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 290

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 290

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).

GEORGE H. LADD, dealer in and manufacturer pumps ; also dealer in the Waupun wind-mills ; established in spring of 1880 ; sales amount to $3,000 per annum ; employs three men and two teams on road. He was born in Campton, Grafton Co., N. H., Feb. 22, 1843. His parents moved to Wisconsin and set- tled in Beaver Dam in 1847 ; lived there one year, then moved to Neenah, Wis. His father, James Ladd, built the first frame building and what was afterward called the Winnebago Honse. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. G. H. Ladd began business for himself, and first farmed three years ; also engaged in buying and shipping produce and stock to the Lake Superior country two years ; engaged in wood business one season, since which he has been engaged as above noted. Married in Clayton, Winnebago Co., Oct. 22, 1863, to Miss Ellen M. Bidewell, who was born in New Hampshire. They have five children-Mary E., G. Frank, William Henry, Della and Charles.

HENRY LAUDAN, farmer, P. O. Neenah, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, July 27, 1819 ; engaged in farming in Germany ; he came to the United States in 1849 and located in Erie Co., N. Y., for about eighteen months ; he then moved to Wiscousin ; located in Clayton, Winnebago Co., and engaged in farming, where he remained until he came to Neenah in 1868. Ile was married in Mecklenburg, Germany, Aug. 2, 1849, to Miss Charlotte Kruger. They have one daughter-Henrietta. Mr. L. is a member of the Schnetzen Society.

GEORGE LE TOURNEUX, clerk of the Russell House ; born in Chicago August 12, 1854. His parents, Dr. Gabriel and Adela ( Fraucher) LeTourneux, being residents of that city ; his first business experience was with Field, Leiter & Co., with whom he remained five years, in both wholesale and retail departments. In 1879 he came to Neenah, Wis., and engaged as clerk with Francher Bros., dry goods. Was clerking in Appleton after this for a time, and in April, 1881, he took his present position. He was married in Neenah Feb. 2, 1881, to Miss Isabel Brown, of Neenah.

WM. F. McARTHUR, lawyer ; was born in Cornwall, Canada. April 11, 1852 ; when a youth he went to Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y .; remained there until he was fifteen years old, then went to Montreal, Canada, and attended the Jesuit College for two years, after which he returned to Malone and engaged iu carriage and wagon manufacturing business, which he continued until he came to Neenah, Wis., in April, 1875. In September, 1876, he entered the Law Department of the Wisconsin University, at Madison. He has been engaged in practice at Neenah since 1877, aud now enjoys a lucrative practice. Mr. MeArthur is in every sense a self-made man.

JOHN MCDERMOTT, yard foreman for C. & N. W. R. R .; was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., Jan. 1, 1855. First engaged in planing-mill some two years; then after a short time in the employ of the M. & N. R. R., he went to the C. & N. W. R. R., engaged in switching, in which position he remained until he took his pres-

1177

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

ent one Aug. 9, 1880. He was married in Fond du Lac Oct. 1, 1876, to Miss Ellen E. Garner, of Fond du Lac. They have two children-Alice Catharine, Mary Jane.

J. W. NICHOLSON, agent Singer Sewing Machine, was born in Calumet Co., Wis., Dee. 19, 1856; came to Neenah about 1879 ; engaged in green-house at first and commenced pres- ent business in November, 1880. He was married in Neenah Dec. 27, 1877, to Miss Schooley. They have two children- Maud and one child unnamed.

G. OLDS, manufacturer omnibuses. Trade extends over all the Western country ; now employs two men ; established in 1866. He was born Nov. 23, 1815, and lived in his native place until he was thirty years of age and learned his trade ; he went to Brockville, Canada West, and carried on a shop twenty years ; had a large trade and employed eight to ten men; after which he went to Neenah, Wis , and made the first omnibus in that country ; he was married in Canada to Miss Ellen English ; she was born in Ireland. They have three sons and one daughter-William H. ( married and living in Chicago) ; Anna (now married to John McGloyn and living in Marinette, Wis.) ; Augustus G. (traveling and working at the millwright business); and Robert ( working with his father ).

