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 188

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 188

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).

In the village and its surroundings, there are five physi- cians, and in the village four lawyers. The religious de- nominations represented are the Baptist, Catholic, Method- ist, German Lutheran and Congregationalist. All of these denominations have resident pastors, with the exception of the Congregational and Lutheran. The two latter are vis- ited, however, at intervals, by neighboring clergymen.

In 1871, the Wisconsin Valley Railroad Company was or- ganized, and in 1873 was built through from Tomah to Grand Rapids, in Wood County, making Tomah the southern termi- nus and headquarters, the company's offices being located there. This road is now owned and operated by the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company as a branch road, running through to Merrill, Lincoln Co., a distance of about 100 miles, from Tomah village.

WEST WISCONSIN RAILROAD.

The construction of the West Wisconsin Railroad from Tomah to Black River Falls, is a noteworthy incident in the history of the village. The enterprising citizens, in view of the advantages of increased travel, agreeing to subscribe for so much of the stock. In view of this fact, a brief outline of the history of the road and its construction will not be out of place, and may prove interesting.

On the fifth day of May, 1864, Congress passed an act, granting lands to the State of Wisconsin, to aid in construct- ing railroads in that State. This act, among other things, made a special grant of certain lands in the State, for the construction of a railroad from the town of Tomah, in the county of Monroe, in said State, to the St. Croix River or lake between townships 25 and 31, and from thence to Lake Superior and Bayfield.

March 20, 1865, the Legislature, by joint resolution, ac- cepted the grant. The road had been incorporated pre- vious to this, by an act, approved April 1, 1863, and was to be known as the Tomah & Lake St. Croix Railroad Compa-

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

ny, and was granted power to build a railroad from the town of Tomah, county of Monroe, or on the track of the Mil- waukee & La Crosse Railroad, or any other railroad running out of Tomah, by way of Black River Falls, thence by the most feasible route to such point on Lake St. Croix, between townships 25 and 31, as the directors may determine. This act was called " An act to incorporate the Tomah & Lake St. Croix Railroad Company," and to repeal and annul a portion of a grant of land heretofore made to the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company.

The incorporators of the Tomah & St. Croix Railroad Company, were William Wilson and William Carson, Dunn County ; Joseph Thorpe and R. F. Wilson, Eau Claire County ; Andrew R. Gregg, Sr., and H. S. Allen, Chippe- wa County; A. Gaylord, of Polk County ; N. S. Dunbar and Charles B. Cox, Pierce County ; Herman L. Humphrey, St. Croix County ; Miles D. Prindle, Pepin County; George M. Gilkey, Buffalo County ; R. C. Field, Trempealeau Coun- ty; Carl C. Pope and William T. Price, Jackson County ; Richard Dewhurst, Clark County, and C. D. Spaulding, Monroe County.

On the sixth day of April, 1866, the name of the com- pany was changed to the West Wisconsin Railroad Company. The first part of the road between Tomah and Black River Falls, was completed in the Summer of 1868. The road continued to run its trains regularly between Tomah and Black River Falls, until November, 1872, when the company claiming that the town had not kept to its contract, threat- ened to tear up the line from Warren's Mills to Tomah, and thus cut them off from Jackson County. This threat was finally put into execution, the company detailing men on the last Sunday of November, 1872, who succeeded in carrying out their orders, only after a strong resistance by the citi- zens of the village. This same year, the company con- structed their present track from Warren's Mills to Elroy, making a junction at latter place with the Chicago & North- western Company. Although the company succeeded in taking up the track, thus injuring the business interests of Tomah, they were not allowed to get entirely free from the consequences of the act.

On the twenty-ninth day of January, 1873, a bill was in- troduced by the Hon. A. E. Bleekman, member of the As- sembly from Monroe County, entitled, " A bill requiring the West Wisconsin Railroad Company to re-lay, maintain, and operate its road from Tomah, to Warren's Mills, in Monroe County." The bill was referred to the Judiciary Commit- tee, who reported it back again with amendments, and recommended its passage. The bill passed both branches of the Legislature, and was approved by the Governor, Feb- ruary 13, 1873. The company failed to comply with the law, claiming the act to be unconstitutional. This com- pelled them to appeal to the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, who granted leave to commence suit against the company. On the twenty-ninth day of August, 1873, the Attorney- General commenced an action in the nature of a quo war- ranto, to have a forfeiture of defendant's charter adjudged, and the corporation dissolved, under act of February 13,

