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 193

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 193

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ALBERT RICHARD, proprietor of Richard House, is a native of Green Bay, Wis. In 1860, came to Oconto, worked in the mills about three years, afterward he ran the lath mill, in abont 1863, he commenced jobbing and putting in logs for Tatton Jones, continned at thistill 1865. when he commenced the hotel business, which he has since followed. He built this house in 1872, the dimensions are 52x80 feet, three stories, cost abont $4,000. He has been Alderman of the West Ward three years, also Assessor one year.

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H. M. ROYCE, merchant and Chairman of the County Board, was born in Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1825. When about ten years of age, he came with his parents to Oberlin, Ohio. He attended school and assisted his father at farming until 1853, when he removed to Green Bay, Wis. Here he remained a year, engaged in surveying lands, when he settled in Oconto. Mr. Royce followed this same occupation here for about four years. In the Fall of 1857, he established himself in the gen- eral merchandise business, with W. L. Newton. Purchasing Mr. New- ton's interest in 1864, he has conducted the business alone since. He was burned out in August, 1875, but was soon on his feet again, and moved into his present convenient quarters. Mr. Royce has held im- portant public positions. In 1860-61, he was Deputy County Treasurer ; Village Treasurer two terms, 1867, 1868; was elected the first City Treasurer of Oconto, in 1869, and represented his district in the Assem- bly in 1874. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors for a num-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

ber of terms, and has been its chairman for the past three years. Mr. Royce was married in 1863, to Miss Aurelia Peabody, of Green Bay, Wis. His second wife was a Miss Elizabeth Chryster, a native of North Hector, Schuyler Co., N. Y., whom he married in 1869. They have three children.

FRANK RUELLE, saloon, Oconto, born March 24, 1827, in Bel- gium. Came to Green Bay in 1855, the following year he came to Oconto, worke ł in the mills till 1860, he then was appointed Jail Keeper, had this office about eighteen months. Hle enlisted in 1861, Co. G, 17th Wis. Inf., served about one year, was discharged on account of physical disa- bility, returned to Oconto and again worked in the mill about two years. In 1865, he opened this saloon. He has been Village Trustee six years, he has been Alderman the past seven years-Republican.

FRED SCHEDLER, proprietor of Funk's Hotel, Oconto, is a native of Prussia. In 1863, came to Watertown, Wis., there attended school, In the Fall of 1864, he came to Oconto and engaged as clerk for Mr. E. Funk, at this hotel, continued in this capacity till 1872, when he rented the property which he has since run. Married in 1872, to Amelia Liese ; she was born in Prussia. They have three children-two sons and one daughter.

JOSEPH SEDMIHRADSKY, engineer at Holt & Balcom mill, Oconto, is a native of Bohemia. Came to America in 1860, and located Baltimore. In 1865, came to Manitowoc and settled at Two Creeks, was there and at other places up to 1873, when he came to Oconto, has been with this company since.

F. G. SHANABROOK, head filer at Eldred & Son's mill, Oconto, was born in Williamsport, Penn .; came to this city in 1873 ; has been in the employ of this firm since he attended college at Gettysburg and studied for the ministry. When the war broke out, he enlisted, April 24. 1861, at Lock Haven, in the Rifle Guards, which afterward became Co. D. 71h Reg. Penn. Vol. Reserve ; was in the service nearly one year after the close of the war. He carries several scars which he re- ceived in battle.

D. SHARROW, proprietor of the American House, corner of Mc- Donald and State road, Oconto, is a native of Detroit, Mich. ; came to Oconto in 1857 : established his present business August, 1878.

JOHN SHERIDAN, dealer in hardware, stoves, and farm imple- ments, Oconto, is a native of Canada West ; came to Oconto in 1873, and engaged in lumbering up to the Fall of 1878, when he established his present business. He was in the Government service for about two years during the war. In the Spring of 1881, he was elected Alderman from the North Ward.

PETER SHUFELT, foreman Oconto Saw Mill, is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y. When a boy he commenced working in a saw-mill, which he has since followed. In 1857, he came to Green Bay, Wis. ; there he was employed at filing gang-saws, remaining there about one year ; then removed to Stiles, where he was employed as foreman for Eldred & Balcom ; remained in their employ four years. In 1861, he came to Oconto, and has since then been foreman of the saw-mill of the Oconto Company.

WILLIAM K. SMITH, firm of Farnsworth & Smith, bankers, Oconto.

