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 277

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 277

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Besides the above, the sect is represented by small Welsh and Wesleyan societies.

Congregationalism-The First Congregational Society was organized in July, 1849, the prime movers in the enter- prise being Joseph Jackson and his wife, assisted by Rev. Cutting Marsh. A building was completed the next year, Rev. H. Freeman becoming the first pastor. A large church building upon the present site was completed in 1857, but destroyed by fire in 1872. The elegant structure now occupied, corner of Algoma and Bond streets, was completed the next year, but not dedicated until October, 1875, when the society was out of debt. In December, 1876, Rev. K. C. Anderson assumed the pastorate. The present membership of the society is 230, and the property is valued at over $30,000. There is also a small Welsh Society, organized in 1849, whose church is corner of Franklin and Church streets.

Catholicism .- For some time previous to the erection of St. Peter's Church, services were held in private honses and mass celebrated. Father F. J. Bonduel, Indian Mis- sionary at Lake Poygan, was the first officiating priest. During 1850, the society was formed, and a building erected on the present site of its imposing edifice. This was after- ward enlarged, but the present structure was not erected until 1880. The school, connected with the church, was organized in 1866, and has an attendance of 120. The value of the entire property is $23,000. Rev. Father James O'Malley is in charge of the church, which has a membership of 1,100.

The fine church of St. Vincent de Paul, and the fine academy connected with it, are situated on Oregon street, near Thirteenth. The academy building is three stories in height, and was built in 1874, at a cost of $8,000. The school, under the charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame, has an attendance of over 200. Rev. Father J. Reindl is the priest in charge of the society. This numbers 230 families, and was formed in 1867, when the church building was erected, at a cost of $12,000. Between the church and the

academy building is the priest's house, the entire group presenting quite an imposing appearance.

St. Mary's Catholic Church (German) has a membership of about 800. Connected with it is a school, which is at- tended by over 100 pupils. Rev. Father Roman Sholter is the priest in charge.

Episcopal Churches .- The Trinity Church was organ- ized in 1854, Rev. D. W. Talford becoming the first resi- dent pastor. Services had been held for a few years pre- vious. In 1859, the building was erected, at the corner of Algoma and Light. It was improved in 1866 and 1876. The property is valued at $6,000. Rev. F. R. Hoff is the rector. Membership of the society 180.

The St. Paul's Society worship corner of Melvin and Forest streets, while Grace Church, or Chapel, corner of Minnesota and Eleventh, has its pulpit supplied under direction of the Bishop.

Baptist Churches .- The First Baptist Church was formed in May, 1854, Rev. E. C. Sanders becoming its pastor during the succeeding month. The building erected in 1859, on Jefferson avenue, was burned in 1874. The edifice now occupied, corner of Church and May streets, was dedicated in 1875. The church property is valued at $20,000; membership of society 200; pastor, Rev. H. O. Rowlands. A small society-the Second Baptist Church- worships on Ninth street.

Presbyterianism. - The first Presbyterian Church was organized March 26, 1871, Rev. A. G. Eagleson being its first pastor, continuing until March 23, 1872; Rev. F. Z. Rossiter served from that date until June 23, 1872. The present pastor, Rev. Samuel F. Bacon, began his labors October 19, 1879. In 1875, the property formerly owned by the First M. E. Society, corner of Church and Division streets, was purchased by the church. The church edifice and parsonage have since been improved, presenting a neat and tasty appearance. When first organized, the society contained fifteen members ; now the membership is ninety. Its property is unencumbered, and the organizatjon is one of the prominent societies of Oshkosh. The United Pres- byterians hold services at the south end of May street.

Lutheran Churches .- The German Evangelical Lutheran Church (Trinity) was organized in 1856. In 1876, the present church edifice, school and parsonage were erected at a cost of $10,000. The society has a membership of 110, and the school an attendance of 100. Rev. J. L. Daib has been pastor for ten years. There is also a strong German Lutheran Church on the other side of the river, on Eighth street, and a large school in connection with it. The Danish Lutheran Church is on Bay street, near Otter.

In addition to the above are Evangelical Reform, Evan- gelical and Union Societies, which are weak, but struggling.

HOSPITALS.

Northern Hospital for the Insane .- The Wisconsin Hospital for the Insane, near Madison, was opened in 1860, and in 1870 a law was passed for an additional asylum. The commissioners chosen to locate a site selected a spot four miles north of Oshkosh, ou the west shore of Lake Winnebago. The grounds consist of 337 acres of land. In April, 1873, the central building and the north wing were opened to patients, and the massive structure, as it stands completed, in 1875. Upon the main building was expended $495,484.80 ; outhouses, land and furnishings, 8129,765 .- 20 ; total, 8625,250. Patients, to the number of about

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

five hundred, have been received from thirty-three counties. The structure is built to accommodate 550. Dr. Walter Kempster, formerly of Utica, N. Y., and one of the best authorities in his specialty to be found in the country, has been the superintendent in charge since 1873.

