USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > Pioneer history of Milwaukee > Part 27
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CITY HOTEL.
Mr. Charles H. Mather would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally that he has purchased an interest and associated himself with Mr. R. Pease, in the above named hotel, and trusts from his long experience in the business, to merit a continuance of the very liberal patronage heretofore extended to the house. He pledges himself that no exertion on his part shall be wanted to make "The City" fully equal to any house in the west.
Milwaukee, Sept. 23, 1851.
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Wm. A. Hawkins was in the Lake House, northeast' corner of Lake and Ferry streets, (see cut) (run as a temperance house.)
The Lake House consisted, when first opened, in 1845, of a small two story frame about 25x40, and fronted, as now, on Ferry Street. It was an old building moved on to the lot by Mr. Hawkins. There was also a wing extending east in rear of the north part of the house which formed the dining room proper. The house remained in that shape until sold to Geo. Towle (whose widow still owns and occu- pies it) and by whom it was remodeled. The door in the south- west corner (see cut) opened in 1845 directly into the marsh on Lake Street (the street at that time not being made) where the writer, with others, used to spend their leisure hours (Sundays) feeding the frogs with spiders, millions of whom infested the house on the out- side, and it was simply wonderful to see how many spiders a full grown " batrachian " could get outside of in a given time. They soon learnt the ropes, and would congregate by the hundred to be fed. It was rough on the poor spiders, but they had to stand it.
Chas. S. Skinner, and Milton Ahlum, were running the old Mil- waukee House, northeast corner of Main (Broadway) and Washing- ton Avenue (Huron Streets). See cut.
This, as can be seen, was the main part of the old Milwaukee House, which had been removed to that corner and fitted up again, and where it was burnt December 23, 1855. It had several pro- prietors, while there, among whom was the late Russell Wheeler, and
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MILWAUKEE HOUSE
was occupied when burnt, by the late Theodore Wetstein and F. Jacoby .*
The only part of this house now in existence is what is known as the Bell View, (seen in rear of the main part in the cut) which, as stated in Vol, 1, page 74, was commenced in 1835, occupied in 1836, and finished in 1837, and which was purchased in 1849 by Andrew McCormick, who removed it to the northeast corner of Main and Detroit Streets, where it was used as a hotel, and known as the Keystone State, for several years, when that corner being wanted for business purposes, it was removed by John Meinecke (who had purchased the lot) directly across the block to the north- west corner of Detroit and Milwaukee Streets, where, as previously stated, it is doing duty to-day as a boarding house and saloon.
MILWAUKEE HOUSE.
Corner of Main Street and Washington Avenue, a few doors east of the U. S. Hotel. Russell Wheeler, proprietor, Charles Skinner, manager, formerly of the American, of this city, and late of the Milwaukee House.
CORRECTION.
I find it stated in the history of Milwaukee issued by the Western
*Although this house has been referred to in both volumes I and 2, yet the writer has thought best to refer to it again in this connection more fully ; it will not probably be referred to again except, perhaps incidentally.
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Historical and Publishing Company, of Chicago, in 1881, that the Milwaukee House stood upon the northeast corner of Main and Detroit Streets. This is incorrect, it stood upon the northeast cor- ner of Main and Huron Streets.
BALTIC
HOUSE.
Jas. McD'Smith was in the Baltic (see cut) southwest corner of Main and Detroit Streets, where the coffee and spice mill of Jewett & Sherman now stands. This house (also originally a part of the old Milwaukee House,) was as can be seen by the cut an old fashioned three story frame building facing the east, with a door in the center, and one in the northeast corner where the bar was.
For several years before its demolition it had a hard reputation, which, I think, it had justly earned, as it was the resort of fallen angels of both sexes. Its destruction was not lamented. It was pulled down about ten years ago.
Benjamin Stimson (commonly called old beauty) was in the Cross Keys, northeast corner of East Water and Detroit Streets. This building-which has been described in another place-is now used for purposes of merchandise only, and is the property of our well known and enterprising fellow citizen, Anthony Dahlman. It is yet in good repair.
