USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > Pioneer history of Milwaukee > Part 26
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1,400
Total
33,520
About one-half of the issue of Peck's Sun to-day.
There was also a monthly called the Anthropologist.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
There were five Public Schools in Milwaukee in 1850, each Ward constituting a District under a board of school commissioners, con- sisting (as now) of three from each Ward, and by the census taken in 1850 the whole number of children between the constitutional ages were as follows :
Ist Ward-Males
715
Females
980
Total
1,695
2d
66
705
66
750
1,455
3d
650
600
1,250
4th
365
410
775
5th
410
66
450
860
Total
2,845
3,190
6,035
HIGH SCHOOLS.
The Milwaukee Grammar School-Founded in 1849. Trustees- Jas. H. Rogers, Wm. P. Lynde, Alex. Mitchell, Jas. Farr, John Ogden, P. C. Hale, and I. E. Goodall. Location-Main, near Milwaukee Street. Rector-Wallace C. Wilcox, A. M.
THE MILWAUKEE NORMAL INSTITUTE.
This well known institution was permanently organized this year. It was arranged in four principal departments. The teachers were
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Mrs. L. A. Parsons, Miss Mary Mortimer, Miss C. C. Moulton, and Miss E. B. Warner. Trustees were I. A. Lapham, J. P. Greves, G. P. Hewitt, John H. Tweedy, A. Finch, J. G. J. Fowler, John H. Van Dyke, W. P. Flanders, and W. L. Parsons. Location-North- east corner Milwaukee and Mason Streets. (Burnt in 1853.)
Prof. F. M. Larigo-Corner west of Michigan and Broadway. This was more properly a commercial college.
Spring Street Female Seminary-Corner Spring and Third Streets. Teachers-The Misses Chamberlain and Ransom. This was a boarding and day school.
And Prof. Buck's Collegiate Institute, on Broadway, already men- tioned.
These were the principal High Schools in 1850.
Of the churches, a pioneer sketch of which was given in Volume II, there have been erected in the four years besides, and in addition to those mentioned in that sketch, the Ger- man Baptist on Fourth Street, between Wells and Cedar. St. Galls', Catholic, Second and Sycamore. Holy Trinity, corner of Greenbush and Park Streets. St. John's Episcopal, corner of Han- over and Pierce Streets. Norwegian, on Elizabeth. German Lutheran, on Fourth between Tamarack (now State Street) and Cedar. German Evangelical, corner of Spring and Second Streets. Old Lutheran Church, corner of Sixth and Tamarack. Zion Church, corner of Fourth and Cedar. St. Johannes, corner of Prairie and Fourth. German Evangelical Lutheran, corner Broadway and Division. Emanuel (German) on Fifth Street, Second Ward. Holland Presby- terian, on North Street, Second Ward. Associated Reform Presby- terian, on Broadway between Biddle and Martin .*
This I think, constitutes all the churches erected up to 1850, not included in volume two.
ORPHAN ASYLUMS.
The Milwakee orphan asylum (Protestant) was established this year on Marshall Street between Oneida and Biddle.
St. Æmilianus (Catholic) the present one on Jackson Street.
*This was a Scotch Presbyterian Church. They met in Prof. Buck's school room. The late J. McNeil and Jno. McEwen, were the leaders in this church. It was short lived.
35
286
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The Hibernian benevolent society, Pat McDonough, president, Edward Mahoney, vice president, Robert Leach, secretary, David Wall, treasurer.
The Medico Chirurgical Club was organized this year, Thomas Spence, president, J. E. Garner, secretary.
ODD FELLOWS.
There were four lodges in Milwaukee in 1850, (viz :) Milwaukee Lodge No. 2, of which Wm. A. Tucker was N. G., John Cum- mings, V. G., Clark A. Place, R. S., Nelson Ludington, treasurer.
Menomonee No. 5, John McEwen, N. G., Chester Steele, V. G., J. M. Sayer, R. S., S. R. Kane, treasurer.
