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 283

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 283

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).

1154

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

clerked for two or three years, and then opened his present business. He was married in New London, Waupaca Co., Wis., in 1868, to Miss Louisa Myers ; they have three children-Lulu M .. Alta and Gny; Mr. McC. is a member of the I. O. O. F.

H. W. McKOY, lumberman and logger; established in 1863; of the firm of Kellogg, Rumery & Co .; employs usually seventy- five men ; gets out about five million feet annually. Mr. McKoy was born in Caledonia Co., Vt., March 13, 1834 ; he left there with his parents at the age of seven years, and moved to Nashua, N. H .. where he lived until 1849; then went to Bangor, Me., and clerked in a store until 1852; then he went around Cape Horn to California. and there followed mining two years ; then engaged in lumbering eight years; after which he returned to Oshkosh, Wis., and engaged in lumbering and the manufacture of the same nine years ; since which he has been engaged in logging. He is also engaged largely in the eattle business in Texas, owning, in company with O. J. Wiren & Co., a ranch with 10,000 head of cat le. He was married in California, August, 1860, to Miss Mary J. Goe; she was born in Crawford Co., Penn. ; they have two children-Mary B. and James W .; also Horace W., deceased, and Anna, deceased.

ROBERT McMILLEN was born in 1830, in Warren Co., N. Y. He isa son of Daniel and Mary McMillen, natives of New York, received his early education at the common schools in his native place, and, after leaving school, worked on a farm, and in winter "went into the woods." In 1853 he married, and in the fall of the following year he removed to Oshkosh, Wis. He found employment as a carpenter for some time, and having accumulated a small sum of money, he bought a horse and wagon, and teamed for a year and a half. Not prospering in this way, he sold out and went to Muskegon, Mich., where he found employment with the Newago Lumber Co., and was placed in charge of the lumber, dock and shipping department. In the following year, his suffer- ing with fever and ague compelled his return to Oshkosh. Soon after, Mr. C. W. Davis, his present partner in business, came to this place. Having some little means, they purchased the interest of J. D. Jones, of the firm of Morgan & Jones, who were carrying on the manufacture of sashes, doors and blinds, and the firm name became Morgan, Davis & Co. The firm continued a year and a half, when Davis and McMillen sold out their interest to the brother of R. T. Morgan, and started under the firm name of Mc- Millen & Davis in the shingle business. They ran this mill until 1867, and accumulated some considerable capital. In the latter year they traded a one-half interest in this business for an interest in Walker, Adams and Co.'s foundry, and the firm became Beck- with, Davis & Co. The following year they sold their remaining interest in the shingle mill, and increased their interest in the foundry. A year and a half later, Mr. MeMillen traded his in- terest in the foundry for a mill property, built where his present mill now stands, belonging to M. T. Battis and others. His brother, J. H. McMillen, sold his shingle mill and became inter- ested with him under the firm name of McMillen & Brother. This continued until the death of J. H. MeMillen, in 1871. He then organized the firm of R. McMillen & Co., and the name has remai ,cd the same to the present day. From the organization of the firm of McMillen & Brother to the present day, the firm has met with uninterrupted prosperity, due solely to diligence, business sagacity and integrity. The present saw mill was built in 1868, but their sash, door and blind factory not until 1873; this has been enlarged from time to time to meet the demands of their enormous business. Mr. McMillen is a man of great energy, much kindness of heart, and has a liberal share of publie spirit. In his political opinions he is a Republican, but not an active politician, uniformly declining office.

JAMES McNAIR, lumber manufacturer, was born in Connty Antiim, Ireland (of Scotch parentage), in 1836 ; came to Amer- ica with his mother in 1840 ; resided in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., until he came to Oshkosh in the spring of 1856 ; he was em- ployed in the lumber business for about twelve years ; then he

commenced jobbing in logs for himself, and eight years ago com- menced the manufacture of lumber ; in 1879 he purchased the old Sawyer mill which he now runs ; he is Alderman of the Fifth Ward and has held that office for several years. Mr. McNair was married at Oshkosh, in 1862, to Caroline Lane, a native of Cat- taraugus Co., N. Y. They have four children-Cora A., Estella, Mattie and William Wallace. Lost four children, who died in infaney.

J. McWILLIAMS, grocer, was born in Erie Co., Penn., in 1819 ; came to Wisconsin in 1847 ; located in Jefferson County, and engaged in farming ; from there be removed to Winnebago County and followed the same business until 1864, when he moved into the city of Oshkosh. He was married in Erie Co., Penu., in 1841, to Amanda Church, who died in Winnebago County in 1856, leaving-Amelia (now Mrs. Gordon); Robert N. (killed at Shiloh in 18th W. V. I.) ; Euthelia J., Eugene, Amanda (now Mrs. Anderson). Mr. McW. was married to his present wife (Miss Maria L. Belknap) in Oshkosh, May, 1857. They have two children-Leonora and Herbert G. Mr. MeW. is a member of the Temple of Honor.

