The history of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Part 91

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1082

USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > The history of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin > Part 91

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).

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIETIES.

Home for the Friendless .- The Home for the Friendless, with its ample grounds and large, comfortable building, is an outgrowth and the exclusive property of the Fond du Lac Relief Society, which was organized by the ladies of Fond du Lac, during the great fires in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin. Mrs. Julia Tallmadge Ruggles was the leading spirit in organizing the Relief Society. She was also mainly instrumental in securing a charter for the society, enabling it to hold property, and in raising money to purchase the building now owned and occupied as the " Home." Her original idea was to have an industrial school connected with the Ifome, so that needy people might be provided with employment at fair wages.

Mrs. Elizabeth Fenimore Beall, until her death in 1879, was also an earnest worker in the Relief Society. The first annual report of the Society was in April, 1875. It contained the original articles of association, as required by chapter 146, laws of 1872, showing that the fol- lowing ladies were the founders of the Society: Mrs. Elizabeth F. Beall, Mary W. Stow, E. B. Tallmadge, Mary T. Hamilton, Susan A. Perry, Mary Branshaw, E. A. Walker, Julia T. Ruggles, C. L. Spears, C. F. Townsend, E. A. Hurd, Mary L. Iliner and E. P. Lusk. A large number of other ladies afterward became members, the life membership fee being $25.

In 1876, the State made an appropriation of $300, and until 1879, the county set aside $300 annually for the Home. At its session in that year the County Board refused to make an appropriation. Mrs. William B. Brand, at her death in 1878, bequcathed some real estate and $200 in cash to the Home, and the citizens of Fond du Lac have given liberally to its support. George W. Peck delivered a lecture for the benefit of the Home, and various fairs, concerts, dramas and other entertainments have been given to replenish its treasury. These have always been liberally patronized.

The building occupied as the Home for the Friendless is situated on the corner of Amory and Arndt streets, and was purchased by the Fond du Lac Relief Society August 30, 1873, of R. M. Lewis, for $2,500. It is commodious and well arranged for the use to which it has been put. and is surrounded by a finely shaded yard and large garden. The Home is the only non-secta- rian benevolent institution in the city, and has accomplished great good. extending aid to

606

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

persons of all ages and shades of religious opinion. The different Presidents have been, Mrs. E. F. Beall, Mrs. B. F. Patty, Mrs. W. H. Hliner, Mrs. J. F. Aldrich and Mrs. J. R. Smith. Secretaries-Mrs. C. W. Seaver, Mrs. J. F. Aldrich, Mrs. J. R. Smith, Mrs. M. E. Deveraux. Treasurers-Mrs. W. H. Hiner, Mrs. C. K. Pier, Mrs. Dr. Walker, Mrs. J. R. Smith.

St. Joseph's Convent of Mercy and Orphan Asylum .- In January, 1876, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the S. E. Lefferts place, on East Second street, for $4,500, and converted it into a convent and asylum. In each of the years, 1876, 1877 and 1878, the county voted $300 aid to the Sisters. With this, and the personal means belonging to each, the building was raised another story. fences were built and other improvements male. At the same time the debt for purchase money was reduced to $1,127. Sister Mary Agnes is the Mother Super- ior, in whom rests the title to all property. She has sixteen associates. There are twenty-four orphan children now being clothed, fed an I educate ] at the asylum. They are taught whatever trade they seem best adapted to follow. Thirty have found good homes through these Sisters, and others been put in a way to earn their own livelihood. In addition to caring for orphans, the Sisters visit and aid the poor everywhere, and take in and care for distressed women of good character. They have a commodious three-story building, well furnished; a good schoolroom and a neatly arranged dormitory for the children. The amount of good they quietly and secretly do is incalculable. By donations of the charitable and their own industry, the Sisters are constantly enlarging their field of usefulness. They are, of course, Catholic.

St. Agnes' Convent .- One of the largest and finest buildings in Fond du Lac is St. Agnes' Convent on East Division street. In August, 1871, a band of St. Agnes' Sisters came to Fond du Lac and purchased a house and several lots on East Division street. Three years later, they built another house of brick, and in 1877, erected the present structure. It is of brick and stone, with stone roof 120x43 feet, and four stories in height, with basement. Its cost was $20,000. Preparations are constantly making for the construction of other buildings, to which the present large structure will be only one wing. This Convent is the head of all others in Wis- consin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. Sister Mary Agnes, the Mother Superior, is Superior General over all those States. There are 120 Sisters belonging to this Convent, who are teaching in various localities, whence the means necessary to carry forward such an extensive work are derived. In this Convent are twenty-two orphans who are clothed, fed and taught in all branches of learning and industry. The needle and fancy decorative work turned out is remarkable in design, beauty and quantity. Everything in the Convent betokens system, culture, genius and comfort. Pictures and plants are in all the rooms, in which also dwell courteousness, cleanliness and cheerfulness. All the Sisters are Catholics, and their work is a branch of the Catholic Church work.

