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 233

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 233

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For the purpose of obtaining a permanent water supply, the city of Sheboygan determined, in the spring of 1875, to bore an artesian well in the park. The contract was let to John Dobyns, who completed it to the depth of 1,475 feet in October following. An abundant supply of water was found at this depth, with a pressure of 523 pounds to the square ineh, sufficient to raise a column 114 feet above the surface of the ground. The well cost the city about $5,000. A tasteful house, octagon in shape, and surmounted by a bronze statue of Hebe, was erected at a cost of $1,600, and a large and handsome fountain in the center of the park, at a further outlay of $700 more. The water is richly impreg- nated with mineral salts, possessing medicinal value, as shown by the following analysis made by Prof. C. F. Chandler, Ph. D., of the Columbia College School of Mines, New York :

GRAINS.

Chloride of Sodium ..

306.9436.

Chloride of Potassium

14.4822.

Chloride of Lithium ...

0.1062.

Chloride of Magnesium

54.9139.

Chloride of Calcium,

27.8225.

Bromide of Sodinm.

0.1873.

Iodide of Sodium ..

Trace.

Sulphate of Lime

169.8277.

Sulphate of Baryta ..

Trace.

Bi-carbonate of Lime.

13.6585.

Bi-carbonate of Iron.

0.5944.

Bi-carbonate of Manganese.

0.1742.

Phosphate of Lime. 0.0383.

Biborate of Soda Trace.

Alumina.

0.1283.

Silica .

0.4665.

Organic Matter

Trace.

Total

588.2536.

Density

1.0093.

The medicinal effect of the water seems to be laxative, diuretic and tonic. Physicians recommend its use for dys- pepsia, rhenmatism, faulty action of the liver and functional derangements of the kidneys and bowels. The water is very saline to the taste ; but becomes grateful after frequent use. Its value in the bath is undoubted. It is put up for ship- ment, under a lease from the city, by the Sheboygan Min- eral Water Company, composed of E. R Richards, H. II. Kuentz and E. W. Koch. The water is put up in its natural state in lined kegs or barrels, and also is artificially charged with carbonic acid gas, giving it the healthful sparkle of seltzer, and put up in quart bottles and stone jugs. The park and well are in charge of a Board of Commissioners, consisting of Mayor William II. Seaman, Chairman ; Frank

Geele, Conrad Krez, Christian Fricke and Gustav Mitwede. Col. Krez, who labored industriously to secure the digging of the well, is Clerk of the Board.

The protection of the city against fire was early con- sidered by the citizens of Sheboygan, and a hand fire engine was purchased about twenty-five years ago. Ten years later, another hand engine was provided, and, in 1872, the present steam fire engine was purchased. The fire depart- ment has received appropriations from the city treasury for many years, and, since the purchase of the steamner, it may be said that Sheboygan has had a paid fire department in the usual acceptance of that term. The department now consists of a steam fire engine, attended by an engineer and a fireman ; the Steamer Hose Company, consisting of 10 men ; the Sherman Engine Company, 38 men ; the Union Fire Company, 27 men, and a hook and ladder company, 15 men. Henry Boyle is Chief Engineer. These facilities for protection against fire are supplemented by the artesian well, from which 3,086 feet of pipe have been laid along the principal streets. The mains are tapped by ten hydrants, to which hose ean be attached, the pressure of the water in the pipes being sufficient to carry it higher than the highest buildings. Thus the city is well protected.

The business of the banks of a city fairly indicate the growth of its prosperity. Sheboygan is well served in this respect, and the increase of business done through the banks speaks well of the enterprise and thrift of the city.

The first bank in the city was the Bank of Sheboygan, established in 1851, by F. R. Townsend, which was after- ward incorporated. It has done a large business from the commencement. The first officers were W. W. King, Pres- ident ; F. R. Townsend, Cashier. In 1873, this bank organized under the national banking system, with the title First National Bank, and issued $50,000 of currency, all of which has now been redeemed. The bank has a capital of $50,000, and its deposits amount to $200,000. The present officers are F. R. Townsend, President ; H. F. Piderit, Cashier.

The German Bank was organized June 25, 1856, and began business July 1 of that year. The original capital was $25,000, which was increased to 850,000, November 26, 1856. After the first half year's business, the demand deposits amounted to 824,492.82, and loans and discounts to 829,966. On July 4. 1881, the demand and time deposits of this bank amounted to 8744,951.27, and the loans and discounts to 8458, 115.50. The business of the bank is about evenly divided between the manufacturing and agricultural interests. The first officers were John Ewing, President ; James H. Mead, Cashier. The follow- ing year, George C. Cole was elected Vice President, and held the position until 1865, when he was elected President. This position he held until 1875, when the present officers were elected, namely, J. H. Mead, President ; Fritz Karste, Cashier ; George IIeller, Assistant Cashier.

