USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > Pioneer history of Milwaukee > Part 4
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For classical studies $7 00
Higher English 6 00
Junior 5 00
Primary 4 00
French and Italian (extra).
4 00
German
2 00
Music
.6
10 00
Drawing, (35 lessons)
5 00
H. M. LOWE, J. P. MCGREGOR.
Milwaukee, January 18, 1847.
Their successors were Miss Eliza Jones and Miss Eliza Hollister.
This building after its abandonment as a school, was used by the Sisters of Charity, in connection with St. John's Cathedral, as a Hospital for a short time, after which it was purchased by Michael Page, who removed it to the south west corner of Jefferson and Detroit Streets, where it was fitted up as a hotel for John Olmstead,* who occupied it for a short time, when it was sold to John Jennings, now in Texas, who occupied it as the Jennings House until 1862, I think, when it was burned. Such was the end of this pioneer school building.
" Sic Transit."
BIOGRAPHICAL.
AUGUST GREULICH.
This gentleman was born in the Duchy of Baden, Germany, Au- gust 5, 1813, came to America in 1834, was first at Detroit, Michigan, came to Milwaukee in 1840, being among the earliest of his country- men to pitch their tents in the future commercial emporium of Wis-
*Died at the Cold Spring House, by poison as some thought.
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consin. He was first a butcher in connection with Philip Meincer, at Uncle Geo. Knapp's building, on Third Street above Chestnut. See volume II, page 84. He soon, however, got into politics, and was among the first of his countrymen to be honored with a seat in the legislature, he being a member of the first session held under the constitution, was elected again in 1856 from the Second Ward, was Senator in 1857 and 1858. In 1860 he sold The See-Bote (a German paper started in 1856, of which he had up to that time been the editor and proprietor), to P. V. Deuster, and purchased the liquor store of Jacob Finkler, and went into the wholesale liquor business. Mr. Greulich has also been elected alderman from the Second Ward for several terms, the last one being in 1869. He has also served for several years upon the. County Board, all of which positions he has filled with credit to himself, as well as satisfaction to the com- munity.
He is a man of large frame, has broad shoulders a large head, a clear blue eye, has good business as well as executive abilities, is not nervous or easily excited, is a safe man to counsel with, and taken altogether has been a very useful citizen. He is always dignified and courteous, has a pleasant word for every one, and is well liked by both Germans and Americans. He is now well down the western slope of life's journey, being 69 years old, but is very active. In religious faith he is a Catholic, and has always been an influential one ; in politics a Democrat of the Jackson school. Such is August Greulich, one of Milwaukee's German representative men, and honored citizen.
BADGER SUPPER.
Eighth January Supper -- Anniversary of the battle of New Orleans.
The Badger Society will partake of a Supper, to which all are invited, on the evening of the 8th of January, inst., at the South Ward Exchange.
Horace Ileadley, Robert Allen, Nelson Soggs, S. H. Martin, James Magone, Amos Loomis, N. B. Brooks, J. M. Delany, Capt. J. Sherwood, Capt. E. Sax, James M. Smith, Joseph McHose, Committee of Arrangements.
The following is the programme for the one held by the Washing- ton Guards, on the same occasion :
Anniversary Ball of the Washington Guards. At Military Hall.
The Washington Guards beg leave to direct the attention of the public to their
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Ball which will take place on the 8th of January next. Nothing shall be spared to make this affair one of the most pleasant and brilliant of the season. There- fore, all military men and men of military spirit, and the dancing public in gen- eral, are respectfully invited to attend.
All military men are particularly requested to appear in uniform.
Tickets $2.00, to be had at the principal hotels and of the Acting Managers. Ball to commence at 7 o'clock.
Carriages will be ready from 6 till 9 o'clock.
ACTING MANAGERS.
Capt. D. George, Ord. Serg't Liebhaber, Vol'tr Eilebracht, Lieut. D. Upman, Serg't Wedemeyer, Vol'tr. Harttret, Jr.
FLOOR MANAGERS.
Lieut. Geisburg, Vol'tr Scholner.
HONORARY MANAGERS.
Gen. R. King, Gen. Wolcott, Col. Rowland, Capt. McManman, Gen. Graves, Gen. Hubbell, Capt. W. Brown, Capt. Moseley, John S. Fillmore.