Alexian Brothers' Hospital .- The Alexian Brothers is an ancient order of the Catholic Church established for the care of the sick. Large hospitals are maintained in Chicago and St. Louis. The branch in Oshkosh was established in Angust, 1879. At this time were purchased the fine grounds and residence of J. J. Moore, on Jackson street, the cost being $9,000. This is the only hospital in the city, and treats, on an average, twenty patients. Brother Stanislaus is Superior.

SOCIETIES.

Masons .- This order has a fine hall corner of Al- goma and Bond. The building was erected in 1875, at a cost of $20,000. It is of brick, 100x40 feet, the lower story being occupied by the city officers. The hall proper -40x65 feet-is elegantly furnished. Oshkosh Lodge, No. 27, A., F. & A. M., is the oldest one in the city, being instituted April 23, 1849. Tyrian Chapter, No. 15, was instituted in 1856, and re-organized in 1860. Oshkosh Commandery, No. 11, was instituted in 1873, and Centen- nial Lodge, No. 205, in 1876. There are some three hun- dred members in the city.

I. O. O. F .- This order is of about the same strength as the Masonic, and is represented by Oshkosh Encamp- ment, No. 31 ; Winnebago Lodge, No. 120; Union Lodge, No. 179, and Ivy Lodge (Daughters of Rebecca), No. 38.

Temperance and Benevolent Societies .- One of the earliest teinperance societies organized in Oshkosh was Lodge No. 28, I. O. G. T., February 8, 1858. Brooklyn Lodge, No. 26, was formed in 1869. Between 1873 and 1876, the temperance organizations sprung up like magic, and number now a dozen, most of them in a flourishing con- dition. The Young Men's Christian Association and the Ladies' Benevolent Society have also done much to assist the other orders in furthering the temperance cause. The latter is composed mostly of the wives of leading citizens, and is a power for good.

A. O. U. W .- The two lodges, Oshkosh Lodge, No. 31, and Brooklyn Lodge, No. 57, were both organized in 1879. and have a membership between them of 125. The former is the stronger.

Miscellaneous .- The Sons of Hermann, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, Druids and German United Brothers have all local organizations. The latter organization was formed in December, 1853.

The Oshkosh Stock-growers' Association was incorpo- rated September 4, 1875. Its capital stock is $15,000. Its grounds at the north end of Jackson, consisting of sixty acres, are leased to the Northern Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association. Its President is S. M. Hay.

The Northern Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association was organized in March, 1870, having since then held an annual fair in September. A large exposition building, 400x63 feet, and two stories high, was erected in 1879 and thrown open to the public in September of that year. In October, 1880, it was burned to the ground. Before the time for holding the next annual fair had arrived, through the liberality and enterprise of the citizens of Oshkosh, another exposition building, 402x68 feet, had

been erected. It was opened September 1, 1881, by a grand dance, and, in less than two weeks from that time, the regular fair was held under the auspices of the Associa- tion. The late A. M. Skeels, of Ripon, was its first Presi- dent, holding the office four years. The present officers are : Chester Hazen, Ladoga, President ; R. D. Torrey and E. W. Viall, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

The Oshkosh Turnverein was organized January 5, 1869, and is one of the strongest in the State, having a membership of 220. The society's hall, corner of Merritt street and Jefferson avenue, was erected in 1875 at a cost with furnishings, of $12,000. The size of the building is 100x54 feet, and of the hall, which is devoted to public uses, 54x54 feet.

The Oshkosh Yacht Club, Oshkosh, has become quite noted for its love of aquatic sports, and Lake Winnebago quite famons as a resort of such lovers. Its yacht club was organized in 1868, and incorporated in 1871. It numbers 150 members, and owns fifteen fine yachts. In June occurs the annual cruise, and the regatta in July. George W. Burnell is the Commodore of the club.

Oshkosh Sharpshooters' Association was organized in 1873, and have now thirty members; Ferd Hahn, Presi- dent. The grounds consist of five acres at the west end of Sixth street.

Winnebago County Sportsmen's Association was organ- ized in 1879. The membership is one hundred; C. W. Felker is President.

Oshkosh Post No. 10, G. A. R., was organized in 1875, Gen. T. S. Allen, Commander. It has about one hundred members ; its motto, " Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty."