WILLIAM MANSER, foreman ; he was born in Berlin, near Grand River, Canada, Dec. 10, 1857; eame to United States with his parents in 1865; they settled in Outagamie Co., Wis., and engaged in farming. The subject of our sketch was in a mill about thirteen miles from Appleton some five years ; then moved to Wausau, where he was foreman of W. B. Kelly's mills about three years; meeting with an accident, he was disabled eight or ten months. Came to Oshkosh in 1880 and engaged with Hume & Washburn, now Hume alone.

O. H. MANZER, photographer, over 16 Kansas St., South Side; works in all branches of the business; he was born in Swanton, Franklin Co., Vt., Jan. 7, 1853; his parents moved to Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1854, and lived there two years; then moved to Hancock, Waushara Co., where they still live ; he was about twenty-one years of age when he began life for himself; taught school and pursued various avocations three years ; then began practicing photography, having previously learned the trade ; went to Ripon, Wis., and worked at the business two years ; then came to Oshkosh in June, 1880, since which time he has pursued his ealling there, and receiving a liberal share of the publie patronage. He was married at Riehfield, Wis., April, 1874, to Miss Electa J. Smith ; she was born in Andover, Allegany Co., N. Y., Dec. 10, in 1856. They have one daugh- ter, Lela M., born April 25, 1876.

J. H. MARTIN, agent for the C. & N. W. R. R., was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 21, 1845; came to the United States, with his parents. in 1856 and settled in Milwaukee. He visited Oshkosh in 1858, and finally located there in 1861; engaged in different occupations up to April, 1865, when he entered the em- ploy of the railroad company. He has been agent at Oshkosh six years. He was married in Oshkosh, in August 1867, to Miss Annie Reeve, of Oshkosh. They have four children-Clara, Arthur, Jennie and Annie. Mr. M. is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Lodge and Chapter ; of the K. of P., and also of the Business Mon's Association and Casino.

WILLIAM T. MAY, yard foreman ; he was born in Fond du Lac in 1853; eame to Oshkosh in August, 1881 ; has been engaged in the lumber business, in different departments, some eleven or twelve years ; was with Mr. Sherry in Fond du Lac. He was married in Oshkosh, in 1876, to Miss Emma Ilill. They have two children-Annie and Verne. Mr. May is a member of the Temple of Honor of Fond du Lac.

GEORGE MAYER, JR., dealer in a general line of watches, cloeks and jewelry, 27 Main street. He was born in Oshkosh, Wis., March 18, 1854, and spent his school days in the city, beginning when a small boy to learn his present trade with his father, George Mayer, who is now engaged in the same business in the city. He established his store in March, 1881. Previous to that, he had been in Topcka, Kan., about two years. He was

1155

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

married at Fond du Lac, May 21. 1879, to Miss Anna C. Hnse, who was born in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1859. They have one daughter, Ernie W., born Sept. 10, 1880.

JOHN MENTZER, proprietor of saloon and dealer in tobacco and cigars, 37 High street. He was born in Germany Dec. 9, 1846. He emigrated to America in June, 1869, and settled in Oshkosh, Wis. He followed shoemaking, having learned his trade in Germany, working three years there and four years in Oshkosh ; then he clerked in a boot and shoe and grocery store for one year ; then he clerked in a grocery and saloon store for four and a half years ; then he returned to Germany and remained from June, 1878, until May, 1879, and came back to Oshkosh and ran a saloon for another party fourteen months, then he began in his present place for himself. He was married in Oshkosh in May, 1881, to Miss Louisa Lichtenberger. She was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1854.

ROBERT MEHLMAN, firm of Mehlman Bros., wholesale and retail dealers and manufacturers of cigars, smokers' articles, etc., etc .; was born in Kenosha, Wis., Sept. 1, 1853. His parents soon moved to Milwaukee, Wis. He lived at home until he was eighteen years of age, and learned the cigar trade and worked for different parties nntil 1877 (in Milwaukee and Oshkosh), and settled in this place April 29, 1873; began business as above noted. They do a large wholesale business, with an increasing trade.