Capt. G. Moffert, Lieut. G. Broseus, Lieut. H. Lucas- Milwaukee Riflemen. Lieut. J. N. Bonsteel, Lieut. J. Kneeland, Qr. Mstr. Lynde-City Artillerists.
DANCING RULE.
PART I.
PART II.
I-Waltz.
I-Polonaise.
2-Cotilion.
2-Waltz.
3-Gallopade.
3-Cotilion,
4-Cotilion.
4-Gallopade.
5-Scotch Waltz.
5 --- Spanish Waltz.
6-Spanish Waltz.
6-Cotilion.
7-Waltz.
7-Waltz.
8-Cotilion.
8-Cotilion.
Author appointed school commissioner for the Fifth Ward, Janu- ary 7, 1847.
AN OLD SETTLER.
The Milwaukee Sentinel of January 13th has the following :
We saw few days since, at the house of an old friend in this city, a box stove, the plates of which are 114 inches in thickness. Capt. C. has had it for 38 years, and his father-in-law, 40 years, and he got it second-hand.
This was a pretty big story, but that there was such a stove brought here by Capt. Robert K. Caswell, is true. There may be (and probably is) some mistake as to its age.
There were two stoves of a similar kind in the old United States
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Court Room in Martin's Block, made in Buffalo, that weighed 700 each, the plates of which were 114 inches thick. And that, like Captain Caswell's, would take in wood three feet in length. . The Captain's stove was probably about 40 years old when he brought it to Milwaukee.
NEW GROCERY.
A new grocery was opened this year at the old checkered store, 41I East Water Street (present number) by Erastus Hathaway, ref- erence to which was made in volume II, page 122, in foot note.
January 22d, great fire in Huron Street, some ten buildings burnt.
THE MILWAUKEE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.
In the Sentinel of February 1, 1847, we find the following: The first report of this company (mention of the organization of which was given in Vol. II, page 246,) is as follows :
The first policy was issued to Elisha Eldred, April 1, 1846, from whence to July 4, 1847, the whole number issued was 377. The total insurance was $251,534. Premiums received, $22,826. Expenses, $827,68. Losses, 335.00. Office 185 (now 383) East Water.
GEO. E. HI. DAY, Sec.
February 8th, the Washington Guards went to Racine to attend the execution of David Bonham, but as a reprieve had preceded them, it did not come off.
This man, David Bonham, was arrested for the murder of Henry Keene, in the town of New Lisbon, Waukesha county, (then a part of Milwaukee county) in June, 1845. The murder grew out of a dispute concerning a mill site. Both were English. Bonham was a large, rough looking man, and he was rough. He was tried at Racine on a change of venue, before Judge A. G. Miller, convicted, and sentenced to be hung, but was reprieved by Governor Henry Dodge, as some thought, through Masonic influence, and his sentence changed to imprisonment for life, He was subsequently pardoned. It is a truth, however, that while confined in our jail under the administra- tion of Sheriff John White, he was permitted to act as turnkey. He afterwards went to Anderson County, Missouri, which he repre- sented in the State Senate in 1866. He also served in the Rebellion. He was also once a candidate for the office of Lieut. Governor of
5
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Missouri, but failed to get the nomination. He died in 1870. There was much dissatisfaction among a certain class, about his acting as turnkey, but he did so for quite a while. And it certainly was a little out of order. But our politicians were noted for some wonderful achievements in the way of reform in those days, and this was one of them.
The following statement of the proceedings had in the case, fur- nished by the governor's private secretary, is given here as official :
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, MADISON, WIS., Aug. Sth, 1883. 5
Jas. S. Buck, Esq., Milwaukee, Wis .:
SIR :- In reply to yours of the 7th inst., relative to one David Bonham, I have to say that from the records of this office it appears that David Bonham was sen. lenced to be executed December 11th, 1846.
November 30th, 1846, Governor Dodge reprieved Bonham until Wednesday, February 3d, 1847.
January 23d, 1847, Governor Dodge issued death warrant, execution to take place Wednesday, February 3d, 1847.
February 1, 1847, Governor Dodge issued warrant reprieving Bonham until March 3d, 1847, and commanding execution to be done on said day.
February 27th, 1847, sentence commuted to imprisonment for life.
March 19th, 1851. Unconditional pardon granted by governor Dewey.
Yours very respectfully, L. J. RUSK, Private Secretary.
The Courier, which had been water-logged politically, gets on its feet again, whereupon Mr. W. H. Sullivan blows his horn.