Excelsior No. 20, Levi H. Kellogg, N. G., Wm. Doughton, V. G., Chas. E. Jenkins, R. S., Jos. B. Kellogg, treasurer.
Northwestern No. 46, Jas. B. Martin, N. G., O. L. Stewart, V. G., J. Van Vechten Platto, R. S., H. B. Dellicker, treasurer.
ENCAMPMENTS.
Wisconsin Encampment No. 1, John Cummings, C. P., Walter Burke, H. P., A. J. Langworthy, S. W., Wm. Allen, scribe, L. H. Cotton, J. W., J. F. Birchard, treasurer.
MASONIC.
Milwaukee Lodge No. 3, Jasper Vliet, W. M., Morris Louis, S. W., E. G. Loomis, J. W., D. F. Lawton, secretary.
Wisconsin Lodge No. 13, H. L. Palmer, W. M., Haven Powers S. W., C. D. Finch, J. W., G. B. Miner, secretary.
Aurora Lodge No. 30, (German) A. C. Cron, W. M., A. C. Wil- manns, Dep. M., D. Upman, S. W., Paul Corbin, J. W., C. G. Bois- sellier, secretary.
Milwaukee Chapter No. 1, B. Kilbourn, H. P., P. B. Hill, K., Egbert Moseley, S., D. F. Lawton, secretary.
Wisconsin Chapter No. 7, L. M. Tracy, H. P., C. D. Finch, K., Samuel Stern, S., P. B. Hill, secretary.
Wisconsin Encampment Knights Templar, L. M. Tracy, E. C., H. L. Palmer, Gen., Geo. W. Chapman, C. G., P. B. Hill, recorder.
There was also a lodge of United Ancient order of Druids (Ger-
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
man) and two of Sons of Temperance Division No. I, organized in 1849, and a Norwegian lodge organized January 1, 1850.
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
The following is the report of the chief engineer of the fire depart- ment for 1850. It is full and complete in every respect, and shows the condition of things as they existed in those days. It is taken from the Daily Advertiser of August 22, 1850.
MILWAUKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER.
To the mayor and common council of the city of Milwaukee.
The undersigned, chief engineer of the fire department, in accordance with a resolution of the common council, asking for a report of the situation of the fire department, respectfully reports :
That the fire department of the city, as at present organized, consists of four engine companies, one hose company and one hook, ladder and axe company. The names, number and commencement of service of the members of each of the companies is herewith transmitted as part of this report.
The situation of each company in other respects is as follows :
MILWAUKEE FIRE ENGINE COMPANY, NO. I.
This company have a good and convenient two story brick house, situated on the north side of Wisconsin street, between Main and Milwaukee streets, in the First ward. The engine was built by W. C. Hunneman & Co., of Boston in 1845 ; diameter of cylinder, 6 inches ; stroke of pistons, 16 inches ; 26 feet of good suction hose. There are 250 feet of leading hose in good order, one hose cart, 4 pipes, 8 brass nozzles, 4 leather fire buckets, 2 brass trumpets, 2 axes, 2 suction spanners, 2 hose spanners, 2 wrenches, I bolt do., 2 torches and 2 tin cans. The engines should be repainted and the hose oiled.
House furniture consists of I solar lanıp, I stove and pipe, I ash pail, I pair of shovel and tongs, 3 setts rope with I hook and single pully to each for drying hose -- all in good order.
NEPTUNE FIRE COMPANY NO. I.
Its house is situated at the foot of Detroit near East Water street, in the Third ward ; is a two story brick house, and is large and commodious. The engine was built by W. C. Hunneman & Co., of Boston in 1847. Diameter of cylinder, 6 inches ; stroke of piston, 16 inches ; 26 feet of good suction hose.
There are 300 feet of good leading hose in good order, I hose cart, 4 pipes, 4 brass nozzles, 4 fire buckets, 2 brass trumpets, 2 axes, 2 suction spanners, 3 hose spanners, I coach wrench, 2 torches, 2 tin cans, 2 large globe lanterns. Engine needs repainting and hose oiled.
