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 40

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 40

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).

D. J. MCKENZIE, lumber inspector, District No. 9, Alma, was born in Glengary County, Canada, July 4, 1848. He came to Wisconsin in 1871 and located at Chippewa Falls, and engaged in scaling logs. In 1877 he was appointed by the government to fill his present position. He married Catherine E. Ilorton, a native of Potter County, Penn. They have one child, Laverne E.

NEWTON McVEY, physician and surgeon, Alma, was born in Ma- rion County, Ind., Oct. 11, 1845. lle graduated at the Indiana Medical Col- lege, and received his diploma on the 26th of February, 1875. Hle had been in the practice of medicine some time in the city of Indianapolis before he graduated. In 1875 he made a permanent location in this vil- lage, and has thereby become one of Alma's staunch citizens. In the same year he came to Alma. he married Nancy L. Furgason, who was also born in Marion County. They have two children, Elsie and Carrie. Mr. M. was for a short time in the U. S. A. as drummer. Ile enlisted in Co. A., 47th Ind. in 1865, and was discharged in same year.

JOIIN MAILER, blacksmith, Alma, was born in Perth, Scotland, Oct. 3, 1842. In 1870 he came to America and settled in the village of

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Misha Mokwa, Buffalo Co., and engaged at his trade of blacksmithing, which he continued ten years. He then removed to Alma. He married Joanna Peddie, also a native of Scotland: 'They have nine children, Ag- nes I., John, William P., Thomas, Mary, Jane, Jessie, James I., and Margaret. Mr. Mailer has been Justice of the Peace six years'; elected Clerk two terms.

HARTMAN MOOT, butcher, Alma, was born in Indiana County. Penn., Aug. II, 1854. Ile came to Wisconsin in 1873 and settled in Alma. He married Louisa Kirchner, a native of Germany.

CONRAD MOSER, JR., County Judge, Alma, was born in Switzer" land, April 28, 1835. He came to America in 1856 and landed in New York City on the 28th of April. Ile soon after went to St. Louis and studied law for three years. In 1861 he came to Alma and was first ap- pointed County Clerk to fill a vacancy and in 1862 was elected and in 1864 re-elected. At this time he began the practice of law. In 1873 he re- moved to Eau Claire, where he made his residence until 1876. when he was appointed Chief Quartermaster, District 2. and Comptroller. This not being a very lucrative business he resigned and returned to Alma, where he has since lived. Although not an office-seeker, he has been chosen by the people to fill nearly all county offices at different times. He has been a Member of the Legislature two terms and elected County Judge in 1877 and again in 1879. He has been twice married, first to Verena Dunkel, a native of Switzerland. She died in December, 1869. They had four children-Louisa, Gustav, Lena and Robert. His second wife was Margaret Theisen, a native of this State. They have five chil- dren-Ida, Ferdinand, Conrad, Charles and Elva.

MARTIN POLIN, merchant, Alma, was born in Switzerland, Feb. 13, 1840. In 1857. he came to Alma and clerked for a man named Geeter for a short time. He then went to Stillwater, Minn., and clerked for Benjamin & Gray. In 1863, he enlisted in Co. F, 55th Reg., N. Y. Inf .. and was discharged in 1863. In 1865, he came back to Alma; was in various business until he purchased the store of Tester & Polin, in 1873. In 1872, he married Magdalena Polin, a native of Switzer- land. They have seven children - Annie, Joshua, Elizabeth, Rosa, Os- car, Olga and an infant.

HENRY RABBAS, grain dealer, was born in Prussia, Dec. 16, 1829. He came to America in 1859 and first located at Two Rivers, and was for three years engaged in milling. In 1862, he removed to Alma, and has since been in the grain and commission business. He married Mary Heofling, a native of Germany, in 1864. They have three children-Helma, Jennie and Henery.