The Oshkosh Guards were organized in 1876, and have 103 members.

The Oshkosh Rifles were organized in 1880, and have sixty-one members.

There is also an organization known as the Oshkosh Cadets.

The Oshkosh Library Association was organized in 1868. Its name is explanatory of its objects.

The Casino Society is a literary and musical organiza- tion formed in December, 1865. It has done much to raise the standard of music in the city, consisting at present of one hundred members ; A. F. Baehr is President. Their fine hall is located on Washington street.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

PROF. GEORGE S. ALBEE, distinguished as the Presi- dent of the State Normal School at Oshkosh, is a native of New York, having been born in the town of Hunn in that State. He received the rudiments of an education in his native town, and having completed his preparetory course, matriculated at the State University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he subsequently graduated. Soon after, he was appointed a member of the Faculty of Rushford Academy, a well-known institute in Western New York, where he remained several years. Eleven years ago he founded and put in operation the school with which he has since been, and now is so prommently indentified. Under his adminis- tration the institution has grown in popularity and influence ; having for the past five years held one half the counties in Wis- consin tributary to it, as a source of education to students, and attracted a reputation which has become synonymous with the cause of learning in the Northwest.

FRANK ALLEN, filer, Conlee Bros. Was born in James- town, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 1853, his parents, Ashel and Hannah (Stone) Allen being old residents of New York

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

State. His parents moved to Wisconsin in 1864, and located in Fond du Lac, where the subject of this sketch got his schooling. He moved to Oshkosh in 1875 and engaged with Conlee Bros. ; has been in his present position about two years.

JOSEPH ARNOLD, soda water manufacturer. Was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1842; his parents moved to Wisconsin in 1843, and settled in Milwaukee where they remained eight years, and then moved to Oshkosh. Mr. Arnold was engaged in keeping a meat market during this time, a business the subject of this sketch followed up to April, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. H, 1st Wis. Inf., for three months; re-enlisted August, 1862, in Co. E, 26th Regt. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Gettysburg July 1, 1863 ; sent to Belle Isle and paroled May 7th, 1864 ; was exchanged, and took part in the Atlanta campaign, and was mustered out in June, 1865. Mr. A. held a commission as 1st Lieutenant at the close of the war, and was in command of Co. H, 26th Wis. On his return to Wisconsin, he settled in Fond du Lac and kept a meat market there some seven years ; then moved to Oshkosh and commenced present business. He was married in Oshkosh Nov. 24, 1868, to Miss Matilda Moss, of Winnebago Co. They have four children-Nellie L., Lizzie, Olive and Florence. Mr. A. is a member of A., F. & A. M., and of "Sons of Hermann."

GEO. W. ATHEARN, proprietor of livery stable and omni- bus and transfer line, was born at Starks, Somerset Co., Me., Feb. 27, 1847. Was a resident of Waterville, Kennebec Co., Me., when the war broke out ; he served about eighteen months in Co. K, 2d Maine Cavalry ; when he left the army he returned to Waterville and remained there until he came to Wisconsin in fall of 1867 ; he bought a dairy farm near Oshkosh, and for about three years carried it on ; he built a grain elevator at Lanark, Illinois, and was engaged in grain business there for a few months, and then returned to Oshkosh and began his present business. Mr. Athearn was married at Lawrence, Mass., in 1867, to Miss Eliza A. Pressey, a native of Waterville, Maine. They have two children-Geo. W., Jr., and Frederick.

GEORGE BADGER, lumber manufacturer; was born at Portsmouth, N. H., March 4, 1814. When a youth, he went to Reading, in the vicinity of Boston, Mass. ; came to Oshkosh in 1855 ; prior to coming here he was engaged in manufacturing lumber, after coming to Wisconsin he carried on building business to some extent, and later engaged in provision trade, which he con- tinued for several years. In the fall of 1866 he, in partnership with James C. Spalding, built a saw-mill, and operated the mill with part- ners until 1874, then engaged in lumbering alone until 1880. During the winter of 1879 and 1880, he and his present partner, J. P. Gould, built the mill which they now run. Mr. Badger was married at Reading, Mass., in November, 1837, to Elizabeth H. Pierce, a native of Hebron, N. H. They have three children living-Emily, now Mrs. John N. Hoagland, George A. and Fred. Lost three children who died in infancy.