The Sheboygan Merchants' Association was organized January 24. 1874, and incorporated February 14 of the same year. The first officers were : Thomas MI. Black- stock. President ; Ernest Lohman, Secretary ; and Joseph End. Treasurer. The object of the association is buying and selling wheat and other produce. It owns and nses the Holstein elevator in its business. The present officers are the same as when the association was organized. The officers, with John II. Plath and Fred Koehn, form the Board of Directors.

978

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

CHURCHES.

The First Congregational Church of Sheboygan was organized August 17, 1845, embracing members from all parts of the county. A house of worship was built in 1847. the frame being once blown down while building, and was dedicated in November of that year. It was lo- eated on Seventh street, near Center. A bell, weighing 925 pounds, was purchased and first rung in September, 1849. In 1852, the church was enlarged by the erection of a new front and tower. In 1867, the building was re- moved to its present site on Seventh street, between Niagara and Ontario streets. Here extensive repairs and improve- ments were made, and the edifice rededicated December 18, 1867. A small school building was joined on to the rear of the church in 1870, to be used for the social meetings of the church and for Sunday-school purposes. A kitchen was also built on. In 1847, eighteen members were dis- missed to form a church at Sheboygan Falls. In 1849, Rev. II. Lyman and three ladies withdrew, and, with others, formed a Presbyterian Church, which was in 1852 dis- solved, the members again joining the Congregational Church. In the year 1872, a library of miscellaneous and and standard literature was organized under the auspices of the church, and devoted to general use. This library, com- prising about seven hundred volumes, was transferred to the Sheboygan Library Association in the year 1880.

Rev. Stephen Peet, of the American Home Missionary Society, assisted in the organization of the church, and public services were at once begun by Rev. H. Lyman. He remained as pastor until October, 1848. Rev. W. S. Blanchard officiated from November, 1848, to November, 1850. From that time until November, 1852, Rev. Thomas HI. Rood served the church as its pastor. Rev. C. W. Camp was then called to the pastorate, and commenced his labors March 13, 1853, being installed November 30 of that year. May 23, 1864, he resigned, and preached his farewell sermon July 3, following. On the 1st of January, 1866, Rev. N. A. Millerd began to preach in this church, and closed his labors February 28, 1869. In the year following a call was extended to Rev. O. C. McCulloch, which was accepted, and he began his service as pastor July 10, 1870. His resignation was accepted July 18, 1877. Rev. J. B. Bidwell preached from January 18, 1878, until June 1, 1881, since which time the church has been without a pastor.

The First Baptist Church was organized in the summer of 1847. a similar society having previously transferred their location to Sheboygan Falls. In 1848, the erection of a church edifice was begun on Wisconsin street, between Seventh and Eighth, and the first service was held in the basement March 25, 1849. In the month of November of that year, a bell, weighing 1,039 pounds, was put into the tower. The building was dedicated May 20, 1851. On the 12th of August, 1850, the church was re-organized, and a new statement of belief and important items con- neeted with the history of the church put upon record, because the previous records had been destroyed by fire. Rev. P. Work was the first Pastor, and sustained this rela- tion to the church until the summer of 1858, when he was succeeded by Rev. O. D. Taylor, who remained one year. September 1. 1859, Rev. Aaron Potter began preaching, and received a call to become Pastor of the church, which he accepted October 6, and remained one year. Rev. P. Work wa again called to the pastorate, beginning his see-

ond term of service December 29, 1861, and resigned May 15, 1864. A call was extended to Rev. Simpson Todd September 18, 1866, and he preached his last sermon July 31, 1870. Occasional services were held, and the Germans had the use of the church to hold meetings, until in 1876 the Americans and Germans united in a call to Rev. Carl Jurgensen, who came July 3, 1876, since which time the services have been held in the English and German lan- guages alternately. Mr. Jurgensen tendered his resignation Angust 4, 1879, to take place October 1. Rev. A. II. P. Wilson was called to the pastorate, and began his labors November 1. 1880, and is now the Pastor.