A. W. PATTEN, paper manufacturer ; is a native of Massa- chusetts, having been born Middlesex Co., in that State, Oct. 20, 1828 ; came to Neenah, Wis., in June, 1856; engaged in the manufacture of furniture four years, then built the " Bay State Flouring Mills ;" engaged in the milling business several years ; also dealing in logs and pine lands. Eight years ago he built a paper-mill at Neenah, which h's a capacity of three and a half tons per day. He gives employment to fifty hands; he is now building a two-machine mill at Appleton, which will have a capac- ity of thrice that of the Neenah factory. Mr. Patten has been a member of the County Board, also of the Common Council ; he represented his district one term as Assemblyman. He is a large operator in pine lands, and is the owner of 10,000 acres of min- ing land on the Menomonee River. In 1849, he was married at Billerica, Mass., to Sarah J. Morrell; she died at Neenah in Feb- ruary, 1877, leaving two children-Thomas and Emma J.

W. P. PECKHAM, hardware merchant; is a native of Ballston Spa, Saratoga Co., N. Y .; born Oct. 28, 1836; came to Neenah, Wis., in September, 1855 ; employed as a clerk in a hardware store for four years, then engaged in business for him- self; he was also engaged in the manufacture of stoves from 1867 to 1875. He was Village President two terms, Village Trustee one term, member of the Town Board one year, l'own Treasurer one year, and two years Alderman, being President of the Council during that period; he also served one term in the Wisconsin Legislature. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Blue Lodge, Chapter and Oshkosh Commandery. He is Treasurer of the l. O. O. F. society ; also a member of the K. of H. and of the Ma- sonic Benefit Association. Mr. Peckham was first married at Neenah, in April, 1862, to Eleanor E. Babcock, a native of Ver- mont ; she died in 1865, leaving one child-Elcanor E. Present wife was Lucy A. Willard, a native of New York City. They were married at Buffalo, N. Y., May 9, 1865 ; they have four children living-Helen Chloe, born March 26, 1866; Laura W., born Dec. 31, 1867; Lucy K., born Oct. 26, 1871, and William N., born March 26, 1879. Lost one child, Charles H., who was born Feb. 18, 1869, and died at the age of fifteen months.

A. J. PEDERSON, merchant ; was born in Norway, Feb. 15. 1854 ; came to America and located at Chicago in September, 1873 ; employed as clerk in Chicago mercantile establishments until he came to Neenah, in May, 1880.

ERASMUS W. PRIDE, representing John T. Noye & Sons, general mill furnishers, Buffalo, N. Y., the oldest firm in the country dealing in those goods. They commenced business in 1834. Mr. Pride is a native of Cooperstown, N. Y., born March 24, 1843; came to Wisconsin with his father, Ransom W. Pride, in the fall of 1845. After spending a few months in Milwaukee,

they removed to the town of Metomen, Fond du Lac Co. Eras- mus W. Pride has been engaged in milling business ever since his youth. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted as a private in Co. I, 1st W. V. C., being the twelfth man who enlisted in the company. After serving two and a half years he was discharged on account of disability. In March, 1864, he re-enlisted in Co. A. 38th W. V. I. ; was promoted to First Lieutenant of Co. F Dec. 16, 1864, and commissioned Brevet Captain July 11, 1865. When he left the army he returned to Fond du Lac Co., and after remaining there a short time he located in Milwaukee, where he was engaged in the milling busine s for several years. In 1875 he became connected with the firm which he now represents, making bis headquarters at Brandon, Wis., until August, 1877, when he located at Appleton, remaining there until he came to Neenah in July. 1880. He was married at Sheboygan Falls, Wis., May 10, 1871, to Miss Lottie Stewart, a native of that place. They have three children-Jessie, Hattie and Byron. Mr. Pride is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F.

