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 288

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 288

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MENASHA AS A VILLAGE.

In May, 1849, the original plat of Menasha was recorded, and the village incorporated in July, 1853. The village was divided into two wards, and Curtis Reed was first Presi- dent of the Board of Trustees. Its business steadily in- creased, a new impetus being given in 1861 by the extension of the Chicago & Northwestern road to Appleton via Neenah and Menasha. Ten years later came the Wisconsin Central, and in 1873 the Milwaukee & Northern road was built.

NEENAH AS A VILLAGE,

In September, 1847, Harrison Reed recorded the first village plat of Neenah, and in January, 1848, Harvey Jones recorded the village plat of Winnebago Rapids. It was Mr. Jones' intention to have his plat known as " Neenah," but although he had his land surveyed first, Mr. Reed re- corded his plat first, stealing the former's name. The latter therefore recorded his village as Winnebago Rapids, which was incorporated in 1850. In March, 1856, the two plats were consolidated and the corporate name of the village changed to Neenah. J. B. Hamilton was the first Presi- dent of the Board of Trustees.

NEENAH AS A CITY.

Although Menasha was regularly incorporated first as a village, Neenah preceded her twin sister one year as a city. The latter took these honers upon herself March 9, 1873, adopting the old " council tree " as the municipal seal. Ac- cording to the last census her population is 4,205, leading Menasha by over 1,000. C. B. Clark is Mayor of the city. The principal residence streets are clean and shaded with thick foliage and adorned with beautiful residences. Sub- stantial business blocks line her principal thoroughfares of trade, while the island and vicinity of the water-power are covered with her many manufactures. She has schools and churches well maintained ; hotels and summer resorts at the head of which stand the Russell House and Roberts Hotel. The former was erected in 1875 upon the site of the old Weeden Hotel, the city voting $4,000 to aid in its erection. John Roberts' Resort, located upon the old homestead of Gov. Doty, was opened to the public in 1877 and is a favorite and favored locality with summer tourists. The city has. moreover, gas works, of so much convenience to her people. Neenah was first lighted by gas in December, 1878. But her great pride is still her manufactures, and a brief, yet comprehensive view of them will be given as they exist to-day.

MANUFACTURING.

After the erection of the Winnebago Flouring Mills in 1852-53, other mills were built near A. W. Patten's estab- lishment. But the next important mannfactory was the Fox River Mills, erected by Hugh Sherry, in 1856. After passing into the possession of Wm. E. and J. R. Ford, Kim-

berly, Clark & Co. purchased the property of the latter and erected the Globe Paper Mills in 1872. In 1876 the firm bought the Peckham & Krueger foundry and moved the build- ing to the site of the paper mills, where it was transformed into an addition thereof. The establishment is one of the most complete in the State. The firm also operate the Neenah Paper Mills. erected in 1866 upon the site of Harvey Jones' first mill, and the first manufactory of the kind established on the water-power. It was run first by a stock company, of which Nathan Cobb was President. Then the mills were run by Dr. N. S. Robinson, and by Smith & Van Ostrand, coming into the hands of the present proprietors in 1874. During the same year A. W. Patten established his large paper mill, upon the site of the old Empire Flour Mill. It is one of the most extensive on the power. In February of this year the Winnebago Paper Mill was commenced upon the site of the old Government mill, which was des- troyed by fire. In 1876 it came into possession of the stock company, J. R. Davis, President. All of these mills are substantially built of brick, and if nothing more were in sight, would establish Neenah's reputation as the city of manufactures.

Next in importance to the manufacture of paper is that of flour, and after the erection of the D. L. Kimberly and the Winnebago Mills, the next large establishments which sprung up, were the brick and stone mills, now united under the management of Clement & Stevens, and known as the Falcon Mills. After undergoing many changes and im- provements. they were purchased by the present proprietors in 1873. In 1877, the rear walls of the stone mill were torn down and the establishment rebuilt. The Reliance Mill was erected by J. R. Kimberly & Co. (J. R. Kimberly, his son, J. A. and H. Babcock), in 1868 and 1869. For ten years the business was carried on by the above parties, when the present firm was formed. Their building is of stone, large and handsome. There are several other mills in operation, which in any other city would be considered foremost in this line of manufacture.

