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 209

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 209

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Manufactories .- The first saw-mill erected in the Kinnic- kinnic Valley was in 1850 by C. B. Cox, at what is now known as Clifton Hollow ; the following year, he erected the first flouring mill, at or near the same point. In 1852, N. N. and O. S. Powell built a saw-mill a short distance be- low where the Greenwood Mill now stands ; this mill was destroyed by fire in 1856. They erected a saw-mill a short

distance below the Junction Mills in 1865, which was also destroyed by fire in 1872.

Prairie Flour Mill, located on the north branch of the Kinnickinnic River, was built by C. B. Cox in 1854. It was run as a custom mill until 1860, when he commenced to do merchant work. In 1874, J. D. Putnam & Co. pur- chased the entire interest in the mill and overhauled it, putting in new machinery for manufacturing the patent process flour, and adding another run of stone, making, in all, three run of stone, and have since run it as a merchant mill exclusively, with a capacity of sixty-five barrels per day. The same year, this company built a substantial ware- house and grain elevator, with a capacity of 45,000 bushels of grain. In 1881, they added another story and remodeled the whole inside structure.

On the same branch of the Kinnickinnic, a short dis- tance to the south, is located the Greenwood Mills, built by C. B. Cox and Caleb Green in 1858, with two run of stone. In 1873, Messrs. Pomeroy & Bowron purchased the entire interest. In a short time, Mr. Pomeroy sold his interest to Messrs. McKay & Woodruff. In 1877, George Fortune purchased the entire interest and rebuilt the mill, making extensive improvements. It now has three run of stone and a capacity of forty-five barrels per day.

Still further to the south, on the same branch, ale the Foster Mills, built in 1854, as a saw-mill. Mr. Foster run his first mill until the Spring of 1868, when he removed it and erected a new mill.

At the junction of the north and south branches is located the great flouring mills of Freeman & Stevens, known as the Junction mills, which were built in 1867, by C. B. Cox and A. D. Andrews. The original mill had five run of stone. In 1870, Mr. Cox sold his interest to A. D. Andrews. The same year, George Fortune purchased one-fourth interest. Three years afterward, A. A. Freeman purchased an in- terest in the mill, and extensive improvements were made. In 1877, Mr. Freeman purchased the entire interest in the mill, which he still owns, except one- fourth interest in the business, which he sold to E. R. Stephens, of Minneapolis. In 1879, an engine was added to the motive power and the mill now has a capacity of 400 barrels per day, and gives employment to twenty men. They also have cooper-shops giving employment to twenty or thirty men, turning out from 300 to 400 barrels per day, and a large elevator with a ca- pacity of 60,000 bushels.

South of this mill, located on the south branch, is the " Cascade Mills," built in 1868, by William Barker. In 1876, another run of stone was added, making in all three run, with a capacity of forty barrels per day. It is used only as a custom mill.

The River Falls machine shop was established in July, 1872, by the Young Brothers. The power for the shop was furnished at the Foster Mills, until 1878, when the firm erected a two story shop in the south part of the town. The firm was engaged in the manufacturing of brass work, turn- ing and lath work, with a general repair shop. The motive power is a six-horse power engine.

719

HISTORY OF PIERCE COUNTY.

The River Falls Lime Works were first established in 1868, by Messrs. Oakley & Nichols. In 1869, Mr. Oakley purchased Mr. Nichols's interest and ran the works until 1879, when Mr. Oakley put in the patent kiln. In March, 1881, Mr. J. Hale purchased an interest. With the improve- ments being added, the firm expect to turn out 40,000 bar- rels during the season.

Amber Cane Sirup Manufactory. O. S. Powell em- barked in this new enterprise in the Spring of 1880. Its capacity is 500 gallons per day. In 1880, he manufactured 10,000 gallons. He manufactures a superior quality of sirup, a fact attested by the Cane Growers Association.

Among the other manufacturies in River Falls, are seven blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, one stave mill, one marble shop and one cooper shop.

Societies .- I. O. O. F., No. 190, was first organized Feb. 2, 1872, with five charter members. The fire of 1876 de- · stroyed the building in which their hall was located, and their charter, together with their furniture and fixtures were also destroyed. The charter was re-issued in December, 1876. The lodge is at present in a flourishing condition, with the following officers: W. S. Ensign, N. G .; C. G. Knowles, V. G .; P. F. Lowell, Sec .; T. Martin, Treas.

