USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > Pioneer history of Milwaukee > Part 16
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
The whole loss at this fire was $30,000, insured in the Etna, Columbus, of Ohio, Hartford, Wisconsin Fire and Marine, Mer- chants' Mutual and the Equitable.
The supposed cause of the fire was incendiarism, for the detection of which a reward of $500 was offered by the city. It also resulted in the following circular being issued by the chief engineer of the fire department :
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
At a meeting of the chief engineer and assistants of the fire department, and officers of the several fire companies, held at the council room on Friday, May 18, 1849, A. J. Langworthy, chief engineer, was appointed chairman, and G. N. Cushman, secretary, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That in case of all fires the engine to remain after the fire, shall be taken in rotation, commencing with No. I.
Resolved, That the first engine to a fire take suction, the second take her butt, and so on as far as it is necessary to form a line.
173
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Resolved, That we request the common council to make all streets and alleys running to the river, easy and accessible for the fire engines.
Resolved, That the officers of the several fire companies in this city, do al all times and in all cases, when at a fire, obey the orders of the chief engineer or his assistants, with promptness, without regard to circumstances, and therefore let the responsibility rest entirely on those officers whether the fire is managed right or wrong.
Resolved, That the ordinances for the prevention and extinguishing of fires, be read at the monthly meetings of all the fire companies.
Resolved, That the chief engineer be instructed to request the common coun- cil to disband hook and ladder company No. I, and ask of them to furnish a build- ing and the necessary implements for a new company.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in both the Eng- lish and German papers of this city.
A. J. LANGWORTHY, Chairman. G. N. CUSHMAN, Secretary.
FIVE HUNDRED REWARD.
Officers of the police-Whereas from circumstances and evidence entitled to credit, I am satisfied that the late extensive and disastrous fire in this city was the work of one or more incendiaries -- now therefore, by virtue of the authority given me in the premises, by the common council, for and in the name and behalf of the city of Milwaukee, I offer a reward of five hundred dollars to any police officer or other person or persons who shall arrest or furnish evidence that may lead to the arrest and conviction of one or more of said crimin ils ; and I hereby enjoin upon all the public officers in this city, activity and vigilance in the premises.
Given under my hand at Milwaukee, this 18th day of May A. D. 1849.
D. A. J. UPHAM, Mayor.
This factory of Mr. Hawkins' was situated on the west side of Front Street, between Mason and Oneida Streets, on lot 11, block I. in the present Seventh ward ; it was rebuilt by Mr. Hawkins, who occupied it for a short time, when it was sold to Messrs. F. Y. and C. H. Horning, by whom it was used as a planing mill below, and as a sash, door and blind factory above, the writer being an em- ployee there in 1853-4, after which it was converted into a flour and feed mill, by F. Y. Horning, who occupied it as such until pur- chased (in 1866, I believe) by Mr. Adolph Meinecke, who converted it into a factory for the manufacture of willow ware, and for which purpose it is occupied to-day. And notwithstanding his subsequent purchase of the adjoining lots and the erection of the present mam-
21
174
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
moth structure, he has, as he stated to the writer February 27, 1884, religiously preserved the old mill, neither could he be induced for any amount of money to demolish it. Such in brief, is the history of this pioneer mill.
The statement in the Sentinel of February 12, 1884, in an obitu- ary notice of Mr. Hawkins, that this factory stood at number 90 Wisconsin, where Alcott's drug store now stands, is incorrect. There was never a factory of any description on Wisconsin Street. Mr. Hawkins had a sale-room for cabinet furniture, for that was his trade, at what is now 82 Wisconsin, but no factory. That as just stated, was at the foot of Mason Street.
CORRECTION.
I find it stated in the history of Milwaukee issued by the Western Historical & Publishing Company, of Chicago, in 1881, page 1,512, when sketching Mr. Meinecke; that this mill was pulled down by that gentleman. This is incorrect ; it is standing yet and is likely to for many years to come unless destroyed by fire.
BIOGRAPHICAL ET MEMORIUM.