JOHN C. RATHBUN, Superintendent of Schools, Buffalo County, Alma, was born in New Haven, Conn., Dec. 19, 1854. When he was two years old his parents removed to Wisconsin, and their first location was in Gilmanton, this county. His father, C. W. Rathbun, was one of the first settlers in that town. Mr. Rathbun's early life was spent on his father's farm, and in Winter attending school. In 1872, he went to Madison and attended the State University, and graduated in the Sum- mer of 1877. In the same Fall he was elected County Superintendent of Schools and in 1879 was re- elected. He married in 1878, Libbie Goldenberger, a native of Boston. They have one child, Chauncy B.

H. J. RIECK, Justice ; born in Germany, June 24, 1836. In 1855, he came to America and settled in this county, and for six years was en- gaged in farming. In 1861, he removed to this town and has been in various business since. In 1868, he went into the saloon keeping which he has continued since. He has been Justice fourteen years; Town Clerk and Village Trustee, and other offices. 1Ie married Louisa Wue- fel, a native of Prussia. They have seven children -Odelia, Ida, Gus- tav, Olive, Rosa, Alfred and Alma.

JOSEPII SCHLUMPF, Alma, was born in France, Sept. 17, 1834. He emigrated to America in 1853, and landed in New Orleans, where he remained four years. He made several changes afterwards, and in 1860 settled in this county, and the first four years tilled the soil. In 1865, he engaged in saloon-keeping which he has continued since. His wife and daughters keep a millinery establishment. llis wife was Miss Gene- veve Wiegele, a native of Germany. They have seven children-Louisa, Josephene, August, Joseph, Robert, Emma and Eve. Mr. Schlumpf has been a member of the village Board two terms, Assessor one term, and is Justice of the Peace at present.

CHARLES SCHAETTLE, merchant, Alma, was born in Obern- dorf, Wurtemberg, Germany, Jan. 20 1827. Ile came to America in 1848, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for ten years was engaged in the leather business. In 1858, he removed to Buffalo City and engaged in merchandising. In 1866, he removed to this town and continued in the same line o' business. He married Julia Kempter in 1352. She was born in Rottweil, Wurtemberg, Germany. They have five children- Annie, Charles, Frank, George and Romeo.

J. A. TESTER, merchant, Alma, was born in Switzerland, March 30, 1834. In 1848, his parents came to America and located in St. Louis. In 1855, he left home and came to Alma, and, with a man named Palin, embarked in merchandising with very little capital. By close attention to business and good management, he has become one of Buffalo Coun-

ty's richest men. In 1873, he went to Europe, and in June, 1880, he went again. He married Matilda Binder in February, 1860. She was born in Hanover, Germany. They have three children -- Julia, Edwin and Clara.

JOHN W. TESTER, merchant, Alma, was born in Switzerland, Jan. 12, 1845. When he was three years of age his parents came to America, and located in the city of St. Louis. In 1861, he came to this village, and remained two and a half years, when he returned to St. Louis, and for three years was employed as clerk for Provost Marshal, and the following three years he was clerk in master mechanic's office for the North Missouri Railroad Company. In 1871, he came back to Alma. Two years later he engaged in the hardware business with Mr. Schilling, and has continued in it since. He married Julia Binder, a native of this county. They have one child, Irla.

SAMUEL SCHILLING, merchant, junior member of the firm of Tester & Schilling, was born in this county in 1832, Oct. 9, of German parents. He engaged in business with Mr. Tester in 1873. Married Annie Saxer in 1874. She was born in Switzerland, March 1, 1853. They have one child, Edwin.

PHILIP ZELLER, harnessmaker, Alma, was born in Louisville, Ky., May 20, 1850. In 1864, he removed with his parents to this county and settled on a farm in the town of Wamandee. In 1871, he went to Fountain City to learn the trade of harnessmaking, which he completed in the following three years. In 1875, he established business in Alma. In 1874, he married Mary Weiwers, a native of Sauk County. They have two children-Rosetta and Amanda.

