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 189

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 189

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CHARLES GILSON, farmer and cooper, Tomah. Born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1823. His parents moved to Chautauqua County.,

when he was a child, thence to Wayne Co., Mich., when he was about eleven years of age. He came to Wisconsin with his family, accom- panied by the family of his father, in May, 1854, and settled in the town of Tomah. His father, Simon Gilson, died at the residence of his son, Feb. 14, 1881, in his eighty-third year. Mother still resides with her son. She was born February, 1793. Parents of Mr. Gilson had six chil- dren, only two of whom are known to be living : Charles and William. Charles was married in Michigan, to Susan Lombard, born in the State of New York. They have three children-Byron, Albert and Ida M.

SAMUEL GUNN, druggist, Tomah. Born in England, in 1831, came to the United States, in the Fall of 1853 ; came to Tomah, in June, 1854. Enlisted September, 1862, in 25th Wis. Vol. Inf. He was company clerk for some time ; was appointed hospital steward for his regiment, in 1853, and afterward steward of 4th Division, 16th Army Corps. This position he held till the close of the war. Took part in several impor- tant expeditions, including Sherman's "March to the Sea." At the close of the war. returned to Tomah. Has been engaged in the drug business since that time. Married Georgia Large, born in Ohio. They have four chil- dren-Andrew F., Frederick S., Arthur E., and George R.

ASHER HAYNES, farmer, Tomah. Born in Wilmington, Wind- ham Co., Vt., in 1813, where he lived till 1858. Ile learned the trade of blacksmith when a young man. In the Spring of 1858, he came to Tomah, and engaged in the grocery trade, being the first who engaged in that business in the village. This he followed for about four years, when he engaged in farming, which he has followed since that time. He was married to Miss Mary Robinson, who was born in his native town, in 1815. They have had five children, three of whom are living: Maria L., now Mrs. E. A. Gove, Martha Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. B. Farnsworth, formerly Mrs. J. C. Miles ; and Marissa, now Mrs. Nelson Doxtader. Lost second and fourth child : Mary J. Bennett and Sanford A. The latter was a member of the 4th Wis. V. 1., afterward the 4th Wis. Cav., during the Rebellion. He died in Clay Co., Iowa, Angust, 1879, from disease contracted in the army. Mr. flaynes is one of the very first settlers of the village of Tomah. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church, at Tomah.

ALMON A. HELMS, attorney, of the firm of Graham & IIelms. Born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1846 ; afterward removed to Malone, Franklin Co. His father M. W. Helms, was a member of the 98th N. Y. V. I. Served three years during the Rebellion. Family removed to Durand, Wis., from St. Lawrence Co., in 1866. Mr. IIelms read law at Durand with H. E. Houghton, Esq. Came to Tomah in 1874. He was engaged in teaching considerably, both in the State of New York, and after he came to this State. Was engaged in studying law while teach- ing. He entered the office of Judge Graham at Tomah, January. 1876 ; admitted in September, of that year. In October following, formed a co-partnership with Judge Graham ; married to Mary E. Baker, whose parents were early settlers from New York. They have two daughters, Belle M. and Lulu M.

PROF. JAY R. HINCKLEY, principal High School. Born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1840. He was educated at Prospect Academy and Whitestown Seminary, Oneida Co. and finished college studies at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He commenced teaching in the public schools of his native county, in 1861 ; afterward taught in the military schools at Poughkeepsie. Studied law for a time in New York City ; afterward went to the Lake Superior region, Wisconsin ; established the St. Croix Collegiate Institute at River Falls, in 1869 ; this being the first academy established north of the Chippewa Valley, in Wisconsin. lle was also instrumental in establishing the State Normal School at that place. He erected a school building at Hudson, for the St. Croix Military Academy. This was a success otherwise than financially. Ile finally returned to the State of New York, and taught for a time, but for some time previous to coming to Tomah, was engaged in school work in Illinois and Michigan. In 1879, he was induced to give up the principalship ol the Young Ladies' Seminary at Monroe, Mich., to accept the presidency of the Rock River University, of Dixon, Ill. But he soon found that this institution was encumbered with a load of debt, which rendered his position a very embarrassing one, and he accordingly resigned the presi- deney of the University and accepted the principalship of the High School at Tomah. During his residence at Northern Wisconsin, he was for some time Superintendent of the Public Schools of St. Croix County. Ile was married in Michigan, in IS68, to Miss Sarah A. Chamberlain. His wife is associated with him in teaching. They have three children- Albert, Annie and Eugene.

