and served nine months. He came to Sparta August, 1866, and engaged in farming one year for the benefit of his health; began preach- ing in North La Crosse in 1867. His pastoral charges since then, have been Chippewa Falls, Lake Street Church, Ean Claire ; Black River Falls, one year; La Crosse First Church, three years ; then Barstow Street, Eau Claire. Was appointed Presiding Elder of La Crosse Dis- trict, September, 1879. Married Mary Bladon Howe. They have six children, one son and five daughters. Mr. Clough is an earnest and elo- quent preacher, of great energy and labors earnestly and faithfully in the work to which he has devoted his life.

A. J. COLBURN, retired, Sparta, born in Livingston Co., N. Y .. in 1816; removed to Chantanqua County with his parents in 1824 ; to Battle Creek, Mich. in 1842; came to Wisconsin in 1816, and set. tled in Janesville ; thence to Jefferson County in 1851. In 1865, he came to Monroe County. Mr. Colburn learned the trade of a miller. Janesville was but a small town when he settled there ; he ground the first flour produced in that town. Was engaged in the milling business for many years; was elected the Legislature in 1876. He was married, in the State of New York, to Betsey Older, born in Delaware County. They have three children-Webster J. A., general insurance agent at Chattanooga, Tenn. ; Laura and Winfield Scott. The latter is a miller by trade, and resides at Neillsville, Wis.

J. D. CONDIT, Sparta, born in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1821 ; re- moved to Yates County, and then to Sparta, July. 1855. He is the pres- ent proprietor of the Warner Ilouse. Mr. Condit was one of the early prominent business men of Sparta. He early engaged in the drug busi- ness, built and stocked the first drug store on the north side of the creek. After two or three years, became associated in that business with Mr. Palmer, under the firm name of Condit & Palmer. He purchased a printing press at Beaver Dam, and, with Milton Montgomery, published the paper known as the Sparta Watchman. He kept the Warner House for many years, which he rebuilt after it was burned. This house he still owns. Mr. Condit has been prominently connected with the mill- ing business of Sparta. His first wife was Miss Sarah Veazie, who died in Sparta. His present wife was Abigail Percy. In 1862 Mr. Condit raised a company of volunteers, of which he was elected captain. They became a part of the 25th regiment. This regiment was ordered to Minnesota at the time of the Indian massacre in that State. Thence to Columbus, Ky., thence to Vicksburg, Miss., where they took part in the siege of that city. Capt. Condit resigned in 1863.

PROF. J. H. CUMMINGS, superintendent of schools and principal of High school. Prof. Cummings was born in Worcester, Mass., in 1847. He received his preparatory course at the Worcester High School; en- tered Yale College in 1866, graduating in the class of 1870. He taught one year at Stanford, Conn. He went to Fort Wayne, Ind., in IS71, and was principal of the high school there for one year. Re- turned to Hartford, Conn., and engaged in the book publishing business, which he continued for four years. Taught one year at Thomp- sonville ; came to Sparta in 1877, and succeeded Prof. O. R. Smith, whose untimely death had left a vacancy in the principalship in the school in Sparta. Prof. Cummings is a thorough scholar, and a success- ful teacher, and under his supervision, the schools of Sparta continue the high standing and enviahle reputation that they acquired while in charge of his lamented predecessor.

J. W. CURRAN, Sparta, dealer in agricultural implements, sells Wood's machinery and and Pitt's thresher. Successor to W. H. White. Mr. Curran is a son of John Curran, a native of Pennsylvania, who emi- grated to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1847. Parents had seven children, five sons and two daughters. They removed to Jackson County in 1855, where his father died, May 18, ISSI ; mother died suddenly in 1865. Mr. Curran was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. He enliste l in Jackson County in the Fall of 1863, in the 5th Wisconsin. Served till the close of the war. Was in Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley ; was in front of Petersburg during the siege of that city, and was severely wounded after the evacuation, losing his left leg. le came to Sparta after the close of the war, and married Clarissa Mosley, daugh ter of Daniel T. Mosley. Her parents are natives of the State of New York ; removed thence to Pennsylvania, came here June, 1854. where they now reside. Mr. Curran was elected Register of Deeds of Monroe County in the Fall of 1872 ; served two terms ; went to Lincoln, Neb.,

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

where he lived about two years ; located here in present business in the Fall of ISSo. Ilas one son, George William.

JAMES DAVIDSON, retired, Sparta, born in New Hudson, Alle- gany Co., N. Y., in r$25. He was brought up on a farm. When a young man he was engaged for a time in the manufacture of gloves and mittens, and afterward, in selling this class of goods. When twenty- three years of age he went to New York City and engaged as salesman toor Wells & Christie, wholesale dealers in boots and shoes. He was afterward engaged as buyer for another house in the same business. In 1861. in company Col. Forrest, recruited and organized the 5th N. Y. C. He was placed in military command of Staten Island ; he went to Annapolis, MId., as major of the 5th C., and went into a camp of instructions in that city, where he remained during the following Winter. In the following Spring he went to Harper's Ferry, and was placed in Banks' command ; accompanied that general in his campaign in Shen- andoah Valley, and had command of the rear guard in the retreat. Ile resigned his commission at the end of this campaign, returned to New York, thence to St. Louis, thence into the pineries of Wisconsin, where he engaged in lumbering and merchandising. Came to Sparta in 1865. llis wife was Miss Delia Heller, a native of New York.

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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