JOHN PROCTOR, flour manufacturer, is a native of Massa- chusetts, having been born in the town of Rowley, Essex Co , in that State, March 30, 1818; came to Dane Co., Wis., in December, 1856, having resided in Pennsylvania for five years prior to his removal to this State. Ile has been in the flowring-mill business at Nee- pah since Feb. 16, 1857, his present parteer, Edward Smith, be- ing associated with him during the entire period. He has twice been a member of the Wisconsin Legislature. Before coming to this State he held many prominent positions. In June, 1858, he was at Lewiston, Fulton Co., N. Y., to Miss Mary Phelps, a na- tive of that place. They have five children-Edward M .. Anna L., Francis R., Benjamin G. and Mary C.

ROBERTS' SUMMER RESORT, Doty Island, has been opened five years ; has present accommodation for about 100 peo- ple, and Mr. Roberts is now building a number of cottages, which will be ready for the season of 1882.

JOHN ROBERTS, proprietor of Roberts' Summer Resort, was born in Oneida Co , N. Y., in 1833; kept hotel in Schneetady and other places, and about 1858 he went to New York City, where he remained until 1862; was then in Newark, Ohio, about five years; came to Wisconsin in 1866, and located in Columbus, Columbia Co., and opened a hotel, and from there moved to Menasha. Mr. Roberts has been engaged in the hotel busi- ness as clerk and proprietor about thirty-four years. He was married in Fonda, Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1861, to Miss Martha Lingenfelter, of Fooda. They have three chil- dren-John, George C. and Stella. Mr. Roberts is a member of the A., F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. Lodge and Encampment and the Royal Arcanum ; has been Alderman two or three terms and County Supervisor two terms.

J. B. RUSSELL, proprietor of the Russell House, came to Vinland, Winnebago Co., Wis., in May, 1851; was engaged in farming in that town for seventeen years, then he removed to Neenah and engaged in mercantile business, which he continued for three years, and for two years of that time he also kept a hotel and carried on a livery business. Afterward, for two years, he was farming. In 1875 he built the Russell House, which he has since successfully conducted. The hotel is commodious and ele- gant, and admirably kept. Mr. Russell is a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y., where he was born Aug. 12, 1822. While a resident of Vinland he was Superintendent of Schools. Since coming to Neenah he has been Alderman, and Superintendent of City Schools.

F. T. RUSSELL, superintendent of Patten's Paper- Mill, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1847; came West to Wisconsin with his father (J. B. Russell in May, 1831; was reared on a farm in the town of Vinland, Winnebago Co. He was for two years a student at Jefferson Institute, and then en- ga, ed in hotel business in Neenah, which he followed about one year. After this he, for two winters, taught school and spent one summer in railroading. Then for a time he was engaged in the

1178

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Goat Ilarbor improvement. After one summer spent in Chicago he returned to Neenah and taught school for five winters, and during the summer engaged in other employment. In 1875 be engaged with Mr. A. W. Patten as book-keeper and continued in the office four years, at the same time having charge of the paper and stock ; was appointed to his present position in 1879. He was married in Vinland, Winnebago Co., in November, 1868, to Miss Eletta Brown. She was born in Vinland. They have three children-John A., Hugh E. and Lucy J He is a mem- ber of the A., F. & A. M., the K. of H. and the A. O. U. W. Mr. Russell served about one year in Co. B, 1st W. V. C., enlist- ing in August, 1864, and being mustered out in July, 1865

GEORGE SCHMID, dealer in and manufacturer of cigars, C'edar street ; also deals in fruits, confectionery, smoker's articles, and keeps a restaurant, bakery and confectionery on Wisconsin avenne also. Mr. S. was born in Germany, May 6, 1833; emi- grated to America in 1847, coming with an unele, and located near Milwaukee, and lived there nearly all of the time until 1857. He then went to Washington Co., and farmed until 1865; then to Oshkosh, and worked at carpenter work until 1874; then to Neenah, Wis., where he began his present business, and the manu- facture of cigars in 1877; manufactures 150,000 per year; em- ploys five hands. Married, in 1858, in Washington Co., to Miss Henrietta Rapp; she was born in West Point, N. Y. They have four children-George M., Perpetua T., Emma C. and Adaline.