R. P. IHITCHCOCK, merchant, Tomah. Born in Oneida Co., N. Y .; in 1840. Enlisted in 14th N. Y. V. I. in 1861, and served over two years. Was color-sergeant of his regiment. Participated in all the battles and campaigns in which his regiment took part. At the expira- tion of his term of service, was engaged in the lumber business for a time. lle went to Southern lowa about 1864, and was engaged in the con- struction of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad for one and one-half years. He returned to New York, and was married to Mary E. Butter- field. Came to Tomah in the Fall of 1867, and engaged in present busi. ness. Has also been engaged in various other occupations. During the

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

construction of the West Wisconsin Railroad, he was largely engaged in furnishing supplies. Was also engaged in furnishing the Chicago & Northwestern and Wisconsin Valley roads. Mr. Hitchcock has also a fine farm near the village, which demands part of his attention. He has four children-Frank, Edith, Maik and an infant.

W. W. JACKSON, retired farmer, Tomah. Born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1813. He removed to Adrian, Mich., with his parents, when seventeen years of age, where his father, Jacob Jackson, resided till his death. W. W. Jackson enlisted as a soldier in the Black Ilawk war, but before he reached the field of conflict, the war had ended. He was married in Ilillsdale Co., to Lucy S. Wilcox, who died in Michigan. He afterward married Amanda Gilson, Came to Wisconsin in 1853. and located at Hartford, Washington Co. In April, 1854. he came to Mon- roe County, and settled in what is now the town of Adrian. This town- ship he named from Adrian, Mich., his former place of residence. He entered a farm in that town as government land. This farm he still owns. He has been engaged in farming a greater part of his life, though

New York. His wife's father was a soldier of the war of 1812. Mr. Kibbe came to Tomah in the Spring of 1866. In 1874, he engaged in the drug business with L. S. Barnes, the firm name being L. S. Barnes & Co. Ile has four children-Fred, now editor and proprietor of the Tomah Weekly Star; Eugenia, Harry and Byron.

WILLIAM L. MASON, stock dealer and farmer, etc., Tomah, and of the firm of Mason & Crandall, proprietors of meat market. Mr. Mason was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1843. where he grew to manhood. He came to Monroe County in January, 1869, and located at Sparta ; came to Tomah in the Spring of 1873 and engaged in the stock business. Mr. Mason is an energetic and successful business man. He was married to Elizabeth Sherman. They have one child, Walter.

Mr. II. L. Crandall, of Mason & Crandall, was born in Essex Co., N. V., in 1834. He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1851. Fam- ily settled in Dodge County. Mr. Crandall came to Tomah in 1861, and engaged in the grain business, etc. He was one of the firm of Runkell & Co., who built the Tomah mill ; engaged in business with Mr. Mason

RESIDENCE OF T. S. POWERS, TOMAII.

