USA > Wisconsin > Wisconsin, its story and biography, 1848-1913, Volume V > Part 9
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ate of one of the leading banks of the county. He died in the town where he was born and where he had spent his entire life in the year 1898. The mother still resides there.
Clarence TeSelle was reared in Sheboygan Falls, and there was given the advantages of the public school training, finishing the curric- ulum of the high school in 1905. In the fall of that year he entered the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and in 1909 was duly graduated with the degree of A. B. In 1911 he was graduated from the law depart- ment of the University, when he received his B. L. degree, and the remainder of that year the young man spent in traveling throughout the west and south, looking out a location that he deemed especially advantageous. The outcome of his search was that he returned to Wis- consin and settled in Antigo early in 1912, with what success and advancement in his work has already been noted.
Mr. TeSelle has identified himself with other interests in Antigo and as a stockholder of the Langlade Land & Loan Company is a member of its directorate. The law firm with which he is identified conducts a general practice, and its members are recognized as being among the leading attorneys of the city and county. Mr. TeSelle takes his proper place among the public spirited and progressive citizens of the com- munity, and as such is warmly regarded by the representative people of the city.
JOHN PLANKINTON. In studying a clean-cut, distinct character like that of the late John Plankinton, who was with all consistency termed Milwaukee's foremost citizen, there is slight need for indirection or puzzling, for interpretation follows fact in a straight line of deriva- tion. His character was the positive expression of a strong and noble nature and he was honored of men by very reason of his worth of character as well as on account of his magnificent achievements as one of the constructive workers of the world. His name looms large in connection with the civic, industrial and commercial development and upbuilding of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin, and in a work of the province assigned to the one at hand it is a matter of imperative historical demand that within its pages be given an out- line of his career and a tribute to his memory. He established his home in Milwaukee about four years prior to the admission of Wis- consin to statehood, and here his life was marked by splendid achieve- ment in the upbuilding of the city and state, the while his course was guided and governed by the highest personal integrity and honor. His career illustrated in a very marked degree the power of concen- trating the resources of the entire man and lifting them into the sphere of high accomplishment; of supplementing brilliant natural endowments by close application, tenacity of purpose and broad and liberal views. He made of success not an accident but a logical result,
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Labino Plan Bin Ton
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and his name shall have enduring place on the roster of the honored pioneers and distinguished citizens of the Badger state.
John Plankinton was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, on the 11th of March, 1820, and he was a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of the historic old Keystone commonwealth. When he was twelve years of age the family removed to the city of Pitts- burgh, and there he gained the major part of his early education in the common schools. There he was reared to manhood and there his marriage was solemnized. In 1844, when twenty-four years of age, he came with his young wife and their one child, to Wisconsin and estab- lished his home in Milwaukee, where it had been his intention to engage in business in partnership with another Pittsburgh young man who had already located in the embryonic metropolis. When he arrived he found that his prospective associate had made other arrange- ments, and, under these conditions he manifested the initiative, self- reliance and fertility in expedients that so definitely marked his entire business career, for he was soon found numbered among the merchants of the thriving little western city. Here he invested his small capital of four hundred dollars in a meat market. and through his energy and fair dealings he soon built up a prosperous enterprise, based upon the unqualified popular confidence and esteem which he soon gained to himself in the community. Within a remarkably brief period he was conducting the leading market of the town, and that his success was distinctive is shown by the fact that his transactions for the first year represented an aggregate of twelve thousand dollars.
In 1848 Mr. Plankinton witnessed with marked satisfaction the ad- mission of Wisconsin one of the sovereign states of the Union, and in all the years of his future activities here he kept in touch with and was a leader in civic and industrial development and advancement. In 1850 Mr. Plankinton entered into partnership with Frederick Lay- ton and in addition to continuing in the retail meat trade they initiated operations in the packing of pork for the outside markets. The firm of Plankinton & Layton continued operations until 1861, and at the time of the dissolution of the partnership the concern conducted the largest packing-house business in the entire west, Chicago at that time having no similar enterprise of comparable extent and facilities. In 1864 Mr. Plankinton formed a partnership with the late Philip D. Armour, under the firm name of Plankinton & Armour, and they built up a business of enormous volume, as gauged by the standards of the day. They not only continued in the packing business at Mil- waukee but also organized and established the large packing houses in Chicago and Kansas City, besides founding the extensive meat exporting house of Armour, Plankinton & Company in New York city. It was in association with Mr. Plankinton that Mr. Armour laid the
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foundation for his immense fortune and the basis of the great pack- ing industry which has made his name known throughout the civilized world.
