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 63

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 63

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The panic of 1857, it is believed, worked material in- jury to the progress of the village, as also to that of the county. Few came in from this year until after the close of the war. Financial stringency produced a practical sus- pension of the lumber interests, and consequent stagnation of business. There was comparatively no farming of con- sequence, and less trade. The value of farm products depreciated, and prices of commodities increased corre- spondingly. The effect of these anomolous conditions were perceptibly visible, not alone in Neillsville and Clark Coun- ty, but also throughout this portion of the lumber district. Impoverishment, if not ruin, stared many in the face, and escape therefrom was only accomplished after trials no pen can adequately describe. To the close of the war, both increase in population and the number of improvements was nominal. As one who is familiar with the facts asserts, there was not to exceed forty heads of families, who came into the county during the period between 1857 and 1865, who remained permanently. Others visited the vicinity, but, having canvassed the probabilities of the future, de- cided against remaining, and went elsewhere. In the three years preceding the war, among those who settled at Neills- ville was Chauncey Blakeslee; B. F. Chase, who studied law with Dewhurst & King; S. N. Dickenson; John Dore; William Liverman; W. B. Berry; a man named McDonald, who opened a furniture store where the Neillsville Mills now are, and probably others whose names and adventures have not been preserved. George Lord, at first located about twenty miles north of Neillsville, and Leonard R. Stafford, but both of them subsequently became residents of the village. At the same time, the improvements com- prehended the frame building now occupied by Gates & Co., which was put up by Chauncey Blakeslee ; the O'Neill House was erected by James O'Neill as a private residence ; a building south of the Rossman House, occupied at present by F. Klopf, was built by Anson Green for commercial pur-

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

poses, and was for a brief period the office of the Union Flag; W. B. Berry erected a residence west of the court- House, where Mr. Youmans still resides; King & Dew- hurst built residences on the present site of the latter's home; Orson Bacon, a residence still standing, the court- house, and some few other buildings.

In 1860, the population of the village did not exceed 250, besides containing a weekly paper, half a dozen stores, and lawyers and physicians sufficiently numerous to sell or donate unlimited quantities of physic and counsel. The appearance of the place is represented to have not been nearly so attractive as now, and its improvement in the last fifteen years speaks eloquently of the enterprise and sub- stantial character of the men and women who promoted its subsequent growth, wealth of resources.

From this period, up to the close of the war, say old residents, there was no immigration or business to speak of. The same can be said of improvements in the village

trenches. From Pittsburgh Landing, it is said, when mor- tality among Clark County volunteers was particularly severe, until the surrender, this was the rule. As stated, very few of those who went out among those first called, returned, and those who came back did so bearing the marks of strifes through which they passed. Twenty years have passed since this epoch in the history of American civilization came to pass. Years have passed since many of the leading actors in this drama were borne to the silent halls of death. Voices that were attuned to mourning at their departure, or welcome at their return, are silent, and hands that once scattered flowers upon the graves of heroes, have lost their cunning.

Along in 1862-3, the demand for supplies for the army made times easier throughout the country. Financial strin- gency which had dwarfed enterprise since 1857, released its grip, and capitalist, farmer, mechanic and laborer took a new hold and renewed their several struggles for supremacy.

NEILLSVILLE.

and adjoining. They were comparatively few in number, and made to serve unambitious uses. The vast lumber region was not then overrun, as now, with labor and enter- prise. The farm and the school were not as universal as they are to-day. Hard times stared all classes in the face with the dawn of day, and only retired when troubled sleep shook off the specter for a brief season. This condi- tion of affairs continued for quite two years before any change began to be manifest, but, since that day, the clouds have been dispelled, and the light of fortune restored throughout the country to places where its visitation only was needed to make them flourish and grow in strength and influence. During all this period, there was little to encourage, less to inspire residents, and Neillsville, like its neighbors, experienced embargoes. No public buildings were erected; schools were barely sustained, and religious organizations met for services, either at private residences or in the old court-house.