for fifteen years he was engaged in the mercantile business. Since he came to Wisconsin, besides farming, was engaged for many years in the manufacture of lumber. He built a saw-mill in 1855 in the town of To- mah; also another, a steam saw mill, in the same year. These were the first saw mills built in the east half of Monroe County. His steam mill has been burned twice and re-built a second time. Ilis second wife died in Monroe County in 1866. Ilis present wife was Miss Jane E. Preston. llad six children by first wife, two of whom are living. Had seven by second wife, all of whom are living, and four by present wife. llis children are all residents of Wisconsin except his oldest son, Jacob P., who lives at Owatonna, Minn. Mr. Jackson was Chairman of the Town Board of Adrian fourteen years. In February, 1858, he was ap- pointed County Judge by Gov. Randell, the Judge-elect, E. A. Rice, failing to qualily; at the expiration of this term, was re-elected for a full term. He was admitted to the Bar in 1858. Chairman of County Board in 1874; Chairman of Town Board at same time, and treasurer of the Agricultural Society, Monroe County. Mr. Jackson and wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1874, he was treas- urer of the West Wisconsin Annual Conference. He represented his district in the Legislature in 1862-63, also 1874-75.

JAY J. KIBBE, Tomah, born in Salisbury, llerkimer Co., N. Y., in 1842, where he lived till manhood. lle was married in the State of

in 1878. He was married to Jennie Jordan, native of New York. They have two children, Zubie and Linwood.

JOIIN L. MATHER, Tomah, born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1832 where he lived till about twenty-one years of age. He then went to Elmira, N. Y., where he engaged as clerk for Il. C. Spaulding in the lumber business. Ile went to California in 1855 : returned in 1858; came to Sparta in October of that year ; there he engaged in the drug business with Mr. Charles Gage, with whom he continued one ycar. He was for many years one of the prominent business men of Sparta. In 1865-7 he built the paper mill at Sparta, which he conducted until 1870; he also erected several other buildings in the town. He was married in Sparta to Mary E. Jones, daughter of S. K. lones, formerly from Vates Co .. N. Y., who came to Sparta about 1857. In the Fall of 1870, for the benefit of his wife's health, he went to Kansas City, Mo. Ilere he en- gaged in business as cashier in a bank, where he remained about one year. He went to Philadelphia in 1871, and engaged in the insurance business. Ilere his wife died. lle returned to Sparta in 1872, and en- gaged in the lumber business with James Lowery, whose interest in the lumber business he purchased in 1875. He was at this time quite ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Ile is now president of the Wisconsin & Lake Superior R. R., between Tomah and Lake Superior. Ilis present wife was Martha J., daughter of Rev. J. Taylor.

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* HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

Has four children by first marriage-John J., Fred. H., Maria J., and Sadie E.

D. R. MELOY, Justice of the Peace, Tomah, born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1819, where he lived till nineteen years of age. He settled in Racine Co., Wis., in 1839. He learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, when a young man, which he followed for fifteen years. Mar- ried Arvilla Cone, born in the State of New York. In 1848, Mr. Meloy settled in Wyocena, Columbia Co., Wis .; was also Postmaster here for about four years. He was one of the earliest settlers in the town of Tomah, where he settled in 1854. Engaged in farining and worked at his trade ; came to the village in 1867. With the exception of two years has been Justice of the Peace since 1855. Has five children-David Adelbert, Martha Conkling, Hattie, Edward H. and Homer.

MORITZ PALEY, furniture dealer, Tomah, born in Saxony, Ger- many, in 1830. Came to the United States in 1866 ; lived in Columbus one and a half years, then came to Tomah. He worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, for some time, engaging in his prsent business, July, 1878 His wife was Pauline Hoffan. They have six children, three boys and three girls.

EDWIN N. PALMER, artist, Tomah, was born in Erie Co., Penn., in 1834, where he lived till twenty-one years of age. He went to Lake Mills, Wis., in the Fall of 1856. Mr. Palmer was engaged for many years in teaching. His wife was Miss Sarah D. Cox, whose father settled in Jefferson Co., Penn., about 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer came to Tomah, in the Fall of 1860. Mr. Palmer was principal of the school at Tomah for some time, his wife being associated with him in the teaching. Mrs. Palmer is also a photographer and assists her husband in his busi- ness. Mr. Palmer was the hrst permanent photographer in Tomah, establishing that business here in 1863. Has been engaged in that work here since that time, except an interval of absence of five years. He is also engaged in the insurance business, representing some of the best companies, including the Home, N. Y .; Phoenix, of Brooklyn; Insurance Company of North America; Phil. Continental; Milwaukee Mechanics Mutual, and Hamburg and Magdeburg.