JOHN SIMON, miller for Oconto Company ; born Jan. 12, 1853, in Denmark ; came to Escanaba in 1870; worked for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad about five years. He then came to Oconto, and has had charge of the Oconto flour-mills since then, he having learned this business in Denmark with his father, who was also a miller; worked at this trade till he came to America. Married, in 1879, to Sophia Stone. She is a native of Norway ; came to America when a child.

THOMAS SIMPSON, lumber, Oconto, is a native of New Bruns- wick ; came to Oconto in 1862, and has always followed the lumber business. He has been Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and Clerk of the School Board.

JACOB SPIES, manufacturer of lumber and dealer in general mer- chandise, Oconto. Is a native of Prussia. In 1849, came with his par- ents to Oshkosh, Wis. In 1856, he removed to Winneconne, Winnebago Co. ; there started a meat market, which he has since followed. In the Fall of 1859, he came to Oconto. continuing this business. Commenced the manufacture of lumber in 1870. Ilis mill has a capacity of five or six millions a year. Since coming to Oconto, he has been engaged in merchandising ; enlarged his store in 1880.

JOIIN STRACK, saloon, Oconto. Is a native of Prussia. Born April 18, 1821. Came to Green Bay, Wis., in 1855, where he remained until the Spring of 1863. when he came to Oconto. Built his house in 1868, where he now resides. In 1879, he opened this saloon. Married, in 1853, to Mary Mies ; she was born in Prussia. They have five chil- dren-Mary, Conrad, Kate, Nick and Lizzie.

P. II. SWIFT, editor and manager of the Oconto County Reporter, was born in Topsham, Orange Co., Vt., Dec. 28, 1844. His parents Henry S. and Diana C. Swift, came, with their family, to Edgerton, Rock Co., in 1853. Young Swift received his education at the Academy and Teachers'

Seminary, in Albion, Dane Co. He did not complete his course, how- ever, for his blood was so fired at the firing upon Ft. Sumter that he, with about thirty of his friends, said good-bye to school-days and joined the army. Young Swift, then in his eighteenth year, enlisted in Co. C. IIth Wis. V. I., in June, 1861, serving in the armies of the Missouri, Tennessee, Trans-Mississippi and the Gulf. From the ranks he was promoted, by regular gradations, to the captaincy, receiving his commis- sion in August, 1863. Ile was wounded at the battle of Tupelo, in July, 1864, and received an honorable discharge from the service in the Winter

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of the same year. Mr. Swift next studied law with Bennett & Norcross, of Janesville, being admitted to the Bar in June, 1867. In the practice of his profession he remained one year at Waseca, and some years at Beaver Falls, Minn. In 1870 the St. Peter district returned him to the Legislature. Two years later he was appointed supply clerk for the Cal- umet & Hecla Mining Co., a Michigan corporation. In December 1878, Mr. Swift commenced his newspaper life, at Clinton, Wis., by the publica- tion of the Rock County Republican. In October, 1880, he located in Oconto, and established the Oconto Republican, which was merged into the Reporter in July, 1881. Mr. Swift isa Mason, a member of the Tem- ple of Honor, and a strong Republican, Although comparatively a new comer, he has both established himself and his paper in the confi- dence of the Oconto public.

S. B. TALLMADGE, dealer in fruits, candies, nuts, etc. Is a native of New York State, and came to Oconto in 1869. He established his present business in 1878.

WILLIAM TAYLOR, farmer, Sec. IS. Little River Township, P. O. Oconto. Is a native of Canada. Came to Oconto in 1867 ; worked there at the lumber trade four or five years ; since then he has been en- gaged in farming ; he owns a farm of eighty acres. Ile is Treasurer ol the School Board. Married, in 1872, to Sarah Ann Brockett ; she was born in Wisconsin. They have two sons and two daughters.

H. TIIIELE, merchant tailor and dealer in ready-made clothing, Oconto. Was born in Prussia. Came to Milwaukee in 1867, and to Oconto in 1879, when he established his present business. Upon arriv- ing in Oconto, his means were small, and by close application to business and economy, he has built up a good trade, and carries a nice stock of goods in his line; his sales amount to from six to ten thousand dollars a year.

M. C. THOMPSON, with Oconto Company. Is a native of Maine. Came to Oconto in 1856 ; first worked for Norton & Co., in the lumber business, and since his residence in Oconto, has always been identified with the lumber business. Since the organization of this company, he has held the position as foreman and overseer of their logs, etc.

MICHAEL VOY, river overseer, Oconto, is a native of Ireland ; came to New York with his parents in 1834. In 1847, they came to Grand Rap- ids, Mich .; there they remained a short time, and removed to Milwau-

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HISTORY OF OCONTO COUNTY.

kee; in 1851, he came to this locality, where he has since lived. He has always been engaged in rafting and superintending river work. He owns eighty acres of land, forty-four acres of which is in the city limits. He has been Town Treasurer of the town of Oconto; has been three years Alderman.