PROF. JAMES W. YULE, teacher, was born in Lake Co., Ill., Feb. 14, 1848. He is a son of James and Jessie Yule, natives of Scot- land. His early life was spent on his father's farm, in the town of New- port, Lake Co., Ill. In 1873, he graduated at the State University of Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1876, he became Principal of the Alma Public School, which position he still holds. He married Charlotte E. Skin- ner, a native of New York. They have one child, George R.

FOUNTAIN CITY.

This village is situated in the southern part of the county, nestled among the cliffs on the bank of the Missis- sippi River. The place has the honor of being the seat of civilization of Buffalo County. For a time after the first settlement here, the Indians remained in undisturbed possession of the territory, within the present limits of the county. The place now occupied by Fountain City, was neutral ground to the surrounding tribes,- the Winneba- gos, Chippewas and Sioux. Dangerous ground it conse- quently proved to either tribe, for peace and friendship were unnatural among them, and this was the scene of many fearful contests-a fact demonstrated by the number of skeletons found within the village, buried in every conceivable position. We may well credit the description given by the first settlers of the last fight between the Chippewas and the Winnebagos. The Winnebagos had brought their furs to the log cabin (torn down by Charles Neiman in 1875) and were engaged in trading, when sud- denly the Chippewas burst from the thicket, and with furi- ous yells and random shots, drove their enemies down the river. The informant says : "The balls whizzed through my windows ; the devils howled like madmen. It was get- ting dark, and things looked uncomfortable, so I retired to a safe corner in the cellar. In the morning the Chip- pewas had disappeared, but we buried a dozen or more scalpless corpses. The very springs looked bloody to me for a week afterwards." The early settlers at Fountain City had but little trouble with the Indians; they did beg and steal, and did occasionally frighten women and chil- dren away from their homes and clear the pantry of all eatables; yet they were never dangerous to them even in the bloody time of the New Ulm massacre.

The first white man who occupied the site of the village of Fountain City was Holme, a true western pioneer, to whom a life in the wilderness was a necessity, and the restraints of law and civilization a burden. Adam Weber found him here in 1841, trading with the Indians. Com- fortable and independent he claims to have been here fifteen years previous to Weber's arrival. But his happi-

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HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY.

ness vanished when white faces became familiar in his domain, and a few years later he sold his squatter right, to Henry Georke, and moved with his squaw and children toward the setting sun, where neither ax nor plow might disturb his solitude. Captain Harris, of Galena, during those days made monthly trips in the season of navi- gation to Fort Snelling, and he employed Adam Weber in the Winter of 1841, to cut cord wood for the use of his boats. The lonely life pleased Mr. Weber and the next Winter found him in his shanty in the woods. Soon some of his friends from Galena followed him, viz .: Henry Georke, John Manzener, Christian Wenger, Rudolph Beimer, Victor Probst, Andreas Baertsch, and Claus Liesch, then all young men of enterprise and courage, to whom a life in the wilderness had a natural charm ; they built a row of log cabins along the shore and "Holme's Landing " became a stopping place for boats in the Summer, and travelers in the Winter, as well as the trading point for supplies of all kinds. In 1845, Mr. Georke brought his bride from Galena, and Mrs. Georke, now Mrs. Bodenstab, has the honor of being the first white woman in Buffalo County. The place where Henry Teckenburg now lives was her first home, and for a time, hers was the only hos- pitable roof between Wabasha and LaCrosse. Business at Holme's Landing was simply the sale of cord wood and furs. Trading with the Indians, hunting and fishing, provi- ded for the wants of the early settlers. To follow the growth and struggles of this young community would lengthen this sketch to tediousness, but it would be incom- plete without mentioning a few incidents which at the time excited universal interest, and also the names of those who were the first to aid in the advancement of the social and material welfare.