Daniel N. Neiman was in the Menomonee Hotel. This pioneer hostlery (which is at present standing upon the southwest corner of Clybourn and Third Streets, where it is doing duty as a boarding
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house,) stood at that time and for several years after at what is now . 169 and 171 West Water Street. It also was a common two-story and attic frame building, and was for years, like its congener the Baltic,* a great resort for country people. Its last days, however, in that locality, were not pleasant or prosperous, as far as making money was concerned. It had had its day as a hotel, and was com- pelled to give way for a more palatial structure. The Republicans of the Fourth Ward used to hold their primary meetings there in the olden time, and up to as late as 1870.
THE REPUBLICAN HOUSE,
Which as the reader has no doubt already seen in the previous volume, was erected by Archibald Clybourn, of Chicago, in 1836, upon or near the northeast corner of Third and Vliet Streets, where it was kept by Sllas Griffith and others as a hotel and private board- ing house for several years, after which it was purchased by the late Frederick Voglesgezang, who removed it to the northwest corner of Third and Cedar Streets, where it was occupied as a hotel and known as the Republican House.
The annexed is a fac simile of this ancient building, given as are the others, not so much for the benefit of the present as for the coming generations.
This pioneer hotel, which, to use a metaphor, might properly be called " The Last of the Mohicans," has just been pulled down, May, 1884. The work was commenced on the first and finished on
* The only real difference between the Menomonee and the Baltic was in the veranda, the Baltic having one along its east front and across its north end, while the Menomonee had a balcony over the front door only as it has to this day. Both faced the east originally, same as the Menomonee does now.
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the eighth. It was completely rotten. The columns in the veranda, seen in the cut, were two feet square and made of plank. " Sic transit."
CORRECTION.
In Volume I, page 47, it was stated, that the Republican (then called the Washington House) was erected upon the northeast corner of Vliet and Third Streets, and occupied by the late Silas Griffith as a hotel.
This statement was correct except, that it was not occupied until 1838. The statement on page 48, that it stood on Cherry, between Second and Third Street, is of course incorrect.
Besides these, there was the Cottage Inn, by Jesse M. Van Slyck, at what is now 134 and 136 Clinton Street.
The Traveler's Home, at what is now 278 East Water Street.
This house, after having been partly destroyed by fire, was repaired and removed to what is now 262 Milwaukee Street, where it is yet standing and used as a private dwelling.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Timothy O'Brien, or " Father Tim," as he is familiarly called, has been a very prominent citizen, in several ways, in Milwaukee. He is a native of Limerick, Ireland, where he was born November 27, 1812, and from whenee he came to Milwaukee, September 24, 1842 and at once took a prominent place among his countrymen, socially and politically. He is one of the most aggressive men that ever lived here, and was among the first to represent his Ward-the Third -- in the Council, in which as councilman or alderman he held a seat almost continuously for some twenty years. He also served as marshal, as has been seen, several times, and was a very active and energetic officer. Could Mr. O'Brien have been thoroughly educated, he would have made a noise in the world, (in fact he has to some extent as it is,) as nature has been lavish of her gifts to him. His aggressiveness, however, has as a natural sequence made him some enemies, but for this he cares very little. He is one of that class of men who always speak their mind freely, without any reserve, and is always ready to take the consequences, never fails to remem- ber his friends, and never forgives his enemies. The writer has
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watched " Father Tim " very closely since he came to the city, and knows him well. He is, however, now well advanced in life's journey, and must soon, with the rest of his brother pioneers, cross the Styx, and be at rest. He is in political faith a Democrat, and never voted any other ticket in his life. In religious faith he is a Catholic and a zealous one. Such is Timothy O'Brien.
HARDWARE.
The principal hardware houses were W. H. Byron, 351 East Water Street, A. K. Williams, at 25 Spring Street, where the Plank- ton House now stands; present number would be 107 Grand Avenue. Bonnell & Williams, James Bonnell and Henry Williams, 287-89 and 291 East Water. Christopher Arnold, 297 Third Street, Whitnall's Block. T. & D. J. Miller (Thomas and Daniel J.) at No. 19 Spring Street, at what is now 105 Grand Avenue. Haney & DeBow, Robert Haney and John DeBow, 335 East Water. Henry K. Edgerton, successor to L. J. Farwell, was at 293 East Water. Henry J. Nazro was at 339 East Water, and John Pritzlaff at 299 Third Street. These were the principal hardware firms in 1851. There were other stores which kept some hardware, but not a full stock. Those that have been mentioned kept no other goods except hardware and stoves. They all kept stoves.