T. S. POWERS, hardware dealer, Tomah ; son of S. D. Powers, who was born in Vermont and moved to Ohio when a child, with his parents, who came to Wisconsin, June, 1844, and settled in what is Kenosha. They resided in Kenosha about two years, then removed to Pont Wash- ington, where they lived till 1854, thence to De Soto. They came to Tomah in 1859. Ilis father was in early life a builder, later in life he adopted the profession of dentistry. Ile served in the Legislature of Wisconsin, in the early days of the State and again was elected to that body in the Fall of 1864, but died Nov. 9. of that year. He has nine children, six sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. T. S. was born in the township of Henrietta, Lorain Co., Ohio, Oct. 4, 1838. Came to Wisconsin with his father. Married Emily S. Rush, daughter of Harvey Bush, an early settler of Wisconsin, from Ohio. They have two children, William J. and Ilubert D. He began business here in 1863. Mr. Powers is a successful business man; he bears the respect and esteem of all for his many fine qualities as a man.

JOHN F. RICHARDS, M. D., Tomah, born in Clermont Co., Ohio, in 1818. His father, John R. Richards and also his mother, were natives of Maryland. Ile studied medicine in his native county, attended lectures at Ohio Medical College, where he graduated in 1848. He began the practice of medicine in Highiland Co., Ohio, where he practiced till 1862, when he removed to Milwaukee. In the Spring of 1866, he came to Tomah, where he has since been engaged in his profession. He is the earliest of the present resident physicians of Tomah. He was married to Judith Ayers, native of Virginia. They have had five children, three sons and two daughters-Lafayette, John F., Randolph, Bonne, now Mrs. Devitt Cheeny, of Milwaukee. Lost one daughter, Alice Cary.

ADOLPH G. SCHULZ, general merchant, Tomah. Son of August Schulz, who was one of the earliest business men of Tomah. Was born in Germany ; came to this country in 1850. He first located near Port Washington. Ile removed thence to Chicago, and engaged in the tobacco business. He resided for a time at other points in the Northwest, Davenport, La Crosse, etc. He went to Black River Falls about 1858; came to Tomalı and engaged in business in 1861. Ile died in the Fall of 1878, leaving a widow and two children, Louisa and Adolph G. The latter was born in Germany in 1849. Ile was associated with his father in business for several years previous to his death ; is now engaged in general merchandising. Ile was married to Mattie M. Weed, adopted daughter of H. B. Howard. They have one son, Harry.

HENRY C. SPAULDING, attorney, Tomah. Son of V. Spaulding, who came to Monroe County, from Chelmsford, Mass., in 1855. Ilenry C. was born in Massachusetts in 1844. Ile read law at Tomah with Graham & Bleekman ; was admitted to the Bar in 1874 ; has practiced in Tomah since that time. He was married to N. N. Wells, who was born in Michigan. Their children are-Clara B., Susie, Laura and Henry A. Mr. Spaulding was associated with A. E. Bleekman for three years. During the year 1880 was associated with F. E. Campbell.

WALTER D. STANNARD, M. D., Tomah. Was born in Lake Co., Ohio, in 1841, but brought up in Cuyahoga County. He received

his literary and medical education at the University of Michigan, gradu- ating from the medical department of that institution in the Spring of 1865. He attended his first course of lectures in 1861. Ile served in the army as hospital steward about one year, when he was discharged for disability. After graduating in 1865, he entered the army as assist- ant surgeon, where he remained about one year. He then established himself in practice at Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He located in Tomah June, 1878. He married Narcena Hunt, a native of Michigan. They have two sons, II. Bert and John C.