1873. The company claimed the act nugatory, and de- murred to the complaint on the grounds : First, that the court had no jurisdiction of the subject matter, and Second, that the complaint did not state facts sufficient to entitle the plaintiff to the relief demanded therein, or to any relief. The action was brought to trial on the demur, at the Jan- uary term, 1874, and demur overruled, by Supreme Court. Defendent then answered, and action brought to trial on de- murer, to defendant's answer as to not stating a defense, and the court held that the company in discontinuing and taking up the road from Tomah to Warren's Mills, violated the provisions of its charter, and its duty to the State, under its charter. And that the road which the company were re- quired by Chapter 31, to re-lay and equip, was part of its charter road, which it had built, and was bound to main- tain, and the court entered an order sustaining the demur of the company's answer, with leave to the company to an- swer by the first day of the next term. This virtually ended the trial, as the company to save future suits, agreed to set- tle with the town of Tomah, and paid them the sum of $10,- ooo in consideration of all present and future suits being dropped. By an act of the Legislature, February 13, 1876, Chapter 31, of 1873, was repealed, and the company's road from Warren's Mills to Elroy was legalized. The member of the Assembly from Tomah at this time was Charles D. Wells.

SCHOOLS.

The schools of Tomah in common with the rest of the towns and villages in Monroe County, are of a superior kind. They are organized on the graded system, and have all the advantages accorded to schools in large cities. In these schools, the young are prepared for college, business life or fitted for teaching. The rough cradle of learning, which many of our most distinguished men recall to memory, never reared its rugged exterior in this community. The citizens appreciating the importance of good schools, spare no pains or expense to furnish the best facilities and a su- perior corps of teachers. The schools are most efficient and thorough in their workings.

The citizens have had some trouble during the last four years in securing a competent head for their schools. Mr. Jay Hinckley was appointed in 1880, but resigned his charge in 1881, and entered journalism, intending to make it his pro- fession, issuing his first edition of the Badger State Monitor in July of that year. The school board were for a short time left helpless, but finally suceeded in securing the serv- ices of Prof. A. C. McComb, of Appleton, who has been long and favorably known among the schools of Wisconsin, and who is a most thorough and efficient teacher. Prof. McComb enters upon his duties in September, 1881, being assisted by a corps of teachers, of well-known ability.

Tomah has not as yet, as in the case with many of her sister villages, gone to the expense of a high-school build- ing. The school-houses, however, are large and commod- ious, well ventilated, and in most eligible locations. The high school is a large frame building of two stories, situated in the western part of the village, and is most comfortably

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

furnished with latest constructed school furniture. At no distant day, the village of Tomah will compete as favorably with her sister villages in fine schools, as she now does in the excellent school system, by which the rising generation of the village secure all the educational advantages accorded to large cities in the State. Attached to the Catholic and Lutheran churches of Tomah, are flourishing parochial schools. The former being in charge of three sisters of St. Francis, located in the western part of the village. The Lutheran school is under the supervision of Mr. E. A. Dahen, and numbers about thirty-two pupils. In the village there is also one private school, taught by Miss Jennie Farn-

tion in Tomah dates from the advent of the Rev. Mr. Wells in the year 1858. The meetings were held in such private houses as could be found available during the Fall and fol- lowing Winter. In 1859, a frame church was erected, and the church regularly organized as the " First Congregation- al Church of Tomah." The name of Elder Wells will long be held in grateful remembrance by this church for his zeal- ous and untiring efforts in the welfare of the organization. In 1861, Mr. Wells was compelled to tender his resignation on account of ill health, his work being too much for him. In connection with Tomah, he was pastor of the Congrega- tional Church of New Lisbon, where he was compelled to

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PROPERTY OF THOS MCCAUL _TOMAH_ MONROE CO_WIS_

ham; this school is well represented, having an average at- tendance of about forty pupils.

RELIGIOUS.

The Methodist Episcopal Church .- C. W. Kellogg, it seems, was the first person in Tomah to preach a sermon. Kellogg was an elder of the Methodist denomination, com- ing to the village in 1857. The first sermon was preached on the first Sunday of July of that year, the people meeting in a new barn belonging to Mr. Gillett. This same year the church was regularly organized, and during the next year a neat church was erected ; meetings previous to this being held by Mr. Kellogg and others wherever most convenient for them to meet. At the present time, the congregation numbers some eighty constituent members, and is under the pastorate of the Rev. J. W. Bell. The value of church property will not exceed $2,000.