William Hawkins was in many respects a remarkable man. He came to Milwaukee in 1840, from Chepackit, Rhode Island, and at once commenced to build up a business. His industry was proverbial, he was never known to be idle. He was a first class mechanic, but his inventive genius was his greatest gift. He be- longed to that class of men who are always inventing some new machinery, but out of which, if it proves valuable, others almost in- variably reap the benefits. He would shake the bush, while others, far below him in mental ability, would catch the birds. But for this he cared very little, it never appeared to trouble him. The credit of being the inventor of some wonderful piece of mechanism, even if he made nothing out of it, was glory enough for him, and gave him abundant satisfaction. He was always cheerful, and enjoyed life as he went along, took the world as it was and made the most of it. There was just enough of the "Daniel Boone" spirit in him to make him restless, consequently, California took him away to begin the world anew. He returned here again, however, in 1863, with the intention of remaining, but the death of Mrs. Hawkins, shortly
175
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
after, caused him to change his mind again, and in 1869 he returned to San Francisco, California, where he died February 11, 1884, aged 70, and from where, in accordance with his wish, his remains were returned to Milwaukee and laid away to their final rest by the side of his wife in our beautiful Forest Home.
Mr. Hawkins was of medium size, and possessed the compact and wiry frame of the New England type. He had a large head, a fine face, a clear blue eye and an unusually nervous temperament. He had a clear ringing voice, spoke very deliberately and with an enun- ciation uncommonly clear. He was not much of a talker, however, but an unceasing thinker, a good friend, an honest man, a worthy citizen, and will live in memory until the last one of the pioneer band to which he belonged shall have been called to join him on the other side of the river. He leaves four daughters and three sons. The former are Mrs. C. L. Clason and Mrs. Geo. R. Ledyard, of this city ; Mrs. Thomas H. McElroy, Chicago; Mrs. A. B. Clason, Beaver Dam. Two sons were with him in San Francisco, and the third is George W. Hawkins, of Albion, Michigan. Among the floral offerings was a design in lilies, with the word "Father" written in flowers. He was born in 1814.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Marshall & Illsley (Samuel Marshall and Charles F. Illsley,) opened a saving bank in the old United States block, No. 144, old number, new No. 342, in September this year. These gentlemen, who are yet in business and who as bankers have been so successful, came, as did nearly all the early business men of Milwaukee, for the first ten years of its existence, from the eastern states-Mr. Marshall from Philadelphia, in 1846, and Mr. Illsley from Boston in 1847, landing here February 22. His first employment was in Alex Mitchell's bank, where he remained until September, 1849, when a partnership was formed with Mr. Marshall, who, up to this time, had been doing a brokerage business in the United States block, with Wm. J. Bell, (afterwards McCrea & Bell,*) for the purpose of doing a general banking business, their banking office being located at what is now
* Messrs Marshall & Bell dissolved April 17, after which Mr. M. was alone until September.
176
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
342 East Water street. It was also known as a savings bank. Here they remained until 1853, growing in wealth and in the confidence of the community, when their business had grown to such an extent as to necessitate their seeking new quarters, which they secured in the Furlong block, southwest corner of East Water and Huron streets, where they remained until 1872, when they purchased the old J. R. Treat building,* on the southeast corner of East Water and Huron streets, fitted it up, into which they removed, and where they have remained until the present time.
This house made a famous record during all these years, and up to the organization of the national banking system, when the western banks were falling aronnd them like leaves, the house of Marshall & Illsley never failed to pay, neither to my knowledge has its financial soundness ever been questioned, in the thirty-three years it has been doing business in Milwaukee, and with the exception of Mr. Mitchell, this is the only one in the state, that has passed unscathed through every financial crash from 1849, to the present. As business men they are sharp and keen, quick to see, and prompt to act; two qualifications without which a banker would never succeed.
In person Mr. Marshall is tall, straight as an arrow, he has a keen, expressive eye, that while conversing with you is at the same time taking notes. He is always courteous, dignified and gentlemanly, and like S. S. Daggett or John H. Van Dyke, never allowing any one to get too intimate with himself or his affairs. In religious faith he is a Quaker, and possesses the same kind and gentle spirit for which that worthy religious sect are so noted, and if he can say no good of his neighbor, will say no evil. He is a Republican, but takes no part in politics. He walks with a very elastic step when on the street, a place where he is seldom seen, except when coming from or going to the bank, and although apparently absorbed in thought,
* This building had been previously occupied by Messrs McCrea & Bell, (Augustus L. McCrea and Wm. J. Bell,) as the Exchange Bank. Then Spink and Armstrong, (James L. Spink & John Armstrong,) as the Milwaukee County Bank, and by Messrs. M. B. Medbery, Jacob A. Hoover, John S. Harris, and others, as stockholders and directors of the Marine Bank. Of these Mr. Spink is in Minneapolis, Mr. Armstrong is in New York City, Mr. Harris is at present surveyor general of Montana. Of the whereabouts of Messrs. McCrea and Bell I have no knowledge. The others have crossed the dark river except it may be Mr. Hoover, who, when last heard from, was keeping a saloon in California, and was a complete wreck.