CALVIN W. SEAVER, boots and shoes; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1818; commenced elerking in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and from there went to Dunkirk, N. Y., and to Bertrand. Mich., Rochester, N. Y., and other places. Finally located in business for himself in Findlay, Ohio, keeping general store, where he remained about two years, and then moved to Wisconsin, locating in Rock Co., remaining only about one year ; then opened a hardware store in Janesville, Wis .; ten years later, he moved to Fond du Lae, and engaged in the boot and shoe business ; was here twelve years, with the exception of one year spent in Chicago. In 1880, he came to Neenah, and for a time had a store in Menasha also; but finally closed the latter. He was married, in Genesse Co., N. Y., to Miss Catherine Taylor, of Genesee Co., who died in August, 1880, leaving three children - William W., Kate. now Mrs. George H. Patty, of Fond du Lac; Alice, widow of F. Clark, of Fond du Lac.

HENRY SHERRY, lumberman ; was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Ang. 3, 1837 ; came with his parents to Columbus, Colum- bia Co., Wis., in 1846; lived there until 1849; then they removed to Neenah, where he has since resided. In 1861, he engaged in mercantile business, which he continued for several years. Since 1868, he has been engaged in lumbering, being an extensive dealer in pine lands and logs ; also running saw mills at Oshkosh and Marshfield. He stocks the mills with his own logs, cutting this year 7,000,000 feet of lumber at Oshkosh, and 5,000,000 at Marshfield. Last winter, he got out 25,000,000 feet of logs, and his logging operations will be quite as extensive the present sea- son. llis real estate operations are quite large outside of pine lands. Mr. Sherry was married, at Neenah, May 2, 1865, to Abbie Paddock, a native of Troy. N. Y. They have one child- Eddie.

ROBERT SIIIELLS, Cashier of the First National Bank of Neenah ; was born at Edinburgh, Scotland, Nov. 21, 1825; came to America in 1849, first located at Milwaukee; connected with the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien R. R , as Civil Engineer, until the road was completed, being with that company several years; afterward, was engaged in government and railroad engineering for some time; and. for two years prior to his removal to Neenah, in September, 1861, he was in the bank of Prairie du Chien. When he came here, he established the Bank of Neenah. in part- nership with David Smith, a non-resident. They continued together until November, 1865, when the National Bank of Neenah was organized, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was increased to 875,000 in 1874. The first Board of Directors

was composed of Henry Hewitt, Sr., President ; Robert Shiells, Cashier ; J. A. Kimberly, A. W. Patten and Alexander Syme. Messrs. Patten and Syme have since retired from the board, and J. R. Davis, Sr., and HI. Babcock have been elected to succeed them. The first report of the bank, January, 1866, shows that the deposits amounted to $45,956.16 ; loans and discounts, 86,260. The last report of the condition of the institution, Oct. 1, 1881, indicates the immense growth of business here in the last fifteen years. Deposits, 262,935.80 ; loans and discounts, $195,244.14. Mr. Shiells was married at Montreal, Canada, in October, 1852, to Helen Swan ; she died in February, 1860. Present wife was Grace Graham, who was born near Montreal, Canada. They were married at Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., in April, 1861. Mr. S. has six children-Margaret, Jacobine, Helen, John, Grace and Jeanny. Mr. Shiells was Postmaster from 1873 to 1877. He was President of the village prior to city organization.