The Masonic Lodge of River Falls was chartered June 15, 1859, with ten charter members. The first officers were : C. E. Abbott, W. M .; A. Saunders, S. W .; W. A. Tozer, J. W .; J. A. Short, Treas .; Benj. Wilcox, Sec .; P. H. Tain, J. D .; C. H. Rossman, S. D .; S. K. Rolling, tiler. Their present officers are : T. McLeary, W. M .; Joseph Stevens, S. W .; D. D. Proctor, J. W .; O. Strahl, Treas .; W. H. Saun- ders, Sec .; W. A. Bennett, S. D .; Frank Scribner, J. D .; F. W. Hammond, tiler.

The A. O. U. W., received their charter June 8, 1878, and was organized with twenty-two charter members. The organization was effected by the election of the following officers : O. C. Hicks, P. M. W .; E. E. Getchell, M. W .; P. F. Lovell, G. F .; W. A. Burnett, O .; L. W. Austin, record- er ; William G. Cheever, financier ; D. D. Proctor, receiv- er ; E. G. Farnsworth, G .; M. Healy, O. W. The society is in a prosperous condition with a membership of thirty- six. The present officers are as follows : S. J. Oakley, P. M. W .; W. G. Cheever, M. W .; O. C. Hicks, G. F .; D. D. Proctor, O .; W. A. Burnett, recorder ; E. W. Jackson, finan- cier ; George E. Reed, recorder ; John Scott, G .; C. P. Butler. I. W .: E. G. Farnsworth, O. W.

The Temple of Honor was instituted May 31, 1878, with thirty-five charter members. Much good has been ac- complished by this lodge, in reclaiming the fallen and throwing around the pathway of the young protection from the evil influences of bad company. The Juvenile Temple of Honor was organized March 15, 1877.

The oldest temperance organization of River Falls is the 1. O. G. T., the first organization of which dates back sev- eral years prior to the present organization. The last char- ter is dated March 15, 1877, with sixteen charter members. The lodge has initiated over 175 members since its last or- ganization.

Churches .- The early settlers of this region were accus- tomed to gather for religious worship at the house of Mrs. Penn, about a mile and a half north of the village. A Sun- day-school was organized in 1853. In July, 1854, Rev. Richard Hall, superintendent of the Home Missionary So- ciety, preached the first sermon in River Falls, in the pio- neer store, which had not, as yet, received its stock of goods. After that, services were held at different places un- til the school-house on the corner of Fourth and Maple streets was finished.

The Congregational Church was organized Feb. 3, 1855, with seventeen members. The edifice they now occupy was built in 1857, and dedicated in 1858. In 1867 steps were taken to build another church. Lots were purchased, the foundation laid and the frame erected and inclosed for a house, to cost $10,000, when a hurricane prostrated the structure. In 1879, a beautiful parsonage was erected adjoin- ing the church at a cost of $2,000. They have at present 158 members.

The First Baptist Church was organized April 12, 1857. In 1861 their first house of worship was commenced and finished in 1862. Since July, 1878, they have held no reg- ular service.

The Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Father Connelly, in 1875, with a membership of thirty-eight fam- ilies. Their house of worship was built in 1876. There are now connected with the church forty-six families.

The Episcopal Church was first convened under the la- bors of Rev. John Williamson, a missionary, in 1859, hold- ing services in the school-house. In 1871 Rev. Charles Thorp became pastor, and during his ministry the church was regularly organized with sixteen communicants. Their house of worship was completed in 1872.

Schools .- The same spirit of enterprise which had, from the first, manifested itself in the early settlers of this beau- tiful valley in other matters, was manifested in matters of education. The first step taken toward providing means for the education of their children was the building of a school-house, in the Fall of 1854, at a cost of $500. Miss Helen Flint was the first teacher employed, and her salary was paid by subscription.

A joint stock association was organized in 1856, and in- corporated as the River Falls Academy Association, and another school building was erected during the same year, at an expense of about $5,000. This building was de- stroyed by fire in 1879, since which time there has been built, on the site of the old academy, a brick structure, at an expense of $15,000. The donating of $25,000 and ten acres of land, secured to River Falls the Fourth State Nor- mal School. The building stands on an elevated plat of ground in the southeastern part of the village. It is a com- modious brick building, built in 1874. The school opened in 1875, with a corps of ten professors and teachers and an attendance of 200 hundred students.

There are other small villages in the county, such as Diamond Bluff, Trenton and Bay City on the Mississippi; Clifton on the St. Croix; with Spring Valley, Rock Elm

720

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Center, Plumb City, El Paso, Esdaile and Martell distrib- uted over the inland districts, each one being built on the bank of a perennial stream, and will in time, as the county develops, become large and prosperous villages.