Grace Episcopal Church was organized April 4. 1847. Rev. L. W. Davis was the first Rector, and was present at the organization of the church, and began his ministrations immediately. In May, 1856, Rev. J. B. Pratt was called to the rectorship. He was succeeded by Rev. A. B. Pea- body. Rev. Robert W. Blow, the present Rector, came to the church as its Rector April 6, 1863. In 1869, the present edifice was erected, and consecrated in July, 1870.

The Church of the Holy Name, Catholic, started as a mission about the year 1816, ministered to by Rev. Mr. Berhl. In 1849, a priest, Rev. Francis Etschmai. was regularly stationed here. The first church was built in 1850, and is now used as the priest's residence. Three years later, the church which is now used as a school build- ing was erected. Rev. Michael Haider, the present Pastor, came to Sheboygan in 1862. The erection of the present massive stone edifice, with its two towers 170 feet in height, was entered upon, and in 1872 the church was dedicated. The membership has mereased, and the regular attendance is 900 at the present time.

The German Lutheran Church of the Trinity was organized in 1853, with a membership of about twenty-five, and a church building bought in the same year. A pipe organ was obtained for the church in 1863. The present handsome church edifice was built in 1869, and a chime of bells placed in the tower. A school of 250 scholars and four teachers is supported by the church. The church is free of debt, and has a membership of about 225. The Pastors of the church, in the order of their succession, have been as follows : Revs. Eisfeld, F. Steinbach, A. D. Stecker, P. Spehr, C. M. Zorn and Rev. J. G. Goehringer.

St. Peter's German Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized and a church built in 1872. At that time there were 33 voting members. At present there are 69 voting members, and a total membership of 274. Rev. L. Niet- mann has been Pastor from its first organization. The can- non from which the bell of the church was made was captured from the French at Sedan, and presented directly to the congregation by the Emperor William of Germany.

The first Methodist preacher to locate here was Rev. J. S. Prescott, who came in 1846. Services were at first held in the schoolhouse. A church building was erected on Eighth street in 1849. In 1880, the church was removed to the corner of Seventh and Ontario streets, and remodeled. The present Pastor is Rev. John Elliott.

The German Methodist Church was organized in 1850. Their church edifice, on the corner of Seventh and Erie streets, was built in 1851. The present membership is about eighty.five. Rev. A. Kellner was the first Pastor of the church, and Rev. William Hohle is the present one.

The Evangelical Association was formed in 1848. The church, on the corner of Ninth and Erie streets, was built

979

HISTORY OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY.

about fifteen years ago, and is called Immanuel Church. The present Pastor is Rev. J. G. Kern.

The Norwegian Methodist Church was built in 1867. The first Pastor was Rev. E. H. Johnson, and the present one is Rev. Mr. Honge.

The Norwegian Lutheran Church was organized and a church built in 1867. Rev. Mr. Margelson is the present Pastor.

SOCIETIES.

The first pioneer gathering met at the Warren House, Sheboygan, on Tuesday evening, January 22, 1867. One hundred and seventy-five persons were present, being invited and entertained by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Gibbs. After talking over old times, it was proposed to organize a pioneer association, which was effected by the election of Hon. David Taylor, President ; A. G. Dye and John John- son, Vice Presidents, and I. N. Ross, Secretary. The annual gatherings of this society have been exceedingly pleasant occasions. The present officers are George End, President, J. O. Thayer, Secretary.

Sheboygan is favored with the usnal quota of various secret orders, and is especially well provided with benevo- lent, mutual aid and insurance organizations, as the follow- ing list shows :

Harmony Chapter, No. 10, R. A. M., was organized in 1845, with six charter members. It numbers forty-three members at the present time, and the officers are J. L. Mal- lory, H. P .; L. Smith, Jr., Secretary.

Sheboygan Lodge, No. 11, A., F. & A. M., was char- tered May 29, 1847. Present membership, fifty-four. Offi- eers : G. L. Holmes, W. M. ; H. W. Kalk, Secretary.

Evergreen Encampment, No. 41, I. O. O. F., was insti- tuted April 1, 1871, by five charter members, and has a present membership of fifty. The officers are Charles Oehler, G. P .; L. Boettie, II. P. ; F. Hoppe, Seribe.

Sheboygan Lodge, No. 13, I. O. O. F., was originally organized in 1846, but was re-instituted under its present charter January 23, 1877, with five charter members. Sixty-three members are now on the roll. William Braasch is N. G. ; L. Wolfsen, V. G. ; 1I. N. Ross, Secretary.