288
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
House furniture consists of I stove and pipe, I shovel, 2 setts rope with I hook and single block to each. House needs some repairs-otherwise in good order.
OREGON FIRE ENGINE COMPANY NO 3.
House is situated at the foot of Chestnut street, in the Second ward. It is a one story wood building, too small, and inconveniently located for the company. The engine was built by Lewis Selye of Rochester, in 1844. Diameter of cylinder, 7 inches; stroke of piston, 13 ; 13 feet of suction hose. There are 250 feet of leading hose in bad order ; 2 pipes, 2 brass nozzles.
House furniture consists of I stove and pipe, I sett block and rope for drying hose.
This engine is old and of an inferior kind to the rest, of far less power, and not at all adapted to the wants of the city, This company, on account of the character of their engine, had become in part disbanded, and its engine is used only in case of fire in its immediate vicinity; but since being informed that the Common Council had ordered a new engine for them, have reorganized, and the company is now full, as will be seen by a list of their members transmitted herewith.
I would recommend that this engine be painted and sold, and the proceeds applied towards the purchase of new hose and hose cart; also that the piano engine, ordered and received from L. Button & Co., be set apart to this company.
A company will not manifest spirit and interest who possess an engine entirely inferior to the rest.
ROUGH AND READY FIRE ENGINE NO. 4.
Its house is located at the foot of River Street, in the Fifth Ward ; it is a large and convenient two story brick house. The engine was built by L. Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y., in 1848 ; diameter of cylinder, 9 inches ; stroke of piston, 7 inches ; 16 feet of section hose. There are 400 feet of leading hose ; I hose cart ; 2 pipes , 5 brass nozzles ; 4 fire buckets ; 4 brass trumpets ; I axe ; 2 section spanners ; 6 hose spanners ; I coach wrench ; I bolt wrench ; 4 torches ; 4 tin cans, and 2 globe lanterns.
House furniture consists of I solar lamp, 2 glass lamps ; 2 stoves and pipes for each ; I endless rope for hoisting and drying hose. House needs some repairs, otherwise in good order.
SUPPLY HOSE COMPANY NO. I.
This company has a very poor and inconvenient wood building in every respect. It is located on the north side of Mason, between Main and East Water Streets, in the First Ward. The hose carriage was built by L. Button & Co., of Water- ford, N. Y., in 1849 ; it has 500 feet of leading hose, 250 feet in good order, and and the balance nearly worthless ; 2 brass trumpets ; 14 hose spanners ; I ham- mer, I wrench ; 2 torches ; 31 straps, and 18 bands.
House furniture consists of I table and desk ; 18 chairs, I stove and pipe ; I shovel : I ash pail ; two lamps ; I oil can, and one sprinkler-all in good order.
289
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
BADGER HOOK, LADDER AND AXE COMPANY, NO. I.
House is located on the north side of Mason, between Main and East Water Streets, in the First Ward. The house is not suitable for the apparatus, and is inconvenient in other respects. They have I carriage 25 feet in length ; 1 ladder 32 feet ; 3 do, 30 feet each ; 2 do, 25 feet each ; 2 do, 20 feet each ; I hook and chain with pole ; 2 hooks and chain without pole ; I grapple and chain ; 5 crutches ; I rope 150 feet in length ; I do. 50 feet in length ; I do, 100 feet in length, (rotten) ; 7 axes ; I pickaxe ; 4 torches ; I tin can, and two lamps-all in good order.
The amount of leading hose belonging to the hose company and to the several engines make the whole length, seventeen hundred feet, much of which is of an inferior quality and cannot be relied upon, as appeared during the late review of the department, when several lengths burst during the exercises. Vulcanized rubber hose has lately been employed in eastern cities with great success, it has been proved equally strong and durable as that in common use-needs no outlay for oil, and can be purchased at a less expense. Shortly after the review I ordered and have received one hundred feet of the above hose from the Boston Belting Company. I herewith transmit yon the hill and letter accompanying it, and would recommend that a committee be appointed by the council to attest the quality of the hose at their earliest convenience.