DIAMOND BLUFF

Is a small village situated in Pierce Co., Wis., on the banks of the Mississippi River, about forty-three miles below St. Paul. It derives its name from the many particles of dia- mond-shaped stones found on the huge bluff which rises to a great height, immediately back of the town, and is almost perpendicular, and has always been a guide for the pilots to run the channel of the river by. This village was first set- tled in 1848, and among the early settlers of from 1850 to 1855, are, Enoch Quimby, August R. Mero, and John R. Niles, of the firm of Wethering & Niles. There are two general merchandise stores, two grain warehouses, one hotel and a post-office. It also has an extensive wood yard, ope- rated by the above firm, which supplies wood for a great many of the boats on the Mississippi. There is a district school and a Methodist Episcopal Church, which was or- ganized with five members, in the year 1855, in the back room of what is now known as the residence of Mr. Quimby. In the year 1866, it reached a membership of thirty, when they erected the building in which they now hold service, having at this writing fifty members. About a mile and a half below Diamond Bluff is a cluster of Indian mounds, containing from seventy-five to 100. They are situated on ground slightly elevated above the natural banks of the Mississippi, and cover from three to four acres, being one of the largest clusters of mounds of this character in the State. They are perfectly round or circular at the base, being con- ical at the apex and vary in height from five to fifteen feet, and have the appearance of a regularly laid out village. No excavations have cver been made.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

AUGUST R. MERO, grain, wood and stock dealer, Diamond Bluff. Was born in the State of Maine, March 4, 1832. In 1858, he came to Wisconsin, and bought a farm in the town of Diamond Bluff, Pierce Co .. on which he lived until 1869, then moved into the village, and started a wood yard, which he ran in connection with his farm. In the Spring of 1874, commenced buying giain, in addition to his other business. In 1876, he shipped 44,000 bushels of grain, but as a general thing, averaged about 30,000. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary Niles, who was born in Maine, and by whom he has three children-Alice, Clara M. and Aug. H.

JOIIN R. NILES, of the firm of Wethering & Niles, dealers in general merchandise, and proprietors of wood yard, Diamond Bluff. Was born in Maine April 10, 1833. He went to St. Paul, Minn., in 1854, and worked in the pineries during that Winter, and then, in 1855, came to Diamond Bluff, where he entered 240 acres of land east of the village. He commenced farming, and furnishing wood for boats on the Mississippi River, also working at the carpentet's trade. In 1879, he opened a store in company with Mr. Wethering, and now does an an- nual business of $7,000. Mr. Niles was the third settler in what is now known as the village of Diamond Bluff. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Eleanor Rogers, who was born in Nova Scotia.

LAWSON C. BURKE, merchant, Postmaster and wood dealer, Diamond Bluff, was born in Vermont Sept. 14, 1830, In 1856 he went to Minnesota locating at Hastings, where he commenced clerking in a hotel, at which he continued but a short time and then went to Red Wing and ran a hotel for two years. He then commenced farming, and after doing that for six years, he returned to Red Wing, living there until 1870. At this time he came to Diamond Bluff and opened a store. He now holds the office of Town Clerk of Diamond Bluff, and has served three years as Chairman of the Town Board. His business amounts to about $6,000 per annum. lle was married in New Hampshire, in 1854, to Miss Fannie R. Carriel.

CHARLES H. GRANT, carpenter and builder, Diamond Bluff, was born in Augusta, Me., March 30, 1834. In the Spring of 1855 went with a colony from Massachusetts to Kansas, settling on the Neosho River, Here he remained but a short time and in the Fall of the same year came to Wisconsin, locating at Diamond Bluff where he has made his home ever since, erecting the first hotel kept in that place. In 1862 he enlisted in the 30th Wis. V. I. Co. F, of the rebellion, serving until the close of the war, and was commissioned second lieutenant at Louis- ville, Ky., in March of 1865. After the close of the war he returned home, and then moved his family to Hastings, Minn., where he had charge of Henry Butruff's sash and blind factory for eight months. He then re- turned to hisformer home, building the Methodist Episcopal church there in 1866, He has been Chairman of the Town Board for one year, also Clerk for the same length of time, and has been Town Treasurer for twelve years, and is a member of the F. & A. M., Northwestern Lodge, No. 105, at Prescott ; was married, in 1860, to Miss Susan Rogers, who is a native of St. John, N. B. Their family consists of Carrie B., Nellie H., Mabel C., and Ethel V.

