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 87

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 87

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This history would not be complete without an authentic account of this famous bird. He died 1881.

The soldiers' families were cared for by the County Board, as appears from the minutes of the Board on the thirtieth day of November, 1861, when a committee was appointed to enquire into the condition of the families of the defenders of our flag, and the County Clerk was authorized to draw his order on the Treasurer for such sums as seemed neces- sary to make them comfortable.

RAILROADS.

If any one should undertake to give a history of all the railroad projects involving Eau Claire that have alternately elevated and depressed the hopes of its citizens, it would fill a large volume. There is not room here to mention even the names of the various companies, or the character of their several schemes. What has actually been done can only be mentioned. Not until 1870, on August 11, was Eau Claire connected by iron bands with the rest of the country.

On that day the West Wisconsin Railroad, from the southeast, began regular service. This road is now in the hands of the Chicago, St. Paul Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Company, and runs two passenger trains each day between Minneapolis and Chicago.

There is also a railroad to Chippewa Falls, which was originally built and commenced running, December 16, 1874, as a local road. This road is a part of the Wisconsin Cen- tral system, branching from the main line at Abbotsford, on the east of Clark County.

A line of the West Wisconsin Railroad, now operated by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha, passes through the county diagonally, from southeast to northwest, passing through Fairchild, Bridge Creek, Lincoln, Washing- ton, Eau Claire and Union, with stations at Fairchild, Au- gusta, Fall Creek and Eau Claire, and being on the direct line between Chicago and St. Paul, the railroad service is prompt and efficient.

The Spur Track .- This is a local line. It starts from the West Eau Claire depot of the Northwestern road, and runs through and across various streets and avenues until it reaches Shawtown. It is of great advantage to the busi- ness of the Sixth Ward particularly.

The cost of the construction of this track was $47,000. It was completed in 1880. In the Summer of 1881, it ex- tended quite a distance into the milling district.

In June of this year, the Chippewa Valley and Lake Superior Railroad Company was organized, and surveyors placed on the line to locate it between the city and the Mississippi River. The first directors were : J. C. Easton, Minnesota : L. C. Easton, Minnesota; John Johnson, Mil- waukee; John W. Carey, Milwaukee; William Wilson, Menomonie; Daniel Shaw, Eau Claire; W. A. Rust, Eau Claire. The alleged design being to build a road at once to the Mississippi, with a branch to Menomonie, and ulti- mately on to Lake Superior, near the Chippewa River, as the first part of the route.

On the 11th of August, 1870, the completion of the West Wisconsin Railroad to Eau Claire was celebrated with great enthusiasm, in a style of magnificence which bewildered the large number of guests from Chicago, St. Paul, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and many other places. Arrangements were begun on the 25th of July, a committee of thirteen was ap- pointed, special committees were announced, and the whole village went to work. The day was beautiful; the people turned out en masse. J. G. Thorp was president of the day. The procession was more than two miles long. The whole valley and neighborhood turned out. Alexander Meggett was the orator of the day, and his oration was in his best vein. Ten tables were arranged, with seventy plates each, the whole spread in faultless taste by the fair women of the village, and it was estimated that there was $20,000 worth of silver on the tables, and that from the bountiful repast nearly 10,000 people were fed. Gov. Fairchild and wife, and a long list of invited guests, who could not conceal their utter as- tonishment at finding such an array of beauty and luxuri- ance in the backwoods of northern Wisconsin. The toasts were appropriate, and happily responded to. This was only twenty years from the time the land was put in the market by the Government. The opening of railroad communica-

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

tion with the outside world was indeed a memorable event, and most fittingly was it celebrated.

RIVER FLOODS.

Since the white occupation of the valley there have been several destructive floods. The first one recorded was in 1838. The river rose fifteen feet. As there were few improvements on its course little damage was done. The next freshet was in June, 1847, which has already been described. In 1855, on the 7th of July, after a thirty hour rain, the Chippewa had a sudden and destructive rise. Booms and logs at the Falls were carried down. Eau Claire suffered but little. The last week in May, 1859, there was also quite a freshet. On the 22d of August, 1870, there was another sudden and destructive rise in the river. Twenty million feet of lumber was lost. On Mon- day morning of the 22d, it commenced raining simultane- ously along the entire length of the river. More rain fell than in the same length of time since the June freshet of 1847. At Eau Claire the river rose fifteen feet and higher at narrower points. Several booms at the Falls were open and without logs, but The Union Lumber Company at the Falls were completely " scooped," and others were sufferers. Nelson Hunter & Co., Ingram & Kennedy, C. F. Mayhew, Smith & Buffington, Porter & Moon, Gaston Bros. and several other booms were broken. And in some of them all the logs were swept away by the remorseless flood. The only booms that stood the pressure were the Williams & Barron, at the Blue Mill, Wilkins Island Booming Co., and Hugh McLeagh. Twenty million feet of logs were lost in addition to the other damage.