Workingmen's Association .- This society, which is composed of Germans and was organ- ized for benevolent purposes, meets every Friday night in the Bischoff Block, on Main street. In has been in existence since 1876. Its By-Laws provide that, in case of the sickness of any member, he shall receive $3 per week benefit during such sickness, and, in case of death, each member shall pay $1 to his family. If the wife of a member dies, this assessment is 50 cents each ; and if a child dies, 25 cents each. The officers are Peter Pehl, President; Herman Walter, Secretary, and John Luhn, Treasurer.

La Belle Wagon Works Mutual Benefit Association .- This benevolent society is com- posed of the men connected with the La Belle Wagon Works, and was organized June 4, 1878, with B. F. Moore, President ; C. II. Moore, Vice President; S. P. Morse, Secretary; A. L. Moore, Treasurer. The Association has two classes of mutual insurance. The one requires each member to pay 50 cents per month into the treasury, and, in case of injury, he will receive $7 per week benefit during his disability. The other requires each member to pay one- half as much per month, and the benefits are one-half smaller. The Association numbers fifty, with the original officers in charge.

St. Michael's Society .-- This is a German Catholic benevolent association, organized for the mutual benefit of its members. It was formed in April, 1870. and is a branch of the

607

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

German Catholic Central Society of the United States. In case of the sickness or disability of any member, he is paid $3 per week from the benefit fund, and, in case of his death, $35 is set aside for funeral expenses. In case of the death of a member's wife, $20 is set aside for the same purpose. The Society, which has seventy-five members, meets in Reinig's Hall every Tuesday evening. The officers are Fred Wagner, President; Anton Born, Secretary, and Michael Kaufman, Treasurer. It is a strong and prosperous organization.

Concordia Benevolent Society .- This Society, which exists for the purpose of affording aid to its members and their families, was organized February 10, 1866. The Society pays $+ per week to any member in case of and during sickness, and, at his death, the funeral expenses. It is composed entirely of Germans, has about fifty members, and holds its meetings, on the first Wednesday of each month. in J. & C. Frey's block. on Main street. The officers are Peter Pehl, President; Casper Schleiden, Secretary, and John Hirsch, Treasurer. The Society has a large surplus in the treasury.

St. Patrick's Benevolent Society .- This Society, formed for purely benevolent purposes, was organized April 20, 1869, by the election of John W. Gill, President. It has been contin- uously engaged in acts of benevolence since that time, holding monthly meetings in Welch's Hall, on Main street. John W. Gill has been President five times-in 1869, 1871, 1873, 1877 and 1879; Maurice McKenna in 1872 and 1874; Thomas McCrory, 1876; Maurice Fitzsim- mons, 1875; A. A. Kelley, 1878.

St. Joseph's Benevolent Association. - This society, formed purely for benevolent purposes, was organized March 4, 1866. The charter members were Joseph Serwe, Joseph Erman, Joseph Hetwere, Andrew Hetwere, J. II. Gores, John Dana, John Merz, Nicholas Jenner, Anton Servatius, Peter Servatius, William Buchel, Jack Thellan, Peter Breister, G. Scherzin- ger, Martin Lohmiller and Joseph Stollenwork. The first officers were: Josephi Serwe, Presi- dent ; A. Servatius, Vice President ; John H. Gores. Secretary ; Joseph Hetwere, Vice Secre- tary ; Joseph Erman. Treasurer. The society pays $3 per week benefit to any member during sickness, $150 to his heirs in case of death, $25 in case of the death of the wife of any member, and furnishes nightly attendance during sickness. A person cannot join the Associa- tion unless he is of good character, between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, in good health, and a member of the Catholic Church. The initiation fee is $3 for persons from sixteen to twenty-five years of age, $+ from twenty-five to thirty-five, $5 from thirty-five to forty-five, and $6 from forty-five to fifty ; monthly dues, 25 cents. The society now has a membership of sixty-five, with $1,500 in the treasury. The officers are: John Peter Stephani, President ; B. Serwe, Vice President; C. Serwe, Treasurer ; C. Schmidt, Secretary ; John Ditter, Vice Secretary. The society meets on the first Sunday of every month, over the German-American Savings Bank.