The hardware house of Haney & De Bow, was founded in 1848 by Robert Haney, at what is now No. III Grand Avenue, where he remained until the fall of 1849, when John De Bow was admitted as a partner and the firm removed to 335 East Water Street, where it continued to do a large business until the great fire of 1854, when they, with others, were burnt out. They, however, at once rebuilt upon the same site, where they remained until 1868, when they re- moved to the present store, Nos. 341 and 343 East Water, here they remained until June 5, 1862, when Mr. De Bow died, and Mr. Haney was alone for a short time, when William H. Willmanns, who had been a clerk in the old firm, was admitted a partner, who re- mained, however, but a short time. He was succeeded by E. H. Stone, who remained until 1879, when he also withdrew, since which time Mr. Haney has been alone .* This has been a very
"Mr. Stone is now in business in Chicago, and Mr. Willmans at Manistee.
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prosperous house financially, Mr. Haney having become quite wealthy. He is a man of marked peculiarities of character. In per- son he is above the medium height, is well formed, very muscular, and when in his prime must have been a very powerful man. He is possessed of an excellent constitution, and although well up to 70 years of age, is remarkably active. He is fond of horse back riding and takes exercise that way daily. In his business he is very methodical, wants his own way and will have it someway. He is always exceedingly " close mouthed," not easy to get acquainted with, and has to-day fewer intimate acquaintances than any other business man in the city. He is strictly temperate and requires the same of all his employes. Is a Democrat and always votes the straight ticket. He is from Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y. Such is Robert Haney, one of Milwaukee's solid men.
DRY GOODS STORES.
The leading firms in the dry goods business were : Peck & Baker, Henry P. Peck and Thos. L. Baker, (for a sketch of Mr. Peck, see Volume II, page 244,) at 340 East Water. Boyd & Ledyard, Garret B. Boyd and Geo. C. Ledyard, No. 9 Spring Street. A very large store, the largest, I think, at that time, with the exception of Messrs. Peck & Baker, in the city.
These gentlemen were prominent as merchants for several years. Both were good men. They left some years ago, although Mr. Led- yard visits us occasionally in the way of business and pleasure com- bined. His home is in Chicago.
Jonathan L. Peirce was in No. 13, (now J. H. Tesch's drug store.) He also had a large stock of general merchandise, and did a large business. Mr. Peirce was from Great Falls, in the town of Dover, N. H. He was a man of great energy of character, very close in all his dealings, and of course got wealthy. He died from the effects of exposure while surveying some property north of the Reservoir, May 11, 1875.
There is also one more clerk who was at the head of affairs in that store for many years, Asa L. Tyler, who left in 1883, for the city of Portland, Oregon, where he intends to spend his days. He was a confidential clerk for Mr. Haney for a long time. May his venture to Oregon prove to be all that he could wish in health, wealth and honor, for he is worthy to enjoy them all.
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Cicero Comstock, an early Milwaukean, was at 352 and 354 Third Street, with a large stock. He has also been somewhat prominent as a business man and politician. He was the first city comptroller. He has good executive ability, is a splendid accountant, a kind hearted and conscientious gentleman, has made a good record, if he has not got wealthy, and is with us to-day, honored and respected. Money will purchase various things, but not a reputation.
Richardson, Houghton & Sons (sketched in Volume II, page 208), Royal D. & Edgar C. Jennings (sketched in Volume II, page 156), and Holton & Goodall, were all in business upon the West Side, and were the leading dry goods firms among the Americans in 1851.
BIOGRAPHICAL-THOS. L. BAKER.
This gentleman came to Milwaukee from New York city, in 1847, as a partner of Henry P. Peck in the dry goods business, their store being at what is now 340 East Water Street, and was the largest at that time in the city and soon became a very popular house, Mr. Baker being in every way fitted for winning friends, he being pos- sessed of a goodly share of common sense, combined with a pleasing address, two qualities that when properly combined will always win for their possessor the respect and esteem of all who may come in contact with him.
This house, upon the death of Mr. Peck, was closed up by Mr. Baker, who then connected himself with the State Bank of Wisconsin (1853) as teller, a position he was well calculated to fill and in which he continued until the bank was changed to the Milwaukee National Bank, in 1863, when he was promoted to the responsible office of cashier, which office he holds to-day-a period of twenty years.
