977.501 M*l-,.
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1198627
^E?V/EAL.OC3V COL-LECTION
;OUNTY PUBLI
llililll
3 1833 01052 8054
HISTORY OF
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY,
♦ ^m^
WISCONSIN
PAST AND PRESENT
Including an account of the Cities, Towns and
Villages of the County
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JUDGE WILLIAM F. BAILEY
Illustrated
1914
C. F. COOPER & CO.
CHICAGO
1198827
INTRODUCTION.
After more thau half a century of growth since its organiza-
tion as a county, it seemed fitting that an historical account of
its settlement, development, its people and institutions, should be
made at this time and preserved; its primary importance is the
placing in book form and for all time the earlier historical inci-
dents surrounding the settlements of the various towns, cities and
villages, and that the time was almost too late, and the work too
long neglected, became very apparent to the editors when the
search for material began, for with the passing of the early set-
tlers, comparatively few of them still live in different parts of
the county, have gone forever the opportunity to get early facts
in some instances.
To properly and adequately write the history of Eau Claire
county has been a task encompassed with tremendous difficulties ;
it has been accomplished after laborious research, and the co-op-
eration of many of its oldest citizens, whose aid the editors ac-
knowledge most gratefully, for, without it, some parts of this
work Avould have been impossible.
Eau Claire county, from its humble beginning, having been,
through the untiring energy and perseverance of its pioneers,
brought to be one of the finest counties in the state of Wisconsin,
holds indeed a wonderful .story of progress. Its cities built to
stay, whose schools, churches and institutions are equal to any
in the state, whose people are progressive and possess a fine sense
of civic pride, are alone worthy of the efforts of the historian:
in addition to that, its beautiful little villages, its rich agricultural
resources and dairying interests, place it in the front rank in
many respects.
It has been the intention of the publishers from the start to
publish a complete and comprehensive history of the county. They
have endeavored to cover every representative subject and relate
the stoi-y of all the various interests impartially, as was within
the power of the editors to obtain. That there are some omissions
on some subjects there can be no doubt, but the instances of this
are almost wholly brought about by parties called upon and in
whose possession facts alone Avere. have caused such omissions.
4 INTRODUCTION
The publishers of the history desire to acknowledge the cor-
dial and valuable assistance which has been accorded them in its
compilation by many citizens of Eau Claire county. It has been
a help deeply appreciated and deserves due recognition. Among
those to whom special thanks are due is Hon. "William P. Bailey,
James H. Waggoner, Percy C. Atkinson, ]\Iarshall Cousins, Walde-
mar Ager, Reinhold Liebau, Miss A. E. Kidder. W. H. Schulz,
W. W. Bartlett, L. A. Brace, J. P. Welsh. Frank L. Clark, C. W.
Lockwood, G. F. Caldwell, W. A. Clark.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE.
All the biographical sketches published in this history were
submitted to their respective subjects, or to the subscribers from
whom the facts were primarilj' obtained, for their approval or
correction before going to press, and a reasonable time was al-
lowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copy. Most
of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or before the
work was printed, after being corrected or revised, and these,
therefore, may be regarded as reasonably accurate.
A few, however, were not returned to us, and as we have no
means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot
vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to ren-
der this work valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated
these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*) placed imme-
diately after the name of the subject.
C. P. COOPER & COMPANY.
I
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER PAGE
1. Islaud of AViseoiisin 9
II. Coming of the Whites 11
III. Carver 's Cave Found 18
IV. Indian Treaties 20
V. The Red Men 23
VI. IIow Eau Claire County Was Made 29
VII. Townships 33
VIII. Fruits and Berries 43
IX. Agriculture and Dairying 49
X. Eau Claire Count}' Training School 54
XI. Eau Claire County in the Civil War 56
XII. Grand Army of the Republic 193
XIII. Organized Militia 199
XIV. Griffin Rifles 206
XV. Spanish-American War 218
XVI. Courts and Legal Profession 262
XVII. Medical Fraternity 304
XVIII. Old Settlers' Association 345
XIX. Asylum and Home for the Poor 347
XX. Eau Claire Prior to Its Incorporation as a City. . 349
XXI. Lumber Interests 373
XXII. Reign of Terror in Eau Claire 379
XXIII. The City of Eau Claire 381
XXIV. Eau Claire Fire Department 387
XXV. Public Schools of Eau Claire 407
XXVI. Floods 436
XXVII. City Parks 438
XXVTII. The Children's Home 441
XXIX. Eau Claire Public Library 443
XXX. Post Office 445
XXXT. Societies and Clubs 448
XXXII. Young Men's Christian Association 456
XXXIIL Eau Claire Business Houses 461
XXXIV. Eau Claire Industries 474
XXXV. The Railroads 489
XXXVI. Eau Claire Street Railway and Interurban Lines 497
7
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
XXXVII. Newspapers of the County 499
XXXVIII. Eau Claire Churches 511
XXXIX. Banks of Eau Claire County 536
XL. Hotels 540
XLI. Germanism 553
XLII. Norwegians 574
XLIII. City of Augusta 582
XLIV. Augusta Churches 598
XLV. Village of Fairehild 615
XLVI. Pall Creek 619
XL VII. Biography . . . 623
CHAPTER I.
THE ISLAND OP WISCONSIN.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
'■Geologists assert with positiveness that ages ago the area
tliat is now the north central portion of Wisconsin and the upper
peninsula of Michigan was an island of great altitude. They
trace the physical history of Wisconsin back even to a state of
complete submergence beneath the waters of the ancient ocean."
"Let an extensive but shallow sea covering tlie whole of the
present territory of the state be pictured to the mind," suggests
the eminent geologist, T. C Chamberlin, "and let it be imagined
to be depositing mud and sand as at the present day. The thick-
ness of the sediment was immense, being measured by thousands
of feet. In the progress of time, an enormous pressure attended
by heat was brought to bear upon them laterally or edgewise
by which thej' were folded and crumpled, and forced out of the
water, giving rise to an island, the nucleus of Wisconsin. The
force producing this upheaval is believed to have arisen from
the cooling and contraction of the globe. The foldings may be
imaged as the wrinkles of a shrinking earth." The climate
was tropical, incessant showers crumbled the soil on top and the
ocean waves crumbled the sides. This erosion through unnum-
bered ages began to level the mountainous island till the sediment
washed down on all sides, cut down the height and added to the
area. Thus as the altitude was cut down, the area expanded.
Soon little outlying islands or reefs were formed that in time
became attached to the parent isle. Ages passed, the crust of the
earth yielding to the tremendous pressure beneath, opened into
fissures which were pierced by masses of molten rock holding
the elements which later chemical processes have converted into
rich mineral ledges. Thus by continued upheavals and erosions,
the surface and the length and breadth of this ancient island of
Wisconsin was subjected to constant change. After the upheav-
als that resulted in deposits of iron and copper, and accumula-
tions of sandstone miles in thickness, came a great period of ero-
9
10 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIKE COUNTY
sion. To the disintegrations thus washed into the water were
added immense accumulations of the remains of marine life. The
casts of numerous trilobites found in Wisconsin are relics of this
age. Immense beds of sandstone with layers of limestone and
shale were formed. The waters acting on the copper and iron
of the Lake Supei'ior region gave the sandstone deposit there its
tint of red. On the southern end of the island, the sandstones
lack this element and they are to this day light colored.
Next came the great ice age. One monster stream of ice
plowed along the eastern edge and hollowed the bed of Lake
Michigan ; another scooped out Lake Superior and penetrated
into Minnesota, Avhile between these prodigious prongs of ice
one of lesser size bored its way along Green Bay and do-mi the
valley of the Fox. When warmer days came, the glaciers melted
and the water filled numerous depressions scooped out in the
early irresistible progress of the vast masses. Thus were foi'med
the 2,000 or more lakes that make of Wisconsin a summer para-
dise. The warmth that melted the ice to water also brought forth
the vegetation to cover the nakedness of the land, the forests
grew, and "man came upon the scene."
CHAPTER II.
THE COMING OF THE WHITES.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
In 1(518, Jean Nieolet, son of a Pari.sian mail carrier, came
from Cherbourg, Normandy, to Place Royale, now Montreal,
Canada. He possessed sterling character, abounding energy and
great religious enthusiasm. Champlain, the restless navigator,
had passed fifteen strenuous years in exploring the St. Lawrence
and Ottawa rivers. Lake Huron and Hudson Bay. He now sent
th(! newcomer to stay among the Algonquins of Isle des Allu-
metles on the Ottawa river to learn their language and customs
and share their hardships, aud then to dwell with the Nipissings
until 1633. Then Champlain, governor of Canada, recalled him
and made him commissary and Indian interpreter to the one hun-
dred associates, with Quebec as his residence. He had now served
his apprenticeship and later was selected by Champlain to make
a journey to the Winnebagoes and to solve the problem of a near
I'oute to China. The tapper Mississippi had not been discovered,
nothing was known of a vast land toward the west, and it was
believed that a few days' journey would reach China. This was
in July, 1634. Seven Hurons accompanied him, and in a birch-
bark canoe they passed along the northern shore of Lake Huron
and at Sault St! Marie set foot on land which is now part of
Michigan, and discovered the lake of that name. Steering his
canoe along the northern shore of Green Bay, he thought he had
reached China. This was about fourteen years later than the
landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. Nieolet had met sev-
eral Indian tribes, and now the Menomonies at the mouth of the
Menomonie river. He was now on Wisconsin soil, its discoverer,
and the first white man there. One of his Hurons had been sent
forward to announce his coming as a mission of peace to the sup-
posed celestials. Arrayed in their gorgeous mandarin robe, he
advanced to meet the crowd with a pistol in each hand which he
fired into the air one after the other. The chiefs called him
"Thunder Beaver." Four thousand chiefs of different tribes
11
12 HISTORY OF P:AU CLAIRE COUNTY
iu council, each chief giving a feast at which Nicolet
explained the benefits to be gained by their trading with the
French colony at Quebec. After a rest, he journeyed through
regions of wild rice marshes until he reached the Mascoutins.
Had he but known it, a journey of three days would have taken
him to the Wisconsin river and theuce he could have drifted
down to the "Great Water." But he proceeded southward to-
wards the Illinois country and thus missed discovering the upper
Mississippi, which Joliet found thirty-nine years later. After
a visit among the Illinois and kindred tribes, Nicolet returned
to the Green Bay country, and when spring made canoeing pos-
sible, to Montreal. Six months later the great Champlain "Father
of New France" died. Troubles among the Indians in Canada
kept his successors from following up these researches in the
West, but the gallant Nicolet had "blazed the path" which Kadis-
son was to follow in twenty-five years.
The death of Nicolet is a pathetic story. After his return to
Canada, he spent much of his time in ministering to the sick and
in official duties at Three Rivers and Quebec, where he served as
commissary and interpreter, being greatly beloved by Frenchmen
and Indians. One evening word was brought that Algonquins
were torturing an Indian prisoner. To prevent this, he entered a
launch to go to the place with several companions. A tempest
upset the frail boat, the men clung to it till one by one they were
torn from it by the waves. As Nicolet was about to be swept
away, he called to his companion, "I'm going to God. I com-
mend to you my wife and daughter." In 1660 two explorers,
Radisson and Grosseilliers, returned to Montreal with the tale of
their journey to the Lake Superior region. They had also visited
the head waters of the Black river in Wisconsin, and the Huron
village on the head waters of what apparently was the Chippewa
river. In their second voyage on the shore of Chequamegon Bay,
they constructed the first habitation ever built by white men in
Wisconsin. A little fort of stakes surrounded by a cord on which
were "tyed small bells (wch weare senteryes)." It is believed
that the two Frenchmen wintered in the neighborhood of Mil-
waukee and possibly Chicago in 1658 and '59. After many
adventures among the Sioux and at Hudson's bay, they returnea
to Montreal. Wavering in allegiance between the French and
English as best suited their interests, they finally made England
their home and died in that country. The account of the perilous
journeys of these adventurous men has been gathered from a
manuscript written by Radisson when he was iu England. This
THE COMING OF THE WHITES 13
Una n curious liistoiy. It was not written for publication, hut
to interest King Charles in the schemes of these renegade Frencli-
men to help tlie English wrest the Hudson Bay country from
French control. They did interest Clint Rupert, and the found-
ing of the Hudson Bay Company was the result.
This journal of Radissou's came into the possession of Samuel
Pepys, author of the well known "Pepys Diary," who was sec-
retary of the admiralty. After his death in 1703, many of his
valuable collections were sadly neglected. Some went into waste
paper baskets, some into London shops, and in one of these in
1750 this .journal was picked up by a man who recognized its
value and placed it in a British libraiy. There it slumbered until
1885 when the Prince Society of Boston published it in a limited
edition. Only two copies are owned in Wisconsin.
Next came the reign of the forest ranger, the "Coureur de
bois." New Prance held a host of soldiers of fortune, younger
sons of the nobility and disbanded soldiers, who, with no ties
to bind them to domestic hearthstones, turned the prows of their
birchbark canoes westward, and with utter disregard of hazards
that threatened and hardships that must be endured, penetrated
to the most remote regions of the lake country. For a century
and a half the forest ranger and the fur trader were the most
potent factors in the discoveries that preceded settlement. Unlike
the sturd}^ Saxon, whose meeting witli the aborigines meant the
survival of the fittest, the easy-going Frenchman did not seek to
crowd the Indian from his place. Instead, he adapted himself
with the customs and habits of the red man, and became half
Indian liimself, danced with the braves, smoked the calumet at
the councils of the tribe, or wooed and won the dusky maidens
of the woods.
After a time, the French authorities tried to suppress these
lawless rangers of the woods, deeming their barter for furs an
infringement on the rights of the government. Severe repressive
measures did not deter the unlicensed traffic, and then the author-
ities tried to regulate it by stipulating how many canoes would
be permitted to engage in it. There were three men to each
canoe. Despite their disregard of law, the rangers proved of
great service to the government, for wherever they went, they
made friends of the Indian. This friendship for the French
remained steadfast in the case of every Algonquin tribe but one —
the Pox Indians of "Wisconsin. The lawless coureur de bois thus
became the advance guard who spread for Prance the great
arteries of trade in the western country. Of this company of
14 HISTORY OF EAU CLiilRE COUNTY
eoureiu-s de bois whose favorite abiding place was Wisconsin,
none became as famous as Nicholas Perrot. The oldest memorial
in Wisconsin today of the white man's occupation here is a
soleil wrought in silver and presented by Perrot to the Jesuit
mission at Green Bay in 1686. This ancient relic was unearthed
by workmen ninety-five years ago while digging a foundation,
and is now in the possession of the Wisconsin Historical Society
at Madison. Long before the thought of giving to the mission on
the Fox this Catholic emblem, Perrot had become familiar with
the region aroimd Green Bay. In his earlier years, he attached
himself to the wandering missionaries as a hunter to provide
for their wants while they were threading the woods in search of
converts. He was twenty-four years old when in 1665 he made
the acquaintance of the Wisconsin Indians and obtained an ex-
traordinary influence over them. It was of the greatest impor-
tance to French interests that the western Indians should remain
at peace Avith each other, and the authorities at Montreal in-
trusted to Perrot the delicate role of peacemaker. He found in
what is now northwestern Wisconsin "a race unsteady as aspens,
and fierce as wild-cats; full of mutual jealousies, without rulers
and without laws." Perrot succeeded well in pacifying the
unruly nomads of forest and prairie. He built a number of rude
stockades or forts in Wisconsin. One was Fort St. Antoine on
the Wisconsin shore of Lake Pepin, traces of which fort werb
visible four decades ago; another was near the present site of
Trempeleau where but a few years since was discovered the
hearth and fireplace that he had built two hundred years before.
He also built a fort near the lead mines which he discovered
while traveling among the tribes to prevent an alliance with the
Iroquois who were friendly to the English. When in 1671 the
French commander St. Lusson formally took possession of the
entire Avestern country in the name of "Louis XIV," the mag-
nificent, fourteen tribes were represented, gathered hither bj^
Perrot at Sault Ste Marie. The ceremony was elaborate ; a huge
wooden cross was surrounded by the splendidly dressed officers
and their soldiers, and led by the black-gowned Jesuit priests
of the company, the uncovered Frenchmen chanted the Seventh
Century hymn, beginning thus: "Vexilla Regis Proderunt Fulget
criicis mystei'ium," etc. As the sound of their hoarse voices
died away, St. Lusson advanced to a post erected near the cross
and as the royal arms of France engraved on a tablet of lead
were nailed thereon, he lifted a sod, bared his SAVord and dramati-
cally took possession of the soil in the name of the Grand Mon-
THE COMING OF THE WHITES 15
arque, Louis XIV, styled "The Magnificent." St. Lusson, in
taking possession, claimed for the king of France "Lakes Huron
and Superior, the Island of Manitoulin and all countries, rivers,
lakes and streams contiguous and ad.jacent thereto; both those
which have been discovered aud those which may be discovered
hereafter in all their length and breadth, bounded on the one side
by the seas of the North and of the "West, and on the other by the
South sea." "Long live the king," came from the brazen throats
of the soldiers as the ceremony Avas concluded, and the primitive
savages howled in sympathy. Hardly had St. Lusson 's gorgeous
pageant come to a conclusion, when the Indians celebrated on
their own aecouut by stealing the royal arms. When Rene Men-
ard, a Jesuit missionary, came to the wilds of Wisconsin in 1660,
he was already an old man, and his life was soou sacrificed with
hardships and the brutalities of the Indians. A band of Indians
moi-e compassionate than those among whom he had first jour-
neyed took him to their wintering station at Keweenaw bay on
the south shore, where he started a mission. Later he heard of
distant pagan tribes to be brought to Christianity, and under-
took the journey to find them in July, 1661, with a French com-
panion and a party of Indians. Before long, the latter brutall.y
abandoned the two Frenchmen. Father Menard became lost Avhile
following his companions, and the cause of his death remains a
mystery, though his cassock and kettle were found later in an In-
dian lodge. In 1665, Piere Claude Allouez was appointed to the
Ottawa mission in Menard's place. He went to the village of the
Chippewas at Chequamigon, selected a site and built a wigwam of
bark. This was the first mission established in Wisconsin and
was also a trading post. Here Allouez remained four years. In
1670, having been joined by two other priests, they visited Green
Bay and established the mission of St. Xavier. Father IMarcpiette
who succeeded Allouez at Chequamigon, also found it a hard
field. The Indians were a hostile tribe; battles were frequent,
and when defeated tribes sought refuge on the Island of Michili-
mackinac, Marcpiette accompanied them and founded the mission
of St. Ignace on the opposite main land. Two years later he
went with Joliet on his expedition to the Mississippi.
Louis Hennepin and his companions appear to have been the
first white men to traverse the Chippewa river from its mouth
northward. This was in 1680. In 1767, Jonathan Carver fol-
lowed him. Jonathan Carver was a Connecticut soldier, energetic
and enterprising, who purposed to journey from the Atlantic to
the Pacific, making a correct map and tell the truth about the
16 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
great interior country. He -was well fitted for his task by early
training along the Indian frontier of New England. Fitting him-
self out as a trader, he reached Green Bay in September, 1766.
A few days later, ascending the Fox river, he reached the great
town of the Winnebagoes. An Indian queen named "Glory of
the Jlorniug" ruled the village, and Captain Carver enjoyed
her hospitality for several days. "She was an ancient woman,
small in stature and not much distinguished by her dress from
the woman who attended her," says Captain Carver. In depart-
ing from her village, he made the queen suitable presents and
received her blessing in return. He then proceeded along the
Pox to the portage, and thence down the "Ouisconsin, " as he
spelled it. The great fields of wild rice that almost choked the
former stream, and the myriads of wild fowl that fed on the suc-
culent grain, attracted his notice. "This river is the greatest
resort of wild fowl of every kind that I ever saw in the whole
course of my travels," he wrote. "Frequently the sun would be
obscured by them for some minutes together. Deer and bear are
very numerous." Prom the time he left Green Bay until his
canoe was beached at Prairie du Chien, Captain Carver had seen
no trace of white men. Well-built Indian towns greeted his view
as he floated down the Wisconsin, but at Prairie du Chien he
found the most notable town. "It is a large town and contains
about 300 families," he wrote. "The houses are well built after
the Indian manner and situated on a rich soil from which they
raise every necessary of life in abundance. This town is a great
mart M'here all the adjacent tribes, and even those from the most
remote branches of the Mississippi, annually assemble about the
latter end of May, bringing furs to dispose of to the traders, but
it is not always that thej' conclude the sale here ; this is deter-
mined by a council of the chiefs who consult whether it would
be more conducive to their interests to sell their goods at this
place or carry them on to Louisiana, or Michilimackinac." It
has been claimed for Carver that he was the first traveler who
made known to the people of Europe the existence of the ancient
mounds found in the Mississippi valley, and long believed to have
been the work of an extinct people. Carver spent the winter
among the Sioux and explored Minnesota to a considerable ex-
tent. They told him much about the country to the west, of the
great river that emptied into the Pacific, of the "Shining Moun-
tain" within whose bowels could be found precious metals, and
much else that was new and wonderful. In their great council
cave, they gave to him and to his descendants forever a great
THE COMING OP THE WHITES 17
tract of land about fourteen thousand squai'e miles in area, em-
bracing the whole of the northwestern part of Wisconsin and
part of Minnesota. At least this gift was afterward made the
basis for the famous Carver claim. The United States Congress
after long investigation and consideration rejected the claim.
Despite this action, many persons were duped into purchasing
land on the strength of Carver's Indian deeds. After spending
some time in the Lake Superior region, Carver returned to Mich-
ilimaekinac. In his little birchbark canoe he had made a journey
of nearly twelve hundred miles. He returned to Boston in 1768
and thence to England. Ill luck pursued him there, his coloniz-
ing schemes collapsed, and in the great city of London this noted
traveler died of starvation.
CHAPTER III.
CARVER'S CAVE FOUND.
Old settlers will recall the facsimile of the oM deeds given by
Indian chiefs to the early white men which spoke of a great piece
of land running from St. Anthony Falls and mapped out so
that it Avould take in all this part of the country. The copy was
framed by W. K. Coffin for the Local Historical Society. In this
connection the following from St. Paul may be of interest:
"David C. Shepard, Sr., of 324 Dayton avenue, St. Paul, has
discovered that he is the possessor of a deed which conveys to
his father and the latter 's heirs and assigns a tract of land includ-
ing all of the cities of Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Altoona,
to say nothing of all of the city of St. Paul, a portion of Minne-
apolis, the villages of Hudson, Durand and many other Wisconsin
hamlets. Mr. Shepard will not try to take possession of the
property called for by this interesting document, but if. the
deed was worth anything he might become one of the greatest
land-owners in the world. The only use that will be made of
the deed is to exhibit it among the documents of the Minnesota
Historical Society, to which organization Mr. Shepard has pre-
sented the old conveyance. The deed is signed by Martin King,
the great grandson of Jonathan Carver, the early explorer to
whom the chiefs of the Naudoessies Indian tribes conveyed a tract
of land east of the Mississippi river, extending along the river
from St. Anthony Falls, in Minneapolis, south to the junction of
the Mississippi and Chippewa rivers, thence east one hundred
miles, thence north one hundred and twenty miles, thence west
in a straight line to St. Anthony Falls. These boundaries include
Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona and other cities and villages
named. Martin King, as heir to Jonathan Carver, came into pos-
session of the property named, theoretically at least, and he
deeded it to Mr. Shepard 's father and others. The latter deeds
were executed at Lima, Livingston county, New York, April 20,
1838, and were recorded by Calvin H. Bryan, commissioner of
the Supreme court of New York. Under the terms of the deed,
Mr. Shepard 's father paid only five hundred dollars for the land
that is now worth millions.
18
CARVER'S CAVE FOUND 19
"The original deed, the terms of which are repeated in the
deed held by Mr. Shepard, was executed in Carver's cave, St.
Paul (which has recently been re-located by the officials of St.
Paul). On May 1, 1767, Carver, in his Avriting, said this cave was
often used for councils among the Indian tribes. The chiefs who
signed this original deed conveying this vast tract of land to Carver
were Haw-no-paw-gat-an and Otah-ton-goom-lish-eaw. In deed-
ing the land to Carver, they reserved the right to fish and hunt
on land not planted or improved. The original deed was recorded
in the plantation office, White Hall, London.
"Mr. Shepard says he believes the deed is worthless, save as
a liistorical document, but it sheds additional light on the famous
original deed which some historians have intimated never ex-
isted. It is of special interest at this time since etforts are being
made to raise funds to preserve Carver's cave as one of the his-
torical spots of the Northwest. For many years the entrance to
this cave had been lost, but within the past few months the county
surveyor of Ramsey county, Minnesota, and the Dayton Bluff
Commercial Club, a St. Paul organization, have located the cav-
ern's entrance. A big lake has been discovered in the cave, and
all attempts which have been made to drain the cavern have
met with little success.
CHAPTER IV.
INDIAN TREATIES.
The pine lands of the Chippewa were known to exist 150
years ago, but it was not until 1822 that the first sawmill was
constructed to convert the timber into lumber, and to float it
down the Mississippi to the markets on its banks. The fame of
the resources of the valley in this respect spread far and wide,
even to New England, and slowly the tide of emigration_setjEU
Thus this noW' famous lumber region T5ecame peopled with the
general exodus from the eastern states whi,-3h began in 1835 and
continued for many years. These were the sturdy pioneers who
have made the valley what it is today. The men and women who
endured hardships and privations in order to make the after
years of their lives worth living, and to pave the way for others
who would carry on the enterprise. The emigrants from Europe,
especially from Sweden, came later until the population became
a mixture of Americans, English, Scotch, Scandinavians, Ger-
mans, etc. The delta of the Chippewa and the territory lying
between the Mississippi and the Menomonie (Red Cedar) rivers
were claimed by Wabashaw's band of Sioux Indians, though it
was in truth the neutral ground between the Sioux and the Chip-
pewas, among whom a deadly feud existed. The whole of what
is now Wisconsin was up to 1825 held by various tribes of In-
dians, in some instances by force of arms. Their respective rights
in the land became so complicated and were the cause of such
frequent bloodshed among them that the government determined
to change this condition of things if possible. Under its direc-
tion and authority, a treaty was entered into at Prairie du Chien
in 1825 by all the Indian tribes within a distance of 500 miles
each way, and approved by General William Clark and Lewis
Cass on behalf of the government, whereby the boundaries of
the respective territories of the Indian nations represented were
definitely fixed. The negotiation was continued at Fond du Lac
in 1826 because not all the Chippewa bands had been represented
at Prairie du Chien, notwithstanding thirty-six chiefs and heads-
men had signed. At this time everyone was satisfied, and not
onlv were the articles of Prairie du Chien confirmed, but a clause
INDIAN TREATIES 21
was put in the treaty giving the United States the right to take
any metals or minerals from the country. By the treaty of 1837,
all the lands of the Sioux nation east of the Mississippi, and all
the islands belonging to them in that river, were, for the consid-
erations therein mentioned, ceded to the United States; also the
lands claimed by the Chippewas back from Lake Superior in
"Wisconsin.
In October, 1812, To-go-ne-ge-shik with eighty-five chiefs and
braves of the Chippewas executed a treaty at La Pointe on Lake
Superior whereby all the Chippewa lauds in Wisconsin became
listed in the United States. For this kingdom the United States
paid the Chippewas about one million dollars. The treaty granted
in general terms eighty acres to each head of a family or single
person over twenty-one of Chippewa or mixed blood, provided
for allotment in severalty by the President as fast as the occu-
pants became capable of transacting their own affairs, gave the
President authority to assign tracts in exchange for mineral
lands, and allowed right of way, upon compensation, to all neces-
sary roads, highways and railroads. The Indians were to receive
$5,000 a year for twenty years in money, $8,000 in goods, house-
hold furniture and cooking utensils, $3,000 a year in agricultural
implements, cattle, carpenter and other tools and building mate-
rial, and $3,000 a year for moral and c(lu<-ati(ui;il ]>urposes, of.
which the Grand Portage baud, having;- a special tliiisi lor learn-
ing, was to receive $3,000. To paj^ all ddits $!)(>, (10(1 was jilaced at
the disposal of the chiefs. Here the Indians fared better than
in earlier treaties. At Traverse de Sioux the fur traders were
present with their old accounts equipped to absorb nearly every-
thing paid the Indians. In one treaty their bills were rendered
for $250,000, in another for $156,000, and about all the Indians
got was the pleasure of seeing the money counted past them. It
was also provided that the annuities thereafter should not be
subject to the debts of individual Indians, but that satisfaction
should be made for depredations committed by them. Next came
a clause which probably did more to get the treaties signed than
the three thousand dollars a year for educational and moral pur-
poses. Also, said the treaty, two hundred guns, one hundred
rifles, five hundred beaver traps, three hundred dollars in ammu-
nition, one thousand dollars in ready-made clothing for the young
men of the nation. That clause was reserved by the commission-
ers till they were ready to nail down the contracts, and it was
effective. It was provided that missionaries and others residing
in tile tei'ritory should be allowed to enter at the minimum price
22 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the land they already occupied wherever survey was made. Also
that a blacksmith and assistant should be maintained at each
reservation for twenty years and as much longer as the President
should approve.
Last of all came a clause that illustrates happily the Indian
sense of justice, for old teachers say there was such a thing. The
Bois Forte Indians, off the main trail, and a withered sort of
tribe, were especially remembered. "Because of their poverty
and past neglect," as the treaty ran, they were to have $10,000
additional to pay their debts, which suggests a friend at court^
and also $10,000 for blankets, clothes, guns, nets, etc., a suitable
reservation to be selected afterward. The Indians made a better
bargain than the Algonquins made when they sold Manhattan
island for twenty-four dollars in trinkets. To be sure, the iron in
this Chippewa country was Avortli above half a billion dollars,
and the forest as much more, but they were not worth that to
the Indians who sold only their hunting and fishing usufruct to
which they had not exclusive nor undisputed right, and which in
measure they still kept, since one of the after-thoughts of the
treaty reserved to them the right to hunt and fish in the ceded
portions.
CHAPTER V.
TPIE RED MAN.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
Etlmologists are slowly agreeing that the North American
Iridiaa existed on this continent before 1000 A. D., that he is of
Asiatic origin and that all the families found here are inter-related
and originally came from one source. Historical evidences are
multiplying as to the truth of these assertions. In 1615, Cham-
plain, visiting the Huron tribe of the St. Lawrence valley, drew
a map of the country which they said lay to the west of their
land. They told him of a lake called Kitchi Gummi, which he
named Grand Lac. This lake was visited by Allouez in 1666
and called Lake Tracy. Hennepin saw it in 1680 and called it
Lake Conde. Schoolcraft was upon its waters in 1819 and left
it with the title Lake Algona. It is now known as Lake Superior;
and Champlain's rough map is one of the first evidences given
to white men, not only of its existence, but of the great stretch
of land south and west of its shores, known now as the Dakotas,
Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The French explorers touched the northern belt of what is
now called the Northwest many decades before others of their
kind penetrated the land since divided into Illinois, Iowa and
Nebraska. Marquette and Joliet did not ascend the Mississippi
to the mouth of the Illinois until 1673. It was 1679 before Port
Crevecoeur Avas built on the Illinois river. The ancient white
villages of Kaskaskia, Cahoki and Prairie du Rocher were not
set on the banks of the Mississippi until after 1683. But it is
due to the honor of France that during the years of the seven-
teenth century, when England was content to upbuild her colonies
on the Atlantic coast, when Spain, by moral law, was being elimi-
nated from the northern haLC of the western continent, the fleur
de lis should be implanted in what is now the center of western
thought, western activity and agricultural development of the
United States of America. Two separate movements of Gallic
explorers — one along the shore lines of Lake Superior and west-
23
24 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRJi] COUNTY
ward to the Mississippi; the other via Lake Michigan to what has
since become the Pox, Rock and Wisconsin rivers — confronted at
the outset a remarkable group of Indian families. The dominion
of these families extended from the Platte and Missouri rivers on
the west to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan on the east; from
the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi, on the south, to
the Lake of the Woods and what is now the Canadian border, on
the north. Within this area, which amounted to nearly 480,000
square miles, or one-ninth of the total area of the United States,
to the time of the late Spanish-American War, were living about
500,000 red men. The census taker was unknown and the figures
can only be estimated from ancient memoranda and the tradi-
tions of the Indians themselves. But today, so swift are the
mutations of Time, in this same area there are living, sinew of a
great commonwealth, 12,000,000 white men and women and their
children, while of the Indians, lords of the land 250 years ago,
but 48,800 are now to be found there. Three great Indian fami-
lies occupied this Northwestern prairie and timber land when
the French first came. The most important of these, so far as
history is concerned, was the Siouan, or Sioux, composed of
twelve tribes. Second in importance M'as the family of the Al-
gonquins, composed of eleven tribes. The third, and the one to
be first extinguished in the wars waged between the trio, was
the Iroquois, who occupied the Great Lakes. All history, as to
the relation between the white men and the Northwestern Indians
during the seventeenth century, bears evidence that they acted
with much fairness toward each other. It was not until after
the advent of the English, who disputed the right to the territory
with the French, and then the incoming of the Americans, who
drove out French, English and Indians, that the record of savage
warfare begins — stained with powder and blood from the knife of
massacre. It is useless to say which was wrong. Since the for-
mation of the United States Government, the American people
have paid to the Indians an average of $1,000,000 per year for
the land taken. The Indian, in his turn, when treated with the
same honesty, the same decency, that characterizes the ordinary
relations of two white citizens, responded with a loyalty equal to
that of his white brother. Each race, as temptation came, was
treacherous, bloodthirsty, cruel. Each paid the penalty for its
wrongdoing. But that the earliest settlers recognized the Indian
as an equal is evidenced by the first treaty ever made with a tribe
(the Delawares) in which they were conceded to be citizens en-
titled to representation in Congress. Unfortunately, this good
THE RED MAN 25
intent never passed in etl'ect beyond the writing in the treaty.
The land was fair to look upon when Joliet, Marquette and Hen-
nepin came with the sign of the cross to make converts of the
aboriginals. But the narratives of the explorers into the North-
west between 1600 and 1700 contained no reference to the mar-
velous bread-giving capacity of the land they found, no hint that
a granary of the world had been found — only descriptions of
half-explored waterways, plentiful game, unfound gold and silver
and diamond mines. They were eager to take possession for the
honor of France and for the financial gain that might come to
them. Little did they know of greater blessing in the earth than
that found in silver and gold, of the rich quality of soil which
would produce luxuriant vegetation, of the water power and the
pine forests that would draw hither the might and the money of
the east for its development.
THE CHIPPEWA AND SIOUX INDIANS.
When Jean Nicolet was sent by Champlain, governor of New
France, to find the long-sought western route to China, he found
on the shores of Green Bay the Menomonies, at the head of the
bay the Winnebagoes, going on to the Fox river he met the Mas-
coutens, the warlike Sacs and Foxes, and still further west were
the Kickapoos. Along the shores of Lake Superior he found the
Chippewas, and to the southwest of these, on the St. Croix, were
the Sioux. Powell said of this tribe, "By reason of their superior
numbers the Sioux have always assumed, if not exercised, the
lordship over all the neighboring tribes with the exception of
the OjibAva (Chippewa), who, having acquired fii-earms before
the Sioux, were enabled to drive the latter from the headwaters
of the Mississippi, and were steadily pressing them westward
when stopped by the intervention of the United States Govern-
ment. In warlike character the Sioux are second only to the
Cheyenne and have an air of proud superiority rather unusual
with Indians. The Chippewas were called by the French mis-
sionaries the bravest, most warlike, and at the same time the
noblest and most manly of all the tribes. They were derived
from the Algonquin race and the Jesuits spoke of the Chippewa
language as the most refined and complete of any Indian tongue.
In 1642 the Sioux possessed all the territory south of Lake Su-
perior and west of Lakes Huron and Michigan, south as far as
Milwaukee and west even beyond the Missouri river. About 1670
the Chippewas began their inroads upon the lands of the Sioux
26 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
on the north and east, fighting their way south and west. The
Sioux struggled to retain their hunting grounds, but were finally
crowded back to the St. Croix. From that time there was unre-
mitting war between the two great nations for a century or more,
and their traditions tell of many bloody battles fought beneath
the somber pines of the north. In the Chippewa tongue, Sioux
means "the enemy." Meantime the Winnebagoes, a migratory
tribe from Mexico to escape the Spaniards, came among the Sioux,
who gave them lands and refuge. But Sacs and Foxes came
from the south, took possession of the ground and were in turn
crowded out by the Menomonies. In consequence of these preda-
tory wars, the claims of the several nations to their respective
territories became very complicated and caused incessant strife.
To prevent this as much as possible the United States Government,
in 1825, authorized a general treaty to be held at Prairie du
Chien between all tribes within a district of 500 miles each way.
This was signed on the part of the government by Generals
William Clark and Lewis Cass, on the part of the Sioux by
Wabashaw, Red Wing, Little Crow and twenty-three other chiefs
and braves, and for the Chippewas by Hole-in-the-Day and forty
chiefs. By this treaty the eastern boundary of the Sioux began
opposite the mouth of the Iowa river on the Mississippi, runs
back two or three miles to the bluffs, following the bluffs to
Bad-Axe, and crossing to Black river, from which point the
line described is the boundary between the Sioux and the Win-
nebagoes and extends nearly north to a point on the Chippewa
river, half a day's march from Chippewa Falls. From this point
on the Chippewa river, which was fixed on the mouth of Mud
creek (near Rumsey's Landing), the line becomes the boundary
between the Sioux and Chippewas and runs to the Red Cedar
just below the Falls, thence to the St. Croix river at the Stand-
ing Cedar, about a day's paddle in a canoe above the lake on
that river ; thence passing between two lakes called by the Chip-
pewas "Green Lake" and by the Sioux "the lake they bury
the eagles in," thence to the "Standing Cedar" that the Sioux
split, thence to the mouth of Rum river on the Mississippi. The
boundary line between the Chippewas and Winnebagoes was
also defined as beginning at the same point (half a day's march
below the Falls), thence to the source of the Eau Claire, thence
south to Black river, thence to a place where the woods project
into the meadows, and thence to the Plover Portage of the Wis-
consin. Thus we see that the boundaries of the Sioux, Chip-
pewas and Winnebagoes were brought to a point at the famous
THE RED MAN 27
"half a day's march below the Falls," and very near the city
of Eau Claire — in fact, at the bluff just above "little Niagara."
On July 29, 1837, a treaty was signed at Fort Snelling be-
tween Governor Dodge on the part of the government and the
Chippewa chiefs, ceding a portion of these lands to the United
States. On September 29 of the same year, at "Washington, D. C,
a treaty was signed by Joel R. Poinsett on the part of the
United States and Big Thunder and twenty other chiefs of the
Sioux, at which the latter ceded to the United States their lands
east of the Mississippi and all their islands in said river.
On October 4, 1842, at La Poiute, Robert Stewart on the
part of the United States and Po-go-ne-ge-shik, with forty other
Chippewa chiefs, held a treaty at which all the Chippewa lands
in Wisconsin were ceded to the United States. But after the
cession of the last named lands several bands of Chippewas
became dissatisfied with the treaty and with the reservation set
apart for them above Sand Lake, in Minnesota, and begged so
earnestly to come back to Wisconsin that the government, in
1854, gave them several townships and half townships of the
land on Court Oreilles and some other branches of the Chip-
pewa, and established an agency there for the distribution of
part of the annuities promised them. Guerrilla fighting had
been the common mode of settling any difference of opinion
among the tribes hitherto, but governmental interference had
accomplished much and soothing measures Avere now in vogue.
In 1841, as related by the historian Randall, "a large party of
Sioux came up by invitation of the Chippewas to Eau Claire^
where they held a friendly meeting and smoked the pipe of
peace. This was repeated in October, 1846, when 150 braves, all
mounted on ponies, came up to the Falls, thence to Chippewa
City, and held a treaty of peace with their hereditary foes.
Among them were Wabashaw, Red Bird and Big Thunder. The
writer was present, heard part of the reception address, and
afterward learned from Ambrose — one of the interpreters — the
substance of what was said on both sides. The Sioux remained
mounted on their ponies during the entire interview. The Chip-
pewa chiefs and braves were painted after the mode indicating
peace and the head chief advanced with a large red pipe, made
of stone from Pipe-stone mountain, in one hand, and in the
other a hatchet, which was thrown with such force as to partly
bury it in the earth ; then taking a whiff or two from the pipe
he turned the stem toward the Sioux chief, presenting it for his
acceptance. All this was done in silence; the Sioux chief re-
28 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ceived the emblem of peace, also in silence, smoked a few whiffs,
bowed respectfully as he handed the pipe, reined his pony one
step to the right, and waited the next salutation, the substance
of which was, "Friends, we are glad you have come, we are
anxious to make peace with the Sioux nation. As you have seen
us throw down and bury the hatchet, so we hope you are inclined
to make peace." The Sioux chiefs then threw down whatever
arms they held and declared their purpose to maintain perma-
nent peace. They said their great father, the President, with
whom they had never been at war, had requested them to con-
clude a lasting peace with the Chippewa nation, and although
they had sold their lands on the east side of the Mississippi they
still wanted to hunt tliere, and were glad that in the future
they could do so without fear. This was all done through inter-
preters, several of whom were present on each side, and closed
every sentence they repeated with the expression, 'That's Avhat
we say.' This meeting was at the Falls and the delegation met
a still larger number of Chippewa chiefs and braves the next
day at Chippewa City, where the ceremonies were still more
imposing, and a dinner Avas served of which both parties par-
took."
After this interesting pageant of truce, a stead.y peace was
well maintained between the nations, rarely disturbed by any-
thing more than trifling quarrels soon settled by arbitration.
CHAPTER VI.
HOW EAU CLAIRE COUNTY WAS MADE.
The territory of Wisconsin was organized in the year 1836,
and comprised the present states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota
and parts of North Dakota, South Dakota and Michigan. This
entire area included only six full counties and parts of others,
what is now Eau Claire county forming a part of Crawford
county.
In 1845 Chippewa county was set off from Crawford county,
although the county government was not wholly perfected until
1854. In the meantime, in 1848, the territory of Wisconsin M-as
admitted as a state, its area having been reduced from time to
time until it reached its present limits.
Chippewa county as originally formed was of vast area, the
counties of Eau Claire, Buffalo, Pepin, Clark, Dunn, Barron, Bur-
nett, Washburn, Sawyer, Gates, Rusk and parts of Taylor and
Price.
On July 27, 1855, the county board of supex-visors of Chippewa
county divided the county into three towns, the southernmost
of these, which was identical in area with the present Eau Claire
county, was set off as the town of Clearwater, the first town
meeting to be held at the boarding-house of Gage & Reed. The
next town north was set off as the town of Chippewa Falls, and
the northernmost town as the town of Eagle Point. Up to this
time the name Eau Claire had not appeared in the official records
of Chippewa county, of which what is now Eau Claire county
formed a part. In this same year R. F. Wilson and W. H. Glea-
son came to Clearwater settlement, at the junction of the Chip-
pewa and Clearwater rivers. They recognized its possibilities
and soon made a deal with Gage & Reed whereby a considerable
part of what is now the east side was platted as the village of
Eau Claire. Of course the platting of this village under the name
Eau Claire could have no legal effect on the name of the town,
but it seems to have confused the town officials, as the records
show both the names Clearwater and Eau Claire for a short
period, after which, without any recorded official action, the
name Clearwater was dropped and the name Eau Claire only
29
30 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
was used. The town remained under town government only one
year, when by act of legislature approved October 6, 1856, it
Avas set off as Eau Claire county.
The town of Eau Claire was the only organized town govern-
ment in the new county, and the legislative act forming the
county stipulated that the town board of Eau Claire should can-
vass the returns of the first election of county officers and per-
form the functions of the county board until the county organi-
zation should be completed. There were but two election pre-
cincts in the entire town and county, the polling places of one
being in what is noAv the east side of the city of Eau Claire, and
the other usually at the farmhouse of Robert Scott in what is
known as Scott's Valley, in the town of Otter Creek.
The first election of county officers for the new county took
place December 30, 1856. "At an election held at Eau Claire
in the county of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, held at the house of P. N.
Drake in said village, December .30, 1856, C. M. Seley, chairman
of the board of supervisors, was present. In the absence of E. "W.
Robbins and M. A. Page, supervisors, Taylor Stevens and S. N.
"Wilcox were elected to serve as inspectors of election, and were
sworn as follows:
Opening paragraph election returns from first precinct. "At
an election held at the house of Robert Scott in the township 25,
range 7, on Tuesday, the 30th day of December, A. D. 1856, the
following inspectors were chosen viva-voce by the electors: Lor-
enzo Bennett, Robert Scott, Charles H. Hale, and were sworn
as follows:
Opening paragraph election returns from second precinct. On
the first day of January, 1857, the town board of Eau Claire, as
authorized by legislative act, met and canvassed tlie returns of
the first county election. "At a meeting of the board of super-
visors, January 1, 1857, C. M. Seley, chairman; E. W. Robbins
and Moses A. Page present, ordered that the votes of the election
of county officers be canvassed according to the act of legislature
approved October 6, 1856, who were chosen December 30, 1856.
"We, the supervisors of the town of Eau Claire, having met at the
office of Gleason & Seley, in the village of Eau Claire, on the first
day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight
hundred and fifty-seven, pursuant to the act for organizing the
county of Eau Claire approved October sixth, one thousand eight
hundred and fifty-six, to estimate and determine the number of
votes given for the several officers provided for by the said act
at the official election held on the last Tuesday of December, one
HOW EAU CLAIRE COUNTY WAS MADE 31
thousand eight liundred and fifty-six, as provided by said act
do determine and declare as follows:
"That the whole number of votes cast for the office of clerk of
court was one hundred ninety-one, of which George Olin re-
ceived one hundred eighteen and J. H. Duncan received seventy-
three. Sheriff, Moses A. Page 188, M. M. Reed 54. Register of
deeds, Charles H. Howard 114, R. F. Wilson 76. District attor-
ney, B. U. Strong 189. Clerk of board of supervisors, Charles T.
Babcock 120, George Olin 68, scattering 2. County treasurer,
Adin Randall 130, T. B. Medlar 58. Coroner, George Sprague 191.
County surveyor, J. B. Randall 135, Benjamin Hadley 56. County
judge, Ira Mead 129, J. S. Cook 59, scattering 2.
"Report of canvassing board first election county officers."
As there was still but one town in the new county, the town
board continued to perform the functions of a county board until
a sufficient number of towns should be formed to allow the super-
visors of such towns to comprise a county board in the usual man-
ner. Action to this end was taken M'ithout delay. On the second
day of January, 1857, the day following the canvass of votes for
county officers, the town board of Eau Claire, acting in its capac-
ity as county board, set off the town of Half Moon Lake. This
comprised all territory in the county west and north of the Chip-
pewa river, or the present west side of the city of Eau Claire
and the town of Union. On February 24, the towns of Bi-idge
Creek and Brunswick Avere formed and the three new towns held
their first election in April of that year. On November 16, the
chairman of the town boards of Eau Claire, Half Moon Lake,
Bridge Creek and Brunswick organized as a county board of
supervisors, after which the town board of Eau Claire ceased to
perform the functions of county board.
In March, 18a8, the county board changed the name of the
town of Half Moon Lake to Half Moon. On the fourth of Decem-
ber of that year a resolution was passed setting off' a town to be
called Machas, but later in the same day the name was changed
to Pleasant Valley. The town North Eau Claire was formed
in March, 1857.
In November, 1860, all that part of the town of Half Moon
lying north of an east and west quarter section line running a
few rods south of the present county courthouse and directly
through the site of the present high school building was set off
imder the name of Oak Grove. The part south of this line be-
came the town of West Eau Claire. Later in the same month
the town of Fall Creek was formed. After a few years the town
32 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
name was changed to Lincoln, the village only retaining the name
of Fall Creek. The town of Otter Creek was set off in April,
1867, the town of Washington in January, 1868, and the town
of Seymour in March, 1872.
The state legislature having in March, 1872, granted a charter
forming the city of Eau Claire, with its present boundaries, the
parts of the towns of West Eau Claire and Oak Grove lying be-
tween the new city of Eau Claire and the Dunn county line were
by act of the board of supervisors in March, 1872, voted to be
formed into a new town to be called the town of Randall. On
the twentieth of the same mouth, two petitions from residents
of this proposed new town were received by the county board.
A petition from that part formerly in Oak Grove asked that the
action of the board uniting these two parts of towns be rescinded,
and a petition from the part formerly in West Eau Claire in
opposition to same. The board refused to rescind its former
action uniting these two parts of towns, but did pass a resolu-
tion changing the name from the town of Randall to the town
of Union.
In November, 1873, the southern part of the town of Briuis-
wick was set off under the name Lant. This name was later
changed to Dramraen. In March, 1874, the town of Fairchild
was formed; in April, 1876, the town of Ludington, and in 1882,
the town of Clear Creek.
Augusta was incorporated as a village in 1864 and received
a city charter in 1885. Altoona, which was formerly a part of
the town of Wasliington, was platted as a village in 1881, Avith
the name East Eau Claire. This was later changed to Altoona,
and in 1887 it was granted a city charter, having the distinction
of being one of the smallest, if not the smallest, city in the United
States. The village of Fairchild was incorporated May 6, 1880.
Although of considerable size. Fall Creek remained under the
government of the town of Lincoln until 1907, when it was incor-
porated as a separate village.
CHAPTER VII.
TOWNSHIPS.
BRIDGE CREEK.
By
FRANK L. CLARK.
In the early days ere history was written, the water of
Bridge creek babbled on to the sea. It is not even written how
long it had babbled when men and women came to make the
country through which it flowed fit for their habitation. Geolo-
gists have told us that it marks the southern extremity of the
vast area of that first formation that arose out of the chaos of
the waters that covered the earth ere the sun or the moon obeyed
the creative behest: "Let there be light." But whatever the
geologists may tell us, or whatever the philosophers may reveal
unto us is not of particular interest to us just now, and was
of much less interest to those sturdy i:)ioneers who came to
establish a civilization and realize the fruition of a bountiful
promise.
When Eau Claire county was organized by an act of the legis-
lature in 1856, there were but few settlers in the eastern part
thereof. Probably the first settler was Andrew Thompson, who
came, it is said, iu 1854, and settled and built a house on what was
later Henry Brown's pasture in Otter creek. The valley was
named Thompson valley. If he came in 1854, he was here at least
a year, perhaps more, before the coming of others. In 1856 when
the county was organized, Charles Hale, L. D. McCauley and J. A.
Bride had settled in what has since been known as Scott's val-
ley; Lorenzo and William Bennett and Charles and Scribner
Chadbourne had located in Thompson valley ; George Diamond had
settled on the Diamond farm in Diamond valley, and a little
bunch of pioneers, James Woodbury, E. L. Hull, William Young
and perhaps a few more, had settled near where the village of
Augusta was soon to be. These, together with the first settlers
in Augusta, Charles Buckman, S. E. Bills, John P. Stone and
a few more, constituted at that time the population of the town
of Bridge Creek.
33
34 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
When Eau Claire county was organized there was quitt' a
settlement at Eau Claire, and the act of the legislature wliiuh
created the county provided that the government of the county
should be vested in the town board until the next annual town
meeting. The county was divided into the towns of Half Moon,
Brunswick and Bridge Creek. The town of Bridge Creek com-
prised nearly all the east half of the county, or, to be more par-
ticular, what is now the towns of Fairchild, Bridge Creek, Lud-
ington, Otter Creek and Clear Creek.
The first town meeting was held at the house of William
Young, just east of the schoolhouse on Main street, Augusta. The
date of the town meeting was April 7, 1857. The officers elected
were as follows:
Supervisors, William Young, chairman ; L. Bennett and Joseph
Sargent, sideboard. Clerk, J. C. Ilackett. Treasurer, James Mc-
Cauley. Assessor, Charles Buckman. Justices, L. M. Underwood,
J. F. Stone, S. E. Bills and R. E. Scott. Constables, William
Buck, Anas Brown and W. A. Bennett. Sealer of weights and
measures, John A. Bride.
The voters adopted a resolution to appropriate the sum of
$150.00 for roads and bridges, and $150.00 for schools. A resolu-
tion was also adopted providing that "hogs shall not be allowed
to run at large, or that hogs shall not be considered free com-
moners." It was ordered that notices of the adoption of this
resolution be "duly posted according to law." The four justices
of the peace elected "drew lots" for the one-year and two-year
terms, and Messrs. Stone and Underwood got the long term and
Messrs. Scott and Bills had to take the short term. And so the
town of Bridge Creek was organized and officered. It was a big
town and but sparsely settled. What is now the town of Luding-
ton was an unsettled wilderness ; the three eastern townships
were little better. The southeast portion of the town was a roll-
ing country of a rich sandy loam soil and covered with a low
growth of oak. It was well watered and has since developed into
the finest farm country in the Northwest. The heavy pine that
covered the timbered portion of the town, and much of the hard-
. wood, has since been cut off and many good lands have been
opened. There is still much good land, however, that has not
been broken and there is yet room for many more good farms.
The second annual town meeting was held April 6, 1858.
J. E. Perkins was elected chairman of the town board, and Jose-
phus Livermore and James Sargent, supervisors. J. C. Hackett
was elected clerk, L. Bennett, treasurer, and Charles Buckman,
TOWNSHIPS 35
assessor. The sum of !i>400 was voted for incidental expenses;
$100 for roads and bridges, and $200 for sehools. A resolution
was adopted to prevent the running at large of calves under one
year old, and also geese ; the former under a penalty of 50 cents
for the first otfense and $1.00 for every subsequent offense. Tlie
penalty for geese was 25 cents for the first oft'ense, and 50 cents
for all subsequent offenses. It was also discovered that the reso-
lution of 1857 relating to hogs was without a penalty clause, and
the matter was remedied by making the penalty $5.00 for the
first offense and $10.00 for offenses thereafter. These resolutions
were "posted according to law." jL19S6I2^
July 4, 1857, the first fourth of .luly celebration in the town
was held at the farm of Simon Kaudall. He had bought the
William Young place and the people gathered there and had a
regular old-fashioned good time. In the evening they had a
dance and Alfred Bolton played the fiddle. Allen Randall was a
little fellow at that time, five years old, and he had a regular
Buster Brown of a time. That celebration and that dance were
the first events in the social life of Augusta and Bridge Creek,
and for years thereafter the spirit of fellowship and good will
grew and the social life was of that wliolesome kind, unmarred
by class distinctions that prevails when tlie people live near to
Nature's heart. There Avas no fol-de-rol, no nonsensical tommy-
rot, nor any of that superior culture that marks the upper
stratum of the modern social life. The people were hearty in
those days, good-souled, and between the hours of toil had sense
enough to have a good time.
At the town meeting in the spring of 1859 the old officers
were all re-elected, and the town records do not disclose that
anything of special interest was done.
The town meeting in 1860 resulted in the election of Harris
Searl as chairman and Josephus Livermore and Charles Hale as
supervisors; C. W. Warren was elected clerk, J. C. Smith, treas-
urer, and Charles Bvickman, assessor. Mr. Smith refused to
qualify as treasurer and the board appointed Charles Buckman
in his place and then appointed J. C. Hackett as assessor, the
office to which Mr. Buckman had been elected. The bond of Mr.
Buckman as treasurer was $3,200. The first bills audited by the
town board that are of record were those of J. C. Hackett for
clerk, salary $32.33, and H. C. Putnam for surveying, $3.50. These
claims were audited and paid in June, 1860. At the town meet-
ing that year R. E. Scott made a motion that a committee be
appointed to investigate the doings of the town officers since its
36 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
organization. There is no record that the committee ever made
a report. The total amount of claims paid and town orders
issued was $672.60. The accounts were audited and the orders
cancelled by the board of audit March 26, 1861. The record also
discloses the fact that William Young was elected superintend-
ent of schools at the town meeting in 1860. Just what his duties
were the writes does not understand, but they were probably
similar to those of the county superintendent of schools at the
present time.
In 1861 the old board Avas re-elected with William Maas as
clerk, Charles Buckmau, treasurer, and J. C. Smith and S. W.
Crockett as assessors. The town was too big for one assessor,
and so they elected two. Both of the assessors refused to qualify,
however, and C. W. Chadbourne and J. M. Woodbury were ap-
pointed in their stead. The total amount of orders drawn for
incidental expenses that year was $481.94.
. The result of the election in 1862 was the choice of Josephus
Liverraore as chairman, C. H. Hale and Orriu C. Hall, super-
visors; Harris Searl, clerk; Charles Buckman, treasurer, and R.
E. Scott, assessor. A committee consisting of Messrs. F. Dighton,
Peter Lundeville and William Young was appointed by the voters
at the town meeting to look into certain doings of the town board.
The committee made the investigation during the day, and before
the meeting adjourned brought in two reports. The majority
report was by Messrs. Dighton and Lundeville in effect that the
board had an undoubted right to purchase a map. Mr. Young
made the minority report which declared that $25.00 for a map
is unnecessary in these times of high taxes. The majority report
Avas adopted by the electors. The total vote volled at the election
was 75. A tax of five mills was levied for highAvay purposes.
The war Avas on and the country Avas calling for brave men to
come to the front and offer their lives upon the altar of their
country. The call Avas not unheeded, even among the little band
of pioneers of Bridge Creek. On September 5 Supervisor Hale
and Treasurer Buckman resigned their offices to take up arms in
defence of liberty, and Messrs. James Sargent and li. Blair Avere
appointed to the respective positions. On September 19 Orrin
C. Hall resigned as supervisor and Daniel Russell was appointed
in his stead. He went to the war and never returned. J. L. Ball
also resigned as justice of the peace, and M. B. Riekard Avas
chosen at a special election to take his place. Thus the toAvn
of Bridge Creek Avas organized, and had already assumed au
importance as an economic, political factor in the history of
TOWNSHIPS 37
northern Wisconsin. In fact, when Governor Barstow, in 1856,
wanted a few hundred votes to re-elect him, they were forthcom-
ing from Bridge Creek, even though there were not twenty-five
people in the town. The game worked for a short time, but the
courts took the matter in hand and Barstow gave up the execu-
tive office in compliance with the judicial determination.
These were strenuous years in Bridge Creek. The flower of
the young manhood went to the war; the country was new and
taxes were high. On March 3, 1864, a special town meeting was
called to vote upon a proposition to raise $5,000 to pay bounties
to the volunteers and men drafted to fill the quota called for by
President Lincoln. There were 50 votes cast on the proposition,
all in the affirmative. A resolution was passed directing the
clerk to draw orders on the fund as the claims were allowed.
Anotlier special town meeting was held and $4,000 was appropri-
ated for the same purpose. There were 48 votes cast, of which
47 were for the appropriation and 1 against. February 25, 1865,
another special meeting voted $1,000, and March 25 $2,000 more
was voted. These various funds were largely made up by per-
sonal subscriptions, thus avoiding the necessity of a tax levy.
To raise so large a sum of money, $12,000, among a people where
50 votes was the entire voting population, was a task of no mean
proportions, but it was done and out of the effort the people came
forth unscorched by the fires of distress and ready to bear still
greater burdens.
In 1867 the town of Otter Creek was organized and set off
from Bridge Creek. It comprised what is now the towns of
Otter Creek and Clear Creek. In the division of the town funds
after all debts had been paid Otter Creek had $232.94, and
Bridge Creek had $412.18.
Meanwhile the village of Augusta had grown, and there were
those who had an idea that there should be provided places
where booze might be purchased. In conformity with this idea
G. J. Hardy made application to the town board. The application
was favorably acted upon and the license to sell spirituous and
malt liquors was granted. The license fee M-as fixed at $75.00.
Soon thereafter Ren Halstead and H. S. Baldwin were granted
a license for the same purpose at the same time. Later it was
discovered that the license fee as fixed by the town board was
excessive, and it was reduced to $20. In 1870 the fee was again
raised to $75.00. In 1873, June 24, a special town meeting was
called to vote $2,500 to build a bridge across the Eau Claire river
where the main river bridge now is. The proposition was de-
38 HISTORY OP^ EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
feated by a vote of 66 to 16. This was about the voting strength
of the town at that time. In 1877 the towns of Ludington and
Fairchild were organized and set off from Bridge Creek. The
village of Augusta was organized and set off in 1883. This left
Bridge Creek with less than three townships.
In the eai'ly days nearly all of the northern and eastern por-
tions of the town were covered by forests and these were watered
by numerous small streams, tributaries to the Eau Claire river.
Game and fish abounded and the territory was the paradise of
the hunter and the fisherman. The southern and western portions
of the town as it originally was and as it is now presents a pros-
pect that to the agriculturist is a dream of pure delight.
The original population was mostly of Yankee descent, but
since the war the Germans have come, and with their industry
and persistence have practically possessed the land. Dairying
and diversified farming is the principal occupation of the people,
who are earnest, honest and industrious, and nowhere in the
world can be found a more patriotic people.
Brunswick Township, which contains about thirty-six square
miles, was formed in 1857, and is bounded irregularly on the
north by the Chippewa river, which divides it from the town of
Union; on the south by the town of Drammen, on the east by the
towns of Washington and Pleasant Valley, and on the west b.y
Dunn county. Besides being abundantly watered by the Chip-
pewa river at its northern extremity, the town is intercepted by
Taylor's, West and Coon creeks. It had a population according
to the census returns of 1910 of 706. Porter's Mills were the only
manufacturing industries of this township. This was formerly
called Porterville and was surveyed and platted with that name
in the fall of 1883. It had a station on the Chippewa Valley
division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, described
as "Porter's Mills." Among the early settlers in close proximity
to it were Nelson Cooley, in 1855, and Washington Churchill, in
1856. This location was selected as the site for a sawmill in
1863 by Charles Warner, who began the erection of a structure
of this description. It was completed in the following year by
Messrs. Porter, Brown and Meredith. The capacity of the mill
was then 20,000 feet a day of twelve hours. It was burned down
in October, 1866, and rebuilt by Gilbert E. Porter and D.. R.
Moon during the following winter, and its capacity increased to
40,000 feet. The business was carried on under the firm name of
Porter & Moon, and in 1869 the capacity of the mill was again
increased with an output of 60,000 feet per day. When the first
TOWNSII rPS 39
mill was started in 1865 there was only one house at this place.
It was occupied by the few men then required to run the busi-
ness. According to the census returns for 1890 the population
of the village was 1,194. There was no industry here other than
those controlled by this company. A Scandinavian Lutheran
frame church was erected and dedicated in 1889, and a tine school
house was built.
Fairchild Township was formed in 1874, and is identical in
size and sliape with one of government survey. It is bovinded
on the north by the town of Bridge Creek, on the south by
Jackson county, on the east by Clark county, and on the west
by the town of Bridge Creek. It is watered by Coon and Bridge
creeks and their tributaries. Its business center is the village
of the same name, which is located in the extreme southeast
corner of the county and the township, and was settled in 1868,
about the time when the then West Wisconsin railway was con-
structing its roadbed. The land at this time was covered with
a low growth of bushes, but is now made into fine farms and
country homes. One of the first settlers there was Mr. Yan-
Auken, who built the first steam sawmill and sold it to another
earl.y settler, G. S. Graves, in 1870. It was twice burned down,
the second time in 1874, and was not rebuilt.
Lincoln Township is irregular in line on the north. Its great-
est length from north to south is nine miles, while the distance
from east to west is eight miles. It contains a fraction over
sixty square miles and is settled chiefly by an agricultural com-
munity. It is bounded on the north by the towns of Seymour
and Ludington, on the south by the towns of Clear Creek and
Otter Creek, on the east by Ludington and Bridge Creek, and
on the west by the town of Washington. The Eau Claire river
runs through the towns from northeast to northwest, and it is
also watered by the tributaries, Fall and Bear's Grass creeks.
According to the census of 1910 it had a population of 1,189.
Otter Creek Township, which contains sixty-six square miles,
with a population, according to the census of 1910, of 703, Avas
set off in April, 1867. It is bounded on the north by the town
of Lincoln, on the south by Trempealeau county, on the east by
the town of Bridge Creek and on the west by the town of Clear
Creek. The upper portion of the town is watered by Otter,
Bear's Grass and Thompson's creeks. The nearest shipping point
is Augusta, which is eleven miles distant. This town is essen-
tially agricultural and lias splendid farms owned by a thrifty
people.
40 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Pleasant Valley Township was set off in 1858 and first given
the name of Machas, which was afterwai'ds changed by the county
board to its present name. It is principally a farming country
with good land and prosperous people. It contains fifty-four
square miles, and is oblong in shape, being six miles wide from
east to west, and nine miles long from north to south. The water
supply is ample, Low's creek, Pine and Clear creeks intersecting
the country in almost every direction. Fine homes and farms
are to be found here and happiness and prosperity abound.
Washington Township is rectangular in shape, but irregular
in outline and contains sixty-six square miles. It was set off
in January, 1866, and is bounded on the north by the city of
Eau Claire and the town of Seymour, on the south by the towns
of Clear Creek and Otter Creek, on the east by the town of
Lincoln and on the west by the city of Eau Claire and the town
of Brunswick. Otter creek runs through the town from the
extreme southeast to the extreme northwest, and Low's creek
waters the western portion of it. It has a population, according to
the census returns of 1910, of 1,489, exclusive of the city of
Altoona, which has 824. This place was originally East Eau
Claire, and was surveyed and platted as a village with that name,
in September, 1881. It was afterwards changed to Altoona, and
incorporated as a city in 1887. It is located on the Eau Claire
river and Otter creek and is distant four miles east from the
city of Eau Claire. There were only two houses here in 1882
when the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway
selected it as the site for machine shops and the roundhouse.
As these buildings were constructed the population rapidly
increased, and in the Pall of that year at least a dozen habitations
had been erected. In the following year hotels, stores and resi-
dences went up in all directions. A postoffice was established, a
union frame church was erected in 1884 and the graded school
house with three departments.
Since 1884 Altoona has experienced a steady and prosperous
growth ; new people have come in, churches of all denominations
have been established; improved schools have been erected, and
while it may be stjded one of the smallest cities in the United
States, it is nevertheless a hustling business place which prom-
ises to improve with rapidity with the addition of its transporta-
tion facilities of the interurban railway line from Eau Claire,
which has recently been completed. Originally what is now the
Omaha Railway Company, in 1880 deemed it essential to locate
a division point at some place nearly equidistant between Saint
TOWNSHIPS 41
Paul and Elroy. They were urged to make that point Eau Claire.
This they claimed they could not do, as it would make the eastern
division much longer than the western. They had purchased
the land necessary at Fall Creek and had commenced operations.
The citizens of Eau Claire realized that this was detrimental to
its prosperity. W. F. Bailey took the matter up with Mr. Porter,
president of the road, the latter agreeing if a suitable place hav-
ing a half mile of level track was nearer Eau Claire, and other
conditions suitable, he would consider a proposition to locate
the division there. Mr. Johnson, the company's engineer, and
Mr. Bailey went over the line and place where Altoona is located
and found suitable. If an abundance of a suitable water could
be found and the city of Eau Claire would grade the yards Mr.
Porter agreed to locate there. Water was found, the city pay-
ing the expense. Subsequently it was agreed that the company
would grade the j-ard, the city paying in lieu of grading $2,000.
Clear Creek Township was organized in 1882, and is strictly
agricultural. It contains thirty-six square miles and is bounded
on the north by the towns of Washington and Lincoln, on the
south by Trempealeu county, on the east by the town of Otter
Creek and on the west by Pleasant Valley. The northern half
is watered by Clear, Bear's and Otter creeks; its popidation,
according to the census returns of 1910, are 728.
Drammen Township is identical in size and shape with a
township of government survey. It is bounded on the north by
the town of Brunswick, on the south by Buffalo county, on the
east by the town of Pleasant Valley, and on the Avest by Pepin
county. In 1873 this town was set off from Brunswick imder
the name of Lant, which was afterwards changed to its present
name of Drammen. The water supply is furnished by Rock and
Hoyt's creeks and their tributaries. Its population for 1910
was 869.
Ludington Township is sixteen miles in length from east to
west, six miles in Avidth and contains 96 square miles, with a
population for 1910 of 989. It is bounded on the north by Chip-
pewa county, on the south by the towns of Lincoln and Bridge
Creek, on the east by Clark county and on the west by Seymour
and Lincoln. It is well watered by the north fork of the Eau
Claire river aud Twelve Mile Pine, Sand, Hay and Muskrat
creeks. ' It is stocked with an abundance of hard wood, and in
its west center is located the great maple sugar district.
Seymour Township is about twelve miles long and three wide,
containing thirty-six square miles. It is bounded on the north
42 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
by Chippewa county, on the south by the towns of Washington
and Lincoln, on the east by the town of Ludington and on the
west by the city of Eau Claire. The Eau Claire river runs nearly
the whole length of the farther extremity of the town, and other
portions of it are intersected by the river's tributaries. Its popu-
lation in 1910 was 588.
Union Township was first laid out as the town of Randall,
but afterward changed to Union. It has thirty-four square miles,
a little less than a regular township, with a population in 1910
of 1,090. It is bounded on the north by Chippewa county, on
the south by the town of Brunswick (the Chippewa river dividing
the two towns), on the east by the city of Eau Claire and on the
west by Dunn county. Truax is a station on the Chicago, St. Paul,
Minneapolis & Omaha railway four and one-half miles north-
west of Eau Claire. The Eau Claire county poor farm and
asylum is located in this town, which contains many fine farms
and farm buildings.
CHAPTER VIII.
FRUITS AND BERRIES.
Prof. Fi-t'deric Craiiefield. secretary of the Wisconsin State
Iloi-ticultiual Society at Madison said in an interview regarding
the jiossibilities of Wisconsin as a fruit raising state: "What
about Wisconsin? Wisconsin is a good fruit state; quite as good
as anj- other state and far better than many. Give the right
kind of a man the right kind of land — we have millions of acres
of it in Wisconsin — the right kinds of fruits and as much money
may be made in fruit raising in Wisconsin as in any other place
in the United States. Don't go M-est, young man! Stay at home
and grow up with the country. Even if you have only a little
money, good horse sense, plenty of ambition, a stout heart, hard-
ened muscles and a clever wife stay in Wisconsin — we need you.
"With a capital of $5,000 a splendid fruit farm may be devel-
oped in Wisconsin that will yield in ten years an annual income
equal to the original investment. If this sum is not available
$2,000 will answer, and if that is too much $1,000 and fair credit
will place a beginning on a safe business foundation. A young
man full of energy without a dollar can make a start by working
for others and learning the industry, and before middle age own
a business that will yield him a competent income for the rest of
his days. We have men in Wisconsin who have done it.
"After making a tliorough research and scientific study of
the soil and climate of Wisconsin we are sure of our facts when
we make the statement that these conditions are as favorable
for the raising of small fruits, apples and cherries on a commer-
cial or market basis as in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, or
any other central or western state.
"In many respects, as markets, high color of fruit and free-
dom from frost, the conditions are more favorable than in any of
the states named. Taking into consideration the amount of cap-
ital required, the raising of apples or cherries in Wisconsin is
as profitable as in any other state east or west. To illustrate
this statement I will call attention to one upper Wisconsin county
in particular. After ten years of careful observation I am well
satisfied that Door county offers exceptional opportunities for
4-i
44 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
fruit growing, particularly for the raising of sour cherries and
apples. After a careful investigation of the returns from fruit
growing in different parts of the United States I am well con-
vinced that the net profits earned by several of the cherry
orchards in the vicinity of Sturgeon Bay during the past ten
years are greater than can be shown by any other areas of similar
extent devoted to fruits of any kind anywhere in the United
States.
"Land can be bought in Wisconsin, an orchard planted and
brought to profitable bearing age for one-fourth to one-half the
price asked for western irrigated orchard tracts. The cost of
transportation from Oregon to New York on a carload of apples
is about the same as ten acres of good fruit land in Wisconsin.
"Another thing, the Wisconsin fruit grower is within easy
reach of one-third of the entire population of the United States.
Only a few hundred carloads of strawberries of 300 bushels each
are shipped out of Wisconsin each year, just about enough to
make one good shortcake for Chicago. Strawberries bear one
year after planting and yield 4,000 to 6,000 quarts per acre. No
state in the Union can produce better strawberries than Wis-
consin or furnish cheaper land adapted to their growth.
"Raspberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries all
thrive in every part of the state and are money makers. Two
to four hundred dollars an acre may be made from berries.
Grapes are raised in the southern counties and always bring a
good price on local markets. A good crop of Concord or Moore's
Early will bring $250 an acre. Wisconsin is pre-eminently an
apple state. In size, color, qualitj^ and productiveness Wisconsin,
Duchess, Wealthy and McMahan cannot be equaled. Early
apples always find a ready market at good prices, and the money
is in the grower's pocket long before the winter apples of other
states are harvested, and with no storage charges to pay.
"A ten-year apple orchard, if properly handled, will yield
an annual average income of $250 to $300 per acre. We have
records of $1,400 per acre for a single crop. Where? Almost
anywhere in the state. There are but few sections in Wisconsin
wholly unsuited to fruit raising, in fact, berries and all small
fruits may be grown successfully in any county in the state.
Concerning apples and cherries, certain sections are much better
than others. This is true of other crops and of fruits in every
other state. Fruit raising anywhere is not unlike any other busi-
ness enterprise. Capital, common sense, energy, determination
and close application to details are all quite as essential in fruit
FRUITS AND BERRIES 45
raising as in any other commercial enterpi'ise. It is the "man
behind the tree that counts."
APPLE INDUSTRY.
A great many years ago attempts were made iu some portions
of the county to raise apples with some measure of success, but
the farmers of that period did not have the advantage which
those of this day have iu the benefit of scientific learning and
instruction from the agricultural college in connection with the
university, which has investigated all sorts of subjects Avhich
are related to agriculture in any way, and a great deal of atten-
tion has been paid to the subject of apple raising, and as to
whether or not the soil and climate conditions iu this part of the
state will permit of apples being raised on a large scale. In the
earlier days alluded to, occasionally was found a small orchard
which was planted by some farmer and just allowed to grow
witliout any particular attention, except that in some instances
the science of grafting was gone into when, perhaps, some man
who had been familiar with the growing of apples in some eastern
state knew the method of grafting apple trees; but in no
locality iu the county was a determined effort made to raise
apples as a commercial proposition, although many varieties
were in fact raised of good quality and flavor, but with the lack
of attention these little orchards gradually went into decay and
the trees died off, more for the want of proper care and attention
than on account of any conditions in the soil or climate.
"With the awakening all along the line in agricultural sub-
jects has come a movement in this county in the last few years
to experiment with the growing of apple orchards, and with the
great assistance which has been rendered by the agricultural
department of the university, and also the officials of the State
Horticultural Society, we are able in this chapter to record the
result of experiments which prove beyond any question that
within the limits of Eau Claire county there is just as good
fruit lands as can be found anywhere in the United States for
the raising of certain varieties of apples. For the year 1912
there were two hundred and twenty acres of orchard iu the
county, containing 12,043 growing apple trees, which produced
10,300 bushels of apples.
To illustrate what may be accomplished in the raising of fruit
in Wisconsin we quote from statistics which show what one man
did iu one of the nearby counties, that of Monroe :
46 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
"If anything else was needed to establish beyond any qiiestion
that apple growing in this part of Wisconsin can be successfully
accomplished, and not only apples, but grapes, plums and cher-
ries, it has been most conclusively furnished in the results accom-
plished by J. W. Leverich at his fruit farm in the town of Angelo,
Monroe county. Mr. Leverich, who now is acknowledged one of
the authorities on small fruits, started in 1904 an experimental
orchard of five acres, which he planted in May of that year. In
order to demonstrate to his own satisfaction whether these fruits,
apples, grapes and cherries could be successfully raised if handled
scientifically, his trees were selected with the greatest care and
planted upon a piece of land which was carefully selected for the
purpose, and his long experience in small fruit raising gave him
the knowledge necessary to select the particular land which he
did for this orchard. The tract is protected on the north and
west by growing timber from the winds; to the south and east
are hills which protect the trees from wind blowing from that
direction. There are sixteen rows of fruit trees and two rows
of grapes. The trees are set twenty-two in a row. and the two
rows of grapes about four hundred feet in lengtli each, in which
there are seven distinct varieties.
"At the time of setting this five-acre tract into an orchard in
the spring of 1904, Mr. Leverich placed between the rows of trees
either raspberries, red raspberries or blackberry brush. These
berry brush have been thoroughly cultivated and cared for, as
the trees and vines of the orchard were, and as a consequence
there has been a crop of berries each year commencing with 1905.
In 1906 the first returns from the orchard proper were secured,
being ten baskets of grapes. The plum trees commenced bearing
in 1907, and the apples in 1908, while the first cherries were
secured in 1911. and it is the opinion of Mr. Leverich that this
locality in the town of Angelo is not adapted to the culture of
cherries. But his experiment has demonstrated beyond a doubt
that the valley soil of Monroe county, as well as the ridges, is
suitable and just as well adapted naturally for the culture of
fruits as the ridge lands. It only needs the intelligence, industry
and perseverance, which are, of course, all necessary in an indus-
try of this character to put into a paying proposition an orchard
bearing apples, plums and grapes. During the fall season of
1911 Mr. Leverich exhibited in one or two store windows in the
city of Sparta baskets containing the varieties of fruit and grapes
raised in this orchard, and they made a tempting picture indeed.
We have here the record which was kept by him from tlie time
FRUITS AND BERRIES 47
beginning with the planting of tlie oreliard up until the market
of 1911, showing in detail the number of baskets, cases or bushels,
as the case may be, of fruit which was raised upon this five-acre
tract of land from May, 1904, up to and including the crop of
1911, giving the total amount realized upon the entire tract:
BLACKBERRIES.
"1905, 24 cases, $1.19 per case, $28.56; 1906, 152 cases, $1.47
per case, $223.44; 1907, 207 eases, $1.67 per case, $405.69; 1908,
288 cases, $1.59 per ease, $557.92 ; 1909, 239 cases, $1.54 per case,
$368.06; 1910, 124 cases, $1.93 per ease, $239.32; 1911, 155 cases,
$1.64 per case, $254.20. Total, 1,190 cases; total, $2,231.86.
BLACK RASPBERRIES.
"1905, 54 eases, $1.21 per ease, $65.34; 1906, 421 eases, $1.46
per case, $614.66 ; 1907, 305 cases, $1.60 per case. $488 ; 1908, 235
cases, $1.89 per case, $445.25 ; 1909, 145 cases, $2.05 per case,
$297.25; 1910, 76 cases, $1.95 per case, $148.20; 1911, 111 cases,
$1.56 per case, $173.16. Total, 1,342 cases; total, $2,231.86.
RED RASPBERRIES.
"1905, 10 cases, $1.21 per case, $12.10; 1906, 154 cases, $1.47
per ease, $226.38; 1907, 125 cases, $1.68 per ease, $200; 1908, 215
cases, $1.75 per case, $376.25 ; 1909, 54 cases, $1.85 per case,
.$99.90; 1910, 10 cases, $1.98 per case, $19.80. Total, 568 cases;
total, $934.43.
GRAPES.
"1906, 10 baskets; 1907, 110 baskets; 1908, 200 baskets; 1909,
20 baskets; 1910, 10 baskets; 1911, 175 baskets. Total, 505 bas-
kets, at 25 cents per basket, $126.25.
"Cherries — 20 cases, $1..50 per case, $30.
"Apples— 1908, 5 bushels; 1909, 10 bushels; 1911, 75 bushels.
Total, 90 bushels, at 75 cents per bushel, $67.50.
"Plums— 1907, 5 cases; 1908, 30 eases; 1909, 50 cases; 1911,
130 cases. Total, 215 cases, $1.25 per case, $268.75. Plants sold,
$500. Grand total, $6,235.98."
These figures are for cases of twenty-four pints each of black-
berries and blaek and red raspberries, and sixteen quarts of plums
and cherries.
48 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The conditions of Monroe county are not much different from
those of Eau Claire, the soil with few exceptions is much the
same, except that in places, if anything, Monroe county has more
sand. The farm from which the above figures were obtained is
located in a valley where the soil is largely composed of sand.
In Eau Claire county for many years has been raised small fruit,
especially berries, but it is not until recently that apples have been
raised in any quantities. In 1912 there were eighty-three acres
given to the strawberry plant, from which 3,626 bushels of berries
were gathered, and the same year 1,222 bushels of raspberries
were produced from forty-seven acres and 1,030 bushels of black-
berries were gathered from twenty-eight acres. Sis acres set to
currant bushes yielded one hundred and thirty bushels, and the
grapes produced amounted to eleven bushels, and from three
acres one hundred bushels of cranberries were marketed.
CHAPTER IX.
AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING.
Since the organization of Eau Claire county, in 1856, when
the country was densely covered with a heavy growth of timber,
rapid strides have been made in agricultural pursuits. "Where
once stood the great forests of pine and hard timber, long since
brought in contact with the woodman's axe, fine farms and ele-
gant homes now abound. When the first settlers reached Eau
Claire county and observed the immensity of the forest some of
them little thought that only a few short years would elapse be-
fore the county would become one of the leading counties rich in
agriculture. Others of the pioneers who came to make a home
for themselves and families set to work cleai-ing the land, erect-
ing buildings, and otherwise improving the land, so that now,
where the wild beasts once roamed at their leisure the soil is
made to blossom like the rose.
The soil for the most part is a rich clay and sandy loam, with
here and there in some parts of the county a little sand, which
in later years has been made to produce abundant crops. The
county is especially favored with a bountiful water supply nearly
everywhere, for in most every direction there are creeks and
small sti-eams.
It is the writer's firm belief that there is no territory in the
country of equal size that has produced more net profit per acre
than has the soil of Eau Claire county for the length of time
that it has been under cultivation. The products of this county
and their aggregate value are increasing with each succeeding
decade, as will be shown by the comparative tables which are
here submitted. At the time of the first settlers in Eau Claire
who engaged in farming wheat was the principal or staple crop
grown, the soil being new and containing all of the elements
necessary to produce large yields, but as the years went on and
the continued cropping of the ground exhausted the greater part
of the phosphates, and the nitrogenous compounds that are so
abundantly essential to the production of grain. The result was
diminished yields. This, combined with low prices, which ruled
for a number of years, and the competition of the great wheat
49
50 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
belt of the west and northwest, compelled the farmers to adopt
different methods of farming. This course they pursued, so that
at this time, while there is quite an acreage of wheat sown yearly,
the yield is diminishing. Corn, oats, rye and barley yield large
crops, while the sugar beet in some localities is raised success-
fully. Where stock raising, dairying and clover predominates
the fertility of the land is sustained and is yearly growing better
under the skillful management of the Eau Claire county farmer.
The cultivation of the sugar beet and the manufacture of
sugar is receiving considerable attention and is not an experi-
ment, for it was proven as early as 1867 at Fond du Lac and at
Black Hawk, Sauk county, in 1870, that the soil and climate of
Wisconsin were si;ited to tlie successful growth of the sugar beet.
The failure of these enterprises was due, however, to lost interest
in this particular product by the farmers.
In writing of the dairying interests, and keeping in mind
the fact that the state of Wisconsin stands in the front rank in
the production of butter and cheese, it must also be kept in mind
that Eau Claire county is on the star list in these commodities;
with the nearness to market, the right kind of soil, the best grass
and the purest water, they can and do produce butter and cheese
that cannot be surpassed by even the most favored localities of
Europe. The growth of this branch of agriculture has been
rapid, but has never yet exceeded the demand, which is con-
stantly increasing. And not only has this indvistry been a source
of immense revenue, it has completely revolutionized the methods
of farming that were in vise twenty-five or thirty years ago, when
nearly all the land was plowed up in the fall or spring and
planted to wheat and other grains. Then in addition to the wash-
ing away of the loose soil by the spring rains come years of
short crops, low prices and innumerable trials and troubles that
arise from depending wholly upon the success of one growth of
a certain crop.
The following comjiarison Avill be of interest and show the
increase or decrease in the yield of the various commodities. The
agricultural products for the county in 1890 were as follows:
Wheat, 72,150 bushels; corn, 150,000 bushels; oats, 395,538
bushels; rye, 28,194 bushels; potatoes, 86,563 bushels; flax, 13,040
pounds ; tobacco, 354 pounds ; cultivated grasses, 10,966 tons.
The acreage seeded to grain in 1890 was as follows: Wheat,
7,467 ; corn, 9,042 ; oats, 18,850 ; barley, 1,157 ; rye, 2,952 ; that of
potatoes was 1,044; cultivated grasses, 15,408.
In 1912 the agricultural products of the county were : Wheat,
AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING 51
52,458 bushels; corn, 441,647 bushels, shelled; oats, 1,129,807
bushels; barley, 196,759 bushels; rye, 141,414 bushels; flax, 690
bushels; potatoes, 287,065 bushels; beans, 1,675 bushels; timothy
seed, 2,065 bushels; eloverseed, 2,593 bushels; sugar beets, 1,023
tons; tobacco, 12,800 pounds; cabbage, 3,397 tons; hay, 26,170
tons. The acreage seeded to grain in 1912 was as follows : Wheat,
2,841 ; corn, 16,784 ; oats, 40,982 ; barley, 8,210 ; rye, 11,078 ; flax,
495; potatoes, 2,270; beans, 195; sugar beets, 57; cabbage, 189;
tobacco, 8; cultivated grasses, 33,635.
DAIRYING.
It took a good many years of experience and the efforts of
some farmers more progressive than others of the general run
to bring to the fore, as a commercial proposition, the dairying
industry. Cattle, almost from the earliest settlement down to
within the last fifteen years, were raised for beef, with occasion-
ally a "cheese factory" which would spring up and flourish for
a time and then quit business, for the Avell developed farming of
the east could more than successfully compete with the middle
west in "cream cheese." Every farmer who kept cows made
more or less dairy butter, usually a department presided over
by the good wife, who presided at the churn and had her regular
days for turning out butter for the market, but with the develop-
ment of this section and the steady increase of population of
villages came the demand "more butter," and with this demand
from the markets developed the raising of better cattle, the
establishment of creameries and the application of scientific
modern methods to the making and marketing of butter.
Eau Claire county farmers have kept pace with other sections
of the state, and this very profitable industry has been pretty
well developed in almost all parts of the county ; farmers are and
have been studying the breeds of dairy cattle; they send their
sons to the university, some taking the short course and some
the long course in agriculture, and come out fitted to manage
stock farms successfullj^ There are one or two associations of
men who breed a certain kind of dairy cattle, and stock farms
with modern sanitary barns and apparatus for handling milk
and cream are found in nearly every township, and not only
that, but there are numerous creameries, which are generally
operated on the co-operative plan by the farmers in its com-
munity, where butter fat is turned into cash with scientific regu-
larity, and from this one industry alone has come a great increase
52 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
in laud values all over the county. As late as 1890 there were
but 4,10i milch cows in the county. In 1912 this number had
been increased to 10,248, valued at $202,312. In this same year
there was 6,609 head of other cattle, valued at $67,697. Horses
there were 7,723 head, valued at $568,668. Sheep and lambs, 5,116
head, valued at $13,127. This same year there were 5,515 head of
swine four months old or over, valued at $30,917. For the year
1912 there were 1,295 silos in the county.
Previous to 1880 there was very little dairying done in Eau
Claire county. Farming was practically all wheat, barley and
oats, the cattle of the county pasturing in the brush or on the
roadside in the summer, and living on the straw stacks in the
winter. What little butter was made was made in the summer
and all handled by the women folks and put down in the cellar
for the winter. The surplus was traded out to the grocery store
or kept in the cellar until the fall and then sold for what it would
bring, which was not much.
The first creamery in the county was started along early in
the eighties, shortly after the first institute was held in Augusta.
At that time Ex-Governor "W. H. Hoard, Hiram Smith and Dean
Henry of the university were out preaching the gospel of the
dairy cow as the only salvation of the northern Wisconsin farmer.
The creamery ran all summer and then failed. The next year it
went into the hands of the Victory Drug Co., of Augusta, who
made a success of it. Shortly after this a creamery was started
at Fall Creek. This creamery adopted the plan of gathering hand
skimmed cream from the farmers, and followed that plan for a
year or two, until the advent of the cream sepai-ator. They then
established a skimming station as did the Augusta creamery.
This improved the quality of the butter and brought more money
to the farmers, making it possible for them to make money out
of dairying. Soon after this a cheese factory was started at
Russell's Corner, near Augusta, which was later turned into a
creamery, and has been very successful.
About 1885 the Augusta Creamery established a skimming
station in the town of Ludington. This branch later grew and
developed into a creamery. It was sold out to Ludtke Bros., of
Ludington, who operated it until about three years ago, when it
burned down. The farmers then organized a co-operative cream-
ery, which is now in active operation. In about the year 1886
there was a company organized in the city of Eau Claire to biiild
and operate a creamery. This was built on Water street, but
proved a failure, there not being enough cows within easy hauling
AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING 53
distance of the creamery to furnish cream for the plant. The
next creamery to be organized in the county was at Cleghorn.
This was along about 1893 or 1894 and is still in operation and
doing well. Along about 1894 there was a creamery started in
the town of Drammen. This never was a success, was closed down
about two years ago and sold at auction about one year ago. Has
now been turned into a cheese factory.
Shortly after this Messrs. Hanke and Emmerson built a cream-
ery at Brackett in the town of Washington. This creamery was
very successful for a Avhile, but gradually lost patronage and was
sold out several times and finally organized into a co-operative
plant and failed, closing down about two years ago. There was
also a creamery organized in the town of Union about four miles
from Eau Claire. This creamery never did very much and finally
closed down.
In 1901 the farmers of the town of "Washington organized a
co-operative creamery and built it ' about five miles from Eau
Claire. This creamery has been successful from the start and is
now doing a good business. In 1901 they discontinued making
cheese at Russel's Corner and built a new creamery, and about
the same time the farmers of the town of Bridge Creek in what is
known as Diamond Valley organized a co-operative creamery
there and are still in successful operation. In 1906 the Eau Claire
Creamery Company was organized and started business in May
of that year. This company has steadily grown until it ranks as
one of the largest concerns of this kind in the state. Since 1880
the county has gradually di-ifted away from grain raising to
dairying and stock raising. They have a Guernsey Breeders'
Association, also a Holstein Breeders' Association, and they work-
ing in harmony with Prof. Ingles, the State Agricultural Instruc-
tor, have done a vast amount of good in the last two years. And
the day is not far distant when Eau Claire coimty will rank as
one of the best dairy and stock counties of the state.
CHAPTER X.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY TRAINING SCHOOL.
By
W. A. CLARK.
The Eau Claire County Training School for Teachers was
established by act of the county board November IS, 1904, and
opened in the city of Eau Claire August 28, 1905, and was the
eighth school of this kind in the state. At the present time,
less than nine years later, there are twenty-eight.
This school at first occupied rooms in the high school building
and employed two teachers, namely, W. A. Clark, principal, and
Miss Franc Wilkins, assistant. The school opened with an
attendance of forty-eight and increased so rapidly that another
teacher Avas secured for the second year. Miss Clara McNown
was engaged in this capacity, and remained with the school two
years. On Miss McNown 's resignation, Miss Lydia Wheelock
was engaged as second assistant, and remained in this position
for four years. She was followed by Miss Maud Guest, who is
still one of the faculty. Miss Wilkins and Mr. Clark have been
with the school from the beginning to the present time (1914).
During the summer of 1907 the beautiful and commodious
building now occupied by the school was erected by the county
on grounds adjoining the courthouse. In the spring of 1912
the usefulness of the school in promoting agricultural education
was greatly increased by the coming of G. K. Ingalls as county
agriculturist, who was given an office in the building, made it
his headquarters and became teacher of agriculture in the train-
ing school. The following winter a short course in agriculture
was given in which seventeen young men were enrolled. The
present time finds the school taxed to its utmost capacity, Avith
sixty-four students in the teachers' training courses and twenty-
two in the short course in agriculture. That the reputation of
the school has reached beyond the boundaries of the county is
shown by the fact that there are in attendance this year (1914)
more than thirty non-resident students coming from Chippewa,
Rush, Clark, Burnette, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo and Pepin
counties.
The school has one hundred and eighty-seven graduates up to
date, of whom one hundred and twenty are actively engaged in
teaching, which testifies to the efficiency of the school in incul-
54
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY TRAINING SCHOOL 55
eating professional spirit and love for the work. These gradu-
ates have been uniformly successful and the demand for the
product of the school is steadily increasing. No little credit for
the success of the school is due the high eliaracter and ability
of the men and women who have, during the past eight years,
served the school on the training school board. The first training
school board was composed of Hon. Emmet Horan, of Eau Claire,
president; Mr. Gus Dittmer, of Augusta, treasurer, and County
Superintendent of Schools Laura Burce, secretary. On Mr.
Koran's appointment as a member of the board of regents of
normal schools he resigned from the training school board, April
22, 1908, and Mr. Richard II. Loether, of Eau Claire, was made
his successor. On the retirement of Miss Burce from the county
superintendency in July, 1909, her successor. Miss Theresa A.
Leinenkugel, became secretary of the board. In November, 1913,
Mr. E. G. Herrel, of Augusta, was given a place on the board.
Ml-. Dittmer retiring, and at the same time Mr. J. H. Waggoner
succeeded Mr. Loether as president of the board. The board
as now constituted consists of J. H. Waggoner, president; E. G.
Herrel, treasurer, and j\Iiss Theresa Leinenkugel, secretary.
THE RURAL SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY.
Eau Claire county has not fallen behind others of the state
in regard to the educational welfare of its population. There are
88 rural schools under the supervision of the county superintend-
ent. Miss Theresa A. Leinenkugel, who has filled the office for
six years — her predecessor, Miss Burce, having held it for the
same length of time. Under them the schools have shown a con-
stant advance in methods and efficiency. It is to be hoped that
the system of consolidation which has proved so successful in
Illinois and Indiana will be tried more faithfully in this state
and county. Each district should see its three or four small
schools united in one, which could thereby secure better teachers
and more fitting equipment. The state legislature grants $50
yearly on certain conditions to each school which has a specified
number of enregistered pupils, this sum to be expended in suit-
able blackboards, maps, a globe, systematic ventilation, properly
screened outbuildings, etc. This appropriation is granted for
three consecutive years, is highly appreciated and has shown good
results in the interest and zeal inspired by pleasing and sanitary
surroundhigs and adequate working tools.
CHAPTEU XL
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
By
W. W. BARTLETT.
Editor's Note. To Mr. William W. Bartlett, of Eaii Claire,
is due the credit for this interesting and valuable chapter, and a
work of explanation is here appropriate regarding the form in
which the matter is presented.
Mr. Bartlett has long taken great interest in gathering remi-
niscences of the Civil War, and especially of those from Eau Claire
county who participated in it. In fact he is recognized as Eau
Claire's authority of Civil War history. In 1911 the fiftieth
anniversary of the outbreak of the war, the Eau Claire Telegram
started a Civil War column and asked for reminiscences from the
veterans. Knowing of Mr. Bartlett 's researches along this line
he was also asked to contribute, and responded with an article
made up of verbatim extracts from the Civil War time files of
local newspapers, narrating events in Eau Claire just preceding
and immediately after the firing upon of Fort Sumter. Pertain-
ing as it did to individuals known to many of the Telegram
readers it awakened much interest and more was called for. The
result was a series of articles extending over several months.
Supplementing the extracts from local newspaper files, of official
records and many hitherto unpublished private Civil War letters,
Mr. Bartlett prevailed upon a number of surviving officers and
members of companies recruited in Eau Claire county to furnish
reminiscences of their companies. These contributions constitute
an almost complete account of Eau Claire's contingent in the war
and were highly appreciated by the public.
The foi'm in which the record appeared in the Telegram has
been preserved in this chapter, not only because the series
attracted great attention, but also because letters from men who
participated in the great conflict convey a more intimate knowl-
edge and more vivid impression than anj' other form of record
could possibly give. They also add an intensity of interest to the
recital.
The publication of the letters makes this chapter somewhat
lengthy, but a valuable chapter has been the sole aim of the pub-
.56
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 57
lishers. For that reason Mr. Bartlett was persuaded to edit,
rearrange and make a connected story of the series.
"We are also indebted to Mr. Bartlett for the fine collection
of war pictures which illustrate this chapter. They are the result
of years of patient search and gathering.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 4, 1911.
Editor Daily Telegram : I have your request for some
material for your proposed series of Civil War articles,
and shall be pleased to furnish something along that line.
Doubtless it is your purpose to publish reminiscences of
any sort which may pertain to the Civil War, but what-
ever I may furnish will be of a strictly local nature. As
you know, I am not a veteran, neither did I reside here
during the Civil War. My parents came here from Maine
in the spring of 1867, when I was but six years of age, but
other relatives had preceded us, and I had cousins in a
good proportion of the companies recruited in this county,
and also in some of the companies from other counties in
this part of the state.
It would seem to me that no sketch of Civil War times
in Eau Claire county would be complete without mention
of Gilbert E. Porter, editor of the Eau Claire Free Press
from December, 1858, until the fall of 1864, and who later
became so prominent in the lumbering industry of the
Chippewa Valley. I am furnishing you today a picture of
Mr. Porter, taken in middle life, and shows him as most
of us younger men recall him. Mr. Porter was a true
patriot, and every editorial which appeared in his paper
was a credit both to the man and to Eau Claire.
The following editorial, which appeared in the Free
Press of December 24, I860, presents the first rumbling of
the approaching conflict:
Free Press, December 24, 1860.
"We give today pretty full accounts of the secession move-
ment. It will be seen that South Carolina has passed an ordi-
nance of secession unanimously, and the others of the cotton
states are likely to follow suit. How the matter will terminate
is beyond the reach of mortal ken. If we had a Jackson at the
helm of the ship of state we should not be kept long in suspense,
but as long as the president's chair is occupied by the present
corrupt old traitor we know not what a day will bring forth.
58 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Dispatches from the South justify us in the belief that Buchanan
has betrayed his solemn trust by ordering the surrender of the
forts and the government's arms at Charleston upon the demand
of the southern traitors. If that be so we shall not be surprised
if an attempt is made to impeach the Old Public Functionary for
high crimes and misdemeanors."
Although realizing to some extent the feeling in the South,
it seemed to Editor Porter hardly possible that it Avould go to
the extent of beginning actual hostilities against the government.
The unexpected happened. On April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter was
fired on. The Free Press came out with an extra announcing the
fact. Probably no copy of this extra is in existence, but the next
regular issue, April 19, the announcement was reprinted. Fol-
lowing the display head are given the dispatches, with particulars
of the bombardment and evacuation of the fort. On the same
page Mr. Porter expresses his feelings in an editorial as repro-
duced below :
"THE WAR BEGUN.
"The terrible fact of a civil war now stares us full in the face,
and lovers of the Union must meet the sudden tho.ugh not unex-
pected responsibilities which devolve upon them. Every Union
loving heart will swell with emotion as it contemplates the unal-
terable baseness and dishonor of those who have inaugurated
civil war ; and we greatly mistake the temper of all good citizens,
South as well as North, if they do not firmly resolve to aid when
duty calls, in executing a terrible retribution upon the rebels.
Let the watchword be, "The government, it must and shall be
preserved ' ; and if perchance there is a wretch in our midst whose
sympathies are not with the government, let the execrations of
all good citizens be upon him; let the finger of scorn follow him
till sham_e burns his cheeks to a cinder."
In the press of the following week, April 26, appears the call
for the first war meeting, reproduced below:
"PATRIOTS AROUSE.
"There will be a meeting of the patriotic citizens of Eau
Claire and vicinity in Reed's Hall on Monday the 29th for the
purpose of devising means to get up a company to go and fight
the battles of our country. Speaking and singing may be
expected."
In the Free Press of May 3, 1861, appears the report of that
gathering, as follows :
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 59
Free Press, May 3, 1861.
"On Monday evenmg- the citizens of this place, irrespective
of party, met at ReecVs Hall for the purpose of attesting their
attachment to the good old Stars and Stripes of the Union. It
was in every respect by far the largest and most enthusiastic
meeting ever held in this place. A common cause brought them
together and a common sentiment animated every heart. At an
early hour the hall was densely packed with people, including
fifteen or twenty ladies, Avho came early enough to obtain admit-
ance. A great many were unable to get in the hall. N. B. Boyden,
Esq., was called to chair and J. G. Callahan was elected secre-
tary. Mr. Boyden briefly and appropriately addressed the meet-
ing and his remarks were well received. Messrs. Barnes, Meg-
gett, Davis, Bartlett, Barrett, Woodworth, Taylor, Porter, Whip-
ple, Wilson, Stillman and McNair were respectively called to the
stand, all of whom made speeches abounding in patriotism and
expressing warm attachment to the government and union. Men
and means promptly tendered — the former to fight for the coun-
try, the latter to equip the soldiers and provide for their families.
The Eau Claire Brass Band and Sprague's Military Band added
much to the interest of the occasion.
"After the meeting the following names were enrolled to form
the company : John Taylor, G. W. Marcum, A. S. Bostwick, John
Woodworth, A. C. Ellis, Thomas B. Coon, Charles Sargent, G. E.
Bonell, D. R. King, Henry Schaffer, John Dennis, F. R. Buck,
J. D. McCauley, Machler Strifi', Robert Lackey, W. J. Cosporus,
G. W. Wilson, Melvin M. Adams, G. M. Brewer, L. Cornwell,
Jesse Adams, Myron Shaw, Theodore DeDesert, G. A. Brown,
H. McDougal, John E. Stillman, A. Watson, H. II. Parker, W. P.
Bartlett, J. Wells, J. Sloat, C. S. McLeod, Augustus Block, James
Jones, George Eckart, J. Swan, Philip Hammer, Chriss Scholkopf,
John Sloverman, B. F. Cowen, Jacob Siegil, John Harrson, C. W.
Burbauk, Osten Rutland, Henry J. Linhergue, William E. Kil-
gore, B. F. Buck, Oscar Sargent, William Monteith, M. V. Smith,
J. C. Davis, J. S. Goodrich, Couradon Wyman, J. P. Hale, D. H.
Hollister, Otis F. Warren, D. P. Gordon, A. Parker, J. A. Bar-
berish, G. II. Hamilton, Henry Hunter, John Legore, J. S.
Anderson.
"Prom present indications we have no doubt that two com-
panies might be raised in this place and Chippewa Falls. Of
course the country about will be well represented. Quite a dele-
gation from Bridge Creek came down to enlist, and yesterday a
60 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
wagonload drawn by four gray horses, decked with small Union
flags, and a beautiful large one streaming from a staff supported
in the wagon, came into town from Mondovi. They were vocifer-
ously cheered by our citizens. They are a determined and
patriotic set of men and would fight like tigers when duty calls
them to the battlefield."
Other names were added later and in the Free Press of May
10 we find the following:
"THE EAU CLAIRE BADGERS.
"This company is about full and is aching for active service.
It is composed of active, intelligent men, who have good health,
strong muscular development and determined wills. "We wish
to correct the absurd rumor which is now going the rounds of
the papers that a company has been formed here, all of whose
members stand over six feet high. The Eau Claire boys in time
of peace are probably not larger than the average run of men,
but if they come to a hard fight we have no doubt the rebels will
think that each man weighs at least a ton. On Saturday last the
Badgers met at Reed's Hall and elected officers. They are as
follows: Captain, John Taylor; first lieutenant, A. S. Bostwick ;
second lieutenant, Henry Hunter; third lieutenant, Oscar Sar-
gent • orderly sergeant, A. C. Ellis. Captain Taylor left for
Madison on Monday last for the purpose of tendering the services
of the company to the governor. He Avill probably return home
as soon as Sunday."
(For some reason there was considerable delay in closing \\p
the final arrangements for the mustering in of this company, and
many of the recruits became restless.)
Free Press, May 31, 1861.
"The Eau Claire Badgers have forwarded their application to
the adjutant-general for their acceptance into service. A reply
will probably be had in a few days. The boys are ready and
willing to go to war, but if there is no show of being accepted
they will probably disband.
"Mr. Victor Wolf, who has had several years' experience in
the militarj^ service of the United States, has been drilling them
for some time past, and it is said they have made commendable
progress in the arts of war."
(Unwilling to wait longer for an opportunity to see active
service the compan.y began to droj) out. Just at this opportune
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 61
time a recruitiug officer from another count}' appeared on the
scene, as told in the Free Press as follows) :
"The captain of the 'Prescott Guards,' of Prescott, came up
to the Chippewa Valley yesterday for the purpose of filling up
his company to the required number, it having been assigned to
a place in the Sixth Regiment, and notified to be in readiness for
mustering by the lOtli inst. Some twenty of the boys of the Eau
Claire Badgers enlisted under him last night and left this morning
for Prescott, well pleased with the prospects of getting into active
service. Our boys, we doubt not, will 'make their mark' when
the lighting comes."
(If these boys were looking for a cliance to fight they certainly
made no mistake in the choice of their company, for it will be
remembered the Sixth Regiment with the Second and. Seventh
became a part of the famous Iron Brigade and saw some of the
heaviest service of the' war. Among those who left the Eau Claire
Badgers to join the Prescott company was A. C. EHis, who
attained the rank of first lieutenant, returned to Eau Claire and
lived here for a number of years after the war.
Another Eau Claire man who enlisted in the Sixth Regiment,
although not in the same company with Ellis and his associates,
was Franz Siebenthall. He was in Company D, was wounded at
South Mountain, and on the 1st of July, 1863, was killed on the
field of Gettysburg. Mr. Siebenthall in the summer of 1855
bought from the United States government about seventy-five
acres of land on the west side, for which he paid $1.25 per acre,
or $94.50 for the tract. The following spring he sold the land
to Ira Mead for $756, a very fair profit, but this amount would
hardly purchase the land today, as it lay just south of Grand
avenue and extended from about Fifth avenue east to the Chip-
pewa river, comprising the ~ principal part of what is now the
Fifth ward. In addition to those who joined the Sixth Regiment
were a number of- the Badger company who, a few days before,
had taken blankets and other equipment belonging to the com-
pany, helped themselves to some boats and went down the river,
where they joined an artillery company then being formed at
LaCrosse. These individuals may have been able to justify their
conduct to themselves, but Editor Porter expressed very strongly
his disapproval of same.)
Free Press, June 7, 1861.
"After the company Avhich had been formed here had con-
cluded that they could not get into service, something like a half
62 IllSTOKY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
dozen committed a most dishonorable trick by running off in the
night with all the available property, such as blankets, etc., they
could lay their hands upon. In view of such a transaction we are
glad the company was not accepted, as we want no men to go to
the wars from Eaii Claire who are not gentlemen. Of course
those who remain would not countenance such petty theft, and
who are exempt from the above reflection. A good soldier must
be a man of honor."
Under date of June 21, 1861, the Free Press announced that
Captain Taylor had received notice from Governor Randall that
the company would be accepted, and in the same issue there also
appeared the following:
"NOTICE TO EAU CLAIRE BADGERS.
"I have just received an order from the governor to fill up
a company to be mustered into service. I therefore request all
of the old members of the Eau Claire Badgers and as many more
as wish to join them to report to me as soon as possible that I
may have my company ready as soon as July 4. A meeting will
be held on that day to complete the roll, on the grounds where the
celebration is to take place — West side. Persons Avishiug to join
should apply immediately, as I wish to notify Governor Randall
of a full company at the earliest possible moment.
"The old members will be entitled to one month's pay; and
all who have families will be entitled to $5 per mouth extra com-
pensation during their service.
"Patriots arouse! Our country calls for our services. Let us
answer with our muskets. Let the Chippewa Valley be repre-
sented in the ranks of our country's defenders.
"June 21, 1861. JOHN TAYLOR, Captain."
For some reason the attempt to fill up the ranks of the old
company was a failure, but almost immediately steps were taken
to recruit a new one. In the Free Press of July 19 we find this
announcement :
"A NEW COMPANY.
' ' We learn that an effort is being made by Judge Pex'kins and
Victor Wolf, Esq., to raise a company of volunteers for the war,
independent of anything that has heretofore been done. Rolls
for that purpose have already been sent to the different towns.
When the company is made up the volunteers are to meet and
choose their officers.
C\
^: \^ ^
1^
1
^S ---
^^
V.
VICTOR WOLF
•Al-r. JOHN rERKI.XS
GILBERT E. PORTER
OfiEMA-GE-ZKIK
Captor of Old Abe
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 63
"We hope and trust that a company may be raised, as Eau
Claire might and ought 1o be represented in the Grand Army
of the Union. If the matter is conducted -\vith discretion it seems
to us tliat tliere ought to be no difficulty in obtaining a full com-
plement of men in a very little time." This prediction came true,
and the "new company," Avhieh retained the name "Eau Claire
Badgers," became Company C, Eighth Wisconsin, the Eagle Com-
pany of the Eagle Regiment.
In the Free Press of September 12, 1861, appeared a list of the
officers and privates of tlie new eompany as given below :
"THE EAU CLAIRE BADGERS.
"The following are the names of the officers and privates of
tliis noble company: Captain, John E. Perkins; iirst lieutenant,
Victor Wolf ; second lieutenant, Frank McGuire ; orderly sergeant,
Seth Pierce; second orderly sergeant, Myron Briggs; third
orderly sergeant, F. Schmidtmyer, fourth orderly sergeant, Robert
Anderson; fifth orderly sergeant, Thomas G. Butler; first cor-
poral. Christian Scholkopf; second corporal, B. F. Cowen; third
corporal, J. B. Button; fourth corporal, William G. Kirk; fifth
corporal, M. N. Goddard; sixth corporal, Charles J. Phillips;
seventh corporal, David Noble; eighth corporal, Walter Quick;
William Buckley, Charles Segar, Nathaniel Brown, Silas M. Tal-
meter, Thomas West, Wilber F. McCord, Alphonzo Beeman, S. T.
Wiggaut, Nathaniel Canfield, Elijah Prine, Max. Worth, Hugh
Macaulay, Thomas J. Hill, C. F. Shipman, John Hamilton, William
Avery, James Atwater, Andrew B. Tyrel, George Bonell, Riley
Hedge, Charles W. Robison, Edward Hummiston, George W.
Riley, Adolph Stallman, William IMonteith, Albert Tuttle, John F.
Hill, B. F. Haynes, John Woodworth, Phillip Emery, Burnett
Demarest, Gabriel Gebhard, John Hawkins, Adolph Pitch, N. D.
Randall, Frederick More, F. R. Buck, Paul Selb, Milton Whitney,
Hovel Swenson, Jacob Hath, Daniel A. Wyman, David McClain,
J. W. Phillips, Edwin Roberts, John Kimbell, Julius A. Hill, E. C.
Wilkins, Charles Russell, A. Stukbury, Harry D. White, George
Murphy, Charles Parker, John Buckart, James McGinnis, Charles
Sargent, David Farley, Isaac Devoe, George Brown, Robert
Dodge, Edward R. Curtis, George W. Palmer, Alfred Thurston,
Newell Hanscome, William H. Guppee, Peter Ole Ollen, Ephraim
Wilcox, Phillip Burk, Hanson Dickey, George Barber, J. W.
Hooper, C. B. Robinson, Frank Barrett, James D. McCauley, A. R.
Barnes, Thomas B. Coon.
Of the above the following do not appear to have been mus-
64 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
tered into service, as their names are not found in the official
roster of the company : James Atwater, George Bonell, John
Hawkins, Silas M. Talmeter, E. C. Wilkins, George Murphy and
C. B. Robinson. On the other hand, the roster contains the names
of the following who evidently joined the company later : .Jacob
Aaron, Henry Becker, Andrew Brown, Stephen Canfield, William
Connell, William Chatwood, William Delap, Martin Dickerschied,
Solomon Fuller, Dana S. Fuller, Ferdinand Grasser, Shipman W.
Griffith, Henry Grinnell, George Hutchings, George Leng, George
A. Loomis, Harrison B. Loomis, Charles McFait, Collin S. McLeod,
Christian Miller, William F. Page, Silas M. Palmeter, Frank N.
Parker, Nathaniel P. Poppel, David K. Reynolds, Andrew Ritger,
Mark Sibbalds. Dighton Smith, John Soal, Charles Strasburg,
August Thiel.
Editor Daily Telegram : Just fifty years ago this com-
ing summer Mr. A. R. Barnes, a former printer in the old
Free Press office, resigned his position to enlist in the first
company of volunteers from this village. Editor Porter
gave him the following complimentary and humorous
send-off :
"Mr. A. R. Barnes, foreman of this office, informed us
yesterday that he was off for the war, and in less than an
hour he recorded his name and was sworn into service.
Mr. Barnes is an energetic, industrious young man, small in
stature but large in heart, and if he uses his musket in
battle as he uses his 'shootingstick' in the printing office
he will not only make his mark but hit it, too. May all of
his leaded matter be found in the front column of the
secession forces and may his shadow never grow less.
Mr. Barnes survived the war, went back to his trade of
printer, not here but in his former home in Iowa, and is
still living there, a hale and heai'ty veteran. Knowing that
a recital of his recollection of Eau Claire prior to and at
the outbreak of the war would be of interest to your read-
ers I dropped a line to hira a few days ago, and in response
received the very interesting and breezy letter which fol-
lows:
Albia, Iowa, Feb. 23, 1911.
Mr. William W. Bartlett, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Dear Sir: In compliance with your request I give you some
of my recollections of scenes and events in Eau Claire that came
under my observation some fifty years ago.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 65
In the spring of 1860 I went to Eau Claire, going on boat on
Mississippi river from Burlington to the confluence of the Chip-
pewa river, and thence by boat to Eau Claire. My purpose was
to study law with an uncle, H. W. Barnes, who had located in
Eau Claire biit a short time before, and who had hung out his
shingle as an attorney. My duties were to sweep out the office,
emptj^ the cuspidor, submit to some grilling every day as to com-
mon law points and answer all questions as to the "Judge" when
he was away from the office. I did not take to the work very
enthusiastically, but my uncle was very kind to me. One day
while I was in the rear room reading Blackstone I heard a gen-
tleman enter the front room and ask, "Say, Judge, haven't you
a nephew here who is a printer? My printers went to Chippewa
Falls last night to attend a dance, and I suppose they are drunk,
and I don't know when they will come back, and today is
publication day, and I don't believe there is another printer in
the Chippewa Valley." It was Gilbert_E. Porter.
My uncle called me and I was introduced to Mr. Porter. I
told him I would help him out. I went with him to the office —
upstairs in a long frame building near the big bluff — and found
that the printers had set the advertisements and the locals and
made up the forms, leaving space on the local and editorial pages
for a few more locals or advertisements and editorials. He wrote
an apology for late appearance of the paper and lack of local
and editorial matter, and I put the same in type and locked up
the forms and put them on the press — a Washington hand press
as I remember — and along in the afternoon we started to "run
off the paper." The devil in the office was named Woods, and
he had not been long enough in the business to know how to run
the rollers over the type forms and was really to light for the
work. Mr. Porter saw the situation and said he could roll if I
could run the press. We tackled the work and kept at it till past
midnight, taking only time to eat a bite of supper, and we
wrapped the papers for out-of-town mail, and about two o'clock
in the morning I went to my uncle's home and went to bed. I
think Mr. Porter slept in the office on a board.
I slept late and did not get up to the office until nine or ten
o'clock. Mr. Porter had gone to breakfast and preceded me only
a few minutes. The printers got back from Chippewa Falls, and
when they came to the office were surprised to find that the
edition was printed and wrapped and addressed for the mails.
They took the forms from the press, washed them and put them
on the imposing stones and were distributing the type in the cases.
66 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
"When Mr. Porter and I arrived we went into the sanctum, apart
from the composing and press room. He pulled a chair over next
to him and asked me to sit down. I did so and he said : "I want
you to take charge of the mechanical part of this paper, and I
will pay you $20 a week, and will get you all the help you need. ' '
It was goodbye to Blackstone and the lawyer's career right then
and there. Twenty dollars a week was a big sum way back in
those days, and I stayed with the job until Company C was
organized and went to war.
Mr. Porter owed me more than $600 when the company was
ready to start, and he asked me if I wanted the money. I told
him, "No, just give me a note, and if I never come back pay to
my uncle and ask him to send it to my parents in Albia, Iowa."
My uncle took care of the note and gave it back to me when I
returned from the war. Mr. Porter paid off the note, principal
and interest, and he did more, he took me from Eau Claire to
Sparta in a buggy, went with me to Chicago, paid my railway
fare and hotel bills while in the city, and bade me goodbye at the
depot as I started for the home of my parents in this place. It
was very fortunate for me that I had saved the $600 and interest,
as I suffered a full year with my chronic trouble, and every cent
was used in paying doctor's and other bills before I was able
to go to work.
INCIDENTS OF THE OLD DAYS.
I recall many incidents in my experience in Eau Claii-e. Mr.
Porter was a typical gentleman and a splendid business man, but
he was not a free and easy writer, and the bent of his mind ran
in business channels. He had no knowledge of the printing busi-
ness.
CAPT. JOHN E. PERKINS.
One day I carried some proofs into the sanctum for Mr. Porter
to read, and a gentleman was present, and I thought him the
homeliest man I had ever seen. It was John E. Perkins, wlio later
became the first captain of Company C, and a braver or better
man I never knew. In the first most important battle the regi-
ment was engaged in at Farraington, Mississippi, on May 8, 1862,
he was mortally wounded, and he died two days later. He gave
his life for the perpetuity of the Union, and no greater sacrifice
was made in a Wisconsin regiment.
Thomas B. Coon, who came from Kelbourn City to work with
me in the office, and who became a member of Company C, join-
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 67
ing the company two weeks after I was mustered in, was a genial
fellow and a comi^etent workman.
Coon and I slept in the office and took our meals at the Sling-
luff House, and we got our first view of the sacrifices that were
required in saving the Union. We had eaten our dinner and came
out onto the platform in front of the house, when a team of horses
attached to a farm wagon and loaded with men drove up. They
were from ChijDpewa Falls and were the first soldiei-s to enlist
from that i^lace. The men were taken to the dining room for
dinner, and the horses were sent to the barn to be fed. The men
had not more than been seated when a carriage drove up that
contained the man who had recruited the squad, his girl and his
brother and sister. They went to their dinner. When all had had
dinner the teams drove up. The driver of the farm wagon got
his load on board and was ready to start down the river, but
was halted while the captain bade his sweetheart, brother and
sister good-bye. He was to go with the crowd, and his brother,
sister and sweetheart were to return home. Say, but that parting
was awful, but the soldier was brave and never shed a tear. He
won an eagle on his shoulder, but if history is straight he fell in
love with another girl and married her.
LEAVING FOR THE WAR.
The memory of the march from the Slingluff House through
the main streets and down to the river, where we boarded the
little boat, "Stella Whipple," and the memory of the kind Eau
Claire ladies Avho gave us their blessing and little red testaments
with the motto pasted on the fly leaf, "The better the man, the
better the soldier — George Washington," will never be forgotten,
nor will the boys who endured the forty-six days' march around
Vicksburg, and sixteen days with only a cracker a day, forget the
hardships of the trip. It is si^rprising that one is left to tell the
story. Tlie two events were impressed upon my mind never to
be erased.
Note. — The Slinglufl' House, above referred to, was the Eau
Claire House, of which Mr. Slinglutt', a pioneer, was then pro-
prietor.
OLD ABE, THE WAR EAGLE.
Some remarks in regard to the eagle taken out by the
Perkin's company may not be out of place at this time. By
far the best historv of this bird ever written is that of Rev.
HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
J. 0. Barrett, a Universalist clergyman of Eau Claire. The
first edition of his book appeared in 1865, and a number of
other editions since. As evidence of the painstaking care
exercised by Rev. Barrett in the preparation of his narra-
tive I give below several extracts from his book:
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, February 13, 1865.
J. O. Barrett, Esq.
Dear Sir : Having been engaged for a short time in the
collection of information relative to the capture and early
ownership of the eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment,
whose history you intend to publish, I talie pleasure in
submitting a few facts in regard to the progress made.
Ascertaining, first, that the eagle had been sold to Mr.
Daniel McCann, of the town of Eagle Point, in this county,
by some Indians, you wished me to discover, if possible,
who those Indians were, and to secure their presence at
Eau Claire at an early day. I learned from Mr. McCann
that the Indians who had brought the eagle to him in the
summer of 1861 were of the Lake Flambeau tribe, and
that the owner was a son of Ali-monse, chief of that tribe,
or band, of Chippewa Indians. I proceeded to obtain cor-
roborative evidence of this account, and found, through the
evidence of Mr. John Brunet, Mr. James Ermatinger, Mr.
Charles Corbine and others — all old residents of the upper
Chippewa and Flambeau rivers — besides the testimony of
dift'erent Indians who were acquainted with the facts of
the capture of the eagle, that it was correct. All accounts
agree that the name of the captor of the bird is A-ge-mah-
we-ge-zhig, or Chief Sky, one of the five sons of the said
Ah-monse. Having satisfied myself by such evidence, and
by other inquiries made in every direction, that there could
be no mistake in the identity of the captor of the eagle, I
have made arrangements, according to your directions, to
bring the said A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig to Eau Claire as soon
as possible. He is now with his band, hunting between the
head waters of the Yellow and Flambeau rivers, and is
shortly expected at Brunet 's Falls, on the Chippewa.
Wishing you full success in the publication of your
work, I remain, with much respect, Yours truly,
Theodore Coleman.
Ascertaining that A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig, with other
hunters, would soon arrive at Brunet 's Falls on their way
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
up the river, Mr. Coleman engaged Mr. Brunet to detain
him there until a concerted, movement. At length they
came, the Indian with them, to whom was communicated
the wishes of the "white man at Eau Claire," who desired
to talk with him "about the eagle he caught a few years
ago." He hesitated, apprehensive of a trick, for all white
men had not been true to their red brethren. Finally he
appealed to his father. It was a grave question indeed;
they were all afraid of being arrested for captm-ing an
eagle ! After a long counsel together the old chief resolved
to go to Chippewa Falls without further waiting, requiring
his boys to follow the next day, and appear in proper cos-
tume, should he find it safe. Arriving there he had an
interview with H. S. Allen, Esq., a pioneer resident, who,
being a friend of the Indians, persuaded him to venture.
Meeting his boys, as before arranged, he selected two of
them, A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig and A-zha-wasli-co-ge-zhig, and
with Messrs. Coleman and Barrett and Elijah Ermatinger
for interpreter, rode to Eaii Claire, the 19th of February,
1865, welcomed with a cordiality that at once inspired
mutual confidence. The native nobility of these sous of the
northern forests created quite a sensation. A-ge-mah-we-
ge-zhig related his eagle adventures in a very intelligent
manner, so simple and candid as to assure every one present
of their truthfulness. His father, who is much beloved as
chief of the tribe, was particularly loquacious and is prop-
erly named Ah-monse, the "Thunder of Bees." He had
much to say about his "Great Father Lincoln," whom he
has visited several times at "Washington in the interest of his
tribe, averring that Mr. Lincoln gave him plenty of money,
and to his children much land, and let him see a battle-
field." Photographs of these "red brothers" were taken
by A. J. Devor, of Eau Claire, and never did mortal appear
more proud than the eagle captor when attiring himself
in regal costume for his carte de visite. A full-blooded
Indian of consequence — then about twenty-five years old —
belonging to the royal family of the Flambeaux, it is glory
enough for him to be known among his fellows as the
captor of the American eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin
regiment of volunteers.
The following letter, with a map, gives an accurate
description of the infant home of the Eagle:
HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Chippewa Falls, "Wisconsin.
February 25, 1865.
My Dear Brother: — According to your request, I will
give you what information I have obtained of the Chip-
pewa country, and especially of the home of your Pet
Eagle. Inclosed I send you a map of this country, being
a perfect copy from J. I. Lloyd's New Map of the United
States, with a slight change in the location of the Flambeau
Lakes and tributaries, which are copied from a drawing
made for me by Ah-monse and the Eagle Indian. I can
find no maps representing the United States' surveys of
these lakes. Today I saw Israel Gould, the Indian Inter-
preter, who rendered you so valuable assistance last sum-
mer on your Indian expedition. At my request he drew a
map of the Flambeau and its lakes, and it agreed precisely
with the drawing made by Ah-monse and his son. Mr.
Gould is an intelligent Scotchman, and has lived with the
Chippewa Indians for fifteen years. He has a good knowl-
edge of Indian character and probably is one of the best
of Indian interpreters. At one time he lived one year at
Flambeau Lake, or Ah-monse 's Lake, as it is most gen-
erally called, trading with Ah-monse and his tribe, and,
consequently, he is well acquainted with their country.
I have much confidence in his account of the location of
these lakes ; and as all the other Indian traders and trap-
pers, and Ah-monse, and the Eagle Indian do agree with
him, I believe you can rely upon my map as being correct.
I will give his description of this country :
The whole Chippewa country is well watered with
innumerable streams, swamps, lakes and rivers; its surface
varies in hills and blufl's, prairies, oak openings and mead-
ows, and is covered, for the most part, with every variety
of hardwood, Norway and white pine.
The soil in many places is good, while many of the hills
and bluflfs are rocky, and in its northern portions are to
be found iron, copper and other minerals. It is inhabited
by the various tribes of the Chippewa Indians, and abounds
in wild beasts, fish and birds. The Flambeau is a wide,
crooked stream, the longest tributary of the Chippewa, and
its general course is southwest. Upon its north fork are
the "rapids," at which place the Eagle Indian said he
caught the eagl,e. It is about 125 miles from Eau Claire,
70 miles from the mouth of the Flambeau River, and 80
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
or 90 miles from Lake Superior. It is three miles from here
to Little Flambeau, or Asken Lake, which is three miles
long; six miles further north is Flambeau, or Ah-monse's
Lake — a stream uniting the two. This is the largest of
the Flambeau lakes, being three miles wide and six long.
It is a beautiful stream of clear, pure water, where are
found fish of many varieties. The meaning of its Indian
name is "Fire-Hunting Lake." Near its northern shore
is a fine island, Avhere Ah-monse frequently lives. On its
eastern shore is a pretty sloping hill, nearly forty feet
high, covered with maples. Here, overlooking the lake, the
Indians, a few years ago, had their villages, which are now
located on the north and northwest shores, where they had
cleared their land, leaving now and then a shade tree,
giving the country a beautiful appearance. The soil is
good, and here they raise their corn and potatoes. Farther
to the north is Rice Lake, the Chain of Lakes, the Big
Portage, and the Montreal River. A few years ago this
was the route of the Indian tradei's, going from Lake
Superior to Eau Claire. The country near the lakes, for
two miles east and west of the river, and about four miles
in all directions from the lakes, is low prairie land, cov-
ered with hardwoods, with here and there a lonesome
pine ; while beyond, in all directions, the country is uneven
and hilly, and wooded with the dark pine. In this seques-
tered country, Ah-monse and his tribe have lived for many
years, subsisting upon their corn and potatoes, rice and
sugar, fish and game. The Flambeau tribe is the most
enterprising and intelligent of the Chippewas. Their war-
riors number from 140 to 150 men, and they kill more
game than any other tribe. Here are found the deer and
elk, the mink and marten, the bear and otter, and also
the fish hawk, the owl, the eagle and other birds.
Mr. Gould says the region of the Flambeau Lakes is
an eagle country, he having seen more there than in any
other, and has there found many eagles' nests, containing
from two to four young birds. Having seen the War
Eagle at different times, he is satisfied it is a bald eagle,
and this is the opinion of A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig. Mr. Gould
also says Asken Lake is situated about five miles east of
the fourth principal meridian, which line is well defined
upon the river bank ; and, if he is correct, and I rely upon
his statement, then the Eagle must have been caught in
72 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIEE COUNTY
Chippewa county, in or near township forty, north of range
one, east of the fourth principal meridian, nearly four miles
from its eastern boundary.
Trusting my map and letter may aid you in obtaining
a better idea of the home of the Eagle,
I remain, your brother for Freedom and Union,
"W. "W. Barrett.
By examining the map, the reader will notice the loca-
tion of the birthplace of the eagle that is now so famous in
the world. His captor said the nest was found on a pine
tree, about three miles from the mouth of the Flambeau,
near some rapids in a curve of the river ; that, at the proper
time, just after sugar-making, at the Bend, he and another
Indian cut the tree down, and, amid the menaces of the
parent birds, caught two young eaglets, of a grayish-brown
color, about the size of prairie hens, one of which died of
the effects of an injury; that he preserved the old nest —
"big as a wash tub — made of sticks, turf and weeds" —
and nursed his Me-kee-zeen-ce (little eagle) in it, as a
plaything for the papooses at the Indian village; that, a
few weeks after, while en route for Chippewa Falls and
Eau Claire with their furs, moccasins and baskets, he sold
his eagle to Daniel McCann for a bushel of corn.
This statement of "Chief Sky" — quite a significant
name — agrees with that of Mr. McCann, who subsequently
tried to sell the bird to a company then just forming at
the Falls for the First Wisconsin battery, but, failing,
carried it to Eau Claire, some time in August, 1861, and
offered it to a company organizing for the Eighth Wis-
consin infantry. It was then about two months old.
McCann carried the eagle to Chippewa Falls and
attempted to sell him to a company just recruiting there
for the First Wisconsin battery. Failing in this, he pro-
ceeded a little later to Eau Claire and offered the bird,
now nearly full-grown and handsome, but spiteful as a
scorpion, to the Eau Claire "Badgers," that subsequently
became Company C, of the Eighth or Eagle regiment.
Captain John E. Perkins hesitated at first about accept-
ing such a strange volunteer, but finally agreed to take
him to the front.
It was mainly through the sagacity and foresight of
R. F. Wilson, an influential resident, who argued "nothing
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR \
could be better chosen, not even the flag itself, to ensure
fame and success," they looked upon it in a favorable light,
and after a siu-geonlike examination of the eyes, claws,
beak, wings and plumage, concluded by a jocose vote to
accept "the new recruit from Chippewa." A little flurry
ensued about contributions, when S. M. Jeffers, a civilian,
purchased the bird for two dollars and a half, and pre-
sented it to the company.
In due time the eagle was sworn into the United States
service by putting around his neck red, white and blue
ribbons, and on his breast a rosette of the same colors.
James McGiunis craved the privilege of superintending
the eagle, to which all tacitly assented.
In a few days he produced quite a respectable perch
and two patriotic ladies made some little flags to be carried
on each side of him, when on the march ; and gay and
imposing indeed did he appear as he rode in imperial state
beneath those miniature "'stars and stripes" through the
principal streets of Eau Claire, inspired by martial music
and cheered by the enthusiastic people.
"OLD ABE'S" BATTLES
1861
Fredericktown, Mo October 21
1862
New Madrid and Island "10" March and April
Point Pleasant, Mo March 20
Farmington, Miss May 9
Corinth, Miss May 28
luka, Miss September 12
Burnsville, Miss September 13
luka. Miss September 16-18
Corinth, Miss October 3-4
Tallehatchie, Miss December 2
1863
Mississippi Springs, Miss May 13
Jackson, Miss May 14
Assault on Vicksburg, Miss May 22
Mechanicsburg, Miss June 4
HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Richmond, La June 15
Vieksburg, Miss June 24
Surrender of Vieksburg July 4
Brownsville, Miss October 14
1864
Fort Scurry, La March 13
Port De Russey, La March 15
Henderson's Hill, La March 21
Grand Ecore, La April 2
Pleasant Hill, La April 8-9
Natchitoches, La April 20
Kane River, La April 22
Clouterville and Crane Hill, La April 23
Bayou Rapids, La May 2
Bayou La Monre, La May 3
Bayou Roberts, La May 4-6
Moore 's Plantation, La May 8-12
Mansura, La May 16
Maysville, La May 17
Calhoun's Plantation, La May 18
Bayou De Glaise, La May 18
Lake Chicot, Ark June 6
Hurricane Creek, Miss August 13
Two battles were fought by the regiment while the
eagle and veterans were home on furlough — Carmargo
Crossroads, Miss., July 13, and Tupelo, Miss., July 14
and 15.
WAR BEARERS OF THE EAGLE
1. James McGinnis, of Eau Claire, from Sept. 1, 1861,
to May 30, 1862.
2. Thomas J. Plill, Eau Claire, from May 30, 1862, to
Aug. 18, 1862.
3. David McLain, of Menomonie, from August, 1862, to
October, 1862.
4. Edward Hummaston, of Eau Claire, from October,
1862, to September, 1863.
5. Johu Buckhardt, of Eau Claire, from September,
1863, to September, 1864.
6. John T. Hill, of Ashland, during the journey home,
from Memphis to Madison, in September, 1864.
EAU CLAIRE COUXTY IX THE CIVIL WAR
"ABES" PEACE ATTENDANTS
1. John McFarland, state armorer.
2. Angus R. McDonald, Eleventh Wisconsin int'antr\-.
3. John G. Stock, Fourth Wisconsin cavalry.
4. E. G. Linderman, Fifth Wisconsin volunteer infantry.
5. William J. Jones, Sixteenth Wisconsin volunteer
infantry.
G. George W. Baker, Nineteenth Wisconsin volunteer
infantry.
7. L E. Troan, civilian.
8. John F. Hill, Eighth Wisconsin volunteer infantry.
9. Peter B. Field, civilian.
10. Mark Smith, Seventh Wisconsin volunteer infantry.
11. George Gillies, Second Wisconsin volunteer infantry.
At the close of his war career ' ' Old Abe " ' was presented
by the company to the state and a place was provided
for him at the state capitol at Madison, Avhere he was
viewed by thotisands. He was also taken to various parts
of the United States, being in great demand all over. He
attended national conventions, was taken to the great cen-
tennial at Philadelphia and other noted gatherings, where
he was the center of attraction. Space forbids a more
detailed history of incidents and anecdotes concerning this
famous war bird.
He was adored by the members of tlie Eagle company
and the Eagle regiment and on the field of battle he Avas
always able to locate his regiment and company. The war
anecdotes alone in which this bird figured would fill a
book. He also attended the regimental reunions.
Toward evening of a cold day in the winter of 1881 a
fire started mysteriously in a quantity of paints and oils
stored in the basement of the capitol, near Old Abe's large
cage. The blaze created an enormous volume of black and
offensive smoke, which at once filled the cage to suffocation.
Abe, understanding full well the nature of what was
going on around him, sent forth such a scream as had
never before been heard in that building. Attendants and
watchmen rushed below to learn the cause of the startling
outcry, and before attacking the flames, opened the door
of the perch-room. The eagle, with another piercing
screech, swept swiftly out and away from the smudge.
1 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
He seemed to be either frightened or injured by the
smoke, for his breast heaved, his heart labored heavily and
his plumage was disheveled. Nor was he ever well there-
after. He ate sparingly or not at all; his eyes lost their
wonderful luster; he sat around in a half-comatose condi-
tion for a few days, and on March 26, 1881, with a slight
tremor and a few feeble flaps of his wings, expired in the
arms of his stout keeper, George Gillies.
George said that Abe seemed to know he was about to
die, for when he asked solicitously, "Must we lose you,
Abe?" the old bird raised up his head and looked wistfully
into the keeper's face and then sunk back into his arms
and passed away. Around him were numbers of one-legged
and one-armed veterans whose sad faces showed that they
had lost a beloved comrade.
At first the general desire among the soldiers was to
have Abe buried in the beautiful Forest Hill cemetery,
where rest two hundred Union and one hiuidred and fifty
Confederate dead, with appropriate military ceremonies
and under a handsome monument.
The suggestion that the taxidermist's art would pre-
serve him to the sight for an indefinite period dispelled
those notions, and he was turned over to Major C. G.
Mayers, who, after preserving and stuffing the warrior-
bird, fixed him firmly to a neat perch as he stood for years
in the war museum of the capital.
His mounted body was destroyed in the second capital
fire some years later.
Thomas Randall, in his "History of the Chippewa
Valley," credits the pioneer lumberman, Stephen S.
McCann, as being the man who purchased the eagle from
its Indian captor, and this error has been quite generally
copied. From extracts given from Rev. Barrett's book it
will be seen that it is Daniel McCann to whom this honor
belongs. A cousin of mine who visited the Daniel McCann
farm in Chippewa county shortly before the eagle was
brought to Eau Claire saw it tied to a barrel in the door-
yard. Little did he realize how great the fame of this
bird was to become. I am furnishing you a picture of
Old Abe, the war eagle, also a picture of its Indian captor,
also an extract from the old Free Press confirming the
circumstances connected with the taking of the young
chief's picture.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 77
DISTINGUISHED VISITORS ^"""^
(Eau Claire Free Press, Feb. 23, 1865.)
Last Suuda}' about uooi:, three Indians of the Flambeau tribe
came into town, taking up their temporary abode at the residence
of Rev. J. 0. Barrett. Through the courtesy of Theodore Cole-
man, editor of the Chippewa Falls Union, Mr. Barrett got track
of these dusky fellows far up in tlie "big woods," and on the
day they touched the nearest point on the Chippewa river, he
had th( 111 fiit;ai;fil to visit him at the earliest possible date for
the purpdsc oi' -ctting information relative to the eagle of the
Eighth Wiscdiisiii, M'hich was captured by one of them in the
spring of 1861.
These visitors were none other than part of the royal family.
Ah-mouse (The Bee), chief of the tribe, and two of his sons,
Ogenia-wee-gee-zhick (Chief of the Sky) and Shaw-wau-ko-gee-
zhick (Blue Sky). Ah-monse, the oldest chief of the Chippewa
tribe, is a deliberate old man, prudent in his plans and courteous
in bearing. The same may be said of the others. He has three
other sons, Wau-saa-naa-go-nee-bee (Light), Pee-zhee-kanze and
E-squaa-bit (Outside of the Others). Ah-monse stated that many
years ago, before Avhite man settled here, he was in a battle with
the Sioux, on the west side, near the village of West Eau Claire,
and that he there killed "one Indian." Of this he spoke with
animated pride. Ogema-wee-gee-zhick is the Indian who captured
the eagle, and from him Mr. Barrett obtained all the information
he desired, which is peculiarly interesting. In due time it will
appear in his history of the celebrated bird. He seems to be
conscious of his importance, and no doubt will be recognized as
such by his tribe, as well as by the pale faces who have an
affection for the American eagle. Arrangements could not be
consistently made with these Indians to remain until Monday, so
their likenesses were taken on the Sabbath, that of the Eagle
Indian intended for a steel engraving for the history. They can
be seen at the Devoe's photograph rooms and are very finely
executed.
DEPARTURE OF THE BADGERS
(Free Press, Sept. 19, 1861.)
The Eau Claire Badgers took their departure from this place
for Madison, preparatory to a campaign in "Secessia," last Friday
morning on board the steamboat Stella Whipple. Nearly every
78 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
community in this county and Chippewa has its representative —
a volunteer offering in the cause of patriotism — in the ranks of
the company, and this, with the fact that the company is to go
off into active service almost immediately, combined to make the
occasion one of more than ordinary interest to people of the
upper Chippewa valley. The company formed in front of the
Eau Claire House about 10 o'clock, and after a little preliminary
marching, proceeded to tlie boat, greeted on the way by cheers
and good-byes innumerable. At the boat a large concourse was
gathered, and the next half-hour was spent in leave-taking. The
scene was truly an effective one. Everybody was busy with the
"parting offices" to relatives or friends.
"Shout, sob and greeting,
Love's deep devotion constantly meeting,"
marked the passing moments. Hands were shaken time and
again, "good-byes" repeated over and over, words of blessing,
encouragement, cheer and advice passed reciprocally many times.
At last, after repeated impatient importunities from the whistle
of the boat, and call after call from the officers, the company
was all gotten aboard and the boat slowly left the shore, amid
multiplied cheers and parting calls and adjurations, succeeded by
waving of hats and handkerchiefs, till the boat rounded the bend
and was out of view.
The company, we understand, reached Prairie du Chien on
Sunday and probably reached Madison the next day. The passage
to Prairie du Chien was attended by many demonstrations and
enthusiasm along the river.
Before the completed Badger company had left the village,
in the Eau Claire Free Press of September 5, mc find the fol-
lowing :
"ANOTHER COMPANY
"We hear it rumored that another company will be gotten up
here forthwith. The noble response from every direction to fill
the Badger ranks demonstrated that another company could be
immediately raised. The present company numbers about 100
men, and within six weeks that number can be doubled with the
right kind of timely effort. We have fine military ability left
yet, and we hope it will come voluntarily into service. Who will
come forward and take the initiative?"
In the Free Press of October 10 we find a notice of a war
meeting to organize this second company, and in the following
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 79
issue a statement that the meeting had been held and a good
start made. John R. Wheeler, John Kelly, M. E. O'Connell and
Malcolmn Reed are named as prime movers in the project.
THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY GUARDS
(Free Press, Oct. 31, 1861.)
What an eulogium upon the patriotism of the valley is the
fact that such numbers have gone to the wars; and yet the
number is rapidly increasing. The Chippewa Valley Guards are
daily adding to their numbers, and at the present rate their
ranks will soon be complete. The work of recruiting goes on
nobly. M. E. O'Connell is drilling the company and is making
good headway.
(Free Press, Dec. 5, 1861.)
The members of the Cliippewa Valley Guards met on Monday
evening and elected, without a dissenting vote, John R. Wheeler
as their captain. This is a high and well deserved compliment.
Mr. Wheeler has won the confidence of all the members of his
company, and by his energy in getting it up, the admiration of
our citizens.
(Free Press, Dec. 19, 1861.)
On Monday evening a grand ball was given at Reed's hall
to the Chippewa Valley Guards, at which time a beautiful flag,
a gift from the patriotic ladies of Eau Claire, was presented to
the company. The hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. At
about half past nine o'clock the members of the guards were
foi-med in line by M. E. O'Connell, and after a short exhibition
showing what proficiency they had obtained in di-illing, were
addressed by H. W. Barnes, Esq., in a neat and appropriate
presentation speech.
Mr. Porter was called upon to respond for the guards.
The company here gave three rousing cheers for the ladies
of Eau Claire. The next morning an immense throng of people
gathered to witness the departure of the guards. They marched
up to the front of the public building to the tune of "The Girl
I Left Behind Me," where blankets were furnished and vehicles
were provided for their conveyance to Sparta.
A noticeable feature in the procession was a live eagle. This
is the second bird of this kind that has gone to the war from
Eau Claire; and his imperial highness seemed to enjoy it hugely.
80 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Note. — I find no further mention of this eagle, and do not
know his fate. He certainly never attained the fame of Old Abe
of the Eighth Wisconsin. W. W. B.
Below we give the names of the men who answered the roll
call and took their departure : John R. Wheeler, M. E. 0 'Coiniell,
Robert Corbett, W. A. Wilcox, 0. H. Browning, Edwin Daily,
S. W. Jennings, Daniel E. Stevens, Martin IMiley, Joseph Monteith,
Noah Barnum, Russell Westeott, Patrick Redmond, William H.
Mower, R. B. Wall, H. M. Culbertson, Owen McGinnety, Phillip
Perry, Jaelcson P. Long, John McKernon, James Corwin, William
Lake, H. L. Ames, James B. Drew, John Taylor, John M. Jones,
Charles C. Fordice, David B. MeCourtie, William Marks, Sanders
Cochran, Thomas Megillen, James Smith, James V. Walker, Will-
iam Biss, John A. Hicks, James Crawford, John Corbett, Har-
rison Beebe, John Kelley, Louis R. Belknap, Andrew Chambers,
Lucius P. Robinson, W. W. Bartlett, W. W. Allen, Michael
Meegan, J. D. McViear, Abijah B. Moon, J. W. Clemens, Horace
W. Smith, William Sawley, Thomas W. McCauley, P. S. Drew,
James Hines, J. B. Vanvieck, Jacob S. Mower, Horace A. Pinch,
T. S. Kilgore, Thomas Denny, Charles Stewart, William Archer,
William H. Pond, John Rounds, James 0. Hatch, Charles Rich-
ardson, Michael Megillen, Alex McCloud, John C. Beers, Zachariah
C. Riley, Isab Jones.
As was always the case in the recruiting of companies,
there are some names to be found on this original list which
do not appear in the official roster of the company, showing
that these persons were not mustered into service in the
company, although some or all of them may have gone out
in other companies later on.
Of those enumerated above the following are not found
in the ofBcial roster of the company: Owen McGinnis,
Phillip Perry, James Corwin, James B. Drew, John Taylor,
William Marks, W. W. Allen, Abijah Moon, J. W. Clemens,
T. W. McCauley, T. S. Kilgore, Isab Jones.
On the other hand, the names given constitute but a
small part of those who were in this company during its
service, as the state roster contains no less than 267 names
of members of Company G, Sixteenth Wisconsin Volunteers.
The offices of first and second lieutenant were not filled until
the company reached Madison, where, on the 4th of January,
1862, William H. Pond, of Eau Claire, was chosen first lieutenant
CAl'T. .\. r. (iRFKK
K. BROWN
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 81
and Cyrus A. Allen, of North Pepin, second lieutenant. M. E.
O'Connell, who went out as first sergeant, became second lieu-
tenant in September, 1862. The Chippewa Valley Guards became
Company G of the Sixteenth Wisconsin, and before the close of
the war Captain Wheeler was promoted to the rank of major.
THE EAU CLAIRE RANGERS
Scarcely was the recruiting of the company known as the
Chippewa Valley Guards well begun before a move was made to
organize still a third company. Mr. Porter did not consider
this a wise move and his feelings are expressed in an editorial
under date of Nov. 14, 1861. It may be explained here that the
third company was being recruited by A. M. Sherman, and as
infantry. It was not until some weeks later that the decision
was made to change it to a cavalry company. Although at this
time Mr. Porter did not think it possible to recruit two com-
panies, and favored the Wheeler company only, still, later when
it was demonstrated that both companies could be made up, Mr.
Porter heartily complimented Sherman on his energy, persever-
ance and success.
(Free Press, Nov. 28, 1861.)
The Eau Claire Rangers, Captain A. M. Sherman, have
enlisted forty men at Patch Grove, near Prairie du Chien, and
are now accepted in Colonel Washburn's regiment of cavalry,
and will proceed at once to Avinter quarters at Milwaukee,
where they are to be furnished with horses, uniforms and equip-
ment. Their quarters are said to be comfortable, and attached
to them are parade grounds for cavalry drill and a hall for
fencing and gymnastic exercises. If the men who have enlisted
here come promptly to the scratch the company will leave this
place the first week in December. A few more are needed, and
as this is the only chance to join cavalry in the northwest, the
ranks will undoubtedly be filled at once. We can certainly com-
mend the energy of Captain Sherman in succeeding with the
company, and the fact is a high and well deserved compliment.
(Free Press, Dec. 1, 1861.)
Captain Sherman's company of cavalry, the Eau Claire
Rangers, left this place for Milwaukee Tuesday and Wednesday
of last week. Including those that went yesterday it numbered
seventy men, and without disparagement to any other we may
82 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
safely say that in point of size and muscular development they
were the finest body of men that will probably leave this state.
The following is a list of officers and enlisted men of the
rangers : Captain, A. M. Sherman ; first lieutenant, Israel H. Bur-
banks; second lieutenant, Thomas J. Nary; orderly sergeant, E. J.
Meyers; camp quartermaster sergeant, Byron Wells; sergeants,
James LeRoy, Pierre Hartman, Benjamin T. Buck, Alex McNaugh-
ton ; corporals, Phillip Haug, Malcomb Reed, L. L. Lancaster,
B. F. Lockwood, A. H. Ilolstead, George W. S. Hyde, Milo B.
Wyman, George Murphy; privates, Hiram Larrabee, J. L. Daven-
port, Phil. Hutchins, "William Chatwood, Daniel D. Ellis, Joseph
Z. Black, Milton Toffelmire, Josh T. Thompson, Truman Edwards,
Henry Armstrong, George Swan, John Lang, August J. Fox,
Otis N. Cole, Claus Torgenson, Hiram Chamberlin, J. S. Hastings,
Pliny D. Rumrill, John J. Whi^glfi, Charles Baird, Andrew Poller,
Christ McDonald, Edwin L. Andrews, Michael Johannis, Hugh
Fitzpatrick, William H. Stowe, HaiTison Beeman, John 0. Gates,
Joy H. Chase, Albert Dunbar, Charles Swan, M. F. Stevens, Danii'l
Gillinore, Daniel Robbins, Isaac 0. Stephens, Jerome B. Evans,
James T. Livermore, J. B. Bateman, George P. Moses, Romeo
Bostwick, Levi F. Decker, George Robinson, Davis Houck, W. F.
Hall, Michael Egan. W. E. Knight, George E. Bonell, M. M.
Persons, Elbridge C. Pride, G. F. Bannister, William H. Vasey,
G. A. Fiddler, Chapin Cutting, John Vaugh, Isaac K. Knight,
Asigal Wyman, George Manchester, Henry Hartman, George Bur-
pee, Marquis L. Coon, Oscar A. Dunbar, Abijah Moon, Martin
Sebald, Thomas Powell, George W. Holstead, Alphonso Hulbert,
Jacob Richtman, Darius Craig, John Reddle, Joseph W. Root,
Charles Loomis, George W. Groom, H. W. Cartwright, John
Seaver, Orin 0. Olur, John Bloom, Ransom Wilkes, William
Chatwood. The Eau Claire Rangers subsequently became Com-
pany L of the Second Wisconsin cavalry.
Editor Telegram: — After much effort I have finally prevailed
upon Captain A. M. Sherman to tell the story of his company,
Company L of the Second Wisconsin cavalry, the only cavalry
company recruited in this section.
SHERMAN'S NARRATIVE
I reached Eau Claire in 18-57, and besides being engaged in
the sawmill and lumber business, was for a time engineer on
some of the Chippewa river steamboats. I was running the Stella
Whipple when it took Company C, Captain Perkins' company,
)>^,^UU'^1aA
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 83
to LaCrosse, and well remember the ovation given to the company
on its arrival there. About this time a letter was received from
my father asking if any of his sons had buckled on their armor
in defense of their country. If not he would have to set an
example for us. I was anxious to take a hand in the struggle,
and different ones had suggested that I raise a company. Among
those making this suggestion was John Kelly, later Captain
Kelly, who had charge of a crew of rivermen for Chapman &
Thorp. I started to Madison to make arrangements for raising
the company, but on my return found Kelly had been persuaded
to join forces with John Wheeler, who was then raising a com-
pany, and whose project had the support of the leading news-
paper of the place, while my own efforts in that direction were
criticised and discouraged. My company was, as Wheeler's, to
be an infantry company.
I soon got about forty men on my list. Then for a time
recruiting was nearly at a standstill in both t-ompanies. At this
point a suggestion came to me, which, although it did not fully
solve the problem, went far toward doing so. This was to change
from an infantry to a cavalry company. I had found quite a
number who stood ready to enlist in cavah-y, but who would not
enlist in an infantry company. The change was brought about
as follows: Having decided that it would be advisable to change
to a cavalry company, I immediately wrote a letter to Cakmel
Washburn, who, I heard, had just been commissioned to raise a
second cavalry regiment. Just as I was about to put the letter
in the mail I met a Lieutenant Luxton, who had come to the
village to pick up recruits and I confided my whole plan to him.
He said I had struck the right person; that it would not be
necessary to send the letter to Washburn, as Washburn had
authorized him to get recruits. Also said I could go on and make
up my company and I could go out as captain of same. I then
told Luxton that I thought he ought to withdraw from the ter-
ritory and leave it to me. He consented; said he would go up
to Chippewa Falls and pick up a few men who had already
promised to go, and then would leave. I started down to Durand
and around in' that vicinity, was gone some days, and on my
return was surprised to find Luxton still there picking up recruits.
I asked him what he meant by this, but he assured me that it
would be all right; that he thought that he could get some of
these men better than myself, but that the recruits would be
divided and I would get my men just the same. I soon realized
that this man Luxton was a very unreliable man to do business
84 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
with, so I interviewed Colonel Washburn personally and made a
trip to Milwaukee for that purpose. Colonel Washburn was
pleased and said the matter could be arranged. He explained liis
plan and gave me a letter to a Mr. Wood, of Patch Grove, near
Milwaukee, which read about as follows:
"Dear Sir: — This will introduce to you Mr. A. M. Sherman,
of Eau Claire, who is raising a company of cavalry Avith the
intention of not being brigaded with another company. Yourself
and Captain Dale, of Racine, have received commissions from
me to raise two companies to be brigaded, he to take the senior
captaincy and you the junior captaincy. I find that Captain Dale
is guilty of double dealing in having accepted this commission
from me and being now engaged in recruiting for the Barstow
regiment. I therefore now throw Captain Dale over entirely and
would ask you to turn your recruits in with A. M. Sherman,
and when the company is made up he will be the captain of the
same and yourself first lieutenant. The balance of the officers
will be elected alternately from .your own and Captain Sherman 's
recruits."
I went to Patch Grove, found Wood sick in bed, considerably
discouraged and well pleased to fall in with the new plan. Up
to this time I had been working at a great disadvantage in
getting recruits, for those who were backing the Wheeler company
asserted that there was no show for me making up the requisite
number for the company, and even if I made it up there was
no assurance that a cavalry company could be gotten into service.
Now the acquisition of the recruits from Patch Grove nearly
made up the required number, and I had Colonel Washburn's
word that the company would be accepted. I came back to the
village, announced the success of my mission, and started in
enthusiastically to recruit the number more needed to make up a
full company. But recruits came slowly both for myself and
Wheeler. When matters were at nearly a standstill Lieutenant
Luxton again appeared on the scene. Meeting me, he said:
"Hello Sherman, how are j'ou making 't?'' "Pretty ?low,'' T
said. "A few more recruits are needed yet and they are hard to
find." "Why don't you go over to Black River Falls? A com-
pany has gone to pieces there and I could have gotten twenty
men there yesterday if I had wanted them. ' ' Forgetting my pre-
vious experience with Luxton, I quickly engaged a livery team
and drove to Black River Falls; found there Avas not a word of
truth in Luxton 's statement, and no men to be had. One of
the first persons I met there was Captain Wheeler, who had come
BAU CLAIRE COT'XTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 85
on tlie same fool's errand as myself. We went back together,
better friends than ever, and found that during our absence
Luxton had been trying his best to get Wheeler's and my men
to leave and go with him. Notwithstanding the discouragement
and Luxton 's treachery, I persevered, and finally got the requisite
number of recruits enrolled. Just then I received perhaps the
most bitter disappointment of my life. A letter was received
from Washburn stating that the recruits a-t Patch Grove had held
a meeting and decided that they would not consolidate Avith mine,
but would go ahead and fill up their own ranks, and Wood had
sent word to Washburn that they would soon appear in camp
with a fuU company. This left me without the requisite number
of men, and no assurance of acceptance if the company was filled.
I did not dare tell the boys of the condition of affairs. Here
were some sixty odd of the best men of the Chippewa valley or of
the country, who were fully expecting to be sworn into service
without delay, and I alone knew that there were no grounds for
that belief. It was a forlorn hope, but I went on with my prepa-
rations to start for camp near Jlilwaukee, trusting that in some
way, I knew not how, a solution of the difficulty would be found.
Having no governmental authority, there was no financial backing
for the venture, except myself. The boys did not know it, but I
personally paid the entire expenses of the company to Sparta and
at that place. At Sparta we took the train for .Mihvaulvi-e. The
boys were going to war, so they thought, and wci'c running over
■with animal spirit. At one or two of the stations a supply of a
different kind of spirits was taken on board, and this added to
their hilarity. The conductor came around and asked for cer-
tificates of transportation. I told him I had none. He was sur-
prised and said that I must pay their fare or they would be put
off the train. I told him I could not pay their fare if I would,
and as for putting them off the train, I suggested that it might
not be a very safe thing to try with tliose lumberjacks ; and the
sounds which came from the other car added emphasis to my
words. Then he said that at the next junction he would have
to uncouple the car and leave it on the switch. I replied that
this would not work either, for we had started for Milwaukee
and were going there, and on the least show of uncoupling the
car we would take possession of the train. I was a railroad man
myself and could run the engine, and I knew I could make up
the balance of a train crew from my company. That put an
end to objections on his part, and we continued on our journey,
finallv reaching Milwaukee. But what was I to do now that I
86 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
was there? I had a magiiifieeiit body of men much above the
average height and firmly built. I had taken pains to niimber
and rank them in order of height, and this added much to their
military appearance. Getting them in line after leaving the cars,
they made a showing to be proud of. Just then a man in the
undress uniform of an oificer of the regular army drove vip and
stopped to look at them. .He then inquired of a bystander where
they were from. "From Eau Claire," was the answer. "Who
is their captain?" I was pointed out. "Well," said he, "I
have seen every regiment of the regular army and every regiment
that has gone out from this state, but this is the finest looking
body of men that I ever saw in line."' Getting into his carriage
beside him, I quietly asked him to drive a little distance away,
and then 1 told him the awful fix I was in. "Don't worry,"
said he. "I can assure j'ou that Washburn will be very glad
to get those men. March them around to headquarters." With
a lighter heart than I had carried for weeks, I marched the
boys around and stood them in line on the walk across the
street from Washburn's headquarters. I was then led into the
hotel, where I met Colonel Washburn. He came out and looked
at the boys across the street. There was no further question in
regard to their acceptance. He wanted those boys — and more
like them if they could be obtained.
Washburn's first suggestion was that my company be con-
solidated with another company, with a division of officers. I
told him that my boys had been promised that they should elect
their own officers, and this was acceded to. We found Captain
Wood there. Instead of a full company as promised, he had
not much more than half the required number. We were given
quarters and at last were actually sM-orn into the service of
the government.
I got my men into quarters, drew rations, blankets and fuel
and then took the train back to Eau Claire to get a few more
recruits who were not ready to go when the company left.
Returning to Milwaukee a few days later I found the strife
between Washburn and ex-Governor Barstow redhot. The occa-
sion for this rivalry was that an order had been received from
the war department stating that but one cavalry regiment would
be received, and this would be the first one ready to take the
field. There were at this time three cavalry regiments in process
of formation : That of Prof. Edward Daniels, of Ripon, with ren-
dezvous on the lake shore above Milwaukee; C. C. Washburn's
regiment, with rendezvous at Milwaukee, and ex-Governor Bar-
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 87
stow's regiment, with rendezvous at Janesville. I found that
during my absence at Eau Claire I had lost four of my men,
who had been induced to go into the Barstow regiment, among
them being my Rank 1 man, who stood six feet four. It appears
that an agent of Barstow had been treating the boys pretty
liberally to liquor, and when in a somewhat mellow condition had
spirited them off to Janesville. I immediatelj' took the train and
went after those boys. Arriving at Janesville, I hunted up Bar-
stow and told him my errand. The ex-governor was very cordial.
Said he liked my style. . Pointing to a half-barrel of whisky and
a glass on top of same, he said: "Help yourself. Let's take
a drink," which we did. Then, coming back to my request for
the return of my men, he said that was out of the question,
and emphasized it with some strong profanity, in which the
ex-governor was an expert. Said that those men should never
go back, as anything he got from Colonel Washburn he intended
to keep. After a few minutes spent in conversation at the ofSce,
Barstow ordered a horse for himself and another one for me
and said, "Let's go down to the barracks and see the troops.
I want to show you my regiment." After another drink we
started. As we rode along I again insisted on the return of
those men ; told him I could not muster in without them. Barstow
continued firm, declaring those men could not go, but that he
would "loan" me as many more to assist me in mustering. As
may be inferred, this "loaning" of recruits was not a strictly
regular procedure, but was sometimes resorted to by those who
lacked a few of the required number of recruits, and was winked
at by those higher in authority.
We rode out to the barracks. I found the regiment enclosed
in a stockade built of sixteen-foot planks set vertically. After
we had been there a short time Barstow became engaged in
conversation with some of his regimental officers and I remarked
that I would look around for a while, to which the ex-governor
replied, "All right, captain; go ahead." I soon ran onto my
boys. They were glad to see me and anxious to get back. One
of the boys was on patrol. I planned with him that he should
pry one plank loose at the bottom, and then, as opportunity
offered, the boys were to slip through and take the railroad
track for Milwaukee, my rank man having both feet badly frozen,
as he had on only a pair of tight boots. Nothing of unusual
interest occui-red during our stay in Milwaukee, only regimental
and sword drill, etc. It may be proper to state here that
eventually all three of the cavalry companies were accepted.
88 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
We left Milwaukee in early spring and went to Benton Bar-
racks, St. Louis, where we drew our horses. I assisted in the pur-
chase of 10,000 horses. Trainloads were brought from all direc-
tions. The test was to race each horse straightaway forty rods
and back. The rider would then dismount, a man would grab
the horse by the bridle with whip in hand and circle the horse
at full speed in as short turns as possible. This to test the wind.
If the wind was found all right the horses were further examined
for other defects. If accepted the buyer announced "Inside"
and if not accepted "outside." That ended the matter. It
was useless for the seller to say a word. Twelve regiments were
mounted, eleven in solid colors, mostly bays. Two battalions
of the second Wisconsin were mounted and the balance on mixed
colors. I conceived the idea that each company should have a
distinct color. There were enough of each to mount a company
of blacks, grays, red roans and "clay banks," These last were
a breed imported from Europe and raised mostly in Missouri.
They had black manes, tails and legs and a black stripe down
the spine. The body color was about that of yellow clay, from
which they took their name.
About this time the rebel General Stuart's Black Horse Cavalry
had been making some of its dashing raids and blacks were much
in favor and considered the ideal cavalry horse. All the com-
panies wanted the blacks so the choice of colors was settled by
ballet. Captain Richmond got the blacks, Capt. Von Heyde the
red roans, Capt. Whytoek the grays and I got the claybanks.
I was so disappointed that I offered Captain Richmond all the
money I had if he Avould exchange, but he laughed at me. I
considered the claybanks the poorest of all, and tried to trade
for the grays or red roans, but with no better success. The red
roans Avere a pony built horse with round quarters, strong loins
and sloping shoulders, and as many of my men were the heaviest
in the regiment I thought the roans would be more suitable, but
I had to content myself with the claybanks. It was now early
summer. My brother Stanton visited me on a furlough, he be-
longing to the First Iowa Cavalry, a regiment where each man
furnished his own horse. I was glad to see him for he had
already had some experience in the cavalry. I was relating to
him my disappointment in the matter of horses when he replied,
"you have the best cavalry horse in the world." "How so?"
said I. He replied "The claybank is the most tractable, docile
and yet fearless, and will learn the bugle call before his rider
does. We have some of them in our regiment and they excel all
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 89
others. You let me take j'Oiir company into the amphitheater for
a few days and I will drill them for you, and then I'll show
you," which he did more or less for two weeks.
At the first call for regimental drill for the sword, mounted,
there was a great surprise in store for the regiment. We were
formed in line, swords with metal scabbard and steel chains
hanging at the left side, bridle rein in the left hand, right arm
hanging down by the right side. Now, we were all lined up, as
perfect as we can get our horses, waiting for the first command,
which is "Draw-sabers." At the command "Draw" each man
throws his right arm across his body, grasps his sword, and draws
it up six inches in the scabbard, and as he gets the word "saber"
it leaps from the scabbard, passes the body to the right with its
point skyward, straight with the arms aud at an angle of about
thirty degrees. Now notice what happens. A thousand arms
swinging together on to the hilts of a thousand sabers and rais-
ing them six inches in their metal scabbards with a rattling of
steel chains and then the flash of a thousand blades in the sun-
light, and where are you at? Every company stampeded except
the claybauks. The scene was picturesque, and somewhat tragic,
for a few riders were thrown from their mounts. Horses Avere
rearing and plunging in great confusion. This ended the drill
for that day, aud claybauks stock was at a premium. A feeling
of envy was shown by some of the officers of the other companies,
and on the part of company L there was a greater pride in their
horses and from that time on they received the best of care. My
brother Stanton was induced by Col. Washburn and myself to
act as scout for our regiment, being attached to my company,
he having been promised a transfer from the Iowa cavalry to
which he belonged.
After the expiration of a few weeks spent at Benton Barracks
we received marching orders for Springfield, Mo. Nothing of
special interest occurred on the way, except that I might relate
a little incident which occurred at the small village of RoUa.
There was a company of "Home Guards" in charge of this place.
Now from my own experience and observation I have no very
high opinion of these Home Guards. Doubtless some of them were
entirely true and loyal but on the other hand many of them
seemed to have joined these organizations to prevent themselves
from being drawn into field service, on either side, and their
attitude was that of Good Lord or Good Devil to which ever of
the two opposing forces might seem to be in the ascendancy at
anv particular time. Several of my boys in taking in the town
90 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
had conimitted some minor offense and had been lodged by these
Home Guards in a guard house or calaboose. Word was brought
to me of this by some of the other boys. That day I was mounted
on a horse which was the private property of one of my company,
Philip Hanck. Old residents will remember the man well. He
and another man kept a hotel on the corner opposite the Galloway
House. The liorse was a "leopard" stallion, or part Arabian
blood, a splendid animal, perfectly fearless and would carry its
rider anywhere. I went to the commander of the Guards, told
him my company was to leave in the early morning, that I would
see to the conduct of my men, and asked their release. The man
was very pompous and insolent and no satisfaction could be ob-
tained from him. Different action on my part was necessary.
Turning to the boys who had accompanied me I ordered them to
break open the guard house. This was done in short order and my
boys released. The Home Guard commander stood there fuming
and vowing vengence and after one particular offensive remark
addressed to me I wheeled my horse and made straight at him.
He started on. the run and soon being hard pressed run up the
steps of the leading hotel and disappeared through the large
entrance, but my horse could climb steps as well as he and I fol-
lowed. By ducking my head I was able to ride through the
entrance and right into the hotel lobby. As may be imagined
it caused some excitement and there was screaming from the lady
guests, but ray man got away from me, slipping out the back
door where I could not follow. I then turned my horse, reached
down and picked up a rocking chair and with that in my hand
rode out of the entrance and down the steps. The guard officers
gave me no further trouble and with my full compliment of men
the next morning we started on. We reached Springfield where
a regimental conference was held between our officers and the
command there, which resulted in our regiment being sent south
to the town of Ozark, under command of Major Sterling. The
balance of the regimental officers remained in Springfield. A
large train of wagons was supplied and we were to gather corn
and grind it in a gristmill at Ozark, also procure forage for
the horses. These supplies were to be sent to the relief of Gen-
eral Curtis, who was hemmed in and surrounded by the enemy
down on White River, near Batesville. There had been a previ-
ous effort made to relieve this general, but it proved disastrous,
the train being captured and the supplies burned.
Early the first morning after reaching Ozark some boys of
Co. L went down the Forsythe road, foraging for chickens, when
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL AVAR 91
they discovered some rebel cavalry coming up the road. Con-
cealing themselves in the brush they counted the cavalrymen as
they rode i)ast. There were 225. The report was brought to me
and I immediately carried it to Ma.jor Sterling in command and
asked the privilege of going after them with Co. L. The major
did not approve this on the ground of the absence of all the other
regimental officers at Springfield and our expedition to Ozai'k
being for the securing of supplies and not for the purpose of
entering into any engagement with the enemy. I urged my re-
quest strongly and finally was told I could follow them up for
a short distance, "But don't be gone over an hour." Learning
of the permission given by Ma.jor Sterling, Captain De Forrest
requested me to let him make up half of the pursuing force with
men from his company, to which I assented. Ozark was gar-
risoned by about forty infantry. I secured one of these as guide
on account of his knowledge of the country, mounted him and
then we started down the road toward Forsythe in pursuit of the
enemy. It proved that the rebel cavalry had ridden up to the
brow of the liill overlooking Ozark, expecting to capture the
place, but discovering our regiment encamped there had quietlj''
countermarched back toward their encampment at Cowskin Prai-
rie, on the south side of White River. Had we not arrived at
Ozark the day before it would have been an easy matter for them
to capture the garrison, and so sure were they of doing this that
they had brought along a six mule team to take back their ex-
pected plunder. We had gone only a mile or so when we ap-
proached a cloud of dust which filled the roadway neai'ly to the
tops of the trees. I immediately ordered my men to a gallop
expecting to soon overtake the rebels. After riding perhaps for
three quarters of a mile further we came to a fork in the road
and the dust was down both roads. I called a halt and con-
ferred with my guide. The right hand road was the direct route
to Pea Ridge and the left hand road to Forsythe, but on account
of the dust in both roads we could not tell which way they had
gone. The guide was of the opinion that the rebel cavalry were
from Cowskin Prairie and would probably take the left hand
road. I cautiously advanced expecting every minute to run into
the rear guard, but we traveled on and on, but always dust in
the road ahead of us, until we had passed the summit of the
Ozark mountains and were on the southern descent, to White
River. My brother Stant was all the time alone in advance. We
had gone probably twenty miles when he returned with a pi-isoner
mounted on a mule with a young negro wench behind him, Stant
92 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
said, ' ' Put this man in the ranks. " " Why no, he is not a soldier, ' '
I replied. "He is a spy sent back in this guise to find out if
they are being followed;" and he wheeled his horse and galloped
ahead out of sight. I interrogated the man, but he assured me
that he was a preacher going to preach a funeral sermon, so I
let him go and started the command ahead, but had gone only
a short distance when I heard rapid firing ahead.
Stant had I'un into the rear guard and opened fire on them.
I immediately ordered a charge which the boys made with a will.
Within a mile we ran into dozens of the rebels, most of whom
threw up their hands and cried "donf shoot, I surrender,"
many dismounting, holding up their bridle rein and throwing
down their arms. We passed all such leaving it to Captain De-
Forrest's men, who were behind us, to take care of those who had
surrendered, while we kept on after those who would not halt
or surrender. While riding along at a furious pace Len Lancas-
ter's horse slipped on a ledge of slate that extended across the
road when horse and rider fell to the ground, Lancaster being
caught under the horse and severely injured. I detailed two
men to take him to the rear, and on we started again. Presently
we ran across their six-mule team and wagon, but on we went,
the fastest horses in front. Every man taking the initiative, some
following far into the woods those of the rebels who left the road.
I had seen nothing of Stant yet, and feared he was killed.
After running past perhaps a hundred men who had thrown down
their weapons and offered to surrender we emerged out of the
timber on the level bottom of White River. Here there was no
dust to speak of, and there were several farm houses in sight. I
will take time here to describe our own shooting irons, which
were somewhat out of the usual order. Each man was furnished
with a Savage revolver, having a nine inch barrel, a heavy
weapon, provided with a lever which dropped down in front of
the ti'igger, with a loop in the lower end for the middle finger.
When this lever was pulled back it would cock the revolver and
turn the cylinder, but if not let go forward again pulling the
trigger would not discharge the weapon. Lieut. Tom Nary was
riding by ray side. He was a splendid specimen of physical man-
hood and with no lack of courage. As we were dashing along we
overtook a rebel officer. I was on one side and Nary on the other.
Nary was on the left, pointing his revolver at the officer, com-
manding him to halt or he would shoot, but the officer kept right
on. Probably through failure to release the lever before men-
tioned Nary's revolver would not go off. In the meantime I had
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 93
dropped back to keep out of the range. Finally there was a
sharp report and the rebel officer fell dead, shot through the heart.
Just at the elose of our cha.se what was our surprise to run across
a young woman in riding habit standing beside the road patting
her pony on the neck, the pony gushing blood from its nostrils
with every breath. We stopped and looked in amazement. Just
then the pony reeled over and fell dead. I rode up to her with
the question "what have we here?" There was a look of scorn
and no reply. "Where is your gallant?" I added. She turned
and looked southwest across the field and pointed out a lone horse-
man half a mile away, evidently mounted on a thoroughbred, for
his tail was straight out and liis gatherings rapid. "There he
goes," said she, "and you can't catch him." "Well," said I,
"I think I will have to take you prisoner." "I reckon you
won't." As she said this she went into her pocket and brought
out a document. It proved to be a permit for her to go in and
out of the lines at pleasure, and signed by Colonel Boyd, who
M'as a federal officer living in Missouri, and this was his daughter,
who had been down to Cowskin Prairie and married a rebel
officer, the one in command of the expedition against Ozark. Her
husband was one of the very few in the rebel command who had
not laid down arms, surrendered or been killed. This expedi-
tion was their wedding tour, and the comtemplated capture of
the garrison and supplies at Ozark was expected to add spice to
the trip.
Our horses by this time were tired and their riders were dust
covered, hot and thirsty. As the boys began to gather in from
the woods and elsewhere we stopped at a farm bouse where there
was a well with an old-fashioned sweep. The thirst of men and
horses was quenched, the horses being allowed to take only a
few swallows at a time until cooled off. The boys continued to
come in, brother Stant the last to show up. He had been led a
long chase deep in the woods. A count was taken and every man
found safe and Avhole. We then started back to Ozai'k. The
six-mule team belonging to the rebels was made use of in hauling
the guns and equipment of all descriptions which they had sur-
rendered or dropped in their flight. There were 110 pieces, all
told, including a considerable number of carbines, with bayonets
which slid down into a casement, and had been furnished by the
government for the protection of camel trains which carried mail
across the plains. There were also squirrel rifles, shot guns, der-
ringers and dueling pistols, also some bowie knives.
The body of the rebel officer mentioned was put into the wagon
94 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
with the equipment and after dark left at a farm house where
we had noticed a number of women while on the chase. The full
benefit of our raid was not realized on account of the failure
of the squad from the other compay who were in the rear of Co.
L, to take charge of those who had thrown down their arms and
offered to surrender. Further jealousy in the regiment was
caused by this encounter, and later I learned there was even
talk of a court-martial for me for having been gone more than
the hour allotted to me by my superior officer. Had the chase
not been so successful and without loss to my company there is no
telling what might have liappened.
SECOND CAVALRY.
It was impossible to know the full extent of casualty to the
enemy. The dust was so thick it was hard to distinguish between
the grey and the blue. Sixteen prisoners and three killed were
all we were sure of. In a few days our train of supplies and forage
was ready and our command with the forty infantrymen of Ozark
as riding wagon guards, we started traveling the same road we
had chased the enemy over for the first twenty-five miles. It was
an undisturbed march thus far but ever after that we were fol-
lowed by McBride and Coleman for 100 miles with their bush-
whacking guerilla system of firing upon us from dense cover and
instantly fleeing ; picking up any stragglers momentarily absent
from the ranks. Their system was to fire into the advance and
rear ranks and then skidoo. Washburn was anxious to learn
the strength of the encampment at Cowskin Prairie so brother
Stant was rigged out in butternut garb and furnished with leave
of absence purporting to belong to a rebel of Price's command,
mounted on an old picked up horse, to spy out the rebel force at
Cowskin Prairie on the south side of White River, while we
marched down on the north side. He left us one morning before
we broke camp. We marched that day with but little annoyance
and all the next day without any and we began to think the
enemy were massing somewhere in our front for the final coup
and our fate might be the same as the one captured before, in
their attempt to reach General Curtis. After our camp for the
night was settled, Washburn sent for me to come to- his quarters,
he was very anxious to hear from his scout and spy sent to Cow-
skin and I thought he must be killed for he had told me he would
never surrender. Just at the time I was telling this to Wash-
burn, there was a loud vocal discord ringing in our ears and I
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 95
started for Company L quarters. When I got tliere I saw Stant
and two confederates surrounded by Co. L and Stant was going
through the garments of his two prisoners, ripping open coat
collars, vest linings, pants bottoms, boot tops, as tliey disrobed
one garment after another, and he was so stoically silent and
indiii'erent to tell us — not even answering or recognizing my
greeting, or the many questions of the boys. So I stood there in
mute silence, confiicting emotions struggling for the mastery, and
I really had some misgivings of the 19 year old boy's sanity.
After he had finished searching his prisoners he asked the lieu-
tenant to care for these men, "I reckon they are hungry."
We then went to Washburn and Stant reported that the rebel
camp was intact, and thought they had no designs to engage us.
The night before he had played cards with some of the boys in
the rebel camp until 2 o'clock in the morning, then went and laid
down by his horse for a feigned sleep. But instead of sleeping he
planned to exchange his poor horse for a better one that was
picketed near his and leave camp before daylight, which he suc-
cessfully did without discovery, traveling northeast. Crossing
White River he espied the heads of tAvo horsemen at the crest
of a sharp hill. They were coming toward him. He immediately
spurred into the bush at the roadside and dismounting, hitched
his horse and crawled back to the roadside, where, with revolver
in hand, he awaited their coming. They were walking leisurely
and talking, and when they were nearly opposite him, he leaped
into the road, and covering them with his revolver, commanded
them to "ground arms." They instantly obeyed, and then he
gave the order, "about wheel," which they also obeyed. He
then picked up their arms, adjusted them to himself, stepped for
his horse, mounted, and marching the two in front of him nearly
all day, overtook us after we had bivouacked for the night. I felt
so proud of hira, that if I had had the power to give my place of
Captain of Co. L I should have done so.
The prisoners were a private and lieutenant, belonging to the
same regiment, and were returning from the private's Avedding,
where the lieutenant acted as best man. They became the charge
of Co. L through to Helena, and when they were shipped north
with a boatload of prisoners, this lieutenant went to Washburn
and begged the privilege of presenting his fine horse to his young
captor. When Washburn told him the horse belonged to the
United States, and it could not be done, I led him away and his
eyes filled with tears. He told me he had brothers he did not
revere as he did this young captor. He said further that tlie cool.
96 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
self-assured tone and action of Stant, convinced him that there
was a company of ambushed guns behind him. A few days later
an incident occurred which I will now relate.
Having lost a valuable trooper, wounded and taken prisoner
by what I considered a silly requirement, I was not in humor to
receive complacently what followed the next day. We went into
camp, roll call revealed the absence of Milton Tollfelmire of
Menomonie, a Swede, and absolutely fearless. I learned from his
comrades he had dropped out of the ranks, our company being
in the rear, and had foraged a bundle of oats for his horse from a
sliock by the road side and was there feeding his horse a short
way back and out of sight. The circumstances were reported to
Washburn by his orderly, and I was sent for and reprimanded by
the colonel and told to dismount that man and that he should walk
the next day and keep up with the command. I transmitted the
order to ToUef elmire, and in the afternoon we had to cross a stream
belly deep to our horses and ToUefelmire sat down on its bank
and refused to wade the stream and said to his comrades he woTild
die fighting the enemy before he would wade the stream. The
circumstance Avas reported to me and I was as indignant over the
sillyness of the order as ToUefelmire could be. I rode hastily to
the front, related the facts to Washburn with some heat, giving
my view of the fallacy of marching 300 miles with a relief train
through the enemy's country followed by Guerillas ambiishing us
every day and living off the country and me with sword sheathed
and carrying the olive branch in our right hand and perhaps our
train of supplies as well ; and an order against foraging (to the
enemy). He said in reply, "Mount him and bring him over."
When over I told him to take his place in the ranks. He did and
rode the balance of the day. After going into camp I was told
by the Colonel's orderly to report to headquarters. Washburn
said to me, "Didn't I order you to dismount your man for the
day?" I replied, "You certainly did." The only instance during
my army experience where red tape and a strict compliance with
the letter of the order brought justice and relief to an exhausted
soldier. "I obeyed your order, he was dismounted and walked
until he came to the river where he sat down and refused to come
over. I reported the circumstance to you and you ordered him
mounted and brought over." "And how come it that he has been
riding this afternoon?" "Because you failed to order him dis-
mounted again."
In a day or two I was ordered to take the advance witli Co. t,
and to advance several miles ahead of the train to scoiit the cross
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 97
roads. We came to a small clearing, log house and an old couple.
I was inteiTogating the old man whether he had seen any of the
enemy that morning. He had not. I inquired how far to the next
town, giving the name. He repeated it several times and replied:
"I reckon he must have moved away 'fore I came." I had called
in my flankers as I approached this clearing and we started ahead,
intending to throw out the flankers as soon as we got through
the clearing. As we got near the timber a half dozen shots came
from the timber, one striking Lieutenant Ring of Co. I who was
by ray side, in the left elbow and the bushwhackers fled, one horse
wounded. Nothing of special interest occurred during the re-
mainder of our march. The enemy continued their bushwhack-
ing tactics but we arrived safely at our destination at Batesville.
Of course we were graciously received by General Curtis and his
troops who were much in need of the supplies we had brought.
A day or two later we continued our march to Helena, Ark., which
was our objective point. At Bayou Cache the enemy disputed
our passage. The advance that day was led by the 11th Wiscon-
sin Infantry. The Second Cavalry asked permission to assist the
11th and the request was granted. We were somewhat in the rear
half of the column, and were marching over a corduroy road
through a cypress swamp with the road in front of us densely
packed with the infantry, artillery, wagon trains, etc., of our
force. These were at a halt and as usual in such eases had spread
out so that to pass through them was a difficult matter. Some
of us attempted to get past by leaving the corduroy road and
taking our chances in the mud and mire of the swamp. I killed
my horse in the attempt, but we finally got to the front only to
find that after a sharp engagement the 11th Infantry had driven
the enemy before them, in such haste that they had not been able
to destroy the bridge as intended.
We arrived at Helena at last, every man of the 2ud Cavalry
in the saddle, in perfect condition, well hardened by the trip. We
went into camp a short distance outside the city in a shady grove
with a clear stream of water flowing through it. We thought we
had an ideal camp. For the first four weeks we did very little
scouting or other active service. A laughable incident occurred
one day at drill. Colonel Stevens, of our regiment, was an Eng-
lishman with the proverbial English habit of handling his h's.
He had been a member of the Queen's Guard, was sis feet tall,
weighing two hundred forty pounds, a good sword man, and could
fence with either hand. We were at regimental drill when the
Colonel noted that Companies E and I were only fragments of
98 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
companies, the details for pickets that day having been drawn
from these companies. The Colonel conceived the idea of con-
solidating the two companies for the drill so gave the following
order. It may be remarked that he had a peculiar way of ending
his orders with a rising inflection to his voice, which peculiarity
was well known to the troops. Turning to Lieutant-Colonel East-
man he said: "Colonel H-Eastman, you will h-observe for the
h-operations of the day that Companies h-E and h-L will h-operate
together. Co. h-L may go to h-E or Co. h-E may go to h-L.
During the remainder of the campaign our company was
known in the regiment as "Company Hell." The regiment had
not remained long in Helena before the health of the troops began
to fail and in a few weeks scarcely a man was able to appear at
drill. I was quartered at the house of a widow in the town and
remarked to her about the sickness of our men. Said she: "You
will all be dead if you stay in that camp long. We would not
think of drinking that water as it seeps through from a cypress
swamp." I reported her statement to our Colonel and the result
was that the camp was moved to higher ground in a slashing made
by the Confederates for the purpose of allowing better use of their
artillery. Our water was brought from the Mississippi. Whether
or not the woman's explanation of the poisonous nature of the
water was correct, true it was that the health of the boys began
immediately to improve and soon all were again fit for duty.
An expedition ordered to Clarendon was hailed with delight
by Co. L. A pioneer corps was sent some days in advance to
bridge a bayou. The command (cavalry) followed. We met the
corps returning to Helena reporting there was not material enough
available to bridge it. The command went on to the bayou for
dinner, where we could find water for our horses. Lieutenant-
Colonel Eastman dined with me and while at dinner we were dis-
cussing the disappointment of the expedition's failure. Espe-
cially the lumberjacks of Co. Hell were cursing mad, declaring
they could swim it. I had been looking at a long row of slave
quarters of flattened logs, about one foot in diameter. The cabins
were in size about 14 by 18 and all alike, located upon an eleva-
tion of 15 or 20 feet above and parallel to the water and but a
rod or so away. I told the colonel that was the best material in
the world and plenty of it to bridge this stream and Co. Hell
could do it in four hours, pointing to the row of cabins and the
frame of an q}d grist mill, dismantled of its covering and ma-
chinery, lie immediately left me and went to the commanding
officer and reported that there was a man in his regiment who
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 99
says that this stream can be bridged in four hours. "Is he an
engineer?" inquired the officer. "No." "Bring him up here, I have
a curiosity to see the man who can bridge this stream after the
pioneer failure." I went with the colonel and briefly explained
the process of using the negro cabins by alternately using a
long and then a short log side by side and about eight logs wide
as a section and then intersecting section 2 with logs all the
same length and so on for the entire length of the boom, except
the last section, which should alternate lengths, with binder poles
across the section joints and band splits and lock downs of wild
grape vine, of Avhich there were miles in length along the banks,
and water beech for poles. Tlie commander said he would spend
the afternoon here and witness my creation and give me all the
men I wanted. Inside of fifteen minutes twenty horsemen were
seeking every auger, big and little, and every hatchet and ax with-
in a radius of three miles and a continuous stream of timber was
dashing down the banks bordering the stream. In ten minutes
more there were a dozen augers being turned with all the energy
the borers possessed and relays standing ready to grab those
handles as soon as there were the least signs of lagging. Now,
there were plenty of axes, hatchets and augers and the material
consisting of holes, poles, bands, pins and grapevines was simply
marvelous under the direction of members of Co. L as bosses.
At the end of four hours tlie 400 feet of eight timbers wide of
boom with her down stream end fastened to the shore with a
heavj^ grapevine and one fifty feet long plugged fast to the upper
end to serve as cable to fasten to the opposite shore, she lay
serene and self-assured at attention, awaiting orders. After a
hasty inspection by Sergeant Lancaster, in the absence of pins in
the lock-down holes, the order was given to shove her out and she
was gracefully swung by the current to the opposite shore and
cabled fast with the grapevine about 12 degrees diagonal from
a right angle with the shore. And Co. Hell had the honor of first
tramping slave quarters under their horses' feet. The command
passed over dry shod and the lumber-jacks wore a smile all
through a pelting snow iintil Ave reached Clarendon late at night.
The little town was dark and silent, having been vacated several
days before our arrival. This converted the smile of Co. L boys
into a grim-visaged scowl, accentuated by some strong words by
way of emphasis. I quartered my men in a billard room with a
large old fashioned fireplace wide enough to reo^ve the legs of
the tables as back logs and foresticks, and so we spent the night,
speculating as to what would be the orders and move tomorrow.
100 n [STORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
On account of sickness in Captain Sherman's family
his Civil War narrative closed very abruptly, with his
company of the 2nd Cavalry located at Helena, Ark. This
was in the fall of 1862. The 2nd Cavalry formed a part of
a large force under 'command of General Hurlbut which
went out from Helena to destroy the line of communications
in the rear of General Pemberton who had marched out of
Vicksburg with a part of his army. During the Hurlbut
expedition Captain Sherman was detailed at the head of
two companies of cavalry to destroy railroad bridges and
tracks which was successfully accomplished. After return-
ing to Helena and remaining there a short time the troops
moved to Memphis, where on request of the citizens the 2nd
cavalry was assigned to garrison the city. Feeling assured
that they would remain for a considerable time in Memphis
Captain Sherman, after consulting with some of his superior
officers, sent to New York state for the young lady who
had promised to be his wife. Accompanied by her father
she came to Memphis, the wedding taking place in the home
of a southerner, whose family insisted on taking charge of
all the arrangements, which were on an elaborate scale,
with the army officers present in full uniform.
Scarcely had the wedding taken place before an order
was received from tlie war department that the 2nd Cavalry
should proceed to Vicksburg to take part in the operations
against that place.
For a considerable time a feud had existed between
Colonel Stephens of the 2nd Cavalry and Lieutenant-Col-
onel Eastman. This had culminated in a personal en-
counter. Captain Sherman was one of the ofScers who had
separated the combatants, and having taken sides with the
Lieutenant-Colonel, he was not in the good graces of Col-
onel Stephens. Wishing, if possible, that his bride should
accompany him to Vicksburg, Captain Sherman put in a
petition to his superior officers to tliat effect. The Major
and Lieutenant-Colonel gave their approval but when pre-
sented to Colonel Stephens that officer promptly handed it
back with his disapproval attached to same. Feeling that
under the circumstances his request was a reasonable one
Captain Sherman decided to take the matter up to General
Hurlbut. When the General saw the Colonel's disapproval
he was very angry at Captain Sherman for presenting the
petition to him, but when the matter was fully explained
CAPTAIN HALL
CAPT. STOCKING
M la. 1 () C H\I r
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 101
he wrote "approved" across the face of the petition, and
signed his name. Armed with this precious document Cap-
tain Sherman made arrangements on the steamboat for his
bride, and on the day set for departure rode up the gang
plank onto the boat with her by his side. Colonel Stephens,
wholly in ignorance of the action of General Hurlbut saw
them come on the boat and angrily approached Captain
Sherman, and said that his bride Avould be put off at the
next wood lauding. The captain quietly took the petition
from his pocket and held it up so that the Colonel could see
General Hurlbut 's signature. The table had been turned.
After the fall of Vicksburg the 2nd Cavalry was sta-
tioned at Red Bone Church, 16 miles east of Vicksburg for
nearly a year.
In the fall of '64 Captain Sherman resigned his commis-
sion and was succeeded as captain by First Lieut. Jas. L.
Leroy, who had enlisted in the company from Chippewa
Falls. Captain Leroy continued at the head of the company
until it was mustered out of service in the fall of 1865.
Among the names of the privates who went out in Co. L
of the 2nd Cavalry will be found that of Leonard L. Lan-
caster, and Captain Sherman frequently mentions him in his
narrative.
This man Lancaster was an experienced woods and river
man and fearless to a degree. His soldierly qualities
brought him well merited promotion, and by the spring of
1865 he had attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. It was in
the summer of 1865 that Lieutenant Lancaster had one of
the most thrilling experiences that fell to the lot of any
soldier during the civil war. A friend of the Lancaster
family has published the story in pamphlet form, of which
only a brief outline can here be given.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dale was at this time at the head of
the regiment, and by all accounts was wholly unfit for the
position he held. While stationed at Alexandria, La., in
July 1865 conditions under Dale had became so intolerable
that some six or seven hundred privates and some fifteen
commissioned ofScers signed a petition asking Dale to
resign.
It became necessary for some one to present the petition
and Lancaster volunteered for the task. It is hardly neces-
sary to state that from a military point of view the signing
and presenting of such a petition was a serious offense.
102 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Lancaster was arrested and put in jail for violating the
articles of war. The other officers were deprived of their
insignia of rank, all hut four of whom made retraction and
were restored to rank. One of these was tried and acquitted
and the others never came to trial. It was upon Lancaster
alone that the punishment fell. Refusing to retract he was
court-martialed and sentenced to be shot, and his death
warrant signed by General Custer. He was confined in a
dungeon for some days and while there was offered an op-
portunity to escape but the offer was declined. On the
evening of the 26th of July he was taken out with another
man, a deserter, bound and seated on their coffins, to be
shot. Just as the word "fire" was to be pronounced a
reprieve was received, releasing him from the death sen-
tence, but with a dishonorable discharge and sentenced to a
military prison in the Dry Tortugas for a term of three
years. Friends interceded for Lancaster and in February,
1866, he was released and after much hardship reached his
home at Eau Claire. Through the infiuence of Congressman
Michael Griffin and others an honorable discharge was se-
cured, and now after fifty years have elapsed since Lieu-
tenant Lancaster's terrible experience he is still with us al-
though in feeble health. That he may be spared many
years to come is the earnest desire of his old comrades and
friends.
CAMP AND FIELD.
"We have traced the formation and breaking up of the first, or
Taylor Company, also the recruiting and departure of the Perkins
Company, the Wheeler Company and Captain Sherman's Cavalry
Company. Recruiting was kept up continually, both to fill up
the thinning ranks of the companies that had gone out from Eau
Claire, also for outside companies, whose recruiting officers found
the Chippewa Valley a fruitful field for their labors. Before the
war was over several more full companies were sent out from
Eau Claire, but before considering these we will follow those
already sent to the front, some of which were quickly in the
thick of the fight.
As stated in the Sherman article, this cavalry company went
into camp at Milwaukee. The infantry companies of Perkins and
"Wheeler went to Madison where they were quartered at Camp
Randall. It is unfortunate, but never the less true, that the "Wis-
consin Historical Society itself has satisfactory histories of only
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 103
a small proportion of the regiments which went out from this
state. The eighth Wisconsin or Eagle Regiment is much more
fortunate than the average of Wisconsin regiments in the matter
of the preservation of its civil war history. Several books, of
varying degrees of value covering all or part of its regimental
history, have been published. In addition to these, which we will
consider later, the company from Eau Claire had its own corre-
spondent for a considerable time and we have his letters. In the
A. R. Barnes' article he mentions a fellow printer, by the name
of T. B. Coon, who also enlisted in the first company. Editor
Porter chronicles his departure in the following manner.
"Free Press, September 19, 1861. Thos B. Coon, who has been
connected with the mechanical department of this paper for
nearly a year, left the place on Thursday last, to .join the 'Eau
Claire Eagles' at Madison. Mr. Coon is a yoimg man of unqual-
ified merit in every respect, sober, industrious and intelligent;
these are the qualifications that have Avon him troops of friends
in this place, whose best wishes go with him. He is a keen ob-
server of men and things and a writer of no mean ability. The
readers of the Free Press will be glad to know that his pen will
be employed in giving them one letter per week from the 'Eighth
Wisconsin' during his stay in the army. His intelligence and
candor as an observer and writer will add an interesting feature
to the paper."
As promised by Mr. Porter to his readers this T. B. Coon sent
weekly letters from camp which were printed in the Free Press,
over the signature "Quad," and from which extracts will be
given later. P^'rom the beginning of the war until near its close,
Captain Green, of Co. F of the 8th regiment, wrote some very
interesting letters to his wife, describing passing events very
fully, which were later published in book form, some extracts of
which we take pleasure in quoting here. When we remember
that the Eagle regiment almost without exception, during the
entire war acted as a unit and that its total fighting strength Avas
seldom over five or six hundred men, we can see that Captain
Green's description of the services of Co. F would apply almost
equally as well to our own Eau Claire company.
T. B. Coon's first letter to the Free Press read as follows:
"Camp Randall, September 22, 1861. We have been considerably
disappointed in not being assigned to the company at the right
of the regiment. Being the heaviest company on the ground and
taking the position for a week and a half after our arrival, we
supposed we were to have it ' for good, ' but the person in author-
104 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ity decided otherwise and oiir place in the regiment is the second
from the right. Signed 'Quad.' "
His next letter says: "Camp Randall, September 20. I was
led into quite a serious error in my last in giving the position
of our company in the regiment. Instead of being the second
from the right, we are the center or Color company, of the regi-
ment, a distinction which almost compensates us for the loss of
the regimental right. Signed 'Quad.' "
Captain Green arrived at Camp Randall a few days before the
Perkins Company arrived from Eau Claire. Prom the first he
was a great admirer of "Old Abe," the war eagle, and frequently
mentions him in letters to his wife. In view of the later fame
of this eagle, some of Captain Green's comments, made at the
time, seem almost prophetic. Prom one of his first letters after
reaching Camp Randall, we quote the following:
"OLD ABE" AT CAMP.
"Camp Randall, September 10, 1861. We have a new recruit
— a live eagle. Co. C, Captain Perkins brought him from Eau
Claire, where they bought him of some Chippewa Indians. He
is a fine specimen of our National bird, and the boys have named
him 'Old Abe.' A perch is made with a shield and the bundle
of darts underneath, and a perch on top on which 'Old Abe' is
carried on a pole by a member of Co. C, next to the colors. If
he stands it to go through the war, he will be a noted bird."
Another letter from Captain Green, dated "Camp Randall,
September 30, 1861. We have just heard good news. Our regi-
ment is ordered to Missouri. We will start in a few days. Great-
est joy prevails in camp. The Governor goes with us to Chicago.
He says the Eighth is the finest regiment he ever saw. I never
could understand before this how a soldier became so attached,
but now, even for the short time I have been here, I would not
be willing to go into another regiment. We have a fine, gentle,
manly set of officers, both regimental and company."
Captain Green writes from St. Louis. "Benton's Barracks,
near St. Louis, October 14, 1861. We left Madison on the morn-
ing of the 12th. What a time we had getting on board the cars.
Everybody's friends were on hand to see us off, and there were
last embraces, kisses, tears and partings sad enough to witness.
Gaily beat the drum as our columns marched to the depot.
Handkerchiefs fluttered and voices broken with emotion, tear-
fully said 'Good-bye' to hundreds of our boys as the train moved
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 105
off. It was a time to try to peer into the future — to try to see
what it had in store for us. How long would it be before we
would return 1 Will we come back with our ranks as full as they
are now, or will there be some missing at final roll call? But
I confess I had too many other things to think of to indulge in
such thought. The way it looks now the fighting will be over
before we get to the front. We had a nice run to Chicago, and a
fine lunch spread by the good people of that city. Changed cars
for St. Louis, where we arrived this morning.
"I must tell you of an exploit of Old Abe, our eagle. After
we had disembarked and when the regiment was forming in line
ready to march to Benton's Barracks, out in the suburbs of the
cit}', the eagle somehow got loose from his perch, and literally
soared aloft. We marched on up to the city, giving up Old Abe
as lost ; but every square or so as we progressed, we noticed him
flying over the housetops, and keeping his course along with ours.
Sometimes he would take a wide circuit, and for the time dis-
appear, but sooner or later he would return and hover over us,
and when we reached the Barracks, the flew down to the ground
and took his place in the center of the regiment in Co. C, by the
colors. We gave him three hearty cheers, and he raised himself
on his perch and flapped his wings. We all think Old Abe will
make a good soldier."
Captain Green described the Eagle regiment's first appearance
on the battlefield. "Predericktown, Mo., October 22, 1861. We
have had our first fight. You will have heard before this reaches
you of the battle of Frederiektown yesterday. The rebels were
cleaned out.' AVe were in Benton's Barracks only one day when
we had orders to move out to the Iron Mountain Railroad where
Jeff Thompson had been destroying bridges. We marched to the
depot and were put on board cattle cars. You ought to have
heard the boys swear at the accommodations — as if 'Uncle Sam'
ought to furnish parlor cars. Well, we went to Pilot Knob, and
in the afternoon started on the mareli for Frederiektown. Our
force consisted of two Illinois regiments, one Missouri and the
8th Wisconsin, and several companies of cavalry. Jeff Thompson
was reported intrenched at Frederiektown with a force anywhere
from three thousand to eight thousand. We marched all night.
The roads were hilly and rocky, but smooth. The full moon made
it light and the frosty air was as good as a tonic. Our knapsacks
and overcoats in addition to forty rounds of ammunition, muskets
and accoutrements and two days' rations in haversacks was no
106 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
light load to carry, and when we reached here at nine o'clock
yesterday, we were pretty nearly used up. The citizens said that
Jeff Thompson had left the day before, going to Arkansas. So
we stacked arms in the middle of the street and broke ranks to
get dinner and rest. About two o'clock firing was heard in the
outskirts of town, and the drums beat to 'fall in.' We fell into
rank and marched double quick toward the firing. Our cavalry
were out scouting and came upon the enemy's whole force posted
in the corn field just out of town. The enemy opened fire on
them and killed three and wounded a good many. Two Illinois
regiments just coming from Cape Girardeau to form a junction
with us arrived at the grounds at this moment and opened fire
on the rebs with cannon and musketry, and had just charged them
as the head of our regiment reached the line of battle. An aide
galloped up to our colonel and ordered the 8th Wisconsin to hold
itself in reserve at the courthouse. Some of the boys had already
fired without orders, and were all excited and anxious to go into
the fight. But we had to countermarch. The colonel's voice was
husky with anger as he gave the order. So we stood in line of
battle in the rear while the fighting was going on in front, almost
in plain sight. The wounded were carried to the hospital through
our lines. Some forty or fifty were brought in, of both sides. I
cannot describe the feeling that comes over one when he sees the
bleeding men carried from the battlefield on stretchers. It is
a peculiar sensation. The musicians are expected to perform their
duties, but we noticed several soldiers who had left the ranks to
assist the wounded to the rear. The enemy broke and ran when
they were charged, but made another stand, from which they were
soon driven. They ran through a meadow, up a hill and broke
for the woods, leaving three cannons, several horses and any
number of old shotguns, muskets and squirrel rifles. At dark our
troops camped all 'round town. I went over the battlefield early
this morning ; the dead rebels were laying thick in places. They
were small, skinny men, looking half starved, of all ages, dressed
in the butternut colored clothes worn by the natives. The wounded
had been take care of by our surgeons. Our forces here are under
the command of Colonel Carlin of the regular army, those from
Cape Girardeau under Colonel Plumber of an Illinois reginient,
while the expedition which has proven so successful was planned
by a brigadier general, U. S. Grant, Avho has charge of this de-
partment with his headquarters at Cape Girardeau."
T. B. Coon also described the engagement at Fredericktowu.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL AVAR 107
Although seen from a somewhat diiJerent viewpoint, it does not
differ materially from the account given by Captain Green.
We have followed the Perkin's Company of the 8th or Eagle
regiment from Camp Randall to their first appearance on the bat-
tlefield at P^redericktown. We will now follow the fortunes of the
Wheeler Company of the 16th regiment. Winter had set in be-
fore the Wheeler Company reached Camp Randall. Tlie 16th
regiment did not remain long at Madison but were rushed South
in early Spring and within a few weeks as raw troops they took
a prominent part in the great battle of Pittsburg Landing.
The battle of Pittsburgh Landing or Shiloh, was fought on
the 6th, 7th and 8th of April, 1862. The first name is taken from
a landing on the Tennessee river near which the battle took
place, and the name "Shiloh" from a log meeting house some
two or three miles from the landing, and which formed the key
of the position of the Union army. General Grant in an article
on this battle says: "Shiloh was the severest battle fought in
the west during the war, and but few in the east equaled it for
hard, determined fighting. I saw an open field in our possession on
the second day over which the confederates iiiade repeated charges
the day before, so covered with dead that it would have been
possible to walk across the clearing in any direction, stepping on
dead bodies, without a foot touching the ground." He also says:
"The confederate assaults were made with such disregard to
human life that our line of tents soon fell in their hands. The
national troops were compelled several times to take positions in
the rear, nearer to Pittsburg Landing. In one of these backward
moves, on the 6th, the division commanded by General Prentiss
did not fall back with the others. This left his flank exposed and
enabled the enemy to capture him with about 2,200 of his officers
and men." Space will not allow any general review of this great
battle. But I feel fortunate in being able to present an account
of it, as given at the time by a member of Captain Wheeler's
Company antl tlir Kith ifi;iment.
Pittsburg Laiidiug, April 16, 1862. Editor Free Press. I wish
you to find room in the Free Press for a few lines from the
"Chippewa Valley Guards" and the gallant sixteenth regiment
of Wisconsin Volunteers. We arrived at Pittsburg Landing
March 20, 1862, encamped on the river until the 23rd, when orders
came to strike tents and move forward, which we did, and en-
camped on a beautiful slope about two miles from the river, south-
west. On the 1st of April we received orders to strike tents and
108 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
move forward on the frontier in General Prentiss' division —
Colonel Peabody's Brigade. Saturday afternoon we were re-
viewed by General Prentiss and staff and he told the boys they
composed as good a regiment of men as he ever saw. The general
looked pleased, and his compliments filled the minds of the boys
with such heroism as none but heroes can feel. But all this time
we little thought that across this small field, in the thicket, stood
the renowned Beauregard, Hardee and Bragg, watching our move-
ments and looking up all the weak points in our line but never-
theless such was the case. Sunday morning our pickets encoun-
tered the enemy about one mile from our camp. The alarm was
given — the long roll sounded and our boys fell into line in double
quick. General Prentiss rode along our lines telling us to use all
speed for God's sake, for the enemy were advancing in force.
Accordingly we hastened forth to the sons of chivalry. We
-crossed the field before mentioned, entered the woods for a few
rods, and there beheld the foe advancing in columns, eight deep,
and lines extending five miles; and behind this column came the
second, third and fourth columns in battle array and behind this
mass of human beings, came ten thousand more detailed to gather
up the wounded and as fast as a man fell, to seize his gun and rush
forward to battle. Our brigade struck bold and defiant as if
inviting the enemy to come on. On they came, with overwhelm-
ing forces, determined to drive all before them and when within
forty rods of our lines the 16th opened fire, which swept them
down in great numbers. The second fire from the 16th killed their
chief, S. A. Johnson, who rode a beautiful white charger in front
of his men, accompanying them to what he supposed — victory.
"We were not within supporting distance of any other regiment,
but appeared to be fighting the whole southern army on our own
account. When our colonel perceived that they were flanking
us right and left, then came the order to fall back and take a
new position. This was the time we suffered our first loss, Wil-
liam Archer, James Walker, John Francisco and Louis R. Belknap
fell dead, pierced by rebel bullets; it was there M. E. O'Connell,
James (Crawford, and John Jones fell badly wounded. In our
retreat we brought off our woimded and drew up in line of battle
in front of our tent. On they came, and in crossing the field be-
fore mentioned, we poured volley after volley into their midst
that slaughtered them terribly. It was here that Oliver H. Brown-
ing and John Hanegan fell dead. At the same time, our Lieu-
tenant-Colonel was badly wounded, shot through the thigh, and
was carried off the field. Andrew Chambers and Thomas Gilfin
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAii 109
were wounded here — shot through the legs; also Jason P. Long,
who was shot through the knee. Poor fellow, I fear he will lose
his leg. We then had orders to fall back again through our camp.
On this third retreat it began to resemble an Indian fight. It was
every man for himself — behind trees and logs — contesting the
ground inch by inch against twenty times their numbers. Our
regiment fought on the retrograde movement about one mile when
we made another stand, which told fearfully on the enemies side
with no loss to ourselves. When our colonel, who stood firm as
a rock of adamant saw we were likely to be flanked, and in fact,
we were in the enemy's cross fire — gave the orders to face back
again. About this time there came reinforcements who had not
yet been engaged — Avho took the enemy in hand and gave us a
chance to fall back and rest for a time. In a short time we
rallied again and went 'into the fight, refreshed by the short
respite we had had. It was on this fourth and last stand that
the battle raged the fiercest. All along our lines for two hours
we were held in reserve engaged only a part of the time. This was
a trying time, the bullets flying thick as hail — bombs bursting in
all directions — grape and canister in profusion. Here we lost some
of our best officers. Colonel Allen was shot through the arm and
was obliged to leave the field. The command then fell on Major
Thomas Reynolds — who, by-the-way, is as brave a man as ever
drew a sword — who was ordered to fall back to the river bank to
recruit, to give a chance to Buell's men who had began to arrive.
Our line had been gradually driven toward the river up to the
time of Buell's reinforcement, and would have been whipped
and taken prisoners, had it not been for Buell. He was the
Blucher of the day that saved us from defeat.
We encamped on the river bank for the night, supperless, in
a drenching rain, without tents or blankets. Monday morning,
after a hasty meal on hard bread, we took up our march for the
enemy again. We felt disposed to settle a final account with
them for driving us from our tents with nothing but what was
on our backs. We tramped all day through the woods, held as
reserve, first in one place and then in another, in sight of the
battle, but could not get a chance to "go in." Buell was deter-
mined to do all, or as much of the fighting as possible with his
own troops and only called on General Grant when much needed.
About 3 o'clock the rebels began to fall back before the mudsills
of the North and at 4 o 'clock were at full retreat towards Corinth.
Then presented itself to view a most sublime sight that ever fell
to the lot of man to see, it was about 8,000 of our cavalry that
130 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
filed up through a large field and charged across into the woods
upon the retreating foe. The shout that went up from our Union
throats — say 50,000 of them — it must have been harsh music to
the traitors' ears. We then were ordered back to the river to
lay on our arms for the night, which we did in the midst of a
drenching rain. Tuesday morning the fight being over and all
quiet except an irregular fire from Buell's artillery, which sent
Uuion compliments in the shape of twenty-four pound shot and
shell toward Corinth, which our ungallant friends did not conde-
scend to reply to. At 10 o'clock a. m. we received orders to march
out and encamp on our old grounds. Then came the most trying
part of the whole drama. The dead lay scattered around us —
the groans of the wounded that had lain on the field through a
most terrible rain, with no companions but the slain to cheer
them through the lonely hours. We arrived on our old grounds
at 10 o'clock p. m. and immediately commenced to work with
mercy, removing our Avounded, many of whom had lain in the
woods unable to arise or assist themselves in the least from Sun-
day morning until Tuesday noon without food or water. In some
cases the rebels had brought our wounded into our tents, which
they had left standing, and treated them as well as they could
under the circumstances. The Alabama troops were especially
very kind to our wounded. Beauregard honored some of the
wounded of Company G with his presence and wished them in
hell before they came to Tennessee. We have gathered the dead
and buried them as well as circumstances will permit, friend and
foe alike. We are now comfortably settled again and are receiv-
ing calls from friends and acquaintances. Governor Harvey was
here yesterday and made a short and appropriate speech. He
complimented the Sixteenth on the part they took in the att'air.
He told us the proudest feeling he ever had was when he was in
Savannah. He there found some of the wounded of the Sixteenth,
conversed with them and found every man full of patriotism and
ready for the fight as soon as they are able to take the field. He
saj'S Wisconsin shall hear when he returns how her sons fought
the proud foe and was instrumental in winning the most impor-
tant victory of the whole campaign. I suppose it would be proper
for me to mention a few of the brave heroes of the Chippewa
Valley guards. We will head the list with Captain Wheeler, who
was as cool as a cucumber and fought like a tiger. "Old Pap"
was a host in himself; he took deliberate aim every time and
when he pulled down went a secesh. Brave Kelly kept the Stars
and Stripes floating in the thickest of tlie fight. Willard Bartlett,
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 111
M. MeGillin and scores of others were as cool and determined as
men could be, and seemed to fight as if they rather liked the busi-
ness. Our captain was slightly wounded and fell on his knees,
but regained his feet and went at it stronger than ever. Now I
have to relate what is worst of all : That is the accursed rebels
stole the flag that was presented by the fair ladies of Eau Claire
to our company. We may be favored with a chance to retake it
before many days, or at least have a try for it. General Halleck
has command in person. There will be no more surprise parties
with us. We hear Governor Harvey wants the Sixteenth to go
back to Madison and guard prisoners on account of the loss of
officers and men, and the good reputation the regiment bore when
in Camp Randall. It would suit the feeling of the regiment bet-
ter to go forward to the little town called Corinth and see what
they keep to sell. The casualties of our regiment will sum up
three hundred or more. Beauregard in a speech to his men before
the attack told them he would water his horse in the Tennessee
river that night or he would M-ater him in hell, so the prisoners
say that were captured.
We left Captain Perkins" company of the Eighth Wisconsin
or Eagle regiment just after their first appearance on the battle-
field at Frederiektown, October 21, 1861. They were kept in that
vicinity for several months guarding railroads and bridges and
kindred duties. Late in the fall Captain Green writes to his wife
as follows: "November 22, 1861. As an offset to the discour-
aging news from the army of the Potomac comes news of the
decisive victory gained by General Grant at Belmont on the 7th.
It gives courage to every soldier in the west ; it shows that the
western army is commanded bj' generals who are not afraid to
fight. We are enthusiastic over the man Grant, and are glad we
are in his district, for now Ave believe we shall have something
to do."
In the Free Press of January 23 we find Correspondent Coon
writing as follows :
Camp Curtis, Sulphur Springs, Mo., January 10, 1862. Dear
Free Press: Company C is once more back in its old quarters
here after two weeks' absence down the railroad doing duty,
guarding bridges and learning the mysteries of the art of cam-
paigning with comfort in the middle of a Dixie winter. The camp
is full of rumor tonight of an immediate movement from here, but
how soon it will take place, or whether it will be to Cairo, or to
take part in the tilt against Columbus, or to Rolla to have a chase
after the pugnacious Price, or still further west to accompany
112 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Jim Lane in his swoop upon the rebels of Arkansas and Texas are
matters that time alone will tell. Yours, * ' Quad. ' '
P. S. — January 12, the destination of the regiment is now fixed
as Cairo, and we shall start tomorrow or next day. Everytliiug
is now all preparation for departure.
Early in 1862 Captain Green came in i^ersonal eontaet witli
General Grant for the first time and reported to him. Because
Grant did not show quite as much interest in the minor matters
which Captain Green presented, as he thought proper for a time,
there was a feeling of disappointment on the captain's part, but
this soon passed ofl:', and we soon find Captain Green enthusiastic
over General Grant.
Cairo, January 26, 1862. — General Grant has been in command
here up to this time, but now he is gone, or about starting, with
a corps up the Cumberland river. I reported to him as officer of
the day. He did not impress me favorably; he apparently had
no interest in giving me orders, and seemed to care very little
about what was going on at the post, but referred me to a staff
officer in the next room. I felt disappointed in him, for we had
all formed a good opinion of him for his part in the battle of
Predericktown, and for his victory at Belmont. Certain it is that
he is the only general thus far who has shown that he knows how
to handle men and is not afraid to fight.
Cairo, January 26, 1862.— Gen. W. T. Sherman was on the
same boat. They say he is crazy and there is much about him to
confirm that opiaiou. He is never still a moment. Talks rapidly,
asks a dozen questions without waiting for an answer to any one.
Walks back and forth on the boat, his sword dangling on the
floor and his eyes scanning every object down stream. He has
bright, piercing eyes that seem to look right through you. I was
on deck watching him and looking around generally when he
stopped in one of bis Avalks and began firing questions at me
about as follows: "What command do you belong to?" "Who
is yoixr colonel?" "How long have you been in the service?"
"What fights have you been in?" "Do you know what to do in
case this boat is attacked?" and several more questions without a
pause. I kept track of them and replied: "Eighth Wisconsin."
"Nearly six months." "Fredericktown. " "Colonel Murphy."
"We would shoot back." He smiled very pleasantly and walked
away. Another letter from Captain Green, dated New Madrid,
Mo., April 10. — Island No. 10 was captured on the 8th. We were
immediately ordered to this place. In a few hours we boarded
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 113
transports and landed on the Tennessee side to cut off the retreat
of tlie Island No. 10 forces, which we did, and took 3,000 prisoners
without firing a shot. Yesterday we returned here with the
prisoners. April 11. — Orders to cook four days' rations and
start for Memphis. We have been brigaded. We are in the First
brigade. Fifth division. General Pope's army. The brigade con-
sists of the Eighth Wisconsin, Fifth Minnesota, Eleventh Missouri,
Forty-seventh Illinois and Spoor's Second Iowa Battery, Colonel
Plummer commanding. On board United States transport "Moses
McClellan,"' flotilla of fifty boats, down the Mississippi, April 14.
We are steaming down the Mississippi at the rate of twelve miles
per hour. While I write we are far below Point Pleasant (the
scene of rifle-pit experience), with Arkansas on one side and Ten-
nessee on the other. Our flotilla numbers fifty steamboats, all
loaded with troops, cannon, horses and stores. The gun and mor-
tar boats are ahead of us. I suppose our destination is Memphis.
The fleet is a grand sight, worth living an age to see. The river
is a mile and a half wide, is full of boats as far up and down as
we can see.
April 17. — Yesterday we received northern papers with an
account of the battle of Shiloh. Important orders of some kind
have come, judging from the movements of our fleet. Our boat
is steaming down stream while others are going up stream. I
suppose we are measuring red tape. It would not be strange
if we were ordered up river.
April 19. — Verily the ways of the "milingtary" are past find-
ing out. We are going up stream this morning. I never looked
at a more magnificent sight then presented itself last night just
before we rounded to and stopped. We were going round a bend
in the river when one by one headlights of steamers became visible
below us, increasing in number and rapidity as we cleared the
point, until it seemed as if bj' magic a thousand red and white
lights and a thousand bright furnace fires glittered and blazed
on the water, making the darkness around us blacker than ever.
All at once, as if to complete the scene, the bands and drum corps
of the whole fleet struck up tattoo, filling the air with a perfect
medley of music. Gradually the notes of the bugle could be dis-
tinguished, then of other iustrumeuts and soon the medley of an
entire band would come over the water. Our men, noisy and
rough as they are, ciuieted down, scarcely whispering, subdued
and fairly entranced by the beautiful sight and the music from
the darkness, for the boats themselves were invisible. The lights
looked as if suspended on nothing in the air, but the spell was
114 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
soon broken, for the fleet rounded to the shore and tied up for
the night. The loud call of human voices, especially of steam-
boat captains and mates, has a coarseness that dispels fancy and
makes reality as real and rough as it is.
New Madrid, Mo., April 19. — Just as I commence to Avrite our
boat is putting out into the stream, bound up river. The orders
now are, as popularly understood on board, though not definitely
known, that we are to go up the Tennessee river to reinforce
Grant's army. I hope it may be true. The reason of the failure
of this down-river expedition is on account of the high water.
The river is higher than it has been since 1844. Land forces can-
not operate with any effect below. They say another battle is
imminent at Corinth and that we shall be there.
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 22. — Here we are at last on
the battlefleld of the great struggle of the 7th. There are one
hundred and twenty thousand troops here. Our camps are in a
string six or seven miles up the Tennessee river. Governor Har-
vey was starting home with a cannon which the Fourteenth Wis-
consin regiment captured from a New Orleans battery at Shiloh
when he fell overboard and was drowned. I never felt so bad in
my life over any news as I did at this. Governor Harvey was one
of nature's noblemen. His death was as much a sacrifice on the
altar of his country as if he had fallen on the field of battle.
CAPTAIN GREEN DESCRIBES BATTLE OF FARMINGTON.
May 10. — I am alive and Avell. I went through the battle of
Farmington without being seriously hurt, but to an account of it :
On the morning of the 8th, General Pope's corps marched out of
camp and towards Corinth and formed in line of battle on the
hills near Farmington, driving the enemy's pickets in and making
a successful reconnoisance to within three miles of Corinth. At
8 o'clock in the evening our troops were ordered back to camp.
Company A, Captain Redfield, and several other companies
from the brigade were left at Farmington on picket. Our
brigade was ordered to take up position about a mile in the rear
of the pickets, to sleep on our arms. We laid down in the open
air with one blanket each and slept soundly until daylight. At
6 o'clock in the morning — yesterday — we heard firing on the
picket line, which was kept up steadily for two hours, when our
pickets were driven in. A rebel battery in front and to the right
of us began throwing shells. We were on the side of a hill out of
sight. Their shells fell short of us. We knew we would soon be
engaged for we saw the enemy advancing. They came forward
^^^.
CAPTAIN BUTI.ER
MAJ. J. R. WIIEF.r-ER
LIEUT. MARK SHERMAN,
2_ -^4 ^ Ovi tV|
,IEUT. M. E. OCONNELI,
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 115
in line of battle, their flags flying over them and their bayonets
glittering in the sunshine. Hiscox's (Wisconsin) battery was
right in front of ns and doing good execution, but the advance
line of the enemy was now so near and their musket balls began
to rain on the battery so fast that it rapidly limbered up and
went to the rear. Seeing this the rebels gave one of their
unearthly yells and started on the double quick. My heart was
in my throat. Why don't we get orders? Where are field
officers" "P^ire! Fire!" I gave orders to my men, and simul-
taneously General Loomis, riding, said at the top of his voice:
"Now, Eighth boys, go in." With a grand hurrah our regiment
advanced and poured a deadly volley, and another and another,
in at the rebels, now within a hundred yards of us, which checked
them. In a moment more they turned and fled. We started after
them, firing as we ran. Just then a squad of our cavalry came up
from the rear and charged ahead, passing around our right. They
rode into a clump of timber and immediately were repulsed and
sent back in all directions. The enemy's battery opened on us
hotter than ever, and half a dozen regiments poured out of the
timber on all sides of us, raking us with a cross fire. We retreated
in good order to our first position, and there made a stand and
delivered several volleys, but only for a few minutes, the order
coming to fall back to the woods directly behind us. We fell
back, keeping our line straight, loading and stopping to fire every
few steps. By the time we reached the woods a rebel force had
got on our right flank and poured the shot into us hot and heavy,
which considerably hastened our retreat. During this time the
Forty-seventh Illinois passed us in disorder to the rear, and the
Twenty-seventh and Fifty-flrst Illinois, which had been sent as
reinforcements, after making a charge similar to ours on the left
and being repulsed, broke ranks and fled, apparently every man
for himself. We were thus left the last regiment on the field and
brought up the retreat in something like good order. This was
due alone to the company ofiieers and men. The lieutenant-
colonel in command had been disabled early in the action and the
major was well on his way to camp. The company officers and
men behaved with great coolness and bravery. There was natu-
rally more or less confusion, owing to the lack of orders from the
fields officers, but this never grew into anything like a panic. We
carried ofi: the dead and also some wounded of other regiments.
The enemy did not follow us into the woods, but shelled the woods
fearfully. The bursting of the shells over our head and the
crackling of the tree branches made a terrible noise. It was with
116 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
an inexpressible feeling of relief tliat we finally struck the road
leading to canap. There we found the whole corps in line of
battle, Avith the officers chafing because they were not permitted
to march out. But it was against Halleck's orders. He had for-
bidden the corps commanders to bring on a general engagement.
But for this I verily believe that if Pope 's corps had been brought
out today we could have whipped the rebels and taken Corinth.
Our regiment had ten killed and forty wounded. Lieutenant-
Colonel Robbins had his horse shot and was disabled. Your old
friend, Captain Perkins, of Company C, was mortally wounded
and has just died, since I commenced writing this letter ; Lieu-
tenant Beamish, of Captain Britton's Company G, was killed. A
rebel soldier gave himself up; he says he was in the Louisiana
Zouave regiment that started to capture Hiscox's battery when
the Eighth "Wisconsin repulsed them; that seventeen of his regi-
ment fell dead at our first fire, seven killed in the color company.
He saw our eagle and says the rebels did not know "what in
thunder it meant." The eagle deserves special praise. He stood
up on his perch, with his wings extended and flopping violently
during the whole time. The noise excited him, and if he could
have screamed I have no doubt we would have wakened the
echoes. His bearer was wounded : so was the color bearer.
DEATH OF CAPT. JOHN PERKINS.
Free Press, May 22, 1862. — We are called upon to announce
the death of Capt. John Perkins, of the Eau Claire Eagles, Eighth
"Wisconsin regiment. The sad news reached this place on Tuesday
by a private letter to Mrs. H. P. Graham by her brother, Benjamin
P. Cowen, who was a member of Captain Perkiu"s company. lie
died on the 11th, some fifteen miles from Pittsburg Landing, from
the effects of a wound received in a fight on the 8th. His wound
was in the hip, and we believe was caused by the explosion of a
shell during a brisk engagement in which our forces under Gen-
eral Pope were repulsed by greatly superior numbers. Captain
Perkins had been sick for a long time and confined to hospital
quarters at Cairo, and immediately after joining his company the
Eighth regiment formed a part of General Plummer's brigade
in Pope's division, which constituted the left wing of the grand
army under General Halleck. If we mistake not, the fight was
the first time the Eau Claire Eagles had been brought under fire
since they left this place in September last.
Captain Perkins Avas born in St. Lawrence county. New York,
and was about forty-five years of age. He remained in his native
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 117
county, filling various position of public trust, until about six
years ago, when he came west and settled in Bridge Creek, in this
county. Here he lived a prominent and honored citizen of his
town and county, until two years ago, \vhen he was appointed
receiver of the United States land office, and he became a resident
of this village. Last spring he was elected county judge,, but
resigned, raised a company of volunteers, enlisted and was elected
captain by a handsome vote. This company has given the Eighth
regiment a national reputation. The noble eagle that accom-
panied the Eau Claire boys to the field of glory and whose perch
is tlie staff that hears the Stars and Stripes has given the Eighth
the name of the "Eagle Regiment" all over the country.
Captain Perkins was succeeded by First Lieutenant Victor
Wolf, who had helped to recruit and drill the company. His
practical military experience, both in Germany and in this coun-
try, had made him a valuable officer in the company and well fitted
him to assume command. lie continued as captain of Company C
until June, 1865, when he was succeeded by Lieut. Thomas 6.
Butler, who continued at the head of the company until it was
mustered out in September.
In the spring of 1862 the following news item appeared in the
Free Press:
Eau Claire Jackson Guards, Free Press March 27, 1862. — Capt.
Thomas Carmiehael and Lieut. J. F. McGrath have been engaged
in getting up a company of volunteers for the Nineteenth (or
Irish) regiment, and have now some forty names on the rolls.
They have worked so modestly and efficiently, too, that this com-
pany is over half full, and but little has been said about it. We
are assured that there is a prospect of filling it immediately, and
Lieutenant McGrath has gone to Madison to make arrangements
for the company. The men thus far are a hale and hearty set
of fellows, wlio will never turn their backs to the foes of their
country. We wish the company success.
Free Press April 3, 1862. — Captain Carmichael's company
paraded the streets today under charge of James Robinson, ot
North Eau Claire, who has been for some time instructing it in
company drill. They are making fine progress under Mr. Robin-
son's instructions. The company is succeeding finely and is
bound to fill its ranks.
Free Press April 10, 1862. — Lieutenant McGrath returned
from Madison on Tuesday noon. He arranged to have the mem-
bers of Carmichael's company enter Captain Beebe's Tenth Artil-
lery company, now in St. Louis, and they are to start for Mil-
lis HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
waukee or St. Louis this week. This will be good news to the
boys, who have been chafing for active service for some time.
The first item in the Free Press states that some forty names
had already been secured. All of these did not join the Tenth
Battery, as the state roster of Wisconsin troops lists only eighteen
who gave Eau Claire county as their place of residence, and three
from Menomonie as their home. Among those from Eau Claire is
the name of Thomas Carmichael, whose name appears in the Free
Press article. He Avent out as a private in this artillery company,
but was later promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and was
assigned to Company H of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infan-
try. I give below the names of those in the Tenth Battery who
gave Eau Claire county or Menomonie as their residence. Those
from Eau Claire are: John Craig, Charles Bohn, Thomas Car-
michael, James Cronin, William Cronin, Burton Gray, John Gray,
William H. Lemon, William F. Manning, Florence McCarty, Chris-
topher Mormon, Daniel Murphy, Hiram Prescott, Levi Prescott.
Horace Prescott, John Stanley, William Wherman, Thomas Yar-
gan. Those from Menomonie : Frank Plean, Joseph Uuselt,
Adam Wanzell.
You will note among the above the name of Florence
McCarty. He lost his right arm at Red Oak Station, Georgia.
He made his home in Eau Claire after the war, and very appro-
priately was chosen to fire the old brass cannon at Fourth of July
celebrations here for many years.
The war meetings held at the commencement of the war were
mostly for the purpose of getting recruits and were mostly local
in the village. On August 7, 1862, a call was made for a county
meeting for the purpose of raising funds to help the families of
the soldiers who had enlisted or would later enlist. In the Free
Press of August 14, 1862, we find the folloM'iug: "On Tuesday
afternoon one of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever
held in this county took place in the grove on the west side. Not-
withstanding our farmers were in the midst of the harvest, that
class of our citizens turned out nobly, and although only four
days' notice had been given for the meeting, all parts of the
county were fully represented. Mr. N. B. Boyden was chosen
chairman, and set the ball in motion by a good speech. Rev.
Bradley Phillips, of Chippewa Falls, and Mr. A. Meggett, of this
place, then addressed the meeting at lengtli. Their speeches were
able, eloquent, eminently patriotic and full of force. Many short
talks were made during the afternoon by various gentlemen
present, but the most encouraging and patriotic feature of the
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 119
occasion was the liberal manner in which subscriptions were
raised. Money was offered without stint or reserve. Everyone
seemed desirous to contribute, and ahnost every one did con-
tribute. A large fund was made up by voluntary subscriptions,
which is to be appropriated as follows: Every volunteer is to
receive a cash bonus of $10 on enrolling his name, the balance to
be disbursed to the family of each volunteer at the rate of $5
per month ; and in case of wants and necessities of any family to
require more a central committee will attend to them, and decide
upon tlie additional amounts to meet the necessities of each par-
ticular case."
LADIES' SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.
From Eau Claire Free Press, August 28, 1862. — "The Eau
Claire Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society has been organized for the
purpose of supplying, as far as possible, the wants of our sick and
wounded soldiers. The articles most needed in the way of cloth-
ing are slippers, shirts, drawers, dressing gowns, woolen socks,
towels, handkerchiefs, etc. In the way of eatables and delicacies
the following articles are always useful: Dried fruits, fresh
fruits, canned tomatoes, tomato catsup, canned fresh meat, beef
tea in cakes, jellies, pickles, Indian meal, spices, especially cap-
sicum, essence of ginger, onions, fresh butter (in small stone jars),
etc. A liberal supply of these articles will save the lives of thou-
sands of our brave soldiers. If we are to have an army of a
million men we must make provision for at least one hundred and
sixteen thousand sick. Shall we not do what we can in the
benevolent and patriotic work of taking care of these sick and
wounded ? Do they not deserve this at our hands ? Let each
town and community organize at once a 'Ladies' Soldiers' Aid
Society' auxiliary to the county society, and as fast as articles
are made or gathered together send them to the officers of the
county society at Eau Claire, who will attend to their being
packed and forwarded. We expect next week to send some boxes
to the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment, and probably to the Sixteenth
by Sergeant Schmidtmeyer. All articles intended for these boxes
must be in before Saturday next. — Mrs. Charles Whipple, presi-
dent ; Mrs. n. P. Graham, treasurer ; Miss Augusta Kidder, secre-
tary."
Probably no company that went out from Eau Claire during
the Civil War was recruited more quietly or quickly than the
"Eau Claire Stars," which later became Company I of the Thir-
tieth Wisconsin Infantry. Three full companies had already left
,u4
120 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the village aud recruiting officers were constantly busy picking
up recruits to fill up the ranks of earlier companies, making the
task of making up a new company a more than usually difficult
matter. The history of the "Eau Claire Stars" Avas different
from that of the other companies from Eau Claire. Instead of
being sent south to fight the Confederates they were sent up into
the Dakotas to hold the Indians in check, who were threatening
trouble. In the Free Press of August 28, 1862, was the following :
"The new company is nearly full and it will be one of the best
that ever went from this county. It contains men of muscle, will,
talent and military experience. A few more men will be accepted
if application is made immediately. Fill up the ranks." The Free
Press of September 11, 1862, stated: "The election of officers in
the new company, 'The Eau Claire Stars,' took place on Monday
afternoon and resulted in the choice of N. B. Greer for captain,
Charles Buckman for first lieutenant and J. H. Hutson second
lieutenant. The two former were with General Scott all through r\L^
Mexico and are admirably calculated to command the esteem and
confidence of the noble fellows of the company. The following
are the names of the volunteers : Peter Anderson, August Back,
Edward P. Buck, Norman L. Buck, William Bell, J. M. Bernis, wyr^
John A. Bride, Philo Baldwin, Charles Buckman, John L. Ball, (j
Peter Berry, Ira G. Bills, Edwin Brown, Charles J. Branch,
Ephraim Crockett, Sanders Cochran, Charles Coats, Almeron F.
Ellis, Oilman Goodman, Charles Goodwin, Ira F. Goodwin, N. B.
Greer, Michael Garland, J. S. Huston, Israel Ilerrill, John Hona-
del, Charles Hale, Ephraim Herrick, William Hanley, Henry W.
Howard, George E. Jones, Aaron C. Hall, John Jones, James S.
Jones, C. C. Knox, Thomas M. Kennedy, Michael Lawler, S. B.
Luther, Erastus P. Livermore, Thomas N. McCauley, John W.
Merrill, Richard Masters, W. F. Page, Philip Perry, Andrew M.
Patrick, Isaac Palmer, Samuel Pitchard, Samuel Paul, George D.
Olin, Ernest Roach, Lester Reynolds, William Ralph, Carl
Roehrig, L. Howland, II. W. Roberts, William H. Rolf, R. L.
Sumner, Thomas N. Sargent, Fred Sargent, Henry Spaulding,
George Sibit, Stephen Skinner, Adrian Smith, Robert Winegar,
Alexander Watson, Michael Weircle, John Yost."'
On the 22nd of September the ladies of the village
presented a flag to this company at a meeting held in Reed's
Hall. Each member of the company was given a copy of
the New Testament. The flag presentation address was
given by Miss Anna Wells, and was as follows :
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 121
"Soldiers of the Eau Claire Stars:
"The ladies of Eau Claire present you this emblem of
liberty, wrought by their own hands, as an evidence of the
faith they cherish in your patriotism, your courage and
your fidelity to your country, and of their confidence that
when called upon to uphold and defend it upon the field
of battle you will do it with a valor and heroism that will
overwhelm with destruction and defeat any domestic or
foreign foe who shall seek to trample it in the dust or over-
throw the government of which it is the fit and historic
insignia. Accept it, not as a trivial and meaningless com-
pliment, but as a sacred gift, to be upheld and defended
as you would j'our lives and your honor. Let it be the
cynosure in the hottest moment of conflict and in the dark-
est hour of peril. Never let it fall before the foe. Should
the fortunes of war require it let its graceful folds envelop
the patriotic dead, and when the clouds of dissension shall
have passed away we cherish the hope that you may be
spared to bring it back in triumph, without one stripe
erased or a star obscured. We bid you farewell and God-
speed."
The "Eau Claire Stars," sixty-three strong, with fifty-eight
of tlie Chippewa Falls company left here October 11, 1862, on
board the steamer Chippewa Falls, and reached Reed's Landing
in time for supper. Here they boarded the steamer Key City
and reached Prairie du Chien Monday morning. After reaching
Madison, the company not being full, about the first of December
Captain Greer came back to Eau Claire from Camp Randall to
pick up some twenty more recruits. Although the Whipple com-
pany was being recruited at that time Captain Greer had no
difficulty in getting the desired number and early in December
took them back with him to Madison. The following are the
names of the recruits Avho went to Madison with Captain Greer
to join the "Eau Claire Stars": Alexander Andrews, Orin S.
Blin, Alexander Boyer, David A. Boynton, Charles E. Brown,
John W. Close, Frank Griffin, Clark B. Hadley, Horace S. Hadley,
Henry F. Hadley. Elpha J. Horton, Friend H. Hull, Charles John-
son, John S. Rodd, Richard A. Reynolds, William L. Taylor, John
A. Taylor, Andrew G. Thorp, George P. Vaux, Henry J. Way,
William Merrick. The trip as far as Sparta was made by team.
Among the recruits taken to Madison at this time we find that of
C. E. Brown, who served as a private in the Greer company, and
122 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
I have prevailed upon Jiim to relate his recollections of the "Eau
Claire Stars" in the Indian country.
Mr. Brown's Story. "I was twenty-three years of age at the
time the Greer company was recruited. Had always been accus-
tomed to lumbering operations and for several years had worked
in the logging camps on the drives of the Chippewa Valley. I
had planned to go into the woods again that winter, and well
remember how strongly my old employer opposed my enlistment.
At that time the felling of trees was done with an axe, and as
head axeman it was my job to chop down the pine trees in such
a way as to break them up the least, and also to be convenient
for .skidding. Early in December we left Eau Claire for Camp
Randall, at Madisou. The weather was extremely cold, that being
the coldest winter ever known in the Chippewa Valley. We
remained at Camp Randall until the spring of 1864, then left for
St. Louis. While there it was decided that, our company should
be sent up the Missouri river to Fort Union, in the extreme north-
eastern part of North Dakota. As soon as the water was high
enough in the spring we started. There were two steamboats,
our own, the Fort Union, and the Fort Benton, bound for the fort
of that name still farther up the Missouri. There were about 100
soldiers on each, besides perhaps as many more other passengers,
also supplies, etc.
"We were nearly six weeks on the trip. One week of this time
was spent at Kansas City, building a flat boat or barge, as the
steamboat was found to be overloaded. It was at this place
that I had my first buffalo hunt. Two of us got permission to
go out. The country was a succession of ridges and ravines, mak-
ing it difficult for us to keep within sight of each other, and we
soon separated. I had not hunted long before I saw three buffalo
bulls some distance away, and making right toward me. They
were so much bigger, and more savage looking than anything
I had expected that I was thoroughly scared and started for the
boat, and not content with the speed I was making I hurriedly
pulled off' my heavy boots and ran in my stocking feet, regardless
of the prickly pears which covered the ground. When I got to
the boat and ventured to look around 1 saw the buffaloes leisurely
going off in an opposite direction. My buffalo hunt made sport
for the boys.
"As we went farther up the river buffalo became more plenti-
ful. At one place a herd of perhaps five hundred stopped our
steamboat for several hours. They filled the stream in front of
the boat, and also got under the paddle wheels. The boys shot at
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 123
thein from the steamer decks. They killed some. Occasionally
they M'ould hit a big bull, who would start for the bank, and then,
shaking his long mane, would charge back at the boat, but, of
course, we were beyond their reach. At one point in the river
the boat passed under some high overhanging cliffs. We were
told that here the Indians were likely to heave rocks down on
the boats. To guard against this we disembarked below the cliffs
and marched to the summit. We found no Indians, but the
ground was piled with the bones and skulls ol' those who had been
killed there. It was an old Indian battle ground.
"Fort Union was situated on a high open ridge near the river.
About a half mile up the river the ground was lower, and covered
with small timber, cottonwoods, etc. A similar piece of timber,
only larger and heavier, lay about a mile down the river, and
there was also timber on the opposite bank. Close to the river
the brush was so dense and thick one could see but a few feet
ahead of him. Tliere were a number of Indian tribes near us, but
only the Sioux M'ere troublesome. The Crows were especially
friendly. Their camp was about sixty miles north, but some of
them stayed around the fort or pitched their wigwams inside of
the stockade. Some of our company were granted the privilege
of visiting the Crows at their camp, spending several days with
them, and we were treated with all the liospitality their means
Avould allow. We also hunted buffalo wi1h tlicm. but none of us
were experts, and our awkwardness in atteiiiptiiig to chase buf-
falo on their pones gave the Indians a great deal of amusement.
The orders were that the men should only leave the fort to go any
consideral)lc distauci' except in companies of ten or more. As
weeks Mould pass without any signs of hostile Indians the men
would becoiiic HKuc careless and would often go hunting singly.
One day I took a light gun and went across the river in a skiff
to hunt rabbits. I left the skiff and returning to it only a few
minutes later found the tracks of a big grizzly bear by the skiff
made in my absence. I lost no time in getting out of that vicinity.
"In our company were several of the boys who were just ach-
ing to run across a grizzly, and often told how they would fix him
if opportunity offered. At last they got their chance. Under
charge of First Sergeant Orrin S. Hall six of them went some dis-
tance from the fort for several days of elk hunting. One day
they had shot two elk, had strung one up and, it being late, had
left the other on the ground. In the morning they went to look
for the one left on the ground but it had disappeared, and the
tracks of a big grizzly showed what had become of it. Hall was
124 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
a brave and fearless man, and I will have more to say of him later.
With him in the lead the boys cautiously followed the grizzly's
trail, and before long came upon him standing over the dead elk.
Hall told the boys that the only show was to kill the grizzly at
the first fire, otherwise some of the company would very likely
be killed by the grizzly. Telling the boys to take careful aim and
to fire when he counted three, the boys raised their guns, but their
hands shook so that Hall told them to put down their guns. After
a few moments he told them to try again, but their hands shook
worse than ever. Seeing it would be foolhardy to allow them to
shoot under the circumstances a retreat was ordered, and tlie
grizzly was left in undisturbed possession of the field.
"Wolves were plentiful around the fort. We had in our com-
pany a man by the name of Blin, who made quite a business dur-
ing the winter of poisoning the wolves, with the intention of
skinning them later and selling the pelts. An old buifalo would
be shot and while still warm poison would be put into it, which
would spread throughout the carcass. The wolf pelts would bring
only a dollar, and it was worth more than that to skin them. P>y
spring there were a hundred carcasses piled up outside the fort,
but Blin put otf the skinning job so long that warm weather
struck him, the carcasses began to smell to high heaven and th.^
poor fellow had to tote them all to the river and throw them in.
"On New Year's day, 1865, we had a grand ball. Each of the
boys had invited a squaw for a partner weeks in advance, and tlie
way those squaws bought gay ribbons and finery for the occasion
was a sight to see. We chipped in and paid our cook an extra ^2;")
for preparing the spread, while we furnished the provisions. In
the absence of large game we had a hundred rabbits for meat.
Only the squaws came to the ball. Many of them were of mixed
French and Indian blood and knew something of dancing, and
the others were not slow to learn. It was a sight to note tlieir
appetites and amusing to see them tucking away in their clothing
the cake they were unable to eat.
"The Sioux Indians oceasionallj' came to tlie fort ready to
waylay an individual or small company they might find. One day
I Avas hunting rabbits in the thick brush across the river when
I heard the crackling of brush not far back of me, then on one
side and then on the other. I gave the call to which our boys and
the Crows always responded, but received no reply. I realized
that the sounds were made by Sioux Indians, so I made a break
for the river bank, but the Indians did not show themselves this
time. On another occasion I was about a mile below our fort near
EAV CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 125
an old deserted log fort in a clearing. Three Sioux on horseback
started for me, but I ran and got behind the logs of the old fort.
They circled around me a number of times and tried to induce me
to come out into the open, but I could not see it in that light.
Finally they rode away and after waiting for a considerable time
I made for the fort. On another occasion the Indians made a
raid and captured every horse belonging to our company. The
soldiers and friendly Crows started in pursuit. There was con-
siderable confusion and delay in getting started ; then it was some-
times hard to tell Sioux from Crow Indians. We usually distin-
guished them by their horses. I was about to shoot at what I
felt sure was a Sioux, when Captain Greer stopped me telling
me that was a Crow. A little later this same Indian, who proved
to be a Sioux, made for us. I fired, but had forgotten to remove
the wooden plug or "Tompkins" which we kept in our guns to
prevent rusting. The Indian kept right on, but was killed a few
moments after by one of the Crows, and two pieces of ray Wooden
plug were found imbedded in bis chest. The Crow scalped his
victim, and the squaws, not content with this, later cut off the
hands and feet of the corpse and otherwise mutilated it.
"The only loss of life to the company by the Indians occurred
in April, 1865. Grizzly signs had been seen in a piece of timber
less than a mile from the fort where some of the boys had been
detailed to cut firewood. Early in the morning Sergeant Orrin S.
Ilall, George Vaux and Erastus Livermore went out to see if they
could get a shot at the grizzly. Soon Livermore came running
back to the fort, stating that Hall and Vaux had both been killed
by the Indians. Livermore had a hole shot through his coat, but
was uninjured. He had seen the other two fall, but had managed
to escape. The carti-idge had stuck in his gun, and being unable
to shoot he had .jumped over the river bank and made his way
back to the fort. We hurriedly made for the timber. It was scarcely
light. We found Vaux badly wounded but alive. He had crawled
into a thicket and later had crawled back to the trail so we would
find him. A little further along we found poor Hall, dead, pierced
with fourteen arrows and scalped. One Indian lay dead on the
field and we could see where a wounded Indian had been taken
away by friends. Vaux said that Ilall died like the brave man
he was, continuing to shoot until he fell. The dead Indian was
scalped and the scalp was brought back to Eau Claire by Alex.
Watson, well known to old residents. Vaux recovered and
returned to this county. We were at Fort Union just about one
year. In the spring of 1865 we returned to Louisville, Ky. At
126 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
that place I was taken sick and was sent home. That was in
August. The company returned to St. Louis and from there went
to Washington, taking part in the grand review, after which both
of them returned to this section of the country."
Editor Daily Telegram: Several weeks ago an account
was given of the battle of Parmington, with the death of
Captain Perkins, of the Eagle company, and the promotion
of Lieutenant Wolf to the head of the company. That was
in May, 1862.
Today we have a letter from Captain Green, of the
Eagle regiment, describing the siege and later battle of
Corinth :
"Bivouac, South of Corinth, Miss., June 4, 1862. — The thing
'which was to have arroven have arrived.' Corinth is ours! Of
course you have heard through the newspapers all about the
evacuation, the fight with the rear guards, the destruction of
property, etc. I only know that the enemy skedaddled; that a
part of our army is in Corinth and that General Pope's corps has
marched through and is now bivouacking three or four miles
south of Corinth. It is said that 4,000 prisoners were taken, but
I have not seen them. But now I will proceed to give you an
account of our movements from the 27th of May to the present
time ; first remarking that our regiment was in the front line
and met the last charge of the enemy, repulsed them and drove
the into their intrenchments. Our loss was small, only two killed
and four wounded in Company I. On the 27th of May our regi-
ment went on grand guard. Well, as I was saying, we had our
sentinels posted by 9 o'clock of the 27th. The rebel guard was
not over 500 yards in our front and the sentinels could see each
other and even hold conversation ; but they did not talk much ;
it is a serious breach of military discipline, and a violation of
the rules of war. About 9 o'clock in the morning we expected to
be relieved, not knowing that all the forces had left camp and
were marching to the front. We soon found out, however, that
we were to be relieved from picket duty only to go into more
serious business, for in an hour or so a line of skirmishers came
out in advance of our forces, passed beyond our guard lines and
attacked the rebel pickets. They drove the rebel pickets in, after
some sharp firing, and followed them closely. Our guards were
called off post, canteens filled with fresh water, and then we
started in search of our brigade. Found it about a mile to the
right, and in advance of all the other forces, drawn up in line of
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 127
battle in a little ravine running through an old cornfield with
rising ground in front, from the top of which the land sloped
down gradually four hundred yards to a creek, across which on
another knoll was a rebel fort, one of the strongest of all the
Corinth works, mounting twelve guns and defended by one or
more brigades of infantry. The creek ran parallel with our
line of battle and extended three hundred yards to our right,
when it turned and ran at a right angle with our lines, heavily
timbered on the opposite side. We had no sooner taken our posi-
tion on the right of our brigade than the rebel battery commenced
throwing shells at us. We got out of the ravine as quickly as we
could and laid down on the side of the hill in front, which afforded
protection against cannon shot and shell. The deep worn corn
furrows comfortably hid a fellow. Our own batteries opened on
the rebels immediately, firing over our heads as well as from our
right and left ; a deafening, terrific cannonading was kept up for
half an hour. It seemed as if hell had broke loose. All at once
there was a cessation of the cannonading from the rebel battery
and we began to cheer, supposing their guns had been dismounted.