J. P. TRACEY, grocer. Tomah. Was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., in 1810. His father died before his birth. IIe was married in St. Law- rence Co., N. Y., to Caroline, daughter of Samuel Donglass, born in Vermont. They were married in 1832. They removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where they lived till 1860. In Ohio he was engaged in keep- ing hotel. Came to Sparta in 1860, where he lived one year when he located in Tomah. He built a hotel here in 1862, and engaged in buy- ing produce, berries, grain, etc. He was first to engage in the berry business at this point. He purchased his present store in 1862, which he used as a hotel for some years, in fact, has been engaged, more or less, in hotel and livery business most of his life. He has been on Town Board for five years, and also one of the Trustees of the village. Has been an Odd Fellow for thirty-six years, 'is a charter member of the Tomah Lodge of that order. Has been treasurer of this lodge for six years. He has three children-Sarah, now Mrs. J. K. Jones, Maria, now Mrs. Alfred Baldwin, and Frank. Mr. Tracey was colonel of the Ist Rifle Reg., 21st Division, Ohio Militia, for four years. Colonel Tracey has been an active business man all his life, and has often been quite successful in his financial undertakings. Naturally generous, and for many years accustomed to indulge in the social glass, and spending his money as freely as he made it, like many others he foolishly spent thousands of dollars with boon companions, which should have been more profitably invested. No one more fully realizes this fact than the colonel himself. But several years since, he formed a determination, that from thenceforth he would never take another drink of liquor. From this pledge, made to himself, he has never departed, and no stronger oppo- nent to the liquor traffic can be found than he. Yet during his life of self- indulgence, no man suffered from his habit of dissipation but himself. Honest and upright in his dealings, he has ever been trusted and esteemed honest man. Redeemed from the thralldom of strong drink he main- tains the entire respect and confidence of all.

G. R. VINCENT, M. D., Tomah, was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1841, but was brought up in Oneida County. He attended the Albany Medical School at Albany, and graduated at the Medical Department of the University of Vermont in 1865. His father was a physician, and practiced his profession in the village of Prospect. N. Y., during the whole of his professional life. He came to Tomah, July, 1866, and set- tled here permanently the following year. He has attained to well de- served popularity in his profession, and is highly esteemed both as a physician and citizen. Ile was elected to the Legislature of Wisconsin in the Fall of 1878 ; has been President of the Village and a member of the Village Board for five years. His wife was Miss Libbie Kibbe, of Herkimer Co., N. Y.

J. O. WARRINER, proprietor of jewelry and music store, Tomah, born at Northfield, Vt., in 1842, where he lived till about nine years of age, when he removed with his parents to Tioga Co., Pa .; thence to Wisconsin, in 1855, and settled at New Lisbon. Mr. J. O. Warriner re- turned East in the Fall of 1860. He learned his business principally with his father. Was engaged in business for a time at Wellsville, N. Y .; came to Tomah, Ang. 16, 1870. Married Sarah J. Phelps ; born near Andover, Allegany Co., N. Y. They were married in 1865. Have three children, Luman, Arthur and Buiton.

GREENFIELD,

Post-office, called Tunnel City, is located on the C., M. & St. P. R. R., near the tunnel : was settled up when the tun- nel was built. The place is noted for its immense ship- ment of berries, blueberries, huckleberries and blackber- ries being the principal.