Schiller Lodge, No. 68, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 26, 1852. Its present membership is about one hundred. Officers: Peter Schueller, N. G .; William Apel, V. G. ; F. Reis, Secretary.

The Sheboygan Turnverein Society was organized in 1878, and prospered for some years. At present, although the society has not disbanded, it is not in active opera- tion.

The Gesang-Verein Concordia, organized February 9, 1860. with eight members. The society now has on its roll forty-eight active members, thirty-five gentlemen and thir- teen ladies, and forty passive members. The Musical Director is William Nehrlich, President, Henry Wiehn, Secretary, Joseph Behrens.

Home Lodge, No. 397, Knights of Honor, was organized November 11, 1876, with twenty-three charter members, now increased to forty-five. Officers : Alfred Marschner, D., A. Rabe, Jr., Rep.

Oak Council, No. 509, Royal Arcanum, organized Au- gust 12, 1880, with eighteen charter members. Present membership, twenty-five. William Braasch, Regent ; Will Fairweather, Secretary.

St. Bonifacius Society, branch of the Central Society, was organized in August, 1873. The original membership

was fifteen, and present number, ninety-six. Anton Hammes, President, Frank Gottsacker, Secretary.

Guttenburg Lodge, No. 68, Ancient Order United Workmen, was organized in June, 1879, with twenty-two charter members. The society has a present membership of forty-three. Fritz Felgner, M. W., Fred Augspurger, Foreman ; Herman Buchheim, Secretary.

Sheboygan Haine, No. 10, Druids, organized in 1872, with fifteen charter members, has now fifty-five members. W. Grothe, President, John Hameleau, Secretary.

Armenia Lodge, No. 26, Sons of Hermann, established December 29, 1874. Charter members, twenty. Present number, sixty-five. C. H. Harms, President ; August Look, Secretary.

Sheboygan Gegenseitiger Arbeiter Unterstuetzungs- Verein, or Laborers' Association, organized in April, 1877, with eight charter members. Present membership, seventy- eight. Frank Gottsacker, President; William Treick, Secretary.

Sheboygan Gegenseitiger Kranken Unterstnetzungs- Verein, or Mutual Benefit Association, organized December 27, 1868. Charter members, fifteen; present number, about one hundred. Abraham Moser, President ; Henry Schilder, Secretary.

NEWSPAPERS.

In the year 1845, several numbers of a paper called the Sheboygan Gazette, were issued by Thomas C. Horner & Co., and printed in the East. It was designed to adver- tise the town, and to let the people of the East know what there was here to invite settlers, and served the purpose well.

The first regular newspaper published in Sheboygan, was one established by J. M. Gillett, called the Sheboygan Mer- cury, the first number of which appeared in February, 1847. George W. Gillett was the publisher of the paper, and G. Morrison Gillett edited it until the autumn following. March 1, 1848, H. N. Ross took editorial charge and wrote for it until after the fall election, at which he was elected Probate Judge. George W. Gillett continued to run the Mercury until after election in 1852, when the office was sold to Henry F. Eastman. On the Ist of January, 1853, the name of the paper was changed to the Sheboygan Chronicle. About that time, Rev. H. Lyman purchased an interest in the office and edited the paper about six months, when he withdrew and Eastman continued it the balance of the year. On the 1st of February, 1854, H. N. Ross pur- chased the concern, and after putting the paper in a new dress of type, issued his first number February 24, under the name of the Evergreen City Times, and is still, after more than twenty-seven years, its editor and proprietor. On the 1st of January, 1869, the paper was enlarged and the name Sheboygan substituted in the place of Evergreen City, in the title. The Times is Republican in politics and has been an active element in the growth of Sheboygan.

A paper ealled the Spirit of the Times was started in the summer of 1847, by Frank Goodrich. The office was burned after the first number was nearly ready for the press. The paper was published about one year.

The above was succeeded, in 1848, by the Sheboygan Democrat, published by A. D. La Dne. The paper lived a few years, a daily issue being printed for a brief period. The concern was taken to La ('rosse from here.

In 1850, Jacob Quintus started in the city of Sheboy- gan, the first paper printed in the United States in the

98c

ISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Dutch language. It was called the Nieuwsbode. He subse- quently published also an English paper, called the Secretary, for a short time. About the year 1858, the paper was sold to August Pott, who, in 1860, discontinued the Nieuwsbode and started a German paper called the Zeitung. The pub- lication of the latter was continued until December, 1872, Mr. Pott having died about three months previously.