I would further report, that, although our firemen have conducted themselves with activity and energy, and are worthy of all praise as the defenders of our property and lives ; yet it must be apparent from the above statement, to every one acquainted with the fire departments in other cities, that ours is decidedly deficient in numerical strength and force, and in the number of engines, only three of which can be relied upon, to a city like Milwaukee of twenty thousand inhabitants, spread over an unusually large surface, are entirely too few for our protection, even if we had cisterns supplied from water works at every corner of the streets, as in New York, Boston and Detroit ; it would be impossible for them to cope with a dangerous fire. Our department has not kept pace with the rapid progress of the city, and we find our buildings going up more rapidly than we have been able to furnish means for their protection. Away from the vicinity of our lake and rivers, we are entirely destitute of any resources for water, except from private cisterns which are of little avail.
In case of a fire in many parts of our city we would not have sufficient hose to reach from the river or lake, and if hose was abundant, the engines would be forced to form a line, and thus but one, or two streams at most, could be brought to bear upon the flames.
Every owner of real estate as well as every householder has an interest in fur. nishing and maintaining a strong and efficient fire department, and no narrow prin- ciples of economy should prevent the city from making the necessary expenditures with care and judgment. ()ne such fire as those that have within the last three years laid so many of our neighboring cities in ashes, would cost us one hundred
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
times the amount of expenditure necessary to place our department on a good footing. The saving in insurance, and the decreased loss by fire, would alone make it a profitable investment for the city, for I would here state that after a careful investigation to ascertain the amount of property insured in the city, I find the sum to exceed $3,000,000 and the average premiums are not less than 2 per cent. making the whole amount paid out yearly by our citizens for insurance, the snug sum of $60,000. Thus it will be seen that with a well organized fire department, that many of our citizens who are at the present time having their property in- sured to its full value, would reduce it to one-half that sum, and furthermore it would have a tendency to reduce the rates of premium at least 25 per cent., and here would a sum be saved yearly to our citizens in amount as much as it would cost to supply the department with all the requisite apparatus.
First-I would therefore, respectfully urge uron the common council, the nec- essity of procuring immediately the new engine contracted for No. 5, and a sufficient quantity of hose for the department.
Second-That the public cisterns be built at the corner of the streets, in all ex- posed situations, distant from water, to be kept filled from water from the roofs or from wells, as is done in Buffalo. This measure I esteem necessary for the safety of the city.
Third-That a large addition be made to our supply hose, which is now al- together too short, and also, to the apparatus of the hook, ladder and axe company, which often is of the greatest importance in checking the progress of extensive conflagrations.
Fourth-That the city charter be so amended that each engine company be entitled to sixty members, forty of which shall belong to the engine and the re- maining twenty members of the hose cart.
Fifth-That new hose carriages be furnished to the different engines of suf- ficient capacity of carrying 600 feet of hose each; this I deem necessary.
Sixth-That the services of a competent person be employed, whose duty it shall be to keep the different machines in good order, cleaning and oiling the hose, supplying the companies with oil, turpentine, wood, and attend to making the fires in the engine houses during the winter.
Seventh-The necessary furniture for the different companies be procured, also signal lanterns, suction hose spanners, axes, wrenches, and other necessary im- plements in which many of the companies are deficient.
Eighth-I would further respectfully recommend that a lot be purchased, and a good building be erected to contain on the first floor, the room for the new engine No. 5, and for the hose and hook and ladder company, who have now no suitable room for their apparatus, and to have on the second floor a room for the meeting of the common council, and offices, with fire proof vaults, for the use of permanent · officers of the city, and the preservation of its records. Thus would several de- sirable ends be accomplished for the city.
A sack and rope company, after the model of those formed in eastern cities, pro-
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
vided with the means for saving and protecting goods and furniture exposed to the flames might be organized here to great advantage, and with but little ex- pense.
