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 291

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 291

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Menasha and Neenah depend upon the Wisconsin Cen- tral, and the Chicage & Northwestern Railroads for railroad facilities. The depot of the former is in the northern part of the former city, of the latter, on the island between the two cities. The location of the depots and grounds was a matter of almost as much dispute, as the old question of which place should have the State canal. The opening of these roads and the construction of side tracks all along the water-power at Menasha, has been a constant impetus to her business, and especially her manufactures. Two of her most important establishments are the great Wooden Ware Company's Manufactory, and the hub and spoke factory operated by the Webster Manufacturing Company. It is a noteworthy fact that the gentlemen now at the head of these immense establishments have been virtually their proprietors for over a quarter of a century, and by their energy and business talent, have pushed them on from nothing to their present standing. In 1852, E. D. Smith, President of the Wooden Ware Company, purchased the little tub and pail factory which had been operated about a year by Keyes & Price. The shanty-dubbed factory- was located on the canal, in the woods. Mr. Smith at once commenced to improve the machinery which had been made by the original proprietors, made several additions to the building, and then waited for the product of the factory to reimburse him. This was not a period of long waiting, and that little factory in the woods has gone on growing, with the improvement of its surroundings, until now it is an immense establishment-a small village of buildings, with its saw-mills, its dry kilns, its paint and cooper shops. Employing 250 hands, it consumes about 7,000,000 feet of lumber in the manufacture of tubs and pails, fish kits, churns, buckets, etc., in fact, all kinds of wooden ware. It loads its own ware upon its own cars upon its own tracks, and the shipments extend over the country. At the head of the Webster Manufacturing Company which operates the immense hub and spoke factory, is A. J. Webster, who established it himself in 1856, upon the site of the Coral Flour Mills. For the first five years he was unfortunate.

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

The dam was carried away he removed his factory to Nee- nah, where he did not prosper, returned, another break in the dam, removal from one place to another, and finally, in 1861, the formation of a partnership with P. V. Lawson seemed to end his business uncertainties and disasters. The latter had been engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. During that year, they erected a small factory upon the present site of the immense one, which occupies, with its shipping doeks, side tracts, ete., over ten aeres of ground, and employs nearly two hundred men. Ilubs and spokes, sleigh and cutter material, hard and soft lumber, with all the "etceteras," are turned out to the amount of 8200,000 per annum. The firm of Webster & Lawson now run a saw-mill on the water-power, which was built by Joseph Keyes, in 1850. Since writing the fore- going, there has been a change in the above firm-a change occasioned by the inevitable. Mr. Lawson's death occurred in November, and Neenah lost one of her most intelligent and influential citizens.

In the fall of 1847, Daniel Priest put a carding machine in operation on the Neenah side. This he ran until he came to Menasha to live, several years thereafter, carrying his machine with him, and laying the foundation of the Menasha Woolen Mills, one of her prominent manufactories. This is operated by Messrs. Chapman & Hewitt.

Of the three flouring mills, the Eagle and Coral are operated by Alex Symes. and the Star (erected in 1855) by John Cloves.

The paper and pulp mill on the water-power is run by Hewitt & Scott (Henry Hewitt and R. M. Scott), the latter having been a resident of Menasha for thirty years. He erected the National Hotel in 1870, and is its proprietor. This is considered one of the finest buildings in the city.

James Little & Sons and Havard & Jennings' iron works are the only establishments of the kind in the city. Besides the manufactories mentioned above, there are several planing mills, broom-handle and bedstead factories, brick yards, a limekiln, the " Excelsior Works " ( which manufact- ures packing paper), one brewery and a large one in course of erection by Mueller & Habermehl.

In the above account given, both of the manufactories of Neenan and Menasha, an attempt has merely been made to give a general outline of their development, and a brief out- line of some of the leading establishments. For more de- tailed information the reader will look elsewhere.

The National Bank of Menasha was established in November, 1870, with Robert Shiells (Cashier of the Na- tional Bank of Neenah), President, and H. Hewitt, Jr., son of the President of that institution, Cashier. This is the only bank in the city, and is conducted with ability.

The Press .- As previously stated, the Winnebago County Press was removed to Menasha in 1871, and its name changed to the Menasha Press. This journal was con- dueted hy T. B. Reid for six years, George B. Pratt then coming into possession of it. He continued its publication until June, 1881, when Arthur J. Dodge assumed the man- agement.

The Beobachter (German) was established in 1873, by John Klinker. The paper is controlled by H. W. Meyer, proprietor of the Volksfreund, Appleton.