But the rising shout was soon drowned in the quick sharp reports
of musketry on our left, which increased in a few moments to vol-
leys. Up it came from left to right ; up to our feet we sprang and
forward to the top of the hill. The left companies of our regiment
were already engaged, and as soon as we reached the brow of the
hill we saw the rebel infantry rushing toward us. Bang, bang,
whiz, zip, zip, sang the rifle balls. The butternuts stood to give
about three volleys, their colonel on a splendid looking white
horse galloping between the two lines shouting, 'Forward my
brave men! The battery is ours!' The horse an instant after
rushed riderless through our ranks bleeding from one shoulder.
Dust and smoke until you couldn't tell a man from a stump ten
yards off. Forward we rushed, firing and shouting, officers giv-
ing orders to the tops of their voices, when a voice was heard
crying: 'Look out to the right, men! Look out to the right!'
And three men on horseback emerged into view from that direc-
tion, one of whom, a magnificent looking old soldier, we recog-
nized as 'Old Rosy,' General Rosencrans, and at the same instant
almost the rebels came out of the woods to our right and showered
us with musket balls, but overshooting. With a yell. Company A
and my company wheeled 'round to the right and dashed after
them to the edge of the timber, but the rebels, not more than one
or two companies, who had been deployed there as skirmishers,
skedaddled fast, although we wounded eight or ten of them and
128 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUxVTY
captured their knapsacks, blankets and haversacks filled with five
days' rations which they had laid in a pile before advancing.
The fight lasted only twenty minutes. Thirty rebels were dead
on the field in front of our regiment and a good many were picked
up wounded. A few were taken prisoners. We lost only two
killed and four wounded. The rebel charge was gallantly exe-
cuted— they got so close to one of our batteries that the artillery-
men shot some of them with revolvers. That night we threw up
intrenchments and stayed there until the night of the twenty-
ninth. The rebels left on that day.
"Bivouac, near Boonville, Miss., June 6, 1862. — We are 30
miles south of Corinth, chasing the rebels. Beauregard's evacua-
tion of Corinth was not altogether successful. The road for 20
or 30 miles south of Corinth was strewn with discarded equipage,
whole camps, tents, commissary and quartermaster's stores, sick
and wounded soldiers, wagons, mules, etc., left or abandoned in
the greatest haste, showing that we pressed hard after them.
We found plenty of graves, in one of which was buried a 12-pound
howitzer. It had a headboard marked 'W. C.,' with date, etc.
They had not time to round up the grave before our advance
came in sight.
"October 3. — We have completed the circle and now hail
again from Corinth. We are in camp about five miles west of
town. I am in a private house under the surgeon's care. The
enemy, Price and Van Dorn's army, is all around us everywhere,
but no one seems to know just where.
"Camp near Ripley, October 8. — I began this letter at
Corinth, October 3, and had only gotten it fairly commenced
when the surgeon came into my room greatly excited, saying the
rebels were coming. There were but a few soldiers in town.
Our brigade was marching from a point five or six miles southwest
toward Corinth as rapidly as possible. About noon the report of
cannon was heard in the near distance and our troops began
pouring into town from different directions and forming into line
of battle. I waited from 11 o'clock in the forenoon until the
middle of the afternoon before our regiment put in its appear-
ance. I tell j'ou it was a period of awful suspense, and I never
was so glad in my life as I was to see the old Eagle regiment
coming up the road. They had been on the run for several hours
and were in a state of exhaustion. I joined my company and we
went into the fight. We doubled-quicked through a field and ran
directly into the enemy in the woods, who poured a deadly fire
into our ranks while we were marching and before we could form
MEUT. LANCASTER
CAPT. W. P. GRAVES j ' ']
l>*-^\
^c^
UT. 51. i;. wyjiAN
LIEUT. T. NARY
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 129
in line of battle. The fight was hot for ten minutes or more, but
the enemy were too strong for us. They had ten times our num-
ber. They made a charge, yelling like so many screech owls or
devils. We stood our ground and fired volley after volley into
them, but it seemed to make no impression on them whatever.
Tliey came right on like a great wave, overwhelming everything
in its progress. Catching sight of our eagle those in front of our
regiment gave forth an unearthly yell and started to capture it.
Old Abe, up to that time had behaved himself with great gal-
lantry, but at this moment a bullet slightly wounded him under
one wing and he hopped off his perch to the ground and ducked
his head between his carrier's legs. All attempts to make him
stay on his perch were useless. He was thoroughly demoralized,
and the same feeling extended itself to the line and they broke
and ran before the rebel charge, the carrier of the eagle picking
him up and carrying him under his arm as fast as he could run.
It was a new experience for us, for heretofore we had always
been the victors. The regiment and brigade dissolved so quickly
that it was impossible to see what had become of them. I found
myself with Captain Wolf, of Company C, and the colors, with
perhaps a dozen men. The color bearer was shot and the next
man who picked them up was wounded. We brought them off the
field with the enemy at our heels. We got back to Battery
Robinette, which opened on the rebels and checked their advance
and waited the next move. It was now dusk and the fight for
that day was over. We laid on our arms all night, and as soon
as morning broke the cannonading opened and Avas kept up with
fearful energy. After this our advance skirmishers were driven
in and we formed our lines and waited. We did not have long
to wait. The rebel line of battle emerged from the woods and
came forward to Battery Robinette through the abbatis formed
by falling trees, with the greatest heroism and daring. All the
guns of the fort and the musketry of our line of battle opened
on them, but on they came, closing up their ranks-on, on, running,
climbing, shooting, shouting and yelling — their leader, Colonel
Rogers, mounted on a white horse, riding in advance waving his
sword and looking as grand and noble as Mars himself. Oh, it was
a terrible charge. Right up to the parapet of the battery they
swarmed, their gallant leader and his horse being shot as he
leaped the ditch. They swarmed over the parapet. Our line of
battle gave way before them and fell back, perhaps, fifty yards,
when General Rosecrans, bareheaded, waving his hat and sword,
rushed along in front of the line and the men soon went forward
130 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and drove the rebels back. Some of the rebels actually got into
the battery and were killed or captured by the gunners. Many
surrendered rather than run the risk of being killed on the re-
treat. The ground in front was covered with their dead and
wounded. Over 3,000 rebels were killed and wounded. Our loss
was not so large, but was heavy enough. Our regiment had ninety
men killed and wounded. The records of the world may be
searched in vain, I verily believe, to find a more desperate, bloody
and gallant charge than that made by the rebels. They had every-
thing at stake. Everything depended on their winning the battle
and they fought hard for it, but in vain. The two armies were
about equal in numbers, but we had the heaviest artillery. As
soon as the charge was over Ave waited for them to try it again.
But they did not charge again. Again and again they formed
their lines and advanced to the edge of the woods, but their men
would go no further. Officers swore and- appealed to them to go
in just once more, but they had had enough."
It was in the fall of 1862, soon after the battle of Corinth,
that Coloney Murphy, of the Eighth Wisconsin, allowed the
enemy to destroy an immense store of supplies at Holly Springs,
which event had an important bearing on the Vicksburg campaign,
making, as it did, impossible the carrying out of one of the earlier
plans for the reduction of "Vicksburg.
The late Col. W. F. Vilas, in his history of the Vicksburg cam-
paign, makes the following reference to this affair: "And to cap
all, the surprise by Van Dorn of Holly Springs, the intermediate
base where Grant had gathered a million dollars' worth of sup-
plies, which the enemy destroyed, determined his (Grant's) with-
drawal from this attempt. It is humiliating to add that the cow-
ardice of a Wisconsin officer. Colonel Murphy, of the Eighth In-
fantry, the Eagle regiment, who basely yielded the post at Holly
Springs, which he could easily have defended, furnished tlie sole
reason for tliat disaster; because, but for his action, liis men woiild
have protected the place. It is not a consolation that he \Aas
promptly cashiered. ' '
In May, 1863, we find Grant's army before Vicksburg, and
Captain Green, writing to his wife as follows: "Camp near Vicks-
burg, May 26, 1863. — On returning to camp (eve of the twenty-
first) we had an order that the army was to charge the enemy's
works at ten o'clock next day all along the line. In the morning
the army was in line of battle, waiting the order to go in. It
was about noon, however, when the bugles sounded and the Union
Army, with Hags waving over them, charged the rebel works.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 131
Our brigade was held in reserve. We stood in line of battle and
saw the front go in. They melted away before the withering
fire from the entrenchments and soon disappeared from view.
Presently, when the smoke lifted, we saw them in ravines and in
the ditch right under the rebel guns, with their Hags planted on
the outer slope of their works. About two o'clock in the after-
noon General Grant and Adjutant-General Rawlins met Generals
Sherman, Tuttle and Mower, where we were standing under arms.
Grant had on a slouch hat, a torn blouse and an ej'e glass slung
over his shoulder. They had a conference at the head of our
regiment, and several of us officers went up to where they were
talking and heard what they said. General Grant said he had a
dispatch from McClernand, on the extreme right of him, down
by the Mississippi river, on the lower side of Vicksburg, stating
that his troops had carried the enemy's works and were now in
them, and if another charge was made on another part of the
line to prevent the enemy sending re-enforcements to repel him
he could go into the city. I heard General Grant say that he
did not think it was true, but it might be so, and in order that the
enterprise might not fail for lack of support, he would order that
another charge be made immediately; and turning to General
Sherman, he said: 'Send in your reserves.' General Sherman
turned to General Tuttle, our division coiiniiander, and ordered
him to send in a brigade. General 'riitlli' sjiid in turn to General
Mower, wlio commanded our brigade, '(icuci-al. charge the works
with your brigade at once.' General Mower was a brave man,
there was no discount on that — he meant to obey the order, but
could not help saying, 'General, it will be the death of every man
in the brigade to go in there now,' and without waiting to hear
what reply was made he sent his aide to the colonels command-
ing the regiments of the brigade with orders to follow the ad-
vance, marching by right flank for about one hundred yards,
where the groiuid would not permit a forward movement in line
of battle, and when they got out of this to form in line of battle
and charge on the double quick. The Eleventh Missouri was in
the lead, the Fifth Minnesota came next, the Eighth Wisconsin
was next and the Forty-seventh Illinois in the rear.
"The orders were given. We moved down the road diagonally
to the front, mareliing four abreast until we struck a sunken road,
three or four feet deeper than the surrounding ground. This
sunken road was perhaps two hundred yards long, then it tui-ned
to the right. We were marching four abreast through this road
until it turned, then we were to form in line of battle and march
132 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
forward. Just as we struck the road we came out in full view
of the enemy, who were standing by their guns. Our appearance
was the signal for them to open fire on us with all their guns
and a stream of fire shot out from the rebel works not over a
thousand yards away. It was perfectly awful. The two regiments
ahead of us had disappeared and the sunken road was full of dead
and wounded. Just as we reached it, Lieutenant Chapman, as
brave a young fellow as every was in the army, and a genial com-
panion was shot, a canister shot hitting him in the breast and
going through him. He fell against me, his blood spurting out in
streams. I laid him down as gently as I could. His eyes looked
into mine, but he was dead, killed instantly. We actually stepped
on the dead and wounded in the sunken road, so thickly were they
lying. Men were falling all aroinid us. The bullets whizzed in
our ears like a s\varm of bees and the shells exploded among us
incessantly. We reached the turn in the road and left it, the com-
panies making a half wheel to get into line of battle, then charged
forward on the double quick, without much regard to alignment.
The ground was open and level, here and there a tree or a stump
or a bunch of cane behind which a squad of men were crouching.
The works were only a few lumdred yards ahead, but it seemed
a mile. We ran on through an iron hail before which our men
fell like leaves, killed and wounded. Our flag went down — then
reappeared — the air thick with the dust and the noise of the
enemy's shots pei'fectly deafening. It seemed as if we would
never get there, but at last we reached the ditch at the foot of
the entrenchments, jumped and drew a long breath of relief.
Our color-bearer was boosted up and planted his flag in the ground
half way up.
"Well, it was just as General Grant anticipated, our charge
was a useless waste of life ; McClernand did not get into the city ;
indeed, he had never been inside of the works. We lay in the
ditch until after dark. During the time we were lying there the
rebels would put their muskets over the parapets and shoot down
at us. If one of them showed his head above the works our boys
were watching and it was a dangerous operation. Several of our
boys were wounded in the ditch. After dark an armistice was
proclaimed to carry off our dead and wounded and our brigade,
indeed all the troops, marched back to camp. The regiment had
thirty killed and seventy-five or eighty wounded. The next morn-
ing an order was issued that the works were too strong to be
carried by assault, that we must get them by regular approaches,
consequently we are now digging our way up : exactly the same
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 133
experience that the allies had before Savastopol. I think a fort-
night will end the siege. There are supposed to he twenty-five
or thirty thousand men in Vicksburg, we have not over twenty-
five thousand, if that many.
"This campaign will be forever memorable in history and
stamps General Grant as the greatest military genius of the age.
He whipped Johnson's thirty thousand men and drove him so far
away he can do no more miseliief, then turned round and penned
Pemberton's men up iu Vicksburg, and all with a smaller army
than either Johnson's or Pemberton's. His headquarters are only
a short distance to our right and rear. We see him every day,
common as a private soldier, but he always seems to be thinking.
Grant, Sherman, Logan and McPherson are great soldiers. If the
array of the Potomac had such generals, Richmond would soon be
ours." During the progress of the Vicksburg siege the Eighth
Wisconsin was moved about considerably. Had a sharp skirmish
at Mechanicsville, also near Richmond.
"Camp on Black river, 12 miles east of Vicksburg. — I wish we
had as great a general as Lee to command our eastern army.
Vicksburg, Julj^ 4, 1863, 2 o'clock p. m. — I am writing this on a
yellow piece of paper in the cupola of the Vicksburg court house,
and I send it to you with a bunch of splinters from one of the
pillars of the steeple, where a shell had gone through it. The
whole cupola is riddled with our shells. The long siege is at last
over.
"July 4. — Later in the day. The scenes we Avitnessed on com-
ing into the city beggar description. I cannot write them to you.
The Confederate troops were in the last stage of starvation. They
had been living on mule meat for some days. I saw some of it
and it was enough to turn one's stomach. The rebels were glad
to see us, too. The hills are honey-combed with caves in which
they have lived. As we walk along the street we can see women
running toward each other, crying for joj', and throwing their
arms, around each other's necks and weeping and kissing.'"
Through the kindness of Mrs. Charles CofiSn we furnish the
following description of Vicksburg, as written by Captain Culbert-' '-'<'-
son, of the Sixteenth Wisconsin: "If there were about ninety
hills like Barren Bluff sitting near together with dugways through -| kA-.~^ "i
the liills, trenches, rifle pits, forts and redoubts on every command- t/L<»->X^
ing point. If there was such a place, it would be as near like Vicks-
burg as anything I can think of at present, but still it would
want one thing to complete the scene, which these hills would
want to be covered with buildings and the buildings riddled with
134 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
shells. But for all this, there are some very fine streets in the
place, also some fine buildings, but finest of all are the shade
trees, which are on every street, almost hiding the houses. If I
had seen this place before the boats run the blockade I should have
said that Grant was crazy to attempt anything of the kind, but
the old fellow has a long head and works to win. Let General
Grant have his army in here and I would defy the world to take
this place in seven years. ' '
"Vicksburg, Miss., August 19, 1863. — Dear Mother, Sister and
Brother: The steamer City of Madison was blown up today while
lying at the levee loading ammunition to take below. There was a
detail of about three hundred men, white and black, loading her,
and it was all done by the carelessness of one negro. As they Avere
loading percussion shells the negro threw one of the boxes filled
with these shells into the hold, discharging the whole lot, and as the
boat had several tons on, the bursting of one shell set the whole
cargo ofl'. The boat was blown so that you could hardly tell
that it had ever been a boat. As near as can be ascertained now
there were nearly 156 lives lost. The steamer Walch, that lay
along side of her, was nearly as bad, but I believe there was no
loss of life on the Walch. The loss of life and property was awful.
There was not a whole pane of glass left in a building within 80
rods, so great was the concussion. Men were blown across the
river and fragments of the wreck could be seen all througli the
city.
"Your son and brother, H. M. Culbertson.'"
It will be remembered that the Sixteenth regiment, to which
Captain Wheeler's company belonged, was badly cut up at the
battle of Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh. Later engagements, sick-
ness and death further reduced its ranks, and it was found neces-
sary to reorganize the regiment. This was done by consolidating
the ten old companies into five and adding "new companies B,
D, F, H and K. " John Kelly, who went out as a private in Cap-
tain Wheeler's Company G, was made captain of "new company
B," a well earned promotion. I find no other Eau Claire man in
this company, it being recruited from the eastern part of the
state. One of the "new companies," Company H, was recruited
here.
Free Press, December 3, 1863. On Monday last 67 men for a
new company in the Sixteenth left for LaCrosse in charge of D. C.
Whipple and John T. Tinker. This company has been recruited
in less time than it required to raise any previous one. Messrs.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 135
Tinker, Whipple and M. A. Shaw have labored zealously to raise
this company, and their efforts have been erovi^ned with the most
ample success. No officers of this company were elected until
after their arrival at LaCrosse. No list of the privates in this
company was printed at the time, but from the official roster the
list below is furnished. Capt., Darwin C. Whipple ; First Lieut.,
John T. Tinker ; Second Lieut., Milton Grover, Red Cedar ; Second
Lieut., Edward W. Allen, Eau Claire. Privates : John C. Bailey,
Burzelia Bailey, Walter D. Bailey, John C. Barland, William H. H.
Beebe, Harvey N. Benjamin, Edward J. Bonnell, John W. Brown,
Wesley C. Butterfield, James G. Cleghorn, Peter Cromwell, Sam-
uel C. Dean, Peter Deery, Isiah Drew, William H. Fox, John W.
Gilbert, Freeman Grover, Jefferson Heath, John W. Heasley,
Henry Ilendrickson, Benjamin P. Ilowland, Hiram Hill, Lyman
M. Hotehiss, Azro B. Hoyt, Arch K. Humphrey, Samuel Iverson,
John Johnson, Daniel E. Johnson, Dwight A. King, Myron N.
Lawton, Henry Longdo, George IMcElrath, Even J. Morgan, Ener
Nelson, Patrick Nooney, David A. Robertson, Joel Ross, John Ross,
Harvey N. Saunders, Myron A. Shaw, Canute Thompson, Cary P.
Wood, Henry Wyborney.
The history of Company H, which christened itself the "Wil-
liams Guards " in honor of H. Clay Williams, was published in
Tom Randall's history of the Chippewa Valley, as told by Lieut. j,v'-vvivvi.^ c^|^
E. W. Allen, and is herewith reprinted : -^ jL "^ n-^
"From the cold snows of the North to the balmy skies and *
peach blossoms of Vicksburg was a pleasant change. After doing
picket duty at Black River bridge for a month we were ordered
back to Vicksburg, from thence north on transports up the river,
passing Port Pillow a few hours after the massacre by Forrest.
Company H and two other companies were landed at Columbus to
assist the colored troops in defending the fort against an attack
momentarily expected from that chivalrous general, which, how-
ever, he failed to make. After two weeks of hard duty we joined
the command at Cairo, then preparing to join Sherman's army
in Northern George. From Cairo to Clifton, Tennessee, on trans-
ports, and thence by forced marches three hundred miles across
that state, Alabama and Georgia, taking position on the left of
the grand army, before Kenesaw Mountain, June 10, 1864. We
suffered terribly during this march and many gave out by the
way, among whom were Lieutenants Grover and Tinker, who went
to the hospital.
"From this time to the tenth of September, three months, we
were constantly under arms, marching, skirmishing and fighting.
136 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
our first exploits being in the battles about Kenesaw, where we
lost several men; then hotly pursuing the rebels night and day,
until they took refuge in their trenches before Atlanta. We lay
on our arras on the night of July 20, the enemy strongly fortified
in front, and just at break of day we were ordered to charge.
Grave doubts and fears were expressed, as there were so many
new recruits in the regiment, whether it would not be better to
put an old and tried regiment in our place, but after a short con-
sultation it was decided to keep us where we were, for if the
charge was made, the older soldiers Avho Avere supporting them
would have no confidence in them, and they would lose all con-
fidence in themselves. The result showed the wisdom of the con-
clusion. It was a trying moment when Colonel Fairchild shouted
the order, 'Fix bayonets, forward.' Out of the timber, down a
ravine, up and across a field, over their works, driving out Har-
dee's veterans and taking some prisoners, was but the work of a
moment. Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds, coming up quickly, said
to the new men, 'You are all veterans now, boys.'
"The general commanding the brigade sent word to General
Blair, saying, 'The "Wisconsin boys did nobly,' but it was praise
dearly earned. Colonel Fairchild, Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds,
Capt. John Wheeler, and many other officers were wounded, but
fortunately none killed. Company H lost two killed and seven
wounded. Captain Whipple particularly distinguished himself in
this action, and a somewhat laughable incident occurred during
the charge. So great was the excitement but little attention was
paid to his efl:orts to keep the men in line with the colors, but
finally becoming terribly in earnest and shouting above the roar
and din of battle, he sang out, 'If you don't know what line on
the colors means, keep your eyes on that flag. ' We held the works
all day under fire, and strengthened them at night ; but about noon
the next day the enemy burst on our left, and was crushing that
part of our army like an egg shell, coming boldly on until they
reached the works held by the Twelfth and Sixteenth Wisconsin,
who repulsed them in six successive terrible charges, first in front,
then in rear, and changing sides of their works as many times.
Captain Whipple showed himself the same hero here as the day
before, but the strain was too much ; constant fatigue and anxiety
and the suffering from his wound sent him to the ambulance.
Orderly Sergeant Allen took command of the company, there be-
ing no commissioned officer with the company. Being ordered to
another part of the field, by a forced march, Captain Whipple
again joined us and assisted in repi;lsing several charges, but was
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 137
soon obliged to go to field hospital, and E. W. Allen, just com-
missioned, took command.
"The final battles of Jonesborongh and Lovejoy's Station
closed the campaign, and with light hearts we spread our tents
in Atlanta, September 10, 1864. Our company was reduced from
ninety to twenty muskets, so severe had been the work. Here
we received a quantity of good things, pickles, berries, condensed
milk, etc., from kind friends in Eau Claire, for which, if ever
men felt grateful, we did. But we did not rest long. Hood had
gone north and was eating our crackers, so we were after him
again, and for five days and nights we chased him over moun-
tains, rivers and valleys, and then were ordered back to Atlanta
again, whei'e, for the first time in eight months, we received our
pay, and voted for president, thirty-four for Lincoln and two
for McClellan. That was the kind of men that composed Com-
pany H. On November 14 we started with Sherman on his grand
march to the sea, and a month of constant marching brought us
to the gates of Savannah, where, after a short resistance, we
marched, flags flying, into the city. Starting again, we took
Poeotaligo, out on the Charleston railroad, which fell in conse-
quence, and next our company was at the burning of Columbia,
then Cheraw, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Goldsborough were
taken, and after a few daj^s' rest, waiting for our absent men to
come up, a forced march brought us to Raleigh.
"When Captain Whipple, who had been sent home sick, re-
joined us, how glad we were to see him. Here the war virtually
closed. The fighting was over, but we were a long way from home,
but marching was easy now, for every day brought us nearer to
our loved ones there. On to Petersburg, Richmond and Wash-
ington, where on the twenty-third of May, we took part in the
grandest pageant ever seen in America, the grand review; Mrs.
Sherman throwing bouquets at our tattered and worn colors. We
were soon transferred to Louisville, Ky., where, on the fourth day
of July, 1865, General Sherman took a final farewell of us, and
a few days after we were mustered out, sent to Madison, received
our final pay and discharged on August 21, 1865, and with light
hearts started for home, never more, it is hoped, to be called
to take up arms for our beloved country against internal foes."
On the roster of Captain Whipple's company will be found the
name of John C. Barland, who furnished to the Telegram the fol-
lowing reminiscences of that company.
J. C. Barland, on request of the editor of the Telegram, fur-
nished an article on the late war, says, "to give a comrade's recol-
138 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
lection of the old Sixteenth Wisconsin volunteers should have some
response. The pressure of circumstances makes it difficult for
me to do so just now. Still I would fain offer something, for
when is not a tribute due to those gallant men? Through the
dimming mists of fifty years again they come before my vision.
■'I see them muster in a gleaming row,
"With ever youthful brows that nobler show,
We find in our dull road their shining track,
In every nobler mood,
We feel the orient of their spirits glow.
Part of our life's unalterable good —
Of all our saintlier aspiration."
Company G, the first to go, enrolled some of the choicest spirits
that Eau Claire could give. I cannot stop to enumerate. Of one
I will speak. John Kelly ; rough, yes rough, but a diamond in
the rough. Years later, when asked, "Do you receive a pension?"
his answer : "John, why should I receive a pension ? I was a bet-
ter man physically, morally and mentally when I came out than
when I went in." This was true. He was a growing man to
the last day of his life, and no finer thing can be said of any man.
In the fall of '63, while Vicksburg and Gettysburg still echoed
in our ears. Company H enlisted and later joined the Sixteenth
at Vicksburg. Of that company, Eau Claire may be proud. There
were Whipple and Tinker and Allen, so finely identified with the
early history of Eau Claire, all worthy of mention if these limits
permitted. Only a few remain — Merton of Bloomer, a good sol-
dier, and most worthy man, and Cleghorn of Eau Claire, splendid
soldier, good citizen, who gave of his best to his country and the
little valley that bears his name.
From the miasmas and sickness of the Mississippi valley the
early spring of '64 found us at Huntsville, Alabama, after a series
of arduous marches to join Sherman for the capture of Atlanta.
It was a grewsome sight, that Sunday afternoon, when we arrived
at Huntsville after a long forced march. The beautiful stream
that bubbles up from a great spring in the heart of Huntsville
was lined with our boys, their shirts in their hands picking off
the greybacks, and washing in the stream. From Huntsville
throiigh an enemy's country, 400 miles of forced marching and
fighting to our goal, Atlanta. On the long march, unable to obtain
supplies, many a soldier had to go barefoot. Such was the
writer's fate, who was known as the barefoot corporal. It was
near the base Kenesaw that we joined Sherman. It was here
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 139
1hat Company II received its baptism of fire. For hours we had
marched to the deepening sound of artillery. At first only a throb
on the air, and then, nearer and clearer and still clearer. A
strange silence stole over the men, and Captain Whipple, march-
ing at our side said: "Well boys, that is what we have been
marching so long for to find at last," And next the order to file
right into line, and now the bullets are whistling in our ears and
the shells from Kenesaw are bursting in our midst.
The great struggle for Atlanta was on. It lasted through all
those long, hot summer mouths. These limits will only permit of
a glimpse. There was a constant roar of battle, day and night,
upon some part of our line, swelling now into the assault upon
Kenesaw, where we were repulsed, now upon Lost Mountain, or
South Mountain, which stood like sentinels between us and At-
lanta, or again at Peachtree Creek, on the twenty-second of July,
when Hood flung himself upon us in the madness of desperation.
It was here that the Sixteenth Wisconsin, of all its memorable
conflicts, distinguished itself the most. Hood's veterans had
fiercely attacked our left wing in hope of turning it, and largely
it was the determination of the Sixteenth Wisconsin which pre-
vented this. If Hood could have turned our flauk at that time
he Avould have won a vast prize, for there, on our left flank, were
massed the wagon trains of our army. It was the fortune of
the writer at that time to be detailed to guard the wagon train.
Five hundred six-mule wagons were massed not three miles from
Decatur. Hood, for the moment, had turned our flank and was
sweeping down upon our train. The wagon fled in a furious panic
to form behind the center. The train guards were deployed in a
thin skirmish line to hold Hood in check. It was here the Six-
teenth, with others, saved the day, and Hood was turned back.
It was this incident that enabled the writer to speak intelligently
of that field. As we passed down the lines to rejoin our train,
behind the center, we passed the Sixteenth where they lay in the
midst of the carnage that had been wrought. There were the
dead rebels as thick as leaves, right up to the very foot of the
Sixteenth's lines. As we passed down the lines there were Icmg
rows of our own dead and wounded, and further on, younij: .Mc-
Pherson, the brave commander of our own army of the Tennessee,
lay still in death.
It was only a few days later that, assaying to go to the regi-
ment which lay beyond a little wood and down an open slope, that
I ran across Willard Bartlett, a member of Company G. He was
cooking at a fire. I knew him to be a good soldier, and I said to
140 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
him, "How is this, "Willard?" "Well," he said, "I have only
three days more to get my discharge and I prevailed on the offi-
cers to let me cook, so I might have a chance to get through."
The writer passed on through the wood to the open slope. Though
I knew that the regiment lay not forty rods away, not a sign
of them was visible. No enemy was in sight. The stillness of death
hung over the little valley. As I emerged from the woods the
sharpshooters in the trees beyond got a line upon me. The bul-
lets flew thick and fast. You may be sure I walked pretty fast.
Though I did not like to have the Sixteenth see me run, when I
got within ten rods of the ditch I heard Ed Allen's voice calling:
"Run, John, why don't you run?" Iran. "Why," said Ed, who
was down in the ditch almost out of sight, "it's not safe to show
your head. The rebs are only ten rods away in another ditch."
I stayed curled up in the bottom of the narrow ditch till it was
dark and then I returned to my train, but I stopped on my way to
see Willard Bartlett. They told me he had been shot soon after
I had left him; slain doubtless by one of the bullets aimed at
myself. I give this incident that yovi may .iust get a glimpse of
this terrible conflict."
Note: The Willard W. Bartlett referred to was a brother of
Hon. William P. Bartlett of this city.
Editor Daily Telegram. — We take up today the story of an-
other company from Eau Claire county. The town of Pleasant
Valley seems to deserve a considerable share of credit for this
company, which later became Company K of the Thirty-sixth
Wisconsin infantry. I furnish you a picture of Capt. Warren
Graves, who died near Petersburg, Va.
The first reference in the press to this new company for the
Thirty-sixth regiment is tlie following:
(Free Press, March 3, 1864.)
The work of recruiting goes on in a satisfactory manner, and
at the present rate men are coming forward it is confidently ex-
pected the towns of Lincoln, Bridge Creek and Brunswick will
yet raise their quota prior to the draft. Eau Claire county has
made a record which shines too brightly to be dimmed by failure
to respond to the demands of the hour, and some of her sons have
helped to make the grand old state of which we are proud to be
the children, a synonym for all that is manly, courageous and
brave. Since Friday last about one hundred and twenty men have
enlisted to fill various quotas for this and adjoining counties, and
the new company now being raised for the Thirty-sixth Regiment.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 141
The town and county have already furnished a large amount to
avoid conscription and are ready to make further advances in the
same direction, if the men will come forward. The enthusiasm
is at fever heat in this county, and the boys are determined to
close up this rebellion before another summer.
Before the end of the mouth the ranks were filled and the com-
pany left for the front.
A week later further mention is made as follows:
(Free Press, March 24, 1864.)
One week ago last Monday, amid general enthusiastic rejoicing
and well wishes from those they left behind, the volunteers of the
new company for the Twenty-sixth Regiment, numbering one hun-
dred and twenty men, left this place for Jladison, where they are
to be mustered into service. As we glanced at the many familiar
friends leaving to share the uncertainties of war, one could not
help noticing the large number of "Old Pioneers"' in the ranks
on whose countenance age had already deeply stamped its never
failing mark. They have proven their deep patriotism by enlist-
ing side by side Avith younger companions, to assist in quelling
this unholy rebellion, which speedily must have a termination. In
the ranks were to be seen men whose "silvery locks" told that
mau.\- siiiniiicrs had passed over them, beside the beardless youth
will ISC :! II lent desire to serve his country knows no bounds ; all leav-
ing Avith many blessings and fervent wishes for their safe journey
through scenes which they may be called to pass, and for their
speedy return home when duties are discharged. Although re-
cruiting for the company onh' commenced four weeks ago, it
raised its maximum number in much less time ; and in general ap-
pearance will compare with any other company raised in this sec-
tion. A number of the volunteers are residents of Chippewa and
Buffalo counties, all stout, well built, rugged looking fellows, as
if inured to the privations, hardships and exposures of outdoor
life. The company is yet unorganized, having expressed a wish to
leave the selection of officers until they reach the place of destina-
tion, where they will be assigned to the Thirty-sixth Regiment.
The announcement of the election of captain and first lieu-
tenant is given two weeks later.
(Free Press, April 7, 1864.)
We understand that the new company recently raised here for
the Twenty-sixth Regiment has selected W. Graves for captain and
E. A. Galloway for first lieutenant. Both of these men are quali-
142 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
fied to discharge the perplexing duties of their offices in a credit-
able manner. Charles H. Witherow, late of the Twenty-fifth Regi-
ment, took six or eight new recruits with him last M'eek to
Madison.
I have found no satisfactory account of the service of the
Graves company. Thomas Randall, in his history of the Chippewa
Valley devotes a small amount of space to it, but his statements
are not altogether accurate. The following is taken from his
book : ' ' Company K, Thirty-sixth Regiment, was recruited under
the call of the President for five hundred thousand men, in Feb-
ruary and March, 1864, through the efforts of Capt. Warren
Graves and Lieut. E. A. Galloway and Joseph R. Ellis, all of
Pleasant Valley, in this county, and nearly all the men were
from the country towns in Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn coun-
ties. It was a brave and hardy company of men, but the regiment
was the most unfortunate of any that left this state, and of the
eighty-eight men in Captain Graves' company, only one returned
unscathed. W. W. Crandall, of LaFayette, Chippewa coimty, was
neither sick, wounded nor taken prisoner while every other man in
the company was either killed, woimded, taken prisoner or sent to
hospital. Captain Graves was wounded, sent to hospital and died.
Lieutenant Galloway was killed while leading an assault on the
enemy's works. Many were taken prisoners in the deep railroad
cut south of Petersburg, and suffered horrors a thousand times
worse than death in rebel prisons, and many painful circumstances
grew out of the long suspense and almost hopeless uncertainty as
to their fate."
The number in the company was considerably larger than
stated by Mr. Randall. The Free Press states that 120 joined,
but some of these must have failed to muster in. The official roll
shows 102 names. Captain Graves did not die of wounds and was
not wounded, but died from heat and overexertion during an en-
gagement. There is no such name as W. W. Crandall given on
the official muster roll. There was a David Crandall, from Red
Cedar, but this Crandall was wounded at Cold Harbor. Although
this company unquestionably was fearfully decimated by death,
wounds and prisoners taken, yet it is too strong a statement to
say that only one returned unscathed. Of course, there is no
means of telling how many liave temporarily been sick and in hos-
pitals, but I find over 20 names of those who were mustered out
at the time of the general mustering out of the company on the
twelfth of July, 1865, and a considerable number more who were
mustered out a few weeks earlier.
BAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 143
I give below the names of all in this company who enlisted
from Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn counties. As stated in the
Free Press, quite a number in this company were from Buffalo
county. I also give a summary made up from the official roster
showing the fate of members of the company.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY.
Capt. Warren Graves.
Capt. Joseph R. Ellis.
First Lieut. Elias A. Galloway.
First Lieut. Henry D. Sehaefer.
^ "cU^ ENLISTED MEN.
J^es F. Allen, Nathaniel II. Benner, ilatthew Bittler, Mor-
timer R. Brown, Richard Burpee, Henry W. Butler, Marion J.
Cable, George W. Campbell, Ransler Cogswell, John Cunningham,
Seymour Donaldson, Wilbur I. Ellis, Elias L. Fidler, John Hill,
Walter L. Hobbs, William Hutchinson. George Kocher, John Mc-
Laughlin, Edward J. Nolan, Patrick O'Donohue. Martin Oppelt,
Lars Pederson, Edward Reed, Even Thorsen, Running Tollefsen,
Melvin Winslow.
FROM CHIPPEWA COUNTY.
Albert B. Adams, Nelson C. Bates, Demas Besette, Nathaniel
G. Calkins, Frederick S. Capron, Joseph D. Cooper, Charles Corbin,
Ambrose Corbin, Anthony P. R. Dahl, Charles Ermatiuger, Alex-
ander Gokee, Stephen S. McCann, Arthur J. McCann, Jordan J.
McCann, Columbus Miller, Lewis Pratt, John S. Rains, Adolph
Rodemacher, Albert H. Shipman, Perry Sowles, Peter Stnmm,
John Thomas, George P. Warren.
FROM DUNN COUNTY.
William Butterfield, Bernt Chi'istophersoii, William W. Chapel,
Jordan Coleman, David Crandall, Orson T. Crosby, Almon A.
Curtis, David C. Fayerweather, Johnson Graham, Marshall M.
Granger, Lars Johnson, John Johnson, Oliver Johnson, John T.
Laforge, Martin Larson, Phillip Lee, Michael W. Shafer, Ileni'y
Sippel, Nathan Skeel, Engebret Sorenson, Harold T. E. Tillerson,
Henry Wright.
Killed in action, 5; died from wounds, 10; died from disease,
7 ; taken prisoners, 23.
144 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
In addition to the above a large number were wounded and
some of them discharged on account of wounds.
Of the 23 taken prisoners, no less than 9 died in prison.
JAMES F. ALLEN.
Among the members of this company and who was also taken
prisoner, was James P. Allen, a brother of C. L. Allen, of this city,
and now a resident of Plorida. At my request C. L. Allen wrote
to liis brother in Plorida asking him if he would write something
concerning his experience. I am allowed to quote his reply, which
was as follows :
•'De Land, Plorida, July 13, 1911. — In regard to writing an
article for publication of my war experiences. Now my actual
war experience, outside of my prison experience, was very limited
and covered a period of about thirty days, while in that time
there was war enough to satisfy the most valorous spirits, for the
length of time at least, it was too short a time on which to build
a readable story unless supplemented by the imagination, and you
know I am short on that quality.
"And when it comes to my prison experience, that is anotlier
matter entirely. It is a subject I don't like to think about,
much less talk about and have been for forty-six years trying to
forget all my prison life and its attendant horrors, and now to
deliberately sit down and write about those terrible days, weeks
and months (I was in the different so-called prisons ten and a
half months) is more than I care to do, even if I thought I could
write an interesting letter, which I can't. I am very much inter-
ested in the old war time letters being printed, with Ed's and
Uncle Bill'sT^nd others. " .'j > " •"-
S. S. McCann. — Among tlie names of those from Chippewa
county we find the name of tliat old pioneer Stephen S. McCann.
It was he who with Jeremiah Thomas began the first lumbering
operations in Eau Claire, in the middle forties. At the time of
his enlistment he must have been quite an old man,
A son of Captain Graves, Wilbur Graves, is living in tliis city
and is head engineer at the paper mill. The widow of Captain
Graves, now Mrs. Cleasby, is also now in the city. In response
to a request I have received from the family the following brief
account of Captain Graves. It was also from them that I obtained
the excellent picture of the captain, which I am furnishing you
todav with the other material.
EAU CLAIKE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 145
Capt. Warren Graves, Company "K," Thirty-sixth Wisconsin
Volunteers, recruited his own company; was commissioned in
March, 1864; mustered into the service by Lieut. J. H. Purcell.
Spent two weeks in Madison, Wisconsin, drilling liis company.
From Madisou, Captain Graves was ordered to Washington and
on arriving there was ordered to join his regiment in Virginia,
which at that time was the active seat of war.
Here Captain Graves and his men took part in tlie "Battle of
the Wilderness," in which the Union loss was very severe. From
May 5 to June 15, 1864, Captain Graves took part in one battle
after another in rapid succession.
It was during this time that in a letter to his wife Captain
Graves spoke in reference to this sis weeks' steady work against
the rebels. The following is the substance of the letter :
He said he had been engaged with the enemy all night and had
just come into camp for breakfast and sleep when he and his
men were called out for dutj' again. These six weeks of con-
tinuous duty weakened him physically and during the months of
July and migust made many long marches. On the fourteenth
day of August Captain Graves went into battle after having
made a long and severe march. During the heat of the battle
Captain Graves suffered a sun-stroke and was taken off the field.
(During this battle the greater share of his company were taken
prisoners.) Captain Graves was removed to a hospital at Peters-
burg and there passed away the twenty-ninth of August, 1864.
MRS. HARRIET GRAVES CLEASBY.
September 1, 1914.
Since the series of Civil War articles was published in
the Telegram in 1911, I have been fortunate enough to find
a survivor of Captain Graves' Company K, of the Thirty-
sixth Wisconsin, and have obtained from him his story of
the company and regiment. Corporal Henry W. Butler is
still living, in the town of Washington, a hale and hearty
veteran. Although lacking but a few weeks of being eighty-
eight years of age, he appears much younger, and it is a
common occurrence for him to walk the four miles from
his farm home to the city, and if necessary, walk home
again.
CORPORAL BUTLER'S STORY.
I came to Eau Claire in the fall of 1855. My former
home was in Hartford, Dodge county, but wishing to make
a change I, with several others, started out to seek a new
D HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
location. "We first went into Iowa, and when at a point
on the river near Dubuque we met the veteran lumberman,
William Carson, then in business at Eau Galle. Mr. Carson
was on a trip purchasing horses and oxen for the pineries.
Learning that we were planning to come up this way he
said: "Boys, if you will help me take care of this stock
on the way up to Eau Galle, I will stand your expenses,
also keep you over Sunday at Eau Galle, and furnish you
provisions for your trip from there to Eau Claire." We
accepted the offer. The trip from Eau Galle to Eau Claire
was made on foot. Read and Gage's small saw mill and
boarding house were the only buildings on the east side.
There was a stage line from Madison to St. Paul running
through the place, and there was a barn on the west bank.
There was no bridge or ferry, but the stage drivers would
put their horses in this barn, then load the stage or wagons
on a raft and pole across the river. Arriving at the bank
about dark we hallooed across to Jim Read, who came over
with a raft and took us to the east side.
The land down on the bottoms near what was later Por-
ter's mills, was open to homestead entry and we made a
trip down there. Shortly before there had been a flood, and
saw logs and drift wood were scattered all over the bottoms
or found hanging up in trees. We wanted none of that.
At Jim Read's place I met a man who said he had a farm
for sale, four miles out, two hundred and twenty-five
acres, twenty acres broke, with a log house and log barn —
price seven hundred dollars. I went out to see it and
bought the place, which has since been my home.
Chippewa Falls was then the county seat, and it was to
that place that I went to have the papers made out.
I was married and had two children, my wife and chil-
being still in Dodge county. Returning there I remained
until March, when, with a yoke of oxen and sleighs, with
a prairie schooner top and a stove, we made the trip to Eau
Claire, and it was not such a very long trip either, con-
sidering the mode of travel. My oxen were young and
active, and we made the distance, about 175 miles, in seven
days, keeping along with horse teams that were making
the same trip.
The Barland, Cook, Wyman and Robbins families were
the only farmers in this vicinity. Sparta was our nearest
trading point, and it required from five to six days to take
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 147
out grain there and bring back a load of supplies. The land
was new, and produced heavy crops of wheat and other
grains, and prices were high. We got $2.00 for wheat,
$1.75 for oats and $1.00 for potatoes. Our nearest grist
mill was Duncan's, on Duncan creek, at Chippewa Falls. I
helped to haul in the mill stones for the Peter Daniel's
grist mill, which was later built on Lows creek, a few miles
below my place, and about a mile above the present Com-
ing's or "Silver Springs" farm.
Game was plentiful, and although not a hunter, I would
occasionally shoot a deer. They had a runway to the creek
near my place. Bear and wolves were also plentiful, the
wolves especially doing considerable damage to stock.
Lows creek was a good trout stream in those days.
In the spring of 1864 a company was recruited for the
Civil War, the recruits coming largely from the farmers
ia our neighborhood, and in Pleasant Valley. I enlisted
with the others. Our captain was Warren Graves, a
Methodist minister, who had lived in Pleasant Valley and
had been preaching at different points in that vicinity. He
was an excellent man, kind and considerate to the members
of his company, and generally highly esteemed.
We left Eau Claire about the fifteenth of March for
Camp Randall, and left there on the tenth of May for Wash-
ington. We remained in Washington only one night, and
on the fourteenth took boat for Belle Plains Landing. After
a half day on the boat and a day's march, we arrived at
Fredericksburg. Just before our arrival a New York regi-
ment had been sent out against some Confederate bush-
wackers who had made a raid and captured several carloads
of ham and hardtack. Being met with a brisk fire from the
enemy, the New Yorker's came running back, claiming that
the enemy were in greatly superior force. We were just
cooking our supper coffee when the order came to fall
in, and turn back the demoralized New Yorkers, also to at-
tack the enemy. We were entirely successful in both, also
recaptured the provisions. The battle of the Wilderness
was practically over. From Fredericksburg we marched
to Spottsylvania Court House, arriving there on the sev-
enteenth, where on the day following we were held in re-
serve, and did not get into action in that battle.
It was on the nineteenth, at Spottsylvania Court House,
that our Thirty-sixth Regiment was made a part of the
148 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
First Brigade, Second Division, Second Corps of the Army
of the Potomac. In regimental histories that liave been
piiblished, the battle of Spottsylvania Court House is given
as the first engagement in which our regiment Avas present,
but this is a mistake, as we had already talcen part in the
affair at Fredericksburg, as noted above.
On the twentieth our entire Second Corps under Geneial
Hancock, marched toward the North Anna. On our way we
came to a Confederate fortification. Hastily throwing up
some breastworks for ourselves, we lay on our arms until
two o'clock in the morning, when the order was given to
charge the enemy's works. Rushing over their breastworks,
we found the enemy had already departed, leaving only a
few pickets to give the appearance of occupation.
The battle of North Anna began on the twenty-third.
On the twenty-sixth Company H and Company K were or-
dered to charge a line of rebel works, which we took. Our
loss was two men killed, twelve Avouuded and one taken
prisoner. Both the men killed Avere from Company H. The
pioneer lumberman, Stephen S. McCann, Avas a member of
our company, and was Avounded in this engagement.
From North Anna Ave marched to Cold Harbor, arriving
there on the morning of the second of June, and on the
folloAviug morning the brigade charged the enemy's works.
Although starting out in the rear of the brigade, by a shift-
ing about of the troops Avhen near the rebel intrenchments,
our Thirty-sixth Regiment Avas in the lead. Just at this time
Colonel McKean, brigade commander, Avas killed, and
Colonel Haskell, of our regiment, took command. Our lines
were swept by a fierce fire from the enemy, and just as
Colonel Haskell had given an order for the men to lie down,
a bullet struck him in the head and he Avas instantly killed.
His death Avas deeply felt in our regiment and in the bri-
gade. Although only a young man, he Avas a thorough sol-
dier and a first class officer. While in the act of putting a
cartridge into my musket I Avas shot in the hand, shattering
the bone. Although left Avith a permanently crippled hand,
I was much more fortunate than my comrade, Biesecker,
who stood just back of me, as the same bullet that crippled
my hand struck him in the hip, Avounding him so severely
that he died a feAV Aveeks later. Our loss Avas heavy, much
more so than that of the enemy. We remained in the vi-
cinity of Cold Harbor until the tAvelfth, Avhen Ave advanced
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 149
toward Petersburg. The day after we left Cold Harbor
some half dozen of our company were left behind and while
hurrying along to overtake the company were captured
by a band of rebel guerillas. One of those taken prisoner
was James F. Allen, of Eau Claire, or Fred Allen, as he was
called by his friends. He was a son of James Allen, who
for many years had charge of the rafting of lumber for
Ingram & Kennedy, and their successor, the Empire Lumber
Company.
Although my crippled hand made it impossible for me to
serve in the ranks, I did not wish to be separated from my
company, so asked and obtained permission to do duty at
regimental headquarters. This I continued to do until mus-
tered out at the close of the war.
We reached the vicinity of Petersburg on the fifteenth of
June and the day following occupied the first line of the
enemy's works. On the seventeenth our regiment was held
in reserve. On the eighteenth we charged and drove the
enemy from their second and heavier works, following them
through dense Avoods to an open field on the opposite side
of which were their main defenses. It was while charging *~^\ /^c{^
through these woods that Lieutenant Galloway, of our com-
pany, was killed. He enlisted from Chippewa Falls, and
was a thoroughly good and efficient officer. In the after-
noon our regiment charged across the open ground and our
Colonel Savage, who had succeeded Colonel Haskell, was
mortally wounded as he was climbing over the enemy's
breastworks. In this charge our regiment lost nearly one-
third of its numbers in killed and wounded. As it seemed
certain death to either advance or withdraw, the survivors
of our regiment lay down on the ground and by scooping
holes in the soft ground got what protection they could
iintil darkness allowed them to leave the field. In the
skirmishing around Petersburg our entire first brigade on
the twenty-second was flanked by the enemy and nearly
one-half of its members captured. Througli the skill of our
officers the Thirty-sixth Regiment changed front and es-
caped capture, but lost several killed and wounded.
Our troops were then moved back some distance, where
we went into camp and remained several weeks.
The colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment from the min-
ing district had proposed an underground mine under the
enemy's works to blow up their fortifications and aid in
ISO HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the capture of Petersburg. General Graut had sanctioned
the plan and by the latter part of July everything was in
readiness for the explosion. In order to divert the enemy,
Grant marched a part of the troops, including our regiment,
to another plane and made a demonstration, then quietly
brought us around in front of the fortifications to witness
the setting off of the mine. This took place on the thirtieth
of July. It was an awful sight, even to us who had seen
considerable of the horrors of war. I did not want to
look. Mangled bodies of men, flying timbers and earth rose
into the air as from a volcano. You know the result. It
was a failure. On account of delay in getting troops
across the pit, or crater, the enemy had time to rallj'.
Many of our own troops met their death in trying to cross,
and Petersburg was not taken.
The Weldon railroad, running south from Petersburg,
was of extreme importance to the enemy, and Grant was
determined on its capture. One force, including oiir regi-
ment, were sent north of the James river to threaten Rich-
mond, while another was sent south of Petersburg to cap-
ture the railroad already mentioned. "We met the enemy
on the fourteenth and had a severe engagement, our regi-
ment loss being three officers and twenty-eight men killed
and wountled. Grant's plan Avas a success and the railroad
was captured, but the enemy continued to make desperate
attempts to recapture it. For several weeks there was al-
most continuous fighting along the railroad south of Peters-
burg. Reams Station was on this road only a few miles
from Petersburg. On the twenty-fifth the enemy attacked
the Union troops at that place. The Thirty-sixth was sta-
tioned in a deep railroad cut. Although not successful in
recapturing the road, at one time they drove back the
Union lines and hemmed in our Thirty-sixth Regiment,
whose position allowed them little chance to escape. A few
did cut their way through, but a large part of the regiment
were either killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Captain
Graves, of our company, was overcome by heat and exer-
tion and died in the hospital a few days later. He was suc-
ceeded as captain by First Lieut. Joseph R. Ellis, also from
Pleasant Valley. My old neighbor, Patrick 0 'Donahue, of
Pleasant Valley, who enlisted the same day as myself, was
one of the number captured. He survived his imprison-
ment, and was mustered out with our company, but his
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 1
health was shattered, and he died a few years later. Some
of his descendants are still living in this vicinity, but they
have dropped the "0" from their names, which is now
Donahue.
General Gibbon was not satisfied with the part taken
by the Thirty-sixth Regiment at Reams Station, and with-
out stopping to examine into the matter, issued an order
depriving the regiment of carrying the national colors. A
thorough investigation was later made, with the result that
General Gibbon was ordered to personally present to the
regiment a new set of colors. This was done about the first
of November.
On the twenty-fourth of October our brigade marched
to the left, and on the twenty-seventh reached the enemy 's
fortifications at Hatcher's Run. Company A of our regi-
ment advanced and captured the rebel picket. This was
followed by a general engagement in which the enemy
forced their way through the Union lines, cutting off com-
munication between the two parts. Captain Fisk, in com-
mand of our regiment, saw the danger, faced the regiment
to the rear and ordered a bayonet charge. "We doubled up
the line of the enemy and put them to rout, capturing a
large number of prisoners. General Eagan wrote a letter
to the Governor praising the work done by the regiment
under Captain Fisk, and stated that we had captured more
prisoners than we had men on the field. Our regimental
loss was some fifteen wounded and missing. After this en-
gagement we returned to our former location, where we
remained until mid-winter. Early in February we had an-
other engagement at Hatcher's Run, then went into win-
ter quarters and remained there until the last of March.
We then moved against the enemy's works, capturing one
line after another, including prisoners and guns, and early
in April learned that Lee's army was in full retreat. One
entire second corps followed, crossing the Appomattox on
the seventh and on the ninth were present at Lee's sur-
render near Appomattox Court House.
We saw no active service after this, but what did re-
main of our regiment went to Washington and took part
in the grand review, then returned to Madison and our
homes.
In the fall of 1864 still another company was added to
the credit of Eau Claire county. The leading educational
152 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
institution in the early history of the village of Eau Claire
was the old "Wesleyan Seminary, which stood where the
high schood building now stands. Principal Shadrach A.
Hall went out as captain of this new company. Like the
"Whipple company, this one was also made up to take the
place of another company in a reorganized regiment.
I have asked J. F. Ellis, who helped Captain Hall to re-
cruit this company and who served as a private in same,
to tell vour readers its story.
J. F. ELLIS' STORY. ^ P»v-^^'
Eau Claire, Wis., August 14, 1911.— W. W. Bartlett : As I prom-
ised, I give you the following history of Company K, Fifth Wis-
consin Infantry, which was mostly made up here. My diarj',
which I kept, was burned in the great Water street fire years ago,
so my accoimt is largely a matter of memory, which accounts for
a general lack of dates. There were three Companies K in the
Fifth Wisconsin: First Company K, Evans, captain, from Meno-
monie ; Second Company K, Mott, captain, also from Monomonie,
and Third Company K, Hall, captain, designated from Eau Claire.
The last one is tlie company that I write about.
The recruiting of this company was for another regiment which
was filled up and left for the front before we reached Madison,
and so belonged to no certain regiment when we reached there.
Company K, as made up here, was recruited by Captain Hall and
myself in 1864. I turned my papers over to him in order that he
might get a captain's commission and I went into the ranks, where
I remained until mustered out. After reaching Camp Randall
we consolidated with a squad from near Oshkosh. Those com-
posing the Eau Claire squad are the following : S. A. Hall, cap-
tain. Privates — Andrew Anderson, Peter Anderson, David Bab-
cock, Charles W. Bailey, John S. Barger, Lyman Beemau, Samuel
W. Bennett, Erastus S. Bills, Charles E. Burpee, Heinrich Christ-
man, John Crapser, James W. Crouch, Hiram S. Curtis, Joseph E.
Davenport, Elias Davis, Francis W. Dighton, Philander S. Drew, J.
F. Ellis, Roderick Elwell, Charles 0. Foote, James Gilbert, Nelson
Gillet, Patsex,^A^Haekett, Russell Ilaekett, Benjamin G. Hall,
Dwight L. HazenTJohnOTHoisington, Demetrius P. Howell, Alfred
Ingalls, Robert Jones, Miles Lansdell, Joseph Listy, James B.
Louther, Joseph B. Reynolds, Nicholas Roach, Isaac A. Shane,
Peter Shores, George F. Silvernail, Adrian J. Smith, Uriah M.
CAPT. JOHN KELLET
-^ ^
IT. J. T. TINKER
V4 V ^fvyt--^' ^lUli^^^^
1 w \i.r 1 \ I
-Q^Mw«<^ ''i*^^
EAIJ CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 153
Stone, Marshall Swain, Nahum S. Taylor, Meroni Ware, Samuel
Welch, George W. Wells, Henry B. Westcott, James R. Whitney,
Joseph W. Wiggins, Corydon Wyman, James Young.
Colonel La Grange, of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, was at
Madison when we reached there and offered Captain Hall and
myself each a first lieutenancy if we would join his regiment
with our recruits, but we finally decided to join the Fifth In-
fantry and consolidated with a squad from Oshkosh in order to
make a full company. By this plan Company K was organized
and Hall was commissioned captain and commanded the com-
pany throughout its service, excepting when absent by sickness.
Our recruits were mostly from Eau Claire, Dunn and Chippewa
counties. We came together on the West Side and had a recep-
tion in the old Seminary Hall, where the high school building
now stands. The ladies got up a banquet for us at which there
Avere speeches and music, mostly war songs, and a flag presenta-
tion. The flag was made by the ladies and was presented by one
of the most beautiful, bright and popular young ladies of the
town, Miss Izzie Farwell, daughter of L. W. Farwell, a west side
merchant. I was delegated to receive the flag, which I carried
until we reached Madison, when we shipped it back to Eau Claire.
The next day, or soon thereafter, we all gathered on the East
Side Hill (University Square), where lumber Avagons waited for
us with boards across the boxes for seats in most cases, and where
friends, sweethearts and wives gathered to bid us bood-bye. We
traveled in those rigs to Sparta, where we took railway passage
for Madison. We had our OAvn improvised band. I. H. Shane,
with his fife, and a couple of drummers. Every stop we made was
enlivened, if there was anybody to look on, by getting in line
with the flag floating and the band playing martial airs. Mr.
Shane was very good with the fife and served for a while in the
regimental band, bi;t did not like the service and came back to
the company and was with it until mustered out of the service.
Shane was one of the best soldiers in the service, tall, muscular,
but not fat, active, kindly, faithful and strictly honest. On ac-
count of his height he was ahvays near the right of the line and
so at the front. His feet were large and strong, a quality that
helps in a long or forced march. At one time, when drawing
clothing, he had to have a pair of shoes. There wasn't a pair in
the whole supply that came to that post for the army large enough
for him. He marched and did every duty called for, barefoot,
good naturedly and just as faithfully as any man in the army.
Years afterward, while in the employ of the Daniel Shaw Lumber
]54 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Company as teamster, hauling supplies to the woods, he was killed
in being accidentally thrown from a load.
The company reached Madison and went into quarters at Camp
Randall the latter part of August or early in September, 1864,
and was there some time. Camp life in Camp Randall was very
demoralizing, much more so than in the field. Although guards
were stationed at all times at the entrance, yet everybody was
allowed to enter and also go out, except those dressed in uni-
forms of the common soldier. Some of those wearing officers'
uniforms were among the most drunken and worst gamblers there.
As soon as our company was organized we began company drill,
spending from one to four hours daily. After drawing our uni-
forms and guns and accoutrements we then drilled dressed in
uniforms.
The Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, all told, in officers and men,
from its first organization until it was mustered out, numbered
over 3,000 men. When we joined it, it was reorganized, the old
numbers were consolidated into Companies A, B and C, and we
went out as one of the seven new companies, carried a new flag
and a new state banner. The colonel of the regiment was with
us. The balance of the regiment was then in the Shenandoah
Valley. The seven new companies left Madison by rail to Chi-
cago, thence to Pittsburgh, to Baltimore and on to Washington,
all the way by rail. We were in barracks at Washington some
time, and one Sunday morning about twenty-five of our company
formed and under the leadership of one of our number, marched
up to the White House and saw President Lincoln. Shortly
after this visit to the President the regiment was sent across the
long bridge into Alexandria, Va., in barracks next the railroad
station and held ready for any emergency call, all dressed and
arms at hand.
One afternoon late Company K and two other companies of
the Fifth were ordered to draw five days' rations and report at
the railroad station in five minutes. We rolled up our blan-
kets, buckeled on our belts, slung on our knapsacks, canteens
and took our guns and haversacks in hand and lined up before
the commissary sergeant, took each his rations of hard tack, pork,
coffee, sugar and doubled-quicked for the station. An engine
Avith steam up coupled to a train of box cars was there. We
climbed in in a hurry and away we went. We were run out to a
siding on the old Bull Run battle-ground, fifteen miles in fifteen
minutes. When we stopped at the siding army wagons hauled
by mules and driven by niggers were coming toward the station
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 155
on the dead run, drivers yelling and lashing their teams with all
their might. Some of the darky drivers were so scared that they
had turned pale. ' We tumbled out of the cars before they had
fairly stopped and formed in line between the siding and timber,
about 80 rods away, where the teams had been gathering wood
for the use of the government at Washington. Mosby and his
men were raiding the teams. Two horsemen rode out of the
woods and looked us over and rode back out of sight. We dug
trenches and were in line of battle for several days, and did
some scouting, but there was nothing doing. Returned to
Washington.
A GRUESOME CAMP GROUND.
The seven new companies of the regiment were sent from
Washington via Harper's Ferry to Winchester, where we joined
the balance of the regiment and went into camp on the battle-
field. It was a desolate sight. Every living thing was destroyed.
Not even a weed could be seen. The ground was gouged and
pounded. A fitting place for new recruits to camp. Shallow
trenches had been dug, the dead laid in and covered with earth
rounded up a little. Here and there a shallow place had been
scooped out and a body twisted and stiffened in its contortions,
so that it could not be laid in the trenches with its fellows, was
placed in the shallow grave and covered. Rains had come and
washed off some of the covering and here an arm and there a
foot was pointing mutely toward the heavens. The stench was
sickening. One of our boys saw a shoe almost new lying on the
field. It looked to him to be about his fit. He thought he had
made a good find. He rushed to it and picked it up. He found
that it had a human foot in it, which had began to decay.
There was no other place for our camp and there we camped for
a few days. We formed in groups of fours, buttoned our pieces
of tents together, making our tent large enough for four men
to sleep in and huddle under during a storm and a shelter for
our extra clothing and provisions. Each group of four owned
a coffee pot and spider and usually cooked its coffee in common,
while each man cooked his own meat. We had fresh beef and
salt pork regularly and our rations were abundant and gen-
erally good. From Winchester we moved up the valley to Red
Cedar Creek, where we became a part of the army under Sheri-
dan, near the battle-ground where the battle of Cedar Creek was
fought. Plere we became a part of the Sixth Corps of the Army
of the Potomac, Wright commanding, and remained in that corps
156 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
until the close of the war. The Fifth "Wisconsin was not in that
battle, although it had been a member of the Sixth Corps from
the time of its organization. While at Cedar Creek I became
indisposed and was sent to the field hospital, which was located
in a beautiful place in large tents. My care was very good there,
and I was soon able to walk. The presidential election was com-
ing on and I happened to be the only one in the company who
had any experience in conducting an election, so tlie captain
wanted me to come back to the company and take charge. The
surgeon-in-chief advised against it, but did not forbid it. I took
my belongings and went back to the company the day before the
election and sat at the polls in the open air at the head of the
company camp and polled votes all day. That night when I
turned in, after making up the returns, I was about played out
again.
The morning after election, before I had a chance to return
to the hospital, the army was ordered to fall back, the hospital
well in front. I was hardly able to march without any load, so
with my gun, accoutrements and outfit, I struggled. The army
made out a half day's march and it was night when I got in. I
got some help in carrying my load by a wagon carrying supplies.
The army, as the retreat began, was so severely harrassed by
guerillas and rebel cavalry that it went into camp here and
sent out strong picket lines. We stayed here luitil after Thanks-
giving Day. The day and night before Thanksgiving snow began
to fall and on that day the ground was covered and the weather
Avas severe. The people in New England had sent down a sliij)-
load of turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens for a Tranksgiving
dinner for the Army of the Potomac. A lot of "fixings" that go
with them was sent too. The part that came to the army in the
valley reached it the night before. The advantage of holding
commissions was well shown in the distribution. Every group
of four enlisted men got one chicken. Every officer a pair of
chickens, a turkey or a goose or duck and fixings.
Sharp and deadly work was being done on the picket line.
Strong picket posts behind rail and timber barricades composed
of the best shots were shooting every enemy in range and many
of them in turn were hit and brought in. Although I was not
detailed on picket duty, I went out to see them work. Our camp
was in the timber. There was no cooking or serving meals by
companies or in groups. Each enlisted man usually received five
days' rations, consisting of hardtack, a piece of side salt pork,
coffee, C sugar, salt and pepper. Also generally fresh beef. The
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 157
cattle were driven with the army and when in camp enough were
slaughtered for one to two days' rations and distributed. We
were transferred by rail back to Washington to our old quar-
ters in the shadow of the capitol, and soon marched across the
long bridge again to Alexandria, thence by transport down the
Chesapeake Bay and up the James river to City Point. At this
place, which was then General Grant's headquarters, a train of
flat cars was ready for us, on which we took passage for the left.
This road was known as "Grant's Railroad," and extended from
City Point, behind the lines as far to the left as the army reached,
and was used to transport supplies and men back and forth.
The road Avas level and graded but little. At places where the
hostile lines were close to each other, a high bank was raised
along the track on the side towards the enemy for protection.
As we were whisked past these places the engineer pulled the
lever wide open and we went by at a clip that made it very difficult
for us to retain our footing. Each car was loaded to its capacity
with standing men, holding on to each other. The noise of the
rushing train provoked a storm of shot and shell, but all passed
over us or fell behind us. The sharp rattle of musketry and the
heavy roar and smoke and flash of artillery all along our right
as we speeded along the track showed that the fighting was on all
the time. We landed at General Meade's headquarters, some dis-
tance to the left of Petersburg, and moved out to the breastworks
occupied by the Fifth, or Warren's Corps, and relieved it. Our
pickets were detailed and sent out to the front, relieving their
pickets and Warren's Corps fell back to the rear of Meade's head-
quarters and became a part of the reserve. The Second Corps,
that we relieved, had built their winter quarters, which we
occupied.
When we relieved the Fifth Corps in the long line investing
Petersburg, the Union forces were opposed by the line of the
enemy extending as far to the left as ours reached. Each line
was protected by breastworks in which at every commanding or
high point a fort stood, mounting from one to more pieces of
artillery, and the field in front of the breastworks were gen-
erally cleared of timber. The breastworks were protected by
abattis, rows of tree tops stripped of bark and sharpened tops
lying with butts set in ground, tops pointing out. The ditches
in front of the works were deep and at this time of year, early
winter, were mostly filled with yellow, muddy water. The picket
posts were rail barricades, the more exposed with earth thrown
up against them in front. They were about sixteen feet front
158 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
with a wing at each end and from twenty-five to one hundred
yards apart; each post manned with from five to twenty men.
The picket lines were fighting all the time when we relieved War-
ren's Corps. Every man exposed on either side was shot at by
some one or several men on the other side. Casualties were
numerous. When we went in there we followed the old custom
of the Sixth Corps not to try to kill an opponent unless necessary
for the protection of our own lives. We had no personal feeling
to gratify bj' wantonly killing. So after repeatedly firing at our
picket posts, at a cap poked up in sight on a ramrod, a blouse
with a hat above poked into view and getting nothing but chaffing
in return, shooting at each other mostly ceased. Instead some-
thing like this took place: "Hello, Yank." "Hello, Johnnie."
"Got any cofl'ee to spare, Yank?" "Got any tobac, Johnnie?"
"Leave me some coffee at the foot of that tree and I'll leave
some tobac." And so the trading habit was put in force. The
men from each going to the stump or tree sometimes got together
and talked over their lots. Soon deserters began to come, some-
times one and later in squads. After a while they came so thick
that the enemy attacked us several times, drove in our picket
line, and drove us back to the breastworks, where the alarm of
the attack had called up the entire army with reserves. We had
several of these attacks during the winter, but none of them
proved to be very serious. They were made to induce us to shoot
deserters who made a run for our lines. They resulted in our
capture of some of the attacking men, and as we could not shoot
the one or half dozen men running to our lines, the desertions
became more numerous. The practice of shooting at every one in
sight by the troops, both to our left and right, continued as before
we relieved Warren's men. The desertions to our corps were
greater than those to the entire balance of the line. Desertion
by them was a serious matter. Trusted men Avere stationed all
along their line, good shots, with instruction to shoot every man
leaving their line coming toward ours without a flag of truce and
escort. Many tried it and were shot dead and the report of the
effort and death circulated among the men of the rebel army.
During the winter an eseciation for desertion in front of the
enemy while in battle took place in front of our regiment, out-
side the breastworks. Two men had been condemned to be shot.
Their graves were dug in the field in our front. The men were
brought through the lines in ambulance open wagon, sitting on their
coffins; each man's legs were tied together at the ankles and knees
and hands tied together behind their back. Each man's coffin was
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 159
placed aei-oss his grave and he was seated on the foot. His eyes
were bandaged; ten men of the provost guard, with loaded mus-
kets, faced the condemned men. The officer in charge took his
station by one of the men and instructed tlie guard that when
the word fire was given, they must fire at the man aimed at, aiming
at his breast. He gave the command: "Guard ready, aim, one,
two, three, fire." Before he gave the command "fire," he jerked
the man next to him oil" the box and the shots were at the other
fellow. He fell backward oft' his coffin with his bound legs still on
the coffin, lying on his back, face to the sky, dead, his breast
stove in. This was the only execution by court martial in the
Sixth Cori3s while I was a member of it. Major General Humph-
rey, who executed so many men in the Nineteenth Corps, was re-
puted to be" a brave commander, very rigid and austere. I had
a personal taste of his austerity and promptly put his bravery
to test, and it was wanting. I was stationed with a squad of men
at the picket post on our extreme left. The next one to the left
was the Nineteenth Corps post on the extreme right. In the
picket posts along our front we had not been required to turn out
the guard, form in line and present arms to the general officer
of the day of the army, though the rules of war required it, and
it was all a soldier's liberty was worth not to do it.
This major general commanding the Nineteenth Corps Avas
general officer of the day when I was in charge of this post, and
really before I was aware of it (the timber here was rather thick)
he rode up at a sharp gallop from my left, just in the rear of my
post with the big red sash across his breast and over his right
shoulder and a long retinue of aids and orderlies following him,
indicating his rank for the day. My post was not in sight of the
post either to the right or left, nor of any of the posts of the
enemy. Rebel pickets were shooting our way often. This com-
manding officer halted and called to the one in charge of the post.
I stepped out. He told me in no uncertain language in a loud
voice, showing auger, what was coming to me for not showing
due respect for the general officer of the day by not tui-ning out
my guard. I went up close to him and told him that in his big
red sash and bright equipment he was a good mark for a rebel
sharpshooter over in front and that I did not turn out the guard
as it Avould direct attention to him and he might get hurt. Just
then a Johnnie's gun went off and the bullet struck the tree top
overhead. He went to the rear like a rocket, leaving his retinue
far behind, not even stopping to thank me for being so con-
siderate of his safety. Several times during the winter the regi-
160 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
meut was ordered to break camp. "We fell in, usually in the
evening, marched down to the left a few miles, around and back
again, or marched to the right towards Petersburg, and after a
march of an hour or two, came back to our old camping ground
and again pitched our tents in the same places we occupied before.
The colonel told me that the army was full of spies and these
moves were to mislead the enemy. The point we occupied in the
line, with the line genei'ally to the left of Petersburg, had been
advanced and we were over a mile in front of its former location.
A fort, Davidson, just back of Meade's headquarters and ad-
joining Warren's headquarters, occupied a commanding position
and was cared for. A guard and a lieutenant from our regiment,
part of Company K and others, were detailed for this job and
stayed there until about the latter part of ]\Iarch. While we were
doing guard duty at this fort the battle of Hatcher's Run was
fought, Avay down on the left. Company K and the regiment took
part, but only as reserves to the Fifth Corps. Company K lost one
man, who dropped dead from heart failure. Warren's entire
corps passed close by the fort in moving down to the left. We
could plainly hear the guns. General Warren Avas there relieved of
his command by Sheridan, who came back to his quarters looking a
broken man. I was out in front of his quarters when he returned
without his aids and orderlies, with only one orderly. He gave
me the first tidings of the battle. From the accounts the boys
gave me later, it appeared that Company K and the regiment were
under a heavy artillery fire, but the shell and shot, though fall-
ing all about, did not hurt Company K. Shortly after the return
of the regiment from Hatcher's Run, the guard in Fort Davidson
was relieved and we went back to the old camp and took part in
drills, maneuvers and dress parades, battallion, regimental, brig-
ade and division. All winter, ever since we went into the
trenches, the battle had been carried on between the picket lines,
and the lines where they were too close together to put out
pickets. The roar of musketry and artillery day and night was
heard nearly all along the lines. The troops engaged on both
sides were always alert to take advantage of any carelessness or
weakness shown on either side. Assaults on the Sixth Corps were
more frequent than elsewhere, because our troops were not keep-
ing up a constant fusillade. These assaults were by a relatively
small force, usually less than five hundred men. Tliey came with
a rush and noise that would call out the whole corps. After the
shock and shake-up they would retreat with as great a rush as
thev came. The casualties were verv small, two or three wounded
EAU CLATRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 161
and once or twice a man killed. They never got off so cheap.
Several of these assaults were made upon the line in our front.
In one of them we captured a lieutenant and a bunch of enlisted
men. The lieutenant was very despondent at being taken alive.
I think he Avas slightly wounded, and tliat he would rather have
been killed.
A SILENT NIGHT MARCH.
On the night of April 1, 1865, after dark an army silently
marched in and occupied our breastworks and we were ordered to
strike tents and prepare to march. The orders were given in a
whisper or very low. We were told to put our cups in our haver-
sacks, move our bayonet scabbards around toward the back, so
that no metal parts would strike and rattle, to keep perfectly
still, no talking nor noise in marching. After forming in line we
moved out a little way toward the left and rear. Our guns were
loaded and bayonets fixed. We each had sixty rounds of am-
munition. We moved a little way in one direction and halted;
then moved again and halted. The night set in misty and so
dark that we could not see except by the uncertain light of
campfires and that made by burning fuses from shells passing
overhead from both sides. Just before ten o 'clock at night of the
first, I noticed by the fitful glare of the light made by the burning
fuses of the shells, that we were close to the dark walls of a
silent fort. This was Fort Fisher. We passed through a narrow
opening to the left of the fort and against its wall, in the breast-
works, just wide enough for one man, and out to the picket lines.
Moving as still as we possibly could, yet a body of seven or eight
hundred men make some noise in walking, though we moved slow
and picked each step as carefully as we could in the dark and
rain. The mist of the evening had developed into a light, driz-
zling Virginia rain, which kept falling nearly all night long. The
rebel picket line was alert and at every unusual sound fired to-
ward us and cursed and swore and abused the Yanks. We at once
laid down and kept perfectly still. We saw the vicious fiashes
of their guns, heard the bullets cut the air about us, the thud when
they hit, and all but two or three of the officers hugged the
ground. Sharp picket firing had been going on this place for days
and the breastworks on both sides had been held by a strong
force. The two armies were strongly entrenched all along the
lines for miles, but our men, while it was expected they would
attack at some point, were trying to keep the point of attack
secret. So every noise on our side was magnified by the enemy
162 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
into an assault, so when we made any noise their whole force
manned their works and began firing at us savagely as long as
there was any possibility in their minds of there being any force
there other than the picket line. They had the range and if we
were standing their fire would have got a good many of us, and
as it was we lost a number of men during the fusillade. We lay
flat on the ground in the darkness and the rain from about ten
o'clock for an hour and a half. The firing upon us gradually
ceased. Those hit made no outcry. No other noise than the thud
of the bullets when they struck the victims. Two soldiers with
a stretcher would noiselessly lay the man shot upon it and carry
him away. All those hit, whether killed or wounded, were re-
moved at once.
A mistake had been made when we moved out through the
breastworks. We passed our left in front and when we faced the
enemy the rear of the regiment was in front, so about midnight
a whispered order was passed along the line, we got up and fell
in, formed in rank, and changed front or countermarched. Al-
though we were as still as we could be, yet the little noise we
made roused the Johnnies again and they again began to shoot us.
As soon as we were right in front we laid down again. In lying
down we broke ranks and this time I laid down just in front of
Lieutenant Squires of Company G, from Black River Falls. The
rebels shot more accurately this time and we lost more men. I felt
the air cut by a bullet which passed over me and struck the lieu-
tenant; a flesh wound in the lower part of his body. He yelled,
jumped up and ran the whole length of the regiment and fell
and they put him on a stretcher and carried him to the rear.
The noise of tlie lieutenant aroused the whole rebel line opposite
and gave them our location. They fired on us a continuous rat-
tling volley of musketry and yelled and yelled. The anguishing
screams of the wounded lieutenant made them cheer, laugh, damn
us and fire at us with all their might. They hit a number of our
meu, but the otliers did not cry out. We hugged the ground closer
than before if possible. The surface sloped slightly downward
toward the enemy and we moved ahead a little to be on a lower
level and laid perfectly still while the bullets pounded the earth
and cut the air about us. About two o'clock the firing upon us
gradually slackened and finally ceased altogether. About 2:30
a. m., of April 2, we carefully and silently got to our feet and
stood ready, each man a little way from his fellow waiting. The
rain had almost ceased to fall. We were waiting for the order
or signal to charge. Our feeling was intense. Nothing could be
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 163
spcu in front. We knew nothing of the obstacles in our way. We
knew that when the big gun in Fort Fisher behind us spoke that
we must charge the unseen enemy and kill or subdue them or die
in the effort.
Just before three o'clock the Johnnies had quieted down and
ceased yelling and shooting at us. At three o'clock in the morn-
ing of April 2, the big gun in Fort Fisher was fired. We went in
on the jump. Every man yelling, many shooting, all running,
carrying our guns any way, every man paying no attention to
what was being said or done by the rest ; all charging upon the
black darkness ahead. We cleared the space from where we
waited, some hundred yards to the rebel breastworks, tore open-
ings through the abattis and were upon their breastworks as
quick as we could run there, but not quick enough to avoid a
shot from every rebel who could get his gun and get to the works.
A number of our men were killed and wounded, about fifty alto-
gether. We surprised the enemy. After they shot the lieutenant
and his j-elling with pain caused the commotion at near midnight,
we kept so still that they thought they had shot one of our pickets
and so they had all turned in excepting the guard when we made
the rush. Most of those we got when we went over the works
were dressed only in their shirts and drawers. When I went over
the works, a Johnnie laid in his shirt and drawers only. He had
dropped on his knees and fallen over on his back, his head turned
to one side, a good looking, strong, well built man, arms thrown
out, his gun on his right arm, a bloody, ragged hole in his shirt
just over the heart, dead. He was the first dead man I saw that
day. A smouldering camp fire close by may have made the sight
more impressive and the reason why I remember it so well, for I
saw a great many men killed before the day was done, but none
other made such a distinct impression upon me. The point where
our regiment struck and captured the enemy's line of works was
much lower than on both the right and left, the bottom of a small
valley. The land was clear for eighty rods or more from their
works to the timber in the rear. In our line of works both to the
right and left, at the top of this valley and about eighty rods
apart, were two forts. The bottom of the valley where we went
in happened to be the point of least resistance. We made so
much noise and our line was extended so long and we went with
such a rush that though the line swung around and struck theirs
end on, yet they must have thought the entire army was upon
them. After the short resistance we drove them into the timber
and our regiment was right after them. My strength gave out
164 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and after we got inside their lines and most of the boys pursued
the retreating Johnnies, I, with a few others, staid there at the
works. Fires flared up all along the lines and the rain ceased
about us. Most of the light, however, was from the flash of mus-
ketry and artillery. Then it appeared that lines were waiting
ready, back at our picket lines, the outcome of our assault, and
when our regiment went in and drove the rebels at this point
then there was no occasion for concealment and fires burned
everywhere and especially to our right and left. Other members
of the regiment who did not chase tlie enemy gathered about me ;
some of Company K. They came over the breastworks and our
force rapidly increased. There was no commissioned officer with
us at first.
The flames shooting from the muskets and the two cannon
in the fort to our right, and the screams of those shot, the angry
yells of the attacking force and those defending, made the battle
there fierce and hand to hand. Our forces in front of the fort
were wavering; when I called to our men to attack the fort on
the flank and in the rear. "We sent a man over to those in front
and we attacked with a rush and yells, shooting as we charged.
Just before we reached the fort, the Johnnies ran and the force
in front went in the fort with a rush. Just then the attack on
the fort across the valley to the left, about eighty rods, began to
develop. The Johnnies were working their one gun to the limit.
The flash of musketry showed that there was a large force ot
infantry in there and that they were all fighting with frenzy.
Because of the dai'kness, I could not see the line of men attacking
the fort, but the flashes of their gims showed it to be a large body
and that it was attacking and was within gunshot of the fort.
I pointed out to those with me the fight going on at the fort across
the valley and told them that we must go across the valley and
help. We rushed down the slope, more men joining us on the
way, among whom was a captain of one of the companies of our
regiments, with his naked sword in his hand, wild and excited, not
knowing what to do. I told him to put up his sword; that he
could not do anything with that ; to pick up a gun and some car-
tridges and come along, we were going to attack that fort up there
on the left. The ground was strewn with guns and cartridge
boxes, and he at once armed himself and came along. The wall
of the fort on the flank where we attacked was ten to twelve feet
high from the bottom of the ditch to the top, the side steep and
sloping. I told the men that we would run up the wall with our
loaded giuis ready, point the muzzle down inside held at arm's
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 165
length above om- heads and fire and run down in the ditch, load
and run vip and fire again as fast as possible. We attacked in
this Avay and looked sharp for any of them who would dare to
show himself. We made noise enough for a thousand men. By
the erys of pain from inside the fort, I knew that an occasional
shot of ours was hitting. The army attacking iti front was push-
ing its force close to the foi-t, when cry for quarter came from
the fort to us. I told them to tlirow down their arms, put up
their hands and come over and surrender. They ceased firing;
part of them ran away and some of them came out and sur-
rendered to us.
We were in possession of over a mile of the enemy's works,
including two forts and three pieces of artillery and a squad of
prisoners in immediate charge of the men that were with me.
The battle had begun to rage off to our left a half mile away in
which large bodies of men were fighting. It was an attack on the
rebel line. The Fifth Wisconsin had not yet returned from the
timber into wiiich it chased the enemy. I wanted to hold our
prisoners until the regiment returned. Some of the men with me
wanted to shoot them. The prisoners were seared. I would not
stand for shooting them or tying them, but tried to get a guard
of volunteers to take them to the rear and deliver them to the
provost guards. No one would volunteer, so I decided to take
them to the rear myself.
On the afternoon of April 2, 1865, after the enemy had been
driven out of their works to the left, and forced back toward
Petersburg, and after numerous battles Avere fought, in none of
which we were called upon to take part, a rebel battery in a
grove on a high place inside the enemy's lines was shelling the
Union forces. Its fire was disastrous. The gunners were very
active and their fire accurate. The Fifth Wisconsin was ordered
to charge that battery and drive them out or capture them. From
where we were to reach the battery we had to move across an
open field of rolling or undulating surface. The regiment moved
out in columns of fours. My feet had become so lame that I could
not keep up. The regiment followed depression for protection.
Its course was zigzag, ahvays going nearer to the battery. I told
the colonel that my feet were so lame that I could not keep up
and so I would go straight toward the battery, which I did. As
soon as the battery saw that the regiment was bearing down upon
it, it directed its fire against the regiment. I went across higher
ground and nearer the battery than the regiment and clearly saw
them both. The first shell they fired went over the regiment,
366 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
struck the ground beyond and exploded. They depressed the
gun, and the second shell struck the ground near me, bounded
above the regiment also, went in the ground beyond and ex-
ploded. Both shells tore great holes in the earth. The third
shot got the range of the regiment and struck a man in the
shoulder and ranged through the file of four men, literally tearing
them to pieces. The regiment charged the battery at double
quick and it limbered up and went off at a gallop toward Peters-
burg to another high point and opened on us again just as we
reached the ground where they were. A few shells exploded
over us, but we were not touched. About four o'clock the army
was formed in line of battle at right angles to the rebel works
and as soon as formed, the left extending for half a mile inside
those works and the right far beyond them, towards the Union
works, the Fifth Wisconsin near the left, a general advance to-
wards Petersburg was begun. I took my place in the ranks,
though I was suffering excruciating pain in my feet. We moved
slowly forward until about six o'clock, when we halted for the
night, the whole line resting with arms at hand or lying on their
arms all night.
Guards were detailed for camp and picket duty and the men
of the regiment laid down utterly exhausted and slept with guns
loaded and ready by their sides. I could not sleep, so I volun-
teered as guard and was placed in charge of both camp and picket.
Towards night the commander of our brigade was detailed to
serve as a member of a court martial and our colonel being the
next in rank took command of the brigade. At six o'clock that
night he was detailed as general officer of the day for the army
and reported at headquarters, where plans for the night were com-
pleted and he was charged to execute them. By virtue of his
position as general ofScer of the day, he was, while holding that
position, in command of the army. He rode along the entire line,
followed by a long retinue of aides and orderlies, giving instruc-
tions to the several commanders, and back to headquarters. The
camp guards were posted, the pickets were also posted and each
picket post sent out a vidette. While I was trying to rest and
after dark (no lights were permitted along the line) the colonel
came down from headquarters on foot wearing the big red sash
over his right shoulder, across his breast and ends crossing on
his left side, the insignia of his rank as general officer of the day.
He asked me who was in charge of the camp. I told him I was.
He said that he was completely exhausted and could not keep
up any longer; that although it was contrary to the rules for him
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 167
to sleep while on duty, he could not keep awake any longer.
I told him to get a blanket and wrap up so that his sash could not
be seen and cover his head and I Avould call him if there was occa-
sion for it ; that I could not sleep and would watch for him. He
outlined his duties to me, gave me his password for the night,
pulled off his boots and put them under his head, rolled up in
his blanket and covered up so completely that he could not be
distinguished from any one else lying there. I jammed the
bayonet of my gun down in the ground at his head with the butt
of the gun straight up in the air as a guide and he went to sleep
and I became the substitute general officer of the day for the
Army of the Potomac, a position which a man in the ranks never
held before or since. As soon as everything Avas quiet, I went
down to a little stream which ran across our line and pulled off
my shoes and stockings and sat on the bank with my feet in the
creek for nearly two hours. This gave me great relief. I did this
two or three times that night and my feet were much better.
Near midnight a noise as of moving bodies could be heard
away out beyond the picket line. I went out to see about it, out
to the picket posts, out beyond to the videttes and from post to
post. When away out at the front I could hear noises like men
tramping, wheels like those of wagons and artillery moving. I
carefully noted the direction it was taking. I noticed that the
noise was gradually increasing in volume, not from the cause of
the noise coming nearer, but rather from those making the noise
increasing in number. I went back to the regiment, woke up the
general with some difficulty and told him that the rebels were
evacuating Petersburg; that they were running away. He lis-
tened a minute and said, "Let them go," and drew his blanket
about him and went to sleep again. So Lee and his army got
away.
The evacuation of Petersburg by Lee and his army, the Army
of Virginia, was begun at midnight on the second day of April.
He retreated up the Appomattox river. We learned soon after-
wards that Richmond was also evacuated and the whole rebel
government in full retreat. From the beginning of hostilities
the effort of the Army of the Potomac had been to captixre Kich-
mond and drive the rebel government out. Every battle in the
East fought by it had that purpose for its ultimate object. The
army under McClellan got almost there. Then Burnside got as
far as Fredericksburg. Then Hooker was stopped and forced
back at Chancellorsville. Then Grant was stopped at the Wilder-
ness. "Baldy" Smith and Butler were turned back at Peters-
168 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
burg and on the James river. In none of the many bloody bat-
tles theretofore fought, had the way been clear to Richmond,
although many of them were among the most bloody in history.
Bull Run, Antietara, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg,
the battles in the Wilderness, all failed to bring about the fall of
Richmond. They were each and all more bloody than the second
battle of Petersburg, but by none of them was the enemy forced
into a hasty retreat and the victorious army able to make a
prompt and vigorous pursuit. In no other battle in Virginia had
the defeat of the enemy been so crushing or disastrous to it that
it could not control its plan of retreat and take the necessary
steps to recover from or repair the disaster. While the enemy
became less and less powerful at each successive battle, whether
won or lost by it, yet if any one battle was the decisive battle of
the war, that battle was the second battle of Petersburg, for it
produced results that no other battle accomplished, the fall of
Richmond.
Early in the morning of April 3, the army started in pursuit
of Lee. The Fifth Wisconsin, having been in front or first regi-
ment to move the day before in the attack on Petersburg, was the
last to move today. Rations were issued to us, including about
a gill of whiskey to each man. I held my tin cup Avith the rest
for my share and all the boys knew I did not drink, some thought
that I would divide it up among them and so I got rather a larger
ration. My cup was nearly full, but instead of passing it around,
I turned it down my heels in each shoe and thereby incurred the
bitter condemnation of some of the members of the company, who
had a great liking for it. I think this was the only ration of
whiskey issued to us while we were in the service. It was well
toward noon when we began the march, in the rear. About the
middle of the afternoon we halted at a small creek to fill our
canteens and rest. While we were scattered along the creek rest-
ing and lying stretched out on the ground along side the road we
were traveling, Generals Grant and Meade suddenly rode out of
the brush along the road back of us and halted at the creek close
by me in the road for a few minutes and talked with our colonel.
Grant looked happy. The colonel congratulated him for the great
victory won yesterday. The general replied, waving his hand
along the regiment : "To you and those men belongs the credit."
In the morning of April 5 we were ordered to report to Sheri-
dan at the front at once and half rations were issued to us, that
is, half the usual amount for five days, and about eight o'clock
we were on our way. We stopped to rest five minutes every hour,
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 169
half an hour at noon, halt' an hour at midnight, half an hour at
six o'clock in the morning of the sixth of April, half an hour at
noon of that day, and about four o'clock in the afternoon we were
at the front. Company K was on the extreme right of the regi-
ment and I Avas on the extreme right of the company and the
regiment' was on the extreme right of the line. Many of the men
had fallen out. They could not stand the forced march. The
whole number in Company K then in line was twenty-six men
and it mustered more men than any other of the companies in the
line of the regiment. Some of the companies had no more than
half our number in line.
Sheridan, with his cavalry, had brought General Ewell's coi-ps
too, and it had been handling him pretty rough, and he asked
General Grant to send him the Sixth Corps in a hurry. He was
being whipped. It was the Sixth Corps that whipped the Johnnies
at Cedar Creek, in the Shenandoah Valley. It M-as the Sixth
Corps that Sheridan called for repeatedly to aid him in his fights
down on the left of Petersburg, but Grant would not let him have
it then. It was the Sixth Corps that assaulted this same Ewell's
corps at Mary's Heights at Fredericksbiirg, and the Fifth Wis-
consin led in that memorable assault and captured the heights
and drove this same army that we now faced. From the time
Sheridan with his troops, marched around the right of Lee's army
and joined Grant's, or the Ai-my of the Potomac, on the extreme
left, he kept calling for the Sixth Corps. He called for it before
the battle of Duuwiddie Court House, fought March 31, was
offered the Fifth, Warren's, but refused it. He again called for
the Sixth Corps before the aiTairs at Five Forks and Bradley
Run. He told Grant that he could break in the enemy's right if
he had the Sixth Corps. General Grant told him that the Sixth
Corps could not be taken from its position in the line, and of-
fered him the Second. Sheridan's campaign with liis cavalry and
the Sixth Corps in the Shenandoah Valley had been very success-
ful, so when his cavalry was put back near Sailor's creek, he had
again asked for the Sixth Corps, and by Grant's direction, it was
sent him. In the note Grant wrote to Sheridan, he said, "The
Sixth Corps will go in with a vim any place you may dictate."
So Sheridan sent word to Wright, commanding the corps, to
hurry, and he says that "The gallant corps came up as fast as legs
could carry them." Wheaton's men (the Fifth Wisconsin was
one of Wheaton's regiments) came up all hot and out of breath
and promptly formed for the attack, and while the whole line
promptly attacked the enemy and fought the battle of Sailor's
170 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Creek, which Sheridan called one of the severest conflicts of the
war. He said that it has never been accorded the prominence it is
entitled to, because it was overshadowed by the stirring events
of the surrender of Lee three days later. It resulted in the cap-
ture of six generals and from nine to ten thousand prisoners.
To our left, rapidly forming into line, was the first division
of the Sixth Corps. Before us was the valley of Sailor's Creek;
the creek was at the bottom of the valley, about 80 rods from us;
we were formed on the edge of the hill, which dropped down to
a freshly plowed field, which extended to the creek. On the other
side of the creek, the land was more broken and rough with
scattering timber to a Virginia rail fence, about 40 rods from the
creek in the edge of the timber. Behind the rail fence, with guns
pointing our way, was Ewell's coi"ps, extending in a long line,
both to right and left out of sight. It was 4 o'clock in the after-
noon when Company K took its place on the right of the line, the
oificers all being present. Captain Hall, Lieutenant Colonel Bull,
who commanded the regiment, were in a group at my right ; Gen-
eral Wheaton, our division commander, was in the group at my
right, discussing the plan of battle. General Wheaton stated that
the plan was, as soon as a line of battle was finally formed and
the men had got their breaths, to advance the whole line and at-
tack the enemy where it lay. After General "Wheaton outlined
his plan of attack, our colonel urged him to send in tlie Fifth
Wisconsin against that line of rebels alone. Wheaton refused,
then with tears running down his face, the colonel urged the
officers to let us go ; he said we could whip them alone. The
colonel was so earnest and begged so hard, that General Wheaton
finally, with reluctance, consented, saying to one of his aides that
they would send troops in to support them. We were required to
charge a line of neai'ly 20,000 desperate men, armed to kill, across
on open plain with no kind of a shelter and no protection. We
loaded our guns and fixed bayonets and all the commissioned
officers and surgeons took their regular places in a charge in the
rear and we moved forward in double line. We were ordered to
cross the creek, deploy in a single line, each man about two feet
from his fellow, and to lie down until the order was given to
charge and then to jump to our feet and rush the enemy's line
with all our might. The band played and filled the valley with its
music ; there was no levity among us. We marched with our gun.'-
on our shoulders toward the creek and the enemy beyond, down
across the plowed field until we were near the creek, when a few
of the enemy began to slioot at us and wounded two or three men.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 171
The line wavered and became crooked and some of the men lagged.
Lieutenant Colonel Bull, in command, halted the regiment, came
forward to the head of the line where I stood and right dressed
the line. As the men formed in line again in the face of a fusil-
lade from the enemy, and a great cheer from the Union line, we
again moved forward and plunged into the yellow, rapidly flowing
water of Sailor's creek, which was about hip deep and a rod wide,
and hurried across. Volleys from the whole rebel line were fired
into us while we were in the creek. It got several men. "We
dropped down and hugged the earth as close as we could while
they fired into us and kept up all the time the terrible "rebel
yell." We laid just long enough to get our breath when Colonel
Bull passed the word along the line that when the order was
giveu to charge, not to try to keep in line, but every man rush to
the top of his speed and fight for his life and yell. At the com-
mand, we jumped up and rushed for the enemy, yelling and firing,
every man frenziedly fighting for his life. We ran against a ter-
rific storm of bullets, men dropping as they ran. Those of us not
hit rushed on over the crest of the slope and down at the rebels.
There could be but one of two results from our charge ; we must
drive them or they must destroy us. As we charged down that
slope at them, mad and firing and yelling, the whole rebel line in
our front and near flanks gave way and started to retreat ; they
got but a rod or two from the barricade when some of them, their
officers and men, yelled at each other: "What are you scared at,
there is only a few of them," and they jumped back to the fence
and began again to shoot at us more desperately than ever. In
our charge. Company K had swerved ofi* to the right ; the general
movement of the regiment was in that direction; the exposure
was not quite so bad, but absolutely deadly everywhere, and just
at this time I found myself among the men of Company B. Every
man about me was down and I got down. Up to this time I had
not fired a shot. I tried to shoot, snapped my guu several times,
but it hung fire. There were none left for the Johnnies to shoot
at, for most of those down were shot down, and those of us lying
down for safety, took care to keep very still. The ground all
around me was littered with guns, and as I could not fire my own
gun, I dropped it and selected a good looking one from those on
the ground, and loaded it. Firing upon us by the enemy slack-
ened. The Second Rhode Island were sent in by General Wheaton
on the double ciuick to our relief, and that diverted attention
from us. A group of Johnny officers were talking ofl: to the left
behind their line, and I tried my new found gun on them. I aimed
172 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
at a man in the group and fired ; there was a scream of pain, con-
soling words by others in the group not to mind, the shot was
not serious. A yell from the line, an angry order from an officer,
"Shoot the d n Yankee ," and a fire in my direction,
it seemed to me, of a hundred guns. I have never been able to
understand why I was not hit by that fire. I felt the bullets cut
the air about me ; I got back a piece behind a tree, for I realized
the danger I was in. In looking about me, I saw Captain Hall,
the only officer there on the field. Our colonel came up, his feel-
ings all cut up over the drubbing we got and crying like a child.
The entire regiment with their colors was captured by the John-
nies and recaptured later by the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts.
Over 80 per cent of the rank and file of the Fifth "Wisconsin that
moved down across the plowed field and attacked the enemy were
killed or wounded. The charge from the creek until we were —
done up — lasted about five minutes. Nineteen of the twenty-six in
line in Company K were hit, and it suffered less than any other
company in the regiment. Every man in Company B, among whom
I found myself, was shot. I alone escaped. Our colors were saved,
but every man in the color guard was hit. The artillery had shelled
the enemy when they repulsed us and captured the Second Rhode
Island and then the whole line charged the Johnnies and drove
them. Stragglers from the regiment kept coming in after the
battle. Some of us remained and gathered up our dead and buried
them and helped pick up the wounded. The company moved off
witli the balance of the regiment after the retreating enemy and
I stayed working with those left behind until after midnight, when
we laid down and slept till morning. This battle was not ended
and the enemy in full retreat until night set in. Sheridan, in
reference to the defense put up by the enemy to our attack, says
that they fought like tigers. The result of the battle of Sailor's
Creek was the capture of Rebel Generals Ewell, Kershaw, Barton,
Corse, Dubose and Curtis Lee, and about 9,000 to 10,000 prisoners.
Another result quite as important was cutting off Lee's retreat
south to join Johnston, and driving his army across the Appomat-
tox river toward Appomattox Court House.
The Sixth Corps had proved to the enemy by the bloody bat-
tle of Sailor's Creek that it was able and in position to prevent
the rebel army from retreating south without exhausting its entire
strength to defeat us. The victory and the capture of most of
Ewell 's corps by us had released the cavalry from its embar-
rassed position, and Sheridan again at once placed it across the
enemy's line of retreat. The cavalry moved out in the right
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 173
after the battle was over and part of the Sixth Corps was sent
out also to support it. This force was fairly across the enemy's
line of retreat and it had either to turn north, cross the Appomat-
tox river and get that stream between its army and us or fight
another pitched battle at once. Fighting was on all the time, day
and night, but the opposing forces were moving on both sides, the
enemy in retreat and our troops pursuing. The sound of the
rattling fire of musketry kept up during the night after the bat-
tle and kept moving away toward the west. The Fifth Wisconsin
moved out in the rear of the Sixth Corps very early in the morn-
ing. Stragglers, members of the regiment, both officers and men,
who were unable to keep pace with its two days' and nights' con-
tinuous forced march to take part in the battle, kept coming up
until, when the pursuit of the enemy began after the battle was
over, most of them Avere with the regiment. In helping to bury
the dead and care for the wounded I became separated from the
company and was not with it when it marched with the regiment,
and about a dozen of us started out to join the army next morn-
ing, without rations. The sound of musketry had turned from
west to north and was moving in a northerly direction, miles
away from us. We started toward the sound of firing, across the
country the shortest way, not following the line of march of the
army, keeping together as pi'otection against guerillas and bush-
Avhackers and looking for something to eat. We sighted a man-
sion surrounded by great fields and negro quarters and other
buildings. We cautiously reeounoitered and found that the place
was not guarded. We went there and asked for enough food to
last us until we overtook the ai'my, which we offered to pay for.
They told us there was not a mouthful of food on the place. The
proprietor, an old man, with his wife, a daughter and a young
woman and two or three younger children, were sitting together
on the porch and lying on the floor of the porch in their midst
was a young man, the son, bleeding from several wounds he re-
ceived the night or day before, suffering. His father and mother
shoAved the anguish they felt and the children sat quietly, tears
running down their faces. They expected if they did not pro-
vide us with food that we would burn their buildings. We put
out pickets to guard against surprise and began a search. In a
store-room filled, as they said, with empty barrels, we found a
barrel of flour at the bottom of the pile. One man found a pail
of lard in the basement. Two or three chased down a few chickens
that had been overlooked by former raiders and we had the old
negro mammy cook some frying flapjacks and chicken. Ai'til-
174 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
lery and musketry sound off to the northwest was very heavy.
We each took a portion of flour and piece of friend chicken and
moved fast toward the sound of the guns and overtook the regi-
ment at Farmville, on the Appomattox.
Tlie Johnnies had crossed the river at Farmville and fired the
bridge and made a stand there, but our men had charged and
drove them out aiid put out the fii-e. The Fifth Wisconsin took
no part in that skirmish. Up to the beginning of the war, Farm-
ville was said to be the largest primary tobacco market in the
world. There were huge warehouses there filled with all kinds
of manufactured tobacco when the troops hit the town. The
troops halted there for a while and when we struck the town,
just after our regiment had come up, the streets were literally
carpeted with pig tails, twist, plug and other styles of tobacco.
The lovers of the weed were in the seventh heaven. Davis, of
Company K, emptied all his clothes from his knapsack and filled
every inch of it with tobacco, making a load that staggered him,
but he was one of the happiest men in the army for a while.
Some of the buildings were set on fire and destroyed. The con-
tinued pounding by the cavalry of the outskirts of Lee's army
Avas crowding it en masse, and we were put in motion again. By
rapid marches were pushed across his front, or on the south side,
of his troops, in line of battle on April 9, 1865, in the edge of
timber with a wide open field between us and his army. We
stacked arms and with broken ranks were right by our guns, ready
in an instant for any movement of the enemy, which we knew
was just beyond the timber across the field in front. We all
realized that the critical time was at hand ; that the only chance
for the enemy to escape was to break our line ; that his escape
meant aid for Johnston and the defeat of Sherman. Cheers came
ringing down the line and with them word that Lee had surren-
dered. This report was premature, but for the time it set the array
wild. The report was soon contradicted, but later in the day
another report came that he had surrendered, and this proved to
be true.
After the surrender of General Lee we marched back to Burks-
ville Junction and went into camp, from whence we expected to
be transferred to Washington to take part in the grand review,
plans for which were begun. We had hardly gone into camp
when the report came that President Lincoln, his cabinet and
General Grant had been assassinated. The report had a peculiar
effect on the troops. The Sixth Corps continued under the sepa-
rate comm.and of General Sheridan from the time it was sent to
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 175
him by Grant to help him out of the hole that Ewell had him in
at Sailor's Creek, and he was now doing his best to be allowed
to go to Washington so that he could ride at the head of his
army in tlie grand review, but General Grant ordered otherwise.
The terms that Johnston had gotten from Sherman for the sur-
render of his army was not satisfactory, and Sheridan, with the
Sixth Corps and his cavalry, was ordered south. The march to
Danville was a forced march, the only incident of special note
on the march were the extraordinary beauty of Southern Virginia,
across which we passed. We had scarcely reached Danville when
Johnston surrendered on the same terms given Lee, and the effect
of our march was completed. After Johnston's surrender, the
Fifth Wisconsin did guard duty on the Southern railroad, guard-
ing Confederate government property, which was being gathered
up and shipped, generally to Washington. After the property had
been shipped we were marched to Washington by the way of
Richmond and Fredericksburg. We marched to Arlington Heights
and camped there. We were impatient to be mustered out and
go home, but we had to remain there until the accounts of the
officers and men with the government were squared. Finally an
officer came over from Washington and condemned our tents,
guns and accoutrements. After remaining in camp at Arlington
for some time, we were finally ordered home.
J. F. ELLIS.
The last company that went out from Eau Claire county
for the Civil War was recruited in February, 1865, with
Hobart M. Stocking as captain and Mark Sherman as first
lieutenant, and was mustered into service as Company G,
of the Forty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry. I give below the
names of those in this company who enlisted from Eau
Claire county or vicinity. I also furnish you a letter re-
ceived several years ago from Captain Stocking, in response
to a request from me that he tell the story of his company.
It is a very interesting and valuable addition to the Civil
War history of Eau Claire county. Although Captain
Stocking was unable to furnish a war-time picture of him-
self, I was fortunate enough to find a small picture of him
in uniform, which I am furnishing you with this article.
Following are the names of those in the company who
enlisted from Eau Claire county or vicinity.
Captain Hobart M. Stocking. First Lieutenant H. Sherman.
176 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ENLISTED MEN.
Hans Amimdson, Warwick Ayres, Francis C. Baggs,
Lewis Bartz, August Bartz, Joseph Beau, George Betz,
Ford Britton, August Brummund, Henry S. BuUis, Charles
J. Bussey, John G. Claire, Horace F. Clark, William Clark,
Henry E. Cole, Howard W. Craft, Stewart A. Davis, Joseph
Denny, John Denny, Sylvannixs Edson, Samuel Ellison,
John G. Emerson, Nathaniel Flagg, Jr., Orange S. Frizzell,
Roland Fuller, Benjamin F. Haines, William J. Hall, Samuel
J. Hamilton, Phillip Hammer, Amasa Hathaway, Thomas C.
Higgins, Alonzo E. Ilolden, Horace Hotchkiss, Actor Hun-
ter, August B. Kaatz, Thomas F. Kenyon, Levi S. Ketchum,
Squire B. Kidder, Andrew Kopp, George Kopple, Peter
Launderville, Erick Leidiger, Sylvester M. Macomber, Fred-
erick Martin, La F'ayette Mattison, George W. Mattox,
Nicholas Mergeuer, Julius Moldenhause, Curtis Z. Nicholas,
Ever Oleson, Manum C. Olin, Asabel-Putney, Royal Russell,
Elias Salverson, James 0. Sanborn, Christian Sehwankce,
John M. Shong, James Sloat, Horace H. Smith, James J.
Simth, Marshus L. Snow, Joseph Spelile, Louis Spehle,
Hortentio E. Stone, Sylvester P. Swan, Henry Tallmudge,
John Teske, Charles Thayer, Charles F. Warren, Samuel
Wilke, John Wilkinson, Freeman Williams, Henry L. Will-
iams, Frederick Wittee, Obadiah Works, George B. Wright.
Although this company went out near the close of the
war, they suffered severe hardships and in common with the
recruits who Avent earlier, they made good and M'ere a
credit to the county.
In the preface to his letter, Captain Stocking states that
he was unable to find a picture of himself in uniform, but
an Eau Claire friend of the captain has unearthed a small
picture and I am sending it to you, also a picture of Lieu-
tenant Mark Sherman. I am sorry that I have mislaid the
later picture of Captain Stocking, which is mentioned in
his letter.
BY CAPT. H. M. STOCKING.
St. Paul, Minn., August .5. 1907.
Mr. W. W. Bartlett, Eau Claire, Wis.
Dear Sir: I neglected answering yours of the seventh ult.,
thinking I might be able to find some record which would refresh
my memory and enable me to answer your inquiry in detail, but
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 177
I have looked from "cellar to garret" and not a vestige of record
can I find, nor can I find a photograph in uniform, so I send you
today, under separate cover, a photograph taken a few months
ago. Portj^-one years is a long time to remember, especially when
one has been busy with other pursuits and interests, but I shall do
the best I can.
The regiment to which I belonged did not put down the Re-
bellion nor force the surrender of Lee and Johnston. We were
late in the field and had barely left the state when Lee sur-
rendered. I presume he got news of our muster and was afraid
we might be marching his way. It was my privilege to command
Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which
I recruited at Eau Claire. We were mustered in early in the year
of 1865, either in February or March. The company was the
heaviest in weight of any which ever left the state ; rank and file,
the average weight was 153 pounds. This included my drummer
boy, who weighed 90 pounds, and myself, who weighed 93 pounds.
This distinction caused us extra labor during our first march
through Missouri in April, where we literally carried the wagon
train across the western part of the state. My company being
the largest and coming from the pineries, the colonel got the im-
pression that we could endure, and whenever the wagon-train got
stuck, which was often, he would ask me if I could take it out,
and I think it is no exaggeration to say that I wheeled my com-
pany out of line each day a half dozen times or more and literally
carried the heavy wagons and contents to good footing. There
was never a swollen stream to ford, and they were many, for it
was a wet spring, that Company G did not take the advance and
"set the example." The colonel would say, "Captain, if yovi can
take your men across there, half the regiment will follow the
example ; the water is deep and so cold that I dislike to order
men to ford, but as your men are from the pinery and can stand
hardship, if you will just take the lead you will oblige, etc."
We always took the lead. So much for the reputation of being
big and strong. In this case it was a handicap.
I think I was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, officer
who ever left the state. I was mustered as captain two months
before I was eighteen years of age. I forced my age a year in
order to muster. The regiment was organized in Milwaukee at
Camp Washburn, and early in March we were sent to Benton
Barracks, Mo., to drill. We only remained there one week and
were then ordered west to garrison posts along the Missouri and
Kansas border, where the bushwhackers were still troublesome.
178 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Our march through Missouri was uneventful, save for the mud
and water and the trifling annoyances of bushwhackers, who
were hovering about our flanks day and night. Being infantry,
we could hardly go after the mounted bushwhackers, and they
were very bold at times, burning houses and pillaging and mur-
dering frequently within sight of the command. Before we could
reach the spot to oft'er assistance they were mounted and off.
Our first stop was at Paola, Kan., where Companies G and F
were detached. Our stay was limited, however, as the night of
the second day after being detached I received orders to proceed
to Mound City, thirty-five miles south, with all possible dispatch
and take command of the post there. We made this march in
thirteen hours. At one point, "Big Sugar Bottoms," for seven con-
tinuous miles the water was from waist to shoulder deep. It was
a hard march and when I got there and reported to General Blunt
by wire, I received in reply a complimentary dispatch, in which
the general expressed surprise at the fact of our reaching our
destination so soon, saying he expected it would take two days.
I was young and inexperienced and supposed the order which
read "all possible dispatch" meant all it said, and I fulfilled the
order to the letter. We marched the distance in thirteen hours.
I don't believe we could have cut off two minutes from the time,
as it was heavy footing, and while in many places the water was
too deep to wade with ease, it was hardly deep enough to swim
with knapsack weighing from sixty to eighty pounds on one's
back. We were ordered to Mound City to relieve a company of
Kansas Jayhawkers, as the reckless Fifteen Kansas was called.
Captain Swain, a former captain of this company, who had a
few weeks before been sentenced by court martial to a term in
military prison at Jeffersonville, Mo., had made his escape and
was in hiding. A troop of regular army cavalry was scouring the
country trying to find him. The captain in command of this troop
suspected he was in hiding in the vicinity of Mound City and that
this company was shielding him, hence we were ordered there to
relieve the command.
I arrived at Mound City and went at once to headquarters and
found there in command a much bewhiskered officer, faultlessly
attired in regulation viniform, who received me with much for-
mality and addressed me as "orderly." On reading the order he
did not seem well pleased, and asked, "Where is this Captain
Stocking?" I replied, "Here." With surprise and a slight sneer
he looked me over and said, "You Captain Stocking?" I replied
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 179
in the affirmative and forgave him the sneer, as I certainly was
a rough looking kid, a beardless boy in fatigue uniform, without
a strap or bar to indicate my rank, and my clothes literally bespat-
tered with Missouri clay. One could hardly blame the man for
not wishing to turn over the command to such a youthful-looking
tramp. On recovering from his surprise he asked, "When do you
wish to take command?" I replied, "Immediately." He said,
"Surely not tonight." I said, "You have read my orders, which
say 'immediately.' You can consider yourself relieved now."
He did not take this kindly. I had a man shot on picket duty
that night, and when we were rolled out at midnight the situa-
tion had me guessing for a time. The night was dark as a pocket,
with a strong wind and heavy rain, and the location entirely new,
as I was too tired to reconnoiter much before retiring that even-
ing. I really was at a loss to know whether it was an attack from
Taylor's band of bushwhackers, which were operating in that
vicinity, or a shot from some straggling horse thief who was
trying to open the corral where the post was located. I had the
satisfaction of ordering a detachment of twenty-five men from
the Jayhawkers to roll out and scout in the dark and rain until
daylight. I also reinforced the picket with mounted men fron^
tliat command, which took the last man from their quarters and
there was some swearing done on their part. After the fullest
investigation I came to the conclusion that my man was shot
by one of these self-same Jayhawkers in a spirit of revenge or an
effort to stampede the "Doughboys." A stampede did not occur
and I never was able to fasten the crime on them. The one satis-
faction I had was in keeping their company out all night in the
storm. They were a lawless bunch, and if I could ever have
fastened this attempted murder on them they would have cer-
tainly received a sample of discipline of which they were in sore
need, and with which they were not entirely acquainted.
We garrisoned this post about four months. Our duty here
was light and rather uninteresting. Bushwhacker scares among
the natives were frequent, as they were very nervous, having been
frequently raided. We gave them the fullest protection, however,
and in return we were treated better by the citizens than we
would have probably been treated in our own state.
In August, General Taylor, seeing the "jig was up," and that
they could not divide the spoils with the troops then garrisoning
the border, capitulated to our colonel, who was in command at
Fort Scott, twenty-two miles distant. He surrendered a band of
180 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
153 mounted guerrilas, who were taken to prison at Fort Leaven-
worth. This wound up the guerrilla warfare, and there was no
further need of our services there.
We were ordered to Lawrence, Kan., to rendezvous as a regi-
ment. We expected to be mustered out, but instead were sent
west to relieve the Eighth United States "Galvanized" Rebels,
who were garrisoning posts on the western frontier. This service
was scattered from Forst Ellsworth on the east to Fort Union
on the southwest. Fort Ellsworth was on the Smoky Hill Fork,
and Fort Union was at a point about 100 miles southwest of
Pike's Peak.
Companies E and G were stationed at Fort Zarah. Our colonel
with four companies was at Fort Larned, twenty-four miles west.
The remaining four companies in command of Major Butt were,
I think, stationed at Fort Union. A little excitement was threat-
ened shortly after Captain Hutchinson of Company E took com-
mand at Fort Zarah. The troops, who were rebels taken from
Rock Island and other prisoners, officered by Union officers, and
placed in the Indian service on the frontier, were really as bitter
rebels as ever. We had 800 of them assembled at Fort Zarah
awaiting marching orders to Fort Leavenworth, where they
expected to be discharged. The order was slow in coming and
the command miitinied and refused to do duty. Captain Hutchin-
son ordered that the arms be taken from the men and they con-
fined to quarters on prisoners' rations. The men refused to give
up their arms. The situation was threatening and it required
courage to meet it, as they were 800 to our 135 ; they occupied
quarters and we occupied tents, but Captain Hiitchinson had the
nerve requisite, and he made good, quelled the mutiny and the
troops did duty until their orders came. Our service at Fort
Zarah was strenuous if not exciting. It consisted of the ordinary
garrison duty and escort duty, which in some eases was very dis-
tasteful. Colonel Dent was at the Big Bend of the Arkansas a
few miles south, with a supply camp, issuing annuities to the
Indians. Bodies of chiefs and head men of the tribes would come
to the fort, and the commander would give them a liberal body-
guard in command of a trusty officer to protect them from the
desire of revenge on the part of the soldiers, on their way to
receive the presents of the government at the hands of Colonel
Dent. The situation was further aggravated by the knowledge
that a half-breed son of this same Colonel Dent was in command
of a body of Sioux warriors, murdering and pillaging on the
Platte route, only thirty-five miles north. Stage coaches were
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IX THE CIVIL WAR 181
held up, passengers murdered, the stock stolen and coaches burned
by this blood-thirsty band. Woe be to the straggling soldier who
fell into their hands. Some of the most fiendish tortures imagin-
able were meted out to these self-same soldiers. We were lucky
in escaping them, but they got some of the Seventeenth Illinois
Cavalry and tortured them to death, sometimes in sight of Fort
Fletcher, where a detachment of this regiment was stationed.
Being mounted, the tendency of the men was to straggle and
hunt buffalo. I had a party of twenty men, who had been kept
liusy getting wood for winter for several weeks, and who were
enjoying the hunt which had been promised them, when we came
nearly running into the jaws of this blood-thirsty band. Some
hunters discovered our camp fire and warned us of the close
proximity of the ludians, and we stood not on the order of going,
but "got" for the fort as soou as we could get our stock, which
had stampeded, and run to the fort that evening. It seems an
interposition of Providence that saved us, for that very day the
men had been hunting in parties of ten within a few miles of Fort
Fletcher, and that same day the Indians captured two stage
coaches, shot the passengers one by one as they were trying to
escape, burning the coaches and running off with the stock. They
caught two soldiers of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry within
sight of the fort and tortured them to death in a manner too
revolting to put on paper. Little wonder the soldiers were ready
to retaliate on sight and that it was necessary to strongly guard
the parties who came for annuities. The father issuing annuities
and the son murdering and torturing in the same vicinity was an
aggravating situation.
Kit Carson, the famous scout and delightful man, later went
into camp five miles north of us on the Walnut. As guests he had
for a time the secretary of the legation of Belgium and the
assistant secretary of the legation of Prussia, whom we often
entertained at mess. Both were trying to enjoy tlie hunting of
buffaloes, but they had some sad experiences, the Belgian shoot-
ing his horse through the neck by accident and getting a bruising
fall when the horse went dowu. They soon got tired of the sport
and returned to civilization at the first opportunity. We enjoyed
their visits very much, and when they left us they gave each
officer an urgent invitation to call on them should we ever visit
their country. It was my privilege to command an escort for Kit
Carson on his final and successful effort to complete a treaty with
the five war tribes, which was accomplished after days of, to me,
aggravating parleying at a point called Plum Buttes. Each day's
182 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
council would be broken up by the defiant chief of the Arapahoes,
who had a white woman prisoner for his squaw and he refused to
give her up, which was one of the conditions of completing the
treaty. About 4 p. m. each day he would mount his horse and
ride off, and all the chiefs would follow him, breaking up the
council. The soldiers were very impatient, and the last day I
suggested to Carson that we murder the whole baud. He replied,
"No, no, for God's sake put that out of your head. They will
come to time in the end," and they did. Of this patient, per-
sistent, quiet man I can only say he was one of the most delight-
ful companions and straightforward, determined men I ever met.
He believed in the Indians, or pretended to, and they swore by
him. He deserved their confidence. This treaty was signed and
peace reigned for a time. How long I do not remember, but for
the few days we remained on the frontier it was safe to travel
without fear of losing one's scalp.
Early in December we were relieved by regular troops and
started on our homeward march. Here let me say, that I believe
that for exposure and fatigue, no troops ever made such a march
in America. The night before we left Fort Zarah a foot of snow
fell. Our first two days' march was uneventful, the weather,
although cold, was not severe. The morning of the third day a
blizzard struck us, which continued almost uninterruptedly for
four days. The first day the mules would not face it and we had
to go in camp at the end of a five-mile march. Having only drawn
enough rations to make the march, which, if my memory serves
me right, was twenty-four days, we could not tarry or we would
be out of supplies in that vast wilderness of snow and upon a
bleak plain. The second day we started with a shovel corps of
fiftj' men, who were relieved by a fresh detail of men each hour,
and we literally shoveled our roads for eighty miles. The wagon-
master would take his riding mule by the tail and start him out
to find the trail. When he floiindered the men would shovel him
out, and they were shoveling him out most of the time. The snow
was from three to thirty feet deep. Every ravine or depression
in the plains was filled. Some of these ravines were twenty to
thirty feet and often of greater depth. At night we would cut
out a hole in the snow for our tents and pitch them. Companies
E and G had only dog tents, properly called shelter tents, and
these would often be covered up in the morning if the wind v/as
high, making it snug and comfortable during the night, but "Oh,
what a difference in the morning," when the cook's detail would
roll out and make a fire of wet elm, over which the cook would
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 183
brew hot coffee. The men would take a cup of coffee in one hand
and hardtack in the other and make a large ring about the fire
and take a dog trot and keep it up until coffee and hardtack were
consumed, then off for the day's tramp. Only one day did we
lose the trail entirely. That night we camped about three miles
south of a rocky prominence on a high sugar-loaf hill, which, if
I remember right, was called Chimney Rock. When I went to the
wagon train to get a shovel to sliovel the snow away so I could
pitch my tent I met the wagonmaster and said to him: "I
thought we passed north of that rock when we marched out." He
replied: "You did, the road is at the north, but I tell you, cap-
tain, no landmark ever looked so good to me as that very rock
when I sighted it this p. m. I was lost all day." I replied that I
did not know it. lie said, "Of course you didn't know it. It was
all I could do to fight the panic within me. Should I have let the
situation be known there woidd have been 500 men in the
damndest panic you ever heard of, and hell would have been pop-
ping. I am just truly thankful to be here tonight."
Strange as it appears to me up to this day we lost no man on
this march. Our drum-major, a man well along in years, and
John Wilkinson, a very large man, standing 6 feet 3 inches high
and weighing 325 pounds, both gave out, and we put them in the
wagon and covered them with blankets and left them at Fort
Riley when we reached that point. I supposed that both lost their
feet, but I met Wilkinson in West Superior twenty years later
with both feet attached. He said the drum-major lost his feet,
but he saved his, although they were not so good as he would wish.
Our colonel froze his face so badly that both eyes were tempor-
arily blind and we left him at Junction City, the border town.
He arrived in time to join the regiment before we left Fort
Leavenworth and came back home with us. He was a young,
sturdy man, who was duck-legged and could not wade through
the snow, so he stuck to the saddle, and this came near costing
him his life. It is said that a man can stand more than a mule.
This march proved this assertion to be true. When we left Fort
Zarah we had thirty-six six-mule teams, as fine animals as I ever
saw and in prime condition. When we reached Fort Leavenworth
all but four teams were condemned as no longer fit for service
and sold under the hammer at auction. The only thing that saved
our command was the fact that we had so much transportation.
This wagon train was returning empty from a trip to the West
and was assigned to our men. We had been on the plains for
months and nearly every man had one or more buffalo skins and
184 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
wolf pelts, and here were transportation facilities enough so he
could bring them home, as %vell as all his clothing and heavy
blankets. Under ordinary conditions a man would not have been
allowed transportation for half the luggage each soldier had, and
these same skins saved the lives of the men. Halters and ropes
were stretched along the Avagons attached to the box, top bows,
or any place where a hitch could be secured. A guard was sta-
tioned at each wagon to keep men from riding, as they would
have frozen to death if they had ridden, but the halters and rope
made a hold for the men and they could catch on and drag them-
selves through the snow, which was from knee to crotch deep,
thus making the march and keeping warm at the same time, other-
wise not half the command would have survived the first eighty
miles of blizzard and deep snow.
When we arrived at Fort Leavenworth after twenty-four days.'
march we were a little battered, but still in the ring. We were
mustered out as soon as we could get our muster-out rolls made
and turned over our camp and garrison equippings. We were dis-
charged at Madison, where we received a grand reception on our
arrival on the ninth day of January, 1866, if my memory serves
me right.
We did not put down the rebellion. We were never in a
pitched battle. If we had been I would tell you of it, even if we
ran, for " 'tis better to have fought and ran, than never to have
fought at all." Lee may have surrendered sooner having known
that the doughty Forty-eighth Wisconsin was under arms. I am
not informed as to that. We did not smell much powder, except
as we shot down the unsuspecting buffalo and wolves, but we had
a lot of hard marching and we were "Johnny on the spot" when
orders came for any kind of service. Of course there is no doubt
but that General Taylor hustled to make the best terms he could
when the Forty-eighth Wisconsin relieved the Kansas Jayhawkers.
This may seem a joke, but there is room for truth. The Jay-
hawkers Avere sometimes accused of whacking up with Taylor
and his men in the divvy of stolen hoi'ses and other plunder. The
Forty-eighth was there to protect lives and property, and I have
never heard them accused of appropriating either people's stock
or conniving at the acts of the guerrillas, or sharing the spoils
with them. So General Taylor may have thought his occupation
gone once we entered his domains.
As soon as the Indians found that this ' ' unwhipped ' ' regiment
was assigned to gari-ison duty on the frontier there was "noth-
ing to it. ' ' The five war tribes simply capitulated as soon as they
EAU CLAIKE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 185
could be induced to give up their white women prisoners and he
sure they would be well fed and cared for during that cold winter.
Colonel Dent was liberal with the annuities. Both of these con-
ditions may have had something to do with it, but I think that
the fact that "that "Wisconsin regiment" was out there praying
for a chance to shoot something put the final touch to the con-
ditions and induced them to lay down their arms and take no
chances until the grass was high enough for feed, and the roving
deer and antelope returned to their usual haunts.
What I have given you is history as I recall it, but not much
of it is war history, and I doubt if any of it will be of service
to you. To be honest, the nearest we ever came to a fight was to
bury the dead at the Battle of Mine Creek. Our service with
bushwhackers and Indians was inglorious and unsatisfactory.
We, however, endured hardships and experienced enough fatigue
to make us rejoice at the opportunity of returning to — if not more
peaceful haunts — at least more congenial.
Respectfully yours,
H. M. STOCKING.
EXPERIENCE OF JAMES F. ALLEN. Cc-../5>..^--^'i-^ (Ifu^^
Narrative of the Prison Experience of James Fred Allen, G^>^j
of Eau Claire, Wis., Private in Company K. 16th Regiment
of Wisconsin Volunteers, Who Enlisted When Only Seven-
teen Years Old and Whose War Experience Was Prac-
tically All in Rebel Prisons.
After the battle of Cold Harbor, June :J, 18(i4, we remained in-
active until the 12th. That night after we had turaed in, we
received orders to pack up, fall in and move out quietly and with
as little noise as possible. We of the rank and file didn't under-
stand the meaning of this, to us, unnecessary caution, but learned
later that Wade Hampton's Legion (cavalry) was suspected of
being in our vicinity and would hang on our flanks ready to at-
tack any of our troops they felt able to get away with, hence the
caution which some of us later found to our sorrow was well
timed. We moved out, as I remember, about 9 P. M. and after
marching about two hours, the night being very dark, we were
overtaken by a courier with the information that we, with a
portion of the command had somewhere after starting taken the
wrong road in the dark and must about face and get back in
quick time, but with the main command now far in the front.
We made a supreme effort to catch the command, but .just before
186 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
reaching it we got whispered orders to stop for a breathing spell
and a few minutes rest. This was our undoing, for in a moment
we were stretched along the side of the road in the woods out
of the mud and were sound asleep, as indeed, many had been
for some time while marching in the ranks, and when a little later
the order to fall in again was passed, still in whispers, some of us
for obvious reasons, failed to respond, and it being still very dark
were not missed by oiir comrades or by the orderly whose busi-
ness it was to get us into line, until too late. It was broad day
light when we awoke, and when we realized the situation our
feelings can better be imagined than described.
But we pulled ourselves together and made another effort to
catch the command ; this however, soon proved futile for we
hadn't gone a mile when we were halted by a command to sur-
render by a squad of cavalry who stepped into the road ahead
of us, and as they outnumbered us we at once saw the point of
their argument and like good soldiers, obeyed orders, but before
they could get to and disarm us we had the satisfaction of spoil-
ing the efficiency as Avell as the beauty of our new Springfield
rifles by bringing their stocks suddenly in contact with near-by
trees. This precaution in the interest of our cause, was however,
strongly resented by our captors and had it not been for some
of the older and cooler heads among them it would certainly have
gone hard with us, for at that period of the war the most impor-
tant capture a reb could make next to a live Yankee, was a new
Spi-ingfield musket.
"We were, as near as I can remember, about seven miles from
Richmond to which city we started as soon as they stripped us of
everything of value to them and arriving there were immediately
put in Libby prison on the third floor, a hungry and tired lot
of boys. "We remained here about two weeks, being treated fairly
well and little dreaming of the horrors in store for us when the
gates of Andersonville closed behind us later.
About the first of July we were loaded in cattle ears recently
used for transportation of cattle, and after a trip of four days'
jolting and bumping over the worst roads imaginable, and filled
with hardships and suft'ering, Ave reached Andersonville Prison,
that horrible hell-hole of the Confederacy in the interior of
Georgia, where in a stockade of thirty acres were confined as
many as 33,000 Union prisoners at one time, packed in so closely
that the space equally divided would allow only four square feet
to a man. Here during the last year of the war were confined
about 50,000 of whom over 13,000 died from starvation, exposure,
J^A^A ^ yw^Avv \/^^^. (aJ-Uva. !L,,^^Jj^- <P^^^
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 187
scurvy and loathsome diseases. No pen can tell what we suffered
in the months we were held there till the close of the war.
Around the inside of the stockade, twenty feet from its base,
ran the dead line and should a person step over the line acci-
dentally or purposely he was shot by the sentinels on the stock-
ade. Many driven half insane by the horrors of their daily exist-
ence deliberately walked to death by crossing this dead line.
A swamp was the center of the prison and through it flowed
a small creek, which furnished all the water that was to be had
for the daily use of the prisoners and in addition it was the sewer
for thousands of men crowded together, who had to drink of its
pestilential waters.
Most of us were without shelter from the winter storms or
summer heat and the rags which we wore did not cover our
nakedness. We yearned for the refuse food in the swill pails of
our northern homes.
No attempt was made by Wirz, the inhuman rebel monster in
charge of the prison, to lighten our sufferings and make us com-
fortable, but his every eft'ort was to prolong and intensify our
sufferings. Refuse bacon unfit for any human being, and un-
bolted eornmeal was our diet. It could not and was not meant to
support life. Men were dying like flies each day, feet and ankles
rotting off, limbs swollen to thrice their normal size. Unable to
protect themselves, their food was stolen from them by their
crazed comrades in their desperate fight for life. Although green
corn and vegetables could easily have been furuislied them, they
were withheld so that scurvy could do its work.
No clothing was given to us to wear or soap for washing, nor
medical assistance in sickness. Chills and fever were rife and
diarrhoea ever prevalent, while the stench was unspeakable and
always with us.
In October, just before Sherman started on his march to the
sea, and doubtless in anticipation of his attempt to liberate us,
we were hurriedly put in cattle cars and run to Savannah, Ga.,
and put into a temporary stockade, pending the completion of
the stockade at Millen, Ga., and after a short stay in Savannah
were taken to the new one at Millen. This was a vast improve-
ment over Andersonville in many ways, not the least of which
was our escape from the monster Wirz, which, however, was only
temporary, for those of us who survived until fall were destined
to have more experience with that fiend in human shape. Our
stay in Millen prison was about two months, and in November,
on the day of the general elections in the north, and at the insti-
3,88 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
gation of the rebel authorities themselves, we held a mock elec-
tion, the result of which was very disappointing to the rebels as
we elected Lincoln over McClellan two to one, which showed
them„ plainly the war would be prosecuted to the end without
compromise and that the loyal people of the country were in the
majority. Some time in the first part of December M'hen Sherman
was nearing Millen, we were again loaded on box cars and sent
back to Savannah and from there without changing cars on to
Blackshear, a station on the coast railroad near Thomasville. We
were placed in the woods with a heavy guard around us and kept
here a few days and then on to Thomasville, Ga., where we stayed
two weeks when, Sherman liaving gone to Savannah, we started
on a four days' march across the country to Albany, Ga., sixty
miles, taking the cars again at this point and on Christmas Day
1864, were back in Andersonville again. At this time our num-
bers had been greatly reduced by death, exchange, and transfer
to other prisons, so we did not number more than three or four
hundred. We suffered greatly from, the cold and many died from
cold and exposure who otherwise might have pulled through. But
all things have an end and so were our days in this hell on earth.
And when on the 28th of April, 1865, we were ordered to the depot
to take cars for our line's at Jacksonville, Fla., our joy knew no
bounds. It came so sudden and was such a shock, that to say,
some of us acted like lunatics in our great joy over the prospects
of deliverance, would be putting it very mildly. But we got off
finally and after a ride of two or three days in our old friends —
the cattle cars, without much to vary the monotony we reached
Baldwin, Fla., twenty miles from Jacksonville ; the track being
torn up between two places, we were escorted for a short distance
by a rebel guard and then withoiit further ceremony were turned
loose and it was then every man for himself and a great strife to
be the first to reach God's country, our friends, and the Stars and
Stripes, which I had not seen for about eleven months.
We stayed in Jacksonville long enough to gain sti-ength to
stand the trip north, which was about two weeks, for we were
taken in hand at once by the doctors, who put us on a strict diet
to keep us from killing ourselves by overeating. First of all we
were led to the St. John's river, and after casting our rags in a
common pile and being furnished with soap and towels, were
ordered into the water for a general cleaning after which each
was given a new uniform, a welcome exchange for the rags we
had been wearing so long, and which we proudly donned.
We boarded a river steamer about the first of May for Fernan-
^^
I'Al'T. A. M. SIIEKMAN
o
HENRY W. BUTLER
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 189
dina, where we transferred to an ocean transport for parole camp
at Annapolis, Md. I will not attempt to describe our passage
north, further than to say that of the six hundred on board
probably seventy-five per cent were very seasick, which in many
cases lasted during the trip, and Avhen it is considered that we
were all confined below decks, it will not require a very vivid
imagination to realize the condition we were in when reaching
our destination, and that our joy on reaching port was only second
to that when being released from rebeldom.
We stayed a few days in Annapolis, received our commuta-
tion of ration money, which in my case amounted to $72.00 at
twenty-five cents per day, and were forwarded to the distribution
camp for western men at St. Louis and a few days later we Wis-
consin men were sent to Madison and home.
Edward Nolan and John Cunningham from my company were
captured at the same time. Of the others taken at the same time
from the regiment were two from Company I, Bogley and Par-
sons. They both died in Audersonville. I found Parsons dead
at my side one morning.
I did not attempt to escape by tunnelling under the stockade,
as many did, for none of the three locations I had was near
enough the dead line to warrant it. Many got out, but few suc-
ceeded in getting away and when caught were subjected to hor-
rible and inhuman torture by buck and gagging, being strung
up by their thumbs and starving. I did escape for a time how-
ever, with two others, when lying in the woods at Albany, Ga.,
waiting for a train to take us back to Audersonville. Although
a line of guards was around us we succeeded in eluding them one
dark night and slipped through. We made a clean getaway
for the time being, but when it became light enough to see we
found we had traveled in a circle and were back to the point of
starting. We started again and reached the home of a planter.
We were nearly famished and decided to attempt to get food
from the planter's negro slaves, who as a rule were friendly to
the Yankees and would do all they could to help escaping prison-
ers. We cautiously approached the cabin furthest from the plan-
tation house, but unfortunately someone saw us and reported to
the planter who, with revolvers in his belt and a pack of vicious
dogs at his heels, came down to interview us. Under ordinary
cireiimstances we would have thrown up our hands and given up
in despair after taking in the situation, but we had been up
against similar situations many times and were by this time sea-
soned veterans and decided to make the best of it, and to this
190 HISTORY OF EAU OLAIRE COUNTY
end our spokesman, a comrade by the name of McKinley from a
Pennsylvania regiment who was one of us, in a few well chosen
words (he was good at that) told him that we were escaped
prisoners, were nearly famished and that we had come out for
something to eat. Mr. Mercer, for that was his name, looked us
over and, probably under the influence of Mack's eloquence
changed his aggressive look, dropped his hand from his revolver
and in a friendly voice told us to come up to his house. Arriving
there he ordered his cook to get us something to eat, others to
make a big fire in the yard and still others to bring out chairs
for us to sit on, and then he himself brought a large black bottle
with glasses, and, being his guests and knowing the custom of
the country and the sensitiveness of the people in such matters,
we laid aside for the moment any conscientious scruples we might
have had and helped ourselves. This put is in fine condition to
do justice to the breakfast which soon followed, and which we
ate still in the yard. To say that we enjoyed it but feebly ex-
presses the intense satisfaction of being filled up again after our
long fast on half rations. After finishing breakfast Mr. Mercer
again sent his servants for meal, sweet potatoes, etc., for us to
take with us. Then he made us a little speech in which he said
he was not a soldier, being exempt on account of having a certain
number of slaves, but it was his duty to take us back to camp ;
that lie deplored the war and wushed it was over; that he sym-
pathized with us in our troubles and hoped we would finally reach
home safely, etc., and now if we were ready he would take us to
the provost marshal in Albany, which he did, and that night we
Avere placed in the guard house and next morning turned in with
the rest of the prisoners. This happened many years ago, but it
seems but yesterday, so vividly was it impressed on my mind.
It was the only bright spot in my prison experience and I shall
never forget it.
I have always thought Mr. Mercer was a union man at heart
and whether or not, he certainly was a man in the truest sense
and stands out in violent contrast to all others with whom we
came in contact while in the confederacy. I heard of him after
we moved to Florida through a widow who came here from
Albany. She always spoke very highly of him and that he was
one of the solid men of that section.
On our way home from Andersonville the Government gave
us stationery for writing home and instructed us to write on the
envelope "Paroled Prisoner's Letter." This would allow the let-
ter to go through the mails without postage being paid in ad-
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 191
vance, but it would be collected at its destination. "When my
letter written from St. Louis reached home the postmaster J. W.
Farwell, called Myron Briggs' attejition to it and said that it must
be from me. Mr. Briggs promptly paid the postage and took the
letter to mother.
Previous to this an exchanged prisoner had reported that he
knew me in Andersonville, had divided his last morsel with me
and saw me die. A funeral sermon was preached in Eau Claire
by reason of that report to which all gave credence.
I reached home a few days after the Free Press announced
(May 25, 1865) that I was still alive.
SOME NEWSPAPER NOTES DURING THE CLOSING
MONTHS OF THE WAR.
The Free Press of June 30, 1864, records the return of
Compauj' C, Capt. Victor "Wolf, and the survivors of the
Eagle company. There were but fifty-six left, and of this
number thirty re-enlisted for the remainder of the war.
Nearly every issue records the death of one or more sol-
diers who went out from this county.
In the summer of 1864 an attempt was made to recruit
Chippewa Indians for service in the war, but the plan
proved a failure.
In the Free Press of September 8, 1864, is found a very
complimentary mention of Lieut.-Col. Charles "Whipple.
This Charles "Whipple was a brother of Capt. D. C. "Whipple
and was an early Chippewa river steamboat man. He
received a commission as lieutenant-colonel and served for
a time in the navy, later being transferred to the Nine-
teenth "Wisconsin Infantry.
In the Free Press of September 22, 1864, is recorded the
return of Capt. (later Major) John R. "Wheeler, of the
Sixteenth Wisconsin, severely wounded in both legs.
In the Free Press of November 10, 1864, complimentary
mention is made of Capt. A. M. Sherman, of the Second
Cavalry, who had just resigned his commission and
returned to Eau Claire.
In the Free Press of February 16 is recorded the promo-
tion of Capt. John R. Wheeler of the Sixteenth Wisconsin
to major of the regiment, and a very complimentary men-
tion of the man.
The Free Press of March 9, 1865, records the departure
I
192 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY '
of Lieut, (later Captain) H. M. Stocking with his company
for Milwaukee to join the Forty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry.
The Free Press of April 20, 1865, appears with heavy
black lines, and the announcement of the assassination of
President Lincoln.
A CLOSING WORD.
In the preparation of this Civil War chapter my only
aim has been to give a true and unbiased presentation of
the part taken by Eau Claire county in the Civil War. The
extracts from Civil War letters, newspapers and records
have been given as found, and these records and the pic-
tures furnished will be allowed to speak for themselves. It
is for the reader to judge whether or not our county meas-
ured up to its full duty during those trying years from-
sixty-one to sixty-five.
WILLIAM W. BARTLETT.
CHAPTER XII.
EAGLE POST, G. A. R.
By
L. A. BRACE.
The Grand Army of the Republic was organized at Decatur,
Illinois, April 6, 1866, by Dr. B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield,
Illinois, who had served as surgeon of the Fourteenth Illinois
Infantry. At the close of the war he resumed his practice in
Springfield, where, in February, 1866, he first suggested the
organization of the G. A. R., and made a draft of a ritual.
Through his efforts, assisted by comrades, the first post, known
as No. 1, was organized at Decatur, Illinois, April 6, 1866, Dr.
Stephenson being in general charge of the organization of posts
in other states. On October 31, 1866, he issued a call for a
national convention of the G. A. R., which was held in Indian-
apolis, November 20, 1866. Gen. John M. Palmer, the first depart-
ment commander, presided.
An appropriate monument has been erected iu the city of
Washington, District of Columbia, in honor of and love for the
comrade who so faithfully labored for the success of the G. A. R.
and through the efforts of the comrades of the G. A. R. Dr. Steph-
enson will long be remembered, not only by members of the
organization, but by an appreciative people who may chance
to see it.
On December 31, 1913, the members of the G. A. R. numbered
180,203, of which Wisconsin furnished 5,703. The losses by death
for the year 11,338, of which Eagle Post lost eight. The whole
number of posts in the states and territories, 5,663.
Eagle Post, No. 52, Department of Wisconsin, G. A. R.
Eagle Post takes its name from "Old Abe," the war
eagle, which was carried through the war by Company C of the
Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, Victor Wolf, captain, after the death
of Capt. J. E. Perkins, its first commander. Eagle Post was organ-
ized on the eighth day of November, A. D. 1882, with thirteen
charter members. E. jM. Bartlett, who served as lieutenant
colonel of the Thirteenth Wisconsin, was elected its first eom-
193
194 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
mander, with Bentley S. Phillips its first adjutant. Since organi-
zation there has been added to the post by muster and transfer
427 members. Lost by death, transfer and other causes, 337, still
leaving a membership of 104.
Eagle Post has always held a position in the front rank of
the state department, has had the honor of giving two depart-
ment commanders, Michael GrifSn and Charles H. Henry, two
adjutant generals in the persons of George A. Barry and R. B.
Rathbun, and senior and junior vice commander in the person
of L. A. Brace. Eagle Post has been highly favored and owes
much to the Women's Relief Corps, No. 20, for its successful
growth and present prosperous condition, which is evidenced by
the regular attendance of so many comrades, several of whom are
past the eightieth milestone.
The following named comrades served as commanders for the
years indicated in the roster:
1882-1883, E. M. Bartlett ; 1884, M. Griffin ; 1885, L. A. Brace ;
1886, M. Griffin; 1887, B. J. Farr; 1888, L. P. Hotehkiss; 1889,
George A. Bari-y; 1890, R. H. Chute; 1891, M. Griffin; 1892,
George M. Withers; 1893, A. W. Hunger; 1894, William Palmer;
1895, W. H. Nichols; 1896, S. G. Church; 1897, E. M. Bartlett;
1898, J. F. McGrath; 1899, Henry Spauldiug; 1900, C. N. Bost-
wick; 1901, Austin Chrisler; 1902, C. H. Buffington; 1903, C. H.
Henry; 1904, E. W. Allen; 1906, Jerre Murphy; 1906, J. M.
Jewett ; 1907, A.' J. Cheesbro ; 1908, J. M. Botsf ord ; 1909, L. A.
Brace; 1910, J^^Eljis; 1911, R. B. Rathbun; 1912, E. G. Jordon.
The following members were enrolled for the year 1912, with
their company and regiment : William Allen, Company A, Seven-
teenth Wisconsin Infantry; Benjamin W. Brown, Company H,
Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry; G. L. Beardsley, Company F,
Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry; John C. Barland, Company H,
Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry; George W. Britton, Company G,
Seventh Wisconsin Infantry; Robert K. Boyd, Company H,
Eleventh Minnesota Infantry ; L. A. Brace, Company K, Twenty-
eighth New York Infantry ; W. II. Biesecker, Company A, Twen-
tieth Wisconsin Infantry ; J. M. Botsford, Company E, Thirteenth
Wisconsin Infantry ; Charles E. Bruce, Company A, Fourteenth
Maine Infantry ; G. N. Bostwick, Company H, Sixtieth New York
Infantry; Thomas 0. Bowman, Company E, Eighteenth Illinois
Infantry; R. N. Brewer, Company B, One Hundred and Forty-
seventh Illinois Infantry ; George Bagley, Company B, Sixteenth
Maine Infantry; Willis Britton, Company I, Fiftieth Wisconsin
Infantry; Frederick Batzold, Company G, Twenty-seventh Wis-
EAGLE POST, G. A. R. 195
eonsin Infantry ; Henry "W. Butler, Company K, Thirty-sixth "Wis-
consin Infantry ; C. H. Buffington, Company — , One Hundred and
Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry ; William F. Bailey, Company K,
Ninety-fifth New York Infantry; Charles E. Brown, Company I,
Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantrj^; George F. Banister, Company L,
Second Wisconsin Cavalry; George W. Churchill, Company A,
Ninety-second Illinois Infantry; Jerome A. Cheesbro, Company
I, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth New York Infantry; John
Craig, Tenth Wisconsin Light Artillery ; Euos S. Culver, Jr., Com-
pany G, Thirty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry; R. H. Chute, Com-
pany F, Fifty-ninth Massachusetts Infantry; Benjamin N. Castle,
Company G, First Wisconsin Cavalry; J. G. Cleghorn, Company
H, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry; L. P. Crandall, Company — ,
First New York Dragons; Austin Crisler, Company G, Forty-
second Wisconsin Infantry ; J. F. Cranston, Twelfth Illinois Infan-
try ; John Cranie, Company K, Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry ; J. B.
Demarest, Company C, Eiglith Wisconsin Infantry ; A. N. Dickey,
Company K, Third Iowa, and Company B, Forty-fourth Wiscon-
sin Infantry; J. F. Ellis, Company K, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry;
Edwin J. FariV~Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry; David H. Fort,
Company G, Fifth' New York Artillery ; Frank Ferris, Company
I, Thirty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry; Ira Flagler, Company G,
Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry ; J. H. Goodwin, Company K, Second
Iowa Cavalry ; A. S. Garnet, Company D, Eighty-fifth New York
Infantry; John S. Green, Company E, Ninety-third New York
Infantry; Peter Gebhard, Company L, Fourth Wisconsin Cav-
alry: James D. Grant, Company D. Sixth New York Heavy
Artillery; Thomas J. Hill, Company C, Eighth Wisconsin Infan-
try; Charles H. Henry, Company K, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin
Infantry ; Dwight L. Hazen, Company K, Fifth Wisconsin Infan-
try ; Patrick A. Hackett, Company K, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry ;
William Hall, Company C, Twentieth Indiana Infantry; Peter
Haas. Company A, Third Wisconsin Infantry; Edward H. Ilussey,
Company D, Second Ohio Infantry; Edward H. Hussey, Com-
pany C, One Hundred and Eighth Ohio Infantry; A. C. Hath-
away, Company F, Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry; James II. Hazen,
Company G, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry; George F. Hallas,
Company B. Forty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry; Melvin Hubbell,
Company H, Seventh Iowa Cavalry; G. K. Ives, Company H,
Ninth Maine Infantry ; Lafayette Johnson, Company A, Twenty-
first Pennsylvania Cavalry; Lafayette Johnson, Company G,
Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry; J. M. Jewett, Twelfth Wis-
consin Battery ; E. G. Jordan, Company B, First Maine Heavy
196 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Artillery; E. G. Jordan, seaman gunboat "Pontiac"; John A.
Jones, Company I, Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry; John A. Jones,
Company C, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry; Lorenzo Johnson, Com-
pany F, Thirty-first United States C. T. ; L. L. Lancaster, Com-
pany L, Second Wisconsin Cavalry; George Linton, Company D,
Fifteenth New York Cavalry; Henry Laycock, Company C,
Eighth Illinois Cavalry; William Lord, Company I, Sixth Maine
Infantry; L. W. Little, Company E, Fourth Iowa Cavalry; John
Lorenz, Company B, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry ; A. W. Mun-
ger, Company B, One Himdred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania
Infantry; Jerre Murphy, Company B, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry;
Henry Mitchell, Company B, First Iowa Cavalry; Abram Man-
chester, Company K, Ninth Maine Cavalry; John Mahoney, Com-
pany E, Forty-seventh Wisconsin Cavalry; James H. Niblett,
Company A, Twelfth Michigan Infantry; Charles E. Newman,
Eighth Wisconsin Battery; Mannum Olin, Company G, Forty-
eighth, Wisconsin Infantry; Martin Page, Company A, Thirty-
seventh Wisconsin Infantry ; Thomas Powell, Company L, Second
Wisconsin Cavalry; John Pepper, Company I, One Hundred and
Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry; Martin Pickett, Company II,
Eleventh United States Infantry ; James Pope, Company F, Forty-
eighth Wisconsin Infantry; E. A. Prink, Company E, First Wis-
consin Cavalry; James M. Pixley, Second Vermont Battery;
Edward P. Palmer, Company H, Two Hundred and Sixth Penn-
sylvania Infantry; Jerry Plemon, Company B, First Wisconsin
Cavalry; Joseph Quinlan, Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-
second Pennsylvania Infantry; John C. Rorig, Company K, Sixth
United States Infantry; Ranous, John G., Company G, Sixteenth
Wisconsin Infantry; R. B. Rathbun, Company I, Fortieth New
York Infantry; Theo. H. Rockwood, Company I, Fourth Wis-
consin Cavalry ; Sidney A. Russell, Company H, Fiftieth Wiscon-
sin Infantry; George H. Swartz, Company G, One Hundred and
Fourth Pennsylvania Infantry; W. E. Stevens, Company K,
Twelfth Michigan Infantry; A. M. Sherman, Company L, Second
Wisconsin Cavalrj'; Charles A. Seaman, Company G, One Hun-
dred and Thirty-seventh New York Infantry; Julius Semich,
Company A, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry ; II. M. Stocking,
Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry; Joseph Schimean,
Company I, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry ; Z. B. Stilwell, Company I,
Forty-second Wisconsin Infantry; AVilliam Small, Company K,
Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry; Herbert Skeels, Company G,
Thirteenth New York Infantry; Martin L. Smith, Company B,
Third Minnesota Infantry; Charles Steinfort, Compay G, Thirty-
EAGLE POST, G. A. R. 197
eighth Wisconsin Infantry ; H. J. Steady, Company K, First Wis-
consin Infantry ; H. J. Steady, Company B, Thirty-fifth Wisconsin
Infantry; Thomas C. Sullivan, Company H, Sixth New Hamp-
shire Infantry ; Charles Strasburg, Company C, Eighth Wisconsin
Infantry; Henry P. Tanner, Company A, Sixtieth New York
Infantry ; George Turner, Company A, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry ;
Joseph Vermilyea, Company H, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infan-
try; Charles Vermilyea, Company II, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin
Infantry; Charles Veitsch, Company A, Fifty-first Wisconsin
Infantry; W. F. Vinton, Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-
fourth New York Infantry ; George M. Withers, Company D, One
Hundred and Fourth Ohio Infantry ; R. H. Wyman, Company G,
One Hundred and Second New York Infantry; J. H. Waggoner,
Company E, Second Wisconsin Cavalry; S. U. Washburn, Com-
pany H, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Infantry ; A. H. Wilson,
Company F, First Pennsylvania Cavah'y; Wales II. Willard,
Company B, Sixty-eighth New York N. G. ; Ephram Wilcox, Com-
pany C, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry; Samuel Williamson, seaman
United States steamship "Wabash"; G. H. Wooley, Company D,
Ninth New York Cavalry.
John E. Perkins Post, No. 98, was organized in Augusta on
August 3, 1883, ill what Avas called Beebe's Hall. Two years
later the hall was burned, including books of record and entire
working paraphernalia. It was not long, however, before that
indomitable pluck so characteristic of our Wisconsin boys was
again brought into action, and things began to come our way,
and, Phoenix like, out of the old came the new, being now located
in William's Hall, where we remained until forced to vacate on
account of remodeling and enlarging of the building. It was
some time before we were again located in our present cjuarters
in Teare's Hall, where we continued along the same old line of
teaching patriotism and love for "Old Glory," as well as seeking
out and caring for and administering to our needy eo-ijartners of
the great conflict of long ago.
Our post at this date (1914) has only twenty members in
good standing, some of which are getting old and feeble and soon
will have finished here and pass on to fairer climes to join the
great majority. We continue to pay our annual tribute to the
dead by strewing flowers over the graves of the Blue and the
Grey. Why not? One country and one flag is our slogan.
The time and place of meeting is Teare's Hall every second
and fourth Friday evenings. The following are the commanders
of John E. Perkins Post since its inception to the present time:
198 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Capt. R. D. Campbell, C. W. Culbertson, C. A. Kirkham, F. N.
Thomas, H. H. Kyle, W. H. H. Coolidge, G. F. Caldwell. We have
a large and flourishing Women's Relief Corps, alert and watchful
contributors to the old boys' best interests. "God bless the
Women's Relief Corps of the old Badger state."
G. F. Caldwell, Senior Vice Commander.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE ORGANIZED MILITIA.
By
MARSHALL COUSINS. |^v^^^rv^
In the days previous to the War of the Rebellion no military
organizations are known to have existed in this part of Wisconsin.
The militia was organized on paper, however, into eleven divisions
of two brigades each with two regiments to each brigade. The
organization was complete throughout the entire state in that all
officers from Colonel to Major were commissioned and assigned.
It is hard to understand in this day why such an organization
should have been planned as the population of the state was far
from sufficient to fill the ranks to the maximum.
Eau Claire County, together with Pierce, Dunn and Pepin
counties Avas in the territory assigned to the Second Brigade,
Eleventh Division, Wisconsin Militia, and William P. Bartlett,
still living, was commissioned a Major in the 43rd regiment. He
has been a resident of Eau Claire for nearly sixty years.
This organization fell to pieces when troops were actually
needed in 1861.
Under another chapter the military history of Eau Claire
County in the War of the Rebellion is taken up. This paper re-
lates only to militia or National Guard organizations.
From the files of old newspapers it appears an armed and
uniformed military organization known as the "Sharpshooters"
was organized in April 1875. Prom the Free Press the following
items have been taken:
Free Press, April 26, 1875.
The Sharpshooters, a new organization deriving their being
from the Norden Society, w^ent through the first drill above Uni-
versity Square yesterday afternoon.
Only about fifteen had received their arms and the rest were
not present, though quite a large crowd of spectators were. They
made a handsome appearance marching and will no doubt make
a fine volunteer company. They were armed with military rifles.
G. L. Johnson acted as drill master.
199
200
HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Free Press, June 6, 187J
Sharpshooters mentioned as in parade.
Marshall of the day.
Captain Sherman,
Free Press, December 23, 1876.
Colonel Kelley, of the Governor's staff, received an order a
short time since to inspect the company of State Militia in this
city, also the Clark County Zouaves.
The company at this place was inspected on Tuesday. Forty-
six men appeared with accoutrements.
In the absence of a Muster Roll of the "Sharpshooters" the
Avriter has been unable to locate any one who could give further
information concerning this organization.
February 11, 1878, the City Guards were organized and it is
understood several members of the Sharpshooters, which company
had disbanded, joined the new organization. The following is a
muster roll of the City Guards :
MUSTER ROLL OF THE CITY GUARDS W. S. M., EAU
CLAIRE, EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
Dorwin C. Whipple, Captain. B. Frank Teal, 5th Sgt.
Michael E. 0 'Connell, 1st Lt.
Edward "W. Allen, 2nd Lt.
Robert K. Boyd, 1st Sgt.
John S. Owen, 2nd Sgt.
George W. Churchill, 3rd Sgt.
E. S. Radcliffe, 4th Sgt.
Chas. Jefferson, Corporal.
Geo. W. Smith, Corporal.
J. M. Smith, Corporal.
J. C. Bartlett, Corporal.
"W. S. Winters, Corporal.
George Burt, Corporal.
J. E. McGrath, Corporal.
PRIVATES.
^^harles L. AllenT]
Sever E. Brimi,
D. C. Baker,
S. A. Cuddy,
A. B. Converse,
J. C. Churchill,
B. J. Demorest,
W. W. Downs,
Chas. H. Dunn,
Godfrey Dawe,
Hugh Fitzpatriek,
E. B. Bartlett,
M. W. Burns,
J. H. Brooks,
B. S. Phillips,
Chas. H. Graham,
Wm. H. Huyssen,
D. J. Harrington,
John L. Joyce,
John E. Joyce,
THE ORGANIZED MILITIA 201
Thos. E. Kemp, M. C. Whipple,
Edward Kemp. Charles H. Daub,
Lloyd Morrison, Chris. Hogan,
Wm. C. Merrill, William Bonell,
S. R. Mann, J. H. Thomas,
N. A. Norluig, Thomas L. Gadsby,
E. B. Putnam, A. Garden,
C. W. Rickard, A. Furgerson,
C. A. Stouch, Zach Severtson,
Chauncey Smith, Geo. W. Pond,
Wm. W. Searles, Frank R. Sebeuthall,
Frank Hunter, S. W. Hutchinson,
R. B. Wall, Emanuel B. Flescher.
William Wall,
The arms and accoutrements were furnished by the State to
the Company but they had to furnish their own uniforms. Shortly
after organization a committee consisting of E. W. Allen, B. J.
Demorest and Geo. W. Churchill was appointed on ways and
means. They arranged for a play to be put on under the aus-
pices of the Company. The title of the piece was the "Color
Guard'' and March 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1878, it drew fine houses
at the Music Hall. Among many others whose names appear on
the program as taking parts we find those of C. W. Loekwood,
Wesley Butterfield, Frank R. Sebeuthall, Judge M. D. Bartlett
and Miss Russie Tinker.
The City Guard at one period during their activity went into
camp on the Fair Grounds.
In 1880 the City Guard appear to have disbanded, for in the
"Eau Claire Leader" of April 10, 1880, we find the following
item :
"Eau Claire Light Guards will meet Monday night at the
Armory at seven o'clock, to perfect the enlistment under the new
law, and receive recruits to increase the numerical strength of
the Company. By N. B. Rundle, Capt."
Military matters seemed to have lain dormant for many
months but again on September 20, 1881, the "Leader" says:
"The Militia last night met only to disperse. The Chairman of
the Committee on uniforms, Captain Wolf, has placed in the
hands of Mr. Rust the subscription list, which will be referred to
the principal business men of the city at his convenience."
Owing to the loss of the records the story of the struggle to
re-organize and perfect the company cannot be told. Efforts
202 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
however, were finally successful and the company was mustered
into the State Service as C Company.
C COMPANY, 1885.
C Company was mustered-iu June 29, 1885, by Captain John
W. Curran, A. D. C, by order of Governor Jerry Rusk. Fifty-
nine names were on the roll. The company took the place in the
Third Regiment made vacant by the mustering-out of the La
Crosse Light Guard. The officers were :
Victor Wolf, Captain,
Louis Babb, First Lieutenant,
Louis Schmidt, Second Lieutenant.
C Company attended the regimental encampments at Chip-
pewa Palls, September 7 to September 12, 1885, and at Wausau,
June 14 to June 19, 1886.
On account of internal dissensions the company was mustered
out of the state service June 10, 1887.
Captain Wolf had tendered his resignation some days before.
At an assembly of the company June 10, resolutions of respect
and regard for the sturdy old soldier were adopted. Captain
Wolf had served as captain of C Company, Eighth Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil War, with great credit.
Captain Wolf was born December 24, 1824, in Obendorf, Ger-
many, and came to America at age of twenty-two years. He came
of soldier family and almost at once enlisted in New York for
service in the war with Mexico. Much to his disappointment his
company was sent to Governor's Island for garrison duty, instead
of into Mexico. In 1850, meeting Lieutenant Buckner, who later
became a well known general, he asked him to intercede for him,
and was sent to Florida as second in command, with a company
of one hundred men, for service in the Seminole War. With H
Company, of Fourth Artillery, he fought in the swamps and at
Key West. Was discharged in 1856 after nine years and ten
months' service. Settled in Eau Claire in 1858. In August 1861,
was commissioned First Lieutenant of C Company, Eighth Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry, and became Captain May 11, 1862, on
the death of Captain Perkins, killed in action. This was the
company that carried Old Abe throughout the war. He died at
the age of eighty-five years, January 21, 1910, and was given a
military funeral.
The company kept up its organization and remained an inde-
pendent company until again mustered into the Guard as L Com-
pany. May 18. 1889. It was through the efforts of General Grif-
THE ORGANIZED MILITIA 203
fin, Senator William A. Rust and Captain Ilobart M. Stocking,
assemblyman, the company was again admitted to the state serv-
ice. General Griffin was the mustering officer, and he. Senator
Rust and Captain Stocking all made addresses following the
muster.
The officers at this time were: John Beisang, Captain; Chris-
topher Schlosser, First Lieutenant; Otto H. Kitzman, Second
Lieutenant.
During the two years the company was out of the state serv-
ice it built an armory costing $12,000.00. This building was lo-
cated on Railroad street, between North Barstow and Dewey
streets. It was burned December 31, 1890. Another armory was
at once built on the west side of North Barstow street, between
the C. M. & St. P. tracks and Eau Claire river. The building was
72 feet front by 186 feet deep, three stories in front part, with
drill floor 70 by 120 feet, and cost .$25,000.00. This armory was
burned February 15, 1902.
Captain Beisang resigned and was succeeded as captain by
Christopher Schlosser December 20, 1893 ; Otto H. Kitzman being
promoted to first lieutenant and Peter Schlosser to second lieu-
tenant on same date. L Company was again mustered-out of
service June 30, 1896.
The company reorganized with the election of Otto H. Kitz-
man as captain, C. L. Brown as first lieutenant and George L.
Prehn as second lieutenant. Lieutenant Brown served but a
short time when removal from city caused him to resign. Lieu-
tenant Prehn was promoted to first lieutenant and Karl A. Frank-
lin was commissioned second lieutenant. In a few months Lieu-
tenant Prehn resigned on account of leaving the city and was suc-
ceeded by Lieutenant Franklin and August Wuerch was com-
missioned second lieutenant.
Following the muster of the First, Second, Third and Fourth
Regiments into the volunteer service, the state began the organ-
ization of other regiments of the National Guard, to be prepared
for another call by the Washington Government, and Captain
Kitzman 's company was assigned to the Fifth Infantry, as B
Company. It was mustered July 25, 1898, by Captain George
Graham, of Tomah.
The service of the Fifth Infantry was not required by Presi-
dent McKinley, and the regiment was mustered-out in 1899, on
the re-entry into the Guard of the First, Second and Third Regi-
ments, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. On the failure of E Cora-
]iany of the Third Infantry to reorganize, B Company was trans-
204 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ferred to the Third as E Company, on the recommendation of
Captain J. M. Ballard.
Lieutenant Wuereh resigned in January, 1899, on removal
from the city, and was succeeded by Wm. J. Kessler on May 16,
1899. The officers at the time of the transfer to the Third Infantry
were as follows :
Captain 0. H. Kitzman, First Lieutenant Carl A". Franklin,
Second Lieutenant Wm. J. Kessler.
On January 16, 1902, Earle S. Pearsall was commissioned as
captain. This was his entry into the Wisconsin National Guard.
He had served with the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry in the
Philippines, and had beeu a resident of Eau Claire for about two
years at the time he was commissioned. He is still in command
of the company. Other changes in the commissioned staff are
noted in a list further on in this article.
Captain Pearsall had been in command less than one month
when the armory burned, February 15, 1902. He secured quarters
for the company in what was known as "Putnam Hall," where
they made their home for several years. They are now occupy-
ing a small hall on the second floor of a building on River street.
The quarters are entirely unsuited for military purposes.
Few matters of particular interest have occurred in the history
of the company since 1899, other than the loss of the armory.
The company has attended the annual encampments. It was with
the regiment at the manuever camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison,
September 21 to 30, 1898.
September 14, 15 and 16, 1911, the company participated in a
special military camp on the State Fair Grounds, Milwaukee.
This was by invitation of the State Fair Association.
A call for service was made in the fall of 1911. On Sunday,
October 8, late in the afternoon, Captain Cousins received a tele-
phone message from Major Williams, at Camp Douglas, advising
the governor had ordered Company D, of Mauston, Captain
Witherby, and Company E, Eau Claire, Captain Pearsall, to Black
River Falls, Jackson county. That city had suffered great losses
by flood a few days before and the troops were required for the
preservation of order and protection of property. At 10:15 P. M.
Captain Cousins wired Madison as follows:
Adjutant General, Madison, Wis.
E Company, three officers and forty-nine men, left for Black
River Falls at ten tonight. Will send other men tomorrow morn-
ing. Cousins, Adjutant.
THE ORGANIZED MILITIA 205
Major Williams had been ordered from Camp Douglas to
Black River Falls and was in charge of the troops and relief
work. For some days the companies were on duty and rendered
valuable assistance.
The officers and men of the company nave made repeated
efforts to secure a suitable home and it is hoped that in time an
armory will be erected. At the present E Company is the poorest
provided of an.v company in the regiment for quarters.
OFFICIAL ROSTER OF E COMPANY, THIRD INFANTRY.
1899.
Captains.
Otto H. Kitzman July 25, 1<S98
Earle S. Pearsall Jan. 16, 1902
1st Lieutenants.
Karl A. Franklin July 25, 1898
Thomas W. Gruber May 5, 1902
Charles W. Dinger Feb. 28, 1909
Karl C. Kraemer June 13, 1909
Richard F. Sortomme July 5, 1914
2nd Lieutenants.
Wm. J. Kessler May 16, 1899
Edward D. McMillan July 14, 1902
Chas. W. Dinger Nov. 29, 1904
Karl C. Kraemer Feb. 28, 1909
Harry 0. Hanson June 13, 1909
Richard F. Sortomme July 11, 1912
Carl H. Johnson July 5, 1914
CHAPTER XIV.
THE GEIFFIN RIFLES.
Ill the Summer of 1887 a number of the younger men of the
City of Eau Claire assembled to discuss the formation of a mili-
tary company. A preliminary meeting was held early in July,
and on the evening of July 13, 1887, a second meeting to effect
a temporary organization was held in Smith's Hall, corner of
South Barstow street and Gray street. Harry B. McMaster was
elected chairman and Thomas B. Culver performed the duties of
secretary. A large number were in attendance and the meeting
was an enthusiastic one. Committees were appointed to perfect
the organization. Interested gentlemen who had been investi-
gating the financing of the company made a favorable report.
Measures were taken to secure the Roller Skating Rink at the
corner of Second avenue and Ann street, on the west side for use
as an armory.
July 27, 1887, another meeting was held of which Harry B.
McMaster was chairman and A. J. Sheridan acting secretary. A
civil organization was formed with the election of Joseph M. Bal-
lard as president. Homer D. Cooley as vice-president and William
P. Chrissinger as secretary and Thomas B. Culver as treasurer.
These gentlemen with H. B. McMaster, George B. Mason and
Moses W. Burns composed the board of directors.
The committee on armory made a report that the old skating
rink, corner Ann street and Second avenue, could be secured for
a rental of fifty dollars per year and that the premises could be
bought outright for three hundred dollars.
In honor of a prominent citizen, the name "Griffin Rifles"
was adopted by a unanimous vote, by acclamation.
The meeting then proceeded to the election of a Captain and
on an informal ballot Harry B. McMaster received forty-two
votes and Walter J. Fitch four. The election of Captain McMas-
ter was made unanimous. A ballot for First Lieutenant was
taken and Walter J. Fitch received twenty-four votes, John P.
Sheridan nineteen and scattering four. Mr. Fitch declined the
election on the ground that he had in contemplation a business
arrangement which would cause his removal from the city. An-
other ballot was then taken and John P. Sheridan received forty
206
THE GRIFFIN RIFLES 207
votes, John Fred Farr four, George B. Mason two, and J. M.
Ballard one. The election of Lieutenant Sheridan was made
unanimous. An informal ballot for Second Lieutenant was then
taken, resulting in John Fred Farr receiving twenty-seven votes,
George B. Mason nine, J. M. Ballard three, and scattering seven.
Lieutenant Farr was thereupon unanimously elected.
The meeting then appointed a committee on by-laws and
articles of association consisting of Messrs. Fitch, McMaster and
Cooley and arranged for the appointment of a committee to solicit
honorary memberships.
In August the old rink became the armory of the new com-
pany and frequent meetings and drills were held to perfect the
organization. The citizens responded liberall}^ in taking out hon-
orary memberships. The Griffin Rifles Armory Association was
organized to take over the building and remodel it. This associa-
tion was a stock company and the citizens freely subscribed for
stock. October 11 to October 15 the company gave a fair at the
old Music Hall, then standing at the corner of South Barstow
and Kelsey streets, now the site of the Kahn-Truax building. A
report of the treasurer following the fair gave the net receipts
as $943.97. The ladies rendered great assistance to the members
of the company in making the fair a success. The money thus
obtained was used in the purchase of uniforms. Events of this
fair being of great interest were the cane contest and the hat
contest. The cane was won by John S. Owen, who received 950
votes. George B. Shaw was close competitor and Frank McDon-
ough came in third. John Ure won the silk hat with Ralph E.
Rust and Frank Moon second and third contestants.
October 19 First Lieutenant John P. Sheridan tendered his
resignation, owing to removal from the city, and First Sergeant
Joseph M. Ballard was unanimously elected to the position.
On October 26 Captain McMaster announced the Adjutant
General had advised arras would soon be shipped to the company.
The drilling in the foot movements was already under way. At
this same meeting a committee was appointed to consider plans
for the remodeling of the building and to provide for heating. In
December the company got down to hard drill. Sc[uad drills were
held from 8 :30 to 9 :30 and then company drills for one hour.
At the annual meeting December 6 A. J. Sheridan was chosen
recording secretary of the Civil Association, C. H. Greene financial
secretary and Thomas B. Culver treasurer. The by-laws had been
amended to provide for the captain of the company being presi-
dent of the Civil Association.
208 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
On November 22 the rifles, the old Springfield, were received
from the State and the company, which had heretofore been
drilling in foot movements, took up the manual of arms. The
uniforms did not come until December 15. These were purchased
by the company and each man received a pair of blue trousers,
a dark blue blouse and a dress coat. These coats were highly
decorated with facings and brass buttons, and fitted very tight.
The armory had been put in condition for drills and all
through the winter the company worked hard. In spite of great
stoves at either end kept at a red heat the men suffered from
the cold while drilling and many rifles fell to the floor from the
benumbed fingei-s of recruits. Captain McMaster was rapidly
molding the company into shape. In the selection of his non-
commissioned officers he used great care. Joseph M. Ballard when
the company first organized in the summer was First Sergeant
and on his election to First Lieutenant was succeeded by William
P. Chrissinger. Charles H. Green early in the history of the
company was made Quartermaster Sergeant.
During the winter of 1887-88 the Germania Guard, of Wausau,
was mustered out of the State service and the Griffin Rifles, to-
gether with two other independent companies, made application
for the vacancy. Adjutant General Chandler P. Chapman
ordered the three applicants to prepare for a competitive drill,
and in this contest the Rifles were the victors.
March 29 was the date set for the inspection. The other two
competitors for the place had already been inspected. The
armory was filled with friends of the company to witness this
critical event in the career of the Rifles. General Chapman de-
parted for Madison on completion of the inspection and that the
company made a satisfactory and successful showing is evidenced
by a telegram received on March 30 from General Chapman con-
veying the information that Governor Rusk had directed the
vacancy in the Third Infantry be filled by the mustering in of the
Eau Claire Company. On April 6 notice was given muster would
take place on April 20.
MUSTER IN AS E COMPANY.
On the evening of April 20, 1888, the company assembled at
Smith's Hall, owing to the armory being again under repairs,
and with due ceremony were mustered into the State service by
that grand old soldier. General Chapman. The muster roll of
April 20 was as follows :
THE GRIFFIN RIFLES 209
Captain Harry B. McMaster.
First Lieutenant Joseph M. Ballard.
Second Lieutenant J. Fred Farr.
First Sergeant William P. Chrissinger.
Quartermaster Sergeant Charles H. Green.
Sergeant T. Frank Thomas.
rSergeant J. Eugene Horan.
Sergeant Edward G. Kehr.
Sergeant Edward B. Kendall.
Corporal Allen J. VanValkenburg.
Corporal Homer D. Cooley.
Corporal Andrew T. Simms.
Corporal Dan MeGillis.
Musicians Percy Cochrane, Will C. Off.
Privates Fred H. Allen, Percy C. Atkinson, Frank H. Bartlett,
Sumner P. Bartlett, C. M. Boardman, William Bonell, Jr., John
M. Bostwick, Frank S. Bouchord, M. W. Burns, William L. Butler,
Carlos L. Carle, George A. Carlson, Will J. Carpenter, George B.
Chapman, Jr., James M. Charles, James I. Chrissinger, Walter J.
Conway, Marshall Cousins, Sam F. Crabbe, Charles A. Fleming,
Edward E. Fleming, Louis Fredricks, Arthur M. Fort, Henry A.
Glenn, Charles H. Graham, M. C. Griffin, Walter H. Hainer, Will
P. Hart, Clare S. Howland, C. Burt Johnson, John Kemp, Jr.,
Gilbert L. Larson, Hugh «McGough, Arthur A. Meggett, Frank L.
Morrison, Albert E. Palmer, Robert E. Parkinson, Eugene L.
PomO^au 0. Ray, U. Grant Richards, Will J. Seney, Ollie R.
Seevers, Herbert W. Smith, Isaac B. Spencer, Harvey G. Stafford,
Elmer E. Stanton, John H. Stockbridge, John C. Thompson, Ed. V.
Wall, George R. Watson.
E COMPANY, THIRD INFANTRY.
The Griffin Rities were now to be known as E Company of
the Third Infantry. Of this regiment Colonel Martin T. Moore,
of La Crosse, was in command. In the following summer the
company went into its first state camp. This was at Menomonie.
Tlie company was designated by the men of the other companies
as the "Babies," owing to the fact they had but so recently
entered the service. They were under constant and critical ob-
servation by the regimental officers and inspectors and came home
with an excellent record.
June 17 to 25, 1889, the Third Infantry encamped at the newly
established Wisconsin Military Reservation near Camp Douglas.
.,L
:210 HISTOEY OF EAU CLAIRE .COUNTY
The Third was the first regiment to make use of the grounds.
Previous to this time the regiments had camped at various towns
in the State. General Chapman and Captain George Graham,
of Tomah, were the first to consider the grounds near the village
of Camp Douglas for military purposes and in the summer of 1888
made an investigation. They found the present reservation as
well fitted for encampment purposes and maneuvering. No funds
being available for the purpose, General Chapman at his own risk
purchased four hundred and forty acres from seven different
owners. On April 22, 1889, a conference of. officers recommended
the State purchase of the grounds from General Chapman.
Nearly all the reservation was covered by second growth tim-
ber and brush. The first drill of the regiment after reaching
the reservation and making their camp was fatigue work. All
hands turned to and proceeded to clear uprooted stumps and
brush. This was piled in a huge heap near the guard quarters
and made a magnificent bonfire which burned throughout the
week.
The annual encampments since 1889 have been at the Wis-
consin Military Reservation.
The Griffin Rifles were one of the several companies invited
to the inauguration ceremonies of Governor William D. Hoard,
at Madison, January 7, 1889. They left Eau Claire in evening
of Sunday, January 6, and returned Tuesday morning.
October 14 to 19, 1889, the company gave a second "Fair
and Art Loan," which proved to be a great success. A cane
contest evoking great interest was a feature of this fair. Richard
T. Farr, a lumberman, was voted the cane. His principal com-
petitor Avas Horace Rust, another lumberman, and the race be-
tween these two gentlemen was fierce but good natured. Net
receipts of this fair were about $800.00.
ACTIVE SERVICE.
Late in the evening of July 19, 1889, a telegram was received
by Captain McMaster, reading as follows:
"Madison, Wisconsin.
July 19, 1889.
To Captain H. B. McMaster, Eau Claire :
Muster your company and proceed at once to West Superior
and report for duty to ]\Iayor of West Superior and Sheriff.
William D. Hoard,
Governor."
MARSHALL COUSINS
THE GRIFFIN RIFLES 2H
A large party was in progress at the residence of Clarence A.
Chamberlin and several members of the company were there as
guests, among them the Captain. Those present were immediately
dispatched as messengers to notify other members of the company.
An hour after receipt of the telegram fifty men were at the
armory in uniform, fully equipped and ready to march. The
limited number of ball cartridges on hand were issued. As the
sun was rising on the morning of the 20th the company took the
four o'clock train on the Omaha for West Superior. General
Griffiu accompanied the troops.
The riotous demonstration by several hundred strikers
prompted the West Superior officials to call for troops. A gen-
eral strike had been inaugurated. The police officers and deputy
sheriffs were unable to guard property and protect those men
who desired to work. The extensive coal docks were threatened
with destruction and work on public improvements had been
stopped. Mob rule prevailed.
The company arrived at Superior at 9 :30. Their arrival was
unexpected by the rioters and produced an excellent effect. The
company marched through the city to the city hall, where their
barracks were established. The men had hardly reached the
city hall when they were ordered out to intercept a body of
strikers reported to be moving on the water works trenches
where laborers were working. A press dispatch of that date
reads as follows :
■'The strikers were encountered and were much surprised at
the soldiers' sudden appearance, and many faint-hearted strikers
began to steal away from the scene. The prompt action of Gov-
ernor Hoard, and the fine appearance and soldierly conduct of
the troops are subjects of much favorable comment."
Sunday was spent in a comparatively quiet manner. On Mon-
day morning a mob of about two hundred men started out to
"run the town," while the greater portion of the Rifles, under
Captain McMaster, were protecting laborers at the coal docks.
The mob was encountered by Lieutenant Ballard with nineteen
men and by the firmness of General Griffin, who had hurried to
the scene, was dispersed under the most critical circumstances.
A thousand rounds of ammunition hurriedly forwarded were
received from Madison for the Griffin Rifles, while, late in the
afternoon. Company L were placed under arms in their armory
at Eau Claire, in accordance with telegraphic orders, and held in
; , readiness to start for Superior till 10 o'clock that night, when
:;r they were dismissed, but notified to promptly respond to a given
212 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
signal. The needed lesson had been taught, however, for the mob
element realized that the military authorities "meant business."
and Tuesday was spent by the troops in the comparatively simple
duty of protecting laborers and standing ready to quell any
riotous proceedings. Most of "Wednesday passed in much the
same way. It had become evident that much of the not spn-it
had been subdued and the troops departed for home on the after-
noon train of that day. During the whole tour of duty, the
purpose of sustaining the civil authorities, suppressing disorder
and preserving the peace was steadily maintained by General
Griffin, and his judicious management fully accomplislied this
design without bloodshed, the civil authorities being enabled to
make arrests, with the troops at hand to support them.
On their arrival at Eau Claire that night, the Rifles were met
at the depot and escorted to their armory by their gallant com-
rades of Captain Beisang's Company L with a band. At the
armory the members of Company E were welcomed by a large
number of ladies, who had prepared for the soldier boys an
elegant repast. The "war" was over; the Rifles had endeavored
to do their duty as citizen soldiers ; their superiors, including
General Griffin and the commander-in-chief, were satisfied with
the conduct of the members of Company E, and the boys were
content.
Governor Hoard in General Orders No. 13, 1889, made public
acknowledgment of the excellent service rendered by the com-
pany. The order reads as follows:
General Orders, Adjutant General's Office,
No. 13. Madison, July 27, 1889.
Late in the evening of the 19th inst. the Governor received
a message from the Mayor of Superior and the Sheriff of Douglas
coimty, representing that the civil authorities there were unable
to maintain the peace and protect the persons and property of
the citizens and requesting that a company of the National Guard
might be sent to their assistance. Complying with this request,
an order was issued to Captain Harry B. McMaster, commanding
Company E, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, at Eau
Claire, to muster his command and proceed by first train to West
Superior and report to the Mayor. A message was also sent to
Brigadier General M. Griffin, Quartei-master General, requesting
him to accompany the troops, not only to provide quarters and
subsistence, but to act as the personal representative of the
Governor.
THE GRIFFIN RIFLES 213
These messages did not reach theii- destination until after one
0 'clock in tlie morning, but when delivered they were acted upon
with such promptness and celerity that the several members of
the company were called from sleep at their homes, and it is
represented forty-nine officers and men reported for duty within
an hour. Leaving Eau Claire at about 4 o'clock a. m., in five
hours thereafter the company reached West Superior, 147 miles
distant, and reported as directed.
All reports concur in ascribing the avoidance of most serious
trouble, involving destruction of property if not loss of life, to
the timely arrival, soldierly bearing and complete discipline of
tliis detachment of the National Guard of the State, aided as it
was by the experienced .judgment and wise direction of General
Griffin.
A most delicate and unwelcome duty was performed with
eminent credit to all concerned, to the entire satisfaction of the
Commander-in-Chief, and with great profit to the community
calling for assistance, and therefore to the State at large.
Most happily bloodshed was avoided, but the power and the
dignity of the military arm of the State were manifest, and thus
aided, the civil authorities were enabled to reinstate order in
place of chaos, and law in place of mob rule — demonstrating once
again the wisdom of establishing and maintaining an efficient body
of well instructed and properly disciplined state troops and once
again warning all persons that Wisconsin can and will protect
its citizens in their right to labor as and when and where they
The Commander-in-Chief takes pleasure in extending to Briga-
dier General Griffin and to Captain McMaster and the officers and
men of liis company this public expression of his estimate of the
value of their services. By Order of the Governor,
Geo. W. Burchard,
Adjutant General.
The second call for active duty for Company E was in the
summer of 1894. At 12 :20 a. ni., July 9, 1894, Captain Ballard
received the following dispatch from Adjutant General Falk:
Milwaukee, Wis., July 8, 1894, 11 :40 p. m.
Captain J. M. Ballard,
Commanding Company E, Third Infantry, W. N. G., Eau
Claire, Wis.
■ Assemble your command at armory immediately, equipped
for the field with two days' rations. Take all ammunition on
214 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
hand. Will probably require your service in the morning. Expect
Colonel Moore to be in Eau Claire tomorrow morning. Will wire
further instructions later. Answer at once.
(Signed) Palk,
Adjutant General.
Immediately upon the receipt of this order Captain Ballard
communicated with his First aud Second Lieutenants, and or-
dered them to notify each non-commissioned officer to report to
him at once at the armory with his squad. At 2 :15 a. m. he
instructed the First Sergeant to fall the company in and call the
roll. There were found to be fifty-seven officers and enlisted men
in the ranks present for duty. The company remained constantly
in the armory ready to respond to all orders, and had a regular
tour of duty. Guard mount at 8 a. m., drill at 9 a. m. and 3 p. m.,
and dress parade at 7:30 p. m. daily from the time it assembled
at 2:15, July 9, until 8 p. m. July 11, 1894, when the company
was dismissed.
Companies L (Eau Claire), H (Menomonie) and C (Hudson)
were also assembled and held in readiness at their armories dur-
ing this pfiriod.
Colonel Moore and Major Julius E. Kircheis arrived at au
early hour July 9 and established quarters at the Eau Claire
Hovise. The Regimental Sergeant Major, Marshall Cousins, re-
ported to Colonel Moore for duty. The great railroad strike of
1894 Avas then at its height and the sheriff at Spooner on the
Omaha railway had made a call on the Governor for aid in pro-
tecting property and securing the movement of trains. Fortu-
nately the assembling of troops at their armories was accepted
by the sti'ike leaders as a proof of the Governor's determination
to prevent violence. General Louis Auer, Quartermaster General,
visited Spooner and conferred with the strike leaders, and order
was soon restored. The officers of the guard and men of the
company were well pleased they were not required to visit the
scene of the disturbance.
Following this little occurred out of routine military work
up to the call for troops in April, 1898. Rifle practice was taken
up by E Company very soon after it was mustered into the State
service. Moses W. Burns, a private in the company, was in-
structor in rifle work. A range was fitted up on the prairie south
of the city which the men reached by crossing the Milwaukee
railroad bridge in the Fourth Ward. Mention of Private Burns
will be made later. The company soon developed a number of
THE GRIFFIN RIFLES 215
shots who were much above the average and among them may be
mentioned Captain Ballard, Sergeants Wall, Cousins and Farr,
and Privates Burns, Burroughs, Ray, Parkinson, Larson, Charles
and Carlson. The E Company rifle team won first place in the
National Guard of Wisconsin at Camp Douglas in 1890 and in
1891, in competition with teams from all other companies in the
State, won a handsome and costly trophy, generously presented
by Robert K. Boyd, of Eau Claire. In 1892 E Company lost the
Boyd trophy by a few points. In 1891 Moses W. Burns qualified
as sharpshooter and Captain J. M. Ballard, Sergeant Marshall
Cousins, Private Robert E. Parkinson and Sergeant Edward V.
Wall as marksmen. In the following season, 1892, Private Edward
S. Burroughs was awarded the decoration of marksman.
At a camp of instruction and interstate rifle competition held
at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, October 24 to 29, 1892, Private Edward
S. Burroughs was one of the contestants and Private M. W. Burns
Avas present on detail as an instructor.
In the social life of the city E Company in its earlier days
took a prominent part and its dancing parties were the events of
the season.
OFFICIAL ROSTER OF GRIFFIN RIFLES.
Rank. Name. Date of Election.
Captain, Harry B. McMaster July 27, 1887
First lieutenants, Walter J. Fitch July 27, 1887
John P. Sheridan July 27, 1887
Joseph M. Ballard October 19, 1887
Second lieutenant, John Fred Farr July 27, 1887
OFFICIAL ROSTER OF E COMPANY, THIRD INFANTRY.
Rank. Name. Date of Rank.
Captains, Harry B. McMaster April 20, 1888
Joseph M. Ballard April 15, 1890
First lieutenants, Joseph M. Ballard April 20, 1888
^ , John E. Horan April 15, 1890
i ^"^^ "ETward G. Kehr September 25, 1890
Thomas P. Cochrane March 19, 1891
Second lieutenants, John F. Farr April 20, 1888
John E. Horan^ April; 24, 1889
.. Edward E. Kehr April 15, 1890
HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Thomas P. Cochrane September 25, 1890
Samuel F. Crabbe March 19, 1891
Wesley 0. Smith December 5, 1895
John E. Barron August 20, 1897
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
Sketches of those prominently identified with the company
in its earlier days are of special interest.
The Griffin Rifles was named in honor of General Michael
Griffin of Eau Claire. He was born in County Clare, Ireland,
September 9, 1842. Enlisted in the Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry,
September 11, 1861. Wounded in battle of Bald Hill, Ga., on
February 11, 1865. With Sherman on the march from Atlanta
to the sea. Commissioned First Lieutenant July 5, 1865. In
1894 was elected to Congress and served two terms. Was De-
partment Commander of the G. A. R. Died suddenly December
29, 1899.
General Griffin was Quartermaster General during the admin-
istration of Governor Hoard, 1891 and 1892. He was an active
and sincere fi'iend of the company from its organization to the
time of his death.
Harry B. McMaster, Captain from the organization, resigned
and received his discharge January 28, 1890. He had two years'
experience at West Point and served the interests of the com-
pany with zeal, and established it upon a firm foundation.
John Eugene Horan, a charter member of the company, was
discharged as First Lieutenant August 25, 1890. He was a model
officer, capable, indefatigable, and thoroughly informed. He is
now a prominent lawyer in the State of Washington, residing in
Everett.
Edward G. Kehr was discharged as First Lieutenant March
13, 1891. He rendered the company valuable service and was
a particularly efficient and popular officer.
John Fred Farr, now a prominent practicing physician of
this city, resigned and was discharged April 4, 1889. His re-
tirement was the subject of much regret. He was an able, ener-
getic officer. In 1898 he resided at Stanley, Wis., and organized
a company for service in the Spanish-American War, which was
offered to the Government. The war ended before the services
of this company were required. Several years later Dr. Farr
again established his home in Eau Claire.
W. Burns was the father of small arms practice in E
THE GRIFFIN RIFLES 217
Company and was among the first in the State to take up this
branch of the military work. No attention had been paid to
practice until after the establishment of Camp Douglas ranges.
There in 1889 Cajitain Phillip Reade, of the regular army, started
the work and from that day to this Wisconsin has been a shooting
State and the Third Infantry has the reputation of being one
of the best shooting regiments in the National Guard of the
country. Private Burns was made the team Captain of E Com-
pany and took entire charge of the instruction. For years he
had been interested in rifle shooting and had made a reputation
as a rifle shot before he began with the military rifles. With
him rifle shooting had been reduced to a science. As an in-
structor he was very efficient and took great satisfaction in
imparting to the beginner information on the many fine points
of the shooting game. He took more delight in coaching a recruit
into a good score than to make one himself.
He had been a member of the old City Guards, which existed
in the seventies, and became a charter member of the Griffin
Rifles. He served five years in the company, when ill health
compelled his retirement. He died October 1, 1894.
I
■I
CHAPTER XV.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
By
MARSHALL COUSINS.
All through the month of April the people of the nation
watched the gathering war clouds with deep concern. With all
others of the National Guard of the country, the members of
E Company were particularly close observers of developments,
and as day by day went by the feeling became more certain war
would result. The Armory, then situated at the corner of First
avenue and Ann street, facing on the Chippewa river, was open
every evening and the rendezvous of the men of the company.
At 12:19 on the morning of Thursday, April 28, the following
telegram was received by the company commander:
"Captain J. M. Ballard,
Eau Claire, Wis.
Assemble all men enrolled at Armory ready to entrain at
10:30 a. m., Omaha. Bring all extra property, one day's rations.
By Command of the Governor,
C. R. Boardman,
Adjutant General ' '
Many men were in the Armory when the call was received
and immediately were dispatched to carry the word to all other
members of the company. It was a busy night and by eight
o'clock on the morning of the 28th the company was assembled
at its Armory ready to take up the march to the depot.
Captain Ballard had been advised by General Boardman sev-
eral days before, the maximum strength of volunteer companies
was fixed at 101 and the minimum at 89. These figures included
officers. Instructions had been given, however, not to enlist over
65 men in the National Guard Company.
All business in the city was practically suspended. At ten
o'clock banks, stores and factories closed. Shortly after ten
the company left the Armory and began the march to the Omaha
Station. An immense cheering assembly greeted the men as, in
heavy marching order, in column of fours, they moved out onto
First avenue. An escort column was made up as follows :
218
SPANI8H-AJIERICAN WAR 219
Metropolitau Band.
Mayor, Aldermen and other City Officials,
Eagle Post, Grand Army of the Kepublie, 150 strong.
Griffin Rifles, E Company.
From Armory to the depot was one grand ovation. At the
depot it was estimated fully half of the people of Eau Claire
had assembled. The troop train from Hudson did not arrive
until 11:15 and the company immediately boarded the car as-
signed to them. Plentiful lunches had been provided by the
Grand Army and the Women's Relief Corps. Carnations and
roses from the ladies decorated the blue uniform of every soldier.
Ninety-seven men and officers were on the company roll.
On this train was C Company, of Hudson, and H Company, of
Menomonie. At Merrillau A Company, of Neillsville, was
attached.
The Regimental Sergeant Ma.jor, Marshall Cousins, traveled
with E Company.
Among those who accompanied the troop train from Eau Claire
were Captain Charles H. Henry, a veteran of the War of the
Rebellion ; Harrj^ M. Atkinson, editor of the Leader, and Pro-
fessor M. S. Frawley of the Eau Claire High School.
Harry Atkinson was determined to enlist. He had, for a short
period several years before, been a member of the Guard. His
brother, Percy C, had already enlisted, but it required long
argument on the part of Captain Ballard, Captain Henry, Pro-
fessor Frawley and others to convince Harry his first duty was
to remain with his paper. He only gave up when assured should
a second call come, he would be permitted to go.
In Captain Ballard's Company were a number of high school
boys, among them members of the spring graduating class. The
graduation essays of several of the young soldiers were then in
the hands of Professor Frawley. At frequent intervals through-
out the day the professor would take out these essays and gaze
at them with tear-dimraed eyes.
It was a bright sunny day and at every village and city along
the route the troops received an ovation. Madison was reached
late in the afternoon. There were assembled thousands of stu-
dents and citizens. Several state officers boarded the train to
extend their greetings, among them being the noted newspaper
correspondent, Hon. Gilbert E. Vandercook, then Assistant Sec-
retary of State, and Hon. Sewall A. Peterson, State Treasurer,
a former officer of H Company. Nels Nelson, a University stu-
220 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
dent, had served an enlistment with E Company. He boarded
the Eau Claire car to bid his former comrades goodbye, but soon
changed his mind and announced to his classmates on the plat-
form he was going on with the company. He finished his course
at Madison after the war.
The Wisconsin troops were mobilized at the State Fair
Grounds, near Milwaukee, the camp being named "Camp Har-
vey," in honor of the War Governor, Louis P. Harvey, drowned
April 19, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing, in the Tennessee river,
while on a visit to the wounded Wisconsin soldiers at Shiloh.
Sometime after dark the train reached the camp and was met
at the depot by Governor Scofield, General Boardman, Colonel
Patton and Colonel Ginty. The trotting horse stables were as-
signed to Colonel Moore's Third Infantry, and to these quarters
the troops from the northwest were conducted. The writer of
this sketch recalls the trip in the darkness with Governor Scofield
as a guide, from the station to the Administration Building, where
the Governor had established his military headquarters. Lan-
terns were few and the night dark, but the companies moved
without confusion to the quarters.
The large roomy box stalls had been plentifully supplied with
fresh straw and the tired men were glad to roll themselves in
their blankets and seek rest in these improvised barracks.
From this point on, the war history of the company becomes
intermingled with that of the other companies of the regiment.
The history of the regiment will be given with such additions
as pertain particularly to the Eau Claire Company.
On the regimental roster when the regiment was called to
service were the following field and staff officers :
Colonel Martin T. Moore, La Crosse.
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Parker, Milwaukee.
Major Thomas J. George, Menomonie.
Major Julius E. Kircheis, La Crosse.
Major Randolph A. Richards, Sparta.
Captain Orlando Ilolway, Adjutant, La Crosse.
Captain George A. Ludington, Quartermaster, Neillsville.
Major John B. Edwards, Surgeon, Mauston.
Captain Edward H. Grannis, Assistant Surgeon, Menomonie.
Captain Charles F. King, Assistant Surgeon, Hudson.
Marshall Cousins, Regimental Sergeant Major, Eau Claire.
In addition to the above, the regiment carried as a National
Guard Organization three Battalion Adjutants, but at the first
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 221
call for troops the Battalion Adjutants were not included. They
were:
First Lieutenant E. Bartlett Farr, First Battalion, Eau Claire.
First Lieutenant Louis Sehalle, Second Battalion, Tomah.
First Lieutenant Henry W. Klopf, Third Battalion, Neillsville.
A few days after the regiment arrived at Camp Harvey, Con-
gress passed a law accepting National Guard Organizations as
they had existed in the states and the Battalion Adjutants were
ordered into the camp.
Immediately on arrival of the regiment at Camp Harvey,
Colonel Moore looked about for a regimental headquarters. Be
tween the barracks occupied by his men and the race track,
under a spreading tree (not a chestnut) was the blacksmith shop,
where the trotters, the former occupants of the barracks, had
their shoes adjusted. This being the only available building,
was quickly converted into the headquarters of the Third
Infantry.
The morning of April 29 opened cold and raw. Throughout
the stay of the troops at Camp Harvey the weather was uncom-
fortably cold. The men sleeping in the barracks or box stalls,
being well supplied with straw, did not suffer greatly from cold
during the nights, but those officers who had been supplied with
tents would get up in the morning chilled through and through.
The dressing room facilities at this camp, while perhaps suitable
for the former occupants of the barracks, were not exactly con-
venient for the young soldiers, but they made the best of it.
Going across the race track from quarters they would break the
ice on the brook and make their toilets, talking and laughing
even with chattering teeth.
The period at Camp Harvey was full of excitement and uncer-
tainty. Tlie air was charged with rumors of battles fought and
orders to the front. It was fully expected the Wisconsin regi-
ments would be rushed into Cuba. Governor Scofield made every
effort to prepare the men properly for service. He looked with
no enthusiasm upon war and much deplored it, although heartily
endorsing the course of President McKinley. He had made a
brilliant record for himself in the War of the Rebellion and re-
ceived promotion to the rank of Major for gallantry on the
field of Gettysburg. He knew what war meant.
The troops were, immediately on arrival at Camp Harvey,
put on the regular army ration. To this the Governor, however,
insisted there should be added milk and butter. He said the
■222 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
great dairy state of Wisconsin could well afford to supply her
soldiers with these articles while they were still in the state;
that there would be time enough later for them to do without.
A change in the personnel of the regimental staff took place
during the period the regiment was in preparation for muster in.
Captain George A. Ludington, who had for so many years served
faithfully and well as Regimental Quartermaster, owing to his
physical condition was rejected by the surgeons. Charles R.
"Williams for some years had been in charge of Camp Douglas
Reservation and held the rank of Captain in the Quai-tei-master 's
Department. He was transferred to the regiment as Quarter-
master, and Captain Ludington became depot Quartermaster at
Camp Douglas. Captain Williams came to the regiment splen-
didly equipped owing to his familiarity with the supply depart-
ments of the army and proved to be a most efScient officer.
Another change in the staff occurred at this time. Lieutenant
E. B. Farr, of Eau Claire, was rejected by the surgeons and
Marshall Cousins, then Regimental Sergeant Major, was conunis-
sionecl as Battalion Adjutant and assigned to the First Battalion,
commanded by Major George. Tliis position had been offered
to Lieutenant Cousins in 1895, but he had declined it in order
to find a place as a commissioned officer for Lieutenant Farr.
May 1 was the first Sunday in the camp and the newspapers
of Milwaukee estimated 60,000 visitors passed through the
grounds. Daily during the time the troops were at Camp Harvey
thousands of citizens visited the camp. Monday morning, May 2,
the camp was aroused at an early hour by the cry of the news-
boys annouucing Dewey's great victory at Manilla, "and many
Spaniards killed." Cheer after cheer went up from the young
soldiers and the chilly sunrise temperature was forgotten.
Active preparations were going on night and day to complete
the organization and to fully and completely prepare the troops
for active service. Lieutenant Colonel Tildeu, Deputy Surgeon
General of the United States Army, organized and swore the
Regimental Surgeons as Government Examining Surgeons, and
on May 5 the examination of officers and men was begun. A few
of the Eau Claire boys failed to pass this physical examination.
Several of them, on being informed by the kindly Dr. Tilden
they could not be mustered in, could not restrain the tears.
Wednesday, May 11, 1898, was an eventful day in the history
of the soldiers of the Third Infantry, as well as of Wisconsin.
For on this day at 1:30 o'clock, Captain William L. Buck, of
SPANISH-AMERICAX WAR 223
, the United States Army, began mustering- tlie regiment into the
United States service.
Shortly after noon Captain Buck entered regimental head-
quarters, formerly the blacksmith shop, where he found Lieuten-
ant Cousins on duty. The headquarters' rolls were in readiness
and Captain Buck asked they be immediately signed by the
officers of the field and staff, handing a pen to the Lieutenant.
That officer, however, suggested Colonel Moore be given the honor
of first signing the oath as a soldier of the United States. Pol-
lowing Colonel Moore, the Lieutenant signed and became the
second to muster. After the headquarters had been mustered,
one by one the companies were taken up, the roll called and in
an impressive manner the men, with uncovered heads, took the
oath as United States Volunteer Soldiers. ]\Iany spectators wit-
nessed this interesting ceremony.
The Third Infantry was the first Wisconsin organization to be
mustered into the Federal service.
MUSTER-IN ROLL.
Joseph M. Ballard, Thomas P. Cochrane, John E. Barron,
Fred Arnold, Seymour H. Knight, Francis Deline, Guido H. Faber,
Horace L. Whittier, Frank Hill, Donald Boyd, Joseph Bellmer,
Percy C. Atkinson, Henry A. Bitter, Harry Stanard, Samuel Hill-
stad, Wilfred A. Kutzner, Hugh 0. Beadle, Roy M. Baston,
Sumner P. Bartlett, Russell C. Bailey, Ezra L. Catheart, Roy
Fowler, ^EgjJJiJVbo, George Herron, Adam Ahneman, James G.
Brackett, Hei'bert E. Bush, Herbert L. Boleman, William H.
Bruce, Dwight C. Brace, Fred W. Bandoli, Holford F. Calvert,
William J. Cameron, William P. Carroll, Malcolm J. Cernahan,
William Cheators, Carl F. Bandeliu, Charlie Curry, Patrick De-
chaine, Charles E. Day, William H. Dodge, George E. Ecklund,
Eugene Eldridge, Philip C. Elbert, Charles Eek, William F. Elbut,
Lawrence A. Flaghr, Harry F. Fowler, Jerome E. Gillett, Samuel
E. Grout, Charles W. Hall, Edward Haggerty, Roy W. Hebard,
George M. S. Hort, Julius W. Holberg, Clarence H. Hutchinson,
Frank Humes, Martin H. Johnson, John F. Joyce, Charles E.
Kelley, Prank S. Kopleberger, Hans S. Lund, Augus McKay, Al.
S. Morgan, Charles T. Mosher, Nels B. Nelson, Bernie Nelson,
Charles R. Nichols, Carl G. Nyquist, Joseph Nelson, George C.
Ranous, Harry M. Samuels, Samuel L. Stafford, George Sherman,
Christ H. Schroeder, George L. Slosson, Carl M. Toft, Herman
224 HISTORY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Watsou, Harry W. "Werner, Felix H. H. Watterbury, Rosswell B.
Van Wagenen, Charles Russell.
The above is a list of officers and men who were mustered into
the United States Volunteer Infantry May 11. 1898, by W. L.
Buck, Captain U. S. A. When the orders came for volunteers,
it called for three officers and 101 men. Company E left Eau
Claire, Wis., April 28, 1898, with three officers and 99 men, for
Camp Harvey. Before the time for mustering in, an order was
issued reducing each company to 84 officers and men, the surplus
being sent home. After ai'riving at Camp Thomas an order came
to increase company to 106 officers and men. Following is a list
of same :
Simon Rohm, John Ahearu, Alfred G. Ballerd, William J.
Baxter, Jolin H. Cheever, Thomas F. Dowling, Lester Frost,
Eugene E. Hanson, William Hall, W. H. Ilawley, Harry Huey,
Charles H. Johnson, W. P. Kennedy, Arthur Kalanguin, Gilbert
N. Krohg, John Kungerman, August Kessler, Herbert S. Lyons,
Louis Larson, Leonard Loken, Albert J. McClintock, Niles E.
Meservey, Timothy J. Reagan, Ward Ross, John S. Shallenburger,
Arthur S. Sherman, Homer W. Sloan, John Somerville, Arthur
Thompson, Graham B. Thompson.
The following named men came to Camp Harvey with E Com-
pany, but were rejected by the examining surgeon and ordered
sent to their homes:
Richard Hollen, LeRoy Binder, William Myre, S. Edward
Bostwick, 0. Olson, J. Frederick, Floyd Jones, William A.
Schwahn, J. A. Cooper, J. B. Noble, Lieutenant E. Bart Farr.
Most of these men were rejected owing to being under weight.
Officers of the regular army assisting in the organization and
muster of the Wisconsin troops were Lieutenant Frank M. Cald-
well of the Seventh Cavalry. Lieutenant Caldwell went to West
Point from Oshkosh and took a warm personal interest in Wis-
consin. He was on an inspection tour of the Wisconsin companies
when the call came and he was directed to report at Camp Harvey.
He was detailed as Post Quartermaster and Commissary. When
the Fourth Regiment was organized Lieutenant Caldwell was
commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel and rendered valuable and
able service with that regiment.
Captain William L. Buck, Thirteenth Infantry, was the chief
mustering officer. Captain Buck had several years previous to
the war served a detail as United States inspector with the Wis-
consin troops.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 225
A very popular oiBcer paid a visit to the regiment unofficially.
Captain Phillip Reade. It was under Phil Reade's instruction
the first rifle practice was had at Camp Douglas. This was the
subject in which Captain Reade was greatly interested and the
Wisconsin men quickly partook of his enthusiasm. He had a
personal acquaintance, through the close contact on the range, of
many officers and enlisted men, and has always been exceedingly
popular with the Wisconsin Guard. Several years ago he retired
as a Brigadier General.
The medical department of the army was represented by Lieu-
tenant Colonel Henry R. Tilton, Deputy Surgeon General of the
army. He called to his assistance Dr. Ladd, of Milwaukee, and
Dr. Reynolds, of Geneva. These three distinguished surgeons
arranged for and supervised the physical examination of the
troops previous to their acceptance by the Federal Government.
Two interesting events occurred during the period the regi-
ment was in Camp Harvey. One of these was the marriage of
Sumner P. Bartlett and Miss Olga Arnold, one of Eau Claire's
beautiful daughters.
Charles W. Hall, of the company, was also married to a Mil-
waukee young lady.
The marriage of Corporal Bartlett was kept a secret from
his comrades until shortly before his death in Porto Rico.
During the period the regiment was at Camp Harvey many
friends from home visited E Company. Among them may be
mentioned General Michael Griffin, Captain C. H. Henry, Major
William P. Bartlett, Captain John Kelley, John C. Fennessey, John
F. Roberts, Captain Chris Schlosser, Mayor S. S. Kepler, D. A.
Cameron, Aldermen — Hugh J. Forest, J. H. Young, Frank Gre-
goire, Martin Severson, John H. Fleming, M. S. Beecher, Charles
S. Lee, N. J. Mclutyre, Chief of Police John Higgins, William K.
Atkinson and wife, Harry M. Atkinson, Florence Atkinson, Miss
Clara Zwickey, Mrs. Thomas Hutchinson, Mrs. J. M. Ballard, Mi-s.
II. L. Whittier, Mrs. Henry Cousins and Miss Mary Cousins.
Other welcome visitors were George B. Early, of Chippewa Falls,
and Lieutenant Governor Emil Baensch.
This subject cannot be passed without special reference to the
visit of Miss Vera I. Moore, daughter of Colonel Moore. For a
long period Miss Moore had been known as "The daughter of
the regiment," and annually encamped with the regiment, for
which she felt the same love, admiration and pride as her worthy
father.
226 HISTORY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
THE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION.
The organization in tli€ Wisconsin regiments differed in a few
respects from the organization under the United States laws.
The Wisconsin regiments had regularly appointed Quartermasters
with rank of Captain, and also had regularly appointed Battalion
Adjutants with rank of First Lieutenant, mounted, and Battalion
Sergeants Major. In the regular service these positions were
tilled by detail of line officers.
General Charles King, some years previous to the war, had
recommended to the Governor and Legislature the passage of a
law making these positions permanent ones, and Marshall Cousins,
when a member of the Legislature, had prepared and secured
the passage of such a law. On the reorganization of the army,
following the Spanish-American War, the Federal laws were
amended and now closely follow the Wisconsin regulations of
that day.
As previously stated, the Battalion Adjutants and Battalion
Sergeants Major were not included in the first call, but a few
days after the call Congress enacted a law accepting the organi-
zations as they had existed in the states, and those affected were
ordered into camp. In the Wisconsin establishments the Regi-
mental Adjutant and Regimental Quartermaster held the rank
of Captain. Assistant Surgeons also held rank of Captain. When
these officers were mustered into the United States service, how-
ever, their rank was reduced to First Lieutenant.
When the call was made, Marshall Cousins, of Eau Claire,
went into the camp as Regimental Sergeant Major, which position
he had held for several years. On the rejection of Lieutenant
Farr by the Surgeons, the Sergeant Major was commissioned
Battalion Adjutant with rank of First Lieutenant, and assigned
to the First Battalion, commanded by Major Thomas Jefferson
George, of Menomonie. Samuel E. Grout, of Eau Claire, was the
Battalion Sergeant Major.
ASSIGNMENT TO BATTALIONS.
In the State organization the regiment was divided into three
battalions, and companies were grouped on geographical lines
as far as possible. They took their numerical designations from
the rank of their Majors. The same assignments and designations
continued in the United States service, as follows:
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 227
First Battalion. Second Battalion. Third Battalion.
E— Eau Claire. B— La Crosse. A — Neillsville.
C — Hudson. K — Tomali. D — Mauston.
H — Menomonie L — Sparta. F — Portage.
I — Superior. M — La Crosse. G — Wausau.
May 13 formal orders were received for the regiment to move
on Saturday, May 14. Their designation was Camp Thomas,
Chickamauga Park, Ga. Friday was spent in packing up and
saying good-bye to friends. Saturday morning bright and early
the camp was astir and baggage hauled to the train. At 3:30
o'clock the first section pulled out. The regiment moved in
three sections. Colonel Moore, Major George and Major Kircheis,
respectively, in charge of sections. In the second section, under
Major George, were about five hundred men, being companies
of B, C, E, H, I and M. Chicago was reached after dark and
some time passed in switching in and about the stock yards.
It was well along in the night before the train pulled away
for the Southland.
Sunday morning dawned on the regiment making its way
through Indiana. At every station the troops were greeted by
large crowds. The season was well advanced over that of Wis-
consin. The ladies were out in summer frocks and bright colors.
The grass was green and foliage well out. Leaving Indiana the
regiment passed through Kentucky and into Tennessee. At
Nashville they found Quartermaster Sergeant Ludington await-
ing them. He had left the first section and reported a pleasing
compliment paid the regiment by an officer of the regular army.
For some time the first section stood in the Nashville depot.
After they had pulled out an officer of the army, noticing Ser-
geant Ludington, inquired of him what regiment had just pulled
out. The Sergeant reported it was the Third Wisconsin, to
which the officer replied, "No, it was some regular army regi-
ment. No volunteer regiment carried itself as the regiment
which just left." The Sergeant, however, convinced him it was
the Third Wisconsin.
Monday morning. May 16, tlie regiment found itself in Chat-
tanooga and after several hours on the road reached Lytic, the
detraining station for Camp Thomas. Between Chattanooga and
Lytle they had their first view of Lookout Mountain. The First
Battalion under Major George was quickly vmder way after
detraining and was conducted by a guide to the Kelley Field,
where they were instructed to await the arrival of the remainder
228 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of the regiment. While the battalion was resting on the field
they first met their Brigade Commander, General Andrew S.
Burt. The General, alone and dismounted, came out from under
the shade and approached Lieutenant Cousins. He wore a plain
service uniform, showing considerable wear, and was close up
to the Battalion Adjutant before that officer discovered the stars
on the shoulder straps. The General hardly waited for the
formal salute, but stepped forward and extended his hand, in-
troducing himself, remarked, "Possibly the order has not yet
reached you, but I have the lionor to be your Brigade Commander.
My name is Burt."
General Andrew S. Burt had for many years been Colonel
of the 25th Infantry, colored, and had made a soldierly, well-
disciplined body of men out of that regiment. He was one of
the first officers in the regular service promoted to Brigadier
General of Volunteers. He had a long and splendid record
and the Third Infantry of Wisconsin was pleased to be assigned
to his brigade. General Burt also expressed pleasure at having
the Wisconsin men assigned to him.
Grounds for the camp were assigned to the regiment just
oft' the Kelley Field. Streets were mapped out, all facing north.
Baggage was very late in arriving and many of the companies
were unable to put up their tents before night fall. Major
George's tent and that of his Adjutant were but a few feet
from the monument of the First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry,
where they did severe fighting on September 23, 1863. There
were other monuments in all directions.
The camp was very well shaded and ground level. The Kelley
Field, just to the west of the camp, furnished fine opportunity
for drilling and parade. There were also fine grounds to the
east of the camp in the woods, and here the battalion drilled
during the stay at Camp Thomas in the battle exercises.
On Tuesday evening the 17th, the Third put on evening
parade on the historical Kelley Field and the exercises attracted
a number of spectators.
The regiment began daily drills, but during the mid-day hours,
ten to four o'clock, owing to the heat, to which the men were
unaccustomed, Colonel Moore ordered a general rest.
Friday, May 20, unwelcome news reached the regiment that
General Burt, to whom they had become much attached, had
been transferred and ordered to Tampa. The command of the
brigade devolved upon Colonel C. B. Hunt, of the First Ohio
Volunteer Infantry.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 229
Sunday, May 22, occurred the first death in the regiment,
that of Private Charles Eck, of E Company. He had been re-
ported sick on Saturday and died at 4:20 Sunday morning.
Captain Ballard was with him at the time of his death. The
body was removed during the day and later interred in the
National Cemetery at Chattanooga. Private Eck was one of
those who had joined the company at the call for troops and
his death was deeply regretted by all his comrades.
Monday, May 23, a division review was held in the morning.
Fifty-four hundred men passed the reviewing officer. The Third
Wisconsin and the Sixteenth Pennsylvania were pronounced the
best appearing regiments.
Wednesday, May 25, a battle exercise was held. The division
took part in the exercise. The first battalion of the Third
marched to Snodgrass Hill, where they took post, and later
under orders fell back towards McFarlane's Gap. This was the
ground over which Wisconsin troops fought in September, 1863.
Evening parade was before General James II. Wilson, who re-
viewed the regiment following parade.
May 27 the regiment was vaccinated from the Colonel down
and many sore arms were the result for some days. Some of
the men, after passing the surgeons themselves, found much
amusement in watching the others wliile the surgeons were per-
forming their task upon them. Sonu^ nu'u would walk up with-
out a flinch or change of expression and smile while the virus
was being applied. Others showed the greatest concern and
several fainted.
May 28, through the Chattanooga papers, the pleasing in-
formation reached the regiment that their long-time friend, Cap-
tain Charles King, had been named by President McKinley for
Brigadier General of Volunteers. Major George's battalion
Avired him their congratulations. This day was taken up with
a tiresome, thorough inspection of equipment. Late in the after-
noon General Charles R. Boardman arrived from Jacksonville.
He represented Governor Seofield and presented new commis-
sions made out on parchment. The regiment paraded before
him. He was much pleased with the inspections reports on the
Wisconsin troops.
On Monday, May 30, the regiment assembled about the First
Wisconsin monument at 10:30 and held Memorial day services.
Addresses were made by Colonel Moore and the Chaplain. Never
before did the men of the regiment so fully appreciate the mean-
ing of the day. On this historical spot the First Wisconsin and
230 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the Tenth Wisconsin, on September 19 and 20, 1863, rendered
valiant service for the Union cause. The Tenth "Wisconsin monu-
ment shows a full-size figure of a soldier made to represent the
brave Lieutenant Colonel John A. Ely, whose regiment was
driven back across the ground now occupied by the Third In-
fantry camp to the LaFayette road beyond the old Kelley Field.
Colonel Ely fell at daybreak on September 20. Out of the 240
men of the Tenth Infantry engaged, the total loss was 211 killed
and wounded.
June 1 a rumor reached the camp the Third would in all
probability be ordered to the Philippines, but nothing further
was heard concerning such an order. Several years afterwards
it was learned it had been seriously considered by the authorities
and it was probably only a rule established many years previ-
ously by a division commander that prevented the Tliird from
going to the Philippines in General King's brigade.
Had battalion drill on June 2, Captain Ballard of E Company
commanded. He was the senior captain of the battalion as well
as of the regiment, and at frequent intervals during the absence
or sickness of Major George Captain Ballard was in command.
He was fully competent to handle the battalion and reflected
credit not only upon himself but his company.
On June 3, Colonel Moore was in command of the brigade
owing to the absence of Colonel Culver, of the Fifth Illinois,
and Colonel Hunt, of Ohio. The brigade was reviewed by Colonel
Moore in the evening.
Large detail from the regiment engaged June 8 and 9 in
building bath houses. Captain Hommel, of A Company, took
charge of this work and made the plans, and by the use of
canvas partitions a very serviceable row of bath houses was
erected in the woods east of the camp. The pipes supplying
the water to the baths were placed very near the surface of the
ground and the hot sun heated the water to a point where it
was scalding when the showers were turned on. However the
baths were exceedingly popular and served their purpose well.
June 9 orders were received to recruit the companies to 106
men and a Lieutenant from each battalion and a noncommis-
sioned officer from each company were detailed to go to the
home stations for this purpose. Lieutenant Hiram Nye, First
Lieutenant C Company, Hudson, went from the First Battalion,
together with Sergeants Horace L. Whittier, of E Company,
Eau Claire ; Milton F. Swant, of H Company, Menomonie ; Charles
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 231
W. Newton, of I Company, Superior, and Alfred P. Goss, of C
Company, Hudson.
On the 11th a division review was hold. The Third Wis-
consin was the first regiment to pass and had the opportunity
of seeing the other regiments march by.
On June 15 an order came from headquarters directing that
a Lieutenant from each company not already represented at
home stations be sent on recruiting service at once. Lieutenant
Cochrane, of E Company, was sent on this duty to Eau Claire.
On this day General O. H. Ernest assumed command of the
brigade. The Third is in the First Brigade, First Division, First
Army Corps. Colonel Hunt, of the First Ohio, had been in
command since the departure of General Burt.
Sunday, June 26, orders were received to prepare to move
at once. Twelve regiments, it was announced, would probably
go. The First Kentucky was dropped from the First Brigade
and the Eighth Massachusetts took its place.
This day arrived the E Company recruits. The names appear
elsewhere in this article, following the names of the original
muster roll. The rookies were given a hearty welcome by the
veterans of the company.
Friday, July 1, was a welcome day, as Major Doyan paid off
the regiment in crisp new bills. The Major was a Wisconsin
man.
July 8, Sunday, just after parade, received an order to pre-
pare to start at any moment for the front.
Independence Day was a day of rush and uncertainty. It
opened with a salute by the Ohio battery in honor of the birth
of the nation. The regimental commissary had gone to the
depot at live o'clock to draw travel rations in accordance with
orders. There the commissary found orders which directed the
issue be withheld until three o'clock. In the meantime the regi-
ment was breaking camp and preparing for the march to the
trains. Shortly after three came an order directing the remak-
ing of the camp and putting up of tents. It had been expected
the regiment would march to Ringgold at eight in the evening.
It was a disgusted and tired regiment at sundown.
Early July 5 the commissary again reported for rations and
after hours of delay the travel ration was issued. Again came
the order to pack up and march to Ringgold. At three o'clock
the regiment swung into the road for the twelve-mile march to
the waiting trains.
232 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The recruits who joined in June had not been fully equipped
or drilled and were left behind. They numbered about twenty
in each company, or two hundred and forty in all. Major
George, of the First Battalion, was left in command of the re-
cruits and Captain Ballard, of E Company, commanded the bat-
talion. Among other officers left behind was the popular, able
and soldierly First Lieutenant of I Company, William H. Smith.
Major Jeff and Billy Smith, as they were popularly called by
their fellow officers, with tear-dimmed eyes watched the de-
parture of the regiment.
The march led through a beautiful country and the regiment
was heartily greeted by the wayside, excepting in one instance.
In this ease an unreconstructed rebel paraded his premises with
an old musket over his shoulder, shouting threats of destruction
upon the marching column. At one point a group of pretty
girls came out with buckets of cooling drinks for officers and
men. Ringgold was reached about dark and the regiment quickly
entrained in three sections and was away for the coast.
Wednesday morning found the trains in Atlanta and all that
day they were traveling from Atlanta to the sea. The train
service was slow and a number of breakdowns of the engines
occurred. It was not until the morning of Friday, July 7, the
regiment reached Charleston. After considerable delay the
Third was assigned to its barracks, which were the old ware-
houses on the docks, and into these they quickly moved. From
the docks could be seen Fort Sumter, and two torpedo boats
were anchored but a few rods from the docks. Down the bay
were two recently captured Spanish prizes. On Friday, July 8,
the day following arrival, the regiment marched through the
city to Marion Square and there held evening parade just back
of the heroic statue of John C. Calhoun and between the statue
and the South Carolina Military Academy. This academy had
been an institution of learning previous to the Civil War and
when Charleston fell was taken by the Federal troops, who
maintained a large garrison there for several years.
The people and officials of Charleston extended a hearty wel-
come to the troops. Every courtesy was shown them. Mer-
chants sold the soldiers at cost price. Committees of ladies
visited the organizations with a view to giving attention to the
sick. They advised the city hospitals would care for those men
the surgeons thought needed such care. The mayor of Charles-
ton supplied each regiment with one thousand pounds of ice
daily. Many invitations from citizens to officers and men for
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 233
meals were extended. All clubs were thrown open to ofiScers.
The people of Charleston did what they could to make the stay
of the troops pleasant and comfortable.
Thursday, July 14, came the news of the surrender of San-
tiago. "When the regiment left Camp Thomas it was intended
to rush it through to Santiago for the reinforcement of General
Shafter, who had called for additional troops. In the mean-
time, however, General Miles had gone into Santiago and quickly
brought the Spaniards to terms. It was now announced the
Third would go to Puerto Rico in an expedition under command
of General Miles. The work of loading began on the 13th, and
officers slept on board that night. Throughout the night a large
force was engaged in coaling and loading. Ma.ior George and
Lieutenant Smith, with the recruits left at Camp Thomas, arrived
and were given a hearty welcome. Lieutenant Smith at once
took command of the Superior Company, it having been with-
out officers for several days. Captain Newton and Lieutenant
Swift both being sick in the hospital.
On the morning of the l-4th, orders came to unload. The
same condition of indecision appeared to prevail as just before
the regiment left Camp Thomas. A fire in the hold of the vessel
during the day burned a part of the bedding rolls belonging to
officers, but did no other damage.
July 15 the orders were first to load and then to unload.
This was repeated several times.
On Satui'day, July Hi, tlu' n-onnent was ordered out for one
of the |H-;irti<M- iiiai-i'hcs which m-rasioned so much comment in
the Wisconsin papers, ^lany meii fell out during the march
and some were very ill after being taken back, to the barracks.
The day was particularly hot and very few of the men were
properly prepared for a long march. Some had eaten little or
no breakfasts and for some distance the line of march lay through
tlie city.
Another sucli march was taken on Monday, the 18th, over a
different route, and while some men fell out the number was
not as great as on Saturday. On Monday's marcli the column
crossed a long bridge, which swayed, and the motion caused
several men to become sick.
These marches caused much criticism in Wisconsin and the
brigade and division commanders were severely censured. Gov-
ernor Scofield demanded an investigation by the war department.
The marches were severe and uncalled for, but a few weeks
later the regiment thought nothing of making considerably longer
234 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
marches under worse conditions, without a man falling out or
grumbling. Had these marches been made to meet an enemy-
there would have been no falling out. As it was, the men
were heartily tired of the indecision and uncertainty as to move-
ments. They were anxious to be in Spanish territory. Time
and time again had the boat been loaded and then unloaded.
Just before the march began, a rumor came the regiment was
to go up the coast several miles and go into a bivouac camp for
a couple of weeks. The disappointment, and the failure to prop-
erly prepare themselves for the march were largely responsible
for the unfortunate results.
On the 19th again they were loading. Men worked all night
of the 18th-19th, loading the transportation into Transport No.
21. About five o'clock on the 20th the men were ordered aboard
the Obdam. This was a freighter which had been purchased by
the government. Its official title was "Transport No. 30, Quar-
termaster's Department, U. S. A." It was illy fitted for car-
rying a large body of men. All the afternoon thousands of
citizens had been crowding the dock and at six o'clock the
Obdam pushed off, the regimental band playing national airs
and men and citizens wildly cheei-ing. Just beyond Sumter
anchor was dropped for the night.
Eleven companies of the Third traveled on the Obdam. one
company being detached and sent on No. 21 with the transpor-
tation. The officers' horses were carried on the Obdam. General
Wilson and staff traveled with the Third and General Ernst
and staff with the Second, which was on the "Grand Duchess."
Early on the morning of July 21 the Charleston bar was crossed
and the troops were on their way to Puerto Rico.
July 25 land was sighted in the afternoon about four o'clock.
It was expected to meet a warship at this point. None, how-
ever, was in sight. At dark all lights were ordered out and the
Obdam cruised at half speed in a circle throughout the night.
During the night, out of the darkness, came "The Wasp." Great
consternation and fright was caused by her searchlight being
suddenly thrown on the boat. She had come up with all lights
out and discovered tke Obdam before the lookout on that boat
knew another boat was anywhere about. The searchlight came
through the blackness like a shaft of fire.
Orders were then received to proceed to Guanico, where Gen-
eral Miles had effected a landing the day before.
The Obdam proceeded under full steam and about daylight
was met by a warship, the Columbia. This great fighting ma-
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 235
ehiue looked decidedly grim in the morning light. She wore
lier battle garb of bluish-gray paint and was stripped for action.
Cxuided by the Columbia, the Obdam made its way into the
beautiful, tranquil harbor. Here a glorious view unfolded itself
to the interested soldiers. They were not allowed to disembark
and after an interval again steamed out into deeper water, where
they came to anchor. The Massachusetts, in all her grim glory,
lay but a few rods away.
At daylight, July 28, Thursday, the naval vessels and trans-
ports were on their way to Ponce. Accompanying the Obdam
were the Massachusetts and the cruisers Gloucester and Dixie.
Orders were given to disembark and the Third Infantry was
given the honor of leading the way. The shallow harbor made
it necessary to use lighters and the ships were anchored at a
considerable distance from the shore. Major George, First Bat-
talion, was given the lead, and Captain Ballard, with E Com-
pany, entered the first lighter, which was slowly propelled
towards the shore. The men were in readiness to fight for a
landing. As the ships came to anchor they were surrounded by
small boats containing natives cheering for the "Americanos,"
hut on the dock could be seen many men in uniform. These,
from the ships, resembled soldiers. It was found later, how-
ever, they were members of the Ponce fire department. Their
red shirts made them very conspicuous. They were there to
welcome and not repel. Captain Ballard landed without resist-
ance and was directed by General Miles, who had run in ahead
of the lighter in a launch, to take immediate possession of the
custom house. The other companies were disembarked as rap-
idly as possible. Before landing of the troops the civil authori-
ties, through the foreign representatives, had surrendered the
city to the naval officers. The gai'rison had withdrawn and was
fleeing down the military road in the direction of Coamo. The
story of the surrender and the lauding of the troops is told in
the La Nueva Era, a newspaper published at Ponce, in the issue
of July 30, ]898. The paper was printed principally in the
Spanish language, but a few columns gave the account of the
landing of the troops in English, and it is quoted herewith:
"On the 27th inst., at 2 p. m., a fleet approaching the port
was signalled from the signal hill, and truly from all the roofs
and points of vantage of the city could be seen three ships near-
ing our harbor at great speed, of which two were apparently
transports and the other a tug. It did not take them long to
come into port and anchor. After a while a boat was seen to
236 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
leave the side of one of the ships bearing a white flag, reached
the shore shortly afterwards with an officer, who on landing bent
his steps to the captain of the port's office in search of the mili-
tary commander of the town, for M'hom he had a despatch.
"The captain of the port answered him that he had no mili-
tary jurisdiction and sent for the military commander, residing
up town here, to take delivery of the despatch brought by said
officer. At about this time a small volunteer force got into posi-
tion near the custom house, and the two companies of the regu-
lars, which on the first alarm of the approach of the American
fleet had been ordered to the port, were stationed on the road
leading from here to the harbor. With the latter forces came
the late military commander of this district. Colonel Sanmartin.
"On the latter being informed that there was an Amei-ican
officer bearing, under flag of truce, a despatch for him, he replied
that without direct authority from the governor general he could
not receive it. On getting this reply the American officer in-
formed the captain of the port that he would give half an hour's
grace for the military commander to come and take delivery of
the despatch.
"In the meantime Sanmartin bad come up town and liad a
conference with the governor genei-al by wire, laying before him
the state of affairs. But as the hour fixed by the American
officer was drawing to its close, and he threatened to return on
board with the despatch inidelivered, two members of the coun-
sular body — Messrs. F. M. Toro, British vice consul, and P. J.
Rosaly, vice consul of the Netherlands — went down to the port
together with our mayor — Mr. R. U. Colom — and one of our
citizens — Mr. P. J. Fournier — with the object of requesting an
extension of the time fixed by the officer to await the reply of
the governor general.
"It seems that the latter "s answer to the military commander
was that he should do his duty ; by which, we suppose, he implied
that resistance should be made, in spite of the immense superior-
ity of the invading forces and of the fleet, which, by this time,
had increased by the arrival of several vessels more. As the
American commander grew impatient at the non-return of the
first boat sent ashore, they sent another, bringing two officers
and a squad of soldiers, who bore with them the American flag
and two rockets for signalling, we presume, in case of need.
Said officers with the squad and flag advanced as far as the very
door of captain of the port's office; but the British vice consul
requested that the soldiers should witlidraw to the seashore, the
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 237
officer with Old Glory, etc., remaining, however, at the door of
the building. The consular and other officers entered the build-
ing. They were there received by the captain of the port, who,
by the way, was dressed in a soiled white drill suit without any
insignia to denote his rank. The German vice consul — Mr. H. C.
Fritze — joined his colleagues of England and the Netherlands in
their good offices in the matter, together with the American mer-
chant, Mr. Lucas Valliviese.
"Said consuls began to work to bring about the surrender of
the town (which had been demanded at discretion), in their
desire to avoid bloodshed and damage to the town, as the Spanish
forces were insignificant, compared with tliose of the United
States and besides the Spaniards having no defensive works or
artillery to answer the fire of the fleet. At about 10 p. m. it was
rumored that an armistice had been arranged, in virtue of which
the Spanish forces would evacuate the town and that the Ameri-
can troops would not laud within a stipulated time to allow the
former forces to get well on their way to Aibonito. It was re-
ported that this arrangement was firm and the people began to
treat more freely about the peaceful solution of the conflict.
But unhappily their joy was of short duration as — about 1 a. m.
— it began to be noised about that the governor general had de-
posed the military commander, Sanmartin, ordering him to give
up the command to the lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Guards,
instructing the latter to offer resistance to the invading forces.
"On this becoming known the alarm was great among all
classes, and the exodus to the neighboring country, which had
already begun in the afternoon and evening, was immense, ap-
proaching nearly to a panic. But the vice consuls continued
their labors to obtain that the armistice arranged with Colonel
Sanmartin by them should be respected and kept in good faith,
and the representative of England and Germany protested
against its being broken and brought to bear on the negotiations
all the weight that their nations represent.
"The lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Guard, on his part, seeing
the impossibility of resistance to the powerful fleet of the enemy,
which had been reinforced by several ships more, with the means
he had at his disposal, decided at length to evacuate the town,
retiring with all the forces under his command, by the road
leading to the interior of the island.
"As soon as this decision was arrived at the retreat began,
but not before attempting to set fire to the railroad station, in
which they only succeeded in burning a few cars. But even after
238 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the retreat there was anxiety among the inhabitants, as it was
reported that the powder magazine of the barracks would be
blown up before the Spaniards left the town definitely ; we arc
happy to say that this did not happen.
"The town was left in charge of the local first brigade, who
undertook the duty of keeping order, but their services were not
called upon that night, nor have been since, as not the slightest
disturbance has taken place. Ponce gave proofs of its good sense
as usual. At daybreak the next morning a half dozen men of
the American forces hoisted the Stars and Stripes on the custom
house together with the headquarters' flag of the commander in
chief. Later the flag was unfurled over the town hall.
"The lauding of the troops began and were distributed about
in accordance with instructions of the American commanders.
The people welcomed the American forces as liberators and
friends and with the greatest demonstrations of joy and hearti-
ness.
"The commander of the expeditionary forces decided that the
municipal and judicial authorities should remain at their post
as well as the local police and the employees of the custom house,
which latter is in charge of Colonel Hill, appointed inspector of
the port and customs. The American troops have entered this
town with the greatest order and are fraternizing with the people.
Said troops later relieved the firemen at guard duty at the city
prison and other places.
"The political prisoners have been set at liberty and among
them our friends, Messrs. Santiago Geraldino, Rudolfo Figueroa,
Jose Hilaria Roche and others. We heartily congratulate them
all. The inhabitants that had gone into the country have gradu-
ally begun to return to town, in which the greatest order prevails.
"At the town hall there took place an incident worthy of
mention. Mr. Figueroa, who had been just set free, went up to
the Seasions hall and unslinging the portrait of the queen regent
with the king and the crown which overtopped them, attempted
to throw them over the balcony, saying : ' There go the remnants
of Spanish domination. ' But an American officer who was pres-
ent interfered in a friendly, way, requesting that said picture
and crown should be given him as a historical niemento of the
occasion, which request was immediately granted."
Notice. "To this office has been brought a hat belonging to
one of the guards of the army at present in the city. It is
marked R. J. Bilie, Fort Wingate, N. M. We hold same at the
disposal of said guard."
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 239
After landing, the troops were surrounded by frantic natives,
shouting, laughing, waving flags and crying "Viva Americanos!
Viva Americanos!"
An orderly from General Roy Stone, of the army, reported
a short time after Major George had landed, to that officer, with
a message from General Stone requesting a detail be sent to him
at the railway depot in the city. The orderly reported General
Stone, with two or three staif officers and orderlies, had gone
into the city and found the Spaniards had evacuated. The Gen-
ei-al desired the escort for which he sent to accompany a train
he was making up to proceed to Yauco. Before leaving, con-
trary to pledges given the authorities, the Spanish troops had
attempted to burn the depot and rolling stock and disable the
locomotives. The fire department had saved the depot and most
of the ears. Mechanics soon made the locomotives available for
use.
Major George directed Captain Ballard to detail a Lieutenant
and seventeen men from his company to proceed to the station
and report to General Stone. The detail was made up as follows :
Corporal Bartlett, Corporal Bailey, Privates Carroll, Kelley,
Harry Fowler, Curry, Eldridge, Watson, Holberg, Nichols, Cal-
vert, Ilibbard, Charles Johnson, Rohn, McKinnon, Van Wagenan,
Samuels.
The city of Yauco had been in possession of American troops
for several days. None of the enemy were encountered on the
trip. The train proceeded with caution, but found efforts to
destroy the track had failed.
A sensational and fabulous story was sent back from the
island of the capture of Yauco by this detachment of E Com-
pany, and many of the men were greatly annoyed that such a
story should have been published.
About noon Major George, witli Companies 11, Captain Ohn-
stad, and I, Captain Newton, marched into the city and took
possession of the barracks. This was a very fine building, built
of concrete, located in a plaza, and was capable of housing a
regiment. It had been occupied up to five o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 28th, by the 25th Infantry of the Spanish Army.
Everything in the barracks was in confusion. In the officers'
quarters clothing and articles of personal property were strewn
about everywhere. Evidently they had picked out the valuables
but abandoned all else in their haste to get a change of air.
The coiirtyard was surrounded by a high stone wall. A ladder
against this wall showed that some had departed by this route
24U HISTORY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
rather than to lose the time to go around by the gate. Before
leaving they had set fire to the magazine, which stood in one
corner of the courtyard, but a detachment of the fire department
had extinguished this blaze.
In the office of the Commandant, Adjutant Cousins found,
among other papers, a communication written in Spanish, ad-
dressed to the commanders of detachments at other points, giving
the plan for the defense of the islands. It was intended all
troops should, after a resistance, gradually drop back, avoiding
decisive engagements, but retard the American advances as
much as possible until San Juan was reached. Here they pro-
posed to annihilate Uncle Sam's men. This communication was
forwarded by Major George to General Wilson.
A large number of machetes and other weapons were found
in the barracks, together with ammunition. Some of this am-
munition created comment, as the balls appeared to be brass
jacketed. A considerable quantity of rations was also captured.
The hard bread was a great contrast to that in use by the Ameri-
cans. It was made up in round disks about the size of an Amer-
ican pie and five-eighths inch in thickness. To all appearances it
made an excellent food and certainly looked appetizing, being
nicely browned.
H and I Companies remained at the barracks for several
days. C Company, of Major George's battalion, was on out-
posts to the west of the city. E Company was left at the port.
Colonel Moore, with other companies of the regiment, estab-
lished a camp north of the city on the road leading towards
San Juan.
The road from the port to the city is along a beautiful high-
way. On both sides the luxuriant growth of tropical vegetation
appealed to the eye. In all directions could be seen the flags of
France, England, Holland and other European countries. A cele-
bration was quickly organized by the citizens.
To show their pleasure many engaged in festooning trees
and the streets with strips of paper. These strips were put up
in goodly-sized rolls and the rolls could be throwai over tree
branches and across streets. In many of the yards foliage was
largely concealed by this form of decoration.
Most of the places of business in the city were closed and
the windows protected by heavy wooden shutters. Many of
the merchants and wealthier class had sent the ladies and chil-
dren out of the city, expecting bombardment and a battle be-
tween the Spanish troops and the Americans for possession. The
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 241
Spaniards, for a long time, had industriously circulated reports
of the villainies committed by the American soldiers and many
of the natives stood in fear of the treatment they might receive.
This feeling of fear quickly passed.
A brief sketch of the island of Puerto Rico and the landing
of General Miles will not come amiss at this point.
PORTO RICO.
The island of Porto Rico was discovered in 1493 and from
that day until 1898 was under Spanish rule. It is one hundred
and eight miles in length and about forty miles wide. It is a
most healthful and delightful country, with mountain ranges
and many streams. In area it is about thirty-six hundred square
miles and the population in 1898 was computed at 800,000. It
is fourth in rank, according to size, of the Greater Antilles group,
but in prosperity and density of population it is first. The
white population was claimed to outnumber the black. In few
of the tropical islands was this the case. The commercial capital
and largest city is Ponce, situated three miles inland from the
port of the same name on the southern coast. The city rests
on a rich plain, sui'roiuided by gardens and plantations. There
are hot springs in the vicinity which are much frequented by
invalids. At the port are extensive depots where products from
tlie interior are stored for shipment. There were no docks and
sliips were loaded and imloaded by means of lighters. The last
enumeration gave to Ponce the population of 37,545, while San
Juan, the capital on the north coast, had a population of 23,414.
In Ponce are a number of fine buildings, among them being a
town hall, theater, two churches, the Charity and the Women's
Asylum, the barracks, the Cuban House and the market. The
road connecting the city and the port was a beautiful promenade.
Besides Ponce and San Juan, the largest towns were Arecibo,
30,000; Utuado, 31,000; Mayaguez, 28,000; San German, 20,000;
Yaueo, 25,000; Juana Diaz, 21,000; and there were reported to
be ten other towns with population of 15,000 or over. Nearly
half the population lived in the larger towns, where there were
many fine residences.
Porto Rico had been more lightly touched by Spanish rule
than other provinces. Internal improvements had been inaugu-
rated. There were nearly one hundred and fifty miles of rail-
road. This Avas narrow gauge and skirted about the coast. A
system of particularly fine military roads connected Ponce and
San Juan with some of the other larger cities.
242 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
In times of peace the island abounded in sugar, coffee, tobacco,
honey, wax and fruits. A large part of the trade had been with
the United States. The entire island is said to be rich in natural
resources and very healthful.
The capital, San Juan, was the best fortified city of Porto
Rico, occupying there the relative position that Havana occupied
in Cuba. When General Miles started on his expedition the
expectation was it would effect a landing at Fajardo, on the
northeastern coast. After this ostensible purpose had been well
published the convoys and transports changed their course,
swung around the east of the island and suddenly arrived off
the harbor of Guanica on the southwestern coast at daylight on
the morning of July 25.
A small Spanish garrison in a blockhouse on the beach was
utterly surprised when Commander Wainwright, of the Glouces-
ter, ran into the beautiful little harbor and opened fire with
small guns. The Spaniards attempted to reply, but were soon
driven off and a party of marines landed and hoisted the Ameri-
can flag over the blockhouse, the stars and stripes taking the
place of the flag of Spain, which was first raised 405 years
before. No Americans were injured, but the Spanish lost several
killed and wounded. The 3,500 troops of this expedition were
landed in the forenoon without difficulty. The Guanica harbor
is the best in the island. East of Guanica are the towns Yauco
and Ponce, the former not more than five miles distance and
connected with Ponce by railroad.
Marching on Yauco on the 26th, there was a skirmish with
the enemy in which the Americans had four men wounded and
the Spaniards lost sixteen killed and wounded. When General
Miles' troops entered Yauco they were received with enthusiasm
and joy, not unmixed, however, with some anxiety. The Alcalde,
or Mayor, Francisco Megia, had issued in advance of the troops,
a proclamation which accepted annexation to the United States
as an accomplished fact: '
Citizens: Today the citizens of Porto Rico assist in one of
her most beautiful festivals. The sun of America shines upon
our mountains and valleys this day of July, 1898. It is a day
of glorious remembrance for each son of this beloved isle, be-
cause for the first time there waves over it the flag of the Stars,
planted in the name of the government of the United States of
America by the Major General of tlie American army, General
Miles.
Porto Ricans, we are, by the miraculous intervention of the
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 243
God of the just, giveu back to the bosom of our mother America,
in whose waters nature placed us as people of America. To her
we are given back, in the name of her government, by General
Miles, and we must send her our most expressive salutation of
generous affection through our conduct toward the valiant troops
represented by distinguished officers and commanded by the illus-
trious General Miles.
Citizens : Long live the government of the United States of
America ! Hail to their valiant troops ! Ilail, Porto Rico, always
American !
Yauco, Porto Rico, United States of America.
The 29th, 30th and 31st of Jidy were passed quietly. Men
and officers alike, when opportunity offered, were looking about
the historic old city and viewing with great interest the moun-
tains in which lay the enemy.
Before daylight on the morning of August 1, E Company,
wliich had been relieved from duty at the customs house by
General Miles, went on outpost. Adjutant Cousins this day made
an arrest of a private of the 16th Pennsylvania Regiment, whom
he found trying to pass a worthless Confederate due bill for
$300.00 on a merchant. The culprit was turned over to the
Provost Marshal, who happened to be his own company com-
mander. The prisoner attempted to bribe the Adjutant by offer-
ing to give him the due bill. This incident is mentioned, as
later it became a matter of considerable official agitation. The
man came from a prominent family and was one of the leaders
in Y. M. C. A. and Sunday school work when home. His regi-
mental commander. Colonel Hulings, of the 16th Pennsylvania,
and even an officer superior in rank to him, at different intei'-
views suggested Adjutant Cousins withdraw his chafges against
the prisoner. This the Adjutant would not do, as the man, when
first arrested, had claimed to be a Wisconsin man.
During the stay in the Ponce camp the old Springfield rifles
with which the regiment were equipped at the time of their
muster into the volunteer service, were replaced by the new
Krag. This was a magazine rifle and entirely unfamiliar to
most of the men. It is a far superior rifle to the old Springfield,
being lighter, equipped with magazine, and more powerful.
Second Lieutenant John E. Barron was taken sick during the
stay at Ponce and left in hospital when the command marched
into the interior. Later he came on to Coamo, but after a few
days was sent with other sick soldiers back to Ponce, and did
not again join the company until the return to Eau Claire.
244 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
On Sunday, August 7, at 7 a. m., the regiment marched towards
the interior along the San Juan road. This is a beautiful macad-
amized road. There are several hundred miles of such roads
on the island. They are known as the military roads and were
built and kept in repair by the Government. The regiment
passed through the city of Juana Diaz about noon. The Mayor
met Colonel Moore outside of the city, extending a welcome to
the American troops and made the request the band play during
passage through the city. An enthusiastic welcome was extended
by the citizens. At three o'clock the regiment went into camp,
having marched about twelve miles. This camp was about five
miles from the enemy's lines. On August 8, men were given an
opportunity for a little practice with the new rifles. At noon
the regiment, in light marching order, advanced about three
miles and again went into camp. All extra baggage, together
with the sick, were left behind, with the band as a guard.
Camp was made in front of Coama, within striking distance
of the Spanish troops. K Company, of Tomah, Captain Warren,
was put on outpost to the front.
The main military road from Ponce to San Juan, along which
the brigade had been advancing, becomes quite tortuous before
reaching Coamo, but has a general northeasterly direction enter-
ing the town. About two miles from Coamo it is joined by the
road from Santa Isabel, an excellent macadamized highway. Be-
fore its junction with the Santa Isabel road it crosses, by an
arch of masonry, a deep gorge with very precipitous sides.
The town lies upon a plateau on the right bank of the Coamo
river and well above its level, surrounded by high hills. It is
in the foothills of the main ridge of the island, and the sur-
rounding country is rough. According to the best information
obtainable it was occiipied by about 400 Spanish troops well
intrenched, and resistance was expected. A small blockhouse
of corrugated iron on the Santa Isabel road was occupied by
an infantry outpost, which had frequently fired upon our recon-
noitering parties. The exact location of the other defenses was
not known.
A trail had been discovered practicable for infantry, by which
a force leaving the main road well to the southwest of Coamo
could, by a wide detour, reach the road again in rear of the
town.
The main body of the brigade, consisting of the Third Wis-
consin Infantry (Colonel Moore), the Second Wisconsin Infan-
try (Colonel Born), Battery F, Third United States Artillery
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 245
(Captain Potts) aud Battery B, Fourth United States Artillery
(Captain Anderson), the two batteries being under the command
of Major J. M. Lancaster, Fourth Artillery, was in camp about
two miles nearer Coamo, to which camp it had advanced that day.
The division commander was present with the troops and
directed their movements. With a view to capturing the gar-
rison, he directed that one regiment he sent by the mountain
trail above mentioned to the rear of the town, and that the front
attack be deferred until this regiment could reach its position.
The Sixteenth Pennsylvania Infantry was selected for the
turning movement. It left its camp, 650 strong, at 5:15 p. m.,
August 8, and under the guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Biddle,
marched six miles and then went into bivouac. At 6 a. m.,
August 9, the two other regiments of the brigade and four guns
of Captain Anderson's battery left their camps to take position
for the front advance upon the town.
The Third Wisconsin Infantry, 788 strong, was sent to the
right, with orders to cross the Coamo river and advance on the
Santa Isabel road until the latter should reach the river, then
to leave the road and advance up the left bank of the river.
While it was moving to its position, fire was opened upon the
blockhouse with the four guns of Captain Anderson's battery.
An advance on the city by any other route than the pikes
is next to impossible. Three roads lead into the city, one from
the southwest, connecting with Ponce ; one from the northeast,
connecting with San Juan, and the Santa Isabel road from the
south. These were all military turnpikes, and streams were
crossed by substantial iron and cement bridges, or, in ease of
smaller streams, reinforced cement bridges.
From the block house above mentioned the Spanish troops
had a clear range of the valley leading towards the city.
K Company, Captain Warren, had been on outpost through-
out the night. K, together Avith G Company, Captain Abraham,
was now posted on the high hills commanding the San Juan
road and had a full view of the block house and the city.