The manufacture of lumber in its various forms, is also quite extensively conducted. Wickert's and Sanford's planing mills, Henry Sherry's lumber manufactory, Theo dore Bruin's barrel and stave factory, etc., etc., are fair illustrations of the push and enterprise shown in this par- ticular. There are several large dealers in agricultural implements, one manufacturer of farm machinery, brick manufacturers and several large machine shops and found- ries. Among the most prominent of the iron manufactur- ers is the Neenah Stove Works. They were established as a foundry in 1857, by W. N. and A. K. Moore and B. W. Wells, under the firm name of Moore & Wells. After passing under several managements. and gradually develop- ing into the present extensive works, the works came into the possession of Bergstrom Bros. & Co. The plow works were established by John Bergstrom, the father of the pres- ent proprietors. The plow works of William Aylward were established by the present proprietor in 1872, and do a good business in their line.

National Bank of Neenah .- Messrs. David Smith and Robert Sheills established a private bank in September 1861. In November, 1865, the National Bank of Neenah was organized, with Henry Hewitt, Sr., President, and Robert Sheills, Cashier. It does the usual banking busi- ness, and is one of the institutions of which Neenah is proud.

1171

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

The Press .- Harrison Reed, D. Hyer, J. N. Stone and others, established several papers between 1856 and 1863. The Island City Times, founded by the latter in October, 1863, and issued until July, 1870, was removed to Mena- sha in 1871, and became the basis of the Press. Its name had been changed to the Winnebago County Press before it was removed to Menasha. This left Neenah without a paper, and in 1871, Charles H. Boynton established the Neenah Gazette. In 1874, G. A. Cunningham became proprietor, and so continued until shortly before his death, in April, 1878, when he sold out to H. L. Webster. The firm afterward became Webster & Bowron. L. F. Cole has assumed the management for about a year.

In October, 1875, J. N. Stone first issued the Neenah News. In 1876, its name was changed to the Neenah City Times. In the summer of 1881, the Daily Twin City News was established by Messrs. Bowron & Potter.

The Schools .- In the spring of 1847, a small building was erected for a grocery store, but in the summer the first public school was opened and taught by Mrs. Samuel Mitchell, nee Miss Caroline Boynton. In 1875, the office of City Superintendent of Schools was created. Now in addition to the magnificent high school building erected at a cost of $25,000, there are three other structures devoted to educational purposes, that in the Second Ward not being in use. The high school building, a brick structure, two stories and basement, was finished in May, 1880, at a cost of $25,000. It is 100 feet square, and is provided with all the conveniences known to school architecture. The seat- ing capacity of the building is 800. H. O. Hobart, the principal, has two assistants.

The First Ward building (Point School) has a seating capacity of 100. It is a one-story brick structure, built in 1871. Miss Amy Warren is Principal.

The Third Ward building has a seating capacity of 200; is a one-story frame, built in 1864 and since improved. Mrs. Montgomery is Principal.

The Fourth Ward building was erected in 1875, at a cost of $4,500, being a two-story brick. M. E. Mills pre- sides over the two departments, consisting of 100 pupils each. J. R. Barnett is City Superintendent of Schools.

Churches-The first Protestant services were held by a Methodist Episcopal circuit preacher, at the house of Harrison Reed, in 1845. Rev. O. P. Clinton, the first res- ident minister, organized a Congregational Society, April 4, 1847. The first meeting was held at the house of C. Northrup, on January 22, 1847. In 1851, letters were granted to those desiring to form a Congregational Society in Menasha, which is the basis of the church in that city, over which Rev. S. V. S. Fisher is pastor. A building was erected by the Menasha society, in February, 1851. In 1858, their church building was erected, now occupied by the Catholics, and in 1867, their present edifice was built. Their property is now valued at $8,000. The membership of the society is 110.

In August, 1848, Rev. H. M. Robertson, of the Pres- byterian Board of Missions, visited Neenah and was the means of organizing a society in December of that year. Thus was formed the "First Presbyterian Church of Win- nebago Rapids." In 1852, the old church, which became the property of the Methodist Episcopal Society, was dedi- cated. The Congregational Society was re-organized as the Second Presbyterian Church, in 1860. In 1870, the two Presbyterian societies united as the First Presbyterian

Church, and Rev. J. E. Chapin became its pastor. In 1864, a beautiful house of worship was erected at a cost of $5,000, enlarged upon the union of the two societies, and finally dedicated January 1, 1871. This society, one of the strongest in Neenah or Menasha, is still under the pas- torate of Rev. J. E. Chapin, and is the only representative of that creed in the Twin Cities.