Hear, hear !*
Evening Courier, January 22d, 1847 :
THE DAILY COURIER is again afloat. Having furnished her with an entirely new rig, alow and aloft, and found her with every necessary for a long voyage, she spreads her sails to a prosperous breeze, with the brightest prospects of a success- ful cruise. Her officers have had long years of experience in navigating the troubled waters of politics, and with the well-defined chart of Democracy as their guide, and integrity of purpose their compass, they will steer clear of the currents that set towards the whirlpool of monopoly, or the banks that have wrecked the early prosperity of every new State that has preceded our own lovely Wisconsin in ad- mission to the family group of United Republics.
The Evening Courier sails on a peaceful mission, under the broad pennant of
*Mr. Sullivan had a great dread of banks, and was very anxious that the first constitution should be adopted, as it contained an anti-bank clause.
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"equal rights and free toleration;" and with all who sail her course she will be ever ready to gam, as well as to exchange courtesies with those who answer her hail. For the enemies of her flag. she carries "two rows of teeth," and will never knock under while there is a shot in the locker.
But, to drop the nautical figure. The publication of the Daily Courier is re- sumed under the most favorable auspices, -with new material, free from debt, and three hundred advance-paying subscribers. We have never seen the Democ- racy of Milwaukee so well united, nor so firmly devoted to the interests of the party,-those great interests which involve the dearest rights of man. We have the pledge of Democrats, the old and the young, that they will lend a helping hand to produce that harmony and action the want of which has robbed us as a party of half our victory at every election that has heretofore taken place in the county. We have no leader but the people to follow ; knowing no cliques, and having at heart a desire only for the triumph of the Democratic party, the success of republican principles, and the happiness, prosperity, and glory of our noble young State.
An interesting and important crisis in the affairs of the people of this Territory is at hand. The organization of a new State is of momentous importance. The pecuniary prospects and moral condition of the people will depend in a great degree upon the stand we take at starting. We have had in our day and genera- tion, the example of some half a dozen States that have preceded us in admission into the Union.
Pecuniary and moral bankruptcy has marked the early history of each, without exception, down to the last few years. Is Wisconsin to be an exception to this unfortunate rule ? If we profit by their example, we say yes. We know the rock on which they wrecked their prosperity and we need only the will to avoid it. Banks and banking is the known cause of their misfortunes, and our Constitution is wisely framed to avoid this danger. If we are true to our permanent interests we will adopt it, and Wisconsin will [present the proud example of a State grow- ing rich upon its own resources and the industry of its inhabitants. Adopt it, and universal education, universal suffrage, universal liberty of conscience will diffuse blessings upon our people, the most exalted that can be bestowed upon man. This being our firin belief, we shall earnestly commend it to the favorable con- sideration of the people.
As a newspaper, we shall as far as we are able, make the Evening Courier equal to any of our contemporaries. With this brief introductory, we fling our flag to the breeze, trusting to the true-hearted Democracy to keep it there flying. Remember that however good our cause may be, it requires self-sacrifice and pat- riotism to sustain it against the efforts of selfishness and demagoguism. We shall shrink from no responsibility ourselves, and trustingly rely upon the people to back us.
ยท
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POLITICAL.
The following is a copy of the proceedings had at a meeting of those democrats friendly to the first constitution, at the old court- house, on the 18th of February, 1847.
GRAND RALLY FOR THE CONSTITUTION .- THE MULTITUDE IN MOTION.
On Saturday evening pursuant to a call which was posted during the forenoon of that day, the Democracy of Milwaukee .- the laborers, the producers-the hard-fisted and true-hearted sons of humanity, rallied in their strength, to testify their approbation of the Constitution that has been framed for the State of Wis- consin-a Constitution which carries out in letter and spirit, those great princi- ples of equal rights which all politicians profess to believe in. The voters assem- bled in their several wards and marched to the Milwaukee House, led by their several ward marshals, as follows : Those of the first ward by Col. Upmann ; second ward, R. N. Messenger ; third ward, by M. Walsh ; fourth ward by John E. Cameron ; fifth ward, by R. Allen. They were then formed in procession by Gen. A. W. Starke, and marched to the Court House, led by the fine German Band, and accompanied by torches.