Mr. Plankinton continued in the active control and supervision of his gigantic business interests, which in the meanwhile had become varied, until 1889, when impaired health compelled him to relax his more onerous duties, and he thereafter lived virtually retired until his death, which occurred in Milwaukee on the 29th of March, 1891. Within the intervening two years he had traveled extensively through the west and passed considerable time in California, in the hope of recuperating his physical energies. The perspective of years and the comparison suggested by the bearing of many of the leading capital- ists of the present day, tend to give emphasis and distinction to the unassuming and sterling character of John Plankinton, for the man was ever greater than his temporal success, great though it was, and he manifested a high sense of stewardship, besides retaining to the last his steadfast integrity of purpose, his sincerity, honesty and unas- suming demeanor. He coveted success but scorned to gain it save by worthy means; and his powers were such that he became one of the leading capitalists of the west, the while he ever commanded the respect of all classes and conditions of men, as he placed true values upon his fellow men and had naught of bigotry or intolerance. It is scarcely necessary to say that he possessed splendid business acumen and mature judgment, or that his constructive and administrative abilities were of the highest order. As indicative of his fine executive powers may be given the following brief statements. When, in 1874, the fortunes of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company were at low ebb, Mr. Plankinton proposed to Hon. Alexander Mitchell, another of the leading capitalists of Wisconsin, that they purchase all of the capital stock of the road. Mr. Michell failed to manifest equal prescience as to results and the deal was not consummated. Had it been carried through as suggested by Mr. Plankinton it would have brought to him and Mr. Mitchell enormous wealth, as future developments fully proved. Mr. Plankinton later became a member of the directorate of this railroad company, and upon the death of its president, Alexander Mitchell, he was prominently mentioned as the latter's successor.
The life of Mr. Plankinton was one of signal cleanness in thought, word and deed, and he was intrinsically generous, considerate and kindly, with naught of the pretentious arrogance assumed by many of the multi-millionaires of the nation at that time, and the present. He manifested an almost paternal interest in those in his employ, and although he employed thousands of men he never had a strike among them. He was easily accessible to any man who had a grievance and was patient and judicious in the adjustment of such cases. He was
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the chief pillar of Cavalry Presbyterian church, in Milwaukee, and was a regular attendant of the same during the long years of his resi- dence in the city. He was tolerant in his religious views, as in other relations of life, and was ever ready to lend a liberal support to other denominations than that with which he was personally identified.
Difficult would it prove to attempt to enumerate within the com- pass of one brief artiele the manifold ways in which Mr. Plankinton contributed to the progress and prosperity of Milwaukee, but it may consistently be said that no other one man has done so much for the general benefit of the Wisconsin metropolis. He was among the earli- est members of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce and served as its president in 1865. He became one of the city's most extensive holders of real estate, much of which he improved with buildings of the best type and in advance of conditions and demands then existing. In this way he showed his unwavering confidence in the city's future and he thus led the march of advancement with sure and unfaltering steps. He erected in the city many large and substantial business buildings, among which is the Plankinton Hotel, which was the first modern hotel building in the city and which has long held a national reputation. It is interesting to note that this building is to be razed and a new one of the finest modern type is to be erected on the site, the work being initiated in the spring of 1913. The new structure will continue to be known as the Plankinton and will be equipped for hotel purposes. This improvement is along the line which Mr. Plankin- ton himself would have undoubtedly followed had he lived to discern present needs and conditions, and it is pleasing to note that so note- worthy and improvement is to be made by the Plankinton estate.