CARRIE F. WATERS, teacher in the high school building, inter- mediate department, Oconto. She was born in the county of Oconto, and received her education in her native city. Began teaching in 1877, and has been in charge of the room she now occupies for three years.

W. H. WEBSTER, attorney at law, was born in Farmington, Oak- land Co., Mich., June 11, 1850; educated at Hillsdale College, in that State; he graduated in the class of 1868. He then studied law in St. Paul with Brisbin & Palmer and Lamprey Brothers, of that city, and was admitted to the Bar in June, 1871. In November of that year he com- menced the practice of his profession in Oconto, Wis., and has here con- tinued since. In 1878 Mr. Webster formed a partnership with Alex- ander Brazeau, under the firm name of Webster & Brazeau, of which he is still a member.

WILLIAM H. YOUNG, Mayor of the City of Oconto, was born in Woodville, Wilkinson Co., Miss., August 11, IS45. He is the son of Uriah and Lucretia Young, and worked on his father's farm up to the time of his parents' death, who both died in 1859. When the United States troops reached Baton Rouge, La., Mr. Young, then but a youth of eighteen, joined them, enlisting in Co. H, 4th Wis. C. His company was attached to the 19th Army Corps, Department of the Gulf, being en- gaged principally in picket-duty at various points in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia. Mr. Young was mustered out as a first lieutenant, at Madison, in May, 1865. He next located in Chicago, where he remained nearly a year, and completed a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. From Chicago he removed lo Oconto, in 1866, and has since resided here, having been conected with the Holt & Balcom mills during all this time. He is now assistant manager of their business. Mr. Young's public life consists in his election to the Board of Aldermen, in the Spring of 1874, holding that position five years, and his selection to the Mayoralty in 1879-81. Although yet

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comparatively a young man, his course from the first, whether in busi- ness or local legislation, has been marked by ability and consistency. Mr. Young was married to Mrs. Ellen E. Russel of Oconto, Jan. 1, 1872. They have one child, a daughter, Ina, six years old.

THE VILLAGES.

The principal villages or settlements in Oconto County are Pensankee, Little Suamico, Oconto Falls and Stiles. The first two are on the line of the Chicago & Northwest- ern Railroad. Pensaukee is twenty-five miles north of Green Bay, and was partially destroyed by a tornado, July 7, 1877. A large hotel, a saw mill, shingle mill and store, school-house and depot were blown down and a tug wrecked. The village is the center of a good farming country. F. B. Gardner operates a saw mill of 90,000 feet capacity.

At Little Suamico, situated in the southern part of the county below Pensaukee, on the Little Suamico River, are two mills-Conn & Gardner's and Gross's-the former hav- ing a capacity of between 70,000 and 80,000 feet of lumber per day.

In 1860, when Eldred & Balcom were operating their mills, Stiles was considered as promising a place as any in the county. One of the mills was burned, however, and the other abandoned, and the village fell back in the business race. Eldred & Son still operate a water-power mill, and

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

of late the place seems to have been regaining some of its early activity.

Oconto Falls does a moderate amount of general busi- ness. Henry, the son of John Volk, one of its early set- tlers, operates a small mill.

A considerable settlement is growing up in Gillette and some of the other towns, but the above are those of any considerable importance.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HIRAM ALLEN, farmer, Brookside, born at Summer Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in the year IS22. Went to Port Dalhousie, Canada, at the age of fourteen. Worked at farming two years and drove team on Well- and Canal eight years. Then went to Ohio and followed sailing for eight or nine years. Married in 184S Harriet E. Brooks, daughter of Samuel Brooks, of Ohio. Their happy union has been blessed with two sons and two daughters. Curtis and Cora E. are now living. Louise died three years after her marriage. Son died quite young. Came to Pensaukee, Oconto County, in the year 1854, and engaged in employ of F. B. Gardner, for a short time. Followed lumbering for several years. In 1863 he turned his attention to farming, which he has con- tinued to do up to the present time.

ENOC W. BARKER, farmer, Brookside, born in Fryeburg, Oxford Co., Me., in 1820. Went to Lowell, Mass., in 1840, and remained there until 1856, engaged in superintending the building of factories and canals. Came to Wisconsin in 1856, and located at Pensaukee on Sec- tion 16, Township 27, Range 21 ; after three years moved on Section 20, and cleared a farm of about 125 acres, and also engaged quite largely in lumbering. Elected Chairman of Town Supervisors in 1858; served three successive years. Held the office of Superintendent of Schools for three years, and filled the office of Chairman of Supervisors again for four years, and Justice of the Peace six years, and held other offices of public trust up to the present time. Married Edna J. Chandler, daughter of Joel Chandler, of Hopkinton, N. H., in 1842. Had four children, two boys and two girls-Francis Edward, Edison W. B., Edna C. and Emma E. All died at an early age.