The many alarms arising from the burning out of chimneys, is worthy the at- tention of the council, and I would respectfully recommend in all cases of burning chimneys from the neglect in cleaning flues, that a fine be imposed and rigidly collected, and that the proceeds be given to a fund to be established for the benefit of disabled firemen. Also, the fines imposed on all persons refusing to work at fires, when called upon by the proper officer, be applied to the same purpose.
I would recommend that a lot be purchased on more elevated ground, and a house similar to that of No. 4, be built for engine company No. 3.
I would also call the attention of the coremon council to the necessity of paying the bills of the companies for articles which they have been compelled to purchase at their own expense, to enable them to work their machines to advantage at fires, and to hold meetings at their respective places of assembling. Heretofore, the council have in several instances, thrown out bills, which of right belonged to them to pay, and bitter complaints have been made by the officers of the different com- panies to me on this subject, and after examining their accounts closely, I do not see any good reason why they should not be allowed. I would therefore rec- ommend that the council pass a resolution stating that all bills for articles furnished the fire department will be paid quarterly if properly certified by the chief en- gineer; this will obviate all difficulty that has arisen heretofore.
Owing to there not having been any records kept heretofore of the department, I am unable to inform the council of the number of fires, the amount of property destroyed and the amount of insurance on the same, during the past year, which should be made to constitute a part of the report.
Before closing, I would report that engine company No. 5, has been already ably and efficiently organized and are now awaiting the receipt of the engine, a list of the members is transmitted herewith. All of which is respectfully sub- mitted.
ANSON ELDRED. Chief Engineer.
Milwaukee, July 18, 1850.
CHAPTER V.
1851.
Opening Address-Hotels-Foundries-Hardware Merchants-Haney & Debow, Sketch-Dry Goods Stores-Thos. L. Baker, Sketch of-Warehousemen- Correction for Volume II-Druggists-Bosworth & Sons, Sketch of-Sketch J. H. Tesch-Cabinet Makers-Friend & Bro., Sketch of-Confectionery, H. J. Goff-S. Bryant, Sketch of-The Excelsior Society --- Spirit Rapping -New Bridge-Charter Meeting-The German Letter-Author's Comments -Meeting at the Court House-Smith & McVicker-Paper Mill-Fire- G. D. Norris, Ship Chandler, Sketch-Jas. K. Webster, Sketch of-C. W. Norris-J. & Andrew Joys, Sketch of-J. Thorsen, Sketch of-S. S. Merrill, Sketch of-Division of the County Attempted-The Burns Supper-The Plank Road Craze-Cowhiding a Local-Editorial Squibs-Taxation-Repu- diation and Its Effects-The "Clay Clubs" -The K. (). Clubs-Fire- Anti-Land Meeting-Opening of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad to Waukesha-Illegal Voting-Finances of Milwaukee-Broke .In-Importing a Postmaster-The Old Corner Store-Nationality-Queer 'Ticket-Spring Street Female Seminary-The Leahy Riot and What Came of it-Taxation -The Vliet-McGarry Imbroglio-A Ducking-Primary Meetings-Common Council-Report of Committee on Finance-The Streets and the River- Schools-Complaints-David Ross Murdered-Charter Rejected and New Committee Appointed-Special Taxation-Complaints-Milwaukee & Mis- sissippi Railroad Receipts-A Racy Affair-Land Slide --- Belligerent-The McDermot-Powers Imbroglio-Grading-Laying the Corner Stone of the German Lutheran Church-Political-The Judicial Contest-James McAvoy -The Jury System-Legislative-Boy Kidnapped -- Bridge Tomfoolery-Fire -Steamboat Landing-Court House Square Impeached-Omnibus Line Started -- New Daily Paper-Went for Them-Jas. Crummey-Fire-License -Taxation-Fire Department-School Census-Improvements -- Steamboat Arrivals-Imports-Exports-Statistics-Jailor's Report.