On arriving at the Court House, that spacious Enilding was immediately filled -literally packed full-Court-room, hall, stairways and vestibule, and still a large crowd were entirely unable to obtain a shelter from the cutting north-east wind, which was blowing almost a hurricane, and were consequently obliged to retire. The meeting was called to order by Wm. P. Lynde, Esq., Ilon. John P. Helfen- stein was chosen Chairman by acclamation, and R. N. Messenger and J. G. Barr, appointed Secretaries.
The Chairman opened the meeting with a few pertinent remarks, when A. D. Smith moved the appointment of a committe of five to draft resolutions. The following gentlemen were appointed said committee : A. D. Smith, L. Hubbell, J. A. Brown, M. Walsh and M. Scheffler.
A. D. Smith, being loudly called for, arose and addressed the multitude in his usual felicitous and eloquent manner. His remarks elicited frequent and enthusi- astic cheers.
At the conclusion of Mr. Smith's remarks I. P. Walker was enthusiastically called for, who in a powerful argumentative speech showed the superiority of the Constitution now presented to the people of Wisconsin over any other one that had ever been framed. He briefly traced the progressive spirit of civil liberty from the days of barbarism, through the dimly lighted pathway of feudal slavery, to the broad light of constitutional law ; and showed the struggles that it had encountered in all ages through the selfishness of the interested few who have ever attempted, and generally too successfully, to live upon the earnings of the masses. He showed that the same spirit of selfishness was at work to defeat this Constitution, which had taken another advance step in human rights. Mr. Walker closed with a most thrilling appeal to the laboring multitude-the friends of
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humanity-the philanthropist and the patriot, to rally in its defence. His speech was received with the most rapturous applause.
The committee on resolutions reported through their chairman, Gen. Hubbell, the following resolutions, which were received with every demonstration of approval and enthusiasm :
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the adoption of the Constitution framed by the recent Convention at Madison, will secure the essential rights and promote the best interests of the people of Wisconsin ; while it is the only means of effecting a speedy termination of their present Territorial vassalage.
That entertaining these views, we intend to vote for it-to work for it-and to recommend it to our friends throughout the Territory, with all earnestness and energy, until its final triumph, on the first Tuesday of April next.
Resolved, That we hail the great leading features of the proposed Constitution, as presenting the surest, soundest and broadest platform of Civil and Religious Liberty ever yet laid before the world, and we deem their preservation inestini- ably more precious than the correction of a few alleged defects, which time and trial may yet improve, or which the people can alter, amend or eradicate, in their own time and way.
Resolved, That while we accord to every independent elector, the right to think and act for himself; and while we freely admit that objections exist in different minds, against different portions of the Constitution, we cannot regard those dif- ferences as forming any sufficient ground for opposing the whole instrument, or for subjecting the people to the danger, the delay, and the expense of a new trial, for the doubtful chance of a better instrument.
Resolved, That Milwaukee County is essentially and unchangeably devoted to the great principles embodied in the present Constitution; and, notwithstanding the interested clamors of a few, in one party, and the reviving hopes of a slender majority in the other, we entertain the fullest confidence that the sober sense and sound patriotism of the masses, will give to that instrument a clear and decided majority at the coming election in this county.
Resolved, That in view of the invaluable rights and interests involved in the adoption or rejection of the proposed Constitution, we invoke to the subject, the candid, cool and enlightened consideration of men of all parties; we ask them to examine the ground on which they stand, and to determine for themselves whether the result of a rejection of this instrument, will not be disastrous to the public peace, fruitful in strife and division, prolific of debt and taxation, and possibly the first step toward a form of government, hostile to the best interests of the sov- ereign people.
Resolved, That the occasion calls for the best energies of the friends of popular government ; that we call upon them to be up and doing ; that we invoke upon their efforts a spirit of harmony, concession and honorable union ; that we pledge ourselves to one another and to the people of the territory, to act upon these principles, and to give to the Constitution our hearty, united and untiring support, until the ballot-boxes shall tell the final result.
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The chairman followed the reading of the resolutions with a short and brilliant speech, pointing out the great leading features of the Constitution-which, over and above all minor defects and objections, should command for it the prompt and unyiekling support of the masses, and crown it with triumphant success.
William P. Lynde, being unanimously called for, came forward and in his hap- piest style answered to the call. His remarks upon the bank article of the Con- stitution were most lucid and convincing. He showed that the circulating medium the currency of Wisconsin, was all derived from two sources: emigration and the surplus products of the soil. That emigrants generally brought gold and silver, and our products would bring the same currency if demanded ; that the market of the world, into which our bread-stuffs are taken, is governed by a specie standard, and any cheaper currency only defrauds the producer to the full amount of the difference in value between gold and silver and depreciated bank issues. Any- thing like a fair report of Mr. Lynde's speech cannot be given in the limits of this article.