In 1854, the village ground was laid out, and the vener- able name " Holme's Landing " thrown aside, and " Wau- mandee " adopted, after the Indian name for the " beautiful stream " above the village ; but the strange name never be- came popular, and was soon abandoned for the present appropriate name, suggested by the numerous springs found in the bluff, in the rear of the village. Slowly and gradu- ally the Indian trails gave way to public roads ; the slippery log across the creek was thrown aside ; bridges were built and traveling made comparatively easy. The streets of the village assumed a civilized appearance; the logs, and stumps, and rocks disappeared ; patient and persever- ing industry were beginning to tell.

Previous to 1854, Henry Georke bought and opened a store. Henry Teckenburg purchased the store and busi- ness of Mr. Georke in 1854, paying for his stock, the sum of $28. Mr. Teckenburg brought the first stock of general merchandise to Fountain City.

The first school was taught in the Winter of 1854-5, in a log house owned by John Beuhler; the teacher being Mrs. J. R. Penney. The first school-house was built of brick by Henry Teckenburg in 1859, and is now standing.

Therissa Georke, a daughter of Henry Georke (now Mrs. Fugina), was the first white child born in the place.

The first brewery was built and run by Alois Katler. in 1855.

The post-office was opened at this point, in 1854, with James M. Pierce, as Postmaster. He has been succeeded in the Postmastership by Henry Teckenburg, from 1855 to 1857 : R. W. Feigl, 1857 to 1858; Henry Teckenburg, 1858 to 1861 ; Augustus Finkelnburg, 1861 to 1862; M. W. Hamman, 1862 to 1863 ; Selmar Carthauser, 1863 to 1870; Fred Morckel, 1870 to 1873; John Mauer, 1873 to 1874 ; Tobias Voegli, 1874 to the present time.

The business of the county was first attended to at Fountain City. The county seat was subsequently moved

to Upper Fountain City, which was situated on the prairie point, about three miles above the village. It did not remain long there, but returned to Fountain City, and in 1859, a court-house was built at a cost of $800. This old court-house is now the Eagle Hotel. In 1860, the county seat was removed to Alma.

The present commodious school-house, the largest in the county, was erected in 1867, at a cost of $7,oco. This they may well be proud of, as well as the number of chil- dren assembled there in the four departments, and the management of the school and the wise liberality of the citizens, who all seem to appreciate the value of a good school education. In 1875 another school-house was built by the Catholic residents, and placed under the care of Nuns belonging to the order of Saint Franciscus.

June 1, 1861, is the memorable day that the red, white and blue flag was presented to the brave men who stepped forward at the first call of our hero President, to protect the stars and stripes from southern insult. These we will never forget to thank, as well as the noble boys who fol- lowed their example whenever our country called for help.

The town of Buffalo formerly included the village of Alma, but in 1870, the Legislature granted them a charter for a separate municipal organization, and since then they may proudly point to the management of their village affairs as a model of honesty and prudence, under the rule of their worthy Presidents, J. B. Oenning, for four years; J. J. Senn, for two years; G. G. Oppliger, for two years ; Ferdinand Huefner, one year; Henry Teckenburg, two years; Augustus Finkelnburg, two years, and their present President, Henry Roetliger.

In 1871 they organized a fire department, consisting of a hook and ladder company, hose company and an engine company. They now have, one hook and ladder truck and equipments, one fire engine and about 1500 feet of hose. The water supply consists of two large cisterns.

The Turnverein was organized in April, 1858, and in 1859 they built a commodious hall, at a cost of about $700. In 1877 this hall was torn down and rebuilt on its present site. A singing society was also organized during this same year. A German dramatic club was organized in 1859, and the shooting society was instituted in 1863 and incorporated in 1869. The Turner Hall is now occupied by both the turners and shooting societies. These societies are all in a prosperous condition.

A. O. U. W., Fountain City Lodge, No. 13, was organized by Matthias Simon, September 28, 1877, with ten charter members. It is now a thriving institution, and numbers fifty members. Its present officers are : John Schnitz, P. M. W .; Tobias Voegli, M. W .; Martin Nick, foreman ; Jacob Baer, Jr., O .; Christian Florin, recorder ; Martin Feurhack, financier ; Henry Behlmer, receiver ; Jacob Hen- ney, G .; Joseph Mattausch, I. W. ; George Fuchs, O. W.