The outlook at the opening of 1851 was bright and cheering for Milwaukee. The past year, as the reader has seen, was a prosperous one, as a whole, immigration had been large, principally Germans, a large number of whom settled in the Second, Sixth and Ninth wards, a large number of buildings had also been erected, some of which if the papers did not lie (and newspapers never lie) were of imposing dimensions, and things were booming. Her business directory, as far as the status of the old firms were concerned had not materially changed. Messrs. King and Fuller were at the head of the Sentinel
293
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Wm. E. Cramer & Co., of the Wisconsin, Cary and Rounds of the Fournal, S. M. Booth was making the Free Democrat a perfect fire-brand in the ranks of the Democracy, and war was the word among the editorial fraternity generally.
Among the legal fraternity the firms of Emmons & Vandyke, Randall & Griswold, (Frank Randall and B. W. Griswold,) Holiday, Ogden & Brown, (James Holiday, Thomas Ogden and James S. Brown,) Finch & Lynde, (Asahel Finch and William P. Lynde,) Chas. K. Wells, Myron H. Orton, Charles E. Jenkins, J. E. Arnold, Winfield Smith, Austin & Dunn, (R. N. Austin, and J. Davis Dunn,) Tweedy & Crocker, (J. H. Tweedy and Hans Crocker,) Ryan & Lord, (E. G. Ryan and Wm. H. Lord,) McGregor & Tenney, (J. P. McGregor and H. W. Tenney,) were the leading ones upon the east side, while Lean- der Wyman, John M. Warren and W. E. Webster, kept the legal pot a boiling upon the south side.
HOTELS.
The principal hotels this year were the United States, kept by Ed-
E X
ward Button and Kellogg Sexton, (a cut of which is here again in- serted*) and as stated in vol. 2, was the leading hotel in the city, and a
*As some of those who may purchase this volume may not have vol. 2. the writer has thought best to reinsert a cut of this and the Milwaukee House in order that a fac simile of them all may be the presented to all his readers.
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
great resort for east siders, both for business and pleasure. A large num- ber of our leading citizens also boarded there, among whom were Col. Walker, Judge Hubbell, Gen. King, J. S. Fillmore, and others.
Philander Kane & Sons, Alonzo L., Sanford R. and Geo. B., were in the American,* where the Plankinton now stands, then the second in rank in the city. Of this firm A. L. and S. R., are yet with us, and are among our most wealthy as well as influential citizens. They having made a large amount of money out of real estate and Siloam spring water.
ERICAN HOUSE
1
AMERICAN HOUSE.
BY P. KANE & SONS.
On Spring Street, Three doors from West Water Street.
This hotel is large and commodious very conveniently located for business men and travelers, and with ample accommodations for teams, &c. No pains will be
* The reader has already seen a cut of this house as it appeared in 1844, '45, and '46, in vol. 2, page 86. The present shows it as it appeared when burnt July 4, 1861.
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
spared by the new proprietors to merit a continuance of the liberal patronage the American has heretofore enjoyed.
WAKE ME UP
WHEN KIRBY DIES.
SE
KIRBY HJUSE
CITY HOTEL.
This hotel, then third in rank in our city, was when first erected, in 1844, a common three story brick building, with a frontage of 60 feet on East Water, and a depth of 50 feet on Mason street, roof sloped to the front and rear, the house being with the exception of the veranda (which it did not have) a fac simile of its congener, the Baltic. Its transformation from its original form to the present im- posing structure (a cut of which is here given) was the work of its popular, as well as somewhat eccentric landlord, Abner Kirby, who purchased it from Daniel Wells, Jr., in 1847, and who, as the reader can see, is very anxious to be woke up when Kirby dies, (and we will bet sixty two and a half cents, that he will be.) He is a model land- lord however, and the house under his management has became very popular.
It was occupied at that time (1851) by Randolph Pease and Pat- rick Fagan, and was a very popular house with the traveling public. Mr. Fagan, however, soon retired, and was succeeded by Chas. H. Mather. see annexed slip.
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