In 1861, came the war, and Neillsville was not behind in her donations of money and offer of recruits. Meetings were held in the court-house, at which James O'Neill, B. F. French, Chauncey Blakeslee and others delivered speeches, urging the proffers of aid to enable the general government to accomplish the suppression of war. Among the soldiers who went out from Clark County, Neillsville contributed nearly one company, which was attached to the western army, and, serving through the war, left the largest propor- tion of those who went from the village lifeless in the

The price of lumber appreciated, and the demand for la- borers was constant. These favorable combinations pro- duced a train of events which culminated within the ensu- ing three years in turning the tide against which the coun- try, the States, Wisconsin, Clark County and Neillsville, had been beating. The wide expanse stretching from either bank of the Father of Waters soon gave abundant evidences of material prosperity. They received the swift running light of the morning and basked in its sunshine until the Rocky Mountains intercepted its brilliance and darkness gathered over the scene. Upon their undulating surfaces oceans poured through clouds and wind their fer- tilizing moisture, and broad fields, teeming with the fatness of a fecund soil, satisfied the desire for bread of all the hungry children of men.

During this period, B. F. French became a resident of the village, removing hither from his farm. Caleb Hubbard adventured into Neillsville, and purchased the hotel now known as the Rossman House, up to that time owned and maintained by Anson Green. Andrew Burlingham, with his father and sister, Mrs. Morrill, identified themselves with the place. Horace Stiles came in also. A Mr. Barton, who, after running the gauntlet of a checkered experience, returned to Pennsylvania, whence he came. George Adams settled here about this time, and opened the first drug store in the village, while his brother, who accompanied him, established a dry goods store in the building now occupied by John Klopf.

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Very few returned from the war, nor were accessions to its population made in the years immediately succeeding that epoch in the nation's history. As with the population, so with improvements, they were limited in number as also in value; but since that day Paul has planted, Apollos has watered the fertile expanse, and God has given the in- crease.

From 1865 to 1870, affairs remained unchanged, to a great extent, though now and then a settler would arrive, and, having investigated the natural resources of Neills- ville, as the base of supplies for a large section of the lum- ber region, would decide to remain. And here it might be remarked that no more law-abiding community was to be found in the Northwest than the residents of Clark County and Neillsville. Upon one occasion two detectives from Chicago accompanied the Sheriff of an adjoining county to Neillsville to secure the arrest of a fugitive from justice who had been indicted for murder. He was located in one of the lumbering camps, and when this was communicated to the Chicago thief-takers they were loth to continue the pursuit, apprehensive lest the "lumber shovers," as they termed those engaged in logging, should unite and prevent an arrest. A couple of citizens, to whom the facts were communicated, endeavored to convince them of their error of judgment, and failing, prepared to undertake the capture themselves. When it became apparent that they were about to lose the reward for which they labored, these ex- aggerated editions of Bob Acres screwed their courage up to the sticking point, and renewed their hazardous pursuit. All hands reached the lumber camp as day was dawning. The loggers were aroused from their sleep, and, upon being informed of the object of this early visit, not only abstained from attempts at rescue, but aided the authorities in secur- ing their man. The latter confessed his identity, and was delivered to the detectives, who departed with their pris- oner with an opinion of the character of those residing "in the woods " radically differing from that with which they were so recently impressed. Indeed, no fear was felt of lawlessness, as no lawlessness existed in the village or coun- try, and this condition of affairs has continued to exist almost without interruption.

During this period, a daily mail was established between Neillsville and Hatfield, and some improvements of a sub- stantial character. These included the brewery, the school- house opposite Firemen's Hall, Hewett & Wood's planing- mill, the handsome residence of Robert Ross, and others of a similar character. They were far inferior to the build- ings which have since obtained as commodious and elabor- ate, but they served the purpose for which they were erected, and were regarded as signal examples of enter- prise on the part of those who contracted for their build- ing. Among the arrivals were: A. K. Stafford, Emery Bonley, Joel Head, James Delane, John La Shapalle, H. D. Early, Thomas Robinson, James Robinson, Samuel Callo- way, P. S. Dudley, S. F. Joseph, Ira and J. B. Johnson, Fred. Klopf, T. D. Lindsay, Jacob Rossman, F. E. Darling, A. Halverson, Charles Neberman and a few others, nearly all of whom remained, and, engaging in business, made such improvements as were demanded.