I. O. O. F., Steuben Lodge, No. 280, was instituted March 8, 1878, by Theodore Rodolf, P. G. M., with the assist- ance of the German lodge at Winona, Minn. It was insti- tuted with five charter members, and now has sixty-one.

Eagle Brewery .- In 1873, John Koschuetz established a brewery, since which time he has added new buildings and increased its capacity. He now manufactures, on an aver- age, 1,000 barrels per year. This institution represents an outlay of about $8,000.

A Soda Water Manufactory was established by Fred. Hepp, in 1873, and is now doing a thriving and prosperous business.

Saw-Mill .- In 1854, Edmund Bishop built a saw-mill, with a capacity of 12,000 feet per day. He ran it until 1856, when he disposed of it to Slingluff, Carpenter & Co. Bohn, Grant & Co. came into possession of it in 1864. After op-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

erating it for a few years, it was shut down, and in 1877 purchased by its present owner, Henry Teckenburg. In 1879 he put it into running order, and now employs in the manufacture of lumber, about sixteen men. The lumber is all retailed at the mill.

Fountain City may well feel proud of her three hand- some churches, the Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist. The Catholic Church was built in 1860, at a cost of $4,000, and now has a membership of about 100 families, the Lutheran was built in 1863, and has a membership of about 180; it cost about $2,500. The Methodist Society was formed in 1865, and their church built in 1874, at a cost of $2,000.

The village of Fountain City is compactly built under picturesque bluffs close to the Mississippi, and its substan- tial brick houses, clean streets and green gardens, present a picture of quiet comfort, and show what strides the place has made from an unbroken wilderness to an abode of civ- ilized life.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HENRY BECHMANN, merchant, Fountain City ; born in Ger- many, 29th of August 1834 ; came to America in 1857, and his first loca- tion was in Fountain City where he worked at his trade (mason). In 1873. he was elected Register of Deeds, which position he held six years. On his return to Fountain City from the county seat, he and his son Charles purchased the store of Mr. G. G. Oppleger, to which they gave their entire attention. His son Charles R. was born Feb. 17, 1857. He is a graduate of the Chicago College of Pharmacy. Mr. Bechmann Sr., married Wilhelmena Tratzscher, a native of Germany. They have five children-Charles R .. Emma, Otto, Annie and Pauline.

HENRY BEHLMER, merchant, Fountain Citv, was born in Ger- many, Jan. 20, 1844. In 1851, he came to America with his parents and settled first in Sheboygan, where they lived two years. From there they went to La Crosse. In 1854, they came to this village and have since resided here. The subject of this sketch has been in various busi- ness prior to his present. Ile married Mary Erhart, a native of Iowa. They have one child, Mary.

G. A. BODENSTAB, physician aud surgeon, Fountain City ; born in Hanover, Germany, May 20, 1813 ; came to America in 1846, and first located in Sheboygan County, where he practiced medicine. He also practiced in Milwaukee a short time. He is a graduate of the Rush Medical College in Chicago, and also a University in Hanover, Ger- many. He came to this place in 1864. and has been its leading physi- cian since. He married Catherine Girka, a native of Germany. They have one child, Edmund.

BOHRI BROTHERS, dealers in general merchandise and grain, and exchange bank business. Established in 1862.

Frederick Bohri, merchant, Fountain City, was born in Switzerland. March 16, 1842 ; came to America in 1854, and his first permanant loca- tion was in this village. For some years previous to his going into busi- ness for himself, he was employed as a clerk. In 1862, in company with his brother they opened up their present establishment. He mar- ried Lena Krundick, a native of Hanover, Germany. They have two children, Frederick J. and Edwin.