But the most disastrous flood known at Eau Claire was in the first week in June, 1880. The river went up twenty- two feet. The water swept through the lower part of the city on both sides of the river. One hundred and fifty fam- ilies were driven from their dwellings and many others into their upper stories. The city was flooded ; the logs seemed inexhaustible ; they came down in frightful quantities. Buildings were washed from their foundations, bridges de- stroyed, and goods swept away. The city lost the Chip- pewa and one other bridge. The whole country was left covered with logs. The calamity was a most profound shock to the city, the losses being very heavy, but with the receding of the water and drying of the mud the city soon recovered. It seems that once in about ten years a river flood may be expected.

THE DELLS FIGHT.

No history of the city of Eau Claire would be complete without at least a brief allusion to the long and bitter con- test that finally resulted in the construction of the dam with its assorting booms, the canal and tunnel to Half- Moon Lake, and other connecting improvements. Early in the history of the place the project was contemplated and the interests on the river above were arrayed against it. A satisfactory bill was finally passed by the Legislature of the State in March, 1871. Governor Fairchild inter- posed a veto for reasons which might have been satisfac- tory to him and the opponents of the measure, but which were considered far otherwise by the friends of the bill.

Defeated, but not conquered, the Eau Claireites organ- ized new campaigns, employing political sappers and miners, who by regular approaches, parallels and zigzags, suceeded in carrying the enemy's works, and thus securing the con- struction of their own. The object was finally obtained through an amendment to the city charter, which the Leg- islature of Wisconsin is supposed to always have a weak- ness for granting for the mere asking.

It is not proper in this place to go into the particulars

as to this contest ; many persons are now living who were active participants in the struggle on either side. It will be sufficient to say that the controversy was between the residents and owners of property on the river, and the non- resident owners of pine lands, who had no interest in man- ufacturing lumber, but who wanted to use the stream to float their logs unobstructed down the river as far as possi- ble without expense to them. It was absenteeism over again, and that interest enlisted local interests and jealous - ies into the contest.

J. McIntire, of New York, had the contract for con- structing the dam, lock and other work.

The cost was between one and two hundred thousand dollars.

Some unlooked for difficulties were encountered. A part of the coffer-dan above the permanent structure was carried away by a sudden rise in the river, Jan. 3, 1878. On Saturday, March 27, 1878, the dam was so far com- pleted that the water was shut off, and a special train came down from the Falls to see what had been done.

Half-Moon Lake is to-day full of logs secure from any vicissitude. The enterprise is a great success.

The amount of freight received by railroad at this point was : 1879, 31,376,372 lbs .; 1880, 75,614,626 lbs. For- warded : 1879, 38,558,804; 1880, 58.514,475. Showing a very healthy increase.

A few miles east of Eau Claire, beyond the river cross- ing, the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Company have secured a site, and are preparing to build a round house and machine shops, and it is likely that this point will be the junction of the Chippewa Falls & Northern with the trunk line. At all events this will be a thriving village at an early day, and must be a very healthy spot as it is high and dry. No name has as yet, to our knowledge, been given to the new village.

SOME NOTABLE PERSONS, DECEASED.