Firemen's Benevolent Association .- This Association, organized for purely benevolent purposes, for members of the Fire Department only. was formed October 18, 1876, and incor- porated by act of Legislature March 7, 1877. Its officers were : A. B. Taylor, President ; George W. Casey, Vice President; Charles W. Green, Secretary ; L. F. Stowe, Treasurer. Directors-Fire Company No. 1, C. M. Bowen, J. C. Kennealy ; Fire Company No. 3, George W. Crosby, Henry Rosenow : Fire Company No. 5, William H. Hurley, Ferd. J. Martin ; Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Henry Dirkes, John Strause. The Association received from the insurance agents of the city a tax of 2 per cent on all premiums received upon fire policies, and also, regularly, a stated sum from all members. In case of sickness or injury, any member received $3 per week, and $50 for funeral expenses in case of death. Aid was also given to the families of firemen at the option of the officers of the Association. This organization, which was always strong, financially, went out of existence after the city organized the paid Fire Department, in 1878. A new association was organized immediately thereafter, but the 2 per cent tax on the insurance agents was diverted to the city treasury. The new Association has the following officers ; President, George P. Dana; Vice President, Henry Rosenow ; Secretary, Louis A. Lange ; Treasurer, Herman Rupp.

608

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

LITERARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES.

Young Men's Association ..- A meeting of some of the leading citizens of Fond du Lac was held in Gillet & Conklin's law office November 21, 1863, "for the purpose of forming a literary and library association." B. F. Moore was President, and H. P. Brown, Secretary, of the meeting. Gen. C. S. Hamilton, now of Milwaukce, paid the required fee and became the first member. It was decided to adopt for government the Constitution and By-Laws, with slight modification, of the Young Men's Association of Milwaukee, which was done. After the Constitution was adopted, the first election of officers under it resulted as fol- lows: President, William H. Hiner; Vice President, C. S. Hamilton ; Secretary, H. P. Brown ; Treasurer, James B. Perry ; Directors-J. M. Gillet, Rev. H. M. Robertson, B. F. Moore, E. L. Griffin, James Coleman. Any person could become a life member upon the pay- ment of $25. With the proceeds of the sale of life memberships the first books were pur- chased.

As soon as in working order, the Association set about securing a course of lect- ures. This was the first regular lecture course ever inaugurated in the city, and consisted of lectures by Charles D. Robinson, of the Green Bay Advocate; Judge Arthur McArthur, of Milwaukee. now of Washington ; Dr. O. H. Tiffany, now of New York : Edward G. Ryan, now Chief Justice of Wisconsin ; Prof. J. D. Butler; Rev. E. Nisbet, of Fond du Lac, and Rev. C. D. Helmer. Dr. Tiffany received the highest fee, $50, and Edward G. Rvan, whose lecture was highly praised, received the smallest, $10.

In May. 1864, a library room was secured in H. P. Brown's wooden building, since burned. on the corner of Main and Forest streets. George P. Knowles was elected Librarian. and $225 voted to be used in the purchase of books, which was expended by A. M. Blair. The Association continued to increase in membership, enlarge its library and strengthen its financial condition, furnishing a course of lectures, at moderate figures, each season, until 1869, when the expenditures began to exceed the receipts, and the members found their organization in debt $220. In December, a meeting was held to make arrangements to consolidate with the Young Men's Christian Association. This fell through, and Dana C. Lamb moved that the Trustees secure $220 upon a mortgage on the property of the Association, or secure the cred- itors by such mortgage. E. H. Galloway advanced the money, and secured himself by taking a mortgage on the library.

In August, 1870, George W. Carter introduced a resolution to the effect that all officers who could not or would not attend to their duties had better resign. This renewed the energy of the slow ones for a time. Mr. Galloway's mortgage was paid, with interest, on the 1st of December, 1870.

May 9, 1871, the Association again found itself in debt, after settling for the lecture of M. Du Chaillu, to the extent of $42.68. The lecture course of the following seasons did not wipe it out, and, February 11, 1873, a committee was appointed to see how the increasing indebtedness could be paid, and, February 22, the Secretary was instructed to close the library and box up the books. The debt was then $125. In 1874, Ann Eliza Young was secured for a lecture, but the receipts did not pay the debts of the Association, and George H. Franeis, the Librarian, was compelled to collect bills for arrearages of dues for his pay, and to accept for his payment in full whatever he could collect. En May. 1876, a resolution was adopted instructing the officers to turn the books and property over to the city, provided the city would establish and maintain a free reading-room and public library.