A. SORENSON, furniture, of the firm of Sorenson & Son ; was born in Denmark in 1826; came to the United States in 1867 ; located in Neenah, Wis., and engaged in the cabinet work ; commenced present business in 1877. He was married in Den- mark in 1863, to Louisa Lunt; she died, leaving one son --- Charles. He was married to his present wife in Neenah in 1869 ; she was formerly Mrs. Wolf, who had one daughter by her first husband-Annie.

P. H. SPERRY, jeweler, and deals in watches, cloeks, silver and plated ware, and everything usually found in a jewelry store ; established July 21, 1879; did about $6,000 worth of business the first year, and did about $13,000 worth in 1880, and carries stoek to the value of $3,500 ; employs one man ; he was born in Menasha, Wis., Jan. 28, 1855, where his parents lived until 1857, then moved to New London, Wis., and lived until 1864, then to Hortonville; he lived at home until he was seventeen years of age, then joined the Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y .. and graduated in August, 1872, entering in February, of the same year, then returned to Menasha, and was operator in a telegraph office ten months; then worked for Charles Dunbar in a jewelry store some time; then moved to Wausau, Wis., with Mr. D., where he remained in the jewelry business two and a half years ; then went to Oconto, Wis., and worked in the same business from August until May following ; then went to Menasha and worked in the stoneware business, keeping books about two years, then entered into business for himself. He was married in Neenah June 16, 1880, to Miss Helen L. Hunt ; they have one son-Wallace A., born July 4, 1881.

J. W. TOBEY, architect, carpenter and builder ; was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Aug. 3, 1827; moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1848; learned his trade in Massachusetts and followed it in Ohio; in 1864, he moved to Wisconsin, locating in Neenab. Mr. T. designed the plans for the Russell House, Neenah, and superintended the creation of it, and also the High School in the same place, as also the Patten Mill at Appleton. He was married in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1853, to Miss L. D. Smith, of that county, formerly from Massachusetts ; they have two daugh- ters-Isora, May. Mr. Tobey was County Superintendent one year, and a member of the City Council two terms He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

H. A. WEBB, foreman of cooper shop ; was born in Madison, Ohio, April 25, 1833; came to Winnebago Co., Wis., with his parents in 1849; remained on their farm until he was of age when he commenced farming for himself; followed this two years, and then with the Menasha Woodenware Company, with whom he remained some three years, then he moved to Niles, Mich,, where he learned his trade and remained until he moved to Nee- nah, Wis., about 1866 ; in the winter of 1864, he assisted in the delivery of supplies to the troops at Niles, Mich. He was married in Milton. near Niles, Mich .. Feb. 24, 1858, to Miss Loretta J. Enos, daughter of the late Uriot Enos, a former member of the Legislature ; they have one daughter-Lillien M.

1179

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

D. WELLS, pumping engine Chicago & North-Western Railroad ; was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Oct. 21, 1818; was engaged in the foundry and machine shops in Oswego until he moved to Wisconsin in 1860, when he located in Neenah and worked in the foundry until 1874, when he went with the Chi- cago & North-Western Railroad. He was married in Oswego Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1838, to Miss Mary Wilson, of Jefferson Co. ; they have seven children-Charles, Wilbar, Samuel, Luey A., Maryette, Marcia, Alice.

ANDREW J. WHITENACK, grocer, is a native of Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., born May 14, 1837; came to Neenah, Wis., Oct. 1, 1856. Engaged in the business of car- penter and builder until April, 1861, when he enlisted in Com- pany G, 3d W. V. I .; served until March 1, 1863, when he was discharged on account of disability ; returned to Wisconsin and engaged in farming in the town of Menasha, which he con- tinued for six years, then worked in pail factory at Menasha for five years. In 1875, he came to Neenah and engaged in present business. He is now Alderman of the Third Ward. He was married at Neenah, Oct. 25, 1864, to Eliza, daughter of John and Isabelle Mitchell ; she was born at Fort Edward, N. Y. They have one child- Willis Herbert, born July 16. 1865. Mr. W. is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Blue Lodge, Chapter and Oshkosh Commandery. He is also connected with the Royal Arcanum and K. of H. He is a son of Andrew and Hannah (Johnson) Whitenack, both of whom died at Mt. Morris, N. Y. His wife's father died in June, 1881 ; her mother now resides in the town of Menasha.