JOHN I. BOVEE, merchant, Brookside, a native of Waukesha Co., Wis. Came to Brookside, town of Pensaukee, Oconto County, in the year 1868; taught school one year. Engaged clerking for two years for F. B. Gardner, lumber manufacturer. Then went into employ of G. W. Delano, of Brookside, in the mercantile business; continued with him two years. Then he purchased his interest and has continued to carry on the same business until the present time. In February, ISSI, he took his brother Eugene in as partner, and the firm is now known as Bovee Bros. They deal quite extensively in the cedar post business. John I. Bovee enlisted Aug. 5, 1862; served until March 4, 1865. Fourteen and a half months of this time was prisoner of war (in thirty-two different prisons); promoted to second lieutenant of Co. H, 46th Wisconsin ; served until 161h of October, 1865 (final discharge). Married Marion A. Morrison in 1872, daughter of Mathew Morrison, of New Vork State. Has held office of Town Treasurer, Assessor and Chairman of Town Supervisors.

E. R. CHESLEY, manufacturer, Brookside, born in Cleveland, Ohio. Came to Oconto Co., Wis., in 1869; engaged in lumbering for Com- stock & Simpson ; continued with same firm for six years. Moved to Pensaukee in July, 1877 ; continued lumbering, and is now engaged quite largely in manufacturing cedar posts, railroad ties and shingles, and also engaged in farming. Lost his second wife and son (a boy about six years old) by a tornado that caused great destruction to life and

property in Pensaukee and many other parts of the county, in July, 1877.

JAMES K. CROOKS, farmer, Brookside, born in the year 1841, at Restigouche, New Brunswick. Is the son of Joseph Crooks and Fannie nee Kerr. Went to State of Maine in 1859: engaged in lumbering for four years. Went to Saginaw, Mich., in 1863, and followed same busi- ness for one year. The climate not agreeing with him, he removed to Oconto, Wis., and continued to lumber for about eleven years. He finally settled at Brookside, town of Pensaukee, and is now engaged in farming and lumbering. Married in August, 1871, to Mary A. Davis, daughter of J. P. Davis and Mary L. Davis, of town of Stiles, Oconto County. Has two children, both boys.

GEORGE W. DE LANO, Brookside. Was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in the year 1833; received his education in the schools of his native country. Married Mary A. Rudd, of Watertown, in 1853. Came to Oconto Co., Wis., in the year IS55, and engaged in the agricultural and lumbering business (in town of Pensaukee), until 1869, and being of a speculative nature, dealt largely in pine and farming lands, then engaged in the mercantile business and continued in the same until 1873. His health being somewhat impaired, sold out his interest, and traveled until 1$77. Served a short time in the late Re- bellion; enlisted in the 39th Wisconsin, May, 1864. He built the first log cabin at Brookside, town of Pensaukee, and his wife was the first white woman there. He is prominent and influential, and the recipient of many public honors. Is now living on his farm, and is owner of 2,500 acres of farming and pine lands, mostly all farming.

A. P. McCAUL, Pensaukee. Is a native of Ottawa City, Canada ; was born October, 1843. His parents were of moderate means, much respected by all who knew them. He came to Oconto, Wis., 1865, and went to employment of McDonald & Brunquest as clerk in mill store. Went to California, Mexico, South America traveling, in 1878. Was engaged in the mercantile business in Denison, Iowa, for three years. Married Frankie A. Clapp, daughter of George R. Clapp, one of the pioneers of Dodge County, Wis., July 13, 1876, and finally returned to the State of Wisconsin, in August, ISSo, where he now is employed as general superintendent for F. B. Gardner, lumber manufacturer, Pensaukee.

E. C. WHITNEY, book-keeper, Pensaukee. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., 1847 ; moved to La Crosse Co., Wis., at the early age of eight years, IS55 ; engaged in the agricultural business until the year 1864. Served a short time in the late Rebellion. Went to Milwaukee in the Fall of 1865 ; remained there as book-keeper for Anthony Green, West Water street, until 1867, then came to Oconto County, and engaged in the lumber business. During this time served as Town Clerk and Chairman of Town of Pensaukee, seven years. Sold out his interest in Oconto County, and in 1879, went to Michigan, in em- ploy of S. Coleman, of Chicago ; remained there until Spring of ISSo, when he finally retired to Pensaukee and is now employed as book- keeper for F. B. Gardner, lumber manufacturer.