Christian Bohri, merchant, Fountain City, was born in Switzerland, Oct. 15, 1830 ; came to America in 1852, and located for two years in New Philadelphia, Ohio. In 1854, he went to New York to meet his parents, and they all came direct to this county. The subject of this sketch was employed as clerk for Bishop, in the second store in the vil- lage until, in company with his brother, they engaged in their present business. Ile married Victoria Gilbert, a native of Illinois. They have five children-Frank ( .. Jennie, Frederick, Alle and Maud.

C. CARISCII, dealer in grain, Fountain City ; born in Switzerland, Nov. 15, 1847. When he was two years old his parents came to Amer- ica and settled in Sank City. In 1857, they went to La Crosse, and they moved again in 1859. to this county and settled on a farm. In 1864, he in company with his brother, opened a general store in this place ; they continued that until 1879, when their store was burned; has been in the grain business since. Ile married Annie Behlmer, a native of this county. They have four children - George, Lena, Emil and Edward.

JOHN CLARKE, machinist. Fountain City, was born in England, Oct. 20, 1824. Ile came to America in 1852, and located in Jersey City ; from there he went to Iloward Co., Ind., and from there to Fond du Lac, and in 1855, he came to Fountain City. He, in company with Mr. Burler, of Alma, built the steam grist-mill now owned by Mr. Kam- merer. It was the first mill huilt in the county. Ile sold his interest to Mr. Burler and was engaged in various occupations until 1865, when he began his present business. Ile has been Deputy Sheriff one term

and District Attorney one term. He married Elizabeth Waring, a na- tive of England. They have six children-Marion, Lillie, Carrie, Grace, Fanny and George.

CLAUSEN BROS., hotel and saloon, Fountain City. This firm was established in the Fall of 1874. Frederick, the elder brother, was born in Germany, Nov. 23, 1844 ; came to the United States in 1868, and to Fountain City the same year, where he worked by the day at different things until he started in business with his brother Christ, who was born in Germany in 1848, and came to America in 1875. The lat- ter is a fine musician, having traveled with the Swiss Bell Ringers for three years. They are both members of the I. O. O. F., Steuben Lodge, No. 280.

R. W. FEIGL, Notary Public, and proprietor of billiard and danc- ing hall, was born in Bohemia, Feb. 11, 1828. On the 14th of Novem- ber, 1850, he landed in New York City. Schenectady was his first loca- tion, In 1855. he removed from there here and engaged in merchan- dising until 1866. For a few years he was engaged in buying grain. In 1872. he began his present business. He has held several important town offices ; was Town Clerk sixteen years, has also been Chairman of town. He married Maria Hellbeber, of Baden. They have four child- ren-William, Paulina, Annie and Ferdinand.

HENRY FIEDLER, butcher and beer agent, Fountain City, was born in Prussia, Dec. 14, 1846 ; came to America in 1859, and located with his parents in Lafayette County, this State. In 1866, came to this place and was in the brewery business until 1880, when he engaged in his present occupation. He married Catherine Smith, a native of Ger- many. They have two children, Michael and IIannah.

AUGUSTUS FINKELNBURG, Fountain City, born in Marien- linden, Prussia, May 8, 1830, educated in the college at Munstereiffel ; came to the United States in 1848 ; chose surveying and the study of law as a profession, while living in St. Charles, Mo. Crossed the plains in 1851, to California, and followed surveying and mining there ; returned on muleback from San Diego, in 1854 ; built and stocked the second store opened in Winona, in the Spring of 1855 ; followed surveying in Buffalo County, and located immigrants ; built a dwelling in Fountain City in the Fall of 1855; married and settled down ; helped to widen Indian trails till they were called roads, to build bridges where slippery logs connected the banks of the creeks ; camped in Mondovi and Eau Claire, hunting up connections, before corner lots were known; acted as Clerk at the first sessions of Circuit Court and County Board in the county ; was elected the first County Superintendent of Schools, also District Attorney, County Judge, member of Assembly, State Senator -- better than that, raised a family of nine children, and owns as comfort- able a home as there is in the county.

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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