Mr. Plankinton was the virtual founder of the Milwaukee Exposi- tion building, and did much to make the annual expositions in the same a success, as a vehicle for exploiting the advantages, resources and industrial and commercial prestige of Milwaukee and the state at large. During a period of twenty years this exposition building drew thousands of visitors each year from all seetions of Wisconsin, as well as many from neighboring states. In this connection it may be stated that when the work of constructing the huge exposition build- ing had made excellent advancement, the available funds became exhausted and the work came to a standstill. This was in the month of July and the exposition was advertised to open in September. Under these exigent conditions Mr. Plankinton drew to the order of the treasurer of the exposition corporation his personal check for seventy thousand dollars, and it was through his generosity in this way that it was made possible to complete the building and to open the exposition on the 1st of September, as had been promised.
The following estimate is well worthy of reproduction in this con-
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nection, and in quoting from the original article only slight paraphrase is indulged :
"Mr. Plankinton was one of those rare men in whom high mental gifts were united with magnificent physical proportions. He stood . six feet two inches in height, straight as an arrow, with not a super- fluous pound of flesh. A most expressive and kindly face, always clean shaved, with keen blue eyes, animated at times with a light of beaming humor, he was a man of striking personality and one whose fine bearing invariably attracted attention when he passed by, his very appearance commanding the attention of those unknown to him and to whom he was, perhaps, not known. The funeral of Mr. Plank- inton was a public demonstration in which all classes of citizens took part, and on this occasion was shown in a most significant way the love and esteem in which he was held in his home city. The funeral was held on the 1st of April, 1891, and an entire community mourned. The remains of the distinguished citizen were laid to rest in Forest Home cemetery. Many were the words of honor and praise spoken over the bier of the deceased, and the city united in paying a last tribute to one who had richly merited the success which was his, and also the unqualified confidence and esteem which were accorded to him."
One familiar with the various stages in the career of Mr. Plankin- ton has given the following admirable estimate :
"Almost half a century ago, when our town was a mere spot on Lake Michigan's shore, there came here from the land of William Penn a young man of clear Quaker lineage, and fortified with a capital comprising four hundred dollars and a character rich and pure as a mine of virgin gold. That young Pittsburgh merchant has just passed from us, amid a feeling of grief more deep and general than has ever before moved our people. It could be no ordinary character which has so deeply impressed itself in the public mind, nor could it be an ordinary capability that raised unaided this almost penniless young man to the highest pinnacle of mercantile prosperity and fame. Not only in the home of his choice and of his life, not alone through the length and breadth of our own land, but also in every mercantile center of Europe John Plankinton's name has stood for all there is of truth- fulness, honor and integrity among men. His name was a tower of trust to the mercantile world around which almost illimitable con- fidence centered. Upon his bare word he could, in a day, get double the amount of his wealth, whether in America or Europe. No per- son who knew him ever doubted his word. His most marked traits of character were integrity, truthfulness and self-reliance. Demo- cratic in every fiber, he was essentially a man of the people, and a person not knowing him might talk with him for hours and then depart with no thought that he was a man of wealth. Easy of approach
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William Radiator
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and prudent of counsel, his opinions on business matters were often sought and always carefully given. He had a deep and true appre- ciation of the dignity of labor, and always maintained that our coun- try's prosperity rested on the steady and well directed employment of our workingmen. No young man of the right stamp ever appealed to him in vain for assistance, his motto being that every young man who desired to work and to be useful ought to be encouraged and assisted. He was always proud of any of his own men who progressed in the world, and he never failed to encourage such persons, even by definite and liberal pecuniary aid. So marked was this characteristic in him that it became a proverb that "John Plankinton was a lucky man to work for.' It was neither luck nor chance but a deep sense of appreciation on the part of a true and noble man. The genuine simplicity of this great man's character makes it more difficult of analysis, and it may be said that those whom he met or passed every day knew almost as much about him as those with whom he was intimately associated, so simple and candid was his nature and so entirely free from complexity his character. A man of the highest principles and ideals, of clear brain and of broad and comprehensive sweep of mind, public-spirited in a marked degree, kind and consid- erate to those about him, John Plankinton will need neither bronze statute, or marble bust, to preserve his memory in the city which owes so much of its prosperity to him."