H. W. WALDRON, farmer, Section 4, P. O. West Pensaukee. Is a native of Boston, Mass. ; he learned the trade of machinist in Lowell. Came to Pensaukee in 1867, bought a farm of 120 acres, which he has improved with a very comfortable house, just completed ; cost $2,000; his barn cost about $500, and otherwise improved. Since coming here, has been Chairman of the Town, is a member of the Side Board, Town Supervisor ; has been School Treasurer and Director.

JOHN LEIGHI, proprietor of Leighton Mills, town of Steles. Is a native of Ireland, and came to America in IS37, with his parents, and they located in Maine. He came to this country in 1850. Has been a member of the County Board for a number of years ; was elected member of the Legislature in 1865. He employs in his mill from five to six hands.

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HISTORY OF OUTAGAMIE COUNTY.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY.

NATURAL FEATURES.

This county is situated along the great water high- way between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay. It is bounded north by Shawano, south by Winnebago and Calumet counties, east by Brown County, and west by Waupaca. It is rich by nature and by improvements, possessing many of the characteristics of its mother parent, Brown County. The land, consisting of rolling uplands and gently sloping valleys, is well watered by the Wolf River and its tributaries, in the western and northwestern portions ; by Duck Creek in the eastern part, and the Fox River in the southern and southeastern sections of the county. Water is easily obtained, and min- eral springs, of medicinal value, particularly the Telu- lah, near Appleton, have been discovered. The soil is of a red clay deposit, mixed with a rich limestone loam, and is good for agricultural purposes, making especially fine wheat land. The consequence is that wheat takes a decided lead in the sources of wealth to the farming community, nearly 35,000 acres being grown to that crop in 1880, the quality of the yield fixing Outagamie as one of the banner counties of the Northwest. The prices of land range all the way from $10 to $75 and $100 per acre, and much still remains unsold in the northern and western parts. Geologically, limestone formations prevail throughout the county, the channel of the Fox River being heavily bedded with stone of this variety, which accounts for the very hard character of its water.

POLITICAL.

Outagamie County is divided into eighteen towns, viz., Deer Creek, Maple Creek and Liberty, in the northwest and west ; Hortonia and Dale in the south- west ; Maine and Cicero in the north ; Bovina, Black Creek, Ellington and Center, in the central portion ; Greenville and Grand Chute in the south; Seymour and Osborn in the northeast and east ; Freedom, Kau- kauna and Buchanan in the southeast. As stated in the history of Brown County, the Oneida Reservation, of which a sketch has been given, extends into what would be the northeastern and eastern sections of the county, if its boundary lines were extended. The first towns, formed in 1851, the year that Outagamie was set off from Brown County, were Grand Chute, Elling- ton, Greenville, Hortonia, Kaukauna and Lansing, the latter being changed to Center, in 1853. The towns were created at so comparatively recent a date that further attention to this point is unnecessary.

The assessed valuation of the county, in 1851, was $352,247. In 1881, it was $6,779,167.

Most of the timber has been cleared off; still, there is yet a considerable belt throughout the northern tier of towns-Deer Creek, Maine, Cicero and Seymour. They are well watered by the Embarrass, Wolf and

Shioc rivers and Black Creek, which makes it easy to get the timber to market. Kaukauna, also, in the south- eastern part of the county, is quite well timbered in some portions. There are 112,281 acres of growing timber in the county, these towns being accredited with the following : Deer Creek, 22,000; Cicero, 19,- 324; Seymour, 13,000; Kaukauna, 9,600; Maine 9,500.

During the year 1880, the several towns of the county transacted business to the amount of $1,551,- 000, and the product of the manufactures of the city of Appleton was $3,182,000. With all this evidence of wealth and prosperity among the people, except for the expenses incurred in the construction of her fine court-honse, now progressing, the liabilities of Outagamie County would be almost nothing. She is clear of debt. Even in November, 1863, during the heat of war times, the liabilities were only $7,978.66, and the resources were $9,409; liabilities in November, 1880, $10,160.48, resources $19,560.34. Although the credit of the county somewhat declined during war times, because of the wholesale speculation in swamp lands by some of her officials, it was soon raised. County orders now sell at par, and the credit of the county is unrivaled. The total bonded indebtedness of the cities, villages and towns of Outagamie County is $140,930, of which $103,700 was voted for railroad aid. The total indebtedness is $153,840.64.

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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