Although semi-occasional services were held by the Catholics at Winnebago Rapids, as early as 1836, during the existence of the Government agency, it was not until 1848, that Father Vanderbrook, then stationed at Little Chute, established a regular mission a few miles west of Me- nasha, for the accommodation of both places. Various priests officiated up to 1854, when the societies in the two villages were united, and the church building on the Island was erected. This now occupied by the Catholic Church of St. Charles, Borromeo, whose presiding priest is Rev. Father Balde, and whose membership is about 200 families. In 1868, the brick school building was erected. The Sisters of Notre Dame have charge of the 120 pupils who attend it. The value of the property, including the priest's house, is $20,000. In 1867, St Mary's Catholic (German) Church was organized from the original society, a building pur- chased from the Congregationalists of Menasha, and an edi- fice for the accommodation of its flourishing school, erected in 1868. Father Andrew Siebert is the rector. Both church and school are of about the same strength as the St. Charles Borromeo.

In the fall of 1849, Rev. W. H. Sampson organized the M. E. Society, which is now in charge of Rev. W. G. Ilor- ton. The society numbers over 100, and is strong in every detail. The organization in Menasha was formed in 1853, E. Yocum being the first pastor. In 1856, a church edifice was erected upon the site donated by Governor Doty. The society flourishes under the pastorate of Rev. M. Hime- baugh.

In July, 1851, Rev. Peter Prink organized a Baptist society in Neenah. The society disbanded in November, 1860, and the Menasha organization was formed. In June, 1867, Rev. O. W. Babcock became pastor, and services were held in both places. In November, the first Baptist Church of Menasha and Neenah was formed, a building pur- chased of the Norwegians, and removed to Commercial street. Rev. Mr. Thomas is the present pastor.

In November, 1857, Rev. C. C. Edmonds commenced to hold Episcopal services in the village of Menasha. St. Stephen's parish was organized in 1859, and a church edifice erected in 1859-60. Trinity Church, Ncenah, was organized in July, 1866, services having been held for some years previously. The society was formed by Rev. Will- iam D. Christian, Rector of St. Stephen's. In 1869, a building was erected, Rev. E. Peake being in charge of the two societies. Rev. James Upjohn is, at present, pastor of both.

The First Universalist Society of Neenah and Menasha was organized in 1866, with Rev. Mr. HInssey as its Pastor. A church was erected the next year on the island, the pres- ent value of the fine property being 87.500. The membership of the society-which is a leading one-is between sixty and seventy. Since December, 1870, Rev. S. W. Sutton has been Pastor.

The German Lutheran Church, Neenah, organized in December, 1865, has a membership of 105, and has been in charge of Rev. G. Denninger since the spring of 1880. The

1172

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

society at Menasha, under his charge, was founded in 1856. The Norwegian Lutherans of Neenah have also a good society, organized in 1871. There is also a Danish Lutheran and a Danish Baptist Church. The Welsh Calvinistic and Con- gregational Union is a small organization, the Calvinistic society coming into existence in 1848, and the Congrega- tional in 1861.

Societies .- As in the case of her churches, Neenah and Menasha have become so closely related of late years, that it is difficult to separate her secret and benevolent societies. An Odd Fellows' Lodge, Neenah No. 41, was organized December 12, 1849, and reorganized in 1870, after sleeping ten years This lodge and Menasha No. 187, are now both strong and flourishing. The first lodge of Masons was or- ganized by the two cities, in 1855. A separation took place in 1857, and Menasha, No. 61, was changed to Kane, No. 61-the Neenah organization. A Good Templar's lodge was formed in Neenah at an early day, and the order now is strong in both cities. There are many temperance societies on both sides of the river, besides those connected with the churches and devoted to benevolent purposes.

The Schuetzen Bund Shooting Society of Neenah was formed in 1870, which, with the Turnverein of Menasha, are educators in the manly sports. They both have halls. The Neenah Yacht Club, organized in 1874, has done much to draw visitors' attention to this locality as a pleasure resort. The club has thirty active members.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

WILLIAM AYLWARD, manufacturer of stoves, plows, kettles, etc .; was born in Ireland May 4, 1838 ; came to America with his parents in 1844 ; lived at Bellevue, Canada, one year, father died there; then came to Rochester, N. Y., where his mother died. William lived in the State of New York most of the time until he came to Neenah, Wis., in 1859 ; he was fore- man in the foundry of Moore & Bro. for several years, and in 1871 he established his own factory ; he began with two men, now employs eighteen men, and is now melting 3,000 pounds of iron per day. Mr. Aylward was married at Neenah in February, 1860, to Catharine Dolan, a native of Ireland ; they have seven children-William, Catharine, Edmund, Ella, James and Mary. Mr. A. is now Alderman of the First Ward.