At four o'clock in the morning a silent reveille was had.
The companies fell in and in light marching order, with only
rifles and belts, haversacks with one day's rations, and ponchos,
the regiment moved out to the position it was to occupy on the
firing line.
As the regiment advanced, Companies G and K were left
behind on outpost duty. A Company, Captain Ilommel, was
guarding the city of Juana Diaz and this left only nine com-
246 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
panies in the field. The Third Battalion, Major Richards, with
his two remaining companies, D, Captain Turner, and F, Captain
Lee, was assigned to lead the advance. Following him came
Major Kircheis, with three companies of the Second Battalion,
B, Captain Sehultz, M, Captain Peck, and L, Captain McCoy.
The advance began at 6 :30 and at 7 :05 the first shell from Lan-
caster's Battery was fired. At the third shot the gunners had
the range and the block house was set on fire. With the ad-
vance began the opening fire by the enemy. The deep tropical
grass almost concealed the Americans from view. The regiment
followed closely the skirmish line. The opening by the battery
started a lively battle. When the block house was fired by the
shells the Spanish retreated along the road back into the city.
Major Richards advanced the skirmishers towards the east and
reached the range of hills on which the Spanish outpost was
stationed. The Spaniards were firing thick and fast on the ad-
vancing men, but little could be done towards returning the
fire with small arms on account of the long, heavy grass. The
troops were advancing all along the line and met with many
natural obstacles, sucli as ravines, heavy growth of underbrush
and other obstructions. The cactus hedges caused more anxiety
than the whistling Spanish bullets. The line was still advancing
when infantry fire from the north was heard, making known the
Sixteenth Pennsylvania were engaged with the enemy north of
Coamo. Between the Third Wisconsin and the town was tlie
Coamo river. On the south side, where the regiment was de-
ployed, the bank was almost perpendicular. Colonel Moore
directed Lieutenant Holway and Lieutenant Cousins to make
effort to find a place where the column could pass down in order
to ford the river. After considerable search these officers found
a place where a path or opening down the bluif had been made.
This could only be used by lowering one's self by clinging to
grape vines. The signal was passed back to the regiment and
the men came down the grape vine ladder one at a time. Lieu-
tenants Holway and Cousins had moved on, forded the river
and struck a trail leading toward the military road. Soon after
fording the stream a barb wire barrier obstructed the trail. While
engaged in cutting through this barrier, Lieutenant Cousins was
wounded. Colonel Moore had just come up and ordered him
carried to the rear. An emergency dressing was applied by
Sergeant Major Grout, and he proceeded with the column. While
the wound was painful it was not serious.
The column, after fording the river, followed the trail until
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 247
the military road was reached and then marched into the city.
Before reaeliing the city, natives came out to meet them and it
was learned the Spanish troops had passed through the town
and been engaged by the Pennsylvania men on the outskirts
north of the city. The troops were given an enthusiastic and
frantic welcome by the excited natives, and the Third Infantry
flag was soon flying over the city iiall. The Spaniards had made
entrenchments in many of the streets by ditching and sand
bags. In some cases iron water and sewer pipes had been used.
The citizens had been on short rations for some days. The
Spaniards had swept the whole country for food stuff and those
from the rural districts had been afraid to bring provisions into
the toMU for over a week. Stores were closed and many of
the merchants and business men, with their families, had fled
the town.
When the Spanish troops were driven from their blockliouse
and entrenchments by the Wisconsin men, they retreated through
the city and out onto the turnpike leading towards San Juan.
Here they walked into the range of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania
and a sharp, decisive battle occurred. The Spanish commander,
Major Marlinez, made a brave effort to hold his position. He
recklessly dashed up and down the Spanish lines, and finally fell,
shot several times. As far as can be learned the Spanish loss
was six killed, twelve wounded and one hundred and fifty pris-
oners. Some one hundred and thirty-five Spanish escaped to
the hills, but later some of them were captured.
After a short rest in the city the regiment marched about a
mile on the San Juan road and there went into camp. It was
necessary to hold a large bridge four miles further up the road.
Major Kircheis, with Companies D, Captain Turner, F, Captain
Lee, L, Captain McCoy, and M, Captain Peek, was detailed for
this outpost duty and at once marched to his position. An out-
post was establislied at a point south of Aibonito Pass. The
pass is where the military road goes over the Sierra Del Sur
Mountains. On three hills, commanding the military road, the
Spanish troops were thoroughly entrenched. Major Kircheis
placed outposts in the hills covering the Spanish positions.
August 12 Lancaster's Battery was ordered to the front to
shell the enemy's works. The infantry could not have taken
the works by assault, owing to the deep ravines and steep hills.
In order to get a position for firing, the artillery was compelled
to come out into full view of the Spanish works on the crest of
the mountains. The Spanish artillery fired on the battery as it
248 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
was advanced up the road, but with little effect. Later the
Spanish gunners directed their fire towards the Wisconsin troops.
One shell burst in the midst of L Company, killing Corporal
Oscar R. Swanson and Private Fred Vought, and wounding Cor-
poral Yanke and Private Buntz.
A few moments later the Spani.sh again opened on Lancaster 's
men and held them under a heavy fire. Owing to their better
position the Spaniards could fire upon the Wisconsin line with
small arms, but the elevation made the small arms fire of the
Americans ineffective. The fire of Lancaster's guns was well
directed and Spanish infantry could be seen leaving their posi-
tions and retiring to stronger works in the rear.
At length the Spanish guns became silent and the battery
moved further up the road with F Company as support. They
had advanced but a short way when they encountered a storm
of rifle bullets from the infantry and shells from the big guns,
and were compelled to fall back. The Spanish Infantry had
left their entrenchment and concealed themselves in a banana
field where it was almost impossible to discern them. This
ended the direct attack on Aibonito Pass.
It had been disclosed the Spanish position was such it could
not be carried by a direct attack, and General James II. Wilson,
commanding the division, directed an attack be made by going
through the mountains. A mule pack train was assigned to the
Third for carrying ammunition and rations and the command
was ordered to prepare to take a trail up through the moun-
tains, drive the enemy out of Aibonito and capture the pass and
the city.
On the evening of August 12, Colonel Moore called his officers
together and informed them of the work laid out for them on
the next day. All appreciated the movement would be a hard
one and probably result in considerable loss. Colonel Moore
spoke of the honor conferred upon the regiment by General
Wilson in designating it to lead the advance. To Major George
and his battalion he assigned the honor of opening the way.
Captain Ballard, E, and Captain Kinney, of C Company, were
designated by Major George to lead the advance, with Companies
I and H in support and reserve. Just before the officers' meet-
ing was dismissed Colonel Moore suggested all write letters home.
Saturday, August 13, everything was made ready for the ad-
vance on Aibonito. The regiment was in column of fours on the
road and was waiting only for the pack train to form. Officers
in charge of the train reported they would be in position within
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 249
five minutes, but before the five minutes had passed, a staff
officer froTU headquarters directed Colonel Jloore to withhold
the march until further orders. The regiment was held in readi-
ness to move at any moment. At about 2:30 came information
of the signing of the protocol and that further movement was
suspended for the time being.
Officers and men alike were much disappointed. They liad
made ready again for a movement which was cancelled. Later
in the afternoon, to give the men something to do, Colonel Moore
marched up the road some half a mile and established a new
camp, where tlie regiment remained for several weeks.
The signing of the protocol on August 13, instead of a week
later, prevented an interesting bit of history being made.
On August 31, Wednesday, occurred the death of George
Edwards, Quartermaster Sergeant of H Company, Menomonie.
Sergeant Edwards had formerly been a member of E Company
and had many friends among the Eau Claire boys.
The month of September was spent in the camp just north
of Coamo. There was little happening of a nature to stimulate
activity and much sickness developed. Colonel Moore and the
medical department made every effort to keep the camp sanitary
and officers looked closely after the habits of their men with a
view to preventing illness. The lack of something to do induced
homesickness and the malaria and typhoid quickly followed. The
following table is taken from Captain Emanuel Rossiter's story
of I Company. The figures, while not official, were gathered
from reliable sources and are approximately correct:
September 13 — September 19 —
126 men sick in hospital. 138 men sick in hospital.
200 men sick in quarters. 413 men sick in quarters.
128 men sick in other places. 148 men sick in other places.
18 men left this day.
12 men died in Porto Rico.
Officers and men were afflicted alike. For several weeks the
number of officers available for duty was reduced to such a point
that Lieutenant Cousins, acting regimental adjutant, and Lieu-
tenant Smith, of I Company, who had been placed in command
of P Company, alternated on serving as officer of the day. This
detail was in addition to their other duties and there was no
officer of the guard. Colonel Moore wished to help out by taking
his regular turn as officer of the day, but this the two Lieutenants
250 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
would not permit and they were tough enough to handle the
situation between them.
On September 3, Father Sherman, a Jesuit priest, a son of
CTeneral William T. Sherman, paid the regiment a visit and was
entertained at the officer's mess. He was an old friend of the
Third, having visited at the Camp Douglas Reservation.
On September 9 a second member of E Company passed to the
great beyond. Corporal Sumner P. Bartlett died in the hospital
at one o'clock in the morning. He had been taken to the hos-
pital several days before. Corporal Bartlett had been a member
of the company when it was first organized, but had been out of
the service for several years when President McKinley sounded
the call to the colors. He was a good soldier and popular with
his officers and comrades. At four o'clock in the afternoon of
the day of his death his remains were conveyed to the govern-
ment cemetery, where they were deposited with military honors.
In addition to members of his own company several men of other
companies attended tlie services, showing his cheerful disposition
and nature had made for him friends among the men from other
towns.
Sergeant Major McCall was discharged by order of the War
Department on September 10, and Colonel Moore at once ap-
pointed Samuel E. Grout of Eau Claire to that position. He had
been Battalion Sergeant Major of Major George's battalion and
in addition to that duty had acted as Commissary Sergeant a
large part of the time. The appointment of Sergeant Grout was
a most deserving recognition of his able and conscientious serv-
ices. When the call came for troops in April he was attending
the medical department of the University of Minnesota and came
on to Camp Harvey from there. He lacked but a year of com-
pleting his course biit was informed by the faculty leave would
be granted him and every opportunity given on his return to
complete his studies. Sergeant Grout was of great assistance to
the surgeons in their work and his spare time was put in at the
hospital or among the sick in cjuarters. His appointment as
Sergeant Major was a popular one with the men. who liad for
him love, admiration and respect. He is at present practicing
his profession in Alabama and has built up a tine practice and
reputation.
On Sunday, September 11, just after noonday mess, came a
telegram from General Brooke at a point on the northern coast,
advising a terrible hurricane was coming towards Coamo. This
news broke the monotony of the life the regiment was leading.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 25]
All hands turned tlieir eye« iu the direction of the north and
waited with calmness the possible destruction. If the hurricane
was coming they would have to take it on open ground, as the
camp was not provided with cyclone cellars. Nothing, liowever,
occurred, further than a brisk wind and heavy shower.
September 12, General Ernst, brigade commander, issued an
order fixing the price of provisions as follows:
Eggs, each 4c
Milk, per quart 8c
Chickens, according to size 10 to 20c
Melons 15c
Bananas, small, i/l c ; large i/oc
Oranges, per hundred 30e
On the 13th, guard details were reduced to 22 non-commis-
sioned officers and 69 privates. For some days 24 non-commis-
sioned officers and 93 privates had been required. Twenty-seven
men were detailed for duty at hospitals to assist the regular
hospital corps of men in caring for the sick.
September 19, the regiment received pay and Major M. R.
Doyan had a long and busy day. His money, mostly in crisp new
bills, was carried in three iron chests. The amount he carried
was one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.
Tuesday, September 20, notice was received of the third death
in E Company, that of Pi-ivate Dwight C. Brace, which occurred
in the hospital at Ponce on September 17. Private Brace was
highly esteemed by his officers and comrades. Frequently he had
attended to paper work in the company. He possessed consider-
able talent as a caricaturist, handling the jiencil or crayon with
much skill.
Adjutant Cousins, in response to a request from the Secretary
of War, cabled the strength of the regiment for duty on this day
was 617. In this list B and A Companies rank first, with 68
and 67 men, respectively, and F and L Companies last with 36
and 37, respectively.
September 23 a detail of ten men from E Company was sent
to Barranquitas, a small town about nine miles as the crow flies
from Coamo. By road it is a little longer. This detachment was
there until October 17, and had an interesting tour of duty. Cor-
poral Atkinson recalls many pleasant hours spent in the company
of an old school master from whom he heard many interesting
stories and traditions of the island.
On the 27th came orders to march on San Juan on the 29th.
252 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
This news worked a miracle with those who were on the siek
report. Many men suffering from malaria and who could scarcely
more than walk pulled themselves together and reported to their
company commanders they were again fit for service. Later in
the day came the disappointing news the order had been rescinded,
but on September 30 orders were again issued to prepare for
the march. Adjutant Cousins cabled the War Department the
strength of the regiment was 534 on this date.
Sunday morning, October 2, the regiment was on military
road, advancing on San Juan. About ten-thirty the column
passed through Aibonito Pass. This was where the Spaniards
had expected to make their stand and it was at this point the
regiment lost men in August. The sick of the regiment were left
behind at Coamo with Major George in command. He was also
placed in command of the sick of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania
and of the battery.
The animals of the command were spared as much as possible
owing to lack of proper forage. No oats had been issued for
some days and no hay. Horses and mules alike had to feed on
corn and freshly cut grass. This forage was much too heating
for the laboi'S they had to perform. Many of the mounted officers
walked a good part of the distance to save their horses. Thirty
bull teams had been issued to the regiment on September 29 and
these were used to help out the mules. The march was along
the finely constructed military road and beautiful scenery was
disclosed as the column wound in and about the mountain side.
October 3 the regiment was again on the march. The health
and spirits of the men were revived by the movement and the
scheduled day's mareli was covered before noon. The men re-
quested their captains to ask Colonel Moore to continue the march
and this request was granted. The regiment covered two days'
scheduled march in one. About seven-thirty in the morning the
column crossed over the divide. The camp was made a mile and
one-half north of Cayey in a field covered with a beautiful turf,
but soft and wet owing to the severe rains.
October 4 and 5 was spent in the camp at Cayey. On the 5th
the regiment was paid off by Major J. C. Muhlenberg.
October 6, very much to the disgust of the command, orders
came directing the regiment to turn back and march to Ponce.
Over one-half of the distance from Ponce to San Juan had been
covered and the road to San Juan was down grade. Reveille was
sounded at four o'clock and in a heavy rain the camp was broken
and march begun. Nearly all the way to Aibonito the rain came
.SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 253
down. Canvas was in such condition it could not be used. Adju-
tant Cousins took possession of the old barracks, a large wooden
building, and under this covering the regiment passed the night.
On the 7th the march was continued to Coarao and buildings
were again used here. October 8, marched from Coamo to Juan
Diaz. On the 9th, Sunday, the regiment reached Ponce. For
the first time in many days there was no rain. Four rivers were
forded with difficulty owing to flooded condition. The regiment
moved into the already made camp of the Nineteenth Regular
Infantry. They had been withdrawn to the barracks. The
canvas was new and tents provided with floors. The camp was
beautifully located on the bank of tlie river about two miles
from Ponce.
General Guy V. Henry was in command at Ponce and on the
11th paid the regiment a visit. He came entirely alone, not even
an oi-derly accompanying him, and insisted on holding his own
horse while at regimental headquarters. He impressed the Wis-
consin officers most favorably. He showed great interest in the
welfare and comfort of the regiment. General Henry had a high
reputation as a soldier and his face bore the scars of Indian
campaigning.
October 12, Surgeon Major John B. Edwards was taken to
the officer's hospital in Ponce from a severe attack of typhoid.
He had a long siege of the fever and the regiment came home
without him. It was many days after the regiment had sailed
before the nurses dared to tell him he had been left behind.
October 16, Senator Thomas B. Mills, of Superior, Wis., made
the camp happy by his arrival. He had many personal friends
in the Eau Claire Company, who joined with the men from Su-
perior in extending to him a welcome.
October 17 the steamship Manitoba was assigned to the regi-
ment for the trip home.
On the 20th this order was revoked and the Chester assigned.
The Chester was a better boat for officers, but not as well equipped
for carrying the men. Colonel Moore registered a vigorous pro-
test with General Henry, which resulted in the order being
rescinded and the Manitoba again assigned.
Tuesday, October 18, was "Occupation Day," and the citizens
of the city held a grand celebration. Frank Dana's Third In-
fantry band, together with three other military bands and the
troops quartered in the city, joined in the festivities.
During the night of October 18-19, there occurred an exciting
and later amusing event. Some days before this the 47th New
254 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
York had disembarked and were held at the port for several
days before going into camp on ground to the west of the camp
occupied by the Third Wisconsin. It developed afterwards the
men of the regiment, of the 19th infantry and of the regular
artillery had devoted their attention to filling the New Yorkers
with all kinds of tales of dangers. The New Yorkers had been
led to believe they were in constant danger of being sprung
upon from ambush and cut to pieces. In the early hours of the
night a dummy figure had been set outside the 47th guard line.
It had been so arranged long cords would make movements of
the legs and arms. Between three and four o'clock a sentry got
sight of this figure and challenged, and, receiving no reply, he
fired. The sentry on adjoining post came up, challenged and
fired. Then came the Corporal, who challenged and fired; fol-
lowing him was the relief and at length the entire guard. The
firing awoke Colonel Moore and Adjutant Cousins. Supposing
something was wrong in the camp of the 47th, either an attack
by guerrillas or a mutiny. Jack Hood, of the band, was directed
to sound the long roll, and no man living could sound it better
than Jack.
In the darkness the men sprang into the ranks in all stages
of dress and undress. Notwithstanding their haste, none forgot
their rifles, belts and shoes. Some men were even thoughtful
enough to strap on their wire cutters, thinking barb wire barriers
might be encountered. The Adjutant, in the meantime, was
trying to get in connection witli the 47th camp and about time
firing died down there got the Adjutant of the 47th on the wire
and offered Colonel Moore's assistance. This was respectfully
but emphatically declined and no explanation given of the firing.
After a reasonable interval the men were sent back to their tents.
It was well along in the day before the cause of the disturbance
was learned. It was not a safe subject to discuss with the 47th
New York officers or men.
Friday, October 21, the command was up and astir at four
a. ra., packing and making ready to take the transport. In good
order transportation and regiment passed through the city and
arrived at the port in ample season. By five p. ra. all were on
board. The wagon tvanspoilalion was left behind by direction of
the quartermaster's (Icpaiinwnt. The horses traveled with the
regiment and the last ol' them were loaded about midnight. Tlie
boat, however, did not steam out until the next morning, Satur-
day, it being contrary to the sailors' habit to sail on a Friday.
At nine o'clock on Wednesday, the 26th, the Manitoba arrived
HPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 255
off quarautiue New York harbor and anchored for the night.
Early the next morning Colonel Moore directed Lieutenants
Hohvay, Williams and Cousins to go ashore and report the regi-
ment at the army headquarters. These officers arranged for the
drawing of the warm clothing and the traveling, rations for the
trip from New York to Wisconsin.
Later in the day of the 27th the Manitoba, having been passed
by the quarantine officers and given a clean bill, steamed up to
the docks at Wechawken. The boat was still in motion when
Governor Scofield came down the dock, accompanied by Edward
Mullen, and extended an official welcome. The Governor was
heartily cheered by officers and men.
On the 28th, in three special trains, tlie regiment started for
Wisconsin over the West Shore railway. Two sections of this
train were pulled into Milwaukee, where the citizens of that city,
on October 30, tendered all officers and men a banquet. The
other section, carrying the companies from Eau Claire, Neills-
ville, Menoraonie, Hudson and Superior, pulled through from
Chicago, and by night of October 31 all the companies were in
their home towns.
A delegation from Eau Claire met the troop train before day-
light. Among them were Captain Henry, Hon. William P. Bart-
lett and William K. Atkinson. Eau Claire was reached about
9 :30, and again at the Omaha station the men received an ovation
from the people of Eau Claire.
On November 1 a furlough was granted to all men of the
regiment and leave of absence to officers. During this furlough
Dr. McDonald, army surgeon, visited the home station of all com-
panies to ascertain the health of the command. Dr. McDonald
was a favorite with officers and men. He had accompanied the
regiment in its march up the mountains, returned with the com-
mand to Ponce, and accompanied the regiment to Wisconsin.
Lentil January it was not known what the Government would
decide to do with the regiment. There were reports it might
be sent to Philippines and other reports it might be put into some
of the Western forts. Li the meantime Captain Ballard was
busily engaged in preparing the company for muster out or return
into active service. In late December the order came for mus-
tering out and on January 6, 1899, Captain E. P. Andrus, of the
army, arrived in Eau Claire and by midnight of that day E
Company had been discharged from the volunteer service.
During the service losses occurred and some men liad been
transferred to other organizations.
256 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Three had been lost by death :
Private Charles Eck at Camp Thomas, May 22, 1898.
Corporal Sxxmner P. Bartlett at Coamo, September 9, 1898.
Private Dwight C. Brace at Ponce, September 17, 1898.
By honorable discharge one man had been taken from the
rolls ■
Private Leonard Loken, September 15, 1898.
Four were transferred to the Hospital Corps, namely:
Privates: Malcolm J. Cernahan.
Alexander S. Morgan.
William H. Bruce.
Charles E. Day.
All others of the rolls were mustered out January 6, 1899,
as above stated.
AU through the winter of 1898-1899 many of the men suffered
from the effects of the campaign. Some of those who had malaria
in their systems still feel the effects of it at times.
On January 14, 1899, the officers of the field and staff' and
non-commissioned staff were mustered out at Camp Douglas by
Colonel Andrus.
The State of Wisconsin at once set about the re-organization
of the National Guard and companies in the volunteer service
were given an opportunity to re-enter the guard. E Company,
of the Third, was the only company in the State which failed to
re-organize. Captain Ballard gave the company two opportuni-
ties, and on the second failure referred the matter to the Adju-
tant General, with the result that B Company, of the Fifth In-
fantry, was transferred to the Third Infantry as E Company.
Captain Otto H. Kitz)nan commanded this company and extended
an invitation to all the volunteers to enlist, and several of them
did so. On the reorganization of the regiment, June 10, 1899,
Captain Ballard was commissioned as Major and assigned to the
Second Battalion, consisting of Companies C, E, H and I. Mar-
shall Cousins was appointed Regimental Adjutant with rank of
Captain, and Percy C. Atkinson was appointed Battalion Sergeant
Major. On the creation of the office of battalion quartermaster
and commissary, he was promoted to that position with rank of
Second Lieutenant, and at a little later date was again promoted
to Battalion Adjutant, with rank of First Lieutenant.
Marshall Cousins Avas promoted to grade of Major, December
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 257
14, 1913, and was succeeded by Percy C. Atkinson as Regimental
Adjutant on the same date.
Major Ballard continued in the service until April 22, 1908,
when he was discharged on account of ill health. The Major
died October 15, 1909, and was interred with military honors in
Forest Hill cemetery, Eau Claire. A number of the officers of
the regiment from adjoining stations were present at the service.
Following his retirement from active service a regimental order
was issued making the announcement. This order is reproduced,
as it gives a biographical sketch of the Major.
General Orders,
No. 18.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD INFANTRY
Wisconsin National Guard
La Crosse, May 11, 1908
Announcement is hereby made of the retirement, after twenty
years of continuous service, of Major Joseph M. Ballard, on April
22, 1908. For some weeks prior to this time his health had rap-
idly failed, to the sincere regret of his comrades and friends.
Major Ballard's service in the military establishments of the State
had been long and honorable, and gained for him a place of dis-
tinction and high regard in the hearts of all with whom he had
come in contact.
Previous to his coming to Wisconsin he served in the "Worces-
ter Continentals," C Company, Second Infantry, Volunteer Militia
of Massachusetts. He became corporal in this company May 7,
1880, and Sergeant December 27, of the same year. A few years
later he came to Wisconsin, and when the suggestion was made
to organize a military company in his home city of Eau Claire,
Joe Ballard was one of the first to respond to the call and be-
came president of the civil organization formed to finance the
new company. He was active in perfecting the organization.
The company was organized in the summer of 1887 as an inde-
pendent company, known as the "Griffin Rifles." He was com-
missioned First Lieutenant of the company November 14, 1887,
having previous to that time served as First Sergeant. On April
20, 1888, the company was mustered into service of the State as
E Company, and he was re-commissioned as First Lieutenant in
the Wisconsin National Guard. He was promoted to Captain
April 15, 1890, and as such entered the volunteer service of the
United States May 11, 1898. He served throughout the Porto
Rican campaign with credit and honor to his country, his regi-
258 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ment, his company and himself. E company, under his command,
was the first to land at the Port of Ponce July 28, 1898, the day
of the surrender of that city by the Spaniards. By direct verbal
command of Lieutenant General Miles, Captain Ballard took pos-
session of Government Buildings and threw a guard and patrol
about the port. On August 9 he took part in the battle of Coamo.
He was mustered out with the regiment of January 6, 1899,
and on the re-organization of the regiment he was commissioned
Major, with rank from June 11, 1899, and commanded tlie Second
Battalion from that date until his retirement, April 22, 1908.
He was always ready and always willing to do promptly and
do well every task assigned to him. His cheerful disposition was
contagious, and made many a march and bivouac more endurable.
A faithful friend, patriotic soldier, efficient officer, and brave
man; to this, we, his comrades, bear testimony at the hour of
his retirement. Maj' his future path be a pleasant one.
By order of Colonel Holway.
Marshall Cousins.
Captain Third Infantry, Adjutant.
Major Ballard was born February 18, 1853, at Gardiner, Me.
His father was Augustus Ballard, a prominent and successful
shipbuilder on the Kennebec river. For seven years he resided
in Worcester, Mass., following his profession, that of druggist,
and then removed to Chicago. November 19, 1883, he came to
Eau Claire, buying a drug store from E. H. Playter. He was
married April 25, 1883, to Miss Emily A. Browne, of Boston, who
survived him and still resides in Eau Claire.
This sketch Avould not be complete without a reference to the
Regimental and Battalion Commanders. Colonel Martin T. Moore
commanded the regiment. He was born at Wauwatosa, Wis.,
August 9, 1847, and when scarcely fifteen years of age enlisted
in E Company, 24th Infantry, Wisconsin Volunteers, August 5,
1862. On account of wounds received May 18, 1864, he was, in
August of that year, assigned to duty with the Fifth United
States Veteran Corps of Infantry. He was discharged as a Ser-
geant June 5, 1865. Colonel Moore's service in the National
Guard of Wisconsin began August 14, 1878, as First Lieutenant
of the La Crosse Light Guards. He became Captain August 22,
1879. Aided in the organization of the Third Battalion, W. N. G.,
of which he was the first and only Lieutenant Colonel, from or-
ganization. May 19, 1881, until disbandment early in 1883. On
the organization of the Third Infantry he was commissioned its
SPANISH- AMERICAN WAR 259
first Colonel, June 11, 1883, and remained such until mustered out
of service, Januarj' 14, 1899. Colonel Moore died in La Crosse
March 24, 1903.
The First Battalion, composed of Companies E of Eau Claire,
H of Menomonie, C of Hudson and I of Superior, was commanded
by another veteran of the Civil War, Major Thomas Jefferson
George, who was born in Ohio, November 18, 1842, first enlisted
May 8, 1861, and was discharged on account of sickness, by order
of General Benjamin P. Butler, April 11, 1862. He served as
First Lieutenant Wisconsin State Militia during the Indian dis-
turbances, September, 1862, and was in the United States police
service from 1863 to 1865. From January 11, 1877, to June 11,
1883, he was Captain of the Guard Company of Menomonie. On
the latter date he was commissioned Major in the Third Infantry
and remained as such until the final muster out of the regiment,
January 14, 1899. Major George is living at Menomonie in good
health and respected and loved by all. For Major George officers
and men of Wisconsin National Guard entertain a warm and
kindly sentiment.
Another officer, while not a member of the regiment, richly
deserves mention in this sketch. Captain William A. Bethel, of
the army, was Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of the
brigade commander. He performed the trying duties of his posi-
tion with intelligence, energy and tact and a mutual feeling of
admiration soon sprang up between him and the Third Infantry.
Officers and men alike felt free to go to Captain Bethel for infor-
mation and instruction. Following the war he was ti*ansferred
to the Judge Advocate General's Department and served a detail
as instructor in military law at West Point. He now holds -the
rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
THE HOME PEOPLE.
The good people at home, through the reports sent out by
sensational newspaper correspondents, formed the idea the regi-
ments in Porto Rico were suffering from neglect. On September
14 a mass meeting was held, of which D. A. Cameron was chair-
man and James T. Joyce secretary. Addresses were made by
Hon. William II. Frawley, Mayor S. S. Kepler, Richard F. Wilson,
A. A. Cutter and others, and committees appointed. At a second
meeting, held on September 15, it was agreed to send Robert K.
Boyd to Porto Rico with funds. On September 19 Mr. Boyd,
accompanied by General Griffin, left Eau Claire for Washington.
260 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The War Department furnished him with transportation, passes
and letters, and he sailed from New York on the Steamer Chester,
October 2. He lauded at Ponce and reached the regiment on
October 7, at Coamo on their return march. Owing to the high
water, he was compelled to swim several rivers.
Mr. Boyd was accorded a royal reception by E Company. lie
found conditions on the island very much improved. The men
had become acclimated. He remained with the regiment and
accompanied it home, sending in the meantime reports which
allayed the anxiety of the friends at home.
"HAPPY JACK."
By an E Company Man.
Will the publishers of the Eau Claire County History give
one of the men of the Puerto Rican expedition a little space to
make mention of Happy Jack? He was the horse ridden by
Adjutant Cousins during the Spanish-American War and for
years after the war. Jack was a Kentucky thoroughbred, born
in the state of fine horses and beautiful women, but as a young
colt was sent to a Georgia plantation, about forty miles from
Chickamauga Park. It was at Chickamauga Park he was pur-
chased by the Eau (Claire officer on May 25, 1898. The planter
from whom he was bought frankly stated he did not thiuk the
horse suited for military purposes as he was a plantation saddler
and had never been in the city or been among large bodies of
men. Jack was accepted, however, and in a few days had estab-
lished friendly terms witli matters military aud with officers and
men. He quickly learned bugle calls and seemed to recognize
the uniform. He was a particularlj' handsome, well-bred animal,
and could take the single foot gait at considerably better than
a three-minute gait. He was as intelligent as he was handsome.
He received a painful Avouiid while on the island, Avhich was
dressed and attended to by Captain E. H. Grannis, one of our
regimental surgeons.
Jack came home with the regiment and lived in Eau Claire
until February 10, 1912, when he passed quietly away. From
1899 on he annually attended the regimental encampments at
Camp Douglas, and hundreds of men will recall his attitude as
he would stand before the regiment at evening parade while his
master. Captain Cousins, Regimental Adjutant, published the
orders.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 261
Jack, although spirited and lively, was never vicious except-
ing when colored people were about. For the negro race he
seemed to have a particular aversion and would not hesitate to
use his hoofs or teeth to impress upon them his dislike. Jack
rendered his country good and faithful service, and was a kind,
affectionate and agreeable friend and comrade.
CHAPTER XVI.
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION.
The Constitution of 18-48 divided the state of Wisconsin into
five judicial circuits. Chippewa county, which then embraced
territory extending from La Pointe county on the north to Craw-
ford county on the south, except wliat was embraced in St. Croix
county, was attached to Crawford county for judicial purposes.
In 1850 the sixth circuit was formed in part out of territory
in Chippewa county, and in 1854 the remainder of Chippewa
county was divided to form in part the eighth circuit. As late
as 1857, this circuit included the counties of Eau Claire, Chip-
pewa, Dunn, St. Croix, La Pointe and Douglas.
Its first judge was S. S. N. Fuller, whose terra extended from
January, 1855, to 1860. He was truly a pioneer judge, but a
very indifferent lawyer.
In the spring of 1859, L. P. Weatherby, a Hudson lawyer,
was elected to succeed Judge Fuller, who early in the fall re-
signed. Governor Randall appointed the late Judge Barron to
fill Judge Fuller's unexpired term.
Judge Barron was not a noted lawyer, and three months was
not a sufficient time in which to achieve a judicial record. It is
but simple justice, liowever, to his memory to observe that he
was a most striking illustration of what is not unusual, tliat a
very ordinary lawyer may make an excellent judge. Judge
Barron was subsequently judge of the Eleventh circuit.
Judge Weatherby came to the bench in January, 1860, as a
code lawyer, which his immediate predecessor was not. This
was a great advantage to most of the members of the bar then
in Northwestern Wisconsin, as the code practice had then been
but recently adopted by the state, and the practice was new
to them.
The guerrilla and skirmishing practice, tolerated in Judge
Fuller's court, was allowed no quarter in his successor's, tlie
effect of which was, during his term, to make a number of repii-
table lawyers in this circuit. Judge Weatherby was an able
lawyer and fortunately possessed an admirable judicial tempera-
ment.
In 186-4 the eleventh circuit was formed, which detached from
262
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 263
the eighth the counties of Ashland, Burnet, Dallas, Polk and La
Pointe. In 1865 Dallas county, name since changed to Barron,
was attached to the eighth. In 1876 Chippewa county and
Barron county were detached from it and attached to the elev-
enth. H. L. Humphrey, of Hudson, was the immediate successor
of Judge Weatherby, and proved a very successful and popular
judge, till his political friends demanded his retirement to be-
come a member of Congress. He was succeeded in 1878 by
E. B. Bundy, of Menomonie, who was successfully re-elected until
1896, wlien he was defeated by Eugene Helms. However, at this
date the county of Eau Claire had been detached from the eighth
circuit, but his long term of service attests his fitness and integ-
rity as a .iudge.
In 1876 the thirteenth circuit was formed from the counties
of Buffalo and Trempealeau from the sixth and Eau Claire county
from the eighth.
A. W. Newman, of Trempealeau, became its judge in 1877,
but in 1878 the counties of Buffalo and Eau Claire were de-
tached from the thirteenth circuit and attached to the eighth,
and Judge Newman was left judge of the thirteenth with the
counties of CJark, Monroe, Jackson, LaCrosse and Vernon added
thereto by the act of 1878. He remained judge of the thir-
teenth till, through his famous decision in the state interest
cases and the popularity which he achieved thereby, he was
elevated to the bench of the Suprem.e Court in 1894.
The restiveness of the Eau Claire bar under the fact that it
had not a resident judge, and some dissatisfaction among a part
of its leading members, led to the formation of the seventeenth
circuit in 1891, composed of the counties of Eau Claire, Jackson
and Clark.
Although the circuit was strongly Republican, local intiuences
were so favorable to Judge Bailey that he defeated James O 'Neill,
of Clark county, and came to the bench in 1892. During his
incumbency he brought much judicial learning to the discharge
of his official duties, but enjoyed the writing of law works, to
which he has since given much time.
Judge Bailey was succeeded by James O'Neill, who was
elected, and assumed the duties of office in January, 1898. The
present incumbent. Judge James Wickham, was elected in 1909,
when the district was changed from the seventeenth to the nine-
teenth circuit, which is now composed of the counties of Eau
Claire, Chippewa, Rusk and Sawyer.
The first trial upon an indictment for a capital offense which
264 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
had ever occurred in Eau Claire eoimty, was that of Charles
Naither for the murder of Andrew Seitz on the evening of April
30, 1858. The two men, Germans, lived together, and Seitz up-
braided Naither for neglecting to wash the dishes after eating
supper. An altercation ensued and he was thrown downstairs.
He went and purchased a knife and returned to the rooms Seitz
and he occupied over the office of the receiver of public money,
on Eau Claire street. After a war of words had ensued, and
Naither was again ejected from the room, the parties clinched
over the threshold of the door and in an instant Naither plunged
his knife into the abdomen of Seitz. He died from the wound
on May 11 following. The trial took place at the June term of
the circuit coiirt. The accused was unable to employ counsel,
and Mr. Alexander Meggett was assigned to that duty. Judge
S. S. N. Fuller presided. District Attorney Bartlett and Mr.
George Mulks conducted the prosecution. The jury were un-
able to agree upon a verdict and were discharged. On a second
trial the prisoner was found guilty of manslaughter in the third
degree and sentenced to four years and twenty days' imprison-
ment in the penitentiary with hard labor. Two years afterM'ard
Gov. Alex W. Randall pardoned him out.
The second murder occurred in September, 1864. A man
by the name of Sloan, a resident of the town of Seynour, in Eau
Claire county, got into an altercation with John Stoepler. In
a fit of passion, he picked up a maple stick and struck Sloan
over the head with it, fracturing his ski;ll. The result was
death. Stoepler was immediately arrested and indicted. He
was held for trial on April 6, 1865. The district attorney, W. P.
Bartlett, conducted the prosecution, assisted by Alexander Meg-
gett. The accused was ably defended by Horace "W. Barnes
and N. B. Boyden, but the evidence against him was conclusive,
and he was found guilty of murder in the third degree and
sentenced to three years and a half and one day's solitary con-
finement in the state prison, but he was recommended by many
influential citizens to executive clemency, and two years of his
term were remitted.
S. S. N. Fuller was born at Montrose, Susquehanna county,
Pennsylvania. He came to Wisconsin and resided for a time
at Fond du Lac, where his name is enrolled as an attorney under
date of February 3, 1851. His stay there was brief. After his
removal to Hudson, St. Croix county, he was elected county
judge and later circuit judge. His service did not cover the
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 265
full term for which he had been elected. Soon after resigning
he removed to Kansas and died there in about 1876.
Lucien P. Wetherby, one of the early judges, was born at
Eagle, Ouondago county. New York, October 12, 1822. He was
educated in the public schools and at an advanced academy at
Baldensville ; he studied law in the office of Angel & Grover in
Allegany county, and was admitted to the bar in 1840. Was
district attorney and surrogate of that county, in which he began
practice of the law at Angelica. He came to Wisconsin in 1856,
and located at Hudson, where he resided all his subsequent life.
In 1860 he was elected judge of the Eighth circuit and sei-ved
the full term. He died December 11, 1889.
Judge Wetherby was a lawyer both by instinct and educa-
tion. He was a conspicuous figure at the bar and on the bench.
He was thoroughly informed in the fundamental principles of
law, and well versed in the statutes. His comprehension of legal
propositions, the accuracy of his discrimination and his ability
to apply principles to stated cases were remarkable. He gave
dignity to his profession by his ability, knowledge and fairness.
He despised the tricks of the pettifogger and pleaded for law
and justice.
Henry Danforth Barron was a native of New York, was born
at Wilton, Saratoga county, April 10, 1833. After obtaining a
common school education, he entered the law school at Ballston
Spa. New York, and graduated therefrom. In 1851 he became
a resident of Waukesha, Wis., and conducted a newspaper there
for some time ; the newspaper being known as the Waukesha
Democrat until its name was changed to the "Chronotype." In
1853 Mr. Barron was postmaster at Waukesha. In 1857 he re-
moved to Pepin, Pepin county, and practiced law there until
1860, when he became by appointment of Governor Randall,
judge of the eighth circuit. His service in that capacity was
brief, lasting only until the vacancy he was appointed to fill
could be filled by an election. In a short time he removed to
St. Croix Falls, Polk county. In 1862 he was unanimously
elected a member of the assembly from the district comprising
the counties of Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Barron and
Polk. He served as a member of the assembly in 1864, 1866,
1867, 1868, 1872 and 1873. In 1868 and 1872 he was chosen one
of the presidential electors on the republican ticket ; from 1863
till 1876 he was a regent of the State University. In March,
1869, President Grant nominated Judge Barron for chief justice
of the territory of Dakota, which office he declined. In 1869,
266 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the President appointed him fifth auditor of the treasury, and
he discharged the duties of that office till January 1, 1872, when
he resigned to take a seat in the assembly. In May, 1871, he
was appointed by Governor Fairchild Wisconsin's trustee of
the Antietam Cemetery Association. In 1874-5-6 Mr. Barron
was a member of the State Senate and president pro tem of that
body in 1876. In the spring of that year he was elected judge
of the eleventh circuit. His death occurred before the expira-
tion of his term at St. Croix Falls, January 23, 1882.
Herman L. Humphrey was born at Candor, Tioga county,
NeM' York, Mai'ch 14, 1880. His education, except one year
spent in the Cortland academy, was limited to the public schools.
At the age of sixteen he engaged as clei'k in a store at Ithaca,
New York, and so continued for several years; later he read
law in that city and was admitted to the bar in July, 1854. In
January, 1855, he located at Hudson, Wis., and began the prac-
tice of la^v. Soon after he Avas appointed district attorney to
fill a vacancy; in 1860 he became judge of the county by ap-
pointment, and in 1861 was elected to that office for a full term.
He resigned in February, 1862, having been elected State Senator.
In 1865 he was mayor of Hudson and in April, 1866, was elected
judge of the eighth circuit, and re-elected in 1872. That office
was resigned in March, 1877, when Judge Humphrey's term as
a member of Congress began, he having been elected as the Re-
publican candidate in November, 1876 ; he was twice re-elected,
having served from 1877 to 1883. On completing his congres-
sional service. Judge Ilumplirey resumed the practice of law at
Hudson.
Egbert B. Bundy was born at Windsor, N. Y., February 8,
1833. He received his general education there at the academy,
and his legal education in law offices at Windsor and Depoint,
in his native state. He became a member of the bar at Cortland,
N. Y., in January, 1856. On coming to Wisconsin he began his
law practice at Dunnville, the then county seat of Dunn county,
thereafter removing to Menomonie. He served as county judge,
and April, 1877, was appointed judge of the eighth circuit, then
composed of the counties of Bau Claire, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce
and St. Croix, to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Humphrey.
In April, 1878, he Avas re-elected and at the expiration of tlie
term was again re-elected.
As a lawyer, Judge Bundy Avas highly valued. Making no
claims to oratorical gifts, he was nevertheless forcible, impres-
sive and strong as an advocate. Never "ingenious" in discuss-
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 267
iiig legal propositions to the court, he went strauglit to the core
of the questions, and never burdened or blurred a brief with
cases not in point. In the counsel room he was eminently frank,
practical, able, safe. It was, however, on the bench that Judge
Bundy did the major part of his life work.
Alfred William Newman, an associate justice of the Supreme
Court of Wisconsin, departed this life at the city of Madison,
January 12, 1898, his death resulting from accidental injury
received the day before. Justice Newman was born April 5,
1834, at Durham, Greene county. New York. He was of English
descent, his ancestors being found among the early Puritan set-
tlers of New England. He was born upon a farm and grew up
as a farmer's boy, receiving such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, and subjected at home and at school to the
strict discipline and religious instruction and observances re-
ciuired by the Presbyterian church, of which both his parents
were devout members.
When thirteen years of age he accompanied his father to
Albany and was present in court when his father M^as exam-
ined as a witness, and it is said that he then and there deter-
mined to become a lawyer, and that thereafter all his efforts to
obtain an education had that in view. When about eighteen
years of age he entered an academy at Ithaca and after two
terms there he entered the Delaware Literary Institute at Frank-
lin, N. Y., where he also remained two terms. He then entered
Hamilton College, at Clinton, N. Y., joining the class of 1857,
with which he was graduated, receiving the degree of A. B.
While at college he diligently pursued extra law studies under
Professor Theodore W. Dwight, and after graduation he con-
tinued the study of law^ in the office of John Olney, Esq.. at
Windham Center, in Greene county, until admitted to the bar
at the general te)'m of the Supreme Court at Albany, Decembei'
8, 1857.
In January, 1858, he started for the west. Stopping tirst at
Alnapee, in Kewaunee county, he removed in March, 1858, to
Trempealeau county, which ever after remained his home until
his removal to Madison in 1894.
He held the office of county judge of Trempealeau county
from April, 1860, until January, 1867, when he assumed the
office of district attorney, to which he had been elected in the
fall of 1866. He was re-elected district attorney in 1868, 1872
and 1874, thus holding that position for eight years.
He was twice elected to the State Legislature, serving as a
268 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
member of the assembly iu 1863 and senator from the thirty-
second district in 1868 and 1869.
While he was holding the office of district attorney the leg-
islature, in 1876, formed a new judicial circuit — the thirteenth
— consisting of the counties of Eau Claire, Buffalo and Trem-
pealeau. In April of that year Mr. Newman was elected judge
of this new circuit, and discharged the duties of that position
until 1878. As a result of legislative action, he was transferred
to and became judge of the sixth circuit. He was re-elected,
without opposition, in 1882, 1888. The third term for which he
was elected expired January 1, 1895.
In the spring of 1893, Hon. William Penn Lyon, chief justice
of the Supreme Court, having expressed his intention not to be
a candidate for re-election, Judge Newman was called out as
a nonpartisan candidate and was elected to the position of
associate justice. His services began at the opening of the
January term, 1894. He had completed four years of his term
and about beginning the fifth year with the opening of the Janu-
ary term, 1898, on the day — January 11 — when he met with an
accident which terminated his life.
William F. Bailey served for six years as judge of the seven-
teenth circuit. He enlisted at the beginning of the war in the
Thirty-eighth New York Infantry, but in the early spring of
1862 became captain of Company K, Ninety-fifth New York Vol-
unteers, serving with McDowell until after the battle of An-
tietam. Some time after the close of the war — that is, in 1867 —
he came to Eau Claire, where he has served in a number of
important positions.
During his term of service in the seventeenth. Judge Bailey
sat in several important trials, most notable among which was
that of the State vs. Elizabeth Russell. In this ease the jury
rendered a verdict of guilty, but judgment was arrested by
direction of the Supreme Court.
The foregoing was not written by Mr. Bailey.
As the Russell trial is mentioned, he desires to correct a false
impression pervading a considerable portion of the public, with
respect to the outcome of that trial. At the suggestion of Mr.
Frawley and the request of the county board, he appointed
William Irwin, a celebrated criminal lawyer of St. Paul, to
assist the district attorney in the prosecution of Mrs. Russell. A
statute of Wisconsin provided and still provides that in crim-
inal cases the trial court may obtain the opinion of the Supreme
Court as to its duty in cases of doubt as to the law. It requires
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 269
that the trial court submit questions to be answered by the Su-
preme Court certifying the evidence relating thereto. During
the trial it appeared from the testimony of the district attorney,
that he had sought to entrap Mrs. Russell, then confined in the
county jail, and to this end he sent Russ Whipple to the jail to
represent to her that he was sent by Mr. James, her counsel, to
obtain the facts within her knowledge; that Mr. James could
not come in person; that he was going to Chicago on a late
train that evening, and in order to assure her that he was sent
by Mr. James, he was to tell her, and did tell her, to call up Mr.
James by telephone. She called up Mr. James, but instead of
Mr. James answering, Mr. Frawley was at the other end and
answered, not disclosing he was not Mr. James, and advised her
to tell everything to Mr. Whipple. The judge was in doubt as
to the legal effect of the appointment of Mr. Irwin, he being a
non-resident of the state and not a member of the Wisconsin
bar, .and also as to the conduct of the district attorney, and
hence, in order to save further delay and the expense of a writ
of error to the Supreme Court, he certified the following ques-
tions in substance:
First With reference to the appointment of Mr. Irwin to
assist the prosecution : Shall the court proceed to judgment and
sentence upon the verdict ? To which question the Supreme Court
answered "No."
Second. The testimony of Mr. Frawley being certified, shall
tlie court proceed to judgment and sentence upon the verdict in
view of such conduct? To which question the Supreme Court
answered "No." That court delivered an opinion severely cen-
suring the district attorney for his conduct. Thus the trial court
was instructed not to proceed to judgment and sentence. The
Supreme Court arrested the judgment and not Judge Bailey.
Persons who want otherwise than here to satisfy themselves of
the facts as here given, are referred to the published opinion of
the Supreme Court found in the Wisconsin reports.
In spite of the exceedingly arduous duties pertaining to his
office, the judge found time to make some valuable contributions
to professional literature in his works entitled "Masters' Lia-
bilities for Injuries to Servants," and Bailey's "Personal In-
juries," both of which have met with general approval and large
sales.
The judge was born in Carmel, Putnam county, New York,
June 20, 1842, the son of Benjamin Bailey, a lawyer who at-
tained nuich prominence during a quarter century of practice
270 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
at the New York bar. Judge Bailey received his early educa-
tion at Clavereck Academy in Columbia county, New York, and
his legal education was obtained in New York. He was admitted
to the bar at Brooklyn in 1863. His service to the public in-
cluded three terms as mayor of Eau Claire, one terra as district
attorney of Eau Claire county, and as judge of the seventeenth
circuit, the latter covering the years of 1892-97.
James O'Neill was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county. New
York, September 3, 1847. His parents were Andrew and Mary
(HoUiston) O'Neill, his father being a farmer by occupation.
Tracing his ancestors to an early date, it is found that his pater-
nal grandfather, Andrew O'Neill, was born in Shanes Castle,
Ireland, September 23, 1766. Emigrating to America about
1790, he settled at Edwardsburg, Canada, where on February
18, 1798, he married Jane Armstrong. During October of the
next year they located at Lisbon, New York, Mr. O'Neill being
the first settler of that town. Here as a farmer he lived and
died.
The maternal ancestry was Scotch, Andrew Holliston and
Mary Lees, the grandparents, coming from the banks of the
Leader, a branch of the historic Tweed in Berwickshire, Scot-
land. In the early forties they left their native land, locating
in Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence county, New York.
In the district schools of his native state James O'Neill pre-
pared for the higher branches of learning, entering St. Lawrence
University in the fall of 1863. Here he spent three years, then
entered Cornell University where, after spending three years,
he was graduated in 1871 with the degree of A. B. He obtained
his legal education in the office of John McNaughton, of Ogdeus-
burg, and at the Albany Law School, graduating from the latter
institution in 1873.
After his admission to the bar at Albany, Mr. O'Neill came
to Neillsville on a visit to his uncle James. This was in 1873.
So favorably impressed was he that he decided to locate there
for the practice of his profession. Opening an office, he continued
alone for four years, after which, in August, 1877, he formed a
partnership with H. W. Sheldon, which was terminated with
the death of Mr. Sheldon in February, 1879. For one year he
was associated with Mr. Joseph Morley, and in 1890 formed a
partnership with Spencer M. Marsh, which continued until Mr.
O'Neill left the profession for the bench, in January, 1898.
James Wickham, judge of the circuit court for the nine-
teenth district, is a native son of Wisconsin, having been born
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 271
in Richland county, this state, January 31, 1862, the sou of Pat-
rick and Catherine (Quigley) Wickham, natives of Ireland. The
parents of Judge Wickham emigrated to the United States in
early life, and first located in New York. They removed to Cleve-
land, Ohio, where they remained four years, then came west to
Wisconsin, stopping first at Whitewater, thence to Richland
county, where they arrived in 1859 and engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Both parents died in 1894. They were progressive
citizens and held a place of prominence in the community, and
many times Mr. Wickham was called upon to fill offices of trust.
Judge Wickham received his preliminary education in the
l)ublic schools of Richland county and the Richland Center high
school, which was supplemented by a thorough course in the law
department of the University of Wisconsin, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1886 and began practice in August of
that year at Eau Claire. Prior to his graduating from the law
department he was engaged for a time in school teaching. After
his arrival in Eau Claire he was appointed citj' attorney in 1897
and from 1899 to 1906. From 1889 to 1910 he was engaged in
the practice of law with Frank R. Farr, under the firm name of
Wickham & F'arr. He was elected judge of the circuit court in
1909, assuming the duties of that office January 1, 1910.
In 1891 he was married to Miss Ida Haskin, daughter of
Wright Haskin, of Eau Claire. She passed away in 1904. In 1908
the .iudge married for his second wife Helen Koppelberger,
(lauuliter of H. B. Koppelberger. His children are James Arthur,
William E., Catherine Ida and Walter Leo.
THE COUNTY COURT.
Everything in municipal affairs has its beginning and the
establishment of the county government by law brought with
it the inauguration of the county or probate court ; naturally, the
duties of the judge were very light for a number of years, and
the pay small, but with the lapse of years the work has grown to
such an extent as to occupy nearly the whole time of the judge.
During the last fifty-six years the court has had nine judges, as
follows : Starting with William Pitt Bartlett, who occupied the
office from 1858 to 1861, his successors have been Ira Mead, 1862 ;
John W. Stillman, 1863-65; H. W. Barnes, 1866-68; George C.
Teall, 1869-73 ; Arthus C. EUis, 1874-80 ; George C. Teall, 1881-86 ;
A. C. Larson assumed the duties of the office in 1887 and was
succeeded by ilartin B. Hubbard, who took charge in 1897. He
272 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
remained one term of four years and was succeeded by the pres-
ent encumbent, George L. Blum, who was first elected in 1901.
William Pitt Bartlett, nestor of the bar of Eau Claire county,
was born at Minot, Maine, September 13, 1829. His early educa-
tional opportunities were meager, but he obtained a teacher's
certificate at the age of fifteen years. He paid his way through
the academies at Farmington and Bloomfield and at the age of
twenty years entered Waterville College and was graduated in
1853. He was elected principal of the Hallowell (Maine) Acad-
emy and served in that capacity until he resigned in 1855, hav-
ing in the meantime begun to study law. Being of weak physique,
it was deemed advisable to seek more favorable climatic influ-
ences, and he located at Watertown, Wis., where he taught school
for six months and continued the study of law. He was admitted
to practice in the spring of 1856, and the following year moved
to Eau Claire, Wis., where he has since resided. He was the first
lawyer to locate in Eau Claire county. He is the nestor of the
school board of Eau Claire; has always taken great interest in
educational matters, and for many years was a member of and
president of the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin.
He was elected district attorney in 1859, and during his term of
office became a member of the legislature. In the spring of 1860
he was appointed judge of Eau Claire county by Governor Ran-
dall, and in 1861 and 1863 was again elected district attorney. In
1872 he was again elected a member of the legislature, in 1874
appointed register of the United States land office by President
Grant, and re-appointed in 1878 by President Hayes. From 1857
to 1872 Mr. Bartlett practiced by himself, but in the latter year
he formed a partnership with H. H. Ilayden, which, under the
firm name of Bartlett & Hayden, became one of the strongest
law firms in Wisconsin. In 1884 this partnership was dissolved
and since then Mr. Bartlett has practiced by himself.
Col. Edward M. Bartlett came to Dead Lake Prairie, in Dunn
county, later town of Frankfort, Pepin county, in 1855, and lived
there two winters and in the southern part of the state one win-
ter. In 1858 he settled in Dunn county, residing in Dunnville
and Menomonie until October, 1862. He was commissioned lieu-
tenant-colonel of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry in 1864, serving
until the close of the war. He was born in the town of Victor,
Cayiiga county. New York, August 3, 1839, came to Wisconsin
when sixteen years old, and while at East Troy studied law in
the office of Henry Cousins, and was admitted to the bar in 1856,
and settled at Eau Claire in 1866, practicing his profession for
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 273
many years. He was for five years register of the United States
land office, and at one time city attorney of Eau Claire. For
several years he was municipal judge of the city of Eau Claire.
Milton D. Bartlett was born in the town of Victory, Cayuga
county, New York, November 3, 1833, and lived in Auburn,
N. Y., after he was twelve years old until the spring of 1852,
when he came to Wisconsin, locating in East Troy, "Walworth
county. In October, 1852, he returned east, and in the spring of
1854 came to Delavan, remaining there one year. Was then for
one year at East Troy, and in the spring of 1856 moved to
Dunn county, where he lived until the spring of 1860, when he
went to Durand, remaining there until the winter of 1865-66.
He then went to Minneapolis, and in 1870 came to Eau Claire.
He studied law in Auburn and Syracuse, New York, and prac-
ticed at Delavan, discontinuing it for a short time while he was
engaged in fanning. He resumed the practice in 1859, and at one
time was county judge for Pepin county, resigning the position
to go to the legislature, having been elected to the state senate
in 1861.
J. F. Ellis was born in Jerusalem, Yates county. New York,
June 5, 1843. He came to Eau Claire in 1866 and studied law.
He began his practice in 1870. Was county superintendent of
schools for two years, and for six years a member of the school
board.
Arthur C. Ellis came to Eau Claire in 1861, and in May of
that year enlisted in the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry,
serving until 1867, when he was mustered out. He was wounded
at the battle of South Mountain in 1863 and transferred to the
reserve corps. He was lieutenant of Company B, and was with
Sheridan in Louisiana after tlie war. In the fall of 1867 he
returned to Eau Claire and practiced law from 1870 to 1880.
Was county judge for seven years prior to his resignation in the
fall of 1880, when he became connected with the Northwestern
Lumber Company. He was born in Licking, near Granville,
Ohio, September 17, 1843, and moved to Aurora, 111., in 1856.,
remaining there until he came to Eau Claire.
Michael Griffin was born in county Claire, Ireland, September
9, 1842. In 1847 his parents emigrated to America, and after
a short time spent in Canada in 1851, they moved to Hudson,
Summit county, Ohio, where the boy attended the common
schools. In 1856 the family moved to Wisconsin, locating in
Newport. Sauk county, where he continued his studies in the
district school. He enlisted at the age of nineteen, September 11,
274 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
1861, in what became Company E of the Twelfth Wisconsin Vol-
unteer Infantry. He was with the rest of the company mustered
into the United States service November 5, 1861, and was ap-
pointed sergeant the same day. January 11, 1862, the regiment
left Wisconsin, being ordered to Fort Leavenworth. The regi-
ment finally joined Grant in the south and participated in many
engagements. At the battle of Bald Hill, Atlanta, Ga., July 21,
1864, Mr. Griffin was wounded in a charge on the enemy. He
was ordered to the hospital, and though suffering severe pain,
assisted the surgeons in tending to the more seriously wounded.
He was commissioned second lieutenant February 11, 1865, and
mustered as such on March 30 following. He was commissioned
first lieutenant July 5, 1865. He was mustered out of the service
July 16, 1865, on account of the close of the war. He then
returned to Newport, and during the following fall began read-
ing law in the office of Jonathan Bowman, at Kilbourn City, Wis.
He was admitted to the bar of the circuit court at Portage
City, May 19, 1868, and entered on the practice of his profession
at Kilbourn City, where he resided until 1876. In addition to his
professional duties, from 1871 to 1876 he acted as cashier of the
bank of Kilbourn. In 1875 he was elected to the assembly from
the first district of Columbia county. At the close of the session
of 1876 he moved to Eau Claire, where he became actively en-
gaged in the practice of law. He was appointed city attorney in
1878, and reappointed in 1879 and in 1880. In 1879 he was elected
state senator from the thirteenth senatorial district, comprising
the counties of Dunn, Eau Claire and Pierce.
In 1889 he was appointed by Governor W. D. Hoard quarter-
master general of the state. During the two years he occupied
that position the Wisconsin rifle range for the militia was estab-
lished at Camp Douglas, and out of the first appropriation made
by the state he purchased the land and directed the construction
of suitable buildings for that purpose.
General Griffin was an active member of the Grand Army
of the Republic and occupied many positions of trust in that
body. He served several times as post commander, and two years
served as judge advocate of the department of Wisconsin. In
February, 1887, he was elected department commander, and
served one year. He was a member of the Wisconsin Command-
ery, Milwaukee Order of the Loyal Legion, also of the com-
mandery, chapter and blue lodge of the Masonic fraternity.
Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum.
In the early fall of 1894 the death of George B. Shaw left
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 275
his congressional district without a representative. General Grif-
fin yielded to the request of his friends and agreed to accept
the nomination. His name was brovight before the convention
held at Eau Claire on October 3, 1894, and on the first baUot he
was chosen to lead the party to victory ; was re-nominated in
1896 and served on committee on military affairs in 54th and
55th congresses. As a man of business Mr. GrifSn displayed the
same ability as he did in his profession, and was successful.
He was interested in the Lea Ingram Lumber Company, of Iron
River; the Eau Claire Grocery Company, and the Eau Claire
National Bank.
Henry H. Hayden. Among the successful and prominent
lawyers of Wisconsin for many years was H. II. Hayden. He
was born in Seheuectady, N. Y., May 3, 1841. His father, Edwin
S. Hayden, a Connecticut Yankee, was a mechanic and farmer;
his mother, Matilda Hayden, nee Joyce, was of Dutch ancestry
and a daughter of a survivor of the Mohawk massacre. Raised
on a farm, his boyhood was uneventful. After obtaining a good
common school education at Crystal Lake, 111., he became a stu-
dent in the law office of M. L. Joslyn, at Woodstock, 111. His
legal studies were continued in Oshkosh, Wis., in the office of
Jackson & Halsey and of Felker & Weisbrod. He was admitted
to the bar in September, 1871, and on January 1, 1872, located
in Eau Claire, where he became associated with William Pitt
Bartlett under the firm name of Bartlett & Hayden. Mr. Hay-
den soon demonstrated his ability in liis profession, and in a short
time, through close application and indefatigable energy, he
became one of the leaders of the bar m the state. After the
partnership of Bartlett & Hayden had continued for fourteen
years it was dissolved, and Mr. Hayden shortly thereafter formed
an association with T. F. Frawley, which continued for three
years. He next admitted R. H. Start into his business, form-
ing the firm of Hayden & Stai't. This partnership continued
two years, and from that time Mr. Hayden practiced alone. He
was engaged in many cases of more than local importance, and
probably argued as many cases before the higher courts as any
member of the bar in the state, outside of a few members of
the Milwaukee bar. His knowledge of the law, his energy and
industry, his tact and force before judge and jury, earned him
a position in the front rank of a small body of men who, collec-
tively, were the ablest lawyers in the state. His success was
largely attributed to the care with which he prepared his cases
before trial and to the conscientious manner in wliich he treated
276 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
his clients, always endeavoring to avoid litigation wlieu just
settlement eould be obtained out of court.
Although his time was almost entirely absorbed by his pro-
fession, Mr. Hayden became largely interested in manufacturing
enterprises and financial institutions, and was the vice president
of the bank of Eau Claire. He served in the war of the rebellion
as sergeant in Company II, Thirty-Sixth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry.
Mr. Hayden was twice married. His first wife was Florence
Slocum, by whom he had two daughters, Avis and Georgie. On
March 18, 1885, he was again married to Alice W. Ellis. In the
death of Mr. Hayden, which occurred January 4, 1903, the bar lost
one of its brightest legal minds, and the city, one of its most
influential and highly respected citizens.
Lewis R. Larson was born near Bergen, Norway, September
1, 1849, and came with his parents to Columbus in the spring
of 1850. He was educated in the public schools of Columbus
and at the Wisconsin University at Madison, graduating from
the latter institution in the class of 1872. He read law in the
office of A. G. Cook, of Columbus, and was admitted to the bar
May 20, 1874, at Portage, and May 28, 1880, to practice in the
supreme court. He remained in the office of A. G. Cook until
June 14, 1875, when he came to Eau Claire and began practice
alone. He was city attorney from April, 1877, to April, 1878,
when he was elected municipal judge for a term of four years.
He subsequently moved to Minneapolis, practicing his profession
there. He died there in August, 1914.
Levi E. Latimer was born in the town of Bloomfield, near
Hartford, Conn., April 12, 1838, and lived there until 1858, when
he went to La Porte, Ind., and studied law. He came to Eau
Claire June, 1860, and engaged in the practice of law until 1872,
when he became municipal judge, which office he held for six
years. He also held various town offices, and in 1878 engaged
in the real estate business. He subseciuently moved to Chicago,
where he died in 1909 or 1910.
Samuel W. McCaslin was born at Neillsburg, Pa., November
3, 1844, and lived there until 1865, when he went to Painesville,
Ohio. He read law, was admitted to the bar and began prac-
ticing in September, 1866. In 1868 he removed to St. Charles,
Winona county, ]\Iinnesota, where he remained until he came to
Eau Claire in 1872.
Alexander Meggett was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March
26, 1824, and came to America with his parents when a little over
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 277
three years old. They settled at Uxbridge, Mass., living there
until 181^6 or 1837, when they removed to Chicopee Falls, town of
Springfield, Mass., where they resided until 1841, in which year
they located at Slaterville, R. I. Mr. Meggett worked in cotton
manufactories until he was nineteen, when he commenced to edu-
cate himself. At Wilbraham Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., and at
Washington, Conn., he prepared himself for the Middleton Uni-
versity. He spent three years in that institution in the sciences,
two years in belle letters and one year in mathematics. In the
winter of 1847-48 he removed to Pawtucket, Mass., and taught in
the public schools for five years. He studied law in 1851-52 while
engaged in teaching with Hon. C. B. Farnesworth, of Pawtucket,
and completed his legal studies the year following with Hon.
Thomas A. Jenckes, of the city of Providence, and was admitted
to the bar in March, 1853, and commenced practice at Pawtucket,
R. I., and practiced at Providence one year prior to coming west
in May, 1857. In June, 1857, he visited Eau Claire and perma-
nently located here in July following, when he commenced the
practice of his profession. During the winter of 1857-58 he was
editor of the Eau Claire Times. He was the second lawyer to
settle in Eau Claire county. He held the offices of town super-
intendent of schools and city attorney, and was also at one time
candidate for judge of the district.
Mr. Meggett was doubtless engaged in more important crimi-
nal cases than any other lawyer in this section of the state, having
been either sole or leading counsel in the following cases : State
vs. Nethers, Fritz, Noble, Murray, Moseby, Mrs. Wheeler and
Carter, Davy, Jump and Muzzy, besides many cases of homicide
in various degrees and other important cases, both criminal and
civil. His untiring zeal for his client's cause, his professional
learning and ability, and his peculiar forcibleness and success
in jury trials, both criminal and civil, justly merited him that
prominence which was so generously accorded him by members
of his own profession as well as by others.
Levi M. Vilas, formerly of the Eau Claire bar, and at the
time of his death judge of the district court of Ramsey county,
Minnesota, was born February 17, 1844, at Chelsea, Orange
county, Vermont. He completed his general education in the
University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1863.
His graduation from the Albany law school occurred in 1864,
in which year he was admitted to the bar in New York. Return-
ing to Madison, he engaged with his brother, William P., in the
practice of the law for about one year, after which he went into
278 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the quartermaster's department of the army as c-hief clerk,
remaining in that position two years. In 1868 he removed to Eau
Claire, Wis., where he built up and maintained a large practice.
He was elected to the office of city attorney in 1872, and mayor
in 1876 ; district attorney in 1877 and 1879. Mr. Vilas removed
from Eau Claire to St. Paul, Minn., in June, 1887. In less than
two years after becoming a resident of St. Paul he was selected
by the governor for judge of the district court of Ramsey county,
which appointment was accepted and the duties of the oifice en-
tered upon. But the worthy recipient of that honor was not
long permitted to hold the scales of justice ; disease even at the
time he left Wisconsin had laid hold of him, and on August 25,
1889, he passed away at the family home at Madison.
Levi M. Vilas was aii excellent lawyer. His standing in the
profession was such as any member of the bar might envy ; such
as cannot be reached otherwise than by diligent application of
a trained and strong mind. His manner of expression was
marked ; his style was his own — clear, terse and strong. His
voice was strong, but musical. His appearance was prepossess-
ing and indicated great strength.
James F. Salisbury came to Wisconsin, locating at Hudson
in 1876, remaining there one year. He came to Eau Claire and
was associated with Joseph F. Ellis in the practice of law. He
was born in Brockport, Monroe county, New York, November 7,
1849. J. F. Salisbury was educated in St. Paul, Minn., and at
the Michigan State University, graduating from the latter insti-
tution in 1871. He was admitted to the bar in 1871 and com-
menced practice at St. Paul.
Ira B. Bradford, a member of the Eau Claire county bar, lias
practiced law at Augusta since 1873. He was born in the town
of Fulton, Rock county, Wisconsin, June 24, 1851. He was edu-
cated in the academies and seminaries of New Hampshire, and
in the fall of 1869 went to Edinboro, Pa., and entered upon the
study of law. In the fall of 1871 he returned to New Hampshire
and continued his studies at Newport until the summer of 1872,
when he went again to Edinboro. In February, 1873, he reached
Janesville, Wis., and entered the law office of Cassoday & Car-
penter as a student. In March, 1873, he was admitted to the
bar at Monroe and immediately went to Augusta.
Mr. Bradford was the first mayor of Augusta. In 1879 and
1881 he was a member of the assembly, and served as speaker
during the latter year.
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 279
Eosiel D. Campbell was born in LaFayette, Onondago county,
New York, Feliruary 15, 1810. Came to Beloit, Wis., in 1838,
resided there for some years, then went to Lee county, Illinois,
where he resided for a time, then went to Boone county, Illinois,
for two years, and in October, 1861 enlisted in Company I, Forty-
sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the battle of
Ft. Donelson he was promoted to captain, receiving his commis-
sion just before the battle of Pittsburg Landing. In the fall of
1862 he resigned and came to "Waterloo, Wis., where he resided
until 1867, when he located in the town of Ludington, Eau Claire
county, and in 1869 moved into Augusta. He served as president
of the village and also held the office of court commissioner,
and for several years was justice of the peace. Mr. Campbell was
admitted to practice in the territory of Wisconsin in 1842, and
was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1843.
Judson C. Crawford was born in Ulysses, Tompkins county.
New York, April 26, 1823 ; lived there until he came to Wiscon-
sin in the fall of 1847. He taught school at Sheboygan and two
years at Waupun, and one year at Ceresco. Afterward for many
years he was engaged in the general missionary work, being a
regularly ordained minister of the LTniversalist Church. In
March, 1875, he settled in Augusta and engaged in the practice
of law.
Thomas F. Frawley was born near Troy, N. Y., March 6, 1851.
His parents, Thomas and Honora (Hogan) Frawley, were natives
of Ireland, and possessed such attainments of mind and heart as
especially fitted them to mould the character of their children.
The father was studious, thoughtful, industrious, independent and
energetic, and the mother of kindly, cheerful and benevolent
disposition, being a woman of deep religious convictions. The
family consisted of seven sons and two daughters, all of whom
were thoroughly educated. It is quite a remarkable fact that
six of the sons graduated from the University of Wisconsin and
that from 1870 to 1896 some member of the family was a student
at that institution.
A short time after the birth of Thomas F. Frawley, the family
moved to Wisconsin and settled upon a farm in the tovra of Ver-
mont, Kane county, and there he resided until 1875. Until he
was seventeen years of age the boy assisted in the cultivation of
the farm, attending district school during the winter months.
For two terms he was a student at the Albion Academy in Dane
county, and in the spring of 1872 entered the University of Wis-
280 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
t'onsin. Prom October, 1873, until June, 1874, he taught school
at Highland and Dodgeville, but during that period he continued
his studies in the university and was graduated therefrom in
1875, having largely paid the expenses of his collegiate education
with the money he earned as a teacher. As a university student
lie was an acknowledged leader in debate, being a participant
in the joint oratorical contest of 1874.
For five years after his graduation Mr. Frawley served as
principal of the high school in Eau Claire. During this period
he commenced the study of his profession and formed the nucleus
of his law library, which was considered one of the most complete
private collections in the state. Upon his admission to the bar
in 1880 he abandoned the educational field and earnestly assumed
the duties of his new profession. During the first few years of
his career he conducted the defence of many important criminal
cases. Among those being best known may be mentioned that
growing out of the lynching of Olson in Trempealeau county in
1889. In later years he gave most of his attention to civil cases,
especially those involving important question of corporation law.
Mr. Frawley was a democrat of high standing. In 1888 he
served as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held
in St. Louis. In 1892, upon the delivery of his telling speech
before the state convention, the old ticket was nominated for re-
election. For many years prior to 1896 Mr. Frawley was a mem-
ber of the Democratic State Central Committee. In June of that
year he was chosen both temporary and permanent chairman of
the state convention, which convened in Milwaukee for the pur-
pose of selecting delegates to the national convention called to
meet in Chicago. Mr. Frawley was for ten years a member and
for several terms president of the Common Council of Eau Claire.
Interested in educational matters, he was for many years a
member of the Board of Education, and in that capacity did
much to improve the school system of the city. He was financially
and professionally interested in several corporations, being a
stockholder and director of the Chippewa Valley Bank, and stock-
holder and attorney for the Eau Claire Light & Power Company,
in addition to holding similar relations to other corporations.
On the sixth day of August, 1877, Mr. Frawley was married
to Lydia A., daughter of Joseph Lawler, one of the early settlers
of Eau Claire, and one of its most highly respected citizens. They
had one son, Thomas F. Frawley, Jr., who is now a practicing
attorney in Eau Claire. During the many years that Mr. Fraw-
ley was a member of the legal profession he formed several eon-
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 281
neetions. From 1881 to 1884 he was of the firm of Frawley, Hen-
tirix & Brool-.s; from 1884 to 1888 he practiced alone; the follow-
ing year his brother, W. H. Frawley, was his partner, and from
August, 1889, to August, 1890, he was associated with H. H.
Hayden as a member of the firm of Hayden & Frawley. From
August, 1890, until September, 1897, Mr. Frawley had no part-
ner, but at the latter date the firm of Frawley, Bundy & Wilcox
was formed. The death of Mr. Frawley occurred in 1902.
George Clinton Teall was born in Seneca county. New York,
May 20, 1840, and at the age of twelve removed with his parents
to Geneva, N. Y., where he was principally educated. At the age
of eighteen he entered Hobart College, in which he was a mem-
ber of the class of 1862. His father, G. C. P. Teall, was a son of
Nathan Teall, whose father was one of three political fugitives
from the oppression of Switzerland, who settled in Connecticut
about 1730. His grandfather, Nathan Teall, was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War under General Knox. In 1792 this grand-
father settled in Newtown, N. Y., which was afterward named
Elmira. On the side of his father's mother the ancestors were
among the Pilgrim Fathers who landed from the "Mayflower"
at Plymouth in 1620, and her father was a colonel in the Revolu-
tionary War. Mr. Teall studied law at Rochester, N. Y., in
1862-3-4 in the office of Hon. Theron R. Strong and Hon. Alfred
G. Mudge, and also attended a course of lectures in the winter
of 1863-4 at Rochester. In February, 1866, he came to Eau Claire
with his family, and in April, 1867, was elected justice of the
peace, and in January, 1868, was appointed county judge by
Governor Fairchild. In the spring of 1869 he was elected his
own successor and administered that office until January, 1874.
He was from 1866 for several years interested in the mercantile
firm of George C. Teall & Co., and from 1868 to 1873 Was one of
the firm of William A. Teall & Co., general insurance agents. He
was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin at Milwaukee in January,
1872, and soon afterward to the supreme court and the United
States courts at Madison. In 1873 he formed a partnership with
Alexander Meggett and was a member of that law firm until the
spring of 1881, when the firm was dissolved. In December, 1880,
he was again appointed count}' judge by Governor Smith, and in
1881 was re-elected without opposition for the term ending
January, 1886.
Hon. Henry Cousins (deceased). Among the names of the
strong men who helped to make the Eau Claire bar famous stands
that of Hon. Henry Cousins. From early boyhood to the day of
282 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
his death his character was never tarnished by a blot. Although
quiet and unassuming, he became widely known in legal, political
and social circles as a man to be trusted in all relations of life.
His demise called forth the most glowing tributes and eulogies
that were ever bestowed on a deceased member of the Eau Claire
bar by members of that association. He was born in Mayville,
Chautauqua county, New York, on February 7, 1826, and with
his parents, John and Mary Cousins, removed to Dover, Cuyahoga
county, Ohio, in the spring of 1837, where, until the age of fif-
teen years, he had the advantage of such schools as the newly
settled district afforded. For two years he was employed as a
clerk in a dry goods store, but the confinement being somewhat
irksome he sought a wider field of labor, and, as expressed in
his own peculiar diction, he "went to work on his father's farm,
where he had the reputation of taking more time to do less work
than any other boy in the neighborhood." At this time a taste
for study and general reading was developed wdiich was stimu-
lated and directed by a Baptist clergyman of Dover, who kindly
placed his library and advice at his command. Thereafter he
commenced the study of law at Elyria, Ohio, in the office of J. D.
Benedict, and in 1848, when twenty-two years old, was admitted
to practice by the supreme court of the state. In 1848 he became
interested in the anti-slavery discussion which convulsed the
country, espoused the advance opinions on that subject, having
the confidence of such men as Giddings and the Wades of that
state, and was known as an abolitionist of the voting school,
when the term implied more of approbrium than honor.
A letter from the Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, then in Congress,
relative to his candidacy for re-election was a greatly cherished
memento of this beginning of Mr. Cousins' political activities.
In 1850 he came to Wisconsin and entered on the practice of
his profession at East Troy, Walworth county; was elected clerk
of the court in 1854 and held office for six consective years.
While in East Troy a warm and confidential friendship sprang
up between the young attorney and Judge John F. Potter — -
Bowie Knife Potter — and he attended to many legal matters for
the judge during the period he was in Washington. When Judge
Prior, of Virginia, challenged Judge Potter to a duel, the latter,
before public announcement of the matter was made, returned
to East Troy for the purpose of putting his affairs in order. To
Mr. Cousins he made known his ideas as to how pending litiga-
tion was to be handled. Many matters of a confidential nature
were entrusted to the younger man, and in explanation shortly
p/
HENRY COUSTNS
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 283
before the judge 's return to Washington, while the two men were
occupying the same room as a sleeping apartment, the judge an-
nounced he had received a challenge just before his departure
from Washington and that his trip was to prepare for what might
happen. Mr. Cousins tried to dissuade him from accepting the
challenge, but was met with the statement, "No, by God, I have
accepted, and if I ever get Judge Prior on the field I will kill
him if I can." But the outcome of this challenge is a matter
of historj'.
On the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion he received a
provisional commission authorizing him to recruit a company,
which, on its acceptance by the United States, would entitle him
to a captain's commission. The company was recruited, offered
to the government, and every man on the rolls, with the exception
of Captain Cousins, passed a physical examination. After his
rejection by the army surgeons he devoted his labors, until the
close of hostilities, to assisting and aiding others in recruiting
and in fostering loyal sentiment among the people.
His father, John Cousins, as a boy of 14, served with Mae-
donough at Lake Champlain, and the grandfather, a sea captain
previous to the Revolutionary War, was issued letters of marque
by Congress and assisted in naval operations.
In 1866 he located in Eau Claire. In 1867 was elected district
attorney and re-elected in 1869 ; was elected to the assembly in
1871 without opposition, and bore an honorable part in the Dells
improvement struggle, and was thereafter alderman for the Third
Ward in this city for two years. He was also a member of the
county board of supervisors.
In consequence of failing health in 1881 he accepted the posi-
tion of register of the United States land office in Arizona, but
in 1883 returned to Eau Claire, having voluntarily resigned the
office. In 1885 he was again elected district attorney for Eau
Claire county, and in 1887 declined nomination, thus closing his
official career. After several weeks of sickness he departed this
life late in the afternoon of Thursday, October 25, 1888, at the
age of sixty-five years, eight months and eighteen days. While
taking no place in religious controversy, nor holding dogmatic
theology in high esteem, he held as supremest truth the fact of
a Creator, Ruler and Father of all mankind, and that at some
period, somewhere in the time to come, would be accomplished
the final exaltation of the race.
As a politician, while deeming principle above party, and while
indulging in free criticism of its policies, he held to the last pro-
284 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
found regard for the party he believed had wrought well for the
people, and revered with all the force of his nature the stead-
fastness of those men Avho strove for the extinction of chattel
slavery and the equality of all men before the law. As a lawyer
he came to the profession believing the machinery of the law
should be so used as to ameliorate conditions, protect society and
uphold the right.
At the exercises of the Eau Claire Bar Association held in
Circuit Court January 15, 1889, many tributes of respect were
paid to his memory. The resolutions of the committee made
special mention of the high esteem of his colleagues for "his ripe
attainments through mastery of details, conscientious practice
and large experience in his profession ; for his uniform recogni-
tion of courtesies due to the bench and the bar, and for his great
veneration for the law as an ample shield of protection for the
citizens against encroachments of wrong." A special mention
was made to the helping hand he was always ready to extend to
the young practitioner.
Mr. Cousins had a keen appreciation of wit and a never fail-
ing stock of stories which illustrated his points, either in arguing
before a jury or in making a political address. In the use of
sarcasm he was an adept, but, as one fellow practitioner stated,
"Henry's shafts, though telling and eifective, are so tempered
as not to sting and hurt." To this day some of his former asso-
ciates repeat his stories.
Mr. Cousins was one of those who remain cool and collected
when most people are in a state of great excitement. One gen-
tleman described his entrance into Mr. Cousins' office, then in the
old Music Hall Building, which was on fire. Mr. Cousins sat at
his desk writing. The excited friend dashed in, crying out,
"The building is on fire. What shall I do first?" Mr. Cousins
continued his writing without looking up until the paragraph was
finished, then calmly blotting it, he glanced up and replied,
"Well, under the circumstances I would suggest you better get a
pail of water." When provocation appeared to demand the use
of emphatic language, Mr. Cousins was not found wanting, but
as a friend says, "However emphatic his expressions are, they
are nevertheless picturesque and artistic."
January 21, 1861, he married Louise, daughter of Otis and
Julia (Corbin) Preston, the former a native of Massachusetts
and the latter of Ohio, but of French descent. Mrs. Cousins was
born October 26, 1840, in White Pigeon, Mich. She is a culti-
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 285
vated, broadiuiiided woman, and interested in social and educa-
tional progress. She has two children.
John E. Stillman settled in Eau Claire in its earliest days. He
was the first teacher in the first public school. The building
was erected in the village of Eau Claire in the winter of 1856-57.
It was of green, rough boards, located on what is now Barstow
street, near Grand avenue. East, and in dimension was 16 by 24
feet. As schoolmaster Mr. Stillman was succeeded the following
summer by Miss Mary Arnold. At that time there were fifteen
pupils. Later Mr. Stillman engaged in the practice of law.
Served as county judge from 1863 to 1865.
In 1860 he married Miss Mary Lashier, of Fall River, Wis., to
whom there were born three sons and two daughters. In 1872
he was practicing law under the firm name of Stillman & Ed-
wards. In 1873, on account of ill health, he removed to Florida,
where, with other Eau Claire men, he helped establish the town
of Orange City. In 1882 Mr. Stillman moved to Washington,
D. C, where he resided for one year, then returning to Orange
City. He died in 1883.
Horace W. Barnes was born in the town of Colesville, Broome
county. New York, in 1818. His boyhood was spent in the family
of an uncle who settled in a dense beech and maple forest in
Medina county, Ohio, where he lived a life of constant toil, with-
out one day's schooling until his majority, and Shakespeare's
line would then forcibly apply to the youthful Buckeye :
"This boy is forest-born, and hath been tutored in the rudi-
ments of many desperate studies."
How many men famous in American history have laid the
superstructure of their education and built up an honorable
name from such rough materials as poverty and the adverse cir-
cumstances that pioneer life always impose ! There seems to have
been something inspiring in the grand old woods where the
early days of many of our most distinguished men first saw the
light; and in overcoming the many natural obstacles always
encountered in new districts, high aspirations and a determina-
tion to achieve grander results take possession of the hardy
backwoodsman and frequently leads to victory, honor and
fortune.
These feelings inspired Mr. Barnes, and with indomitable
energy he set himself to earn the means to educate himself. By
the most rigid economy and assiduous attention to his studies,
he acquired a good English and mathematical education and con-
286 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
siderable proficiency in the classics at Oberlin Institute, Ohio,
acquisitions that he utilized in teaching and surveying until
1852, when he commenced the study and practice of law in which
he soon won distinction as a sound legal adviser and laborious
faithful advocate.
As a pleader, Mr. Barnes displayed qualities which, if not
always insuring his own success, were well calculated to quench
the ardor and paralyze the force of his adversary.
Carefully noting, as the cause proceeded, the points which
his antagonist intended to make, he would anticipate him and
tell the court and jury precisely what his opponent would say,
frequently using the exact language in which it would be clothed,
and emasculating the argument of all points of power before it
was uttered. He felt defeat intensely and seemed to suffer even
more than his client the loss incurred by any want of skill or
foresight in managing a suit, and hence in all civil suits was
wary and cautious, always exacting a full, impartial statement
of the case from his client before taking it, and not then unless
the evidence, justice and a reasonable prospect of success jus-
tified it.
In serving the public, no matter in what capacity, his industry
and perseverance Avere untiring, and he shares with Mr. Thorp
the honor of exposing frauds in the accounts of the Eau Claire
county treasurer and of restoring the credit of the county.
Mr. Barnes came to Eau Claire in 1858 and was elected district
attorney the next year, 1859, and county judge in 1865; was a
member of the legislature in 1861 and 1867. In politics, was a
steadfast republican, and during the war zealous and active in
carrying forward any and every measure for its prosecution.
In his friendship he utterly ignored position or caste, and
wherever he found what he considered a true man, he was his
friend, but scorned obsequious or patronizing airs, and was some-
times so impolitic as to prefer blunt honesty to assumed gentility.
In 1872 he removed to Oswego, Kans., with his family, where he
now resides in the practice of his profession.
Abel Davis, who was one of the early settlers of Eau Claire,
was born January 16, 1842, in the town of New Portland, Maine.
He spent his early life on a farm, receiving a common school
education, and in January, 1862, enlisted in the Fourth Maine
Battery, serving until August 9, 1862, when he was wounded at
the battle of Cedar Mountain, for which he received his honorable
discharge. Returning home he resumed his former occupation,
at which he worked until the spring of 1868, when he came to
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 287
Eau Claire, Wis., and from tliat time until 1872 labored in the
saw mills and woods. In the last named year he commenced the
study of law in the office of J. F. Ellis and later entered the law
department of the Wisconsin State University, from M'hieh he
graduated in 1874. Returning to Eau Claire he engaged in prac-
tice with J. F. Ellis, remaining in that firm for five years, when,
on account of ill health, he retired from active practice and re-
turned to Maine in 1888. He resumed the practice of law in
Pittstield, JMaine, where lie died on October 12, 1905.
Loren Edwards, formerly a prominent attorney of Eau Claire
and now a resident of Oconomowoe, this state, was born in Erie
county, Pennsylvania, on September 7, 1843, the son of David
and Margaret Edwards. His father was born in New Haven,
Conn., and of the same family ancestors as Jonathan Edwards.
Loren Edwards received his early education in Erie countj',
Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1865. He attended the
Waterford Academy there, supplementing that with a course in
the Lawrence University, Wisconsin, and was graduated with the
first class in the Law Department of tlie State L'niversity at
Madison, after which he studied law for a time in the office of
Gregory & Pinney in Madison. In 1871 he removed to Sacra-
mento, Cal., and practiced law there for two years, then came to
Eau Claire and practiced until 1878, thence to Milwaukee, where
he continued until 1881, and from that date until 1886 he prac-
ticed in Allegany county. New York. He went from there to
Kansas, where he practiced for ten years and in the meantime
served as County Judge of Barber county. In 1896 he moved to
Oconomowoe where he has since resided, and enjoys a lucrative
business. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme courts of
Wisconsin, California, New York and Kansas, and to the United
States Circuit courts in Wisconsin. With the exception of his
partnership relations with Mr. Stillman, of Eau Claire, and with
Mr. Westover, in Oconomowoe, he has practiced alone, and while
in Eau Claire he held the office of District Attorney, and for some
time was Municipal Judge of the Western District of Waukesha
county, this state. He served in the United States Navy during
the civil war, and is a bachelor, a Mason and a republican.
Andrew Judson Sutherland, one of the well known lawyers
of Eau Claire, is a native son of Wisconsin, having been born
in London, Dane county, this state, April 28, 1856. His parents,
Andrew and Catherine (Mc Vicar) Sutherland, who were natives
of New Brunswick, Canada, settled in Eau Claire county in 1856,
the same year our sub.ject was born, and located in the town of
288 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Union, where the father purchased 240 acres of wild land, which
he cleared and improved, making one of the banner farms of the
township. He lived to the ripe age of 87 years, and died in 1909.
His widow, mother of our subject, is now (1914) still living at
the age of 90 years. They reared a family of nine children as
follows: Christinia, married Angus McVicar; Peter, George,
Charles, John, Andrew J., Flora M. (became the wife of Austin
H. Langdell), Margaret and Neal Sutherland.
Mr. Sutherland was reared on the homestead farm, spending
his boyhood days in much the same way as do most farmer boys,
attending the district school and assisting in the farm work.
Deciding to enter upon the career of a lawyer, he entered the
law department of the State University, at Madison, and was
graduated with the class of 1884. Soon after his graduation he
opened an office in Eau Claire for the practice of his profession,
in which he has since successfully continued.
On November 30, 1884, Mr. Sutherland married Mary Brown,
daughter of Henry and (Baker) Brown, of Cambia county,
Pennsylvania, and has four children, Mary Elsie, wife of Rollen
Alcott ; Laura Edith, Bessie Irene and Judson Clair. Mr. Suther-
land is a member of the First Baptist Church, of which his mother
is the only survivor of the original members. Politically Mr.
Sutherland is a democrat. He was a candidate for Congress on
the democi'atic tii'ket in 1914 for the tenth district.
LaFayette M. Sturdevant, attorney-at-law, Eau Claire, Wis.,
was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, September 17, 1856.
His parents, Hiram N. and Sarah A. (Reed) Sturdevant, were
both natives of the Keystone state and of Holland Dutch descent.
In 1865 they came to Wisconsin and settled in Clark county,
where the father purchased a 120-acre tract of land, to which he
subsequently added 80 more acres, all of which he cleared and
improved with substantial buildings and the land brought to a
good state of cultivation. Here he made his home until his death
in 1888 at the age of sixty-seven years. He reared a family of
six children as follows: LaFayette M., Mary, wife of Amenzo
Verbeck; James E., Arthur H., Fred F., and Almeda.
LaFayette M. was reared on the farm from the age of nine
years, and grew to manhood in Clark county, receiving his educa-
tion in the public schools, and taught school five terms in that
county. At the age of 20, in 1876, he began the study of law in
the office of his cousin, J. R. Sturdevant, at Neillsville, Wis., and
was admitted to the bar in 1878, when he at once began the prac-
tice of his profession with L. A. Doolittle under the firm name of
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 2«'J
Doolittle & Sturdevant. At the end of two years, in 1880, he
severed his connection with Mr. Doolittle and entered into part-
nership M'ith J. R. Sturdevant, forming the well-known firm of
Sturdevant & Sturdevant, which arrangement continvied for eight
years, when the partnership was dissolved, and from 1888 to
1903 Mr. Sturdevant practiced alone at Neillsville. In the latter
year he was elected attorney general of the state, and re-elected
in 1905. Finishing his second term in 1908, he became attorney
for Governor Davidson, at Madison, holding that position until
August, 1910, when he located at Eau Claire, where he has since
been in active and successful practice of his profession as a
member of the firm of Sturdevant & Farr.
Mr. Sturdevant has been twice married ; his first wife was
Minetta, daughter of Orson and Euretta (Hastings) Bacon, of
Neillsville, Wis., by whom he had three children, viz.: Clarence
L., Hugh. II., and Viola E. The present Mrs. Sturdevant was
Mary E. "Williams, daughter of Peter "Williams, of Camp Point, 111.
In politics Mr. Sturdevant is a republican, and as such repre-
sented Clark county in the legislature for two terms and served
the same county two terms as district attorney. He is a mem-
ber of the Unitarian Church, Modern "Woodmen of America and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
John C. Gores. Born March 26, 1857, at Oshkosh, "Wis. "When
thirteen years old left school to earn his living. Admitted to the
bar in his native city June 26, 1881, and thereupon removed to
Eau Claire, where he has resided ever since. For several years
a member of the legal firm of Gores & Miner, afterwards Gores,
Frawley & Miner. In 1889 chosen by the Common Council alder-
man of the Eighth "Ward to fill a vacancy, which choice was
unanimously ratified by the people at the following election.
Twice thereafter elected alderman, the last time without opposi-
tion. Served on the School Board and County Board.
Since 1890 practiced law alone, specializing in office work
In 1897 acted as referee to try the case of Laycock vs. Parker,
which, up to that time, was the most lengthy ease tried in Eau
Claire county. On appeal to the supreme court, the case was
afiSrmed and the court in the opinion expressed its special appro-
bation of the manner in which the trial was conducted by the
referee. In 1897 appointed as city attorney, to which office there-
after two different proffered appointments were declined.
In civic affairs and in politics has always taken a proper
degree of interest. At all times a thorough-going, independent
and progressive, though not an extremist. Believes that the
290 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
spoils system tends to draw the worst instead of the better men
into politics. During the time of the greenback and free silver
agitation in 1877 and 1878, contributed newspaper articles in
favor of the resumption of specie pajrment and against free sil-
ver. In the last battle for fr.ee silver in 1896 wrote a pamphlet
entitled "Honest Money — An Essential in the Prosperity of the
Republic." "Was the first in the city to advocate publicly the
adoption of the commission form of government for cities. There-
after visited Galveston, Tex., where the plan was first tried, to
observe its practical workings. In 1905, when it was proposed
by the governor in his message to Wisconsin legislature to
re-establish the former metliod of taxing mortgages, Mr. Gores
opposed the proposition in an exhaustive printed argument en-
titled "The Taxation of Mortgages with Reference to Northern
Wisconsin," which was submitted to the legislature. The law
was left unchanged notwithstanding the governor's attitude.
Throughout life has been a strong book lover, and acquired
a reading knowledge of several foreign languages. June 18, 1890,
was married to Kate Schultze, Avho has resided in the city since
her birth.
Julius C. Gilbertson, a well-known lawyer of Eau Claire and
member of the legal firm of Larson & Gilbertson, was born in the
city of Eau Claire, June 28, 1875, and is a son of Tolof and Susan
(Lamb) Gilbertson, both natives of Norway. The paternal grand-
father of Julius C. — Gilbert Peterson — came to the United States
in 1867 and settled in the state of Iowa, where lie resided until
his death. John Lamb, maternal grandfather of Mr. Gilbertson,
emigrated to the United States and was among the pioneer farm-
ers of Dunn county, Wisconsin, having located there in 1866,
where he lived and died. Tolof Gilbertson, the father, who was
a machinist by trade, came to Eau Claire in 1867. He was an
industrious and hard working man and worked at his trade at
the time of his death in 1911 at the age of sixty-three years. He
was the father of ten children, eight of whom are now (1914)
living, as follows: Mary is the wife of Charles Sullivan; Julius
C, Tilla, now Mrs. Vigo Neilson; Adolph, Cora, Victor, Robert,
and Clarence.
Julius C, whose whole life has been spent in Eau Claire,
acquired his elementary education in the public schools. In 1893
he matriculated with the University of Wisconsin, at Madison,
where he spent four years, graduating from the College of Letters
in the class of 1897. He was admitted to the bar of Wisconsin.
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 291
In 1898 he was elected judge of the munifipal court for a term
of four years, and in 1902 was re-elected.
Judge Gilbertson is a man of ripe scholarship, well grounded
in the fundamental principles of the law, with ability to apply
them in practice, and both as an office counsellor and a practi-
tioner in court has won most gratifying success. He is a repub-
lican in politics. He was a member of the state legislature in
1911. He is highly esteemed for his manly qualities, and by none
more than those intimately associated with him who know him
best. He is a member of Eau Claire Lodge, No. 242, A. F. and
A. M., the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Modern
"Woodmen of America, Knights of Pythias, I. S. W. A., and the
Sons of Norway.
Judge Gilbertson married in 1903 Miss Jessie McGrath, daugh-
ter of John F. and Mary (Burns) McGrath, one of the old and
highly respected families of Eau Claire. To Mr. and Mrs. Gil-
bertson have been born two children — Jocylyn M. and Julius C-
Gilbertson, Jr.
Joseph W. Singleton, a proiniiu'ut incinbt-r of the Eau Claire
county bar, was born in Louisville, St. Lawi'enee county, New
York, September 8, 1861, son of Peter and Ellen (McCarthy) Sin-
gleton, both natives of St. Lawrence county. Thomas Singleton,
paternal grandfather of Joseph W., was a native of England and
followed the trade of ship carpenter prior to coming to the
LTnited States, and was a soldier in the Napoleonic War. Emi-
grating to America, he became one of the pioneers of St. Lawrence
county, New York, where he engaged in farming and lived there
until his death.
The maternal grandfather, Dennis McCarthy, was a native of
County Mayo, Ireland, and was also a pioneer of St. Lawrence
county, settling on Long Sault Island, where he resided until his
death by drowning in Sault rapids. Peter Singleton, father of
Joseph, was a farmer by occupation, and spent his whole life
in the county where he was born, and died at the age of seventy-
two years.
Joseph W. was educated in the common schools of St. Law-
rence county, the Jesuit College, the Georgetown University of
Washington, where he was graduated with the degrees of bache-
lor of philosophy and bachelor of laws in 1888. He also after-
ward taught school for one year in the St. Joseph College, at
Burlington, Vt., and in October, 1889, was admitted to the bar of
that state and practiced his profession in Burlington three years.
292 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
He came west, and on January 4, 1892, located in Eau Claire,
where he has since carried on a successful practice of law. The
first two years after coming to Eau Claire he was connected with
the office of the late Thomas F. Frawley, and on February 1,
1894, became the first tenant in the Ingram Block where he has
since had his office.
Mr. Singleton was married to Miss Ellen Francis, daughter of
Patrick and Bridget (O'Brien) Gleason, of Cylon, St. Croix
county, Wisconsin, and four children have been born to them,
viz. : Joseph W., Jr., and Ellen Geraldine, twins ; Lydia F. and
Paul G. Mr. Singleton is a prominent member of St. Patrick's
Church, the Catholic Knights of Columbus. He served as city
attorney of Eau Claire from 1895 to 1897 and represented the
Sixth Ward as alderman in the Common Council for six years,
and was municipal .judge for four years, and in politics is a
democrat.
Lelon Ansil Doolittle, a prominent attorney of Eau Claire, was
born in Russell, St. Lawrence county, New York, July 22, 1853,
a son of Ansil, Jr., and Jane Ann (Smith) Doolittle. His great
grandfather, Abraham Doolittle, was one of five brothers who
were representative farmers, merchants and mechanics of their
day in the town of Cheshire, New Haven county, Connecticut.
The grandfather, Ansil Doolittle, married Maria King, and they
were the parents of three sons and three daughters. The eldest
son, Ansil, Jr., father of Lelon Ansil, married Jane Ann Smith,
and they were the parents of three sons and one daughter; the
latter married Edgar E. Davis. The eldest son, Marshall Erwin, is
a practicing physician. The youngest son, RoUin Edson, is a
lawyer, as is also our subject.
Lelon Ansil was reared on the farm, attended the district
school, and at the age of seventeen secured a second grade teach-
er's certificate and made a success as a school teacher. At the
age of twenty-two years he had completed a regular college
course and was graduated from the St. Lawrence University
with the class of 1875, paying his tuition by teaching as principal
of graded schools, selling subscription books, and farm laborer.
The practice of awarding honors at graduation had not then
been adopted in this institution, but his good work and conduct
were recognized by electing him to membership in Phi Beta
Kappa. Through the influence of friends he came to Wisconsin
in 1877 and settled at Neillsville, where, during the summer of
that year, he accepted the position as principal of the high school
of that city. After serving one year, he resigned and entered
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 293
the law department of the University of Wisconsin, finishing the
two-year course in one year. After graduating with the class
of 1879, he returned to Neillsville and was soon thereafter ap-
pointed county judge of Clark county. Up to that time no
indexes had been made of the probate records ; there was no court
calendar, minute book nor court record in the office ; all the papers
except such as had been lost or destroyed were in a heterogeneous
mass, but within six months every paper entitled to record was
recorded, and all the records of the office were as complete and
as perfect as it was possible to make them. Before his term of
oifiee as judge had expired he was elected county superintendent
of schools, a position he filled with honor to himself and to the
satisfaction of his constituents until he moved to Eau Claire in
January, 1885. While much of his time at Neillsville was taken
up with his official duties, he built up and conducted a success-
ful law business, and in 1879, in company with Hon. James
O'Neill, founded the Neillsville Times, which they edited jointly
until Judge Doolittle moved to Eau Claire, and which, under
their management, became the leading weekly paper of the
county.
Judge Doolittle came to Eau Claire to avoid newspaper work
and politics, and after his arrival gave his sole attention to the
practice of law, and has since been engaged in the general prac-
tice of his profession. He served as city attorney for three years,
and for several terms as president of the Associated Charities.
He has been one of the directors of the Eau Claire Public Library
for many years, and for several terms has been president of the
board. Since 1903 he has been largely interested iu real estate
in northern Wisconsin, being president of the Traders' Land Com-
pany, which is capitalized at ."filOjOOO.OO, and also of the Guaran-
teed Investment Company, with a capital of !^76,000.00, both of
which were incorporated in 1904.
Judge Doolittle was married May i, 1880, to Bessie Adams
Weeks, daughter of Friend and Betsey Maria (French) Weeks,
of Rutland, Vt., and they have one adopted son, Maxson Rusk
Doolittle. The judge is a member of the First Congregational
Church of Eau Claire.
Roy P. Wilcox has made an indelible impression on the public
life of Eau Claire, and, as a lawyer, stands preeminently high.
Tlirough his seventeen years as an active attorney he has come
to be recognized as one of the able practitioners of the bar of
Wisconsin.
Rov P. Wilcox was born in the city of Eau Claire, June 30,
294 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
1873, and is the son of Nelson C. and Angeline (Tewkesbury)
Wilcox. He is of English and Irish lineage and comes of one of
the oldest families in America, the Wilcox ancestry dating back
to early colonial days. He received his eai-ly education in the
public schools of Eau Claire and then took a course in the law
department of Cornell University, at Ithaca, N. Y., graduating in
the class of 1897. One year previous to his graduation he had
been admitted to the bar of Wisconsin, and immediately after
leaving Cornell he began the practice of his profession in his
native city. On September 1, 1897, he became a member of the
law firm of Prawley, Bundy & Wilcox; since the death of the
senior partner, July 1, 1902, the firm has been Bundy & Wilcox.
Mr. Wilcox has achieved success at a time in life when most
men are fortunate if they have laid the foundation for success ;
and this has been accomplished by his own ability and energy,
for he left college not only with exhausted resources, but with
debts to pay. While his success has been due mainly to his legal
abilities, he has shown a capacity for business that, of itself,
would have made him a success in commercial afi'airs, and has
been connected with some large projects that have been man-
aged most admirably, notably the water power and utility prop-
ei"ties formerly owned by the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light
and Power Company, the values of which were greatly enhanced
under the management of this company, of which he was one of
the organizers.
On occasions Mr. Wilcox has been active in public affairs, but
never as an official, nor obtrusively. For instance, Eau Claire
was the first city in Wisconsin to adopt the commission form of
government, and Mr. Wilcox was very distinctly connected with
the movement that culminated in that result. He assisted in
drafting the bill providing for government by commission in the
cities of Wisconsin, and when the bill was introduced in the
legislature he went to Madison and worked for its passage.
Then, when the bill became law, he took the platform in Eau
Claire to advocate the adoption of this form of government in
his home city, and to his efforts is due, in no small degree, the
fact that Eau Claire has its present satisfactory form of city
government.
After this he was invited to other places to address the citi-
zens on the new plan of managing civic affairs, with the result
that the commission form of government was adopted in every
city he visited, with two exceptions.
As a lawyer, Mr. Wilcox is both a wise counsellor and an
EOY P. WILCOX
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 295
exceedingly able advocate, and his record as a trial lawyer has
seldom been equalled. He has acted as attorney for railroads
and other corporations for years, defending them against damage
claims for injuries, losses, etc., and his success has been startling,
considering that he has had to appear before juries on the unpopu-
lar side of every such case. He is a forcible, logical, impressive
speaker, possessing forensic qualities of a high order, and a
manifest honesty of purpose glowing in all his efforts makes him
formidable as a pleader in any cause. During the last fifteen
years his firm has appeared on one side or the other of most of
the big legal cases in and around Eau Claire.
On June 17, 1903, Mr. Wilcox married Maria Louisa, daughter
of Manuel and Clementina (Santander) de Freyre, of Lima, Peru,
South America. They have two children, Louisa M. and
Francis J.
Mr. Wilcox is prominently connected with St. Patrick's Catho-
lic Church, of Eau Claire, the Knights of Columbus, the Sons of
the American Revolution, the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, the American Bar Association and the Wisconsin Bar
Association, of which he is a member of the committee on legal
education.
Martin B. Hubbard, ex-judge of the county court, was born
near London, Ontario, Canada, August 11, 1849. His parents,
Alfred and Mary A. (Dightou) Hubbard, who were natives of
Jefferson county, New York, emigrated to Eau Claire county,
Wisconsin, in 1865, settling on a farm in Bridge Creek township,
and were among the early pioneers and most progressive and
influential citizens of that town. The father retired from active
farm duties at the age of sixty-five years and moved to the city
of Eau Claire, where he died on May 6, 1908, at the age of eighty-
two years. His wife, mother of our subject, passed away March
31, 1910, aged eighty-four years. They were both devoted mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were held in the
highest esteem by all who knew them.
. The original Hubbard family emigrated from England to
America and were among the early settlers in Connecticut. Mar-
tin Hubbard, grandfather of Judge Hubbard, who was a success-
ful lumberman and manufacturer in Canada during the early
forties, died in 1855 at the age of fifty-five years. His wife,
Maria Putnam, died in 1866. Benjamin Dighton, maternal grand-
father of our subject, also a native of Jefferson county. New York,
whose wife was Amanda Cole, was a prominent Methodist clergy-
man in Canada.
296 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Martin Hubbard is the eldest of a family of four children,
the others being Amanda, wife of N. E. Pride, of Otter Creek
township, Eldred, also of Otter Creek, and Elva, wife of J. H.
Tifft, of Eau Claire. Judge Hubbard received his education in the
public schools of Canada and Augusta, Wis. He early served as
town clerk of Bridge Creek township, resigning that office in 1876
to enter the office of the clerk of court, and while thus engaged
commenced the study of law. In 1883 he entered the office of
L. R. Larson, as clerk, and while in that position performed the
duties of municipal judge under Larson. He was admitted to tlie
bar of Eau Claire county in 1883, continuing in Mr. Larson's
office until 1885, when he entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession, in which he has since continued. lie was elected judge
of the county court in 1896 and served one term of four years.
A republican in politics, he has been a member of the republican
central committee for ten years, and for eight years served as its
chairman. He has been a member of the board of education eight
years, and president of the same for two years. Judge Hubbard
is prominently identified with the commercial and financial inter-
ests of Eau Claire, being secretary of the II. T. Lange Company,
secretary of the Dells Lumber Company, secretary of the Reeds-
burg Canning Company and a member of the board of directors
of the Eau Claire National Bank and of the Eau Claire Savings
Bank. He stands high in Masonic circles, is a member of the Blue
Lodge, chapter and commandery.
In 1889 Judge Hubbard was married at Augusta, Wis., to
Miss Elizabeth Reed, daughter of William and Elizabeth
Reed.
William W. Downs, who ranks among the influential, success-
ful progressive members of the bar of Eau Claire county, Wis-
consin, was born in Menomonie, Dunn county. Wis., November 7,
1851. His parents, Burhee and Laura J. (Dunn) Downs, were
natives of eastern Maine, and pioneers of Dunn county, having
sctth'd at Menomonie in 1849, where the father engaged in the
hnuber business as a member of the firm of Knapp, Stout & Com-
pany. He later was a member of the firm of Carson, Rend &
Company, and then for a number of years was engaged in busi-
ness alone. After a residence in Eau Claire of a decade or more,
he died in about the year 1888 at the age of seventy-four.
William W. Downs came to Eau Claire in 1868, receiving his
primary education in the public schools of the city. He after-
wards entered the University of Wisconsin and was graduated
from tlie law department in 1874. He commenced the practice of
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 297
law the same year at Eau Claire, where he successfully continued
until 1886, when he removed to Bayfield county, "Wisconsin, and
was there actively engaged in the practice of his profession until
1913, then returned to Eau Claire and resumed his practice there.
Mr. Downs is a careful and conscientious student of the law, and
in his practice employs the force of a clear, logical and judicial
mind, thoroughly disciplined and trained by varied experiences
of his forty years of study and practice.
In June, 1874, he was wedded to Alice Daniels, a native of
Ohio. Mr. Downs is an attendant and supporter of the Lake
Street Methodist church, is a member of the Bayfield Lodge Free
and Accepted Masons, and a member of the Royal Arch Masons
of Eau Claire. While a resident of Bayfield, he served one term
as district attitrney for Bayfield county.
George J. Losby, who is one of the promising young lawyers
of Eau Claire, was born in that city June 30, 1873. His parents,
John and Christian Losby, were born in Norway and emigrated
to the United States in the late sixties. They settled in Eau
Claire, where the father was variously employed by different lum-
ber companies up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1901.
George J., the only son in tlic family, grew to manhood in this
city, obtaining his education in the public schools and in the Eau
Claire Business College, and for six years held a position as law
stenographer. He began the study of law in 1894 in the offices
of Judge William F. Bailey and L. A. Doolittle. He was admitted
to the bar in 1897 and in 1901 was elected clerk of the court, serv-
ing in that capacity five consecutive terms or a period of ten
years, and since 1910 has been in the active practice of his pro-
fession. He married in 1901 Miss Josephine Hansen, of Eau
Claire, and two children have been born : Alden and Idele Losby.
Mr. Losby is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church
and the I. S. W. A. Before the Eau Claire city government went
on the commission form basis he represented tlic Eighth ward in
the city council four years.
Chajles T. Bundy, member of the well known law firm of
Bundy & Wilcox, was born in Menomonie, Wis., March 2, 1862,
son of the late Judge Egbert B. and Reubena (Macauley) Bundy.
The father was born at Windsor, N. Y., the son of Dr. 0. T.
Bundy, of Deposit, that state. The mother was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, a daughter of William and Margaret Macauley.
Charles T. grew to manhood in Menomonie and there resided
until he came to Eau Claire in 1894. He was educated in the
public schools of his home rity and IMadison. graduating from the
298 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
law department of the State university and was admitted to prac-
tice in all the courts of the state, both state and federal, the
Supreme Court of the United States, courts of appeals in Chicago,
St. Louis and San Francisco. He commenced his practice at West
Superior in partnership with C. R. Fridley until he formed a
partnership with T. F. Frawley and Roy P. Wilcox in 1897, under
the name of Frawley, Bundy & Wilcox, which business arrange-
ment continued until the death of Mr. Frawley in 1902. Since
that time he has been associated with Mr. Wilcox under the firm
name of Bundy & Wilcox. Mr. Bundy has been connected with
much important litigation, among wliich may be mentioned the
following cases : Harrigan vs. Gilchrist, United States vs. Barber
Lumber Company et al., the Eau Claire National Bank vs. Jack-
man in the United States Supreme Coiu-t, and water power cases
in Wisconsin, including the famous Dells case.
On October 22, 1890, Mr. Bundy married Miss May Kelley,
daughter of John, Jr., and Cornelia (Drawley) Kelley, of Menom-
onie. To Mr. and Mrs. Bundy have been born four children, viz. :
Nell R., Katherine M., Egbert B. and Lillian, the youngest of
which died in 1910. Religiously Mr. Bundy affiliates with the
Episcopal church, while fraternally and socially he is a member
of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.
Robert D. Whitford, attorney-at-law, was born in Jefferson
county. New York, July 2, 1851, son of Edward W. and Clarinda
(Odell) Whitford. Edward Whitford, paternal grandfather of
Robert D., was for many years a resident of Rensselaer county,
New York, and one of the pioneer farmers of Jefferson county,
that state, where he settled in 1833 and died in 1862, aged 84
years. Robert S. Odell, the maternal grandfather, was a farmer
of Rensselaer county. New York, where he died. The father of
Mr. Whitford farmed for several years in Jefferson county, and
later in Fayette county, Illinois, where he died in 1892.
Jlr. Whitford was reared in his native county, coming to
Wisconsin in 1869. He located at Milton. He took a classical
course in Milton college, read law in the office of Bennett & Sale,
at Janesville, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1878,
after which he located at Menomonie January 1, 1880. He prac-
ticed there until 1893, M^ien he went to Superior, and on Septem-
ber 1, 1899, located at Eau Claire. He married September 4, 1882,
Miss Anna Shaw West, a niece of the late Daniel Shaw, and they
have two children.
COURTS AND LEGAL PROGRESSION 299
George L. Blum, Judge of the County Court of Eau Claire
county, was born October 6, 1869, at Eau Claire, "Wisconsin. He
received his education in the public schools of Eau Claire and at
the University of Wisconsin, gradviating from the law depart-
ment in 1893, and was admitted to the bar the same year. In
February, 1895, he formed a partnership in Eau Claire with John
B. Fleming under the firm name of Fleming & Blum, which
arrangement continued until January 1, 1908, since which time
he has practiced alone. He was elected Judge of the County Court
in April, 1901, and is now — 1914 — serving his fourth term of six
years.
Judge Blum married Margaret D. McGillis, of Eau Claire, and
they are the parents of three children : Genevieve F., Margaret
G. and George L., Jr.
John Bernard Fleming, mayor of Eau Claire, was born in the
village of this name, June 27, 1866, to Michael and Catherine
Fleming, and is of Irish descent. His father was born in Buffalo,
New York, and his mother in Washington county, AVisconsin.
They settled in Eau Claire in 1865.
Mayor Fleming was educated in the parochial and public
schools, entered the law office of Levi M. Vilas in 1884, and was
graduated from the law department of the Minnesota State Uni-
versity, and was admitted to practice in the state and federal
courts of Minnesota in 1889, and to the state and federal courts
of Wisconsin in 1891. He became cashier of the Union Savings
bank of Eau Claire, and secretary of the Union Mortgag-e & Loan
Company in 1907, resigning when elected mayor in 1910 for a
term of six years, and is the first mayor of Eau Claire and Wis-
consin to serve under the new commission form of government.
He was associated in practice with George L. Blum for ten years,
M-as private secretary for Hon. William F. Vilas 1891 and 1892 ;
register of the United States land office in Eau Claire 1895-1900.
He is a member of the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and St.
Patrick's church. He married Edith S. Robinson at Milwaukee,
December 12, 1894, and has one daughter — Edith Marion.
Joseph C. Culver was born in Eau Claire, July 26, 1880, the
son of Joseph C. and Emma (Kern) Culver. He was educated in
St. Jolin"s Military Academy, Delafield, Wisconsin, and at the
Cornell University at Ithaca, New York. He was married Novem-
ber 8, 1905, to Miss Mary McDonough, of Eau Claire.
Henry McBain, attorney-at-law and judge of the Municipal
Court of Eau Claire, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York,
September 3, 1857, the son of John and Mary (Fisher) McBain,
300 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and is of Scotch descent. He acquired an academical education
at Canton, New York, and came to Eau Claire county in 1871,
locating at Augusta, where for several years he was clerk in the
postoffice. Associated with others he was for three years engaged
in merchandising at Augusta. He was elected clerk of the Circuit
Court and came to Eau Claire in 1885. For sixteen years he
served as clerk of the court, during which time he studied law
and was admitted to the bar September 3, 1898, and since 1910
has served as municipal judge. He married Emma B. Crawford,
of Augusta, and has two children — Gladys and Mabel. Judge
McBain is a member of the A. F. and A. M., the R. A. M. and
Knights Templar.
Burt E. Deyo was born in Peru, Huron county, Ohio, son of
Erastus and Salome (Mauley) Deyo. The father was born in
New York state and descended from the Huguenots, while the
mother was born in Ohio of English ancestry.
Burt E. was educated at Oberlin College and the law depart-
ment of Harvard University ; read law in the oiRee of Bartlett &
Hayden, was admitted to the bar in 1882, and to practice in the
Supreme Court of the state in ] 900.
The foregoing list is not complete. We have endeavored to
make it complete, but many who are now living at Eau Claire
have neglected to furnish the proper data from which personal
mention could be made, while some others have died, and still
many others have moved away, and we have not been able with
reasonable eifort to reach them.
Among those omitted may be mentioned Texas Angel, Abel
W. H. Frawley, Frank R. Farr, De Alton Thomas, A. C. Larson,
A. H. Shoemaker, E. M. Bradford, Heman Day, T. F. Frawley, Jr.,
V. W. James.
In the early days the practice of law was not very remunera-
tive, and the strict method of procedure and decorum was not
always observed. It was within the province of the judge to
admit applicants to membership of the bar. Judge Fuller was
very accommodating in performing this part of his official duty.
It was not by him deemed essential that the applicant should
have even read or looked into a law book. All that he required
was that some members of the bar move the admission of the
applicant, and with one exception the motion was granted.
Hence we had a number of members of the bar not mentioned
in the foregoing statement who never read or practiced law,
among which were R. F. Wilson, James Gray, Captain Seeley and
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 301
some others whose names I do not now remember. The excep-
tion was Arthur Delaney, who edited a paper on the west side.
His admission was moved by Alexander Meggett. Evidently the
judge Avas not in a receptive mood, or else nourished a grievance
against Delaney. The judge promptly denied the application.
When asked for a reason he replied that Delaney was drunk.
The young Irishman's ire was aroused; he felt he had not only
been abused but grossly insulted. Quick as a flash he came back
with the retort: "Judge Fuller, you are so drunk yourself you
cannot get off the chair." The judge called upon the sheriff to
put him out. Delaney, as he was being forced through the door
by the obedient sheriff, turned and addressing the indignant
judge, said: "Judge Fuller, I am going over to my ofSce and I
will write an article about you which will cut a wound so deep
that even whiskey won't heal.'" And he did. It is not improb-
able that the judge was somewhat under the influence of ardent
spirits, which, if reports are true, lie was addicted to their use
in no slight degree.
Delaney was quite a character in some respects. He was able,
even brilliant, and possessed a genuine Irish wit to a considerable
degree. He was an ardent democrat and so was Dr. W. T. Gallo-
way. Democrats in those days were about as scarce as hens'
teeth. The congressional district was very large, with scattered
settlements here and there, and in the northwestern part of it
Pepin and Prescott on the Mississippi river were the most promi-
nent. Delaney and Galloway, with the latter 's team, started to
attend the convention at Pepin, some sixty miles west. They
had an ample supply of democratic enthusiasm with them. Every-
thing went along well until they reached a point somewhere near
Fall City, when a dispute arose, and the doctor, being a powerful
man, weighing over two hundred pounds, and Delaney rather
slight in build, threw Delaney out of the buggy and started on
without him. Delaney, not daunted by this little mishap, trudged
on on foot, occasionally catching a short ride, reached the con-
vention just as it was about to adjourn. He was granted the
privilege of addressing that body, and in the course of his remarks
explained why it was that his arrival was so late. In eloquent
words he stated how the doctor and himself had started out from
Eau Claire full of enthusiasm and of mind socially and politically ;
how a disagreement occurred over some slight matter, how the
doctor forcibly ejected him from the buggy; of his long and
weary march to reach the convention, and added: "Gentlemen
of the convention, that was a contest. It was a contest between
302 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
stomach and brains, and stomach was ahead." Ever afterward,
if you wanted to arouse the ire of the genial doctor, all that was
necessary was to refer to the closing remarks of Delaney.
A special term for the whole district was provided by law to
be held at Prescott, in the extreme northwest corner of the state,
in the month of July. There was no railway then from Eau
Claire, and the Eau Claire lawyers having business before the
court were obliged to journey by team, usually a two days' drive.
One morning Messrs. Meggett, Cousins, H. Clay Williams and
the Avriter started for Prescott to attend the July term. We got
started a little late owing to the fact that we had to wait a long
time for Mr. Cousins. His tardiness, however, was explained by
a statement of the fact that the night before a baby boy had come
to gladden his household, and thus Marshall, his first born, was
ushered into the world. It is needless to state that his tardiness
was excused. The first night we stopped at Brookville, near
Hersey, a stage station on the road from Eau Claire to Hudson,
if I remember right. It was about dusk, as we drove up; the
keeper of the stable came out with a lantern and was engaged in
assisting to i;nliitch the team, when Meggett asked him the ques-
tion: "Say, how many votes did I get in this town for senator?
My name is Meggett." The stable keeper, thinking for a
moment, replied: "I guess you got two." Meggett indignantly
retorted: "Well, if that is the case, we will drive on to the next
station." That he would not stay over night in a town where
he got only two votes. This was met by the statement from the
stable keeper: "If I was in your place I wouldn't mind. You
didn't get any votes in that town."
It was Judge Humphrey's first year upon the bench. We
returned by the way of Hudson and were the guests that evening
of the judge and his estimable wife. She was a most devout
Christian lady, and in the course of the evening, addressing her-
self to Mr. Williams, inquired if he was a member of the church,
and he, without even the slightest hesitation, replied: "Yes, of
the Episcopal church." If he had ever been inside of the church
no one ever had any recollection of it. She further inquired if
he was a member of the Bible class, to which he replied that he
was its leader. She was much interested and pursued her
inquiries as to whether many of the prominent residents of Eau
Claire belonged to the class, and, without even a smile, he replied,
"Most of them," mentioning Cal Spafl'ord, Jan Gray, Dick Wil-
cox and several others. To fully appreciate the cheek of Williams
under the circumstances a person would have to be acquainted
COURTS AND LEGAL PROFESSION 303
with the habits of himself and those he mentioned as members of
his Bible class. The judge was a great humorist and enjoyed a
practical joke. It was amusing to observe his efforts to keep his
face straight while Williams was thus responding to Mrs. Hum-
phrey's inquiries.
Another incident then I have done, although there were many
of a somewhat similar character that, occurred in those days
wliich would today shock the dignity of courts if indulged in.
At Judge Humphrey's first term at Chippewa Falls, Judge
Wiltse, a long time justice of the peace, applied for admission
to the bar. The judge appointed Mr. Cousins, Meggett and the
writer as a committee to examine him in open court as to his
((ualitii-atioiis. The court was held in Mitchell's Hall, if I recol-
lect i(iric(tly ; at any rate it was in a hall over the corner drug
store formerly kept by Harry Goddard. There was no court
house then. The room was full to overflowing, as almost the
entire population, as was usual, were present. Andrew Gregg,
Jr., was district attorney and the only resident lawyer. Some
farmer who owned a pair of mules had hitched them immediately
in front of the hall. While the committee in the presence of the
court was proceeding with great dignity in interrogating Mr.
Wiltse one of the mules set up an unearthly bray. Mr. Gregg,
wlio was in the back end of the hall, immediately addressed the
court : ' ' Hold on ! Hold on ! There is another jackass that wants
to be admitted."' It seems that Mr. Gregg liad no liking for
Mr. Wiltse.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY.
As far back as history takes us we fiud that as soon as meu
began to dAvell together in the primitive tribe there was one of
this number who was known as the "Medicine Man." In Biblical
times people lived to be much older than now, and were evidently
not as much subject to sickness and disease, so our medicine man
could serve many, but sooner or later sickness has overtaken all
and then they seek the aid of one who knows something of the
healing art. In those primitive times the healers sought to cure
people by charms and by driving away the evil spirits through
noises, and thus they beat on drums and sang songs. This primi-
tive idea has not altogether disappeared to the present day, as
witnessed by Dowieism and other cults, who maintain that disease
is the work of the devil, who must first be driven out before the
person can get well.
Following the idea of charming awa.y disease came the dia-
tetic idea, in which health was to be maintained only through
the eating of certain foods and avoiding others. This was exem-
plified by the Jewish race.
Next we come to the physiologic period, when the functions
of the various organs were paramount, and the symptoms they
produced were the sole thing to be regarded in treating disease.
To a certain extent this is used to the present day, but we have
added to it the etiologic period of medicine, in which we endeavor
to discover the cause of the disordered function of any organ.
This has been made possible only through the vast laboratory
researches that have been carried out during the past fifty years,
by the discovery of bacteria and by animal experiments to deter-
mine the part the bacteria play in man's anatomy. Also in the
discovery of the cell or unit of which our body is composed and
observing the changes that occur in these cells as the result of
disease. Thus it is that medicine has changed from an act to a
science. It has not reached the pinnacle of an exact science, but
it is approaching that goal. When we consider how we have con-
quered many of the dread diseases, as diphtheria, typhoid fever,
malaria, etc., and robbed them of their terror through the knowl-
edge of their cause and the application of the one and the only
30i
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 305
thing that will destroy that particular cause, then we begin to
realize what is being accomplished in modern medicine.
The Panama canal stands not only as a monument to the skill
and energy of American engineers, but even more to the glory
of American physicians. DeLesseps' failure was not due to a
lack of skill or courage on his part, but to yellow fever and
malaria. The medical profession has paved the way for this great
undertaking by discovering and proving that certain mosquitos
are responsible for the spread of both these dread disease, but
not until two loyal and unselfish physicians, Carroll and Lazear,
had given their lives to prove this. Today we know that if we
destroy the mosquito we can stamp out yellow fever and malaria.
As a result of the energies of the American physicians the Canal
Zone, with its heterogeneous population, has been made more
healthy than New York City.
When Eau Claire county was first organized and began to be
settled the etiologic phase of medicine was unknown. All the
diseases we now know were known then and were perfectly
described except for their cause, and armed with this knowledge
the pioneer doctors came into this wilderness and worked hard
and faithfully in the endeavor to relieve the suffering of their
fellow men. There being but few doctors in this section the
mother of the family applied "home remedies" as long as she
could before sending for a doctor, who often came too late. There
was, therefore, great rejoicing when the first doctor came into
the county and cast his lot with those early pioneers. The people
were scattered and drives were long and hard, especially in the
Manter. In those days there were not the fine roads we have now.
but one had to pick his way around stumps, over logs and through
creeks. Many times the doctor had to go afoot or on horseback
because the roads would not permit the use of a buggy. Without
the telephone a man had to drive for the doctor, and if he lived
twenty or thirty miles away the doctor could not get there until
the next day. Many trips were so long that it required two days
to make the trip and return. The people were very poor and
were unable to pay more than a very meager compensation or
nothing at all for the services rendered. However, those early
men cared not for that, they went and did all they could to relieve
the suffering. They often had to act as nurse as well as physician.
They sat by the sick bed for long weary hours to see whether the
spark of life was going to be snuffed out or would take on added
vigor and begin to burn anew. They were the recipients of family
secrets and their advice was sought in times of trouble. They
306 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
healed and soothed the troubled mind, soul and body with their
cheerful words, kindly advice, or some simple decoction. Is it
any wonder that they gained a place in the hearts of the people
that could not be supplanted, and as long as they were able to
drag one foot were sought, and no one else would do but the
old family doctor?
As preachers and lawyers were equally scarce, the doctor was
called upon to perform the services of both, and was held to be
thoroughly competent. In those days there were no specialists,
so the family doctor administered to all ailments. Today certain
men specialize on different parts of the body, and become more
expert in dealing with that part. They are thus enabled to give
the people better service, but in order to do this they have sacri-
ficed much in the love and esteem in which they were held in the
hearts of the people. Who would think of going to an eye
specialist or an abdominal surgeon with his family troubles and
expect sympathy and advice? The days of the old-time family
physician are past. To be sure we still have the general prac-
titioner who looks after the general sickness in the family, and is
ready to call the aid of some one especially skilled when needed.
Indeed this must be so when we considered what is being done
all around us. Some wealthy men, as John D. Rockefeller and
McCormick, have given large sums of money to establish research
laboratories, to equip them, and to pay men to devote their whole
lives to the study of one disease, as infantile paralysis, etc.
Some men are devoting their lives and energies to performing
and perfecting surgical operations, so that today there is not a
single organ of the body that is not the subject of operation. And
then there is the pathologist and physiologist, who works in the
laboratory experimenting with animals to ascertain the cause of
disease and its treatment before applying the same to man (yet
there are those who would say do not experiment with animals
in order to learn how to save a human life, but rather let men
die). When we consider these and the many more departments
of medicine, with all the accumulating knowledge, it is no wonder
that one poor man cannot master them all.
About the only thing that keeps alive the old spark of grati-
tude and love for the general practitioner is his obstetrics. He
who stands beside a woman during her suffering and comforts
her and encourages her in her great and holy, yet trying mission,
of bringing a new soul into the world endears himself to her in
a way that is not easily forgotten or cast aside. What a pleasure
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 307
it is and what gratitude one receives only he who has had the
experience knows.
The doctor's life must be an unselfish one, for how often is
he aroused from a sound sleep or disturbed while at a meeting, a
social gathering, to go and relieve the suffering. If he is fortu-
nate enough to make a discovery or invent some new instrument
he does not hurry to the patent office to protect himself and
enrich his purse, but gladly gives his knowledge to his brothers
for the good of mankind. This has been handed down to him
from the days of Hippocrates that he is in honor bound to impart
all good knowledge to his worthy brother practitioners. Neither
does he go to the newspaper office that his fame may be heralded
abroad, but rather spreads the glad tidings only among those
who will be able to use them. And many is the doctor, whose'
epitaph has overtaken him, long before his good works are known.
Grant, Sherman and Napoleon are household names, because they
have commanded armies and lead many men to death, while
Pasteur, Koch, Virchon, Seun, Billings, and hosts of others are
hardly known, and yet for every life the generals have sacrificed
these men have saved hundreds. Few people know what a debt
they owe to Lord Lister, when he discovered that by the use of
antiseptic, surgical operations could be performed without being
followed by the dread hospital gangrene or suppuration. This,
together wuth the i;se of anesthesia, has enabled the surgeon to
go fearlessly at his task, and thus Darwin's law of the "survival
of the fittest" no longer applies.
As there were no large cities in this county, hospitals were
slow to make their appearance, and the doctors were compelled
to perform many operations in private houses, which they did
with the skill and success of their more fortunate brethren at
the hospital in the cities.
A doctor not only devotes his time and energies to the study
of cause and treatment of disease, but places before himself the
higher ideal of preventive medicine. Thus, he goes about telling
Ijeople how to live to avoid sickness. However, they are very
slow to change their habits that they may enjoy better health.
If you tell them to eat plainer food and masticate it more thor-
oughly, so as to avoid dyspepsia, they think they are wasting too
much time. If you tell him to live in the sunshine and exercise
more they are afraid they will neglect their business. When you
tell them to breathe plenty fresh air and sleep with windows
open at night, they are greatly alarmed lest some dread monster
308 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
will come in with the "night air," little thinking that after sun-
down all air is ' ' night air. ' ' People are no more ready to harken
to our modern physicians than they were to the great physician
when lie said, "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have
gathered you under my wings as a hen gathers her chickens, and
ye would not."
(The above excellent article is liere supplemented with a short
sketch of the hospitals and the lives of the physicians of the
county, living and dead, as far as we have been able to obtain
them.)
SACRED HEART HOSPITAL.
The Sacred Heart Hospital, of Eau Claire, was first started in
1889, by the Sisters of Saint Frances. Tlie first building con-
tained seventeen rooms and was xmder the charge of three sisters.
Since this time the buildings have been three times enlarged, the
last building being erected in 1912, is used as a convent for the
sisters, while the entire upper floor is used as the operating room.
The Sacred Heart Hospital is the oldest in the city, and the large
three-story brick buildingb are located on a large plat of ground
high on the hill, which affords an abundance of fresh air for its
patients. The hospital has now accommodation for one hundred
and thirty patients, whose wants are looked after by thirty-four
sisters. This institution is open for all classes regardless of their
religious belief, and all doctors of good repute are admitted to
practice. Tlie mother hospital is located at the city of Spring-
field, 111.
LUTHER HOSPITAL.
Efforts to establish a Protestant hospital in Eau Claire were
made as early as 1895. But no practical results from this or sub-
sequent attempts were obtained until 1905, when it was decided
by some ministers attending a United Church convention at
Menomonie, Wis., to call a mass meeting to consider said matter.
At this mass meeting, which was held at Eau Claire, February
9, 1905, it was imanimously resolved to establish a Protestant
hospital in Eau Claire to be called Luther Hospital. Thereupon
two committees were elected, one for incorporation and one for
soliciting funds.
On the first of May, 1905, the hospital association was incor-
porated by John Gaustad, M. 0. Waldal, Peder Taugjerd, Alfred
Cypreansen and Peder B. Treltsad.
The Hoyme property, on which an option had previously been
THP] MEDICAL FRATERNITY 309
secured, was bought July 31, 1905, and an adjoining property-
secured later on. During the fall of 1906 the basement wall of
the proposed hospital was built and the building proper erected
during the summer and fall of 1907. On account of unavoidable
delay cornerstone laying and dedication was deferred until Sun-
day, August, 30, 1908, the main speeches being delivered by Con-
gressman Lenroot and President J. N. Kindahl, of St. Olaf Col-
lege. But five months earlier on March 30, 1908, Luther Hospital
threw open its doors to receive the unfortunate sick of the com-
munity and accomplish the glorious work for which it was estab-
lished.
The articles of incorjioratiou and by-laws of Luther Hospital
provide for an association, the membership of which is open to all
upon the payment of a membership fee of il^lO.OO and a due of
$1.00 annually. The present membership is over 100. It has been
as high as 272.
The general management of the hospital is vested in a board of
directors of five members (origiualh^ nine), of which a majority
must belong to some Lutheran church. This board may appoint
additional officers, make by-laws, rules and regulations and have
general control and supervision of the affairs of the corporation,
subject to the association.
The first board of directors were: George M. Rand, Syver
Rekstad, S. 0. Mauseth, P. B. Trelstad, Peder Tangjerd, H. C.
Hanson, M. 0. Waldal, L. I. Roe and T. Slagsvol. M. 0. Waldal
was elected president, L. I. Roe vice-president, Peder Tangjerd
secretary and H. C. Hanson treasurer. Besides these the follow-
ing have served as directors: Carl Luudquist, M. 0. Soley,
A. Anderson, Alfred Cypreansen, H. M. Knudtson, Guuder
Thompson and Chr. Midelfart.
The special management of the hospital is vested in a " direct-
ing sister" (deaconess), who shall admit and receive pay from
patients, purchase provisions, direct the training school, secure
the necessary help and have general supervision of patients, sis-
ters, nurses and other workers of the institution, subject to the
board and corporation. As it proved impossible from the begin-
ning to secure any deaconess the board was fortunate enough to
secure the services of an exceedingly able graduate nurse from
the Augustana Hospital, Chicago, 111., Miss Ida C. L. Isaacson.
As superintendent of nurses she had opened two hospitals before,
and Luther Hospital had the benefit of her experience, as she
practically directed the furnishing of the hospital (the purchase
of operating and sterilizing outfits, furniture, bedding, medical
310 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and surgical supplies, pi-ovisions, etc.), started the training school
and worked to secure such patronage from the doctors and gen-
eral public as was necessary that the hospital might be able to
perform the work for which it was established.
After her resignation Miss Margaret Thomas, of this city,
served as superintendent of nurses about eight months until at
last Luther Hospital, in accordance with its original plan of
organization, secured the services of a deaconess from the Nor-
wegian Lutheran Deaconess' Home and Hospital, Chicago, our
able present directing sister, Amalia Olson, under whose wise
direction Luther Hospital and its training school have become
such a marked success. On July 17, 1912, the hospital was for-
tunate enough to secure the services of an'other deaconess from
the Chicago mother house. Sister Agnes Daae, who has proved
herself a very efficient and valuable assistant.
After thorough investigation the beautiful home and grounds
of the late Rev. G. Hoyme, president of the United Norwegian
Lutheran Church of American, was unanimously decided upon as
hospital site. It is located near the center of the city in a resi-
dence section, away from the busy business streets and the noise
and smoke of the factories and railroads. A fine view may be
had from the hospital to a small lake two blocks away; and the
street cars running by afford easy access from all directions.
Luther Hospital, when completed according to plans, will consist
of three parallel buildings, planned so as to admit air, light and
sunshine in every sick room and connected with a corridor, reach-
ing from street to street, crossing all the three buildings, a dis-
tance of about 200 feet. The central building (the one now in
use) is 81x43 feet, and the two wing buildings will be about
115x45 feet each, all of them three stories beside basement and
attic. The west wing to be built as soon as possible will be called
Sigvald Qvale Memorial. At the present time the hospital con-
sists of three buildings: the above mentioned main or central
building, the laundry and the nurses' home, the late Rev. Hoyme 's
residence. This is a large commodious wooden building with
ample accommodations for the nurses.
The building is fireproof, only floors, doors, casings and win-
dow frames being of Avood. Elevator and stair opening are
inclosed to prevent draft, and the roof is covered with slate, so
the building practically cannot burn, an extremely important
thing in a hospital.
The building is equipped with Paul vacuum system for even
distribution of heat and the direct-indirect ventilation to secure
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 311
pure fresh air in rooms and corridors. The laundry was per-
manently located in a separate concrete building (24x36) in the
rear. It is fitted up with steam, hot and cold water and electric
current, ready for the machinery. "With the exception of the dry
house none of the permanent machinery has yet been installed,
however. The home is fitted up for the nurses, the whole second
floor being used for dormitory. The first floor contains a large
commodious nurses' parlor, three smaller sleeping rooms and a
patients' ward of seven beds. As the present hospital building
will form the main or central part of the completed building it
had to be arranged so that all the important special hospital
accessories were placed there. The office, waiting room, elevator
as well as the operating, culinary and heating departments must
therefore necessarily be located in said building in order to con-
veniently serve the two wings or buildings to be erected on both
sides later on. When all buildings are completed this central
part will most likely be used exclusively for administration and
nurses' home. The basement contains the X-ray department,
kitchen, storage and pantry rooms, service kitchen, dining room,
beside a couple of rooms now used by the help. Ambulance
entrance to elevator is also to be found here. First floor has
office, waiting room, service kitchen, toilet rooms, dressing room,
men's ward, drug room and five private rooms. Second floor is
arranged like the first, only instead of office and waiting rooms
there are two more private rooms. Third floor has the same
amount and arrangement of private rooms as the second. But
here we find the all important operating department, which is
entirely separated from the rest of the floor. First an ante-room
with lockers. To the left instrument room. Straight ahead the
sterilizing room with the two operating rooms, one on each side.
The equipment is first class. Sterilizing outfit, operating tables,
instruments, etc., are of the most up to date. Furniture, bedding,
etc., are of a better quality than found in most hospitals. The
best is none too good for the unfortunate sick and sufl'ering.
Ever since Luther Hospital opened its doors its aim has been
to be strictly modern in every way. We are very glad to
announce that since our last report was issued we have been able
to make another much needed improvement by the establishment
of an X-ray department and that we are now in position to meet
the great demands for X-ray work. The apparatus used is of
the very latest modern type and the equipment is complete in
every detail. No expense has been spared to bring everything
as near perfection as possible and our department represents the
312 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
last word in X-ray work. It is possible with this apparatus to
make a picture of any part of the body in a few seconds, elimi-
nating the danger at one time present when it was necessary to
make an exposure of several minutes or hours. The best of
machinery and instruments, however, are of little or no value
without a competent person in charge. We consider ourselves
very fortunate in having secured so able and experienced a man
for this department as Dr. Baird. Both the institution and the
city of Eau Claire are to be congratulated that our X-ray depart-
ment is in charge of a man of such experieuce and ability. The
high grade of work done is attested by the constantly increasing
patronage of the department.
Since March 23, 1908, when three pupils were admitted to the
Luther Hospital Training School for Nurses, there has been made
a rapid progress. "We have been fortunate to secure enough
applicants and every year brings us more than we can take care
of. From March, 1908, to January, 1909, Miss Isaacson had
charge of the training school and Miss Margaret Thomas from
February, 1909, till October, 1909. Since November, 1909, the
training school has been in charge of Sister Amalia, who for
almost three years had the able assistance of Miss Howlaud, who
on account of ill health was forced to resign from her duties. For-
tunately Sister Agnes arrived in time to begin with the fall work
of 1912.
MONTGOMERY HOSPITAL.
The old hospital or sanatorium was founded in 1898. Then
the Inebriate law, which compelled the taking into the institution
all inebriates and persons afflicted Avith the drug habit, was in
force. They treated nearly four thousand of such cases. But
owing to some doubt which sprang up among some of the attor-
neys of the state the law was brought to a test and declared
unconstitutional. In 1908 Dr. Montgomery constructed the new
hospital, which is situated on the site of the old sanatorium, at
the corner of Oxford avenue and Central street, one block north
from the court house. This hospital is divided into wards : mater-
nity, special and general, with a contagious ward entirely cut
off from the other apartments. The present inventory of the
institution is fifty-four thousand dollars ($54,000), and during
the past year the Drs. Montgomery have installed a new and
powerful apparatus with accessories for every kind of thermo
therapy. The Montgomery Hospital presents no distinction as
to race, difference of religious beliefs or circumstances in life. It
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 313
is under the direct control of the Drs. Montgomery, but its facil-
ities are at the command of any reputable physician or surgeon,
to whom are given assurance of faithful and efficient service.
They offer better inducement in the hospital ticket line than
any other hospital in existence. They have three classes of tickets
in the field. The leader is a ten dollar ticket, which insures the
holder against all sickness or accidental injury regardless of
what the cause may be. The $7.50 ticket has not the same excep-
tions that other hospitals have, and is much more liberal than the
so-called accident and benefit policies. The family ticket is the
largest opportunity in the field. Just think of insuring the health
of any member of your family for one year for fifteen or twenty-
five dollars ! The tickets cover all expenses in case of operations
of any kind. There is no age limit. All that is required is that
the purchaser be in good physical and mental condition when he
buys the ticket. The training school presents a three years' course
of practical and theoretical training in modern medical and sur-
gical science. The nurses entering the institution to prepare for
their life's work get a practical knowledge of cases of all kinds.
They get also the benefit of the lectures given by outside physi-
cians and citizens, and the efficiency of the work of the graduates
is proven by the fact that they are continually in demand.
TUBERCULOSIS SANATORIUM.
The Eau Claire County Tuberculosis Sanatorium was officially
opened on Monday, December 15, 1913, when the twenty patients
who had made application were admitted for treatment.
"When approaching the new institution one is struck by the
beauty of the site. It is situated ou the south slope of Mt. Wash-
ington, protected from north and westerly winds by the bluff.
The front windows overlook the Chippewa Valley. The site con-
sists of nine acres of well drained land, where the patients may
pitch their tents or build their shacks, or work in the garden, that
will be kept in connection, if they are able. The view from every
window is grand. A long search for a better site than the present
would probably be in vain. The building is cement plaster and
sloat finished, contracted for by the E. M. Fish Company for
$16,000, exclusive of equipment. The site was purchased by the
Eau Claire Anti-Tuberculosis Society, which also guaranteed
equipment. This was raised by popular subscription. It is due
to the efforts of the committee that the society has been so suc-
cessful in raising enough money for equipping the institution.
314 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Following is what the county has done for the tuberculosis sana-
torium: April, 1912, $4,000 appropriated; November, 1912,
$12,000 tax levy made ; April, 1913, $500 appropriated ; November,
1913, $8,266.35 appropriated and $12,000 tax levy made ; $20,000
of this remains.
The two wings of the building are occupied by twenty-four
patients' single rooms and four large porches at the ends of the
wings. These porches are open and have only heavy canvas cur-
tains, which were put iu place by William Schroeder.
The four patients' single rooms were furnished at an esti-
mated cost of $33 each, but in reality cost a little more. They
have their windows in the front of the building with the hall in
the rear. The large part to the rear is occupied by the kitchen,
serving rooms, office and cook's and maid's apartments. It may
be interesting to know that the large living room and dining-
room was furnished by a donation from the Elks and Knights of
Columbus, and that much of the mission furniture was manufac-
tured at our own Phoenix Furniture Company. The lodges fur-
nished the electric fixtures also. These were furnished by the
county in the other rooms.
The floors throughout the building are of hardwood and all
the walls are of the same spotless white. There are magazines
and books on the rack beside the large cheerful fireplace. The
woodwork is selected Georgia pine with two panel doors. The
mantelpiece is a solid three-inch piece of the same wood. The
next place to be inspected was the kitchen, where Mrs. Julia A.
Brown holds full sway. It is here that all the food will be cooked.
The cupboard is used for the dishes of the nurses and the help
and such supplies as are needed for the day. A splendid Majestic
range is to be seen here, which was purchased from the Foss- Arm-
strong Company. The Norden Lodge donated the money for this
and also for the fine kitchen utensils, which were purchased from
Schlieve Bros. The fine cooling room was built by the "Wisconsin
Refrigerator Company, and paid for by a donation from the
Masonic Lodge. The dishes used in the institution are the
unbreakable rolled edge Syracuse china purchased through Mr.
Richard Kaiser, the money being given by the Norwegian
Lutheran church and a $50 check from an "Unknown Friend."
Nothing that leaves the kitchen going to the patients will
return. The food is taken to the serving room, where it is dished
up by the maid. When the dishes are returned they are washed
and sterilized. The same care that is used here is in force all over
the building, so there is no danger of infection. A dumb waiter
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 315
is used for sending the food to patients on the upper floor and
bringing supplies up from the basement. The office of the super-
intendent, ]\Iiss Ramstead, is simply furnished, as she will spend
much of her time looking after the patients. There will be two
other day nurses and one night nurse on the staff. Dr. R. E.
Mitchell will serve in the capacity of visiting physician. Miss
Ramstead 's parents live in this city, but she has for several years
been connected with the city hospital at Minneapolis.
The entrance will be in the angle of the building on the east
side. This opens into the reception room, adjoining the superin-
tendent's office. The drive leads around the building.
The single rooms on the first floor are very cheerfully fur-
nished, with the regulation hospital beds and a solid maple chair.
A flue for ventilation opens into each room. It was planned to
have a locker for the patients' clothes under these flues, but it
was found to be too great an expense, so closets have been pro-
vided. There are drinking fountains in the halls and bath rooms
within easy reach.
The halls open onto the porches at either end and the beds will
pass through the doors easilj% so when the patients cannot be
moved their beds can be rolled out. There are two windows in
each room, so there will not be a lack of light. There are two
wheel chairs for those who are able to sit up, and more will be
provided later if it is seen that they are necessary.
Two double nurses' rooms occupy the front of the second floor.
They are furnished with a fumed oak dresser and chairs. Across
the hall is the room that will be occupied by the night nurse. The
patients' rooms are the same as those on the flrst floor and there
is a ward containing four beds. The sanitary rugs which were
given by the Woman's Club deserve particular mention, as they
were seen in every patient's room and in the living room. The
women of the club sewed the rags for them during the last sum-
mer and had them woven by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Koshoshck,
McDonough street. C. H. Metcalf will have charge of the base-
ment. There is a grocery room, a vegetable room, the janitor's
room, rooms for coal and wood, a laundry and a trunk room.
The object of the sanatorium is to provide treatment for the
more advanced cases of pulmonary tuberculosis from Eau Claire
county. Should there at any time be vacancies, suitable patients
from other counties may be admitted. In every instance the
patient must make an application for admittance, and no one will
be received without having received a previous notice from the
superintendent. So far as is practical, the treatment will consist
316 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
essentially of out of door living, an abundance of wholesome,
nutritious food together with supervision of exercise and rest.
Such medical treatment as seems best indicated will be prescribed
for the individual case. As a part of their prescribed exercise
l^atients may be required, as their condition permits, to do a cer-
tain amount of useful labor. This applies equally to those paying
for their maintenance, as well as to those who do not pay.
Application for admission to the sanatorium must be made in
writing upon blanks provided for that purpose, which will be fui--
nished by the superintendent upon request. As soon as this formal
routine is completed in a satisfactory way the applicant may be
admitted.
It is expected that every patient will pay the cost of his or her
maintenance, if able to do so. This amount, at present, is $10.00
per week but may be raised or lowered at any time if found
necessary or advisable.
For those unable to pay any part of their maintenance, pro-
vision is made whereby they may be admitted at the expense of
the county in which they reside upon recommendation of the
judge of the probate court. For those desiring to take advantage
of this provision of the law, necessary blanks will be furnished
upon request. To meet the requirements of those who are unable
to pay the full cost of their maintenance, but who are able or
desirous of paying a portion of the amount, provision is made
for a rate of $5.00 per week, if the probate judge, after investiga-
tion, shall have found that tlie patient is really unable to pay
more than that amount.
Clarence Sprague, Charles A. Cox and W. K. Coffin are the
trustees of the institution.
The following is the list of those who furnished the rooms —
and they are given in the order in which they were received.
Later the rooms will be numbered to correspond with this list.
1. The Rev. A. B. C. Dunne. 2. Tom Fleming. 3. Mrs. Kate
Porter. 4. Alex Dean. 5. 0. H. Ingram. 6. Mr. and Mrs. George
Lufkin. 7. German Reading Club. 8. Chippewa Valley Ladies'
Aid (Jewish). 9. Louis Levy. 10. Labor Organizations (A. T.
Le Due). 11. The Kepler Co. 12. Ninth Ward Social Center.
13. Knights of Maccabees. 14. Mrs. C. H. Ingram. 15. Tenth
Ward Civic Center League. 16. ShawtoM^n Ladies. 17. St.
John's German Lutheran Church (Rev. A. F. Augustine). 18.
Our Saviour's Norwegian Lutheran Church. 19. E. B. Ingram.
20. Mt. Hope Church (Town of Brunswick). 21. Christ Episco-
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 317
pal Church. 22. Helping Hand Society (Town of Washington).
23. U. C. T. 24. King's Daughters of Shawtown.
In closing, special mention may be made of the fine appear-
ance of the building when it was lighted up. It was remarked by
several as they approached it in the evening, "that it had the ap-
pearance of a fine summer hotel in the mountains."
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The organization of the American Medical Association in
1846-47, as a national representative body composed of dele-
gates from the several states, gave a fresh and strong impetus
to the woi-k of uniting the members of the profession in social
organizations for mutual improvement and scientific advance-
ment, in every part of the country. Wisconsin as well as nearly
every state in the Union has her medical society, and a few years
ago the medical society of the Chippewa Valley was organized,
to which a good many doctors from Eau Claire county held mem-
bership, and in 1902, the Eau Claire County Medical Society was
formed with the greater part of the practicing physicians as mem-
bers. The first president of the society was Dr. J. V. R. Lyman,
who in turn has been succeeded by doctors J. F. Farr, Chr Midel-
fart, D. W. Ashum, A. L. Payne and F. S. Cook. The purpose of
the organization is to bring the doctors closer together, and create
a good fellowship feeling atoong them, and for the discussion of
important medical subjects. Special papers are discoursed at
the meetings by members of the society on the important issues
of the day, calculated to impart to the members the latest dis-
coveries in medical science for the up-to-date treatment of dis-
ease.
The following is a list of the members of the society :
Dr. D. W. Ashum, P. B. Amundson, J. 0. Arnson, J. C. Baird,
R. R. Chase, W. J. Clancy, F. S. Cook, M. C. Crane, H. F. Derge,
J. F. Farr, L. H. Flynn, H. A. Fulton, J. B. Goddard, Dr. E. P.
Hayes, E. S. Hayes, A. P. Hahn, Sue Ilebard, Dr. Fred Johnson,
F. A. La Breck, J. V. R. Lyman, E. L. Mason, J. Mathiesen, C.
Midelfart, R. E. Mitchell, Alex. Montgomery, John L. Montgom-
ery, Wm. Montgomery, A. L. Payne, H. P. Prill, P. E. Riley, W.
0. Seemann, E. M. A. Sizer, G. M. Smith, A. D. H. Thrane, E. E.
Tupper, R. F. Werner, E. H. Winter, S. Williams, C. W. Wil-
kowske, A. E. Olson, Oscar Knutson, H. C. Ericksen.
338 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Edwin J. Farr, M. D., came to Kenosha in 1855, and the fol-
lowing year removed to Prairie du Sac, Sauk county, and in 1857
to Mauston, Juneau county, and in 1869 to Eau Claire. He was
born at Corinth, Orange county, Vermont, August 24, 1832. He
was educated at Castleton Medical College and graduated in
1851, and practiced at White River Junction, Vermont, until he
came to Wisconsin. He was assistant surgeon of the Second Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry for five months, and with Thirtieth
Wisconsin Regiment for nearly three years. He was post surgeon
at Ft. Sully from July, 1863, to October, 1864, and had charge of
the prison hospital at Louisville from January to August, 1865.
Dr. Farr was mayor of the city of Eau Claire and railroad
surgeon for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha and the
Wisconsin & Minnesota Railway Companies. He was a member
of the A. F. & A. M. (Grand High Priest and Grand Master),
I. 0. 0. F. and A. 0. U. W. He was married at White River Junc-
tion in January, 1855, to Emily L. Sawyer. They had two chil-
dren, tAvins: Ewin B. and Emily B., born August 14, 1867. Dr.
Farr died July 10, 1914.
Dr. W. T. Galloway was born in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence
county, New York, April 15, 1822, and graduated from Castleton
Medical College at Castleton, Vermont. He began practice in
1850. He went to Fond du Lac in 1851, remaining there until he
came to Eau Claire in 1857. He was appointed register of the
United States land office, and held that position until 1861. He
served six years as alderman of Eau Claire, was supervisor three
years when Eau Claire was a village, and six years after it became
a city. He was engaged for four years in the manufacture of
lumber on Duncan creek, near Chippewa Falls, and for twelve
years in foundry and machine shops in Chippewa Falls and Eau
Claire, besides managing a farm. In 1874 he built the Galloway
house and numerous dwellings. He erected the foundry and
machine shops at Chippewa Falls, which was later converted into
gas works. He stood as an ancient Odd Fellow and had taken aU
the degrees in Masonry.
Charles E. Hogeboom, M. D., came to Eau Claire and engaged
in the piactice of medicine in May, 1876. He graduated from
Rush Medical College, class of 1869, and began his practice at
Blackberry Station, Kane county, Illinois. He went from there
to St. Charles, and remained there until he came to Eau Claire.
He was born in DeKalb county, Illinois, April 28, 1846, and was
educated in the public schools of that county, and the high school
at Sycamore and by private instruction.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 319
Henry G. Morgan, M. D., came to Wisconsin in 1869 and
located at Alma, where he practiced two years. He came to Eau
Claire in 1871 and began his practice. He was born in Brecks-
ville, Ohio, and got his medical education at the Chicago Medical
College, graduating in the spring of 1868.
Dr. James H. Noble M'as born in Madison, March 30, 1851. He
was educated at the University of Wisconsin and studied medicine
Avith Dr. Boweu, of Madison. He graduated from the Hahne-
mann Medical College, of Chicago, in February, 1871, and came
to Eau Claire, March 30, of that year.
Dr. Edward H. Parker, who came to Eau Claire July 12, 1879,
Avas born at Hartford, Washington county, in November, 1854,
and moved to Fond du Lac when thirteen years old. Graduated
from Fond du Lac high school in 1876, read medicine with Drs.
Patchen and Bishop, of that place, graduated at Hahnemann Col-
lege, Chicago, came to Eau Claire in 1879, and engaged in prac-
tice with Dr. DM'ight W. Day, remaining with him until 1881. He
died in 1913.
George F. Hamilton, M. D., was born in Chemung county, New
York, April 28, 1839. Came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1852,
resided at Pond du Lac one year, moved to Oakfield, Dodge
county, in 1853, remaining there until 1856, and then for a time
lived in Hillsboro, Vernon county. In 1862 went to Sheldon,
Monroe county, remaining there until 1866, then returned to
Vernon county, residing at Bloomingdale one year and two years
in Springville, then for one year resided at Sparta. In 1870 he
went to Augusta. He received his medical education at the Ben-
nett Eclectic Medical College, Chicago, and commenced practice
in 1866. After coming to Augusta he ran a drug store in connec-
tion with his practice. He was the first village president of
Augusta who was elected on the no-license ticket. He enlisted in
Company I, Thirty-seventh Wisconsin Volunteers, was discharged
March 18, 1865, on account of wounds received before Peters-
burg, Va.
Dr. W. W. Allen came to Eau Claire in tlie spring of 1857,
and with George W. Sanford opened the first shanty store in
the village located on the banks of the Chippewa. Dr. Allen
left Eau Claire with Captain Wheeler's company in the fall of
1863, and on the reorganization of the Second Wisconsin Regi-
ment was appointed assistant surgeon. He continued with the
regiment until mustered out at the close of the war and then
settled at Mason City, Iowa, where he died and was buried on
June 20, 1878.
320 HISTORY OP^ EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Dr. Dwight W. Day came to Eau Claire from Elkader, Clinton
county, Iowa, in October, 1868, and engaged in the practice of
his profession. He was born in the town of Eagle, Wyoming
county, New York, May 14, 1841, and graduated from the Buffalo
Medical College February 22, 1861. He was resident physician
in the Buffalo General Hospital and Lying In Hospital, and was
surgeon of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York Volun-
teer Infantry. He went out as first assistant .surgeon, was pro-
moted to surgeon of the regiment and to acting brigade surgeon.
He served three years in the medical department, and then
returned to Arcade, New York, where he practiced until 1866,
when he moved to Iowa. His father was a prominent doctor in
Eagle, New York. Dr. Day was a brother of the late Henry
Day and a cousin of Dr. R, R. Chase. He died in 1901 while
reading a paper before the Medical Society in Eau Claire, which
sudden demise was characteristic of the Day family. Dr. Day
was a good doctor and had many warm friends.
Dr. Henry Day was born in Eagle, Wyoming county. New
York, September 1, 1840. He was educated in the Buffalo Med-
ical College, graduating in 1860. He commenced practice at
Arcade, remaining there until he came to Wisconsin. He was
in the state in practice with his brother in 1876, and came to Eau
Claire in 1881. Dr. Day was assistant surgeon of the Seventy-
eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, and acting surgeon of that
regiment for six months during the war. While his practice here
never assumed the proportions that his brother's did, he had a
good general practice and was well liked. He was twice mar-
ried. His first wife still lives in her old New York home, while
his second wife is matron of the Sparta Home for Dependent
Children.
Dr. Clinton Straw Chase was born May 25, 1831, and came
from Springtield, Vermont, to Eau Claire. He fitted for college
at Springfield, Vermont, graduated from Dartmouth College in
1852, studied medicine at Castleton and in New York City, and
received his degree of M. D. in 1855. Practiced two years at
Springfield and was in the drug business there and at Detroit,
Michigan. He came to Eau Claire in 1859 and went into the drug
business with Dr. Skinner, theirs being the first drug store in
the Chippewa Valley. He died at Detroit about 1899. October
29, 1869, he married Harriet Eliza Sherwin, of Weathersfield, Ver-
mont, and had three children: Anna, Alfred and Alice.
Dr. Ketchum was another one of the early doctors who prac-
ticed but a sliort time here, when he moved to the far west. He
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 321
practiced here during the reign of Dr. Chase and Dr. Skinner,
and these three physicians were styled in a sort of floating joke
as "Chase 'em, Ketch 'em and Skin 'em."
Dr. W. W. Day was born in the state of New York, came to Eau
Claire county in 1858 and settled on a farm between Eau Claire
and Chippewa Falls, where he farmed and practiced medicine.
He later came to Eau Claire and practiced his profession until
he moved to Walla Walla, Washington, in about 1879, where he
died.
William Young, farmer and physician, came to Wisconsin in
1839. Located in Waukesha county, farming some two years;
then in Jefferson county for fifteen years, farming and practicing
medicine. Came to Eau Claire county in 1856, engaged in farm-
ing and practicing medicine for many years. Was supervisor of
Otter Creek township for several years. He was born in Scot-
land in 1816 and came to America in 1828.
Peter McKittrick, M. D., was born near Lauart, Ontario,
•January 7, 1866, coming to this country when a young man of
tender years to carve out a future for himself. By application
and thrift the subject of this sketch procured an education and
took up the profession of teaching. Later he attended the Rush
Medical College, from which he graduated in February, 1889.
Immediately after he began the practice of his profession at
Thorp, Wis., and with the exception of one year he practiced
there continuously till February, 1908. During the one year
intervening the doctor practiced at Portland, Oregon.
Seeking a larger field. Dr. McKittrick came to Eau Claire
from Thorp and had since continuously resided and practiced
here. He was alone in the practice here until February 1, 1910,
when he formed a partnership with Dr. E. L. Mason.
The doctor had been ailing for several months, and after this
prolonged illness he died December 17, 1913. All recognized in
Dr. McKittrick a man of strong character and kindly disposition
— the kind that makes the world better and brighter for their
having lived. It can be truthfully said that Dr. McKittrick 's
existence was void of enmity. His traits of character were such
as to endear him and draw him closer in the bonds of friendship
to those who formed acquaintance and association with him.
Thus it is but natural, even in anticipation of the inevitable, that
the summons would bring tears, grief and sorrow to family,
friends and acquaintances.
Joseph J. Selbach, M. D. Among the able physicians of Eau
Claire county whose life was devoted to the benevolent work of
•322 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
alleviating the sufferings of humanity none stood more prominent
than Dr. Selbaeh. A native of Germany, he was born August 2,
1864, and came to America in 1883. His primary education was
received in the common schools of Germany, which was supple-
mented by a thorough course at the University of Ann Arbor,
from which he graduated with honor. His medical education was
received at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago,
from which institution he was graduated in 1887. Upon the
arrival of Dr. Selbaeh in this country he came to Wisconsin,
locating at Green Bay and there made his home until 1888, when
he moved to Eau Claire and commenced the practice of medi-
cine in this city. A man of culture and attainments, he possessed
excellent personal qualities, which won for him the esteem of
all with whom he came in contact. As a member of the Inter-
County Medical Society he was often called upon for papers on
topics of interest to his profession, and his opinions were much
valued by his associates. He was popular in the social circles of
Eau Claire, and one of his chief diversions was fine music, both
vocal and instrumental.
Dr. Selbaeh was a leading member of the German Catholic
church, a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, also the
Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and of the Equitable Fraternal
Union. He married Mary M. Hedergott at Green Bay, Wis., and
eight children were born to them : Joseph W., William J., August
H. was drowned at the age of eight years, Hubert H., Cecelia M.,
Amelia M., Lucile I. and Marie A. The two elder sons, Joseph W.
and William J., are bright and promising young men, holding
positions in the Union National Bank, of Eau Claire. Hubert H.
is employed at the International Harvester Company office in Eau
Claire as bookkeeper.
F. R. Skinner, M. D., was born in Utica, New York, April 21,
1831. He began his education in the old Utica Academy, was at
Clinton Liberal Institute one year, Utica Academy five or six years
and at Springfield Wesleyan Academy preparing for college. He
entered Dartmouth College in the fall of 1849 and graduated in
1852. He then went to Castleton, Vermont, to study medicine,
and graduated in 1854. He attended a course of medical lec-
tures in New York City, and after reading awhile with Professor
.Goldsmith and also Dr. Bodd, of Utica, he took a general tour of
the West and Southwest. He located at Stevens Point in the fall
of 1855, was taken sick in the spring of 1856 and returned to
New York. He came to Eau Claire in 1857, spending a few
months in Stillwater, Minnesota, learning the banking business.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 823
In the interim he built aud started a drug store in Eau Claire,
wliirli he ran till the spring of 1869, when he sold out to Farr,
Freneli & Co. He died March 1, 1904.
Dr. Arthur Thrane, M. D., came to Eau Claire in November,
1875, and has since been engaged in the practice of medicine here.
He was born in Norway, January 26, 1844, and came to America
in April, 1865. Remaining in New York one year he came to
Chicago and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Paoli,
and graduated from Rush Medical College in 1868, beginning his
practice in Chicago.
Christian H. U. Midelfart, M. D., a prominent and successful
physician of Eau Claire, was born in Christiania, Norway, August
5, 1865, the son of Peter A. aud Nicolena (Solberg) Midelfart.
He was reared to manhood in his native country, received his
classical education in private schools and his medical education
was obtained in the University of Norway at Christiania, where
he was graduated in 1892. In 1893 he came to the United States
and located in Eau Claire, where he has since succeeded in build-
ing up a large and lucrative practice, second to none in this sec-
tion of the state, and is widely known as one of the leading mem-
bers of his profession. He was the first member of his family to
emigrate to the United States. He was married in 1898 to Mar-
garet, daughter of Rev. Ilalvard and (Helberg)
Hande, of Chicago, Illinois, who were formerly of Norway. Her
father was a clergyman of the Lutheran church and after com-
ing to the United States preached the gospel for several years,
and later engaged in newspaper work for the Norden Newspaper,
published in Chicago, and was considered one of the best Nor-
wegian penmen in the Ignited States. Dr. Midelfart and wife
are the parents of eight children : Anna L., Margaret E., Dangny
N., Peter A., Christian F., Ingeborg, Elise and Signe. The doctor
is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical Society, of which
he served one term as president, the Wisconsin State Medical
Society, the American Medical Association and the Norwegian
Physicians' Society. He was one of the directors of the Luther
Hospital, aud is at the head of the medical and surgical staff of
that institution. He occupies a prominent place in social circles
of the city aud in politics is affiliated with the democratic party.
Roy E. Mitchell, M. D., of Eau Claire, has attained the front
rank among the members of his profession in the city. He was
born at Porter's Mills, this county, March 17, 1876, a son of
Squire F. and Laura (Mcintosh) Mitchell, natives of the state
of New York and Maine respectively. His paternal grandfather.
324 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Samuel Mitchell, whose wife was Adaline Lombard, settled iu
the town of Brunswick, Eau Claire county, in 1871. He was a
lumberman and farmer, cleared and improved a farm in that town
and died there. His maternal grandfather, Benjamin G. Mcin-
tosh, a native of Maine, with his wife, Lydia, were also pioneers
of the town of Brunswick, where they settled in 1864, cleared a
part of a farm of 200 acres and resided in the town until his
death in May, 1913, aged eighty-nine years. He was a prominent
man of affairs and served as a member of the county board several
terms. Squire F. Mitchell, father of our subject, was born in
Allegany county. New York, November 4, 1851, and attended
the common schools of liis native state until fifteen years of age.
He came to Eau Claire county in 1871 and entered the employ
of the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, Avhich was the commence-
ment of his career, details of which are more fully given in his
sketch to be found elsewhere in this work.
Dr. Mitchell was reared in his native town, received his educa-
tion in the schools of Eau Claire and graduated from the medical
department of tlie University of Minnesota in the class of 1901.
He served as interne and chief of staff of the Metropolitan (B. I.)
Hospital, New York City, for one and a half years, and in the
New York state service at Middletown, New York, nine years.
In August, 1911, he located at Eau Claire and has since built up
a lucrative practice. He was married September 1, 1908, to
Emily, daughter of John Dean and Lucy (Talcott) Judson, of
Vernon, New York, and has two children: Marjorie D. and
Mancel T.
Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Eau Claire Medical Society,
the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the American Medical Asso-
ciation and the Amei-ican Medico-Psycological Association. He
is also a member of Eau Claire Lodge No. 112, A. P. and A. M. ;
Eau Claire Chapter No. 36, R. A. M. ; Eau Claire Commandery
No. 8, K. T. ; the Germania Lodge No. 49, K. of P., I'ku Claire,
and the Modern Woodmen of America No. 3159, town of Bruns-
wick, Eau Claire county. Politically he is independent. In
December, 1913, Dr. Mitchell was appointed visiting physician
to the new Mt. Washington Tuberculosis Sanitarium.
Hiram A. Fulton, M. D., is another one of the progressive and
representative medical men of Eau Claire and the son of Marcus
and Adelia (Ansley) Fulton, natives of New York state. Com-
ing from Geneva, New York, to Hudson, Wisconsin, in the early
sixties, the father embarked in the real estate business and was
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 325
oue of the prominent and influential business men of that place,
where he resided until his death at the age of fifty-eight years.
Dr. Fultou was born November 23, 1877, at Hudson, Wiscon-
sin. He was educated in the public schools of that place and the
McAlister College at St. Paul, Minnesota, and received his med-
ical education at the Marquette College, iu Milwaukee. Enter-
ing the medical department of last named institution in 1897 he
was graduated in 1901 and iu June of the same year located at
Eau Claire, where he has since succeeded in building up a large
and growing practice. On November 5, 1902, he was united in
marriage with Miss Jeauuette Putnam, daughter of Samuel and
Caroline (Balcom) Putnam, of Eau Claire. To tliis union has
been born oue daughter — Frances C.
Dr. Fulton is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical
Society and the Wisconsin State Medical Society. He is a Royal
Arch Mason, stands high with the medical profession of the city
and is much esteemed for his social qualities.
John B. Mathiesen, M. D., ranks among the prosperous young
professional men of Eau Claire. He was born in Drammen, Nor-
way, November 13, 1872, the son of Thomas and Marie (Berger)
]\lathiesen.
Tlie subject of this sketch was raised in his native town,
received his education in private schools and the gymnasium.
Having determined to fit himself for the practice of medicine, he,
in 1890, entered the medical department of the University of
Norway at Christiania, and was graduated from there with the
class of 1898. He began his practice in Norway the same year
and remained thus engaged until 1900, when he came to the
United States and located in Eau Claire, where with the excep-
tion of three years spent abroad and two years spent in practice
at Whitehall he lias been associated with Dr. Christian Midelfart.
He is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical Society, the
Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association.
On June 24, 1903, Dr. ilathiesen married Miss Augusta, daugh-
ter of Einar Selmer, for many years a prominent druggist of Eau
Claire. They are the parents of three children — Anna, Erling
and Birgit IMatliiesen.
Albert F. Hahn, M. D., physician and surgeon, of Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, was born on a farm in Butler county, Iowa, April 17,
1868, a son of August H. and Thusnelda (Kaltwasser) Hahn, both
of whom were natives of Germany. His father came to the United
326 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
States in 1849 and for eighteen years was variously employed in
the states of Pennsylvania, Illinois and Colorado. He went to
Iowa in 1866 and settled on a farm in Butler county, where he
was successfully engaged in general farming until 1889, Avhen he
retired. After a long and busy life he died at Shellrock, Iowa,
in November, 1902, aged seventy-one years. The death of his
wife, mother of the doctor, occurred in 1889, at the age of forty-
three years.
Raised on the homstead farm in his native state, Dr. Halm
acquired his primary education in the district schools, which was
supplemented by courses of study at Wartburg College, Waverly,
Iowa, and the Iowa State Normal School at Cedar Falls. During
the years of 1888, '89 and '90 he taught school, and in the fall
of the last named year matriculated with the Rush Medical Col-
lege in Chicago, where he spent two years and was graduated
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago in 1893,
and was a post-graduate from the Chicago Clinical School in
1896. He began the practice of his profession at Michieot, Mani-
towoc county, Wisconsin, in 1893. In 1898 he located in the city
of Eau Claire, where he has since conducted a successful and con-
stantly growing practice.
Dr. Hahn was married June 1, 1898, to Anna Gutwasser,
daughter of Fred and Bertha (Hafermeister) Gutwasser, promi-
nent residents of Dorchester, Wisconsin. Dr. and Mrs. Hahn
have an interesting family of three children — Thusnelda, Cecil F.
and Waldemar. The doctor is a member of the American Medical
Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society and is prominently
identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and Mystic
Workers. Mrs. Hahn is a descendant in the fourth generation on
the paternal side from that sturdy Milwaukee pioneer, Gutwasser.
Dolenna Carlos Leavens, M. D., Fairchild, Wisconsin, is one
of the prominent physicians of Eau Claire county. He was born
on a farm in Lee Center township, Lee county, Illinois, April 26,
1850, the son of Daniel T. and Angeline (DeWolf) Leavens,
natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They were
among the pioneers of Lee county, taking up land in Brooklyn
township, that county, in an early day, which they improved. In
later life the father retired from active labor, moving to Lee
Center and resided there until his decease at the age of eighty-one
years, and where also the mother died at the age of eighty-nine
years. Of a family of twelve children born to them, ten grew to
maturity: Dolenna C. ; Euretta married D. M. Sawyer; Estella
married Cyrus Clark ; Freeman B. ; Ernest ; Elviek and Josephine,
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 327
who married I. N. Wood. Those deceased are Alfred, Eugene and
Charles.
Dr. Leavens was reared on the homestead farm in Lee county,
Illinois, receiving his early education in the common schools. He
began the study of medicine in 1875 with Dr. J. H. Broffet, of
Paw Paw, Illinois. He entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, in
1880 and graduated with the class of 1883. The same year he
began practice at Lee Center, Illinois, remaining there for sixteen
years, whence he moved to Amboy, Illinois, and practiced there six
years. In 1902 on account of ill health he came to Wisconsin and
purchased eighty acres of land in the town of Fairchild, Eau
Claire county, and was there engaged in farming two years. He
later took the examination before the Wisconsin State Board of
Medical Examiners and has since been in the active and success-
ful practice of his profession in the village of Fairchild.
Dr. Leavens has been twice married. His first wife was Helen,
daughter of Jacob N. and Lydia (Robinson) Hill, of Lee county,
Illinois, by whom he had three children, viz. : Mae, wife of
Thomas Courtright; Daniel Earl and Carl II. Mrs. Leavens died
in 1895, and the doctor married the second time Ella F. Taylor,
daughter of Ephriam and Ellen (Clatiin) Taylor, of Lee Center,
111., and by her has one son — Wray T.
Fraternally Dr. Leavens is a member of Lee Center Lodge
No. 146, A. F. and A. M., of which he was Master one term. He
is an honorary member of the Lee County Medical Society and
politically is a republican.
David W. Ashuin, M. D. Standing prominent among the
medical profession of Eau Claire county is Dr. David W. Ashum,
who was born iu Findley, Ohio, January 18, 1854. His parents
were John and Fannie (French) Ashum, natives of Virginia and
descended from German and English ancestry. The father was
a farmer by occupation, and both parents were of fine sensibil-
ities, high minded, cultured tastes, of refined manner and charm-
ing personality, and were highly esteemed for their sterling qual-
ities of mind and heart, and many blessings followed them for
their acts of charity to those in need. Tliey both died when Dr.
Ashum was a small boy.
The early education of Dr. Ashum was principally received in
Michigan. He became interested in the study of medicine and
applied himself arduously to it under the preceptorship of Dr.
John A. Waterhouse, an eminent physician of Bay City, Mich-
igan. He entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati,
Ohio, and graduated with the class of 1881. He commenced his
328 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
practice at Bay City, Mich., and at the end of one year he
removed to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he organized a lum-
berman's hospital, under the name of the Michigan and Wiscon-
sin Hospital Company. In the spring of 1883 he removed to Eau
Claire and here started another lumberman's hospital, which he
conducted for seven years. He was instrumental in effecting the
organization of the American Hospital Aid Association, at Stev-
ens Point, Wausau, Eau Claire and Ashland, Wisconsin, and
Minneapolis and Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
As a practitioner Dr. Ashum has been successful. He has
built up a large practice and made many warm friends among all
classes of people. He keeps abreast of the times and is thor-
oughly up-to-date in the practice of his profession. In the fall
of 1889 he attended the new York Polyclinic, and he holds mem-
bership in the National and State Eclectic Medical Societies. He
is a member of the National Union, the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons and the A. 0. U. W.
Dr. Ashum was married at Alpena, Michigan, May 17, 1883, to
Miss Carrie Harper, daughter of John and Abbie (Milliken)
Harper, the former a native of New Brunswick, and the latter
of Maine, both descended from Scotch ancestry.
Alexander Harper, father of John Harper, was born in Aber-
deen, Scotland, and came to the western continent in 1818, first
settling at Halifax. Benjamin IMilliken, father of Abbie Harper,
was a native of Maine, and served in the War of 1812. His
father, Joel Milliken, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution,
and was likely born in this country, being a son of one of three
brothers who came from Scotland, and who at one time owned
nearly all of the Saco Valley, having purchased it from the
Indians. Dr. and Mrs. Ashuna were the parents of two children :
John H. and Maude Harper Ashum. Mrs. Ashum died March
8, 1911.
Ralph RolUn Chase, M. D., of Eau Claire, has attained to a
prominent place in the ranks of the medical profession of Eau
Claire county. He was born in Lima, Livingston county, New
York, July 4, 1860, a son of Levi C. and Lucy A. (Crouch) Chase,
and comes of English ancestry. Their coat of arms was obtained
through Queen Ann, who knighted John Chase, who accompanied
her from France as her licentiate or court physician when she
returned to England to become queen in 1702. His father, who
was born April 11, 1809, died in 1903, and his mother, who was
born December 7, 1817, died April 10, 1891.
Dr. Chase was graduated from the Geneseo College, New
THE :\IEDICAL FRATERNITY 329
York, with the class of 1882. He later studied medicine in New
York City, where he had rare clinical advantages at several hos-
pitals, and was graduated from the medical department of the
University of Minnesota in 1889, being valedictorian of his class
and prosector. On April 22, 1889, he located at Eau Claire, where
he has since been in the active and successful practice of his pro-
fession. Dr. Chase is a member of the American Medical Asso-
ciation, the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the Eau Claire
County Medical Society. He is a ;i2ii,l dcuicc .Mason and Shriner,
also a member of the Knights of Pythias and tlie Knights of Her-
mann, being past dictator and representative of the Grand Lodge
of Wisconsin of the last named order. He is also a member of
1 he Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is medical examiner
j'or the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mutual Benefit
Insurance Company of New Jersey.
The Chase family is noted for its longevity and for their pref-
erence for the medical profession, the majoi'ity of the male mem-
liers of the family being disciples of Esculapius. Dr. Chase is a
cousin of Drs. D wight and Henry Day, who successfully practiced
tneir profession in Eau Claire for over thirty .years. Dr. Chase's
father died in Eau Claire at the resideiu'e of our subject in 1903
at the age of ninety-four years.
Dr. Chase has large real estate holdings in Eau Claire. He
was married June 1, 1908, to Belle, daughter of Lucius V. and
Belle (Burdette) Ripley, of Eau Claire.
In addition to the many other prominent positions filled by
Dr. Cliase, he served as health physician for the cit.y of Eau Claire
nine years.
Arthur L. Payne, M. D. Standing prominent among the med-
ical i>rofessiou of Eau Claire is Dr. A. L. Paj'ne, specialist in dis-
eases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He was born in Marietta,
Ohio, January 16, 1866, the son of Wallace M. and Alary E.
(Gates) Payne. The doctor received his preliminary education
at the Marietta Academy, and in 1887 matriculated with the
Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, and was gi-aduated
from the Ohio Medical College, which is now known as the med-
ical department of the University of Cincinnati in 1890. He
began his practice in the city of Dayton the same year, remaining
there until 1899, during which time he took up the specialty of
the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which he had made a special
study. In the year 1899 he moved to Eau Claire and has since
been engaged in a successful practice.
On October 8, 1890. Dr. Pavue was married to Nellie R.
330 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Beachem, daughter of T. W. and Samantha (Terry) Beaeliem, of
Dayton, Ohio, and they are the parents of one son — Norman B.
Dr. Payne ranks among the leading specialists in Northwestern
Wisconsin, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the com-
munity generally. He is a member of the Eau Claire County
Medical Society, the Northwestern District of Wisconsin Med-
ical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the American
Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology
and Autolaryngology, the College of Surgeons of America and
the Clinical College of Surgeons.
Dr. Payne is also prominent in fraternal and benevolent socie-
ties, being a member of Dayton Lodge No. 147, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, the Eau Claire Chapter No. 36, R. A. M. ; Eau
Claire Commandery and the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks.
William 0. Seemann, M. D., Eau Claire, the well known spe-
cialist in chronic disease, is the son of Hans and Mary (Peterson)
Seeman, both natives of Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, who emi-
grated to the United States in 1853. Upon arriving in this coun-
try they settled in Lyons, Iowa, where the father engaged in farm-
ing and made that his home until 1884, when he moved to South
Dakota, having previously purchased a tract of valuable farming
land there, making that his home until his death.
Dr. Seeman was born in Lyons, Iowa, August 6, 1870, receiv-
ing his preliminary education in the public schools of Sutherland,
Iowa. In 1892 he entered the medical department of the State
University at Iowa City, and was graduated with the class of
1895, receiving his degree of M. D. Following his graduation lie
served one year as interne in the hospital connected with the
university, then went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he had charge of
his brother's practice for one year. In 1897 he came to Eau Claire
and has since been in active practice here. The doctor ranks
among the foremost physicians of the city, and enjoys the con-
fidence of a large clientele.
On September 6, 1898, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Gabriel and Elizabeth (Herd) Weis, of Dubuque, Iowa, and they
are the parents of two children — Lester W. and Mary B. The
doctor is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical Society, the
Wisconsin State Medical Society and is also a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a 32nd degree
Mason.
Edward S. Hayes, M. D., one of the prominent physicians of
Eau Claire, was born in Franklin county, JMaine, December 27,
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 331
1856, a sou of Charles and Emma (Bullen) Hayes, both natives
of Maine. Edward S. received his preliminary education in the
public schools of Maine and prepared for college at the Maine
Wesleyan Seminary, Kent's Hill, that state. He attended Amherst
College one year — 1877 and 1878 — and then entered the medical
department of Harvard University, graduating from the latter
in 1881. He then spent one year as interne in the hospital at
Providence, Rhode Island, and in 1883 located at Eau Claire,
where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of medi-
cine and has attained to a place of prominence among the med-
ical profession.
On June 1, 1887, Dr. Hayes married Miss Miriam, daughter of
Orrin H. and Cornelia (Pierce) Ingram, pioneer of Eau Claire,
and among her most highly respected citizens (sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this volume). Dr. and Mrs. Hayes have two
children : Ruth I. and Edmund.
Dr. Hayes is a member of the Eau Claire Medical Society, the
Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation, and has been a member of the State Board of Health
since 1909. Fraternally he is a member of Eau Claire No. 112,
A. F. and A. M., and politically is a republican.
Eugene E. Tupper, physician and surgeon, of Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, was born in Sheboygan Falls, this state, January 15,
1871, the son of George L. and Sarah (White) Tupper. His
paternal grandfather, Eben Tupper, a native of NeAV Hampshire,
was one of the first settlers in Sheboygan county, where he
cleared up and improved a farm of 250 acres and was the first
man to own a team of horses in that county. The doctor's
maternal grandfather was Rand B. White, a native of New York
state, who was also a pioneer of Sheboygan county. He was a
carriage maker by trade and also a physician, having been
graduated from a medical college in the state of New York.
Dr. Tupper spent his boyhood in Sheboygan Falls, receiving
his primary education in the public schools, which was supple-
mented with a course at the Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois,
and the University of Chicago. He entered the medical depart-
ment of the Illinois University in Chicago, and was graduated
with the class of 1905. The same year he began his practice at
Hingham, Sheboygan county, remaining there until 1908, when
he located in Eau Claire, and has since remained here in the
active and successful practice of his profession.
On November 1, 1900, Dr. Tupper married Rose D., daughter
of Augustus D. and Celia (Doane) Bemis, of Plymouth, Wiscon-
332 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
sill. Dr. Tupper is one of the foremost men of his profession,
iu which lie is an efficient and conscientious worker, and enjoys
the confidence of the community. He is a member of the Amer-
ican Medical Association, the West Wisconsin District Medical
Society, the Eau Claire County Medical Society, of which he has
served as secretary. Also a member of the Wisconsin State
Surgical Society. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias
and the Baptist cliurch.
John Van Reed Lyman, M. D. Of the galaxy of medical men
for which this part of the state of Wisconsin has gained no little
fame, is to be found in the front rank, if not iu the very van, the
gentleman whose name is here recorded. He was born iu North
Pepin, Wis., January 13, 1857, a son of Reverend Timothy and
Valleria (Reinhart) Lyman. The first known ancestor of the
Lyman family was Thomas Lyman, who lived in England in
1275. Dr. Lymairs first ancestor in America was Richard Lyman,
who came from Norton, Mandeville, Parish of Ongai-, county of
Essex, England, iu 1631, settling at Charlestou, Mass. Twenty-
six members of the fifth and sixth generations in America fought
for independence in the war of the revolution. The generations
in liue of descent to our subject from Richard, were John, Moses,
Moses, Elias, Timothy, Timothy, Timothy, and Timothy. Tim-
othy III, grandfather of our subject, married Experience Bard-
well and was a resident of Chester, Mass., Mdiere he died at the
age of 52 years. Timothy, father of Dr. Lyman, was born August
28, 1819, graduated from Amhurst College in 1844, and was or-
dained to the Congregational ministry in 1850. For fifteen years
he was engaged in missionaiy work in the west and south. He
was installed pastor of a church iu Killingworth, Conn., in 1866,
serving as active pastor of a church at Southwick, Mass., in 1869,
and died at the age of 67 years at Bar Harbor, Maine. He was
married to Valeria Van Reed Reinhart, June 15, 1854, and they
had two sons, William Bardwell, M. D., a graduate of Rush Med-
ical College, Chicago, in the class of 1880, located in Eau Claire
in 1882, where he became prominent in his profession, and is now
actively engaged in practice in Boise City, Idaho, and our subject.
Dr. J. V. R. Lyman, second son and subject of this review,
received an academic education at Fort Madison, loAva, gradu-
ating therefrom in 1873. He then engaged in mercantile piirsuits
until 1876, when he began the study of medicine and later was
appointed hospital steward in the Ft. Madison, Iowa, penitentiary,
where he enjoyed rare clinical advantages. In 1877 he attended
the St. Louis Medical College and the followiug two years In*
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 333
spent at the Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he was grad-
uated in 1880. He located in Eau Claire the same year, where
he has since been engaged in active and successful practice of his
profession, making a specialty of surgery and gj'necology, de-
voting considerable time to this specialty. In the meantime, he
made a trip to Europe, spending some time in Berlin, where he
took advanced instructions and now stands at the head of his
profession in Eau Claire county. He is a member of the Amer-
ican Medical Association and the Wisconsin State and Eau Claire
County Medical Societies.
E'r. Lyman was married Juue 7, 1881, to Maud, daughter of
W. L. and Sarah (Williams) Kepler, pioneers of Eau Claire. To
this union were born two children, John Van Reed, Jr., who is
connected with tlie Press of Minneapolis, and Valeria, deceased.
The present wife of Dr. Lyman was Mary, daughter of Otis C.
and Harriet (Disbro) Sylvester, of Minneapolis, to whom he was
married August 27, 1909, and by her has one son, Richard Van
Reed.
Dr. Lymaa is a 32nd degree Mason, and in politics a Repub-
lican. A half-brother, Timothy Fifth, is a graduate of Dartmouth
College and is noAV a student of medicine in the medical depart-
ment of Leland Stanford University in California, and a half-
sister, Helen jM.. a graduate of Mt. Hol.yoke Seminary, is a teacher
in the high school of Eau Chi ire
James Bell Goddard, M. D.,'- was born in Lena, Stephenson
county, Illinois, October 25, 1856. His parents, William R. and
Catherine (Bell) Goddard, were natives of Vermont and Penn-
sylvania respectively. His paternal grandfather was a native
of Vermont and one of the pioneers of Stephenson county, Illi-
nois, and by occupation a farmer. He retired with a competency
and died at the age of 92 years. His maternal grandfather,
William Bell, was a native of Pennsylvania and made his home
near Altoona. William R. Goddard, father of the doctor, came
to Illinois with his parents when a boy and was a farmer by
occupation. He fought in the Mexican war and when the civil
war broke out raised a company at Lena and Freeport. Entering
the service, he was promoted to Major of the 15th Illinois Regi-
ment and served under General Grant and was killed in the
battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862. His wife, with her brother, Robert
Bell, emigrated to Illinois via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers by
boat. Landing at Savannah, 111., they traveled overland by teams
to Stephenson county and there joined an elder brother for whom
she kept house until her marriage.
334 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Dr. Goddard was reared on a farm, received his education in
the public schools at Lena, 111., and Knox College at Galesburg,
from which he graduated in 1886. The same year he matricu-
lated with Rush Medical College of Chicago and was graduated
in 1888. He began practice at Winslow, 111., remaining there
until 1891, then spent a year and a half at Berlin and Vienna,
taking laboratory and clinical work. On his return to the United
States, he located at Austin, 111., where he remained until 1900,
when he came to Eau Claire. He is now a member of the Eau
Claire County and the "Wisconsin State Medical societies.
Richard F. Werner, M. D.,*' was born in Eau Claire, September
11, 1871, to Peter and Augusta (Kitzman) Werner. The parents
of Peter Werner were natives of Germany and pioneer settlers
of Sheboygan, Wis., and owned and operated the first saw mill
there. He carried on lumbering until his death in 1854:. Tlie
maternal grandfather, August Kitzman, a native of Germany,
whose wife was Rose Otto, was among the pioneers of Eau Claire
county. He was a farmer and lumberman, and died in 1898 at
the age of 80 years. His wife died in 1911, aged 86 years.
Peter Werner, father of our subject, came to Eaii Claire in 1862
and followed lumbering also until he retired in 1902. He now
resides in Los Angeles, Cal. There were five sons and three
daughters in the family, viz: Charles, Richard F., Harriet, Henry,
Otto H., Ewald, Helen, and Rose.
Dr. Werner was educated in the public schools of Eau Claire
and at the Beloit College. His medical education was obtained at
the Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he graduated
in 1897. He began his practice at Augusta, remaining there until
1095, when he removed to Eau Claire. He married November 15,
1899, Agnes Keith, daughter of John and Agnes (Barlaud)
Keith, and has three sons, Richard K., Keith, and Thomas. Dr.
Werner is a member of the Presbyterian church, the Masons, Odd
Fellows, Knights of Pythias, the Eau Claire County Medical So-
ciety, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the American Medical
Association and the Congress of Surgeons of North America.
Frederick Sutton Cook, M. D., Eau Claire's well known special-
ist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat, is the son of
Judge William Cook, one of the pioneer jurists of Davenport,
Iowa, and Mary (Fletcher) Cook, natives of New York and
Derbyshire, England, respectively.
Dr. Cook was born in Davenport, Iowa, July 16, 1880, was
reared in that city, receiving his primary education in the public
schools. He afterward entered the Iowa State University Col-
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 335
lege of Medicine, from which he was graduated iu 1906 with the
degree of M. D. While attending college he acted as assistant to
Professor L. W. Dean, of the university. He made a special study
of diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat, and in 1907 came to
Eau Claire, where he has since built up a large and lucrative
practice in these specializations, and has become well and favor-
ably known.
On September 15, 1909, Dr. Cook was married to Ida Snyder,
daughter of Samuel and Mary E. (Brown) Snyder, of Chippewa
Falls. Dr. and Mrs. Cook have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth
Cook. The doctor is a member of the Eau Claire Medical Society,
president in 1914 the Wisconsin State Medical Society, West Wis-
consin District Medical Society, the American Medical Associa-
tion, and the Clinical Congress of Surgeons. He is prominently
connected with Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, Free and Accepted
Masons, and of Eau Claire Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., Eau Claire.
He is also a member of Commandery Knights Templars, a member
of Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias, and a member of
the Episcopal church.
Herman F. Derge, M. D. Standing prominent among the mem-
bers of his profession in Eau Claire is Herman F. Derge, a son
of Ferdinand and Ida (Schultz) Derge. Dr. Derge was born in
Eau Claire, Wis., August 22, 1883. His paternal grandparents
were Ferdinand and Augusta (Grewe) Derge, of the Province of
Brandenburg, Germany, where the father was born January 25,
1855. He came to America in 1870, locating first in Milwaukee.
In 1875 he engaged in the manufacture of cigars with his brother
Julius at Eau Claire, which business he continued until his death,
which occurred in 1891. His wife, mother of our subject, was a
native of J\Iilwaukee, and they were the parents of two sons,
Herman F. and Ferdinand. Herman Schultz, matei-nal grand-
father of Dr. Derge, a native of Germany, was a pioneer of the
city of IMilwaukee and later of Eau Claire, where he settled in
1860.
Dr. Derge Avas reared in this city, receiving his primary edu-
cation in the public schools, which was supplemented by a thor-
ough course in the Wisconsin State University at Madison, from
which institution he was graduated in 1904 with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. He then entered the medical department of
the Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Md., graduating with
first honors in the class of 1908. While at the University of
Wisconsin he was elected to the honorary fraternity. Phi Beta
Kappa. At the Johns Hopkins University a similar honor was
3S6 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
bestowed upon him when he was made a member of the honorary
medical fraternity, Alpha Omega Alpha. From 1908 to 1910 he
practiced as house physician at the Johns Hopkins hospital at
Baltimore. Returning to Eau Claire in 1910, he began practice
with Dr. Lyman as a member of the firm of Lyman & Derge, and
since 1912 as a member of the firm of Lyman, Derge, and Curtis.
Dr. Derge married September 8, 1909, Miss Margaret Ziegler,
daughter of Dr. Charles B. and Jennie (Baker) Ziegler, of Balti-
more, Md., and they have two children : Dorothy and Elizabeth.
Dr. Derge stands high in his profession and in the social life of
the community. He is a member of the Eau Claire County Med-
ical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the Wisconsin
Surgical Society, and the American Medical Association, and is
prominently identified with the Jlasonic fraternity.
John F. Farr, M. D.,* of Eau Claire, is the son of Rufus and
Ellen (Thomas) Farr, and was born at Wellsboro, Pa., March 15,
1862. His father, who was a native of Vermont, and his mother
■ of Wales, came to Eau Claire in 1879, remaining here two years,
whence in 1881 they located at Menomonie, Wis., where the father
engaged in the hotel business, conducting the Menomonie House
for several years. He later purchased the Merchants' Hotel,
which he carried on until it was destroyed by fire, this being his
second misfortune of the kind while a resident of Menomonie.
After the destruction of the Merchants' Hotel, he went to Hudson,
Wis., and there became the proprietor of the Chapin Hall House
until 1895, when he retired from active business and returned to
Eau Claire, where he died in 1902 at the age of 79 years. His
family consisted of two sons, Frank, who is an attorney at law,
occupies a prominent place in the legal profession of Eau Claire,
and our subject.
Dr. Farr was reared in Blassburg, Pa., receiving his education
in the public schools. He came to Eau Claire with his parents in
1879 and in 1881 embarked in the drug business with his brother
Frank, under the firm name of Farr Brothers, in which business
he continued until 1892. He entered the medical department of
Hamlin University, Minneapolis, Minn., graduating therefrom in
1897. He practiced one year before coming to Eau Claire, and
since 1898 has been actively and successfully engaged in the
practice of his profession in this city.
On March 23, 1888, Dr. Farr married Miss Anna, daughter of
Albert C. Peck, of Eau Claire, by whom he has three children,
Ellen, John, and Marion. The doctor is a member of the Eau
Claire County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical So-
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 337
eiety, and the American Medical Association. He has been health
officer of Eau Claire since 1905. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Everett L. Mason, M. D., whose entire business career has been
devoted to the practice of medicine, ranks among the leaders of
his profession in Ean Claire county. He was born in Eau Galle,
Dunn county, Wisconsin, June 29, 1878. His parents, Edwin C.
and Sarah Jane (Wilmarth) Mason, natives of Illinois and Athens,
Ohio, respectively, settled in Dunn county, this state, about 1867,
where the father purchased a farm and made his home until he
retired from active labor, removing to Careyville, the same county,
where he still resides.
Dr. Everett L. Mason Avas reared in Dunn county, receiving
his education in the public schools and the high school of Me-
nomonie. He subsequently spent three years as a teacher in the
public schools of Dunn and Pepin county, and in the fall of 1899
began the study of medicine and was graduated from the Chicago
Homeopathic Medical College Avith the class of 1903. After his
graduation, he spent one and one-half years as interne in the
Cook County (Illinois) Hospital, and in December, 1904, located
in the city' of Eau Claire, where he practiced his profession until
1908, at which time he took a post-graduate course at the North-
western University of Chicago, graduating in the spring of 1909.
He then returned to Eau Claire, where he has since been in an
active and successful practice.
Dr. Mason married September 15, 1909, Miss Agnes Shumway,
daughter of Arnold Shumway, of Janesville, Wis., and has one
son, Robert Arnold. For five years past Dr. Mason has been
president of the Eau Claire Anti-Tuberculosis Association ; he is
a member of the Eau Claire County Medical Society, Wisconsin
State Medical and the American Medical Association. The doctor
served as president of the Eau Claire County Medical Society
for one year, and was for two years its secretary. Fraternally he
is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Knights of
Pj'thias, and Grand Medical Examiner of the Beavers' Reserve
Fund Fraternity.
William Montgomery, M. D., secretary of the Montgomery
Hospital of Eau Claire, is a son of Alexander and Anna May
Montgomery, natives of Glengarj-, Province of Ontario, Canada,
and Eau Claire, respectively. Alexander Montgomery, father of
William, is a graduate of the Illinois College of Medicine, and has
been in the practice of his profession in Eau Claire since 1889.
He founded the Montgomery Sanitarium in 1898, and the Mont-
338 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
gomery Hospital in 1905, erecting the hospital buildings that
year at a cost of $55,000, and since its completion the hospital has
been constantly filled with patients. Its present officers are :
Alexander Montgomery, Sr., president; John Montgomery, vice-
president ; William Montgomery, secretary, and Alexander Mont-
gomery, Jr., treasurer. Mrs. Montgomery, mother of our subject,
was a daughter of August Benick, a pioneer of Eau Claire. Doctor
and Mrs. Montgomery are the parents of six children : William,
Alexander, Jr., practicing in Milwaukee ; John, practicing phy-
sician in Eau Claire ; Elizabeth, Agnes, and Robert.
Dr. William Montgomery was born in Eau Claire October 11,
1886. He was educated in the public schools of Eau Claire and
the Hyde Park high school of Chicago, and later graduated from
the medical department of the Illinois University, and has been
in the active practice of his profession in Eau Claire. In 1911
he married Miss Alma, daughter of John Olson, of Eau Claire.
The doctor is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical So-
ciety, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the American Medical
Association and the Western District Medical Society of Wiscon-
sin, the Knights of Columbus. Brotherhood of American Yeoman,
and Equitable Fraternal Union.
John Lawrence Montgomery, M. D.,* who belongs to the
younger class of practicing physicians of Eau Claire, was born in
this city March 2, 1890. His father, Dr. Alexander Montgomery,
one of the well known ph.ysicians of the city, is president of the
Montgomery Hospital, which was established by him in 1905.
A native born son of Eau Claire, Dr. Montgomery received his
primary education in the public schools. He later attended the
Eau Claire Business College and took a course at the New Era
Business College at Superior, Wis., after which he took a classical
course at St. Norbets College at DePere, Wis., and studied phar-
macy one year. He received his medical training at the Loyola
University in Chicago, where he spent four years, graduating in
1911, after which he spent one year in the Marquette Univer-
sity and the Jefferson Park Hospital, and then located at Eau
Claire, where he has since been in the active practice of his pro-
fession, with offices in the Eau Claire Savings Bank building.
He is connected with the Montgomery Hospital as vice-president,
is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Equitable
Fraternal Union and the Eau Claire County Medical Society.
Dr. Montgomery was married in 1911 to Miss Winnifred
Loughuey, daughter of Roger Loughey, of Duluth, Jlinn., and
they are the parents of one son, John Alexander IMoutgomery.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY :J39
Edward Patrick Hayes, M. D.,* of Eau Claire, is the son of
Thomas and Elizabeth (O'Connell) Hayes, and is one of a family
of eight children, all born in the state of Wisconsin. Thomas
Hayes, father of the doctor, was born at Richtield, Wis., in 1847,
and during his whole lifetime has been engaged in general farm-
ing. He married Elizabeth O'Connell, daughter of John and
Mary O'Connell, and they were the parents of eight children as
follows: Martlia, wife of Henry Kiietzel, resides in Milwaukee;
Elizabeth niairiiMl l;iH.iamin Herziger ; Eleanor; Thomas resides
on the home fanii ; Eilward is deceased ; Edward P., the subject
of this sketch; Mary is engaged in teaching at Granville, this
state, and Florence, who died at the age of eight years.
Thomas Hayes, grandfather of Doctor Hayes, was born in
Cork, Ireland, and at the age of 27 came to America. In 1839
he came west and located at Richfield, Wis. He was a farmer by
occupation and the owner of large tracts of land.
Dr. Edward P. Hayes was born at Richfield, Wis., September
24, 1886. He obtained his early education in the common schools
and the Menomonie high school. After graduating from the
latter, he taught school one year at Hartford, this state, after
which, in 1909, he commenced the study of medicine at the Mar-
quette University and graduated with the class of 1913 with the
degree of M. D. Immediately after this he went to St. Paul,
Minn., and for one year was house physician in the Luther Hos-
pital. He came to Eau Claire highly recommended and associated
himself with Dr. E. L. Mason on May 15, 1914. Their offices are
located in the Rust building on South Barstow street. The doctor
is a member of the Eau Claire Medical Society and affiliates witli
the Catholic church.
Leo. H. Flynn, M. D.,* who ranks among the younger class of
professional men of Eau Claire, was born in Ohio, December 25,
1882, and is a son of John C. and Mary (Hayes) Flynn, natives of
New York and Ireland, respectively. The paternal grandparents,
Patrick and Mary Flynn, came from Ireland to the United States
and first located in the State of New Y'ork, where John C, father
of our subject, was born. They later moved to Illinois and were
among the pioneers of Bloomington, where the grandfather, who
was a carpenter by trade, resided until his death. The father of
Dr. Flynn, who is an iron moulder by trade, has resided in Bloom-
ington, 111., for many years, where he has been engaged in the
grocery business for the last fifteen j'ears.
Dr. Flynn was reared in Bloomington, where he obtained his
primary education in the public and high schools, graduating
840 PIISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
from the latter in 190:]. He then attended the State Normal
school at Normal, 111., and in 1908 eommeneed the study of medi-
cine in the medical department of the Northwestern University
of Chicago and was graduated in 1912 with the degree of M.D.
lie served one j'ear as interne in St. Francis' Hospital in La
Crosse, and in July, 1913, came to Eau Claire, where he has since
been in active practice. He is a member of the Eau Claire Med-
ical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, and the Ameri-
can Medical Association. He is a member of the Knights of
Columbus and of the Catliolic church.
Julius 0. Arnson, M.D.,* was born in this city July 3, 1888,
a son of Martin and Johanna (Eck) Arnson, both of wliom were
born in Norway but reared in Eau Claire, where they married
and where the father has been connected with the R. J. Kepler
Company for about twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Arnson have a
family of three children: Julius 0., the subject of this sketch;
Anna, now Mrs. P. W. Anderson, and J. Martin.
Raised in Eau Claire, Dr. Arnson acquired his primary edu-
cation in the public schools of the city, which was supplemented
by a thorough course at the Wisconsin University. He obtained
his medical education at the Northwestern University Medical
College in Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class
of 1911. After spending a year and a half as interne in the hos-
pitals of Chicago and Minneapolis, he located at Osseo, Wis., in
1912. In May, 1913, he went to Minneapolis, Minn., remaining
in practice there until January 1, 1914, when he returned to Eau
Claire, associated with Dr. E. E. Tupper, practicing with him
until he moved to Kimball, Minn. He is a member of the Eau
Claire County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical So-
ciety, and the American Medical Association, and the Oseo Lodge,
No. 213, Free and Accepted Masons.
Joseph C. Baird, M. D.,"* one of the rising .young physicians of
Eau Claire, whose practice is limited to Roentgenology, was born
in McGregor, Iowa, February 1, 1884, to David and Mary (Miller)
Baird, natives of Wisconsin and Iowa, respectively, and is of
Scotch and Swiss descent.
Dr. Baird was raised in Chicago, 111., and attended tlie public
schools of that city. Deciding on a medical career for his life's
work, he matriculated Avitli the Hahnemann Medical College, of
Chicago, irom which institution he graduated with the class of
May, 1907, and one year later, in 1908, was graduated from the
school of Electro Therapeutics of the same city. He began the
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 341
practice of his chosen profession at Prairie du Chien in the spring
of 1908, remaining there until September, 1909, when he came to
Eau Claire and by his close application has succeeded in building
up a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Baird stands "well in the medical profession as well as
socially, and is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical So-
ciety, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, and the West Wis-
consin Medical Society, of which he is at present (1914) secretary,
and is also a member of the American IMedical Association. He
is connected as Roentgenologist with the Sacred Heart and Luther
Hospitals of Eau Claire and the St. Joseph's Hospital at Chippewa
Falls.
Robert L. Frisbie, M. D.,* a successful pliysician and surgeon
of Fairchild, this county, was born in Audrain county, Missouri,
October 8, iSb'9, the son of James and Henrietta (Pettibone^
Frisbie, both natives of Connecticut, of Scotch-Irish ancestry,
and is a direct descendant of Edward Frisbie, who came to Amer-
ica in 1653, settling in New England.
Dr. Frisbie was raised to manhood in this state and received
a good education in the public schools. He began the study of
medicine in 1890, and was graduated from the Marion Sims Med-
ical College (now Washington University), St. Louis, Mo., in
the class of 1894. He soon afterward began the practice of
medicine at Freeport, 111., where for five years he was assistant
superintendent of the Home for Feeble-minded. In February,
1907, he located at Fairchild, where he has since carried on a
large and successful practice. He was married on June 17, 1902,
to Miss Ida, daughter of Franklin iMoore. of Fi'eeport, 111., and
they have one son, Robert.
Dr. Frisbie is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical
Society and the State Medical Society, and fraternally is a mem-
ber of the Masonic Order and the Modern Woodmen of America.
He affiliates with the Presbyterian churcli, is a republican in
politics, and has served two years as member of the Board of
Trustees of the village of Fairchild.
Elmer M. A. Sizer, M. D., the M'ell known physician of Fall
Creek, Eau Claire county, is a son of George W. and Fannie Ann
(Newman) Sizer, natives of Oneida county, New York, and West
Wiusted, Conn., respectively. Jabez W. Sizer, paternal grand-
father of Dr. Sizer, was born in the Mohawk Valley, New York,
and was a colonel in the United States army in the war with
England during the years of 1812 and '15. He was a son of
342 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Jabez W. Sizer, a sergeant under General Washington in the
Revolutionary war, and whose discharge papers are now in the
hands of Jabez W. Sizer, of Fond du Lac, Wis. He was a native
of Sleepy Hollow, near Tarrytown, N. Y., and a son of Jabez W..
son of Jabez W., son of Jabez W., a native of France, and son of
Anton de ZoSieur, beheaded during the French crusade, whose
sons, seven in number, emigrated to New Amsterdam (now New
York City) in the latter part of the Seventeenth century. Jabez
W. Sizer, grandfather of Dr. Sizer, came to Wisconsin in 1848,
settling in Springvale, Fond du Lac county. He was a tinsmith
by trade, as was also his father, who were employed on the first
government buildings erected at Washington, D. C.
George W. Sizer, father of the doctor, served two years in
the Mexican war, with the rank of Corporal. He settled in
Springvale, Wis., in 1847, where he owned a farm of 280 acres on
which he made all the improvements, and where he made his
home until his death in 1880. His wife, mother of our subject,
was a daughter of Ezra Newman, of Connecticut, who, with his
five sons, were manufacturers of hand-made scythes. Her father
was a cousin of the late Cardinal Newman, of England, and she
was a cousin of Bishop Newman, of the Methodist Episcopal
church. George W. Sizer and wife were the parents of eleven
children, viz: Georgia S., a practicing physician of Muskogee,
Okla., and widow of Dr. Hiel F. Orvis ; Jabez W. ; George W. ;
Helen, wife of Dr. George A. Rogers, of Chicago, 111. ; Charles II. ;
Ada D. ; Mary, wife of C. E. Pardridge ; Frank S., a contractor
and real estate dealer of Oklalioma ; L. J., a dentist of Broken
Bow, Okla. ; Lucy B., wife of F. M. Davis, lawyer and real estate
dealer of Muskogee, Okla., and Elmer M. A., the subject of this
sketch.
Dr. Sizer was born in tlie town of Springvale, Fond du Lac
county, Wisconsin, April 15, 1867; he was raised ou the family
homestead and acquired his primary educaition in the public
schools of his home county. His medical education was received
at the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, which he entered
in 1891, and was graduated with the class of 1894. He first
began practice at Ilartland, Wis., and later located at White Fish
Bay, and in 1896 came to Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, where
he has since been engaged in the active and successful practice of
his profession.
In 1898 Dr. Sizer married Amanda, daughter of Ferdinand
and Wilhelmina (Bruesewitz) Zieman, of Fall Creek, and they
have one son, Frank Ilobart Knoll. The doctor is a member of
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 343
the Eau Claire County Medical Society, the Tenth District Med-
ical Society, the State Medical Society, and the American Medical
Association. He is prominently identified with fraternal and
benevolent societies, being a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Free and
Accepted Masons, with the degrees of R. A. M. and Knights
Templar. He has served as chairman of the town of Lincoln,
and during his second year of such was successful in getting
tlie village of Fall Creek incorporated. In his political affilia-
tions he is independent, while in social life he is in the full enjoy-
ment of the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and
acquaintances.
Ephraim H. Winter, M. D.,* of Augusta, stands prominent
among the medical profession in Eau Claire county, Wisconsin.
He was born in Aroostook county, Maine, November 3, 1867, the
son of Joseph and Lydia ]\I. (Rollins) Winter. Dr. Winter's
grandfather was Benjamin Winter, and his grandmother's maiden
name was Olive Gray. The Winter family are of English descent,
the early ancestors coming to this country with the Puritans
on the Mayflower, and first settled in Massachusetts, members of
the family taking part in the Revolutionary War and also in the
war of 1812. The family contained many millwrights and in
1874 the doctor moved with his parents to Black River Falls,
where the father engaged in the sawmill business. He died in
1896 and the mother passed away in 1878. They were the parents
of four children, viz.: Cora, wife of Joseph E. Dimmick, who
resides at Black River Falls ; Elmer, Ephriam H., and Lena, who
married Ottie Sweet and lives at Los Angeles, Cal.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the
public schools of Black River Falls, then entered the medical
college at Ann Arbor, Mich., from which he was graduated with
honors. He located for the practice of his profession at Fair-
child, subsequently removing to Reno, Nev., where he practiced
for four years. Returning to Wisconsin in 1902, he located at
Augusta, where he has since enjoyed a lucrative practice. Polit-
ically, he is a republican. He is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity and the Modem Woodmen of America, also the Baptist
church.
In 1898 Dr. Winter married Miss Henrietta Thompson, of
Fairchild. She was born in Liverpool, England, and is a daugh-
ter of Daniel Thompson, a millwright. Doctor and Mrs. Winter
are the parents of three children — Wayland V., born in 1899 ;
Marjorie B., born in 1900, and Ernest A., born in 1903.
344 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Herman Frederick Prill, M. D.* One of the popular physicians
and surgeons of Augusta, WisL-oasin, where he was born March
31, 1875, is the son of August F. and Amelia (Ludke) Prill. The
father came to the United States and to Wisconsin, locating at
Ripon, where he engaged in the lumbering business. Later on he
came to Augusta and embarked in the hotel business, being for
many years proprietor of the Park House. Having disposed of
his hotel interests, he is now living in retirement, enjoying the
fruits of many years of toil.
Dr. Prill was reared in Augusta, receiving his preliminary
education in the common and high schools. After graduating
from the latter, he took a preparatory course at Concordia college,
Springfield, Illinois, and for a short time attended the State Uni-
veisity of Minnesota. His medical education was received at the
Medical college in Milwaukee, from which he was graduated in
1902. He almost immediately commenced the practice of medicine
in his native town where he has built up a large clientele, and is
very successful. He holds membership in the Eau Claire County
Medical society. State Medical society and the American Medical
association. In politics he is independent, and has served as
Alderman in the city of Augusta. Dr. Prill was married in 1904
to Miss Carrie Cebell, daughter of William Cebell, of Augusta.
William J. Clancy, M. D.," of Eau Claire, was born in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, October 25, 1885, son of James and Mary
(Schultz) Clancy, and is of Irish, German and French lineage.
He was raised in Milwaukee, receiving his education in the public
schools, the Marquette Academy and Marquette college, from
which institution he was graduated in 1906 with the degree of
A. B. He then spent two years at the University school of medi-
cine, St. Louis, Mo., and three years in the Medical department
of the Marquette college, Milwaukee, where he was graduated in
1911, after which he spent three months as Interne in the St.
Mary's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. In the Fall of 1911, he
located at Eau Claire, where he has built up a successful practice.
He is a member of the Eau Claire County Medical society, the
Wisconsin Medical society and the American Medical association.
He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic
church.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
On July 25, 1881, a club was organized under the name of
the Eau Claire Coiinty Settlers' Association, of wliieh any person
who had settled in said county twenty years or more previously
should be eligible as member. The object of the association, as
set forth in the preamble, was "to the end that the i-eminiscences
and memories of the early history may be preserved, mutual
acquaintance be more strongly cemented, social enjoyment pro-
moted and influence for the well-being of the future better felt
and more effectually directed." The following named persons
signed the constitution, duly prepared by a committee, and
became members of the association : George W. Sprague, Henry
W. Butler, Peter Truax, John Pettipher, Archie Mc Vicar, Stephen
Marston, A. S. Bostwick, Daniel J. Chandler, B. C. Dann, William
P. Bartlett, Alexander Meggett, John T. Tinker, John Ilobbs,
C. R. Gleason, A. E. Blake and Alma A. Sprague. Alexander
Meggett was elected president ; Peter Truax, vice-president ; C. R.
Gleason, secretary; W. P. Bartlett, treasurer. John Hobbs was
elected a vice-president from the town of Washington and George
Sprague from the town of Brunswick, and later S. E. Coolidge
from Otter Creek, H. W. Jones from Union, O. Works from
Lincoln, John Ward from Seymour and J. C. Hackett from
Augusta. In 1889 the constitution was amended to permit the
election of three directors, who with the other officers constituted
an executive committee. As time passed it seemed best to change
the limit of date at which persons should be eligible to member-
ship, and it was decreed that sons and daughters of active mem-
bers born before January 1, 1870, should be admitted. In 1890
there were 500 members, 178 active, the remainder honorary. In
1894 the honorary members present at a banquet voted to tax
themselves 50 cents annual dues. The financial resources of the
association are the $1.00 admission fee for active membership and
the 25 cents annual dues from active members. By careful man-
agement the club has for every year, with one exception, had a
345
346 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
balance, greater or less, in its treasury. In 1901 the qualification
to membership, both active and honorary, was extended "to all
those who have had an actual residence in the county for a
period of thirty years," and in 1904 sons and daughters of active
members "born prior to 1880" were admitted as honorary mem-
bers. Mr. Meggett was the president of the association for
twenty-five years, until the time of his death, which occurred in
March, 1907. His services to the organization can hardly be
measured, his labors were constant and unwearying, his enthu-
siasm keen, and at the banquet of October 17, 1894, the apprecia-
tion of the association was shown in the presentation to him of a
handsome gold watch as a token of esteem and gratitude for his
successful efforts to maintain the high character of the fraternity
whose affairs he had administered so long and so well.
Mr. Meggett 's successors in the president's chair have been:
W. P. Bartlett, A. E. Blake, C. A. Bullen, 0. H. Ingram, A. D.
Chappell and R. J. Kepler. The social meetings held by the asso-
ciation in the form of banquets and picnics are attended by large
numbers and are seasons of genial gayety, in which age forgets
the years, business lays aside its cares and the moments at well
filled tables, attended by light music and good cheer are all too
short. These meetings are often supplemented by neighborly
gatherings of old settlers in all parts of the county, but these
festive evenings when a larger number still are brought together
to recall early days, compare experiences, comment on the
changes "since then," and exchange friendly greetings — these
are truly fraternal and heart warming and prove that the Old
Settlei's' Association has good sanction for a long and useful
existence. The membership now numbers 225.
CHAPTER XIX.
EAU CLAIKE COUNTY ASYLUM AND HO]\IE FOK THE
POOR.
The Eau Claire County Asyhuii was l)uilt in the year 1900,
and the original cost, including a farm of -Kili acres, the buildings
and all equipment, was $135,284.00. The first board of trustees
M'as : August Bartz, Ira B. Bradford and Thomas F. Frawley.
August Bartz died during the first year and his place was filled by
Louis Germann. Dr. D. W. Day was the first visiting surgeon.
In 1901 both Dr. Day and Mr. Frawley died, and Dr. Williain B.
Lj'man became visiting surgeon, while Julius G. Ingram suc-
ceeded Mr. Frawlej' on the board of trustees. The personnel of
the board then remained the same until 1907, when it became
Julius G. Ingram, Clarence B. Sprague and Charles A. Cox. In
1912 David Douglas succeeded Mr. Ingram, who resigned, and
in 1913 W. K. CofSu succeeded Mr. Douglas, so that the present
board is composed of C. G. Sprague, Charles A. Cox, and W. K.
Coffin. Dr. J. F. Farr is the present visiting surgeon and has
been for some years.
The first secretary to the board of trustees Avas Miss Nettie
Thurston, who served but a short time, and was succeeded by
Miss Ruth Kelley. She acted until 1912, when she was succeeded
by Miss N. McLeod.
The asylum is splenditlly located on a fine eminence .iust west
of the city of Eau Claire, and in the otlier three directions com-
mands a broad view of fertile farming country. When this site
and the large farm were purchased for asylum purposes the
grounds were laid out by F. "W. Woodward, and there was a
serio-comic phase to some litigation he had with the board of
trustees. They thought he was doing the work in a spirit of
philanthropy to aid the project of caring for the insane, but he
rendered a bill for his work and claimed they were a "little oif "
in their understanding of the matter.
The roads, buildings and grounds are maintained in good
order, and, with the assistance of the inmates, who are able to
work, a large amount of produce is raised on the farm. Also
many articles of wearing apparel and for household use are made
by the women.
347
348 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The cost of maintenance for 1913 was $18,910.11, and the
number of patients was 168, of whom 71 were from Eau Claire
county. The first superintendent was 0. H. Kitzman, who served
from 1900 to 1908, when he was succeeded by the present incum-
bent, Mr. Horrel. Mrs. Horrell is matron.
The Poor Farm. The poor farm was originally situated about
four miles to the sovitheast of Eau Claire, but that was sold and
31 acres of ground purchased to the west of what is now the
asylum farm. Subsequently 80 acres more were added, so that
the farm now comprises 111 acres. It is under the same man-
agement as the asylum and is well conducted. The total number
of inmates in 1913 was 14, and the cost of maintenance was
$2,885.73.
CHAPTER XX.
EAU CLAIKE PRIOR TO ITS INCORPORATION AS
A CITY IN 1872.
We premise this part of our history of Eau Claire by the
statement that originally and before the city of Eau Claire was
incori^orated, that what was generally spoken of as Eau Claire
comprised a part of three separate towns, Eau Claire, West Eau
Claire or Oak Grove and North Eau Claire. The Eau Claire river
at or near its confluence with the Chippewa river was the divid-
ing line between the towns of Eau Claire and North Eau Claire,
while the Chippewa river was the dividing line between the towns
of West Eau Claire and Eau Claire and North Eau Claire. The
settlements in each town were on and near the banks of these
rivers. Therefore when we speak of Eau Claire generally, it is
meant to include the three settlements or portions of the three
towns. When special mention is made to either subdivision, it is
to be designated either as the north, east or west side. In 1868
or 1869, a portion of the west side was incorporated as a village
under the corporate name of Eau Claire City, and so remained
as a separate corporate entity until the incorporation of all Eau
Claire as a city. It should also be noted that all the mills on
the Eau Claire river were located on the north side, and all those
on the Chippewa river were located on the west side, except
the Eddy Mill and that of the Wilkin's Island Mill Company,
which were located on the north side.
An old Wisconsin history says that two French trappers, one
named LeDuc, had a post in 1784 at the lower rapids of the Chip-
pewa. As they treated with the Chippewas who came from up
tlie river, their post must have been at the head of the rapids
where is now the log reservoir. They got into trouble with the
Chippewas and went down the river to trade with the Sioux,
taking with them two Chippewa scalps as the best method of
introducing themselves to the Sioux. This is the first record of
any white man living at Eau Claire. There was then an Indian
village on the high land opposite the paper mill, and one also at
the head of the Dells rapids opposite Mt. Simon.
Previous to any settlement being made on the land on either
side of the Chippewa river at or near the mouth of the Eau Claire
349
350 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
river, or the land on either side of that stream, there was a rank
growth of brush in nearly every direction. The whole country
as far as the eye could see was in a wild state of nature. Not
even a track made by man was to be found, nor the rudest hut
for a resting place. Yet this spot was to attract hundreds of pio-
neers in a very few years from the time of the arrival of the
first settler.
In the summer of 1845, Stephen S. McCann, from Spring
Creek, named from a tributary of the Menomonie river, near
Menomonie, and Jeremiah C. Thomas entered into a partnership
and erected a plain shanty near the site of what was afterward
the Eau Claire Lumber Company's water mill on the Eau Claire
river. Stephen S. McCaun also built a cabin near the confluence
of the Eau Claire with the Chippewa, which he designated as a
warehouse, and another on the site of what was subsequently the
American House. These structures were erected for the express
purpose of establishing the right of the settler to an uncertain
quantity of government land. McCann transformed the last-
named cabin into a home for his family and moved into it. These
were the first attempts at civilization in what was subsequently
to be the villages of Eau Claire, and fiinally the present city. Thus
it will be seen that Stephen S. McCann and Jeremiah Thomas
were the first actual settlers in this region. The main object of
this firm in locating at this place was to build a sawmill and
manufacture lumber from the logs obtained from the pine forests
on the Eau Claire river and its tributaries. The product could
be easily and inexpensively floated down the Chippewa to mar-
kets on the Mississippi river. They had not, however, the ade-
quate means to launch such an enterprise, but were successful in
starting two logging camps on the Eau Claire for the Avinter's
work. In the following year, Simon and George W. Randall
secured a half interest in the claim of McCann & Thomas at the
mouth of the Eau Claire. They associated themselves together
under the firm name of McCann, Randall & Thomas. The con-
struction of a dam and sawmill was at once begun by them on
the site of what was later on the Eau Claire Lumber Company's
waterpower mill. The dam was completed in October, 1846.
Thomas E. Randall conducted the first religious services here.
They "were started in September of this year at the residence of
S. S. McCann, and were continued each alternate Sunday until
the setting in of winter, when a severe illness prevented the con-
tinuation of them. The first wedding in Eau Claire took place
in the fall of the same year. The parties to it were George W.
V.
EAU CLAIRE PRICK TO INCORPORATION 351
Randall imd Miss Mary LaPoint, of Prairie du Chien. The eere-
iiioiiy was performed at the home (a very comfortable dwelling
ill those primitive times) of Mr. and Mrs. McCann by Jacob W.
Bass, of Chippewa Falls, who had received from the governor of
the territory a commission as justice of the peace. The marriage
was looked upon as a notable event in those days, and was made
the occasion of unusual festivities, f^he bridegroom's brother,
riimou Randall, found it desirable to go and do likewise in the
same winter. He chose for his bride one of the Indian maidens
of the forest, but however securely the nuptial knot was tied,
they were not long to remain united. Death stepped in and
claimed the young wife for its own a few months afterward.
The funeral services were performed by Thomas E. Randall,
and this was the first funeral that occurred in the settlement.
In the fall of 1845, the first preliminary step was taken to
construct a dam and improve the "Lower Dell" of the Chip-
pewa, a short distance north of its confluence with the Eau
Claire. H. S. Allen and G. S. Branham were at that time associ-
ated in business on Wilson's creek, in close proximity to the
now city of Menomonie. They had by their lumbering operations
accumulated considerable capital, and in the folloAving winter
prospected with the view to investing it in some more extensive
enterprise than they had been engaged in. They associated with
themselves Simon and George "W. Randall under the firm name
of Allen, Branham & Randall. After a thorough examination of
all the numerous eligible locations, they fixed upon the lower
dells as the best place on the river where logs could be safely
handled in all stages of the river. Their plan of operation was
to erect a dam half the distance across the river, thence a side or
wing dam near the raft channel to the head or iipper reef of
rocks on the dells, and by a low dam across to the opposite bank,
raise a sufficient head of water Avithout interrupting navigation
for boats and rafts. Every arrangement was made to carry the
undertaking to completion. Timber was got out near the Half
Moon lake for the construction of a large sawmill there. Having
proceeded thus far, the parties, Avho had personal interests to look
after, separated to do so. Work Avas suspended on the supposi-
tion that it Avould be resumed in the spring. The first ncAvs, hoAV-
ever, that came up the river AA'hen that time came Avas that the
Avhole project had been abandoned ; that the firm had dissolved,
and that Mr. Allen, Avho Avas tlie head of it, had associated him-
self Avith Mr. Bass at the falls.
The Avinter of 1846-47 Avas long remembered by the fcAV resi-
352 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
dents of the embryo village, owing to the intensely cold weather.
Scarcely any snow fell, but the rivers were frozen to their beds.
The spring was quite as remarkable for lack of rain, especially
during the months of April and May. The evening of June 5 was,
however, visited by one of the most terrible thunderstorms on
record in the valley. The rain came down in torrents until the
following morning was well advanced toward noon, accompanied
by vivid lightning and heavy peals of thunder. The storm was
reported by eye-witnesses to have been fearful. The Chippewa
rose twelve feet and was covered with driftwood, logs and the
debris of piers and booms from the falls. Thomas E. Randall, in
his history of the Chippewa valley, says: "In my endeavors to
save part of my boom, I was taken into the wild and surging
current on it as it fidatcd away. I have been on many log drives,
and often placed in positions of extreme peril, but never has
death stared me more directly in the face than while afloat on
the frail boom — bent, crushed and broken, between masses of
logs and driftwood. I could do nothing with it, and on and on it
went, with the rapidity of a railway train, passing repeatedly
under the branches of reclining trees. I lay flat on my face and
clung to those strained timbers, well knowing that once in that
boiling flood, no skill in the art of swimming could save me from
a watery grave ; but, as the fates would have it, my rickety craft
shot like an arrow out of the current and went ashore at the eddy
where Sherman's mill was afterward built."
By noon of that day every log, pier and boom on the Eau
Claire was swept away by the fast swelling flood. In another
hour the new double sawmill that had just been erected and was
ready to be operated was borne almost bodily away by the resist-
less current. The results of the labor and savings of years were
gone forever, and the firm of McCann, Randall & Thomas, with
liabilities to meet, found themselves in a bankrupt condition. A
dissolution of the partnership was the result. J. C. Thomas went
back to the Blue Mill, and S. S. McCann engaged in farming on
Eagle prairie above the falls. George W. and Simon Randall
entered into co-partnership with Philo Stone and II. Cady. They
built the mill on the Eau Claire in the winter of 1847-48.
Philo Stone and his brother Roswell Stone came from Ver-
mont in 1838 and engaged in hunting on the river and adjacent
country. The former was turbulent, but brave to a degree, small
in stature and quick as lightning; he never avoided a contest,
being always victorious. He had a full-blooded squaw for a
housekeeper Avhoni he trained to considerable domestic useful-
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 35:^
iiess. Such a course was quite common among the early white
settlers, lie had for a while operated a tavern at Dunnville, pre-
viously belonging to Arthur McCann. New settlers were steadily
arriving, and among them were J. J. Gage, James Reed and
Captain Dix. They purchased the lower mill site and built a dam
and mill where the Eau Claire Lumber Company's flouring-mill
afterward stood.
Mrs. J. P. Stein, who lives about one mile north of the village
of Cochrane, Wisconsin, it seems, was the first white woman who
had a permanent residence and settled within the present limits
or site of the city of Eau Claire, and her son, John A. Stein, who
resides in this vicinity, is probably the first white child born there.
Mrs. J. P. Stein (nee Ann Elizabeth Bock) was born in the vil-
lage of Rasdorf, near the city of Fulda Cur Hessia, Germany,
April 17, 1818, where she obtained a fairly good common school
education. In 1844, when 26 years of age, she decided to leave
the fatherland, and landed in New York city the same year,
going from there via the Eria canal to Buffalo, New York, the
trip taking one week on the canal boat. Here she received a posi-
tion as cook for the family of Captain Day, an army physician,
stationed at Detroit, Michigan, and later going with this family
to Allegheny Arsenal, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here she
made the acquaintance of J. P. Stein, who was a blacksmith
liolding a position in the United States arsenal there.
When the Mexican war broke out, Mr. Day was ordered to the
front, and not wishing to accompany him, she quit her position,
and in company with Mr. Stein went west, locating in Fort
Madison, Iowa, where they were married. This was early in the
spring of 1848. They moved from Port Madison to Galena, Illi-
nois, and here they met a Mr. Knapp from Fort Madison, to
whom Mr. Stein hired out and at once started north with him,
i\Irs. Stein remaining at Galena. They landed at Nelson, Wis-
consin, where Mr. Gilbert kept a stopping place or hotel. Here
Mr. Stein met a Mr. Cady, who was in search of a blacksmith
to woi-k for a company which was erecting a small sawmill a short
distance above the junction of the Eau Claire and Chippewa
rivers, where later the water-mill of the Eau Claire Lumber
Company was constructed. The company consisted of Captain
Dix, who -was at the head of it ; Messrs. Cady, Gage, Swimm, Philo
Stone, George and Simon Randall. Mr. Stein at once hired out
to this company, he as a blacksmith and mechanic, and his wife
to do the cooking for the members of the company who were
not married, one of the Randalls being married to a half-breed
354 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
woman. Mr. Stein at once returned to Galena ; started by steam-
boat for their destination, landing at Nelson, Wisconsin, stop-
ping with Gilbert until the company came down with a keel boat
after them, it taking several days to make the trip up the Chip-
pewa to the junction. The company had built many log cabins,
one of which they occupied. They landed on the seventh day
of May, 1848, she doing the cooking, and Mr. Stein the black-
smith work for the company. During the first summer, however,
they built their own cabin and moved into it in the fall, and in
this cabin their eldest son, John A., was born. His birth occurred
November 1, 1848, and he, Mrs. Stein thinks, was the first white
child born in the city of Eau Claire. She remembers no other
settlements on the Chippewa at this time excepting one about
twelve miles north of the then called "Allen's Mills" (the present
site of Chippewa Falls). Mr. H. S. Allen then operated a sawmill
where Menomonie now is. Four men from Prairie du Chien had
built the mill at Chippewa Falls, and a Frenchman by the name
of Brunat operated it. Mr. and Mrs. Stein, while living on the
Eau Claire, acquired the Chippewa and Sioux languages, and
did a lot of trading with the Indians, thereby making good
money. They lived here until the fall of 1850, when they decided
to give up their positions with the company and move to Wa-
basha, Minnesota. The company being unable to pay them any
money, they took their pay in lumber, which was rafted, and
they, in company with a half-breed Indian by the name of Peter
Ortobee, piloted a raft to Galena, Illinois, Avhere they sold the
lumber and came back to Wabasha, built a cabin and lived the
winter of 1850 and '51, in the spring moving to the farm where
she now resides and has lived ever since. Mrs. Stein relates
many thrilling experiences during her two and a half years' resi-
dence in Eau Claire, especially with the Indians, the Sioux and
Chippewas being constantly at war with each other. She remem-
bers well when, in the fall of 1849, the two tribes had a peace
conference at Eau Claire, the tribes being engaged in great fes-
tivities, during which both chiefs left their headdress in her
care. Although 96 years of age, Mrs. Stein's memory is very
good now (1914), and she would be willing to answer any ques-
tions asked her in connection with her residence there. She says
she has never met any of that company except Mr. Swimm, who
visited them some time in the early sixties, he then being a farmer
somewhere between Mondovi and Eau Claire. [The above is prin-
cipally taken from Mrs. Stein's own story of her experiences.]
The lumbering business continued to gradually increase, but
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 355
there was no communication with the outside world, except by-
water or private conveyance, until 1850, when a mail route was
ordered by Congress from Prairie du Chien, and a post-office
shortly afterward established in the village. This was an impor-
tant event in its history, and gave an impetus to its early prog-
ress. From this time to 1854, nothing of general public interest
occurred in the settlement. Some changes, however, took place
in regard to the ownership of the mill property. H. Cady sold
out his interest in the mill on the Eau Claire to a young man
named Swimra, and Simon Randall parted with his share to Mr.
Pope and purchased that of Captain Dix in tlie mill on the lower
dam. These new firms carried on business under the respective
names of Gage, Reed & Randall and Stone, Swimm & Co. Like
all other lumbering firms, these men were compelled to seek
credit for merchandise, etc., during the winter months, while
trade was at a standstill with them. Among others who furnished
them with goods was a ]Mr. Sincere, of Galena, then the center of
lumbermen's supplies. He had exacted the promise that his
account should be liquidated out of the proceeds of the first raft
that went down the river in the spring. Several other creditors
hild similar claims, and Mr. Swimm found it necessary to ask
]\lr. Sincere to wait for payment until the second raft went down.
Instead of compljang with this request, he procured a warrant
luider the laws then existing in Illinois, and lodged his debtor
in prison, although no fraud had been attempted. There he
remained until his partners secured his release.
The Rev. Thomas Barland, a Congregationalist, who had set-
tled on a farm two miles from the village in the fall of 1819, was
the first man to conduct a regular Protestant church service in
Eau Claire. The meetings were held in Gage & Reed's boarding-
house (the site of the Eau Claire Grocery Company's building
on Eau Claire street) during the winter of 1852-53. The same
thing had been attempted by a Methodist minister named Mayne
in the previous summer. A Catholic mission was, however, estab-
lished on what was afterward known as the North Side, in 1850,
a part of which Avas, a little later on, laid out and platted by
Augustus Iluysen and W. T. Galloway. The mission flourished
and developed into St. Patrick's Churcli. This was the first sa-
cred edifice built in Eau Claire. "^
- In 1855, W. H. Gleason and R. F. Wilson negotiated with the
owners, J. J. Gage and James Reed, for, and obtained, a half
interest in the town plat of Eau Claire known as East Eau Claire.
By agreement, it was immediately surveyed by the first-named
356 HISTOKY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
parties and recorded at Chippewa Falls, the then county seat, as
the village of Eau Claire, the first in the valley, with the names
of W. II. Gleason, E. F. Wilson, J. J. Gage and James Reed as
proprietors. Congress had, in March, 1856, passed an act donat-
ing all the alternate sections of land embraced within certain
parallels along the lines of certain proposed railroads therein
described in trust to the state of Wisconsin. One of these roads,
commencing at Portage City, was to extend to Tomah, and thence
to St. Croix county. This branch was designated in the charter
of 1857 as the Western Wisconsin Railroad. Ten years was the
time fixed upon within which it was to be completed. The valley
had to be crossed at some point, and speculators were everywhere
on the alert to know where that particular point was to be, espe-
cially as the general supposition was that the road would be con-
structed forthwith. Some of the wildest and most visionary
schemes ever generated in the mind of man owed their birth to
this land grant, which was conferred upon an organization
known as the Milwaukee & LaCrosse Railroad Company, at the
head of which was Byron Kilbourne, of Milwaukee. Stock was
issued to the extent of several thousand dollars. The undertak-
ing was boomed to the utmost extent. Various routes for the
road were considered, some crossing the Chippewa from above
and others below the falls. Reports were circulated that sur-
veys were being made in several sections, and speculation was
rife.
Early in the summer of this .year, Stone, Swimm & Co. sold
the mill owned and operated by them to Carson, Eaton & Downs,
of Eau Galle. They immediately repaired and remodeled it, put-
ting in the latest improved sawmill machinery, and invested lib-
erally in pine lands on the streams tributary to Eau Claire. At
this period there was not a dry-goods store, nor even a black-
smith shop, nor any business, in fact, outside the manufacturing
of lumber, existing in the locality. The population was esti-
mated at one hundred. Two houses only were owned in the
village, and the whole volume of capital invested there did not
exceed !ii20,000. Adin Randall came from Madison and began
the erection of the Eau Claire House. E. E. Shaw and Henry
Huntington started a store on a small scale, afterward the Ameri-
can House, and latterly the Hart House, and Chapin M. Seely
erected a residence house, all on the east side. It was finished for
occupation the following spring, and M'as the first plastered build-
ing in Eau Claire. The first death and burial of a white man,
William Reed, occurred in June, 1855.
EAU (JLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 357
The year 1856 was quite an eventful one, and the new village,
proud of its position, began to show unmistakable signs of pros-
perity. New settlers came in, and there was a general movement
forward. An added impetus was created when the legislature,
having this year created the county of Eau Claire, selected this
village as the county seat. According to the provisions of the
act for the organization of the county, an election of officers was
held on the last Tuesday of December, 1856, and the town board
of tlie town of Eau Claire was constituted the county board until
the next annual election. The town boai'd was represented by
C. M. Seeley, chairman; E. W. Robbins and M. A. Page, super-
visors. The officers elected were : treasurer, Adin Randall ; county
clerk, C. F. Babeock ; register of deeds, C. H. Howard ; clerk of
the circuit court, Mr. Olin.
Gage & Reed disposed of their entire interest in the mills, pine
lands and half the village plat to Chapman & Thorp, who, during
the first year, entrusted the whole business to Gilbert E. Porter,
of Michigan, a young man full of energy and capacity, who after-
ward became a prominent citizen. The Eau Claire House was
completed by Adin Randall and opened for business. The first
bauk was started under the free banking law with the title of
the Bank of Eau Claire. W. H. Gleason was president, and C. H.
(Jlcnson cashier. Its principal manager was C. M. Seeley, who
liad liad considerable experience in the matter of finance, and was
to all appearani'c cautious and conservative in his business meth-
ods. As a consequence confidence was inspired in the institution.
Daniel Shaw located a sawmill at what was called Shawtown,
on the west side. He soon proved himself to be an important
accession to Eau Claire, and his operations were among the first
incentives to the growth of the west side to its present dimensions
and popularity as a residence location. Ingram, Kennedy &
Dole purchased the site for their first mill at this time, and a small
mill was put up by Adin Randall. He had the west side platted
in August of this year (1856) by Frank Moore and W. W.
Spear, and recorded it as Eau Claire City, but it was more famil-
iarly known as Randall Town for a number of years. The land
was covered with brush at this time, without a finished building
on it. By the fall of the following year about thirty houses had
been erected, but fiirther progress in this direction was ulti-
mately checked for some time when it was discovered that Adin
Randall had executed a mortgage on the whole of the land, and
no title could be given to intending purchasers. Mr. Thomas
E. Randall, in his story, says of him that he was "a strange com-
358 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
position of reckless energy, of daring enterprise, with want of
punctuality, or an adaptation of means to end. With many good
business traits, he lacked some element of success that made him
always unsafe, and lost to him the confidence of the business
community."
Permission was given to Adin Randall by the board of super-
visors in the following March to operate a ferry across the Chip-
pewa river between the east and west sides of the city. Reed's
Hall, which became famous by reason of the meetings held in it,
was erected in 1857 and opened on September 15 of that year.
It was burned down in April, 1869. The following winter, 1857-
58, a school was opened in what is now the second ward. This
building was afterward known as the Universalist Church. The
seed of the first Methodist Episcopal Church was sown on the
east side in the fall of 1858, which also has to its record the ar-
rival of the first Norwegian settler, S. A. Lund. The Eau Claire
"Times" was started in August, 1857, and the Eau Claire "Free
Press" in the folloAving October. A number of efforts were made
to establish similar enterprises about that time, but they lacked
support. Another bank came into existence this year, that of
Hall & Brother, wlio were non-residents. Its manager was D. R.
Moon. This and the one previously mentioned were banks of
issue. The terrible convulsions in the financial and commercial
world that set in this year came with a crushing effect on these
institutions, and they were forced into liquidation. W. H. Glea-
son, who was president of the Eau Claire Bank, and R. F. Wilson
were proprietors of half the village on the east side. Flushed
with siiecess of their speculations during the previous eighteen
months, they were ambitious for fresh operations. Unfortunately
for them and their connections, they acted precipitately on an
unverified report that the Tomah and St. Croix Railroad would
cross the Chippewa at O 'Neil's creek, and invested $20,000 in
lands at that point. A village plat had been laid out and re-
corded at ChippeAva city, a few lots sold, a saloon or two started
and a state bank. That was all. Byron Kilbourne's organiza-
tion vanished into air, and, like the baseless fabric of a vision,
left not a cent behind. The bank of Mr. Gleason, it was claimed,
was compelled to siispend mainly by reason of the withdrawal
of deposits to embark in Chippewa city property.
The firm of Chapman & Thorp had, early in the season of 1857,
purchased the entire interest of Carson & Eaton in the Eau
Claire mill, pine lands, power, etc., for $125,000, and began the
construction of a steam mill on the site of their lower mill. Tlie
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 359
subsequent tightness of the money market forced them into pecu-
niary difficulties, and they were only saved from bankruptcy
through the temporary assistance of friends in the East. The
first shipment of wheat from this point occurred this year. It
is true that it was only a few hundred bushels, but in 1861 it had
increased to 150,000 bushels.
A bill was introduced in Congress this year by C. C. Wash-
burn for the creation of a new land district in and in close prox-
imity to the valley, with Chippewa Falls as its headquarters.
Just before its final passage, Eau Claire was offered as a substi-
tute. A strong fight was made by the respective partisans of
each village. Ultimately it was agreed to refer the point to the
Pi-esident of the United States, who decided in favor of Eau
Claire. Dr. W. T. Galloway was appointed registrar, and N. B.
Boyden receiver. The Methodist Episcopal Church inaugurated
a school on the west side in 1857 known as the Methodist Insti-
tute, and erected the necessary building, aided by a local sub-
scription and a contribution from an eastern educational fund.
It was conducted with considerable ability for several years, and
did a large amount of good. The introduction of the public
graded school system superseded its iisefulness, and it was ulti-
mately sold to the city and was occupied temporarily by the high
school of Eau Claire.
Among the settlers in the village in 1857 were the Rev. A.
Kidder and family, Joseph G. Thorp and family, Peter Wyckoff,
the Jackson brothers, John Wilson, George A. Buffington, Dr.
F. R. Skinner, W. P. Bartlett and Alex. Meggett. During the
winter of 1857-58 many of the villagers had to mutually assist
each other, owing to the depressed condition of the money mar-
ket and commercial interests. Credit was, temporarily, an un-
known quantity.
The lands of the Fox River Improvement Company were in
the market to a limited extent in 1859, and the business of dis-
posing of some of them was transacted at the land office on Eau
Claire street. By the terms of the grant, the lands could not be
pre-empted by actual settlers, but could be covered by land
warrants, which was issued in great quantities. N. B. Boyden
was the receiver at this period. One night near the time the
returns were due at Washington, the office was broken into by
burglars, the safe blown open and a large sum of money taken.
The loss fell upon the government. A stage route was estab-
lished in this year between Eau Claire and Wabasha, and the
first graded school opened on the west side. The second Aletho-
360 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
dist Episcopal Chureli was orgauized iu 1861, located on the
west side. What is now the Eau Claire National Bank was or-
ganized by C. C. Spafford in this year.
Reference has already been made to the grant of land by
Congress in 1856 for the construction of a railroad from Portage
City to the Mississippi at LaCrosse, wdth a branch from Tomah
to the St. Croix river. The scheme collapsed. In March, 1863,
several business men of St. Croix, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire
and Jackson counties, among whom were D. A. Baldwin, Capt.
William Wilson, J. G. Thorp, H. S. Allen and W. T. Price, pro-
moted a new organization to construct that part of the road from
Tomah to the St. Croix. It was incorporated under legislative
act at the date named with the title of the Tomah & St. Croix
Railway Company. The first meeting was held at Durand on
July 9 of that year. At the next session of the legislature, the
land grant was conferred upon the company with the right of
way and the privilege of locating the line on its present course,
except that its terminus was to be at Tomah. Subsequently, the
line was changed, leaving the original line at Warrens and run-
ning to Camp Douglas on the Milwaukee road. It was deter-
mined by the courts that the terminus could not be thus changed,
and settlement, however, was finally made by which the change
became legalized. The grant was renewed and the land exempted
from taxes until 1870. The preliminary expenses in surveying the
route, etc., were $20,000. D. A. Baldwin, of Hudson, had sufficient
confidence in the success of the undertaking to advance the
money. The work was done and the necessai'y maps prepared
in 1864-65. The next step Avas to find capitalists who would
invest the requisite funds to construct and equip the road. Mr.
Baldwin was selected by the directors of the company to carry
on the negotiations in this direction. After trips had been made
to the principal eastern cities, and the Atlantic twice crossed,
Mr. Baldwin's efforts were, after the labor of two years, crowned
with success. Mr. Jacob Ilumbird, of Cumberland, Maryland, a
prosperous railroad contractor, furnished the entire funds to com-
plete the first thirty-two miles of track to Black River Palls,
the payment of which, and all other sums for contract work,
was secured by first mortgage on the roadbed. Before com-
mencing operations, the name of the company had been changed
to the West Wisconsin Railway by an act of the legislature.
The road was completed to Augusta early in 1870, and in the
following August the then welcome sound of the locomotive
which connected it with the East Avas heard in Eau Claire. It
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 361
was made the occasion of such rejoicing as has never been
equalled in Eau Claire. A meeting of citizens was held at Mar-
ston's Hall on the evening of July 25, 1870, M'hen the subject was
discussed, and the following committee appointed with full power
to make all necessary arrangements to celebrate the event in a
proper manner: Alexander Meggett, H. P. Graham, Daniel Shaw,
Martin Daniels, George A. BufRngton, John Wordsworth Nel-
son, Texas Angel, Orrin H. Ingram, D. E. Brown, Ole Bruden
and Matthias Leinenkugel. The reception and entertainment
took place in the public park on the west side. Provisions were
made for free entertainment by private hospitality of not less
than 300 persons for not less than two days. The amount raised
by voluntary subscription Avas $1,500, and was sufficient to defray
the entire expense of the occasion. Not less than 3,000 guests
were provided for and dined in a sumptuous manner, ladies pre-
siding at the tables.
The electors of the county had voted in aid of this road the
sum of $60,000 in bonds. By a trick, the wording of the
resolution was made to read, "the county may issue bonds" to
that amount, instead of "shall." Judge Mead and W. P. Bartlett
each claim the credit for this deception. This aid was voted to
secure the location of the road at Eau Claire instead of Chippewa
Falls. The court decided that under the particular phraseology
tlie county board had an option either to issue or refuse to issue
the bonds. The county board, after the road Mas secured at
Eau Claire, refused to issue the bonds, a clear case of repudiation.