The Wisconsin Republikaner was started by A. Marsch- ner, in 1851. After six years, the establishment was pur- chased by Carl Zillier, who issued from the office the first number of the National Demokrat on the 26th of Septem- ber, 1857, and has continued its publication to the present time. It has taken an active political stand, its editor hav- ing served on the County Board for many years, and repre- sented his district in the Legislature several terms. Mr. Zillier also published an English paper called the Lake Shore Advocate, in 1859. It was continued nearly a year.

In the year 1852, F. J. Mills started a Democratic paper called the Lake Journal, which was continued for some years, intermittently. Mr. Mills subsequently started a paper called the News, which was removed to Sheboygan Falls.

September 1, 1867, Luther B. Noyes established the Herald, at Sheboygan Falls. Two years later, J. L. Marsh purchased an interest in the paper, and it was removed to Sheboygan. In 1870, Mr. Noyes sold his inter- est, and the paper was continued by J. L. & George Marsh. May 1, 1881, the Herald was purchased by the present proprietors, A. Marschner & Son. also publishers of the Tribune. The Herald is Republican in polities.

The Tribune, a German-Republican newspaper, was established in Fond du Lac by A. Marschner, August 14, 1874. It was removed to Sheboygan in April, 1875. In the autumn of that year, Mr. Marschner died, and the busi- ness was continued by his widow. On April 1, 1880, her son Alfred Marschner, became a partner in the business, which was carried on under the firm name of A. Marschner & Son.

The Sheboygan Zietung. a German Republican news- paper, was established July 1, 1880, by A. W. Pott, who is the present editor and publisher.

LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the citizens of Sheboygan was held No- vember 6, 1880, to consider the advisability of organizing a library association. A committee was appointed, which reported to an adjourned meeting, held on the 8th of the same month, favoring the formation of a joint-stock com- pany, with a capital of $3,000. The report was adopted. and articles of association filed with the Secretary of State. The officers elected were, President, William HI. Seaman ; Vice President. George End; Secretary, L. D. Harvey ; Treasurer, A. Rabe, Jr. Frank Stone was appointed Li- brarian. One hundred and twelve shares, of $10 each. are paid up. Several hundred volumes, turned over by the Congregational Church, formed a nucleus for a library. which has been increased to one thousand volumes of stand- ard literature. The Association also provides reading rooms where reviews, magazines, illustrated, literary and daily newspapers are supplied. Literary and musical entertain- ments are a feature each Monday evening. The rooms are open every evening, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Any proper person may enjoy the use of the library and reading-rooms on the payment of 50 cents every three

months. Stockholders pay the same fees, but have given them a ticket admitting a person to the privileges of the reading-room, which is transferable. The families of stock- holders have free use of the reading-room, and persons in- troduced by stockholders. The library is already becoming popular as well as useful, as are also the tables of the read- ing-rooms, and it is expected the institution will develop eventually into a frec public library.

SCHOOLS.

One of the first things the first settlers of Sheboygan thought about, after a few families had gathered here, was the establishment of a school. In a few months after the first residents had got settled in their homes, in the winter of 1836, a school was started by F. M. Rublee. Twelve pupils attended, and it was supported by subscription. In 1845, an academic institution was added to the educational facilities. The academy was opened by D. C. Vosburg, on the third Monday in August of that year, and an advertise- ment of the school at that time names as references the leading men of not only Sheboygan, but Fond du Lac, Milwaukee (or Milwaukie, as the uniform spelling then was). The first regular school building was erected twenty-seven years ago. When the city charter was granted, there was but one school building in the city, and the school consisted of four classes, with about sixty pupils in each class. There were also, then in operation two church schools, one Catho- lic and one Lutheran, each having abont ninety pupils. About the year 1862, a school building was erected in the Third, now the Fifth, Ward. Five years later another was built in the Fourth Ward, and in 1874 another in the present Third Ward. These are in use at the present time, and also one church. The city maintains a High School and three ward schools, employing twenty teachers. The attendance in these schools during the year 1880, was 1,190. There are in the city of school age, over four years of age and under twenty. 3,073. The expense of supporting the schools last year amounted to $10,500. A good grade of scholarship is maintained, and scholars are prepared to enter the State University. The principal of the High School is B. R. Grogan. L. D Harvey is City Superintendent of Schools. Private or church schools have for many years been maintained in Sheboygan. There are two Lutheran schools, one Catholic, one Dutch Reformed and one Kinder- garten, now in operation. They have an attendance of 665 pupils, taught by six teachers.

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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