GEORGE O. BERGSTROM, of the firm of Bergstrom Bros. & Co .; was born in Norway, March 16, 1849; came to Neenah in 1852; engaged in blacksmithing and manufacturing plows until 1878, when the present firm was organized. He is now serving as Alderman of the Second Ward. In November, 1874, he was married in Neenah to Alice D. Smith, a native of New York. They have two children-Edwin George and Luey Seymour.

Bergstrom Bros. & Co., manufacturers of' stoves, hollow-ware and plows ; they employ from seventy to seventy-five men, and use in the manufacture of their goods from 1,800 to 2,000 tons of iron per annumn.

ALEXANDER BILLSTEIN, merchant ; was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, Oct. 5, 1831; came to America in 1851 ; lived in Ohio until 1854; then came to Milwaukee where he re- mained until he came to Neenah, May 7, 1856; since coming here, he has been engaged continuously in mercantile business (never sold out nor failed); he is also extensively engaged in deal- ing in wool, hops, grain, furs, hides, pelts, ete .; he does a business of about $175.000 per annum ; he does all the hide, pelt and hop business here; some years he handles 1,000 bale of hops, and so far this season, he has bought over 200,000 pounds of wool. Mr. B. was President of the village two terms; in 1875, he was Mayor, and has served as Alderman ; he is a member of the A., F. & A M., I. O. O. F., and K. of H. He was married in Mil-

wankee, May 4, 1856, to Elizabeth Alschul ; she was born near the city of Prague, in Bohemia; they have five children-Sarah, now Mrs. H. Katz, of Yankton, Dak., Belle, Moses, Eva and Celia.

GEORGE BOOZER, green house ; was born in Kent Co., En- gland in 1822; engaged in plant culture in England ; in 1870, he came to the United States, locating in Menasha, Wis., where he built a green house, and removed it to its present location in the fall of 1880; has a house 85x15 feet, and sells both cut flowers and plants. He was married in Kent Co., England in 1846, to Miss Ann Knight, of Kent Co .; they have one son- Arthur.

THEODORE BROWN, barrel and stave manufacturer ; was born in Hanover, Germany, April 29. 1824 ; eame to America iu 1848 ; lived most of the time in the State of New York, until he came to Neenah, Wis., in July, 1854 ; engaged in the business of evopering sinee he came here ; began with one man besides him- self; they made about fifteen barrels per day ; he now employs twenty men in his cooper-shop, and manufactures 250 barrels per day. In his stave factory he gives employment to forty hands, and cuts 2,000 cords of stave boards and 1,500 cords of heading per annum He was a member of the Village Board before the city organization. In January, 1855, Mr. Brown was married, at Neenah, to Elizabeth Haber, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt ; they have six children-Adam, Sophia, Julia, Theodore, Jr., Jacob and Willie. Mr. Brown is a member of the firm of Striddle & Brown, promident merchants of Neenah.

J. E. CHENEVERT, saloon ; was born in St. Cuthbert, Can- ada, May 10, 1852 ; was engaged in clerking in Canada ; in 1876, he came to the United States, located in Menasha, Winnebago Co., Wis., and for three years was engaged in clerking; then started in business for himself in Menasha ; opened his Neenah plaec in January, 1881. He was married in Menasha, June 13, 1880, to Miss Mary Newton ; they have one child, Emma.

E. W. CLARK, M. D., physician and surgeon; was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1840; in 1852, he came West with his parents to Sheboygan Falls, Wis ; received preliminary schooling there, and entered Lawrence University, at Appleton ; had been there only one term when the war broke out. He en- listed in September, 1861, and was mustered into Co. G, Ist W. V. C., in October, 1861 ; served until mustered out, Oet. 31, 1864. Returned to Appleton and re-entered college, graduating in 1866; then entered Hahnemann Medieal College, in Chicago, and took his degree in 1868; returned to Appleton and entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he continued until he removed to Neenah in 1870, where he has sinee remained. He was married, in Appleton, June 28. 1866, to Miss Helen M. Wait, of Appleton ; they have one daughter, Mary. Dr. Clark is a member of the Methodist Church, and of the following societies: A., F. & A. M., Lodge and Chapter ; Temple of Honor ; Knights of Honor ; Royal Areanum ; A. O. U. W. ; and of the Homeopathic Medi- eal Society of Wisconsin, and the American Institute of Homeo- pathy.