The first congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran
church was organized in 1864, and the Second district school
was established this year on Farwell street. It became well
known as the Bartlett high school.
A destructive flood occurred in 1866 on the Chippewa liver.
Jams of ice, logs and driftwood came down in such force that
booms, piers and all other obstructions to the irresistible waters
were carried away. Many thousand logs were deposited on tlie
islands of the Mississippi.
THE DELLS DAM.
Tlu- actual basis of the industries of the whole of Eau Claire
was the immense forests of pine above it and tributary to the
Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. The only method in those early
days of securing the timber was to put it into the streams and
float it down to the mills, whii^h were located at Eau Claire and
362 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
below on the Chippewa river. This method was confined to
seasons of freshets or high water. In order to secure the supply
of logs that had been or were to be floated down the streams it
was necessary originally that piers should be constructed in the
streams and booms attached thereto, thus making a reservoir
from which the logs would be taken into the mill and manu-
factured into lumber. In order that those belonging to each
concern could be thus secured, they had to be taken from the
mass of logs coming down the river and turned into such reser-
voirs, permitting those owned by other parties, as well as those
bound for a distance below to pass without hindrance. Such
method of securing logs was not only expensive and difficult
when large quantities were floating in the stream, but a consid-
erable portion of those belonging to the mill owner could not be
secured and would pass beyond his booms or reservoir down the
stream, and be lost, unless they were subsequently picked out
and brailed or rafted and disposed of to parties operating on
the Mississippi river. ''
In order, therefore, to successfully operate the mills at Eau
Claire, it became imperative that some other means should be
provided by which the logs destined for manufacture at Eau
Claire could be safely secured and deposited, so that each mill
could and would receive what was destined for it. At an early
date this was attempted by excavating a canal from the river,
commencing near the mill of Smith and Buffington, into Half
Moon lake, a distance of 100 rods or more, such lake forming a
natural reservoir for an almost unlimited quantity. This was
not a complete success for two reasons. First was the fact that
the lake was considerably higher than the river, and the river
had to be at a flood of twelve or more feet in order to obtain a
current through the canal. Second, when the logs were floating
in the river in great quantities, the piers and booms constructed
in the river for the purpose of turning the logs into the canal
were inadequate, and the logs would become jammed, and the
pocket thus made become full, and the logs not held therein
would pass by and down the stream. It therefore became an
imperative necessity to the operation of the mills and the growth
and prosperity of Eau Claire, that other means must be provided
for securing logs. The Dells, so called, rapids in the Chippewa
river, seemed to be a natural place for a safe and secure resei'-
voir. At that point there were high, rocky banks; the river
■was narrow, with a rock bed, and hence a dam at that place
would create slack water for several miles up the stream. The
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 363
construction of a canal or flume from the dam to Half Moon
Lake, a distance of nearly a mile, through which the logs des-
tined for the mills on the west side could be passed when assorted,
would solve the difficult problem of which we have spoken. In
order to accomplish this, liowever, as the Chippewa was a navi-
gable stream, not only for saw logs, but, in the extreme high
water, for small steamboats, with great effort the consent of the
legislature had to be obtained. At that time, though since ex-
ploded, it was thought that even the legislature was powerless
to grant the right or privilege. That to stop logs destined for
points below, even for the limited time required to assort them,
was an obstruction to navigation, which, under the ordinance of
1787, providing that the waters of the Mississippi and its tribu-
taries should ever remain free, could not be granted.
It would seem that the project would not have met with
opposition from any source, other than such as was engaged in
navigation. Not so, however. About ten miles above was the
village of Chippewa Falls. Its citizens would not be affected
by the proposed improvement Mdiich meant so much for Eau
Claire. A large sawmill was located there, operated by the
Hrm of Pound & Halbert, who had constructed a dam completely
across the river with only a slide therein upon which lumber
manufactured at points above, at Yellow River and Jims Falls,
i-ould pass. They also had piers and booms in the river by which
logs destined for points below were detained until they were
assorted from the mass and placed in their storage booms what
was their own.
It was proposed by the interests at Eau Claire, to not only put
in a slide for the passage of lumber in the dam, but also a lock
through which boats, if any should want to ascend the river,
could be passed through, and with this proposition they sought
a grant or license from the legislature at its session in 1866, to
construct such a dam, flume and necessary piers as has been
stated.
It should be stated that there existed a rivalry between the
two localities, Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, and that rivalry
was so extreme on the part of the citizens of Chippewa Falls
that it prompted them, at the instigation largely of Thad. C.
Pound, to oppose the construction of such improvement at the
Dells, not on the ground of any injury to them or their village,
but solely on the ground that it would be the means of the
building up of a large business center of Eau Claire, and make
it the leading point for the manufacture of lumber in the north-
364 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
western part of the state. It would thus outstrip its rival in this
respect. The opposition to the improvement, as stated, was one
of jealousy, pure and simple.
The legislature, after the most stubborn opposition on the
part of Mr. Pound and his followers, defeated the measure. The
measure Avas defeated again in 1870. In 1871 the franchise was
granted by the legislature, but was promptly vetoed by Governor
Fairchild. It should be stated here that Mr. Pound was not
only a lumberman but a very prominent republican politician,
a genial fellow and of considerable influence with his party. Al
the next session of the legislature the franchise was granted and
the bill signed by the governor.
The separate villages of Eau Claire, Eau Claire City and
North Eau Claire, the latter not incorporated, were incorporatetr
as a city in March, 1872. The effort at this time was in the name
of the city, ostensibly for the purpose of creating a waterworks
system for the city. Incidentally for the booming, assorting
and storing of logs, as well as the improvement of the navigation
of the river. Tliis bill was attacked in the Supreme Court by
the opposition, and by the court declared invalid on the ground
that the primary purpose of the bill, as appeared from its text,
was the booming and storage of logs, and the matter of water-
works was secondary. At the next session this defect in the bill
was remedied, the waterworks being made the primary purpose,
and the lumber interests the incidental purpose. To remove all
question as to the validity of the latter measure and to forestall
any further eff'ort on the part of the Chippewa Palls people, the
writer obtained the consent of the attorney general and in behalf
of Ely and Vail, non-resident owners of land in Eau Claire, applied
to the supreme court for an injunction to prevent the building of
the dam by the city on the ground that the act was void, using
all the arguments of the Chippewa Falls people in prior contests,
and succeeded in being defeated (a paradox), the court uphold-
ing the validity of the act.
It may be of interest to here refer to the circumstances attend-
ing its passage and showing by what a narrow margin it escaped
defeat. Mr. Pound had succeeded in postponing final action
upon the bill in the Senate until the evening of the last day of
the session, the bill having passed the Assembly eai'ly in the ses-
sion by a large majority. In the Senate the friends of the meas-
ure lacked one vote of the necessary two-thirds to suspend the
rules, and hence it appeared almost hopeless in the evening before
the session to make any attempt to pass the bill. To say that its
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 365
friends were discouraged is putting it very mild, indeed. The
writer alone insisted upon continuing the fight to the last ditch,
but with only the slight hope that some accident or unforeseen
event might occur to our advantage. Senator Rice, of Waukesha,
had charge of the bill, and the writer was to assist him in the
parliamentary fight. Mr. Pound's tactics was to talk the bill to
its death, and the senator from Columbus was selected to obtain
the floor and talk and not sit down until both hands of the clock
was at the hour of twelve. He obtained the floor, commenced
his harangue, when it was noticed one of their supporters. Sen-
ator Barny, was not in his seat. The sergeant-at-arms was dis-
patched in haste to bring in the delinquent senator. He was
finally corralled and brought to his seat, the senator from Colum-
bus in the meantime still holding the floor. As Senator Barny
reached his seat he immediately began addressing the chair.
Tlie senator from Columbus, knowing he was friendly, slowly
dropped into his seat, the chair recognizing Senator Barny. As
Barny concluded, quick as a flash, and before the senator from
Columbus could rise, the writer prompted Senator Rice to rise
and obtain recognition from the chair (the late Judge Barron
occupying it), which he did, and moved a suspension of the rules.
This created a flurry in the enemy's camp, L. C. Stanley, of Chip-
pewa Falls, immediately springing to the side of Senator Quimby.
from Sauk county, and engaged his attention. In the meantime
the call of the roll proceeded and the clerk announced that the
rules were suspended. It appeared that Senator Quimby was so
engaged with Mr. Stanley that when his name was called he did
not pay attention to it and did not vote. After the vote was
announced Quimby claimed the right to vote. The chair ruled
that he had no authority to grant him that right after the result
had been declared, but he would leave it to the Senate whether
he should at that stage be permitted to vote. This, of course,
required a majority vote, and hence not having a majority, the
majority, disgusted at the method of filibustering to defeat the
bill, voted against the motion. Senator Rice stood in his position
to the end, the rules were suspended and the measure passed in
regular order in quick time.
We all thought that danger of defeat was passed. The friends
of the measure, after an elaborate banquet, departed for their
homes, except the writer and one other, the duty of having the
bill properly signed and placed in the office of -the Secretary of
State being imposed upon the writer. Eau Claire was all ablaze
with joy and enthusiasm. The most elaborate preparations were
366 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
being made for a monster celebration. It was complete and the
people in mass assembled on the day the word was expected that
the bill had been signed.
However, there was not only delay, but danger. Taylor was
Governor. H. S. Palmer was the leading democrat in the state.
John C. Spooner was a leading republican. They appeared before
the Governor and made a plea for a veto. They had the ear of
the Governor. The writer was there alone to oppose. Palmer
and Spooner argued that the bill Avas unconstitutional. The
writer not only argued the contrary, but tried to impress upon
the Governor that the able lawyers in both branches of the legis-
lature on the judiciary committee had determined the bill was
valid, and it would seem highly injudicious for him, not being a
lawyer, to disagree with them. The Governor hesitated. I kncM-
the inriuence against us was strong. We Avere all democrats but
Spooner. I urged him not to weaken our party. After we had
left the executive chamber, I returned. I felt the Governor would
veto the bill, and I asked him if there was any lawyer in the state
whose opinion he would respect, and eliminate what Palmer,
Spooner and myself had urged. He finally said there was one
man, and that was Judge Miller, of the United States Court, in
Milwaukee. He consented to wait until his opinion could be
obtained. I immediately went to Milwaukee, saw Judge Miller.
He kindly consented to come to Madison. He came that night,
and I received word late that night to meet the Governor at
eight o'clock in the morning and he would sign the bill. I was
there promptly and the Governor signed it and handed it to nie,
and I personally carried it into the office of the Secretary of
State.
The most critical period in the history of Eau Claire was tlie
spring of 1867. During the previous winter parties represented
by one Bacon and Davis had put into the upper waters of the
Chippewa a considerable quantity of saw logs for the purpose of
driving, them down the Chippewa past Eau Claire and turning
them into Beef Slough, through which considcvable of the water
flowed, the slough leaving the main stn'iiiu ;i IVw miles above its
mouth and entered into the Mississippi a short distance from
Alma, the slough foi-ming a natural reservoir for logs where at
its mouth the logs could be rafted and floated to mills on the
Mississippi. It was the purpose, and such would be its effect,
to make a log-driving stream of the Chippewa and destroy the
)uanufacturing industries along the Chippewa river. It would not
necessarily have this effect if tliere were facilities along the river
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 367
at manufacturing points lawfully exercised to hold logs a suffi-
cient time to allow them to be assorted, passing those destined
for points below. But the purpose was, as stated, to make the
stream, as had been done with Black river, exclusively a log-
driving stream where logs could be driven throughout its length
without any hindrance or delay. In the spring of 1867 Bacon
and Davis started their drive. The first obstruction they met
was at the mill of French & Giddings located at Jim's Falls, sev-
eral miles above Chippewa Falls. They had employed a large
force of drivers, and without any ceremony cut the booms of
French & Giddings, thus releasing all their logs as well as those
of their own. They came down the river doing the same with all
the booms as far as the Eau Claire county line, intending to do
the same with all booms in Eau Claire and below, of which there
were a large number. The result was that the river at Eau Claire
was one mass of floating logs extending from bank to bank,
which made it impossible to any great extent to utilize the Half
Moon lake canal. The owners of mills on the Chippewa realized
that unless something was done to stay the operations of this
lawless band that financial ruin was the inevitable i-esult; that
their mills were worthless ; that manufacturing lumber on the
river was at an end. It was pitiful as we stood upon the dam at
the inlet of Half Moon lake canal on that Sunday morning to see,
among others, Daniel Shaw, C. A. Bullen, 0. H. Ingram, Donald
Kennedy, George A. Buffington and Stephen Marston, each with
pike pole in hand, attempting to push a few of their logs through
the canal into Half iloon lake. The writer had never seen logs
floated, assorted or secured before. He had but recently come to
Eau Claire. As he stood iipon the dam in wonder and surprise
why such operations were permitted which caused so much de-
struction and such ruin, he asked why it was permitted to be
done, and received the reply that advice had been taken and they
were powerless to prevent it. He replied that was strange. If
there was no law in Wisconsin to prevent such lawlessness it was
no place for him. He was asked if he could stop it, to which he
replied he could or would move out of the state. To be brief,
arrangement was made to meet him at his office at a later hour.
In the meantime he had satisfied himself there was a remedy
under Wisconsin laws of which he did not have much doubt at
any time. At that meeting the parties Avere told that in view of
the situation not only prompt but severe measures must be re-
sorted to. He outlined his plan. To issue warrants for the arrest
of Bacon and Davis and put them under bonds to keep the peace.
368 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
To have the sheriff call out a posse eommitatus, arm them and be
present at the first boom in Eau Claire county, which was that ot
L. W. Farwell, and as the lawless band of drivers reached that
boom to arrest them all as being engaged in a riot which the stat-
utes clearly defined. Bacon and Davis were arrested at two
o'clock Monday morning as tliey came to the Eau Claire House
from the scene of their operations above. The crew of drivers
had not reached the Farwell boom at this time. The sheriff had
called out more than 250 men, and every man was armed with a
rifle or shotgun. Not one shirked. The remaining booms in Eau
Claire were to be protected at all hazards. Bacon and Davis
were early in the morning brought before R. H. Copeland, a jus-
tice of the peace, who fixed their bonds at $20,000. They saw
the temper of the people, the 200 or more armed men parading
the street ; they realized there was not only danger to their crew
but possibly to themselves. Dr. W. T. Galloway, a personal friend
of Davis, became their bondsman. Finally they agreed, if their
men would not be molested and their personal safety guaranteed,
to withdraw their men and resume their drive only at the south-
ern extremity of the county.
The end, however, was not yet. The next year they threat-
ened to drive the Menomonie river, but learning that Knapp,
Stout & Co. had secured a stand of arms from the state, and real-
izing that any such attempt would be met by force, they aban-
doned it. However, they threatened the Chippewa again, and
this time to cut the booms of the Union Lumber Company at
Chippewa Palls. The writer was called in and in a stormy inter-
view with Mr. Bacon the latter was told that Chippewa Falls
was prepared with arms that had been sent to Menomonie, and
that the temper of the people at Chippewa was the same as that
of Eau Claire, which he had seen. The result Avas that all at-
tempts thereafter to cut booms and make a log-driving stream,
except a little threat made by one Alonzo Shrinker, who was
president of the Beef Slough Company or Mississippi Lumber
Company, were abandoned.
Referring again to the Dells dam, in order to comply witli
the decision of the Supreme Court, it was thought to be neces-
sary that the city be clothed with all the rights and property,
not only such as were essential to the construction and operation
of waterworks, but also the booming and assorting of logs. To
this end the Half Moon Lake Canal Company conveyed its rights
to the city. The millowners had spent a large amount of money,
in the aggregate at least $75,000, in the several attempts to obtain
EAU CLAIRE PRIOK TO INCORPORATION 369
the franchise aud the litigation growing out of it. The city issued
its bonds to the amount of $95,000, the proceeds to be used in
construction of the proposed dam.
A corporation was formed to construct the dam and lo oper-
ate it, the city to construct its own waterworks except certain
M-aterwheels in consideration of the $95,000 for which the city
was bonded, and also when completed the works were to be
leased to the company for the sum of one dollar per year for
the terra of ninety-nine years, and in addition the water rights
aud privileges other than such as was required by the city for
waterworks. The flowage rights were to be obtained by the city
but paid for by the Improvement Company. The works as con-
structed comprised a dam sixteen feet in height across the river,
necessary booms and piers for holding and assorting logs, and
a canal or liume from the west end of the dam to Half Moon lake.
The expense of the dam and works was considerable in excess
of the $95,000 which was paid by the Improvement Company.
The Mississippi River Logging Company, a corporation cre-
ated under the laws of Iowa, succeeded to the property and rights
by lease or purchase of the original parties holding and oper-
ating Beef slough. The millowners on the Mississippi river still
longed for the volume of pine adjacent to the Chippewa river.
Some of them had made large purchases on their own account.
Realizing that any further attempt to drive the Chippewa by
force would be futile, they resorted to another scheme which
proved eminently successful. The plan was for practically all
the Mississippi millowners to join with those at Eau Clpire in
a common pool. That is, the operations should be carried on in
the name of the Mississippi River Logging Company, in whose
name the purchase of timber and logs should be made, each sub-
scriber to have a certain interest in the assets ai-cording to his
subscription, and entitled to a certain quantity of the logs to be
manufactured by him to be taken from the common mass. This
scheme proved attractive to the millowners at Eau Claire It
saved part of the expense of handling logs. It assured to them
at all times a stock of logs. It removed all opposition to holding
logs in check at the Dells for a sufficient time to turii logs as
required into their reservoir, principally Half Moon lake. By
reason of the extensive holdings and purchase of logs by the com-
pany, its immense resources in the way of money, logs could be
secured at practically their own price. There was no other mar-
ket for the independent logger. He must sell his logs to the pool
or not sell at all. It was the most complete monopoly that ever
(
370 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
existed in any branch of trade. Its restraint of trade was never
equalled. The advantage on the part of the millowners upon the
Mississippi was in thus being able to get their supply of logs
from the Chippewa without serious opposition on the part of the
millowners upon that stream. In securing all that interest as
friends instead of foes, their interest in the concern was prac-
tically in proportion eight to one. The result was not only the
making of millionaires of those who became members of the
monopoly, but to rapidly denude the forest of pine, some eight
hundred million feet passing out of the state each year to be
manufactured, and thus to limit the period in which manufacture
of lumber could be carried on within the state. To deprive the
state and locality of the incidental benefits ai'ising from manu-
facture in the •way of employment of labor, the increase in popu-
lation, the increase of manufacture, and the revenue by means
of taxation. It was a partial paralysis of the growth and devel-
opment of Eau Claire.
To be able to successfully carry out this scheme, the exten-
sive mill and works and the large holdings of pine of the Union
Lumber Company at Chippewa Falls were purchased by the
same interest, but in the name of a separate corporation, the Chip-
pewa P'alls Lumber and Boom Company. Extensive dams were
constructed on the main Chij^pewa and its branches for flood-
ing purposes, and to further obtain complete control of the
stream, another corporation, merely in name, was formed to
monopolize the floating of the logs, named the Chippewa River
Log Driving Company.
As a temporary bait to the citizens of Eau Claire and to stifle
opposition on their part, it was proposed to locate the office of this
great concern at Eau Claire. It was never intended to be per-
manent. Tlie office of the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company
was necessarily at Chippewa. The business and interest of the
two concerns was common and it would not be good business
judgment to have the offices of the two concerns at difi:erent
places. However, the greed of this giant monopoly is not only
apparent from the immense profits realized, but was made appar-
ent at that day and continuously thereafter by the fact that it
refused to pay taxes upon its property. It was found that it had
125,000,000 feet of logs that year by the records, although it had
in fact twice that quantity. The authorities at Eau Claire, as
was their bouuden duty, assessed it for this holding of 125,000,-
000 feet. Then came the direct threat in which the membei's from
Eau Claire joined, that if the assessment was insisted upon the
EAU CLAIRE PRIOR TO INCORPORATION 371
office would be removed to Chippewa Falls. No attention was
paid to this threat, the assessment stood and in a few days the
clerks, typewriters and the few articles of furniture of the office
of two small rooms were taken to Chippewa Falls, leaving behind
only the threat of Weyerhauser, the chief organizer, that he would
make the grass grow in the streets of Eau Claire. When the tax
thus levied became due, paj^ment was refused, and it was only
after the safe and its contents of the company then at Chippewa
Falls was seized for the tax that the tax was paid, amounting to
nearly $12,000. The common council of Eau Claire, all but one
of two-thirds of the members of that body, were either interested
in the pool or controlled by some of the local members, adopted
a resolution to refund the money thus collected. The mayor
promptly vetoed it. The attempt to pass it over the mayor's
veto failed only by the lack of one vote. No reason was ever
given or argument advanced why the tax should not have been
paid except that the citizens would derive an incidental benefit
from having the office at Eau Claire. That the prup!_'!ly was
subject to taxation was never questioned. The rates of toll were
fixed at seventy-five cents per thousand feet of logs and timber,
two cents for railroad ties and one cent for fence potts. The
works were completed with a capacity of 200,000,000 feet.
The music hall at the corner of Barstow and Kelsey sti'eets
was erected in 1867 and destroyed by fire in 1871. After a lapse
of three or four years, what was known as the Music Hall Block
was built on its site, and that part of it which was devoted to
amusements was called the City Opera House iintil the Eau Claire
Opera House was built in 1883.
A volunteer fire department was organized on the west side
as far back as 1868, with the following officers: First foreman,
James Tarrant; secretary, W. E. Demming. Engine Company
No. 1 — J. Scott, Fred Rawlins, Jerry Murphy, Benjamin and
John "Wells. Wales II. Willard was the first engineer. The en-
gine was named after Hon. W. F. Bailey, president of the village.
The village afterwards became merged into the city of Eau
Claire. Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was organized. At
a meeting held April 29, 1873, at the then city rooms in the
Gleason Block the following officers were appointed : William
Bonell, Sr., foreman; Peter Girneau, first assistant; W. F. Cook,
second assistant; H. Slingluff, secretary; John Joyce, treasurer,
and Captain John Kelly, fire warden. Among the members were
John Bubser, John Hancock, John Foster, Hugh Fitzpatrick,
Philip Fitzpatrick, George Sebenthal, William Bonell, Jr., D. C.
372 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Whipple, William Dean, Andrew Oleson, John McCool, Charles
Lang, M. R. Brown, Matt Stoddard, A. D. Wyman, T. B. John-
son, S. Braekett, W. M. Bell, M. II. Donaldson, Henry Hendricks,
Den Callahan, W. G. Butterfield, P. B. Buell, I. Norman, James
Graves, L. Barnard, George Wyman, D. Merrimau, Elisha Ross,
James McMahan, D. H. Murphy, T. Gilbertson, D. 6. McDonald,
Jacob Kuhn, P. Yeager, J. H. Hartman, John Hallman, N. Sloggy,
John Hancock and Charles Mabbit.
At a meeting of the fire-fighters held June 25, 1873, at the west
side engine house, the City Volunteer Fire Department was or-
.ganized when the following officers were elected: Eugene Bul-
lard, chief; William Bonell, Sr., first assistant; Jerry Murphy,
second assistant ; W. E. J. Demming, secretary, and John Joyce,
treasurer. In 1874 Capt. A. M. Sherman was chief. The changes
in 1875 were the appointment of W. F. Cook as chief, and Edward
Oliver as second assistant. John T. Tinker was chief in 1876, and
Julius Churchill held that position in 1877. The city purchased
an additional steamer in April, 1875 — G. E. Porter No. 2. It was
assigned to the members of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1,
and they changed the name of their organization to Hook and
Ladder Company No. 2. Engine Company No. 1 was continued
up to the time the city took charge of the department.
CHAPTER XXI.
LUMBER INTERESTS.
The Imnber interests have always been foremost in the growth
and prosperity of the whole Chippewa valley and Eau Claire
I'spoeially. The water facilities at this point for sawmills, espe-
ciiiUy (111 the Eau Clair(> river, is what first attracted lumbermen
to this locality. From one little mill started in 1846 by McCann,
Randall & Thomas, there grew up a number of what may be
justly called mammoth institutions. The almost insurmountable
difficulties some of them had to contend with by reason of floods,
the natural courses of the rivers and linancial depression are
noted at length elsewhere. This mill was destroyed by the flood
of 1847, and another one was erected in its place in the winter of
1847-48 by George W. and Simon Randall in association with
Philo Stone and H. Cady. The last named disposed of his inter-
est to Mr. Swim, and Simon Randall's share went to Mr. Pope.
'I'liis was early in the "fifties." The firm thus became Stone,
Swim & Co., and they parted with the jn-operty in the spring
of 1855 to Carson, Eaton & Downs.
The second sawmill was built on the Eau Claire river by J. J.
Gage, James Rfi'A an.l C.iptain Dix in 1848. This property with
large tracts of pine lands and one-half the village plat became
vested in the two first named parties. After operating the mill
for several years the whole property was placed on the market.
Adin Randall came to Eau Claire in the summer of 1855 and
undertook to find a purchaser. As a preliminary step he obtained
a bond from the owners agreeing to dispose of the property at a
fixed price. He negotiated with Nelson C. Chapman and J. G.
Thorp, who purchased the property in May, 1856, for $42,000,
although they did not come to Eau Claire and take possession
until the following year. Shortly afterward they purchased the
entire property of Carson, Eaton & Downs, and thus became the
proprietors of both mills. Nelson C. Chapman was born in Dur-
ham, Green county, N. Y., in 1811, removing to Norwich, Che-
nango county, when sixteen years of age. He remained there,
doing a successful business, until 1846, when he removed to Ox-
ford in the same county and entered into partnership with J. G.
Thorp. His birthplace was Butternuts, X. Y., and the date 1812.
373
374 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
He entered the store of Ira Wilcox at Oxford in 1829. Seven
years afterward he was taken into partnership and the firm was
known as I. Wilcox & Co. In 1846 the senior member disposed
of his interest to N. C. Chapman, and thus was formed the firm
of Chapman & Thorp. The business Avas carried on in the same
place until 1857, when Mr. Thorp removed to Eau Claire and Mr.
Chapman went to St. Loiiis where he continued the business of
the firm until his death in 1873.
An amusing incident grew out of the contract with Gage &
Reed, at least to those who were not affected by it. A certain
sum was paid down and the balance was to be liquidated by in-
stallments. Gold was plentiful at this time and did not command
a premium, so no stipulation was made as to the mode in which
the accruing sums were to be discharged. Before the last pay-
ment became due, money in any shape, but especially gold, was
not to be found in the West. Gage & Reed having signified their
intention not to accept anything else, looked forward to a fore-
closure, particularly as the sum amounted to $9,000. When the
day for settlement came their astonishment can be more readily
imagined than described when the money, principal and interest,
was handed to them in American gold. Such was the manner in
which this firm condiicted their business. By adhering to this
system they established a name and credit that carried them not
only through the monetary eri.sis that existed from 1861 to 1865,
while thousands became bankrupt, but to success. Not only did
they surmount all difficulties, but in t^n years they had made
valuable accessions to their real estate. ' ' - ,
In 1866 the Eau Claire Lumber Company was incorporated,
with a paid-up capital of $160,000, with Joseph G. Thorp as its
president. Such was the magnitude of its rapidly increasing busi-
ness that in 1880 its capital had increased to $3,000,000. In addi-
tion to the lumber mill plant it had at one time machine shops,
flouring mills and an elevator in Eau Claire, besides mills at Ma-
ridean and Alma, giving a combined capacity of 100,000,000 feet
a year. As much as 40,000,000 feet of lumber was cut in one
year. The company erected a large brick store in 1874 to replace
the one destroyed by fire that year for the retailing of general
merchandise at a cost of $30,000. At one time the transactions
of this branch of the business amounted to $350,000 a year.
The losses of the company at variQus times by fire and flood
would aggregate a very large amount. The extensive flourmill
was destroyed by fire in 1877 when a loss of $50,000 was sus-
tained, with insurance of $27,000. On December 19, 1878, the
LUMBER INTERESTS 375
machine shop was also burned clown. A year afterward the boiler
of the planing mill exploded, killing J. Wright Hoskins (the
engineer), Anthony Gallagher and Michael Helping. Thomas
Hall was also injured and the mill badly shattered. The shingle
mill went up in flames in June, 1890, inflicting a loss of $15,000.
The Mississippi River Logging Company purchased the whole
of the property in 1887 and the business \vas carried on by them.
Another successful mill enterprise was that inaugurated by
the late Daniel Shaw at what was named after him, Shawtown.
He located his plant at the outlet of Half Moon lake in 1856. He
was born in 1813 at Industry, Franklin county, Maine, and chose
lumbering as a vocation and engaged in business in Allegany
county, N. Y. He was successful in the selection he had made,
but, desiring to enlarge his sphere of operations, he came to Wis-
consin in 1855 and traveled through the Chippewa valley pine
district. Satisfied with the outlook, he, in association with Mr.
Clark, the father of Dewitt C. Clark, purchased a large quantity
of pine lands and removed to Eau Claire with his family the fol-
lowing year. Another element that induced him to take this
course was that he had been successful in associating himself
with Ingram & Kennedy, Smith & Ball and Adin Randall, and
obtaining a charter from the legislature authorizing them to
excavate a race or canal from the river to Half Moon lake and
establish a sheer boom at a suitable point, and so stock the mills
at Shawtown. The whole work was pressed forward with com-
mendable dispatch, but the terrible collapse in the commercial
centers of the West and the almost total prostration of the lumber
trade in the next succeeding years placed an effectual cheek on
these operations and presented obstacles to running the mill with
satisfactory results that few men could surmount; but he battled
with them all and came out the victor by associating himself
with Mr. C. A. BuUeu. The firm finally succeeded in establishing
the business on a solid basis when the mill was destroyed by fire
in August, 1867. Nothing daunted, the firm rebuilt the mill in
the same year on a more extensive scale and with improved
machinery, augmenting their resources by taking into partner-
ship with them Newell & Ferguson.
The institution was incorporated in 1874 as the Daniel Shaw
Lumber Company, with a capital of $500,000. The first officers
were : Daniel Shaw, president ; C. A. Bullen, vice-president ; C. S.
Newell, treasurer, and G. B. Shaw, secretary. Additions were
made to the plant which occupied many acres of land with twelve
buildings.
376 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The Empire Lumber Company also had its works at Shaw-
town. A mill was erected there by Ingram. Dole & Kennedy in
1856. Mr. Dole retired soon afterward and the firm became
known as Ingram & Kennedy. They were previously operating
in Canada. The hard times of 1857 taxed their resources to the
utmost, and to add to the impediments in the way to establish-
ing a successful business the mill was, about two years later on,
consumed by fire. This loss was, however, overcome, and after
struggling through the depression that existed during the war
period, business gradually improved under the able management
of the senior partner. At about the same time, and adjacent to
the site of the Ingram & Kennedy mill, another mill was con-
structed by John P. Pinkum and operated by him, liaviiig a
capacity of about 30,000 feet per day.
In 1869 they purchased of Arthur M. and John S. Sherman
what is known as the "Eddy" mill, which was located north-
east of Mount Simon on the Chippewa river. The members of
the firm ultimately associated themselves with the Charles Hor-
ton Lumber Company, of Winona, Minn., and Dulany & McVeign,
of Hannibal, Mo., and organized the Empire Lumber Company
on March 26, 1881, witli a capital of ^800,000, Jlr. Kennedy
retiring.
The sawmill erected by Adin Randall in 1856 on what later on
became Menomonie street, "Randall's Land" passed shortly
after into the hands of Smith & Ball. George A. Buffington, who
came to Eau Claire in 1856 from Cattaraugus county, New York,
and ran a livery and kept a hotel, purchased the interest of the
junior member of the firm in the mill property in 1859. The
institution was thenceforth and until March 5, 1872, operated
by Smith & Buffington, when it was incorporated with a capital
of $250,000. The first officers were George A. Buffington, presi-
dent ; C. M. Smith, vice-president, and C. M. Buffington, secretary.
The old mill was removed in 1874 and one of the largest steam
mills in the valley erected on its site, William Carson having
purchased the interest of Smith, and with this addition the com-
pany became financially strong, and owing to the integrity and
good business judgment of both Mr. Carson and Mr. Buffington,
the entire transaction was a grand success. The capacity of the
plant was 25,000,000 feet of lumber, 20,000,000 shingles and about
15,000,000 laths and pickets a year. The number of men em-
ployed was 200, including tlie mill hands and those engaged
in the lumber camps.
In 1868 a small rotary sawmill was built on an island above
• LUMBER INTERESTS 377
the Dells, three miles and a half from Eau Claii-e, but within the
city limits, by Preseott, Burditt & Co., with a daily capacity of
nearly 40,000 feet. A few years afterward, 1873-74, this mill
was torn down and replaced with a gang and rotary mill having
a daily capacity of 100,000 feet. It was operated until and
including- the year 1889, cutting from 10,000,000 to 16,000,000
feet of lumber each season. The business was organized in 1879
as a corporation under the name of the Dells Lumber Company,
with a capital of $100,000.
A gang and rotary mill was built by R. F. Wilson, of the Avest
side of the Chippewa river, a short distance north of the Madison
street bridge, in about 1878, but was burned down two years
later. It was rebuilt by the Pioneer Lumber Company, which
operated for a time, then it remained idle for about four years
iind was then sold to the Dells Lumber Company.
Arthur M. and John S. Sherman settled in Eau Claire in the
winter of 1856-57, and in 1860 commenced the erection of a mill
at Big Eddy, later known as the Eddy mill. It was sold by them
to Ingram & Kennedy in 1869. The brotliers then engaged in
the logging business and bought an interest in what was known
as the Boyd mill, which Avent out with the flood of 1880 and was
landed in a completely demoralized condition seven miles down
tlie river. In the fall of 1880 they began the erection of the
Sherman mill on the east side of Half Moon lake, which was com-
pleted in July, 1881. After operating about one year it was
burned down. It was tlien rebuilt by the owners, who sold a con-
trolling interest in it to the Chippewa Logging Company. The
logging company then purchased the interest of the Sherman
brothers. After running the mill for several years under the
name of the Sherman Lumber Company, it was shut down. It
was next sold to John S. Owen and R. E. Rust, who associated
themselves together and organized the West Eau Claire Mill
Company in 1887. with a capital of $42,000. The Sherman mill
thus became merged in this company.
The Westville Lumber Company was incorporated in 1882,
with a capital of $100,000, for the manufacture and marketing of
lumber, and operated a mill at Shawtown on or near the site of
the Alexander Boyd mill hereafter referred to.
The Rust-Owen Lumber Company was incorporated in April,
1882, with a capital of $300,000, with the mills at Drummond,
Bayfield county. Wis. The principal office was at Eau Claire.
The Davis & Starr Lumber Company was organized in June,
1886, with a capital of $100,000, which was increased to $250,000.
378 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The corporation owned and operated a small mill at Little Black,
Taylor county, on the Ashland division of the Wisconsin Central,
now the Soo Railroad. This mill was burned down in the spring
of 1889, and a new plant with the latest improvements was
erected the same year. The main ofSce was at Eau Claire.
The Montreal Lumber Company was incorporated, Avitli its
principal office at Eau Claire, in August, 1887, with a capital of
$500,000. The works were at Gile, a suburb of Hurley, on the
Montreal river, Ashland county, "Wis.
The Sterling Lumber Company was incorporated in March,
1888, with a capital of $100,000, with main offices in Eau Claire.
The mill was located at Sterling, Clark county, Wis., on the Wis-
consin Central Railway.
At an early date, the exact date not being remembered, a mill
was constructed near the entrance of the canal into Half Moon
lake by Stephen Marston. This mill was abandoned a few years
later. Mr. Marston came from Maine and was among the early
settlers of Eau Claire. He engaged in the mercantile business
which he carried on successfully. He died many years ago.
jMead and Angel operated a mill on Plalf Moon lake in 1867
and 1868 and prior thereto. Wilcox and Parker also operated
a shingle mill on the lake during the same time. Wilson and
Poster in 1867 and prior thereto operated a mill near the en-
trance of the canal and adjacent to the Pinkum mill. It was
not a success financially and was finally abandoned.
Porter and Moon operated a mill at or near the outlet to
Wheatou Springs for some years.
This firm also had an extensive mill located at Portersville,
in the town of Brunswick, particular mention being made where
that town is considered. It purchased from the Mississippi River
Logging Company the interest they purchased from the Eau
Claire Lumber Company and operated the mills until within a
few years. Also their extensive mill and interest at Stanley,
th(> principal office being at Eau Claire, the name of all the con-
cerns here being changed to that of the Northwestern Lumber
Company. The Northwestern Lumber Company is found in the
industries of Eau Claire.
Alexander Boyd owned and operated a mill at Shawtown as
early as 1866. Also W. B. Estabrook. McGuire and McRae
owned and operated a mill in the town of Union, located on the
west side of the Cliippewa river a few miles south of Eau Claire.
There was also another mill called the Gordon mill located a
short distance from the mill last named.
CHAPTER XXII
REIGN OF TERROR IN EAU CLAIRE.
Early in August, 1862, bands of the Sioux Indians fell upon
New Ulm and other towns in Minnesota, murdering men, women
and children, and sending terror into every settlement. Stories
of these deeds were widely spread and magnified until the atmos-
phere was laden with terror and tidings of danger sent abroad
without reason. In the early morning of the last Sunday of this
month a dense fog rested upon the Chippewa Valley, and many
Miiose nerves were shaken with vague fears fancied that they
saw savages lurking in the woods. The whole country became
panic stricken, the wildest tales were believed, "a thousand of
the fiends lurked in the big swamp and on the Chippewa bot-
toms," in short, all through the valley. The farmers around the
town gathered here, bringing additional stories of savages in
ambush, smoke rising from burning houses, etc. The churches
were quickly emptied, a committee of safety was appointed, and
women and children assembled in Maxston's Hall, which was ■'
chosen as a fort of defense on the east side, while the home of
0. H. Ingram served the same purpose on the west side of the j. - i- ■ V
river. W. P. Bartlett bore the rank of major, having received -tv,/-yv^'6«
his commission from the governor previously, but he agreed with
the citizens in the choice of a tried soldier as leader. This proved
to be E. R. Hantzsch, a gallant follower of Walker in his expedi-
tion against Nicaragua in 1855. He organized and drilled his
forces, armed them with rifles, pitchforks, scythes and spades,
sent out patrols to guard the streets and scouting parties to
watch for the foe, and did all that valor, experience and zeal
could put forth against the real and imminent danger.
The few hotels as well as the improvised forts were filled witli
women and children who had thronged in from the country fos
miles around. The day passed, citizens and refugees alike were
forcibly alive to sounds which might mean attack from the
dreaded Indians. At nightfall mothers hushed their children to
sleep and longed for daybreak. Valorous citizens of every rank,
profession or trade, were at their stations of defense, with pike
pole, axe or shotgun listening for the stealthy tread of the wily
Sioux. But at sunrise the cheerful mien of the brave defenders
379
380 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
proved that the foe had existed only in the imaginations of
excited minds, refugees returned to their deserted homes, village
housewives replenished their pantry shelves, which had been
freely emptied to feed the invading hosts, and returned to cus-
tomary duties with thankful heart — the valley settled down to its
wanted calm — and "the Indian scarce" became an idle talc to
furnish amusement in days to come.
Mr. Thomas McBean has to say in regard to an article pub-
lished in a neighboring newspapers wherein Mr. Warren L. Brad-
shaw, of Durand, mentioned an incident which occurred in the
lower Chippewa Valley, in which the Chippewa and Sioux Indians
met in conflict near Chippewa Falls and three Chippewas were
scalped. "It calls to my mind," says Mr. McBean, "that when
I came to Chippewa in 1856 the talk was still fresh of a fight
between the Chippewas and the Sioux on the blufl" across from
the Chippewa river from the Blue Mills (now Lake Hallie) that
occurred in the fall of 1855. At that time and for years before
the big woods over on the Menomonie was the dividing line
between the hostile Chippewas and Sioux. 'Thus far thou shalt
come but no farther,' was the war cry, although they fought
wherever they met. On this occasion a band of Sioux crossed
the 'dead line' and were met by a band of Chippewas on the
Chippewas Bluff, and an all day fight in the woods and brush
took place. Who were victorious it was hard to tell, for as night
came on the Sioux decamped for a 'Happier hunting ground."
The Chippewas came to the Falls with the mangled remains of
their Sioux left on the field of battle, and as the braves marched
back, around their necks hung the trophies of war ; some had a
head, some an arm, others a leg and different parts of the anatomy
decorated the valiant warriors. That night a big war dance was
held over by the big mill, bonfires were lit, the tom-toms brought
into play, and the night was spent in a grand pow-wow. This,
it is said, was the last fight that took place between the Chip-
pewas and the Sioux on Wisconsin soil."
CHAPTER XXI 1 1
THE CITY OF EAU CLAIRE.
In March, 1872, the residents of Eaii Claire obtained a charter
fi'om the legislature whereby the villages became a city. It is
picturesquely situated in the valley of the Chippewa river, and
is x)rotected on the northeast side and northwest by two ranges
of hills, or series of bluffs, through which the river runs. Directly
in front of them, and due north, is Mount Simon, the highest of
the hills. On the south is a sweeping range of bluffs, which turn
to the southeast, and, turning again due east, form the southern
bank of the Eau Claire river, with Mount Agnes in the southeast
corner and Mount Tom due east. West of Half Moon lake is
another range of bluffs, so that the city is surrounded by hills,
except at the inlet and outlet of the Chippewa river. The cit.y
is well watered by the river named and the Half Moon lake on
tile west, in the center of which is Island Park.
The city is divided into three parts, known as the North,
East and West sides. They are all well laid out in streets, espe-
cially on the West side, most of which run from north to south
and east to west. They are nearly all graded and aggi-egate
sixty-five miles in length. The principal business thoroughfares
on the East side are: Barstow, Kelsey, Eau Claire, Gibson and
J\iver streets. On the North side : North Barstow, Galloway,
;\Iadison and Wisconsin streets. On the West side : Water,
Bridge, Bellinger and Meuomonie streets. The majority of the
business houses are of brick. The leading residence streets on
the East side are Farwell, State, River and Summit, Marston
and Gilbert avenues. Those on the West side are : Niagara, Hud-
son, Lake and Bridge streets, Broatlway and Second, Third and
Fourth avenues. On the North side are : Wisconsin and Gallo-
way streets. The finest residences are on the West side and in
the southern part of the East side.
The whole city is well lighted by electricity — the power for
Avhicli is obtained from the Dells dam on the Chippewa. Thei'e
ai'e five commodious cemeteries, one at Forest Hill, on the east
side; Lake View ciinctcry on the plateau immediately beyond the
l)luffs west of Half-iloon lake, and four on the north side — two
Catholic, one Norwegian and one Jewish.
381
382 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
These are under the control of the city council, and every
effort will be made to beautify them. New additions have been
opened for each cemetery, and a plan has been developed under
which lot owners can provide for perpetual care of the lots
through the income from special deposits they may make. Lake
View overlooks Carson Park on its lovely island below, and is
bordered on the north by Buffington Heights, the latest of the
parks added to the city's beauty jslaces.
Eau Claire has a population of nearly twenty thousand people,
is the county seat of Eau Claire county, is situated at the junction
of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers and is 84 miles east of St.
Paul and 231 miles northwest of Chicago. In and tributary to
Eau Claire there are about 100,000 H. P. of water, making it the
great waterpower city of northern Wisconsin. The Chippewa
Valley Railway, Light and Power Co. have just completed a
hydro-electric plant at Cedar Falls, which will bring 12,000 H. P.
to Eau Claire to be used for manufacturing and power purposes.
On the three railroads which enter and leave the city forty-eight
trains pass through daily. Nineteen million people can be reached
within less than eleven hours' travel from Eau Claire. There are
about one hundred and eleven factories and all are busy. Eau
Claire machinery is sold all over the world. The $100,000 Y. M.
C. A. building, the Public Library, and the Eau Claire Club are
the best of buildings for the purposes they serve and are unsur-
passed in the state except in Milwaukee. There are three hos-
pitals, one tuberculosis sanitarium and a county asylum. A shale
and gravel roadway extending from the cemeteries on the north
side to the line of the city limits on the Chippewa road, a distance
of 21^ miles, has just been completed. The Eau Claire automobile
owners contributed one-half the cost of this improvement, which
forms a splendid thoroughfare nearly half the way to Chippewa
Falls, these two cities being also connected by an excellent street
car service. The interurban street car line between Eau Claire
and Altooua is of great value, and doubtless the Wisconsin-Minne-
sota Light and Power Company will soon extend lines to other
neighboring cities, Menomonie, Mondovi, Augusta, and Bloomer.
There are two miles of forest drive in Putnam Park, and when
the parks lately donated to the city are united by the proposed
parkway system there will be a continuous stretch of charming
scenery for many miles through and around the city to be en-
joyed by beauty lovers in carriages, automobiles, or on foot.
There are two miles of brick pavement in the city streets and
nine miles of macadam and manv miles of concrete sidewalk.
THE CITY OP EAU CLAIRE 383
The present commission plan of city government was inaugu-
rated in April, 1910, Eau Claire being the first city in Wisconsin
to adopt the plan. All municipal business is managed by the
mayor and two couneilmen who maintain a strict supervision of
the various city activities. The city owns the waterworks system
and administers the same through the council. The rates are ex-
tremely low and it is difficult to keep pace with the demand for
extensions.
There are twenty-one miles of sewer, including the storm
Avater and sanitary drainage system. Additional sewer work is
demanded every year and is being provided as rapidly as possi-
ble. The lighting plan at present covers 154 arc lights. A new
system has been laid out for the addition of a large number of
lamps which will include a high illumination district extending
from Madison to Jones street on Barstow and from Farwell street
to Second avenue on Grand avenue.
There are six theaters, including the moving picture houses,
and three large hotels, the Eau Claii'e, the Galloway, the Com-
mercial, and a number of smaller ones.
The city's assessed valuation is about $10,500,000. The net
bonded indebtedness will be less than $200,000.00, including the
recent issue of $75,000 for the new bridge.
The bank clearings are over ten millions for the year 1913.
The city has a thoroughly adequate natural drainage. The
street grades are good, and have a sufficient fall to rapidly clear
themselves of water in time of storm. The soil is extreraely
porous, thus making it possible for tlie city to be healthy without
as complete a sewerage system as would otherwise be necessary.
Tliere is abundant means for the disposal of sewage. Witli the
Chippewa river running through the city from north to south
and the Eau Claire passing through much of the thickly inhabited
portion, together with the Little Niagara stream, south of the east
side, which will, in the future, be very valuable as a sewage re-
ceptacle for that portion of the city, and Half Moon lake, Avhich
can be used at any time when necessary, the complete sanitation
of the city is at all times assured. There are many miles of sewers,
including separate and distinct systems, each having an outlet of
its own. All the paved streets are well provided with catch
basins for conducting the water from the surface to the seWers,
which empty themselves into the two rivers. The sewage is thus
transported via "The Father of Waters" to the Gulf of Mexico.
The highest point under the established grade, that is the
highest street that has a grade established on it, is 151 feet above
384 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the low water level of the Chippewa river. The levels all run,
taking the low water mark of the river as a base or level datum.
This base is 180 feet above Lake Michigan, which is 589 feet
above sea level. Hence the city is 769 feet above sea level at
the low water mark of the Chippewa river, and the main portion
of it 31 feet above this mark, so that, on an average, it is 800 feet
above the sea level. The climate is pleasant, healthy and invig-
orating, the yearly mean temperature being 46 degrees Fahren-
heit. The average mean temperature of winter is 20 degrees,
of spring and autumn 47, and of summer 72. The prevailing
winds in the spring are from the northeast, in the summer from
the south and southeast, and in the autumn and winter from the
west. According to the reports furnished the State Board of
Health and vital statistics, Eau Claii'e is one of the healthiest
cities in the United States.
The different sections of the city are linked together with six
liighway bridges, four of these span the Chippewa river, one
connecting the north and west side, and three, the east and west
sides. The tirst mentioned is a combination bridge of steel and
wood. The first of the other three is of steel and connects Grand
avenue east and Grand avenue west. The next in order is
of solid concrete, nearly finished, connecting Summit avenue on
the east side with Water street on the west side. The last is a
wooden structure connecting Suawtowu with the vacant lajid o:i
the east side. There are also b'idges across the Eau Claire river
connecting the east and north sides, one of which is of solid con-
crete and the other of steel. The floods of 1880 and 1884, as fully
appears in the article devoted to floods, destroyed the several
bridges then existing at these several locations, and those men-
tioned here are such as have been erected since.
In January, 1857, preliminary instructions were given by the
Board of Supervisors for the construction of a bridge across the
Eau Claire river, between Chapman & Thorp's and Carson &
p]aton's mills on the north side and opposite Dewey street on the
south side. There was .$750.00 appropriated for this purpose, and
the bridge was open to the public in 1859. Previous and up to
this time a ferry had been operated between the two points by
Adin Randall. A new structure was erected in 1874 by the Eau
Claire Lumber Company at a cost of $2,947.00, and in 1887 an iron
bridge was substituted for it at an outlay of $10,000. The bridge,
a wooden structure, across the Eau Claire at Barstow street was
washed away by the flood of 1884 and a new one built in its place.
The other bridge in the heart of the city is that of Madison street.
THE CITY OF BAU CLAIRE 38r.
acd connects the two northern sections of Eau Claire together.
There are also two bridges in the southern and southwestern sec-
tions of the city across the Chippewa. The Mississippi Logging
Company had two foot bridges over the Eau Claire, one at its
lower mill and the other at its upper mill.
According to the act approved March 28, 1889, revising the
original charter of the city, and the several amendments thereof,
the territory and limits of the city are all of sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, and 30, of township 27 north, of
range 9 west, and lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and the east half
of the northwest quarter of section 25, and the east half of section
24 of township 27, north of range 10 west.
Since the incorporation of Eau Claire as a city the following
gentlemen have held the office of mayor: Hiram P. Graham was
the first mayor, he having been elected in 1872, and served two
terms. He was followed by J. P. Nelson in 1874, G. E. Porter
in 1875, G. A. Buffington in 1876, L. M. Vilas in 1877, W. F. Bailey
in 1878-79, George W. Chapman in 1880, J. F. Moore in 1881, Dr.
E. T. Farr in 1882-83, W. P. Bailey in 1884, PI. D. Davis in 1885,
D. W. Day in 1886, John Grinsell in 1887, W. A. Rust in 1888-89,
George B. Shaw in 1890, John Hunner in 1891-92, John Ure in
1893, George H. Hopper in 1894, T. A. Cameron in 1895-96, Henry
L. Day in 1897, W. II. Frawley in 1898, S. S. Kepler in 1899, David
Douglas in 1900-01-02-03-04, and 1905, William Rowe; 1906-
07-08-09, W. H. Frawley. The present mayor, John B. Fleming,
was elected in 1910, and by re-election has held the office till the
present time.
THE SAWDUST WAR.
In the early 80 's Eau Claire was known throughout the country
as a great sawmill center. The industry had developed from
the early 50 's and but few labor disputes or difficulties had
occurred.
Early in July, 1881, agitation for a ten-hour day was started
and on Monday, July 18, with scarcely any warning, several
hundred men employed by the Eau Claire Lumber Company quit
work at an early hour in the morning. Their demand for a
ten-hour day was refused. A procession was formed and the
strikers went around several of the other mills, compelling all
men to quit work and join their ranks. They were successful in
gaining recruits at every mill but one, that of Sherman Bros.,
on the east side of Half Moon Lake. The fires were put out at
some of the mills and in several instances physical violence was
386 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
resorted to, to induce the workers to leave. As days went by the
excitement became more intense and labor agitators made threats
of destruction of the milling properties.
Mayor E. J. Farr kept Governor William E. Smith infonned
of the condition of affairs. The Governor came to the city and
personally investigated the trouble, with the result that on July
22, 1881, General Edwin E. Bryant, Adjutant General of Wis-
consin, issued Special Orders No. 20, directing Lieutenant-Colonel
W. B. Britton to assemble A Company (the Janesville Guards),
B Company (the Bower City Rifles), and the Beloit City Guard
for active service at Eau Claire. Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler P.
Chapman was ordered to assemble the Lake City Guards, the
Governor's Guard, the Guppy Guard, and the Watertown Rifles
and proceed to Eau Claire. Captain B. F. Parker, at Mausten,
was also directed to assemble his company' and proceed to Eau
Claire. All of these companies arrived the following day and
reported to the Mayor, Hon. E. J. Farr. In all there were about
three hundred and seventy-five officers and men. Shortly before
their arrival some of the more prominent strike leaders were
arrested.
A portion of the companies encamped on Randall Park, which
Avas named "Camp Farr," and others at the County Court House.
The presence of the troops in the city had a quieting influence
and the differences between the employers and the employees were
finally settled. A portion of the troops remained until July 28.
Previous to the departure of the soldiers, the ladies of the
west side served a banquet to officers and men. IMayor Farr and
a niimber of leading citizens were also present and made addresses
complimentary to tlie conduct and discipline of the troops.
Among people of note who had their home in Eau Claire we
mention the widow of 6. P. R. James, the English historian and
novelist. Mrs. James dwelt here with her two sons for many
years after the death of her husband in Venice, where he was
then British Consul-General. She was a woman of refinement,
strength of character and many lovable traits which endeared
her to all who knew her. Also the wife of Ole Bull, the renowned
violinist, passed a part of her childhood in the village, and after
her marriage to the eminent musician was a frequent visitor here
with her father, the Honorable J. G. Thorp.
CHAPTER XXIV.
EAU CLAIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
By
JAMES P. WELSH.
Prior to 1872 Eau Claire was composed of three villages, West,
East and North Eau Claire, each under a separate government.
While East Eau Claire was the greatest sufferer from fire in those
early days, it appears that West Eau Claire was the most pro-
gressive in regard to fire protection. Eau Claire, dating from the
year 1856, down through the years of its infancy and until such
a time when there was some organized effort made for fire
extinguishment, suffered greatly from the ravages of fire.
I will herewith review a few fires \\'hich in those early days
were considered of a serious nature. On January 19, 1864, a fire
occurred on the corner of Barstow and Eau Claire streets, com-
pletely destroying a building occupied by John^Horan. The citi-
zens .worked with great energy and finallj' succeeded in prevent-
ing the further spread of the fire. This was the first fire that
occurred on the east side of the river. The Free Press comments
on this fire and points the necessity of a hook and ladder company
for this place. On January, 1866, what was called the Williams
block fire occurred, one of the sufferers in this fire was the Free
Press, being the second time that they burned out ; previous fire
occurred in 1864. On September 27, 1866, the Free Press came out
strongly in an editorial urging upon the people to organize a
fire department. On August 8, 1867, Daniel Shaw & Co.'s mill
burned, thereby sustaining a loss they could ill afford in those
early days. On October 17, 1867, the Free Press again advocated
the organization of a fire department. November 8, 1867, the
Lower mill on the Eau Claire river, owned by Chapman & Thorp,
burned. On January 23 the Free Press again urged some fire pro-
tection. Thursday, May 15, 1869, Eau Claire House barn
destroyed ; large body of river men succeeded in stopping spread
of fire. On May 27, 1869, a disastrous fire occurred, destroying
the two blocks on the west side of Barstow street between Main
and Gibson, also one block on the east side of Barstow street
between Main and Kelsey (now Grand avenue E.). A hard fight
was successfully made at Main street to stoj) the fire. The stop
387
388 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
was made at Mommoth Wooden Store of S. Marston, in which the
post office was located, S. E. corner of Main and Barstow. Com-
ment was made by Free Press that a small hand engine might
have saved much property; loss estimated at $150,000.00. June
16, 1869, Johnston Hall building, in West Eau Claire, burned.
H. H. DeYarman, owner. Insurance, $11,000.00. September 27,
1869, building opposite Niagara House, in West Eau Claire,
occupied by E. C. Monroe harness shop; D. P. Barnes as fanning
mill manufacturing; building adjoining the Anthony Schaefer
liquor store ; extraordinary labor j^revented spread of fire. Janu-
ary 26, 1870, unknown cause of fire in J. P. Nelson's barn. Busi-
ness houses destroyed. E. Robert Hantzsch distillery; Foster &
Jones grocery store; Buck & Anderson, hardware; Ed. Munden,
grocer; John Moe, jewelry ; comment by Free Press, one fire engine
could have stopped fire. This fire was west of Barstow, near Main
street. August 18, 1870, residence of D. Kennedy caught fire.
Capt. Frank Hatch, chief of fire department, LaCrosse, and editor
of LaCrosse Leader, happened to be riding by at the time. He
combated the fire successfully. January 19, 1871, Weber Hall,
corner Main and Barstow, building back of hall occupied by Hor-
rigan & Groundwater tailor sliop. G. B. Chapman & Co. 's estab-
lishment adjoining on Barstow street, threatened. Loss, $16.-
000.00. June 24, 1871, fire James Notes' bakery, Gibson street.
Communicated to adjoining structures. Nearly entire block in
ruins. Nobes' bakery insured for $2,000.00. White tin shop
insured for $3,000.00. F. R. Skinner frame building on Eau Claire
street, insured for $1,650.00. E. R. Hantzsch saloon, insured for
$800.00. Total, $7,450.
April 24, 1875. A block of buildings now occupied by tlie
Y. M. C. A. property was entirely destroyed by fire which included
the W. H. Bailey paint store; M. E. Stearns shoe shop; James
Black, barber ; William Burns, dwelling, and the American House,
which was owned by Peter Hart.
May 5, 1875. Our jail, a large wooden structure located on
Doty street between Main and Graj- streets, Avas destroyed.
August 20, 1875. The Graham & White Co. plant (now the
Phoenix Manufacturing Company) burned to the ground. This
plant at that time was located on north side of Eau Claire river,
directly opposite the W. H. Hobbs garage.
April 23, 1882. A fire occurred, entailing the largest loss ever
sustained in the city of Eau Claire. This fire occurred on AVater
street, completely destroying three blocks of buildings situated
between Fourth and Sixth avenues. Two blocks on the north side
" '^i
1
1
EAU CLAIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT 389
and one on the south side of Water street. Seventy-three build-
ings were burned, of which thirty-three were business houses, and
destroyed property to the extent of $250,000.00. Fire brands from
a steam boat while moving out from its landing at the foot of
Fourth avenue ignited rubbish near an oil house" and from there
spread very rapidly. Wales Willard, engineer of Fire Engine No.
1, with admirable fidelity to his trust, stood by his engine and
worked it effectively upon adjoining property while his own
house and shop, a short distance away, caught fire and burned.
No. 1 Engine House was also destroyed in this fire.
Early in the year 1870 tliree six-gallon fire extinguishers
were provided for East Eau Claire, to be kept at the residence
of each of the three trustees of the village. B. J. Churchill was
one of the trustees at that time and answered many alarms of
fire with the chemical strapped to his back. In the same year a
liand fire engine was purchased by West Eau Claire which proved
somewhat of a failure; later (1874) it was sold to Matt Johannes
for $7.50, he buying it for his boys to play with. On January 27,.
1871, a new third class Silsby steam fire engine, purchased by
West Eau Claire village, arrived amid great rejoicing. This
was the first substantial fire fighting apparatus that was purchased
in Eau Claire. About this time Captain A. M. Sherman was
identified with the fire department, also was in charge of the
police. Nathan Rundle was at, or about this time, foreman of our
only fire company, located at the site now occiipied by No. 5
hose eompanj', the new steam engine was also located there and
christened the W. F. Bailey; this was brought about by Mr.
Bailey furnishing some funds toward the purchase of the engine.
This engine was given its initial test by taking water at the foot
of Fourth avenue and forcing it through 1000 feet of hose and
over the Baptist church spire, on the corner of Niagara and
Fourth avenue, then they forced water through two lines of hose
to a height of eighty feet. This test took place January 30, 1871.
W. H. Willard was given charge of this engine at this time, he
l)eing the first full paid fireman to sei've in the Eau Claire Fire
Department. His term of service, dating from January, 1871, to
May 6, 1885, at which time he resigned to accept the position of
superintendent of our water works system, a position which he
still holds. The W. F. Bailey engine went into reserve in 1885
and was sold January 16, 1900, to the W. S. Nott Co., of Min-
neapolis, for $500.00.
In the spring of 1872 the three villages were combined and
incorporated as a city, with great benefit to all concerned.
390 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
May 29, 1872, an appraisement of property owned by the city
covered the following fire equipment : One engine and hose cart,
$7,150.00 ; one engine house, $1,800.00 ; runway to river and well,
$375.00; stove and pipe in engine house, $15.00; firemen's shirts,
caps, belts, trumpets, etc., $425.00 ; one Babcoek hand fire engine
and hose $000.00. Total, $9,765.00. On April 8, 1872, the first
officers of the fire department of the city of Eau Claire were
elected by the Common Council under the following motions : On
motion of Alderman Deming, William Lea was elected chief
engineer. On motion of Alderman McDonough, John T. Tinker
was elected first assistant engineer. On motion of Alderman
Bullen, M. J. Argand was elected second assistant engineer.
About the first move towards a fire company on the east side
of the Chippewa river was made by the following communication :
April 30, 1873. Communication from Mr. William Bonell,
Sr., foreman of Eau Claire Hook and Ladder Company No. ],
informing Common Council of the formation of the company and
asking such action by the council as would place the company
upon an efficient working basis. Referred to committee on fire
and water. Committee reported favorably and on May 7, 1873,
Alderman Smith moved that a committee of two be appointed
by the Mayor to visit St. Paul in company witli Mr. Bonell to
examine hook and ladder truck implements and that said com-
mittee report thereon at next meeting of council. Motion carried
and his honor the Mayor appointed Aldermen Smith and Kennedy
such committee. A favorable report was reported back and on May
14, 1873, a resolution that the city clerk be and he is hereby
authorized to purchase from the city of St. Paul the hook and
ladder truck offered by said city to be sold and which was
examined by a committee of members of the Common Council of
this city upon the terms offered by said city of St. Paul. Adopted.
Truck received and placed in service shortly thereafter.
I might state here that said truck stood at or near our present
government building site, exposed to the weather for about one
year; at times it was necessary to chop the wheels out of the ice
before it could be moved; finally a shed was provided to protect
it from the weather. May 21, 1873, the officers of the fire depart-
ment were elected under the following motions: On motion of
Alderman Angel the council proceeded to the election of officers
and elected Eugene S. Bullard chief engineer; D. C. Whipple, first
assistant engineer, and Arthur Smith, second assistant. On June
18, 1873, a communication from the Turnvereius, tendering their
EAU CLAIKE FIRE DEPARTMENT 391
services to the council as a hand fire engine company foi* present
and for a steam fire Engine company, as soon as the city shall pro-
cure another steamer. Services accepted. On July 16, 1873, a
communication from Chief BuUard urging upon the council the
necessity for another hose cart, 1000 feet of hose, a fire-alarm
bell, and a heavy team and equipment. Referred to committee on
fire and water. On August 20, 1873. Resolved by the Common
Council of the city of Eau Claire that the committee on fire and
water be instructed to purchase a good horse team, one hose cart
and at least 1000 feet of hose immediately on the best terms
possible and also to select and purchase a lot in some good cen-
tral location on the east side of the Chippewa river and build a
building of sufficient size to accommodate a new engine and hook
and ladder truck recently purchased. The building to be built
of some fire proof material, also to purchase two fire bells for the
two engine houses. Passed and approved August 20, 1873.
George W. Deming,
President of Council and Acting Mayor.
C. R. Gleasou, Clerk.
On August 20, 1873, the chief of the fire department reported
to the council the following officers as elected by the fire depart-
ment:
Fire wardens: First ward, Frank McDouough; Second ward,
W. A. Teal ; Third ward, J. T. Tinker ; Fourth ward. Mills Bain ;
Fifth ward, George W. Deming; Sixth ward, Texas Angel. Treas-
urer, W. H. Willard ; secretary, H. Slingluff. Election confirmed
by the council October 17, 1873. Resolved by the Common Coun-
cil of the city of Eau Claire that the committee on fire and water
be and they are hereby authorized to purchase fifty feet front
on Eau Claire street by eighty feet deep on Farwell street, of lots
five and six of block fifty-nine at a price not exceeding $1000.00,
provided perfect title thereto can be had and such terms of pay-
ment agreed upon as the city treasurer can meet and that said
committee procure proposals for the immediate erection of a
foundation and frame of a building thereon of suitable dimensions
to accommodate the hook and ladder truck and a steam fire
engine and hose cart and the teams necessary to handle the
same. Passed and approved October 17, 1873.
C. R. Gleason, Clerk. J. P. Nelson, Mayor.
January 22, 1874, the committee on fire and water reported
an agreement entered into between them in behalf of the city and
392 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Graham and White Co. for the carpenter work on engine house,
which was read and agreement ratified by the Common Council.
The action of October 17, 1873, and of January 22, 1874, was the
first move towards the construction of our present city building,
and considering the entire absence of mention of city officers,
makes it quite evident that the first plans were for a building
suitable for fire department purposes only. April 6, 1874. The
report of the proceedings of the annual meeting of the fire depart-
ment reporting the election of: E. S. Bullard as chief engineer;
"William Bonell, Sr., first assistant engineer; Phillip Fitzpatrick,
second assistant engineer; J. H. Miutou, secretary; John Joyce,
treasurer. Fire Wardens: John Hancock, First ward; Elijah
Ross, Second ward; Mr. Karlan, Third ward; George Wilcox,
Fourth ward ; H. G. Stafford, Fifth ward ; John Clark, Sixth ward.
Trustees : James Tarrant, John MeCoole and W. H. Willard. On
motion of Alderman Spaulding the election was confirmed by
the council.
April, 1874. At this time the city of Eau Claire bought and
placed in the fire service a team of horses ; however, they were
under the control of the superintendent of streets and during the
day were worked anywhere within the limits of the city with the
result that they were very often not in evidence when wanted to
haul apparatus to a fire. Frank Ferres was the teamster, he
being the second full paid fireman doing service in the Eau Claire
Fire Department. His service was a lone one, dating from April,
1874, until his retirement, April 1, 1902. On May 20, 1874, the
committee on fire and water reported the result of its bids received
for all mason work on Engine House No. 2 ; eight bids were
received, of which the total cost under four of the lowest, upon
an estimate of the amount of each kind of work required, are as
follows: Nelson McNeal, $1,589.80; MeCool & Gray, .$1,603.45;
N. H. Nasher, $1,654.27 ; Isiah Nauman, $1,707.78. By Alderman
McDonough — Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Eau
Claire that the mason work for Engine House No. 2 be and the
same is hereby let to Nelson McNeal, provided he will contract
to do as good work in all respects as is done in the Eau Claire
Library company building, situated upon the south part of lot
one, block sixty, plat of village of Eau Claire. Which was adopted
and the clerk directed to have the city attorney draw the con-
tract, therefore.
Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Eau Claire
that the committee on fire and water be and they are hereby
authorized to purchase a third class steam fire engine and a two
EAU CLAIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT 393
wheel horse hose cart for same, capable of reeling one thousand
feet, upon the best terms possible. Passed and approved February
10, 1875.
C. R. Gleasou, Clerk. G. E. Porter, Mayor.
Another resolution passed at the same meeting authorized
the purchase of a two-horse hose cart for No. 1 Engine company
(now No. 5). The carts and engine were purchased. Engine
was named the G. E. Porter, and is at this writing in reserve
service in this department. March 24, 1875. On motion of Alder-
man MeDonough the election of the following named persons as
officers of the fire department Avas approved : Chief engineer,
Eugene Bullard ; first assistant engineer, William Bonell, Sr. ; sec-
ond assistant engineer, John Clark ; treasurer, John Joyce ; sec-
retary, Phillip Fitspatrick. Fire wardens : First ward, John Han-
cock ; Second ward, Joseph Lawrence; Third ward, John Foster;
Fourth ward, Noah Shaw ; Fifth ward, G. A. Buffington ; Sixth
Mard, Frederick Kutzner. Approved.
March 31, 1875. Communication of hook and ladder company
No. 1, asking for the control and management of the new steam
fire engine, was taken up and considered. Alderman MeDonough
moved that the control and management of fire engine No. 2 be
given to hook and ladder company No. 1. Alderman Leinen-
kugel moved that action upon said motion be postponed until the
next regular meeting, which was lost. Motion of AlJerman
]McDonougli adopted. April 9, 1875. The committee on fire and
Avater reported upon the four applicatious for the position of
engineer of the fire engine G. E. Porter, and recommended that
the position be given to Charles Cutler. Adopted. I might .state
here that Charles Cutler had charge of Engine G. E. Porter from
this date until February 1, 1882; also being the third nil paid
fireman to take service in the Eau Claire Fire Department. James
Tarrant succeeded Charles Cutler as engineer of the Fire Engine
G. E. Porter, holding the position until water wo'-ks system was
installed, thereby retiring the engine.
Free Press of April 10, 1875, had this to say : The new fire
steamer G. E. Porter Thursday had a trial test with the old
steamer named W. F. Bailey, previous to the acceptance of the
new machine by the city council. We learn that entire satisfac-
tion with reference to its efficiency was manifested by the com-
mittee of inspection, also states that our citizens ought to feel
a degree of satisfaction witli reference to the efficiency of our
fire department. New Years night of 1875-1876 the firemen held
394 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
a dance that was patronized by over seventy couple. Fowler's
band furnished the music. Supper was served at the Peabody
House and during or immediately following the banquet Mr. Wil-
liam Bonell, Sr., foreman of the hook and ladder company, was
the recipient of an elegant silver trumpet as a testimonial of
esteem from his company. The presentation was made by Alex-
ander Meggett, Esq., iu a neat speech and some appropriate
remarks in acceptation was made by Mr. Bonell.
On June 1, 1875, Mr. Eugene Bullard tendered his resignation
as chief engineer, which, upon being referred at this meeting, was
accepted June 16, 1875. On June 16, 1875, A. M. Sherman was
elected as chief of the fire department. March 23, 1876. Com-
munication from the fii-e department informing the council that
the officers elected for said department for the ensuing year were :
Chief engineer, W. F. Cook ; first assistant engineer, William
Bonell, Sr. : second assistant engineer, Edward Oliver ; treasurer,
John Joyce; secretary, Phillip Fitzpatrick. Confirmed. Sep-
tember 12, 1876. Secretary W. E. J. Deming submitted the annual
report to the foreman and members of Engine Company No. 1,
placing the loss for the year at $38,140.00, and the membership of
Engine Company No. 1 as follows: J. H. Tarrant, I. R. Soath,
W. H. Willard, W. E. J. Deming, Jere Murphy, S. P. Benjamin,
J. H. Minton, J. J. Merritt, C. E. Bullard, G. T. Rowlings, Frank
Lampman, F. H. Green, John Wells, J. W. Kiddell.
This report would indicate a somewhat independent action
between the two engine companies at this time.
February 3, 1877. Report of Chief Cook gives manual force
as follows: W. F. Bailey, Engine Company No. 1, eleven men;
G. E. Porter, Engine Company No. 2, fourteen men ; Pioneer Hook
and Ladder Company No. 1, seven men. Apparatus — Two steam-
ers in good working order; three hose carts, with recommenda-
tion that they be changed from one horse to a two horse hitch;
one hook and ladder truck in serviceable condition; 1500 feet
good hose ; 1200 feet inferior hose ; 10 alarms with a fire loss
of $24,585.00 ; insurance loss, $19,810.00 ; insurance on property
at risk, $65,320.00. April 10, 1877. Council proceeded to the
election of officers of the fire department. Chief engineer, J. H.
Tarrant; first assistant engineer, Peter Girnau; second assistant
engineer, Frank Buell; treasurer, Phillip Yager; secretary, S. F.
Benjamin. Fire wardens — First ward, Thomas Randall; Second
ward, W. F. Cook; Third ward, William Bonell, Jr. ; Fourth ward,
George B. Shaw ; Fifth ward, G. A. Buffington ; Sixth ward, C. L.
James ; Seventh ward, Wallace Goff ; Eighth ward, Victor Wolf.
EAU CLAIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT 395
Confirmed. March 20, 1878. Comnnmieation from the fire depart-
ment statiug that at an annual meeting of said department the
following officers were elected: Chief, John T. Tinker; first
assistant, J. Heinian; second assistant, E. Oliver; treasurer,
Phillip Yager; secretary, Samuel Naumau. The chief's salary at
tliis time was H^oO.OO per year. Confirmed March 19, 1879. On
motion of Alderman Kepler the following officers were confirmed:
Chief, J. C. Churchill ; first assistant, John Wells ; second assistant,
Henry Bradford; treasurer, II. R. Potter: secretary, Daniel
Schaffer.
I might state here that J. C. Churchill held the off.ee of chief '
of the fire department from the above date until May 1, 1887.
In the records of January 18, 1882, we find the report of secretary
of department, D. J. Chandler, giving the time of members of
Fire Company No. 2 for the year ending January 31, 1882, as
follows: William Moldenhouer, 12 mouths, $96.00; Fred Raw-
lings, 12 mouths, $96.00 ; Charles Damm, 12 months, $96.00 ; Frank
Zimmerman, 12 months, $96.00 ; Daniel Murphy, 12 months, $96.00 ;
D. J. Chandler, 12 months, $96.00; reported 15 fires, classified as
follows: dwelling fires, 12; hotel, 1; store, 1; warehouse, 1.
Total, 15. May 2, 1883, the following officers were elected;
J. C. Churchill, chief; T. A. Fletcher, assistant chief; George Stoue,
secretary ; D. J. Chandler, treasurer.
January 3, 1884. A petition was signed by J. C. Churchill,
chief, and by the fireman asking that as they have now been in
the service of the city five years the annual salary of each be
raised. That of the chief to be $200.00 and that of the firemen to
$144.00. Referred. On February 9, 1884, the following salaries
for members of the fire department were adopted. Each fireman
shall receive the sum of $13.00 per mouth for the months of
I\Iarch, November, December, January and February, and $8.00
for the months of April, May, June, July, August, September aud
October, and that the chief engineer shall receive $200.00 per
annum. April 9, 1885, the secretary reported the following offi-
cers elected : J. C. Churchill, chief ; E. Fuller, first assistant chief ;
F. 0. Zimmerman, second assistant chief ; Mike Schmitz, treasurer ;
W. H. Kendall, secretary. May 6, 1885. W. H. Willard tendered
liis resignation as engineer of Engine No. 1. W. H. Rogers ap-
l)ointed to the position at a meeting of the Common Council held
October 7, 1885, a committee was authorized to establish aud
build additional hose houses No. 1, No. 6, No. 3 and the Shaw
Town Service.
March 17, 1886. The secretary of the fire department reported
396 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
for eoufirmatiou the following uamed officers elected by the
department at its meeting held March 15, 1886 : J. C. Churchill,
chief; E. C. Fuller, first assistant chief; J. W. Waylaud, treas-
urer; Prank Zimmerman, second assistant chief; D. J. Chandler,
secretary. February 2, 1887. Alderman McDouough, chairman
of committee appointed to investigate the report of the insur-
ance underwriters, submitted the following recommendation, that
the city purchase the hook and ladder truck and hose cart from
the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company at a cost of $1200.00. Truck
to be placed in Engine House No. 2. Also recommended a full
paid department. June 1, 1887. Alderman McDonough, chair-
man of committee on reorganization of Eau Claire fire depart-
ment, submitted the following report: That the fire department
of said city shall consist of one chief, one assistant chief, seven
pipemeu and six teamsters, located as follows: Three in No. 1.
Four in No. 2. Three in No. 5. Two in No. 6. One iu No. 3. Also
two part paid firemen located at No. 2 and two at No. 3. The fol-
lowing members were appointed: George H. Daniels, chief;
John McGawan, assistant chief; James Tarrant, Frank Zim-
merman, Hugh Forest, James McMahon, Lanis Young, Joseph
Eldridge, engineer and pipeman; Frank Ferres, William Se-aver,
Fred Rawlins, Patrick Kenney, Mike Schmitz, teamsters ; William
Bonell, Jr., A. Evaus, Dwight Chandler, Wilhelm H. Wedemeyer,
callmen-pipemen. Thus a full paid fire department was fairly
launched, giving the people of our city the benefit of a more
efficient service. June 15, 1887. Recommendation of committee
on reorganization recommending that the Richmond Fire Alarm
Company be given contract for the installing of fire alarm system
composed of three circuit No. 12 H. D. copper wire 2-1 boxes, and
other instriiments for receiving alarms. Signed: Frank Mc-
Donough, George A. Buffington, D. A. Cameron, George C. Hue-
bener, George B. Shaw. December 19, 1887. Fire alarm system
installed and accepted by recommendation of committee and chief
of fire department.
Too much credit cannot be given George H. Daniels for the
able manner in which he built up the fire department after itu
reorganization in 1887. While all other departments of the city
were affected by political conditions from year to year, the fire
department, under the guiding hand of George H. Daniels, stood
out alone as the one municipal department unaffected by the many
political changes of administration. The committee on reorganiza-
tion certainly chose wisely and well. In the year 1897 a state
EAU CLAIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT 397
law was passed placing fire departments in all cities of the second
and third class nnder civil service, controlled by a police and
fire commission, said commission appointed by the mayor. Under
this law all appointments were subject to the approval of the
commission. On January 1, 1908, a fireman pension law went into
effect which provided for pension after twenty-two years' service
and which also provided for the widows and orphans of deceased
firemen, also provided for a fireman if permanently disabled.
On May 1, 1905, George H. Daniels retired from the fire
department after a service of eighteen years. Shortly after retire-
ment he was appointed to the board of police and fire commissions,
in which position he served as president of the board until the
time of his death, which occurred July 17, 1912. On May 1,
1905, Joseph Eldi-idge, assistant chief, was appointed to the
position of chief of the fire department with James P. Welsh,
superintendent of fii-e alarm system, appointed to the position of
assistant chief, holding both positions. On November 2, 1906,
Chief Joseph Eldridge resigned from the position of chief of the
fire department. On November 2, 1906, James P. Welsh was
appointed to the position of chief of the fire department with
William Ilerron, captain of Hose Company No. 6, appointed
assistant chief and Walter Ressler appointed to the position of
superintendent of fire alai-m.
The members of the fire department at the present time are
as follows : James P. Welsh, chief ; entered the service November
7, 1889, as pipeman; on November 1, 1891, was appointed to the
position of superintendent of the fire alarm system. On May 4,
1899, was appointed city electrician. On May 1, 1901, was ap-
pointed to the position of fire warden. On May 1, 1905, was
appointed to the position of assistant chief, holding the four
positions luitil November 2, 1906, wlien appointed as chief of the
fire department.
William Herron, assistant chief, entered the service May 13,
1892, as reliefman, retiring April 1, 1893. Re-entered the service
June 1, 1893, as reliefman. Appointed captain May 1, 1896.
Appointed assistant chief November 2, 1906. Appointed fire
warden November 2, 1906. At this date holding last two posi-
tions. Walter Ressler, superintendent fire alarm and city elec-
trician, entered the service September 1, 1904, as house watchman,
retiring September 25, 1906. Re-entered service November 8,
1906, to accept above positions, which he holds at this date. John
Dougherty, captain, entered the service May 10, 1890, appointed
398 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
captain April 1, 1905. Fred Welsh, captain, entered the service
April 1, 1901, appointed captain August 1, 1905. Joseph Eldridge,
captain, entered the service May 1, 1887, appointed assistant chief
July 15, 1891, appointed chief of department May 1, 1905. Re-
signed from the position of chief November 2, 1906. Accepted
position of captain of No. 6 November 2, 1906. Mr. Eldridge is
the oldest man in point of service in the department, having
sei'ved in the volunteer days. Edward Bullis, driver of motoi-
apparatus. Entered service September 1, 1910. Edward Golden,
driver hook and ladder. Entered the service March 20, 1902.
Joseph Robillard, pipeman. Entered service December 27, 1912.
Johii Hancock, pipeman. Entered service February 1. 1893. Ap-
pointed captain September 1, 1904. Retired from the service
Augu.st 1, 1905. Re-entered the service November 1, 1911. Paul
Miley, house watchman. Entered the service May 1, 1912 Law-
rence Smith, reliefman. Entered the service April 1, 1912. Wil-
liam Ward, pipeman. Entered service November 19, 1906. Ni'ls
Geroux, pipeman. Entered service September 8, 1901. Retired
February 27, 1903. Re-entered July 4, 1904. William Cowan,
driver. Entered the service May 1, 1906. John Segoin, driver.
Entered service May 1, 1905. Clarence Chambers, pipeman. En-
tered service December 1, 1897. Retired January 15, 1902. Re-
entered November, 1912. William Lawi-ence, driver. Entered
service July 1, 1907. Joseph Gort, pipeman. Entered service
September 19, 1898. Retiring August 1, 1908. Re-entered Jan-
uary 21, 1911. Edward Farrell, reliefman. Entered service Sep-
tember 19, 1913.
The department equipment and fire quarters consists at the
present time of four hose company's equipped with three hose
wagons, horse drawn, 1 hook and ladder truck, horse drawn ; 1
hose chemical truck, motor propelled; 1 chief's motor car with
chemical equipment ; 8 horses ; 8000 feet of hose ; the old Porter
fire engine in reserve. The fire alarm system has been greatly
improved since its first installation and now consists of a first-
class gamewell office equipment, which includes an eight circuit
storage battery control switch board, one six circuit non-inter-
fering, interlocking automatic repeater, one central office trans-
mitter, one tape register, one tower bell transmitter and one
private telephone switch board in addition to this, all hose houses
and pump house are equipped with 18-inch gongs, tape registers
and department private telephone instrument. Outside equip-
ment consists of thirty miles of copper wire and 41 alarm boxes.
Our water service for fire purposes is ideal, giving us 120 pounds
EAU CLAIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT 399
pressure at hydrant. We have 450 hyrants within the city to
work from.
A review of the terms of service of the different fire chiefs
are as follows:
Appointed. Retired.
William Lea April 8, 1871 May 21, 1873
Eugene S. Bullard May 21, 1873 June 16, 1875
A. M. Sherman June 16, 1875 March 23, 1876
W. F. Cook March 23, 1876 April 10, 1877
J. H. Tarrent April 10, 1877 March 20, 1878
John T. Tinker March 20, 1878 March 19, 1879
J. C. Churchill March 19, 1879 May 1, 1887
George H. Daniels May 1, 1887 May 1, 1905
Joseph Eldridge May 1, 1905 Nov. 2, 1906
James P. Welsh Nov. 2. 1906
BOARD OF POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS.
The Wisconsin legislature of 1897 enacted a law creating the
Board of Police and Fire Commissioners in cities of certain
classes in the state. The law provided for a board of four mem-
bers, to serve Avithout compensation, to be appointed by the
mayor. Mayor William H. Frawley, at a meeting of the Common
Council held on April -28, 1897, made announcement of the fol-
lowing appointments of commissioners: For term of one year.
Matt C. Anderson; for term of two years, Hon. John Ure, Sr. ;
for term of three years, Hon Frank McDonough, Sr. ; for term
of four years, Albert F. Sehwahn.
The law did not reciuire confirmation by the council, but
Mayor Frawley asked the council to pass upon such appoint-
ments. The nominations were confirmed, two aldermen, Seben-
thal and Scallon, voting against such confirmation. On the even-
ing of May 3, 1897, the board met at the office of Ma.yor Frawley,
but adjourned on account of the absence of one member. On
May 10 they again met at the mayor's office, together with the
mayor and J. C. Gores, the city attorney, and formally organized
by the election of Mr. Ure as president and Mr. Anderson as
secretary.
The board had hardly organized before the commissioners
were called upon to act in their jiidicial capacity. On May 12,
two days after the organization, the chief of police, John Higgins,
suspended Patrolman Paul Thompson for sleeping during the
400 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
period lie was supposed to be on his beat. On June 1 the board
gave Patrohnan Thompson a trial, found him guilty as charged
and dismissed him from the force. A second case of this nature
came before the board ou August 3, when Patrolman Frank
Nugent was suspended by the chief for neglect of duty. He was
tried on Augiist 12, found guilty and dismissed from the service.
During the summer and fall of 1897 the board met frequently
for the purpose of examining members who were serving in the
police and fire departments. The examinations were conducted
so as not to interfere with the regular work of the men. On
November 15 examinations had been completed and the respec-
tive chiefs of the two departments notified the board of the ap-
pointment of the men then serving, and such action by the chiefs
was duly confirmed. The men appointed were as follows: In
the fire department — Joseph Eldridge, assistant chief; James P.
Welsh, electrician ; John Hancock, James II. Looby, Thomas
Wiley, M. F. Tibbitts, Willis E. Herron, James Sullivan, John
Kjorstad, G. P. Childs, Frank Ferris, John Dougherty and Joseph
De Mars. In the police department — La Fayette Elliott, sergeant ;
Frank Harrington, John Taylor, George Wolf, T. J. Gonderzik,
Prank Reinhart, Clifford Luce, Paul Branstad, John M. Gallgher.
The board on June 1 had elected George H. Daniels chief engineer
of the fire department, and John Higgins chief of police. May
24, 1897, Dr. A. D. II. Thrane was elected surgeon of the board
and still holds that position.
The following citizens have served as police and fire commis-
sioners : M. C. Anderson, 1897-1898 ; John Ure, 1897-1905 ; Frank
McDonough, 1897-1904; Albert F. Schwahn, 1897-1901; George S.
Long, 1898-1900; George H. Daniels, 1905-1912; David Drum-
mond, 1904-1908; John C. Neher, 1905-1910; John J. Auer, 1901-
1905. Present commissioners: Marshall Covisins, 1900 to date;
Louis Running, 1907 to date ; James T. Joyce, 1908 to date ; John
J. Auer, 1910 to date ; John Huebsch, 1912 to date.
George H. Daniels, M-ho was appointed to the board to suc-
ceed John Ure in 1905, died July 17, 1912, following an operation
at Rochester, Minn. Mr. Daniels, previous to his appointment
as a member of the board, had served many years as chief
engineer of the fire department. Under his administration the
department had developed into one of the best in the state.
John Ure, George S. Long and John C. Neher resigned from the
board on removal from the city. At the organization of the
board, John Ure was elected as president of the commission and
served as such until he resigned in 1905. He was succeeded as
EAU CLAIRE FIKE DEPARTMENT 401
president by George H. Daniels, who served until his death in
•July, 1912. James T. Joyce then became president. Matt C.
Audersou, the first secretary, left office in May, 1908, and was
succeeded by George S. Long, who served until May 1, 1900, when
lie resigned his membership. Marshall Cousins was appointed to
the board as Mr. Long's successor and elected secretary, which
position he has held continuously since that time.
The board, as first constituted, was made up of four members,
liut a law becoming eft'ective March 30, 1907, increased the num-
ber to five members. A still later law provides for a member of
the City Council being a member of the fire and police board.
The council designated John B. Fleming for such position and he
is ex-officio member of the board. Since the first year of the
board's existence there have been but few instances requiring
the board to act in its judicial capacity. In the spring of 1908
a controversy arose between the chief of police, Edward J.
O'Brien, and the municipal judge, Joseph W. Singleton. The
judge filed charges against the chief but failed to press the
charges before the board. The chief replied by filing a report
with tlie Common Council covering relations of the police depart
ment with tlu' Municipal Court.
POLICE DEPAETMENT.
The city of Eau Claire has always liad an efficient polu-e
department, which has been guided by the following chiefs:
Victor Wolf was the first chief of the department, and Lewis
Parish and James Harmson were the first policemen. Victor
Wolf served until 1875, and was succeeded by Michael Fleming.
A. M. Sherman was the next chief in 1876, and he was followed
by Charles li. Jefferson in 1877: Victor Wolf in 1878; Thomas
Donnelly in 1879-1880-81-82-83-84-85-86-87-88-89 and 1890, his
service of twelve years being the longest of any one who has held
that position. John Higgins became chief in 1891 and held the
office four years. Lafayette Elliott took charge of the force in
1895, and served until Henry L. Day was elected mayor in 1897,
and John Higgins succeeded him and served continuously until
March 15, 1907, when he resigned, having been in the service
constantly for eleven years. Ed J. O'Brien was appointed to fill
the place March 18, 1907, and served until November 11, 1909,
when he tendered his resignation to take afl:'ect December 1 of
that year. Lafayette Elliot was appointed chief on November 26,
1909, and is still serving in that capacity.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE.
By
W. H. SCHULZ.
Provisions for common school education were made at an
early date. It is true that oftentimes these provisions were crude.
School houses in those early days were frequently simple struc-
tures put up out of rough boards and in some cases out of logs,
but these primitive structures served their purpose. The first
school house in Eau Claire was a building of this type. It was
erected during the year 1856. It was not very large, the size
being only 16 by 24 feet. The structure was built out of rough
boards, and it was located on what is now Barstow street. Dur-
ing the winter of 1856 and 1857 the school was opened to the
public. John E. Stillman Avas the first teacher. The number of
pupils in attendance was not large. During the following sum-
mer the school was taught by Mary Arnold. The register shows
an enrollment of fifteen pupils. In those early days the school
house was used for various public purposes. In many cases it
was the only available structure for religious services. This was
also the case in Eau Claire. It was in this small primitive struc-
tiire that the Rev. A. Kidder held the first services of the Congre-
gational church. In the autumn of 1857 another school house
was erected on the Sparta road, three miles from the village.
This was then known as the Olin settlement. In those days town
government and county government were practically one. There
were no county or city superintendents of schools in those days.
It was the period of township superintendents. Frequently there
were only two or three towns in a county and sometimes a county
consisted of only one town. In 1856 the board of supervisors
voted $400 for a school house to be erected in School District
No. 2. This district had been recently organized. The school
building was erected in 1857 on Farwell street near where
Christ's Episcopal church now stands. It Avas during that year
that the treasurer of the board, Adin Randall, paid to the treas-
urer of School District No. 2 .$199.31, the probable cost of the
school building. This building was rather commodious consider-
402
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 403
iug the demands of the day. It was a structure of 28 by 40 feet,
and contained one large room well finished and provisions for
another room. This building was used for school purposes for
quite a number of years. Later it was sold and used as a Univer-
salist church. This building was so much larger and better than
the ordinary school house that for years it was pointed to with
considerable pride as one of the great achievements of the village.
This school house was also used for various public purposes as
well as for school. During 1864 this building was abandoned
for school purposes because it was too small. During this same
year a much larger and better school house was erected on Far-
well street between Emery and Earl streets, opposite Wilson
Park. In the seventies, when a high school was organized, this
building was used for grade and high school purposes. It was
then called the Bartlett High School. It seems that this was the
tirst regularly organized school district. It was organized accord-
ing to the legal provisions of the state by the town board. The
east side of the village was then known as School District No. 2.
It was in this Bartlett school that really the first graded school
work was done. The Rev. J. O. Barrett was the first principal.
He continued at the head of this school until the Spring of 1868.
During the year 1868 Prof. H. C. Howland was engaged as prin-
cipal. He served the school district with very marked success.
It was during his administration that the high school was organ-
ized. It was during the year 1872 that the first high school class
was graduated. During Prof. Howland 's administration about
100 students were graduated from this high school. After Prof.
Howland 's resignation this school was in charge of Prof. S.
Steffcns. He was in charge of the school about one year and
resigned in June, 1890. During 1890 the school board employed
Prof. Charles Friedel, who served for one year and resigned. In
this school district two other school buildings were erected to
accommodate the pupils for grade purposes in the outlying por-
tions of the district. One building, the Thorp school, a four-
room structure, was erected in 1884 on the southeast corner of
Barland and McGraw streets. The Lockwood school, a two-room
structure, was erected in 1889.
School District No. 3, located on the west side of the river,
was organized probably during the year 1857. It was really a
joint district composed of portions of the towns of Half Moon
and Oak Grove. The first school house erected in this district
was in 1858 on Niagara sti'eet between Third and Fourth avenues.
Miss A. Kidder Avas tlie first teacher. During the summer of
404 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
1859 another school house was built iu this district on Fifth
avenue and Broadway, where the Alexander school now stands.
This old structure was moved across the street during the sum-
mer of 1861. It was later built over for a dwelling house. This
was the first graded school in District No. 3. The Rev. A. Kidder
was the first principal. He taught in this school from 1862 to
1866. He was succeeded by Prof. A. J. Huttou, who was a prin-
cipal of this school for several years. It was during Prof. Ilut-
ton's administration that a free high school was organized, and
he became its first principal; after that he resigned and be-
came one of the members of the facidty of the Platteville Normal
school, in which school he sei-ved for nearly a quarter of a
century as a state institute conductor. During the year 1879
Mr. Hutton was succeeded by Prof. J. K. McGregor, who held
the principalship of this school until the various districts in Eau
Claire became united as a city system, at which time he was
elected city superintendent of schools. The next school to be
erected in District No. 3 was at Shawtown, on the northwest
corner of Michigan street and Avenue C. This was erected dur-
ing the year 1868 to accommodate the people in that section of
tbe village. Additions were made to this village from time to
time. Later other school buildings were erected in this district ;
one in what is now the sixth ward on Cameron and Babcock
streets. This building was erected in 1876. In 1891 it was
ealarged to double its former capacity. Tlie Lucy Larcom school
was erected on Fifth avenue and Walnut street, the Wa.sliington
S'Shool on Fifth avenue and Broadway and the Garfield school
on Seminary street, between Lake and Bridge streets. This last
structure was purchased from the Wesleyan Methodist Society.
It was later used temporarily as the first central high school, and
was then superseded by the new high school building iu 1892.
The north side of the village, with ad.joiniug territory without
the village limits, constituted village No. 1, and perhaps in one
sense was the first school district or at least a part of it. A
little school house at the Dells was erected during 1857. The
cost of the building was defrayed out of $400 voted by tlie board
of supervisors for a school house in District No. 1, but appar-
ently since the treasurer of the district only received $303 the
building was erected at a smaller cost than anticipated by the
board of supervisors. Miss Bessie Reed was the first teacher
in this school. Later a high school was built in District No. 1,
located on Wisconsin and N. Dewey streets. Prof. M. S. Frawley
was elected principal of this school in 1880 and continued to
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 405
hold this position util 1890, when he was elected to take charge
of the central high school of the city of Eau Claire. In 1884 this
structure was destroyed by fire, together with all its equipment
and records, but was immediately rebuilt. During the year 1882
the city purchased from the congregation of St. Patrick's church
their school building on N. Barstow street. In 1887 thi.s was
converted into a graded school of four departments, and was
later known as the Frawley or Eighth "Ward school. The Summit
street school was built in 1885 and enlarged in 1888. It had
four departments at that time. This was later known as the
Tenth Ward school.
It should be understood that u\y to 1890 there were three
school districts in the city of Eau Claire. Each school district
had its own school government and a separate high school. The
high school principal was virtually the educational supervisor
of the school district, as well as of his own school. The grading
of the schools was partly on the basis of an old course for grad-
ing recommended by the state superintendent of public instruc-
tion, and partly on outlines furnished by the high school prin-
cipals of their respective districts. In those days the organiza-
tion was rather simple. The requirements were not extensive.
The main emphasis was placed on reading, Meriting, arithmetic,
spelling, geography and history. Much of this woi'k was well
done by the more experienced teachers. Some of the high school
principals were exceptionally well qualified, as their long term
of service helps to indicate. During this period a most remark-
able innovation for tliose days had its beginning. A manual
training department was instituted by Mr. J. F. Ellis in 1885.
This gentleman took great interest in the matter of training the
hand as well as the mind. This manual training department was
located in the Alexander school. As near as can be ascertained
this is the first venture along that line in the United States in a
public high school. A Mr. Kennealy was the first teacher in this
department. He was succeeded by Mr. Barnes and he in turn
by Mr. Swearingen, who remained at the head of this depart-
ment for quite a number of years. The work was a success from
the beginning. The results were far in excess of expectations.
A levy of $800 was made to begin with, but the whole of this
amount was not used to support the school for the first year.
During the second year $1,000 was appropriated. This was more
tlian enough to pay expenses. It was demonstrated that the cost
was about $900 to run this department for one year. At that
time the manual training department never Imd a smaller attend-
406 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ance than forty boys and sometimes came near to double that
number. Work in manual training has been kept up every since
in that building until it was transferred to the high school after
the new building was erected in 1892.
CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM.
The year 1889 marks a great change in the school affairs in
the city of Eau Claire. By an amendment of the charter the old
district system was abandoned and the territory of the city was
made to constitute one school district, to be known as the School
District of Eau Claire. According to the provisions of this char-
ter the commissioners therein provided for constitute the Board
of Education. It provides that on the same day each ward in the
city shall elect one school commissioner and on the first Monday
of July, 1890, and bi-annually thereafter, a similar election shall
be held in each of the even numbered wards of the city, and on
the first Monday of July, 1891, and bi-annually thereafter, a
similar election shall be held in each one of the odd numbered
wards of the city. All school commissioners so elected to hold
office for two years, except those elected on the first Monday in
July, 1889, by the even numbered wards, who are to hold one
year. By the provisions of tliis charter all the property vested
in the superseded school districts became vested in the School
District of Eau Claire. The Board of Education is given the
power of organization and general management of the schools.
The first Board of Education was composed of the folloAving
members: R. H. Chute, president; C. R. Gleason, secretary;
First ward, F. M. McDonough ; second ward, C. R. Gleason ;
Third ward, 11. C. Howland; Fourth ward, G. Ferguson; Fiftli
ward, Charles Alexander; Sixth ward, R. H. Chute; Seventli
ward, J. P. Ellis; Eighth ward, T. F. B'rawley. The schools iu
Districts Nos. 1, 2 and 3 during the first year of the consolidation
were in charge of the principals of the three high schools in their
respective districts. Prof. McGregor was elected city superin-
tendent of schools for the entire city during July, 1890. The
high schools which had been previously maintained in the city
had been placed on the accredited list of the state university
three years before their consolidation. The Central High school
was also placed on the accredited list. Prof. M. S. Frawley was
elected the first principal of the Central High school. He con-
tinued to be its principal for twenty-three years, showing that
his services were highly appreciated. He saw this school grow
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 407
from an attendance of a little over 100 students to an enrollment
of 650. During his administration the school became accredited
to the North Central Association and has always remained
accredited to that association to the present day. This has been
a i)criod of great extension in high school work, not only in the
number of students attending, but in the enlargement of build-
ings, increase of equipment and expansion of courses of studj;
A commercial department and a domestic science departmem
were added during his administration.
The number of pupils enrolled in the schools during 1890
were 1,610 males. 1,567 females ; total 3,177. There were six
grade school principals and fifty-eight teachers. The expenses
for the same amounted to $40,763.42, of which $26,099 was paid
out in teachers' salaries and $5,222 for repairs.
1890 TO 1896.
The remainder of the educational history of the public schools
of the city of Eaii Claire will be grouped under the administra-
tions of the different city superintendents. Since each one of
tlu'se administrators aimed to carry out a policy and system of
administration, this historj^ will be better understood if presented
in that way. Little endeavor will- be made to relate anything
more than the events as they occurred and the facts as they are
found. During January, 1890, the question of teachers' salaries
became a burning question. Some of the salaries of the teachers
were raised for the remainder of the year. Some advances Avere
allowed to some of the teachers for the rest of that school year.
It seems that the matter of school attendance required regula-
tion. Therefore the board passed the following resolution:
"Resolved, By the Board of Education of the School District
of Eau Claire, that Rockwell Best, E. O. Waterbury, Edward
Carroll, James Glynn, John Farrell and Stephen Skinner are
hereby appointed as officers provided for in section 8 of chapter
519 of the laws of 1889, and such officers are hereby directed to
take any truant child found on the streets, alleys or other public
]ilaces during school hours to such school conveniently located
to the home of such child as may be designated and requested
by such parents, provided that such school is not prohibited by
any rule or order of the board."
During the early period of this administration many rules
and regulations of various kinds seem to have been adopted.
Teachers were required to report tardiness to principals. Teach-
408 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ers were required to take a record of the temperature of their
rooms four times a day. Committees of the Board of Education
making reports were required to return petitions, resolutions,
accounts or other papers containing the subject matter referred
to them to the secretary of the Board of Education. During this
year the board passed a resolution requesting the common coun-
cil to call a special election of the voters of the city of Eau
Claire to vote upon the question of issuing bonds to the sum of
$40,000 for the purpose of constructing a central high school.
The question of increasing teachers' wages seems to have been
discussed a great deal during the remainder of the school year.
Commissioner Ellis introduced a resolution revising the present
curriculum of the several schools of the city. This resolution
was adopted and it was later carried out by the city superin-
tendent of schools. The course of study which had been in use
up to this time was almost verbatim the same as that used in the
city of Milwaukee. This course of study had been prepared by
W. E. Anderson, superintendent of schools of Milwaukee. "While
there were many good features about this course, it did not fit
the city of Eau Claire as well as it should, and therefore a
revision of this coarse Avas ordered. The course of study adopted
for the high school was the- same as that recommended by the
state superintendent of public instruction. At the meeting of
June 21 Prof. J. K. McGregor was elected city superintendent
of schools and Prof. M. S. Frawley was elected principal of the
Central High school. The high school principal was given four
assistants to do teaching work in the high school. ]Mr. Swear-
igen was elected as the head of the manual training department.
In September of this j'ear the special committee on school
curriculum made its report. The committee on high schools in
writing recommended its adoption as reported by Superintendent
McGregor and Professors Frawley and Swearigen. The course
was ordered printed and went into operation at this time. It
was during this year that upon petition of the W. C. T. U. first
action was taken in introducing temperance instruction books
into the schools. During a meeting on October 27 a petition
signed by the pupils of the high school asking for one session per
day was received by the Board of Education. Action on this
petition was postponed iintil the wishes of their parents could
be ascertained. During the meeting on October 28 the question
was brought up again and the school day was fixed to begin at
8:30 a. m. and to close at 1:30 p. m. until this order should be
rescinded by the Board of Education. This was the first adop-
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OP EAU CLAIRE 409
tioii of the one session plan for the high school. During the
May meeting of 1891 proposed rules and regulations for the pro-
motion of pupils in the grades and in the high school were pre-
sented by Superintendent McGregor. These rules provided for
exemption from examination in case a pupil had an examination
record of ninety per cent or over in the branches pursued. The
promotion standing of eighty per cent for the high school was
then adopted. During the meeting of July 9 a special committee
appointed by the Board of Education to prepare the necessary
papers for making a loan of $10,000 from the trust fund of the
state for the erection of the Central High school was presented
and adopted unanimously. In addition to this the board at a
subsequent meeting made a loan of an additional $20,000, to be
used in part for building and furnishing the new high school.
During the meeting of September 22 the Board of Education
accepted the bid of Edward Siscron for building the high school.
This was a very important act, because it resulted in the final
establishment of the Central High school for the city of Eaii
Claire, which was destined to grow into one of the largest schools
of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. Action was then taken to
abolish the one session plan in the high school and to return
again to the two session plan. This plan did, however, not prove
entirely satisfactory. The supporters of the one session plan
kept on urging a return of that plan. A great deal of time was
devoted to the discussion of this subject at many of the meetings
of the Board of Education. The new high school building was
completed during 1892. It was open for school pui-poses after
promotion during 1893. The building was well furnished with
the appliances of the times, and in every respect this building
M-as regarded as one of the best buildings of the kind in the state
at that time. It Avas during 1893 that a new provision of the
laws of the state of Wisconsin, requiring that the entrance doors
on school buildings should swing outward, was put into operation.
The course of study in vogue during this time was rather
general in its nature. For instance, in the first grade there were
only a few statements made as to what was to be done in read-
ing, spelling, writing, arithmetic, drawing, oral lessons and object
teaching and physical exercises, followed in each case by a few
sentences on the matter of methods. Some of the instructions
were very good, for instance under physical exercises, recreation
and health we find the following statement: The prime object
of these exercises is health. Discipline is secondary. Cheerful-
ness and merriment may be allowed and encouraged as far as
410 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
compatible with the real purpose of the exercises. Teach the
children- plays, and so far as practicable attend the exercises dur-
ing recess. Study the best means of ventilating the room. The
work in arithmetic was always much more fully outlined than
that in other subjects. The work in drawing was exceedingly
formal and did not mean much more than copying. This was
the day of object teaching. Object lessons were a regular feature
of the weekly program. Much of this work was excellent, though
much of it was too formal to be really interesting, and for that
reason in the course of time it lost its value in effectiveness.
There were two courses in the high school. One the English-
German course and the other the English-Latin course. Both of
these were four-year courses. It might be said that the first
year's work in the high school, with the exception of bookkeep-
ing and Latin, was grammar grade work. By this it is not meant
that this work was unprofitable, but just simply to indicate the
aim of the course of study for that time. Algebra was a second
year study and there are many good authorities at the present
time who think it is better to begin the work in this subject
during that year. Physical geography was a third year study
and botany a fourth year study. These subjects are now taught
much earlier in the course of study. The subject of physics was
only a half course where now in most schools it is a one yeai
coufse and in some schools a two year course.
1896 TO 1904.
During the June meeting of 1896 Otis C. Gross was elected
cily superintendent of schools. Prof. M. S. Frawley continued
to be principal of the high school during his administration. It
is very interesting to note the development which took place
during Mr. Gross's administration. The school census did not
change very much. It was some over 6,000 during all this time.
The enrollment, however, increased from 4,000 to about 4,300.
At that time a large number of pupils who are now attending
parochial schools were attending the public schools. The num-
ber of teachers increased from aboiit eighty to about 100. The
total operating expenses increased from about $50,000 to $70,000.
The school enrollment increased more rapidly than the school
census, and the average daily attendance a little more rapidly
than the enrollment, showing that a somewhat larger percentage
of children attended school than at an earlier date. During the
first year of this administration the school census was 5,903
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 411
pupils of school age. The enrollmeut was 3,870. The average
daily attendance was 2,828. Tlie number of school rooms sixty-
eight, number of pupils per room fifty-seven. Number of grade
teachers seventy, special teachers two, salaries of teachers
$30,454, and the per capita cost for teaching $7.86. Several items
are especially noteworthy : the great difference between the aver-
age daily attendance and the enrollment, the large number of
pupils per room and the low cost of instruction. In the high
school during the same year there were nine teachers, 277 pupils
enrolled ; average daily attendance 229, number taking English
forty-six, number studying German thirty-nine, number taking
Ijatin eighty-two, number of graduates forty-five and the per
capita cost of instruction $23.62. Prom 1890 to 1900 the average
attendance in the high school has much more than doiibled. The
increase in the number of teachers did not seem to keep pace
with the increase in the number of pupils, and consequently
there was a decrease in the per capita cost of instruction from
over $25 down to less than $20. Superintendent Gross in his
report of 1903 has the following interesting statements about
summer school, physical culture and hand work :
"During the past five years we have had four summer schools
conducted for the benefit of the city teachers. Each has been
lield in the latter part of August just before the opening of the
city schools in Si'IiIi'ihImm-, ami lias been of two weeks' duration.
These schools have been suppoi-tcd mainly by contributions from
the teachers and appropriations from the Board of Education.
Most of the teachers subscribe an amount equal to one daj^'s
salary. The board has appropriated each time $100. This has
visually placed at the disposal of the superintendent an amount
somewhat more than $300 for the expenses of the school.
"Instructors have been secured who were specialists in their
lines of work, and who have represented the best and most
modern ideas. In this way our teachers have been in almost
yearly contact with, and under the instruction of, specialists who
have come from the centers of educational thought and influence.
This has been one of the most powerful factors tending to improve
our schools and to put them into the quite generally progressive
and satisfactory condition which characterizes them at present.
The greatest change which has been effected is a change in
the spirit of the schools in the attitude of co-operation between
teachers and pupils. There is more working together with the
teacher as leader and adviser, and less separation into discip-
linarian and disciplined. The great disciple of this changed
412 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
attitude in the schools was the late Col. Francis Parkei', who
was president of the Cook County Normal for so many years,
and who so influenced the teachers who went out from that school
that they became workers with, and leaders of, the children. At
each of our summer schools we have had a teacher from the
Cook County (now the Chicago) Normal school, and the influence
of Colonel Parker has grown among us. The result is that school
life is becoming much more pleasant. The children are happier,
more responsive, more ready to learn, and more open to the
helpful and educational influences of school life.
"Neither the teachers nor the Board of Education can aft'ord
to be without the instructive, helpful and inspiring effect of
these summer schools. They must be conducted, of course, by
the very best instructors obtainable. Their influence will be
awakening, progi-essive, vivifying and altogether wholesome.
"Three years ago the Board of Education appropriated i|;100
for purchasing the raw material to be used in constructing phj's-
ical culture apparatus for use in the school buildings. The
apparatus was made in the manual training rooms and put up
in the most accessible places near the pupils, usually in the
school halls, sometimes in the school rooms.
"In the primary rooms the teachers were encouraged to allow
the pupils to use the apparatus at any time when the regular
work seemed to drag or when the children's attention had been
kept for a considerable time i^pon some one thing, or when they
became restless and needed some escape for their pent-up activ-
ities.
"The amount of sucli apparatus has been increased from
year to year. At present we have climbing ladders in all of the
school buildings, and horizontal bars, parallel bars, punching
bags, bi-ownie slides, etc., in many of them. About a year ago it
was decided to put some apparatus on the school grounds as a
standing invitation to all pupils who were not busy in school
games during the intermissions. Horizontal bars, parallel bar.s
and large swings have been placed on the play grounds, and we
have sets of basketball poles ready to be placed in position this
fall. We are planning to put up giant strides also early in the
coming year.
"The constant use of this apparatvis in and about the school
buildings is having a veiy marked efl:'ect on the school life.
Teachers say that the discipline is becoming easier every year;
that the boys who are overflowing with activity are not so trou-
blesome; that the children in general are much happier and
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 413
more coiiteuted. We believe that there arc also very important
ett'ects iu the line of stronger and more active bodies, better gen-
eral health, and more normal and teachable minds. The phys-
ical culture apparatus deserves a recognized place as a part of
the standard school equipment and should be kept in repair and
added to, and when worn out should be replaced just as the
school desks are replaced.
"During the past year an attempt has been made to extend
till' manual training work into the lower grades. Several lines
of hand work were taken up with the teachers at the summer
scliool, and the teachers were encouraged to undertake such
work with the pupils. The Board of Education furnished the
necessary material. Tliough the work has been entirely volun-
tary on the part of the teachers, nearly all have attempted some-
thing and the results have been very encouraging. Some of the
work has been excellent. The children like it. It teaches them
to use their hands. It gives a more practical aspect to all the
other school work. It dignifies labor and aids in impressing the
greatest lesson of life, which is tliat true living consists in true
service.
"We would therefore recommend that such work become a
regular part of the school course of study, and that for the
present the following outline be followed:
"First year — Kindergarten occupations, paper cutting and.
folding, making of toy furniture, etc.
"Second year — Weaving, raffia braiding, etc.
"Third and fourth years — Weaving of designs, patterns, gar-
ments, etc., making of raffia baskets.
"Fourtli and fifth years — Rattan basket weaving, sewing, etc.
"Fifth and sixth years — Rattan work, jack knife work, sew-
ing, etc.
"(The manual work for the seventh and eighth grades is
already embodied in our course of study for the manual training
and cooking departments.)
"It will be seen that the enrollment and average attendance
in tile high school has more than doubled in the past nine years.
At present the high school is overcrowded. The assembly room
was intended to accommodate 250 pupils, and we have had in
the neighborhood of 400 attending during the past year. The
overcrowding has become serious and something will need to be
done. We shall not know what to do with the numbers that will
be promoted from the grades next year. If the board should
think of enlarging the present building or of erecting an ovei'-
414 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
flow building, or annex it would be well to speak of several dif-
ferent needs which we have felt in the present building and
which could be provided for in a new part or annex.
"Among these needs are the following: A second or over-
flow assembly room; additional rooms, such as a forge room, a
machine shop and a second mechanical drawing room for the
manual training department; a set of two or three rooms such
as could be provided in the present gymnasium and cooking room
for a commercial department; a chemical laboratory; an oppor-
tunity to change the cooking room to a lower floor and thus
prevent so much climbing of stairs by the seventh and eighth
grade girls; an opportunity to change the gymnasium to the
basement in order to avoid the noise incident to having a gym-
nasium in one of the upper rooms ; closets on the assembly room
floor in order to avoid so much stair climbing by the high school
girls : an opportunity to change the botany laboratory to a south
room on account of needing sunlight for many of the experi-
ments and better light for the microscope work, and an oppor-
tunity to change the history and literature class rooms to rooms
provided with reading tables and book shelves or adjacent refer-
ence reading rooms for the reading and reference work in con-
nection with those departments.
"If the provision for room in a new assembly room and in
the number of recitation rooms should be sufficiently generous
it would provide for fixture growth and the development of addi-
tional departments, such as: A commercial department, a
department for sewing and the domestic arts, a department of
music and a department of free hand drawing and art work to
be connected with the high school.
"After the high school has reached its present size the addi-
tion of a few new departments if properly managed need not
increase the cost per pupil of mantaining the high school for the
reason that the cost of instructing twenty-five pupils in ])ook-
keeping or forge work or domestic science need not be more
expensive than instructing twenty-five in algebra or history or
Latin. Di;i-ing the last semester we have had no less than seven
difl'erent algebra classes to accommodate the number taking that
subject. This probably means some 150 pupils taking algebra.
It is safe to say that in this number twenty-five or more would
prefer a commercial course to the one they are taking, and it
makes no difference to the taxpayer whether the board hire an
algebra teacher or a commercial course teacher, providing lie be
secured for an equal salary.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 415
"The present courses iu the high school are better fitted to
prepare pupils to enter the professions than for the commercial
and industrial occupations. The attendance on the high school
has become so great that only a small percentage of the pupils
can expect to enter the professions. If our schools would be of
the greatest value to the greatest number it is necessary to
enlarge the scope of the work in the high school and to provide
for the needs of the large class of pupils who do not enter the
professions, and we would recommend the gradual introduction
and enlargement of departments as indicated in the above
report. ' '
During Mr. Gross's administration the domestic science
department was added to the high school curriculum. The
manual training department was extended and the introduction
of special teachers and supervisors was recommended, but this
recommendation was not adopted. The high school courses now
consisted of a general science course, a Latin course and a
manual training course. The study of German was botli in the
general science and Latin coui'ses.
1904 TO 1906.
During 1904 M. X. Mclver was elected city superintendent
of schools. He served in this capacity for two years. Some
important improvements were made during his administration.
The high school courses were again changed. The changes
resulted in the adoption of an English course, a modern classical
course, a manual training course, a general science course and
a commercial course. The commercial course was a new ven-
ture and proved to be successful from the start. During 1904
the school census showed a school population of 6,944 of school
age. The total enrollment was 3,744. The average daily attend-
ance 2,949. The number of schools rooms eighty-two, the enroll-
ment per room forty-five, the number of grade teachers eighty-
two, special teachers six, the amount paid out for teachers'
salaries $43,700, and per capita cost for teacliing based on enroll-
ment a little under $12 per child.
There were fifteen teachers in high school with an enrollment
of 583, an average daily attendance of 441, 184 studied English
branches, 169 German, 120 Latin and there were fifty-seven
graduates.
The annex was couipleted and occupied at the opening of the
year 1904-1905.
416 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The architects of this building succeeded in the difficult task
of combining the new and the older structure into a beautiful
and imposing edifice. This addition to the high school has more
than doubled the number of recitation rooms, besides affording
an assembly room, capable of seating two hundred people. This
room is occupied for study by the junior and senior classes. In
the annex is also contained a larger, well lighted gymnasium.
No gymnasium teacher has yet been employed, but it is hoped
that the board will see fit to engage one in the near future.
Almost the entire third floor of the annex is devoted to science.
The change from the cramped quarters in the old building to the
generous rooms, with fine equipment, in the new is a pleasing one.
It has given an added stimulus to effort in laboratory work and
has brought joy to both teachers and pupils.
The present strengtli of our teaching force is due largely to
tlie increased emphasis which has been placed upon experience,
in addition to the college degree, as a condition of an appoint-
ment to a position. The novice has no place in a large high
school. Scholarship must ever remain an essential element of
the high school teacher's qualification, but it can never take the
place of experience added to natural teaching ability. In no
educational work can there be greater need of teachers alive to
the responsibility of their calling. The training of the adolescent
mind requires a generous, sympathetic nature, and it requires
tact, judgment and discipline peculiar to the management of
youth. The school board is to be commended for the recent
increase in tlie teachers' salaries, for the question of salaries has
jilways been a serious stumbling block in the way of holding our
hesi Teachers.
[n August, 1905, the school board authorized the establish-
ment of a commercial course. This has met a long felt 'want. Its
purpose is to furnish a schedule of study especially fitted for
those who wish to enter business pursuits. The new course has
been made out with this end in view, retaining those subjects
which are essential to general cultivation. It was hoped that the
opening of this course would attract students to the high school
who would otherwise not receive the advantages of a high school
education ; and moreover that it would hold a large nupiber who
drop out during the freshmen and sophomore years. It is gratify-
ing to report that the course, thus far, seems to be accomplishing
the purpose for which it was established.
Considering the fact that no special teacher of music is pro-
vided tliere is reason for pride in the excellent results attained.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 417
A strong Glee Club, High School Choral and Mandolin Club have
been maintained. They have furnished music for morning exer-
cises, rhetoricals and other special programs. Public entertain-
ments were given by the Glee Club and High School Choral last
year and the enthusiasm with which they were received gives
sufficient evidence of their excellence.
There has been no abatement in the usual interest always
shown in athletics. The football team continues to maintain its
position as one of the strongest teams in the state, and it receives
the hearty support of the public. The Athletic Club has always
shown a disposition to conduct its contests in an orderly and gen-
tlemanly manner. In spite of this, such contests have not been
entirely free from the demoralizing influences which usually
attend upon games of an exciting nature.
An event of importance to the school was the inauguration
of a service of cheap lunches in March, 1904. These lunches are
sold at actual cost to the pupils and teachers. The average cost
of a lunch is about four cents and the service is entirely self-
supporting. Only the most wholesome food is offered for sale,
and the bill of fare is sufficiently varied from day to day to be
attractive. Practically all of the pupils buy lunches daily, and
it is believed they are thereby enabled to carry the work of our
long session without loss of energy. The thanks of everyone
interested in the school is due to Miss Clara McNown, who has
so faithfully and effectively labored for the success of the lunch
counter. The progress in the high school has been marked and
continuous ever since its organization. Much of this even prog-
ress must be placed to the credit of the long and efficient service
of the principal.
1906 TO 1914.
W. H. Schulz was elected city superintendent of schools dur-
ing the July meeting of 1906. M. S. Prawley continued as prin-
cipal of the high school until the end of the school year for
1912-1913. His record has perhaps not been equaled by any
other high school principal in the state of Wisconsin for length
of service in the same capacity. He had been high school prin-
cipal for over thirty years and has had the good fortune to see
the consolidation of the high schools into one Central High school,
and then to see the development of the Central High school until
it reached an enrollment of nearly 700 students. The standing
of tlie high school has always been good. It was always accred-
418 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ited to the University of Wisconsin, and has remained a member
of the North Central Association continuously from the time that
it was first admitted to that membership.
In 1907 a new building was built in the First ward. This
building was a decided improvement over the older type of build-
ing in many respects. Light regulation was better; furnaces in
the heating plant are arranged in a battery. It has a fan system
and heat regulation. In sanitary provisions it is entirely modern.
Since the erection of this school building the heating and venti-
lation in all the school buildings has been improved and modern
heat regulation and ventilation have been put into the Third,
Seventh No. 2 and Eighth ward buildings. All the buildings are
now supplied with either gas or electricity for lighting pur-
poses. The buildings within recent years have been thoroughly
renovated so that they may be considered modern in nearly every
respect. The walls are tinted according to the most approved
method. They are kept thoroughly clean and sanitary at all
times. A great deal has been added in the way of equipment,
so that the facilities for teaching have been vastly improved.
The free text book system is continued and the supply is liberal
and books are always kept in good condition. To bring about
these improvements has entailed a great deal of expense, but
there is no doubt that it is a good investment. School exhibits
are now an annual feature. At these exhibits school work in
drawing, arithmetic, spelling, writing, manual training and
domestic science is shown to the public. There is always a pro-
gram rendered by the pupils. These exhibits have always been
very popular, as is evidenced by the large attendance that they
always bring forth. Quite an elaborate course of study for the
grades and in manual training and domestic science was worked
out by the superintendent and printed by the Board of Educa-
tion in 1909. This book contained about 250 closely printed
pages. It has been given credit of being the most elaborate
course of study for the grades of any school system in the state.
The results which have followed have been exceedingly gratify-
ing. All the work in all the branches is outlined on the basis of
the divisions of the grades for semesters. This makes it very
convenient for reference. The new high school courses which
were adopted about the same time were a general course with a
great many different electives, and a commercial course with a
great many different electives. These courses have not been
changed for quite a number of years, because the flexibility and
the opportunity for election of .subjects made them on the whole
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OP EAU CLAIRE 419
very satisfactory. The choice of subjects made by the students
indicates strongly the trend towards those things in courses of
study which are more practical aud have a value which can be
used in the practical affairs of life as soon as the student leaves
school. With the adoption of the new course of study for the
grades was brought about a more definite system of grading.
This gave freedom to the movement of the stream of progress
through the grades from the primary to the grammar grades
which was rather unexpected so that now the enrollment in the
upper grades is nearly as strong as in the lower grades. It has
also demonstrated that boys will stay in school as well as girls
if the opportunities of progress are such as appeal to the boy.
Special teachers aud supervisors are now maintained in the
following departments :
In music the supervisor gives his entire time to supervising
the work of music in the grades and also in doing some teaching.
Some time also is given to the high school.
The supervisor in drawing spends all the time in looking after
that work in the grades, does some teaohing and also training
of teachers.
The supervisor of physical culture gives most of his time to
the grades, some to the high school and gives demonstration
exercises in the grades for pupils and teachers.
The supervisor in manual training looks after the manual
training department and does also work in teaching.
The head of the domestic science department looks after
the work in that department and does work in teaching.
The special supervisor assists in the superintendent's office
and in the supervision in some of the subjects in the grade
schools. The supervisory force is a strong one and has aided
very materially in improving the schools of the city.
The Board of Education adopted a rule which requires that
all the new teachers employed in the grades shall be graduates of
the advanced course of a state normal school and tliat all the new
teachers employed in the high school shall be college graduates
or equivalent. This raising of the qualifications of the teachers
in the school system has had a very beneficial effect.
In a small way home school gardens were established in 1907.
Their number gradually increased. In 1913 there were nearly
a thousand of them in the city. The interest and the progress
in this line of work has been astounding. The benefits derived
are undoubtedly of very great value. Many of the pupils have
won prizes at fairs with their garden products. Marketing asso-
420 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
eiations are being organized, and undoubtedly in the course of
time will develop the business side of the home school gardens.
In 1912 a new school building was erected in the Ninth ward.
This is a beautiful structure, two stories and a basement. Dr.
Wiley, after his inspection, pronounced it the most up-to-date
building in the country in every respect. He said that he found
more of the modern improvements incorporated in it than in
any other building he had ever examined and also some features
that he had never seen in any other schoolhouse. It has a system
of light regulation that has not been equaled in any other
place. It has a large auditoriiun for civic social center pur-
poses which is used quite extensively. The school grounds are
arranged for playground purposes and are being improved ac-
cording to the most modern plans and methods of landscape
gardening.
Nearly all the school buildings in the city are supplied with
pianos and all of them are supplied with Victrolas so that the
pupils may listen to the best music of the world. This feature
is proving very satisfactory. The school buildings are used for
other purposes besides the ordinary school purposes. Many of
the buildings are used by the Civic Social Center movement
which is proving quite successful, especially in the Second, Sixth,
Ninth and Tenth wards.
The Board of Education has generally been a strong body.
In recent years this has been especially true. Some of the ablest
citizens in the community are giving their time to the service of
the schools in their home city. Since the division of the commis-
sion form of government, the mayor or some other member of
the council is also a member of the Board of Education. Special
arrangement exists for cooperation between the schools and the
public library. This makes the public library a more valuable
factor in the school work of the city. The public library has
built up a picture collection M'hicli is constantly used in the city
schools.
Much is being done by the teachers to improve themselves in
their M'ork. There are regiilar and special teacliers' meetings of
various kinds which always bring oiit a full attendance. Much
good work is done in these meetings; especially is this true of
the special meetings along special lines for grade teachers. Much
advancement has been made in recent years in looking after the
health of the child both in the schoolroom and on the playground.
Playground supervision and playground instriiction are making
rapid advancements and are now required of teachers as a part
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 421
of their function and duty to he regularly and systematically
performed.
In order to interest children in developing habits of industry
and thrift, provisions have been made for savings accounts for
them in the banks. There is no doubt that this will result in
much good in the course of time.
The Board of Education of the city of Eau Claire for the
school year of 1913-14 consisted of the following members:
First ward, J^mmet Horan.^,
Second ward,_J. M. Charles.
Third ward, Chas. H. Henry.
Fourth ward, E. B. Farr.
Fifth ward, Dr. E. S. Hayes.
Sixth ward. Dr. V. V. Mason.
Seventh ward, Howard Culver.
Eighth ward, Peter Mulligan.
Ninth ward, Chas. Eagles.
Tenth ward, Albei-t Nelson.
And for the city at large. Mayor John B. Fleming. Charles H.
Henry was president, E. S. Hayes, vice-president, and Emma
Schroeder, secretary. During the year Adolph Mellsness was
elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Farr,
and J. E. Barron was elected in place of J. M. Charles.^ L. A.
BuDalin was elected in place of V. V. Mason. At the annual
meeting Dr. E. S. Hayes was elected president, and Albert Nelson,
vice-president.
Prof. F. M. Jack was elected lu-incipal of the high school.
He began his services with the opening of the school year. Mr.
Jack had acquired considerable eminence in his profession before
he came into the employment of the Board of Education. He
had been science teacher in the Milwaukee high schools, principal
of several high schools, city superintendent of schools at Sparta,
state inspector of high schools and institute conductor of the
River Falls Normal School, in all of which positions he had met
with marked success.
During this year the training in physical culture was placed
in the hands of a physical director. Mr. W. S. Hansen was elected
director. His work has been very successful. For the year
1914-15 Miss Gertrude Krug has been employed as assistant.
During this school year the registration and attendance was
as follows:
Enrollment in the grades: Kindergarten, 370; first grade,
338; second grade, 311; third grade, 317; fourth grade, 327;
422 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
fifth grade, 296; sixth grade, 29G; seventh grade, 218; eighth
grade, 213; total, 2,686.
High school: First year, 229; second j'ear, 188; third year,
158 ; fourth year, 125 ; total, 700.
— Deaf school, 34^ Total 3,420.
Practically 100 more pupils would probably have beeu in
'U/' attendance in the grades if it were not for the existence of the
V, l/Oy-'^i*:' '■ industrial school. They are in the industrial school because the
jj ^ JurV industrial school with its equipment and course of study is bet-
1 ^ ter able to serve them and their peculiar needs.
j''' The total number of days attendance was: In the grades,
428,208 days; high school, 111,936 days; deaf school, 5,395 days;
total, 545,539 days.
In these figures there is to be found a slight increase over
last year. The total enrollment for last year was 3,369, and
the total number of days attendance 523,682. In punctuality and
attendance our school system has always had a good ranking,
and it is gratifying to notice that it is still improving in that
direction. There has been little to interfere with regular attend-
ance during the year. The health of the school children has been
remarkably good. The number of cases of contagious diseases
has been very few. Only a small number of pupils withdrew
from school during the year to go to work. There seems to be a
slow but steady increase in the number of pupils who stay in the
elementary schools until they have completed all the work of
the grades. Not all of the pupils who complete the work in the
grades enter the high school, but the number is very large,
being over 90 per cent. This is a much higher per cent than
in most other cities.
New courses of study for the high school were adopted and
approved by the state superintendent of public instruction. These
consist of a general course, a vocational commercial course, a
vocational manual arts course and a vocational special course.
This will afford a much greater and better opportunity for choice
of studies to the students attending this high school. The pro-
visions for those students who do not expect to enter a higher
institution of learning are exceptionally fine, and I trust that
during the next four or five years a great improvement will take
place in better adjustment to the actual needs of the students
attending our high school. We must remember that a very large
percentage never receive any higher education than that whicli
they receive in the high school, therefore, the studies and lines
of work pursued should be as practical as possible. Taking all
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OP EAU CLAIRE 423
things iuto consideration, the outlook for progress in this school
is exceptionally good.
During the past eight years our special aim has been to im-
prove the quality of the work done in our schools. Many changes
and improvements have been made in courses of study, the selec-
tion of better books, the providing of suitable and necessary
apparatus. Plans for the stimulation and encouragement of
greater educational interests have been worked out. Undoubt-
edly one of the most important things in an educational system
is to have in the schools the right spirit, a spirit of industry,
interest and enjoyment. I believe we have made some verj^
marked gains in that direction. I think this is especially evi-
denced by the decrease in the number of cases of punishment and
of difficulties of every kind between teachers and pupils and
teachers and parents. A great deal of school work has been intro-
duced which has practical value. The standard of qualifications
for promotion has been increased. The standard of qualifications
for the new teachers employed by the Board of Education has
been increased. The Board of Education has made an astound-
ingly large number of improvements in the school buildings.
Practicall.y all of the ward schools have been put into, a good
state of repair. Many improvements have been made in the heat-
ing systems and in the lighting of the school buildings, the clean-
ing of school buildings and in many other features of sanitation.
Practically over one-half of . the basement of the high school
building has been rebuilt. Two modern, well-equipi>ed ward
school buildings have been erected. One of these undoubtedly
one of the most complete and perfect to be found anywhere in
our country. We have to this effect the testimony of two good
authorities of national reputation, namely. Dr. Wiley and George
Bruce.
It is sometimes a good thing to make a little review of what
has been accomplished in a definite period of time. This may
be a soiirce of disappointment or a source of encouragement.
I feel no hesitancy whatever in saying that the Board of Educa-
tion and its administrative officers may well feel proud of what
has been accomplished in these years. It is this type of constant
effort and seeking to attain higher levels and still greater achieve-
ment that produces the most lasting results in real progress.
Following a looking backward naturally comes a looking for-
ward. This looking forward should not be with a desire to loolr
merely for something new or for things startling and faddish,
but the looking forward should be with a view of finding for
424 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the future a place foi" those things which were found wanting
in the past and which are an educational necessity which the
past has been unable to produce.
With the social and industrial changes which have been tak-
ing place in recent years has come the breaking down of an i^le-
ment of training and investigation on the part of the home which
in reality amounted to a considerable measure of vocational
guidance. The entire removal of the industries from the home to
separate workshops and factories has led to a lessening of con-
sideration on the part of school children for an interest in these
industries until the time has arrived when a choice must be made,
and then the youth is not prepared as well as he should be
because of a lack of previous instruction. It seems to me that
one of the best ways of approaching the subject of vocational
guidance is to give the pupils in the grades and in the high
school ample opportunity to obtain definite knowledge of the
industrial, commercial and professional life of the communit.y
in which they live. This should include a reasonably clear pre-
sentation of the preparation required to enter each one of the
common vocations. The first course in vocational guidance should
be very simple and elementary. The second course should be
much more thorough and advanced with a view of allowing a
pupil an opportunity to specialize in his investigation whenever
he comes to the conclusion that he has practically made a choice.
Rightly handled, this may be made a means of affording specific
training for a more efficient citizenship. In order, however, to
carry ovit a plan of this kind, it will be necessary for the indus-
trial institutions of the city to cooperate with the schools in
helping the pupils to such information as might be desirable
and also for opportunities of investigation. Perhaps the Civics
and Commerce Association would be willing to create a depart-
ment which is specially designed to cooperate with the schools
in promoting this special training in vocational guidance.
Efforts have been made for many years to vitalize tlie elemen-
tary and secondary courses of study and it is true much has
already been accomplished, but a great deal more improvement
is necessary. There is not much use at this step in our advance-
ment to push vocational courses any farther unless the schools
can secure the cooperation of industrial, business and profes-
sional organizations to aid in the necessary work which must be
done in vocational guidance. Vocational guidance must, to a
large extent, precede the work in the vocational courses. We
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 425
now have manual training and domestic science in the grades,
sliaping itself over into prevocational work. So is the work in
drawing, and even to some extent in music. The time must come
when some greater opportunity is offered by the schools for ele-
mentary work in horticulture and in agriculture. For, after all,
over nine-tenths of the people are going to be interested in either
producing from the soil or manufacturing. In the schools of
northern Europe a large amount of this practical work is being
offered and is closely linked to the back work which they have
pursued in the grades and some of the special secondary schools.
We have made a small beginning with home school garden-
ing. This is very valuable but not sufficiently extensive. In
these lines of woi-k in the grades and in the high school, the
pupils should have an opportunity to demonstrate their mathe-
matics, drawing and science, and to some extent also their book-
keeping. While these applications may not be extensive, they
are realistic and, as we have learned by experience, make a decid-
edly better impression than the mere back work in these same
subjects. In order to make our advanced vocational courses in
the high school more effective, in the course of time cooperation
with institutions outside of the school will be a necessity. With
the advanced work in domestic science and manual training
sliould go practical work outside of the school. This may be
done during Saturdays and portions of the vacation so that the
pupil during the two years that lie pursues this advanced work
may have more practice than theory. At the beginning of each
advanced course there should be a probation period, and if the
student finds that it is desirable for him to make a change or
if the teacher deems it necessary that he should make a change
that a change may be made without any special loss to the stu-
dent. These courses of work must be well planned ; they must
have flexibility; they must have records showing efficiency in
the production of each one of the projects which have been com-
pleted. The efficiency record should be the largest factor in
determining when the course is completed.
Vocational guidance and vocational interest must be replanted
ill the home. It may not be possible to make this application
very extensive but a great deal of the work which was once done
in the home may be revived by the schools if the schools will
make a record of what has been done in the home or outside of
school. This record should be one giving recognition to the
value of certain things well done. In some places specific school
426 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
credits are granted. This, it has been found, is not necessary.
If proper recognition is given, making it a part of the school
record, this, with the value of the things produced, seems to be
all the encouragement that is necessary. The following tentative
projects are suggested:
1. Taking full charge and doing the work in a flower garden
containing 300 square feet for the entire season.
2. The same for a vegetable garden of the same size for tlie
entire season.
3. A carefully prepared collection of 25 specimens of useful
woods showing cross section and longitudinal section, fin-
ished and unfinished, the pieces of wood to be four inches
in length, giving description of the trees and the uses of
the woods.
4. A carefully prepared selection of 25 different kinds of seeds
used in a vegetable garden, giving a description of each
I)lant and its uses.
5. A carefully prepared collection of 25 different kinds of flower
seeds, giving a description of the plants and their flowers.
G. A collection of pictures of 15 different farm animals, giving a
description and telling of their uses.
7. A collection of pictures of 15 farm plants, giving a descrip-
tion of them and telling of their uses.
8. A collection of pictures of 15 wild animals giving a descrip-
tion of them and telling of their uses.
9. Complete plans and specifications for the building of a home
or the building of a barn. The work must be original and
may be undertaken only by those who are prepared to
do it.
10. Part record for the making of single articles of dress until the
records show the entire completion of all the different arti-
cles of dress for a girl.
11. Making the beds, sweeping and wiping furniture for one year.
12. Doing the laundry work of the home every week for one year.
13. Baking bread, cakes and pastry for one year.
14. Preparing one meal a day for one year.
15. A collection of 200 recipes approved by the domestic science
department.
Hi. Ten weeks of steady employment at a useful occupation dui'-
ing vacation.
17. Raising a quarter of an acre of vegetables.
18. Raising a quarter of an acre of fruit.
19. Clerking in some place of business for ten weeks.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 427
20. A course of 25 lessons in instrinnental music.
21. A course of 25 lessons in vocal music.
22. A course of 25 lessons in some form of public speaking.
To the foregoing other records which are equally useful may
be added, especially along the lines of prevocational training.
Not very much can be done in teaching people or instructing
them how to become thrifty, yet the instructional side should not
be entirely ignored. Someone lias said not long ago that the
waste of tlu^ American peojile is sufficient to keep the French
nation and to provide for their increase in wealth. Another
authority made this statement, that the waste of the average
American will provide for the sustenance of two of the average
population of Germany. Personal thrift seems to have reached
its highest advancement in that country, while community thrift
and national thrift, from the standpoint of government, seems to
liave reached its greatest advancement in France. In England
we have examples equally striking, but we have examples also
that are the very opposite coming undoubtedly from a commonly
accepted principle that everyone must find out how to take care
of himself. This principle is undoubtedly correct after a certain
measure of ability has been developed, but not before. Through
the courses in vocational uiiidancc, the vocational courses and
records of home school tasks, it will undoubtedly be possible to
stimulate a greater interest in matters of thrift. The funda-
mental appeal, it seems to me, should be toward saving, and as
soon as possible establishing a savings account. Provisions to
that effect should be made bj' the Board of Education in making
arrangements with the banks of the city. At first this may be
a little burden for them to carry, but in the course of time, when
this becomes well worked out, the extra eiJort will be paid for
and more than paid for in the final results. When once an avei'-
age deposit of $15.00 per pupil of those attending school has
been secured, it is pretty certain that it may be said that the
work is on the safe side and will practically take care of itself
for the future. The arrangement for making deposits by the
school children and of keeping record should be very simple.
I would suggest a credit record on the part of the schools every
time that the sum of $5.00 has been exceeded. As much as pos-
sible these deposits should come from the earnings of the pupils.
Right here there is one danger to avoid. Parents should never
pay pupils for attainments in school or attainments in conduct.
This appeal is positively wrong. In connection with this saving
of money may come the training in the saving of otiier things:
428 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
saving of school supplies, saving of home supplies, saving of
articles of apparel by better care, saving machinery by better
care, saving health by better care, saving life by better care,
saving losses to the community by helping to do certain things,
making provisions for the future by the way of insurance and
investments which are bound to increase in value, abandoning
habits which are wasteful, and keeping entirely free from hazard-
ous speculations and gambling. In this as well as in the fore-
going projects, the cooperation of the patrons of the school is
absolutely necessary. As this work is being unfolded in modern
civilization, it becomes more and more apparent that the schools
must become organized factors, working with the homes and
other institutions already in existence, whose aim is in part at
least the same as in the schools themselves.
JUNIOR CITIZENSHIP.
This plan of organizing the school children of our city was
begun several years ago. We learned by experience that very
practical results could be attained. These organizations are
formed when pupils complete the second semester of the fifth
school year. The pupils in that division of the grade organize
by electing officers similar to the officials of the city. While this
organization is being formed, the pupils study a textbook entitled
"Junior Citizen." In this textbook they learn all the features
of modern city government in its various departments. In addi-
tion to this, constant comparisons are made with similar depart-
ments in our own city government and also the functions of
the different offices and departments of their own school govern-
ment. This seems to be one of the most interesting pieces of
work that we now offer in our graded system. We have thought
it best to continue the organizations as the pupils go through
school. I have received reports from quite a number of these
organizations in which I have been told many things about their
Junior Citizen government. One of the fundamental ideas much
emphasized is the fact that it is their duty to aid the city govern-
ment as far as it is in their power to do so. I believe that pupils
who have had this kind of preliminary training get much more
out of their more advanced studies in civics.
During the school year of 1912-13, according to the laws
of the state of Wisconsin, an Industrial Board of Education w;is
created consisting of five members: George Blystone, Henry
Ijeinenkugel, Oluf Carlstrom, G. A. Burkart, W. H. Schulz.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 429
Mr. Blystoiie was elected president. Later Mr. Blystone re-
moved from the city and Fred Thomas was appointed in his
place and elected president of the board, and G. A. Burkart,
secretary.
Up to the present time the following departments have been
organized. A continuation school for boys and girls under four-
teen years of age, an all-day industrial school for boys and girls
over fourteen years of age, and evening schools in dressmaking,
millinery, shop mathematics, mechanical drawing, bookkeeping
and English for foreigners. Prof. W. W. Dixon was elected prin-
cipal of the school. Miss Martha Gaustad, Eleanor Quigg, Inga-
bor Sather and Charles Felton were elected teachers for the reg-
ular day work. A number of other teachers were elected for the
night work. During the two years that the school has existed
the attendance has grown from less than 100 to over 200. It has
been eminently successful in all its departments. There is no
doubt that it has a great future before it.
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS COLLEGE.
For more than one-quarter of a century this school — the Eau
Claire Business College — has offered instruction in those educa-
tional subjects which specially prepare the student for office
and business responsibilities.
The tirst years of its steady growth it made under the name
of the School of Shortland and Business, when it changed hands,
and its curriculum was broadened.
This college was the first to risk its fortunes with tlie promis-
ing and ambitious little city of Eau Claire twenty-seven years
ago. With the city it has grown, doing its share toward making
it the attractive educational and business marte which it has
become — the gate city of the great Chippewa valley and the
largest and most important city of western Wisconsin.
Located fortunately, opposite the new postoffice, on South
Barstow street, and in its own tine brick building, the college
building challenges the attention of all who pass, and its ele-
gantly furnished and well-equipped lecture rooms and commercial
halls proft'er a welcome to all visitors and to all who seek to make
substantial preparations for a business career.
The rapid expansion in business the last twenty years incident
to the unparalleled development of the western and northwestern
portion of the United States has completely changed the busi-
ness ideals of the vast majority of men. Strenuous competition
430 HISTORY OF EAU CliAIRE COUNTY
has evolved new methods of business and erected other stand-
ards of doing business, and the essentials for an education have
concurrently grown.
To meet this change, the Eau Claire Business College lias
kept in close touch with the progress of the years, advancing
steadily its standards that those who received their business
training within its walls might go out and reap the richest reward
offered to intellectual toil.
Having this policy as its guiding star, nothing obsolete nor
antiquated prevails in its lecture rooms. Its methods of instruc-
tion belong to this day and the most capable teachers aro on-
gaged to amplify those methods.
Its textbooks are modern and conform to the highest .stand-
ards; its commercial curriculum has taken on the best ap[iroviMl
methods of accounting, and its normal instruction is equal to the
best, whether given in high school, normal school or university.
This school may rightly claim a proud place among those edu-
cational forces which are making Eau Claire a city educationally
equal to any in the Northwest. Its thousands of graduates ai'c
now in business or in the offices of business firms, graciously
extending the influences of the institution among the expanding
communities of this wide "West.
Upon investigation, it has developed that the Eau Claire Busi-
ness College sustains a curriculum and a staff of teachers fai- in
advance of any other college of its kind in this state. It aspires
to prepare young men and young women for business. It holds
that to simply make them accountants or stenographers is to
but half prepare them for the exalted demands of this business
age. So it cai-efuUy prepares them in all those subjects which
are called into requisition by the accountant, the stenographer,
the business manager, the director in corporations, a member of
the civil service and the leader in society.
This standard which the Eau Claire Business College sets for
itself places it in a class of its own.
Nor does it allow its superior standards of education to shut
out those who seek to improve themselves — even a little. It wel-
comes those who, having had few educational opportunities, and
having small means, would improve their condition, and it, by
special personal instruction, helps them to a better conception of
the world of affairs.
In a word, this institution seeks to lend a helping hand to
everyone who comes within its walls. Its faculty, every member
of which is a university trained teacher, is imbued with the
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 431
idea of service — service that uplifts physically, morally and intel-
lectually. It places its arms around the boys and girls who are
entrusted to its care and protects them while it educates them.
Good homes are provided for them, their conduct and company
are carefully observed, and those influences that uplift are thrown
around them.
During the college year just past, for the purpose of giving
a wider margin to the students' intellectual vision, a course of
lectures has been provided, to be given by prominent educators
and leading business men. These were delivered before the whole
school.
Thus it will be seen that the welfare of the student body is
uppermost in the minds of the faculty.
As conducted, this college takes rank with the most advanced
schools of the state. And the best word that can be said for
it is that, commendable and substantial as has been its progress,
its program calls for larger triumphs in its chosen field.
HUNT'S BUSINESS COLLEGE.
Eau Claire can now boast of having a live, modern, up-to-date
business school, known as Hunt's Business College, now perma-
nently located in the Gas building in the quarters formerly occu-
pied by the Eau Claire Commercial College. Professor D. L. Hunt
is at the head of the institution. He is owner and business man-
ager, also the principal of the department of penmanship and
bookkeeping. This gives to the college a prestige that is at
once a prophecy and guarantee of abundant success, and insures
to the people of this locality a first-class business school for
which there has long been a popular demand. Eau Claire is a
central point and an ideal location for such a school. It is only
at a central point like this that such a school can be maintained,
and, besides, no other school can have a Professor D. L. Hunt
to put at its head to bring to it the prestige necessary to its
success.
For several years Professor Hunt has been a well-known pro-
moter of business college work in Eau Claire. In 1907 he ac-
cepted a call to the position of professor of penmanship in the
Eau Claire Business College. In a very short time, however,
his ability not only as a teacher, but as a business manager
became apparent and he was promoted to the position of prin-
cipal of the business department of the school. He was able to
greatly strengthen the school by bringing to it a largely increased
432 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
patronage from students who desired to be under his tuition as
teacher of penmanship and bookkeeping. His fame as a penman
and teacher spread rapidly over the entire field. He has mar-
velous skill as a penman, but his ability and skill as a teacher
is no less marvelous, for he has the rare gift of being able to
impart to others a generous measure of the skill that has made
him so famous. It is one thing to be a penman and another to
be able to teach the art to others. An expert penman who is a
poor bookkeeper finds no demand for his skill no more than
there is for the man who is a good bookkeeper and a poor pen-
man. The two things go together, penmanship and bookkeeping,
and as Mr. Hunt combines the two in his method of teaching,
his great success as a teacher is accounted for. His success has
made him famous all over the country, and his graduates are
in demand at good salaries by business men. Indeed, the demand
is so great for Professor Hunt's student graduates that he is able
to supply only some of the larger ofSces where skill is absolutely
demanded, and even then the demand is something like six
months ahead of the supply. This is one reason why prospective
■students will have no other teacher, and it follows as a reason
why students are so loyally flocking to his school.
The writer of this article in a talk with Mr. Hunt just pre-
vious to his writing it learned as a matter of fact that the start-
ing of this school was practically forced on him. Early in Janu-
ary of this year the Eau Claire Business College purchased the
good will and fixtures of the Eau Claire Commercial College.
Professor Hunt had been the principal of the business department
of this school since 1912, albeit during the first year the school
was known as the Union College. When, however, the transfer
was made to the Eau Claire Business College some fifty or more
of the students mutinied and refused to be transferred. Many
or most of them had matriculated with the Commercial College
because of their desire to be under Professor Hunt's teaching.
The rebellious students flocked around Professor Hunt and urged
and petitioned him to open a business college of his own, ofl'ering
to go with him in a body. They pointed out to him that there
was a moral obligation imposed on him to teach them to the end
of tlie term inasmuch as it was at his solicitation they joined
the school. After careful deliberation Mr. Hunt Anally con-
sented to accept the burden thus imposed on him and some fifty
or more of the students followed him to temporary quarters
where an organization was efl:'ected and Hunt's Business College
was born. The temporary quarters lacked the conveniences and
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OP EAU CLAIRE 433
comforts of the quarters they had forsaken but they bore the
hardships cheerfully imtil their present quarters were available.
The present home of the school is now fitted up with all fix-
tures and accessories necessary to make a perfect schoolroom
adapted to the purposes intended. The schoolroom is splendidly
lighted, well ventilated and with modern equipments adapted to
the comfort and convenience of the students, the school is on
tlie highway to great prosperity.
Professor Hunt came to Eau Claire with a big reputation
back of him. He certainly stands at the head of his profession.
He is not only one of the best penmen of the country but there
ar(! those who lay the broad claim that he is the best penman in
the world today, and an examination of his work makes it easy
for one to believe that this is true. Even as a small lad back in
Indiana where he was born, he was known as the boy prodigy
in using the pen. As a child he attracted the attention of penmen
all over the country. But not satisfied with the natural skill
that was born in him, his love of the art led him to use every
available educational advantage that would contribute to per-
fecting him in the art. He began his career as a teacher when
but seventeen years of age and he frankly acknowledges that in
teaching others he has himself learned more than he taught his
pupils. He has not yet ceased to study and learn, but is pro-
gressive, becoming more efficient as the years go by, thoiigh it
is hard to understand how he can make any further advancement,
for to ordinary observers he appears to have reached a point
where there is nothing more for him to learn. He has now
given a quarter of a century of the best years of his life to teach-
ing penmanship and bookkeeping as well as the various branches
that go with them. He has always had a passion for the West,
and at an early period in his career his migratory instincts led
him to go west. His westward movements began in 1888 when
he visited Hutchinson, Kans., where he spent a year and then
spent another year teaching in Topeka. It was while he was
at Topeka he took first prize at the state fair for pen work in
competition with all the best penmen of the state. He then
accepted a call to the position of principal of penmanship and
bookkeeping with Depue & Aydelotte's Business College and
Normal School. Here again his ability as a penman was shown
by his takiiig first prize at the state fair for the best collection
of pen work in the state. His great ability as penman and
teacher attracted the attention of the management of Ileald's
Business College at San Francisco where he succeeded Professor
434 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Fielding Schofield as penman and teacher. He remained with
this school for three years and during the time acquired the title
of Hunt, the Budget Man, by his introducing the budget system
of bookkeeping. This system won great popularity on the Pa-
cific coast as indeed it has wherever it has been introduced, and
it might be added here that it is taught here in Eau Claire in
Professor Hunt's College. From this school he went to Norris-
town, Pa., where he was offered and accepted a position as prin-
cipal in the penmanship department of Schlissler's College of
Business, where the budget system of bookkeeping was again
introduced and taught by Professor Hunt as a special feature,
and was very popular.
But the professor's migratory instincts kept drawing him
again toward the West, and we find him next at Oklahoma City,
where he acquired the ownership of the business college there
which he developed into a great success. After three years at
Oklahoma City he sold his college that he might give his time
to some business interests that demanded attention. Early in his
career he began to understand that it was the dollar saved and
not the dollar earned that enriches, so he early began to save and
invest his earnings, and his outside business now demanded more
attention than he could spare from his school work, so for a time
he gave up teaching and made a success of his business the same
as he had made with teacliing, but the love of his professional
work led him to answer the demands made on him as a teacher
which had become so insistent that he could not ignore them, and
in 1904 we find him again in the harness. He accepted a position
with the business college at "Wichita, Kans., a school that for a
long time had been seeking to have the professor on its teaching
staff, not only because they desired a good teacher, but rather
for the prestige he would bring to the school, for long ere this
he had a national reputation. He did good work for this school
for he greatly improved the pen work of the college and also in-
troduced the budget system of bookkeeping, which was popular, •
as it was wherever taught. Soon after leaving this school he
came to Eau Claire.
It may not be out of place to mention here that while yet a
young man he was called to the position of penmanship teacher
in the Gem City Busmess College, of Quincy, 111., the largest
and best school of its kind in the world, a school that would
have none but the best teachers obtainable at any price. It
might also be added that while filling his engagement with this
school he took the opportunity for taking a post-graduate course
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EAU CLAIRE 435
in bookkeeping, not because lie particularly needed the course,
but rather to perfect himself in that branch of this work. While
he has been a teacher he has also always been a learner, and
he will be a seeker for knowledge in the line of his profession
as long as he lives.
The brief histoiy of Professor Hunt's career as penman and
teacher is summed up by saying that he has a quarter of a cen-
tury of experience during which time lie has given to his Avork
all of the best there is in him to fit young men and women for
life's battles with the world. He has had great success, not
only because of his skill, but also because of his unfailing esti-
mate of the human nature he deals with. He adapts his teaching
to the nature of the man. Herein lies the secret of his success.
He is human and he deals with his students as human beiags
worthy of the best he can give them. His students love the
man because he is human. He wins his way into their confidence
and is able to get out of them intellectually all there is in them.
The writer has given this much of Professor Hunt's history.
A sketch of his career is a history of business college work, for
he is Hunt's Business College, a school that takes high rank from
the verj"- start because he is at its head. Without him it would
lapse into mediocrity and in the business world there is no de-
mand for the young man of mediocre attainments.
STENOGRAPHY AND TYPEWRITING.
Hunt's Business College has the best teachers in the depart-
ment of stenography and typewriting. The young man or woman
who has a thorough knowledge of penmansliip and bookkeeping
can always find a job, but with stenography and typewriting
added to these, there is scarcely any limit to the salary he or
she is able to command. The slogan of the school is thorough-
ness and perfection in every department. Hunt's Business Col-
lege is seeking to graduate men and women who are ambitious
and who desire to be at the top. Perfection in every detail is the
rule. Trifles make perfection, but pei-fectiou is no trifle. Any
school will do for those who merely wish to earn their bread and
butter, but this school with high ideals, with great ambitions,
is equipped to do things and to teach young men and women who
want to do big things in the world of business.
CHAPTER XXVI.
FLOODS.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
A destructive flood occurred in 1856 on the Chippewa river.
Ice, logs and drift wood came down in such force that booms,
piers and all other obstructions were carried away and many
thousand logs were deposited on the Island of the Mississippi.
Another similar visitation came on the morning of August 22,
1870, when it began raining simultaneously along the whole
length of the Chippewa and continued many hours. The stream
rose until it reached fifteen feet above its ordinary level. Over
twenty million logs were lost, the greatest sufferers being the
mill and boom owners in and near the city, and lower down
the river. Still another disaster was the rising of the waters in
1880. Heavy rains had swollen all tlie tributaries of the two
rivers, and on June 12 the Chippewa rose 22 feet, sweeping
through the lower part of the city with destructive force. Many
streets were navigated by boats to give aid to the occupants of
houses and stores. Logs came down in enormous quantities and
were carried over the banks in aU directions, thousands being
left when the river receded in great distances from the regular
channel. Buildings were washed from their foimdations and
their contents were swept away by the torrent. The Grand ave-
nue bridge and one other were wrecked and the total loss ex-
ceeded $100,000. Still heavier was the catastrophe of September,
1884. The river began to rise on the ninth of that month and on
the following morning had risen from two to eleven feet, and
continued until it reached the extraordinary height of 27 feet
above low water mark at 11 o'clock on Thursday morning, ex-
ceeding the rise of 1880 bj^ five feet. Between 3 and 1 o'clock
of that day the floating logs, lumber and masses of timber crashed
against the bridges until, at 3 :30 a raft of lumber from the Dells
mills struck and carried away the east section of the Madison
street bridge. This disjointed section was impelled with over-
whelming force against the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paiil Val-
ley Division Railway bridge, destroying it instantly. Grand
436
FLOODS 437
avenue bridge was next swept away, followed by Water street
bridge, the lower Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul bridge and the
Shawtown wagon bridge. All bridges across the Chippewa at
this point were destroyed except that of the Chicago, St. Paul,
Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad, and the C, M. & St. P. bridge
above the Dells. The latter was carried away on the following
day, mingled with masses of debris, timber, houses, furniture,
carcasses of animals and a heavy run of logs from the booms
above. The damage to property within the city limits was esti-
mated at $500,000, and in the valley at $1,500,000. All the city
bridges were immediately rebuilt. The cause of the flood was
the giving way of the Little Falls dam, some forty miles up the
river, and perhaps accelerated by the giving way of a dam on
Dimcan creek at Bloomer, in Chippewa county.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CITY PARKS.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
Eau Claire lias four hundred and fifty acres of land set aside
for the use of its citizens for purposes of recreation and the enjoy-
ment of natural beautj'. Most of these parks are due to the
generosity of early settlers who, acquiring wealth in the lumber
business, did not fail to consider the needs of their own to'wu in
the distribution of their abundance. Putnam Park, in the south-
ern part of the city, and east of an abrupt bend of the Chippewa
to the westward, consists of two hundred acres, including a line
of thickly wooded hills whose top spreads out into a wide stretch
of well tilled farms. Its use is free to all; it can be reached by
trolley from any part of the city, and once within its sylvan
depths you can hardly believe yourself so near a bustling world
of labor. On either side of a well kept drive is a forest contain-
ing over thirty varieties of trees and twenty species of ferns.
Four kinds of oak, elms, Avillow, beech, white and yellow birch,
iron wood, basswood, a grove of tamarack or black larch, many
varieties of fir are at home here, and other trees only to be fully
appreciated by the true forester. Among the rich profusion of
ferns is one rarely seen in this country, the Regalis Esmondi or
Royal Fern, named, it is said, for one King Esmond, who hid from
enemies in a thicket of this species, but was killed there. The
Cinnamon fern and the "Walking fern are also found here, and
several orchids, the Habenaria, Arethusa, Indian Pipe, masses of
Celandine, Cypripedium, Spectabilo, Elecampane, Sarsaparilla,
Thoroughwort and Ginseng. Along the lower drive and under
it are springs of pure soft water issuing from the sand rock, and
so abundant is this supply that within one-half a mile the gath-
ered volume therefrom would supply a city of one hundred thou-
sand people. Many years ago the owner of this land, the Hon.
Henry C. Putnam, stocked the streams with ten thousand brook
trout and took measures to preserve the park and drives in
unspoiled beauty, "a bit of nature," close to the city. The upper
drive on top of the bluff is over three miles in extent, the lower
438
CITY PARKS 439
one two and one-half. The birds of this latitude are entirely at
home in these woods, and may be studied at close range. The
mourning dove, the cat bird with its uncanny change of note
from delicious music to fretful complaint, the scarlet tanager — a
bit of flittering flame, the warbling vireo, thrushes, blue birds,
cedar birds in social crowds, grosbeaks, all and more are in this
forest. This park was given in memory of Henry C. Putnam by
his children, Mrs. E. B. Hinckley, of Chicago, and Mr. E. B.
Putnam, of Eau Claire, who promised to carry out his wishes and
plans began during his long and active life in Eau Claire.
Carson Park is a beautiful island comprising one hundred and
thirty-five acres in the center of Half Moon lake, stands twenty-
five feet above the Avater and is covered with a fine grove of
native trees. It formerly belonged to the Daniel Shaw Lumber
Company, early founders of the village, but was lately purchased
and given to the city by the five surviving children of the late
William Cai'son as a memorial to their father, a pioneer lumber-
man of the Chippewa Valley, and a man of unusual enterprise,
sagacity and liberality. The lake is much used for boating, and
the park will be one of the finest in the country.
Mt. Tom Park, twenty-five acres in extent, encircles a beautiful
mound one hundred feet in height in the northern part of the
city, with a winding road to the pavilions at the summit, from
which is had a fine view of the Eau Claire river and the golf
grounds of the Country Club. This park was a donation from
William J. Starr, J. T. Barber, W. K. Coffin and other stock-
liolders of the Starr Lumber Company, the Northwestern Lumber
Company and the Eau Claire National bank.
Gleason Park, also in the northern part of the city, is near
Mt. Tom and of the same height, topped with a rock eighteen
feet square and twenty feet high, which is a noticeable landmark.
This park of twenty-five acres was deeded to the city by the
Gleason Brothers of Rock Ledge, Florida, as a memorial to their
father. Gov. Charles R. Gleason, of Florida, formerly a pioneer of
Eau Claire.
Wilson Park, near the postoffice, was given to tlie city as
"Court House Square" at an early period by the Eau Claire
Lumber Company. When the new court house was erected on the
west side on grounds donated by Hon. 0. H. Ingram, the tem-
porary buildings were removed and the place called Wilson Park,
in honor of an esteemed early citizen whose energy did much to
lay the foundation of prosperity in the young city.
Randall Park, five acres in the center of the west side, was
440 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
deeded to the city in August, 1856, by Adin Randall, a pioneer
who gave liberally of his lands, labor and interests toward the
development of the little village, but .who died at the early age
of thirty-seven years, too soon to witness the most rapid move-
ment in the course of the race, but not before the town might
be sure of victory.
Boyd Park, given to the city in 1914 by Robert K. Boyd and
his wife, is another five-acre plat in the upper portion of the
Second Avard, which will become a garden and a resting place, as
also University Park near it, and on the way to a golf links of
the Country Club grounds. All these smaller parks are near the
business center, and will be welcome oases to weary toilers on
their way to and from labor.
Owen Park, or Riverside, is on the west bank of the Chip-
pewa between Grand avenue and the bend in the river westward.
It contains fifty acres of land, is graded and set out with many
fine trees, and, being near the center of the city, will become a
popular resort. It was the gift of John S. Owen, one of Eaii
Claire's most loyal citizens, and is the latest addition to the chain
which, with our Avell shaded streets and wide boulevards, will
form a suitable and harmonious environment for a prosperous
city like this one.
One of the finest collections of orchids in the northwest is
owned in this citj^ It was accumulated by an early citizen of
refined tastes and thorough culture, Mr. F. W. Woodward, and
since his decease has been owned and sustained by Dr. J. V. R.
Lyman, under the assiduous care of the same gardener who was
employed in its inception by Mr. "Woodward. There are several
hundred of these wonderful patrician plants, titled princes
brought from Brazilian forests, Columbian peaks or Indian
jungles, but quite at home in the new environment. The Cat-
tleyas, Sobralias, Stantispea, Peristeria Aelata, Dendrobium are
all yielding their wealth of tropic beauty and perfume to the
skilled ministrations of the gardeners. A visit to this rare col-
lection is well worth a long journey.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE CHILDREN'S HOME.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
In 1872 it was agreed by the Christian women of Eau Claire
that the various bauds of workers engaged in charitable labors
throughout the city should unite and form an aid society for
uplifting and aiding the need}^ This was done and most efficient
work was accomplished for sixteen years. The reorganization
of city officers and the apportionment of poor commissioners in
time made it advisable to change plans, and an "industrial
school" was opened, which met with success and gained approval
until January, 1889, when it was decided to close the school and
establish a "children's home" for the care of children needing
protection, employment and assistance until permanent homes
could be secured for them. A brick building on Dodge street
was rented and the home was suppoi-ted by voluntary contribu-
tions. On March 1, 1890, the home was incorporated and the
house and lot were deeded to the association by the generous
owner, the late Sigvald Qvale. The incorporators were Mrs.
Daniel Shaw, Mrs. D. W. Day and Mrs. J. E. Cass. The first
officers were : President, Mrs. Daniel Shaw ; vice-presidents, Mr-s.
D. R. Moon and Mrs. Jane Rust ; secretary, Mrs. J. E. Cass ; treas-
urer, Mi-s. C. M. Buffington. The president felt the need of a
larger building, and in June, 1891, she donated for that purpose
a tract of five acres of land in the rear of her own residence and
beautifully situated, but it has not yet seemed best to build
thereon.
The management, conducted by a board of directors composed
of twenty-four of tlie representative women of Eau Claire, is
based on business principles and has proved its right to an honor-
able place by the practical work of its teaching and care of the
children. The community has been most liberal with work, gifts
and interests. In the twenty-five years of its existence this asso-
ciation has furnished three hundred and seventy-two destitute
children with a happy, healthful, well equipped home and an
opportunity to develop in such manner as to be fitted for the
441
442 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
places open to them in due season. Twenty-seven of these have
been adopted into permanent homes; a number have been kept,
educated in the public schools, tactfully guided and enabled to
find places where they could earn their own living and gain a
worthy position in the world, but the greater number have been
returned to parents when improved conditions in the home have
admitted of this, or in many cases have been taken by other
relatives who were able to care for them. The directors of the
board, and the warm hearted supporters of the work have
abundant reward in the saying of the King: "Inasmuch as ye
have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have
done it unto Me."
CHAPTKJ! XXIX.
EAU CLAIRE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
The first public library and reading room was established in ' •,
June, 1875. The president of the association was H. C. Howland^ » 'wv^-tA^^
vice-president, Rev. J. P. Dudley; secretary, F. W. "Woodward. VJ^^h 'vv*^-
A large room in the rear of the postoffice, which was then in f {yL^jn -
Putnam block on Grand avenue, was secured and eighteen hun-
dred dollars was raised by subscription. The room was furnished,
one hundred volumes were donated and Miss Jessie Hoyt was
chosen librarian. An entertainment Avas given by the ilcndcls-
sohn quartette to aid the fund and citizens were lilnial with
money and gifts of books. This place was rented until April,
1894, when Mr. 0. H. Ingram gave the use free of charge of a
spacious room in the Ingram block, corner of Grand avenue and
Farwell streets, and Mrs. Sears was elected librarian, with Miss
Hoyt as assistant. Miss Sutermeister succeeded in 1895 and in
1896 Miss E. D. Biscoe. The librarians in charge since that time
have been Miss Durtin, Miss Hawkins, Miss Mary A. Smith, Mrs.
B. S. Cronk and the present incumbent, Miss Laura M. Olsen. In
1904 Andrew Carnegie gave the city forty thousand dollars to
erect a library building. A site on the corner of east Grand
avenue and Farwell street was chosen and purchased for seven
thousand dollars, a large part of which was donated by leading
citizens. The building is of Bedford stone, blue for steps and
lower wall courses, and buff for the remainder; an auditorium in
the basement has a seating capacity of four hundred. Five
thousand dollars was appropriated by the city for library main-
tenance yearly, and since 1911 the sum has been raised to six
thousand dollars. The librarian has four assistants and the
service is excellent in all respects. A large room is beautifully
furnished and equipped for the use of children, and is in nearly
constant use by them on Saturdays and out-of-school liours. The
library is open daily from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. and the reading rooms
also on Sundays from 2 :30 to 6 p. m. The number of volumes is
22,610; the circulation for the past year 80,198. The library has
443
444 HISTORY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
deposit stations in the Fourth and Tenth wards of tlie city. The
officers of the library board are: President, W. K. Coffin; vice-
president, M. S. Frawley ; secretary, William W. Bartlett, assisted
by eight directors.
Eau Claire was the first city in Wisconsin next to Milwaukee
to place trained librarians in charge of its free circulating library,
and for years Avas one of the two iu Wisconsin best administered.
The shelves contained many rare and curious books, pamphlets
and papers contributed by friends. The average increase yearly
is 900 volumes, many having been added to the department of
useful arts. The reference room has steadily grown in demand,
and is used by from one hundred to one hundred and fifty per-
sons daily. The reading room is well patronized, fifty-nine monthly
periodicals are taken, thirty-eight weeklies and fourteen dailies.
A few shelves of Tabard Inn books are a supplement to the fiction
department.
CHAPTRK XXX.
POSTOPFICE.
When the territory of Wiseousin became a state, in 1848, the
whole Chippewa Valley was without roads, mails or any regular
eommunieation with the outside world. It was not long, how-
ever, before the legislature made an appropriation to lay out
and open a road from Prairie du Chien, via Viroqua, Black River
Falls and Eau Claire to Hudson. During the fall and winter of
] 849-50 Judge Knowlton, who had the contract for performing
the Avork, had so far succeeded in making the road passable that
Congress early in the fifties established a mail route over it, with
a postoffiee at Eau Claire. George W. Randall was the first post-
master and his ofiSee was called the Clear Water postoffiee. His
successor was J. J. Gage, who kept the office in a store on a thor-
oughfare later known as Eau Claire street, just east of where
the city clerk's office stood in 1892. He was succeeded by Henry
Huntington when the office was removed to the location later
occupied by Hart's Hotel. The ground was then occupied by
the store of Shaw & Huntington. The latter held the office from
]S57 to 1859, when he was followed by Peter Wychoff, who
removed the office to the corner of Barstow and Gibson streets.
His term of office was for two years, from 1859 to 1861, when
owing to a change of administration John T. Tinker was appointed
his successor. Under his administration the postoffiee was located
on Barstow street, near where Tabor Thompson's drug store was
later situated. In 1863 Mr. Tinker assisted in organizing a com-
pany for the Sixteenth Wisconsin regiment, for which he received
a commission as first lieutenant. He went south in the fall of that
year and appointed as his substitute in the postmastership Robert
Cobban.
The question arose as to whether a man could hold two gov-
ernment commissions at the same time. In the end Stephen
IMarston became the postmaster of Eau Claire in the place of
Mr. Tinker, and held that office from ]863 to 1871. During the
absence of the latter from the village and before Mr. Marston's
appointment the postoffiee was destroyed by fire. It was after-
ward removed to the latter 's store on the comer of Barstow and
Main streets, and ultimately to the Music Hall block on the
445
446 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
formei- street. It was finally taken to the corner of River and
Kelsey streets January 6, 1875, where, in 1877, a substantial
brick block was built. Mr. Marston's successors were: E. S.
Chase, four years to 1875; James M. Brackett, 1875 to ]886;
Charles R. Gleason, 1886 to 1888; H. P. Graham, 1888 to 1890,
when W. W. Winterbotham was appointed his successor. Mr.
Winterbotham held the office for one term of four years and was
succeeded by E. Horan, who removed the office to the Drummond
building, after which he served one term of four years, being suc-
ceeded by G. W. Smith, who removed the postoffice to the corner
of River and Gibson streets. Mr. Smith held office until March
31, 1907. On February 12, 1907, Earle S. Welch was appointed
postmaster, but did not assume the duties of the office until April
1, 1907. On the 27th of April, 1911, Mr. Welch was reappointed,
without opposition, for four years and at the date of this writing
is still holding the position. On the 29th of June, 1909, under
the administration of Postmaster Earle S. Welch the postoffice
at Eau Claire was removed from its rented quarters at the corner
of River and Gibson streets to its i^resent palatial home, which
occupies one entire block of ground bounded on the north by
Gray street, on the east by Barstow street, on the south by Jones
street and on the west by River street, a total of 857^; feet front-
age. Under the direction of Postmaster Welch, who in the year
of 1909 had been by the treasury department appointed custo-
dian of the public property in Eau Claire, the grounds surround-
ing the United States court house and postoffice building have
been beautifully decoratecl with shrubs and trees, so that it may
be said a handsomer federal site is not to be found in the nation.
The cost, in round figures, of this building, including the grounds,
fixtures, etc., amounted to $180,000. Each year, usually in the
month of June, the department of justice for the Western Dis-
trict of Wisconsin, holds its annual court session at Eau Claire
in this building, and it is declared by federal officials competent
to judge that a more attractive, complete or up-to-date sti-ueture
of its kind is not in existence.
The Eau Claire postoffice was made a money order office July
1, 1865, and the first order was issued to Alexander Kempt. The
money order business for 1890 amounted to $20,682.63. It was
made a free delivery office in 1884, and in 1892 had eight carriers
and sixty-three street letter boxes. The letters mailed in 1890
numbered 802,580, with 114,232 postal cards and 356,522 pieces
of second, third and fourth class matter ; registered letters mailed,
2,436. The letters received for delivery during the same period
FOURNIER 'S AUDITOKU'M
POSTOFPICE 447
numbered 398,818; postal eai'ds, 110,278; and second, third and
fourth class matter, 695,197.
The growtli of the postal business in its various channels has
been marked in Eau Claire through the fact that the money order
business has increased from about $20,000 in 1890 to an annual
figure representing in all its detail $1,199,221.60, which is the
result shown in this connection from figures compiled by Post-
master Welch at the close of business, December 31, 1912. The
postal sales at this office in 1907 were a trifle over $40,000, while
at the close of business in 1912 the sales for that year reached
over $66,000. The total number of registered pieces in 1892 Avas
2,436, while in 1912 this increased to 7,502. In 1892 there were
eight city carriers and this number was increased from time to
time until 1912, when fifteen city carriers were required. In
1900 a rural free delivery service was established at Eau Claire,
and from time to time this was extended and now six routes
emanate from this postofSce. In September, 1911, the postal sav-
ings system became operative at Eau Claire and has proven a
success. In January, 1913, the parcel post system was established
throughout the United States and this necessitated the employ-
ment of one extra city carrier in the Eau Claire office, who works
exclusively in delivery of this class of mail matter. The business
at this postoffice increased to such an extent that it became neces-
sary to employ a superintendent of mails, and this position was
created in Eau Claire on July 1, 1913. There are at this writing
employed in this postoffice, all told, forty-five men, three of whom
are employed in the custodian force, forty-two of this number
being employed exclusively in postal work. The administrative
work in connection with the United States court house and post-
office at this city is conducted at this writing by Earle S. Welch,
postmaster-custodian; Peter J. Smith, assistant postmaster;
Arthur A. Jost, superintendent of mails, and G. A. Weizenegger,
superintendent of postal savings system.
CHAPTER XXXI.
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS.
EAU CLAIRE WOMAN'S CLUB.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
This club was organized October 31, 1895, with the object, as
stated in the articles of incorporation, "Of creating an organized
center of thought and action among women and for the promotion
of social, educational, literary and artistic growth, and Avhatever
relates to the best interests of the city." The charter members
were Fannie M. D. Galloway, Elizabeth N. Day, Bessie "W. Doo-
little, Ida May Hill Starr, Fannie E. Buffiugton, Annette J. Shaw,
Belle F. Cutler, Cordelia M. Allen, Augusta E. Kidder, Sara W.
Holm and Mary 0. M. Walmsley. The membership the first year
Avas fifty-four, and it has increased steadily until it numbers now
in 1914 over 240. The club was federated with the state organi-
zation in 1896 and with general organization in the same year.
There are five departments for Avork in special lines, viz. : Art,
literature, modern drama, public AA-elfare and travel, each depart-
ment conducted by a leader chosen annually by ballot. In addi-
tion to its efforts for intellectual esthetic and moral development
the club has proved its interest in civic improvement on many
practical lines.
"The Associated Charities,"' organized by the club in 1896,
is given financial aid each year, and its anti-tuberculosis com-
mittee, composed of men and women, has been aided by mem-
bers in the club so signally as to merit special mention. In order
to secure the Eau Claire County Sanitarium for the treatment of
advanced cases of tuberculosis the committee pledged itself to
purcliase a site. Over twelve hundred dollars were raised by
subscription, and the admirable nine-acre site at Shawtown, Mt.
"Wasliington, was bought and deeded to the county. The com-
mittee also raised fifteen hundred dollars for furnishings and
equipment. For five years the club has responded to the request
of the Wisconsin Anti-Tuberculosis Association, and has each
year conducted a sale of the Red Cross stamp for the support of
the state and city work.
A juvenile court committee is appointed by the club to assist
448
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS 449
in the work through volunteer probation service and through
plans for the convention of delinquency among children. This
eonunittee comprises also prominent men of tlie community who
are willing to give time and thought to the cause.
The traveling libraries owned by the club for a number of
years were given in 1908 to the county of Eau Claire to form the
nucleus of the county traveling library system. A case of books
is still kept at the rest rooms, and these books are loaned to
visitors to the rooms. In July, 1899, public rest rooms were estab-
lished in the city under the auspices of the Woman's Club. These
rooms not only afford a pleasant place where people from out of
town may rest, eat kmcheon and exchange ideas, but they also
tend to establish a closer relationship between the dwellers in
the country and those in the city. In addition to the circulating
library in the rooms, quantities of magazines and other reading
matter contributed by the women of the city are sent into the
country. The use of the rooms is free, the expense being met
by the business men of the city, together with an annual appro-
priation from the club and occasional contributions from the
country districts. The matron's register shows the average num-
ber of daily visitors to exceed forty. Besides these matters of
vital importance to the welfare of our city, others not less urgent
are receiving earnest consideration and practical aid. The club
contributes yearly a liberal sum to the salary of the visiting house-
keeper, lectures, social center work in the schools and other
kindred subjects, and is cordially recognized by the Civic and
Commerce Association of Eau Claire as a valuable aid in its cam-
paign for I'ighteous living and loyalty to the best in all things,
with a full recognition of human interests everywhere and a
prime motive expressed in the club motto, "Come let us help one
another."
The following is the list of the presidents of the club since its
organization: Mrs. W. K. Galloway, Mrs. Elizabeth N. Day,
I\Irs. M. S; Frawley, Mrs. L. A. Doolittle, Mrs. E. S. Clark, Mrs.
IMary D. FitzGerald, Mrs. D. R. Davis, Mrs. H. E. Lamb, Mrs. A.
II. Shoemaker, IMrs. W. K. Coffin and Mrs. David Drummond.
THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF EAU CLAIRE.
The Eaii Claire Philharmonic Society was established in 1911
by a few enthusiastic spirits whose love for the best in music
was inspired and urged on by an indomitable spirit which yielded
to no obstacle and overcame all difficulties. They have seen their
450 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
efforts crowned with success, for the society now boasts of a
chorus of one hundred, an orchestra of thirty, a conductor of
acknowledged ability and the best of financial credit, resting as
it does upon a foundation composed of the very best citizens,
whose faith and appreciation are proven by generous yearly
donations. The objects of the society are first to educate the
tastes of the young people of the city through practice and
studies under a competent conductor in the best music. Second
to give the public the benefit of this study through public
musicals and yearly festivals, and third, to bring to our city
better musical attractions and musicians than would come were
there no such society here. These hopes have been realized even
in the brief life of the society thus far, and the future will develop
this prediction with a great certainty of achievement. Three
annual May festivals liave been held and these have become a
yearly event, looked forward to with keenest anticipation and
attended by the citizens of this and surrounding cities with every
evidence of thorough appreciation.
The greatest material benefit aside from the bringing of
musicians to our city of a higher grade in rank than might other-
wise come is in the musical advantages given our young people
and the incentive given for the higher and better things in the
world of music. The outlook for the future of the society is most
encouraging, its members will be recruited from the many schools
of the city, and a large, permanent membership is assured. The
ordinary citizen is slow to awake to a realization of the advan-
tages and benefits from the best music and a musical education,
but those awake to these things realize the immense importance
of this society to our city, both from a civic and a social stand-
point. It furnishes an outlet for the superabundant life of our
young i^eople, and is a constant uplift to a higher plane of life
and living. The officers of the society are : F. H. Graham, presi-
dent ; C. Midelfart, vice-president ; Mildred Henry, secretary ;
R. Westluud, treasurer, and Edwin Howard, conductor. The
directors are F. H. Graham, C. Midelfai't, Rev. II. M. Thompson
and C. W. Lockwood.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
MASONIC. Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M. Meets the
second and fourth Fi'idays in Masonic Hall.
Eau Claire Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M. Meets the first Friday at
Masonic Temple.
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS 451
Eau Claire Commandery, No. 8. ]\Ieets third Friday at
Masonic Temple.
Eau Claire Chapter, No. 126, Order of Easteru Star, ileets
second and fourth Mondays at Masonic Temple.
BEAVERS. Colony No. 538. Meets first and third Fridays at
Odd Fellows' Hall.
B'NAI BRITII. Cliippewa Valley Lodge, No. XU. Meets
third Sunday at Pythian Hall.
BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMEN. :\Ieets the sec-
ond and fourth Thursdays at Odd Fellows' Hall.
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF WISCONSIN. St. -Joseph's
Branch, No. 8. Meets second Tuesday of each month at Tomashek
Hall.
St. Aloysius Branch, No. 160. Meets third Tuesday of each
month at Sacred Heart of Jesus' School Hall.
Degree of Honor, Eau Claire Lodge, No. 1.
EAGLES. Eau Claire Aerie, No. 129. Meets every Friday
night at Eagle Hall.
BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS, No.
402. Meets first and third Tuesday at Eau Claire Auditorium.
EQUITABLE FRATERNAL UNION. Meets third Tuesday at
No. 2 South Barstow street. Eau Claire Assembly, No. 117.
CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS. St. Anne's Court, No.
195. Meets first and fourth Monday in Pythian Hall.
St. Mary's Court, No. 537. Meets first and third Tuesday at
K. C. Hall.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. Eau Claire
Court, No. 907. Meets first and third j\Ionday in I. S. W. E. Hall.
FRATERNAL RESERVE ASSOCIATION. Eau Claire Coun-
cil, No. 26. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays at Pythian Hall.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Eagle Post. No. 52.
Meets every Wednesday at G. A. R. Hall.
Eagle Corps, No. 20. Meets every Wednesday at 2:30 p. ni.
at G. A. R. Hall.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. Eau Claire
Lodge, No. 140. Meets every Tuesday at I. 0. 0. F. Hall.
Frieden Lodge, No. 254. Meets Thursdays at 208 Eau Claire.
Morgenstern Lodge, No. 91. Meets second and fourth Friday
at Frieden Hall.
Myrtle Rebecca Lodge, No. 76. Meets first and third Mondays
at L 0. 0. F. Hall.
INDEPENDENT SCANDINAVIAN WORKINGMEN'S AS-
SOCIATION, Grand Lodge.
452 HISTORY OP BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Norden Lodge, No. 1. Meets second and fourth Friday at
Union Savings Bank bnilding.
KNIGHTS OP COLUMBUS. Eau Claire Council, No. 1257.
Meets second and fourth Tuesday at Chappel Hall.
KNIGHTS AND LADIES OP THE MACCABEES. Eau
Claire Tent, No. 93. Meets second and fourth Fridays in K. of P.
Hall.
Eau Claire Hive, No. 31. Meets second and fourth Monday at
K. of P. Hall.
KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS. Odin Lodge, No. 43. Meets every
Thursday in Lay Cocks Hall.
Germania Lodge, No. 49. Meets every Wednesday at Pythian
Hall.
JOHN BARR GLEN DIVISION, NO. 10, UNIFORMED
RANK. Meets first Friday at Pythian Castle.
Sunshine Temple, No. 11, Pythian Sisters. Meets second and
fourth Thursdays. Minerva Temple, No. 12, Pythian Sisters.
MODERN BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA. Eau Claire
Lodge, No. 1365. Meets first and third Thursday at I. 0. 0. P.
Hall.
MODERN "WOODMEN OP AMERICA. Eau Claire Camp, No.
475. Meets every Thursday at Pythian Hall.
Security Camp, No. 537. Meets in K. of P. Hall.
MYSTIC WORKERS OF THE WORLD. Eau Claire Lodge,
No. 445. Meets first and third Friday at K. of P. Hall.
NATIONAL UNION. Old Abe Council, No. 226. Meets sec-
ond and fourth Wednesday at 208 S. Barstow.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RED MEN. Win-ta-ka Tribe,
No. 13. Meets first and second Monday at K. of P. Hall.
ROYAL ARCANUM. Eau Claire Council, No. 1004.
ROYAL NEIGHBORS. Rebb Camp, No. 665.
UNITED ORDER OP FORESTERS. Court Eau Claire, No. 67.
UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS. Camp Eau Claire,
No. 27.
WOODMEN OP THE WORLD. Eagle Camp, No. 54.
MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES. Associated Charities.
Catholic Relief Benefit Association.
Eau Claire Chapter, A. I. B.
Eau Claire Country Club.
Eau Claire County Bar Association.
Eau Claire County Old Settlers' Association.
Eau Claire County Verband.
Eau Claire Driving and Athletic Association.
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS 453
Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club.
Eau Claire Visiting Nurse Association.
Eau Claire Women's Club.
Francis "Willard Union.
German Singing Society.
Jolly Bowling Club.
Literary Round Table.
Rawena Circle.
Masonic Lodge. The initial steps for the institution of Eau
Claire Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M., were taken by W. P. Bartlett,
H. C. Putnam, D. R. Moon, L. B. Foote, H. P. Graham, William
Mosher and George Mulks, in the fall of 1857. A dispensation
was granted in December to L. B. Foote as W. M., D. R. Moon
as S. W. and W. P. Bartlett as J. W., and the lodge was instituted
on March 26, 1859. The charter was received on June 14 and
the first officers under it were as follows : L. B. Foote, W. M. ;
D. R. Moon, S. W. ; W. P. Bartlett, J. W. : H. C. Putnam, treas-
urer ; Thomas C. Spencer, secretary ; B. F. Cowen, S. D. ; Charles
P. Mosher, J. D. ; Charles Pringle, tyler.
The meetings were held in a frame building at the corner of
South Barstow and Gibson streets until the following spring.
The lodge room is described as about twelve or fourteen feet
square and the ceiling about seven and one-half feet high, and
the furniture as very primitive — a nail keg for an altar, a fiat
box for the master's rostrum and a soap box for cuspidor. The
next home of the lodge was on the third fioor of a building
between Gibson street and Grand avenue East, which was con-
sumed by fire on May 1, 1864, by which the lodge lost its records.
It then moved into DeArmand's Hall on Water street and
returned to Barstow street, into the Burgar building, in January,
1866. Two moves were subsequently made into other buildings
on South Barstow street, when, in March, 1882, the different
Masonic bodies in the city united in a lease of moi'e desirable
accommodations in the Chappell block on Grand avenue East.
The lodge occupied these quarters until 1893, when it moved into
the Opera House block, soon after which steps were taken to
establish a permanent home, which was accomplished by the
erection of the Masonic Temple, corner South Barstow and Main
streets. The first regular communication of No. 112 was held
in it on February 6, 1899, with E. E. Vallier as W. M. It is the
property of a corporation, known as the Masonic Temple Asso-
ciation, has an assessed valuation of .$25,000 and is clear of all
indebtedness. A very small proportion of the stock is owned
i54 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
by individual Masonic, brethren and the balance is divided
between the three Masonic bodies.
Following is a list of the living Past Masters of this lodge:
G. Tabor Thompson, F. 11. L. Cotten, J. G. Ferry, George B.
Wheeler, A. B. Jones, E. E. Vallier, George J. Nash, D. D. Lock-
erby, Thomas A. Hobbs, R. L. Meader, "Warren A. Smith, Walter
Bonell, Charles E. Shane, F. N. Herrick and Fred W. Thomas.
The present officers are : 0. W. Moehle, W. M. ; L. A. McKinley,
S. W. ; A. 0. Kromrey, J. W. ; George B. Wheeler, treasurer ;
D. D. Lockerby, secretary ; L. A. BuDahn, S. D. ; August Stock,
J. D. ; M. Benson, chaplain; J. H. Gadsby, tyler; L. A. LeFevre
and L. E. Jones, stewards ; C. E. Shane, F. H. L. Cotten and T. A
Hobbs, trustees. The present membership is 425. In point of
membership it is one of the strong lodges of the state and in
point of influence and prestige it stands second to none. Three
of its members have been chosen as Grand Master : F. H. L. Cot-
ten, E. J. Farr and George B. Wheeler — an honor accorded to no
other lodge in Wisconsin, and, in addition, a number of its mem-
bers have been permanent members of the Grand Lodge. The
affairs of the lodge have for many years been in capable liands
and it is recognized as a power for good in the community.
Woodmen of the World. Eagle Camp, No. 54, Woodmen of
the Woi'ld, was instituted on the evening of November 28, 1899,
with the following charter members: Dr. J. F. Farr, J. D. Fan-
ning, Edward Hanson, Edward H. Randall, George E. Richard-
son, William H. Schwahn, H. J. Leinenkugel, John Huebseh,
Thomas D. Dudgeon, H. J. Patterson, L. G. Hart, William Sutter,
R. E. Parkinson, W. J. Davis, J. P. Leinenkugel, Frank McCoove,
Edward Costello, W. J. Mills, Joseph Mills, Charles Wilk, E. J.
Friscvold, Walter J. Conway, W. H. Frawley^ Joe Evans, Dan
McGillis, W. L. Garderzik, Dr. E. S. Hayes, James M. Charles^
Deputy Commander Harry J. Hurley was the instituting officer.
The first officers of the camp were as follows: Consul com-
mander, IT. J. Patterson; advisor lieutenant, Edward H. Randall;
banker, H. J. Leinenkugel; clerk, Thomas D. Dudgeon; escort,
Joe Evans; watchman, W. J. Davis; sentinel, William Sutter;
physicians. Dr. J. F. Farr and Dr. E. S. Hayes ; manager for one
year, William Schwahn ; manager for two years, John Huebseh ;
manager for three years, James D. Fanning; delegate to head
camp, J. M. Charles.
The regular camp meeting nights were the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month. The camp has been in continuous opera-
tion since, and has lost by death since its organization only four
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS 455
members, namely: II. J. Leinenkugel, who died May 25, 1902;
Eugene Phelps, died November 20, 1905; H. J. Patterson, died
May 12, 1910, and George Lilly, died October 11, 1913.
The camp is prospering at the present time, introducing new
members at every meeting. Since the organization the meeting
nights have been changed to the third Monday night of each
month at I. 0. 0. F. Hall. The following are the officers for 1914 :
Consul commander, M. J. Mills ; advisor lieutenant, Alb Cook ;
banker, J. P. Meyer ; clerk, J. P. Leinenkugel ; escort, John Modi :
watchman, E. R. Fox ; sentinel, S. C. Erity ; manager, three years,
Charles Wilk ; manager, two years, George M. Betz ; manager, one
year, Edward J. O'Brien; physician, John Montgomery.
CHAPTER XXXII.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
The tirst Youug Meu's Christian Association of Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, was organized in September, 1881. Elijah Swift
was elected its first president. Rooms were rented for two years
in the second story of a building situated at No. 112 Kelsey
street, now Grand avenue East. From there it was moved to
rooms over the postoffice, situated at the corner of South River
street and Grand avenue East, where it remained until Novem-
ber, 1895. The building having been declared unsafe and there
being no other rooms available it was decided to close the asso-
ciation's work for awhile.
The association provided a reading room, a physical depart-
ment and bath rooms. The religious department was the crown-
ing part of its work, as many can testify who then were per-
suaded to commence the Christian life. Gospel meetings were
held in its rooms, on the streets and in the county jail. Conse-
cration meetings and meetings for the study of the Bible were
held weekly. During the summer a Gospel wagon was used to
hold meetings in small places outside of the city.
On March 4, 1912, the new $100,000 Y. M. C. A. building was
opened to the public and dedicated free of debt, in the presence
of Gov. Francis McGovern and many other prominent out of
town guests. The activities lasted a full week and a conservative
estimate placed the total number of visitors at 15,000. Men,
women and children alike were interested in the new building,
and this interest and enthusiasm was so intense that an editorial
in one of the daily papers stated that the whole city was "Y. M.
C. A. mad."
The building is built of colonial red brick, trimmed with white
sandstone ; it is four stories high Avith a fine basement, and faces
three streets, thus providing splendid light in all of its rooms.
In the basement are three separate locker rooms, boys',
seniors' and business men's. Each of these three classes have
marble shower baths of the latest type adjoining the locker
rooms.
A large white tiled swimming pool, 60x20 feet, is another
feature in the basement. This pool holds 78,000 gallons of water
and is eight and one-half feet deep in the deepest end.
456
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 457
One great fault to be found in most big pools is the lack of
provision for visitors. Men step out on the white tiled floors in
street shoes and the bathers pick up the dirt on their bare feet
and carry it into the water. The Eau Claire pool has provided a
visitor's gallery near the spring board, where forty or more may
enjoy seeing the diving and swimming without interfering with
the swimmers.
A fine handball court and two bowling alleys help to make
the basement very attractive, and these privileges are used almost
continually. A movement is now on foot to use these bowling
alleys for target practice Avith 22-caliber rifles.
A large boiler room with capacity to heat the building in the
coldest Aveather and a 1,000-gallon hot water heater insures com-
fort for all members.
The main entrance, which is used only by the men, is located
on the west side of the building and brings the visitor into the
fine big lobby. This lobby is 90x30 feet, with beamed ceiling and
handsomely decorated walls. The color effects are harmonious
and give the lobby a hospitable and homelike atmosphere.
At the right of the entrance is the reading room with a great
fireplace, and on the table are kept the latest publications. Ad-
joining this end of the lobby are the checker, chess and corre-
spondence tables.
At the left of the entrance is the billiard room, where the
tables are very popular, and in almost constant use; the next
alcove is the music room, where the young men gather nearly
every evening for social good times.
Directly in front of the entrance is the check room and general
ofSce, with the private office of the general secretary and the
boys' secretary.
The gymnasium, 70x42 feet, is well lighted and ventilated and
is completely equipped with modern gymnasium apparatus,
including a running track banked and padded, thirty-two laps
to the mile. The physical director's office with windows overlook-
ing the gymnasium, provides perfect supervision.
The boys' department is very fortunate in having a part of
the first floor reserved for its work. Tlie private outside entrance
leads into the lobby, where the boys have the use of a large fire-
place with built-in cozy corners, reading rooms and game tables.
These rooms are greatly appreciated and well patronized by the
boys of the city.
The second floor is used exclusively for educational and social
work. A large kitchen, which is the envy of most of the ladies.
458 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
is completely furnished for serving 150 guests. The equipment
includes large commodious cupboards, gas range and service
tables, vpith silverware and china with Y. M. C. A. emblem worked
into the design.
Next to the kitchen one enters the banquet room through
double swinging doors. This room seats 150 at tables and over
300 when used as a lecture room. The unique feature of this
room is that it may be turned into one, two, three or four separate
rooms, through the use of accordion doors. Recently all of these
four rooms were used at the same time by four organizations.
The directors of the Eau Claire Y. M. C. A. always point with
pride to the big business men's club room adjoining the banquet
room. This room is furnished as fine as any in the city, with
beautiful rugs, drapes, tables, fireplace and easy chairs. There
is little wonder that it has been used constantly.
The women of the city greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness
of the directors when they set apart a nicely furnished room
known as the ladies' parlor.
Next to the ladies' parlor is a room used for committee meet-
ings, with ample room for twenty-five or thirty. It was in this
room that the Northwestern Wisconsin Interscholastie Athletic
Association was organized with thirty high schools interested.
Tlie Y. M. C. A. has been chosen as the headquarters of this
organization.
Meetings of the following organizations have been held in this
room: Manufacturers' Association of Wisconsin, Northwestern
Wisconsin Jewelers' Association and baseball clubs and the
musical organizations of the city.
Next to the committee room is a room fitted up for high school
boys with school pennants hanging on the wall and college papers
of the state on the reading table. It will tend to interest the boys
in higher branches of education.
Upper Floor Accommodations.
The two upper floors are devoted entirely to the use of sleep-
ing rooms for the use of young men away from home, thus pro-
viding a place under proper influence for strangers in the city.
The forty-eight dormitory rooms are provided with the necessary
furniture and furnishings to make th6 young men satisfied.
A motherly woman looks after the rooms and keeps them in
fine shape, and she prides herself on the cleanly appearance of the
rooms once she has cleaned them.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 459
It is little wonder that the citizens are proud of this building,
for which 1,270 different ones subscribed to the necessary funds
to erect, and there is never a day passes tliat some one does not
bring in a friend or stranger to go through it.
What caused a city the size of Eau Claire to put up such a
large handsome building?
How the Movement Started.
JVIrs. 11. H. Howe organized a group of boys in a band called
the "Clan Gorden;" this group of boys kept getting larger and
larger until this little woman saw the necessity of larger and
more adequate quarters.
One of the boys had visited a Y. M. C. A. building in another
city and he suggested that Eau Claire ought to have one. At a
later meeting of the boys they had a big sign painted, "We Want
a Y. M. C. A.," signed "The Boys." This sign was strung across
one of the business streets, and several wealthy men saw the need
of such a move and opened their purses with liberal subscriptions.
The three heaviest subscribers were : IT. C. Putman, $20,000 :
O. H. Ingram, $20,000; Mrs. Cornelia Truax, $16,000.
A campaign of ten days was launched for $100,000, and the
amount was raised with the assistance of the state Y. M. C. A.
force of Wisconsin.
Tliis campaign opened the eyes of the citizens to the great
l^ossibilities of organized effort in the city, and as a result of this
get together spirit there is a movement now on foot to raise by
public subscription funds for a municipal auditorium to be used
for conventions, lectures, etc.
During "opening week" several women were offended becaus(<
tliey were not solicited for cakes or asked to serve at the big
reception; they all deemed it an honor to be asked to assist, and
the officials at the association were swamped with cakes and offers
to serve. The Women's Club at one of the meetings appointed a
committee to call on the general secretary to find out how best
lliey could serve the Y. M. C. A., and through their efforts many
costly oil paintings adorn the walls of the building.
A call was sent out to the young men to work as ushers in
.showing people through the building evenings; some sixty re-
sponded and did splendid work.
Through the opening up of the billiard room in the building
one of the worst pool halls in the city was forced to go out of
business, and the rest cleaned up their places.
460 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The gymnasium classes have beeu patronized by a large num-
ber of men and boys. The gymnasium is the place where many
prominent business men have built up their physical needs and
are getting great benefits every week. Swimming lessons have
been given and the association secured the services of an eastern
swimming expert to teach the men and boys to swim.
The new building is the social center of the city among the
men's organizations, who have taken advantage of the quarters
on the second floor. The homelike atmosphere and moral tone
of the building cannot help but uplift everyone coming in contact
with it.
One prominent man when he was shown through the building
was so impressed Avith it that he told the general secretary to
order a big electric sign that could be seen all over the city and
send the bill to him.
Many architects and contractors have come miles to go
through the building, and without exception have felt the trip
more than repaid them for their effort. Almost without exception
they recognize that the building is a model for its size and the
arrangement for supervision in all its departments have brought
it to the attention of other Y. M. C. A.'s around the country.
Hardly a day passes that letters are not received asking particu-
lars regarding it, and many secretaries and building committees
have inspected it.
The board of directors early decided not to push the member-
ships until next fall, so without solicitation 561 members have
joined and the board looks forward to a big work next fall. The
members of the board are as follows : 0. H. Ingram, W. J. Starr,
J. D. R. Steven, A. J. Keith, George B. Wheeler, K. Rosholt, W. K.
Coffin, T. P. Branham, H. T. Lango, E. D. Rounds, C. T. Bundy
and H. W. Chase.
The following is a list of the names of the association's presi-
dents: Elijah Swift, 1881 to 1883; V. W. Bayless, 1883 to 1884;
J. II. Thorp, 1884 to 1886; D. P. Simons, 1886 to 1888; R. H.
Chute, 1888 to 1891 ; S. S. Kepler, 1892 ; B. J. Churchill, 1892 to
1893; C. A. Bullen, 1893 to 1894; A. L. Dodge, 1894 to 1896.
General secretaries: S. A. Abbott, 1881 to 1883; W. L. Lougee,
1883 to 1886; John Caldwell, 1886 to 1891; Arthur T. Adams,
1891 to 1893 ; George H. Timmings, 1893 to 1896.
ALBERT L. DODGE.
Eau Claire, Wis., June 15, 1911.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES.
It is not our purpose to write up each individual business
house of Eau Claire, but from the following list of business people
it will be seen that the city of Eau Claire is well represented in
every line of commercial life and business that is to be found in
any city of the country, and in some instances the stocks of goods
cai'ried by the merchants are as large and well assorted as those
carried by merchants in cities twice the size of Eau Claire. The
following is a list so far as we know of all the business enter-
prises in the city:
Automobiles and garages — Jordan Auto Company, Oshkosh
Motor Company, Tanberg Auto Company, Chippewa Valley Auto
Company, Alfred Johnson, Taylor Motor Car Company.
Bakers— Charles E. Chrysler, the Home Bakery, Smith Bak-
ing Company, Andrew Stenslaud, Egg-0-Baking Powder Com-
pany.
Banks — Eau Claire National Bank, Eau Claire Savings Bank,
Union National Bank, Union Savings Bank.
Barber shops — Seventeen in number.
Blacksmith shops — Three.
Eau Claire Bedding Company, manufactures.
Eau Claire Sheet Metal Works, Dunphy Boat Manufacturing
Company, Eau Claire Boiler Works, Eau Claire Book Bindery,
Eau Claire Book & Stationery Company.
Boots and shoes — Iver Anderson Shoe Company, Howard L.
Culver, Ole Dahl, Economy Shoe Store, II. Hanson & Co.
Seventeen boot and shoe repair shops.
Two box factories — The Empire and the Linderman Box &
Veneer Company.
One brewery — John Walter Company.
Three broom manufacturers — John Dickerson, Wenzcl Hidoiii
Company and Eandall & Charles.
W. W. Bartlett, contractor.
Twelve carpenters contractors — Colver N. Bostwick, Emmet
L. Chaput, Birney A. Churchill, Lucius P. Crandall, James H.
Curtis, Edward P. Dagenhardt, Oliver N. Everson, Herman
Hartzfeldt, William Hartzfeldt, Carl Pedcrson, Andrew Sims.
461
462 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Six cement contractors — William T. Andres, Alvin L. Fletcher,
Hans Halversou, Andrew Larson, John Lewis, Herbert S. Palmer.
Eight general contractors — S. M. & C. M. Daney, Chippewa
Valley Constructiou Company, Eau Claire Construction Company.
the E. M. Fish Company, Hoeppuer Bartlett Company, William
Palmer, Henry Weinstock, Western Construction Company.
Three mason contractors — George Barnum, Christian Oriiodtli,
William Reinhard.
Ten pamting contractors — Badger State Art Company, E.
Chris Berg, Bing & Wold, Oscar E. Carlson, Enos S. Culver, Eau
Claire Decorating Company, Benjamin Fawler, Sevald 0. IjuikI.
William P. Smith, Arthur H. Weiland.
Eau Claire Creamery Company; M. J. Wigman, manufactuier
of Crispettes ; Richard F. Kaiser, dealer in crockery.
Fifteen dentists — Edwin E. Aines, Wallace R. Anderson, Roy
W. Bingham, Gustavus A. Clark, Guy E. Clark, Stephen A.
Douglas, Edward C. French, Charles T. Lewiston, Victor V.
Mason, William J. Moe, George M. Moore, William J. Newell,
Edward F. Sommermeyer, James E. Waldron, Frank B. Wriggles-
worth.
Three carpet weavers — Mrs. Isabelle Anderson, Richard Kash-
shek and Amund Stanwiek.
Two carriage makers — William Boniiell and Peter Girnau &
Sons Co.
China decorator — Mrs. Mae B. Howe.
Nine cigar manufacturers — Julius Derge, Herman F. Gerke,
Conrad Feige, Daniel Hinriehs, Korn Brothers, William F. Lieske,
Louis Rheim, Fred Stussy, West & Walterdorf.
Thirteen clothiers — Ashuler Brothers, Campeu Clothing Com-
pany, The Continental, Eau Claire Clothing Company, Andrew
H. Hollen, The Ideal, Klassens, Svend Lund & Co., R. J. McDon-
ald & Co., Albert M. Nelson, Rosenthal-Coplau & Co., Louis Run-
ning & Co., Sorlie & Buckholtz.
Coal and wood dealers — Evans-Lee Company, Fax-mers' Co-
operative Products Company, LaForest Newell, Frank Reinherd.
Alfred H. Stevens, Wisconsin Pipe & Fuel Company.
Confectioners — R. L. Meader Company, manufacturers and
wholesale dealers. Confectioners, retail — John Abdellah, Mason
Earnhardt, Boosalis Stamatakos & Co., Anton Cassutt, August
Drabout, Mrs. Georgis Gallagher, Grubers' Confectionery, Home
Bakery, Charles Johnson, Vara Kimpton, Mrs. Kate McKeon.
Olympia Candy Company, Mrs. Mary Rathke, Dor Smith, Henry
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES 463
Stonwiek, Mrs. Anna Steady, William Thompson, John P. Wise-
man.
Druggists — Otto J. Boberg, Arthur J. Branstad, Cass Drug
Store, Charles B. Curran, Fred H. Gadsby (two stores), William
C. Johnson, Mrs. Jeannette S. Kinnear, John N. Neher, Wallace
L. Nichols, Lars L. Urheim.
Dry cleaners — Eau Claire Dry Cleaners, Huebscli Laundry
Company, Simon Rosenberg.
Dry goods — Robert Jacobs, Mrs. Julia Kahn, The Kepler Com-
pany, John Oyaas, William Samuelson Dry Goods Company.
Furniture dealers — Keller & Co., Albert Larson, Augustus V.
Mayhew, Wiklem, Olson & Co., Williams Furniture Company,
Th(! Plioenix Furniture Manufacturing Company, Pioneer Fur-
niture Company, mill.
Furs and furriers — Charles Alber and Samuel Gelhaar.
Eau Claire Gas Light Company.
General stores — Arthur T. Hoffman, Josephine Keller and
John H. Moen.
Granite and marble works — Eau Claire Granite Works,
National Granite Company, George E. Richardson.
Greenhouses — Oakdale Greenhouses, Bluedorn, Lauritzen,
Demmler, West Eau Claire Greenhouse.
Grocery stores — Ole Anderson, Borgen & Aune, S. Breek Bost-
wick, Thomas Cahill, Michael Carroll, John L. Christopherson,
Thomas F. Conley, Felix Derouin, John H. Dickson, Christ B.
Kverson, Thomas P. Feunessy, Mrs. Mary E. Plynn, Howard W.
Poster, Anna M. Frederick, Andrew Frederickson, Gilbert Brothers
& Restock, Peter J. Haas, Halverson, Lewis & Co., Allen Hanson,
Mrs. Alma B. Hepburn, Earl W. Holmes, Mrs. Emma Holt, John
J. Hunner, Ole P. Gaeger, Christian Johnson, Ole H. Johnson,
Karm & Bachman, E. Krueger & Son, Ernest A. Kruger, August
Kuhlman, Jr., Paul LaLoude, George A. Lemke, Lind & Co., Allen
L. Lofte, Michael Miley, Royal B. Lloore, George J. Neher, A. Nel-
son & Co., Christopher Nelson, Mrs. Theresa Neurer, Harry Olson,
Thorton 0. Opsata,. Charles Pelletier, Hans Peterson, Edward W.
Pond, P. W. Regh & Co., Christ Sather, Sayner's Grocery, Adel-
bert Sly, Stillman J. Smith, L. H. Starkey & Co., John Storseth,
Mrs. Christian Thompson, Ingebret Thompson, Prank M. Tusken,
John Westlund.
Wholesale grocers — Eau Claire Company, the H. T. Lange
Company.
Hardware dealers- Burnham-Bensou Hardware Company,
464 HISTORY OF EAIJ CLAIRE COUNTY
Foss-Armstrong Hardwai'e Company, Louis J. Hanson, Hartman
J. Kohlhepp, Mrs. Alvina Madinsky, John Oyaas, Schlieve Broth-
ers, Laurson Automatic Pump Company.
Ilarnessraakers — John Fischer, Thomas Hutchinson, Henry B.
Koppelberger, AVilliam G. McCumber, "William A. Sehroeder,
Sehwahn-Seyberth Saddlerj^ Company, John Zimmerman.
Horseslioers — James Bonnell, Charles A. Evens, John Holum,
Louis Knudson, John A. Swanson, Willkom & Jensen.
Hotels — American House, Fred Beauregard, Bunce House, Cen-
tral Hotel, Commercial Hotel, the Eau Claire House, the Gallo-
way, Hobart House, Hotel Dixon, Hotel Ritzinger, Kneer House,
McAllister House, Norway House, Opheim's Hotel, Skandinavian
Hotel, Union House.
Jewelers — Harry Abramson, Fred Berg, Fleming Brothers,
John Holt, Chester A. Roe, Oluf Sherman, Harry F. Vanderbie.
Laundries, five — American Laundry Company, Huebsch Laun-
dry Company, Quong Kee, Star Laundry, Yep Shin.
Livery stables, six — William W. Craig, Adolph Erickson,
James A. Grinsel, James L. McCann, George Olesou. Quigg
Brothers.
Lumber manufacturers and dealers — Davis & Starr Lumber
Company, Evans-Lee Company, 0. H. Ingram Company, John H.
Kaiser Lumber Company, Louis Levy, New Dallas Lumber Com-
pany, Northwestern Lumber Companj', John S. Owen Lumber
Company, Steven & Jarvis Laimber Company.
Machine shops — Peter A. Drake, Eau Claire Mill Supply Com-
pany, Alfred J. Johnson, McDonough Manufacturing Company,
Northwestern Steel & Iron Works, Phoenix Manufacturing Com-
pany, A. E. White Machine Works.
Meat markets — Betz & Erity, Julius Blasius, George Buhulz,
Robert Conrad, Ole A. Faestad, John Fredin, Goethal Brothers,
Henry Gust, Fred Kleiner, William H. Kleiner, Paul LaLande,
James H. Looly, John P. Meyer, Albert F. Schwalm, Seyberth &
Neuser, M. 0. Soley & Sons.
Wholesale meats — Drummond Packing Company, Swift & Co.
Men's furnishers — The Continental, Henry Duerst, The Ideal,
Johnson & Hulcatt, Daniel Karm, Wear-U-Well Shoe Company.
Milliners — Mrs. Frankie Dalton, Arthur T. Hoffman, Frances
Kahn, Mrs. H. S. Palmer, J. & L. Ribison, Mrs. Fay Schmidt, Mrs.
Jessie Shipman, Ida Sonin, Anna Thompson.
Musical merchandise — The Allen-Johnson Company, Sarah E.
Coon, W. E. Steinberg Piano Company.
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES 465
Notions — Independent Five and Ten-Cent Store, S. S. Kresge,
Walter Taiisch, P. W. Woolworth.
Plumbers — Bartingale Company, August Burkart, "William D.
Craney, Fred E. Grosvald, Gunderman & Wing, William H. Heide-
man, Charles Mitchell, Andrew Moe, Henry T. Triggs.
Printers — Ashbaugh Printing Compauy, Eagle Printing Com-
pany, Eau Claire Press Company, Fremad Publishing Company,
Herald Printing Company, P. T. Meggett Company, Pauly Print-
ing House, James H. Titt't.
Refrigerator Manufacturing Companies — Atlas Manufacturing
Companj-, Cold Storage Refrigerator Company, Wisconsin
Refrigerator Company.
Restaurants — James M. Charles, William Cleghorn, Mrs. Anna
Cook, Mrs. Orpha"~J. Fryslie, Mrs. Anna Gillet, Harlam W. Hatch,
Home Bakery Lunch Room, Henry L. Horrigan, Conrad Johns,
Jacob Klein, Yon Lee, Frank McLaren, Mortimer McMillan,
Robert Perry, Martha Radinske, C. H. Shaver, News Company,
Omaha Depot, Michael Weber.
Photographers — Benjamin S. Ahlquist, George Claus, Electric
Studio, Andrew C. Isaacs, Carl G. Johnson & Co., Charles Lewis,
Arthur B. Nelson, Rasmus G. Shaker.
Tailors — Peter W. Beck, Hjalmar E. Berg, Syver Bergset, John
Barton, Edward J. Brunner, Martin Christianson, John Hanck,
Jens Hanshus, John Harrigan, The Ideal, Otto A. Johnson, Korger
Brothers, Martin Oleson. Peter Peterson, Simon Rosenberg, Albert
E. Ulrich.
Tea and coffee stores — Grand Union Tea Company, Home Tea
Company, Edward Syverson.
Telephone companies — Chippewa County Telephone Company.
Tri-State Telephone Company, Wisconsin Telephone Company.
Theaters — Grand Opera House, Lyric, Orpheum, Rex, Star.
Unique.
Tinsmiths — Harry C. Austin, George B'raley, John Schimanski.
William A. Standen.
Undertakers — Alexander Dean, Fleming & Son, Leumark &
Son, Robert H. Stokes.
Upholsterers — Norman Bailey, Frank IT. Button, August
Hansen.
Wagon makers — Louis Knudson, Moldcnhauer & Damm, Tietz
& Guenther.
The following incorporated companies are now (1914) doing
1)usiness in the city of Eau Claire :
466 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Allen Land Company, incoi'porated in 1887 ; capital, $55,000.
Charles L. Allen, president and treasurer; F. M. Allen, vice-
president and secretary.
Atlas Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1908 ; capital,
$10,000. F. 11. Graham, president; J. H. Brooks, secretary and
treasurer.
Barber Land Company, incorporated 1905; capital, $80,000.
B. A. Buffiington, president; James A. Smith, vice-president;
John S. Owen, secretary and treasurer.
Bradford-Culver Timber Company, incorporated in 1909; cap-
ital, $100,000. A. E. Bradford, president ; T. B. Keith, vice-presi-
dent ; B. W. Culver, seeretaiy and treasurer.
A. E. Burlingame Company, incorporated in 1908; capital,
$24,000. A. E. Burlingame, president; C. W. Fiske, secretary
and treasurer.
Burnham-Beuson Hardware Companj', incorporated in 1907;
capital, $20,000.
C. W. Cheney Company, incorporated in 1908 ; capital, $50,000.
C. W. Cheney, president and treasurer; H. D. Davis, vice-presi-
dent; M. Ruth Kelley, secretary.
Chippewa Valley Casualty Company, incorporated in 1902.
James T. Joyce, president; E. W. Heiss, secretary; C. W. Fiske,
treasurer.
Chippewa Valley Light & Power Company, incorporated in
1897 ; capital, $1,265,000. 0. H. Ingram, president ; John S. Owen,
vice-president; B. A. Buffington, treasurer; George B. Wheeler,
secretary and general manager; A. E. Pierce, assistant manager.
^"~' Culver Realty Company, incorporated in 1906 ; capital, $60,000.
A. Emma Culver, president ; Earl S. "Welch, secretary ; B. W.
, Culver, treasurer.
^ A. A. Cutter Company, incorporated in 1907; capital, $150,000.
Belle F. Cutter, president; W. P. Bartlett, vice-president; W. J.
Carpenter, secretary and treasurer.
Iver Anderson Shoe Company, incorporated in 1911 ; capital,
$15,000. Gunder Anderson, president; H. A. Christensen, vice-
president; Iver Anderson, secretary and treasurer.
Cameron Meadows Land Company, incorporated in 1911 ;
capital, $110,000. C. L. Allen, president ; Charles J. Kepler, vice-
president ; A. J. Branstad, secretary ; M. B. Baumberger, treasurer.
Bartingale Company, incorporated in 1913; capital, $4,000.
Robert 0. Bartingale, president and treasurer; Thomas A. Bar-
tingale, vice-president; E. M. Bartingale, secretary.
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES 467
Campen Clothing Company was incorporated in 1910, with
a capital of $25,000. Palmer Campen, president; J. Al Campen,
vice-president; George Campen, secretary.
Cary Transfer Company, incorporated in 1913; capital,
$25,000. J. B. Cary, president; Leo F. Cary, vice-president;
II. V. Cary, secretary and treasurer.
Chippewa Valley Construction Company was incorporated in
1897, with a capital of $100,000. 0. II. Ingram, president ; John
S. Owen, vice-president; B. A. Buffiington, treasurer; George B.
"Wheeler, secretary and general manager; A. E. Pierce, assistant
manager.
Davis Falls Land Compan.y, incoi-porated in 1904; capital,
$50,000. W. L. Davis, president; J. T. Joyce, vice-president;
E. S. Pearsall, secretary.
Davis Holding Company, incorporated in 1908, capital, $48,-
000. W. L. Davis, president and treasurer ; J. T. Joyce, secretary.
Davis & Starr Lumber Company, incorporated in 1886 ; cap-
ital, $250,000. William J. Starr, president; I. M. Starr, vice-
president; Burt E. DeYo, secretary and treasurer.
Del Norte Company, incorporated in 1902 ; capital, $1,500,000.
N. C. Foster, president; Frank D. Stout, secretary; William
Bigelow, treasurer.
Dells Paper & Pulp Company, incorporated in 1894; capital,
$1,000,000. W. L. Davis, president; S. R. Davis, vice-president;
J. A. Stilp, secretary; J. T. Joyce, treasurer; E. O'Brien, general
superintendent.
Drummond Packing Company, incorporated in 1903, with a
capital of $125,000. David Drummond, president; John Drum-
mond, vice-president ; F. W. Thomas, treasurer ; D. G. Calkins,
secretary.
Eau Claire Bedding Company was incorporated in 1902, with
a capital of $5,000. R. H. Loether, president; E. J. Loether,
vice-president ; J. H. Mucherheide, secretary and treasurer.
Eau Claire Book and Stationery Company, incorporated in
1885; capital, $40,000. G. C. Witherby, president and manager;
E. B. Putnam, secretary and treasurer.
Eau Claire Club, incorporated in 1906 ; capital, $80,000. James
A. Smith, president; S. G. Moon, vice-president; Marshall Cousins,
treasurer; C. W. Churchill, secretary.
Eau Claire Commercial Club, incorporated in 1908 ; capital,
$6,000. R. F. Kennedy, president; G. J. Lange, vice-president;
R. K. Bojal, secretary ; G. N. Childs, treasurer.
468 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Eau Claire Concrete Companj', incorporated iu 1904; capital,
$20,000. J. W. Ross, president ; H. T. Lange, vice-president :
R. K. Boyd, secretary; George M. ChUds, treasurer.
Eau Claire Cornice & Heating Company, incorporated in 1904;
capital, $25,000.
Eau Claire Construction Company, incorporated in 1909 ; cap-
ital, $25,000. P]. P. Tibesar, president; G. L. Blum, vice-presi-
dent; J. T. Tibesar, secretary and treasurer.
Eau Claire Creamery Company, incorporated in 1905 ; capital,
$100,000. Guy Speirs, president and treasurer ; J. T. Joyce, vice-
president; F. N. Herrick, secretary.
Eau Claire Dells Improvement Company, incorporated in 1879 ;
capital, $200,000. W. L. Davis, president and treasurer; J. T.
Joyce, vice-president ; E. S. Pearsall, secretary ; J. A. Stilp, treas-
surer.
Eau Claire Driving and Athletic Association, incorporated in
1902 ; capital, $15,000. H. D. Davis, president ; George B. Wheel-
er, vice-president; John S. Owen, treasurer.
Eau Claire Gas Light Company, incorporated in 1894. J. T.
Joyce, president; David Driunmond, vice-president; C. Luebke-
man, secretary-treasurer.
Eau Claire Grocery Company, incorporated in 1883 ; capital,
$100,000. C. M. Merrill, president; A. J. Marsh, vice-president;
T. F. Branham, treasurer; C. E. Shane, secretary'.
Eau Claire Press Company, incorporated in 1912. with a cap-
ital of $80,000. K. Rosholt, president; E. S. Welch, vice-presi-
dent; C. W. Fiske, treasurer; P. C. Atkinson, secretary.
Eau Claire Pythian Castle Association, incorporated in 1901;
capital, $15,000. G. B. Blum, president; Marshall Cousins, vice-
president; II. Helstrom, secretary; Louis Levy, treasurer.
Eau Claire Realty Company, incorporated in 1902; capital,
. $30,000. J. T. Barber, president, W. A. Smith, secretary; S. G.
Moon, treasurer.
Eau Claire Savings, Loan and Building Association was organ-
ized in 1877 with a capital of .$2,000,000. The present officers
are : Dr. E. C. French, president ; William Rowe, vice-president ;
J. T. Joyce, treasurer, and J. F. Ellis, secretary.
Eau Claire Sweat Pad Company, incorporated in 1905; cap-
ital, $25,000. William Hoeppner, president ; George C. Hoeppner,
vice-president; J. F. H. Miller, secretary and treasurer.
Eau Claire Trunk Company was incorporated in 1901. Its
capital is $75,000. W. E. Wahl, president; F. Hoeppner, vice-
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES 469
president; William H. Iloeppner, secretary; George Hoeppner,
treasurer.
The Evaus-Lee Company was incorporated in 190-1; capital,
$25,000. J. I. Evans, president; C. S. Lee, vice-president; E. B.
Ingram, secretary and treasurer.
Ben F. Faast Land Companj^ incorporated in 1908; capital,
$30,000. T. B. Smith, president ; A. J. Keith, vice-president ;
Ben F. Faast, secretary and treasurer.
E. M. Pish Company, incorporated in 1902; capital, $35,000.
E. M. Fish, president; Ferd Folsom, vice-president; Eda M. Fol-
som, secretary and treasurer.
Foss-Armstrong Hardware Company, incorporated in 1907;
capital, $150,000. A. G. Foss, president ; F. J. Bowers, treasurer ;
B. N. Foss, secretary.
Frawley Land Company, incorporated in 1892; capital, $60,-
000. Thomas F. Frawley, president; John G. Owen, vice-presi-
dent; John S. Owen, secretary and treasurer.
Fremad Publishing Company, incorporated in 1901 ; capital,
$4,000. Rev. 0. Refsdal, president; Prof. J. J. Skordalsvold,
vice-president ; F. L. Tronsdal, secretary ; William Ager, treasurer.
Germania Farm Company, incorporated in 1901; capital.
$5,000. W. H. Frawley, president; T. F. Frawley, secretary-
treasurer.
Guaranteed Investment Company, incorporated in 1904 ; cap-
ital, $76,000. L. A. Doolittle, president; M. IL Schroeder, vice-
president ; George W. Williams, secretary.
Hillside Feed Company, incorporated in 1909. Capital, $4,000.
C. Seyberth, president ; E. J. Neuser, vice-president ; William
Rasch, secretary-treasurer.
W. II. Hobbs Supply Compan.y, incorporated in 1906; capital,
$60,000. W. H. Hobbs, president and treasurer; Roswell Ilobbs,
vice-president; E. A. Carroll, secretary.
IIoeppuer-Bartlett Company, incorporated in 1904 ; capital,
$50,000. F. J. Hoeppner, president; J. A. Davidson, vice-presi-
dent ; A. P. Johannis, secretary -treasurer.
Howe Shoe Company was incorporated in 1904. C. W. Lock-
wood, president and treasurer ; C. M. Buffington, vice-president ;
A. G. Weizenegger, secretary.
Iluebsch Laundry Company, incorporated in 1903. Joseph
Huebsch, president; John Huebsch, secretary -treasurer.
Ideal Land & Loan Company; capital, $100,000. J. J. Selmer,
president; A. Qvale, vice-president.
470 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
O. H. Ingram Company, incorporated in 1907 ; capital, $50,000.
0. H. Ingram, president; E. B. Ingram, vice-president: Dr. E. S.
Hayes, treasurer.
The Jackson Agency, incorporated in 1908; capital, $5,000.
W. G. Jackson, president; M. C. Jackson, vice-president; P. D.
Jackson, secretary-treasurer.
John H. Kaiser Lumber Company, incorporated in 1905; cap-
ital, $100,000. John H. Kaiser, president; J. J. Ott, vice-presi-
dent; W. A. Kaiser, secretary-treasurer.
The Kepler Company was incorporated in 1907 ; has a capital
of $100,000. R. J. Kepler, Sr., president; A. G. Geske, vice-
president; A. E. Kepler, secretary; C. J. Kepler, treasurer.
Lange Canning Company, incorporated in 1901 ; capital, $100,-
000. G. J. Lange, president; Dr. E. S. Hayes, vice-president;
P. A. Lange, secretary ; E. B. Ingram, treasurer.
The H. T. Lange Company, incorporated in 1893; capital,
$85,000. H. T. Lange, president ; 11. C. Weidenbacher, vice-presi-
dent; M. B. Hubbard, secretary; C. P. Mittelstadt, treasurer.
Linderman Box & Veneer Company, incorporated in 1895;
capital, $10,000. D. R. Moon, president; T. J. Wilcox, vice-
president and general manager ; George H. Chapman, secretary.
Main Valley Land Company, incorporated in 1905; capital,
$15,000. The officers are: B. W. Culver, E. J. Lenmark, Ben
Paast and J. A. Playton.
Masonic Temple Association, incorporated 1897; capital, $50,-
000. George B. Wheeler, president; David Drummond, vice-
president ; P. H. L. Cotton, secretary ; B. A. Buffington, treasurer.
McDonough Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1889;
capital, $150,000. Joseph C. Culver, president; Joseph Gilbert
McDonough, vice-president; J. W. Hubbard, secretary-treasurer
and general manager.
R. L. Meader Company was incorporated in 1902 ; capital,
$20,000. R. L. Meader, president and general manager; J. A.
Platter, vice-president; August Stock, secretary; W. K. Coffin,
treasurer.
Northwestern Lumber Company, incorporated in 1873; cap-
ital, $443,900. J. T. Barber, president; S. G. Moon, first vice-
president and treasurer; George H. Chapman, second vice-presi-
dent ; C. D. Moon, secretary ; P. H. L. Cotton, assistant secretary.
Northwestern Motor Company, incorporated in 1912. Kim
Rosholt, president; Raymond Rosholt, secretary-treasurer.
The Sallie P. Moon Company, incorporated in 1906; capital,
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES 471
$400,000. S. G. Moon, president; D. E. Moon, vice-president;
C. D. Moon, secretary-treasurer.
New Dells Lumber Company, incorporated in 1889; capital.
$233,700. 0. H. Ingram, president; G. J. Lange, vice-president;
M. B. Hubbard, secretary; E. B. Ingram, treasurer; J. E. Ilosford,
manager.
Northern Farm Land and Investment Company, incorporated
in 1907 ; capital, $1,200. T. F. Frawley, president ; J. C. Culver,
seci'etary-treasurer.
Northwestern Flour & Grain Company ; capital, $25,000. A. J.
Branstad, president ; Frank Harriman, vice-president ; George D.
Thorson, secretary-treasurer.
Northwestern Steel and Iron Works was incorporated in 1905;
capital, $200,000. Kim Rosholt, president and treasurer: T. W.
Rosholt, vice-president; E. R. Hamilton, secretary-treasurer; R. S.
Wells, manager.
John S. Owen Lumber Company was incorporated in 1894;
capital, $175,000. John S. Owen, president and treasurer; A. R.
Owen, vice-president and manager; John G. Owen, secretary;
G. E. Anderson, assistant secretary.
Phoenix Furniture Company, was incorporated in 1899; cap-
ital, $40,000. R. J. Kepler, president ; T. A. Hobbs, vice-president ;
S. Damm, secretary-treasurer.
Phoenix Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1875;
capital, $200,000. C. S. Tolles, president; C. F. Coffin, vice-presi-
dent; Robert B. Briggs, secretary-treasurer.
Pioneer Furniture Company was incorporated in 1888 ; capital,
$150,000. John W. Scott, president ; W. K. CotSn, vice-president ;
J. T. Joyce, secretary-treasurer.
Polk County Farm Land Company, incorporated 1906 ; capital,
$33,000. W. J. Starr, president; E. Pennington, vice-president;
C. T. Jaffray, treasurer; 0. 0. Searle, secretary.
Bobbins Implement Company, incorporated 1906 ; capital, $10,-
000. W. L. Kane, president; William Gilchrist, vice-president;
E. W. Robbins, secretary-treasurer.
George W. Robertson Company, incorporated in 1903 ; capital,
$50,000. George W. Robertson, president and treasurer; F. E.
Stannard, vice-president; George W. Schroeder, secretary.
Louis Running Company, incorporated in 1905. Louis Run-
ning, president.
Rusk Land Company, incorporated in 1903; capital, $75,000.
472 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
P. C. Atkinson, vice-president; F. B. Keith, secretary: A. J.
Keith, treasurer.
William Samuelson Dry Goods Company was incorporated in
1893 ; capital, $25,000. William Samuelson, president ; T. Slagsvol,
secretary-treasurer.
Schwahn^Seyterth Saddlery Company, incorporated in 1904.
Leonard Seyberth, president; W. A. Schwahn, vice-president:
W. L. Seyberth, secretary-treasurer.
Stanley, Merrill & Phillips Railroad Company, incorporated in
1902; capital, $100,000. S. G. Moon, president; C. D. Moon, vice-
president ; F. H. L. Cotton, secretary ; J. T. Barber, treasurer.
Steven & Jarvis Lumber Company. J. D. R. Stevens, presi-
dent; Arthur Jarvis, vice-president; Bert E. DeYo, seeretarj--
treasurer.
Traders Land Company, incorporated in 1904; capital, $10,000.
L. A. Doolittle, president ; Martha H. Schroeder, secretary-treas-
urer.
Wisconsin Pipe & Fuel Company, incorporated in 1893: cap-
ital, $10,000. B. G. Proctor, president and treasurer ; F. R. Proc-
tor, vice-president and secretary.
Wisconsin Refrigerator Company. William J. Starr, presi-
dent; C. T. Bundy, vice-president; Orlando G. Brice, treasurer
and general manager.
Wisconsin River Land Company, incorijorated in 1885 ; capital,
$50,000. James Jensen, president; II. N. Knudtson, vice-presi-
dent; A. T. Tenneson, secretary-treasurer.
Eau Claire Vulcanizing Company, incorporated 1912 ; capital,
$2,000. Fred Ballett, president; F. E. Hul, vice-president: B. F.
Headly, secretary and manager.
Egg-0 Baking Powder Company, incorporated in 1911 ; cap-
ital, $15,000. A. G. Foss, president; George J. Neher, vice-presi-
dent; T. B. Parmer, secretary; G. J. Lange, treasurer.
Farmers Co-operative Produce Company, incorporated 1910;
capital, $10,000. S. S. Wethern, president; C. 0. Fisher, secretary-
treasurer.
Farmers Land Company, incorporated; capital, $10,000. T. F.
Frawley, president; J. T. Joyce, vice-president; J. C. Culver, sec-
retary-treasurer.
Horn & Blum Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1913;
capital, $10,000. M. M. Horn, president ; A. Blum, vice-president ;
J. R. Kolliner, secretary-treasurer.
Reliable Poultry Farm, incorporated in 1913; capital, $10,000.
EAU CLAIRE BUSINESS HOUSES 47:1
0. S. Johnson, president ; J. N. Schneider, vice-president ; A. E.
While, secretary-treasurer.
Ritsch Alluvial Land Company, incorporated in 1912. Capital,
$40,000. J. F. W. Ritsch, president; Charles Kepler, vice-presi-
dent; J. C. Culver, secretary-treasurer.
Rusk Farm Company, incorporated in 1909; capital, $35,000.
Ben F. Faast, president; A. G. Schlievc, vice-president; Chris N.
Dinger, secretary; John Bauman, treasurer.
Sheldon Land Company, incorporated in 1911 ; capital, $10,000.
Ben F. Faast, president; E. B. Lacey, vice-president; Harry II.
Kleiner, secretarj'-treasurer.
Smith Baking Company, incorporated in 1908 ; capital, $10,000.
George Blum, president; Ernest Johnson, vice-president; K. A.
Jacohson, secretary-treasurer.
Washington Realty Company, incorporated in 1912 ; capital.
$300,000. H. W. Chase, president; L. A. Bu Dalm, vice-president;
W. S. Woodruff, secretarj'-treasurer.
Wenzel Broom Company, incorporated 1913; capital, $15,000.
A. J. Wenzel, president; H. F. Schroeder, vice-president; W. J.
Eberwein, secretary ; E. F. Wenzel, treasurer.
White Lake Land Company, incorporated in 1911 ; capital,
$200,000. A. L. Arpin, president ; J. T. Joyce, treasurer ; Marshall
Cousins, secretary.
Williams Furniture Company, incorporated in 1902 ; capital,
$25,000. A. L. Williams, president; H. M. Howe, vice-president;
A. P. Bonnot, secretary-treasurer.
L. H. Starkey Company, incorporated in 1910; capital, $7,000.
L. H. Starkey, president; C. W. Vaugh, vice-president and tr(>a-
surer; Harry Thompson, secretary.
Tanberg Auto Company, incorporated 1907; capital, $50,000.
J. C. Tanberg, president ; A. J. Poclawiltz, vice-president ; Frank
B. Drake, secretary; G. R. Wood, secretary and manager.
Truax Building Company, incorporated 1913: capital, $25,000.
^. J. Branstad, president; B. W. Culver, secretary; J. C. Culver,
treasurer.
Union Construction Company, incorporated in 1912; capital.
$16,000. T. F. Frawley, president; J. C. Culver, vice-president;
G. A. Weizenegger, secretary-treasurer.
Union Mortgage Loan Company, incorporated in 1906 ; capital,
$100,000. Julius Rosholt, president; Kim Rosholt, vice-president;
H. F. Schlegelmilch, secretarj'-treasurer.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
EAU CLATRE INDUSTRIES.
THE A. A. CUTTER SHOE FACTORY
The man on the drive, the cruise or in the woods — the lumber-
jack— is the most discriminating person in the world about one
thing. He is as exacting in that as the Beau Brummel of the
boulevards is about his dress. That one thing is his shoes. The
shoes of the lumberjack must fit comfortably, since the nature of
his work demands foot comfort. His shoes must be made of the
very best leather and fashioned in the very best way in order
to stand the heavy strain. The lumberjack has his slioeninker
just as the boulevard dandy has his tailor, and usually his shoe-
maker is the A. A. Cutter Company, of Eau Claire, Wis. Ask
almost any lumberjack what make of shoe he wears and his
answer will probably be "Cutter." The Cutter make means par
excellence to the man with the ax and saw or the peavey, pike
pole and cant hook.
Back in 1870, when Eau Claire was a great sawmill center,
with twenty-two mills busy sawing northern timber, A. A. Cutter
was the leading shoe retailer in town. The lumberjacks who
occasionally came out of the woods in large numbers demanded
a distinctive shoe. To meet this demand Mr. Cutter kept two
cobblers busy making shoes that suited the lumberjacks. The
lumberjacks, who were mostly of French or Irish nationality,
demanded quality in their shoes and did not heed the cost. At
that time it was customary for them to leave their measure in
the fall before going into the woods and on their return the
following spring their made-to-measure shoes would be ready.
Mr. Cutter did not create a lumberjack's shoe. The lumberjacks
created their own shoe. It was their criticism and their "kicks"
that led to the making of a shoe that was the best of its kind,
and today criticism and "kicks" are just as welcome with the
A. A. Cutter Company as they were many years ago. The result
is a perfect driving shoe.
For a few years making shoes for lumberjacks was only local
in its extent. It was not until a lumberjack had left Eau Claire
to become a foreman in the Pennsylvania woods that the fame of
17-1
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 475
Cutter begau to spread. He took two pairs with him and gave
one pair to a fellow-woi-ker. The shoe attracted so much attention
that several lumberjacks induced Joseph Lechner, a local shoe
merchant at Emporium, Pa., to order shoes for them. That was
the first outside order that the Cutter concern ever received.
Later a lumber company, of Pennsylvania, sent a crew of forty
lumberjacks to New Mexico. They had all been wearers of Cutter
shoes and on reaching New Mexico found they could not get along
without their favorite make. The forty sent an order to Eaii
Claire. So the fame of Cutter shoes began to widen iintil tod:iy
they are sold in every State except one, and the exception is
Rhode Island. Rhode Island is not a State of Lumberjacks.
In 1892 Mr. Cutter discontinued the retail business and began
manufacturing exclusively for lumbermen's needs. Today the
concern is considered one of the leading manufacturers of higli-
grade footwear for lumbermen, miners, cruisers, surveyors, pros-
pectors, rangers and sportsmen in the United States. The com-
pany has a model factory at Eau Claire. A force of nearly 100
are employed in making handmade shoes, and the output is from
200 to 350 pairs a day. Mr. Cutter died a few years ago and the
following year the company was incorporated. Mrs. Belle V.
Cutter is president, William P. Bartlett vice-president and W. J.
Carpenter secretary and treasurer. Mr. Carpenter, who started
to work for Mr. Cutter when a mere lad and Avho has been thor-
oughly schooled in every phase of the high-grade shoemaking
business, is general manager.
The making of Cutter shoes is an interesting story. Only
skilled custom shomakers — old-fashiond cobblers — are em-
ployed. These old-style cobblers call to mind the saying, "Let
the cobbler sfck to his last." The tale goes that a cobbl(>r
detected a fault in the shoe-latchet of one of Apelles' paintings,
and the artist rectified the fault. The cobbler, thinking himself
very wise, next ventured to criticise the legs, but Apelles
answered, "Keep to your trade — you understand about shoes but
not about anatomy." A proof that the cobblers employed at the
Cutter plant do stick to their lasts and keep to their trade is
found in the fact that one of their number, Halvor Johnson,
started with JMr. Cutter when he established his cobbling shop
in 1870. While Johnson has served the Cutter concern for forty-
three years, ten others have been employed there at least thirty
years. The Cutter cobblers certainly understand about shoes.
The Cutter shoes are almost entirely hand-made, the only
exception being a minor part of the stitching. Only solid leather
476 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
tlirougliout is used. No leather substitute ever entered the Cutter
factorj^ Some leather reaches there that inspection shows can
not be used, and in such case it is returned to the tanners. Onlj'
the heart of the imported hide is used and the remainder is
disposed of to other manufacturers or used in cheaper low-cut
shoes. The cobblers employed are chiefly German and Norwe-
gian, who served apprenticeships in their native countries. The
only difficulty that the Cutter company experiences is in obtaining
skilled workers. Since the introduction of machinery into most
shoe factories of this country and Europe, fewer young men
have been apprenticed to the cobblers' trade.
Only the best leathers obtainable in the world's tannciy
market are lased. The French kip used in Cutter drivei's is
tanned at the Simon Ullmo tannery at Lyons, France, and is
imported especially for the Cutter company. It is considered
the best leather that can be procured for this class of shoes, as
French kip will stand the water as no other leather will. The
French kip is used in the vamp of the Cutter shoe. A French
kip tanned hide Aveighs from 5 to 51^. pounds and only the
heart of it is used.
The Phoenix Manufacturing Company, one of the largest as
well as one of the oldest industries of Eau Claire, now in the
fifty-third year of its existence, stands out as a landmark mark-
ing progress in the manufacturing industries of the. city. I;i
1861 the business was organized for the purpose of building
and repairing sawmill maeliinery, general millwright and
machinist work.
The location selected at that time was on the bank of the
Eau Claire river at a point now occupied by the Eau Claire
Bedding Company. The present location was selected and the
business moved to it in 1874.
In looking over the history of the Cliippewa Valley for the
past fifty years, it will be found that the Phoenix Manufacturing
Company played an important part in the drama of commercial
life.
In everj^ sawmill could be found Phoenix machinery strictly
up to the times. The band mill now used in all up-to-date mills
was brought out by this firm as early as 1887, when the Empire
Lumber Company was equipped with what was then known as
the Esplin mill. A number of these were made and distributed.
In 1890 a new style of band mill known as the Emerson type
was constructed and a great number distributed through the
States as well as Canada. Again in 1895 further improvements
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 477
-ivere made and another mill placed on the market, still further
improvements were made and the famous Phoenix light band
mill was produced, which is known from ocean to ocean and
t'l'om gulf to northland as the mill making the largest cut of
perfect sawed lumber for the least outlay.
Not only band mills but other sawmill machinery was devel-
oped and brought up to date as fast as the requirements and
conditions demanded, until in every lumber state as well as
many foreign lands machiiiciy and tools made by the Plioenix
^Manufacturing Company are to be found in use.
This company has made it possible for the lumberman to
log by steam. The log-hauling engine, being a necessity, can
now be seen at work in all the northern lumbering states and
Canada, while in far-off Alaska one of these engines and a
string of sleighs are to do duty. This engine has now been
further developed so as to work on dirt roads as well as on
snow and will be used in tlie west hauling wagon trains of
ore from the mines.
A gasoline tractor of the centipede type is being perf('ct.-d
and put on the market, which is another advance movement
along tlie line of Iiauling either on dirt roads or ice and snow
roads.
The logging sleighs, snow plows and machinei'y for makinii;
logging roads; the car stake pockets that we see on all trains
of logs on our railroads, are products of these works, having
been developed by men who are in actual touch with this class
of work and understand its needs.
A new machine for clearing land is now being built, capable
of clearing from six to eight acres a day, pulling the stumps
and piling them, leaving the land ready for the farmer or settler.
The big waterworks pumps that supply water to the cities of
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls night and day are the product
of this company.
This company began business in 1861 under the firm name
of Graham & Tolles. In 1865 more capital was needed and
two partners were taken in, the firm name being changed to
<Traham, White & Company. In 1875 the company was incor-
porated under the laws of Wisconsin with a capital stock of
$50,000. In 1893 this was increased to i|^l 50,000, and in 1909
again increased to i|!200,000.
Thus the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, which fifty-three
years ago undertook to supply a need with a capital of less than
!{!5,000, has grown to a concern doing hundreds of thousands
478 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of dollars worth of business each year, at the same time keeping
up to date in all the lines of manufacture, as can be seen by its
correspondence, which extends to every state and territory.
Germany, Italy, Russia, Finland, Siberia, Cuba, Japan, British
Islands, Africa, Philippines, Mexico, Australia, as well as Alaska
and Canada, are interested in machinerj^ tools and equipment
made by the Phoenix Manufactui-ing Company.
The Chippewa Valley Casualty Company, of Eau Claire, was
incorporated iu 1902, with the following oiBcers: J. T. Joyce,
president; Charles W. Fiske, treasurer, and E. W. Heiss, secre-
tary. This company is operated on the industrial plan, and has
done a successful business since its organization, due largely to
the assistance rendered by the local corporations who are inter-
ested iu having their employes carry insurance of this kind for
the mutual benefit of themselves and their families.
The McDonough Manufacturing Company. In 1863, there
came to Eau Claire a man by the name of Frank McDonough,'^*-^^"^ '
who, wlien still a young man, learned the trade of blacksmith
and carpenter. For some time after his arrival in Eau Claire
he followed the occupation of millwright, and finally became
superintendent of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. In those
days lumbering was the chief industry of Eau Claire and north-
western Wisconsin, and in order to manufacture lumber suc-
cessfully it was necessary to have the right kind of machinery,
being located in the heart of the lumber fields, with no insti-
tution for the manufacture of mill supplies. With the knowledge
of the lumber business which he gained while associated with
the Eau Claire Lumber Companj^, he conceived the idea of estab-
lishing a plant for the manufacture of sawmill machinery. Asso-
ciating himself with Emmett Iloran and Peter John Holm, he
organized the now famous McDonough Manufacturing Company
in 1888, with Prank McDonough, Sr., president and treasurer ;
P. J. Holm, vice-president, and Emmett Horan, secretary. The
company commenced business with a capital of $100,000, was
incorporated in 1889, and employed thirty-five men. The com-
pany manufactured then, as it does now, sawmill machinery,
engines and transmission machinery. The first year the output
of the factory amounted to $85,000 in finished product, which
found a ready sale in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. Mr.
McDonough was the active manager and under his direction the
institution grew to large proportions, and in 1892 sixty men
were employed and tlie building had been enlarged. The main
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 479
buildiug, 75 by 200 feet, the foundry 90 by 100 feet aud the
woodworking department 75 by 150 feet.
This institution has continued to grow, the plant has been
c-ousiderably enlarged, the capacity increased, and now (1914)
the shops are equipped with the most modern, up-to-date tools
in every respect. The capital has been increased to $150,000
and the company furnishes employment for one hundred and
tAventy people. Mr. J. W. Hubbard is now the general manager,
secretary and treasurer, and under his guidance the annual man-
ufactured product amounts to $250,000, and is sold in all sections
of the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, Russia, Aus-
tralia, Holland, New Zealand, Bahama Islands and other foreign
countries.
The Eau Claire Trunk Company, which is one of the impor-
tant manufacturing concerns of the city of Eau Claire, was
first established in 1890, and for eleven years did a successful
business, but at the end of that time, in 1901, so great had
become the demand for their goods, it was found necessary to
increase the capacity of their factory and enlarge their capital.
Accordingly, in that year incorporation papers were taken out
aud the working capital increased to $75,000, with the following
gentlemen as officers: W. E. Wahl, president; F. Hoeppner,
vice-president ; G. C. Hoeppner, treasurer ; William II. Hoeppner.
secretary and general manager. At this time (1914) thirty-eight
people are employed in the manufacture of trunks, suitcases,
bags, telescopes and all kinds of leather goods and general
sample work. The annual output of this plant is at present,
in dollars and cents, $80,000, while the capacity of the plant is
$120,000. These leather goods are all up to date, manufactured
from the best of materials by skilled workmen. A ready sale
is found for their products in the markets of the United States
and Canada. In addition to the factory, the company maintains
a retail store on Barstow street, where a full line of leather
goods is on display.
The Linderman Box & Veneer Company, one of the solid
manufacturing institutions of Eau Claire, was organized in 1895
by A. T. Linderman, George S. Long, J. T. Barber and D. R. Moon,
under the name of the Linderman Box & Veneer Company, with
an authorized capital of $80,000. It started business with $40,000
of capital actually invested, which v/as increased in 1898 to
$60,000 and was under the management of A. T. Linderman.
It employed seventy-five men, and manufactured boxes, box
480 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
shocks and crating lumber. Its output the first year was 5,000,-
000 feet of material, valued at $75,000, and the products were
sold in the markets of Chicago and the middle west.
In a sale dated January 1, 1902, the old company disposed
of its entire capital stock to a neAv company, consisting of T. J.
Wilcox, R. P. Wilcox, George H. Chapman, S. G. Moon and
D. R. Moon. The capital stock was reduced to $40,000 by the
new company, which resumed business at the same location.
Since that time the working capital has been increased to $70,000.
The business has assumed such large proportions that from one
hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty people are
constantly employed. T. J. Wilcox, who has been with the com-
pany since it began operations in 1896, has the active manage-
ment of the institution, whose annual output is now about
12,000,000 feet of box lumber valued at $265,000. A ready mar-
ket is found in Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, (Milwaukee and
all the principle markets as far west as the Missouri River.
The present officers of the company are : D. R. Moon, president ;
T. J. Wilcox, vice-president and manager; George H. Chapman,
secretary and treasurer.
The company was organized by Mr. Linderman with the idea
of using the refuse from the sawmills which went into the
burners for the manufacture of boxes. He had invented machines
for handling and working this material, and it was with the
idea of utilizing these machines that the company was started.
The machine for sorting this material to length and width, as
it comes from the mills, is in use by several box factories, with
various alterations adapted to the several plants.
The sorter in use at the above plant is practically as lie
designed it, with minor refinements which developed with time.
Mr. Linderman left the company in 1900 to devote his energies
to tlie manufacture of a machine for matching and gluing nar-
row strips automatically, which is in almost xmiversal use among
furniture manufacturers of today.
The A. E. Burlingame Company, Inc., wholesale and retail
dealers in tobacco and cigars, was incorporated April 24, 1907,
with a capital of $24,000; A. E. Burlingame as president, treas-
urer and general manager; C. W. Fiske as secretary. Besides
their store in Eau Claire, they have branches in Chippewa Falls,
Marinette and Stevens Point, Wis.