Congregational Society .- The history of this denomina-

remain most of the time, never having made his home at Tomah. During the intervals from 1861 to 1881, the desk has been supplied by a great many different ministers, some staying three months and others three years. Since 1879, there has been no regularly appointed pastor, the congrega- tion being dependent upon such as could be induced to preach an occasional sermon for them. The membership numbers about fifty. Value of church property about $1,- 800.

Baptist Society .- The first Baptist Church of Tomah was organized early in 1859, the first sermon being preached by Elder Herrick, of Sparta, who was instrumental in organiz- ing the church. During the first year of its history, un- der the pastorate of Mr. Herrick, the membership increased from eleven to forty-two members. The church building was not erected until 1861. During the succeeding years, between 1862 and 1878, the church enjoyed much prosper-

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MACHINERY

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

ity, and considerable addition was made to its membership. In 1879, Rev. Mr. Parshall, of Sparta, was appointed pastor and has remained in charge ever since. The present mem- bership will probably number seventy-five.

First Lutheran Church-Was organized in the year 1874, with but sixteen members. The first pastor was the Rev. A. F. Siegler, same year. Feeling the need of a house to worship in, they called a meeting and proceeded to take steps to raise the necessary funds for building a meeting- house. This was done, and in 1875 a building was com- pleted at a cost of $900, all the money being raised among their own people. In the year 1878, Rev. Siegler was suc- ceeded by the Rev. E. A. Pankow, who is still in charge. The membership of the church numbers thirty. Value of church property estimated at $1,ooo. In connection with the church, the members support a school, taught by E. A.

W .; E. Baker, Tiler. The meetings are held in a well ap- pointed hall, which was built by the order in 1874-5, at a cost of $2,500. The present membership is fifty-five. The following are the past masters of the lodge : W. R. Morri- son, A. G. Schulz, H. A. Sowle, James Wilson and J. V. Warrener. The present officers of the lodge are : E. N. Palmer, W. M .; E. A. Sherulin, S. W .; W. Mills, J. W .; James Wilson, Treas .; H. W. Tyler, Sec .; E. A. Beebe, S. D .; George Lea, J. D ; H. A. Sowle, Tiler ; D. E. Miller and W. Farnum, Jr. Stewards ; James Wilson, E. W. Beebe and J. V. Warrener, Trustees. The value of lodge property is estimated as being about $1,200.

I. O. O. F .- This lodge was organized under dispensa- tion granted March 15, 1870. The initial members were : H. A. Sowle, J. P. Tracey, A. G. Schulz, Charles Hubbard, George B. Robinson, L. S. Benjamin, R. Kinmore and

DRAKE HOUSE ; GEORGE II. DRAKE PROPRIETOR, TOMAII, WIS.

Dahen, a German, who has about thirty-two pupils. The studies taught are identical with those taught at the district schools, the only difference being that the children are com- pelled to study in German.

Catholic Society .- The first organization of the Catholic Church at Tomah, was in the year 1867, the first pastor be- ing the Rev. M. M. Marks, who attended from La Crosse. This same year the present church was erected, at a cost of $2,500. The church was built under the supervision of Rev. John Casey, who attended from Mauston. The first resident pastor was the Rev. J. T. Durward, who took charge in 1870, remaining ever since. In 1873 there was an addi- tion built to the church, at a cost of $1,500. In 1874, the Catholic, or Parish school was erected at a cost of $6,000. The membership of the church numbers about 500. Value of property connected with church, $12,000.

LODGES AND SOCIETIES.

Masons .- Tomah Lodge, No 132, was organized and dispensation granted April 19, 1861. Charter members were C. W. Kellogg, Noah Maltbie, A. B. Smith, J. P. Thompson, John Dodge, E. Baker and S. D. Powers. The first officers elected were C. W. Kellogg, W. M .; W. H. Sanders, S. D; S. D. Powers, J. D .; John Dodge, Treas .; J. P. Thompson, Sec .; Noah Maltbie, S. W .; A. B. Smith, J.

Charles Organ. The first officers elected under dispensa- tion were : Thos. McCaul, noble grand; H. A. Sowle, vice grand; O. T. Sowle, recording secretary ; G. B. Robinson, permanent secretary, and J. P. Tracey, treasurer. In Jan- uary the charter was granted by Grand Lodge, bearing date of January 19, 1871. The meetings are held for the present in the Mason's meeting room, every Tuesday evening. They have in course of construction a hall, which will be ready to dedicate early in September, 1881. The building is well laid out, being large and all the 'conveniences for lodge purposes, are being put in. It will consist of a main hall 55x32 feet, reception room 15x32 feet, and ante-rooms and closets between the main hall and reception room. The hall proper is 80x32 feet, when completed will cost about $2,000. The present valuation of lodge property not including money invested in the new hall, is about $125. The present officers are, H. Lea, N. G .; D. E. Miller, V. G .; H. A. Sowle, R. S .; F. M. Tracey, P. S .; Lewis Schalle, Treas. The present number of members is fifty-two.