The last meeting of the Directors was held February 27. 1877, when all the books, num- bering 1,500 volumes, and other property, were formally delivered to the city, the vote on main- taining a public library having been favorable. Thus the foundation of the present public library was laid by the Young Men's Association, which existed fourteen years ; furnished the first course of lectures, opened the first library in the city, and went out of existence in debt.

609

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

The last President was N. S. Gilson, and the last Secretary, J. F. Ware. The records are not all extant, but the following is a list of the life members of the Association : C. S. Hamilton, S. B. Amory, A. M. Blair, William H. Uliner, I. K. Hamilton, Woodman C. Ham- ilton, Edwin H. Galloway, James Ewen, Robert Flint, Charles A. Eldredge, Iliram K. Laugh- lin, Robert A. Baker, John Sewell, B. S. Patty, B: F. Moore, John S. McDonald, C. J. Petti- bone, Allan Carswell, James M. Gillet, Edward Pier, William B. Brand.

American Red Ribbon Association .- In February, 1879, Dr. McCollister came to Fond du Lac and began a series of temperance meetings, first in Amory Hall and later in Opera Hall, the Free Baptist Church, on the corner of Marr and Second streets, and the Unitarian Church, on Division street. These continued, with varying success, until May, when he left, and the meetings were continued by local managers. May 20, a permanent organization was perfected by the election of John S. MeDonald, President ; E. Delany, Jr., Vice President ; T. S. Nowell, S. P. Morse, Dr. D. B. Wyatt and Robert Wyatt, Directors ; Samuel H. Ham- mond, Secretary ; Robert Wyatt, Treasurer, and Rev. F. A. Marsh, Chaplain.

The purpose of the organization, as set forth in its Constitution, is to promote the cause of temperance and sobriety by abstaining from the use of all intoxicating liquors. The members are interested and active enough to meet three times each week-on Sunday evenings, for tem- perance work and addresses; on Tuesday evenings, for the transaction of business, and on Fri- day evenings, for charades, music, recitations, socials and general entertainment. To these an admission fee of 10 cents is charged, which all, whether members or not, must pay. All mem- bers are also required to pay 5 cents per week for dues. At its organization the Association contained 2,360 members, which number is steadily increasing, the present membership being 2,500. The meetings are held in the Unitarian Church, on Division street, which was remod- eled for the use of the Association. The building has movable seats, an elegant, though small, stage, and a wing in the rear for cooking and to be used preparing for sociables and other entertainments. Some of the foremost and wealthiest citizens of Fond du Lac are active members, and the Asso- ciation is in a flourishing condition. Besides paying a rental of $350 per annum for the church and all other expenses, the organization has a surplus in the treasury. When this surplus is sufficiently enlarged, it is the purpose of the Association to purchase the building it now rents. S. H. Hammond was succeeded in January, 1880, by Mrs. C. H. De Groat.

Neocosmian Society .- This literary association was organized in the Congregational Church parlors Wednesday, January 17, 1872, by the election of Dr. D. B. Wyatt as Presi- dent; Miss F. C. Mihills, Vice President, and S. G. Leland, Secretary. A Constitution and By-Laws proposed by D. B. Wyatt and N. S. Gilson, were adopted, and the business of fur- nishing entertainments began at once. The membership began from the start to increase rap- idly, and in three years had reached 450. The Society rented Opera Hall at $500 per year. changing its name to Neocosmian Hall. Its fixtures and stage property were overhauled and embellished ; a paper called the Neocosmian was issued, and the Society became a power. furnishing a lecture course every winter, and scores of fine entertainments during other portions of the year. On the 23d of March, 1874, the Society opened a free reading-room in the Sewell Block, next to the First National Bank. The library was accessible to all who paid 25 cents per quarter for the use of books. In 1875, the Society, owing to the very large rent paid for the hall, other large expenses and the loss of $100, which was collected for, but never realized by, the Society, found itself in debt to the extent of $600. This was mostly for hall rent, and the proprietors, Oberreich & Bonesteel, becoming anxious lest it should not be paid, sued the officers and Directors of the Society. This added to the already burdensome debt, but it was all paid promptly by subscription. This subscription paper is worthy of preserva- tion, as it demonstrated the great liberality of several of the citizens of Fond du Lac. In 1876, the Society began to weaken very materially, and its officers were instructed by resolution to join with the Young Men's Association, which was likewise in debt and near its end, in making a proposition to the city to take the books of both societies and establish a free public library. as provided for by law. The proposition was accepted, and, in the spring of 1877,