The Hoeppner-Bartlett Company, building contractors, was
founded in 1898 under the name of Hoeppner & Bartlett and was
incorporated in 1906 as the Hoeppner-Bartlett Company, cap-
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 481
italized at $50,000. The present officers are: F. J. Hoeppner,
president; J. A. Davidson, vice-president; A. P. Johannes, sec-
retary and treasurer. This company does a general contracting
business, and are also manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds.
Among the structures erected by them may be mentioned the
Eau Claire public library, two additions to the Sacred Heart hos-
pital, the International Harvester building, the Ninth and Fourth
^Yard schools, Phoenix shop and foundry, the Luther hospital,
the John Walter brewing and bottling works, the Schlegelmileh
building; remodeled the Armstrong hardware building, the
Roberg building, the Julius Derge business building, the Fisk
buildiug, the Galloway and Commercial hotels, besides which
they have built many prominent residences of the city, and are
now erecting the new State Normal school in Eau Claire.
Lange Canning Company, packers of corn, peas and pumpkin.
One of the largest and most important industries in Eau Claire is
the Lange Canning Company, incorporated. They are packers of
corn, peas and pumpkin, shipping their output to points all over
the United States and turning out an average of three million
cans per year. Two hundred employees are kept busy through-
out the busy season. No house in the city furnishes work for
more people or does a more extensive business than this. Mr. G.
J. Lange is the president and manager of this house and its
success has been largely due to his unceasing efforts and constant
application to the interests of the company. He allows nothing
but first-class goods to leave his hands and the result is a con-
stant accession of patronage. He is one of the leading business
men of the city, lending his assistance to all worthy movements.
Mr. F. A. Lange is the secretary and has taken general charge
of the mechanical end of the concern.
The Drummond Packing Company, of Eau Claire, Avas founded
in 1873 by David Drummond under the firm name of Brooks &
Drummond, and was carried on as such until 1876, when Mr.
Brooks died. From that time until 1881 Mr. Drummond con-
tinued the business alone and in the last named year his brothers,
John and Duncan, purchased an interest in the business, which
was conducted under the firm name of Drummond Brothers until
it was incorporated in 1893 as the Drummond Packing Company,
with a capital of $125,000. The officers for 1914 are: David
Drummond, president; John Drummond, vice-president; F. W.
Thomas, treasurer, and D. G. Calkins, secretary. The company
does a business of $1,250,000 per year, and its packing house is
an up-to-date institution. Tliey butcher and pack 150,000 hogs
482 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
per year, which product is shipped to all parts of the United
States, Canada and Europe.
The Northwestern Steel & Iron Works was incorporated under
the laws of Wisconsin in 1905 with a capital of $200,000. The
officers are Kim Rosholt, president; T. W. Rosholt, vice-president,
and E. R. Hamilton, secretary and treasurer. They manufacture
concrete machinery, gas engines and can machinery, and employ
upwards of two hundred hands, and their products are shipped
all over the United States and Canada. The plant, which occu-
pies floor space of 125,000 square feet, is equipped with modern
machinery and electric power, and during the year 1913 they did
a business of $300,000.
C. W. Cheney Company, millers and gi'aiu dealers, was
founded as the Northern Grain Company, business being con-
tinued under that name until 1908, when the C. W. Cheney Com-
pany, with a capital of $20,000, which was increased in 1911
to $50,000, took over the business of the above concern. The
present officers are C. W. Cheney, president and treasurer; H. D.
Davis, vice-president, and T. R. Kelly, secretary.
The company employs ten men and iises electric power in
the mauufactuie, by the roller process, of wheat, rye and buck-
wheat flower. Their plant has a capacity of 100 barrels per day.
The Wisconsin Refrigerator Company Mas established in Eau
Claire in 1886 by Hochis & Smith and was operated by them
until taken over by William J. Starr, of Eau Claire. A stock
company was formed and incorporated as the Wisconsin Refrig-
erator Company, with a capital of $50,000. The present officers
are: William J. Starr, president; C. T. Bundy, vice-president;
0. L. Brice, general manager and treasurer. They employ
approximately 200 hands and their annual output is about 40,000
refrigerators designed for use by hotels, florists, groceries, meat
markets, the private home and restaurants. They also manu-
facture refrigerators and cooling rooms under special designs
for any purpose, and their trade extends from the states of
Washington and Texas to Maine and all the large cities in Can-
ada. During the year 1913 the company did a large business in
Argentine, Columbia, Peru and Brazil, South America; New
South Wales, Australia, Japan and several of the most important
cities in China.
The Eau Claire Grocery Company was founded June 1, 1883,
as the Honer-Rowe Company. The members of the firm at that
time were John Honer, ex-state treasurer; William Rowe, Byron
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 483
A. Buffiugton aud Johu Gilman. On November 7, 1883, thcy
incorporated as the Eau Claire Grocery Company, with a capital
of $40,000 and the follo-\viug ofSeers, who were all of the stock-
holders at that time : B. A. BufJington, president ; W. A. Rust,
vice-president; William Rowe, treasurer, and John Iloner, sec-
retary. In .1886 the capital was increased to $100,000, which
at this time (1914) remains the same. The present officers are:
C. M. Merrill, president; A. J. Marsh, vice-president; T. F. Bran-
ham, treasurer, and C. E. Shane, secretary. They do an exclusive
wholesale grocery business and employ eight traveling salesmen
in AVisconsiu and Minnesota, and twenty-four people in the house.
The Northwestern Lumber Company. A lumber business was
founded by Porter and Moon in 18ti3. In 1870 this company was
succeeded by Porter, Moon & Company, comprising Gilbert E.
Porter, Delos R. jMoon and Sumner T. McKnight. Their sawmills
were located at Porter's Mills and their lumber was rafted down
the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers to Hannibal, Mo., where the
same compauy conducted a wholesale.lumber yard under the firm
name of S. T. McKnight & Company. In 1873 both of these com-
panies were incorporated as the Northwestern Lumber Company
in Wisconsin, with headquarters at Eau Claire, and sawmills at
Eau Claire, Porter's Mills, and Stanley, Wis. By reason of the
exhaustion of the timber supply, the company is now operating
mills at Stanley only. The corporation owns large tracts
of land in Chippewa aud Taylor counties which they are dis-
posing of for farming purposes only. They own and operate a
large general store at Stanley, where they do a business of over
$300,000 per year. They own the Stanley, Merrill & Phillips
railroad between Stanley and Jump River, a distance of thirty
miles, M'hicli was originally constructed as a logging railway.
It was incorporated in 1902 and in April, 1903 was put in oper-
ation fully equipped for passenger service at a cost of $600,000.
Its present ofticers arc: S. G. Moon, president; C. D. Moon,
vice-president: J. T. Barber, treasurer, and F. H. L. Cotton,
secretary, with main offices at Stanley. The main office of the
Northwestern Lumber Company is located at Eau Claire, with
J. T. Barber, president ; S. G. Moon, vice-president and treasurer ;
George H. Chapman, second vice-president; C. D. Moon, secre-
tary, and F. II. L. Cottcn. assistant scci'ctary and treasurer.
The Eau Claire Cornice & Heating Company was founded in
1899 by John Panger, D. J. VauIIovenberg and E. Stockine,
under a partnership arrangement, and was conducted until 1905,
484 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
when they incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin with a
capital stock of $25,000, with D. J. VanHovenberg, president;
E. Stockine, vice-president; C Ehrhard, treasurer, and H. G.
Ilelstrom, secretary. The present ofBcers are: Chris Ehrhard,
president and treasurer, and 11. G. Helstrom, secretary. They
employ an average of twelve men and do a yearly business of
$40,000.
The Eau Claire Book & Stationery Company was incorpo-
rated under the laws of Wisconsin in 1885 by Henry F. Balcom,
Mrs. Jane Putnam and H. C. Putnam, and was conducted by
them until 1887, when Mr. George C. Witherby purchased the
Putnam interests. The business was opened for the patronage
of the people at 310 South Barstow street, and was there carried
on for fifteen years, when they removed to the Drummond build-
ing at 135 South Barstow street, where they remained for nine
years, and then purchased the Brooks building and other prop-
erty and erected their present building, which has a frontage
of 75 feet on South River street and 25 feet on South Barstow
street. The building being of "L" shape has a depth of 175
feet on Main street and is of red brick, three stories and a
basement and contains 17,000 square feet of floor space. The
company employs fifty people, and besides doing a general book
and stationery business, has one of the largest and best equipped
pi'inting plants in the city, where they manufacture all kinds of
legal blanks and publish their six different catalogues. The
company does an extensive wholesale business through their trav-
eling representatives, as well as in the mail order department,
and this establishment is one of the three largest book houses
west of Chicago and is the official book store of Wisconsin.
The walls are covered witli the finest collection of up-to-date
literature from the Avorld's best markets.
The Eau Claire Bedding Company was incorporated in 1902
with a capital of $5,000. Its present officers are R. A. Loether,
president; E. J. Loether, vice-president; J. II. Aluckerheide, sec-
retary and treasurer. This company gives employment to fifteen
hands and are manufacturers and jobbers of mattresses, pillows,
cushions, iron beds, springs, cots, cribs, go-carts, etc. Their goods
are of superior quality, and rank among the best manufactured
in the world.
Bark River Bridge & Culvert Company. The business of this
concern was started as a partnership between E. J. Bergman and
Ole Harstad, at Bark River, Michigan, in 1906. After three years
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 485
of successful business there, a branch house was established in
Eau Claire, Avith Ole Harstad as proprietor and general manager.
The company have plants in both cities each covering about an
acre of ground with side track and railroad facilities.
Until the latter years of the 19th century, wood had been the
commonest material for bridges and culverts. Its cheapness and
general availability had recommended it to road superintendents
with scanty appropriations and long miles of roadway. Frequent
repairs and renewals had of course been necessary, but until the
sharp rise in price and decline in quality of lumber, which were
attendant upon the depletion of the forests, these expenditures
had been little regarded. Now, however, it came to be recog-
nized that a bridge or drain made from a material which would
last only five or ten years, was a poor investment ; and road build-
ers turned to other forms of construction, and the corrugated
culverts are now fast taking tlie place of all other material.
In 1906 there was placed on the market a product which
chemical analysis showed to be of a purity never before attained.
It was given the name of American Ingot Iron. This metal com-
bines the best quality of steel and wrought iron, and avoids the
imperfections of both. It is ductile and tough and will stanJ the
most severe bending and manipulation M'ithout a flaw. It will
weld readily, and has a high degree of electrical condin-tivit}'. It
has a homogeneous and finely crystalline structure, and its deusity
is slightly greater than that of either wrought iron or steel.
Practical experience has shown it to be resistant to corrosion to
a greater degree than any commercial metal of which iron is the
base. ^Vjiother consideration of scarcely less practical import-
ance, is the fact that American Ingot Iron takes a heavj' coat of
galvanizing and retains it tenaciously. Pure iron dissolves in
molten zinc very much less than does steel. For this reason, the
spelter coating applied to it contains a minimum of dissolved
iron, and resists disintegration to a remarkable degree. It is
doubtless if in the progress of time and invention, two discoveries
were ever made which so exactly supported and completed one
another as those of the corrugated culvert and American Ingot
iron, of which the Bark River Bridge & Culvert Company have
the agency in northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan.
The Fanners' Co-operative Products Company was organized
in 1910. Tlie officers are S. S. Wethern, president; C. 0. Fischer,
secretary and treasurer; Robert H. Manz, manager. This com-
pany handle Seal of Minnesota and Mother Hubbard flour.
■186 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
cement, feed, salt and coal, and do a general custom grinding at
their large mill in Eau Claire. They have branch places of busi-
ness at Caryville, Union and Brunswick townships.
Northwestern Flour & Grain Company was incorporated under
the laws of Wisconsin in 1907 with a capital of .^!25,000.00. They
occupy a building 122x30 feet located on Railroad street. They
are sole agents in Eau Claire for Gold Medal and flour of the Ihib-
bard Milling Company, of Mankato, Minnesota, and do an ex-
tensive business in their line. They erected their own building,
and besides their Eau Claire business, have a branch warehouse
at Allen, this state, 40x100 feet, and another at Cleghorn 40x100
feet, where in addition to flour and grain, they deal in coal and
cement. The officers of the company are A. J. Branstad, presi-
dent; Frank Harrion. vice-president, and George Tliorson, secre-
tary and treasurer.
The Union Mortgage Loan Company is a Wisconsin corpora-
tion with a paid-up capital of $100,000.00. It is OAvned and eon-
trolled by bankers, capitalists and business men well and favor-
ably known throughout the state. The business of the company
is to loan money on first mortgages secured b.v improved real
estate. They make no other investments, place their own money.
and accept only the very best loans. Lands and loans are care-
fully investigated, abstracts examined by experts and papers care-
fully executed and recorded. They make loans in Wisconsin.
Minnesota and the eastern and northern parts of North Dakota,
and guarantee the collections on securities sold.
The directors are J. T. Barber, George L. Blum, B. A. Buffiing-
tou, C. T. Bundy, W. L. Davis, N. C. Foster, J. T. Joyce, E. S.
Hayes, A. H. Hollen, 0. H. Ingram, S. G. Moon, H. T. Lange,
George W. Robertson, -J. Rosholt, president, and K. Rosholt. vice-
president.
Phoenix Furniture Company. Among the foremost manufac-
turing institutions of Eau Claire is the Phoenix Furniture Com-
pany, manufacturers of bank, office, store and church furniture
and fixtures. This company was organized in 1899 and incor-
porated under the laws of Wisconsin with a capital of $40,000.00.
Their factory which contains about 42,000 square feet of floor
space is located on 9th avenue and Broadway, where they have
shipping facilities for all the railroads entering Eau Claire. They
employ an average of fifty hands, and their products are shipped
throughout the United States and Canada. The afl:'airs of the
company are guided by R. J. Kepler, president; T. A. Hobbs, vice-
president, and S. Damm, secretary and treasurer.
EAU CLAIRE INDUSTRIES 487
National Granite Company, of Eau Claire, P. C. Magadanee,
mauager and proprietor, was started in Eau Claire April 1, 1913,
with a capital of ifi500,000.00, and is one of the largest and best
eoncerns in northwestern Wisconsin engaged in the manufacture
and sale of high grade and artistic monuments, mausoleums and
large granite work, in the manufacture of which only the best
granite to be obtained from the well known quarries is used, and
thirty men are required in the production of these finely cut
mo2iuments, etc., which are sold direct to the public in this and
otlier states.
The Paper & Pulp Industry. This industry had its inception
in Eau Claire in 1882, in which year it was incorporated as the
Eau Claire Pulp & Paper, and was formed by citizens of the city
of Eau Claire. Its officers were H. II. Hayden, president ; William
Carson, vice-president ; S. H. Wilcox, secretary and C. F. Mayhew,
treasurer.
In 1890 the mill was giving employment to about forty men,
but soon thereafter passed into the hands of a receivership. In
1894 this property was purchased by 0. H. Ingram and the pres-
ent company, The Dells Paper & Pulp Company, was organized
with a capital of $75,000, and was officered as follows : President
David K. Davis, Vice-president 0. II. Ingram, Secretary C. A.
( 'hamberlin. Treasurer C. H. Ingram. This new company
tlioroughly remodelled the i)lant in the fall of 1894, at which time
the capacity of the mill was about 60,000 lbs. per day of 24 hours.
The plant has since that time been enlarged and improved, until
tJie average per day now is approximately 170,000 lbs. In 1900
the Ingram interest was sold to the Davis Brothers. The com-
pany employs between 350 and 400 hands, and the pay roll
amounts to about $250,000 per year. The capital of this company
was increased July 31, 1894, to $125,000; Febuary 12, 1895, to
$150,000; January 31, 1898, $250,000, and December 31, 1908. to
$1,000,000.
In the manufacture of raw materials, that is ground wood
pulp and sulphite pulp, about 35,000 cords of pulp wood are used
lier annum, using Spruce, Hemlock, Balsam, Pine and Poplar.
The product of this plant being News Print paper, and Fibre and
Manila Wrapping paper.
The present officers of this company are W. L. Davis, presi-
dent; S. R. Davis, vice-president; J. A. Stilp, secretary; J. T.
Joyce, treasurer.
This industry is the largest in the city of Eau Claire, anJ is in
a very flourishing condition.
488 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Horn & Blum Manufacturing Company was established in
Januaiy, 1911, and incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin
with a capital of $25,000.00. Their main factory 48x110, of which
they occupy two floors, is located on Dewey and Bridge streets,
and they also occupy two floors of the Heubs Laundry building.
They employ on an average of seventy hands and manufacture
overalls, jackets, shirts and extra heavy and durable clothing for
lumbermen. Their plant is equipped with the latest and best ma-
chinery. They turn out a completed garment every forty seconds,
and their product is sold by their eight traveling salesmen in the
states of "Wisconsin, Michigan, North and South Dakota, Mon-
tana, and Minnesota.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE RAILROADS.
By
MISS A. E. KIDDER.
In 1856 a grant of laud was made by Congress for the con-
struction of a railroad from Portage City to LaCrosse on the
Mississippi. The scheme collapsed. In March, 1863, several
business men of St. Croix, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire and Jack-
son counties, among whom were D. A. Baldwin, Capt. "William
Wilson, J. G. Thorp, H. S. Allen and W. T. Price, promoted a
new organization to construct the road. It was incorporated
under legislative powers at the date named, with the title of the
Tomah & St. Croix Railway Company. The first meeting was
held at Duraud on June 9 of the same year. At the next session
of the legislature the land grant was conferred upon the com-
pany with the right of way and the privilege of locating the line
on its present course. This grant was renewed and the land
exempted from taxes until 1870 by Congress. The preliminary
expenses in surveying the route, etc., were $20,000. D. A. Bald-
win, of Hudson, had sufficient confidence in the success of the
undertaking to advance the money. The work was done and the
necessary maps prepared in 1864-65. The next step was to find
capitalists who would invest the requisite funds to construct
and equip the road. Mr, Baldwin was selected by the directors
of the company to carry on the negotiations in this direction.
After trips to principal eastern cities, and the Atlantic twice
crossed, Mr. Baldwin's efforts Avere, after the labor of two years,
crowned with success. Mr. Jacob Humbird, of Baltimore, a pros-
perous railroad contractor, furnished the entire funds to com-
plete the first thirty-two miles of track to Black River Falls, the
payment of which, and all other contract work, was secured by
first mortgage on the roadbed. Before commencing operations
the name of the company had been changed to the West Wis-
consin Railway by an act of the legislature.
The road was completed to- Augusta early in 1870, and in the
following August the welcome sound of the locomotive which
connected us with the east was heard in Eau Claire. It was
489
490 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
made the occasion of such a rejoicing as has never been eqvialed
in Eau Claire. A meeting of citizens was held at Marston's Hall
on the evening of July 25, and the following committee appointed
to make arrangements to celebrate the event in a proper man-
ner : Alexander Meggett, H. P. Graham, Daniel Shaw, George A.
Buffington, John Woodworth Nelson, Martin Daniels, Texas
Angel, 0. H. Ingram, D. E. Brown, Ole Bruden and Matthias
Leinenkugel. The reception and entertainment took place in
Randall Park on the west side. Provision was made for the free
entertainment by private hospitality of not less than 300 persons
for not less than two days. The amount raised by voluntary
subscription was !t>l,500 and was sufficient to defray the entire
expense of the occasion. Committees on reception, finance, invi-
tations, entertainment, refreshments, toasts and music were
appointed. The officers of the day were selected as follows:
President, Joseph G. Thorp; vice-presidents, Eau Claire
roonty, Daniel Shaw, H. P. Graham, D. C. Clark, H. W. Barnes,
J. P. Moore, S. Marston, 0. H. Ingram, A. Kidder, W. T. Gallo-
way, R. P. "Wilson, John Gunn, Thomas Barland, Simon Randall,
R. F. Stone, R. E. Scott, E. W. Robbins; E. Gesner, J. G. Cleg-
horn, G. L. Frizzell, F. R. Skinner. Seth French; Chippewa
county, H. S. Allen, A. Jackson; B. F. Mannahan, R. Palmer,
J. Brunett, J. I. Gilbert, L. C. Stanley, A. E. Pound; Dunn
county, William Wilson, William Carson, B. B. Downs, Walter
Crocker, D. Weston, C. Lucas; Pepin county, F. W. Dorwin,
H. P. Farrington, J. Eraser ; Jackson county, W. T. Price, James
0. Neill, C. Boardmau ; St. Croix county, H. L. Humphrey, John
Comstock, H A. Taylor; Pierce county, J. S. White, M. A. Ful-
ton, Senator Edward H. Ives ; marshall, H. Clay Williams ; assist-
ants, A. M. Sherman, E. M. Bartlett, Victor Wolf, 6. A. Buffing-
ton, J. B. Stocking. Not less than one thousand invitations were
issued freely offering the hospitality of the city to all who should
choose to come. Among those invited were our state officers,
judges, senators, representatives, members of the legislature, the
press of the state, the boards of trade in the cities of Milwaukee,
Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and LaCrosse, and many distin-
guished citizens of this and adjoining states. The day was
ushered in by the firing of cannon, in which the citizens of
Menomonie assisted with a finely mounted and well-manned
brass piece.
People from up and down the Chippewa Valley poured into
town to swell the throng, while Menomonie was headed by such
rej^resentative men as Captain Wilson, John H. Knapp, S. W.
THE RAILROADS 491
TTuiit, S. B. Freuch, Wilse Heller, W. W. Wiuterbotham and
others. The Chippewa Falls delegation, headed by their brass
liand. comprised upward of seventy teams, and as a distinct
di'li'jiation was the largest from any one locality. Twenty
vrliicles, caeh drawn by four horses, and carrying banners with
appropriate mottoes were interspersed at proper distances
throughout the procession bearing the following inscriptions:
'"("hippewa Falls to Eau Claire, Greeting: We Rejoice in Your
Piosperity ;" "Energy and Enterprise Combined — Humbird and
IJaldwin;'" "West Wisconsin Railroad, Now by St. Paul, the
Work Goes Bravely On;" "Eau Claire — Twenty Minutes for
Refreshments, Change Cars for Chippewa Falls and Lake
Su]>erior. " The leading citizens of the Falls helped swell the
ranks of the procession and congratulated Eau Claire over the
mutual advantages to be gained b}'^ the completion of the West
Wisconsin Railroad to this point.
Long before the arrival of the first train thousands of people
were gathered to- witness and hail its approach. At 10:30 its
coming was heralded by the firing of cannon on an eminence
commanding its first view. A momentary suspense followed this
announcement, when round the curve it came. Its arrival at the
(k-pot, crowded with guests, was welcomed with the wildest
enthusiasm by three rousing cheers. A second train soon arrived ;
ample arrangements had been made to convey the guests to the
jiark and in a short time all were on the way to the place of
festivity. There not less than 4,000 people had gathered, and
on the platform were D. A. Baldwin, president, and Jacob Hum-
liird, superintendent of the West Wisconsin road ; G. L. Becker,
l^resident of the St. Paul & Pacific; E. F. Drake, president of the
St. Paul & Sioux City ; J. C. Burbank, president of the Chamber
of Commerce; 0. E. Dodge, secretary; General Sanborn, C. D.
Strong, II. S. Moss and P. Berky, St. Paul; Governor Fairchild.
(ieneral Atwood, Judge Cole, Judge Orton and Attorney-General
Barlow, of Madison; General Rusk, of Viroqua ; Mayor Joseph
Phillips, Councillors C. M. Sanger, John Black and Alderman
E. Durr. of Milwaukee; on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce
and citizens, John Nazro, chairman; Senator Denster, Professor
Jewett, L. Everingham, A. R. Matthews, G. W. Chandler, C. A.
Battles and wife, C. A. Fulsora, H. Niedecken, F. D. Inbush,
W. J. McDonald, D. D. Goodrich and others from Milwaukee:
from LaCrosse, Mayor Rodolf, Judge Lord. Capt. Joe Elwell,
W. W. Jones, J. J. Cole and A. E. Tenney ; Captain Condit and
Thomas Tyler, of Sparta; Senator Kershaw, of Adams county;
492 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Senator Price, D. J. Spaulding and J. V. Wells, of Black River
Falls; Senator Satterlee Clark, of Horieon; Captain Wilson and
J. H. Knapp, of Menomonie ; A. Pound, J. A. Bate, H. S. Allen,
and the old pioneer, John Brunette, of Chippewa Falls ; Webster,
of the Chamber of Commerce, Chicago ; 0. E. Britt, J. D. Inbush,
John F. P. Adams, E. D. Chapin and many others representing
Milwaukee. The representatives of the press were: Horace
Brightman, of the Milwaukee Sentinel; P. V. Duester, of the
Su Boti; F. A. Moore, of the Wisconsin; B. F. Wright, of the
St. Paul Pioneer ; J. H. Gates, of the Press ; 0. E. Dodge, of the
Dispatch ; I. L. Asher, LaCrosse Republican ; Lute A. Taylor and
Frank Hatch, LaCrosse Leader; Cooper, Black River Falls Ban-
ner ; Brown, Augusta Herald ; Sid. A. Foster, Durand Times ;
George C. Ginty, Chippewa Herald ; J. 0. Culver, State Journal ;
S. W. Hunt, Dunn County News.
After music by the band the vast assemblage was called to
order by the president, Hon. J. G. Thorp, who introduced Alex-
ander Meggett, Esq., chosen to deliver the congratulatory
address. Being a resident of the city from an early period and
familiar with its steady rise and progress he was well fitted to
perform the duty. He set forth in a vivid manner the advantages
of the valley; its unbounded facilities for manufacturing; its
central and commercial importance; its agricultural advantages
with its many other claims to distinction and closed with a
deserved tribute to Messrs. Baldwin and Humbird, to whose
energy, zeal and financial ability the city was so greatly indebted
for the consummation of this important event in her history. A
brief but felicitous response to this address was made by Hon.
John Nazro, of Milwaukee, in the absence of Hon. Matt. Car-
penter, who was unable to be present.
Music by the band followed, then the announcement of din-
ner at the grand pavilion, prepared for the occasion on the other
side of the park. A large "wigwam," open at the sides and
roofed with evergreens, held ten tables, each seating seventy
persons and presided over by the representative ladies of the
city. They were spread with linen, silver and dainty food from
their homes, decorated with flowers from their gardens and the
feast was enjoyed to the fullest extent by the guests, who voiced
their appreciation enthusiastically.
Nearly three thousand people were dined in a most systematic
and satisfactory manner. Then came a. return to the pavilion
for the speakers and the post-prandial toasts. Space will not
admit of a recital of the responses, admirable as they were. The
THE RAILROADS 493
iirst toast was this: "The President and Officers of the "West
AViseonsin Railroad : Today we celebrate the successful progress
of this work. The first reward of persevering labor and per-
sistent hope and energy that met and conquered opposition and
crowned the work with victory. Such men can never know
defeat." D. A. Baldwin, president of the road, responded in a
brief but telling speech. Senator Clark, in his usual humorous
vein, to "The Ladies." Senator Price to "The Old Stage Coach
— to let without money and without price — dearer than ever on
this our parting day." Governor Pairehild to "The State of
Wisconsin" in a happy manner, and equally so was Mr. Nazro
in his response to "Milwaukee — May the iron bond that now
connects lis serve to unite us socially and commercially." "St.
I'aul and Milwaukee — Representative cities of their respective
states. Soon to become twin cities, so united that no envy will
disturb, no .iealousy sever." To this responded Gen. John B.
Sanborn, and Mr. Drake, president of the St. Paul & Sioux City
Railroad, "Chicago — Queen City of the West — rival of the Ocean
City of the East." In response to this Mr. Webster, of the
Chicago Board of Trade, made a short, witty speech. "The Gate
City — LaCrosse. ' " In answer to this Mayor Rodolph, of LaCrosse,
made a speech tilled with good hits. Gracefully acknowledging
that his city would suffer from the completion of the West Wis-
consin, with a good-natured inimitable sarcasm he so used the
fact as to make telling hits and secure abundant applause.
"The Western Terminus of the West Wisconsin Railroad, soon
to be united closely with the Chippewa Valley and the East.
M-dY the acquaintance of the past ripen into friendship in the
future." Captain Wilson^ of Menomonie, was called out by this
toast and responded brietly and to the point. Judge Orton, of
iladison, made an able and comprehensive address in reply to the
toast, "Our Country — tried as by a furnace of fire, she still
lives — the embodiment of republican institutions." General
Atwood, of the State Journal and member of Congress for the
Second District, responding for "The Press," and Judge Cole,
of the Supreme Court, for the judiciary, were listened to with
great interest and frequent applause, and these closed the serious
part of the program. Then Gen. Ossian E. Dodge, secretary of
the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, gave evidence of his won-
derful powers as an improvisator. He composed and sang a
song which was a complete report of the entire celebration,
including the speech of Judge Cole just concluded. It was
received with uproarious demonstrations of delight. The song
494 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
over, the vast throng began to disperse, carriages were brought
into requisition, distinguished guests and strangers from abroad
seated in them and driven through portions of the city on tlic
west side to the site of the railroad bridge across the Chippewa
and thence to the depot. Here "good-byes" were interchanged,
and as the train moved off Eau Claire received from her depart-
ing guests a hearty round of cheers, which evinced their satis-
faction with the day. This road afterward became a part of
the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway, and still
later a part of the Northwestern system. Now through trains
run through Eau Claire from Chicago to Los Angeles, Cal., over
the Northwestern road in connection with the Northern Pacific
over a double track road.
Eau Claire, March 7, 1910. — Editor Telegram. — A few days
ago you printed an article calling attention to the fact that this
year marks the fortieth anniversary of the completion of the
first railroad into Eau Claire, and suggesting some sort of a
celebration to mark the event. The idea is a good one and we
hope it will be acted on. It would be a decided improvoiiient
over the street fair of recent years.
You spoke of the railroad celebration of 1870 having been
"one of the greatest ever held in the city." That is not putting
it strong enough. Although a much smaller city than now a
celebration was held that in point of attendance and notables
present has never been equaled in the history of Eau Claire.
The writer has a pamphlet, published at the time, which gives
a complete account of the celebration with the names of those
who took part in it. So far as M^e know it is the only account in
existence. Your readers may be interested to see the names of
the officers and committees, also of the ladies who had charge
of the tables in Randall Park, where free dinners were served to
over three thousand.
Following are the names:
Committee of Reception— G. G. Thorp, R. F. Wilson, O. II.
Ingram, II. W. Barnes, Daniel Shaw, G. A. Buffington, Charles R.
Gleason, C. A. Bullen, H. C. Putnam, William Gans, A. W. Bos-
worth, E. M. Bartlett, Stephen Marston, William B. Esterbrook,
DeWitt C. Clark, William H. Smith, Milo B. Wyman, G. B.
Chapman, L. Sliuglutf, E. R. Hantzsch, H. Sommermeyer, II.
Schlegelmilch, James Reed, Victor Wolf, H. T. Jones, L. W. Far-
well, T. Malone, H. Clay Williams, H. Stocking, John Gunn.
Committee of Finance— W. F. Bailey, C. C. Spafford, Petrr
Truax, John Woodwortli and Matthias Leinenkugel.
THE RAILROADS 49,")
Committee on Invitations — Henry Cousins?, James F. Moore,
Ira Mead, H. C. Putnam and Texas Angel.
Committee on Entertainment — Martin Daniels, J. 6. Calla-
han, A. A. Kidder, C. A. Bullen and D. E. Brown.
Committee on Refreshments — George C. Teall, J. F. Weber,
C. E. Chandler, S. S. Kidder and Ole Bruden.
Committee on Toasts— W. P. Bartlett, G. E. Porter, L. M.
Vilas, William F. Bailey, Rev. Mr. Dudley, Rev. Mr. Lockwood
and Rev. Mr. Aitehison.
Committee on Music — J. P. Nelson, Matthias Leinenkugel and
W. W. Day.
First Table — Hon. George C. Teall, assisted by E. S. Chase,
W. A. Teall, Mrs. George C. Teall, Mrs. J. G. Callahan, Mrs. R. F.
Wilson, Mrs. Clarence Chamberlin, Mrs. William T. Weber, and
Mrs. Arthur Ellis, Mrs. Stephen V. Wyckoff, and Miss Mary T.
Meggett, Miss Libbie French, Miss Ella Blair and Miss Mary
Marston.
Table Second— Mr. S. S. Kidder, assisted by D. F. Crabbe,
A. R. Watson, Mrs. S. S. Kidder, Mrs. James F. Moore, Mrs. G. A.
Buffington, Mrs. A. V. Mayhew, Mrs. D. F. Crabbe, Mrs. A. M.
Teague, Miss Augusta Kidder, Miss Sarah Cole, Miss Martha
Kidder, Miss Nellie Kidder, Miss Sarah Kidder.
Table Third — Mr. John Gilman, assisted by Nelson C. Wilcox,
Arthur Smith, Mrs. G. E. Porter, Mrs. D. R. Moon, Mrs. II. C.
Putnam, Mrs. II. P. Thomas, Mrs. N. C. Wilcox, Mrs. J. P. Nelson,
Mrs. Dan Chandler, Mrs. Arthur Smith, Mrs. M. V. B. Jackson.
Mrs. J. G. Lilman, Mrs. 11. P. Graham, Mrs. Sam C. Putnam.
Mrs. C. Chandler.
Table Fourth — Mrs. Chauncey E. Chandler, assisted by D. E.
Brown, Arthur J. Chapman, William Dean, Mrs. C. E. Chandler,
Mrs. Sam Ellis, Mrs. George Grout, Mrs. H. Clay Williams, Mrs.
B. Demorest, Mrs. P. Anderson, Mrs. Thomas Kenyon, Mrs. D. W.
Day, Mrs. A. Buel, Miss J. Smith.
Table Fifth— Mrs. J. F. Weber, assisted by Charles Hath-
away, M. D. Buell, Mrs. M. B. Wyman, Daniel Hyleman. W. F.
Burdett, Charles Hathaway, J. B. Randall, W. F. Bailey, Chet.
Hall, Alexander Watson, Misses V. A. Parrott, Sarah Smith,
■ — Cushner.
Table Sixth— Mr. B. F. Teall, assisted by Charles Blanding,
Stephen Smith, Mrs. William H. Smith, Mrs. W. P. Bartlett, Mrs.
James M. Brackett, Mrs. S. M. Bangs, Mrs. R. W. Copeland, Mrs.
Joseph Felton, Misses Sallie French, Laura Barnes, Maggie Bar-
land, Isa Barland, Delia Boylen.
496 HISTOEY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Table Seventh — Mr. Roderick Elwell, assisted by James
Ilutehins, Abel Davis, Charles Hayes, Mrs. C. P. Mayhew, Mrs.
John Randall, Mrs. William Grant, Mrs. James Hutchins, Miss
M. Howes, Miss Hattie BuUen, Miss Plorence Oliver, Miss Nettie
Hutchins, Miss Libbie Hutchins.
Table Eighth — Mr. A. E. Angel, assisted by Melviu Wilson,
Henry Wilson, Henry Randall, Mrs. John 0. French, Mrs. F. D.
Rathbun, Miss Julia Wilson, Miss Sarah Wilson, Miss Fannie
Bliss, Miss H. Elder, Miss Lizzie Dennison, Miss Angle Allen,
Miss Mary Congdon, Miss Hattie Ward.
Table Ninth — Mr. Ole Bruden, assisted by D. E. Brown,
Arthur Chapman, William Dean, Mrs. Robert ToUes, Mrs. Albert
Converse, Mrs. D. E. Brown, Mrs. Thomas Torrant, Mrs. Francis
Campbell, Mrs. A. J. Chapman, Mrs. Prank McDonough, Miss
Alice Condit.
Table Tenth— Mr. E. Robert Hantzsch, assisted by Peter
Meeran, Mrs. E. R. Hantzsch, Mrs. Peter Meeran, Mrs. Theodore
Seehaven, Mrs. Phillip Herring, Mrs. Henry Gross, Mrs. K.
Oxford, Miss Augusta Hubner, Miss Elsie Winggen, Miss Pauline
Krauser, Miss Henrietta Smith, Miss Lizzie Lang, Miss Mary
Kalter, Miss Augusta Kitzman.
Chippewa Falls & Western Railway. Li 1875 tlie Chippewa
Palls & Western Railway Company constructed a road from
Chippewa Falls to Eau Claire, which was connected with the
Wisconsin & Minnesota Railroad from Abbotsford to Chippewa
Palls in 1880.
Wisconsin Central Railroad, which has been taken over by
the Soo Railway Comijany and now forms a part of this great
system, came into Eau Claire up to April, 1890, over the tracks
of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway Com-
pany's tracks for a mile outside the city, but since that time this
railway has used its own terminus, its depot being on Dewey and
Eau Claire streets.
The Chippewa Valley & Superior Railroad. This company
began the construction of its line from Wabasha, Minnesota, to
Eau Claire in 1881. The road was completed and opened for
traffic in November, 1882, and was later transferred to the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company. It is now known as the
Chippewa Valley Division of that company 's system, and follows
the Chippewa river course for fifty miles, having five or six
stations on the way. The extension to Chippewa Falls was
opened for traffic December 31, 1883, and has since been in
operation.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE EAU CLAIRE STREET RAILROAD AND INTERL'RBAN
LINES.
The Eau Claire Street Railway Company was organized and
began running cars in 1879. These were horse cars, but after a
time mules were also used. The road ran from Shawtowu to the
Omaha depot and followed the same streets it occupies today,
except for a few months, when the present bridge over the Chip-
pewa river was being constructed, when it continued up the
west side to Madison street and crossed the Madison street
bridge. Also for a time it ran up Galloway street on the north
side instead of Madison street, as it does today. J. R. Ilarrigan
was the first superintendent and did much to keep up the effi-
ciency of the road. One winter, in the early eighties, when the
snow prevented the use of wheels, he ran sleighs over the Third
ward line to keep up the service. He is still engaged in railway
work. He was succeeded by Mr. Lawrence, the present efficient
superintendent. In 1887 the electric system was installed under
the old Sprague company. It was one of the pioneer electric
)'ailways in the United States, only three or four antedating it.
In 1897 the road was purchased by Arthur E. Appleyard, and,
on March 1, 1898, the Chippewa Valley Electric Railway Com-
])any was organized with a capital of $400,000, which was
increased to $600,000. That company built the road to Chippewa
Falls. In October, 1905, the Chippewa Valley Electric Railway
Company and the Eau Claire Light & Power Company were pur-
chased by 0. H. Ingram and his associates. The latter company
came into existence in 1897.
Owing to the development of business the Chippewa Valley
Railway Light & Power Company was organized in 1907 with
a capital stock of one million dollars and a bond issue of two
millions. They purchased the water power at Cedar Falls from
the "Wisconsin Power Company in 1907, and in 1909 the line was
constructed from Menomonie to Eau Claire. Later it was
extended to Lake City and "Wabasha. In 1910 a fifty-foot con-
crete dam was built at Cedar Palls, having 14,000 horsepower.
In February, 1910, the capital stock of the company was increased
to two million dollars. In 1911 the water works, electric plant
497
49S HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and gas works at Cedar Falls were purchased, and in July of that
year the electric lighting plant at Meuouionie was bought. In
that year also the transmission line to Altoona was constructed
and sites for a lighting plant were purchased on the Chippewa
river. Cars began running to Altoona in 1914. In 1913 the com-
pany secured the Spring Valley & Ellesworth lighting plant and
in 1914 the Elmwood lighting plant was purchased.
In June, 1914, the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power
Company Avas absorbed by the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light &
Power Company. This company has a capital of five million
preferred stock and five million common stock, with an author-
ized bonded debt of twenty millions. Mr. Albert E. Pierce is
vice-president and general manager of the railroad system under
\he Wisconsin-Minnesota Company.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY.
By
JAMES H. WAGGONER.
The Eau Claire Times, city of Eaii Claire, Wis., August 21,
1857, by E. B. Spencer, Democratic in politics, an official paper
of Eau Claire county, were legends of our first newspaper. The
"oldest inhabitant" recalls, also, the Telegraph, by A. W. De-
laney, and the Tribune, in the late fifties, and the Herald, in the
early sixties (publishers' names not at hand), as others of the
pioneer ventures that didn't find "a long felt want" they might
have filled. R. H. Copeland started the Argus in 1865. It sur-
vived inhospitable conditions longer and the editor and paper
were still remembered by inhabitants in the eighties.
The Free Press. The pioneer that made the hit for nearly
half a century was the Eau Claire Free Press, October, 1857,
Republican in politics; C. G. Patterson, editor. He turned it
over to G. E. Porter a few months later, who popularized it and
in 1864 sold it to J. B. and H. M. Stocking. Mr. Porter held
one of the United States land offices here for several years and
later was an active and fortunate participant in the lucrative
lumber industry of that period. Porterville, which ceased to be
a village soon after the dismantling of the big mill, was named
for him. The Stockings continued the paper with success until
1870, when a Mr. Rodman and J. M. Brackett, as business man-
ager and editor, acquired control; and on February 19, 1871, a
stock company capitalized at $15,000, for the publication of both
daily and weekly issues, was organized, with J. M. Brackett,
president and editor; John Hunner, vice-president and city
editor, and J. B. Stocking, secretary-treasurer and business man-
ager. The business was increased and the Republican party
became numerically strong. Mr. Brackett, in recognition of
service in the Union army and for his party, having been
appointed postmaster in 1879, J. A. Whitmore, who had acquired
an interest in the company, was editor of the paper little more
than a year. George A. Barry was business manager and also
editor after Mr. Whitmore 's retirement, until September 1, 1881.
499
500 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Mr. Braekett was postmaster iintil August 20, 1886, and tlieri'-
after moved to Nebraska, where he died November 11, 1888. Mr.
Hunner, on the Democratic ticket, in 1890 (the year of "The
Little Red School House" campaign), was elected state treas-
urei-, re-elected in 1892, and thereafter moved to Spokane, Wasli-
ington, where he is prominent in the real estate business. J. B.
Stocking was deputy collector of internal revenue for several
years, and passed away twenty-odd years ago. H. M. Stocking
is prominent in St. Paul lumber circles. Mr. Barry is in tlie news-
paper business at Monrovia, California.
J. PI. Waggoner, of Richland Center, and J. H. Keyes, of
Watertown, successful newspaper men, acquired control of the
Free Press September 1, 1881, by purchase of the stock held by
Braekett and Whitmore and by W. A. Rust, and subsequently
bought the stock held by J. B. Stocking and John Hunner. Mr.
AVaggoner became president and treasurer of the Free Press Com-
pany, and editor of the Free Press ; Mr. Keyes, vice-president and
secretary and business manager. Mr. Waggoner bought the stock
of Mr. Keyes and of J. G. Thorp in October, 1887, thus becoming
the sole owner; but he continued the business in the name of
Free Press Company until — impelled by tlie handicap of impaired
sight — he sold the plant and paper to II. C. Ashbaugh, March 9.
1880. As sole owner he discharged the functions of editor, busi-
ness manager, mechanical superintendent, bookkeeper, etc., and
once a carrier boy. His safe and sane party leadership was mani-
fest in the result of the campaign of 1886, when as editor of the
Free Press and chairman of the Republican county committee,
the election of the entire Republican local ticket was triumph-
antly scored, for the first time in Eau Claire county, and at one-
fifth of the expense of the presidential campaign preceding it.
Mr. Waggoner had been chief clerk of the state senate for several
years, and was chief clerk of the state land department, and
Mr. Keyes' clerk of the insurance department at the state capitol
in recognition of honorable service in the Civil War and for their
party, when they became interested in the Free Press, but each
preferred the more onerous thougli less remunerative activities
of newspaper work. The former, in 1902, after seven years of
exceptionally gratifying newspaper experience at Oconto,
returned to his Eau Claire resideuce. Having three papers in
smaller towns part of the time, and other interests elsewhere all
the time, he has lived here in voluntary retirement from active
participation in community affairs except an occasional requisi-
tion by friends and neighbors, to which he has willingly responded.
THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY :>til
Mr. Keyes bought into the Eau Claire Linen Mills Company after
sale of his interest in the Free Press Company, and was its man-
ager for some years. Later his stalwart body yielded to the
i-avages of a wound received in battle, and thus he gave up his
life that the Union might live. Such sacrifice is the supreme test
of courage, patriotism and loyalty. Mr. Ashbaugh came to the
Free Press with experience in the publication of a daily in a
small city, and his ownership of a dozen years may well express
a compliment to him. He christened the daily issue the Evening
F'ree Press, continued both issues until 1902, when he sold the
lists and good will to C. W. Fiske, then court reporter, who
merged his purchase with the Evening Telegram. The equip-
ment of the Free Press was converted into a job printing outfit,
successfully developed by the Ashbaugh Printing Company. Mr.
Ashbaugh lives in comfortable retirement at Denver, Colorado.
The city reporters for the Free Press now recalled were John
Hunner, Henry Sliugluff, George A. Barry, Ira Flagler, F. W.
Phillips, C. M. Hyskell, W. P. Welch, Frank C. Dougherty, Claude
Dunlap, of whom Slingluif and Phillips are dead.
The Eau Claire News. The publication of the News, Demo-
cratic ill politics, Avas begun in 1869 by Flavius Mills and H. C.
Vanllovenberg. The latter sold a year later to W. F. Bailey, and
Mills and Bailey sold to R. H. Copeland in 1874, and Copeland
sold to G. 0. Mills and S. S. Kepler in 1876. Mr. Mills died a
few years later and his interests passed to W. S. Cobban. Kep-
pler and Cobban sold two-thirds of the jn-oposition to Fred W. A.
and M. A. Pauley in 1887, and the other third a year later: and
after Cleveland's second election, in 1892, they discontinued the
paper that they might give their entire attention to the large job
printing business they had developed. Fred W. A. Pauley bought
his brother's interest in the job plant ten years ago and is carry-
ing on the business. ]M. A. Pauley went to California and has
large interests in mining prospects in lower California. The
News was ever a faithful exponent of the democracy of its time,
and especially able under the editorship of Mr. Keppler, who
was a trenchant writer, and one of Eau Claire's most worthy
citizens. Judge Bailey's connection with the paper was merely
an incident, as he has been one of Eau Claire's foremost lawyers
and was circuit judge six years in the nineties. Mr. Vanlloven-
berg, by industry and business aciunen, amassed a comfortable
property and passed away four years ago. lie was an active
churchman and a zealous prohibitionist.
The Eau Claire Leader. The Eau Claire Leader is the morn-
r)02 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ing daily paper of the Chippewa Valley that carries the Asso-
ciated Press news of the world, and is issued in a daily form of
eight pages, with sixteen or over of its Sunday editions. The
publisher is the Eau Claire Press Company, and its present editor
is P. C. Atkinson.
When this paper was started it was called the Daily Leader,
and its first editor was W. H. Lamb, who began it in May, 1881.
From that time until 1885 it saw many different owners and
editors, until there entered into the management William K.
Atkinson, a Canadian from London, Ontario. For many years
the Leader was a sort of family newspaper, W. K. Atkinson
being assisted by his sons, P. C. Atkinson and by Harry M. B.
Atkinson, who died September 29, 1908, and who at that time
was the active business manager. W. K. Atkinson also received
great assistance and in a peculiarly valuable manner from his
brother, Henry M. Atkinson, whose death came on October 13,
1913. The brothers were known respectively as the "Major"
and the "Colonel," and they gave to the paper that personal
element that is, perhaps uufortunatel}', passing away in tlus^^
days of co-operation and corporation. What the major or the
colonel wrote was distinctively characteristic, and for a score
of years they were marked characters in western Wisconsin.
Major Atkinson is still a contributor to the paper in a department
called "Noithern Sparks," and which deals with incidents and
opinions that have to do with the great and growing country
north of Eau Claire.
Politically speaking, the Eau Claire Leader is recognized
throughout the state as conservative Republican. It is in fact
independent and progressive. It does not seek the mission of
being "a laoulder of public opinion," but there have come
times in its thirty-three years of existence that it has seized hold
of, or made the opportunity that meant something for the com-
munity. Quite recently it began the effort to make Eau Claire
the first so-called "Commission City" of Wisconsin. It suc-
ceeded. Before this, at the time of the free silver propaganda,
it changed from a Democratic to a Republican paper. In a large
sense the Leader is a populai- paper, and easily leads all others
jn this part of the state in point of circulation. It has for years
maintained a Chippewa Palls department, now edited by Miss
Kathryn Gadsby.
The Eau Claire Press Company publishes the Leader in the
morning and the Daily Telegram at night from a plant and build-
insr that are suitable and fullv abreast of the times. Their com-
TUB NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY 50^
billed daily I'irciilation is close to the ten thousand mark, and
no city of the size of Eau Claire has the news field better covered.
The Eau Claire Telegram was founded by William Irvine in
1894, the date of the first issue being December 16, of that year.
It was started as a morning publication, with offices in the Ash-
land block, South Barstow and Gray streets. In August, 1895,
tlie paper was sold to W. P. Welch and A. J. Rich, and soon
thereafter the Telegram Publishing Company was organized and
took over the property. The incorporators were W. P. Welch,
C. W. Piske and G. A. Barry. Mr. Rich at this time retired from
the newspaper business and moved to Indianapolis. Mr. W. P.
Welch was the editor and continued as such early in 1913, when
he retired on account of ill health. To him is largely due the
fact that the paper survived the vicissitudes incident to starting
a daily paper iu a limited field, already occupied by two dailies.
Soon after the organization of the Telegram Publishing Com-
pany the paper was changed from the morning to the evening
field. In 1899 Mr. E. S. Welch, now postmaster at Eau Claire,
became associated with the paper as stockholder, director and
business manager, and continued as sueh lantil April, 1907, when
he assumed the duties of postmaster. He was succeeded as man-
ager by C. W. Fiske. In December, 1901, the Free Press was
purchased by the Telegram Publishing Company from H. C. Ash-
baugh and consolidated with the Telegram. The Free Press was
an old established paper, history of which has already been given.
This left the Telegram the only evening paper in the field, and from
this time on its growth was rapid. The paper at various times
occupied quarters in the Laj'cock building and in the Wilson
building. In 1894 the Telegram moved into new quarters espe-
cially built for it, at the corner of South Barstow and Main
streets, where it remained until the Spring of 1913, when it moved
into its present quarters in the Eau Claire Press building.
In February, 1912, the property was sold to the Eau Claire
Press Company, which also took over the Leader, the Eau Claire
morning publication, the former stockholders of the Telegram
Publishing Company, and the Leader Publishing Company being
the owners of the stock of the new company. The Leader and
the Telegram from a news and editorial standpoint are separate
and occupy separate offices, but the mechanical work is done by
the same i)lant and the same force. It was believed that in mak-
ing this arrangement better service could be given, better papers
could be made, and economies effected on the production end.
This belief has proven correct. The mechanical equipment of the
504 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Eau Claire Press Company is modern and complete in every par-
ticular. As time goes on the Avisdom of this move to give Eau
Claire and this section of the state better papers and better
service will become more and more apparent. In polities the
Telegram has always been Republican, though independent in
its views as to matters affecting the party.
Der Herold, in the German language, was founded in 18S6
by Leopold Kortsch, who published it until 1890, when he dis-
posed of it to Joseph Weiss. Mr. Weiss continued to publish it
until 1892, when the present owner, John J. Auer, who had pre-
viously bought the extensive job printing plant of D. L. Elbert,
by whom Der Herold (edited by A. Weissonfels, who later
returned to Germany) had been printed for some time, purchased
one-half interest in it, forming the partnership of Weiss & Auer.
The business was carried on by them until 1898, when Mr. Auer
bought out Mr. AVeiss and became sole owner. In 1900 Mr. Auer
received the subscription lists of the "Thalbote, " a German
paper at Chippewa Falls, by Theodore Brockman, and of the
" Nordsteni, " a German paper at Meuomonie, by Charles Pieper,
which, with its own circulation, gave Der Herold a large circula-
tion all over the northwestern part of Wisconsin. Der Herold is
now the only German newspaper published in the northwestern
part of Wisconsin, and it commands a strong circiilation among
the thrifty German population in this part of the state. Mr.
Auer being an ardent Democrat and devoted to the principles of
that party, has made Der Herold a strong Democratic organ,
whose services have been invaluable to the Democratic party of
Wisconsin. He is also popular witli his fellow citizens of other
nationalities. As his party's candidate for state senator in 1900
he ran ahead of his ticket against a popular Republican nominee.
Eau Claire, Buffalo and Pepin counties then comprised the sena-
torial district.
Mr. Kartsch was a Republican and twice elected to the office
of coroner. After selling Der Herold he was employed by other
publishers in the city, and was accidentally drowned in the Dells
pond four years ago.
Norwegian Newspaper Reform. In the eighties several
attempts were made to establish a Norwegian newspaper at Eau
Claire. The last one, "Arbeideren" (The Workman) was about
ready to give up when a "temperance wave" struck the city
aboiit 1886. Among the converts was George Alfred Engelstad.
He was a well educated man, but a hard drinker. He had done
editorial work on the "Arbeideren," and when he changed his
r
^p^a NiAGAriA HCUSE.
NIAGARA HOUSE
THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY 505
views and attitude on the liquor question the paper also changed.
Tliis brought Mr. Engelstad in touch with Mr. Ole Br. Olson, at
that time publishing a small monthly temperance paper at Chi-
cago. The two agreed to consolidate their publications and
started a six-page weekly, "Reform." In 1891 a company was
formed — the Dremad Publishing Company — with a capital of
two thousand five hundred dollars. Mr. Engelstad returned to
Norway in 1890 and Mr. Olson turned over his interests to the
company. He was editor and business manager and worked hard.
In 1896 Mr. Waldemar Ager engaged as business manager and
Mr. Olson continued as editor. In 1903 Mr. Olson died and Mr.
Ager was engaged to fill his place. Mr. Alfr. Gabrielseu was
manager for one year in 1901, but since that time Mr. Ager has
served both as editor and manager.
The capital stock of the company has been increased to four
tliousand dollars. They have ]iiihlishc(l many books, and the com-
pany has its own plant and liimtyiic macliine. The circulation of
the paper is at present five thousaml sfven hundred. The com-
pany also publishes a children's paper, the Monthly "Lyngblom-
stcn," edited by Rev. Olav Repsval, of Chetak. The founder
of the paper, Ole Br. Olson, was born at Christiania, Norway,
ilay 19, 1857, and emigrated to Chicago in 1877, where he lived
until he moved to Eau Claire in 1887. He was the leading spirit
in the movement for total abstinence and prohibition among his
countrymen. He was a brilliant speaker and a good writer, and
was known everywhere where Norwegians had settled. He made
a trip to Norway in 1895 and lectured in that country. He was
usually mentioned as "The Norwegian, John B. Gough."
Waldemar Ager, his successor, was born in Norway, in 1869,
and came to America when six years old. He worked in various
printing offices in Chicago until 1892, when he came to Eau Claire
to take charge of the "Reform" printing office. Was later
engaged as bookkeeper and in 1896 became business manager.
He is well known as an author, having published half a dozen
books, two novels, three collections of tales and short stories, and
one which contains literary essays. He has also found time to
write for papers and magazines both in Norway, Denmark and in
this country. One of his books is translated into English, two
of them are published both in Norway and the United States.
He is a leading member of the Norwegian-Danish Press Associa-
tion, and served as its president for three terms; a member of
the Eau Claire library board six years ; member of Anglo-Amer-
ican one hundred years anniversary peace committee; elected
r,()G HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
honorary member of the Thualian Club at the State University
of Minnesota ; secretary of the Norwegian Society of America,
etc., and is well known as a lecturer.
Augusta Eagle. The first newspaper established in Augusta
was founded by the late Griff 0. Jones, one of the prominent men
of northern Wisconsin in his time. Mr. Jones was a native of
Wales, born in 1836, and spending his childhood days among his
native hills. He came to Cambria in 1847, and the education he
received was in English and Welsh. His first newspaper venture
was at Westfield, Wisconsin, in 1873, and in June, 1874, he came
to Augusta and founded the Eagle, which he owned and managed
for twenty-five years. At that time he was appointed postmaster
and died January 14, 1901, before the expiration of his term of
office. He was a man of unusual qualities of mind, a thorough
scholar and poet. In a competition, which was national in its
scope, he was pronounced the ablest Welsh poet in America. His
editorials were widely quoted, "and the Eagle was always looked
upon as one of the strong Republican papers of the state. He
Avas a Mason and was the first master of the Masonic lodge at
Cambria. At the time he was appointed postmaster he sold the
Eagle to D. S. Benedict, who ran it for a short time, finding it
rather more than he had bargained for to keep up the reputation
which had been achieved for it. He resolved to take up some
other business, and in the fall of 1900 he sold the Eagle to Messrs.
Wilson and Masters, who came from the office of Hoard's Dairy-
man at Fort Atkinson and assumed control. They made a suc-
cess of the paper and continued in charge until 1907, when Mr.
Masters retired and Mr. E. J. Wilson became the sole owner.
He has run the paper on conservative lines, avoiding that which
would work for discord and striving at all times for everything
that would be for the best of the community. The paper enjoys
a liberal patronage, and Avhile not tlie factor politically that il
was in the early days of its liistory, still it is a strong factor for
making a home and its surroundings better.
The Augusta Times was founded in 1884 by the late James H.
Williams, who came here and successfully managed the paper for
a number of years. He was a veteran of the Civil War, going out
with the Forty-eighth Wisconsin Regiment under Capt. Hobart
M. Stocking. He was a man of ability and strong characteristics.
No one who ever lived in Augusta had a wider circle of friends,
and these remained steadfast to the last. He was a thorough-
going newspaper man, believing that a local newspaper should
give the local news, and at all times be independent. The paper
THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY 507
took front rank from the first and was destined then to lead all
of the northern Wisconsin papers of its class. After a few years
Mr. Williams resigned the management and moved to Barron
and founded the Barron County Republican. Later he moved to
Hayward, and ran the Hayward Republican and later the Sawyer
County Gazette. He died in Hayward August 3, 1908. Follow-
ing the ownersliip and management of Mr. Williams the Times
had a precarious existence for fifteen years, during which time
it changed its politics frequently and was the organ of first one
set of politicians and then another, until only a close observer
could tell where it stood. By being as it was — a party organ
instead of a local paper — it lost the prestige it had gained under
the able management of its founder. In May, 1904, the paper anl
outfit was closed out and sold to E. G. Ilerrell, one of tlie home
boys, and he has owned and managed it since that time. Witli
the exception of the first year or two of his management, when
the paper was an active supporter of Senator LaPollette, the
paper has been strictly independent in politics, and in fact inde-
jiendent in everything that pertains to its management. The
paper is strictly a home newspaper, giving all the local news and
the news of the surrounding towns and county seats. Advertisers
have been quick to take advantage of the paper's popularity, and
the Times has a larger advertising patronage than most countiy
papers in this part of the state. Progress is manifest along all
lines. An entirely new equipment has been added, the old "ready
prints" have been discarded and the Times, in its own building,
is now in that class of papers which are profitable business propo-
sitions and solid institutions in the state.
The Fairchild Observer was founded in 1900 by Julius Ewald,
who conducted it about a year alone, and then took a partner in
the name of E. A. Pratt, and the firm of Ewald & Pratt published
the paper two years. The plant was then sold to J. H. Netteshern,
who conducted it one year, when he sold out to E. A. Harmon,
who, after a year, died, and its publication was continued by his
widow for one year, and on May 17, 1907, the plant was pur-
chased bj' R. B. Swarthout, who has since successfully continued
its publication. It is an eight-page sheet, six column quarto, and
had a circulation in 1913 of nine hundred and is not only a credit
to the publisher, but Fairchild and vicinity, and Eau Claire
county.
Fall Creek Cultivator. The first issue of the "Fall Creek
Cultivator" was on December 21, 1910, by Walter Brueski,
founder, owner and editor. It is a newsy eight-page folio sheet
508 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and enjoyed in 1913 a circulation of five hundred copies, with a
rapidly increasing suhscription list. In August of 1913 a hand-
some cement block building 16x32 feet was erected for office
purposes, fully equipped with the latest power machinery for
use in conducting a first-class up-to-date newspaper and printing
ofBce.
REMINISCENCE.
On April 1, 1869, I left Kendallville, Indiana, with Eau Claire
as the objective point, ai-rived in Chicago in the evening of that
date and proceeded via Watertown ; had our breakfast the morn-
ing of April 2 at Tomah, arriving at Black River Falls at eight
a. m., the end of the line. Took Price's stage at ten a. m. and
wended our way through ten inches of snow and any quantity
of sand toward the then village of Eau Claire, where we arrived
at three o'clock a. m., April 3d. About that date the first bridge
across the Chippewa was open for ti'avel; previously the crossing
was by ferry, operated by Mr. Gans. At this date Eau Claire was
without railroad accommodations nearer than Black River Falls ;
the most of the shipping Avas done by boats plying between Eau
Claire and Reed's Landing; goods from eastern cities came l)y
way of Sparta or Prairie du Chien.
Here let me quote a few of the prevailing prices of grain and
foodstuifs: Pork, $40 per barrel; young Hyson tea, $1.50 per
pound; "Black Strap" molasses, 75c by the barrel; fresh beef,
lOe by the carcass ; flour, $8 per barrel ; potatoes, $1 per bushel ;
plug tobacco, $1.50 per pound; fine cut tobacco, $1.50 per pound;
oats, $1.25 per bushel; hay, $15 per ton; stumpage for pine. $1
per thousand feet. There were located on the Chippewa and Eau
Claire rivers twenty-seven sawmills. At the time of my arrival
in Eau Claire there was but one house beyond the Omaha station,
and that the residence of Tom Randall. In order to reach the
East Side hill one had to go by way of the street now leading up
from Eau Claire street. Tlie population of the city at this time
was estimated at 2,500. On May 26, 1869, the "Big fire," which
started in the Chandler Hotel, spread, laying in ashes all of tin-
business places on Barstow street from the building now owned
by Bruce B. Brown on the east side of the street, and from tlu>
Peoples' store on the west side as far down as the opera house
building. The west side of the river on Water street at this
time did quite an important share of the business of the then
flourishing village, having a steamboat landing for receiving and
shipping, not far from the Niagara and Monongahela Hotels,
THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY 509
which at this date did a flourishing business, but after the fire
wliich later burned the larger portion of the business places on
Water street, though rebuilt, were unable to regain their old time
luisiuess, as the natural tendency of trade was toward the rail-
road which reached Bau Claire in 1871.
There was not much business on the North side of a commer-
cial character, mostly confined to boarding houses and hotels.
The principal hotel on the East side at this time was the Eau
Claire House, owned and operated by Mr. Newton, who later on
sold the building which was moved and became part of the Hart
House, which was removed to make space for the Y. M. C. A.
building.
The Chippewa river, which 1 recently had the pleasure of
tracing from Eau Claire to "Lake Hallie" (originally known as
"Blue Mill") and return, gave the writer the opportunity to
dnnv the contrast of the appearance along its banks as compared
after a lapse of forty yeai's, since floating on a lumber raft over
this same distance. Forty years ago the river was lined with
mills, piers, booms and logs, which took away all of the natural
scenery which now pleases the eye of all true lovers of nature
who may chance to pass over this portion of this beautiful stream,
where one can feast the eye on the beautiful camping grounds
and the changing view of foliage interspersed with trees and
shrubs in full bloom, which cast their fragrance on tlic twilight
breeze as if inviting admiration.
But few reminders of the olden days remain, and those in the
form of piers and "deadheads" remain to mar the beauty; hope
is entertained in the near future the "deadheads" at least will
he removed for commercial profit. At Chippewa P"'alls was tlie
Tnion Lumber Company mill, at French Town (now South Chip-
pewa) Mitchell & Co., at "Gravel Island" "Jim Taylor," at "Blue
Mill" (so named from the original owner, whose face always
took on a blue appearance and he was known as "Blue Tom"),
now owned by John Barron, xuicle of John E. Barron, of the
Tiiion Savings Bank. The LaFayette mill, owned by John Robin-
son, just above the Dells (now obliterated by flic jiapcr mill
dam) were the mills of J. P. Nelson, Prescdtl-l'.iiKJrtlc Company
and Ingram & Kennedy. At Eau Claire wcic tlir mills of Ingram
& Kennedy, Smith & Buffington, Daniel Shaw Lumber Company,
W. B. Estebrook and Boyd and Randall and the Pioneer Mill of
R. F. Wilson. All of these ceased operation, the Daniel Shaw
Company mill being tiie only one still operating under a new
ownership. The New Dells Lumber Company and the John E.
510 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Kaiser Lumber Companj- are conducting a successful business
at the present time.
The writer has seen the thinking village of forty-five years
ago grow steadily in business and population until today Eau
Claire is recognized as one of the thriving cities of the state.
Many industries have come in to fill the places made vacant by
the departure of the several lumber mills, which have more than
filled the call for employes, and by the combined action of our
commercial club, and the booster spirit of our citizens, may we
not in the near future see Eau Claire doubled, not only in popu-
lation, but in our manufacturing and general business enterprises.
If all will pull for that success, with no North, South, East or "West
side to raise its hand, but in one united effort to build up Eau
Claire to the point where all as citizens can justly feel a pride
in having it known that they are residents of the beautiful, pros-
perous city of Eau Claire. This is no dream, but can be made
an accomplished fact if all will boost for Eau Claire, so get at it,
you slow ones, and "boost," help the "Booster Club" to boost!
boost! boost! for your home city, P]au Claire, first, last and all
the time.
(Signed) L. A. Brace.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Eau Claire. About 1850,
a mission was founded by the Eiiglisli and German speakinn;
Catholics of Eau Claire, under the supervision of the Rev. Father
Smedding, of ChippeAva Falls. During his administration he be-
gan the erection of the first church on the north side on what is
now North Barstow street. At the expiration of two years he was
succeeded by Rev. Henry Rheinhardt, who was the first settled
pastor of the parish, and through his efforts, e.xtending over many
years, the church building was completed.
The Rev. M. De Bekee was appointed his successor in Septem-
ber 1867, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. Henry Kampschror
in September 1868. The next rector was Rev. Joseph Moder, June
1869, and he in turn was succeeded in February 1873 by Rev.
Father A. Koke, and in August 1874 came Rev. Joseph Keenau.
In January or February 1875j.the Rev. G. Keller performed the
duties of rector. About this time the German speaking members
of the congregation separated from the parish and built a ehureli
and school house of their own on the west side of Dewey street.
In March 1875, the Rev. Connolly was appointed to the rector-
ship on the north side. Previous to this period the school, which
was removed, had been conducted by the Sisters Notre Dame from
Milwaukee. He secured the services of the Franciscan Sisters of
Joliet, who continued in charge up to 1893. Father Connolly, in
February 1880, was succeeded by Rev. C. B. H. Conroy, who re-
mained until September of that year. The Rev. John J. Collins,
who followed September 1880, sold the church property to the
city in 1882. Lots were purchased on Oxford avenue and Fulton
street on the west side, and a new frame church erected thereon,
the corner stone of which was laid with appropriate ceremonies
June 26, 1882, and the church dedicated December 3, the same
year. The' "church and school were destroyed by fire on October
8, 1884, and a handsome, spacious brick edifice was erected on
the same site in 1885, with a seating capacity of about one thou-
sand, being 150x65 feet. Father Collins was succeeded by R^y.
T. A. Kelly, July 19, 1889, who died October 1891, and who was
siicceeded W the Rev. Arthur B. C. Dunne, the present pastor.
511
' S^^-c-t"'
512 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The present membership of the church is six hundred families or
three thousand souls. 1
The parish school has five hundred forty-eight pupils, under
tlie instruction of the Benedictine Sisters, nine graded teachers
and two music teachers. The following are the societies con-
nected with the church. Knights of Columbus, membership 220;
C'atholie Knights of Wisconsin, 100 ; Catholic Order of Foresters,
200; Women's Catholic Order of Foresters, 150; Parochial Society,
N. W. and East Society, 3 ; Ladies' Club, Young Men's Club, Holy
Name Society, 200; Junior Holy Name Society, 250; The Children
of Mary, 250, and the Young Ladies' Society, 250.
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Germans of this
institution at the date of its inception were from about 1850 to
1875 associated with the English speaking Catholics of Eau Claire
in what became known in those years as St. Patrick's parish.
They worshipped in one church as one body, and the children
of both people received instruction in the same school. In 1875
the German members of the congregation thought fit to separate
themselves from St. Patrick's, and, numbering about sixty fam-
ilies, erected a new frame church and schoolhouse on the west
side of Dewey street. Thus was founded the Church of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus. The work was done under the superin-
tendence of Rev. P. Geyer, who was succeeded May 27, 1877, by
Rev. Joseph Boehm, who laid the cornerstone of the present brick
structure August 22, 1880. It was completed in June, 1881, and
is one of the finest church edifices in Eaii Claire, Avith a pleasing
interior. It is 145 by 47 feet, and has two spires 105 feet high,
Avhich have been damaged several times by lightning. It has 88
pews, with a seating capacity of 400. Standing on rising ground,
the building is one of the chief landmarks of the city. Its pres-
ent membership is about three hundred families, or fifteen hun-
dred souls. A handsome brick school building was erected in
1910, two stories and basement, top floor and auditorium, about
'JO by 60 feet in dimensions, costing $35,000. It has 200 pupils
under the instruction of five P'rancescan Sisters of Perpetual
Adoration. A convent foi- sisters residing on the church prop-
erty was erected in 1880.
On the death of Father Boehm, was succeeded in 1893 by Rev.
Jolui P. Metzler, who was succeeded by Rev. P. Geyer in 1899,
who died August 15, same year. He was succeeded by Rev.
Joseph Wiedman, who remained until 1908, when the Rev. Father
Herman Joseph Untraut, the present pastor, who was born in
Meckenbeuson, Kingdom Wuertemberg, Germany, July 28, 1854.
EAU CLAIEE CHURCHES 513
Classical education received at Mehreran by Bregenz, Austria,
theological at Eichstaedt, Bavaria. He came to the United States
in 1882, and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Francis' Semi-
nary September 23, 1882. The first church was at Edson, Chip-
pewa county, and was called the Sacred Heart Church. Here he
remained for five years, during which time a beautiful parochial
schoolhouse was erected under his supervision and as the result
of his efforts. In 1887 he was transferred to Arcadia, Wis., where
lie was pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help until
1893, during which time another parochial school was erected
under his management. From there he went to the Holy Trinity
Church at LaCrosse, and remained its pastor there for fifteen
years, then came to Eau Claire in 1908, where, under his super-
vision, the new school and auditorium was erected in 1910. He
also remodeled the sister's residence and made many other val-
uable improvements on the church property, and his constant
efforts toward the welfare of the church and its congregation
are always to be witnessed.
First Baptist Church. This church was organized March 31,
1861, by Rev. A. B. Green and six members. Mr. Green was the
pastor until November 30, 1862, when he accepted the chaplaincy
of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Regiment. He was succeeded in Octo-
ber, 1863, by Rev. Alexander Hamilton, and through the untiring
l)orseverance of this pastor sufficient funds were raised and a
cluireh building was erected. He was followed by the Rev. J. Y.
Aitchison May 1, 1868, who served two years, and then Rev.
A. A. Drown for a like period. The Rev. D. C. Adams was called
in August, 1872, and also filled the pulpit two years. On June
30, 1874, Rev. R. Telford took charge for three years, when
Rev. J. Y. Aitchison was recalled August 1, 1878, to serve a fur-
tlier term of three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. A.
McKillop. During his term of nine years a second edifice was
erected and was dedicated May 6, 1888, two memorial windows
being placed within it for Rev. A. B. Green, the founder, and
for Rev. Alexander Hamilton.
After Rev. W. A. McKillop 's departure to Milwaukee, a call
was extended to Rev. J. B. Reynolds, of Kansas, who served as
pastor of the church only eleven months, April, 1893, to March,
1894. In June of 1894 a unanimous call was extended to Rev.
Artliur C. Kempton, a Canadian by birth, and then a young man
of only twenty-three years of age. Mr. Kempton was a graduate
of Arcadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he received
hi.s A M., and also of Rochester Theological Seminary, Rochester,
514 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
N. Y. Coming directly from his graduation, he was ordained
shortly after his arrival in Eau Claire. His pastorate extended
over a period of three and one-half years. Six months of this time
were spent on a trip to the Holy Laud and Egypt on leave of
absence granted him by the church. His was undoubtedly the
most brilliant pastorate in the history of the church. During his
first year, 128 were received into membership, a debt of nearly
$1,000 wiped out, and the balance in the treasury reported. Dur-
ing his three-years' ministry 300 additions to the membership
were reported, seven Sunday Schools were maintained and Bethel
Chapel was erected at a cost of $3,000. When Mr. Kemptou
resigned in December, 1897, he left the Eau Claire church with
the largest membership of any Baptist church in the state.
In January, 1898, a call was extended to Rev. Perry W. Long-
fellow, of Grand Forks, N. D. During his pastorate of nearly
three years, he led the church efficiently and wisely, resigning
in September, 1901, to accept another Wisconsin pastorate. In
November of the same year Rev. F. W. Hatch, of New York, was
called to the pastorate. He was a graduate of the Rochester
Theological Seminary, coming as a young man in the thirties.
He proved himself a gentleman of the finest type and endeared
himself to the people through his sweetness of spirit. It was
during his pastorate that the parsonage next to the church build-
ing was erected. Fifteen hundred dollars of the cost price was
the gift of Mi-s. John P. Stone, while the remainder was raised
by subscription from among the members. Mr. Hatch resigned
in September, 1905, to accept a call at Beloit, Wis. There was
an interim of a little more than one year before the next pastorate
began. This was due to the fact that the church called Rev.
Edward Babcock, of New Yoi-k, to the pastorate, and because of
illness he was unable to take the charge until September, 190(i.
Mr. Babcock was a Colgate man, and Eau Claire was his second
pastorate. It covered a period of five years. It was during this
pastorate that the money raised for current expenses and benevo-
lence exceeded that of any other pastorate before or since. It
was a notable fact that not once during his five years did the
church come to the end of the year with a deficit in any depart-
ment. Mr. Babcock 's great ability in financial lines was shown
in his undertaking to raise money for a new church building.
Through great perseverance and overcoming many discourage-
ments he succeeded in raising nearly $25,000 towards this end.
It must be said that $8,000 of the amount was the gift of one
person, Mrs. Truax, and the reason for her great generosity
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 515
was because of the wouderful work accomplished by Mr. Bab-
cock along Sunday School lines. Having made a study for years
of psychology and child study as applied to Sunday School meth-
ods, Mr. Babcock made the Bible School one of the noted schools
of the state. The "Babcock Class" of young men grew until
with a membership of 150 it took its place as one of the great
classes of young men in the world. The Sunday School became
the largest in the state and a new building became imperative.
Leaving nearly .$25,000 in hand towai-d a new building, Mr.
Babcock resigned in October, 1911, to accept a call to the historic
Park Church, of Utica, N. Y.
January 1, 1912, Rev. George R. Stair, of Vermont, assumed
the pastorate. Mr. Stair was formerly associated with Chapman,
the evangelist. But perhaps the qualifications which seemed most
desirable to the church at the time was his ability as a builder
and contractor. Having been engaged in the work during his
early manhood, he was well fitted to plan and superintend the
erection of the new building. The money being on hand, ground
was broken as soon as practicable in the spring after his arrival,
and the building pushed to completion. The architecture, after
the Greek Temple order, is very beautiful, and the building as it
stands today is a monument to the architectural ability of Mr.
Stair, the financial enterprise of Mr. Babcock and the sacrifices
of many who, by their individual gifts, helped make it possible.
In March, 1914, after a pastorate of little more than two years,
Mr. Stair resigned to go to Portland, Maine. On May 1, 1914,
Dr. C. E. Hemans, of North Dakota, assumed charge of the pas-
torate. Through his pulpit ability and general efiBcieney he is
proving a woi'thy successor to his predecessor.
The First Presbyterian Chm-ch. In August and September
of 1856 Rev. W. W. McNair, of the Presbytery of Winnebago,
was employed by the Board of Home Missions to explore that
part of Wisconsin lying between the Wisconsin and Mississippi
rivers. Jn this work Mr. ^IcNair visited Eau Claire and Chip-
pewa Falls and preached at both places. lie returned in the
spring of the next year aiid in July, 1857, the following named
persons were organized by him into the First Presbyterian
Church, of Eau Claire, under the jurisdiction of the Chippewa
Presbytery : Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Wells,
Mr. McVickar, Mr. Donald Kennedy, Mrs. Hendershot, Mrs. 0.
H. Ingram, Mrs. Silvers, Mrs. Charity McNair and Mrs. Bissell.
During this year Mr. McNair and Mr. Kidder, pastor of the Con-
gregational Church, preached alternately in Reed's Hall in an
516 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
unfinished schoolhouse and other temporary quarters. Mean-
while, through the liberality of the early village proprietors and
the united eli'orts of the pastors and their followers, a substantial
church edifice had been erected at a cost of $4,000 on the corner
of Barstow and Emery streets, and was dedicated on the first
Sabbath of 1858. Considerable growth iu membership followed,
and on January 1, 1860, the first session was selected which, by
public vote, comprised the following officers: Elders, Joseph G.
Thorp and Charles Pringle; deacons, Donald Kennedy and J. C.
Callahan, who were duly ordained the following Sabbath. Rev.
Mr. McNair closed his labor in Eau Claire on January 1, 1865,.
after a pastorate of nearly nine years in which he had greatly
endeared himself to the church and the community. He spent
the remainder of his life, over thirty years, in ministering to the
spiritual life of the Italians, whom he found among the mines
in eastern Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. Through his efi'orts
a chapel was erected and most efficient Christian work was car-
ried on at Audenride and in its neighborhood. Mr. McNair and
his wife had visited Italy and gained a knowledge of the lan-
guage and the customs of the people, which was of much value
combined with their love and their tactful zeal in winning the
hearts and the reverent attention of these alien laborers on our
eastern shores. The missionary spirit which actuated him in the
Wisconsin valley was the same potent influence in the mining dis-
trict of Pennsylvania, and his reward was not delayed for he had
the hearty co-operation of fellow workers in Italy, and in his
lifetime saw abundant harvest. Mr. McNair was succeeded by
Rev. William H. LoclcAvood, who was pastor for twenty-five years,
which is evidence as to the sincerity and efficiency of his work.
He possessed a clear, philosophical naind, well stored with learn-
ing, and a heart filled with true brotherly love, and many who
had been led to Christ through his ministrations, could testify
to the spirit of charity, .the divine grace possessed by their loved
pastor. Mr. Lockwood was followed in 1890 by Rev. William
N. Sloan, an able minister and a good financier, and during liis
pastorate a second Presbyterian church was organized, which
has, however, since become a mission of the first church. As
the church building was now old and a too limited capacity to
house the large membership of the church and auxiliary societies.
a new and modern edifice was begun in the fall of 1891 upon
the site of the old one which had been removed, and this was
dedicated in the Fall of 1892.
On October 6, 1898, after eight and one-half years of very
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 517
active work in -which a large addition had been made to the
membership, Dr. Sloan accepted a call to Helena, Montana, and
his place was filled by Rev. Lathrop C. Gi-ant, of Hamilton, New
York, in February, 1899. After nearly seven years of active
service, in which he had become identified as one of Eau Claire's
most ef¥ective workers in behalf of the city's poor, and had
increased the membership of the church considerably, Mr. Grant
requested the session to unite with him in asking the presby-
tery of Chippewa to dissolve its pastoral relations with this
church. Many promises of earnest support, and more faithful
attendance were made by men of the church and congregation,
and the public ballot was in favor of his remaining, but the
presbytery declared the pulpit vacant, and Mr. Grant accepted
a call to the First Congregational church, of Menomonie, Wis-
consin, in January, 1906.
Rev. John McCoy, of Appleton, Wisconsin, began his pas-
torate in March, 1906, and though a scholarly man, good orator
and sincere minister, he remained but two years and three months.
Rev. Carlton L. Koons, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, became the pastor
in November, 1908. During his four years' stay, exceptionally
good work was done among the young, such as the reorganizing
of the Young Peoj^le's Christian Endeavor Society, the grading
of the Sabbath School, and the organizing of several new clubs.
A legacy of nearly twenty thousand dollars, bequeathed by
the late Conway B. Daniels, made possible the erection of a
beautiful manse located on South Farwell street, the renovating
and refurnishing of the church building, and other improve-
ments being advisable. These and work already done have made
this one of the most beautiful and modern sanctuaries in the
city. Rev. William T. Angus, the present pastor, came to the
church in 1912, and all departments of the organization are pros-
pering under his administratioii.
Universalist Church. Late in the Fall of 1858 Mrs. Edwin
Wilkins issued a card of invitation to all Universalists, and other
liberally inclined religious people of Eau Claire, to meet at her
residence and confer upon the subject of their religious welfare
and advancement. It was responded to beautifully, and resulted
in the organization of a Universalist sociable to meet once a week,
with the ultimate object of establishing a Universalist church. In
July, 1859, the Rev. Dolphus Skinner, of Utica, New York, visited
his son, Dr. F. R. Skinner, and held divine service at Reed's Hall ,
on Sunday morning, and in the afternoon on the West Side. The
sociables were well sustained and contributions accumulated until
518 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
there was a handsome sum in the treasury. Rev. Joseph 0.
Barrett was in February, 1860, engaged to minister to the spir-
itual needs of the congregation. Building lots were soon pur-
chased and an exchange made with the second school district
for its building and the lot on which it stood, next to Christ
church. The organization was considered to be prosperous, but
dissensions arose, and many of the influential supporters removed
to other localities, until at last nothing was left but the building.
Rev. J. 0. Barrett afterward became the principal of the East
Side school and wrote a very interesting history of "Old Abe,"
the famous eagle which followed the Eighth Wisconsin regiment
through the war.
First Methodist Church. The first known gathering of Jleth-
odists in this city was a prayer meeting held in the house of D. S.
Hastings, in the Fall of 1857, which Avas continued weekly until
the arrival of Rev. William Darnell, who organized a class of
twelve members, viz : Samuel Wells and wife, D. S. Hastings and
wife, William Martin and wife, Riley Martin, Mr. Congdon and
wife, B. C. Dunn and wife, Mary A. Silvers. The services were
held at first in the Presbyterian church, and later in the school
house. Rev. Chauneey Hobart was the presiding elder, and in
1860 the charge was divided into East and West Eau Claire, with
Rev. E. C. Cobban pastor of the former and Rev. W. A. Chambers
pastor of the latter. A lot on South Barstow street was secured
by subscription in 1863, and the foundation stone of the church
edifice was laid by the Rev. Isaac Springer, then pastor. The
building was completed in 1868 and dedicated February 9, the
sermon on that occasion being preached by Rev. J. M. Chaffee.
During tlie pastorate of Rev. C. R. Kellermau the building was
enlarged to meet the increasing membership. Parsonage lots were
secured and the building begun between 1868 and 1870 under the
auspices of Rev. G. D. Brown. In the Spring of 1891, the trustees
iinder the leadership of Rev. S. W. Ti'ousdale, began improve-
ments on the church building, making a new front, and providing
a parlor, dining room and kitchen, which greatly increased its
beauty, convenience and utility.
In 1892 there was biit one charter member living, Mrs. M. Ct.
Dunn, who has since passed beyond. At that time the member-
ship numbered 149, eighty-three of whom had joined the church
during the three years and a half. In 1908 the church building
was destroyed by fire and a new edifice was constructed on the
corner of Gray and Farwell streets at a cost of $13,000.00. It is
admirably equipped for churcii work in all lines of service, and
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 519
is a source of joy to the loyal membership, which now numbers
185. The large progressive Sabbath School, the Epworth League,
the Junior League, comprising most promising material for the
coming church, and the Ladies' Aid Society are all recognized
as strong elements in the strong life of this strong, Christian
organization.
First Congregational Church. In October, 1856, Rev. A.
Kidder came on a vacation trip from his pastorate in "Western
New York and stopped at this place, then a village of ten or
twelve houses on the east side of the river and three or four
on the west. He was invited to preach to the people on the
first Sabbath, in what was afterwards the bar room of a hotel,
and again on the next Sabbath, October 19, when he received
a unanimous request at a public meeting called for the pur-
pose to remain and organize a Congregational church. He
accepted the invitation, the usual legal steps were taken, trus-
tees chosen, and on December 19, 1856, the First Congregational
church was organized, consisting of seven members: Mr. Thomas
Barland, Mr. Elias Ketcham, Mr. Gilbert E. Porter, Mrs. Hunt-
ington, Mrs. Ellen Ketcham, Mrs. Harriet Ketcham and Rev.
Alberoni Kidder. A building 16 x 24 feet of green, rough boards,
witli board roof, was erected to be used as a church and school-
house. In this structure on the East Side, and in an unfin-
ished room over a store on the West Side, regular Sabbath serv-
ices were held until the next Autumn, when Reed's block was
tiiiished and a convenient hall in the second story used. The Rev.
R. Hall, superintendent of Missions for Western Wisconsin, in
the winter of 1856 and '7, approved of the work done, and
secured for Mr. Kidder a commission fi'om the American Home
.Missionary Society.
A subscription was started in the Spring of 1857 for a build-
ing for a house of worship, the site corner of Barstow and Emery
was donated by Chapman, Thorp & Co. Lumber was given in
generous measure by mill owners and lumbermen on both sides
of the river, the whole community was enthusiastic and liberal,
and in spite of the financial crisis of that year the church was
completed in the fall. It was, by common consent, to be used
by both societies alternately, for in July of this year a Presby-
terian cliurch had been organized by Rev. Mr. McNair, but the
population was steadily increasing ; there was room for the labors
of both pastors, and, in March, 1858, Mr. Kidder, with the con-
currence of his church, proposed to take the west side of the
river for their field and leave the east side with the church build-
520 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ing to the Presbyterians. To this they agreed and entire har-
mony has prevailed between the two brotherhoods through the
ensuing years. It now became necessary to build another taber-
nacle, and again was shown the noble spirit which animated the
pioneers. Steps were taken at once, the lot on the northwest
corner of Broadway and Third avenue was donated by Adin
Randall, an active early settler who gave much to aid the grow-
ing village during his short life here. The people were zealous
and "had a mind to work" (see Nehemiah iv:6), and a sufficient
sum of money was raised to put up and enclose a building 40 x 60
feet, but the prostration of business at that time made it impossi-
ble to do more until the Spring of 1859, when by the persistent
efforts of pastor and people the work was resumed. The Church
Building Society furnished three hundred dollai's and the church
was dedicated free of debt in December, 1859. Rev. J. C. Sher-
win, Missionary Supei'intendent of Missions in Northwest Wis-
consin, preached the sermon. Meanwhile church services had
been held regulai'ly in the school house on the corner of Broad-
way and Fifth avenue.
Mr. Kidder resigned the pastorate of this church in 1862, but
continued missionary work in the Chippewa Valley for many
years, organizing churches at Mondovi, Augusta, Osseo, Bloomer,
Durand and other places. He was pastor of the Mondovi church
while still residing at Eau Claire for eight years, and of the
Durand church for nine years after its formation. He was
beloved and honored in district and state conventions through-
out Wisconsin, and in many parishes where, in later years, he
was called "Father Kidder" with reverent affection. He died
at his home in Eau Claire in March, 1905, at the age of ninety-
one years, with a clear mind and holding a sure faith in the
constant upward movement of humanity and an eternity of
service beyond the veil.
Mr. Kidder was succeeded in the Eau Claire Congregational
church by Rev. B. A. Spaulding, who was compelled by impaired
health to resign after one year. His successor. Rev. George
Spaulding, served the church acceptably for five years, and was
followed in 1869 by Rev. J. F. Dudley. Under him this became
the leading Congregational church in this part of the state. From
1872 to 1884 he was stated clerk of the Northwestern district
convention of Congregational churches and an acknowledged
leader of that body, and for ten years was president of the State
Home Missionary Society. Three times during his pastorate
here the state convention met in this church, and in this period
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 521
a line uuw house of worship was built on the site of the old one.
It is of Dunville stone, the auditorium has a seating capacity of
six hundred, the lecture and Sunday School rooms are of modern
style and well furnished, and the cost of the building was
.$40,000.00. It was dedicated in January, 1887.
In August, 1895, Mr. Dudley resigned the pastorate, having
accepted a call to the First Congregational church of Fargo,
North Dakota. His ministry of twenty-six years had been in the
highest degree instructive and uplifting to both church and city,
and the love and esteem of those who knew him grew stronger
with every year. After his departure the pulpit was supplied
for six months by Rev. F. B. Doe, then for two years by Rev.
T. C. Hunt. Rev. J. W. Frizzell Avas pastor from January, 1898,
to August, 1905. He Avas a strong personality, an able, warm-
hearted, earnest worker, an interesting speaker and a vigorous,
logical thinker. The membership increased during his pastorate,
and his active concern in civic and industrial conditions, and all
that tended toward the betterment of mankind made him a
valued citizen and leader. Rev. J. R. Pike succeeded Dr. Frizzell
in 1905, and for four yeai's was a sincere, cultured, spiritual
leader, excelling in organization and introducing new and useful
methods into Sunday School and other departments.
Grace Lutheran Church. This church was organized January,
1910, with 137 charter members and a Sunday School of eleven
teachers and 100 pupils. The enrollment is now — 1914 — thirty-
nine teachers and 360 pupils and the congregation numbers 453.
Tliere is a prosperous Ladies' Aid Society of seventy-five mem-
bers, a Men's Club, Young People's Society, a Philathea Bible
class of sixty-six members and a Baraca Bible class of thirty-five.
The property at Grand and Second avenues and the parish house
thereon are paid for, and when the proposed church building is
erected on this location the church will be fully equipped. The
Rev. H. M. Thompson, the first pastor, received his degree from
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, taught four years in
Pleasant View College, Ottawa, Illinois, and after three years
of theological study was ordained and installed as pastor of this
church on June 19, 1910. His work in the upbuilding of the
church activities has been most efficient and greatly appreciated
by his people. It is with their sincere regret that he now accepts
a position as president of Pleasant View Lutheran College at
Ottawa, Illinois, and they are compelled to choose another pastor.
The Swedish Lutheran Immanual Church. The first Swedish
people who came to Eau Claire were Nels Gustaf Anderson and
522 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
liis sister, who came here in 1856. After that time a few settled
down here from time to time. In 1876 Rev. J. Magny from Svea,
Minnesota, visited our city and found a few Swedish families and
conducted services now and then until 1883, when he organized
the present congregation. Rev. J. B. Nedberg, at that time a
student from our school at Rock Island, Illinois, took up the
church work and continued it for some time. In 1886 Mr. Nord-
strom started a subscriptiou to raise funds for the erection of
the churcli building and succeeded so well that the work of
erection was begun in the summer and completed in 1887. Rev.
P. Norstrom was the first ordained and duly called pastor of the
church, remaining here two years — 1887 and 1889. After him
came Rev. C. A. Bar, who worked faithfully as pastor of the
church for a period of nine years from 1890 to 1899, and was
succeeded by Rev. A. A. Jaeobson, who labored very faithfully
for two years. Then Rev. C. 0. Lundquist was called to take
charge and remained over four years. In 1909 Rev. Julius C.
Loriraer, the present pastor, entered on his duties as pastor. The
congregation has a good church; parsonage and Luther hall,
valued at $10,500, free of debt. The church numbers 350 mem-
bers, has two Sunday schools, a Ladies' Aid, Men's Society
Dorcas Society, Luther League and Young Peoples Society.
The First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Eau
Claire, was organized February 1, 1864, with a congregation of
twenty-one heads of families or about fifty souls. The first
pastor was Rev. L. Norem, of Elk Mound, who held occasional
services in a small school house on the corner of Barstow and
Wisconsin streets, until the winter of 1865, when Rev. Ammon
Johnson, of the Springfield (Illinois) Theological Seminary, was
installed as settled pastor. A school house was built and used
as a church in 1868 on the lot where the church now stands on
Hudson street and Fifth avenue. In 1869 Mr. J. G. Thorp donated
a lot on the corner of Wisconsin and Dewey streets, and a church
building was finished and dedicated in 1873. The congregation
at that time felt the need of a parochial school for their children,
and Robert Sather, afterward county clerk of the county, took
charge of it and did successful work for nine years. As member-
ship grew those on the west side decided that they should have
a building of their own for divine service. The funds were
i-aised, the school house was removed and sold, and in its place
a church was built in 1872. After eleven years of successful
labor, and witnessing the prosperous growth of the church he
had established, Mr. Johnson was called to Aurelia, Iowa. Rev.
'HANDLER HOUSE
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 523
J. Tloyrue was called from Menomonio in 1876, aud was pastor
until 1894:, and president of the eluireh at large until
his death in 1902. On January 1, 1894, the Rev. Peder
T;ing.jerd succeeded and is still in charge. The membership is
over two thousand, an increase of over 600 since 1894. This is
the oldest Norwegian congregation in Eau Claire county, and is
ill a flourishing condition. On January 4, 1910, a new church
called Grace English Lutlierau Congregation was organized by
till' English speaking members of the First Lutheran Evangelical
church.
Our Saviour's Scandinavian Lutheran Church, of Eau Claire,
was founded April 22, 1876, by Rev. Dr. H. G. Stub, of the
l.iithei- Seminary, St. Paul, who represented the Norwegian
lAitlierau synod in America. The first minister to the church
A\as the Rev. L. P. Dietrichson, of Chicago, Illinois, who began
his services during 1876. The early members of the churcli were
'SI. J. Argard, Louis Everson, C. P. Johnson, John Kragstad,
Even Olson, J. 0. Gilbert, Mads Aobren, Robert H. Segler, Ole
Anderson, John C. Nelson, A. M. Johnson, A. R. Bergh, C. Berg,
II. R. Kjorstad, P. 0. Lochen, Magne Olson, A. P. Martensen,
H. Ulstrup, J. Reid, Soren Johnson, A. Pederson and Ole P.
Onstad. In the summer of 1877 the congregation purchased a
lot on Oxford avenue and Fulton street and erected their church.
It was built by the Phoenix Manfacturing Company at a cost of
st;2,65:?.fl0, and was dedicated October 14, 1877. A school house
Avas built on the church lot in the summer of 1881, which became
the parochial school of the church, and when an evening school
was begun for teaching the English language to Scandinavians
many citizens contributed generously to the undertaking. The
Rev. Mr. Dietrichson was succeeded in 1879 by Rev. Harald
Ilaakenson, who served five years. His successor. Rev. U. B.
I fermstard, remained three years and was followed by Rev. J. W.
Trens in 1887. In the summer of that year a parsonage was
built on the church lot at an outlay of itil,500. Rev. J. W. Preus
wiis succeeded in May, 1899, by the Rev. Oluf S. Rygg, the present
pastor. The sacristy within the church was built during the sum-
mer of 1899 and in 1900 its pipe organ was purchased. In 1901
th(> church was repaired, painted and new windows furnished at
a cost of $1,000. In 1905 $500 was expended in repairing and
improving the parsonage. In 1906 and '7 cement sidewalks were
laitl about the premises at a cost of nearly $500. In 1911 the
old school building was sold and a larger one of brick and
cement was erected at an expense of $6,500. The second story
524 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of this Guild hall is a concert and lecture hall and library. The
basement will contain a large dining room, kitchen, furnace room,
etc. The present membership is about 600, communicants 375,
an increase of 183 under the administration of Rev. Mr. Rygg.
In connection with the church are a Men's Club, a Ladies' Aid
Society, Young Peoples' Society, two church choirs and "Will-
ing Workers," a society of small girls. Mrs. Rygg is organist
and choir instructor.
The Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Eau Claire,
was founded in Octoljer, 189.5, by Rev. Edward Sylvester, with
a membership of about twelve families. The church, a frame
building with a seating capacity of 150 was erected under his
supervision at a cost of $1,500. The parsonage was built in
1900 at a cost of $1,200. In 1904 Rev. Mr. Sylvester was suc-
ceeded by the present pastor. Rev. Theodore Laetsch. Under his
administration extensive improvements have been made in both
church and parsonage, an organ valued at $1,200 has been pur-
chased, and a furnace heating plant at $325. The basement has
been enlarged and fitted up for use of the Young People 's Society
and for social purposes, and an addition made to the parsonage
at a cost of $925. The total valuation of the church property is
$10,000. Present membership fifty-five families, or 350 souls.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist. On May 11, 1891, at
the close of a class which was taught by one of Mrs. Eddy's
students the Eau Claire Christian Science Society was organized
for the purpose of holding regular Sunday services, and these
have been held since that time. In Jiily, 1894, another of Mrs.
Eddy's students was called to this field, and the following year,
on January 5, 1895, the Church of Christ, Scientist, of Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, was legally organized and incorporated under the
laws of the state of Wisconsin. The church was later called
The First Church of Christ, Scientist. On April 12, 1898, the
building on the corner of Gray and Farwell streets was purchased
from the Unity church, and on April 12, 1905, the final payment
was made, and a clear title acquired iu exactly seven years.
Since that date many improvements have been made inside and
outside. A reading room and Sunday school have been main-
tained, as also yearly lectures, and much time devoted to the
work in many ways. These labors in behalf of the cause they
love so well were recognized and commended by Mary Baker
Eddy in a letter received bj' one of her students in the class
of 1899:
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 525
" 'Pleasant View,' Concord, New Hampshire, July 15, 1909.
"My Beloved Body Guard: Your brief, brave, tender lines
of loyalty to truth are reassuring to the woman in the wilderness.
Ijike song of l)irds at evening, they reach my ear and heart. God
bless you, dear ones, and accept my thanks and prayer for your
prosperity to be continued. With love, Mother,
"M. B. EDDY."
The church is prospering under the able leadersliip of Rev.
Martin Sindell.
Christ Episcopal Church. The first services of the Episcopal
church of Mhich at present we can find any record were held
in the dining room of the Eau Claire House, in the summer of
1858, by the Rev. A. B. Peabody, a missionary of the church
residing at Star Prairie in St. Croix county. Robert ToUes was
the only communicant of the church who was present. On the
evening of June 21, 1858, at a meeting of persons favorable to tlie
building of an Episcopal church in the village of Eau Claire, the
same being held in the school house, the following officers were
elected: Mr. E. A. Frear, senior warden; Mr. N. B. Boyden,
junior warden, and Messrs. D. R. Moon, W. G. Bridges, J. A.
(tvcy. A. Meggett, C. M. Seeley and George Mulks, vestrymen.
In the journal of Bishop Kemper, the first bishop of Wisconsin,
we obtained the following: "On the 14th of July, 1861, at Eau
Claire, I baptized James Henry and Emma Cora, children of
James and Anna Bonell." The bishop also states that he held
services and preached. For eight years after the election of the
first vestry only occasional services were held, sometimes in the
Eau Claire House and at other times in a hall or tlie home of
'Sir. James Bonell.
In 1866 the parish was made a mission and the Rev. C. II.
Hendley was placed in charge. He was the first missionary who
had a residence in the city and regular services were held, but
at the close of 1867 he left and once more the church people had
to depend upon occasional services, mostly held in the Reed
boarding house. On May 1, 1870, the Rev. R. F. G. Page took
charge of the mission. Services were held in Marston hall and
in the old Universalist church building. This building stood on
tlie land which is now occupied by the chancel of Christ churcti.
The cause for the removal from Marston 's hall was the destruc-
tion of tlie building by fire. This was a great calamity to the
)iiission. as all the books and furniture, including a valuable
526 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
cabinet organ was destroyed. The struggles and perseverance
of the members of the church in those days are a matter of his-
tory and something to be admired. To compensate them for tlic
difficulties and obstacles with which they had to contend for so
many years they were at last able to secure sufficient subscrip-
tions to justify them in commencing the erection of a long desired
home of their own. July 7, 1873, lots 3 and 4, block 14, were
purchased, and the cornerstone of the first church was laid by
the Rt. Rev. William Edmond Armitage, S. T. D., assisted by the
Rev. M. L. Kern, rector of Zion church, 'Chippewa Palls, and the
missionary, Rev. R. F. G. Page, on September 10, 1873. This
was the last official act of Bishop Armitage. The mission pro-
gressed rapidly under the ministration of Mr. Page, who was
greatly beloved and respected throughout the whole community.
It was indeed a severe blow when he sent in his resignation to
the bishop in the month of August, 1874, and removed to the
diocese of Illinois. The Rev. Peter Brown Morrison, B. D., was
appointed to the mission on September 13, 1874, and immediately
entered upon his duties. The first official act of the third bishop
of Wisconsin, the Rt. Rev. Edward Randolph Welles, S. T. D.,
was to deliver a sermon in the hall on Barstow street the first
week Mr. Morrison took charge. In the same hall on Friday,
October 8, 1875, the bishop being present, the convocation of
LaCrosse was organized and the first services of the convoca-
tion held.
Mr. Morrison undertook to complete the church building,
which had remained incomplete since Mr. Page's departtire. The
work of building upon the foundation commenced August 3,
1875. On Sunday, the 14th day of November, 1875, the church
being ready for use, though still incomplete, it was occupied for
the first time. The sermon was preached by the missionary from
the text I Kings, chapter 8, verse 27. The Rev. W. H. H. Ross,
of Grace church, Menomonie, assisted in the services. Bishop
Welles visited the new church on Tuesday, October 12, 1876, and
in his diary wrote: "At 3:30 p. m., after a brief service read
by the Rev. Mr. Kern, of Chippewa Falls, and the Rev. Mr. Page,
of Baldwin, I preached in the new church at Christ Church mis-
sion, Eau Claire. At 6:30 p. m. preached, confirmed and
addressed a class of seven persons presented by the rector. Tlie
new church at Eau Claire when entirely finished will be among
the most beautiful churches in the diocese. It has been built at
a great cost of self-denial, especially on the part of the devoted
missionaries." Of the first services held in tlie new church the
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 527
missionary wrote: "There was a large cougregatiou present,
and all happy to be in their own." One of the great joys of the
missionary was to be able to place in the chancel over the altar
a handsome memorial window to the two former bishops of the
diocese under whom he had labored in the Master's vineyard.
Tliis memorial was made possible by the offerings of the Sun-
day school. During his ministry Mr. Morrison did a great deal
of missionary work in the neighboring towns and villages, notably
at Menomonie, Baldwin, Rice Lake, Black River Falls, Durand
and Tiffauy Creek. He established a mission at Altoona, and
later during the year 1884 to 1886 had charge of the same along
with the North Side mission at Eau Claire. After a rectorship
of three and one-half years Mr. Morrison resigned the charge
of Christ church, the resignation took effect March 22, 1878.
After the departure of this priest, who had labored with great
self-sacrifice for the building up of the mission, services were
maintained by the Rev. S. Y. Yundt, rector of Christ church,
Chippewa Falls, who gave us alternate services from his own
parish.
It was not until April 8, 1880, that the parish again obtained
a resident priest. On that day the Rev. Joel Clarke took charge.
He was a man of brilliant qualitieations and many improvements
in the interior of the church were made through his efforts. His
rectorship ended probably about September 14, 1882. Bishop
Welles brought the Rev. Henry H. Skinner to Eau Claire on
December 8, 1882, and at a reception held in the church base-
ment introduced him to the church people assembled, and placed
him in charge for six months from date. The Rev. Charles S.
Starkweather, B. D., took charge on September 1, 1883, and after
a very successful pastorate resigned on September 30, 1884. The
Rev. Reginald Heber Weller, Jr., B. D., the present bishop of
Fond du Lac, was elected rector and entered upon his duties on
the 30th day of September, 1884. During his incumbency the
last mortgage on the parish property was cancelled. He also
introduced much to improve the beauty and solemnity of the
worship, and the ciuiet dignity and spiritual uplift which are the
chief marks of the services today are greatly attributable to him.
He resigned September 29, 1888.
The first record of the service held by the next rector, the
Rev. B. F. Cooley, is dated November 28, 1888, and the last record
August 18, 1889. After an interregnum of twelve months, during
which time Mr. Morrison held the services, the parish called the
Rev. C. A. Cummings, and he was rector from September 1, 1890,
528 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
until February 7, 1895. The Rev. E. F. II. J. Masse then acted as
"locum tenens" up to May 5, 1895. He recorded in the parish
register: "It is the custom of this parish to hold the devotion
of the three hours on Good Friday." This is a custom which still
continues and we trust will always continue. After Mr. Masse 's
departure for Massachusetts the Rev. 0. J. Ferris had temporary
charge until September, 1895. The nest rector was the Rev.
T. C. Eglin, of Burlington, Wisconsin, who was duly called and
took up his residence in the parish November 1, 1895. In 1889
the work on St. Edward's chapel, Bellevue avenue, commenced,
but since that time had remained in a very incomplete state. On
June 5, 1896, the present cornerstone was laid by the Rt. Rev.
I. L. Nicholson, D. D., bishop of Milwaukee. The formal opening
of the chapel was held on St. Peter's day, 1896, and on the third
Sunday in Lent was duly consecrated by Bishop Nicholson as
a memorial to the late Rt. Rev. Edward Randolph Welles, some
time bishop of the diocese of Milwaukee. Mr. Eglin left the
parish for missionary work in South Dakota, August 8, 1898.
The Rev. Joseph Moran, Jr., became rector October 24, 1899.
During his rectorship the rectory was built. Of this the bishop
wrote in his diary: "Christ church has built a most beautiful
rectory, chiefly the work of the zealous women of that congrega-
tion. Mr. Moran remained until January 10, 1901. On July 19,
1901, the vestry called the Rev. John F. Milbank, of Montieello,
New York. He accepted and remained until October 26, 1902.
After his departure the church was closed for seven months. On
March 3, 1903, the bishop informed the vestry that he had
arranged with the Rev. Francis Horatio Stubbs, B. D., of Balti-
more, to take charge of the parish. This priest an-ived on March
10, 1903, and remained as rector until the time of his death,
March 29, 1906. He was a man of great spirituality and left an
abiding impression on the parish. He was a most faithful and
conscientious priest and all who knew him loved him.
A great act of foresight during Mr. Stubbs 's rectorship was
the purchase of a corner lot ad,jacent to the church property, the
lot upon which the new church when completed, will stand. If
this lot had not been purchased at that time, September 27, 1904,
in all probability, owing to the rapid growth of the parish since
then, the parish would have been forced to seek a larger site
elsewhere in the city. Connected with the purchase of the lot
on the corner of Jones and Fai'well streets there is a matter of
sentiment to the parishioners. On that portion where the chancel
now stands in the early days a little building stood in which the
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 529
first missionaries of the church used to hold services. The vestry
extended on June 16, 1906, a unanimous call to the Rev. Philip
Henry Linley, B. D., rector of Christ church, Chippewa Falls.
The call was accepted and Mr. Linley entered upon his duties
September 1, 1906. With the good foundations laid by Mr.
Stubbs, the parish has rapidly grown during the last eight years,
so that today it is one of the largest and strongest parishes in
the diocese. And whereas, the property is the cause for great
re.ioieing, those who labored in former years, surrounded with
innumerable difficulties and obstacles, and many discourage-
ments, are held in high honor. They all labored in faith, looking
forward to the day when the church they dearly loved Avould
become a power making for righteousness in the city. They
labored in faith and we today under the guidance of the holy
spirit are reaping the fruits of their labor. The worship has
been embellished by the introduction of a vested choir of some
forty voices trained by a professional choir master. The vested
choir sang their first service on the first Sunday after Easter,
]907. The time at last arrived when the building of a parish
house and new church became imperative. It was therefore
decided to build a parish house and the chancel of the new
church. The last services in the old church, which stood on the
land now occupied by the parish house, were held on Easter day.
1910. The church was crowded to its utmost capacity at all the
services, and many were sad in the realization that they were
assembled for the last time in their quaint and beautiful church,
which was so rich with the memories of the past. To remove it
seemed almost like an act of sacrilege, but it had well served its
day and had to give way before the great need of a larger edifice
to accommodate the congregation and a place for the parochial
activities.
The nave was moved during the week following to the corner
lot, so that the services were continued without interruption and
the work of building commenced. The new church and parish
liouse are of the early English perpendicular. The church is of
Vermont granite and Bedford stone, and the parish house is of
the same materials in the first story with a pebble dash stucco
encased in panels in the second. The group of buildings are
among the most handsome, dignified and permanent in the state.
The first service after the completion of the new chancel was
lield on October 30, 1910, and the parish house was formally
opened on December 21, 1910. The chancel is commodious and
arranged with the greatest care, with every provision for any
5:^(1 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
need which occasion may require. The one bond which mate-
rially associates the new with the old is the pipe organ. This
instrument was the first one erected in the city, and was given by
Mrs. William J. Starr, as a memorial to her father, Francis
DeLong Hill, M. D. The years have increased the sweetness of
its tone with a mellowness which cannot be surpassed. At the
time of its erection in the new chancel the same was consider-
ably added to and the action changed to a tubular pneumatic,
with a newly extended console containing all the latest devices
for control, etc. The crowning glory of this chancel is the chaste
and beautiful altar made in Italy of Carrara marble in a pure
gothie design. This altar, as well as the three paneled windows
of the best English antique cathedral glass representing the
risen Christ, are placed as memorials to Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Moon,
and were presented by their sons and daughters. The altar is
also furnished completely with bronze furniture by the same
donors in memory of their grandmother, Mrs. Cornelia Baker
Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was a tower of strength in the parish in her day.
The altar and furniture thereof was duly consecrated by the
Rt. Rev. William Walter Webb, D.D., on May 6, 1911. Many
other memorials have been given, including a large solid silv«-
alms receiving basin in memory of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Squires)
a fumed oak credence table in memory of Mr. and Mrs. John
Marsh ; solid silver credence lights in memory of Lillian Bundy,
and a large silver chalice of unique design and workmanship in
memory of Miss Nettie E. Thurston. The communion silver was
given previously in memory of Mrs. Betsy Moffat, of blessed
memory. By unanimous action the vestry have recorded their
intention of having the nave completed in time to celebrate the
tenth anniversary of the present rector. Many memorials have
been promised to beautify this completed church, and the one
which will fill the greatest need is the memorial chapel which
will be built on the south side of the chancel. The wisdom of
completing the parish house before erecting the nave is most
apparent to all the congregation. It has provided a thorouglil.y
up-to-date work shop for the parish, and during the winter
months especially is a hive of parochial industry. In it the
vai'ious organizations have a permanent home, and from it as a
center radiates many a noble infiuence made concrete by some
definite act which tends to build up the kingdom of righteous-
ness. By degrees through the deep interests of certain indi-
viduals the parish house is being equipped and adorned, so that
those who gather within its walls will be surrounded by the
A
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 531
beautiful and the useful as iucentives. The parish is entirely free
from debt, and takes much pride in running all of its affairs in
accordance with the strictest business ethics. It is the desire
that a parish should be an example to the communit.v in its busi-
ness affairs, which, alas, is not always the case.
In conclusion, one regrets that the history of the parish should
be so largely taken up with the account of the coming and going
of the various priests who have had charge and of the accumula-
tion of things material. It is well nigh impossible to even give
a vague idea of the great spiritual good that has emanated from
Christ church. No one can tell of the lives that have been
redeemed from worldliness and sin ; no one can tell the souls that
liave been led to Christ and have found in Him a Savior. The
large record of baptisms and confirmations does not tell the story.
The story is written in the hearts of men and women who have
quietly engaged in the battles of peace and have endeavored to
be Christ's faithful soldiers and servants until their life's end.
After all, the material prosperity is an outward and visible sym-
bol of the love and devotion which the congregation has for
Christ and His church. People do not give except to that in
which they believe. Christ church has been tested again and
again, and today loved and respected she gives the lionor to those
loyal sons and daughters who remain faithful to her in the hours
of shadow. (Signed) Rev. Philip Henry Linley.
Second Congregational Church. At a meeting of the directors
of the Y. M. C. A., May 2, 1882, the need for religious instruction
in the northwestern part of the city was discussed and steps di-
rected toward supplying the want. Soon, through the efforts of
Rev. J. P. Dudley, the honored pastor of the 1st Congregational
Church, and others, a sufficient sum was subscribed to buy a lot
and erect a building. The lot was purchased by the Eau Claire
Missionary Association from Mr. E. W. Blatchford, of Chicago,
who gave $50 toward it when informed of the purpose for which
the lot was to be used. A mission chapel was soon built and a
Sunday school organized in 1883. R. H. Chute was chosen super-
intendent and V. W. Bayless secretary and treasurer. In 1884
regular Sabbath services were begun and Rev. A. Kidder supplied
the pulpit for one year. The whole work was now in charge of
Mr. Dudley's church, which contributed generously to its support
until it assumed self-support.
In January 1885, F. A. Towne was elected superintendent of
the Sunday school. The chapel became too small and a new house
532 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
was built and dedicated in 1890, free of debt. It was first deter-
mined to organize the 2nd Congregational Church of Eau Claire.
A council was convened June 30, 1885, and the church organized
with 16 members, 8 by letter from various organizations and 8
on confession of faith. Rev. C. A. Payne became the pastor and
the church prospered until at the end of the year a severe finan-
cial depression affected seriously that part of the city, the sixth
Avard. Many families were compelled to remove to other places
and, as one consequence, the church had members scattered in 12
different towns when it was two years old and for a time it seemed
doubtful whether it could live. In the winter of 1887-8 a revival
added much tO the number and to the strength of the church and
was followed by the organization of the Y. P. S. C. Endeavor.
In the fall of 1888 it was decided to erect a new edifice. In the
next spring the lots and chapel were purchased of the E. C. Mis-
sionary Association by the church, the old chapel taken down
and the new house begun. It was a difficult undertaking, but was
carried on with faith and heroic effort and successfully accom-
plished. The cost was about $4,000 and it was dedicated, free of
debt, on December 29, 1889. It is a fine frame building on the
corner of Maxon and Bellinger streets.
Mr. Payne remained with the church seven years, resigning
in response to a call to take charge of the iustitutional work of
the Plymouth Church, Milwaukee. He was succeeded by Rev. II.
R. Vaughn, who served the church acceptably for five years, when
impaired health necessitated his resignation. Rev. D. R. Ander-
son followed with a three years' pastorate, characterized by pa-
tient and persevering labor. Rev. R. Porter succeeded with two
years of energetic work, resigning to complete his course at Ober-
lin. Rev. J. B. Thompson, recently returned from missionary
service in China, took up the charge and conducted it effectively
for nearly three years, followed by Rev. P. C. Burhans for a year,
when Rev. A. J. Arn was called. During his pastorate Mr. Arn
took the initiative in the purchase of a parsonage. A desirable
location was chosen and the property secured, largely through
tlie personal efforts of the pastor, the people responding gener-
ously to his appeals. Compelled by ill health, Mr. Arn relin-
quished the work and Mr. Vaughn returned to the field, supply-
ing the pulpit for more than a year, during which time he made
a diligent canvass of the field, receiving sufficient financial en-
couragement to warrant the calling of Rev. L. E. Osgood to the
church. He remained as pastor three years and largely through
his personal eft'orts, needed repairs were made possible and tlie
.
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 533
church building made comfortable and attractive. Rev. W. B.
O'Neill was called to the church soon after the resignation of
Mr. Osgood and under his leadership the different departments of
church activities are moving with increasing interest and enter-
prise.
Second Methodist Episcopal Church. The regular services of
this organization were, during the first years of its existence,
held in what was then known as the Seminary building, located
on the site of the present high school. They began in 1860. The
Rev. W. A. Chambers was the first pastor. Early in 1870 the
efforts of Rev. A. J. Davis, the then pastor, seconded by his suc-
cessor, Rev. E. E. Clough, to raise the necessary funds for the
erection of a church structure were so encouraging that on Sep-
tember 19 of that year the corner stone of a large and beautiful
edifice was laid. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Fallows officiated. The
building was constructed of wood and veneered with brick, with
a handsomely decorated interior. It is located on Fourth avenue
and Lake street, and is known as Lake Street Methodist Episco-
pal Church. The total cost was $15,000, and was dedicated Sep-
tember 15, 1872, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Haven conducting the serv-
ices.
In this church, the annual conferences of 1872, 1877, and
1884 were held. The Rev. M. B. Balch was the pastor during 1874
and 1875. He was succeeded by Rev. William Hamilton, who
served one year, then Rev. "W. J. McKay was the next axipointee.
He remained three years and was followed by Rev. John Tresid-
der, who served for a similar period. His successor was Rev. A.
M. Pilcher, whose pastorate continued for three years, 1883, 1884
and 1885. Rev. H. Goodsall, came to the church in 1886, and re-
mained until 1891, and was succeeded by Rev. M. Benson.
In 1893 Rev. Geo. W. Case was assigned to the church and re-
mained till 1898. Rev. P. W. Straw from 1898 to 1901. Rev.
Geo. Merrifield, 1901 to 1903. Rev. E. A. McKinney, one year
and 6 months. Rev. E. Harris, 1905-8. Rev. G. W. Campbell,
1908-12. Rev. F. L. Roberts, 1912-4. The parsonage was burned
in 1884 and the church records were destroyed. A new and com-
modious parsonage was recently completed adjoining the church.
The membership in 1886 Avas 162, in 1914, 288.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (German), was
founded in August 1874. hy the Rev. Frederick Mehrteus, who
began the building of a frame church on the north side. At that
time, there was but a small congregation of sixteen or eighteen
families. The second pastor was Rev. George Meyer, who took
5:M history OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
charge in September 1875, completed the church building and also
erected the first parsonage. He resigned October 28, 1877, and
was succeeded by Rev. G. Reeknagel, who remained until 1890.
During his pastorate, he disposed of the old church property, pur-
chased the site where the present church is located, erected the
present handsome brick edifice at a cost of $18,000.00, and also
a parsonage adjoining. In 1890 the present pastor, Rev. August
F. Augustin, took charge. The church now lias a membership
of about 120 families or 1,030 souls, and 120 voting members.
Rev. Augustin, since taking charge of the parish, has made many
improvements in the church, putting in new steel ceilings, altar.
organ, bell and also rebuilt the parsonage.
German Evangelical Association. The first meeting of this
denomination licld iu tliis city was in 1886, at the Second Congre-
gational Church, when its organization was perfected and Rev.
William Pfeft'erkorn was selected as the first minister. The mem-
bership rapidly increased so that a subscription was raised among
its wealthy members under the auspices of Rev. Charles F. Finger,
Mr. Pfeft'erkorn 's successor to the pastorate. A lot was purchased
on Babcock and Beach streets, and the church built in 1887. It
was a frame structure, thirty-two by fifty-two feet, with a seating
capacity of 300. Mr. Finger continued ia charge of the pastorate
until the spring of 1890, when he was succeeded on May 1, by
Rev. William Kaun, -who served until 1892 and was succeeded by
Rev. H. E. Erfi'meyer.
The following ministers, given in the order of their succession,
served from one to five years :
Rev. E. W. Gassman, Rev. Wm. Pfeft'erkorn, Rev. F. Dite, Rev.
F. Reichert, Rev. C. F. Werner, Rev. John Schneller, Rev. H. A.
Franzke, Rev. G. J. Pfefferkorn, and Rev. E. S. Zimmerman, the
present incumbent.
The language question which has confronted churches in the
Services of which the ^Mother Tongues have been used, has been
amicably settled.
For some years tlu' Sunday school has been conducted in the
English language, as well as the Sunday evening services.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Congregation, of Altoona, Wiscon-
sin, was founded in 1892, as a mission of St. Patrick's Church,
Eau Claire, attended first by Rev. Father T. A. Kelley, and after
his death, by the Rev. Father A. B. C. Dunn, up to 1903. In that
year Rev. L. J. Vaughan was appointed pastor, serving four years.
He established a parochial school and also equipped the school
for the M'ork of the 8th grade, likewise introduced a four-years'
EAU CLAIRE CHURCHES 535
course of high school studies. In 1907 Rev. II. P. Toellei- was ap-
pointed pastor of the congregation, with missions at Augusta and
Rock Falls. He rearranged the schools to accommodate boarders
as well as day scholars under the supervision of eleven sisters of
St. Benedict of St. Joseph, Minnesota. The high school is affili-
ated with the universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The
school property comprises one square block, valued with equip-
ments at $25,000.00. A parsonage was erected on a separate lot
in 1901, at a cost of $3,200.00. The congregation has a member-
ship of thirty families, or one hundred and twenty souls; the
scliool has an attendance of 90 pupils, aboiit one-half of which
arc from surrounding territory. St. Mary's Altar Society is the
only society connected with the congregation, who take charge of
and pay all expenses of the altar, and tlie furnishing of tin' par-
sonage.
Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1885, a class of
Norwegian Mctluxlist Episcopalians was formed under the direc-
tion of Rev. 0. Jarobson. Tlic organization of this church was
the result. The meetings and services were held in the hall of
the Young Men's Christian Association. The Rev. E. Hanson was
the first pastor. Under his administration a lot was purchased on
Chestnut street and Fifth avenue and a church built in 1887. It
was a frame structure, with a seating capacity of 300. There was
also a class room which accommodated about eighty jiersons.
After performing the duties of his office two years and establish-
ing the organization on a solid basis, Mr. Hanson was succeeded
by Rev. P. Hanann, who served two years. He was followed by
Rev. O. Kristensen, who served nine months, when Rev. F. A.
Scarvie was called in 1891.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
BANKS OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY.
BY C. W. LOCKWOOD.
As early as 1857 C. M. Seeley started a private bank iu Eau
Claire in a one-story building on Eau Claire street, opposite the
pi-esent Y. M. C. A. building, and in the fall of the same year
Hall Brothers, of Aurora, 111., opened another private bank with
D. R. Moon as cashier and manager. This latter bank closed in
1861. Whipple, Bellinger & Wilson, real estate dealers, also did
some banking business in connection with their other affairs. In
1861 C. M. Seeley sold his bank to Carroll C. Spafford, of Rock-
ford, 111., who in the same year took as a partner DeWitt C.
Clark, employed in the county treasurer's office, forming the
copartnership of Spafford & Clark. In 1866 the Hon. 0. H.
Ingram purchased the interest of C. C. Spafford and the firm was
succeeded by Clark & Ingram, who continiied imtil 1883. In that
year William K. Coffin, of Batavia, 111., came to Eau Claire and
organized the present Eau Claire National Bank, with a capital
of $100,000, which succeeded the banking firm of Clark & Ingram.
0. H. Ingram was elected president, L. M. Vilas vice-president
and Mr. CofSn cashier. Mr. Vilas resigned as vice-president July
12, 1887, and was succeeded by William Carson, who served until
his death, January 4, 1898. The firm of Spafford & Clark had a
banking office first at about 314 Eau Claire street. They later
moved to 203 South Barstow street and finally Clark & Ingram
erected a building at the southwest corner of South Barstow
street and Grand avenue East, which is the present location of
the Eau Claire National Bank. In January, 1902, tlie following
officers were elected by the Eau Claire National Bank: 0. H.
Ingram, president ; W. K. Coffin, vice-president and cashier ; C. W.
Lockwood, vice-president; T. B. Keith, assistant cashier; E. J.
Lenmark, assistant cashier. Mr. Keith was first made assistant
cashier January 18, 1896, and finally resigned his position to enter
the firm of Keith Brothers in March, 1903.
In January, 1904, Otto von Schrader was elected an assistant
cashier. In January, 1905, Mr. Ingram retired and Mr. Coffin was
made president, with C. W. Lockwood as vice-president and
536
BANKS OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY 537
cashier. In January, 1906, E. J. Lenmark was elected cashier,
succeeding Mr. Lockwood. In January, 1909, John Bauman ana
J. A. Playter were elected assistant cashiers, and in January,
1911, W. S. Woodruff was added to this list. Mr. Bauman
resigned some years ago and went to the Eau Claire Savings
Bank. At the present date, September, 1914, the capital of the
Eau Claire National Bank is $150,000 and the oificers and director.'!,
are as follows :
Officers : W. K. .Coffin, president ; C. W. Lockwood, vice-presi-
dent ; E. J. Lenmark, cashier ; Otto von Schrader, assistant
cashier ; J. A. Playter, assistant cashier ; W. S. Woodrulif, assistant
cashier. Directors: D. S. Clark, W. K. Coffin, D. M. Dulauy,
M. B. Hubbard, A. J. Keith, T. B. Keith, C. W. Lockwood, A. J.
Marsh, B. G. Broetor.
The First National Bank, of Eau Claire, was organized in the
early seventies with a capital of $50,000, and opened an office at
313 South Barstow street. The officers were: F. W. Woodward,
president ; William A. Eust, vice-president, and George T. Thomp-
son, cashier. This bank was succeeded by the Bank of Eau Claire,
organized under the state law with a capital of $30,000 in April,
1S78, with the same officers. On January 1, 1885, F. W. Wood-
ward retired and Mr. Thompson went to the Chippewa Valley
Bank. The succeeding officers were : W. A. Rust, president :
H. H. Hayden, vice-president, and C. W. Lockwood, cashier. C. W.
Lockwood resigned in March, 1897, and was succeeded by James
T. Joyce, cashier. Marshall Cousins was also elected assistant
cashier. January 1, 1893, the capital of the Bank of Eau Claire
was increased to $100,000 and its office was removed to the build-
ing which it had purchased and remodeled at the southeast corner
of South Barstow street and Grand avenue East. The Bank of
Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley Bank were merged and suc-
ceeded by the Union National Bank in July, 1906, with a capital
of $200,000. The first officers of the latter were: President,
William P. Bartlett: vice-president, James T. Joyce; cashier,
George T. Thompson, and assistant cashier, Marshall Cousins.
Mr. Thompson died June 14, 1907, and Marshall Cousins was
elected cashier at the annual meeting in January, 1908. Mr. Bart-
lett retired as president and director, declining re-election on
January 10, 1911, and was succeeded as president by 0. H.
Ingram. Tlie Union National Bank occupies the building of the
former Bank of Eau Claire, whicli it has entirely rebuilt and
refui-nished. Below is given the present official roster of tlic
bank:
588 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Officers : 0. H. Ingram, president ; J. T. Joyce, vice-president ;
Marshall Cousins, cashier ; M. E. Baumberger, assistant cashier ;
M. B. Syverson, assistant cashier; Kmite Anderson, assistant
cashier. Directors: James T. Barber, George L. Blum, Byron
A. Bnffington, William L. Davis, Nathanael C. Foster, Edward S.
lla.yes, Andrew H. Hollen, Orrin H. Ingram, James T. Joyce, Her-
man T. Lange, Sumner G. Moon, George W. Robertson, Kim Ros-
holt, William J. Starr.
In July, 1878, II. C. Putnam and V. W. Bayless organi/.ed tin-
private banking firm of II. C. Putnam Company, and on January
26, 1885, they organized the Chippewa Valley Bank under the
state law, capital $30,000, with the following officers: H. C. Put-
nam, president; George T. Thompson, cashier, with an office on
Grand avenue East next to the building now occupied by the Eau
Claire National Bank. Later they purchased the building at the
corner of Eau Claire and South Barstow streets and elected the
following officers: B. A. Buffington, president; H. C. Putnam,
vice-president, and George T. Thompson, cashier. This bank then
increased its capital to $100,000 and continued in business until
it and the Bank of Eau Claire were succeeded by the Union
National Bank in 11)0(1.
The Union Savings Bank was organized by the stockholders
of the Union National Bank and oi>ened for business in July, 1906,
with a capital of $50,000. The following officers were elected:
President, K. Rosholt; vice-president, A. II. Hollen; cashier, John
B. Fleming. Mr. Fleming was elected mayor in 1910 and was
succeeded by Julius Rosholt, who retired during the year 1914.
The bank occupies the building formerly owned by the Chipjiewa
Valley Bank and the present officers are: K. Rosholt, presitlent;
H. S. Strandness, vice-president; John Barron, cashier : LW^. J.
Mahoney^ assistant cashier. The directors are practically the
same as those of the Union National Bank.
The Eau Claire Savings Bank was organized under the state
law in 1900 with a capital of .$50,000 by the stockholders of the
Eau Claire National Bank and the following officers were elected:
W. K. Coffin, president; C. W. Lockwood, vice-president; F. S.
Bouchard, cashier. Mr. Bouchard died July 15, 1909, and was.
succeeded b,y Charles W. Dinger, who still holds the position. The
bank occupied temporary quarters on North Barstow street for a
couple of years and then purchased and remodeled the building
at the corner of North Barstow and Wisconsin streets, which it
still occupies.
Augusta State Bank, of Augusta, Mas established in 1875 by
BANKS OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY 539
Ira B. Bradfoi'd. The bank has a capital of $25,000 and a surplus
of !t>15,000, with the following officers: Ira B. Bradford, presi-
dent; C. E. Bradford, vice-president; A. E. Bradford, easltier, and
E. E. Thwiug, assistant cashier.
It is generally understood that Augusta is soon to have another
financial institution, of which the city is greatly in need, and is
to be called the People's State Bank, now — 1914 — in process of
organization.
First National Bank, of Fairchild, was organized May 9, 1904,
with a capital of .$25,000 and surplus $5,000, and on June 1 of
that year opened its doors for business. The officers are N. C.
Foster, president; W. K. Coffin, vice-president; W. F. Hood,
cashier; Elmer Fallett, assistant cashier. Its deposits on July 1,
1913, were $180,000, and the institution stands well in the finan-
cial circles of Eau Claire county.
The Bank of Fall Creek. This bank was organized in 1903
by K. Kosholt. (i. K. Bartz, William Niebuhr, P. S. Lindenthaler,
W. II. Frawley, J. E. Zetzman, F. C. Lanua and C. J. Lissack. All
these were directors and K. Rosholt president, G. E. Bartz vice-
president and C. J. Lissack cashier at the time of the organiza-
tion. Mr. G. E. Bartz died shortly after and J. E. Zetzman was
appointed to fill the vacancy of vice-president. The present
officers are : K. Rosholt, president ; J. E. Zetzman, vice-president ;
Henry Wise, cashier; C. W. Voeehting, assistant cashier. The
capital stock of this bank is $10,000, with surplus of $2,500 and
(h'posits of $200,000.
CHAPTER. XL.
HOTP^LS OF EAU CLAIRE.
In a newly established village the local tavern or hotel in
most eases becomes the village club, — the social and political
center. And a hotel is among the first businesses to be opened.
This was true in the village of Eau Claire in the fifties and six-
ties. This sketch will be divided into two parts, the first con-
cerning the hotels of the present time, and the second part the
hotels now out of business.
Of the present day hotels but three came down from ancient
times, — the Eau Claire House, The Galloway House and the
KJieer House.
EAU CLAIRE HOUSE.
The oldest is tlie Eau Claire House, located at the corner of
South Barstow and Eau Claire Streets. The original structure
was a frame building erected by Adin Randall in 1856. One
historical account states the three lots were given Mr. Randall
in 1856 for this express purpose by J. J. Reed, R. F. Wilson and
William II. Gleason, but record of transfers does not verify this
statement. The house erected by Mr. Randall contained nine
sleeping rooms and was noted in its early days for the political
and other meetings and festive gatherings held under its roof.
At one time religious services were conducted in the hotel dining
room, which was humorously designed as the "Pan and Kettle
Church," owing to the clatter from the kitchen, where Sunday
dinner was in preparation, being overheard by the worshipers,
and it is feared taking their minds from things spiritual to
things material.
About September 23, 1858, Levi Slingluff rented and took
possession of the property. He had formerly been in the hotel
business at Fountain City. His son was a partner and the man-
agement was under the name of Slingluff & Son. They retired
from the business about May or June, 1865, and Robinson and
Galloway became proprietors.
Mr. Slingluff engaged in the mercantile business and was
elected County Treasurer.
Galloway and Robinson, in the fall of 1865, built an addition
540
HOTELS OF EAU CLAIRE rAl
laiffer than the original building. It fronted 100 feet on Barstow
street and was 34 feet deep. Their management of the house
\yi\s short lived and in February, 1866, William Newton became
the proprietor of the Eau Claire House. He operated the busi-
ness very successfully until 1874, when he closed the house and
leased the new building on the corner of Gibson and Farwell
streets, which had been erected by Dr. W. T. Galloway. The
name was transferred to the new location. In August, 1876, Mr.
Newton returned to his own building and the property on the
corner of Farwell and Gibson was renamed the "Galloway
House." In 1879 Mr. Newton moved the frame portion of the
Eau Claire House, selling it to Peter Hart. A brick building was
ei'ected in place of the old frame. Mr. Newton carried on the
business until 1882 when he leased the premises to Foster Bros.
Tliey continued until 1887, when the management became Foster
& Parkinson. Two years later Mr. Foster withdrew and Daniel
ilcGillis became associated with Robert E. Parkinson in the
business.
Heveral years later Mr. McGillis withdrew and since then
Ml'. Parkinson has been the sole proprietor.
On the death of Mr. Newton the premises passed to his estate.
On April 15, 1911, the heirs of the estate sold the fee to William
H. Wolpert. Mr. Parkinson continued in the management of the
hotel to which he held a lease.
On July 16, 1912, James T. Joyce bought the property from
Mr. Wolpert and a short time thereafter sold it to Mr. Parkin-
son, who is now proprietor of the business as well as the real
estate.
GALLOWAY HOUSE.
Tlie Galloway House was built by Dr. William T. Galloway.
<)perations were commenced in 1872 but the building was not
ready for occupancy until 1874. The building still stands at the
corner of Gibson and Farwell streets. Dr. William T. Galloway
was one of the strong and able men who helped build up Eau
Claire. He was born in February, 1818, and came to Wisconsin
in 1854. In 1857 he located in Eau Claire as Register of United
States land office on appointment of President Buchanan. In
addition to his professional duties he carried on a land business
and also interested himself in manufacturing, at one time owning
a foundry.
An old friend and associate says of him: "As a physician,
a politician and a man he had few peers in his day. True man-
542 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
hood, honesty and integrity, with a strong will and determina-
tion marked every step in his life."
He was greatly interested in political matters and was one
of the leading Democrats of the county. His personal mag-
netism and high standing as a man gave him personal political
strength. Five terms he served as an Alderman from the Second
Ward, 1876 to 1885, inclusive. Was again elected an Alderman
in April, 1890, and the last time he left his home was to attend
a meeting for the organization of the Council. He died on May
9, 1890.
In the Masonic order he was very prominent and was hon-
ored hy having conferred upon him the grade of 33d degree.
A young physician, who has since attained great prominence
in his profession, was associated with Dr. Galloway in the prac-
tice for several years and considers his own .success in a consid-
erable measure was brought about by his association with Dr.
Galloway, whom he regards as many years ahead of his time in
his treatment of diseases.
The hotel was opened by William Newton May 1, 1874, under
the name of Eau Claire House. Mr. Newton closed his own hotel
of the same name, corner of Barstow and Eau Claire streets, but
after two years he relinquished his lease and returned to his own
building, taking with him the name. The next proprietor was
a Mr. Barrup, who opened the hotel under the name of the Gallo-
way House. He was only in the Irasiness for about three months,
and then a traveling salesman named LaVergne assumed the
management. After six months he was succeeded by Fred Han-
son, who removed to Eau Claire from Hastings, Minn., and
already had a reputation as a successful hotel man. In 1885
Mr. Hanson formed a partnership with Prank J. Matchette, but
this partnership terminated within two years. Mr. Hanson con-
tinued to run the hotel very successfully until his death on the
night of November 3, 1887. Several years before Mr. Hanson
liad married a most estimable lady, a Mrs. Richardson, who had
been divorced from her husband. Her husband was a resident
of St. Paul, and came to this city on November 3. He had been
known to threaten the life of Mr. Hanson on a nmnber of occa-
sions. On the night of the tragedy he had partaken freely of
liquor and visiting the hotel, shot Mr. Hanson and then himself.
Mr. Hanson stood high in the community and was universally
respected by his fellow citizens as well as the traveling public.
Great regret was felt at his death.
The property then passed from the Hanson estate to Fred S.
IIOTKLS OF EAU CLAIRE 548
and (i. 1). White, who contiiiiieil the business until 1895, when
the iiaiiic ol' the firm changed to AVhite & Smith, Charles L.
Siiiitli siic(H'('ding Fred S. White. In 1897 Mr. Smith became the
pi-oprietor and continued the business until 1902.
The title to the fee had, in the meantime, passed to the Brown
estate of Madison, Wis. For .some months in 1902, after Mr.
Smith i'elin(|uislu'd the management, the house was run by Dan
K. Siammoii. ill'. Scammon had no previous experience in man-
•aging a hotel but opened it at the solicitation of traveling men,
with whom he was particularly popular. He continued the busi-
ness until the house was closed for the purpose of remodeling the
building. Dan li. Scammon was born about 1860 and had
resided in Fan Claii'e jiractically all his life. He was a most
<-ompanionable man, generous to a fault, who never lost an oppor-
tunity to do a friend a favor or a kindness. A person in need
was never turned away empty hancled by Dan Scammon. Shortly
after the closing of the hotel Mr. Scammon removed to the West
and died suddenly while locating timber at Alder Springs, Cal.,
August 8, 1910.
Following the remodeling of the Galloway, the house was
rented by James H. Wade. Mr. Wade was a commercial traveler
but had successfully managed the Stanley House in Chippewa
Falls some years before. The hotel opened under his manage-
ment July 10, 1903, and for the next ten years enjoyed a high
reputation with the traveling public. In February, 1913, Mr.
Wade disposed of his lease to Harvey B. Crane, who is at this
time the propj-ietor of the hotel.
KNEER HOUSE.
The Kneel' House was erected by Mathias Kueer, the first
German settler in Eau Claire, where he located in 1856. The
following year — 1857 — removing his family from Watertowai,
Wis. He first erected a small frame building on the present site
of the Kneer House in 1861 and called it the Chippewa House.
F'our years later he erected a brick building next to the hotel,
where he operated a grocery store vintil 1881. He then tore down
the frame structure, replacing it with a brick building as it now
stands, remodeled and transformed the whole into a hotel and
named it the Kneer House, and conducted the same until his
death in November, 1895. It is now one of the popular hostel-
ries of Eau Claire; contains twenty sleeping rooms with a pleas-
ant office and dining room and its central location and reasonable
544 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
prices make it one of the desirable places for a stranger to stop.
Since the death of Mr. Kneer the hotel has been conducted by its
present proprietor, Mr. Fred Raddatz.
THE McAllister house.
This hotel was opened at 675 Wisconsin street, in 1884, by
Daniel and R. D. McAllister. Daniel died January 14, 1911.
Business has been continued by the surviving partner. Their
business has been successfully conducted from the start.
THE INN.
The Inn was opened in 1909 by Mort McMillan at 678 Wis-
consin street. Mr. McMillan had for a number of years previous
to opening the hotel been engaged in the restaurant business. He
lias built up a fine patronage.
THE OPHEIM HOUSE.
This well known hostelry was conducted for about thirty
years by Gustav K. Opheim, under whose able management it
became favorably known to the public generally and received a
large percent of patronage in the city.
THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL.
This building is situated at the corner of North Barstow and
Wisconsin streets and is owned by Kopplin & Kuehl.
The building was erected in 1886 and opened as a hotel in
the summer of that year under the name of the Prawley House.
The house took this name from Thomas A. Frawley, one of the
owaiers of the building and a prominent attorney. J. A. Pattee
was the first landlord. There were frequent changes of land-
lords. H. Isaacson, Mat Caruthers and Peter Killeen ran the
house at various times and in the order named. Then for sev-
eral years the house was closed. Julius Kopplin and associates
purchased the premises and again established a hotel under the
name of the Commercial House. The house is well patronized
and popular.
HOTELS OF THE PAST.
The first mention of a tavern or boarding house is the "Gage
and Reed's Boarding House," in 1852. This occupied the lots
now covered by the Eau Claire Grocer Company's building, 410
Eau Claire street.
HOTELS OF EAU CLAIRE
NIAGARA HOUSE.
The Niagara House was the first hotel to open on the west
side of the river.
George A. BufBngton located in Eau Claire in 1856. He was
born June 29, 1825, in New York State, and came with his parents
to Walworth county, Wisconsin, when seventeen years of age.
in 1848 he sold his belongings and moved to Stephenson county,
Illinois, but in 1850 returned to Wisconsin, locating in Dodge
county. While there he Avas appointed under-sheriff and elected
justice of the peace. He entered into the grocery and sales stable
businesses and by good management, industry and economy laid
aside several thousand dollars. He came to Eau Claire in 1856
and invested in real estate. He established the Niagara House
on what is now Water street, on the Avest side of the Chippewa
river. This seems to have been the first commercial hotel in this
pai-t of the town. January 2, 1857, the County Board of Super-
visors created the town of Half Moon Lake and gave official
recognition to the Niagara House as a public rendezvous by
ordering the first town meeting to be held there on the first
Tuesday in April, 1857. In the fall of 1857 Jlr. Buffington dis-
posed of the business.
George A. Buffington, from the time he located in Eau Claire
to the date of his death in 1893. was one of the prominent and
leading citizens. He was elected Mayor in 1876 and served as an
Alderman from the Fifth Ward thirteen years. He engaged in
the lumbering business and was very successful. Mr. Buffington
was prominent in the Masonic fraternity and rose to the grade
of 32d degree Mason. He disposed of the hotel business in the
fall of 1857 and various parties from time to time undertook the
management. In May, 1866, it was leased by Mr. Buffington to
Fowler & Rolls, and a newspaper item of that day says: "The
Niagara is the best and neatest house on either side of the river."
The west siders celebrated the Fourth of July, 1868, at this hotel
with a grand ball. Northam & James had become proprietors
and the ball was also an opening of the hoiise under their man-
agement. In 1873 J. W. Snow became proprietor. In the fall
of 1877 a Mr. Coverdale became landlord and gave the house a
thorough reorganization and renovation. He continued the busi-
ness for some months.
After being closed for some time the Niagara was burned in
the early eighties. On the old foundation a grist mill was
erected, known as the Acme Mill. It is stated a portion of the
546 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
old original foundation is still in use. Later the property ceased
to be used as a mill and now has been converted into a manu-
faeturinsj plant of the Sehwahn & Seyberth Manufacturing Com-
pany.
MONONGAHELA HOUSE.
(Britton House.)
The Monongahela House was located at about what is now
known as 228 Water street. It was on the north side of the
street. The Niagara House was on the south side of the street
and but a little distance from the Monongahela. The house was
opened about 1857 witli William Gans as proprietor. He was
afterwards widely and favorably known throughout the Chip-
pewa valley as Uncle Billie Gaus the Ferryman. He continued
in the hotel for about a year and one-half and then built a resi-
dence on the Chippewa river at about what is now the corner of
Grand avenue west and First avenue. This was where the ferry
landed. He ran the ferry for some eight years, diiring which
period occurred the famous Indian scare of 1862. The tradition
comes down that the "Committee of Safety," who had gathered
women and children at Reed's Hall and were preparing for de-
fense, sent a representative to Mr. Gans with orders to under no
circumstances ferry the Indians across the river. •
He was born December 18, 1813, in Springhill, Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, and died in Eau Claire April 5, 1886.
Following Mr. Gans as landlord came H. H. Deyarman, who
conducted the business for several years. During that period
Thomas Carmichael, afterwards a member of the Assembly, Citj'
Clerk, Alderman and a wlieel horse of Democracy, jiresided at
the bar.
In October, 1866, the house was purchased by Joseph Iladley
and leased and ran by a Mr. Allen, who had formerly conducted
the Falls House at Chippewa Falls. About 1873 G. W. Britton
purchased the property and changed the name to Britton House.
In June, 1876, a Mr. Wright was proprietor of the hotel, the
fee remaining with Mr. Britton. On June 15, at four A. M., the
house Avas discovered to be on fire. It was the work of an incen-
diary. Cloths soaked in kerosene had been thrown about. The
guilty party could not be discovered.
Early in May, 1881, the premises were leased from Mr. Britton
by Rufus Farr, for many years the proprietor of the Chapin Hall
House at Hudson. Mr. Farr's fame as a landlord spread over
HOTELS OF EAU CLAIRE 547
both Wisc-onsin and Miuuesota. He liad been in business about
cen clays and had partially refurnished the premises when, on the
early morning of Saturday, May 14, 1881, the building and con-
tents were completely destroyed by fire. A late arrival, while
preparing for bed, heard an explosion in an adjoining room and
investigated. Receiving no reply to his calls, he broke in the
door and rescued a drowsy guest, who had gone to sleep, leaving
the lamp burning, which had exploded. The place burned rap-
idly and a number of guests were driven out in scant clothing.
The house Avas not rebuilt.
WELLS HOUSE— METROPOLITAN HOUSE.
In the Free Press of September 23, 1858, we find the follow-
ing paragraph among the locals:
"Mr Wells, formerly of the 'Wells House,' of this place,
has rented the Metropolitan Hotel and is to move into it at once.
We understand Mr. Wells is a very good landlord."
And in another column:
"Mr. Smith Wliittier has added an addition of 24 by 60 feet
to the Metropolitan Hotel, the upper portion of which is divided
into apartments for the guests at the hotel, the lower portion is
intended for a store and has already been rented to Mr. William
Newton, of Fond du Lac, who intends putting in a stock of ready
made clothing as soon as it can be furnished."
A resident of that day, who came to Eau Claire in May, 1857,
states Mr. Wells was running a boarding house at a point about
where the Galloway House now stands and during the winter of
1857-8 conducted the Metropolitan Hotel. The building was
located on the west side of Barstow street, about the middle of
the block, between what is now Grand avenue and Main street.
An examination of the files of the Free Press discloses no fur-
ther mention of the Metropolitan Hotel, and it is supposed it
passed oi;t of existence some time in the early summer of 1858.
The Free Press of October 7, 1858, contained an advertisement
of William Newton, announcing the opening of his clothing hoiise
in the Metropolitan block on Barstow street.
The Free Press of October 14, 1858, contains an advertise-
ment of the Metropolitan, naming Samuel Wells and John E.
Stillman as proprietors. On November 25, 1858, it is announced
Mr. Stillman sells out his interest in the business to Jacob Austin,
formerly of Black River Falls. In the news items in the same
paper we find the following :
548 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
"If anything can show forth in a proper and unvarnished
manner the amount of business transacted in Eau Claire, the
number of the arrivals at our hotels will be found the most reli-
able. As we have published them for a few weeks past it will
be seen that as many as 140 arrive at our hotels during a week,
and the proprietors inform us that a great many names are never
booked. With the Mouongahela House on the west side of the
Chippewa, we may put down the niimber of strangers who stop
at our hotels every week at 200. ' '
THE NORTHWESTERN HOTEL.
When first erected this liuilding was named the Northwestern
Hotel and then for a period was known as the Chandler House,
and later the Central House. It stood opposite where the City
Hall is now located, on the end of the block bounded on the north
by Eau Claire street, on the east by Parwell street and south by
Gibson street. The building was erected by William Ulrich, who
had located in Eau Claire in 1854 and for a time was a millwright.
Later he opened the first bakery in the village and then engaged
in the hotel business. Ilis son, George W. Ulrich, is claimed to
have been the first white male child born in Eau Claire. A
daughter, the wife of Hon. Horace E. Edgell, former mayor of
Altoona, resides in that city. Mrs. Ulrich makes her home with
Mrs. Edgell. Mr. Ulrich died April 14, 1891, after a long, hon-
orable and useful career.
The Northwestern Hotel was erected in the summer of 1860
and managed by Mr. Ulrich himself. For a short time early in
1862 the business was run by Morsbach and Hauk. In the fall
of 1862 Chauncy Chandler leased the property and changed the
name to the Chandler House. He took the business with twenty-
five years' experience as a hotel man and proved himself a popu-
lar and successful landlord. November 30, 1862, the Chandler
House tendered a banquet to all soldiers in the town, including
those discharged as well as those on furlough.
Mr. Chandler vacated the premises on December 21, 1867,
when he removed to his own building, which he had erected near
the corner of Barstow and Ferry streets. The name was trans-
ferred to the new house and Mr. Ulrich 's property was renamed
by him Central House.
The business was continued under Mr. Ulrich 's management
until the destruction of the building by fire in June, 1871.
HOTELS OF EAU CLAIRE 549
THE CHANDLER HOUSE.
In 1862 Chaimcy Chaudler reuted from William Ulricli the
hotel building on Farwell street, between Eau Claire and Gibson
street. It had been known as the Northwestern Hotel, but Mr.
Chandler changed the name to the Chandler House. He con-
tinued this hotel until his own building on what is now Grand
avenue, between Barstow and River streets, was completed.
On May 24, 1866, he purchased from Charles Lee the lots and
buildings and erected a three-story hotel building. The building
was on Ferry street, afterwards called Kelsey street, and now
Grand avenue east, about fifty feet west of the corner of Barstow
street and Grand avenue. The Eau Claire National Bank build-
ing and Kepler Company's store cover the site. No buildings
excepting the hotel barns were between the hotel and the river.
December 21, 1867, Mr. Chandler moved in and the formal open-
ing took place on January 1, 1868, with a grand party and ball.
A cafe in the basement was run by George Lang, who served
both solid and liquid refreshments. In the spring of 1869 the
Chandler House, together with a number of other buildings in
the same block, were destroyed by fire. The hotel was not re-
built.
The Chandler House, in both its locations, held an important
position in the town and was the center of social and political
activity.
THE WILLIAMS HOUSE.
This hotel was one of the leading hostelrics of the city in the
'70s. When first erected it was called the Williams House, after
George W. Williams, one of the owners of the building. Later
the name changed to the Peabody House, and again to the Wind-
sor House. The building was located at the corner of what is
now Gibson and River streets, on the premises on which the H. T.
Ijange Company's store building stands.
On November 14, 1854, the land was transferred from the
United States to William Reed, and after several changes in
ownership, on April 14, 1868, was deeded by Peter Wychoff, an
early day postmaster, to George W. Williams, Elvin Fox and Seth
Fish. To clear some cloud in the title, Richard F. Wilson gave
a quit claim deed on March 10, 1868, to the same parties.
A large livery stable was erected, which was run by Williams
& Co. In an advertisement in the "Free Press," they state they
are prepared "To convey people to and from different localities
550 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
anywhere within one hundred miles," and that their "rigs are
as good as can be had outside of Milwaukee. ' '
After some time in the livery bixsiness the building was re-
modeled and converted into one of the finest hotel buildings in
the Northwest. A resident of that day states the original build-
ing used for a stable was raised up and a new story erected under-
neath. The building was two story frame. The hotel opened on
September 30, 1869, under the management of S. P. Greenman.
George W. Withers was day clerk. Mr. Withers came to Eau
Claire for the purpose of taking this position, arriving on Sep-
tember 29. He states that on the day of the opening he was
engaged in putting up curtains on the second floor, when he dis-
covered a fire in the building south of the hotel, bordering on
what was then Kelsey street, now Grand avenue east. These
buildings were mostly of frame and a number of them were
consumed.
In August, 1870, Mr. Pish disposed of his interests in the
property and on August 9, 1872, Mr. Williams bought the interest
of Mr. Fox.
S. P. Greenman was succeeded as proprietor of tlie hotel by
E. S. Chase & Co. This company was composed of Colonel E. M.
Bartlett, Eben S. Chase, at that time postmaster, and J. P.
Nelson. Colonel Bartlett had nothing to do with the manage-
ment which was largely with Mr. Nelson and Mr. Chase.
In July, 1873, J. P. Nelson & Co. succeeded to the manage-
ment. For three months early in 1874 Chandler & Co. appear as
the proprietors of the Williams House and on April 14, 1874,
were succeeded by Truax & Etter. December 19, 1874, the title
to the fee passed to Elizabeth J. Peabody, and the name was
changed from Williams House to Peabody House.
February 28, 1881, the fee passed to William F. Vinton, who
changed the name of the house again from Peabody House to
Windsor House. Dr. Vinton, who had formerly been a practicing
dentist, gave his personal attention to the management of the
hotel for several years. In the meantime the shifting of business
had gradually made the Windsor House less attractive to the
traveling public. The building was a frame one, and this also
influenced the traveling public in favor of the more centrally
located hotels.
On September 23, 1898, after an existence of over twenty-
five years, the building was consumed by fire. Several guests had
narrow escapes.
For short intervals, on several occasions diiring the life of the
HOTELS OF EAU CLAIRE 551
hotel, it was closed. The lots are now occupied by the wholesale
store of H. T. Lange Company.
THE HART HOUSE.
The Hart House occupied the property later purchased for
the Y. M. C. A. building. In 1857 Shaw and Huntington had a
hardware store at this location and later Thomas E. Randall, in
partnership wath Peter Hart, used the premises for a floiir and
feed store. In 1869 Mr. Hart turned the store into a boarding
house, which was called the American House.
On April 21, 1875, a fire swept away the American House as
well as the entire block. Mr. Hart rebuilt and his business pros-
pered. In 1879 he purchased from William Newton a portion of
the old Eau Claire House and moved it to his own premises and
after remodeling changed the name to the Hart House. The por-
tion of the building standing at the corner of Eau Claire and
Farwell streets was a brick witli tlic wooden addition painted
white with green blinds extending south along Farwell street.
Mr. Hart continued the business until his death and the estate
conducted it for several years thereafter. The property was sold
in 1911 and the buildings demolished. The Y. M. C. A. building
now occupies the premises.
Peter Hart was one of the first aldermen from the Second
Ward and a prominent and nmch respected citizen. His death
occurred April 17, 1900.
The American Sketch Book, published in 1874, contains the
following statement: "During the summer of 1845, S. S. MeCann
built a log house on the site where the American House now
stands, into which he moved his family." In another article on
the history of Eaii Claire a statement is made that this house
ci'ccted by Mr. McCann was the first building in Eau Claire.
THE JOYCE HOUSE.
The Joyce House Avas established in the seventies by Pierce
Joyce, one of the early settlers in Eau Claire. It was located
at the northeast corner of what is now the intersection of Grand
avenue east and River street. It was a large frame building. Mr.
Joyce conducted the house himself for some years and it was Avell
patronized by the traveling public. Mr. Joyce, in the sixties, for
several years was roadmaster of the village of Eau Claire and
some of the principal streets of this day were first opened under
552 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
his supervision. In 1873-1874 he served as an alderman for the
Second "Ward. For some years he was engaged in the meat mar-
ket business Avith his brother. He was a man of sterling quali-
ties and loved and respected by all who knew him. After his
retirement from the active management of the hotel it was run
for four years under the management of James C. Quigg.
OTHER HOTELS OF THE PAST.
Several other hotels are deserving of more than passing
mention but space will not permit. Among them are the Bailey
House on Water street, the Fox House on North Barstow street,
the Greenman House and the Sherman House on South Barstow
street, the Fai-well House on Farwell street, and the Nicollet
House on North Barstow street.
In a business directory of 1872 there is listed eleven hotels, in
1880 fifteen, and in the last directory, 1914, sixteen are listed.
CHAPTER XLI.
GERMANISM
By
REINHOLD LIEBAU.
If we dig deep in the liistory of America we always find some
Germans mentioned, and most of them have been more or less
prominent in the different stadiums of this country.
At the time of the first discovery of this continent in the year
"One thousand," the first known man who set his foot upon
this land, Leif of Greenland, had among his followers a German
whose name was Tyrker, and he came from the vicinity of the
River Rhein, Germany. After the rediscovery of America by
Columbus, in 1492, mainly Hollanders and Englanders have been
mentioned, but a good number of Germans have been among
them. In the year 1626 the first German name is mentioned
again. It was Minuit, born in the city of Wesel on the River
Rhein, and he held the office of governor of New Amsterdam,
that is the island of Manhattan. It was he who bought the whole
island, containing 22,000 acres of land, for sixty gulden, Holland
money, equal to twenty-four dollars in gold. Another governor
was the German Johannes Rising, born at Elbing, Germany, and
still another, with the name Prince, came from Pommern, Ger-
many, and was governor of New Sweden.
From now on we read in history of many Germans among the
immigrants, and especially when the state of Pennsylvania and
the city of Philadelphia were founded in the year 1682.
Though the Germans were mainly farmers, a good number of
them engaged themselves in different industries and professions.
Soon we found them also engaged in bigger enterprises. They
erected the first paper mill at Gerraantown, Pa. In 1717 Ave read
of the first printing plant at Ephrata. In 1739 we find reports
of establishing other paper mills, flour- and sawmills, other print-
ing plants, foundries, bookbinderies, manufacturing of printing
ink, etc.
Then at the end of the eighteenth century came the war for
the independence of the United States, and we learn again from
history that the Germans took a very essential part in it. They
553
554 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
formed whole regiments, and many officers of high rank were
Germans, and the fact that General Washington had a special
body guard composed exclusively of Germans, bears witness that
he appreciated their faithfulness and reliability. At the time of
the Civil War history tells iis of the same circumstances, only
this time many more Germans took part in that Avar. Many more
regiments of Germans were formed and a great many Germans
of high rank and as leaders were named.
But this is not the place to report about the Germans at war
times, but rather of this work they accomplished at tlie time of
peace.
The Germans were not in the rear Avhen the wilderness was
changed to cultivated land, and the entire country was investi-
gated as to which places were best suited for agriculture settlers.
In this way it happened that the state of Wisconsin was
preferred by the Germans for settlement. Very probably the
fact had something to do with that, that the climate of Wisconsin
is much like that of Germany.
It is estimated that at present fifteen millons of Germans live
in the United States. That means men, women and children. Six
millions have emigrated from Germany. In twenty-nine states
the Germans outnumber all other nationalities. Of these twenty-
nine states Wisconsin is in the lead. More than half of the whole
population are Germans, and of its seventy-one counties Eau
Claire has always been in the rank with the others. The last
census for 1900 shows a population for Eau Claire county of
32,665. Of these there are 6,326 Germans, witli the Norwegian
close to follow with the number of 5,924. All other nations falling
far back. About two-thirds of these Germans live in the city
of Eau Claire, the balance in the smaller cities and villages and
on farms. Tliis proves the Germans are mostly farmers.
In tile liigh school of Eau Claire the studying of the German
language is accepted as a branch of education. Of the 600
students of that school almost one-third study the German lan-
guage. For some years those students have formed a German
society (Deutsche Gesellschaft), which arranges several enter-
tainments in the interest of the German language during a school
year. Occasionally prominent German professors are engaged
for lectures about German history, music, poetry and nationality,
etc. By presenting of pictures the students are taught of the
German art of building and culture of ancieutness up to the pres-
ent time. Also German plays, oratory and singing is cultivated by
those students to keep them in practice. The present teachers
GERMANISM 555
of tlu
' G.
■riiKiu
laii^uase tiie tlie jMisses Jeanette Marsh and Ruth
Gowe
V.
THE GERMAN SOCIETIES.
It is reiuai'kably characteristic of the Germans wherever they
settle that they very soon try to form a kind of a society, and
the Germans of Eaii Claire county are no exception in that
respect. The first of them were known in the sixties and seven-
ties as "Schuetzen" and "Turnvereine." They kept practical
exercises of shooting and gymnastics. It is to be much regretted
few records have been kept about their existence. They also had
a singing section, and wlien in the year 187-i the two societies
dissolved they changed to the German singing society "Ger-
mania." This society has been regulai-ly oriianized and has her
own constitution and by-laws. In I.SDH ihc twenty-fifth year of
its existence was celebrated in grand style and it is resolved
that during the present year 1914 tiie fortieth year of its
existence will also be celebrated in the fall. For twenty years
the society has been a member of the great German North Amer-
ican Singing Society. Every Tuesday evening is devoted to
society work, either for rehearsals or business. During the year
concerts, sociables, dances, picnics and other entertainments are
arranged for the members and their guests. The society is in
agreeable financial circumstances, owns a big hall with business
rooms in the city of Eau Claire and a nice picnic ground in the
Dells Park in the city limits, with a fine and substantial built
pavilion, the latter being a present of one of the members of the
society, John Walter. The present officers are : August Johannis,
president; Anton Korger, vice-president; financial secretaries,
Herman Gerke and August Stein ; treasurers, Fritz Stuewer and
Carl Bergmann; protocol secretary and singing conductor. Rein-
hold Liebau. At present the society has over eighty members.
Another German society is the "German-American County
Verband," a branch of the "National German-American Alliance
of the United States of America." That national alliance was
founded in the year 1900 and desires to enroll American men
and women of German origin within its lines. The principles of
that alliance are in a short and condensed way the following :
The "National German-American Alliance" aims to awaken
and strengthen the sense of unity among the people of German
origin in America, with a view to promote the useful and healthy
development of the power inherent in them as a united body
for the mutual energetic protection of such legitimate desires
556 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and interests not inconsistent with the common good of the
country, and the rights and duties of good citizens, to check
nativistic encroachments, to maintain and safeguard the friendly
relations existing between Anierica and the old German father-
land. To read the history of German immigration is to be con-
vinced how much it has contributed to the advancement of the
spiritual and economic development of this country, and to
realize what it is still destined to contribute, and how the Ger-
man immigrant has at all times stood by his adopted country in
weal or in woe.
Though this branch of the Alliance in Eau Claire county was
regularly founded in October, 1913, it has already more than
three hundred members, and that membership is constantly grow-
ing. Regular meetings are lield on the first Sunday of every
month.
The present officers are : President, Fred Arnold ; first and
second vice-presidents, J. J. Auer and Charles Hoehn; treasurer,
Albert Hoehn ; secretary, Reinhold Liebau.
William Kom, born March 27, 1829, at Wisson on the Sieg,
District Coblenz, Germany. Lost his parents in 1840 when eleven
years old. Came to America in 1852 and to Eau Claire county in
1858, where he still lives in the city of Eau Claire. He was a
tailor by trade. In 1860 he married Catherine Stumm, who was
born at Trier, Germany. They had four sons, who live at Eau
Claire.
Erich Leid'ger was born March 31, 1832, in Saxony, Germany.
His wife was Anna Stallman, born October 3, 1833, in Hannover.
Germany. Both came to Eau Claire county in 1860 and settled
on a farm in the town of Lincoln, where they lived up to 1885,
when they sold the farm to their son, William Ernst Leidiger,
who lives there today. Both parents live at present at Fairchild
and are still well and hearty.
Philip Treiber was born at Heidelberg, Germany. Came to
America in 1871, and to Eau Claire county in 1872, where he still
lives in the city of Augusta and conducts a lively business by
dealing in sewing macliines and musical instruments.
Leonhart Ludwig Arnold, born September 25, 1844, at Michel-
stadt, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany. Came to America by steamer
Atlanta from London, England in 1865, and to Eau Claire, in
Eau Claire county, in 1868. He was a millwright and building
contractor by trade. Several times he lost all his property by
floods and fire. For many years was a member of the German
singing society "Germania," and of the "Herman Soehne. " He
GERMANISM 557
was married in May, 1868, to Marie Sehulimaeher, who was born
in 1842 at Offenbach, Germany. He married a second time in
July, 1881, Bertha Ulrich, who was born in 1858 in Germany
and came to Eau Claire county in 1884. They had eight daugh-
ters and one son. The latter, named Louis George, being born
in 1887, was a graduate of the Eau Claire high school and of the
University of Wisconsin. Served four years as city engineer of
the city of Chippewa Falls and lives now at Eau Claire, a civil
engineer.
Wilhelm Arnold, born in 1841 at Michelstadt, Hessen Darm-
stadt, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1864. Lived in
the city of Eau Claire ever since, following his trade as a mason.
Married to Susanne Schuhmacher, who was born in 1843 and
died at Eau Claire, May, 1914. They had five children, of which
three are living. A son, Fred Arnold, is a veteran -of the Spanish-
American War of 1898. Is a lawyer and practicing his profession
in the city of Eau Claire and has held the office of disti-ict attor-
ney for ten years. He belongs to the F. R. A. and Free Masons
and also is a member of the German singing society "Germania"
in the city of Eau Claire. In 1905 he married Miss Louise Moess-
nor. In 1913 be was elected president of the Eau Claire county
branch of the German-American National Alliance.
Albert Ulrich, born in 1856 in West Preussen, Germany. Came
to this country in 1880 and to Eau Claire county in 1882. He
has lived since in the city of Eau Claire following his trade as a
a tailor. He married in 1883 Miss Auguste Schroeder, who was
born in 1863 in Poramern, Germany. Member of the German
singing society "Germania" in the city of Eau Claire.
August PritzlafiF, born in Pommern, Germany, 1850. Came to
Eau Claire county in 1882 and lived since in the city of Eau
Claire, Avhere he followed his trade as a tailor. He has for many
years been treasurer of the German Lutheran St. John's congre-
gation. Married in 1877 Anna Kuchenbaecker, who was born in
1876 in Ponnnern, Germany.
John Jacob Auer was born June 12, 1847, in Unterhallau,
Switzerland. Started for America in 1865. Came to New York,
April, 1866. Lived at Washington, District of Columbia, and
Durand, Wisconsin. Was teacher of the German language and
bandmaster and engaged in a number of enterprises, and since
1892 has been managing editor of the German paper "Der
Herold" at Eau Claire. Served as city treasurer at Durand, Wis-
consin, in 1887, and as assessor, park commissioner and member
of police and fire commission. Has for many years been an active
558 HISTORY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
member of Odd Fellows and Maccabees, also of the German sing-
ing society "Germania." Married second time February 6, 188:^
Miss Louisa Kneer, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Two sons, Frank
and Norman, both following the printing trade.
Charles Keiser was born in Saxony, Germany, January 22.
1862. Came to America in 1873 and settled in "Waukesha county,
Wisconsin. Then came to Eau Claire coimty in 1885. His parents
were born at same place in Germany and came to this country
and county same time. His father was Frederick Keiser and his
mother's name was Amalie Bertram. The latter is still living in
Eau Claire county. He married Miss Julie L. Welke February
21, 1889. They have three children: Martha, Emma and Arthur.
Mr. Keiser served as district clerk, agent and director of Fall
Creek Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and director
of Pleasant Valley Creamery Company. He owns and works a
nice farm in the town of Pleasant Valley.
William Bartig was born December 7, 1859, at Wolsko, Prus-
sia, Germany. His parents were both born at the same place,
and were Christoph Bartig and Louise (Wahrman) Bartig. He
came to America and settled in Eau Claire county in 1882 and
has followed farming ever since. Married April 22, 1888, Miss
Augusta Lange, of Eau Claire city. They have six eliildren :
William, Arthur, Walter, Ruth, Herman and Henry.
Charles Acker was boril in Posen, Germany, and came to
America in 1882 and lived in Eau Claire county ever since.
Carl Otto Fischer was born August 21, 1862, in Saxony, Ger-
many. Ilis parents were Carl and Charlotte Fischer, who came
to Eau Claire county in July, 1879. Carl Otto settled on a farm
in the town of Washington and has lived there since. Was mar-
ried to Rosine Prill in 1884, Avho died in 1911. Remarried to
Elsie Marie Volkman in 1913. He served as town supervisor,
road commissioner, town chairman and town clerk. Is secretary
and manager of the Washington creamery and secretary and
treasurer of the Farmers' Co-operative Produce Company at Ban
Claire.
Friedrich Klawiter, born in 1827 in Posen. Germany. Came
to Eau Claire in 1872. Two sons, Wilhclm and Herman, machin-
ists, and Fritz, a mason. All of them except Ilei'inann still live
in Eau Claire coiuity.
William Prigge, born in 1804 in Hannover, (Germany, came to
Eau Claire county in 188C.
John Wagner, born in 1853 in Prussia, Germany. Came to
Eau Claire countv in 1882.
GERMANISM 559
David Stuewer, born in 1828 in Stettin, Germany. Married
Marie Zank, born in 1827. Came to Eau Claire county in 1882.
Died in 1911. Ili.s son, Fritz Stnewer. born in IB.'i-t, came to Eavi
Claire county in 1883, and has been eiiiploycil by 1lu' Omaha i-ail-
road ever since.
Carl Heinrich Bergman was born in Sacliseu, Germany, Decem-
ber 9. ]8.3.">. Came to Eau Claire in 1880. His trade is miller
and millwright. Owns a grain and feed elevator, a good number
of real estate properties and has a thriving business. He was
married in 1883 to Emilie Portig, who was born in 1868, also in
Sachsen. Germany.
Albert August Hoehn was born May 4, 1862, in Neuwedle,
Brandenburg, Gernmuy. Lived as farmer in the town of Wash-
ington. Served for four years as town supervisor, nine years as
town eliairman and has for twelve years been town assessor, also
president of the Bracket Co-operative Creamery Company for
nine years. Came to Eau Claire county in 1880. Married to
Emma Jlathwig in 1888. Have two children.
John Ernest Henning, born June 13, 18-lo, in Germany.
Attenih'd tlie i)ul)lie school in Marquette county. Came to Eau
Claire county in 1878, where he still is engaged in general farm-
ing and stock raising. Served seven years as town constable and
belongs to the "Temperance Union." Was married to Minnie
Krueger in 1870. Have five cliildreu : Wilhelm, Henry and Her-
man are farmers. Ernest is a railroad man and Louise hotel
supei'intendent.
Gottfried W. Paul, born August 19, 1857, in Geisig, Prussia,
Germany. Served as city treasurer of the city of Augusta for
eleven years and as president of the school board for six years.
Is a member of the Masonic lodge and lodge of Modern Wood-
men. He married Jennie Howe at Black Earth, Dane county,
Wisconsin, in 1879. Came to Aiigusta, Eau Claire county, in
1881. and has lived there ever since, and is engaged in real estate
ami insurance business.
Joseph Spehle, born in 1810 in Wuertembei-g, Germany. Came
to Eau Claire county in 1859 and settled on a farm in the town
of Brunswick, where he lived until bis death in 1912. He attended
only the common school in Germany. In 1865 he served as mem-
ber of Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
In 1860 he married Walpurga Hepperle, who died in 1888. They
had two children : Joseph and Delia. Both still live on the old
farm. Our sub.iect was town supervisor, assessor and chairman,
also scliool clerk for manv vcars. He was a member of the
560 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
"Farmers' Grange" and the German singing society "Germania"
of Eau Claire. He died 1912.
Friedrich Wilhelm Mueller, born April 16, 1840, at Lipin,
Bromberg, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1869 and
settled on a farm in town of Lincoln and lived there ever since.
In 1909 he gave the farm to his son August Mueller. He married
in 1863 Miss Priederike Ernestine Laube. Remarried in 1885
Henriette Sich. Had eleven children.
Louis Spehle, born in 1829 in Wuertemberg, Germany. Came
to Eau Claire county in 1856 and settled in the town of Bruns-
wick. Served in Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, from February 14 to December 13, 1865. He married
in 1857 Selesia Hepperle, also born in Wuertemberg, Germany.
He died in 1871 and his wife died in 1888. Their three children
still live in Eau Claire county.
William Jakob and his wife, Henriette Jakob, were both born
at Rumelsburg, Germany. Both came together to Eau Claire
county in 1857 and settled on a farm in the town of Washington.
Their son Julius Ludwig Jakob still lives on the old farm, where
he was born February 20, 1864, and is a member of the district
school board No. 7.
George Martin Betz, born March 29, 1838, in Wuertemberg,
Germany. Came to America in 1853 and to Eau Claire county
in 1857, where he still lives on his farm in the town of Bruns-
wick. He served as sergeant in Company G, Forty-eighth Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry, from February 14 until December
13, 1865. Was for twenty-six years a member of school board
in his district and is still a member of the German singing society
"Germania" at Eau Claire. He married in 1860 Lomira Noyes,
and after her death he remarried in 1873 Emma Saupe. Had
fourteen children. His eldest son, Frank, owns the biggest fac-
tory of surgical instruments in the world at Hammond, Indiana.
August Messerschmidt, born January 18, 1850, at Posen, Ger-
many. Came to Eau Claire county in 1870 and settled on a farm
in the town of Lincoln, where he has since lived. He married
Emilia Sell and they had seven children. Three of them —
Rudolph, Otto and Emil — are evangelical pastors.
Michael Weire was born February 19, 1835, at Bathen, Ger-
many. He came to America in 1852 and to Eau Claire county in
1856 and took a homestead near Augusta. Worked in the winter
time in the lumber camps and in the summer time on the river up
to 1862. Then worked his farm up to 1901, at which time he sold
the fann and bought some property in the city of Augusta, where
GEKMANISM 561
he resides. In August, 1863, he enlisted in the Thirtieth Wiscon-
sin Infantry, Company I, in which he served three years and
two mouths. After that he was discharged, September 20, 1865,
at Madison, Wisconsin. He had six years common school education
at Bathen, German}'. Served several terms as treasurer of his
school district in the town of Bridge Creek. On February 19,
1866, he married Jliss Francis Caroline Schlegelmilch, of Sauk
county. Of their ten children six are living.
John F. T. Waak was born in 1853 in Pommern, Germany.
He came in 1873 to this country and settled in Fall Creek on a
farm. lie has farmed ever since. Served his town for ten years
as road commissioner. lie married Lizzie Waak and had five
children.
Charles Betz was born in 1831 in Wuertemberg, Germany. He
came to tliis country in 1849 and to Eau Claire county in 1858,
where he has since lived on his farm in the town of Brunswick.
He married in 1872 Emma Betz eCnd they had four children. For
many years he was a member of the school board.
Fred Schiefelbein and his wife Emma (Schwenke) Schiefel-
hein, both born in Germany, came to Eau Claire county in 1884
and settled at Augusta. They started farming in 1888 on forty
acres of land. They deeded the farm in 1900 to their son August
Herman Schiefelbein, who was born August 16, 1873, in Germany,
and came with his parents to Eau Claire county in 1884. He
enlarged his property and now owns 315 acres of land. He
served the town of Lincoln three years as assessor and since 1912
luis held the position of secretary of the Fall Creek Farmers'
^lutual Fire Insurance Company. He attended the common pub-
lic school in the town of Lincoln. He married January 1, 1904,
Enuna Strasburg.
Wilhelm Madinski was born October 22, 1856, Hirschberg,
(iei-iiiaiiy ; came to Eau Claire county, 1883, and followed his
trade as a painter, and now conducts a hardware store of his
own in the city of Eau Claire. He attended a high school at
Hirschberg, Germany. He married, 1882, Miss Alwine Rose, who
was horn May 18th. at Colberg, Sehlesien, Germany.
Ferdinand Hoeppner was born June 14, 1848, in Sehlesien,
Germany. Came to Eau Claire county, 1880, and settled in the
city of Eau Claire, where he has since lived. For ten years he
followed his trade as a blacksmith, then engaged himself in
manufacturing trunks and traveling bags, and is at present
vice-president of the Eau Claire Trunk Co. He is a member of
the German singing society, "Germania, " and of the Maccabees.
562 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Received his business education in the common schools of Ger-
many. 1872 he married Miss Marie "Wolf, who was born August
3, 1849, in Germany. They had three children, of which Clara
is the wife of Mr. William E. Wahl, president of the Eau Claire
Trunk Co. Both sons, Willy and George, are members of the
same company, also owners of the Eau Claire Sweat Pad Manu-
facturing Co.
William E. Wahl was born 1868, in Province Posen, Germany.
He came to America in 1872 and to Eau Claire county in 1877.
Visited the common public school and became engaged in the
manufacturing of trunks and traveling bags. At present he is
the president of the Eau Claire Trunk Co. He is a member of
the "Woodmen," the "Maccabees," and the "Beavers." In 1892
he married Miss Clara Hoeppner, who was born in 1873, at Eau
Claire.
Wilhelm Schnittke, liorn in Prussia, Germany, in 1840. Was
soldier in German army and fought in the wars of 1866 and
1870-71. Came to America in 1873 and to Eau Claire county in
1891. Settled in the town of Pleasant Valley, on a farm, wliere
he still lives. He married, in 1868, Friederike Schwolow, who
also was born in Germany.
Ferdinand Zieman, born in West Prussia, Germany, and his
wife, Wilhelmine (Bruesewitz) Zieman, who was born in Pom-
mern, Germany, came to America in 1871, and to Eau Claire
county in 1874, where Mr. Zieman died in 1901. Their sou.
Otto Julius Zieman, was born in Fall Creek, April 24, 1875.
learned the harnessmaker trade and worked at that trade i\p to
1900, when he added hardware and farm implements, and pos-
sesses now a flourishing business at Fall Creek. He was the first
president of the village of Fall Creek, served three years in that
capacity, served as school clerk and treasurer, also as county
supervisor. Married, in 1905, Miss Minnie Zanke, who died in
1905. Remarried in 1907, to Emma Zanke. Three children.
Daniel Zempel and his wife, Caroline Zempel, were both born
in Posen, Germany, and came to this country in 1857, settled at
Princeton, Wis. Then moved to Fall Creek, Eau Claire county,
in 1864, and settled on a homestead, which is now a part of the
village of Fall Creek. Their son, Reinhard Henry Zempel, was
born in Princeton, Wis., August 18, 1861 ; has also been a farmer
and lives now on the old homestead. He married, in 1885, Miss
Christina Friedericli. and they have nine children.
Herman Leipnitz was born at Wui-zen, Germany, January 28,
1860. Came to this countrv and the city of Eau Claire in 1883,
GERMANISM 563
where he has followed his trade as a cabinetmaker ever since.
He married, in 1883, Minna Bertha Heimstaedt, also born in Ger-
many. Tliey own nice private property.
Carl Devner, a farmer, was born in west Prussia, Germany,
March 20, 1854. Came to this country in 1881 and settled on a
farm in the town of Ludingtou. Moved to the city of Eau Claire
in 1909, where he has since lived as a very successful truck
farmer. He married, in 1871, Miss Wilhelmine Krueger, also
born in west Prussia, Germany, and who died in 1891. Remar-
ried in 1893, to Miss Emilie Desmer. Mr. Devner served several
terms as supervisor in the town of Ludington.
Herman Gerke Avas born in 1860, at Pommern, (Tcnnany.
Came to America in 1872 and to Eau Claire county in 1878. He
always followed his trade as a eigarmaker and is a member of
tlie German Singing Society and the German-American Society
in tlie <-ity of Eau Claire.
John Brunner was born in 1818. in Germany. Came to Amer-
ica and Eau Claire county in 1872, locating in the city of Eau
Claire, where he has followed his trade, that of a tailor. He is
a member of, the "Germania" Singing Society of Eau Claire, and
also of the German-American Society of Eau Claire county.
William Miller and Ernestine (Laube) Miller were both born
in Gernuiny, married in 1863 and came to America the same year.
Came to Pall Creek, Eau Claire county, in 1868. Mrs. Miller
died in 1881, and Mr. Miller remarried in 1885. Mr. Miller was
born at Lippen, Germany. They had twelve children, of whom
William still lives at Pall Creek. He was born at Chicago, in
1867, and came with his parents to this county in 1868. Was
farmer until 1906, then engaged in a lumberyard at Pall Creek.
Married, in 1895, to Miss Bertha Louise Henke. They have two
children.
Carl Pehlke and his wife, Joliauna Pehlke, botli born in Ger-
many, came to Eau Claire county in 1882, and settled on a farm,
where Mr. Pehlke died in 1906. His wife stiU lives on that farm.
Their son, Henry Albert Pehlke, born in 1858, lives on same
farm. He married, in 1885, Marie Auguste Wilhelmine Wamke.
Friedrich Carl Bleichrodt, born at Ziegelroda, Germany, June
12, 1839. Came to Eau Claire county in 1879 and settled on a
farm in the town of Washington. Since 1901 he has lived in the
city of Altoona. He is a veteran of the German-Austria war of
1866, being in five battles. He married, in 1867, Mrs. Charlotte
Fischer, and had three children. Richard, born in 1868, and at
present a carpenter and contractor at Altoona. Ida, who mar-
564 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ried the farmer, Fiulayson, and Bruno, wlio also is a fai'miT. All
three of them in Eau Claire county.
August Bartig, born at Wolsko, Germany, August 5, 1838,
came to America in 1864. He married, in 1868, Miss Louise
.Scliroeder, who was born November 17, 1848, at Futzig, Germany,
and came to America in 1863. They settled at Ripon, Wis., where
Mr. Bartig followed his trade as a carpenter. They moved to
Augusta in 1870. For several years Mr. Bartig had run a saloon,
then engaged in the farm implement business. He died in 1905.
His wife still lives at Augusta. They had nine children, of whom
seven are living. A son, Henry Bartig, was born January 9,
1869, at Ripon, Wis.; came with his parents to Augusta in 1870;
studied in the Augusta high school and has been since confiden-
tial clerk in a general department store at Augusta. He married
Bertha Ernstine Menge in 1895. As a side line in business Mr.
Jiartig has been a successful breeder of fancy ])oultry for the
])ast eight years.
Christopher Schroeder, a mason by trade, came with his wife
from Putzig, Germany, and settled at Ripon, Wis., in 1863. From
there they moved to Augusta, where Mr. Schroeder died in 1900.
at the age of 84 years. His wife died in 1889, at the age of 78
years.
Carl Friedrich Eadke was born in 1847, in Germany; came to
America in 1853 and to Eau Claire city in 1871, where he is still
living. He married Augusta Schilling, of Fall Creek, Wis.
Andrew Prueher, born in 1846, in Bohemia-Germany. Came
to Eau Claire in 1871 and has since worked in the city at his
trade as a watchmaker. He is a member of the Catholic knights.
In 1874 he married Mary Brunner, who was also born at Bo-
hemia-Germany. Of ten children, Andrew is also watchmaker
and jeweler, Frank is a blacksmith and Joe is a machinist.
Frank Xavier Ihle was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, in
1837, and came to tlie city of Eau Claire, where he has lived since,
as a carpenter and musician. He served one term as a justice of
the peace. In 1860 he married Christine Roessler, who was born
in 1849, in Polk county. Of their thirteen children Frank is a
druggist, John a traveling agent, Ed a dentist and Leo a farme?-.
Reinhard Ihle was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, in 1828.
Came to Eau Claire in 1847 and lived in the town of Seymour as
a farmer; served as soldier in the civil war in 1865. Died Feb-
ruary, 1914.
Carl Friedrich August Voss, born in 1853, in Pommern, G(m--
inany. Came in 1883 to the city of Eau Claire, where he works
GERMANISM oGS
as a plumber and gasfitter. He is a member of the Brotherhood
of the Modern Woodmen and of the German-American Society.
He married, in 1876, Bertha Knoebler, and has two children.
Geo. Michael Roessler, born in 1858, in Wuertemberg, 'Ger-
many. Came to tliis uoimty in 1885 and worked since in that city
as a plumber and gasfitter. He is a member of the Brotherhood
of Modern Woodmen and of the German-American Society. In
1885 he married Miss Catherine Bauer.
Michael Marten, born in 1831, in Posen, Germany. Immi-
grated to this couiitiy in 1857 and settled on a farm in the to\vn
of Lincoln. He died in 19G6, aged 75 years. His wife was Caro-
line Teal, also born in Posen, Germany, in 1836. She died in
1911, also aged 75 years. Their son, Wilhelm Marten, was born
in 1866, in the town of Lincoln, on the old homestead, where he
resides. ' He is the director of a local telephone company ; serves
as school clerk and for several years has been town chairman
and county supervisor. He married, in 1893, Miss Emilie Welke,
who was born in the town of Lincoln, in 1872.
Leonard Seyberth was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1854;
came to America in 1871 and to Eau Claire county in 1880. For
some time he followed his trade as brewer, but soon learned the
butcher trade and became a very successful dealer in all kinds
of live stock for the butcher trade. He is the president of the
Schwahu & Seyberth Saddlery Co., and the president of the
Schwahn & Seyberth Manufacturing Co. Mr. Seyberth served
as alderman of his ward for thirteen years. He belongs to the
Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows, the German singing society,
"Germania," and to the German- American Society. In 1881 he
married Miss Anna Schwahn, who was born in 1863, in Pom-
mem, Germany. Their son, William Seyberth, who was born in
1883, in the county of Eau Claire, is secretary and treasurer of
the SchAvahn & Seyberth Saddlery Co., and holds the same posi-
tion in the Schwahn & Seyberth Manufactui-ing Co.
John Konz, born in 1844, in the Rheinprovinz, Germany, came
to this country in 1861, and to this county in 1874. He has al-
ways been a farmer near Augusta, where he still resides. He
held the ofifice as road commissioner and is a veteran of the civil
war. He served from 1864 to 1865 in the 43rd Illinois Infantry,
Company F. In 1868 he married Miss Franziska Krisch, who
was born in 1852, in Bohemia, Germany. Two sons, of whom
John is a blacksmith at Osseo and Walter a farmer on his fath-
er's place.
Julius Blasius was born in 1862, in Posen, Germany; came to
.-)66 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
America in 1880, and to Eau Claire coimty, where he followed
his trade as a butcher in the city of Eau Claire. lie served one
term as a supervisor, is a member of the Knights of Maccabees,
of the Odd Fellows, the German singing society, "Germania,"
and the German-American Society. In 1885 he was married to
Miss Louise Soiumercorn, who was born in 1867 in Dodge County.
William Heinrich Stein, born in 1856, in Schleswig-IIol-
steen, Germany, came to this county in 1882, and lived
in the city of Eau Claire, where he followed his trade as butcher ;
occasionally owned and worked farms in the vicinity of the city
He is a member of the German singing society, " Germania,'" and
the German-American Society of Eau Claire county. ]\If. Stein
mari'ied in 1884. His wife was formerly Miss Augusta Kohlke.
who was born in 1S()4, in Pommern, Germany.
Herman Schlegelmilch was born at Suhl, Germany, 'in 18:50.
He learned the trade of gunmaker and followed that trade in
many cities of Germany, and also in this country, to whieli he
immigrated in 1853. Mr. Schlegelmilch came to Eau Claire
county in 1860 and settled in the city of Eau Claire. He erected
the first brick building iu that city and conducted a very suc-
cessful hardware business. He was supervisor of tlie village of
Eau Claire and alderman when the city was incorporated. Mr.
Schlegelmilch died in 1903. His wife, formerly' Miss Augusta
Krueger, was born at Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany. They
were married at Beaver Dam, Wis., and had five children. Their
sou. Ilennan F. Schlegelmilch, was born in 1867.
John Werner Becker, born in 1825, at Hildesheim, Germany ;
came to America in 1855 and to Eau Claire county in 1857, where
he worked at his trade as a cabinetmaker until his death in 1884.
Mr. Becker married in 1859. His wife was formerly Miss Loretta
Freyermuth, born in 1835, at Gross Rederohingen, Loraine, at
that time a French province, but since the German-French war
of 1870-71 belongs to Germany. She died iu 1906. Of their eight
children three still live in Eau Claire county and in the city of
Eau Claire. They are Mrs. A. P. Goethel, Mrs. Albert Schwahn
and Miss Loretta Becker.
Albert P. Goethel, born in 1859, at Indianapolis, was the son
of Mr. Chas. F. and Amelia Goethel, who were of German descent.
In 1877 he came to the city of Eau Claire and worked in the sad-
dlery trade for eight years. Then he started a meat market at
Altooua, Eau Claire county. After five years he came back to
Eau Claire and conducts a flourishing meat market there. Mr.
GERMANISM 567
Goethel is a member of the Knights of Pythias aud John Ban-
Glenn Division No. 10. In 1886 he married Miss Anna Becker.
Chas. F. Goethel, a brother of the former, was born at Chip-
pewa Falls, in 1861. He learned the butcher trade and since
1884 has been in partnership with his brother, Albert P., at Eau
Claire. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of
John Barr Glenn Division No. 10.
John Honadel, born in 1834, at Darmstadt, Germany; came to
America in 1852; traveled in fourteen states, and 1862 settled
on a farm in the town of Lincoln, where he has prospered and
since lived. From 1862 he served in the Thirtieth Wisconsin
Regiment, Company I, over three years. In 1861 he married
Anna Roseman, who died in 1866. Then he married Miss Anna
Geske and they had ten children.
George C. Huebner, born at Gardelegen, Germany; came from
Europe in 1865 and was connected with different business enter-
prises. Up to 1884 he was partner in the leading hardware house
o! the city of Eau Claire. Mr. Huebner is a member of the
Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. In 1878 he married
Miss Adelina Weyer, also of German descent.
Samuel Kleiner was born in 1853, in Switzerland; came to
Eau Claii-e and started a meat market. In 1885 he bought farm
land in Eau Claire and Chippewa coimties, raised Norman horses.
Cotswold sheep and Poland China swine. Mr. Kleiner was one
of the largest farmers of Eau Claire county and when he died in
1889 he owned more than a thousand acres of land. In 1878 he
married Miss Elizabeth Accola, from Sauk county, Wis., who also
came from German ancestors.
Andrew Kopp, born in Westenberg, Germany, in 1S24; came
to America in 1844, and to Eau Claire county in 1854, aud set-
tled in the town of Brunswick on several hundred acres of land.
He served one year, 1865, in the army, Company G, of the 48th
Wisconsin Infantry. Mr. Kopp was married in 1842 to Augusta
[jumke and they had ten children. Mr. Kopp died in 1887.
William H. Miller was born in 1828, m Northampton county.
Pa., of Gernian descent, the son of Jacob and Lydia (Flyck)
Miller. His father was born in 1791 and served during the war
of 1812; died 1866. His mother was born in 1796 and died at
the age of 90 years. Mr. Miller was the first white settler of this
comity and has followed farming all his life and is a prominent
grower of high-grade hoi'ses, cattle and sheep on his farm near
568 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Pairchild. His wife was formerly Miss Jane Ilobart, who was
born in 1838, in Portage county, Ohio.
John C. Neher, druggist in the city of Eau Claire, was born
at Sauk City, Sauk county, in 1857; of German descent. His
parents came from Germany in 1852 and to Eau Claire in 1861,
where they died. Mr. John C. Neher learned at first the trade
of bookbinder, then studied photography and finally entered in
the drug business. For many years he conducted a flourishing
drug business in the city of Eau Claire, from which he retired
in 1910. Since 1911 he has been state druggist inspector. In
1885 he was married to Miss Josephine Sturm, who also is a na-
tive of Wisconsin; from German descent.
Christof Schlosser was born in Rittersdorf, Germany, in 185(5.
He came to this country in 1878 and to the city of Eau Claire
in 1883, where for many years he ran a hardware business in
partnership with his brothers, Matthew and Peter. In 1882 he
married Miss Loritte Boleman, who was born in 1858, at Eaii
Claire. Mr. Schlosser is a member of the Knights of Pythias and
of the Odd Fellows.
Matthew Schlosser was born at Rittersdorf, Germany, in
1860. He came to America and to the city of Eau Claire in 1881.
In 1889 he entered in partnership with his brothers, Christofer
and Peter, and for many years they conducted a flourisliing
hardware business in Eau Claire. In 1888 he married Miss Cer-
hardine Radenslebeu, born in 1865.
Peter Schlosser was born in 1864, at Rittersdorf, Germany.
In 1883 he immigiated to Eau Claire, and from 1889 he was in
the hardware business with his brotliers, Christofer and Matthew.
Since 1896 he has lieen engaged in the insurance business.
Albert Friederich Schwahn was born in 1858, at Stettin, Ger-
many. Came to this country in 1871 and worked at his trade
as a butcher in the city of Eau Claire. Since 1888 he has con-
ducted one of the most flourishing meat markets of the city. In
1885 Mr. Schwahn married Miss Nettie Becker, who was born
in 1864, at Eau Claire, and also of German descent. He is a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias, John Barr Glenn Division and the
Odd Fellows.
Henry Christof Schwahn, born at Hohenholz, near Berlin,
Germany, in 1846 ; came to this country in 1870, and settled in
the city of Eau Claire. He is in partnership with his brother,
Frederich and they have run a fine meat market in the city since
1873. In that same year he married Miss Sophia Rhodes, who
GERMANISM 569
was born in Baden, Germany, in 1840. Mr. Selnvalm is a member
of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.
William Ernst Schwahn, born in 1852, near Stettin, Germanj',
and came to this country with his father, William Ernst, who was
born near Prenzlau, Germany, in 1810, and who was a butcher
by trade ; immigrated to America in 1870 and settled in the city
of Eau Claire, where he died. William learned the harness maker
trade and has followed it ever since. He is at present a partner
in the firm of Schwahn-Seyberth Saddlery Co., which in the
year 1911 built a big factory biiilding and doing a very lively
business. In the year 1875 Mr. Schwahn married Miss Jennie
Johnson, Avho was born in Norway, in 1853. He is a member of
the Knights of Pythias and the National Union.
Fritz Schwahn, born in Pommern, Germany, in 1848 ; came to
America and to the city of Eau Claire in 1872, where he followed
his trade as a butcher, until he died. He was an influential mem-
ber of the German singing society, "Germania, " also a member
of the Knights of the Maccabees and Odd Fellows. In the year
1875 he married Miss Helen Hoefer, who was born in 1852, at
Wissen in the Rheinprovinz, Germany, and who came to this
country in 1870.
Charles W. E. Sommermeyer was born in Gardelegen, Ger-
many, in 1830. He came to Madison, Wis., in the year 1858, and
1862 to Eau Claire. He was for years engaged in general mei--
chandising. He moved in 1882 to Grant county, Dakota, and was
on a cattle ranch. In 1887 he returned to Eau Claire and en-
gaged in several kinds of business. He married Sophia Char-
lotte Huebner in 1862, who was born at Gardelegen, Germany.
He died in 1912 and his wife died in 1913. Of their five children,
Miss Cliarlotte is a noted musician, Helen is the wife of Mr.
William E. Steinberg, also a noted musician, who conducts a
very successful music store in the city of Eau Claire. The only
son, Edward F., is a dentist of prominence, also residing in Eau
Claire.
Albert Steinfeld was born in 1854, on the Island Rnegen, Ger-
manj', and came to this country in 1867, and to the city of Eau
Claire in 1872, and followed his trade as a barber. He was a
charter member of the Knights of Pythias when they organized
in 1884, and also a member since he was 21 years old. In 1877
he married Miss Frances Steubing, who was born in 1854, in New
York, of German descent.
William Henry Wedemeyer was born in 1853 in Schleswig,
5711 HISTORY OF EAII CLAIRE COUNTY
Holsteiu, Geimauy. He iiumigrated to this country in 1880 and
settled in the city of Eaii Claire, where he followed his tradf
as a harnessmaker. In 1889 he established his own harness shop
and was very successful. In 188-t he married Miss Catherine
Haas, who was born in 1859, in Germany. He was a member of
tlie Kniglits of Pythias and died in the year 1901.
Charles F. W. West was born in 1862 in the town of Bruns-
wick, Eau Claire county, of German descent. He learned the
cigarmakers' trade and has, with a few short interruptions, al-
ways folloAved that trade. Since 1891 Mr. West has been in part-
nership with V. W. Waltersdorf, and they have a flourishing
business. ilr. West married, in 1886, Miss Louisa Schreiner,
who also is of German descent. He is a member of the Odd Fel-
lows.
John Zimmerman was ))orn in 1854, in Germany ; came to Eau
Claire in 1883 and followed his trade of a harnessmaker. Since
1884 he has owned his own shop and met with best success. He
married, in 1887, ]\Ii.ss Annie Ackerman, also of German descent.
]\Ir. Ziinincnnaii is a member of the Catholic Knights.
Ferdinand Boernke was born in 1830, in Pommern, Germany;
came to America in 1855 and to Eau Claire county in 1881, and
settled near Fall Creek on a farm where he has lived since. He
married Miss Albertine Profahl, who was born in Germany in
1826. They had six children, three of them still live in Eau
Claire county; Julius, Herman and Mathilde, the latter being
now Mrs. Rohrer. Mr. Fei'dinand Boernke died — and Mrs.
Boernke died in
Herman Boernke was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand
Boernke. horn in Pommern, Germany, in 1850; came to Eau Claire
county in 1881 ; engaged in hardware business and later became
a photograi^her. He works still in that trade. In 1873 he mar-
ried Albertine Breitenfeld, who also was of German descent.
Julius Boernke was born in 1852; came to America in 1855
with his parents, i\Ir. and Mrs. Ferdinand Boernke, and in 1881
settled on a farm near Fall Creek. Since 1908 he has retired
and lives in the village of Fall Creek. He was married in 1874
to Miss Albertine Mathwich, who was born in Westpreussen, Ger-
many, in 1853. Of their eight children five live in Eau Claire
county: Julius, Henry and Rudolph are farmers; Edward is a
harnessmaker in Fall Creek, and Liddy lives with her parents.
Mr. Julius Boernke was school treasurer for twelve years and
town treasurer for two years.
August Raatz, born in 1829, in Westpreussen, Germany; came
GERMANISM 571
to Eau Claire county in 1856 and settled ou a farm near Fall
Creek, where he still lives though retired. He was a soldier of
the United States array during the eivil war and was honorably
mustered out. He married Miss Heuriette Zamsow, who was
born in 1829 in Westpreussen, Germany. They had two children,
who live in Eau Claire county, who is married to Henry
Brehmel, a farmer in the town of Lincoln, and Herman Kaatz,
who farms on the old homestead. The latter was born in 1870
in Lincoln county and in 1899 married Miss Helen Boernke, who
is a daughter of Julius and Albertine (Mathwich) Boernke, and
was born in 1880 in Wausau, Wis.
Frank Carl Lanua was born March 26, 1859, at Koenigsberg,
Germany; came to America in 1872. Visited in a number of the
southern states, where he mostly was connected in the lumber
trade. Came to Eau Claire in 1883, worked for several lumber
companies as grader, checker and salesman. In 1901 he moved
to Fall Creek, where he is running a lumber yard of his own
under the firm name of The Fall Creek Lumber Co. He married,
June. 1884, Miss Augusta Arnsdorf. Two children, Ida Lanua
and Mrs. Minnie Carlson.
Christoph Heuer and his wife, Henrietta, came from Pommern,
Gormaiiy, in 1887, and settled on a farm near Fall Creek, where
JMr. Hcut'i- still lives. He was born in 1832. His wife died in
1891. Their two sons, Wilhelm, born in 1860, at Bromberg Pom-
meiii. and Frank, born in 1868, at Bromberg, Pommern, who
came with their parents to this country in 1887, have ahvays
worked on the railroad as section laborers and both are now
section foremen and live at Fall Creek.
Charles Ernst Semisch was born in 1797 in the province Sach-
sen-Altenburg, Gci-mauy, where he followed the trade of car-
penter and .ioiner, and farmer. In 1835 he married Miss Caroline
Christine Herzinger, who was born in 1803 at Crimmitzschau in
the kingdom of Saxony, Germany. They immigrated to this
country in 1854, lived in Milwaukee until 1866, when they moved
to Eau Claire county and lived on a fai-m in the town of Wash-
ington, where Mr. Semisch died in 1877 and his wife in 1881.
They had two sons, Julius and Friedei-ich. Julius, the elder,
was born in 1837, in the province Saxon-Altenburg, Germany.
With his parents in 1854 he came to this country and lived with
them at Milwaukee. He enlisted in 1861 and served in the civil
war until 1864, when he was severely wounded and honorably
discharged. In 1866 he moved with his parents to Eau Claire
countv and settled with them on the farm in the town of Wash-
572 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ington. In 1873 he married Miss Auguste Martin, who was born
at Zsehernikow, Russia, of German descent. They settled on a
farm at a place what is now the city of Altoona, where Mr.
Julius Semiseh died December 27, 1913. Friederich Semisch.
the second son, was born in 1848, also in the province Sachsen-
Altenburg. With his parents he came to this country in 1854
and to Eau Claire county in 1866. He has since lived in this
county and followed the trade of shoemaker and carpciiti'i' in
the city of Altoona.
Reinhold Liebau was boi-n August 16, 1848, on his fatlicr's
farm at Koerlitz, a small village in the kingdom of Saxony, Ger-
many. He received his only education in the common school of
that little village, lost his parents when 18 years old, served
three years in the German army and fought in the war between
France and Germany in 1870-71. For a number of years In-
lived in several German cities as a musician and working at sev-
eral other trades, when he decided to go back on the farm.
In 1887 he came to this country and lived for twenty years on
a farm of his own. He has retired and lives in the city of Eau
Claire. He is at present the secretary of the Eau Claire county
branch of the ' ' National German-American Alliance of the United
States of America." He also is a member of the German sing-
ing society, "Germania," and at present the secretary and musi-
cal leader of that society. In public he served as school com-
missioner, road commissioner, town supervisor, town clerk and
county supervisor. For six years he served as secretary of the
farmers' American Society of Equity. In 1873 he married Miss
Marie Anna Uhliscli, who was born October 14, 1850, at Dresden,
Germany. They had six children, of whom four are living. Mrs.
Liebau died October 8, 1908. Their son, Paul, lives in the city
of Eau Claire, where he follows the profession of a musician
and piano tuner and music teacher. He was born January :W,
1884, at Bautzen, Germany; came with his parents to this co\in-
try and lived with them on the farm. In 1901 he joined a band
in the city of Eau Claire and is at present the leader of the Wis-
consin State Band of that city.
August Prill was born October 7, 1848, at Poseu, Germany.
He came to Eau Claire county in 1871 and settled in the city of
Augusta, where he has since been engaged in the hotel business.
He was married October 31, 1871, to Emilie Luedke, who was
born at Bromberg, Germany.
Herman Frederick Prill, M. D., son of August and Emilie
Prill, was born in Augusta, in 1875. He was educated in the
GERMANISM 573
rarochial and high school of Augusta. He took a four-year pre-
paratory course in Concordia College at Springfield, 111., and ae-
quirred his medical education at the University of Minnesota,
and the Milwaukee Medical College, and attended the Polyclinic
in Chicago. He is now actively engaged in the practice of his
profession at Augusta. He served one term as alderman in his
home city. He is a member of the American Medical Associa-
tion, the "Wisconsin State Medical Society and the Eau Claire
County Medical Society. He was married in October, 1903.
IHAPTEK XLII.
THE NORWEGIANS.
By
WALDEMAR AGER.
According to census, we have aliDut lliice thousaud persons
born in Norway residing in Eau Claiic county. Comparatively
few of these live in the country, the laud in Eau Claire county
not being to their liking. There is a strong settlement in the
south-west corner of the county, in the towns of Pleasant Val-
ley and Drammen, and all along the southern boundary; there
are, however, quite a few farmers scattered through the county
and especially near the city limits of Eau Claire. The oldest
settlements are in Pl< asant Valley, Drammen and Otter Creek
townships.
To the three tliousaud born in Norway may safely be added
two thousand of second and third generations who speak the
Norwegian language and associate with their own kin in churches
and societies, and as a rule read and speak both languages. It
may be stated that the Norwegians in a larger proportion than
any other race, own their own homes. The newcomer's first
savings are laid aside with a view of building a house of his
own, and when he does build, he generally puts up a strong
fence around it — not so much to keep other people out, as to
keep himself within. It gives him his own little world where
he is master without intruding upon other people's property;
he wants the boundary established without dispute. He does
not think that his house is the best in the street, but he does
think, probably, that he, as a man, is as good as any one else,
and keeps his house in shape and his back yard clean. Norwe-
gians are never found in slum districts; they may not be any
better in the eyes of the Lord, probably, than those who do
live in the slums, but they do certainly look better in the eyes
of the city assessor, and they have a healthy respect for appear-
ance. They are very sensitive about good neighbors, and are
the first on the petition wlien any improvements on the street
are asked for.
The Norwegians did not appear in any considerable nunabers
before the early sixties. In 1863 the first Norwegian congrega-
574
NORWEGIANS 575
tion was orgauized, it is still in existence and is one of the larg-
est in the eity, numbering about two thousand souls. It is the
first Evangelical Lutheran congregation of the Norwegian United
church.
The first Norwegian in these parts was an Indian trader by
the name of Swenson, but we do not know much about him; a
civil engineer from Norway was here about the same time, but
made his liome at Chippewa Falls. The regular immigration
started with Mr. Nels Hanson; he came here in 1852; his wife
(now Mrs. Israel Israelson) is still living and a resident of our
citj'. Nels Hanson's brother, Lars, came in 1854, and a third
brother, Abel, came in 1856. In that year several came and
among others, Sigvald Lund; he died three years ago (1911).
The two brothers Lars and Jens Andei'son came also this year.
These first Norwegians came by the way of Waupun. Abel
Hanson had arranged with one Hans Ludvigson, to take him
from Waupun to Eau Claire, but got only as far as New Lisbon
from whence he reached Eau Claire b.y the ox team route.
In 1860 the following Norwegians voted at the presidential
election: Sigvald Limd, Pleasant Valley; Andrew Olson, town
of Brunswick ; Ole Olson Bakkorn, John Emerson, James H.
Johnson, Amuud Knudtson, Bridge Creek ; Albert Johnson, Abel
Hanson, Andrew Bugebretson, R. Tillotson, Nels Hanson, Ole
Halvarson, North Eau Claire ; Ole 0. Bruden, Benjamin Hanson,
John Johnson, Oscar Jackson (?), Qaer Allison, EUef Hanson,
Ole Holberg, Christian Israelson, John Olesan, L. G. Tillesou,
Israel Israelson, toAvn of Eau Claire. Of these there are but two,
Israel Israelson and Ole Bruden, who are at the present time
living in our city. Some of the Norwegians enlisted at Eau
Claire for service in the Civil War ; many enlisted in the Fifteenth
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which was organized as a Nor-
wegian i-egiment in the southern part of the state. Iver Olson
and Ole Larson served in Company I, Hoval Swenson and Peter
O. Olson in Company C and Thomas Thorstensen in Company A
of our famous Eagle regiment. Mr. Thorstensen was killed in
the battle of Corinth. Others were Jolm Hanson, Osten Ruthlaud,
Peter Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Albert C. Halstad, George
W. Halstad, Ole Peter Olson, H. Swenson, Jens Anderson ana
Bersvend Nelson. Claus Torgerson went with Captain Sher-
man's cavalry troop. Others enlisted under American names
.iust to show how patriotic they were : the number of enlistments
were in proportion large, as there wei-e only a liandful of Nor-
wegians here at that time.
576 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Thousands of Norwegians have passed through our city, stay-
ing here only for a short time to make enough money to get a
start in the country. The first immigration came from the iron
works at Borum in Norway, and formed large settlements
between Colfax and Elk Mound. Another stream came from
the Gudbrandsdalen Valley and made their homes near Meridean ;
still another about the same time from the Trondelagen; they
settled on the Chippewa bottom around Caryville. Later came
an immigration from the Nordland of Norway, the land of the
midnight sun. They formed a big settlement near Colfax ; later
currents went to Barron county, the head of the lakes and North
Dakota. The last outpour was to the state of Washington. At
Everett, Washington, there is a large colony who are neither
Americans nor Norwegians, but style themselves as Eau Claire-
ites. They have even some sort of an organization, and will
gather once in a wliile to a banquet and cherish their memories
from the sawdust city on the banks of the lordly Chippewa.
Twenty years ago we had a large Norwegian colony at Por-
terville, where the Northwestern Lumber Company had a big
sawmill. The mill was moved to Stanley and a greater part of
the people followed. Porterville was a suburb of Eau Claire.
From Stanley many went to the coast, where they are conducting
themselves as Eau Claireites and are making good.
Interesting is the history of our first Norwegian immigrants
to Eau Claire. The Canadian Irish predominated at the sawmills
and in the logging camps. The Norwegians came and it was a
question of who were the best men. It was days at hard work,
small pay, fights and heavy drinking, and they were all good
men. The Norwegian supremacy was to all appearances decided
at Ole Bruden's basement saloon and boarding house on Gallo-
way street early in the seventies. It was principally our big
Norwegian policeman, Paul Branstad, and a very clever fisticus
by the name of Chris Johnson that made the scales tip to tlie
side of the vikings. The Canadian Irish were, as far as I can
ascertain, driven out of the camps and sawmills and into politics.
They satisfied themselves by running our politics, while the Nor-
wegians reigned almost supreme in the mills and the camps. The
first organization formed was, as stated before, a Lutheran con-
gregation; the second was a singing society — a male chorus —
started in 1868. It was presumably the first one of its kind in
our city. Our Saviour's Lutheran congregation of the Nor-
wegian synod was organized in that year.
In 1874 the society "Norden" was formed. It was organized
NORWEGIANS 577
along social lines, arranged theatrical performances and had
almost regularly a dance every Sunday night. It was charac-
teristic at that time to sell beer in connection with the Sunday
dances. In 1875 the society celebrated the Norwegian day of
independence, the 17th of May, in a grand style at Olinger's
garden. This society also organized the first military company
called the Eau Claire Sharp Shooters. Mr. J. L. Johnson, an
officer from the Civil War, was captain. It numbered about one
hundred rifles and later became a part of the State National
Guard. None but Norwegians could belong. The society built
their own hall.
As stated before, the early days were da.ys of heavy drinking ;
the Norwegians made no exception to the rule, but they have,
however, changed in this respect. In 1886 a total abstinence
society was formed and also a mighty I. 0. G. T. lodge, and from
that time one the Norwegians have almost without any inter-
ruption kept three total abstinence organizations in constant
work. At present they have one total abstinence society that
meets every Tuesday night. A Norwegian I. 0. G. T. lodge meets
every Saturday night and a women's temperance society meets
privately in the homes of its members. With the exception of
the W. C. T. U. these are the only and have for twenty years
been the only organized total abstinence societies in our city.
In "No License" campaigns the strongest Norwegian wards — the
Fourth and the Seventh — are almost sure to follow the strongest
Anglo-Saxon or "American" ward — the Third — with a majority
for no license.
In the year 1888 a society "Norden" (not the one mentioned
before) was organized as a branch of the Scandinavian Work-
men's Association of Chicago. Dissatisfaction with the manage-
ment of the head lodge made the local lodge secede from the
organization and constitute the Independent Scandinavian Work-
men's Association. It speaks well for their executive and con-
structive ability that they thus were able to lay the foundation
for a strong and successful organization with about one hundred
subordinate lodges scattered throughout our state, Minnesota
and North Dakota. This organization has now four thousand
five hundred members in good standing. Five hundred thousand
dollars are paid out as death benefits and about twenty thousand
in sick benefits. Of this amount about thirty thousand dollars
have been paid claimants in our city. The first president was
Mr. Gunder Thompson, and the first secretary our late county
clerk, Mr. Andrew Steensaas. The present president is
578 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Assistant Postmaster Peter J. Smith, and the secretary is Jlr.
Andrew Mellsness. Eau Claire has always been the headquar-
ters for this splendid organization and also the place for the
publication of its monthly paper — the I. S. W. A. Journal. The
local lodge "Norden" is probably the largest Norwegian fra-
ternal society in the United States, mimbering about six hun-
dred rhembers. From our city also sprang the movement which
resulted in the forming of the society of the "Scandinavian Sis-
ters of America." It was originally organized as an auxiliary
to the "Independent Scandinavian Workingmen's Association."
The "Daughters of Norden," which is the name of the local
lodge, did not for some reason or other join in the con-
certed movement and do not belong to the "Scandinavian Sis-
ters." This "Independent Scandinavian Workingmen's Asso-
ciation" has done much to make the name of our city known
among Norwegians throughout the states of Wisconsin and
Minnesota. At present it has a reserve fund of one hundred and
nine thousand dollars and is in excellent shape and well managed
by able and sacrificing officers. Besides "Norden" and "Daugh-
ters of Norden" we have a strong local lodge of the popular and
rapidly growing fraternal organization, the ' ' Sons of Norway ' ' ;
also a local lodge "Dovre" of the "Daughters of Norway." The
last named is a very agile lodge and captures with great regu-
larity the head prizes set up by the grand lodge every year for
the lodge which secures the greater number of new members.
In the eighties a Norwegian band, "The Normanna Band,"
was organized and existed for a number of years. A new band
was organized some years ago by the "Norden," but it was much
handicapped by not having a suitable leader among our talents
at that time. A male chorus was organized by the same society.
It is under the leadership of Mr. Osmund Musum and is doing
well. Other male choi'uses were the "Heimdal," led by Mr.
Andrew Anderson, and a male chorus organized by the members
of the Norwegian synod church. At present only the first named
is in the field. The Norwegians have, however, their great share
in the success of our celebrated Philharmonic Society. The chief
promoter was a Norwegian woman (Mrs. Dr. Midelfart). The
first president and secretary Avere Norwegians and some of the
best talent both in the orchestra and choir are Norwegian- Amer-
icans ; in fact they form the bulk of the big choir.
The first Norwegian newspaper was started about 1879; only
a few issues were printed. In 1883 the "Eau Claire Tidende"
was launched with Jlr. Emil Hirscli as editor. This paper was
NORWEGIANS 579
later on changed to " Arbeideren " (The Workman), edited by
Mr. Alfr. George Engelstad. In 1887 LIr. Engelstad joined the
prohibitionists and the paper was merged with another Nor-
wegian prohibition journal published at Chicago. In 1888 the
tM'o editors commenced to publish the weekly "Reform," which
is still published in the city and has probably the largest list of
bona fide subscribers of any paper in the Chippewa Valley. Mr.
Engelstad returned to Norw-ay in 1890 and Mr. Ole Br. Olson
died in 1903. The paper has since Mr. Olson's death been edited
by Mr. Waldemar Ager, who since 1892 had been connected with
the paper as bookkeeper and business manager. The publishers
are "The Fremad Publishing Company," which is a stock com-
pany. It also publishes a monthly temperance paper, the "Lyng-
blomsten, " edited by Rev. Olav Refsdal, of Chetek. Besides
these two the I. S. W. A. Journal and the "Kvartalskrift," organ
for the Norwegian Society of America, is published here; making
in all four different Norwegian publications sent out through our
postoffiee.
The greatest undertaking that the Norwegians of Eau Claire
have attempted is the building of Luther hospital. It represents
an expenditure of about seventy thousand dollars, of which about
one-half was donated by Mrs. Anna Qvale.
OUR GREAT MEN.
Among tile Norwegians of Eau Claire have been four who
may be said to have obtained a nation-wide reputation wherever
Norwegians have settled.
Marcus Thrane. People Avho some twenty-five years ago saw
Marcus Tlirane on the streets of our city — a feeble old man,
generally followed by two big dogs — or those who had learned
to know him as a lover of children, flowers and music, would
hardly believe that this kind old man had once been the unwill-
ing cause of the mobilizing of an army in a European kingdom.
Mr. Thrane came from one of the best Norwegian families; his
uncle was the famous Norwegian composer, Waldemar Thrane.
As a young man Marcus Thrane came in contact with the ideas
that later on through the "Internationale" laid the foundation
for the modern socialist movement. Marcus Thrane became the
leader of the workingmen in Norway. His platform, which was
considered dangerous at the time, was very moderate indeed,
and nearly all his reforms were later on carried through by the
regular political agencies of Norway. He was, however, looked
;j80 history OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
upon as a dangerous individual, and arrested and kept for years
in confinement. "When he was arrested Norway was on the \-erge
of a revolutionary uprising. The whole of Europe was fermented
with it at the time, and it was probably this that made the author-
ities of Norway nervous. Marcus Tlirane had been at rest in his
grave at the Lake View cemetery many years before the people
of Norway understood what an able, farseeing and in fact mod-
erate reformer he had been, and to recognize all he had done
for the uplifting of the laboring classes of Norway. His name
is an honored one now, and several monuments have been erected
with his likeness cast in bronze. He was born October 14, 1817,
and died in 1891. His sou. Dr. A. Thrane, is a well-known prac-
ticing physician in our city.
Rev. Gjermund Hoyme, born October 8, 1857, and died in
1902, has a place in Norwegian-American church history second
to none. A born leader of men, splendid orator and gifted
writer, he was elected time and time again as president or
"bishop" for the Norwegian United church, the largest Nor-
wegian Lutheran denomination in the state. The Norwegians do
not approve of the title of bishop, but they did recognize in him
a man who was every inch an ecclesiastical chieftain. He led the
organization successfully through one of its worst crisis, and was
greatly admired for his splendid leader.ship. At St. Olaf College,
Northfield, Minnesota, a splendid chapel bears his name. It was
erected to his memory by popular subscription. He was interred
at Rose Hill cemetery. Rev. Hoyme came of good Norwegian
peasant stock. His parents emigrated from Valdres, Norway,
when he was only a baby.
Ole Br. Olson, born May 19, 1857, at Christiauia, Norway, was
destined to become the leader of the Norwegian Prohibition party
in this country. He was a splendid orator, probably the most
talented one among his own people. He was also an efficient
writer, and the change in sentiment with reference to intoxicat-
ing drinks which is marked among Norwegians in Eau Claire,
as well as other places in the Norwegian-America, is in a high
degree due to this splendid man's self-sacrificing and indefatigable
work for total abstinence and prohibition. It is noteworthy that
the largest city in our state under "no license," Stoughton, is
also the most Norwegian town, and the driest counties are those
where the Norwegians are the strongest. In Minnesota, the
largest "no license" city is Willmar, and this rivals Fergus Falls
in being the strongest Norwegian city in Minnesota. Fergus
Falls is the largest city that ever carried for "no license" in
i
NORWEGIANS 581
Minnesota. The driest county in Minnesota, "Norman," is also
the most Norwegian county. Of live members elected to the
Minnesota legislature in the year 1910 on a straight prohibition
ticket four were Norwegians. The strongest Norwegian state,
North Dakota, is a prohibition state. The prohibition tickets in
Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota had at one
time all a Norwegian at the top, while Wisconsin had one the
next to the highest. The prohibition movement is an ultra-
American movement in which few foreigners are taking part ;
so much more credit to the Norwegians that they found their
ways into those ranks and into such numbers, but this is prin-
cipally due to the labor of Mr. Ole Br. Oleson, who was laid to
rest at the Rose Hill cemetery in the early spring of 1903.
Sigvald Qvale. While the three men tirst mentioned died
pool-, and the last one so poor that his friends had to subscribe
to lielp his family to subsist in the most modest way, Mr. Sigvald
Qvale 's history is one of a poor boy that solely by his own
elforts and ability could build up a fortune in comparatively a
few years. He -^-as still a man in his best years when he was laid
at rest in 1890, with nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to
his credit. Norwegians are not as a rule builders of large for-
tunes, and Mr. Qvale "s achievements attracted wide attention.
To this was also added his unassuming ways and his readiness
to help people who were in need, and he understood probably
because he had been poor himself the ar-t of helping without
hurting.
The Norwegians have taken a prominent part in our public
life. In the county the following offices are held by Norwegian-
Americans: County clerk, John Nygaard; clerk of the court,
Hans S. Lund; register of deeds, A. M. Anderson; poor commis-
sioner, Harry Anderson, and supervisors, Joseph G. Moe and
E. Elbertson. In the city are the following: Councilman, John
Sorlie ; members of the police commission, Louis Running ; vice-
president Board of Health, Dr. Chr. Midelfart; health officer,
Paul Branstad; members of school commission, Albert Nelson;
Adolph Mellsness; truant officer, J. Ganstad. Public library:
Librarian, Miss Laura 01so)i ; members of library board, John M.
Sorlie and Waldemar Ager. Clerks, Emil Volkman, Altoona;
II. H. Erickson, Dramraeu. Treasurers, N. Larson, Drammen;
George Erickson, Pleasant Valley. Assessors, E. M. Mickelson,
Brunswick ; 0. M. Olson, Clear Creek ; Martin Bergh, Drammen ;
O. G. Jolmson, Pleasant Valle}^
CHAPTER XLIII.
CITY OF AUGUSTA.
By
FRANK L. CLARK.
"Tn the beginning God created the heaven and earth. And
the earth was without form, and void, and darkness was Tipon
the face of the deep."
Thus was the genesis of our earth announced. And out of
these depths and this darkness there was reared by a mighty
convulsion a Laurentian island, mountain high, rock-ribbed and
forbidding. The waves of an almost shoreless sea beat upon its
base. The eons passed and the mighty forces of creation added
areas to the islands and at last a continent was formed.
Then the mighty glaciers came down from the north and by
their resistless force plowed the mountains down and filled tlie
valleys, piling up the rubbish of gravel, clay and sand. And the
sun's rays came and melted the glaciers and the waters wove
their way across the prospect, seeking the mother sea. A portion
of the island thus first formed was the northern part of Wiscon-
sin and, mayhap, one of the streams thus formed was Bridge
creek, and upon either bank thereof was Augusta, nameless then,
and trackless and homeless, but there, waiting for the coming
of man.
Ages more rolled on, and then came man, created in the
image of his Maker, marked Avith a duty, to conquer the earth
and subdue the mighty forces of nature. Of what race was that
first man, or of his color or condition, we know not, but, doubt-
less, the generation which followed profited by the experience of
those who had gone before. At length tribal relations were
established. With these relations there was developed the spirit
of warfare and of conquest, and warfare and conquest developed
a race, copper-colored, and known as Indians. These were the
people who inhabited the forest that had grown upon soil of
northern Wisconsin, which the glaciers of ages long before had
prepared for them.
And so the Indians inhabited Wisconsin. The Ojibways (later
called Chippewas), one of the most numerous tribes or nations,
582
CITY OF AUGUSTA 583
had driven the Dacotahs and the Sioux to the westward and had
made their home among the lakes and beside the rivers in that
beautiful country, the Chippewa valley, and to the northward.
Then came the white man. Jean Nicolette had discovered
"Wisconsin in 1634, and those who followed him had journeyed
into the interior of the state to the south and southwest from
Green Bay, where Nicolette had made his first discovery of the
state. French missionaries came, and the fur traders, and tra-
versed the northern portions of the state and established posts
and trading stations, but the woodsman's axe or the husbandman
had not yet arrived. The country was then known as the North-
west territory. The first division of this territory was made in
1800, Avhen the territory of Indiana was formed, including what
are now Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and a part of
Minnesota. In 1808 Wisconsin and Illinois were made a terri-
tory known as Illinois, and that part of this territory which is
now Wisconsin was settled rapidly in the southern jiortion. In
1818 Illinois became a state, and Wisconsin became a part of
Michigan and so continued until April 20, 1836, when an act of
Congress Avas approved by President Jackson creating the terri-
tory of Wisconsin. Meanwhile the Ojibwa Indians possessed the
valleys and forests of tliat portion of tlie territory of wliich
we are about to write.
Eau Claire county was organized in 1856. At Eau Claire there
was already quite a considerable settlement in nearby localities.
Farms had been opened up. Supplies for Eau Claire were
brought by boat up the Chippewa river in the open season, but
in winter they liad to be brought overland by team. Sparta, in
Monroe county, was the nearest railway station, and it was from
that point that the necessary supplies were hauled over what
became known as the ' ' old Sparta road. ' ' This road from Sparta
came through Jackson county and entered Eau Claire county
south of Augusta at the old Beef river station and continued
through what are now the towns of Clear Creek and Washington
to Eau Claire. Now all of the foregoing has been preliminary
to the purpose of the present writing. To the north of the old
Sparta road was a beautiful valley through which flowed the
clear waters of a fine stream to be known thereafter as Bridge
creek. In this beautiful valley is now located the city of
Augusta, the history of which is about to be related.
The town of Bridge Creek, in which the city of Augusta is
situated, consists now of three townships and has an area of
108 square miles. The stream from which the town derives
584 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
its name flows through the town in a northwesterly direction
and marks a division line between two sections of country that
are materially different in soil, products and character.
In the spring of 1856 several families had moved into the east
end of the county and settled upon government land, but none
of them on the present site of Augusta. Of these early pioneers
we will tell later in connection with the history of the particular
localities in which they located. That same spring, 1856, Charles
Buckman and his good wife had come from Black River Falls,
and upon their arrival pitched their tent on the ground that is
the present location of the Park hotel, Augusta. Erastus Bills
and his son, Sanford, also came and began the erection near
what was later known as the Brewery hill. The Buckmans began
the erection of the first dwelling, a log house, on the ground just
west of where Cox Brothers' store now stands. About this time
John F. Stone and L. F. Clarke came from Sauk county and they
surveyed quite extensively and located the site of the first indus-
try, a sawmill, on the ground where now stands the flouring mill
of Finch, Wirth & Co. They then returned to the southern part
of the state, and in September Mr. Stone returned with his fam-
ily. A young man by the name of John C. Hacket, a carpenter
by trade, came with tliem, and they built a house near the present
location of the home of 0. Wirth.
November 2, 1856, a little girl came to bless the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Buckman. They named her Emma, and she
was the first white child born in Augusta.
Cupid also came that year and arranged the first wedding of
a couple. On January 1, 1857, Mr. John C. Ilacket, the young
carpenter who came with the Stone family, and Miss Charlotte
F. Stone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Stone, went to Eau
Claire, then a thriving village twenty-five miles northwest, and
were there married. The ceremony was performed by the Rev.
A. Kidder in the parlors of what was then known as the Eau
Claire House, a hotel kept by a man by the name of Drake.
These were the first white settlers of Augusta, and around
them grew the hamlet that was later to be knoM'n as Augusta.
Others followed them, and the joys and sorroAvs, the privations
and hardships, the adversities and successes of pioneer life came
with them. Of these Ave shall speak hereafter.
The industrial and commercial life of Augusta began in the
fall and winter of 1856-57. Already there Avere several pioneers
located in the surrounding country, now Bridge Creek, Otter
Creek and Ludington. AndreAV Thompson Avas in Avhat Avas
CITY OF AUGUSTA 585
kuowu as Thompson valley — named after him — and it is said
that he located there in 1854. However this may be, his shanty
in 1856 was a fragile affair with one side wholly open, and he
kept it warmed that winter by a fire on the open side. It is said
that he nearly froze to death. Charles and Sonbrier Chadbourne
and William and Lorenzo Bennett located in the valley in 1856.
A. G. Paddock settled at Beef River station, keeping a stop-
ping place there on the old Sparta road. C. H. Hale, Robert E.
Scott, L. D. McConley and Joseph Bride were in what is now
known as Scott's valley, E. L. Hall, Robert Forsythe and James
Woodbury had located a few miles west in Bridge Creek.
Simon Randall and family had come from Eau Claire and
located on the place since owned by J. L. Ball, just west of the
city, opposite the racetrack. The oldest son, Allen Randall, was
the first white child born in Eau Claire county, liaving been
born at Eau Claire, near the site of the Eau Clair Lumber Com-
pany's upper water mill, on the north side, September 13, 1852.
These early settlers were the neighbors of the first settlers of
Augusta, the Stones, the Buckmans and the elder and the younger
Bills.
During the fall of 1856 John F. Stone, witli the assistance
of John Ilackett, built the dam across Bridge creek at the site of
the present dam, and during the winter built a sawmill on the
ground across the creek from the present flouring mill. It was
what was known as an English gate mill, one that did not require
a large force to I'un. In the summer of 1857 tlie fir.st lumber
was sawed from the logs that had l)een gathered on the banks
of the stream above.
The first liouse built was in the summer of 1856, by Charles
Buckman. It was a big log house, located on the present site
of Albert Richard's store building, just west of Cox Brothers'
store. In the fall of 1858 this house was burned and Miss Helen
Dodge, a half sister to Mrs. Buckman, who was asleep in the
house, was so badly burned in her efforts to escape that she died
the next day. This was the first death in the settlement, and her
burial was the first in the Augusta cemetery. A neat marble
headstone now marks the spot. The second house built was by
John P. Stone the same year, a log house on the present site of
the 0. Wirth residence. Erastus Bills and his son, S. E. Bills,
built the third house, also a log structure, near what is now
known as the Brewery hill.
The mill and the three big houses was all of Augusta in the
.spring of 1857. William Young and William Maas came that
586 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
year, and each built a house, the former the house now located
on the corner east of the schoolhouse, known later as the Hutch
house.' This was the first frame house in Augusta. Mr. Maas
built the house now occupied by Harvey Livermore. Mr. Maas
was the first merchant aud he kept his stock, a meager one at
first, in an addition to his house.
John E. Pei'kins came that year from York state, and Harris
Searl from Ohio, and Alfonso Beeman and family, and the embryo
village began to develop.
Hardships there were many, aud privations that would today
weaken the hearts of many who think themselves sturdy indeed
and brave beyond measure. The new houses were of rough inte-
rior, and conveniences not numerous. Supplies were hauled from
Sparta ovim- roads that were new and at times well nigh impass-
able. Coarse, jilain food, but plenty of it, marked the bill of
fare, but there was good cheer in plenty and many gay times
were had to brighten the pioneer days.
Alfonso Beeman first settled in a shanty built of slabs on the
land south of the depot now owned by Henry Russell. Later
they built a house on the lots now owned and occupied by C. E.
Bradford. Mr. Beeman broke up the farm owned b.v the late
E. F. Perry.
A plat of the village was made this year, and boundaries
thereof established as follows : from Buckman street on the south
to Grove street on the north, and from Stone street on the east
to Bills street on the west. Grove street is north of J. L. Ball's
present residence and was never opened. A peculiar thing about
the original plat is the fact that none of the principal business
institutions of the present time are within its boundaries. A
postoffice was established in 1857 and John F. Stone was ap-
pointed postmaster. He kept the office in his house near the mill.
He held the office until 1861.
In 1858 the logging industry aud the sawmill prospered as
greatly as the circumstances and the limited market would per-
mit. James and Frank Alpin had arrived, the former a black-
smith, and the latter a millwright aud carpenter. James built
the first blacksmith shop on the corner where H. R. Tripp's resi-
dence now is. It was 16 by 16, scarcely big enough to get a pair
of horses in. Mr. Wittee came that year and built a house on the
premises later occupied by Fred Bann, in the Second ward. Per-
haps there were others who came at that time, but the legends
have failed to recite their coming. J. L. Ball came in 1859 from
the state of Massachusetts. Harris Searl had made a deal witli
CITY OF AUGUSTA 587
Joliu F. Stone whereby he was to become half owner of the
waterpower and sawmill in return for which he was to build a
tioui'ing mill. He was a miller by trade and he hired Mr. Ball,
who was a millwright and carpenter, to help him. They built
the mill that season on the site of the present mill. It was a
good mil], of the old French burr type and when it was completed
Mi: Searl was the miller in charge. C. W. Morris and family
came that year and moved into the house later occupied by
E. W. Plummer, then just across the street from John F. Stone's.
At tiiat time there was an addition on the east side of the house
and in this addition Mr. Morris opened the second store in
Augusta. This addition was later moved away and is now a
part of the hovise occupied by Louis Kohnke in the Second ward.
About this time Carilus and Carolus Stone, twin brothers of
John R. Stone, came from Sauk county and built a small build-
ing on the ground where John Anderson's blacksmith shop now
is. This they occupied as a tin shop, keeping a small stock of
staple hardware. D. J. Bullis and family also came in 1859. He
built a building on the ground where Wallace Brown's house
now stands and started a boot and shoe repair shop. He intended
to stai't a tannery the next year, but he was taken sick and died
in March, 1860. It will be noted that with the exception of
Mr. Maas' store all the business up to this time was clustered
around the mill.
A street had been laid out just south of where John Ander-
son's shop now is and was called Main street, and it was the pur-
pose of the first builders to make that the business center. But
from 1859, thenceforth, the scene of mercantile activity was trans-
ferred to what is now Lincoln street, at that time unknown, for
that portion had not yet been platted.
Buckmau's first addition to the city was platted and recorded
in September, 1859. At this time there were only fifteen dwell-
ings in the village. In 1860 the water power which drove the
machinery of the flouring mill and sawmill combined became
insufficient and a new steam sawmill was built on the north side
of the pond, about where Aldrich's ice house now is. It was a
rotary mill of much greater capacity than the first mill and added
much to the importance of Augusta, giving employment to more
men.
John E. Perkins had built a dam at the site of the Hilts plan-
ing mill, but no mill was built there at that time. The war came
on and the growth of the village was retarded for a time. How-
ever, there was some development and a railroad was talked of.
588 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
but with no serious anticipation that it would soon be built. Joe
Goodrich had come from the state of Maine and Jefferson Vic-
tory and a family of sons and daughters had come from New
York. Alfred Bolton, of whom no previous mention has been
made, arrived in 1857.
Logging was being extensively done up the river and many
of the people of Augusta were interested in these operations in
one way or another.
Farms were being opened up and produce was being brought
to market, most of it tinding ready sale to the logging camps.
Augusta was on the border between the timbered country and
the rich agricultural lands to tlie south and west and was there-
fore destined to be of considerable importance in the future
growth and development of the country.
The dark cloud of war was coming, was already well above
the horizon and the young village was scarcely out of bibs and
tuckers when brave hearts began to question whether they should
go to their country's call. How well the question was answered
will be told in a succeeding chapter. The history of the indus-
trial development during the next three years is not easily told,
for it is hard to establish fact and dates. Harris Searl was
appointed postmaster to succeed John F. Stone and he moved
the office into a building which he had built on the ground where
W. F. Rick's saloon now stands. Chai'les Morren and family
came in 1861, from Dodge county. His brother Horace followed
in 1862 and the younger brother, Harvey M., in 1863. Silas
Perry, who was soon to become a factor in the growth of the
place, had settled on an eighty-acre farm in the town of Lincoln,
now a part of the W. H. Herrick farm. Bupknian's first addition
to the original plat of the village was made in 1859. Up to 1862
there had been no regular hotel. Travelers found accommoda-
tions in the homes of the people and the want of a regular hos-
telry was not seriously felt. In 1862, however, the first hotel was
built. It was a frame building, two stories, and a very respect-
able one for the purpose. It was built by Harris Searl and he
was the first landlord.
Orrin C. Hall built a building on the corner, replacing a small
building that had been built by J. C. Hackett for a residence.
In the new building he put a stock of goods and began the busi-
ness of merchandising. About this time the Russells and the
Eickards came from Massena, St. Lawrence county, New York,
and Augusta was a veritable new Massena. Harris Searl sold
out his interest in the sawmill and grist mill to Mr. Stone, and
CITY OF AUGUSTA 589
D. C. Crocker, who married a daughter of Mr. Stoue, took charge
of the mill, a position which he held for many years.
Josephus Livermore, who had settled on a farm in Thompson
Valley, moved into the village and went into the dry goods busi-
ness with Harris Searl, occupying the little building where the
postoffiee was located. A building was built on the north side
of Lincoln street, and Carilus and Carolus Stone occupied it with
their tin shop and hardware business, J. C. Hackett taking an
interest with them as a partner. A livery stable was started
about this time by Charles Hardy. In 1865 Harris Searl built a
building on the corner where the Victory Drug Company's store
now is, and Ira Carter entered into a partnership with Searl and
Livermore and they moved into the new building. Another
building was built adjoining on the west and they occupied this
with a stock of drugs and medicines.
The little building which Searl and Livermore had vacated
was afterward bought by E. Ervin and moved into the lots now
occupied by S. M. McClotchie and used for a time as a dwelling.
Later Mr. Ervin built the house that now stands there, and the
little building was again moved to lots north of where the school-
house now stands, and it is now a part of Mrs. Hammer's house.
Shortly after this Mr. Livermore retired from partnership with
Searl and Carter and began business in the Orrin Hall building,
Mr. Hall having gone to the war. Henry Heard, who was one
of the early settlers in Thompson Valley, moved to the village
and became a partner in the business with Mr. Livermore.
Chai'les and II. M. "Warren started a store in 1864, in a build-
ing that had been built where Levy's store now is. They kept
a general stock and did a large business. A meat market was
started by a man whose name the oldest inhabitants do not
remember. Jack Carter bought out the business and he was suc-
ceeded by Kodney Hurlburt. C. P. Russell built the first build-
ing on the corner Avhere the Augusta State bank now stands. It
was a frame building and he occupied it with a stock of notions
and groceries. About a year previous to this Mr. Russell, having
a notion that the business of the settlement would be transferred
to the west end of the original plat, built a large building opposite
where the school house now stands, to be used as a public hall.
He changed his mind, however, and the hall never became a par-
ticular factor in the affairs of the settlement. Later the building
was moved up town and occupied by Rick as a saloon.
Hiram Blair built a residence on the ground now occupied by
the city water tower, and later built an addition thereto, and in
590 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
1870 opened the Sheridan House, which from that time was the
leading hotel for many years. H. C. Vanlyn came from New
York in 1867 and bought the residence property later owned by
A. G. Cox on Lincoln street. On the northwest corner of these
lots he built a building and the next year he and John F. Beebe
put in a stock of boots and shoes. The firm was Vanlync &
Beebe. On the east side of this was a little annex in which Cleve
Niles opened the first barber shop. He afterwards sold out to
John Booth and he to Joe Zimmerman in 1871.
Mem Victory, the eldest of the Victory boys, had been inisy
since his arrival fi'om New York in 1859. He had worked in the
woods in the winter and with a threshing outfit every fall and
had an eye all the time for business. During 1868 he and F. D.
Stone formed a co-partnership and went into the drug business
in a building built by Hiram Blair, where the city hall now is.
The partnership continued about a year when Alfred Bolton
bought Stone out and the firm was Bolton & Victory, Mr. Bolton
being the druggist and Mr. Victory attending to the other duties.
They continued together in biisiness until Mr. Bolton "s death in
1870, when Jolui F. Stone bought the interest from ]Mrs. Bolton
and the firm be-came Stone & Victory and so continued for more
than a decade.
In 1867 Madison Searl built a store on the north side of Lin-
coln street, and he with his brother Ambrose and a nuin by the
name of Cook put in a stock of hardware and continued under
the firm name of Cook, Searles & Co. until the store was destroyed
by fire some years later. Fredrick Dittmer and family came in
1868 from Germany and started a shoe shop in a frame biiilding
where Acker & Ilalske's saloon now stands. Later Avhen his son
Gus became sixteen years of age they formed a partnership and
put in a stock of boots and shoes and did a thriving business.
After the death of his father Gus closed out the business in 1894
to enter another line of work. W. H. Waterbury, who had lived
on what is now the Walter Green farm, in Thompson Valley,
eame to the village with his family and made their home in the
house which now stands east of the Park house and from that
time until his death was active in business and political affairs.
In those days the farmers brought their grain to market, but
as there was no railroads to haul it away the problem was a
serious one. Charles Buckman had built a large building on the
corner of Lincoln and Stone streets. Livermore, Heard & Water-
bury used this as a warehouse in which to store the grain they
bought. Warren Bros, also bought grain at that time. The
CITY OF AUGUSTA 591
market for this grain was Sparta, the nearest railway point.
Tlie grain was hauled by teams and the trip occupied the time
from Monday morning to Saturday night and the grain was
exchanged for merchandise to be again exchanged for grain.
Silas Perry and family moved in from Scott's Valley in 1869,
and with a man by the name of Turner he built a flat. The
venture was not a profitable one and was later abandoned. In
1869 William a;nd Lorenzo Bennett built the building now stand-
ing on the corner of Stone and Buckman street, known then as
Bennett's Hall. It was the largest building in the village. "William
Bennett started a blacksmith shop on the first floor, while the
second story was a hall devoted to public use. Here was the
scene of many glorious times, both social and political, and for
many years was the only public hall. In a third story there was
a small hall which for several years was the meeting place of the
I. 0. 0. F. About this time — 1869 — the first furniture store was
started by a man named Tibbits in a building located where 0. F.
Braleger's hardware store now stands. Mr. Tibbits later sold
the business to W. E. Goodiiow.
The first exclusive clothing store Avas started in 1868 by
William ("Bill") McClure, who had come from Sparta. He
kept a good stock and did a prosperous business.
L. L. Williams came from Ohio in 1869. He came to work
in the postoffice for Harris Searl, but as the job was not just to
his fancy he rented a little building at the rear of the Searl &
Carter store, on Stone street, and put in a small stock of books,
stationery, confectionery and small notions. He prospered from
the start and after a couple of years he moved to where Paul's
drug store now is, put in a stock of jewelry and a larger stock
of stationery and notions and continued to prosper.
E. J. Horton and William Fulton built a blacksmith shop on
the present site of John Anderson's shop, and Mr. Fulton was
the smith in charge. Horton sold out to Eph Crockett, and John
Anderson, who had arrived in the village in 1869, bought them
out. He moved the shop across the street in 1874 and built a
brick shop.
In the early days, as now, there frequently arose disputes
between neighbors. To assist in the settlement of these disputes
there were no regular attorneys and so the disputants adopted
a better method. William Young, who was an oracle in the com-
munity would be called upon to espouse the cause of one dis-
putant while Harris Searl would take up the side of the other.
The case would then come before the justice of the peace, John
r)!»2 Hlt^TORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
P. Stone, or some other, and a determination of the matter would
be made in due and lawful form. If the problems were too
knotty, Alexander Meggett or W. P. Bartlett would be summoned
from Eau Claire. About 1867 B. P. Chase came from the southern
part of the state and opened a law office. R. D. Campbell opened
a law office in 1868 and a few years later J. C. Crawford came
to compete with them and nurture litigation. Prom those days
the village was not in legal darkness.
There was no regular doctor in those days either, and William
Young, whose father was a doctor, cared for the physical ills of
the people. He became quite famous for his treatment of certain
ills, especially cancer, for which he had an almost certain remedy.
Later Dr. D. C. Spencer came, about 1868, and established a
good practice which he continued for many years. Dr. II. P.
Waldrous soon followed. He was a homeopathist and became
famous for his peculiarities and for his many cures.
About 1867 "Changhi" Chandler, famous in those days as a
newspaper man, started the Augusta "Herald." After about
a year he sold out to Charles "Warren and soon after Warren sold
to a man by the name of Bro^vn. The "Herald" was discon-
tinued after a couple of years and the village was without a news-
paper until 1874. W. H. Waterbury was appointed postmaster
in 1869, succeeding Harris Searl, and moved the office into the
building later occupied by A. E. Perry as a barber shop. He also
retired from partnership with Heard & Livermore and put a
stock of general merchandise in the building with the postoffiee.
Prior to 1869 Tom and Tim Tusker had built the shop which
stands on the southwest corner of Stone and Spring streets, later
occupied bj^ the Victory Mercantile Company as a warehouse.
They conducted a blacksmith and wagon shop and did a pros-
perous business. They sold the shop later to Austin Russell,
and it was occupied for a time by P. Bonnot as a wagon shop.
A. W. Russell and son Ira had built a store building on the
southeast corner of Lincoln and Spring streets, and occupied
it for a time with a stock of dry goods, Mrs. Russell keeping a
millinery store in the rear part. The Ricks came about this time.
John, Michael and Charles, with their families and soon became
industrial factors. They had come from Germany about a year
before and settled, briefly, at Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1868, coming
here the following year. August, the oldest of the Michael Rick
family, coming a year later, 1870. Ren Halstead had succeeded
Harris Searl as landlord of the Augusta House, and he. in turn,
had been succeeded by H. Sargent and he by Henry Welch. E. P.
CITY OF AUGUSTA 593
Ober, who had come from Vermont, a young man ,of good
address, worked in the hotel for Welcli, clerking and attending
to bvisiness generallj'. Ed Matteson, another young man, worked
in the store for "Bill" McClure, as clerk.
Jerome Hardy was running a saloon, and a man bj' the name
of Hanson kept a tailor shop just where cannot be learned at this
late date. A building had been built between Bolton & Victory's
and the corner, and A. C. White occupied it with a meat market.
W. H. Roberts had a wagon shop and J. L. Ball had built the
planing mill in 1878. In the beginning of 1869 the West Wis-
consin railway had been completed to Humbird and that place
became the base of supplies for Augusta. Freight and stage lines
were established, and business was on the boom. Ilarvey Plum-
ley came that year and went into partnership with Hackett and
the Stone Bros, in the hardware business. Robert McGwine, a
man of extraordinary talent, had a harness shop. He was a good
workman, but so fond of liqor that his labor was too fi-equently
interrupted by his worship at the bacchanalian shrine. Charles
and John Taggart arrived, the former in 1869 and the latter in
1870, both hustlers, to be heard from later. The railroad came
in the fall of 1869 and business took a new life. A depot was
built, telegraphic communication established with the world and
Augusta was on the map. Jim Smith was the agent in charge at
the depot and things moved at a more lively gait. An old barn
that Charles Buckman had built somewhere just east of where
the Methodist ehureli now stands, had been moved to the railway
right of way by J. C. Hackett and established as a flat warehouse.
Jolin Hurst occupied one end of it and C. A. Kirkham the other
end, both to buy grain, wheat principally. Buckman 's second
addition to the village plat was made in 1868 and Stone's addition
in 1869. S. J. Hutchins purchased the interest of the Stone Bros,
in the hardware store and later bought out Hackett and Plumley.
Frank Searl worked for him in the store at that time. In 1872
L. 0. Hickot succeeded Jim Smith as agent at the station and
two new elevators were built, one by Warren Bros., since burned,
and one by L. Ermingham & Co., grain dealers, of Milwaukee.
Then P. Brown and his son-in-law, a Mr. Eaton, came from
Black River Falls and bought out the S. J. Hutchins hardware
stock. The Jacksons, father and son, of whom no previous men-
tion has been made, had been here for some time doing various
lines of business, and at the present time the elder Jackson ran
the Sheridan House. John O'Brien bought out A. C. White's
meat market and A. C. Rick came from Ripon and the two started
594 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
a market. Later "William Hertzke, who came from Ripen, bought
out Mr. O 'Brieu and he and Mr. Rick continued the business for
several years. Meanwhile the two buildings on the southwest
corner of Stone and Lincoln streets had burned and Stone and
Victory built a brick building on that corner and occupied the
same with an enlarged stock of drugs and groceries. Harvey &
Plumley built a basement next west, but did not finish the build-
ing. George M. Bell, who had been a clerk in the store for
AYarren Bros, occupied the store vacated by Stone & Victory,
with a stock of general merchandise. 0. A. Williams came from
Ohio in 1871 and entered into partnership with his brother, L. L.
Williams. The following year they built a building on the south
side of Lincoln street and put in an enlarged stock, adding
watches, clocks and .jewelry. H. Fust had a tailor shop in the
rear. In 1874 S. McClatehie, who had been in the« employ of
Loomis, Gallette & Breese, at Portage, Wisconsin, came and as
the representative of that firm bought the Josephus Livermore
stock in the old building on the corner. It was rather a gloomy
prospect for S. M. iii the little tucked up place and he soon
arranged to move into the place where George M. Bell had been,
the old Bolton and Victory building. Ira B. Bradford, who had
been admitted to the bar in 1873, came with his wife to the
village. They began housekeeping in rooms, upstairs in the
Humphrey house, and Mr. Bradford opened a law oflice in rooms
upstairs in a frame building on the south side of Lincoln street.