JOHN S. BAKER, packer in Thompson & Hayward's ear- riage works ; Mr. B. was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., April 28, 1841; settled in Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1849, with his mother, and lived there about one year; then moved to Utica, Winnebago Co., Wis., and lived about four years ; then went to Waushara Co., and followed farming twelve years, after which he moved to Oshkosh, Wis., in 1865. Ile enlisted, Aug. 11, 1862, in Co. C, 21st Reg. Wis. Vol. Inf., and served until June 18th, 1865, engaging in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, etc., was in hospital about six months, after which he joined Sherman's army at Atlanta, Ga .; was in the latter battle, also marched to the sea, and was with the army in all the engagements after he joined the same, and was mustered out at Washington, D. C., June 18, 1865. He returned to Omro, and lived until the fall of 1879; then moved to Oshkosh and worked in the shipping department of Parsons & Goodfellow's carriage works five months; then en- gaged in shipping department April 20, 1881, as above noted. Ile was married in Berlin, Wis., Sept. 24, 1865, to Mrs. Clar-

rissa E. Ralph, who was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. They have one daughter- Hattie Bell.

CHARLES BARBER, lawyer, was born at Burlington, Vt., Sept. 21, 1851. Came to Oshkosh, with his father, Dr. Ammi P. Barber, in 1857; was educated in the schools of Oshkosh, graduating from the high school in 1868. He read law with Chas. W. Felker, and his present partner, Earl P. Finch, and graduated from the school of Columbia College, N. Y. City, in May, 1874, he was admitted to practice in Wisconsin the same month; to practice in the Supreme Court of the State the same year, and afterward to U. S. Circuit and Supreme Courts. Ile is Attorney for the C., M. & St. P. Ry. Co., and of the Union National Bank, being a Director of the latter institution. In 1874 and 1875 he was Inspector of the public schools of this City, and is now a member of the School Board. He was married at Oshkosh, January 1, 1880, to Daisy C., daughter of James Jenkins, who came to Oshkosh in 1857. Mr. B. has one child- Elizabeth W., horn Nov. 6, 1880. Mr. Barber's father was a skillful and popular physician, and was engaged in active practice until his death in October, 1880.

R. BARLOW, engineer, Buckstaff Bros. ; was born in Lower, Canada, Oct. 24, 1835 ; was taken by his parents to St. Law- renee Co., N. Y., in 1838; came to Wisconsin in 1857, settled in Oshkosh, and engaged in sawing. From 1860 to 1863 was en- gineering in Pennsylvania mines, Lake Superior ; he has been in the business in all some eighteen years. He was married in Eagle Harbor, Lake Superior, in 1860, to Minerva Green, of Beaver Dam, Wis. They have six children living-Frank, Charles. Thomas, James, George and John. Mr. B. is a member of order of A. O. of U. W., and also Temple of Honor.

JAS. A. BARNES, foreman, R. Bros .; was born in Suffolk Co., England, June 16, 1849. Moved to Guelph, Canada West, with his parents in 1852. Mr. Barnes came to Wisconsin in 1865 and located in Janesville, and engaged in a sash, door and blind factory ; moved to Oshkosh in 1867 and engaged in same business ; was foreman for J. P. Gould five years, and was for a time in same position with MeDonald & Stuart, of Fond du Lac ; has been with his present employers about two years. Was mar- ried in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, Dee. 27, 1872, to Miss Mary A. Sutton, of Grand Rapids. They have one child, a daughter- Eva, born Sept. 10, 1878. Mr. B. is a member of the follow- ing societies : A. O. U. W., " Royal Temple of Honor" and "Am. Legion of Honor."

JACOB F. BASSLER, of the firm of Goe Bros. & Bassler, was horn in Montgomery Co., Penn., Oct. 3, 1839. In 1858 he en- gaged as an apprentice to this present business in Philadelphia, and followed it there until the opening of the war, when he volunteered his services in defense of his country, and enlisted in 10th Peun. V. I. April, 1860, and after a service of three months he returned and assisted in the organization of the 9th Penn. Cav., was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, May 22, 1862, and remained in the service till the end of the war, when he was mustered out as Captain Co. I, 9th Penn. Cav., at Lexington, N. C., as veteran; honorbly discharged July 29, 1865. After his war services he engaged at his business again in Pennsylvania, which he prosecuted for five years after which he came West, and after a stay of three years in Waukegan, III. ; he came to Oshkosh in 1873, and subsequently engaged in his present business. In 1867 he was married to Miss Angelina Miller, in Millersburg, Penn., who passed away this life January, 1869, and is buried in Oakhill Cemetery there. In 1877 he was married again to Miss Mary, sister of his first wife; Mr. Bassler's family consists of Edwin M., Angela, Rebecca and May; his wives are daughters of the late John Miller, of Millersburg. Penn., from whose antecedents the place obtained its name.