After he had closed a general call was made for Mr. Coon, when the meeting was informed that Mr. Coon had left on account of sickness in his family. Mr. William K. Wilson was then called for, but it was ascertained that he had also left, not being able to get into the house. The crowd then called for Mr. Mat- theison, who rose and made a brief speech in favor of the Constitution as it is, and appealed particularly to the adopted citizens to come forward to its support. Hearty cheering followed his remarks, when a motion was made to adjourn. Previous to putting this motion, three cheers for the Constitution were called for and given with a hearty good will and power that nearly raised the roof of the building.
The meeting then adjourned.
JOHN P. HELFENSTEIN, Chairman.
R. N. MESSENGER, Secretaries.
JOHN G. BARR,
After the adjournment, the procession was again formed and marched to the Courier office, where three hearty cheers were given for the Constitution and its defenders, when the crowd dispersed in the best spirit, and in the highest degree satisfied with the result of this demonstration of the sovereign people in behalf of their Constitution.
There was also a call in the Sentinel of March 2d, for an anti-con- stitutional meeting to be held at the Court House, on the 4th, signed by over 800 names, at which meeting, Solomon Juneau was presi- dent, and Geo. Abert, Moses Kneeland, John Furlong and S. H. Martin, were vice-presidents.
This was a spirited meeting, and brought a cold chill upon the friends of that iniquitous instrument yclept The Constitution. This meeting was addressed by Byron Kilbourn, Marshall M. Strong, of Racine, and several others.
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The Courier of March Io, in commenting upon this meeting, has the following :
'The meeting of the anti-Constitutionalists at the Court House last evening was large and respectable, consisting, we should think, of almost 1,000 persons. It was composed of at least one-half Whigs, and of the balance, at least one half were known to be in favor of the Constitution, who, understanding that the great guns were to be out, were attracted there by curiosity to hear what could be said against the People's Constitution,-the most liberal under heaven. Many of the balance had not made up their minds in relation to it ; but we are confident, after this exhibition, that they will go for it.
Mr. Kilbourn first addressed the meeting. He entertained the assembly some thirty or forty minutes with general comments on the Constitution, and a some- what vague statement of his own views respecting the instrument. At the close of his address he introduced the Hon. M. M. Strong, of Racine.
Mr. S. mounted the table and was greeted by a thrice repeated cheer, that was particularly vociferous in the different quarters where the Whigs were most numerous.
He began by intimating that he was going to make an argument and nothing else ; and it must be allowed that he has improved some since he delivered his somewhat elaborate speech in the Council Chamber. There his arguments were conveyed to the Hon. Assembly through the medium of " Roosters " and " Old Women." Here he enlightened the united forces of the " Democratic Whigs " and " Whig Democrats " by extracting arguments from a " Sambo," an "Old Indian," and " rotten eggs." The gentleman's effort may be fairly set down as a " good Whig speech," for the Whigs applauded every sentiment to the echo, and with an enthusiasm that strongly contrasted with the tame, disciplined assent of the greater portion of their allies and the silence of the numerous lookers-on.
An awfully prosy manifesto and a long string of resolutions were next read by Mr. Holliday.
There was now a general call for H. N. Wells. Mr. Kilbonrn informed the nieeting that Mr. W. had gone home, having exhausted himself speaking out of doors.
Mr. Holliday was next called, and he jumped on the table with alacrity. He said he was hoarse and exhansted, (facts sufficiently apparent,) but he had some voice left, and he would expend it, and he did, and no mistake. "I have no more to say," cried the gentleman, when he was almost done ; " Oh ! thank God," said a quiet looker-on at our elbow, with a hearty and natural gusto. Mr. H. closed by pledging himself, and calling on everybody to oppose the " nefarious Consti- tution."
The assembly outside was addressed by H. N. Wells, Mr. Brisbin, Mr. Holli- day, and the appointed Judiciary of the 4th Ward. The gentlemen were all elo- quent ; but the speech of the functionary of the " saucy Fourth " was a most
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moving effort. Its effect upon the audience was like unto that of the bright sun beams upon the snow in our streets.
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