NORWALK,

This village is located on the main line of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, in the town of Ridgeville. It was platted on the twenty-fifth day of October, 1872, and, according to survey, lies in the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter, and northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 28, Town 16. The first settlers in the village were S. McGary and C. G. Hetman. The first house

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN

built in the village was put up by D. M. Dolson, in 1872. Following this, almost immediately, was the farm house of Mr. McGary and the Norwalk House, a hotel, built by Mr. John Hoyning. Mr. Hoyning also built the first store, this same year, opening with a general stock of goods at once. The Post-office was established the following year, Mr. Hoyning being appointed as Postmaster. The village claims a population about 280 inhabitants. There are about sixty houses; the principal business, farming. There are two general stores, a blacksmith and wagon shop, marble yard and two hotels. The village is in the southern portion of town of Ridgeville (No. 16) ; it nestles among the hills and valleys of one of Nature's parks, being surrounded by gent- ly undulating country, whose smooth, though not level, sur- face is desirably broken and varied by the rich growth of timber, which skirt the hillside in the distance. The one school in the village is supplied with an efficient teacher, and is thorough in all its departments. The people have not yet succeeded in having a church building erected, but a few of them of the Congregational denomination, have banded themselves together and worship in each other's houses, alternately.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOHN F. DORLAND, harness maker, Norwalk, born in La Porte City, Ind., and removed to Sauk County with his uncle. lle learned the trade of harness making at Reedsburg, with Mr. M. Finch ; estab- lished his business here in .1879. His wife was Mary Goodwin, of Juneau County.

CHRISTIAN G. HETTMAN, grain dealer and farmer, Norwalk, son of Frederick Hettman (deceased), who settled in Erie Co., N. Y., about 1845, and came to Wisconsin with his family in June, 1856, and pre-empted a farm near where the village of Norwalk now is. This farm is just southeast of the village. He died November, 1869, leaving widow and eight children. Christian G. was born in Germany, in 1846; after the death of his father, he purchased the homestead where he now lives ; has been engaged in grain buying since 1880. His wife is Mary Ann Sour, daughter of Jacob Sour. She was born in Wiscon- sin, September, 1852. They have three children-Allie, Sarah, and an infant daughter. Mr. Hettman's farm contains 175 acres.

SELIUM McGARY, farmer, Norwalk, born in the town of Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., in 1831 ; his parents removed to Erie Co., Ohio, when he was a child, where Mr. McGary was brought up. He came to what is now Norwalk, in the Fall of IS52, and is, therefore, one of the earliest settlers of Monroe County. The land which he entered at that time, included the greater part of the site of the present village of Nor- wall :. Manuel Metzgar had settled the previous Fall, on a piece of land adjoining that upon which Mr. McGary settled. With the exception of Mr. Metzgar, Mr. McGary is the earliest settler of the town of Ridge- ville. Mr. Mettzgar removed to California many years ago. Mr. McGary engaged in lumbering for about two years, but his general business has been farming. He gave the name Norwalk, to the village from the beautiful village of that name in Huron Co., Ohio, near which he lived for many years. He is quite an extensive farmer, owning 380 acres of land. Ile enlisted February, 1865, in 52d Reg. W. V. I., and served till the close of the war. lle was married in Ohio, in 1851, to Miss Elvira Fox, daughter of Charles Fox. They have six children-Francis, Eugene, 1sahel, Lenora. Josephine and Jessie.

WILLIAM MUNZ, Norwalk, son of Jacob Munz, who emigrated to this country from Wurtemburg, Germany, and settled in Township II, Dodge Co., Wis., in 1853; afterward removed to Milwaukee, where William attended one of the ward schools in that city, for about one year ; afterward attended Englemen's Academy. The family re- moved to the town of Ridgeville, Monroe Co., in 1856, where thay made a farm. William was born in Germany, in 1844 , he enlisted January, 1862, in the 19th Wis. V. I., served in that regiment till August, 1865 ; re- enlisting after his first two years' service. Hle was engaged in many of the most important battles and campaigns in Virginia ; was in Grant's last campaign, participated in many important battles in Virginia, in- cluding Cold Harbor, Fair Oaks, Chapin Farm ; was present at the sur- render of Gen. Lee. At the close of the war, he returned and en- gaged in farming during the Summer and teaching during the Winter ; has taught seven or eight terms in the town of Ridgeville ; located in Norwalk in 1873. He married Katherine, danghter of John Seybold,

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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