GILBERT E. PORTER, who was long and closely identified with the prosperity of Ean Claire, was born in Freedonia, N. Y., July 6, IS2S. His youth was passed in Michigan. In 1857, he came to Ean Claire, where he continued to reside. During that year he had charge of Chapman & Thorp's business. In 1858, he purchased and took charge of the Free Press, and conducted it with ability and success for about six- teen years. He was a ready writer, fearless and outspoken in the ex- pression of his convictions. As senior member of the firm of Peter Moon & Co., he displayed his peculiar energies in the lumbering busi- ness. This company was succeeded by the Northwestern Lumber Com- pany, and for years he labored with tireless fidelity to its interests, and from a small beginning built up one of the wealthiest and strongest lum- bering corporations with a high reputation for integrity and fairness. In politics he was a Republican and took lively interest in the success of his party. He was Register of the Land Office here for nine years. In 1874. he was chosen Mayor of the city. He had implicit confidence in the future of his adopted city, and on account of his being foremost in all enterprises looking to its prosperity. he was appointed president of the Dells Improvement Company. In 1863. Mr. Porter was married to Miss Kate Tewksbury. They have had six sons. The home of the family was a generons, hospitable and affectionate one. He was a re- markable man, with the ability to make friends by his cordial warm- hearted greeting to all. Ean Claire is deeply indebted to him for its position as a prosperous and thriving city. While away from home he lay several days ill at Hannibal, Mo., where he died Nov. 15. ISSo, in his fifty-second year. His remains were brought to Ean Claire and he was tenderly interred with solemn and largely attended funeral rites.

NELSON C. CHAPMAN. The place of his birth, was Durham, Green Co., N.Y., the date, IS11. His father died when he was quite young and he was early thrown on his own resources. He had the advantage of the common school in his education. At the age of sixteen he was em- ployed in the store of his uncle, Benjamin Chapman, in Norwich, N. Y., and there made himself so useful that at the age of twenty he was admitted as a partner in the business, which proved very successful. In 1846, at the age of thirty five, he removed to Oxford in the same State, going into business with J. G. Thorp. Ile continued at the head of the firm, which afterwards located in Ean Claire, until the time of his death, 1873, which took place in St. Louis, where he had removed in 1857, and continued to reside. The business there, of disposing of the immense

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HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY.

amount of lumber sent down the river by the firm, was conducted with signal ability. He was a prominent citizen of St. Louis, the president of a large railroad company, and occupied many prominent positions in both the city and State.

MARTIN DANIELS was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1813. Coming to maturity, he did business in his native place. He afterward removed to Richmond, Va., remaining in the lumber business there five years, and then went to Ottawa, Canada, where for five years he was engaged in the lumber business at that point. He then located in Min- neapolis, Minn., stopping there one and one half years, and in 1859, came to Eau Claire to spend the remainder of his days. From April, 1863, until April 2, 1873, he served as Clerk of the County and Circuit Courts. No man in the city was more universally respected or more tenderly beloved. IIis untiring energy was united to scrupulous hon- esty, and made him one of the most trusted public servants. He died, rather suddenly, on the 2d of April, 1873, aged sixty years. The Rev. J. S. Dickson preached the sermon at the funeral, which was largely attended.

ROBERT TOLLES was born in Plymouth, Conn., Ang. 14, 1826. In 1852, he removed to Windham, Green Co., N. Y., where he married Miss Mary R. Graham. He then went to Orange Co., N. Y., remaining until 1857, when he located in Eau Claire. He early learned the ma- chinist's trade, and manufactured locks, clocks. etc. In 1862, he formed a co-partnership with H. P. Graham, of Eau Claire, for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, and general wood work, which was soon merged into the firm of Graham, White & Co., with the addition of machinery and foundry business. Mr. Tolles did much toward the success of the business. Their works were burned in 1875. when a stock company was organized, called the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, of which he was a large stock-holder. He was also a member of the Dells Lumber Co. For several years he spent much time at Sand Creek, Dunn Co., looking after the interest of Graham, White & Co., who had bought a flour-mill there. He was an excellent machinist and a good draughtsman, a close ob- server, and had a remarkable memory. Was always cheerful, pleasant and accommodating. He died in Eau ('laire, July 7, 1879, aged fifty- two years, leaving a widow and two sons.

R. B. BUEI, died at his residence, in the Second Ward, Jan. 10, 1880, aged sixty-five years. This announcement chronicled the removal of one of the old landmarks of Ean Claire, and brought expressions of heart- felt sorrow from the large circle associated with him in the city during its early history. He was born in Vermont, March 1, 1815. In early life he removed to Allegany Co .. N. Y. In 1857, he took up his resi- dence in Eau Claire, where he lived until the time of his death. He was widely and favorably known, and in his death the city lost an esti- mable citizen, and a man of sterling integrity.