The Twin City News, a product of the friendly feeling and present close union of Neenah and Menasha, has been published by Messrs. Bowron & Potter, since the summer of 1881. Their place of publication is on the Island.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

BACHELDER & FISHER, stone ware, tile, etc .; firm com- posed of C. Bachelder and M. C. Fisher, organized in 1874; em- ploy two men ; sales about 820,000 annually ; Mr. B. travels.

C. Bachelder, of the firm of Bachelder & Fisher, was born in Concord, N. H., June 22, 1829; came West with his father in 1847, and located in Fond du Lac, Wis ; engaged in clerking first, and devoted about one year to the photographing business Iu 1850, he removed to Menasha, and engaged in the manufacture of pottery ware, and, some years later, also engaged in the manufact- ure of stone ware, importing clay from New Jersey and Ohio. About 1876 he ceased manufacturing, but continued in business, engaged in the sale of this class of goods. He was married in Portage Co., Oct. 27, 1859, to Miss Sarah L. Phelps, of Portage Co. Mrs. B. was born in Queida Co., N. Y .; they have two children-Nannie J. and Carlton P. Mr. B. is a member of the Methodist Church, aud of the A., F. & A. M. and K. of H.

M. C. Fisher, of the firm of Bachelder & Fisher, was born in Addison, Addison Co., Vt., Aug. 2, 1843; came to Wisconsin in March, 1866; located in Winnebago Co., remained about three years ; then moved to Calumet Co., where he was teaching school some four years. In March, 1874, entered into partnership with Mr. Bachelder. He was married in Hortonville, Outagamie Co., Wis .. Aug. 31, 1870. to Miss Annie C. Sperry, of Outagamie Co .; they have one son-Haldane. Mr. F. is a member of the A., F. & A. M. and of K. of H.

REV. BONFILIO BALDI, a Catholic priest of St. Charles Borromeo. He is a member of the order of the Servites (or Servants) of Mary. He was born in Italy (near Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, March 11, 1842. He began studying for the ministry at the age of fourteen years, at Perugia, where the Persian Pope, Louis XIII, was Bishop and Cardinal. Ile remained there until 1860, at which time the Italian Govern- ment weut to take the State of the Pope, and Mr. Baldi was expelled; he then went to Rome in 1860, which was free, and in going there and passing through a little village called Narni, he was put in prison and kept overnight; the following day was liberated, when he went to Rome, and remained from 1860 to 1870, and finished his studies, and April 18, 1870, he started for America, after going to his native place to see his mother, where he remained one month ; then he started on his journey. going through Paris, France; remained two weeks ; then to London, England, and remained one month, and July 1, 1870, he started for Liverpool and took the steamer for America, and arrived in New York City July 13, 1870; went to Philadelphia and re- mained one week; then directly to Green Bay, Wis., where, at the house of Bishop Joseph Malchar, he remained two weeks; then he was sent to Menasha, Wis. He could not understand our language. Remained there until November, 1871. and was sent to Appleton to take charge of the Irish Congregation of St. Mary's Church, and remained until August, 1875: then went to Chicago, where the Order of the Servites of Mary owned five acres of land on West Jackson street, he being a member of the same. They built a brick church and house for themselves and students who wished to join the order. He had charge of the congregation of Lyons, near Riverside, and built a church ; was there one year ; then engaged entirely in missionary work until September, 1879. He then went to Preston, Minn., and took charge of St. Patrick's Church, also had charge of a church in the country eleven miles, and was there one year ; then went to Menasha, Wis. He visited many portions of Minnesota and Dakota ; returned to Menasha Oct. 27, 1880. There is a school in connection with the church at Menasha, conducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame of Milwaukee, Wis., in a flourishing condition, with an average of 140 pupils. They have made many improvements. under the guidanee of Father Baldi, around the church and school buildings.

G. F. BELLOWS & CO., manufacturers of bedsteads and furniture ; firm composed of G. F. Bellows and C. B. Fay ; or- ganized in 1881, succeeding G. F. Bellows, Employ about twenty

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

men, and turn out 300 bedsteads weekly, in addition to other articles.

George F. Bellows, firm of G. F. Bellows & Co., was born in Upper Canada Oct. 28, 1831 ; came to United States in 1856, located in Minnesota, and in 1858 returned to Canada. In 1860, came to Wisconsin, located in Omro, Winnebago Co., engaged in saw-mill ; settled in Menasha in 1876, and commenced the manu- facture of furniture in 1877. Was engaged in the same business in Canada for a time. He was married in Canada June 8. 1851, to Matilda Stone. They have two children-Julia, now Mrs. Linscott, and Emma. Mr. B. is a member of the Methodist Church and the " K. of H." Society.