Mr. Baker, who was born in the city of New York,* is a descend- ant of the original " Amsterdamers," who made the first " Plant" on old Manhattan's famous isle, and possesses to a large extent the physical personale of that historic race, over whom the redoubtable " Peter the Headstrong" wielded the scepter as military governor in
* Mr. Baker's grandfather owned a farm in what is now the most central resi- dence portion of New York city, which he sold for twenty thousand dollars, at that time no doubt considered a good price. Its value to-day, however, is away in the millions. What a change in two generations, but then such is life. A man often lets go what would have made him an Astor, or a Vanderbilt, had he kept his grip a little longer.
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the olden time, and whose peculiar characteristics Washington Irving has so graphically portrayed in his " Knickerbocker."
Mr. Baker is short and what is termed thick set, but not corpu- lent, and must when in his prime have been a very muscular young man. He has a large head, a clear and somewhat prominent blue eye, dark brown hair inclined to stand erect, a large face, fair com- plexion, and a mouth indicating firmness of character. He walks as erect as a soldier and with a regular military step. He is not very nervous or easily excited, and never loses his self control or allows himself to get angry. He is very quiet and undemonstrative always, and very reticent when among strangers, but social when once an acquaintance is formed and, like Mr. Haney, never lets any one get too well acquainted with himself or his affairs.
He is conscientious and true to every duty and will say nothing against any one, to their injury. He has fine literary tastes, is a great reader, and keeps posted on all the scientific discoveries of the times. He also has fine conversational powers, but as a public speaker would not be a success, as he has a dislike to everything that would give him prominence, as a public man; he is too modest for that. His habits of life are regular, and moral character is without a blem- ish, and probably lives as near the Golden Rule as it is possible to do. The writer is proud to count Mr. B., among his life long personal friends. He is a true man and one whom to know, is to respect. In political faith he is a staunch Republican, but does not take any active part in political affairs, has never sought for or held any pol- itical office, but gives his whole attention to the bank, where 9 A. M., finds him with the same regularity that it did Tim Linkinwater at the office of the Cheerible Bros., so graphically portrayed by Dickens in his "Nicholas Nickleby." Such is a brief sketch of Thos. L. Baker a useful business man, and valued citizen.
The warehousemen were: Eli C. Kellogg, 170 West Water ; the old Stockton & McClure warehouse,* and at the city mill, Sher-
* In vol. 2, page 186 in a foot note, in which it was stated that the old Stockton & McClure warehouse erected on lot 3, block 72, Fourth ward, by E. D. Holton, was then standing in the rear of Peter McGeoch packing house, on lot 4, block 72, Fourth ward. This is a mistake, the Holton warehouse was removed entirely and the one in the rear of McGeoch's (now No. 162 and 164 West Water) was built by Elisha Eldred who owned lot 4 at that time.
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man & Tapping, were at the old north pier; L. J. Higby, was on the south east corner of West Water and Sycamore streets ; Dous- man & Co., at the foot of East Water street ; John Webb was in the Blue warehouse on Erie street, now the property of the Messrs. Mann Bros ; Brown & Larkin were in the checkered warehouse on South Water street, Thomas P.Williams at the Reed warehouse on Erie street, McCracken & Co, a new firm; Nelson and Gardner McCracken, in the Putnam warehouse where the Marine block now stands, north- east corner of Ferry and South Water streets ; and Sweet and Reed at the brick warehouse on South Water, the present Angus Smith's "C."
DRUGGISTS.
The leading druggists were: Seth Johnson, Jr., 349 East Water (old No. 151), Lake & Williams, (Wallace W. Lake and Henry Williams,* United States block, 334 East Water, old No. 136.)
Hatch & Patterson, Allen W. Hatch and John Patterson,t 393 East Water; Clark & Woodruff, Abram F. Clark and John M. Woodruff, 367 East Water. Of these Mr. Hatch is yet with us, but from age and infirmities, helpless. Mr. Woodruff died several years ago. Mr. Clark is in Chicago, he had been an active business man in Milwaukee, but finally went into speculations that broke him financially. He was socially a genial, whole souled man, too much so for his own good. He was not aggressive and not very demon- strative, his weak points being his too ready confidence in the word of others, who would inveigle him into business he knew noth- ing about. Had he stuck to the drug business he would have been a capitalist to-day.