Adolph Mehlman, firm of Mehlman Bros., began business in 1872, firm name of J. Baum & Co., where he continued until the fire of 1875, after which the firm was known as Baum & Mehl- man. He continued abont fifteen months, when he began business with his brother, as above noted. He was born in Milwaukee Oct. 29, 1852, and lived there about sixteen years; traveled in different portions of the West, working at the cigar trade, and finally located in Oshkosh. Was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in November, 1875, to Miss Paulina Zeilinger, who was born in Oshkosh, Wis. They have three children-Alma, Albert and Matilda.

AUGUST METZ, firm of Metz & Schloerb, tanners and leather dealers in all grades. Mr. M. was born in Germany Oct. 12, 1821, emigrated to America in 1854, and located in Oshkosh, Wis. He worked as foreman in a shoe shop one year, then began his taunery and leather store in 1859; capacity 20,000 skins, of all kinds, per annum ; employ seventeen men. He was married in Germany, in 1848, to Miss Amelia Petersilia, who was born in Germany. They have four children-Frank, Gustave, Alma and Herman. Frank assists in the leather store and Gustave and Herman work in the tannery.

George C. Schloerb, of the above firm, was born in Germany June 3, 1821, emigrated to America in 1848, and located at Cleveland, Ohio ; worked there one year in a tannery, having learned his trade in Germany. He then went to Racine, Wis., and followed his trade one year; then came to Oshkosh, Wis., and immediately engaged in the tannery business alone until 1859, after which he went in company as above noted. Ile was married in Racine, Wis., in 1850, to Miss Wilhelmina Strangman, who was born in Germany. They have two children-Amelia and Otto E. Amelia married Richard Guenther, the present Member of Congress, this District.

HENRY F. MEYER, cigar manufactory, established Sept. 15, 1881. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Oet. 17, 1852. His parents lived there a short time and then moved to Watertown, Wis., where they lived until he was fifteen years of age, and he learned the manufacture of cigars in the meantime. He then went to different places and followed his trade, and went to Osh- kosh in 1872. He has worked for Mr. Derksen nine years. He was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in March, 1875, to Miss Minnie Yagers. They have three children -Alexander, Blanch and Clara.

DANIEL MIERSWA, general blacksmith, including saw- mill work, etc., was born in Germany Aug. 8, 1828; emigrated to America in August, 1852, and settled in Oshkosh, Wis., in May, 1855, and began business in company with Mr. John New-

bauer in general blacksmithing, and followed it for thirteen years in company, then sold his interest and built his present shops and began business alone. He was married in Oshkosh Dec. 4, 1860, to Miss Mary Berhend, who was born in Germany Feb. 20, 1841. They have eight children-Lizzie E., Jennie M. D, Daniel T., Jr., Gustav E., Frederick W., Otto R., Clara O. and Meta S.

JOSEPH MIES, vard foreman for McMillen, was born in Prus- sia in 1840, and came to the United States with his mother. In 1857 he came to Wisconsin and located in Oshkosh for a time, then moved to Calumet Co., where he remained about one year ; then returned to Oshkosh and engaged in milling. In 1870 he went with MeMillen, the first year engaged in scaling and then took charge of the yard. He was married in Oshkosh in 1869, to Miss Katharine Wagoner, of Oshkosh. They have had six children, of which there survives four-John, Jacob, Martin, Mary. Mr. Mies is a member of the St. Joseph Society.