There are also a lodge of United Workmen and a Good Templar's organization, both recently established The Good Templars number about seventy members, and thus far has proven very successful in its object.

Public Halls .- The first hall was erected in Tomah, in

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

1858, and was the first place of any note calculated for the accommodation of public assemblages. This hall was built by James Rockwood, and was known as "Rockwood's Hall." The Grangers' Hall, on Superior avenue, came next. Fol- lowing this, the Masonic Hall was erected, and was a suc- cessful competitor for public entertainments. In 1879, Thomas McCaul erected a fine large building on Superior avenue, devoting the entire upper part to the purpose of a hall, and dedicating it McCaul's Opera Hall. The size of the entire hall is 100x50 feet, including the stage, which is forty feet square, is appointed with two ample dressing- rooms, one on each side, is well supplied with water, toilet

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

J. T. BEARSS, P.O. Tomah, son of Daniel Bearss, who was born in Livingston Co., N Y., where he was married to Abigail Fuller. They came to Wisconsin in the Fall of 1849, and settled in Fond du Lac County, where they lived several years; thence to Wanshara County ; thence lo Green Lake County. In the Fall of 1871, they removed to Wood County, and to Monroe County in 1877. Daniel Bearss died in 1878. J. T. Bearss was born in Calhoun Co., Mich., in 1847. He pur- chased his present place in 1880, and is engaged in furnishing railroad supplies ; also owns a half interest in a cranberry marsh of 360 acres. His wife was Miss E. A. Warner. Mr. Bearss resides near the village of Tomah; has a pleasant home which he is improving and making more beautiful. He has quite an extensive conservatory, which contains many choice native and exotic plants.

E. W. BEEBE, cashier of the Bank of Tomah, son of Y. V. Beebe, a native of the State of New York, who was a soldier of the Mexican

RESIDENCE OF E. W. BEEBE, TOMAH.

conveniences, and is completely furnished throughout. The seats are comfortable folding settees, of the latest con- struction, upon which six persons can sit. The reserved seats consist of two-seated settees, and are very comfortable. The hall has a seating capacity of 800. The building and hall complete cost about $3,500. The Odd Fellows' Hall, which is in process of erection, is a large brick building, the upper part of which will be used by the Order for their meeting room. This hall is directly next to the Opera hall, and is to be constructed entirely of brick, the lower portion to be used as stores. The main hall is 55x32 feet, with ante-rooms and closets between the main hall and reception room. The hall proper measures, over all, 80x32 feet, and will cost when completed about $2,500. They expect to dedicate it early in September, 1881.

war, came to Wisconsin from Boone Co., Ill., in 1854, and settled in Ju- neau County. He now lives at New Lisbon. He was a captain in the artillery service during the rebellion. E. W. Beebe was born in Boone Co., Ill., in 1852. Came to Tomah in the Fall of 1872 ; has been con- nected with the banking business here since that time. Wife's name was Annie Doroner. They have two children, Bertie and Lulu.

GEORGE I. BELL, merchant and express agent. Tomah, was born in Elgin, Ill. His parents removed to Sauk Co., Wis., from Illinois, about 1845. They were natives of the State of New York. They have resided in Tomah since 1854. George I. Bell was in Clark County about eight years. With that exception, he has been a resident of Monroe County since 1854. He began his preseut business here in May, 1877. His wife was Maria Nelson, native of Wisconsin, daughter of John Nel- son, of Omro.

J. F. BLOME, merchant tailor, Tomah. He was born in Bremen, Germany, in 1838. Ile learned his trade in his native city ; came to the United States, in 1868. He resided in Philadelphia, one year, where he worked at his trade ; thence to Portage Co., Ohio ; afterward went to Cleveland, where he was engaged as cutter in a wholesale house for about six months. Ile then returned to Portage Co., Ohio, and engaged in business. He resided in Ohio about seven years. In

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY

November, 1875, he came to Tomah, and engaged in work at his trade. Mr. Blome has been quite successful since he came to Wisconsin. He came to Tomah without any means ; has now a fine store which he owns and built himself, which is finely stocked with goods of the best material. Mr. Blome has seen much of the world, having spent several years traveling over Europe before he came to America, and has acquired a great deal of knowledge of the world. He is a respected citizen, and a prominent member of the Congregational Society.