C. B. Fay, firm of' G. F. Bellows & Co., was born in Warren Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1843. In 1861 he enlisted at Saratoga, in Co. G, 77th N. Y. V. I., as Sergeant; was in command of his company at Antietam, the other officers being all killed. Was discharged in 1863 on account of disability, caused by a wound received in same fight. In 1864 he came to Wisconsin, located in Pensaukee Co., and engaged as book-keeper for the Pensaukee Company. In 1868 he went into the office of Harrison, Luding- ton & Co., in Menominee, Mich., remained about three years, then moved to Kewaunee Co., and engaged in business for himself for about nine years, milling and merchandising, then settled in Menasha. He was married in Menasha Sept. 23, 1875, to Miss Ida Bates, of Menasha. They have two children-Bartlett and Allen. Mr. F. is a member of the A., F. & A. M.

J. A. BRYAN, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass. In his early days he practiced law in Olean, N. Y. In 1850 he came to Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee, and was editor of the Commercial Advertiser for some two years, when he moved to Washington Co. In 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce, Register of the Land Office in Menasha. Died in Men- asha, May 24, 1864.

L. D. BRYAN, Justice of the Peace, came to Wisconsin with his father, J. A. Bryan ; was engaged clerking in U. S. Land Office in Menasba from 1853 to 1857, and since that was en- gaged in general clerkships until he was elected Justice of the Peace, April, 1880, an office he still holds.

O. P. CLINTON, Pastor Seymour Church. of Outagamie, Co., Wis ; also the church at Freedom, same county. Mr. Clinton was born in Addison Co., Vt., Nov. 22, 1808 ; his paren's moved to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., when he was seven years of age, where he lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, and was about twenty-two years of age when he entered the Potsdam Academy ; he attended that school about two years, then engaged in teaching and clerking about three years in Essex Co., after which, he studied theology with private instructors, Mr. Chaney Stephens, of the latter county, and Solomon Lyman, of Keeseville, same county, and Joel Fisk, same county; he was with the above pastors and instructors about three years, a portion of which time he taught school. He got a license to preach in 1835, and settled as a pastor at Lewis, Essex ('o., seven years, then he went to Salem and assisted as Pastor a short time. He then went West and was employed at Southport, now Kenosha, Wis., a short time ; then went to Lake Mills; preached there and at Ft. Atkinson about two years ; after closing there, he was appointed missionary for Northern Wisconsin, by the American Home Mis- ionary Society, which field he has labored in mostly since. He enlisted as Chaplain 21st W. V. I. at Menasha, served about three years, until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Mil- waukee, Wis., July 1, 1865. He previously moved to Neenah, Wis., in 1846, at which time he was appointed missionary. There were only four white families within eight miles of Neenah at that time, and only two Pastors to assist him in his vast field of labors, which extended over the whole of Northern Wisconsin. He traveled no less than 7.000 miles the first year of his labors, in the saddle, buggy and sleigh. He saw the foundation laid in unidwinter for the first shanty between Oshkosh and Ripon. He was married in Jay, E sex Co., N. Y., in January of 1836, to

Miss Caroline C. Finch ; she was born in the latter place, July 1, 1815, and was the daughter of Major Isaac Fitch, of the war of 1812, and a member of the United States Congress under Gen- eral Jackson's first term. They have three sons and three daughters - Hattie, now married to W. D. Meeker, and living in Chicago ; Katie A., now married to Capt. A. B. Bradish, and living in Atchison, Kan ; Alice D., married and living in Chica go; Lucius A., married and living in Chicago; Evva 1., living at home, and John W., also at home.

J. J. FISH, agent W. C. R. R .; was born in Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 13, 1845 ; moved with his parents to Oxford, Chenango Co., in 1847. In 1868, he went into business for himself in Oxford, in merchant tailoring and gent's furnishings ; two years later, moved to Binghamton and opened a hat and cap store ; returned to Oxford and engaged in clerking until 1872, when he moved to Wisconsin, locating in De Pere, where he was a telegraph operator for a time, and was then made agent of the M. & N. R. R., now the W. C. R. R. ; three years later, he came to Menasha, where he has remained since. Ile was married in Mogadore, Summit Co., Ohio, May 13, 1868, to Miss Chloe Bradley. They have had six children, of which there survive Herbert H., Flora E., Amy B. and Clarence C. Mr. Fish is a member of the A., F. & A. M.