How well he succeeded the after history of Augusta will disclose.
Griff 0. Jones came in 1874 from Columbia county, Wisconsin.
and started the Augusta "Eagle," the first office being upstairs
in the frame building being occupied by Vautyne & Beebe on the
south side of Lincoln street. Later when the bank block was
finished he moved upstairs over where the postoffice now is, and
the "Eagle" has since been published from that place.
In 1875 Williams Brothers built a brick building two stories
on the basement which Harvey Plumley had built near the corner,
and they occupied the same that year, again increasing their
stock. Fred Williams, who was then biat a kid, had arrived from
Ohio in 1873. Tom Hoefer was working for Williams Bros, as
.ieweler and watchmaker. From him Fred learned the trade,
and when the stock was removed to the new building Fred was
ready to take charge of the work, which he did. John Anderson
built his brick shop in 1874 and continued to poimd away as
though he had to. The same year I. Bradford moved his office
into the rooms over the new Williams Bros, store. He and Russell
CITY OF AUGUSTA 595
Haekett started the Augusta bank that year in the same rooms,
and at the start L. C. Humphrey was the cashier. The Beebe
block was first built in 1876, a two-story brick building, double
front below and a hall in the whole of the second story. "Bill"
MeClure moved his clothing stock from across the street into tiie
west half of the neAv building, and Loomis, Gallette & Breese
occupying the east half, S. M. Clutchie in charge. E. F. Ober
was a salesman with the firm at that time. Up to this time
Augusta had never had a large fire. Only three of the business
buildings were of brick and the time was ripe for a purging.
Prior to 1877 there were two institutions of which no mention
has yet been made. N. Marte came about 1870 and started a fur-
niture store in a building just soutli of where the O'Brien &
Cutland livery stable stood. He was a thorough workman and
did a good business. Later he moved to the north side of Lincoln
street. L. A. Brace and B. H. Walrath started a dry goods store
in the A. W. Kussell building on the southeast corner of Stone
and Spring streets. Mr. Levi Walrath did tailoring in the rear
of the store and his wife continued the millinery business which
Mrs. Russell had established. In 1877 the buildings on the north-
east corner of Stone and Lincoln streets were burned to the
ground. Rick and Ilertzke's market occupied the middle biiild-
ing, Lupps and Marte had a saloon in the corner building and
the north building was i;noecupied. As soon as matters could
be adjusted arrangements Avere made to rebuild. Bradford &
Haekett had bought the corner lot. A. C. Rick owned the middle
lot and John F. Stone the north lot. They arranged to build the
block together and it was accordingly done. It was built of solid
brick and at the time and for several years was the finest building
in the city. When completed the Augusta bank was moved into
the corner and Mr. Bradford occupied the upper front with his
law office and A. C. Rick occupied the middle portion. Who first
occupied the north portion is beyond the knowledge of the writer.
Later it was occupied by Fuller Bros., who came from Columbus,
Wisconsin, with a stock of dry goods and clothing. At the begin-
ning of 1880 the space from Beebe 's block to the Williams Bros,
store -was occupied by Warden buildings. During that year a
fire broke out and burned the whole row. This fire was a great
cleaning up, and the following year the row was rebuilt. P. Brown,
who had bought out his son-in-law, Eaton, built a substantial brick
building next to Williams' and occupied it with his hardware
business. J. F. Beebe built on his lots from his block to where
Aug. Arndt's furniture store now is. Nick Marte built the fur-
o[)6 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
nitui-e store and occupied the same with his business. J. R.
Rundlette built the next east for a drug store, and H. C. Van-
tyne, who had succeeded Vantyne & Beebe, built next for his shoe
store. S. Axtel, who had come from Columbus and started a
dry goods store, following Brace & "Walrath in the A. W. Russell
building built the next, a large store building which he occupied
with his business. This left but a narrow, vacant lot in the
burned district. On this vacant lot B. F. Brown built in 1883.
In 1880 Plummer & Finch came from Reedsburg and bought the
grist mill from John F. Stone and took possession June 21 of
that year. They remodeled the mill, making it a completely
equipped modern mill. Later they put in a steam power plant
to relieve the water power.
G. W. Purnell came from Merrillan in 1880 and put a large
stock of hardware in the west half of the Beebe block, and cut
considerable ice for a couple of years, then moved back to Mer-
i-illan. Dr. E. M. Rogers came in 1882 from Dodge county and
opened dental offices over what is now Rick's saloon. Later- he
moved into the rooms over the Williams store and still later into
the building where Dr. D. W. Babcock had his office. Ed Ober
and Henry McBain had bought an interest in the Breese, Loomis
& Co. stock and the firm was Ober, McBain & Co. McBain retired
within a year and the firm became known as E. F. Ober & Co".
W. H. Dodge, who had occupied the little old building, corner
of Stone and Lincoln streets with a small stock of hardware, had
moved the same into the frame building first west of the Beebe
block. J. C. Ilackett and W. D. Hebard, who had been in the
machinery business for years, bought the stock from him in 1880
and continued the business there for a couple of years. In 1882
Hackett and Hebard moved into the building vacated by Parnell.
In 1883 W. S. Cox, C. A. Cox and Frank L. Clarke formed a
co-partnership under the firm name of Cox Bros. & Clarke, and
on September 1, 1883, opened a stock of general merchandise
in the B. F. Brown building. After three years they moved into
the Beebe block after the fire in 1886.
In 1886 J. B. Button was appointed postmaster by President
Cleveland to succeed W. H. "Waterbury. He moved the ofiice into
a frame building west of the Beebe block. That winter fire again
visited Lincoln street, burning the Beebe block and west from
there to as far as where the "Times" office stood in 1906. To
the east it burned to the Marte store and then crossed the street,
taking everything from "W. F. Rick's saloon to where Pehlke &
llonadel now are. After this fire the postofQee was moved to the
CITY OF AUGUSTA 597
bank bloek. lu the spring of that year Frank L. Clarke was
appointed postmaster to succeed J. B. Button. John F. Beebe
proceeded to rebuild most of the burned district on the north
side of Lincoln street. Shortly after the big fire the old
building on the corner of Stone and Lincoln streets, occupied by
"Whiting as a restaurant, was burned. E. F. Ober & Co. bought
the lots and at once built the brick building that now stands and
occupied the same with their business. John F. Beebe rebuilt
on his vacant lots and when the original Beebe block was rebuilt
the west half was occupied by Hackett & Hebard. The same
year Cox Bros. & Clarke moved from the B. F. Brown building
next to Hackett & Hebard.
The Augusta "Times" was started January 1, 1890. It was
purchased by Frank L. Clarke and C. W. Warner, and about two
years later "Warner retired and Clarke continued the publication
until January 1, 190i, when E. G. Herrell purchased the outfit.
In 1883 P. E. "Williams bought the watch, clock and jewelry
business from his brothers and conducted the same at the old
stand for a time. Later he moved into the B. P. Brown building.
S. Axtel sold his store and business in 1889 to Strauss and Levy,
and in 1898 Mr. Levy bought the Strauss interest. P. Dautt'en-
bach came in 1889 and bought the hardware business of P. Brown.
In 1897 he sold to H. F. Erchler, who came from Reedsburg, and
two years later Erchler sold to 0. F. Brager. The Beebe block
was again visited by fire in 1894. It was occupied at the time by
Cox Bros, in one part, and Hackett & Hebard in the other.
Hackett & Hebard did not resume ; Cox Bros, retired during the
time between the burning of the building and its rebuilding.
CHAPTER XLIV.
AUGUSTA CHURCHES.
METHODIST.
When Erastus Buckman and Charles Bueknian and family
and John F. Stone and family came to Augusta the Word of God
had probably never been proclaimed there, although, it may be,
that some Catholic missionary journeying across the state may
have been attracted there by the beauty of the scene, and, faith-
ful to his trust, he may have preached there to the Indians. This,
however, is but a thought of fancy and not at all likely, as the
scene vs'as very much removed from the pathways that led from
post to post. But when the pioneers had come, and the habita-
tion of the white man had been established, there came a long-
ing for the gospel of Christ, the spiritual uplifting. The spiritual
need was pressing at times and it is related that when a little
son of William Arris had died there was no one spiritually quali-
fied to even offer a prayer, and that finally Mr. William Young
was prevailed upon and very rehictantly he prayed for God's
blessing to rest upon and bless the gathered few, to comfort the
bereaved ones and cherish the soul of the little one who had been
called to enter the higher life. But the spiritual wants of the
people had not long to wait. Rev. John Bean, an itinerant
preacher, came that way and stopped with John F. Stone and
family, and preached to the people and prayed with them at
Mr. Stone's home. Shortly after this he met Rev. John Holt
and told him of Augusta and urged him to go there.
It has been said that Rev. Holt was an ex-pugilist. However
this may be, we cannot doubt that if all reports of him are true
he had the courage and the strength of a gladiator, and it is
known that in fighting the good fight he struggled mightily
against the force of sin and for the establishment of the King-
dom of God among men. He came to Augusta and preached to
the people, and in the fall of 1859 at the district conference had
Augusta added to his charge, which was known as the Alma cir-
cuit. Rev. L. R. Davis was his assistant and they had fifty-four
appointments in the circuit. Tlie country was wild, the roads
uncertain and the people were poor. The preacher went on horse-
.398
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 59!)
back from place to place, preaching the gospel, helping tlie people
with the good cheer of Him who commanded: "Go ye therefore
and teach all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you ; and, lo, I am with
you alway, even to the end of the world."
Rev. Holt preached the first funeral sermon in Augusta, that
of Helen Dodge. In 1860 the circuit was properly organized, with
Rev. Thomas Mason in charge. Later he enlisted in the Four-
teenth Wisconsin Volunteers and went to the front. He was
killed in battle, fighting valiantly for his country. In 1861
Augusta was assigned by the conference to the Chippewa dis-
trict. Rev. Chauncey Hobart, presiding. Rev. Albert T. Johnson
in charge of Augusta. Rev. Mathias Woody was the preacher
in charge in 1862 and was followed in 1863 by Rev. J. B. Rey-
nolds, who shortly after enlisted and went to the war. The cir-
cuit then included Augusta and Osseo and Rev. Woodley reported
fifty members and probationers in the circuit, Thompson Valley
being the stronghold of Methodism. Rev. G. W. Carpenter was
sent by the conference of 1864, and he was followed in 1865 by
Rev. Thomas Crouch. A committee was appointed that year to
buy or build a parsonage, and as a result of their efi:orts six lots
were bought for that purpose. The parsonage was not built
there that year, however.
Rev. Darius Breese supplied the charge in 1866 and built a
parsonage in the lots tliat had beeu secured the previous year.
In 1867 Rev. Frank W. Dighton was sent, with Rev. W. E. Con-
way as assistant. That year the Methodists and the Congrega-
tionalists held union services in the school liouse, a small building
that stood until 1905 on Lincoln street, where the new German
Lutheran church now stands. A union Sunday school was organ-
ized, with Parker Warren as superintendent. Previous to this
time services had been held from place to place at first, then in
school houses as they were built throughout the circuit. In
1868 Rev. William Stanton supplied the charge, living at Hum-
bird and coming on horseback to supply the charge. In those
days the work of the Methodist preacher was strenuous indeed.
They worked hard, prayed without ceasing, and frequently took
their alloAvance in wheat, which they hauled to Sparta and sold
at a price that would scarcely pay for the hauling. They went
their way rejoicing, however, preaching the gospel as they jour-
neyed on. Rev. D. Clingman was assigned to the charge by the
conference of 1862, and he remained two years. During his
600 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
pastorate the church was built, he having been sent for that pur-
pose. The membershii") of the church was small and most of the
members were not too greatly supplied with worldly goods. They
were filled with the spirit of Godliness, however, and went earn-
estly at work with Rev. Clingman to build a temple wherein they
might worship. For a brief history of the building of the temple
we quote from an article by Mrs. E. J. Heard, published some
years ago in the Augusta ' ' Eagle ' ' :
"To any but Bro. Clingman the prospects would have been
discouraging. With a small membership and all poor people,
but being rightly named, and a German, with all a German's
push and vim he began to look around for the material to build
a church. Already he, with the Tosker Bros., had secured a piece
of ground and had built a little chapel to hold service while
building the church. It was afterward finished into a dwelling
house which is now owned and occupied by W. H. Smith. Mr.
Fletcher Doughton came nobly to the assistance of Bro. Cling-
man. Owning a tract of land he gave the privilege of cutting
timber enough for the church and also to pay for the sawing.
Then came the work of getting the timber sawed and drawn to
the mill. As the custom was in war time, some voluuteered and
some were drafted to do this pleasant work. Mr. John F. Stone
readily agreed to saw the lumber on shares, and so the lumber
was provided for. The site for the church was provided (where
the church now stands), the stone for the foundation was drawn
in the winter and as soon as the ground was free from frost the
foundation was laid by Bro. Clingman with appropriate cere-
mony. At the southwest corner the church rests on the corner-
stone. In the cavity of this stone was deposited a 5, 10, 25 and
50 cent piece of paper money, called script, some coins, pictures
of pastor and family, a copy of the Augusta "Herald," published
by D. W. Brown, copies of our church periodical, a hymn book,
a discipline and a Bible." The Bible was one that Mr. Tasker
had carried through the war and had been wet through many
times by rain while the owner had slept on the tented field during
Sherman's march to the sea. The stone was sealed by Caleb
Russell. The brick of which the church was built were a local
product, made by Darius Stone, Charles Ferguson, Harry Burnes,
John Hainer and the Tasker brothers. The brick were laid by
Horace Policy, Caleb Russell, Frank Ilorel and Sam Blatchford.
The plastering was done by Charles Horel and the painting by a
Mr. Baker from Duraud. A fine, clear-toned bell was hung in
the belfry and a little room over the vestibule was fitted up
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 601
wherein to hold services when it became too cold to hold them in
the chapel. This little room held the whole congregation, with
space in plenty to spare.
The church was dedicated December IS, 1870. On the evening
before the dedication it was discovered that there Avas no Bible
rest, and a committee of two, consisting of Lester A. Heard and
Eliza Jane Babcock, was appointed. This was amusing. Lester
was not quite beyond his teens and Eliza was on the west side of
thirty, both were extremely bashful and those were their court-
ship days. The committee was in session until three o'clock next
morning, but when adjournment was taken the Bible rest was
ready.
Bishop Fallows preached a splendid sermon full of spiritual
uplift and encouragement, and at its close announced that the
church which had been built at a cost of $ti,000 was in debt
•$2,700. He made an eloquent appeal to clear the church from
debt before dedication. The appeal was responded to and a
sufficient sum was pledged to clear the indebtedness. The church
was then dedicated, but so many failed to meet their pledges
that the society found itself discouragingly in debt. Mrs. Heard
in her story of the church says:
"This first year was very hard on some of the members, they
putting into the church nearly all their living. To illustrate :
"Three of the members jointly bought a carload of lime to
plaster the church. One of the men going home to dinner one
day and finding a limited dinner his wife said: 'You might have
brought some lime.' However, the church was dedicated and the
membership took up the burden of its support, firm in the faith
and trusting in God. The first funeral service preached in the
church was that for the little son of Mr. and Mrs. .J. S. Good-
rich. In 1871 Rev. H. D. Jellison supplied the pulpit. The debt
hung over the church and the membership was beset with per-
plexities extreme. Rev. John Holt came in 1872 and worked
mightily for the cause.
The women of the church joined in the worl;. doing much
that the men could not or would not do. The church was heated
with borrowed stoves and when the OM'ners called for them it
became necessary to get a new stove. Rev. Holt was appointed
to the task and succeeded, how no one ever knew. Rev. J. E.
Irish came to the pastorate in 1873 and was followed in 1874 by
Rev. A. J. Davis. He remained three years, doing faithful and
efl'ective work, especially among the young people. The Misses
Lois O'Brien, Annie Dittmore and Flora Bell were the leaders
602 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
among the j^oiing ladies who did much to help the church. Rev.
W. W. Wheaton was assigned to the charge by the conference of
1887. He was an old-fashioned Methodist and made war on
infidelity and as a result the congregations decreased in size. His
preaching was earnest but not suited to certain conditions. Rev.
James Havens came in 1878 and he wrought a mighty work. Tlie
present parsonage was built that year.
In 1879 Rev. John How came and remained three years and
was followed by his brother, Rev. William How, who also
remained three years. The Plows were both men of deep religious
conviction and earnest workers. Rev. E. C. Booth came in 1885
and remained three years. He was followed by Rev. F. L. Hart
in 1888 and he by Rev. William Atkinson in 1890. Rev. Atkinson
was an Englishman and a mighty preacher, but lacked the qi^ality
of leadership. It was during the pastorate of Rev. E. C. Booth
that the parlors and kitchen Avere added to the church. The l)ell
that now calls to worship was also purchased and hung during
his pastorate. Rev. J. II. Benson came in 1894 and was in charge
three years. He was followed by Rev. W. W. Hurd, 1898-9. In
1900 Rev. A. J. Coram came and remained five years and was
followed in 1905 by Rev. John Fisher.
Baptist Church. There is a religion of the heart and there is
a i-eligiou of the mind. The one points the pathway of duty,
prompts to justice, mercy and love: the other deals with the
philosophy of things, the supernatural world, the future of the
soul. It is the latter, the religion of the mind, creating intel-
lectual anxiety, that has filled the world with sects and the litera-
ture of religion with creeds and dogmas. We have no thought
of entering here upon a discussion of the merits or demerits of
any particular form of religion, the only thought being to sug-
gest an explanation of the fact that a community of intellectual
religions even though the aim and purpose of each is the same,
viz., the destruction of sin and the establishment of the Kingdom
of God. And in this particular religion Augusta was not different
in the earlj' days than other communities. First come the Meth-
odist missionaries, preaching the gospel of Christ. Then came
the Baptists preaching the same gospel, the only difference being
in the intellectual conception of certain ideas supposed to be vital.
But let us not quarrel with these ideas, hut set ourselves to a
recital of the history of the Baptist church in Augusta.
During the summer of 1861 Rev. A. B. Green, a man of God
and an earnest Christian worker, had labored in the local field
and on October 5 of that year organized the Baptist church of
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 603
Augusta. There were nine members, as follows: Mareellus
Riekard, Sarah Ann Riekard, Sally Russell, John Roberts, Mary
Roberts, J. Roberts, Andrew Thompson, Henrietta Warren, Joseph
Strader and Jane Austin, all but two have since joined the
innumerable caravan to the pale realms of shade. At the time
of the organization the articles of faith were adopted, after which
the members joined hands and entered into the solemn covenant
of the church. John Roberts and Andrew Thompson were elected
deacons and Mareellus Riekard was elected clerk.
On December 25 Rev. Green, after laboring with the churcli
"two days each fortnight for four months was obliged to close
his work.'" He entered the army and was a faithful soldier in
the army of his country, beloved by all his comrades in arms.
From the date of his departure to April 29, 1865, there is no
entry iu the church record. Evidently, however, the little band
of nine were increasing in their worship, for \ve have the testi-
mony of living witnesses that religious fervor liad increased in
the meantime.
From the record under date of April 29, 1865, we quote :
"Held a covenant meeting; had a season of prayer, Bro. H. L.
Humphrey presided. Resolved into a church meeting. Voted
that Rev. II. L. Humphrey be invited to be our pastor for one
year from May 1, 1865, and be paid by the church one hundred
and fifty dollars.
"Elder Humphrey accepted tlie invitation. Closed with
prayer and benediction."
Rev. Humphrey was a quiet, devout man, deeply religious and
zealous in all good work. During his ministration a Sunday
seliool was organized, June, 1865, with Charles Riekard as super-
intendent. The record discloses that the Sunday school was
reorganized May 25, 1866, with D. C. Spencer as superintendent.
Wednesday evening prayer meeting was established August 4,
1865. We quote from the record of date May 25, 1867: "In view
of increasing interest wrote Rev. R. F. Parshall, requesting him
to consider the field and pray for us. ' ' We quote again from the
church record, date July 27, 1867: "Our brother and sister
Spencer's dear boj' was drowned the fourth of this month. We
grieve with them and all feel how frail is life and how vast is
eternity." On September 1, F. C. Stone was baptized, this being
the first administration of that ordinance in the history of the
church.
October 16 Rev. R. F. Parshall came and the work for which
we have prayed commenced in earnest. The record of December
604 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
28, 1867, discovers that Elder Parsliall had closed his special
work and that Elder Greeu had "come to labor with Brother
Humphrey during the winter." As a result of Rev. Parshall's
work eighty had been added to the church and the spirit of Chris-.
tian fellowship was at its best.
At this time the meetings were being held in the rooms over
D. C. Spencer's house. They called it Spencer's hall.
Rev. Green had come to build a church and to this work he
applied himself, at the same time ministering to the spiritual
needs of the people. "While the membership of the church had
increased greatly, yet they were mostly poor in worldly goods
and the task of building a church was not an easy one. Elder
Green was equal to the task, however. He took off his coat and
pitched into anything that needed doing. The members of the
church were hearty in their support and contributed labor and
material to the extent of their ability, many to the detriment of
their personal affairs. One day Rev. Green received Avord from
Hudson that his wife was sick, requiring his attendance upon
her. He hadn't a cent of money and how to get to Hudson was
a question. He was boarding with John F. Stone's family, they
charging him nothing therefor, and he did not like to ask Mr.
Stone. He started up town with a heavy heart, determined if
necessary to make the journey afoot. As he came along Lincoln
street Hi Blair and several other jovial companions were stand-
ing in front of one of the buildings there.
"Boys," said Mr. Blair, "here comes one of the best men on
earth." And when Rev. Green approached Mr. Blair put his
hand in bis pocket, took out a five dollar bill and gave it to him,
saying, "take this, it may help you out of trouble." "God moves
in a my.sterious way." Rev. Green took the money; a heavy load
was lifted from his heart and he started at once to visit his wife.
After a brief time he returned. The time for which he had been
called expired and the church was not yet finished, and at a
special meeting it was voted to tender him a second call, to com-
mence December 1, 1868. The call was accepted and the work of
finishing the house of God went on. The work of finishing the
task was a serious one. The people had been drawn upon to the
limit of their ability to respond. Elder Green worked night and
day. He took Deacon Roberts' team and drove to Menomonie
for a load of lime to plaster the church and walked all the way
back because the load was too great for the team. There were
no doors to the church and the providential arrival of a tlO
gift from Rev. Doctor Moore, of Washington Avenue i-liurcli.
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 605
Brooklyn, N. Y., was turned to this use, aud the doors were sup-
plied. Finally the ehureh was finished and ready for dedication
except that the seating had not been paid for. John Pidd became
responsible for the bill, however; all was in readiness. The
church was dedicated on Sunday, February 14, the Rev. J. W.
Fish preaching- the dedicating sermon. Friends of the church
and its membei'ship, from Eau Claire, Black River Falls and other
places were present. The Saturday before the dedication was
observed by the members as a day of fasting and prayer.
September 25, 1869, Rev. C. W. Palmer preached to the con-
gregation and a call was then extended to him. He accepted the
call and began his ministration November 1, 1869. W. M. Stone
was elected church clerk and P. Brown, John Padd and D. C.
Spencer were elected deacons. The record shows that a vote of
thanks was tendered to Rev. Parshall for the gift of a beautiful
pulpit Bible, Christmas, 1869, and on February 26, 1870, the
thanks of the church was tendered to F. D. Stone for a beautiful
communion service set, his gift to the church. On the same date
it was voted that the organ, which Avas being used on trial, was
suitable and that it be accepted if the Ladies' Social Circle would
pay for it. November 16, 1870, Rev. Palmer tendered his resig-
nation as pastor, which resignation was reluctantly accepted.
During the time since Rev. A. B. Green had been succeeded as
pastor he had a deep interest in the church and was a frequent
visitor. The record shows that he frequently acted as Moderator
at the church meetings and at times occupied the pulpit. On
January 5, 1871, it was resolved that the word "reluctantly" as
used in relation to the acceptance of the resignation of Rev.
Palmer be stricken from the record of November 16, 1870.
Rev. C. C. Miller was present at a church meeting held
February 23, 1871, and it was then arranged to extend to him
a call to serve as pastor jointly with thr church at Black River
Falls. The call was accepted and Rev. ililler began his pas-
torate. He worked earnestly for the church and was beloved
by all the membership. After two years he resigned the charge
at Black River Falls and devoted his whole time to the Augusta
church until May 24, 1877, Avhen he resigned. September 9, 1877,
a call was extended to Rev. W. H. Parker, and on October 1 he
accepted the call and began his ministration. He was followed
by Rev. J. W. Fish September 25, 1879. Rev. Pish resigned
October 4, 1881. and on November 6 of that year Rev. William
Hartley succeeded him. Rev. Hartley was an earnest and faithful
worker and remained in charge of the pastorate until May, 1885.
606 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
He was followed by S. E. Randall and he by Rev. E. M. Bliss.
J. B. Tope was called October 13, 1889, and resigned May 30,
1890, serving only eight months. Rev. Fred T. Snell began a
pastorate December 11, 1890, and resigned April 3, 1892. He
was followed by Rev. H. E. Hoare, whose pastorate continued
until February 21, 1897, when he resigned. Rev. 0. E. Moffet
was the next pastor. He was succeeded in 1899 by Rev. J. C.
Williams and he by Rev. J. J. Johnson in 1903. Rev. Johnson
was a young man, filled with the spirit of religion and an earnest
worker. Rev. Herbet C. Nash, of Rockford, 111., was called to
succeed Rev. Johnson, who resigned in 1905.
Universalist. With the Methodists and Baptists, each with a
congregation not too large, and each with a church building
ample in all respects and .sufficiently imposing, it seemed that
Augusta was well equipped to care for and minister unto the
spiritual needs of the people. Not so, however. For a long time
there had been a spirit of unrest. Liberalism had gained a place
in the thought of certain of our people and the faith of the
Universalists had found favor in the minds of not a few. Rev.
Boyngton, of Minneapolis, had been here several times to preach
the faith of Universal salvation, and Rev. W. S. Ralph, of Colum-
bus, Wisconsin and his wife, Mrs. Agnes Ralph, had followed
him in advocacy of the proposition. In the month of August,
1892, a Universal parish, the necessary preliminary of every
church organization, was formed with a membership of forty. In
November of that year Rev. Ralph came and held a series of
meetings, ably and eloquently assisted by Rev. Stanford Mitchell,
of Boston, Mass. A church organization was perfected November
23, with a membership of eighteen. The women of the cliurch
were at once active in the cause and tlie organization prosijcred.
In 1895-6 Mrs. Ralph came from Columbus, Wisconsin, once
each month and ministered unto the people until the building of
a church was decided upon. Rev. Robert was called to the pas-
torate and the work of building the church was heartily entered
upon. A fine location was secured on Lincoln street and a fine
building erected. The architecture was modern and every
arrangement of the interior was in conformity to the best taste,
a commodious audience room for public service and pai-lors for
social and special occasions. The church was dedicated February
22, 1897. Upon the day of dedication fourteen were added to
the membership. Rev. Evatt was pastor of the church for two
years and was followed by Rev. L. D. Dinnsmore, whose pastorate
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 607
continued foi- six months. Rev. Oluf Lundberg came in the sum-
mer of 189S and remained until 1900. He was a scholarly man,
earnest in liis Mork and of lofty ideals. His ministration was
fruitful of much good. He was followed in 1900 by Rev. II. E.
Newton, who remained two years, or until 1902.
Since 1902 the church has had no regular pastor. At the
present time Rev. Turrell, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, comes once
each month to preach to the people and preside at their services.
In connection with the cliurcli is a Suiiilay school, regularly
maintained and with a good iiicuUjiM-sliip.
The Parish, the auxiliai'y organization, is maintained, with a
growing interest, and the women of the church arc zealous in
good work.
The Catholic Church. In tlu- early days there were but few
families that professed the faith of the mother church, and if
Catholic services were lield the annals thereof cannot be found.
But with the growth of the settlement several Catholic families
came and their spiritual needs demanded attention. Father J.
Loke, of the LaCrosse diocese, came in 1873 to serve the people
and to raise money wherewith to build a church. He labored
earnestly in the small field and was followed by the Rev. L. Spit-
zelberger in 1876. This devout man set about the arrangement
for the new church. A building connnittee consisting of Messrs.
Matt Relter, M. P. Schuster, Michael Harden and Mrs. Ellen Mc-
Donell, was appointed to build a frame church, 24x36. The
church was built that year. Rev. Bergmann came in 1877 and was
followed in 1878 by Rev. Paul Geyer and he by Rev. Gunkle in
1878. Father Voltz came in 1880 and was in charge of the con-
gregation until 1886, wlien Rev. Guzowski succeeded him and
remained until 1888, when Rev. Amy Babinski came for one year.
He was followed by Rev. Frydrycowitz in 1889 and lie by Rev.
Meudell in 1890. In 1890 Rev. H. Mendel came from Chippewa
Palls and was followed in 1891 by Rev. Harvestad. He remained
imtil 1896, when Rev. Joseph Ilofer was assigned to the work.
Father Hofer was followed by the Revs. Bauer and Xavier Till,
each remaining six months.
In 1899 Rev. Joseph Stenz was sent to the charge and in 1901
Rev. August Dovan took up the work. Under the pastorate of
Rev. Stenz, in 1900, the church was rebuilt and very greatly
improved.
Rev. Frydrycowitz was assigned to the charge in 1904. The
church, whicli is known as St. Anthony's, has a membership
COS HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of about thirty families and services are held once in each month.
Mathias Wagner, our city treasurer, is clerk of the church and
the only active trustee.
During all the years there has never been a resident pastor,
the church being in a circuit and the pastor coming from Hum-
bird, Chippewa Falls, Greenwood or some other locality not too
far distant.
The German Lutheran Church. From the early days a large
proportion of our citizenship has been of the sturdy Germans,
and, as is ixsually the case, they are true to the faith of their
fathers.
In 1869 a congregation was organized by Rev. W. J. Fredrick.
The congregation was known as the Evangelical Lutheran Grace
congregation of the Synod of Missouri. Rev. Fredrick served
the congregation and the first church, which was situated where
the parochial school now stands. In 1874 this church was
destroyed by a cyclone and the same year Rev. F. W. Ruediger
came as pastor. A new and better church building was built on
the corner, each from the old location, and has withstood the ele-
ments and all the adversities since. Rev. H. F. Proehl came in
1876 and twelve years ministered faithfully to the people unceas-
ing in his eiforts for tlie moral betterment. He was succeeded
by Rev. H. Bruss and he in 1890 by Rev. H. Stute. Rev. Otto
Braem came in 1892, and served the church for many years.
In connection with the church is the parochial school, from
which a large class of fine young boys and girls are confirmed
each year.
St. Peter's Lutheran Church. As in all other churches, there
may develop in the German Lutheran church a spirit of unrest,
of liberalism if j^ou please. It was so in the old church here and
in 1895 an organization was formed known as St. Peter's Luth-
eran congregation. The neAV congregation built a fine new church
on West Lincoln street in 1903, a modern church, size 30x68,
built by Paul Wenzel. architect.
AUGUSTA SCHOOLS.
The importance of education was realized by the early set-
tlers of Augusta, and, notwithstanding the poverty and the hard-
ships and the labors of the pioneer life, one of their first thoughts
was of the education of the youth so that they might enjoy the
pleasures of knowledge. The first school in Augusta was opened
in 1857, with a Miss Parland as teacher. It was located
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 609
on the North side, aud was kept in a little board
shanty. The number of pupils was necessarily small, for
there was but a few families in the eommimity at the time.
In 1859 a district school was organized and a new school house
was built. It was the little building that was removed in 1905
to make room for the German Lutheran church, and it stood on
the ground where C. W. Culbertsou's house now stands. For
several years it was a small school and it has been impossible
to learn who the first teachers were after Miss Parland until 1866.
That year Lydia Hoxhurst was the teacher and it is said that
she Avas a most excellent one. That was in the fall and winter
of 1865. The next year the school was divided. The advanced
pupils remained in the regular school building with Miss Libbie
Denison as teacher, while the primary grade was under the
tutelage of Martha Robbins, now Mrs. Stoddard Field, of Osseo.
She kept school in the rooms over Dr. Spencer's residence, then
known as Spencer's hall.
At the beginning of the fall term in 1867 Mary Day was the
teacher of the advanced grade and Miss Lillian Hall of the
primary grade. Miss Day had to give up the school Avithin a
short time, however, and Mrs. F. N. Thomas took her place for
the term. For the spring term Sarah Reed was employed as
teacher. Meantime the school population had grown and it
became necessary to build a new school house. The new build-
ing was built on the ground near the present school building and
had rooms to accommodate four departments.
For the year 1867-9 a Mr. Tillinghast was principal of the
school. The next year Professor Button, of Whitewater, Avas
employed as principal. He Avas a most excellent teacher, but
before he finished the year he was called to more advanced work
in a school in the southern part of the state, and Prof. E. H.
Sprague, of Elkhorn, succeeded him. He also Avas a good teacher,
aud remained iu charge of the school for two years. Professor
Sprague was folloAved in 1872 by a man by the name of Jacobs,
who came from Winona. He proved incapable and T. E. Williams,
a young man from Eau Claire, just out of college took hold of
the disorganized situation iu a masterful Avay aud had got matters
nicely squared Avhen the school house Avas destroyed by fire.
A ncAv school house was built on the foundation of the one
destroyed and about the same general style. The next year the
school moved into the neAv building and Mr. Williams Avas again
employed as principal. He remained at the head of the school
continuously until 1883, except for a short time in 1877. That
610 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
year he thought to retire from the profession because of ill health,
and a man by the name of Beede was employed as principal.
Mr. Beede was a good teacher, but was wanting in the essentials
of administration and his work failed. He taught only a portion
of the year and then Mr. Williams came back and remained
until 1883.
By this time the school had outgrown its former importance
and had been organized as a high school. The work of teaching
in the high school, together with that of superintendence, had
become too exacting for one and an assistant in the high school
became necessary. For this position a young man by the name
of L. W. Wood, but a year out of River Falls Normal school, was
employed and proved to be a most excellent teacher, full of the
school spirit and a leader of the young people, especially of the
young men. At the close of the school year Mr. Williams con-
cluded to retire from the profession, and his long service as head
of the Augusta schools was closed.
Professor Williams, we all called him "Professor," although
he disliked the term, preferring the ordinary "Mr.," or by the
older ones the short name, "Tom," was every inch a man. There
were no frills about h'im, nor fancies, nor deceits. The student
body worshipped him, and his word was law. He scarcely ever
frowned and corporal punishment was to him a thing to be
abhorred. He taught by practice as well as from the text, and
joined heartily in all the sports of the young people, excelling
in athletics and playing any position assigned him on the diamond
when a baseball game was on hand. His influence upon the youth
was of that kind that lasts, and many a young man and many a
young woman was directed by liim into the way of life that
terminated in success.
But we have departed from our purpose, whicli was to write
the history of the Augusta schools.
In 1884 L. W. Wood, who had been the assistant principal the
year before, was chosen by the school board to take charge of the
school. He was somewhat different than Mr. Williams, but at
once won his way to success. He was an ideal instructor, a good
organizer and a leader of the young. He, too, like his prede-
cessor, was held in the highest regard by the student body, and,
too, he left an impress upon the youth that will only be erased
when the death angel comes to point the higher way. He was
in charge of the school for thirteen years, leaving in 1897, to take
a better position at Neillsville. Prof. Albert Hedler followed
Mr. Wood and remained three vears. 1898 to 1900. He was a
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 611
good teacher, but left to take up the study of law iu Milwaukee.
In 1901 Prof. G. 0. Banting was the principal and remained two
years. He resigned to accept the principalship of the Waupaca
school. "W. H. Shepherd followed Professor Banting in 1903-4,
and was succeeded in 1905 by J. E. Hale.
In 1887 the old school house was too small to accommodate
the school population and a new building was erected on the
lots on the west of the old building and the two lower grades
were transferred.
Again in 1882 the high school building had become inadequate
and a special school meeting was held to decide upon plans for
the future. At this meeting it was voted to build a new school
house and a building committee was appointed. As a result the
old school house was torn down and a new one erected at a cost
of about $30,000. The new building was ready for occupancy at
the beginning of the school year 1903. It is a thoroughly modern
building, one of the finest in the state, and is thoroughly equipped
in every detail, library, gymnasium, steam heat, electric lights,
and every modern convenience. The school has been brought to
the highest standard of excellence and is notable throughout
northern "Wisconsin for the quality of its graduates.
Four courses of four years each are offered in the high school,
and will admit to the state university or any college in the state,
and to the junior year of any state normal. Foiir years of Latin
and tAvo of German are given, and will prepare the pupil for
such special courses as engineering, medicine, or dentistry.
The school contains eight grades below the high school, each
grade seated in a separate room and instructed by a special
teacher.
Free text books are furnished all pupils of the school without
rental.
Admission to the high school is made either on a diploma from
the district school, a certificate of membership from another high
school, a diploma from a state graded school or a three-year high
school, or by examination.
AUGUSTA GOVERNMENT.
The county of Eau Claire was organized by an act of the
legislature approved October 6, 185(j. The act creating the
county provided that the town board of Eau Claire should con-
stitute the county board until the next annual election. This
town board, consisting of C. M. Seley, E. W. Bobbins and M. A.
612 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Page, was the county government until February 24, 1857, when
the town of Bridge Creek was organized. It consisted of what
is now the towns of Otter Creek, Lincoln, Clear Creek, Luding-
ton, Fairchild and Bridge Creek, a pretty big town, but at that
time not of any considerable importance in the affairs of state.
The first supervisor elected from Bridge Creek was William
Young, and the first regular organization of a county board
was November 17, with Ira Mead, from Half Moon town, as
chairman. Since that time the town of Bridge Creek has been
cut down from time to time until it consisted of but the three
townships that now constitute its area. For years after the
organization of the town of Bridge Creek Augusta was a part
thereof, and the chairman of the town board of Bridge Creek
was the representative of Augusta at the meetings of the county
board. As an indication of the value of the property assessed in
Bridge Creek in 1857 the sum raised for school purposes that
year in the whole of Bridge Creek was $50. The history of the
government has been identical with that of Bridge Creek until
the village organization was effected.
The village of Augusta was organized in 1872. Who the first
village officers were cannot now be told. In fact there is no
record of the proceedings of the village board from the time of
its organization until 1879, the books of record having been lost
in some way wholly unknown at the present time. But there
were good men to conduct the affairs of the village and tliere
was no lack of public interest. John F. Stone was always active
in the development of the village, although not much of an office-
holder. Then there Avas J. C. Hackett, R. D. Campbell, the Rus-
sells, the younger Stones, J. L. Ball, L. L. Williams, 0. A.
Williams, W. H. Waterbury, Silas Perry, C. L. Bullis and others
whose names are not recalled, all enterprising citizens and suffi-
ciently numerous to fill the public offices, ^ind the village grew
slowly but surely, and finally became quite metropolitan in its
Avays and the people became conscious of their importance and
longed for a larger and better government.
Early in 1885 a special election Avas held to vote upon a propo-
sition to organize the city of Augusta. The vote Avas favorable
to the proposition. A bill Avas passed in the legislature of 1885,
chapter 73, creating the city of Augusta AAith four Avards, the
division being Stone and Lincoln streets, the Avards cornering
at their intersection. The bill creating the city Avas the charter
of the city. It Avas draAvn bv Hon. I. B. Bradford Avith much
AUGUSTA CHURCHES 613
care, aud has remained, with but slight amendment, to the pres-
ent time.
At the first city election held in April, 1885, the following
officers were elected:
Mayor, I. B. Bradford ; clerk. Griff 0. Jones ; treasurer, H. M.
Warren; assessor, Carihis Stone; alderman, First ward, M. Vic-
tory; alderman, Second ward, William Schroeder; alderman,
Third ward, C. L. Bullis; alderman. Fourth ward, Gus Dittmer.
These officers launched the new ship of state, set it sailing in
proper form aud the city of Augusta has never since run upon
the rocks or encountered anything more serious than an occa-
sional squall.
Under tlie old village rule a tire company was organized,
known as Red Jacket No. 1, and for their use a hand engine was
bought aud a few liundred feet of hose. The engine was pretty
good in its way and would squirt a stream of water when the
water could be found. Nevertheless the outfit was wholly inade-
quate and the enterprising ones insisted upon a larger and better
system. At a council meeting held June 6, 1899, a resolution was
adopted, ordering a special election to vote upon the question of
issuing the bonds of the city in the sum of $12,000 for the pur-
pose of installing a Avaterworks system. The question was an
important one and to the minds of the conservatives the idea
was simply awful. The enterprising element and the young folks
worked hard for the proposition, however, and when election
was held, July 6, 1899, the conservatives were defeated by a
score of 144 to 135. Ai'rangements Avere a once made to install
the new system. The bonds were sold .at a premium and a con-
tract for the laying of the mains and the erection of a water
tower. The tower stands in the center of the city, is one hundred
and thirty-five feet high where it stands and holds 80,000 gallons.
The water is drawn from two large wells sunk near the tower
and the pumping, for which Mr. J. L. Ball has a franchise, is
done by the electric light power plant. There are three miles of
water mains and twenty-seven hydrants for fire protection. The
water is pure spring water aud the finest in the land.
When the waterworks were completed the fire laddies braced
up. Several thousand feet of new hose was added to the equip-
ment, and a new hose cart, and a little later a fine new hook and
ladder wagon with all the necessary modern equipment. As is
always assured, insurance rates are reduced and the beauty of it
is that the whole system, waterworks, fire organization, etc., is
614 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
self-supporting and the city pays not a cent for hydrant rental.
Bert Fredrick is chief of the fire department and takes pride in
the fact that he and his laddies can squirt water into the remotest
parts of the city.
Several years ago the city bought the east third of the bank
block and the city hall is maintained therein. There are city
parks. One on the north side, about six acres and a pretty spot,
but somewhat remote for ordinary purposes. The new park is
in the center of the city, covers a large block and has been nicely
laid out and set to trees, elms and evergreen. When these have
grown it will be a beauty spot.
As in the case of every community of importance, tlie govern-
ment of Augusta, and the ordering thereof has resulted in the
development of politics and politicians — not the meaner, baser
sort, but politics and politicians of the broader and better kind.
In fact it is notable that the village and the city have always
been remarkably free from the curse of the petty politician and
grafter.
And first among the notable men of Augusta is Hon. I. B.
Bradford. From his first coming in 1872 he became a leader
in the cause of better government and a factor in the political
affairs of the village and county. Clean, honest, fearless, an
orator of felicity and power, he rose to prominence in the aiTairs
of the state. Three times elected to the legislature and spcakrr
of the assembly in 1881, he gained a reputation in statosmanshii).
The commercial trade in its various lines gives evidence of
steady gain in population, wealth and general prosperity. Manu-
factures and industrial pursuits are keeping pace with the devel-
opment of the adjacent country which is tributary to this city.
Creameries, cheese and butter factories, flour mills and other
industries show the steady increase which leads to sure success.
In short, Augusta has unusual advantages and is fully appre-
ciated by its dwellers.
CHAPTER XLV.
THE VILLAGE OP FAIRCHILD.
Tile village ol Fairchild is located in the exti-eme southeast
corner of the county and township, and was settled in 1868, about
the time when the then West Wisconsin railway was constructing
its road-bed. The line was opened for traffic in 1870. The land
was at this time covered with a low growth of bushes. One of
the first settlers there was Mr. Van Auken. He built the first
steam sawmill and sold it to another early settler, G. S. Graves,
in 1870. It was twice burned down, the second time in 1874, and
not rebuilt. The McKinney house, the first hotel, was erected in
1878, and operated by Samuel McKinney. The other hotel, the
Fairchild house, was built by Nathaniel C. Foster in 1875.
One of the first structures erected here was the Methodist
Episcopal church. This occurred in 1874. For several years
previous to this time the itinerant preachers of this denomina-
tion had conducted services in this locality. It was included in
the Fairchild and Ilumbird circuit. The Rev. John Holt was the
first man who preached here. The meetings were held in a board
shanty, the floor of which was so loose that it kept in motion
while anyone walked on it. The settlers scattered around wel-
comed these teachers of God's word most heartily. The first
regular pastor was the Rev. George Benham. This was in 1877.
He had charge of this organization and the one at Humbird.
His successors were the Revs. C. Barker, G. D. Brown, J. W.
Wells, M. J. Robinson, R. Smith, William Gallaway, John Holt,
D. Clingman, G. S. Perry, and N. R. Hiues. The church edifice
was later removed to a new location and almost entirely rebuilt.
The village was surveyed and platted in May, 1872, and the
district school house built in 1875, with four departments. A
steam sawmill was erected in 1876 by Mr. Foster. It was de-
stroyed by fire on January 11, 1881, and rebuilt by him, to be
again burned down ; then the present one, which is also a planing-
mill, was constructed in 1887. It was owned and operated by Mr.
Foster until July, 1891, when it became the property of the N. C.
Foster Lumber Company. Employment was given to seventy-
five men. Mr. Foster also built an elevator, with a steam feed-
mill attached, in 1880. There is also a hall erected by Mr. Foster,
615
616 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
which is used as an opera house, with a seating capacity of 350.
Mr. Poster built a railroad to Mondovi, in Buffalo county, thirty-
seven miles, and sold it, in the spring of 1891, to the Chicago,
St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway Company. He also con-
structed about thirty miles of steam logging road into the woods
for logging purposes. According to the census of 1910 the village
had a population of about 700.
Fairchild is famous, not only for the history of its big saw-
mill, but for its Big Store, one of the biggest retail mercantile
institutions in northern Wisconsin. After the big fire in 1895
the N. C. Foster Lumber Company planned to build a model store
and the next spring began operations. The basement of the
main store was made 100x115 feet and the warehouse annex
40x70 feet is made of solid brick. The entire inside finish
is in hardwood and no detail of convenience or utility is omitted.
A large skylight in the center of the main store furnishes ample
light and on the east side are the offices and vaults.
On the east of the store and closely adjoining is an electric
light plant with large boilers, engine and dynamo of sufficient
capacity to furnish light for the store building, warehouse and
private residence of the firm. The store was completed and
ready for occupancy in August, 1896, and on the 26th of that
month the doors were opened to the public. It was conducted
by the N. C. Foster Lumber Company until about 1905, when the
control passed to the Farmers' Mutual Trading Company, a cor-
poration, with C. C. Calkins manager of the business.
The business of the store is conducted under eight heads of
departments: Dry goods, clothing, shoes, groceries, hardware,
furniture, millinery and jewelry. In connection with the store
is the cold storage business, which furnishes a large market for
produce, especially eggs and dairy butter.
The next mercantile institi;tion, in respect to size, is the fine
large store conducted by John Anderson. He carries a large
stock of general merchandise and is always a competitor for
business. He is a trained merchant, does business on the square
and has a host of friends.
R. E. Arnold is the proprietor of the drug store and keeps a
fine stock of everything in the line of drugs, toilet articles and
notions. Mr. Arnold is also postmaster and has the office in a
building adjoining his store. There the people go to get their
letters, business, love or whatnot, and stamps of the very best
quality.
THE VILLAGE OP PAIRCHILD 617
Tlie meat market of Smith & Shipman, with Richard Shipman
the active member in the business, deal out to the hungering
populace the choicest meats.
The Fii'st National Bank, of Fairchild, is one of the solid
institutions of the northwest and is a bulwark of finance and
strength. It is capitalized at $25,000. N. C. Foster is president;
W. K. Coffin, vice-president ; W. F. Hord, cashier, and II. M. Foss,
assistant cashier. The bank officers al-c in connection with the
offices in the big store.
The art preservative is not neglected in Fairchild, in fact the
Fairchild "Observer" is a model of clean and intelligent journal-
istic enterprise. It was founded in 1897 by J. E. Pratt and later
passed to Mr. C. C. Netteshiem and later still to Mr. C. A. Har-
mon. Mr. Harmon died in 190.5 after a long and serious illness,
and his wife, Mrs. .Tessie K. Harmon, continued the publication.
As an editor Mrs. Harmon jiroved herself equal to the heights of
the profession and under hci- (lii'crtion the "Observer" maintained
a high standard aiiionu' The iMiuutry newspapers of the state,
which is now being puldished by Richard B. Swarthout.
Free N. Ferguson is the proprietor of the Fairchild Motor
Company and deals in all kinds of automobiles, while Charles C.
Calkins has a warehouse 50x70 feet and does an extensive busi-
ness in all kinds of farm produce, shipping as high as 500 cars
per year to Chicago and eastern markets.
The medical profession is well represented in the village by
able physicians, who are fully equipped for any emergency in
administering to the ills of the people, while the doctors of
dental surgery are equal to any in the county. In fact the busi-
ness interests of Fairchild in general are Avell represented in all
lines, but our limited record enables us to mention only a few
who are now engaged in business, and thus must necessarily omit
the mention of many who are no doubt as worthy of representa-
tion. The agricultural interests in the township are taken care
of by a thrifty and enterprising class of farmers, who are thor-
oughly up to the minute in their modes of operation and supply
the village with the best of all kinds of prodiTce, Avhere they find
a ready market for large quantities, and the shipping facilities
brought about by the ability of Mr. N. C. Foster in the construc-
tion of railroads has made Fairchild one of the foremost railroad
centers in the county.
The local government of the village is of statutory form and
consists of a president and board of trustees. Tlie public affairs
618 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of the village are orderly and the official government is clean
and is maintained with that spirit of enterprise that meets the
approval of all.
The educational interests of the village are centered in the
Fairchild high school, an institution of which the people have
alwaj's been justly proud. It is kept in a fine building located
on a hill just a little way from the business center. The build-
ing is thoroughly modern. The school was made a high school
in 1898 under the principalship of Prof. E. M. Beeman. He was
followed in 1903 by Prof. Taylor Frye, who continued at the
head of the school vmtil 1905, when he was succeeded by Miss
Dora Thompson, who in turn has been succeeded by such able
instructors as to make the Fairchild high school at this time —
1914 — an institution of learning equal to any in the state.
The spiritual needs of the people are in no wise neglected in
Fairchild. There are two Catholic congregations ; the German
Lutheran congregation has a nice church, and the Norwegian
Lutherans have a church just outside the village. The Methodist
congregation is perhaps the oldest in tlie village, having been
organized in 1874.
The social life of Faireliild is delightfully free from the super-
fluities and conventions that mark most communities. The people
are whole-souled and hearty, conscious always of the proprieties
and the right way of life. Hospitality is a prevailing virtue and
liberality the general rule. The Masonic order has a numerous
membership affiliated with the Humbird jurisdiction and the
Knights of Pythias has a membership among the younger men
affiliated with Kimball Lodge No. Ill, of Augusta. The A. 0.
U. W. and R. N. of A. have strong lodges that meet at the
village hall.
Thus we have told the storj' of Fairchild as well as the con-
ditions will permit. There are no written records prior to 1895
and no newspaper files. The memory of men is treacherous and
ofttimes the data secured is uncertain as to time and place.
Arrangement should be made at once to keep a perfect file of
the Fairchild "Observer" at the high school or in the bank vault,
so that the annals of the village may in the future be available.
CHAPTER XLVI.
FALL CREEK.
The following is a paper sent to Reinhold Lieban by Mr.
Zeui])el, of Fall Creek, and as far as known was written by some
nuMiiber of his family.
"History is a regular record of events arranged in chronolog-
ical order. A very large part of school time during the first
eight years is used in studying United States history, but little
attention is paid to the story of our state's achievements, and
we possess almost uo knowledge of our pioneer father's trouble
while laying the foundation for what is noAV the prosperous and
wholesome little village of Fall Creek. George Washington, it
is true, was a great patriot and has attained an enviable place
in our history as a sturdy pioneer, but so was Christopher Zim-
merman. We revel in tales of frontier hardihood and our blood
is thrilled by the recital of the doeds of Boone, Clark and Whit-
man, while they were winning- hoims from wildest nature and
transforming the wooded slojx's into peaceful valleys. Did you
ever stop to think that just such was the duty of Arthur Buck,
Henry Horel and Jefferson Scott? So it will be my pleasure to
call you back to some slight recognition of the fact that all
things were not alwaj's as we know them, but that our security
and comfort has come to us out of the hardships and struggles
of many that were once well known but are now likely forgotten.
The first settlers came here in 1850; Christopher Zimmerman
cleared the first land in our vicinity. The early comers were
Jim and Richard Horel, George Randall, Daniel Muenehow, J. M.
Shong, Joseph Lindenthaler, Fred Reading and Daniel Zempel.
They did not come in carriages before which pranced sleek and
well fed horses, but in canvas covered wagons drawn by a team
of oxen. These settlers did not build houses upon their arrival,
but dug holes in the side of hills and covered them with twigs,
or lived under their wagons. Next they cleared land in order
to make the start for a small farm. This was very slow work and
took a long time. After the land was cleared it had to be plowed
or broken. The grain was not sowed or cut by machinery, but
instead it was sown by hand and cut with a cradle. Nearly all
supplies were gotten from Sparta. The lumber with which the
619
620 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
dwellings were erected was gotten from Mr. Rheinke's woods
aud sawed by Mr. Bens aud Mr. Jones, who owned the first saw-
mill which was located one aud a half miles northeast of here
on the stream. At first there were but two roads which ran neai-
our vicinity. One of these was the Pinery road, which followed
the Eau Claire river, and the other was the stage road, which
ran from Sparta through Black River Falls to Eau Claire. This
was about half a mile south of our village. The early comers
hardly ever took the stage coach, because it cost too much money.
They would walk from Fall Creek to Eau Claire, a distance of
twelve miles; there they wo\ild sell their produce at a very low
price and come back the same day.
I can remember one of these piojieers telling me a storj' that
may serve to illustrate the difficulty imder which they made their
purchases. This is one of the stories of the times when he would
go to Eau Claire with butter and eggs. Butter was sold for
eight to ten cents per poimd and eggs for from five to six cents
per dozen. You see these prices did not permit of any wild dis-
sipation. At this particular time' the money for his produce,
which was not very much, was invested in a jug of syrup. When
he was almost home the horses made a side jump and the jug
was broken, and low aud behold the beautiful golden liquid was
in the wagon box. A pair of new boots had also been purcluised,
and quick as thought the syrup was scraped up aud put into the
boots. Who ever would now think of eating syrup brought home
in a shoe? But what of that? They relished it even more than
we do the delicious fudge made by some of our handsome village
maids.
Fall Creek was surveyed in 1857. Our village gets its name
from the stream which runs one-half mile north of here. The
place where Herman Statenow is now located was the first board-
ing house erected ; it was owned by Mr. Murphy, but afterwards
conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Randall. The first store was situated
on Randall's corner, aud the next one was built where Mr. Patz-
wald's building now stands. PVed Reading owned the first black-
smith shop, which stood right across the street from where Mrs.
Reading now lives. Mr. Reading frequently walked to Eau
Claire, where he purchased heavy rods of iron to be used in
blacksmithing. It was not uncommon for him to be forced to
carry these rods home on his back. Michael Reading was the
first dentist in our locality. He did not fill teeth with gold or
silver, but was busily engaged in pulling them, as people did not
know anything about filling teeth at that time. Neither chloro-
FALL CREEK 621
form nor ether were ever used, probably never heard of. This
was not because Mr. Keading Avas like our modern "painless
dentists." He was fully able to hurt the patient just as much
as tliey fiiii. l)ut among the trials and hardships which Avere daily
met and coiKinci'cd a little thing like an aching tooth Avas hardly
noticed. They just had them pulled; now Ave have them extracted.
It sounds bigger, but I doubt if it makes the patient live longer.
The first church services Avere conducted by Daniel MuenchoAV
in a log cabin. It Avas not such as we hear today in a grand
church, but although he was not a learned preacher he explained
difficult parts of that Avhicli he read out of the Bible. A German
Lutheran church Avas erected in 1873, Avith Rev. Julius Fredrich
as minister. He served for twenty-seven years, Avlien Rev. Carl
Baumbaeh Avas called, and is still the pastor in St. Jacob's church,
Avhich was built in 1884.
Fall Creek is situated near a river and has a good Avater
poAver, although it Avas not really used until 1867. In that year
EdAvard Gessner erected a saAvmill. Mr. O'Mera and Hanaburg
Avere the owners of the earliest flour mill, Avhicli Avas about two
and oueJialf miles northeast of here, on the creek. Martin Mar-
tins owned the second flour mill, Avhich Avas started by Simon
Randall, but before it Avas ready to start Mr. Randall Avas acci-
dentally shot, and Mr. Martins purchased it. This mill changed
hands a fcAv times until Mr. BrueseAAdtz became its OAvner. In
1903 the mill Avas destroyed by fire, and another one erected
which is at present oAvned by P. 0. Vogler.
In 1869 the railroad Avas comjileted and trains stopjied to take
on passengers half Avay betAveen the place Avliere R. 11. Zempel's
farm is situated and where the depot noAv stands. The first depot
was erected Avhere Mr. William Neibuhis's elevator now stands.
That building burned doAvn and another one built on the same
place, Avhich Avas later moved to its present location. At that
time Fall Creek Avas called Cousins, in honor of a man in Eau
Claire, but the people objecting to this name it Avas renamed
Fall Creek. Our village is really built on the land Avhich Avas at
one time OAvned by Mr. Lindenthaler. This village so increased
in population that in 1890 it contained 450 people, and one build-
ing after another Avas erected. Today Ave boast of as good build-
ings as are to be found in any town of our size in the state.
Probably few toAvns of our size anyAA'here can claim as many
pretty and cheerful dAvellings as can Fall Creek.
And noAV comes the last chapter on the story of the begin-
ning of Avhat might be called our ncAV era. In the spring of
622 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
1907 some of the moi-e progressive of our citizens could see wlicre
incorporation as a village might aid. Accordiugly after the
necessary legal steps we became a separate political unit entitled
to our own representative upon the county board. As most of
you doubtless remember, Mr. J. Zieman was our first president
and J. E. Bartz our first supervisor. Much credit is due tlie lueii
who have charge of our affairs as a village, for in this short time
our streets have been wonderfully improved and substantial
cement Avalks Avhicli are daily being added to have been placed
on the imijortant highways. This brief recital of facts of our
early history is by no means complete, but we hope that the truth
has been told. Perhaps it may serve to excite your interest in
events long gone bJ^ History is not all contained between tlie
leaves of books. Let us who are living here in the ix'acc and
security of the safeguard of our present government gratefully
remember the struggles and hardships of the early pioneer set-
tlers.
Fall Creek is a prosperous village of over five hundred people,
situated on a creek of the same name, which is tribiitary to the
Ean Claire river. The good water power runs a sawmill and a
flour mill. The earliest settlers were the Horel brothers, George
Randall, Joseph Lindenthaler, Daniel Muenchow, J. M. Shong,
Fred Reading and Daniel Zempel. A German Lutheran church
was erected in 1873 and Rev. Julius Fredrich, the first minister,
served for twentj'-seven years, when he was followed by Rev.
Carl Baumbach, the present pastor. The schools are good and
since the incorporation of the village in 1907 the streets have
been improved, many new houses have been erected, cement side-
walks laid and progress has been made steadily in many direc-
tions.
CHAPTER XLVII.
BIOGRAPHY.
Ole 0. Aanstad, expert accountant and popular fire insurance
man of Eau Claire, was born November 8, 1842, at Lorn Gud-
In-ansdaleu, Norway, to Grinstad and Martha (Aanstad) Aan-
stad. He received his early education in his native country, where
lie lived until 1862, when he emigrated to the United States and
to Wisconsin. He spent one summer at La Crosse, "Wis., then
came to Eau Claire, where he has since resided. After his arrival
here, he spent one winter in attendance at the Wesleyan Semi-
nary, M'hich then stood where the high school buildings are now
located. He later took a thorough course at the Bryan & Strat-
ton's Business College at St. Paul, from which he graduated in
1866. For twenty years thereafter he was employed as book-
keeper by the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company and for fifteen
.years served in the same capacity for the Eau Claire National
Bank. Prior, however, to his taking the position Avith the bank
and after leaving the employ of the lumber company, he was for
several years engaged in the grocery business on Water street.
Since 1893 he has been engaged in the fire insurance business,
and since its organization in 1908 has been bookkeeper for the
Luther Hospital.
In 1866 he married Sarah M., daughter of Torget Olson, one
of the pioneer settlers of Eau Claire, and by her had eleven chil-
dren. Of the seven who grew to maturity Christopher. Caroline,
wife of William Chrissinger, Maria, Sarah, Helge and Tovald are
living, while Oscar is deceased.
Mr. Aanstad is a member of the Evangelican Lutheran Church
and the Eau Claire county Old Settlers' Association, while in
polities he affiliates with the Republican party.
Charles Willard Adams,* a well known and progressive
farmer of Union townsliip, was born in Jefferson county. New
York, August 21, 1849, the only son of Andrew and Olive (Demis)
Adams, both natives of the state of New York. They came to
Wisconsin in 1862 and first located in Chippewa county, where
they lived for two years ; they then came to Eau Claire county
and for five years were engaged in farming on a rented place.
In 1869 the father purchased 80 acres of land in the town of
623
624 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Union, which he cleared and improved and where he lived and
farmed until his death at the age of 70 years, the death of the
mother having occurred at the age of 72.
Charles Willard Adams has been a continuous resident of the
town of Union since 1864 and has always followed farming as
an occupation. He owns 80 acres of fine and well improved land,
one 40 of which is a part of the old homestead and the other 40
which he acquired by purchase and with his own hands cleared
and improved. He is well known in the county and is consid-
ered one of its substantial and public spirited citizens. He Avas
married in 1875 to Sarah Deckei", daughter of Peter Decker, of
Elroy, Wis., who is a lady of refinement and culture.
Henry Aebly,* one of the prosperous and well-known farmers
of Brunswick townshij^, comes from Swiss lineage. He was born
at New Glarus, Green county, Wis., June 7, 1850, to Henry and
Mary (Becker) Aebly. The father emigrated from Switzerland,
his native country, to America in 1845. Soon after landing in
NeAV York City he secured an outfit and started overland for the
state of Iowa via prairie schooner, arriving safely at his destina-
tion. He remained but a short time in Iowa, however, when he
removed to Wisconsin and settled on a large farm near what is
now known as New Glarus, in Green county. Here he was suc-
cessfully engaged in farming until 1898. when he died at the
age of seventy-five years, and his remains were laid to rest in
the cemetery at New Glarus. He married ]\Iary Becker, daughter
of Solomon Becker, of Switzerland, and they were the parents
of six children, as follows: Solomon, deceased; Henry, the sub-
ject of this review ; Mary became the wife of Nicholas Duerst, a
prosperous farmer of Green couuty; ]\Iagdelina married Thomas
Kundert, a retired farmer of New Glarus; Elizabeth married J.
Henry Duerst, of New Glarus, also retired, and Jacob a farmer
of West Concord, Minn.
Henry Aebly, grandfather of our subject, Avho was a farmer
in Switzerland, came to the United States with his son, Henry, in
1845. He also followed farming in Green county, this state, but
lived only a few years after arriving at New Glarus.
Henry Aebly, III, the subject of this sketch, acquired his edu-
cation in the common schools of New Glarus. He was reared on
the farm and remained at home until he reached the age of 25,
assisting his parents with the farm Avork. He then purchased a
farm at Exeter, Green county, and successfully conducted the
same for seven years. He then in 1883 returned to his home town
and engaged in the hotel business, owning and operating the Wis-
BIOGRAPHY 625
consiu House, aud as jjroprietor of this well-kuown hosteh-y
catered to the best of public patronage. After successfully car-
• rying on this business for eight years he retired from the hotel
and rented the same for the next seven years. In 1908 he sold
the hotel and other buildings at New Glarus and moved to Eau
Claire county, where he i^urehased the Porter farm, containing
507 acres of highly cultivated and well-improved land in Bruns-
wick township. In his general farming operations Mr. Aebly
employs the most modern and up-to-date methods and gives par-
ticular attention to the breeding and raising of fine stock, and
from his 100 head of cattle carries on an extensive dairy businei^,
shipping his milk to the Eau Claire Creamery Company, and in
this as well as in all his work has been eminently successful. He
is a Democrat in political opinion, but has taken little part in
mattei'S outside his regular business more than to perform his
duties as a good citizen. He is affiliated with the Lutheran
church and the German Lodge, G. U. G. G.
Mr. Aebly married Mary Duerst, daughter of Samuel and
Barbara (Becker) Duerst. and to this union have been born four
children, as follows: Marj' Anna married John M. Schmid, who
is connected with the International Harvester Company at Mil-
Avaukee; Henry Nicholas, who resides at home, assisting with
the farm work; Emma Bai-bara married J. Herman; Elmer, a
farmer of Green county. Wisconsin, and Magdeline Ida. who is
the wife of J. M. Iloesly. a well-to-do farmer of Brunswick town-
ship.
Charles Levi Allen. It appears that I was born June 3, 1858,
at Tmo Rivers, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin.
My father was James Allen and my mother was Emily Ger-
trude (J'o'nd) Allen. The family moved from Two Rivers to Eau
fcmd, ^'l'^"''' ^^ the faU of 1859.
During the years of 1863 and 1864 father built the house on
the corner of Seventh avenue and Menomonie street, which was
the Allen homestead until after his death in 1904, when it passed
to m.y sister, Mrs. Cora Ellis, and was then sold by her.
As early as fourteen years of age I began working in the
mills, on the logs, etc. Eau Claire was a lumbering town and all
the boys who had to work gravitated to the mills, logs and woods
as a matter of course.
My first venture was packing shingles in "Buff's (G. A. Buf-
fington) first mill, under the supervision of Mr. Russell Wescott.
who "edged" or "jointed" the shingles with a jack knife. I
packed shingles and did many other jobs in and around other
626 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
mills. I worked nights in the spring on the sorting works on
the river just above the log race to Half Moon lake, keeping fires
in iron jacks with dry wood and powdered rosin so that the men
sorting logs could read the marks on the sides and ends of the
logs as they floated rapidly past them. While doing this work I
slept forenoons and went to school afternoons. I also cooked
on the rafts one summer, running from Eau Claire to Reed's
Landing.
Prom among the boys of those early days came the expert
swimmers, log drivers, lumbermen and raftsmen for which Eau
Claire is famous. "We grew up on and in the river. A boy who
coiild not swim, climb out of the water up over the end of a log
and roll it till it spun like a top wasn't thought much of by the
rest of the fellows.
John Murray and .Vbner Thompson, champion log rollers of
the United .States, M'ere Eau Claire boys.
In August, 1875, I went to Florida witli my brother Fred,
John Cook, Hale Palmer and John Ditson, all well known- in those
days. Pred took up a homestead near where De Land was later
located. I helped him cut and burn many acres of the finest kind
of pine timber, to be replaced with orange trees.
In June, 1876, I returned home, filled with malaria and quite
sated with the fun ( ?) of sleeping on the ground, eating my own
cooking, fighting mosquitoes and drinking water seventy-five de-
grees warm. I worked in Shaw's mill till it froze up and went to
school that winter.
The fall of 1877 I began teaching school in KoU's District,
on Truax Prairie. In the spring I was given the principalship of
the Ward School in the Bloody Sixth (now the Ninth Ward),
with instructions from the School Board to get on top of the heap
before I began teaching. The playful students had put my prede-
cessor out the window. I taught there until 1880 and while teach-
ing I kept up my work in the high school and graduated in June,
1879.
In the fall of 1880 I was transferred to the eighth grade in
the high school building in the Seventh Ward. That grade liad
become turbulent.
The next fall I entered the University of Wisconsin and after
four years of hard work I graduated from the modern classical
coiirse with a degree of B. L.
The summers of these college years were spent in selling rub-
ber stamps, Blaine's "Twenty Years in Congress," accident insur-
ance among tlie railroad men of IMinnesota, introducing school
BIOGRAPHY 627
books iu county schools, etc., etc., to help out my slender fund
saved from school teaching. I shall never forget the kindness
shown me by Henry D. Davis in assisting me through the last
year.
In the summer of 1885 I entered the law office of J. F. Ellis
to study law and take an interest in his real esate business.
In the fall of 1889 I entered the College of Law at the uni-
versity and in June, 1890, I graduated with the additional de-
gree of L. L. B., having done the two years' work in one year.
Mr. Ellis and I then formed the law firm of Ellis & Allen,
and I practiced law with him till December of 1892, when I left
him, owing to our differing very radically in business methods.
Immediately my mother and I left for De Land, Fla., where
my father, my brothers Fred and Will were engaged iu business.
Since my father was hurt in a railroad wreck in December, 1890,
he had been unable to stand the long severe winters of the North,
so had gone into the furniture business with Fred in that city.
Mother and I kept up the old home in Eau Claire, as she could
not endure the long heated spells of the Florida summers.
The following June my mother and I reached home, having
enjoyed a week at the Chicago Exposition as we came through.
I had planned to go into law practice in Portland, Oregon,
in the fall of 1893, but Mr. Ellis offered to sell me his interest
in the Southwestern Land Company, which we had organized in
1887, and after carefully considering the project for some weeks
we closed the bargain September 1, 1893, and I took over the
management and practical ownership of that company, together
with about !|'30,000 of debts contracted by Mr. Ellis individually
and for the company and sixteen law suits pending against him
and the company. I settled most of these suits at once and started
in to learn how to farm scientifically with tenants, a proposition
filled with manifold trials, disappointments, much labor, study
and hard work.
The old adage, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,"
seems at times to fit mj' case as I look back over the past twenty
years.
The panic of 1893 was just beginning when 1 got under that
load. I worked night and day and began to make good. Then
followed suit after suit in quick succession by Mr. Ellis trying
to regain the property. Mr. Alexander Meggett, who was nom-
inal president of our company, advised me to fight. Litigation is
often necessary and always expensive, even if one Avins, and win
I did ahiiost invariably with Wickliam & Farr as my attorneys.
628 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
But. it cost me thousands of dollars to establish my right to the
property. I have repeatedly attended the farmers' courses at
the Agricultural College, sent many of my tenants, read exten-
sively and experimented a great deal along agricultural lines and
appreciate that I have but approached the threshhold of the won-
derful science of farming, I am farming over three thousand
acres.
In the past twenty years I have seen agricultural land double,
triple and quadruple in value. Professor William A. Henry said
to me in 1894: "Allen, hang on to your lands.'' I am still hang-
ing— to too many acres.
The old farmer-logger who .just lived on his farm in summer,
waiting for a winter in the woods, don't know yet that his farm
is fine agricultural land and worth much money. There are many
of him but his sons know.
Just now a; number of gentlemen and myself are carrj'ing a
very heavy load of southern Louisiana alluvial lands, trying to
hang on till times are better. I have a lot of Dakota land also,
and am fully realizing what it means to be land poor, because I
must hang on perforce.
In the summer of 1900 it was my good fortune to meet Miss
Frances Manning, of Leavenworth, Kan., who was visiting rela-
tives here and later succeeded in inducing her to be my wife. We
were mai'ried December 30, 1901, at Leavenworth, Kan.
She was born at Blue Wing, N. C, July 10, 1882, where her
father, William J. Manning, was trying to develop copper mines,
which, in later years, after he had been compelled to leave them,
owing to lack of funds, became very valuable.
The family moved from there to Toledo, Ohio, and later to
Muskegon, Mich., where he died in August, 1898. In both of these
cities Mr. Manning was engaged in the real estate business. His
wife died the following spring, leaving her daughter Frances,
sixteen years old, and son Van Vliet, of nine .years, to be cared
for by relatives.
Frances received her education at Muskegon and Lewis Insti-
tute of Chicago, from which she graduated in 1901 and went to
Leavenworth, Kan., to live with her aunt.
Immediately after our marriage there, December 30, 1901, we
left for St. Louis, New Orleans, Pensacola, Florida, Mobile,
Tampa and De Land. From there we were suddenly called home
by reason of the illness of my mother, who died September 2,
1902, at the age of seventy-seven years. She had been a de-
voted mother, sweet and lovable, a close follower of her Lord. She
BIOGRAPHY 629
had willingly spent her life performing her daily duties tiiat come
to a mother of a large family, sustained through the many years
of arduous pioneer life by her eourage and the daily strength
received from on high.
During the night of June 23, 1904, my father quietly passed
away in his bed in De Land, Pla., without preliminary sickness,
althoughdie had never fully recovered from the injuries received
in the railroad wreck. He was brought home and laid by the side
of my mother.
My wife and I continued to live in the old Allen home after
mother's death, and it was there that our first child was born to • _^
us. April 4, 1903— Ned Manning Allen. ' ^^IM^ x^^ ii^yyy^^ c^.c^.-JLC^
In April, 1904, we left the old home in which I had spent my
boyhood days and had grown to manhood and mature years, and
moved into our present home, 818 Third avenue. Here there has
been born to us Phillip Scott, February 10, 1905 ; William Arthur,
May 8, 1908, and Charles Francis, October 29, 1911.
At the university, under the teaching of that grand good man
John Bascome, I became a prohibitionist, and have ever since
fought the saloon seven days of the week, even on election day,
by voting against it. The masses of the people are catching step
with us and the manufacture and sale of liqiiors as a beverage is
doomed, and with God's help this nation will soon be freed fi'om
the devastation of the liquor ti'affic.
Edward Wellington Allen, eldest son of James and Emily
Allen, was born at Baring, Maine, January 15, 1843. At the age
of seven years the family moved from Baring to Sheboygan, Wis.,
and in 1858 from there to Two Rivers, Manitowoc county. In
1859 they moved to Eau Claire, Wis. From that date until he
enlisted in the army, December, 1863, he attended school when
he could and was a pupil of Rev. A. Kidder. He worked during
that time in Mayhew's furnitiire factory, located near where the
old Empire Lumber Company's office now stands, and at the
time he enlisted he was clerking in the store of Williana H. Smith.
At Sparta, Wis., December 31, 1863, he was formally mustered
into the United States army with the rank of orderly sergeant of
Company II, Sixteenth regiment, Wisconsin volunteers, with D. C.
Whipple, captain ; J. T. Tinker, first lieutenant, and M. Grover,
second lieutenant. They soon went to Camp Randall, Madison,
where they were drilled and on February 26, the company being
complete, they were ordered south.
The following account of his army life with his I'egiment,
written by himself for Thomas Randall and appearing in his his-
680 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
tory of the Chippewa valley, being the best inforination obtain-
able of that period, is used for this narrative :
"Prom the cold snows of the North to the balmy skies and
peach blossoms of Vieksburg was a pleasant change. After doing
picket duty at Black river bridge for a month, we were ordered
back to Vieksburg, from thence north on transports up the river,
passing Fort WilloM' a few hours after the massacre by Forrest.
Company H and tM'O other companies were landed at Columbus
to assist the colored troops in defending the fort against an attack
momentarily expected from that chivalrous general, which, how-
ever, he failed to make.
''After two weeks of hard duty we joined the command at
Cairo, then preparing to join Sherman's army in northern Geor-
gia. From Cairo to Clifton, Tenn., on transports, and thence by
forced marches, 300 miles across Alabama and Georgia, taking
position on the left of the grand army before Kennesaw moun-
tain, June 10, 1864. We suffered terribly during this march and
many gave out on the way, among whom were Lieutenants Grover
and Tinker, who went to the hospital.
"From this time to the lOtli of December, three months, we
were constantly under arms, marching, skirmishing and lighting,
our first exploits being in the battles about Kenesaw, where we
lost several men; then hotly pursuing the rebels night and day
until they took refuge in their trenches before Atlanta. "We lay
on our arms on the night of the 20th of July, the enemy strongly
fortified in front, and just at break of day we were ordered to
the charge. Grave doubts and fears were expressed, as there
were so many new recruits in the regiment, whether it Avould not
be better to put an old and tried regiment in our place, but after
a short consultation it was decided to keep us where we were,
for if the charge was made the old soldiers who were supporting
them would have no confidence in them, and they would lose all
confidence in themselves. The result showed the wisdom of the
conclusion. It was a trying moment when Colonel Fairchild
shouted the order, 'Fixed bayonets! Forward!' Out of the tim-
ber, down a ravine, up and across the field, over their works, driv-
ing out Hardee's veterans and taking some prisoners, was but tlie
work of a moment. Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds coming quickly
up, said to the new men, 'You are all veterans now, boys.'
"The general commanding the brigade sent word to General
Blair saying, 'The Wisconsin boys did nobly,' 'but it was praise
dearly earned.' Lieutenant Fairchild, Lieutenant Colonel Reyn-
olds. Captain John Wheeler and many other officers were
I
BIOGRAPHY 631
woiuult'cl but, fortunately, none killed. Company II lost two
killed, seven wounded. Captain Whipple particularly distin-
guished himself in this action and a somewhat laughable incident
occurred during the charge. So great was the excitement but
little attention was paid to his efforts to keep the men in line with
the colors, but finally, becoming terribly in earnest and shouting
above the roar and din of battle, he sang out, 'If you don't know
what line on the colors means, keep your eyes on that flag.' We
held the works all day under fire and strengthened them at night,
but about noon the next day the enemy burst on our left and
was crushing that part of our army like an egg shell, coming
boldly on until they reached the works held by the 12th and 16th
Wisconsin, who repulsed them in six successive terrible charges,
first in front, then in rear, and changing sides of their works as
many times. Captain Whipple showed himself the same hero here
as the day before, but the strain was too much ; constant fatigue
and anxiety and the suffering from his wound sent him to the am-
bulance and Orderly Sergeant Allen took command, there being
no commissioned officer with the company. Being ordered to
another part of the field by forced march, Captain Whipple again
joined us and assisted in repulsing several charges, but was soon
obliged to go to the field hospital and Lieutenant E. W. Allen, just
commissioned, took command.
"The final battles of Jonesborough and Lovejoy's Station
closed the campaign, and with light hearts we spread our tents in
Atlanta September 10, 1864. Our company was reduced from 90
to 20 muskets, so severe had been the work. Here we received a
quantity of good things, pickles, berries, condensed milk, etc.,
from kind friends in Eau Claire, for which if ever men felt grate-
ful we did. But we did not rest long. Hood had gone north and
was eating our crackers, so we were after him again and for five
days and nights we chased him over mountains, rivers and valleys,
and then were ordered back to Atlanta again, where, for the first
time in eight months, we received our pay and voted for Presi-
dent, 34 for Lincoln and 2 for McClellan. That was the kind of
men that composed Company H. Writing of this campaign. Cap-
tain Whipple says: 'Allow me to say a word for Lieutenant
Allen, the youngest of the officers of the regiment. When com-
missioned he took his place beside the older officers, performing
his duty faithfully and bravely and never missed a day until the
close of the war.' On the 14th of November we started with Sher-
man on his grand march to the sea, and a month of constant
marching brought us to the gates of Savannah, where, after a
632 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
short resistance, we marched, flags flying, into the city. Starting
again, we took Pootaligo, out on the Charleston railroad, which
fell in consequence, and next our company was at the burning of
Columbia, then Cheraw, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Golds-
borough were taken, and after a few days' rest, waiting for our
absent men to come up, a forced march brought us to Raleigh.
When Captain Whipple, who had been sent home sick, rejoined
us, how glad we were to see him. Here the war virtually closed.
The fighting was over, but we were a long ways from home, but
marching was easy now, for every day brought us nearer our
loved ones there. On to Petersburg, Richmond and Washington,
where, on the 23d day of May, 1865, we took part in that grand-
est pageant ever seen in America, the 'Grand Review,' Mrs. Sher-
man throwing bouquets at our tattered and worn colors. We
were soon transferred to Louisville, Ky., where, on the 4th day of
July, 1865, General Sherman took a final farewell and a few
days after we were mustered out, sent to Madison, received our
final pay and discharge on August 21, 1865, and with light hearts
started for home never more, it is to be hoped, to be called to
take up arms for our beloved country against internal foes.
"I have given the foregoing almost verbatim, partly because so
few have taken pains to send me their war experience on paper,
and because it is a concise narration of one of the most remark-
al)le campaigns in the history of the world."
(Signed) T. E. Randall.
On his return from the war he was employed on tlie steamer
Phil Sheridan, running on the Chippewa river, and that winter
was in the logging camp of Pond (William H.) & McVicar, scal-
ing, keeping ¥ooks, etc. June 20, 1866, he married Miss Mary S.
Davenport, at Middlebury, Vt. That fall and winter he clerked
in the store of Wilson & Foster on the corner where now stands
the Howard Culver Company's shoe store. During the spring of
1867 Mr. Allen and Captain M. W. Harris became partners under
the name of Allen & Harris and founded the first furniture store
of Eau Claire in a building on the present opera house site, which
building was burned in 1870. The firm then occupied the build-
ing in the middle of the next block north, now owned by Mrs.
M. W. Harris. The firm was dissolved in 1877 and Mr. Allen
thereafter established the pioneer music store of the city, first on
Barstow street and soon after put up the buildings on Grand ave-
nue east, now occupied by the Allen-Johnson Company.
Mr. Allen continued in the business until 1906, when he turned
BIOGRAPHY 633
it over to his son, James E. Allen, and Hans Johnson. Five chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen, three of whom are living:
Mrs. Edna, wife of James Long, of Mexico City, Mexico ; Fred H.
Allen, druggist at Tacoma, Wash., and James E. Allen, Eaii
Claire, Wis. In 1878 Mr. Allen was instrumental with others in
organizing the first militia company in Eau Claire after the war.
The Eau Claire city guards was organized with D. C. Whipple as
captain, M. E. O'Connell first and E. W. Allen second lieutenants.
On the 18th day of February, 1908, while sitting in the opera
house waiting for the lectui-e of W. J. Bryan, he suddenly and
without warning passed away at the age of 64 years.
Emily G. Allen. Emily Gertrude Pondjwho became the wife
of James Allen in 1842, was born at Calais, Maine, July 21, 182.5,
and was the eldest of the four children of Charles Pond, who was
drowned in the St. Croix river at Calais, Maine, in 1831, and
Cynthia Scott Pond ; Cynthia Scott was a daughter of the eldest
brother of General Winfield Scott, whose grandfather, James
Scott, a Scotchman of Clan Buceleuch, escaping after the disas-
trous battel of Culloden, where he fought for the pretender of the
English throne, fled to Virginia, where he settled.
Sir Walter Scott's ancestors were of the same Clan Buceleuch
and family. The Duke of Buceleuch, now living in Scotland, still
represents the clan and the blood of this Scott family.
Mrs. Allen used to tell her children of sitting on the knee of
General Winfield Scott when she was a little girl and that the
general was a relative of her mother's.
A history of the life of General Scott sliows that in 1839 lie
was sent by the President of the United States to settle some
trouble between the State of Maine and the English in New Bruns-
wick over some disputed land lying along the border, and it was
probably at that time he visited his relatives at Calais, Maine.
Cynthia Scott Pond went to Sheboygan, Wis., with her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Allen, when the family moved in 1850 and died there in
Augu.st, 1851, at the age of fifty-five years.
After the drowning of her husband in Maine she made a brave
struggle to care for her four sillall children and to educate them
as best she could. Emily was the oldest and at the time of the
death of her father was only six years old. She was of bright and
retentive mind, a natural grammarian and speller, and obtained a
fair common school education for those days. After her marriage
she lived in Baring till 1850 and gave her life to the duties of her
home and motlierhood. Her life in Maine, in Sheboygan, Two
Rivers and the earlv vears of Eau Claire was that common to the
634 III.STOKY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
early pioueers of new eoimtries, rigorous, primitive, filled witii
hard work, little relaxation and few luxuries, but through it all
her sweet nature, her loving kindness to her children, loyalty to
lier wifely duties and faith in her Maker sustained her and gave
her courage and strength to perform her daily tasks. The old
Allen homestead where her children grew up, married and moved
to homes of their own was always open to friends, children, grand-
children and her kindred generally. It was the Mecca for those
wlio had gone away. She was a faithful and consistent member
and worker of the Baptist Church, one of the first members after
its organization in the early days of Eaii Claire. After her hus-
band was compelled to live South, owing to his injuries, she and
her sou Charles lived in the old home as she could not stand the
summer heat of Florida. She was never very strong and at the
age of seventy-seven she died in'Eau Claire, September 2, 1902,
beloved and mourned by all who knew her.
James Allen was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, February 14,
1821. His father was an Irishman, an officer in the English army
stationed at Halifax. His mother was an English lady. His
parents died when he was a small boy and at twelve years of age
he began to make his own way in the world, and in 183.3 he
drifted to Maine, where at Calais and Baring he grew up to man-
hood, working in the mills,' the woods and at farming and fish-
ing. His schooling was limited. He was possessed of great
vitality and strength and hardly had a sick day in his life and
was always industrious and a hard worker.
In 1842, in Calais, Maine, he was inarried to/Emily Gertrude
I'ond and settled at Baring, Maine, where they lived until 1850.
There were born to them in that place Edward Wellington, Janu-
ary 15, 1843 ; Emily Maria, 1845, and James Frederick, February
15, 1847. During these years he accumulated considerable prop-
erty and was running a hotel. One Sunday morning in 1849 his
little son, Edward, built a fire in the manger of the barn to
"warm the chickens," as he said, resulting in the loss of the barn
and most of its contents as well as the hotel. He had made all
arrangements to go to California as gold had been discovered
there shortly before, but this disaster prevented.
In 1850 the Allen and Pond clans living in and near Baring
emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Sheboygan. Here Cora
Ella Allen was born November 13, 1856. About 1858 the family
)uoved to Two Rivers, Manitowoc county, and there, June 3, 1858,
Charles Levi Allen was born. During these nine years from 1850
to 1859 James Allen was engaged most of the time in lumbering,
JAMES ALLEN
I r
u
BrOGRAPIIV 635
as wcTf his ])iotlK'r.s-in-la\v Levi "VV. and William S. Pond. lu the
fall of 1859, with his family and five children, moved to Bau
Claire and lived in a rented house for several years at the corner
of Seventh aveune and Menomonie street, just across the avenue
from where he built his home during the early years of the war,
which home remained in the family until after the death of his
wife and himself. — v
In the fall of 1859 James Allen and Levi AV. Pond made a two \
years' contract with the owners of the West Eau Claire saw mills
to control the logs in the ChippeAva river so that they would float
into the sorting works just above the river end of the log race to
Half Moon lake, where those belonging to Eau Claire wovild be
sorted from the down river logs and saved for the home mills.
Others had tried by different kinds of booms to control the logs,
but had failed. A successful boom had to be opened easily and
quickly, to allow the passage of rafts and steamboats and as
quickly closed again to control the logs, and such a boom was not
known that would work e((ually well in low water with few logs
as in the swift current of high river filled with rapidly running
logs. Out of these two yeai-s of struggle with a swift river
bearing millions of dollars' worth of the finest white pine logs ever
known came this wonderful sheer boom which was afterwards
patented by ]\lr. Pond and which revolutionized the logging indus-
try of America. (Tlie success of these two men with the boom is
described at length in the ''History of the Chippewa "Valley," h^ '
Thomas E. Randall, and published in 1875, pages 90 to 94.) At
the expiration of this contract ]\Ir. Allen contracted with Ingram
& Kennedy to raft all the lumber of their mills and later for the
mills of the Empire Lumber Company, and from 1861 to 1890 he
had charge of that important phase of the lumbermg operations
of those great concerns. In 1890 he was badly injured in a rail-
road wreck in Florida, from which he never fully recovered, and
had to give up heavy labor and was unable to withstand the
severe northern winters, so he made his home in De Land, Fla.,
and became a partner in the furniture business with his son,
James Fred Allen, who had gone South in August, 1875. On the
morning of June 24, 1904, he was found dead in his bed in De
Land, having passed away in the night without preliminary sick-
ness. His body was brought to Eau Claire and laid beside that of
his wife in Lakeview eeraeter.y.
James Fred Allen enlisted for service in the Civil War Feb-
ruary 29, 186-4, in Company K, 36th regiment, Wisconsin Volun-
teer infantry, before he was seventeen years old. lie was cap-
636 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
tured at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and lay in An-
dersonville prison, suffering with his comrades as few prisoners
have ever suffered in civilized warfare until April 28, 1865. Gen-
eral Lee had surrendered his army April 9, and General Johnston
April 26, and the Civil War was over. A prisoner who liad
escaped from that horrible prison had reported to Edward W.
Allen, an officer in Sherman's army, that he had seen his brotlier
Fred carried out to be buried, and all at home believed that he had
succumbed to the privations and sufferings of that hell on earth —
Andersonville prison. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev.
Mr. Hamilton, of Eau Claire, shortly after the news had been
received of his death. It was with great rejoicing in the Allen
home that a letter from Fred was received one May morning tliat
he was alive and on his way home. Myron Briggs was the bearer
of that momentous letter, bringing it from the postoffice on tlie
east side to the Allen home on Meuomonie street and giving it to
Mrs. Allen, lying sick on her couch. His homecoming was a veri-
table return from the grave. Fred never fully recovered from
that eleven months of prison life. After the war he kept books
for Noah Shaw in his foundry near Ingram & Kennedy's mills,
for many years, until he went South in search of health in 187.").
He is now (1914) living in De Land and engaged with his son Gus
in the furniture business. While living in Eau Claire he married
Miss Kitty Norton, niece of John P. Pinkum, October 8, 1872.
Cora E., his sister, was married to J. F. Ellis in the fall of 1875
at Eau Claire. The eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Allen
—Maria E.— died in 1861.
William A. Allen, after finishing his education at the State
University in 1884, went to Florida and with his brother Fred
opened the first drug store in that city. He is still (1914) living
there in the same business and is the postmaster of the city of
De Land.
James E. Allen, of the tirm of The Allen-Johnson Company,
dealers in general musical merchandise, is the son of Edward W.
and Mary F. (E'aveui)ort) Allen. His father and also his grand-
father, James Allen (sketches of M'hom appear elsewhere in tiiis
work), were both prominently identified with the business and
industrial interests of Eau Claire.
James E. Allen was boi-n in Eau Claire, ilareh 6, 1881. He
grew to manhood in the city, receiving his education in the public
schools, and began his business career as clerk and bookkeeper in
his father's music store, and in 1906, having mastered all the de-
tails of the business, he, associated with Mr. H. E. Johnson, pnr-
JilOGKAl'IIY 637
chased his father's interest, and since that time the business which
was established by his father in 1877 has been conducted under
the fii'in name of The Allen-Johnson Company and is the leading
establishment of its kind in Eau Claire. They deal in all kinds of
musical instruments, including pianos, organs, phonographs,
stringed instruments, etc.
Mr. Allen was married August 17, 1907, to jMiss JIaude Eliza-
beth Cernagham, daughter of James A. and Elizabeth (Jloore)
Cernagham, of the town of Union, Eau Claire county. Jlrs. Allen
died April 1-t, 1913, leaving besides her husband two children
named Mary Elizabeth and Grace Allen.
In religious belief Mr. Allen is a Congregationalist and fra-
ternally he is a member of the Elks Lodge.
Anton M. Anderson, Register of Deeds for Eau Claire county,
is the son of Brede and Marie (Erickson) Anderson. The father
was a merchant in Norway, where he spent his life and there died.
Anton M. Avas born at Kongsvinger, Norway, May 25, 1863,
and is the eldest of a family of seven children, as follows : Emil
resides in Eau Claire, Hannah is the wife of Jens Munthe Dahl
and lives in Christiania, Norway, Bemhard lives in Minneapolis,
Minn., and Jacob at Eau Claire, Wis. Those deceased are Harry
and Carl. Mr. Anderson received his education in the high schools
at Kongsvinger, Norway. After leaving school he clerked in his
father's store for one and one-half years, and in 1880 came to
America. He located at Porter's Mills, in Eau Claire county, and
spent one season at saw mill work, and for the following five
years was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then became asso-
ciated with the Northwestern Lumber Company, and for twelve
years was manager and bookkeeper for that concern in its various
departments. In 1900 he was elected to the office of Register of
Deeds, and has been re-elected to the office everj^ two years since.
Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of the Chapter and Com-
mandery ; he is a member of the Kjiights of Pythias, the Elks, the
I. S. W. A. and the Sons of Nor-way.
On November 9, 1885, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss
Shauette Berg, daughter of Christian Berg, of Eau Claire, Wis.,
and they have six children, as follows : Bertha M., wife of William
Dungan : Harry M., Dana M., Walter M., Robert M., and Anton M.
Anderson. Jr.
Ralph E. Arnold, the popular druggist and postmaster of Pair-
child, Eau Claire county. Wis., was born at Corning, N. Y.,
December 1, 1844, the son of William J. and Harriet N. (Kress)
Arnold. His paternal grandfather, Asa Arnold, was born in
638 . HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Smithfield, R. I., February 3, 1770, aud his wife, Patience, graod-
motlier of our subject, was born in the same town September 14,
1788. They were the parents of ten children, one of whom, Wil-
liam J., father of our subject, was born August 14, 1810, at Smith-
field, R. I. He was educated in his native town aud at Providence,
finishing with an academic course. He married October 26, 1841,
Harriet N., daughter of John K. and Catherine (Light) Kress, of
Pennsylvania, and by her had three sons, all of whom were born
at Coming, N. Y., viz : John K., Ralph E., and William F. The
father came Avest and in 1857 settled at Wabasha, Minn., where he
superintended the lumber and logging business of H. S. Allen &
Co., of Chippewa Falls, Wis., of which company he was a member
and its treasurer. He served as a member of the first legislature
of that state and assisted in framing the charter of the State of
Minnesota. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Wabasha,
Minn., and served in that capacity eight years. In 1886 he moved
to Wilson, Wi.s., where he died March 2, 1889.
Ralph E. attended the public schools at Corning. N. Y., and
came to Minnesota -with his parents and there finished his educa-
tion, taking an academic and business course, and also studied
pharmacy. In 1864 he located at Wilson, Wis., and in 1876 became
connected with the West Wisconsin IManufacturing Company
as treasurer of the concern. In 1888 he moved to Fairehild,
Wis., and purchased tlie drug business of the late B. 0. Palmer,
in which he has since been sueces.sfully engaged. In 1897 he
married Mary S., daughter of John Levy, of Oshkosh, and has
one son — Ralph Levy. In religious belief Mr. Arnold is an
Episcopalian, while his wife is a Roman Catholic. He is a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of
America. A Republican in politics, Mr. Arnold has been many
times honored by the citizens of his community. He has held
the office of town clerk aud supervisor of the town of Fairehild.
He has also served as president, treasurer and clerk of the Vil-
lage of Fairehild, and has continuously lield the office of post-
master since 1898.
Rev. August F. Augustin, pastor of St. John's Evangelical
German Lutheran church, of Eau Claire, was born in Penzlin,
Mecklenburg, Germany, December 19, 1863, a son of August and
Dorothea (Jordan) Augustin. His elementary and classical edu-
cation was obtained in the elementary and high schools of his
native place, and his theological studies were pursued at Breck-
lum, Province of Schleswig. In 1884 he came to the United
BIOGRAPHY 639
States and finished his theological course at Dubuqne, la., and
the same year was ordained to the ministi-y. His first charge was
at Russell, Kan., where he remained until 1890, when he was
assigned to his present pastorate at Eau Claire.
Rev. Augustin mari-ied September 19, 1887, Bertha, daughter
of John Renter, of Germany, and they are the parents of four
children, viz : Sigmund, Curt, Waldemar and Margaret. Rev.
Augustin is president of the Wisconsin district of the German
synod of Iowa. He is a member of the board of trustees of the
Iowa synod, and is also a tnastee of the Wartbury Theological
Seminary, of Dubuque, la.
August J. Ausman,* wlio was born in Eau Claire. July 2(i,
1874, is by trade a miller. His father, August Ausman, was
born near Berlin, Germany, in 1830, and came to America in
1870. He served in the German army and followed farming in
Germany. He came to Wisconsin and first settled at Augusta,
but later moved to Eau Claire and for fifteen years was em-
ployed by Ingram & Kennedy in a saw mill. He was next em-
ployed by George W. Jlason in the Lakeside Elevator for
eighteen years, after Avhich he was engaged in farming near
W^heaton, in Chippewa county, until 1911, when he returned to
Eau Claire, and died December 25, 1913. He married Caroline
Quelle, who died in 1910, and was buried in the Catholic cem-
etery. They were the piarents of seven children, as follows:
Mary married Joseph Price, a farmer of Wheaton; John is also
a farmer; August J., the Subject of this sketch; Agnes married
a farmer of Wheaton; Frank is a member of the Eau Claire
police force; Laura married August Bleske, a farmer, and Joe,
who died in 1907.
August J. was educated in the public and German parochial
schools, and first worked for Alexander Watson in an elevator
for a few years. He was next employed by George W. JMason
for sis years in the floui-iug mill, of which his father was super-
intendent, and here learned the trade of miller. He was asso-
ciated with J. E. Galligan for four years, during which time he
had charge of the elevator and bought grain, and then became
interested in anotlier mill company, selling his interest at the
end of one year. He was associated with Joseph Chapman, of
Minneapolis, for six months, and then for seven years was with
the W. J. Davis Elevator Company. In 1904 he associated him-
self with the Milwaukee Elevator Company, for which he is now
foreman. He married Miss Anna Bouk, daughter of John Bouk.
640 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of Eau Claire, and they have an interesting family of five chil-
dren, named, respectively, Abigail, Elvira, August, Francis and
Anthonj'- Ausman.
Mr. Ausman is a member of tlie Kniglits of Columbus aud
the Catholic cliurch.
Thomas W. Avery, one of the early settlers of Eau Claire
county, is a native of Allegany county. New York, where he
was born May 19, 1840. Wlien 17 years of age, in 1857, he came
to Eau Claire with an elder brother, and shortly after his arrival
here commenced farming opei'ations with his brother-in-law,
Peter Truax, who had preceded him to this county some two
years. After about 25 years of successful general farming j\Ir.
Avery moved into the city of Eau Claire and engaged in the
selling of farm implements, a business he conducted for seven
years, when he sold out and opened a music store, in which he
handled all kinds of musical instruments. For fifteen years he
continued in this profitable business, then disposing of his stock,
he retired. Mr. Avery is one of Eau Claire's progressive and
public spirited men, and any public enterprise which is for the
betterment of the community generally receives his hearty
support.
His father, Benjamin Avery, was also a resident of Eau
Claire county, having come here from the state of New York
in 1858. Mr. Avery has four sisters living: Mre. Peter Truax,
Mrs. J. B. Champion and Mrs. Sara A. McLean, and Mai'y Avery,
who makes her home A\-ith Mrs. Peter Truax. On July 17, 1873,
Mr. Averj' married Susan E. Grigsby, a most estimable lady of
Eau Claire.
Charles H. Ayers,''' who is descended from prominent New
England ancestors, among whom were physicians, mechanics and
prosperous manufacturers, is a native of Albany, N. Y., where
he was born September 11, 1855, the son of William and Eliza-
beth (Stone) Ayers. The father was a mechanic by profession,
while Grandfather Ayers was a practicing physician of promi-
nence in New York state, and for many years members of the
Ayers family were engaged in tlu» manufaetiire of umbrellas in
Albany.
In 1857 William Ayers came West to Wisconsin and settled
in Milwaukee, where for about ten years he was engaged in con-
tracting and building, and during this time he built the Racine
College. He later moved to Oshkosh, Wis., and lived to the age
of 74 years, the mother having passed away at the age of 26.
During the balmy days of the lumber industr^^ in Wisconsin
BIOGRAPHY (i41
and while a young mau Mr. Ayers spent five years in logging and
lumbering, mostly in the neighborhood of Merrill. He subse-
quently spent two years in the village of Fairehild, and then
for a period of eighteen years was employed by Henry Brown,
one of the early settlers of Thompson Valley. He afterward pur-
chased a farm of eighty acres in Otter Creek township, which he
improved and where he now resides, engaged in general farming.
He is a wideawake, public-spirited citizen, is active in the affairs
of the Democratic party and is an attendant and supporter of
the Jlethodist church.
On October 20, 1902, :Xlr. Ayers married IMiss Lydia Hewlett,
daughter of Lafayette Hewlett, who originally lived in Penn-
sylvania but later moved to Trempealeau county, Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have a family of two children, viz: Brown
and Margaret Rosalind Ayers. John Ayers, who resides in
Scott's Valley, is a brother of Charles H.
Harvey Axford, deceased, who attained to a position of local
prominence as a professional bookkeeper and accountant, was a
native of Oxford, Mich. He came to Eau Claire in 1809 and
there spent the balance of his life. He was an lionorable mem-
ber of tlie Masonic fraternity and attained to the degree of
Knight Templar. He was careful, conscientious and thoroughly
up-to-date in his methods, with a wide scope of practical as
well as theoretical knowledge. He was a man of pleasing per-
sonality, and wherever known was esteemed for his thorough,
manly qualities of mind and heart.
On Januarj' 27, 1869, at Portage City, Wis., he married Miss
Nettie A. Stockbridge. Mrs. Axford was for fourteen years
matron of the Eau Claire Children's Home, resigning the posi-
tion in 1912. She is possessed of rare mental attainments and
prominent in social circles, and is a member of the Old Settlers'
Association of Eau Claire. Her father, Henry L. Stockbridge,
was born in Syracuse, N. Y., and was by occupation a contractor
and builder. He married Delia Slorgan, of Binghamton, N. Y.,
and to them two children were born, viz : Nettie J. and John H.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Stockbridge are now deceased. His death
occurred in November, 1873 ; his widow surviving until February
11, 1900. John H. Stockbridge died October 22, 1904, leaving a
widow and two children, viz : Ida B. and Clarence L., Avho are
still residents of Eau Claire.
George F. Banister,* retired, was born in Genesee county,
N. Y., July 27, 1836. His parents, Joseph and Polly (Stearns)
Banister, were natives of Massachusetts and New York, re-
642 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
spectively, of Scotch-Irish and English descent. Mr. Banister
was reared in Jefferson coimty, New York, until he was ten
years of age, then spent two years in Pennsylvania. He came to
Wisconsin in 1849 with his parents, who settled on Indian land
in what is now Portage City, but then called Moundville. In
1866 they came to Eau Claire county and settled in the town
of Washington anl there engaged in farming. They had a fam-
ily of thirteen children, nine of whom grew to maturity. Those
now living are: George F. ; Lucy, wife of George M. Dempsey;
Mary J. married Ira Burton; Daniston C. and Lyman S. Of
those deceased John died in Kentucky while serving as a soldier
in the United Sates army; Daniel S. was killed in the civil war;
Frederick C, and La Salle.
Mr. Banister received a limited education in the coiinnon
schools and after coming to Wisconsin in 1849 he learnetl the
trade of carpenter and joiner and in 1856 came to Eau Claire
county, and the following year purchased a farm of 85 acres in
what is now Section 6, Washington township, to which he sub-
sequently added 80 acres. He cleared and improved 100 acres
and there made his home until 1879, when he sold out and moved
to the city of Eau Claire and resumed the carpenter business,
which he followed off and on until 1908 and then retired. In
February, 1865, he married Harriett West, daughter of Derrick
and Mary (Upham) West, of Columbia county. Three children
were born to them, as follows: IMary, who followed the occupa-
tion of teacher, is deceased ; Lucy, deceased, and Phoebe M., wife
of Charles Peat, of Portland, Ore. Mr. Banister was a soldier
in the civil war, enlisting December 15, 1861, as a private in
Company L, Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry.
He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and in many other bat-
tles and skirmishes, and was honorably discharged January 23,
1865, by reason of the expiration of his terin of service. He is
now a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., of Eau Claire, and
the Old Settlers' Association, and is one of its oldest members.
While living on the farm Mr. Banister was honored by the people
of his town by being elected to various offices, served one term as
supervisor and held other minor offices.
Charles C Barber,* who ranks among the younger class of
energetic and advancing farmers of Eau Claire county. Wis-
consin, is the son of Solon and Elmira (Richards) Barber, who
were both born in St. Lawrence county. New York, and were
descended from old and prominent families. They made their
home in New York state until they came to AVisc(uisin and
HIOGHAPIIY 618
settled on the farm near Augusta. Here they lived, the
father devoting himself to general farming and stock rais-
ing and passed the rest of his life. He was a good man, knoAvn
for his uprightness and probity of character, and all who knew
him honored and respected him. He took an active interest in
public affairs and at one time was a member of the board of
county commissionei's. His widow, who still survives, is a charm-
ing lady and is loved for her goodness of heart and many woman-
ly virtues by her large circle of friends. She is the mother of
six children, four of whom are now (1914) living, viz: Ella is
the wife of Charles Stinson ; Emma married Rev. John Johns and
resides at Reedsburg, Wis.; George lives in Harvard. 111., and
Charles C. Tho.se deceased are Belle, who died when quite young,
and Ida.
Charles C. Barber is a native son of Eau Claire county and
was born in Bridge Creek township, July 7, 1S7S. He was raised
on a farm, receiving his education in the common school, and is
now actively engaged in general farming. He owns and operates
a well improved farm of 140 acres within one mile of the city of
Augusta, and is rated among the foremost citizens of his town.
He takes a commendable interest in all matters public and sanc-
tions any movement which is for the best interest of his com-
munity. He Avas married February 8, 1905, to Clara Jane Shep-
ard, of Augusta, by whom he has two sons, Bernard Owen and
Francis Wyman. Mr. Barber stands well socially as well as
fraternally, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Tythias.
Jajnes T. Barber, president of the Northwestern Lumber Com-
pany, is the son of William Henry and Caroline (Hayward'l
Barber. The original ancestor of the Barber family in America
was John Barber, great grandfather of James T., who came
from England to the United States in 1793, locating first in
Rhode Island, where he married a ]\Iiss Jenks, and in 1795 moved
to Franklin county, Massachusetts, and resided there until his
death. The paternal grand fatlier. John Barber, was born and
spent his entire life in Franklin county, !JIassachusetts. Wil-
liam Henry Barber, father of our subject, was born in Franklin
county, where he spent his entire life. He was a genius in the
line of inventions and a good machinist; he devised many excel-
lent contrivances, among them a brace which is still known as
the Barber bit brace. He married Caroline Hay ward, a daughter
of Stephen Hayward, of Plainfield, Hampshire county, whose
family were numbered among the pioneers of that section, and
644 HISTORY OF p]AU CLAIRE C(^UXTY
they were the parents of the following children: Henry, who
was a soldier in the civil war and served two years in the Fifty-
second ^Massachusetts Infantry; Ernest; Fidelia J. was drowned
at the age of twenty-four, and James T., the subject of this sketch.
The maternal great grandfather, Hope Brown, was one of the
heroes of the revolutionary war. He resided near Concord, and
was one of the minute men called to arms by Paul Revere in his
famous ride. He participated in the battle of Lexington, and
after disposing of a red coat captux-ed his old flint-lock musket,
which is still retained by members of the family as a trophy, it
now being in possession of Stephen IlayAvard, who resides in
Missouri.
James T. Barber was born January 25, 1847, in Ashfield.
Franklin county, Mass., and received his primary education in
the common schools, which was supplemented by a course at the
Windsor, Vt., high school, where his father was manufacturing
muskets for the Union army dimng the civil war. At an early
age he secured employment on the Springfield "Republican."
then edited b.y Samuel Bowles and Dr. J. G. Holland. He lield
various positions on this paper and for several years had charge
of the mailing department. In 1871 he went to Hannibal. Mo.,
and for a short time kept books for his uncle. He afterwards
kept books for Davis, Baekee & Garth for two years. On July
1, 1875, he accepted a like position with the Northwestern Lum-
ber Company at Hannibal, and so well did he perform the duties
assigned to him he was soon taken into the company and later
became assistant secretary and treasurer, and it was largely
through his efficient management and rare business ability that
the company's business at Hannibal assumed the large pi'opor-
tions that it did.
On December 1. 1886, he came to Eau Claire in the interests
of the company and in 1887 became its vice-president, and since
19C4 has been president of the corporation. He is recognized as
a man of affairs and is one of the city's most enterprising and
public spirited men. Soon after his arrival in Eau Claire lie
became interested in the Gas "Works, become a director of the
National Electric Manufacturing Company, secretary of the
Montreal River Company and president of the Sterling Lumbei-
Company, the last two being adjuncts of the Northwestern Lum-
ber Company. He is now treasurer of the Stanley, ]\Ierrill &
Phillips Railway Company, which is also owned by the North-
western Lumber Company.
On Januarv 22. 1889, he was married to ]Miss Petramilla,
BIOGRAniY 645
daughter of Peter and Angie (Tewkesberry) Bellinger, pioneers
of Eau Claire. Mr. Barber has always been identified with the
Republican party, and while in Missouri was a member of the
delegation which nominated James G. Blaine for president in
1884. He was also a delegate from Wisconsin to the National
convention which nominated Wm. McKinley for President in
1900. Eeligiously he is a member of the vestry of Christ
Episcopal church.
Henry Barney,* public spirited citizen and manufacturers'
agent, of Fairchild, is the son of Godfrey W. and Lorinda
(Wilder) Bai-ney, and was born in Belleville, Jefferson county,
N. Y., May 9, 1852. His father was also born in Jefferson county,
and his mother was a native of Vermont. In 1858 the parents
came to Wisconsin with their family and settled on 320 acres
of land in Juneau county; the land Avas in three parcels, one of
which consisted of 80 acres, to which was subsequently added by
purchase 20 acres. The original 320 acres was given to the
father by his brother, Hiram Barney, collector of the Port of
New York, who was a warm personal friend of Abraham Lincoln,
and who resigned his position as collector of the i)ort in favor
of Chester A. Arthur, who afterward became President of the
United States. The father of Henry Barney was a clergyman in
the Methodist Episcopal chux'ch and belonged to the Black River
conference. New York. Before coming to Wisconsin, he was super-
annuated and his sons made all the improvements on the farm
in Juneau county where the father died in 1863 at the age of 67
years. He served as drummer boy in the war of 1812 and after
his death, his widow drew a pension from the government. Before
entering the ministry he studied medicine and practiced that pro-
fession more or less during his lifetime, and for many years was-
the manufacturer of Dr. G. W. Barney's Anti-Billious Cathartic
Pills, and for a number of years was land warrant agent for the
state of New York, for the benefit of United States soldiers. His
children who grew to maturity were Hiram W., a prominent law-
yer of Mauston, Wiseosin, who died December 25, 1906; Sarah,
deceased ; Chai'les, retired hardware merchant of Mauston : Mary
Augusta, a practicing physician, and Henry.
Mr. Barney grew to manhood in Juneau county, receiving his
education in the district schools and the Mauston high school.
He began his business career as a clerk in a general store at
Mauston, serving in that capacity for two years. He later en-
gaged in farming on the old homestead for two years, and still
later engaged in lumbering in Juneau and Vernon counties in
646 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
which he continued for some six years, and then entered the agri-
cultui-al implement business at Hillsboro, AVisconsin, which he
followed for eight years. In 1893 he settled on a farm of 80 acres
in the town of Bridge Creek, Eau Claire county, near Augusta,
where he followed farming until April, 1902. In the last named
year, he moved to the village of Fairchild and embarked in tlie
livery business which he followed until 1913, when on account of
ill health he turned the business over to his sons, by whom it is
continued under the name of Barney Brothers.
Twice married, Mr. Barney took for his first wife. Miss Anna,
daughter of Ruben and Elizabeth (Daniels) Sweet, of Hillsboro,
Wisconsin, whose father was a soldier in the civil war. By this
union nine children were born, six of whom grew to maturity:
Ernest W. ; Wert W. ; Charles H. ; Francis N.; Hiram R. and
Hattie, deceased. He married for his second wife IMrs. Louisa
(Jenson) Johnson, widow of James Johnson, who, by her former
marriage is the mother of three children: Anna is now IMrs.
Walter Olson, of Sparta; Jessie and Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Barney
are the owners of valuable property in Fairchild consisting of
residences and 40 acres, and they also own two farms of 40 and
80 acres each.
In politics Mr. Barney is a Democrat and has served two terms
as assessor of Fairchild village.
David P. Barnes, one of the early settlers of Eau Claire, and
for many years a public officer, was born September 6, 1837, in
Plattsburg, New York, and there remained until 1857, when he
came to Wisconsin, and located at Eau Claire, where for a time
he was engaged in the lumber business and for twenty years
thereafter he was interested in selling farm implements. For a
number of years he was acting deputy sheriff of Eau Claire
county, served as county clerk for some time, and for twelve
years acted as deputy county treasurer and for twenty-six years
prior to his retirement, he acted as janitor of the eoui-t house, a
record seldom equaled. He married Mary Grinsel, a native of the
Province of Quebec, Canada, and to this union seven children have
been born, six of whom are now living, viz. : Phoebe, wife of
W. H. Brown, of Eau Claire: Bessie. Margaret, James H., William
H. and Grace. Horace Barnes, father of our subject, died in
Plattsburg, New York, at the age of fifty-six years, and the mother
died there aged 57 years. They raised a family of six children,
three sons and three daughters, as follows: Horace J., William
R., David P. and three sisters. Mrs. David P. Barnes died in
Ban Claire January 30, 1902.
BIOGRAPHY 647
William H. Barnes, Councilmau of the new commission form of
government of Eau Claire, Wis., is the son of David P. and Mary
(Grinsell) Barnes, and was born in Eau Claire June 16, 1875. His
father was a native of Plattsburg, N. Y., and his mother of the
Province of Quebec, Canada. The father came to Wisconsin in
1858, locating in Eau Claire, where he engaged in various lines of
business, conducted a livery stable for a few years, engaged in the
sale of agricultural implements for 20 years, and for 27 years
was janitor of the courthouse. While in that position he acted as
deputy of nearly all the offices of the county. He is now (1914), at
the age of 77, living retired in this city. Of his seven children,
six are now living, viz. : Phoebe, wife of W. J. Brown ; Margaret,
Bessie, Horace, William H. and Grace.
William H. was reared in his native city, receiving his educa-
tion in the public schools and local business college. He learned
the machinists' trade, which he followed for fifteen years. Po-
litically he is a Socialist and is the first one of that party to hold
office in Eau Claire county, having been elected councilman for a
term of six years in April, 1912. He is a member of the Ma-
chinists' Union and a staunch supporter of the principles of
unionism and an active union worker. His wife, wliose maiden
name was Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of John and Nellie (Mc-
Graw) Fitzpatrick, of Eau Claire, to whom he was married in
1912, is also a supporter of unionism, being a member of the Typo-
graphical Union. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of two
cliildren — Mary and Elizabeth Barnes.
John E. Barron,* who. while still a young man. had attained
to a position of prominence in the financial circles of Eau Claire,
was born in this city April 11, 1872, tlie son of Martin Van Buren
and Caroline A. (Wightman) Barron, pioneers of Eau Claire.
After finishing his education in the common and high schools of
the city, he entered the employ of his father in the lumber busi-
ness, with whom he remained until the latter 's death. He was
then employed by the Madison Street Manufacturing Company,
and for a time worked for the Standard Oil Company in Eau
Claire. In 1897 he went into the Bank of Eau Claire, which later
became the Union Savings Bank, and has worked his way from
messenger boy to the responsible position of cashier of the Union
Savings Bank. He is a thorough banker and a man whose busi-
ness judgment is often sought on important business matters. He
is deeply interested in tlie welfare of the city, and while he takes
a keen interest in all public matters, he has never sought nor
held public office. Though he has many times been tendered town
648 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
iiud city offices, he has always declined, preferring to give his
whole attention to Jiis many business enterprises. Besides his
banking interests in this city, he is a stockholder in the Union
Mortgage & Loan Company, of Eau Claire, a director of the
Farmers' State Bank, of Allen, Wisconsin, and a stockholder and
director of the Northwestern Flour & Feed Company.
Mr. Barron 's busy life is marked by many changes, but amidst
its many vicissitudes lie has held the even tenor of his way, advan-
cing gradually step by step until he has attained a standing and
position worth}' of the man, and withal gained by a course of
business methods that commend him to the respect of all who
know him. On September 19, 1904, IMr. Barron married -Josephine
M. Kleiusehintz, daughter of George J. and ]\Iary ]\lagdom (Uhl)
Kleinschintz. They ha^c a liappy family of two children, viz:
Magdom and John Henry.
Mr. Barron is a man of jileasing personality, generous and
public spirited, and occupies a prominent place in fraternal,
social and benevolent societies. He is a Mason and a member
of Blue Lodge. Chapter and Comniandery, No. 8. He is Exalted
Ruler in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a
member of Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias, the Grand
Lodge and the X^niform Rank. He is also a member of the
Knights of Khorassan of Racine, the Eau Claire Club, Brother-
hood of American Yeomen, Independent Order of Foresters and
the Spanish-American War Veterans, and represents the Second
Ward on the Board of Education, lie enlisted in Company E,
Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, as a private and
served five years; he held all the non-commissioned offices and
rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and as such served through
the Porto Rican campaign under ^lajor ^Marshall Cousins during
the Spanish- American war.
^Martin Van Buren Barron, father of our .subject, was a rela-
tive of the late -Judge Barron, tlie third judge to hold court in
this city. Coming to Eau Claire in 1865. Mr. Barron became
associated with his brother. John, in the flour and feed business
on Bai-stow street, which was continued for about one year, when,
with another brother, under the firm name of Barron Brothers, lie
built a saw mill on the Chippewa river just above the old Eddy
mill. At the end of one year he became connected with the Eau
Claire Lumber Company as salesman in the lower Mississippi
city, continuing with this concern for about three years. He then
began logging for himself and i^dtli that and running a lumber
A'ard at Blue Earth, Minnesota, for the Eau Claire Lumber Com-
I^IOGRAPIIY G-l'J
pany. his tinu' was well occupied for the uext six years. He
was associated with the late Peter Truax for two years in buying
and cutting hard wood lumber in Northern Wisconsin, and from
that time until his death, wliieh occurred Julj^ 28, 1891, he was
associated with -John S. Ow'en, of the Rust-Owen Lumber Com-
pany in buying lumber and logs at Boyd, Cadott, Bloomer, Chetek,
]5arron and other points along the line of the Omaha and Wiscon-
sin Central (now the Soo) Raihvays.
Mr. Barron was horn in Jjisbon, New Hampshire, April 10,
1834, a son of Fletcher .i. and ^lary (Ilorton) Barron, natives of
Haverhill, New Hampshire, and Providence, Rhode Island, respec-
tively, who wei'e married January 13, 1819. Eight children were
born to them as follows: Jane, Horton, Fletcher, John, Mary,
Martin Van Buren, Closes Durand and Josephine. The early life
of Mr. Barron was spent in Livingston eount.y. New York, whither
the family moved when he was young. At the age of seventeen
he moved to Scio, New York, and there engaged in the lumber
business. On January 22, 1859, he married Caroline A. Wight-
man, a native of Richburg, Allegany county. New York, and they
became the parents of nine children, of whom two are now living,
viz : John E. and Cora, who married DeSota H. Grant, a merchant
at River Bank, California. Carrie, a twin sister of Cora, is now
deceased, and her remains lay at rest in Forest Hill cemeterj'.
Although ilr. Barron was not a member of any church, he lived
an honorable and upright life. He was a member of the A. 0.
U. W. and always affiliated with the Democratic party, and prob-
ably no man connected with the lumber industry was better
known through the snrroiniding country, or more highly re-
spected than was he.
The parents of Fletcher J. Bai-ron, grandfather of John E.,
were of French descent. ]\loses Barron was a soldier in the
P^reneh \var, and also in the War of the Revolution. Mary Bar-
i-on, th(! grandmother, was a daughter of Ebenezer and Chloe
(Daly) Ilorton. natives of Rhode Island.
Corydon L. Beardsley.* In perpetuating in words more en-
during than monuments of stone the memory of men of promi-
nence whose active and valuable lives have been spent in Eau
Claire county, the pages of this volume would be incomplete were
mention not made of the honored pioneer whose name is here
recorded.
Mr. Beai-dsley was born in the state of New York, May 21,
1839, and on both sides is descended from sterling New England
families, good loyal citizens and most exemplary characters.
650 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Corydon L. received his primary education in the common schools
of his neighborhood, and early in life, imbued with the spirit of
the late Horace Greeley, he turned his face to the setting sun.
Landing in Wisconsin, he followed the occupation for a time of
well digging, and during the civil war he enlisted in Company
F. Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and proved a brave
and efficient soldier.
In 1865 he came to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm
in Pleasant Valley township, which he improved and where he
lived, engaged in general farming until 1907, when he retired
from active labor, moved into the city of Eau Claire, where he
now resides in the enjoyment of his family and the fruits of his
many years of toil. Mr. Beardsley was united in marriage to
Miss Hannah Hathaway, a very estimable lady of Pierce county,
Wisconsin, by whom he had nine children, viz: Elmer E., born
May 5, 1862; Ella A., born October 29, 1864; Viola E., born
October 17, 1866; Effie H., born October 2, 1868; Clifford J., born
September 16, 1870 ; Henry L.. born July 2, 1873 ; Lettie S.. born
June 16, 1876; Lillian F., born December 30, 1879, and Bertha
0.. born December 25, 1883. The mother of these children, who
was a lady of rare womanly graces and domestic virtues, died
January 21, 1896, loved and respected by all who knew her. Mr.
Beardsley has been a resident of Eau Claire county for nearly
fiftj' years and is one of the energetic, thrifty and highly re-
spected men. He is a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, Grand Army
of the Republic, of Eau Claire.
Hjalmar E. Berg, tlie well known and popular tailor of
Eau Claire, was born in Venenborg. Sweden, of Norwegian
parents, on January 5. 1870. His • father. Christian Berg,
was born in Holmestrand, Norway. He learned the trade of tailor
in his native country, followed the same there until 1888, when he
emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Ban Claire,
where he was employed as a journeyman by John Horgan, a mer-
chant tailor, in whose employ he remained until his death on
February 19, 1905. He married Sophia Thorp, of Fredrikstad.
Norway, who is now seventy years of age. To this union the fol-
lowing children were born: Shanette, married Anton M. Ander-
son, register of deeds of Eau Claire ; Karl Johan ; Hjalmar E. :
Kristine, married William Cheetham; Hulda, married Martin
Hanson; Waldemar Mark; Axel, a lumberman residing in the
state of Washington, married Vesta Hanson ; Elvine. married Jack
Brewer, and Ella, who died in infancy.
Hjalmar E. attended the public schools of Norway and learned
IMOGRAPIIV 651
the tradt' of tailor of liis father. He eaiiie to Eau Claire with his
parents in 1888 and in the spring of 1910 he started in business
for himself at 436 Water street, and has since carried on a suc-
cessful merchant tailoring business, manufacturing a high-grade
class of clothing.
He is a successful business man, progressive and enterprising,
and commands a large patronage from the best class of people in
Eau Claire. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and the Sons
of Norway and is an independent Kepublican.
In 1904 Mr. Berg married Miss Lena Eversou, daughter of
Ever Evei'son Sletten.
Jonas Bergh, the popular and enterprising real estate man of
Eau Chiii-e, is a native son of Norway, where he was born October
6, 1859, to Andrew P. and Lise (Johnson) Bergh, who came to the
United States in 1866, locating at Red Wing, Minn., where they
remained until 1869, and then removed to St. Paul, where the
mother died in 1871. After the death of his wife, ]\Ir. Bergh
came to Eau Claire with his family of five children, four of whom
are now (1914) living, viz.: Jonas, Louie, Martin and Chris.
In 1873 Jonas Bergh came to Eau Claire, attended the public
schools and later learned the trade of machinist and moulder in
the establishment of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, by
whom he was employed for twenty-five years. In 1910 he em-
barked in the real estate business on his own account, in which
line he has succeeded in building up a large and thriving business.
He not only handles local property, but also deals extensively in
northern Wisconsin and North Dakota lands.
On October 9, 1887, Mr. Bergh was united in marriage with
Randi, daughter of John Larson, a native of Norway. To this
union there are five children now (1914) living, as follows:
Amanda L., who is the wife of John L. Johnson ; James R., An-
drew W., Mamie E. and Elmer R. In religious matters Mr. Bergh
is an attendant and a supporter of Grace Lutheran Church, while
fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and
in politics a Republican.
Charles H. Bergman, dealer in flour, feed, grain, hay and coal,
Eau Claiic, was born in the State of Saxon, Germany, December
9, 1855. His father, Gotlieb, who was a miller by trade, followed
that vocation all his life. He was twice married and was the
father of nine children, six by his second marriage and three by
the first, as follows : William and Herman reside in Germany, and
Charles II., the subject of this sketch, whose mother died when
he was two years of age.
652 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Charles II. attended the public schools until fourteen years of
age, when he went to work with his father at the milling trade,
remaining there for three years, after which he was employed in
other mills in various parts of Germany until he became twenty
years old, and then spent three years in the German army. After
his term of service expired he worked two years in a flour mill and
in 1880 emigrated to the United States. After spending a short
time at Portage City, this state, he came to Eau Claire, where he
arrived the same year. He was fii-st employed here in the Marston
sash and door factory and planing mill and then worked at car-
pentering, spent a winter in the woods at lumbering, returning to
the mill in the spring. He spent one year as bridge carpenter for
the Omaha railroad and then went to the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul road in the same capacity. For eight y^ars lie was em-
ployed in the Shaw flouring mill of Eau Claire as a miller and for
five years was manager of the Lakeside Elevator Company, and
then engaged in business for himself with Jolni ^l. Craemer,
under the firm name of Bergman & Craemer. They erected a mill
and remained together for three years, when Mr. Bergman pur-
chased his partner's interest and is now (1914) sole proprietor of
the business, and is one of the progressive men of Eau Claire.
In 1883 Mr. Bergman married in Eau Claire Emelia Portig.
who was also born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bergman are the
parents of four children as follows: "William C, who married
Amanda King and is a mail carrier in Eau Claire ; Anna Bertha
is secretary for her father ; Otto Robert, elevator foreman for his
father, and Alfred Edward, a student. Mr. Bergman is a member
of the Lutheran Church and the German Singing Society of Eau
Claire.
Mr. Bergman's business was established in 1902 at his present
location, where he buys grain from the farmers and ships in car-
load lots. He handles flour, feed, grain and coal, has a yard 250
by 300 feet, with elevator and necessary buildings. His power is
obtained from a 20-horsepower gasoline engine, which does chop-
ping, etc., but handling of grain is his principal business.
Peter J. Bolin,* an enterprising and up to date farmer of the
town of Union, was born at Westport, county of Bedford, Province
of Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1851, and is a son of the late Frank
and Ann (Carey) Bolin, both natives of county Mayo, Ireland.
They came to Canada in an early day and were among the pio-
neers of the Province of Ontario where they lived and died.
Peter J. was reared to manhood in Ontario, receiving his
education in the common schools. In 1869 he came to the state
BIOGRAPHY 653
of Michigan and located in the county of Saginaw wliere for
eight years he was employed in the lumber camps. He came to
Eau Claire in 1877 and entered the employ of the Eau Claire
Lumber Compan.v on their ]\Ieridian branch, remaining thus em-
ployed for four years: he then embai-ked in the hotel business
at Eau Claire and for two years conducted the Saginaw House.
He then purchased 200 acres of land in the towTi of Lincoln
which he owned until 1908, and where he made his home for
fourteen years during which time he was engaged as contractor
for logging and driving for various lumber companies. In 1899
he purchased a residence in Eau Claire where he resided until
1904 when he moved to his farm of 120 acres in Union township,
and there he has since lived, still owning, however, his city resi-
dence. His farm is one of the baimer farms in Union township,
is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good, sub-
stantial buildings. He uses modern methods in his farming opera-
tions and his place is well ecpiipped with manj- up-to-date labor
saving devices.
Mr. Bolin has been married three times. His first wife was
Catherine B. Harrington, while the second Mrs. Bolin was IMary
Johnson, and he married for his third wife Miss Ellen, daughter
of J. W. McCann. one of the prosperous farmers of Union town-
shij). A man of strong personality, he is an energetic, wide-awake
and highly respected citizen, classed as a good neighbor and is a
man among men. He is prominently identified with St. Patrick's
Roman Catholic church of Eau Claire, while in his political affilia-
tions he is a Republican.
Alfred P. Bonnet, secretary antl treasurer of the Williams
Furnitui-e Company, of Eau Claire, was born at Black River Falls,
AVisconsin. July 16, 1850, the son of Peter and Felicia (Rofinot)
Bonnot. and is of French descent. His father who Avas born in
France, came to America with his parents when a young man, and
located at Syracuse, New York, where he learned the wagon
makers' trade, and later conducted the business. He came west
to Black River Falls, and for many years was engaged in business
there. After his retirement, he moved to McCook, Nebraska,
where he died in 1900 at the age of seventy-eight years. His
wife, who was Felicia Rofinot, daughter of Peter Rofinot, of Chi-
cago, Illinois, died iu 1890. They were the parents of two chil-
dren : Alfred P., and Clara who resides in the state of "Washington.
Alfred P. grew to manhood in this state, receiving his education
in the public schools of Augusta, where he remained until 1879.
In the last named year he went to Iowa, and for two and one-
654 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
half years was employed as brakeman by the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul Railroad. He then went to Nebraska and was in the
employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for twenty-
four years, three years as brakeman and twenty-one years as
passenger conductor, continuing in their employ until 1907, and
during this time he ran from McCook east to Hastings, Nebraska,
and west to Denver, Colorado. He was one of the faithful, trust-
worthy and honorable employes, and at the time of his resigna-
tion, was one of the oldest conductors in jjoint of service on the
Burlington road.
In 1907 Mr. Bonnot became connected with the Williams
Furniture Company as secretary and treasurer, and is one of the
largest stockholders in the concern. He devotes his entire time
to the success of the business, and is one of Eau Claire's enter-
prising, progressive and up-to-date business men. He is a mem-
ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order
of Railroad Conductors at McCook, Neb., and the Catholic church.
He married Dora N. Williams, daughter of Lucius L. and Elvira
A. (Seai-le) Williams. To Mr. and Mrs. Bonnot have been born
three children: Antoinette aged twelve and one son and one
daughter who died in infancy.
Arthur Satterlee Bostwick, one of the very early settlers of
this part of Wisconsin and closely identified with the primitive
struggles of the city and county of Eau Claire, was born Decem-
ber 5, 1825, in Jericho county, Vermont, son of Martin C. and
Lucy (Hathaway) Bostwick. The records of this family say that
three brothers who were born in the North of Ireland, came to
America and settled on and named Bostwick Bay, Connecticut,
and have many descendants in America. Captain Arthur Bost-
wick, paternal grandfather of Arthur S., was born at Manchester,
Vermont, attained to a place of prominence in his section aud
served as a member of Congress from his district. He followed
the occupation of merchant in early life and served as Quarter
Master in the war of 1812 in which he was wounded. For fifty
years he ran a hotel at Jericho, Vermont, where he died at the
age of 90 years. He married Sally Clark, daughter of Colonel
Clark of Revolutionary fame. She died and left three children,
viz. : Martin Chittenden ; Julius Hoyt and Isaac Clark. Captain
Bostwick married for his second wife Polly, daughter of Captain
Shadrah, and Gail (Smith) Hathaway, the latter being a daughter
of Governor Israel Smith of Vermont. To this union three chil-
dren were born, Samuel B., a clergyman in the Episcopal church ;
Sarah C. and Israel S.
ARTHUR S. BOSTWICK
BIOGRAPHY 655
In ISii Martin C. Bostwick came to Wisconsin and settled at
Marshall, Dane county. At one time he located in La Crosse
county and was the first white person to settle in Bostwick val-
ley. He subsequently returned to Dane county where he died in
1866. He married Lucy Hathaway, who died in 1846 leaving
four children : Arthur S., the subject of this sketch, Romeo, who
was a soldier in the Civil War, died in front of Vicksburg ; Anna
E., who later became Mrs. Nichols and John Y.
In the Fall of 1843, Arthur S. came to Illinois and engaged in
blacksmithiug. He came to Wisconsin and Eau Claire November
19, 1856, and soon thereafter was appointed under-sheriff, and
as such took a prominent part in the organization of Eau Claire
county. He summoned the first .jury and held the first term of
Circuit court in the county. He was the seond sheriff of the
county, having been elected in 1858 and served two years, fol-
lowing which he served two years more as under-sheriff.
During the civil M-ar. he was commissioned as recruiting officer
with the rank of lieutenant, a position he filled with honor.
In 1847 previous to coming to Eau Claire, he enlisted as a
soldier in the Mexican war under the assumed name of A. Sat-
terlee, so that his father would know nothing of it. At the Na-
tional bridge, near the battle ground of Cerro Gordo, he received
a wound which necessitated his being sent home. After his re-
covery, he followed the blacksmith ti'adc ;it various places, among
them Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin. He stiiitiMl ovci-land for Cali-
fornia in 1849, stopping at Salt Lake Cit.>- \vlicrc lie helped forge
the hammer for the Mormon mint. This being done, he resumed
his joui-ney to the coast and engaged for a time in the minijig
of gold. He then traveled North and South, visited the Sand-
wich Islands, returning home the following year via Panama. In
1851 he crossed the plains again, returning this time via Nicar-
agua, and while in Virgin Bay, witnessed the fight of William
Walker, the filibuster and his taking the Fort at that place.
Upon his return to Eau Claire, he was employed by the Eau
Claire Liunber Company as superintendent of the blacksmith
and manufacturing department, a position he held for twenty-
two years. He served as commissioner of the poor from April,
1888, to April, 1891. He was elected register of deeds for Eau
Claire county in the Fall of 1890, an office lie filled to the satis-
faction of his constituents.
From April 1880 to 1882, lie represented the 8th Ward in
the city council; he was president of the Eau Claire county
Soldiers' Relief Commission, and Senior A¥arden of Christ Epis-
656 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
copal church. In polities he was a Democrat, havino; joinetl
their ranks in 1855 in opposition to "Know-nothingism, " wliili'
all his ancestors were "Whigs.
On May 8, 1858, Mr. Bostwiek married Bridget Gunn, and
they had a family of thirteen children, twelve of whom are resi-
dents of this county, and one daughter who resides in California.
Mrs. Bostwiek died December 14, 1898, and after a long, useful
and bus.y life, Mr. Bostwiek died November 21, 1907.
Arthur J. Bostwiek, son of Arthur Satterlee and Bridget
(Gunn) Bostwiek, was born at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, February
9, 1859. He received his education in the common and hip:li
schools of this city and at the age of sixteen, was apprenticed
to learn the blacksmith trade under instruction of his father in
the shops of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. Here he remained
until he reached the age of twenty-four, when he formed a part-
nership with Ole Hanson. He sold his interest to his partner one
year later, and returned to the Eau Claire Lumber Company,
remaining in their employ for two years. At the end of this
time, he re-purchased a half interest in the business Avith his
former partner, and for two years the business was conducted
under the firm name of Hanson and Bostwiek. Mr. Bostwiek
then purchased his partner's interest and continued to operate
alone until 1893, when he sold out and joined the Eau Claire
Mill Supply Company, as superintendent of its logging tool fac-
tory, and is now a director and superintendent of the Phoenix
Manufacturing Company.
He was married to Miss ]\Iary Stephens, October 4, 1885, who
was born July 15, 1866, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Stephens,
both natives of Ireland where they were married and soon there-
after came to the United States and to Wisconsin, locating in
St. Croix county, w-here they followed farming for a number of
years, then engaged in the grocery business at New Kiehmoud.
Disposing of the grocery store, they moved to Eau Claire Mdiere
they established their residence. To Mr. and Mrs. Bostwiek
have been born four children, viz. : Mildred A., born September
22. 1886 ; Richard Satterlee, born July 22, 1888 ; Mary Cicily, born
December 26, 1892, and Arthur Stephens, bom April 21. 1902.
From 1877 to 1883 Mr. Bostwiek was a member of the Wisconsin
National Guards. He is now a member of St. Patrick's church.
Eau Claire, a member of the Kuights of Columbus and the Catholic
Knights of Wisconsin, while politically lie adheres to tlie lu-inci-
ples of the Democratic party.
BIOGRAPHY 657
Henry Brown,* of Otter Creek, Eau Claire county. To the
young men of our land the life of the subject of this sketch is
an enduring example of the cardinal virtues of industry, up-
rightness and frugality and unwearied perseverance.
Sir. Brown was born in Elmira, N. Y., February 24, 1835, the
son of John and Mary (Golden) Brown. His parents died when
he was a young boy, leaving him alone in the world. He was
adopted by an uncle who lived in Rodden, Canada, and there
went to live, but did not fare very well in his new home, and
after a time left it and traveled from place to place, living and
making his own way as best he could through great difficulties,
and at fifteen years of age he found himself in Michigan, where
he worked at various employments until he reached his majority.
He came to Wisconsin and during the winter of 1866-67, famous
as the winter of deep snow, which some old settlers declare was
ten feet deep on the level, he worked in the woods, and for a
number of years afterward he followed logging and finally pur-
chased 160 acres of land and became one of the earliest settlers
of Thompson Valley, a very fertile district in Otter Creek town-
ship. He succeeded at farming from the start, and subsequently
added to his original purchase from time to time until he now
owns one of the finest farms of 600 acres in Eau Claire county,
which he keeps well stocked with a good grade of cattle, horses
and hogs, while his residence and outbuildings are substantial
and up-to-date. Being imbued with a spirit of patriotism, Mr.
Brown offered his services during the civil war but was rejected.
Mr. Brown married December 25, 1864, Miss Rosalind Strader,
daughter of Joseph and Maria (Hamilton) Strader, also pioneer
settlers of Thompson Valley. Joseph Strader, father of Mrs.
Brown, was born July 18, 1818, in Sharon, Scoharie county. N.
Y. He came West to Wisconsin in 1855, settling in Thompson
Valley, Eau Claire county, where he lived to the age of 81 years
and died April 9, 1899. He was thoroughly domestic in his tastes
and closely applied himself to his business interests. He was in
truth a successful man, and all his transactions were marked by
scrupulously fair dealing, frankness and kindness and faith in
the better side of human nature. He married Maria Hamilton,
who was born August 9, 1822, and died April 29, 1890, at the age
of 68 years. She was a woman of many domestic virtues, a kind
and loving mother and a worth.y helpmate of her husband. Pour
children came to Mr. and Mrs. Strader, as follows: Albert, born
August 3, 1841; Rosalind, who was born November 12, 1844, mar-
658 . HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ried Henry Brown, our subject; Roxana, born October 22, 1846,
married Walter Green, and Lyman Strader, born March 12, 1850,
died February 2, 1864.
Mr. Brown has devoted him.self to general farming, stock rais-
ing and dairying, has prospered and has become known as one
of the most substantial public spirited and representative farm-
ers in Eau Claire county. He now lives in retirement in the ease
and comfort merited by his long years of active labor.
Louis Bruckner,* who is an Austrian by birth, Avas born in
the village of Seyfieds, Austria, the sou of JMatthew Bruckner,
also a native of Austria and by trade a shoemaker.
Louis was reared in his home town, receiving a limited educa-
tion. His parents being poor, he was early thrown upon his ovm
resources and compelled to make his own way. As a youth, he
served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and when he had
reached the age of eighteen, accompanied by a brother, he came
to the United States. In 1892, they located at Durand, Wiscon-
sin, where the brother still resides. A short time after arriving
in Wisconsin, our subject came to the city of Eau Claire and for
three years was variously employed as a day laborer. He finally
found a position in a blacksmith shop where he worked at his
trade vintil 1897, when he located at Brackett, in Washington
township, and established a blacksmith and wagon shop of his
own. He is recognized as a first class workman, and by close
application, upright and fair dealing, has succeeded in building
up a substantial business. Mr. Bruckner carried on his business
by himself until recently, when he took his brother-in-law into
partnership, the firm now being known as Bruckner & Guerraann.
In 1900 Mr. Bruckner married ]Miss Louise Guermann, and they
have two children, Alois and Lloyd Bruckner. The family are
all members of the Catholic church.
Emma M. Buehler, D. C, Chiropractor of Eau Claire, is a
native of Wisconsin, having been born in IMonroe, Green county,
of Swiss parentage. She received her education in her native
town, and took some special training at Valparaiso, Ind.. fitting
herself for public school work.
She taught very successfully in the public schools for a num-
ber of years, and later entered the Universal Chiropractic Col-
lege, at Davenport, Iowa, (a long course school), etc.
She was graduated with the class of December, 1913. She
came to Eau Claire and began the practice of her chosen pro-
fession on March 11, 1914, and while she has only been here a
short time (now 1914) and her arts of healing new to the citizens.
BIOGRAPHY 659
she is succeeding in building up a good clientage in the new
science of chiropractic spinal adjustments without the aid of
drugs, medicine or surgery of any kind.
George A. Bufiington. It is a well attested maxim that the
greatness of a county or state lies not in its machinery of govern-
ment, not even in its institutions, but in the sterling quality of
its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and vinselfish
effort and their devotion to the public good. Among those who
are justly entitled to be enrolled among the makers of the great
county of Eau Claire, is George Augustus Buffington, deceased.
He was born at Little Valley, Cataraugus county, New York, on
June 29, 1825, the son of Isaaih and Sophia (Winchester) Buf-
fington, the former a native of [Maine, of English descent, and
the latter of Cataraugus count}', New York, of Scotch ancestry.
George A. was raised in Cataraugus and Onondago counties,
New York, until he reached the age of seventeen years, then
came to Wisconsin with his parents who settled in Walworth
county, and here he worked at teaming, farming and anything
honorable to make an honest living. On April 12, 1846. he mar-
ried Miss Pluraa A. Jones, of that county and soon thereafter
pre-empted a piece of land, erected a small log cabin and there
began to carve out his subsequent successful career. He pur-
chased a stage line running from Kenosha to Beloit which he
operated until 1848 when he sold it out and moved to Stephenson
county, Illinois, and there entered 160 acres of land and engaged
in farming. He later disposed of his interests here and moved
to Dodge county where he received the appointment of under-
sheriff and was also elected justice of the peace, and at the same
time engaged in the grocery and sales-stable business, and by
his industry and frugality, managed to save twelve thousand
dollars.
In 1853 he located at Horicon and continued the grocery
business for one and one-half years ; he also engaged in the livery
business which he continued until October 1, 1856, when he came
to Eau Claire, purchased real estate and the following year.
1857, brought his family consisting of his wife and three chil-
dren, viz. : Clarence M., Ida C, and Byron A. For a short time,
they lived in a log house for which he paid $20.00 per month
in advance, later purchased the Niagara House which he eon-
ducted at intervals for ten years. In 1857 he egaged in steam-
boating and in the winter of 1858 and '59 built the steamer
"Chippewa Valley" which he ran for one year, then placed an-
other man in charge who managed it until the war broke out,
6(30 HISTORY OP p]AU CLAIRE COUNTY
when it was captured ou the White river and burned. In 1859
he purchased a half interest in the Ball and Smith saw mill which
afterwards became known as the Smith & Buffiugton Mill Com-
pany which in 1874 was incorporated as the Valley Lumber Com-
pany, and Mv. Buffington became its president, and from that
time on i;ntil his death which occurred in August, 1893. he was
actively engaged in the lumber business.
Isaaih Buffington and Sophia Winchester, his parents, were
pioneers of Cataraugus county, New York, where he cleared and
improved a farm and later moved to Onondago county, New
York, and in 1842 they came by team from New York to Wiscon-
sin, locating in Walworth county, sixteen miles east of Beloit,
remaining there \intil 1843, when they moved to Summerville.
this state, and for two years conducted a hotel. In 1846 they
moved to Illinois and settled on a farm in Stephenson county,
where they both died, he in 1874 arid she in 1893.
In politics George A. Buffington was a Republican and repre-
sented his party in various offices. He served as mayor of Eau
Claire, was alderman of the city and at one time was chairman
of the county board. He was a member of Eau Claire Lodge, No.
162, A. P. and A. M.. Eau Claire Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., the
Chippewa Commandery, No. 8, Knight Templars and the Wis-
consin Consistory, 32d degree. He was a man who enjoyed the
confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact both
in a business way and socially; he was unassuming in manner,
but had a quiet consciousness of his own strength of character
and latent force that carried him past all difficulties which he
encountered during his lifetime and he was well and favoralily
known over the county not only for his business integrity, but
for his courteous and genial bearing as well.
Byron A. Buffington, treasurer of the Chippewa Valley Light
& Power Company, and well known business man of Eau Claire,
was born in Dodge City. Dodge coimty, Wisconsin, November
27, 1852. His parents were George A. and Pluma A. (Jones)
Buffington, (sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history),
his paternal grand parents were Isaaih and Sophia (Winchester")
Buffington, natives of Maine and Ncav York respectivel.y, who
were descended from English and Scotch ancestry. Mr. Buffing-
ton was five years of age when his parents moved to Eau Claire
and he grew up with the city, receiving his education in the
public schools, which was subsequently supplemented with a
course at the Shattuck Episcopal Military College at Faribault,
Minnesota. He began his business career in 1874 as a member of
BIOGRAPHY 661
the firm of G. A. Buffiugton & Sou, of Eau Claire, dealers iu
general merchandise, which business he followed until 1878. lie
was next engaged for several years in logging and on the ar-
ganization of the Eau Claire Grocery Company in 1883, he be-
came its president, and was identified ■with that concern until
1898. He was then elected president of the Chippewa Valley
Bank, a position he filled until that bank was merged into the
Union National Bank, of which he is now one of the directors.
He was made treasurer of the Chippewa Valley Light & Power
Company and is still acting in that capacity as well as looking
after his many other interests.
On September 9, 1874, he married Francis Elmyra Hoove)-,
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Bar-land) Hoover, of Eau
Claire, who was born in Orange county. New York, and educated
at Ripou College. Politically Mv. Buffiugton is affiliated with the
Republican party. He served two years as regent of tlie Wis-
consin University, and during the sessions of 1900 and 1902,
represented his district iu the general assembl}', Mr. BufSng-
ton occupies a prominent place in social as well as the biisiness
life of Eau Claire. He is a member of the Eau Claire Club of
which he is one of the founders; he is a 32d degree ilason and
a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Rush BuUis, ■= Chairman of the Town Board of Washington
township and a prominent and progressive farmer, is a native
son of Wisconsin, having been born in Rock county, this state,
June 10, 1863, to James C. and Jane (Boyce) Bullis. of New
York and Pennsylvania respectively. His paternal grandfather
was among the first settlers of Rock county, where he cleared
and improved a farm on which he resided until his death. James
C, father of our subject, was also a farmer in Rock county, hav-
ing acquired a farm of his own which he cleared and improved,
and there made his home until he died.
Rush Bullis was reared in his home county and there received
his education in the common schools, and has always followed
the occupation of a farmer. He spent fifteen years on one farm
in Rock county, after which he lived for several years in differ-
ent parts of the country, being at one time a resident of Texas.
In 1907 he purchased his farm of 420 acres in the town of Wash-
ington, where he now resides. He has remodeled and improved
the buildings, and made many other improvements. His farming
land is under a high state of cultivation, and he uses modern
methods in his operations. He is extensively engaged in dairy-
ing and stock raising, and is one of the prosperous farmers of his
662 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
section. Politically lie is a Republican, and takes an active in-
terest in all matters pertaining to public affairs. He was elected
chairman of the town board in 1913, an office he has since filled
with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He
was imited in marriage with Miss Bertha M. Bentz, of ]Milwaukee
county, Wisconsin, and they have five children : Clifford B., Rhoda
J., Verne, Leslie J. and Catherine Bullis.
Charles S. Burce.* Among the younger class of wide-awake
farmers of Eau Claire county is Charles S. Burce, of Brunswick
township, where he was born May 1, 1887. His father, Charles
Edwin Burce, was born in 1844, near Durham. Maine, was raised
on a farm and received his education in the common schools.
When the civil war broke out, he enlisted in the 17th Regiment
Maine Volunteer Infantry on President Lincoln's first call for
troops, and served four years. He came to Eau Claire county in
1867 and purchased a farm in Washington township, but later
moved to Brunswick township and there made his home suc-
cessfully engaged in farming until 1912, when he retired, owing
to poor health, and now makes his home in Oakland, California,
with his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Bro^vll. He is a son of Silas
Burce, for many years a prominent citizen of the state of Maine.
During his residence in Brunswick township ]\Ir. C. E. Burce
was considered one of the most progressive farmers and citizens,
and for many years was a member of the town board and the
Methodist church. He married Frances PoAvers, who was born
in Penobscot county. Maine, daughter of Andrew and Mary
(Howard) Powers, both descended from prominent New England
families, who can trace their ancestors back to the pilgrims. To
this union were born nine children as follows: Effie, married
Thomas Brown, a retired grocer of Oakland. California; Ethel,
married Thomas Ilobbs. a farmer of Washington Township ;
Laura, married John , former superintendent of Eau
Claire county schools; Ruth is a school teacher in Washington
township; John is a machinist of Toronto, Canada; Charles S.,
the subject of this sketch ; Jessie : Leander and Burnicc, who
died young.
Charles S. attended the public schools and assisted his parents
in the farm woi-k. He later we)it to LaCrosse. Wisconsin, and
spent one year with the Smith Mani;faeturing Company, learn-
ing the trade of machinist and blacksmith, after which he went
to Manitoba and worked in the great wheat fields, later attend-
ing the Fair at Seattle, Washington, whence he retui-ned to his
home in the town of Brunswick and engaged in farming with liis
J
BIOGRAPHY 66:}
father, and since the latter's retirement in 191:2, has carried ou
the home fann of 280 acres. He uses modern methods in his
farming operations and keeps the place well supplied with mod-
ern and up-to-date machinerj- and labor saving devices. Pie is
a member of the M. E. church, and has filled the office of road
commissioner. He married Miss Alma Knnteson, daughter of
Eric Knnteson, of Di-ammeu township.
Allah E. Burlingame, former president, treasurer and gen-
eral manager of the A. E. Burlingame Company, wholesale and
retail dealers in cigars and tobacco, was born at Ripon, Wiscon-
sin, December 7, 1873, the son of Henry H. and Elmira (Olin)
Burlingame, natives of Indiana and Dartford, Wisconsin, respect-
ively. His paternal grandfather, Wanton Burlingame, was one
of the pioneers of Fond-du-Lac county, Wisconsin, where he took
up and purchased large tracts of land at $1.25 per acre, and was
one of the largest land holders of his day in that section of the
state. In later life, he returned to Indiana and purchased the
old homestead near LaPorte which he had previously taken up
from the government, and there he lived and died. Henry H.,
father of our subject, was reared in Fond-du-Lac county, where
he followed farming iintil 1891, when he became connected with
the postoffice department, being appointed one of the first rural
mail carriers out of Ripon. After a continuous service of eight
years, he died in 1899 at the age of 67 years. His wife, Elmira,
mother of our subject, is a daughter of Almon and Margaret
Olin, pioneers of Green Lake county, Wisconsin. They were the
parents of three children, Charles, Grant and Allah E.
Mr. Burlingame was reared on the home farm in Fond-du-
Lac county, remaining- there until he reached the age of 18 years.
He was educated in the Ripon high school and Ripon college,
and for eight years after finishing his schooling, he was em-
ployed as clerk and bookkeeper in various hotels in Wisconsin
and elsewhere. In 1903 he embarked in the retail cigar business
in Marinette, Wisconsin, which he conducted for two years, and
in which he retained an interest up to his death. He formed the
Burlingame Company which has branch stoves in Wausau, Chip-
pewa Falls and Stevens Point. They own their own building
which thej' occupy at Chippewa Falls, and also the Wilson block
at Eau Claire.
On January 7, 1899, Mr. Burlingame married DeLaphene.
daughter of Everest LaLiberty, of Marinette, Wisconsin, and
four children were born, viz. : Burnadette, Allah, Dorothy and
Beatrice. I\Ir. Burlingame was a resident of Eau Claire from
664 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
April, 1907. He was a 32d degree Mason, a Shriner and a mem-
ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of
Pythias, the Y. M. C. A., and the Eau Claire Club. He was an
honorable and successful business inan and a prominent factor
in both the business and social life of Eau Claire, and his dealh
in the prime of life is deplored by a wide circle of friends.
Edwrard W. Burkhart.* Fifty-two years ago, in the Spring
of 1862, Emil Burkhart fonnerly from Germany, came to Eau
Claire and started in the hotel business, purchasing at that time
a small hotel from a man named Torgason. He married Sophia
Steolikluh, and eight children were born to them, viz. : Emma,
Edward W., Rosa, Amelia, Rose, Fred, Herman and Emil. After
a residence of forty-six years in Eau Claire, the father died in
June, 1898, respected and esteemed by all who knew him.
Edward W. was born in Eau Claire, attended the schools of
the city and has here spent his whole life. He first engaged in
the butcher business, following that vocation for ten years, and
then succeeded his father in the hotel business which he has
successfully carried on for fourteen years. This hotel, which
originally was but a small affair, has been enlarged and re-
modeled into a modern, up-to-date hotel of thirty rooms, and
under the proprietorship of Mr. Burkhart, has become a popular
place for transients. Mr. Burkhart has been twice married. His
first wife, who is now deceased, was Louise Hertel, by whom he
has one daughter, Margaret. He married for his second wife.
Emma Geitz, of Stanley, Wisconsin, and to them four children
have been born as follows: Sophia, Norman, Edwin and Gerhart.
Mr. Burkhart is a prominent member of Germania Lodge, No. 19,
Knights of Pythias, the Badger Homestead, Yeomen, Modern
Brotherhood of America, and with his wife belongs to the Pythian
Sisters and the Lutheran church. He is also a meml)er of the
Old Settlers' Association.
Charles C. Calkins, dealer in all kinds of farm i)roduce. Fair-
child, Wis., was born in Owego, Tioga county, N. Y., June 30,
1869. the son of Charles B. and Sarah A. (Gaskill) Calkins. His
great grandfather, Richard Calkins, a native of New England,
was a pioneer of Clinton county, New York, where he owned a
large tract of land. He had a family of four sons — Seth, Ben-
jamin, Gilbert and Turner — all of whom were prominent farmers
of that section in their day, Seth, the eldest and grandfather of
Charles C, died at the age of fifty-six; his wife was Mariba
Briggs. and they raised a family of six children — Rebecca, Cor-
nelius, Sidnev, Daniel and Charles B, The maternal grand-
BIOGRAPHY G65
parents of our subject were Daniel and Iluldah (Foster) Gaskill,
of Owego, N. Y. Charles B. Calkins, father of Charles C, was
born in Peru, Clinton county, N. Y., April 13, 1829, where he
was reared to manhood. In 1854 he moved to Tioga county and
there engaged in farming until 1873, when he moved to Wis-
consin, locating at what is now Green Bay, and was there en-
gaged in the flour and feed business . for five years. In July,
1878, he came to Fairehild, this county, where he conducted a
meat market and was engaged in buying and shipping of live
stock lentil 1893, since which time he has been interested in farm-
ing, owning 100 acres of land in the village of Fairehild and
Jackson county. He married October 8, 1861, and his children
are Daniel, Mariba, deceased wife of Frank Brown, and Charles
C. Mr. Calkins is a member of the Masonic order, is a Democrat
in jjolitics and has held various offices in Fairehild.
Charles C. Calkins came to Wisconsin with his parents in
1873. received his education in the public schools and has resided
in Fain-liild since 1878. He began his business career as a clerk
in the general store of the N. C. Foster Company, of Fairehild.
working his way up to assistant manager, which position he held
for five years, when in 190i he was ninde manager, acting in that
capaeit.y until 1911. when on acciM'in of ill health he resigned.
In tlie last named year he embarked in his present business, built
a warehouse 50x70 feet and has succeeded in building up an
extensive trade, shipping as high as 500 ear loads of farm produce
annually to Chicago, Eastern and Southei'u points. He married
July 17, 1894, Minnie, daughter of Evan W. and IMary (Pari'ott)
Davis, of St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and they are the parents
of four children, viz: Grace C, Seth D., Claire E. and Charles C.
Mr. Calkins is a member of the Masonic order, a Knights
Templar, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He
served as village treasurer of Fairehild for several terms and
has held the office of village clerk, trustee and member of the
school board.
Daniel G. Calkins,* .secretary of the Drnnnuond Packing Com-
pany, of Ean Claire, was born in Owego, Tioga coiuity, N. Y.
April 22, 1865, a son of Charles B. and Sarah A. (Gaskill) Calkins^
and is descended from New England ancestry. His great grand-
father, Richard Calkins, a native of New England, was a pioneer
of Clinton county. New York, where he purchased a large tract
of land, cleared and improved a homestead and there resided,
engaged in general farming until his deatli. His family consisted
of four sons, viz: Seth, Benjamin, Gilbert and Turner all of
66t; HISTOKV OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
whom became prominent farmers and men of influence iu Clinton
county, New York. Seth Calkins, grandfather of Daniel G., mar-
ried Mariba Briggs, and they were the parents of six children,
as follows : Rebecca, Cornelius, Sidney, Daniel. Benjamin and
Charles B. The latter, who was the father of Daniel G., was
born in Peru, Clinton county, N. Y., April 13, 1829. He was
reared and educated in his home county and in 1857 removed
to Owego, Tioga county, where he was engaged iu farming until
1873, when he came West to Wisconsin and located in what is
now the city of Green Bay. He was there engaged for the next
five years in the flour and feed business, following which in
1878 he removed to Fairchild, Eau Claire county, where he was
engaged in butchering and the buying and selling of live stock
until 1893, since which time he has been successfully engaged in
general farming and dairying. He owns a fine farm of 100 acres
in the village of Fairchild and Jackson county, improved with a
handsome residence erected by himself where he now resides. He
was married in 1862 to Sarah A. Gaskill, daughter of Daniel
and Huldah (Foster) Gaskill. natives of Tioga county. New
York, to whom were born three children, viz : Daniel G. ; Mariba.
who married Frank A. Brown and had one child. Rex C. de-
ceased, and Charles C. a representative business man of Fair-
child.
Daniel G. Calkins came to AViseonsiu with his parents, who
settled in Green Bay when he was eight years of age and subse-
quently removed with them to Fairchild in 1878. He received his
education in the public schools and in 1879 began his business
career as clerk for the Foster Lumber Companj^ at Fairchild, re-
maining with that concern until 1885. He then came to Eau
Claire and entered the employ of Drummond Brothers as book-
keeper and in 1891 became a memlier of the firm, and when the
Packing Company was incorporated in 1893 he became secretary,
a position he still retains.
Mr. Calkins was married October 10, 1888, to Lina, a daughter
of William B. and Sarah (Johnson) High, of Oconto, Wis., and
they have an interesting family of four children, viz : Helen,
Daniel G., Jr., Paul and AVilliam B. Mr. Calkins is a popular
business man, progressive and public spirited, and enjoys mem-
bership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Knights of Pythias and the K. 0. T. M.. while in politics he is in-
dependent.
George F. Caldwell* has been a resident of Eau Claire county,
Wisconsin, for iiiort^ than two score years, and with other stal-
BIOGRAPHY 667
wart men has doue his full share in the work of trausforming
what was, when he came here, a comparative wilderness into a
land of fine homes and rich fruitful farms. A native of New
York state, he was born in Chautauciua county, June 20, 1840,
and is descended from Scotch and Irish ancestors, who came
to this country in an eai-ly day and settled in New England,
and is one of a family of five children born to John N. and Nellie
(Freeman) Caldwell, as follows: George F. ; Walter; Robert;
Eugene, and Eva, who became the wife of James Hewitt. The
father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Vei-mout in 1818 and
was one of the pioneer settlers of Oshkosh, Wis., whither he came
with his family in 1846, where he lived until his death, which oc-
curred in 1898 at the age of 80 years, the mother being 81 years
old at the time of her death.
George F. Caldwell came to Wisoonsiu with his parents when
6 years of age. He attended the common seliools of Winnebago
county and assisted in the work at home. In 1863 he enlisted in
Company D, Thirty-second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In-
fantry, was afterwards transferred to Company D, Sixteenth
Wisconsin, and did valued service for his country. On his return
from the war he located in county, where he remained
until 1870 and then moved to Eau Claire county and purchased
a farm in Otter Creek Valley, which he improved and carried
on his farming operations with success and profit. He is now liv-
ing in retirement, enjoying the much merited rest from his many
years of toil.
Mr. Caldwell married in 1861 Miss Helen Ilarkness, daughter
of Helen Harkness, of Oshkosh. Wis., and they had a family of
eight children : Nellie, who married Rolle Sawyer, is deceased,
as is also George and Archie, the latter dying in infancy ; Anengo
W. lives in British Columbia; Grace is the wife of Fred Bush
and lives in Black River Falls ; Eva ; Blanche married J. Fletclier.
of Washbvirn, Wis., and Royall. who resides in Eau Claire.
Active in the public affairs of the county, Mr. Caldwell served
thirteen years as a member of the town board of Otter Creek,
acting as chairman of the board for five years. In 1889 he was
elected as a Republican from the second district to the General
Assembly of the state, serving one term. He is identified with
the Baptist church; is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic.
David P. Candell,* a pioneer of Eau Claire county, and one
of the influential and substantial citizens, was born September
28, 1846. He came to Eau Claire with his parents in June, 1856,
668 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
who engaged in farming in Union township. He remained on
the farm asistiug in the work until he reached the age of sixteen
when he went to work on the river, an occupation he followed
for sixteen years. At the end of that period he returned to tlie
farm in Union to%vnship, where he has since successfully and
actively engaged in farming. He owns 113 acres of land, most
of which lies in the town of Union and all of which is well im-
proved. His residence is in Shawtown, where he and his family
live in the enjoyment of both city and country life.
i\lr. Candell has been twice married. His first wife was
Catherine Lawley, by whom he had three sons, Frank, James
and George. The mother of these children died in 1889, and he
took for his second wife Mary Burke, daughter of Michael Burke,
of Dodge county, Wisconsin. By this union five children have
been born, viz. : Mary, Esta. Rose. Emmett and Burnard, all of
whom live at home and with their parents are members of St.
I'atriek's church, of Eau Claire.
Horace Carpenter, deceased, a veteran of the Civil War and
a highly respected man of Eau Claire, was born in Holland, Ver-
mont. Jul.v 8, 183-4, and was descended from New England an-
cestors who came from England in the ship Bevis in 1638. and
settled at Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Early in life he went to
Plattsburg. New York, where he lived until he reached the age
of twenty-two, then came to Wisconsin, and was one of the
pioneers of Eau Claire, having settled here in 1856. Soon after
his arrival in the village, he engaged in the services of the North-
western Lumber Company, whose plant was then located at Por-
ter's Mills. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted as a
private and was assigned to Company G, First JMinnesota heavy
artillery, and served two years. At the expiration of his service,
he returned to Eau Claire and for one year was engaged in
farming on Truax jirairie. lie then moved into the city and
opened a grocery store, a business he successfully carried on
for twenty-five years. He was a man of irreproachable habits
and pure character, as well as honorable and ambitious, and en-
.ioyed the friendship of all with whom he came in contact. He
was a member of Eau Claire Lodge. No. 112, A. F. & A. ]M., and
of Eagle Post. No. 52. (iraiul .\niiy of the Republic. His deatli
occurred on June 2, lIKHi. aiul was mourned by a large circle of
friends.
'Sir. Carpenter married jMiss Marietta Van Hoesen, of Durand.
Wis., but formerly of Great Bend, Jefferson county, New York,
and they had four children. Cora E., who is noM- and has been
15U)GRAPHY 669
for a muiiber of years, supervisor of drawing iu the public seliools
of Eaix Claire; William J., manager of the Cutter Shoe Factory;
Emma, who died at the age of tweut.y, and one child who died
in infancy.
j\lrs. Carpenter and family are jirominent in social affairs of
the city, and all arc affiliated with the Lake St. :\leth()dist Epis-
coiial church.
William Carson. The death at Eati Claire in 1898, of William
Carson, closed the career of one of the earliest settlers in the
state of Wisconsin, a man well known throughout this region
from the territorial times, and whose life and services were such
as should be an inspiration to the living. The creator of import-
ant industrial enterprise, a man of wealth, his life emphasized
the truth that enterprise and wealth are not inconsistent with
the highest standards of character and conduct. He was the
type of pioneer whose name and biography should properh' have
a place in this history of Wisconsin.
William Carson was born at Inverness, lower Canada in 1825,
and of Scotch ancestry. At the age of eleven years, in 1836,
alone in the world, he set out for the United States and arriving
in Cambridge. Massachusetts, made his first serious venture at
earning his own way, and although only a child in years he suc-
ceeded. Hif^ determination was ripened by a brief experience in
the east to learn the broader field of opportunity in the west. In
1837. William Carson became a resident of Illinois, in the southern
part of the state. After a short time he went to St. Louis, and
in 1838 to Wisconsin territory. His age then was thirteen, and
his first employment was in the lumber camps near Prairie du
Chien. His alertness and his foresight, and appreciation of op-
portunities about that time came into evidence, when he filed a
claim upon ground where the present city of North Eau Claire
is built, and in 1839 sold his claim at a handsome profit. That
was one of the first ventures which started him toward a large
success. His work continued in various lines, but principally in
lumbering, and all the time he was carefully saving his money
with a view to a future investment. In 1840 William Carson lo-
cated in Eau Galle, Wisconsin, where in partnership mth Henry
Eaton and George C. Wales he was one of the factors in the
operation of a large sawmill. The finn of Wales, Carson & Eaton
became well known in lumber circles, and the mill which cut
about ten thousand feet of lumber each day was one of the big-
gest in capacity of that period. Carson and Eaton later bought
out Mr. Wales' interests, and continued to operate on a large
670 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and successful scale. Finally Mr. Carson bought out Mr. Eaton's
interests, and with E. D. Rand as partner the firm of Carson and
Eand eame into existence. They operated the mill up to 1874,
when it was deemed advisable to discontinue the business be-
cause timber had become so scarce that the mill co\ild only be
run at a loss. However, they continued the operation of their
flouring mill and store in Eaii Galle. In 1874 ]Mr. Carson moved
to Eau Claire, to take over the nianaoement of the Valley Lum-
ber Company, in which he and Mr. Rand had bought a large
interest, and of which he had been elected treasurer and presi-
dent. That was perhaps his leading position in the business
world for a number of years, though at the same time his official
connection and investment in other enterprises were of an im-
portant nature. He was interested in the Rand Lumber Com-
pany, and the Burlington Lumber Company, both at Burlington,
Iowa, and in the Carson-Rand Company, of Keokuk, Iowa. Mr.
Carson was connected with several large lumber companies iu
Wisconsin, and was looked upon as oiif df the representative
lumbermen of the state. lie wns stoi-ldiolilcr and vice president
in the Eau Claire National Bank, and deeply interested in any
enterprise that aifected the welfare of the city where he made
his home for so many years. During the decade between 1874
and 1884 he lived in St. Paid. ^Minnesota, but returned to Eau
Claire, where his death ociMurrd in 1S98. In politics the late
Mr. Carson was a staunch Democrat, was very active in all cam-
paigns, but refused to support, his party in its contest for free
silver in 1896, and never under any circumstances would accept
the nomination for office.
As a pioneer. William Carson had made a reputation for his
progressive ideas, and for the innovation which he introduced.
He it was who brought the first horse into the Chippewa Valley,
and sowed the first wheat there. He also built the first house
that boasted of plastered walls iu the Chippewa Valley. He was
one of the most interesting of the early settlers of Wisconsin,
and one of the men whom the younger generation loved to re-
member, for he was among those who helped to make this state.
Addison D. Chappell, who for many years has been prominent
among the leading citizens of Eau Claire, is a native of Ohio
and was born in Kingsville, Ashtabula county, February 14,
1838, the son of Harvey M. and Mary (Williams) Chappell, and
is of French, Irish and English descent. In 1846 his parents with
a family of fourteen children, came west to Illinois and settled
iiC.-
^ ^-^^V^^:?-^^
BIOGRAPHY 678
David F. and Mary C, wife of Mr. Becker. Those deceased are
Alice, wlio married Francis Daly; William H. and Joel G.
James M. was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, receiving
his education in the public schools and the academy of that place.
He began his business career as clei-k in a grocery store in New
York City, continuing in that employment until 1880. In 1881
he came to Eau Claire, and entered the employ of the Eau Claire
Lumber Company with whom he remained three years. Since
1885 he has been in the restaurant business in Eau Claire, and
proprietor of Charles' Chop House, the most popular restaurant
in the city, since 1889.
Mr. Charles was married on April 8, 1885, to Miss Oetavi,
daughter of John Meersman, a native of Brussels, Belgium, and
to them seven children have been born : Joel George, John Fred-
erick, Oetavi Alice, James William, ]\Iarie Josephine, Ellen Ann
and ]\Iargaret M. Mrs. Charles died April 22, 1912. Mr. Charles
is a member of St. Patrick's Eoman Catholic church, of Eau
Claire, and since 1900 has been a member of the Eau Claire
School board.
Benjamin J. Churchill, deceased, for over half a century a
resident of Eau Claire, was a native of Champlain, Clinton county.
New York, where he was born February 22, 1831, the son of
AVilliam and Isabella (Johnson) Churchill. His paternal grand-
father, also named William Churchill, was born in Rutland, Ver-
mont, February 10, 1763. lie Avas a pioneer of Clinton county.
New York, and by occupation a farmer. In religious belief he
was a Presbyterian, and was prominently identified with affairs
of eastern Niew York. He died May 24, 1828. His wife was
Eunice Culver, born December 31, 1762, and died October 3,
1839. They had a family of ten children -of whom William,
father of our subject, was born in Champlain, New York, March
27, 1795, and died in 1868. He was also a farmer. His wife,
Isabella, was the daughter of John and Margaret (Ellwood)
Johnson, natives of England, and she was the mother of Wash-
ington, Eleanor, Clarissa, Benjamin J. and William H. Churchill.
She died in 1858.
Benjamin J. Churchill received an academic education in his
native town, and for several years followed the trade of car-
penter and joiner. In 1853 he located at Columbus, Wisconsin,
where he married October 25, 1856, Hannah E. Pratt. She was
born in Michigan, January 25, 1839. Their children who grew, to
maturity were : Charles W., Jennie E., Cora E. and Homer. Mrs.
Churchill died August 10, 1905. In 1857 Mr. Churchill came to
67-t HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Eau Claire and soon after settled in the town of Brunswick,
where he took an active part in all public affairs pertaining to
the town and county, being a member of the county board, and
for some time its chairman. He was constantly in office from
1858 to 1879, holding the positions of treasurer and town super-
intendent of schools, and from 1901 had continuouslj' been a
member of the county board, and since 1869 he was a continuous
resident of Eau Claire. He was appointed by the county board
to examine the accounts of the county treasurer and county
clerk from the organization of the county until 1870, a task lie
fulfilled to the satisfaction of all. In 1871 he was elected county
treasurer, and re-elected by the Republican party three consecu-
tive times. Later he dealt in grain and bought and sold real
estate. Being an expert accountant, he was often consulted on
important financial matters. In religious belief he was a Presby-
terian and for many years was an elder in the church. His death
occurred January 10, 1914.
Guy E. Clark, D. D. S. Among the able doctors of dental
surgery in Eau Claire county, none stands more prominent than
does Dr. Clark. He is a native of Minnesota, born in Winona,
August 28, 1878. a son of Asbury B. and Julia (Van Alstine")
Clark, both natives of New York state. The parents moved
West and settled in Winona, Minnesota, in 1860, and were num-
bered among the sturdy pioneers of that section. Soon afler
their arrival at Winona, the father engaged in general contract-
ing, was successful in his business, and still makes his home in
that city.
Dr. Clark was reared and received his primai-y education
there in the public schools; he began the study of dentistry in
a dental office in 1896 and remained there in study and gaining
practical experience for five years. He then entered the college
of dental surgery at Milwaukee, where he took a three years'
course, graduating with the class of 1903. After his graduation,
he spent two years in the practice of his profession in that city,
after which in 1905, he moved to Eau Claire, where he at once
began to receive a fair share of clientele, which has constantly
increased until now he has probably as large a practice as any
dentist in Eau Claire county. Possessed of a studious nature,
Dr. Clark is a close student, continually reading up in his pro-
fession, thus keeping thoroughly in pace with the times and well
posted on all new discoveries in modern dentistry. He is a mem-
ber of the AVisconsin State Dental Association and the Chippewa
BIOGRAPHY 675
Valk'y Dental Associutiou. Socially he is a member of the Ma-
sonic Order, Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, the Eaii Claire Chapter,
No. 36, E. A. ]\I.. and the Eau Claire Coramandery, No. 8. Knights
Templar.
On September 7, 1906, Dr. Clark married IMiss ]Maiule I\Ioore,
daughter of John and IMargaret (Kelley) lloore, of Ean Claire,
and their pleasant home on Third street is the center of attrac-
tion of their many friends in the city.
William Albert Clark, for nine years principal of the Eau
Claire County TrMiniug School, is another native son of Wiscon-
sin, born in the town of Lucas, Dunn county, June 29, 1871. His
father, Charles Tompson Clark, who was descended from Penn-
sylvania Dutch stock, was born in Starkey, Yates count.y. New
York, April 23, 1826. He was a carpenter by trade and a soldier
in the Civil War, having served in the 194th New York Infantry.
After the close of the war in 1865, he came to Wisconsin where
he lived until his death, April 8, -1904. He was married in 1855
to Amelia Lavinia Munsel, who was born in Watertown. New
York, and was descended from the Puritans of New England,
and on both maternal and paternal sides, the ancestors fought
in the army of freedom — in the Revolutionary War. She was
the mother of six children, as follows : Frank M., Charles A.,
Peleg B., Fred L., William A. and Edith A., now Mrs. Will Sel-
over. The mother died at Lucas, Dunn county, AVisconsin,
March 1, 1910.
William Albert received his early schooling in a log school-
house, where he attended until sixteen years of age; he then
had one term in the village high school at Knapp, Wisconsin, and
later entered the River Falls Normal School, from wliich he
graduated in 1897. He earned money between times at teaching,
with which he paid his tuition and eventually entered the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin at Madison, from which he was graduated
in 1901. He specialized in philosophy and education and re-
ceived from the University the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy
in Pedagogy. He taught school two years in the county of Dunn
and three years in the grades at Menonionie, and was for. two
years principal of the 10th Ward School, of Eau Claire, and for
four years was supervising principal of the schools of Edgerton,
Wisconsin, and for the past nine years has been principal of the
Eau Claire county training school for teachers. As the first prin-
cipal of the last named institution, it devolved upon him to or-
ganize tlie seluiol. ])lan a )iuih]ing for tlie sauie. and as he has
676 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
from the start to this time (1914) been continuously connected
with it, has had a great deal to do with its subsequent growth
and development.
Mr. Clark served four years in Company H, 3rd Regiment
Wisconsin National Guards, and attained to the rank of Fii'st
Sergeant. He has been president of the Rock count}', Wisconsin
Teachers' Association, and also president of the Northwestern
Wisconsin Teachers' Association. He is a member of Eau Claire
Lodge, No. 112, A. F. and A. M., Eau Claire Chapter, No. ;^6.
R. A. M., Michael Griffin Camp Sous of Veterans, Beaver's Re-
serve Fund Fraternity, National Fraternal League, Northwest-
ern Wisconsin Teachers' Association, Wisconsin State Teachers'
Association, the Y. M. C. A., the Eau Claire Order Wisconsin
Agricultural Experiment Association and the National Geo-
graphical Society.
On June 26, 1901, Iilr. Clark married ]\Iiss Anna Parker,
daughter of Ole and Tliora (Risem) Parker, of Eau Claire. Mrs.
Clarlv wMs l)orii and raised in Eau Claire, graduated from the
liigli school ill ISltl. and for a number of years was a teacher
in the pulilic school of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the
parents of two children, viz. : Warren Parker, born January S,
1903, and Annabel Edith, born October 31, 1904.
In February, 1914, Mr. Clark resigned the principalship of
the Eau Claire County Training School to accept the principal-
ship of the Lincoln County Normal School, at ilerrill, Wis.,
which position he still holds.
Alexander Jerome Cheesbro, a veteran of the Civil AYar re-
siding in Eau Claire, M'as born at Springwater, Livingston
county. New York, July 6, 1845, a son of Alexander and Jane
(Rowell) Cheesbro, both natives of Vermont, and comes of New
England stock, though some of his ancestors were of English,
German and French descent. His paternal grandfather, Stephen
Cheesbro, a farmer by occupation, was a pioneer of Polaski.
Jackson count.y, Michigan. His maternal grandfather was Ben-
jamin Rowell, a native of Vermont, who spent many years of
his life in New York State and in later life moved to Badger
Mills. Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and to Lake Hallie where he
died in 1869 at the age of 82 years.
The parents of Alexander J. moved from New York to
Polaski. Jackson county, Mich., in 1847. and during the gold ex-
citement in California in 1849 he made the trip overland in search
of the precious metal, and later went to Arizona, where he died.
His family returned to Ossian. N. Y., where our subject was
BIOGRAPHY 677
reared until the breaking out of the civil war. On xVugust 30,
1862, he enlisted in Company B, 136th New York Volunteer In-
fantry, of which he was one of twelve men later assigned to
Company I of the same regiment. He took part in the battles
of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spruce Creek and Gettys-
burg. In September. 1863, he, with his regiment, were ordered
to Tennessee and were placed on guard duty along the Nashville
& Tennessee railroad. On October 26, 1863, he was relieved and
joined the brigade at Bridgeport, Ala., and on October 28, 1863,
was engaged in the famous midnight battle at Raccoon Ridge
and Wauhatche Creek, at the foot of Lookout Mountain. The
regiment then marched to the assistance of General Burnside at
Knoxville, Tenn., then back to Lookout Mountain, where they
went into winter quarters and did picket dixty that M'inter. In
April, 1864, the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps were con-
solidated and became the Twentieth Army Corps under Gen.
Joe Hooker. On May 1 they broke camp and started with Sher-
man on the Atlantic campaign; took part in the battles of Buz-
zard Roost, Rockface Gap and Resaca, Mr. Cheesbro losing his
right leg at the latter engagement, and was honorably dis-
charged on June 19, 1865. The balance of that year and during
the next he kept a grocery store at Byersville, N. Y., and then
engaged in farming in that vicinity until 1872, when he came
to Wisconsin and located near Lake Hallie, and there purchased
land, which he added to from time to time until he had accumu-
lated 500 acres. He was engaged in various vocations up to 1880,
conducting a hotel, livery, barber shop, etc. For the next twenty
years, until 1902, he Avas successfully engaged in farming, to
which he gave his whole attention. In the latter year he dis-
posed of a large part of his land and moved to the city of Eau
Claire, where he has since lived in retirement.
Mr. Cheesbro has been twice married. His first wife was Hen-
rietta Cole, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Steffy) Cole, of
Dausville, N. Y. They had one daughter — Georgia. On March
5, 1882, he was married for the second time, taking for his wife
Nancy JL, daughter of Aaron and Margaret (Overpaugh) Van-
Dresser, natives of New York and pioneers of Chippewa county,
where they settled in 1861. In religious affiliations Mr. and Mrs.
Cheesbro are members of the First Methodist church. Mr. Chees-
bro is a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., of Eau Claire,
of which he was commander in 1908. Mrs. Cheesbro belongs to
the Colonel E. M. Bartlett Circle of Ladies of G. A. R., of Eau
Claire, and previous to her marriage was a successful teacher for
678 HISTORY OP BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ten years. Mr. and JIi-s. Cheesljro are members of the First M. E.
Church of Eau Claire.
Louis E. Cleghorn, a popular farmer of Pleasant Vallej' and
ex-sheriff of Eau Claire county, was born in the town of Pleasant
Valley, Jlarch 26, 1869, the third son of a family of four chil-
dren born to James Gilbert and Prances (Kelley) Cleghorn. Of
the others William Gilbert was born April 21, 1861, is a resident
of Stanley, Wis. ; George, born November 18, 1867, died February
12, 1868, and Ilattie, born September 29, 1874, married F. M.
BufSngtou, who is now farming on the old Cleghorn homestead
in Pleasant Valley.
James Gilbert Cleghorn, father of Loins E.. was a pioneer of
1858 and one of the first to locate on a farm in Pleasant Valley.
He was l)orn in St. LaM-renee county. New York, July 24, 1833,
and lived there with his parents until 1854. He came west and
spent the winter of '54 and '55 at Delphi, Ind., and in the spring
went to Stillwater, Minn., where he was employed in a mill until
the spring of 1858. On April 2 of that year he married Frances
Kelley, daughter of Zebedia Kelley, of St. Croix county, Wis-
consin, and came to Eau Claire county, where he located on a
piece of land in Pleasant Valley, which he entered on a land
warrant issued to his father for his service in the war of 1812.
In 1863 he enlisted in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment, Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, as a private under Captain Whipple, and
Avas assigned to Sherman's army and was with him from Big
Shantj' Station through the siege of Atlanta, Sherman's march
to the sea, through North and South Carolina, Virginia, and took
part in the grand review at Washington, and from there he was
sent to Louisville, Ky., where he was mustered out in 1865 and
returned home. He was prominently identified with the affairs
of the county, and any movement for the betterment of his com-
munity received his hearty support. A Republican in politics,
he held several offices, besides being a member of the town board
for years. He was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church
and of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., and at the time of his death
which occurred January 19, 1913, owned 240 acres of highly im-
proved land in Pleasant Valley. He was well known for his
honorable methods and held the confidence and esteeem of all
his acquaintances.
The great great grandfather of Louis E. was James Cleg-
horn, who was born July 6, 1751, and was married three times.
His first -wife was Salome Cottle, whom he married February 17.
1774. and died October 14. 1787. They were the parents of six
BIOGRAPHY 679
childreu, viz. : William (the great grandfather) born November
13, 1774; Sarah, born October 12, 1776; Lydia, born February
11. 1780; Orinda, born October 30, 1781; Eliza, born April 8,
17S4, and Martha, born August 28, 1786. Mr. Cleghorn took for
his second M'ife Mary Wilde, who died February 21, 1796. They
had five children, James, born January 26, 1789; Mary, born
August 8, 1790 ; George, born June 14, 1792 ; Charles, born March
14, 1794, and Benjamin, born February 1, 1796. Five children
were born to his third marriage, as follows: Mary, born IMarch
9, 1797 ; Temperance, born November 7, 1798 ; Judith, born De-
cember 21, 1800; Elmira, born December 23, 1802, and James M.,
born August 16, 1804.
William Cleghorn, the great grandfather, was a resident of
St. Lawrence county. New York, and his occupation was farming
and lumbering. William Cleghorn, grandfather, was also a
prominent farmer and lumberman and was twice married. He
was the father of James Gilbert.
Louis E. Cleghorn grew to manhood in Pleasant Valley town-
ship, attended the common schools and worked with his father
on the farm until 1889. when he purchased a farm of 80 acres
and commenced farming on his own account and which he siic-
cessfully conducted until 1904 when he moved to the city of Eau
Claire. Soon after taking up his residence in the citj% he opened
a restaurant and lunch room and later built a lunch car wliich
he stationed on River street. Meeting with success in this line of
business until 1908, he became a candidate for sheriff of the
county and managed his own campaign, receiving the sanction
of the people. He successfully managed the affaii's of the office
for two years and was instrumental in running to earth many
criminals who are now serving time. At the expiration of his
term, he acted as under-sheriff one year, and from April. 1913.
to the Spring of 1914, he served as special police officer to look
after the violators of the speed law of the city and county. He
is now, 1914. candidate for sheriff of the county, with good pros-
pects for election to the office.
Mr. Cleghorn is deeply interested in agricultural jjursuits and
is now carrying on a farm in Pleasant Valley which is under the
immediate charge of an overseer. A man of public affairs, Mr.
Cleghorn affiliates with the Republican party and is prominent in
social, benevolent and fraternal societies. He is a member of
Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias, the Modern Wood-
men, Beavers, the Sons of Veterans and the Methodist Episcopal
church. In 1889 he married Emma Seguin, daughter of Israel
680 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and Ozett Seguiu, of Pleasant Valley township. They are the
parents of four children, viz. : Claudia Fay, who was educated
in the public and hiali schools and the Eau Claire Training School,
is now a teacher in Augusta; Lila May, a high school student;
Doris Evelyn, is attending the public schools of Eau Claire.
Maurice T., the youngest of the family, and only son. passed
away November ninth, A. D., 1909, age 4 years.
Joseph John Cliff,* deceased, was preeminently a self-made
man. Beginning life with no capital other than his native ability,
he by perseverence, industry and the force of a strong person-
ality, attained to a place among the influential and substantial
citizens of his community. A native of Ohio, he was born October
1, 1845, and Avhile yet a boy of tender years, his father was lost
at sea, and before he was ten years of age his mother died. Thus
thrown on his own resources, he worked for a farmer in Ohio
until he was thirteen and then started out in life for himself with
only a change of underclothing tied vip in a red handkerchief.
He found employment among the lumber camps of Ohio, Illinois
and Indiana, and finally came to Wisconsin, locating in the south-
ern part of the state. He later moved northward, and finally
settled in Washington township, Eau Claire county. During all
this time, he was working in the woods, and gained a thorough
knowledge of the lumbering business, and in 1870 he engaged
in logging and lumbering on his own account, and at one time
operated as high as five camps and had in his employ 200 men.
He had 25 to 30 teams of oxen and horses and was one of the
few men who owned their own equipment. During his logging
operations, he purchased from time to time 360 acres of land,
and in 1894 discontinuing his lumbering operations, he moved
to his farm in Washington township which he improved with a
fine residence and other buildings, and at the time of his death,
March 14, 1909, had brought the land to a high state of cultiva-
tion, and besides his farm, was the owner of large tracts of timber
land in Canada and the Dakotas.
Mr. Cliff was one of the enterprising and progressive men
of his town. In all his relations and dealings, he was actuated
by manly motives and such was his demeanor that he maintained
the confidence and esteem of all his acquaintances. He was one
of the founders of and a stockholder in the West Eau Claire
Ice Company, a stockholder in the Eau Claire Concrete Company,
and was one of the organizers and directors of the Eau Claire
Driving Park and for a number of years was a member of the
Knights of Pythias.
BIOGRAPHY 681
J\lr. Cliff nuu'ried Cora E. Butler, daughter of Henry W. and
Adelia (Fairehild) Butler, who was boi-n May 10, 1859, and whose
many womanly virtues endeared her to all who knew her. She
died June 20, 1895, and was the mother of three children, New-
ton, born December 14, 1880, died February 13. 1882; Russell H.,
born June 14, 1883, a well known farmer of Washington town-
sliip, married Nellie Johnson, the daughter of Erick and Anna
(Anderson) Johnson, of the town of "Washington, and has three
children, Lloyd H., Richard and Jaunette E. and Earl IL, born
January 3, 1890. is now in the employ of the Northern Pacific
Railroad, at St. Paul. He married Inga Winger, and has one
child, Lenora. In 1897 Mr. Cliff married Ida Martinson, a woman
of charming personality, culture and refinement, and to this union
two children were born, as follows: Jessie Inga, born January
20, 1900, and Joseph Edward, born August 8, 1906.
jMrs. Ida ^Martinson Cliff', since the death of her husband, lias
carried on the farm of 360 acres and employs a number of hands
who work under the direction of a foreman whom she has to
oversee the work. The father and mother of Mrs. Cliff, Ole and
Rena (Christiansen) Martinson, were born in Christiania, Nor-
way. They emigrated to America and were among the pioneers
of Northern Wisconsin. They now reside at Chetek, Barron
county, where he lives at the age of 80 years, retired from active
farming. This family consisted of twelve children, as follows:
Ida, Sevil. Ole, Frederick, Henry, Andrew, (deceased), ilartin,
Annie, Tena, Ella, Cora and Richard.
Henry W. Butler, father of the first Mrs. Clitt', was born in
New York State, October 19, 1826, the son of Augustus Butler,
a native of Connecticut and of English descent. Henry Butler
who was fourth in a family of seven children, attended the dis-
trict school until he reached the age of seventeen and then
started out for himself, working on a farm and later engaging in
farming on his own account, an occupation he followed during
his active life. In 1843 he came to Wisconsin Avitli his parents
who settled in Dodge county. In the Spring of 1856 he came to
Eau Claire and purchased a farm of 245 acres in section 5, town-
ship 26, range 9, in the town of Washington, and there carried
on general farming until his retirement. During the Civil War
in 1864, he enlisted in Company K, 36th Regiment Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, and fought in many battles, including Cold
Harbor, where he received a wound in the left hand and was
honorably dischai-ged from the service June 3, 1865.
On July 4, 1850, he married Adeline L., daughter of William
682 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
aud Abigail (Western) Faircliild. To them were boru three
children who grew to maturity. Christabell I., born March 8,
1857, married Charles Bigelow, and had two daughters, Pearl
and Annie. Pearl married Charles Whittaker, and Annie mar-
ried Harry Daniel, and all reside in Los Angeles, California;
Cora E., deceased wife of the late J. J. Clifif, and Mortimer E.,
born September 18, 1868. died February 1, 1882.
William King Coffin, the genial president of the Eau Claire
National Bank, is the dean of the bankers of Eau Claire county.
Fifty years have elapsed since he began his banking career, and
for forty years of that time he has been continuously and actively
a banker.
Mr. Coffin is a native of the state of Illinois, and was born
at Jacksonville, August 9. 1850. In 1853 his parents removed
to Batavia, 111. He attended the public schools of Batavia, and
completed his education at Knox College, Galesburg, 111., grad-
uating in the class of 1871.
His inclination toward a business career manifested itself
early. At the age of fourteen he was working in his father's
bank, the First National Bank of Batavia, learning the principles
of banking as well as the methods of conducting financial insti-
tutions. He was made cashier of that bank before he was nine-
teen— a record with few, if any, parallels. He desired, however,
to continue his college course, so resigned his position as cashier
of the Batavia bank and finished his course in Knox College, as
already stated.
Immediately after graduating he went to Chicago and took
a position as clerk in the First National Bank, remaining there
until 1873, when he was offered the position of secretary and
treasurer of the Menomonie Barge Line Company, which he ac-
cepted. He remained with that company during 1873 and the
winter of 1874. In the spring of the latter year he returned to
the First National Bank of Batavia to become its cashier. In
1877 that bank was succeeded by the Banking firm of Coffin &
Young, and in 1880 that house sold out to Gammon & Newton.
Under all ownerships Mr. Coffin remained as cashier until 1882,
when he moved to Eau Claire. In that year he organized the
Eau Claire National Bank, which succeeded the banking house
of Clark & Ingram.
Mr. Coffin has been connected with the Eau Claire National
Bank since its foundation and has been the guiding spirit of its
remarkably successful career. From 1882 until 1902, a period
of twenty vears. he was cashier of the bank. In 1902 he was
BIOGRAPHY 683
made viee-presideiit and cashier, and in 1905 lie bename presi-
dent of this strong financial institution.
Wliile Mr. Cofitin has been an indefatigable worker for the
success of the Eau Claire National Bank, he has also engaged in
many other activities and has helped to foster not a few im-
portant enterprises besides aiding the banking system of the
state. He is president of the Eau Claire Savings Bank and vice-
president of the First National Bank of Fairehild. Wis., and a
director in the Chetek State Bank and in the First Wisconsin
Land Mortgage Association. He was one of the founders of the
Wisconsin Bankers' Association, and was a member of its
executive council from 1894 to 1896, and was president of the
association during the years 1897 and 1898. He is a member of
the American Bankers' Association, and during the years of
1903-4-5 he held a seat in the executive council of that body.
He is a member of the Bankers' Club of Chicago.
Outside of banking he has large and varied business interests,
principally in lumber and timber, being an officer in several lum-
ber and timber and other companies.
Mr. Coffin has always been a hard worker. His duties have
a charm for him, and prosperity has always accompanied him.
Not only as a banker, but as a citizen and a man, he applies him-
self to his duties with unflagging energy, honesty and devotion,
that faith may be kept and confidence maintained. He is a
typical American, broad in his views and warm in his sympathies
toward human endeavor, and is one oE the strong men who have
helped to make Eau Claire a prosperous and progressive busi-
ness center. He is president of the Eau Claire Library Board
and also of the State Library Association, a director in the Y.
M. C. A., a life member and one of the curators of the State His-
torical Society of Wisconsin, a member of the Society of Colonial
Wars in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and of the University Club
of Chicago. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic
Order, in which he has passed to the 32d degree, the Elks and
the Knights of Pythias. He is a member and one of the trustees
of the First Congregational church of Eau Claire.
Mr. Coffin is a Republican. He was a member of Eau Claire
City Council for one term. He was on the stafif of Gov. Edward
Seofield. He is now a trustee of Eau Claire County Asylum and
Poor Farm and of Mt. Washington Sanatoriimi.
In 1872 Mr. Coffin married Mary Gove Burroughs, daughter
of Dr. Lester M. and Elmira (Wheeler) Burroughs, like himself
a native of Illinois. They have two daughters, Mary Elmira,
684 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
now Mrs. B. G. Proctor, of Eau Claire, aud 6i-ace Burroughs,
now Mrs. P. R. Bates, of Seattle, Wash. Tlieir only son, William
Lester, died in 1888.
William King Colifiu is of the eighth generation in direct
descent from Tristram Coffin, who came to this country from
England in 1642 and settled in Newbury, Mass. Later he moved
to Nantucket Island and purchased a one-tenth interest in the
island. He died in Nantucket in 1681 at the age of seventy-six
years.
Mr. Coffin's grandfather, Natlianiel Coffin, Avas an intimate
friend and associate of William King, the first governor of
Maine, and uncle of Mr. Coffin's grandmother, and William King
Coffin was named after his grandfather's distinguished friend.
Mr. Coffin's father, William Coffin, was born in Maine in 1822.
While he was yet a young boy the family moved to Illinois, and
he was educated in Illinois College and Andover Seminary. Sub-
sequently he became professor of mathematics in Illinois College
and was so employed until 1853, when he moved to Batavia and
engaged in farming and in the banking business, which he pur-
sued until 1880, when he retired. He married JIary Lockwood
and they had a family of seven children, of whom William King
Coffin was the second. Mary Lockwood was the daughter of
Samuel D. Lockwood, one of the first .justices of the Illinois
Supreme Court. It was in his office that Abraham Lincoln studied
Jaw. Mr. Coffin has a chair which the great emancipator used
in that office. Mary (Lockwood) Coffin died in 1877 and William
Coffin in 1890.
In 1913 William King Coffin jjurehased a farm near Eau
Claire, which he named "Tristram Farm," in honor of his first
American ancestor, Tristram Coffin. Upon the completion upon
this farm of one of the best and largest barns in Eau Claire
county, the event was celebrated by a big "bai-n dance" on June
12, 1914, at which Mr. Coffin entertained about five hundred
guests, to each of whom was presented a neat little folder show-
ing a picture of the barn and bearing a greeting that read:
"In welcoming his friends to the dance, which celebrates
the completion of the new barn at 'Tristram Farm,' the owner
begs to extend his compliments to his guests, and to assure them
that their entertainment is highly approved by an exceedingly
aristocratic and scientifically housed family of Guernseys,
Percherons, Poland-Chinas, Scotch Collies, White Wyandottes,
White Hollands, White Guineas and Indian Runners."
Mr. Coffin is a man of varied capacities and of remarkable
BIOGRAPHY 685
ability in each, aud this last addition to his interests is another
indication of the scope of his capabilities.
David W. Cole, retired farmer and veteran of the civil war,
was born in Lorain county, Ohio, April 7, 1839, the son of David
and Margaret (Cooper) Cole, natives of New Jersey and pioneers
of Lorain county. When David W. was a boy of eight year? his
parents moved to Byron, Pond du Lac county. Wis., and engaged
in farming. From there they moved to Adrian township, Mon-
roe county, and in 1871 came to Fairehild, Eau Claire county,
and resided there the balance of their lives. The death of the
father occurred December 16, 1888, at the age of 82 years, and
that of the mother at the age of 81. In their family were nine
children: Samuel C. ; Charles C. ; Eliza L., M'ho married New-
ton Palmer; Elias G. ; Vincent S. ; David W. : Lewis R. ; William
PL, and Margaret A. She married Byron 0. Palmer, who died
May 18. 1892. in his 52d year.
Byron 0. Palmer was born in Madison, N. Y., and came to
Wisconsin in 1847, locating in Fond du Lac county. He was
educated in Michigan, and after coming to Wisconsin was en-
gaged in school teaching until the breaking out of the civil war.
In 1861 he enlisted in Compan.y D, Fourteenth Wisconsin Volun-
teer Infantry, in which he served until after the battle of Shiloh,
when his term of enlistment expiring, he was discharged. He re-
enlisted in Battery C, First IMichigan Light Artillery, and took
part in the battles of Resaea, Dalton, Dallas, Kennesaw mountain,
Decatur. Atlanta and Bentonville. He M'as vnth General Sher-
man on his famous march to the sea. In 1872 he located at Fair-
ehild, Eau Claire county, and for a time taught school, subse-
quently opening a drug store, which he successfully conducted
until failing health compelled him to sell out, aud disposing of
his interests to R. E. Arnold, he retired. He took an active in-
terest in all public matters, and any enterprise for the better-
ment of his city and county, received his hearty co-operation.
He was a member of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 169, A. F. and A.
M., and Major Payne Post, G. A. R., Fairehild. In 1879 he was
united in marriage to Miss ]\Iargaret, daughter of David AY.
and Margaret (Cooper) Cole. ilr. Cole was reared in AVisconsin.
receiving a common school education, and after his matnrity en-
gaged in farming in Monroe county and Fairehild, Wis.
In February, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-sixth
Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the
battles of Ft. Ann, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Jerusalem, Plank
Road, where he received a bullet wound in his right heel, Straw-
686 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
berry Plains, Reaves Station, Hatches' Run, High Bridge, and
the contest which ended in the surrender of General Lee at Ap-
pomattox, and was one of those who stood guard at the tiuie
of surrender. Returning to Wisconsin after the war. he vc-
suraed farming in the town of Fairchild, which he continued
until 1898, when he retired, and has since resided with liis sister,
Mrs. Palmer. He was a member of Ma.ior Payne Post, G. A. R..
of Fairchild, until its disbandment.
N. D. Coon,* who for two score years was the leading and in-
fluential business man of Eau Claire, Wis., was bom in Herriek,
Pa., November 19, 1839. He acquired his early education in the
schools of that place, and in 1859 studied music in North Read-
ing, Mass., under Lowell Mason and George F. Root. In 1861
lie enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment, Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with distinction during
the war. In the spring of 1866, with a view to bettering his con-
dition, he came to Wisconsin and for some time was engaged in
teaching music in the principal towns of northern Wisconsin.
In 1873 he came to Eau Claire and opened a small store for
the sale of musical merchandise. He was a careful and prompt
business manager, upright and honorable in all his dealings, and
by his frugality and close application succeeded in building up
a large business in his liiu', and was one of the leading citizens
of west Eau Claire.
In 1867 he married Miss Sarali E. Burnette, of Cleveland,
Ohio, and one daughter, Alice S., was born, who now makes her
home with her mother. Mi-s. Coon is a woman of exceptional
business qualifications, and since the death of her husband, which
occurred July 13, 1910, has continued the business, enlarging its
scope until now (1914) she has one of the best equipped and
up-to-date music stores in northwestern Wisconsin, where she
handles all kinds of musical instruments and musical mer-
chandise.
Marshall Cousins is a son of Henry and Louisa V. Cousins.
For some years he has been engaged in the banking business.
He served in the Spanish-American war in the Third Infantry,
participating in the Porto Rican expedition under General IMiles,
and was wounded in the battle of Coamo. He held the rank of
first lieutenant and was ad.iutaut of the First Battalion. He has
served for many years in the Wisconsin National Guard as pri-
vate, noncommissioned officer, lieutenant, captain and major.
For fourteen years he was the regimental ad.jutant, and at this
time holds the rank of ma.ior. commanding the First Battalion.
BIOGRAPHY 687
lu politics he is a Republican and served iu the Wisconsin Ics-
islatnre. Since 1900 he has been a member of the Board of Fire
and Police Commissioners.
He is a member of the Masonic order, having advanced to
the grade of 32d degree jMason. He is also a member of the
Knights of Pythias and of the Elks, having served as treasurer
of the latter organization from the institution of the lodge. De-
cember, 1897, to date.
He married Amy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Wade,
formerly of Eau Claire but now of Virginia.
Lucius P. Crandall, a well-known resident and business man
of Eau Claire, was born in Allegany county, N. Y.. December 24,
1843, to William W. and Jane (Haskins) Crandall. His father,
who was born iu Rhode Island, went to Allegany county when a
young man, and was a teacher in the schools of that county for
a time and later engaged iu farming, which occupation he fol-
lowed successfully the balance of his life. He married Jane
Haskins, daughter of IMichael Haskins, of New York, and they
were the parents of the following children : Nathan is deceased ;
AVashiugton lives at Mankato, Minn., engaged in farming aiid
fruit raising; Alonson Burr lives in New York, was a soldier in
the First New Yoi'k Dragoons, a retired farmer of Belmont;
Fletcher is deceased; Lucius P. (our subject); Joel, who served
as a soldier in the civil war. Fortieth New York Heavy Artillery,
is deceased; Sarah Ann, widow of Jjoren Collins, and also a
soldier in the Thirtieth \Vise(Uisin Infantry, resides in Buf-
falo, N. Y. ; Electa, wife of ]\I. Knight, retired merchant of Pepin
county, Wisconsin, now deceased, and Alice, widow of A. Benja-
min, of Olean, N. Y.
Lucius P. Crandall was educated in the public schools, and
followed farming lantil eighteen years of age. and on August 3,
1862, he enlisted as a private in Company II, First New York
Dragoons, originally the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York
Volunteer Infantry, was mustered into the service September 3,
1862, and served with his company until nnistered out, June 30,
1865. At the battle of Cold Harbor he received a gunshot wound
under the left arm, the bullet being removed from the shoulder
blade. He later received a wound iu the left hand and foot and
Avas confined in the Lincoln Hospital, Capitol Hill. Washington,
D. C. In October, 1863, he was commander of the One Hundred
and Thirtieth New York Volunteer Infantry, Avent to AVashiug-
ton, D. C, and had the regiment changed to cavalry and later
named First New York Dragoons. During Mr. Crandall's term
C88 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of service he participated in forty-seven engagements from the
battle of Black Water, Va., December 2, 1862, until the surrender
of General Lee, April 19, 1865. During this time his regiment
captured 1,533 prisoners, 19 pieces of artillery, 21 caissons, 240
artillery horses, 40 army wagons and ambulances, 40 draft ani-
mals and 4 battle flags under Col. Alfred Gibbs and Captain R.
A. Britton, in the command of General Sheridan at the time
jof his famous ride to Winchester.
In an address to the reginu^nt by Governor Fenton, the
Dragoons were paid the compliment of having highly distin-
guished themselves for their fighting qualities. He said in part :
"Our noble state sent many regiments to the field that won en-
viable reputation as among the best that entered the Union army,
but, gentlemen, without flattery, I can assure yovi none have
made a better record than the First New York Dragoons."
After the war Mr. Crandall worked for a time at the car-
penter trade, and on November 20, 1865, came to Eau Claire and
engaged in lumbering on the Chippewa river for the Daniel Shaw
Lumber Company and others, and followed this vocation for ten
years. He then took up carpentering during the summers and
scaled logs in the winters from 1868 to 1903. He then engaged in
contracting and building, an occupation he has followed for
forty years, during which time he has built many fine houses in
Eau Claire and surrounding towns. He built the R. J. Keppler
residence in Florida and has erected many saw mills in various
places.
Mr. Crandall was married to JMary Bosher, daughter of Wil-
liam Bosher, of Clear Creek township. Mrs. Crandall was born
at IMarkettown, England, on ]\Iarch 18. 1852; came to Eau Claire
with her parents, and during her many years of residence here
had endeared herself to a wide circle of friends. She was a
woman of charming personality and womanly graces, whose
death on July 30, 1914, was greatly mourned by the whole com-
munity. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall became the parents of six chil-
dren, as follows: Alice married M. Hadley, of Tacoma, Wash.;
George is a contractor and builder of Eau Claire ; Byron is con-
nected with the Louisiana Lumber Company; Alfred is a painter
employed by the Wiseon.sin Refrigerator Company; Grace is the
wife of Daniel Boyd, who is associated with the Electric Light
Company, is also in the real estate business, and Lewis is with
the Eau Claire Trunk Company.
During his many years of residence in Eau Claire. Mr. Cran-
dall has taken an active interest in public matters, and served
BIOGRAPHY 689
one term as alderman for the seventh ward. He is a member of
Eagle Post, No. 52, of Eau Claire, and in politics is independent.
John M. Craemer, manager of the Milwaukee Elevator Com-
pan}', of Eau Claire, was born in this city ]\Iay 16, 1879, and is
the son of Mathias and Anna (Ney) Craemer, both of whom were
born in Oberleuken, Province Prussia, Germany.
His father came to America with his parents when six years
of age, and when still a young man came to Eau Claire and for
thirty-eight summers was pilot on the Chippewa river, thirty-
five of which he was in the employ of the Empire Lumber Com-
pany, the other summers for other lumber companies. For many
winters he drove ox teams in the woods for logging and lumber
companies. He now lives retired at 740 Broadway, Eau Claire,
Wis.
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Craemer, Mathias
died when young ; Mary married Peter L. Klaess, now deceased ;
Anna is a nun from the Notre Dame Convent and is teaching at
Detroit, Mich.; John M., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth
married Mike J. Schaaf, grain buyer, at Truax, Wis., and Peter
J., mail carrier of this city, married Helen Zimmerman, now
deceased.
John Craemer, grandfather of John M., was born in Germany ;
he came to the United States in 1852 and spent most of his life
farming in Dodge and Dunn counties, Wisconsin.
John Jl. Craemer was educated in the Sacred Heart Parochial
School and graduated from Curtiss Commei'cial College at Min-
neapolis.
He engaged in the elevator business with C. H. Bergman and
after a partnership of five years sold his interest to Mr. Berg-
man. He was employed one year as bookkeeper for the Mil-
waukee Elevator Company and in 1906 became local manager for
this concern, a position he still holds.
In addition to his grain interests Mr. Craemer is stockholder
and director of the C. W. Cheney Company, Eau Claire Concrete
Compan.v and Eau Claire Vulcanizing Company. Mr. Craemer
married in 1914 Catherine j\Iorrow, daughter of Thomas Morrow,
of Eau Claire. He is a member of St. Patrick's church and
Knights of Columbus.
The Milwaukee Elevator Company, of which Mr. Craemer is
local manager, deal in all kinds of grain, seeds, hay, straw, coal,
land plaster, etc., and are agents in Eau Claire for Ceresota and
Marvel flour, and in addition to the elevator in Eau Claire the
company has an elevator at Truax, Wis.
690 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Enos S. Culver, son of Charles F. and Charlotte (Slosson)
Culver, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, May 4. 1845,
and was educated in the public schools of Osceola and Wells-
borough and the Union Academy at Knoxville, Pa. lie remained
in Pennsylvania until 1867, when he moved into Wisconsin. He
arrived in Eau Claire on October 21 of that year, and for thirty-
one years thereafter was engaged in merchandising either as a
salesman or bookkeeper, with the exception of one year, when
he was at Unity closing up the business of a saw mill and store.
In 1880 he opened a shoe store Mdth a partner under the name of
Culver & Ellison. In 1893 Mr. Culver bought out Mr. Ellison
and conducted the business alone for five years, when he sold out
and went into real estate and the mortgage and loan business,
and is still so engaged. He owns 360 acres of farm land in Eau
Claire county, and handles all kinds of real estate for his cus-
tomers. He is a clear-headed business man. whose judgment on
real estate values is keen and accurate.
Enos S. Culver married Georgia ]\lay Butler, a native of
ilaine, who came to Eau Claire with her parents about the same
time that Mr. Culver came. They have a family of four daugh-
ters, namely, Mrs. Jessie Botwick. Mrs. Norma West, whose hus-
band is associated with the Minneapolis Tribune; Virginia, who
is the stenographer for the Union National Bank, and Jliss Floss
Culver, who is a demonstrator of teaching in Texas.
Mr. Culver was a member of the County Board for two terms,
and was chairman of the committee on county property and was
an active member of that committee when they purchased the
land for the asylum farm and when the asylum was built. lie is
a member of the Knights of Pythias and is past chancellor of Eau
Claire Lodge, No. 16. He is also a member of the Uniformed
Rank of the order.
Addison A. Cutter. In 1870 Addison A. Cutter became a citi-
zen of Eau Claire. A few months later he became actively en-
gaged in laying the foundation for the development of one of
the great industries of the city, and the prominence he attained
as a successful manufacturer and business man came to him as
the legitimate reward of a well directed etfort, sterling integrity
a.nd sagacious enterprise.
Born Oclohci' ."). 1846, in Cuba, N. Y.. he grew to man-
hood in his native state, and shortly after his arrival in Eau
Claire he started in the shoe business in the building sometihieS
called "The Odd Fellows' " at the corner of Water street and
Third avenue. He later removed to what was called the "Pliil-
ADDISON A. CUTTER
BIOGRAPHY 691
lips Building" on South Barstow street. Here he became the
leading shoe retailer in the town. The lumber jacks who occa-
sionally came out of the woods in large numbers demanded a dis-
tinctive shoe ; to meet this demand Mr. Cutter kept several shoe-
nuikers busy making shoes that suited them. These shoes soon
lieeame famous and the demand so great that more commodious
(liuirtcrs were necessary. In 1892 Mr. Cutter purchased the large
hiiihliuK at the corner of Eau Claire and Dewey streets from the
P]au Claire Lumber Company and remodeled the building for
factory and office purposes. The present shoe factor.y was started
and has since flourished.
In addition to his shoe manufacturing business, jMr. Cutter
was prominently identified with the financial and social interests
of the city. He was a director of the Union National Bank,
treasurer of the American Calk Company and had many other
interests. He was one of the leading promoters of the Valley
Club, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and a member of the Old Settlers' Association. During the civil
war JMr. Cutter enlisted and served in a New York regiment.
On September 1, 1875. Mr. Cutter married Miss Belle Flanders,
of Baraboo. Wis., and to them were liorn two daughters. Louise
and Helen.
Mr. Cutter was a thorouiih Imsiness men and in his death,
which occurred July 7, 1906, Eau Claire lost one of its foremost
citizens. He was progressive and public spirited, a man of large
affairs, and his most important enterprise was his shoe factory
in Eau Claire, which since his death has been continued under
the name of the A. A. Cutter Company.
Sofus Damm, secretary and treasurer of the Phoenix Fur-
niture Company, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 27,
188U, to Carl and Emelie (Patterson) Damm. The father, who
was military tailor for the Danish government, was a successful
business man and lived retired for forty years. He died in
Denmark at tlie age of 97 years. The mother and one sister re-
side in Denmark.
Mr. Damm received his preliminary education in the public
schools and later attended the State University at Copenhagen,
from which he graduated with the degree of B. A. He after-
wards attended the Military Academy and was made second
lieutenant. In 1904 he came to America on the steamship United
States, and after landing in New York City he came direct to
Eau Claire and for two years was in the employ of the W. J.
Davis Elevator & Grain Company as bookkeeper, and then for
692 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
seven and a half years was bookkeeper for George F. Windslow.
In March, 1913, he purchased an interest in the Phoenix Fur-
niture Company, of which he is now (1914) secretary and treas-
urer. He is a man of progress aud prominent in business as well
as in social circles of Eau Claire. He is a member of the Masonic
Lodge.
In 1907 Mr. Damm married Edyth Piper, daughter of Silas
and Mallisia (Butler) Piper, of Eau Claire, and they have one
son, Carl Daniel Damm.
Charles H. Daub, one of Eau Claire county's enterprising and
public spirited farmers, is a native of Germany and Avas born in
Siegen, Province of AYestphalia, September 12, 1855, a son of
Jacob and Polaxiney (Klapperd) Daub. His parents emigrated
to the United States with their family in 1868 and a short time
after arriving in America came to Minnesota and settled in the
town of Lewiston, Winona county. They raised a family of
seven children, as follows: Theodore; Amelia, who married
August Stocker; Charles H. ; Frederick ; Aiigusta, wife of Henry
Miller; Lena, wife of Herman Schneider, and Albert.
Raised on the farm from fourteen years of age by A. E. Blake,
where he now resides, Charles H. attended the district schools,
receiving a limited education. He practically cleared the farm
of 200 acres, improved it with substantial buildings, erecting his
commodious residence, which is fitted up witli all modern con-
veniences, including bath, hot and cold running water and other
home comforts usually found in large cities. His land is in a
high state of cultivation, which, with its buildings, contain all
the modern labor-saving devices and appliances that go to make
a model and up-to-date country home. He carries on general
farming and stock raising and does an extensive dairy business.
In addition to his farming operations Mr. Daub Avas for twenty
years a salaried man in the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber
Company, serving several years as shipping clerk and the last
few years in disposing of their personal property, at the same
time giving his attention to his farming interests. At one time
he was known as one of the largest and most prominent grow-
ers of strawberries in northern Wisconsin, selling and shipping
as high as $200 worth of berries per day, but during the latter
years he has given his whole attention to farming and dairying.
In the early 80 's Mr. Daub was united in marriage to Miss Emily,
daughter of Corbett Chase, a native of New Hampshire and a
descendant of an old and respected family. To this union four
children have been born: Ruth. Ralph, Fritz and Hazel.
BIOGRAPHY fi98
Jlr. Daub has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of
his county and state, and as a Republican was elected in 1908
as a member of the general assembly, receiving 1,685 votes as
against 1,055 bj' his opponent. Elmer E. Tobey.
Jacob Andrew Davidson is a native of Norway, where he was
born July 12, 1863, son of David Jaeobson and Olivia Mathilde
(Olson) Jaeobson, on the farm Wooler in Eisvold, Norway. He
received a common school education and after the age of fifteen
served a two years' apprenticeship with his father, who was a
building contractor, then entered into service with Dremmens
Elvens Paper Mill, Madum, Norway. At Madum he was mar-
ried to Gunda Cliristine Gregerson, daughter of Jonas Hud Gurine
Gregerson, of Norway.
Gunda Christine (Gregerson) Davidson was born April 17,
1864, at Sonstby, Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have had a
family of eleven children: Mathilda Josephine. Gerda Davida,
Gerhard Daniel, Conrad Albert, Alf. Harold, Leona Elfreda, Jul.
Arthur, Guy Clarence, Carl Fritjof, Ruth Viola, Ester Constance,
of which Gerda Davida died at the age of eighteen months, the
remaining ten children still living at home with their parents.
ilr. Davidson and his family came to Eau Claire, Wis.,
October 9. 1890. and for two winters found employment in the
woods and in the saw mills in the city. He started work with
the Madison St. ^Manufacturing Company during the summer
of 1891 as a building carpenter and part of the time as cabinet
maker in the company's factory, staying with this firm until
1897, when he w'as employed by the Hoeppner Bartlett Company,
building contractors, of Eau Claire, Wis., as foreman in their
shop.
Since 1908 he has lived on his farm of 160 acres in the Town
of Union, where he has built up a home. His sons are looking
after the work on the farm, and :\lr. Davidson is still holding
the position of foreman with the lloeppner-Bartlett Company, of
Ean Claire.
William Llewellyan Davis, ]iresident of the Dells Paper &
Pulp Company, the largest manufacturing industrj' in Eau Claire,
was born at Neenah, Winnebago county. Wis.. January 22, 1858,
a son of John R. and Jane (Jones) Davis. John R. Davis was an
energetic Welchman, born in Wales in 1817. He learned the
wagon maker's trade in Liverpool, England, and in early man-
hood came to America and first located in Canada, later moving
to the state of New York, where for a time he was engaged in
the manufacture of carriages and omnibuses at Utica. In 1846 he
694 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
came to Wisconsin and conducted a carriage factory at Mil-
waukee \intil 1848. The following year (1849) he located at
Neenah, where he carried on the same business until 1852, then
purchased the old government flouring mill and conducted it for
all the output he could get, until one night in the winter of
1874 the mill took fire and with some saw and shingle mills near
by was entirely consumed. In 1872-73 he was actively engaged
in lumbering on the Wolf river, and after the destruction of his
mills he organized the Winnebago Paper Company, himself being
president, with John R. Ford secretary and H. Shoemaker treas-
urer. Tile original capacity of the mill was two tons of print
daily, which was increased during his lifetime to three times the
original output. He gradually took over the stock of his com-
pany, and after his death, on June 7. 1885, William L. Davis
had charge of the mill until tlie death of his brother, David, at
Eau Claire, when he moved to this city and took charge of the
Dells mills, in which he controlled a large interest. Mr. and Mrs.
John R. Davis were the i)aronts of seven children, as follows :
John R. Davis, of the John R. Davis Lumber Company, located
at Phillips; Myra, wife of A. •). Whiddeir. of Bothel, Wash.;
David R., who died in Eau Claire on August 3, 1903; Henry, de-
ceased ; William L. ; George A., who for several years was sec-
retary and manager of the Electric Light Company at Neenah,
died January 10. 1914, and Benjamin W., who for several years
was secretary of the John R. Davis Lumber Company and mayor
of Phillips before that place was destroyed by fire, and had the
honcu' of being the youngest man ever elected to the office of
mayor in the state of Wisconsin. Mr. Davis, Sr., was in the best
sense a thorough and practical business man, whose clear cut,
honorable methods, skillful management of affairs and sterling
manliness made him a leader among his associates and a force
for good in the community in which he lived. He was an honored
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a IMason and Knights
Templar.
The Dells Paper i.^- Pulp Conqjauy is the successor of the Eau
Claire Pidp & Paper Company, which was fir.st operated on a
small scale by local people. In 1894 the present company was
organized by W. L. Davis, D. R. Davis and 0. H. Ingram, of
which D. R. Davis was president until his death in 1903.
William L. Davis, the genial manager of the Winnebago mills
at 'Neenah and a large stockholder in the Dells company, came to
Eau Claire in 1903 and assumed the presidency, in which capacity
he is still serving. This is the largest institution in the city;
^/^.
^!t-t/~^
BIOGRAPHY «!)r,
yivt's employment to about four hundred people, and its products
are sold in all parts of the United States. Mr. Davis is also
president of the Eau Claire Dells Improvement Company, a di-
rector in the Union National Bank, president of the Davis Falls
Land Company, and is now engaged in the construction of a
large M^ater power plant at Davis Falls, near Jim Falls, on the
Chippewa river, which is probably for the use of additional pulp
and paper mills. Mr. Davis was reared in Neeuah, receiving his
education in the public schools. At the age of seventeen he en-
tered the mill of the Winnebago Paper Company and there
learned the business in all its details and step by step arose to
the commanding position he now occupies. A man of influence,
he is prominent in commercial and financial as well as social cir-
cles of the city. He is a member of the IMasonic fraternity, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Eau Claire, the Chi-
cago Athletic Association, the Neenah-Nodoway and Oshkosh
Yacht clubs. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Ilisforieal
Society and the Wisconsin Society of Chicago.
On December 14, 1881. he married Miss Anna Bowrou, of Osh-
kosh, Wis., daughter of Stephen and Frances (Kimball) Bowron,
and they are the parents of two children, Stephen Rogers and
William L. Davis, Jr.
Alexander Dean,* the popular undertaker of Eau Claire, is
the son of Alexander and Matilda (Garrifson) Dean, who were
both born in Scotland, where the father followed the occupa-
tion of ship builder near Aberdeen until 1868, when he was sent
by Queen Victoria to the Bay of Chileura, Quebec, Canada, and
employed as a ship builder by the English government. He fol-
lowed this business successfully for years, making himself finan-
cially independent, so that at the time of his death he was liv-
ing in retirement and ease. After a few years in Quebec he
moved to New Brunswick, continuing in the business and obtain-
ing all his timber from the Canadian forests until 1888. when he
retired from active work, moved to Eau Claire and here spent
the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1895 at the age
of 98 years, and was laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery. Mrs.
Dean died in 1868 and was buried in Rustiguise, N. B. They had
a familj'' of twelve children, seven of whom are now (1914) liv-
ing, viz : Anna lives in ]\Iontreal : Eliza, Jennie and James live in
Los Angeles; Isabell, Tillie and Alexander, Jr. (our subject).
Those deceased are Mary, Maggie, Alexander, William and Alex-
ander.
.\lexander. -Ir., was horn near Aberdeen, in Scotland, in 1866,
696 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
and obtained most of his education in New Brunswick, N. S..
where the family lived for some time. In 1888 he came to Eau
Claire and went to work for the Phoenix Manufacturing Com-
pany as woodworker and machinist, remaining in that position
for about ten years. In 1899 he went to St. Paul, Minn., and
took up a course of embalming at the Barnes School of Embalm-
ing, and also studied the method of funeral directing, and in
1900 he returned to Eau Claire and opened his present estab-
lishment for this work at the corner of Water street and Fourth
avenue, where he has since carried on a successful business. Tie
also manufactures picture frames of all designs, at whicli he
realizes a good profit.
Mr. Dean is a man of rare business ability, thoroughly up
with the times and a first-class fellow in every respect. He is
president of the Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club, of which he was
the organizer and founder, and the spacious and commodious
building which the club occupies is the result of his personal
efforts and supervision. He is a Mason and a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also was a member
of the Knights of Pythias. He is independent in politics, is a
member of the church and has been head of the Sun-
day school for years.
JMr. Dean was united in marriage to iliss EUia Rilette,
daughter of Erickson Rilette, of Christiania, Norway. Mrs. Dean
is a lady of excellent business qualifications, and a fair share of
the successful business career of Mr. Dean can justly be credited
to her good judgment and untiring efforts.
Julius Derge, the popular manufacturer and jobber of cigars
in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is the son of Ferdinand and Augusta
(Grewe) Derge, and born in Neiderfenow, Province of Branden-
burg, Germany, July 1, 1853. He was reared in his native coun-
try, acquiring his education in the public schools. Emigrating
to the United States in 1870, he came to Wisconsin and spent one
year at Rolling Prairie, after which in 1871 he went to Milwau-
kee and learned the cigar makers' trade. In 1875 he settled in
Eau Claire and in partnership with his brother, Ferdinand, en-
gaged in business for himself luider the firm name of J. Derge
& Brother. This partnership continued until the death of Ferdi-
nand in 1891. Mr. Derge has since conducted the business alone
and from a small beginning, has by his fair and upright deal-
ings, built up a manufacturing and jobbing trade second to none
in this part of the state. His popular brands of cigars, tlu^ "Eau
Claire Club"" and the "D. B. '" are in great demand not only in
BIOGRAPHY 697
Wiscousiu, but in adjoiuing states. Mr. J. Derge is ranked
among the progressive and substantial business men of Eau
Claire.
On April 10, 1879, he married Miss Anna Kneer, daughter of
Mathias Kneer, a pioneer hotel keeper of Eau Claire, and they
have three sons, Julius, Jr. ; Mathias, and Frank. In religious be-
lief Mr. Derge is a Lutheran, and fraternally, is a member of
Freiden Lodge, No. 254, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of
Eau Claire, ^vhile in polities he is independent.
Albert L. Dodge, who was a lifelong resident of Eau Claire,
and one of its foremost business men, was born in Hartland, Ver-
mont, February 16, 1847. He received a good education and came
to Eau Claire September 25, 1865. For fifteen years he was en-
gaged in the drug business on Water street, and then took up the
insurance business and was agent, notary, bookkeeper, etc.
In 1866 he became a member of the First Congregational
Church of this city, and from that time on until his death, which
occurred on January 20, 1914, he was one of its most prominent
and active members. He was one of the organizers of the first
Young Men's Christian Association of Eaii Claire, and was presi-
dent of the same in 1895. He married Miss Fannie B. Bliss and
there are three children now living: Albert Cole, resides in Lon-
don, England, is married and has one daughter; Jessie E. is the
wife of Amer L. Wrigley, of Fremont, Ohio, and James A., of
Oak Park, Illinois.
Moses B. Bliss, father of Mrs. Dodge, was born at Wilbra-
ham, Massachusetts, on May 3, 1798. He married Paulina BuUen,
and lived in the state of Maine until they came to Eau Claire,
Wis., in 1867. He was a surveyor and they had two daughters:
Roxana B. Guild, and Fannie B. Dodge.
William J. Dodsworth, condurtm- on the WisiMuisin Division
of the Chicago, St. Paul, .Minnea]H.lis & Omalui li:iilro:i(l. lictwccn
Fairehild and Mondovi, was bom in Eucliil, CuvmIioi;!! county,
Ohio, April 30, 1863, the son of Henry and Elizabeth A. (Deme-
line) Dodsworth, the father a native of Yorkshire, England, and
the mother of Indiana. The family settled in Elroy, Wisconsin,
in 1865, locating on a farm of 80 acres to which was subsequently
added an adjoining 80, which the father cleared, cultivated and
improved, and there made his home until his death. The family
consisted of eight children : Henry C. ; Mary, wife of J. H. Rose ;
William J. ; Adeline, Mdfe of John Dewey ; George ; Fannie, wife
of John Britt: Charles and Nellie (twins), the latter being the
wife of Elmer Kenyon.
(\W HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
William J. was raised to manhood on the homestead farm at
Elroy, was educated in the public schools and followed farming-
as a vocation until 1885. He then entered the employ of the C,
St. P., M. & Omaha Railroad, as conductor on the eastern division,
and has acted in that capacity ever since, but since 1905 has
been on the Mondovi division. He was married January 22,
1890, to Leora, daughter of Warren D. and Ann (Robinson)
Hatch, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsyl-
vania. They were pioneers of Wisconsin, first settling in Dunn
county in 1857, and in E}au Claire county in 1875, locating in tlir
town of Pleasant Valley, where Mr. Hatch served as postmaster
four years, of the Shaw postoffice. Mr. and Mrs. Dodsworth have
two daughters, Laura Alice and Fae E. Mr. Dodsworth is a
member of the Plymouth Lodge, No. 302, A. F. and A. M., of El-
roy, and politically is a democrat.
Daniel H. Dougherty* is a native of St. Malico, Canada,
where he was bnrn July 20, 1856. He attended the common
schools and was variously employed until he reached the age of
twenty-three. He came to Eau Claire October 18, 1878, and for
the next five years, he was engaged in lumbering, after which h^'
embarked in the liquor business.
On November 28, 1885, he was married to Miss Bridget Gor-
man, and they liad si.x cliildren, all of whom died in infancy. Mrs.
Dougherty died October 11, 1901, at Denver, Colo., her remains
being interred at Eau Claire. Mr. Dougherty married for the sec-
ond time, taking for his wife Minnie Belle, daughter of James
Belle, a veteran of the civil war, and a member of Eagle Post No.
52, Grand Army of the Republic, of Eau Claire, who died in 1909.
His widow now makes lier luinic with her daugliter, Mrs.
Dougherty, ilr. Douglu^T'ty is a member of St. Patrick's church
and has one brother, who lias l)eeii in the Eau Claii-c Fii-e De-
])artnient for twenty-four years.
John Dougherty, captain of Couijiany 5, Eau Claire Fire De-
partment, horn in Canada, September 19, 1857, the son of Mar-
tin Dougherty, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and Bridget
Morris Dougherty. The father came to Canada wlien lie was
twenty-three years of age and there followed farming all liis
life. They reared a family of eleven children.
Jolm was educated in the common schools and worked on the
faini until he was fifteen years of age, and was then employed
in saw mills until the spring of 1880, when he came to the United
States, going to Clinton, Iowa, where he worked as raftsman on
the river. The same vear he came by boat to Eau Claire and was
J5I0GRAPHY 699
employed in the wootls and on the river by various eoneerns until
1890. lu May of that year, he was appointed pipeman on the Eau
Claire Fire Department, and on April 1, 1904, was promoted to
captain of Hose Company, No. 5, a position he still holds. He
married Susan Fitzpatrick, of Eau ('laire, niid lias two children,
May Ruth and Annie M.
Peter Doyle, who for two score years was prominent among
the sneci'ssrul men of Eau Claire eouuty, was born in Dublin, Ire-
land, in 184.'). As a boy he attended the common schools of his
native place and was later variously employed, and while yet a
young_ man, emigrated to the United States, thence to Wiscon-
sin, and for a time resided at Portage City, Columbia county, com-
ing to Eau Claire in the early sixties. In those days the lumber
business was the chief industry, and steamboats plied up and
down the Chippewa river and on one of these Mr. Doyle found
employment as pilot, a position he held for sonie time. In 1884
he went to Altoona and for sixteen years conducted one of the
l)rincipal hotels of that place. In 1902 he retired from active
business anil returned to Eau Claire, where he died October 31,
]907, at the age of 62 years. Mr. Doyle was characterized by his
promptness, good judgment and conservatism, and all who came
in contact with him, esteemed him for his honorable and upright
methods and his passing away was mourned as that of a good
man. a useful citizen and loyal friend. He was prominently iden-
tified with the St. Patrick's Church, and was a charter membiM-
of the Catholic Foresters of Eau Claire.
In 1872 Mr. Doyle married Miss Belinda Harrington, daugh-
ter of Dailiel and Margaret (Calahan) Harrington, and by this
union four children were born as follows: Angie A., Joseph A.,
ilargaret il. and Francis L.
Daniel Harrington, father of Mrs. Doyle, was also a native of
Ireland, and was born in 18:]4. He, in early life, came to the
United States, and was one oi' the early settlers of Eau Claire
county. lie was an engineer of ()i'cii|;aticni. and for many yeai's
was in the employ of the Eau ('hiiic l.uiiiber Company. He
was a nmn of public spiritedness, clear foresight, sound and re-
liable, and always ready to do his pait in I'urthering any pro.ject
looking to the betterment of his city anil county. He married in
Massachusetts, Miss Margaret Calahan, also of Ireland, a woman
of rare domestic virtues, and to them eight children were born
as follows: John, Belinda, Timothy, Joseph, George, James, Fran-
cis and Loretta Harrington. Daniel Harrington died May 19,
188'), liis widow surviving until October 24, 1911, when she, too.
700 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
passed away, houored and respected by all who knew her. They
were members of St. Patrick's Roman Catliolie Church of Eau
Claire.
Joseph Harrington, son of Daniel, and brother of Mrs. Doyle,
married Artie Michand, of Bemidji, Minn. John and James
Harrington are deceased, the former having died Jauuai-y 30,
1884, and the latter March 9, 1900. Mrs. Doyle, who died Feb-
ruary 3, 1914, was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends
and acquaintances.
David Drummond, president of the Drumniond Packing Com-
pany of Eau Claire, was born in western Ontario, Canada, No-
vember 27, 1849, is one of a family of five children born to .lolin
and Alice (Jeffrey) Drummond. Of the others, Duncan is de-
ceased, John is vice-president of the Drummond Packing Com-
pany, Mary married Patrick Fitzgerald and Alice married W. K.
Atkinson. The parents, who were natives of Scotland, came to
Ontario, Canada, in 1842, and there spent many years of their
lives. The father is now (1914) living in the city of Eau Claire
at the age of ninety-one years.
David Drummond was reared in the province of Ontario and
there received a good education in the public schools. Soon after
his arrival in Eau Claire in 1870 he embarked in the meat busi-
ness and was one of the founders of the Eau Claire Gas Light
Company, whose plant was put in operation in 1882, and was also
one of the organizers of the Eau Claire Park Company, a real
estate company, in 1888, and was connected with the Pioneer Fur-
niture Company. In 1873, as a member of the firm of Brooks &
Drummond, he established the packing business, wliicli was car-
ried on as a co-partnership until the death of Mr. Brooks in 1876.
For the next five years the business was carried on by Mr. Drum-
mond alone and in 1881 his brothers, Duncan and John, became
associated with him, and from that time until 1893 the business
was conducted under the firm name of Drummond Brothers.
In the last named year incorporation papers were taken out and
the name changed to the Drummond Packing Company, of which
he has since been president. Under his careful and efficient man-
agement the institution has grown and extended until it now
ranks among the largest and most complete packing jilants in
northwestern Wisconsin. Not only to his own business has Mr.
Drummond devoted himself with untiring zeal but also in the
development of his adopted city has he been an important factor.
Always a builder, he is largely interested in real estate there, and
in 1895 erected the Drunnnond block on South Barstow street.
BIOGRAPHY 701
which is one of the leadiug eommereial aud office buildings in
the city. He built his present office building and refrigerator
plant on Galloway street in 1880 and also erected the first build-
ing occupied by the Eau Claire Grocery Company on Galloway
street in 1882, and started his fine packing plant at its present
location in Eau Claire in 1875, adding to its facilities year by year
and doublini;- its rapacity in 1914. In 1888 he erected his hand-
some residence in Oakland Place, where he has since resided.
In brief, Mr. Drnmmoud has been from an early time closely
identified with, and an integral par-t of the growth and pros-
perity of the city of Eau Claire, and incidentally with that of
Eau Claire county, and has been and is one of its most progressive
and substantial business men, always ready to assist in any enter-
prise for the upbuilding of his home city, and is public spirited
to a rare degree.
On August 25, 188(3, Mr. Drummond married Miss Ella Briggs,
daughter of Myron and Margaret (Hindle) Briggs, pioneers and
respected residents of Eau Claire. To Mr. and Mrs. Drummond
have been born five children : Margaret D., David M., George B.,
Henry II. and Dorris Margaret, who is the wife of Byron Culver
and has one daughter: Sallie W., who has two great grand-
fathers, two grandmothers and one grandfather. Myron Briggs,
father of Mrs. Drummond, was a soldier in the Civil War, being
a member of the Eighth Wisconsin regiment, of which he was
color bearer.
Mr. Drummond is a prominent member of tlie Masonic fra-
ternity. He is now a member of Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, A.
F. and A. M., the Eau Claire Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., and the
Eau Claire Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar. He is also a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks.
John Drummond,* the genial vice president of the Drummond
Packing Companj', was born in County Middlesex. Province of
Ontario, Canada, November 10, 1852, the son of John and Alice
(Jeffrey) Drummond, both natives of Scotland. They settled in
Ontario, in 1842, and there reared a family of five children as
follows : Duncan, who is now deceased ; David ; John ; Mary, wife
of Patrick Fitzgerald and Alice, who married William K. Atkin-
son.
John Drummond was reared in Canada until nineteen years
of age and there attended the public schools. In 1871 he came to
Eau Claire and for two years was employed as a foreman on
the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. In 1873 he was promoted
702 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
to freight engineer and worked in that capacity until 1877 when
he became engineer in the passenger service, remaining thus em-
ployed until 1884, since which time he has been actively con-
nected with the Drummoud Packing Company as vice president
and superintendent of the packing department.
On June 2, 1880, he married Clara E.. daughter of John and
Kate E. (Kennedy) Bartlett, i)ioneer settlers of the city of Hud-
son, St. Croix county, Wisconsin. The father of ]\Irs. Drummoud
was in his day an active politician. To Mr. and Mrs. John Drum-
moud have been born three children, viz. : Frank B., who is as
sistant superintendent of the Drummoud Packing Company :
Clarence N. and Mildred, wife of Homer H. Smith. In political
affiliations, Mr. Drummoud is a Republican. In fraternal matters,
he is prominently connected with Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112,
A. F. and A. ^M. : Eau Claire Chapter, No. 36. R. A. :M. and Eau
Claire Comiuandcry, No. 8, Knights Templar.
Rev. Arthur B. C. Dunne is pastor of St. Patrick s Ixoman
Catliolic Church of Eau Claire, but the fame of liis benerieent
work and inHuencc has spread beyond tlie borders of liis city,
county and state. His ministry has been wonderfully successfid
in his jiarish and his lectures and writings have attracted the
attention of an audience scattered all over the West.
Father Duime was born at Pi'aii'ie du Chien, Wis., June 2, 1860,
the son of Michael and Catherine (O'Donnell) Dunne. His
father was a native of Ireland and his mother of Quebec, Canada.
He received his early education in the parochial and public
schools of Prairie du Chien, and at the age of fourteen entered
St. John's University at Collegeville, ilinn. In 1881 lie was ad-
mitted to Sacred Heart College, Prairie du Chien, where lie
studied the classics for four years and was gi'aduated in 1885.
He then pursued his studies in philosophy and theology at St.
Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, for four years, and was gradu-
ated in 1889. His whole course of studies and training had been
directed toward his preparation for the priesthood, and on July
7, 1889, he was ordained at La Crosse, Wis., by the Rt. Rev. Bishop
Killian Flaseh. On July 19 of the same year he was appointed
assistant pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Eau Claire, and officiated
in that position until October 6, 1891, when he assumed the duties
of pastor. Thus, at the early age of twenty-five he was given a
iield for the full scope of the rare powers of mind, heart and
tongue with which he is richly endowed.
For more than a quarter of a century Father Dunne has been
connected with St. Patrick's Church and liis labors have been
BIOGRAPHY 703
fruitful, his niissiou a success. During his pastorate the member-
ship of the church has increased by about 300 families, embracing
approximately 1,500 souls and 700 converts have come into the
fold from other denominations. As a reclaimer of men Father
Dunne's record is so wonderful that no less an authority than
The Literary Digest has referred to him as the premier convert
maker of the West. As rose trees in a garden send out their
fragrance to wayfarers on all sides, so his piety, zeal and person-
ality attract wandering souls to his vineyard. He loves humanity
and even the stranger feels instantly the warmth of his brotherlj^
intel'cst.
'I'hc Icnipoi'nl iilTairs ul' his parish litivc i)i-os])cri-d coiuniensu-
rale with the spiritual. Under his supervision a new three-story
brick school building, 112x96 feci, was dcilicated in 1907 at a
cost of .1^40,000; a Benedictine convnil was completed in 1909 at
a cost of •I'lo.OOO, and in 1914 a ]);irociii,il ivsidcnce was erecteil
at an outlay of another $15,001'.
Father Dunne is beloved by liis own people and greatly re-
spected by the public at large. Devout, spiritual and zealous, he
is a great moral force in his community. The cliarm of his per-
sonality impresses all who meet him, and the warmth of his
charity is a reflection of the divine compassion. Yet he never
hesitates to attack ei-roi- and wrong, hut always with the dignity
of a high purpose.
He is widely noted for his eloquence and has attained distinc-
tion on the platform. His lectures: "The Human Violin," "The
Average Man" and "Woman's Debt to Christianity," have drawn
the highest eulogies from people and the press, but the "call" of
his church restricts his activities in this secular line of work,
which, from a worldly view, is to be regretted, for thei'e is a
touch of divine fire in his oratory.
Chris Ehrhard,* president and treasurer of the Eau Claire
Cornice & Heating Company, is a son of Jacob and Margaret
(Erig) Ehrhard, natives of Frankfort, Germany, who emigrated
to the United States in 1868 and settled at Menomonie, Wis.,
where Chris, our sub.iect, was born October 15, 1875. Upon arrival
in Menomonie the father, who M^as a cooper by trade, found
employment with the Knapp-Stout Lumber Company, with whom
he remained until his death, which occurred January 24, 1890,
at the age of 51 years. He left a family of five children, as fol-
lows : William ; Anna, wife of O. G. Losby ; Ijouis : ^Mary. and
Chris.
Keari'd tn nianliood in Menomonie, Chris received his educa-
704 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
tion iu the public schools and served an apprenticeship of three
years at the sheet metal workers' trade and afterwards worked
six years as a journeyman. He came to Eau Claire in 1892 and
in 1905 embarked in business for himself as president of the Eau
Claire Cornice & Heating Company, in which he still continues,
his company being the only concern of its kind in the city of Eau
Claire.
On October 22, 1895, he married Miss Mary Ward, daughter of
John and Anna (Harron) "Ward, of Eau Claire. Mr. and Mrs.
Ehrhard are the parents of one son, Elmer. Fraternally, Mr.
Ehrhard is a member of Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons ; Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of
Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 261, of
Mt'iiomonie.
Jared W. Elliott, sales manager of the Kaiser Lumber Com-
pany, was born in the city of Eau Claire, September 5, 1873, and
is the son of Hugh M. and Olivia (Curtis) Elliott. Hugh M.
Elliott, father of Jared, was born in "West Almond, Allegany
county. New York, June 13, 1847. His education was obtained in
the public schools and commercial college at Bingharaton, N. Y.
In 1865 he came west to Rock Island, 111., whei-e for two years he
was engaged in farming, thence in 1867 he came to Eau Claire
and was in the employ of the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company for
two years aud was then engaged in general merchandising for
two years. He was next employed as bookkeeper for Esterbrooks
three years, and for the next fifteen years up to 1900 he was with
the Valley Lumber Company, filling various positions up to super-
intendent, an office he held when he left their employ in 1900 to
go to Nevada, where for two years he was engaged in develop-
ing copper mines. He returned to Eau Claire and for a time
was with the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company. He was engaged
in the clothing business for two years at Owen, Eau Claire county,
and was employed four years by Kimberly & Clark at log sealing
on the Fox river. After manj' years of hard work in the lumber-
ing industry he retired from that line of business and entered the
insurance field, to which he is now (1914) devoting his time,
representing some of the best companies.
He married Olivia Curtis, daughter of William and Isabell
Curtis, and five children have been born to them : Jared ; Joseph-
ine, married T. H. Wylie, of Eau Claire ; Claire, who is employed
on the Soo railroad, and who married Cressie Carter; Laura,
married Earl Kidd, of Owen, Wis., and Byron, the youngest, is
BIOGRAPHY 705
uniuatricd and is employed by tlie Central Warehouse Lumber
Company, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Jared P. Elliott, grandfather of our subjeot, was born in
Connectieut, and at an early age moved to Alma, N. Y., and later
to Allegany county, where he followed farming all his life. He
married Mary Smith and they became the parents of ten chil-
dren, as follows : Henry ; Jared ; Luman ; Frank ; Lafayette, who
is chief of police of Eaii Claire ; Hugh ; Hannah, who married
Enoch Hanks and is deceased ; Rebecca, married Siles Wilcox,
and two that died in infancy. The great grandfather, Itiali
Elliott, was a resident and farmer of Connectieut.
Jared W. was educated in the public schools of Eau Claire and
the Dixon college of Dixon, 111., where he spent two years, after
which he went to Duluth, Minn., and for a time was connected
M'ith the Alger & Smith Lumber Company. Returning to Eau
Claire, he became associated with the Daniel Shaw Lumber Com-
pany, filling various positions, and became thoroughly versed in
all lines of the lumber industry, remaining with this concern ten
years. In the spring of 1913 he became connected with the Kaiser
Lumber Company as sales manager, which position he still re-
tains. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Knights of Pythias and
Gerniania Lodge, No. 49, the Red Men. He married Sarah Gillies,
daughter of Archibald and Euphemia (Mclnnis) Gillies, and has
one son — Hugh Gillies Elliott.
Albert F. Faast,* who for many years was engaged in the
boot and shoe business in Eau Claire, and one of the popular
Germans of the city, was a native of Germany, and was born at
Komads, April 1 6, 1840. When a child, he came with his parents
to the United States and located on a farm in Dane county,
Wisconsin, and after remaining there for some time, the family
moved to Peppin county, this state, settling on a fann near
Durand, where they became successful farmers.
In 1869 Albert F. moved to Eau Claire and engaged in the
shoe business, owning and conducting the shop where he con-
tinuously employed from three to four hands and engaged in
manufacturing a high grade of boots and shoes. He also manu-
factured lumbermen and drivers' boots, which became known far
and wide among the lumber jacks. His last store and shop was
located in the block where the government building now stands.
For thirty-eight years he was a respected resident of Eau
Claire, and during that time occupied a prominent place in busi-
ness and social circles. In his death which occurred November
706 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
10, 1907, the city lost a progressive citizen, and his large circle of
acquaintances a true friend. He was married December 1, 1872,
at Durand, to Miss Frances Unser.
Rufus Fair,* deceased, attained to a position of prominence
with the traveling public as proprietor of the Chapin Hall House
at Hudson, Wisconsin. Coming of an old New England family,
he inherited the thrift, sagacity and broad common sense char-
acteristic of the people of that region, and although he had many
disadvantages to contend with in early life, and obstacles to
overcome in later life, he achieved to a far greater success than
falls to the lot of the average man, and had long been one of
the honored citizens of Hudson and St. Croix county. He was
born in Vermont, August 16, 1823. His boyhood was spent in his
home state until he reached the age of sixteen, when in 1839, he
went to Pennsylvania, where he was employed for some time at
lumbering. He later engaged in the hotel business and for more
than thirty years did he conduct some of the noted hotels in
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. His first venture as hotel pro-
prietor was at Wellsville, Pa., where he remained some six years.
He then went to Blassburg, Pa., and for fovirteen years conducted
a hotel at that place. In 1879 he came to Wisconsin, locating
first in Eau Claire. In 1881 he went to Menomonie, Dunn county,
where he became proprietor of the Menomonie House which he
successfully conducted for several years, then purchased the
Merchants' hotel of the same place. After the destruction by
fire of this well known hostelry, his second experience of the kind
while a resident of Menomonie, he went to Hudson and St. Croix
county, and was there proprietor of the Chapin Hall House until
1895 when he retired from active business and returned to Eau
Claire and made his home with his sou, Frank R. Farr until his
death which occurred October 20, 1902.
Mr. Farr was married in Tioga county. Pa., in 1861 to Jliss
Eleanor 0. Thomas, to whom two children were born, Frank R.,
an attorney, and John F.. a practicing physician, both of whom
are prominent in their respective professions in Eau Claire. i\Ir.
Farr was prominent in Masonic circles, was a Knights Templar
and also a member of the Odd Fellows. Since the death of her
husband, Mrs. Farr, who is a member of the Rebeckah Lodge,
has made her home with her son, Frank R., and enjoys the
friendship and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaint-
ances.
James M. Farrell, who has lived in Eau Claire county for
thirty-one veais, was boin in the Dominion of Canada, where he
BIOGRAPHY 707
r-fceived his education, and came to Eau Claire iu 1883. He is the
son of James and Mary Farrell. Soon after his arrival in Wis-
consin, he engaged in general farming near Eaii Claire, for a time,
and later opened a meat market, which he successfully carried on
for many years. In 1884 he married Miss Lillian M. Kempton,
daughter of George and Sarah (Rollins) Kempton, of Eau Claire.