JESSE BOORMAN, farmer, Tomah. Born in County Kent, England, July, 1830. He came to New York with his parents when an infant. The family settled in Chautauqua County, thence to Green County. They came to Walworth Co., Wis., in the Spring of 1835, where the family resided till the death of the father, which occurred about 1864. The mother of Mr. Boorman died when he was an infant. Jesse came to Monroe County in the Spring of 1855, and purchased 120 acres, which included the present site of the village of Tomah. He settled on Section 10, where he now lives. About 1857, he was mar- ried to Lucinda C. Ryland, daughter of Samuel Ryland. Her parents were of German descent, and settled in Walworth Co,, Wis., from Wayne Co., Ohio, about 1837. Mrs. Boorman was born in Wal- worth County. May 24, 1840. They have one son, Curtis A., born May 2, 1862. He is now a student of the State University, at Madison.

ULYSSES BUTTON, furniture dealer, Tomah, was born in Lo- rain Co., Ohio, May, 1827. His father removed to Oakland Co., Mich., while that State was still a territory, thence to LaSalle Co., Ill., in 1836. In 1840, his father's family removed to Wisconsin, Green County, where his father died about 1846. During the gold excitement in California, Mr. Button went by the overland route to that State, being six months on the road. He returned to Green County, in the Spring of 1853, Except one year, spent in Minnesota, has been a constant resident of this State. He came to Trempealean County from Minnesota, thence to Jackson County, where he lived six years; came to Tomah, March, 1876, and engaged in his present business. Married Miss M. M. Whea- ton, daughter of Cyrus Wheaton, one of the early settlers of Racine County, from the State of New York. They have six children-Mary, Julia, Josephine, Frank F., Jessie and Bell.

HARRY DOXTADER, Tomah. Born in Fulton Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; came to Dodge Co., Wis., in the Fall of 1857, and engaged in farming ; came to Tomah, in 1861 ; was engaged in buying wheat, three years, then engaged in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Barnes & Doxtader. This business he followed for nine years ; pur- chased present mill, in 1877, which is now known as the Barnes & Dox- tader mill, established by Barnes & Gilson. Mr. Doxtader was elected to the Assembly, in the Fall of 1876. and has held various town offices. Married to Miss M. L. Barnes. They have one child, Fred.

WATSON E\RLE, grocer and dealer in flour, Tomah. Born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1840. His parents were Thomas and Rhoda Earle. The family settled in Kenosha County, in 1842, and removed to Monroe County, about 1856. Father died in 1860, mother died in Ke- nosha County. Mr. Earle came to Tomah in the Spring of 1863; kept a meat market for some time ; was also engaged, for many years, in the flour and feed trade ; engaged in the grocery business, in 1873. He was married to Emma, daughter of Develly Turner, who settled in Monroe County, in 1855. They have six children-Lois A., Louis, Ruby, Per- laette, Lamont and Emma.

C. K. ERWIN, of the firm of Erwin, Butterfield & Co., general mer- chants, Tomah. Was born in Pennsylvania in 1837. He went to Port- age, Wis., about 1853, and engaged for a time as a clerk. In 1855, he went to Illinois and engaged in farming. He enlisted in October, 1861, in the 45th Ill. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He enlisted as a private; promoted to a second-lieutenantcy, Nov. 4, 1862; to first lieutenant, June 25, 1863, and to a captaincy, April 21, 1865. These promotions were all made in the company in which he enlisted. He participated in many of the severest engagements and most of the impor- tant campaigns in the South west. He was at Ft. Donelson, Ft. Gib- son, Bayou Pierre, Raymond, Jackson (Miss.), Champion Hills and Vicksburg. During the siege of the latter place, he was appointed as- sistant provost-marshal of the 17th Army Corps on Gen. McPherson's staff. At the expiration of his first term of service, returned home with his regiment on veteran furlough. On his return to field, was appointed assistant commissary of the 17th Army Corps, at Huntsville, Ala. In June, 1864, he was appointed assistant provost-marshal on Gen. Frank Blair's staff. From Marietta, Ga., he was sent to Springfield, Ill., on special duty. Dec. 17, 1864, he was appointed Judge-Advocate of the General Court-martial of the district of Illinois. Ile rejoined his regi- ment at Washington, June, 1865, thence to Louisville, Ky., where he was mustered out of service. After the war, he was engaged as agent . for a commercial house, and made his head-quarters at Freeport. Came to Tomah about 1868, and engaged in selling agricultural implements. Engaged in present business in 1879. Married Margaret Divers. Have five children.

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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