H. E. COATES, of the firm of Rounds & Coates, elevator ; came to Wisconsin in 1857 with his parents ; located in Winne- bago Co .; he remained on farm until the breaking-out of the late civil war ; in 1861, he enlisted at Neenah, in Co. G, 3d W.V. I., for three months ; the company was not organized, and the reg- iment was changed to three year's men ; he remained with the 3d about eighteen months, when he was transferred to the 6th Cav- alry ; wounded at Beverly Ford in 1863, he was, in April, 1864, discharged for disability. Returned home, and, in the fall of the same year, enlisted in the 1st W. V. C., and served until mus- tered out, in July, 1865. Returned home and remained on the farm about four years ; then moved into Neenah and was clerking two years, when he went to Minnesota and took up some land remaining only about one year; he returned to the farm near Neenah ; two years later he came into the city and engaged in the sewing machine business, and, after a time, went into the grocery

1173

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

business ; remained in the latter about three years, and sold out on being elected City Treasurer, April, 1880; was re-elected to the same office April, 1881. He was married in Neenah, Novem- ber, 1867, to Miss Maggie E. McCallum, of Neenah ; they have two children-Fannie B. and Charles A Mr. C. is a member of the A., F. & A. M., A. O. U. W., and K. of H.

S. H. CONKLIN, head miller Winnebago Mills, was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, April 10, 1837. In 1852, he came to Wis- consin with his parents and located in Winnebago Co., where he attended school. His parents removed to Waupaca about 1859, and here he had his first milling experience. In 1875, he moved to Neenah and engaged with his present employers. Was married in Waupaca Co., May 10, 1860, to Miss Mary McQueen, of Waupaca. They have had two children. One son survives- Everlin.

THOMAS COOKE, marble works, came to the town of Clay- ton, Winnebago Co., Wis., in April, 1849, lived there about four years, then removed to Neenah and engaged in the nursery busi- ness ; soon after he commenced the milling business, which he continued for twenty years; engaged in present business sinee Jan. 1, 1880. Mr. C. was Assessor, Town Clerk, Town Superin- tendent of Schools ; he was elected Deacon of the Presbyterian Church in 1851, and continued as such until he was elected Elder in 1856. He was chorister for fifteen years. Mr. Cooke was born in County of Northumberland, England, Feb. 2, 1823, came to America in 1840, located in Erie Co., N. Y., until he came to Wisconsin. He was married in September, 1849, to Sarah Denny, a native of County of Northampton, England. They have six children-S. Jennie, William Denny, Sumner, Seward, Jessie A. and Myron E.

MARTIN COOK, manufacturer of light and heavy harness, and keeps on hand, on sale, robes, blankets, whips, valises, etc., etc .; established in 1865 ; employs three men ; trades between $6,000 and $7,000 per annum, and carries about $1,800 worth of stock. He was born in Germany Aug. 11, 1842; emigrated to America with his parents in 1853 and settled in Bellville, Canada West, lived there ten years and learned his trade, then went to Oswego, N. Y., worked at his trade and finished his knowledge of the same ; there one year. He enlisted in December, 1864, in a rifle com. pany in Canada, and served on the frontier four months. He went to Janesville, Wis., in 1865 and worked at his trade two and a half years, then to Edgerton, Dane Co. and worked one year, then to Neenah, Wis., and began business. He was married in Oshkosh. Wis., Dec. 25, 1870, to Miss Mary Murkley, who was born in Vinland Township, Winnebago Co. They have two sons and one daughter-Lewis, Albert and an infant daughter.

J. R. DAVIS, President of the Winnebago Paper Mills, is a native of Wales, born in April, 1817, came to Quebec in 1840, remained there but a few weeks, then went to New York City, where he was employed in earriage making for about a year ; after- ward, in Oneida Co, N. Y., five years, then went to Ohio, being there but a few months, however ; then he came to Milwaukee, Wis., arriving at the South pier at 6 o'clock in the morning, May 6, 1846. In the spring of 1848, he came to Neenah and pur- chased some real estate, and in June, 1849, he removed his family to this place. He carried on the manufacture of wagons until 1852, when he purchased the old Government mill and, after repairing it, commenced manufacturing flour and continued that business until his mill was destroyed by fire, in February, 1874. He then organized the Winnebago Paper Mills Company and built works here immediately. The original capital stock of the com- pany was 860,000 ; $100,000 is now used in the business. They give employment to twenty men and forty-five females in the various departments of the works, the average monthly pay-rolls amounting to $1,100, outside of offieers and clerical expenses. The product of the mills is about six tons per day of book and colored paper. Mr. Davis was interested in the stave and lumber business for about three years. He has been Village Trustee, Alderman, Supervisor, etc., and was one of the founders of the

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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