They have two children: Sadie E.. who was born in ilontana, and
Ora G., born in Eau Claire. Sadie married Paul M. Elder, of
this city, and they now reside in Idaho. Ora G. lives on a farm on
Truax Prairie, where he is successfully engaged in agricultural
pursuits.
The father of Mrs. Farrell, George Kempton, was born in
Canada, where he married Sarah Rollins, to whom seven chil-
dren were born, viz. : Orvilla IM.. Edwin A., William A., Washing-
ton I., Emily J., Lillian N. and Archie C. They were among the
first settlers of Eau Claire county, locating on Truax Prairie,
where they followed farming. Mrs. Farrell has one brother,
William A., now living on Truax Prairie, and also a fai-mer. He
married Alice Ness, daughter of William Ness, of Eau Claire, and
they have three children: Roy A., Ha and Fred. Roy A. is mar-
ried to Miss Fiances il. Cole, of Truax Prairie.
Thomas F. Fennessy, well known as one of the substantial gro-
eerymeu of Eau Claire, was born in Ireland and when a young
man in 1869 came to the United States and settled in Eau Claire,
where he engaged in lumbering, a business he followed until 1887,
when he opened a retail grocery store, iu which line he has since
followed with unusi^al success. Mr. Fennessy is a man who
enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in
contact, both in a business way and socially. He is unassuming
in nmnner, but has a quiet consciousness of his own strength of
character and latent force that has cari'ied him past all diffi-
culties which he has encountei'ed during his lifetime. He is a
member of the Catholic Church and also of the Catholic Knights.
]\Ir. Fennessy was married in Eau Claire to Ellen Dwyer,
by whom he has foin- children, viz.: Joseph F., who is married
and lives at Great Falls, Montana; Thomas F., of Chilliwack,
B. C. ; William F., married and living in Eau Claire, and Catherine,
living at home with her parents.
Free N. Ferguson,* propi-ietor of the Fairchild Motor Com-
pany garage and dealer in all kinds of automobiles, was born
in the town of Otter Creek, Eau Claire county, November 23, 1878,
and is the son of Charles W. and Jane (McCoubry) Ferguson,
natives of Canada ajid Ireland, respectively, and is descended
708 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
from Scotch and Irish ancestry. The father came to Eau Claire
county in the late fifties and was the first millwright employed
by the Eau Claire Milling Company. He was a member of tlie
logging firm of Ferguson & Waterbury for seven years, and then
engaged in farming in the town of Otter Creek, having purchased
120 acres of land, on which he resided until his death in 1901 at
the age of 65 years. Of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fer-
guson, Luella, the wife of Benjamin Dighton, Free N. and Roy C.
are living. Ethel, who maii-ied E. II. Bennington, and Avis ai-e
both deceased.
Free N. Ferguson was raised on the farm and attended the
country schools and remained on the farm until 1905, when he
located at Fairchild and engaged in the farm implement business,
which he carried on about two years, when he became road sales-
man for gas engines and power equipment, in which he continued
for five years, and since 1912 he has been engaged in his present
business, and up to August 1, 1913 (when this sketcli was ob-
tained), he had disposed of twenty cars.
On November 18, 1905, he married Miss Ellen Johnson, daugh-
ter of Sever Johnson, a native of Norway, and they have one son —
Charles Wesley. Mr. Ferguson is a member of Osseo Lodge, No.
213, A. F. and A. M., and the United Commercial IMen's Associa-
tion. He was elected to the office of village clerk of Fairchild on
the Republican ticket, and has since been re-elected and is one of
the hustling young business men of Fairchild.
Roy C. Ferguson, D. D. S.,* a prominent dentist of Fan Claire
county, with offices at Fairchild and Osseo, was boiu in Ottei-
Creek township, Eau Claire county, October 23, 1880, the son of
Charles W. and Jane (McCoubry) Ferguson, the father a native
of Canada and the mother of Ireland. In the late fifties the father
came to Eau Claire county and was the first millwright employed
by the Eai; Claire Milling Company. lie later engaged in logging
on the Eau Claire river for seven years, as a member of the firm of
Ferguson & Waterbury. He then settled on a farm in Otter Creek
township, purchasing 120 acres of land, which he cultivated and
improved and there made his home until his death in 1901. aged
65 years. His children were: Luella, who married Benjamin
Dighton ; Ethel, deceased wife of E. H. Remington ; Avis, de-
ceased ; Free N. and Roy C.
The subject of this sketch, Roy C. Ferguson, was raised on
the home farm in Otter Creek, where he attended the district
schools and assisted in the farm work. He subsequently attended
the graded schools at Osseo and later entered the dental depart-
BIOGRAPHY 709
ment of thf Milwaukee College, from wliieh iustitution he was
graduated with honors in the class of 1907. The same year he
commenced the practice of his profession at Fairchild and later
opened a branch office at Osseo. The doctor is thoroughly up to
date in all lines of dental work, and has built up a hicrative prac-
tice, which is constantly increasing. He married, November 27,
1910, Miss Blanche, daughter of Dr. Ever A. and Elizabeth
(Ballou) Olson, of Osseo, Wis., and has one sou, Marlin Nevil.
The doctor is a prominent member of Osseo Lodge, No. 213, Free
and Accepted Masons, and in politics affiliates with the Repub-
lican jiarty.
Charles W. Fiske, business manager of the Eau Claire Press
Company, pulilisliers of the Eau Claire Leader and The Daily
Telegram, was boru in Maquoketa, Iowa, February 28, 1863, the
son of Wilbur F. and Myra A. (Shaw) Fiske, natives of Otsego
county. New York, and pioneers of the state of Iowa. During the
Civil War the father enlisted and served as a member of Company
D in the 26th regiment of Iowa volunteer infantry. He was
wounded in the siege of Vicksbnrg and died in the hos|iital in
1863 from the effects of disease and wounds.
Charles W. grew to manhood in Iowa and after tinishing iu
tlie public schools spent two years in the University of Wiscon-
sin and then attended the TTnion College of Law, from which he
graduated with the class of 1886. He came to Eau Claire in 1887
and cntei'ed the office of Judge William F. Bailey, serving four
years as student and clerk. In 1892 he was appointed coiirt re-
porter by Judge Bailey and served in that capacity under Judges
Bailey and O'Neil for fifteen years. He resigned the position in
1907 to become manager of The Daily Telegram, and in Januai'y,
1912, when the Telegram Publishing Company and the Leader
Publishing Company were consolidated under the name of the
Eau Claire Press ('om|)any he became Imsiness manager of tlie
organization.
On November 22, 1894, Mr. Fiske married Miss Thekla, daugh-
ter of Otto and Mary (Webster) von Schrader, of Ottumwa, Iowa,
and they are the parents of one daughter — Dorothy.
Patrick Ignatius Fitzpatrick, the well-known and prosperous
farmer of Brunswick township, is the son of John and Ellen
(]\Ialier) Fitzpatrick, and was born in the town of Brunswick,
Eau Claire county, August 17, 1879. His father was born in
County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1852, and came to the United
States, landing in Boston, Mass., in the fall of 1868. For a short
time he was employed at Portsmouth, N. H.. going from there to
71 U HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
New York City, where he worked as a laborer in Central Park
and later as a special policeman, remaining there until 1875, when
he came AVest to Eau Claire county and located in Brunswick
township, and for a few years was employed by Thomas Pendi-
gast. In 1878 he purchased a farm of 80 acres and commenced
farming on his own account. He has been successful, and by
hard work and economy he has added to his original purchase
until now his farm contains 240 acres of well improved land. He
followed general farming and dairying up to a feAV years ago,
when he retired, and the farm is now carried on by his son,
Patrick.
For thirty-five years Mr. Fitzpatrick took an active interest
in all the affairs of his town; he served as school treasurer and
held other minor school ofBees for thirty-five years; was overseer
of roads and a member of the town board. He is a Democrat in
politics and belongs to the Catholic church. In 1878 he married
in Eau Claire Miss Ellen Maher, daughter of John Maher, of Tip-
perary, Ireland, who was steward for William P. Perry, a justice
of the peace and landlord of Dublin. Their children are: Patrick
I.; Mary married James Kellogg, now deceased; Margaret, a
teacher in the schools of Eau Claire; John is at home on the
farm; Grace, and Ellen, a stenographer of Eau Claire.
Patrick Fitzpatrick, grandfather of our subject, married IMary
Haden, and resided in Tipperary, where they followed farming.
They were the parents of eleven children.
Patrick Ignatius was educated in the schools of Brunswick
township and worked at home on the farm with his parents nearly
all his life, and is now carrying on his father's farm of 240 acres,
besides 80 acres of his own, and is one of the leading farmers
and dairymen of the county. In all public affairs he takes a deep
interest, and as a member of the State Highway Commission for
Eau Claire is interested in the subject of good roads. He has
served as town clerk of Brunswick for five years, has been chair-
man of the town board for five years and a member of the county
board. As one of the highway commissioners for the past two
years he has been instrumental in having concrete bridges built
in Brunswick, personally superintending their construction. He
is an independent Democrat, a member of the Catholic church
and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is also a Modern Wood-
man and a Knight of Columbus. He also, with four others, started
and incorporated in Eau Claire the Farmers' Co-operative
Products Company, being its first trustee and president and a
member of its board of directors for three years.
BIOGRAPHY 711
John H. Fleming, senior member of the firm of Fleming &
Son, funeral directors and embalmers, was born at Ballylanders,
County Limerick, Ireland, March 27, 1850, and came to America
in 1867, landing at New York City. From there he went to Port
Huron, Mich., and took a position as clerk in a general store
for his sister. In the fall of 1869 he came to Eau Claire and made
it his permanent home. Here he entered the employ of the
Northwestern Lumber Company and worked for them in the
woods and river for twenty-one years, during the last ten of
which he held the position of foreman.
Mr. Fleming has always taken a keen interest in public affairs
and in 1890 he was nominated for sheriff of Eau Claire county
on the Democratic ticket and his election followed. He proved
himself a most capable sheriff and at the expiration of his term
of office he entered into business as a funeral director. He took a
practical course in embalming in Chicago and opened his busi-
ness in 1893 at 409 "Wisconsin street. Subsequently he associated
his son, Tliomas F., with him, and in the spring of 1912 they
moved to their present location, 3C5 South Fai'well street. Their
establishment is the handsomest and most finely appointed and
thoroughly equipped in Eau Claire county and is not surpassed
anywhere. They have evei-ything complete and up-to-date and
carry a large stock of caskets and all accessories to their busi-
ness. Both members of the firm are experts in their business,
and they are recognized as the leading undertaking firm in Eau
Claire and do the largest business.
Mr. Fleming has been an active Democrat all liis life and luis
long been closely as.sociated with the public life of Eau Claire.
Many times he has been honored with public trust, which he has
discharged faithfully and well. In addition to the office of sheriff
he has served as alderman fifteen years, is now chairman of the
county board and supervisor for the second ward. No man in
Eau Claire has given more of his time and energies to the public
welfare than Mr. Fleming, and all good measures meet with his
endorsement and support. Pie is a member of St. Patrick's
Catholic church, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, the B. P.
0. E. and the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Fleming has been twice married. His first wife was
Libby Flattery, who died, leaving three children — Grace, Helen
and Thomas F. Later he mai-ried Ellen Stevens, daughter of
Thomas Stevens, of Erin Prairie, St. Croix county, Wis. Their
children are : Irene and Eugene ; Grace is the wife of William
La Salle, a conductor on the Northern Pacific railway. They live
712 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
in Duluth. All the others are single. Thomas F. is associated
with his father in the firm of Fleming & Son, and is a courteous
and capable business man, who gives his entire attention to their
undertaking establishment.
Nathaniel C. Foster, one of the well-known business men of
northwestern Wisconsin, a resident of Fairchild, Eau Claire
county, was born in Owego, Tioga county, N. Y., June 6, 1834,
and is descended from prominent New England ancestors, the
son of Willard and Lovicea (Pickering) Poster. He attended the
common schools of his native county and in 1854 came to Wis-
consin and located at Fort Howard, now Green Bay. After his
arrival there he worked for a short time in a saw mill, then pur-
chased an interest in the mill and engaged in the lumber business
on his own account, remaining there for some twenty-five years.
In 1876 he moved to Fairchild and purchased large tracts of tim-
ber land in Eau Claire and Clarke counties, the timber from this
land furnishing the supply for his large mills at Fairchild, which
were erected in 1877 at an outlay of $100,000. The plant had a
capacity of 125,000 feet of timber daily, besides 14,000.000 .shingles
and 6,000,000 lath per season, and employed a force of 250 men.
In July, 1891, his various interests were incorporated under the
name of the N. C. Foster Lumber Company, with a fully paid-up
capital of $500,000, N. C. Foster, president, and his two sons,
E. J. Foster and G. A. Foster, vice-president, secretary and treas-
urer, and continued in this business vmtil 1906. The company
also carried on a general merchandise business, which was later
sold to the Farmers' Mutual Trading Company and which was in-
corporated in 1903 with Mr. Foster president. He is also presi-
dent of the Farmers' Co-operative Supply Company, located at
Greenwood, Clark county, which has been in operation since
1898. He is also president of the First National Bank of Fair-
child, of which he is the founder. This institution was estab-
lished with a capital of $25,000; its assets are now $227,000 and
its deposits $183,455, surplus $5,000.
Mr. Foster is one of few if not the only man in the United
States who ever built a railroad without mortgaging it for a single
dollar. In 1882 he built forty-five miles of railroad from Fair-
child to IMondovi, which he used for hauling logs, and was the
first road devoted to that purpose built in Wisconsin; it was
chartered in 1886 and afterwards sold, and is now known as the
Mondovi branch of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad.
His original log railroad, consisting of thirty-eight miles from
BIOGRAPHY 713
Fairc'hild to Oweu, where it connects with the Soo railroad, put
iu operation in 1905, was built by Mr. Foster for the N. C. Foster
Lumber Company. In 1913 Mr. Foster began the building of an
extension of the Fairchild & Northeastern railroad from Fair-
child to Cleghorn, a distance of twenty-eight miles. In addition
to his many other enterprises Mr. Foster is largely interested in
the real estate, selling lands to actual settlers for the N. C. Foster
Company, which are mostly located in Clark county, Wisconsin.
These lands are principally sold to a thrifty class of Slavic
people. Mr. Foster is a man of excellent character, pleasing per-
sonalit.y, and readily wins the good will and holds the confidence
of those who come within the range of his influence. He is a
man of genial, social temperament, loyal to his friends and true
to whatever is noble and best in life, and to this, as well as his
fair and honorable business methods and sound business princi-
ples, is due his success. He was married in 1859 at Green Bay,
Wis., to Miss Esther Stearn, and to them were born seven chil-
dren, viz : Gilbert A. ; Edward J. ; Sarah, who married Cassaius
Wilson; Carrie and Clara, twins; Willard, and Grace jM. Carrie
married George Winslow ; Clara married Duncan,
and Grace M. married Henry Thomas, second husband Hollen-
berg. now living in Los Angeles, Cal., a widow.
Mons Wencesles Fournier, musical director and proprietor of
Fournier's Dancing Aeadcmy and .ViiditDi'iiini, was born at St.
Thomas, Canada, in 1853. His fiitlicr, .Icilui Fournier, who was
born in France, lived for a numl)er of years in St. Thomas,
Canada, and after his death in 1857 his wife and family returned
to France.
After returning to Paris, France, with his mother in 1857,
Mons Wencesles Fournier there received his education, and his
musical and dancing instructions were received at Felix Le
Coupee Conservatoire, and after his graduation in 1873 he came
to America and for one year taught dancing in New York City;
he then moved to Detroit, Mich., and was there engaged as
musical director and dancing teacher, one of his pupils being the
well-known dancing master Straus, of Detroit. After spending
eleven years in that city he came to Eau Claire in 1894, where he
has since been successfully engaged in the teaching of music and
French and all branches of dancing. In lEOO he purchased his
present auditorium, 100x150 feet in size, to which he has sub-
sequently added 100x150 feet, making his hall, which is the only
up-to-date building of its size in northern Wisconsin, a place for
714 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
all large meetings. He has a model dining room, and the fine
dancing floor is a pleasure for his pupils and those engagins: the
academy for private parties, etc.
In 1873 he married in Detroit Elizabeth Couet, of Saissons,
France. Pi-of. Pournier is a member of the Independent Order
of Foresters, and is also a member of the Catholic church.
George F. Fuller, retired, Avas born in Canada, June 24, 1837.
His parents were of English descent and were born at Norfolk,
England, where in early life they were married. George attended
the schools in Canada, and his first occupation after completing
his education was as clerk in a dry goods store. After a time
he came to the United States and while at Buffalo secured em-
ployment as a sailor on the great lakes, which vocation he fol-
lowed for five years, and then came to Eau Claire and entered
the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. His next move
was to Muskegon, Mich., whither he went with Elias and Easau
Tarrant. He later purchased the interest of Mv. Kilpatrick, of
the firm of Tarrant & Kilpatrick, and for nine years was a
member of that firm. Disposing of his lumbering interests at the
end of this time. Mr. Fviller went to Dunn county, Wisconsin,
where he engaged in farming on a farm of 144 acres, which he
had previously purchased and where he remained engaged in
general agricidtural pursuits, at which he was successful until
1909, when he retired. A Republican in politics, Mr. Fuller lias
held many offices of trust and for years was one of the school
officers and at one time chairman of the town board.
On January 25, 1872, Mr. Fuller was married to Miss Jennie
Powell, daughter of John and Margaret Powell, natives of Wales.
(For more extended notice of the Powell family, see Clinton
Moses sketch elsewhere in this volume.) To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller
thirteen children were born: Minnie, Elizabeth, Thomas, Abbie,
Laura, Jolm, Edward, Jane, Janette, Barwick, Grant Puller, and
two deceased.
Fred H. Gadsby, the well-known and popular druggist of Eau
Claire, the proprietor of two stores, one at No. 201 North Bar-
stow street and the other at No. 308 South Barstow street, is a
native of Gilb'ertsville, Otsego county, N. Y., and a son of John H.
and Helen L. (Ilurlbutt) Gadsby, natives of Otsego and Alle-
gany counties. New York, respectively, who settled in Eau Claire
in 1875 and aided much in the development of the city.
Mr. Gadsby was educated in the public schools of Eau Claire
and in the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he was
graduated in pharmacy in the class of 1885. In 1889 he embarked
J5I0GRAPHY 715
iu the drug business at 201 North Barstow, wliere lie has beeu in
business nearly three decades, and has also conducted a branch
store at No. 308 South Barstow street since 1907, and has suc-
ceeded iu Ijuildiug up a large and successful trade at both stores.
John H. Gadsby, who for forty years has beeu a resident of
Eau Claii-e, was boru in Gilbertsville, N. Y,, Septeml)er 18, 1829.
His education was acquired in the academy located in his native
town.
He followed the business of tailor for many yeai-s, coming to
Eau Claire in 1871 as cutter iu the tailoring department of the
general store of G. A. Buffington & Co., on Water street, and was
in their employ a number of years, afterward entering the same
business on his own account. He is a member of the Methodist
pjpiscopal church and one of the oldest meml)ers of the order of
Free and Accepted Masons in the state.
On September 22, 1856, he married Helen L. Hurlbutt at Alle-
gany. N. Y., she being also born at Gilbertsville, N. Y., August
14, 1832. She is also a member of the Methodist church.
They have two sons living, Thomas L. and Fred H., both
prominent druggists of Eau Claire. In co-partnership with their
mother under the corporate name of The Gadsby Company, two
drug stores are conducted in this city by the two brothers.
Adelbert Gates,* enterprising and progressive farmer of Otter
Creek, whose postoffice address is Osseo, Wisconsin, came west
from Allegany county, New York, where he was born November
13, 1853, a son of William and Sophia (Edwards) Gates, and is
descended from sterling old New England families, and from Stal-
wart English stock on the Gates side, which at an early period
in the history of New England, was tran,splanted from the mother
country to New Jerse.y and later on, members of the family be-
came residents of New York state. Saxon Gates, grandfather of
Adelbert. was one of the influential men of his time, and highly
respected in his community. During the Revolutionary War,
and also iu the war of 1812. members of the Gates family played
an important part.
When Adelbert was three years of age, his parents came west
to Wisconsin with their family and settled in Eau Claire county
in 1856, on a farm near the village of Fairchild, where the father
died at the age of 62. After the death of his father, our subject
lived with his mother and carried on the farm where he still
resides. The mother passed away at the age of 79 years, honored
and respected by all who knew her. They had two sons, Adel-
bert and William and were both members of the Methodist church.
716 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The father who took au active interest in public affairs of his
county, was a Republican in politics and held many local offices in
Pairchild township. Mr. Gates, who is a bachelor, owns 43 acres
of well improved land where he lives and carries on general
farming, and 43 acres three miles east of Augusta. He has been
a life long resident of Eau Claire county, and has seen it trans-
formed from a wild and desolate state to one of productive farms
and elegant homes.
John B. Gilbert,* traveling salesman and expert for the h\-
depeudeot Harvester Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was
born in Eau Claire, February 9, 1882. His parents, Andrew and
Inga (Sosted) Gilbert, were both born in Norway. His father
came to the United States in 1868, and first located at Detroit,
Michigan. He later moved to Chicago, Illinois, and during his
residence there, passed through the great fire of 1871, and in tbis
connection we might add that Mr. Gilbert has now in his pos-
session a much cherished relic in the shape of a china cup which
he saved from this conflagration, and which he later saved from
the burning of his home in the town of Brunswick, this county,
some years ago. In the late '70 's. he came to Eau Claire and
entered the employ of the Valley Lumber Company, remaining
with this firm until the Fall of 1884, when he purchased a farm
of 160 acres in the town of Brunswick, cleared and improved a
part of it, erected a new dwelling and there made his home until
1901, when he disposed of his inlerests and moved to Chippewa
county where lie snl)sequentl.v purchased another tract of 160
acres in the town of Wheaton where he now resides. His family
consisted of eight children, as follows : Anna, wife of John F.
Johnson; John B. ; Carl E.. deceased; Arthur (i.: Lloyd E. ; AVil-
liam S. ; Mabel and Florence.
John B. was raised on the homestead farm in Brunswick town-
ship and there attended the common schools. In 1903 he entered
the employ of the International Harvester Company as an expert
and traveling salesman with whom he was associated for eleven
years. In the winter of 1914 he severed his connection with the
above company and accepted a similar position with the Inde-
pendent Harvester Company, of Minneapolis, a position lie still
retains.
Mr. Gilbert has been twice married, his first wife was 01 ga
Elsie, daughter of Peter and Anna (Nelson) Hagen. of Eau
Claire, by whom he had two children, viz. : Survivus and Marie
Bertha. His present wife was Hilda Peterson, daughter of Ole
and Reua flloven) Peterson, of Colfax. Wisconsin. IMrs. Gilbert
BIOGRAPHY 717
is a meiiibei- of the Lutheran I'lmreli, while Mv. Gilbert holds
membership in the I. S. W. A., the Eau Claire Gun Club and the
I. C. Jl. A.
James A. Grinsel,* the popular liveryman of Eau Claire, is a
native boi'ii eitizen, his birth having occurred July 16, 1869, and
is the only son born to James S. and Jane (McGuire) Grinsel.
James S. Grinsel, father of James A., came to Eau Claire in
1857. He engaged in the lumber business on his own account,
which he safely conducted for sixteen years. In the Fall of 1880,
he opened a grocery store on First avenue, which he carried on
for nine years; he then removed liis place of business to Grand
avenue and for five years did a thriving business. He married
Jane McGuire, of Canada, and had one child, the subject of this
sketch. After thirty years of business activity, he retired in
1884. He took a prominent part in all public matters; was public
spirited and generous, and at his death which occurred Septem-
ber 16, 1902, was mourned by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances. He, as well as his wife, whose death occurred
November 16. 1900, were devoted members of St. Patrick's Church.
He had one brother, John, also a resident of Eau Claire and
who served as mayor of the city one term in 1886. He also
served as alderman two terms and in IIUIO moved to the state of
Washington.
On .laiiiiMfy 1. 1901, James A. engaged in the livery business
in partiii-i-sbi]) with J. M. Signer. At the end of five years, in
1;H)(), ^Ir. (irinsel purchased his partner's interest, and since that
tinu' has conducted a first class up-to-date livery and boardijig
sales stable. He makes a special feature of funeral service, keeps
open day and night and no l:ietter stable can be found anywhere
than that conducted by Mr. Grinsel. He married Miss Nellie
C. Bulger, daughter of James Bulger, of Eau Claire, and they
have eight children, viz. : Helen, Gladys, Margaret, Arthur, Flor-
ence, Signer, John and Loraine. Mr. Grinsel is a member of St.
Patrick's Church, the Jlodern Woodmen of America and the
Knights of Columbus.
William Gilchrist, deceased, who in his day was one of Eau
Claire's best citizens, was a native of Scotland, born February
8, 1860, and lived there iintil 1880, when he emigrated to Canada
and remained there one year, then came to the United States
and located at Eau Claire in 1881. He was a mason by trade,
and many of the finest buildings in the city bear the marks of
his handiwork. He was an energetic and conscientious worker
and a loyal citizen, well liked and much sought by his many
718 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Gilchrist, deceased, who was
Marion Aitken, was also a native of Scotland, and they had a
family of four children, viz : William, Margaret, James and
Marion. William Gilchrist, the popular implement dealer of Eau
Claire, married Mrs. Cora Ludwig, of Elk Mound. James Gil-
christ married Miss Kathryne Steihr, of this city.
Mr. Gilchrist was a liberal contributor to the support of the
Second Congregational church, and his death, which occurred
on July 9, 1903, was mourned by the entire community.
Mrs. Gilchrist was a liberal contributor to the support of the
Second Congregational church, and her death, which occurred
February 22, 1914, was mourned by the entire community.
Edward Robert Godding, deceased, who for many years was
a well-known druggist of Eau Claire, was descended from a
l)rouiiueut New England family and was born in Gardiner, Me.,
June 14, 1859. His primary education was received in the com-
mon schools at Gardiner, and while yet a young man he went
to Boston, where he was employed by a j\Ir. Kelley as clerk in
the latter 's drug store. Obtaining a fair knowledge of drugs
while thus employed, he later entered the Massachusetts Pharma-
ceutical College, from which he was graduated when 22 years
of age in 1881. He came to Eau Claire the same year, and soon
after his arrival purchased the drug business of Mr. Thwing and
from that time on until 1884, when his place of business was de-
stroyed by the great flood, did a flourishing business. Undaunted
by the losses he had sustained and being imbued with the thrift,
sagacity and broad common sense inherited from his New Eng-
land ancestors, he formed a partnership with Mr. Chickering and
continued in business. lie later became associated with j\Ir.
Carey and thus continued the drug business under the firm name
of Godding & Carey. This arrangement continued in existence
until Mr. Carey moved to New Richmond, and ever after Mr.
Godding was in business alone, his drug store being located for
a number of years prior to his death at Grand avenue East aud
South River street.
In all public affairs he was no less active aud influential than
as a business man and a believer in higher and better educa-
tional advantages. He took the time from his business to repre-
sent the fifth ward of the city on .the board of scliool commis-
sioners, of which body he was president for two years. He was
a member of the Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, A. F & A. M., of
Eau Claire Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, and Eau Claire
Chapter. No. 36. R. A. M.. and a devoted member of the Episcopal
BIOGRAPHY 719
church. He was called from earth on September 25, 1910, and
now that he has gone it only remains to pay him the poor tribute
of words to say that his was a well spent life, that he was ener-
getic, firm, reliable in all his dealings, revered by his family,
respected and trusted by all who knew him. His character and
his work were a blessing to the community in which he lived,
and he left to his successor the best of all inheritages — an honest
name.
In 1882 Mr. Godding married Miss Emma McGowan, to whom
two sons were born, Edward L. Godding, employed by Wisconsin
Telephone Company, and Frederick C. Godding, employed by
the Hranstad Drug Company at Eau Claire.
Frederick H. Graham, president of the Atlas Manufacturing
Company of Eau Claire, was born in Wellsville, N. Y., February
25, 1855, son of Hiram P. and Mary J. (Cowen) Graham, and
comes of Scotch-Irish lineage. Charles Graham, grandfather, and
Samuel Graham, great grandfather of Frederick H., were both
natives of Buckland, Mass. Hiram P. Graham, the father, was
born in Windham, N. Y., March 29, 1820, and received his edu-
cation in the common and select schools of his native town. He
later learned the trade of millwright, and in 1844 went to Canada,
where he followed his vocation for eight years. From 1852 to
1856 he was engaged in the lumber business in Allegany county,
New York, and in the latter year came to Eau Claire, where he
was in the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company for about
four years. In the fall of 1857 his family joined him, and about
this time with his brother-in-law. Robert Tolles, he purchased a
foundry and machine shop, which they operated under the firm
name of Graham, White & Co., until the plant was destroyed by
fire in 1875. In the fall of the same year they rebuilt their fac-
tory, shops, etc., which have been in continuous operation since
under the name of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, and in
which concern the Graham family still retain an interest. He
was also for many years president of the Dells Lumber Compaiiy,
and when the village of Eau Claire was organized he was made a
trustee, and when it was made a city he was elected its first
mayor. In 1862 he was appointed sheriff by the governor to fill
the unexpired term of his predecessor, who had enlisted as a
soldier in the civil war. In 1874-75 he represented his district
as state senator, and in 1888-89 was postmaster of Eau Claire
and was prominently identified with city affairs up to the time
of his death in 1902, at the age of 82. He left a widow and two
children, Fred H. and Julia, widow of George T. Thompson.
720 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Frederick H. Graham came to Eau Claire in 1857, where he
Avas reared to manhood. He was graduated from the graded
schools of Eaii Claire in 1873, and later spent one year at the
State University at Madison. For twenty years he was treasurer
of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company and for ten years secre-
tary of the Wisconsin Refrigerator Company, and since 1906 has
been president of the Atlas Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Graham has been twice married: first in 1882 he married
Isabell, daughter of James H. and Elizabeth (May) Noble, of
Athens, Pa., and they had two daughters, Catherine, wife of
Percy L. Lyford, of Vancouver, B. C. and Elizabeth, wife of
Louis T. Dwight, of Burlington, la. His present wife was Kate
McLeod, daughter of John and Mary McLeod, of Eau Claire, and
they have one daughter, Mary. Mr. Graham is president of the
Pliilharmonic Society and secretary of the Eau Claire Country
Club.
The Atlas ]\Ianufacturiug Company. In 1906 the Atlas Tilanu-
facturing Company was iucorporated with a capital of .$10,000,
and commenced the manufacture of Graham Gem refrigerators
and Atlas baby bath tubs, and has had in its employ an average
of six men. The demand for these popular brands of goods is
now constantly increasing, orders coming in from all parts of
the United States, and the outlook for the future is bright and
promising. The present officers of this concern are F. II. Gra-
ham, president; J. H. Brooks, secretary and treasurer.
Hiram P. Graham, deceased. Standing prominent among the
re])resentativ(' men of Eau Claire was Hiram P. Graham. He was
born in Winilham, N. Y., March 29, 1820. He was reared in liis
home town, where he received not only a physical training but
also a moral education which was of an inestimable benefit to him
in fashioning a successful career. He received his education in
the common and select schools and early in life learned the trade
of millwright. In 1844 he went to Canada, where he followed tlu'
same occupation for eight years, when he returned to Allegany
county. New York, and engaged in the lumber business, purchas-
ing a mill, which he operated for four years. The adventuresome
spirit of the times made itself felt in Mr. Graham, and in 1856
he was induced to come to Eau Claire bj' the Eau Claire Lumber
Company, in whose employ he remained some four years. Tlie
opportunities offered in Eau Claire were so much greater for
advancement than in the East he decided to make this place his
future home, and accordingly moved his family here in the fall
of 1857. Pie was desirous of entering into business for hims(>lt".
HIRAM P. GRAHAM
BIOGRAPHY 721
and in company with his brother-in-law, Robert Tolles, bought a
planing mill, which they operated under the firm name of Graham,
White & Company until it was destroyed by fire in 1875. In
connection with this plant they had a foundry and machine shop.
In the fall of the same year they rebuilt their factory, shops, etc.,
and continued the business as if nothing had occurred. The con-
cern was organized into a stock company, known as the Phoenix
Manufacturing Company, and as such has earned a name that is
well known throughout the United States and foreign countries.
Mr. Graham was for many years connected with the Dells
Lumber Company, of which he was president as well as being
president of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company. He was finan-
cially successful and the high esteem in which he was held by
the citizens of Eau Claire proved that his life's work was appre-
ciated. His fellow citizens in Eau Claire and the State of Wis-
consin showed their confidence in him and their appreciation of
his woi'th by electing him to various offices. In 1862 he was ap-
pointed sheriff of the countj' by the governor to fill out the unex-
pired term of his predecessor, who had enlisted in the Civil War.
When the village of Eau Claire was organized he was made one
of the tnLstees and when the village was incorporated as a city
he was elected its first mayor. He was iii>p(iiiitc(l postmaster by
President Cleveland and filled that office duniiL;- 1lic years of 1888
and 1889.
On February 1, 1848, while living in Canada, he married Miss
Mary J. Cowen, a very estnnable young lad.y of rare womanly
graces and domestic virtues, who was born March 2, 1826, at Troy,
N. Y. Their two children who grew to maturity are Mrs. Julia
Thomi)son and Fred H. Graham.
The financial success of Mr. Graham was traceable to his fair-
ness, honesty and integrity. He was not a strong partisan — sucli
men seldom are — but his patriotism and desire for good and
honest government prompted him to vote for the best men nom-
inated. Such a life is a model for the young man who is some-
times tempted, amidst the only too great degrees of loose com-
mercial morality, to think that success depends upon methods
unapproved by conscience and public opinion. Mr. Graham
achieved success and maintained his honor unspotted. He was
well known in Eau Claire for his unswerving truth and probity.
His career was in every respect one of credit to himself and to
the city in which he so long lived and was so well known and his
death, which occurred" on January 24, 1902, was a great loss to
the business and social interests of the community.
722 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Frank C. Gruber,* the well known confectioner and ice cream
manufacturer of Eau Claire, wliere he was born November 4,
1875. His parents, Thomas and Rosalia (Rosenfeldt) were natives
of Austria Hungary. The father, who was born in the town of
Johannsthal, near Vienna, came to the United States on his wed-
ding tour in 1870. He was a carpenter by trade, having served his
apprenticeship in his native country. He came to Eau Claire,
where he followed carpentering and finally engaged in contract-
ing. He formed a partnership Avith Mr. P. Ihle, under the firm
name of Gruber & Ihle, which partnership continued for about
thirty years. After the dissolution of this firm Mr. Gruber con-
tinued in the contracting and building line until his death at the
age of seventy-six years. During the many years of business he
built a number of churches and fine residences in the Chippewa
valley. He was a member of the German Catholic Church, the
Knights of Columbus, La Crosse Association and the Sacred Heart
Society. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gruber
three are now living : Frank C., the sub.ject of this sketch ; Thomas,
a tea and coffee salesman, and Sarah, wife of a papermaker of
Eau Claire. Those deceased are Mary, Clara and Ann.
Frank C. received his education in the public schools and the
Shafer & Stohl College, where he took a course in Latin and
algebra classics. He was first employed as office boy by Dr.
Barker; was employed as elevator boy by the Pioneer Furniture
Company, and then for seven years was salesman for the Grand
Union Tea Company. He then served three years as assistant civil
engineer for the Omaha railroad, and for ten years was employed
in a store at Chicago, where he learned the art of window dress-
ing. He became proficient in that line and is well known among
the business concerns in Chicago as one of the best window dress-
ers in the business and has received many attractive offers to
return to that field, but prefers to reside in the city of his birth.
In September, 1912, he gave up his Chicago position and returned
to Eau Claire. He rented a spacious store at 305 North Barstow
street and embarked in the confectionery business and the manu-
facture of ice cream. His business has been a success from the
start, and he now practically controls the ice cream trade of the
city. His store is one of the best furnished, with up-to-date fix-
tures and extra fine soda fountain. He caters to the best trade
and gives employment to nine people.
Mr. Gruber is one of the hustling young business men of Eau
Claire and is well known for his honorable and Upright dealings.
He is a member of the Maccabees, the German Catholic Church
BIOGRAPHY 723
and the I. T. I. Company. He is independent in politics and takes
an active part in the city's affairs. He has represented the first
ward in the city council tive years, having been three times
elected alderman without opposition.
On January 13, 1910, he married Emma Eilandson, daughter
of Samuel and Clara (Johnson) Erlandson, of Eau Claire.
William Guthrie, retail sales manager of the John H. Kaiser
Jjumber Company, was horn September 10, 1842, in Derry county,
Ireland, the son of Sainuel and Wray Guthrie, of Scotch-Irish
descent, who spent their whole lives in Ireland, where the father
followed the occupation of farming. They were the parents of
nine children, as follows: William; Elizabeth; Nancy; Jane;
Margarett, Sarah ; Robert, who lives on the home farm ; Samuel, of
Union township, this county, and Isaac, who lives in New Zealand.
William grew to manhood in Ireland, was educated in the com-
mon schools and worked on the farm with his parents. He mar-
ried in 1867 and then for a number of years was employed in a
lumber yard at Colerain, Ireland. The first Mrs. Guthrie died and
he married the second time in Ireland, where he lived until 1880,
when he went to Canada and there spent one year. In 1881 he
came to Eau Claire and was first employed b^^ the Daniel Shaw
Lumber Company as retail salesman until 1912 and now is retail
salesman for the John H. Kaiser Lumber Company, successors to
the Daniel Sliaw Company, having been connected with the one
lumber yard for thirty-three years in both the wholesale and retail
branches.
The first Mrs. Gutlirie was Sarah Aim Douglierty, who died
in Ireland, leaving besides her husband four children, as follows:
Catherine, who married Christ Rasmuseu, a real estate dealer in
Montana ; Elizabeth, in Montana ; Samuel, a prosperous farmer of
Union township, and John, who is engaged in the mercantile
business at Superior, Wis. His second marriage was to Martha
Baird, of Ireland, and they are the parents of two children — •
Marion JIabel and William B.
C. W. Hale,* who is another native born citizen of Eau Claire
county, comes from Scotch and English stock, and is descended
from old and prominent New England ancestors. His father,
Charles H. Hale, was a son of Ebah Hale, grandfather of our
subject, and was of English ancestry. He was born June 16,
1830, and died June 26, 1896, and was 66 years of age at the time
of his death. During the Civil War, he enlisted in a Wisconsin
regiment and served three years as a soldier in the Union Army.
He had two brothers and two sisters, John, AVilliam, Esther and
724 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Eliza. John was also a soldier in the Civil War, and lost his
life in the defense of his country. William Hale still survives
and lives in the city of Eau Claire. The mother of C. AV. Hale,
whose maiden name was Mary Brown, daughter of Thadeus and
Cenith (Nourse) Brown, and of Scotch descent, survives her hus-
band and makes her home with her son, our subject, her only
heir. The parents of Mr. Hale came from Waterford, Maine, to
Wisconsin in 1855, and were among the honored pioneers of Eau
Claire county, having settled here in 1856. The father who was
a man of intelligence and highly respected in his community,
took an active part in the transformation of Eau Claire county,
and served at one time as a member of the town board.
C. W. Hale was born September 22, 1857. He was raised on
the farm and educated in the country schools; has always lived
in Eau Claire county and is one of its most highly respected
citizens. He resides on his farm of 120 acres of highly cultivated
and well improved land in section 7, Otto Creek township where
he is successfidly engaged in general farming. He married Miss
Alice Richards, daughter of David Richards, of Augusta, and
they have three daughters, ]\Iary, Esther and Ruth.
Mr. Hale is a man of fine social qualities, generous, kind
hearted, genial and popular in the circles in which he moves.
He is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and in
politics is a Republican.
August Hansen,* upholsterer and dealer in fine furniture in
Eau Claire, was born at Neestved, Denmark, August 31, 1879, and
is one of a family of ten children born to Christian and Mari<>
Hansen, the latter now deceased. The father, who was born in
Denmark, is now (1914) at the age of seventy years, successfully
engaged in truck farming.
August received his education in the common schools of his
home town and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to learn
the upholsterer's trade. Becoming proficient in this line, lie
worked at upholstery in his native town until the fall of 1905,
when he sailed for America on the steamship "Hellig Olaf. "
After landing in New York City he went direct to St. Paul, Minn.,
where he had two brothers, and there entered the employ of
William French & Company, and later was associated with the
firm of Youngbauer & Company, two of the largest furniture and
upholstering houses in the Northwest. Severing his connection
with these concerns, he came to Eau Claire and for one year
worked for George W. Turner. In the fall of 1908 he embarked
ill the upholstery business for himself at 91 Grand avenue west.
BIOGRAPHY 725
Startiug with a limited capital and being- practically a stranger,
it was nearly three months before he received his first order,
upon which he made a small profit. P'rom that time his business
commenced to grow and finding more commodious quarters neces-
sary, he, in 1911, moved to his present location at 413 Barstow
street, where he carries a full line of draperies, tapestries, fine and
unique pieces of furniture, and is now M'ell known as one of Bau
Claire's successful business men, whose work in his line is the
best to be obtained in the city, catering to the best class of trade,
and is considered one of the most progressive Danish people
in Eau Claire. He is a member of Germania Lodge, No. 49.
Knights of Pythias, the Danish Brotherhood of St. Paul and the
Lutheran Church. He married Sigrid Braudrup, of Denmark, and
they have three children — Eina, Margaret and Mildred Eleanor.
Louis John Hanson," the well known hardware dealer of Eau
Claire, was born in (';iiiiliriilur. Dane county, this state, Novem-
ber 5, 1860, of Nor\M'ui:iii piii-futs. His father, who was born in
Norway, came to the I'liited Stiites when twenty-five years of age
and first located at Edgertou, where he followed the business of
merchant tailor, going thence to Cambridge, Augusta, Black
Eiver Falls, Merrillan .Tiiiidion and to Menomonie, following his
trade in each of these ]ihici's, living retired at Menomonie for
two years prior to liis dcntli. ITc mai'ried in Norway and they
were the ]);iri'iits cif tlirci' cliildr.n: -hn-ob, a cigarmaker at Me-
nomonie: Martin, who is jxi.st iiiiisicr ;it Menomonie, and Louis J.
Educated in the public schools, ]\Ir. Hanson went to work
when fourteen years of age as chore boy in a hotel at Neilsville,
after which he learned the tailor's trade of his father, remaining
with him three years. This was not his chosen vocation, how-
ever, and he went to work in the general store of Knapp, Stout
& Company, as clerk, in Menomonie, remaining there two years,
when he entered the employ of H. T. Cassity, as clerk, where he
spent seven years. He then clerked for A. H. Johnson, of Me-
nomonie, for sixteen years, and in 1902 came to Eau Claire and
started in the hardware business, in which he is progressive and
successful. He owns a small farm in the limits of Eau Claire, is
a member of the Liitheran Church, the Odd Fellows, Masons, the
Elks and Norsmen.
On February 27, 1882, Mr. Hanson married Mary E. Olson,
daughter of Andrew Olson, of Wausau, Wis., and they are the
parent*! of four children, viz. : Louis J., Jr., a high school graduate,
in the store with his father, married Iva Bradshaw; Ruth, Carlile
and Agnes.
726 HISTORY OP^ BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The hardware store of L. J. Hanson was started in 1902 by
Mr. Hanson at his present location — 442 Water street. He owns
the building, 22x122 feet, and carries a general line of hardware,
stoves, ranges, oils, varnish, tools and cutlery.
James Harden,* the popular assessor and well-to-do farmer
of Bridge Creek township, was born on a farm in St. Lawrence
county. New York, December 2, 1852, the son of Daniel Harden,
a representative and highly respected citizen of that county. Mr,
Harden spent his boyhood days on the farm in New York state,
attended the district schools and assisted in the farm work. At
the age of fifteen years in 1867, he came to Wisconsin and Eau
Claire county, where he has since made his home. In 1880 he
was married to Miss Caroline Noble, a daughter of one of the
pioneer families of Eau Claire, and they have two sons, Rali)h
and Alton.
Mr. Harden resides on his vpell improved farm of 160 acres
which is located in section 28, Bridge Creek town.ship. where he,
assisted by his son Ralph, carries on general farming and stock
raising. He is one of the high minded, prosperous farmers of
his town, and takes a deep interest in the welfare of his county.
A Republican in politics, he is active in the councils of his party
and has been honored by the citizens of his town with election
to the office of assessor, a position he has held for four years.
Fraternally, he is prominent in the circles of Masonry and is also
a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
William P. Hart, member of the Wisconsin Athletic Commis-
sion, the first in the state, was born in Eau Claire, January 11,
1874, the son of Peter and Mary (Hogan) Hart, natives of St.
LaM-rence county. New York, and New Castle, England, respect-
ively. They were married in Iowa and came to Eau Claire in the
early '60s, where for several years he acted as pilot on lumber
rafts. He later embarked in the hotel business with Simon Ran-
dall, they together conducting the American House, which stood
on the present site of the Y. M. C. A. building, until it was de-
stroyed by fire in the late '70s. He then engaged in the fuel busi-
ness and held the office of deupty sheriff two terms, and sheriff of
the county one term, after which he erected the Hart House, also
on the present site of the Y. M. C. A. building, M'hicli he con-
ducted successfully until his death, which occurred April 11, 1900,
at the age of 59 years. His wife, mother of our subject, survived
him ten years, and died in April, 1910, also aged 59 years. They
were the parents of six children, as follows: Jennie, Peter ¥.,
Charles. William P., Jessie, wife of Ray Boyington, and George.
BIOGRAPHY 727
Mr. Hart, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the city of
Eau Claire, receiving his education in the public schools. He
began life as a clerk, which vocation he has since followed, being
associated with one concern since 1906. He married, July 6, 1898,
Miss Lillian, daughter of William and Lucy (Garden) Eldridge,
natives of London, England, and pioneer settlers of Eau Claire.
Mr. Hart is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. Since boyhood Mr. Hart has beeii active in athletics and
for a good many years interested in promoting all kinds of athletic
sports. In August, 1913, he was appointed a member of the State
Athletic Commission, under the Hedding boxing bill. He was the
promoter of the first field day ever staged in Eau Claire ; also the
first World's Championship Log Rolling Tournament ever held
in Eau Claire, which took place Labor Day, September 7, 1914.
It was the greatest log rolling tournament ever staged. He
served one term as city alderman from the Ninth Ward.
Thomas G. Haygard, D. C.,* the pioneer chiropractor of Eau
Claire, the new method of analyzing the symptoms of and adjust-
ing the physical cause of disease without medicine, surgery or
osteopathy. He was born in Norway, January 27, 1891, the son
of Lars and Karoline (Tonnessen) Torkildson. He was reared in
Norway, receiving his education in the public schools. He took
the family name of Haygard and taught for a time in the schools
of Christianson, and in May, 1910, caiiic to the United States and
commenced the study of the English l;iii,uii;iui' in Brooklyn, N. Y.
In December, 1911, he entered the Piiliiici- School of Chiropractic
at Davenport, Iowa, the chiropractic fountain head, and after two
years of study was graduated March 28, 1913, and in May of the
same year began the practice of his profession at Spring Valley,
Minn., where he remained until February 1, 1914, when he came
to Eau Claire. He is now, 1914, building up a good practice and
has one assistant, J. C. Kiiudson, who has charge of the office while
the doctor looks after his many outside patients.
E. Walter Heiss,* secretary and manager of the Chippewa Val-
ley Casualty Company, Mas born in Aurora, 111., September 15,
1862. His parents were Elam W. and Margaret (Sencenbaugh)
Heiss, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneer settlers of Indiana.
His father, Avho was a school and music teacher by profession,
enlisted in the 54th Indiana Volunteer infantry for service during
the Civil War, died at Corinth, Miss., while marching south with
his regiment in 1862. His family consisted of four sons : John W. :
Albert; Samuel, and E. Walter, the subject of this brief sketch,
who was reared in Illinois, receiving his education in the common
728 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
schools. He began life on a farm, was later clerk in a dry goods
store in Aurora, 111., and from that to the wholesale dry goods
business in Chicago, where he was connected with the well known
firm of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company for nineteen years, fif-
teen years of which time were spent on the road as traveling
salesman. Eau Claire being one of his central points, he made
that city his headquarters in 1891 and has since made it his home.
In 1902 he became secretary and manager of the Chippewa Valley
Casualty Company, a position he has since filled.
On June 20, 1894, Mr. Heiss was united in marriage with Miss
Margaret, daughter of Pierce and Mary (Galvin) Joyce, of Eau
Claire, and natives of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Heiss have been
born two children — Dorothy and Margaret. Mr. Heiss is a mem-
ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and enjoys
the friendship of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Herman G. Helstrom, secretary of the Eau Claire Cornice &
Heating Company, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, August 1,
1881, the only son of Herman 0. and Stella (Wendla) Helstrom.
When our subject was seven .years of age, in 1888, his parents
came to the United States and located in Eau Claire, where the
father, a moulder by trade, found employment. He followed that
occupation until 1902, wlien he engaged as a contractor in the
cement and concrete business, in Avliieh he still continues.
Herman G. was reared in Eau Chiin', olitaining his education
in the public schools. He began his liusincss career as bookkeeper
and collector for the firm of the Madison Street Manufacturing
Company, general contractors, and the Eau Claire Cornice &
Heating Company, becoming a member of the last named firm in
1905, and has since been its secretary.
On June 28, 1910, he married Miss Grace, .daughter of David
DeMars, of Chippewa Falls, and has one son, Robert Wayne, and
one daughter, Dorothy Ann. Mr. Helstrom is a member of Ger-
mania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks, Eau Claire Lodge, No. 407, the Independent
Order of Foresters, No. 907, and is a lieutenant on the staft' of
Col. R. A. Richards, of the Third Regiment, Wisconsin National
Guards, and is president of thp State Association of Master
Plumbers.
Thomas J. Hill,* veteran oi' the Civil War and one of the old
time settlers of Eau Claire, was born in New Brunswick, August
21, 1840. When eighteen years of age, in 1858, he came to Eau
Claire and soon thereafter engaged in lumbering, a business he
has since followed nearly all his life. During the Civil War lie
BIOGRAPHY 729
eulisted and served two years aud two months aud claims to liave
had the honor of carrying "Old Abe," the famous war eagle,
wliicli went out with the Eau Claire Badgers, the first company
formed in this county. Mr. Hill has always been active in public
affairs and at one time served the city of Bau Claire as street com-
missioner for three yeai-s.
Jolni Hill, father of Thomas J. and foruier resident of this
city, married Ann Brunswick and they were the parents of the
following children : Thomas J., W. A., John F., and Ann J. Mr.
Hill enlisted during the Civil War in Company K, 36tli Wiscon-
sin Voluuteer infantry, and was killed at the battle of Cold
Harbor, June 16, 1864. His wife, mother of our subject, survived
until 1872, when she too passed away in the town of Badger's
Mills. Thomas J. Hill has been twice married. His first wife was
Lue Barton, of Eau Claire, by whom he had two children, named
Elenor M. and John M. For his second wife, Mr. Hill married
Kate M. Shaw, and to this union one daughter, Cora L., who is
now deceased, was born. Mr. Hill is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1881. He is also a mem-
ber of the Sons of Veterans and a regular attendant of the Pres-
byterian Church, and makes his honu^ at the Hotel Burkhart.
Edward B. Hilsteadt,* eleetririan and stationary engineer of
Eau Claire, is tlie son of Olaas and (Jertrude (Yelmo) Hilsteadt,
natives of Christiania and Bergen. Norway. They were married
in the state of New York in the middle fifties and came to
Wisconsin, locating in St. Croix county, and were numbered
among the pioneers of that section. He followed milling and
farming there until 1870, then moved with his family to Clay
county, Minnesota, where he farmed until his death, January 7,
1873. During the last year of the civil war he enlisted for service
in the Union army, but after reaching St. Louis the war was de-
clared over and he returned home without seeing service. He
was the father of five children, as follows : Betsey married James
W. Hill; Edward B. ; Caroline married Andrew Yogland ; Chris-
tiana married Thomas Conlon, and Louis, deceased.
Edward B. Hilsteadt was born in St. Croix county, Wiscon-
sin, October 8, 1863 ; he was reared in Wisconsin, Minnesota and
Dakota, and attended the public schools; served four years' ap-
prenticeship as machinist and mechanical engineer in Minne-
apolis, Minn., and has since followed that vocation in various
shops of the country, and since 1909 has been electrician and
engineer for the Eau Claire high school. Previous to this he
spent three years in the employ of the McDonough Manufaetur-
730 HISTORY OF EAV CLAIRE COUNTY
iug Company and one year with the Northwestern Steel & Iron
Company, and has been a resident of Eau Claire since 1904.
He married in 1889 Miss Nettie Green, daughter of Erastns
and Antoinette (Eads) Green, of Minneapolis, and they had three
children: Jennie; Clara married Rufus Hall: and Benjamin. His
present wife, whom he married at Downsville, Dunn county. Wis.,
was Nellie Stultz. daughter of Jacob Stultz, and they have three
children, viz: Elizabeth, Dorothy and Mary. Mr. Hilsteadt is a
member of the Episcopal church, and fraternally is a member of
Eau Claire Lodge, No. ]12. A. F. & A. M., the Beavers and the
Fraternal Reserves.
George Hilts, a progressive and successful business man of
Augusta, wliose forefathers were originally residents of Penn-
sylvania, was born in Canada, November 16, 1832, the son of
Joseph P. and Sarah (Johnson) Hilts, who were the parents of
nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom are now
deceased except Mr. Hilts and two sisters. The father died at
the age of 70 years, and the mother passed away at the age of 64.
Jlr. Hilts received his education in the common schools of
his native town and remained in Canada until 1866. He came
direct to Eau Claire county in that year and entered the employ
of the Porter & jMoon Lumber Company, of which concern he
was manager for four years. He next engaged with the Eau
Claire Lumber Company. He was in Eau Claire seven years,
from 1867 to 1874, when he went on his farm and remained
there until 1883, when he came to Augusta and purchased the plan-
ing mill then owned by J. L. Ball, and has since been in the con-
stant and successful operation of this, one of Augusta's largest in-
dustrial institutions. Of late years his son, George, Jr., has been
associated with him, and they are now doing a large and pros-
perous business. He retired from business February 2. 1914.
In 1862 Mr. Hilts was married to Miss Louise Headly, a native
of Canada, and they are the pai'ents of five children, two of Avhom
are living, Frank and George; the latter is engaged in business
with his father. Those deceased are Archie, who died at the age
of 3 years: Anna Louise, deceased wife of S. E. Bennett, now of
Idaho, and Ella, the deceased wife of N. Marte, who resides in
Chicago. A Republican in political views, Mr. Hilts has taken
an active interest in the affairs of his party ; has been a member
of the county board, and has filled many other local offices. He
is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Methodist church, and is
an influential and public-spirited citizen.
Joseph Hobbs, one of the early and substantial settlers of
BIOGRAPHY 731
Eau Claire, is a native of England and was born at St. Peters,
East Kent, July 9, 1836. His parents, Henry A. and Mary Ann
(Hills) Hobbs died when our subject was but six years of age.
Tllro^vu upon his own resources early iu life, he attended the
Dover school until he reached the age of thirteen, when he be-
came fascinated with the life of a sailor and went to sea. His
first voyage was from London to Calcutta, India, and on his re-
turn trip the vessel touched at Cape Town and the Island of St.
Helena. His second voyage was to Calcutta, touching at the
Island of INIaderia and Cape Town. He sailed from Calcutta to
Madrid, along the coast of Malibora. through the China sea
where the ship was wrecked. After being on the water in open
boat for three days, he, with a few othei's, was picked up by a
passing ship and taken to Hong Kong, China. From there he
sailed to India with a cargo of bullion in company with a man-
of-war. The vessel and convoy were attacked by pirates in the
Straits of Malacca, but they arrived safely at Calcutta. He
sailed from there to Boston, Massachusetts, thence around Cape
Horn to San Francisco, California, and along the coast to the
mouth of the Columbia river to Puget Sound. He returned to
San Francisco and sailed south^vard touching at Peru, Bolivia
and Valparaiso, Chili, and around the Horn to Liverpool, Eng-
land, where he arrived in 1855. Remaining here a short time, he
again sailed, going this time to Melbourne, Australia. Return-
ing to England, he visited his native village where he found his
brother and family about to sail for Amei-ica, and decided to
accompany them. They arrived safely in New York and having
spent six years on the water, Mr. Hobbs decided to come west
with his brother.
He came to AVisconsin and first located in Green Lake county
Avhere he lived until the Spring of 1861, when he came to Eau
Claire county and purchased a farm of 120 acres of land in "Wash-
ington township, to which he subsequently added until he owned
320 acres. Here he successfully engaged in farming, and for
many years has been numbered among the most influential and
highly respected citizens of the community.
On December 25, 1860, Mr. Hobbs married Jane Wilson,
daughter of Peter and Tabitha "Wilson. To this union were born
eight children, as follows : Henry A., Tabitha E., Frank "W., Mary
E., Ann M., Daniel N., Edwin A. and Laura. "While Mr. Hobbs
has never held nor sought political office, he has affiliated with
the Republican party and in religious matters, both he and ]\Irs.
Hobbs are members of the Baptist church of Eau Claire.
7:J2 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Charles Hoehn, the well-known and popular merchant of Fall
Creek, Eau Claire county, is a native of Germany and was born
in the Province of Brandenburg, near Berlin, December 12, 1854,
the son of August Frederick and Louise (Perso) Hoehn, also na-
tives of Germany. The ancestors of Mr. Hoehn, who lived in
Germany, were foremen on the large estates of wealthy land
owners in the Province of Brandenburg. His parents and fam-
ily emigrated to the United States in 1873 and settled in Monroe
county, Wisconsin.
In 1877 Charles Hoehu came to Eau Claire county, and for
two years worked as a farm hand. In 1880 he came to Fall Creek
and here found employment as clerk in a general retail store.
Being of an economical disposition, energetic and thrifty, he
managed to smvc up sufficient capital to start in business on his
own account. Consequently in 1892 he opened a general store in
Fall Creek and from the start has prospered, being well liked and
highly esteemed for his good business judgment and fair deal-
ing. Besides a complete line of general merchandise, he carries
a full assortment of drugs and sundries and is doing a flourishing
business. He is a man of pleasing personality and presence, and
readily wins the confidence and respect of the people.
He was married in 1887 to Miss Ottilie Glenz, and they have
eight children : The eldest, Ella, is the wife of Ed. Boernke ;
Archie is a druggist, now attending a course in chemistry at the
Marquette University at Milwaukee, Wis.; Lillie. George, Hilda,
Carl, Alma and Prank Hoehn.
Mr. Hoehn is prominent in the social circles of Fall Creek
and is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church.
Frederick Julius Hoeppner, president of the Hoeppuer-Bart-
lett Company, Avas born in Germany, February 5, 1854. He was
reared and educated in his native country; came to the United
States in 1880 and settled in Eau Claire.
In 1881 he married Miss Bertha Krueger, and they have had
three children, Hedwig, Margaret and Edmund.
After his arrival in Eau Claire he worked as a carpenter for
several years and then engaged in the contracting and building
business. In 1898 he went into partnership with W. W. Bartlett
and organized the firm of Hoeppner & Bartlett, contractors,
which was incorporated in 19C6 as the Hoeppner-Bartlett Com-
l)an.y. of which concei-n he has since been president.
William F. Hood, cashier of the First National Bank of Fair-
eliild. Wis., was born at Green Bay, this state. May 7, 1859. the
BIOGRAPHY 733
sou of William and ]\Iary A. (Russell) Hood, natives of Ayre-
shire, Scotland, the home of the celebrated poet, Robert Burns.
The father, who in early manhood became manager of a sugar
plantation in the West Indias, came to the United States in 1855,
locating at Kaukauna, Wis., where he purchased land. He soon
afterward moved to Green Bay and was engaged for several
years in the drug business, later embarking in general merchan-
dising. He served several years as municipal judge in Green
Bay, where he was a resident for over forty years. In 1903 he
moved to Fairchild, where he has since lived in retirement. He
reared a family of six children, viz : William F. ; Ilattie A. mar-
ried August Mehleiseu; John R.-. Marion, wife of R. B. Laird;
David R.. and Alexander A.
William F. was reared in Green Bay, receiving his education
in the public schools and the Green Bay Business College. He
began his business career as clerk in a grocery store in Green
Bay, and in 1882 he came to Fairchild and entered the employ
of N. C. Foster, later the N. C. Foster Lumber Company, as book-
keeper, serving in that capacity until the organization of the
First National Bank of Fairchild in 1904, when he was elected
its cashier, a position he still retains.
Mr. Hood married December 27, 1882, Miss Sarah M., daugh-
ter of Ephriam and Amanda (Tremain) Williams, of Green Bay.
They have three children living : William F.. Jr.. who is an arch-
deacon of the Episcopal church; Ruth A,, and Allen A. Relig-
iously Mr. Hood is affiliated with the Episcopal dnirch. and fra-
ternally he is an active member of the Masiniic oi-der, including
the Chapter, Royal Arch and the Comniandery.
Stephen Hoover,* whose death at Eau Claire, Wis., on Feb-
ruary 6. 1914. was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends
and acquaintances, was one of the city's enterprising and public-
spirited men. Mr. Hoover had been a resident of the city for
nearly half a century, and during that time had been prominently
identified with its business and civic life. He was born in Geneva,
N. Y., and from the close of his school days followed various
occupations. In 1866 he came to Eau Claire and engaged in the
butcher business, which occupation he successfully followed for
thirty or more years. He closed his business in 1898 and from
that time on lived in retirement. In all his business dealings
Mr. Hoover was the soul of honor, and his uniform courtesy and
manly demeanor, combined with social qualities of pleasing char-
acter, won for him universal confidence and esteem and made
734 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
him beloved by all, especially by those most intimately associated
with him. He was a devoted member of the Congregational
church and contributed liberally to its support.
He married Elizabeth Barland, who was formerlj^ from New
York state, and to this union one daughter, Fannie, who is now
tlie wife of B. A. Boffington, was born.
Emmet Horan, a prominent and progressive citizen of Eau
Claire, has for many years been actively identified with the busi-
ness, political and educational interests of the city. His paternal
grandfather. John Horan. a farmer by occupation, was a promi-
nent and influential man of his day in County Tipperary, Ireland.
His son Thomas, father of our subject, was born in the same
county December 21, 1806. He married in 1831 Catherine Finan,
and emigrated to America in 1842, settling first in Canada, and
in 1863 came to Eau Claire, Wis., and engaged in farming, and
here made his home until his decease in 1876. He was a Demo-
crat in politics; served as chairman of the town board and filled
many other local offices. He was an honorable and respected
man. His family consisted of seven children : John ; Bridget,
wife of Dennis Hogan ; Timothy F. ; Maria married John Mc-
Donough ; Thomas : Jane married Frank McDonough, and Emmet.
Enimet Horan Avas bom in Canada, Jlarch 11, 1852, and came
to Eau Claire with his parents in 1863. He was reared on the
farm, educated in the public schools and later entered the em-
ploy of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. His ability to handle
men and the faculty he exhibited in attending to the details of
the business secured for him the position of foreman of the log-
ging camps of the company. In 1885 he was appointed by Presi-
dent Cleveland register of the United States Land Office in Eau
Claire and held that position four and one-half years. In 1884
he was a candidate for member of the asscnilily. hut was de-
feated through the influence of an indepedent candidate. He
has represented Eau Claire at various times as member of the
city council, and was for four years a member of the county
board of supervisors. In 1889 he became a member of the Mc-
Donough Manufacturing Company, of Eau Claire ; was one of its
incorporators, and was made secretary and treas\irer. He con-
tinued in that position until 1912, and is still a member of the
company. He served as secretary of the Eau Claire board of
trade for several years, and since 1891 has been a member of the
Eau Claire school board and was the first president of the Eau
Claire training school board.
Durinff President Cleveland's second administration he was
lilOGKAPHY 735
appointed postmaster of Eau Claire and served in that capacity
four and a half years. He was appointed a member of the state
board of normal school regents in 1908, and has served in that
capacitj- continuously since, and was a leading- factor in secur-
ing the location for the Normal School at Eau Claire, now (1914)
in course of construction, the state having made an appropriation
of $225,000 for this purpose, and he is now a member of the
executive committee of the state board of normal school regents.
Mr. Horan was married November 4, 1874, to IMargaret,
daughter of Joseph Lawler, of Eau Claire. They have three chil-
dren, as follows: Claude, wife of Eichard F. Kaiser; Lenore,
wife of Mark L. Williams, and Euunet, Jr., an attorney of Mil-
waukee. Mr. Horan and family are members of St. Patrick's
church of Eau Claire. He is a member of the Ancient Order of
Hibernians, and served as state president of the same for a
period of four years. He is also a member of the Catholic
Knights of Wisconsin, of which he was vice-president six years.
Politically he is a Democrat of the progressive type.
Sydney E. Horel, superintendent of the Eau Claire County
Insane Asylmn, was born in the town of Lincoln, Eau Claire
county. Wis., July 6, 1873, the son of Heni-y and Ann (Roberts)
Horel. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Ann (Mor-
gan) Horel, who came from Benwell, Somersetshire, England,
with their family to the United States in 1837, and first settled
near Auburn, N. Y. In 1845 the family moved to Waukesha
county, Wisconsin, where the grandfather cleared and improved
a farm and there remained until his decease. Henry Horel, father
of Sydne.v E., left Waukesha county and in June, 1856. came to
Eau Claire county and engaged in lumbering and contracting,
a business he followed until 1864, when he purchased 160 acres of
land in what is now Lincoln township, to which he subsequentl.v
added 40 more acres. He cleared and improved the land and
there made his home until he died, January 14, 1903, at the age
of 67 years. His wife, mother of our subject, who survives, was a
daughter of John and Mary Ann (Halbert) Rolierts, who were
raised near Manchester, England. They came to the L^nited
States and settled in Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, in 1842, after
which they spent a short time in Waukesha county, thence in
1850 moved to Columbia county, where thej' remained until 1860.
and then moved to and settled in what is now the town of Otter
Creek, in Eau Claire county, where he cleared a farm of 100
acres and there established the family home and made their resi-
dence for a number of years. Later in life thev retired from
736 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
active labors and moved iuto the city of Augusta, where they
spent the balance of their lives. The father died in 1891 and tlie
mother in 1881. The children of Henry and Ann (Roberts)
Horel were: George C. ; Laura M., wife of C. E. Blair; Olive E.,
wife of A. C. Minto, and Sydney E.
Sydney E. Horel was reared on the homestead in Lincoln
township, receiving his education in the district and high schools
of Augusta. After attaining his majority he worked at the
mason's trade for five years, and returned to the home farm two
years prior to the death of his father, and until the spring of
1909 carried on the farm. He was at that time appointed super-
intendent of the Eau Claire County Insane Asylum, a position
he still retains and which he has filled Avith ability and satisfac-
tion to the community generally. Mr. Horel has been twice
married ; first to Nellie Hackett, daughter of John and Charlotte
(Stone) Hackett, of Augusta, by whom he had three children:
Ira S., Thelma L. and Elsie L. His present wife was Mary Chris-
tenson, daughter of Nels Christenson. of Seymour township, this
county.
Ml'. Horel is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
the A. F. & A. M., the R. A. M. and the Knights of Pythias. He
has always been enterprising to an eminent degree and takes a
lively interest in all matters tending to the welfare and pros-
perity of his town, county and state. A Democrat in his political
opinion, he has served as a member of the Eau Claire county
board three terms, was treasurer of the school board of the town
of Lincoln for six years, suceeding his father, who held the same
office many years. In the fall of 1908 he was a candidate of his
party for the office of .sheriff, running 1,1C0 votes ahead of liis
ticket, but failed in the election by the small margin of 73 votes.
Morris M. Horn, president of the Horn & Blum Manufacturing
Company, was born near Vienna, Austria, on November 27, 18S3.
His father, Heiman N. Horn, was also born in Austria, and after
his marriage to Anna Sender he came to America and located in
Chicago, 111., where he is now largely engaged in the manufac-
ture of ladies' clothing, under the firm name of H. N. Horn.
They are the parents of four children, two sons and two daugh-
ters, as follows: Morris M., our subject; Peter is associated with
his father in Chicago: Ray married David Solomon, of Chicago,
and Rose, single.
Morris M. came to Chicago with his parents and there at-
tended the public schools. At the age of fifteen he entered the
employ of his father and became thoroughly efficient as a cutter
BIOGRAPHY 737
and draftsman. In 1905 he went into the manufacturing busi-
ness for himself, first locating at Neilsville, Wis., where he re-
mained \intil 1911, successfully engaged in making overalls and
jackets, then, associated with A. Blum, he came to Eau Claire
and established the firm of Horn & Blum, manufacturing over-
alls, packets and shirts, which they have since continued to carry
on successfully with Mr. Horn president and Mr. Blum vice-
president and secretary. Mr. Horn is an energetic, wideawake
business man, and stands well in the commercial circles of Eau
Claire. In 1903 he married Miss Freda Meyers, of Chicago. lie
is an independent Republican and a member of Brai Birith.
Edgar L. Horton is another one of the prosperous and thrifty
farmers of Bridge Creek township. A native son of Eau Claire
county, he was born at Augusta, February 2, 1870. the son of
Elipha Horton and grandson of Hezekiah Horton, natives of
New York state. The Horton family came "West to Wisconsin in
1861, and in 1868 the father came to Bridge Creek township and
settled on a farm in Diamond Valley. He reared a family of four
children, three of whom are now (1914) living: Edgar L., the
subject of this sketch; Eugene and Holland; Nellie, who married
Alfred Lund, is now deceased.
Edgar L. was raised on the home farm, receiving his educa-
tion in the district schools and the public schools of Augusta, and
has spent nearly his whole life at farming. He owns 160 acres
of land in sections 21 and 22, Bridge Creek township, where he
resides, and 40 acres near the city of Augusta. His home farm is
a beautiful piece of land, finely improved, and his buildings,
which are modern and up-to-date, are handsomely located. In
addition to general farming Mr. Horton makes a specialty of
breeding and raising fine stock. His herds of registered Guern-
sey cattle and Poland-China hogs are among the best to be found
in Eau Claire county. He also makes a specialty of raising full-
blooded Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.
Mr. Horton married in 1901 Miss Agnes Hewitt, a very es-
timable lady and daughter of Joseph Hewett, of Augusta. Mr.
Horton has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs
both local and national, and is a lifelong member of the Repub-
lican party, although he has never sought political office. Both
he and Mrs. Horton are members of the National Fraternal
League and are active socially.
George H, Howe, deceased, who was esteemed alike for his
sterling worth as a man and the public spirit, enterprise and
tenacity of purpose, which made him an important factor in the
738 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
business circles of Eau Claire, was born in Essex county, New
York, in 1859, and there received his education and grew to
manhood. In the early 80 's, being fully convinced he should find
better opportunities for advancement, he came West and entered
the employ of a large Chicago concern as traveling salesman,
during which time he was thus employed making his home at
Lancaster, Wis. In 1885 he moved to Charles City, la., and en-
gaged in business for himself, remaining there for five years. He
came to Eau Claire in 1890 and was for three years connected
with the A. A. Cutter shoe establishment. In 1893 he entered
the employ of A. P. Ellison, who conducted a shoe store in the
building now occupied by the Lyric theater. After being thus
employed for some time Mr. Howe purchased an interest and be-
came a member of that concern. In 1904 Mr. Ellison withdreiv
his interest and the Howe Shoe Company was formed, with the
late I\Ir. Howe as president, under whose guiding hand and fair
and honorable dealings the business was increased to such pro-
portions as to be considered one of the best in its line in the
state. A business man of the highest character, Mr. Howe was
in all respects a most worth.v and estimable citizen, and his death,
which occurred Feliruary (5, 1911. was a great loss to the city of
Eau Claire.
On September 1, 1887, Mr. Howe married Miss Mae Tisdale,
at Minneapolis, Minn. Their family consists of two daughters.
Margaret and Annabel. Margaret is now teaching domestic
science in Bonner, Mont., and Annabel married George 0. Bly-
stone, of Eau Claire, and has one daughter, Kathryn.
Mr. Howe was a trustee of the Congregational church in Eau
Claire and an ardent church worker. He took an active interest
in the meetings of the Boys' Club, that looked toward tlie estab-
lishment of the Y. M. C. A., wliich was successfully carried
through.
Hans M. Howe was born in Christiania, Norway, Deceuiber 8,
1866, receiving his education in the public schools. In 1882 he
cauie to America and to Wisconsin, where he had an uncle living
by the name of Martin Olson. He was first employed by a farmer
at Elk Mound, this state, and was later in the employ of J. P.
Pickham, as gardener for three and a half years and spent one
winter at lumbering. He first engaged in the furniture business
as teamster, then as clerk, and now has been in that line of busi-
ness for twenty-nine years and with the one house under the firm
names of Williams & Lange, Williams & Co., Williams & Son and
BIOGRAPHY 739
latterly the Williams Furniture Company, of whiuh he is uow
(1914) vice-president and a large stockholder.
During the Spanish-American War he enlisted in Company B,
5th Wisconsin infantry, and served until the close of the war.
After his discharge he re-enlisted in Company E, 3d regiment,
Wisconsin National Guards, and served six years, during which
time he was quartermaster sergeant. He is also a member of the
I. S. W. A., the sons of Norway and the Lutheran Church.
In 1903 Mr. Howe married Miss Julia Olsen, daughter of Knute
Olsen, of Red Wing, Minn. To Mr. and Mrs. Howe has been born
one daugliter — Dorothy Pauline.
Eldred Hubbard,* one of the public spirited and representa-
tive farmers of Otter Creek township, Eau Claire county, is the
son of Alfred and Mary A. (Dighton) Hubbard. He was born
in the town of Elgin, Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1854, and is de-
scended from English ancestry. His remote ancestors having
emigrated from England to the United States and settled in an
early day in Connecticut. ]Martin Hubbard, grandfather of
Eldred, settled in Jeft'erson county. New York, and there his
father was born. Grandfather Hubbard emigrated with his fam-
ily to Canada, where he became a successful lumberman and
manufacturer. He died in 1855 at the age of fifty-five years,
when Eldred was eight years of age. The latter came to AVis-
eonsin with his parents from Canada, who located on a farm in
Bridge Creek township, Eau Claire county, in 1865. In later
years his parents moved to the city of Eau Claire where the
father died, ]\Iay 6, 1908. at the ripe age of 82. The mother of
air. Hubbard passed away March 31. 1910. at the age of 84.
They were the parents of four children, as follows: Martin B.,
(whose sketch appears alsewhere in this volume) ; Amanda, who
married M. V.. Pride: Eldred, our subject, and Elva, now :Mrs.
J. H. Tifft.
Eldred Hubbard was reared on the farm and his boyhood was
spent in much the same manner as most farmers' boys, attending
the district school and assisting in the farm work. He has fol-
lowed farming during his whole life, and by hard work, thrift
and economy, has succeeded in accumulating a substantial for-
tune. His farm, which is known as "The Fair Oaks Farm,"
contains 400 acres of well improved land. His modern and up-
-to-date residence, which is so beautifully located, affords a com-
manding view of the surrounding country. Ilis barns and out-
buildings are commodious and substantial, and his place is
740 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
equipped with many of the latest labor-saving devices. He car-
ries on general farming, stock-raising and dairj'ing, and has a
fine herd of blooded Holstein cattle. A few years ago IMr. Hub-
bard met with an accident which incapaciated him from manual
labor and he practically lives retired on the farm, the raauase-
ment of which has fallen to his sou, Alfred.
In 1879 Mr. Hubbard married Eliza Edington. and tliey luive
two sons. Earl, who married Emma Barka, and Alfred, who lives
at home, assisting in the operation of the farm. Mr. Hubbard is
of pleasing personality, w'hich has made him mauy friends in
his community. Affiliated with the Republican party, of whose
principles he is a staunch advocate, he thoroughly believes in
discharging his duties as a private citizen in all matters of po-
litical importance, but has had no desire for public office. He is
a member of the Modern Woodmen and one of the leading men
of his town.
John Huebsch, Avidely known as the head of the Huebsch
Laundry Company, of Eau Claire, with branches in Milwaukert
and Winona, and one of the prominent, public spirited and enter-
prising men of this city, is a native son of Wisconsin. He was
born at Buffalo City, Buffalo county, this state, to Frank and Eva
Huebsch. He passed his boyhood at home, receiving his pre-
liminary ('(hifiitioii in tile public schools and came to Eau Claire
in 1892 and cslnblislicd the lliirlisch Laundry Company, which for
many years has 1)cimi recognized as one of the leading laundries in
this part of the state, as well as the foremost one in this city,
and its founder as one of hei- substantial, reliable and most
esteemed men. While the exacting duties of his business have
engaged Mr. Huebsch 's chief attention, he has yet found time to
devote to other affairs and was a member of the first city council
elected under the commission form of government, having been
elected in 1910 for a terra of two years. He made an excellent
commissioner and could easily have been re-elected, but declined
to be a candidate.
Mr. Huebsch is fond of outdoor pastime, his chief amusement
being horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Socially he occupies
a position of prominence. He is a member of the Eau Claire Club,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Wood-
men, Maccabees and Eagles. In November, 1889, Mr. Huebsch
was married to Miss Christina Sink and they have an interesting
family of two children — Benjamin J. and Laura Huebsch.
Orrin H. Ingram. Tlie Wisconsin lumber industry during its
hiuh tide of activity lirought together and developed many re-
BIOGRAPHY 741
markable meu, iu mauy respects the most noteworthy figures in
the citizenship of the state during its history. One of these, who
would be mentioned iu any group of the leading lumbermen of
the last half century, is Orrin H. Ingram. Since the pioneer days
he has been identified with the lumber interests of the Chippewa
Valley, with Eau Claire his headquarters and residence during a
l)eriod of fifty -five years. Engaged from youth up in one of the
most picturesquely rugged of industries, he developed those fine
qualities which we like to associate with the forest and the woods-
men, and at the same time the active forces of his career were
permeated by a solid integrity and thorough going honesty that
were as typical of himself as liis more supei'ticial characteristics.
During his active career, Mr. Ingram was not only a vitalizing
factor in the lumber industry as a business, but was also an
origiuatur, an inventor, and some of his devices and mechanical
improvements have done a great deal to make the business of
lumbering easier and more profitable.
Orrin H. Ingram comes from New England, the original home
of American lumber interests. He was born at Westfield, Jlassa-
chusetts, ^lay 12, 1830. His parents were David A. and Fanny
(Grauger) Ingram. When Orrin was a child his parents moved
to Saratoga. New York. There the father died in 1841, leaving
very limited means for the support of his widow and children.
Left at the age of eleven years, Orrin Ingram had to confront the
severe responsibilities which usually fall to the lot of grown man-
hood. Instead of attending school, he was bound out to work
for his board and clothes. Thus his early years were spent until
he was seventeen years of age, and he then joined his mother,
who had married again, on Lake George, and while working on a
farm attended school during the winter months for three years.
At the end of this time some of his early deficiencies in edu-
cational equipment were remedied, and he was better prepared to
take up the future responsibilities of life. Retui-ning to his native
state of ilassachusetts he there made ap)plication for position in
the United States armory at Springfield. Three years later he
received word that the place was open for him. One of the most
interesting facts of biography comes from a study of those inci-
dental causes which deflect a career from one channel to another.
Had iMr. Ingram accepted the place in the armory his life and
its accomplishments would have made an entirely different story.
As it was iu the three-year interval he had changed his mind,
and accordingly refused the offer of a position in the government
armory. Thus in 1847. having returned to New York, he entered
742 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the employ of Harris & Brouson Lumber Company, whose enter-
prise was located in the vicinity of Lake Pharaoh, in Warren
county. During the winter months he received wages of twelve
dollars a montli, and in the summer while working in the mill
got thirteen dollars a month. That was his practical introduc-
tion to the business which he closely followed upwards of half ;i
century, and with which, both in its pioneer and its modern
phases, there is probably no better informed man in Wisconsin
today. Later he took entire charge of the company's mill, and
assisted in building a mill for the firm of Fox & Englin, on the
Rideau Canal in Canada. About the same time he built and
operated mills on the JMorra river, near Bellville, in Canada.
Returning to his former employers, Harris & Bronson, he built
and operated a mill for them at Ottawa, Canada, and soon gained
a reputation as a lumberman thoroughly qualified in all depart-
ments of the business, and possessed of unusual foresight and
skill and thoroughly reliable. For this reason he was the re-
cipient of many excellent offers, and among them came an offer
from the firm of Gilmour & Company, of Ottawa, Canada, the
largest lumber concern in the world at that time. This firm
offered him four thousand dollars a year, with house rent, horses,
and other incidentals furnished, and he accepted and for several
years worked for that company. During this time he remodeled
several of their large mills and had entire charge of the manu-
facturing end of the bxisiness, from the handling of the .saw logs
direct from the river and booms to the perfection of the finished
lumber.
It was while with tlie firm of Gilmour & Company that ]\lr.
Ingram first contributed an invention which did much to facilitate
lumber manufacture. This was his invention of the gang edger,
a device that has been of greater benefit to the lumber business
than any other single invention. However, it was characteristic
of the man that he did not patent his invention, merely putting
it to practical use in various mills of which he was superintend-
ent, and also in a number of Wisconsin mills. Some time later a
man named Paul applied for a patent on the edger, and the patent
was granted to his heirs. However, it was proved that the edger
had been invented and had been introduced and was in regu-
lar use in a number of mills, and its real author was Mr. Ingram,
whose invention had been practically stolen by the man Paul.
Thus the Paul heirs were never able to collect any royalties on
the invention.
Having in the meantime accumulated considerable means of
BIOGRAPHY 743
his own, Mr. Ingram, iu 1856, determined to go into business on
his own account. The old firm of Gilmour & Company offered
him six thousand dollars a j'ear to remain, but he saw too much
in the future as an independent operator and declined the liberal
offer. In 1857 he established the tirm of Doyle, Ingram & Ken-
nedy. This fii-m began lumbering in the Chippewa Valley of Wis-
consin, and soon afterwards opened up a large tract of timber,
rafted it down the river, and establi.shed a lumber yard at Wa-
basha, ]\Iinnesota, and also one at Dubuque, Iowa. At the lat-
ter place they built a saw mill. In 1861 their mill at Eau Claire
was destroyed at a total loss of fifty thoi;sand dollars. In 1862
Mr. Doyle retired from the firm and two years later two of his
employes were given a one-eighth interest to be paid out of the
share of their profits. The firm then became Ingram, Kennedy
& Company. In 1865 this firm built the steamer Silas Wright,
and condncti'd the largest part of the trading between Reeds
Landing to Eau Claire.
About this time Mr. Ingram devised the system of lighters
which enabled the company's boats to ascend the river while other
boats of less draft had to remain down stream. This invention
he had patented in 1867. Later the boat with its appliance was
taken south and operated on the Ai-kansas river, though still later
purchased by H. T. Rumsey, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, who put on
a line of boats, planned and operated after the Ingram device.
In 1880 Mr. Ingram organized the Chai'lcs Horton Lumber
Company, of Winona, Minnesota. The following year Mr. Ken-
nedy sold his interests in all the enterprises to Messrs. Dulaney
& McVeigh, and the Empire Lumber Company was then estab-
lished with a capital of eight hundred thousand dollars, absorb-
ing the interests of the former Ingram, Kennedy & Company.
The Dubuque business was also incorporated about that time as
the Standard Lumber Company, with five hundred thousand dol-
lars capital. Mr. Ingram became president of the Standard Com-
panj', and president of the Wabasha Lumber Companj'. In 1883
he organized the Rice Lake Lumber Company, with a capital of
six hundred thousand dollars, and was its president. He was
also vice president of the Chippewa Valley Lumber & Boom Com-
pany, a large concern with a capital of one million dollars. Among
other impoi-tant business connections, he was president of the
Eau Claire National Bank and the I^nion National Bank, was a
director in the Hudson Saw JMill, president of the old Eau Claire
Water Works Company, president of the Fort Scott Lumber
Company, and treasurer of the Anthracite Coal Company, of
744 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Albei'ta, Canada, a concern with a capital stock of over one mil-
lion dollars.
With such a record of remarkable business achievements,
and with the generous accumulations which naturally have flowed
from his great undertakings, Mr. Ingram has always shown a
lively sense of his responsibilities in managing and caring for
these large industrial resources and his personal wealth. He
has been liberal in many ways, and charity and public wealth in
many forms have benefited from his influence and generous as-
sistance. He is a member of the board of trustees of the state
committee of the Congregational church. He belongs to the
Young Men's Christian Association at Eau Claire, and is a direc-
tor in the Ripon College. A number of years ago he built the
Ingram block in Eau Claire, one of the finest office buildings of
Wisconsin. He was the prime mover and gave twenty thousand
dollars as a fund towards the construction of the Y. M. C. A.
building at Eau Claire. Though his own church is the Congrega-
tional, he has always been liberal in his donations to all religions,
and benevolent and charitable works. He gives freely, and yet
with such unostentation that no one has ever known the full
extent of his philanthropy.
On December 11, 1851, ilr. Ingram married ]Miss Cornelia E.
Pierce, of Lake George, avIio died in 1911. Of their children,
Charles is deceased, Erskine is a member of the Ingram Company,
and Miriam is the wife of Dr. E. S. Hayes. Mr. Ingram, in his
earlier years, was equal to bearing burdens with any of his asso-
ciates and competitors, and still retains much of the ruggedness
which was characteristic of him when he was active in the woods
and on the river,s. For many years he has been a leader among
men. In his control has been vested the direction of millions of
dollars in resources, and his dominant mind and forcefulness
have never failed to preserve the principal intact and increase the
investment many fold. Although now past eighty-four years of
age, with a record of achievements and success such as could be
ascribed to few Wisconsin men, Mr. Ingram is still an active man,
and is still a vital force in Wisconsin's industrial affairs. He
has that kindliness born of close contact with the hardships of
nature and from long experience with mankind. His fortune was
made at a time when the successful man was both strong in body
and mind. He had to possess the practical ability covering all
the varied life of the woods and the rivers. Mr. Ingram, in his
earlier day, could skillfully ride a log down a foaming current,
knew how to get the lumber out of the woods, how to get it
BIOGRAPHY 745
sai'elj- to the mill, aud many days and nights were spent out in
the open among the woods and about the lumber camps. He ate
beans and bacon along with his men aud when it was necessary
he could put his shoulder side by side and hold up his share the
e([ual of any lumber jack in his crew. In addition to the many
other concerns with which ilr. Ingram has been associated, as
already mentioned, he has taken part in both business and public
movements of only less importance, and deserves properly to
stand among the builders and pioneers of Eau Claire and vicinity.
Carl G. Johnson, (•omincrcial photographer and engraver of
Eau Claire, was born in Sweden, May 6, 1873, the son of Peter
and Mary Johnson, who came to the United States with their
family in 1883 and located in Wisconsin, where the father secured
employment as teamster for the Eau Claire Lumber Company, a
position he held until his death in 1890, at the age of forty -five
years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of two children — ■
Carl G. aud Selma, the wife of Frank Swan.
Carl G. Grew to manhood in Eau Claire and was educated in
the public schools. His first einplo.yment was with the Eau Claire
Book & Stationery Company, with whom he was connected for
twelve years, and while there took up the art of wood engraving,
later adding halftone and copper plate work. He was for years
employed as engraver in the Leader office and in 1908 established
his present business of photo engraving and cominercial photog-
raphy, and is one of the best known mcu in his line in north-
western Wisconsin.
On June 16, 1898, ilr. Johnson married Miss Esther, daughter
of John Mallgren, of St. Peter, Minn., and they have two children
— Marion and Doris.
Hans E. Johnson,* a member of the firm of Allen-Johnson
Company, general music dealers of Eau Claire, was born in
Christiania, Norway, January 6, 1877, and is one of a family of
nine children, five of whom grew to maturity, born to Ilalvor and
Christiana (Thorestenson) Johnson. Besides our subject, the
others are Elmer H., a machinist; Dora, wife of Harold Hanson;
Frank P., a piano tuner, aud Joseph, wife of Albert Petrick. The
parents came to the United States in 1883 aud settled in Eau
Claire, where the father, who was a shoemaker by trade, has since
been in the employ of the A. A. Cutter Shoe Manufacturing Com-
pany.
Coming to Eau Claire when six years of age, Hans E. grew up
in the city, attending the public schools. He started out in life as
a messenger boy for the Western LTnion Telegraph Company,
746 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
serving iu that capacity for one year. He then became clerk
for one year, and in 1892 entered the music store of E. W. Allen
as clerk, remaining thus employed until 1899, then went to Chi-
cago and for two years was employed as piano tuner for the
Straube Piano Company. In 1901 he returned to Eau Claire and
worked for Mr. Allen as piano tuner and clerk until 1906, when
associated with Mr. James E. Allen he purchased the business of
E. W. Allen, which has been successfully carried on since that
time under the name of the Allen-Johnson Company.
Mr. Johnson married, May 25, 1905, Catherine Horan, daugh
ter of Thomas and Theressa (Redmond) Iloran. Mr. Johnson is
generally popular in the business and social circles of Eau
Claire and is a member of tlie Fraternal Reserved Association of
Oshkosli.
John W. Johnson, '' a well-to-do farmei- and resident of Bruns-
wick township, Eau Claire county, was born in Miuneapolis,
Minn., March 11, 1871, the son of Louis and Carolina Johnson.
In 1866, while still a young man, the father emigrated from
Sweden to America and settled at Minneapolis with his wife and
one child, who were born in Sweden. He was a bridge builder
by occupation and was in the employ of the Chicago & North
Western and also the Milwaukee & St. Paul railroads, and whil'
thus emxiloyed met an accidental death in 1872 and was buried
at Minneapolis. He was married at Carlstead, Sweden, to Miss
Carolina Johnson, and they became the parents of four children,
as follows : Ingabaugh and Annie are residents of Minneapolis ;
John W., our subject, and Christieann, who married Tey Telef-
son and resides at Mount Horel, Wis. After the death of her
husband, the mother married G. P. Tingom and moved to Dane
county, Wisconsin, where she died in 1908 at the age of 66 years.
By this second marriage she became the mother of three chil-
dren: Peter, a resident of Minneapolis; Andrew and Edward,
who are deceased.
John W. moved to Dane county with his mother when a
young boy and there received his education in the public schools
and worked on a farm until 19 years of age, when he went to
Madison and served a three years' apprenticeship in the machine
shops located there. He then followed the machinists' trade for
twenty-two years, during which time he acted as overseer and
foreman, having under his direction at times large bodies of
men. In the spring of 1913 he came to Eau Claire county, locat-
ing in the town of Brunswick, where he purchased the John
l^rOGRAl'IlY 747
Wliittlc I'ariu of 140 ae-res and is now (1914j engaged in general
fanning and stoclc i-aising, making a specialty of Holstein cattle.
In 1899 Mr. Johnson married Rose Amble, who was born in
Norway, the daughter of John Amble. To Mr. and Mrs. John-
sou have been born four children, of whom two are now living,
viz. : Harold and Ragnheld, while Ruth and Edward are deceased.
Paul Johnson, a native son of Norway, was born December
21, 181)2. He attended the common schools of his country, and
in 1882. came to the United States and located in Eau Claire,
where for thirteen years he was engaged in lumbering. In 1893
he opened a saloon on AVater street and has since been engaged
there in business, a period of twenty-one years. His father,
whose name was Joseph Johnson, and his wife, mother of Paul,
were both born in NorM^ay, where they reared their family and
spent their entire lives, both being now deceased.
Ml-. Paul Johnson has two brothers in Norway : Hans and
Ollie, and one brother. Sever, and one sister, Mrs. Louis Haugen,
living in Eau Claire. He married Miss Anna Olson, of Eau
Claire, and they had four children: Jean Orrin; Ida, born No-
vember 6, 1892, and died November 7, 1892; Ida Marie, and
Agnes Pauline. Religiously, Mr. Johnson is a member of the
Norwegian Lutheran Church and fraternally he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of Norway.
Albert B. Jones, agent of the Cliicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway, Eau Claire, was born in Fayetteville, Onondaga county.
New York, December 18, 1856, the son of Evan T. and Catherine
(Williams) Jones, both natives of Wales. The father, who was
a miller and millwright by trade, came to the United States in
1843 and located at Hartford, Oneida county. New York, where
he engaged at milling, which he followed during the greater part
of his life. lie came to Wisconsin in 1857, locating at Neenah,
where, with John R. Davis, Sr., he operated the old Winnebago
flouring mill until 1866. He then went to Fall River, in Colum-
bia county, and with a younger brother, William, engaged in
the same business inider the firm name of Jones Brothei's, which
was continued until 1875. He was an expert stone dresser for
grinding, and for the next fifteen years, until his retirement in
1890, followed his specialty or stone-dressing expert. He came
to Eau Claire in the last named year and resided here until his
death in 1912 at the age of 80 years. He reared a family of four
children, all of whom are now (1914) living, viz.: Jennie, who is
the wife of Thomas C. Lewis and resides at Federa. So. Dak.;
748 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Mamie, the wife of Fred Kuowltou, of Eau Claire ; Albert B., the
subject of this sketch, and Herbert E., of Wabasha, Minn.
Albert B. Jones, when only one year old, in 1857, eaine to
Wisconsin with his parents and grew to manhood in this state,
receiving his education in the public schools. He later learned
telegraphy and began his life as telegraph operator in the em-
ploy of the Chicago, Mihvaukee & St. Paul Railway Company
in 1873. He followed this line of work until 1878, when he was
assigned to office work, becoming cashier for the company at
Wabasha, Minn., a position he held until 1882. He then came to
Eau Claire, where he has since held the responsible position as
agent for the same company for the period of thirty-two years,
a record Avhieh in itself speaks volumes for his executive ability
and the manly and upriglit manner in which he has handled the
company's affairs.
Mr. Jones was married May 24, 1883, to Miss Ida, daughter of
William 0. and Mary (Knowlton) Chesebro, of Lime Springs,
Iowa. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, viz. :
Mollie ; RosAvell C, a telegrapher at Missoula, Mont. ; Richard
S., a pharmacist of Eau Claire; Roger E., who is agent for the
Western Express Company in Ashland, Wis., and Albert B., Jr.,
a student. Mrs. Jones died in 1898 and Mr. Jones was later
married to Mrs. Rose A. (Hendershott) Burgar, widow of Milo
P. Burgar, of Eau Claire. Mr. Jones affiliates ^^ith tl)e Presby-
terian Church and fraternally is a Royal Arch Mason.
Horace William Jones,* who has lived in Eau Claire, Wis.,
for nearly half a century, is oiu' of that class of enterprising
men who have not only witnessed, but who have also had an
important part in the work of transforming the country from a
state of comparative wilderness to its present high place among
the banner counties of the state. He was born in Chautauqua
county, New York, January 19, 1849, the son of Harry Sherman
and Elizabeth (Bain) Jones. His father was a native of New
England, came to Wisconsin and was among the pioneers of
Dunn county, locating in the town of Spring Brook, adjoining
Eau Claire county, in 18.59. On April 1, 1865, he came to Eau
Claire county with liis family and settled on the farm in Union
township, which is now owned by our subject. He cleared and
improved a part of it, and in later life moved to the city of Eau
Claire, where he died at the age of 83 years. He and his wife
lived to celebrate their golden wedding and reared a family of
five children, viz. : Cynthia, Henry M., Louisa, Horace W. and
Marv A. Cynthia married Charles Gose and Louisa married
BIOGRAPHY 749
James Minor. With the exeeptioii of oue year, Mr. Jones has
resided on the old homestead since 1865, which comprises 150
acres. He has always carried on general farming and dairying
and for many years has been considered one of the most pros-
perous farmers of the community and an influential and wide-
awake citizen. He has been lavish in his expenditures of time,
labor and money in improving his farm, remodeling and erecting
commodious and substantial buildings and supplying modern
appliances and equipment, so that his is in reality one of tlie
most desirable and attractive homesteads in the county.
Mr. Jones lias filled various offices of trust and for the past
eight years has held the office of assessor for the town of Union,
lie is a Republican in politics and fraternally is a member of
Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias. In November,
1873, he married Rosedell Phillips, and they were the parents of
four cliildriii, as follows: Bessie, who married Arthur Churchill,
is dt'i-fiis.'d ; Maude, now Mrs. Knute Anderson: Florence, mar-
ried William Scibi^rt, and Roy Jones.
Elbridge G. Jordan, for eight successive years justice of the
])('ace ill Eau Claire, was born in Freeport, Cumberland countj',
IMaiiie. July 2fi, 1841, a son of William and Mary (Brown)
Jordan, both natives of the state of Maine. He was reared to
manhood and educated in the common schools of his home
state and served three years" apprenticeship at the blacksmith
trade at Saiigersville, Maine. At the breaking out of the Civil
War he enlisted as a private in Company L, First Maine cavalry,
and served as veterinary horseslioer, and after five months'
service was taken from the army by his father. On July 22,
1862, he re-enlisted as a private in Company B, 1st Maine heavy
artillery, was promoted to corporal in 1864, and on May 9 of
the same year was transferred to the navy as ordinary seaman
on the gunboat "Pontiae," and after a service of three years
he was honorably discharged June 3, 1865. On April 16, 1866,
he arrived at Eau Claire, Avhere he has since resided. He worked
at his trade as a journeyman until 1868 and then embarked in
business for himself, in which he continued until 1901, since
which time he has worked off and on at the carpenter and
painting business.
On September 9, 1866, he married Miss Kate, daughter of
Thomas and Mary (CoUotou) Brennan, natives of Ireland, who
came to the United States in 1854 and to Eau Claire county in
1861, settling on a farm in the town of Union. By this marriage
there were nine children, viz. : William T. ; Hattie M., deceased
750 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
wife of Harry Gilpatrick ; Maude, wife of William Thompson ;
Ida, wife of Samuel Crowley; Charles E., Arthur C. ; Pearl C,
wife of Levi Peterson; George and Elbridge C. Mrs. Jordan is
a member of the Baptist Church and the Ladies of the G. A. K..
Circle No. 24, Colonel Bartlett Post. Mr. Jordan is a menibei-
of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., of which he was commandci- in
1912. He has served as justice of the peace since 1905 and in
the spring of 1913 was re-elected for a term of two years, lii
politics he is a Democrat.
James T. Joyce, of Eau Claire, is vice-president of the Union
National Bank and active in business circles in the Chippew.i
valley. A native of Eau Claire, Mr. Joyce is bound to this sec-
tion by ties of birth and he feels the tie a very close one. He
was born on April 9, 1862, a son of Pierce and Mary T. (Galvin i
Joyce, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father was born
in the county of Carlow in 1826 and came to this country iii 1857.
He made the journey by sailing ship, landing in the city of New
Y'^ork. He drifted from the American metropolis up to Quebec,
also traveling by sailing vessel, and from Quebec he wandered
Avest and finally located in Portage county, Wisconsin. In 1859
he came to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and here engaged in the lum-
bering business for a time. He then went into the butchering
business and later was engaged in the hotel business for a num-
ber of years, until his retirement from active life, lie was promi-
nent in the city and served as alderman for a number of years,
being a Democrat in his political affiliations. Mr. Joyce died
October 9, 1907, but his wife yet survives him and is a resident
of Eau Claire. They were the parents of seven childi-en, of
which number five are living today.
James T. Joyce grew up in Eau Claire, receiving his educa-
tion in the grammar and high schools of that city. At the age of
eighteen he entered the Bank of Eau Claire. He gradually
worked his way ii]!, winning promotion through hard and con-
scientious Avork, until he had reached the post of cashier. He
took this position in 1897 and held it until 1906, when he became
vice-president of the Union National Bank of Eau Claire, an
office which he is now holding. In 1906 he was one of the men
who conceived and organized the Union National Bank of Eau
Claire, and the Union Savings Bank of Eau Claire, lie is at
present a director in both banks. He was also one of the organ-
izers of the Union Mortgage Loan Company. Mr. Joyce is a
man of many interests, much of his time being given to his
BIOGRAPHY 751
lumber and timber interests, and to tlie various manufacturing
concerns with which he is connected.
Among the organizations in which he is one of the executive
officers may be mentioned the following: The Chippewa Valley
Casualty Company, which was incorporated in 1902, and of which
he is president ; The Davis Falls Land Company, incorporated in
1904, of which he is vice-president; The Eau Claire Dells Im-
provement Company, of Avhich he is vice-president and which
was ineori)orated in 187!); the Eau Claire Savings Loan and
Building Association, which was incorporated in 1877 and of
which he is treasurer. This long list of responsible positions
proves far better than could a long string of words the ability
and executive force that Mr. Joyce possesses. Mr. Joyce, it may
also be said, served in 1911 and 1912 as president of the Wis-
consin Bankers' Association.
In politics Mr. Joyce is a meiiil)cr of the Democratic party,
and has always taken an interest in political aflfairs, though his
only active participation has ))een as the alderman from the Sev-
enth Ward, which office he held for one term. He is a member
of Eau Claire Lodge, Xo 402, of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, but this is his sole fraternal association.
Mr. Joyce was married in 1890 on the 7th day of November
to ;\lai'y Cousins. Slie was born in Eau Claire, Wis., a daughter
of Ilciii-y ;iii(l Louisa (Preston) Cousins. Her father settled in
Eau Chiii'c in the hitc sixties and was well known as a lawyer.
He resided in Walworth comity. Wisconsin, before removing
to Eau Claire. At the outbreak of the Civil War, under a pro-
visional commission as captain, he recruited a company of in-
fantry. The army surgeon passed every man in the company
with the exception of Captain Cousins, whom they rejected on
account of his delicate health. He then devoted his attention to
assisting others in recruiting work. Several years after the close
of the war he located in Eau Vlaire. He soon became a leader
in the Republican party and served on the State Central Com-
nuttee, Congressional Committee and County Committee. He
was elected to the Legislature, the City Council, the County
Board and as State's Attorney.
Peter Justesen, a thrifty farmer of Eau Claire county, is the
son of Just Petersen and Anna Kjerstina Johnson, and was born
in Denmark on November 9, 1844. His father, who was a farmer
and manufacturer of wooden shoes in Denmark, spent his whole
life there and died at the age of 88 years. His mother was 46
752 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
years old at the time of her death. At the age of ten years Peter,
who was thrown on his own resources, went to Avork on a farm
and has ever since been self-supporting. He lived in his native
country until he was 26 years of age, receiving a limited educa-
tion. He came to the United States in 1870, his first employment
being at railroading. Mr. Justesen married in 1878 Anna Marie
Olson, daughter of Ole Thompson, and she was the mother of the
following children: Anna is the wife of John Kelly; Mattie and
Mary are milliners and live in Augusta; Gusta is the wife of
Ralph Kirkham; Elsie is the wife of M. N. Knudson; Frank
and Wallace. Since the death of Mrs. Justesen, which occurred
on February 9, 1911, Mr. Justesen and his two sons, Frank and
"Wallace, have attended to all the work on the farm, whicli con-
sists of 80 acres well improved. In religious convictions ]\Ir.
Justesen is affiliated with the Lutheran church.
John J. Kelley,* who ranks among the prominent and influ-
ential citizens of Eau Claire, was born in Ireland, June 6. 1848.
He came to America when a small boy and in 1865 landed in Eau
Claire. After coming to Wisconsin he was for several years con-
nected with the flouring mills at Portage City, Columbia county,
and for ten years had charge of a flouring mill for the Eau Claire
Liimber Company. After severing his connection with this com-
pany Mr. Kelley purchased a flouring mill in Washington town-
ship, which he successfully conducted for nine years. In 1885
he erected an ice house on Fifth street, between Grand avenue
West and Union street. This he subsequently moved to Half
Moon lake, where it was enlarged and now has a capacity of
about 25,000 tons. Mr. Kelley formed a stock company, which
was incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin in 1912 under the
name of the Eau Claire Ice Company, of which he is president.
The company does an extensive business and keeps its sixteen
wagons and thirty men employed the year round.
Mr. Kelley married in Eau Claire, Margaret S. Eagan, daugh-
ter of John Eagan. By this union there has been six children,
as follows : John J., Jr., Bessie, Josephine, Ruth, Sumner and
Paul, all of whom were born in the city of Eau Claire. ]\Ir. Kelley
is prominently identified with St. Patrick's cliureh. is a member
of the Catholic Knights and the Hibernians.
Will S. Kelley, the genial proprietor of " Kelley 's Smoke
Shop," in Eau Claire, was born at Lake Crystal, Minn.. February
■4, 1882, the son of Michael W. and Ellen (Swift) Kelley. Michael
Kelley was a native of Ireland, but his wife was born at Portage
City. Wis. Her parents were Edward and Ann Swift, both of
BIOGRAPHY 753
whom were natives of Ireland. They came into the Northwest
among the early settlers and were pioneers of Portage City as
well as of Eau Claire. In 1856, when this part of Wisconsin
was a wilderness, they settled in Brunswick township, where
they cleared and improved a farm of 320 acres, which is still
in the possession of their descendants.
After coming to America and during his early manhood
Michael W. Kelley held the position of fireman on the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, running out of Portage City.
Subsequently he became associated with his brother John, and
they operated a grist mill on the Eau Claire river. Later he
went to Minnesota and for twenty years conducted a general
store at Lake Crystal. In 1896 he settled permanently in Eau
Claire and was employed as a traveling salesman for an Eastern
manufacturing company, a position he held until his death, which
occurred March 16, 1904, when he was 62 years of age. The fam-
ily now consists of his widow, one son, Will S., and two daugh-
ters, Mae E. and Mrs. Angle Kelley Carter, who has one son.
Jack.
W^ill S. Kelley, the son of Michael W. and Ellen (Swift)
Kelley, grew up at Lake Crystal and in Eau Claire, receiving his
education in the common and high schools, but beginning to
acquire business habits and training while yet a school boy,
and laying the foundation for a successful career. After leaving
school he secured a position as clerk and collector with Dunbar
& Cathcart Company, which subsequently became the L. S. Dun-
bar Company, of Eau Claire, and remained with them for eight
years. March 1, 1906, he accepted a position as traveling sales-
man for the Oscillating Sleigh Company, of Menomonie, Wis.,
and was with them until August 15 of that year, when he re-
signed with the view of going into business for himself. Ac-
cordingly on October 1, 1906, he embarked in the retail cigar and
tobacco business, and " Kelley 's Smoke Shop" is today the best
and most popular cigar and tobacco house in Eau Claire, and is
not surpassed by any in the Northwest. Mr. Kelley started his
business on a modest scale, and the cause of the large patronage
and wide popularity of his establishment is — the man. He is a
bright, keen, square and up-to-date business man, whose creed is
straightforward and honorable dealing with all, and as such
he is known, respected and trusted. As a consequence he has
been so successful that at the early age of 32 he is already one
of the substantial business men of Eau Claire, and has other
valuable interests outside of his business stand. Naturally he
754 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
is popular in the social life of Eau Claire, and is a member of
the Elks, the U. C. T., Eau Claire Lodge, No. 97, and an adherent
of tlie Episcopal church.
John Paul Kent, one of the substantial and prosperous farm-
ers of Brunswick township, was boi-n in Eau Claire, June 11,
1871, and is one of a family of ten children born to Gottlieb and
Otelga (Schultz) Kent. Both father and mother were born in
Germany, where they resided about seven years after their mar-
riage. They then came to the United States and located first in
Waukesha, where the father worked at the boiler maker's trade,
and after remaining in Waukesha one year they came to E;iu
Claire and for twelve years were residents of that city, after
which they purchased a farm twelve miles west of Eau Clnire
and there made their home, engaged in general farming, until
the death of the mother, when the farm was sold to the two
younger sons, on which they still reside. Of their ten children
six are now (1914) living. Mrs. Kent had two brothers, who
also came to this country, one of whom is still living on a farm
in Oneida county, Wisconsin.
John Paul was reared on the home farm, receiving his edu-
cation in the common schools near Caryville, Dunn county, and
remained at home, assisting in the farm work until he reached
his majority in 1892, then worked as a farm laborer for sev^n
years, and spent two years as a shingle clipper at Porter's Jlills.
In 1896 he purchased a farm of 160 acres in the town of Bruns-
wick, where he now resides and carries on general farming, em-
ploying in his operations the latest improved labor-saving de-
vices and up-to-date methods, and through his economical habits
and shrewd management has come to be known as one of tlie
leading farmers and men of affairs of his town. He was for one
year, until January 1, 1912, treasurer of the Rock Falls and
Meridian Telephone Company, and is now a stockholder in the
Rock Palls & Meridian Telephone Exchange. He is also a stock-
holder in the Parmers' Co-operative Products Company, of Eau
Claire, and for fourteen years has been a member of the ^Modern
Woodmen of America.
In 1902 Mr. Kent married Miss Kate Blanche Higbee, a lady
of charming personality and refinement, and is a M'orthy help-
meet for her husband. Kate Blanche Higbee was born at Madi-
son, Wis., April 11, 1886. Her father's name was Zack Higbee;
the mother's maiden name was Sena Swan. She was educated in
the common school near Rock Falls, Dunn county, making lier
home with her grandparents until her marriage.
BIOGRAPHY 755
Seymour Kelley,* another prosperous farmer and stock raiser
of Eau Claire cnunty, was born in Grand Isle county, Vermont,
November IS, 1859. His parents were John and Florence (Pip-
pin) Kelley, and he is descended from French and Irish ancestry.
His ancestors on his father's side were natives of Belfast, Ire-
land, while on the mother's side they came from France. His
father, John Kelley, came to the United States when he was
thirty-five years old and settled in Vermont. He died at the
age of 84 years, and the mother died at the age of 72. They
reared a family of twelve children, as follows : Eliza, Lettie, Wil-
liam, George, Peter, Salinda, Henry, Florence. Joseph, Judson,
Seymour and Edward, four of whom survive.
Seymour lived in New England until he was S years of age,
then came to Durand, Wis., and there received his education in
the common school. In 1884 he came to Eau Claire county and
settled on a farm and has since been engaged in general farming,
dairying and stock raising. He makes a specialty of the Jersey
breed of cattle and has constantly on hand a fine herd of these,
as well as other good blooded stock. He is considered one of the
well-to-do men of his town, and his farm of 140 acres is under
a good state of cultivation and well improved with substantial
buildings.
In 1876 Mr. Kelley married Miss Agnes Eekler, and the fol-
lowing children were born : John William, Elsie Clare, Iva Anna,
Hugh Randall, Flora Fay, Gladys Theo and Ralph Evart. Elsie
is the wife of W. E. Kirkham, and Iva is the wife of John Walker.
The first JMrs. Kelley died May 1, 1910. and on October 16, 1912,
Mr. Kelley took for his second wife Harriett Huett, daughter of
James Huett. Mr. Kelley adhei-es to the principles of the Re-
publican party in politics and is a member of the Baptist church.
John H. Kepler* is a substantial citizen and thrifty farmer of
this county, where he has lived for thirty-three years. He is a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, and was born at Venango borough. Crawford
county, that state, September 25, 1846. His parents. Jacob and
Margaret (Pfeiffer) Kepler, were natives of Baltimore. IMd., and
Pennsylvania, respectively.
John H. acquired his education in the schools of Pennsyl-
vania, where he grew to manhood. He came to Eau Claire county
in 1881 and purchased a farm in Union township, where he car-
ried on general farming and stock raising for a number of years.
In 1909 he sold his farm and purchased eleven acres in Shaw-
town, where he has since been successfully engaged in truck
farming. He is a man of prominence in his community, is gen-
756 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
erous and public spirited and greatly interested in tlie advance-
ment of his town and county.
Mr. Kepler has been married twice. His first wife was Lliss
Louise Zimmerman, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had two chil-
dren, Ralph and Grace. The second Mrs. Kepler was Malissa E.
Butler, a ladj^ of refinement and womanly graces, from New
York state.
Mr. Kepler is well informed on all public matters and inter-
ested in the welfare of his many friends. He is a member of the
Christian Science church.
Richard J. Kepler, who is the dean of all the business men of
Eau Claire at this time (1914) and one of Eau Clare's most promi-
nent citizens, was born in Venango borough, Crawford county.
Pa., June 24, 1845, to Jacob and Margaret (Pfeiffer) Kepler, na-
tives of Baltimore, Md., and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr.
Kepler was reared in his native county until 18 years of age. ac-
quiring his education in the common schools of his home town
and the State Normal School at Edinboro. He came West in
1863 and settled first at Wabasha, Minn., where he was employed
as clerk in a general store iintil 1870, then moving to Eau Claire,
Wis., he engaged in general merchandising on his own account as
a member of the firm of Kepler & Co., his partners being W. L.
and S. S. Kepler. The business prospered and was continued
under that name until 1895, when Mr. Kepler purchased his part-
ner's interest and continued the business alone until 1907. In
that year a stock company was organized and incorporated under
the name of "The Kepler Company," capitalized at $100,000, with
R. J. Kepler president; A. J. Geske, vice-president; C. J. Kepler,
treasurer, and A. E. Kepler, secretary. The business was en-
larged at that time and an exclusive dry goods business, includ-
ing ladies' wearing apparel, has since been conducted, and this
company now ranks among the leading establishments not only
of Eau Claire but of northwestern Wisconsin.
Besides his merchandising Mr. Kepler is connected with other
business interests of the city; he is president of the Phoenix
Furniture Company and also the Citizens' Building & Loan As-
sociation. He is a man of great energy and activity and has at
tained his gratifying success through patient and persevering
industry and upright business dealings, and merits the confidence
and esteem in which he is held by all who know him. He is a
member of the Congregational church and the Eau Claire County
Old Settlers' Association, of which he was elected president in
1913.
BIOUKAPIIY 757
ill-. Kepler has been longer in business continuously than any
other man in Eau Claire and is now gradually turning over his
rtourishiug business to his sons.
On September 6, 1870, Mr. Kepler married Ella, daughter of
William and Amanda (Wetherby) McDougall, of Wabasha,
Minn., and has three sons, Charles J., Arthur E. and Richard J.,
Jr. Besides his residence in Eau Claire, Mr. Kepler maintains
a winter residence at DeLand, Fla., where he has spent six months
of the year, from November until May, since 1893.
William J. Kessler, who is now sales manager of the New
Dells Lumber Company, was born September 26, 1877. in the
Province of Coblentz, ^Yissen, Germany, to August and ilagda-
lina (Ebach) Kessler, both natives of Germany. The father was
a baker by trade and followed that occupation in Germany until
October, 1884, when with his family he came to the United
States. From New York City he went to Erie. Pa., and from
there via boat to Bayfield, Wis., thence to Eau Claire, where
for a time he was variously employed, and finally securing a
position with the Eau Claire Water Works, where he remained
for many years. He is now living in retirement, at the age of 06
years. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler were the parents of two children,
William J., and August, who is employed as auditor for a lumber
company at Odessa, Wash.
William J. came to America with his parents when 7 years
of age and received his education in the public and high schools
of Eau Claire and the Shaffer Business College. His first em-
ployment after finishing school was witli the Northwestern Lum-
ber Company, entering the office as clerk in 1892. He remained
in the various departments of this company, including the audit-
ing department, for fourteen years, and for the next four years
he was in the yards as shipping clerk, later becoming foreman
and still later had charge of the retail sales department. On
December 1, 1909, he became connected with the New Dells Lum-
ber Company as sales manager of their Eau Claire plant, which
position he still retains.
Mr. Kessler married in 1901 Miss Bertha Lullem, daughter
of Albert and Frances (Ausman) Lullem, and they have one
daughter, Dorothy. They are members of the Roman Catholic
church, and for six years Mr. Kessler has been a member of
Company E, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, being
at this time (1914) retired with rank of first lieutenant. He has
also held the offices of corporal and sergeant.
758 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
John Kildahl, the popular and well-known insurance man of
Eau Claire, was born in Norway, April 5, 1845, and there grew to
manhood, attending the schools of his home county. He followed
the occupation of bookkeeper until 1868, when he came to
America. He is a man of intellectual attainments and speaks sev-
eral languages. Owing, however, to a lack of knowledge of the
English language when he first came to this country, he was
obliged to do manual labor, and his first employment after liis
arrival in Eau Claire in the fall of 1868 was at lumbering. For
a time he was employed in the woods at a salary of !|>20 i)er
month, and by his energy, thrift and economical habits he man-
aged to save from his salary $300. His desire to obtain a bettei-
knowledge of the English language prompted him to accept
work on a farm with an English family, with whom he remained
one year. His next move was to jMcGregor, la. Remaining there
for a short time, he went South, and after some months of travel
over the Southern states he returned to Iowa and was employed
in a saw mill for four years, during which time he married ]\Iiss
Mary Nelson, of Decorah, la., and the same year returned to Eau
Calire. In 1880 he moved to IMenomonie, Wis., and there con-
ducted a foundry for Knapp. Stout & Co. until 1889, when lie
again returned to Eau Claire and for the next three years was
employed as a moulder by the Phoenix Manufacturing Company.
In 1892 he opened a meat market, which he conducted until
1897, when he engaged in the real estate business, and this has
since been his chief occupation. In 1874 at Decorah, la., he mai--
ried Miss Mary Nelson, and to them have been born the following
children, viz: Arthur D., Juliet, Emma. Waldemar, John ^F..
Josephine, Conrad and Victor. J\Ir. Kildahl has always been a
loyal, public-spirited man, and holds membership in the Scandi-
navian Workman's Association, of which organization he was
grand master for two years. He is also a member of the Nor-
wegian Synod and is a high-minded man of affairs.
William A. Kinnear, whose death occurred on February 16,
1900. was one of Eau Claire's enterprising and substantial busi-
ness men, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew
him. He was born in Franklin, Venango county, Pa., October 4,
1832. His father was James Kinnear. a shoemaker by trade.
William A. spent his boyhood days in Meadville. obtaining
his education in the common and high schools, and as a young
man learned the trade of architect and builder under the tutelage
of his uncle in Warren, Pa., and in 1857 came AVest to Will
county. 111., where he was engaged in contracting and building.
BIOGRAPHY 759
He later moved to Dupage eouuty, and there built several resi-
dences and a church, and in 1862 went to Cairo, 111., and while
there was emplo.yed in the nav.y of the United States govern-
ment.
In 1866 he came up tlie Mississippi and Chippewa rivers by
boat to Eau Claii-e and landed within 300 feet of where the Kin-
near drug store now stands. After his arrival here he started a
small, variety store and later erected the present large brick
building occupied by the Kinnear drug store, which was estab-
lished in 1890. For thirty-four years Mr. Kinnear was consid-
ered one of the city's most influential and successful business
men. He was of a quiet and unassuming manner, public spirited
and generous, and was popular both in business and social cir-
cles.
Mr. Kinnear married Miss Jaunett 8. Phillips, of Richburg,
N. Y., daughter of Wilson and Eliza (Cady) Phillips, of Vermont,
a lady of refinement and culture, who now successfully carries
on the drug business established by her husband.
Carlton M. Kirkham is another one of the flourishing and pre-
possessing farmers of Eau Claire, and was born in 1853 in St.
Lawrence count}', New York, the son of Hiram and Polly (Bis-
sell) Kirkham, and is descended from prominent Scottish an-
cestry. His grandfather and also his grandmother met tragic
deaths by being drowned in Lake Champlain. His father died
at the age of 53, and his mother lived to the age of 63 years. In
this branch of the Kirkham family were seven sons and one
daughter: James, who enlisted in the First Wisconsin Cavalry,
died while in the service ; Andrew ; Charles A. : Hiram H. and
Eugene also served as soldiers under the Stars and Stripes during
the Civil War; Carlton M.; Rufus, and Sophia, who is the wife of
W. D. Goodi'ieh, of Valley Center, Kan.
In 1854 C. M. Kirkham came to Wisconsin and first located in
Dodge county, where he lived until 1868, whence he came to Eau
Claire count}^ He first worked in the woods at chopping and
logging, and with the money thus earned he afterward purchased
120 acres of land, which he cleared, subdued and brought to a
good state of cultivation, and there established a home for him-
self and family. He has since been actively engaged in general
farming, and his place is improved with a substantial residence
and outbuildings.
In 1878 Mr. Kirkham married Miss Mary Smith, of Trem-
pealeau county, a daughter of Stephen Smith, and they have had
four children, as follows: Stephen A., Earl B., Frank V. and
760 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Berniee B. A man of thrift and progress, Mr. Kirkham is alive
to all the issues of the day, and any movement which he considers
for the benefit and advancement of his community receives his
liberal support. lie has been prominent in county affairs, has
held several local offices, and is now (1914) supervisor of his
township, having served twelve successive years as supervisor;
he also served as school district clerk for twenty-nine years at
the expiration of this school year.
He is a taxidermist and does a -jreat amount of work in that
line.
Sumner B. Kirkholf,* of Eau Claire, has been one of the lead-
ing- men of this eounty for years, was born here on June 19, 1866,
the son of Frank and Ada (Hughes) Kirkhoff. His father was a
native of Pennsylvania and during the civil war enlisted in Com-
pany E, 13th Pennsylvania regiment, volunteer infantry, and was
a brave and efficient soldier. At the expiration of his army serv-
ice he came to Eau Claire with his wife in 1865, and besides our
sub.jeet, Sumner B., one daughter, Hannah, was the only other
child born to them. Hannah has been twice married, her first
husband was Mr. Hathaway, a veteran of the civil war, by whom
she had four children: Percy S., Grace R., Maud and George E.
Percy S. married Delia Fety and they have two children, Loy
and Verne. Grace R, married Charles Deans, and they have two
children, Dorothy and Warren. Maud is now Mrs. George Seliek.
George E. is a teacher at West Salem, Wis. He married Miss
Burgle Worthington, and they have one son, Parker.
Her second husband is C. L. Beardsly (whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume).
Benjamin F. Kirkhoff, grandfather of Sumner B., was born
in New Jersey, and when a small boy his parents moved to Bucks
county, Pennsylvania, and thence to Crawford county, Ohio,
where he followed the occupation of machinist and blacksmith,
and was married to Miss Rebecca George, daughter of Michael
George, an old and respected resident of that county. They had
a family of six children, viz: Caroline J., Sarah E.. Minnie E.,
Frank L., Sumner B., aiul Martha L. These were all born in
Mineral, Penn.
Sumner B. Kirkhoff was for twenty-three years successfully
engaged in farming, and during ten years of that time he con-
ducted a blacksmith shop in the town of Pleasant Valley, and
for the past nine years he has been Deputy State Game AVarden.
He was County Superintendent of the Poor for two years, and
BIOGRAPHY 761
served four years in the City Council of Eau Claire. He is a
member of the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers.
In October, 1889, Mr. Kirkhoff married Miss Clara Smith, of
Pleasant Valley, and they have four children, viz: Warren 0.,
Helen R,, Sumner B., Jr., and Harris S., all born in Eau Claire.
Math'a;S Kneer, deceased, a German pioneer of Eau Claire, -yvas
born in Wurtenburg, Germany, March 4, 1831, a son of Joseph
and Anna (Kneisle) Kneer, and his ancestors for many genera-
tions were millers by trade. Joseph Kneer vs^as a baker, which
occupation he followed for manj' years in Germany, and event-
ually came to Eau Claire, where he died at the home of his son,
JMathias. The family consisted of three sons, Mathias, Andrew
and Jolni N. Mathias Kneer, following in the footsteps of his
father, learned the baker's trade in Germany, and after coming
to the United States, continued that business at Mt. Holly, New
Jersey and Philadelphia, Penn., and for several years was in the
liotel business at Jacksonville, New Jersey. In 1855 he located
at Watertown, Wis., remaining there luitil 18.57, when lie came
to Eau Claire and for one year was engaged in farming. Ho
later re-embarked in the hotel business, built the present Kneer
House in 1865, and succi'ssl'iilly <'iinductiMl it uj) to a few months
prior to his death, -which orcurrcd in Xdvciiilicr, ISD"). By strict
frugality, public spirit, honesty and tidclity. he became a prosper-
ous and highly esteemed citizen, and always took an active in-
terest in public affairs. He was twice trustee of the Village
board, served one term on the county board and also served as
alderman of the second ward, being elected on tlie Independent
ticket.
On April 29, 1855, he married Miss Barbara (Betz), who died
in Eau Claire, in 1864, leaving four children, viz : Louise, wife of
J. J. Auer; Jidia, wife of Teto Buebeler; Anna, wife of J. Derge,
and Prank, deceased. Mr. Kneer later married Louise Iloeffner,
and three children were born, viz: Emma, wife of Fred Raddatz;
Dora, wife of Emil Rick, and Herman. Mr. Kneer was a member
of the German Prieden Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and filled all its offices, having been its first Noble Grand.
He was also president of the German Schuetzenverein.
Henry M. Knudtson,* the popular and well known real estate
dealer of Eau Claire, was born in this city April 19, 1872. His
parents, Hantz and Marie (Eide) Knudtson, were both natives
of Norway. At the age of twenty-two years, the father, who was
a machinist by trade, came to the United States and located in
762 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Eaii Claire, where he was employed by the Northwestern Lum-
ber Company, at Porter's Mills, for many years, as a saw filer
and machinist. He married in Eaii Claire and was a resident
here for forty-six years. He died in 1910 at the age of sixty-six,
and his wife, mother of our subject, passed away in 1909. Thej'
were the parents of four children, as follows: Ole is deceased;
Henry M., the subject of this sketch ; John is engaged in the fire
insurance business in Jlinneapolis, and Edward is deceased.
Henry M. was educated in the common and high schools of
Eau Claire, and after graduating from the latter, he took a thor-
ough business course in Minneapolis. In 1893 he retui*ned to Eau
Claire and engaged in the real estate business, first as a clerk, and
in 1897 as a partner. He is now president of the Wisconsin River
Land Compan}', which was incorporated under the laws of Wis-
consin in 1885, with a capital of $50,000. He is secretary and
treasurer of the Ideal Land & Loan Company, which was incor-
porated in 1890 with a capital of $100,000. Mr. Knudtson is one
of the successful business men of Eau Claire, progressive and
influential, and has taken a great interest in the growth and
development of the city and county of Eau Claire, in which he
has large land interests. In addition to his business interests, he
finds time to devote to other matters, and for the past four years
has been secretary of the Lntlier Hospital. He is a member of
the Eau Claire Club, the Knights of Pythias, the Young Glen's
Christian Association and the Lutheran church.
Mr. Knudtson married in Eau Claire. Miss Elise Selmer,
daughter of Emar and Anna (Qvale) Selmer, and they have two
children, Larl S. and Emar Kimdtson.
Herman Kopplin,* whose whole life with the exception of
four .years, has been spent in Wisconsin, is a native son of the
Badger state, having been born in Green Lake county, IMay 15,
1854, and is one of a family of seven children, born to August
and Henrietta (Fracke) Kopplin, natives of West Prussia, who
emigrated to the United States in 18-19, and settled in Wisconsin.
The father purchased a farm of 160 acres of wild land six miles
from Wausau, in Marathon county, which he cleared and im-
proved and engaged in farming. In addition to his home farm
he owned 20 acres, which is now situated in the city of Wausau.
His parents came to Eau Claire county in 1874 and settled on a
farm of 160 acres in Lincoln township, which the father also
cleared, and to which he subsequently added another quarter
section, which he also improved, and there made his home until
his deatli, which occurred in 1895 at the age of 82 years. He
BIOGRAPHY 763
liad a family of seven children — three sons and four daughters,
as follows: Minnie became the wife of Charles Monte, is de-
ceased; Paulina, wife of Christ Dinke; Charles F. is deceased;
Mary is the wife of Crayton Reams; Bertha, the deceased wife of
Herman Mittlestadt ; Julius, who is the proprietor of the Com-
mercial Hotel in Eau Claire, and Herman.
Herman Kopplin was raised in Green Lake and ilarathon
counties, this state, and after four years spent in the state of
Iowa, came to Eau Claire county in 1877, where he has sine-
resided, engaged in. general farming. His farm of 400 acres in
Lincoln township, within half a mile of Fall Creek, is highly
cultivated and exceptionally well improved, with a modern resi-
dence, large and commodious barns and out buildings, equipped
with modern appliances and up-to-date labor-saving devices. Mr.
Kopplin is lavish in expenditure of time and money in improve-
ments, and takes great pride in making his one of the most at-
tractive and model country homes in Eau Claire county.
In 1878 he married Miss Charlotte Dehuke, b.y whom he has
Ihe following children: Edward; Laura, wife of II. E. Steinbriug,
the present post master of Fall Creek ; Ida, wife of August Greis;
Carl, Henrietta, Walter, Julius and one son, Herman, who was
accidentally killed at the age of nine years. Mr. Kopplin is con-
sidered one of the most energetic and influential citizens of Lin-
coln townshi|i. He is iiublic spirited, kind hearted and generous
and takes a keen intei'cst in all ]>ublic matters and is always
ready to support any movement for the advancement of his town
Julius Kopplin," resident and well known business man of
Eau Claii-e, was born in Marathon county, Wisconsin, June 2,
1857, the son of August and Henrietta (Fracke) Kopplin, natives
of West Prussia, Avho came to the United States in 1849 and lo-
cated in IMarathon county and engaged in farming, the father
clearing a farm of 160 acres six miles from Wausau. and also
twenty acres which is now in the limits of that city. In 1874 the
family moved to Eau Claire county, settling in the town of Lin-
coln where the fathei' purchased 160 acres of land on which he
made all the improvements, subse(iuently purchasing 160 acres
more which he also cleared and improved and continued to re-
side in the town of Lincoln until his death in 1895, at the ad-
vanced age of 82 years. His children were Minnie, deceased wife
of Charles Montie; Pauline married Christ Dinke; Charles F.
is deceased; Mary married John Reams; Bertha, deceased wife
of Herman Mittelstadt, also deceased; Herman and Julius.
764 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Julius was reared in Marathon county, Wisconsin, Iowa, and
the town of Lincoln, Eau Claire county. His education was ob-
tained in the common schools, and be began life as a farmer in
Lincoln township, following that vocation until 1882. He then
engaged in the retail liquor business for six years in the town of
Lincoln, and then went to xVshland, this state, and went into
the same business there until 1890. In the last named year he
came to Eau Claire and continued in the same business there
for eighteen years. In 1906 with others, he purchased the Com-
mercial Hotel property in Eau Claire, remodeled the building
and now has one of the best hotel properties in the state, which
is conducted on up-to-date principles.
Mr. Kopplin has been twice married ; his first wife was Otile
Bartz, of the town of Lincoln, by whom he had one daughter,
Amanda, now Mrs. Anton AVeizzenicker. His second wife was
Julia, daughter of Andrew "VVelke, also of Lincoln, by whom he
had two children, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Kopplin is a
supporter of St. John's Lutheran Church, of Eau Claire, of Avhicli
both himself and Mrs. Kopplin are members. He is a member of
the Knights of Pythias and in politics is Independent.
John Morris Krogstad, chairman of the Brunswick town board
and a well known fanner and stock raiser, was born in the town
of Brunswick, Eau Claire county, April 21, 1879, of Norwegian
parents. His father, Hans Krogstad, was born in Norway. Febru-
ary 14, 1846. Emigrating to America in 1869, he came to Wis-
consin and first settled at Tomah, where he remained one year
and in 1870 came to Eau Claire and for eight years thereafter
worked on the river as a driver. In 1878 he moved to the town
of Brunswick and purchased a farm of 80 acres, 65 acres of which
were covered with timber. He set diligentl.v to woi'k, and in ten
years had the farm all cleared and improved, and had purchased
an additional 40 acres. In 1889 he sold the farm and moved to
Porter's IMills, Eau Claire coi;nty, and again worked on the
river lumbering until 1899 when he purchased another farm of
120 acres in Brunswick township to which he subsequently added
40 more acres. He successfully carried on general farming until
1906 when he retired and the management of the farm fell to
his two sons Alfred and John M. He married Caroline Gilstad,
daughter of John Gilstad, of Norwa.y, and they are the parents
of the following children: Alfred; John M. ; Carl Edward, who
resides in Eau Claire ; Henry Cornelius, a resident of North Bend,
Oregon; Julius Oscar resides at Cameron, Wisconsin, and Amelia
M., who was born in 1889. died in 1896.
BIOGRAPHY 765
John M. Ki-ogstad has spent his whole life in Eau Claire
county. He received his education in the common and high schools
and for five or six winter seasons, was variously employed in the
lumber camps in and around Porter's JMills, working at farming
during the summer months. In 1906 he took charge of the home-
stead containing- 160 acres of land which he and his brother
Alfred are now successfully carrying on, engaged in general
farming and stock raising and looking after their parents in
their declining years.
In public affairs Mr. Krogstad takes an active interest and has
filled several offices among them being town clerk for one year,
treasurer of the town of Brunswick three years; supervisor two
years and is now chairman of the town board. He is a man of
genial social temperament and a lover of good cheer and is
identified with various social, benevolent and fraternal organiza-
tions, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Command-
ery of the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias and the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America.
Frederick W. Kromrey,* the popular real estate operator of
Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, was born near Samaezin, Province
of Bromberg, Prussia, May 12, 1854, the son of Martin and
Ottelie (Berthke) Kromrey, who came to the United States in
1862. first locating in Blarquette, Wisconsin, where the father
was employed by the day until he had acquired sufficient funds
to purchase 80 acres of land, 40 acres of which was improved and
where the family lived for about five years. In 1876 he sold out
and came to Eau Claire county and purchased 80 acres of wild
land in the town of Seymoiu*. He cleared and improved 70 acres
of it and died in 1895 at the age of 65 years. He had a family
of thirteen children of whom nine grew to maturity, viz. : Fred-
erick W. ; Louis ; Louisa married John Gorman ; Herman ; Charles ;
Edward; Matilda, wife of Albert Davis; Gustav and Emil.
Frederick W. was reared in his native county until he was
fourteen years of age, receiving his education there. In 1868
he came to the United States and in 1875 to this county, locating
at Fall Creek, where he purchased 80 acres of railroad land,
cleared and improved it, and sold it in 1885. From that date
until 1900 he was engaged in the agricultural implement business
at Fall Creek, and during this period and for 25 years, sold
threshing machines for the Minneapolis Threshing Machine Com-
pany. Since 1909 he has been engaged in the real estate business
and not only locally but has been and is an extensive dealer in
North Dakota and Montana lands.
766 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Mr. Kromrey married, March 7, 1878, Amelia Zelmer, of j\Iar-
quette county, this state, and a native of Germany. By this
union he has had twelve children, viz. : Albert ; Fred ; John ;
Frank ; Alta married Gustav Peuse ; Edward is deceased ; Clara ;
George ; Freda ; Ewald, and two who died in infancy, ilr. Krom-
rey is a member of the Lutheran church and fraternally is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the iModeru
"Woodmen of America. As a resident of the village of Fall Creek,
he at one time served an unexpired term as president of the
village.
Leonard L. Lancaster,* pioneer and retired lumbeniuui of
Eau Claire, was born in Maxfield, Piscatauquis county, Maine,
October 26. 1829, and is a son of Levi and Olive (Tourtelette)
Lancaster, and comes from colonial stock. He received a com-
mon school and academic education in his native state and on
attaining his majority, went to Michigan and there engaged in
the lumber business for five years. In 1856 he settled in Eau
Claire and here continued in the lumber business until 1861. On
December 9, of that year, he enlisted in Company L, 2d Wisconsin
Cavalry, was sent to Benton Barracks, Missouri, and later to
Jefferson City, Missouri, where he remained until 1862, when he
crossed the Ozark Mountains to Springfield. On July i, 1862, he
was at Helena, Arkansas, and later at Canton, White River,
Arkansas post. Cold Water, Tallahasse, under C. C. Washburn.
He returned to Helena and was at Memphis, Tennessee, under the
command of General Grearson, and from there he marched with
his regiment to Vicksburg, Mississippi, a distance of 800 miles,
making the trip in fifty-five days. He was then transferred to
General W. T. Sherman's command and took part in the capture
of Jackson and Canton, Mississippi. Pearl river, Tondiigbee river,
and then returned to Vicksburg and ]\Iemphis, arriving there in
1865. He then went to Granada. Mississippi, and with 250 men
captured General Forrest and 1,500 men, thence went to Natchez
and up the Red river to Alexandria where he became a leader of
a so-called meeting to displace his lieutenant colonel for which
he was coiirt-martialed and sentenced to be shot by General
Custer. At the last moment he was reprieved and his sentence
changed to three years' banishment to Dry Tortugas, which,
through the efforts of friends among whom was C. C. Washburn,
was changed so that his release at the end of three months was
brought about by order of General Sheridan. On his return Mr.
Lancaster received transportation to ^Madison. AVisconsin, where
upon his arrival he I'eceived a dishonorable discharge without
BIOGRAPHY 767
pjiy. From there he had to walk honu- and so wasted was he by
his liardships, only his dog recognized him. Later through the
(■('forts of C. C. Washburn, and Congressman Ilumphrej', of Hud-
son. Wisconsin, his dishonorable discharge was changed to one
of honorable and he received back pay amounting to $1,000.00.
Mr. Lancaster married on April 12, 1851, Miss Sarah Holland,
a native of Bangor, JIaine, and daughter of Fredrick and Lydia
(Crocket) Holland, whose mother was a descendant of the famous
David Crocket. The issue of this union was four children, viz. :
Ella L., deceased wife of John Miller; Tirzah A; Carrie B., and
Elmer E., who is deceased. ]Mr. Lancaster is one among the few
surviving pioneers of Eau Claire. He is a Republican in politics,
a member of the Odd Fellows and Eagle Post. No. 52, G. A. R., of
Eau Claire. After the war, Mr. Lancaster engaged in the lumber
business which he followed until 1900 when he retired and has
since lived in retirement.
Frank C. Lanua, proprietor of the Fall Creek Luinlier Com-
pany, was born in Kingsburg. East Prussia, Germany, March 26,
1859, the son of Charles Louis and Miunie (Janert) Lanua. who
came to the ITnited States in 1872. locating at Pine Grove Furnace,
Ohio, where the father died in November, 1873, at the age of 48
years, leaving a widow and four children. Alvina married Peter
Fraiiie; Theresa married John Sperry; Ida married Louis Lust,
and Frank C, our subject, who was raised in Ohio from thirteen
years of age, and who began life as a laborer. He came to Eau
Claire county in 1883, where he was employed in the lumber yard
uutil November, 1901, when he located at Fall Creek and asso-
ciated with J. E. Zetzmau, he embarked in the lumber business
under the name of The Lanua Lumber Company. This partner-
ship was dissolved later and Mr. Lanua remained as manager
for the Wilson and Weber Lumber Company for three years, and
acted in the same capacity for the North Star Lumber Company
two years. Since 1912 he has been in the lumber business alone,
under the name of The Fall Creek Lumber Company, carrying
one of the most complete stocks in the county, and is considered
one of the most progressive men of Fall Creek, and supporter of
every enterprise pertaining to the village and county.
Mr. Lanua was three times married ; his first wife was Augusta,
tlaughter of Martin Arnsdorf, of Eau Claire, by whom he had two
daughters. Ida and Jlinnie, who is the wife of Albert Carlson.
His second wife was Minnie Schwartz, and his present wife,
Marie, daughter of Daniel Zempel, a pioneer of Lincoln township.
Mr. Lanua is a member of the Gernuiu Lutheran church. He
768 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
served as a member of the board of trustees of Fall Creek one
year, and in polities is a Republican.
Albert Larson,* dealer in furniture and house furnishing
goods, Eau Claire, is a native of Norway, and was born July 11,
1864, the son of Albert and Thora (Hanson) Larson. He re-
mained in Norway, attending the common schools until he ^\as
fifteen years old, and in 1879 came to the United States, first
locating in Trempealeau county, "Wisconsin, where he had two
uncles, Peter Nelson and A. M. Amuslund, who came to America
in 1858 and were among the pioneer farmers of Trempealeau and
Eau Claire counties. Peter Nelson enlisted in a Wisconsin regi-
ment and served as a soldier in the Civil War.
Mr. Larson worked three years on a farm in Trempealeau
county, then came to Eau Claire and secured employment with
the Daniel Shaw Lumber Companj', with whom he remained
eight years. He was next employed as a clerk for two years, and
was then engaged in the restaurant business for four years,
after which he was for twelve year.s manager and collector for
the American Wringer Company, of New York. He then pur-
chased their business in Eau Claire in which he is still engaged,
but makes a specialty of household and house furnishings, having
at this time, 1914, two stores on Grand avenue west, and Gallo-
way street on the north side.
On April 11. 1894, Mr. Larson married Otelia, daughter of
Abraham Olson, a native of Norway and pioneer of Trempealeau
county, who met his death in the fire at the Holiart House in
Eau Claire, at the age of 63 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson are the parents of four children, viz. :
Lloyd, Thomas, Raymond and Gladys. Mr. Larson is up-to-date
in his business methods, and enjoys the confidence of the com-
munity for his honorable and upright dealing. He is a member
of Grace Lutheran church, the I. S. W. A. and the Sons of Nor-
way.
Andrew Larson,* a prominent business man of Eau Claire
and popular as a contractor and manufacturer of all kinds of
concrete building material, was born in Sweden, June 29, 1881,
where he lived, obtained a good common school education and
was variously employed until he reached the age of twenty, and
in 1882 he came to America, and for two years made his home
in the state of Michigan. He came to Eau Claire in 1884 and
for several years was engaged in lumbering. In 1897 he started
in the concrete business, and by his energy, thrift and straight-
forward business methods, has built up a large and profitable
BIOGRAPHY 769
busiuess. He manufactures all kinds of cement and concrete
building material, which besides being extensively used in Eau
Claire, is shipped to many outside points. The business is con-
ducted under his personal supervision, and employs about twenty
men the year 'round.
Lewis Larson, father of our subject, reared a family of eight
children, viz.: Andrew, Charles, John, Edward, Carrie, Annie,
Hilda and Eriek. all of whom except the latter who is employed
by his brother, Andrew, reside in Sweden.
Mr. Larson married Miss Alma Johnson, also a native of
Sweden, and they have four children, all born in the city of Eau
Claire, viz. : Esta, Victor, William and Edith.
Mr. and IMrs. Larson and family are members of the Swedish
Lutheran church, and Mr. Larson is a member of the I. S. W. A.,
of Eau Claire.
Henry Laycock,* retired contractor and builder of Eau Claii-e,
was born in Yorkshire, England, jMarch 14, 1842. Son of Ralph
and Ann (Granger) Laycock. He was reared to manhood in his
native country, attended the common schools, and served an
apprenticeship at the general masons trade. After mastering
his trade which his father and grandfather before had followed,
he, in 1861, set sail for the LTnited States. Landing in New York
City, he remained but a short time, but in August of that year
went to Toronto, Canada, and was employed at his trade for
two years. In 1863 he returned to the States and located at
Sterling, Illinois, resumiug his labors as a mason until the Spring
of 1864, when he eulisted as a soldier in the Civil War, as a mem-
ber of Company C, Eight Illinois Cavalry. He participated in
several skirmishes, and was later on detailed duty in Virginia,
chasing General Mosby and protecting the commissary depart-
ment. After eighteen months of service he was honorably dis-
charged at Benton Barrack, Missouri, paid off iu Chicago, and
returned to Sterling, 111.
Soon after his return from the war, he embarked in business
for himself as a contractor and builder, remaining at Sterling
until 1870, when he removed to Chippewa Falls, Wis., and con-
tinued in business there. In 1878 he came to Eau Claire, where
he has since resided, and was actively engaged in business until
1895, when he retired. During the latter year he erected the
Laycock block, on Barstow street, a handsome two storv brick
structure, with a frontage of 155 feet and a depth of 125. The
ground floor contains four large store rooms, while the second
floor is used for office purposes.
770 IILSTOKY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
In 1872 ]\Ir. Laycoek married Miss Margaret E., daughter of
Thomas Brewer, of Albany, Illinois, by whom he had two chil-
dren, Ida and Ira, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Lay-
cock died September 1, 1912. Mr. Laycoek is one of Eau Claire's
progressive and most respected citizens. He owns a handsome
residence on the west side, Eau Claire, and a pleasant summer
cottage at Lake Chetek. He is a 32d degree Mason, being a mem-
ber of Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, Eau Claire Commandery, No.
S, Knights Templar and Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R. He served
as alderman of the sixth ward of Eau Claire two terms and repre-
sented his ward on the county board one term. In 1908 he was
elected a member of the legislature from the first district of
Eau Claire and under the new appointment was elected repre-
sentative from Eau Claire county in 1912. Politically he is a
Republican.
Edward J. Lenmark, cashier of the Eau Claire National Bank,
was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, November 5, 1872, son of
Christian J. Lenmark and Sophia (Peterson) Lenmark. His
father was born in Christiana, Norway, January 9, 1847, a son of
John and Christena (Veland) Hanson Lenmark, natives of Chris-
tiania Stift, Norway. Christian J. Lenmark received a common
school education in his native city, and at the age of fourteen,
entered the lumber mills where he worked as filer for a time and
then learned the trade of millwright and cabinet maker which
lie followed until he had attained his majority. In 1868 he came
to the United States, first locating in Hudson county, Minnesota,
where he was employed for about one year as a farm hand.
In 1869 he came to Eau Claire, where for four years he was
in the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Compan.y. On January
1, 1885, the Eau Claire Furniture Company was organized, and
eighteen months later Mr. Lenmark was elected its president,
liolding that position until 1898, when he embarked in the un-
dertaking business on his own account and later the firm was
known as C. J. Lenmark & Company, November, 1911, it Avas
changed to Lenmark & Sons, under which style the business has
been carried on since the death of Mr. Lenmark, which occurred
on May 3, 1913. On February 11, 1870, Mr. Lenmark was married
to jMiss Sophia Peterson, of Christiauia, Norway. Ten children
were born of their maiTiage; five boys and five girls; Charlotte
M., wife of P. 0. Bruden; Edward J.: Martin, deceased; P. Oscar;
Clara S.; Hulda C, deceased; A. Borghild; Carl R. ; Aaron, and
Dagmar C. Mrs. Lenmark 's death oecured December 31, 1896.
Edward J., our subject, was reared in Eau Claire and educated
BIOGRAPHY 771
in the public schools after which he took a business course in one
of the colleges of the city. After his school days were over he
entered the employ of William A. Teall in the insurance business
wlierc he remained about two years. In December, 1892, took
a position as clerk in the Eau Claire National Bank, and on Janu-
ary 19, 1906, he was appointed to the position of cashier which
he still retains. In polities he is a Republican. October 20, 1897,
marked the marriage of Mr. Lenmark to Miss Josephine Ander-
son, who was born and reared in Wisconsin, and the one child of
this union is a winsome little daughter, Mary Edarle.
P. Oscar Lenmark, proprietor of Lenmark & Sons, funeral
directors, was born in Eau Claire, July 29, 1877, and is one of a
family of ten children, born to Christian J. and Sophia (Peter-
son) Lenmark, both natives of Norway. Of the others, Edward
J. is cashier of the Eau Claire National Bank; Martin is deceased ;
Charlotte married P. 0. Brudens. a traveling salesman: Clara,
(liulda), deceased; Boighild; Dagmar; Carl and Aaron.
Christian J. Lenmark, father of our subject, was born in
Christiauia, Norway, January 9, 1847. He attended the common
schools and at the age of fourteen, secured a position as filer in
the lumber mills and then learned tlie trade of millwright and
cabinet maker, at which he worked until he became of age. He
then emigrated to the LTnited States, locating first in Hudson
county, Minnesota, where he was employed for eleven months as
a farm hand. He then came to Eau Claire and for four years Avas
in the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company and for seven
years was in the furniture store of Mat Harris. On January 1,
1885, the Eau Claire Furniture Company was organized with
Ole Ness president, and Mr. Lenmark vice president At the
death of Mr. Ness eighteen months later, Mr. Lenmark became
president, and in 1904: he established the firm of Lenmark &
Sons, funeral directors and embalmers, continuing in that busi-
ness until 1911, when he sold out to his son. His death occurred
May 3, 1913.
P. Oscar Lenmark, the subject of this sketch, was educated
in the common schools of Eau Claire, and after starting out in
life on his own resources, his first employment was as delivery
boj' for a grocery firm in the city. His next position was that
or driver for the American Express Company for two years,
and three years as express messenger on the railroad. In 1904
he became associated with his father in the undertaking business
under the firm name of Lenmark & Son, thus continuing until
1911. when he purchased his father's interest and became sole
772 HISTORY' OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
proprietor. He is a progressive and enterprising- citizen, a gradu-
ate of the Philadelphia training- school for embalmers. He is a
member of the Civic and Commerce Association, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, tlie Knights of Pythias, Beavei-s,
the I. S. W. A. and Wisconsin Funeral Directors and Embalmers
Association. He is a staunch Republican and a member of the
Liitheran church. Mr. Lenmark was married in 1903 to Miss
Emma Greene, daughter of James Greene, of Minneapolis, and
they are the parents of foui- children: Voigt, Aaron, Naomi and
Pierie Lenmark.
Frederick C. Leonard,* one of the prominent and influential
citizens of Eau Claire, is a native of the state of IMichigan, ami
was born June 28, 1853. Frederick was raised in his native
town, attended the public schools, remaining under the parental
roof until he became twenty years of age. Early in 1874 he
went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and engaged in the lumber
business, and in the Fall of the same year, he came to Eau Claire
and from that time on until 1903 was continuously and success-
fully engaged in the lumber business. After giving up this line
of work. JMr. Leonard traveled quite extensively for several years
over various sections of the country, engaged in the examination
and inspection of timber. He is now living in retirement in the
city of Eau Claire, where he has been prominently identified -with
the business and social circles for forty years. He is a member
of the Masonic Order, a Knights Templar and a member of
the Eau Claire Club.
Mr. Leonard married Miss Julia Ulrieh, daughter of William
and Adeline (Freemont) Ulrieh, who were from Germany and
France respectively. To this union have been born four chil-
dren: Alma M., William. Clarence and Antonette, all of whom
were born in Eau Claire.
William Ulrieh, father of j\Irs. Leonard, and one of the i)ii>-
neer settlers of Eau Claire, where he arrived in 1854, was born
in Germany. He married Adeline Freemont, who was born in
France, and they were the parents of eleven children: Charles,
Carrie, George, William, Julia. Nettie, Frank, Neta, Lucy, Ed-
ward and Laura. It is claimed by members of this family that
George Ulrieh was the tlrst white child born in this count.y.
After his arrival in Eau Claire, Mr. Ulrieh followed for a time
the occupation of a millwright; he also kept a hotel and con-
ducted a baker shop. He died April 14, 1891, and his widow still
survives and is living in Altoona, Eau Claire county.
BIOGRAPHY 773
Henry L. Levy, who died May 26, 1907, in the prime of life,
was one of Eau Claire's most successful business men, and also
one of its most benevolent citizens. He was born in Milwaukee,
in 1864, the son of Louis L. and Flora (Stein) Levy. He came
to Eau Claire with his parents at the age of six years, and re-
sided here all his life with the exception of a few years spent in
Milwaukee, where he was married. He grew up with the city
and w'as known to old and young, and during his business career
drew to himself not only the confidence and esteem of all, hut the
sincere regard of those who were so fortunate as to share his
friendship.
After his school days he became associated with his father
in the tailoring business in Eau Claire, but in 1888 he became a
member of the firm of Docter Brothers & Company, at Milwau-
kee, and remained in that company for five years. In 1893 he re-
turned to Eau Claire and entered into business with his father
under the firm name of Louis Levy & Son. and that house, of
wliich Henry L. Levy was the principal spirit, built up a repu-
tation for honorable and straightforward business methods that
brought them great success. Mr. Levy was regarded as one of
the ablest business men in the Chippewa Valley, and his charm-
ing personality added to his popularity, lie was always regard-
ful of the opinion and feelings of others. No man in Eau Claire
was more benevolent than lu', and he was the best liked man in
the city. Many came to him with their troubles and he never was
too busy to take time to cheer, advise and assist them. Many
were the young men whom he guided and helped to make a start
in life, and being a man of the higlu'st integrity, he started them
on an honorable path.
His success in his mercantile business, enabled him to take
l)art in other enterprises, and he was a director in the Eau Claire
National Bank and tlie Eau Claire Savings Bank. He was also
a large owner of Northern Wisconsin land and held an interest
in various corporations. At the time of his death he left an estate
of large proportions as well as the impression upon the com-
irumity of an exemplary life, whose course was illumined with
the qualities of integrity, fidelity, justice and charity. He wore
the white flower of a blameless life, and his memory remains
fresh and green in the city which, was his home. His social
affiliations were with the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the
Eau Claire Club.
On November 2], 1888, Mr. Levy married Miss Bertha Docter,
774 HISTORY OP BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
of Milwaukee. Their children are: Pearl E., now Mrs. Albert
Newald, of Milwaukee ; Henry J., and Irene.
Louis Levy, for forty-four years a resident of Eau Claire, is a
native of Prussia, where he was born August 22, 1833. Early
in life he eauie to America and his first business venture, after
his arrival, ^vas in the manufacture of caps in New York City.
After a short time he went to Montreal, Canada, and was there
engaged in the fur manufacturing business. In the spring of
1855 he came to Wisconsin, settling first in Milwaukee, where
for thirteen years he was successfully engaged in the grain and
provision business, and while there married Miss Flora Stein, to
whom six children were born, viz: Pauline, Soloman, Henry,
Rosalie, Benjamin and Hattie, all of whom were born in Mil-
waukee. Mrs. Levy, Avhose domestic virtues and womanly graces
made her a center of attraction among her many friends, died
February 18, 1909.
On February 19, 1870, Mr. Levy arrived in Eau Claire, where
he has since made his home. Soon after his arrival there he, in
partnership with his brother-in-law. Max Stein, opened a retail
clothing and furnishing goods store, in which business Mr. Levy
continued for forty-one years, he in the meantime building the
business block where the People's store is now located. As his
son, Henry, grew to maturity, he entered into partnership with
him, and no firm was more favorably known in the Chippewa
Valley for honorable and straightforward dealing, than the
firm of Louis Levy & Son. Soon after the death of his son Henry
in 1907, Mr. Levy retired from the retail trade February 15, 1910.
He is one of the influential and public spirited citizens of Eau
Claire, and holds membership in the Old Settlers' Association, as
well as being a charter member of the Odd Fellows, also char-
ter member of Morgerstern Lodge, No. 90, of Odd Fellows,
Knights of Pythias, and charter member of Minerva Temple, No.
12, Knights of Pythias, and the I. O. B. B., of Milwaukee, as well
as being connected with several otlier organizations.
Dexter S. Livermore,* carpenter, and a well known and liigh-
ly respected citizen of Fairchild, was born in Owego, Tioga
county. New York, November 13, 1851 ; son of Rufus and Lucinda
(Kenyon) Livermore, and is of English and German descent. His
parents came to Columbia county, Wisconsin, about 1856, where
the father purchased a farm on which he lived until 1865, when
he came to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm of 160 acres
in Fairchild, cleared and improved a part of it, and died there
in 1874. at the age of 78 years. His wife also died there at the
BIOGRAPHY 775
age of 64. Rufus Livermore was twice married. By his first
wife, whose maiden name was Mary Williams, he had four chil-
dren, as follows : Jane married William Kenyon ; Theodore, Alvira
married John Highland, and Frank. All are now deceased, ex-
cept Alvira. By his second wife, who was Lucinda Kenyon, his
children were: Malvina, married IMyron Martin; Emeline, mar-
ried John Gilbert; William, Lucinda, married Randall Petty:
Levy. Dexter S., Walker, Adelbert, and Alice, who married
Arthur Nobles.
Dexter S. was reared in Wi.scousin from five years of age. He
received a common school education and came with his parents
to Fairchild in 1865. He served a three years' apprenticeship at
the carpenter's trade, which vocation he has since followed, and
since 1893 has been a resident of the village of Fairchild. He
married, June 1, 1879, Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Alvira
(Kniffin) Handcoek, of Altoona, Eau Claire county, and has one
son, Ray, who married Dora Rouse and has two sons, Gordon
Dexter and Douavon Glenn. Mr. Livermore is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America ; has served two years as marshal
of the village of Fairchild, and twenty years as assessor.
Charles W. Lockwood is the son of William H. Lockwood,
who was born in the city of New York in 1824. The latter re-
ceived his education in his native city, and after leaving the
common schools graduated from the University of New York,
class of 1847, and Union Theological Seminary, class of 1851. His
profession was the ministry with the Presbyterian church and
his first charge was at Coventryville, New York. For some years
he was located at Lowville, in the same state, and in 1864 moved
to Eau Claire, Wis., where, as minister in charge of the first
Presbyterian church, he was among the prominent leaders in his
denomination in that part of Wisconsin. Rev. William Lock-
wood was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Eau Claire
until 1890, and in that time became very popular and widely be-
loved, both in his own church and among all classes. In 1890
occurred his retirement from the active work of the ministry
and he lived quietly until his death in 1897. During his years
as a resident of Eau Claire he was actively engaged in other
work than that of the ministry, and for four years served as
county superintendent of schools. Rev. Lockwood voted the
Whig ticket, until the dissolution of that party, and then became
an ardent supporter of the principles for which the Republicans
stood sponsor. He was a strong advocate of anti-slavery prin-
ciples and always a fighter, when there was any opportunity.
776 HISTOKY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
In 1857 Rev. William H. Loekwood married Mary Waters, who
was born in the state of New York, in 1832, and died in 1904.
Two children were born to their marriage. Of these, the older is
Charles W. Loekwood, and the younger is Catherine, who became
the wife of Lawrence G. Moon.
Charles W. Loekwood was born in Lowville, Lewis county,
New York, on the sixteenth of July, 1859. ' He was only a lad
when his father moved to Wisconsin, and his education was
chiefly acquired in the schools of Eau Claire. When the course
was completed in the public schools his practical experience and
training was continued in a position of minor importance with
the Bank of Eau Claire. At that time he was eighteen years of
age, and by persistent application and industry, worked his way
up to the position of cashier. From 1885 until 1897 he was be-
hind the cashier's window of the bank ; was considered one of the
best men for the place that the bank had ever had, and undoubt-
edly had much to do with the prosperity of the institution during
these years. In 1897 Mr. Ijockwood transferred his interests to
the Eau Claire National Bank as director aud vice president,
and holds both those offices at the present time. In 1906 he was
one of the men wlio organized the Eau Claire Savings Bank, be-
coming its vice president, and has acted in that position ever
since.
Mr. Loekwood is a member of several fraternal and social
orders. His most important affiliation is with Eau Claire Lodge,
No. 112, A. P. & A. M., and also with the Knights of Pythias. He
is deeply interested in historic matters, and is a life member of
the Wisconsin State Historical Society, and also belongs to the
Wisconsin Society of Chicago. In politics Mr. Lockwod is a
Republican. On the seventh of December, 1891, Mr. Loekwood
was married to Fannie W. Carson, a daughter of William and
Mary Edmonds (Smith) Carson. Mrs. Loekwood was born in
Eau Galle, in Dunn county. Wis. To her marriage with Mr.
Loekwood were born three daughters and one son, as follows:
Mary, Frances, Virginia and William.
Dwight D. Lockerby,- a member of the Eau Claire city coun-
cil, was born in Northtiekl, Miini., June 24, 1867 ; the son of Oscar
and Jeannette (Tanner) Loekerby. The father, a native of New
York, and the mother, of Connecticut, and were descendants
of Scotch and English ancestry. The parents were pioneers of
Minnesota, where the father cleared and improved a farm of
160 acres and carried on general farming, and they are now liv-
ing retired at Northfield, that state. They reared a family of
//-^ M ^crQyrd^M^^^~^^^
BIOGRAPHY 777
five children, viz : Lee ; Elizabetli married C. A. Davis ; Dwight
D. ; Bert, and Benjamin, who is now deceased.
Mr. Lockerby was reared in Northtield and received his edu-
cation in the public schools. He began his business career as an
employe for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Com-
pany as telegraph operator and ijishici'. with whom he-remained
for six years at Faribault and Xoil lilicld, Minn. In 1891 he be-
came connected with the Wisconsin (Cutral Railway, now known
as the Soo Line, as cashier and bookkeeper at Chippewa Falls,
Wis. In 1893 he was transferred to Eau Claire as ticket agent,
promoted to general agent in 1899, which responsible position he
held iintil April, 1914, at which time he was elected councilman
of Eau Claire for a period of six years, under the new commission
form of government, assuming the duties of tlie office on April
21. He married on Juue 13, 1893. Miss Ada, daughter of Frank
M. and Thursa (Coleman) Buzzell, of Chippewa Falls.
Mr. Lockerby is an active worker for the welfare of the city
and is a prominent member of the Episcopal church.
Ernest U. F. Loether, an employee of the State Board of
Health, as hotel inspector for the State of W^isconsiii, with his
residence at Eau Claire, was born in Blackhawk, Sauk county,
this state, June 10, 1872, and is one of a family of five children
born to Ernest and Elizabeth (Meyerzedt) Loether, natives of
Germany and Austria respectively. After serving tlie regular
period of three years in the Gei'iiian army, the father emigrated
to America, in the early 50 's. Arriving in the new country he
came to Wisconsin, and located at Blackhawk, where he obtained
220 acres of wild land, which he cleared and improved and be-
came one of the pioneer farmers of that section. There he mar-
ried Elizabeth Meyerzedt, and the following children were born :
Reynold, Richard H., Ernest IT. F., Alfred B. and Lena, who is de-
ceased. After a residence of many years in Sauk county the
father moved to Eau Claire in 1893 and here made his home
until his decease in 1910.
Ernest was reared on the home farm, in Sauk county, and re-
ceived his education in the public schools of Spring Green and
Sauk City, which was supplemented by a thorough course at the
Stevens Point Normal School, from which institution he was
graduated in 1899. Coming to Eau Claire he engaged in teach-
ing, and for several years was principal of the first and sixth
ward schools. He was then for nine years engaged in the manu-
facturing business with the Eau Claire Bedding Company, and
later became connected with the Phoenix Furniture Company,
778 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
one of the important manufacturing concerns in the city. Since
1912 Mr. Loether has been identified with the Rusk Farm Com-
pany, of Rusk county.
On August 12, 1902, Mr. Loether married Miss Alma R. Miller,
daughter of William F. and Margaret (Mosher) Miller, of Alma,
Wis. He- is a member of the United Commercial Travelers of
America, of which he is Grand Counsellor for the jurisdiction of
Wisconsin. He is active in ]\Iasonic circles, is a member of the
Blue Lodge, a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar. He
has always taken an active interest in educational matters and
served two years as a member of the Eau Claire school board,
the second year as president of the board.
Richard H. Loether, president of the Eau Claire Bedding
Company, was born at Bhu-khawk, Sauk county, Wis., April 1,
1861;. son of Ernst and Elizabeth (Meyerzedt) Loether, natives
of Prussia and Austria respectively. The father served as a sol-
dier in the Germany army the regular period of three years and
in the early fifties emigrated to the L'nited States, settling at
Blackhawk, Wis., where he later married. He was among the
pioneer farmers of that section of the state, clearing and improv-
ing a farm of 220 acres, which, in later life, he sold and moved
to Eau Claire, where he died at the residence of his son, Rich-
ard, in 1910, at the age of 76. His children were: Reynold, Rich-
ard II., Ernst U. F., Alfred B. and Lena (deceased).
Richard H. was reared on the old homestead in Sauk county,
where he attended the district and public schools of Sauk City
and Baraboo. At the age of sixteen he began teaching a coun-
try school and followed that vocation until 1882, when he came
to Eau Claire, where he Avas variously employed until 1884; at
one time he was chief clerk under Stephen Curry, of the Chicago
& Northwestern Railroad, at Altoona, when that city was first
started. In 1883 he went to Chippewa Falls, where he acted as
clerk in a general store iintil the Spring of 1884, and in May of
that year, embarked in the grocery business in that city continu-
ing until September of the same year, when the great flood de-
stroyed everything he had and left him practically penniless.
He then returned to Eau Claire and followed teaming for sev-
eral years, then resumed his former occupation as clerk, work-
ing in that capacity until 1890, when he became bookkeeper for
John Walter & Company, when that concern started in business,
and continued with them until 1905, when his health gave out.
After recuperating he engaged in his present business as the
head of the Eau Claire Bedding Company, which concern was in-
BIOGRAPHY 779
corporated iii 1902, witli a capital of $5,000. The company are
manufacturers and jobbers of mattresses, pillows, cushions, iron
beds, springs, cots, cribs, go-carts, etc.
In August, 1884, Mr. Loether married Rosa M., daughter of
John and Margaret Boemer, and they are the parents of three
children : Olga E., a teacher in the public schools of Eau Claire ;
Ernie J., a graduate of the Agricultural department of the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin, is now engaged in farming at Ilolcombe,
Wis., and Eda. Mr. Loether is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, and was first
lieutenant of John Bar Glen's Division, U. R. K. of P., that re-
ceived first prize of the world for military drill. He served eight
years in the Wisconsin National Guards under Captain Wolf, of
Old Abe Eagle Regiment fame, part of the time as a non-com-
missioned officer and also as private military secretary to Cap-
tain Wolf. For nearly twenty years he served as a member of
the Eau Claire school board, twice as president, and is now presi-
dent of the Eau Claire county training school board, and is also a
member of the Eau Claire Public Library board. He is deeply in-
terested in educational and agriciiltural matters and has the best
reference on agricultural matters of any one in Eau Claire
county. At the time he first became a member of the school
board he was the first one to insist upon and get the first appro-
priation to start the kindergarten system in the public schools
of Eau Claire.
Roy L. Lowe,* mail agent, on tlie Mondovi division of the Chi-
cago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad, residing at Pair-
child, was born on a farm in the town of Preston, Trempealeau
county, this state, July 24, 1878; a son of William and Mary
Jane (Colwell) Lowe, both natives of Dutchess county. New
York. His paternal grandfather, Wessel Lowe, came to Wiscon-
sin in the early fifties, first locating in Marquette county, mov-
ing from there to Trempealeau county, where, at one time, he
owned 240 acres of fine farming land, on which he made most of
the improvements and resided until his death. His wife was
Hannah Depew, and they had four children, all now deceased,
excepting William (father of Roy L.), who cleared and improved
a farm of 360 acres adjoining that of his father, and resided
there until 1899, when he retired and moved to Whitehall, where
he still resides. His family consisted of eleven children, of whom
nine grew to maturity : Erva ; Fred ; Roy L. ; Alice, wife of Frank
C. Bums; Hugh; Earl (deceased) ; Ward, Archie and Jennie.
Rov L. was reared to manhood on the old homestead, and dur-
780 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
iug his boyhood attended the district schools and assisted his
father on the farm. He finished his education in the public
schools of Whitehall, after which he carried on the home farm
for tM'o years, then taught scliool two j'ears, and since 1903 has
been in the United States mail service and since 1906 has been
a resident of Pairchild village. In 1900 he married Clara E.,
daughter of David R. and Jnliaetta (Letson) Jones, pioneers of
Jackson county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are the parents
of four children: Beulah, Shermau, Ruth and Katherine. Mr.
Lowe owns a pleasant home in Fairchild, is a member of the
Masonic Order and tlie Heavers, and is clerk of the Fairchild
village school board, and an fiiter{)risiiig' and public spirited
citizen.
Ike Lubinski, a Icadinj;' and successful Polish farmer, of Eaii
Claire county, residing in the town of Fairchild, was born in
West Prais, German Poland, near Nakel, August 10, 1855 ; the
son of Frank and Anna Lubinski. In 1872 he came to the United
States and located at Ilumbird, Jackson county. Wis., where
he remained one year and then removed to Alma Center, where
for seven years he was employed as a farm hand. In 1881 he
came to Fairchild, Eau Claire county, and rented a farm of 80
acres, which he carried on for one year, and then rented another
farm of 120 acres. In 1884 he purchased a farm of 120 acres,
where he now resides, to which he subsequently added by pur-
chase, 200 acres adjoining, making in all 320 acres of the finest
farming land in Bau Claire county, all of which he has under
a high state of cultivation, and all accomplished l)y his own in-
dustry, thrift and perseverance.
Mr. Liibinski has been married twice. His first marriage was
to Mary Muzen in 1881, who died in May, 1895, by whom he had
six children as follows: Tillie, Josephine, Plowdy, Raymond,
Vera and Ike W. His second marriage was February 11, 1896, to
Miss Pauline Rosallia Thomas, by wliom he has four children:
Paul, Christine, Joseph and Rosallia.
Mr. Lubinski is one of the thrifty and progressive farmers of
the county and employs modern and up-to-date methods in his
farming operations, and takes pride in making his one 'of the
model country homes. He takes a commendable interest in all
public matters and has served four years as a member of the
town board of Fairchild, and is prominently identified with the
Polish Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. Lubinski is a daughter of
Mr. Frank and Frances Thomas, natives of Germany, who were
)>rominent pioneers of Arcadia, Trempealeau county, Wisconsin.
BIOGRAPHY 781
where they settled on a farm of 160 acres, whicli they cleared and
improved and on which they still reside.
Chris Luebkeman,* secretary, treasurer and . general man-
ager of the Eau Claire Gas Light Company, was born in this
city. May 26, 1875. His parents, William and Emily (Huebener)
Luebkemau, who were both natives of Germany, came to the
United States in about 1858. and in the early '60 's came to Eau
Claire where the father for several years was engaged in the
manufacture of cigars. In 1884 he moved with his family to
Madison, this state, and there embarked in the wholesale leaf
tobacco business in which he sueeessfully continued up to the
time of his death in September, 1!!01. at the age of 65 j'ears. He
left a family of three children, viz. : William W., who is now de-
ceased; Minnie and Chris.
Chris Luebkemau, the subject of this sketch, grew to man-
hood in the state of Wisconsin, itrciving his education in the
public schools of Eau Claire :iiiil .Mailison. He worked at the
leaf tobacco business with his father until he reached the age of
nineteen, and in the Fall of 1895 he returned to Eau Claire, the
place of his birth and entered the employ of the Eau Claire Gas
Light Company with whom he has since been connected in vari-
ous capacities. In 1898 he became a stockholder in the company
and has since that time been its general manager, secretary and
treasurer. ]\Ir. Luebkemau is a thorough business man and de-
votes his attention closely to his own affairs and has achieved
financial success. He is a stockholder in the Eau Claire National
and the Eau Claire Savings Banks, and a stockholder, director
and vice president of the Manitowoc Gas Company, of Manitowoc,
Wisconsin. In fraternal matters he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and the Uniform Rank, K. of P.
On May 16, 1906, Mr. Luebkemau married Jennie A. Stang,
daughter of Martin and Gundhile (Stensrud) Stang of Nor-
wegian ancestry, and by her has three children : George, Francis
and J. David Luebkemau.
F. C. Magadance was born at Merideau, Wis,, January 6,
1885. He moved with his parents to Mondovi, Wis., in 1890,
where he attended the public schools until 1900. Nineteen hun-
dred and nineteen hundred and one he learned the butcher busi-
ness at Mondovi. After learning the trade he purchased his em-
ployer's business and conducted the same until eighteen years
of age. Then he sold his place of business and accepted a position
on the road as a traveling salesman. He traveled until July 1,
1910.
782 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
On July 19, 1910, he started the National Granite Company
of Duraud, Wis., which he still owns. On April 1, 1913, he
bought the C. J. Crosby Granite Company of Eau Claire, Wis.
This company is considered the largest and best monumi-iital
concern in northwestern Wisconsin. Mr. Magadance is sole pro
prietor of the National Granite Company, which is engaged in the
manufacture and sale of high grade and artistic monuments,
mausoleums and large granite work, in the manufacture of wliir-h
only the best granites that can be obtained from well known
quarries are used.
Thirty-seven salesmen are employed in selling monuments,
mausoleums and granite Avork in Wisconsin and other states.
The company also deals in granite building fronts and intf-
rior finishing.
Robert H. Manz, stockholder and manager of the Farmers'
Co-operative Products Company, and an extensive land owner, of
Eau Claire, was born in Waumandee, Buffalo county. Wis., Sep-
tember 27, 1866; the son of John Henry and Dorothy (Ochsnev)
Manz, and is of Swiss parentage. The father, who was born
in Switzerland, followed the baker's trade until he came to the
United States in 1854, and located in Sauk county, this. state,
remaining there until 1856, when he moved to Buffalo county
and followed farming during the balance of his life. He died
in 1907. In 1861 he was appointed post master at Waumandee,
and was one of the representative men of that section. The
mother of our subject died in 1909. Of six children born to them
three are deceased: Robert, Herman, and one who died in in-
fancy, unnamed. The others are: Henry, Robert H. and Emily,
the wife of Jacob Braem, a farmer of Buffalo county.
Robert H. was educated in the public schools and the La-
Crosse Business College. Finishing his education he was em-
ployed three years as traveling salesman for the Bangor Woolen
Mills, after which he returned to the home farm in Buffalo
county. He later purchased a farm of 232 acres in the town of
Wheaton, Chippewa county, which he carried on until 1912, when
he became associated with the Farmers' Co-operative Products
Company as manager, at the same time carrying on his farm
under an overseer. He also superintends the homestead farm in
Buffalo county.
Mr. Manz has been an active man of affairs. He served seven
years as town clerk of Waumandee, Buffalo county, and four years
as chairman of the town of Wheaton. He now resides at 430 Union
street. Eau Claire : is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
BIOGRAPHY 783
America and of the Congregational eliurch. He married, in
1893, Miss Louisa Auer, daugliter of Adam Aiier, of Buffalo
county, and they are the parents of four children as follows:
Linda and Alvin are high school graduates; Walter and Keneth.
Andrew Mattison, deceased, during whose thirty -five years'
residence in Eau Claire, worked himself to a prominent place in
the hearts of his eountrymeu, was a sturdy son of Norway, and
was born in 1851. He left his native land and came to the
United States in early life and in 1874 settled in Eau Claire,
where he lived until his death, which occurred April 10, 1909.
He was a blacksmith by trade and followed this occupation dur-
ing his lifetime, and by his honorable and upright dealings built
up a large and prosperous business and became popularly known
as one of the best Avorkmen in Eau Claire.
He was married in Eau Claire to Miss Karen Buross and to
them six children were born, viz : Charles M., Edward, Arthur,
George, Victor and Sigurd. He was a loyal citizen, a kind hus-
band and father, and took great pride in his home and family.
Arthur C. Mattison, an enterprising young business man of
Eau Claire, was born in this city, January 21, 1886; the son of
Andrew and Karen (Buross) Mattison. His father was born in
Norway, in 1851, and came to ximerica in 1863. In 1874 he came
to Eau Claire, having learned the trade of blacksmith.- After
coming to Eau Claire he worked at liis trade with Cah-in, the
blacksmith, for a time, and was later eiuiiloycd hy hiiuber mills
at his trade. He started a blacksmith shop of his own in North
Barstow street and followed this occupation until his death in
1908. He married in Eau Claire Karen Buross, daughter of
Christofer Buross, and they became the parents of nine chil-
dren, as follows: Charles, who for twenty years, has been in the
employ of the Standard Oil Company iu Chicago; Edward and
George, who are engaged iu the sheel metal business in Chip-
pewa Falls; Arthur, our subject; Sigurd, a jeweler of Eau
Claire, and Victor. Those deceased are : Enuna, IMatilda and
Edward. Mathias Evanson, grandfather of Mr. A. C. Mattison,
was born in Norway, where he spent his entire life. He had
six children — four boys and two girls.
Arthur C, after finishing his education in tlie common and
high schools of Eau Claire, taught school one year, then went to
Chicago, where he learned the machinist trade, after which he
learned the trade of tinsmith. Returning to Eau Claire he was
in the employ of the Eau Claire Cornice and Heating Company
for four years, and in February, 1912, purchased a one-half in-
784 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
terest in the Eau Claire Sheet Metal works, who are now doing
an extensive contract business. Mr. Mattison is a member of
the Young Men's Christian Association, the Grace Lutheran
Church, and the Civic & Coiiniieree Association, while in polities
he is independent.
The Eau Claire Sheet Metal Works was started in 1911 by
George Jordan and Fi-cd A. (iiitsch, and was conducted by them
until 1912, wlien Mr. Arthur C. JMattison purchased the interest
of Mr. Jordan. They occupy the first floor and basement of a
brick building, 30x70 feet, and manufacture everything in the
line of sheet metal.
Hector Mayheu, a resident of Eau Claire for thirty years, was
bom in Canada, June 28, 1866, and is one of a family of six chil-
dren born to Philomine and Celestin Mayheu. The others were
Zoticjue, Celestin, Victoria, Philemene and Osias. The father
died in 1870, wlien oui' subject Avas four years of age The
mother still survives aucl lives in Boileau, P. Q., Canada.
Mr. Mayheu came to Eau Claire in 1884, and for ten years
was engaged in the lumber biisiness. He later went into the
saloon business on Water street, which he has followed for nine-
teen years. He was married in 1899, at Chippewa Falls, to Miss
Mary Leniay, and they have four children : Marie, Edwin,
Jeanette and Hector, Jr., all of whom were born in Eau Claire.
Mr. Mayheu is a member of St. Patrick's Churcli, and the
Catholic Order of Foresters of Eau Claire.
Reynolds D. McAllister, tlie popular proprietor of the ]Mc-
AUister Plouse. of Eau Chiiie, was born in the Province of New
Brunswick, Canada, August 7. 1845. He came to Eau Claire
during the balmy days of the lumber industry, in 1873. and for
10 years was engaged in the lumber business, and in 1884 he
built the McAllister Hotel, of which he has ever since been the
genial proprietor. This hostelry is well known among the
visitors to Eau Claire, and is usually overflowing with patronage.
On October 14, 1883, Mr. McAllister married Ellen G. Powers,
to which union five children have been born: John M., Arthur M.,
Daniel E., Walter L. and Mary E.
Mr. McAllister holds membersliip in the Catholic Knights of
Wisconsin and the St. Patrick's Church, of Eau Claire. He has
never indulged in politics nor sought political preferment, pre-
ferring the quiet of liis home and family to the rabble of the
political game.
James W. McCann, logger and general contractor of Eau
Claire, is a native son of Wisconsin, having been born in Wal-
BIOGRAPHY 785
wortli county, this state, November 21, 1859, the sou of Patrick
and Mary (Kerrigan) McCann, both of whom came from Ireland.
The father came to the United States in 1845 and first located
in the state of New York. He married at Hoosick Falls, and
came to Wisconsin in the early fifties and was numbered among
the pioneer farmers of "Walworth county. In 1862 he moved to
Monroe county, where he was engaged in farming until his death
at the age of 72 years. He had six children who grew to ma-
turity, as follows: John, who owns the old homestead, is a
farmer and extensive land owner in the town of "Wilton, Mon-
roe county; James "W. ; Ella, now Mrs. Hugh Rice; Joseph, Ed-
ward and Frank, all residing in "Wilton, except Joseph and James
"W.
James AV. went with his parents to Monroe county when he
was three years old. and there grew to manhood on his father's
farm and attended the public school. In 1876, when 17 years
of age, he came to Eau Claire and for eleven years followed the
woods and rivers. In 1887 he located at Ashland and there en-
gaged in general contracting which he has since followed. In
1898 he returned to Eau Claire county and made his home on
his 160-acre farm in Union township, which he had owned for
25 years. During the present year, 1914, he sold his land and
moved into the city of Eau Claire, where he is giving his whole
attention to logging and general contracting in paving, sewer
building and the buying and selling of timber and farm lands.
Mr. ]\lcCann married in 1886 Miss Clara Ransom, daughter
of Anson B. and Lucinda Ransom, of the town of Union. Their
family consisted of five children, four of whom grew to maturity,
as follows : Lucy L. is the wife of Joseph Briskie ; Nellie, now
Mrs. P. J. Bolin; Grace is deceased, and Evelyn. In May, 1906,
Mrs. IMcCann died, and on February 18, 1908, Mr. MeCann was
again married, this time to Ella Amborn, daughter of Augus!^
and Emma (Pfaff) Amborn. of Union township. In politics Mr.
McCann is a Republican, and religiously he is a member of St.
Patrick's Catholic Church. He is a member of the Catholic
Order of Foresters and the Modern "Woodmen of America.
James L. McCann,* whose whole life has been spent in the
state of "Wisconsin, was born in "Walworth county, September
12, 1856. and came to Eau Claire with his parents when a small
boy. His education was obtained in the public schools, and in
early life he was employed at lumbering, an occupation he fol-
lowed until 1884. For a shoi-t time after severing his connection
with the lumbering industry, he conducted a hotel, giving up
786 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
this line of business to open a livery stable in which he is now
engaged and conducts the largest livery business in Eau Claire
county. He keeps over sixty head of horses and his equipment
is of the best, and besides making a specialty of funeral service,
he carries on a general dray and transfer business. Mr. McCann
has also done some farming, owning and operating at one time
200 acres in the town of Wheaton, which he sold in 1905. He
now owns a farm in Seymour township, consisting of 135 acres,
and another of 80 acres in Sheldon.
Mr. McCann married Miss Eliza Deveraux, of IMihvaukee. He
is one of the public spirited men of Eau Claire, always ready to
lend his moral influence and financial aid to any worthy enter-
prise. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and for eight
years served as a member of the county board from the 9th ward.
In religious belief, he is a Catholic and a member of St. Patrick's
Church.
Laughlin, McCann, father of James L., was born in Ireland
in 1825, and died in Eau Claire, October 22, 1898. He married
Mary Costelo and they reared a family of twelve children, as fol-
lows: Bedilia, born July 7, 1853, died February 11, 1910; Ann,
born February 3, 1855, died January 23, 1886; James L., born
September 12, 1856 ; Mary, born August 12, 1859 ; Clarence, born
July 12, 1861, died September 21, 1907; Patrick, born May 17,
1863 ; Peter, born April 18, 1865 ; John, born February 21, 1867,
died at Maryville, Washington, March 29, 1913; Joseph, born
November 8, 1869 ; Agnes, born November 1, 1871 ; William, born
in November, 1877 and Jessie, born November 18, 1879, both died
in infancy. Mrs. McCann, mother of these children, survived her
husband until 1904, when she too, passed away, honored and re-
spected by all who knew her.
Nicholas Deveraux, father of Mrs. James L. McCann, who for
many years was a resident of Milwaukee, married ]\Iary Schein
(?) of that city, and they were the parents of eight children:
Eliza, Bridget, Kate, Michael, Robert, Thomas, William and Mary.
The mother died in 1907, and the father moved to Waukesha,
Wisconsin, where he now resides.
Samuel B. McCune,* who resides on section 15, Otter Creek
township, is another native son of Wisconsin and is of Scotch-
Irish ancestry. He was born in Fond du Lac county, November
18. 1862, to John M. and Mary J. (McConnell) McCune, and is
a grandson of Joseph McCune who was descended from promi-
nent Scotch and Irish families. The parents of Mr. McCune were
pioneers of this state, and ranked among the foremost citizens
BIOGRAPHY 787
of their county. At the age of 62 years, tlie father died and the
mother was burned to death by the explosion of a kerosene lamp.
Samuel B. was educated iu the common schools of Wisconsin
and has spent his whole life at farming. He owns a fai-m of 320
acres of good land in Otter Creek township, a large portion of
which is under cultivation and well improved. He carries on
general farming and stock raising and by his shrewd and econom-
ical management since he purchased the farm, he has made it
one of the most modern and model country homes in the county.
Politically he is a Republican and believing in the principles of
the Republican party, he takes an active interest in its affairs.
Among the fraternal orders of which Mr. McCune is a member
are the Slodern Woodmen of America and the National Fraternal
League.
In 1886 Mr. McCune married ]\Iiss ]\linnie Cook, and they are
the parents of the following children: Frank, who married Miss
Hazel Arries; Vera, now Mrs. Earl Ketchum ; Cecil Cook; Verda
May; ]Max: Has^el and Helen.
Frank McDonoiigh, deceased, was one of that worthy class of
sturdy men wlui wrought faithfully and well, and to whose work
the county of Eau Claire "and the Chippewa Valley owe much
to their development. Coming to Eau Claire in 1863 without
means, he worked his way to the top of the ladder, eventually
realizing the fulfillment of his brightest hopes. His parents,
Dennis and Rose (MeSloy) McDonough, who were natives of the
North of Ireland, came to Canada in an early day where they
established the family home and where at lugersoll, Frank Mc-
Donough was born on April 2, 1846. His education was received
in the common schools of his native country, and at the age of
fifteen years, he was apprenticed to learn both the blacksmith
and carpenter trade. For several years after his arrival in Eau
Claire, he followed the occupation of millwright and finally be-
came identified with the Eau Claire Lumber Company, of which
he was superintendent for many years, and iu 1880 became a
stockholder and director in the company.
Mr. McDonough was iu the best sense a thorough and prac-
tical business man whose clear-cut, honorable methods, skillful
management of affairs and sterling manliness in all his varied
relations, made him a leader among his associates and a force
for good in the community and city iu which he lived. His life
was clean, his motives pure, and no one could come within the
range and sphere of his influence without recognizing the force
of his strong personalitj- and inherent manliness, elements of
788 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
eharacter which had niueh to do ia securino- to him the liiirli
place he held in business and eonimereial circles, as well as in
his social and other relations. On January 1, 1888, he incor-
porated what became known as the McDonough ]\Ianufacturing
Company. The factory was enlarged from time to time until it
assumed large proportions, and the company manufactured all
kinds of mill machinery. The demand for its well known goods
came from all parts of the northwest, west and south. The suc-
cess of the institution was largely due to his untiring efforts to
build up this large establishment which employed many skilled
workmen and was a benefit to the entire Chippewa Valley. He
was its president and treasurer and the moving spirit in the con-
cern. He was also a stockholder in the Chippewa Lmnber and
Boom Company, and the Eau Claire Street Railway Company.
He was in truth a captain of industry and when times were ad-
verse and misfortune seemed ready to crush him, his strong will
and determination piloted him through the dangerous places and
put him on a solid foundation. His memory is cherished and
kept in grateful remembrance for the important part he played
in the commercial and material growth and development both
of the institution with which he was so closely connectedi and
the city in which he lived.
Mr. McDonough married. September 28, 1866, Miss Jennie
Horan. daughter of Thomas Iloran, a resident of Canada. They
had five children, as follows: Prank T., Catherine. Gilbert J.,
Mary and Violet. Politically Mr. McDonough affiliated with the
Republican party. He was a member of the Eau Claire common
council for many years, was a member of several business men's
associations and belonged to a number of benevolent and fra-
ternal orders including the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, the
Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. He represented his district in the general assembly of the
state, and at the time of his death, which occurred June 4, 1904,
was serving as state senator from the 24th senatorial district.
James Henry McElroy, son of Patrick and Ellen (Crowley)
McElroy. is another one of the prominent farmers of Brunswick
township, where he has resided since 1890. He was born at
Mukwonago, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, June 11, 1855. He
was educated in the common schools of his home town, and as
he grew to manhood, worked on the farm for his parents. He
was later employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
road at construction work between Milwaukee and Eau Claire,
and at the age of twenty-six, in 1881, he located in Eau Claire
FRANK McDOXOrcJH
BIOGRAPHY 78!)
and for several years was employed at lumbering. He farmed
two years in Grant county, North Dakota, and in 1890 purchased
the Aaron Wright and a part of the Helwig farm, comprising
160 ,&cres, in the town of Brunswick, Eau Claire county, where
he has since lived engaged in general farming and stock raising,
at which he has met unusual success. He keeps a fine herd of
milch cows, and does an extensive business in manufacturing
butter for private parties in Eau Claire, for which he always
receives the highest price.
Mr. ]\leElroy is one of the prominent and successful men in
his section, public spirited, kind hearted and ever ready to lend
a hand to those in need, and takes a commendable interest in
all matters pertaining to his town and county. He is a Democrat
in politics and has been honored as a member of tlie board of
supervisors of his town. In religious affiliations he is a member
of the Blethodist Episcopal church.
In 1881 ilr. JlcElroy married in the town of Waukesha Miss
Lydia A. Churchill, who was born in Waukesha county. Wiscon-
sin, a daughter of Hiram De Forest, of New York state, and
Mary A. (Howard) Churchill. Their children are Cora May,
who married Chester Merrill, of Eau Claire; Minnie Belle, wife
of Victor Thomas, lives in Superior, Wis., and has one child
Pearl ; Iva lona married Lloyd Winter, an expert butter maker
of Eau Claire; James Henry Jr. married Blargaret Bavaira, they
reside in Brunswick on their farm, and has two children, Ralph
J. and Heine : Mabel Viola, born May 11, 1900, resides at home.
Hugh Jocelyn McGrath, whose death occurred November 7,
1899. from the effects of a gun shot wound received at the battle
of Noveleta, Pliilippine Islands, was born at Fond du Lac. Wis.,
April 8, 1856, and came with his imrcnts to Eaii Claire in 18.19.
He was educated in the pul)lic scliools of Eau Claire, and the
IJniversitj' of Wisconsin. In 1876 he was admitted to West Point
Academy and was graduated in 1880, and joined his regiment,
the 4th United States Cavalry, the following September, at Fort
Reno, Okla., afterwards spending two years at the infantry and
cavalry school at Fort Leavenworth. Kan., and for three years was
instructor in military science at the LTniversity of Wisconsin.
During the Apache Indian trouble, Major McGrath served in
New Mexico and Arizona against Geronimo and other Apache
chiefs. He was later stationed at Walla Walla, and at the time
the Spanish-American War opened, was located at Vancouver
Barracks. He immediately asked for active duty, was promoted
from Captain of the 4th Cavahy to Major in the volunteer en-
790 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
gineers, and was sent to Jacksonville, Fla., where he was assigned
to the 7th Army Corps, on the staS of General Green, later go-
ing to Havana, Cuba, where he was ordered to laj'ont the camps
for the 7th corps, and there he remained uiitil the corps was dis-
banded. He was then sent to the Philippines, where he joined
his regiment, the 4th Cavalry, having sailed from Sau Francisco
on May 25, 1899, arriving at Manila about May 30.
JMajor McGrath was married May 1, 1886, to Miss Lillian
Blair, a daughter of General Blair, of Leavenworth, Kan. They
had one son, Charles Blair McGrath. Major McGrath 's second
marriage was at Savannah, Ga., November 11, 1898, to Miss Mary
Carson, daughter of Hon. William Carson, of Eau Claire. Major
McGrath was a young man full of zeal and chivalry, a live, wide-
awake officer, a man for emergencies, and would undertake any-
thing he was commanded to do by his superior officers. Nothing
was impos.sible with him. He had a fine presence, and made a
fine impre.ssion; in short, he was a model soldier.
Professor Dean C. Worcester, member of the Philippine Com-
missiou. in an interview on October 20. 1899, declared that Major
(then Captain) McGrath was one of the greatest heroes in the
Philippines. "It was at Calamba," said Prof. Worcester, "an
important town in Laguna de Bay, that Avas taken by Lawton.
While the troops were in front of this town and in the face of
a hot and fm-ious fire from the Filipinos, it was found necessary
to cross a stream that was swelled with recent rains, until it
was most difficult to get over. There were neither boats nor
rafts, but on the opposite side, and directly under the rifles of
the Filipinos were two canoes."
"At that juncture, the hero revealed himself in the person
of Captain ]\leGrath of the 4th Cavalry. He did not wait for
orders, nor did he call for volunteers. He stripped and plunged
into the Avhirling stream and came back half an hour later with
two caiioes. There were some bullet holes in the canoes by t!ie
time he got across with them, but they were made to serve the
purpose of transporting a .storming party across the stream,
and the trench was taken. It was the most daring thing I ever
witnessed, and I believe the most daring action that has come
to my notice."
General Charles King said in speaking of the sad death of
Major Hugh J. INIcGrath, of Eau Claire, at Manila from the
effects of a wound received during the recent charge on the town
of Noveleta.
"I knew Major McGrath well for many years, and always
MA J. HUGH J. McGRATH
BIOGRAPHY 791
considered him a man of splendid character and a soldier of the
highest type. He was one of my successors as Military Instruc-
tor at the State Universit}', and while there, made a very credit-
able record. He was attached to the 4th Cavalry, one of the
best mounted regiments in the service. At the outbreak of the
war, he was appointed a Major on the staff, and assigned to
duty in the South, so that he did not .join the 4th Cavalry M'hile
it was in my brigade at Manila. When he reached the Philip-
pines, early in the Spring, however, he took hold with magnificent
vim and was in one fight after another. He was most conspicuous
for bravery, as was shown in the praise he received from the
Philippine Commission for his conduct in swimming the river at
the attack of Calamba. It was a parallel to Funston's heroic
act. Fuuston, being a volunteer, his deed was heralded through-
out the world; Major McGrath being a "West Pointer and a regu-
lar, no particular attention was paid to his act.
Understand that this is no disparagement of Fuuston, who
was in my brigade at San Francisco, and for whom I have the
liighest admiration. But if a man wants to attain distinction,
he is more apt to get it in the volunteers, than if he sticks to
his legitimate sphere in the regular service. Major ]\IeGrath re-
ceived his wounds which resulted fatally in leading liis troops
in a headlong charge, and his loss will be deplored in his regi-
ment and throu^liout the cavalry service."
Thomas McKernan,* who is a native of Ireland, was born
October 20, 1839, to Thomas and Mary (Dalton) McKernan.
AVhen ten years of age, in 1849, Mr. McKernan came with his
parents to America, who settled in Lafayette county, Wiscon-
sin. Of a family of six children, Thomas is the only member now
living. The others were Susie, Helen, Patrick, Philise and John.
Soon after arriving in this country and during the cholera epi-
demic of 1849, the father died from this dread disease near
St. Louis, and was buried on the banks of the Mississippi river
with hundreds of others who died at the same time.
In 1857 Mr. McKernan came overland from Lafayette county
to Eau Claire county, driving a large drove of cattle. He settled
on a farm in Pleasant Valley township and engaged in farming
there for about three years. In 1860 he went to Montana where
he remained two years, thence to Colorado. After a sojourn
there of six years, he returned to Eau Claire and Pleasant Valley
and resumed farming on his 240-acre tract. Disposing of this
farm in 1903, he retired and moved to the city of Eau Claire,
where he now owns several dwellings which furnish him a sub-
7!)2 II [STORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
stantial income. After the death of his father, and until her
decease in 1894, his mother kept house for him, Mr. MeKernau
being a bachelor. Mr. McKernan has been a hard worker during
his lifetime, was a successful farmer and has always been a
progressive and public spirited man, and a member of St. Pat-
rick's Church, of Eali Claire.
George W. G. Miller, superintendent of the Kaiser Lumber
Company, of Eau Claire, was born at Muscatine, la., September
25, 1863, and is one of a family of five children born to Freder-
ick and Caroline (Link) Miller. Of the others Frederick. Wil-
liam and Minnie are deceased; Louis lives in Houston, Te.x., en-
gaged in the canning business, and our subject, George G. Fred-
erick IMiller, father of George G., was born in Germany, and as
a young man, came to the United States, landing in New York
city after a voyage of eleven weeks at sea. He was a carpenter
by trade and first settled at St. Louis, Mo., going from there to
Muscatine, thence to St. Paul. Returning to Muscatiue after a
time, he settled permanently there and engaged in contracting
and building, which he followed until his death, in about 1898,
aged 68 years. The mother lived to be nearly 80 years old and
died in 1909 at her home in Muscatine.
George G. attended the public schools of Muscatine, until 16
years of age, then went to work in the planing department in the
sash, door and blind factory of Cadle & Mulford. He later be-
came associated with the Hurshey Lumber Company, going from
that concern to the sash, door and blind factory of the Huttig
Manufacturing Company, but later returning to the employ of
the Hurshe.y Lumber Co. In 1880 he .ioined the IMuscatine Lum-
ber Co., remaining with them one year, when he again returned
to the Hurshey Co., and had charge of their planing mill until
1888. He then went south for the same company and took charge
of their planing mill at Sargent, Mo., remaining there vintil the
Spring of 1890, when he became associated with the Consolidated
Box & Lumber Co. He then became foreman for the South IMus-
eatine Lumber Co., remaining in that capacity until 1896, when
he became superintendent of this company's planing mill and
box factory, remaining in that position until 1905, when he came
to Eau Claire and connected himself with the Kaiser & Geisler
Lumber Co., as superintendent of their mill. This business was
later changed to the Kaiser Lumber Co.. of which he is at this
time, 1914, superintendent of mills, having under his direction
upwards of two hundred men.
Mr. IMiller is a thorouali lumberman, having in his many
BIOGRAPHY 793
years of experience, obtained a thorough knowledge of the busi-
ness in all its branches. In 1882 he married Anna Benninger,
daughter of Jacob Benninger of Muscatine. To Mr. and Mrs.
Miller have been born seven children as follows : Frederick Lee
and Uelmor are deceased; Florence married William Leonard, a
large ranch owner of Alberta, Canada; Arthur is now attending
the State University of Wisconsin; Edward, who attended the
Phillipsburg Academy, is now with the Kaiser Lumber Co. ; True
and Anna Fern. Mr. Miller is a member of Camp No. 106, Mod-
ern Woodmen of America, Muscatine, the A. F. and A. M., being
a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He is
a member of the Congregational church, and resides at 321 Hud-
son street, Eau Claire.
Square Freedom Mitchell, deceased, was the son of Samuel
and Adeline (Lombard) Mitchell, of Dansville, New York. Here
he was born on November 4, 1851, reared and educated in the
public schools. His father was both a farmer and lumberman
and thus they worked together until the Fall of 1871, when they
came to Eau Claire. Young ^Mitchell's first employment here
was with the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, with whom he re-
mained one year, and then took a position with the Northwestern
Lumber Company, at Porter's Mills, remaining with this com-
])any for twenty-five years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of
the saw mill business from operating a slab saw to superintend-
ing the mill in which he was employed. In the meantime, on July
15, 1874, he was married to Miss Laura Ann Shaw IMcIntosh,
and in November, 1878, moved on the farm which is the present
home of the family. Two sons were born to ilr. and ]\Irs. Mitchell,
Dr. R. E. Mitchell, a jironnnent ]>h>-sieian of Eau Claire, and
Russell A. l\lifchell, of iMinueai)olis, who, with their moflier. sur-
vive him. Two other children, one of whom died some years
ago, received the benefit of a home with his family.
In 1900 Mr. Mitchell engaged as superintending foreman with
the Fred B. Dubach Lumber Company, of Dubach, La., acting
as superintendent of saw mills for four years ; he later served in
the same capacity for the Arpin Lumber Company, of Atlanta,
Wisconsin, for one year, and still later served in the same ca-
pacity for the Arkansas Lumber Company, at Warren, Ark.,
remaining there for about three years, after which he was fore-
man for the Rainy River Lumber Company, at Rainy River, Ont.
In July, 1909, he went to Bismark, Okla., and there he was en-
gaged with the Choctaw Lumber Company, with whom he re-
mained until December. 1912. After coming home for liis annual
794 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
vacation, while gathering holly for the Christmas decorations,
he fell from a tree, receiving the fatal injuries which resulted in
his death on February 20, 1913, and in the demise of one as noble
in character as he, not only his family, but his entire acquaintance
were bereft of a most higlily esteemed and faithful friend.
Mr. Mitchell was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
in the Knights of Pythias Order he was deputy vice ehancelor,
in the state of Louisiana, he was also an Odd Fellow in that state,
a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Order of Hoo Hoo.
Mrs. IMitchell, the daughter of Benjamin Gennings and Lydia
(Burce) Mcintosh, was born at Farmington, Maine, September
29, 1853, and came with her parents to Eau Claire, in 1864, and
ten years later was married to Mr. Mitchell.
Roy Earnest Mitchell, M. D., whose sketch appears elsewhere
in this work, was born March 17, 1876, at Porter's Mills, and
Russell Allegne was born May 15, 1878, also at Porter's Slills,
is now a well-to-do contractor in Minneapolis. He was married
at Stanley, Wis., September 29, 1903, to Miss Ethel Allington,
of that place. They have four children : Frederick Russell, born
August 6, 1907; Delos Raymond, born January 17, 1909, Robert
Allington, born December 6. 1910, and Laura Elizabeth, born
May 15, 1914.
Mrs. Laura Ann Shaw ]\Iitchell is a lady of refinement and
culture and a thorough business woman. When she was mar-
ried, their farm consisted of but forty acres, to which has been
added, as the result of her ambition and superior business man-
agement, the adjoining property until now the farm consists of
280 acres in Brunswick township and is one of the good homes
of the county. The farm has been in her entire charge since
her marriage, while her husband was elsewhere employed, as
above stated, but spending her winters, however, witli ^Ir, ^lit-
chell.
John Mcintosh, great grandfather of Mrs. jMitchell. was born
August 30, 1746, at Inverness, Scotland, and died in June, 1836,
at Durham, jMaine. He served as a soldier in the British army
and was brought over to the colonies before the Revolutionary
War, but by some means unknown, escaped from the British serv-
ice. He married and settled in Ilarpswell. then in the Massachu-
setts colony, biit later moved to Durham, Elaine. His first wife was
Susan Farr, by whom he had the following children : Jane, mar-
ried Mr. Dougherty; Hannah, married Amasa Mortin; Margaret,
married Mr. Eaton; Mercy, married Peter Parker; Asenath,
married Thomas Mitchell; Harmony, became the wiie of Mr.
BIOGRAPHY 795
Dyer ; Alexander, married Hannah Jordan, and William, married
Nancy and Soplironia Gciininas. The second wife of Mr. Mcin-
tosh was Sallie Blitchell (nee) Dyer, and they became the parents
of two children: Sallie, who married Hiram Jennings, died
September 25, 1890, and John, who married Louisa Dean.
William Mcintosh, the son of John and Susan (Parr) Mcin-
tosh, and grandfather of Mrs. Mitchell, was born June 15, 179G,
at Durham, Maine, and died June 7, 1879, at Farmington, Maine.
He was twice married; his first wife was Nancy Gennings, who
was born June 13, 1801, at Ravenna, Ohio, and died January 31,
1836. Her parents were Benjamin and ]\Iary (Lawrence) Gen-
nings; the latter born September 3, 1763, died November 25,
1860. To this union three children were born, as follows : Ben-
jamin Gennings, father of Mrs. Mitchell; William Drew, born
April 5, 1827, at Durham, Maine, married Keziah Backus ;uid
had one child, IMinnie H. He died at Newton, i\Iassachusetts,
December 26. 1903, and John Alexander, born January 2, 1831.
at Durham, Maine, and died December 26, 1860. He married
Harriet Lemont, and one child, Frederick L., was born. Mr. Mc-
intosh's second wife was Sophronia Gennings, a sister of his first
wife, and she died in 1870. They had one child, Nancy Erameline,
born April 13. 1839, and died September 15, 1888. She married
twice, first to Dave Mitchell and second to Porter Russell and
had one child by adoption. Mary Russell.
Benjamin Gennings Mcintosh, father of ]\lrs. iMitehell and
son of William and Nancy (Gennings) IMelutosh, was born De-
cember 25, 1823, at Durham, Maine, and died May 20, 1913. at
Eau Claire, Wis., whither he came in 1864, and settled on a farm
in Brunswick township, there following general farming for
many years. He then moved to Mondovi, in Buffalo county, and
there he was also engaged in farming until 1900, when he retired
and returned to Eau Claire, and later to the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Mitchell, in Brunswick township, and at the time of his
death Avas in his eighty-ninth year. He was a member of the
Unitarian Church and in politics a staunch, dyed-in-the-wool Re-
publican, lie was a delegate to the party when it was formed in
the state of Maine, and during his long and useful life never
missed an opportunity to vote. Pie retained all his faculties
until the last and could see to read without glasses, and at the
time of his decease was the oldest Odd Fellow in the state of
Wisconsin, having been a member of that order for nearlj^ sixly-
five years.
On November 11, 1852, he married at Willing. X. Y., Lydia
796 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Margaret Biirce, who was born June 24, 1828, at "West Mills.
Maine, and died at Eau Claire, Wis., May 2, 1870. She was the
mother of the following- children : Laura Ann Shaw, who mar-
ried Squire Freedom I\Iitehell; Nancy Maria, born January 25,
1858, and died August 14, 1904. She married July 15, 1876, at
Eau Claire, Frank Hall, and two children were born, Earl Lester,
born May 26, 1877, and Neal Chester, born May 24, 1881 ; John
William, born August 11, 1860. At Mondovi, Wis., June 20, 1891,
he married Emma Jane Hakes, who was born November 8, 1870.
They had one child, Forest Roy, born November 15, 1901 ; Chaj-les
Morris, born August 28, 1862, died at Eau Claire, August 26,
1864; Charles Shaw, who was born December 8, 1867, married
Violet Loper, at Edson, Wis., April 1, 1889. They are the parents
of two children, Benjamin S., born December 30. 1899. niid
Florence I., born July 11, 1912.
Benjamin Gennings Mcintosh was married for the second
time, November 13, 1873, to Mrs. Attie J. Murtaugh (nee) Scott.
a resident of Arkansaw, Wis., but living at the time in Eau Claire
county. They became the parents of the following children:
Mary Matella, who was born August 15, 1875, died May 5, 1888;
Martha Marilla, a twin sister, born August 15, 1875, married
September 27, 19C5, ..George L. Robinson. To this union four
children were born : Kenneth on September 7, 1906 ; Lyle and
Layn. twins, born Novemlier 29. 1907, and Thomas, born October
24," 1909.
Ole J. Moe, retired farmer and business man, is the son of
John J. and Julia (Anderson) Moe, and is the older one of a
family of nine children, as follows : Ole J., Andrew, Toxy J., John
J., Cecelia and Carrie, 3 deceased. The father was born in Nor-
way and came to America in 1847, settling in Dane county, Wis-
consin, where for some time he was engaged in farming. He
later moved to LaCrosse county, this state, and there carried on
farming with a marked degree of success.
Ole J. was born in Dane county, this state, June 3, 1849, and
moved with his parents to LaCrosse county and lived on the
home farm until he married Miss Rachel Johnson. He then went
to Trempealeau county and there purchased a farm and resided
until he came to Eau Claire in 1888. After his arrival here, he
embarked in the hotel business, which he carried on successfully
for foi;rteen years. Disposing of his hotel interests, he pur-
chased a farm near Chippewa Falls, which lie conducted for
three vears, then returned to Eau Claire, and has since lived
BIOGRAPHY 797
in retirement. [Mr. lloe has four sons, Joseph G.. William J.,
Morris E. and Edwin 11., and two daughters, Mary, who married
August Berg, and Luella S., who married Al. Winge. The wife,
mother of the.se children, died April 19, 1911.
Mr. Moe is prominently identified with the Norwegian Luth-
eran church and is a member of the I. S. AV. A.
Charles Frederick Mcessner,* a well known farmer of Union
township, was born at Ihringen Baden. Germany, on March 18,
1866. the son of John W. and Barbara (Bultzhauser) Moessner.
The father was born in Germany, followed farming there until
1883, when he emigrated to the United States, and located at
Menomonie, Dunn county, where he engaged in the lumber and
saw mill business. He later took up farming, which he followed
until his death, February 12, 1893. During his residence in Ger-
many, he at one time w^as an inspector general in the German
army. He was twice married, first to Miss Mayer, and two chil-
dren were born, Rosa and William. His second wife was Barbara
Bultzhauser, who died at Menomonie in 1907, aged seventy-?is
years. To this iiuiri'ijiui' tliirteen children were born, as follows:
Barbara, Edward. Salome. !JIarie, Charles F., Christiana. Gustav
(names of the others not obtainable).
Charles Frederick was educated in the schools of his home
town in Germany. He came to America on the steamship
"Mamie" and landed in New York City. From there he went to
Buffalo and remained a short time, then came to Wisconsin and
located at Menomonie, Dunn county, where for twelve or four-
teen years he was employed by Knapp, Stout & Company, in
their saw mills and at other work, including some six years,
when he had charge of the farm of Mrs. V. A. Knapp, at two
different times. He also spent some time in the cooper shop
where he learned the cooper's trade. He was later engaged in
the liquor business for eight years at Altoona. In the Spring
of 1909 he purchased the Murphy farm of 230 acres, part of which
is located in the city of Eau Claire, and the balance in Union
township, and has since been engaged in general farming and
stock raising, keeping a herd of Holstein cattle from which he
does an extensive dairy business, and also raises Chester Avhite
hogs.
On June 16, 1894, Mr. ]Moessner married Anna Fobian,
daughter of Frederick and Emestina (Boetzher) Fobian. To this
union have been born eight children, viz. : Helen ; Edward, de-
ceased; Anna; LiUia: Lucile; Carl. Ernest and Alfred. Mr.
798 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Moessner is one of the successful and enterprising farmers of
Union township, and he and his family are members of the Luth-
eran church.
Chester D. Moon, secretary of the Northwestern Lumber
Company, and the son of Delos R. Moon, Sr., and Sallie (Gilman)
Moon, was born in Eau Claire, July 9, 1879. His father, who
was one of the early bankers and lumbermen of this city, was a
native of Chenango county, New York. His mother, Sallie Gil-
man, born in Ohio, was a daughter of John L. and Cornelia
(Baker) Gilman, natives of Vermont and New York respectively,
and descended from English and Scotch ancestry. Delos R.
Moon (sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume), father
of Chester D., came to Eau Claire in 1857 and engaged in the
banking business with Hall Brothers, of Aurora, 111. In the early
Sixties, associated with Gilbert E. Porter, he engaged in the
lumber business at Porter's Mills, this county, under the firm
name of Porter & Moon, and from this partnership eventually
sprang the Northwestern Lumber Company, with which he was
connected until his death. November 4, 1898, at the age of 63
years. He left a family of seven children as follows: Lawrence
G. ; Frank, who is now deceased ; Angeline, wife of J. G. Dudley ;
Sumner G. ; Chester D. ; Pauline, wife of Otto F. Haueisen and
Delos R.
Chester D. grew to manhood in Eau Claire, receiving his
primary education in the public schools, after which he attended
Shattuck School, at Faribault, Minn., and Phillips' Academy, at
Andover, Mass., where he prepared for Yale. Returning to Eau
Claire from Andover, he entered the lumber yards of the North-
western Lumber Company in 1896 as a common laborer, from
which position he worked his way to shipping clerk; from that
he was advanced to work in the office and later was made man-
ager of mills at Eau Claire, remaining in that capacity until
1907, since which time he has been secretary and purchasing
agent of the company. He has filled the office of vice president
of the Stanley, Merrill & Phillips Railway since 1903. He is a
stockholder in the Union National and Union Savings Bank, of
Eau Claire, and a stockholder in the Union ilortgage Loan Com-
pany.
On IMay 22, 1902, Mr. IMoon married Miss Edith Bueklin,
daughter of Charles W. and Fannie (Stanley) Bueklin, of New
York City, and they are the parents of two children, Marjorie
and Bueklin R. Moon. Mr. Moon is a member of Christ Episco-
BIOGRAPHY 799
pal Chui'cli, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is
a man whom every one esteems for his manliness and goodness
of heart.
Deles Rensselaer Moon, Sr., whose death occurred at Eau
Claire, was a leader in the commercial life of Eau Claire, Wis.,
and an illustrious example of that type of enterprising, intelli-
gent and resourceful business men which has given to that pros-
jierous city the station it holds among the progressive cities of
Wisconsin. He was a native of Chenango county, New York, and
was born August 29, 1835. When eight years of age, he, with his
widowed mother, moved to Kendall county, Illinois, where ho
lived until his mother married the second time. In 1845 the
family moved to Aurora. 111., and there Mr. Moon grew to man-
hood. At the age of nineteen, he accepted a position as book-
keeper in the bank of Hall Brothers, remaining thus employed
until 1857, when he was sent by his employers to Eau Claire to
take charge of the bank of Eau Claire. At this time, the se-
curities of the bank consisted largely of IMissouri state bonds,
which were then recognized as security for bank circulation in
Wisconsin. In 1861, on account of the pending war. these se-
curities depreciated to such an extent that the- bank was closed
by the state comptroller. After the close of this institution, Mr.
iloon engaged in buying and selling logs, timber land and gen-
eral merchandise, a business he followed for six years. In 1867
lie formed a partnership with Gilbert E. Porter, and they rebuilt
tlie saw mill at Porter's Mills, which had been owned and oper-
ated by Brown, Meredith and Porter, and which had been re-
cently destroyed by fire. The mill completed, they began the
manufacture of lumber, which was rafted down the Chippewa
and Mississippi rivers.
The partnership above referred to was the real beginning of
Jlr. Moon's active business career. The education and business
training he received while connected with the bank proved of
inestimable value to Mr. ]\Ioon. who combined native talent and
strength with a good mercantile education. Mr. Moon was in
the best sense, a thorough and practical business man whose
clear cut, honorable methods, skilful management of affairs and
sterling manliness in all his varied relations, made him a leader
among his associates and a force for good in the community and
city in wdiich he lived. His life was clean, his motives pure,
aud no one could come within the range or sphere of his in-
fluence without recognizing his strong personality and inherent
800 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
qualities, elements of character which had much to do in secur-
ing for him the high place he held in business and commercial
circles, as well as in his social and other relations.
In 1869 the firm of Porter & Moon started a lumber yard at
Hannibal, Mo., under the name of S. T. McKnight & Company,
to which point the entire output of their mill was shipped. In
1870 the firm of Porter & Moon consolidated with that of S. T.
McKnight, and the firm name changed in Eau Claire to Porter,
Moon & Company, Mr. Moon acting as the financier of the com-
pany, disposed of the lumber until the death of Mr. Porter in
1880. In 1873 the two firms were merged into the Northwestern
Lumber Company, and a stock company was organized under
the laws of "Wisconsin. Mr. Porter was president of the organi.'>:a-
tiou and attended to the manufacturing. Mr. Moon was vice-
president and Mr. McKnight, who was secretary and treasurer,
resided at Hanibal and disposed of the lumber products. This
new organization employed at first about fifty men, which num-
ber was gradually increased to nearly seven hundred; their
operations were principally carried on on the Chippewa and E.au
Claire rivers. In 1867 the lumber produced was three million
feet, and in 1873 ten million feet. The output was gradually
increased until 1892, when more than sixty million feet were pro-
duced. They owned and operated at one time two mills at Por-
ter's Mills, and a saw and planing mill at Sterling, Wis.
Mr. Moon was also an extensive stockholder in the Montreal
Lumber Company, at Gile, Wis., which alone cut twenty-five mil-
lion feet of lumber. He was also interested in the Chippewa
Lumber & Boom Company, of Chippewa Falls. He was vice
president of the Shell Lake Lumber Company, a director in the
Barronett Lumber Company, and in 1880 became president of
the Northwestern Lumber Companj'. He was in very truth a
captain of industry, and his memory is cherished and kept in
grateful remembrance for the important part he played in the
commercial and material growth and development both of the
institutions with which he was so closely connected and the city
in which he lived and loved.
At Aurora, 111., on October 12. 1858, Mr. Moon married Sallie
Gilman. Mrs. Moon was born August 22, 1836, in Harrison, Lick-
ing county, Ohio, and was a daughter of John L. and Cornelia
(Baker) Gilman, natives of Vermont and New York respectivel.v,
and descended from Englisli and Scotch ancestry. Seven chil-
dren were born to this union as follows : Gilman L., Frank H.,
Angeline. Sumner G., Chester D., Pauline and DeLos R. Jr.
BIOGRAPHY 801
DeLos Rensselaer Moon, Jr., ranks among the younger class
of enterprising, energetic and successful business men of Eau
Claire. A native of New York state, he was born at Dansville,
August 29, 1879. His parents, DeLos Rensselaer and Sallie Freely
(Oilman) Moon, were natives of New York state and Ohio re-
spectively, and on his mother's side is descended from English
and Scotch ancestry. His father, DeLos R. Moon, was born in
Chenango county, New York, and at the age of eight years, came
to Kendall county, Illinois, with his mother, and in 18i5, removed
to Aurora, 111., where at the age of nineteen he entered Hall
Brothers' Bank as bookkeeper. In 1857 he came to Eau Claire,
and took charge of the Bank of Eau Claire, and in 1861 engaged
in buying and selling logs and timber land.
Mr. Moon acquired his education in the public schools and
at Phillips' Academy, at Andover, Massachusetts, where he took
a general course in science. After completing his education, he
entered the employ of the Northwestern Lumber Company in
1900, remaining until 1902, when with others he purchased the
Linderman Box & Veneer Company, of which he became presi-
dent, and in which capacity he is still serving. Under the care-
ful management of Mr. ]\Ioon and liis associates, the business of
this concern has been greatly enlarged, the sales having increased
from $75,000 in 1901 to .$350,000 in 1913. In 1910 the factory of
the above company was totally destroyed by fire, but was at once
rebuilt, ncAvly equipped, and is now considered one of the best
and up-to-date factories in the country.
Mr. Moon was married October 16, 1901, to Miss Bertha
Elizabeth Dean, of Eau Claire, and to them have been born two
children, Elizabeth, aged ten, and Laura Dean, aged four years.
Mr. Moon is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Eau Claire Club, Eau Claire Country Club and the Eau
Claire Auto Clixb. He is highly esteemed by a host of friends
whom he has gathered around him by his thorough business
habits and social qualities. He is genial and affable in manner,
alwaj's ready to bestow a favor, to speak a kind word or do a
kind act, and being enterprising to an eminent degree, he takes
a lively interest in all measures tending to the welfare and pros-
perity of his city and county.
Clir.ton P. Moses, prominent farmer and dairyman, Avas born
in the State of Iowa, October 15, 1869, and is the only child born
to George and Elizabeth (Powell) Moses. The former was born
in Connecticut and served as a soldier in the civil war ; the latter
was born in South Walos. Wlien Clinton P. was two years old
802 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
his mother died, and he was brought to live with his mother's
parents, where he lived until he was 21 in the town of Bruns-
Avick, Eau Claire county. The father died in 1901 and the death
of the mother occurred August 16, 1871.
John Powell, maternal grandfather of Mr. Moses, was born
in Bradnorshire, South Wales, August 12, 1799, and died in
Brunswick, December 17, 1881. His wife, grandmother of our
subject, was Margaret Williams, also of South Wales, where she
was born May 12, 1801, and died April 29, 1902, having lived
to be 101 years old. They were married in South Wales and were
the parents of eight children : John, Jr., born September 29,
1828; Robert, born August 16, 1831; Anna, bom April 16, 1836;
Edward, born September 30, 1838; Mary, born August 22, 1841;
Jane, born September 8, 1847; Elizabeth, born August 6, 1850,
and William, born January 15, 18 — .
These hardy pioneers left the land of their nativity May 5,
1848, and sailed from Liverpool, May 10, of that year, lauding
in New York June 19, 1848. They went to Lenore, Madison
county, New York, where they spent a little more than two years
and then came west to Wisconsin, settling at Oakfield, Fond du
Lac county, where tliey remained until 1856, and then moved
to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm in Brunswick town-
ship and there spent the balance of their lives, honored and re-
spected by all who knew them.
Clinton P. was raised on the farm and his boyhood was spent
in much the same manner as that of most farmer boys. He at-
tended the common school and assisted with the farm work. He
married Miss Mary A. Sprague, daughter of George A. Sprague,
of Brunswick townsliip, by whom he has four children : Victor
C, Margaret E., Willard and Lucile. While Mr. Moses is now
living in the city of Eau Claire, he still carries on his farm and
makes a specialty of dairying, pure bred stock raising and cattle
feeding, and is one of the enterprising and progressive men of
his town, having served the same as chairman and treasurer for
9 years, also school treasurer of his district for 18 years. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the Masonic Order, the Knights of
Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers.
George Sprague, father of Mrs. Moses, was born at Bordino.
New York, and came to Eau Claire in 1854 and later engaged in
the livery and blacksmithing business. He helped to construct
the first ferry at Eau Claire, and for several years operated it.
He later moved to the town of Brunswick, where he carried on
BIOGRAPHY 803
general fanning, lit- mari'ied. iu 1859, Miss Alma Aiiiidon,
daughter of Harrison Amidon, of Gilmautown, Bufifalo county,
Wis. To this union were born three children : George C. ; Clay-
ton B., who died in 1868, and Mary A., wife of Clinton P. Moses.
Mr. Sprague, who died December 1, 1902, was a member of the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
Daniel Murphy,* who is now living in retirement, was born in
Buffalo, New York, February 22, 1850. His father, Daniel
Murphy, who followed farming during his lifetime, was born in
Ireland. He married Margaret O'Neil and reared a family of
four children, viz: Jeremiah, Ellen, Margaret and Daniel. The
parents are now both deceased. When seven years of age, in
1857, Daniel moved with his parents and family to Dodge county,
Wisconsin, thence in 1860 to Eau Claire, where the father en-
gaged in farming.
Daniel Murphy, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhooil
in this county, and spent approximately thirty-seven years of
his life in the lumber woods, where he was employed as cook,
and at other times was engaged in farming. He has al-ways been
a temperate, frugal man, and a great reader. By hard Avork,
perseverance and economical habits, he saved his earnings until
he has amassed considerable money, which he is now loaning on
good security. In politiis he has never 1aken any impoi-tant
part; has nevei' sought nor lield political office, liut has exercised
his rights as a good citizen.
Edward C. Murphy, D. 0.,-' Eau Claire, was born in West
Lebanon. Iiid., September 19, 1880; son of and Mary
(Moriarty) Murphy; the father a native of Tipperary, Ireland,
and the mother of Indiana. He was raised in Illinois and Kan-
sas, receiving his education in the public schools, the State Nor-
mal school at Normal, 111., and Brown's Business College at Dan-
ville, 111. He began the study of osteopathy at the American
School of Osteopathy, at Kirkville, Mo., in 1906; w^s gi'aduated
therefrom in 1909 and on 4une 15 of the same year came to
Eau Claire, whei-e lie has sncc-essed in building up a lucrative
practice.
On June ]:!. 1909. he was married to Venia Belle, daugliter of
William and Louise (Brown) Eoberts, of Kirkville, Mo., who is
also a graduate of the American School of Osteopathy in the
class of 1910, and she is an able assistant to the doctor in his
jiractice. Dr. Murphy is a member of the American Osteopathic
Association, the Wisconsin State Osteopathic Association, the
804 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, lodge No. 402, the
Eau Claire Council, No. 1257, Knights of Columbus, and in re-
ligious belief is a Roman Catholic, and in politics a Repub-
lican.
Jeremiah Murphy,* the son of Daniel and Margaret (O'Neil)
Murphy, was born in Rochester, New Yoi-k, November 1, 1839,
of Irish ancestors. He came to Eau Claire in 1860 and engaged
in farming, which occupation he followed until the breaking out
of the civil war. He enlisted in 1861 in Company B, 6th Wiscon-
sin volunteer infantry, and served four years and one month,
receiving an honorable discharge June 10, 1864. After being
mustered out, he returned to Eau Claire and resumed his farm-
ing operations, which he continued for two years. He then
moved to Eau Claire and for nine years until 1875, followed th(!
occupation of millwright. He next worked as a machinist in h
machine shop for some time. He was one of the first to be ap-
pointed as mail carrier of Eau Claire under the Cleveland
administration, and performed his duties in that capacity for
four years, after which he engaged in business on his own hook,
opening a shop for doing all kinds of repair work.
Mr. Murphy is a charter member of the Grand Army of the
Republic of Eau Claire, and is a devoted nieraber of St. Patrick's
Church. He married, in 1872, Miss Ellen M. McCarthy, daugh-
ter of Dennis McCarthy, of Eau Claire, and they have two chil-
dren— Margaret E. and Edward D., tlie latter lives at home and
has taken over his f;ithpi-'s Imsincss. wliicli lie is now (1914) car-
rying on.
George J. Nash, superintendent of printing and engraving for
the Eau Claire Book & Stationery Company, was born at Hud-
son, Wis., July 17, 1865, the son of Lester A. and Elizabeth Mary
(Prey) Nash, and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. His
father, who was boi-n in Rochester, New York, M'as one of the
pioneers of Hudson, where he engaged in contracting and build-
ing, and where he now lives retired at the age of 78 years, the
mother being now in her 80th year. They reared a family of
seven children as follows: Frederick is deceased; Jennie mar-
ried 0. S. Sodel, of Hudson; George J. and Gilbert J. (twins), the
latter was drowned at Hudson, July 15, 1878; Elliott E. is as-
sistant general superintendent of the Northwestern Railroad in
Chicago ; Fraiik L., a dealer in lundjer at Seattle, Wash., and
Olivr V. mari-ied W. A. Morse, a traveling salesman, at Lane
Park, Fla.
George J. attendi'd the public schools until he was thii-teen
BIOGRAPHY 805
years of age, at which time he went to work ou the "True Re-
publican" newspaper at Hudson, and there served an apprentice-
ship and as errand boy for six years, then went to the "Hudson
Star and Times," and for seven years was foreman of the office.
In April, 1894, he came to Eau Claire and became associated
with the Ban Claire Book & Stationery Company, taking charge
of their printing and manufacturing department. He is now
superintendent and has upward of twenty hands under his super-
vision.
In 1887 Mr. Nasli enlisted as a private in Company' C, 3rd
regiment Wisconsin National Guards, as a charter member. He
was promoted to the rank of coi-poral, sergeant, first sergeant,
first lieutenant and captain, having been appointed to the latter
office August 16, 189;-!, and resigned February 27, 1895. Fra-
ternally Mr. Nash stands high in Masonic circles, being a mem-
ber of the Blue Lodge, Cliapter and Commandery, is past master
of Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112; served seven years as secretary
of the Chapter and seven years as recorder of the Commandery.
He is also a member of the U. C. T., a member of and at jiresent
(1914) elder of the First Presbyterian Chui-ch. and su])('rint(>iulent
of the Sunday school.
Mr. Nash has been twice married, first to Hattie A. Smith, of
Hudson, who died in 1902, leaving two children — Lucius B. and
('lyde L. He married for his second wife Miss May Stevens,
daughter of A. H. Stevens, of Eau Claire.
Julius Nerborne,'*' who, for many years was connected with
the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, was born at Watertown, New
York, April 1, 1849; the son of Jeremiah and Orlean (Malette)
Nerborue. When our subject was six years of age, his parents
moved to Ottawa, Canada, and there he received his schooling
and grew to manhood. He came to Eau Claire August 17, 1881,
and for many years was engaged in lumbering, being for some
time associated with the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, and
since the dissolution of that firm, he has been in the employ of
the city of Eau Claire.
He married at Ottawa, Canada, Miss Annie 0 'Malley, and six
children have been born: John J. J., Arthur J., Annie I., Thomas
W., Frederick and Edward. In religious views Mr. Nerborne is
a Catholic and a member of St. Patrick's Church. Mr. Nerborne
is one of a family of eight children, born to Jeremiah Nerborne
and Orlean Maletta Nerborne. Of the others, Joseph, Jeremiah,
Cereel, Augusta, Irline, Clarrisso and Harriet. Mr. Nerborue,
Sr., died in 1906, and Mrs. Nerborne passed away in 1893.
SOG HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Fred S. Newell, a native born citizen of Eau Claire, where he
was born on January 15, 1868, comes from sturdy New England
stock and is descended from Ebenezer Newell, who was born in
Newton, Mass., August 23. 1767. He married, June 10, 1789,
Elizabeth Jacl?son, who was born January 18, 1771, at Cape
Elizabeth, Me., and died July 22, 1851. He died at Durham, Me..
December 9, 1856. John Newell, grandfather of our subject,
was born September 18, 1797, at Durham, Me. He married, June
20, 1820, Sagy Strout, who was a native of the same place, and
born January 5, 1800. They both died at New Portland, Me., he
on December 8, 1872, and she January 12, 1883. They had a
family of ten childi-en, of whom the late C. S. Newell, father of
Fred S., who was born June 2, 1830, at New Portland, Me., uuir-
ried Henrietta Shaw. May. 185fi, and died at Eai; Claire, Wis.,
May 18, 1909.
Mr. Fred S. Newell has spent nearly his whole lifetime in
Union township, Avhere he was successfully engaged in general
farming until about two years ago (now 1914), when he moved
into the city of Eau Claire, where he has since lived in retire-
ment. He married Miss Jennie C. Tabor, daughter of James C.
Tabor, of New York State, and they have one daughter, Marion.
Charles J. Newhouse. Among the well-to-do, thrifty and pro-
gressive farmers of Eau Claire county is he whose name head.s
this brief review. . He was born December 17, 1862, and is one of
a family of seven children, born to John Newhouse, who was ;i
native of Bilefeld, Gei'many. The fatlier lived a long and busy
life and died at the age of 77 yenrs, and tlie mother died at the
age of 72.
The other children, besides our subject, are: Mrs. Henrietta
Shong, Mrs. Mary Richards, Frederic Newhouse, Mrs. Eliza Gris-
wold, Henry Newhouse and William Newhouse, deceased.
Charles J. Newhouse was born on the farm, attended the com-
mon schools and assisted in the farm work. He has always fol-
lowed this occupation and carried on his operations with good
success and profit. He noAV owns 320 acres of fertile land under
a good state of cultivation, and well-improved with a fine class
of substantial buildings and all the appurtenances and conven-
iences that go to thoroughlj' equij:) an up-to-date model farm.
He is also engaged in .stock raising, keeping a fine herd of
Holstein cattle and from twenty to thirty head of milch cows, and
does an extensive dairy business.
In 1894 he married Miss Cora E. 'Shong, a daughter of Nich-
olas Shong, and has two children — Earl S. Newhouse and Eliza-
BIOGRAPHY 807
betli L. Newhouse. lu fraternal matters Mr. Newhouse is prom-
inently identified with the Masons. He is a loyal public spirited
man and takes active interest in all matters pertaining to the
welfare of his town and county.
He is a Democrat in politics and has held many local offices.
James H. Nickerson,* influential farmer and president of the
Fairchild village ; was born in McHeury county, Illinois, Septem-
ber 14, 1865. His parents, Stephen and Margaret (Bright) Nick-
erson, were natives of Cazenovia, New York, and England re-
spectively, and is of Scotch and English descent. The parents
of Mr. Nickerson were pioneers of McHeury county, where the
father owned a farm of 250 acres, which lie subdued, improved
and brought to a good state of cultivation, and where he lived
and died. The family consisted of four children — Alvarado is
deceased ; Jlorence, deceased wife of Loren Warner ; James H.,
the subject of this sketch, and Rosa.
Mr. Nickerson was reared on the old homestead in ]\lcllenry
county; attended the district school and assisted in flu- farm
work. After attaining his majority, he went to Rock county,
Wisconsin, where he was variously employed for several years.
He subsequently returned to his home county and embarked in
the livei-y business at Marengo, which he followed in connection
with the buying and selling of real estate for thirteen years. In
1900 he came to Eau Claire county and purchased 1,000 acres of
land in the town of Fairchild, of which he still owns 480 acres,
ItiO acres of which he has improved and cultivated himself. Iii
addition to his farming operations he is engaged in the buying
and selling of real estate in Wisconsin and adjoining states. He
is married and has resided in flic village of Fairchild sinc-e 1900.
In 1913 he was elected presidi-iit ol the village and has tilled th-
office with dignify and honor.
John H. Nygaard, the popular county clerk of Eau Claire
county, a position he has continuously held since 1904, was born
in Norway, January 19, 1863. the son of Ilalvor II. and IMaren
(Jacobson) Nygaard.
Halvor H. Nygaard, father of John II., was born in Norway
in 1828, and was one of tlie prominent and successful men of liis
native town, where he was engaged in the merchant tailoring
business until 1890. In that year he came to this coiintry and
settled in Eau Claire, and for a number of years followed the
occupation of tailor. He afterward moved to Washburn, N. D..
where his son, Hans C. had preceded him and where he now
lives in retirement. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran
808 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
church and in politics believes in the doctrines of the Republican
party. He married Maren Jacobson, of Norway, who is now de-
ceased, and the following children were born to them : Hans C,
who resides in Washburn, has been prominent in polities all his
life in and around Washburn, N. D., and where for twelve years
he has been Register of Deeds. John H., the subject of this
sketch; Annie married John Thompson, a merchant in Taconia,
Wash., and Carl, who is engaged in the merchant tailoring busi-
ness in Tacoma.
John H. Nygaard was educated in the common schools of
Norway, and in early life learned the trade of cutter in his
father's tailoring establishment, where he was employed until
19 years of age. Learning of the tempting opportunities for ad-
vancement in this country, he set sail in 1882 for America, and
upon his arrival, he came to Eau Claire and was employed as
cutter for eight years in a tailoring establishment. In 1892 he
formed a partnership with Mr. John Baker in the same business
under the firm name of Nygaard & Baker, at which he continued
until the Fall of 1904, when he was elected county clerk of Eau
Claire county on the Republican ticket, and by re-election with-
out opposition has held the office ever since. He is one of Eau
Claire's most prominent officials, progressive and up-to-date, and
has done much in the line of his duty to place Eau Claire among
the banner counties of the state, and has been the means of caus-
ing to be piiblished several directories of the county officials and
maps, for the convenience and benefit of his constituents.
Mr. Nygaard is a man of pleasing personalit.y and readily
wins the good will and holds the confidence of those who come
within the range of his influence. He is a man of genial, social
temperament, loyal to his friends and is actively identified with
the Free Masons, Knights of Pythias, the I. S. W. A., Sons of
Norway, the Beavers, the Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club and the
County Clerks' Association. He is also a member of the Luth-
eran church. In 1888 he married Miss Julia Logan, daughter of
John Logan, of Eau Claire, and they are the parents of four
children, as follows : John Richard, a graduate of the high school,
Avas appointed to the West Point Military Academy through the
influence of Congressman John Eseh, of LaCrosse; Mildred S. is
a graduate of the common and high schools of Eau Claire, and in
1913, graduated from the Normal School of Superior, and during
this year, 1914, has taught school at Chippewa Falls ; Eva N. and
Julia S. Nygaard live at home with their parents.
Eugene O'Brien, general superintendent of the Dells Paper &
BIOGRAPHY 809
Pulp Company, of Eau Claire, is descended from a long liue of
Irish ancestry. His father, John O'Brien, was born in County
Cork, Ireland, where he was for some time engaged in the groi;-
ery business. He married Ann Donavan, and in about 1842 came
to tlie United States with his family. After his arrival in this
country he went direct to the state ciuarries in Vermont and fol-
lowed that line of employment for some years, and later engaged
in state contracting at Hydeville, Vt. He died at the age of 67
years and was buried at Turners, Mass. Mrs. O'Brien died at
tlie age of 68 years. They were the parents of eight children, as
follows : Catherine married S. R. IMorrison aud made her home
at Turners, Mass. ; Patrick, James and Helen are deceased. Those
now living are Mary Ann; Thomas; Eugene and John, who is
foreman for the Chapman Brass it Valve Works at Chickepee
Falls, Mass.
Eugene O'Bi-ieii A\as bom at Hydeville, in the western part of
Vermont. Seiiteiiiln r 2r>. ]S."),"). lie received a common school edu-
cation in Veriuont, and at the age of sixteen, commenced work
in the cutlery business at Turners Falls, Mass., for L. Russell
& Company, in their Green river works, remaining in their em-
ploy four years, after which he engaged with the Manthue Paper
Company at Turners Falls, and was employed as beater engineer,
then back tender, then machine tender, and then promoted to
boss machine tender, and there obtained a thorough knowledge
of paper making. In 1879 he came to Wisconsin and located at
Appleton, where he was employed by Kimball & Clark as boss
machine tender during his time of service with tliis concern.
He went from Appleton to Neenah, and was there employed as
machine tender and assistant superintendent for the Winnebago
Paper Company for seven years. In 1894 he came to Eau Claire
and became associated with the Dells Paper & Pulp Company
as superintendent, and since 1909 has been general superintend-
ent of the company's entire plant. Since becoming connected
with this concern, he has made many improvements in the plant,
erected new buildings and made extensive alterations in the old
ones, and now has five hundred men under his direct supervision.
Mr. O'Brien is a keen business man and an expert mechanic,
and as such, has made many improvements in paper-making ma-
chinery, holds many patents and is considered an authority on
the paper-making industry in both the United States and Can-
ada. He is progressive and enterprising and takes a commend-
able interest in all public affairs. Besides his connection with
the paper business, he is a director of the Larson Automatic
810 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Pump Company. In religious affiliations he is a member of St.
Patrick's Catholic Church, and is also a member of the Knights
of Columbus. He married Helen Burk, daughter of Thomas
Burk, of Greenfield count.y, Massachusetts. To this union have
been born eight children, of whom five are now (1914) living, as
follows : Edward, a traveling salesman ; Eugene, chemist and as-
sistant superintendent of the Dells Paper Company ; Thomas, as-
sistant chemist for the Dells Paper & Pulp Company ; Nellie mar-
ried Sylvester Gilford, banker and broker, of Calgary, Alberta,
and Raymond OBi-ien. Those deceased are: Thomas, Nellie and
William.
Thomas Francis O'Connell,* president and general manager
of the T. V. O'Connell Tile Company, of Eau Claire, was born
January 15, 1865, at Bell Creek, Goodhue county, Minn. His
father, Patrick O'Connell, who was born at Galway, Ireland, iii
1818, emigrated to America in 1836, landing in New York City.
He went from there to Louisville, Ky., Avhere he married Cath-
erine Griffin. He was employed at railroad work and made
Louisville his home until 1858, when he moved to Bell Creek,
Minn., and there purchased 160 acres of land, and successfully
followed general farming until his death in 1892, at the age of
seventy-four years. He was a member of the Catholic church,
and as a Democrat in political faith, he took an active interest in
the affairs of Bell Creek. He was the father of nine children,
of whom six are now (1914) living, viz: Mary, now Mrs. J. C.
Lewis, resides at Michigan City, Minn. ; Catherine married Ed-
ward McNamara ; Thomas P., the subject of this sketch ; Timotliy
resides at Grand Forks, N. Dak., where he is engaged in the
meat business, and James, a salesman of Milwaukee. Those de-
ceased are: John ; Jane, deceased wife of M. J. Nilan, and Patrick.
John O'Conjiell, grandfather of Thomas F., was lioi'ii in Ireland,
and lived all his life in and near Galway.
Thomas F. was reared on the farm and his l)oyliood days were
spent much the same as the usual farmei- boy, attending the dis-
trict schools and assisting with the farm work until lie was nine-
teen years of age. He then went to St. Paul and connected him-
self with J. F. Tosterin & Son, where he learned the trade of tile
setter, serving an apprenticeship of two years. He then worked
as a journeyman seven years for the same firm, after which he
went to Chicago and there followed his trade for tAvo years.
At the end of that time he returned to St. Paul and to the employ
of the old firm, remaining with them from 1894 to 1906, the last
eight years of the tinie was foreman of their large force and did
JOHN H. NYGAARD
JMOGRAPHY 811
most of the estimating on contracts. In ]906 he came to Eau
Claire and engaged in the tile business for himself, witii his
office at 428 North Barstow street. In 1913 he erected a dwelling
and office building on Chippewa Road and Second Crossing, and
moved his office there. lie does contracting in all kinds of tile
work, mantels, bath rooms, etc.
In 1901 he married Lucy McJIjiiius, daiiiihtiM- of -lohn and
Lottie McManus, of St. Paul. To tliis union two ,-hildr.-ii have
lieen born: Mary Fern and Art.hur Dean, the latter deceased. Mr.
O'Connell is one of the entei'prising and public spirited men of
l']au Claire and is always interested in the welfare of his city,
lie is a member of the Knights of Columbus and for twenty years
he has been associated with the Modern Woodmen of America,
and is a prominent member of the Catholic church.
Gustav K. Opheim,* who, for thirty years, was one of the most
popular hotel men of Eau Claire, was a native of Norway, and
born in 1855. After arriving in America he came to Wisconsin
and spent one year at Rice Lake. He came to Eau Claire in 1884
and from that time on, to the time of his death, which occurred
January 22, 1914, he was engaged in the hotel business and dur-
ing this interval, becaine favorably and popularly known. He
was a man of thrift and ability and made a grand success of his
business, as well as gaining and retaining the good will of his
fellowmen. His religious affiliations were with (^ur Savior's
Norwegian Church and he was a popular meml)er ot the Knights
of Pythias and the Sons of Norway, lie was nuirried in Chip-
pewa P'alls, Wis., to Miss Anna M. Christofson, and they became
the parents of two children — Sever C. and Oscar B. Opheim.
M. E. Paddock is a native son of Wisconsin, was born in
Eau Claire county, April 18, 1880, and is one of a family of six
children, born to Edgar Alfonso and Adelia (Travis) Paddock,
and grandson of Anson Paddock, the pioneer of the Paddock
family in this countr.y. The others are E. B., who is on the home
farm; Clara, wife of C. W. Warner, of Augusta; Earl, who re-
sides in Elkhorn, this state ; Bessie, wife of Harvey Horrell and
Jessie, wife of Alfred Thompson. Anson Paddock, a native of
IMessina, St. Lawrence county. New York, came west to Wiscon-
sin, first settling on Beef River in ISofi, and thence in 1861 moved
to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm in Bridge Creek
township near the present homestead of the Paddock family.
He had four children: Bradford, deceased; Lucinda, who became
the wife of Henry Curran; Edgar Alfonso, father of our sub-
ject, who died in 1890, at the age of 42, and Myron was aeci-
812 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
deutly burned to death in infancy. Anson Paddock, as well as
his son, Edgar Alfonso, were men of thrift and progress, and
did their full share in helping to transform Eau Claire county
from its wild state to one of productive farms and pretty homes.
They took a prominent part in the affairs of the county, were
enterprising and industrious, and at their death, left the most
valuable of all inheritances, that of an honored name.
M. E. Paddock was raised on the homestead farm, obtained
his education in the public schools and helped in the farm work.
He married in 1903 Miss Minnie Schroeder, and by her has three
children: Marjorie, Marion and Edgar. Mr. Paddock, associated
with his brother, E. B., under the name of Paddock Brothers, are
operating the home farm of 320 acres of choice land which is in
a good state of cultivation and improved with a modern residence,
barns and other outbuildings. They carry on general farming,
stoekraising and dairying, using in their operations the most up-
to-date methods. They have a fine herd of 56 full blooded Hol-
stein cattle, 20 head of which are milch cows. They make a
specialty of breeding and raising Percheron horses, and have in
their stud some fine imported specimens. Their hogs, of which
they raise large numbers, are of the Poland-China breed, while
their sheep are of the Cotwell variety. While Mr. Paddock is
among the younger class of fariners, he is considered good au-
thority on many branches of farming industry, and occupies a
place of ])rominenee in the community where he resides. He is
a member of the J\Iodern Woodmen of Ainerica, while in politics
he is a Re]iul)liean.
Robert Emmett Parkinson, the genial proprietor of the Eau
Claire House, and probably the dean of hotel men in Wisconsin,
was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, January 24, 18-59,
a son of William and Anna (Sullivan) Parkinson, and comes of
English and Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father, a native of Eng-
land, and son of John Parkinson, came to the United States in
1842, settling in St. Lawrence county, New York, where he was
engaged in farming. There our subject was reared until seven-
teen years of age, receiving a limited education in the common
schools. In 1876 he came to Eau Claire county, first locating in
Augusta, where he spent two years in the employ of a grain firm.
In 1878 he came to the city of Eau Claire and engaged with the
Eau Claire Street Car Company for two years, after which he
entered the employ of the Daniel Shaw Lumber Companj^, where
he remained three years. Since 1883 he has been connected with
the Eau Claire House, then as now the leading hotel of Eau
BIOGRAPHY 813
Claire. His first employment in this hotel was that of bell boy,
being advanced later to clerk and in 1887 he became one of the
l)roprietors, the firm being Foster & Parkinson. In 1888 Daniel
^IcGillis purchased Mr. Foster's interest and the hotel was con-
ducted under the firm name of Parkinson & McGillis until 1895,
.since which period Mr. Parkinson has been sole proprietor of tne
hotel, which lie lias conducted on up-to-date principles in every
respect aiul made it one of the most popular hostelries in Wis-
consin and it is only just lo say of Mr. Parkinson that under liis
careful, attentive and successful management, he was enabled in
1911 to come into possession of the hotel property in its en-
tirety. His success has been achieved by his own persistent ef-
forts, always on hand to greet his guests on arrival, and he is
most favorably known by the traveling public from coast to
coast and familiarly known by the commercial men as "Bob," his
affalde and genial manner having made him one of the most
prominent men in the business.
Politicall3' Mr. Parkinson affiliates with the Republican party,
wliile fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons,
the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and is a leading member of the Eau Claire County Old
.Settlers' Association. He married May 4. 1899. Anna, daughter
of William Emerson, of Milwaukee, and they are the parents of
one daughter, lone May Parkinson.
Ole J. Parker, who foi' twenty-two years was a member of
the police force of Eaii Claire, was born in Norway, November
12, 1847. When he readied the age of maturity in 1868, he came
to America and first located at LaCrosse, and after remaining
there one summer, he came to Eau Claire and worlved in the lum-
bering industry for Chapman & Thorpi', with whom he remained
until 188G. In the Spring of the last nniin-il year, he was ap-
])ointed to a position on the city police force and discharged his
duties efficiently until 1896, when he resigned and went to Mon-
tana, remaining there about two years. In the Fall of 1898 he
returned to Eau Claire and ^vas employed on the river and in
the lumber yards of the Dells Improvement Company, and also
the Northwestern Lumber Company until the Spring of 1900,
when he was reappointed to the police force, a position he filled
until September 1, 1912. when he again resigned.