GEORGE A. WHITING, Secretary and Superintendent of the Winnebago Paper Mills, is a native of the town of Gilboa, Schoharie Co., N. Y .; came from there to Ripon, Wis., with his parents, Charles and Catherine Whiting, in 1854, lived there until August, 1865, when he came to Neenah, employed as a clerk in dry goods store here for nearly three years, afterward for three years engaged as traveling salesman for the Harris Manu- facturing Company, of Janesville, Wis., having charge of their sales and collections in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was one of the original members of the firm of Kimberly, Clark & Co., but soon severed his connection with that house, and, for two seasons, he traveled in the West, selling woolen goods. Nov. 1, 1875, he purchased the interest of Hiram Shoemaker, in the Winnebago Paper Mills, and was elected Secretary of that cor- poration the same year, and has since held that position, besides being Superintendent of the works since June, 1877. He was Vice President of the Chicago Division of the National Paper Makers' Association, and is now serving as Secretary and Treasurer of the same division. He has held various offices in the civic societies of Neenah, being a member of the A., F. & A. M., K. of H. and Royal Arcanum. Mr. Whiting was married at Neenah, June 29, 1870, to Edna F., daughter of Rev. O. W. Babcock, of this place ; she was born in Vermont.

P. R. WILLIAMS, retired from business. Mr. Williams settled in Neenah in 1856. He first engaged in mercantile busi- ness under firm name of Crane, Williams & Robinson, all of whom formerly came from Honesdale, Wayne Co., Penn. ; they continued in company about three years, then Mr. Williams bought wheat for several years ; then bought the same product iu Oshkosh, shipped to Green Bay and sold there to large wheat dealers ; he continued in this business several years, he then went into the grocery, boot and shoe business as a silent partner ; he also engaged in sale of house furnaces, and assisting in improving and completing the same and putting them up, ete. He was born in Exeter, N. Y., April 15, 1808. Mr. Williams went to Upton, Mass., and engaged in sash and blind business, he being the first party to engage in that business at that place; he was there until 1834, then went to Lanesboro, Susquehanna Co., Penn., and engaged until 1838 in sash, door and blind business, then went to llonesdale, Penn., and engaged in same business until he went to Wisconsin. He was married in Amherst, Mass., Oct. 30, 1834,

to Miss Almira D. Thayer, born in Dresden, Me., June 29, 1808. They have two children living-Mary E., who was married to Alex K. Moore, who established the foundry business in Neenah ; he died Jan. 24, 1873; Willis H. died Nov. 16, 1874, at Neenah, Wis. ; Maria S., died Oct. 9, 1867; Elbridge T. married May 10, 1871, and traveling salesman for the Neenah Stove Works.

MENASHA AS A CITY.

On March 5, 1874, Menasha was incorporated as a city. According to the last census, her population was 3,144. Her streets present the same appearance of activity as Neenah, and her pride also is with her manufacturies. The advantages of her location, both as a city in which to reside and do business are patent to all. Her high school building in the First Ward, is a two-story brick edifice, a credit to the city, as is also the Principal, E. A. Williams. There are four other buildings for the accommodation of the 500 pupils who attend school. About as many more are in attendance at the denominational schools. C. R. Smith is City Superintendent of schools. In the first frame build- ing erected by Elbridge Smith in 1848, as a law office, Miss Hattie Frost also taught the first school within the present limits of the village of Menasha. In 1849, Mrs. Alden took charge of the first public school. A. J. Webster, one of the leading and early business men of Menasha, is its Mayor.

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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