BERNARD D. ENGLEY, teamster, Diamond Bluff, was born in Lincoln Co., Me., May 5, IS26. He came to Wisconsin Sept. 20, 1857; and located at Diamond Bluff, where he farmed for four years, being also a wood dealer. He then returned to Maine and remained there two years, after which he came back to his former home and com- menced in the wood business again, and has continued at that ever since. He has served as a member of the Town Board a number of terms. . He was married in Maine in 1849 to Miss Lucy J. Prock, by whom he has two daughters, Laura B. and Addie M.

ESDAILE.

The village of Esdaile is situated in the southwestern part of Pierce County in the town of Hartland, on a small stream, a distance of six miles from Maiden Rock. It is an unpretentious village, quietly nestling among the hills and valleys, which relieves the monotony of the scenery in that section of the county, and is surrounded by heavily timbered lands. The principal industry is the manufacture of hubs, spokes and bent-wood work, operated by Charles Betcher, of Red Wing, Minn. They employ seventy-five men and ten teams the year around. The village has also two gen- eral merchandise stores, a post-office, one hotel, one church and a school-house.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOSEPH GILLESPIE, proprietor of the Esdaile House, was born in Allegheny Co., Penn., in IS19. He worked at farming and coal mining in his native State until 1861, when he enlisted in the 4th Penn., Vol. Cav., Co. E, and served until March, 1863, when he was wounded in the right foot, which disabled him from further service. He then re- turned to Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1867, when he came to Wisconsin, and bought a farm in the town of Hartland, Pierce Co. After purchasing his farm he returned to his native State, and brought his family to their Western home. They lived on this farm until 1877, when they moved into the village of Esdaile and built the hotel where he now lives. He was married in Pennsylvania, July 26, 1838, to his first wife, Catherine Koons, who died in 1858, and by whom he had seven children. He was married to his present wife, Mrs. Martha Bur- dick, who is a native of New York State, and by whom he has three children.

SAMUEL E. McDONALD, general book-keeper for the firm of Charles Betcher, hub and spoke factory, Esdaile, town of Hartland; was born in Canada, on the 19th of September, 1850. Upon coming to Wisconsin he located in the town of Hartland, Pierce County, where he worked by the month. In 1871 he was employed by the above firm, first in the mill, and afterward in the office for two years, and in 1876 he started a general merchandise store in E-daile, which he run in com- pany with his brother William, until IS78, when he commenced farming, at which he continued until 1881, when he re-engaged with Charles Betcher. le has held the office of Justice of the Peace in Esdaile, for three years. He was married, March 14. 1874, to Miss M. J. Mc- Clenand, of Freeborn Co., Minn. The hub and spoke manufactory where he is engaged, employs about seventy-five men the year around, and ten teams, and in the year ISSo, the wagon material shipped from there amounted to $60,000.

WILLIAM MONRO, superintendent of the Betcher hub and spoke manufactory, Esdaile, was born in Canada, on the 17th of August, 1838. He came to the United States in 1860, and first located in the State of Michigan, where he worked at his trade (that of machinist) for six months. He afterward went to Nashville, Tenn., and lived in

721

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

the South until the close of the war, when he removed to Chicago, where he accepted the position of manager of the Cooper & Bro. bent timber manufactory ; remained there until 1869, when he came to Wis- consin, and was foreman of Webster & Lawson's bent timber manufac- tory at Menasha. In 1879 he engaged in his present position. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Maiden Rock Lodge, No. 196. He was married in Chicago in 1860 to Miss Nancy J. Wilson, who is also a na- tive of Canada.

ARTHUR J. MUMFORD, assistant foreman of the Belcher hub and spoke manufactory, Esdaile; was born in Pennsylvania, July 29, 1844, and came lo Wisconsin in 1868, locating first at Ellsworth, Pierce Co., where he started a wagon shop, which he run until 1873. He then engaged with the ahove firm at Esdaile, as foreman in the wagon manufactory, which position he held until the firm abandoned that branch of business, when he assumed his present position. He enlisted in the late war, in November, 1861, at Davenport, Iowa, in the 16th Iowa, Vol. Inf., Co. G, and served until July of 1862, when he was

discharged on account of poor health. He re-enlisted in December of 1864, in the 50th Wis., Vol. Inf., Co. G, and served until June of 1866. He was married at Ellsworth in 1866 lo Miss Elsie Brown, who was born in Waukesha County. They have four children-Wellman L., Nefadell. Lois and Martha B.