In 1840 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Plankinton to Miss Elizabeth Bracken, who was born in the state of Delaware and who was summoned to the life eternal in 1872. Of the issue of this mar- riage three children outlived infancy-William, Elizabeth and Hanna. William, of whom a special biography will be found on another page, being now dead, leaves Elizabeth the only living member of the original family.
Miss Plankinton, who resides much of her time abroad, closely resembles her venerated sire in temperament and personal looks. She has endeared herself to the citizens of Milwaukee, her native city, both by reason of her gracious personality, and her many public benefactions, prominent among which are the Home for Working Girls, on the East side of the city, and the fine Washington monument on Grand avenue.
On the 17th day of March, 1874, Mr. Plankinton was married a second time, the bride being Miss Annie Bradford, a descendant of Governor Bradford of the old Plymouth Colony, a most estimable woman in every respect. There was no issue of this marriage. Mrs. Plankinton outlived lier illustrious husband almost ten years.
WILLIAM PLANKINTON. A resident of Milwaukee from the time of his infancy until his death, William Plankinton here upheld most effectively the prestige of a name that has been significantly promi-
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nent and distinguished in connection with the history of Wisconsin. He was a son of John Plankinton, pioneer of Wisconsin, where he established his home prior to the admission of the state to the Union; and a man whose influence permeated and vitalized the civic and industrial development and upbuilding of the city of Milwaukee and also of the state at large. John Plankinton was one of the most hon- ored and influential citizens and most substantial capitalists of Wis- consin, to whom a special memoir is dedicated on other pages of this work, so that further review of the family history is not demanded in the sketch here presented.
William Plankinton was born at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, on the 7th day of November, 1844, and was one of five children of John and Elizabeth (Bracken) Plankinton. He was the elder of the two chil- dren who attained to years of maturity; and his sister, Elizabeth, is the only surviving representative of the immediate family. William Plankinton was an infant at the time of his parents' removal to Wisconsin. He was reared to maturity in Milwaukee, and his early educational advantages were those afforded in the common schools of the pioneer city. He also pursued a course of higher academic study in "Milwaukee College."
From his youth he was closely associated with his father's large business, in which he became a partner at a very early age. He proved a most able coadjutor of his honored father, their lives being so close that the memoir of the father. gives ample data concerning their more important business relations.
William Plankinton early manifested those sterling traits of char- acter that so signally marked his illustrious father, and upon the lat- ter's death he was well fortified for the carrying forward of the mani- fold enterprises of the great Plankinton estate. He showed distinc- tive judgment and facility in the projecting of new enterprises, and in making proper use of the vast capitalistic resources at his command. He organized and owned the extensive business conducted under the title of the Western Portland Cement Company, at Yankton, South Dakota. He also effected the organization of the Johnson Electric Service Company, which now controls one of the largest and most important industrial enterprises in the United States. He also founded the Plankinton Electric Light & Power Company, a corporation doing a very large business.
Upon the death of his father, on the 29th of March, 1891, William Plankinton assumed the active management of the vast estate, as trustee. Upon the death of Mrs. John Plankinton in 1901 he became the sole trustee of the estate, under the provisions of his father's will. The Plankinton estate is one of the largest in Wisconsin, its absolute valuation not being known, and authoritative dictum is to the effect that no estate in Wisconsin has been more carefully and effectively
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managed. William Plankinton continued to be actively associated with the management of the Plankinton meat packing business until the death of his father in 1891. He soon afterward, owing to the exigent demands placed upon him in the general administration of the estate, leased the large packing plant.