Mr. Parker married Miss Thora Peterson Risem. who died
September 17, 1902. To this imion four children were born. viz. :
Belle. Annie, Joseph C. and John P., all born in the city of Eau
Claire. Annie married Mr. W. A. Clark, former principal of
814 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the Eau Claire training school; Joseph C. resides in Salt Lake
City, Utah; John is in Los Angeles, Cal., and Belle resides at
liome with her fatlier.
Earle S. Pearsall, district manager for the Wisconsin Na-
tional Life Insurance Company, was born in Ontario, Canada,
February 15, 1872, the son of James and Isabel (Gonsolus) Pear-
sall, and is of English and Spanish extraction. He was reared
in Nebraska, received his education in the public schools of
Columbus, that state, and the Omaha business college. He be-
gan his business career in 1888 as clerk in the dry goods store at
Columbus, and later entered the First National Bank of that
city as liookkeeper, but resigned that position to accept the man-
agement of a gents' furnishing store in the same town, and con-
tinued in that position until the breaking out of the Spanish-
American War. At that time, 1898, he Avas a member of the Ne-
braska National Guards, which later became the first regiment
of Nebraska volunteers; he served fourteen months in the Philip-
pines as a sergeant in the Spanish-American War and Philippine
Insurrection. On his return home in 1899, he located at Omaha,
Neb., where he was engaged for a short time in the brokerage
business, and in 1900 came to Eau Claire, where he has since
been connected with the Dells Paper and Pulp Company, and
the Eau Claire Dells Improvement Company, being secretary of
the latter corporation, and since 1911 he has been district man-
ager of the Wisconsin National Life Insurance Company, also
secretary of the Davis Falls Land Company, Inc.
On June 14, 1900, Mr. Pearsall married Miss Emile Davis,
daughter of David R. Davis, of Eau Claire, and has two children,
Earle S., Jr., and Jane Geraldine. Captain Pearsall is a member
of Christ Episcopal Church, of Eau Claire, the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, is also
commander of Camp No. 27, Spanish-American War Veterans.
Upon coming to Eau Claire, Mr. Pearsall joined the Wisconsin
National Guards and since 1902 has been captain of Company E,
Third Regiment. .
Charles Pelletier,* successful business man and highly re-
spected citizen, of Eau Claire, was born at Sand Rock, Canada,
and is one of a family of eighteen children born to Mitchell and
Sophia (Laird) Pelletier, all of whom are now deceased, but
three. Besides our sub.iect the others were Ilal, Francis. Thomas,
Joseph, Ida, Virginia, Adelaide, Mary, ^lartin, Ostin, Alexandei'.
John, Charles. Jule, Lewis, Mitchell and Fida, and one who died
BIOGRAPHY 815
in infancy. The parents spent their lives in Canada, where the
father died in 1891 and the mother in 1896.
Raised in Canada, Mr. Pelletier received his education in the
schools of his home town. He came to the United States and
spent two years in Grand Traverse, IMiehigan, and then in 1871
came to Eau Claire where he was first employed with the Daniel
Shaw Lumber Company, with whom he remained for fifteen
years. He served five years on the police force of Eau Claire
under Mayors Farr and Bailey, and twenty-six years ago opened
a grocery store in the city of Eau Claire and for fifteen years of
this time ran a bakery shop in connection with the grocery. He
has prospered and has become one of the solid business men of
Eau Claire, and owns at this time considerable real estate, in-
cluding four buildings on the street where he lives. He is a
member of St. Patrick's Catholic Cluirch, and a member of the
Order of Catholic Knights.
ilr. Pelletier married ]\Iiss 'Sluvy Mauing, of Durand. Wis.,
who died in 1902 without issue, and two years later, in 1904,
Mr. Pelletier took for liis second wife Catherine Weisenfelt. of
Eau Claire.
John W. Pepper,* proprietor of the Eau Claire Dray, Express
and Bus line, which he established in 1876. was born in Charles-
ton, Illinois, March 20, 181:7, the son of Samuel S. and Dorcas
(Wiley) Pepper, both natives of Kentucky, and pi(uieers of Coles
county, Illinois, where they followed farming and milling and
made their home during the remainder of their lives.
John W. was reared in his home county and attended the
common schools. At the age of 21, in 1868, he went to Rochester,
iliunesota, and for five years was employed in a livery stable.
He came to Eau Claire in 1873 and secured a position as foreman
in Samuel Ellis' livery stable, remaining thus employed for three
years. In 1876 he embarked in bii.siness for himself on a small
scale, which has since grown into one of the largest and leading
transfer lines in the city, working ten horses and two autos and
employs seven men and one stenographer in the office.
On February 17, 1875. Mr. Pepper married Miss Eliza Sprague,
daughter of Orrin and Cynthia (Brown) Sprague, of Rochester,
Minnesota, and they are the parents of the following children :
Gertie, deceased; Jessie, wife of Fred LaMerr; Grace, wife of
George W. Town; John; Valeria, wife of Ray Fowler, and Guy
Hamilton. Mr. Pepper is a stockholder in the Egg-0 Baking
Powder Company, of Eau Claire, and served as alderman from the
816 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
First Ward for two years. His three brothers, William, Alexander
and Samuel, as well as himself, were soldiers in the Civil War. Mr.
Pepper enlisted as a private in Company I, 135th Regiment, Illi-
nois Volunteer Infantry, May 10. 1864, and was honorably dis-
t^liarged from the service September 28, of the same year. He
is now a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., of Eau Claire.
Gustave E. Petrick, assistant sales manager of the Interna-
tional Harvester Company, with offices in the Harvester Company
building. Eau Claire, was born in Fall Creek, this county. May
30, 1873, and is the son of William and Matilda (Reinholz) Pet-
rick. William Petrick, his father, was born in Germany, and at
the age of about seven years, in 1858, came to America with an
older brother and first resided in Green county, Wis. He moved
to Fall Creek in 1870, and was successfully engaged in farming
until 1909, when he retired and now resides in the village of
Fall Creek at the age of sixty-five years, where he has been
prominently identified with the affairs of the village and the
Lutheran church. He married Matilda Reinholz, who was al.so
born in Germany, and came to the United States in 1870. ilr.
and Mrs. Petrick are the parents of twelve children, as follows:
Gustave E. ; Rudolph, a meat dealer in Eau Claire; William, a
lumberman of Northern Minnesota; Helen married Herman
]\Iouldenhauer ; Adolph is a farmer in Montana ; Otto is engaged
at farming in Pall Creek; Pauline; Fred runs a restaurant in
Superior, Wis.; Tillie; Amelia; Walter, and Herman.
Gustave E. was educated in the public and high schools of
Fall Creek. Finishing his education, he became associated in
1892 as salesman with Tagert Brothers, of Augusta, dealers in
farm implements, after which he became connected with the
Deering Harvester Company as traveling salesman, making his
headquarters at Winona, Minn. In 1906 he was appointed assist-
ant general agent of the International Harvester Company, Eau
Claire, which position he still occupies. He is a member of tlie
Eau Claire Club, Y. M. C. A., Knights of Pythias, also director
of the Girnau Manufacturing Co. In 1900 Mr. Petrick married
Emma Bartig, daughter of August and Louise Bartig, of Augusta,
and they have one son, Edward Donovan Petrick.
Forest George Pierce, wlio resides in the town of Brunswick,
ErUi Claiie county, wliere hv is engaged in farming and stocl:
raisiug, was l)orn at Fosbroke, Dunn county, February 10, 1879.
His father, Mervin E. Pierce, was born in November, 1849, at
Paris, Kenosha county. Wis., and moved to Eau Claire with his
parents at tlie ag(> of eiglit ycais, and was liei'e educated in tlie
BIOGRAPHY 817
public schools and worked on a farm. When he reached the agf;
of 21, he owned a farm in Dimn county, where he spent a few ,
years and then removed to Brunswick township and purchased
the John Winrose farm of 120 acres, to which he has added many
improvements and now resides, one of the most prosperous farm-
ers of his township. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and
carries on an extensive dairy business. He married Sarah Brad-
ford, daughter of George H. and Margaret (Cater) Bradford, of
New York State, and they have the following children: Hattio
married Birney Churchill, a well-known contractor, of Eau
Claire ; Forest G., the subject of this sketch ; Schuyler, a farmer
in the town of Brunswick; Henry resides at Rock Falls, Wis.;
Edgar married Cora Morris and resides at home and carries on
the farm.
George Pierce, paternal grandfather of Forest G., was born
in the State of New York, but later moved to Kenosha county.
Wisconsin, where he followed farming for a number of years,
then moved to Eau Claire county and later to Dunn county,
where he died, having spent his entire life engaged in farming.
Forest G., after finishing his education in the common and
high schools, took a course in dairying in Madison, after which
he returned to the home farm and assisted in its operation until
he became connected with the Eau Claire Creamery Company as
butter maker, a position he held for three years. In 1909 he
purchased the Washington Churchill farm of 130 acres in Briuis-
wick township, located on the Chippewa river, which is now
known as the Riverside Farm. In addition to his general farm-
ing, he is largely engaged in raising full blooded Holstein cat-
tle, Percheron horses and Red Duroc hogs, and also does an ex-
tensive business, selling his milk and cream to the Rock Falls
Creamery. He is one of the active and progressive farmers of
his town, is independent in politics and belongs to the Catholic
church.
On May 20, 1908, he married Miss Francis E. Comings, daugh-
ter of George F. Comings, of Brunswick township, and they are
the parents of two ehildren^Francis Willard and George Forest
Pierce.
Cora Scott Pond Pope, daughter of Levi W. Pond and Mary
Ann McGowan ; born in Sheboygan, Wis., March 2, 1856, and at
the age of two years came to Eau Claire, Wis., one of the young-
est of the baby pioneers.
I lived the uneventful life common to all young people in that
new lumbering town of few inhabitants, attending our rather
818 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
primitive schools and entering- with great zest into all the out
door sports of summer and Avinter.
At the age of eighteen I united with the Congregational
church, but soon fell into trouble by refusing to partake of fer-
mented wine of the Communion service. The prohibition of the
Holy "Writ meant prohibition for me. "If meat maketh the
brother to offend," etc., meant wine in that day in this. In 1877
at the age of twenty-one, I entered the University of Wisconsin
and studied there for three years.
"Bob LaFoUette and Belle Case, who afterward became his
wife, were my close friends. The later career of these two people
have more than fulfilled their early promise and they stand to-
day two of the bravest, most advanced characters in American
history.
At the University I began the study of dramatic work and in
1880 went to Boston, where I continued it for four years at the
New England Conservatory, under Eben Tourjee. Then I taught
in that institution for a }^ear. "'
I was naturally a reformer and at the age of sixteen 1 saw the
need of reform in women's dress and abjured corsets and to this
day have not worn them.
Since early life I have been a militant Prohibitionist. /In Bos-
ton I met and became inspired by those wonderful women, Mrs.
Lucy Stone, Rev. Anna Shaw, Mary A. Livermore, Julia Ward
Howe and others and .joined with them in the work for women's
suffrage and for six years I worked with them and organized
eighty-five Woman Suffrage Leagues, raising money for state
work by subscription and great bazaars, dramatic entertain-
ments, etc.
In 1890 I was urged by Mary A. Livermore to carry that
work into other states and raise money for different charities, so
for the next fifteen years I gave thfi^ entertainments in most of
the large cities of the United States. J In 1891 I married John T.
Pope, of Chicago. He had three litffe boys, Lester, Marshall and
Clarence, who lived with my mother for twelve years, while Mr.
Pope and I continued the work I had begun.
Since 1886 I had been investing in real estate in Los Angeles,
and in 1905 we permanently located in that beautiful city. I
have had a European trip since coming here. The Los Angeles
Examiner invited me to chaperon four of its young women con-
testants to Europe. We were gone two months, visited twelve cities
in America and twelve in Europe, France, Belgium and Holland,
boosted for the Examiner and had the best of hotels, guides,
BIOGRAPHY 819
service, meals and tours in all these cities at the expense of the
Examiner, one of the most remarkable publications in the coun-
try. I return to Los Angeles and to real estate. If I win out in
my real estate deals I hope to spend many years yet in the service
that I love, urging greater justice to the mothers of our race;
to help to better the development of children; to urge the moral
safeguardings of young girls and boj's in order to abolish vice
and to raise the "one standard" of morals for men and women,
in marriage and out of it; to give justice to the great army of
labor that creates all our necessities and comforts of life, and to
give equal laws and equal suffrage to men and women — equality
for all alike before the law for every race and clime and color.
Only by so doing, as God gives me light, shall I hope for life
eternal.
If I have helped in any measure I have only repaid a life of
unselfish devotions given to me by my father and my mother.
"If you have a kindness shown, pass it on.
"Twas not meant for you alone ; pass it on.
Let it travel down the years, let it wipe another's tears,
'Till in Heaven the deed appears, pass it on."
Mrs. Mary A. Pond. Head at the funeral service of Mrs. ]\lary
A. Pond at Los Angeles, Cal., March 30, 1913 :
To the Memory of My Dear IMother and to Universal Mother-
hood :
I am impelled to give this tribute. It is but auother testi-
mony to the countless millions of women martyrs who take up
the noble office of motherhood — your mother, the mothers of the
ages past, and for the centuries and ages to come, who has
thought of them? What has been done for them to lessen their
burdens? What Avill future ages give to these noblest of earth's
martyrs who must forever enter the valley of the shadow when
giving birth to humanity Avho people this globe?
The life of one dear mother, my mother, passes before me.
IMother of eight children and one other she took in childhood —
a family of nine to care for, to nurse and sew and mend and
cook. We were given the most absolute devotion of a mother's
care. In health and sickness, the unending duties of the day
and night watches. It staggers belief that this one woman, with-
out preparation, with no education for parenthood, married be-
fore she had reached the age of sixteen, could aeeomplish what
this dear mother has done.
820 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The family was raised in very moderate circumstances. The
purse was never full. /My father made a great fortune by an in-
vention, but the money passed through other hands and his in-
terests were kept from him.
All we had could have been used for our family for modi^st
physical comforts. Mother needed it all, but at any time she
would divide what she had with the widow and orphan children
and give her bed and loaf to the stranger. The sick she nursed
and gave comfort to unfortunates. When church and neighbor
called for assistance she gave to the limit of her strength, and
so happy was she in the giving. It was her life. All she had
and all she was she gave.
Intensely devoted to home duties, her table was alwaj^s
spread. The story of the loaves and fishes was demonstrated
when the sons and daughters and grandchildren and friends and
neighbors came to see us.
Upon Simday evenings mother's hospitable table was ready.
She would go out herself to prepare the evening meal at any
time, no matter what the physical or financial sacrifice to her.
Her savory dishes were known far and near. All enjoyed com-
ing. Her life and happiness was in giving.
She had nearly reached her sixtieth year and had earned a
comfortable and honorable release from life's severe duties, when
three little motherless boys, 4, 6 and 8 years of age, were brought
to her at her request. Without hesitation, not even for a
moment, did she stop to consider the consequences to her. They
needed her, her home and care. She took them and for twelve
long years she reared those boys. Do you know what it meant
to her at that age? A new family. She must begin all over
again. Never in all those years did I hear one word of regret for
the comfort and ease she had resigned for them.
Blessed, unselfish mother. No one but God and the angels
know of the heart throbs and anguish she endured in the loug
night watches.
These boys have reached young manhood now. I trust they
will give to others a noble quality of mind and soul because of
the care for them. The eldest of them wrote to me : "Dear grand-
ma's great work was over before she left Wisconsin for Los
Angeles four years ago. I was thinking, with all the progress
this country has made during her life of seventy-eight years,
grandma's work, woman's work, is not relieved or changed since
the day she left New Brunswick. Our indebtedness to her is very
great and can never be repaid. I realize more and more what a
rr-j^jjr^^
BIOGRAPHY 821
care our young lives were to her at her age. She has won her
place in that mysterious beyond of rest and peace."
Whenever her purse was nearly empty, then an inborn faith
compelled her and the need was met. _She made homes for two
sisters and a niece several years. ' One by one .she sent young
people to business college. They are today prosperous and en-
joying the results of that education and her sacrifice. Oh the
little babies she has mothered ! Hers was not a selfish mother
heart for her o\vn children only. She had the universal mother
love.
"Grandma Pond" did the duty of a brave soldier. She
builded well. She gave her life to her children, her fi-iends, her
country and her God with absolute unselfishness, and no one
knows to what limit but the blaster Himself, who watched over
her. She never spoke of herself or asked for a favor for herself.
In her last days I often said to her, "Mother, I am sure of
one thing — He who said 'Suffer little children to come unto me'
is waiting for you, and He has many little children He will put
in your arms till their own mother comes,' and she gazed into the
wonderful ej'es of the face of Christ upon the wall when she
could not speak or recognize me. I know, and she understood.
Devotion and unselfishness is uplifting and pays the bigger
profits. In the end the life goes straight to their throne.
Mother passed away IMarch 23. 1013. a beautiful Easter Sab-
bath morning.
Life's tasks were great. Tliey are over and the crown is dear
m^her 's.
j Levi Wesley Pond was born in Baring, Me., March 1, 1827. He
was one of a family of four children; besides himself theiFe were
Emily, Gertrude, William H. and Charles Nash Pond. Their
father. Charles Pond, and his brother came fi^ora England in the
same ship with Governor Winthrop. of Boston, who wrote home
to England : ' ' Tell the old man Pond that his two sons are doing
well." The other brother is lost to history and little has been
chronicled of the life of the father of these four children. He
was drowned while still a young man while crossing the St.
Croix river at Barjjig, Me., in 1831, while ice was running dur-
ing a spring freshey leaving his widow in straightened circum-
stances to care for and educate the daughter and three sons as
best she could. Little enough time was given for schooling in
well-to-do families, so these children did not fare very well in
that regard, for stress of circumstances compelled them to begin
in early life to earn their own living by working out. helping
822 HISTORY OF BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
theii- mother in her struggle to care for and educate her father-
less children. Their sister Emily w^ given the opportunity to
get more schooling than the boys. , They grew to manhood in
Baring, Calais and places near by, working in the woods, mills
and off the coast in fishing schooners. Levi loved the sea and at --^
the age of 16 went to Boston and sailed in the Cumberland, a
war frigate mounting nineteen guns. This ship was sailing on
her trial trip for a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea, which lasted
two years. The Cumberland made a most brilliant record in the
sea annals of the American navy before she was sunk Ij^the
Rebel ram Merrimae at Hampton Roads in the civil war^J
The night before sailing John B. Gough, the celebrateoPro-
hibitionist, who had been holding temperance meetings in Bos-
ton, Avent on board and addressed the crew. All the officers and
men, except two young English sailors, signed the pledge. These
two stubbornly refused, and as every sailor was allowed his
rations and potion of grog, they stepped out from the rank regu-
larly, and amid the laughter and jeers of the crew, took their
daily grog. The entire crew, except these young Englisli sailors,
yielded readily to discipline. Those young fellows caused so
much trouble when in liquor that they were often severely pun-
ished by their officers, but to no avail. The officers conceived
the idea of exchanging these two young men at one of the ports
for two total abstainers of another vessel. This was accomplished
at the next port and the Cumberland set sail, the first govern-
ment vessel afloat, manned by a Prohibition crew, officers and
men. So remarkable were the reports to "Washington from tliis
vessel, manned by total abstainers, that the idea took root and
finally resulted in laws being passed by Congress abolishing grog
on all government vessels with the exception of the officers'
"wine mess." This law is still on the statue books. However,
the recent edict of the secretary of the navy, Daniels, abolishes
July 1, 1914, even the "wine mess" of the officers.
I He married IMary Ann McGowan, November 10, 1850, at ]Mus-
quasli, N. B., and soon after migrated to Sheboygan, Wis., and
later to Wabasha, Minn., then to Chippewa Falls, Wis., ^d from .
there to Eau Claire in 1859. - CatCxa- (pOu.'^ '-: )> . -^
He had an inventive mind and after reaching the region after-
wards so noted for its mill and logging operations, he turned
his thoughts to labor-saving devices for forwarding that great
industrj-. He invented a number of valuable appliances for saw
mills, but the crowning effort of his life was the invention of
the slieer boom, which revolutionized the methods of handling
«^ -^
^, ^yr, K^
BIOGRAPHY 823
logs in rimiimg waters and added millions of dollars to the
profits of the lumbermen of the United States. Ilis inventions,
like those of countless other inventors, profited him little. The
big companies with whom he was associated took the fruits of his
mind and left him the husks. -^
April 26, 1869, while operating a saw mill across the river
from Fifth avenue, the boiler exploded, wrecking the mill, kill-
ing three men and blowing Mr. Pond into the river. He was
not seriously injured, however. O/r'i C^-
The history of the Chippewa Valley by T. E. Randall in 1875,
on page , gives an account of how the Weyerhaeuser com- '' ^
panics were then endeavoring to beat Mr. Pond out of his put- J^i^O *-^Vo^
ent by trying to get Congress to annul it, as they had been beaten
in every court. What they failed to do by direction they did by
indirection, however, in the end. q r^
Later in his life, in 1870, he leftliis home, went to New Bruns-
wick, secured a patent in that country, and for the first time
began to receive the just results from his invention. Hereturued
to his family in Eau Claire in 1907, where he died February 29,
1^308. " —
"^ In the year 1850 the old family Bible records the date of the
marriage of my father aud mother, Levi Wesley Pond and Mary
Ann McGowan, ages 21 and 16 years. "
— ' Father was born in Calais, Me., March 1, 1829, and mother in
j\Iusquash, N. B., April 19, 1835. Father's ancestors, two brothers
from Englaiid, came over in the vessel with Governor Winthrop,
of Boston, Avho wrote home. "Tell the old man Pond that his
two sons are doing well."
My mother's ancestors were Scotch, English and Irish, and
landed in Halifax, N. S., and migrated to New Brunswick. She
lived most of her young life with her grandmother and had hei- i n tZy\-,
schooling in a Catholic convent. — \*yY'*-^^^
Father was educated in the liberal school of experience. His ^''-^^'w. "^^ |~(]r
l)arents died early. As a little boy he worked around with hard, ^-^ *(
cold, exacting people, and walked many miles to a school for
brief periods, poorly fed and clothed. But he was naturallj' a
marveloiis^ speller. He rarely missed any word even in later
years. |When a mere boy he went to sea in fishing schooners, and
at 16 went to Boston and sailed in the Cumberland, a war frigate
of the United States government, mounting nineteen guns, on its
trial trip for a two years' cruise to the Mediterranean. This
ship made a most brilliant record before it was sunk by the iron-
elad Merrimae at Hampton Roads in the civil war.
824 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
The uight before sailing John B. Gough, the celebrated Pro-
hibitionist, who had been holding temperance meetings in Bos-
ton, went on board and addressed the crew. All the officers and
men, except two young English sailors, signed the pledge. They
stubbornly refused, and as every sailor was allowed his rations
and potion of grog daily, they stepped out from the ranks regvi-
larly and, with laughter and ridicule of the crew, took their
daily grog. The entire crew, except these young English sailors,
yielded readily to discipline. Those young fellows would cause
trouble daily and get disorderly and drunk. They were severely
punished; strung up sailor fashion, but to no avail. The officers
conceived the idea of exchanging these two men at one of the
ports for two prohibitionists of another vessel. This was ac-
complished at the next port and the Cumberland set sail, the first
government vessel afloat manned by a prohibition crew of offi-
cers and men. So uplifting were the reports to Washington from
this prohibition-manned vessel that the idea took root, and finally
resulted in laws being passed by Congress abolishing grog on all
government vessels with the exception of the officers' "wine
mess." This law is still on the statue books. The recent edict
of the secretary of the navy, Daniels, abolishes July 1 . 1914, oven
the "wine mess" of the officers.
After two years' coasting in the Mediterranean Sea, sick and
tired, a company of homesick men one morning heard the com-
mand, "All sails up for America." A deafening shout went up;
it meant "home and native land." Father was 19 years of age,
and in the brief interval before his 21st birthday' he laid siege for
the hand of my mother.
He and his bride set out for Sheboygan, Wis., where he built
a saw mill, and was ever afterward interested in some depart-
ment of milling of lumber. About 1852 he sold out everything,
intending to go to California, but the first child, Charles, died,
and they gave up the journey. Emma E. and Cora S. were born
in Sheboygan also. They moved to Wabasha, Minn., where Ed-
ward E. Avas born; then to Chippewa Falls,, where George W.
was born; next to Eau Claire, where Levi Eugene, Gilbert A.- and
Katherine were born. The last child lived but a few days.
Father had an inventive mind. His brain grasped without
study practical inventions. He saw what was needed to sim-
plify logging on the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. He in-
vented several machines for use in saw mills and gave them to
a Milwaukee firm to manufacture. Soon he told me this
wealthy firm had nearly duplicated them and they were put
BIOGRAPHY 825
upon the market, but not as his patent, and he was frozen
out. He invented the shear boom. Because he had it in use upon
the Chippewa river some lumbermen tried to get this away from
him. He gave the Eau Claire Lumber Company one-half intei-est
to establish his rights in the courts and put it upon the market
of the country. They carried it to every court and even to the
Supreme Court of the United States. He won in every case. The
Eau Claire Lumber Compaiw began to build the shear booms
for various lumber interests. (How well I recall the scrip that
was issued from the company s store in Eau Claire as our share
of the tolls for this invention. Father long had urged the com-
pany to agree to send a representative to the Puget Sound terri-
tory. Alex. Kemp, an employee of this company, was finally sent
to see what could be done. He was gone some time at great ex-
pense, returned and reported "nothing to be done," and father
set out for his old stamping ground in Maine and put in shear
booms at Fredericktou, on the Arvostoek, and later upon the St.
John's river. What the company did he never could learn.
He secured a new patent and operated it^r the St. Johns Liuii-
ber Company for the remainder of his life. I P^vA .
I was traveling in California in 1897 ; went to Portland, Ore.,
and met by chance Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Rooney, brother and
sister-in-law of ]\Ir. Eust. I asked how they happened to be in
the West. Mr. Eooney said, "We came here to collect the tolls
for the shear booms in the rivers at Puget Sound. We have .just
collected the last tolls. They have been paying for years
through the life of the patent." At last! The same old story,
and not one cent of the thousands of dollars collected at 10 cents
per thousand feet sawed lumber of all that passed through the
booms did my father, the inventor, receive. Mr. Kemp's "noth-
ing doing at Puget Sound" came rolling back fi'om childhood's
memory.
While steaming to Seattle from Tacoma on board the glass-
covered deck roof of a vessel, an agent for Lipton's tea was show-
ing us the sights and pointing to a famous mill on the Sound, I
said, "Did you ever hear of any 'booms' in this country?^'' He
replied, using the copyrighted name 'shear booms," "Why, bless
your soul, these rivers are full of them." Ten cents per thousand
feet of lumber passing through those booms during those j-ears
must have totaled something large for the already fat purse of
the Eau Claire Lumber Company. I told my father of this when
I saw him. He never asked a question or spoke a word, but I
shall never forget the unutterable look of patient long suffering
826 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
in his face. The j'^ears of disappointment, broken contracts,
promises unfilled, a grasping corporation! The old, old story!
And until our govei-nment has passed laws to buy and give the
inventor a sum for his invention commensurate with the pub-
lic's needs, for all inventions and copyrights, the story will be
the same. The inventor starves while the product of years of
labor swells some one's fat purse.
Frederick W. Weyerhaeuser recently died in Pasadena, one
of the richest men in the world. "One generation passeth away
and another generation cometlu What profit hath a man of all
his labors?" In my childhoodme was one of the poor mill owners
below Eau Claire, in the first history of my father's shear booms.
He used these boOms, of course, during the entire life of the pat-
ent, and when the patent was renewed and when it expired after-
ward. Incomparable benefits were his. Millions upon millions of
feet of lumber passed through these booms at lO cents per thou-
sand feet, for royalties were climbing up into five and six figures.
Father, tlie inventor, one-half owner, and the Eau Claire Lum-
ber Company, represented by J. G. Thorpe and "Tommy" Gil-
bert (T. E.), called Frederick W. Weyerhaeuser to Chicago for a
meeting to agree upon a price for his royalties due them. Father
and Gilbert agreed to 7 cents per thousand feet sawed lumber.
But no agreement was reached, and it was decided to call another
meeting at Milwaukee. But that meeting has never been called
to this day. But Mr. Weyerhaeuser ceased logging on the Eau
Claire river, where all the logging of the Eau Claire Lumber
Company was carried on, and finally they were bought out by Mr.
Weyerhaeuser, and all the many thousands and thousands of
dollars due my father upon royalties for shear booms tolls, not
one dollar came to him from Frederick W. Weyerhaeuser. \
Father trusted men. When he invented the shear boom the
poor mill owners along the Eau Claire and Chippewa river opened
their belt buckles a new notch each year. The paltry hundreds
they made each year sM-elled to thousands and then to millions.
The shear boom made it safe for them to cut the timber and send
it down the Chippewa. The logs then were seldom lost. They
could not escape to go by the millions of feet down to the Mis-
sissippi river unclaimed.
The first shear boom fatlier made after several years of
thought. When it came it was the entire picture in a flash. He
made it of tirabers bolted together about four feet wide, several
hundred feet long, fastened above at one end to piling in the river.
The other end was free. Shears or lee boards were fastened to
^ BIOGRAPHY 827
the outer side. A windlass and rope or chain controlled these
shears or lee boards in order to have the force of the current
throw the boom to the shore and turn the logs into the com-
pany's sorting booms at the mill where these logs belonged.
Previous to the invention of the shear boom these logs would
follow the current of the river and would give the sorting booms
a wide berth. Men would go out with chains and ropes in boats,
or wade up to the armpits in water to save these logs. The
river would be covered solid during a freshet with these logs sail-
ingjiown to be lost forever in the Mississippi.
I My father did more than any man or set of men with the in-
vention of his shear booiaJ:|) make the millions of dollars for the
lumbermen of Eau Claire. \ He was generous, happy, trusting.
He died unhappy because h'fe could not give his family the com-
forts whicli belonged to them. Men had deceived him. He would
not fight. He did not want to live in Eau Claire and spent most
of the last years in Maine and New Brunswick. But the sweetest
song to him was "Home, Sweet Home." In the beautiful "land
beyond" tlie years of sorrow are forgotten.
, ^, , (Signed) CORA SCOTT POND-POPE,
Los Angeles, Cal.
Horace N. PoUey was born at Messena, St. Lawrence county,
New York, March 10, 1842, and is descended from New England
ancestry. His parents were Ii'a and Delila (Russell) PoUey, who
came from Vermont to New York state and followed the occupa-
tion of farming. Mrs. PoUey died in 1844, leaving Horace, two
years old, and one sister, Delila. Four years later, in 1848, the
father came west to Wisconsin, locating at "West Point, Columbia
county. He was again mai'ried, this time to Miss Katherine
Hutchins, and to them five children were born, two of whom
are now living, viz. : Hiram E., resides at Madison, Wis., and Etta,
tlie wife of Albert Mcintosh, of Lodi.
Horace N. Policy spent his boyhood days on tlu' farm in Co-
lumbia county aiul attended the public schools. When nineteen
years of age, in 1861, he enlisted as a musician in Company H,
11 til regiment. Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, and was afterwards
promoted to principal musician and served as such until the close
of the war, and was honorably discharged in September, 1865.
He was first attached to the 13th army corps and afterwards
transferred to the 15th army corps, his time of service being
confined to operations in the West and Southwest. He took
part in the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Champion Hill.
After the close of the Avar he returned to tlie farm in Columbia
828 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
county and later moved to Eau Claire county. He afterwards
went to Trempealeau county, where he spent two or three years,
then returned to Eau Claire county, Avhere he resided until his
death, September 18, 1914.
In 1863 Mr. Policy married :Mis,s Letitia Bush, daughter of
Parley and Letitia Bush, of Sauk county, Wisconsin. To this
union nine children were born, viz. : Kittle, wife of Frank Searle,
resides at Milaca, Minn. ; Ira lives at home ; Foster B. resides in
the Milk River valley, Montana; Maude is deceased; Ellen M. ;
Madel and Amy are at home; Ray H. lives near Rice Lake, Wis.,
and Delila, who is a professional nurse, resides in Detroit, Mich.
A Republican in politices, Mr. Policy was a staunch adherent
of that political faith, and a firm believer in the principles of
protection and other cardinal doctrines of th(' Republican party.
His services in behalf of the party and his fitness for official posi-
tion were recognized in his nomination for and his election to
the General Assembly in 1897, and his re-election in 1899. In
addition to his two terms in the legislature Mr. Policy served as
assessor for Bridge Creek township twenty-three years, a remark-
able record and one which is seldom equaled and rarely sur-
passed. In social matters ]\lr. Policy occupied a conspicuous
place and was an active member of the George E. Perkins Post,
No. 98, Grand Army of the Republic.
Thomas Pope, deceased, who was for many years a pros-
perous and inHuential lumberman and farmer of Eau Claire
county, was a native son of Wisconsin and born in Waukesha
county. He came to Eau Claire in 1868 and engaged in lumber-
ing, which he followed for several years, and was later for
twelve years engaged in farming near Augusta. He was a care-
ful, conservative and methodical man in his affairs, and in all his
business dealings was known for his uprightness and fairness.
He was a man of fine personal qualities, social and companion-
able, a lover of good comradeship and lo.yal to his friends.
He married Miss Ellen Roach, daughter of Joseph and Mary
(O'Neal) Roach, natives of Ireland and prosperous farmers of
Union township. To them three children ^vere born : George W.,
Anna and Nellie. George W. married Mary Torseth and has four
children: Louis, Charlotte, Helen and Leonard. He is now in the
employ of the United States government as rural mail carrier.
Nellie married Leonard Bryant and resides at Minneapolis.
The death of Mr. Thomas Pope, which occurred August 1,
1889, was considered a great loss by the citizens of Eau Claire,
and he was mourned l)y his family and a large circle of friends.
BIOGRAPHY 829
George W. Prescott, one of the pioneer lumbenneu of Eau
Claire eounty, was born in Balkuap county, New Hampshire, Sep-
tember 14, 18o7, and came west to Wisconsin with Ids parents
and settled in Columbia county in 1855. One year later, in 1856,
Mr. Prescott came to Eau Claire and worked for a time on the
river, and then at carpentering for one year. After that he spent
some two years as engineer on a river steamer, after which hi^
engaged in the lumber business in its various branches. In 1868
]\lr. Prescott, associated Avith Mr. A. Burditt, started a small
rotary saw mill on an island above the Dells, M'ith a daily ca-
]uu-ity of nearly 4I),()()() feet of lumber. In 1873 and 1874 this
mill was torn down and replaced with a gang and rotary mill
having a daily capacity of 100,000 feet. The business was or-
ganized as a corporation in 1879, under tlie name of the Dells
Lumber Company, witli a capital of $100,000, and the following
gentlemen as officers: II. P. Graham, president; George W. Pres-
cott, vice-president, and A. Burditt, secretary. Thus for 46 years
ilr. Prescott has been engaged in lumbering, and for 34 years of
that time has been associated with the Dells Lumber Company,
in which he is still active, and the prominence which be has
attained as a successful business man and worthy citizen of one
of the chief cities of the state has come to him as the legitimate
reward of a well directed effort, sterling integrity and sagacious
enterprise.
On Decemlier 3, 1863, Mr. Prescott was married at Fond du
Lac, Wis., to Miss Clara Clark. Three children were born to
;Mr. and I\Irs. Prescott: Addie L.. died in infancy; ]\Littie A.,
died September 10, 1899, and Clara Ida, who lives at home and
keeps house for her father. Mrs. Prescott, a woman of rare do-
mestic virtues and motherly love, died March 18, 1913. Mr.
Prescott is a member of the Masonic lodge and one of Eau
Claire's substantial business men. His father, George W. Pres-
cott, was married three times, first to Comfort Morrison, by
whom there was no issue; his second wife was Peggy Taylor, and
to this imion three children were born : Joseph, Theophlus and
Comfoi't. He married for his third wife Abigal Small and three
children were born: George W., the subject of this sketch; Moses
W., and Judith M. Mr. Prescott. Sr., died in Columbia county,
Wisconsin, in 1884, and liis wife, mother of our subject, passed
away in 1880, lionored and respected by all who knew her.
N. A. Preston,* who for many years was one of the leading
photogra|)hers of Eau Claire, was descended from an old and
iioiiiu'ed New England family and was born at Calais, Maine. He
830 HISTORY OP BAU CLAIRE COUNTY
came to Eau Claire in 1868, and for thirty-six years occupied a
prominent place in business and social circles. He was high
minded and public spirited, and while not connected with any
religious denomination he attended the Congregational church and
contributed liberally to its support. He married Miss Addie
Buttsfield, who was formerly from Rochester, N. Y., and they
had two children — Mary and Ida — both of whom are deceased.
In the death of Mr. Preston, which occurred September 11, 1904,
Eau Claire lost one of her most loyal citizens.
The father of Mrs. Preston was Thatius Buttsfield, who for
many years was a resident of Menomonie, Dunn county, this
state. He married Rebecca Webb, of New York city, by whom
he had ten children: Addie, Frances, Shei-wood, George, William,
Thatius, Jr., Justin, Marcus, Flora and Martha, six of whom are
deceased. One sister, Mrs. William Conwell, of Washington
town.ship, and two brothers, Thatius and George survive. Mrs.
Preston, before her marriage, followed the vocation of school
teacher and for a number of years taught in the city of Eau
Claire and also in Dunn county. She has made her home in Eau
Claire for about fifty years.
Henry Cleaveland Putnam. No history of Eau Claire would
be complete without the record of Henry C. Putnam, for he was
one of the pioneers of the city before it became a city, and the
activities of his successful life were closely identified with the
growth and jirosperity of this community. More than that, the
history of liis family is coeval with the history of this country
from early colonial days, and members of both branches of his
family were notable in American history.
Like many American families, the Putuams have English
ancestors. They are also more remotely descended from
Charlemagne through the counts of Boulogne. The original name
of the family was Puttenham, contracted in America to Putnam.
Puttenham, Vale of Anlesbury, England, was their ancestral
home. It is mentioned in the siirvey under William the Con-
queror, 1085 A. D., and recorded in the Domesday Book. From
or soon after the latter part of the 12th century the Puttenhams
were undisputed lords of the manor of Puttenham, which re-
mained among their possessions until the middle of the 16th cen-
tury and now belongs to Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. Sir
George de Puttenham was one of the courtiers at the court of
Queen Elizabeth of England and wrote a book on "Poesie" for
the lords and ladies of the court.
Jy 'U^ltlu (O, f iJu-
OAyU
BIOGRAPHY 831
The Ainerieau line is clearly traced back to John Putnam,
^\■]\o was born in 1582 in England, settled at Salem, Mass., in
1634, and died in 1662. The second generation is represented
by John, Jr., the third and fourth by Eleazer, and the fifth by
Henry, who, with his seven sons, took part in the battle of Bunker
Hill, where he and three of the sons were killed. Of his surviv-
ing sons, Eleazer was the father of Dr. Elijah Putnam, who re-
moved in 1792 from the vicinity of Boston to Madison, N. Y.,
where he practiced his profession and was a widely respected
citizen. His wife was Phoebe Wood. Of their sons, Hamilton,
born in Madison in 1807, married Jeanette Cleaveland, a de-
scendant of Moses Cleaveland, who removed in 1635 from
Ipswich, England, to Woburn, Mass., and from M'hom all the
Cleavelands in this country are descended, as are all the Putnams
from John Putnam. Hamilton Putnam was a merchant at Madi-
son in early life, but removed in 1842 to Cortland, N. Y., where Ik;
engaged in farming.
Henry C. Putnam was the sou of Hamilton and Jeanetti;
(Cleaveland) Putnam, and was born in Madison, N. Y., March
6, 1832. His parents moved to Cortland, N. Y., in 1842 and there
he received his early education in the public schools and the old
Cortland Academy. At the age of sixteen he began the stud\
of engineering at a private school in Cornwall, Conn., and made
such progress that in 1850 he was given a position as civil engi-
neer on the Syracuse & Binghamton Railroad. He remained in
the service of that corporation for two and one-half years, after
which he went into the South and was employed for two years on
railroads in South Carolina and Georgia.
In Aixgust, 1855, Mr. Putnam came to the state of Wisconsin,
and, with headquarters at Hudson, he engaged in surveying and
locating government lands. In 1856 he became an engineer for
wliat is now the Prairie du Chien division of the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railroad.
On May 23, 1857, he settled in Eau Claire and. made it his
permanent home. In that year he also entered permanently into
the business of smweying and locating pine lands, at first for
eastern capitalists and soon for himself, and within a few years
liecame largely interested in timber properties.
In addition to his ability as an engineer and his knowledge of
forestry he was gifted with rare business acumen, and his inter-
ests steadily increased until he became one of the most prominent
business men in the state.
832 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
He was a man of varied capacities and of marked ability in
each. Admittedly one of the most thorough and practical author-
ities on forestry in the United States, he was also devoted to the
study of geology from his yonth, and read in nature's book the
secrets of her long life. He developed the artistic side of his
mind by study and made an interesting collection of old prints
and engravings. He was a man of fine business acumen, a suc-
cessful banker and an able public official. He was agent in "Wis-
consin for the Cornell University and located for the university
the large body of fine timber lands on the Chippewa river and
its tributaries, from the sale of which the university afterwards
derived such a large sum of money, and which placed that institu-
tion among the wealthiest in this country. He was a member
and for some time vice-president of the American Forestry Asso-
ciation, and between the years 1880 and 1883 he examined the
forests of the western states and territories, and also of British
Columbia, under the direction of Professor Sargent, of Boston,
and his report on the condition and resources of those forests
was embodied in the tenth census of the United States. In 1883
he was engaged by the Northern Pacific Railway Company to
make a special examination of the forests tributary to their lines
and to make a report thereon. Both this report and that pre-
pared for Professor Sargent are still regarded as models.
In 1885 he visited France, Germany and Switzerland to ex-
amine the forests of those countries and to study the methods of
replanting there employed. Subsequently he made a report of
his observations to the British Association of Science, of which
he was a member, and his report was pronounced the most prac-
tical and satisfactory ever made to the association. He also made
a map of Pennsylvania, which was adopted by the government
in preference to those of the "scientific" timber experts.
Mr. Putnam was a stockholder and director in many enter-
prises, among them being the Grand Ronde Lumber Company of
Oregon, the Bow River Lumber Company of Calgary, B. C, the
Brennan Lumber Company of St. Paul, the Rust, Putnam &
Owen Company of northern Wisconsin, the Pioneer Furniture
Company of Eau Claire, and several minor concerns. In 1876 he
organized the Chippewa Valley Bank in Eau Claire, which was
one of the solid financial institutions of its day, and proved a
strong auxiliary to his extensive operations, as well as a boon
to the then young city.
When the timber supply, and consequently the inainifai-ture
BIOGRAPHY 83a
of lumber, began to decline Mr. Putnam was one of the first tu
make an endeavor to furnish other kinds of employment for the
working people of Eau Claire. To that end he organized the Eau
Claire Linen Company, of which he became president and took
stock in the National Electric Manufacturing Company and other
new enterprises. These were not profitable for the capitalists.
but they served to benefit the working people during a period of
transition.
Out of the events of Mr. Putnam's career might be woven an
epic of the woods, or the story of a master of industry, or the
pleasing history of an altruist. With all his exploitation of the
forests and the building up of massive business projects he still
found time for the cultivation of his own mind and for beneficient
thought of his city and his fellowmen. In the early days of Eau
Claire he served it officially as surveyor and register of deeds,
and during the fifty-six years of his residence in the city he was
one of its most patriotic citizens.
Putnam Park, which is conceded to be one of the handsomest
natural tracts in the United States, Avas donated to the city of Eaii
Claire by Mr. Piitnam. This splendid park comprises 230 acres
upon which much of the original timber still stands, adding
greatly to its beauty and attractiveness. Also in his will he left
the generous sum of ten thousand dollars to be expended on
improvements upon the park, and liis heirs are faithfully carrying
out his wishes.
In religious belief he was a Presbyterian and a member of the
First Presbyterian church in Eau Claire, of which he was a
trustee for many years. He laid the cornerstone of the first
building erected by that church in 1857. It was a wooden struc-
ture, and when the society desired to replace it with a finer and
more commodious edifice, in 1891, he subscribed one-fourth the
entire cost. Also he was the prime mover in giving Eau Claire
its present splendid Y. M. C. A. building. He made the first dona-
tion to the building fund, the handsome sum of twenty thousand
dollars, stipulating that the city raise thirty thousand more so as
to make a fifty thousand dollar fund, and so earnestly did he
advocate the cause that contributions aggregating eighty thou-
sand dollars came in. To him is due the credit, not only for its
inception, but for the success of the movement that gave the
city this edifice of which its citizens are proud. He was a promi-
nent Mason and was one of seven men who established the first,
ilasonie lodge in the Chippewa valley. All good projects and
834 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
movements found his ready and hearty support. The overtone of
his business life was progress and of his moral life uplift.
On August 8, 1858, Henrj' Cleaveland Putnam married Jane
Eliza, daughter of Henry and Mary (Hunniwell) Balcom, of
Oxford, N. Y. Their children are Ernest B. Putnam, a business
man and banker of Eau Claire and Sea Breeze, Fla., ajid Sarah
Lynn, now Mrs. James 0. Hinkley, of Chicago.
Mrs. Henry Cleaveland Putnam.
"A woman mixed of such tine elements.
That were all virtue and religion dead.
She'd make them newly, being what she was.""
No truer tribute to the character of Mrs. Henry C. Putnam
could be written than the above lines from the gifted pen of
George Eliot. Mrs. Putnam possessed one of those perfectly
rounded characters which could stand the closest scrutiny, so
that those who knew her best admired her most. Thoiigh a quiet,
home-loving woman, her intellect and character were so strong
and her love for humanity so great that she was easily the best
beloved and foremost woman ot her city.
Possessing a strongly sympathetic nature she intuitively inter-
ested herself in the welfare of all who needed her assistance.
During the fifty years she lived in Eau Claire her life was filled
with good deeds and kind words, and at her death it was truly
said that "She held a place in the affections of the people of this
community such as is held by no other person."
No stronger evidence of the usefulness of her life and the
enduring place she still holds in the affections of the people of
this city can be given than this incident, which came under the
observation of the writer years after Mrs. Putnam's death. A
simple country woman, whom she had many times befriended, in
deep distress and with apparently no one to help her, in despair
burst into tears, exclaiming, "Oh, if Mrs. Putnam were only here,
she would help me, she always did." Numerous incidents like
this attest the fact that Mrs. Putnam was truly beloved in the
community she loved so well, and that her truest monument will
always be found in the heart and memory of its people.
Mrs. Putnam's maiden name was Jane E. Balcom. She was
the daughter of Henry Balcom, of Oxford, Chenango county,
New York, who was descended from a long line of worthy an-
cestors in America. He was the sixth in descent from Henry
Balcom, who was born in Balcombe, Sussex county, England,
[Icwi,^ Co fuXu^^^
BIOGRAPHY 835
in 1630, and who was the first of the family to settle in America.
In 1665 he was a resident of Charleston, S. C, where the records
show he was a large property owner. Henry Balcom, the fourth,
was born in Sudbury, Mass., in 1740, and was a revolutionary
soldier. At the outbreak of that war he and his wife patriotically
melted their pewter plates into bullets, and he acted as scout for
General Stark in the battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777.
Henry Balcom, the sixth, was born in Oxford, N. Y., in 1798. He
became prominent in public affairs, was a member of the state
legislature and took great interest in the construction of the
Chenango canal. He was a man of fine sensibilities, purity of
motives and exalted character — traits transmitted to his daugh-
ter-, the subject of this biographical sketch. He married Mary
Hunniwell, daughter of Lyman and Dorcas (Lynn) Hunniwell.
The Balcom arms has a crest emblematic of the name and
bears the motto: "The Righteous are Bold as a Lion."
Jane E. Balcom was born in Oxford, Chenango county. New
York, in 1832. In 1857 she came to Eau Claire, where she met
Mr. Henry C. Putnam. Thej^ were married in 1858, and here she
lived her quiet, beautiful life for fifty years, the only breaks
being a visit to Europe and several winters spent in Washington,
D. C. In Eau Claire she reared her children, maintained an ideal
home and showered blessings from her bountiful hands.
The marvel of it is that she sought no public recognition,
never appeared before a public audience, and yet she won the
confidence, respect and affection of all classes to a remarkable
degree. While gentle and self-effacing, her attitude toward the
world was broadly sympathetic and the inherent strength and
honesty of her moral nature made a strong impression upon all
who came within the radius of her influence. Her unobtrusive
charity won her the love of a wide circle of people who looked
to lier for comfort and aid in thcii- hour of need, and her advice
and counsel, no less than her bencfartions, were sought by many.
Her beneficences were never heralded, yet the wide scope of
her sympathies is revealed in the history of a single day of her
life, which her daughter confided to a friend. On that day a
young man who was about to begin his business career came to
her for advice and encouragement. Later a man who was in
business difficulties came to her for suggestions and assistance.
In the afternoon came an unfortunate girl to tell of her shame and
desertion, and to cry her grief nut in tlie presence of her com-
prehending heart. All classes came to lici' and all hearts were
836 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
lightened hy her presence. Mauy felt honoi-ed and were made
happy by lier smile of recognition and she was called "Rich in
experience that angels might covet."
For fifty years she was to Eau Claire a devoted and efficient
promoter of the welfare of the city and its people. She started
the first library in Eau Claire and the present library building
and its architectural beauty were largely due to her initiative
and fine taste. Tlie mortuary chapel in the Forest Hill cemetery
was built by her heirs at liei' rci|ni'st and dedicated to the use of
her townsfolk.
Perhaps the clearest light upon the character of this strongly
gentle woman may be revealed by what she herself wrote in the
front of lier Bible: "If you would increase your happiness and
prolong your life, forget your neighbor's faults. Remember their
temptations. Forget faidt-finding and give a little thought to the
cause that provoked it. Forget the slander you have heard.
Forget all personal quarrels and histories. Obliterate every-
thing disagreeable from yesterday ; start witli a clear sheet today
and write upon it, for sweet memory's sake, only those things
which are lovely and lovable."
Gentle as she was the strength of lier character left its imi^ress
upon whomsoever she met and was an infiuence for permanent
good. As the record of a single day in her life shows the won-
derful trust and confidence of diverse people in this remarkable
woman, so one instance out of the numberless reveals the deep
and lasting impres.sion slie made u]>on all. This touching in-
stance is supplied by a letter and beautiful poem sent to lier in
1897 :
My Dear IMrs. Putnam : I have looked for years to find some-
thing in print that would express my feeling towards you. These
verses seem to have been written especially for you. My sincere
wish is that you may live long and enjoy everything that is
good and beaulifid in this world, and may God's richest blessing
be with you and youi' loved ours, is the wish of
Growing Old.
Softly, 0 softly, the years have swept by thee,
Touching thee lightly with tenderest care ;
Sorrow and death they have often brought nigh thee,
Yet they have left thee but beauty to wear.
Growing old gracefully,
Gracefullv fair.
BIOGRAPHY 837
Far from the storms that are lashing the oeeau,
Nearer each day to the pleasant home light ;
Far from the waves that are big with commotiou,
Under full sail and the harbor in sight.
Growing old gracefnlly,
Cheerful and bright.
Past all the winds that were adverse and chilling,
Past all the islands that lured thee to rest,
Past all the currents that lured thee unwilling
Far from any course to the land of the blest.
Growing 'old gracefully,
Peacefid and blest.
Never a feeling of envy or sorrow
When the bright faces of children are seen;
Never a year from the young wouldst thou borrow —
Thou dost remember what lieth between;
Growing old willingh^
Thankful, serene.
Kieh in experieueo that angels might covet,
Rich in a faith that hath grown with the years.
Rich in a love that grew from and above it,
Soothing thy sorrows and hushing thj^ fears.
Growing old wealthily.
Loving and dear.
Hearts at the sound of thy coming are lightened.
Ready and willing thy hand to relieve ;
Many a face at thy kind word has brightened,
"It is more blessed to give than receive."
Growing old happily.
Ceasing to grieve.
Eyes that grow dim to earth and its glory
Have a sweet recompense youth cannot know;
Ears that grow dull to the world and its glory.
Drink in the songs that from Paradise flow.
Growing old graciously,
Purer than snow.
In her early life Mrs. Putnam was an influential member of
the Presbyterian church. She was one of the first in Eau Claire
838 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
to become interested in Christian Science and was instrumental
in inaugurating the movement which has since resulted in the
establishment of the Christian Science church in this city. The
reality of her religion was made manifest by her love of human-
ity as expressed in her devotion to good works.
She died June 6, 1907, lamented even as she was beloved and
in its issue of June 12 the Eau Claire Leader published this
tribute to her from an inikuown author :
Tribute to Mrs. H. C. Putnam.
(By one Avho loved her.)
Like the luifolding flower, reaching up
To the heavens, blue and far away.
She blossomed ; the beauty-tints, her thoughts and grace —
Not fading, but the things that stay.
Like the nectar, sweet, because 'tis breath fi-om
God's own lips — the incense of His love —
So she, in fragrance of life perfumed.
Wrought deeds — true nectar — wafted from above.
Unfolding sweetly like "the smile of God," —
Blessed rose, whose beauty all may know —
She reflected form, fragrance, and the unseen tints,
Which in God's garden of purity doth grow.
Tlie rose, "the smile of God," may droop and fade
To mortal sense — a sense all bathed in tears —
But she, a blossom in the garden-spot of God,
Can never fade through centuries of love-made years.
We see the garden, but where the flower?
'Tis there: But "having eyes ye see it not,"
For in the larger thought of God she lives.
Still unfolding, beautiful, and ne'er to be forgot.
The radiance of Mrs. Putnam's personality was diffused be-
yond her own fireside, beyond her owu circle of friends, out into
the highways and byways of life, cheering, encouraging, blessing.
Such a type of woman Wordsworth surely had in mind when he
wrote these lines:
BIOGRAPHY 839
"The reason firm, the temperate will,
Endurance, foresight, strength and skill,
A perfect woman, nobly planned,
To warm, to comfort and command."',
Fred Raddatz, who since 1895 has been proprietor of the
popular Kneer House, is a native of Germany, where he was born
October 2, 1860, his parents being Adolph and Louisa (Rick)
Raddatz. In 1872, when only twelve years of age, Mr. Raddatz
left his native country for the United States and upon his arrival
he came to Eau Claire, Wis., and located at Pall Creek, and for
four years worked on a farm. In 1876 he came to the city of Eau
Claire, and for the next two years acted in the capacity of
teamster. He then found employment as runner for the Gallo-
way House and by strict attention to business and pel-severing
efforts he worked up to the position of clerk. Here he remained
until 1895, when he became proprietor of the Kneer House, which
he has since successfully conducted. His most estimable wife,
Emma, is a daughter of the late Mathias Kneer.
Mr. Raddatz is one of the popular and influential men of Eau
Claire and takes an active interest in all public matters. He is
prominently identified with various fraternal organizations, being
a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, a Royal Arch Mason
and a Knight Templar. He is a member of the Knights of
Pythias and has filled all the chairs of that order. He holds
membership in the Maccabees, the ITnited Order of Foresters,
the Beavers and the German Singing Society. He is an exten-
sive owner of real estate in Eau Claire, among wliich may be
mentioned the Kneer Hoiise and adjoining property. In political
affiliations he is a Republican.
Adin Randall. The beautiful city of Eau Claire clusters
around the .iunctiou of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers.
These picturesque streams are not navigable and the uninitiated
instinctively asks : What caused a city to grow up at this place ?
The answer is, the great lumber industry of the last half of the
nineteenth century, and thai liriiigs in the names of men — men of
the woods, the river and the mill — the sturdy pioneers. Among
these was a carpenter, a man of unusual energy and enterprise, a
true pioneer, who saw so clearly the possibilities of the site of
Eau Claire that he stood upon the forest-lined banks of the Chip-
pewa and visioned the future city.
Adin Randall was born near Clarksville, Madison county.
New York, October 12, 1829. School facilities were meager
840 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
in those days and he had no great opportunity to take advantage
of even the little education obtainable. While stiU a youth he
learned the trade of carpenter and worked at it in New York
state until he was twenty-five years of age. In 1852 he married
Clamenzia Babcock, and in 1854 moved west and settled in Madi-
son, "Wis. There he became a building contractor and made a
little money, with which he bought an interest in a saw mill in
Eau Claire in the fall of 1855.
It was in that year that Mr. Randall first came to Eau Claire.
Quickly he saw the advantage of the location and, selling out his
interest in the saw mill, he moved his family here in the spring
of 1856. For a short time he was associated with Gage & Reed,
but soon sold out his interest in the business and purchased the
land which is now the Avest side of the city of Eau Claire south
of Bridge street and between Half Moon lake and the Chippewa
river. This tract he had platted under the name of the city of
Eau Claire, but it was then, and for some time afterwards, known
as Randall Town. This tract was then covered with brush and
stunted trees, and all this part of the state and to the north-
ward was primitive wilderness, but he talked Eau Claire to every-
one and sounded the praises of this location wherever and when-
ever possible. He built a small planing mill at the foot of what
is now Ninth avenue, and he secured the right to operate a ferry
on the Chippewi!, betAveen the east and west sides.
Acting upon the faith which he had in the future of Eau
Claire — a faith that others noAV see realized — he began to antici-
pate the future city. To that end he donated the land for Ran-
dall Park to the corporation and also the site for the West Side
cemetery. To the First Congregational church he gave the land
which that society still owns and occupies, and to the Methodist
church he donated half of the land which constitutes the present
high school grounds. He planned to build his own residence upon
the attractive site where the coiu-t house now stands, and he took
pleasure in assuring the pessimists that the west side would one
day have street cars running along its thoroughfares. But, stand-
ing amid the brush and trees, they could not see the panorama
that rose iip before his time-penetrating eyes.
Few living can remember, but who has not read, of the period
of hard times that came to this country after the close of the
Crimean war. Then, as now, a European conflict brought a war
tax to America, but then the tax was paid in a different manner.
A wave of depression swept over the country, money was more
than scarce, it was hardly obtainable, and Mr. Randall was one
BIOGRAPHY 841
of the thousands whose plaus aud hopes were shattered by the
tinaueial convulsions that shook the very foundations of the West
from 1857 to 3860. In order to carry out his plans he had mort-
gaged the west side and being unable to meet the claims of the
mortgagees they took the property.
Ill 1860 he sold out his planing mill and went to Chippewa
Falls. He remained there but a short time, however, and then
built a saw mill at Jim Falls, which he ran for two years. Having
sold that mill he purchased a grist mill at Reed's Landing and
made it over into a saw mill. This he operated until the time of
his death, which occurred in April, 1868. when he was but thirty-
nine years of age.
Notwithstanding his remarkable energy, his buoyant optimism
aud his irrepressible spirit of enterprise, he never shared in the
harvest of wealth which he clearly saw was coming to Eau
Claire, biit he helped to sow the seed for that liarvest. His in-
clinations were entirely for business projects and it is said that
he started or suggested more enterprises than any other man the
city has known. He cared nothing for public life, yet when Eau
Claire county was erected by the legislature in 1856 he was
elected the first county treasurer.
He is described as a man of cheerful disposition and un-
daunted courage. Disaster could not crush him, and when it
came he continued to Avork with an ardor and energy that were
the admiration of his friends. He was revered by his familj' and
he will always live in the hearts of the workinginen, with whom
he was a great favoi-ite. A mechanic himself, he took a personal
interest in their lives and affairs and liked to get their ideas on
all matters pertaining to their welfare. When the civil war
broke out his employees and other workinginen came to him
and said they would form a companj' and go to the front if he
would be their captain. This he wished to do and Avas only hin-
dered by the fervent solicitations of his Avife and children.
A handsome bronze statue commemorates Adin Randall in
the park Avhich he gave to Eau Claire. The memorial Avas a gift
to the city from Mr. 0. H. Ingram, and, unquestionably, is a
tribute of high regard from a wonderfully successful man to the
memory of a truly remarkable one. But there is a legend in
Eau Claire Avhich tells of a secondary reason for the erection of
this statue. It is said that AA'hen Mr. Ingram came to Eau Claire,
in 1857, he Avas, at first, disposed to return to Canada, Avhere he
had interests too promising to exchange for the Avilds of Wis-
consin. But IMr. Randall talked to him of tlie advantages of Eau
842 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Claire, took him up the Eau Claire river, showed him the vast
forests of pine, and ultimately persuaded him to locate here. If
this be true, Mr. Ingram v.'ould, naturally, hold him in kindlj'
remembrance, and for this one act, had he done nothing more,
Adin Randall was worthy of perpetuity in Eau Claire, for he
secured to the city the greatest constructive business man the
community has ever known.
Edgar H. Randall, a well known business man of Eau Claire,
has been a residi-ut here since 18,56. He is the son of Adia Ran-
dall, who was born in Brookfield, Madison county. New York,
October 12, 1829, and came to Wisconsin in 1854, settling first at
Madison, this state, where Edgar, our subject, was born on May
5, 1855. Adin Randall followed his trade of carpenter and
joiner for one year in Madison, and in the fall of 1855 came to
Eau Claire and in the spring of 1856 moved his family here, con-
sisting of his wife and two children. Soon after his arrival he
engaged in the lumber business with the firm of Gage & Reed,
whose mill occupied the site where the Mississippi River Logging
Company's lower mill on the Eau Claire river was located. He
soon after sold his interests to J. G. Thorp and purchased the land
on the west side of the river south of Grand avenue west, extend-
ing from Half Moon lake to the river, and platted it as Adin
Randall's first and second addition to the city of Eau Claire.
but it was generally known at that time as "Randall Town." H.'
built a saw mill, which he e(iuipped with machinery for planing
and making sash, doors and blinds. In 1861 he moved to Chip-
pewa Falls and ran the big mill there. In 1863 he built a dam
and saw mill at Jim's Falls, which he conducted until 1865, when
he sold it "to French & Giddings, and then bought a mill at Reed's
Landing, which he fitted \iv and operated until he died, April
26, 1868. He gave Randall Park and Lake View cemetery to the
city; also half of the high school lots and the lots for the First
Congregational clrarch.
On March 8, 1852, Adin Randall married at Brookfield, N. Y.,
Miss Clamenzia E. Babcock, daughter of Rawson and Maudana
Babcoek, and they reared a family of six children, viz. : Burdett
M., Edgar IL, Nellie G., Dora M., Eva and Adin W. Randall.
The mother of these children passed away on November 1, 1885.
Edgar H. obtained his education in the public schools of Eau
Claire, learned the trade of sign painter, and since 1876 has been
engaged in sign business in this city. Mr. Randall married, on
August 4, 1887, Miss Helen M., daughter of John A. and Mary J.
Bride, of Otter Creek township, Ean Claire county. To Mr. and
JUOGRAPHY 843
Mrs. Randall have been hoiii three eliildien. viz.: Adiii A., l)oni
August 30, 1888; Everett II.. bom Apiil 12. ISIIO, and Helen Fern,
born Jlartdi :], 189:).
Robert Lee Eickman, inventor, jjresidenl and manager of
the Cement I'roduets and Const I'lietion Company, ol' Eau Claire,
was born Xovendiev 8. ^S6■]. in Bedford county, Tennessee, the
son of Newton K. and I\lary Jane (Alford) Rieknian. The father
was born in Williamson county, Tennessee, in 181,"), and there and
in adjoining counties spent his life engaged in farming. His
death occurred December 21. 1872.
In November. 1S77. Ins mother removed to Somervell county,
Texas, and the following year to Young county, Texas, where
he lived on the farm until 1883, when he apprenticed himself to
Mr. J. B. Norris, of Graham, Texas, to learn the trade of a tin-
smith, after completion of which he took a course in a business
college and then I'eturned to (iraham. whei'e Ins former employer,
Mr. Morris, started him up in business under the firm name of
R. L. Rickman & Co. After continuing this business for five years
Mr. Norris and he organized the J. B. Norris Hardware Company,
of which he was vice-president ami bookkee])ei' until he sold his
interests in the spring of 1898.
On October 6. 1893, after a .short attack of malai-ial fever, his
mother, who had always been his constant companion and coun-
selor, died at the age of 73 years. Any success that he may meet
with through life will be largely attributable to her influence over
his early manhood.
In October. 1898, he moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where
he resided for more than a year, going from there in the spring of
1900 to Denver, Colo., where he remained for some two and a
half years, during which time he perfected a "valveless'" air di-ill
and some other inventions. After being "fleeced" out of these
inventions, he decided to take Horace Greeley's advice and "go
west," and started for Vancouver, British Columbia, arriving
there on June 30, 1902. After spending some tinu' here, he de-
cided to enter into the manufacture of cement products, and do a
general contracting business, wliieh he carried on until tlie fall
of 1910. "While engaged in this line of work he was convinced
that the machines in use for the manufacture of cement blocks,
sewer pipe, brick, etc.. were inadequate for the purpose and set
about to evolve machines that would meet the requirements. In
1911 he closed out his interests in British Columbia and came to
Eau Claire for the prtrpose of building the machines which he
had invented. ITe has 1)uilt a large power sewer pi]ie and power
844 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
block machiue, which he has installed and has in successful opera-
tion. These machines have large capacity and turn out an ex-
cellent quality of material at a greatly reduced cost of labor.
He is receiving many inquiries concerning his machines from all
parts of the world, and hopes to be able in a short time to place
these machines on the market.
Lucian V. Ripley is known today as an iutiueutial and sub-
stantial business man of Eau Claire, but the history of his life's
work is woven into the annals of the development of the great
timber lands of America. The story of his life is au epic of the
w^oods. Even as a boy he was familiar with the forest, the lum-
ber camp and the hardy woodmen, among whom he was destined
to become a leader. He was not one of those who began life with
ample means to insure success; he started out for himself with
only the woodcraft he had learned in his father's lumber camps
for capital, and by his ability, hardihood and labor he achieved
success and won the confidence of men of large affairs.
He was born in St. Clair comity, Michigan, October 8, 1842,
and is of English and German descent. His parents were Volney
A. and Maria (Klein) Ripley. His paternal grandfather, Abuer
Ripley, was a native of England. He married Abigail Cornell,
and to those two belong the honor of establishing this branch
of the Ripley family in the United States.
Volnej^ A. Ripley was born in New York and became one of
the pioneers of St. Clair county, Michigan, where he was engaged
in the lumber business for many years. His children were as
folloAvs : Lucian V., Marcus T., Charles, Mary and Joseph, who
are living; Ida, Norman and Lillian are deceased. Joseph Rip-
ley is now prominently connected with the enlargement of the
Erie canal, and was one of the commissioners connected with the
building of the Panama canal, and is the designer of the locks
used upon the great interoceanic waterway.
Lueian V. Ripley grew to manhood in St. Clair county, ]\Iichi-
gan, receiving his early education in the common schools and tak-
ing up the lumber business with his father as soon as he was
old enough. Disaster overtook his father's business in 1865 and
the following year his father died. Lucian V. Ripley for a time
struggled to build a new business out of the wreck of his father's
enterprise, but the outlook was not promising, and in 1868 he
began to locate pine lands for N. W. Brooks, of Detroit, a gentle-
man who had early recognized young Ripley's ability as an ap-
praiser of forest timber, and who had unbounded confidence in
his judgment and integrity. He did a great deal of valuable
^^
BIOGRAPHY 845
work for Brooks and soon others sought his services, and he has
continued in that line of business to the present, operating largely
in Michigan and Wisconsin, and also in states bordering on the
Mississippi to the West, and in timber states East to the Atlantic
ocean. For more than fifty years he has been a prominent fac-
tor in the timber business of America, and that fifty years the
most marvelous half century the world has ever known in the
lumber industry as well as in other lines of exploitation, all of
which have set the days of our grandfathers nearer to the dark
ages than they are to us. In this great constructive period 'Mr.
Ripley has been not only an active Avorker but a leader among
the leaders. Everywhere he is regarded as an expert in esti-
mating the value of timber lands, and he makes reports for in-
vestors and corporations all over the country. The fact that Coi--
nell University is one of his principal patrons is a clear indica-
tion of his knowledge and ability as an appraiser.
]\Ir. Ripley has been a resident of Eau Claire since 1882 and
is one of its leading citizens. He is a man of cultured tastes, en-
gaging personality and felicitous social qualities. At 72 he is a
slender man of medium height, active and alert, giving the clear
impression that in his prime he was as hardy as an oak and as
supple as a willow. For some years he has been interested in
farming as well as forestry and has a fine farm near Eau Claire.
On October 20, 1870, Lucian V. Ripley married Belle M. Bur-
dette, daughter of Joseph Burdette, of St. Ignace, Mich. They
have three children living, viz : Fred B. ; Belle, who is the wife
of Dr. R. R. Chase, one of the leading physicians of Eau Claire,
and Alie Ripley, who resides with her parents.
John Roach,* who is one of the energetic and well-to-do farm-
ers of Union toAvnship, was born in Ireland, and is one of a fam-
ily of ten children born to Joseph and Mary (O'Neal) Roach,
both natives of Ireland, where they Avere married. Of the others
Nicholas, Joanna, Annie and Thomas Avei-e born in Ireland, Avhile
Mary, Ellen, Margaret, James and Joseph were born in Eau
Claire, to AA'hich place the parents emigrated in 1856. Soon after
arriving here the father purchased the farm on Avhich John, our
subject, noAV resides, and they Avere classed among the thrifty,
enterprising and well-to-do farmers of the county. After a resi-
dence in the tOAA'n of Union of tAventy-nine years the father died.
November 29, 1885, and the mother passed aAvay in 1865.
John Roach, the subject of this sketch, attended the common
schools of Ireland, and in 1865 came to Eau Claire. Since the
death of liis father he has carried on the home farm. Avhich noAV
846 HISTORY OP^ EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
consists of 80 acres of highly cultivated land, improved with mod-
ern buildings and equipment. He is engaged in general truek
farming, and makes a specialty of raising high-grade Poland-
China hogs.
Mr. Roach mai-ried Miss Prances A. Lawler, of Trempealeau
county, Wisconsin, and they have an interesting family of five
children: Mary, Catherine, Walter, Annie and Lauretta, all of
whom were born in the town of Union, and all are members of
St. Patrick's church of Eau Claire.
Joseph Roach, a member of the Wisconsin Refi'igerator Com-
pany of Eau Claire, was born here on March 16, 1859. His par-
ents, Joseph and Mary (O'Neal) Roach, were born in Ireland,
where they married and had five children. They emigrated to
America and to Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, in 1856, and set-
tled on a farm in the town of Union, where the balance of their
family of ten children were born. (See sketch of John Roach.)
Mr. Roach obtained a good education in the public schools of
Eau Claire county, and for twenty-seven years followed the oc-
cupation of lumbering in its various branches. He is now asso-
sociated with the Wisconsin Refrigerator Company, with whom
he has been for seven years.
In 1880 Mr. Roach married Miss Hannah ]\IcCaghey, of Sey-
mour, la., and they have five children, all living at home, viz :
Joseph E., Albert T., Francis P., William R. and Anna S. M. Two
of the boys are now (1914) employed by the Eau Claire & Chip-
pewa Falls Electric Railway Company, and Elmer holds a posi-
tion with the Phoenix Furniture Company, of Eau Claire. Albert
holds a position at the N. W. Steel & Iron Works. Mr. Roach is
a member of St. Patrick's church, of this city, the Knights of
Columbus, Holy Name Society and the Modern Woodmen.
Patrick McCaghey, father of Mrs. Roach, was born in Ireland
and came to the United States in 1858. He married Mary Mul-
doon, and they reared a family of eight children, viz : Margaret,
Lucy, Mary, Hannah, Nellie, Rose, Frank and William, all of
whom are married and have families.
Joseph Warren Ross, who is considered one of Eau Claire's
pioneer concrete contractors and substantial business men. is a
native of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania. He was born Decem-
ber 16, 1859, the son of John and Mary H. (Hall) Ross. The
former was born March 30, 1835, in Pennsylvania, and the latter
September 25, 1835, in the same state. They are the parents of
twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, all of whom are
now (1914) living and all married. The parents are both liv-
BIOGRAPHY 847
ing at Osseo, Wis., where they are enjoying their declining years
in the comforts of their pleasant home, surrounded by a host of
friends and acquaintances, who admire them for their ambition
to perform for themselves the labors connected with their home.
The grandfathers, named respectively George Eoss and John
Hall, were counted among the early settlers in the Keystone
state.
Joseph W. Ross came to Wisconsin with his parents and re-
ceived his education in the common schools of Trempealeau
county , where he grew to manhood. He came to Eau Claire
in the spring of 1891 and engaged in contracting in concrete
work, which he successfully carried on until 1904, when he es-
tablished the Eau Claire Concrete Company, of which he is presi-
dent and general manager. This concern manufactures all kinds
of concrete building material, and under the careful manage-
ment of Mr. Ross are doing a flourishing business. As a citizen
he is public spirited and enterprising and ready to contribute
of his time and means to the advancement of the public interest
and general good. He is a member of the IMethodist Episcopal
church, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of
Foresters.
Mr. Ross was married December 22. 1890, to ]\liss Mattie Louis
Garfield. She died November 22, 1891, leaving besides her hus-
band and infant daughter, Bernice Vida Ross, born October 18,
1891, who is a graduate of the Eau Claire high school and now
in attendance at Lawrence College at Appleton, Wis. On No-
vember 20, 1897, Mr. Eoss was again married, this time to
Anthonette Skoien, of Pigeon Falls, Wis.
Isaac Rothstein, who has been a successful business man of
Eau Claire since 1876, was born June 7, 1854, in the Province of
Suwalki, in Russia, on the frontier near Germany. There he
obtained a good education, mastering the languages of several
nations, among them being German, Polish, Russian, Hebrew,
Swedish and English, which aided him greatly in facing the
world independently, as he did in early life, among strangers and
away from his relatives. He left his home in 1874, and after en-
during many hardships for two years in Germany and Sweden he
finally in the fall of that year sailed for Quebec, Canada. From
there he came West to Milwaukee, and ol)taiued a position at
selling linens on the road, which he followed for some time, and
in 1876 he came to Eau Claire and engaged in the grocery busi-
ness with his brother-in-law, Julius Kohn, the firm being J. Kohn
& Co., until 1884, when Mr. Kohn died, and Mr. Rothstein car-
848 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ried on the business alone. The firm lost heavily in the floods of
1880 and 1884, but this did not affect the persistent efforts of
Mr. Eothstein to make a success of their business, which was
located at that time one-half block north of Fournier's Academy.
In 1881 they built a store on Eau Claire street, where he con-
tinued until 1890, when he purchased the hardware stock of
George E. Aubner, and took his brother-in-law, William Kelle)-, as
partner, the firm name being changed to I. Eothstein & Co.,
handling- furniture, crockery, hardware, etc. They occupied the
store at 212 South Barstow street for five years, and during the
panic of 1893 gave up that store and moved the business to 311
Eau Claire street, where it has since remained successfully
handling all kinds of paper stock, wool, furs, iron, rags, rubber,
hides, etc. Mr. Eothstein also has one of the modern homes in
Eau Claire, having built his residence new in 1883. He belongs
to the Independent Order of B'nai Brith, was a charter member,
and is now (1914) its president. He is also a member of the A.
F. & A. M., Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112. He was elected to the
office of justice of the peace of the second Avard, but declined to
accept it. He cast his first vote for President Grant, and is a
staunch Eepublican, public spirited and generous.
In 1876 he married Miss Sofie Kohn, of this city, and their
children are Gizlla, Dalli and Nathan G., a successful advertising
man of Chicago, 111., married Miss Ruth Hoffman, September 11,
1913, of Chicago, 111., and Tilly.
William Eowe,* ex-mayor of Eau Claire and well known as
01] e of the influential and substantial business men of the city,
was born near Scranton. Pa., December 29, 1850. His parents.
Henry B. and Lucinda (Bieseeker) Eowe, were both natives of
the Keystone state, and on the paternal side Mr. Eowe comes of
revolutionary ancestry. His paternal grandfather was Henry B.
Eowe, Sr., and his maternal grandfather, John Bieseeker, was a
soldier in the war of 1812. His father, Henry B. Eowe, Jr., came
to Eau Claire in 1857, where his family joined him in 1859, He
was a carpenter and joiner by trade, which occupation he fol-
lowed until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted
and served one year as a member of Company D, Eighteenth
Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Soon after his return
from the war he engaged in the grocery business in Eau Claire,
which he followed for about fifteen years. His death occurred
in 1884 at the age of 52 years. His widow, mother of William, is
now (1914) still living at the age of 85. They were the parents
BIOGRAPHY 849
of three children, as follows : William ; Emma J., who is the wife
of George MeDermid, and Mary I., wife of William Hayes.
William Rowe spent his early youth in Pennsylvania and
came to Eau Claire with his parents, where he received his edu-
cation in the public schools and grew up with the city. He began
his business career as clerk in the general store of W. H. Smith,
serving in that capacity for seven years. In 1875 he formed a
partnership with S. J. Smith and under- the firm name of Smith
& Rowe engaged in the retail grocery business in Eau Claire,
following that line of trade for six years, after which for two
years he sold logging supplies. In 1883 he became a member of
the firm of Honer, Rowe & Co., wholesale grocers, continuing in
business under this name until November 7 of the same year,
when the Eau Claire Grocery Company was incorporated, and
Mr. Rowe became its treasurer, a position he filled for nine years,
at which time he became president of the company, acting in that
capacity until 1907, since which time he has acted as house sales-
man.
Mr. Rowe is a man of cultured tastes, engaging personalitj'
and solicitous social qualities. He is actively connected with the
order of Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of the Royal
Arch and the Eau Claire Commandery, Knights Templar. He is
a member of the Sons of Veterans and of the Methodist Episcopal
church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He
has served several years as member of the school board, was
alderman of the third ward for several terms, and served four
terms as mayor of the city, two terms of one year each and two
terms of two years each, a continuous service of six years from
1900 to 1906.
On September 27, 1876, Mr. Rowe was united in marriage witli
Miss Mary A. Reay, daughter of William and Adeline (Humph-
rey) Reay, of Hemingford, Canada, and by this union has three
children: Clarence H., William A. and Wilfred L. Rowe.
Napoleon Santo, who was one of Fairchild's progressive busi-
ness men, had been a resident of that village since 1890. He was
born at Green Bay, Wis., May 26, 1847, the son of Joseph and
Flora (Colville) Santo, the foi-mer a native of Canada and the
latter of Portage City, Wis. Reared in this state, he became self-
educated, and his first employment was in the shingle mills of
Green Bay and Shawano counties, where he remained for seven-
teen years. He came to Pairchild, Eau Claire county, in 1890.
and from that time to his death. November 28, 1913. was engaged
850 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY'
in various lines of business, in all of which he has been successful.
He first engaged in the livery business, which he followed for five
years, then ran a butcher shop for three years, and for the last
fifteen years had been engaged in the cold storage and ice busi-
ness, and for the same period had been the local agent in Pair-
child for the Mitchell Brewing Company, of La Crosse. During
his residence in Eau Claire county Mr. Santo accumulated con-
siderable property, consisting of both farm land and village
property.
Mr. Santo had been twice married; his first wife was Louisa
Champaign, of Green Bay, Wis., by whom he had three children:
Charles, Samuel, and Sarah, wife of Julius Lambert. He mar-
ried for his second wife Miss Ida AUerdon, also of Green Bay,
and by this second union has four children : Carrie, Clara, Pearl
and Raymond.
Mr. Santo was prominently identified with the Catholic church
and took a great interest in the affairs of his town and comity.
Herman Schlegelmilch, one of the early men of the city of
Eau Claire and one who did much to foster and build up the
young cit.y, was born in Suhl, Province of Saxony. Germany,
May 19, 1830. He was educated in his native town and learned
the trade of gunmaker in the famous factory at Suhl. Subse-
quently he worked at his trade in Bromberg, Hamburg, Magde-
burg and Luebeek. In 1853 he came to America and worked at
his trade in New York, Bethlehem, Pa., and Chicago. In 1855 he
started a business of his own in Beaver Dam, Wis., and remained
there until 1860, when he went to Cedar Rapids. la., and em-
barked in the grocery business. This venture did not turn out
to his liking and in October, 1860, he came to Eau Claire, where
he worked at his trade until 1866. In that year he erected the
first brick building in Eau Claire and in it opened a hardware
store. This business proved very successful and was carried on
by Mr. Schlegelmilch all his business life.
Mr. Schlegelmilch married Augusta Krueger, at Beaver Dam,
Wis. She, like himself, was a native of Germany and a woman of
superior qualities. They reared a family of five children, name-
ly, Dora, Louise, Emilia, Herman F. and Eda. Mr. Schlegelmilch
will always be remembered as one of the men who helped to
make Eau Claire a thriving city. By his ability and high char-
acter he gave an impetus to the business of the infant city and
he took part in public affairs to advance the best interests of the
city. He was alderman of the city when it was incorporated and
also served for some time thereafter, and he had been one of
IIKRMAX SCHLEGELMILCH
BIOGRAPHY 851
the supervisors when the community was a little village. He died
in the year 1903, and his name will always hold an honored place
in the archives of the Old Settlers' Association of Eau Claire, an
organization that is of the highest credit to the people of the
city and county.
Herman F. Schlegelmilch, son of Herman and Augusta
(Krueger) Schlegelmilch, was born in the city of Eau Claire,
September 28, 1867, and has lived in this city all his life. He
received his early education in the local schools and then be-
came associated in business with his father, who was for many
years the leading hardware merchant of Eau Claire. Subse-
quently Herman F. Schlegelmilch went into the hardware busi-
ness for himself and was engaged in that line for about twenty
twenty years altogether.
In 1909 he became interested in the Union ]Mortgage Loan
Company, of which he is president and a member of the board of
directors. He is one of the property owners of the city.
Mr. Schlegelmilch has never taken any active part in polities
and is no partisan, believing that the selection of good men for
public office shows better citizenship than blind adherence to
any party. He is thoroughly a business man and a most suc-
cessful one, enjoying the confidence of the substantial men of the
city and respected by all. He takes a wai"m interest in the wel-
fare of the city of Eau Claire and for five years held a seat on
the board of education. He also served for some time as a mem-
ber of the associated charities board. He is spoken of as a broad-
minded man, liberal not only in his views but in his support of
all worthy enterprises, and is regarded as one of the most capa-
ble business men of the city. His fraternal organization is the
Masonic.
Mr. Schlegelmilch married IMiss Kate Cliadwick and they have
two daughters, Catherine and Edith.
John Schneider, a prominent and substantial German farmer
of Union township, Eau Claire county, "Wisconsin, was born in
Sarbruch, Germany, June 20, 1843. His parents, Nick and Cath-
erine (Leich) Schneider, emigrated to the United States in 1853
and settled in Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, on a farm which the
father cleared and improved and where he lived until his death
at the age of 58 years. His wife, mother of John, also died tliere
at the age of 60 years.
Arriving in Ozaukee county with his parents when ten years
of age, John was reared on the farm, attended the district schools
and assisted in the farm work, and has ever since followed the
«52 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
occupation of a farmer. In 1894 he came to Eau Claire county
and purchased the farm of 160 acres in the town of Union, 120
acres of which he still owns and has under a good state of cultiva-
tion, well improved with a substantial residence and outbuild-
ings, all put there by Mr. Schneider, who in his farming opera-
tions uses the latest methods and keeps his place well stocked
with up-to-date machinery, good horses, cattle and hogs.
Mr. Schneider married, February 11, 1861:, Miss Susan, daugli-
ter of Nicholas and Catherine (Wolf) Watry, pioneer settlers of
Belgium, Ozaukee county. Wis., and natives of Luxemburg, Ger-
many, and are the parents of sixteen children. Their children
are : Nicholas ; John, who lost his life at the age of twelve years
in a threshing machine; Lizzie, wife of E. P. Neuens; Mary, the
wife of Otto Schmid; Thomas; William; Peter; Margaret, wife
of Carl Schmid ; Daisy, deceased wife of Carl Schmid ; John P. ;
John; Joseph; Rosa; Susan, wife of Frank Bowers; Aloysius,
and George. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are devoted members of the
Sacred Heart Catholic church of Eau Claire.
Mr. Schneider was a soldier in the civil war, having enlisted
in the Fifty-first Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in
which he served about four months, and was honorably dis-
charged at the close of the war. A Democrat in politics; Mr.
Schneider has never sought office, but takes a lively interest in
the affairs of his county and state.
On February 11, 1914, Mr. and ilrs. Schneider celebrated
their golden wedding at the Sacred Heart church and school of
Eau Claire, at which event all of their fourteen living children
were present with their families. There were twenty grand-
children, of which two are twins, sons of Susan Bowers, and one
great grandchild. Miss Harriet Schneider, aged two years, daugh-
ter of Thomas Schneider. Jr., of Milwaukee.
William H. Schulz. If one were called upon to name the half-
dozen school men in Wisconsin wlio have tlie clearest insight into
the philosophy and the pedagogy of education as they apply to
the elementary and high school, he would name as one of the
six Superintendent William II. Schulz, of Eau Claire. Sir.
Schulz ' type of mind qualifies him for painstaking and systematic
study. With this ability he combines the practical skill Avhieli
applies theoretical conclusions to everyday problems of seliool
life.
The courses of study which are in operation in Eau Claire are
unsurpassed in the state. In addition to his practical work as
educator Mr. Schiilz is the author of a number of essays, stories
BIOGRAPHY 853
aud poems. He also ranks among the autliorities of the state on
Indian myths and legends.
Superintendent Schulz has reached his present eminence in
education in Wisconsin by slow degrees. He is a native of Wis-
consin and of Sauk county, where he was born July 22, 1858. He
got his education in the i-ural schools of his native county, the
high school at Baraboo and the University of Wisconsin.
He began his career as teacher in the rural schools of Sank
county. He was successively assistant principal in the high
school at S|)riii^- Green, jiriucipal of the high school at Argyle,
couuty siipciiiiti'iiiliMil (if Sauk county, principal of a state
graded school at Ahh'iiiau, principal of high school at Spring
Green, principal of the high school at Sank City, superintendent
of city schools at IMerrill, and he is at present superintendent of
schools at Eau Claire. Under his supervision are 12 schools, 130
teachers and about 4.000 pupils.
He is a member of the Northwestern Wisconsin Teachers' As-
sociation, the Wisconsin Teachers' Association and of the Na-
tional Education Association. He was married in 1885 to Miss
Enieliue H. Nold. He has two children, Alviua and Henry.
Alvina is in her senior year at normal school, aud Henry is a
graduate of the Stevens Point Normal and the University of
Florida.
Charles W. Scott,* one of the pioneers of Eau Claire county
and a resident of Scott's Valley, to which place he came over
half a century ago. and still remains, one of its most active, en-
terprising, highly respected and altogether valuable citizens. ]\Ir.
Scott was born in Jefferson county, this state, June 17, 1849, the
son of Robert E. and Helen (Moore) Scott, natives of Scotland.
The parents came to the United States from near Edinburgh, Scot-
land, and first located in Jefferson county, Wisconsiu, from whence
they came to Eau Claire county, and settled five miles west of
where the city of Augusta is now located, in what has become
known as Scott's Valley, the same having been named after the
Scott family. Robert E. Scott, our subject's father, was by occu-
pation a farmer, and by reputation a good, loyal citizen, and a
man of most exemplary habits. He was well educated and before
coming to the United States was cashier of a bank at Roxbury-
shire, Scotland. He held numerous local offices, and took a com-
mendable interest in all public matters. He was a member of
the Baptist church, and at the time of his death, which occurred
on June 9, 1895, at the age of 75 years, Eau Claire county lost
one of her most substantial aud representative men. Helen iloore
854 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Scott, mother of our subject, who was a lady of rare womanly
graces and domestic virtues, passed away October 1, 1875, at the
age of 75 years.
Charles W. Scott received a limited education in the district
schools, was reared on the homestead farm, has spent liis whole
life in farming, and belongs to that class of men who have had
part in transforming the county from its wild state to a populous
community of rich, fertile and beautiful farms. lie owns GSO
acres of land under a good state of cultivation and well improved
with substantial buildings, and is one of the most progressive and
public spirited farmers in the county. A Republican in polities,
he takes an active interest in the affairs of his party, and has
held many local offices. He has one brother, John M. Scott.
In 1871 Mv. Scott married Miss Emily Shephard, daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Fowler) Shephard, of Debonshire, Eng-
land. Her parents came from New York state and settled at
Sagett's Harbor about 1846. There were four children in the
family. Those besides Mrs. Scott are Frank A.. W. R. and Isa-
bella, wife of Webster Smith, of Eau Claire county.
Mart:n Severson, who for thirty-one years was in the employ
of the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, of Eau Claire, eighteen
years of wliich time he acted as foreman, was born in Frederiek-
stad, Norway, April 20, 1859, son of Sever and Helen (Janson)
Anderson. The father came to the LTnited States in 1888 and lo-
cated at Eau Claire, where he died in 1889, at the age of about
52 years. He was twice married, first to Helen Janson, and they
had five children, viz: Martin; Hannah, who is the wife of Oluf
Olson ; Genne, wife of Anton Johnson ; Axel, and Helga, who was
the wife of Barlaud. His second wife was Anna Berg-
strom, and they had three sons, John, Gust and Anton.
Martin Severson, our subject, grew to manhood in Norway,
receiving his education in the public schools. LTpon reaching his
majority in 1880 he emigrated to the United States and soon
after his arrival in this country located at Eau Claire and entered
the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company, with whom he
remained for three years. He went from there to the Daniel
Shaw Lumber Company, witli whom lie remained for thirty-one
years, as above stated.
]Mr. Severson has been married three times. He first married
Sine Torgeson, of Eau Claire, and they were the parents of three
children, viz : Minnie, who is the wife of Herman Voss, Elmer
and Carl. He married for his second wife Mrs. Thora Eriekson,
and his last marriage was to Mrs. Tena Johnson. 'Slv. Severson
BIOGRAPHY 855
is prominently identified in social circles, being a member of
Odin Lodge, No. 43, Knights of Pythias; the Equitable Fraternal
Union, Sons of Norway and the A. 0. P. He has always taken
a commendable interest in public matters and for fifteen years,
up to the time of the new commission form of government was
established in Eau Claire, he represented the fourth ward in the
City Council, was president of the Council one term, and has
the honor of holding the longest consecutive term of any alder-
man in Eau Claire.
Arthur Mott Sherman, retired lumberman and farmer of Eau
Claire, Wis., was born in Wirt, Allegany county, N. Y., May 30,
1834, the sou of Samuel and Jlalinda (Stanton) Sherman. His
paternal grandfather, Peleg Sherman, a native of Washington
county. New York, was a pioneer of Allegany county, that state,
where he followed the vocation of farmer and miller. He died
in Wirt, that county, at the age of 86 years. He was a soldier in
the war of 1812 and fought in the battle of Plattsburg. He mar-
ried Hannah Willett, who lived to the ripe old age of ftO years.
Of their family five children grew to maturity, Samuel. Ruth,
Eliza, Harriet and Ann ]\Iaria. Benjamin Stanton, maternal
grandfather of Captain Sherman, was a pioneer farmer of Onon-
dago county, New York. Samuel Sherman, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Wasliington county. New York, in 1804. He
was among the early settlers of Allegany county and one of its
foremost citizens. He built the first oil mill and ashery there,
wooded the first ploAV in Wirt, brought the first cook stove to the
town, built eight saw mills in the county, the last one being
erected at the headwaters of the Allegheny river. The machinery
used in this mill was later shipped to Eau Claire, Wis., on a raft
constructed of lumber of its own sawing, by way of the Allegheny
and Ohio to Cairo, thence up the Mississippi and Chippewa rivers
in 1880 by boat to Eau Claire. The civil war broke out and the
machinery remained on the banks of the Chippewa until 1863,
when it was brought to the Dells and set up by him and his son,
Sidney, who sold his interest in 1865 to Elam Burdick. After the
close of the war Samuel Sherman lived for twelve years at Peters-
burg, Va., and then returned to Eau Claire, where he resided
until his death in 1897. The children of Samuel Sherman were
Hannah, who married Thomas Bauer; Hiildah married Thomas
Kenyon; Arthur M., Sidney, Mark H. and Stanton.
Captain Sherman was educated at Alfred and Riehburgh
academies in New York, learned the trade of locomotive engineer
at Dunkirk, N. Y.. and followed that vocation in various see-
856 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
tions of the country until 1854. In 1855 he went to California via
Panama and engaged in gold mining in Calveras county, and
there erected quartz machinery. In June, 1857, he came to Eau
Claire, and with his brother, Sidney, engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. When the civil war broke out he was engineer on the
steamboat Stella Whipple. Resigning this position, he raised a
company and went to Milwaukee and was there made captain
of Company L, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, under Colonel C. C.
AVashburn. This company was raised in the fall of 1861 and
took part in the battles of Ozark Mountain, Batesville. Bayou
( 'ach, Helena, Clarendon and other skirmishes around Memphis.
It also participated in the Grearson raid and in the capture of
Vicksburg. Captain Sherman was mustered out of the service
at Vicksburg in the fall of 1864 and returned to Eau Claire and
purchased his father's interest in the saw mill which he later
sold to O. H. Ingram, after which he engaged in logging and
farming for twenty years. He cleared and improved three farms,
the Oak Grove farm of 80 aci-es in the town of Union, the Clover-
dale farm of 360 acres in the Town of Union, and Lake View
farm of 240 acres, the latter being located in Dunn county.
He was extensively engaged in breeding heavy draft horses and
trotters (he raised Bell Ure and Stet Brino), Durham cattle and
Poland-China hogs.
In public affairs Captain Sherman is no less active and ai-
Hueutial than as a business man in advancing the interests of the
city and county. Believing it to be the duty of every citizen to
contribute to tlie extent of his ability to the good government
of the county in which he lives, and believing also that good
government is a matter of the greatest importance, he has taken
the time from his personal affairs to serve one term as sheriff of
the county and also one term as \indersheriff. lie served as chief
of police and chief of the fire department of Eau Claire and was
instrumental in uniforming the police department.
Captain Sherman was married in Memphis, Tenn., June 1,
1863, to Antoinette Stetson, daughter of Samuel and Almira
(IMaxon) Stetson, of Allegany county New York, and by special
order of General Ilulburt, his wife was allowed to accompany
him on the Vicksburg campaign. Captain and Mrs. Sherman
have three children living: Arthur S. enlisted and got his death
knell in the Spanish war at Porto Rico; Hallie, wife of Arthur
Miller; Belle, wife of John Ure, and Fannie, wife of James G.
Radebaugh.
Captain Sherman takes a lively interest in Grand Army mat-
BIOGRAPHY 857
ters and is a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R.. of Eau
Claire.
Oluf Sherman, oue of the wideawake and popular jewelers of
Eau Claire, was born in Waupaca, this state, July 4, 1869. Ilis
parents, Oluf and Juliane (Hasler) Sherman, who were born re-
spectively in Solor and Skein, Norway, emigrated to the United
States in the spring of 1869. After arriving in this country they
came to Wisconsin and settled at Waupaca, where the father, a
shoemaker by trade, followed that vocation until 1874, when he
brought his family to Eau Claire and for fourteen years was en-
gaged in business for himself. In 1888 he entered the employ
of the A. A. Cutter Shoe Manufacturing Company, in whose em-
ploy he has since remained. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman raised a fam-
il.y of four children, as folloAvs : Maurice, Oluf, Adolph and Julia,
who is now deceased.
Oluf Sherman came to Eau Claire with his parents when he
was 5 years old and has grown up with the city, receiving his
education in the third ward public school. In 1885 he began his
apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade with G. P. Duncan, of this
city, serving altogether five years. He later entered the employ
of John Holt, with whom he remained for nine years. In 1898
he embarked in business for himself on South Barstow street,
in which he has since successfully continued.
On December 20, 1890, Mr. Sherman married ]Miss ^latilda,
daughter of Berger and j\Iaria Semmingseu, of Strum, Treju-
pealeau county. Wis., and formerly of Norway. Mr. and Mrs.
Sherman have an interesting family of eight living children, viz:
Oliver, Irvin, Bert, Victor, Irma, Hazel, Gordon and Sylvia. Mr.
Sherman is a member of Grace Lutheran church, the Mystic
Workers of the World and the I. S. W. A., and politically is a
Republican.
Richard D. Shipman,='= a prominent man of business in Fair-
child, was born at Neillsville, in Clark county, Wisconsin. June
3, 1872, a son of Shulan and Lydia (Savage) Shipmau. the father
was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Nova Scotia, who
settled in Trempealeau county, this state, about 1879, on a farm
of 80 acres, in the town of Sumner, which they cleared and im-
proved, and where they still reside. They reared a family of
three children: Frances, wife of Bert Wilson; Richard D. and
Monroe J.
Richard D. Avas raised in this state and educated in the com-
mon schools. He began early in life as a laborer in the lumber
camps, and later was a section hand on the Mondovi branch of
858 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
the Omaha Railroad. In 1894 he embarked in the butcher busi-
ness at Osseo, Wisconsin, and conducted a thriving meat market
there for about ten years. In 1905 he moved to Pairchild and
associated himself with Mr. A. Smith in the meat business under
the firm name of Smith & Shipman, in which he has since success-
fully continued. He conducts an up-to-date market, and also is
an extensive buyer and shipper of live stock for the Chicago
market, in addition to which he makes a specialty of dealing in
milch cows.
On May 15, 1892, Mr. Shipman was married to Miss Eliza
Jennie, daughter of James and Mary (Wood) Curry, of Postville,
Iowa, and they have two children, Cleo 0. and Richard D. Jr.
Mr. Shipman is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 213, and
the Blodern Woodmen of America, both of Osseo. He is a Re-
publican in politics, and has served six years as a member of the
board of trustees of the village of Fairchild. He is a man of
good judgineut and well liked for his business ability and square
dealing.
Prank A. Shute, a popular merchant of Altoona, Wis., was
born in IMonroe county, January 17, 1864. His father, Benjamin
Shute, was a native of Nuneton county, Warwickshire, England,
while his mother, Jane (Gillan) Shute, came from the North of
Ireland. They were pioneers of this state and lived in LaCrosse,
Jlonroe and J]au Claire counties. He was a railroad man by oc-
cupation and superintended the construction of all bridges and
buildings for the Omaha division of the Chicago, St. Paul, ]\Iin-
neapolis & Omaha railroad. In 1882 he located in Eau Claire,
where he resided until his death in 1896. at the age of 72 years.
Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shute, Sophia married
George B. Robinson; John; Sarah and Edgar are deceased;
Marion married A. D. Brewer; Emily married E. W. Pond, and
Frank A., the subject of this sketch.
Frank A. was raised on a farm in Monroe county until he
reached the age of 18, and was educated in the common schools
and Tomah high school. In 1882 he entered the employ of the
Omaha Railroad Company as bridge builder, and was later in the
grocery business for two years in Eau Claire, then again took a
position with tlie same railroad company, witli wlioni he re-
nuiiued until 1!I01, employed as carpenter, fireman, round-house
despateher, etc. He has been a resident of Altoona since 1806,
and has been engaged in his present business since 1901.
In 1896, on June 17, he married Miss Mabel, daughter of John
and Elizabeth (Wilson) Stallard, of Ilumbird, Wis.
BIOGRAPHY 859
Mr. and Mrs. Shute are attendants and supporters of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Sliute is a Royal Arch Mason
and a member of the Foresters, and has served as alderman and
treasurer of Altoona. He is a well-informed nuui and hi.shly es-
teemed by a host of friends.
Charles A. Singel, treasurer of Eau Claire county, was born
in the city of Eau Claire, IMarch 17, 1884, the son of Charles B.
and Eva Singel. both natives of Germany, and who came to the
United States early in the 50 's, going first to St. Louis. After a
short sojourn there they moved to Diirand, in Pepin county,
from whence they moved to Eau Claire, where they have since re-
sided. The grandfather of our subject was Carl B. Zengle, the
name being changed to Singel by our subject.
Charles A. received his education in the German Catholic
schools of Eau Claire. After leaving school he was first cm-
ployed for six and one-half years by the Pioneer Furniture
Company. He then entered the employ of the Chicago. St. Paul
Minneapolis & Omaha railway, now a part of the Northwestern
system, as brakeman. After five years' service, while making a
coupling he was accidentally injured, losing his left arm on Sef)-
tember 5, 1908. After his recovery from the accident he was
employed for four years as collector for the law firm of AV. II.
& T. F. Frawley, and on November 4, 1912, he was elected treas-
urer of the county, succeeding Hans Lund, and in the primarj^
election September 1. 1914, he was renominated for the same
office.
]Mr. Singel is a man of gi-nial, social temperament, and enjoys
the friendship and confidence of the residents of Eau Claire.
and is filling his responsible position to the satisfaction of the
community in general.
Erick Skamser," one of the old settlers of Eau Claire, where
he has resided for nearly lialf a century, thirty-three yeai's of
which time he has devoted to the hotel business, is a native of
Norway, and was born February 11. IS.jT. When twelve years
of age, in 1869, he came to Eau Claire, and while still quite young
he started in the lumbering business, which he followed for about
eleven years. After severing his connection with the lumbering
industry he entered the employ of the Phoenix Manufacturing
Company, remaining with them for two years. He then em-
barked in the hotel business, in which he has since continued
and is still successfully engaged.
His parents, both of whom are now deceased, were Erick and
Bract (Sakerl Skamser, who were the parents of twelve children,
860 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
as follows: Sever, Loss, Louis, Christ, Edward, Alif, Erick (the
subject of this sketch), George, Leona, Thayer, Thomas and Otto.
Mr. Skamser is a thrifty, progressive and up-to-date hotel man.
and is one of the prosperous citizens of the city who is in sympa-
thy with any movement tending to the betterment of his com-
munity. He is a member of the Sons of Norway and of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church.
He was married to Miss Sarah Olson, daughter of Abraham
Olson, of Eau Claire, and they are the parents of four children,
viz : Erick, Archie, Leonard and Esta Skamser.
John M. Slagsvol, successful business man of Eau Claire and
son of Thorvol Slagsvol, is a native son of Eau Claire and was
born February 13, 1882. He has spent his entire life in this city,
receiving his education in the public schools. He embarked iu
the mercantile business iu early life, and for thirteen years has
been connected with the Samuelson store, one of the finest and
up-to-date dry goods stores in northwestern Wisconsin, of which
he is now vice-president and treasurer.
Mr. Slagsvol married Miss Margaret Kelley, daughter of
Capt. John Kelley, of Eau Claire, in 1908. He is prominent iu
business as well as in social circles and is a member of tlie
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Thorvol Slagsvol is oue of the wideawake, popular and ]>ro-
gressive business men of Eau Claire, where he l;as Ijeen a resi-
dent for forty-three years. A son of Norway, he was born iu
Modum, Christiania Stift, October 12. 18-13, and came to Eau
Claire in 1871 and for a time was employed by Knap, Stout & Co.,
and for twenty years following his arrival in Eau Claire he was
engaged in the timber business, and in 1891 he started in the buy-
ing and selling of real estate, a business which he still continues,
and at this time is an extensive dealer in western Canada lands.
The success he has attained in his business ventures is the result
of his straightforward, upright and manly methods and his per-
severing industry.
Mr. Slagsvol is a man of pleasing personality, a lover of good
cheer and in sympathy with whatever tends to the normal or ma-
terial betterment of his fellows. He is a member of the Grace
Lutheran church and an extensive owner of business and resi-
dence property in Eau Claire. He was united in marriage with
Merritt Thompson, of Eau Claire, by whom he has six children,
named, respectively, John, Thomas, Oscar, Marvin, Anna and
Severre.
BIOGRAPHY 861
Earl V. Slawson, deceased, was a native son of Wisconsin and
born in Janesville. the son of George R. Slawson, a representative
and highly respected citizen of that place. He spent his youth
in Janesville, receiving his education in the public schools; he
later went to Minnesota, locating at West Red Wing, where he
engaged in the grocery business. In 1890 he came to Eau Claire,
Wis., and resided here until his death, which occurred October 9,
1901. He was a public-spirited man, of .sound judgment and clear
foresight, and was always ready to do his part in furthering any
project looking to the betterment of his city and community. He
confined himself to legitimate business transactions, avoiding
speculation, and his success was due to sound business prin-
ciples and steady application. Soon after his arrival here he en-
tered the employ of the Mill Supply Company as bookkeeper, re-
maining with this firm for several years, and then became asso-
ciated in a like capacity with the Phoenix Manufacturing Com-
pany. It was while in the employ of the last named company
that ]Mr. Slawson, associated with other employees of the firm,
organized the Phoenix Furniture Company. They purchased the
woodworking business of the old company and secured the plant
of the old National Electric Companj^ which they used for a fac-
tory. Mr. Slawson became manager of the new concern and it
was then that he displayed his wonderful executive ability, and
under his management the business was made a success from the
start, adding an important factor to the industrial enterprises of
the city. During the two years that ]\Ir. Slawson was at the
head of this institution he placed it on a solid footing and was
constantly enlarging the forces, and his untimely death was a
severe blow not only to his own enterprises but to the people of
Eau Claire generally, and was mourned by the entire community
as well as by his family.
He was married in Bay City, Pierce county. Wis., to ]Miss
Margaret E. Goggins, of Diamond Bluff. To this union two
children were born, viz: Paul E., who resides in the state of
AVashington, and IMargaret P., who is noM* attending the State
University at Madison. ]\Ir. Slawson was prominent in fra-
ternal and social circles: was a member of the Baptist church,
and also of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs. Slaw-
son has been for many years an active member of the Woman's
Club of Eau Claire, and for two years has been matron of the
Eai; Claire Children's Home, and is now (1914) wortliy matron
of the Eastern Star, Eau Claire Chapter. No. 126.
862 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Absalom Smith, who for more than two score years has been
prominent among' the successful lumbermen of the Northwest,
was born February 10, 1854, and while his birthplace is given
as Lincoln, Sunbury Parish, N. B., he was really born in the
state of Maine, while his mother was there on a visit. His grand-
father, Jeremiah Smith, was a native of England and a captain
in the British army, and after his removal to New Brunswick at
about the age of 30 he also served as captain in the army there,
and later successfully carried on an extensive lumber business,
and died at the age of 80 years. His son, Jeremiah Smith, father
of our subject, was born in New Brunswick, February 19, 1823,
and also served as captain in the army stationed there, and was
a successful lumberman. He married July 29, 1843, Elizabeth
Poss, who was born in Sunbury county, July 29, 1815, and died
July 29, 1890. She was of German descent, and the name "Foss"
was originally spelled "Fofs. " She had a brother named
Leonard, a bachelor, who lived in Cape Town, South Africa, and
was many times a millionaire, but he and his wealth have both
disappeared. They were the parents of six children, viz. : Orin
(whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work) was born April
26, 1845; Leonard, born September 18, 1846; David, born April
26, 1850; Louisa, bor;i November 3, 1852, married Thomas E.
Till; Absalom, our subject, and Emeline, who was born Septem-
ber 6, 1855, married George Armstrong, of New Brunswick, and
had one son, Moses, who now resides in New Brunswick. She
died August 1, 1876.
Absalom Smith attended the common schools of New Bruns-
wick until he was thirteen years of age, and from that time on
he worked on his father's farm and in the lumber woods until
1872. In October of that year, accompanied by his brother, he
came to Eau Claire county and for one year was engaged at
lumbering with J. S. Goodrich. For the next six years he was
in the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company and was at
one time foreman of the Valley Lumber Company. In 1879 he
engaged in lumbering on his own account on the Chippewa river,
employing at that time fifty men, but his business has increased
to such an extent that he now employs 400 men. His seat of
operations is now in St. Louis county, Minnesota, where he uses
the most modern and up-to-date appliances in his himber and
logging operations. In addition to his many thousand acres of
timber land he owns a fine farm in Union township of 240 acres,
which is carried on under the supervision of his wife, while he
BIOGRAPHY 863
spends a great part of his time in the woods looking after his
extensive lumber interests.
On March 25, 1877, Mr. Smith married Margaretta Mealy, who
was born April 22, 1857, daugKter of John and Mary Mealy, of
New Brunswick. Mrs. Smith died on March 26, 1891, leaving
besides her husband two sons, Charles M., born February 23, 1878,
and Claude V., born August 12, 1885, both of whom reside at
Fairbanks, Minn., where they are extensively en^atied in the lum-
ber business.
On May 29, 1892, Mr. Smith took for his second wife IMatilda
Israel, who was born August 19, 1870, daughter of Israel, now
aged 74 years, and Martha (Nelson) Isrealson, now aged 54 years.
Her father is a member of one of Eau Claire's pioneer families.
John Smith, son of the first Jeremiah Smith, went to Cali-
fornia in 1849 during the gold excitement and while there suc-
ceeded in accumulating a fortune. He later went to xVustralia
and from there moved to Alberta, B. C, wliere lie liad a family
and made his home.
Fraternally Absalom Smith is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Masons, and religiously
is a member of the Baptist church. While he adheres to the
principles of the Republican part.y, he has never aspired to
political fame, but is always ready to sanction any movement
on foot tending toward the betterment of his community and the
county at large. He is rated as one of our most successful and
public-spirited citizens, and a man well worthy of prominent men-
tion in tlie history of Eau Claire county.
Arthur Myron Smith,* of Union township, Eau Claire county,
belongs to that younger class of progressive farmers of his sec-
tion. His father, Leonard Smith, was born in Lincoln, Sunbury
Parish, New Brunswick, September 18, 1846. He married Emma
Jennie Montieth, who was born February 2, 1856, and they had
two children: Edith May, born December 24, 1878, married
Alexander Graham, an engineer, and Arthur M., the sub.ject of
this sketch. The parents came to Eau Claire county in 1872,
where the father found employment in the lumber camps. Dur-
ing the winters for many years, his time was spent in the woods
at logging, and at one time he owned nearly 100 head of horses,
which he employed in his lumbering operations. In 1878 he pur-
chased a large farm in Union township which he successfully
carried on until his death. He was thrifty and progressive, and
everything he undertook was done in a systematic manner and
864 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
he took great pride in making his farm a model eooutry home,
and every acre of his laud was under a good state of cultivation.
His wife, mother of our subject, whose death occurred February
27, 1908, -was a woman of charming personality, was held in higli
esteem by all who knew her.
Captain Jeremiah Smith, grandfather of our subject, was born
in New Brunswick, ^February 19, 1823; he also followed lumbering
and served as captain in the British army. He married Elizabeth
Foss, who was born July 24, 1815, and moved to Eau Claire
county after the death of her husband, and made her home in
Union township with her son, where she died at the age of 80
years.
Captain Jeremiah Smith, great grandfather of Arthur, was
born in England, served as captain in the British army both in
England and New Brunswick, whither he came when he was
thirty years of age, and followed lumbering and farming during
his lifetime.
Arthur ]\I. Smith was born on the farm in Union township,
December 30, 1892. He attended the common schools until he
reached the age of 16 and was then employed at farming by his
father and others until 1913. In 1910 he purchased from the
estate of his father a farm of 140 acres and in April, 1914. started
at farming on his own account and had in crops this year the
whole 140 acres. His land is in a good state of cultivation and
improved with iip-to-date buildings. He is energetic and uses
many modei'n labor-saving devices in his farming operations. In
addition to his general farming he is engaged in market garden-
ing, finding a ready market for his produce in the city of Eau
Claire.
'Slv. Smith was married in April. 1914, to jMiss Emily Ellen
Lymburner, daughter of Millard and Bertha A. Lymburner, of
Union township. He is a Republican in politics, while fraternally
is a member of the IModern Woodmen of America.
Eli Arthur Smith, who ranks among the prosperous farmers
of Washington township, is the son of the late William E. and
Priscilla (Crandall) Smith, and was born in Pepin county, Wis-
consin, October 27, 1870.
William Eli Smith, father of Eli A., was born in Trumbull
county, 0., July 17, 1844. His father, William Smith, was bom
in Herkimer county, New York, February 25, 1812, and married
February 25, 1834, Cornelia Gilbert, who was born at Fairfield,
Conn., November 25, 1814. In 1849 the family moved to AVis-
consin and settled at Hanchettsville, Dane county, where they
BIOGRAPHY 865
livod until 1853, thence moved to Oxford, Marquette county. In
the summer of 1859 William E. Smith came to Eau Claire and
when the civil war broke out he enlisted in Company G, Forty-
eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and served with distinction until his
discharge on New Year's Day, 1865. He then returned to his
home in Eau Claire, where he remained until 1867, at which time
he purchased an 80-acre farm in Albany. Pepin county, and there
followed farming until 1874, when he sold his farm and returned
to Eau Claire county and bought another SO-acre tract in section
8, Washington township, to which he subsequently added until
he owned 327 acres and where he lived until his death. January
24, 1894, his remains being laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Eau Claire.
In 1867 he married Priscilla Crandall, daughter of Gardiner
and Bridget (Crandall) Crandall, natives of New York State.
They were the parents of six children, viz. : Ella, who died when
young ; Carrie C. married Ira Schwartz and resides in Eau Claire ;
Eli A., the subject of this sketch; Anna M. was married first to
Stephan Springate and second to P. Thomson and resides in Chi-
cago. 111. ; Charles H., who lives at Barton, N. D., engaged in the
coal and wood business, and Edith, who died while young. T'.ie
mother of these children died April 12, 1876. and on December
30 of the same year Jlr. Smith married Louisa Riley, daughter
of William O. and Catherine (Van Horn) Riley, who now resides
in Eau Claire.
Eli A. was raised on the farm, receiving his education in the
district schools of Washington township and the city of Eau
Claire. He worked for his father on the farm and then for a
time was employed by the Arbana Rolling Stock Company at
Decatur, Ala., after which he purchased a team and for nine win-
ters engaged in teaming for various lumber companies. He then
for two seasons ran a threshing machine, and in 1898 purchased
the old Fleming farm of 160 acres in Washington township and
since that time has carried on general fanning and stock raising,
making a specialty of Percheron horses. Polled Durham cattle and
Poland-China hogs. In addition to his general farming opera-
tions he does quite an extensive dairy business.
Mr. Smith has always taken an active interest in tlie affairs
of his town and for sixteen years was school treasurer and six
years treasurer of the town and three years as road commis-
sioner. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the
Yeomen and the Percheron Society of America. In 1899 he mar-
ried Dora May Frank, daughter of Nicholas and Dellah (Blair)
866 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Frank, both old settlers of northern "Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs.
Smith have been born six children: Howard E., Frank E., Mabel
Isabel, Floyd Norman, Ruth Marie and William Wallace Smith.
Fred Smith, farmer and stock raiser of Bridge Creek, Ean
Claire county, was born at Neukalen, Germany, January 9, 1851,
the son of Frederick and Augusta (Busch) Smith. His ancestors
were all natives of Germany and for the most part farmers. He
had one uncle who tilled the office of public weigher in his native
town, receiving a salary of twenty cents per day. He was also
secretary of one of the home banks. In 1852 the father wishing
to better his condition financially, came to America on a prospect-
ing tour. Arriving in this country, he made his way to Water-
town, Wis., where he found employment. At the end of tAVO
years, having saved his earnings, he returned to Germany for his
family. Upon his second arrival to the United States, he located
on a farm in Eau Claire county where he died at the age of 67
years, and the mother was 59 at the time of her death. In their
immediate family were seven children, of whom Fred is the
eldest. Of the others Laura is the wdfe of F. J. Hill, and resides
at Beach, North Dakota; Amelia is now Mrs. C. A. Rick, of
Augusta, Wis. ; Matilda is now Mrs. Otto Wirth, also of Augusta ;
May married Samuel Horrel, from whom she was divorced and
is noAv the wife of George Hilts, of Augusta ; Anson is also a
farmer near Augusta, and Frank, who is at present, 1914, in
Canada.
Fred received a limited education in the common schools
and grew to manhood on the farm. In 1859 he moved to his
present location in Bridge Creek where he owns 200 acres of
highly cultivated and well improved land. In 1876 he went to
Minnesota where he lived for twenty years. He returned to Eau
Claire county in October, 1895, and resumed his residence in
Bridge Creek, where he is now considered one of the prosperoiis
and Avell to do citizens. In addition to his home farm of 200
acres, he OAvns 80 acres in Minnesota Avhicli is being operated by
his son, Howard.
JTr. Smith married in 1879 Miss Augusta, daughter of August
and Eliza (Matthews) Sherman, and they are the parents of three
children, viz.: Harry E. resides in Minneapolis; Howard L. lives
at Waltham, ]\Iinnesota, and Grace L. resides at home. Mrs.
Sherman, mother of Mrs. Smith, was born in Canada, October 9,
1829, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Hall) Matthews, and is
the only surviving member of a family of eleven children. She
was married in 1842 and raised a family of Avhom Mrs. Smith
BIOGRAPHY 867
and one son survive. She makes her home with her daughter,
Mrs. Smith, and is a charming lady of 85 years, loved and re-
spected by all who know her.
Mr. Smith, who has practically been a resident of this county
since 1859, has seen many changes take place, and has had a hand
in making many of the improvements in his township. He is
public spirited and enjoys the friendship of a wide circle of
acquaintances. He is prominently connected with the Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, is a regular attendant of the TTni-
versalist church and is independent in politics.
John Henry Smith, one of the pioneers of western Wisconsin,
who is now I'etired and resides in Fairchild, Eau Claire county,
was bom near Columbus, Bartholomew county, Indiana, Septem-
ber 11, 1832, the son of Adam C. and Cj'nthia Ann Smith, natives
of Scotland and pioneer settlers of Bartholomew county where
they lived until 1835. They then moved to Illinois, locating on
the East side of the Illinois river ten miles above Peoria, and
tliere purchased 80 acres of land which they improved and
lu-ought to a good state of cultivation and there made their home
until 1854, when they sold out and moved to Vernon county, "Wis-
consin, and homesteaded a quarter section of land. Here they
set to work to clear and subdue the land and establish the fam-
ily home where the father died in 1880. Of five children born
to Mr. and ]\Irs. Smith, four grew to maturity: John IT., William
T., Annie E., who first married Daniel Smalley and taking for
her second husband George Norris, both of whom were veterans
of the Civil War, and James M.
John Henry grew to manhood in Illinois, receiving his educa-
tion in the common schools of that state .and the graded schools
of Kokomo, Ind. He came to Vernon county with his parents in
1854 and on July 21, 1863, located on Scott's Creek, Jackson
county, within half a mile of what is noM"- the village of Fair-
child. There he purchased a farm of 80 acres, 40 of which he
improved and there resided for five years when he disposed of
his place and re-purc!iased 40 acres, one and a quarter miles east,
of which he improved 20 acres and here made his home until
1C06, when he retired and moved to the village of Fairchild,
where he has since resided. A man fond of out-door life and
adventure, a large part of Mr. Smith's early life, after he be-
came seventeen years of age, was spent in hunting and trapping
in Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin.
On September 15, 1853, he married Rachel Gravley, daughter
of William and Lydia (Higgs) Gravley, of Clarksville, Va.. and
868 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
to them four children were born, Mary J;, who married James
Sires, is deceased; Sarah A., married Freeland Engalls; Ella and
Lena A., wife of Thomas Wilson. ]\Ir. Smith was a soldier in
the Civil "War, having enlisted July 31, 1862, in Company B. 20th
Regiment, "Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and took
part in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., where he was wounded,
lie was also in several skirmishes in all of which he received
three gun shot wounds, and on account of disability, was hon-
orably discharged at Springfield, ilo., June 15, 1863, and has
since made his home in Jackson and Eau Claire counties. Mr.
Smith is the inventor of a patent potato machine which peels
and washes the tubers ready for use. He is also an inventor of a
patent barrel hoop which does away with rivets. Mr. Smith is
now 82 years old, but his eyesight is perfect, and he can shoot
with a rifle as accurately as in early life.
Orin Smith,* a representative and progressive farmer of Union
township, was born in Lincoln, Sunbury Parish, New Brunswick,
April 26, 184:5, and is the eldest of a family of six children born
to Captain Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Foss) Smith. Of the others,
Leonard, born September 18, 1816, is deceased; David, born April
25, 1850, resides with our subject ; Louisa, born November 3. 1852,
married Thomas Till, Avhose sketch appears elsewhere in this
volume; Absalom, born February 10. 1854, and Emetine, born
September 6, 1855. The father, who was born and raised in New
Brunswick, was a well known lumberman, having been engaged
in that business for many years. He lived to see many miles of
timber land cleared and converted into fine farms. The latter
part of his life was spent in farming. He died and was buri(>d
at Lincoln, New Brunswick. After the death of her husband,
the widow, mother of our subject, moved to Eau Claire county
and made her home with her sons in Union township, where she
died at the age of nearly 80 years, and her remains were laid to
rest in Lake View Cemetery.
Jeremiah Smith, grandfather of Orin, was born near Faruiiug-
ham, England, and after serving as Captain in the British army,
came to North America when about thirty years of age, locating
in New Brunswick, where he also served as captain in the army
located there. He was a pioneer of that country, which at the
time of his locating there, was but a wilderness. He cleared the
land and followed farming as well as lumbering, and was instru-
mental in having Great Britain make many colonizing settle-
ments, and at the time of his death, he was considered one of the
leading citizens of that section. Captain Jeremiah Smith, fatl'er
BI0C4RAPHY 869
of Orin, was born in Lincoln, N. B., February 19, 1823. He served
as captain in the British army then located there, and married
Elizabeth Foss, who was born July 24, 1815.
Orin Smith, the subject of this sketch, was ediu^ated in tlie
common schools of his home town and lived at home with his
parents, engaged in farming and lumbering until 1872, when he
came to Wisconsin, locating at Eau Claire. Soon after his ar-
rival here, he entered the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Com-
pany, remaining with that firm six years. He spent eleven win-
ters in the employ of the Valley Lumber Company, and since
1882 he has followed farming in Union township, devoting the
winter months to lumbering up until 1898, since which time, his
whole attention has been given up to farming and dair.ving. His
fine farm of 220 acres is well improved with modern buildings,
and the place is well equipped with many up-to-date labor-sav-
ing devices, and although he is now, 1914, 69 years old, he is
active and can do a day's work with the best of men. He keeps
a good herd of milch cows in his dairy, and the cream is sold to
the Eau Claire Creamery Company.
Ml-. Smith has been twice married ; his first wife. Elizabeth
Grass, whom he married in New Brunswick, died in the town of
Union in 1892 and was buried in Lake View Cemetery in Eau
Claire. He married for his second ^A-ife, Barbara Alma Smith,
daughter of George Smith, of LTnion township, but of no relation.
Mr. Smith is one of the prosperous men of his town and takes
pride in making his one of the model homes in the count.y. He
is a stockholder and director in the Union Threshing Machine
Company of the town of Union, while in polities he is an inde-
pendent Democrat.
S, E. Smith,* whose death occurred in Eau Claire on April 7,
1907, was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances, was one of the city's enterprising and public-spirited
men. Mrs. Smith, a charming lady of culture, opened a dress-
making establishment in 1889, and by her good business qualifi-
cations, honorable and upright dealing, has built up a good and
substantial bvisiness, and at this time. 1914, is one of Eau Claire's
most fashionable ladies' tailors, conducting her business at the
same location in which she started some twenty-five years ago.
In religious circles she is prominently identified with the Catholic
church, while Mr. Smith, in his life time, was a Congregationalist.
Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Parquette)
Charland. Her father, for some years, was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits in Wasliington township, but later moved to
870 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Seattle, Wash., where he now resides. They were married at
Montreal, Canada, and reared a family of eight children, viz. :
John, Ephriam, Mary, Eli, Frederick, Mildred E., Elizabetli and
Heniy.
John M. Sorlie, senior member of the firm of Sorlie-Biichholz
Company, clothiers and gents' furnishings, Eau Claire, was born
in Fredrikstad, Norway, October 3, 1861, son of Sever A. aad
Oleane Sorlie. He was reared in his native city, a place of
twenty thousand population, graduated from the high school in
1877 and received a diploma from the agricultural school in 1879.
He came to the United States in 1880 and located in Eau Claire
on April 16, of that year, where he has since resided. After his
arrival here, he worked several years at lumbering, spending the
winters in tlie woods and the summers in the mills of Eau Claire
for various lumber companies. On October 3, 1887, he entered
the clothing house of H. J. A. Scliafer, of Eau Claire, as clerk, and
followed that occupation until 19C0, when he was elected clerk
of Eau Claire county, and served two consecutive terms. On
January 7, 1904. he embarked in the grocery business as a mem-
ber of the firm of Sorlie & Buchholz, in which he was engaged
until March 9, 1905, when the Sorlie-Buchholz Company was in-
corporated. The company deals exclusively in clothing and
gents' furnishings, and is one of the leading and largest establ!«li-
ments of its kind in Eau Claire.
On June 11, 1887, Mr. Sorlie was married to Hannah, daugliter
of Anton and Marie Hanson of his native city, who came to Eau
Claire in 1882. To this union two children were born, Martha,
deceased and Mahala Otelie. In religious belief Mr. Sorlie is a
Lutheran, but is an attendant and supporter of the United Con-
ference Church, of Eau Claire. He is a member of the "W. A. W.
of A., and the I. S. W. A. In 1912, under the new commission
form of government, he was elected as councilman of Eau Claire
by special election to fill an unexpired term to April 21, 1914.
This office he filled with credit to himself and the citizens gen-
erally. Politically he is a Republican.
Joseph Barton Spaulding was born on the fariii in tlit* town
of Koshkonong, Jctfcrsoji county, Wisconsin, September' 18, 186S,
of New England ancestry, the family dating back to early
colonial days. His grandfather served in the war of 1812. Lyman
Spaulding and Olive Mellieia (Beach) Spaulding, parents of
J. B., were both born in Madison county, New York. Tlie father
settled in Jefferson county in the early forties and followed
BIOGRAPHY 871
farming all his life. He enlisted in Company H, 49th Wiscon-
sin infantry during the Civil War. He moved to Nebraska in
1880 and took up a homestead, M'here he died at the age of 56
years. The mother died April 17, 1896. They had a family of
six children, as follows : John, county superintendent of schools
at Alexander, Neb. ; Medora, married Irving Spitzer and resides
at Fort Atkinson ; Ira Ulyssis, killed in a storm in eastern Colo-
rado; Margaret, married Lee Hake, of the state of Washington;
Martha, died at the age of three years, and Joseph B.
Kaised on the farm, Joseph received his education in the com-
mon schools and the high school of Port Atkinson. He learned
the printers' trade in the office of the W. D. Hoard Company at
Fort Atkinson, publishers of "Hoard's Dairyman," remaining
with that firm ten years, afterwards superintendent of the West-
cm Advent Publishing Association, Mendota, 111., for three years.
In 1903 lie purchased a 200-acre farm near Augusta and carried
on general farming and dairying until 1909, when he sold his
farm and returned to the printer's trade, taking a position with
the "Daily Telegram," and still remains with that paper. He
was a charter member of the Diamond Valley Society of Equity,
of whicli he was at one time purchasing agent. He is a charter
member of Eau Claire Typographical Union, No. 5r)8, and a mem-
))er of the United Order of Foresters. He enlisted as a musician
in Company B, 1st regiment, Wisconsin National Guards in
1890 and served eight years as bugler. In 1909 he re-enlisted in
Company E, 3d regiment as a private, and has risen to the rank
of corporal. During the Spanish-American war in 1898 he was
mustered into the service of the United States at Camp Harvey
and served seven months in the 7th army corps.
Mr. Spaulding married Anna Margaret ChrLstianson, daugh-
ter of Peter and Elsie (Peterson) Christianson, of Grant, Mich.,
and to them seven children have been born : Dorotiiy Viola, died
in 1913; Anna Margaret; Joseph Berton; Jonathan ^Michael ;
Elsie ; Ernest Edward, and Clara June Spaulding.
Guy Speirs, president of the Wisconsin Creamery Owners"
and Managers' Association, and prominently identified with the
successful business men of Eau Claire, was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, April 16, 1862, the son of Gavin, of Strabungo, and
EUerslie, Elizabeth (Stuart) Speirs, of Argyleshire, Scotland.
The father was a prominent lumberman and manufacturer of
packiug boxes, wliile the mother was one of the old-time Stuarts.
The men on both his father's and mother's side had a leaning
872 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
toward the military, and at the time of Mr. Speirs' removal to
this country, five or six of his uiicdes were officers of the British
army.
In February, 1873, Mr. Spiers lauded in New York and re-
mained in and about New York City until he came west to Eau
Claire county in 1876. He first settled near Augusta, where he
was engaged in farming for several years. He then moved to
the town of Washington and there divided his time between
farming and lumbering, and for some years was a confidential
and trusted employe of the Anderson Brothers, John and Wil-
liam, who were extensively engaged in logging. During this
period, Mr. Speirs, not only familiarized himself with the logging
business, but developed a model farm in the township and during
his residence there, he served several years as a member of the
county board of supervisors, and in 1901 was appointed by the
circuit court a member of the Clark county tax commission. In
1904 Mr. Speirs moved to the city of Eau Claire and engaged in
the implement business, and shortly thereafter became interested
in the creamery. He soon disposed of his other interests and de-
voted his entire time to building up the business of what is now
known as The Eau Claire Creamery Company, of which he is
president. In addition to Eau Claire, this company has branch
creameries at Chippewa Falls, Greenwood, Cadott and Cameron,
New Auburn and Bruce, and besides making butter, they manu-
facture cheese and ice cream. Mr. Speirs has also been treasurer
of the Wisconsin Buttermakers' Association and is a director fur
the state of Wisconsin in the National Dairy Association
In 1886 Ml-. Speirs married Lodema M. Smith, of Augusta,
who died in the late '90 's, and on September 18, 1901, he married
a second time and chose as his wife Laura Hobbs, daughter of
■Jos. Hobbs, one of the pioneer settlers of this county. Four chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Speirs: Richard, Donald,
Jennie and Doris. Fraternally Mr. Speirs is a member of the
Masonic Order, while he is a Republican in politics. In addition
to his many business enterprises which consume much of his
time and attention, he finds great pleasure in working among
his flowers and beautifying his home.
Clarence George Spragne, is another one of the well known
farmers and dairymen of Brunswick township, and is the son of
George Asa and Alma Ann (Amidon) Spragae. His father,
George Asa Spragne, was born at Bordino, Oneida county, New
York, September 11, 1824, and during his younger days was for
many years engaged in railroad contracting and building, and
BlOORAPHl 873
lie superintended the construction of many miles of railroad, both
in New York and Indiana. He came to Eau Claire, Wis., in 1854,
and it was he who built the first ferry over the Chippewa river,
in about 1856. He at one time owned and operated for a number
of years a black.smith shop, and also conducted a livery stable
for two years. In 1875 he purchased a farm of 120 acres in
Brunswick township, and from that time on until his death,
^\'hich occurred on December 1, 1904, carried on general farminsr.
He was twice married, first to Lydia Rich, to whom one 'child
was born and died in infancy. He took for his second wife Alma
Ann Amidou, who was born at IMarshfield, Vt., November 6, 1841,
the daughter of William Harrison and Louisa (Mann) Amidou.
They had three children, viz.: Benjamin Clayton, born May 2G,
1861, died September 28, 1867; Clarence G., the .sub.iect of tliis
sketch and Mary Alma, liorn June 3, 1873, married C. P. IMoses
and resides in Eau Claire ^Irs. Sprague, the mother, still sur-
vives and makes her hoiiic witli Mi-s. Closes.
Clarence G. was born on the old homestead in Brunswick
township, June 21, 1868, where he now resides, 120 acres of well
improved land and carries on general farming and dairying.
Reared on the farm, his boyhood days were spent about the same
as that of most country boys, attending the common school and
assisting with the farm work, and lumbering and logging. For
two years he worked at lumbering on the famous Beef Slew. In
1900 he took charge of and operated the home farm of 120 acres
until the death of his father, and since 1904 he has conducted the
same farm on his own accoiuit. wliere lie now resides. In addi-
tion to his general farming he does an extensive dairy business,
shipping his cream to the Rock Falls Creamery, and besides, Ke
is an extensive breeder pf Guernsey cattle and Pereheron horses.
Mr. Sprague is a progressive and public spirited man and
has held many offices in the town and county. lie is now iiresi-
dent of the board of trustees of the count.v insane as.vlum and
])oor farm, and also the tuberculosis sanitarium at Mt. Washincr-
ton. He has been chairman of the Brunswick town board, served
as assessor three years, was school treasurer one year, school
clerk for many years and a member of the county board for
several years. In fraternal matters Mr. Sprague is a member of
the Modern AVoodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of the
Blue Lodge, Chapter Council and Commandery.
Mr. Sprague married, June 13, 1900, Miss ]\Iarie Olson,
daughter of Ole and Mary (Olson) Olson, natives of Trumsenrev,
874 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Norway. Two children have been born to them, Helen Maria,
born May 16, 1901, and George Clinton Sprague, born August
17, 1904.
H. E. Steinbring,* the popular postmaster of Fall Creek. Eau
Claire county, was born at Menomonie, Dunn county, March 26,
1891, and is a son of Gottlieb Steinbring. He was reared in his
home county, receiving his primarj^ education in the common
schools, which was supplemented with a course of study at the
Northwestern University at Watertown, and at the Dr. Martin
Luther College, of New Ulm, Minn. He came to Fall Creek in
1908, and was variously employed as bookkeeper and clerk in the
stores of the village, and while thi;s employed, showed such su-
perior abilitj^ that he easily formed a wide acquaintance among
the business men and citizens generallj'. He was appointed post-
master of the village, a position he has since filled with honor
to himself and credit to his constituents.
In 1911 Mr. Steinbring married Miss Laura Kopplin. of E;ni
Claire, and they have one child, Lorain.
Joseph A. Stilp, secretary and treasurer of the Dells Paper
& Pulp Company, oue of the largest industrial concerns in Eau
Claire, is one of the public spirited and substantial citizens of
the city, who has attained to success by patient and persistent
efforts in the line of an honest calling, and who holds the con-
fidence and esteem of his acquaintances by reason of the honor-
able, upright and manly character of his dealings. He was born
in Neenah, Winnebago county, Wisconsin, April 23, 1870, the
son of John Stilp, who was born in Prussia, where he learned
the trade of shoemaker. When a young man, he came to the
United States and for a time followed shoemaking at Milwaukee.
He later moved to Neenah. continuing at his trade there, which
he followed until his death in 1899, at the age of 82 years, and
became well and favorably known as one of the best boot and
shoe makers in AA^innebago county. He married Josephine Bir-
ling, who died in 1905, aged 74 years, and was laid to rest be-
side her husband in the cemetery at Neenah. They were both
prominent members of the Catholic church, and the parents of
six children, as follows: Mary C, married Thomas Cavenaugh :
John is a merchant at Neenah ; Margaret, who died in 1911, mar-
ried F. J. Sensubrenner, of Neenah ; Josephine is the wife of W.
H. Pieweger, of Oshkosh; Joseph A., the subject of this sketch.
and Stephen R., who is engaged in the paper business at Kim-
berly, AVis.
Peter Stilp. grandfather of Joseph, who was also a slioemaker
BIOGRAPHY 875
by trade, came from Prussia to America in about 1840. After his
arrival in this country, he came west to Milwaukee, and there
made his home, engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes.
He reared an interesting family of children, amoiig whom may
be mentioned, Jacob, Llatthew, John and Barbara.
Joseph A. was raised in Neenah, receiving his education in
the parochial schools of that place, finishing with a commercial
course at Piouona College, at St. Francis, Wis. After finishing
this course, he secured employment with SIcGregor Brothers
Lumber Company, at Menasha, AVis., as bookkeeper. Later sever-
ing his connection with this firm, he entered the postofSee at
Neenah and Menasha as postal clerk. He afterwards became
associated with the J. R. Davis Lumber Company, at Phillips,
Wis., and his next employment was with tlie Spokane Hardware
Company, of Spokane, Wash., remaining there three years. He
then purchased a half interest in the company of King & Smith,
in Spokane, the firm name changing at that time to King, Stilp
& Company, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds. After being
engaged in this business for several years, he returned to Neenah
and spent one year with the Kimberly & Clark Company, manu-
facturers of paper. In 19C0 he came to Eau Claire and became
associated with the Dells Paper & Pulp Company, as bookkeeper,
later assuming the position of cashier. He later acquired an
interest in the concern, of which he is now secretary.
Mr. Stilp is a thorough business man, well versed in all
branches of paper making. He is a man of generous impulses,
social and domestic in his tastes and habits, a lover of good fel-
lowship and alive to all that is best in life. He has been con-
nected with various organizations, and is a member of the Kniglits
of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the St. Patrick's Church. In April. 1891, he married Miss Nina
B. Snyder, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Cleveland) Sny-
der, of Spokane. Wash. Mr. and Mrs. Stilp are the parents of
two children : John Henry, who fills a position in the sulfite de-
partment of the paper mill, and Arthur Roland Stilp.
Hans S. Strandness, vice president of the Union Savings Bank,
of Eau Claire, was born in Kenyon, Minn., July 28, 1882. His
father, Jacob 0. Strandness, was born in Norway, and while yet
a young man, emigrated to the United States. Soon after his
arrival in this country, he came west to Goodhue county. Minne-
sota, via prairie schooner and located at Kenyon, that state,
where for many years he was engaged in the mercantile business.
He was a member of the Lutheran church, and at the time of his
876 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
death, in 1887, was one of the substantial and influential men of
his town. He was married to Anna Westermo, a native of Wis-
consin, who after the death of Mr. Strandness, married Nelson
Nordby, and resides at Kenyon, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Strandness
were the parents of seven children, viz. : Inga, who married L;irs
Helverson, a farmer of Hettinger, N. D. ; Matilda, married A.
Pinsterm, an attorney in Kenyon, Minn. ; Christian, is a farmer
at Bowman, N. D. ; Hannah, married G. A. Flom, a banker of
Kenyon ; Jacob, is engaged in the butcher business in Minne-
apolis; Hans S., the sub.iect of this sketch, and one child who
died in infancy.
Hans S. spent his boyhood in Kenyon and was educated in
the common and high schools. After his graduation from tlie
latter, .he spent one year as clerk at Kenyon, Minn., and three
years as bookkeeper in the Bristol National Bank, and for the
next eight years was in the bank at Courtney, N. D., serving
three years of the time as assistant cashier. He next went to
the Stutsman County Bank, purchased an interest in that institu-
tion and was one of the officials until 1914. At this time he moved
to Eau Claire and connected himself with the Union Savings
Bank, of which he is vice president. In 1911, associated with
others, he organized the Kenyon State Bank, of which institu-
tion he is still a stockholder and director. In addition to liis
banking affiliations, Mr. Strandness is secretary of tlie Union
Mortgage & Loan Company, of Eau Claire.
On June 3, 1906, he married Miss Lulu A. AVolf. daughter of
John C. and Julia (Brekke) Wolf, of Eau Claire, and grand-
daughter of the late Victor Wolf, of military fame. Besides the
important positions Mr. Strandness occupies in the financial
circles of Eau Claire, he is prominently connected with tlie ]Ma-
sonic Order.
August Strauch, a prominent resident of Bridge Creek town-
ship, and one of the foremost German farmers of Eau Claire
county, is a native of Priissia, Germany, and was born February
18, 1852. His father, who was also born in Germany, died when
August was a child, and his mother married for her second
husband, John Luetke. By her first marriage there were two
sons, Edward and August. To the second union one daughter,
named Tena, who became the wife of August Sinskie, was born,
August attended the common schools in Prussia and came to
the United States with the other members of his family. In 18G6,
when August was fourteen years of age, the family came to
Wisconsin and located in Green Lake county, where they re-
RIOGHAPIIY 877
mained five years, then in 1871 eaiiie to Kan Clairo county, where
August has since made his home.
ilr. KStraueh owns 400 acres of tine hind, highly improved hy
cultivation, substantial and commodious huildinfjs, and has one of
the finest country homes in the community, well indicative of the
thrift and andjitiou of its owner. In addition to his general
farming, he carries on stock raising and does a successful dairy
business. In 1879 he was married to Miss IMinnie Burndt, daugh-
ter of Frank Burndt, a native of Germany, and they have raised
a family of seven children, viz. : William married Ida Bedke,
August married Emma Warmbier, Edward married Dora Zank,
Tena is the wife of William Clark, Rudolph Gust married Jliss
Elma Reetz and Emil. Rudolph and Eiiiil live at home and assist
in operating the farm.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Strauch has never aspired to j)0-
litical fame, but is always read.y to sanction any movement on
foot tending to improve his community and the county at large.
He is rated as one of our best citizens and a man worthy of
I'rciiiiineni nii-ntidn in the history of Eau ("laire county.
John Strasburg, a lifelong resident of Eau Claire county, is
the son of Joichim and Christiana Strasburg. who were born in
the Province of Pommerain. Germany, where they lived until
1858. when they emigrated to the United States. Upon their
arrival in this country, they came west to Wisconsin, stopping
first in Jefferson county, where they remained one year, and in
1859 came to Eau Claire county, and here spent the balance of
their lives engaged in farming. They Avere among the energetic
and thrifty pioneers and were held in the highest esteem by the
citizens of their community. The father died at the advanced
age of 84 years, and the mother at the age of 72. They reared a
family of seven children, five sons and tw^o daughters, the latter
are now Mrs. Louise Steinke and Mrs. Caroline Krause. The
sons are August, Frederick, Herman, Henry and John.
John Strasburg was born in Eau Claire county, August 20,
1869. He was raised on the home farm, and his boyhood was
spent in about the same manner as most farmer boys, attending
the district schools in winter and assisting on the farm during
the summer months. His whole life has been spent in this county
where he is now successfully engaged in farming. He is asso-
ciated Avith his brother, August, the eldest of the boys, who was
born August 19. 1858. They are carrying on prosperous and
extensive farming operations on a fine fai-m of 190 acres, located
in sections 14 and 28, Lincoln township, four miles southwest
878 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
from the village of Fall Creek. This farm, which is owned by
August Strasburg, is under a high state of cultivation and well
improved with a modern residence and barn, the place being well
equipped with many of the latest labor-saving devices and up-
to-date appurtenances, which go to make a model and attractive
farm home.
In 1893 Wr. John Strasburg was married to ]Miss Tillie Schacht,
daughter of John Schacht, by whom he has two cliildren, Edward
and Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Strasburg aiid family are devoted
members of the Lutheran church.
Robert H. Stokes, who ranks among the successful business
men of Eau Claire, is a native of Blenheim, Kent county, On-
tario, Canada, where he was born July 16, 1870. His parents,
Joseph and Mary Ellen Stokes, were born in Grantham, England,
and IMorpeth, Kent county, Ontario, respectively. The father
came from England to Canada in 1852, and engaged in farming,
and there married.
Born on a farm, Robert H. there spent his early boyhood, at-
tending the common schools and assisting in the farm work until
he was sixteen years of age, when he worked as clerk in a gro-
cery store, remaining thus employed for two years. He next
learned the tailor's trade, which he followed but a short time,
when he entered Albert College, at Belleville, Ont., where he pre-
pared for the university. Completing his education, he came to
Wisconsin in 1895 and entered the Methodist ministry. After
six years of labor in his chosen profession, his health failed and
at the conference held in Miller, S. D., May 1, 1901, he resigned
his pastorate. He later came to Eau Claire, and on October 1,
19C5, he embarked in the undertaking and picture business, wliich
occupation he has since followed with marked success.
Mr. Stokes has always taken an active interest in public
affairs, and Avhile he is in no sense a politician, he has served as
justice of the peace of the 7th ward of Eau Claire for four years.
He has been elected and is now serving his third term as coroner
of the county. Mr. Stokes is careful, conservative and method-
ical in his affairs, and in all his business dealings, is known for
his uprightness and fairness. He is a man of fine personal qual-
ities, social and companionable and a lover of good comradeship.
On August 4, 1897, Mr. Stokes married Miss Jennie' M. Cash, of
New Lisbon, "Wis., and they are the parents of three children,
viz.: Robert B., E. "Wallace and "Vernon C. Stokes.
Andrew Sutherland was born in St. George, N. B.. Dec. 5,
1820. His father was Alexander Sutherland, of Sutherland Shire,
ANDREW SUTHERLAND
BIOGRAPHY 879
Scotland, and his mother, Flora Maelnnis, of Mull, Scotland. He
was married to Catherine MacViear, daughter of George and
Christina MacViear, pioneer residents of Waukesha, Wis. He
came to Waukesha, Wis., with his young family, in the fall of
1854, and during the winter of 1855, visited Eau Claire as a land-
seeker. In June, 1856, he moved from the southern part of Wis-
consin in covered wagons drawn by oxen, and made a permanent
settlement in the town of Union, in Eau Claire county. Mr. and
Mrs. Sutherland were an active force in the social and religious
life of their community. They were noted for their genial hos-
pitality, and both friend and stranger received from them a kindly
Avelcome. Through their whole life they were both ardent advo-
cates of temperance reforms. They were two of the six con-
stituent members of the First Baptist Church, of Eau Claire. In
politics Mr. Sutherland was of the Republican party. He is sur-
vived by his aged wife, six sons, three daughters, thirty-four
grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren.
Richard B. Swaxthout,* publisher of "The Fairchild Observer"
and dealer in real estate and life insurance, of Fairchild, Wis.,
was born in Lee county, Illinois, December 2, 1862, to Elijah and
Elizabeth (Brown) Swarthout, natives of Pennsylvania, and
pioneers of Lee county, where the father purchased a farm of
160 acres, upon which he made all the improvements. He retired
to Paw Paw, Lee county, in 1876, where he built a residence, and
there resided until his death. He was a successful farmer, and
owned besides the homestead two other farms. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was Joshua Swarthout, also a native
of Pennsylvania, whose father emigrated to the United States
from Germany. The maternal grandfather, Solomon Brown, wfts
a prominent and successful hotel keeper, of Wilkesbarre, Pa.,
where he was the proprietor for mauj^ years of the White Horse
Tavern.
Richard B. was raised on the home farm in Lee county, Illi-
nois, attending the common schools and assisting in the farm
work. In 1876 he began his apprenticeship at the printers' trade,
at Paw Paw, 111., serving three years. He then started out to
see some of the world. He spent six months in Bloomington. 111.,
landed in Chicago in 1879, and in 1880 again went on the road.
In 1884 he located at Caldwell, Kan., where he published the
"Caldwell Journal" until 1891. He then returned to Chicago and
was employed on the Chicago Tribune and other papers until
1905 when he went to Roekford, 111., and was there engaged in
newspaper work for two years, and in 1907 came to Eau Claire
880 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
county, locating at Fairchild, where he has since owned and
successfully published the "Fairchild Observer." which is a wide-
awake and up-to-date country newspaper. He is also engaged in
the real estate and insurance business.
On February 16, 1887, ue married Henrietta, daughter of John
and Henrietta (Houghton) Dawson, of Caldwell, Kan., and they
are the parents of two children, Elizabeth, wife of W. A. Butler,
and Orville R. Mr. Swarthout is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity, has served as a member of the board of supervisors of
Eau Claire county three years and is one of the influential Re-
publicans of his town.
William Swift. The Swifts were one of the best known fam-
ilies among the earlj^ pioneers in Eau Claire county. Edward
Swift, father of William, was a native of Fermana county, Ire-
land, and was born in 1804. He married Ann Macgomery, and
soon afterwards they came to America, locating first in New
York Cit}^ Later they moved to Albany, N. Y., and from there
went to New Haven, Conn. Allured by stories of the great west.
Mr. Swift came to Wisconsin, and after a short stay in Kenosha
county went to Milwaukee county and located near Hale's Cor-
ners, in 1842. There he remained for seven years and then moved
to Portage City, Columbia county, where he lived for another
seven years, but finally came to Eau Claire county and settled on
a farm in Brunswick township, m 1856. There he remained dur-
ing the rest of his life. He died in 1873, at the age of 69.
William Swift, son of Edward and Ann (Macgomery) Swift,
was born at Albany, N. Y., May 25, 1835. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools, took up farming for his occupation
and lived with his parents until their death. When his father
died he i^urchased a part of the old homestead, and subsequently
added to it until he owned a fine fai-m of 320 acres. He carried
on general farming, but was also well known as a successful
stock raiser. For nearly 60 years he was a resident of the
township of Brunswick and came to be regarded, not only as
one of its most enterprising and successful farmers, but also as
one of its leading men. In politics he was an Independent, yet such
was the confidence reposed in him that he was honored with
positions of public trust. He was chairman of the town board
for five years and was also road commissioner, pathinaster. school
treasurer and a member of the county board.
One of the first settlers in Brunswick, he lived to see the
third generation growing up, and as time went on he grew more
WILLIAM SWIFT
BIOGRAPHY 881
and more into the affections of the people who knew him. He
lived a clean, honorable life and was one of the best of neigh-
bors. He died August 16, 191-1, after a short illness, and, although
in his 80th year, was active of body and vigorous of mind until
a few weeks before his death.
Speaking of him the Eau Claire Leader said: "He was one of
the eoiinty's earliest and best loved citizens. His life was so
filled with kindly acts that he was endeared to all who knew
him. Throughout the community "William Swift was admired
and respected. A successful farmer, he was also an exemplary
citizen and his memory will long be cherished."
His gentle disposition and his generous heart on the one hand
and his long life and successful career on the other recall that
beautiful statement in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth."
The following remarks were made by Rev. Mr. Leonard, of
Eau Claire, at the funeral services over Mr. Swift :
"Some one adopted this resolution for each day of life, 'I
will this day try to live a simple, sincere, serene life.' Add a
few great words and we have what must have been the life reso-
lution of ]Mr. Swift. 'I will this day ti-y to live a simple, sincere.
serene, kindly, earnest, useful life.'
"He was one of that fine type of men who came from the
East into the West, whose purpose and wi.sdom and hard work
changed Wisconsin from a M'ilderness into a garden, and made
her a really great state.
"He was a temperate man. He knew that to live his life suc-
cessfully, to do his work, to be useful to the w(n-ld. to be a
comfort to those who loved him and whom he loved, lu' unist
take care of himself, must not waste his powers.
"He was an industrious man. Day after day, year after ycur.
for more than half a century, he knew by experience what hard
work means.
"He was a likable man. So many have spoken tenderly of
him during these days of his sickness and death ; so many loved
and respected him, and the better they knew him, and the longer,
the more they loved him.
"And he was a kind man. One close to him by the ties of
blood, said with tears, 'He was a father to us.' We read, 'A
righteous man regardeth the life of his beast,' This was pre-
eminently true of him. Neighbors, acquaintances, those who met
him in a business way, relatives, all imite in calling him a kindly
882 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
man. And the sister who lived with this brother in beautiful
relationship for more than half a century knows that he was a
kindly man.
"He is not dead. He lives. He lives in the memory of many.
'The memory of the just is blessed.' He lives in other lives
through his fine, uplifting influence. Out on the old farm every-
where there are marks of his purpose, thought, decision, work.
He lives in the old farm. But we believe also that he still lives
an individual consciousness. Shall a farm last longer than a
man? That part of a human being which thinks, decides, is kind,
loves, is lovable, is the real part, the mind, the soul. The soul
does not die."
Robert Swift, who is engaged in general farming and stock-
raising in the town of Brunswick, was born in New Haven, Con-
necticut, March 22, 1839, a son of Edward Swift, who emigrated
from Ireland to the United States and settled first in New York
City, going from there to Albany, thence to New Haven, Conn.
When Robert was quite a young boy, his parents came west to
Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Eau Claire county. He re-
ceived his education in the common schools, was reared on the
farm and remained with his parents assisting with the farm work
until he became of age. He then Avent to California, and located
in Monterey county, where for six years he was employed as a
sheep herder, during wliich time he became thoroughly familiar
with sheep raising and then branched out for himself and was
engaged in this business for six years, owning at one time many
thousand head of fine sheep.
After twelve years spent in California, he returned to Eau
Claire county. Wis., and purchased 80 acres of land in Brunswick
township formerly owned by his father, where he has since car-
ried on general farming and stock raising. In addition to this,
he keeps a fine herd of Jersey cows and does an extensive busi-
ness. He is one of the most enterprising farmers of his neigh-
borhood, and has always taken an active interest in the welfare
of his town and county. He has served as a member of the town
board, and in national affairs sides with the Democratic party.
i\Ir. Swift was married in the town of Brunswick, to An}iie
A. Hauxhurst, daughter of J. V. Hauxhurst, of Long Island, New
York, and they are the parents of four children as follows : Mary
married Pearl Sterns, of Eau Claire; Margaret is the wife of
Albert Schultz, a farmer in Montana, and William and Maude,
who reside at home with their parents. Mr. Swift has lived a
long, honorable and successful life, and is greatly respected by
BIOGRAPHY 88J
all who know him because of his sterling integrity, his upright
character and his honorable dealings with his fellow men.
John Tebo,* one of the oldest and niosl icspiMfcd citizens of
Augusta, Eau Claire county, is a native of Siiiti'II, Canada, where
he was born April 28, 1828, the son of Jlitch.ll ainl .^lary (Defo)
Tebo. The father was a sawyer by trade, and lived to the age
of 70 years, his death occurring from an attack of cholera.
In the Spring of 1864 Mr. Tebo came to the United States and
located in Columbia county, Wisconsin, where on December 11,
of that year, he entered the Union Army as a member of the 4'4th
Wisconsin Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted at
Portage City, and served until April 29, 1865, when he was
mustered out. He came to Augusta in the Spring of 1874, and
established himself in the retail shoe business wliich he suc-
cessfully carried on for many years.
On Jlareh 31, 1849, Mr. Tebo married Miss Lena Hutchinson,
who was born in New York. By this union, he had a family of
severi children, four of whom, Irving, William, Emma, wife of
William Wood, and Jennie, wife of Frank Reed, are living, and
all making their homes in Seattle, Washington. The mother of
these children died February 9, 1903, and Mr. Tebo afterwards
married Mrs. Margaret Smith, widow of J. C. Smith, of Augusta.
Mr. Tebo has always taken a kem inti rest in the affairs of
the county, has been energetic and ]iiiis|i('i mis and is now living
in retirement and en.joys the confidence and respect of the people
of his community.
Frederick W. Thomas, treasurer of the Drummond Packing
Compan.y, of Eau Claire, was born in Monomonie, Wis., November
6, 1872, the son of Evan Q. and Lydia A. (Botsford) Thomas, the
father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother a native of Wis-
consin. His paternal grandfather, Evan Thomas, a native of
Wales, came to the United States about 1830, locating near
Wilkesbarre, Pa., and worked in the anthracite coal mines of
that vicinity for a time and later engaged in farming near Dun-
daff, where his death occurred. The maternal grandparents were
Anthony and Caroline (Bennett) Botsford, natives of New York
and Vermont, respectively. They came to Wisconsin in an early
day and were pioneers of this state, residing at the time of his
death, at Humbird. Evan Q. Thomas was a soldier in the Civil
AVar, being a member of Company K, 52d Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry and served four years in the Union Army, being wounded
at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va. After the close of the war, .he
returned home and in 1866 came to Wisconsin, locating at Bangor,
884 HISTORY OP EAL^ CLAIRE COUNTY
LaCrosse comity, ami tlierc learuecl telegraphy in the offiee of
the Omaha Railway Company. He then became agent of sta-
tions along the line as fast as the road was constrneted. lie came
to Ean Claire in 1873, where he held the position of station agent
until 1882, when he was appointed traveling freight agent for the
company, holding that position until his death in 1904, at the
age of sixty-two years. His family consisted of four children as
follows: Frederick W.. Edward B.. David E. and Edna, the wife
of A. J. Airis.
Frederick W. was reared in Eau Claire, receiving his educa-
tion in the public and high schools of. this city, graduating from
the latter in 1890, after which he attended the University of
Wisconsin, graduating from that institution in 1895. He after-
wards taught school for several terms, and in 1904 became con-
nected with the Drummond Packing Company, of Eau Claire,
as bookkeeper, was admitted to the firm in 1906 and since 1908
has served as treasurer of this corporation.
On July 2, 1902, he married IMiss Elsie, daughter of Patrick
and ]Mary (Drummond) Fitzgerald, of Eau Claire, and to them
four children have been born, viz.: Mary, Robert, Eleanor _and
Frederick L.
Mr. Thomas is jirominently identified with the ilasonic fra-
ternity, being a member of the Eau Claire Blue Lodge. No. 112,
of which he is past master, the Eau Claire Chapter. No. 36, R. A.
M., and the Eau Claire Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar.
He is also a member of the Industrial School Board.
Gecrge Thorson* was born at Wheaton, Eau Claire county,
on February 11. 1879, the son of Theo. and Dorothy (Johnson)
Thorson. The father was born in Christiania, Norway, and eame
to the United States when a young man. and followed the life of
a sailor until he reached the age of 45 years. For the past twenty-
eight years he has been engaged in farming, and now at the age
of 73, in 1914, resides with his wife in Wheaton. They raised a
family of six children, as follows : Thomas is yardsman for the
New Dells Lumber Company ; George ; Gus is a locomotive engin-
eer: Marie married Henry Lysser and resides at Cameron, this
state ; Eliza married John Holum of Eau Claire, and Lawrence is
a moulder, employed by the Phoenix Manufacturing Company.
Mr. George Thorson was educated in the public schools and
in the Chippewa College, and was employed by the Clark & Tay-
lor Grain Company, buying grain for a period of three years,
then for two years was in business at Stanley, Wis., and for six
years was associated with the C. W. Cheney Elevator Company,
BIOGRAPHY 885
at Eau Claire, and afterward with the Wisconsin Central Rail-
road Company in their warehouse in Eau Claire until 1907. He
is now. 1914, secretary and treasurer of the Northwestern Flour
& Grain Company, to which he devotes his entire time and to
his grain and milling interests. He is a stockholder in the l)ank
of Allen, and owns a farm of 240 acres near Wheaton.
In 1902 Mr. Thorson married Miss Josephine Lee, (Umglitcr of
John Lee, and they have one son. Delos Russell.
In fraternal matters Mr. Thorson is a member of the A. F.
and A. M.. Blue Lodge and Chapter, a member of the Elks.
KnigJits of Pythias and the L S. W. A.
Thomas E. Till,* deceased, who. for nearly foity years was a
prominent logging contractor of Eau Claire, was born in Sun-
bury county. New Brunswick, November 3, 1850, and died in Eau
Claire, October 3. 1913. His father, John Till, was a resident of
Sunbury county, where he followed blacksmithing, and also en-
gaged in farming. He came to Eau Claire county and for a num-
ber of years followed his trade of blacksmith in the employ of
the Valley Lumber Company. He later returned to New Bruns-
wick and carried on a blacksmith shop and farm. He married
and raised a family of ten children, as follows: Alfred, who is a
lumber dealer at Cloquet, Minn.; Le'vina married Emory Smith,
of New Brunswick; Thomas, deceased, the subject of this sketch;
< Jeorge, now engaged in farming in New Brunswick ; Jane mar-
ried Oliver Craney, a lumberman of Eau Claire; John follows tlie
trade of blacksmith in New Brunswick; William is engaged in
teaming in Eau Claire; Ella is deceased; Rose married John
Smith and resides in New Brunswick, and Edwin is deceased.
Thomas E. Till received his education in the common schools
of New Brunswick, and was employed in the woods as lumber-
man until 1874, when lu^ moved with his family to Eau Claire.
Soon after his arrival here, lie eiitcriMl the employ of the North-
Mestern Lumber Company, and later the Valley Lumber Com-
pan.y, and at one time had charge of the camp for both of these
companies and later was engaged with William Anderson at
logging. He then started in the same business on his own ac-
count, and for over thirty-eight years never missed a winter in
the wooils. He owned twenty hor.ses, which he used during the
sunnner mouths in railroad work, and also owned and operated a
complete threshing machine outfit with others and did threshing
in Eau Claire and adjoining counties, but his principal business
was logging contracting. He was progressive, public spirited
and charitable and had many warm friends, some of whom took
886 JIISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
advantage of his generosity to the disadvantage of himself. He
was thrifty and progresisve, and had at the time of his death,
accumulated sufficient means to enable his wife to live the re-
mainder of her life in comfort and ease. Some thirty-three years
prior to his death, he invested in property located on the Chip-
pewa river, which has since increased in value about five times.
He was a member of the Baptist church, and a man devoted to
his home juid family.
In ISCS he married Louisa Smith, wlio was born November 3,
1852, the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Poss) Smith, of
New Brunswick. To this union were born three children : Har-
vey, who died at the age of 19 ; Thomas Austin resides with his
mother in Eau Claire, married Ethel Thames, daughter of William
and Adeline (Muck) Thames of Mondovi, Wis., and they
have one child by adoption, Edith ilay, born March 21, 1914, and
Leonard, who resides in Eau Claire, engaged in lumbering, mar-
ried Miss Mary Meyers, of Mondovi.
Mrs. Louisa (Smith) Till, sister of Absalom and Orin Smith,
residents of Union township. Eau Claire county, was boi-n in New
Brunswick. She was married at the age of sixteen and became
the mother of three children. She came to Eau Claire with her
husband in 1874, and for eight winters following, went into the
woods and did cooking in the lumber camps, and with the money
thus earned, together with that provided by her husband, pur-
chased in 1882. the property where she has since lived, for thirty-
three years. Mrs. Till has been an extensive traveler and in
company with her son has made prolonged trips through the
western part of the United States, visiting Seattle. Wash.. Los
Angeles. Calif., and many other places of interest.
Reverend Henry M. Toeller,* Pastor of St. ilary's Roman
Catholic Congregation, at Altooua, was born in La Crosse, AVis.,
January 27, 1880, the son of Frank and Rose (Nieloa) Toeller,
natives of the Province of the Rhine, Germany. His paternal
grandfather. Frank Toeller, and maternal grandparents, Matthew
and Marj' (Valieehek) Nieloa, were all pioneers of Wisconsin.
Father Toeller was reared in La Crosse, where he remained until
fourteen years of age; he received his education in the St. Joseph
Parochial School, in La Crosse, after which he entered tlie Ponti-
fical College, Josepimun, Columbus, Ohio, where after twelve
years of classical and theological study, he was ordained to the
priesthood by Rt. Rev. Bishop James Hartley, on June 9. 1906.
His first assignment was as assistant pastor to Rev. Father
BIOGRAPHY 887
Mathias Haiinon, of Darlington, Wis., where he remained one
year. In ItlOT he was appointed to his present charge at Altoona.
Charles Lyman Tolles, one of the well knoAvn citizens and
representative business men of Eau Claire, was born in this city
August 28, 1859, and is descended from a long line of prominent
New England ancestry. His father, Robert Tolles, was born near
Plymouth, Conn., August 2, 1827, and was the son of Lyman and
Almira (Andrews) Tolles, farmers of Terryville, Conn. He was
a nephew of Seth Thomas, the clockmaker, and when ten years
of age, went into the clock factory at Thomaston, Conn. After
acquiring a knowledge of clock making, he took up mechanical
engineering and was employed in a machine .shop in that state,
and AVindham, N. Y. During his residence in Windham, he mar-
ried Mary Richards Graham, daughter of Charles Graham, a
prominent shoe dealer on November 7, 1852. She was born June
21, 1825. They came to Eau Claire in 1857, and he installed the
first steam plant of any account in this section, for the old Eau
Claire Lumber Company at their steam mill, and was in their
employ for about four years. He siibsequently engaged with his
brother-in-law, Hiram P. Graham, in the business that was finally
merged into the Phoenix Manufacturing Company of today. Dur-
ing his earlier days in Eau Claire, he did some steamboating on
the Chippewa river, and was also connected with the Dells Lum-
ber Company and for a time had full charge of an important
grist mill at Sand Creek, Dunn county, which was owned by this
firm.
He was a member of the first board of aldermen for the city
of Eau Claire and until his death, which oecm-red July 7. 1879.
held a prominent place in the business and social life of the city.
Mr. Charles L. Tolles grew to manhood in Eau Claire, attended
the public schools, but being thrown upon his own resources early
in life, he was compelled to go into business before his education
was completed. His final schooling was received under the tutel-
age of T. P. Frawley, attending classes in the winter and work-
ing in the shop in summer. In 1876 he became associated with the
Phoenix IManufacturing Company and has been connected with
that concern continuously ever since, having worked his way
to the presidency of the company. On May 25, 1879, he was sent
to Sand Creek, in Dunn county, to take charge of the flouring
mill there, which was owned by this company, and after spend-
ing four years there, he returned to Eau Claire and the office of
tlie Phoenix company, remaining there three years, then went
888 HISTORY OB^ EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
with the Eau Claire Mills Supply Compauy, a branch corporation.
The mill supply company was subsequently sold, in about 1904,
to W. H. Hobbs, and Mr. Tolles returned to the Phoenix eoiu-
pany.
Mr. Tolles is one of the best examples of what the hustling
American boy can make of himself, a clean-cut, wide-awake busi-
ness man, ready to adopt new business methods whenever
exigency of trade demands them, and ever ready to devote his
time and talent to the use of the public in all matters pertaining
to the improvement of his home city.
On June ."). 1882. he married jMiss Ida May Fox. To this
union have been born two children, Romaine Graham and Helen
Athalia. In social circles as well as in commercial life Mr. Tolles
occupies a prominent place ; he is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the United Commercial Travelers,
the Eau Claire Club and the Traveler's Protective Association.
Michael J. Toner, overseer of the Eau Claire county poor
farm, is a jiroduet of Pennsylvania, born at St. Clair. Schuylkill
county, that state, November 7, 1866, to Francis and Ann (Me-
Gough) Toner. The father, who was a native of Ireland, came to
the United States in the early fifties and located in Pennsylvania,
where for thirteen years he was emploj'ed in the anthracite coal
mines. In 1866 he came west to Wisconsin and settled in Eau
Claire county, purchasing at that time a tract of land containing
100 acres in what is now the city of Eau Claire. From that time
on until his death, which occurred xVpril 7. 1910, he resided in
the city. The mother died at the age of 68 years, while the
father was about 75 years old at the time of his death. They
were the parents of eleven children, all of whom grew to man-
hood and womanhood. James, Michael J., Frank, Daniel and
Annie, wife of Stephen Curry, are the only ones now living.
Those deceased are Kate, who married Michael Carroll: John;
Edward; Sarah; Mary, and Maggie.
Michael J., who was an infant when his parents came to Eau
Claire, grew up with the village and received his education in
the district schools of the county, and after reaching his ma-
turity, he followed the occupations of lumbering and farming
until April, 1906, since which time he has occupied his present
position, which is sufficient evidence of his fitness as overseer of
the poor farm.
On November 7, 1905, he married Miss Bertha, daughter of
Nels and Olena (Fjerstad) Silverness, natives of Norway and
pioneer settlers of ]Mondovi, Buffalo county. Wisconsin. The
BIOGRAPHY 889
issue of this union is three sons, Edward, Robert and Francis. In
religions faith Mr. and Mrs. Toner are Catholics and he is a mem-
ber of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Peter Truax. Standing prominent among the representative
men of Eau Claire was Peter Truax. He was born in Steuben
county. New York, February 24, 1828, and was the son of Jacob
and Mary Truax, both native Americans of sturdy, progressive
disposition. While yet a youth, he moved with his parents to
Alleghany county. New York. He received his education in the
public schools of that state, and on September 23, 1852, married
Miss Cordelia Avery. The adventuresome spirit of the times
made itself felt in j\Ir. Truax, who concluded to seek his fortune
in the west, where the opportunities for advancement were so
much greater than in the East. Accordingly in 1854, he started
westward to Wisconsin, and after a residence of two years in
Walworth county, he in 1855 came to Eau Claire and settled on
a tract of land on ^^•hat is now known as Truax Prairie. Here
he sucrcssriilly engaged in general farming for ten years aiid
tlicii I'diMixcil to the then villauc n\' Haii Claire, in 1865, and es-
talilisht'd himself in the general iiicrcliandising business. Seeing
greater opportunities in lumbering, in 1873 he disposed of his
mercantile interests and engaged in logging and extensive farm-
ing. He acquired large interests in the sawmill property of the
Clociuet Lumber C'ompany, and was also extensively interested
in an electric railway in Idaho, as a stockholder. He became
associated with Mr. Thorp, and together they built the first
opera house erected in Eau Claire.
Mr. Truax erected a residence in the city of Eau Claire, but
preferred his country home as a place of abode, which he had
occupied some time prior to his decease, Jlarch 18, 1909, at the
age of 81 years. The death of ]\lr. Truax closed the career of
one whose long life was well spent in tloing good in the com-
munity in which he had lived. Mrs. Truax who resides in Eau
Claire, is a lady of charming personality and noble Christian
character, whose bequests and benefactions will pei-petuate her
name in Eau Claire.
James M, Vance, highway and bridge contractor, with post-
otfice address Chippewa Falls, was born in ^lonroe county, Iowa,
October 8, 1854, the son of Rev. John A. and Nancy J. (Snod-
grass) Vance, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively,
and pioneers of Monroe county, Iowa, where the father improved
a farm of eighty acres. He was also a clergyman of the United
Presbvterian church. In 1876 he came to Wisconsin and was
890 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
pastor of the Lisbon congregation, of Sussex, Waukesha county,
eleven years. He was twice married; his first wife was Nancy
J. Snodgrass, by whom he had three children, as follows: Mary
Ann, wife of C. H. Dunlap, of Seattle, Wash. ; Martha J., wife of
C. C. Palmer, of Eddyville, la., and James M., the subject of this
sketch. His second wife was Liicinda Presley, and they were the
parents of two children: John P., a civil engineer on the
Canadian Pacific railroad and who lost his life in a blizzard in
northwestern Canada, and Jennie, a trained nurse of New-
castle, Pa.
James M. grew to manhood in Iowa, was educated in the
common schools and began life as a farmer in his native state.
He came to Eau Claire county in 1887 and settled on a farm of
190 acres in the town of Seymour, to which he has subsequently
added until now his farm contains 230 acres of well cultivated
land, improved with substantial buildings. From 1887 to 1906
Mr. Vance carried on farming operations on this farm. In tlie
last named year he turned the management over to his son,
Martin Roy, and since that time has given his sole attention to
highway bridge contracting in northwestern Wisconsin, his
operations extending over nine counties. This business was
started by Mr. Vance in 1902 and for four years he carried it on
in connection with his farming operations, but the business grew
to such large proportions he finally turned his farm business over
to his son, as stated above. Mr. Vance has always taken an
active interest in social as well as civic affairs and has been many
times honored by his friends for office. He was elected and served
as chairman and clerk of the town of Seymour for about sixteen
years. He was elected treasurer of Eau Claire county and served
in that capacity during the years of 1905, '06, '07 and '08. In
politics he is a Republican, while fraternally he is a member of
Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M.
On October 24, 1878, he married Miss Jeannette Rogers,
daughter of Archibald and Agnes Rogers, natives of Dundee,
Scotland, and pioneers of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. They
have a family of five children living, as follows : James T. ; John
A., in business with father; Jesse George, Methodist Episcopal
minister; Martin R., on farm, and Jennie 1).. at liome, and two
deceased, Willard and Charles.
Henry Clay Van Hovenberg, deceased, one of the very early
settlers of this part of Wisconsin, and closely identified with the
primitive struggles of the city and county of Eau Claire, was
BIOGRAPHY 891
born September 25, 1831, in Schenectady county. New York, and
was the son of Dewitt and Katherine (Becker) Van Hovenberg,
and grandson of Rndolph and Lydia (Van Dyek) Van Hoven-
berg. He was educated in the county schools and the city of
Schenectady, and in 1842 came west to Wisconsin with his parents
and settled in Green Lake county. There Henry (May V;ni Hov-
enberg followed the occupation of farming until about twenty
years of age, when becoming allured by the current stories of
Eau Claire, he came here in 1856, and for more than half a
century made this his home. For five or six years after locating
here, he followed the business of carpenter and joiner, also tak-
ing up the work of millwright. He became associated with Mr.
Flavins Mills, and they started the publication of the Chippewa
Valley News, which in 1869 became the Eau Claire News, the
publication of which was continued by them until 1870, when Mr.
Van Hovenberg sold his interest to W. F. Bailey.
ilr. Van Hovenberg took an active part in the organization
of tlie town government of west Eau Claire and Avas for many
years engaged in the implement business with the late Jacob
Strum, which business had been closed out somewhat prior to
the death of Mr. Van Hovenberg. He was for many years largely
interested in real estate in Eau Claire and was prosperous and
successful in all his business ventures. He was prominent in
the Congregational church, and at times conducted services at
school houses and missions, and was a member of the New York
Society of Cincinnati. His grandfather, Rudolph Van Hoven-
berg, was one of the original members of the New York Society
of Cincinnati, having signed the roll in 1783. A portion of his
journal while with the Sullivan expedition is found in Cook's
journals of the military expeditious of Major General John
Sullivan.
In 1860 Mr. Van Hovenberg married M-Avy Eliza Pease, who
died in 1873. To this union were born the following children :
Dewitt Joseph, Avho died September 28, 1913, at the age of 52
years; Mary Elizabeth married Eli W. Keck, on December 29,
1908; Katherine was married June 15, 1899, to Harold Winthrop
Brown and resides at Dover, New Hampshire ; Margaret, who
was married July 8, 1891, to Frank Asa Morrill, resides in Nor-
wood, Massachusetts, and Karl Henry, who is a practicing law-
yer and a professor in the public schools of Chicago. In Septem-
ber, 1880, Mr. Van Hovenberg was again married, this time to
Mrs. Sarah Stinehfield Teague, who still survives and makes lier
i<9-2 HISTORY OF EAU OLAIRE COUNTY
home in the city of Eaii Claire. Mr. Van Hovenberg ilieil Janu-
ary 3, 1910.
Albert Ventzke, a representative citizen and substantial
farmer, ^\'llose fine farm of 200 acres adjoins the village of Fall
Creek, is another of Wisconsin's native sons, having been born
in Marathon county, this state, and is the eldest of a family of
seven children born to Albert and Minnie (Wartleman) Ventzke.
Of the others, Gustav is now in Montana; Minnie is the wife of
Henry AVittmer; Emma is the wife of William Scheefelbin ; Laura
is the wife of Julius Haas; Anna married Julius Kranz, and Ida,
v.iio is tile wife of Reinhold Stobe. The parents were both boi-ii
in the Province of Pommerian, Germany, and in an early day
emigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, where
the father died at the age of 64 years. The mother still survives
and is honored and respected by her many friends and acquaint-
ances.
Albert received his education in the common schools and came
to Eau Claii'e county in 1874. He has always been a hard work-
ing man, energetic, thrifty and economical, and has carved his
way to the top round of the ladder. His 200 acre farm, which
for the most part is under a good state of cultivation and im-
proved with a substantial and commodious dwelling, barns and
other out buildings, makes an ideal country home, of which he
may well be proud. He is engaged in general farming and stock
raising, and uses the most modern methods in his operations. In
polities he is independent and takes a lively interest in all public
matters in his town and county. He is a member of the Lutheran
church and contributes liberally to its support.
Mr. Ventzke married Miss Julia Stabenow, of Fall ("reck, and
they have an interesting family of three childi'en, two sons and
one daughter, named respectively, Herman, .\nmnda and Walter
Ventzke.
Memory Victory,* one of the early settlers and highly re-
spected citizens of Augusta, where he is now engaged in the grain
business, is the son of Thomas J. and Eliza (Dodge) Victory, and
was born at Masena, St. Lawrence county, New York, April ;5,
1833, and is named after his grandfather. Memory Victory, who,
as did his other ancestors, followed agricultural pursuits in New
England. Thomas Victory, father of our subject, left the state
of New York with his family for the west in 1859, and the same
year settled on a farm in Wisconsin, where Ik^ followed the life
of a farmer until his death.
Memory Victory was raised on his father's farm, reccivinsi: a
HIOGRAI'IIV 893
coiumou school edueatiou. He followed the vocation of farming
until 1870, when he engaged in the mercantile business which he
followed until 1905 and again engaged in farming, and is now
associated with his son in the buying and shipping of hay and
grain. In 1870 he married Miss Elisa Crowles, a native of St.
Lawrence county. New York, and they have had four children,
only one of wiioiu, Wallace O'Dell Victory, is living and in busi-
ness with his father. Mr. Victory is a Democrat in politics and
has held several local offices. He is a high minded, public spirited
man and takes a lively interest in all matters of benefit to his
town and county.
Amos Ward, for fort.x-eight years a resident and highly re-
sfiected citizen of Eau Claire, is a native of Canada and was born
September 20. 1830. When a young boy he left Canada and from
that time until 1866 lived in the states of Maine and Pennsyl-
vania. For several years during his residence in Maine he was
engaged in fai-ming and shipbuilding. He lived nine years in
Potter county, Pennsylvania, and from there he came to Wis-
consin, arriving in Eau Claire August 15, 1866. Soon after his
arrival here he entered the employ of the Daniel Shaw Lumber
Company, with whom he remained until 1905. at which time the
interests of this company were sold. During the civil war Mr.
Ward enlisted in Ciuiipany C. One Hundred and Forty-eighth
fJegiment. l^cniisyl\aiii<i Volunteer Infantry, and served t^vo
years. He was iinisti^-i'd out and honorably discharged at the
close of the war in 1865. He is a member of Eagle Post, No. 52,
Grand Army of the Republic, of Eau Claire, and for a number of
years has lived in retirement.
Mr. Ward was married in the state of Alaine to Miss Lydia ]\1.
Trott, by whom he has six children: Charles R., who is a prac-
ticing physician in the city of Eau Claire and resides at home:
Syntha; Eva ■].; Louis, who is also a physician and resides at
iieuiidii. .Aliiiii.; Allen and Kate. His daughter Syntha married
A. E. Henderson, a physician, and also resides at Bemid.ji, Minn.
Samuel Weike,* of Lincoln township, is the only surviving
member of a family of five children born to Gottleib and Mary
(Steinke) Welke. in the Provnice of Posen. (iermauy. He was
born on January 14. 1887; the other children were Theodore,
(iustav, Robert and Julia, who married William Harding.
Mr. Welke attended the common schools of his native coun-
try, where he remained until sixteen years of age, and in 1853
the family emigrated to the United States. Soon after arriving
they located in ]\Iarquette county, Wisconsin, and there the par-
894 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
ents spent the balance of their lives, the father dying at the age
of 91 and the mother at 98 years of age. Samuel AVelke remained
with his parents in Marquette county seven years, and in 1861
moved to Eau Claire county and purchased 80 acres of State Uni-
versity lands, paying for same $2.50 per acre. The city of Eau
Claire at that time was only a small village, with one stoi-e and
one hotel, and this was Mr. Welke's nearest trading point. Loyal
to his adopted country, Mr. Welke in 1864 enlisted as a private
under Captain Stocking in Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, and served for ten months, principally in
Missouri. After his honorable discharge he returned to Eau
Claire and resumed his farming operations, which have since ab-
sorbed his time and attention. His farm, which is now being
operated by his son, John, consists of 160 acres of highly cul-
tivated and well improved land in sections 24 and 25, Lincoln
township. The residence and outbuildings are substantial and
commodious and the farming equipment is modern and up-to-
date.
Mr. Welke was married to AVilhemiua Wing, and they have
four children, two sons and two daughters. John resides on the
home farm, which he carries on with good success; Fred lives in
Altoona, this county; Julia married Charles Kisler, and Emma is
the wife of William Grant. A member of the Lutheran church,
Mr. Welke contributes liberally to its support. He has been a
resident of Eau Claire county for more than half a century and
has not only seen but has taken an active part in the trans-
formation that has taken place in the county from a wild and
uncultivated state, inhabited by wild game and beasts, to one
of fine farms and lovely homes. He has also taken an active in-
terest in the public affairs of the county and has always been
ready to co-operate in any movement which he has considered for
the improvement of the county.
James P. Welsh, chief of the fire department of Eau Claire,
was born in Eau Claire on March 22, 1865. His father, James
Welsh, was born on Prince Edwards Island in the year 1838 and
was a lumberman by trade. He came to Eau Claire in 1857,
being one of the very early settlers, and was employed by various
companies for a time, then became connected with the Eau Claire
Lumber Company, with whom he remained for about forty years,
during that time being in charge of sorting works on the Eau
Claire river. His death occurred on June 14, 1897, at the age of
fifty -nine years. Mrs. Welsh, mother of our subject, was Miss
Mariah Beckwith. who was born in Dane county, Wisconsin,
BIOGRAPHY 895
February 22, 1841. They had a family of eleven childi'eu. viz:
James P. (our subject), John, William, Edward, Kattie, Peter,
Arthur, who are all deceased ; Frederick is connected with the
Eau Claire fire department; Ella is married to Charles Halblieb,
a conductor on the Omaha railroad; Albert is a gas fitter in Eau
Claire, and Frank is a railroad conductor. Mr. Welsh \vas a
staunch Democrat in polities and a member of the Catholic
church. He was buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire.
James P. obtained a good common school education and his
first employment was with Charles Alber, of Eau Claire, where
lie went to learn the trade of furrier, but remained at this work
only about six months, then went to woi'k in the grocery store
of Bouell & McGraw, and later in the store of N. J. Mclutyre,
remaining in this latter position about two years. From 1882 to
1889 he worked at the lumbering business in its various branches,
and on September 1, 1889, he became connected with the Eau
Claire fire department in the capacity of pipeman ; on November
1, 1891, he was made superintendent of firm alarm; on May 4,
1899, he was appointed city electrician; May 4, 1901, was ap-
pointed fire warden; May 4, 1905, was appointed assistant chief,
filling all four positions at one and the same time ; November 2,
1906, he was appointed cliief, at which time he resigned the above
four offices and has since been at the head of the department,
where he has proven himself a most worthy official. At this date
he has given more than twent.v-five years of an unbroken service
in the fire department.
]\Ir. Welsh is independent in his politics, is a member of the
Catholic church and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He was
married on :\Iay 27, 1890, to ]\Iiss Evelyn Van Strattum, daughter
of A. H. Van Strattum, of Appleton, Wis., and five children have
been born to them, as follows: Vernona E., Evelyn, William W.,
Dorothy and Patricia, who died in infancy.
Albert J. Wenzel,* president and general manager of the
WCuzel Ihooiii Company, of Eau Claire, was born at Augusta,
this county, February 13, 1873. His father, Julius Wenzel, was
liorn in Germany, and in 1872 he married Pauline Wagner, and
I lie same year came to America. He settled at Augusta and en-
gaged in farming, an occupation he has followed all his life. He
IS now, 1914, residing on his home farm and has reached the age
of seventy-eight years, and is a member of the German Lutheran
Church, Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel, as fol-
lows: Albert J., the subject of this sketch; Emil F., treasurer
of the Wenzel Broom Company; Anna; Bertha, who keeps house
896 HISTORY OP EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
for her father, and two children who died very young-. The
mother of these children died April 2, 1911.
Albert J. was raised on the farm and attended the common
school. Starting out in life for himself, he found employment
tirst in the planing mills of various companies, among them being
the Rice Lake Lumber Company, N. C. Foster & Company and
the Iron River Lumber Company. Later he went west and worked
at the carpenter's trade in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He was a
member of the firm of Red Rock Land & Lumber Company, and
was also engaged in the manufacture of wagon spokes in Okla-
homa. Returning to Eau Claire, he followed carpentering for
several years during the summer months and assisted in erecting
furnaces in the winters. In 1912, associated with his brother,
Emil F., he started in a small way in the manufacture of brooms,
and on June IS. 1918, the Wenzel Broom Company was incor-
porated under the laws of "Wisconsin with a capital of $30,000.00,
he being president and manager of the company and his brother,
Emil, treasurer.
Mr. Wenzel married Amelia Zank. daugiiter ol' Christ Zank.
of Augusta, and one son, Henry, was born. Mrs. Wenzel died
September 8, 1910, and was buried at Red Bank, Arkansas. On
November 16, 1913, Mr. AVenzel again married, taking for his
second wife. Emma Sehack, who died on March 16, 1914, and her
remains laid to rest in Eau Claire cemetei-y. Mr. Wenzel is a
member of the German Lutheran church, of which he is trustee,
and politically is an independent Republican.
Charles F. West has attained a position of prominence in
public life as well as in the business circles of Eau Claire. He
is a native son of Wisconsin and was born in the town of Bruns-
wick, county of Eau Claire, January 24, 1863, of German parent-
age. His father, John West, was born in Germany and was one
of the pioneer settlers of Eaix Claire county, having come here
in 1854. He was a farmer by occiipation and owned 320 acres
of choice land in Brunswick township. He married Charlotte
Roeeh, and to them two children were born, Charles F., the sub-
ject of this sketch and Mary W., who is the wife of F. W. Wol-
tersdorf, who is associated with Mr. AVest in the cigar business.
They have one child. Hazel. The father died October 11, 18S3.
and is survived by his widow and the two children.
Born and reared on a farm, Charles P. received his education
in the public schools, and in 1879 started in the cigar business.
He is a member of the popular and well knotvn firm of West &
Woltersdorf, manufacturers of Havana and domestic cigars.
BIOGRAPHY 897
Their factory at 770 First avenue, Eau Claire, is an important
center for the manufacture of high »rade cigars, some of the hest
brands in the country coming from their factory. The popular
brands made by them include the Mascot and Eau Claire Crooks
and Rlildeza of the 10c grade, and the San Rexo, j\Iiss West, Lit-
tle Mascot in 5c goods. Their business covers the whole North-
western Wisconsin and theii- already large trade is constantly
increasing.
Mr. West was united in luai-riage with Miss Louise Schriner,
of Sand Lake, New York, and they are the parents of 5 children,
viz. : Charles F. Jr., deceased ; Ruth M.. deceased ; Lulu, deceased ;
Charlotte IM., and Frederick J. Among the fraternal and benev-
olent societies of Eau Claire with which Mr. West is connected,
may be mentioned Freeden Lodge, No. 254, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias. Equitable Fraternal Union
and the American Yeomen.
In public atfairs he is no less active and intiuential than in
business, and has for many .years been identified with the Demo-
cratic pai'ty. He is chairman of the 10th Congressional district,
and also ehaii-man of the Eau Claire eonnty Democratic central
committee, has been assessor for ten years, and is now, 1914,
candidate for postmaster of Eau Claire.
Charles Westberg,* shipping clerk for the Dells Lumber Com-
pany of Eau Claire, who resides on his farm in Brunswick town-
ship, was born near Gothenburg, Sweden, March 29, 1857, the son
of Eriek and Annie (Anderson) Westberg. The father was a
well-known farmer near Gothenburg, where he and his wife
spent their lives. They were the parents of seven children, who
are all now deceased excepting Charles, our subject.
Charles received his education in the public schools and re-
mained at home, assisting his parents in the farm work nntil
1881, when he came to America, landing first in Philadelphia.
He came West to Wisconsin and located at Eau Claire, and for
nineteen j^ears was employed by the Northwestern Lumber Com-
pany in and around their mills at Porter's Mills. In 1900 he
moved to the city of Eau Claire and was engaged in gradin>i lum-
ber for the same firm six years, being continuously in their em-
ploy for twenty-five years. In liBOG he became connected witli
the Dells Lumber Company as shipping clerk and still holds that
position. In 1909 he purchased the Campbell farm of 80 acres
in Brunswick township, where he resides with his family, his son,
Warner Westberg, having charge of the farming operations.
Mr. We.stberg has been twice married. His first wife was
898 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Tillie Borg, who is now deceased. She was the mother of tliree
children : John A., an engineer on the Northwestern railroad,
Nora and Tillie. For his second wife Mr. Westberg married An-
nie Johnson, daughter of John Johnson, of Eau Claire, and the
following children have been born :• Leonard. Warner. Escall,
Arthur, Ruth and Chestea.
Mr. Westberg is a Lutheran in religious belief and eon-
tributes liberally to the support of the church, and is a Repub-
lican in jiolitics.
Samuel S. Wethern,* of Union township, is one of the wide-
awake, prosperous and thrifty farmers of Eau Claire county.
He was born at New Portland, Somerset county, Elaine, Novem-
ber 22, 1861. His parents, Samuel Gould and Asenath (Quint)
Wethei'n, were both natives of Maine and of Welsh and Scotch-
Irish descent, and at this writing (1913) the father is still living
at the age of 81 years, making his home in Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia,
Samuel S. spent his youth in Maine, receiving his education
in the common schools. Becoming interested in the possible
fortunes to be made in Wisconsin, when he reached the age of
twenty, in 1881, he came to Eau Claire county where he soon
found employment as driver for the Daniel Shaw Lumber Com-
pany, which position he held for five years, and for the next
two years occupied a like position with John Jacobs and at the
same time did some farming. He purchased a farm of 148 acres
of raw timber land situated in the town of Union in 1886, and
the following year by himself cleared and improved twenty
acres, working a part of the time by moonlight to accomplish
his purpose. He subsequently added to his original purchase
until he now owns 257 acres of well improved and highly culti-
vated land, all of which has been reclaimed from its wild state
and subdued by Mr. Wethern. His buildings are substantial and
commodious and he keeps his place well stocked with good horses,
cattle and hogs and uses in his farming operations the most
modei-n and up-to-date methods, and by his shrewd and economical
management since he purchased his farm he has made it one of
the mos.t attractive country homes in the county.
On April 4, 1888, Mr. Wethern was married to Miss ^Margaret
McMillan, a lady of charming personality and daughter of Alvin
and Sophia (Hunter) McMillan, natives of Nova Scotia and
prominent pioneer settlers of Eau Claire. To Mr. and ]\Irs.
Wethern have been born three children, viz. : Floyd, Charles and
Margaret Asenath.
NELSON C. WILCOX
BIOGRAPHY 899
A man of promiuence and public spiritedness, Mr. Wethern
takes a commendable interest in all public affairs and is always
ready to assist in furthering any movement which tends to the
development and advancement of his town and county. lie
served as chairman of the Union town board for thirteen years
and is now serving his second term as chairman of the Eau
Claire county board and was a member of the committee ap-
pointed to select a site for the Eau Claire county training school
for teachers. Politically Mr. Wethern is a Republican, while
fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Knights of Pythias.
Nelson Chapman Wilcox, deceased, who for many years was
l>rominent among the leading citizens of Eau Claire, Wis., was a
native of New York state and was born in Oneida county on
January 1, 1836. He was the only son of Reuben and Louisa
(Chapman) Wilcox. Reuben Wilcox was born in Connecticut in
1796 and lived to the age of 85 years. Nelson Wilcox' mother
died at the age of 28 years, when he was 10 months old. The
early ancestors of Mr. Wilcox were of English descent and came
to the United States early in colonial times.
Nelson C. was reared on his father's farm, attending the dis-
trict school %nd assisting in the farm work. When he reached
the age of 19 he entered the Oxford Academy, M'here he com-
pleted his education. At the age of 20, in 1856, he came west to
Eau Claire and was employed by the firm of Chapman & Thorp,
both of whom were his uncles. He remained with them until
1861 and tlien engaged in business with W. J. Bridges. At the
end of two years he disposed of his interests and went to Massa-
chusetts on account of the ill health of his wife. Returning to
Eau Claire, he went into the logging business, which he fol-
lowed until 1867, then disposed of his interests and again went
East with his wife. At the end of one year he returned to Eau
Claire, but did not again engage in business until 1880, when,
associated with G. B. Chapman and B. J. Churchill, he opened a
general store under the firm name of G. B. Chapman & Co.
Mr. Wilcox married in 1861 Miss Frances A. Blanchard, a
native of Chautaucpia county. New York, and who died in 1868.
On June 28, 1870, he was married again, this time to Mrs. Angle
T. Bellinger, by whom he had three children, viz : Roy P., born
June 30, 1873, a prominent attorney of Eau Claire; Nelson J.,
born January 27, 1875, an attorney-at-law in practice at Min-
neapolis, and Thorp J. Wilcox, half owner of the Linderman Box
& Veneer Company, born ^lay 20, 1877.
<)0() HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE t'Ol'XTY
In politics Jlr. Wilcox was a Republican. He served three
terms as townsliip treasurer, served as a jueuilier of the city
council, and was tendered but refused the nomination for mayor.
For a number of years he served as justice of the peace, and at
the time of his death, which occurred March 21, 1906, was I'nited
States revenue gauger. No citizen of Eau Claire was held in
higher esteem than was Nelson C. Wilcox. Upright, conscientious
and broad-minded in his views of men and affairs, firm in his con-
victions and always true to them, he commanded the re.sjieet of
all with whom he came in contact.
Thorp Joseph Wilcox is one of the prosperous maniifactureis
of Eau Claire, Wis., whose achievements are the result of his own
untiring efforts. He has a genius for hard work, and with un-
usual clear-sightedness, has been able to avail himself of oji-
portunities when they occurred and to make them when they did
not, with the result that he now ranks among the leading sub-
stantial citizeiis of this city. He was born in Eau Claire. IMay 20.
1877, the son of Nelson Chapman and Angeline (Tewkesbury)
Wilcox. During his boyhood lie attended the public schools, then
entered the Central High School, from which he graduated in
1896. Immediately after his graduation he entered the employ
of the Linderman Box & Veneer Company. He worked in the
lumber yards, sorting sheds and all the machines in the factory.
Starting at the bottom, he advanced to a position in the olfice
and from that into ownership and management, which last pro-
motion came in 1902 when the Linderman Box & Veneer Com-
pany was reorganized, of which company he is now vice-presi-
dent and general manager, and under his careful, conservative
and skillful management the business has shown a constant
growth from the start and is recognized as one of the prominent
manufacturing industries of Eau Claire and second largest in
the state of Wisconsin.
I\Ir. Wilcox is a man of fine social qualities, and by the force
of a pleasing personality attracts many warm friends. He is a
member of the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Order of
Elks, the Eau Claire Country Club, the Civic and Commerce As-
sociation and the Eau Claire Business Men's Club. On June 12,
1902, Mr. Wilcox was nuirried to Miss Minnie McDonough, only
daughter of Dennis JIcDonough. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox two
daughters have been born. Petronilla and JIargaret Wilcox.
Claire City
1843, at Jamestown, N. Y.
His father, Ilerniis Willard. was born at Townsend. Windham
daugnters have been born. retroniUa and iMargaret
't^-^-^-'A^ I % is Wales H. WUlaxd, superintendent of the Eau
^ Water AVorks. was born October 21, 1843, at Jamef
HIOGRAPHY 901
county, Vt.. in 1797, and was an expert imttern maker in the
machine shops and a skilled mechanic. lie followed the art of
pattern maker all his life; was engaged in business for himself
for many years, during which time he built many models for
machinery. He died in 1882 and was buried at Jamestown, N.
Y. Mr. Willard's mother, whose maiden name was Alvina Kid-
der, was born in Wardsboro, Windham count}', Vt., in 1799, and
died in 1885. Of their eight children Wales A. died in infancy;
Darwin was a captain during the civil war in the Seventy-.second
New York Regiment, Third Brigade, luider command of General
.Sickles, and was killed in battle May 5, lS(i2; Lucius N., who
died in HKJO, was a machinist at Jamestown; Corliin K. is a re-
tired farmer at Jamestown, N. Y. ; Herbert died in infancy;
Caroline, who resides at Fredonia, N. Y., married Robert Jones,
a captain of a whaling ship, who lost his life in the Arctic Ocean ;
Henry Kirk, deceased, was a musician in General Sickles' brigade
during the civil war, and Wales H., the subject of this sketch.
Oliver Willard, grandfather of Wales H., was born in Massa-
chusetts and was a member of the old Willard family of Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, ]\Iaine, Veiunont and New
Hampshire.
Wales H. attended the |)ublic schools until he was fourteen
years old, and then went to work in a machine shop at James-
town, N. Y. After serving an apprenticeship of three years he
enlisted in the New York National Guards, was mustered into
the army at Harrisliuru-. but oidy served seven weeks, when he
returned home. He later went to Detroit, Mich., and there fol-
lowed the trade of machinist in a locomotive works for three
months, then went to Galesburg, 111., and for a short time fol-
lowed his trade there. In 1867 he came to Eau Claire and was
employed in the .Shaw machine shops for one year, then clerked
one year in a store and was also clerk on a steamboat on the
Chippewa river. He next followed the machinist's trade until
1870. when he became bookkeeper in a grocery store, after which
he was employed by the city of Eau Claire as engineer of the
steam fire engine "W. F. Bailey" for fourteen years. In 1885 he
was made inspector of construction of the water woi-ks, with
which he has since been connected, being now (191-4) superin-
tendent. ]Many changes have taken place during his administra-
tion, and practically all the water mains in the city have been
laid under his .supervision. In all city affairs he takes an active
interest, and has served as alderman from the fifth ward for two
vears. He is a member of the Rod and Gun Club and of the First
!:;U2 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Congregational chnrch. In 1872 Mr. Willard married Julia
Deyarmau, daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Greeuley) Deyar-
man, and has one daughter, Jessie D.
Albert L. Williams, the son of Lucius L. and Elvira A. (Searl)
Williams, was born August 18, 1877, at Augusta, Eau Claire
county, Wis. He received his education in the schools of Eau
Claire and Curtis College at Minneapolis. After completing
his education he entered the furniture store of his father as book-
keeper in 1898, later becoming salesman, a position he held for
four years until 1802, when the firm was changed to the Williams
Furniture Company and he became secretary, holding that posi-
tion until 1908, when he was elected president of the company
and is still acting in that capacity, he being one of the largest
stockholders. He is enterprising and progressive and takes a
commendable interest in all matters pertaining to the betterment
of his city. He married in 1898 Francis Giruau, a daughter of
Peter Giruau, of Eau Claire, and has two children, Clarence
and Elvira. Mr. Williams is a member of the Episcopal churcli,
the Modern Woodmen of America and Loyal Order of ]\Ioose,
and is independent in politics.
Lucius L. Williams, father of Albert Ij., was born in Kirtland,
Lake County. O., ]\Iareh 14, 1843, and remained there until he
came to Augusta in May, 1869. In the spring of 1870 he en-
gaged in the book and stationery business with his brother. 0.
A. Williams, and in 1875 erected a brick store building. Tliis
business arrangement continued until 1879, when L. L. Williams
purchased his brother's interest, and early in 1881 added a stock
of dry goods and groceries to his former business and was at
one time quite an extensive dealer in fruits. In 1883 he came to
Eau Claire and engaged in the furniture business and followed
this the remainder of his life.
In August, 1876, he became agent at Augusta for the Ameri-
can Express Company, and in 1877 was elected a member of the
county board and served four years as treasurer of his town. He
was married at Chardon, Geauga county, 0., in 1865. to Elvira
A. Searl, who was born in LeRoy. Lake county, that state. They
were the parents of three children, viz: Dorliska N., Albert L.
and Sadie IM.. who died in August, 1877, at the age of three years.
Heman Benjamin Wilson, an enterprising farmer of Bruns-
wick township, is a native of County Renfrew, Ontario, Canada,
where he was born February 9, 1866. His parents were Benjamin
and alary (Visina) Wilson; the former, who was born in the
BIOGRAPHY 903
Province of Quebec, Canada, moved to West Meath, Renfrew
county, Ontario, where he made his home all his life, following
the lumber industry during winters and in the summer months
carried on his large farm. He was successful in his business and
died in 1892 at the age of 65, honored and respected by all who
knew him. He married Mary Visina, daughter of Eli Visina,
of West Meath, Ontario, who is now residing at Sturgeon Falls.
Ontario, in his 73d year. They were the parents of nine chil-
dren, six of whom are now (1914) living: Joel, a prosperous
farmer in Canada ; Heinan B., the subject this sketch ; Waltei",
a Canadian farmer; Samuel conducts a livery stable at Warren,
Ontario ; Robert, a blacksmith and wheelwright at Warren, and
Allen, a lumber dealer, also of Warren, Ontario. Those deceased
are : Cecelia, Emma, and one child who died in infancy.
Joel Wilson, grandfather of Heman B., was born in Scot
land. He came to the western continent and located in the
Province of Quebec, where he followed farming and lumbering all
his life.
Heinan B. was reared in his native country, attended tbi-
common schools and during the summer months worked for his
parents at farming, and during the winters he followed him-
bering, being employed by various companies. He came to Eau
Claire in 1888 and was employed for more than ten years by the
Northwestern Lumber Company, a short time as a laborer and
for many years as foreman over a large number of men. He
followed lumbering until 1886, when he p.urehased the Melrose
farm of 200 acres in Brunswick township and commenced farm-
ing on a large scale, of which he has made a grand success. In
addition to his general farming operations he is a large dealer
and raiser of stock and carries on an extensive dairy business,
shipping his milk and cream to the Rock Falls Creamery Com-
pany. He is a man of shrewd management and is considered one
of the most prosperous, progressive and substantial men of his
neighborhood. He is active in local public affairs and has served
twelve years as school clerk and twelve years as road commis-
sioner. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and in re-
ligious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On July 4, 1892, Mr. Wilson married Miss Mary Melrose,
daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Briggs) ilelrose. of Eau
Claire county. Their children are Robert Ben.jamin, born Jan-
uary 24, 1897; William, born June 19, 1898, and Carrie, born
June 30, 1902.
9U-t HISTORY OF EAU CIjAIRE COUNTY
George C. Witlierby, president of the Eau Claire Book & Sta-
tionery Company, whose activities in all lines leading toward the
progress of Eau Claire have made him worthy of mention in this
history, was born in Watertown, N. Y., August 2, 1856. His
father, Clark Witherby, was born in Jefferson county, New York,
where he was raised and educated. He was a man of influence
and honored for his manly character and his straightforward)
and honorable business methods. His wife was Caroline Melotte.
and thej' became the parents of four children, of whom two are
now living, viz : George C, the subject of this sketch, and Chai'les,
an architect. Those deceased are Alice, who died in youth, and
Edgar, who died at the age of fifteen.
George C. passed his early life in Watertown, N. Y., receiv-
ing his education in the common and high schools, removing to
Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1883, where he engaged in the book busi-
ness with a Mr. Andrews under the firm name of Andrews &
Witherby, which business was successfully carried on for four and
one-half years, at which time Mr. Witherby sold his interest to
Mr. Andrews, and in 1887 came to Eau Claire. After arriving
here he purchased the Putnam interests in the Eau Claire Book
& Stationery Company, of which concern he became president,
and now owns the controlling interest. Mr. Witherby 's whole
life has been practically devoted to the book and stationery busi-
ness. His company not only does a retail business but carries
on a manufacturing plant, where they manufacture legal blanks
and conduct the largest business in books in the United States
for a city the size of Eau Claire.
Victor Wolf," who had the longest military record of any
man in the Chippewa Valley, and who for fifty-two years was a
resident of Eau Claire, was born in Obendorf, Baden Baden, Ger-
many, December 28, 1824, the son of George and Margaret (Haas)
Wolf, both natives of Germany. In 1847 Captain Wolf came to
the United States and upon landing in New York he learned of
the Mexican war, and his ancestors having been warriors, the
soldier element asserted itself in him and on February 23, 1847,
he enlisted in the United States Army in New York City, ex-
pecting to go at once to the field of action, but in.stead he was
ordered to Governor's Island, where he did duty until 1850.
During the Seminole war he was sent to Florida as second in
command of 400 recruits. He was assigned to Company H, Fourth
Artillery, and fought there in the swamps and at Key West. At
the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted for another
BIOGRAPHY 905
term of five years. In 1852 he returned to New York and was
sent to Fort Niagara, and in 1854 was transferred to Oswego
and remained there until 1856, and was discharged with a pen-
sion ou aeeonut of injuries sustained in mounting guns at Fort
Ontario. During his ten years of service he served as sergeant
four years.
In 1848 he married iliss Ann ]\IcLaughlin and to tiiem were
born .seven children, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of E. M. Har-
rigan ; John C. ; Cecelia, wife of Edward Larson ; Ada, deceased
wife of Louis Schmidt; George: William J., and Lilly, wife of
Joseph Piglmiller. After leaving the regular army Mr. Wolf be-
came general manager of Ex-Governor Tallmadge's large farms
at Fond du Lac, Wis., and in 1858 he came to Eau Claire, built
him a home and engaged in teaming. He opened a stone quarry
and in the winter did freighting between Eau Claire and Sparta.
When the civil war broke out he drilled a company of i-e-
cruits and on July 17, 1861. enlisted in Company C, Eighth Regi-
ment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and in August following
was elected first lieutenant of this, the famous Eagle compauy
of the Eagle regiment. They left Eau Claire for the front in
September, 1861, and in May, 1862, he was promoted to captain
of the company. This company was selected as the color com-
pany of the regiment, and they carried "Old Abe," the American
war eagle, through the war, which soared over the regiment in
many a bloody fray and was with the command in nearly every
action in which they participated, about twenty -two battles and
sixty skirmishes. On September 26, 1864, "Old Abe" was pre-
sented to the state of Wisconsin, being given to Governor Lewis
in person by Captain Wolf at Madison. Among the important
engagements in which he took part were Frederickstown, Farm-
ington, siege of Corinth. Burnsville, Corinth, Tallahatchee, Pour-
teen-mile Creek, Mississippi Springs, Jackson, Vicksburg,
Brownsville, Fort Scurey, Fort de Russy, Henderson Hill, Grand
Ecore, Pleasant Hill. Machitoches, Cane River, Clontierville,
Bayou Rapids, Bayou Roberts, Simsport and others. He was
honorably discharged from the service at Madison April 1. 1865,
by special order from the war department.
On his return to Eau Claire he resumed his teaming business,
which he continued until 1872. when he was elected first chief of
police of the city, serving in that capacity until 1877. In 18S0
he engaged in the livery business, which he conducted for sev-
eral years. He served as town treasurer of North Eau Claire for
906 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
two years, Avas chairman of the town board of supervisors, road
master, served for nine years as district clerk and was alderman
of the city for two years. His certainly was an eventful life, and
at the time of his death, January 21. 1910, at the age of S3 years,
he was a member of the Catholic church and Eagle Post, No. 52,
G. A. R., and held the honor of having named the war eagle
"Old Abe" after Abraham Lincoln.
John C. Wolf,* the popular proprietor of the omnibus line of
Eau Claire, was born in Youngstown , on June 22. 1852,
and is a son of the late Capt. Victor Wolf and Ann (McLaugh-
lin) Wolf. He came with his parents to Eau Claire in 1858 and
here grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public
schools. At the age of 22, in 1874, he became engaged in tne
bus business and has for fort.v years followed that occupation,
becoming proprietor of the line in 1901.
Mr. Wolf was married November 22. 1880, to Julia Brekke,
daughter of Ole and Gertrude (Pouf) Brekke, of Norway. To
this union have been born five children, viz : Lula, wife of H. S.
Straudness ; Harry J. ; Mabel G., wife of William Kaiser ; Maude
E., and Lincoln J. In religious affiliations Mr. Wolf and family
are members of St. Patrick's church. He is a member of Branch
26, Catholic Knights, of which he is president; is a Democrat in
political sentiment, and has served as supervisor of the eightn
ward.
Obediah Works,* who has lived in Eau Claire county for more
ihan half a century, is one of that class of robust, energetic men
who have not only witnessed, but who have had an important
part in the work of transforming the county from its wild state
inhabited by wild game and beasts, to one of fruitful farms and
elegant homes. He is of Welsh descent and the son of George
W. and Julia (Coolidge) Works, and was born in Essex county.
New York, July 3, 1836. Flis father died at the age of 35 and his
mother at the age of 65. Raised in Essex county, Mr. Works
acquired his education in the piiblic schools, and. when 21 years
of age, in 1857. came West to Wisconsin and located in Eau
Claire county, where he purchased a farm in Lincoln township.
Mr. Works has always carried on general farming and dairying,
and for many years has been counted one of the prosperous and
thrifty farmers of the community and an influential man. Tie
has been lavish in his expenditure of time and money in improv-
ing his farm of 220 acres, erecting commodious and substantial
buildings and supplying modern appliances and equipment, so
that his is in reality one of the most desirable and attractive
BIOGRAPHY 907
homes in the county. He is (juite extensively engaged in stock
raising, making a specialty of blooded Guernsey cattle, good
horses and hogs.
In 1856 Mr. Works married Miss Lucy Ann Risley. a resident
of Baraboo, Wis., who died in 1875, leaving three children:
Freeman, Julia and Carrie. ]\Ir. Works was married for the sec-
ond time, taking for his wife Miss Clara E. Perry, and to this
union have been born the following children : George, Mabel,
Arthur, Pearl, Robert, Clara, Obediah, Jr., Mildred, Lueile, Law-
rence and Donald.
During the civil war ilr. Works enlisted in the Forty-eighth
Wisconsin Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and served ten months
in the Southwest during tlie Indian troubles. In politics Mr.
Works adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, while
in religious belief he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Asigal D. Wyman.-'' Standing prominent among the repre-
sentative men of Eau Claire was Asigal D. Wyman. He was born
in Meredith, N. Y., and came to Eau Claire before the civil war.
During the exciting times of 1861, when men were enlisting in
the army, Mr. Wyman was one of those who went out with Cap-
tain Sherman's cavalry company, which became attached to the
Second Wisconsin Cavalry. He participated in several of the
most sanguinary engagements of the war and became con.spicuous
for his gallant and heroic conduct during his four years' service.
Mr. Wyman was a successful business man, held in the highest
esteem by his fellow citizens. For some time he successfully eon-
ducted a bee and celery farm near Putnam Park in addition to
his other business interests. He was thoroughly domestic in his
tastes, and closely applied hiinself to all his business interests.
The active life of Mr. Wyman furnished a notable example of
what may be accomplished by energy and resolution when guided
by honorable principles and aided by agreeable personal charac-
teristics. He was in truth a prosperous man, and his actions in
all his transactions were mai-ked by scrupulously fair dealing,
frankness and kindness and faith in the better side of human
nature. Personally a tireless worker, he admired that quality in
others and cheerfully helped the man possessed with that vim_^
and energy he so much respected. He was modest and retiring
by nature ; there was no vanity in his composition, unless it was
to do his work well, and to that end he concentrated all his pow-
ers. A man of irreproachable habits and pure character, as well
as honorable and ambitious, he en.joyed the friendship of all with
<J08 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
whom he came iu contact. Mr. Wyman was married to ^liss
and had three children, one daughter and two
sons.
Milo B. Wyman, who for many years was one of the leading
and most influeutial citizens of Eau Claire, was a native of Xew
York state, and M^as born at JMeredith, June 8, 1842. When 12
years of age he came to Eau Claire with his parents from New
England and grew up with the city, where he lived for over
half a century, and was always active in promoting the business
growth of the city. In his earlier years he was engaged in the
mereantile business with Mr. Carrol, and later was associated
with the firm of Graham, White & Co., on the North Side. He
was with the Empire Lumber Company for several years. He
entered into a co-partnership with Erskine Ingram and formed
the Half Moon Lake Shingle Company, of which Mr. Wyman
was president for thirteen years.
As a business man his reputation was unblemislied, and his
success in all his undertakings was the direct result of his in-
dustry, integrity and perseverance, while his quiet, unassum-
ing manner and sterling business qualities gained for him the
iirm friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. No one feared
to trust him, no matter in what position they desired him to fill,
and his employees always spoke foi- him their kindliest regards.
He was called from earth on December 2, 1906, but it can tnith-
fully be said that his was a well spent life, that he was energetic,
firm, reliable in all his dealings, helpful in all work tending to
the benefit of those around him, loved and revered by his fam-
ily, respected and trusted by all who knew him. His character
and his work were a blessing to the community in which he lived,
and he left to his successor the best of all heritages — an honest
name.
:\Ir. Wyman held many positions of public trust, and from i1s
organization was secretary of the Eau Claire Building & Loan
Association and Home Building Loan Association. As a member
of the Old Settlers' Association he stood among the first in years
of service and honorable reputation. He was a member of the
Baptist church, regular in attendance and a dependable helper
in religious and charitable enterprises. He was a member of the
Masonic fraternity and an honored member of the Grand Army
Post. He enlisted in Company L, Second Cavalry, and held the
rank of first sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant suc-
cessively. On September 19, 1869, Mr. Wyman married ]\Iiss
Martha E. Kershner, a lady of culture and refinement, and two
BIOGRAPHY 909
children were born, a son, who died in infancy, and a daughter,
Anna, who became the wife of the late Rev. Arthur C. Kerapton.
She is now tlic wife of Rev. Edward Babeoek. of Utica,
N.'w York.
William H. Yule,''' another one of the prominent resicknits and
progressive farmers of Thompson Valley, is descended from New
England ancestry, all of whom were farmers at one time in New
York state. A son of the late George ]M. and Adeline (O'Brien)
Yule, he was born near Owego, N. Y., February 23, 1845. and is
a grandson of John Yule, a prominent citizen of that state. The
parents of Mr. Yule came to Wisconsin with their family in 1856
and for four years lived in Dodge and Cohimbia counties. At the
end of that period, in 1860, they moved to Eau Claire county,
where they spent their lives, the father living to the age of 85
and the mother to the age of Si years. They were thrifty, pro-
gressive and kind hearted, and were counted among the most
successful and better class of pioneers. Their family consisted
of nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follow.s: Addie
died in childhood in New York state ; George H. is now a resident
of Post Falls, Ida.; Helen, deceased wife of Frank Whittaker;
Willis T. lives in Augusta : Stella married C. H. Elkerton and is
deceased; John is a resident of Scott's Valley; Charles, of Wash-
ington township ; Frank is .single, and Pearl is deceased.
Mr. Yule, who is the eldest of the family now living, received
his education in the common schools of the county and at the Eau
Claire Seminary, and grew to manhood in the county where he
has since lived, and from a small beginning has worked himself
up to a position of independence and influence. His farm of 120
acres of well improved land in Thompson Valley, Otter Creek
township, is well equipped with many labor-saving devices which
go to make up a model country home. In addition to general
farming he does ((uite a little dairying and raises good blooded
stock. In polities he is a Republican, and outside of liolding the
office of town clerk continuously since 1880 and some other minor
offices he has never sought political preferment. Fraternally he
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously
he is devoted to the Baptist church.
In 1869 Mr. Yule was married to Margaret A. Bennett,
daughter of Lorenzo Bennett, one of the pioneer and highly re-
spected citizens of Eau Claire county. To Mr. and Mrs. Yule
have been born six children: Addie is the wife of Hallis Row-
land; Alice; Earl; Curtis; Fannie, and Victor, who is now de-
ceased.
910 HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Gustav Zank,* chait-man of the town board of Bridge Creek
township, and one of the prosperous and influential German
farmers of this place, was born in the Province of Posen, Ger-
many, April 14, 1856, and is one of a family of seven children
born to Christ Zank. The others are August, Christ, Fred, Julius,
"William, who died in the old country, and Minnie, who died when
young. In 1867 Christ Zank, father of our subject, emigrated
with his family to the United States from Germany. He first
located at Ripon, Wis., where he resided one year, thence in 1868
came to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm.
Gustav was reared on his father's farm, attending school in
winter and assisting in the farm work during the summer
months, and has continuously been engaged in that vocation. He
owns 320 acres of good land in section 26, Bridge Creek town-
ship, where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock rais-
ing. His farm is in a good state of cultivation and well im-
proved with substantial buildings, and he is numbered among the
prominent and well-to-do men of his town.
In 1883 Mr. Zank married Bertha Wiegand, a native of Ger-
many, and to them the following children have been born :
Adelina, wife of Charles Gruen, of Eu Claire; Emil lives in
Augusta ; Rudolph ; Ernest ; Suzane, and Mamie. Religiously !Mr.
Zank is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, and politically
he is an active member of the Democratic party.
Julius E. Zank.* Among the successful German farmers of
Bridge Creek township, Eau Clare county, must be reckoned Mr.
Zank. He was born in Prussia, Province of Posen, near the vil-
lage of Grabowa. His parents, Christopher and Wilhelmina
(Cheutschner) Zank, were also natives of Germany, where the
father worked as a day laborer. In 1866 the family emigrated
to the United States, and after reaching this country came to
Wisconsin, locating first at Ripon, where they remained a year
or two, then in 1868 tliey moved to Eau Claire county and spent
one year in Augusta. The following year they moved to a farm
in Bridge Creek township, where our subject now resides.
Mr. Zank was raised on the farm, attended the common
schools and assisted in the farm work. He had five brothers and
one sister, of whom four of the brothers are now living: Gustav
is chairman of the Bridge Creek town board; August, Christ
and Fred.
Julius E. married in 1879 Miss Amelia Wigand, who was also
born in Germany, and nine children have been born to them, as
follows: Albert; ^Minnie, wife of William Sieg: Emma, wife of
BIOGRAPPIY Oil
Henry Ludt; Martha, married Gus Gerth; Herman; Otto; Ferdi-
nand; Hans, and pjrwin. Mr. Zank carries on general farming,
stock raising and dairying; is a thrifty, progressive and enter-
prising citizen, and has carved his way by hard work and per-
severing efforts, to a land owner of 200 acres, which is well im-
proved with substantial buildings and farming equipment, a most
attractive country home where he enjoj's the confidence and
esteem of his many friends and acquaintances. He is a staunch
supporter of the Democratic party and a member of the Liitheran
church.
Reinhard H. Zempel, who is one of the progressive and in-
fluential farmers of Lincoln townshij), was born in Marquette
county, Wisconsin, August 18, 1861, the son of Daniel Zempel,
a native of the Province of Posen. Germany, who in an early day
emigrated to the United States and settled in the state of Wis-
consin. When our subject was 4 years old, in 1865, the family
moved to Eau Claire county, where the father engaged in farm-
ing and where he lived the balance of his life and died at the
age of 67 years. His wife, mother of our subject, lived to be 76
years old. The.v were thrifty and enterprising people and rep-
resented the best class of pioneer citizens, who devoted their
lives to building up the country and adding to its taxable
wealth.
Eeinhard 11. Zempel, who is the oldest son of the f;nuily. was
raised on the homestead farm, assisting in the farm work and
attending the district schools. He married in 1832 Miss Katrina
Faber, who is now deceased. He was married for the second
time, taking as his wife Mi.ss Christina Frederick, and they have
had a family of ten children, as follows: Elfrida is the wife of
August Koepke; Ervin and Edwin (twins): Margaret: Mollie;
Martha, who is deceased; lima; Christina; Amanda, and Lydia.
On the death of his mother Mr. Zempel purchased his father's
farm of 160 acres in 1887 of valuable, highly cultivated and finely
improved land in section 5, Lincoln township, close to the village
of Fall Creek, and in addition to his home farm he owns another
80 acres of timber land.
His modern residence, commodious and substantial barns,
which are equipped with the latest labor-saving devices, makes
his one of the ideal country homes of the county. In his gen-
eral farming operations he uses the most modern and up-to-date
methods and keeps his place well stocked with Guernsey cattle,
good horses and hogs.
Mr. Zempel is a man of strong domestic attachments and
912 HISTORY OF VlAV CLAIRE COUNTY
companionable disposition, is an upright and highly respected
citizen, energetic and well to do. and belongs to the Lutheran
church.
Julius E. Zetzman, enterprising and successful business man
of Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, was born in Saxony, Germany,
December 15, 1858. His father, Stephen Zetzman, a native of
Germany, emigrated with his family to the United States in
1860 and settled at Zumbrotta, Minn. He followed the occupa-
tion of farming and made his home during his lifetime in tliis
county and Minnesota, where he died at the age of 82 years.
Mr. Zetzman lived on the home farm, attending the common
schools until he was thirteen years of age, then went to Water-
town, Wis., where he entered college, supplementing his school-
ing with an academic course at the Northwestern University.
Completing his education, he taught school for a few years, then
went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was employed as clerk for sev-
eral years in various retail stores. In 1880 he came to Fall
Creek, Wis., and for a time continued clerking in a store in that
village, thus obtaining valuable knowledge of the retail merchan-
dise business, which has since been a great source of help to him
in carrying on his extensive retail business. A short time afler
severing his connection as clerk in the stores of Fall Creek be
started in biisiness for himself, opening a general store under
the firm name of J. E. Zetzman & Co. His business was success-
ful from the start and grew in volume until it became necessary
for him to enlarge. Accordingly in 1907 he organized a stock
company, which was incorporated as the Fall Creek Mercantile
Company, with Mv. Zetzman as secretary and geperal manager,
and the following gentlemen as stockholders: J. E. Bartz. P. C.
Lanua, R. P. Rainey, H. C. Hinterburg and F. A. Persa. Besides
a general store the company are operating under the same man-
agement The Fall Creek Variety Store, and in both branches are
doing a thriving business.
In 1882 Mr. Zetzman was married to Amelia Roesler, daugh-
ter of William Roesler, and they became the parents of five chil-
dren. Mrs. Zetzman died in 1910, and Mr. Zetzman married a
second time. His present wife was Miss Emma Quast. daughtei-
of Lndwig Quast. Mr. Zetzman is a member of and coiatributes
liberally to the support of the Evangelical church; he is promi-
nent in business and social circles of Fall Creek and in polities
attiliiUes with tlie Democratic part.v.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Allen, E. W 152
Allen, James 634
Auditorium, Fournier's 446
Bostwick, Arthur S 654
Barstow Street, 1860 362
Brown, C. E 80
Buekman, Lieut. Charles 80
Butler, Captain 114
Butler, Henry W 188
Carson, "William 670
Chandler House 522
Cousins, Henry 282
Cousins, Marshall 210
Cowan, Lieut. B. F 100
Culbertson, Capt., and Ofitieers 108
Cutter, Addison A 690
Davis, William L 694
Eau Claire House 552
Ellis, A. C 80
First Chippewa Bridge 350
Graham, Hiram P 720
Graves, Capt. W.-P 128
Greer, Capt. N. P 80
Hall, Captain 100
Hall, Sergt. 0. C 100
Kelley, Capt. John '. 152
Lancaster, Lieutenant 128
Loekwood, William H 776
Lower East Side, 1870 388
McDonough, Prank 788
McGrath, Maj. Hugh J 790
Nary, Lieut. T 128
Niagara House 504
Nygaard, John H 810
O'Connell, Lieut. M. E 114
Ogema-Ge-Zhiek ' 62
Old Abe Frontispiece
913
914 ILLUSTRATIONS
Perkins, Capt. John 62
^Pond, Levi W 822
Porter, Gilbert E 62
Putnam, Henry C 830
Putnam, Mrs. Henry C 834
Ripley, Lucian V 844
Schlegelmilch, Herman 850
Sherman, Capt. A. M 188
Sherman, Lieut. Mark 114
Stocking, Captain 100
Sutherland, Andrew 878
Swift, William 880
Tinker, Capt. J. T 152
Wesleyan Seminary 54
West Eau Claire, 1870 416
Wheeler, Maj. J. R 114
Whipple, Col. Charles 188
Whipple, Capt. D. C 152
Wilcox, Roy P 294
Wilcox, Nelson C 899
Wolf, Captain Victor 62
Wyman, Lieut. M. B 128
INDEX
Arislati, Ole O., 623
Abes Peace Atten dents, 75
A Closing Word, 192
Acker, Charles, 558
Active Service, 210
Adams, Charles W., 623
Aebly, Henry, 624
Agriculture and Dairying, 49
A Gruesome Camp Ground, 155
Aid Society Ladies Soldiers, 119
Allen, Chailes L., 625
Allen, Kdward W., 629
Allen, Emily G., 633
Allen, James, 634
Allen, James E., 636
Allen, James F., Experience of, 185
Allen, James F., 144
Allen, W. W., 321
Anderson, Anton M., 637
Another Company, 78
A New Company, 62
Apple Industry, 45
Arnold, L. L., 556
Arnold, Ralph E., 637
AriioM, Willir-ini, 557
An,M,i;, .Inline ()., 342
Ashiiin, \>:n,A W ., 329
APMnniiiciit til Battalions, 226
Asylum and Home for Poor, 347
Auer, John J., 557
Augusta, City of, 582
Augusta Eagle, 506
Augusta Government, 611
Augusta Times, The, 506
Augustin, Eev. August F., 638
Ausman, August J., 639
Avery, Thos. W., 640
Axford, Harvey, 641
Ayers, Charles H., 640
Badgers, Departure of, 77
Bailey, William F., 268
Barnister, George F., 641
Bank, Augusta State, 538
Bank, Eau Claire National, 536
Bank, Eau Claire Savings, 538
Banks of Eau Claire, 536
Bank of Fall Creek, 539
Bank, First National, 537
Bank, First National, Fairchild, 539
Bank, Union National, 537
Bank, Union Savings, 538
Baird, Joseph C, 342
Barber, Charles C, 642
Barber, James T., 643
Bark Eiver Bridge & Culvert Co., 484
Barnes, Horace W., 285
Barnes, David P., 646
Barnes, William H., 647
Barney, Henry, 645
Barron, Henry D., 265
Barron, John E., 647
Bartig, August, 5G4
Bartig, William, 558
Baitlett, Edward M., 272
Bartlett, Milton D., 273
Bartlett, William P., 272
Battle of Farmingtou, Capt. Green, 114
Beardsley, Corydon L., 649
Becker, John W., 566
Berg, Hjalmar E., 650
Bergh, Jonas, 651
Bergman, Carl H., 559
Bergman, Charles H., 651
Betz, Charles, 561
Betz, George M., 560
Biographical Notes, 216
Blasius, Julius, 565
Bleichrodt, F. C, 563
Blackberries, 47
Blum, George L., 299
Boernke, Ferdinand, 570
Boernke, Herman, 570
Boernke, Julius, 570
Bolin, Peter J., 852
Bonnot, Alfred P., 853
Bostwick, Arthur S., 654
Bradford, Ira B., 278
Bridge Creek Township, 33
Brown, Henry, 657
Bruckner, Louis, 658
Brunner, John, 563
Buehler, Emma M., 658
Butfington, Byron A., 660
Butfington, George A., 659
Biillis. Rush, 661
Bundy, Charles T., 297
Bundy, Egbert B., 266
Burce, Charles S., 662
Burkliait, Edward W., 664
Burlingame, Allah E., 663
Burlingame, A. E., Co., 480
Candell, David P., 667
Caldwell, George F., 666
Calkins, Charles C, 664
Calkins, Daniel G., 665
Campbell, Rosiel D., 279
Camp and Field, 102
Carpenter, Horace, 668
Carson, William, 669
Carver's Cave Found, IS
915
916
INDEX
Chandler Hou?e, 549
Chappell, Addison D., 670
Charles, James M., 672
Chase, Clinton S., 322
Chase, Ealph R., 330
Cheesbro, Alexander J., 676
Cheney, C. W., Co., 4S2
Children's Home, 441
Chippewa Valley Casualty Co., 47S
Chippewa Valley Guards, 79
Churchill, Benjamin J., 673
Churches, Augusta, 598
Church, Augusta Baptist, 602
Church, Augusta Catholic, 607
Church, Augusta Lutheran, 60S
Church, Augusta M. E., 598
Church, Augrsta ITniversalist, 606
Church, Christ Episcopal. 525
Church, Christ Scientist. 524
Church, Epiphany Ev. Luth., 524
Church, First Baptist, 513
Church, Sacred Heart of Jesug, 512
Church, First Et. Lutheran, 522
Church, First Methodist, 518
Church, First Presbyterian, 515
Church, German Ev. Ass'n, 534
Church, Grace Lutheran, 521
Church, Second Congreafational, 531
Church, Second M. E., 533
Church, Norwegian M. E., 535
Church, Our Savior's Lutheran. 523
Church, St. John's Ev. Luth., 533
Church, St. Mary's Congregation, 534
Church, St. Patr'i"k's E. C, 511
Church, St. Peter's Lutheran, 608
Church, Swedish Luth. Emmanuel, 521
Church TJniversalist, 517
City School System, 406
Clancy, William .T., 346
Clark, Guv E., 674
Clark, William A., 675
Clear Creek Townshir, 41
Cle?horn, Louis E-, 678
Cliff, Joseph J., 680
Closing Months of the War, 191
Coffin, William K.. 682
Cole, David W., 685
Coming of the Whites, 11
Commercial Hotel, 544
Company C, 1SS5, 202
Company E. Third Infantry, 209
Cook, Frederick S., 336
Coon, N. D., 6S6
Courts and Legal Profession, 262
Cousins, Henry, 281
Cousins, Marshall, 686
County Court, 271
Craemer, John M.. 6S9
Crandall, Lucius P., 687
Crawford, Judson C, 279
Culver, Enos S., 690
Culver, .John C, 299
Cutter, Addison A., 690
Cutter, A. A., Shoe Factory, 474
Dairying, 51
Damm, Sofus, 691
Daub, Charles N., 692
Davidson, Jacob A., 693
Davis, Abel, 286
Davis, William L., 693 U'
Day, Dwight W., 322
Day, Henrv. 322
Day, W. W., 323
Dean, Alexander, 695
Dells Dam, The, 361
Der Herold, 504
Derge, Herman F., 337
Derge, Julius, 696
Distinguished Visitors, 77 ,
Devner, Carl, 563
Deyo, Burt E., 300
Dodge, Albert L., 697
Dodsworth, William J., 697
Doolittle, Lelan A., 292
Dougherty, Daniel H., 698
DoughertV, John, 698
Downs, William W., 296
Doyle, Peter, 699
Drammen Township, 41
Drnmmond, David, 700
Drummond, .John, 701
Drummond Packing Co., 481
Dunne, Eev. Arthur, B. C, 702
Eagle Post, G. A. E., 193
Eau Claire Badgers, 60, 63
Eau Claire Badgers' Notice, 62
Eau Claire Bedding Co., 484
Eau Claire Book & Stationery Co.,
484
Eau Claire Business College, 429
Eau Claire Business Houses, 461
Eau Claire Churches, 511
Eau Claire City, 381
Eau Claire Cornice & Heating Co., 483
Eau Claire County, How Made, 29
Eau Claire County in Civil War, 56
Eau Claire Fire Department, 387
Eau Claire Grocery Co., 482
Eau Claire House, 540
Eau Claire Industries, 474
Eau Claire Leader, The, 501
Eau Claire News, The. 501
Eau Claire Prior to 1872, 349
Eau Claire Public Library, 443
Eau Claire Public Schools, 402
Eau Claire Bangers, 81
Eau Claire Sheet Metal Works, The,
784
Eau Claire Telegram, The, 503
Eau Claire Trunk Co., 479
Eau Claire Women's Club, 448
Edwprds, Loren, 287
Ehrhard, Chris, 703
Elliott, Jared W.. 704
Ellis, Arthur C, 273
Ellis, ,L F.. 273
Enlisted Men, 143-176
917
Faast, Albert F., 705
Fairchild Township, 39
Fairchild, Village of, 615
Fairchild Observer, The, 507
Fall Creek, 019
Fall Creek Cultivator, 507
Farmers ' Co-operative Co., 485
Farr, Edwin J., 320
Farr, John F., 338
Farr, Euf us, 706
Farrell, James M., 706
Fennessy, Thomas F., 707
Fergiisou, Free N., 707
Ferguson, Eoy C, 708
Fischer, Carl 0., 558
Fiske, Charles W., 70il
Fitzpatrick, Patrick I., 70H
Flemming, John H., 711
Fleming, John B., 299
Floods, 436
Flynn, Leo H., 341
Foster, Nathaniel C, 712
Fournier, Mons W., 913
Frawley, Thomas F., 279
Free Press, The, 499
Frisbie, Eobeit L., 343
Fruits and Berries, 43
Fuller, George F., 714
Fuller, S. S. N., 264
Fulton, Hiram A., 326
Gadsby, Fred H., 714
Gadsby, John H., 715
Galloway House, 541
Galloway. W. T., 320
Gates, Adalbert, 715 '
Gerke, Herman, 563
German Societies, 555
GermaniEm, 553
Gilbert, John B., 716
Gilbeitson. Julius C. 290
Gilchrist, William, 717
Goddard, James B., 335
Godding, Edward E.. 718
Goethel, Albert P.. 566
Gothel, Chas. F., 567
Gores, John C, 289
Graham, Frederick H.. 719
Graham. Hiram P., 720
Great Men, 579
Griffin, Michael. 273
GriflSn Eifles, 206
Grinsel, James A., 717
Growing Old, 836
Gruber, Frank C, 722
Guthrie, William, 723
Hahn, Albert F., 327
Hale, C. W., 723
Hamilton, George F., 321
Hansen, August, 724
Hanson, Louis John, 725
Harden, James, 726
Hart House, 551
Hart, William P., 726
Hayden, Henry H., 275
Hayes, Edward P., 341
Hayes, Edward S., 332
Haygard, Thomas G., 727
Heiss, E. Walter, 727
Helstrom, Herman G., 728
Henning, John E., 559
Herman Schlegelmilrh, 566
Heuer, Christoph, 571
Hill, Thomas J., 728
Hilts, George, 730
Hilsteadt, Edward B., 729
Hobbs, Joseph, 730
Hoehn, Albert A.. 559
Hoehn, Charles, 732
Hoeppner, Ferdinand, 561
Hoeppner Bartlett Co., 480
Hoeppner, Frederick Julius, 7;
Hogeboom, Charles C, 320
I Home People, The, 259
Hoiiadel, John, 567
H,H„1, Willi:nii P., 732
[ llnuN,.,, str,l,ei), 733
' llor;in. KiiiiHrt, 734
I IIon>l, Svilncv E., 735
Horn & Bluni Mfg. Co., 487
Horn, Morris M., 736
Horton, Edgar L., 737
Hospital, Luther, 310
Hospital, Montgomery, 314
Hospital, Sacred Heart, 310
Hotels of Eau Claire, 540
Hotels of the past, 544
Howe, George H., 737
Howe, Hans M., 738
Hovme, Eev. G.. 580
Hubbard, Eldred, 739
Hubbard, Martin B., 295
Huebuer, Geo. C, 567
Huebseh, John, 740
Humphrey, Herman L., 266
Hunts Business College, 431
Ihle, Frank, 564
Ihle, Eeinhard. 564
Incidents of Old Days, 66
Indians, Chippewa & Sioux, 2.
Indian Treaties, 20
Ingram, Orrin H., 740
Inn, The, 544
Islands of Wisconsin, 9
Jakob, William, 560
Johnson, Carl G., 745
Johnson, Hans E., 745
Johnson, John W., 746
Johnson, Paul, 747
Jones, Albert B.. 747
Jonos, Horace William, 748
Jordan, Elbrid?e G., 749
Joj'ce Hoii^e, 551
Joyce, James T., 750
Junior Citizenshin, 428
Juslesen, Peter, 751
INDEX
Kara, William, 556
Kciser, Charles, 558
Kelley, John J., 752
Kellev, Scvniour, 755
Kelley, Will S., 752
Kent, John Paul, 754
Kepler, John II., 755
Kepler, Eichard J., 756
Ketchiim, Doctor, 322
Kneer House, 543
Kcssler, William J.. 757
Kildahl, John, 758
Kinnear, William A., 758
Kirkhani, Carlton M., 759
Kirkhoff, Summer B., 760
Klawiter, Friedrich, 558
Kleiner, Samuel, 567
Kneer, Mathias, 761
Knudtson, Henry M., 761
Konz, John, 565
Kopp, Andrew, 567
Koppin, Herman, 762
Kopplin, Julius, 763
Krogstad, John Morris, 764
Kromrey, Frederick W., 765
Lancaster, Leonard L., 766
Lange Canning Co., 481
Lanua, Frank C. 767
Larson, Albert, 768
Larson, Andrew, 768
Larson, Lewis E., 276
Latimer, Levi E., 276
Laycork, Henry, 769
Leavens, Dolenua C, 328
Leaving For War, 67
Leidiger, Erich, 556
Leiptnitz, Herman, 562
Lenmark, Edward J., 770
Lenmark, Oscar P., 771
Leonard, Frederick'c, 772
Levy, Henry L., 773
Levy, Louis', 774
Liebau, Eeinhold, 572
Lincoln Township, 39
Linderman Box & Veneer Co.
Liverniore, Dexter S., 774
Loekerby, Dwight D., 776
Lockwood, Charles W., 775
Loether, Ernest U. F., 777
Loether, Richard H., 778
Losby, George J.. 297
Lowe, Roy L., 779
Lubinskij'ike, 780
Ludington Township, 41
Luebkeman, Chris, 7S1
Lumber Interests, 373
Lyman, John Van Reed, 334
Madinski, Wilhelm, 561
Magadance, F. C, 781
Manz, Robert H., 782
Marten, Michael, 565
Mason, Everett L., 339
Masonic Lodge, 453
Mathieson, John B., 327
Mattison, Andrew, 783
Mattison, Arthur C, 783
JIayheu, Hector, 784
McAllister House, 544
McAllister, Reynolds D., 784
McBain, Henry, 299
MeCaslin, Samuel W., 276
McCann, James L,, 785
McCann, James W., 784
McCann, S. S., 144
McCune, Samuel B., 786
McDonough, Frank, 787
McDonough Manufacturing Co., 478
McElroy, James Henry, 788
McGrath, Hugh Jocelyn, 789
MeKerman, Thomas, 791
McKittriek, Peter, 323
Medical Fraternity, 304
Medical Society, Eau Claire County,
319
Meggett, Alexander, 276
Misserschmidt, August, 560
Midelfurt, Chr. H. N., 325
Miller, George W. G., 792
Miller, William, 563
Miller, William H., 567
Mitchell, Roy E., 325
Mitchell, Squire Freedom, 793
Moe. Ole J.. 796
Moessner, Charles Frederick, 797
Monongahela House, 546
Montgomery, John L., 340
Montgomery, William, 339
Moon, Chester D., 798
Moon, Delos Rensselaer, Jr. 801
Moon, Delos Rensselaer, Sr. 799
Morgan, Henry G., 321
Moses, Clinton P., 801
Mueller, F. W., 560
Murphy, Edward C, 803
Murphj', Daniel, 803
Murphy, Jeremiah, 804
Muster In, E Company, 208
Muster In Boll, 223
Muster Roll, City Guards, 200
Nash, George J., 804
National Granite Co., 486
Neher, John C, 568
Nerborne. Julius, 805
Newell, Fred S., 806
Newhouse, Charles J., 806
Newman, Alfred W., 267
Newspapers of Count.y, 499
Niagara House, 545
Niekerson, James H., 807
Noble, James H., 321
Northwestern Flour & Grain Co., 485
Northwestern Hotel, 548
Northwestern Lumber Co., 483
Northwestern Steel & Iron Works.
482 '
ii
INDEX
919
Norwegians, 574
Norwegian Newspaper Reform, 504
Nygaard, John H., 810
Old Abe's Battles, 73
Old Abe at Camp, 104
Old Abe War Eagle, 67
O'Brien, Eugene, S07
O'Connell, Thomas Francis, 809
Official Roster, E Company, 205-215
Official Eoster, Griffin Rifles, 215
Old Settlers' Association, 345
Olson, Ole, Br., 580
O'Neill, James, 270
Opheim, Gustav K., 810
Organized Militia, 199
Other Hotels of the Past, 552
Otter Creek Township, 39
Paddock, M. E., 811
Palmer, Byron O., 685
Paper and Pulp Industry, 487
Parker, Edward H., 321
Parker, Ole J., 813
Parks, City, 438
Parkinson, Robert E., 812
Paul, Gottfried W., 559
Patriots, Arouse, 58
Payne, Arthur L., 331
Pearsall, Earl S., 814
Pehlke, Carl, 563
Pelletier, Charles, 814
Pepper, John W., 815
Perkins, Capt. John, Death of, 116
Perkins, Capt. John E., 66
Perkins, John E., Post, 197
Petrick, Gustave E., 816
Philharmonic Society, 449
Phoenix Furniture Co., 486
Phoenix Manufacturing Co., 476
Pleasant Valley Township, 40
Pierce, Forest-George 816
^olley, Horace N., 827 v_,
/ Pond, Levi Wesley, 821
/ Pond, Mrs. Mary A., 8iaJ
""Pope, Cora Scott Pond, 817
Pope, Thomas, 828
Police and Fire Commissioners, 399
Police Department, 401
Porto Rico, 241
Postoffice, 445
Prescott, George W., 829
Preston, N. A., 829
Prigge, William, 558
Prill, August, 572
Prill, Herman F., M. D. 346-572
PritzlafC, August, 557
Prueher, Andrew, 564
Putnam, Henry C, 830
Putnam, Mrs. Heury C, 831
Qvale, Sigvald, 581
Raatz, August, 570
Eaddatz, Fred, 839
Eadke, Carl F., 564
Railroad, Chippewa Valley & Supe-
rior, 496
Railway, Chippewa Falls & Western,
496
Railroads, The Northwestern, 489
Railway Street & InterurbaB, 497
Randall, Adin, 839
Randall, Edgar H., 842
Raspberries, Black, 47
Raspberries, Red, 47
Red Men, The, 23
Reign of Terror in Eau Claii'e, 379
Reminiscence, 508
Eiekman, Robert-Lee, 843
Ripley, Lucian V., 844
Roach, John, 845
Roach, Joseph, 846
Roessler, Geo M., 565
Ross, Joseph Warren, 846
Rothstein, Isaac, 847
Rowe, William, 848
Salisbury, James F., 278
Sanitorium, Tuberculosis, 315
Santo, Napoleon, 849
Schlegelmilch, Herman, 850
Schlegelmilch, Herman F., 851
Sehlosser Matthew, 568
Schlosser, Peter, 568
Schneider, John, 851
Schiefelbein, Fred, 561
Schools, Augusta, 608
School, Eau Claire County Training,
54
Schools, Rural, 55
Sehroeder, Christopher, 564
Schnittke, Wilhelm, 562
Schulz, William H., 852
Schwahn, Albert F., 568
Sch«alm, Fritz, 569
Schwahn, Henry C, 568
Schwahn, William E., 569
Scott, Charles W., 853
Second Cavalry, 94
Secret and Benevolent Societies, 450
Seemann, William 0., 332
Selbach, Joseph J., 323
Semisch, Chas. E., 571
Severson, Martin, 854
Seyberth, Leonard, 565
Sermour Township, 41
Sherman, Arthur Mott, 855
Sherman, Oluf, 857
Sherman's Narrative, 82
Shipman, Richard D., 857
Shute, Frank A., 858
Silent Night Marchj 161
Singcl, Charles A., 859
Singleton, Joseph W., 291
Sizer, Elmer M. A., 343
Skamser, Erick, 859
Skinner, F. R., 324
Slagsvol, John M., 860
920
INDEX
Slagsvol, Thorvol, 860
Slawson, Eail V., 861
Smith, Absalom, 862
Smith, Arthur M., 863
Smith, Eli A., 86i
Smith, Fred, 866
Smith, John H., 867
Smith, Orin, 868
Smith, S. E., 869
Societies and Clubs, 448
Somraeimejer, C. W. E., 569
Sorlie, John M., 870
Spanish Ameii-an War, 218
Spaulding, Joseph B., 870
Spehle, Joseph, 559
Spehle, Louis, 560
Speirs, Guy, 871
Sprague, Clarence G., 872
Stein, William H., 566
Steinbring, H. E., 874
Steinleld, Albert, 569
Stillman, John E., 285
Stilp, Joseph A., 874
Stocking, Capt. H. M., 176
Stokes, Eobeit H., 878
Story, Corporal Butlers, 145
Story, J. T. Ellis, 152
Story, Mr. Browns, 122
Strandnets, Hans S., 875
Strasburg, John, 877
Strauch, August, 876
Stuewer, David, 559
Sturdevant, La Fayette M., 28!
Sutherland, Andrew, 878
Sutherland, Andrew J., 287
Swarthout, Eichard B., 879
Switt, Eobert, 882
Swift, William, 880
Teall, George C, 281
Tebo, John, 883
Thrane, Arthur, 325
Thraue, Marcus, 579
Thomas, Frederick W., 883
Thorson, George, 884
Till, Thomas E., SS5
Toeller, Eev. Henry M., 886
Tolles, Charles L., 887
Toner, Michael J., 888
Townships, 33
Treiber, Philip, 556
Tribute to Mrs. H. C. Putnam,
Truax, Peter, 889
Tupper, Eugene E., 333
UlrJch, Albert, 557
Union Mortgage Loan Co., 486
Union Township, 42
Vance, James M., 891
Van Hovenberg, Henry C, 890
Ventzke, Albert, 889
Victory Memory, £92
Vilas, Levi M., 277
Volunteer Organization, 226
Voss, C. F. A., 564
Waak, John F. T., 561
Wagner, John, 558
Wahl, Wm. E., 562
Ward, Amos, 893
War Begun, 58
War Bearers of the Eagle, 74
War, The Sawdust, 385
Washington Township, 40
Wedemyer, Wm. H., 569
Weire, Mi.hael, 560
Wells House — Metropolitan House, 547
Welke, Samuel, 893
Welsh, James P., 894
Wenzel, Albert J., 895
Werner, Eichard F., 336
West, Charles F. W., 570
West, Charles F., 896
Westberg, Charles, 897
Wetherby, Lucian P., 265
Wethein, Samuel S., 898
Whitford, Eobert D., 298
Wickham, James, 270
Wilcox, Nelson C, 899
Wilcox, Eoy P., 2P3
Wilcox, Thorp J., 900
Willaid, Wales H., 900
Williams, Albert L., 902
Williams House, 549
Wilson, Heman B., 902
Winter, Ephraim H., 345
Wisconsin Eefrigerator C, 482
Witherby, George C, 904
Wolf, John C, 906
Wolf, Victor, 904
Woodmen of the World, 454
Works, Obediah, 908
Wyman, Asigal D., 907
Wyman, Milo B., 908
Young Mens' Christian Association,
456
Young, William, 323
Yule, William H., 909
Zank, Gustav, 910
Zank, Julius E., 910
Zenipel, Daniel, 562
Zempel, Eeinhard H., 911
Zieman, Ferdinand, 562
Zimmerman, John, 570
Zetzman, Julius E., 912
99 e
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