BOSWORTH & SONS.
We now come to the well known house of Bosworth & Sons,
* Mr. Williams died in California many years ago. His homestead was the present Dr. McNamara's establishment, northeast corner of Broadway and John- son streets. W. W. Lake is in Chicago, a wreck physically, financially and almost mentally, the result of domestic troubles. Mr. Williams higira to the land of gold was said to be for the same domestic infelicity.
+Messrs. Hatch & Patterson, were succeeded by Dr. John C. Dowe. Mr. Pat- terson, I am informed, is now a resident of the State of Pennsylvania. He left here in 1851.
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Howard, Fitch J., and Chas. A. Bosworth, who at this date were located in Austin's new block, at what is now 285 East Water.
This well known house was established originally in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1828, where it remained until 1845, when it was removed to Mil- waukee and opened at No. 194 West Water Street. Here the firm remained until 1849, December 17th, when they removed to the location as above stated, which store had been fitted up expressly for them, where they remained until 1851, when Bedford B. Hop- kins came into the concern as clerk, and in 1852 their store proving too small for their increasing trade as well as too far down the street, they purchased the store at what is now 337 East Water, into which they removed and where they remained until burnt out August 24, 1854, but phoenix like, a new store soon appeared upon the same site, in which they were doing business in 60 days after the fire. Here they remained, growing daily in volume, until 1860, when they removed into the adjoining store No. 339, (Nazro's old store) where the business continued until 1865, when Chas. A. Bosworth died, and in 1867 the father, Howard Bosworth died, and Bedford B. and Edward C. Hopkins, (the latter having come in as clerk in 1862) were admitted into the firm, under whose management the business has been continued with the old name until the present time, 1884. Fitch J. Bosworth, although residing in Europe, still re- tains his interest in the business. This has been a famous drug establishment, and is, as far as I know, the only one which started as early as 1845 that has continued in business up to the present (a period of 38 years) and that like Messrs. Green & Button, has never failed to pay one hundred cents on the dollar for every in- debtedness it incurred.
Howard Bosworth, the founder of this house, was a man of strong will, good business ability, and great energy of character. He had a large head, full face, clear, dark blue eyes, and a strong, powerful voice. He was very social to acquaintances and just enough to strangers to win their good opinion. In religious faith he was a Congregationalist, a leading member of Plymouth Church and for many years a deacon. He was very active in all the charitable ob- jects of the day in connection with the church, and just aggressive enough to carry his point in everything that he thought right to do
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himself, or that the church should do. Fitch J. Bosworth is of a more retiring nature and is not an easy man to get acquainted with. Of Chas. A., the writer knew very little except that he also was of a retiring disposition and very reticent. Of the present active part- ners, B. B. and Ed. C. Hopkins, it can be truthfully said that the house under their wise management has prospered wonderfully. They are both sharp men and understand the drug business thoroughly. They are known all over the state for fair dealing, and are getting wealthy very fast. Bedford B., is a little inclined to dab- ble in politics, and score one for the Democratic party, but is not an office seeker. Ed. C., never meddles with it, but attends strictly to business. Such is a brief sketch of the firm of H. Bosworth & Sons. May their shadow never be less .*
JOHN H. TESCH.
Another who has also been prominent as a druggist who was among the early ones, is our well know fellow citizen John H Tesch. Mr. Tesch in a native of Prussia, and came to Milwaukee in 1841. His first employment was as clerk for the late N. A. McClure, then with Goodrich & Easton (at No. 9 Spring street) and lastly with Messrs. Hale & Chapman, book store, whom he left in 1849, to open a drug store, which he did in the basement of the Methodist church, northwest corner of Spring and West Watert where he remained until Jauuary 14, 1854, when the church was burnt. He then removed to No. 7 Spring, (then No. 9), and lastly to No. 13, his present quarters. Here he has built up a large business, being greatly aided for several years in the department of chemistry (which was a part of his business) by August Bode, who in this department has no superior in the city .¿ Mr. Tesch is one of the men who go slow and sure, he does not expect to get rich in day. He never goes in over his head. He has become quite wealthy, the result of close attention to
*This firm now occupy a double store, having sold No. 147 in 18So, to E. II. Brodhead, who owned 139, and who fitted up both for them in good style, under a ten years lease.
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