RICHARD T. MORGAN, the son of Thomas and Catherine Morgan, was born in Wales Oct. 6, 1829. When the subject of this sketch was but three years old his parents emigrated to this country and settled in Utica, N. Y. His educational privileges were poor and limited. In 1847 his parents removed to Cattarau- gns Co., N. Y., and Richard commenced work at carpentering. In the following year he worked in a sash, door and blind factory, and here became possessed of an ambition to engage in that busi- ness on his own account. Twenty-six years ago, with but little means, he started for the great West, and located in Oshkosh, Wis., where he found employment as a carpenter and joiner with John D. Jones. By diligence and economy he accumulated a small amount of capital ; then, in company with his brother, John R. Morgan, and two others, purchased of John G. Bailey his small sash, door and blind factory. Fire visited them early and they lost their all, having failed to effect insurance on their build- ing. The next winter was one that taxed their best energies. R. T. and his brother made sash and doors by hand and sold them to dealers, and in the following March he returned to New York State and was married to Miss Martha Roberts, of Cattaraugus Co. In the spring he returned with his wife, and shortly after organ- ganized the firm of Morgan, Watts & Jones (E. Watts and J. D. Jones), and built a sash, door and blind factory. This factory was totally destroyed by fire in July, 1859, involving a loss of 89,000, with only $500 insurance. Mr. Watts then withdrew from the firm, and the remaining partners, R. T. Morgan and J. D. Jones, built a new factory, which stood for many years, at the corner of Light and Marion streets. At this time they employed ten to twelve hands. Two years later Mr. Jones sold his one-half inter- est to R. McMillen and C. W. Davis, and the firm became Mor- gan, Davis & Co., and continued so for one and a half years, when MeMillen and Davis withdrew. From this time on their business prospered. In 1866 this firm, with R. P. Roberts, built the Northwestern Planing Mill, near the Northwestern depot. The Light-street factory was placed in charge of J. R. Morgan, who superintended it until the following year, when it was sold to Williamson & Co. They then purchased a one-half interest in the McCartney saw-mill and disposed of the Northwestern Plan- ing-Mill to Gould & Home. In 1868 they purchased McCart- ney's remaining interest and devoted their time exclusively to the operations of this mill, and the first season's cut was 4,000,000 feet. They operated this mill two years, when R. P. Roberts sold them his interest. The firm of Morgan & Brother was then or- ganized and has remained the same without any changes to the present time. In the fall of 1870 they were again sufferers by fire, and their mill was totally destroyed. Its value was $6,000, but was insured for $1,500 only. In the fall of that year they built one of the best mills in Oshkosh. at a cost of $20,000, and with a capacity of 6,000,000 feet per annum. Again the fire- fiend swept away their property, and in October, 1873, this 820,- 000 mill was destroved ; insured to the extent of 87,000. Nothing daunted, they rebuilt this mill, at a cost of 820,000, adding a fire-proof engine and boiler house. They operated this but one season, when the great fire of 1875 again wiped out their property.

1156

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Besides their mill, the fire destroyed 3,000,000 feet of lumber. and their loss was $25,000 over and above insurance. This last misfortune tested them severely, and for a time they lost heart. Finally they took courage and ventured into business again, this time on the south side. They purchased L. B. Read's small saw- mill and operated it three years and met with good success. They then moved back to their old mill site, the ground of which they owned, and, adding the James mill site, they enlarged their mill to its present capacity. This additional purchase gives them a river frontage of 1,000 feet. Their "cut" during 1879 was 7,000,000 feet, and their business averages $100,000 per annum. They own 25,000,000 feet of standing timber. which they are cutting and supplying their own mill with. For pluck and energy, this firm has no equal. They have contended with adversity, they have battled on, against great odds, but they maintained their courage and their credit, to which they owe their success. So great is the confidence reposed in them by those with whom their transactions have been greatest, that they were able to rebuild their mills when they had no means-only their word to pledge. To-day Mr. R. T. Morgan is one of the substantial men of Osh- kosh. He is a stockholder and Director in the Union National Bank ; was Alderman from the First Ward three terms. Mr. Morgan, while not a politician, has always been a consistent Re- publican and lent his aid to the success of that party. He is much respected and looked up to by the Welsh settlers of this section, who are quite numerous, and among whom his political sentiments prevail. But to most people Mr. Morgan is known as a philanthropist and a Christian worker. While kind to all, he has made the Welsh communities his special field of labor, by whom his name is revered far and near. While a terror to sloth- fulness and vice, he is a friend to thrift and virtue in all. He has done much for temperance and education, Bible and missionary societies ; often presides at the public meetings of his own na- tionality, for which office he has great tact, though a man of few words. The hospitality of his family is spoken of everywhere, his house being always open to his numerons acquaintances. especially ministers of the Gospel, that visit the city. His religious trials also have been many and fiery, but he never "grows weary in well doing," knowing that " it is given to us in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake."

JOHN R. MORGAN, lumber manufacturer, was born in Wales Jan. 19, 1832, and is the son of Thomas and Catherine Morgan, who came to America with their family in 1833. They resided eight years in Oneida Co., N. Y., then removed to Her- kimer Co., where they lived for about the same length of time, when they went to ('attaraugus Co., in the same State ; cawe to Oshkosh in July, 1855, and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds for twelve years ; since then he has been manu- facturing lumber. He was married in Chattarangus Co., N. Y., in May, 1857, to Miss Ellen Hughes, a native of Rome, N. Y. They have three children-Elnora L., Grace and J. Earl. Mr. Morgan is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been Grand Representative, and been through all the chairs of both the Sub- ordinate Lodge and Encampment. He is now serving his second term as Alderman.

HARVEY C. NASII, dealer in flour and feed, grain, etc., 15 Algoma street, established Feb. 9, 1880. Mr. Nash was born in Utica, Winnebago Co., Wis., Nov. 27, 1854. His parents lived there until 1863, then moved to Ripon, Wis., was there five years, then moved to Oshkosh. At a suitable age, he attended the pub- lic schools, and, after completing his education, he became a mem- ber of the fire department, with which he continued nine years, first as a volunteer, then on part pay, full pay, etc., and in Febru- ary, 1880, he engaged in his present business. Ile was married in Oshkosh, Wis., Nov. 15, 1880, to Miss Mary J. Taggart.