177
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
never fails to see all that is going on around him, or greet all whom he may meet with whom he isacquainted, with a word, or a nod of of recognition. He dislikes all manners of pomp, show or excite- ment, is a good judge of character, always estimates a man for what he is, and not for what he appears to be, neither is he often deceived. Mr. Marshall is very domestic, and except when at his place of bussiness will (when in the city) always be found at home. He is also very fond of books, is a great reader, and keeps well posted up in all the scientific discoveries of the day. Such are some of the personal characteristics of Samuel Marshall, one of Milwaukee's solid men.
Mr. Illsley is of a different make. In person he is of medium size and very muscular, he has a large head, a high forehead, a clear lustrous eye, which fairly sparkles at times when in a pleasant mood, (which he generally is) and a mouth indicating a strong will with the courage to back it. He walks with a quick nervous stride, is nervous, much more so than Mr. Marshall, and if he wants a thing, he wants it bad, and if it chance to be a matter of business, will not rest until it is completed, no matter whether it be in his favor or against him, he wants it settled all the same. He understands all the "minutiæ" of the banking business, knows the value as well as the power of money and how to use it as well as Mr. Marshall. He too looks you squarely in the face when talking business, but in conversation does not. He speaks quick and emphatic, and can say no if necessary, keeps his word always, and expects others to do the same. He isa very strong Republican, and unlike Mr. Marshall in this respect, does take an interest, as well as a part, (occasionally) in public affairs. He too is a good judge of character, reads a man quick, and is not easily deceived, but if once deceived, is not very likely to trust that party again. He is fond of books, music and the fine arts, but is not as great a reader as Mr. Marshall, his fondness for the society of a few chosen, long life personal friends, causing him often to spend an evening away from home, and to these few friends he is true. His morals are faultless, and his life comes as near the "golden rule" as it is possible for a banker to walk and make money. He has reached a plane socially and financially, that few men, compared with the great
178
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
mass who start at the foot of the ladder ever succeed in reaching. Such is Charles F. Illsley.
Among the new firms this year was that of Wardner & Williams stone ware. J. Betz also opened a leather store at 407, East Water street. The following notice was given in the papers :
STONE WARE FACTORY.
The establishment of Messrs. Wardner & Williams, in the fourth ward, is turning off stone ware of the first quality, to the extent of their capacity for manufacturing. The building is 90x20 feet, with a wing adjoining, and business office in front. They have for some time past, sold about $600 of ware a month -the market almost entirely in the city, and country west of us. They use about three hundred tons of clay in a year, which is brought from Ohio, and also about nine cords of wood per week. Four journeymen and three common hands are employed-all busy-and more will soon be constantly occupied, as the de- mand is daily increasing.
CITY HOTEL.
This year also witnessed the enlargement of the City Hotel, after which it was leased to Messrs. Dickson and Skinner.
A new store was also opened in No. 2, Walker block, South Water street, by I. Harmond & Co. They remained, however, only a short time. They came from Chicago. Their advertisement would have answered for the largest wholesale store in the city to-day.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Among those who came in 1849 who have become noted as suc- cessful master builders and stone and brick masons, was John Roberts from Manchester, England. Mr. Roberts worked as a journeyman for two years after his arrival, when he commenced for himself, and from that time until the present has been very successful, and has superintended the erection of a large number of buildings, his crowning work being Hon. Alex Mitchell's famous bank and the Chamber of Commerce building, neither is it probable that anything superior to them will be erected in Milwaukee for many years to come, if ever. He is a splendid mechanic and possesses the happy faculty of working men, with profit to them as well as himself, and is at present superintending the construction of the magnificent block now in the process of erection on the northwest corner of Milwaukee and Mason streets, by Hon. C. L. Colby, for the use of
179
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the Wisconsin Central railroad, which, when complete, will be an ornament to the city.