MARTIN T. BATTIS, boiler manufacturer; was born at Boston, Mass., Oct. 28, 1832. Ile was a resident of California from December, 1849, to June, 1856; carried on boiler manufactur- ing in San Francisco for four years; in August. 1856, he came to Oshkosh ; besides being engaged in the manufacture of boilers,

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

he was for five years a member of the firm of Beckwith, Davis & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements, and for several years he was engaged in saw-mill business; he was Chief of the Fire Department fourteen years, and is now serving the fifth year as Alderman. Ile is a prominent member of the A., F. & A. M., having taken the 32d degree ; he is also a member of the K. of P. Mr. Battis was married at Boston, Mass., July 11, 1854, to Sarah Ellen Osgood, a native of Salem, Mass. They have three children-Harry L., Allen P. and Martin T., Jr., all born at Oshkosh.

JOHN BAUDEROB, furniture factory ; commenced business in 1876; was burnt out in December, 1880, and built his present establishment during the winter 1880-81; uses steam-power ; employs eight men, and does all kinds of turning, scroll sawing, ornamental work, etc., in addition to furniture. John Bauderob was born in Holstein, Germany, Aug. 23, 1838; came to United States and to Wisconsin with parents in 1855; located in Osb- kosh, and engaged in wood-turning. Enlisted April 21, 1861, in Co. E, 2d Wis , for three months; re-enlisted June 11, 1861, for three years; mustered out June 11, 1864; returned to Oshkosh, and resumed his trade. He was married in Oshkosh, Oct. 18, 1864, to Miss Annie Kremer. They have six children- Olga, Alma, Arthur, Walter, George and Leo. Mr. B. is a mem- her of G. A. R. and I. O. O. F .; also of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, of the latter.

LOUIS H. BAUMMESSELL, cigar manufacturer, factory over No. 44 Main St .; was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Dec. 2, 1855; his parents moved to Oshkosh, Wis., in 1856, and he has lived there since, but has visited many portions of Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan ; he began the cigar business in Oshkosh when he was a small boy, and since has followed the same; he worked in a hotel for his father, H. Baummessell, on South Side about two years, and began business for himself in fall of 1877, beginning in a small way, which he is slowly increasing. He was married in Winneconne, Wis., June 23, 1877, to Miss Emma Gustavus, of Oshkosh, Wis., she was born in Vinland, Winnebago Co. The have one daughter-Blanch E., now deceased.

ORVILLE BEACH, who for more than twenty-five years has been a resident of Oshkosh, was born in July, 1826, in Wash- ington Co., N. Y., where his father was born and now lives. His paternal grandfather was a native of Connecticut, his grandmother a native of New York. Orville was the oldest of six children, and until the age of twenty worked on a farm, having meanwhile attended, for a brief period, the common schools of that section. Having grown to manhood, he commenced to work in the woods, and his connection with the lumber business dates from that time. He met with success in his early efforts and his operations became extensive, shipping at Sandy Hill and Glens Falls and marketing the lumber at Albany, N. Y. In 1855, having accumulated a few thousand dollars, he removed to the West. After a brief stay in Fond du Lac, he located in Oshkosh in October of that year. Shortly after, he commenced his operations in this section, and turning his attention to pineries up the Wolf River, entered a tract of timber lands. During three years he spent much time in looking up and entering lands. He then engaged in buying and shipping grain, and built a grain elevator at the North-Western depot, it being the second built in this city. He continued in this traffic until 1862, when he entered into partnership with E. N. Conlee, under the firm name of Beach & Conlee, building a saw mill where the Conlee Bros. mill now is. Also built another grain elevator, which was used for that purpose a number of years and finally converted into a sash, door and blind factory. The partnership continued about eight years, when G. W. Conlee became a member of the firm, under the name of Beach, Conlee & Bro. Both of the Conlee brothers were in the employ of Mr. Beach before they became his partners. The new firm continued in business together for five years, when Mr. Beach retired from the concern and formed a copartnership with his brother, D. Beach, and his brother-in-law, W. P. Warwick, under the firm name of

(). Beach & Bros. They built their present mill in the winter of 1879, and confined it to the manufacture of lumber. Mr. Beach is one of the most competent and successful business men in the city. He was elected County Supervisor in 1875. and was twice re-elected, as a Republican. In all public enterprises he has promptly given aid ; was one of the original projectors and direct- ors of the Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad, running from Oshkosh to Ripon, and aided in its successful completion. The road is now leased to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and Mr. Beach is still a director of this branch. Mr. Beach was married in January, 1859, to Miss Helen A. Thompson, of Saratoga Co .. N. Y., having returned to his native State for that purpose, him- self and bride returning in February of that year.

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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