CAPT. W. W. NEFF, was born in the town of Burlington' Otsego Co., N. Y., July 28, 1839, and came to Oshkosh with his parents in 1850. Ife engaged in boating and was successful, ply- ing mainly on Fox and Wolf Rivers and Winnebago Lake. In

the spring of 1881, he became associated with N. C. Holmes in the grocery trade. He is a member of Masonic, Odd Fellow and Knights of Pythias lodges. Capt. Neff was married in 1862, to Miss Mary E. Ellinwood, formerly of Keeseville, N. Y. They have four children-Myra E., Anna M., George M. and an infant not named.

JAMES NELSON, foreman in wood-work department of Parsons & Goodfellow's Carriage Works; he was born in Den- mark April 5, 1840. He learned his trade in his native country, beginning in 1855, and worked until 1868; then emigrated to America and settled in Oshkosh and began work for Rudd & Holden, where he remained five years, then went to Clinton June- tion and worked two and a half years, then returned to Oshkosh ; worked in several shops in Northern Wisconsin ; he began in his present place May 26, 1879. Was married in Denmark in 1865, to Miss Mary Brandt, who was born in Sweden. They have one child living-Caroline P. Mrs. N. died in 1871. He was again married, in 1873, in Oshkosh, to Mrs. Katie Peterson, who was born in Denmark. They have three children-Peter F., James L. and Edward. Mrs. N. had one daughter by former mar- riage -- Anna C. Mr. N. took charge of wood-work Dec. 1, 1879, in the above carriage works.

S. B NELSON, manager of Wisconsin Manufacturing Com- pany was born in Marlboro. Cheshire Co., N. H., March 6, 1828. His parents, William and Lucy (Batcheler) Nelson being old residents. Mr. Nelson, Sr., was a local preacher of the Methodist Church. The subject of this sketh was engaged in wooden ware and sash, door and blind business in New Hampshire. In busi- ness for himself about three years in West Swanzey. In 1857, he moved to Wisconsin and located in Menasha, and engaged with Menasha Wooden Ware Company. In 1862, Mr. Nelson raised a company of volunteers in Menasha, which were mustered into the United States service as Company I, 21st W. V. I. In 1863, Capt. Nelson was taken prisoner at Stone River, and after being detained several days, was paroled. He then went to Camp Chase, and hy the advice of his physician, resigned in 1863 and returned to Menasha. Re-entered the wooden ware works, and remained about three years ; after spending some two years in farming, Mr. Nelson moved to Peshtigo and took charge of wooden works there. In the famous fires of 1871, these were swept away, and be returned to Menasha and took a position as Superintendent of the Menasha Wooden Ware Works, where he remained until 1878, in which year, he came to Oshkosh and bought an interest in the Wisconsin Manufacturing Company. He was married in Swanzey, N. H., in 1851. to Miss Lovisa M. Bailey, who died, leaving two children-Sarah Imogene (now Mrs. C. A. Spicer) and Lulu Lovisa; was married in Stockbridge, N. H., in May, 1864, to Mrs. Lestina ( Eldridge) Holt. They have two children -Elwin F. and Roy B. Mr. N. is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the A., F. & A. M., of Menasha.

SAM. C. NESSLING, conduetor C. & N. W. R. R .; was born August 14, 1845, at March, Cambridgeshire, England ; came to America in 1853 with his parents, Samuel and Alice ( Edgeley ) Nessling ; first located at Chicago, where his father took contract for the construction of Chicago depot of the Pittsburgh & Ft. Wayne R. R .; he died at Janesville, Wis., about two years later ; his widow survives him and resides at Oshkosh with her son. Sam was employed for some time as errand boy in Chicago mer- cantile establishments ; he was one of the first newsboys on the North Side of that city, afterward worked at the tinsmith's trade for three and a half years ; he was for four months a member of the Ellsworth Zouaves ; he was connected with Me Vicker's Theater one year, and with a minstrel troupe for the same length of time. He then engaged in railroading and has sinee been connected with the C. & N. W. R. R. Mr. Nessling was married at Oshkosh in March, 1866, to Charlotte A. Rice, a native of Canada ; they have two children-Charles R. and Frances Alice. Mr. Nessling is a member of A. O. U. W., and American Legion of Honor ; he is also Chancellor Commander of Lodge No. 25, K. of P., and President of the Endowment Rank, K. of P.

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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