This block will probably be Mr. Roberts' last contract as he has now reached the autumn of life; has become very wealthy and will surrender the chieftainship (so to speak) to his son, who bids fair to equal his father in his profession, and will, if he lives, be one of Mil- waukee's prominent contractors and master builders, in the coming years. Mr. Roberts is very unassuming in manners and very reti- cent, makes few new acquaintances, but stands by the old. In per- son he is medium in height, stoutly built, has auburn hair, blue eyes, clear cut features, a florid complexion, speaks short, and with a slight English accent. He walks with an easy swinging step, his arms held a little out from his body, with the palms of his hands turned forward ; a peculiarity seldom seen, his head, at the same time, held a little to one side (the right.) He is very domestic and in every respect as to morals, a model man. May he yet live many years to enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Henry S. Burton, was at No. 7 Spring Street, this year (Holton's block) with a stock of groceries and leather findings, soap and candles .* This gentleman was when living, one of Milwaukee's most respected citizens and business men. He was a large and powerful built man, the picture of health, strictly temperate, never tasting anything stronger than coffee. But notwithstanding this he had the most florid complexion of any man in the city, so highly colored in fact, as to lead a stranger to set him down at first sight as a regular bummer. It is related of him that while on his way to New York on the old steamer Illinois, way back in the fifties, that some one who was fond of the cup that inebriates, spotted him for a boon companion and at once invited him up to the bar to wood up, which invitation was, of course, refused. The invitation was re- peated, however, several times before reaching Buffalo, and each time refused, but as they were about to enter Buffalo, the young bummer, who had, of course, supposed Mr. Burton had simply been playing off, and drinking on the sly, approached him with a " say !
* Mr. Burton had a soap and candle factory in Chestnut Street, burnt April 21, 1849. He was also the founder of the present factory of B. J. Johnson on West Water Street.
180
,
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
old fellow, you have played this dodge long enough, and as we are soon to part, come and take a farewell glass with me." And received the same reply, " no sir, I never drink." At this, the astonished young bummer gazed at Mr. Burton for a moment in silence, after which, with a look of disgust upon his face at what he no doubt considered was a big lie, (at the same time pointing to Mr. Burton's face,) he blurted out. " n-e-ve-r-d-r-i-n-k. Then d- you take in your sign."
Mr. Burton often used to relate that incident when any one re- ferred to his face. He died of erysipelas, July 23, 1863.
Daily Wisconsin's first issue January 1, 1849.
A new grocery was also opened at 405 East Water, by John S. Fillmore.
Mr. Fillmore came to our city in 1843, from Buffalo, New York, and was for many years prominent as a fireman, real estate agent and grocer, but more particularly in connection with the Sentinel, which, as stated in vol. 2, page 124, he purchased of Jason Downer, in 1845, for Gen. Rufus King and himself, and with which he was connected as business manager for several years. He was probably as good a man to manage boys as we ever had. He had fair business abilities, but was too fond of changing about, and finally went to Denver, where he was P. M., and agent for the American express, and where he accumulated a handsome fortune. I believe he died in Denver.
1
FOUNDRY.
Messrs. Turton & Sercomb, Thomas Turton and John Sercomb, were at 298 and 300 West Water street this year. Both of these gentle- men died several years ago. They were English.
A FREE CONCERT.
Great complaint was made this year about the frogs in the pond at the court house square. The litttle "batrachians" disturbed the neighbors. "Too bad, wasn't it."
GREAT FIRE.
A fire broke out at 171 East Water street, (now 369) Friday 20th, which consumed that and Nos. 367, 371 and 373. Among those burnt out, were James F. Smith at 171, grocery ; Alba Kimball, 167,
181
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
and Townsend & Kane, Edwin Townsend and Philander Kane, 169, commission ; and Hiram Mabbitt,* at 173, general merchandise. This district was all re-built again by James B. Martin, Abram F. Clark and Mrs. Canfield, who own the ground; that erected by Mr. Martin being the Arcade, and which his heirs own to-day .*
BOOTS AND SHOES.