WALTER E. WARREN, Postmaster and merchant, Esdaile, was born in Waukesha Co., Wis., September, 1857. In 1867 moved with his parents to Rock Elm, Pierce Co., where his father started a wagon- making shop. In 1879 he went to Esdaile, where he started a store in company with Henry Doughtry, which they continued to run under the same name, until April, of 1880, when Mr. Warren bought out his partner, and was also appointed Postmaster. He has a lrade of $5,000 per annum in his store and holds the office of District School Clerk. He is a member of I. O. O. F., Maiden Kock Lodge, No. 268, and also of the F. & A. M., Maiden Rock Lodge, No. 196. He was married, May 17, 1880, to Miss Jennie Campbell, by whom he has one daughter.

POLK COUNTY.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

This county lies between St. Croix, on the south, and Burnett, on the north, with Barron for its eastern neighbor, and the St. Croix River for its western limit. The land is generally high and rolling in the western portion, near the river, but in the center and eastern parts is level. Numerous large meadows abound, fur- nishing large crops of wild grass. Some fine prairie land is found in the western portion. Pine, oak, birch and maple timber is found in large quantities. The land is fertile and susceptible of agricultural develop- ment. The underlying rock is sandstone, and large deposits are found in different parts of the county. In- dications of iron, copper and lead exist in the eastern and southwestern portions of the county, and there is a very extensive deposit of lime rock on the St. Croix River, one and one-half miles south of Osceola mills, from which large quantities are taken yearly.

The improved land is in a good state of cultivation, the staple crops being wheat, oats, barley, rye, Indian corn and potatoes. Stock raising is becoming of con- siderable importance. Small fruits are grown in con- siderable quantities. The seasons are more favorable to the raising of corn, and other small crops, than they were at the first settlement of the county. The first agricultural society was formed in 1860. Its fairs were successful, and did much to awaken an interest among the farmers. The principal exports are wood, lumber, wheat, lime, furs and mineral water. All the small grains raised find a ready market at home among the lumbermen, either in their natural or manufactured state. The manufacturing interests are principally of lumber, and water-power is used extensively. The products find a ready market in towns along the Mis- sissippi River.

The region is amply drained by the Clamn, Wood, Trade, Wolf, Apple and Willow rivers, while the St. Croix is one of the principal streams of the State.

St. Croix River rises from St. Croix Lake about one hundred miles above St. Croix Falls, in Douglas County, and forms the boundary line between Minnesota and Wisconsin, from Burnett to Pierce counties. The scenery of the river is a panorama of beauty that varies constantly as we pass slowly along. Now the banks

are formed by perpendicular cliffs, worn and scarred by the waters of centuries ago ; again, by fields of golden grain, or by a few tall pines, which have escaped the general destiny. Here and there may be seen white cottages and thriving villages ; numerous islands, cov- ered with willows, and a never-ending succession of logs, either afloat or stranded along the shores, are passed on the journey, and, at one place, perched on the pinnacle of a rocky height, two hundred feet above the river, is an old church, calling to mind the legends of Jesuit missionaries, who came into the country when it was but a wilderness for savages.

It is not far from this church where the pilot will show you the hoof-prints of his satanic majesty's horse, left there ever so long ago, and believed to be imperish- able. One of the notable points is that called the lime- kilns, which have been in operation to some extent for the last thirty years. The lime is made from a natural deposit of almost pure silicate, which has formed of the drippings of water from the banks above. The deposit makes a valuable lime for blast furnaces. A short distance above the lime-kilns is the St. Croix mineral spring, which bursts out at the foot of a preci- pice in a deep gorge, a few rods from the river, and yields water enough to cure the nation of all the ills that flesh is heir to, but most especially diseases of the kidneys and blood. A handsome hotel stands on the bluff, some 200 feet above the water. A stairway leads from the ravine to the top, and the view up the valley is well worth the climb to see. A little further on is Osceola, where the boat may stop long enough to allow you to walk up a beautiful glen, to see its cascade- Osceola cascade-as fine as Minnehaha. The village of Osceola, the county seat of Polk County, has attrac- tions of its own; in its wild beauty it stands peerless among the sister villages that skirt the banks of the St. Croix, which should make it one of the most popu- lar of Summer resorts. Picturesque surroundings, healthful locality, with trout streams and ponds, the mineral springs near by, and a class of people who are generous and hospitable ; what more need one desire ? Nothing but good hotels.

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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