He was for many years president and director of Johnson Electric Service Company, previously mentioned, and he was a director of the Milwaukee Cement Company, another large industrial institution. He was a member of the directorate of the Fuller-Warren Company engaged in the foundry and stove business in Milwaukee; and was a valued trustee of the Layton Art Gallery, the Milwaukee Public library, and the Milwaukee Museum. He also gave effective service as a director of the Milwaukee Industrial Exposition Association, and his labors in each of these connections were far from being perfunctory, as he was essentially and insistently liberal, loyal and progressive as a citizen, with deep appreciation of the city in which he passed his entire life; and for the furtherance of whose welfare and progress he contributed in most generous measure. He was one of the founders of Calvary Presbyterian church, of which both he and his wife were most zealous members, and of which he was one of the three original trustees. Mr. Plankinton was a man of fine social instincts, and of most genial and gracious personality. A character ever compelling respect, he won friends in all classes, his attitude having ever been thoroughly democratic, as was that of his father. He was a Repub- lican in his political allegiance. He was identified with the Milwaukee Club, and the Old Settler's Club. One of the strong characteristics of Mr. Plankinton as touching the practical affairs of life, was his implac- able antipathy to speculative business of any order. It is main- tained by those most familiar with his character and career, that at no time did he ever permit himself to become in any way concerned in grain or stock speculations; nor would he permit such indulgence on the part of those in his employ, or associated with him in semi- dependent relations. While he always demanded the most careful and guarded methods and policies in the directing of the manifold interests of the great estate controlled by him, he was generous and warm of heart. He was ever ready to give of his time and means in the aiding and encouraging of those who were worthy, and the many persons in his employ looked upon him as a personal friend. It was. his custom and one in which he found great pleasure, to see that every employe received from him a substantial gift each Christmas. The year prior to his death he was returning from abroad as the Christ- mas season approached. The vessel on which he had taken passage. was driven by storm out of its course, with the result that he was unable to reach home by Christmas. On the day preceding this holi- day, his agent received from him a telegram instructing him to see
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that the employes were remembered in the customary manner, this telegram having been sent from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Mr. Plankinton lived a righteous and worthy life. He merited and received the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was one of Milwaukee's most honored citizens, as well as one of its most influ- ential business men. The entire community manifested its sense of loss when he was summoned to the life eternal, at his home in Mil- waukee, on the 29th of April, 1905.
On the 26th of April, 1876, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Plankinton to Miss Ella Woods, who was born in the city of Cincin- nati, Ohio, on the 22nd of July, 1844; and who survived her honored husband by three years. She passed to the "land of the leal" on the 8th of September, 1908, her death leaving a void in the best social activities of her home city, as well as in those of philanthropic and benevolent order. She was a daughter of William Woods, who was for many years one of the representative business men of Cincinnati. Mrs. Plankinton, after graduation, was afforded the advantages of extensive travel, both abroad and in her native land. She was specially zealous and earnest in church work, and in the field of practical phil- anthropy. She took special interest in the Milwaukee Maternity Hospital, in the Protestant Orphan Asylum, and the Busy Boys Club, to all of which she gave much financial aid, and did much to support. She was identified with various organized charities, and benevolences, though the greater part of her service to those in affliction or distress was given in a private way and with naught of ostentation or public- ity. It may consistently be said that she was one of those noble women who go through life trailing the beautitudes and one who would "do good by stealth and blush to find it fame." She has the love of all who came within the immediate sphere of her gentle influence, and her name will long be held in affectionate memory in Milwaukee. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Plankinton maintained their abode in the fine old Plankinton homestead, at the corner of Fifteenth Street and Grand Avenue, but, owing to the encroachment of business, Mrs. Plankinton gave up this homestead in the February prior to her death, and removed to an attractive residence at 505 Terrace Avenue, where her death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Plankinton became the parents of two sons, the older of whom, John, died in 1899 at the age of twenty-one years. He was preparing himself for the medical profession, in which he was gaining a distinctive prestige when his life was cut short. The death of this splendid young man was a source of deepest grief to his devoted parents; and to his surviving brother. Of the immediate Plankinton family Milwaukee, the city in which the name has been one of great prominence, can now claim but one representative, Wil- liam Woods Plankinton, second son of him whose name initiates this memoir. W. Woods was a student in Yale University at the time of
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