DR. W. W. ALLEN came to Eau Claire in the Spring of 1857, and with George W. Sanford opened the first shanty store in the village. It was situated where Ingram & Kennedy's warehouse now stands, on the banks of the Chippewa. It was occupied by the firm of Allen & Sanford until the completion of their store on the west side, near the post-office. Dr. Allen left Eau Claire with Capt. Wheeler's company, in the Fall of 1863, and on the re-organization of the 2d Wis. Regiment, was appoint- ed assistant surgeon. He continued with the regiment until mustered ont, at the close of the war, and then settled in Mason City, Iowa, where he died and was buried, on the 20th of June, 1878. The news- papers of Mason City spoke of him as having done more than any other man for the permanent improvement of that town. For his fine, genial, social nature, he was esteemed by old and young.

H. J. HANSON came to the city in 1865 ; was a grocer, a member of the firm of 1I. J. Hanson & Co., on the north side. He was highly respected for his business tact and fair dealing. In 1879, he was violently thrown from a buggy, and sustained injuries from which he never fairly recovered. He died in Chicago, May 27, 1880, whither he had gone for surgical treatment.

S. B. WILKINS was a native of Vermont ; came to Wisconsin in 1856, and to Eau Chire in 1858, and saw the city grow from a struggling hamlet to a city of 10,000. He was prominent as a democratic poli- tician, and was very generally esteemed by all classes, and few men had more personal friends. He was a man of integrity, in all respects. He died at sixty years of age. April 1, 1878, leaving a wife, daughter and two grand-children ; was buried with Masonic honors.

JOIIN BARRON settled in Eau Claire in 1857 ; purchased a mill site on Lowe's Creek, and erected a flouring-mill, which he operated for some time. With H. Clay Williams he bought the Blue Mill property, going into the lumber business. The concern was afterwards merged into a stock company, now called the Badger Mills. ]Ie was ever a genial man, a member of the Odd Fellows, and lived a more exemplary life than many who make more pretensions. IIe died at the age of fifty, Ang. 30, 1877.

HON. FAYETTE ALLEN was a prominent man, a former resi- dent of the Chip jewi Villey, an active politician. He represented the Assem oly District, which then comprised the counties of Eau Claire and

Pepin. He lived some time in St. Croix Falls, where he was appointed Receiver of the Land Office. He was taken suddenly sick while attend- ing a State convention, and died at his brother's, soon after, in Stough- ton, Dane Co. This was in the Summer of 1871.

G. W. WILSON was born in Virginia, and served in the war of 1812. In IS34, he went to Illinois with his family, to remove his child- ren from the blighting influences of slavery. He was one of the first to realize the evils of slavery, and acted on his impressions. Ile was eighty-seven years of age at the time of his death ; had lived six years in the city. ]Ie was well known as the father of B. F. Wilson, and was highly respected.

W. T. DENNISON came to Eau Claire in 1857. He lived just outside the city limits of the Sixth Ward ; was engaged in farming, and was well known in the city. He had three daughters and one son. Ilis death occurred on the 25th of June, 1877.

FRIEND ROSS died March 10, 1879, aged 100 years, eight months and six days. At the time of his death he was the oldest citizen of Eau Claire. He was born in Vermont during the darkest period of the Revolution. When quite a lad, he went to Canada. In 1849, he came to Wisconsin, locating in Rock County. Having three sons residing in Eau Claire-John, Elisha and Joel-he came to reside with them, in 1862. He had remarkable good health, seldom being sick. His last illness was brief.

THOMAS HORAN was born in Ireland, Dec. 21. 1806; immi- grated to Canada in 1842, and thence to Eau Claire in 1863. He was a genial man, with noble qualities, esteemed for his strict integrity, high sense of honor and deep religious convictions. His death was on May 8, 1879.

CHARLES LEHENTIIALL perished in the flames at the burn- ing of the residence of lIon. J. G. Ingram, March 24. ISSo, in an at- tempt to remove goods from the building. He was sixty-four years of age, and had worked for twelve years for Ingram & Kennedy, as a mill- wright, and was a faithful and industrious man.

RODMAN PALMER died in Waukesha, in October, 1872. whither he had gone for his health. He was widely known in the Chippewa Valley, having represented the Assembly District then made up of Eau Claire, Dunn and Chippewa counties, in 1861. He was a most estimable citizer., kind father and affectionate husband.