610

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

the books, nearly nine hundred volumes, were turned over to the Publie Library, and the. furniture sold for $57 to the city for the use of the library. The Neocosmian Society was the most active and enterprising of any ever organized in Fond du Lac, and furnished a greater variety of entertainments. The first President and Secretary were D. B. Wyatt and S. G. Leland : second, J. W. Bass and George W. Todd ; third, George W. Todd and John D. Wyatt ; fourth, George W. Todd and Dr. E. Mitchell ; fifth, C. E. Shepard and Mrs. E. H. Jones ; sixth, J. W. Bass and C. E. Dailey ; seventh, J. F. Ware and W. F. Boland ; eighth, C. II. De Groat and W. F. Boland ; ninth, H. R. Farnum and W. F. Boland ; tenth, eleventh and twelfth, George E. Sutherland and John D. Wyatt ; thirteenth, E. S. Curran and John E. Kent ; fourteenth, George W. Todd and J. E. Kent ; fifteenth, C. D. Otis and J. E. Kent ; sixteenth, O. T. Williams and John E. Kent, who surrendered to the Public Library.

Erina Dramatic Society .- This Society, which devoted itself entirely to the preparation and presentation of dramas and comedies, was organized August 1, 1875, and consisted then of L. F. Haas, P. HI. Hannigan, A. A. Kelley, W. F. Boland, D. W. McKenna, Harry Shafer, T. C. Doheny, L. Pellitier, William Cahill, William Bischoff, Mrs. M. IIaas, Miss Ella Roach and Mary Burke. L. F. Haas was Manager ; P. H. Hannigan, Secretary; Mrs. Maggie Haas, Treasurer, and Henry Shafer, an actor of the early times with Langrishe & Atwater, stage manager. August 30, 1875, the company put " Ireland as It Is" upon the stage, and cleared $200 for the benefit of St. Joseph's Church. For the benefit of the same church, they played " Robert Emmet " to a crowded house, November 17, 1875. After playing in Fond du Lac, the company put this piece and others on the stage in adjoining cities and villages. Various and very difficult plays have been presented to the publie by them in creditable style. The leading characters are taken by P. Hannigan. William Bischoff. Mrs. Maggie Haas, Miss Julia Mullen and A. A. Kelley. The proceeds of all entertainments always go for charitable purposes. The manner in which " Con the Shanghraun " was rendered by this company could be equaled by few professional troupes. In May, 1876, the members presented to the late Mr. G. I. Burrows, the veteran janitor of Amory Hall, a handsome silver cup, for kindnesses rendered.

Turnverein Fond du Lac .- This is one of the oldest Turner societies in Wisconsin. Under the name of the Socialer Turnverein, it was organized April 18, 1855, with twenty members, all Germans. The first officers were: President, Louis Goldstucker ; Secretary, Charles A. Ilandt ; Treasurer, Casper Buechner ; Teachers, Thomas Boebel and A. Vogt. The first meetings were held in J. & C. Frey's brewery building, corner of Macy and Division streets. The first ball and exhibition ever given was in September, 1855. In July, 1856, a lot on Portland street was purchased of Mason C. Darling. The original building, now occu- pied by the Turners, was purchased by them of the Plymouth branch of the Congregational church, and moved from the corner of Maey and First streets in 1866. The land on which it first stood belonged to the German and English Academy, from which the Turners had a lease. The building is well equipped for balls, theatrieals, masquerades and socials, having an orehes- tra, dressing-rooms and ample stage. The stage was added by erecting an addition to the building in 1871, at which time a lot adjoining the Academy was purchased of Mrs. Caroline Martin for $1,000, and the hall moved thereon. In 1874, the State Turnfest was held in Fond du Lae, the visiting Turners being guests of the Fond du Lac society. A pienie was held in Taylor's Grove, coneert by Bach's Band in Amory Hall, and a ball at Turner Hall. The fes- tivities lasted four days. In 1874, the society was incorporated as the Turnverein Fond du Lac. At a meeting of the Turner delegates at Sheboygan in 1878, Fond du Lae was chosen as the headquarters for the State, and the following officers were chosen : Grand President, R. Katz ; Viee President, G. Burghardt ; Secretary, J. Thomsen ; Treasurer, L. Goldstueker. Their terms were from September 1, 1878, to September 1, 1879.

Those of this society who went to Milwaukee to join the Turner volunteer company dur- ing the rebellion were G. Binghardt, C. Schnell, L. Camtz, II. Rube, Aug. Heeker, F. Grassel. A. Vogt and H. Feldrapp.

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.

The history of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Part 91

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 1082

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1082