In 1870, the buildings and improvements exceeded those of any previous year, the sound of the plane, the hammer and the saw were constantly heard, and buildings were in various stages of completion on nearly every corner. James O'Neill, Charles Neverman, Andrew Peterson, A. D. Ballon and others put up residences, the Methodist Church was commenced, the court-house was regarded as unfit for occu- pation and the subject of building a new temple of justice first began to be agitated. The homestead act had its in- fluence to attract settlers to Neillsville and the adjacent

country. The following years were also replete with en- couraging signs, and the day when the village should be more than a local habitation and name was confidently anticipated in the near future. The new comers for the ensuing five years included George Delane, Edwin Allen, E. Peterson, T. Johnson, E. Tyler, R. Bart, O. P. Wells, C. Crocker, J .: Thayer, Mr. Schuster, William Campbell, R. Campbell, A. Brown, Peter Roberts, Mr. Crandall, Charles Detz, William Burgess, George Miller, Carlton & Dixon, George Pruger, J. Brule, James O'Neill, Jr., Thomas Kerns, J. Rineke, the Hoffman brothers, etc., etc.

In 1872, the first brick building erected in the village was that of Hewett & Woods, still standing, which was put up in 1872. This was followed by others, including the Lloyd building, and to-day some of the most prominent and architecturally handsome of Neillsville structures are of brick, as, for example, the court-house and school-house, which were built in 1874-5 at a total cost of $50,000; the Presbyterian Church, Catholic Church, in addition to pri- vate residences. In 1874, the residence of James Hewett, said to be the finest on Black River, was nearly completed and ready for occupation when it was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $12,000. The premises were immedi- ately rebuilt, however, and can now be seen for miles around, and are a landmark to guide the traveler on his journey hither.

The past few years has seemed to intensify the admira- tion of residents for Neillsville, as also to attract accessions to her citizens. The beauty of its location, the enterprise and liberality of her founders and builders not more than their educational and social prominence; the superiority of its schools and the high state of morals to be found in the village combine to render it a point at which merit will receive encouragement and assistance in identifying itself with the town. A railroad has recently connected the vil- lage with points at a distance, and will contribute in years to come, to its advancement, its wealth and its population. It is the largest village in the county, and the county seat. Around it are gathered abundant evidences of material prosperity. The glory of fields, the bounty of dairies, the fruit of trees and vines, and the sweets of blossoms pay tribute to the beautiful village, and on every side the altars of the fruitful Pau and the bountiful Ceres are redolent with incense most pleasing to the husbandmen, who fre- quent her markets or make Neillsville a shipping point for their products.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school to be opened in the vicinity of Neills- ville was commenced about 1856, about eighty rods south of Gates's corners. Here were the children of the village and surrounding country taught the rudiments of learning by John S. Dore, the present County Superintendent of Schools, and others, for several years. When a new school house was built on a lot immediately south of Firemen's Hall. This did good service until the increase in attend- ance required an increase of quarters, when the present structure was erected on a lot purchased of James O'Neill. It is of brick, two stories high, handsomely finished and cost $15,000. It is graded, containing six departments, employing a competent force of teachers, and its course of study embraces the branches and subjects taught in the best schools of like grade. The high school department was organized under the State Free High School law in 1878, though previously operated in its present capacity. The course provides for instruction in the branches adapted to the highest grade, and upon graduation the student is pre- sented as a candidate for that consideration due one prac- tically educated. The average daily attendance during the scholastic year of 1880-81 was 200, and the amount ex-

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

pended for school purposes in Neillsville during the year ending July 11, 1881, was $3,542. The present Board is made up of F. A. Lee, director; D. Dickenson, treasurer, and Herman Schuster, clerk.

RELIGIOUS.

Methodist Episcopal Church, etc .-- The first religious ser- vices in Neillsville were held during 1847, by the Rev. R. R. Wood, stationed at Black River Falls. For several years thereafter there were no services save at such rare in- tervals as were furnished by some clerical pilgrim visiting the place. In 1858, Neillsville was made a regular ap- pointment and preaching occurred once in three weeks by the Rev. James Cody, of the Alma Circuit. The first Methodist class was organized that year, and in 1860, the Neillsville Circuit was created. In 1868-9, by the aid of friends of the society, a plain but comfortable church edi- fice was built, which has since been occupied, though re- modeled and improved. The present congregation is stated at roo, under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Webster.