FOX RIVER IRON WORKS, J. Little & Sons, proprie- tors; organized in 1876; do all kinds of job work and make a specialty of a patent feed cutter ; employ twelve men. James Little, senior member of the firm, was born in Halifax, Windham Co., Vermont, May 15, 1810. In 1828, he went to Lewis Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming and cloth dressing ; from there he moved to Chautauqua Co. about 1835, and five years Later to Erie Co., N. Y. In 1845, he moved to Wisconsin, locating in Sheboygan Fal.s. where he remained engaged in farming until he moved to Menasha in 1876, and formed present firm. He was married in Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1832, to Miss Lydia A. Wood. They have had eleven children, of whom there survive only five -Addison M., Emmett A., Orton C., Adell, now Mrs. Crosby and Walter. Mr. Little was Member of the Assembly in 1859, from Sheboygan Falls ; has been Justice of the Peace, Assessor and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

DR. GEORGE W. FAY, Register of the Land Office; was born in Windsor Co., Vt., Feb. 22 1823: graduated from Dart- mouth Medical College in 1847, and in 1850 moved to Wiscon- sin, locating in Fond du Lac; about eighteen months later, he moved to Menasha and entered upon the practice of his profession. in which he continued until 1875, at which time he was appointed Register of the Land Office. In 1862, he was appointed Assist- ant Surgeon of the 32d Wis., and remained with them until April, 1865, with the exception of the time they spent in the march to the sea, during which he was located in Dalton Ga. He was married in Windsor Co., Vt., in 1847, to Miss Naney Robinson. They have four children-George A., lda M. (now Mrs. L. S. Jones ), Charles I. and William M. The Doctor is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and of the K. of H.

ERNST FUECHSEL, dealer in confectionery, bread, cakes, etc. He was born in Prussia, Germany, Oct. 17, 1856, emigrated to America in 1870, with his parents, and settled in Milwaukee, Wis., lived there four years, then moved to Whitehall, Mich .; was there one year, then returned to Milwaukee, Wis .; was there one year, after which he went to Port Washington and lived one year. Returned to Milwaukee, Wis., in six months, then went to Neenah, Wis., and was there eighteen months; then moved into Menasha, Wis., and has since lived there and followed the above business. He learned his trade in Milwaukee, Wis. He was married in April, 1880, to Miss Paulina Neubauer, who was born in Reedsville, Waupaca Co., Wis. They have one daughter, named Armand P. A.

FRANK FULLER, foreman of the weaving department Menasha Woolen-Mills. Mr. Fuller was born in County Derry, Ireland. in 1836, where he was reared to the business which he

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

now so ably represents. In 1854, he came to this country and engaged in his business in Melville, Mass., which he followed for three years, then went to Amesbury, when, after prosecuting his business for a few years, he went to Barnet, Vt., and remained there until the breaking-out of the war, when he went to Auburn, N. Y., where he stayed for four years, after which he came West and followed his business in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin np to the present time.

E. M. HULSE & SON, brick manufacturers, Sec. 16. They make about 700,000 brick per annum, all hand made ; factory covers about two acres, established in June, 1866. Mr. Hulse was born and reared in Delaware Co., N. Y. In 1853, he came to Wisconsin. settled here and took up a pioneer course of life. When the war broke out, he enlisted in Co. I, W. V. I., and remained in active service till the end of the war ; was honorably discharged. In June, 1844, he was married to Miss Catharine Milnes, who was born in Yorkshire, England. They have a family of one son, George N., and one daughter, Charlotte A., now Mrs. Jacobs.

HOWARD & JENNINGS ( Menasha Iron Works), manu- facturers of hub, spoke and broom handle machinery, self-feeding saw machines and engines, also all kinds of wood-working and grist-mill machinery, piping and brass goods, agents for Hancock inspirators.

Peter Jennings came from Canada to Racine in 1850, in his eighteenth year. In 1856, he was united to Miss B. L. Kearney, of Racine. After a residence of several years respect- ively in Racine, Chicago, Green Bay and Appleton, he finally located in Menasha in 1873. In 1875, he became associated with M. L. Howard as a member of the firm of Howard & Jennings. His family consists of his wife and six children, named respectively Louise ( Mrs. Johnson ). Robert, Nettie, Hattie, Addie and Bennie.

JAMES KAYE, head miller City Mills, Alex Syme, proprietor; was born in the Isle of Man, Great Britain, in 1839. Learned his business in Liverpool and came to the United States in 1879, locating in Milwaukee, Wis., where he was engaged in flour mills until March, 1881, when he came to Menasha and took his present position. He was married iu the Isle of Man in 1858, to Miss Anuie Cowin. They have seven children-Eliza A., John W., Thomas H., James E., Evan O., Emma and Ida. Mr. K. is a member of the Methodist Church and of the A. O. U. W.