EDMUND ELLIS was one of the oldest settlers in Wisconsin, having lived in the State since 1845. He was formerly in the British navy, and was on one of the ships that guarded St. Helena while Napo- leon was a prisoner there. His death transpired in the Sixth Ward, Sept. 27. 1878.

REV. ROBERT COBBAN, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; was a most excellent man, well known, and highly respected, for he practiced what he preached. He resided in Eau Claire several years, and did much to build up his denomination. He died in January, 1870.

CAPT. DANIEL W."HEYLMAN came to Eau Claire in 1859, and soon entered upon his duties as pilot on the Chippewa, which service he performed with marked ability, for fourteen years. He was a just and upright man, reliable and trustworthy, and highly esteemed.

ROBERT FELTON lived in the city from 1870, until his death at the age of seventy-one, Oct. 21, 1880.

HENRY SHAW was a successful logger and farmer. His death occurred Ang. 15, 1880. at the age of thirty-five years.

MARY B. S. BROWN (nee Sawyer) was born in Baltimore, Md., Jan. 18, 1819 : received a liberal education, and early began teaching school. In November. 1843, she was married to Stephen Brown. They immediately went to Shirley, Me., where they had a farm and a store. Impatient, however, for wider fields and better results, they came west, locating in Richland, Wis. Joined by his brother Ephraim, they came to Eau Claire in 1869. and putting their earnings together, they pur- chased pine land, and lumbering interests. Ephraim soon died, leaving all his property to Stephen. who soon followed his brother. Mrs. Brown, a childless widow, became, under the laws of the State, sole heir to the property, which, under the judicious administration of B. J. Churchill, realized a handsome competence. She continued to reside here, spending much time in travel. By nature, she was a philanthro- pist ; was connected with the Barstow Methodist Episcopal Church. She died, May 25, 1879, aged sixty years. The whole community re- membered her deeds of charity and acts of kindness.

MARY TABOR MEGGETT, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., Sept. 14. 1851 ; she came to Eau Claire in 1864, her father, Alexander Meg- gett, having preceded her by nearly ten years. She came with her broth- er, a promising young man of sixteen, who was accidentally shot and killed August 22d of that same year. Mary was a charming girl, be- loved wherever known, Oct. 8, 1873, she was married to John S. Smith, a thrifty and enterprising young lumberman. The wedding was a socie- ty event ; the costumes were gorgeous, and the presents numerous and costly, and the marriage feast in keeping with the occasion, and the re-

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ception in the evening at the bride's parents, left nothing to be desired. After the bridal tour, the happy couple settled down to domestic life. Mrs. Smith united with the Presbyterian Church in 1877. She was first to be consulted, and to act, in any good work. After a brief illness, she died June 23, 1881, leaving a husband, a babe six weeks old, and three other children, aged six, four and two respectively. Her death was a sad blow to her friends, who loved her so well.

MRS. MARY INGRAM, wife of Hon. J. G. Ingram, was long a resident here, and was known as a woman faithful and devoted in her relations as a wife and mother, and was greatly beloved by a large circle of relatives and friends, of a modest and retiring disposition, she exem- plified the spirit of a true Christian woman, and was firm and conscien- tious in the discharge of every duty. Her death occurred Sept. 13, 1879. She left a daughter and two sons.

MRS. ELLEN C. VILAS, wife of Hon. L. M. Vilas, and daughter of Judge Slingluff, one of the early settlers and most respected citizens, This lady was known as one of the favorites in Eau Claire society. She died August 29, 1879. leaving a husband and three daughters. Her death was universally lamented, as she had been so uniformly admired by the community and beloved by her friends,

MRS. A. CONGDON was among the early settlers of Eau Claire, having made it her home in 1857. Her death was very sudden, on Feb. II, ISSO. She was a highly respected and venerable woman, and had many warm and sincere friends.

MRS. MARY F. BOWLER, wife of M. S. Bowler, was born in Huntsville, Ala., and educated at Oberlin, Ohio; was married at Salem, that State, and with her husband removed to Eau Claire, in 1858. She died, Jan. 9, 1871, aged thirty five years, leaving seven children. She was doubtless one of the best educated, most refined and unassuming women in Eau Claire.

MRS. GEORGE W. MASON was well known as the wife of an esteemed citizen and the mother of an interesting family. whose idol she was. She will long be remembered as a fond mother and faithful wife, and as a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Her death, after a brief illness, occurred on Jan. 1, 1881.

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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