Henry Freeman, successor to William Pierce, (who died of cholera) United States Block. Mr. Freeman is yet living in Milwaukee.
St. Charles saloon, opened by D. Curran, on the south west corner of Wisconsin and Main street, (Broadway) great resort for the boys.t
OFF FOR CALIFORNIA.
There was a great amount of emigration from Milwaukee, Port Washington, Racine, and other places, this year for California. The gold fever was at its height, and the streets were filled for days at a time with the teams, all ready, or getting ready, to cross the plains for this land of gold. The Wisconsin of March 6, in describ- ing one of these teams writes as follows: "Mr. Henry Allen, with his brother William, of the firm of Allis & Allen, of this city, with two others from Port Washington, left to-day for California. They were accompanied by John Alexander and William Quigly .¿ Luck at- tend them."
I remember this start. Job Haskell, who was one of the party, wass welling around the city in a red flannel shirt, armed "cap-a-pie," for two days before they went, as perfect a representative of a brig- and as one would wish to see. He was then over 60 years old. In speaking of him the Wisconsin has the following :
*Hiram Mabbett who for many years was a prominent and wealthy man in Milwaukee, left a few years ago for Council Bluffs, where he lost his property and finally became insane, and has been returned to Milwaukee and is now at the asylum in Wauwatosa. He built the brick veneered dwelling north west corner of Cass and Martin streets, in the Seventh ward, afterwards the residence of the late John Bradford and now of Capt. Dawes. Mr. Mabbett was a genial, whole-souled man, full of life and energy. He is now over So years of age.
tI believe this basement has been about as tough a place (or was for many years) as could be found in the city. At present it is a barber shop.
#This Mr. Quigly lived on the southeast corner of Main and Martin Streets. 1 have a solid mahogany table which I purchased of him for $8.50, that is over one hundred years old.
22
182
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
AN ARMED CALIFORNIAN.
Judge Job Haskell did not leave for California on Tuesday in company with Mr. Alexander, as was stated. He intends to join that company at Fort Independence, on the Missouri. He leaves here to-day, on horseback, armed to the teeth, with a belt girded with revolvers and bowie knives, and a rifle slung over his back. We should not be at all surprised to see his name conspicuous in California.
Spring business opened lively this year; freight fifteen cents to Buffalo, to-day it is three and a half, some difference.
HOTEL CHANGE.
The Tremont house, southwest corner of Main and Michigan, changed owners this spring. The purchasers were W. B. & H. Watkins.
A bill for a new bridge at the foot of Broadway was passed at Madison this year ; also one for a market at the present City Hall. The market, however, did not remain in the building but a short time ; it was too small.
MORE TROUBLE.
Some one bored a hole in the float at the west end of Spring Street bridge this spring and the old fabric sunk. As the Dutch- man said, " Some tam Yankee make blendy droubles mit dot bridge," (and they did.)
BIOGRAPHICAL.
FRED. E. L. WILLMANNS.
Among the Germans who sought a home in Wisconsin in 1849, was the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He came from Bremen. His first employment was as clerk for the firm of Willmanns & Bosselier, dry goods, at what is now 350 Third Street, which position he filled until 1855, when Mr. Bosselier re- turned to Germany, and Mr. Willmanns became a partner, which continued until 1858, when the firm was dissolved on account of the
. La Crosse Railroad Company wanting the ground upon which their store stood for a depot, and the subject of this sketch went into the Second Ward Bank, where he remained until 1865, when he went into politics, ran for, and was elected to the office of city treasurer, and in 1867 comptroller, both of which he filled with honor. He is
183
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
too conscientious, however, to make a successful politician and has retired to private life. Mr. Willmanns is a man of business ability, but lacks the push so necessary in this country, to make a success ; consequently with all his industry, he will never get rich in gold. But in the esteem of his fellow citizens he stands high, and that is better than gold. He is an honest and useful citizen, and as a rep- resentative German, is a model that more of them would do well to pattern after. May his shadow never be less.
NEW BUILDINGS.
Mr. A. L. Kane nearly finished a neat block of stores on the south west corner of Main and Huron streets. The building was of wood, two stories high, and the lower story was divided into four stores, each 17 feet front by 30 deep, which were fitted up in neat style. The upper story was occupied as a billiard room.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.