Presbyterian Church. - This denomination was repre- sented at an early day by the Rev. Mr. Harris, but the church organization was not perfected until October 27, 1872, when the same was accomplished at a meeting held in the court-house, by a committee of the Presbytery of Chippewa, assisted by the Rev. B. G. Riley, synodical mis- sionary. Services were conducted in the court-house until 1375, when the present brick church edifice was completed at a cost of $3,600, and occupied. The present congrega- tion numbers seventy-one, under the pastorship of the Rev. W. T. Hendren.

St. Luke's Episcopal Mission .- Was organized Nov. 12, 1877, under the auspices of the Rev. W. H. H. Ross, of Black River Falls, with F. A. Lee, warden; Samuel Col- way, secretary, and Stanley F. Chubb, treasurer. Worship has since been held in the chapel of the school building, but in the Summer of 1881, the French lot was purchased for $400; and at a meeting held August 29 ultimo, F. A. Lee, S. F. Chubb, F. D. Lindsay, D. B. R. Dickinson and James O'Neill, Jr., were appointed a committee on building and instructed to commence work at once. Up to 1881, the mission was included in the Wisconsin diocese; since that date it has been a part of the diocese of Fond du Lac. Services are conducted every alternate Sunday, by the Rev. W. H. H. Ross.

Catholic Mission .- Was organized in 1876, at the resi- dence of Richard Hawkes, with fifty members, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Bergman, stationed at Humbird. In 1877, a church of frame, veneered with brick, was erected at a cost of $3,500, and has since been occupied. The congregation numbers 100 families, and the pastor, the Rev. Father Voltz, officiates once in six weeks.

A Dutch Reformed church was organized in 1879, with fifty-six members, by the Rev. H. Bruengger, who still serves, preaching once a month in the Methodist Church.

There is also a Lutheran Society in the village, by which services are held monthly in the Methodist Church.

Banking .- The Neillsville Bank is a private institution, organized in August, 1879, by Daniel Gates and J. L. Gates, who conduct the business under the firm name of J. L. Gates & Co. The bank occupies a portion of O'Neills brick building, and, with sufficient capital for the transaction of business, enjoys a liberal patronage and universal confi- dence. The business of 1880-81 is quoted at $500,000.

The Clark County Bank was organized under and ac- cording to the laws of Wisconsin, August 20, 1875, with a capital of $25,000, for the purpose of transacting a general banking and exchange business. The officers at that time were : Richard Dewhurst, president ; J. F. Kirkland, vice- president ; John Reed, Daniel Gates, James Hewett, James

O'Neill and S. F. Kirkland, directors. The present officers are : Levi Archer, president ; James Hewett, vice-president ; D. B. Dickinson, cashier ; C. Blakeslee, Robert Schofield, M. C. Ring and L. A. Arnold, directors. The amount of business in 1880 is stated at $250,000.

Neillsville & Merrillon Railroad .- The construction of a railroad from Neillsville to Merrillon Junction, long con- templated, never took shape until within the past three years. Meetings had been held, however, and estimates submitted for the substitution of means of communication between these points, other than the stage, that ancient and comfortless medium. Early in 1878 the subject was again agitated, and on the 26th of February, of that year, a meet- ing of the citizens of Clark County was held at Neillsville, at which the Black River Railroad Company was organized, with H. N. Withee, James Hewett, Daniel Gates, F. D, Lindsay, R. J. McBride, J. L. Gates, G. L. Lloyd and F. S. Kirkland, incorporators. At an election immediately fol- lowing, H. N. Withee was chosen president; James Hew- ett, vice-president ; F. S. Kirkland, secretary ; Daniel Gates, treasurer ; J. L. Gates, general manager, and R. J. Mc- Bride. R. F. Konntz was subsequently appointed to suc- ceed F. S. Kirkland as secretary. The capital stock was limited to $150,000, and the survey of the route was com- pleted at once by O. H. Hoffman. Soon after ground was broke, work commenced, and in a short time a major por- tion of the road bed was graded. At this time the com- pany asked the credit of the town of Pine Valley to the ex- tent of $10,000, to aid in its construction, but the petition was refused by a vote of 197 to 70, and work was tempora- rily suspended.