CARL KOCH, dry goods, grocery and saloon, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 2, 1830; came to the United States in 1852; located in New York City for a time ; was then in Johns- town, Penn., in the grocery business ; moved to Milwaukee, and from there, in 1855, to Menasha ; opened a saloon at first ; has been in present business some sixteen years. Now carries a stock of about $10,000, and does a business of $25,000 to $30,000 yearly. He was married in Menasha May 20, 1855, to Miss Mary Sturn. They have five children-Emma, Caroline, Carl, Lizzie and Arthur. Mr. K. is a Notary Public, has been a Justice of the Peace three terms, Alderman one term, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors one term ..

JAMES P. LOMAS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Neenah, was born and reared in Staffordshire, Eng., where he followed the business of contractor for fourteen years previons to his coming here. In 1849, he came to this country for the further prosecu- tion of his business, but subsequently engaged at the farming in- dustry with which we find him still actively engaged. In 1849, he was married to Miss Margaret M. Beattie, who was born in New York. They have a family of four sons living and two of the family buried in the cemetery here.

JAMES LADD, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Neenah, was born in Sudbury, Vt., in 1799, but was reared in New Hampshire, being left dependent at an early age. He braved misfortune and at the age of twenty-seven was able to commence the business of of farming for himself, which he has very successfully carried ont since. In 1826, he was married to Miss Charity Willey, in New Hampshire. In 1844, he came to Wisconsin and finally settled

here in 1846, since which time he has been actively engaged in the general development of the different industries of this locality. In December, 1865, Mrs. Ladd died and was buried in the ceme- tery at Neenah, aged sixty-two years. In September, 1866, he was married again to Miss Theressa MI. Kellogg, of Appleton, Wis., who was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Ladd has a family of three sons one daughter.

EMMETT A. LITTLE, firm of J. Little & Sons; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 2, 1839 ; came to Wiscon- sin with his father ; entered Lawrence University at Appleton, and graduated in 1867. Read law with John Thomas, at She- boygan Falls, and was admitted to the har in 1869; practiced law in Plymouth for a time ; was appointed Postmaster at Sheboygan Falls, by President Johnson, and was County Superintendent of Schools for two years. Came to Menasha in 1876, and entered the firm of Little & Sons. He was married in Appleton, Dec. 22, 1880, to Miss Catherine A. Shaver, of Appleton. Mr. Little is a member of the Episcopal Church.

JOHN McLEAN, foreman of the dying department of the Menasha Woolen Mills, Menasha, Wis., was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, in 1856; was raised to the prosecution of his present profession. He began this vocation in Rome City, Ind., and fol- lowed it for three years, then he went to Ft. Wayne, where he pros- ecuted it for a similar term of years, after which, he came here and has been identified with his industry since, with the exception of one year spent at the business in Northington, Pa. In 1880, he was married to Miss Mary Anthony, who was born and reared in Menasha, her people having come here from Germany at an early time.

HEMAN MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Neenah, was born and reared in Otsego Co., N. Y. In 1852, he came here with his wife and danghter ; began a regular pioneer course of life which he has successfully conducted since. In 1852, he was married to Miss Celia Miller, in Burlington, N. Y. They have a family of two daughters-Emma and Clara, now Mrs. Lu- cian Sandford.

T. D. PHILLIPS, dealer in all kinds of household furniture, also undertaker, etc., and all kinds of parlor ornaments, and all that pertains to a first class furniture store established in 1872; trade averages about $11,000 per annum, and carries a stock of $5,000. Mr. P. was boru in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1842. He settled in Fond du Lac in 1862, and lived a short time, and enlist- ed in the fall of 1863, in Co. G, 36th Reg. Wis. Vol. Inft. He was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania C. H., North and South Anna, Cold Harbor, Weldon R. R., Petersburg, Hat- chert's Run, including first and second battles. He was at Peters- burg at the breaking of the lines, then followed Gen. Robert E. Lee until his surrender, and was present at the same June 17, 1874. He was at Washington at the grand review. He was mustered out at Madison, Wis., July 12, 1865. He returned to Menasha, Wis., and worked in a hub factory for about four years. He then went to Middle Tennessee, but soon returned to Menasha and engaged in sash and blind business and a part of the time worked for other parties. He soon after began his furniture busi- ness which he ran about four years alone, then took in a partner and was in company five years, after which Mr. P. bought the whole interest, and has since conducted the same alone. Was married Oct. 3, 1866, in Stockbridge, Calumet Co., to Miss F. C. Thompson, who was born in New York. They have two sons - William A. and Everett T.

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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