In 1880 Pine Valley reversed its decision, and consented to the issue of $10,000 bonds, to aid in grading, tieing and ironing the route, while Grant, Weston and Hewett town- ships aided to the extent of $1,000 each, conditioned upon the road being completed by January 1, 1881. In the same year the directory of the Black River road contracted with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha road to find the right of way, grade and tie it, also to procure depot grounds in Neillsville, provided that corporation ironed the road bed, furnished the running stock, erected the depot buildings and operated the road. In the meantime, the condition stipulated in the bonds issued by Pine Valley and other townships to aid in building the road having failed of execution, Weston and Grant townships repudiated their bonds, but Pine Valley and Hewett extended the time and renewed their bonds. The Chicago & St. Paul road accept- ed the contract proffered by the Neillsville company, began work on the unfinished route, and completed the laying of the track, so that the first train of cars made its advent into the county seat of Clark County, July 4, 1881, where it was received with appropriate observances. Trains now run between the present terminal points twice each day, and the convenience afforded, as also the improvements the com- pletion of the road will work, are of priceless value.

The Post-office was first opened in Neillsville during 1856, when it was established at the residence of Nathaniel Clapp, which then occupied the lot now covered by O'Neill's brick building. S. C. Boardman was first Postmaster, and Ed- ward H. Markey the first mail carrier, going tri-weekly to Black River Falls-horseback in Summer, and by "jumper " during the Winter months. Mr. Boardman was succeeded by W. C. Tompkins, and he, in turn, by Charles Carpenter and W. T. Hutchinson, the latter taking charge in 1865, and removing the office to a building now occupied by Spence's restaurant, where he served until 1871, when J. W. Ferguson was appointed and qualified as his successor. He is still the incumbent, and in 1872 removed the office to its present location.

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Fire Department .- On the 6th of May, 1874, a disastrous storm swept over Neillsville, entailing serious damage in the village and throughout the adjoining country. During its progress the lightning struck the buildings of Chauncey Blakeslee and W. C. Allen, in the business portion of Neills- ville, which were thereby set on fire and narrowly escaped destruction. This warning of what might have been aroused citizens to the fact that the village was without proper facil- ities to extinguish a conflagration should such a calamity overtake them, and resulted in the convening of a meeting at the Court-house, at which plans were perfected for the organization of the present department. The same Summer a hook and ladder truck was purchased for $550, men en- listed for the service, and R. F. Kountz appointed chief en- gineer. In March, 1875, a chemical engine was procured at an expense of $750, and, later in the year, the depart- ment was duly incorporated by an act of the Legislature. The succeeding Spring the engine-house was built, costing $1,100, and since the happening of these events the depart- ment has been one of the most efficient and reliable branches of the village government. The present officers are : R. F. Kountz, chief ; J. W. Holmand, foreman ; E. L. Hoffman and H. Furgson, assistants ; J. F. Caum, treasurer, and J. H. Thayer, secretary. The value of the department prop- erty is quoted at $2,500.

Secret Societies .- Neillsville Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., was duly organized on the 17th of September. 1866, and for the past fifteen years has progressed in a manner most gratifying to the craft. The charter officers were : B. F. French, W. M .; G. W. King, S. W .; E. H. McIntosh, J. W .; E. H. Bacon, S. D .; J. Furlong, J. D .; R. J. Manly, secretary, and Henry Devit, treasurer. The present officers are : S. C. Boardman, W. M .; J. H. Thayer, S. W .; S. B. Colway, J. W .; S. Coggins, S. D .; John Rade, J. D .; E. H. Bacon, treasurer ; H. Shuster, secretary, and T V. Carlton, tyler. The present membership is fifty-five, and meetings are held on the first and third Thursday evenings of each month.

Neillsville Lodge, No. 178, I. O. G. T., was organized April 23, 1880, with twenty-two members and the following officers : J. B. Jones, W. C. T .; Mrs. Reitz, W. V. T .; C. C. Swartz, chaplain; S. F. Chubb and H. W. Deming, sec- retaries ; Augusta Marshall, treasurer ; N. E. Gallagher, W. M .; M. Fuller, W. 1). M .; H. Poate, sentinel. Since that date the society has held regular weekly meetings, resulting in a continuous, though not uniform, membership. The present officers are : L. Sturdevant, W. C. T .; Mrs. A. J. Deming, W. V. T .; Nettie Lynch, chaplain ; Nora Tripp, secretary ; Viola French, treasurer; N. E. Gallagher, W. M .; Orpha Fowler, W. D. M .; J. B. Jones, P. W. C. T .; H W. Deming, sentinel. The present membership is 101.

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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